Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 China-EU think tank forum highlights new quality productive forces Xinhua) 08:13, June 20, 2024 This photo shows the report "Empower China, Benefit the World -- an Analysis of the Theoretical Contribution and Value Orientation of New Quality Productive Forces" (Chinese and English editions). The report on new quality productive forces was launched in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday by Xinhua Institute, a high-end think tank of Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Fabrizio Hochschild, former under-secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), described China's strategy sets as a progressive model that aligns with the UN's vision for digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation. BRUSSELS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Xinhua Institute released a report on new quality productive forces and hosted the China-Europe Think Tank Forum here on Wednesday. Experts attending the forum said that China's initiative of the concept would inject new wisdom and impetus into the prosperity and development of both China and the world. Jean De Ruyt, co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, noted that China's rapid implementation of developing new quality productive forces has yielded significant results, urging Europe to keep pace with technological and industrial revolutions. "We have to adapt to that, and it's certainly the right way to change our industry and economy," he said. Highlighting EU's role as China's second-largest trading partner and a crucial source of foreign investment, De Ruyt emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency and chairman of the academic committee of Xinhua Institute, delivers a speech at the China-Europe Think Tank Forum and the Launch of the Report on New Quality Productive Forces in Brussels, Belgium, June 19, 2024. A report on new quality productive forces was launched here Wednesday by Xinhua Institute, a high-end think tank of Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Fabrizio Hochschild, former under-secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), said the concept of new quality productive forces is a timely conceptual innovation, which is not only critical to China's economic development but also has an impact beyond China's border. He described China's strategy sets as a progressive model that aligns with the UN's vision for digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation. He stressed that AI should serve as a tool for global peace and sustainable development rather than a source of inequality and tension, underscoring the necessity of China's leadership and international cooperation in this area. According to the report, China has been a significant driver of global growth for years, contributing an average of 30 percent annually to global economic growth. China's accelerated formation of new quality productivity driven by technological innovation is expected to inject substantial momentum into global economic development. This photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows at an X-ray diffractometer at a new energy technology company in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In recent years, Guangxi has actively pursuing opportunities through cross-regional industrial collaborations to target the ASEAN market. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin) The report also notes China's critical role in global green and low-carbon development, citing its efficient production and manufacturing systems for solar equipment, electric vehicles, and other technologies that have significantly reduced the cost of the world's green transition. Violeta Bulc, former EU Commissioner for Transport and vice-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, said that developing new quality productive forces contributes to environmental sustainability and reduces dependency on finite natural resources. Li Pengcheng, vice president of Chinese dairy giant Mengniu Group, stressed that the dairy industry should adopt innovation, digital intelligence, and green development as its three major engines to modernize the traditional sector with new quality. Vice Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Economic and Commercial Council Vincent De Saedeleer highlighted China's promotion of innovation across various fields, calling for more dialogue, exchange and cooperation between China and Europe to achieve global sustainable development. This photo taken on May 15, 2024 shows the engine production line of Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Group Co., Ltd. in Yulin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming) In an exclusive interview with Xinhua before the China-Europe think tank forum, Erik Solheim, co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center and former UN under-secretary-general, said that China's exploration of developing new quality productivity will be significant progress for human society, injecting new momentum into achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He praised China's development of innovation-driven, new quality productive forces that align with new development concepts, urging other countries to learn from China's success in technological innovation and green development. The five-chapter report, based on in-depth investigation and research, systematically elaborates on the concept of the new quality productive forces. Over 100 representatives from political, think tank, media and business circles of China and Europe, as well as from international organizations, participated in the forum co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the Europe-Asia Center. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) At an event where prominent social and political leaders across Punjab Province were present, Christian leaders and others last week called on the government of Pakistan to amend blasphemy laws and end its indifference to violence against minorities. A radical Muslim says, Whats the big deal if a Chuhra [derogatory term for Christian] has been killed? and threatens more violence against us, yet our state remains tightlipped, Samson Salamat, chairman of the event sponsor, advocacy organization Rawadari Tehreek, in his inaugural address at the June 12 event the Lahore Press Club. Are Christians not Pakistanis? Are we not equal citizens? Is our blood, honor and existence so worthless to the state? Salamat criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and other government leaders for failing to condemn the lynching of 74-year-old Nazeer Masih Gill. Neither the Punjab CM nor any of the other senior government leaders have condemned Gills brutal killing or even shown the courtesy to visit the grieving family and offer their condolences, Salamat said. They havent even said a word on the threats being publicly given to us by an extremist party. What message is the state giving to Christians? A Muslim mob on May 25 assaulted Gill in Sargodha citys Mujahid Colony after an area Muslim accused him of burning pages of the Quran in the street. The mob, including women and children, pelted Gill with bricks and stones, beat him with sticks and kicked him as he lay bleeding on the ground. He died from his injuries on June 3. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up The assailants also burned down his familys shoe workshop and looted and ransacked his house. Though he was falsely accused and heinously assaulted, police registered a case against Gill under blasphemy and anti-terrorism laws. The complainant in the case was a local leader of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a Muslim extremist group involved in violent attacks on Christians, including assaults in Jaranwala on Aug. 16. Peter Jacob of the Center of Social Justice highlighted repeated failures of police and law enforcement agencies to protect minorities and their properties from mob violence stoked by blasphemy allegations. We are shocked by the governments silence and inaction, Jacob said. The states reluctance to act against perpetrators of violence will only embolden them to carry on with such atrocities. A veteran rights advocate and one of eight recipients of the U.S. State Departments Religious Freedom Award 2024, Jacob also called for formation of a commission to investigate all violence related to blasphemy allegations, from the burning of villages to mob lynchings. Tahir Naveed Chaudhry, a Christian and former lawmaker from Sargodha, strongly criticized the TLP for inciting hatred against Christians. There have been 10 incidents of alleged blasphemy in Sargodha since last year, of which Christians were accused in four cases, while the remaining six were against Muslims, Chaudhry said. Why are only Christians attacked and killed by TLP members, while Muslims have remained untouched? Its clear that Christians are the main target of TLP and other organizations, and they are using blasphemy to settle personal issues against our community members. Recent protests by TLP were a tactic to pressure police and government officials to release its arrested activists, Chaudhry said. Christians across the board should unite to raise their voices against growing extremism and demand punishment for all those responsible for Gills killing, he said. Irfan Mufti, a Muslim and chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of 35-member civil society organizations, echoed the concerns raised by the Christian speakers. As a Muslim, I strongly condemn increasing incidents of religious extremism and violence against Christians, Mufti said. The states silence will be akin to patronizing the perpetrators if it does nothing to protect the minority citizens. Other speakers, including Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Akmal Bhatti, Maseehi Bedari Tehreek President Imran Shahzad Sahotra, Christian lawmaker Ejaz Alam Augustine, rights activist Lala Robin Daniel and Christians True Spirit Executive Director Katerine Sapna, demanded speedy and fair trials for those involved in the Jaranwala attacks and the lynching of Gill. They also stressed the urgent need to ban extremist groups that propagate hate and incite violence against religious minorities under the guise of blasphemy laws. At the end of the event, the leaders proposed a comprehensive de-radicalization plan, including strict implementation of hate-speech laws, removal of biased content from educational curricula, and a zero-tolerance policy for extremist groups and their supporters. The participants collectively pledged to intensify their efforts against religious extremism, intolerance, and violence targeting religious minorities across Pakistan. They emphasized the urgency of addressing the misuse of blasphemy laws, frequently abused to settle personal scores and incite sectarian sentiments, disproportionately affecting religious minorities. Letter to Prime Minister At the same time, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has issued an open letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging immediate action to address the escalating violence and attacks against minority communities in Pakistan. The NCHR, established under the NCHR Act XVI of 2012, has a mandate to promote and protect human rights in accordance with Pakistans Constitution, domestic laws, and international treaties. The commission investigates human rights abuses and advises the government on legislative, policy, and administrative matters. The letter highlights several recent cases of violence against minorities, including the killings of Tahir Iqbal, an Ahmadi, in Bahawalpur; Prince Masih, a Christian, in Rawalpindi; Priya, a Hindu, in Karachi; Ashfaq Masih, a Christian, in Miranshah; Nazeer Masih Gill, a Christian, in Sargodha; and most recently, Ghulam Sarwar and Rahat Ahmad Bajwa, both Ahmadis, in Mandi Bahauddin. These incidents point to a troubling trend of growing intolerance and violence against minority communities in Pakistan, the letter states. The NCHR emphasizes that extremist ideologies and the radicalization of youth are critical issues that need urgent attention. The Commission has also been approached by representatives of the international community regarding Pakistans compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This year, Pakistan is required to report on measures adopted to uphold the rights described in these conventions and the progress made. The NCHR called for decisive government action, including strengthening protections for minorities by ensuring law enforcement agencies are adequately trained and equipped, especially during vulnerable times such as religious holidays. The commission also urged implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat radicalization, including education reforms that promote tolerance and inclusivity. Additionally, it stressed the need for clear mechanisms for reporting and addressing attacks on minorities, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive justice. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. The Rouse Avenue court on Thursday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's regular bail in a money laundering case related to Delhi Excise Policy. Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed the bail application. Vacation judge Nyay Bindu granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal on furnishing bail bond of Rs One Lakh. The bail bond will be furnished tomorrow. A detailed order will be uploaded tomorrow. The court refused the request of ED to postpone the process of filing of bail bond for 48 hours. ED requested the postponement so that they could avail their legal remedy to challenge the order at the High Court. The Court has also said that the bail order has not been stayed. The court said that it would record the submissions of ED's special counsel Zoheb Hossain. While opposing the bail application, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju submitted that bribe money was sent for Goa election by Hawala transaction and Arvind Kejriwal was in touch with Angadiya (Hawala dealers). The bribe money was sent by Vinod Chauhan and it was received by Chanpreet Singh Rayat who was handling the election of AAP in Goa. ASG Raju further submitted that Kejriwal stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Goa in November 2021. Bill of Rs One lakh was paid in two instalments. It was paid by Chanpreet Singh from his bank account. It is established by his bank records. There is evidence that Chanpreet paid hotel bill of Kejriwal at Goa, he added. It was further submitted that Chanpreet is the person who received Rs 45 crore from different Angadiyas. His bail plea has been rejected by the trial court. He further submitted that Chanpreet was unable to explain how he got the money. He paid for Arvind Kejriwal's stay in a 7-star hotel in Goa. In the same Goa campaign kickback money was used for the same. ASG also referred to the bail dismissal order of Chanpreet Singh. The bribe money was used in the Goa election campaign, ASG submitted. He further submitted that Chanpreet was the person who received a huge amount from Angadiya and paid Kejriwal's hotel bill in Goa. ASG referred to the statement of Sagar Patel. As per the statement, three people received cash, including Chanpreet Singh. ASG submitted that the Instructions were given by Vinod Chauhan to make payments to Chanpreet at Goa and others. The photo of the matching note (used for Hawala transaction) have been found on the phone of Vinod Chauhan. ASG SV Raju also submitted that Arvind Kejriwal was in touch with Vinod Chauhan through chats. Acknowledgement by Arvind Kejriwal to chats show proximity with Vinod Chauhan. He argued that Kejriwal is not giving the password of his mobile phone as many skeletons will come out from it. It has adversarial inferences in bail matters. It was also submitted that Rs One crore has been recovered from the house of Vinod Chauhan. The Court asked, has AAP been implicated as an accused? ASG said yes. It was also submitted that Section 70 of PMLA directly applies to Kejriwal as he is the incharge of AAP which is a company in terms of Section 70 of PMLA, ASG contended. Kejriwal is national convenor of AAP and incharge of the affairs of the party, ASG said. He also mentioned the alleged role of Vijay Nair and submitted that he had nothing to do with the making of excise policy but was roped in. He was the person who asked people to give bribes. He organised and facilitated the meetings. As per the statements, Kejriwal told many people that he (Vijay Nair) is his man, you tell him what you want, ASG submitted. It shows the proximity of Vijay Nair with Kejriwal. He has number of meetings with liquor groups, ASG added. These are not only statements, they are corroborated by the evidence, He added. The statement shows Magunta Srinivas Reddy met Arvind Kejriwal, ASG said. ASG argued that Kejriwal was not arrested, though multiple summons were issued, High court did not grant him relief after seeing the material, thereafter he was arrested, ASG submitted. The High Court found the material adequate, otherwise, he would have granted relief. ASG also said the timing of arrest is not a ground for granting bail. Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhari made rebuttal submissions for Arvind Kejriwal. He argued that the case began in August 2022. Till July 2023, they had material against Kejriwal but the first summons to him came in October. He was called by the CBI as a witness. On Jan 12, 2024, an email was sent to him. This email was sent in reply to letters that Kejriwal had sent in response to their summons. They say Kejriwal is not being called as convenor of the AAP or as Delhi Chief Minister. Senior advocate Chaudhari argued that on March 16, 2024, the elections were announced. On the same day, a summons was issued to Kejriwal. On March 20, Kejriwal's matter was listed before the Delhi High Court, and a notice was issued to him. On March 21, the High Court issued notice on Kejriwal's another stay application but denied interim relief, on the same day that they arrested him. Chaudhari referred to Delhi High Court order rejecting Kejriwal's plea against his arrest by ED. The High Court has said that this was not a plea for bail but only against arrest. Why did the HC say this? Because the arrest may be legal in the technical sense, but was it proper? He also referred to Supreme Court order granting interim bail to Kejriwal. The first word is leave granted (against HC order). ED says the HC order is binding on this court. The SC is yet to give its order on appeal against High Court order. Supreme Court allowed him to approach the trial court. It was further submitted that the order in Manish Sisodia's case has nothing to do with Kejriwal. Chaudhari also made submissions in relation to Section 45 of PMLA. He said that When it comes to Sec 45 PMLA twin condition, my ladyship will have to take at least a cursory glance at the statements made. If the statement on the face of it is tainted, then it must be looked at and the court has to come to a prima facie conclusion. ED's case is based on the approver's statement. Chaudhari raised a question and asked if ED is an independent agency or if it is in the hands of some political masters. If they are still collecting the material, then it is an unending investigation, Chaudhari added. They say I am the national convenor of AAP and that's why I am responsible for everything done by party. There is nothing to show that Rs 45 crores were ever received by AAP. They are still arresting and evaluating but keep on making statement that Rs 100 crore bribe was received, he argued. How the name of Kejriwal can be associated with Angadiya paying money to Chanpreet Singh? They didn't take my name. How does it prove that it is the same amount of proceeds of crime? There is nothing to show that it was used for the Goa elections. Chanpreet does not say anywhere that he has paid for the AAP election or that he collected proceeds of crime, he argued. Chaudhari also opposed the submissions of ED that Vinod Chauhan is associated with Kejriwal. If someone is wishing him Happy Birthday and you are saying this is a hawala conversation. He further argued that the person who is alleged to have given the money has denied that he gave any money. There are no regular chats between Kejriwal and Vinod Chauhan. Just because his number is saved in Kejriwal's phone, it is assumed that he got his posting done through Kejriwal. I am astonished at this kind of evidence, he added. Chaudhari also referred to the statement of Vijay Nair in his statement of November 18, 2022, in which he said he reported to Ms Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj but the ED continues to say he was working under Kejriwal's direct orders. There is no proof that I have ever instructed Nair to hold any meeting or demand a bribe. It was also submitted that co-accused K Kavitha has denied any role. She is still in jail. The person who agrees with them (ED) is rewarded. In his concluding arguments, Chaudhari said, Don't treat me (Kejriwal ) as someone special. I (Kejriwal) don't want to be treated as a special person. But please give the treatment to me as you would to an ordinary person. (ANI) Amid an ongoing row over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG) and the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan asserted to further strengthen the National Testing Agency by "reconsidering important things." The Education Minister also assured action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the examinations. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Pradhan said, "In a democracy, everyone has their views. It is our job to listen to everyone. Our responsibility is to run a process-driven government, it is our responsibility to speak the truth and accept truth. Few students have doubts about NTA (National Testing Agency) and we will have to accept this." "The government has decided to form a committee and experts will be part of that committee. All the important things will be reconsidered and the NTA will be strengthened further. Those who are responsible for it (discrepancies) will be held accountable," he said. The Education Minister earlier announced the formation of a high-level committee to probe into the issues pertaining to the functioning of NTA. "We are committed to holding zero-error exams, and a high-level committee is being formed to improve NTA functioning," Pradhan said at a briefing earlier on Thursday. Pradhan, while speaking to ANI on the issues, said that the solution was found to the "main issue" regarding grace marks in the NEET-UG exam. "Regarding NEET, the first discrepancy that came to light was regarding the grace mark, due to some procedural mismanagement. A fear spread, a few students got agitated and people went to court. Later, NTA (National Testing Agency) kept a new petition before the court so that a reexamination of those students who got grace marks could be conducted. So a solution was found to the main issue related to NEET," he said. "Then, a few issues from Patna came to light, and due to timely intervention, all, those who were behind it were caught, further probe is underway. Bihar government officials and central government officials are working together to take it to a logical end," the Education Minister told ANI. Pradhan declined to comment on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's swipe at the central government over the issue, saying, "I don't find it appropriate to comment anything on that today." "I have the responsibility of the education department. I assure the students, that I understand your situation and we will try to find solutions to it. Our govt is responsible for it. Have faith," the Education Minister said. Hitting out at the NDA government at the Centre over the NEET-UG and UGC-NET issues, Rahul Gandhi earlier on Thursday alleged that the reason behind the paper leaks is because all the Vice-Chancellors and the education system have been captured by the BJP's "parent organisation" (RSS). Rahul Gandhi said that paper leaks would continue until this "institutional capture" by the BJP is not reversed and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "facilitating" this capture. "This is an anti-national activity because this is the future of the country and the youth of the country are facing the brunt of it," the Congress MP said. "Silence (of government) is because the PM is crippled. Right now, the PM's main agenda is the (election of) Speaker. He is bothered about his government and the Speaker. The PM has psychologically collapsed and he will struggle to run a government like this," he added. The Education Minister said that a CBI inquiry has been initiated to look into the UGC-NET exam issue, which has already been cancelled. " I want to assure the students, this is your government. Have faith, the interest of students is key to us. Yesterday evening, IC4 gave input on UGC-NET, saying that there is a possibility that the exam was compromised. We looked into it and we also felt that the exam was compromised. We cancelled the exam and initiated a CBI inquiry," Pradhan told ANI. Amid the massive uproar, the Education Ministry cancelled the UGC-NET exam held on June 18, saying its integrity may have been compromised and that it wouldn't hesitate to take action against anyone. The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and the results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14. Protests were held, alleging irregularities and paper leaks, as the results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720. The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. (ANI) Two children were killed after a fire erupted due to a laptop explosion at a home in the Sharifpura area of Pakistan's Faisalabad on Wednesday, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. According to rescue officials, the fire broke out when a laptop that was plugged in for charging exploded. Faisalabad's Allied Hospital doctors said that nine injured people, including two women and five children aged between three - nine years, were brought to the hospital by rescue services with burn injuries. Later, a girl named Dua (6) and a boy named Taha (9) succumbed to their injuries. Officials did not mention the cause of the explosion. Faulty lithium ion batteries in laptops and mobile phones can overheat and catch fire, and in rare cases, blow up, ARY News reported. Earlier on June 8, a man was killed, and five others were injured after an oil tanker explosion in Pakistan's Karachi on Saturday, Dawn reported, citing police and rescue officials. The explosion took place in Karachi's Shireen Jinnah Colony near the terminals of the 20-bus route. Boat Basin Station House Officer (SHO) Naseer Tanoli said that some workers were welding under an oil tanker, adding that it was an empty oil tanker but some gases had accumulated in it, as reported by Dawn. Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 official Hassaan Khan said that some sparks flew during the welding work and caused the explosion. The rescue official added that one welding worker identified as Zulfiqar Mohammed was killed, adding that five other people, including a passerby woman, were injured. Furthermore, Khan said that no safety precautions were taken during the welding work, Dawn reported. The SHO highlighted that the police contingents and rescue teams reached the site after receiving information about the incident, and said that the police ruled out the possibility of any sabotage. He added that it was an accident, adding that the victim's family had not approached the police so far for any legal proceedings in the matter, Dawn reported. (ANI) The Gulf region has become an increasingly important strategic partner of India and an integral part of its 'extended neighbourhood' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a report by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) stated. PM Modi's second-last visit before the Lok Sabha elections was to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar India's relationship with the Gulf states has transformed ever since PM Modi assumed office in 2014. The Gulf has become a foreign-and security-policy priority for India, in which New Delhi too has increasing interests and influence, writes Viraj Solanki, a Research Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy and Diplomacy, IISS in the report for the ISPI. Earlier, the relationship was focused only on energy, trade and Indian expatriates, the relationship evolved into a new framework encompassing political relations, investment, and defence and security cooperation. Today, India's priorities include attracting investments to increase economic growth, addressing regional security concerns (including in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf), and enhancing its regional presence and influence. Prime Minister Modi's visit to UAE in 2015 was the first by an Indian prime minister to the UAE in 34 years, while his August 2019 visit to Bahrain was the first ever made by an Indian prime minister. His recent UAE visit was his seventh to the Gulf nation. India has a large stake in Gulf stability given that approximately 8.8 million Indian nationals reside in the region. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is India's largest regional bloc trading partner. Trade with the GCC comprised 15.8 per cent of India's total trade in FY2022-23, compared to 11.6 per cent of total trade with the European Union. The UAE has consistently been India's principal trading partner within the Gulf and is India's third-largest trading partner overall, with Saudi Arabia in fourth place. India's growing strategic and economic interests in the Gulf region have resulted in a new framework for India-Gulf ties based on investment, political relations, and defence and security cooperation. The increased Gulf investments in India have also increased economic cooperation between India and the Gulf. Most notably, with India becoming an increasingly attractive economic market, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had announced investment targets in India of USD 100 billion and USD 75 billion, respectively. The UAE is the seventh largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, currently at USD 15.3 billion. Saudi Arabia had invested USD 3.2 billion as of March 2022, while Qatar invested over USD 1.5 billion last year. In August 2023, the Qatar Investment Authority also announced an investment of USD 1 billion in Reliance Retail Ventures. Additionally, in February 2024, Saudi Aramco stated that there were serious discussions with Indian companies to enhance the company's downstream investments in India. Moreover, in September 2023, Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman signed an agreement to set up a joint task force to fast-track the project in Ratnagiri. India engaged with the I2U2 grouping and joined the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). During PM Modi's visit to the UAE in February, India and the UAE counterparts also signed an inter-governmental framework agreement on IMEC. The ISPI report further emphasised that personal relations between Prime Minister Modi and Gulf leaders, including with the UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have deepened India's political relationships with those countries, building trust and a willingness to work together on sensitive issues. This has also resulted in increased defence and security cooperation, including counter-terrorism, maritime security and naval cooperation. India stands to gain much more by broadening its relations with the Gulf, but researcher Solanki in the report for ISPI stated that New Delhi also faces challenges in developing political and economic ties due to the deteriorating security environment, in the Middle East. The outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war and shipping attacks in the Red Sea directly impacted India's energy security and economic growth. As the Modi 3.0 government has taken the charge after third consecutive victory for PM Modi, India's foreign policy priorities will include strengthening India's relations with the Gulf. India will likely become an increased 'strategic partner' for the Gulf states. Managing mutual challenges, while focusing on growing political, economic and security interests, will be the key to enabling India-Gulf relations to strengthen and become more ambitious, the report added. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met with a bipartisan United States Congressional delegation led by Congressman Michael McCaul, which is currently on a visit to India. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is part of the delegation that called on PM Modi today. The delegation had yesterday met with the Tibetan spiritual leader DalaiLama at his residence in Dharamshala. After the meeting Pelosi took to X to post: "Today, it was my honor to join a bipartisan Congressional delegation to meet with His Holiness, the 14th @DalaiLama, in Dharamsala, India. In our meeting, we strongly reaffirmed Congressional support for the people of Tibet." US Representatives - Gregory Meeks, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Ami Bera and Jim McGovern are the other members of the visiting delegation. The bipartisan delegation also met with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar along with Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Wednesday night. Jaishankar appreciated their "strong and continued" support for the strategic partnership between India and the US. In a post on X, the EAM stated, "Pleasure to meet with the bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by @RepMcCaul. Thank @SpeakerPelosi, @RepGregoryMeeks, @RepMMM, @NMalliotakis, @RepBera and @RepMcGovern for joining. Appreciate their strong and continued support for the strategic partnership." The US Congressional delegation had arrived in India on Tuesday and was received by officials of the Central Tibetan Administration at Himachal Pradesh's Kangra Airport. Upon arrival, the US lawmakers headed to Dharamshala to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Representative McCaul presented Dalai Lama with a framed copy of 'The Resolve Tibet Act', a bipartisan bill passed by the US Congress to enhance US support for Tibet. Last week, the US Congress passed the bill urging Beijing to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve their dispute over the status and governance of Tibet. Before meeting the Dalai Lama, the US delegates attended a public felicitation programme at the main Tibetan temple. Children performed and displayed Tibetan culture at the felicitation ceremony in the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang Complex in Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama presented Buddha Statue to Pelosi at the end of the meeting with the US Congressional delegation, the office of the Dalai Lama said. (ANI) Stating India and the United States are expanding their space collaboration, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said that the US space agency is also working to further the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the two nations. He said that the countries are working on a joint effort with an ISRO astronaut, aboard the International Space Station. "Building on my visit to India last year, NASA continues to further the United States and India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology for the benefit of humanity. Together we are expanding our countries' collaboration in space, to include a joint effort aboard the International Space Station with an ISRO astronaut. While specific details about the mission are still in work, these efforts will support future human spaceflight and improve life here on Earth," Nelson posted on the social media platform 'X' on Thursday. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson visited India last year and held multiple meetings and interactions. He also lauded India for the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. India and the US held the second meeting of the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in the national capital on Tuesday. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US NSA Jake Sullivan participated in the meeting. In a major takeaway after the meeting, the two countries concluded the Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation to deepen interoperability in space and are working toward commencing advanced training for ISRO astronauts at the NASA Johnson Space Center. This is the first-ever joint effort between NASA and ISRO astronauts at the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in the India-US space partnership and space exploration. NASA will have a hand in training two Indian astronauts, one of whom will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) late this year. ISRO chairman S Somanath had earlier said that ISRO will likely select four astronauts for training. The two countries are preparing for the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, a jointly developed satellite that will map the entirety of the Earth's surface twice every 12 days as part of efforts to combat climate change and other global challenges together. India and the US are also exploring opportunities to participate in the Lunar Gateway Programme. The Lunar Gateway represents a significant leap in human space exploration, offering a versatile platform for lunar surface missions, scientific research, and preparation for future deep-space endeavours spearheaded by the US. NISAR will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequencies. The mission will survey all of Earth's land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days. It has a three-year duration. The main aim of the NISAR satellite is to observe the most complex natural processes of the planet, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, as well as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides. (ANI) India, Australia and France reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their shared values and working together towards a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Piyush Srivastava and Joint Secretary (Oceania and Indo-Pacific) Paramita Tripathi. Director at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France (Asia and Oceania) Benoit Guidee led the French side and the Australian side was led by Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The three sides reviewed the progress made under the three pillars of trilateral cooperation, including, maritime safety and security, marine and environmental cooperation, and multilateral engagement, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release. "They also identified new proposals for furthering the trilateral cooperation including under the framework of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) mechanisms, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation, and multilateral engagements," the release stated. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that the discussions covered three areas for boosting cooperation. "India-France-Australia Trilateral Focal Points meeting held virtually. Discussions covered areas for furthering cooperation under the pillars of Maritime Safety and Security, Marine & Environmental cooperation, and Multilateral Engagement under this framework," he said. Last year, during the second India-France-Australia Trilateral Focal Points Meeting, the three sides identified key projects to be initiated in the coming months. (ANI) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday to lay his party's reservations on the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025, Geo News reported. The development comes as the National Assembly is scheduled to resume the budget session today, after a seven-day Eid break. The PPP has censured the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led coalition government for taking a "solo flight" and not taking the party into confidence over the budget. Notably, the PPP is supporting the coalition government from outside and is not a part of the government. The Bilawal-led party had even announced boycotting the budget session last week but changed the decision after Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held multiple meetings with the PPP's top leaders to convince them otherwise, as reported by Geo News. It is pertinent to note that for the ruling party PML-N, it is important to have the PPP's support as the PM Shehbaz-led coalition government does not have a parliamentary majority to help it pass the budget smoothly. Geo News reported citing The News that a PPP delegation led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, will meet the premier and will convey their reservations with regard to the political situation in Punjab as well as the issue of unreleased share of finances for Sindh. Meanwhile, PPP Secretary Information Shazia Marri has confirmed the meeting and said: "The government reached out for the meeting and Bilawal will place the genuine PPP concerns before PM Shehbaz." The News earlier reported that PM Shehbaz has decided to expand the federal cabinet inviting the PPP to join the government formally. However, Bilawal's party has turned down the offer so far. PPP leader and provincial minister Nasir Hussain Shah also confirmed the party's stand. The publication's report said that Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal has been given an important task by the PML-N leadership following which he has contacted Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Qamar Zaman Kaira on the issue. Despite PML-N leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry's assurance that the PPP's concerns will be duly addressed, the situation remains ambiguous. The Pakistan government has less than two weeks to get parliamentary approval as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has told the Pakistani authorities to include its guidelines in the budget, as reported by Geo News. Pakistan has approached the US-based lender for a new bailout package while the taxation measures announced by Federal Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb in the budget have been rejected by the trade bodies. However, the government has clarified that it has to meet the revenue targets to get the loan from the IMF. (ANI) The protests over the killing of senior journalist Khalil Jibran in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa intensified, Dawn reported on Thursday. The senior journalist was gunned down in Landi Kotal tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, further underscoring the grave threats faced by journalists there. The incident has triggered protests by journalist organizations and the local residents. The outraged residents and local journalists staged a protest demonstration on Wednesday morning, prior to Jibran's funeral. They blocked the main highway leading to the Torkham border and condemned the brutal killing of the journalist, reported Dawn. They accused the law enforcement agencies of failing to launch a search operation soon after the incident despite information about the presence of a group of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan activists in the Mazreena hilly area. They also issued a three-day ultimatum for the arrest of the perpetrators and demanded financial assistance of Rs 10 million for Khalil Jibran's family, and free education for his children. Additionally, journalists' organizations and press clubs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also condemned the brutal murder of Khalil Jibran and staged separate protest demonstrations in their respective districts, demanding justice and an end to violence against media professionals. Separately, several local journalists announced holding another protest demonstration at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Friday afternoon, as reported by Dawn. Khalil Jibran's vehicle was ambushed by some armed men, when he was coming back from a dinner party in the Mazreena locality of Sultan Khel with his friends, including a local lawyer. Two armed men reportedly dragged Khalil Jibran out of the car and ordered the other three occupants to get out, stating that they were not the targets. The gunmen then unleashed a hail of bullets at Jibran, killing him on the spot. The doctors at the District Headquarters Hospital in Landi Kotal said that the journalist's body bore 19 bullet wounds, and his arm was also fractured, suggesting a physical scuffle between him and the attackers, Dawn reported. Meanwhile, advocate Sajjad Khan, who sustained a bullet wound to one of his hands, was treated for his injuries and later discharged from the hospital. He said he had to seek refuge in a nearby house when the armed men opened fire on Khalil Jibran. However, no armed group or militant organisation claimed responsibility for the murder yet, according to Dawn. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemned the murder of Khalil Jibran and demanded that the government arrest the killers and provide protection to the journalists. They further demanded the government provide protection to media persons so they could perform their professional duties without any fear of attacks. (ANI) A Malaysia Airlines flight en-route to Kuala Lumpur from Hyderabad, with 138 passengers on board, made an emergency landing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad in the early hours on Thursday. The flight MH199 that took off from Hyderabad RGI Airport made a turnaround after the pilot noticed a technical snag mid-air, according to a spokesperson of Malaysia Airlines said. The spokesperson further said arrangements will be made for an alternate flight by this evening. Hyderabad airport officials said, "The flight number is MH199. There were 138 passengers on the flight. We only know that there was some technical issue and that is why the fight had to come back." The Malaysia Airlines spokesperson said that the passengers are being assisted at the airport and the accommodation has been provided at a hotel. Meanwhile, some of the passengers from Hyderabad chose to return home. "Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced engine failure. The pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and decided to return to RGIA. We are assisting the passengers at the airport. Accommodation has been provided at a hotel, although some passengers from Hyderabad chose to return home. We are working to arrange an alternative flight by this evening," the spokesperson said. Malaysia Airlines further confirmed that flight MH199 from Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur on June 20 returned to Hyderabad due to an issue with one of the engines during the climb after take-off. "The aircraft safely landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 03:21 am local time; all passengers and crew disembarked safely. Affected passengers will be reallocated to other flights for their continued journey," the spokesperson said. Moreover, the aircraft is currently on the ground for further inspection. "Safety remains of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines," the spokesperson said. (ANI) A leading evangelical advocate for children and government advisor calls out political parties for ignoring tens of thousands of vulnerable children in need of foster and adoption parents in their manifestos for the upcoming U.K. General Election 2024. Sharing about his own experience as as a foster and adoptive parent, he calls on evangelical churches to step up at this time of need. Records show 84,000 looked after children under the care of local authorities in England because parents are unable to have them for different reasons, as revealed by latest U.K. government figures up to March 2023. Dr. Krish Kandiah, founder of Home For Good, a charity providing homes for children needing fostering and adoption, and now director of the Sanctuary Foundation supporting refugees, has called on a wave of compassion and hospitality to be unleashed by evangelical churches and other parties interested in the welfare of these youngsters. The reasons for the 84,000 children being put into the care of local authorities are various but its been growing, Kandiah, who lives in Oxfordshire but works in London, said. Forms of abuse, alcohol and substance addiction can be typical issues as to why the youngsters need to be rehomed. But he said there simply are not enough foster families currently available to provide those homes and the support mechanism is not always there as it should be. I know its possible to recruit large numbers of foster carers but the difficulty is that the two main British political parties, Conservatives and Labour, do not offer solutions in their space. For the upcoming General Election, the Conservative manifesto makes no mention of it, and the Labour party says it will work with local authorities but thats not big news because theres a statutory obligation to do so anyway. Wheres the political vision for working with these vulnerable children in our society? Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up As God looks at our world, he pays special attention to these children who are too vulnerable to live with their birth families. Theres a huge need and I would love to see the newly elected government [on July 4] show great ambition for these children and they need to know that civil society is ready to respond, we have seen that on so many occasions. So I am hoping that whoever wins the election will take responsibility for these 84,000 kids. The next government, of whatever political persuasion, needs to realize this is their job to look after these children, added Kandiah. They have a legal responsibility as the corporate parent and they cant let the system carry on as it is. Many local authorities are now employing childrens homes and this wasnt in their childrens care plans, so they are using an inferior method of looking after them as they cant recruit enough foster carers. Provision for children with special education needs is also under incredible stress, said Kandiah, who was chairman of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board from 2019 to 2021, advising the U.K. Government. This week local authorities reported a 1 billlion [$1,272 billion USD] deficit in funding for the support of children needing special educational support. Neither of the main political parties has provided forward-looking solutions in their manifestos for the election. If we dont fix this issue it will cost the government money in the long term but more importantly, the kids wont be getting the support they need. If they can do it, why not us? Kandiah, who was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire last year for his work among refugees, is a foster parent himself, with his wife Miriam. The couple have fostered 30 youngsters since 2006, including three long term fostered and adopted children. They also share three birth children. I have just found fostering to be one of the most amazing things our family has done. Its been fantastic for our [birth] children as they have grown up, to be part of our team supporting children who have had a difficult start in life. Its not without heartbreaks and challenges but then again, there are few things God calls us to do which are without a challenge. So if you get a chance to foster, please do it. Its fantastic to do! If you are married its great to have someone come alongside to help you, but Ive also met some amazing single foster parents. I think people should rule themselves in, rather than rule themselves out. Three things inspired the couple in their faith in Jesus to become foster and adoption parents. The first thing is Bible scripture. It was a wake-up moment when I realized how central to Gods heart caring for the widow and orphan is. James 1:27 says, Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. But its not just one-off verses, throughout the 66 books of the Bible the picture of God is a champion for the vulnerable and marginalized. So scripture was hugely significant in our decision to foster and adopt children. Secondly, when we were in our 30s we had friends in their 60s who became foster parents for the first time. And we thought if they can do it, why not us? Thirdly is the statistics. The number of children in care has been growing and fostering seems to have fallen off in terms of support. If these children dont get the help they need, with established families, they can end up exploited by criminals or homeless. Its a huge challenge and we thought this is something we can do to make a difference. Churches are a central part of the solution Churches have a crucial part to play in solving the problem of children needing fostering and adoption. He urged churches to contact the Home For Good charity to find out more about how to help needy children find a home. It is because I believe that churches are an essential part of the response that I set up the Home For Good charity, said Kandiah. He said his own church had been a tremendous support but generally speaking, communications needed to improve between local authorities and Christians on the issue of fostering. Kandiah gave an example that if a Christian answers a foster parent assessment interview question, why do you want to become a foster parent? with the answer because God told me to it can look, from the point of view of the interviewer, as though they might think you are hearing voices and so we need to think about language used. The point of a fostering assessment is to look at whether you can offer a safe place for a vulnerable child to be placed. Sometimes the church needs literacy on how to work better with government systems and local authorities. I think there are some fantastic examples of churches doing amazing work but tremendous opportunities to do even more. Kandiah referred to the inspiring true story of a Catholic church in a small town in Texas, U.S. called Possum Trot. A new movie Sound of Hope is being released next month (July) tells the story how 22 families in the church adopted 77 children. Stories like that inspire us, commented Kandiah. The fostering expert said more inspiration, more training was needed to help potential foster parents step forward. He opined that foster carers need both information and help in supporting children, such as those with special education needs. He and his wife, for example, are part of the Mockingbird programme, a relationship building scheme based on a satellite model involving six to 10 foster families. Kandiah also called for a reboot in the way social workers worked with foster families. He has noticed a change in recent months whereby the social workers are more bureaucratic and give less pastoral support. Independent Foster Carer Survey reveals dire situation for children Meanwhile, advocacy group FosterWiki founded by Sarah Anderson, psychotherapist and a foster carer for 15 years, has issued its 2024 Independent Foster Carers Survey with 2,500 respondents. Details in the report are heartbreaking and reveal a situation that is dire for the children. A recurring theme throughout [the survey] was a desperate cry for help from the frontline, not only for the foster carers themselves but for the children they care for, underscoring the remarkable resilience of foster carers in the face of immense adverse challenges, stated Anderson, in an introduction to the report findings. When we surveyed the significant number of foster carers considering resignation, the results were striking. The majority cited feeling unvalued, experiencing burnout and exhaustion, and facing mental health challenges. They also reported a lack of breaks, insufficient support, especially during weekends and holidays, and inadequate financial compensation. Additional concerns included the impact on their own families, fear of allegations, bullying, and the grief and loss when a child moves on. 78 percent of carers reported mental health issues due to their fostering roles with many suffering in silence for fear of repercussions. Most of the written comments received blamed systemic issues rather than problems with the children themselves. 80 percent reported fears of allegations affecting their mental health and hampering their abilities to work with even more (85 per cent) saying any such allegations would be not handled fairly, justly, or in a balanced way. The foster carers also highlighted that many fostering services failed to meet statutory requirements, in their feedback. We now have empirical evidence supporting our long-standing concerns, which have often been dismissed as complaints from a few unhappy carers, wrote Anderson, who opined: The same handpicked foster carers are repeatedly presented to the government, perpetuating a misleadingly positive narrative. Anderson presented the big question as how long will this be allowed to continue? She called for children to be put first beyond mere rhetoric. Let us set aside agendas, profits, and politics and place the children back at the heart of the system. They also jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a USD 6 million grant from India. Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the island nation conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to President Wickremesinghe. The EAM discussed the way forward for India-Sri Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Taking to the social media platform, Jaishankar said, "Honoured to call on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives." "Under President @RW_UNP's guidance, discussed the way forward for the India-Sri Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties," he added. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1803707225770488169 Jaishankar also joined Sri Lankan President at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC) and the virtual handing over of 154 houses under the housing schemes of the government of India. "Joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers and senior officials at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC) and virtual handing over of 154 houses under GOl housing schemes," the EAM stated. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1803701106960171326 Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka earlier today on his first visit after the beginning of the new term. He thanked Sri Lankan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman for their warm welcome. Jaishankar's visit marks India's continued commitment to Sri Lanka, being its closest maritime neighbour. The visit is expected to add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs stated. (ANI) The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Philippines, General Romeo Brawner ticked off China over repeated confrontations between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. The Filipino military personnel stated that the Chinese coast guards are 'Acting Like Pirates', Al Jazeera reported on Thursday. His comment came after the June 17 confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal during which Chinese coast guard attacked a Philippines marine vessel while it was resupplying sailors stationed on the Sierra Madre belonging to the island country. Brawner said, "Personnel armed with knives and spears boarded their resupply vessels at Second Thomas Shoal in the latest confrontation in the disputed South China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard personnel had bladed weapons and our personnel fought with bare hands. We were outnumbered and their weapons were unexpected but our personnel fought with everything that they had." He shared a post on Facebook on Wednesday, additionally claiming that one of the Filipino sailors was injured badly and a boat was also damaged. https://x.com/TeamAFP/status/1803690958271480085 "Only pirates do this," he said, adding, "Only pirates board, steal, and destroy ships, equipment, and belongings." Recently, the Second Thomas Shoal has witnessed several confrontations between Manila and Beijing. The Shoal Reef falls in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) about 195km (121 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan. As China in the past has made repeated attempts to stop resupply missions going towards the location. However, China has denied all such allegations about Chinese personnel's attack, Al Jazeera reported. Lin Jian, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday while commenting on the recent incident stated, "The law enforcement action taken by China Coast Guard on the scene was professional and restrained." He also claimed that the Chinese coast guard was trying to stop a resupply mission that was 'illegal', and accused the island country of sending construction material arms and ammunition to the reef. "China urges the Philippines to stop its infringement and provocation at once," Lin said. Notably, the incidents of confrontations in the South China Sea have been continuing despite an international tribunal ruling its claim to have "no legal basis" in 2016. As China has made expansionist claims over almost the entire South China Sea claiming it to be under the Nine-Dash Line. The same news report also claimed that the country has also build artificial islands and military outposts near the reef. (ANI) The abduction of Khwaja Khursheed Ahmed, a prominent figure from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has triggered widespread protests in the region. Local activists and student leaders organised sit-ins and demonstrations across various districts of PoJK on Wednesday, demanding the unconditional release of Ahmed and other detained political activists. They also issued a warning that a long march from Kotli to Muzzafarabad would be initiated if their demands were not met. During a sit-in, Khawaja Mujtaba Banday, a student leader from PoJK, voiced his concerns, stating, "We have been highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances for a long time. Our activists advocating for people's rights are being abducted. They talk big about freedom, but the reality is different. It seems our struggle for rights is never-ending. Every time we speak up, our activists are abducted by unknown men. We condemn the authorities who use covert means to suppress dissent." Banday emphasised the importance of due process, saying, "If anyone is accused of wrongdoing, the courts and constitution of PoJK are here to ensure justice. No constitution allows for the abduction and torture of individuals." He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all imprisoned activists from PoJK, including Ahmed, and criticised the administration for its treatment of locals. Another local leader, Khan Ilyas, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "We have endured this for too long. During recent protests, some elements accused members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of instigating violence and causing destruction. They targeted JAAC members who have been actively involved in the struggle for Muzaffarabad." Ilyas expressed concern over the false allegations and targeting of activists by local authorities, calling for clarifications regarding the recent arrests and abductions. He asserted that peaceful protest was a fundamental right of every citizen. The protests reflect growing unrest in PoJK over human rights violations and suppression of dissent by the authorities. (ANI) India and Cambodia deliberated on cooperation in traditional medicine and e-governance, diversification of the trade basket by identifying new products, bilateral investment treaty, recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia and collaboration in the Pharma sector. The second meeting of the India-Cambodia Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) was hosted by India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed in a press release. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Siddharth Mahajan and Director General for International Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia, Long Kemvichet. The representatives of stakeholder Ministries also participated in the meeting. Siddharth Mahajan mentioned the measures for deepening bilateral trade and investment and also emphasised on creation of mechanisms for cooperation and collaboration in sectors of mutual interest, the release added. The meeting deliberated on cooperation in Traditional Medicine and e-governance, diversification of the Trade Basket by identifying new products, Bilateral Investment Treaty, Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia and collaboration in the Pharma Sector. The meeting discussed the progress of the ongoing efforts for collaboration in Unified Payment Interface (UPI) based digital payment to promote trade and tourism. The Cambodian side elaborated on the numerous investment opportunities that Cambodia presents for Indian businesses. These opportunities span over various sectors with high growth potential. The JWGTI was first held in July 2022 virtually. This was the first physical meeting of the JWGTI after it was institutionalised. The JWGTI discussed various measures to improve the value and the quantum of trade to facilitate the expansion of trade and to promote investment. Both the sides were unanimous on the need for having more interaction for concrete mutual benefits. (ANI) This will be the first incoming bilateral State Visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections. "During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call on the President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar," the release added. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to call on the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9. Over the years, India and Bangladesh have forged a multifaceted relationship, marked by a shared history, culture, and geographical proximity. The two neighbours enjoy warm ties, which have further expanded under the leadership of PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina. The year 2023 witnessed a spur of bilateral activities between both countries as an embodiment of the strength of the relationship. Both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on 18 March in a virtual format. PM Sheikh Hasina also participated virtually in the Inaugural Session of the Voice of the Global South Summit on 11 January 2023 and the second Virtual Voice of the Global South Summit on 17 November 2023. As a Guest Country invited to India's G20 Presidency in 2023, Bangladesh participated under various tracks at the Ministerial level including the former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, AK Abdul Momen in the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting and G-20 Development Ministers Meeting in March 2023 and June 2023 respectively Both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated three Indian-assisted development cooperation projects in Bangladesh on 1 November 2023 virtually. The projects are the Akhaura-Agartala cross border rail link, Khulna-Mongla Port rail line and Unit II of Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, according to the MEA. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Thursday afternoon and reaffirmed India's steadfast support through various development and connectivity projects. During the meeting, Jaishankar emphasised India's commitment to bolstering bilateral ties through robust development assistance and capacity-building programmes. In a statement following the meeting, Jaishankar underscored the importance of India's initiatives in Sri Lanka, aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of its people. He expressed confidence that ongoing efforts in development and connectivity would continue to yield positive outcomes, contributing to the socio-economic progress of Sri Lanka. "Pleased to call on PM Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka today afternoon. Reiterated India's strong support through development and connectivity initiatives. Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of people of Sri Lanka," said EAM Jaishankar in a post on X on Thursday Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo and appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives. They also jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a USD 6 million grant from India. Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the island nation conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to President Wickremesinghe. The EAM discussed the way forward for India-Sri Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Taking to the social media platform, Jaishankar said, "Honoured to call on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives." "Under President @RW_UNP's guidance, discussed the way forward for the India-Sri Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties," he added. Jaishankar also joined Sri Lankan President at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and the virtual handing over of 154 houses under the housing schemes of the government of India. "Joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers and senior officials at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC) and virtual handing over of 154 houses under GOl housing schemes," the EAM stated. Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka today on his first visit after the beginning of the new term. He thanked Sri Lankan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman for their warm welcome. Jaishankar's visit marks India's continued commitment to Sri Lanka, being its closest maritime neighbour. The visit is expected to add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs stated. (ANI) Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has directed diplomatic and law enforcement agencies to enquire from their Ukrainian counterparts regarding the assassination attempt on Kazakh journalist Aidos Sadykov in Kyiv, Astana Times reported, citing TengriNews. The incident occurred on June 18 when an unidentified assailant approached a parked car on Yarmola Street and opened fire, injuring Sadykov, who was accompanied by his wife. The perpetrator fled the scene after the attack, leaving Sadykov hospitalized while his wife escaped unharmed. Ukrainian authorities have initiated criminal proceedings for attempted murder in response to the incident, as reported by Astana Times. President emphasized that Kazakh official bodies are prepared to assist in the investigation to uncover the truth behind the attack on Kazakh journalist Aidos Sadykov on June 18, Astana Times reported, citing TengriNews. "Kazakhstan has taken a course towards strengthening the rule of law. You know my principled position: law and order must reign in the country, in other words, legal order. All conflicts and disagreements in our society should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework, on the basis of current legislation, in accordance with basic international standards. It is from this point of view that it is necessary to consider the crime that occurred yesterday in Kyiv against Kazakh citizen Aidos Sadykov," Tokayev stated. According to Kazakhstan Embassy release, Berik Uali, the President's press secretary, indicated possible ulterior motives behind the attack, suggesting efforts to exert pressure on Kazakhstan and influence its leadership's strategic directions, including in foreign policy matters. "Regardless of the charges that were previously brought against Aidos Sadykov, he is first and foremost a citizen of Kazakhstan. Accordingly, he and his family enjoy the rights due to them. According to the Constitution, they can count on the protection and patronage of the state beyond its borders. Therefore, the President instructed the relevant government and diplomatic services to provide the Sadykov family with all the necessary assistance, if they consent to it," he added, Astana Times reported. (ANI) The Ahmadi community in Pakistan is reportedly enduring severe persecution, with recent incidents of arrests emerging during Eid-al-Adha celebrations. According to reports and social media claims, several members of the Ahmadi community were arrested under allegations of performing animal sacrifices, which are prohibited for Ahmadis under Pakistani law. Ahmadis are classified as non-Muslims in Pakistan and are barred from observing certain Islamic rituals. Prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Yousafzai shared a video on social media platform X alleging that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) extremists, in collaboration with the Sindh Police, detained Ahmadis in Karachi simply for celebrating Eid. "It's beyond understanding on whose behalf police and TLP terrorists are conducting this aggressive campaign against a peaceful community. Why is this happening?" Arshad questioned. https://x.com/Arshadyousafzay/status/1802763780104896903?t=JR_uDqb73ojS54MTwFuHsw&s=08 Social media echoed similar sentiments, with users like Forooq Ahmad highlighting instances across Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, where Ahmadis faced harassment and arrests during Eid festivities. Forooq Ahmad mentioned the case of Mubasher Iqbal from Toba Tek Singh, who was reportedly arrested at home for sacrificing a goat, an act considered illegal for Ahmadis. The incidents have sparked renewed discussions on religious freedom and human rights in Pakistan, where minority communities, including Ahmadis, face systematic discrimination and violence. https://x.com/MonaChaudhryy/status/1802735844190560428?t=JHVqucTijqIl9McgczvGTw&s=08 Even during his Eid sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, condemned the injustices perpetrated by extremist religious leaders in Pakistan. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's International Press & Media Office posted on X, "Even on this joyous day of Eid-ul-Adha, so-called clerics are preventing Ahmadi Muslims from the sacrificial rites and traditions of Eid. Ahmadi Muslims are being arrested, harassed, and persecuted merely for taking part in the Islamic rites and joys of Eid which Muslims around the world are commemorating." https://x.com/pressahmadiyya/status/1803022105425956899 "The acts of these radical clerics show they have no fear of God and consider persecution as a service to God. But they are trying to take the place of God by determining who is a Muslim and who is not. Quoting 22:38 of the Holy Qur'an, His Holiness said animal sacrifice alone will not please God. Instead, it is the righteousness of the heart which reaches Him." International organisations have consistently called on Pakistan to uphold its commitments to human rights and protect religious minorities from persecution. The ongoing challenges faced by the Ahmadi community underscore broader issues of intolerance and discrimination prevailing in Pakistani society. As Ahmadis strive for their basic rights and religious freedoms, their plight serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated issues of intolerance that continue to plague Pakistani society. (ANI) On the eve of International Day of Yoga 2024, the Embassy of India in Nepal organised Yoga demonstrations at three iconic landmarks of Pokhara, according to an official release. The events commenced with a sunrise Yoga session at the scenic Sarangkot view point offering the participants breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range. This was followed by a Yoga demonstration at the revered Shiva Temple at Pumdikot near Pokhara. The Shiva Temple at Pumdikot, known for its tranquil ambience and majestic views, provided an ideal backdrop for the event. Participants were able to connect with nature and spirituality, enhancing the overall experience of the Yoga practice, the release added. The Embassy also organised a special Yoga demonstration at the Shanti Stupa - the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal situated on the picturesque Anadu Hill near Pokhara. The events drew participants from different walks of life, including government officials, local citizens, and yoga enthusiasts, all coming together to embrace the benefits of this ancient practice, in line with this year's theme of "Yoga for Self and Society", the Indian Embassy release said. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognising its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said: "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature." (ANI) This decision, made without a transparent explanation, has sparked significant concern and debate among educators, intellectuals, and the general public. Nigel Kelly's textbook has long been recognized for its state-approved rendition of Pakistan's history, making its prohibition particularly noteworthy. The lack of clarity surrounding the ban has prompted strong reactions, with Pakistani journalist Arshad Yousafzai voicing apprehensions that resonate widely on social media platforms. This latest ban adds to Pakistan's history of restricting access to books, a practice that has previously targeted internationally acclaimed works such as Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses" and Taslima Nasrin's "Lajja", citing religious sensitivities. Recent instances also include scholarly publications like Shemeem Burney Abbas's critical examination of blasphemy laws and Jaswant Singh's biography of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Despite such bans, prohibited books often continue to circulate unofficially or through alternative channels, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a balance between national security concerns and safeguarding the right to access information and diverse perspectives. The controversy surrounding Kelly's textbook underscores broader debates on intellectual freedom in Pakistan, drawing attention to how governmental decisions impact educational curricula and public discourse. Internationally, observers are closely monitoring these developments, concerned about the implications for academic freedom and freedom of expression in Pakistan. The situation raises fundamental questions about the role of government in regulating educational materials and the potential consequences for a society's intellectual and cultural development. (ANI) Kenyas plan to include a faith-based intervention in its US-backed mission to Haiti has been received with mixed feelings in both nations. The intervention, which has the endorsement of Kenyas President William Rutos wife, Rachel, is being spearheaded by a few evangelical pastors from Kenya, Haiti and the US. The peace talks and mediation efforts by the evangelical pastors are meant to complement the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti. Approved by the UN Security Council, Kenya is leading a multinational security force that intends to push back the violent gangs controlling Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince, and secure government installations. But a resurgence of gang-related violence, the resignation of former Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry and court cases have delayed the deployment of the police force which is now slated for late June. As part of the preparation to deploy the Kenyan police officers, Haitian police commanders were in Kenyas capital, Nairobi, on June 18 to discuss with their counterparts on the upcoming mission. Separately, evangelical pastors had met with Rachel Ruto to brief her on the progress and strategy for a spiritual intervention in Haiti. The first lady was on record saying that, we cannot allow our police to go to Haiti without prayer. We have come together to say we want to form a prayer strategy, and we would like you to join us in praying for this great country of Haiti because we know the Lord can transform Haiti, Ruto said after meeting the team of seven pastors from Kenya, Haiti and the US. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up One of the evangelical pastors involved in the Haiti initiative is Serge Musasilwa. He told BBCs Africa Daily that the underlying reason why many peacekeeping missions fail is because the fundamentals are not well defined. There is no human conflict unless there is a human that has disobeyed God. That is the basis and that is why it is important for the clergy to be involved. Spiritual matters cannot be resolved politically, said Musasilwa, who has been involved in peace and reconciliation initiatives in other African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya General Secretary Nelson Makanda told Christian Daily International that the Alliance is not privy to the discussions nor has it been invited to participate in the initiative. Musasilwa suggested that the plan to launch prayers for Haiti was mooted by pastors close to the President and First Lady Rachel Ruto who hold daily national prayers in Kenyas State House. In addition to praying for Haiti, Musasilwa said that the evangelical team of pastors also aims to bring all the Haitian civil society groups and the Haitian community to the negotiating table. It's an alternative (mediation process) but without being in collision or friction with the mission, clarified Musasilwa. Pierre Esperance, the Executive Director of the National Human Rights Defense Network in Haiti termed the promotion of evangelical Christinianity as inappropriate, calling instead for greater transparency and inclusivity in the mission to Haiti. Among other details, international officials should divulge the locations, time frames, and lines of command for the forces deployment. They must also explain how the international police officers will successfully collaborate with a compromised and exhausted police force, noted Esperance. Jona Lazarre, the Co-founder of Gods Vision For Haiti (GVFH) told Christian Daily that although they dont have specific information about Kenyas plan for a spiritual intervention, GVFH hopes it is in line with Gods plan for Haiti. There have been so many past failed attempts. It is time for our Haitian brothers and sisters to truly turn to God, something has to change. People have suffered enough. We believe that it is time for the local churches in Haiti to turn to God, unite and rise to truly be the light in darkness, said Jona. There have been several interventions in Haiti since 2004 when a UN-backed multinational force was deployed to restore order after a period of political turmoil. The assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 exacerbated political uncertainty and violence. Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, has urged Chinese authorities to disclose information regarding the status and location of Dr Gulshan Abbas, an Uyghur doctor reportedly serving a 20-year prison sentence since 2019 on charges related to terrorism. Lawlor stated, "Nearly six years after her detention, Dr Abbas' family members still do not have information on where she is being imprisoned, the evidence used to convict her, or most worryingly of all, her health condition." She emphasised the importance of China complying with its international human rights obligations by providing Dr Abbas's family with necessary information. Dr Abbas, who reportedly suffers from several health issues, was arrested without her family being informed of the reasons for her detention, details of the charges against her, her trial, or her current place of imprisonment. Lawlor referred to statements made by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in 2020, which alleged that Dr Abbas had been sentenced for "crimes of participating in a terrorist organisation, aiding terrorist activities and assembling crowds to disrupt social order." According to Lawlor, Dr Abbas, who was not involved in political or human rights activism, was detained shortly after her sister, Uyghur human rights defender Rushan Abbas, criticised China's treatment of the Uyghur population during a public event in Washington. Lawlor expressed her dismay over Dr Abbas's continued imprisonment, suggesting it was in retaliation for her sister's advocacy work. She cited former High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's 2022 report, which highlighted a pattern of "intimidations, threats, and reprisals" against relatives of Uyghurs in exile who spoke out about human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The call from the UN Special Rapporteur underscores ongoing international concerns about human rights violations against the Uyghur population in China. (ANI) Former President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Lobsang Sangay on Thursday emphasised that the United States Congressional delegation's meeting with Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama underscored the US' commitment to advocating for truth and justice despite China's opposition. A bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by Congressman Michael McCaul and also included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Dharamshala and met with the Dalai Lama. Expressing satisfaction with this recent visit, the Tibetan leader called it a significant bipartisan gesture of support for Tibet. "I am very happy with the US delegation led by leader Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the Congress, and the chairman Michael McCaul of this housewarming relations Committee," Sangay remarked. "It's a very powerhouse, bipartisan both Republican Democrats have come all the way across continents to come to Dharamshala, meet with his holiness, get his blessing, that is, to demonstrate the US government and people's support for Tibet. So this is a big deal." He emphasised the delegation's symbolic impact, stating, "They sent a very powerful message to Beijing that you will try to occupy, continue to occupy and repress Tibetans, but America will keep speaking for truth and justice." Earlier this week, the US Congress passed a bill urging Beijing to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve their dispute over the status and governance of Tibet, Radio Free Asia reported. 'The Resolve Tibet Act' urges Beijing to re-engage with Tibetan leaders for a peaceful resolution of their governance dispute with China. Regarding pending legislation, Sangay expressed optimism about President JpoeBiden signing an act related to Tibet's historical status on July 6, coinciding with the Dalai Lama's birthday. "The act is very powerful because it talks about the historical status of Tibet being an independent country and Tibetans, as per international law, deserving self-determination," he explained. "It is in China's interest to talk, to have dialogue with the envoys of the Dalai Lama to resolve the issue of Tibet peacefully." The delegation on Thursday also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. US Representatives - Gregory Meeks, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Ami Bera and Jim McGovern are the other members of the visiting delegation. On India's support, the Tibetan leader in-exile noted, "The fact that the US delegation led by Nancy Pelosi and Chairman Michael McCall was received and met by Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar clearly indicates that India is saying, we are with you to the Tibetan people and to the US delegation." (ANI) The World Uyghur Congress, a Germany-based organisation advocating Uyghur rights, released a statement on Thursday highlighting the plight of Uyghur individuals seeking refuge and asylum. The WUC emphasised the cases of 43 Uyghur refugees held at the IDC Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, since 2014, and Idris Hasan, detained in Morocco since 2021, stating that these individuals are at high risk of being returned to China and subjected to inhumane treatment by Chinese authorities. "Uyghurs fleeing persecution and genocide face numerous stresses and vulnerabilities. They should be protected by the international community and not subjected to further harm. Host countries must uphold their obligations under international law and safeguard Uyghur refugees from being returned to a regime that seeks to eradicate their identity. It is also the responsibility of the UNHCR to better protect and respond meaningfully to urgent cases," said WUC President Dolkun Isa. The statement also highlighted that the Chinese administration "uses its power to relentlessly pursue Uyghurs seeking refuge" and exerts influence to pressure host countries into returning them to China. Once returned, Uyghur refugees face enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, and other serious human rights violations. Even those settled in host countries cannot fully escape Chinese government control, as they are regularly monitored, threatened, and intimidated. The statement said the refugees are often coerced into spying on other Uyghurs or remaining silent about the genocide in East Turkistan, and are forced to refrain from any activism against China. Additionally, the Chinese government frequently denies passport renewals for Uyghur refugees, effectively rendering them stateless and in a precarious situation. This complicates their ability to obtain refugee status, seek asylum, find employment, access government services, and establish a stable life in their host countries. Commemorating World Refugee Day, the WUC urged international human rights organisations and host countries to abide by their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and uphold the principle of non-refoulement by immediately ceasing any extradition of Uyghur refugees and asylum seekers to China. The organisation called on the international community to take significant action, condemn the harassment of the Uyghur community worldwide, and ensure the protection of Uyghur individuals seeking asylum and refuge abroad. (ANI) Police arrested Ahmed Duabsha, 21, for the brutal murder of Benyamin Achimair. Achimaier disappeared while watching sheep in the Binyamin region north of Jerusalem. After a 24-hour search, his body was found so badly mutilated with rocks that the search teams couldn't immediately identify the body. According to a redacted indictment cited by Ynet News, Duabsha and several friends from the nearby village of Duma were drawn to Islamic State ideology about one year before the attack, and believed that Jews and other non-Muslims needed to die. "The suspect decided that he would go on a killing spree the next morning at first light," the indictment said. "He took a knife of around 20 centimeters long, picked out clothes and laid down in his room. The next day, he put on his clothes, prayed, took the knife in his sheath and put a black scarf on his head." The indictment said that after killing Achimaier, Duabsha sought out more victims but returned home after encountering a dog that frightened him. Palestinians in nearby villages clashed with soldiers during the ensuing manhunt for the killer. In the two weeks before Achimaier's murder, three separate Palestinian terror cells planning to kidnap shepherds from the same farm were arrested. Palestinian arsonists have set fires to farm pasture in the area and stoned responding fire trucks. Since October 7, Israeli security forces have arrested around 4,000 wanted Palestinian terror suspects in Judea and Samaria, of whom 1,700 are associated with Hamas. (ANI/TPS) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has concluded his one-day official visit to Sri Lanka. He said that India will always be a "reliable friend and a dependable partner" for Sri Lanka. He also shared a video of glimpses of his visit to Sri Lanka. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Concluded a productive visit to Sri Lanka, my first in this new term. We will always be a reliable friend and a dependable partner for our Sri Lankan friends." His visit underscores the central place that Sri Lanka occupies in India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and SAGAR Vision, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release. In a press release, the MEA stated, "The visit of the External Affairs Minister underscores the central place Sri Lanka occupies in India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and SAGAR Vision. Following Sri Lanka's economic recovery and stabilization, forging deeper long-term economic cooperation was underlined as a priority for sustainable and equitable growth of Sri Lanka, and mutual prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region." It was S Jaishankar's first bilateral visit as External Affairs Minister after his re-appointment. His visit to Colombo comes after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's recent visit to India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9. During his visit, Jaishankar called on Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Wickremesinghe received him at the President's Office in a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks that included Sri Lanka's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva, Sri Lanka's Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry and Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera. Jaishankar also held meetings with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. Jaishankar and Wickremesinghe jointly handed over 48 houses under the Model Village Housing Project in the Colombo and Trincomalee districts; and 106 houses under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project in the Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts. In the press release, MEA noted, "In the recent past, EAM visited Sri Lanka four times in January 2021, March 2022, January 2023 and October 2023." MEA stated, "In a testament to the comprehensive and people-centric nature of India-Sri Lanka development cooperation, President Wickremesinghe and EAM jointly handed over 48 houses under Model Village Housing Project in Colombo and Trincomalee districts; 106 houses under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project in Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya Districts. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), a nerve centre for Search and Rescue operations at sea established with an Indian grant of USD 6 million was also jointly commissioned in the virtual ceremony." Regarding the discussions held between the Sri Lankan government's leadership and Jaishankar, MEA stated, "Interaction of EAM with the leadership of the Government of Sri Lanka provided an opportunity to review and accelerate progress in the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka partnership. One of the key focus areas of discussion was the Vision Document adopted by President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the former's visit to India in July 2023." "Discussions added momentum to the ongoing projects as well as initiatives for promoting connectivity in all its dimensions, particularly in domains of energy, physical infrastructure as well as economic and people-to-people ties," it added. During his visit, Jaishankar also held separate meetings with Sri Lanka's former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and leaders of the various political parties from the North, East and the upcountry region. Sharing details regarding his meeting with Sajith Premadasa, he stated, "Nice to meet leader of opposition @sajithpremadasa and his delegation during my Sri Lanka visit. Thank GL Peiris, @EranWick, Niroshan Perera, Palini Thigambaram @Rauff_Hakeem and V Radhakrishnan for joining. Appreciate the bipartisan support for stronger India-Sri Lanka relationship. An insightful discussion on making our partnership even more robust." Jaishankar and Mahinda Rajapaksa discussed the current progress of bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "Glad to call on former President @PresRajapaksaof Sri Lanka. Discussed the current progress of India-Sri Lanka bilateral cooperation. Appreciate his continued support." In a press release, MEA stated, "Across party lines, a stronger India-Sri Lanka partnership was seen as beneficial for continued growth and prosperity of the peoples of both countries." Jaishankar also interacted with the leadership of Indian-origin Tamils. After the meeting, EAM in a post on X wrote, "Interacted with leadership of Indian Origin Tamils. Thank @S_Thondaman, @JeevanThondaman, A. Aravindh Kumar, M Rameshwaran, V. Radhakrishnan, Velu Kumar, Udayakumar and Vadivel Suresh for joining. Discussed our development partnership and further cooperation in respect of IOTs." During his visit, Jaishankar also met an 8-member delegation of Tamil leaders from northern and eastern provinces. Regarding his discussion with Tamil leaders, Jaishankar stated, "Good meeting with 8 member delegation of Tamil Leaders from Northern and Eastern Provinces. Thank @ShanakiyanR, @Mavai_S, @MASumanthiran, @ImShritharan, @SAdaikalanathan, Dharmalingam Sithadthan, @CWigneswaran and @skajendren for joining. Discussed issues pertaining to development & devolution in their provinces." (ANI) US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Thursday (local time) that the US supports direct discussions between India and Pakistan. However, he noted that pace, scope, and character should be determined by India and Pakistan and not the US. Matthew Miller made the remarks while addressing a press briefing on Thursday (local time). On being asked about the US reaction to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulating PM Narendra Modi for securing a third term and experts believing both Prime Ministers have ability to initiate a peace process, Miller said, "We value our important relationships with both India and Pakistan. As we have said, we support direct discussions between India and Pakistan. But, the pace, scope and character should be determined by those two countries, not by us." On June 10, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulated PM Modi on taking oath as India's Prime Minister. Taking to X, Shehbaz Sharif stated, "Felicitations to @narendramodi on taking oath as the Prime Minister of India." In response to his post on X, PM Modi stated, "Thank you @cmshehbaz for your good wishes." Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif also congratulated PM Modi on assuming office for the third consecutive term. He said that BJP's success in recent polls demonstrates the confidence of people in PM Modi's leadership. "My warm felicitations to Modi Ji (@narendramodi) on assuming office for the third time. Your party's success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia," Nawaz Sharif posted on X. In response to Nawaz Sharif's congratulatory message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he appreciated his message and noted that the people of India have always stood for peace, security and progressive areas. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Appreciate your message @NawazSharifMNS. The people of India have always stood for peace, security and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority." The congratulatory messages of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif came after Narendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister of India for the third term on June 9. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi, followed by other members of his team of ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif attended the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Apart from his two terms as Prime Minister beginning 2014, Narendra Modi also has the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat with his term spanning from October 2001 to May 2014. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], June 21 (ANI/TPS): Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday visited the ISA (Israel Security Agency) Special Operations Unit, together with his Military Secretary, Maj-Gen Roman Gofman, ISA Director Ronen Bar, the ISA Deputy Director and the Head of the ISA Operations Branch. Netanyahu was presented with the sequence of actions initiated by the ISA Operations Unit, including the operations to rescue the hostages: Ori Megidish, Louis Har and Fernando Marman. Also presented was Operation Arnon in which four hostages were rescued: Andrey Kozlov, Shlomi Ziv, Almog Meir Jan and Noa Argamani. The Prime Minister was also presented with the operations to rescue the bodies of deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip and the intensive ISA activity in the various sectors, including the significant operations that have been carried out recently in Judea and Samaria. He met with ISA Operations Unit fighters who took part in the most recent rescue operation. "I am here with daring fighters, who come from all sectors of Israeli society and who make the impossible possible," Netanyahu said. "You took part in many daring operations, which made the State of Israel proud, rescued hostages, and gave us security, so we can complete our missions." "We will not leave the Gaza Strip until we return all of our hostages - living and deceased," he added. "We will carry out this mission and many others about which we should keep silent at the moment, with your help." (ANI/TPS) A dispute between Egg Harbor and a popular restaurant has just been settled by the Wisconsin Supreme Court EGG HARBOR - A sidewalk is not the same as a pedestrian way, the Wisconsin Supreme Court essentially ruled Wednesday, July 19, in a legal dispute between the village of Egg Harbor and the site of one of its most popular restaurants and craft brewpubs. In a 4-3 vote split along ideological lines, the court's liberal-leaning majority ruled that the village was within its rights to condemn a portion of the Shipwrecked Brewpub property to build a sidewalk on it. The Supreme Court ruling overturned an appeals court ruling in March of 2023 that sided with Sojenhomer LLC, the property owner. The main issue the justices considered was if a sidewalk falls under the umbrella of being a "pedestrian way." State statues do not allow condemnation of property by a municipality to make a pedestrian way, such as a walking trail or bicycle lanes, but municipalities can condemn properties to build a road safety feature. Shipwrecked Brew Pub in Egg Harbor. Sojenhomer's contention was that sidewalks are pedestrian ways, which State Statute 346.02(8)(a) defines as "a walk designated for the use of pedestrian travel." However, Egg Harbor claimed that sidewalks are considered as part of the road according to State Statute 340.01(58), which says, "'Sidewalk' means that portion of a highway between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, constructed for use of pedestrians," thus opening the door for condemnation. The sidewalk is on County G next to Shipwrecked as part of a safety improvement project around the road's intersection with State 42, where the restaurant and brewery is located. Previously, pedestrians had to walk on the narrow road that could see heavy traffic and vehicle parking at peak times. The village sought to buy a sliver of the Shipwrecked property, about 392 square feet (0.009 acres), bordering County G so it could build the sidewalk. But after two offers were rejected by Sojenhomer as inadequate and not coming close to the appraised value, Egg Harbor condemned the property in 2019 so it could proceed with the sidewalk. Sojenhomer sued in 2020, but Door County Circuit Court Judge David Weber ruled in favor of the village a year later, agreeing with Egg Harbor's position that state statutes define "sidewalk" and "pedestrian way" distinctly. Sojenhomer appealed, and in March of 2023 the District 3 Court of Appeals overturned Weber's decision and ruled in Sojenhomer's favor. The judges wrote in their decision that "the general definition of a pedestrian way in (state statute) is broad and plainly includes sidewalks because a sidewalk is a 'walk designated for the use of pedestrian travel.'" Within a month of the appeals court decision, Egg Harbor filed a petition with the state Supreme Court to reconsider. Writing for the majority, Justice Rebecca Dallet noted all parties agreed that if sidewalks were to be considered as pedestrian ways by statute, the village would have been prohibited from condemning the property to build the sidewalk. However, Dallet cited the language in 346.02(8)(a) that says, "All of the applicable provisions of this chapter pertaining to highways, streets, alleys, roadways and sidewalks also apply to pedestrian ways" and similar language in 346.02(8)(b) as an indication that sidewalks are not the same as pedestrian ways. She also noted that the state statutes that ban condemnation of property to create a pedestrian way specifically mention recreational trails, bicycle ways and pedestrian ways but not sidewalks, again emphasizing that sidewalks are defined by the state as being part of the roadway. "Given that, we conclude that the definition of 'pedestrian way' in 346.02(8)(a) does not include sidewalks, and accordingly hold that the limitations on condemnation in (the statutes) did not prohibit the village from condemning Sojenhomer's property to build a sidewalk," Dallet wrote. She was joined in the majority by justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Jill Karofsky and Janet Protasiewicz. In her dissent, Justice Annette Ziegler wrote that the statute's definition of "pedestrian way" does include sidewalks because they're meant for pedestrians even if they are part of the roadway. She also wrote that the majority decided that sidewalks are not pedestrian ways without more firmly establishing what is a pedestrian way. Joining Ziegler in dissent were fellow conservative-leaning justices Rebecca Bradley and Brian Hagedorn. "The plain language of the statute demonstrates that the term 'pedestrian way' is broadly defined, and includes sidewalks," Ziegler wrote. "A sidewalk that portion of the highway created for the travel of persons on foot is clearly a subset of pedestrian ways walks set apart or assigned for the use of pedestrian travel. It is a straightforward, common sense interpretation of the statutory language that a 'walk designated for the use of pedestrian travel' necessarily includes that part of the highway 'constructed for the use of pedestrians' and intended 'for the use of persons on foot.' " A closer look at the plain meaning of the statutes reveals that all sidewalks are pedestrian ways, but that not all pedestrian ways are sidewalks. As a result, the village cannot condemn this property." Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com. MORE: Southern Door elementary principal also will be middle school principal in cost-saving move MORE: $620 million: That's tourism's record economic impact on Door County in 2023, report says FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Wisconsin Supreme Court sides with Egg Harbor in sidewalk controversy Ecuador was hit with an hours-long nationwide blackout on Wednesday that left the South American nations 17 million people without power. The blackout which affected hospitals, homes, and a major subway system was caused by maintenance and transmission issues in the countrys electrical system, authorities said. The outages we had today were due to a lack of investment in maintenance, new electrical transmission, and the protection of the electrical transmission infrastructure, Public Infrastructure Minister Roberto Luque told a news conference on Wednesday. As of Wednesday night, energy had been restored in 95% of the country, according to the government. Ecuador has been struggling with an energy crisis for years. The latest saw Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa declare an energy emergency in April and order eight-hour nationwide power cuts amid a drought that affected power generation. In the capital city of Quito, a CNN team saw two hospitals, including a childrens medical center, lose power during the blackout. Both hospitals were able to rely on electricity from their generators shortly after the cut began. In the nations largest city of Guayaquil, the blackout also briefly affected two other hospitals. The power was cut but we have our own (generators), a doctor from Guayaquils Luis Vernaza hospital said. CNN reached out to the countrys Health Ministry to ask if other hospitals were affected. Guayaquil residents faced the outage amid 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) heat. Its unbearable, its so hot and humid, and we cant use an air conditioner or a fan, one resident told CNN. On top of this, the water is not running, the resident added. Service was interrupted on Quitos subway system due to the blackout, with the capitals Mayor Pabel Munoz saying the outage was so significant it had affected the subway despite it using an isolated (electrical) system. Infrastructure Minister Luque said the blackout could have been avoided had Ecuador carried out an investment plan to safeguard the infrastructure in both generating (power) and the transmission after a similar power outage took place in 2004. Wednesdays blackout is not related to the countrys energy crisis from last April, Luque said. The outages we had in April were due to lack of investment in new (power) generation and in maintenance of the (power) we have, Luque said. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Louisiana became the first state to require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments through a Republican-backed bill signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday. House Bill 71, sponsored by Republican Rep. Dodie Horton, mandates that each public school classroom display a poster-sized copy of the Ten Commandments by next January. The Ten Commandments, as found in the Old Testament books of Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, are a set of ethical rules handed down by God to Moses. "If you want to respect the rule of law you've got to start from the original law given, which was Moses," Landry said during a signing ceremony Wednesday. The display must be a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches, according to the text of the legislation. The text of the Ten Commandments must be the central focus of the poster or framed documents, which shall be printed in large, easily readable font. The display must also include a four-paragraph context statement telling readers that The Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Around the year 1688, The New England Primer became the first published American textbook and was the equivalent of a first grade reader. The New England Primer was used in public schools throughout the United States for more than one hundred fifty years to teach Americans to read and contained more than forty questions about the Ten Commandments, the context statement reads. The Ten Commandments were also included in public school textbooks published by educator William McGuffey, a noted university president and professor. A version of his famous McGuffey Readers was written in the early 1800s and became one of the most popular textbooks in the history of American education, selling more than one hundred million copies. Copies of the McGuffey Readers are still available today. The new law is likely to face legal challenges. Secular church-state separation groups have already threatened lawsuits, contending that it violates the U.S. Constitutions Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation announced their intention to file a lawsuit. The groups assert that school displays of the Ten Commandments equate to religious coercion of students, who are legally required to attend school and are thus a captive audience for school-sponsored religious messages. The organizations believe the law violates U.S. Supreme Court precedent set in the 1980 Stone v. Graham decision. In a 5-4 ruling, the Burger court ruled against a similar law passed in Kentucky requiring classrooms to post copies of the Ten Commandments, finding that it violated the First Amendment. "The law violates the separation of church and state and is blatantly unconstitutional, the groups wrote in a joint statement. The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice, without pressure from the government. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools. Supporters of the law maintain that its purpose is to highlight the documents historical significance, as the legislation describes the Ten Commandments as one of the "foundational documents of our state and national government." The bill also allows schools to display other historical documents, such as the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance. Although this is a religious document, this document is also posted in over one hundred and eighty places, including the Supreme Court of the United States of America. I would say is based on the laws that this country was founded on, Republican state Sen. Adam Bass told KALB last month. A Broward man whose estranged wife has been missing in Spain since early February stole a license plate in his native Serbia to cover his tracks as he drove a rental car from Belgrade to Madrid as part of an alleged plot to kidnap her in the Spanish capital, an FBI agent testified Tuesday. In a new disclosure, FBI agent Alexandra Montillo accused David Knezevich of stealing the license plate in Serbia soon after he rented a Peugot 308 in Belgrade on Jan. 29, 2024, and drove thousands of miles to Madrid to abduct his wife, Ana Maria Knezevich Henao, four days later. Do you have evidence of that? Knezevichs Miami defense attorney, Jayne Weintraub, asked the agent during a detention hearing in Miami federal court. I have actual evidence, yes, Montillo said, highlighting the new FBI evidence about the Serbian license plate. I have circumstantial evidence. The agent cited a license plate reader and cell tower data provided by Spanish authorities indicating Knezevich passed through toll booths with the stolen Serbian license plate as he approached Madrid in late January. She also said Serbian authorities confirmed the plate was stolen. Knezevich, she said, replaced that plate with another one stolen in Spain before he allegedly kidnapped his wife on Feb. 2. Spanish authorities confirmed that plate was stolen in Madrid. The additional details of the federal kidnapping case against the Fort Lauderdale man were revealed during his detention hearing Tuesday as Weintraub sought Knezevichs release on bond while challenging the FBIs evidence. Although the FBI agent testified about the stolen Serbian license plate, she could not confirm she had direct evidence showing that Knezevich stole it and put it on his rented Peugot. READ MORE: We miss her: Brother of Fort Lauderdale woman who vanished in Spain pleads for help The detention hearing before U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ended without any decision. Instead, after the hearing, Weintraub asked a magistrate judge who ordered Knezevichs detention to reopen his review. That will allow her to challenge the prosecutions new evidence and timeline of the alleged kidnapping as well as the U.S. governments jurisdiction for bringing the case in Miami. Fighting over millions In May, Knezevich, 36, was indicted on a single federal charge of traveling from Miami to Madrid to kidnap his wife between Jan. 27 and Feb. 5. The wife, who is only identified as a victim in the indictment, is Ana Knezevich, 40. She left for Spain in late December as the Fort Lauderdale couple was going through a divorce, including a fight over millions of dollars in joint assets. The wife, a Colombia native, has been reported missing since she was last seen in Madrid on Feb. 2, according to Spains National Police, which is investigating her disappearance as a possible murder case and has conducted searches for her body. FBI agents have assisted Spanish authorities in those searches. Knezevich was arrested in early May at Miami International Airport by FBI agents when returning from Serbia, where his mother lives. Since his arrest, he has been held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami. If convicted of the single kidnapping charge, he faces up to life in prison and the loss of any money stemming from the offense. Bitter divorce a motive, feds say Knezevich was previously denied bond in Miami federal court by Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres. The judge found that his wealth and connections abroad made him a flight risk. In his detention order, Torres spelled out his reasoning for keeping Knezevich locked up before trial. A great deal of circumstantial evidence supports the governments complaint, including [the] defendants documented travel through extraordinary means from the United States to Turkey and then to Spain, Torres wrote. Additionally, the defendant appears on video surveillance in Spain purchasing materials [at a hardware store] that may have been used in a kidnapping, all while the defendant claims to have been elsewhere. David Knezevich was spotted on surveillance video purchasing materials in a hardware store in Spain that may have been used in his wifes kidnapping in Madrid, according to the FBI. The governments complaint is also supported by a strong motive that [the] defendant may have had to commit this offense given his bitter divorce with the victim. Knezevichs lawyer, Weintraub, responded in a court filing that he should be released because he has lived in Fort Lauderdale for the past 15 years, is close to a brother who lives in the same area, and owns an information technology business along with real estate investments. Defense attorney: no evidence of wife kidnapped in Madrid She also pointed out that most of his means are tied up in second mortgages and that his estranged wifes family has opened up a conservatorship to manage her property, leaving Knezevich with very little money available at all. In the filing, Weintraub also said theres no evidence indicating Knezevichs wife was taken against her will or that she had a struggle with her estranged husband in her Madrid apartment before disappearing. More significantly, she said there is absolutely no evidence that Knezevich took any action in the United States to facilitate the alleged kidnapping in Spain. She said he was in Belgrade to visit his mother. In response, federal prosecutors said Knezevich is both a flight risk and danger to the community. In a court filing, they argued he was trying to hide his tracks from the moment he left Miami in late January to hunt down his wife. Two stolen license plates, prosecutors say Specifically, rather than flying directly into Spain, the defendant sought to conceal his travel to Madrid by flying into Istanbul, Turkey, and then driving over 5,000 kilometers through multiple countries to Madrid, prosecutors said. During his journey, the defendant used at least two stolen license plates one from Serbia and one from Spain in order to further obscure his travel to Madrid. The defendant also purchased the spray paint and duct tape he used to commit the kidnapping in cash, making it more difficult to track his movements, noting a security camera at the wifes apartment in Madrid captured someone who looked like Knezevich painting the camera and using the tape to keep the front door open to the building. The footage also captured him carrying a suitcase down the stairway of her building on Feb. 2, the day of her disappearance. David Knezevich was recorded on surveillance cameras while spray-painting cameras at his wifes apartment complex in Spain, according to the FBI. They further noted the defendant reported to the courts probation office that his estimated net worth is about $2.5 million after selling seven residential properties in Broward for about $6.7 million between December 2003 and February 2024, before his estranged wifes disappearance in Spain. Knezevich then lent the bulk of the proceeds to the purchaser of the properties, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk, who added that a title agent questioned by the FBI said he is holding $214,000 in an escrow account for Knezevich. Knesevich did not disclose that money to the probation office, Monk said. Knezevich hasnt been charged with the murder of Ana, his wife of 13 years. That is a possibility, if Spains National Police or the FBI recover his wifes body. David Knezevich As of now, its not even known if shes dead. After Tuesdays hearing, her brother, Felipe Henao, told reporters that he and his family have faith in the U.S. justice system: We trust there is is going to be justice for my sister. Licking County housing needs to grow up in populated areas, not out, study director says A rendering of the rear and side view of the 10-building, 308-unit Vista Properties apartment complex called Trailhead Vista, planned for West Main Street in Newark. between Thornwood Drive and Coffman Road. NEWARK New housing in Licking County should grow vertically in populated areas, instead of spreading out into rural areas, according to Matt Hill, the Licking County Area Transportation Study technical study director. Hill's comments came at Thursday's second Licking County infrastructure luncheon at the Reese Center on the Newark campus of Ohio State University and Central Ohio Technical College. Populated areas already have all the services new residents need, unlike rural areas, he said. When you go rural, theres no water, Hill said. Theres no sewer. Well have to put the people closer to downtown. The water is already there. The sewer is already there. The streets are already there. The transit is already there. The sidewalks are already there. The only thing missing is the place where people live. Licking County experienced 28% job growth since 2017. That growth is expected to continue with Intel Corp. beginning production of computer chips at a $28 billion development just south of Johnstown in 2027 or 2028. Other manufacturers, some Intel suppliers, have already come to the county or plan to build here. In the next 10 years, Licking County will likely need to add about 7,000 households, and by 2050 the need is about 11,000 additional households to supply the workforce. Are we going to be able to continue doing that at 4 acres per household between Newark, Heath, Granville and the Franklin County line, Hill asked. Are we going to run miles of water? Or, are we going to put 10-story condo towers in the downtowns of Newark and Heath. Of course, Heaths already talking about multi-family. Thats good. We dont have to convince them. Jim Gates, deputy planning director for the Ohio Department of Transportation, told the infrastructure luncheon crowd about problems for homebuilders in Tuscarawas County, northeast of Licking County, between Canton and Cambridge. They said we dont have the ability to move people here because for our developers to break even on a project, they need to charge $400,000 for a house because they have to run that infrastructure out there, Gates said. In New Philadelphia, the price point for a house is like is $175,000, so that community is really struggling with to get people to live there, its going to cost a ton of money. Hill said respondents to a recent Licking County study said they want to spend less time in their vehicles and want more modes of transportation available to them. The days of driving 40 miles one way to work, thats changed, Hill said. When people say they want to spend less time in their vehicles and want more options, that means we have to change where theyre living, how theyre living. This is going to be painful for a lot of people. In response to an audience question about whether existing water and sewer capacity can support needed housing growth, Hill answered, If we keep putting housing out in the middle of nowhere, do we have the capacity? No. If we want to shorten peoples trips to work and take more vehicles off the road, can we keep putting housing in the middle of nowhere? No. Were going to have to focus on putting people closer to the downtowns, where they can walk and bike and transit and all that. Licking County Transit provided 14,000 passenger trips during the first five or six months of the year, Hill said, with 8,400 on the Main Street route, 4,100 on the 21st Street route and 1,500 on the new Granville route. Gates said by 2055, the Licking County population will increase up to 30% and Ohio 37 will carry 5,000 more vehicles per day. Were going to have to change things a little, Gates said. But theres some hope in that. Theres the opportunity to recreate communities. Theres an opportunity to create a quality of life. Gates quoted Canadian author Robin Sharma, who said, Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest at the middle and best at the end. kmallett@newarkadvocate.com 740-973-4539 Twitter: @kmallett1958 This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: LCATS director: Housing in Licking County should grow up, not out DUBAI, United Arab Emirates A bulk carrier sank days after an attack by Yemens Houthi rebels believed to have killed one mariner on board, authorities said early Wednesday, the second such ship to be sunk in the rebel campaign. The sinking of the Tutor in the Red Sea marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthis in their campaign targeting shipping through the vital maritime corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The attack comes despite a monthslong U.S.-led campaign in the region that has seen the Navy face its most intense maritime fighting since World War II, with near-daily attacks targeting commercial vessels and warship. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated Tutor sank in the Red Sea, the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said in a warning to sailors in the region. Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the last reported location, the UKMTO said. The vessel is believed to have sunk. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the sinking. The U.S. military as well did not immediately acknowledge the sinking and did not respond to requests for comment. The Tutor came under attack about a week ago by a bomb-carrying Houthi drone boat in the Red Sea. John Kirby, a White House national security spokesperson, said Monday that the attack killed a crew member who hailed from the Philippines. The Philippines has yet to acknowledge the death, but the man who had been aboard the Tutor has been missing for over a week in the Red Sea, which faces intense summertime heat. The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of 2000s USS Cole attack, a suicide assault by al-Qaida on the warship when it was at port in Aden, killing 17 on board. The Cole is now part of a U.S. Navy operation led by the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea to try and halt the Houthi attacks, though the rebels continue their assaults. The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, killing four sailors. Theyve seized one vessel and sunk two since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with a series of strikes May 30 killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say. In March, the Belize-flagged Rubymar carrying a load of fertilizer sank in the Red Sea after taking on water for days following a rebel attack. The Houthis have maintained their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the U.K. However, many of the ships theyve attacked have little or no connection to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The war in Gaza has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. A recent report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency acknowledged container shipping through Red Sea has declined by 90% since December over the attacks. As much as 15% of the worlds maritime traffic flows through that corridor. UK at loggerheads with US and Germany over Ukraine joining Nato Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has requested a firm timeline for his country to join Nato The United States and Germany have derailed a European plan to grant Ukraine an irreversible path to Nato membership. Washington and Berlin have instead thrown their weight behind offering Volodymyr Zelensky a lighter commitment to membership of the military alliance. A group of European countries, including the UK, had hoped to describe Kyivs path to join the alliance as irreversible in a communique to be signed off at a summit next month. But the US is pushing for watered-down language, describing the process as a well-lit bridge to membership with no concrete timeline. The original language was devised as a compromise solution, with the US and Germany reluctant to set out a concrete timeline amid fears the move would trigger an escalation from Russia. A number of Ukraines most ardent supporters had hoped to agree on very forward-leaning language that could be interpreted as an invitation for membership in talks over the joint statement, Nato sources said. Joe Biden, the US president, has said he opposes the 'Natoisation' of Ukraine - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/ Getty Images Referring to US and German opposition to the enhanced offer, a source close to discussions said: Those two countries will be mighty relieved if we stay away from an invitation. And anything short of that irreversibility, I think thats digestible for them. At last years Nato summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, members agreed that Ukraines future is in Nato, but declined to offer a deadline for it to join the alliance. There is an expectation that the language in this years statement should serve as Vilnius plus, building on the original pledge to Ukraine and giving greater assurances that Natos collective defence clause will eventually protect it. The Telegraph understands this years meeting, to be held from July 9 in Washington DC, will not see any further offerings on the timeline but will involve new security guarantees for Ukraine from members. Jens Stoltenberg, current Nato Secretary-General, with Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president - REUTERS US officials are reportedly concerned that describing the path to joining the alliance as irreversible would be unacceptable to some members, including Hungary. However, some other members say that Ukraine has yet to meet the criteria for entry by reforming its government. Joe Biden, the US president, said earlier this month that he opposed the Nato-isation of Ukraine as part of a peace deal with Russia, pointing to corruption in Kyiv. Antony Blinken, his secretary of state, said that Nato would provide concrete steps to bring Ukraine closer this year, and create a bridge to membershipthat is strong and well-lit. Escalation with Russia Some believe that setting a deadline for Ukraine to join the alliance risks dragging the whole bloc into a war with Russia if peace is not achieved by that date. Under the terms of the North Atlantic Treaty, an attack on one member state is considered an attack on them all. If Ukraine joined the alliance while at war with Russia, all other signatories to the treaty would be obliged to come to its aid. Mr Zelensky has repeatedly requested a firm timeline for Ukraine to join the bloc, arguing that its membership would deter Russia on the countrys Eastern flank, where the war continues. At last years summit, he described the vague membership offer when conditions are met as unprecedented and absurd. The Ukrainian presidents outburst was described as a disaster by a senior Nato official, who warned that the alliance had to avoid a repeat scenario in Washington. We need to have a consensus before the Washington summit, they added. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Republican lawmakers advanced a bill on Thursday that would put three constitutional amendments, including one regarding non-citizen voting, on the November election ballot. Its already illegal for noncitizens to register to vote in North Carolina or vote in federal elections, but Republicans say the amendment would clarify who is allowed to vote in state elections. An opportunity before you today is to empower the people of North Carolina to amend their own constitution, to declare that citizens and only citizens of this state are allowed to vote in our elections, said Republican Senator Brad Overcash of Gaston County. Overcash cited examples from other states where individual cities have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections as the reason for the voting amendment. Some cities and towns across the country allow noncitizens to vote, but turnout is generally low, according to NPR. Currently, North Carolina law bars municipalities from allowing noncitizens to participate in local elections without prior approval from the General Assembly. Its already a felony in North Carolina, to even encourage a noncitizen to register to vote, said Ann Webb of Common Cause NC. Not only that, if a locality which there are none in North Carolina that are seeking to have noncitizens vote, if they did want to do that, they would need approval of the General Assembly. Thats different in other states that have different policies. Webb said the proposal is intended to stir up conspiracy theories about rampant noncitizen voting. Democrats view the move as a ploy by Republicans to boost conservative turnout in the upcoming general election, at a time when immigration is a top issue for Republican voters. Republicans also unveiled two additional proposals in Thursday mornings committee meeting: one would require voters who choose mail-in ballots to show photo ID, a requirement already in state law, and another would cap the state income tax at 5% rather than the current 7%. Individual and corporate income tax rates are both below 5% in the state. The photo ID requirement and income tax cap amendments, approved by voters in November 2018, are currently under court challenge by the state NAACP. But if voters approve the amendments in November, it could make the litigation moot. None of the proposed amendments would have practical impact but adding them to the constitution could make it more difficult for courts or a future legislature to reverse them. Outside of the proposed referendums, the Senate is also considering the following election laws: A proposal to require disclosure of the use of generative AI for political advertisements in print media, on radio, or on television A proposal to require county boards of elections to use signature verification software to check the signatures of voters on executed absentee ballots before those ballots are accepted by the county board, beginning July 1, 2025. A proposal to require county boards of elections to challenge any ballot cast during early voting, or an absentee ballot if records indicate that the voter was not eligible to cast a ballot on election day due to death or felony conviction. The post Voters could decided on multiple constitutional amendments in November under Senate Republican bill appeared first on NC Newsline. A 1985 article in the Iowa City Press-Citizen, filed as evidence in court, reports the arrest of James Mayberry for the murder of Julia Wise. Mayberry was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Nearly four decades after he was convicted of murder, James Mayberry is resting his hopes on insects to prove he didn't commit the crime. Mayberry, 63, has served more than 38 years in prison for the 1985 murder of Julia Wise. The 20-year-old was found stabbed to death in her mobile home just seven days after moving to Iowa City, and Mayberry, the last person who reported seeing her alive, was charged and convicted of her slaying. He's mounted several unsuccessful appeals and filings for postconviction relief in the decades since. In his latest, filed June 7 in Johnson County court, he's represented by the Iowa Public Defender's Wrongful Conviction Unit. Key to his argument is a scientific field that didn't exist at the time of his trial: forensic entomology, the study of how insects infest and feed on corpses. Elaina Steenson, an attorney with the wrongful conviction unit, said her office has been working with Mayberry for several years, starting with DNA testing that excluded him as the source of several hairs found on the victim's clothing. "We thoroughly believe in Mr. Mayberry's innocence, and thus began our investigation for Mr. Mayberry's current pending" postconviction relief application, she told the Register. The Johnson County Attorney's Office did not respond to a message seeking comment. What happened to Julia Wise? Originally from Missouri, Wise moved to Iowa City on June 28, 1985, intending to attend school and work at a store in Cedar Rapids, according to court filings. She bought a home in the Hilltop Trailer Court. On July 4, after her parents were unable to reach her, the trailer park manager checked her trailer and found Wise dead. Her shorts and underwear had been cut away and she'd been stabbed several times in the chest and abdomen. Wise's parents told police she had a history of "risky behavior," including picking men up from bars, and had had several abusive ex-boyfriends. But investigators soon focused their investigation on Mayberry, the brother-in-law of Wise's next-door neighbor. Why was Mayberry convicted? Mayberry told police he'd met Wise while visiting the park July 2, and that she'd given him a cup of water. He also tried to help install a TV antenna, using a knife from her kitchen. He told police he'd gone home prior to 10:30 that evening, making him the last known person known to have seen Wise alive. Investigators found Mayberry's fingerprints in Wise's home on a water glass, a steak knife and her eyeglasses, all items he mentioned having touched. A medical examiner estimated Wise had been dead for 24 to 48 hours before being discovered, although he later testified it was a "crude guess." During interviews, police reportedly accused Mayberry of having an affair with Wise ,leading to her death. How can bugs help solve a murder? Mayberry's visit to Wise's trailer fits the original medical examiner's estimated time of death. But in his latest filing, Mayberry's attorneys argue new evidence shows that estimate was wrong. Forensic entomology uses known factors, such as the weather and time of year, to calculate how quickly blow flies and other insects are drawn to decomposing bodies. Blow flies are known to lay their eggs in corpses, and investigators can use the number and life stage of the resulting offspring to estimate how long a body has been in place. Mayberry's attorneys point out in his filing that neither witnesses who found the body nor the subsequent autopsy found any signs of insect activity. The filing notes that July 3 and 4, 1985, were hot days, peaking above 90 degrees, and it was even warmer in the poorly-sealed trailer with open windows where Wise's body was found. If in fact Wise had been laying there for nearly two days, as prosecutors believed, scientists would expect to see blowfly eggs and larva on her remains, Mayberry's attorneys argue. The lack of such evidence suggests she'd been killed no more than 12 to 16 hours before she was found, long after Mayberry's visit. Defendants face a high bar, including a statute of limitations, in court actions for postconviction relief. Steenson, though, noted the law includes an exception for cases in which there is newly discovered evidence that could not have been discovered at the time. "We are excited to begin litigation on Mr. Mayberry's case, and are hopeful that he will have his day in court to prove his innocence," she said. Entomology used in past Iowa murder cases Mayberry's case wouldn't be the first in Iowa to use entomological evidence. In one 2017 case from Chickasaw County, prosecutors charged a father with murder and child endangerment after his son was found dehydrated, starving and wearing a filthy, maggot-infested diaper. An expert testified the child would have had to been wearing the unchanged diaper for 10 to 14 days for the insect infestation to have reached that level. More recently, James Klever was convicted in 2023 of killing a Des Moines woman and keeping her body in his trunk for almost a week before dumping her remains in a Missouri river. The jury heard evidence that blowflies infesting the lining of Klever's car were found to have consumed human blood. Steenson said she isn't aware of any Iowans who've been exonerated based on entomology, but it has happened in other states. Kirstin Lobato was convicted in 2006 of a 2001 murder in Nevada, but her conviction was overturned in 2017 after entomologists testified that based on a lack of flies on the victim, he would have died at a time when Lobato was three hours away. William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 1985 Iowa City murder conviction challenged with forensic entomology Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have affirmed that their countries will continue to communicate at every level. Ishiba has also conveyed deep concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and increased activity by the Chinese military near Japan. (NHK) This year's York Early Music Festival draws directly from the heart of Renaissance music in a collaboration with the region of Flanders. Flanders was an important musical hotspot in the 15th century, shaping the music of Europe through the influence of the Franco-Flemish School, whose adherents included Johannes Ockeghem, Josquin des Prez, and Orlando di Lasso. The festivities start on Flanders Day, July 11, with a reception at York Mansion House hosted by delegates from the Flanders government. The event will welcome the participating artists, and will celebrate the new partnership. The following day sees performances by three Dutch ensembles. The Utopia Ensemble will sing at the National Centre for Early Music, and Cappella Pratensis and I Fedeli-giants in historically informed Early music performance-deliver works by two prominent representatives of the Franco-Flemish School: Jacob Obrecht and Jacobus Barbireau. The latter will take place York Minster Quire. include the Gesualdo Six, Concerto Soave, and Vox Luminis. The partnership also celebrates the historic trading ties between Flanders and York. "We are particularly delighted to be part of this exciting new partnership, the beginning of a new collaboration with artists and colleagues based in Flanders," said YEMF director Dr. Delma Tomlin. "This marks a very important moment in this city's musical history and highlights York's historical relationship with Flanders, giving us the opportunity to celebrate our cultural heritages. We look forward to building on this partnership in the future." "Flanders and York share historical connections through several key aspects of their heritage and centuries of cultural and economic exchanges," said Brat Brosius, general representative of Flanders in the United Kingdom and Ireland. "We share bustling medieval markets, elegant Gothic architecture, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence... We are delighted to work with the local authorities, the University of York and the renowned York Early Music Festival. We also look forward to welcoming our friends from York later in the summer for the Flanders Festival Antwerp." The Carson Community Rodeo is among the group award recipients to be honored Tuesday at the 2024 Governor's Volunteer Awards. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will recognize individuals and groups during the ceremony in Ankeny, according to a news release. Those being recognized are the people who invest in others without expecting anything in returnexcept, of course, for the fulfillment that comes from doing their part to give back to their community, Reynolds said in the release. This collective impact is nothing short of remarkable. More than 400 awards are being presented this year. It is estimated that over 85 communities in Iowa were served by this years honorees. In addition to the rodeo, the following area residents will be honored: Carrie Merritt of Glenwood; Marilyn Mickey of Carson; Brittany Seely of Neola; and Stephanie Willis of Neola. The ceremony will also include length of service recognition, including 5 year awards for Rebecca Gough of Harlan, Rick Hockom of Council Bluffs, Kassie Starkloff-Crane of Council Bluffs and Mary Stuhr of Council Bluffs. Coordinated by Volunteer Iowa, a program within the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the awards now in their 40th year provide an easy way for Iowa nonprofits, charitable organizations, and government entities to honor their volunteers. Find more information at volunteeriowa.org. Violent protests resumed in Algerias southwestern city of Tiaret where taps have been dry for days including during Eid celebrations, amid total blackout from local media. First reported by AP, AFP has also zoomed in on the tensions in Tiaret where the population blocked streets and torched tires to express their anger at the government failure to ensure steady water supply. Protesters set barricades and blocked roads connecting Tiaret to nearby towns on the day of eid, reported AFP. Videos shared on social media showed angry people complaining of water cuts. As problems never come alone, the Tiaret population also complained of electricity and gas cuts in the hydrocarbons exporting country. While the drying up dams could have been anticipated years ago, little was done by the central government in Algiers save bloated figures by President Tebboune, notably his blunder at the UN when he said his country is poised to desalinate 3.5 billion cubic meters this year! Fearful of a new Hirak, the government has cracked-down on dissent leading many Algerian observers to warn that failures of public services would trigger the next unrest if no solution is found. The number of beneficiaries of the mandatory health insurance in Morocco hit a new record at 23 million as the country forges ahead with its social reform plans, the African Development Bank said. The number grew from just 7.8 million beneficiaries and from 20,000 daily reimbursement requests to 60,000 daily requests currently, the Bank said. It noted however that the 170 social security agencies treating demands was not enough and that more work should be done to bring health insurance service in rural areas. The government was spending 2.5 billion dollars annually to pay the insurance contribution of poor households. At the UN C24 forum, Morocco has received steady support in recent years despite Algerias attempt to use the UN forum to serve its separatist agenda in southern Morocco, or the Sahara. Morocco was the first to list the Sahara issue in the UNs Special Committee on Decolonization, known as C24, in 1975 when it was struggling to retrieve the territory from Spanish occupation. But after Morocco retrieved its territory, Algeria hosted, armed and backed diplomatically a group of rebels, or the Polisario- whose leaders had no separatist agenda in the onset- and instigated them to claim separatism, while helping them self-declare a Sahrawi state. Every year, Algeria spends its taxpayers money to bring in Polisario members and advocates to make the case for a separatist cause. But since the end of the cold war and in recent years more precisely, the C24 has rather become a forum where Morocco has been receiving growing support for its territorial integrity. This year, 100 states backed Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara territory at the ten-day C24 event, which closes on June 21. The growing support for Morocco was expressed by most African states, the GCC members and other countries that see in the autonomy plan a compromise-based and a lasting political solution to the conflict. During the event, Algeria was also put before its responsibility in perpetuating the conflict and was asked by many states to return to the negotiation table. This vindicates Moroccos position which considers that no solution is possible without Algerias participation as the real party to the conflict it imposed on Morocco through the Polisario proxies. Louisiana governor Jeff Landry at a campaign event in 2023. Photo: Emily Kask/The New York Times/Redux Louisianas Republican governor, Jeff Landry, has signed a bill into law that will require the states public schools to display a version of the Ten Commandments. He wasnt coy about his rationale. If you want to respect the rule of law, youve got to start from the original law-giver, which was Moses, Landry said at the signing ceremony. The bills supporters were equally blunt. Im not concerned with an atheist. Im not concerned with a Muslim, said state representative Dodie Horton, who wrote the bill. Im concerned with our children looking and seeing what Gods law is. Others claimed the law was not solely religious in purpose. Rather, the Ten Commandments have historical significance, which is simply one of many documents that display the history of our country and foundation of our legal system, said a Republican state senator. But Landry signed the bill alongside others that were intended to expand the influence of religion or perhaps a specific strain of Christianity in Louisiana public schools. As Reuters reported on Thursday, the measures authorize the hiring of chaplains in schools, restrict teachers from mentioning sexual orientation or gender identity, and prevent schools from using a transgender students preferred name or pronouns unless granted permission by parents. That news will please the Christian right, which has long sought to break down the wall separating church and state in public schools. Others may object. To risk belaboring the obvious, not all religious traditions embrace the Ten Commandments or believe Moses was, as Landry put it, the original law-giver. Louisiana is the first state with such a requirement on the books. Republicans in other states have proposed similar laws, but they have never come to fruition because legal action is guaranteed. And, as expected, several organizations including the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, where I worked for several years have already filed suit over the new law. Even among those who may believe in some version of the Ten Commandments, the particular text that they adhere to can differ by religious denomination or tradition. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate, and it certainly should not be coercing students to submit day in and day out to unavoidable promotions of religious doctrine, the groups said in a joint statement. Will the courts agree? They should. The laws supporters can say what they like about the Commandments being a historical document, but thats a thin disguise for the true, and deeply religious, intentions behind the law. Even so, I dont love the groups chances in court. The Supreme Court in particular has taken steps to erode the separation of church and state now that conservatives have the majority. Whatever the eventual fate of the law, its very existence is telling. Public schools are secular by design, making them a key battleground for Christian nationalism. There is a difference between education and indoctrination, and the real purpose of laws like this one is to encourage the latter. Republicans did not act in a vacuum; the Christian right has successfully injected its specific beliefs into public schools all over the country. NBC News had previously reported that over 300 public schools in a dozen states have set up chapters with LifeWise Academy, a Christian group that holds weekly religious instruction for students. Though students do leave their public schools to attend lessons with LifeWise, the instruction takes place during school hours during lunch or instead of classes like gym and art. (LifeWise is legal thanks to Supreme Court rulings that predate this iteration of the Court.) The Oklahoma Supreme Court will soon decide whether a Catholic school will become the nations first explicitly religious charter school. Battles over religion in public school are not only common, they date back centuries. In 1844, anti-Catholic riots erupted in Philadelphia after a chain of events that began with a local bishop objecting to readings of the Protestant Bible in city schools. But the Christian rights bid to embed the Ten Commandments more formally into American public life extends beyond the classroom door. Its part of a broader argument that America was founded not only on Christian principles but on Christian laws, thus making it a Christian country. Before several women accused former Alabama judge Roy Moore of sexually abusing them as teenagers, ending his hopes of becoming a U.S. senator, he was known for displaying the Ten Commandments. In fact, Moore was suspended from his role as chief justice of the states supreme court after he refused to obey a judges order to remove a 2.6-ton granite monument of the Ten Commandments from the rotunda of the Alabama Judicial Building. The states voters later reelected Moore as chief justice until he was suspended for judicial misconduct (again) in 2016. On Thursday, Moore praised the Louisiana law. There is a lot of talk in politics right now that were so divided in our country, he told AL.com. But until we go back to some standard of right and wrong, its all going to be about power in the country. It shouldnt be. Power will not solve our problems. God will. The popular Christian minister David Barton has also promoted the idea that the Ten Commandments are a founding document of the United States government. Barton, who is not a historian despite how he portrays himself, testified in support of a Texas bill that resembled Louisianas new law. Its hard to say that anything is more traditional in American education than the Ten Commandments, he said. Bartons son, Tim, the successor to his ministry, agreed: The very foundation of moral law for all of the western world for the morals of civilization have been derived from the Ten Commandments. To Barton senior, the separation of church and state is just a liberal myth. The problem with Barton is that he doesnt tell the truth. He relies on fake quotes and cherry-picked facts to argue, falsely, that America was based on the fundamentalist principles he holds dear. Why display the Ten Commandments? Likely for several reasons, but among the most compelling is a thirst for sectarianism. Christian nationalists are looking to score points against their foes and win an ideological war in the process. If America is a Christian nation, nobody else truly belongs. Not atheists, not Muslims, not Jews, not even other Christians who disagree with their interpretation of the Bible. Thats a lesson Louisiana Republicans hope to impart to Americans as children. Philadelphias nativist riots remind us where sectarianism can lead. Louisianas new law may not lead to physical violence against religious minorities, but it does perpetuate violence of another sort: Its a brute power grab. It says everything about where Christian nationalism is right now and where its headed next. Photo: Darren McGee/TNS New Yorkers arent thrilled with Kathy Hochul, according to a new poll. A Siena College poll released Thursday shows that the governors overall approval rating has dropped since last month in the wake of her last-second pause of the congestion-pricing program that was set to go into effect at the end of June even though most voters also disapprove of congestion pricing itself. Thirty-eight percent of voters polled said they had a favorable opinion of the governor, with 49 percent reporting they had an unfavorable impression of Hochul, an uptick from 46 percent in a May Siena College poll. The poll surveyed 805 New York State registered voters from June 12 to June 17. On Hochuls actual job performance, 50 percent of total voters said they disapproved of the job shes doing while 44 percent said they approved. This marks her lowest job-approval rating since she took office in 2021, according to the pollster. Voters seemed to agree with Hochul on one thing: congestion pricing. Forty-five percent of New York voters said they supported the governors decision to put the program on hold; 23 percent opposed it. When broken down by party affiliation, 46 percent of Democrats backed pausing congestion pricing as well as 45 percent of Republicans and 43 percent of independents. Hochul is not the only politician with lukewarm numbers in the state. Fifty-three percent of voters disapprove of the job that Joe Biden is doing as president with only 45 percent approving. When asked who they would support if the 2024 election was held today, 47 percent of total voters said Biden while 39 percent said theyd back Donald Trump. Mayor Adams commemorating a program to clear mentally ill and unhoused people off the streets. Photo: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office A man, clearly homeless, steps onto a New York subway train. He shakes, sways, and talks to himself, lurching around as the train moves, in the throes of a psychotic disorder. Hes someone in need of help and for many people, though theyd never admit it publicly, a figure to fear. The perspective of the American media and the liberal journalists and writers who dominate it is that these fears are wicked, bigoted, even bourgeois. Efforts to explore root causes related to mental illness and violence in public spaces are resisted with the insistence that those problems are entirely a product of poverty and need. Attempts to use involuntary treatment to help severely treatment-resistant people with mental illness are decried by the activist class and local nonprofits. The pursuit of safety on the subways in response to fear of random violence, were told, means hiding, quelling, or even outright eliminating certain marginalized populations Black people, homeless people, mentally ill people, poor people, as Noah Berlatsky put it. A reporter from the Times of London sniffed, Almost all the people I meet who are scared of taking the subway are people who dont use it regularly. There is an elite message when it comes to danger on the subway: Its embarrassing to ever be scared. But fear of violence on the subway is in fact rational, even as we must rise above that fear to embrace compassion. The gloating insistence from progressives that they are never bothered by the behavior of disturbed people on the subway does not fit the facts about mental illness and violence. And if we truly care for those with severe mental illness, we must be willing to understand just how deep their problems go and what must be done to help them and those around them. Lets start with problems we dont have. New York City is not in the middle of a crime wave. There has not been a terrible spike in violent crime in the past year, not in the subways or parks or anywhere else. There was, as in the country writ large, a spike in murders and gun crimes in 2021; the reasons for this are hotly debated, as youd predict. (Im going with cops refusing to do their jobs, personally.) Happily for all of us, the pandemic-era crime surge both rose and fell swiftly, and were living through a record decline in murders. Subway crime specifically has fallen. New York remains a remarkably safe city for its size by American standards. Whatever our issues with crime, we do need to start from those facts. So why is there so much fear of crime in general and on the subway in particular? A Sienna poll from July of last year found that large majorities of New Yorkers are deeply concerned with crime, despite the fact that the pandemic crime wave had receded by that point. An MTA poll from this past January found that almost 20 percent of riders would ride more often if not for their fear of violence and crime. New Yorks major tabloids have relentlessly beat the drum that the city has become unsafe, and while they would do so even if the crime rate was zero, theyre clearly tapping into a degree of populist angst. Stories detailing the fears of city dwellers are common, and local political officials say that their constituents consistently express fear about street crime. The New York Times felt moved last year to publish a piece investigating this divide between crime rates and perceptions of crime. What gives? Is the public simply irrational? I would argue that they are not, or if they are, understandably so. There have been a number of tragic incidents lately that naturally have inspired fear, whether that fear is rational or not. In March, a 54-year old man was pushed in front of a subway train in Harlem and killed in a random attack by an assailant with a long history of mental illness; also in March, a man was shot in an altercation on the A train in a random attack by an assailant with a long history of mental illness. This past October, a student was punched in the face, his jaw broken, immediately before a woman was shoved in front of a subway train in midtown; in June 2022, a woman was stalked and followed inside her apartment building before being stabbed to death; in May 2022, a man was shot dead on a Q train; and in January 2022, a woman was killed by being pushed in front of a subway train all random attacks by assailants with a long history of mental illness. This is the stuff of nightmares, and for each incident like this, there are likely a dozen that are not newsworthy but are nonetheless frightening. Yes, people with mental illness are, in fact, more likely to commit violent crimes, and the recent liberal pretense that this is not true is a glaring example of our cultures addiction to wishing away complicated social problems. And social problems do not come much more complicated than the problem of severe mental illness. It is absolutely true that most mentally ill people who use the subway and otherwise occupy public spaces do so without incident. It is also true that a highly disproportionate number of random acts of public violence are committed by the mentally ill. The research tells us so. A publication drawn from the NIHs PubMed network and developed by researchers from StatPearls, a health-care education company, lays out the reality plainly. Certain psychiatric conditions do increase a persons risk of committing a crime, the authors write, and individuals with a severe mental illness that fall through the cracks or for one reason or another and are non-adherent to treatment are particularly at higher risk of committing grave acts of violence. As has been found again and again in responsible research, untreated profound mental illness is particularly significant in cases of homicide. Whats more, the particular conditions of homeless people with severe mental illness in urban spaces make the risks greater; the authors note that patients with mental illness may be more prone to violence if they do not receive adequate treatment, are actively experiencing delusions, or have long-standing paranoia. All of those factors a lack of treatment, delusions of the type associated with psychotic disorders, and persistent paranoia are likely to be more common among homeless New Yorkers. Psychotic disorders are vastly more prevalent among the unhoused, and homeless people are more likely to abuse drugs, which dramatically increases the risk of violence. Large literature reviews find conclusively that mental illness is associated with higher levels of criminality. A French review of studies published since 1990 finds that 6 percent of murderers are schizophrenic, which is remarkable considering that less than 0.5 percent of adults have schizophrenia. Relevant to our interests here, 38 people were charged with assaulting MTA employees last year; 20 of them had a history of mental illness, despite the fact that less than a quarter of Americans suffer from mental illness and only one in 20 from severe mental illness. Obviously, its not rational to expect any individual person with a mental illness to be violent. But it is rational to conclude that the severely mentally ill are significantly more dangerous than any random person. Liberal desires to repair the image of the mentally ill, after decades of pop culture that portrays all of them as murderous maniacs, has given way to an assumption of blamelessness. It helps no one, especially not the mentally ill themselves. Part of the difficulty in getting people to grapple with this reality is the rampant deployment of a strategically deceptive observation that the mentally ill are more likely to be the victims of violent crime than the perpetrators of violent crime. For example, in a 2021 piece in The Atlantic that argues that more than a half-century of deinstitutionalization did not cause a spike in homelessness among the mentally ill, Alisa Roth writes, Tough-on-crime rhetoric also helped enforce the persistent assumption that people with mental illness are dangerous and need to be kept off the streets to protect the rest of us but people with mental illness are far likelier to be victims than perpetrators of violence. A New York Times piece from November 2023 used the same language, saying mentally ill people are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime than to commit one. That statement is, in fact, true true and meaningless. It says literally nothing about the question of whether the mentally ill are more likely to commit acts of violence against strangers or not. The reality is that because a small percentage of people commit the large majority of violent crimes, members of almost any identifiable group are more likely to be the victims of violent crime than to be the perpetrators. We know that men commit a shockingly high percentage of the violent crimes in our society. And using the FBIs Crime Data Explorer and consulting the National Crime Victimization Survey, we can see that in the past half-decade, men have committed approximately 8.5 crimes per 1,000 while between 16 and 20 men per 1,000 were the victims of a violent crime. We too, as a sex, are more likely to be the victims of violent crimes than the perpetrators, perhaps twice as likely. But would it therefore be sensible to conclude that men are not more likely to be violent than women? Of course not. Thats not what that statistic says, and what it does say is irrelevant. Theyre more likely to be victims of violence than to commit violence is meaningless for assessing risk. And yet its voiced absolutely constantly including, Im afraid, in the PubMed publication I referenced above. Perhaps the researchers felt they needed to include that tidbit to avoid criticism or accusations of bias, which is another serious dynamic at play here. Im working on a book about mental illness now, and in a recent conversation with someone who has taken part in coming up with official diagnostic criteria for psychiatric conditions, I was told that few researchers are motivated to investigate relative rates of violence and criminality among those with mental illness. To perform that research is to invite a great deal of invective and accusations of perpetuating stigma, for little professional value, so why bother? The lengths psychology researchers go to in order to avoid this fate is remarkable; this study, for example, acknowledges up front that people with schizophrenia are significantly more likely to be violent than other members of the general population but goes on to reassure us that the proportion of violent crime in society attributable to schizophrenia consistently falls below 10 percent. To repeat myself, the World Health Organization says that the rate of schizophrenia in adults is less than 0.5 percent! How then is the fact that schizophrenics commit less than 10 percent of violent crimes relevant or meaningful in the discussion? These days, when people cant argue facts, they argue motive, and its inevitable that some will respond to this piece by asking why Im interested. Why do you care? Who is it serving? I have several answers to that question. The first is that the truth matters; the relative rate of violent crimes committed by the severely mentally ill is an empirical question, and the disability activist community and their enablers in the media have done everything in their power to obscure the truth. Another reason is that, yes, I am concerned with public safety. This is a deeply uncool thing to care about, but the victims of mentally ill assailants have rights too, and the current rhetorical conditions seem bent on forbidding difficult conversations about how to prevent these incidents. And we have real-world examples of societies that have developed mental-illness policies so lenient that they are a risk to the public. In Toronto, in 2015, a woman named Rohinie Bisesar randomly stabbed 28-year-old Rosemarie Junor to death. She was found not responsible by reason of mental illness was allowed unsupervised excursions into the community by an Ontario review board within a few years, then was released into unsupervised living in 2022. From stabbing someone to death to walking free in less than seven years is, Im willing say, not an ideal outcome. Call me a fascist for it if you wish. But the biggest reason Im opposed to the rampant, reflexive dismissal of violent actions inspired by mental illness is for the good of the mentally ill themselves. Its now been more than 60 years since John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act of 1963, which spurred the closure of dozens of state psychiatric facilities. In 1955, there were an estimated 559,000 residents in state psychiatric facilities; by 2016, the number of beds in such facilities stood at 35,000. That amounts to, if youre curious, one bed for more than every 9,000 Americans, meaning that our state psychiatric infrastructure could never possibly accommodate our population of people with mental illness. Of course, there are and have always been those who think that number should be zero because state facilities are carceral or similar nonsense. And yet after all these decades of tearing down government-run psychiatric facilities, virtually no one looks at the current scenario of inadequate facilities, overworked doctors, and countless untreated patients and likes what they see. Whats unclear is why so many people continue to insist that we need even less government intervention and even more hurdles to involuntary treatment. This is a good example of broad ignorance about mental-health policy in this country in the past half-century, even among educated people; I will frequently hear it suggested that were taking a more heavy-handed approach to the mentally ill than we used to, when the opposite is true, thanks to policy. Deinstitutionalization shuttered asylums, Medicaid created direct incentives for states to push patients into barely regulated private hospitals, a Supreme Court ruling made the threat of violence a legal standard for involuntary treatment, and the Americans With Disabilities Act dramatically expanded the ability of patients to challenge doctors and hospitals, contributing to a tentative and risk-averse approach to dealing with mental illness. The current approach to mental-health management, on the societal level, has failed according to just about everyones criteria. And yet the broad public conversation continues to be hamstrung by a refusal to contemplate the most essential reform: lowering the bar that the state and medical professionals must clear to treat someone without their consent. The pendulum swung too far. I was horrified by the vicious killing of Jordan Neely, and I hope that his assailant, Daniel Penny, is convicted in his manslaughter case. But if we care enough for Neely to imagine a world in which he would have survived, then we almost certainly must imagine one in which he was forced into care. Neely simply could not be said to lack for opportunities for care; he was in fact mandated into care by the courts. The trouble was that he was profoundly treatment resistant, a condition that afflicts many of the mentally ill and homeless. I argued last year that involuntary treatment could have saved his life, but the response to that attitude (in my inbox, on Twitter, in activist forums) was ferocious. In a deeply reported and sympathetic history of Neelys life published in this magazine last December, Dwayne Blizzard, Neelys mentor, said, When he got locked up, that could have saved him. But, as an acquaintance of Neelys from Rikers Island said in the piece, Were killing ourselves to jerry-rig what doesnt exist because its too much of a hot potato to talk about any kind of secure, residential, therapeutic environment. As someone who has written about mental illness for years, Im perpetually amazed at how many peoples first reference for psychiatric treatment is One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, a 49-year-old movie based on a 62-year-old novel about a man who explicitly does not have mental illness but is lobotomized anyway. Casual anti-psychiatry attitudes are common in the U.S.; The New York Times Magazine, for example, recently published an article casting doubt on conventional treatment for schizophrenia, based on a totally nonrepresentative handful of high-functioning patients who live with the voices. Most people who live with the voices do so in a state of poverty and personal chaos, rather than the tranquil life of meditation and music lessons depicted in that article. But resistance to conventional psychiatry, in the American consciousness, is old and durable. This despite the fact that most people who receive treatment for a psychiatric disorder eventually recover. Anti-psychiatry is abetted by an academic left and activist class that have legitimized anti-psychiatric ideas, under the cover of autonomy and freedom for the mentally ill. The activist class rejects any notion that mental illness induces violence, under typically broken social justice logic; the thinking seems to be that since the mentally ill is an identity category (it isnt) and expressing any negative feelings towards an identity category is bigoted, to say something negative about the mentally ill (such as that they have a higher propensity to violence) is therefore forbidden. They also, in general, rigidly resist involuntary treatment, despite the fact that psychotic disorders prevent those who suffer from them from making rational and free choices. Following Neelys death, the Alliance for Rights and Recovery demanded sweeping reforms but insisted that any engagement with the mentally ill be strictly voluntary. As such groups always do, it also called for greater resources for mental-health care, which we do in fact need. But voluntary care and more resources could not have saved Neelys life, as he simply walked away from treatment he already had access to. And this is indicative of the poverty of the activist class on this issue: Because so many major nonprofits and activist groups have forsworn compulsory treatment, theyre incapable of confronting a problem like Neelys. This piece from the Guardian is typical of the liberal response: The author laments that Neely would have faced stacked odds in finding care. But Neely was already in care! He was in care several times in his life! Finding care was not his problem. His problem was his refusal to stay in care. To point out a tendency among the mentally ill to commit violent acts is to contribute to stigma, the greatest enemy of disability activism and, for most suffering with severe mental illness, rather besides the point. As in so many other domains, it is not in fact the case that the mentally ill need a witless and blank positivity from the rest of us. They need help, and what they specifically need help with is overcoming the way their illness prevents them from seeking care. To really love the severely mentally ill, you must be willing to accept all of what they are. In Jordan Neelys case, that included being erratic and unstable as well as creative and bright, a habitual consumer of dangerous synthetic marijuana as well as a born performer, and a man whose mental illness contributed to a habit of committing random acts of violence. And, crucially, he had been given the opportunity to avoid prison through exactly the kind of diversionary program that liberals and leftists have been demanding for years, and he simply violated the terms of that program because he was too sick to make a better choice. This will, inevitably, be represented as me blaming Neely for his own death, when in fact I am certain that Daniel Penny deserves all of that blame. I am, instead, willing to acknowledge that Neely had a chance to escape his sad life into a better one but was too overcome with instability to do so. Some people need to be forced into treatment to save their lives. In his brilliant, mournful book from last year, The Best Minds, author Jonathan Rosen details the story of his childhood friend, Michael Laudor. Laudor was a brilliant young man who had a psychiatric crisis while in his early 20s and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. After a long hospitalization, he was able to persevere and graduated from Yale Law School. His story was so inspiring that he became a kind of cult celebrity, was the subject of a beaming New York Times profile, and sold the rights to his story to both a publishing house and to Hollywood for millions of dollars. For many, he served as a powerful positive symbol of what the mentally ill could do right up until the day he hacked his pregnant fiancee to death with a kitchen knife. And what Rosen reveals, detail by meticulous detail, is how the many people in Laudors life who thought they were doing him a favor by accepting him were in fact enabling him and, in so doing, acting as handmaidens to his undoing and his fiancees tragic death. He has spent every day of the 21st century in a maximum-security psychiatric facility. What if I told you that he might be living a full and functioning life, married to the woman he killed, maybe working as a lawyer, if our system had found the courage to say, You are going into treatment, and you cannot say no? And what if I told you that, whatever we choose to do with Jordan Neelys killer, Neely might have been saved if, before his death, we had mustered the integrity to look at the full horror of mental illness and actually, really committed to doing something about it? Employees at the Voyager Park and Walkway at Nvidia Headquarters in Santa Clara, California, US, on Monday, June 5, 2023. Nvidia Corp., suddenly at the core of the worlds most important technology, owns 80% of the market for a particular kind of chip called a data-center accelerator, and the current wait time for one of its AI processors is eight months. Photo: Marlena Sloss/Bloomberg via Getty Images Nvidia used to be the kind of company that only nerds and hard-core tech bros knew about. It designed high-end, specialized graphics chips for gamers, the kind who liked to take apart their PCs and tweak their motherboards. But, it turned out, these niche processors could do something else really well: handle all the complex work needed for artificial-intelligence programs like OpenAIs Dall-E image generator and its text bot ChatGPT. That has put Nvidia at the center of the AI boom powering not just Sam Altmans company but Tesla, Meta, and every other Silicon Valley copycat. This year, Nvidias value in the stock market has nearly tripled to nearly $3.3 trillion, making the company the most valuable in the world larger than both Apple and Microsoft. Recently, Intelligencer spoke with an Nvidia engineer in his late 20s. In December and May, when the company reported extraordinary processor sales in its quarterly earnings reports, his net worth jumped hundreds of thousands of dollars. When I joined in 2021, Nvidia was prestigious in that it was a well-known name, but it wasnt as competitive as Google and nowhere near as competitive as Meta. The perks have always been very bare. You cant get free lunch its not like Google. And the cafeteria is only open till 2 p.m., but at Google I think its open all day. They just restarted the San Francisco shuttle, and we dont get any commuter benefits. Plus its a hardware company, which is different from internet companies. But now, were getting so many applications for the few positions that we have that its impossible to look through all the resumes. Were probably going to be very competitive now. Watching the stock price go up was absolutely crazy. I definitely did not expect this to happen. I had thought of Nvidia as a gaming company I had thought, Maybe it could keep growing. Obviously, its not a gaming company anymore. My cash salary is just over $200,000; most of my comp is in equity. The first time the stock price shot up, I was doing the numbers in my head, like, Okay, if the average price for next year is $400, Im gonna make $450,000 next year. Thats amazing. But the average is going to be less than $400. Its not going to stay there. That was how I was thinking about it. Then, each time, the price just kept going up. After the December earnings last year, I didnt have any more. I thought, Clearly, theyre not bullshitting and this is just gonna keep going. Currently I have $1.6 million in unvested shares that will vest over the next 18 months. After taxes, that should net another $800,000. If I had kept every share I was ever given, I believe Id have an extra $1 million, possibly less. I could not believe it. I always had the sense that I would never get lucky with the stock market. A few investments I made I lost a bunch of money on. My last company tanked right before I joined. I thought, Okay, its fine. Ill just work for a wage, and I dont need to get lucky. I could not believe my luck. I still feel that way every quarter. I sometimes do the math of how much I get paid per month with stock included, and the number is crazy. Plus I love working at Nvidia. Its super-interesting. I dont work on the GPU directly, more like a research-y project. I get to open a textbook which I never did in my old job and read up on the algorithms. And I dont really work that hard either, like 30, 35 hours a week. When the Nvidia stock was going down in 2022, there would be a tinge in the air at work; people were not happy about it. Now, everyones cheerful, happy. Its kind of funny, though at the office, we never talk about it. Maybe right after earnings, my manager will say something like, Obviously, weve been doing really well. I have one close friend who Ive talked to about it, but you dont want to jinx it, I guess. Plus you dont know how much stock everyone else has. I think people with longer tenure with higher-level roles probably are doing great. They will get retirement money out of this, even if they diversified from Nvidia. When Nvidia became the largest publicly-traded company in the world, I took screenshots of the stock price and sent it to my mom and girlfriend. It was pretty great. Its kind of unbelievable. I also talked to one work friend about it. We were both pretty psyched. People at the company are silently happy. Outside of work, it can be annoying when people hear I work there they ask when I joined and try to guess how rich I am. This is gonna sound really douchey, but if someone asked me where I went to school, its a little bit awkward for me to say because its a big name. And this is sort of similar. If you say youre working at Nvidia, theyre like, Ooooh, okay. Thats who Im talking to? How about that stock, man? My parents are both highly educated, but I grew up middle class. My mom makes money but not a lot. I got into college on full financial aid, and I am paying for my sister to attend college at the moment. Until recently, Id try to spend under $100 a day, maximum. But Ive been failing. Ive been going out whenever I want. Ive been splurging, and Its going to be a problem. Ive been buying a lot of very nice gifts for people. For my girlfriend, Ive gotten a couple of pieces of nice jewelry very reasonable stuff, no gemstones or anything. My sister gets more age-appropriate stuff. Shoes. I got her a MacBook she needs it for school. Once a month, Ive been taking my girlfriend to a nice restaurant one Michelin star, not the three Michelin stars. I just dont get the value prop, you know? Those are like $2,000 for two people, but for one star, its like $800, $900. Every now and then, I take everyone traveling. I took my mom to Napa and stayed at a very, very nice hotel. I would have never been able to stay there $1,200 or something. I grew up abroad, and my mom still lives in that country, so I go there like twice a year. I really enjoy flying business class. I dont want to fly economy ever again; I just dont want to touch shoulders and share an armrest, you know? So the new expense would be flying business to Europe. Those tickets are, like, $6,000 or something. So far this year, Ive spent about $30,000 on my sisters tuition. $11,000 for travel. $14,000 for restaurants and bars. And then $8,000 shopping. Jesus Christ. I need to slow down. To be honest, I dont feel rich. Its relaxed me a lot and made homeownership a possibility in the near future, but its not like Im loaded now. I certainly cant retire on the amount of money. Being unmarried with no kids, I now feel comfortable flying business and staying at high-end hotels, but I could not do any of that if I had kids. Im renting an apartment in downtown S.F. I could comfortably buy a $2 million house by putting down $800,000 and getting a mortgage for the rest, but renting seems like a much better option. What kind of life do I see for myself? I dont really have an answer to that. Id like at least two kids, maybe three to four. My goal has always been to have $5 million for retirement. I might stay at Nvidia if I got a couple more promotions, but I plan on moving to NYC when the equity cliff hits in 2026. I hate how soulless the peninsula is and how far San Francisco has been allowed to deteriorate. I still like S.F., but its not a quarter of the city it used to be and theres no indication problems are gonna fix themselves. Like a cultural dead zone, you know? My parents have some friends in the area. When I visit, its this race to politely humblebrag about your last vacation or where your kid got into college or whatever. Thats not how I grew up. I wouldnt want to raise kids in that environment. In fact, it would be ideal if my kids thought we were poor, just not going to school with superrich people. And by superrich I mean anyone who has a $3 million home in Menlo Park. The school I went to had a lot of smart, ambitious people. Way more ambitious than me. A bunch of my friends were loaded through their parents and then some of them immediately went to Google. I was more middle of the road. I dont need to prove myself to anyone anymore. I feel great. I cannot complain. I just feel content and secure. Thats been a nice thing. I thought he was gonna go away with some kind of dignity?? Reply Thread Link where was he gonna get this dignity from? Reply Parent Thread Link Mte like Wheres your, wheres your, wheres your dignity? I think you lost it in the Hollywood hills Reply Parent Thread Link Lets make his come back the black version of katy perry's comeback also as a fellow queer he gives us a bad name Reply Thread Link Good luck Good luck Reply Thread Link "that youre shady, that youre a fraud But that's what it was looool!! You were declaring yourself as "the gay tupac" But that's what it was looool!! You were declaring yourself as "the gay tupac" Reply Thread Link He's awful. And he keeps going. Reply Parent Thread Link The word narcissist gets thrown around a lot lately but this dude right here is the definition. Appealing this case over and over when he knows he did it? Trying to invoke marginalized communities to shield him from justified criticism? GAY TUPAC??! Nah. This one needs to be studied. Textbook. Put his picture in the DSM-V next to narcissistic personality disorder Reply Parent Thread Link he hits em** up! **himself Reply Parent Thread Link Tupac went to jail for his part in a womans assault. He probably couldve chosen a better comparison lol. Reply Parent Thread Link It means a great deal to have the love and support of my queer Black community and equally to have the love and support of the Black community as a whole, Reply Thread Link "it's a bold strategy Cotton, let's see if it pays off for him" Reply Parent Thread Link It means a great deal to have the love and support of my queer Black community this was not in the newsletter, I did not vote on this. Reply Thread Link That dog, though. Love it. Reply Thread Link The only Best Thing about these details. Reply Parent Thread Link This fucking guy Reply Thread Link I wish I could say that nobody in ANY community still supports this clown, but, considering that C. Brown (and I don't mean Charlie) still has people who will cape for him, I know I can't make such a grand statement, but he's doing logistical gymnastics that would make Simone Biles go "damn" if he thinks he can claim that he has the support of the "whole black community." Reply Thread Link Honesty goes a long way towards forgiveness, and I would have more respect for him if he just admitted to being sly to angle to get more money but now realizes how fucked up it was to do something like that. I would also apologize especially to the queer community because gay-bashing is real, and when people lie it hurts the entire community. Reply Thread Link He's really awful for exactly that. The best thing for him to do is to shut up and go away. Just go away- enough damage done. We have SO MANY troubles without self-inflicted wounds. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm just an outsider looking in, so I understand and respect your POV. Reply Parent Thread Link Ok Reply Thread Link Oh wow Reply Thread Link im gonna sit with my groovy fries and this post Reply Thread Link please tell me about the sauce. is it just thousand island or something else? Reply Parent Thread Link a little less sweet tastes like canes sauce but not as good. still tho, a solid sauce! Reply Parent Thread Link The oil industry has not historically been a fan of ethanol and biodiesel makers. They're competition in a packed market. But now, the API, refiners, and biofuel producers are uniting in the face of a common enemy: the Biden administration that wants to make the EV revolution happen whatever it takesincluding unrealistic fuel efficiency standards. Earlier this month, the American Petroleum Institute filed a lawsuit at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the federal government's new fuel efficiency standards. Those call for carmakers to implement tailpipe emissions reductions of 50% by 2032 from 2026 levels by raising the required level of fuel efficiency for model years 2027-2032 to 50.4 miles to the gallon. It's worth noting that the rule was revised under pressure from the carmaking industry, which was quick to protest the original target of 58 miles to the gallon as proposed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. However, even an increase to 50.4 miles to the gallon would be a rather substantial one: currently, the fleetwide fuel efficiency average stands at 29.1 miles to the gallon. The API and its former foes turned friends from the National Corn Growers Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation believe the purpose of this doubling of fuel efficiency is to force carmakers to sell more EVs, which would hurt their business and, they argue, the economy as a whole. Supporters of the rules from the federal government swear it does not amount to a mandate for EV sales. "We designed the standards to be technology neutral and performance-based to give manufacturers the flexibility to choose which combination of pollution control technologies are best suited for their consumers," EPA administrator Michael Regan said, as quoted by Reuters, in March when the final rules were announced. He also emphasized there was 'absolutely no mandate" for EVs. Related: Is Big Solar Beating Big Oil in 2024? While there might not be a direct mandate, it is easy to see why the API and the biofuel industry see something of a mandate in the whole thing. Doubling the fuel efficiency of all cars that are made in the U.S. in three short years would be quite the undertakingwhich the industry could and probably would have done voluntarily had there been a commercial point to it. So, from Big Oil's and Big Corn's perspective, the new rules essentially amount to a thinly veiled mandate for more EV sales because they are not taking off on their own. "By approving tailpipe standards that focus exclusively on electric vehicles, EPA has ignored the proven benefits corn ethanol plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change," said the president of the National Corn Growers Association when his group and the API, plus half a dozen car dealerships, file their lawsuit. Harold Wolle added that the NCGA had tried to make its case for ethanol to the EPA but "to no avail", making the next step inevitable. Because for the API and the ethanol and biodiesel makers, an EV mandate, however formulated, would mean lossesif it works. This seems to be a possibility that the API, the NCGA and the other plaintiffs in what are now two lawsuits, are not entertaining. They don't need to, really. What they see is a threat to their livelihoods, so they are taking action to neutralize this threat. And they might get a strong new friend soon: the carmaking industry. So far, carmakers have been mostly on board with the Biden administration's efforts to make electric cars a more frequent sight on American roads. In fact, for the most part, they have been vocally and enthusiastically on boarduntil the losses they are making on every EV that they sell started piling up. Ford is losing $100,000 on every EV that it sells. GM booked a loss of $1.7 billion from its EV business for 2023. Stellantis made a profit from EV sales last yearbecause it sells them in Europe. It has yet to start selling EVs on the U.S. market where its cars may or may not qualify for the full stack of incentives the federal government offers EV makers. Because of these figures, Big Auto is now changing its ambitious plans of going all-electric in less than a decade. Markets speak louder than transition advertisers, and what they are saying right now is that the majority of people don't want an EV yet. That's after billions in investments in electric car manufacturing capacities and a rush to secure the necessary materials and components for an all-electric future. It may only be a matter of time before the car industry gets tired of emission reduction targets that would effectively squeeze its business with a load of additional costs. It may only be a matter of time before carmakers join the API and the NCGA, as well as the rest of those affected by the Biden admin's transition plans. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As oil majors return to offshore exploration, West Africa's deepwater has become a key drilling target for some of the biggest international companies. Cote d'Ivoire and Namibia have been the hottest exploration areas in recent years, yielding some huge oil and gas discoveries. While Namibia has yet to launch its own crude oil production, Cote d'Ivoire has been producing crude for years and is set to triple its output by 2027 thanks to the recent oil and gas finds in its waters. Cote d'Ivoire expects to boost its oil production to 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027, up from about 60,000 bpd now, the West African country's president Alassane Ouattara said this week. The country, also referred to as Ivory Coast, expects to attract $15 billion in investments in its oil and gas sector and become a regional oil and gas hub. Fast Track from Discovery to Production The most active oil major in Cote d'Ivoire is Italy's Eni, which has made two significant discoveries since 2021 and started up production from one of these just two years after striking oil. In August 2023, Eni started oil and gas production from the Baleine field offshore Cote d'Ivoire, less than two years after the discovery in September 2021 and less than a year and a half after the Final Investment Decision (FID). According to the Italian group, Baleine is the first Scope 1 and 2 emissions-free production project in Africa. The initial production phase is taking place via a refurbished and upgraded Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit capable of handling up to 15,000 bpd and around 25 Mscf/d of associated gas. Related: Natural Gas Outlook Mixed Amid Volatile European Markets The Baleine field, which will be developed in three phases, will see the second development phase boosting oil output to 50,000 bpd by the end of 2024. Full field development production will yield 150,000 bpd of oil when full development is completed by 2027. Baleine is estimated to hold 2.5 billion potential barrels of oil in place, Eni says. All the natural gas from the field will go to Cote d'Ivoire's domestic market via a new pipeline to the shore. A few months after announcing the start-up of the Baleine field, Eni said in March this year that it had made another oil discovery, named Calao, offshore Cote d'Ivoire. The exploration well encountered light oil, gas, and condensates characterized by good to excellent permeability values, while preliminary assessments indicate potential resources ranging between 1 billion and 1.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Calao is the second largest discovery in Cote d'Ivoire after the Baleine field discovered by Eni in September 2021, the Italian company said. If Eni manages to fast-track the Calao development as it did with Baleine, the West African country could further boost its oil and gas production. Cote d'Ivoire's producing Baobab offshore field has recently attracted the attention of Houston-based Vaalco Energy, which acquired earlier this year Svenska Petroleum Exploration, a Swedish privately-held firm, whose primary asset is a 27.39% non-operated working interest in Baobab. The field, which has been in operation for nearly two decades, is planned to see dry-docking and upgrading of the FPSO in 2025, which "will position us well for the expected production growth from the 2026 drilling program and for future drilling campaigns for many years to come," Vaalco Energy's CEO George Maxwell said. "We are adding an asset with strong current production and reserves at a very attractive price," Maxwell added. Africa Potential Further south from Cote d'Ivoire along the West Africa coast is Namibia, considered the world's next prized oil production hotspot that could replicate Guyana's success. Shell, TotalEnergies, and Portugal's Galp have announced major oil discoveries offshore Namibia in recent years. At the end of April, Galp Energia said that the first phase of its exploration in the Mopane field offshore Namibia could contain at least 10 billion barrels of oil. Namibia is a key exploration target for Galp, as well as for supermajors Shell and TotalEnergies. TotalEnergies and Shell have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, kicking off the Namibian oil rush in 2022. TotalEnergies made a significant discovery of light oil with associated gas on the Venus prospect in the Orange Basin in early 2022. Venus in Namibia could be a "giant oil and gas discovery," the French supermajor said in an investor presentation in September 2022. Over the past two years, Shell has made four oil and gas discoveries in the Orange Basin offshore Namibia. In May this year, a BP-Eni joint venture, Azule Energy, announced an agreement to take 42.5% in an offshore block in Namibia, which Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini described as a "highly prospective hydrocarbon region." Despite still uncertain development designs, timing, and production levels, Wood Mackenzie estimates that Namibia's oil economics could be robust, with net present value (NPV) remaining positive even at oil prices as low as $40 per barrel. TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy are also expanding their efforts to explore for oil and gas in the Orange Basin by acquiring a nearby license in the basin in South African waters. Cote d'Ivoire, Namibia, and South Africa have become the supermajors' new targets for offshore exploration and production. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight, damaging energy infrastructure and prompting even more power blackouts, while Ukrainian drones reportedly struck deep inside Russian territory, setting oil installations on fire in two regions. Ukraine's national power company, Ukrenerho, said early on June 20 that four regions were targeted in the latest wave of Russian drone and missile attacks. "Equipment was damaged at energy facilities in the Vinnytsya, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Kyiv regions," Ukrenerho said in a message on Telegram. A thermal power plant sustained "serious damage" in the Russian strikes, according to Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK."This is already the seventh mass attack on the company's thermal power plant in the last three months," DTEK said on Telegram, without disclosing the location of the facility. It said three workers were injured in the attack. The latest wave of Russian strikes has also increased the number of scheduled power outages for domestic consumers, Ukrenerho said, adding, however, that electricity supply for critical infrastructure will not be restricted. Separately, the air force reported that Russia attacked Ukraine with nine missiles and 27 drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down all the drones and five missiles, the military said. Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure, causing enormous damage and limiting electricity supply for the civilian population, prompting regular blackouts. In return, Ukrainian drones have struck deeper inside Russia, damaging energy facilities critical for Moscow's military effort, mainly oil installations. On June 20, drones belonging to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) struck a fuel and lubricants warehouse in Russia's Tambov region, some 400 kilometers southeast of Moscow, and a LUKoil oil depot in the North Caucasus region of Adygea, setting both on fire, a Ukrainian security source told RFE/RL. The Baza channel, which is linked to Russian security services, confirmed that a fire had broken out at the Platonov oil depot in Tambov. Veniamin Kondratyev, the governor of the Russian region of Krasnodar, said a private house was completely destroyed, and a local resident was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban. The SBU told RFE/RL that its drones had carried out almost three dozen successful attacks on Russian oil facilities in various regions since the start of the war. None of the claims could be independently confirmed. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: There was an unannounced guest at Iranian President Ebrahim Raisis state funeral in late May. Alongside dignitaries from neighboring states including Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and Prime Minister Ali Asadov of Azerbaijan Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, accompanied by the countrys foreign minister, was in attendance in Tehran. There was no advanced notice of the visit. Georgians learned about it from news reports and government channels the day of the funeral, which described, with little additional information, how Kobakhidze expressed his sympathy to the Iranian people, as he reportedly told Irans ambassador in Tbilisi. Such trips by Georgian or Iranian government leaders are rare, and analysts were left to puzzle about the motives for the visit. Tehran prefers that Georgia is not influenced by the [Western] factor in its relations with Iran, said Vali Kaleji, a Tehran-based expert on Iranian foreign policy in the Caucasus. Therefore, it seems that if new approaches in Georgias domestic and foreign policy lead to closer relations between Georgia and Russia, Iran will welcome it. Unlike Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia does not share a border with Iran, and trade between the countries has been comparatively modest. Tbilisi and Tehran have maintained stable relations throughout the years, hitting only a few speed bumps along the way. These days, Georgia is in the midst of a dizzying geopolitical realignment spurred by the ruling Georgian Dream partys passage of a divisive law that can potentially enable incumbent authorities to muzzle dissent. As its Western allies start distancing themselves politically and taking their investments elsewhere, Georgias path to forge closer ties with illiberal regimes like those in China and Iran seems more open than at any point in its post-Soviet history. In a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, both Georgian and Iranian diplomats signaled openness to expanding economic cooperation. Special attention was paid to the need for sustainable and stable development of the region, Georgias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement about the meeting. Of late, Tehran has strengthened commercial relations with Azerbaijan with whom it has had a complicated relationship in recent years as part of the expansion of the North-South trade corridor. At the same time, Irans generally healthy relationship with Armenia has come under some strain. Georgia, meanwhile, has traditionally walked a fine line with Iran, a stance driven by long-standing aspirations of integrating into Western political, economic, and security institutions. While always interested in building trade ties and welcoming Iranian tourists, Georgian leaders have been wary of engaging Iran in any way that might rile the United States, which for almost the past half century has considered Tehran as a bete noire. The desire to keep the US and European Union happy prompted Georgia to pass up some potentially lucrative joint projects with Iran in the 1990s. Former president Mikheil Saakashvili, the most ardent supporter of NATO and EU accession for Georgia, generally kept Iran at arms length. Even the Georgian Dream-led government temporarily suspended visa-free travel to Georgia for Iranian citizens in 2013, when the US expressed concern about potential sanctions-busting behavior. In recent years, Georgian entities have been careful about doing deals with Iran. Georgian companies and banks are also cautious in cooperating with Iranian companies and banks due to the concern of US sanctions, said Kaleji, the expert on Irans foreign policy. Kobakhidzes visit to Tehran suggests that the government is less concerned now than previously about what Washington and Brussels think about the Georgian dealings with Iran. The visit was a major surprise for many political analysts in Tbilisi. Two months ago, we lived in a different country, said Giorgi Sanikidze, a professor at Tbilisis Ilia State University, referring to Georgias rapid geopolitical pivot amid the implementation of the countrys foreign agents law. Despite having studied Irans relations with countries in the region for over three decades, Sanikidze struggled to offer a rationale for Kobakhidzes visit beyond its public relations boost to bilateral relations, indicating that there was no clear benefit to be derived from the trip for Georgias strategic interests. Iran has floated the idea of closer economic ties in the past, including by supplying Iranian gas to Georgia through Armenia, but those efforts have not resulted in concrete agreements. Even so, state data shows that gas imports to Georgia from Iran exploded by more than 600 percent in 2023. If the two countries are indeed preparing to pursue closer relations, energy supplies are a likely catalyst. But as Tbilisis ties with the US and EU seem set to weaken, Tehran may also be a potential source of political support for the Georgian Dream government, which was characterized in a recent Freedom House report as an increasingly authoritarian regime. Iran also supports these fundamentalist conservative conceptions about the great past, how we are different, we are a great nation with this rich historical past, Sanikidze said. These are, today, the slogans of Georgian Dream its practically the same. By Brawley Benson via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The European Union is set to ban the re-export of Russian LNG in the blocs waters in a first sanctions measure targeting Russias gas, EU diplomats told Reuters on Thursday. The EU has been debating the 14th sanctions package against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine for a month, including proposals to ban LNG trans-shipments in EU waters and ways to address Russias shadow fleet of oil tankers. EU Ambassadors just agreed on a powerful and substantial 14th package of sanctions in reaction to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Belgium, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said on Thursday. This package provides new targeted measures and maximizes the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented, This hard-hitting package will further deny Russia access to key technologies. It will strip Russia of further energy revenues. And tackle Putins shadow fleet and shadow banking network abroad. Trans-shipment of LNG within the EU has been a widespread practice so far, although the volumes dont represent a large part of Russias LNG exports. The EU, however, is stopping short of outright banning imports of Russian LNG, as it did with oil and oil products. The EUs imports of LNG from Russia have jumped in the past two years since Russia cut off some EU countries from pipeline gas in the spring and summer of 2022, and the Nord Stream pipeline was blown up in September that year. Some of the LNG import terminals in Western Europe, including in Belgium, have been re-exporting to Spain and China. An analysis by the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA) showed at the end of last year that around 21% of Russias LNG volumes bound for the European Union are transshipments, which are not included in official import figures and thus ignored by EU policymakers. The EUs 14th sanctions package also targets three Russian LNG projects and contains a clause allowing EU member states Sweden and Finland to cancel LNG contracts with Russia, diplomats told Reuters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Carbon dioxide emissions last year broke yet another record despite an increase in the deployment of wind and solar and a marked increase in EV sales. The outtake comes from this years edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy which for the second year in a row is being published by the Energy Institute in partnership with KPMG and Kearney. The report said that global primary energy consumption last year went up by 2% on the year, by 5% from pre-Covid levels, and was about 0.6% above the ten-year average. At the same time, consumption of hydrocarbons as a portion of that primary energy declined by a modest 0.4%--the same rate, at which the share of so-called renewable energy sources rose as part of the total. Oil consumption topped 100 million barrels daily for the first time in history, the Energy Institute also said in its report, noting that in the year before last oil consumption and biofuel consumption together had stood at 100 million bpd, suggesting 2023 saw an increase in oil consumption specifically. Emissions meanwhile went up by 2.1% last year, topping 40 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent, with emissions from direct energy consumption accounting for over 35 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The report showed that oil production rose by 1.8 million barrels daily last year, to reach a record 96 million barrels daily. Oil demand marked an increase, too, driven by a 5% rise in Asia, which offset a 1% decline in demand in Europe. In North America, demand rose by a negligible 0.8%. Natural gas production, meanwhile, remained largely unchanged on 2022 last year, with Russia and Europe even seeing declines in output. Demand overall also rose very modestly, by 0.02% or 1 billion cu m, according to the Statistical Review of World Energy. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The 42-year-old man suspected of shooting at Omaha law enforcement officers and leading an hours-long pursuit on May 30 has been booked into the Douglas County Jail after being treated for his injuries. Jason Davenport faces felony charges in both Douglas and Washington Counties, according to court records. A suspected accomplice, 40-year-old Dana Banks, was also arrested and faces a charge of being an accessory. According to previous reporting and arrest affidavits, the incident began around 9 p.m. when Nebraska State Patrol troopers were in the 6200 block of South 30th Street to follow up on an active arrest warrant against Davenport after he allegedly fled from a traffic stop in Pottawattamie County the previous week. While the officers were attempting to make contact with Davenport, he was believed to have exited from another area of the residence and was trying to jump a fence, according to the affidavit. Troopers made contact with Davenport and ordered him to put the gun he was holding down, according to the affidavit. Davenport then approached a State Patrol cruiser and fired shots from his handgun in the air and in the vicinity of one of the troopers, the affidavit said. Davenport tried to steal the cruiser and a rifle in the cruiser, but was unsuccessful, the State Patrol said. Several law enforcement officers fired their weapons toward Davenport as he attempted to steal the cruiser. A Ford Fusion then pulled up next to Davenport and Banks exited the car and helped Davenport, who was limping, into the drivers side of the car. Banks then entered the passenger side of the car and Davenport drove away. At this point, a Help an Officer call had been issued and Omaha Police Department officers responded to assist. Officers saw the car drive through Upland Park, but then lost site of it, the affidavit said. According to the affidavit, Omaha police tracked the location of Davenports phone and determined he was in Kennard. Around 3 a.m., a Washington County Sheriffs Office deputy located a Kia Soul SUV believed to have been stolen. According to Washington County Sheriff Mike Robinson, a deputy and another law enforcement officer attempted a high risk traffic stop on the vehicle, which fled. After a short vehicle chase, Davenport and Banks then ran to a semitrailer truck inside a shop building near Kennard. Numerous law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including a State Patrol SWAT team, arrived at the scene and a standoff commenced. Davenport refused to follow commands to drop the gun in his possession and exit the cab. Davenport pointed the gun toward officers, prompting them to fire, the State Patrol said. After shots were fired, Banks left the semi cab and surrendered, the State Patrol said. She was taken into custody and taken to the Nebraska Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound. Davenport still refused to exit the cab, according to the state patrol. Eventually, the Pottawattamie County Sheriffs Office brought an armored vehicle outfitted to allow access to the semi cab. Once access was achieved, a State Patrol K9 went into the semi cab. Shortly after 8 a.m., Davenport was taken into custody and then to the Nebraska Medical Center. The former Nix Behavioral Health Center at 1975 Babcock Road closed in late 2019. While primary care is experiencing its own workforce shortage, that segment is shouldering more mental health screenings to help bridge the behavioral health provider gap. The new psychiatric unit at Kerrville State Hospital was completed in September 2022, but the state struggles to hire staff for it. While primary care is experiencing its own workforce shortage, that segment is shouldering more mental health screenings to help bridge the behavioral health provider gap. Photo provided by Kerrville State Hospital. It took one cancer patient 15 years ago to convince Barbara Chapman that the model of mental health treatment needed some serious work. It was 2009, and she was an advanced practice nurse working in a Dallas primary care practice when she met a female patient diagnosed with breast and lung cancer. The same woman had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The woman didnt have health insurance, but Chapman was determined to help her navigate the medical system for both cancer and mental health treatment. After several weeks, Chapman was able to find a place that would treat her physical and mental illnesses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I made a promise to her that I would do everything in my power to make sure nobody had to go through that again, Chapman said. That seminal experience is why Chapman, who now is an assistant clinical professor for the family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs at the University of Texas at Tyler, has been an advocate for a better, collaborative care model for mental and medical health fields. There is not a diagnosis that doesnt have a mental health component. I am doing everything in my power to promote that message to my students and others because we can work together to solve this crisis we find ourselves in, Chapman said. This means we can be the front line to total treatment. Behavioral health has historically been structured, researched, financed and regulated differently than general health care, and mental health and substance use disorders are typically treated as a specialty. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even the way people pay for mental health and medical treatment has been vastly different. A lot of people dont have psychiatric services in their health insurance, or if they do, it might only cover three visits or something to that effect, and then the rest of it is out of pocket, Chapman said. While in medical, the way insurance is set up is pretty straightforward. Its one of the obstacles we havent gotten past. Provider shortages Keeping mental health a separate field has contributed to the workforce shortage Americans are now experiencing. Mental health services are not distributed evenly nationwide, as providers cant keep their doors open in most rural or lower-income areas because reimbursement from health insurance plans is so low. In Texas, 98% of the 254 counties are designated as mental health professional shortage areas. Texas ranks last in the nation for access to mental health care. In rural Texas, the shortage can be even more problematic because patients earn less than in cities and may not have health insurance, and then theres the added cost of transportation to larger towns and cities that do have therapists or psychiatrists. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Experts say the best way to solve this crisis is by diagnosing mental illness early before it reaches a point where medical treatment, hospitalization or other intensive services are needed. However, studies have found primary care physicians are often the first point of contact when it comes to mental illness, not behavioral health providers. I have had people come into my office for a blood pressure check or routine blood work, and all of a sudden, they break down in tears and start telling me all the other things that are going on with their life, said Chapman, who volunteers her time with mobile health services around the state. This is why people like Chapman believe the answer to the mental health crisis might be in the medical field, starting with the collaborative care model, where every routine primary care checkup can include a screening for behavioral health issues like depression, anxiety and substance use, similar to what primary care doctors do for blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This gives the primary care provider the responsibility of early detection before a mental health concern turns into a crisis. Chapman said primary care providers have understandably been slow to adopt this model mainly because some may lack confidence in making a mental health diagnosis and are combating workforce issues of their own. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The federal government estimates that the United States will be short some 68,020 primary care physicians by 2036. Yes, theyre already overwhelmed. And so taking on mental health care issues while dealing with an already very busy primary care practice will be a difficult thing to do, Chapman said. But I tell all my students, you have to understand that you are the first line of defense. We are the first to hear about someone being a little depressed or that they are going through a divorce or that a mom died. Dr. Zachary Sartor, a family medicine faculty physician at Waco Family Medicine who treats the underserved residents of McLennan and Bell counties, said the collaborative care model has become an essential part of the medical field. He said his clinic has taken a unique approach to collaborative care by having mental health providers work alongside primary care to ease the burden on both fields. The collaborative model can take a lot of time and can limit our ability to do this, so having those providers working beside us in the clinic makes that time limit feasible. If I see someone for hypertension, they can also see someone for depression, allowing us to see more people without putting an additional burden on the clinician, he said. Sartor believes primary care is well-positioned to impact the mental health crisis in Texas. He said patients usually prefer to meet with their primary care doctor about mental health, which allows them to be treated for everything under one roof, which is key for rural areas of the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I believe most mental illness can be treated in primary care with the right training, Sartor said. There will always be a need for specialists in mental health, but primary care has a broad scope of practice, and this will allow us to treat most of these effectively. Chapman, at UT-Tyler, believes that if primary care providers are only tasked with handling low-level mental illnesses like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and low-scale depression, then the medical field can help mental health providers without overwhelming themselves in the process. There are things primary care providers cant handle like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and higher level diagnosis like that. But we are in an all-boots-on-the-ground situation. None of us are doing well, she said. A new approach In Austin, Dr. Roshni Koli, is one voice primary care physicians turn to when they need help with a mental health diagnosis for a child. As a psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at Dell Medical School, Koli has been answering primary care doctors questions as part of the states Child Psychiatry Access Network, which provides telehealth mental health consultations. The questions she takes range from What kind of diagnosis goes with these symptoms? to What kind of medication is needed for anxiety? to Where should I refer someone with suicidal thoughts? I just got off a call where a primary care physician was asking about a plan for anxiety for one of his patients. They had already figured out the diagnosis but just needed some help with medication. Most people call me with some idea already, Koli said. The Texas Legislature created CPAN in 2019 as part of a larger group of programs designed to improve psychiatric care for young people. These include the Perinatal Psychiatry Access Network, which enables reproductive care providers to call a mental health provider for assistance with their patients. Mental health and physical health are inextricably intertwined. Both are essential for good health, but oftentimes, those notes collected by primary care doctors and psychologists are not shared with each other, Koli said. We are starting to see that change. Koli said that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, she has seen a strong willingness from primary care providers to start getting involved with the program. Since 2019, CPAN has enrolled more than 12,700 providers and nearly 2,500 clinics and completed more than 34,000 calls for consultation with a psychiatrist or for specialized resources and referrals. It kind of just makes sense for primary care to take this on. Physicians are already monitoring if you have high blood pressure, or high cholesterol and do follow-ups based on those reports. We can apply those same principles to mental health, Koli said. The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute released a study in 2020 that suggested if every Texan with major depression had access to the Collaborative Care Model, 725 to 1,100 lives could be saved every year. Texas Health and Human Services also has its own model called the Healthy Community Collaborative, which promotes partnerships between public and private sectors to integrate services for homeless people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. We have seen once you treat someones mental illness, their physical health improves as well, Koli said. Chapman said these state-sponsored collaborative care programs show Texas is moving in the right direction. However, she said these programs currently only cater to very specific populations and that the state has a dire need for overall adult mental health services. LINCOLN Evening anchor Megan Conway is no longer with KLKN-TV after her contract was not renewed last month. Conway had been the evening anchor for the Lincoln ABC affiliate for eight years. My contract was expiring May 31st, Conway posted on social media Tuesday. During a meeting on that date, I was expecting to sign a new contract, but instead was told management decided to go in a different direction and were not offering a contract renewal. "I was blindsided with this information, so thats why there was no goodbye on-air during the newscasts. Conway, a native of Indianola, Nebraska, has been at KLKN since 2014, starting as an intern while studying broadcast journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Hired as the morning editor, Conway moved into the roles of reporter, weekend meteorologist and morning anchor before she became evening anchor in 2016. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2024 LINCOLN More than 50 years after 1,600 acres of tribal land was condemned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Winnebago people will have their land restored to them. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Thursday to pass the Winnebago Land Transfer Act, sending it to President Joe Bidens desk, where hes expected to sign it into law. The legislation will restore the 1,600 acres in Nebraska and Iowa to the tribe. It had been taken in 1970 for a proposed recreation project that never came to fruition. This is a truly historic moment for the Winnebago Tribe as lands that were taken from us over 50 years ago will soon be restored to the tribe, Winnebago Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan said in a press release. Our ancestors, including the late Louis LaRose, fought tirelessly to secure and protect our homelands. We are honored to carry on their work. The tribe had gone to federal court have the land restored. Eventually, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the condemnation was illegal, but it did not have the authority to return the land to the tribe. The Winnebago Tribe then turned to Congress. A version of the Winnebago Land Transfer Act was first proposed in 2017, but past efforts to pass the bill stalled. The version that passed this year was cosponsored by all members of the Nebraska and Iowa congressional delegations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was wrong to seize this land through eminent domain in the 1970s, said Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., who introduced the Senate bill. After decades of inaction, its time for us to make this right. Once the bill officially becomes law, the Winnebago Wildlife and Parks Department will be responsible for managing the land. The tribe plans to use the land for conservation and improving overall management of the land. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2024 The Federal Government says it plans to set up cashew processing plants in four states of the country to add value to the produce and create employment, wealth in the country. This was made known by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Ogbeh said the move would also reduce the waste of cashew fruits and delay in the export of raw nuts out of the country. According to him, we are currently wasting an estimated 8 million tonnes of cashew fruits annually. He said the long term solution to the delay in export and stocking of cashew nuts at the ports is for Nigeria to be exporter of finished products and not raw materials. Ogbeh listed the states where the plants would be set up to include Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Oyo. He said: The challenge is usually access to credit because a good processing cashew line will cost you about two million dollars to do something like 10 to 20 tonnes a day. We are targeting that to set up at least one plant each in Enugu and Benue, two plants each in Kogi and Oyo state, these are the leading cashew producers now. We want to assure the cashew stakeholders that in our next level activities, we intend to stop the export of raw nuts and to process all our cashews here and we hope by the grace of God, to have one or two plants ready before next year. We are talking with the Brazilians now. We want to bring in machines from Brazil to process the cashew fruits into juice which has a high content of vitamin c. It is very good for the health because we are currently wasting an estimated eight million tonnes of cashew fruits annually, throwing them away. That is what the Cashew Association of West Africa told me, in Nigeria alone, that we waste eight million tonnes. This is our concern, we are very troubled with this development but later in the year, I will have meeting with the cashew producers and farmers association to sit down with the CBN and get some help. The minister, who lamented that the country has been major importers of goods and services, said government is determined to changing the trend. A civil society group, the Civil Liberty Union, has raised alarm over alleged harrassments and threats against some members of the Supreme Court panel of Justices presiding over the Osun governorship Appeal by a team allegedly led by a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Southwest and 2 governors one from the South West and the other from North West. The group alleged that the APC leader and the two governors were allegedly using the names of President Muhammadu Buhari to intimidate the Justices to jettison the supremacy of the Constitution and find any way to give a favourable judgement to Gboyega Oyetola, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. This claim was contained in a statement issued to reporters on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its Coordinator, Mallam Shuaibu Adamu. The statement added that the APC leader and the 2 governors went bullish and desperate when they couldnt get President Buhari to give explicit support to his quest to influence the Supreme court. They went to falsely quote that the President has directed the Justices to do their bid and forget any matter of constitution by endorsing Oyetola as Governor. We are aware of an evil plot to truncate justice in the case of Osun state Governorship Appeal before the Supreme Court. We want to alert President Muhammadu Buhari that the APC leader and the two governors are using his name and office to harass and compel Supreme Justices to rule in their favour. This is happening right now and we want the President to know and act quickly before further damage and utter destruction is done to the Judiciary. From last night till now, the APC leader has been running helter skelter with both promises of Billions as well as threats of severe consequences against Justices who do not agree. We know authoritatively that President Buhari has told Justice Tanko that the law should take its cause on Osun. We know that Justice Tanko has vowed to allow Justice to prevail. That was why he is dropping Mr Presidents name. We urge the justices to remain steadfast. The whole world knows what happened in Osun was a rape of democracy and an affront to the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria. The UK, US and EU all condemned the election especially the established voter harassments and disenfranchisement that characterized it. We affirm to the Justices that ruling on facts and supremacy of the constitution is the right and conscionable path of honour and posterity will judge them as bold and courageous standing for equity and justice. We are interested in this matter because it is a stain on the nations democratic credential.We need to clean it up by allowing the truth and the constitution to prevail. Mr President also agreed to this line of thought and that was why he has directed the Supreme Court to follow the law and their convictions. We wont stand by and allow the APC leader to rubbish our country any further. We plan to present a protest letter to the Presidency and the Chief Justice of Nigeria on this matter, the group declared. HEYWORTH Several music makers with Freedom Sings USA, a Nashville nonprofit, returned this week to Central Illinois for a songwriting retreat in Heyworth. A July 2022 retreat was previously held in Clinton. Festivities kicked off with an orientation late Tuesday afternoon at the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 624 Post at 203 E. Main St. in Heyworth. There, songwriters Bill Whyte, Bobby Tomberlin, Irene Kelley, Don Goodman and Steve Dean were greeted by four veterans who were invited to share their stories for the songwriters to transform into personalized songs. The freshly written songs are set to be performed during a free show at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the American Legion in Heyworth. Dean said it's frightening to get up and perform a song for the first time, "but it's always great." Dean described the reactions from veterans during songwriting as unbelievable. He said some questions may touch a nerve, and "we have a lot of tears that are shed." Though, when the guitar comes out, Dean said he gets to strumming "and it loosens everyone up." Dean said it can be difficult for veterans to open up about their experiences. This week, he said they're working with veterans who have PTSD, and the song Dean is writing "is going to be very powerful." After the retreat, Dean said songwriters will debrief and look at their next options. He said they have to raise funds first before the songs can be professionally recorded in a studio. He said there are a lot of veterans involved with Freedom Sings USA who will sit in on songwriting sessions. When the veterans bring up their battle experiences, Dean said songwriters stay quiet and listen. "You have to have been in a combat situation to know what they're talking about," he said. Dean also said: "They're really healing each other." To support Freedom Sings USA, you can make an online donation to their website at freedomsingsusa.org. Disney Salutes: Veteran portraits by George W. Bush A rendering of the proposed Artista hotel downtown from 2022. CREO A rendering of the proposed Artista hotel downtown from 2022. CREO A sliver of land overlooking the San Antonio River Walk that had been eyed for a boutique hotel has been sold at auction to a company affiliated with the lender that foreclosed on the property. Equity Secured Investments Inc. won the 0.2-acre site at 151 E. Travis St. earlier this month with a bid of $2.3 million, deed records show. The property had been owned by IconicOZ Artista Fund LLC, a company affiliated with real estate investment firm Harris Bay that had borrowed $2.2 million from Equity Secured Investments for the purchase in 2019. Harris Bay bought the site from Florida-based Seaside Hospitality Corp., which nixed its own plans in 2018 to build a 100-room hotel. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Harris Bay had proposed a 121-room hotel called Artista that would include more than 2,500 square feet of meeting and event space, restaurant and bar components. Designs for the hotel were revised several times. The firm also formed an opportunity zone fund for the project. Such zones were created by former President Donald Trumps $1.5 trillion tax bill in 2017 to provide tax breaks on capital gains to investors who make long-term investments in developments in the federally designated areas. Harris Bay co-founder Jake Harris said in 2021 that the hotel was scheduled to open in 2023, but the property is still vacant. Neither Harris nor an attorney who handled the sale responded to inquiries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Next to the property, a separate company affiliated with Harris Bay was involved in converting the Travis Building from offices to 63 apartments and ground-floor commercial space. Its unclear whether Harris Bay is still involved in the ownership and management of the building, which reopened last year. Several other projects proposed by Harris Bay have also fizzled. In 2015, the company teamed up with developer Efraim Varga to build a mixed-use development in the Denver Heights neighborhood. The $150 million project at Essex and Cherry streets dubbed Essex Modern City was to include apartments, condominiums, townhomes, office and retail space, a food hall, a rock climbing wall, art and vertical farms. Construction never began. Varga ended his involvement in the development in 2019, and Harris Bay put the property up for sale in 2022. Harris previously attributed the lack of progress to problems having the area, which borders railroad tracks, designated as a quiet zone. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Homeowners in the Sunglo Townhomes project in Southtown recently filed lawsuits against a group of defendants that includes Harris Bay Sunglo Urban Homes LLC; its general partners, Jake Harris and Anton Bayer; Varga; and Varga Endeavor LLC. The plaintiffs said inexperienced workers were hired to build the townhouses, which have construction defects. In 2022, Harris Bay proposed building 1,000 apartments and about 70,000 square feet of commercial space near Pearl and the St. Marys Strip. The development would be built across multiple properties along West Josephine Street between West Grayson Street and East Ashby Place. Harris Bay had the properties under contract, and the transactions were contingent on securing zoning changes. BLOOMINGTON The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation will host its annual grant-writing skills workshop for local nonprofits from 8:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 22. The event will be held at Illinois State University's Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St., Normal. The workshop titled "Research, Writing and Reporting: Strengthening Your Grant-Writing Skills" is for nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers. Deborah Halperin, director of the center for engaged learning at Illinois Wesleyan University, will kick off the event talking about the grant process, followed by a panel discussion with other local grant writers. A Q&A session will follow. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 for two people from the same organization. Registration can be completed now through Aug. 19 at ilprairiecf.org/nonprofits-workshop or by contacting info@ilprairiecf.org or 309-662-4477. This workshop was previously held in conjunction with IPCF's Philanthropy Lunch in November, but they have since been separated so both events can grow, according to a news release from the foundation. This year's lunch is set for Nov. 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington. Who was there? 21 photos for the Women to Women Summer Celebration Pat Grogg, Karen Major, Marlene Dietz Jodi Sherman, Gretchen Monti Beth Robb Sender, Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe, Laurie Bergner Kristal Harris, Marita Landreth Dee Frautschi, Alexis Kalish Peggy Swerdlik, Faith Russell Pat Grogg, Leanna Bordner, Marlene Dietz Anita Carney, Sharon Tarvin Laurie Moore, Tijuana Beal Angie Bubon Debbie Lindberg, Diane Zosky Angie Bubon, Salvation Army Donor Relations Director, speaks with Jennifer Armstrong. Karen OShea, Carole Ringer Kathleen McKinney, Erin Mikulec Nancy Duffy, Karen Major Marlene Dietz, Leanna Bordner, Jeri Beggs Judy Buchanan, Gretchen Monti Laura Kowalczyk, Turkesha Collins, Jennifer Armstrong Dr. Kristal Shelvin, Dayna Brown Beth Robb Sender, Chair of the Women to Women Steering Committee Dr. Kristal Shelvin The Groupe Nduom Bank has taken a bold stance against the Bank of Ghana (BoG), refuting claims of regulatory infringements that have been cited as grounds for the collapsed financial establishment. In a rebuttal, Group Nduom dismissed the central banks depiction of alleged infractions related to purported unauthorized fund transfers to its overseas arm as fabrications. Through an official statement, Group Nduom said the BoGs assertions surrounding the movement of $62 million to an American subsidiary were grossly inaccurate and devoid of substantiation. Did GN Bank illegally transfer $62 million to a related company in the USA? No. The company involved, International Business Solutions (IBS), was started by Dr. Nduom in the 1980s. Its objects included business advisory services, the procurement of business equipment, the sale of computers and printers, etc. An IBS company was also established in Ghana. Generators, computers, air conditioning equipment, vehicles, and raw materials for Groupe Nduom companies have been imported through IBS and paid for by the relevant companies. This has gone on legally with appropriate documentation since the 1980s. The idea that over $60 million in foreign currency transactions can occur over a 10-year period with no documentation as implied by the Bank of Ghana in that release is extremely far-fetched. According to the statement, GN Bank Management and IBS provided documentation to support their activities, adding, however, that nothing was heard from BoG after repeated requests until the allegation showed up in the GN Savings statement on August 16, 2019. The Company also denied claims by the BoG that the GN Bank was used to mobilise funds for subsidiary companies of the Bank. Was GN Banks object to mobilise deposits for affiliates? Not true. The truth that can be confirmed is that GN Banks affiliates were the Banks biggest depositors and today have the most funds locked up with the receiver. Also, GN Bank affiliates, as of August 16, 2019, had paid off loans they had taken from the Bank. They have pay-off letters to this effect. The defunct Bank reiterated that its insolvency was occasioned by the governments indebtedness to contractors, indicating that If the government had paid the GH1.8 billion it owed the contractors, the defunct bank would have been in a better financial position, it stated. Meanwhile, the bank strongly believes that its absence had created a huge vacuum in the financial inclusion efforts in the country, as current banks had failed in filling the gap. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has made a heartfelt appeal for the swift passage of the Affirmative Action Bill. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, June 19, Madam Newman underscored the urgency of enacting the bill, which aims to ensure greater representation and participation of women in decision-making processes across various sectors. She emphasised that the bill is crucial for advancing gender equality and empowering women in Ghana. In her address, the Minister highlighted the significant gender disparities that still exist in the country, particularly in political and corporate leadership. She pointed out that despite women's contributions to national development, their presence in leadership roles remains disproportionately low. She also that the Affirmative Action Bill is designed to rectify this imbalance by mandating minimum quotas for women's representation in key areas, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. The Okaikwei South legislator also addressed the broader implications of passing the bill, noting that increased female representation in leadership positions can lead to more comprehensive and effective policies. She argued that women bring unique perspectives and experiences that are essential for addressing issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. By ensuring that women have a voice in these critical areas, the bill would contribute to more holistic and responsive governance. Furthermore, the Gender Minister called on all stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support the bill's passage. She urged lawmakers to prioritise the bill in their legislative agenda and to recognize its importance for the nation's development. Madam Newman also appealed to advocacy groups to continue their efforts in raising awareness about the bill and its potential impact on gender equality in Ghana. In conclusion, the Minister's passionate appeal for the immediate passage of the Affirmative Action Bill reflects a commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Ghana. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Lawyers and government agents from five English-speaking countries have converged on Accra to undergo training on how to use the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ). Specifically, the representatives from Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria will be trained on how to file and serve documents electronically via the portal on both new and existing cases, track case information in real time, and manage their legal matters among others on the ECMS. The training is the latest in a series of events planned for member states following a successful session in Lome, Togo. ECMS Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECMS was designed based on the Rules of Procedure and the Practice Directions of the ECOWAS Court to automate the CCJ's judicial processes. It supports electronic filing of applications and other documents, electronic service, electronic management of cases and a standardised workflow. The system is designed in the three languages of the Community (English, French, and Portuguese) and has two main modules with web interfaces; an external user portal for litigants and their lawyers and an internal interface for judges and judicial staff. The external portal is accessible 24/7, providing a secure and private platform for lawyers and agents to register, file, and serve documents on both new and existing cases. Opening Opening the training in Accra last Friday, the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, explained that the ECMS was designed to introduce more efficiency in the way we manage and process cases at the court. Participants The President said this seamless access would not only expedite the judicial process but also enhance transparency and accountability, as well as reduce physical human interferences in the operations of the court. He added that the ECMS was a testament to the court's commitment to continue modernising and streamlining its judicial processes to make the court more accessible and efficient for all parties and stakeholders. Efficient The Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, said the use of technology would allow court users to cut costs, be more efficient and avoid unnecessary delays in administering justice. For her part, a Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister for Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, expressed Ghanas commitment to abide by and remain committed to the values of the court and the principles of international law. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Concerns are rife about the threat that activities of some encroachers around the Barekese Dam pose on the very survival of the Dam. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has on numerous occasions sounded the alarm bells on the destruction of the forest cover that protects the Dam exposing the reservoir to evaporation. This has however caught the attention of the Rotary club of Kumasi who has laid down measures to help protect and reclaim the depleted forest. The Rotary Club of Kumasi and Rotary Club of Kumasi Central under formation, Rotaracts, and Interact Clubs in kumasi has planted over 2000 trees and has collaborated with the Ghana Water Company Limited to set up a Rotary community corps to protect the forest from encrochers. Again, the Rotary club of Kumasi has promised to procure drones to enable them monitor the activities of the encrochers. According to the President of the Club, Nana Effah Mensah they decided to move in swiftly to salvage the situation after the Club was briefed about the devastating effects of the illegal activities on the buffer zone of the dam. He said " we were alarmed by the situation after authorities of the GWCL updated us on the current situation of the dam. We realised that if we do not also come in, in no time water distribution in Kumasi and surrounding areas will be disrupted and that can lead to crisis". He again intimated that as a result of the activities of encroachers, the forest cover that is supposed to protect the catchment area has been reduced drastically with a resultant reduction of water volume in the dam. Mr. Effah Mensah assured of the Club's commitment in collaborating effectively with the GWCL to nip the activities of the encroachers who are mostly farmers and illegal chainsaw operators, in the bud to prevent the dam from pollution and shrinking. The Rotary Club of Kumasi is the second-oldest Rotary club in Ghana. It is an association of business and professional leaders who strive to promote goodwill, peace, and understanding around the world by performing community service and promoting ethics. It is an organization that is neither political nor religious. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. An American man who recently visited West Africa has said that people in the part of the world, are starting to live better lives than those in America, and he gave reasons. The man, who is a real estate investment adviser, explained that it is better to be doing well in Africa than to be doing well in America. He said those who are well-to-do in Africa enjoy a better quality of life and own things in their name. On the other hand, those in America who seem to be doing well are drowning in debt and most of the things they own have not been fully paid for. He said it felt like a culture shock when he returned to America after visiting Africa. "If you're doing really well in your life, it is better to be doing really well in Africa than it is to be in America," he said. He said that rich people in Africa are a lot more relaxed, generous, and can take time off work for leisure. However, the rich people in America can't because once they do, the bills pile up. He said, "It shows kind of why I feel West Africa is the future because here people are putting up an appearance of being rich, well-to-do, but it's fueled by debt and it's fueled by them working two jobs. "Your husband and wife are both working high-paying jobs, 50 hours a week each and doing all of that just to create this facade. "Whereas in West Africa, once these guys have made it, they're living good lives, they're having that balance of life, and they're not killing themselves." Watch the video below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial) Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Bernard Allotey Jacobs has announced his retirement from active politics. The former Central Regional Chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Allotey Jacobs has been professing his love and support for the Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; something that resulted in his suspension from his party. Despite being suspended and he subsequently leaving the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Allotey Jacobs remains resolute in his conviction that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the right leader to move Ghana forward. He, therefore, appeals to Ghanaians to vote for Dr. Bawumia during the December 7 polls to become Ghana's next President. On Wednesday, June 19, Allotey Jacobs revealed to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's flagship programme "Kokrokoo" that he will officially retire from politics after December 7 stressing "I will retire from politics after voting for Bawumia...I will no longer be in active politics; I will also be off-air. I will go and attend to my piggery and other businesses". 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. Featured Video Bernard Allotey Jacobs has appealed to the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) to bring back the leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen who was once a prime member of the party and a former Minister for Trade and Industry. Alan Kyerematen resigned from the party following its presidential election that saw Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President, become their flagbearer. He accused the NPP of some wrongdoings and defected from the party to form his own political movement and is contesting the December 7 presidential elections as an independent candidate. Speaking on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", the former NDC Central Regional Chairman, Allotey Jacobs asked the leadership of the NPP to lead their Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako alias Chairman Wontumi to render an apology to Alan Kyerematen, popularly called Alan Cash. "I plead with the National Officers of the NPP and some prominent elders in Ashanti Region to lead Bernard Antwi Boasiako to apologize to Alan and I believe when they apologize to him, the man will be back to the NPP," he said. 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. Featured Video Attendees hold signs and photos during a Jan. 22, 2023, protest of Joshua Wright's fatal shooting. For the Express News Officials have dropped a felony charge against a former Hays County corrections officer who shot and killed an inmate in 2022, Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins said Thursday. Isaiah Garcia, a former Hays County Sheriffs Office employee, was indicted in April 2023 on a charge of deadly conduct in the fatal shooting of Joshua Wright, 36. Wright, an inmate at the Hays County Jail, was receiving treatment at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle when he attempted to escape and Garcia shot him, Hays County officials have said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Hays County grand jury declined to charge Garcia with murder or manslaughter, but did indict him on the deadly conduct charge for firing his weapon inside the crowded hospital, according to the district attorneys office. The district attorneys office said after weighing a number of factors, the state moved to dismiss the case against Isaiah Garcia today and the court dismissed the case. Higgins said the decision to drop the charge against Garcia was guided in part by the request of Wrights family members, who he said made the request after watching body camera footage of the fatal shooting. Hays County officials have not released video of the incident to the public. This case was dismissed at the request of the Wright family. They communicated their wishes to have the case dismissed after consulting with their legal representatives. After subsequently viewing the body cam footage of the shooting, the family persisted in requesting the dismissal, Higgins said in a written statement. The reasons offered by the family for their request were carefully considered and, ultimately, found to be persuasive. We have chosen to respect the familys privacy and will offer no additional discussion of those reasons. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Before the charges were dropped, Garcia agreed to surrender of his corrections officer license and agreed not to seek any license or certification to work as a peace officer, corrections officer or armed security guard, according to the district attorneys office. Hays County officials have said the shooting occurred when Wright attempted to escape from custody at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle. Officers had removed Wrights handcuffs to allow him to use the restroom. As Wright exited the restroom, Garcia attempted to put the handcuffs back on him. Wright shoved Garcia out of the way and attempted to escape and Garcia shot him, according to the district attorneys office. Garcia was indicted in April 2023 on a charge of deadly conduct, a third-degree felony. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in May 2023. Garcia had worked as a corrections officer for Hays County since 2018. In response to the indictment, the Hays County Sheriffs Office said Garcia was no longer employed with office. It did not say whether he resigned or was fired. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Following the shooting, community members criticized the sheriffs office and called for public release of video of the shooting. Campaign Manager for the flag bearer of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Joshua Alabi has stated that the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is not a threat to the NDC in the upcoming December 2024 polls. According to Professor Joshua Alabi, the ruling government failed to honour the promises made to Ghanaians, thus, reducing the confidence Ghanaians reposed in the NPP government. He further posited that, Vice President Bawumia's economic policies have failed to yield positive outcomes despite his seeming economic pedigree, which has reoded voter trust in his leadership. Professor Joshua Alabi made this assertion during an interview with the media following his reappointment as the Campaign Manager for the NDCs 2024 campaign. He said, You have somebody who promised people one village, one dam and you dont see it; one constituency, one million dollars, you dont see it; one child, one chocolate, you dont see it; one child, one laptop, you dont see it; all these are practical things. You dont even see anything moving on, then Ghanaians have had enough of Dr. Bawumia and his economic theory." We all know the performance of John Dramani Mahama when he was in office, the massive infrastructural development he did. I am very confident that we will get our flagbearer to the seat of government," he said. The National Democratic Congress unveiled their campaign team ahead of the 2024 elections. The NDC seeks to whisk power from the NPP following what they describe as failed governmental administration. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Presiding Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) Zion Church Western West Africa Episcopal District, Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, has urged Ghanaian electorate to choose peace over political violence and division. According to the revered church leader, the process of choosing a President should not lead to acrimony among political parties and Ghanaians at large. He maintained that, Politics should not divide us; it should rather showcase our diversity, as the parties campaign, lets listen for ideas, deliberate on them and choose the ones that best address our challenges. Peace is what we all desire, not conflict. Rt. Rev. Dr. Dela Dogbe made this clarion call during the 2nd Biennial Joint Conference of the East, West and Mid Ghana Conference of the AME Zion Church, on the theme, The Freedom Church: Securing our Future. In attendance for the conference is Ghanas Vice President and the presidential candidate on the ticket of the ruling New patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other bigwigs of the NPP. Dr Bawumia underscored the importance of collectively formulating goals that will propel the nation to its highest pedestal, relying on relevant knowledge and experience. Dr. Bawumia noted, The Conference theme is a stirring appeal to each of us to believe in the future and take deliberate steps now to preserve, protect, and secure it at all cost. As with all nations around the world, we have had some very turbulent and troubling economic challenges in recent times, yet this cannot and should not be allowed to dampen our confidence and faith in the future that God himself has for us. We must determine where we want to be in the future and carefully plan how to get there. It requires visionary leadership to chart the path for the future and committed and dedicated people who strive to achieve their ideals and aspirations for the future. Thus, if we are to truly secure the future, it is imperative that we carefully consider the implication of our current actions and inactions on our future and take steps to attain the desired goal, he noted. He added, Would it be too much to ask that Christians complement their prayer vigils and revivals with honest diligent work? Is it too much to ask that each individual commits to personal cleanliness and respect for the environment? Can we commit to holding leadership at all levels to account, irrespective of political or religious leanings, with the same passion with which we strive to uphold the rule of law? Can the church reclaim its prophetic voice and mandate by being faithful and true to her divine calling? The Vice President applauded the AME Zion Church for their invaluable contributions to the national development in the areas of healthcare, basic and secondary education, advocacy and promotion of social justice adding that the denominations participation in the activities of the Christian Council of Ghana aimed at addressing critical issues of national interest also deserves commendation. I have no doubt that the Almighty God has brought each of us to a time such as this for a reason. He has divinely equipped us to rise up to the occasion and build our beloved nation Ghana. May the love of God and nation under-gird our efforts, even as the AME Zion Church and its members partner with the President, HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, and I, to bring transformation to the lives of our people and communities, he stated. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance procurement trial, has claimed that Attorney-General Godfred Dame tampered with the WhatsApp messages he sent. Mr Jakpa made this assertion during court proceedings on Thursday, June 20, stirring controversy and raising questions about the integrity of the evidence presented. During cross-examination led by Director of Public Prosecutions Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Jakpa alleged that the WhatsApp messages submitted by the Attorney-General as evidence were not in their original form. He argued that the content had been altered to misrepresent his communications, thereby distorting the truth of his interactions with the AG. This claim has added a new layer of complexity to the trial, as the court must now consider the validity of the evidence. The High Court in Accra had earlier admitted into evidence 68 WhatsApp messages sent by Jakpa. Trial judge Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe noted that the court had previously admitted WhatsApp chats from the third accused and therefore could not reject what the prosecution described as the complete conversation. However, she emphasised that the court reserves the right to determine the weight of the evidence presented. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Following the inability of the government to clear all the essential medical supplies at the Tema Port, the Minority caucus in Parliament has threatened to stage a demonstration if the government fails to clear all the consignments. The call of the minority caucus comes on the heels of a recent ultimatum given by the Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye to officers of the ministry to clear all the essential medical supplies donated to Ghana by Global Fund. The Health Minister, Bernard Okoe Boye assured that he will be compelled to visit the port and sit there until the right thing is done after the two-week ultimatum has elapsed. Ranking Member on the health Committee of parliament and Member of Parliament for Juaboso Constituency in the Western North Region, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, addressing the press, impressed upon the government to clear the containers which have been held hostage at the ports since 2023. He said, Remember, we addressed you on the locked-up commodities and medications at the port. And as you know, we the members of parliament from the Minority side will not relent in our effort to push the government to clear these locked-up commodities and drugs until they are cleared from the port. That must be put on record and as we speak, not all the containers containing drugs and commodities at the port have been cleared. We are a group of reasonable people and so we have heard the plea by the Minister responsible for help that we should give him two weeks. He further stated that, Although it doesnt make any sense to plead for two weeks to clear commodities that have been at the port for one good year, we have heard him but we are sending a clear signal and warning that within his own two weeks, all, and the emphasis is all, all the containers, containing these drugs should be cleared from the port. Not some, as they have been doing. He admonished the government to treat the dire situation as a matter of urgency stating that the government ought to respond to the grievances of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union to avoid the situation of health workers travelling outside the country to seek greener pastures. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video As the search for a running mate for Dr. Bawumia intensifies, Taxi drivers at the Race Course in Kumasi have publicly endorsed the Chief of Staff as the ideal candidate for the position. According to the drivers, the Chief of Staff, Hon Akosua Fremah Osei Opare has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and can work well with various stakeholders. "We believe the Chief of Staff has the qualities needed to complement Dr. Bawumia's ticket," one of the drivers told Peacefmonline They revealed that they have been impressed by the Chief of Staff's dedication to the country's development and their ability to connect with ordinary Ghanaians. These drivers said they are enthralled with the support the race course market has been receiving from the office of the Chief of staff which according to them has facelifted the market in various ways. They believed that Hon Akosua Fremah Osei Opares appointment as running mate would be a wise decision and would be unprecedented in the history of Ghana for a woman to become a Vice President. The taxi drivers, who are mostly members of the NPP, believe that elevating the Chief of Staff to a higher office would be a significant step towards recognizing the contributions of women to the party's success. They also argued that it would inspire more women to take up leadership roles in the party and in the country. The drivers have therefore called on the party's leadership to consider their appeal and give due recognition to the Chief of Staff's hard work and dedication. The endorsement comes as various groups have come out and individuals continue to lobby for their preferred candidates to be chosen as Dr. Bawumia's running mate. The race to find a running mate for Dr. Bawumia is expected to intensify in the coming days, with various individuals eyeing for the position. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 2024 Presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has dropped the former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu as well as former Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka from his campaign team ahead of the upcoming general elections. This development has led many people to believe that rumours about John Mahamas disaffection for the two frontliners of the NDC are not mere speculations, but a reality. The announcement was made in a press statement issued by Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC General Secretary, following a meeting of the partys Functional Executive Committee on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The newly constituted National Campaign Team will be spearheaded by Fifi Fiavi Kwetey as the Campaign Coordinator, Joseph Yammin will serve as the Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of regional campaigns, with Richard Quashigah, former MP for Keta overseeing parliamentary campaigns. Joseph Yammin (National Organizer)- serves as the Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of regional campaigns, Richard Quashigah is the deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of parliamentary campaigns, Chief Hamilton Nixon Biney is the deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of Special Operations, Sammy Gyamfi- National Communications Officer, George Opare Addo- National Youth Organizer. The others are Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei- National Womens Organizer, Alhaji Cole Younger- National Zongo Caucus Coordinator, Professor Joshua Alabi- Head of the flagbearers campaign, Joyce Bawa Mogtari- spokesperson, flagbearers campaign, Beatrice Annan-deputy spokesperson, flagbearers campaign, Alex Segbefia- head of running mates campaign, James Agyenim Boateng- spokesperson, Rlrunning mates campaign. The following personalities complete the list: Eric Adjei- deputy spokesperson, of the running mates campaign, Richard Anamoo- representative of the NDCs professionals forum, Shine Gaveh- Representative of the Cadres Front, Dr. Nashiru Issahaku, former BoG Governor, Obuobia Darko-Opoku and Mary Ewusi. The National Campaign Team shall work under the guidance of a Campaign Steering Committee that comprises: Johnson Asiedu Nketiah- Chairman, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Dr. Ato Forson, Rt. Hon. Doe Adjaho, Alhaji Hudu Yahaya, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, Betty Mould Iddrisu, Julius Debrah, Marrietta Brew, Dr. Valerie Sawyer, Sam Pee Yalley and Alhaji Alhassan Ligbi. The two close allies were removed from their leadership positions in Parliament in a degrading manner that was described by political watchers as a coup detat. According to sources, Haruna Iddrisu and Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka were initially part of the campaign team but were later dropped following strong protestations by some influential persons close to the NDC flagbearer, as they were seen as haters, who would not work in the interest of the NDC flagbearer and therefore must not be part of his campaign team. The source said the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South, Haruna Iddirus will be in charge of John Mahamas campaign in the Northern Sector but was dropped last minute after being tagged as Anti-Mahama. Interestingly, the current Minority leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who replaced Haruna Iddrisu has been given a special place in the Campaign Steering Committee that will supervise all the sub-committees of the team. Haruna Anti Mahama Tag Haruna Iddirisu was removed because he refused to support the current National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketiah during the partys recent congress to elect national executives, as well as friction between him and former President John Dramani Mahama. Then the Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu and Asawase MP Mubarak Muntaka had their fair share of criticisms from party members especially when they approved Hawa Koomson whom the party members wanted rejected for her violent tendencies during the ECs voter registration exercise at Kasoa. The development led to the Council of Elders of the NDC summoning the leadership of its caucus in Parliament on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. In a statement, Chairman of the Council of Elders Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu noted that the Council and the caucus leadership collectively agreed that the incident of March 3, 2021, where some nominees for ministerial positions were approved was regrettable and unfortunate, and runs contrary to the principles and values of the party. NDC Cracks However, the Opposition NDC last year in a dramatic move sacked Haruna Iddrisu as the Minority Leader and replaced with Cassiel Ato Forson, Ranking Member for Finance. His Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Muntaka also was sacked with Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah replacing him, as Kwame Agbodza is now the Minority Whip with Ahmed Ibrahim as the First Minority Whip and Comfort Doyoe Ghansah maintaining her position as Second Minority Whip. The removal of the Minority leadership brought serious confusion within the party as some of the newly elected executives, particularly the National Chairman, Aseidu Nketiah said there was a plan to get new leadership for the partys representatives in the law-making chamber but they had to hold on when the party decided to contest the 2020 election results in the Supreme Court. Asediu Nketia Justification National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said that he kicked out former Minority frontbenchers in Parliament for fighting Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin. He said Haruna Iddrisu and Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minority Leader and Minority Chief Whip respectively, were having issues with Speaker Bagbin making it difficult to cooperate with the NDC. The former General Secretary gave an example of the difficulties the NDC encountered in electing their member to be Speaker of the House, adding that his topmost priority in parliament is to see the NDC cooperating with the speaker against the government which the previous Haruna Iddrisu led NDC leaders failed to achieve. My priority in Parliament is to see our parliamentary caucus working together and also cooperating with the Speaker of Parliament.Why did we struggle to get an NDC person, elected, as the speaker of Parliament?, Asiedu Nketiah queries. The NDC National Chairman was addressing party members in the United Kingdom where he joined former President John Dramani Mahama last in January 2023, at Chatham House in London on the topic Africas Strategic Priorities and Global Role. Following the removal of Haruna and Muntaka, some 60 NDC MPs signed a petition against the decision. They include; Alhassan Suhuyini, MP for Tamale North; Dr. Kwabena Donkor, MP for Pru East; Dr. Dominic Ayine, MP for Bolgatanga East; Sam George, MP for Ningo-Prampram; Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, MP for Sagnarigu; Samson Ahi, MP for Bodi and Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South. Following the removal of Haruna Iddirisu, there was serious tension in the party, where the partys national chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, narrowly escaped assault during a party meeting held in Tamale to patch up differences among the regional officers, shedding light on the deep-rooted divisions and internal turmoil plaguing the NDC. The incident unfolded during a stakeholders engagement aimed at promoting peace and unity ahead of the 2024 general election. However, the meeting took an unexpected turn as tensions escalated, culminating in a series of dramatic twists. Supporters from both factions engaged in a frantic chase, verbally attacked prominent figures, and ultimately engaged in a physical altercation. History History dates back to when the late Prof John Evans Atta-Mills was President, and the party was considering a possible ticket after him, and Harunas name was mentioned as a possible running mate to Kwesi Ahwoi, instead of Mahama. Prof Mills was called to glory and Mahama took over because he was then the Vice President. When Mahama won the 2012 elections, his first list of appointments did not include Haruna Iddrisu, giving weight to rumors that there was some confusion between the two. Haruna had been named in the first list of Prof Mills ministerial appointments. He was named the Minister for Communications, even as young as he was in 2009. When Mahama took over in 2013, he removed Haruna from the Communications Ministry. Following Harunas removal and not being appointed again, chaos broke out in Tamale, and Mahama was compelled to appoint Haruna as Trade Minister andvlater shipped to Labour and Employment Ministry. Mahama Speaks Concerning that, John Dramani Mahama, visited the former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, at his residence in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital, for a closed-door meeting. Source: Daniel Bampoe/Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphical abstract. Credit: Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171121 Advanced technology tested nearly two years ago in the water treatment system that serves Toledo could prove valuable in efforts to protect the water that pours out of taps well beyond northwest Ohio, according to research published by The University of Toledo. UToledo scientists installed a real-time algae sensor at the Toledo low service pump station in eastern Lucas County in 2022 as part of a wider-reaching initiative aimed at the early detection and management of harmful algal blooms sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The installation put the facility on the map as the first in the nation to test out the fluorescence-based technology that detects a pigment that scientists believed could flag the release of toxins from blue-green algal cells. In research published recently in Science of the Total Environment, their analysis of the resulting data confirms that the technology works as intended. "The instrument is able to detect blue-green algal cell lysis in real time, providing an early warning of potentially elevated levels of microcystin toxin in the raw water supply," said Dr. Kuo-Pei Tsai, lead author on the article and a postdoctoral associate at the UToledo Lake Erie Center. "That means the water treatment plant staff could immediately begin to take precautions if another catastrophe occurred like the one in 2014." Scientists now have ample tools to detect and monitor harmful algal blooms, which in Lake Erie are caused by cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae. Harmful algal blooms have been a focus of particularly intense research since the Toledo water crisis that left half a million residents without safe tap water for three days in 2014. But one complicating factor water plant managers face is that harmful algal blooms are not uniformly harmful. Most of the time, intact cyanobacterial cells can be easily filtered from incoming water along with their toxins. When the cells start to break down, however, their toxins are released into the water, requiring managers to apply chemical treatments to absorb or destroy the toxins. The breakdown process is called lysis. It can result from outbreaks of naturally occurring viruses in the environment, called cyanophages, as scientists hypothesize happened during the 2014 water crisis, or through the application of algaecides or water treatment chemicals. When cyanophages attack a bloom, large pulses of toxin can be released in a matter of hours. Dr. Thomas Bridgeman, professor of ecology and director of the UToledo Lake Erie Center, right, and Dr. Kuo-Pei Tsai, a postdoctoral associate, read data coming from the online algae monitoring system that was tested in Toledos low service pump station in eastern Lucas County in 2022. Credit: University of Toledo Traditionally, water treatment plant operators have relied on relatively slow and costly assays to directly monitor both cell-bound and free toxin levels in the water. The PhycoSens, the device produced by German company bbe Moldaenke and installed at the pump station by the UToledo Lake Erie Center, complements but does not replace these assays, by detecting in real time a byproduct of cyanobacterial lysis: a pigment called unbound phycocyanin. Scientists hypothesized that the detection of the pigment would serve as an indicator that cyanobacterial cell membranes are breaking down and potentially releasing microcystin, and that the instrument's reports on water samples taken every quarter-hour during the harmful algal bloom season would alert operators to jump into action. "The instrument will allow water treatment plant operators to see when the condition of a harmful algal bloom in their source water is changing rapidly and to respond appropriately," said Dr. Thomas Bridgeman, professor of ecology and director of the UToledo Lake Erie Center and senior author of the research article. "Without real-time data of this kind, the conservative approach may be to overtreat water with chemicals to ensure safety, which adds expense and can detract from water's taste. This technology will allow treatment plant operators to better match their responses to the severity of the situation, saving money and improving taste while still providing a high level of safety." The Phyco-Sens took samples between mid-July and mid-October in 2022, offering researchers a vast cache of data to analyze. Additional laboratory studies with cyanobacteria, treatment chemicals and cyanophages helped them to reach the conclusion that the presence of unbound phycocyanin is indeed a useful indicator of the onset of cyanobacterial cell lysis, and in turn, the potential release of microcystin. Dr. Youngwoo Seo, professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical Engineering, leads the three-year project that began in 2021. Dr. Dae-Wook Kang, assistant professor in the same department, joins Bridgeman as a co-investigator. The researchers and their collaborators are working with municipal drinking water treatment plants in Bowling Green, Celina and Oregon in addition to Toledo, where the Phyco-Sens is deployed again this year and already taking samples ahead of the harmful algal bloom season. More information: Kuo-Pei Tsai et al, Field and laboratory studies of fluorescence-based technologies for real-time tracking of cyanobacterial cell lysis and potential microcystins release, Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171121 Journal information: Science of the Total Environment 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: HABs are a common occurrence in western Lake Erie. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey A team of Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists plan to use artificial intelligence modeling to forecast, and better understand, a growing threat to water caused by toxic algal blooms. Fueled by climate change and rising water temperatures, these harmful algal blooms, or HABs, have grown in intensity and frequency. They have now been reported in all 50 U.S. states. "Harmful algal blooms are appearing in areas where, historically, they were never present," said Babetta Marrone, senior scientist at the Lab and the project's team lead. "The ecosystem of organisms that cause these blooms is very complex. And the information we do have about when, and why, these blooms form is dispersed through a variety of local, state, federal, and international databases. This is one area where we believe AI can help." Each year, so-called "red tides" and "blue-green tides" close beaches and lakes, kill untold number of aquatic animals, and cause billions of dollars in economic damage. Scientists need modern tools to reliably understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes that dictate HAB toxicity and prevalence to predict and mitigate these outbreaks. The Los Alamos team has detailed a process through which artificial intelligence models can help unravel these mysteries. Understanding the HAB ecosystem Researchers have collected data on HABs since 1954. For decades, scientists have understood that elevated water temperatures, combined with sudden infusions of nutrients (often phosphorous and nitrogen runoff from industrial farming), tend to precede a HAB event. This sudden imbalance of nutrients can lead to the explosive growth of cyanobacteria, which occurs naturally in freshwater. Under these conditions, cyanobacterial species such as Microcystis aeruginosa can form dense blankets on the water surface, eventually releasing microcystin, a toxin that can sicken or kill organisms including fish, wildlife, and humans. Abstract. Credit: ACS ES&T Water (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00369 But what causes toxic cyanobacteria to prevail in these freshwater ecosystems has proved challenging to understand. Cyanobacterial HABs are complex ecosystems influenced by hundredssometimes thousandsof other microorganisms. "Large genomic datasets of cyanobacterial HABs are becoming more available," Marrone said. "Our team plans to mine these datasets with machine learning and artificial intelligence models to understand the relationship between cyanobacteria and the many other microorganisms present in the water body over the course of the algal blooms. This will let us identify the key functional relationships that cause toxin production." A path toward forecasting Another major impediment to understanding, and thus forecasting, algal blooms is the data itself. Existing research has been independently collected by a variety of organizations across the nation and the world, some of it by citizen scientist groups. Much of this data was sampled with varying instruments, then logged in different formats. In their recent publication, Marrone's team outline how AI and machine learning models can decipher and analyze this disparate data. This would allow scientists to better understand the conditions that create HABs, the first step in forecasting these outbreaks. "Our goal is to feed existing information into a model that takes advantage of data gleaned from water sampling, weather telemetry stations, satellite sensing data, and the newly emerging biological data," Marrone said. "Such a model could then be used to forecast algal blooms, and possibly even predict how climate change will alter their intensity and frequency in the future." The research has been published in the journal ACS ES&T Water. More information: Babetta L. Marrone et al, Toward a Predictive Understanding of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms through AI Integration of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Data, ACS ES&T Water (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00369 Journal information: ACS ES&T Water 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: Kara Andres, a postdoctoral fellow with the Living Earth Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis. Credit: Washington University in St. Louis Kara Andres, a postdoctoral fellow with the Living Earth Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis, collected samples of water from Simpson Lake, in Valley Park, Mo., as part of a coordinated global effort to use environmental DNAgenetic material shed by organisms into the environmentto document the current state of biodiversity. The sampling took place on the UN's International Day of Biodiversity. The census effort is published in Nature. The project was organized by researchers at ETH Zurich, in Switzerland, who equipped teams of volunteer scientists and citizens in more than 80 countries with water sampling kits to dip into about 800 lakes worldwide. Biodiversity surveys similar to this global project could also allow researchers to take a snapshot of ecosystem health at a more local scale. For example, Missouri and the Ozarks are well-known to residents and visitors for their abundance of lakes, rivers and streams, which offer excellent paddling and outdoor recreation opportunities. These water bodies also provide important habitat for many types of wildlife. "While we may have a decent grasp on the types of species in our streams, we still know relatively little about how different species are impacted by human activities or to what extent our efforts to conserve habitats and species are successful," Andres said. "I view environmental DNA (eDNA) as a powerful tool for providing data that can inform conservation and management efforts. "Taking a sample of eDNA is more efficient than using conventional sampling methods and allows us to understand biodiversity in multiple species groups, from fish to mussels to insects and more," she said. "We may be able to sample many more streams in far less time, allowing for a more comprehensive look into the health of Missouri streams." More information: Lydia Larsen, Why citizen scientists are gathering DNA from hundreds of lakeson the same day, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00520-y Journal information: Nature 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: Vladyslav Dukhin from Pexels A new report from Monash University's Fire to Flourish program has identified how a community-led approach to disaster resilience is delivering positive impacts for affected communities. As climate disasters become more frequent and severe, it is crucial now more than ever to support local communities and individuals in enhancing their preparedness, response and recovery efforts. The 2023 Impact Report from Fire to Flourish, which is part of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, is based on a five-year collaborative program, aimed at advancing community-led disaster recovery and long-term resilience. A community-led model recognizes that each community's strengths and priorities are different. Local people are best placed to identify their needs, and through flexible funding, capability building and diverse forms of support, Fire to Flourish enables communities to realize their disaster resilience goals over the long-term. The report demonstrates the meaningful impacts the Fire to Flourish community-led approach is having on communities affected by the 2019/20 bushfires, and how a community-led approach can lead to measurable improvements in disaster resilience. Professor Briony Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Fire to Flourish, says the current approach to disaster resilience and recovery is failing communities, and innovation and experimentation is needed to develop new tools and knowledge that can better support communities preparing for and navigating the effects of disaster in the future. "In a short period of time, the work of Fire to Flourish and our approach of partnering directly with local communities is demonstrating tangible progress in community disaster resilience and preparedness," Professor Rogers said. "Our Impact Report clearly demonstrates that our community-led delivery model works and is benefiting the people that need it most." The report uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative evidence to demonstrate the social, economic, cultural, health, built and natural environmental benefits that have been felt in four partner communities, which include; Tenterfield, Eurobodalla, Clarence Valley and East Gippsland. Helen Duroux, a Kamilaroi Elder and Fire to Flourish Tenterfield Community Lead, shares the unique experience of Indigenous communities in times of disaster. "Our connection to Country means it affects us differently. In the weeks after the recent fires, my sister and I drove around and saw the devastation to the land. It was so hard for us to see Country the way it was. As Aboriginal people, when our Country is devastated, so are we," shared Ms. Duroux. In response to another fire event in late 2023, the Tenterfield Fire to Flourish team mobilized swiftly and worked closely with the community to coordinate hands-on support, facilitate rapid response grants, share critical information and advocate on behalf of the community for local needs to be met by relevant agencies. This community-led approach resulted in an elevation of community voices within interagency meetings and other important forums, helping transform local decision-making and enabling community members to feel an increased sense of agency and control in what was an uncertain and traumatic period. "The set-up of the granting system was only effective because it was entrusted to local people with local knowledge to make the decisions. We are the ones on the ground who are connected with people and place and we know where the greatest needs are," said Ms. Duroux. "The work and learnings of the Fire to Flourish program demonstrate a tangible pathway forward for advancing community-led disaster resilience. This work fills a gap in Australia's current disaster management sector and we see real opportunity to share this work with other communities across Australia," added Professor Rogers. To learn more about Fire to Flourish or take part in this initiative, see firetoflourish.monash. A.B. Quintanilla is speaking out about his struggles with mental health as part of the #ShedShame campaign from Project Blackbird. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Just months after A.B. Quintanilla said his profane rant against a San Antonio audience was due to a bipolar episode, he is joining a campaign for mental health awareness. Quintanilla is teaming up with Project Blackbird for the #ShedShame initiative, which aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness by providing education and resources. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Tejano artist has struggled with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder since the murder of his sister, legend Selena Quintanilla, in 1995, according to a release from Project Blackbird. "His journey underscores the campaign's message that experiencing negative emotions is a normal part of being human, and that resilience and recovery are achievable," the campaign said in the release. In April, Quintanilla said he'd been having a bipolar episode when he berated the crowd at San Antonio's Tejano Explosion festival for its lack of enthusiasm during his performance. He told audience members they looked like "somebody put a gun to your head and forced you to be here tonight." When I started with Selena, we got booed a lot of times, and you know where we went? he said. To the top. So boo all the (expletive) you want. The next day, he explained in an apology video on social media that he had stopped taking his medication due to a cancer scare. A biopsy came back negative for cancer, but Quintanilla said without medication his body and brain chemistry were "out of whack." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Having a bipolar episode in the public eye was a source of shame for him, he said in a social media post by Project Blackbird. But now he's sharing his story for the #ShedShame campaign in hopes that it will help others. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain What effect do economic sanctions have on the countries affected, such as Russia or Iran? What impact do they have on the sanctioning states? And is there possibly an ideal coalition of sanction partners? Economists from Wurzburg, Kiel, Berlin and Bielefeld have analyzed these questions. They have now published their findings in Economic Policy. Economic sanctions can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they usually reduce gross domestic product and thus prosperity in the affected countries, as intended. On the other hand, however, they can also have a severe impact on the economies of the sanctioning countries. However, a skillful selection of the countries involved in the sanctions measures could significantly mitigate these undesirable negative consequences. These are the key findings of a new study that has now been published in the journal Economic Policy. Economists Sonali Chowdhry (DIW Berlin), Julian Hinz (Bielefeld University & IfW Kiel), Katrin Kamm (IfW Kiel) and Joschka Wanner (University of Wurzburg & IfW Kiel) are responsible for the study. The study focuses on the sanctions against Iran in 2012 in response to its nuclear program and against Russia following the violent annexation of Crimea in 2014. Analyzing prices, prosperity and trade flows "In our analyses, we focused on the economic effects of sanctions, for example on prices and prosperity in the target country, as well as on trade flows," says Joschka Wanner, Junior Professor of Quantitative International and Environmental Economics at Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg (JMU), describing the approach. As a first step, the team analyzed the extent to which these parameters have changed as a result of the sanctions. In fact, the calculations for Iran show a real decline in gross domestic product of 1.9% as a result of the sanctions. For Russia, the figure is 1.44%based on the sanctions from 2014. The sanctions following the attack on Ukraine do not yet play a role in this study. "1.4 or 1.9% may not sound like much. However, from an economic perspective, this is a full-blown recession," says Wanner. Maximum sanction potential not reached The group compared these real developments with the maximum potential of the sanctions under various conditionseither by including more countries in the sanctions or by extending them to all goods. "According to our calculations, in the case of Iran, the current coalition achieves around 39% of what would be possible in terms of a decline in gross domestic productcompared to the case in which all countries participate in the sanctions," explains Wanner. For Russia, this figure is just under 58%. These figures are partly even more drastic if the current scenario is compared with the case in which the sanctions apply to all goods, i.e. there are no more exceptions. In this case, the current coalition only achieves 47% of the possible decline in GDP for Iran. And 16% for Russia. High costs for some stakeholders When sanctions are imposed, it is not only the sanctioned countries that sufferthe study also shows this. However, there are major differences. "While larger economies such as the U.S., Japan and Germany get off relatively lightly, smaller countries such as Malta, Estonia and Latvia suffer relatively drastic consequences," explains Wanner. This should come as no surprise: if a small country like Latvia restricts trade with its large neighbor Russia, this will inevitably have a greater impact than in the U.S. or Canada. As a consequence, this means that small countries pay a high price in this case, while the effects of their participation in the sanctions are only reflected in a small loss of welfare for Russia. The study also shows how things could be better. "Instead of the small countries, other states would have to join the coalition. Then the sanctions would have much greater consequences," explains Wanner. In the case of sanctions against Russia, the economists have calculated that the participation of China, Vietnam, Belarus, Turkey and South Korea in particular would drastically increase the potential for sanctions. This would rise from 58% under the current coalition to 71%simply by China joining the sanctions coalition. Transfer payments for particularly affected countries Of course, it is unlikely that China will join a coalition of Western states against Russia. So what could the coalition do to ensure that as many countries as possible side with it without suffering disproportionately large economic damage? "Financial transfers" is the research team's answer. "Our results show that 591 million US dollars would have to be mobilized in connection with the sanctions against Iran and 4.8 billion US dollars in the case of Russia so that the members could compensate for their welfare losses due to the respective sanctions," the study states. The largest contributor to this "compensation fund" would be the U.S., whose combined transfers for both sanctions packages would amount to around 4.4 billion US dollars. They would be followed by the UK (770 million US dollars) and Canada (553 million US dollars). More information: Sonali Chowdhry et al, Brothers in arms: the value of coalitions in sanctions regimes, Economic Policy (2024). DOI: 10.1093/epolic/eiae019 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Family conditionsspecifically, how similar one's social status and background is to one's parents' statusmay play a bigger role in determining how easily an individual can shift into a wealthier socioeconomic class than gender inequality, according to a study of 153 countries published June 20, 2024 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Khanh Duong from Maynooth University, Ireland. As global inequality increases, researchers have found that countries with higher levels of income inequality tend to experience lower rates of class mobility (in other words, individuals in a lower socioeconomic class find it more difficult to move into a wealthier class). In this study, Duong analyzed how education, gender inequality, and family conditions (specifically, how similar children are to their parents, also known in this context as parental dependency) interact and affect class mobility. He used data from the Global Database on Intergenerational Mobility for 153 countries worldwide (of which 115 are classified as "developing economies"), further split into generational cohorts for each decade from the 1940s1980s to build his model. Duong's preliminary analyses showed a positive relationship between education expansion and mobility, and a negative relationship between education inequality and mobility. Parental dependency showed only a weak positive correlation with mobility. However, following the application of estimation techniques to address confounding issues between parental dependency and other factors, the final model showed that parental dependency had the largest, negative effect on upward social mobility (with an effect size of 0.1). Though increases in education promoted social mobility, the model showed this was a weak effect and was potentially ineffective when parental dependency existed at a high level. His model also showed that the gender inequality effect on mobility (as seen in the outcomes of families with daughters and sons) was significantly smaller (effect size of 0.005) than the parental dependency effect, although still present. Duong suggests that policymakers promoting social mobility should focus on shifting traditions such as "like father, like son." He adds, "The study shows that while gender inequality in intergenerational mobility persists, it has significantly decreased across generations and is less important than parental influence. Thus, reassessing the roles of parental influence and gender bias is necessary, as the former is currently underestimated and the latter overemphasized." More information: What really matters for global intergenerational mobility?, PLoS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302173 Journal information: PLoS ONE 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: An artist's illustration of two neutron stars merging, creating a gamma-ray burst. A French-Chinese telescope satellite will blast off this weekend on a mission to hunt down gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe. The light from these almighty blasts has traveled billions of light years to reach Earth, so scientists believe they could hold answers to some mysteries of the universe's youth. But these flashes are so brief they have proved difficult to observe. Aiming to learn more, the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) is scheduled to blast off on a Chinese Long March 2C rocket from the Xichang launch site in China's Sichuan province on Saturday. The spacecraft, which has two Chinese and two French instruments on board, will then orbit 625 kilometers (390 miles) above Earth. Chen Lan, an analyst specializing in China's space program, highlighted the "political significance" of the joint mission. During a "dark time" for relations between China and the West, the mission "shows that scientific cooperation can still be continued despite difficulties," he told AFP. Discovered by accident SVOM's mission is to use its X-ray vision to track down the source of gamma-ray bursts, which are detected in the sky around once every day. This cosmic investigation began back in "the middle of the Cold War," said Bertrand Cordier, the chief scientist for France's contribution to SVOM. In 1967, US satellites monitoring whether nations were complying with a nuclear test ban treaty happened to spot a brief flash of gamma rayswhich can also be produced by nuclear blasts. "They thought they were dealing with a nuclear explosion on Earth, before realizing that it came from space," Cordier told a press conference. "Since then, we have been trying to understand the origin of these objects." Several missions, including NASA's Swift telescope, have already shed some light on these bright enigmas. Considered to be the most powerful events in the known universe, these bursts are flashes of the highest-energy light, which emit gamma rays and last anywhere between a fraction of a second and tens of seconds. The explosion is followed by an "afterglow" which can last hours and "crosses the entire universe to reach us," said Susanna Vergani of the Paris Observatory. Clues of the early universe Shorter bursts are thought to be caused by massive neutron stars smashing into each other, or a neutron star being swallowed by a black hole. Longer bursts are believed to be from some of the universe's earliest starsmassive beasts far larger than our Sungoing supernova. The most distantand therefore earliestgamma-ray burst identified so far came from just 630 million years after the Big Bang, when the universe was five percent of its current age. Gamma-ray bursts allow scientists to "investigate the distant universe," including the mysterious chemical process that birthed the first stars and galaxies, Vergani said. But the blasts could also hold other clues to long-burning cosmic mysteries. Because the light from these explosions traverses billions of light years, it "bears the imprint of all the gas clouds" it passed through," Vergani said. Scientists therefore hope gamma-ray bursts could reveal the chemical elements across the universe throughout its history. Do gamma-ray bursts pose a threat to Earth? The Milky Way is too old to be home to the huge collisions that cause the bursts, so the chance of this happening is "extremely low," Cordier said. Earth's atmosphere should be able to shield us against blasts from farther off, he added. Gamma-ray bursts are so brief that scientists will be in a race against time to collect data before they vanish. As soon as SVOM detects a gamma-ray burst, it will alert a team of scientists who will be on call 24 hours a day. In less than five minutes, a network of ground-based telescopes will swivel their gaze towards the blast, hoping to find out more. 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: Erin Rezich, Ian Haskin, QuynhGiao Nguyen, Jason Hill (Zero-G staff), and George Butt experience Lunar gravity while running test operations on the UBER payload. Credit: Zero-G Teams of NASA researchers put their next-generation technologies to the microgravity test in a series of parabolic flights that aim to advance innovations supporting the agency's space exploration goals. These parabolic flights provide a gateway to weightlessness, allowing research teams to interact with their hardware in reduced gravity conditions for intervals of approximately 22 seconds. The flights, which ran from February to April, took place aboard Zero Gravity Corporation's G-FORCE ONE aircraft and helped to advance several promising space technologies. Under the Fundamental Regolith Properties, Handling, and Water Capture (FLEET) project, researchers tested an ultrasonic blade technology in a regolith simulant at lunar and Martian gravities. On Earth, vibratory tools reduce the forces between the tool and the soil, which also lowers the reaction forces experienced by the system. Such reductions indicate the potential for mass savings for tool systems used in space. This flight test aims to establish the magnitude of force reduction achieved by an ultrasonic tool on the moon and Mars. Regolith interaction, including excavation, will be important to NASA's resources to support long-duration lunar and Martian missions. QuynhGiao Nguyen takes experiment notes while Pierre-Lucas Aubin-Fournier and George Butt oversee experiment operations during a soil reset period between parabolas. Credit: Zero-G "This experiment represents the success of an international effort three years in the making between NASA and Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. It was a NASA bucket list item for me to conduct a parabolic flight experiment, and it was even more special to do it for my doctoral thesis work. I'm very proud of my team and everyone's effort to make this a reality," said Erin Rezich, project principal investigator at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The FLEET project also has a separate payload planned for a future flight test on a suborbital rocket. The Vibratory Lunar Regolith Conveyor will demonstrate a granular material (regolith) transport system to study the vertical transport of lunar regolith simulants (soil) in a vacuum under a reduced gravity environment. These two FLEET payloads increase the understanding of excavation behavior and how the excavated soil will be transported in a reduced gravity environment. Left to Right: Pengyu Zhang, Rayne Wolfe, and Jacob Kocemba (University of Wisconsin at Madison) control the Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) ink jet printer testing manufacturing processes that are relevant to semiconductors for the NASA On Demand Manufacturing of Electronics (ODME) project. Credit: Zero-G (Left to right) Paul Deffenbaugh (Sciperio), Cadre Francis (NASA MSFC), Christopher Roberts (NASA MSFC), Connor Whitley (Sciperio), and Tanner Corby (Redwire Space Technologies) operate the On Demand Manufacturing of Electronics (ODME) Advanced Toolplate printer in zero gravity to demonstrate the potential capability of electronics manufacturing in space. Credit: Zero-G 3D printed technologies take on microgravity Under the agency's On-Demand Manufacturing of Electronics (ODME) project, researchers tested 3D printing technologies to ease the use of electronics and tools aboard the International Space Station. Flying its first microgravity environment test, the ODME Advanced Toolplate team evaluated a new set of substantially smaller 3D printed tools that provide more capabilities and reduce tool changeouts. The toolplate offers eight swappable toolheads so that new technologies can be integrated after it is sent up to the space station. The 3D printer component enables in-space manufacturing of electronics and sensors for structural and crew-monitoring systems and multi-material 3D printing of metals. NASA researchers tested another 3D printing technology developed under the agency's ODME project for manufacturing flexible electronics in space. The Space Enabled Advanced Devices and Semiconductors team is developing electrohydrodynamic inkjet printer technology for semiconductor device manufacturing aboard the space station. The printer will allow for printing electronics and semiconductors with a single development cartridge, which could be updated in the future for various materials systems. Provided by NASA 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: Smalley's chemistry-themed celebration chocolate box for Chocolate Week on The Great British Bake Off (left) and his chemistry-themed, mocha flavored showstopper cake for the School of Chemistry at the University of Leicester (right). Credit: Cell Chemical Biology / Smalley Last year on a Friday evening, chemical biology researcher Josh Smalley was in the lab when he received a call inviting him to appear on the 14th and latest season of "The Great British Bake Off." Starting as one of a group of 12 amateur bakers, Smalley made it all the way to the final round, where the top three contestants compete for the winning spot. In an essay published in the journal Cell Chemical Biology on June 20, Smalley describes the overlap between chemistry and baking and how his training in one has improved his performance in the other, and vice versa. "Baking and science have always been my two great passions," says Smalley. "I find immense joy in combining my culinary creations with an insight into the science behind them just as much as I love to translate my methodical approach and precision from a chemistry research lab to the kitchen." Just a few months before Smalley received the call to be on the show, he finished his Ph.D. at the University of Leicester developing proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for the selective degradation of histone deacetylase enzymes. Now post-"Bake Off," he's a postdoctoral research associate there where he develops peptidomimetic sulfinamide foldamers. Smalley says that his training in the lab is what helped him handle the pressure of baking in the tent. He was determined to showcase his interests in his bakes, like in his chemistry-themed chocolate celebration box. "Some of my proudest moments from the whole experience were when an issue occurred during a bake and I was able to find a way to overcome it without getting flustered or allowing it to compromise my performance," he says. Smalley also speaks of the transferable skills between the two areas. "I have come to learn over the years in both scenarios how things like temperatures and clean glassware are essential for perfect results and that the order of addition can have big implications on the product," he says. Now that he is progressing in his career as a baker, he sees himself specializing just like he has as a researcher. "I have evolved from a baker that tried their hand at everything to honing my skills and finding my own unique style in the decoration, presentation, and storytelling of my bakes," he says. "Moving forward, I am looking to continue in academia as a chemical biology researcher but divide my time between research and a public-facing role, promoting science through the art of baking and hopefully inspiring the next generation of scientists." More information: The culinary chemist: Out of the lab and into the tent, Cell Chemical Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.05.011 Journal information: Cell Chemical Biology 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: Dykes in Norway cutting into older layered sandstone rocks. Credit: Cato Andersen/Mapillary, CC BY-SA Our planet was born around 4.5 billion years ago. To understand this mind-bendingly long history, we need to study rocks and the minerals they are made of. The oldest rocks in Australia, which are some of the oldest on Earth, are found in the Murchison district of Western Australia, 700 kilometers north of Perth. They have been dated at almost 4 billion years old. In a new study published in Communications Earth & Environment, we have found evidence of rocks of a similar age near Collie, south of Perth. This suggests the ancient rocks of Western Australia cover a far greater area than we knew, buried deep in the crust. The ancient continental crust The ancient crust of Australia is crucial for understanding the early Earth, because it tells us about how the continental crust formed and evolved. Continental crust forms the foundation of landmasses where humans live, supporting ecosystems, and providing essential resources for civilization. Without it there would be no fresh water. It is rich in mineral resources such as gold and iron, making it economically significant. However, exploring the ancient continental crust is not easy. Most of it is deeply buried, or has been intensely modified by its environment. There are only a few exposed areas where researchers can directly observe this ancient crust. To understand the age and composition of this hidden ancient crust, scientists often rely on indirect methods, such as studying eroded minerals preserved in overlying basins, or using remote sensing of sound waves, magnetism or gravity. However, there may be another way to peer into the deep crust and, with luck, even sample it. Dragging crystals up from the depths The crust of our planet is frequently cut by dark fingers of magma, rich in iron and magnesium, which can stretch from the upper crust all the way down to Earth's mantle. These structures, known as dykes, can come from depths of at least 50 kilometers (much deeper than even the deepest borehole, which stretches a mere 12 kilometers). These dykes can pick up tiny amounts of minerals from the depths and transport them all the way up to the surface, where we can examine them. In our recent study, we have uncovered evidence of ancient buried rock by dating grains of zircon from one of these dykes. Zircon contains trace amounts of uranium, which over time decays to lead. By precisely measuring the ratio of lead to uranium in zircon grains, we can tell how long ago the grain crystallized. This method showed that the zircon crystals from the dyke date back 3.44 billion years. Titanite armor The zircons are encapsulated in a different mineral, called titanite, which is more chemically stable than zircon in the dyke. Think of a grain of salt, trapped inside a hard-boiled sugar sweet, dropped into a cup of hot tea. Microscope image of titanite grain with zircon crystals trapped inside and protected. The scale bar in the right bottom of image is 100 microns, about the width of a human hair. Credit: Adapted from Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01469-6 The stability of the titanite armor protected the ancient zircon crystals through changes in the chemical, pressure and temperature conditions as the dyke traveled upward. Unshielded zircon crystals in the dyke were strongly modified during the journey, obliterating their isotopic records. However, the grains armored in titanite survived intact to provide a rare glimpse into Earth's early history. The dyke, itself dated to around 1.4 billion years old, has offered up a unique window into ancient crust that would otherwise have remained hidden. We also found similar ancient zircon grains further north in sand from the Swan River, which runs through Perth and drains the same region, further corroborating the age and origin of these ancient materials. Cross-section of the crust south of Perth showing dykes picking up 3.4 billion-year-old zircon from depth and bringing it to the surface. The inset zoom-in shows the armouring of this ancient zircon by a shield of the mineral titanite. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01469-6 The results extend the known area of ancient crust, previously recognized in the Narryer area of the Murchison district. One reason it's important to understand the deep crust is because we often find metals at the boundaries between blocks of this crust. Mapping these blocks can help map out zones to investigate for mining potential. Remnants of deep time So next time you pick up a rock and some mineral grains rub off on your hand, spare a thought for how long those grains might have been around. To come to grips with the time scale, imagine the history of our planet was a year long. Earth formed from swirling dust 12 months ago. Any handful of sand you pick up around Perth will contain a grain or two from about ten months ago. Most of Australia's gold formed seven months ago, and land plants arrived only one month ago. Two weeks ago, dinosaurs showed up. All of humanity has come in the past 30 minutes. And you? Soberingly, on this scale, your life would last about half a second. More information: Christopher L. Kirkland et al, Cryptic geological histories accessed through entombed and matrix geochronometers in dykes, Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01469-6 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: In 50 years, the northern hemisphere cities to the north are going to become much more like cities to the south. For example, if you live in Washington, D.C., you would need to travel to northern Louisiana to experience what Washington, D.C. will feel like by 2080, where summers are expected to be 11.5F warmer in 50 years. Credit: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science/Matthew Fitzpatrick The impacts of climate change are being felt all over the world, but how will it impact how your hometown feels? An interactive web application from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science allows users to search 40,581 places and 5,323 metro areas around the globe to match the expected future climate in each city with the current climate of another location, providing a relatable picture of what is likely in store. You may have already experienced these changes where you live and may be wondering: What will climate of the future be like where I live? How hot will summers be? Will it still snow in winter? And perhaps how might things change course if we act to reduce emissions? This web application helps to provide answers to these questions. For example, if you live in Washington, D.C., you would need to travel to northern Louisiana to experience what Washington, D.C., will feel like by 2080, where summers are expected to be 11.5F warmer in 50 years. If you live in Shanghai, China, you would need to travel to northern Pakistan to experience what Shanghai's climate could be like in 2080. "In 50 years, the northern hemisphere cities to the north are going to become much more like cities to the south. Everything is moving towards the equator in terms of the climate that's coming for you," said Professor Matthew Fitzpatrick. "And the closer you get to the equator there are fewer and fewer good matches for climates in places like Central America, south Florida, and northern Africa. There is no place on Earth representative of what those places they will be like in the future." A spatial ecologist, Fitzpatrick used climate-analog mapping, a statistical technique that matches the expected future climate at one locationyour city of residence, for instancewith the current climate of another familiar location, to provide a place-based understanding of climate change. He used the most recent available data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, to illustrate anticipated temperature changes over 30 years under two different scenarios. Because the answer to these questions depends on how climate is expected to change and the specific nature of those changes is uncertain, the app provides results for both high and reduced emissions scenarios, as well as for several different climate forecast models. You can map the best matches for your city for these different scenarios and models as well as map the similarity between your city's future climate and present climates everywhere (based on the average of the five forecasts for each emission scenario). The first scenario that users can search is similar to our current trajectory and assumes very high greenhouse gas emissions, in which the planet is on track to warm around 9 degrees F by the end of this century. This scenario would make the Earth warmer than it likely has been in millions of years. The second scenario is similar to what the planet would feel like if nations pursue Paris Climate Accord goals. Under that scenario, the planet warms by about 3 degrees F by immediately and drastically reducing human-caused greenhouse gases emissions. "I hope that it continues to inform the conversation about climate change. I hope it helps people better understand the magnitude of the impacts and why scientists are so concerned," said Fitzpatrick. Search the interactive climate map for your city at https://fitzlab.shinyapps.io/cityapp/ 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: Pedro Murillo, a diver, jumps into the sea amid the heat in Veracruz, Mexico, Saturday, June 15, 2024. Victims in Veracruz have made up nearly a third of Mexico's heat-related deaths as temperatures have reached 100 degrees in the humid Mexican gulf state. Credit: AP Photo/Felix Marquez When the nursing home in southern Mexico began to bake in the country's ongoing heat wave, staff cycled their elderly residents through the few cooling options they had. First, some would sit in front of fans buzzing in the sweltering heat of Veracruz. Then they'd be moved in front of the building's few treasured air conditioning units. Then it was back to the record-breaking temperatures roiling the Veracruz state. Anything to get through the climate change-fueled heat wave, which has left much of Mexico grappling with the mounting human toll of the heat. "We have never before experienced a heat wave this intense, this powerful, this pervasive and this persistent," said Maria Teresa Mendoza, director of the Cogra nursing home, operating for decades in the port of Veracruz. "This heat wave has killed many people here in Veracruz." At least 125 people in the Latin American nation have died due to the heat this year, according to data from the country's health ministry. More than 2,300 more have suffered heat stroke, dehydration and sunburns. The heat deaths and larger ripple effects in Mexico have underscored the disproportionate effects climate change and rising global temperatures are having on some of the world's most vulnerable. Maria Tiburcio, 77, back, rests in her bed under a fan at the Cogra nursing home, as director Maria Teresa Mendoza greets a patient, in Veracruz, Mexico, Sunday, June 16, 2024. Victims in Veracruz have made up nearly a third of Mexico's heat-related deaths as temperatures have reached 100 degrees in the humid Mexican gulf state. Credit: AP Photo/Felix Marquez Victims in Veracruz have made up nearly a third of the deaths as temperatures have reached 100 degrees in the humid Mexican gulf state. Caregivers like Mendoza have been left scrambling to ease the suffering of her patients. On Sunday, Mendoza stood in front of a group of elderly women in rocking chairs, many with their heads nodding downward due to the heat, which was hardly pierced by a set of fans rotating in front of them. "We're going to drink a bit of water. Sounds good?" she said. "Those are my girls." The heat has had cascading effects across Mexico. Howler monkeys and tropical birds have dropped dead from trees in southern Mexico. Residents scramble to fill up jugs of water, concerned about the heat compounding ongoing drought. Migrants walk north with little to ease the beating sun. Isabel Rios, 73, center, sits with others by the window of the Cogra nursing home to cool off from the high temperatures in Veracruz, Mexico, Sunday, June 16, 2024. Victims in Veracruz have made up nearly a third of Mexico's heat-related deaths as temperatures have reached 100 degrees in the humid Mexican gulf state. Credit: AP Photo/Felix Marquez Emergency services in Veracruz have been responding to a greater number of heat-related emergencies in areas like warehouses and even open air spaces. David Zebadua Escalante, coordinator of state relief for the Mexican Red Cross in Veracruz, said medics respond to as many as five heat strokes a day. As a result, teams began rigging ambulances with ice and other equipment in an effort to save lives. "We had to take certain measures in the ambulances, like putting ice packs inside, cold liquids, cold compresses so we could treat people who have had heat stroke," he said. He said medics often attend to people working long hours in the sun, with few breaks and little water, which makes people more vulnerable to heat stroke. Meanwhile, construction workers like Jorge Misael Rodriguez keep on working. Drenched in sweat, Misael Rodriguez carries heavy equipment, bricks and planks on the site. A man walks on the boardwalk during a heat wave in Veracruz, Mexico, Saturday, June 15, 2024. Victims in Veracruz have made up nearly a third of Mexico's heat-related deaths as temperatures have reached 100 degrees in the humid Mexican gulf state. Credit: AP Photo/Felix Marquez Family members of patients wait outside of the emergency services of the Mexican Red Cross in Veracruz, Mexico, Monday, June 17, 2024. Victims in Veracruz have made up nearly a third of Mexico's heat-related deaths as temperatures have reached 100 degrees in the humid Mexican gulf state. Credit: AP Photo/Felix Marquez "You feel feverish, feel pain, and get tons of headaches. Once you're at home, the pain starts. In your shoulders, back and arms," Rodriguez said, gulping down water during a break. "It hits you hard." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: Rapid field tests can produce results quickly to help farmers make decisions about their harvest in the field. Credit: Ashley Kayabasi/Purdue University Purdue University researchers are introducing a new biosensor technology to the agricultural industry inspired by advancements achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system delivered 100% accurate results within an hour of in-field sample collection on a commercial fresh produce farm. "The approach we've taken is using a fecal indicator called Bacteroidales as a risk marker," said Purdue's Mohit Verma, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering. Verma and his team of nine postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students published their findings in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. Krishi, a startup company where Verma serves as chief technology officer, is licensing the technology through the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization. "The goal has been to estimate what risks might be present in fresh produce operations from nearby animal operations or other wildlife," Verma said. Typically, this is done by measuring pathogens. If pathogens are present on the crop, it is discarded. But detecting pathogens at a low level, in compliance with regulatory requirements governing products with a short shelf life, presents challenges. The technology Verma uses is called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The team has implemented it on innovative, paper-based devices for rapid results for agricultural uses. Previously, Verma's team developed these tests for bovine respiratory disease and COVID-19. Purdue researchers collect bioaerosol samples in fresh produce fields with plastic collection flags like this one. Credit: Jiangshan Wang/Purdue University "To our knowledge, this work represents the first demonstration of a portable LAMP testing platform implemented on a fresh produce farm," the co-authors wrote in their journal article. The new paper also refines previous results published in the journal Food Microbiology by lead author Jiangshan Wang, who earned his doctorate at Purdue in agricultural and biological engineering this year, Verma and their associates. Bacteroidales is a fecal organism found in swine, poultry and cattle. Most foodborne pathogens linked to fresh produce, including E. coli and salmonella, originate in the intestines. The Purdue team tested the system on a commercial lettuce farm in Salinas, California, and in a field next to the Purdue Animal Sciences Research and Education Center in West Lafayette, Indiana. Microbial samples were collected from plastic flags that were placed throughout the testing area. Small flags made of plastic sheets collected bioaerosol samples for a week in Verma's experiments. The experiments compared testing in the field and in the laboratory. All of the flags were brought to the laboratory for quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing. "That allows you to measure Bacteriodales and therefore the level of fecal contamination," Verma said. A plastic data collection flag stands in a field at Purdue University's Animal Sciences Research and Education Center. Credit: Ashley Kayabasi/Purdue University But with the new assay kit, which consists of a drop dispenser, paper-based devices and a heating imager, growers can carry out the entire process in the field. After swabbing the collection flag, they put in it a drop dispenser that is preloaded with liquid to dispense a specific volume. The liquid dispenses into the paper devices that contain the compounds needed to detect DNA in the samples. The paper device then goes into a heating imager. An hour later, the device reveals how much Bacteriodales is present. The assay provides quantitative test results that confirm what growers, following visual inspection, often intuitively suspect is happening in their fields. The field test results agreed 100% with laboratory results. They involved samples that included very low or very high concentrations of contamination. It's challenging to get the full variation of contamination levels in field testing, but that is part of ongoing work, Verma noted. The field tests lacked samples containing an intermediate range of contamination, which would have yielded most of the mismatches. Still, the assay can detect as few as three copies of Bacteroidales DNA per square centimeter. Verma estimates that tests involving a full range of contamination would achieve agreement with laboratory testing of above 90%. Low levels of Bacteroidales indicate a low-risk location. High levels signal the need to take precautions. High levels of contamination would be 1,000 copies of DNA per square centimeter found on a test pad, with one copy corresponding to one cell from any of a broad class of bacteria. Low levels would be 10 copies per square centimeter. A new fast and easy method developed at Purdue University for testing fresh produce in the field can be done from the back of a car. Credit: Simerdeep Kaur/Purdue University "The biggest limitation is we don't really know what these numbers mean yet," Verma said. "What about in between? Where do we set the threshold? That's part of ongoing work," he said. Lead authors Wang and Simerdeep Kaur, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, developed the assays and the paper-based devices and conducted the field testing. Co-authors in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering developed the heating imager. Other co-authors assisted with field testing preparations and device optimization. The work demonstrates the Verma group's ability to go from developing something new in the lab to testing it in the field. "Not everyone can do that, and you definitely can't do it alone. That's what is indicated by the list of authors you see," Verma said. More information: Jiangshan Wang et al, A portable, easy-to-use paper-based biosensor for rapid in-field detection of fecal contamination on fresh produce farms, Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116374 Journal information: Biosensors and Bioelectronics 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: University of Ottawa A team of international scientists led by the University of Ottawa have gone back to the kitchen cupboard to create a recipe that combines organic material and light to create quantum states. Professor Jean-Michel Menard, leader of the Ultrafast Terahertz Spectroscopy group at the Faculty of Science, coordinated with Dr. Claudiu Genes at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (Germany), and with Iridian Spectral Technologies (Ottawa) to design a device which can efficiently modify properties of materials using the quantum superposition with light. The team designed a two-dimensional planar resonatorknown as a metasurfacethat captured light. Using a spray coating technique, they then deposited a thin glucose layer on that metasurface to induce a strong interaction between light and glucose molecules in sugar. Their concept brings researchers closer to being technologically able to harvest some of the unique properties of quantum systems falling in a hybrid state of both light and matter. Faculty of Science professors Ksenia Dolgaleva and Robert Boyd contributed to the work alongside Professor Menard, the lead author, who discusses the findings published in Nature Communications. What did you set out to do and what did you find? We present an innovative and efficient technique for synthesizing quantum organic materials by combining light and matter. When light in the far-infrared regionat terahertz (THz) frequenciesbecome strapped within an organic material, it can merge with molecules, resulting in a quantum state that exhibits unique properties which are of growing interest because of their potential application in modifying the physical and chemical properties of matter. These intriguing states only arise under specific conditions. Our team identified these critical conditions and created a photonic trap or device to effectively confine light within a small volume space during a substantial amount of time. This trap enables a strong coupling regime to be established between light and a molecular ensemble. Unlike previous approaches that relied on optical cavities made of two facing mirrors, we instead designed and tested a two-dimensional planar resonator known as a metasurface. This metasurface effectively allows optical confinement within a planar geometry, opening new practical avenues to explore the quantum regime of strong light-matter interactions. Finally, we combined metasurfaces with traditional cavity geometries to form hybrid cavity architectures and observe an enhancement of the coupling strength between light and matter. These results are demonstrated with glucose, an organic compound with properties useful to the fields of biology and medicine. Strong lightmatter coupling with glucose-coated MS. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48764-6 Why use THz light and sugar? Terahertz light is particularly interesting because it can induce vibrations in many molecules, including glucose molecules in sugar. The energy of vibration of molecules is intricately connected to their properties including their ability to engage in chemical reactions with other molecules. Therefore, by designing platforms enabling a strong coupling between terahertz light and the vibration of molecules, which are fundamental building blocks of organic substances, we have the potential to change their properties to potentially gain control over mechanisms at the foundation of life. What did you ultimately find through your research? We discovered efficient approaches to couple terahertz light and matter. The most promising concept is based on a structured metallic surface, the metasurface, incorporated into the design of a photonic cavity. As a result, light becomes doubly trapped and remains tightly confined within the device. Our robust plug-and-play platform allows potentially many organic materials to be inserted inside this device to create quantum systems with new properties. This is due to the fact that no precise alignment of the device is required to trap the light as this critical condition is mostly fulfilled by the geometry of the metasurfaces metallic pattern. Interestingly, since scalable fabrication techniques exist to fabricate metasurfaces interacting with terahertz light, we believe that these devices could be used relatively soon for real-life applications of quantum-enhanced chemical reactions. What kind of impact can this research have? These results bring us closer to being technologically able to harvest some of the unique properties of quantum systems consisting of a hybridized state of light and matter. By performing a systematic theoretical and experimental study of different types of photonic resonators, we discovered some novel photonic resonator designs that can create a quantum superposition between a molecular material, glucose, and light in a specific region of the far-infrared spectral window called the terahertz region. Previous work demonstrated that this hybridization process, when it involves terahertz light, modifies the original physical and chemical properties of the material. For example, the presence of a photonic resonator can change the rate of some chemical reactions involving that material. In the future, we believe this approach could help regulate some molecular processes, leading to application in medicine for rapid diagnostics and potentially new therapeutic strategies. More information: Ahmed Jaber et al, Hybrid architectures for terahertz molecular polaritonics, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48764-6 Journal information: Nature Communications China expects bumper summer harvest, contributing to world food supply Xinhua) 08:16, June 20, 2024 * China is in its peak summer harvest season, which usually spans from May to late June. * Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs indicated that as of June 15, China had harvested around 310 million mu (around 20.68 million hectares) of winter wheat, with harvest progress surpassing 90 percent. * Food supply in China, the world's largest food producer and third largest food exporter, is significant to global food security and prices. JINAN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Over a dozen operators drove harvesters in an orderly manner through a vast wheat field in east China's major breadbasket province Shandong. In just 10 minutes, large areas of golden wheat are reduced to short stubble. "The granaries are already full, yet there's so much grain that the trucks haven't finished unloading," said Guo Bobo, manager of the field and a major grain producer in Wenshang County. Guo's field reaps a record average yield of 9,750 kg per hectare. Now is the busiest and most rewarding time for farmers like Guo, as China is in its peak summer harvest season, which usually spans from May to late June. A farmer watches as harvested wheat is uploaded onto a truck in Weifang City, east China's Shandong Province, June 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) BUMPER HARVEST Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs indicated that as of June 15, China had harvested around 310 million mu (around 20.68 million hectares) of winter wheat, with harvest progress surpassing 90 percent. The wheat harvest in southwest China's Sichuan Province and central China's Hubei Province, two agricultural powerhouses, has concluded. Shandong, the country's second-largest wheat producer, has harvested 98.2 percent of its 60.54 million mu of wheat as of Sunday. Shandong's total grain production has remained stable at over 55 billion kg for three consecutive years. This year, wheat yields and total production are expected to reach new heights, said Yang Wujie, an official from the provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs. This summer, the main winter-wheat-producing provinces across the country have maintained stable or slightly increased planting areas, with overall wheat growth conditions better than usual, laying a solid foundation for a good summer harvest, according to the ministry. Behind this progress lies China's commitment to summer grain production by enhancing rural infrastructure, developing high-standard farmlands, and investing in the grain seed industry alongside scientific and technological research. In Shandong, nearly 76.43 million mu of high-standard farmland have been developed, covering about 80 percent of the province's total cultivated land and 90 percent of permanent basic cropland, according to Yang. "The strategy of 'storing grain in the field and technology' is fundamental to China's efforts to secure food production capacity," said Li Genying, a researcher at the Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences. A farmer drives a reaper to harvest wheat in a field of Liubeizhai Township of Zunhua City, north China's Hebei Province, June 15, 2024. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) China now has around 299 million mu of saline-alkali arable land. Significant progress has been made in salt-tolerant wheat technology, with over 700 new lines and 52 approved varieties undergoing testing for salt-alkali tolerance, said Liu Luxiang, a researcher at the Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Some of these new varieties have demonstrated promising potential for achieving higher and stable yields, which could significantly enhance grain production capacity, Liu said. WORLD FOOD STABILIZER According to a report released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on June 7, the FAO Food Price Index continued its upward trend in May for the third consecutive month. This increase, driven by rising global export prices of wheat, reflects concerns over potentially lower yields due to poor crop conditions in some major producing regions including North America and Europe. The FAO Cereal Price Index rose by 6.3 percent in May compared to the previous month, contributing significantly to the overall rise in the international food price index. An aerial drone photo taken on June 2, 2024 shows reapers harvesting wheat in a field in Tancheng County, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Food supply in China, the world's largest food producer and third largest food exporter, is significant to global food security and prices. Statistics from the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration showed that in 2023, wheat served predominantly as a staple food in China, maintaining a stable and balanced supply-demand relationship throughout the year. China's grain output rose 1.3 percent year on year to a record high of 695.41 million tonnes last year, which was the ninth consecutive year that the country reported a grain harvest of over 650 million tonnes. "As a country that accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world's population, China sticks to feeding its people while helping the countries in need with domestically produced food," said Yuan Liang, a researcher at CAAS. "By avoiding the possibility of exacerbating international food price fluctuations caused by the large purchase of wheat in the international market, China makes great contributions to the stability of the world's food supply," Yuan noted. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) Bianca Pitman, 43, was found strangled to death in her Spain apartment in April. Her "common-law" husband, Jose Betancourt, 50, was arrested by Spain authorities in connection to her death. GoFundMe The common-law husband of a San Antonio woman working as a teacher in Spain has been accused of choking her to death. According to a Daily Mail report, Jose Betancourt, 50, allegedly strangled Bianca Pitman, 43, during extreme sex inside an apartment in April. He said her death was an accident after the couple played a hardcore game simulating a rape. As of today, Betancourt sits behind bars at the Alhaurin de la Torre prison, where his original manslaughter charge was upgraded to homicide. The decision to upgrade the charge occurred after an autopsy showed that Pitman had been strangled. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pitman, a former art teacher at Johnson High School, left San Antonio last year to move away from Betancourt, according to news reports, and started a new life in the town of Xativa in eastern Spain. The reports are based largely on an interview with Valerie Dullnig, 55, of San Antonio. Dullnig, who identified herself as Pitmans best friend, told the Daily Mail that Pitman fled to Spain secretly and changed her phone. In April, Betancourt visited Pitman, and they stayed together at a tourist apartment in Malaga in the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. Dullnig told the Daily Mail that she had remained in touch with Pitman and didnt know how Betancourt had found her or why they were together. Betancourt left the apartment in the early morning of April 6 to get help after Pitman lost consciousness. He told first responders that they had been drinking in the hours leading up to her death and she consumed drugs before engaging in an extreme sex game. The presiding judge in this case will now try to establish if Betancourt strangled Pitman by accident during the sex game or if he is trying to cover up a crime. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to a GoFundMe, Pitman, a beloved mother, dedicated teacher, animal lover, and passionate traveler and artist, is survived by her two children and an older brother. While a difficult situation for the family, it also states that the childrens father, Betancourt, is in Spain facing charges related to her death. With both parents suddenly absent from their lives, the family is left in dire need of support during this turbulent time, reads the fundraiser description. The GoFundMe has amassed 362 donations and raised more than $30,000 for the family. Court officials in Malaga said in April that Betancourt will remain in custody. The investigation is expected to last several months and could go on for years. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Artist impression of a brown dwarf orbiting close to a bright star. Credit: ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO or ESA Standard Licence (content can be used under either licence) Photographing faint objects close to bright stars is incredibly difficult. Yet, by combining data from ESA's Gaia space telescope with ESO's GRAVITY instrument on the ground, scientists managed just that. They took the first pictures of so far unseen dim companions of eight luminous stars. The technique unlocks the tantalizing possibility to capture images of planets orbiting close to their host stars. Have you ever tried to take a picture of a firefly next to a bright streetlight? Chances are that all you will see in your snapshot is the glare from the lamp post. This is the same problem faced by astronomers chasing faint, small, stars or planets next to a bright star. To tackle the problem, an international team of astronomers led by Thomas Winterhalder, scientist at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), started by searching through the catalog produced by Gaia, which lists hundreds of thousands of stars that are suspected to have a companion. Although the companion objects are not bright enough to be seen by Gaia directly, their presence leads to tiny wobbles in the paths of the more luminous host stars, which only Gaia can measure. In Gaia's catalog of stellar orbits, the team identified eight stars to be targeted by GRAVITY, the advanced near-infrared interferometer at the Very Large Telescope of ESO, at Cerro Paranal in Chile. GRAVITY combines infrared light from different telescopes to pick up tiny details in faint objects, in a technique called interferometry. The research is published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Jackpot Thanks to GRAVITY's uniquely sharp and sensitive eye, the team caught the light signal of all eight predicted companions, seven of which were previously unknown. Three of the companions are very small and faint stars, while the other five are brown dwarfs. These are celestial objects in between planets and stars: more massive than the heaviest of planets but lighter and fainter than the lightest of stars. Artist impression of ESA's Gaia satellite observing the Milky Way. The background image of the sky is compiled from data from more than 1.8 billion stars. It shows the total brightness and colour of stars observed by Gaia released as part of Gaias Early Data Release 3 (Gaia EDR3) in December 2020. Credit: ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO or ESA Standard Licence (content can be used under either licence) One of the brown dwarfs spotted in this study orbits its host star at the same distance as Earth from the sun. This is the first time a brown dwarf so close to its host star could be directly captured. "We have demonstrated that it is possible to capture an image of a faint companion, even when it orbits very close to its bright host," explains Thomas. "This achievement highlights the remarkable synergy between Gaia and GRAVITY. Only Gaia can identify such tight systems hosting a star and a 'hidden' companion, and then GRAVITY can take over to image the smaller and fainter object with unprecedented accuracy." In an earlier study, astronomers used Gaia data and a different ground-based observatory to capture the image of a giant gas exoplanet. This planet orbits its host star at about 17 times the distance of Earth from the sun, tracing an angle in the sky considerably wider than the typical separation of the companions imaged by GRAVITY in this new result. The small companions inferred from Gaia observations typically lie at tiny separation angles of a few dozen milliarcseconds, which is about the size of a one-Euro coin viewed from 100 km distance. "In our observations, Gaia data act as a kind of signpost," continues Thomas. "The part of the sky that we can see with GRAVITY is very small, so we need to know where to look. Gaia's unparalleled precise measurements of the movements and positions of stars are essential to point our instrument to the right direction in the sky." More than 5000 exoplanets have been discovered to date, but what do they look like? ESAs dedicated exoplanet missions Cheops, Plato and Ariel are on a quest to find out. Cheops will focus its search on mini-Neptunes, planets with sizes between Earth and Neptune, on short orbits around their stars. Cheops will find out how large these planets are, and may detect whether the planets have clouds. Plato will look at all kinds of exoplanets and determine their sizes and ages. Platos instruments are so sensitive it may discover the first Earth-like planet on an Earth-like orbit. Finally, Ariel will look at the atmospheres of exoplanets using the technique of transmission spectroscopy and discover what they are made of. Together these missions will discover what exoplanets and their systems look like and they will also reveal how special our own Solar System is. Credit: European Space Agency Dream team The complementarity of Gaia and GRAVITY goes beyond using Gaia's data to plan follow-up observations and enable detections. By combining the two data sets, the scientists were able to 'weigh' the individual celestial objects separately and tell apart the mass of the host star and the respective companion. GRAVITY also measured the contrast between the companion and host star across a range of wavelengths in the infrared. Combined with the estimates of the mass, this knowledge enabled the team to assess the age of the companions. Surprisingly, two of the brown dwarfs turned out to be less luminous than one would expect given their size and age. A possible explanation for this could be that the dwarfs themselves have an even smaller companion. Hunting for exoplanets Having demonstrated the power of the Gaia-GRAVITY ensemble, the scientists are now looking forward to tracking down potential planet companions of the stars listed in the Gaia catalog. "The ability to tease out the tiny motions of close-by pairs in the sky is unique to the Gaia mission. The next catalog, to be made available as part of the fourth data release (DR4), will contain an even richer collection of stars with potentially smaller companions," remarks Johannes Sahlmann, ESA's Gaia scientist. "This result breaks new ground in the hunt for planets in our galaxy and promises us glimpses of new distant worlds." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In a warming climate, cloud patterns are changing in ways that amplify global warming. A team of researchers led by Professor Johannes Quaas from Leipzig University and Hao Luo and Professor Yong Han from Sun Yat-sen University in China have discovered increasingly asymmetric changes in cloud covercloud cover decreases more during the day than at night. This asymmetry means that the cooling effect of clouds is decreasing during the day and their warming effect is increasing at night, adding to global warming. The researchers have published their new findings in the journal Science Advances. Clouds: More than just a meteorological phenomenon During the day, clouds reflect sunlight back into space, cooling the Earth's surface. At night, on the other hand, they act like a blanket, trapping in the heat. This keeps the surface of the Earth warm. "This is why clouds play a decisive role in the Earth's climate," says meteorologist Quaas. In their study, the scientists used satellite observations and data from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), which provides comprehensive climate models and scenarios. These models cover historical data from 1970 to 2014 and projections up to the year 2100. "As cloud cover decreases more during the day than at night on a global scale, this leads to a decrease in the short-wave albedo effect during the day and an increase in the long-wave greenhouse effect at night," explains Hao Luo, lead author of the study. Climate models and their importance Climate models are essential for understanding and predicting the complex processes and interactions within the climate system. They help scientists develop possible future scenarios and analyze the impact of various factors such as greenhouse gases, aerosols and clouds on the climate. Quaas emphasizes, "The asymmetry of how cloud cover changes is an important newly discovered factor. Our study shows that this asymmetry causes a positive feedback loop that amplifies global warming." According to the researcher, clouds are changing as a result of climate change. Overall, there are slightly fewer clouds, which means more global warming. The mechanisms behind the asymmetry This daily asymmetry in cloud cover can be attributed to various factors. One major cause is the increasing stability in the lower troposphere as a result of rising greenhouse gas concentrations. This stability means that clouds are less likely to form during the day, while they remain stable or even increase at night. Yong Han, co-author of the study, explains, "The change in cloud cover is not evenly distributed throughout the day. By day, when solar irradiance is strongest, we observed a greater reduction in clouds. At night, when the Earth's surface normally cools down, cloud cover retains the heat and thus amplifies the greenhouse effect." Looking to the future "Our findings show that there is an even greater need to reduce greenhouse gases, because not only does cloud cover respond to warming, it also amplifies warming through this new effect," warns Quaas. The scientists believe that further studies are needed to better understand changes in cloud cover. The ongoing studies at Leipzig University are also looking at changes in vegetation and its biodiversity, for example, as well as the role of decreasing air pollution. More information: Hao Luo et al, Diurnally asymmetric cloud cover trends amplify greenhouse warming, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado5179 Journal information: Science Advances 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: The proposed method is simple, mild, fast, and produces high yields, with the potential to inspire the development of new drugs and agrochemicals. Credit: Hayato Ishikawa from Chiba University The development of drugs through chemical modifications of naturally occurring indole alkaloids has emerged as an attractive research area. However, due to their reactivity, the selective functionalization at the C5 position of the indole ring has been difficult. Researchers have recently developed a new one-step method for C5-selective bromination of indole alkaloids. It is simple, fast, mild, and can accommodate various functional groups. This innovative method can lead to the development of new drugs and agrochemicals. Indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidine is a common structural motif in various natural products. Its molecular structure contains the indole ring, a functional group in tryptophan. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is required for the production and maintenance of our body's proteins, muscles, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. Many natural products are derived from it. More than 3,000 monoterpene indole alkaloids (MTIAs), which are natural products consisting of indole rings, have been found in plants, and some of them have been used as medicines. For example, vinblastine has been used as an anticancer drug, and reserpine is used to treat high blood pressure. The indole ring itself consists of a six-membered benzene ring fused with a five-membered nitrogen-containing pyrrole ring. Functionalization at the C5 position of the indole core of MTIAs is a common occurrence in biosynthesis and such MTIAs demonstrate attractive biological activities, including medicinal activity. Hence, the development of drugs through chemical modifications of the naturally occurring MTIAs as templates has attracted significant attention. Consequently, the exploration of chemical modification methods for the indole ring has become an important research area. However, the indole ring is highly reactive, and hence, selective chemical modifications at its C5 reaction site have been difficult. Addressing this challenge, a team of researchers from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chiba University, including Go Yoshimura (first author), Jukiya Sakamoto, and Mariko Kitajima, led by Professor Hayato Ishikawa, developed a novel one-step process for indole C5-selective bromination of MTIAs. Prof. Ishikawa explains, "Bromine is an extremely important functional group due to its versatility. It serves as a substrate for key reactions and for facilitating further functionalization. We have successfully achieved selective bromination at the indole C5 position, which has been a notoriously challenging feat." Their study was published in ChemistryA European Journal on April 7, 2024. The researchers previously achieved selective C5-bromination of an indole alkaloid. However, it required a four-step process and was not suitable for other multi-functionalized substrates. In this study, the team developed a simpler one-step process. They used indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidine as a model substrate and treated it with equal amounts of pyridinium tribromide and hydrochloric acid with methanol as the solvent at 0C. The resulting reaction was surprisingly fast, requiring only 10 minutes, yielding the desired C5-brominated derivative. The researchers further found that an in-situ generated C3-, C5-brominated indolenine intermediate served as the brominating agent. They separately synthesized this intermediate and experimentally verified its role. The proposed innovative method is simple, operates under mild reaction conditions, accommodates various functional groups, and produces high yields. Furthermore, this method does not require any special protection or directing groups. The researchers demonstrated this method's versatility by preparing various brominated indole alkaloids, including a brominated product prepared from naturally occurring yohimbine. Prof. Ishikawa says, "The chemical modification method proposed in this study will be beneficial for the development of new drugs and agrochemicals. It will also pave the way for the development of additional indole chemical reactions as scientists further explore the newfound reactivity of indoles." The team hopes that the development of new medicines and pesticides using their method will contribute to a healthier society. More information: Go Yoshimura et al, Indole C5Selective Bromination of Indolo[2,3a]quinolizidine Alkaloids via In SituGenerated Indoline Intermediate, Chemistry A European Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401153 Journal information: Chemistry A European Journal This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The official start of summer is around the corner. Parts of the West have already experienced triple-digit heat and wildfires. Thursday is the summer solstice, an astronomical event that marks the beginning of the summer season. What is the summer solstice? The summer solstice occurs when the sun travels north in its path in the sky, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. At this time, the Earth reaches a point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its highest tilt toward the sun. When this happens, it's summer for the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere it's the start of winter. The almanac states that the summer solstice starts at 1:51 p.m. on Thursday. When will the sun set on June 21? During the summer solstice, states will enjoy the most daylight and shortest night of the year. According to the almanac, sunrise in Sacramento will be at 5:40 a.m. and sunset will be at 8:35 p.m. Do days get shorter after official start of summer? After the summer solstice, the days will get progressively shorter. According to Time and Date, the days will slowly get shorter during the summer at daily intervals into the fall season. By the fall equinox, the first official day of fall, on Sept. 22, the sun is expected to rise at 6:54 a.m. Sunset on this day is expected to occur at 7:01 p.m. On the fall equinox, the Golden State will only have about 13 hours and 22 minutes of daylight. On the winter solstice, Dec. 21, California will see 9 hours and 28 minutes of daylight. 2024 The Sacramento Bee. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA from Pexels A controversial bill that would have allowed developers to build on archaeological sites in some environmentally sensitive coastal areas was overhauled on June 19. Language that would have allowed builders to disturb archaeological resources in the course of development in the coastal Areas of Environmental Concern was removed from House Bill 385 entirely. After being introduced earlier this month, that original proposal met widespread opposition from Native Americans in North Carolina and the state's Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Under the changes proposed by Sen. Norm Sanderson, a Pamlico County Republican, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources would need to inform potential purchasers of land in those areas whether there is a potentially significant archaeological site on the property. DNCR would also need to seek funding from state, federal or private sources to purchase archaeological or historically significant sites it identifies in those areas. "The idea to me is, to save all we can and not have to find it during development," Sanderson told The News & Observer The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources still harbors concerns about the updated language, Schorr Johnson, a department spokesman, said in a statement. "While an improvement from the original proposal, the Office of State Archaeology already provides information to property owners and prospective property owners about archaeological resources on their property. The new language attempts to codify that practice while also undermining archaeological protections. We look forward to continuing to work with the legislature on this proposal," Johnson said. Central to the original debate was a 21-acre portion of the Bridge View development in Cedar Point, a Carteret County community bordering Bogue Banks near the eastern shore of the White Oak River. In the case of Bridge View, development was halted on the sound-side portion of the site before it could begin. As part of the standard Coastal Area Management Act permit review process, the Office of State Archaeology recommended further exploration because of two sites that were discovered in the area in the 1970s. A survey of 16 trenches covering a total of 1.3 acres of the site found more than 2,000 artifacts, including 11 different human burial sites. The original provision allowing development to "incidentally" disturb archaeological sites was included in one of nine amendments to HB 385 introduced at a June 5 meeting of the Senate's Agriculture, Energy and Environment committee. At the time, Sen. Michael Lazzara, an Onslow County Republican, said the Bridge View developers had already spent hundreds of thousands conducting surveys on the Carteret County site. Under the revised legislation, developers like Bridge View's Cedar Point Developers, LLC, would be able to ask the Office of State Archaeology whether it believes there are culturally sensitive sites on the land during the purchase process. If the Office of State Archaeology said it doesn't know of an issue with a site, it wouldn't be able to restrict development for a period of three years. If a developer uncovers an archaeological site while working on a site, Sanderson added, they would still need to pause all activity under existing state law. "I'm 25% Native American myself, and I didn't do this to try to destroy burial grounds," Sanderson said. The changes wouldn't immediately help the developers behind Bridge View, Sanderson added. While the funding provision seems to offer a way for them to offload the 21-acre site in question, the legislation doesn't include state money that could be used to purchase it or other archaeologically important land. "If there is a budget, we're not going to go back and add that right now. And so that would have to be a future endeavor to put some money in a fund to begin to be able to draw off of it," Sanderson said. The Judiciary Committee did not immediately vote on the amendments but could do so Thursday or next Tuesday, said Sen. Danny Britt, a Robeson County Republican and the committee's chairman. 2024 The Charlotte Observer. 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: LMD of heading Chinese cabbage CC-Z16 shoot apical meristem and surrounding leaf primordium at the rosette stage (six weeks after sowing). (A) Representative transverse section of the SAM and leaf primordium. Targeted meristem (SAM) and mesophyll cells (leaf abaxial/adaxial cells without epidermal cells) before (B) and after (C) LMD. Credit: Horticulture Research (2024). DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae059 Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind leaf development is crucial for improving crop yields and resilience. In Chinese cabbage, the formation of leafy heads involves complex gene interactions that determine leaf shape and orientation. Despite progress in model plants like Arabidopsis, the molecular basis of these processes in Brassica species remains less clear. Based on these challenges, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research to uncover the genetic regulation of leaf development in crops like Chinese cabbage. Researchers from Hebei Agricultural University, in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, have published an article in Horticulture Research detailing the transcriptomic analysis of Chinese cabbage. The study focuses on the gene expression patterns during leaf initiation, a key phase in the plant's development. The study delves into the molecular mechanisms driving leaf development in Chinese cabbage, particularly the initiation of leaf primordia and the establishment of adaxial-abaxial polarity. Researchers utilized laser microdissection to isolate cells from the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and leaf primordia, followed by RNA sequencing to profile gene expression. Key findings include the identification of genes involved in hormone signaling pathways, such as auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin, which play critical roles in leaf formation. The study also highlighted the expression of transcription factors like HD-ZIP III, KANADI, and YABBY, essential for adaxial-abaxial polarity establishment. Notably, the gene expression patterns in Chinese cabbage showed similarities and differences compared to model plants like Arabidopsis, reflecting the unique evolutionary path of Brassica species. The analysis revealed that gene expression in the SAM clustered with the adaxial side of leaf primordia, while the abaxial side aligned with the expanding rosette leaves. This co-expression pattern underscores the intricate regulatory networks governing leaf development. The study provides a comprehensive catalog of differentially expressed genes, offering a foundation for future research on leafy head formation and crop improvement. Dr. Guusje Bonnema, a co-author from Wageningen University, stated, "This study advances our understanding of the genetic basis of leaf development in Brassica crops. By elucidating the gene expression patterns associated with leaf primordia and polarity, we can better understand the formation of leafy heads in Chinese cabbage, paving the way for targeted breeding strategies to enhance crop performance." The insights from this study have significant implications for agriculture and crop breeding. Understanding the genetic regulation of leaf development enables breeders to develop Chinese cabbage varieties with optimized leaf shapes and sizes, enhancing yield and quality. The knowledge of gene expression patterns in leaf development is a valuable resource for future genetic engineering and breeding programs, addressing global food security challenges. More information: XiaoXue Sun et al, Transcriptomic analyses to summarize gene expression patterns that occur during leaf initiation of Chinese cabbage, Horticulture Research (2024). DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae059 Journal information: Horticulture Research Provided by TranSpread 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: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, K. Pontoppidan (NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory), J. Green (Space Telescope Science Institute) For the first time, a phenomenon astronomers have long hoped to image directly has been captured by the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope's Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam). In this stunning image of the Serpens Nebula, the discovery lies in the northern area of this young, nearby star-forming region. The astronomers found an intriguing group of protostellar outflows, formed when jets of gas spewing from newborn stars collide with nearby gas and dust at high speeds. Typically, these objects have a variety of orientations within one region. Here, however, they are all slanted in the same direction, to the same degree, like sleet pouring down during a storm. The discovery of these aligned objects, made possible only by Webb's exquisite spatial resolution and sensitivity at near-infrared wavelengths, is providing information about the fundamentals of how stars are born. or the first time, a phenomenon astronomers have long hoped to image directly has been captured by the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescopes Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam). In this stunning image of the Serpens Nebula, the discovery lies in the northern area of this young, nearby star-forming region. Credit: Directed by: Bethany Downer and Nico Bartmann; Editing: Nico Bartmann; Web and technical support: Enciso Systems; Written by: Bethany Downer; Music: Stellardrone - Light Years; Footage: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, K. Pontoppidan (NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory), J. Green (Space Telescope Science Institute) So, just how does the alignment of the stellar jets relate to the rotation of the star? As an interstellar gas cloud collapses in on itself to form a star, it spins more rapidly. The only way for the gas to continue moving inward is for some of the spin (known as angular momentum) to be removed. A disk of material forms around the young star to transport material down, like a whirlpool around a drain. The swirling magnetic fields in the inner disk launch some of the material into twin jets that shoot outward in opposite directions, perpendicular to the disk of material. In the Webb image, these jets are identified by bright red clumpy streaks, which are shockwaves caused when the jet hits the surrounding gas and dust. Here, the red color indicates the presence of molecular hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Webb can image these extremely young stars and their outflows, which were previously obstructed at optical wavelengths. This zoom-in video shows the relative location of the Serpens Nebula on the sky. It begins with a ground-based photo by the late astrophotographer Akira Fujii, then transitions into a plate from the Digitized Sky Survey. Next, an image from NASAs Spitzer Space Telescope appears, and finally the video arrives at the image of Serpens from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, A. Pagan (STScI); Acknowledgement: Akira Fujii, Digitized Sky Survey, Spitzer Space Telescope Astronomers say there are a few forces that potentially can shift the direction of the outflows during this period of a young star's life. One way is when binary stars spin around each other and wobble in orientation, twisting the direction of the outflows over time. Stars of the Serpens Nebula The Serpens Nebula is only one or two million years old, which is very young in cosmic terms. It's also home to a particularly dense cluster of newly forming stars (around 100 000 years old) at the center of this image, some of which will eventually grow to the mass of our sun. Serpens is a reflection nebula, which means it's a cloud of gas and dust that does not create its own light but instead shines by reflecting the light from stars close to or within the nebula. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, K. Pontoppidan (NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory), J. Green (Space Telescope Science Institute), N. Bartmann (ESA/Webb); Music: Tonelabs - The Red North So, throughout the region in this image, filaments and wisps of different hues represent reflected starlight from still-forming protostars within the cloud. In some areas there is dust in front of that reflection, which appears here in an orange, diffuse shade. This region has been home to other coincidental discoveries, including the flapping "Bat Shadow," which earned its name when 2020 data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope revealed it to flap, or shift. This feature is visible at the center of the Webb image. Future studies The stunning image and the serendipitous discovery of the aligned objects are actually just the first step in this scientific program. The team will now use Webb's NIRSpec (Near-InfraRed Spectrograph) to investigate the chemical makeup of the cloud. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, K. Pontoppidan (NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory), J. Green (Space Telescope Science Institute) Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, K. Pontoppidan (NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory), J. Green (Space Telescope Science Institute) Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, K. Pontoppidan (NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory), J. Green (Space Telescope Science Institute) Astronomers are interested in determining how volatile chemicals survive star and planet formation. Volatiles are compounds that sublimate, or transition from a solid directly to a gas, at a relatively low temperatureincluding water and carbon monoxide. They'll then compare their findings to the amounts found in protoplanetary disks of similar-type stars. These observations were made as part of the Webb General Observer program 1611 (PI: K. Pontoppidan). The team's initial results have been published in the Astrophysical Journal. Aaron Tapp, center, the special agent in charge of the FBIs San Antonio field office, talks to reporters during a news conference at the U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The FBI, DEA and U.S. Attorney's Office held the joint news conference to discuss a recent operation targeting 24 members or associates of a gang named the Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Jaime Esparza, right, United States attorney for the Western District of Texas, leaves a news conference held at the U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The FBI, DEA and U.S. Attorney's Office held the joint news conference to discuss a recent operation targeting 24 members or associates of a gang named the Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Two dozen members of the Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos, a Texas border prison gang, have been indicted as part of a federal operation targeting the trafficking of narcotics and the use of guns during those crimes, court records show. The HPL, or Brotherhood of Latino Gunmen, is a gang that formed in Texas' prisons in the 1980s, according to law enforcement officers. In years past, it operated mainly in and around Laredo and other border towns, but it has grown to other Texas cities, including San Antonio. In San Antonio, the Texas Mexican Mafia has been the ruling gang, but a series of federal crackdowns resulted in long prison sentences for its top leaders, creating a void that is being filled by other gangs or criminals. Federal agents said Thursday the HPL was just one out of several criminal groups who use San Antonio as an operations hub. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The HPL operates in state and federal prisons across the United States now, and is heavily involved in trafficking drugs and firearms, according to gang investigators. To support its operations, members on the streets are required to pay membership dues every two weeks to the caja, or a collection box. The proceeds from illegal drug trafficking are used to acquire firearms and to fund other gang-related activities, such as paying membership dues, drug debts and fines, the indictment said. The HPL maintains ties with Mexican drug trafficking organizations that import narcotics into the United States from Mexico, the indictment said. These narcotics are distributed by HPL gang members throughout Texas, including in the San Antonio area. The FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other area law enforcement agencies said at a news conference Thursday that the investigation began last summer after authorities started seeing HPL gang members on San Antonio streets with guns and drugs and connected them to members on the border. Ben Post, an assistant special agent in charge of the DEA's San Antonio office, said Daniel "Danny Boy" Natividad of Laredo was identified as a senior gang member who directed operations in the "free world" outside prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The investigation culminated in an indictment June 5 naming Natividad and 23 other alleged members or associates of the HPL, charging them with 24 charges that include possession with intent to distribute methamphetmine, heroin and cocaine, and possession of a firearms in furtherance of drug crimes. Some of the crimes carry a minimum of 5 years in prison to a maximum of life. "I think it's a good blow to the HPL," U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza said. "I think this makes our streets safer." Federal authorities began arresting the HPL members earlier this month, though 19 were arrested Tuesday alone, according to Aaron Tapp, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio office. "Violent crime remains far too high, and it's impacting far too many communities," Tapp said. "And as part of the FBI's goal to reduce violent crime in this community, our agents, our task force officers and our partner agencies have worked long days, long nights, weekends and holidays on this case." Post said the investigation found the gang trafficked about 300 kilograms of narcotics, or 662 pounds. Federal agents seized some drugs and guns during the investigation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The indictment said the HPL is run top-down. The leaders are known as llaveros, or key holders, and they direct the gangs operations inside prisons and on the outside. Other ranking members include abuelos senior members of the gang who occupy important decision-making rolesand encargados, who oversee HPL gang activity in Texas cities they've been assigned to. Encargados often task other members with carrying day-to-day activities and communicating orders to other HPL gang members in the area. Ranking gang members are responsible for settling disputes among lower-level members, including those involving drug debts or violations of gang rules. The indictment said the HPL suppliers distribute kilogram and multi-ounce quantities of narcotics to gang members and other distributors, who then divide the drugs into smaller amounts and sell them to buyers inside and outside the gang. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HPL gang members frequently store narcotics and drug proceeds in their homes and businesses, the indictment said. Members on the outside also soak paper and envelopes with liquid narcotics before mailing the drug-soaked sheets to incarcerated members to sell to other prisoners, the indictment said. Authorities began investigating the gang after a Bexar County sheriff's deputy pulled over a vehicle that Antonio Rios Jr. was driving on the West Side. Members of the FBI Streets Task Force, who also responded, searched the car and found a Kel-Tec Sub-2000 9mm pistol carbine; an Adams Arms .556-caliber semi-automatic rifle; and a magazine with 30 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition, according to a criminal complaint affidavit. Rios is a confirmed member of the HPL with felony convictions that include possession of methamphetamine and evading arrest, court records said. It is illegal for him to buy, own or carry guns. CAMBRIDGE A Washington County midwife pleaded guilty Monday to destroying more than 2,600 COVID-19 vaccinations and issuing an equal number of fraudulent vaccination cards. Kathleen Breault, 66, of Cambridge, who was a midwife at Sage-Femme Midwifery PLCC in Albany, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to defraud the United States. Sage-Femme was an authorized COVID-19 vaccination location. According to court documents, Breault provided COVID-19 vaccination record cards to individuals who were not vaccinated, including to minors who were ineligible at the time to be vaccinated and to Canadian citizens who were not present in the United States when they had fraudulently been reported as being vaccinated. Breaults guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New York Field Office. In addition to destroying COVID-19 vaccines and issuing fraudulent vaccination record cards, Breault and her co-conspirators made over 2,600 false entries into a New York State database that tracked COVID-19 vaccine distribution, the announcement stated. Breault pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and its departments and agencies. She agreed to repay more than $37,000 in restitution for the destroyed vaccines, according to the announcement. Breault is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 18, she faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from The New York State Department of Health. As a lifelong resident of upstate New York, Ive seen firsthand the challenges of our rural communities. Our state, in its quest to be a leader in stewardship on a national stage, often enacts policies that overlook the basic needs of its citizens, especially those in rural areas. One such need is the ability to heat our homes affordably and sustainably. This is why protecting the right to burn wood for home heating is not just a matter of convenience but an issue for rural equity in the North Country. Every week without fail, my office hears from constituents struggling with the rising cost of living. The most pressing concern is often skyrocketing utility bills. Over the past four years, Ive watched as residents have been pushed to the brink by the increasing costs of heating and cooling their homes. For many in our rural communities, wood burning is not only the most basic but also the most sustainable and affordable way to heat their homes. Its a time-tested method that has sustained generations through harsh New York winters. The irony is that nearly everyone I meet agrees on the importance of environmental stewardship. We all want to protect our planet and ensure a healthy environment for future generations. However, the policies currently being enacted often place the bulk of the burden on North Country residents. These policies seem to be created with little regard for the real-life impacts on those living in less urbanized areas. From mandates for electric vehicle (EV) buses our schools cannot afford to comply with, to predatory solar projects that encroach upon the Adirondack Park or take over our valuable farmland, the list of misguided initiatives is extensive. Even the grand plans for offshore wind projects have so far been more talk than action, illustrating a series of false starts and unintended consequences for nearby residents. We were called alarmists when we pointed out the potential ban on gas stoves as part of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Yet, here we are, with the ban on gas stoves now a reality, set to phase out soon. This is not an isolated incident; there is also talk of banning wood-burning heat sources in New York. Although this proposal has been initially laughed off, the threat still looms. Until we have guaranteed protection for wood burning, our residents remain at risk of losing this vital heat source due to decisions made by downstate Democrats in Albany. This brings me to the bipartisan-supported Rural Energy Freedom Act, which I am proud to co-sponsor with Assemblyman Smullen. This legislation is straightforward: it seeks to protect the right to burn wood for home heating under state law. This act is about ensuring our rural communities can continue to use a practical, affordable and sustainable method of heating their homes. It preserves your liberty to choose how you want to heat your home for your family. As lawmakers, we need to broaden our perspective on achieving environmental goals. Our path forward should not involve banning practical energy solutions like wood, natural gas or biofuels. Instead, we should focus on a balanced approach that includes these options along with cleaner technologies like nuclear energy, which can help reduce emissions while maintaining energy sustainability and economic stability. The current trajectory of our states energy policies is moving too far, too fast. The risks and costs of Albanys lofty emissions goals outweigh the benefits for hardworking taxpayers. We need to ensure our environmental goals are met in ways that do not disproportionately harm rural New Yorkers. Its critical that we balance our ambitions with practical considerations, ensuring the ends justify the means. I urge my fellow lawmakers to consider the real-life implications of their policies on rural communities. We can protect our right to burn wood for heating, support practical energy solutions and ensure our pursuit of environmental stewardship is fair and equitable for all New Yorkers. We can achieve a sustainable future that includes everyone, and not just pockets of the state. BRIGANTINE Former Rhode Island congressman Patrick Kennedy Jr. has had his fair share of experiences dealing with mental health and addiction. Besides the stresses that come with being a part of a politically acclaimed family, both of his parents were alcoholics. His father, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, who died in 2009 from cancer, also dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder from the loss of his brothers, former President John F. Kennedy and former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated in separate incidents in the 1960s. And since he was a teenager, Kennedy has struggled with addiction and bipolar disorder, which he managed while spending 16 years in Congress, advocating for changes in addressing mental health and addiction. Which was why Kennedy, whos been sober for 13 years, decided to write a book, Profiles in Mental Health Courage, stemming from his experiences. Unlike these profiles, I never chose to be public. I grew up thinking that I had to hide everything and keep it secret, said Kennedy, 55. So my experience was that I thought I was going to get better because I went to treatment. But the reality is, you have a chronic illness, which means it doesnt go away. About 40.3 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder in 2020, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In 2021, it was estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with some sort of mental illness, which equivalates to about 57.8 million people, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These towns are hosting Memorial Day ceremonies today in South Jersey The Press of Atlantic City is putting together a list of Memorial Day weekend events. Send events to newstips@pressofac.com. Use the subject line Memorial Day. The challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues are multifaceted and require comprehensive, well-coordinated support systems, said Robin Wyatt, chief marketing and communications officer for AtlantiCare. Kennedy said the idea behind his book, which was published in April by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House, was to showcase what living with these illnesses is really like, not just the kind of superficial perspective you get from reading People magazine, or hearing someone say they have a diagnosis. Its actually diving into what its like to live with a diagnosis. The book features 12 people from different backgrounds telling their stories of struggling with mental illness and addiction. Theyre doing it for this country, because they know this country needs to understand really what this public health epidemic is, said Kennedy. Theres still a silence and stigma that exists around talking about these as something other than health issues. The book was based on his late uncle John F. Kennedys Pulitzer-prize winning book, Profiles in Courage, which told the stories of eight U.S. senators who demonstrated integrity and bravery at important moments in history. Kennedy, who lives in Brigantine with his wife and five children, said gambling, alcoholism and marijuana are the most notable forms of addiction in the area. It may only be a certain percent of people that will actually become addicted to cannabis well say 10% but if you expand the total number of people who are using cannabis, youre basically expanding the number of people who become addicted, said Kennedy. And this is at a time when we dont have enough treatment, enough therapists and not enough investments in the treatment world to really meet the future demands. So it seems to me were going in a very dangerous direction. Atlantic City has 10 cannabis dispensaries open for medical and recreational use. Atlantic City St. Patrick's parade attracts more than the resort's Irish Since the city's first St. Patrick's parade over three decades ago, the annual event has been instrumental in creating unity within the community and showcasing the diversity within the city's 48 blocks. We know liquor stores are 13 times more likely to be in Black neighborhoods. We know that marijuana pot shops are like liquor, being that theres a much greater likelihood theyll be in a minority neighborhood, Kennedy said. Do we have pot dispensaries here in Brigantine? No. Are they all Atlantic City, Pleasantville? Yes. Kennedy said there were a variety of factors that contributed to mental health and addiction issues, such as genetics, environmental factors, like living conditions, and adverse childhood experiences, like witnessing domestic violence. What that really tells us is that were not digging into what people are really going through, said Kennedy. First of all, theyre not sharing much because they feel the stigma themselves, and were not asking much, because we dont want to step on any toes or have them feel that were encroaching on their personal business. Its not their personal business, its an illness, and if weve learned anything with the suicide rate and the overdose rate, its a very serious illness. And its taking more and more Americans lives. But advocating for better ways to address mental health and addiction has always been a priority for Kennedy. When I got to Congress, I didnt have to be fearful about putting my name on all these mental health bills, whereas most of my colleagues wouldnt even dream of putting their name next to a bill that had the words mental illness and addiction in it, Kennedy said. One of his most notable accomplishments in Congress was in 2008, when it passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The law made it illegal for insurance companies to use any more onerous medical management practice in deciding whether you get treatment, how long that treatment is and what level of treatment that is, compared to other treatments. We cant just be talking about more treatment. We have to be talking about a public health model that doesnt put people at risk, especially this new generation thats all been affected by COVID and the isolation, social media, which has given them more anxiety because theyre not accustomed to social interactions in the way previous generations are, which has left them without as many resiliency tools to manage their feelings because theyre sort of in their own bubble, said Kennedy. Theyre vulnerable now in ways previous generations werent, so you got all that like its a perfect storm, and then its layering on with all the other factors. Kennedy said more needs to be done in the area to combat mental illness and addiction. He suggested early screening, early interventions, being more open and talking about mental illness like it was a regular illness, removing the stigma and changing the public health system. Amy Kennedy endorses Tammy Murphy for US Senate Former congressional candidate Amy Kennedy, of Brigantine, endorsed New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Murphy's campaign said. Over the past six years, AtlantiCare has been trying to increase the scope of its mental health and addiction services, while expanding and investing in programs. Some of those programs include its Certified Behavioral Health Centers, a Bridge Clinic for transitional substance abuse treatment and other additions that align with the organizations VISION 2030 initiative to transform health care delivery and outcomes in six years, with a focus on behavioral health. Treatment alone is not sufficient; a community-based effort is essential. We must tackle broader societal challenges in partnership with elected officials and community leaders, addressing issues such as housing insecurity, unemployment and stigma, AtlantiCares Wyatt said. By addressing these challenges, we can help to create a supportive environment that fosters recovery and reduces the risk of relapse. WILDWOOD CREST A Philadelphia woman allegedly assaulted a child in a pool, groped his father and then pushed an officer and bit another Monday, police said. Fallan Turner, 43, was charged with endangering the welfare of children, two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, resisting arrest with force, criminal sexual contact, failure to allow fingerprinting, two counts of harassment and disorderly conduct. Officers Frederick Palmer and Logan Burke and Deputy Sgt. James Mulholland responded to a fight in progress at a motel in the 6200 block of Ocean Avenue. Witnesses told police they saw a highly intoxicated woman, Turner, acting out of control at the pool. Witnesses told police Turner grabbed a 10-year-old boy, swung him around in the pool and dunked him underwater. When the boy's father attempted to intervene, she jumped on his back and grabbed him inappropriately, police said Wednesday in a news release. While the officers spoke with Turner, she became belligerent and was placed under arrest, police said. While being handcuffed, she pushed the arresting officer in the face. While being processed at headquarters, she continued to be uncooperative and bit one officer on the hand, police said. Neither the arresting officer nor the one bitten sustained significant injuries. Turner is being held in the Cape May County jail. WILDWOOD The Wildwood Seasquatch is explaining itself. Im on a much lower plane than these historic mascots, he says, with unexpected humility, referring to Phillys legendary hierarchy of undefinable mascots: Gritty, the Phanatic, and, maybe even, Swoop. All the mascots out there are definitely influences, Seasquatch says. An odd combination of Gritty, Big Foot, and if Lucy the Elephant was a guy in a costume running around Margate, the Wildwood Seasquatch is trying to go viral. At first, the Seasquatch and its DIY handlers played up the mythical Big Foot vibe, showing up unexpectedly at night on a lonely street, clad only in a Sasquatch costume, posting grainy security footage of sightings on the Boardwalk, trying to spread a vague Seasquatch origin story, about a super Shoobie creature who had landed on the island. But now, the Seasquatch has morphed into something a bit more lovable, from myth to mascot, say: a friendly sort, though occasionally jump-scary: a guy in a hairy Sasquatch costume rebranded for Wildwood with a surfing Seasquatch T-shirt. (The local businessman behind the Seasquatch doesnt want to be identified publicly because, he says, hes not doing it to promote his own business. He says he and a colleague thought of the idea of bringing a series of Big Foot could it be real type sightings to Wildwood to bring attention and fun to the place, and the colleague just went out and bought the costume.) The creature might jump out at you from behind your seat in the tram car, delighting in the startle and, usually, the laugh. (He says the reactions range from love it to total ambivalence.) Wildwood Crest police arrest man found sleeping in vehicle with weapons A Camden County man was arrested early Sunday after Wildwood Crest police said they found him asleep at the wheel in a vehicle that had weapons in it. Want to take a photo? he asks. Sunshine! he calls out to a woman on a bike. The Wildwood Seasquatch joins the ranks of self-styled mascots at the Jersey Shore, like the legendary A.C. Batman, who haunts the seashore casino city to the North, often by bicycle. The Wildwood Seasquatch tends to travel by car. Last Tuesday, he was doing his Seasquatching thing near the Wildwoods beach ball sign near the Convention Center. He seemed most comfortable peering out with his crooked smile between the D and the W. It begs the question: Wasnt Wildwood already weird enough without a local businessman in a Big Foot costume showing up all over town? But Seasquatch is catching on. JaNyizha Lane, a 7-year-old Lancaster, Pennsylvania, girl, gave the mascot a thumbs up, as did most passersby. A few recognized Seasquatch from its Facebook page. Lifelike Seward Johnson sculptures return to Wildwood parks for third year Lifelike sculptures from the late artist Seward Johnson will return for the third year to five of Wildwood's parks. He is not as tall as you might expect, so the Wildwood Seasquatch prefers to stand on a bench behind his admirers for the photos. (He claims to be 7-foot-4, with the bench). Tag the Wildwood Seasquatch on Facebook, he unfailingly reminds them. Last summers viral Wildwood mascot, Moreys Pierss Sunny the Seagull, seems all but forgotten in the Seasquatch craze. Sunnys Boardwalk presence is now mostly relegated to a bunch of knock-off plush seagull dolls with french fries in their beaks, literally hanging by a thread against the wall of storefront arcades. Sunny and Seasquatch have met. Sunny is taller. Hes quite a hairy man, noted one passerby, with admiration and perhaps a wee bit of longing in her voice. Seasquatch offers to pose as if hes sleeping under the Boardwalk, but is gently discouraged by Louis Belasco, executive director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, whos come along for the photo shoot. He does a Marilyn Monroe shot on a bench instead. Hes nothing if not game. He was photographed by multiple media outlets at the Donald Trump rally on the beach holding a Seasquatch for President sign. Wildwood hires former mayor as efficiency expert Ed Grant, a former Wildwood mayor, has been hired to help with administrative tasks and perform an efficiency review for the city. Giving people alternatives, offers Belasco. Seasquatch has been leaving little clues around the shore town to find little wooden Seasquatch tokens with various different designs, that are redeemable for prizes at local businesses. The clues are posted on Facebook. Hes popping up in local businesses and posting on social media. Thats the point, says the guy inside the Seasquatch costume. (Any mascot worth his fur will never admit to a human inside.) (Still, our earnest and enthusiastic shore superhero couldnt help but call out to someone he knows passing by, You know who this is?) Logan Dugan, a 17-year-old from Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, on senior week, compared Seasquatch favorably to Gritty. Ive met Gritty, he said. They look like cousins, big and hairy. Seasquatch makes conversation with Dugan and his friends about the loss of the old Zerns Farmers Market in Gilbertsville. Seasquatch is nothing if not garrulous, even through the muffle of the full head mask. A bit unmoored, hes not attached to a team, or regulated by a game. Senior week is still a money-maker for Wildwood businesses, whether they like the tradition or not For decades, senior week has been an annual rite of passage down the shore, with thousands of just-graduated 18-year-olds flocking to towns like Wildwood in mid-June, just before the prime season heats up, to party the week away. In recent years, amid headlines and viral videos depicting kids behaving badly, the pushback against gatherings of unaccompanied teenagers down the shore has grown. All of it is volunteer. The Wildwoods tourism officials have latched onto his shtick as a way to promote a family-friendly image of their beloved collection of beach towns, known, at least lately, for the not-quite-massive Donald Trump beach rally, a declaration of a state of emergency due to civil unrest on the Boardwalk over Memorial Day weekend, and some of the most profane T-shirts sold anywhere in the country, none of which can be quoted here. The unnamed businessman is happy to give back. Like the Seasquatch, he started life in Pennsylvania and then made his home in Wildwood, where business, especially the last few years, has been booming. The Wildwoods owe me nothing, he says. I owe them everything. And now a few rapid-fire questions for Seasquatch, slam book style: 1. Favorite beach: The Wildwoods, naturally, specifically 15th Street, where the lifeguards are. 2. Favorite breakfast: Seagulls! 3. Perfect beach day: 80 and sunny. Judge to decide next month whether to try indicted Wildwood officials separately A date has been set for a judge to decide whether to try Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr., Commissioner Steve Mikulski and former Mayor Pete Byron separately on charges stemming from their acceptance of health benefits to which the state alleges they were not entitled. 4. Perfect night: A stroll on the boards, Friday night fireworks. 5. Best sandwich: Russos cheesesteak. 6. Macks or Sams? Macks. I like to sit at the counter and get local dirt. 7. When MDW approaches, I feel: Relieved. All the preparation has essentially been done. 8. It wouldnt be the Jersey Shore without: Sun, sand and salt. 9. Best thing for kids: Be kids. 10. Surfing or fishing? Fishing (Obvi). 11. Sunrise or sunset? I am a sunrise guy. 12. Shore pet peeves? Feeding the sea gulls, thats got to be number one. 13. The shore could be improved if: We all just respect each other. Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net. A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite. He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time. DeWitt will be featured in an statewide agritourism event called Evolution of the Heartland in July. In the event's third year, DeWitt will be one of four Iowa towns on the state-sponsored tour of rural Iowa and Iowa agriculture. Other host cities are Stanton on Sept. 12, Coon Rapids on Sept. 26, and Manning on Oct. 3. DeWitt's stop is set to include options for two tours of a Clinton County farm's operations, a luncheon with pork from McCulloh Farms, and a walking tour of DeWitt's Main Street. It will also feature three businesses: Brandon and Heather Moores dairy farm, meat locker, creamery, and market; the DeWitt Veterinary Clinic's IVF clinic to learn about cattle breeding; and Wendling Quarries. The cost to attend the event is $175. Group discount rates are available for 5 or more. Registration is currently open and closes July 15th or when all spots have been reserved. Participants can register at www.evolutionoftheheartland.com. Bettendorf's City Council approved settlement agreements in civil cases in the collision that killed two and seriously injured another on the Interstate 74 pedestrian bridge. The resolution was approved at the Tuesday, June 18, city council meeting. In 2022, the Rock Island County State's Attorney's office filed numerous charges against Chhabria Harris, 47, of East Moline, accusing her of being the driver who, on May 22, 2022, hit Ethan Gonzalez, 21; Anthony Castaneda, 18; and Charles Bowen, then 22. Gonzalez and Castaneda died. Bowen was seriously injured but survived. Harris pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI causing death and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in November 2023. The other charges were dismissed. Bowen and Castaneda's and Gonzalez's families have also filed civil lawsuits with defendants including Harris, the city of Bettendorf and the city of Moline. Harris had gotten on the bridge on the Bettendorf side. According to the documents, the city's cost is covered by insurance and subject to the city's insurance deductible of $10,000. Bettendorf's insurance provider will cover the rest of the costs. Charles Bowen will receive $450,000 from Bettendorf or the city's insurance provider and $30,000 from Moline or Moline's insurance provider, according to Bettendorf's settlement agreement documents. The agreement includes Bettendorf, Moline and the state of Iowa. No payment from the state is listed. Castaneda's parents and estate will receive $1.125 million from Bettendorf or its insurance provider and $70,000 from Moline or its insurance provider, according to the documents. The agreement includes Bettendorf, Moline and the state of Iowa, also with no payment from the state listed. Gonzalez's family and estate will receive $750,000 from Bettendorf and its provider, according to the documents. The agreement is only with Bettendorf. The settlement agreements release all claims against the indicated defendants, and they are not admitting liability with the agreements, as stated in the documents. All amounts have been negotiated among the involved parties, according to the agreements. The city of Bettendorf released a statement from City Administrator Decker Ploehn, saying the resolution approved by City Council is the only comment the city will make from this point forward. The city is not admitting fault, Ploehn said, and the settlement was directed by the city's insurance provider, the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool and recommended by outside counsel and the city attorney. "This was a tragic incident," Ploehn said. "The city is not admitting fault, but the City Council has determined that the settlements are in the best interest of the city." Moline officials did not return a request for comment Wednesday. The item was not on the City Council's agenda on Tuesday. Online court records did not indicate changes to the status of the Illinois circuit court lawsuit. The federal suits filed by Gonzalez's and Castaneda's families also do not show changes in status. Bowen filed a document in his federal suit indicating he has reached a settlement with Bettendorf but not other defendants. The lawsuit against the state of Iowa, filed in Polk County by Bowen and Castaneda's family and estate, has an order indicating a settlement has been reached and the parties intend to dismiss the suit. Anthony Watt and Connor Wood contributed to this report. A Stevensville man is being held on a $250,000 bond after being accused of negligent homicide and elder abuse in relation to the death of his 80-year-old grandmother. Scott James Kreutzer, 35, was charged with felony negligent homicide and three counts of felony neglect of an elderly adult in Ravalli County Justice Court on Tuesday, June 18. According to court documents, 80-year-old Caroline Kreutzer, who lived in the Stevensville area with her daughter and grandson, Scott, was transported to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula during the early morning hours of Feb. 5 after a relative who lives nearby called 911. An EMT who responded to the home reported the smell was overwhelming" when entering the bedroom Kreutzer was in. Kreutzer, her daughter and grandson reportedly shared a single bedroom in the trailer home the three occupied. Kreutzer and her daughter each slept on individual twin beds in the room, while Scott the elderly womans sole caretaker slept on the floor between them. The EMT also reported that Kreutzer was unable to move when she was picked up by EMTs, and rigidly stuck in a fetal position. Emergency medical personnel who responded to the scene noted that Kreutzer was found in what appeared to be unsanitary conditions with multiple bedsores, some severe enough to cause the bone to protrude through the skin. A Stevensville firefighter/EMT who responded to the scene said that as they started to work on Kreutzer she called out help me. One of the EMTs reported to law enforcement that Scott took off and wanted nothing to do with it when emergency personnel arrived on the scene. The older Kreutzer suffered a fall more than a year ago that caused a compression fracture in her vertebrae. She left the hospital two weeks later against medical advice to return home, as opposed to going to a rehabilitation facility. She was bedridden due to a fear of falling again until her death, reliant solely on the care of her grandson, according to court documents. When the elderly woman arrived at St. Patrick Hospital she reportedly requested food and Tylenol. The emergency physician diagnosed Kreutzer as extremely malnourished and anemic, to the point of requiring blood transfusion, with severe decubitus ulcers [bedsores] in the setting of what seems like severe neglect. Caroline Kreutzer died the next day on Feb. 6. Montana State Medical Examiner Aldo Fusaro conducted the autopsy and reported a final diagnosis of malnutrition with dehydration, multiple infected pressure ulcerations, and flexation contractures of the lower leg. A subsequent investigation by law enforcement found that Caroline Kreutzer had not had any contact with a medical provider for approximately six months before her death despite her desperate medical condition, according to court documents. Upon his arrest, Scott Kreutzer reported that his grandmother had stopped eating but that he did not observe any other bad condition except for a bedsore on her lower leg. He stated he literally did everything I would sleep at the foot of her bed. Me and grandma were the tightest, court documents say. He reportedly also told a deputy that for nineteen months I took perfect care of her I wasnt like neglecting her, not changing her, I was doing everything the same, its just, the sore got crazy. Scott Kreutzer reported to law enforcement that the combined income of the three-person household consisted of his grandmothers $1,400 per month income and $900 a month contributed to by his mother. He denied that he was motivated to keep his grandmother in the home to keep receiving her income but said that without the money Im gonna have to get a job." Scott Kreutzer is expected to appear in Ravalli County District Court in July. Miriam Adelson listens as President Donald Trump speaks at the 2019 Israeli American Council National Summit in Hollywood, Fla. Adelson is a major donor in Republican politics, continuing the legacy of her late husband Sheldon Adelson, the founder of the Sands casino empire. Patrick Semansky/Associated Press Sen. Ted Cruz speaks at the Texas GOP Convention at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on May 25 in San Antonio. Cruz raised over $9.7 million in this years first quarter ending in April across his fundraising operation. His campaign doesnt have to disclose its fundraising until the end of the second quarter in July. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News WASHINGTON Miriam Adelson, the billionaire casino tycoon and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, gave $1 million to a super PAC supporting Sen. Ted Cruzs reelection, according to the groups monthly finance report. The donation was the largest single contribution in May to the Truth and Courage PAC, which is independent of Cruzs official campaign. The group reported receiving over $176,000 from other sources last month, leaving it with over $1.6 million in the bank as of the end of May. The group has so far spent over $700,000 supporting Cruzs reelection. Adelson is a major donor in Republican politics, continuing the legacy of her late husband Sheldon Adelson, the founder of the Sands casino empire. Her profile in Texas political circles has only grown since her deal to purchase the Dallas Mavericks went public last year. She has supported efforts to legalize gambling in the state, spending generously to support pro-casino members of the Legislature and also has been a backer of pro-Israel candidates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Adelson previously has given handsomely to Republican congressional efforts, routinely giving millions to super PACs associated with House and Senate Republican leadership. She also has been close to Gov. Greg Abbott, appearing on stage at his 2023 inauguration. Truth and Courage PAC also reported over $156,000 in digital revenue from radio distribution and marketing firm iHeartMedia Management Services in May. The company, which syndicates Cruzs podcast, had already sent over $630,000 to the super PAC before May. The payments were a source of ethics complaints with the Federal Election Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee. End Citizens United and the Campaign Legal Center filed the complaint with the FEC in April, requesting an investigation into the payment arrangement between Cruz and the company for its work on the podcast. The arrangement is not public, but the complaint asserts Cruz could have violated campaign finance laws if he solicited donations to Truth and Courage PAC as part of the arrangement. Cruz is prohibited from coordinating with the super PAC or soliciting donations on its behalf beyond the $5,000 federal campaign contribution limit. Unlike candidates, super PACs can receive unlimited donations. Cruz asserts the payments are legal and that he does not personally profit from the podcast, volunteering his time as he would to appear on cable news. The company previously has said the payments are related to advertising sales on the podcast. They are marked in FEC reports as digital revenue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cruzs relationship with iHeartMedia was also subject to scrutiny in 2022 when CLC requested the Senate Ethics Committee investigate if he was improperly profiting from lobbyists employed by the company. Senators cannot accept gifts from lobbyists, and the group raised concerns the firms production of Cruzs podcast could amount to a gift. The Ethics Committee dismissed the complaint. Truth and Courage PACs fundraising represents a fraction of the money going toward Cruzs reelection effort. Cruz raised over $9.7 million in this years first quarter ending in April across his fundraising operation, including his reelection campaign committee, leadership PAC (which fundraises for other candidates) and joint fundraising committee (where he can fundraise with other campaign organizations and candidates). That includes $6.9 million raised through his campaign committee. Cruzs campaign doesnt have to disclose its fundraising until the end of the second quarter in July. Cruzs Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, raised $9.5 million through his campaign committee in the first quarter. A recent poll by the University of Texas and Texas Politics Project shows Cruz ahead of Allred by 11 percentage points. Catholic health system Bon Secours will support doctors who conduct medically necessary abortions, according to a letter sent last week from its parent company. The decision contrasts the position of other Catholic and religious-based health systems that do not allow or discourage such procedures, one physician said. In all 50 states, it is legal to conduct an abortion when the health of the mother is at serious risk. But since the Dobbs decision in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, experts have disagreed on what is necessary and how sick the mother needs to be before a doctor can perform the procedure. Some hospitals have chastised their employees for making that decision too quickly. As state and federal legislation around medically necessary abortions is in flux, we are assuring our physicians and clinicians that BSMHs stance is clear we will back our physicians and clinicians as they do whats medically necessary and best for our patients, said the letter, which was written by three leaders of the parent company Bon Secours Mercy Health and obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The health system maintained it does not conduct elective abortions. Most religious health systems have not made similar commitments, said Dr. Jennifer Chin, a fellow with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and specialist in complex family planning. I sincerely applaud the decision, Chin said. About four in 10 health systems in the United States are religiously affiliated, Chin said. Many of them do not encourage their doctors to perform necessary abortions, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, she said. In 2022, complaints that pregnant women were turned away from emergency rooms spiked, the Associated Press recently reported. Often Catholic hospitals follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic health care, which does not allow elective abortions. When pregnant women are turned away, they often show up later at other hospitals with higher levels of infection or bleeding. Virginia law hasnt changed Numerous states have limited abortion access, and 14 have implemented near total bans. Virginia law has not changed since the Dobbs decision in 2022. A mother can receive an abortion in the first two trimesters of pregnancy and in the third trimester if three doctors certify that continuing the pregnancy would impair her health. All 50 still allow an abortion when the health of the mother is in serious danger. The problem is, Chin said, there is no strict definition for serious danger. For one doctor, it could be heavy bleeding. For another, it may not be until the woman has hemorrhaged, lost consciousness and is in need of a transfusion. In some cases, a mother will miscarry and eventually become septic if the pregnancy is not evacuated. Several maternal conditions, including ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia and intrauterine infection can cause the death of a pregnant woman. Some health systems have chastised doctors who decided to conduct the abortion early in the process, Chin said. Fearing for their jobs, the doctor waits. It puts us in such a terrible situation where we watch patients become sicker before our eyes, she added. They can expect the full support Bon Secours, however, said it will back its doctors and staff who decide to conduct a necessary abortion. In emergent situations that present serious risk to the health of the mother, when providers prioritize patient care and follow hospital policies and medical standards, they can expect the full support of BSMH, the health system leaders wrote. The letter was signed by Dr. Wael Haidar, the systems chief clinical officer; Dr. Kelly Stuart, its Richmond-based vice president of ethics; and Kristina Odom, the chief risk officer. What management said last week was one of several messages of support Bon Secours Mercy Health has shared with staff since the Dobbs decision, said Emma Swann, a local spokesperson for the health system. Bon Secours operates five local hospitals and several freestanding emergency rooms and urgent cares. While the legislative environment is complex, our mission compels us to provide compassionate care for all, she said. Bon Secours Mercy Health operates in four states Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina and Kentucky. Virginia has the most permissive law. Kentucky bans all elective abortions, allowing only ones that are medically necessary. Ohio bans abortions after 20 weeks, and South Carolina bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected about six weeks. While each state may impose its own requirements and expectations, a helpful tool for dealing with this uncertainty remains the continued exercise of well-reasoned, thorough and professional judgment in accordance with recognized medical standards, the letter said. The health system supports the federal law requiring hospital emergency rooms evaluate and treat every patient, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, Swann said. A Bon Secours memo reinforced this stance. If a physician believes that a pregnant woman presenting at the hospital is experiencing an emergency medical condition, and that abortion is the stabilizing treatment necessary to resolve that condition, the physician must provide that treatment, the memo states. Further, the Catholic guideline for health care supports treating the mother. It states that doctors can treat serious medical conditions in the mother, even if the treatment result in the death of the unborn child. Other health systems in the Richmond area have faced the same issues as Bon Secours. HCA Healthcare, which operates 168 hospitals, including six in Greater Richmond, was asked by some shareholders to clarify its policy on treating pregnant patients facing medical emergencies in states that restrict abortion rights, according to the news website Popular Information. But the proposal was widely rejected. At Virginia Commonwealth University Health, any treatment or care plan is managed between the patient and his or her provider. That policy has not changed, a spokesperson for the health system said. PHOTOS: Church Hill Juneteenth Day of Freedom Celebration Richmond Police detectives arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred in the Ginter Park neighborhood last summer. Ismael Lane, 19, of Richmond, was arrested Wednesday and charged with murder in the death of Raymond Byers, 58, of Richmond. At approximately 9:22 a.m. on July 1, police responded to the 3900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue for a wellness check. Officers discovered Byers down in an apartment with an apparent gunshot wound. Byers was pronounced dead at the scene. Lane had a warrant on file for the murder of Byers at the time of his arrest. He was also charged with robbery resulting in murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Detective P. Ripley at (804) 646-0423, contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or use the P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app. From the Archives: Interstate 64 For a politician with a lot of enemies, U.S. Rep. Bob Good, R-Virginia, still has a lot of friends. Barely trailing for renomination in the heavily rural, deep-red 5th District, Good was viewed by some handicappers as a goner after former President Donald Trump endorsed his opponent in Tuesdays primary, state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland. Trump made the endorsement it was revenge for Good supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination as the Virginian faced a torrent of attack ads tied to another pol who had it out for Good: former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Operating through an allied political action committee, McCarthy retaliated against Good for scheming with other uber conservatives to topple the Californian as speaker last year, viewing him as too cozy with the Houses Democratic minority. But Good proved durable testimony to four years of incumbency, a voter base in the districts more populated areas, his own big-name supporters, including Trump whisperer Steve Bannon, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, and, fellow House Freedom Caucus member Matt Gaetz, R-Florida. Also, because Good and McGuire share constituents through overlapping congressional and legislative districts, some may have voted to keep the two in their current offices. Perhaps, too, there were crossover votes from Democrats eager to humiliate Trump by sinking McGuire. Good, current chairman of the Freedom Caucus, rolled up big margins 16 percentage points and 10 percentage points, respectively in Lynchburg and Albemarle County, both localities that are not without consequential numbers of Democrats. But these are also jurisdictions carried in the March Republican presidential primary by Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor. Her voters likely turned out for Good, but their numbers at least in Albemarle were about half what they were three months ago. Lynchburg, beset by GOP infighting that may have diminished Goods vote, is home to Jerry Falwell-founded Liberty University, where Good worked before his election to Congress four years ago, when he defeated for renomination Trump-endorsed Denver Riggleman. Albemarle was once a Republican stronghold, producing George Allen, a former state legislator who would become governor and a U.S. senator. Good also won the deep-blue college town of Charlottesville by 14 percentage points, but turnout there was skimpy. Another city with its share of Democrats and comparable in size to Charlottesville, Danville just above the Virginia-North Carolina line and in a region Goods represented from the start saw a bigger turnout than Charlottesville and favored McGuire by 24 percentage points. That was more than enough to put this race away for McGuire. The rap on Good was that he was a product of a closed system, the members-only convention during the 2020 pandemic attended by 2,400 activists. Good showed broad strength in the primary, battling to a near-tie with McGuire in balloting in which 62,426 people showed up. Down by about 300 votes thats within the 0.5 percentage point spread for a state-paid recount Good has yet to concede. Nor is he signaling hes done with politics. That may explain speculation on social media Good might seek the GOP lieutenant governors nomination in 2025. Trump figured prominently in two other nomination fights one in each party. Trumps pre-primary endorsement of Hung Cao, who emerged from a five-candidate field to win the Republican U.S. Senate nomination and a shot at two-term incumbent Tim Kaine, was clearly decisive, affixing to Cao notoriety beyond his Northern Virginia base. It was in the Washington, D.C., suburbs that Cao ran and lost for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, falling to Democratic incumbent Jennifer Wexton, who is retiring this year after three terms because of advanced Parkinsons disease. Residual good will among Republicans from the 10th District contest, paired with the statewide profile generated by the Trump endorsement, lifted Cao a Vietnamese immigrant and retired U.S. Navy officer to nearly 62% of the Senate primary vote. As J. Miles Coleman of the University of Virginia Center for Politics put it, the Trump endorsement it came in late May, well into the 45-day early voting period may have bumped (Cao) up from being just a favorite to a landslide winner. Turnout presumably might have been higher in 2024, it being a presidential year and Trump having made the Senate contest about himself. In another Northern Virginia-anchored district, the 7th open because three-term Democrat Abigail Spanberger is retiring to run for governor in 2025 Democrats chose as their nominee a political newcomer who became a celebrity of sorts having publicly crossed Trump. Eugene Vindman is a retired U.S. Army officer and former aide in the National Security Council, who with his twin brother, also an intelligence expert blew the whistle on Trumps attempt to pressure Ukraine ahead of the 2020 election to dig up dirt on then-Vice President Joe Biden. The episode led to Trumps first impeachment by the House, though he was not convicted and removed from the presidency by the Senate. The Vindmans were fired from their government positions, apparently in retaliation by Trump. As a consequence at least within Democratic circles Eugene Vindman emerged as a small-bore movie star who loomed over a seven-candidate field and raised more than $5 million, a total surpassing that of the other prospects combined. Vindman pulled 49% of the vote, compared to 45% for his Republican opponent, Derrick Anderson, a former Green Beret. Their vote totals were each roughly 16,000 but there were slightly more ballots about 1,600 cast in the six-candidate Republican primary. That may augur a competitive general election, though Vindman could get a big boost from the anchor of the 7th District, majority-nonwhite Prince William County. In recent statewide and presidential races, it has favored Democrats over Republicans, roughly 60% to 40%. The Democratic primary in the 10th District recalled an enduring feature of Northern Virginia: traffic congestion. There were 12 candidates seeking the nomination to succeed Wexton, a former state senator and prosecutor from Loudoun County. Republicans had four candidates. The winner on the Democratic side also reflects the Washington suburbs as the modern melting pot. Suhas Subramanyam, a freshman state senator and Texas native born to Indian parents, represents Loudoun in the General Assembly. Hell face Republican Mike Clancy, a tech executive and lawyer also from Loudoun County, which became ground zero in GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkins crusade against supposed woke-ism in public education. The heart of the Democratic-trending 10th District, Loudoun demographically mirrors Virginia. Roughly 42% of the county and state are Black, Hispanic or Asian. This diversity has fueled the Democrats strength and likely gave Subramanyam a lift in Loudoun. But so, too, did Wextons endorsement of Subramanyam. It was an acknowledgment of Loudoun as an emblem of the New Virginia. Subramanyam, who was a technology aide in the Obama White House, is the first Indian-American to win a congressional primary in Virginia. Subramanyam turned back the first woman and Jewish person to become Virginia House Speaker, Eileen Filler-Corn; one of the delegates, Dan Helmer, who hatched the successful coup to remove her as Democratic leader; and another senator, Jennifer Boysko. All are from Fairfax. More than 40,000 votes were cast in the Democratic primary; just over 20,000 in the Republican contest. That may signal that Subramanyam, like Bob Good, has a lot of friends. But unlike Good, Subramanyam looks to be a winner. In a small room of a building on his waterfront Lake Anna property Wednesday afternoon, Harry Looney ran a water sample collected earlier that day through a digital tool that measures water quality and whether there are indications of harmful algae. After a few minutes, the device gave the readouts. OK, this is not good, Looney said, noting that the results show a strong indication that were into a bloom. Looney said he will send the sample to the Department of Environmental Quality for testing. The 13,000-acre manmade Lake Anna, which cools the Dominion Energy North Anna nuclear power plant and is a popular summer spot, has been plagued by harmful algae blooms and no-swim advisories for the past six summers. In 2022 the lake was added to the states list of impaired waterways because of the algae blooms. Harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can appear when nitrogen and phosphorus pollution combine with warm water temperatures. The toxins can cause a skin rash, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The blue-green algae can affect people and pets alike. More work and information are needed regarding harmful algae blooms, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In a May letter to the DEQ about the states Water Quality Assessment Integrated Report, the foundation said more details are needed in assessments of harmful algae, including at Lake Anna. We urge the agency to add a chapter dedicated to assessment results associated with HABs, and within that chapter, present the data associated with HABs in much more detail, the foundation said. The foundation also warned that the current state regulations could result in harmful algae bloom impaired waterways being removed from the state list. The current state regulations allow waterways to be removed from the list if there are no Virginia Department of Health advisories. Removing bodies of water from the impaired waterways list should require documentation, the foundation said. Looney, co-chair of the water quality committee for the Lake Anna Civic Association, took The Free Lance-Star on a short tour of the lake and areas where harmful algae has been appearing, primarily spots where the water is stagnant. He also talked about a DEQ study and two projects set to start this week that are aimed at improving the lake water quality, which in turn could stop or at least reduce the harmful algae blooms. Looney said scum, an indicator of the harmful algae, was found on the lake surface of Pamunkey Creek of Wednesday. That area is the hottest spot on the lake, where the harmful algae usually pops up first. The DEQ is studying the Pamunkey, so that area isnt being treated as part of the LACA projects. The DEQ study could lead to more federal funding, Looney said. His main focus is on the treatment programs, which aim to find a way to free Lake Anna of the harmful algae. I see this as a classic system engineering problem, said Looney, a U.S. Army veteran and retired engineer for the Department of Defense, as he manned his motorboat across the lake Wednesday afternoon. The two projects, he said, are not aimed directly at the harmful blue-green algae, which can form as scum on the water surface and out of sight in the water depths. Were not trying to wipe it out, Looney said of the harmful algae. Were trying to decrease the excess nutrients. The water in the areas with the harmful algae are darker green than the rest of the lake, something that can monitored with a Secchi Disc to show how deep sunlight penetrates. The white and black disc is lowered into the water and the user can mark the spot on a rope where the disc vanishes from sight to measure the water clarity. The deeper the disc travels in sight the better the water quality. Looney used the disc on Wednesday, once in the middle of the lake and another at Pamunkey Creek. The disc disappeared into the green water of Pamunkey much quicker than the main area of the lake. LACA hired two companies to treat a pair of sections of the lake. One company is Clean Streams, Rivers and Lakes (CSRL), which will treat Terrys Run with what it describes in a statement on its approach as an advanced, all-natural water treatment. CSRL said it will treat that area of the lake with two safe non-toxic treatments, calcium silicate and beneficial bacteria as part of the $82,000 project. The calcium silicate is processed into a white powder that when put into the water mitigates the phosphorous and leaves behind silicate byproduct, which is a healthy part of soils and waters. The other approach, which utilizes a bacillus strains bacteria treatment, is natural, safe, easy, and inexpensive probiotic solutions to the harmful algae problem, according to CSRL. The company uses ceramic devices set in the water to generate the beneficial bacteria. The 14-inch bio-pods can be active for years. The company said the bacteria outcompete cyanobacteria for nutrients in the water, preventing cyanobacteria from flourishing. The probiotics consume nitrogen and phosphorous as well as other organics, like fish waste, leaves, and bottom muck which is mostly organic. This month crews for CSRL will be spreading the calcium silicate powder in the water and installing the devices in the lake. The devices are attached to buoys and rest on the lake bottom. The company noted that the treatments will have no negative impacts on the water, making it safe to swim and fish in the area being treated. The other treatment project will focus on the North Anna River and North Anna arm of the lake. That work is being handled by EutroPHIX and subcontractor SOLitude Lake Management. Work is slated to start the middle of this month and last through September. The $822,000 project is funded by the state and is aimed at reducing phosphorous in a a multi-year restoration plan to treat the North Anna River and 600 acres of the North Anna arm of the lake. The crews will inject EutroSORB G into the North Anna arm water and EutroSORB WC into the North Anna River. The treatments reduce phosphorous levels, which will improve the water quality. According to the LACA statement on the project, the treatment areas will be monitored for quality with two monthly water and sediment samples along with analyzing changes in the algae, with the expectation there will be a reduction in HAB extent and severity. Looney said this is just the start of what are long-term plans that will require more work and money to complete successfully. Several people at Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend contracted illnesses, but harmful algae blooms were not suspected as the cause of the illnesses, the Virginia Department of Health said earlier this month. Andres Perez Tarnava III talks with his defense attorney Brigitte Garza during his murder trial Thursday. Tarnava is accused of killing Marisol Klingelhofer, 49. He confessed to shooting her, dismembering her remains and setting them on fire in a metal barrel. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Andres Perez Tarnava III told investigators that he shot Marisol Klingelhofer four times in the face, burned her and planned to see her in hell. Hed do it again if he could, because she disrespected his late fathers Marine Corps service by stealing his Social Security and military identification cards, he told detectives in an interview recorded on video and shown to the jury at his murder trial. Prosecutors say Tarnava, 39, a Lytle resident, killed Klingelhofer, 49, on April 26, 2021. She had a San Antonio address but hung out with drug-using friends near the rural southwestern Bexar County town of Atascosa, according to testimony. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ACCUSED KILLER NABBED: It started out as a routine traffic stop. It ended in the arrest One of those friends, Ruben Arguello, testified this week that Klingelhofer would visit him at his place on Fowler Road, drinking while he smoked marijuana, chased by some methamphetamine to even things out. Thats where they were, sitting in a green Ford Expedition, when Tarnava approached, he said. Arguello said he ran when he saw Tarnava had a gun, and thought Klingelhofer was running, too. But he turned to see Tarnava shoot her in the vehicle, drag her to his red GMC Yukon and drive off, he said. Arguello said Tarnava later told him he took her to his home on Luckey Road in Lytle, cut her up and burned her. Texas Ranger Jesse Perez, right, opens up a bag containing a metal burn barrel Thursday during the trial of Andres Perez Tarnava III. Tarnava is accused of killing Marisol Klingelhofer, 49. He confessed to shooting her, dismembering her remains and burning them. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Tarnavas confession came under interrogation by Texas Ranger Jesse Perez in a room at the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. Jurors watching the video saw Tarnava fall asleep and snore for a time until Perez and two other law enforcement officers walked in and read him his Miranda rights. Advertisement Article continues below this ad INMATE SHOT, KILLED: Charge dropped against former Hays officer in inmates shooting death Questioned by prosecutor Raul Jordan, Perez at times had to translate for the jury because Tarnava answered questions in English and Spanish, at first denying that he knew Klingelhofer. After Perez told him that they already had their answers, Tarnava began to get angry. Marisol is gone, Perez told Tarnava on the video. She disappeared. Why? You dont take somebodys dead familys ID and Social Security, Tarnava replied, his voice louder with each word. My father didnt die in vain. He served his country. Klingelhofer stole the items about a month before he shot her, though she denied it, Tarnava said. He took it personally because, he said, she threw away prized possessions from his fathers service in the Marines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I loved my father. Youd do the same thing for your father if you loved him like I did, Tarnava said. I just wanted to whoop her ass. Tarnava said he tried on multiple occasions to get her to go to his home but Klingelhofer wouldnt go. I caught her in the face, Tarvana told Perez when asked where he shot her. Jurors saw multiple photographs of a burn pit, two small metal barrels, debris from the barrels and small bones. John Servello, a forensic anthropologist who examined several bone fragments, testified Thursday that some appeared to be human, others possibly from a cow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He said among them were a portion of a clavicle and the shaft of a femur. Servello, questioned by defense attorney Cornelius Cox, said, On the femur, everything on that looks like a femur shaft. I feel comfortable (saying) everything about it suggests human femur to me. Jordan and fellow prosecutor Willem VanZeben also had Perez unwrap the two barrels in the courtroom. The case is being heard in the 226th District Court, with Senior District Judge Kevin OConnell presiding by assignment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mayor tours areas of Puerto Morelos affected by heavy rain Puerto Morelos, Q.R. Puerto Morelos Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Munoz says support is being offered to residents whose homes flooded during the recent rain. The Mayor, along with other City Hall members, toured affected areas Tuesday and Wednesday. Tours were also being made to verify flodded streets due to clogged drains. Merari and other municipal members righted fallen garbage cans and ordered the cleaning of streets to remove improperly discarded garbage, which is the most common reason drains fail. Municipal officials pick up garbage and overturned cans which are a main cause of clogged drains. Photo: Ayuntamiento de Puerto Morelos June 18, 2024. Merari also ordered the desilting of absorption wells and the removal of construction material located on sidewalks and streets since material such as sand clogs the sewers, among other drains. In a statement, Merari said Almendros Street, between Pich and Maculix was drained with the support of a pump, as well as the homes located between the back of the Secretariat of Citizen Security and the Directorate of Public Services. Only a few streets were left under water after the heavy rainfall. Photo: Ayuntamiento de Puerto Morelos June 19, 2024. She reported those areas were flooded from highway runoff. The water that runs off the federal highway accumulates and, when it saturates the storm drain, invades the houses, she reported. Trees that fell due to the strong winds were removed from blocking public streets. Photo: Ayuntamiento de Puerto Morelos June 19, 2024. The General Director of Public Services, Leonel Salazar Trejo explained the wells work well, but there comes a time when they become saturated, particularly during storms like weve had these days, and that is when the water begins to invade the houses. Puerto Morelos firemen were out with National Guard Wednesday dealing with a rain-related highway accident. Photo: Bomberos Puerto Morelos The solution would be to drill wells in the part where the rain runs in order to prevent it from reaching Almendros Street, he said. There are plans to correct the highway run off that often floods an area of Puerto Morelos. Photo: Ayuntamiento de Puerto Morelos June 19, 2024. Merari says an absorption well will be drilled and there are plans to improve Chechen Street. Suspect wanted in Playa del Carmen for sexual abuse returned from Canada Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A man wanted for sexual abuse in Playa del Carmen has been returned to Mexico from Canada. Luis Carlos N was handed over to Interpol authorities at the Mexico City International Airport Wednesday from where he was transferred to Cancun then onward to Playa del Carmen. The State Attorney General (FGE) of Quintana Roo says Luis Carlos N was being held in Canada for extradition after being arrested there. The agency did not say where in Canada he was arrested or when. However, according to the FGE ((Fiscalia General Del Estado), he is being charged for events that occurred between October and December of 2017 in the pool of an educational center located in Playa del Carmen where he allegedly committed the crime of sexual abuse to the detriment of a minor. Luis Carlos N has been admitted to the Solidaridad Municipal Retention Center where he awaits a hearing. Former President Donald Trumps attacks on Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, including an election eve tele-rally saying the conservative Congressman stabbed him in the back, gave state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, the push he needed to eke out whats now a tiny lead, political scientists say. But the big question is what McGuires current 315 vote, 0.5 percentage point margin signifies about the influence of an endorsement from the former president. With that close a result, political scientists think a recount is coming. Why did Good make it so close, and perhaps even prevail despite Trumps severe attacks? said John McGlennon, a College of William and Mary political scientist. Local electoral boards must still complete their work of checking and double-checking Tuesday nights preliminary tallies and count the final mail-in and provisional ballots. The 0.5 percentage point gap between McGuires vote and Goods opens the path to a recount, once the boards certify results. In a way, the question of Trumps influence comes down to 5th District voters strong feelings about Washington, government officials and outsiders telling them what to do. Its useful to recognize that for many MAGA voters, Trumps appeal is his willingness to stick it to the establishment, McGlennon said. In this race, ironically, the incumbent could proudly point to the Republican establishments attacks as a sign that hes even more Trump than Trump. Good has that grassroots support that rejects all the party leaders and elected officials ganging up on him because he wont play their game, he said. During the campaign, Good made a point of noting that groups close to former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy had supported McGuire. Even Marjorie Taylor Greene became part of the establishment. Look at the lack of turnout for McGuire and Greene on their two-day blitz, McGlennon said. McGuires narrow lead shows that that large numbers of 5th District conservatives did not believe that either McGuire or Trump offered a principled reason to abandon Good, while McCarthy allies support for McGuire was another reason to stick to good, said longtime Virginia analyst Bob Holsworth, a former VCU dean. The vast majority of Good voters will cast a ballot for Trump in November. But for Trump to be competitive in Virginia, he will need a huge turnout in the parts of the district that supported Good. The open question is whether the enthusiasm level that drives turnout will be as high as he need, Holsworth said. Roanoke College political scientist Harry Wilson said Trumps impact is obvious. In an election this close, you can point to a variety of factors, but I seriously doubt McGuire would have won, assuming he does, without Trumps endorsement. Kevin McCarthy may have a fingerprint on it as well, Wilson said. Maybe some folks were tired of Goods style. Maybe folks actually like McGuire. Some may still be smarting over Good defeating [Denver] Riggelman, Wilson said, referring to the Republican who represented the district for one term before Good defeated him in a 2020 nominating convention, after Riggleman officiated at a same-sex marriage and drew fire for his stands on immigration and fiscal policy. Still, it was Trump who swung the election for McGuire, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. If the former president had not weighed in against Good, the incumbent would have been renominated in a walk, Farnsworth said. His combative brand of conservatism fits well with the preferences of Republican primary voters in the district, he said. Goods bad luck was an early endorsement last year of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis short-lived bid to challenge Trump for the GOPs presidential nomination, Farnsworth said. Trump personalizes politics at every opportunity. If Good had made the politically savvy choice of backing Trump from the start, rather than endorsing DeSantis, he wouldnt be on the knifes edge of losing this renomination, he added. Ed Lynch, chair of Hollins Universitys global politics and societies department, said McGuire probably would not have received much more than 30% of the vote without Trumps support. To my mind, there is no question that the only way to put up a serious primary challenge to a rock-ribbed conservative like Bob Good was with an endorsement by Donald Trump, he said. Early voting and turnout Early voting offers a key clue to Trumps influence, political scientists say. Good won 5,822 early votes to McGuires 5,012, but McGuire had a 943-vote edge with Election Day ballots, according to unofficial state Department of Election tallies. All in all, McGuire won 31,370 votes to Goods 31,055 of the ballots that have been counted so far. The early voting numbers demonstrated that Goods appeal remained stronger until Trump ramped up his attacks on the Republican incumbent in recent days over what Trump viewed as Goods disloyalty, Farnsworth said. Those attacks included the tele-rally on Monday evening during which Trump declared: If hes reelected, Bob Good will stab Virginia in the back sort of like he did with me. The primary saw some big spending, much of it from outsiders. All in all, the sums spent will likely exceed $15 million from the two campaigns themselves and outside independent committees, with more backing McGuire and attacking Good, McGlennon said. Turnout was big, as well, with more than 62,000 voting, nearly double the turnout in the busiest of Virginias eight other House primaries. Turnout was huge in the 5th because you had two combative candidates who were roughly evenly matched, said Mary Washingtons Farnsworth. The margin was far closer than in any of the other congressional primary contests in Virginia on Tuesday, and there was huge campaign spending dropped into this race from national Republicans, he said. Good beat McGuire in his Lynchburg-area home base, racking up margins as high at 56% and 59% of votes cast, and also led in the Charlottesville area. McGuire won 60 percent-plus margins in the parts of the district nearest Richmond, including his Goochland County home as well as Louisa, Powhatan and parts of Hanover counties. I wouldnt read anything into this race carrying over to November, but the polls, including Roanoke College, suggest the general election will be much closer than 2020, Wilson said. The real message from the 5th District may be how the presidential campaigns interpret the 5th, when they start allocating resources to different states, Wilson said. And Trump gave a clue at the McGuire tele-rally, when he said he would put a very heavy play on Virginia, adding, I think were gonna win the state of Virginia. Trumps other big Virginia endorsement, of retired Navy Capt. Hung Caos bid to challenge Sen. Tim Kaine, shows the former presidents strength among Virginia Republicans, Hollins Lynch said. Cao won a 5-way race by getting 62% of the votes cast. That race could have gone right down to the wire had Trump stayed out of it, Lynch said. I still rate the Commonwealth as safe for the Democrats in the Senate, but not solid, Lynch said. Ironically, the better Trump does in Virginia, the better for Kaine. Reluctant Trump voters, who are voting for Trump simply because they cant stand Biden, will want to balance that uncomfortable vote with a much more comfortable vote for Kaine, he added. Cao began the race last year with an advantage from name recognition in his competitive race against Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-10th, which he lost by 6.5 percentage points. Trumps endorsement may have bumped him from being just a favorite to a landslide winner, said J. Miles Coleman at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. The former president probably knew he had a winning choice, said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He likes to run up the number of Trump-endorsed candidates who won in order to show he had control of the party apparatus across the country. Trumps influence on the 7th Trumps presence was felt in the Democratic primary in Northern Virginias 7th District, where Eugene Vindman, won a 49% plurality in a seven-way race that featured four current or former office holders in the district. It was Vindmans first political race, but he benefited from national name recognition because of the role that he and his twin brother, Alexander, played in the first impeachment of Trump. He ran on a message of protecting democracy that invoked Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The winner of the GOP primary, Derrick Anderson, told supporters Eugene Vindman is only running for revenge revenge against Donald Trump and revenge against Republicans. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, won the political swing district two years ago after a new political map moved it from the Richmond suburbs to Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg area. Spanberger, who lives in Henrico County, is running for governor next year instead of a fourth term in Congress. In his victory statement, Vindman tried to link Anderson to Trumps Make America Great Movement, who wants nothing more than to play politics with our classrooms and let politicians ban books on the Holocaust and slavery and throw them into the fire. Running as a MAGA Republican would put him at odds with the vast majority of voters in the district, Vindman said of Anderson. You dont go from Spanberger to MAGA candidate in one election cycle. A geographical challenge A political endorsement may have been decisive in Sen. Suhas Subramanyams victory in a 12-person race in the 10th District Democratic primary, but it wasnt Trumps. Wexton, who is stepping down because of a serious medical condition, endorsed Subramanyam as her preferred successor, emphasizing his roots in Loudoun County, with more than half of the registered voters in the district. While other congressional races have been largely national in message, Rozell said Subramanyams ties to Loudoun and emphasis on local issues gave him an advantage over Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, who had raised the most money in the race but lived just outside of the district. He had a geographical challenge, Rozell said. Subramanyam won the race with a 30% plurality and a margin of less than 1,500 votes over Helmer. A former Chinese diplomat said neither is a perfect candidate, 'to put it mildly' FILE PHOTO: Combination picture showing former US President Donald Trump attending the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, US, November 6, 2023 and US President Joe Biden participating in a meeting with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US March 1, 2024. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid and Elizabeth Frantz//File Photo) By: Peter Martin (Bloomberg) US spies believe Chinas leaders see little or no upside to the looming electoral showdown between President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump. Ahead of next weeks first debate of the presidential campaign, US intelligence agencies assess that China has no clear preference between the two candidates, according to American officials, who asked not to be identified discussing non-public assessments. The conclusion suggests that officials in Beijing, like their counterparts in Washington, believe that ties between the worlds two largest economies will continue on their long-term downward trajectory despite a recent increase in high-level meetings billed as efforts to manage differences. In recent years, the two countries have clashed over everything from technology to human rights and the South China Sea. The US assessment is matched in interviews with Chinese officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. They say the view in Beijing is that both candidates are intent on containing China and disrupting its rise. Neither is a perfect candidate to put it mildly, said Gao Zhikai, a former Chinese diplomat who served as translator to the late leader Deng Xiaoping. Biden is a Cold War warrior, who doesnt care if he pushes the world into conflict, while Trump will probably impose sanctions and tariffs on China in pursuit of his America-first agenda. Spokespeople for the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on intelligence assessments of how China views the 2024 vote. Asked about the US elections, Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said China does not comment on US domestic affairs. A second Trump administration could pose significant problems for Beijing. In his first term, Trump declared a trade war on China, increased high-level ties with Taiwan and oversaw a reorientation of US military strategy to counter Beijing. By the end of his time in office, it was routine for officials in both Beijing and Washington to refer in private to ties between the nations as a new Cold War. Chinese officials believe that a second Trump administration would likely be characterised by provocative pronouncements, unpredictable policymaking and a renewed push for anti-China measures, US and Chinese officials said. During Trumps campaign, hes already floated the idea of 60% tariffs on Chinese-made goods. Liu, the Chinese embassy spokesman, said that raising tariffs on Chinese goods would drive up the cost of goods, inflicting more loss on American companies and consumers while damaging global supply chains. The flip side of these concerns, Chinese officials believe, is that a Trump presidency could weaken Washingtons ties with its allies, opening opportunities for Beijing. The former presidents first term in office was characterised by repeated friction with European allies over defence spending, as well as periodic complaints about the cost of the protection the US affords Japan and South Korea. One Chinese official told Bloomberg that Trump might also prove more amenable to doing deals than Biden, suggesting that Chinese concessions on trade could open the way for US concessions over sensitive issues for China such as Taiwan. But the prospect of a second Biden term offers little comfort to Beijing. The central concern for Chinese policymakers would be Bidens likely push to strengthen regional partnerships to push back against Chinese assertiveness, according to US and Chinese officials. Over the past four years, China has routinely denounced groups such as the Quad comprised of the US, Australia, India and Japan and AUKUS, a defence pact among Australia, the UK and the US, as efforts to contain China. At a recent defence forum in Singapore, a Chinese delegate accused the US of attempting to build an Asian NATO. At the same time, Biden needs to pay more attention to the views of its allies, which are likely to call for caution and moderation. This may be good for China, Jia Qingguo, a prominent academic and standing committee member of Beijings top political advisory body, said in an interview this month. Liu said the USs Indo-Pacific strategy is essentially about division, confrontation and detrimental to peace and that its aim is to encircle China. US intelligence leaders and senators have warned that a host of actors including China could also seek to influence the outcome of the election. In April, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN the US had seen evidence of Chinese attempts to influence and arguably interfere in the 2024 vote. Still, officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told journalists in a briefing that Beijing has so far taken a cautious approach to such interference because its aware of the blowback that such efforts might cause. No matter who prevails in the November election, officials in Washington and Beijing are girding for more tense periods. From the Chinese perspective, we just need to sit tight, said Gao, the former diplomat. Whoever wins, China needs to deal with them as they are, rather than hoping for the unrealistic. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2024 Bloomberg L.P. 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. Students holding placards protest outside the Ministry of Education against the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination at New Delhi Students holding placards protest outside the Ministry of Education against the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination at New Delhi By Sahiba Chawdhary and Krishna N. Das PRAYAGRAJ, India (Reuters) -India's opposition parties and the country's students on Thursday hit out at the new government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for irregularities in recent government-run tests for college admissions and government teaching jobs. Modi surprisingly lost a parliamentary majority in a general election that ended this month partly because of joblessness, especially among the youth, exacerbated by frequent leaks of test papers for government jobs that are coveted by many Indians for the security. Having to rely on fickle allies to run his third government, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party next faces local elections in the states of Haryana and Maharashtra where it did badly in the national vote. The government late on Wednesday cancelled an examination done earlier this week for university and college teachers as well as doctorate courses, based on early inputs from a government cyber-crime analysis team that the "integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised". It said in a statement the federal Central Bureau of Investigation would probe the matter. The Ministry of Education said it had also sought a report from police into "certain irregularities alleged" in running another test for admission in undergraduate medical programmes in May. The main opposition Congress party, on a high after its better-than-expected election result, said the "Modi government has ruined the country's education and recruitment system". "There is huge pressure on our students. There is large-scale unemployment in the country," Rahul Gandhi, Congress' highest profile leader, told a news conference on Thursday. "The youngsters in India have no way through. The youth of India have nowhere to go. It's a profound national crisis!" Other opposition parties also criticised the government. India's unemployment among people aged between 15 and 24 was 18% last year, according to estimates from the International Labour Organization, higher than neighbours such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Overall, India's unemployment currently is 8.5%, according to the private think-tank Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, compared with around 6% before the COVID-19 pandemic. Pankaj Yadav, 24, was one of nearly one million students affected by the cancellation. He took the examination for a doctorate in political science for the third time and was hopeful of cracking it, lining him up for eventually landing a teaching job at a university. "As students, we can only protest," Yadav said in the town of Prayagraj where he attended a cram school for the examination. "I thought my paper went well. If I can get enrolled in PhD somewhere, I will become eligible for assistant professor jobs in a university." In Delhi, dozens of students holdings placards with writings like "shame on authorities" protested outside the education ministry, as police dragged some of them away. Congress has also called for protests in some states. The ministry said it was "committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students" and that the guilty would be punished. (Reporting by Krishna N. Das in New Delhi and Sahiba Chawdhary in PrayagrajEditing by Tomasz Janowski) DES MOINES, Iowa Bird flu has been detected in a sixth herd of dairy cows in Sioux County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday they had detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a herd in Sioux County. The announcement came days after the same organizations said a separate herd in Sioux County had tested positive for HPAI. Since May 28, there have been six positive tests for HPAI in Sioux County dairy herds: one on June 7, one on June 12, one on June 14, one on June 15, one on June 17 and one on June 19. On May 28, a commercial egg-laying chicken flock in Sioux County tested positive. On June 2, a commercial turkey flock in Cherokee County tested positive. Symptoms of the virus in dairy cows include decreased consumption of feed and falling milk output. Other possible symptoms include fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, dehydration and fecal irregularities. Agriculture and public health authorities in Iowa and elsewhere have stressed that pasteurized dairy products remain perfectly safe to consume. (Health officials for many years have warned against consuming unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk.) ORANGE CITY, Iowa Bird flu has been infecting dairy cows in Northwest Iowa for the past two weeks, and experts say the situation is evolving so rapidly that even they strain to keep up-to-the-minute with the latest developments. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, a viral disease that mainly affects birds, has hit eight dairy herds in Northwest Iowa as of Wednesday, but not anywhere else in the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on June 5 announced a herd in O'Brien County was the first inflected with the virus. Two days later, another case was found in a herd in neighboring Sioux County, the top producer of both dairy and beef in the state, as well as a major hub of poultry production. The disease spread rapidly, infecting a second Sioux County dairy herd the following week, then a third. On June 15, the virus was reported in a fourth herd in Sioux County, and, for the first time, in a dairy herd in neighboring Plymouth County. A fifth Sioux County herd was reported Monday, and yet another was announced on Wednesday. "It seems like every day we have another morsel of new information," said Fred Hall, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy specialist in Orange City. Inaccurate information on the outbreak, Hall said, has been making the rounds -- but some of it didn't start out that way. "More often than not, it's information that's out there that hasn't been updated when new information came to light." HPAI has been spreading among poultry and wildfowl in Iowa for the past several years, decimating flocks in Northwest Iowa, one after the other. The outbreak forced turkey and chicken producers to destroy their flocks. Avian influenza has resulted in few, if any, cattle deaths, Hall and other experts told The Journal. Partly, for this reason, infected cattle herds haven't been euthanized the way poultry have been. Rather, the infected dairy cows are quarantined from the rest of the herd; any milk they produce is dumped or, if need be, pasteurized on the farm to kill the pathogens and be fed to calves. No infections seen in beef cattle The virus has not been detected in beef cattle in Iowa, though this might be a result of differences in dairy and beef livestock husbandry. Dairy cows interact with human workers multiple times a day, and their wellbeing and milk production is closely watched. Beef cattle aren't monitored to that extent, so a case of influenza might go unnoticed, experts said. "No, we don't have any reports of it, but that doesn't mean -- you know, the beef cattle are under a different kind of management system than your dairy cattle," said Beth Doran, beef field specialist with the ISU Extension in Orange City. "Your dairy cattle are being milked, you know, two or three times a day. And so, on beef cattle, a lot of them are either going to be in a feedlot, or they're going to be out there in a pasture. They may have had it, I'm not saying they couldn't get it. But they're not observed as closely." It's also possible that beef cattle are less vulnerable to avian influenza than dairy cows, whatever the biological reason may be. There isn't enough evidence yet to draw any firm conclusions. "The beef farmers, pretty much no concern," said Phillip Jardon, a veterinarian with the ISU Veterinary Extension. "As of yet, we've not found it in any beef herds. And we think they could theoretically be affected, but they don't seem to be affected like the dairy cows are." Jardon also said that the influenza virus "seems to have a predilection for the udder, for the milk in the udder, and dairy cows just have a bigger udder and give more milk. So there's probably a bigger target there." "We don't know how it infects the cow, but the only place we can really find the virus in very high numbers is in the milk and udder," he added. "So it either starts there, or it ends up there through the blood, or it gets breathed in but then goes through the blood and gets there -- we don't really know that. We just know that it's shed in high numbers in the milk." Still safe to consume beef, dairy Agriculture authorities have stressed that pasteurized dairy and properly cooked beef are as safe to eat as they ever were. (Large quantities of bird flu virus have been found in raw, unpasteurized milk; public health officials have for many years warned against consuming unpasteurized milk.) "We've got a great food safety system here in this country and the beef supply is in really good shape, safety wise," said Craig Moss, a Hull, Iowa, cattle feeder and president-elect of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. "There is no evidence that you can get sick, because pasteurization kills the virus," Hall said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture this spring instituted mandatory testing for the virus in dairy cattle crossing state lines. There have been three reports of bird flu jumping from dairy cows to human dairy farm workers this spring. In the first two cases, one in Texas and the other in Michigan, the workers developed symptoms similar to pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. In the third case, also in Michigan, the worker developed respiratory symptoms in addition to the pink eye-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In none of the cases did the illness spread beyond the dairy workers to other humans. Infected dairy cattle have been observed going off feed (not eating), while their milk production declines precipitously -- at times "down to almost zero," Hall said. Fever has been reported in some, but not all, infected cattle; Hall said the working theory is that fever is found in cattle where the infection is detected early. There have also been reports of other abnormalities in the milk itself, with some farms finding their milk discolored, clotted or excessively thick, according to the USDA. After the cow recovers -- 20 to 30 days or so -- milk production ramps back up and they go back into production. "And the majority of them get back up to 90 percent of what they were milking before the infection," Hall said. For reasons that are not clear, the virus seems to selectively infect calves rather than heifers -- "it usually only affects 15 to 20 percent of the herd, it doesn't spread across the entire herd," Hall said. The outbreak has yet to impact dairy prices, though that could change if larger numbers of dairy cows are no longer productive. Beef prices have seen some movement, Moss said, which in itself can be a source of concern for beef producers. "Doesn't seem like the dairy market has fluctuated much, but the beef market has. And it kind of recovers," Moss said. "The fed cattle on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, you've seen those ripples through the market." Dairy operations have been urged to adhere to biosecurity measures to contain the pathogen, not entirely unlike those on poultry farms during the last several years of HPAI outbreaks. Unnecessary visitors are generally kept away, and dairy workers should wear gloves, face masks and eye goggles. "We're limiting traffic, we don't want people coming on the farm, we don't want vehicles crossing paths with vehicles that are feeding the animals," Hall said. Water levels at West Lake Okoboji continued to rise Wednesday in the wake of heavy rains that forced authorities this week to slow boat speeds at the popular tourist destination. The lake rose to 6.08 feet at the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring station in Milford around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. That's up .06 inches from Tuesday's high and .71 from a reading Saturday. Big Spirit Lake, meanwhile, stabilized Wednesday after rising for several days. A USGS monitoring site at Big Spirit measured the height at 15.46 around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, virtually unchanged from 24 hours earlier. In the last three days, thunderstorms have dumped as much as 4 inches on the region. In the 24 hours ending at 7 a.m. Wednesday, a Spirit Lake monitor reported 1 1/2 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls. So far this month, some areas have received in excess of eight inches of precipitation. In an emergency meeting Monday night, the Dickinson County Emergency Management Commission voted to impose a 5 mph-limit on boat traffic on all county lakes for the first time in six years. Iowa Great Lakes high water levels West Lake Okoboji is shown near the bottom of a dock at the State Pier in Arnolds Park as a boat tows an inflatable in the background on June Iowa Great Lakes high water levels A crowd watches as water washes over the spillway between Big Spirit Lake and East Lake Okoboji in Orleans, Iowa, Tuesday. Because of high wat It's the first time the county has enacted a so-called "no wake" rule since 2018, when West Lake Okoboji peaked at 6.65 feet, Ehret said. During major flooding in 1993, the level of West Lake peaked at 8.7 feet, while Big Spirit reached a height of 17.3 feet. Residents also cleaned up this week after a violent storm ripped through the area Sunday night. Winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour ripped out multiple docks and toppled hoists, some with boats still in place. "Theres debris in the water, theres dock planks and things like that," Mike Ehret, the Dickinson County emergency management coordinator, said Tuesday. "People were concerned about the safety of boaters out there." Some owners also secured their docks, anchoring them with sandbags or even barrels filled with water. Iowa Great Lakes high water levels A sign warning of an emergency five miles per hour speed limit for boat traffic is shown at the ramp at the Big Spirt Lake spillway in Orleans Iowa Great Lakes high water levels Two people fish from a nearly submerged dock on East Lake Okoboji near the Hattie Elston State Park Boat Ramp on June 18. With West and Lake O Iowa Great Lakes high water levels A sign advising of an emergency boat speed limit is shown at the Dickinson County Courthouse Tuesday. Because of high water levels in the Iowa The 5 mph boating rule, which took effect at 4 p.m. Tuesday, will remain in place until further notice. The Emergency Management Commission is scheduled to reconvene at noon Friday to reassess conditions. "I would say, based on rainfall forecast for this week, its probably going to be in effect for a little while," Ehret said. "Its up to Mother Nature, whenever she turns the water off." After a relatively dry weather during the daylight hours Wednesday, the region, unfortunately, was expected to return to a wet pattern, beginning Wednesday night, said Amanda Penning, a meteorologist for the NWS in Sioux Falls. "There's going to be rain showers off and on through Saturday morning," Penning said of the Okoboji area. "We have a risk for some severe weather." Ehret said commission members wrestled with the latest order in a place renowned for its water recreation. "We know it has a potential to impact tourism, but there are lot of other things to do here," he said, mentioning attractions such as the Arnolds Park amusement park, beaches, restaurants and shops. "You can still boat, you just have to go slow. You could take a leisurely cruise around the lake." Orleans, Iowa Mayor Bill Maas, who also chairs the emergency management commission, said the commission enacted the 5-mph rule not only to protect lakefront property, but also erosion of the shoreline, which he described as irreplaceable. "You can't control the weather, but you can control people's actions if they are causing large wakes that would be detrimental to the shoreline," Maas said. This is the third poultry flock in the state to be hit this year by HPAI, or bird flu. In an unprecedented development, this year the virus has been detected mostly in dairy cows in Iowa, rather than in poultry -- eight dairy farms, all in Northwest Iowa, have seen HPAI infections this year. WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate gave final approval Thursday to returning to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska over 1,600 acres of land along the Missouri River that the federal government seized decades ago. The legislation, which earlier passed the U.S. House, now goes to President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it in the coming days. This is a truly historic moment for the Winnebago Tribe as lands that were taken from us over 50 years ago will soon be restored to the tribe, Winnebago Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan said in a statement. Our ancestors, including the late Louis LaRose, fought tirelessly to secure and protect our homelands. We are honored to carry on their work and help send this bill to the president in their honor." The two tracts of land, generally referred to as the Winnebago Bend and Snyder Bend, lie in southern Woodbury County, with a smaller part in northern Monona County. The land lies near the tribe's WinnaVegas Casino west of Sloan. One of the parcels is west and southwest of the tribe's WinnaVegas Casino, near Sloan, along the river's Winnebago Bend. The second area is northwest of the casino along Snyder Bend. In the mid-1800s, the Winnebago were forcibly removed by the U.S. Army from Wisconsin to Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and finally in 1865, to its present reservation, created by a treaty in 1865. Some of the tribal land, including the 1,600 acres in dispute, was originally part of Nebraska, but over time, the Missouri River shifted, leaving the land on the Iowa side of the border. In the 1970s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers condemned Winnebago land on both the Nebraska and Iowa sides for riverbank stabilization and a planned recreation project. The recreation project never materialized, and the tribe won a federal court decision in Nebraska that stopped the condemnation there. The court found that federal law required that any acquisition of the tribe's land must be done through a formal act of Congress. But while the Nebraska land was given back, the Iowa tracts remained in the lurch. Efforts over the years to give the land back -- including a 2017 effort spearheaded by then-Rep. Steve King to have the land transferred to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the tribe -- were not successful. Under the Corps' management the land has been used for wildlife conservation. Hunters of game and wild mushrooms have long favored the land, a relatively virginal stretch of trees, marshy grass and sand dunes. The 2017 attempt to give control of the land to the Bureau of Indian Affairs prompted concern that hunters would lose access to the ground, despite the tribe's assurances that this would not happen. Tribal leaders continued to fight for the return of the land, leading to the Winnebago Land Transfer Act of 2023, which Biden is expected to sign into law. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, and co-sponsored by the entire Iowa and Nebraska delegations. An identical bill was introduced into the Senate by Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and co-sponsored by Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts. Fischer issued a statement Thursday celebrating the Act's passage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was wrong to seize this land through eminent domain in the 1970s. Its time to make this right and finally return this land to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. I want to thank my colleagues for their unanimous, bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law," Fischer said in the statement. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on the bill, then subsequently approved the House version of the bill by unanimous consent. The full Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent on Thursday. Journal reporter Mason Dockter contributed to this story. Winnebago Bend A faded U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sign is shown Wednesday at Winnebago Bend Wildlife Area near Sloan. The tract is part of 1,600 acres in I Each of the Cornell College instructors injured in a stabbing during their teaching trip to Jilin City, China are back with family or moving forward from the incident, the college said in a statement Tuesday. Cornell College President Jonathan Brand said in the update to campus that all four of the instructors have either been reunited with family members or are continuing with their summer travel plans after being injured in a serious incident in a public park in the city last week. People and organizations both in the U.S. and China aided in getting the instructors the care they needed, Brand said. He said he has been reminded through this time about how the extended Cornell College community cares for each other. We appreciate the support from our colleagues at Beihua University, and we have thanked our state and federal legislators as well as the Department of State for their efforts to assist our instructors and their families, Brand said in the statement. The instructors were teaching at Beihua University as part of a partnership with Cornell College. The June 10 incident occurred while the instructors were visiting a park near the university, accompanied by a colleague from Beihua. A man bumped into one of them, according to Jilin City police. The suspect, who police apprehended and identified as a 55-year-old with the surname Ciu, then allegedly stabbed that individual and the three other instructors. One of the instructors involved in the incident was David Zabner, state Rep. Adam Zabners brother. A Ph.D. candidate at Tufts University, David Zabner was in Jilin City as part of the partnership between Beihua University and Cornell College when he was wounded in the arm during the incident. The names of the other instructors have not been released. According to Adam Zabners social media, his brother returned to Iowa late last week. The representative said in a statement that the U.S. State Department and U.S. Consulate in Shenyang were helpful during David Zabners treatment and in efforts to bring him home, as well as the offices of Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Chuck Grassley and U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Cornell College has partnered with Beihua University since 2018 to bring instructors from Mount Vernon to Jilin City to teach at the university. Best colleges in Iowa Best colleges in Iowa #10. St. Ambrose University #9. Northwestern College - Iowa #8. Luther College #7. Loras College #6. Drake University #5. University of Northern Iowa #4. Dordt University #3. Iowa State University #2. University of Iowa The Iowa Board of Nursing has taken action against nurses accused of stealing medications, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work, and inadvertently contributing to a hospital patients death. One of the cases involves Rahni Brower, 40, of Carroll, who was charged by the board with misappropriating patient medications and committing an act that may adversely affect a patients welfare. According to the board, Brower worked for Carroll Area Nursing Services for roughly 18 months before she was fired in December 2022. After her dismissal, CANS administrator Kimberly Lambert filed a complaint with the board alleging Brower had stolen a patients medications, including oxycodone, resulting in increased pain for the patient. At a recent board hearing, Lambert testified that she had asked Brower to submit to a drug test, but the urine sample Brower provided was discarded as not being within the acceptable temperature range. A subsequent test produced negative results. Lambert testified that she fired Brower and soon thereafter received complaints from two CANS clients who alleged Brower visited their homes after she was terminated. In the first of those cases, Brower was allegedly seen checking the patients medicine cabinet, after which it was discovered that all of the patients fentanyl patches were missing. In the second of the two cases, Brower allegedly checked a patients medication supply, after which it was discovered that all of the mans hydrocodone pain killers had been replaced with Tylenol. According to the board, a fourth CANS client allegedly reported that she had once seen Brower rifling through her medication box, after which she discovered at least 120 pills, including oxycodone, were missing. Two of Browers previous employers allegedly told the board they had concerns regarding medications that were never accounted for during Browers employment. Neither of the two facilities which arent named in board documents were able to clear Brower of any wrongdoing. According to board records, Brower denied taking medications from clients or her employers. With regard to her post-termination visits to patients homes, she alleged she had made those visits to return books or DVDs she had borrowed. After hearing testimony in the case, the board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence established the theft of medication. The board opted not to revoke Browers license but to impose a suspension. Her license may be reinstated if she establishes that the reasons for her suspension no longer exist. In order to request reinstatement, Brower will have to complete a comprehensive substance abuse and mental health evaluation and comply with any treatment recommendations, and she must complete a course on professional boundaries and ethics. In Carroll County, Brower is currently facing three misdemeanor charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance through her employment as a home health nurse. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial is scheduled for Aug. 13. In Greene County, Brower is facing two felony counts of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances through theft, and two misdemeanor prescription-drug violations. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial is scheduled for Sept. 16. Browers license suspension took effect on April 12. On May 22, Brower informed the court that she was working for Vivian Health, a medical staffing agency. Other Iowa nurses recently sanctioned include: Andrea Cline of Grinnell and Amber Hills of Estherville, both of whom were alleged to have fed and medicated a hospital patient on March 18, 2019, using a gastric feeding tube that had been improperly routed into one of the patients lungs. The board issued a warning to both nurses. Board records give no indication as to whether the patient survived. However, civil court records indicate the charges against Cline and Hills are tied to the treatment of Marvin Morris, who allegedly suffocated at Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medical Center as the result of a misplaced feeding tube that sent food, water and medications directly into his left lung. The tube was allegedly left there for 14 hours, despite an X-ray that had confirmed the tubes misplacement. After his death, Morris family sued Cline, the hospital and others, alleging that Morris drowned to death while his family members repeatedly and relentlessly begged medical care providers to do something to help Marvin. The case was settled out of court in December 2022, one week before a trial was to be held. Before the settlement was reached, Cline gave a deposition in which she was asked, By March 18th of 2019, would you have considered yourself proficient in the insertion of a Corpak feeding tube? According to the transcript, Cline replied, I dont consider myself proficient in anything. Shelley Arends, who was the subject of a board order earlier this year. The board has not publicly disclosed the charges against Arends, the circumstances that led to those charges, or the nature of the order that was issued. Nicole Klosterman of Cedar Rapids, who was assigned to a hospital, undisclosed by the board, in April 2023 when her colleagues allegedly observed that she appeared to be impaired while on duty as demonstrated by her altered behavior, speech and appearance. The board charged her with practicing nursing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The board placed Klostermans license on probation for nine months subject to her compliance with a chemical screening program. Sadessa Hernandez of Altoona, who was accused of discarding 172 narcotic pills on a single day in September 2023 while working at a care center the board has not publicly identified. While its not unusual for nurses to discard medications, normal protocol intended to guard against theft calls for such wastage to be witnessed by another health professional. According to the board, another nurse alleged that Hernandez had entered her name into records as witnessing the wastage. The board placed Hernandezs license on probation for 12 months and ordered her to refrain from using alcohol or illicit drugs and to submit to a chemical screening program. Amanda Hake of Davenport, who pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled substance after police found her in possession of oxycodone without a valid prescription. Hake entered her guilty plea in October 2022. The board filed disciplinary charges against her 16 months later in January 2024. The board recently placed Hakes license on probation for 12 months. She will be required to submit to chemical screening and attend recovery support group meetings if recommended. Trenton Buchanan of Cedar Rapids, who was charged by the board with committing an act that may adversely affect a patients welfare, misappropriating patient medications or property; unauthorized possession or use of a controlled substance; and excessive use of drugs in a manner that may impair a licensees ability to practice with skill and safety. The board has not publicly disclosed the factual circumstances leading to the charges, but Buchanan has agreed to refrain from practicing nursing while the boards investigation into the matter continues. How opioid prescriptions to Medicaid patients in Iowa stack up How opioid prescriptions to Medicaid patients in Iowa stack up States with the highest opioid prescribing rates Ricky Fernandez, right, of Superior Irrigation & Lawn checks a sprinkler system Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, for leaks or breaks with his co-worker Jesse Ojeda. William Luther/Staff The San Antonio City Council voted unanimously Thursday to adopt new drought and watering rules for residents and businesses intended to save water. Mayor Ron Nirenberg called the new regulations which have been in the works for months by San Antonio Water System leaders a desperately needed update to reflect the times that were living in. It was a compromise of sorts, but it was a great input from the entire community and I feel good about where were landing with this drought management policy given the stakes of our water supply going forward and the events and the extreme weather that were experiencing, Nirenberg said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new rules are expected to save 3.8 billion gallons of water annually at the citys current population, said Karen Guz, vice president for conservation at SAWS. Thats a significant quantity of water during droughts, she said. The city-owned utilitys board unanimously approved the changes to outdoor watering use in May, but the council had the final say because the regulations are part of city ordinance. There are five key changes with the new rules: A new noncompliance charge, instead of municipal citations for violations A drought surcharge for the highest water users Limits on drip irrigation systems Required inspections of irrigation systems A later start and end time to evening outdoor watering hours READ MORE: SAWS cuts off 4 apartment complexes for unpaid bills Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAWS officials started discussing the changes last summer, which was the hottest on record and followed San Antonios second-driest year ever in 2022. Despite implementing drought restrictions both years, SAWS didnt meet its goals for a 10% reduction in water use, Guz said. Instead, the utilitys water use, as measured by gallons per capita per day, increased after almost a decade of declining or holding steady. Under the new rules, SAWS will enter Stage 3 restrictions in line with the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the agency that manages the utilitys largest water source. Under the previous rules, SAWS entered Stage 3 only when the utility is at risk of supply not meeting demand. Under the new rules, in Stage 2 and Stage 3 outdoor watering will be limited to once per week on designated days. Customers who violate those rules and are found to be watering more frequently will receive a fine on their water bill, rather than a citation through the municipal court. The charge will escalate for repeat violators and the largest users, both moves that SAWS officials say they hope will improve compliance. A committee will be appointed to review disputes and appeals. During Stage 3 there will also be a new high-use surcharge. Residential customers who use more than 20,000 gallons per month will be charged $10.37 for every additional 1,000 gallons starting on July 6. That threshold is more than double the utilitys average summer water use of 8,000 gallons. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About 22,000 customers would have been charged for high use in 2022 had those rules been in place. About 8,700 of these customers lived outside San Antonios city limits, and about 5,000 were in City Council District 9, on the citys North Side. Commercial customers will also be charged for high use, but the thresholds will vary by meter size. READ MORE: Edwards Aquifer Authority moves to Stage 4 drought restrictions Other changes include new limits on drip irrigation systems, which were previously unregulated. The systems have pipes or tubing that allow water to drip onto soil or plants. Under the new rules, drip irrigation is restricted to three days per week during Stage 1, twice per week in Stage 2 and Stage 3 and once per week in Stage 4, which is a discretionary emergency stage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new drip irrigation rules are a compromise from SAWS' initial, more strict proposal. That initial plan called for limiting drip irrigation systems to once a week during Stage 1 restrictions, which would have match the rules for sprinkler use. Still, the utility recommends that customers only run their drip system once per week, regardless which stage of restrictions San Antonio is in. Were going to double down on recommending that drip can and should be run one time a week, particularly if you have it in your beds with water-saver plants, Guz said. Why use more water and pay for more than is necessary? New irrigation systems, including sprinklers and drip, will be subject to inspections by the utility, in an effort to crack down on poorly designed systems that leak or spray incorrectly. Starting in January, builders will need to submit those plans to SAWS, and in 2026, the utility will start conducting on-site inspections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new watering hours will take effect immediately, but utility officials say they will be slow to start charging customers for violations. The new watering windows will be from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 9 p.m. to midnight, shifting from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The change is intended to reduce the amount of power SAWS uses to keep its tanks full from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which is when CPS Energy, the city-owned power utility, often asks users to reduce consumption in the summer months. People who use hose-end sprinklers that must be manually moved can request a variance from SAWS allowing them to water earlier in the evening. The changes could be followed by more updates to how the city governs outdoor water use and landscaping. The Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Annie Bakers first film Janet Planet is a delicate memory piece set in early-1990s hippie Massachusetts, following a sensitive, quirky 11-year-old named Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) and her very close relationship with her mom, Janet (Julianne Nicholson, an Emmy nominee for Mare of Easttown). Janet is the planet Lacy orbits around, and the movie wouldnt work if it werent for the lovely performance by Ziegler, a preteen making her acting debut. When I interviewed Baker and Ziegler, I expected to be speaking with a quiet playwright (befitting her plays, in which the action is often interior) and a jazz-hands show kid. But Ziegler was shy over Zoom, and Baker was a garrulous, eager discusser of her own film, even as she gently helped Ziegler through a slightly overwhelming interview situation. Janet Planet is a little bit magical, a little bit funny, and a little bit sada beautiful evolution of Bakers playwrighting to the screen. I talked to Baker and Ziegler about Rainer Maria Rilke, lost childhood friends, and how people change between age 10 and now. And I learned all about Zoe Zieglers horse, Celine. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dan Kois: Zoe, it seemed like you had a really good time making the movie. How old are you now? Zoe Ziegler: Twelve. Advertisement But it was a while ago that you made the movie, so how old were you when you were filming with Annie and Julianne? Ziegler: Ten. Do you feel like you remember that time well, or is it like it was a million years ago? Ziegler: No, I remember it. Annie, how old were you when you were making this movie? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker: Oh, great question. I was 10 and now Im 12! No, I just turned 43, so I guess when I shot it, I had just turned 41. Zoe, what was the food like on the movie set? Was it good? Ziegler: Some was good. Baker: Do you remember you had these trays with those dipping things? Ziegler: Yeah, those peanut-butter-and-jelly things. Advertisement Baker: Yes. Zoe had these peanut-butter-and-jelly dippers that were just for her, but then I was like, I want them too. Annie, when you talked to Zoe about what Lacy, her character, is like, what did you say? Baker: I dont think I did. You didnt? Baker: Did I talk to you about what the character was like? Ziegler: I dont think so. Why not? Baker: Well, first of all, I have never really liked talking about characters in a reductive way. Im really interested in the idea of character as basically just a series of contradictions anyway. And especially with Zoe, who was a first-time actor who I felt kind of just understood the material, both technically and spiritually, in a way that I cant totally explain. I feel like, if I had tried to describe the character to her in some reductive way, it wouldve really hurt her performance. Advertisement Advertisement Zoe, did you feel like you understood Lacy and what she was going through? Ziegler: Yeah. Yeah. Was there something about Lacy that made you think, Oh, shes sort of like me in this way? Ziegler: Well, I like being outdoors and Lacy liked being outdoors too. There are a lot of scenes in the movie where Lacy curls up with her mom in bed and theyre whispering to each other. Zoe, what was it like doing those scenes with Julianne? Was it cozy to be in there? Was it weird? Advertisement Baker: I wouldnt say it was cozy, because it was so hot, right? Ziegler: It was really hot. Baker: Between takes, you would throw the blankets off, right? Ziegler: Yeah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a sequence in the movie that really reminded me of my childhood. Its the one where Lacy meets a girl named Sequoia at the mall and they have an incredibly fun day. They just connect and they have such a good time together, but then who knows? Maybe theyll never see each other again. My memory is just filled with random kids who, for some reason or another, I met them for a day and we connected and I was like, If I lived in the same city as this person, we would be best friends forever. And we have this perfect, fun day, but it was 1990, so there was no way we were ever going to get in touch with each other again. Annie, did you have kids like that in your childhood? Advertisement Baker: Theres this girlmaybe through this article I can find her! There was a girl named Jane. I think her last name was Kramer. We were roommates at overnight camp and I really loved her. And we stayed friends after overnight camp and I visited her in Philadelphia and I dont know how to find her now. She was amazing. What camp was it? Advertisement Advertisement Baker: It was called Horizons. She was cooler than me and a year or two older than me, which is a big deal. She was really generous to me and we stayed in touch for a year, but there was no email or cellphones, and now I dont know how to find her. Advertisement I truly hope that Jane from Philadelphia reads this and reaches out. Baker: Jane, maybe Kramer, who went to Horizons, who grew up in Philadelphia. When theyre running around the mall that day, they stop in a chain bookstore and they read one of the books from the Clan of the Cave Bear series. Baker: Thank you for noticing that. I put that excerpt in the first draft of the screenplay, not understanding how hard it is to get the rights to things in movies, even indie movies, and I had to write Jean M. Auel a very passionate letter, and she was awesome and let me use it. Was your letter all about how formative the book was for you at that exact age? Baker: Yes. Advertisement Zoe, those books are sort of notorious for people our age. Did you read that entire book or only the section that was in the screenplay? [Annie Baker makes big No gestures] Ziegler: Just the section. Baker: Her generation doesnt need to know about it. Can I ask you, Annie, about Rilkes Duino Elegies? Baker: Yeah. Advertisement Advertisement Part of that poem appears at a crucial moment in the movie. Ive reread it now about 10 million times after seeing it. What do you love about the elegies? Baker: Wow. I mean, theyre really hard to talk about, and Ive never really tried to talk about them before, and actually, thats always what makes me want to put something in a movie or a play, is if its something I dont know how to talk about. Which is not to evade you Nevertheless, thats a perfect evasive answer. Advertisement Advertisement Baker: That said, I think the fourth elegy in particular captures some experience of perception I had at Zoes age. Some sort of trinity of watching. Between an objecta theatrical object, which for me as a kid was a toy or a thing Id mademyself, and the gaze of the parent. And theres something about the way that trinity of gazing works that I think he captures in that poem, and that I think was a big part of why I wanted to make the movie. Zoe, you were 10 when you did this. Presumably youre a totally different person now than you were then. How is 12-year-old Zoe different from 10-year-old Zoe? I assume youre taller. Ziegler: Yeah. Advertisement Advertisement Do you have the same interests you did when you were 10, or are you interested in totally different things? Ziegler: I still ride horses. Oh, thats great! Do you do show riding or do you just do trail riding? Ziegler: Sometimes I do shows. Do you have a horse that you love the most? Ziegler: Yeah, I own a horse named Celine. Celine! What kind is she? Ziegler: Shes a paint horse, like a quarter horse. After the movie, I leased her and then a little over a year ago I bought her. Baker: Did you partly buy her with the money you made from the movie? Ziegler: Mm-hmm. Baker: I just think thats a huge accomplishment that you did that. We all worked really hard. And Zoe was like, Im going to get my horse at the end of it. I felt that from you. Advertisement Related From Slate A24s Latest Horror Sensation Is a Treasure Trove for Buffy Fans Read More I feel like thats actually an extremely good answer to the question What is the actors motivation in this? Advertisement Baker: Truly, truly. Zoe doesnt have stage parents. Your parents didnt push you to do this. You were curious about the experiment, and you wanted to buy your horse. Ziegler: Yeah. Baker: I got the movie and Zoe got the horse. What is Celine like? Whats her personality? Ziegler: Shes kind of, like, crazy, but in a good way. What do you love most about riding? Ziegler: I dont know. It just makes me feel happier. Annie, do you feel different now that youre 43 than you did when you were 10? Baker: Maybe. In late May, Politico ran an article with the trollish headline White House to the left: We told you so on crime. The piece was built on interviews with two anonymous advisers to President Joe Biden, who asserted that falling violent crime rates and the electoral defeat of a progressive prosecutor in Oregon had validated the administrations toughness and vocal support for increased law enforcement funding. Its framing depicted the politics of law and order as a zero-sum game in which leftistsespecially those who called to defund law enforcement in 2020 after numerous high-profile instances of police brutalityhave been routed. But while its true that voters generally chose not to support defunding efforts amid rising COVID-era crime rates, the administrations more-cops triumphalism might not tell the entire story either. In a New Republic piece published the day after the White Houses Politico victory lap, for instance, Michelle Phelpsa professor of sociology at the University of Minnesota who studies policingnoted that thanks to retirements and resignations, there are actually fewer police officers working in the Minneapolis Police Department now than there were before the protests triggered by the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by an MPD officer. And according to numbers compiled by the Police Executive Research Forum, a respected independent group, thats true of major cities across the country as a whole. In large agencies, sworn staffing slightly increased during 2023, PERF writes, but it is still more than 5 percent below where it was in January 2020. (Caveat: PERFs data relies on departmental self-reporting.) In other words, while voters may not have wanted it to be the case, and it didnt happen in the way that activists would have chosen either, many U.S. police departments have gotten smallerand the violent crime rate is still plummeting. So what is going on? Slate spoke to Phelps, author of the new book The Minneapolis Reckoning: Race, Violence and the Politics of Policing in America, about the fallout from Floyds death in Minnesota and how it might relate to the politics of police and crime nationally. The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Ben Mathis-Lilley: How did public attitudes toward police in Minneapolis shiftor not shiftafter George Floyd was killed? Michelle Phelps: We saw the prosecution and the successful conviction of the individual officers, and we saw investigations into the department by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the Department of Justice. Both of those investigations have documented extensive failures in hiring, training, and oversight policies, and both of them are in the process of leading to consent decrees. But what we didnt see were major overhauls of policies and practices. Misconduct review and civilian oversight in Minneapolis is still a disaster. We did not see meaningful state or federal legislative reforms around policing. The George Floyd Act and the potentially transformative bills that were considered in the Minnesota Legislature came up empty-handed. So we see individual punishment of officers, but not bigger structural, systemic changes. Although one of the arguments of the book is we should expect that kind of work to take years, and maybe decades and generations, so its not surprising that its still ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was also a citywide vote on whether to dissolve the police department and replace it with a more broadly construed department of public safety, which failed in November 2021 by a 5644 percent margin. The charter amendment did fail, but it was benchmarked nationally as this indicator of the failure of the defund slogan, and I think the reality on the ground is more complicated. The department has not been defunded or dismantled, but it is more than a third smaller in terms of number of officers than it was before, because they are unable to hire and retain officers quick enough to continue to keep pace with officers leaving and retiring. The other thing is that the city did create an Office of Community Safety, very similar to what the Department of Public Safety was supposed to do. We have unarmed mental health and behavioral crisis response teams now responding to calls, and we have an office devoted to violence interruption work, though at the moment its a little bit unclear what theyre doing or how theyre staffed. Its one of the unheralded successes of summer 2020. Advertisement Youve written in the past that its too simplistic to depict criminal justice policy in the U.S. as having a pendulum pattern, with brutality scandals being followed by liberal reforms that are themselves followed by panic about crime rates. But how do you explain the charter amendments failure if not as a conservative backlash to rising crime? Advertisement By the time we get to November 2021, its true thatparticularly in north Minneapolis, where we see the most stark race and class segregationrates of homicide victimization were on par with the worst years of the 1990s in Minneapolis. That was part of the opposition to the charter amendment. Advertisement But what the national rhetoric gets wrong is, first of all, we didnt see big racial divides [in the vote]. The typical story is like, you see this rise in crime and so you get this kind of white-backlash politics. In the Star Tribune poll before the vote there was a pretty muted racial divide, and if anything, white folks were slightly more supportive. The bigger demographic divide was actually in age, with younger folks more in support and older folks more opposed across the color line. Advertisement So the racial story of the charter amendment is complicated. You had Black community members and community leaders who were coming out in support of it because they thought it would create new models of public safety and reduce police violence. And you also had Black community leaders and members who came out against it and said, White people are going to vote for this because they think its a racial justice initiative, but we need policing, and we can have good policing with police reform. But notably you didnt see any Black spokespersons who came out and said, We love the MPD, and theyre doing a great job. Advertisement Advertisement And then there was this reduction in policing that occurred anyway because of officers quitting or retiring. Has that achieved any of what the defund push was supposed to do? In other words, have lower police staffing levels reduced the amount of problematic interactions between officers and civilians? Advertisement One way to think about overpolicing is the frequent stops and fishing expeditions, where police pull over a motorist or pedestrian because the officer wanted to see, like, Oh, if I frisk this person, are they going to have a weapon? If I search their car, am I going to find drugs? Those are the kinds of searches that are most likely to be racially biased and erode trust in police the most, because people know that theyre getting stopped because of who they are. And at least in Minneapolis, the data is very clear that the reduction in the number of officers has meant that theyre spending more of their time responding to emergency calls for service and less on those discretionary stops. In terms of are fewer people being stopped and harassed for nothing, I think the answer is very clear that when we have fewer police, less of that happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question about police violence is harder to measure right now. Its not clear that fewer stops necessarily means less violence per stop. And we have not yet seen a reduction in the number of people that police shoot and kill every year. So Im less optimistic that theres clear-cut benefits here for police violence. Is it possible that police departments have made up for staffing shortages by paying the officers that remain to work overtime, especially given that in most places, departmental budgets either stayed where they were or were actively increased? I havent looked at the citys data. But thats another place where reduction in staffing could have paradoxical consequences, because we know that officers that are more tired are more prone to violence. Advertisement The good news is that, for whatever reason, crime is still falling. To me, it points to the [prior] rise as predominantly a consequence of the dislocations and insecurities of the pandemic. We still are losing officers faster than were getting them in Minneapolis, and yet crime is still declining, particularly homicide. In a funny way, this is something that abolitionists and the police department should be able to agree on: That police are, at best, a last-step, stopgap measure, after a series of policy failures, that can stanch victimization on the margins. But theyre not the biggest driver of violence or safety. When we think about thriving middle-class neighborhoods, they didnt get that way because they have a police station on every block, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration would probably point to the funding for police departments that it has helped allocate. I think the most important thing there was that there was a series of infusions of cash from the federal government, both to city governments and to residents, that helped to buffer some of the most profound financial consequences of the pandemic. It allowed Minneapolis to help avoid a fiscal catastrophe as tax revenue dropped off during the pandemic. Advertisement And I think the administration is trying to thread a needle. They are desperate to not lose the next election and have a second Trump presidency. And while I think the left wing of the Democratic Party likes to think that everybody agrees with them, the hypereducated leftist position on a lot of these things is actually not that popular when you poll for it. So the administration is trying to walk this middle ground where they can get independents and even softer conservatives into their camp and court centrists in the Democratic Party. Advertisement But they are also trying to listen to that left wing at intervals. You see support, for instance, for violence prevention work and community safety work. That, to me, feels like at least a bit of a victory, that there is at least a nudge towards a more holistic approach. You said we should expect a real movement toward that kind of approach to take a long time. Why? On the more existential side of the question, any kind of profound social change, none of it happens overnight. It is, in part, shifting public opinions, generational change. But its in part building up models of what change looks like. One of the challenges in summer 2020 was that police abolitionists were saying to folks, What comes next is a set of experiments, and I understand why activists fought for that, but for the everyday member of the public, the idea of lets experiment has a different ring to it. I heard from a lot of folks in north Minneapolis who said, Why is it always experimenting on us? Advertisement But right now, when were in this lull period, is a moment to think about these models: How many different response teams a city can have; what the costs and benefits are of scaling that up; of doing it inside of city government versus community-led. Can we figure out whether community violence interruption works, and if so, what makes it most or least effective? Building these experiments and getting the word out about how we think about public safety more expansively, is, I think, what we could be doing to build momentum for the next time we have a window of opportunity. On Thursday, the Supreme Court passed up an opportunity to implode the United State tax code on the basis of bogus facts. By a 72 vote, the court sided with the government in Moore v. U.S., a case that conservative activists engineered to preemptively kill an Elizabeth Warrenstyle wealth tax. Moore, however, does not mean that a future federal tax on exorbitant wealth will survive SCOTUS. Rather, it seems to stand for the proposition that even this very conservative court has limited patience for oligarchical policy demands dressed up in the shaggy pretext of a fake legal controversy. Justice Brett Kavanaughs majority opinion in Moore recounts the facts as Charles and Kathleen Moore (the plaintiffs) and Andrew Grossman and David Rivkin (their lawyers) presented them. By this account, the Moores beneficently invested just $40,000 in KisanKraft, an American-owned corporation that manufactures farm equipment in India. They received a 13 percent ownership share but no immediate distribution of its income, even as the company made a great deal of money. So they were shocked to discover that they owed $14,729 in income on federal taxes after Donald Trump signed the 2017 tax cuts. It turns out that bill included a one-time, backward-looking tax on American shareholders of American-owned corporations located oversees that accumulated undistributed income. This provision marked an attempt to encourage Americans to reinvest that money domestically. Rather than accept this obligation, the Moores sued the government, alleging that the new tax was unconstitutional. This theory was cooked up by BakerHostetler attorneys Grossman and Rivkin, the latter of whom is a good friend of Justice Samuel Alito. These lawyers argued that their clients were caught up in a grossly unfair scheme that penalized magnanimous Americans who tried to assist overseas corporations through investments. In this telling, the new tax punished U.S. citizens, like the Moores, who had little to no direct involvement with these companies, attributing to them a falsely heightened level of control over their operations. Grossman and Rivkin therefore claimed that the tax violated the 16th Amendment, which authorized federal taxes on income, from whatever source derived. They insisted that the amendment is implicitly limited to realized income, meaning money thats been paid out to individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are three problems with the case, best taken in reverse order. First: The 16th Amendment does not include a realization requirement. Congress has taxed unrealized gains since long before the 16th Amendment was ratified, and its drafters made an affirmative choice not to impose this limitation. Second: If the plaintiffs theory is correct, then vast swaths of the modern-day tax code are unconstitutional, as Kavanaugh pointed out. Myriad corporations and partnerships are taxed on a pass-through basis; that means the entitys owners, typically shareholders or partners, pay taxes rather than the entity itself. And these owners pay taxes on the income of the entity, Kavanaugh wrote, even if the entity has not distributed any money or property to them. Advertisement The Moores, he continued, cannot meaningfully distinguish the recent tax from similar taxes on corporations and partnerships. The upshot is that the Moores argument, taken to its logical conclusion, would light much of the Internal Revenue Code on fire. This arson would deprive the U. S. Government and the American people of trillions in lost tax revenue. It would require Congress to either drastically cut critical national programs or significantly increase taxes on the remaining sources available to itincluding, of course, on ordinary Americans. (Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch, suggested that the majority overstated these consequences, but added that if Congress invites calamity by building the tax base on constitutional quicksand, the courts have no power to fashion an emergency escape.) Advertisement Related From Slate Amy Coney Barrett Sounds Fed Up With Clarence Thomas Sloppy Originalism Read More Kavanaugh and his colleagues in the majority declined to take that drastic step. They avoided catastrophe by affirming that the government can attribute a corporations undistributed income to its shareholders, deeming it realized gains and taxing it. The court therefore declined to decide whether truly unrealized income can be taxed under the 16th Amendment. (Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, though, explained why it can be in a sharp concurrence, reminding her colleagues that the court should not override the representatives of the people on tax policy.) Advertisement Which brings us to the third flaw in Moore, unmentioned by the court but lurking, perhaps, in its highly skeptical analysis: The plaintiffs made up the facts of this case, stretching the truth far past its breaking point. University of Florida Law professor Mindy Herzfelds invaluable reporting at Tax Notes, verified by the Washington Post, points to numerous mistakes and misstatements in Grossman and Rivkins narrative. Charles Moore claims to have invested $40,000 in KisanKraft in a single transactionbut he actually invested $150,000 in three transactions over seven years. He also advanced the company $250,000 for a year, drawing 12 percent interest. Perhaps most egregiously, he served as director of the company for five years, repeatedly traveling to India and receiving at least $14,000 in reimbursements. Moores lawyers framed him as a passive investor who had little direct involvement with KisanKraft and merely wished to help it succeed through a relatively small investment. In reality, he was closely and continually involved, making his undistributed income exactly the kind of gains that Congress had traditionally taxed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few years, the Supreme Court has consistently embarrassed itself by embracing fake facts to reach its desired (conservative) outcome in a number of phony cases. A victory for the Moores here would not only have destabilized much of the U.S. tax system, but also further confirmed that the justices will shamelessly exploit a counterfeit case to shift the law rightward. There are small signs that some members of the court are losing tolerance with the far-right-movement lawyers who keep lying to them. Moore offers further hope on that front. Chief Justice John Roberts joined Kavanaughs opinion, along with the three liberalsno surprise there. But Justice Samuel Alito joined Justice Amy Coney Barretts narrower (though still important) concurring opinion, despite his deep personal friendship with Rivkin. (He rejected calls to recuse from this case.) Alito sounded most enthusiastic about the plaintiffs theory at oral arguments. Yet not even he could sign on to their loony revision of the 16th Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Kavanaugh was careful to cabin his opinion, clarifying that the court had not passed on the constitutionality of a future wealth tax. This law, proposed by some Democrats, would tax the net value of rich peoples assets, including property, putting it far beyond the scope of Thursdays decision. Nothing in Thursdays decision greenlights this kind of law if Congress ever somehow enacted it. Instead, the court maintained the status quo, spurning a deceptive invitation to kill a popular progressive innovation before it can be born. Grossman and Rivkins anti-tax crusade has, for the time being, failed to make the cut of the conservative supermajoritys aggressive policy agenda. This is part of Opinionpalooza, Slates coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. Alongside Amicus, we kicked things off this year by explaining How Originalism Ate the Law. The best way to support our work is by joining Slate Plus. (If you are already a member, consider a donation or merch!) Milos Kvasnovsky, partner at Kvasnovsky & Partners law firm, says some areas of labour legislation are ripe for improvement. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share A slew of investments, including Swedish carmaker Volvos plan to build a 1.2-billion plant to produce electric cars near Kosice, has put eastern Slovakia in the investment spotlight. There is clearly a growing interest in eastern Slovakia, Milos Kvasnovsky, partner at Kvasnovsky & Partners law firm, told The Slovak Spectator. The fact that it borders three countries Poland, Hungary and Ukraine makes it especially interesting for investors. With the latter trying to repel a full-scale invasion by Russia, towns and villages in eastern Slovakia have become refuges for people fleeing the war in their homeland. And as those people settle in these localities, they in turn have become an important potential workforce for businesses in the area. KVASNOVSKY & PARTNERS | ADVOKATI s.r.o. launched in 2008 in Bratislava a branch in Kosice, launched in 2018 has also operated in the Czech Republic since 2009 focuses on comprehensive legal services, especially labour law and legislation, and advice to entrepreneurs, other legal entities (civic associations, non-profit organisations and foundations) and individuals, both domestic and foreign, tax law, energy law, corporate and contractual law, litigation winner in the Law Firm of the Year in the category of labour law in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024, and in the category of tax law in 2021 The Slovak Spectator spoke with Kvasnovsky about eastern Slovakia, labour laws, and employing Ukrainian refugees. Are there any parts of current labour legislation that pose any problems specifically for eastern Slovakia? It might look that way at first, and one might think that they are related to employment of foreigners. But these problems occur across Slovakia. This is because foreign workers are scattered all over Slovakia. I dont think there are any differences. What should be highlighted is that eastern Slovakia is certainly interesting, partly due to recent significant investments, one of them being by Volvo. These will create thousands of jobs in a region where workers continue to accept lower remuneration compared to, for example, workers in western Slovakia. The war in Ukraine has also made the region, which neighbours not just Ukraine, but Poland and Hungary too, more interesting for investors from Ukraine who have opened branches of their companies here. Is Slovak legislation being tailored sufficiently to the inflow of foreign investment to the region? In my opinion, yes. Regardless of their party composition, Slovak governments have supported the development of regions and the reduction of disparities between them. For instance, Volvo, which is building a brand new plant near Kosice, has received state support. In terms of Ukrainians, Slovakia has provided a significant support framework for them. It has adopted appropriate legislation to enable Ukrainians to stay here by giving them temporary refuge, to establish themselves in the labour market, including opening bank accounts, which initially was very difficult as some of them did not have all the necessary documents. Has Slovakia tapped the employment potential of Ukrainians fleeing their home country? The question remains how to persuade those suitable for the Slovak labour market to remain here, as Slovakia cannot compete with the salaries offered in countries further westwards. We also need to take advantage of the geographic proximity and cultural similarities of the countries. Slovakia could try harder at this. In what respect? I do not have in mind any special benefits, but allocating sufficient administrative capacities so the employment permitting process can be carried out quickly would be enough. The process as it stands is quite demanding. People always perceive any administrative process to be good if it is quick. In Slovakia, however, administrative capacities are not sufficiently large and it has to be admitted that Slovakia was actually caught by surprise by the influx of refugees. Then there are the state-set quotas for employment of people from third countries in individual sectors. When demand exceeds these quotas, foreigners circumvent them by getting a trade licence and working self-employed. This raises the question of whether it would not be better for the state if they were to work as ordinary employees. The latter would mean higher payments of compulsory levies to the social insurance provider Socialna Poistovna and health insurers. But this applies to other foreign workers, not just Ukrainians. Is there anything employers should look out for when employing Ukrainians, for example any pitfalls? No. The Slovak government has addressed this issue quite well in terms of legislation. But an issue raising a bit of concern are the reports in the media that Ukrainian consular offices should not provide, lets call it assistance, to Ukrainian men. When their passports expire and the consular office will not cooperate, they could end up being without a valid travel document and this might disqualify them from getting or keeping a job in Slovakia. I get a lot of phone calls from our clients, whether direct employers or labour leasing agencies employing Ukrainian men. These men are now part of their work teams, employers are satisfied with them, but they dont know whats going to happen next. We cant answer their questions because the information is still just from media reports so far. Nevertheless, Slovakia needs Ukrainian workers as there is actually a shortage of between 80,000 and 100,000 workers in Slovakia, and thats just for qualified positions. Related article Related article Tapping eastern Slovakias potential Read more Is Slovakias labour legislation generally flexible enough for the employment of foreigners? One area where there is room for improvement is labour leasing. In terms of entering an employment contract, it is flexible, but its termination is very inflexible, especially for the employer as it is actually the same as a regular employment contract. When we look at, for example, the Czech Republic, there labour leasing, or temporary assignments, can be terminated unilaterally it is flexible at the beginning and at its termination. And the Czech labour market obviously has no problem with that, contrary to Slovakia. How do you view Slovak labour legislation in general? It is employee-centric. By this I mean that some provisions are tailored in such a way that they predominantly protect the employee from the other party, the employer. This sometimes creates an artificial, negative polarity between the two parties, who are not enemies, but live in a symbiosis with each other and need each other. There should be greater equality between employees and employers not by the employee not being protected, but by the employee being forced to take more interest in his or her own affairs. The labour law is at a point that although everyone in Slovakia is supposed to know the law, there are certain parts of society where this is not such an important requirement, or to put it another way, the burden of proof in employment disputes is shifted to the employer. This is not okay, in my opinion. This is one area of Slovak labour legislation where a lot of work could be done. Is the government aware of this? There is certainly general knowledge about this issue, but I do not have any information that the government is preparing any changes [to the legislation]. Are there any areas in which current Slovak labour legislation needs to be updated or expanded? I would accept a certain modernisation of labour law, especially in terms of signing processes, but especially delivery. It requires a clear regulation of remote signing, in justified cases through a qualified electronic signature. In practice, the introduction of platforms for signing and the dismantling of traditional approaches to signing documents. Because we have an increasing number of foreign companies, managers are not always present in the offices for signing purposes, employees working from home or teleworking. A fundamental change in delivery in labour law and enabling delivery via an electronic network, say to an employees e-mail address beyond the reach of the employer, for example with the employees passing consent, would be welcome. [This would be] a modification similar to the model of the Czech Republic, which is starting to work there. Are there going to be any significant changes to labour legislation in Slovakia? There are some changes in the pipeline related to higher collective agreements. Although there is some opposition to them from employers in Slovakia, they are common in western Europe. For example, when somebody gets a job in the metallurgical sector in Germany, a respective higher collective agreement sets a minimum wage that he or she should get. We will see what the final wording [of the changes] will be. The oldest and biggest carmaker in Slovakia exports as much as one quarter of its production to China. Volkswagen Passat was the first model ever to be produced in Bratislava after Volkswagen started vehicle production in Slovakia in 1991. (Source: Courtesy of Volkswagen Slovakia) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share The introduction of tariffs on Chinese electric cars in the European Union may have a significant impact on the Slovak automotive industry, the Slovak Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA) warns in response to the European Commissions plan of increasing tariffs on Chinese electric cars temporarily as of this July. In discussions about the introduction of extra tariffs on Chinese electric cars, we as a country should stand on the side of those who reject such interventions, said SEVA director Patrik Krizansky as cited by the SITA newswire on June 14. If China responded as it announced some time ago (that is, it will introduce reciprocal import tariffs especially on SUVs with internal combustion engines), it would mean the loss of markets and job threats for Slovak manufacturers. A while ago, Bloomberg named Slovakia as the country which, together with Germany, would be the most exposed to Chinese retaliatory tariffs, in relation to cars. China has already announced that it will take some retaliatory measures, targeting European farmers instead of carmakers. It has initiated an anti-dumping probe into European pork exports. Krizansky argued that the competitive pressure of China can also bring about an acceleration of development, making production more efficient and cheaper. It is necessary to support the transition of the Slovak automobile industry and also the entire local subcontractor chain towards electromobility, said Krizansky. Everyone will gradually switch to electromobility, and the sooner we understand it as an opportunity, the better. The export of vehicles manufactured in Slovakia to China reaches an annual volume of 2.3 billion, SEVA notes. What are the legal limits set by the Labour Code? Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share This article is brought to you by Eversheds Sutherland. Todays era brings a wide range of opportunities for screening people, both job applicants and employees. There are both serious and less serious reasons for such screening on the part of employers. What are the legal limits set by the Labour Code on screening? Mgr. Jana Sapakova, LL.M. Eur, Counsel Even before an employment contract is concluded, the employer and the employee have different rights and obligations. These are in particular mutual information obligations. Pursuant to Article 41(7) of the Labour Code, a natural person is obliged to inform the employer of facts which hinder the performance of work or which could cause harm to the employer. Such facts may, for example, be a suspended driving licence in the case of a professional driver or a sales representative. This category also includes information about the pursuit of a competing activity, unless the employee intends to cease pursuing it. The question is what other information the employer and the potential employee may lawfully obtain about each other, beyond that required by law to be disclosed. Article 11 of the Labour Code, as amended (hereinafter referred to as the Labour Code), provides that An employer may only collect personal data about an employee relating to the employees qualifications and professional experience and data that may be relevant to the work that the employee is to perform, is performing or has performed. This principle is related to the right to privacy, but is rather vague and therefore it is always necessary to assess on a case[1]by-case basis what personal data may be relevant to the job. The employer first obtains personal data related to qualifications and professional experience from the applicant himself, i.e. from his CV and, where applicable, from a job reference or employment certificate. Further information may be obtained from the previous employer only with the consent of the employee concerned. SOCIAL NETWORKS In practice, we mainly encounter searching for information about a potential employee on the Internet and on social networks. In these cases, it is necessary to proceed individually. Just because an employee discloses some information about themselves does not mean that the employer can consider it in the context of pre-contractual relations. For example, Facebook or Instagram is more for sharing private, non-work related information. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is more of a professional network, and although the employees account is his/her private account, if he/she connects with an organisation and the organisation sees the employees posts, and if they are of a work nature, the potential employer may take them into account as part of his/her decision-making process. CRIMINAL RECORD EXTRACT A separate chapter is the employers requirement for the employee to produce a criminal record certificate as part of the selection procedure or during the employment relationship. The production of a criminal record certificate must be considered in the light of the type of work performed and the position held by the employee. Section 41(6) (c) of the Labour Code expressly provides that the employer is not entitled to request information on integrity except in the case of work for which integrity is required by a special regulation or where the requirement of integrity is required by the nature of the work to be performed by the natural person. It is appropriate to provide for such a requirement and to provide sufficient justification for it in the employers internal rules. It may be justified, for example, if the employee will have access to payment information or payment card data, where such data could be misused. In the case of a cook or waiter, or in the case of an assembly line employee, for example, the inspection body could assess the requirement to produce a criminal record as unjustified and contrary to the Labour Code. SANCTION LISTS Given the current political situation, in some situations it may be mandatory or appropriate to check whether a job applicant/employee is on a sanction list. Act No. 289/2016 Coll. on the Implementation of International Sanctions is a legal regulation in this area. CONCLUSION In general, individuals are increasingly protective of their privacy and aware of their rights in this area. It will therefore always be important to assess the specific situation and its relationship to the legal limits and to the rights and legitimate interests of both the employee and the employer. Any interference with an employees privacy must take place within the limits of the law and must be justified. Ukrainian-owned company has clients on several continents. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share A new line for production of drones for civilian applications has opened in the industrial park in the village of Haniska, near Presov, eastern Slovakia. The line belongs to the company Tropozond, which is owned by the Skyeton Group, a Ukrainian manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems based in Estonia. At present, the company has invested 3 million and employs 26 people. By the end of next year, it expects to have as many as 200 employees. It is currently looking for qualified people to recruit. According to Skyeton CEO Alexander Stepura, the company had been looking for a country with a developed industry and enough qualified employees. "As a Slavic country, Slovakia has a similar culture to Ukraine, where we already have one factory. We know we can find capable and qualified people here much faster than in any other country," said Stepura. Skyeton has customers on several continents. The first Raybird drones from Presov Region are to be sent to the United Arab Emirates, where they will be used to monitor oil pipelines. The NIHO was established to assess costs in the health sector. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova (Hlas) is bringing another previously independent institution under her direct control, reports the Sme daily. Last week, the governing coalition approved an amendment to the Act on Health Insurance Companies, according to which the head of the National Institute for Value and Technologies in Healthcare (NIHO) may be dismissed by the government upon a proposal by the health minister, at any time and without cause. The NIHO was established to assess costs in the health sector and to help ensure the state pays less for medicines and medical devices. In order to be independent, its head was appointed by a group of experts. Last year, it managed to save up to 111 million for the state. For example, the NIHO re-evaluated pharmaceutical companies' drug price offers and managed to significantly reduce them. However, if a politician or business group expresses is unhappy with the agency's actions, the minister will now be free to dismiss the head of the NIHO at any time. From now on, only a doctor or pharmacist will be able to apply for the post. If the current director, Michal Stanak, were to be dismissed, he would not be able to re-apply since he is neither. Stanak is an expert in the evaluation of medical technology. The amendment is to apply from August. Change no one saw On Tuesday last week, the draft amendment was discussed by parliament's health committee. The changes proposed by the coalition were mostly acceptable to the opposition MPs. However, on Wednesday morning Hlas party MP Zdenko Sloboda announced during the session that he wanted to propose an amendment. He then read it out and called for an immediate vote on it. According to Tomas Szalay, an MP for the opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) who is also a health expert, no one saw the proposed amendment in its written form. Sloboda proposed that the minister should be able to dismiss the head of the NIHO without giving any reason, that only a doctor or pharmacist could lead the agency, and that the Health Ministry should have more influence over the committee that selects the office-holder. Progressive Slovakia (PS) MP and health expert Oskar Dvorak pointed out that the amendment will effectively allow the government to appoint its own nominee, for example from a pharmaceutical company, which could lead to a direct conflict of interest. Minister: No more 'discrimination' Dolinkova defended the change by saying that until now only a very limited number of people could participate in the selection process and pointing out that last time there were only two candidates, neither of which had a formal education in medicine or pharmacy. The amendment abolishes these "discriminatory conditions", she asserted. Szalay opposed the changes, saying that the minister was lying and that doctors and pharmacists were already able to apply for the job. However, now no one else will be able to do so. In February, the government dismissed Renata Blahova from the post of head of the Healthcare Supervision Office based on the health minister's proposal. According to Dolinkova, Blahova failed to address fundamental issues in the health-care sector, repeatedly overstepped the legal powers of the office, and didn't meet the qualification requirements for the post as set by the law. MP Peter Kotlar has outraged everyone with his latest comment. SNS MP Peter Kotlar thinks that Slovakia did not experience any coronavirus pandemic in the years 2020-2023. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Lawmaker Peter Kotlar, a studied doctor and antivaxxer who entered parliament on the nationalist Slovak National Partys slate last year, has said that the coronavirus pandemic in Slovakia did not happen. More than 21,000 people died of the coronavirus during the pandemic, and people are still dying of the virus today. In 2023, 526 people were killed by the coronavirus. In the conclusion of my investigation, which I will present in September, there is clear evidence that the pandemic in Slovakia did not meet the criteria of what a pandemic means in terms of incidence and other measurable parameters, he told the Health Parliamentary Committee on June 19. The government appointed Kotlar in January, who regularly appears on his online disinformation-spreading television channel, its plenipotentiary for reviewing the process of managing and handling resources during the coronavirus pandemic. The proposal had been put forward by Prime Minister and Smer party leader Robert Fico. During the pandemic, he questioned, and even ignored, coronavirus measures and called the pandemic a game among pharmaceutical firms. It is not clear who is helping Kotlar investigate the handling of the pandemic. The MP said that he would publish the list of the investigation commission in September. Read also Read also Anti-vaxxer appointed to lead official inquiry into pandemic management Read more Committee discusses international health regulations A similar conference took place in February 2024. From left to right: MEP Milan Uhrik, Ashot Grigorian and Smer politician Lubos Blaha during a "peace symposium" in Bratislava on June 20, 2024. (Source: Facebook/Milan Uhrik) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Slovak and foreign Russian-friendly politicians met in Bratislava on June 19 and 20 to take part in the Bratislava - Capital of Peace conference at the Hotel Carlton. Guests discussed Russias war in Ukraine but also anti-Russian sanctions, reports the Sme daily. Russophile Slovak politicians Lubos Blaha (Smer) and far-right Republika party leader Milan Uhrik, recently elected to represent Slovakia in the European Parliament, were among the guests of the symposium. Former Slovak prime minister and Putin supporter Jan Carnogursky (1991-1992) also spoke at the meeting. We cannot be afraid to use the word peace, we cannot retreat against those politicians obsessed with war and conflict, Uhrik said in English, blaming arms companies for the conflict. People in Slovakia shoot each other only for political opinions, he added misleadingly. Uhrik referred to the shooting attack of Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) in May, after which Fico was left seriously injured. The elderly shooter, Juraj C., did not agree with some of the policies pushed through by the Fico government, but he is not considered a liberal either. Still, Blaha claims that the attacker was brainwashed by liberal media and Russophobic organisations. The rare incident is still under investigation. Second Bratislava conference Ashot Grigorian, a leading figure of the Armenian Community of Slovakia who has lived in the country since 1993, is said to have organised the meeting. He co-organised a similar event in Bratislava at the end of February. It was then called the United Kingdom - EU - Russia - Greater Middle East: Challenges and Prospects conference. One conclusion drawn at the end of the February conference was that the symposium participants believe that NATO and Western countries should suspend the supply of weapons to Ukraine, accept Russias proposals, begin peace negotiations with Russias participation and sign a peace treaty. Pro-Russian German academic and lobbyist Alexander Rahr and the member of Britains House of Lords, Baroness Cox, also participated at the event in February. On Wednesday, Cox again joined the conference from the UK. She expressed hope that a peace treaty might be signed in Bratislava in the future to end the war in Ukraine. In her opening speech, she also welcomed PM Fico and President Peter Pellegrini to the conference, even though they did not take part. Vladislav Gasumyanov, head of the Russian National Research Institute for Communication Development (NIIRK) joined the event online. NIIRK organised the February symposium in Bratislava. The institute is said to be run by former intelligence officers. Gasumyanov himself worked for Russias intelligence services. Igor Dodon, the Moldovan president until December 2020 and facing corruption charges, participated in this weeks event together with another pro-Russian Moldovan politician, Zinaida Greceanii. Dodon wrote on social media that he had been invited to Bratislava by Blaha. Blaha called him the symbol of bravery at the conference, pointing to his calls for peace and closer ties with Russia. The opposition leader Dodon is seen as a pro-Russian politician, and has good relations with Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, notes the Sme daily. In 2022, it was reported that Dodon was paid by the Kremlin to represent its interests in Moldova. Blaha wants a conference on the freedom of speech Blaha said that Slovakia is a peaceful Slavic country and that Bratislava used to be a symbolic city of peace in communist times. He does not understand why there is hatred against Russia. The MP continued by claiming that bigger Slovak cities are full of progressivism and Russophobia dictated by the West, while the countryside wants peace, traditional values and social justice. We want peace. We dont want to be the slaves of the US army, or something like a colony, he said, arguing that Fico was shot because of his views on the war in Ukraine. Ficos government halted the military support of Ukraine from the Slovak armed forces soon after it came to power last year. It is also calling for peace without telling Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Blaha added, In the western world, you need to follow the American dictate, imperialism, and wars, otherwise you can be the target of hatred, which can lead to assassination attempts. Apart from attacking media outlets critical of the government, Blaha also attacked the Bratislava-based security think-tank Globsec, declaring that warmongers and liberals attend its events, including the well-known Globsec Forum conference. We would like to organise an anti-Globsec conference, Blaha, a self-described peace-themed author, noted. Blaha, who complains that he cannot say peace today without being judged, knows what theme the event should have: freedom of speech. Sylvia Gonzalez, 77, sits for a portrait in her Castle Hills home the weekend before testifying to the U.S. Supreme Court last March. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL The U.S. Supreme Court, reversing an appeals court ruling, has decided against the City of Castle Hills, allowing Sylvia Gonzalez to pursue her lawsuit claiming she was a victim of a retaliatory arrest by its police force while serving on its city council. The case will go back to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a federal district court in San Antonio. Supreme Court Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh issued opinions favoring the reversal, which was issued as a per curiam or unsigned decision. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a dissenting opinion. This fight was always about more than just me, Gonzalez said Thursday. No one should have to go through what I went through, and with this decision, Im confident it wont happen again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This has been a nightmare for the last five years, she added. It has kept me up at night, but finally I can sleep knowing that the nightmare Ive gone through will protect critics from retaliation in the future. The ruling gives Gonzalez, 77, another chance to pursue her retaliation claim, accusing the small city of violating her First and 14th amendment rights. She was arrested in July 2019 for allegedly stealing and tampering with a government document, a recall petition that was being discussed at a council meeting soon after she was elected. She filed a lawsuit a year later. The Institute for Justice, which represents Gonzalez, said the court ruled the appeals panel erred when it threw out Sylvia Gonzalezs First Amendment retaliation lawsuit. This is a great day for the First Amendment and Sylvia Gonzalez, who has courageously fought against retaliatory actions by government officials, said Anya Bidwell, senior attorney at the institute. The Supreme Courts revision of its First Amendment retaliation doctrine ensures that Americans can seek justice when they have evidence of a retaliatory arrest. Retaliatory arrests undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and this ruling helps safeguard the rights of all Americans to speak out without fear of retribution. We are proud to have represented Sylvia in this crucial victory for free speech. Mayor Edward JR Trevino, a defendant in the lawsuit, said the decision sends the case back to the 5th Circuit Court for a more complete review of the legal issues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This marks the first time in four years that an opinion has taken note of the true facts, including Ms. Gonzalezs admission that probable cause existed for her arrest, the mayor said in a statement. Although this extends the timeline, we welcome the further review of the case by the 5th Circuit. Rest assured that Castle Hills Police and all city services will continue with our mission of providing best-in-class services to our community. Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra had ruled in favor of Gonzalez, saying the city could have issued a summons for the nonviolent misdemeanor but got an arrest warrant instead, which ensured that she would spend time in jail. But in a 2-1 ruling, a panel of U.S. 5th Circuit judges decided against Gonzalez, saying she had not provided evidence to support her claim that the arrest was an act of political retribution under a narrowly allowable exception to the immunity from lawsuits that cities and other political subdivisions enjoy. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments in March. In its ruling, the justices found the lower court took an overly cramped view on key case law cited in its decision by holding that Gonzalez needed to cite an example of someone who was similarly situated but not arrested after engaging in similar conduct to prove retaliation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Still, some justices were not convinced of the merits of Gonzalezs claim. In a concurring opinion, Alito noted surveillance videos confirmed the account of Gonzalezs evasiveness made by city officials. And Gonzalez has never disputed at any point of the litigation that probable cause supported her arrest, Alito wrote. Kavanaugh, also concurring, wrote that Gonzalez conceded that the officers had probable cause to conclude that she intentionally removed the document from the meeting after it was submitted and became the property of the city. He supported the high courts decision because it does not seem to say anything that is harmful to the law, but that added it does not really have anything to do with Gonzalezs claim of retaliation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jackson wrote that Gonzalez had presented in district court details about the anomalous procedures used for her arrest and statements in the arresting officers warrant affidavit suggesting a retaliatory motive. On remand, the lower courts may consider the full scope of objective evidence that Gonzalez has offered to establish differential treatment, Jackson wrote. In his dissent, Thomas argued that a plaintiff with a First Amendment retaliatory arrest claim should have to plead and prove a lack of probable cause. I would adhere to the only rule grounded in history: Probable cause defeats a retaliatory-arrest claim, he wrote. During a period of bitter dysfunction on the council, Gonzalez was supporting a petition to remove City Manager Ryan Rapelye and got into a dispute over possession of the document or an honest mix-up over its location during the meeting in May 2019, depending on who told the story. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Her lawsuit named Trevino, then-Police Chief John Siemens and Alex Wright, a lawyer commissioned by the city as a special detective to investigate Gonzalez, as defendants. Video taken in the council chamber showed Gonzalez, then seated next to the mayor, removing the Fix Our Streets petition from in front of his seat on the council dais after a citizen complained shed been misled about the intent of the document. The meeting ran late into the night. When it resumed the next day, Trevino realized he no longer had the petition. He spotted a binder with the documents at Gonzalezs seat and asked a police captain to help retrieve them. In an arrest affidavit, describing the video, Wright said Gonzalez appeared to be purposefully avoiding finding the petitions by feigning her failure to notice the obvious binder clip which those around her could clearly see. But Gonzalez has said she hadnt realized she had the petition, and that Trevino seemed to understand her confusion. Edward JR Trevino, mayor of Castle Hills, is a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Sylvia Gonzalez. Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Coming back from lengthy layoffs, American swimming stars Caeleb Dressel and Simone Manuel were eager to claim their first individual events of the Paris Olympics. Instead, they had to settle for supporting roles. Dressel finished third in the men's 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials on Wednesday night, while Manuel touched fourth in the women's 100 free. Only the top two will get to swim the events individually in Paris, but Dressel and Manuel will both be part of the 4x100 freestyle relays. I think Paris is going to be a blast, said Manuel, who has endured a long road back after being diagnosed with overtraining syndrome ahead of the Tokyo Games. Its a different spot than Im used to right now with only being a relay swimmer. But its my third Olympic team and thats something thats really hard to accomplish. Potential breakout star Kate Douglass claimed the victory and Torri Huske took the runner-up position, with Gretchen Walsh also finishing ahead of Manuel. Dressel, the winner of five gold medals in Tokyo, wont get a chance to defend his 100 freestyle title after reaching the wall behind Chris Guiliano and Jack Alexy. Im trying to have fun; I am having fun, Dressel told the crowd of 22,209 on the deck of the temporary pool inside Lucas Oil Stadium. You dont know how much it means to me, the love Im getting from you. Its been tough. Dressel walked away from swimming in the midst of the 2022 world championships, later revealing that he needed an extended break to rediscover his love of the sport. Dressel failed to even qualify for the 2023 worlds, but his times have improved significantly since last fall. He still has a shot to qualify individually in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly two more events he won at the last Summer Games. Manuel also has the 50-meter freestyle left on her plate. In perhaps the surest bet of the meet, Katie Ledecky claimed her third victory with another dominating performance in the 1,500 freestyle, though the time was a bit of a disappointment. Seventeen-year-old Thomas Heilman won the mens 200 butterfly, while Matt Fallon touched first in the 200 breaststroke. Both will be first-time Olympians. Dressel was all smiles as he hugged the guys ahead of him, saying he was pleased to be on the relay that will set its sights on taking down the world record at the Olympics. That's an unbelievably fast top four, top five oh my gosh, the top six, he said, looking at the times on the massive scoreboard above the pool. That's a great group of guys. It's fast. Guiliano and Alexy were tied at the turn, but Guiliano got to the wall in 47.38 seconds to edge Alexy's 47.47. The margin was even closer to third, with Dressel missing an individual spot by just six-hundredths of a second. His time of 47.53 was about a half-second off his winning performance in Tokyo (47.02). Hunter Armstrong finished fourth, with Ryan Held and Matt King also likely to be added to the Olympic team as relay swimmers. Manuel was the first Black woman to capture an individual swimming gold when she tied for the top spot in the 100 freestyle at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. She didn't get a chance to defend her title in Tokyo, and she won't swim the event in Paris either. Still, Manuel was clearly moved just to be on a relay, breaking down in tears in front of the big crowd. Its a miracle that Im even able to stand up here and be able to race again." she said. "The people close to me know the journey it took to get here. Im really proud of myself and proud of Team USA. Douglass was fourth at the turn, but she powered to the finish for a winning time of 52.56. Huske finished at 52.93, while Walsh faded from the lead at the midway point to touch third in 53.13. Manuel was next at 53.25, with fifth-place finisher Abbey Weitzeil (53.70) also likely headed to her third Olympics as a relay option. After winning a bronze medal in the 200 individual medley at Tokyo, Douglass has become one of America's most versatile swimmers. She won a total of 14 medals at the last three world championships in everything from the freestyle to the breaststroke to the individual medley to the relays. Now, she's headed back to the Olympics, though there's still plenty of work to do in Indy. Douglass entered five events, leading to a grueling double Wednesday. She returned from her 100 freestyle victory to take the top time in the semifinals of the 200 breaststroke, stamping her as the favorite over local favorite Lilly King in Thursday's final. WOMEN'S 1,500 FREESTYLE Ledecky added to her victories in the 200 and 400 free, though she doesnt plan to swim the shorter event in Paris. Shes also a huge favorite to take the 800 free title before she leaves Indy. Ledecky's time of 15 minutes, 37.35 second was nearly 17 seconds off her world record and not much better than her pace in the preliminaries. I was expecting to go a lot faster, she conceded. I know I have a lot more in me than the end result today. I just didnt have that next gear. Grimes earned her second individual event at the Olympics with a time of 15:57.77, adding to her victory in the 400 individual medley. Shell be swimming indoors and outdoors at the Olympics, having also claimed a spot in the 10-kilometer open water race. MEN'S 200 BUTTERFLY Heilman will become the youngest U.S. male Olympic swimmer since Michael Phelps made the team for Sydney at age 15. Luke Whitlock, 18, had laid claim to that distinction a night earlier with his second-place showing in the 800 freestyle. Then someone even younger made the team when Heilman touched first in 1:54.50. I'm just looking forward to hanging out with the team and building relationships that will last a lifetime, Heilman said. Luca Urlando claimed the expected second spot in Paris with a time of 1:55.08. MEN'S 200 BREASTSTROKE Fallon cruised to victory in 2:06.54, more than 2 seconds ahead of expected Olympic teammate Josh Matheny (2:08.86) in the runner-up spot. Fallon broke an 8-year-old American record with his time. Josh Prenot held the previous mark of 2:07.17 since the 2016 trials It doesn't even feel real yet, Fallon said. I just wanted to go out there and have fun, and I definitely did in that race. ___ AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games Cafe Imports are no strangers to coffee videos. The importing company has been a Finalist multiple times in the Best Coffee Video category of the annual Sprudgie Awards. Be it for experimental fermentation methods or roasting concepts, videos by Cafe Imports are always thought-provoking. And now they have launched a new series focusing on Costa Rican coffee producers. Titled Ecos del Cafe: Narrativas de Productores Costarricenses (Echos of Coffee: Narratives from Costa Rican Producers), the documentary series will take you behind the scenes with some of Cafe Imports producer partners to learn more about the people behind the coffee. And the first episode is out now. Announced Tuesday, June 18th via their blog, Cafe Imports describes Ecos del Cafe as a [deep dive] into the rich history, passion, and unwavering dedication behind Costa Rican coffee production by sharing the voices and stories of the producers themselves. The first episodes takes place at the Sierra San Luis Micromill in Grecia in the West Valley of Costa Rica. There, Cafe Imports talks with Alexander and Magali, siblings and third-generation coffee farmers who took over the family farm and start the micromill. In the 10-minute video, the brother and sister discuss the history of the farm and how starting the mill was originally done out of necessity. Their story is one of devotion, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with their land and family, Cafe Imports states. The purpose behind this series is to take a back seat and truly listen to the stories from the people behind the coffeetheir words, their perceptions, and their relationship with it, Cafe Imports Senior Content Specialist Victor Pagan tells Sprudge. We aim to capture the essence of their experiences, allowing their voices to shine through authentically. The format of the series is conversational, evolving naturally into rich narratives, shared thoughts, and heartfelt feelings. The initial run of the Ecos del Cafe series will comprise three videos, and Pagan states that they hope for the series to be ongoing, expanding into different countries. The timing of the remaining two videos has yet to be announced. For more information or to watch the first episode of Ecos del Cafe: Narrativas de Productores Costarricenses, visit Cafe Imports official website. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/bidens-ceasefire-proposal-was-just-kabuki-theater-1119029799.html Joe Bidens Ceasefire Proposal Was Just Kabuki Theater Joe Bidens Ceasefire Proposal Was Just Kabuki Theater Sputnik International It is now clear that Israel never had any intention of signing onto the ceasefire proposal US President Joe Biden said they drafted, as the war in Gaza continues. 2024-06-20T01:58+0000 2024-06-20T01:58+0000 2024-06-20T02:07+0000 americas joe biden francis boyle antony blinken rafah israel un security council (unsc) f-15 hamas washington https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/13/1114328422_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_5e20a8f4305645adbb2822194d8eacd2.jpg The public proclamations about an alleged Israeli Ceasefire deal promoted by Biden, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and pro-Israel lawmakers in Washington was kabuki theater, designed to avoid the US having to veto another UN Ceasefire resolution and reduce domestic and international political pressure on the US Government, human rights lawyer Francis Boyle told Sputnik.The so-called peace proposal by Biden was a dodge, Boyle argued on The Critical Hour. The International Court of Justice just ruled 13 to 2 that Israel had to stop its offensive military operations in Rafah. Algeria, the Arab member of the UN Security Council then proposed a resolution ordering the ceasefire. The Biden administration did not want to appear as if they were vetoing another Security Council resolution, both for appearances there in the Global South, the Arab-Muslim world and also here in the United States."On Tuesday, a senior Israeli official who is involved in the negotiations was quoted in Israeli media as saying that the fighting in Gaza will continue even after the Rafah offensive is finished.On Wednesday, the UN-backed Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory said that Israel had committed crimes against humanity, including forced starvation, extermination, murder and inhumane treatment of Palestinians. The chairperson of the inquiry, Navi Pillay, called for a ceasefire and the end of Israels siege on Gaza.On Tuesday, two key US Democrats approved the sale of 50 F-15 fighter jets to Israel, a deal worth $18 billion. Clearly, the United States is aiding and abetting Israeli genocide against the Palestinians in violation of Article 3 E of the Genocide Convention of prohibiting complicity in genocide, in addition [to] the Genocide Convention Implementation Act here in the United States.The Genocide Convention Implementation Act specifies that those found guilty of violating it are subject to life imprisonment.Israel is the American Bantustan over there in the Middle East. Its our attack dog and cats paw, and without us, they simply would not survive. Its that simple, explained Boyle.Hamas has said it will "deal positively to arrive at an agreement," to end the fighting. According to some reports, they asked for greater assurances that Israel would honor the ceasefire after the release of the hostages. Israel has not officially said if it supports the ceasefire deal presented by Biden.At least 37,396 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 6, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Another 85,523 have been seriously injured and around 7,000 are still missing and presumed to be buried under the rubble. Combined, those figures represent roughly 6.34% of Gaza's pre-October 7 population. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240617/palestines-membership-in-un-to-help-launch-negotiations-with-israel---nebenzia-1118991259.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240618/dreadful-horrible-unspeakable-gaza-war-to-surge-even-after-cabinet-dissolved-1119000265.html americas rafah israel washington Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino ceasefire, genocide in gaza, biden says ceasefire, israel proposes ceasefire https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/boeing-planes-arent-the-only-thing-falling-apart-starliner-stuck-at-iss-1119030519.html Boeing Planes Arent The Only Thing Falling Apart, Starliner Stuck at ISS Boeing Planes Arent The Only Thing Falling Apart, Starliner Stuck at ISS Sputnik International The Boeing-produced Starliner spacecraft has encountered more issues, stranding two astronauts on the International Space Station 2024-06-20T03:41+0000 2024-06-20T03:41+0000 2024-06-20T03:41+0000 americas science & tech java sea russia nasa international space station (iss) starliner spacex roscosmos boeing https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/07/1118300572_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_a536d7eb8d5d982a901ad429ac7e9be7.jpg Boeings Starliner took astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the ISS on June 6, they were supposed to return about a week later, but will now be aboard the space station until at least June 26.During its launch and rendezvous, the Starliner experienced helium leaks and faulty steering thrusters. NASA said on Tuesday that the helium leak has subsided since it connected with the ISS but one of the five steering thrusters that were having issues is still inoperable. The Starliner program has proven to be a boondoggle for Boeing: over budget and behind schedule.The June 6 launch, Starliners first crewed mission, had already been delayed several times. Its test flights were also plagued with issues. Its first, an unmanned flight in 2019, ended in failure after it misfired in orbit due to a software glitch. Its second test flight was scheduled for 2021 but was delayed until 2022 due to thruster issues. It then had a largely successful flight, but the ships parachute had to be resigned after it was discovered that the electrical tape on its lines was flammable.Steve Stich, NASAs Commercial Crew Program manager, said that the thruster issues from the second test flight may not have been completely solved before the Starliners first crewed mission.One reason for the delay, NASA noted, was that because the malfunctioning parts were not intended to survive re-entry, they would like to study the issue as much as possible while still aboard the ISS. NASA said that the Starliner can remain on the ISS for up to 45 days.In 2014, NASA announced it had granted contracts to Boeing and SpaceX to help launch the commercialization of space and would use the two companies to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS, a task the US had been tapping Russias Roscosmos for after the Space Shuttle program was retired in 2011.While SpaceX has already successfully performed nine crewed missions to the ISS and back, this was Boeings first crewed mission and it is quickly becoming an embarrassment for the company. If NASA and Boeing cannot solve the Starliners issues, Boeing may be forced to ask SpaceX to launch a mission to retrieve Williams and Wilmore, further adding to their embarrassment.It has been estimated that the Starliner project is already more than $1 billion over budget.Boeing insists that its space and commercial flight divisions operate independently, but it is nevertheless difficult not to be reminded of its issues in that field as the companys state-of-the-art spacecraft remains docked in the ISS, stranding two astronauts in the process.As the development of the Starliner was just a few years in, in 2018, a Boeing 737 Max 8 airliner crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 189 people on board. Five months later, another Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed near Addis Ababa airport, killing all 157 people on board. An attorney representing the families of victims from both flights argued in a letter to the Justice Department that the maximum possible fine of $24 billion should be imposed on Boeing.More recently, Boeing planes have been plagued by issues during flights, including a door of a 737 Max 9 airliner that flew off mid-flight over Alaska in January. Multiple whistleblowers have come forward, including two that died suddenly either before or after their testimony, that have alleged a culture of lax safety procedures. On Tuesday, a new whistleblower came forward, alleging that Boeing improperly tracked and stored parts and said it was likely that those parts were installed on planes.During a US Senate subcommittee testimony by Boeing CEO David Calhoun, the executive attempted to apologize to the families of the victims of Boeings plane crashes. I apologize for the grief we caused. We are focused on safety, he told the gathered crowd who held up pictures of their dead family members.Calhoun has not publicly apologized to the astronauts aboard the ISS. In March, he announced that he would step down as CEO of Boeing at the end of the year. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240601/maiden-launch-of-crewed-starliner-mission-postponed-again-due-to-technical-issues---nasa-1118741328.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231229/falcon-heavy-carrying-us-secret-orbital-plane-successfully-launched---spacex-1115871743.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240613/boeing-makes-push-to-avoid-federal-charges-over-alleged-breach-of-safety-deal---reports-1118924622.html americas java sea russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino iss, starliner stuck, boeing issues, boeing space program, commercial space flight https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/canada-must-respect-chinese-territorial-sovereignty-interest-in-south-china-sea-china-says-1119029977.html Canada Must Respect Chinese Territorial Sovereignty, Interest in South-China Sea, China Says Canada Must Respect Chinese Territorial Sovereignty, Interest in South-China Sea, China Says Sputnik International China condemns the Canadian statement on the South China Sea and urges Ottawa to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa told Sputnik. 2024-06-20T01:51+0000 2024-06-20T01:51+0000 2024-06-20T01:51+0000 asia china canada south china sea chinese embassy https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0b/16/1090927553_274:0:3915:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_824f9635fe80efc8b14301a4875fa093.jpg On Tuesday, the Canadian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning China for actions it undertook against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea the day prior when one supply ship and two speed boats of the Philippines irrupted into what Beijing considers its sovereign waters. China urges the Canadian government "to genuinely respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and stop creating disturbances and provoking confrontations in the South China Sea, the spokesperson added.The Chinese Coast Guard took appropriate control measures to halt the intruding ships, in accordance with the law. The maneuvers were professional, restrained, justified and lawful, the spokesperson said. The Chinese government stands ready to resolve differences and disputes that may arise in the South China Sea via dialogue with the countries directly concerned. However, Beijing will also resolutely respond to any provocation in the region, the spokesperson stressed. In recent years, tensions between the Philippines and China have heightened in the South China Sea due to territorial disputes. In May, the Philippines pledged to increase defense cooperation with the United States, Japan and Australia. The four allies also held their first joint naval exercise in the disputed South China Sea in April with the stated goal of enhancing regional stability. China criticized the formation of exclusive alliances that increased bloc confrontations in the region. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/china-philippines-to-hold-talks-over-disputed-islands-in-south-china-sea-1115709526.html china canada south china sea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International canadian statement on the south china sea, south china sea, china ea territory, china territorial sovereignty, chinese embassy in ottawa https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/russia-thinking-about-possible-changes-to-its-nuclear-doctrine---putin-1119037397.html Russia Thinking About Possible Changes to Its Nuclear Doctrine - Putin Russia Thinking About Possible Changes to Its Nuclear Doctrine - Putin Sputnik International Russia may consider amending nuclear deterrence policy, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned. 20.06.2024, Sputnik International 2024-06-20T16:00+0000 2024-06-20T16:00+0000 2024-06-21T05:46+0000 world russia nuclear weapons military doctrine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/14/1119031554_0:0:3074:1730_1920x0_80_0_0_3561c6a266edfda0e3b842019c6846cc.jpg According to Putin, this matter became a subject of debate in light of the recent discussions in the world on lowering the threshold of nuclear weapon use.At the same time, the Russian president noted that Russia has no need an ability to launch a preemptive nuclear strike.Putin delivered these remarks today at a press conference held during his visit to Vietnam. The Russian president arrived in Hanoi on June 19 upon the conclusion of his trip to North Korea. russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, nuclear weapons, military doctrine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/ukrainian-drone-crashes-on-private-house-in-russias-kuban-one-person-killed-1119030388.html Ukrainian Drone Crashes on Private House in Russia's Kuban, One Person Killed Ukrainian Drone Crashes on Private House in Russia's Kuban, One Person Killed Sputnik International Ukrainian drone has crashed on a private house in the town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in Russia's Krasnodar Territory, destroying the house and killing one person as a result. 2024-06-20T02:58+0000 2024-06-20T02:58+0000 2024-06-20T02:58+0000 russia russia ukraine kuban krasnodar territory ukrainian drone attacks on russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/07/03/1096913234_11:0:836:464_1920x0_80_0_0_56aec38bb7dcfad3b87ea0fc366a9f5f.jpg "On the night of June 20, Slavyansk-on-Kuban was attacked by the Kiev regime. According to the information from the PSAP [Public Safety Answering Point] in the Slavyansk district, a drone crashed on a private house, and it was completely destroyed. All operational and emergency services are working on the site, removing the rubble. According to preliminary information, there is a fatal casualty," the HQ said on Telegram. The HQ added in a separate post that media reports about a fire at the Afipsky oil refinery after the drone strike were false.Krasnodar Territory Governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed on Telegram that a female resident of Slavyansk-on-Kuban was killed in the incident. He instructed local authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the family of the deceased person. Regional emergency services told Sputnik that they received four reports from residents about explosions in the village of Afipsky in Kuban. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231104/ukraine-ramps-up-drone-attacks-on-donetsk-civilians-1114719463.html russia ukraine krasnodar territory Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International slavyansk-on-kuban, ukraine drone civilian, russia's krasnodar territory, ukaine drone strikes https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/wests-agenda-in-south-caucasus-does-not-always-meet-interests-of-regional-states-1119032060.html West's Agenda in South Caucasus Does Not Always Meet Interests of Regional States West's Agenda in South Caucasus Does Not Always Meet Interests of Regional States Sputnik International Agenda of the West in the South Caucasus region does not always meet the interests of regional nations, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Sputnik. 2024-06-20T04:52+0000 2024-06-20T04:52+0000 2024-06-20T04:52+0000 world russia armenia france collective security treaty organization (csto) south caucasus sebastien lecornu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/17/1116934834_0:40:3072:1768_1920x0_80_0_0_f30842652eb21e7f18efd8367e6a7295.jpg On Tuesday, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Armenia had signed a contract with France for the purchase of French-made Caesar self-propelled howitzers, which Paris supplies to Kiev. "We believe regional security can be ensured more effectively through the efforts of nations of the said region. We advocate regional responsibility both in terms of security and in terms of economic integration in the South Caucasus and other regions," the diplomat added.Galuzhin further noted that Russia expects Yerevan to understand that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) provides every opportunity for cooperation on ensuring regional security, while commenting on Armenias non-participation in the meeting of the organizations Council of Foreign Ministers in Almaty on June 21. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240509/trade-turnover-between-russia--armenia-exceeds-record-7-billion---putin-1118342402.html russia armenia france south caucasus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International south caucasus, armenia russia relations, armenia buying french-made caesar self-propelled howitzers, russian deputy foreign minister mikhail galuzin, collective security treaty organization armenia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240620/why-canada-gets-a-pass-from-the-west-for-foreign-agents-law-while-georgia-is-punished-1119038119.html Why Canada Gets a Pass From the West for Foreign Agents Law While Georgia Is Punished Why Canada Gets a Pass From the West for Foreign Agents Law While Georgia Is Punished Sputnik International Georgia's efforts to insulate itself from possible foreign meddling through NGOs funded from abroad were not met with understanding from the United States and its European allies. But when Canada does the same, that is a different story. 2024-06-20T18:35+0000 2024-06-20T18:35+0000 2024-06-20T18:41+0000 analysis canada georgia foreign agents legislation https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1d/1118691562_0:88:1280:808_1920x0_80_0_0_0082a7cb66ff43ca6d5d74f514507692.jpg The United States and the European Union refraining from criticizing the foreign agents registry law recently adopted in Canada, while simultaneously blasting similar legislation adopted by Georgia, is essentially a problem of double standards, said Dr. Marco Marsili who holds research positions in major civil and military institutions in Portugal, the UK and Italy. Georgia merely seeks to protect itself from foreign influence exerted through funding from abroad of local NGOs and any other public outreach activity like media outlets, basically following the example of the Western powers, he noted. Western powers, however, insist that Georgian politics must be influenced through Western financial support to local agents but at the same time reject any Russian funding.Francis Boyle, a professor of international law at the University of Illinois College of Law, also suggested that both Russia and Georgia are entitled to have their own equivalents to the US Foreign Agents Registration Act, considering that many of the foreign NGOs operating in these countries are designed to destabilize the host governments and produce color revolutions. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/speaker-of-georgian-parliament-signs-bill-on-foreign-agents-document-goes-into-force-1118753528.html canada georgia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International foreign agents registration act, foreign agents law, georgia foreign agents bill, canada foreign agents registry Dogs Heidi and Hogle run around and play in the Big Yard at Animal Care Services campus in San Antonio, Texas, on March 2, 2023. Team members work with the dogs in the care of ACS by offering play groups so they can look for behavior issues, help dogs socialize, and get them out of their kennels. Josie Norris / San Antonio Express-News San Antonio is gearing up to open new spay and neuter clinics that will perform thousands of free and low-cost operations annually. The two operations are expected to open in January or February next year. City Council voted 10-0 on Thursday to approve five-year lease agreements for East and West side locations. One will run out of Las Palmas Mall on Castroville Road while the other will be in a stand-alone building at 1604 S. New Braunfels Ave. Both sites were former medical facilities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The clinics are intended to serve parts of the city that lack vet clinics, ACS spokeswoman Lisa Norwood said. What these new clinics do is they address deserts where theres not access to veterinary care, she said. The locations also will be in communities with high number of roaming dogs. A sterilization push could reduce that number over time. Assistant City Manager David McCary, who is serving as interim Animal Care Services director, said each clinic is expected to perform 7,000 operations annually, adding to the 40,000 free and low-cost operations that ACS funds each year. (Most of those are performed by partner agencies that the city reimburses.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad With the new locations set, the city is looking for a vendor who will perform operations at the sites. Its also starting work on renovations at both facilities, at a combined cost of $1.3 million District 2 Council Member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, whose district will host one of the clinics, said East Side residents often complain about stray and roaming animals. This is an area of high need, and we are so, so excited for the future of this ACS clinic and all the good that is going to do to bring services to an area where its most needed, he said. Earlier this month, ACS expanded its efforts to sterilize feral cats by partnering with five nonprofits to spay and neuter more felines. District 7 Council Member Marina Alderete Gavito has been pushing ACS to sterilize any dog found roaming off its property. Shes calling for procedure to be performed before owners reclaim their pets from ACS. The owners would pay the cost of the surgery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ACS currently does not sterilize pet dogs that are picked up by its officers. READ MORE: San Antonio council member wants tougher penalties for owners of dangerous dogs Loose, aggressive canines made headlines after two men were killed in separate dog attacks last year, and the number of maulings in San Antonio that caused severe injuries climbed to 297 a 58% increase over the year before. On Feb. 24, 2023, Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, of Leon Valley, was killed by two pit bulls that escaped their yard in the 2800 block of Depla Street on the West Side. His wife was injured. The Najeras were attacked while visiting the home of a friend who lived next door to the dogs. In a Sept. 5 attack in a trailer park on the Northeast Side, Paul Anthony Striegl Jr. was sitting in his yard, smoking a cigarette, when his next-door neighbors two American Staffordshire terriers slipped under a chain-link fence. One of the dogs bit both of Striegls arms down to the bone and tore off a large section of his abdominal skin. Striegl died in a hospital less than a month later. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ACS is aiming to respond to more critical calls about aggressive dogs, animal neglect and cruelty. So far, the response rate has increased from 44% to 52% of calls. The agency set a goal of responding to 64% by the end of September. Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund second-leg action wrapped up Wednesday (June 19) at Harrington Raceway as six $27,397 divisions of trotters were contested on the 16-race program. LGs Bluestone won the early non-wagering division in 1:58 for Nanticoke Racing, D.T. Doane and Andris Kilpa. The Anders Bluestone gelding, trained by Les Givens, notched his second straight win in elimination action over Royal Beep Beep and Portnoy. It was the fastest division on the evening. David Hamm and Glenn Phillips Marinos Prize ($3.60, Ross Wolfenden) notched a 1:59.4 win in the first filly division over Little Silver and Starfish. The E L Platinum filly recorded a new lifetime best in her third career win for trainer Nick DeVita. The second male division went to Jane Dunavants Pretty Two ($4.20, Carlo Poliseno) in 2:00.3 over Jetsam and Leaveminthedust. The Dusty Winner gelding overtook Jetsam late and cruised to his second career win for his trainer-driver. Nanticoke Racings LGs Jaxon won the final male division in 2:00.1 for trainer Givens. The Rolls Blue Chip gelding notched his 10th lifetime win over Trout Master and Chief Funster. The second filly division saw Gary Rhodes Lovies Place ($4, Art Stafford Jr.) complete a sweep of her eliminations with a 1:59.1 win over Going Platinum and Platinum Proposal. The E L Platinum filly earned her fourth career win for her trainer-driver. The final division on the card went to James Craparotta and Pat Berry Racings Daburg ($2.40, Berry) in 1:59.2 over Rip Away and Luvyas Nugget. The Anders Bluestone filly won her fifth race in her 10th lifetime start with a front-stepping score for trainer Jason Skinner. TLB Racings Remarkable De Vie ($3.40, Pat Berry) was a 1:55.2 winner in the $30,821 Free-for-All Trot over Star Razor and Darbyshire. The Traci Berry-trainee recorded his 28th career win in front end fashion. Prior to the first race, Graham Grace Stables Call Me Goo visited the Harrington winners circle to celebrate her most recent win in in the Armbro Flight Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The four-year-old Googoo Gaagaa trotting filly is currently ranked seventh in the Hambletonian Societys top 10 pool of North American horses. Trained by Skinner and joined by his wife, Susan, the star filly has won 20 of 28 starts lifetime and is expected to make her next start at the Meadowlands in the Six Pack on June 29. Live racing at Harrington will continue on a Monday-through-Wednesday schedule until June 26 (post time 4:30 p.m.). There will be a customary summer break until the Delaware State Fair program on July 25, before the meet resumes on Aug. 12. (With files from Harrington) The investigation into the fatal rollover crash on Ocean Beach Highway last month is expected to conclude by the end of June. Capt. Branden McNew of the Longview Police Department said Washington State Patrol is still investigating the May 17 single-car crash that killed the driver, who police say failed to pull over after officers attempted to stop him. Authorities have not released any identifying information about the driver, and they have not said why they attempted to pull him over. McNew said after troopers investigation is complete, Longview will conduct an internal review. He did not disclose details. An internal review is standard practice for an incident like this, McNew said., referring to a serious car crash following an attempted traffic stop. Crews arrived at the scene at 9:05 p.m. May 17, in the 800 block of Ocean Beach Highway after the driver struck an office building, a Cowlitz PUD transformer and a streetlight, said Longview Fire Department Battalion Chief Eric Koreis. A Portland man faces hit-and-run charges after he allegedly struck three vehicles last week in Longviews Highlands neighborhood. According to court documents, Michael Ray Harold Jones, 37, of Portland was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on Thursday, June 13. His bail was set at $10,000, and a public defender was appointed to represent him. Hes scheduled for a hearing on June 26 for hit-and-run charges and driving with a suspended license. According to the police report, at 8:04 p.m., officers were called to the area near 32nd Avenue and Douglas Street in response to reports of a brown Buick striking several vehicles and then fleeing the scene. The first crash occurred on the 600 block of 32nd Avenue, down the road from the Omelettes & More on Washington Way, according to the police report. While driving a late 1090s Buick LeSabre, Jones allegedly collided with a red Hyundai Elantra as he was heading north at a high-rate speed. The driver and a child were inside the Hyundai during the collision. After hitting the Hyundai, the suspect stopped, reversed, and drove through a yard onto Douglas Street, where he struck a parked Honda Civic, police allege. Antonio Tensley of Longview told The Daily News he heard a vehicle hit the red Hyundai on 32nd Avenue and then it hit his daughter-in-laws parked Honda on Douglas Street and sped away. After hitting the Honda, the Buick traveled east on Douglas Street, striking fences and veering into a parked Crown Victoria before fleeing the area, according to the police report. After some time had passed, a person reported seeing a vehicle with a damaged front end parked in their driveway. They knew the suspects girlfriend and provided the police with a photo from Facebook and the girlfriends address, according to the police report. After arriving at an apartment on the 220 block of Douglas Street, police obtained permission from a resident to search the apartment. They found Jones under a pile of clothes inside a closet. Jones denied his involvement in the crash; however, his girlfriend told authorities that when he arrived, he appeared to be in a panic and told her, Something bad happened, per the police report. Thumbs up: LCCs Fulbright scholar Notable accomplishments in higher education arent restricted solely to prestigious universities. Earlier this month, we reported on Morgan Salisbury, an instructor of earth sciences at Lower Columbia College. Salisbury was named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for 2024-25, which is both a credit to his instruction and a first for LCC. Salisbury will be visiting Bolivia, where he will teach earth science in rural areas as well as collaborate with Universidad Mayor de San Andres in Bolivias capital city of La Paz. Joining the Fulbright Program is a true honor. Its an opportunity to help improve education in underserved areas and collaborate with scholars in other nations on projects you likely would never have been able to work on otherwise. But its not just an endorsement of your teaching skills, it also speaks to your character. The U.S. State Department, which operates the program, sees this program not just as one of educational exchange but also diplomacy. Selection as a Fulbright Scholar shows confidence on their part that Salisbury is not only going to do a good job with his work as an educator and scientist while in Bolivia, but also that he will be a good ambassador for America, representing us at our best to the people of Bolivia. Thumbs down: River dredging woes Sediment dredging is far from a new concept in our region. Between the lingering effects of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption and the need to keep shipping lanes clear, its a going concern in the area. In the Lower Columbia region, we are lucky to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers working on that task. But not everywhere is so lucky. Smaller waterways are having a hard time getting the attention they need. As The Columbian reported, responsibility for smaller tributaries seems to fall to whoever happens to be available for the job. Not just the state, but cities, ports and tribes are all trying to pick up the slack. This is a real burden for these smaller agencies. Cities and counties shoulder much of the responsibility for key services like roads and police, and theres often not much left over. Finding a six-figure sum for the project, like the $918,000 in federal funding secured to monitor sediment on the Lower Cowlitz in 2022, poses a serious budgeting challenge. But we were especially disappointed to hear that Skamania County couldnt secure the needed permits in time for a dredging project. Its understandable to have restrictions on work in place to protect endangered fish. But leaving the river congested also makes it more difficult for those same fish to move downstream. When the Legislature next convenes, we hope leaders take a look at offering more assistance to some of these local agencies that have taken responsibility for dredging their local river. Whether its fast-tracking permits so that situations like the one in Skamania County dont repeat or offering additional financial assistance, we shouldnt ask them to shoulder this burden alone. Thumbs up: Extending RV park stays With the ongoing housing crunch, people are increasingly looking to other options for a place to live. One such example is happening now at the Woodland Shores RV Park. In light of the regionwide shortage, RV parks have drawn additional interest not just as a place to park a motorhome while on vacation, but somewhere to call home. Not every housing solution needs to be traditional, and if everyone is happy with the arrangement, we think it should continue. However, we acknowledge that there are rules on different kinds of housing for a reason. For instance, the Paradise Cove RV Park in Castle Rock had used its classification to raise rents on tenants in a fashion that resulted in an investigation by the Washington Attorney Generals office and ruled to be illegal. The park was then reclassified as a mobile home park, giving tenants stronger legal protections. Thankfully, theres no mistreatment to be found here. Woodland tenants, park management and even some city officials support removing the 90-day limit on stays at the park. But theres disagreement on how to move forward. Carving out an exception for one specific RV park doesnt sit well with everyone, and that also makes sense. There are good points on both sides of the discussion. But we especially liked this one from Councilmember Gabe Huston: Its like a normal neighborhood in town. We encourage the Woodland councilors to keep this in mind as they go forward. 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: Marnie Wilking, the chief information security officer of Booking.com is photographed during an interview at Collision 2024 in Torontoon June 18, 2024. As travelers rush to book their summer getaways, Booking.com's internet safety boss says watch out for supercharged AI scams. Marnie Wilking, Chief Information Security Officer at the Netherlands-based travel giant, said generative AI had sparked an explosion in online phishing scams, and that the hospitality industry, long spared, had also become a target. "Over the course of the last year and a half, throughout all industries, there's been anywhere from a 500 to a 900% increase in attacks, in phishing in particular, across the globe," Wilking told AFP on the sidelines of the Collision technology conference in Toronto. Phishing scams are a type of cyber attack where criminals attempt to trick victims into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial account details. Travel websites can offer a rich bounty to phishing scammers since travelers are often asked to share credit card and family details or upload ID. "Of course, we've had phishing since the dawn of email. But the uptick started shortly after ChatGPT got launched. The attackers are definitely using AI to launch attacks that mimic emails far better than anything that they've done to date," she said. With generative AI tools, the scammers can now work in multiple languages and with good grammar, Wilking said. They are also "really taking advantage of the helpful nature of hospitality." To be helpful to a supposed guest, a hotel owner is "probably going to open up the attachment" that is actually malware, she said. Wilking said that in order to stay safe travelers and hosts should sign up for two-factor authentication when surfing online. Attendees watch a panel on the main stage during the 2024 Collision tech conference at Enercare Centre in Toronto, Canada, June 18, 2024. In addition to providing a username and password, two-factor authentication requires users to verify their identity through an added factor, such as a one-time code sent to their mobile device or generated by an authenticator app. "I know it can be a little bit painful just to set up and then you have to remember which phone it's on and everything," she said. However, the extra step "is still hands down the best way to combat phishing and credential stealing," she said. And "don't click on anything that looks suspicious, even if you think it might be real. If there's even a little bit of doubt, call the property, hosts, and customer support," she said. Fake property? Wilking said Booking.com and other major companies are cooperating closely and increasingly relying on AI to help in the fight. AI, for example, is helping thwart the proliferation of fake properties on platforms that are actually a bid to scam the user. Scammers "set up a fake property that looks like it's in the Swiss Alps. Every other property around it is $1,000 a night and this one's on sale for $200." "We've set up AI models to detect those and either block them from getting on there to begin or take it down before there's any booking," she said. Though it remains modest for now, travel sites have seen the rise of suspected state actors, reported to be Russia and China, that are trying to cause online mischief or snoop on customers. "Why would a nation state go after a hotel chain? Well, if it's a hotel chain that they know is frequented by a US senator, why wouldn't they go after that?" she said. 2024 AFP District 10 City Council Member Marc Whyte, left, talks with Police Chief William McManus in April. Whyte's efforts to reach McManus about an alleged child endangerment concern are now the subject of an ethics complaint. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio City Council Member Marc Whyte represents District 10. Courtesy When you see something, say something. And do it quickly, especially when a child's safety could be at risk. This is true whether you are a member of the general public or serve on City Council, as I do representing District 10. On the night of April 26, I was attending an event in the King William district when I received notification that a child might have been in an unsafe situation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The notification came in the form of copies of text messages between the child and her mother in which the child said she had been hurt, was scared and was in a situation she felt was not safe. When I read that childs obvious call for help, I knew I had to act in the quickest way possible to find out what was happening and ensure the child was OK. The first thing I thought to do was reach out to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus. After I could not reach him, I walked over to District 8 City Council Member Manny Pelaez, who was at the same event, and I showed him the text messages. He, too, was alarmed. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar was also at the private event, so I showed him the text messages. Salazar was also concerned, so he dispatched his deputy to the scene, which was just around the corner. Those actions are now the subject of an ethics complaint. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Let me be clear: I would do everything I did that night again. While the Express-News Editorial Board has said I was right to immediately act on the concern, it questions whether contacting McManus was the appropriate response as opposed to simply calling 911. That question misses the mark and is dangerous. You cannot be too careful when taking whatever actions are necessary to ensure a child is safe. Attempting to contact McManus was not an abuse of power. As some of my council colleagues have now noted, we regularly report issues to McManus. Further, many nonelected members of our community also have McManus phone number as he gives it out at neighborhood meetings. Thats relevant because the central ethics code provision at issue states that for my actions to have been a violation, I would had to have done something not lawfully available to a nonelected official. Contacting McManus or walking up to Salazar, or any law enforcement official, to report a disturbance can be done by any San Antonian, not just me or another member of City Council. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Editorial Board should be focused on the point that every citizen, whether or not an elected official, has the responsibility to say something if he or she believes a child is in danger. In fact, Texas law (Chapter 261 of the Family Law code) requires it. Focusing on to whom the report is filed and how it should be done are the wrong questions. As Marta Prada Pelaez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Battered Womens and Childrens Center, has noted, this second-guessing in the form of ethics complaints and media narratives will only make people who are rightfully concerned about a childs safety hesitant to express those concerns in the future. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Auto retailers across the U.S. suffered a second major disruption in as many days due to another cyberattack at CDK Global, the software provider on which thousands of dealers rely to run their stores. CDK informed customers on Thursday of the incident that had occurred late the prior evening. The company shut down most of its systems again, saying in a recorded update that it doesn't have an estimate for how long it will take to restore services. "Our dealers' systems will not be available at a minimum on Thursday," the company said. On what otherwise would have been a busy U.S. holiday for business, dealers reliant on CDK were unable to use its systems to complete transactions, access customer records, schedule appointments or handle car-repair orders. The company serves almost 15,000 dealerships, supporting front-office salespeople, back-office support staff and parts-and-service shops. AutoNation Inc. led shares of publicly listed dealership groups lower Thursday, falling as much as 4.6% in intraday trading. Lithia Motors Inc., Group 1 Automotive Inc. and Sonic Automotive Inc. also slumped. Greg Thornton, the general manager of a dealership group in Frederick, Maryland, said his stores' CDK customer-relations software had been down since early Wednesday morning. "I can only assume that CDK is working all hands on deck to resolve this," said Thornton, whose group includes Audi and Volvo stores. "We've had no conversations with them in person or over the phone." Sam Pack's Five Star Chevrolet outside Dallas sold four vehicles on Wednesday despite the initial outage, but has had to adapt, such as by handling some tasks on paper until service is restored, said Alan Brown, the store's general manager. While sales staff are able to submit approvals to lenders, the outage has blocked other elements of a transaction, such as obtaining titles. "We're still doing business," Brown said. "It's just not our normal flow." The CDK provider hasn't yet provided a timeline for when its systems will be available again, he said. The National Automobile Dealers Association said Wednesday it was actively seeking information from CDK to determine the nature and scope of the cyber-incident. CDK was spun off by Automatic Data Processing Inc. in 2014, then agreed to be acquired in April 2022 by the investment company Brookfield Business Partners in an all-cash deal valued at $6.4 billion. 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Thousands of car dealerships were ground to a halt during a normally busy holiday Wednesday by a cyber incident at CDK Global, a major software provider for dealers across the US. The company "shut all systems down and executed extensive testing and consulted with external third-party experts," Tony Macrito, a CDK spokesman, said in an email. The company's core producta dealer management systemand its digital retailing solutions have been restored, and CDK is testing all other applications and will provide updates as it brings them back online, Macrito said. CDK's systems, which many car dealerships rely on to conduct nearly all of their normal business, first went down around 2 a.m. Eastern time, said Brad Holton, vice president of Proton, a cybersecurity firm that serves dealers and the auto industry. He said CDK provided little information on what caused the outage that effectively shuttered many dealerships. Some can't function at all and others have been forced to resort to paper record keeping for routine services like oil changes, Holton said. A BMW store in Manhattan told customers that it was forced to halt all new business, including scheduling appointments or car servicing. When asked how long its operations may be disrupted, a customer care representative for the store responded, "I truly have no idea." Other dealerships also struggled to do business. "We can't access customer records, can't set certain appointments. We can't even print a repair order," said Claire Glassmire, a receptionist at Barbera's Autoland in Philadelphia. Employees have been using workarounds all day, said Glassmire, adding that "all our hands are tied." Proton's Holton said some CDK functions began to come back online Wednesday afternoon, but others remained down and the restored services weren't fully operational. "Dealers are very committed to protecting their customer information," said Mike Stanton, president and chief executive of the National Automobile Dealers Association, adding that they are "seeking information from CDK to determine the nature and scope of the cyber incident so they can respond appropriately." CDK provides car dealerships with several services, including online appointment scheduling, electronic signature capabilities and messaging tools between divisions, according to its website. Investment company Brookfield Business Partners agreed to buy CDK in an all-cash deal with an equity value of $6.4 billion in April 2022. 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: The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone with an image on a computer monitor generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. lya Sutskever, one of the founders of OpenAI who was involved in a failed effort to push out CEO Sam Altman, said he's starting a safety-focused artificial intelligence company. Sutskever, a respected AI researcher who left the ChatGPT maker last month, said in a social media post on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 that he's setting up Safe Superintelligence Inc. with two co-founders. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File Ilya Sutskever, one of the founders of OpenAI who was involved in a failed effort to push out CEO Sam Altman, said he's starting a safety-focused artificial intelligence company. Sutskever, a respected AI researcher who left the ChatGPT maker last month, said in a social media post Wednesday that he's created Safe Superintelligence Inc. with two co-founders. The company's only goal and focus is safely developing "superintelligence"a reference to AI systems that are smarter than humans. The company vowed not to be distracted by "management overhead or product cycles," and under its business model, work on safety and security would be "insulated from short-term commercial pressures," Sutskever and his co-founders Daniel Gross and Daniel Levy said in a prepared statement. The three said Safe Superintelligence is an American company with roots in Palo Alto, California, and Tel Aviv, "where we have deep roots and the ability to recruit top technical talent." Sutskever was part of a group that made an unsuccessful attempt last year to oust Altman. The boardroom shakeup, which Sutskever later said he regretted, also led to a period of internal turmoil centered on whether leaders at OpenAI were prioritizing business opportunities over AI safety. At OpenAI, Sutskever jointly led a team focused on safely developing better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence, or AGI. When he left OpenAI, he said that he had plans for a "very personally meaningful" project, but offered no details. Sutskever said that it was his choice to leave OpenAI. Days after his departure, his team co-leader Jan Leike also resigned and leveled criticism at OpenAI for letting safety "take a backseat to shiny products." OpenAI later announced the formation of a safety and security committee, but it's been filled mainly with company insiders. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: Fields of application for 3D reconstructions include autonomous driving and monument conservation. Credit: Technical University Munich In recent years, neural methods have become widespread in camera-based reconstructions. In most cases, however, hundreds of camera perspectives are needed. Meanwhile, conventional photometric methods exist which can compute highly precise reconstructions even from objects with textureless surfaces. However, these typically work only under controlled lab conditions. Daniel Cremers, professor of Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence at TUM and leader of the Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML) and a director of the Munich Data Science Institute (MDSI) has developed a method together with his team that utilizes the two approaches. It combines a neural network of the surface with a precise model of the illumination process that considers the light absorption and the distance between the object and the light source. The brightness in the images is used to determine the angle and distance of the surface relative to the light source. "That enables us to model the objects with much greater precision than existing processes. We can use the natural surroundings and can reconstruct relatively textureless objects for our reconstructions," says Cremers. The paper is published on the arXiv preprint server and will be presented at the Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR 2024) held in Seattle from June 17 to June 21, 2024. Applications in autonomous driving and preservation of historical artifacts The method can be used to preserve historical monuments or digitize museum exhibits. If these are destroyed or decay over time, photographic images can be used to reconstruct the originals and create authentic replicas. The team of Prof. Cremers also develops neural camera-based reconstruction methods for autonomous driving, where a camera films the vehicle's surroundings. The autonomous car can model its surroundings in real-time, develop a three-dimensional representation of the scene, and use it to make decisions. The process is based on neural networks that predict 3D point clouds for individual video images that are then merged into a large-scale model of the roads traveled. More information: Mohammed Brahimi et al, Sparse Views, Near Light: A Practical Paradigm for Uncalibrated Point-light Photometric Stereo, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2404.00098 Journal information: arXiv 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 An Aston University researcher has suggested a more human-friendly way of reading websites' long-winded privacy notices. A team led by Dr. Vitor Jesus has developed a system of making them quicker and easier to understand by converting them into machine-readable formats. This technique could allow the browser to guide the user through the document with recommendations or highlights of key points. Providing privacy information is one of the key requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data protection Act but trawling through them can be a tedious manual process. In 2012, The Atlantic magazine estimated it would take 76 days per year to diligently read privacy notices. Privacy notices let people know what is being done with their data, how it will be kept safe if it's shared with anyone else and what will happen to it when it's no longer needed. However, the documents are written in non-computer, often legal language, so in the paper Feasibility of Structured, Machine-Readable Privacy Notices Dr. Jesus and his team explored the feasibility of representing privacy notices in a machine-readable format. Dr. Jesus said, "The notices are essential to keep the public informed and data controllers accountable, however they inherit a pragmatism that was designed for different contexts such as software licenses or to meet theperhaps not always necessaryverbose completeness of a legal contract. "And there are further challenges concerning updates to notices, another requirement by law, and these are often communicated off-band, e.g., by email if a user account exists." Between August and September 2022, the team examined the privacy notices of 50 of the U.K.'s most popular websites, from global organizations such as Google.com to U.K. sites such as john-lewis.com. They covered a number of areas such as online services, news and fashion to be representative. The researchers manually identified the notices' apparent structure and noted commonly-themed sections, then designed a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schema which allowed them to validate, annotate, and manipulate documents. After identifying an overall potential structure, they revisited each notice to convert them into a format that was machine readable but didn't compromise both legal compliance and the rights of individuals. Although there has been previous work to tackle the same problem, the Aston University team focused primarily on automating the policies rather than data collection and processing. Dr. Jesus, who is based at the University's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences said, "Our research paper offers a novel approach to the long-standing problem of the interface of humans and online privacy notices. "As literature and practice, and even art, for more than a decade have identified, privacy notices are nearly always ignored and "accepted" with little thought, mostly because it is not practical nor user-friendly to depend on reading a long text simply to access, for example, a news website. Nevertheless, privacy notices are a central element in our digital lives, often mandated by law, and with dire, often invisible, consequences." The paper was published and won best paper at the International Conference on Behavioural and Social Computing, November 2023, now indexed at IEEE Xplore. The team are now examining if AI can be used to further speed up the process by providing recommendations to the user, based on past preferences. More information: Vitor Jesus et al, Feasibility of Structured, Machine-Readable Privacy Notices, 2023 10th International Conference on Behavioural and Social Computing (BESC) (2024). DOI: 10.1109/BESC59560.2023.10386763 Loyalty, grit shape 70 years of Chinese submarine force Xinhua) 08:25, June 20, 2024 This aerial drone photo shows people visiting navy vessels at the Qingdao International Sailing Center pier in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2024. (Photo by Ma Jiewen/Xinhua) BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- At the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Naval Submarine Academy earlier this month, two nonagenarians joined the stage ahead of a ceremony marking the conclusion of enlistment training for new recruits. They are 92-year-old Mu Ensheng and 91-year-old Liu Zuogen, both among the first soldiers of the Chinese Navy submarine force. A torpedo man and an electrician, respectively, in their time, Mu and Liu shared their experiences and insights with new recruits, spoke about responsibilities, and encouraged them to cherish their youth and hone their skills. "A submarine soldier should always follow the Party's lead!" Mu said. Wednesday marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the PLA Navy's submarine force. LOYALTY FIRST Over the past seven decades, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the submarine force has evolved from its inception to possessing both nuclear and conventional weapons, playing significant roles in both coastal waters and the high seas. In 1951, nearly 300 PLA officers and soldiers from various service branches gathered at a base in the northeast coastal city of Dalian to learn about submarines and relevant technologies, forming a submarine force three years later. The selection process for the first batch of submarine soldiers was incredibly rigorous, with almost all of them ultimately being members of the CPC or the Communist Youth League, Mu recalled. Absolute loyalty, purity and reliability have always been the cornerstone of the submarine force's success in underwater operations. Yan Xuepeng, currently a cadre at a PLA Navy submarine base, believes that the unique nature of submarine weapons, equipment and missions necessitates even higher standards and stricter requirements for their forces to maintain loyalty, purity and reliability. Part of the first crew of the PLA Navy's nuclear submarine force, Yan and his comrades-in-arms, along with their seniors, have consistently met the standards and requirements set before them. During a previous mission in the high seas, for instance, the crew encountered urgent and extremely difficult circumstances before receiving a concise order from their higher command consisting of only 12 Chinese words. Eventually, the temporarily formed Party committee of the crew stuck to the brief instructions and successfully completed the tasks, earning commendation from the Central Military Commission (CMC). "Submarines form a significant strategic force of the country, and every move they make impacts the country's overall political and diplomatic situation," Yan said, vowing to resolutely obey the command of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC. TRUE GRIT Such instances have illuminated the history of the submarine force, where their grit, coupled with loyalty, empowered them to overcome the odds and achieve numerous accomplishments. In 2014, during a combat readiness voyage, the PLA Navy submarine 372 experienced a sudden plunge at an "underwater cliff," resulting in the flooding of its main cabin. The temporary Party committee led the entire crew to stay calm and fearless, and they worked together to resolve the situation within three minutes. During another mission in the high seas, a steam leakage occurred inside a reactor room of a nuclear submarine. Then chief electrical engineer Meng Zhaoxu went straight into the room without hesitation, exposed himself to the radiation, and resolved the issue, which caused permanent damage to his body. He died at the age of 45, with his last notes saying, "I have no regret choosing to serve on nuclear submarines and even dying for it." Last July, Song Runpeng, newly enlisted into the submarine force, experienced firsthand the resilience of the crew. A senior instructed him to organize his belongings and leave notes for his family before embarking on his first long voyage. "At first, I didn't understand what was happening but then I was told it's a routine before going out to the sea. That was when it dawned on me as to what truly is sacrifice," he said. With such resilience, the submarine force has also managed to demonstrate the PLA Navy's unwavering commitment to safeguarding world peace and development. In recent years, they have actively participated in bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises with countries such as Russia, Pakistan and Thailand, engaging in various international military activities to strengthen ties with the navies of other countries. With their loyalty and grit, the valiant submarine force of the PLA Navy has been and will continue to forge ahead toward deeper and more distant seas. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) Former President Donald Trumps felony convictions have led to a lot of questions about what he can and cant do with a criminal record. He will likely be able to vote in November. He cant possess firearms. He can run for president. A June 8 Threads post said Trumps conviction means he cant appear on the ballot in the red state of Texas, an important state for the Republican candidate because it delivers 40 electoral college votes. "Trump cant be on the Texas ballot because of our state constitution," the post said. It appeared about one week after a Manhattan jury convicted Trump of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The post continued: "The United States Constitution does not prohibit felons from holding elected federal office. However, various federal statutes provide that a conviction may result in loss of or ineligibility for office. Texas law prohibits any person convicted of a felony from being a candidate for public office or holding any public office position. A full pardon restores eligibility to run for office." The post was flagged as part of Metas efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.) The post wrongly states that Texas constitution would knock Trump off the ballot. TRUMP IN TEXAS: Former president holds Houston fundraiser at Fertitta's Post Oak Hotel "The qualifications of federal office are outlined by the U.S. Constitution, not the Texas Constitution," Alicia Phillips Pierce, a spokesperson for Texas secretary of state, told PolitiFact in an email. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas secretary of states website lists the qualifications for the presidency and does not mention criminal history. Thats because it wouldnt disqualify a candidate from running for the presidency. The U.S. Constitution upholds the principle that voters decide who should represent them, and its qualifications are limited to natural-born citizenship, age (35 by Inauguration Day) and residency in the United States (14 years). Texas election code prohibits anyone who is "finally convicted of a felony" from running for office in the state, but that doesnt cover the U.S. presidency, which is a federal office, said Mimi Marziani, an adjunct professor at University of Texas at Austin law school who has taught constitutional law. "It does mean that if Trump were finally convicted after his appeals, etc. that he would be ineligible to run for, say, Texas Governor," said Marziani, a lawyer in private practice and former president of the Texas Civil Rights Project, a nonprofit group advocating for voting rights. Texas election code states that a political party is entitled to have the names of its nominees for president and vice president on the ballot as long as those nominees meet the qualifications "prescribed by federal law." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Andy Taylor, an election lawyer in Texas who has represented many Texas Republicans, agreed that the claim that Trumps felony conviction bars him from the ballot is wrong. "Trump can and will be on the ballot in Texas," Taylor said. People convicted of felonies have run for president in the past. Lyndon LaRouche was convicted in 1988 of tax and mail fraud conspiracy and ran for president multiple times from 1976 to 2004. Eugene Debs was convicted of violating the Espionage Act of 1917 for an anti-war speech, then ran for president under the Socialist Party banner from a federal prison in Alabama in 1920. Trump faces sentencing July 11. It is unknown whether he will receive jail time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ruling A Threads post said, "Trump cant be on the Texas ballot because of our state constitution." The U.S. Constitution does not state that felony convictions bar someone from running for president, and the federal framework supersedes any state rules on whether someone can run for president. The state constitution can establish requirements only to run for state office, not a federal office such as president. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Keith Gaylon Keith Kintner, son of Keith and Grace Kintner, was born May 28, 1931, in Frankfort, Kansas during the Great Depression. Gaylon attended school through high school in Frankfort. After graduation, he enrolled in Washburn University located in Topeka, Kansas. It is at Washburn where he met and married Kay N. Woodward. During his college years, he had a dance band, the Gaylon Kintner Orchestra. He played in many different towns throughout the Frankfort area and communities. He also painted houses to put himself through school. He learned the painting trade from his father, Keith, who was a sign/house painter and artist. After college, he joined the United States Air Force as a JAG officer. He had a distinguished career where he traveled and lived on an array of installations; Texas, Charleston, South Carolina, Forbes, Topeka, Kansas, Orlando, Florida, Adana, Turkey, North Carolina, and Elmendorf Air Force Base. He was a practicing attorney with his own law office and also taught law school at Fort Riley for Kansas State University. In the 1980s, he owned a pawn shop and enjoyed owning it through the early 90's. Gaylon was a Shriner and belonged to many other fraternal organizations. He was also an avid collector of many things; antiques, coins, stamps, and books. He loved to read and was knowledgeable on many subjects. He had a dance band again in the 1980s called The Swinging K's where he played many different instruments; the piano, saxophone, and clarinet. The band traveled to several Kansas locations to perform. In his later years, he enjoyed his collections, reading, and music. Virginia's police warn the public about the so-called "rose ruse" burglars. Authorities said that citizens of Fairfax, Virginia, should be vigilant when it comes to people pretending to sell roses. Thieves and other criminals are getting more and more trickier as the years go by. From their traditional methods, they are now coming up with new schemes that can easily fool victims. Now, they are using roses to fool Americans. Fairfax's law enforcement officials said that they were able to record several incidents involving the rose ruse burglars. If you are living in this suburb of Washington, D.C., here's what you need to know about these fake rose sellers and what you can do to prevent them Virginia Police Warns Public About Rose Ruse Burglars According to Fox News' latest report, Fairfax's police officials are investigating five incidents linked to the Rose Ruse burglars. They said that these burglaries started happening on December 28, 2023. Authorities explained how these thieves work. They stated that one of their members is a woman who will knock on doors and pretend to sell roses. If they hear no response after a few minutes, they will now start breaking into the house to steal expensive belongings. "In four of the burglaries, a woman approached the home with flowers and knocked on the door," said the Fairfax County Police Department. "When no one answered, she returned to an awaiting vehicle. Two men then forced entry into the home and stole valuables," added the law enforcement department. The Fairfax County Police Department said the cases they recorded involved stealing purses, cash, and jewelry. If you're worried for the safety of your house, WUSA90 provided the following areas where the rose ruse burglars did their crimes: December 28 - 900 block of Dominion Reserve Drive, McLean at 6 p.m. December 29 - 1100 block of Bishopgate Way, Reston at 6 p.m. January 1 - 1100 block of Windrock Drive, McLean at 2 a.m. January 8 - 11000 block of Lance Lane, Oakton at 5:30 p.m. January 9 - 11100 block of Farm Road, Great Falls sometime between 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. What Americans Can Do Against Rose Ruse Burglars Virginia's law enforcement officials urge Americans who experience suspicious activities around their areas- especially those who encounter a woman selling roses- to contact detectives at 703-556-7750. Those who know the identity of the woman or other rose ruse burglars can tip them off anonymously through the Crime Solvers via their phone (703) 246-4676.If you haven't encountered anything suspicious but still want to ensure the safety of your home, here's what you can do: Use more than one lock. Don't put dog warning stickers so that burglars will not know you have canines. Always close your curtains when you're not at your house. Buy window locks. Related Article: Canada: Posting Package Thefts Violate Thieves' Privacy, Warns Police-'You're Joking, Right?' 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Graduates of a new month-long apprenticeship program in coastal South Carolina hope to find jobs in the commercial fishing and mariculture industries. Seafood school Graduates of a new month-long apprenticeship program in coastal South Carolina hope to find jobs in the commercial fishing and mariculture ind The inaugural class of the South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program recently wrapped up. The group of six participants met daily in a classroom at the back of a former public school in the fishing village of McClellanville. The program provides housing and food, with a $1,000 stipend upon completion of the program. The participants learned about topics including safety, seamanship, and navigation; small engine maintenance; welding; fisheries science; raising oysters and clams; and seafood business and marketing. In addition to periodic hands-on learning sessions throughout the month, they also spent two days at sea. Sustainability and the longevity of the seafood industry were a key point. If you overharvest, you wont have any for the next generation, one participant explained. The program seeks to match students up with jobs when they finish the program. Co-director Jocelyn Juliano says the participants came ready to start working in the industry. They are so eager to get started they want to jump right in, Juliano said. Next time, we want to have job descriptions ahead of time from industry members looking to hire so the participants can meet the business owners right away and set up some jobs. S.C. Sea Grant Consortium awards $300K to research contaminants The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium funded research projects on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) to study PFAS and phthalates in coastal Southeast U.S. for human and ecosystem health. Juliano is a program specialist at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, which created and administers the program. The program is supported by the South Carolina Department of Agricultures Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship, the McClellanville Community Foundation, the McClellanville Watermens Association, Clemson Cooperative Extension, a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, and the NOAA National Sea Grant Office. In addition to the stipend and job connections, participants received a CPR, First Aid and automated external defibrillator certification, a U.S. Coast Guard Drill Conductor certification, and a certificate of completion from SC Sea Grant Consortium. Sea Grant Consortium educator gets DNR environmental award S.C. Sea Grant Consortium educator Elizabeth Vernon Bell is the recipient of the 2023 South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award. Bell received the award on Feb. 2, 2024, at a reception organized by the awards 2023 hosting agency, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). South Carolinas seafood industry faces challenges including an aging workforce, aging dock space and facilities, competition from imported seafood, and development pressures that threaten marine ecosystems. The program is an important step in developing a recruitment pipeline for those seeking jobs in seafood and mariculture. To learn more and to sign up for notifications about the 2025 program, please contact the program coordinator, Angela Treptow, at angela.treptow@scseagrant.org. You can also learn more about the program online at scseagrant.org/sc-commercial-seafood-apprenticeship-program Forecasters are expecting this hurricane season to be more active than normal, and Orangeburg County is offering more ways for residents to stay informed during storms and other emergencies. There are more tools in our toolbox to use during a disaster, Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley said. One way for the public to stay informed is by signing up for the county's CodeRED alerts. After an individual signs up for CodeRED, they will be notified in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Examples include weather warnings, evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices, and missing child or person reports. The alert will also provide individuals with traffic routes to use during a storm. To sign up, visit public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BFBE210FBF7E. Individuals can also receive text notices by texting ORANGEBURGCNTYALERTS to 99411. Individuals will be sent a registration link to register their phones. People who sign up will receive any emergency alerts the county sends out. You can also opt in for weather alerts. An individual will receive an alert if they are within close proximity to an emergency incident. When CodeRED calls, the caller ID will read OnSolve or 866-419-5000 for CodeRED calls. For CodeRED weather warning calls, either OnSolve or the number 800-566-9780 will appear on caller ID displays. Residents can simply dial the number displayed on their caller ID to hear the last message delivered, Staley said. This will greatly reduce the number of inbound inquiries handled by our office and will offer residents an immediate replay of the message. The CodeRED emergency alert system is funded through the office's budget. The department typically sends out alerts at least once a month. You would be surprised at the missing person alerts that we do, Staley said. Those without Internet access may call Orangeburg County Emergency Services at 803-533-6265 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. to supply their information over the phone. AM Radio Alert System In addition to CodeRED, the county has put in an AM radio alert system that is designed to distribute public safety weather bulletins. The system came online around May 1. The station programs are controlled by the county's Office of Emergency Services. Public safety messages or the National Weather Service warnings can be broadcast. The system uses about 11 transmitters throughout the county placed at various fire stations. The reason we went with it is because AM radios are still in cars, Staley said. We wanted to make sure that we could push out some public safety information both to our residents and any evacuees for traffic information. The stations can be used to inform the public about sheltering locations and food distribution locations for those without power. The radio system was funded through a $485,156 Federal Emergency Management Mitigation grant, with the county matching about 25 percent of the cost. The stations are: AM 610 in Branchville AM 620 in Santee AM 630 in Eutawville AM 640 in Rowesville AM 650 in Orangeburg AM 660 in Holly Hill AM 610 in Springfield AM 620 in Norway AM 630 in Cope AM 640 in North AM 650 in Orangeburg AM 660 in Orangeburg Hurricane season Orangeburg County is no stranger to tropical storms and hurricanes. The area was hit with the historic 2015 flooding and 2016's Hurricane Matthew. Other tropical systems have impacted the area, downing trees, power lines and causing sporadic damage. Though Orangeburg is about 80 miles inland, the eastern part of the county around Holly Hill and Eutawville is just about 50 miles from the coast. An intense landfalling hurricane can wreak havoc well inland, as proven by the September 1989 Category 4 Hurricane Hugo. Hurricane season began June 1, but the peak is in August and September. Staley said forecasters are calling for an above average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. Forecasts have changed this year, Staley said. We are taking note and we encourage the public to take note. Staley said some forecasters are calling for a very active hurricane season. This year, Colorado State University is forecasting between 17 to 25 named storms and eight to 13 hurricanes, with four to seven being major hurricanes. The average number of named storms in a year is around 14, the average for hurricanes is about seven, and the average for major storms is about three, according to the CSU. It is the highest preseason hurricane forecast ever for CSU since it began predictions in 1995. The researchers cite record warm tropical and eastern Atlantic sea surface temperatures being a primary factor in the hurricane prediction this year. Also, a changing global climate pattern known as the El Nino Southern Oscillation will lead to lower wind shear across the Atlantic basin, likely bringing a more favorable environment for storms to thrive. Residents should always be ready for a storm, Staley said. Among some of the ways to prepare for hurricane season is to develop an emergency response plan. Sheltering needs to be discussed and a supply and first-aid kit needs to be available. A communication plan that includes a list of people to contact in the event of severe weather is also advised. One area of readiness that is particularly important for all storms is dealing with power outages. Supplies should include food, water and first-aid kits that include medicines, important documents (health care information, property titles, insurance records), flashlights, radios, cell phones with chargers, family and emergency contact information, emergency blankets and maps. Other items that should be available include baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers), games for children, pet supplies, an extra set of car and house keys, manual can opener, whistle, N95 or surgical masks, matches, rain gear, towels, work gloves, tools/supplies for securing home, extra clothing, duct tape, scissors, household liquid bleach and sleeping bags. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests getting an insurance checkup and for individuals to document their possessions. Take the time before hurricane season begins to document possessions: photos, serial numbers, or anything else that you may need to provide your insurance company when filing a claim. You have more than an hour before your train leaves Tallinns central railway station. It is a surprisingly warm and sunny day, for Estonia, so you wander across the road to the old railway station bazaar (balti jaama turg). Dating from the Soviet period, it has been modernized, with posh shops and cafes replacing the shabby old kiosks. At the entrance, you get caught up in the stands selling summer fruits ripe and colorful to the eye. You make your contribution to global warming by buying cherries from Poland and strawberries from Greece, all the time wondering where all the Estonian products are. You return to the station, still with an hour to go before your train leaves. While speculating about where would be the best place to sit down and get some work done, you notice a sign: Leap into the Past: Exhibition on Soviet Estonia. The sign is in Russian, in Futurist font. The post-Soviet scholar in you suddenly wakes up. Coincidentally (or not) at the entrance to the exhibition, an old yellow truck is selling draught kvass (a lightly-fermented rye drink). Just like in the good old times only this is Estonia in 2019. Entrance to the exhibition is 9 euro ($10.25), since you are no longer a student, who would pay around half. This is a lot less than the $25 it would cost you to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, but this is Tallinn, where 9 euro would buy you tea and cake for two. Furthermore, the small building where the exhibition is hosted bears little resemblance to MoMA, and you wonder how many items, and of what interest, might fit into such a small space, and whether its worthwhile even going in. Still hesitating, you read: The exhibition includes a tour of a Soviet Estonian three-room flat. You remember the 1976 Soviet romantic comedy Ironiya Sudby (Irony of Fate) when someone ends up in an identical flat in the same-named street of the wrong city, and you wonder how different it can be from any of the dozens of flats you have visited in Georgia or Ukraine or Kazakhstan. Does Estonia possibly the least Soviet of all the former Soviet republics have anything a post-Soviet scholar might not have seen a hundred times before? However, if you dont go in, you will keep wondering, And what if there was something unique and I just missed it? Finally, you just step over the threshold. Who Needs an Exhibition About Soviet Estonia? In order to appease your skepticism, you formulate your reason for being here as an academic inquiry: why would someone put on an exhibition about Soviet Estonia in the center of Tallinn? Definitely not to celebrate Soviet times. But not to explain how bad Soviet times were, either, since the Museum of Occupation and Freedom is only a few steps away. Having established a justification for your guilty curiosity, you pay for your ticket and enter the single-room exhibition. Your first encounter is somehow an expected one. An old tent with a camping mattress and a picture of hikers are used to demonstrate that Soviet Estonians had limited access to decent hiking and camping equipment. Then you realize that you just walked right past several bikes and a three-wheel motorbike without noticing them because youve seen these things in use, not so long ago. Yet here they are, parked in a museum, somehow also remainders of the past. You frown. Next, after a reconstruction of a Soviet cafe one not much different from the one you visited the evening before you are confronted with konservnye banki. These are shelves worth of marinated vegetables and jam, in giant glass jars just like the ones you can still see in many storage rooms and cellars, in 2019. Yet here they are, being used as a part of an exhibition, part of a story about how things used to be. Turning around again, you notice a street dispenser of carbonated water, and wonder if, in some remote parts of the former USSR, some of them might still be in use. Well, maybe these things are exotic for some visitors to the exhibition; maybe some people do appreciate seeing so many of these things displayed under one roof, to be seen and recognized. Thats when you walk into the Soviet-style three-room Estonian flat and recognize furniture and household items that can still be found in many apartments in 2019. Is it just you thinking its not that old? (Later, you show the picture to your 12-year-old son who was not born in the Soviet Union and he takes it for a real apartment and asks innocently, Oh, were you visiting friends?) True, Estonians probably tend not to hang carpets on the wall anymore, and most of Tallinns apartments have been renovated. But how many times, and how recently, have you been in a bedroom or a bathroom just like one of these displayed here as monuments of the past? Positively Surprising Soviet Estonia No matter how much Soviet ideology called for all parts of the Union to be homogenized, agency persisted. Each republic, city, and even area featured some distinctive qualities unique to the place. Odessa had its humor. In Georgia there was food and wine. The Baltics had dairy products. But sometimes creativity wasnt about what there was, but what people lacked. Take the exhibits story from Soviet Estonia of Uncle Uno. Frustrated by the prospect of never owning a car, he used his genius to build one out of spare parts, and went as far as getting a license plate (registering it as a hobby car). It seems the authorities preferred to allow people to satisfy their demand for cars by making their own rather than finding a way to supply more cars through more formal (and possibly safer!) methods. When it came time to sell the car, Uno discovered that it wasnt possible. So he sold the car informally, and the buyer claimed he had built a car and needed to register it (again, because it wasnt an official car whose registration could simply be transferred). In another corner of the room, you learn about an Estonian, who relegated to some remote part of Siberia built his own chainsaw. The authorities were so impressed that they denied him the honor of naming it after himself, and instead called it guess what? druzhba (friendship). The exhibition also features a list of censored music bands. Now, you know why Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, and KISS were on that list. But what official decided to include Julio Iglesias, Talking Heads, and Tina Turner? Further down the list, you feel like bursting out in laughter. Yes, in the Soviet Union, even the Village People were censored. Young man, theres no need to be down,/ I said Young man You remember having fun dancing the steps to the YMCA song, and just try to imagine some high-level officer coming in to censor them for being anti-Soviet. A sign invites you to take the stairs to the second floor and there you find something that might just might justify your visit. This is not really a second floor, but just a grandly named mezzanine of two narrow balconies above the exhibition floor. Here on display are a number of posters of major Estonian movies released during the Soviet period. You can also listen to a number of music albums by Soviet Estonian bands when the player is working. This is where you realize how important it was to have a cultural setting in an otherwise allegedly homogenized Union, where everything had to look the same, everywhere. Thank God there were artists who could not silence their desire to express their feelings, and who gave birth to little cultural gems, different in every country, even in every region. On to the Exit (From Socialism) On your way down the stairs and out of the building, you wonder what the purpose of this exhibition was. At these prices, it is unlikely that many Estonians would enter to basically see their grandmas flat. A few random tourists might be willing to pay, to experience the exotica of the Soviet Union and read some anecdotes while feeling safe in an EU country and being confident that all of this belongs to the past. Is such an exhibition commercially viable? But perhaps the goal of the exhibition is a different one. After all, it is conveniently located near the railway station, where state-of-the-art trains serve most Estonian destinations. And the sign inviting you to leap into the past is in front of a smartly renovated hipster area, where a beer can cost 5 euro. With all this evidence of modern Estonia so close at hand, it is hard to believe that everything you see in the exhibition died less than 30 years ago, let alone to believe that some of these things are still alive and in use today. As long as you can convince yourself that the Soviet era is over, and everything you see in the exhibition no longer exists, the exhibition was successful. It matters little that, at the end of the day, some of the people working at the railway station will go home to a three-room apartment similar to the one the exhibition was modeled on, possibly to eat marinated food like the preserves displayed in the room After all, as Vonnegut explained as long ago as 1962, we are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. Dr. Abel Polese is a scholar, development worker, trainer, and writer. He is the author of The Scopus Diaries and the (Il)logics of Academic Survival, a book helping academics to critically reflect on the requirements of academic careers nowadays, and co-editor of Studies of Transition States and Societies (STSS), an open-access journal focusing on governance and social issues in the non-Western world. Top photo by Alex Luyckx / Flickr. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Bahrain has secured a record $6.8 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2023, according to the latest World Investment Report (WIR 2024) by the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The figure tops the previous record set in 2022, marking a huge increase of 148% from $2.8 billion. This contributed to the growth of cumulative inward FDI stocks, which climbed from $36.2 billion in 2022 to $43.1 billion in 2023. Marking one of the highest ratios in the world, Bahrains FDI stocks relative to GDP stood at 99.7% as of the end of 2023, a figure significantly higher than the global average of 46.9%. According to Bahrains Information & eGovernment Authority, the top countries contributing to Bahrains FDI stocks as part of a diverse portfolio include Kuwait (36%), Saudi Arabia (23%) and the UAE (10%). Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), said: The milestone FDI inflows attracted in 2023 reflects the strength of Bahrains value proposition and continued standing as a trusted destination of choice for regional and global investors seeking best value operating costs in a strategic location that serves as an ideal gateway to the region and beyond. The island nation continues to cement its reputation as an attractive hub for investments, where the government continues to prioritise the ongoing development of forward-looking regulatory frameworks alongside the implementation of strategic economic plans to encourage economic growth and diversification, said an EDB statement. Bahrains nominal GDP increased from around $11 billion in 2003 to over $43 billion in 2023, marking an average annual growth of 7%, surpassing the global average of 5%. In addition to securing healthy economic growth, Bahrains economy also diversified, the financial services sector overtook the oil sector as the highest contributor to real GDP, standing at 17.8% in 2023, marking a milestone achievement. Alkhulaif added: Backed by an agile government, highly skilled bi-lingual talent pool, and financially liberal environment, Bahrain has proven itself as a leading investment destination enabling leading companies to benefit from a business-friendly environment. At Bahrain EDB, we continue to tactically work towards attracting increased investments from priority markets, supported by Team Bahrain, in the interest of sustaining economic growth and diversification Attracting a total of $2.4 billion in investments from nine major projects and set to generate 3,000 job opportunities, the Golden License has been a pivotal initiative launched in Bahrain in April 2023, which has successfully encouraged increased regional and international investments. Spanning across various sectors, the latest projects awarded a Golden License in 2024 include Bahrain Titanium, the first facility of its kind in the region set to be established by Interlink Metals & Chemicals, the construction of the first greenfield head office of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) outside of Kuwait, the development of a data centre facility and international submarine cable by Beyon, and the development Bahrain Marina. - TradeArabia News Service The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday released its outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a hyperactive year among the top dozen since 1950, and Florida is set to endure this intense season with two major hurricanes likely to hit the state. This year's hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is likely to spawn between 17 and 25 named storms, which feature winds of 39 mph or higher, according to National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center. Of those, between eight and 13 are forecast to become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher, including between four and seven major hurricanes, defined as category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 11 mph or higher. There is a 90-95% chance of a hyperactive hurricane season for Florida with at least two-thirds more total tropical activity than normal and a most likely outcome of a little over twice average activity, a 10% increase from WeatherTiger's March forecast, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. The 2024 season has a 50% chance of seeing 22 to 26 tropical storms, 10 to 13 hurricanes, and 5 to 8 major hurricanes. Overall, forecasters say there is an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season, and a 5% chance of a below-normal season. The above-normal storm activity is expected to due the combination of warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean, and reduced Atlantic trade winds and wind shear. "With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA's commitment to keeping every American informed with life-saving information is unwavering," NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said in a statement. "AI-enabled language translations and a new depiction of inland wind threats in the forecast cone are just two examples of the proactive steps our agency is taking to meet our mission of saving lives and protecting property." The National Hurricane Center is expanding its Spanish-language text products to include all Public Advisories, the Tropical Cyclone Discussion, the Tropical Cyclone Update and Key Messages in the Atlantic basin. Beginning on Aug. 15, the NHC will begin using an experimental version of the forecast cone that includes inland watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S. The NHC will also begin issuing intermediate advisories to update tropical cyclone watches and warnings without waiting for the next full advisory, which are issued every six hours. "Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today," said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. "Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow." --with reporting by TMX Mammoet, the global leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport, has started assembling the worlds strongest land-based crane, the SK6000, at its Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands. This monumental project marks a new era in heavy lifting technology, offering unprecedented lifting capacity and reach, and opening up new construction methodologies for large projects. The SK6000 ring crane is not only a testament to Mammoets commitment to innovation, but also sustainability. The crane will offer full electric operation. This means it enables the transition to cleaner power sources while driving down the carbon impact of energy projects themselves. The SK6000 has a maximum capacity of 6,000 tonne, and is capable of lifting components up to 3,000 tonne to a height of 220m, said Mammoet in its statement. Its sheer lifting power allows the customers to build more efficiently in larger pieces, shrinking the logistics, integration and mobilization phases of projects. The crane provides a huge leap forward for projects in emerging energy sectors, supporting the continued constructability of next-generation wind turbine and foundation components needed to achieve higher yields from offshore wind farms, it stated. It also unlocks new modular construction options for nuclear facilities, with increased cost-effectiveness and safety. In the oil and gas sector, the SK6000 helps new build and expansion projects to benefit from economies of scale on a level never before seen. It builds on the design philosophy of Mammoets SK190 and SK350 series, which are proven in the market. Following mobilization of all parts to the company's Westdorpe site, initial works include assembly of the cranes base frame, power packs and control room. Mammoets auxiliary cranes are supporting the build, including two 250-tonne crawler cranes and a 140-tonne Gottwald mobile harbor crane. Koen Brouwers, Project Manager for the SK6000, said: "This is a thrilling new chapter for Mammoet and modular construction in heavy industry, as we see the SK6000 taking shape." "It will offer a hook height, outreach, and lifting capacity far in excess of any crane on the market. We are excited to bring this groundbreaking technology to our customers, helping them achieve their project goals with greater efficiency and more sustainably," he noted. The assembly of the SK6000 is scheduled to be completed during Q4, he added.-TradeArabia News Service ACCESS, the largest Arab American non-profit organisation in the US, will host its 10th Arab Health Summit, a unique scientific forum drawing health professionals from around the globe to Dearborn, Michigan. This years theme is Advancing Health Amidst Conflict and Crisis. The summit, set for October 21 to 23 at The Henry Hotel, is the only gathering in the country dedicated to deepening the understanding of the cultural and social factors influencing the health behaviours of Arab communities. This year, it will focus on both physical and mental health conditions, especially during periods of turmoil. The summit aims to raise awareness and address the pressing health issues impacting Arab Americans in these challenging times. Impressive array The summits speaker lineup features an impressive array of public health professionals, academics, scholars, policymakers, and more. Keynote speakers include Mayor of Dearborn Abdullah H Hammoud, Dr Adnan Munkarah, Dr Mads Gilbert, Dr Rima Afifi, Dr Joseph Kolars, Dr Ali Khan and Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah. Registration is now open. Speakers and panelists will address a wide range of topics, including substance use disorder, maternal and child health, health equity, immigrant and refugee health, behavioral health, health in conflict and crisis, environmental health, sexual and reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, and more. "The Arab Health Summit is a unique opportunity to bring together researchers, academic, health and public health leaders from around the globe to address local and global health issues of Arabs during conflict and times of crisis, said Mona Makki, Director of the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center and Arab Health Summit Chair. Early bird registration is open until September 1, with special pricing for students and the option to add continuing medical education and continuing education unit credits.--TradeArabia News Service Jordan, UAEs third largest Arab trading partner outside the GCC, is welcoming investors in the country to leverage the unparalleled investment opportunities offered in its fastest-growing special economic zone, Aqaba. To provide investors detailed insights on this exciting investment value proposition, Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), the central development arm of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is hosting an exclusive investor event in Abu Dhabi. To be held on June 25 at Erth hotel in Abu Dhabi, the "Aqaba - It's Happening" roadshow will welcome dignitaries and high-profile investors to learn about the unparalleled investment opportunities in Jordans picturesque coastal city of Aqaba. Potential investors will join a community of forward-thinking leaders, who are driving economic growth and development in one of the world's most strategically located cities. In-depth overview Building on the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II to transform Aqaba into a world-class business, leisure and logistic destination, Aqaba Its Happening will provide an in-depth overview of the investment opportunities in high-growth sectors including trade, manufacturing, industries, tourism, clean energy, logistics, vocational education, and digital technologies. Aqaba is strategically located at the crossroads of two continents and serves as a seamless gateway to global trade. The Special Economic Zone offers investors a breadth of value-added Investment initiatives including no foreign equity or foreign currency restrictions, tax incentives on corporate income and zero income tax on stored transit goods and re-export, zero custom duties, and 50% discount on handling fees for containers exported from ASEZ. Investors can also benefit from 40% discount on handling fees for transit goods. Announcing the event, Hussein Safadi, CEO of ADC, said: Aqaba already serves as an investment destination for many leading UAE-based companies, in addition to strong partnerships with AD Ports Group for the recent launch of the first state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Aqaba. Building on the strategic and historic ties between Jordan and the UAE, Aqaba Its Happening will provide investors from Abu Dhabi and beyond, a comprehensive understanding of the new investment opportunities in Aqaba. Safadi added: As a premier tourism destination and a regional trading hub, Aqaba promises investors not only a thriving business destination to access to numerous markets effortlessly, but also a world-class lifestyle with excellent hotels and leisure choices. As investors look to unlock new opportunities that bring higher returns on investment and long-term growth, Aqaba serves as the go-to destination to expand their business reach and gain competitive incentives. Aqaba serves as a significant logistical and commercial centre in the region. Sustainable tourism Experts from ADC will provide insights on investments in sustainable tourism, adventure tourism and wellness tourism, as well as on film production with Aqaba and Wadi Rum serving as the locations for several landmark Hollywood production. Investors can also explore investment opportunities in data centres and BPOs, gaming & esports, ports and airports, ground transport, industries such as garments, food processing, pharmaceuticals and metal fabrication, as well as in sustainable agriculture and smart city infrastructure, among others. Jordan is today UAEs fifth-most important trading partner globally and the second-largest Arab partner after Saudi Arabia. Jordan accounts for 8% of the UAEs total non-oil foreign trade with Arab countries.--TradeArabia News Service The 26th Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel Conference 2024 is set to take place at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai from November 18 to 20. This conference is the regions largest and most prestigious iron and steel event. The conference will bring together key leaders, CEOs, and stakeholders from across the entire ecosystem to meet, connect, and gather the latest market insights. Over 1,000 international delegates are expected to come together to meet and discuss the latest trends in the market. In 2023, nearly 1,000 delegates, representing 450 companies from 50 countries came together for more than 18 hours of networking, workshops and presentations from the industrys most accomplished experts. This year, the events expanded agenda will dive into decarbonisation, ensuring steelmaking is a key part of the conversation. The conference will also provide a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss and explore the latest developments and challenges in the region's iron and steel sector. TradeArabia News Service Wacker Chemie AG is strengthening its strategic focus on the manufacture of silicone specialties by building a new production site in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The chemical company, together with project partners and representatives of the city and region's authorities, symbolically has broken ground on the new plant. Wacker will produce room-temperature-curing high-performance silicones in Karlovy Vary from the end of 2025 and high-temperature-curing solid silicones from 2028. Such silicones will be used in important future technologies such as electromobility, the health and medical technology sector and in network expansion. The first expansion phase will create up to 200 new jobs in Karlovy Vary. By establishing a new site for silicone specialties, the Wacker Group is once again expanding its position as a solution provider for customers in important key industries. Groundbreaking Karlovy Vary Wacker Board Member Christian Kirsten, Panattoni Regional Director Pavel Sovicka, Accolade Development Manager Jiri Stransky, Mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary Andrea Pfeffer Ferklova and Deputy Governor of the Karlovy Vary Region Vojtech Franta took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new production site in Karlovy Vary. "Karlsbad will be a new and important pillar for our silicone activities in Europe and will strengthen our position as a leading manufacturer of silicone specialties. With today's groundbreaking ceremony for our new production site, we have reached a first milestone," said Kirsten in front of guests from politics and business. "Our silicone rubbers are in demand in all important growth markets. As a silicone specialist, we can offer precisely the solutions that our customers need for the development of innovative products and technologies," said Kirsten. Tailor-made silicone elastomers are needed above all where conventional materials cannot or can no longer meet the high and constantly increasing requirements. The main drivers for the silicone business are megatrends such as electromobility, renewable energies and the expansion of power grids. "In order to be able to meet the increasing demand for such solutions in the long term, we must now lay the foundations for this," says Kirsten. "With Karlsbad, we are now opening a new chapter in the success story of our silicones." The new site complements the existing German Wacker integrated sites in Burghausen and Nunchritz. The Group is thereby creating important conditions for further optimising its production processes. "With Karlsbad, our production network in Europe will be even more flexible. This will enable us to serve our customers in and outside Europe even better in the future," says Kirsten. The focus of the new site in Karlsbad will be on the production of specialty silicones that cure at room temperature. High-temperature-curing silicone compounds will also be manufactured here later. Further personnel requirements in the following years cannot be ruled out. When fully operational, the site will be able to deliver over 20,000 tonnes of customised silicones per year. Production of room-temperature-curing solid silicone rubber will start at the end of 2025. High-temperature-curing solid silicones will be produced in Karlsbad from 2028. Building and infrastructure Of the several locations available, Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic was chosen. In the coming weeks and months, the production building and infrastructure will be built on the 23,000 sq m site. Wacker is cooperating with the US real estate developer Panattoni, which is coordinating the construction work, and the Czech real estate group Accolade, which owns the land and the building shell. Karlovy Vary offers ideal conditions for Wacker's silicone production. "The proximity to Burghausen and Pilsen, the comparatively low energy costs in the region and the good availability of qualified employees made the decision very easy for us in the end," says Kirsten.--TradeArabia News Service Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has issued a circular emphasising the need for licensed economic establishments in the emirate to comply with the rules when contracting with social media influencers, according to a Wam news agency report. The ADDED outlined the following requirements: * Social media influencers must obtain a licence from the department to practice the activity of advertising services through websites; * Economic establishments must obtain a permit from ADDED when carrying out any advertisements (advertising, promotional, or marketing); and * Establishments must ensure that they have a valid licence issued by ADDED when contracting with influencers and social networking sites. Non-compliance with these controls and requirements when contracting with social media influencers will subject the concerned establishment to penalties and violations stipulated in the table of violations, it said. Failure to comply with the circulars and controls issued by ADDED may lead to the closure of the economic establishment. According to the circular, the penalties will start from AED3,000 and reach AED10,000. The Jeddah Airports has launched an awareness campaign, involving more than over 50 government and operational agencies to streamline the departure of Hajj pilgrims leaving through King Abdulaziz International Airport. The initiative, Journey 45, aims to educate departing pilgrims through various media channels by broadcasting educational content covering key information including luggage shipping, Zamzam transport procedures, travel formalities, and a list of prohibited items. Additionally, the campaign will highlight services available within the airport lounges. Taking into account the diversity of pilgrims, and with the aim of reaching a wide audience, messages will be translated into five different languages Arabic, English, Chinese, French, and Urdu. TradeArabia News Service The UAE handed over the chairmanship of United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (Copuos) to Egypt at committees 67th session underway in Vienna, Austria from June 19 to 28, 2024. The UAE Minister of Education and Chairman of UAE Space Agency, Dr Ahmad Belhoul AlFalasi, headed the UAE delegation to the event that saw the handover of Copuos chairmanship to Dr Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, from Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Advanced Science and Technology, for the upcoming session. Dr Al Falasi hailed Omran Sharaf for his contributions during his leadership of Copous over the past two years, highlighted the important achievements made during his tenure. We are strong believers in the importance of international cooperation and collaboration when it comes to the outer space to facilitate knowledge exchange, build capabilities and create tangible and innovative solutions to the worlds current and future challenges. Over the past two years, the UAE has succeeded in unifying global efforts to establish policies and legislations and enhance the sustainable and peaceful use of space technology. During the session, the UAE delegation highlighted the countrys achievements over the past two years in the national space sector, and its organised and comprehensive approach to developing space policies, regulations for space activities, the National Space Strategy 2030, and the Space Science and Technology Policy. It also shed light on the UAEs upcoming space missions, including: the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), the UAEs participation in establishing the first lunar station in human history, and Rashid Rover 2. The delegation called on member states to participate in the upcoming edition of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate (ADSD) in December 2024 to promote global dialogue and cooperation in space. Omran Sharaf said: It has been a remarkable two years since the UAE chaired Copous. Our efforts in streamlining the agendas of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSSC) and Legal Subcommittee (LSC) have resulted in an increase in the performance and efficiency of both. "The UAE's positive and constructive leadership of COPUOS underscores its international efforts to enhance security and stability in space exploration and the development of space technologies, ultimately contributing to improving life on Earth," he added. UN Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities Salem Butti AlQubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, participated in a panel discussion at the UN Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities 2024, where he offered valuable insights into the fundamental principles of the Artemis Accords and the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). The session discussed conducting space activities for peaceful purposes according to international law, avoiding conflicts in outer space, and transparency in sharing scientific data and mission information to facilitate open communication among all participants. AlQubaisi called for the formation of joint committees comprising representatives from the countries under the two agreements to unify standards, protocols, and best practices, and host global space conferences, forums, and workshops to bridge gaps, resolve conflict, and foster a unified approach to space governance to facilitate global collaboration efforts and joint missions in addition to endorsing sustainable practices in space exploration. Abu Dhabi Space Debate On the sidelines of the session, the UAE Space agency, endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Space Debate, hosted an event titled "Collaborative Frontiers: United Nations in Space Endeavors." The UAE Space Agency team outlined the objectives and main themes of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate (ADSD): space sustainability, space security, and space accessibility. The UAEs achievements at Copous The UAE made remarkable progress and significant achievements in several areas, despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. The UAE merged multiple agendas to enhance efficiency and avoid duplication. These included The United Nations Programme on Space Applications, the Space technology for sustainable socio-economic development, and remote sensing of the Earth by satellite, including applications for developing countries and monitoring the Earths environment. Furthermore, the UAE contributed to integrating the items related to the application of the five United Nations treaties on outer space, national legislation relevant to the peaceful use of space, and capacity building in space law into a single item, which helped improve work efficiency. It also promoted fair and peaceful access to space for all countries, encouraging compliance with international legal frameworks and UN treaties governing the safety and sustainability of outer space among member states, and supporting the promotion of knowledge transfer programmes between countries. TradeArabia News Service Wood, a global consulting and engineering leader, and its joint venture partner Al Majal, a prominent Iraqi oil and gas services company, have outlined plans for a new vocational training centre in Basra, addressing Iraqs need for a skilled energy workforce. The Basra Technical Training Centre will advance training and development opportunities for Iraqis to support the growing number of regional energy projects. Upon its anticipated opening in early 2025, the centre will offer a comprehensive range of Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) accredited programs, including operations and maintenance, construction management, health, safety and environment, professional leadership training and various other courses. A five-month pilot training program will begin this year ahead of the centre officially opening. The training centres establishment underscores the joint ventures commitment to developing the local energy workforce in Basra, a statement said. It will enable further upskilling across key technical roles, such as project teams, construction engineers, supervisors, and local contractors. Upon completing their training, Wood Al Majal will support delegates in securing future employment opportunities, it said. Shaun Dewar, Senior Vice President of Operations, Middle East and Africa at Wood, said: This new training centre is a key part of our strategy to invest in and develop the national workforce in Iraq providing skills development opportunities for both new entrants and existing industry professionals. We believe a safe, well-trained workforce is key to the success of the energy industry in Iraq and this underlines our commitment to the regions long-term growth. Moreover, a new Wood Al Majal fabrication facility will be established on the same complex, specialising in engineered fabrication to meet international standards. The facility will offer design, engineering, inspection, painting, and fabrication delivery services and is due to be completed in 2025. Wood, a company with over 80 years of operations In Iraq and employing 850 people, has delivered operations solutions for clients across the country. The joint venture, which integrates expertise from both Wood and Al Majal, provides commissioning, maintenance and brownfield modifications solutions across Iraq. TradeArabia News Service Emirates Group's achievements that have strengthened its position as a leading global airline and a model for excellence in the international aviation industry were commended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. HH Sheikh Mohammed praised Emirates for its record results in recent years, highlighting the airlines key role in consolidating Dubai's status as a global business hub and a leading destination for investment and tourism. His comments came as he met with senior officials of Emirates Airline and Group at the Union House in Dubai. The meeting was held in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. HH Sheikh Mohammed also commended the airline for its pivotal role in realising the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, leveraging its significant capabilities in the air transport industry to expand Dubai's economic networks, thereby contributing to the goal of doubling the emirate's foreign trade volume by 2033. Major Projects and Record Achievements HH Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Sheikh Ahmed on Emirates future plans and key initiatives, which include expanding their aircraft fleet, upgrading existing aircraft, enhancing capabilities in hospitality, cargo, and ground handling, leveraging advanced technologies to support operations, expanding training and employee development programmes, and advancing sustainability initiatives within the group. His Highness was then briefed by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, on the group's recent achievements, which include setting new records in profits and revenues. These accomplishments were driven by the global expansion of operations to meet strong customer demand for the airline's high-quality products and services. The group's 2023-24 results featured record-breaking performance, a testament to the forward-thinking vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed and the impactful policies of the Dubai Government, which facilitated these accomplishments. Expressing confidence in Emirates ongoing commitment to driving Dubai's economic growth, HH Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the airlines ability to set new benchmarks in quality within the global aviation and travel sectors. He also underscored its efforts to enhance technical capabilities and improve workforce efficiency, thereby strengthening its competitiveness among the world's leading airlines. - TradeArabia News Service Alberto, the first named tropical storm of this year's hurricane season, packing winds of 50 mph, made landfall in Mexico Thursday morning - bringing lashing rains and flooding to northern Mexico and parts of Texas. Three people were reported dead in Mexico from the storm that formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is heading west at about 9 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory Thursday. "The heavy rainfall and the water, as usual, is the biggest story in tropical storms," said Michael Brennan, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center, the Associated Press reported. He said the storm was expected to dump as much as 10 inches of rain in some areas along the Texas coast. Some areas in Mexico could be hit with as much as 20 inches of rain. The center warned of the possibilities of mudslides and flash flooding in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila and Nuevo Leon. In anticipation of the storm, schools and public transportation in many parts of Mexico were closed as shelters and command centers were being set up. Luis Gerardo Gonzalez, the coordinator of civil protection in Tamaulipas, said 333 shelters have been distributed at each municipality in the state. "As the storm moves, we will be opening up more shelters," he told the Associated Press. The three reported deaths were all minors, Reuters reported. One was a 15-year-old who was away by the current of a river and drowned outside the city of Monterrey. Tropical storm warnings stretched along the northeast coast of Mexico from the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla. The Tropical Storm Warning in Texas from San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande has been discontinued. The UAEs Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office has signed a strategic agreement with Rittal FZE (Subsidiary of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, Herborn, Germany), a leading global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control, and IT infrastructure. This partnership aims to collaborate on various AI initiatives, enhance AI adoption and learning, and strengthen the robust digital infrastructure of the UAE through international joint efforts. The MoU was signed by Saqr Binghalib, Executive Director of the UAEs Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office, and Syed Tahir Nazir, Managing Director of Rittal FZE, during the AI Retreat 2024, a one of its kind event held in Dubai. It was organised recently by the Dubai Centre for AI Applications in collaboration with the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence. The AI Retreat 2024, which was aimed at accelerating adoption of AI applications, drew participation from over 2,000 decision-makers, experts, and officials from both the government and private sectors. Saqr Binghalib emphasised that the UAE Government focuses on building skills and talents as a key element in the digital development journey and in creating a future based on intellect and creativity. "Strengthening partnerships between the government and the private sector contributes to enhancing the country's position as a global hub for the AI sector, reinforcing its active global role, and supporting the national strategies' goals of building future competencies and equipping them with the necessary tools for development and advancing towards a future based on digital skills," he added. Syed Tahir Nazir, the Managing Director, Rittal FZE said: "We are fully committed and support the vision of the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications during our discussion and agreed with Saqr Binghalib." "Rittal FZE is committed to support capacity building, knowledge enhancement, and technology advancements through innovations in the field of AI and other smart applications, especially to support programming in the field of Robotics and Industry 4.0 system and applications along with supporting Green Technologies," he stated. "Rittal continues its efforts for environmental protection and reducing carbon footprint with its innovative products and solutions through collaborations with government and public sectors to secure a better future for our communities and next generations. We are excited to be a partner of AI department and are looking forward to working with Binghalib for a mutually successful collaboration," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Opposition Leader cited figures that showed the official entertainment for the Office of the Prime Minister moved from a revised estimate of $240,000 in 2024 to an estimated expenditure of $30 million in 2025. This is an increase of 12,400%. Hours after Louisiana's Republican governor signed legislation Wednesday requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools and universities, civil rights groups, including the ACLU, made preparations to challenge the new law. Gov. Jeff Landry signed House Bill 71 during a news conference, touting it and several other pieces of legislation focused on education as necessary reforms to "bring common sense back to our classrooms." The law, passed by the GOP-controlled legislature, requires a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in a "large, easily readable font." "If you want to respect the rule of law, you've got to start from the original lawgiver, which was Moses," the governor said, the Associated Press reported. Civil rights groups - from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Americans United for Separation of Church and State - said they would contest the law, arguing that it violates "long standing Supreme Court precedent and the First Amendment." "The law violates the separation of church and state and is blatantly unconstitutional. The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice, without pressure from the government," the groups said in a joint statement. "Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools," it added. They said the state's public schools have a diverse group of students but the law "would require school officials to promote specific religious beliefs to which people of many faiths, and those of no faith, do not subscribe." Landry, who praised the law as a win for conservatives in the state, welcomed the legal challenges. "I can't wait to be sued," Landry said at a fundraiser over the weekend, NOLA reported. Even the Pope couldnt pass up the opportunity to take a shot at her I turned over this rock so you dont have to. The bad news is: it starts with a few centuries of excruciating sexism. The good news is: it ends with Tig Notaro! 5 The OGs Dudes have had beef with their wives mothers since the beginning of time. Its an ageless, universal friction that spans every culture and continent. Here are a few of the oldest: An old Armenian proverb says Mothers-in-law should be blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. I have no clue what this means, other than a cheeky suggestion that she should see no evil, hear no evil, and therefore, hopefully speak no evil. A Korean proverb says, Toilets are like mothers in law. The farther away, the better. Harsh, but straight to the point. Possibly the oldest recorded mother-in-law joke comes from first-century Roman poet Juvenal: Give up all hope of peace as long as your mother-in-law is still alive. Look, Im no Chris Hardwick, but that one doesnt strike me as super funny? It was published in his poetry collection Satire VI, though, so what do I know? 4 Fast-Forward to Modern-Day Italy Assuming Juvenals contemporaries thought he absolutely ate with that line about giving up all hope of peace, its safe to say that Rome has a long, proud history of dunking on wizened older women. I wonder what knee-slappers theyve developed in the intervening millennia! One of the most recent mother-in-law jokes, and certainly one of the most high-profile of all time, came from none other than Pope Francis in 2022. Are you ready? Youre gonna love this one. Its so good. I promise Im not overhyping it. Okay, here it goes: Families, we quarrel. Sometimes plates can fly. I wont speak about mother-in-laws. His larger point was that mothers-in-law should be respected, not regarded in a pejorative way or as the devil. Its mainly his delivery that needs some work. Hopefully the 100 comedians who recently visited the Vatican helped him polish up his sexist and homophobic materia. Advertisement 3 The 20th-Century British Resurgence This joke format made a comeback in the middle of the 20th century. Post-World War II housing shortages forced multiple generations to live under one roof, causing tensions to rise and zingers to fly. The Brits in particular adopted the mother-in-law joke as a part of the national identity, producing several champions of the genre. Les Dawson had a few zingers of note: My mother-in-law said, One day I will dance on your grave. I said, I hope you do. I will be buried at sea. My mother-in-law has come round to our house at Christmas seven years running. This year we're having a change. We're going to let her in. I took my mother-in-law to Madame Tussauds Chamber of Horrors, and one of the attendants said: Keep her moving sir, were stock-taking. Advertisement So this is technically sexism and misogyny in action, but at the end of the day, these are harmless jokes, right? Unfortunately, history and data paint a less benign picture. Its mostly men telling these jokes, yet studies have shown that more daughters-in-law (33 percent) than sons-in-law (15 percent) report negative interactions with their spouses mother. It seems to boil down to a patriarchal assumption that a young man can do no wrong, while a young woman cant do anything right. Advertisement The real-world impact of a well-meaning elder caretaker meddling in childrearing is stark. A study of infant mortality in 18th- and 19th-century Germany found that, when the mothers mother was in the picture, a child was 79 percent more likely to survive. When the fathers mother was in the picture, a child was 50 percent more likely to die. Advertisement 2 So, What Happens When Women Take This Joke Format Back? In one prominent case, a comedian was sued by her in-laws. Sunda Croonquist is a New Jersey-born, L.A.-trained comedian whos half-Black, half-Swedish, born Roman Catholic and married into a Jewish family. Some of her material, naturally, revolved around the culture shock she experience or inflicted when she joined her husbands family: As her mother-in-law: Okay, now that we know youre having a little girl I want to know what youre naming that little tchotchke. Now, we dont want a name thats difficult to pronounce like Shaniqua. Were thinking a name short but delicious. Like Hadassah or Goldie. I walk in, I say, Thank you so much for having me here, Ruthie. She says, The pleasures all mine, have a seat. Then, as her mother-in-law: Harriet, put my pocketbook away. Advertisement It all seemed to be in good fun, but out of the blue, her in-laws argued that she doxed them with a certain piece of promotional material for an upcoming show, and sued her in 2009. Interestingly, their lawsuit is what made their names, locations and whole deal extremely public. More interestingly still, Croonquists husbands law firm represented her, and a court ultimately ruled in her favor. Advertisement Belting out a good showtune does wonders for the soul and Fox Tucson Theatre is inviting you to do just that at singalong events this summer. As part of its summer programming, the downtown venue is hosting a Grease singalong on June 29 at 7:30 p.m. Break out your Pink Ladies jacket and get ready to go back to the summer of 1979. The fun isnt just for adults. On July 21 at 2 p.m., the Frozen singalong will take what is sure to be a crowd of tiny Elsas and Annas to the fictional Disney kingdom of Arendelle. If rock n roll is more your speed, be sure to mark Aug. 24 on your calendar for the 7:30 p.m. Bohemian Rhapsody singalong. Rounding out the programming on Sept. 14, is the Tucson Latina musical group Las Azaleas presenting Como la Flor, celebrating Selena. Audience members can sing along to some of the late artists greatest hits, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, with the exception of the Selena event, which are $15, through foxtucson.com. The historic theater also has a number of classic movies on deck for those looking to beat the heat this summer including Wizard of Oz (July 7 at 2 p.m.), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (July 19 at 2 p.m.), Death Becomes Her (Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m.) and Spinal Tap (July 13, 7:30 p.m.). Four years ago today, then-President Donald Trump took the stage while God Bless the USA filled the BOK Center, even if the anticipated capacity crowd did not. In front of swaths of empty seats on the upper level, Trump started his campaign rally by thanking the enthusiastic crowd that showed up. You are warriors, Trump said in the opening minute of the hour and 42-minute speech. Ive been watching the fake news for weeks now, and everything is negative: Dont go. Dont come. Dont do anything today. Ive never seen anything like it. Ive never seen anything like it. You are warriors. Thank you. The presidents speech included references to COVID-19 testing, protesters and Joe Biden. Vice President Mike Pence also addressed the crowd, focusing on the economy in a brief speech. See photos from the event below: Additional photo galleries: The scenes before and during President Trump's rally in Tulsa Tulsa danced: Scenes from the Greenwood District block party following President Trump's rally Air Force One flies into Tulsa Rally Against Hate at Tulsa's Veterans Park Murals painted around Tulsa ahead of President Trump's rally Photos from the scene as more Trump supporters gather in Tulsa There was no question that Tulsans were happy to see Jennifer Jones when she returned home for the southwestern premiere of a film that was to win her an Oscar. Hundreds of fans, including Mayor C.H. Veale, met the girl they knew as Phyllis Lee Isley at the Union Depot on Feb. 24, 1944, and others lined the streets to wave and get a glimpse of her as she was driven through downtown to the Mayo Hotel. There was no formal ceremony at the depot, but Jones took time to sign autographs for fans as they followed her up the stairs from the track level to street level. Her only comment before getting into a car and once more becoming Phyllis Isley was "I'm so glad to be home. I could almost die." She had been met in Kansas City by her father, Phil, who accompanied her on the rest of the trip to Tulsa. Her mother, Flora Mae Isley, met the train here. The Isleys had moved to Dallas after Isley sold his interest in a theater here. Huge banners proclaiming "Welcome Jennifer Jones" were stretched across Fourth and Main streets near that intersection, and two giant reproductions of a painting of her by Norman Rockwell were mounted on the First National Bank building, which was then on the northeast corner of the same intersection. One of the productions faced west, the other faced south. Two smaller copies of the same painting of her in her award-winning role were on the marquee of the Ritz Theater in the unit block of West Fourth Street. The Ritz was one of two theaters where the premiere was to be held. The other was the Ritz's sister theater, the Orpheum, a block away in the unit block of East Fourth Street. The Tulsa actress had been nominated for an Academy Award as best actress for her starring role as Bernadette in the movie "The Song of Bernadette," and Tulsans were sure she would win. She did -- eight days later on her 25th birthday. It was the first time an actor had won the award for a screen debut. At a Tulsa Club dinner given by theaters owner Ralph Talbot, she was introduced by Glenn Condon, a Tulsa radio executive who had taken Jones to New York years earlier to audition for stage and movie roles. She was offered contracts by two movie studios but couldn't accept because she was pregnant. After the dinner, she appeared on the stages of both sold-out theaters before the film started. The only other appearances she made were at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon and at Monte Cassino School, where she had studied acting and where Sister Ursula, her instructor, had persuaded her that she had talent. While visiting Monte Cassino, where she graduated in 1936, a statue of her in her film role as Bernadette was unveiled. Sister Ursula said the statue was a tribute to the actress's "greatness of character, her spiritual qualities and the fulfillment of ideals -- not to her fame." The statue was in a grotto that had been constructed four years earlier. It was a replica of the shrine at Lourdes, France. Sister Ursula said other replicas all had statues of Bernadette but the replica at Monte Cassino did not. "We found that 20th Century Fox's characterization of the simple peasant girl of Lourdes conformed so closely in historical accuracy, that we decided it came nearer to the real Bernadette than any likeness ever before attempted," she said. Church circles had praised Jones' role as Bernadette but a succession of more worldly roles put her on a more earthly plane. Catholic leaders condemned her a few years later for her role as a torrid half-breed in "Duel in the Sun." The movie had to be cleaned up to get by the Legion of Decency. Jones married three times. She met her first husband, actor Robert Walker, when both worked for a Tulsa radio station. They saved their earnings until they could get married in 1939. The newlyweds took a wedding trip to Hollywood but could not find jobs in the movie industry. They then went to New York, where Phyllis found work as a model and Walker got radio roles. Movie producer David O. Selznick hired her in 1942, changed her name to Jennifer Jones and 20th Century Fox chose her for Bernadette later that year. Jones divorced Walker in 1945 and married Selznick four years later. Walker died in 1951 and Selznick died in 1965. Jones married multimillionaire Norton Simon in 1971. He died in 1993. Today, she serves as president of the Norton Simon Foundation Board and contributes to mental health and charity organizations. She lives in Malibu near her son, Robert Walker Jr. Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive. Anna Codutti Tulsa World Breaking News Editor Follow Anna Codutti Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder two days after a double homicide in Sequoyah County near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. Stacy Lee Drake, whose name is spelled Stacey in some court records, is accused in the fatal shootings of Tara Underwood and Taylor Sharp. The victims were found Tuesday at a business near Gans, about 100 miles southeast of Tulsa, according to a news release from District Attorney Jack Thorp. His office covers District 27, which includes Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties. Sequoyah County deputies collaborated with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on the case. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the business, which showed a man later identified as Drake entering the building, then exiting and driving away in a vehicle belonging to Underwood. The vehicle reportedly was located 120 miles east of the crime scene, at a motel in Morrilton, Arkansas, where Drake was taken into custody early Thursday. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon. During the hunt for Drake, Arkansas State Police said he has felony warrants from jurisdictions in multiple states on charges including aggravated robbery, carjacking and murder. I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by the Sequoyah County Sheriffs Office and the OSBI, Thorp said in a statement. I would also like to thank law enforcement in Arkansas from the Morrilton Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, and the Conway County Sheriffs Office for their assistance in locating and apprehending this violent criminal. The Tulsa World is where your story lives The heavily contested race in Virginia between Rep. Bob Good, the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, and Trump-backed challenger state Sen. John Mcguire is still too-close to call. McGuire leads Good by just 300 votes in the Republican primary election for Virginia's 5th Congressional District out of 62,000 cast, or about 0.4 percent, the Associated Press reported. Good is asking for "patience" from his constituents as he hopes the final ballot count, including mail-in ballots, will put him ahead of McGuire. Under Virginia law, if the margin of victory is under a half of a percentage point once the results are certified, the state will conduct a recount that could take weeks. "Provisional ballots and mail-in ballots are also still to be counted. We are asking for full transparency from the officials involved and patience from the people of the 5th District over the coming weeks as the certification of results is completed," Good said in a posting on X. "We believe we can still prevail," he said. This race remains too close to call. We are in a period where the law provides a process for evaluating the accuracy of all the vote totals from election day to ensure everyone can have full confidence in the certified results. Provisional ballots and mail-in ballots are also Bob Good for Congress (@GoodForCongress) June 19, 2024 Good drew Donald Trump's ire despite trekking to Manhattan to support the former president during his hush money trial, for endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis when he was running against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. McGuire, who claimed victory Tuesday night after the initial results came in, said he is confident of winning. "I look forward to working with Trump to beat Joe Biden in November & pass Trump's agenda in Congress. Trump & McGuire will Make America Great Again!," he said on X. My life is a testament to the fact that America is the greatest country on this planet and Im so honored to have the chance to serve her again. John McGuire (@JohnMcGuire4VA) June 19, 2024 "Folks in the 5th can rest assured that should they elect me in Nov., they will have an effective fighter in Congress who will get the job done for them," he said in another posting. OKLAHOMA CITY State Superintendent Ryan Walters faced a panel of lawmakers Thursday morning about a new report that puts his handling of federal funds for public schools under a microscope. The Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency evaluated the use of federal funds that account for 12% to 14% of all funding for public schools throughout the state and, in a second report, examined the Oklahoma State Department of Educations rulemaking on student testing for compliance with statutory language and legislative intent. LOFT is overseen by a committee of state legislators and was created as a kind of fact-finding operation to assist the Legislature in making data-driven policy decisions. Walters appearance before the committee began at 10 a.m. On Thursday, LOFT reported examining OSDEs compliance with the provisions of Senate Bill 36x, passed during the 2023 legislative session, which required the department to apply for or continue participating in any federal grant funding received by the state agency prior to fiscal year 23 unless legislative leadership approved of an exception. LOFT reported rather inconclusive findings. The report states that the Department of Education allowed a health-focused competitive federal grant for participating school districts to expire in December 2023 over some unstated objection to a component of the grant. The report also alluded to a similar lapsing of two STOP School Violence grants, but stated application deadlines for both were prior to the Legislatures new mandate. The two grants through the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at preventing school violence were applied for and won in FY 2021. LOFT staff told lawmakers the projects were never completed and that Oklahoma had to refund $291,300 to the federal government and left an additional $1.4 million for the projects unused. The State does not have to repay any funds expended for these unfulfilled grants; OSDE is only required to return unused funds, LOFT reported. Further, LOFT identified other grants that were similar to those received prior to FY 23 that had application deadlines after the mandate was in place, the new report also states. However, due to the nature of how competitive grants are offered with differing federal grant identifiers, many grants being within the same general category but with varying objectives, and numerous variables of the same grant it is difficult to determine which competitive grants would be subject to the application requirement. Between FY 19 and FY 23, the number of grants awarded and the value of the grants varied, but the overwhelming emphasis was on grants related to improving student mental health and preventing school violence. When Walters took office in 2023, OSDE put in place new criteria for determining whether to pursue a competitive grant. In FY 24, the only competitive grant awarded to OSDE was to expand partnerships for serving students with disabilities and expanding access to work-based learning for students with significant disabilities and those in rural, high-need areas. Regina Birchum, interim director of LOFT, told lawmakers Thursday that she thought it was worth noting that local school districts are able to apply individually for federal competitive grant programs even if OSDE doesnt. Walters added that OSDE frequently writes letters of support for such individual district grant applications. After only a few months in office, Walters drew criticism and questions when a longtime grant writer for the state Education Department came forward as a whistleblower to legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle, claiming that Walters lied to them at a public hearing and that current and future federal grant funding for Oklahoma public school students was in jeopardy. On Thursday, Walters discounted those claims as having come from a disgruntled ex-employee. Under his administration, Walters said OSDE sifts through 2,500 grant opportunities and assesses what benefit they would be to students academically and how transparent it will it be. Is it a good use of taxpayer dollars? He said his agency is in the process of applying for a student literacy grant that could bring in a total of $60 million over five years that he believes was well worth our time. Several Republicans lawmakers, as well as the Democratic Caucus, have repeatedly expressed concerns about Walters administration of the State Department of Education. The minority caucus said it knows of at least $21 million lost because of administrative decisions or failures. But Legislative leaders have done little to intervene. During the recently concluded legislative session, Senate Education Committee Chairman Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, said he knew of no cases in which school districts had lost federal grants because of the State Department of Educations failure to adhere to the bill passed in special session last year requiring it to apply for certain grants. LOFTs other noteworthy finance discoveries: Oklahomas public education system received its largest shares of federal funds through so-called Title programs for academic needs and for child nutrition in FY 2024. Under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act for addressing educational equity needs of students living in poverty, Oklahoma received $305.8 million; under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for those with special education needs, Oklahoma received $192.3 million; and another $5.7 million was received to support federally mandated standardized tests for students nationwide. Last, Oklahomas public schools are estimated to receive $342 million in funding from federal child nutrition programs in FY 2024. Nearly half of OSDEs state agency staff is supported by federal funds 186 out of 388 full-time employees. Additionally, because OSDE is authorized to retain an administrative fee from federal funds received, it uses federal funds to support other personnel and other related administrative costs, such as information technology and professional services. Pandemic relief funding has temporarily inflated the appearance of education spending in Oklahoma, but OSDE has not been updating its online dashboard to provide public transparency about the use of those taxpayer dollars. LOFT said the web page is missing $112 million in federal funds provided, has understated the depiction of cost by $847 million and excludes expenditures of pandemic relief funds by OSDE itself. And LOFT found that only $2.06 billion of $2.43 billion allocated in relief funds has been spent and that OSDE only has until Sept. 30 to obligate or specify its use of the funds. Walters responded that OSDE does not currently have access to its pandemic relief data dashboard and is awaiting assistance gaining access to it from from the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services. LOFT Co-Chairman Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, was floored by the response. Why do you not have access to your own website, and why is OMES not allowing you access to your website? he asked. An OSDE staffer responded that the dashboard was among certain pages on the OSDE website created and apparently maintained by individual employees who are no longer employed at OSDE. Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, asked a host of questions about why school districts are not being notified about their annual federal funding allocations as early in the summer as in previous administrations. Walters and his team responded that the process is a complicated one and that they have to wait for more information to determine how much charter schools and private schools will receive before calculating all other schools allocations. At the conclusion of that agenda item Thursday, Oklahoma State Department of Education Chief Academic Officer Todd Loftin got into a tit-for-tat with Provenzano over the issue. They do know, he told her. No, they dont, Provenzano responded, before the two entered into a lively conversation during the LOFT oversight committees 15-minute break. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY Leadership of the Oklahoma Senate was in limbo on Wednesday following the defeat Tuesday of Ada Republican Sen. Greg McCortney in the primary election. McCortney had been elected by colleagues to be the next president pro tem of the Senate following the departure of Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who was term-limited and could not run for reelection this year. McCortney, who was first elected to the Senate in 2016, emerged as a leader as lawmakers dealt in ensuing years with challenges ranging from serious revenue shortfalls to early regulation of the medical marijuana industry to the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the Senate majority floor leader this year. McCortney was defeated in Tuesdays Senate District 13 GOP primary by Jonathan Wingard, who has served in the Oklahoma National Guard and in active-duty positions in Afghanistan and Kuwait. Currently, Wingard and his wife specialize in breeding red tail boas and ball pythons for sale as pets. With your help we were able to swing the momentum towards common sense conservatism. We will ride this momentum into the state capitol and fight for the kind of representative government that our constitution guarantees us all, Wingard said in a letter celebrating his victory, posted on his campaign website. According to his filing with the state Ethics Commission, Wingard raised $22,613.63 for his campaign. Much more was spent by Advance Right, a political action committee based in Edmond. The group spent $221,952.32 on the primary election in McCortneys district. The money was spent on text blasts, printed mailers, yard signs, TV ads and hiring people to go door-to-door in the district, all to persuade people not to vote for McCortney. Wingard also garnered support from Oklahomans for Health and Parental Rights and the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association. Gun rights activists and parental rights activists have come out in opposition to McCortney before. During the election for the next pro tem in the last session, members from the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association stood outside the meeting room, praying that McCortney would not be elected pro tem designee. McCortneys defeat came as a surprise to many lawmakers. Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, an assistant majority floor leader who also was elected to the Senate in 2016, described him as a classmate who will be missed. She said McCortneys election defeat came as a surprise and that she and others on Wednesday were still processing the news. It wasnt something that was expected, Daniels said. So now everybody is just surveying the landscape and considering the possibilities. She said it was too soon to talk about who might emerge as the next Senate leader. Asked whether she might consider making a run for the pro tem position, she said: Im not prepared to say that. Its too early to say what might happen, but we are going to have a Senate leader, and we will move forward to accomplish good policy for the state. McCortney had been criticized by some lawmakers and others for not advancing certain bills for votes on the Senate floor. Some, including Gov. Kevin Stitt, had hoped that McCortney, Treat and others in the chamber would support a vote on a proposed cut to the states income tax. Wingard has indicated that he would support a personal income tax cut like the one that has been proposed by the governor. Daniels said it was probably a real leap to suggest that McCortneys defeat might make a vote on a tax cut more likely to occur in the Senate in the coming year. Were not talking about policy right now, just moving forward, she said. But Im a fan of tax cuts, and no matter who is serving in that position, thats an issue that isnt going to go away. Senate Majority Whip Casey Murdock, R-Felt, said the change in Senate leadership could make a vote on a tax cut more likely, but he said he didnt think McCortneys position on the issue would have been a primary motivation for most voters. As an incumbent running for reelection, its how you get out and meet people and communicate with them, he said. Its not one issue that will get you unelected. One issue is not enough to take down a pro tem designee. Murdock, who served in the House for two terms beginning in 2014 before being elected to the Senate in 2018, might also be considered a contender for the pro tems position. He declined to comment on that possibility. I think theres still a lot of people in shock trying to figure out what happened. Once the shock wears off, well meet, he said. I think the caucus needs to meet and discuss possibilities for electing a new pro tem designee sooner rather than later. Murdock noted that some incumbent senators still face challengers either in runoff elections or in the states general election, scheduled for November. He said the Senate leader can play an important role in helping them by fundraising, putting together door-knocking teams or otherwise assisting with campaign organization. So we need a leader to step forward, he said. If not before, the GOP will settle on a pro tem nominee during a caucus retreat planned for November. A formal floor vote will be held in January as part of an organizational day at the Capitol. All senators Republicans and Democrats vote on the floor for the upper chambers president pro tem. World staff writer Melissa Jacques contributed to this story. The Tulsa World is where your story lives Oklahoma Primary Election Day 2024 Taxi firms across Vietnam are spending tens of millions of U.S. dollars on new vehicles to help children get to and from school, and drinkers arrive home safe and sound. Dang Thanh Duy, general director of Ho Chi Minh City-based Vinasun, said that the company has invested VND630-650 billion ($24.9 - 25.7 million) this year in 800 hybrid cars, mostly Toyota Yaris and Innova models. Though its fleet has been updated, Vinasun has managed to keep its prices steady. For the first 30km of a trip, Vinasunc charges VND17,400 ($0.69) per kilometer. This fare goes down to VND14,500 ($0.57) from the 31st kilometer forward. Vinasun's current plans also include the purchase of an additional 2,000 Toyota hybrids in 2025. Traditional taxi firms like Vinasun are renewing their fleets in order to compete with EV taxi operators such as Xanh SM and other tech-based ride sharing apps, such as Grab, Be, and Gojek. Mai Linh, another conventional taxi firm in Ho Chi Minh City, also plans to update its fleet. According to company representatives, plans are underway to purchase 10,000 new cars over the next three years, including 2,224 for major markets like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with over 1,000 of these expected to be hybrids. While many firms are opting for hybrids in order to avoid the challenges of charging EVs, others are looking to go fully electric. Mini electric cars are displayed at a showroom in Vietnam. Photo: Cong Trung / Tuoi Tre Some of these companies include MaiLove in north-central Nghe An Province, En Vang in northern Hai Phong City, Lado in Lam Dong Province in the Central Highlands region, and Bach Dai Dung in north-central Ha Tinh Province, all of which boast massive fleets of fully electric cars acquired through outright purchases, leasing, and lease-to-buy agreements. Vo Quoc Binh, a representative of Togo Group JSC in Ho Chi Minh City, said his company has signed a contract to buy 2,000 Wuling Mini EV electric cars to transport people to and from work and children to and from school. Local parents are on the hunt for safe ways to get their children to and from school, Binh said. His firm hopes to solve that problem by offering transportation services to school-aged students at prices ranging from VND3.7 million ($146) to VND4.9 million ($194) per month. In addition, the company will offer free transportation to drinkers who need to be driven home from drinking joints. It plans to work with local businesses to run free pick-up and drop-off services from eateries, restaurants, hotels, and spas. In June 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai issued a dispatch asking the Ministry of Transport to preside over and coordinate with relevant agencies in proposing solutions for supporting transportation companies as they transition to EVs. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Rain or shine, the married women and senior citizens of Dak Doa District in Gia Lai Province do their best to attend an adult literacy class. The students, all of whom are from the Ba Na Mong ethnic minority in Vietnam, begin their studies each day after finishing up work on upland farms. At 7:00 pm on the dot, a local parish priest uses a loudspeaker to call the students to a classroom in the districts Dak Somei Commune. Many of these adult students show up with their children in tow. Once in the classroom, the 60 students spend their time practicing reading and writing under the guidance of Do Huu Quang, a teacher at Dak Somei Elementary school. HNai, 63, is the oldest student in the class, but she refused to let her age get in the way of her diligent writing practice. For her, the process of learning is just as important as the result. After all, at her age, she is no longer under pressure to become literate. Instead, she simply enjoys the happiness of studying that she never had when she was younger. At 50, Voi appears to be one of the fastest learners. His family owns a hectare of coffee trees. Previously, he had to ask friends to write down the names of fertilizers so he could buy the correct products and rely on vendors to sell them at fair prices and weights. Through the class, Voi is now able to focus on becoming increasingly self-sufficient. Duong, a 41-year-old member of the literacy class, practices writing while her four-year-old son sleeps on her back. Photo: T.Luc / Tuoi Tre Duong, a 41-year-old student in the class, usually attends with her four-year-old son. Her husband died of an alcohol addiction two years earlier, leaving her to raise their seven children on her own. Being literate, Duong hopes, will open doors to additional job opportunities to help make ends meet. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Dom, a mother of four, simply hopes being literate will allow her to integrate better with society. Typical administrative tasks, such as completing birth certificates and enrolling her children in school, have been serious obstacles for Dom. She expects to be able to write her children's names. According to Quang, the teacher of the class, only 30 people originally registered for it, but that number has since climbed to 65. All of these students, Quang said, do their best to prioritize the class against the rest of the commitments in their lives. Dak Somei Elementary School and local authorities have opened two literacy classes for a total of 110 residents, according to principal Nguyen Xuan Luan. The Gia Lai Department of Education and Training reported that the province has so far opened 225 literacy classes for 6,200 students. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! RIYADH -- Nearly two million Muslims will reach the end of the haj pilgrimage this week, but extreme heat has proved fatal for hundreds who began the journey last Friday to the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. At least 562 people have died during the haj, according to a Reuters tally based on foreign ministry statements and sources. Egypt alone has registered 307 deaths and another 118 missing, medical and security sources told Reuters, as temperatures at times soared past 51 degrees Celsius (124 Fahrenheit). "It was so harsh and the people cannot bear that type of heat," said Wilayet Mustafa, a Pakistani pilgrim. A witness said bodies lay on the side of the road near Mina, just outside Mecca, covered with the white Ihram cloth - a simple garb worn by pilgrims - until medical vehicles arrived. Climate scientists say such deaths offer a glimpse of what is to come for the tens of millions of Muslims expected in coming decades to undertake the haj. "The haj has been conducted in a certain way for more than 1,000 years now, and it's always been a hot climate," said Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, a scientific advisor at German institute Climate Analytics. "But ... the climate crisis is adding to the severity of the climate conditions". During the haj to the Kaaba, a cube-shaped stone structure at the Grand Mosque, pilgrims perform religious rites as taught by the Prophet Mohammad to his followers 14 centuries ago. Integral parts of the haj, Schleussner said, such as the ritual climb of Mount Arafat, have become "incredibly dangerous to human health." A general view of Mount Al-Noor, where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammad received the first words of the Koran through Gabriel in the Hira cave, ahead of the annual haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 11. Photo: Reuters Situation will worsen The timing of the haj is determined by the lunar year, which sees the pilgrimage move back by 10 days annually. While the haj is now moving towards winter, by the 2040s it will coincide with the peak of summer in Saudi Arabia. "It is going to be very fatal," said Fahad Saeed, a climate scientist at Climate Analytics based in Pakistan. Heat-related deaths along the haj are not new, and have been recorded back to the 1400s. A lack of acclimatization to higher temperature, intense physical exertion, exposed spaces, and an older population makes pilgrims vulnerable. Last year, more than 2,000 people suffered from heat stress, according to Saudi officials. The situation will get much worse as the world warms, scientists said. Saeed and Schleussner published a 2021 study in the journal Environmental Research Letters which found that if the world warms by 1.5C (2.7 F) above pre-industrial levels, heat stroke risk for pilgrims on the haj will be five times greater. The world is on track to reach 1.5 C of warming in the 2030s. "People are very religiously motivated. For some of them, it is a once in a lifetime affair," Saeed said, as each country receives a limited number of slots. "If they get a chance, they go for it." Muslim pilgrims walk with umbrellas on the third day of the Satan stoning ritual, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 18. Photo: Reuters Cool interventions In 2016, Saudi Arabia published a heat strategy that included constructing shaded areas, establishing drinking water points every 500 metres, and improving healthcare capacity. Saudi health authorities warned pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during this haj. Pakistani pilgrim Mustafa said he had to push his 75-year-old mother in a wheelchair. When they tried to rest, they were told by police to keep moving, he said. "I was amazed to see that there were no efforts made by the Saudi government to provide any shelter or any water," Mustafa said. Saudi Arabia's government media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An Egyptian medical source told Reuters the highest death tolls were among pilgrims who were not formally registered with haj authorities and were forced to stay on the streets, exposed to heat. Egyptian pilgrim Sameh Al-Zayni said he received water from Saudi authorities, and a Reuters witness saw Saudi police handing out water and spraying crowds to cool them down. Spraying water is only effective at temperatures below about 35 C (95 F), scientists said. If temperatures are too high, spraying water does not help and can add to the risk in humid conditions when people struggle to shed heat through sweating. Muslim pilgrims cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 18. Photo: Reuters A Muslim pilgrim pours water on his head to cool down from the heat, as he takes part in the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 17. Photo: Reuters Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they perform Tawaf at the Grand Mosque, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 18. Photo: Reuters Muslim pilgrims pray, on the first day of the Satan stoning ritual, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 16. Photo: Reuters Muslim pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 16. Photo: Reuters A woman fans the face of a Muslim pilgrim to cool down as they take part in the Satan stoning ritual, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 18. Photo: Reuters A Muslim pilgrim couple hold hands as they walk with umbrellas at site of the Satan stoning, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia June 18. Photo: Reuters Muslim pilgrims take part in the Satan stoning ritual, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia June 18. Photo: Reuters A man gestures as Muslim pilgrims cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 16. Photo: Reuters Muslim pilgrims drink water during extremely hot weather, on the first day of the Satan stoning ritual, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 16. Photo: Reuters A Muslim pilgrim casts a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 16. Photo: Reuters In Singapore, Dignity Kitchen stands out as a unique restaurant where most of the employees are individuals with disabilities or societal disadvantages, providing them with the opportunity to lead meaningful lives. Since its launch in 2010, Dignity Kitchen has trained over 400 individuals in food preparation, cooking, and service skills. Why 'Dignity'? Koh Seng Choon, an engineer with a college degree from the United Kingdom, had worked in Europe, China, and the United States before returning to Singapore to start a consulting career. Motivated by a desire to help people with disabilities and the disadvantaged, he began community volunteer work before founding Dignity Kitchen in 2006 after realizing that people with disabilities were often underpaid or found it very difficult to secure employment. Dignity Kitchen was conceived as a restaurant that brings together disabled individuals as chefs, waiters, and even delivery personnel. Initially, no one wanted to invest in Koh's project because training regular people to cook is already challenging, and it would be even more so for physically challenged people. Knowing he could not rely on others for funding, Koh mortgaged his property and raised SGD200,000 (US$148,000) to build the first Dignity Kitchen in 2010, four years after he conceived the idea. At first, he wanted the staff, including those with mental health issues or visual impairments, to wear badges identifying them as disabled for customer empathy. "I was a bit idealistic. I thought people would buy food from the disabled... But no one did," Koh said. People came and saw 'mental health' on the badges and turned away." Despite increasing acceptance of people with disabilities in Singapore, the food sector remains sensitive. "They won't buy from people with, for example, blemishes on their hands from dialysis or eczema," Koh told Tuoi Tre News. This is the origin of the name Dignity. We want to attract diners with good food, not charity." People with disabilities coming to Dignity Kitchen are interviewed and then undergo 22 days of training in kitchen procedures and other tasks before being employed. During Tuoi Tre News visit, Dignity Kitchen was bustling with customers, mostly office workers from nearby offices for lunch. The serving area is divided into separate zones such as rice dishes, noodle dishes, Western dishes, and beverages. Customers order at the counter, pay, get a number, and wait for their meal just like at any other restaurant. All employees, despite their limitations, are assigned specific tasks based on their skills and constraints. Many initiatives for people with disabilities After about 10 years of operation, by 2020, Dignity Kitchen had stabilized. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the demand for dine-in services and severely affected its business. The restaurant needed to find alternative sources of income, which meant changing how it trained employees. One of the first technological innovations at Dignity Kitchen began in April 2021 with the Dignity on Wheels project, meaning employees used electric wheelchairs to deliver food to customers within a 1km radius of the restaurant. As an engineer, Koh continued with other technological innovations, such as a robotic waiter service. With Singapore's efforts to produce at least 30 percent of its food supply locally by 2030 and minimize waste, Koh recognized the growing importance of food waste management and urban agriculture. The restaurant built a small farm to train staff in caring for hydroponic vegetables. Realizing that not everyone can be trained for sales jobs, Koh initiated Dignity Mama. This project involves youths with neurological disorders like Down syndrome and their mothers selling second-hand books at local hospitals. The idea is for these youths to learn basic business skills while also providing employment for their mothers. "A mother will never abandon her child," Koh told Tuoi Tre News. Initially, hospitals were not keen on the idea. However, after Dignity Kitchen was featured on a local TV program, hospitals began to support the project. Koh's journey with the social enterprise Dignity Kitchen has been long and challenging, with moments when giving up seemed inevitable. With determination, he has persevered to this day. "There were times when I thought about quitting every day. I'm an engineer, Im not trained in disability services or business operations. But I kept going for the people here," Koh expressed his resolve. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The gang rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl sparked nationwide outrage in France with President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday condemning the "scourge" of anti-Semitism after two 13-year-old boys were charged. Amid recriminations between rival political parties campaigning for a national election later this month, hundreds took part in demonstrations against anti-Semitism in Paris and Lyon. The girl told police she was approached by three boys aged between 12 and 13 whilst in a park near her home in the northwestern Paris suburb of Courbevoie on Saturday evening, police sources said. She was dragged into a shed where the suspects beat her and "forced" her to have sex "while uttering death threats and anti-Semitic remarks", one police source told AFP. The girl said she had been called a "dirty Jew", another police source said. One boy asked her questions about "her Jewish religion" and Israel, the source added, citing the child's statement to investigators. The rape was filmed by one boy and another threatened to kill the girl if she told authorities about her ordeal, police sources said. Hundreds gathered outside Paris city hall to condemn the alleged anti-Semetic gang rape of a 12 year-old girl. Photo: AFP Minors charged A friend who was with her in the park identified two of the attackers and three boys were arrested on Monday. Two of them, both aged 13, were charged on Tuesday with gang rape, anti-Semitic insults and violence, and issuing death threats. They have been taken into custody. The third boy, 12, was charged with anti-Semitic insults and violence and issuing death threats, but not with rape. He was allowed to return home. The prosecution service said in a statement that the accused boys had "expressed regret towards the victim without discussing their implication in the facts" of the case. France has the largest Jewish community of any country outside Israel and the United States as well as Europe's largest Muslim community. There has been a surge in anti-Semitic acts since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel set off the Gaza conflict. "Raped at 12 because she was Jewish", said one banner at a demonstration in central Paris where Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti was among well-known figures to take part. Macron told a cabinet meeting of government ministers that the "scourge of anti-Semitism" was threatening French schools, a source close to the president said. The source said the president called for "dialogue" about racism and hatred of Jews in schools to prevent "hate speech with serious consequences" from "infiltrating" classrooms. Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen, whose National Rally party is tipped to make major gains in the election, slammed the "extreme left" for "stigmatising Jewish people" since the Israel-Hamas conflict started. Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the hard left France Unbowed (LFI) party, who has been accused of minimising the importance of anti-Jewish attacks, condemned "anti-Semitic racism". The head of France's Jewish Central Consistory, Elie Korchia, condemned what he called "a sordid and unworthy sexual crime" while the country's chief rabbi Haim Korsia said he was "horrified" and that "no one should be excused in the face of this unprecedented wave of anti-Semitism". Courbevoie's centre-right mayor Jacques Kossowski condemned "an abject act" and called for the perpetrators to be met with the full force of the law "whatever their age". Anti-Semitic acts in France increased threefold in the first months of 2024 compared to the same period a year ago, official figures show. Of the 1,676 anti-Semitic acts recorded in 2023, 12.7 percent took place in schools. The grandmother of an abused 4-year-old who died after being found with bruises and bitemarks, says the girl's mother failed to protect her. Linda Alvarez says she spent almost every day with her granddaughter, Octavia Aquino, at their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The longest they'd ever spent apart was when Octavia traveled down to Evansville to see her mother, Destiny Rhoades, she said. Alvarez says her son, Octavia's father Brandon, had dropped the little girl off to her mother last Monday and said that the family was unaware that Christian Gonzalez, 16, would be at Rhoades' home. Gonzalez, who is charged with murder, previously admitted to law enforcement that he had bit the child but only after "she bit him first." "If we had known that he was even there, she never would've gone down there," said Octavia's uncle, Caleb Aquino told WFIE-TV. Caleb alleges Gonzalez had hurt Octavia prior to the fatal incident. Alvarez, who also has a 2-year-old grandson from her son Caleb, details the toll the tragic death has taken on their family. "He kept saying, 'Daddy, when is Octavia coming over to play with me?' and we don't know how to explain that to a 2-year-old, that his cousin is not going to play with him anymore." Octavia's family says they donated her organs to help save another child. "We figured that she could be a miracle for someone else," Alvarez said to the TV station. "I just don't know what life is going to be like without her anymore." Officers described the 4-year-old as being "cold to the touch" and with "very little brain activity" when they discovered her in the home. "It's obvious that this was dealt to her by another human," said Evansville Police Officer Taylor Merriss. Officials will perform an autopsy to determine how Octavia died. Following an autopsy, the four-year-old will be transported back to Fort Wayne for burial. The family has since set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. Russia is assisting Vietnam in developing the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center project, including the building of a 10MW research nuclear reactor and relevant human resource training, the Vietnam Institute of Atomic Energy (VINATOM) has announced. Tran Chi Thanh, director of VINATOM, under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), made the announcement recently, adding that this is the first time Vietnam has implemented a project to build a large-capacity nuclear research reactor. The project is being deployed with the support of Russias State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM), on the basis of the Intergovernmental Agreement signed in 2011 between Hanoi and Moscow on building a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam, Thanh said. The center is expected to replace the current Da Lat nuclear reactor, located in Da Lat City of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, to promote nuclear applications to contribute to the Southeast Asian countrys socio-economic development, the official stated. Expected to be located in southern Vietnams Dong Nai Province, the new nuclear reactor, with a capacity of 10MW, will focus on irradiation material science, biological science, radioisotopes, reactor engineering, and radiation safety, to name a few. In order to facilitate the verification and appraisal of a feasibility study, safety analysis reports, and design documents for the project, the MST has asked ROSATOM to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese officials to engage in implementing the basic design of the reactor and relevant safety calculations and analyses. ROSATOM has also been supporting Vietnam in training research reactor operators, Thanh said. In order to effectively implement the project, the MST has assigned VINATOM to build highly specialized groups on nuclear reactor physics, radioisotope production, materials research, nuclear activation research and analysis, nuclear safety, and environmental protection, among others. The MST has also launched a plan to prepare qualified human resources for safely and effectively operating the new nuclear reactor upon its operation, stated Thanh. VINATOM and its Russian partner will speed up the execution of the project to ensure its progress and efficiency in compliance with regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Previously, VINATOM signed agreements on cooperation in research and staff training in related atomic energy fields with two other Russian partners, namely the National Research Nuclear University and Tomsk Polytechnic Research University in December 2023 and October 2017, respectively. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said during his visit to Vietnam in April 2023 that Russia was ready to participate in building a nuclear power plant in Vietnam. Russias TASS news agency quoted Chernyshenko as saying that nuclear power can play an important role in ensuring Vietnam's energy sovereignty and helping the nation achieve its goals of combating climate change. Russia is ready to participate and support Vietnam if Hanoi decides to build a high or low capacity nuclear power plant, he said during the visit, which included meetings with leaders of VINATOM and Vietnams nuclear energy industry insiders. Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko on Wednesday emphasized that Russia attaches importance to efforts to combat climate change and in equitable energy transition, affirming its readiness to cooperate with Vietnam in clean energy development and the decarbonization of the economy. The ambassador stated that, as one of the world's leading countries in this field, Russia is ready to provide Vietnam with the most modern technologies for clean, reliable, and stable electricity. He noted that nuclear power, chosen by many Asian countries as an alternative to traditional energy sources, is at the forefront of these technologies. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese and Russian governments, agencies, ministries, sectors, and universities signed 11 cooperation documents on Thursday on the occasion of Russian President Vladimir Putins state visit to the Southeast Asian nation. Vietnamese State President To Lam and his Russian counterpart witnessed the signing after their talks. Speaking at a press briefing the same day, State President Lam affirmed that the talks between him and President Putin took place in an open-minded and heartfelt mood. The state leader highly valued the visit by the Russian president, which concluded the same day, underlining that it was taken when Vietnam and Russia mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between the two nations (June 16). The head of the Vietnamese state reaffirmed that Vietnam is determined to follow the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, diversification, and multilateralism, while being ready to make friends with countries around the world for peace, stability, cooperation, and development. Vietnam always remembers Russia's support and sees Moscow as one of the priorities in its diplomatic activities, he stressed. Vietnams State President To Lam delivers his speech at a press briefing in Hanoi on June 20, 2024 after his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Russias President Vladimir Putin delivers his speech at a press briefing in Hanoi on June 20, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre At the press conference, the Russian president underscored that Russia attaches much significance to the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam. Before the press briefing, the presidents of Vietnam and Russia witnessed the exchanges of 11 cooperation documents between the two sides. Among them were a treaty between the Vietnamese and Russian governments in higher education, a 2024-25 cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and the Russian Ministry of Justice, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on developing a nuclear science and technology research center in Vietnam between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and Russias Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation. Other documents were an MoU between the Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center and Russias Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare in developing disease prevention and fighting lab infrastructure, an investment registration certificate for Russian oil and gas company Zarubezhneft, a cooperation deal between the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), and an agreement between Hanoi University and RANEPA. The rest were a deal between the Vietnam National University - Hanoi and Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), an agreement between the Vietnam National University - Hanoi and the National Research University Higher School of Economics, an MoU between Vietnam Oil and Gas Group and Russias Novatek, and an MoU between BVIM Fund Management JSC and Russian Direct Investment Fund. Many deals were signed during Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to Vietnam on June 20, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the latest news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his entourage arrived in Hanoi at 2:00 am on Thursday, starting his state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong. -- State President To Lam on Wednesday cabled a message of congratulations to Slovak President Peter Pellegrini on the occasion of his inauguration, reported the Vietnam News Agency. Society -- A low pressure area is forecast to form in the East Vietnam Sea this weekend and then might strengthen into a tropical depression, according to the national weather center. -- Authorities in Vinh Long Province, southern Vietnam have declared a state of land collapse emergency along a bank of the Mang Thit River in Tan An Luong Commune, Vung Liem District. A 60-meter-long section of the riverbank experienced an instance of severe land collapse on June 7. -- As many as 70 people tested positive for illicit drugs after police in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam raided a bar in the heart of Hue City on June 10, an officer said on Wednesday. -- Police in Kon Tum Province, located in the Central Highlands region, said on Wednesday that they had launched legal proceedings against a 28-year-old man for alleged asset appropriation as he sold Chinese ginseng while introducing the product as Vietnams Ngoc Linh ginseng. -- A fire erupted at a 1,000-square-meter incense powder production facility on Tran Van Giau Street in Pham Van Hai Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday afternoon, killing two people. -- Nearly 65,800 Vietnamese laborers went abroad for work between January and May, meeting 52 percent of the full-year target. Of the total, some 35,000 workers traveled to Japan, according to the Department of Overseas Labor under the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Foreign tourists still visit Hanois renowned trackside cafe street for photography despite a recent incident where a female visitor, standing on the tracks for photos, was pulled to safety just moments before a train arrived. They defy warning signs prohibiting gatherings set up at the entrances of the railway-side cafe street, located in Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, to experience its unique vibes. Even in the sweltering heat, seats at these coffee shops are consistently occupied. When Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers reporter arrived at the venue on Wednesday, some security guards appeared to deter further intrusion upon the railway tracks. Despite this, many foreign tourists lingered but eventually left, deciding to return later. Foreign tourists wait for trains at a coffee shop on the trackside cafe street in Hanoi. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre This happened after a video of a woman rushing onto the tracks to pose for photos while a train was approaching went viral on social media on Tuesday morning. The case was later identified to have happened on another section of the trackside cafe street where coffee shops are just inches from the active railway in Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District on Monday. Before the train approached, residents and owners of the coffee shops there asked visitors to sit in safe places. However, the woman suddenly ran to the tracks and stood on them to pose for pictures. P.N.H., a resident of Hang Bong Ward, immediately pushed her off of the tracks. Foreign tourists wait for trains at a coffee shop on the trackside cafe street in Hanoi. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Subsequently, the ward administration fined H. VND7.5 million (US$296) for operating his cafe, which hosted the woman, without proper business permission. The administration in Hoan Kiem District later asked the authorities in Hang Bong, Cua Nam, Cua Dong, Hang Ma, and Dong Xuan Wards, through which the railway passes, to enhance patrols and strictly levy sanctions against those encroaching on the railway safety corridor. In April 2023, the Hanoi Department of Tourism issued a directive prohibiting access to the venues, yet independent tourists continue to flock to these areas. Railroad tracks snake through several crowded neighborhoods across four districts of Hanoi, including Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hai Ba Trung. These areas have established a reputation as famous destinations for tourists hoping to snap a photo of the narrow railway lined with houses and cafes. Foreign tourists pose for photos on the tracks down the railway-side cafe street in Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre The coffee shops butting against the tracks offer visitors the unique experience of sipping a cup of coffee while staying alert to incoming trains. According to a local cafe owner, the trackside cafe street sees a daily influx of international visitors who find ways to get into the banned section and take photos whenever security guards are not present. All cafe owners here are highly conscious of their responsibility to ensure tourist safety," said the cafe owner. The incident where the woman rushed onto the tracks when a train was approaching was a rare occurrence, and she was promptly pulled to safety. A Vietnamese-English sign warns against entering the trackside cafe street in Hanoi. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Each shop provides a train schedule for visitors, ensuring they are aware of train timings. Ten minutes before a trains arrival, shops clear tables and chairs, instructing customers to stand orderly. The proprietor urged local authorities to implement suitable management practices to allow the trackside cafes to operate safely, emphasizing its role as a significant attraction for foreign visitors to Hanoi. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The administration in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City has fined a so-called blind dating coffee shop upwards of VND18 million (US$712) for various administrative violations in the wake of the public's negative sentiment against its discreet mirror installation. The coffee shop, located on Nguyen Trai Street in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, had earlier come under fire for installing one-way mirrors that allowed men to see the women they were talking to, but not vice versa. A leader of the district told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that officials had fined H.T.A.D., the owner of Mina Dating Cafe, VND3.5 million ($138.4) for failing to sign employment contracts with its staff. The coffee shop was also subjected to a fine of VND12.5 million ($494.2) for providing catering services without a food safety certificate, and VND2.25 million ($88.8) for not organizing training courses in fire prevention and control and rescue. A post about the coffee shop caused controversies on social media earlier this month as the cafe placed men and women in separate rooms divided by a piece of glass. Each gender was told the other could not see them. They were given five minutes to chat and decide if they would pair up or not. In fact, the cafe used one-way mirrors that enabled men to see the women on the other side, whereas the females were essentially looking at themselves in the mirror. Apart from the one-way window, mens seats were considerably lower than womens, allowing the men to see the lower parts of the female bodies. As a result, authorities in Ben Thanh Ward inspected the coffee shop, with the fines ensuing. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Bien Hoa National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam wrote to the Ministry of Health on Sunday last week, asking for help with staff as many leaders and doctors at the institute had been either arrested or summoned for investigation into psychiatric assessment for several offenders and violators. Nguyen Van Duc, deputy head of the institute, said in a dispatch sent to the ministry that 13 executives and doctors, including two retirees, at the institution had been detained and summoned for the investigation by the Criminal Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security. Police searched the residences of Le Van Hung, head of the institute, and Dr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, deputy head of the institute in charge of professional aspects. Among the doctors involved in the probe are Nguyen Van Trong, head of the Department of Compulsory Therapy for Men 1, Ha Ngoc Khanh at the department, Nguyen Thi Huyen, head of the Department of Compulsory Therapy for Men 4, and Pham Van Thang, deputy head of the Department of Compulsory Therapy for Men 4. Other detainees include Dr. Ly Thi Hoai Nam, head of the Department of Treatment on Request, Lam Thi Anh Hong from the Assessment Department, Dr. Nguyen Van Thanh, deputy head of the Department of Compulsory Therapy for Women, Dr. Dang Quoc Tuyen, head of the general planning department, and Dr. Truong Thi Xuan Uyen, deputy head of the Department of Compulsory Therapy for Men 2. Dr. Le Van Hung, head of the Bien Hoa National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, was arrested for his involvement in psychiatric assessment for several violators. Photo: Supplied Police officers also launched legal proceedings against Dr. Bui The Hung, former head of the institute, while summoning Dr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, former head of the general planning department and head of the Assessment Department. The institute is in a state of emergency over a shortage of workers, said Duc. Related to the alleged wrongdoings at the institute, the Criminal Police Department is expanding their investigation. A preliminary probe showed that the above-mentioned individuals got involved in forensic psychiatric assessment for multiple patients, who committed crimes and violations. Among them was Tran Thi My Hien, a 61-year-old resident of Ho Chi Minh City, who is former director of Royal Gold Land Service - Trading Company. Hien was arrested and charged for asset misappropriation at several firms in October 2019 by Ho Chi Minh City police. During the investigation, her family submitted her psychiatric record showing that she was mentally ill. Therefore, police in Ho Chi Minh City asked a forensic psychiatric assessment center in the city under the institute to examine her. The institute concluded that Hien lost the ability to perceive and control behavior. Investigators also had the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry in Hanoi conduct an examination on her. In September 2020, the central institute returned the same result as the Dong Nai-based institute. As a result, police officers in Ho Chi Minh City sent Hien to the Bien Hoa Institute of Forensic Psychiatry for compulsory treatment. However, she ran away from the institute in March this year. She was recaptured and resent to the institute for continued treatment in May. Local media reported that investigators concluded Hien's escape resulted from some officials at the institute failing to follow the required procedures for patients undergoing compulsory treatment. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Australian-UK prodco See-Saw Films has announced three new appointments across London and Sydney offices. Ana Jimenez (pictured left) becomes a Development Producer based in the Sydney office reporting to Head of Film and Television, Liz Watts and working with Development Executive, Nicola Freedman. She joins from Fremantle Australia, where she was developing a slate of television shows, including producing the first two seasons of Heartbreak High. Liz Watts said Ana has quickly become an invaluable member of the Sydney See-Saw TV and Film Slate. We feel very lucky to have Anas integrity, experience and smarts on script and are delighted to have her as Development Producer. BAFTA-winning producer Lisa Gilchrist (centre) will work as part of the team of Executive Producers in the London office. Executive Producer Luke Franklin (right) who has been consulting for the company for the last year, will be working between Los Angeles and London, focusing on returning factual series. Both report to Helen Gregory, See-Saws Creative Director. Helen Gregory said Were delighted to welcome Luke and Lisa and the different perspectives they bring to the See-Saw UK slate. Lukes experience of working with companies outside the UK is a fresh exciting lens on our work, and Lisas expertise in factual drama is a fantastic addition to the team. See-Saws TV output includes Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Heartstopper (Netflix) and upcoming titles such as Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix), Sweetpea (Sky) and Grown Ups (Netflix). Lisa Gilchrist is a BAFTA-winning producer who has developed and produced a number of hard-hitting and critically acclaimed dramas. Lisa joins from Plimsoll Productions, where she was Head of Drama, and her slate included a number of high profile factual stories for drama as well the development of original, returning series. Lisas past projects include See No Evil: The Moors Murders which won the BAFTA for Best Drama; Mo starring Julie Walters for which Walters won a BAFTA and International Emmy for her performance as Mo Mowlam; Appropriate Adult which won three BAFTAS for the performances of Dominic West, Emily Watson and Monica Dolan; and The Moorside starring Sheridan Smith and Siobhan Finneran which was BAFTA nominated as Best Mini-Series. Prior to joining See-Saw, Luke Franklin established and ran the London office of Swedish company Yellow Bird, where he oversaw the development, green light and production of the first season of Henning Mankell crime drama Young Wallander (Netflix), and The Playlist (Netflix), a limited series about the battle for the soul of the music business in the early days of streaming. Before that, Luke worked across development and production at Frank Spotnitzs Big Light Productions, on The Man In the High Castle (Amazon) and two seasons of Ransom, a CBS procedural about a team of hostage negotiators. SKY News journalist Cheng Lei was this week blocked from the view of cameras by a Chinese official during a media event at Parliament House. She was also blocked from attending an event involving the Chinese Premier and Opposition leader Peter Dutton. The Australian government has complained to the Chinese embassy. Ms Cheng spent three years behind bars in China before returning home to Australia last year. Richard J.V. Johnson, longtime Chronicle publisher, read to kids at Houston's Franklin Elementary on October 18, 1999. Johnson, who died in 2006 at the age of 75, will be inducted to the Texas Newspaper Hall of Fame on Friday. Gina Gayle/Houston Chronicle Then-Gov. Rick Perry, left, and Richard J.V. Johnson, then-chairman of the Houston Chronicle, at a civic event in 2001. Johnson on Friday will be inducted to the Texas Newspaper Hall of Fame. Steve Ueckert/Houston Chronicle Richard J.V. "Dick" Johnson, longtime publisher of the Houston Chronicle, on Friday will be inducted posthumously into the Texas Press Association's Texas Newspaper Hall of Fame. The honor, which will take place during the association's annual meeting in College Station, recognizes Johnson's record of community service in Houston, as well as his career at the Chronicle. Johnson helped lead the Chronicle through the tumult of the 1980s oil bust and its sale in 1987 to the Hearst Corp. Johnson died in 2006 at the age of 75. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Johnson was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on Sept. 22, 1930, moving to the United States with his family when he was 7 and to Houston at age 11. He met his wife of more than 50 years, the late Belle Griggs, when they were students at San Jacinto High School. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1952 with a degree in business and serving in the U.S. Army until 1954, Johnson returned to Houston to start his career in newspapers. He joined the Houston Chronicle in 1956, when Belle was expecting the first of their two children. He started out as a copywriter in the Chronicle's promotions department, and worked his way up the ranks: In 1973, he was named president of the Chronicle and in 1987 he became publisher, a position he held until 2000, when he became chairman. "Dick was a terrific mentor, extremely caring for all the people who worked for him, and did it all with a great sense of humor," said Jack Sweeney, who succeeded Johnson as publisher in 2000 and held the position until 2012. "He let me do my job of driving advertising revenue for the paper, but was always there when I needed his counsel." Sweeney recalled that Johnson had recruited him to the Chronicle in 1980 as its advertising director, two years before the oil bust devastated the Houston economy. "We went from 120 pages of help-wanted ads on Sunday to 20. Everybody was affected in Houston, all businesses," Sweeney said. As president of the Chronicle, then owned by the Houston Endowment, Johnson helped engineer the sale of the paper to Hearst, a privately held company then led by his friend Frank A. Bennack Jr. Hearst is still the Chronicle's parent company. After becoming publisher, Johnson helped the paper navigate major changes in the newspaper industry. During his tenure, the Chronicle became a morning paper and then Houston's only major daily newspaper, after the Houston Post closed in 1995. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition, Johnson was deeply involved in civic work, supporting institutions such as the Houston Food Bank, the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. He helped start the Houston READ Commission, dedicated to erasing illiteracy, and served as chair of the board of directors of the Texas Medical Center. "I think Dick Johnson was a giant in Houston affairs," former Mayor Bob Lanier said when Johnson died. "He was a force on so many issues that he worked on for the betterment of the city." "While I did not work with Dick, his legacy and leadership lives on in Houston and the Houston Chronicle," said Nancy Meyer, who became publisher and president of the Chronicle in 2021. "He understood the significance of the publisher role as a community leader and a businessman." "He was Mr. Houston," Sweeney said. "He was involved in every big decision and initiative in the city." By Maria Martinez SEOUL (Reuters) - Germany's economy minister touches down in South Korea on Thursday in the first leg of a trip to Asia, seeking to deepen ties with the region's fourth-largest economy as Berlin aims to "de-risk" its trade exposure to China. That is a goal Seoul shares: both export-focused nations are keen to broaden their network of commercial allies amid trade concerns, including China's increasingly assertive attitude and the growing protectionism of the United States. "Our goal is to deepen cooperation in the areas of business, economic security and climate, as well as tapping into new potential," Robert Habeck said of his Korean mission before flying out. The Seoul leg comes before Habeck flies on to China, with whom Germany did some 250 billion euros ($268.68 billion) worth of trade last year. There he will aim to explain the European Union's move to impose steep tariffs on Chinese cars that has raised fears of a trade war. While not on the same scale as Germany's commercial links with China, South Korean-German ties are well established. Germany's direct investment in South Korea amounted to 15.1 billion euros in 2022. According to the last Business Confidence Survey of the Chamber of Commerce, 38% of the German companies in Korea expect sales to increase in the next two years and half of them plan to increase investment in the country. Trade between both countries was at 34 billion euros ($36 billion) last year. Of that, German exports totalled some 20 billion - making South Korea its third-largest non-EU export destination after China and the United States. Those exports mainly comprise cars and automotive parts, representing a third of its goods sold to South Korea. Chemical and pharmaceutical products are another important export. German and Korean companies compete in many sectors, like the automotive sector. At the same time, they collaborate when it comes to research and development in e-mobility or hydrogen. Specifically, South Korean companies are strong when it comes to semiconductors or batteries, while other inputs within the supply chain of their products come from German firms. "South Korean) consumers are interested in getting high-end and constantly new products, but also companies here are often ready to pay for the top and latest technology for production or as an element in their products," said Martin Henkelmann, head of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce. BALANCING ACT German automotive supplier Continental started its operations in South Korea in 1986 and now has seven locations in the country, with a total of 1,300 employees. While China remains a key market for Continental - which employs 18,000 people and derives no less that 11% of group sales there - South Korea is a major part of its diversification strategy in the region. "We have a network of production in Asia doing similar products, similar processes," Martin Kueppers, CEO of Continental Korea, told Reuters. "Then you are not depending on just one location." German officials see evidence their South Korean peers have a common interest in developing ties. Seoul is notably working on cutting dependencies on critical products, with a 10-point plan for industrial supply chains unveiled at the end of 2023. Analyst Katharina Viklenko at Germany Trade & Invest said South Korea's geographical proximity to China meant it had close trade ties with the world's second-largest economy. At the same time, its defence alignment with the United States and the tensions that created with Beijing meant its whole trade policy was a "balancing act", she said. ($1 = 0.9349 euros) ($1 = 0.9305 euros) (Reporting by Maria Martinez; editing by Mark John and Sharon Singleton) Montenegro braces for the first heatwave of the summer Montenegro braces for the first heatwave of the summer BELGRADE (Reuters) - People braving scorching temperatures sought relief in Belgrade's Ada Ciganlija lake, fountains and cafes on Thursday while the Serbian government ordered employers to protect outdoor workers from the heatwave. Meteorologists forecast temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) throughout Serbia this week as winds from North Africa pushed a hot and dry front across the Balkans. Health authorities and meteorologists declared a "red" weather alert and advised people not to venture outside. Belgrade's emergency service said its doctors intervened more than 100 times overnight, mainly treating people with heart and chronic conditions. The Ministry of Labour and Employment told employers to organise outdoor work in such a way to avoid heavy physical labour and direct exposure to sun. "I believe this is all due to climate change causing such temperatures," said 23-year-old student Vojislav Sumenkovic. In neighbouring Montenegro, where health authorities also warned people to shelter out of the sun until late afternoon, tens of thousands of tourists flocked to Adriatic beaches, including the Ada Bojana resort on the border with Albania. "It (heat) is kind of challenging, but we are in the water, on the beach," said Kolya, 35, a tourist from Germany. In Greece on Wednesday, firefighters fought wildfires near Athens that forced dozens to flee their homes, and authorities said they believed the flames were the result of arson as well as hot, dry conditions. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; editing by Mark Heinrich) Why pick on us? Cyprus perplexed by Hezbollah threats A man rides his bicycle outside the Panagia Faneromeni church in Nicosia A man rides his bicycle outside the Panagia Faneromeni church in Nicosia By Yiannis Kourtoglou and Marinos Meletiou NICOSIA (Reuters) -Cyprus reacted with incredulity on Thursday to warnings from Lebanon's Hezbollah that the island could be dragged into conflict if tensions with Israel blew up into a fully-fledged war. The EU member state closest to the Middle East, Cyprus was caught off guard by comments from Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Wednesday that the island could be a target if it permitted Israel to use its military facilities in the event of an attack on Lebanon. "The Republic of Cyprus is in no way involved in war conflict," Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides responded, describing Nasrallah's comments as "not pleasant". The EU also weighed in. "Any threats against our member state are threats against the EU," a spokesperson said. Lebanon's government appeared to try to contain any possible fallout from Nasrallah's comments. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati contacted Christodoulides on Thursday to thank him for his measured diplomatic response, referring to Christodoulides as a "dear friend", a Cypriot source said. Foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib also spoke to his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos to highlight Lebanon's "continued reliance" on the role Cyprus has played in regional stability, according to a statement by Bou Habib's office. A Lebanese diplomatic source told Reuters that the two had spoken "to clarify matters" but did not elaborate on how Lebanese officials had specifically addressed Nasrallah's threats. Officials in Nicosia made clear they did not want to pursue the matter further. NATO member Greece, a key ally, said Cyprus and its people had its unwavering support. "The threat of use of violence is a flagrant violation of the U.N. Charter," it said on X. NEUTRAL IN SEA OF CONFLICT Cyprus has always viewed itself as above Middle Eastern politics and offered sanctuary to tens of thousands of Lebanese fleeing civil war in the 1970s and 80s. It has lobbied its EU partners to offer Lebanon financial assistance, and recently set up a maritime corridor to dispatch humanitarian aid to famine-threatened Palestinians in Gaza. "Cyprus is a credible enabler of stability, and an acknowledged regional hub for humanitarian operations, based on excellent relations with all the countries in the region," said government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis. But it also comes against the backdrop of improved Cyprus ties with Israel, and the more visible involvement of British sovereign bases on the island in military operations in Syria and more recently, Yemen. The Israeli air force is also known to conduct exercises in Cyprus's airspace, and in recent years the two countries have conducted joint military drills. Cypriots in the divided capital Nicosia said people had enough to deal with from the lingering complications of Turkey's invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974 after a brief Greek-inspired coup. "Last night when I heard about the news, yes, I was worried," said Filios Christodoulou, 84. Others were unfazed. "We have nothing to do with this war," Stella Patatini, 62, said. "On the contrary, we are helping peace in the region and assistance to the Palestinians so I feel safe in Cyprus." (Reporting by Michele Kambas, Marinos Meletiou and Yiannis Kourtoglou in Nicosia; Additional reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut; Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alistair Bell and Andrew Heavens) Everyone met actor Dev Patel in 2008 when he debuted in the hit film Slumdog Millionaire. Since then, the British actor has been charming audiences in every movie genre. From medieval horror in The Green Knight to romantic comedies in The Second Best Marigold Hotel, Patel is one brilliant and talented actor as versatile as they come. Throughout his years in front of the camera, Dev had the burning itch to get behind the big rig and make his own movie with Monkey Man. With the help of Jordan Peele (Get Out), and Patel's passion for action movies, Monkey Man is a solid first effort despite its glaring narrative issues. It's easy to see how much Patel loved the John Wick franchise in Monkey Man which follows someone's revenge story with killer action sequences that are highly creative and brutally violent. With a two-hour run-time, Patel should have shaved 30 minutes off and focused on the simplistic nature of a son seeking revenge on his murdered mother, however, he had much more to say about the politics and social climate in India that muddied the storied waters in his freshman debut. The groundwork and setup are on display but the execution and shameful slow pace keeps Monkey Man from thriving, which is a bummer because the action sequences are excellent. Patel stars as Kid, a man who witnessed his mother raped and murdered long ago by some very nasty and corrupt people. He'll never let it go. As he grows up he works under disguise to get closer to those responsible. He works his way up into the seedy underbelly of India through a high-end social club where he puts his revenge plan in motion. It takes a bit to get to the first action scene here, where the editing is a bit frenetic and off-the-wall, however, its welcome ferocity livens up the narrative which is why everybody is here in the first place - the action. Kid doesn't know how to be a stealthy assassin, flubbing his attempt at revenge, and is left for dead in the river. He survives and finds himself at a temple that nurses him back to health and teaches him how to fight for real. After he confronts his past and the trauma of seeing his mother murdered, he is ready to make that violent leap again. This time, he means business that results in the big, long climactic action scene that people have been talking about. This is where Patel shines, using the camera to immerse his audience inside the fight rather than an outsider. Being in the center of a punch, a knife attack, and flipping with Patel as he doest danger is remarkable on screen and can rival some of the better action moments of John Wick. But where the movie fails is the slog of a story that it tries to tell compellingly in its overtly long runtime. Bringing in the corruption of the police in India, the class system, and poverty was a bit too much to handle for Patel where it seemed he tried to throw everything and the kitchen sink into his first movie. It would have been served up better just focusing on the revenge and battling his demons this go-around. But Patel is a star through and through. Not only could he bring dance moves into his first feature film and his comedic chops into others, but, in this movie, he challenges himself with being an action star and he succeeds at selling how vicious he can truly be with his body and weapons. Monkey Man is a solid first effort and if Patel can understand the mechanics of a story, his sophomore effort will be knocked out of the park. Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Monkey Man fights its way to 4K + Blu-ray + Digital Code via Universal. The two discs are housed inside a hard, black plastic case with a cardboard sleeve. The artwork features a red, bloodied Patel in purple neon lighting looking angry. There is an insert for a digital code. It says this is a Collector's Edition, however, there is NOTHING collector about it. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 'Barbarism': Jamiat condemn mob lynching of Muslims in Aligarh, Raipur Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Thursday condemned the recent incidents of mob violence in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh Thursday June 20, 2024 11:10 PM , ummid.com News Network [Image generated by AI for representation purpose.] New Delhi: Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Thursday condemned the recent incidents of mob violence in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Emphasizing that the barbaric acts like mob lynching have no place in any civilized society, Mahmood Madani called for strict and immediate action against the perpetrators to ensure justice and reiterated the government's responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens. In a statement following the tragic incident in Aligarh, where 35-year-old Farid, alias Aurangzeb, was brutally attacked by a mob while returning home, Maulana Madani expressed deep sorrow and anger. Despite the prompt intervention by the police, Farid sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Malkhan Singh Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Six individuals have been arrested based on CCTV footage so far. Maulana Madani urged the Uttar Pradesh government to expedite the investigation and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice without delay. Maulana Madani also called for necessary assistance and reasonable compensation for the victim's family. He appealed to all communities to remain calm and seek justice through legal measures, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of justice and peace to prevent such incidents from dividing the country and its people. In the wake of this tragic event, a delegation from Jamiat district unit, along with other civil organisations, met with the victim's family to offer condolences and express solidarity. Under the chairmanship of Jamiat Ulama Aligarh President Mufti Akbar Qasmi, a meeting was held to review the situation and a five-member committee was formed to oversee the case and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. The delegation included Maulana Khalid Qasmi, Maulana Riaz, Omar Bhai, Hafiz Umair, Hafiz Aslam, and Haji Omar. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. A family of instructors from the Yong-In Taekwondo dojo in west Harris County were lauded for saving a woman from an assault on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Courtesy/Harris County Sheriff's Office A family of martial arts teachers was lauded by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on Wednesday, after they stepped in to help a woman being assaulted near their Katy-area business. In a post on X, Gonzalez said a group of instructors from the Yong-In Tae Kwon Do studio on Fry Road in west Harris County leapt into action after hearing yelling next door to their business. MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: 12-year-old girl found dead in Houston creek identified Advertisement Article continues below this ad When they investigated, the group found a man attempting to sexually assault a female, Gonzalez said. The instructors pulled the woman away, and then defended themselves against the man, who had turned on them, Gonzalez said. By utilizing their training and discipline, they managed to stop the assault and hold him, Gonzalez wrote. They were still holding him down when deputies arrived at the disturbance call. Messages left at the martial arts business werent returned on Wednesday. In an interview with NBC News, one of the instructors, Simon An, said the foiled attack happened around 4 p.m. Tuesday, not long after the studio opened for evening classes. An, his parents and two siblings heard a woman screaming and ran into the neighboring business to investigate, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ans father held the man down for 10 minutes, he said. The business' website describes the studios founder, Han An, as a grand master, eighth-degree blackbelt and former instructor to South Korean Marine Corps, as well as a master in sword fighting. Gonzalez later identified the man as Alex Robinson, 19, of Katy. Robinson was charged with a count of attempted sexual assault and was being held in the Harris County Jail. According to court records, Robinson is accused of choking the woman, touching her breast and ordering her to take her clothes off. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Govt cancels UGC NET June 2024 conducted by NTA amid reports of paper leak In yet another setback for students, the Ministry of Education Wednesday cancelled the UGC NET June 2024 conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) amid the reports alleging paper leaks Thursday June 20, 2024 11:52 AM , ummid.com News Network [This is AI generated image.] New Delhi: In yet another setback for students, the Ministry of Education Wednesday cancelled the UGC NET June 2024 conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) amid the reports alleging paper leaks. The Ministry of Education announced the cancellation of the exam a day after the NTA claimed successfully conducting the UGC NET for which a total of 908,580 candidates had appeared on Tuesday June 18, 2024. The UGC NET June 2024 exam was conducted in pen and paper mode as against online mode held till the last year. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination in OMR (pen and paper) mode on 18th June, 2024 in two shifts across different cities of the country. On 19th June, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima-facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised. To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) for thorough investigation in the matter, the Ministry of Education said in a statement. The ministry does not specifically mentioned paper leak, however there are certain reports that the UGC NET papers were leaked before the exam. The National Testing Agency is silent on the latest development and the last update on the NTA website regarding UGC NET is a release dated June 18, 2024 which talks about successfully conducting the exam. NTA continues to face NEET heat The governments decision to cancel the UGC NET 2024 exam came amidst the allegations of paper leak, malpractice and irregularities in the medical entrance NEET UG 2024 conducted by the NTA in May this year. Close to 24 lakh students from India and abroad appeared for the NEET UG 2024. The NTA claimed the exam ended successfully without any irregularities, however cases of malpractice in NEET UG were filed in Gujarat and Bihar where the state police have also made some arrests. The NEET UG 2024 is also facing legal hurdles as a number of petitions are due for a judgement in the Supreme Court of India where the judges have made some harsh comments against the NTA. Even as the hearing on the petition over irregularities in NEET UG was still on, the Education Ministry decided to invalidate the grace marks awarded to some 1,563 students who appeared for the exam at a centre in Haryana. Commenting on the NEET UG exams, the Ministry of Education said: In the matter pertaining to the NEET (UG) Examination-2024, the issue related to grace marks has already been fully addressed. As regards certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. Government will take further action, on receipt of this report. Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/organization found to be involved in this matter will face strictest action. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home KEAM 2024: Candidates' Response, Final Answer Key Published The Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Government Kerala has released the Final Answer Key of KEAM 2024 along with Candidates' Response (OMR Sheet) on its official website cee.kerala.gov.in Thursday June 20, 2024 11:37 PM , ummid.com News Network [AI Generated Image for Representation Purpose.] KEAM 2024 Answer Key: The Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Government Kerala has released the Final Answer Key of KEAM 2024 along with Candidates' Response (OMR Sheet) on its official website cee.kerala.gov.in. KEAM is the entrance examination conducted for admission in Engineering, Pharmacy and Agriculture. The CEE Kerala released Answer Keys and Candidates' Response (OMR Sheet) for the exam held for Engineering and Pharmacy. KEAM 2024 Entrance Examination for Engineering and Pharmacy were held from June 05 to 10, 2024 at different centres in Kerala and in Mumbai, New Delhi and Dubai. Direct Link to download KEAM 2024 Answer Key, OMR Sheet Click here to go to official website candidate portal: www.cee.kerala.in . . Login using Application no, Password and Access Code. Click on Login button. Click on the given link to download KEAM 2024 Answer Key and Candidates Response in PDF. CEE Kerala has published the final answer key for both the papers held as part of the entrance exam KEAM 2024 in a single PDF file. The KEAM 2023 Provisional Answer Keys of the Engineering/Pharmacy Computer Based Entrance Examination (CBT) were published in the website www.cee.kerala.gov.in on June 10, 2024. The CEE Kerala said few complaints regarding the questions/answer keys had been received and the same were examined by Expert Committees constituted for the purpose. "KEAM 2024 Result date" Following the release of KEAM Answer Key, CEE Kerala will now release the result any time. The CEE Kerala has however not confirmed the date to release the KEAM 2024 result. Candidates should note that the KEAM Application process was started on March 27, 2024. The last date of application was April 17, 2024. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home NEET UG 2024: Arrested medical aspirants confess to receiving leaked paper At least two medical aspirants, who appeared in NEET UG 2024 exams but later arrested by Bihar police have confessed to receiving leaked paper a day before the medical entrance exam Thursday June 20, 2024 3:35 PM , ummid.com News Network NEET UG 2024: At least two medical aspirants, who appeared in NEET UG 2024 exams but later arrested by Bihar police have confessed to receiving leaked paper a day before the medical entrance exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) had conducted on Sunday May 05, 2024. Close to 24 lakh students from India and abroad wrote the eligibility entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BUMS, BHMS, BAMS and other medical and paramedical courses. Allegations of NEET Paper Leak Allegations that the NEET UG 2024 paper was leaked levelled on the day of the exam itself. The NTA however refuted all such claims . But, the issue of NEET paper leak, and malpractice and irregularities in the medical entrance, re-surfaced after Gujarat police arrested an exam centre incharge and his aides who promised the candidates help in the exam, and Bihar police arrested some candidates and their associates suspecting them to be involved in NEET paper leak case. On Thursday June 20, India Today published confessional statements by medical aspirants Anurag Yadav and Abhishek Kumar. In the confessional letter written in Hindi, the two said they had received the NEET UG 2024 paper a day before the exam. Anurag Yadav also said he was provided with the leaked question paper of the NEET exam, along with the answers. A letter by Abhishek Kumar's father, Awdhesh Kumar, admitted to bribing some officials to get his son to pass the NEET exam, India Today said in its report. "I signed a blank cheque for them a year back. Two blank cheques from my account were handed over to Yadavendu in return for passing my son in the NEET exam," Awdhesh Kumar wrote in his letter. Meanwhile, students demanding cancellation of NEET UG 2024 have intensified their stir. On Thursday, Congress party and its student wing called for two-day nationwide protest demanding re-examination of NEET UG entrance exam. SC Hearing on NEET UG Petitions A number of petitions have also been filed in the Supreme Court and at least three High Courts demanding the courts intervention to provide justice to the students. During a hearing on one of the petitions Thursday, the Supreme Court stayed proceedings in petitions filed in Rajasthan, Calcutta and Bombay High Courts regarding the alleged paper leak and discrepancies in the NEET-UG 2024, according to Live Law. The Ministry of Education had earlier invalidated the grace marks awarded to 1,563 students who appeared for NEET UG 2024 at a centre in Haryana. Amidst the intensifying protests against the NTA over NEET UG 2024, the exam conducting authority suffered a major blow when the Education Ministry announced to cancel UGC NET June 2024 exam held on June 18, 2024. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. The Food & Beverage (F&B) market in Viet Nam is a vibrant and ever-changing industry, driven by shifting tastes, evolving customer demands and a constant need for innovation. Customers who want to be indulged are presented with a plethora of choices. As a result, suppliers must remain adaptable, consistently innovate their offerings, locations and provide unique experiences to embrace emerging trends and entice new customers. During an interview with Viet Nam News, Lai Tien Manh, the CEO of Mibrand Vietnam and Luong Thuy Quyen, the General Manager of Brand Finance Vietnam, talked about the ever-changing trends within the coffee chain industry. Major coffee chains like Highlands Coffee, Phuc Long, Starbucks, Katinat, etc., are tirelessly competing to dominate and increase their share of the market. How do you evaluate the competitive branding strategies of these coffee chains after the pandemic? Lai Tien Manh: The recent period has witnessed a significant growth in the number of coffee chains, driven by several factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about notable changes in people's lifestyles and work habits. Remote working has become increasingly popular, with coffee shops emerging as preferred locations for work. Coffee businesses quickly recognised this trend and capitalised on the opportunity by developing products and spaces to cater to this customer group. Decree 100, which restricts alcohol consumption, has led people to consume fewer alcoholic beverages and opt for cold drinks instead, making coffee shops an attractive choice. Additionally, Viet Nam's F&B market itself is vibrant and possesses unique characteristics that favour the growth of coffee chains. Vietnamese people have diverse consumption habits when it comes to cafes. They visit cafes not only for work but also to meet friends, partners, colleagues, or even conduct livestreams on online sales platforms. Customers choose cafes based on their specific needs. Furthermore, coffee shops are conveniently located, concentrated in densely populated areas, office spaces and city centres, making them easily accessible. Each coffee chain has its own strategy. For example, Highlands Coffee, being one of the largest brands in Viet Nam, has targeted the mid-range customer segment from the beginning. Their decor is not overly luxurious but provides a comfortable and elegant experience suitable for various settings, from formal work to casual conversations. With an extensive network and centrally located outlets, Highlands Coffee enjoys broad coverage. As a long-established chain, Highlands Coffee understands customers' preferences and needs. In addition to beverages and cakes, they also offer banh mi, a popular Vietnamese fast food item, allowing customers to satisfy their hunger without having to visit another place. This sets them apart from other coffee chains that do not offer this product or have overly complicated food menus, resulting in fragmented and cumbersome service. Trung Nguyen, on the other hand, is known for its unique coffee flavours and quality, catering to coffee enthusiasts and those who enjoy strong coffee profiles. Katinat focuses on the young customer segment, offering aesthetically pleasing spaces that are perfect for taking pictures and sharing on social media, with coffee being a secondary focus for many customers. Luong Thuy Quyen: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the F&B market underwent a restructuring phase to ensure survival. Only brands that effectively seize opportunities can thrive as they did in the past. Each brand has a distinct strategic direction, targeting specific customer segments. Besides essential elements like good service, delicious drinks and appealing ambience, most cafe chains today strive to offer unique customer experiences by incorporating cultural elements that reinforce their brand's identity in the eyes of consumers. These factors and characteristics are currently the primary focus for most brands. Different brands adopt different approaches. For instance, Highlands Coffee and Trung Nguyen leverage their understanding of Vietnamese coffee-drinking habits and the passion for coffee among Vietnamese people. This is evident in the restaurant's menu design and spatial layout. They leverage traditional ingredients into their menu offerings. Phuc Long is positioned for tea, Highland uses lotus seeds, Katinat adds traditional fruits. On the other hand, Katinat takes a slightly different path by enhancing customer experiences through a blend of classic and modern features in its restaurant design. In 2023, several prominent coffee brands introduced completely unique models within their chain, positioning themselves as more upscale and distinct from other coffee shops. For example, Highlands unveiled their premium store, Highlands Buu ien TP.HCM and The Coffee House launched SIGNATURE by The Coffee House. What motivates these coffee chains to introduce these new models? Lai Tien Manh: These coffee chains have indeed adopted a smart strategy by targeting the mid-range customer segment, which represents a large customer base. However, they also recognise the importance of not missing out on the higher-end groups and their willingness to pay more for a premium experience. Introducing these high-end models helps solidify their position in the market, showcasing their unique and exceptional products and enticing customers to choose them. This approach aligns with the psychology and preferences of Vietnamese people, who appreciate indulgence, quality service and a high-class experience. It also enhances the overall brand image, demonstrating that they can compete with any rival. Coffee chains do not build their brands through advertisements or influencer endorsements, as seen in other industries, but by focusing on services, facilities and providing an exceptional in-store experience. Customers expect more than just a delicious cup of coffee, they desire a comfortable and creative space with excellent service quality. The introduction of new high-end models caters to these needs more comprehensively. Luong Thuy Quyen: Cafe customers typically exhibit low loyalty, often switching between brands. When a new brand appears, they are inclined to try it out rather than displaying strong brand loyalty. Therefore, innovation plays a vital role in retaining existing customers, attracting new ones and outperforming competitors. The primary motivation for brands is to continuously innovate. They effectively leverage word-of-mouth advertising channels to bolster brand power. For example, Signature by The Coffee House targets coffee connoisseurs, offering them a novel customer experience. When something new emerges in the market, customers tend to spread the word, introducing it to others. This, in turn, drives usage. Highlands Coffee's premium model, located near the HCM City Post Office, Saigon book street and Notre Dame Cathedral, capitalises on its prime position in one of Saigon's busiest areas frequented by both domestic and foreign tourists. This choice of location expands their reach and captures customers' attention. The design of this model exudes uniqueness and luxury, providing an exceptional customer experience. Additionally, this Highlands Coffee store utilises a modern roasting system and a visible coffee processing area, allowing customers to witness the coffee-making process firsthand. It is worth noting that all brands in the market are embracing eco-friendly practices. This particular Highlands store is the first to serve beverages in glass cups, rejecting the use of plastic cups and straws. As consumer awareness regarding sustainability increases, brands are inclined to adopt eco-friendly practices to improve their image. In your opinion, do Vietnamese coffee brands have an advantage or face difficulties when competing with foreign brands in the market? Lai Tien Manh: The F&B industry in Viet Nam is a dynamic market characterised by rapidly changing tastes, evolving needs and constant innovation. Customers seek to be pampered and have numerous options to choose from. This forces suppliers to be flexible, continuously innovate their products, processes and locations and create fresh experiences to capture new trends and attract new customers. Vietnamese coffee chains excel in this aspect, as they are highly responsive and attuned to their customers. They pay meticulous attention to product development, such as offering popular choices like salt coffee and cheese coffee. They also focus on the design of their shops, lighting, seating, table arrangements and restaurant layout to optimise the customer experience. These are areas where Vietnamese brands outperform foreign brands in the Vietnamese market. Foreign brands like Starbucks, while prominent and occupying central positions, still have certain limitations compared to local Vietnamese brands. Their spaces are often more monotonous and their menus may lack the variety found in Vietnamese coffee chains. International chains often adhere to global processes and ways of working, which may not always align perfectly with Vietnamese preferences and expectations. Moreover, Vietnamese customers have a plethora of choices available to them. For instance, Starbucks' practice of writing customers' names on cups and calling out names loudly in a crowded environment is not always well-received by Vietnamese customers, who may find it uncomfortable. Starbucks may perceive this as customer-friendly, but it does not resonate as effectively in the Vietnamese context. Luong Thuy Quyen: The distinction between local and foreign brands does not significantly impact customer choices. In fact, local brands often possess an advantage over foreign chains. Local brands currently enjoy broader coverage with a greater number of stores compared to foreign brands. This extensive presence enhances brand awareness and enables them to reach a larger customer base. Additionally, local brands have a deep understanding of Vietnamese culture and cater to the taste preferences of Vietnamese people. They incorporate seasonal Vietnamese fruits into their menu offerings, which are highly popular among customers. On the other hand, foreign brands witness less frequent consumption due to lower coverage and higher prices. However, foreign brands typically follow a global, standardised model applied across all markets worldwide. Brands visibility at more countries will enhance brand power and brand value. Some Vietnamese coffee chains are expanding internationally, such as Trung Nguyen planning to develop Trung Nguyen Legend coffee spaces in the US and China. In your view, what solutions do they need to compete with local brands in these markets? Lai Tien Manh: Vietnamese coffee brands venturing abroad can learn from such lessons, emphasising the importance of market research and adapting to local preferences. It is crucial not to simply replicate the Vietnamese model abroad but instead carefully study the target market, understand customer preferences and respect their cultural nuances. In foreign countries, people have their own preferences and habits. Brands must also narrow their focus by selecting a specific target customer segment rather than attempting to cater to a broad range of customers. Luong Thuy Quyen: Expanding Vietnamese brands abroad is the aspiration of every brand. Once they achieve success in Viet Nam, they naturally desire to introduce their brand to the international stage. However, Vietnamese chains may encounter difficulties when venturing abroad due to the differences in customer preferences, styles and habits between Vietnamese and foreign customers. When going global, Vietnamese brands typically aim to showcase the culture, unique characteristics of their coffee products, and the coffee-drinking traditions of Viet Nam. While profit and business considerations are important, they are secondary to the goal of cultural promotion. But brands must also make adjustments to their menus to cater to the local preferences of customers without losing their inherent value. From a brand perspective, expanding into the global market allows for increased reputation and brand value worldwide. A successful business abroad enhances brand value. VNS AK LAK Experts say that ak Lak has the best cocoa in the country because of its ideal soil and climatic conditions for growing cacao. Besides, the experience of growing the bean has been passed down for many generations here, giving ak Lak a great advantage in growing it. The province has 1,140 hectares under the crop, and grows 1,525 tonnes of it annually. The districts with large cacao growing areas are Ea Kar, Ea Sup, Krong Ana, and Ea Hleo. Cocoa is a good crop for growing with fruit and forest trees since they do not compete much with the others, enabling farmers to earn extra incomes. La Thi Thuy Linh, a cocoa farmer in Ea Kar District, said she grows the bean on nearly a hectare and produces 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg) of dry seeds every year. Prices have doubled since last year to VN150,000-VN180,000 (US$6-7.2) per kilogramme, giving her a profit of VN250 million ($10,000) this year. According to Linh, prices increase every year while her harvest is fully bought by the Ea Kar District Cooperative. Vo Van Sy, a farmer in Krong Ana District, said he earned a profit of nearly VN135 million ($5,400) this year though his cocoa output fell by nearly half due to a prolonged drought, thanks to the sharp increase in prices. Thai ang am, chairman of the Ea Kar District Cooperative, said the cooperatives One Community One Product (OCOP) items made from the bean include cocoa powder, butter, chocolate, and wine. Realising the potential of cocoa, the cooperative plans to increase the area under the crop by 10-15 hectares per year and adopt technology. The global demand for cocoa is currently very high and easily exceeds. But Vietnamese businesses only export raw cocoa beans and do processed products. ak Lak has six cocoa processing companies that export to Japan and the Europe. But with their main product being fermented dried cocoa beans, they do not earn much money. To boost farming of the crop, the province is promoting research into new high-yield varieties, fostering links between production, processing and consumption and encouraging businesses to invest, innovate processing technologies, diversify their products, and meet international standards to take Vietnamese cocoa products to the world. Truong Ngoc Quang, director of Nam Truong Son Cocoa Company Limited, said cocoa prices are increasing beyond businesses expectations. It has tied up with two cooperatives that have a combined 250ha in Krong Ana, Ea Kar and Buon on districts, and export 200-250 tonnes of the bean a year. To increase exports, ak Lak is developing a cocoa development project based on its agricultural restructuring plans. Its goal is to enhance the value of products made from the bean and build brands to meet the increasing demand in global and domestic markets. Cocoa development also needs to be sustainable, adapt to climate change and reduce carbon emissions. In addition to developing high-quality and added-value products from cacao trees, many farms are also offering eco-tourism to attract visitors. Tourists can try picking the cacao fruit, taste smoothies made from its pulp, a special treat that can only be found at farms, and observe the process of making cocoa. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Finance is to start a process to study the effect of a tax on gold transactions, said deputy minister of finance Nguyen uc Chi on Tuesday in Ha Noi. As gold prices surged to a historic high before settling down last week, the press, economists, as well as members of the public, have voiced their concerns over the lack of a gold tax for transactions of the precious metal. Many asked why when there are taxes on other assets such as real estate and securities, there are none for gold transactions. Chi said in considering the profound impact a gold tax could produce on society as a whole, the ministry must conduct a thorough study before sending a proposal on the matter to the government. Economists have long maintained before granting the right to import gold into the market, with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) the only entity allowed to right now, taxing gold transactions is necessary to keep gold prices in control. Prof. Nguyen Thi Mui, a member of the National Financial, Monetary Policy Advisory Council advised the central bank and the ministry to start building a tax policy for gold transactions. She said a gold tax could significantly reduce demand for the precious metal among certain investor groups, especially those who speculate and hoard. A gold tax could also serve as the foundation for a fairer and more sustainable business environment, given that traders of real estate and securities are also subject to personal income tax. ang Ngoc Minh, deputy director-general of the General Department of Taxation said gold trading is subject to the state's management policy, just like other economic activities. In accordance with the Prime Minister's directives, measures have been taken to monitor the trading of the precious metal, including the use of electronic invoices. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has recently proposed all gold transactions should be conducted via non-cash payment methods, Minh added. According to the general department, nearly 55,000 businesses country-wide have started issuing electronic invoices, including 5,835 gold and silver traders, who have issued over 1.06 million of such invoices to date. VNS HCM CITY The Masan Group Corporation (MSN) has been named in Fortune magazines first ever Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list. The largest companies in the region are ranked by revenues during fiscal 2023, and Viet Nam is represented by 70 companies. As a major player in the consumer goods manufacturing and retail sector, Masan Groups revenues exceeded US$3.2 billion last year. The conglomerate operates across a number of sectors such as retail, consumer goods manufacturing, livestock processing, telecommunications, and mining. The Masan stock has received a thumbs-up from both domestic and international financial institutions in 2024. J.P. Morgan has identified the Masan stock as a top investment priority in the Vietnamese market, projecting significant growth potential with a target price of VN102,000 in 2024. The assessment is based on the companys strong presence in the retail market and strategic capital allocation towards the consumer and retail sectors. HSBC has recommended buying the stock with a target price of VN98,000, while Vietcap Securities has a target price of VN102,800. The stock is listed on the HCM City Stock Exchange and is in the VN30 group of blue-chip stocks, representing a substantial portion of its market capitalisation and trading value. By attracting foreign capital and seizing funding opportunities from the international investment market, Masan and its stock have positioned themselves as appealing investment options. The recent $250 million equity investment from Bain Capital, along with previous investments from various foreign funds and corporations such as KKR, SK Group, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, SeaTown Holdings, and Alibaba underscore the confidence in Masan. Besides, Masans dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives has earned it a place in various prestigious rankings and underscoring its commitment to sustainable business practices. Through corporate social responsibility programmes and investments in wastewater treatment systems, it actively contributes to environmental protection and community development while upholding high standards of operational excellence. Fortunes attention to the region coincides with Southeast Asias increasing importance in the global economy due to shifting supply chains and the rapid development of its economies. The list includes companies from seven Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Indonesia leads with 110 companies followed by Thailand with 107, Malaysia with 89, Singapore with 84, Viet Nam with 70, the Philippines with 38, and Cambodia with two. The top 10 in it reported revenues of $650 billion, or a third of the 500 companies $1.8 trillion. The smallest in the list had revenues of $460.8 million. The energy sector had the highest revenues of $590.7 billion. Banking, with $242 billion, was the second largest sector. Notably, nine banks ranked among the top 20 profitable companies. Overall, revenues and profits of companies in the list contracted in 2023. But, caused by weak energy markets, this was overshadowed by the remarkable growth stories in a number of other industries. Fortune, a global media company, assesses corporate performance through stringent benchmarks and ensures companies accountability across regions worldwide. VNS Darryl George,18, stands next to his attorney Allie Booker, and his mother, Darresha George in front of Galveston County Court House on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Galveston. George will spend the remainder of the year in in-school suspension, extending a punishment that was first imposed in August over his hairstyle that district officials say violates their dress code policy. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Darryl George,18, stands next to his mother, Darresha George in front of Galveston County Court House on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Galveston. George will spend the remainder of the year in in-school suspension, extending a punishment that was first imposed in August over his hairstyle that district officials say violates their dress code policy. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Lawyers for Darryl George, a Barbers Hill High School student, have started the appellate process for a new trial after a judge ruled the districts dress code prohibiting male students from having long hair did not violate the CROWN Act. George, who wears his hair in locs, has been in a monthslong battle with the Barbers Hill Independent School District for refusing to change his hairstyle. Both my co-counsel and I appeared before the trial court in late March at its Anahuac courthouse for a hearing on objections we filed to the districts proposed final judgment, said attorney Dylan Drummond of Langley and Banack. We subsequently filed a motion for a new trial, which the court allowed to be overruled by operation of law as of this past Monday, June 10. Advertisement Article continues below this ad TIMELINE OF EVENTS: How Barbers Hill ISDs hair policy became a court battle in the national spotlight On Feb. 22, Judge Chap B. Cain III, of the 253rd Judicial District Court in Chambers County, made his ruling in favor of the school district. The CROWN Act an acronym for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair went into effect Sept. 1 of last year, prohibiting school and employment dress codes or grooming policies from discriminating against hair texture or protective hairstyles associated with race. The school districts dress code prohibits male students from having hair below the eyebrows or below the ear lobes. It also mandates that boys hair cannot be below the top of a T-shirt collar or be gathered or worn in a style that would allow the hair to extend below the top of a T-shirt collar, below the eyebrows or below the ear lobes when let down. The CROWN Act couldve been written to provide the individuals with braids, locs and twists (to be) exempt from any hair length restrictions, but it has no such exemption, Cain said in his ruling. The CROWN Act is clear, and BHISDs dress and grooming code policy is clear regarding male students. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Drummond said Georges lawyers filed a notice of appeal on June 11, after the trial court declined the motion for a new trial. That formally began the appellate process, with our appeal now docketed and live before the 1st Court of Appeals in Houston, Drummond said. There is a small chance our case could get transferred to the new statewide 15th Court of Appeals. The Barbers Hill Independent School District declined to comment. The 113-page appeal says the district has judicially admitted that Mr. George wears his hair in a protective hairstyle commonly and historically associated with race under section 25.902, the Georges respectfully request that the Court grant their Motion for New Trial. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The appeal alleges the district has a long and documented history of discriminatory and retaliatory treatment of its Black male students. The documents reference the districts previous court appearance in a similar case, in which federal Judge George Hanks Jr., with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, ruled a dress code policy against dreadlocks as discriminatory. In 2020, the district suspended junior Kaden Bradford and senior DeAndre Arnold for their hair, which led to their families filing a lawsuit against Barbers Hill Independent School District. CALL TO ACTION: Barbers Hill ISD students suspension leads federal lawmakers to reintroduce CROWN Act A federal district court in Houston found that the same school district run by the same superintendent as here enacted the same hair-length policy as here with a racially discriminatory motive and found that the Districts Black male student was retaliated against in precisely the same fashion as Mr. George was here for refusing to cut his hair, the court documents read. Last month, George and his attorney Allie Booker appeared in a federal courtroom in Galveston, where U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown heard arguments on whether to dismiss their lawsuit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Georges family filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency and a federal civil rights lawsuit last year against Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, superintendent Greg Poole and the principal and assistant principal of Barbers Hill High School. UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Texas Legislative Black Caucus plans to revisit CROWN Act following Barbers Hill ISD ruling During the hearing, Booker reiterated her stance that the districts policy is discriminatory and not race-neutral. Booker has repeatedly said the district has failed to offer race-based protections via the CROWN Act, especially since it provides religious exemptions to students with long hair. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, George spent his time in either in-school suspension or alternative school for infractions, including dress code violations, dating back to Aug. 31. As of now, Booker says George plans to return to Barbers Hill ISD next year, adding, Until we know what the federal ruling is, we do not want to commit to anything. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HCM CITY Exports by provinces and cities in the southeastern key economic region have grown strongly so far this year. The region includes HCM City and the five provinces of ong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh, making it the countrys largest economic hub and a major contributor to economic growth, exports, Government revenue collections, and jobs. According to the Binh Duong Department of Industry and Trade, in the first five months of the year the province's exports valued nearly US$13.8 billion, up 13.9 per cent year-on-year. Deputy chairman of the provinces Wood Processing Association, Luu Phuoc Loc, said the wood products sector has always been one of Binh Duong's bright spots in terms of exports. With its effective business support policies, Viet Nam's wood and wood products exports have achieved great success in the international market, he said. Businesses are trying to secure more orders by organising fairs and exhibitions at home and abroad and making inroads into new markets in the Middle East, he added. According to the ong Nai Province's Statistics Department, in the first five months of the year, the trade surplus topped $2.8 billion, with local businesses exporting nearly $9.3 billion worth of goods. Of ong Nai's exports, more than 60 per cent are from industries such as electronics, textiles, footwear, and machinery components and equipment. The province exports to more than 170 countries and territories, but the US, Japan, China, South Korea, and Europe remain the main markets. According to businesses, the export market shows signs of improvement with more orders coming in. ong Nai expects a trade surplus of $6.8 billion this year. Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the HCM City Business Association (HUBA), said since the beginning of the year city businesses have had large orders that would take until the end of the third quarter to complete. Though businesses are still under pressure to reduce prices and face high technical barriers, they are striving not to lose orders, accepting reduced profits and finding ways to reduce costs. Thanks to this, the city's exports continue to recover after being affected by fluctuations in the world market, with shipments increasing across the board by product and market. Its Department of Industry and Trade said exports in the first four months of the year were quite high at $12.5 billion, a 69 per cent increase year-on-year. Textile and garment exports topped $1.2 billion, an increase of 40 per cent, wood and wood product exports rose by more than 80 per cent to $175.6 million, and machinery, equipment, tools, and parts exports reached $912.8 million, an increase of 41 per cent. The city has created mechanisms and policies to support businesses in converting production models towards increasing the application of modern, environmentally friendly technology and improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese exports. It has also encouraged businesses to find partners in and expand markets outside of China and the US. Diversifying export markets will help reduce cyclicality and volatility in exports. VNS HA NOI Reaching the 2050 climate neutrality target is not only technically feasible for Viet Nam, but is also the most cost-effective scenario, according to a new report released on Wednesday and titled 'Viet Nam Energy Outlook Report - Pathways to Net Zero'. The result of cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Danish Embassy in Viet Nam and the Danish Energy Agency, the report presents scenarios for developing the Vietnamese energy system over the next few decades. It focuses on analysing realistic pathways for Viet Nam to achieve its net-zero commitment by 2050. Nguyen Tuyen Tam, Head of the Planning Division under the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority, said Viet Nams energy sector is the main source of air pollution today. In 2020, the total greenhouse gas emissions in Viet Nam amounted to 370.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, of which the energy sector accounted for 67 per cent of total emissions (247 million tonnes). He said with expected economic growth of about 7 per cent annually, Viet Nams energy/electricity demand for socio-economic development will remain high. Electricity demand is forecast to increase by about 8-9 per cent in the next decade, so ensuring adequate and timely development of energy system infrastructure is a top challenge, he said. The energy sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with 648.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2030, he said. The 'Viet Nam Energy Outlook Report - Pathways to Net Zero' pointed out that an additional 56GW of renewable energy -- including 17GW of onshore wind and 39 GW of solar -- needs to be added by 2030 if Viet Nam is to stay on track for a carbon peak by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. The most beneficial and cost-effective way to support Viet Nams sustainable growth is through a massive expansion of solar and wind power as well as the electrification of transportation and industry, the report said. It is critical to accelerate the green energy transition in Viet Nam now to avoid huge unnecessary costs. Any delays in the transition will be costly, not least from increased climate change impacts. Kristoffer Bottzauw, Director General of Danish Energy Agency, said the report highlights the urgent need to change from coal towards sustainable development within decades. Coal power capacity will peak at 28GW before 2030, with the electricity system increasingly dominated by an increasing renewable energy capacity. Coal power will be eventually phased out by 2050 in all scenarios, he said. The phaseout of coal in the net zero scenarios, reaching a peak capacity even before 2030, underlines the fact that any new coal power plant commissioned now will be a net economic loss to Viet Nam when pursuing the net zero target by 2050, he said. It is cost effective to start the green transition now, he added, reiterating that the Vietnamese energy sector will reach peak emissions by 2030. To fulfil Viet Nams ambition to build 84GW of offshore wind by 2050 requires strong commitment and immediate action. The report recommends Viet Nam start designating offshore areas, preparing port infrastructure and strengthening the power grid. Denmarks Ambassador to Viet Nam Nicolai Prytz said: Achieving Viet Nams net zero goal will require swift, intensified and sustained efforts. This is not just vital in terms of addressing a growing energy demand, but also for the attraction of FDI as access to renewable energy is becoming more and more crucial in investment decisions. Denmark is committed to continue supporting Viet Nam on this journey. The 'Viet Nam Energy Report - Pathways to Net Zero' is the fourth in a series of outlook publications under the Danish-Vietnamese Energy Partnership Programme, a long-term partnership between the two countries on the green energy transition. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh and Deputy Minister of the Republic of Koreas Ministry of Environment Hyoeun Jenny Kim co-chaired the first meeting of the Vietnam-RoK Joint Working Group on Climate Change Cooperation on June 20. The virtual meeting came after both countries pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021. Thanh highlighted Vietnams National Climate Change Strategy (2021-2030) with a vision to 2050, which outlines measures for adaptation and mitigation. He pointed to numerous international agreements, including the 2021 Framework Agreement with the RoK as crucial steps in tackling climate change. Viet Nams updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2022 commits to a 15.8 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, he said, adding that the country is planning a pilot domestic carbon market in 2025, with full operation targeted for 2028. Looking ahead to COP29, Viet Nam hopes for clearer guidelines on climate finance goals and the establishment of rules for bilateral cooperation on carbon credit exchanges under the Paris Agreements Article 6, he said. He expressed Viet Nams desire to learn from the RoK's experience in developing its domestic carbon market and facilitating international carbon credit exchange, particularly for bilateral agreements. Kim, for her part, highlighted the active participation of both sides in implementing the Framework Agreement, with the potential for further collaboration, especially on carbon markets. Representatives from Vietnamese ministries presented proposals to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field. The Korean side also proposed projects on greenhouse gas reduction, including initiatives in non-fired brick production, rooftop solar power, biomass fuel use in industrial boilers, among others. VNS HCM CITY The theatre industry lacks quality scripts that meet the demands of young people, say experts from the HCM City Theatre Association. Although the number of skilled and professional writers has increased in recent years, we are have few in theatre, said theatre director Ton That Can at a camp for theatre scriptwriters organised by the association in Ninh Thuan Province last week. The camp included young authors and veteran directors and scriptwriters from drama stages and theatres in the region, and cultural authorities as well. It also included a seminar highlighting the role of scriptwriters in promoting the development of Vietnamese theatre. Training in art schools, and universities and colleges in cinema and theatre were also discussed. Can shared his experience on how to encourage and help young writers involve in creating good scripts for theatre, espeically traditional theatre such as cai luong (reformed opera) and tuong (classical drama). He has been successful as a director and scriptwriter, and also is the associations deputy chairman. He suggested the association should open more writing camps that target young artists. These camps should be managed by well-known scriptwriters, directors and producers who train the participants to write dramas that meet the style of each stage. We should offer new solutions to develop our industry, said Can. In recent years, many theatre plays have repeatedly been re-introduced on stage in HCM City and southern provinces. Cai luong performances, for example, have been performed again and again, including famous plays written by cai luong gurus such as late artists Tran Huu Trang, Hai Trieu-Hoa Phuong and Vien Chau. Due to a lack of quality scripts, producers have chosen to reboot old plays staged in the 1950s-70s. They are willing to use old scripts as that is considered to be the only solution to keep the theatre alive. Despite audience support for these performances, relying on old scripts should only be a temporary solution, according to Peoples Artist and theatre director Tran Ngoc Giau. Young playwrights haven't written about contemporary cultural and artistic life. They need help from theatre experts to improve their writing, he said. According to the Peoples Artist, theatre director and actress Trinh Kim Chi of the private TKC Drama Stage, cultural authorities need to come up with long-term solutions to help change the industry. They should work with relevant agencies to build a human resources plan for theatre, she said. Writers with potential should receive sufficient training and stronger support from theatres to produce quality plays, added Chi. Chis theatre offers Khat Vong Ngay Mai (Aspiration for the Future), a new drama play with new concepts and techniques this month. The 120-minute show features a group of young engineers and workers in HCM City who are helping to build the first train for the citys Metro Line No. 1 from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in District 9. The plays script is written by young artist Tran Van Hung of HCM City. It won first prize for best drama script at a national writing contest launched by the HCM City Theatre Association in co-operation with HCM City Writers Association. VNS CAN THO The 10th International Day of Yoga (June 21) was celebrated with an event held in the Mekong Delta City of Can Tho on June 19. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said that for the last over 50 years, the Viet Nam - India relations, including between Can Tho and Indian partners, have been increasingly reinforced and developing strongly in all aspects. The profound cultural bond and sincere friendship between the two peoples form a precious common asset that should be treasured and promoted. He noted the celebration of the International Day of Yoga in Can Tho aimed to not only help strengthen the two countries friendship but also introduce images of Vietnam to international friends. The official expressed his hope that the Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will continue assisting Can Tho to boost cultural and arts exchanges with and attract more investors and tourists from India. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in HCM City, said Yoga, originating in India, is being warmly welcomed by Vietnamese people. It not only produces health benefits but also serves as a cultural factor helping enhance the two countries overall relations, including economic partnerships. Vietnam is an important partner of India, the diplomat affirmed, saying he hopes to further step up cooperation between the two countries businesses in the future. He pledged assistance for Can Tho to become a centre of education and information technology, and attract more students from India. The celebration drew 1,000 local Yoga practitioners and more than 200 Indian students at the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. VNA/VNS SINGAPORE The 2024 Bib Gourmand list has 81 Singapore eateries, 11 of which are new awardees. The list was released on June 18 by the Michelin Guide Singapore, highlighting hawker establishments and casual eateries picked by Michelin inspectors that offer diners value for money. Two of the new entrants, previously listed under the Michelin Selected category, are now part of the Bib Gourmand brigade. They are famed prawn noodle specialist Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee in Geylang and Ru Ji Kitchen, known for its handmade yellowtail fishballs, at Holland Drive Market & Food Centre. Ru Ji Kitchen is run by owner David Ng, 71, who started selling fishball noodles at the food centre 21 years ago. Its neighbouring unit, which also bears a Ru Ji Kitchen signboard, was set up five years ago and sells bak chor mee. Mr Ngs daughter Joanne Ng and her husband Daniel Lee, both 41, run two other Ru Ji Kitchen outlets at Old Airport Road Food Centre and Redhill Food Centre, both specialising in fishball noodles. Mr Ng starts making fishballs and fishcake from 1.30am, while Ms Ng and Mr Lee join him at 3am. All three stalls usually sell out by 1.30pm. And the worlds top culinary destinations Ms Ng lauds her father as a hard worker, while Mr Lee says his father-in-law is more energetic than any of the younger staff. Mr Ng says in Mandarin: I wont retire yet as selling fishball noodles keeps me active. Another two are popular fish soup stalls Han Kee at Amoy Street Food Centre and Song Fish Soup at Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre. Song Fish Soups owner Song Teck Hoe, 48, says he constantly works to improve the fish soup based on customer feedback. When he opened for business 11 years ago, people had told him that he would not last more than three months, as there were other fish soup establishments in the same hawker centre. He says: Even with the award, I have to continue to learn what my customers want. I still maintain the quality of fish and make sure the soup is not too salty. Other hawkers on the list include Indian-Pakistani stall Delhi Lahori at Tekka Centre, Jason Penang Cuisine at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre and Margaret Drive Sin Kee Chicken Rice in Holland Drive. Two re-entries are Margaret Drive Sin Kee Chicken Rice in Holland Drive, a former entrant in 2018; and wonton noodle specialist Chef Kangs Noodle House in Toa Payoh, which was previously listed in 2019 and 2021. There are also two casual restaurants: Italian restaurant Fico in East Coast Park and Thai eatery MP Thai at the Vision Exchange office building in Jurong East. One Prawn & Co, which made its mark on the 2022 and 2023 lists, remains on the list under its new name, Zhup Zhup. Located in MacPherson, it is known for its robust prawn and pork bone broth. Excluding One Prawn & Co, eight eateries from the 2023 list did not make the cut in 2024. Most noticeably, Hawker Chan Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle in Chinatown is off the list. It was once lauded with one Michelin star in 2016, which it lost in 2021. Also missing are three stalls from Old Airport Road Food Centre, which is closed till Sept 30 for renovation works. They are Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow; To-ricos Guo Shi, known for its kway chap; and Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, which made its Bib Gourmand debut in 2023. Other eateries that dropped off are Chens Mapo Tofu in Shenton Way and Sri Lankan establishment Kotuwa, now in its new venue at lifestyle destination New Bahru. Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow in Ghim Moh and Sing Lung HK Cheong Fun in Beach Road are not on the list, as they shut in November and December 2023 respectively. Singapores 2024 crop of Michelin-starred restaurants will be unveiled on June 25 at 10am via the Michelin Guides website and social media platforms. THE STRAITS TIMES/ANN HA NOI Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and his entourage arrived in Ha Noi on June 19 night, starting a state visit to Viet Nam from June 19-20 at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong. The Russian leader is accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Russian sub-committee of the Viet Nam-Russia intergovernmental committee on economic-trade and science-technology cooperation Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko, and Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko, among others. Prominent among those present at the airport to welcome the Russian guests were Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its External Relations Commission Le Hoai Trung, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha who is also head of the Vietnamese sub-committee of the Viet Nam-Russia intergovernmental committee on economic-trade and science-technology cooperation, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi. President Putin has visited Viet Nam four times. The visit this time holds an extremely important significance, further deepening the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership in all fields, especially in the context that the two countries are striving to realise the joint statement on the comprehensive strategic partnership vision to 2030. The Russian President is scheduled to have talks with Vietnamese top leaders -- Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese President To Lam on Thursday noon presided over the welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin, held solemnly at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi with the highest protocol reserved for heads of state, The Russian leader is on a State visit to Viet Nam on June 19-29 at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong. Large crowds of Hanoian citizens and children waved the two countries' flags to welcome President Putin and the high-level delegation from the Russia. This is the fifth visit to Viet Nam by President Putin in his capacity as head of state. The State visit takes place as the two countries commemorate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendship Relations between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation (1994-2024) and towards the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. The escort convoy brought President Putin to the Presidential Palace, where President To Lam warmly welcomed him and the high-level Russian delegation. Amidst the welcome music, President To Lam invited President Vladimir Putin to step onto the honour platform. Military bands played the national anthems of both countries. A 21-gun salute was conducted to welcome the Russian leader to Viet Nam. Following the national anthems, President To Lam and President Putin reviewed the Honour Guards of the Viet Nam People's Army. Subsequently, the two leaders introduced the high-level delegations of both countries participating in the welcoming ceremony. President Putin's visit takes place in the context of the rapidly developing, comprehensive, and amicable Viet Nam-Russia relationship. It serves as a model of mutually beneficial and equal cooperation, for the sake of peace, cooperation, and development in the region and worldwide. For the past 30 years, generations of leaders and people of both countries have made continuous efforts to strengthen their deep friendship, consolidate, and promote bilateral cooperation across various fields, for the benefit of their people, and contribute to regional and global peace, cooperation, and development. Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has dynamically developed over the years. The growth rate of bilateral trade turnover between Viet Nam and Russia has accelerated, especially after the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement came into effect in October 2016. Viet Nam is currently Russia's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, and Russia is one of Viet Nam's top five trading partners in Europe. Bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Russia reached US$3.63 billion in 2023 and $1.96 billion in the first five months of 2024. Both countries also have mutual investment projects, particularly of Russian strengths, such as energy, science and technology, and education and training. Additionally, Viet Nam and Russia have various forms of cooperation in defence and security. This state visit by President Putin is of great importance, seeks to further deepen the Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across all areas, especially as the two countries strive to realise the Joint Declaration on the Vision for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2030. Following the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders led the high-level delegations of both countries in discussions to evaluate the results of their cooperation and propose future cooperation directions. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese President To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday co-hosted a joint press conference in Ha Noi announcing the outcomes of their official talks. President Lam stated that the meeting took place in an open and sincere atmosphere. He emphasised the significance of President Putins visit, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Viet Nam and Russia (June 16, 1994-2024). President Lam affirmed Viet Nam's commitment to an independent, self-reliant foreign policy, multilateralism and diversification and being a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation in the world. He said that Russia is always a "priority" in Viet Nam's foreign policies, highlighting the intention to foster a long-standing traditional friendship and cooperation with Russia, recognising the historical support from the formerly Soviet Union and Russia. The talks between President To Lam and President Vladimir Putin were deemed highly successful, covering extensive bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest aimed at national development and regional and global peace and cooperation. Both sides agreed on major strategies to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Russia. The leaders agreed to enhance relations based on mutual trust, equality and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law. They pledged not to form alliances or enter into agreements with third parties that could harm each other's independence, sovereignty and fundamental interests and not to act against any third party, while supporting and contributing to regional and global peace. On political and diplomatic fronts, both nations decided to boost political trust through increased exchanges and cooperation across various channels, including Party, state, government, parliamentary and local levels. There will be increased exchanges between generations, especially among the youth. Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides agreed to effectively implement and expedite negotiations to enhance the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union. They aim to overcome adverse global economic challenges to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, support key energy and oil projects and facilitate the two countries' business expansion of investments, in line with national laws, and international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in new energy, clean energy, green transition and sustainable development research. The leaders expressed a desire to enhance defence and security cooperation to address non-traditional security challenges, on the basis of international norms and laws, contributing to regional and global peace and security. In the fields of transport, science and technology, innovation, education, vocational training and labour, both sides agreed to foster collaboration to drive economic growth. They also underscored the need to promote cultural and artistic exchanges and people-to-people ties, especially among the younger generations. Both nations agreed to facilitate the life, work and study of Vietnamese citizens in Russia and Russian citizens in Viet Nam, helping them serve as bridges of friendship between the two countries. On regional and international issues, Viet Nam and Russia supported building a democratic, fair and transparent international relations system based on international law and the UN Charter; not using or threatening the use of force; resolving disputes peacefully; and promoting a "new, expanded, transparent, inclusive, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system." They embraced an inclusive, undivided Asia-Pacific regional structure based on international law; and promoted economic linkages via APEC, G20, Asia-Europe economic cooperation frameworks. Viet Nam also welcomed Russias cooperation with the Mekong sub-region for regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides endorsed the maintenance of maritime and overflight security and freedom, refrainment from violence or threats of violence and resolution of disputes with peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, especially the UNCLOS 1982. The two nations supported the full implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the negotiations towards an early, substantive and effective Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law. "On this occasion, we have adopted a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries," said President Lam. President Putin thanked Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnamese leaders and the people for their warm reception of the high-level Russian delegation. "I emphasise that Russia values the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam and this relationship will continue to grow, steadfastly, on the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual consideration of each other's interests," President Putin said. Reflecting on the shared history and the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, President Putin recalled the significant support from the Soviet Union in helping Viet Nam overcome challenges and build economic, infrastructure and educational institutions. He highlighted the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Basic Principles of Friendly Relations, saying that the treaty serves as a foundation for the bilateral relationship. The Russian leader praised the productive talks, noting detailed discussions on key development directions and international and regional issues, with a focus on economic and trade cooperation. President Putin highlighted the increasing use of local currencies in bilateral transactions, with 40 per cent of trade in 2023 and 60 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, facilitated by the Viet Nam-Russia Joint Venture Bank, which has operated for 20 years. He also praised energy cooperation, particularly the success of the Vietsovpetro joint venture over the past 40 years. Prior to the press conference, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of 11 cooperation documents on education, nuclear technology research, disease prevention, oil exploration and justice. VNS HA NOI The Government is working on a national plan to modernise and streamline Viet Nam's media landscape by 2030. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang chaired a meeting on Wednesday focusing on crafting the plan. Speaking at the meeting, a Ministry of Information and Communications representative cited Viet Nam's press network, including radio, television and print outlets, as a vital tool for government communication, a source of public knowledge and a bridge for international understanding. He acknowledged significant strides made in recent years, with improved quality in media outlets catering to the public's evolving needs. News agencies have also been proactive, diversifying their activities and fostering collaboration to enhance information quality and efficiency. However, challenges remain as the modernisation of infrastructure has not kept pace with changing needs and investment falls short of what's required for optimal development. While existing policies are gradually being refined, they still have not fully caught up with the demands of a rapidly evolving media landscape. Issues like tax structures, support mechanisms and content commissions require further attention. All these challenges have exposed the need for a comprehensive national plan to help the media keep up with the times. The representative revealed that the ministry is creating a Master Plan for the Development of Press, Radio, Television and Publishing between 2021 and 2030. Its core objective is to streamline the journalism network, ensuring it effectively serves political goals, fuels economic growth and fulfils the public's desire for a rich and diverse information and cultural experience. The plan emphasises digital transformation, innovative management and audience-centric content delivery across platforms. Investing in modern infrastructure, adopting cutting-edge technology and developing a skilled workforce are key to achieving these goals. The meeting concluded with Deputy PM Quang emphasising the importance of a clear and well-defined plan, which must outline the significance of the targeted media sectors, development goals for the future and measures to achieve them. He assigned the ministry the task of further refining the plan, ensuring practicality and compliance with existing regulations. Open discussions with stakeholders across various sectors will be encouraged to solicit diverse perspectives. The ministry has recently introduced Circular No 05 on establishing norms for public services in the journalism sector, which is scheduled to take effect on August 1. Per the circular, press agencies under the ministry's management will design a system of norms for themselves and submit it to the ministry for consideration. Meanwhile, Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Television and Voice of Vietnam will be granted the authority to decide on their own. The circular is expected to fill the legal gap in norms and create a more favourable environment for press agencies to improve their autonomy and capabilities. VNS More Australian tourists eye China after visa-free policy 08:27, June 20, 2024 By Zhu Wenqian ( China Daily Passengers bound for Sydney line up for check-in at Haikou Meilan International Airport in Hainan province. LUO YUNFEI/CHINA NEWS SERVICE Australian tourists have shown increased enthusiasm to travel to China after they were included in the unilateral visa-free policy list on Monday. Half an hour following China's announcement of the move on Monday, Trip.com, the country's largest online travel agency, witnessed search volumes by Australian tourists of keywords related to China jumping more than 80 percent over the previous day. With new flights and increased frequencies connecting China and Australia since the beginning of this year, travel between the two countries has been growing in popularity. Australia has ranked as the fifth-largest source country for the number of inbound tourists to China this year, and orders for inbound tourism service products have grown by 155 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, the number of flights from Australia to China has surged by over 220 percent year-on-year, data from Shanghai-based Trip.com Group showed. This summer, the average price of flight tickets from Australia to China declined by nearly 30 percent compared to the same period last year, Trip.com found. Some popular destinations for Australian tourists include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Chengdu, Sichuan province, and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. "The implementation of the unilateral visa-free policy is expected to accelerate tourism exchanges, and economic and trade cooperation between China and Australia. The visa-free policy will also benefit over a million Chinese living in Australia, making it more convenient and smooth for family visits and travel to China," said Qin Jing, vice-president of Trip.com Group. "As important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia show high economic complementarity and boast enormous potential for further cooperation. Next, we hope to achieve stronger cooperation momentum in the tourism sector," Qin said. Meanwhile, the visa exemption policy for Australian tourists has also spurred domestic tourists to explore travel options to Australia. After the announcement, the search volume for flight tickets from China to Australia jumped more than 40 percent compared with the level seen in May, according to Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency. Currently, direct flights connect Sydney and Melbourne with major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Nanjing, Jiangsu province, and Xiamen, Fujian province. Besides, direct flights also connect Brisbane with Shanghai and Guangzhou. Chinese tourists eyeing destinations in Australia are considering some renowned sightseeing spots in Australia, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House, as well as watching dolphins at sea, Qunar found. "Many Chinese tourists have booked group tours for eight to 12 days in Australia. Travelers can go out to sea to watch whales, and penguins returning home, to experience some unique local features in Australia," said Xiao Peng, a researcher with the big data research institute of Qunar. Last week, China said it would also include New Zealand in the list of unilateral visa-free countries, boosting inbound tourism orders to China. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Shakari Briggs is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at shakari.briggs@houstonchronicle.com. Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, she worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. Shakari comes to the Houston newsroom with experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career. Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting. HA NOI Vietnamese President To Lam and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held talks following a state-level welcome ceremony for the latter in Ha Noi on Thursday. President Lam emphasised the significance of the visit, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between the two nations (1994-2024). He also congratulated the Russian people on their achievements under President Putin's leadership and the Russian President on the high support he obtained in the March presidential election. He affirmed that the Vietnamese people always appreciate the heartfelt support and assistance from the Russian people during Viet Nam's past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as the current process of national construction and defence. The leader stressed that implementing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, and cooperation, Viet Nam regards Russia as one of its most important partners and wants to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations for the benefit of their people and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. President Putin expressed his pleasure to visit Viet Nam for the fifth time and stated that Russia values its traditional friendship and multifaceted collaboration with Viet Nam in its look east policy. He stressed that strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam is Russia's top priority in the Asia-Pacific region and hoped his current visit would enhance the ties and the two countries win-win multifaceted cooperation. Expressing his satisfaction with sound political relations and high mutual trust between Viet Nam and Russia, both leaders noted that recent exchanges of delegations at all levels, particularly high-level ones, have boosted the bilateral cooperation. They agreed to enhance political dialogues and exchanges at all levels, especially high-level and top-level, through the Party, State, and National Assembly channels, and to educate younger generations about the traditional friendship to continuously fortify political trust and create a foundation conducive to increasing bilateral cooperation across all fields. The leaders also praised the active partnership in education-training, culture, science, and technology. To further mutual understanding and friendship, they agreed to enhance collaboration between the nations twinned localities, increase youth exchanges, and expand aviation cooperation to promote tourism. Regarding the education area, President Putin agreed with the host leader's proposal to increase scholarships for Vietnamese students, particularly in basic sciences and cultural arts, which are Russia's strengths. The two sides concurred to facilitate tourism by negotiating and signing agreements to simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens and to promote labour cooperation by negotiating and signing agreements on vocational training and labour. They expressed their desire to enhance cooperation in national defence-security, especially in addressing non-traditional security challenges and coordinating closely at defence-security multilateral forums, especially ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+), all in accordance with international principles and regulations. President Lam affirmed Viet Nam's willingness to act as a bridge between Russia and ASEAN, contributing positively and responsibly to ensuring peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific and the world. On regional and global issues of shared concern, both leaders supported the establishment of a democratic, fair international relations system based on international law and the United Nations Charter, especially not using force or threatening to use force, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful settlement of disputes. They committed to close coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the UN and APEC, and within the ASEAN-Russia, ASEAN-Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and ASEAN-Eurasian Economic Union frameworks. Additionally, they voiced support for ASEAN's central role in the regional architecture of the Asia-Pacific and agreed to further strengthen the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership for the benefit of both nations and for global and regional peace, stability and development. President Putin affirmed Russias support for Vietnam in successfully hosting the APEC Year 2027. Regarding the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, the two sides supported ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, not using force or threatening to use force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also expressed support for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early finalisation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). About the conflict in Ukraine, President Lam reaffirmed Viet Nam's stance on supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law and UN Charter, taking into account the legitimate interests of all parties involved. Viet Nam is willing to join international mediation efforts with the participation of relevant stakeholders to seek a sustainable peaceful solution to the Ukraine issue, he said. The talks concluded with both sides expressing joy at the upcoming celebrations of significant milestones in their bilateral relations, especially the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of Vietnams national reunification. President Putin extended his invitation to President Lam to attend the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism in Russias Great Patriotic War. The Vietnamese leader accepted the invitation with pleasure. Finally, the two Presidents witnessed the exchange of several bilateral cooperation documents in various fields, including education-training, transport, justice, customs, finance and science-technology. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam regards the traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia as a top priority in its foreign policy, said Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong while holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ha Noi on Thursday. Trong congratulated Putin on his re-election as president with a high number of votes, demonstrating the trust of the Russian people in his leadership in maintaining political and social stability, as well as economic development and foreign policy implementation of the Russian Federation. The Party chief said Viet Nam always appreciates the valuable support and assistance of the Soviet Union, including the former Russia and the present-day Russian Federation in Viet Nams struggle for independence in the two resistance wars and the countrys reunification and construction. Viet Nam also supports Russia's active contribution to the common tasks of the international community and Russia's eastward policy, Trong said, believing that a peaceful, independent, strong and reputable Viet Nam with its increasing status is also consistent with Russia's long-term interests in the Asia-Pacific and the world. Viet Nam hopes that President Putin and the Russian Federation will continue to pay attention to and strongly support the maintenance of peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and key rights and interests of Viet Nam, the settlement of disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and the implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), soon reaching an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), Trong said. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the Party leader emphasised that Viet Nam wishes to soon have dialogue, end hostilities and resume negotiations to reach a peaceful solution on the basis of international law, ensuring legitimate interests of relevant parties. Viet Nam is ready to actively contribute to promoting dialogue and negotiations in that direction. Party General Secretary Trong discussed with President Putin Viet Nams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, including strongly strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, deepening bilateral cooperation with strategic partners, comprehensive partners and other important partners. Viet Nam is persistent with its "four nos" defence policy, he said. President Putin spoke highly the great achievements achieved by Viet Nam after nearly 40 years of oi moi (reform) led by the Communist Party of Viet Nam, headed by General Secretary Trong. While sharing foreign policy of the Russian Federation, Putin highlighted that the resolution of international and regional issues should be based on international law, the United Nations Charter and peaceful dispute settlement. Regarding the East Sea issue, the Russian President supports the peaceful settlement of this issue based on international law. Putin also mentioned Russia's position on the conflict in Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to continue to strengthen mutual understanding and trust, promoting visits and exchanges at all levels via the Party, State and National Assembly channels. The two leaders vowed to expand economic cooperation as well as partnership in trade, investment, science, technology, defence, security, oil and gas. They also highly appreciated the important contributions of the Vietnamese community in Russia, which is an important bridge for relations between the two countries. General Secretary Trong proposed that Russia continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Russia to work and live stably and for the long-term. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese President To Lam and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on June 20 had a cordial meeting with leaders of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association and Vietnamese alumni who had studied in Russia. In his remarks, President Putin highlighted numerous successes achieved by many Vietnamese alumni and acknowledged their significant contributions to the two countries traditional cooperation and friendship over the past years. The Russian leader expressed his hope that they would continue to play a bridging role in helping the younger generations of Viet Nam to understand more about the Russian culture, country and people, thereby preserving and fostering the traditional brotherly friendship between the two nations. Guests took this occasion to express their readiness to uphold the tradition, contributing to the cultivation of bilateral friendly and cooperative ties. In his speech, President Lam stated that many generations of Vietnamese, including those who have never set foot in Russia, have always cherished the country, its people, culture, spirit, and language through books, films, and even stories shared by those who have been to Russia. The State leader emphasised that the Vietnamese people are grateful for the enduring friendship and loyalty of their Russian friends. In the context of complex regional and global developments, Viet Nam and Russia will continue to uphold their tradition of solidarity and mutual trust, standing side by side to overcome difficulties and challenges for the sake of their people. President Lam noted the heartfelt comments from attendees showed that despite the vast geographical distance, the Vietnamese people remain interested in and supportive of Russia. They are pleased with Russia's achievements and development, and they always wish for the nations prosperity, growth, and success in overcoming all hurdles and challenges. VNS HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man met with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ha Noi on Thursday, during which he emphasised that Party, State and people of Viet Nam attach importance to his state visit. The top legislator congratulated Russia over the successful organisation of Russias 2024 presidential election, and comprehensive achievements the country has obtained under the leadership of President Putin. Man said that Viet Nam always values the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and remembers the wholehearted support and assistance that the people of the former Soviet Union and Russia nowadays have given to Viet Nam. Viet Nam determines that relations with Russia are of strategic importance, and Russia is the most important partner in Viet Nam's foreign policy, he said, adding that the country wants to promote cooperation with Russia in all fields, for the common interests of the two peoples, for peace, stability and development in the region and the world. He affirmed inter-parliamentary cooperation as one of the important pillars in friendship and cooperation between the two countries, saying that it has been has been continuously strengthened. He briefed President Putin on outcomes of inter-parliamentary collaboration between the two countries, saying that the Vietnamese NA a signed cooperation agreement with Russias Federation Council and State Duma. Both sides are discussing to renew the agreement this year, which adds specific cooperation contents between the Friendship Parliamentary Group of Viet Nam and the Cooperation Group with the Vietnamese National Assembly of the Russian Federation Council. He introduced a number of specific orientations and cooperation activities expected to be carried out by the two countries' legislatures in the near future to contribute to Viet Nam-Russia relations. Man highly valued Putin's valuable contributions to the development of relations between the two countries, and hoped the President continue to support and promote ties between the two countries' legislatures. President Putin, for his part, agreed with Chairman Mans assessment of the relations between the two countries and their legislatures. Putin underlined the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation and collaboration between the countries political parties, while highlighting the fine relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the United Russia party, as well as between the National Assembly of Viet Nam and the Federal Assembly of Russia. This is a basis for boosting the ties between two parliaments, building a legal corridor and legal foundation to strengthen the Viet Nam Russia relations, he said, wishing the Vietnamese NA approve and promote the implementation of the two countries bilateral activities. He stressed promoting ties with ASEAN as Russias priority direction, saying that the cooperation will create space for development of both sides. Putin said he is looking forward to welcoming an official visit to Russia by Chairman Man at the invitation of Chairman of State Duma of Russia Vyacheslav Volodin. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue supporting Viet Nam and developing the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. At a meeting with President Putin in Ha Noi on June 20, PM Chinh affirmed Viet Nam is always grateful to the people of the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation nowadays for their valuable support and assistance throughout its history, especially during the past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as the current process of national defence, construction, renewal and socio-economic development. The PM expressed his desire for both countries to closely coordinate efforts and create a new momentum for their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation. He highlighted the need to promptly address difficulties to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in economy, trade, investment, and global integration, thereby deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Russia. President Putin affirmed Viet Nam as a trustworthy and long-standing partner, noting that his visit is an important opportunity to discuss and agree on measures to foster cooperation in various fields, especially economy, trade, sci-tech, energy, people-to-people and humanitarian exchanges, toward consolidating the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. To further promote economic cooperation, both sides should improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technical Cooperation; soon agree on and implement the Comprehensive Plan for Viet Nam-Russia Cooperation until 2030 and the list of prioritised tasks for 2024-2025; and strengthen financial and credit cooperation to facilitate trade and investment, he suggested. PM Chinh emphasised the need to fully leverage the advantages of the Eurasian Economic Union-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement. He urged Russia to continue removing trade barriers to facilitate bilateral trade, particularly the export of Vietnamese consumer goods and agricultural products to Russia. He also called for increasing the quota for Viet Nams rice exports and supporting access for Russian agricultural products to the Vietnamese market. Regarding investment, both sides supported the early implementation of Russias large-scale projects in Viet Nam, particularly in infrastructure, railways, urban metro systems, and renewable energy. They aim to create favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to expand their activities effectively. Stressing oil-energy cooperation as a cornerstone of the bilateral economic cooperation, PM Chinh proposed close coordination and timely solutions to tackling difficulties and improving the efficiency of joint projects in oil exploration and exploitation. Both sides also backed expanding cooperation to new, clean, and renewable energy sectors, such as liquefied natural gas and offshore wind power, to contribute to sustainable development goals. Leaders of both countries are committed to stronger collaboration in sci-tech, information and communication technology, culture, sports, tourism and labour. They supported the enhancement of the teaching and promotion of Vietnamese and Russian languages in each country through cultural centres. PM Chinh proposed Russia support in training Vietnamese athletes in areas like gymnastics and chess. Both sides will initiate negotiations and sign a new agreement on labour and vocational training. The PM proposed Russian leaders and authorities continue supporting the Vietnamese community living in Russia. On global and regional issues of shared concern, the two leaders pledged to continue working closely together at multilateral forums, including the UN, ASEAN and APEC. President Putin acknowledged Viet Nam's objective and balanced stance on the Ukraine issue. PM Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam supports the settlement of disputes and differences via peaceful measures in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, taking into account the legitimate interests of all parties involved, for the sake of peace, stability and development in the region and the world, adding that Viet Nam is ready to join international efforts to seek peaceful and sustainable solutions to the Ukraine issue. Regarding the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) issue, the two leaders expressed their support for the settlement of disputes through peaceful means in line with international law and the UN Charter, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation; full enforcement of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon achieving an effective and practical Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea. VNS HA NOI President To Lam hosted a banquet in Ha Noi on Thursday evening in honour of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a State visit to Viet Nam. In his speech, President Lam noted that President Putin's visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Friendly Relations between Viet Nam and Russia, opening up a new phase in the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The President expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support provided by the people of the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation nowadays during Viet Nam's past struggle for national independence, freedom, and reunification, as well as in its ongoing process of national construction and development. He stressed that tens of thousands of Vietnamese students had been educated in Russia, becoming a valuable human resource contributing significantly to Viet Nam's development. Acknowledging the steadfast friendship between the two nations, President Lam described it as an invaluable asset founded by generations of leaders and citizens, nurtured and passed on to future generations. Congratulating Russia on its significant development achievements under President Putins steadfast leadership, he expressed his firm confidence that with the determined leadership and efforts of its people, Russia will continue to grow strong, maintain political and social stability, develop a dynamic economy, and increasingly enhance its role and prestige as a power. The two sides have been working closely together at multilateral forums and international organisations, protecting the legitimate interests of each country and contributing to the international communitys efforts in addressing global challenges, President Lam said. The Vietnamese leader expressed his desire for future bilateral cooperation to continue growing in national defence-security, science and technology, culture, education, sports, and people-to-people exchanges. Despite global and regional economic uncertainties, Viet Nam and Russia have maintained positive growth, especially expanding cooperation in the energy, and oil and gas sectors. Speaking at the banquet, President Putin expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's achievements over the years, particularly its remarkable socio-economic development. He affirmed that the Southeast Asian nation deserves to be recognised as one of the most dynamic developing ones in the Asia-Pacific. Recalling a history of bilateral bonds, President Putin stated that this visit would open new horizons, further enhancing and consolidating the comprehensive strategic partnership between the countries toward a prosperous future for their peoples. He urged both sides to work together for the progress of their nations and the well-being of their citizens, as well as for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. At the event, Viet Nam's symphony orchestra and renowned artists specialising in chamber and traditional music delivered performances related to both nations, conveying messages of friendship and hospitality to Russian friends. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and Russia have issued a Joint Statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership, building on the achievements of the three-decade implementation of their Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations. Released as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Viet Nam on June 19 and 20, the joint statement wrote that the two countries will continuously strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership based on friendship and mutual support amidst a complex international landscape. In 2025, they will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, marking a long journey of overcoming challenges together. According to the document, both sides affirmed that consolidating and enhancing the effectiveness of the comprehensive strategic partnership is a top foreign policy priority for both, serving long-term interests, contributing to each country's development, and enhancing their roles regionally and globally. Viet Nam and Russia build their relationship on mutual trust, principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, the right to self-determination, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, no use or threat to use force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. They are determined to continue close cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Viet Nam and Russia do not align or enter into agreements with a third party to take actions that are harmful to each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and fundamental interests. The development of their bilateral relations is not aimed against any third party. Viet Nam and Russia also agreed to continue regular and substantive high-level political dialogue, striving to effectively implement agreements reached between their leaders. They aim to enhance the efficiency of existing cooperation mechanisms, establish new ones, and strengthen contacts through party and parliamentary channels. Both sides emphasised the special role of defence and security cooperation in their overall relationship and agreed to strengthen comprehensive collaboration in international information security in line with international law and bilateral agreements. The two sides recognised the need to enhance joint work in emergency response, further develop economic cooperation, and support the early agreement and implementation of the master plan for Viet Nam-Russia cooperation development until 2030. They affirmed the importance of increasing Vietnamese investment in Russia and Russian investment in Viet Nam in such areas as mineral extraction and processing, industry, agriculture, machinery manufacturing, and energy. Both sides concurred to continue cooperating in existing and new oil and gas projects in accordance with each country's law, meeting the strategic interests of both parties. They also saw potential in cooperation on the construction and modernisation of power facilities. They supported facilitating the operation expansion of Vietnamese oil and gas enterprises in Russia as well as of Russian oil and gas enterprises on the Vietnamese continental shelf, in line with Vietnamese, Russian and international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The joint statement also highlighted the potential for nuclear energy collaboration, the strategic nature of joint work in education, training, science, technology, and innovation, and the promotion of the study and teaching of Vietnamese in Russia and Russian in Viet Nam. The areas for expanded cooperation also included humanities, media, health, sports, and tourism. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on immigration issues and facilitate the living, working, and studying conditions for Vietnamese citizens in Russia and Russian citizens in Viet Nam. Both sides vowed to accelerate the objective process of establishing a fair and sustainable multipolar world order, in line with the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, including respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, the right to self-determination of peoples, non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, and refraining from the threat or use of force, and peaceful settlement of disputes. They emphasised that effective cooperation and coordinated actions at global and regional forums will strengthen and enhance the bilateral relationship, deepening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. This will serve the long-term interests of their people, contributing to peace, security, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific and the world. President Putin invited Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to visit Russia at a convenient time. The Vietnamese side accepted the invitation with pleasure. VNS HA NOI President Vladimir Putin and a high-ranking delegation of Russia left Ha Noi Thursday night, wrapping up their two-day state visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong. During his trip to Viet Nam, President Putin laid wreaths in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi and laid wreaths in commemoration of fallen combatants at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs. The Russian leader was formally welcomed in a solemn ceremony at the Presidential Palace, with the highest protocol for a head of state. While in the country, President Putin held talks with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President To Lam, and met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man. Party chief Trong spoke highly of President Putin's fifth visit to Viet Nam, noting its significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Viet Nam and Russia, and paves the way for the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations next year. He congratulated President Putin on his re-election, stressing that the high number of votes reflected the Russian peoples trust in his leadership. The Party leader expressed Viet Nam's gratitude for the support provided by the former Soviet Union and Russia nowadays, during the past struggle for national independence and reunification, and the ongoing process of national construction and defence. He reiterated that Viet Nam treasures its traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, considering it a top priority in the Southeast Asian country's foreign policy. Viet Nam supports Russia's active role in the international community and its "Look East" policy, believing that a peaceful, independent, strong Viet Nam with growing prestige aligns with Russia's long-term interests in the Asia-Pacific and the world, he said. The Party General Secretary talked about Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external ties, including the strengthening of relations with neighbouring countries, and enhancing and deepening bilateral cooperation with strategic partners, comprehensive partners and other important partners. He also reiterated Viet Nam's adherence to the "four nos" defence policy. The host expressed his hope that President Putin and Russia would continue to strongly support the maintenance of peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (South China Sea), Viet Nam's legitimate rights and interests and the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the enforcement of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and the early finalisation of a effective and practical Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). President Putin underscored that Viet Nam is a trusted friend and partner of Russia and that their relationship has stood the test of time. Developing the sides comprehensive strategic partnership is a priority in Russia's Asia-Pacific foreign policy, he stated with confidence in new momentum that his visit would inject into bilateral relations. Expressing delight at progress made in the ties, the leaders agreed to give boost to mutual understanding and trust via promoting all-level visits and exchanges through the Party, State, and parliamentary channels. They said they are committed to strengthening cooperation in economy, trade, investment, science-technology, and defence-security and will work together to resolve existing challenges in accordance with international law and the specific conditions of each country. In the energy and oil-gas sectors, both sides agreed to facilitate efficient implementation of existing projects and to expand investment initiatives involving national oil and gas companies from the two countries. They concurred to boost joint work in key areas such as agriculture, education and training, culture, tourism, people-to-people and locality-to-locality exchanges. They acknowledged the significant contributions of the Vietnamese community in Russia, which serves as an important bridge for bilateral relations. On the occasion, Viet Nam and Russia issued a joint statement to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership based on the achievements of the three-decade implementation of their Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations. The statement praised the significant accomplishments in bilateral relations, affirmed principles, and outlined directions to enhance and fortify bilateral cooperation, traditional friendship, and comprehensive strategic partnership serving the long-term benefits for their people as well as global and regional peace, security, and sustainable development. As part of the visit, the Vietnamese and Russian presidents shared a warm meeting with leaders of the Viet Nam-Russia Friendship Association and generations of Vietnamese alumni who studied in Russia. President Lam hosted a state banquet in honour of his counterpart. Earlier, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation agreements in various fields including education, transport, justice, customs, finance, and science-technology. VNS TIEN GIANG Two Vietnamese individuals from the southern province of Tien Giang have been sentenced by a local court for activities aimed at overthrowing the government. The court on Wednesday sentenced Nguyen uc Thanh, 56, to 16 years in prison, and Nhut Kim Binh, 47, to eight years in prison for this charge. Thanh was found guilty of sharing distorted and anti-State content on social media, despite previous fines for similar offenses. He joined a terrorist organisation called the Provisional National Government of Viet Nam between 2019 and 2023, and engaged in anti-government activities such as recruitment and training. Despite facing fines, Thanh continued spreading false information and inciting others, including Binh, to join the terrorist organisation. The provincial police found anti-state social media posts by Thanh and evidence of his recruitment activities. The organisation, headquartered in the US, is considered a terrorist group by Vietnamese authorities. Its leader, ao Minh Quan, 72, a Vietnamese American who currently lives in the US, has been wanted for terrorist activities against the Vietnamese government since 2017. The groups plans included recruiting forces, establishing bases, and purchasing weapons for terror acts in Viet Nam. The heads of the organisation living abroad continued to expand their forces for terrorising, sabotaging, and assassinating officials in Viet Nam. Authorities have warned against any involvement in activities associated with the organisation, as it would be considered terrorism under Vietnamese law. The groups members have been involved in terrorist activities in Viet Nam since 2015, leading to legal actions against supporters and participants. VNS ONG THAP ong Thap Province aims to develop lotus cultivation sustainably to produce high quality products for export and improve farmer incomes. Located in the ong Thap Muoi (Plain of Reeds) region, the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province has many ponds, lakes and wetland areas which are favourable conditions for cultivating the plant. It is the deltas largest lotus growing province with 1,838ha as of the end of last year, exceeding 31 per cent of its target set for 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The department, in co-operation with relevant agencies, has selected and created 52 lotus varieties which are grown for harvesting flowers, pods, stems or roots, or making ornamental plants. Farmers who grow lotus for harvesting pods earn an average profit of VN100 million (US$3,900) per hectare during the five-month crop. Nguyen Thanh Dung in Thanh Binh Districts Tan My Commune said he gets a yield of 7-8 tonnes of pods per hectare per crop. The profit of growing lotus is two to three times higher than that of rice, he said. Lotus is identified as one of five key agricultural products under the provinces agricultural restructuring plan for 2021-25. The province has set up measures to develop the plant to become a key agricultural product, which has advanced technologies, brand names and origin traceability. The measures will also improve the quality of lotus products and develop lotus-related tourism products under the countrys One Commune-One Product programme. The province will also develop specialised lotus growing areas, mostly in Thap Muoi, Cao Lanh, Chau Thanh, Thanh Binh, Tan Hong and Tam Nong districts. Thap Muoi, which is the provinces largest lotus growing district, aims to have 1,000ha of the plant and five specialised growing areas next year. Tran Van Nhan, deputy director of the provinces Centre for Agricultural Services, Irrigation Work Exploitation and Management, and Rural Clean Water, said to assist farmers accessing farming processes that grow lotus sustainably and have high quality, the province is implementing exemplary farming models. One model is a 100ha lotus farming area in Thap Muoi District, which uses an organic method, applies mechanisation and technologies of Industry 4.0, has linkages among stakeholders in producing and selling, and provides experimental tourism services. Other models include a 3ha lotus farming area for harvesting roots in Thap Muoi, and a 2ha fish-lotus farming area in Tam Nong District. They have helped farmers access modern farming models, improve quality and diversify lotus products, Nhan said. The department has provided farmers methods of managing diseases and growing the plant under good Vietnamese agricultural practices and organic standards. It is boosting the development of linkages between farmers and companies to improve lotus quality and secure sales for farmers. Farmers now sell lotus mostly to traders. The province has 30 lotus processing companies which produce 120 lotus-related food and cosmetic products. It has 59 OCOP products and 200 dishes and beverage items which are made from lotus. VNS Winds from Tropical Storm Alberto blow sea foam Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Surfside Beach. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Coastal town Surfside Beach delayed plans to begin cleanup following Wednesdays impacts from Tropical Storm Alberto, Mayor Gregg Bisso said Thursday. Bisso said Thursday mornings high tide at around 5:30 a.m. raised water levels in the city as everything that had gone down is now back up again. Recovery will begin when Bisso believes the water has subsided enough that it is safe for public works employees to start working. Were having to hold off a little while, Bisso said. We had volunteers that were going to be down here helping clean up and everything, but were just having to hold off for safety reasons right now until the water goes down a little bit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He expects volunteers may be able to start helping with beach clean up efforts Friday. Flood levels reached as high as 4 feet Wednesday in the Brazoria County town as the tropical storm approached Mexicos coast. Surfside Beach is located southwest of Galveston Island and about an hours drive from Houston. The city is limiting access to the west end of Follets Island. Only residents, contractors and people with rental agreements in the area can be on that part of the island. There were around 100 houses on that side of the island without power as of Thursday morning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Beaches are also closed. We havent even been able to get down on the beach yet to take a look at it, to see what it looks like, see how much damage weve had to our dunes and things like that, Bisso said. As we get down there, well be able to assess the situation a lot better. Bisso said there hasnt been much damage to local houses since theyre built on pylons. LOOK AT THE WEATHER: Summer storms keep Houston temps near normal through Friday. Heres when heat increases Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, any buildings and structures underneath the houses or on the ground likely sustained some sort of damage. But Bisso said thats something to expect when living on the Gulf Coast. KHANH HOA Arguably the most famous doctor in Viet Nam is being honoured with a new tourism trail. Dr Yersin, who spent much of his working life here, is best remembered as the co-discoverer of the bacillus responsible for the bubonic plague and for creating an anti-serum, which was later named in his honour: Yersinia pestis. He also founded the biggest medical school in Viet Nam in 1902, serving as its director for the first two years. The Ha Noi Medical University is now the largest medical school in Viet Nam. The Khanh Hoa Travel Association has set up a tourism programme named Following in Doctor Yersin's footsteps - Hon Ba Secret as part of a series of events during the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival. The tour passes through many of the locations once associated with the doctor's life, finishing at the doctor's home on Hon Ba mountain. This is where Dr. Yersin built a small house as his first microbiology research and experiment facility in Viet Nam and where he worked for over fifty years. Today, the dark brown wooden house has been restored to its original appearance. The first floor only displays pictures of Dr. Yersin, while the second floor is an office with old chairs, a bedroom and a reading room. All artefacts on display are original, donated by the Yersin Admiration Association. In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to go to Yersin Park, near Tran Phu Bridge to admire the scenery of the Cai River and Nha Trang Sea. Then visitors can come to the Yersin Museum, which is located in the Pasteur Institute, Nha Trang City Institute of Oceanography. Nguyen Phi Hong Nguyen, Sales Director of Viet Promotion Tourism and Services Company - the tour organiser - said: "After two years of trials, in early June, the Provincial People's Committee decided to welcome tourists. We believe that it is a cultural tourism product introducing famous notable individuals of Khanh Hoa. We want it to become an indispensable option in tourists' journey to explore Nha Trang." Visitors joining the journey will also be able to explore KONGFOREST -- the largest forest exploration tourist park in Viet Nam. Nguyen Van ao, Deputy Director of Kong Forest said: "Tourists can also visit the flora and fauna conservation in the area." Alexandre Yersin was a French-Swiss scientist and physician who spent most of his life working in Vietnam during the first half of the 20th century. He made invaluable contributions as a microbiologist, bacteriologist, serial entrepreneur and public health administrator. He was the founder and first Director of the Pasteur Institute Nha Trang (1895) and is also credited for introducing rubber trees to Viet Nam in 1897 and quinoa plants in 1917. Dr Yersin's other achievements include plague anti-serum manufacturing companies he established in India and Viet Nam and the opening of an agricultural station that successfully acclimatised quinine for local consumption and rubber for export. He discovered a Diphtheria toxin in 1888 and first surveyed the Lam Vien plateau in 1893, which contributed to the establishment of the resort city of a Lat. Yersin is most respected and beloved by Vietnamese people for his professional work, but was also known for being a very modest doctor. He was the first person to be posthumously awarded the title of Honorary Vietnamese Citizen by the Vietnamese Government in 2013. VNS KHANH HOA The Ana Mandara Cam Ranh resort in the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa has been recognised as one of the "Top 5 Beach + Island Resorts in Viet Nam 2024" at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. Outscoring more than 35 competitors in the same category, Ana Mandara Cam Ranh was selected as the overwhelming winner after an exhaustive review by sophisticated tourists globally. It has been recognised as one of the top beach and island resorts in Viet Nam for a second consecutive year. Le ai Hai, general manager of Ana Mandara Cam Ranh resort, said: We are confident that with this remarkable accomplishment and the unwavering support of our valued guests, Ana Mandara Cam Ranh will continue maintaining its reputation for providing unparalleled satisfaction to every visitor. We not only offer a stunning natural environment but also provide exceptional care and the highest level of service. Being recognised at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 is a clear indication of Ana Mandara Cam Ranhs unwavering commitment to innovation. Our focus is on sustainability, revitalising lush green spaces, enhancing the customer experience, and celebrating the timeless beauty of Vietnamese culture, he said. Nestled on serene Bai Dai beach near Cam Ranh International Airport, Ana Mandara Cam Ranh offers 36 villas and 140 inviting hotel rooms, all thoughtfully crafted within a lush green landscape. Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific hosted the awards ceremony on the evening of June 13 in Thailand. Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific is a distinguished award given out yearly by Travel + Leisure, one of the world's leading travel magazines and media outlets, recognising the top hotels, resorts, and destinations globally. VNS Shares of Japanese carmakers plunged after the countrys Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism found false data used to certify certain models earlier in June. The stock of Japans largest carmaker, Toyota, fell more than 5.4 per cent after the scandal broke on June 3, but began to recover afterwards. The company lost $15.62 billion in market value in the week of the revelation alone. Shares of Mazda, the countrys second-largest carmaker, dropped 7.7 per cent in the same period. The inspection by Japans Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism also found irregularities in certification applications by Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Toyota had apologised for falsifying information on certification exams for seven different models. The model certification applications in question involve inadequate data in pedestrian and occupant protection tests for three production models the Corolla Fielder, Axio, and Yaris Cross and errors in crash tests and other test methods for four discontinued models. In an announcement from Toyota Motor Corporation on June 3, it said the company had taken action to temporarily halt shipments and sales of three models currently produced in Japan. We sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience this may cause to our customers and stakeholders who have placed their trust in Toyota. We take it seriously that the problem was discovered at Toyota following the recent discovery of certification issues at Hino Motors, Daihatsu Motors, and Toyota Industries Corporation, the corporation said. The latest revelations came after the ministry requested carmakers in January to investigate certification applications following a safety test scandal at Toyotas Daihatsu compact car unit that emerged last year. Toyota Motor Vietnam rushed to clarify that the unfolding events would not have a bearing in Vietnam. Based on more detailed information from Toyota Motor Corporation, although having the same commercial name as the Yaris Cross, the model is completely different from the Yaris Cross model currently distributed by Toyota Vietnam, it said in a statement. The unfurling testing scandal that has embroiled five Japanese automotive giants reflects outmoded certification practices dating back around 70 years, according to The Strait Times. Many of these irregularities were based on in-house tests conducted during production and are said to be at stricter conditions than required, with retesting at government standards not carried out, given time pressures and the sheer complexity. The companies were also said to have different interpretations of the national certification system, it reported. Nevertheless, the vehicles are deemed safe to drive and that the key issue of safety was never woefully compromised, analysts said. No problems have yet been found in the deviating testing processes for the 38 affected vehicle models, of which 32 are no longer in production. Fitch Ratings Japan industry analyst and senior director Satoru Aoyama told The Straits Times, The non-compliance is a serious issue and cannot be justified, he stressed. But at the same time, the certification process has never really been updated to reflect the evolution of the automotive industry, and has become a bottleneck in product development. Meanwhile, Japans Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism concluded that the six cases of misconduct by Toyota related to vehicle certification may violate not only domestic standards but also United Nations vehicle regulations, according to Japan News. The UN vehicle regulations are international safety and environmental standards adopted by 62 countries and regions, including Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Given that Japans domestic regulations for cars align with those of the UN, the irregularities are likely to result in manufacturers being barred from mass-producing the vehicles involved in the scandal in Europe and elsewhere, noted Inquirer.net. According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association, Toyota continues to hold the top position with sales in Vietnam in May reaching 5,356 vehicles, an increase of 19 per cent compared to April. Ranked second is Hyundai with 4,914 vehicles, followed by Ford, Mitsubishi, Kia, Mazda, and Honda. There is fierce competition between car manufacturers to gain market share in Vietnam. Leading enterprises just a few short years ago, such as Toyota and Honda, recorded a decrease in market share in 2023 while names like Ford, Kia, Mazda, and Mitsubishi grew thanks to better pricing strategies. In addition, Chinese automakers are bringing more brands into Vietnam such as Lynk&Co, Haima, and MG, while Wuling and Chery have been opening assembly factories. Japanese automakers to invest 4.3 bln USD in Thailand The Thai Government announced on December 25 that four major Japanese automakers will invest 150 billion THB (4.34 billion USD) in Thailand over the next five years. Toyota's Daihatsu suspends all domestic production Japanese car maker Daihatsu has suspended all its domestic production as the Toyota-owned company faces a massive safety testing scandal. Toyota suspends shipments of 10 models on testing irregularities Toyota said Monday it was suspending shipments of 10 models that use engines linked with testing irregularities at an affiliate company. Ma Tuan Trong, country commercial head at Grab Vietnam From your observations, how has the food delivery market evolved in the five years since you joined Grab Vietnam? When I joined Grab, food delivery was still a novel concept in Vietnam. Back then, people primarily associated Grab with GrabBike and GrabCar. The industry was growingly embraced by users thanks to its convenience before the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Post-pandemic, food ordering has become a lasting consumer habit and lifestyle, with increasing order frequency and value, as shown by Grabs research published in 2023. Thanks to the efforts of the Grab team and our partners, Grab has evolved into a comprehensive multi-service application, with GrabFood now being an essential component. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of GrabFoods merchants partners increased by 76 per cent, leading to higher customer satisfaction with the wide and diverse selection. As the market evolves and Grab is no longer the sole player, how is GrabFood addressing the increasing competition? According to Momentum Works, food delivery services in Vietnam experienced the highest industry GMV growth in the region in 2023, nearly 30 per cent. However, its market value is still lower proportionally compared to other Southeast Asian peers. This indicates significant untapped potential in the food delivery industry in Vietnam, and to stimulate demand, its necessary for all players to participate and create a robust market. When competition intensifies, in a different lens, expanding the market is the primary goal, which requires multiple players. Competition becomes a catalyst for setting standards and driving improvements across the board. Every player is then required to recognise their strengths and try to maximise them. In our five years in the market, GrabFood has identified its major advantages, including a wide and diverse network of merchant partners, a robust consumer base in transportation, deep market insights and advanced technology. Leveraging these strengths, we aim to continue growing and serving our customers. Could you elaborate on GrabFoods affordable pricing strategy to support its users? Over the past year, Grab has implemented several plans (or launched several products and features) to make food delivery more affordable and convenient for users. The GrabUnlimited subscription package provides users with free or discounted delivery fees for GrabFood orders. The Saver option allows users to choose longer delivery times, enabling them to plan ahead and pay lower delivery fees. Additionally, our group order feature caters to the common behaviour of Vietnamese users ordering food together, especially during office hours. This feature not only helps users save on delivery fees by consolidating orders but also encourages higher order values, unlocking additional incentives. It simplifies the group ordering process by allowing users to share links or scan QR codes, customise their orders, and split the bill according to individual selections. Very soon, this feature will also enable cashless payments within the app for each member of the group order. How has this strategy demonstrated its effectiveness over the past year? Our affordability strategy has shown certain initial success, particularly amidst challenging economic conditions and tightening consumer spending. According to our data, Grab Unlimited users are ordering GrabFood 2.8 times more frequently than non-Grab Unlimited users as of 2023. One out of every five completed GrabFood orders opts for the Economy delivery option as of Q4/2023. Most importantly, the popularity of group orders is increasing, with a 45 per cent rise in the number of orders utilising the Group Order feature in Q4/2023 compared to the previous quarter. Given the ongoing economic challenges, Grab remains committed to enhancing user experiences moving forward through technological advancements and partnerships with reputable brands. Features such as the GrabUnlimited membership package and the Group Booking feature introduced last year will undergo continuous improvements to ensure smoother and more seamless app experiences for users, while also offering additional perks for users. One of Grabs recent focuses has been on expanding into smaller markets. Could you elaborate on this? As I mentioned, there is enormous untapped potential for the food delivery market, and platforms like GrabFood must broaden their consumer base by targeting new consumer segments in major cities and exploring smaller markets. To penetrate smaller cities, GrabFood has utilised its extensive network of driver partners across various provinces and cities nationwide. We have also focused on enhancing connections with local communities to raise awareness of the Grab brand and integrate GrabFood into their daily lives. For instance, marketing efforts prioritise promoting and celebrating local cuisine. Additionally, Grab plans to collaborate with local authorities to install stone benches in public locations in cities like Danang, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau. These benches, equipped with Grab app QR codes, serve as meeting spots while promoting Grabs services to locals and tourists alike. Expanding into smaller cities presents challenges, including the varied living standards and spending capacities, necessitating an affordable pricing policy tailored to local needs. In addition, limited familiarity among some local eateries and restaurants with digital business requires more efforts to provide guidance, training, and simplified processes for easy access. Nevertheless, GrabFood is committed to making its products, features, and incentives relevant and attractive to local populations while facilitating the adoption of digital business practices among local merchants. Delivery apps help Vietnamese consumers discover new restaurants and shops 91 per cent of Vietnamese respondents have used the Grab app to discover new restaurants and shops that they have never tried before, according to Grabs latest Food & Grocery Trends 2023 report. Grab Vietnam makes positive contribution in 2023 Grab Vietnam continues to reaffirm its long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market and to make positive contributions to the overall socioeconomic development of the country. Grab introduces Women Programme for driver-partners On March 6, Grab announced the launch of its Women Programme for driver-partners, an initiative that aims to support women in Vietnam to become drivers on its platform. The report was drawn up by Vietnams Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority, the Danish Energy Agency, and the Embassy of Denmark, and was released on June 19. The report presents scenarios for the development of the Vietnamese energy system towards 2050, focusing on analysing realistic pathways for Vietnam to achieve its net-zero commitment. The message of the report is clear: the most beneficial and cost-effective way to support Vietnams sustainable growth is through a massive expansion of solar and wind power, as well as the electrification of transportation and industry. It is critical to accelerate the green energy transition in Vietnam now to avoid huge unnecessary costs. Particularly, the report puts forward concrete recommendations on how Vietnam can achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and ensure that CO 2 emissions peak by 2030. Vietnam and Denmark both have ambitious climate goals. The Vietnam Energy Outlook Report Pathways to Net-Zero is a result of our strong collaborative efforts addressing green transition and climate change. The report shows that Vietnam has remarkable potential for renewable energy, and illustrates how a green transition can drive growth, energy security, and sustainable development for Vietnamese society, said Kristoffer Bottzauw, director general of the Danish Energy Agency. In recent years, Vietnam has experienced strong economic growth which has led to significant increase in energy consumption, as well as in CO 2 emissions. It is vital for Vietnams sustainable development that the country, being one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, is able to decouple economic growth and energy consumption and develop a more sustainable and green energy system by investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. Ambassador of Denmark Nicolai Prytz added, The Energy Outlook Report - Pathways to Net Zero is a key output of our long-term energy partnership with Vietnam, a crucial part of the Vietnam Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. Achieving Vietnams net-zero goal will require swift, intensified, and sustained efforts. This is not just vital in terms of addressing a growing energy demand, but also for the attraction of FDI, as access to renewable energy is becoming more and more crucial in investment decisions. Denmark is committed to continue supporting Vietnam on this journey. With enormous potential for solar, onshore, and offshore wind power, Vietnam is well positioned to transform its energy sector from fossil fuels to renewable energy and leverage its national resources. The report demonstrates how Vietnam, through massive expansion of renewable energy, along with the electrification of its industry and transport sectors, can secure a cost-efficient green transition and reach its target of net-zero emissions in 2050, while also reducing dependence on energy imports. According to the report, an additional 56GW of renewable energy (17GW onshore wind and 39GW solar) needs to be added by 2030 if Vietnam is to stay on track for a carbon peak that year and climate neutrality by 2050. Any delays in the transition will be costly, not least from increased climate change impacts. Integrating such vast amounts of fluctuating power generation in the power grid will require deliberate actions, too. The report also shows how in the near term, the country's coal-fired power plants must become more flexible, so that coal power can be turned down to give green power priority while still providing backup capacity until storage and other solutions can be implemented. The Danish Energy Agency cooperates with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) in Vietnam through the joint Energy Partnership Program between Vietnam and Denmark (DEPP). The first phase was from 2013 to 2017, focusing on low carbon development in the industrial and building sectors; the second phase running from 2017 to 2020 covered energy efficiency in the industrial sector, integration of renewable energy into the power grid, and long-term scenario modelling for the energy sector. The ongoing phase three of the DEPP III is a five-year program from 2021 to 2025. It includes offshore wind as a component and a work stream focused on developing economic incentive schemes for energy efficiency improvements in the industrial sector in Vietnam. . Fortune has unveiled the Southeast Asia 500 rankings for 2024, a first-time list of the 500 largest companies in the region, ranking them by revenue. Fortunes focus on the region comes as Southeast Asia gains greater significance in the global economy due to shifting supply chains and the rapid development of the region's economies. The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 reflects a dynamic and fast-changing regionone whose core economies are growing notably faster than those of Europe or the US, said Clay Chandler, executive editor of Fortune in Asia. The inaugural rankings include companies from seven Southeast Asian nations: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia. The ten largest companies on the list reported revenues of $650 billion. All Southeast Asia 500 Companies reported total revenues of $1.8 trillion for fiscal year 2023. The minimum revenue threshold to be included on the list was $460.8 million. Vietnam is home to 70 companies on the list. In the field of consumer goods and retail in Vietnam, Masan Group ranks first on the Fortune list with a revenue of $3.2 billion. With over 28 years in the market, Masan has built a consumer goods platform with strong fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands to tap into the local market opportunity of $24 billion. With a vision to serve 8 billion people globally and its "Go Global" strategy, Masan estimates the market value could increase 131 times. In the consumer goods and retail segment, two subsidiaries, Masan Consumer (MCH) and WinCommerce (WCM), account for 80 per cent of Masans revenue. Among them, MCH's products are popular among Vietnamese consumers across different living spaces. MCH appears in the corners of kitchens, inside fridges, as well as in living rooms and bathrooms. MCH boasts five large brands with revenues ranging from $150 to $250 million, including CHIN-SU, Nam Ngu, Omachi, Kokomi, and Cafe Wakeup 247. The company aims to build six brands with revenues reaching $1 billion, including CHIN-SU, Omachi, Cafe Wakeup 247, Vinacafe, Chante, and Tea 365. Truong Cong Thang, general director of Masan Consumer, said, MCH posts an average annual growth rate of 14 per cent, double the growth of local and regional firms. It only takes five minutes for customers to buy MCHs products, and 98 per cent of Vietnamese households have at least one Masan Consumer product in the kitchen, bathroom, fridge, etc. The FMCG segments Masan is serving are worth up to $8 billion. Meanwhile, the entire market size in Vietnam could reach $32 billion. Therefore, Masan has decided to build a new FMCG model with a strategy to build six big brands worth a billion dollars, bringing big brands and Vietnamese cuisine to the world and becoming the pride of Vietnam. In the future, Masan aims to have at least one product in every household globally. At its 2024 AGM, Nguyen Dang Quang, chairman of the Board of Directors at Masan Group, said, Masan products are imbued with moments of concern, passion, and sweetness. They are also the ambassadors of Vietnamese cuisine in Masan's journey to the world. Alongside Vietnamese consumers, we are finding ways to take solid steps on the journey of bringing Vietnamese cuisine to 8 billion global consumers with strong brands." In the retail segment, WCM boasts Vietnams largest modern retail chain covering WinMart supermarkets, WinMart+ stores, and WiN stores. WCM posted a revenue of VND30 billion ($1.2 million) in 2023, which is expected to increase to VND33 billion ($1.3 million) in 2024. In particular, its mini mart chain, which accounts for 75 per cent of revenue, doubled its sales growth from 2019-2023. More than 2,000 stores were profitable in terms of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (nearly 10 times the 2019 figure). Since the end of 2023, WCM has adjusted its pricing strategy and price marketing to customers through its in-store staff as well as promoting communications on digital platforms about products found at WCM. In addition, the retail company also ensures competitive pricing compared with the market, bringing products with good prices to customers in both rural and urban areas. The company not only offers the 20 per cent discounts for MEATDeli chilled meat and WinEco clean vegetables for WiN and WinCommerce members, but also carries out periodic promotional programmes for private label products including Ngoc Nuong Rice, WinMart Good (dry food), WinMart Cook (processed food), WinMart Home (household appliances), and WinMart Care (personal care). These private label products are 10-20 per cent cheaper than other items in the same segments on the market. WinCommerce will open 400-1,000 new stores this year, subject to the recovery of the consumers goods market. In addition to the two growth machines Masan Consumer and WinCommerce, Masan Group also owns subsidiaries which are industry leaders across many fields such as Masan MEATLife (meat value chain), Phuc Long (F&B retail chain), and Masan High-Tech Materials (high-tech industrial materials). Masan eyes global expansion, WinCommerce to reach 4,000 stores by 2024 Masan Group Corporation, along with its publicly listed affiliates Masan Consumer and Masan MEATLife, convened their 2024 AGM in Ho Chi Minh City on April 26, projecting a unified vision titled "Consumer of Things". Masan completes $250-million equity raise from Bain Capital Masan Group Corporation (HOSE: MSN) has successfully completed a $250-million equity raise from Bain Capital, a world-leading private investment firm with approximately $180 billion of assets under management. In mid-May, US-based Analog Devices (ADI) announced a partnership with VinFast aimed at advancing battery management system solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. The competition in electric vehicles and accompanying areas continues to expand, photo Le Toan Patrick Morgan, corporate vice president of Automotive and Energy at ADI, said that in recent years, Vietnams EV market has seen remarkable growth driven by escalating demand among consumers and global clean energy trends. VinFast has spearheaded and contributed to this EV adoption in Vietnam tremendously through its own Vietnamese-made cars. Vietnams EV market is expected to surge at more than 25 per cent over the next decade, primarily driven by increasing local production and demand for clean energy vehicles, Morgan said. The countrys favourable investment climate, coupled with its commitment to sustainable energy, makes it an ideal time for ADI to increase our presence in the market. With a population of more than 100 million people, Vietnams access to technological expertise and a skilled workforce further enhances its attractiveness as a destination for EV investment and development, he added. ADI has been contributing in Vietnam as well as global markets with innovative EV solutions. Recognising Vietnam as one of its fastest-growing markets, ADI sees immense potential in its advancing infrastructure for the semiconductor industry and EV growth. These technologies often require advanced and specialised semiconductor components and chips, suggesting significant growth potential in these areas. Looking ahead, we anticipate partnerships to focus on enhancing the EV ecosystem with companies specialising in charging infrastructure, battery technology, and energy storage, Morgan said. Mobility is one of Boschs core businesses in Vietnam, providing solutions for customers in various areas, including in electrified mobility. Bosch supplies products ranging from hardware and components to integrated and connected software solutions, and even charging services for a wide range of vehicles from heavy-duty and commercial vehicles to passenger cars and motorcycles. Nguyen Minh Duc, head of Bosch Mobility Vietnam said, The market for EVs in Vietnam is rapidly increasing in volume in the scooters segment, and soon we will see a similar development in the four-wheeler segment; both of which Bosch is confident to be able to supply and service. Our customers include not only global carmakers located in Vietnam with headquarters in established countries such as Japan, South Korea, Germany, but also local Vietnamese and regional electrification startups. With an extensive electrification portfolio leveraging Boschs global expertise and development hubs in Vietnam and worldwide, the key task for Bosch Vietnam is to bring the same global expertise and quality solutions to the local market. Bosch advocates for our local customers needs at global or regional development hubs to ensure our solutions are suitable for the market. We also invest capacity and effort to ensure delivery excellence in the local vehicle making supply chain, Duc said. More players join EV landscape Vietnams EV market has gathered steam over the past few years. VinFast started with proprietary solutions, while European EV solution providers ABB, Schneider, and Siemens followed brands Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche in Vietnam to supply charging stations to charging network providers such as EV One, eBoost, and Charge+. Following Kia and Hyundai, South Korean LG Electronics has ramped up EV research and development (R&D) in Vietnam. Samsung SDI supplies batteries to Selex, while SoluM Co., a South Korean medium-sized manufacturer of electronic components, inked a deal with PetroVietnam Power Corporation in 2023 to develop chargers and build battery exchange system stations in Vietnam. Likewise, battery and charging stations suppliers from China follow Chinese vehicle manufacturers like Wuling, GAC, Chery, Great Wall Motors, BYD, Geely, Lynk & Co, and Omoda & Jaecoo. Laurent Genet, automotive expert and external advisor at Bain & Company, said the EV industry is here to stay in Vietnam. The EV competition, with more brands launching more models, keeps growing. Heavy investment in charging networks will continue despite the small EV car population. The momentum for Vietnamese and foreign companies will stem from business-to-business cooperation, providing parts, components, and services, until the EV business becomes profitable, Genet said. The governments policies and regulations for instance, the Ministry of Science and Technology recently released 11 EV standards are challenging as evolving regulations remain complex to comply with or obtain licences, Genet added. VinFasts self-generated EV commercial dominance in Vietnam promotes EV technology, for instance, millions of e-taxis customers experience EVs. Statista forecasts Vietnam will reach one million EVs in 2028 and 3.5 million EVs by 2040. Expanding the public charging network, battery capacity, and range of EVs will boost potential in infrastructure, charging stations, EV services, and technologies, he said. EV ecosystem takes shape Expansion of both foreign and local players should benefit Vietnams fledgling EV ecosystem. To speed the development of the ecosystem, ADIs Morgan suggested that Vietnams EV ecosystem requires a comprehensive strategy. As the demand for EVs increases, bridging the technology gap and advancing charging infrastructure are crucial steps. This involves investments in charging stations and battery manufacturing, which are pivotal for seamless adoption, he said. Additionally, government collaborations with global groups and continuous foreign investment can expedite the ecosystems development. Vietnam should also establish supportive policies and regulations to create an environment that encourages growth and innovation. With these measures in place on top of a skilled workforce, Vietnam has the potential to emerge as a significant player in the global EV market. In the same vein, Duc from Bosch said EV development requires supporting infrastructure, and Vietnam is on the right path to build up an ecosystem for the transition to electrification. There are already targets set for carbon neutrality and new energy vehicles, which will facilitate the movement of EV makers. At the very early stage of transition, the introduction of preferential incentives and regulatory frameworks could also motivate both industry players to invest and consumers to adopt EVs as an alternative and sustainable means of transportation, he said. In addition, the public and private sectors collaboration to address the challenges of EV ecosystem development will accelerate Vietnams transition to electric mobility, Duc explained. To contribute to the development of Vietnams EV ecosystem, Bosch Vietnam has established businesses for the sales of original equipment and mobility R&D in Ho Chi Minh City since 2022. The Bosch Global Software Technologies Vietnam has extended its operation in Hanoi, adding up another 500 software engineers and focusing on localised innovation and developing technologies for local market demands. Meanwhile, automotive expert Genet pointed out some challenges that needed to be addressed to attract companies into the EV ecosystem. Specifically, the concern about increasing electricity prices must be addressed to increase confidence in usage costs and return on investment. Developing renewable energy sources usable in charging stations will ensure energy security as battery EVs and plug-in hybrids increase in urban areas, he said. Additionally, skilled professionals with expertise in EV technology will be scarce to hire in Vietnam, so educational institutions training specifically for this industry should be supported. EV projects demand sizable long-term capital resources that are difficult to secure from banks. Vietnams EVs will only develop via supportive credit, investment, and trade policies for businesses, Genet said. Electric vehicles gradually proving their superior value Vietnamese private conglomerate Geleximco is partnering with OMODA&JAECOO Automobile to strengthen its business. Tran Hung, marketing manager of the joint venture, talked to VIRs Bich Thuy about how it will work. En Vang accelerates shift to electric vehicles After 20 years of building its reputation in Hai Phong's transportation industry, En Vang International JSC is accelerateing the shift from petrol to electric vehicles (EVs). VIMF, an international platform for industrial exhibitions, facilitated connections among machinery, parts, equipment, technology, and process solution suppliers with manufacturers from various sectors including vehicles, electronics, machinery, textiles, footwear, and high-tech industries. Siemens' booth at VIMF 2024 As an international industrial exhibition, VIMF hosts and connects suppliers of machinery, parts, equipment, technology, and process solutions with manufacturers in the vehicle, electronics, machinery, textile, footwear, and high-tech industries. Among the solutions showcased by Siemens were ROBITSI Delta Picker. Developed with local original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Idea Tech, ROBITSI is a delta robot that can pick and place products from one running belt to another with great speed and efficiency. It is a totally integrated automation portal-based solution, that integrates Programmable Logic Controller, Advanced Motion Control library, Industrial Edge, and Robot Control Suite. This solution is set to revolutionise the way OEMs engineer their processes, optimise manufacturing and expedite market entry. Siemens also showed how, by combining the real and digital worlds, Virtual Commissioning leads to faster commissioning, reduced costs and risks. The combined power of SIMATIC Machine Simulator and NX Mechatronics Concept Designer allows engineers to create a Digital Twin of a physical machine, enabling virtual testing and optimisation of systems before deployment, thus accelerating time-to-market, boosting quality, and enhancing safety. In an increasingly complex industry with more cybersecurity dangers, the ability to detect threats at an early stage will increase security and availability of industrial systems. A Siemens' representative presenting innovative technologies at VIMF 2024 Siemens AI-powered Industrial Anomaly Detection system offers transparency over assets and data exchange within industrial networks, and bolsters security by proactively identifying system anomalies and threats. According to Tran The Hien- head of Siemens Vietnam Digital Industries, the industrial and manufacturing sector is the bedrock of Vietnams economic prosperity. In recent years, this sector has emerged as a significant contributor to the nations GDP, accounting for an impressive 33-35 per cent in 2022. The electronics, food and beverage industries stand out in this landscape, with remarkable growth and potential. In this dynamic environment, Siemens has been a strong and unwavering supporter, said Hien. Hien added that for the burgeoning electronics industry, Siemens brings to the table cutting-edge industrial software and technologies. These solutions are designed to enhance productivity and efficiency, and expedite time-to-market, giving businesses a competitive edge. In the food and beverage industry, Siemens is revolutionising operations with our digitalisation and automation solutions. These innovations are paving the way for greater sustainability and business success. They enable the industry to swiftly respond to individual customer requests without compromising on quality, a critical factor in a competitive market like Vietnam, said Hien. Bosch Rexroth debuts AIoT ecosystem at CafeTech 2024, pioneering industrial automation In a seminar titled "The Application of AI in Production Automation" that was organised in mid-January by the Ho Chi Minh City Automation Association, Bosch Rexroth, the Drive and Control division of Bosch Vietnam, showcased its latest advancements in ctrlX AUTOMATION Technology. DKSH empowers Vietnamese student innovations DKSH Vietnam in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television CafeTek and the authorities of District 11 has successfully organised the finale of The Next Innovator Contest 2024 to recognise 20 excellent innovative ideas proposed by young talented students aged 9 to 14. Joseph Uddo, chairman, American Chamber of Commerce (Hanoi) Vietnam remains well-positioned to capture significant investment as companies increasingly seek to diversify their global supply chains. Like all major sourcing locations, Vietnam needs to continuously evaluate what its competitive advantage is. We believe Vietnam needs to prioritise labour and engineer training, sustainable practices, work permits for foreign engineers, and the countrys ability to support a more vertical industry, particularly as companies are looking to diversify tier two and three suppliers from China. We recommend removing barriers to foreign investment in professional and vocational training to assist the development of important skills and capabilities in the workforce. The government is also urged to provide better support for small and medium manufacturers. These companies are part of critical supporting industries, but their individual investments are small. Current Department of Planning and Investment metrics often do not favour such investors, causing delays in licensing and permissions. These companies are often premium employers of skilled and professional labour and are critical to building the support system that global manufacturers need here. To capture the diversification opportunities, our members also urge the government to quickly develop a better regime for approving brownfield ventures (purchases or leases existing production facilities to launch a new production activity). International manufacturers struggle to sell facilities they have already built/invested in, and potential buyers have trouble getting purchases approved and executed, and business licences intended in brownfield facilities approved. A functioning brownfield market is an important facilitator for investment here. Improvements in supply chain financing (facilitation of cash needs during manufacturing transactions) are needed and will help grow investment in Vietnam. In most competing markets, a customer purchase order is sufficient documentation for a bank to provide short-term financing, enabling a manufacturer to obtain materials and perform operations prior to receiving payment from the customer. Muto Shiro, chairman Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam The key to Vietnamese economic development is to strengthen the cooperation between local enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and see how many local companies can participate in the value chain of foreign firms. According to a survey of ours, the local content ratio of Japanese companies in Vietnam has only increased by 10 per cent over the past 10 years, which needs to be further accelerated. In order to encourage Vietnamese companies to enter the value chain of FIEs, we believe that it would be more effective for the Vietnamese government to find and develop Vietnamese companies with technological capabilities, introduce them to foreign manufacturers, and provide opportunities for business matching. At present, we are co-hosting supporting industries exhibitions with Vietrade and others. Every year, we also publish a directory of excellent Vietnamese suppliers, which are fully utilised by the procurement personnel of Japanese manufacturers. In this way, it is expected that the quality and technology of local Vietnamese companies will improve, and more companies will participate in the supply chain of FIEs. We believe that the measures to boost Vietnams local manufacturing industry and to promote competition will contribute to improving industrial competitiveness. As members of Vietnams local manufacturing industry increases, the number of companies which can supply products that meet quality standards will also increase. It is necessary to strengthen institutions that develop industrial human resources. Japanese companies provide extensive in-house education and on-the-job training, and are praised in terms of human resource development. However, the competition for human resources is intensifying, and the outflow of trained talent is increasing due to the lure of competitors. When recruiting personnel, it is desirable to have personnel with basic education and technical training. Therefore, we hope that public human resource development institutions, such as universities and vocational training schools, will strengthen their functions and actively collaborate with Japanese companies. Ngo Ngoc Khanh, vice chairman Vietnam Industry Supporting Alliance With the goal set forth, Vietnam should achieve the criteria of an industrial country with modern industry and high average incomes by 2030, but the Law on Supporting Industries has yet to be promulgated. Major foreign-invested enterprises here are always followed by vendor companies and supporting industry manufacturers from those countries, while Vietnams supporting enterprises are mainly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), so it is very difficult for local players to compete with foreign ones. Very few Vietnamese enterprises can become large vendors of the top chains, we only participate a minimal part. Local suppliers are struggling with green transition and sustainable development. These SMEs do not have enough resources and finance to do it soon, unless receiving some assistance from the government. In recent months, orders have increased but not by many, because manufacturing capacity and equipment are poor. We expect some preferential policies for industrial enterprises from the government to provide financial support, for example reducing domestic tax rates, which will contribute to increasing the localisation rate of industrial products. There needs to be a preferential loan policy for SMEs to upgrade machinery, update new technologies, and receive advanced technology transfer. This is because currently the machinery and equipment for supporting SMEs are middle-class or even low-end, so the country cannot achieve the goal by 2030. In other countries, when top enterprises invest, they have to commit the localisation rate very early. In Vietnam, we still do not have many constraints on this. So we need to have policies that both encourage and support and connect business-to-business trade between lead manufacturers and vendors. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan presented the draft amendments to the law at the ongoing session of the National Assembly (NA) on June 18. The minister said, The amendments to the Law on Pharmacy 2016 aim to ensure peoples accessibility to quality drugs in a timely manner and at reasonable prices, deal with legal problems in drug management, and further facilitate business activities. The draft amendments to the law were discussed at the National Assembly session on June 18 Accordingly, the amendments focus on five policy groups: further strengthening the sufficient and timely supply of quality drugs for disease prevention and treatment needs; ensuring sufficient and timely supply of drugs to meet the requirements of security, national defence, overcoming the consequences of natural disasters, and preventing epidemics; improving the management of imports and exports of drugs and medicinal ingredients in accordance with national socioeconomic development and international practices; promoting the development of the pharmaceutical industry by prioritising research, technology transfer, and production of innovative drugs, high-tech drugs, biological drugs/medicinal ingredients, standardised medicinal herbs, and medicinal ingredients available in the country; reorganising the business and distribution system of drugs and medicinal ingredients to meet the countrys socioeconomic development and international integration needs. In particular, it amends and supplements a number of regulations on incentives and investment support policies to promote the development of the pharmaceutical industry to attract investment and promote the production of drugs and medicinal ingredients. This in turn will promote research and technology transfer and the production of medicinal ingredients, high-tech drugs, and biotechnology drugs in accordance with the development orientation of Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, it amends regulations focusing on administrative reform in pharmaceutical activities, thus increasing access to medicines for people and creating more favourable conditions for individuals and businesses. The Law on Pharmacy 2016 was passed by the National Assembly (NA) on April 6, 2016, replacing the 2005 Pharmacy Law, marking an important development step in completing the pharmaceutical legal system in Vietnam, and basically in accordance with international integration. Under the 2016 law, Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry has developed strongly, with a market value among the top three in ASEAN. However, practical implementation has shown that some contents of the Law on Pharmacy 2016 are no longer consistent with management requirements, thus causing difficulties for pharmaceutical production and business activities, affecting the supply of drugs, especially in urgent conditions such as the recent pandemic. Besides, a number of new laws passed by the National Assembly such as the Law on Public Procurement, the Law on Prices, the Law on Electronic Transactions and others have direct impacts on the pharmaceutical industry. Robust growth trends projected for investment in healthcare Vietnams healthcare and pharmacy chains are increasingly getting new funds to expand their operations in local market, thereby securing access and availability of medical supplies and drugs for locals. However, concerns over adequate human resources in the sector dampen the bright prospects and could cause supply issues. Modern pharmacy retail chains ramp up expansion Modern pharmacy retailers are aggressively expanding their chains and embracing digital transformation solutions to conquer the promising market. Pharmacity celebrates unprecedented breakthrough year Vietnam's modern retail pharmacy chain Pharmacity has just announced the outstanding business results of 2021, eyeing a sharp growth in diverse business metrics. Overseas touch lends to pharma gains Vietnams pharma giants are growing with new strategies from foreign leadership, easing local doubts over the possible disappearance of local strong brands. Associate Justice Samuel Alito. Erin Schaff/TNS Whats so wrong with what Alito said? Regarding Justice Alito questions possibility of political compromise in secret recording, (June 10): I cannot believe youd print on the front page, no less an article where Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Alito says this country has to get back to God, and you make it sound as if he should not be saying that. What the hell is this country coming to? And you perpetrate it. Ed Kuny, Seabrook A liberal filmmaker secretly records a Supreme Court justice saying one side or the other will win then broadcasts the soundbites on social media. Doesnt this surreptitious act used to discredit the judge say something about the intentions of this actor? Advertisement Article continues below this ad And what is wrong with the belief that one side will win? Judges have to take a stand. It is ridiculous to assume that judges have no feelings or beliefs. They are not robots that are void of these things. That is why there are nine of them, so that there are differing points of view. Then call this what it is, an attempt to extort a justice to recuse himself from hearings of which the outcome might not be of the bullys desire. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These attempts to curtail conservative judges from Supreme Court cases to create an outcome of their choosing are as blatant and despicable as the attempt at coercion used to tarnish these justices and should not be tolerated. Julia Purtill, Richmond No trust, no bond Regarding Support the HISD bond. Its not about the state takeover. Its about our kids. | Opinion, (June 13): Lead in schools' drinking water is an emergency issue that a competent Houston ISD superintendent would have handled six months ago. It is appalling that advocacy organization Good Reason Houston would use the superintendents failure as reason to give him a $4.4 billion check. I dont blame the op-eds writer for figuratively holding lead pipes to kids' heads. Her employer, Good Reason Houston, which welcomed the state takeover, is chaired by Scott McClelland, who is also the HISD bond advisory committee co-chair. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im voting no for this bond because taxation without representation is tyranny, no matter how good the cause or intention. Save the bond talk for once HISDs house is in order and elected representatives are restored. Adolph Trudeau, Houston By the book(s) Regarding Texas GOP to vote on adding Bible lessons, deporting foreign protesters to party platform, (May 24): I am an 11-year-old Houstonian, and I want to write about the Texas Education Agencys proposal for elementary school curriculum. Houston ISD is in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the country. If the TEA is going to put out a curriculum with religious references, they cant just do Bible quotes. Other religions are reportedly included, but they should be equally represented. Its not like all the students seeing this curriculum are Christian. They also have to include citations from the Quran, references to the Vedas and sayings from the Buddha. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bible may teach children things about society, but the Quran or the Vedas could also teach them something similar! The Bible may have said, you shall not murder, but the Quran also says, if anyone kills a person it is as if he kills all mankind. We cannot just ignore Judaism or Islam or Hinduism or Daoism or any religion. The TEA cannot ignore how many different religions are in this city and just think they can replace them all with a curriculum. Houston has one of the largest Muslim populations in the country, the largest Sikh community in Texas and some 35 Hindu temples. Suhani Dewart, Houston The end of a tradition Regarding Why Texas A&M is right not to restore the Aggie Bonfire | Opinion, (June 4): I built the ll (Aggies will recognize this polite version of a four-letter word) out out of the bonfire from 1952 to 1955. Our children did the same from 1979 to 1990. We have supplied equipment for the off-campus bonfire over the years. It pains me so, but I have to agree with President Mark Welsh that the best way to memorialize that tradition is by honoring those 12 fallen Aggies with the Bonfire Memorial. May they rest in peace. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zak Mirz may have been pulled into magic as an art form all about secrets, but its the storytelling that keeps him in front of audiences. The Arlington-based illusionist brings his Flashes of Magic show to the Waco Hippodrome Theatre on Saturday night and while he hopes to captivate his audience with coin and card tricks, mentalist acts and illusions large and small, its the stories that frame his onstage work that he hopes entertain and linger. His Flashes of Magic follows his first special Ticket for One, which he characterized as a love letter to my father. This time, hes the father, a dad of a 1-year-old daughter, and his family-friendly routine aims to put his viewers in a younger state of mind. The greatest magic is seeing the world through the eyes of a child, he said in a recent phone interview. It reminds us our world is still beautiful. The secrets that got the 33-year-old Texas native hooked into magic at an early age were ones from his family. His father, an Iranian immigrant, ran an Italian restaurant in Arlington and was robbed and killed one night while leaving. Mirz was 1 at the time, but grew up rarely talking about that. As he grew older, he found himself hooked on card tricks and frequently carried a deck of cards with him to practice and show off. While visiting his grandmother one night, he happened to catch a special by magician David Blaine that she was watching on an Iranian television channel. The impact on everyone in the room transcended cultural backgrounds. It was amazing, he recalled. It also provided the spark that got him into magic as a career. Mirz said he followed the time-worn path into that career: Find a book of magic tricks and illusions, practice a lot and find a mentor. All of that led to Mirzs most notable achievement so far, stumping the veteran magic duo on the television show Penn & Teller: Fool Us with a card trick well, a card and knife trick that fooled them. Hes looking forward to Waco even as he finds contemporary audiences more of a challenge than an earlier generation of illusionists did, due to a world swimming in special effects and generally shorter attention spans. The rule of thumb was once you have to grab an audiences attention in 54 seconds. Now its about three seconds, he said with a laugh. The competition (for a magician) is the devices people have in their pocket. The city of Waco announced two new appointments Thursday: Scott Walker as the next fire chief for the Waco Fire Department, pending confirmation at the city council meeting July 2, and Roberto Zapata as the new director of the Waco-McLennan County Library. Selected from a nationwide pool of 60 applicants, Walker lands in Waco after more than 30 years of fire service experience with the Phoenix Fire Department, according to a city press release. Walker has been the executive assistant fire chief since 2019 in Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the United States. Walker has an impressive track record of exemplary service and leadership in fire and emergency services, Waco City Manager Bradley Ford said in the press release. I am thrilled to recommend Scott Walker to the City Council for consideration as our next Fire Chief, Ford wrote. Scott has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public safety and community engagement. His innovative approach and strategic vision align with our citys goals, and I am confident that he will build on our departments strong foundation, continue to enhance the safety and well-being of our residents, and lead our fire department to new heights of excellence. Walker has a bachelors degree in public safety and emergency management from Grand Canyon University, as well as an associates degree in fire science from Phoenix Community College, the press release says. His selection involved 40 participants in stakeholder panels and city management interviews, where his commitment to developing peers and subordinates stood out, the press release says. Kevin McGee has served as Wacos interim fire chief since December, his second stint in the role. Former Chief Gregory Summers announced his retirement in October after more than three years in Waco and more than 40 years in the fire service, mostly in Little Rock, Arkansas. Zapata, meanwhile, brings over 20 years of experience in library administration, programming and community engagement, according to a separate press release. He will take the position July 22. Zapata served as the assistant director of customer experience at Houston Public Library, where he managed operations for over 30 locations and 300 staff members. Before Houston, he was the assistant director of public services at the McAllen Public Library, according to the press release. An unwavering commitment to positive outcomes for learners and equitable opportunities for community members is a north star, and I am excited that Waco is my destination, Zapata said in the press release. I look forward to charting a course with colleagues and everyone we serve to ensure Waco McLennan County Library is a vibrant, inclusive space for discovery, creativity, and sustainability. Zapata has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master of Information Resources and Library Science from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in English and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin, according to the press release. He is also an instructor for the Texas Library Association LAUNCH Program that serves library professionals in the first five years of their career and is involved in various library associations and leadership institutes. We are delighted to welcome Roberto Zapata as our Citys new Library Director, Ford said in the press release. Roberto brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to literacy, community engagement, and innovative programming. His vision for the library as a community hub aligns perfectly with our goals of enhancing public service and fostering a love of learning among all residents. Melissa Vossmer has served as interim director since November, shortly after the departure of Essy Day, who had served as director since 2015. WATERLOO With the upcoming closing of the Logan Avenue Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Allen Clinic Pharmacy is offering free delivery and mail service to meet prescription medication needs. Allen Clinic Pharmacy is located near the Hy-Vee store, inside Allen Hospital at 146 W. Dale St. Free delivery is offered for patients in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls metro area. Patients must be home at the time of delivery, and controlled substances are not included. Other services include: Curbside pick-up. Med packs. Medication counseling. Refill reminder program. Pharmacy hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call (319) 369-7528 to speak with a pharmacist or learn more about transferring prescriptions. Sports Week in Pictures: US Open golf, international soccer and more! In the next 10 days, the seven justices of the Iowa Supreme Court will issue a ruling in the fetal heartbeat ban. This legislation, the third iteration forced through the Iowa legislature in six years, seeks to ban abortion at the instance of embryonic cardiac impulse at six weeks, well before most women know they are pregnant. The Supreme Court decision will either allow the ban to become law or permanently block it. I cannot say which way they will decide, so instead I will discuss two possible futures for my patients and for myself as a womans health physician (ob-gyn). I care for women before, during and after pregnancy. At the earliest, pregnancy can be detected at four weeks after a period, around two weeks after fertilization of an egg by sperm. Pregnancy tests often cannot detect a pregnancy until this time or later, when adequate hormone reaches the bloodstream. Additionally, early symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, or a missed period) are easily correlated to being ill, busy, nearing ones menstrual cycle, or having medical conditions that affect the timing of a period. Ideally, women would get to a doctor early in the first trimester. But thats hard to do in Iowa, particularly in rural areas: Iowa has the lowest rate of ob-gyn doctors in the entire U.S. And the situation is getting worse, as Iowa is among the top five states with the biggest losses in OB care access. Obstetric care is generally divided into trimesters, and in the U.S. more than 90% of abortions take place in the first trimester. When women experience an unplanned pregnancy, approximately 60% choose to continue. Of the 40% who choose abortion, they most commonly report that they cannot afford another child, they have many responsibilities already, their families are complete. Not only might continuation of a pregnancy risk their life, but it might risk their livelihood, their ability to care for other children or aging parents. These are deeply personal decisions. Perhaps prevention of unplanned pregnancies is the winning strategy. Unfortunately, places without obstetric care in Iowa also lack comprehensive contraceptive care. In rural areas, there are few clinics to provide procedures or pharmacies nearby to dispense medication. Both rural and urban patients may lack transportation to attend appointments. Low-income patients or underemployed may still lack insurance. As someone who treats these patients, I see how their unique hardships interfere with decisions to access preventative medicine, including reliable contraception. Even when pregnancy is planned, the second trimester approximately 13-26 weeks is one filled with tremendous discovery. An anatomy ultrasound, around the 20th week, screens for anatomic developments and the fetus well-being. This ultrasound can detect some developmental anomalies, as well as life-limiting or life-threatening medical conditions, such as undeveloped kidneys or openings in the neurologic system. These are crushing moments for families filled with decisions about whether to subject a neonate to painful, costly and sometimes futile medical care to prolong life. Terrible maternal health complications also occur in the second trimester, making decisions more difficult. When the bag of water that surrounds a fetus ruptures too soon, patients can experience sudden catastrophic sepsis and require swift intervention. HELLP syndrome, a severe form of hypertension in pregnancy, can rapidly threaten nearly every organ system a woman has and is only remedied by delivery of the placenta. A miscarriage in the second trimester, when the placenta has developed, can lead to severe ongoing blood loss, or hemorrhage a leading cause of death in pregnancy. If the Iowa Supreme Court decides to uphold the law, there will be more unplanned, and undesired, children born in Iowa. We know their families will struggle. Research has indicated that existing children in families denied abortion care meet fewer of their developmental milestones. Babies born in unplanned and undesired pregnancies are less likely to experience bonding with their parent. And families that are denied abortion services are three times more likely to live beneath the federal poverty level five years later. Or, in the coming days, the Iowa Supreme Court could decide to honor liberty, to recognize and preserve Iowas moderate existing abortion laws, and keep the government out of exam rooms. In Pyongyang, on Kim Il Sung Square , an official meeting ceremony took place between the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un, during which the heads of the two states introduced the members of their delegations. # WtR Lifeguards watch over swimmers at the Mason Park swim pool on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Swimming season Regarding Investing in kids' joy could save lives. Houston needs more free pools. | Opinion, (June 13): The summer pool topic really hit a personal note for me. As a young Hispanic girl decades ago in Houston, I learned to swim via the citys Mason Park pool in the heart of the barrio. Red Cross offered free swimming lessons back then if you were willing to get up at 7 a.m. on a summer day and be at the pool by 8 a.m. for class. I did rise up. Learning to swim that summer when I was in grade school nourished a lifelong love of the water and beaches. I was sad last summer to see Mason Park pool shuttered most of the time as I drove by the neighborhood. But thankfully, this summer the pool is open and filled with children squealing and splashing with joy. Thanks for the memories and for encouraging officials to assure all children have access to our tax dollars! Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jo Ann Zuniga, Houston What to make of HISD STAAR results? Regarding Miles tells critics to 'take the win' on HISD STAAR results. Not so fast. | Editorial, (June 16): While it is possible that some improvements have been made in New Education System schools in Houston ISD, the detailed scores have not yet been made public, only HISDs interpretation of the results. Data such as comes from the test scores is complex and is not usually clear and conclusive of cause and effect. While that is a potential issue, the largest concern is the management concept put forward by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. A few weeks ago, he announced a large scale reduction in force. He was asked by a reporter how he would achieve high quality with these reductions. His paraphrased answer was, Continuous improvement. We have data, data, data. Continuous improvement as practiced in the United States is an approach to continually obtain good ideas for improvement from all levels of an organization, building on trust. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It is an easy concept to understand. There are thousands of employees in HISD who may have some positive ideas for improvement, but the current management style has shut off such communication, except for those willing to risk their jobs to have their say. Suppose there is an NES teacher who is entirely supportive of the concept, but knows that a particular lesson plan did not hit home with the students. What if the teacher taught the lesson differently a second time to get the point across and a high percentage of the students got it? What teacher who doesnt have a desire to be reprimanded or fired would dare to communicate such feedback in this environment? Miles may get a few blips of improvement here and there, but continuous improvement to achieve a high functioning organization has no chance of developing if you treat your employees like enemies. You cannot fire enough people to make it work. Right now, it is hard to imagine an organization in a worse position to develop continuous improvement than HISD. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gerry May, Houston It is baffling that some parents, teachers, school administrators, politicians, teacher union leaders and print media could object to the states effort to improve the educational level and quality of HISD, considering the districts long-term failure to do so. Some parents seem to fail to distinguish between personalities and their childrens education under the rallying call of, Dont fire our principal. Some teachers and school administrators feel threatened that they might not perform up to the standards required to remain employed. If they dont, they should be fired! Much of the blame is directly related to the lack of vision manifested by teacher union leaders. Like other labor union leaders, teacher unions have continued to stress two objectives. First, the endless demands for higher wages for teachers. As an educator for over 30 years, I certainly understand that we pay our teachers far less than the responsibility given to them to educate our children. However, the union demands must be tempered with the monies available to the district It is perplexing to hear some parents will oppose the issuance of a bond devoted to facility improvement and enhanced learning environments. This, of course, would free some general budgetary costs for facility improvements that could then be reallocated for teacher salaries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The second union objective relates to job protection for teachers and school administrators, including sometimes the protection of ineffective teachers and administrators who have consistently failed their students. Whereas the school district appears to have turned the corner with improved scores in basic disciplines, just think of what advancement might have been made if the energy expended on raising the barriers to improvement might have been applied in a positive manner for improvement. Peter Westbrook, 72, is a retired marketing executive and the founder and CEO of the Peter Westbrook Foundation in New York City. Members only No matter what I do, I can never repay what I owe to the sport of fencing. But I keep trying. My mother kicked my father out when I was 3, and my mother raised me and my sister in the housing projects of Newark, New Jersey. Mom was always trying to show me the world beyond the projects. When I turned 14, she encouraged me to try fencing. She was from Japan originally, and she told me, We have samurais in the family. At the time, I thought, What good does that do me here? But I tried it and fell in love with the sport. In the end, I attended college on a fencing scholarship and was a six-time Olympian, earning a bronze medal in 1984. My father was Black, and I was the first Black man to ever win an Olympic medal in fencing. There are three disciplines in the sport: the epee, the foil and the saber. The long, slender epee is considered the most cerebral. Then comes the foil. I gravitated to the shorter saber because it fit my personality: gregarious, outgoing, loud. The saber is a slashing weapon, like Zorros. It calls for a short, powerful outburst. Thats my spirit. I always practice with the kids what I practice in my own life: Have a positive attitude, be thankful, try to help others. Based on the brokenness within my family and community, I should not have been successful. The sport gave me a different way to deal with adversity and a new perspective, and I feel like I have a duty and a responsibility to pass that knowledge along. In 1991, I started a foundation to teach underserved kids in New York City about fencing and life. We talk about emotions and how to keep going even when faced with the most dire of circumstances. Not everyone in our program is going to qualify for the Olympics, and thats not our purpose. Our purpose is to encourage and motivate these kids and to teach them how to succeed. That said, some of the kids we work with do become Olympians. Since 2000, weve sent 16 athletes to the Olympic Games. Two won silver medals in Beijing in 2008, and one brought home a bronze from Rio in 2016. This year, one of our alumni has qualified for the Paris Games. Working with young people has taught me to be more compassionate and patient. I often meet these kids when theyre in a broken state, not presenting the best first impression. Fencing lets them get out their pain and aggression. Then, we can help guide them. I always practice with the kids what I practice in my own life: Have a positive attitude, be thankful, try to help others. In November 2022, at my annual checkup, my doctor told me I had an advanced-stage liver cancer and would live no more than five months. But I believe in medicinal and spiritual healing, so I did the recommended treatments, and I also prayed and asked the deacons in my church to pray for me. And Im still here. My team of doctors dont understand. But thats how I operate. This is my life. I tell my kids, and anybody I meet who is struggling, if I can get through this, then you can get through anything. Donald Sutherland, the prolific film and television actor whose long career stretched from M*A*S*H to The Hunger Games, has died. He was 88. Kiefer Sutherland, the actors son, confirmed his fathers death Thursday. No further details were immediately available. Members only Kiefer called his father one of the most important actors in the history of film in a tribute on X. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. (Left to right) Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda in "Klute." Everett Collection The tall and gaunt Canadian actor with a grin that could be sweet or diabolical was known for offbeat characters including Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altmans M*A*S*H, a proto-hippie tank commander in Kellys Heroes and a stoned professor in Animal House. Before transitioning into a respected character actor, Sutherland epitomized the unpredictable, antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. Over the decades, Sutherland showed his range in more buttoned-down but still eccentric parts in Robert Redfords Ordinary People and Oliver Stones JFK. More recently, he starred in The Hunger Games films and the HBO limited series The Undoing. He never retired and worked regularly up until his death. I love to work. I passionately love to work, Sutherland told Charlie Rose in 1998. I love to feel my hand fit into the glove of some other character. I feel a huge freedom time stops for me. Im not as crazy as I used to be, but Im still a little crazy. He received an honorary Oscar in 2017. Job seeker Johannes Oveida looks over a brochure at a job fair at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Allentown, Pa., on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Michael Rubinkam/AP This year marks a milestone in Black American history. Its the 50th anniversary of U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordans televised speech to the nation regarding the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. Widely considered one of the best American political speeches of the 20th century, it catapulted Jordan a Houstonian, and the first Southern Black woman in Congress to national prominence. It remains the most celebrated moment of her career. But theres another element of Jordans story thats notoriously undercovered: her opposition to immigration policies that have failed Black Americans for centuries and continue to hinder their ability to build wealth today. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With slavery abolished after the Civil War, Black Americans began accruing real wealth. After emancipation, the white-black wealth gap narrowed from 23-to-1 in 1870 to 11-to-1 in 1900. While still suffering from both de jure and de facto discrimination, Black Americans took on paying jobs, became business owners and even purchased land. Then the Progressive Eras immigration boom began in earnest. Between 1900 and 1915, more than 15 million immigrants arrived at U.S. shores destabilizing labor markets and particularly hurting low-skilled Black workers. Numerous Black civil rights and labor leaders, including A. Philip Randolph, endorsed efforts to slash immigration rates. Excessive immigration, Randolph explained,over-floods the labor market, resulting in lowering the standard of living. Congress ultimately listened and passed the Immigration Act of 1924. By tightening the labor market, the law was arguably a factor in radically shrinking the earnings gap between Black and white men between 1940 and 1980. Its simple supply and demand, after all. When there are fewer workers available, to attract them, employers have to raise wages and provide better benefits. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 1924 law certainly had flaws. It gave preference to prospective immigrants based on their country of origin, and strongly favored northern Europeans. Ultimately, the laws discriminatory nature led Congress to repeal it in 1965. But lawmakers threw out the baby with the bathwater. Instead of creating a nondiscriminatory immigration system that protected American workers from cheap foreign labor, the reforms of the 1960s encouraged mass migration and Black Americans have been paying a steep price ever since. As Harvard economist George Borjas has argued, low-skilled workers including many Black Americans are particularly disadvantaged by lax immigration policies, because immigrants compete with them directly for blue-collar jobs. Each 10-percent immigrant-induced increase in the supply of a particular skill group reduced the Black wage by 4.0 percent, lowered the employment rate of Black men by 3.5 percentage points, and increased the incarceration rate of Blacks by almost a full percentage point, Borjas and his colleagues concluded. Of course, Black Americans arent the only ones harmed. Journalist David Leonhardt recently chronicled how American workers of all races have seen their wages decline thanks to the renewed tide of immigration that began in the 1960s. He echoes the forgotten perspective of Barbara Jordan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jordan chaired the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform, a bipartisan panel of experts tasked by President Bill Clinton with offering a suite of immigration reform recommendations. After dozens of hearings and extensive research, the commission recommended that the United States pare down immigration to 550,000 people per year and eliminate low-skilled immigration altogether. Clinton initially endorsed the commissions recommendations, but Congress did not move forward with the reforms. Since the Jordan Commission, too many policymakers have defended a system that allows in millions of predominantly low-skilled immigrants, both legal and illegal, who depress wages for Black Americans. And its not just liberal lawmakers who protect the status quo. In ruby-red West Virginia, for instance, the state House passed a bill that would have required most employers to use the free, accurate E-Verify system to ensure that jobs only go to citizens and legal immigrants. But it didnt make it out of the state Senate. Reducing immigration, just as Congress did a century ago, would give Black families a fair shot at the American dream. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yinnetharra Exploration Update Perth, June 20, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Delta Lithium Limited ( ASX:DLI ) is pleased to announce an update for the ongoing exploration activities at its 100% owned Yinnetharra Lithium Project in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. The Company's recent drilling results continue to demonstrate a high grade, spodumene rich mineralised system present at Jamesons, albeit in a complex geological setting. Delta plans to use further drillholes to assist in identifying the orientation of the fractionated spodumene core of the main J1 pegmatite, which is showing Li2O intervals in excess of 1% at up to 225 metres down hole in our deepest drilling so far in JREX014. Infill drilling at the Malinda Prospect continues to demonstrate quality lithium intercepts from surface with the dominant lithium bearing mineral being spodumene. Commenting on the results Managing Director, James Croser said; "We are thrilled with the high-quality results from the ongoing drill program at Yinnetharra. The Company is systematically undertaking numerous workstreams to facilitate the early planning of the potential development of Malinda into a lithium mine and in support of an application for the Mining Lease. Exploration at Jamesons has been impacted by the first significant rainfall in 12 months at Yinnetharra, resulting in the Morrissey River limiting the drill crews' access for several weeks. Whilst it is still early days at Jamesons, we are very encouraged by the local definition of stand-out grade spodumene mineralisation sitting within the wider package of stacked pegmatites that warrant detailed investigation. Delta has completed geotechnical diamond drilling at Malinda to support PFS level study open pit design and is now commencing a five-tonne metallurgy sample collection program via PQ coring of anticipated production areas." Yinnetharra Exploration The Yinnetharra project is in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia targeting Lithium mineralisation. Delta Lithium has 1,769km2 of tenure owned outright and as Farm-in Joint Ventures. A maiden MRE was released in December 2023 of 25.7Mt @ 1% Li2O. Farm-In Joint Venture Agreements have expanded the prospective stratigraphy to over 80km in length. The Company has continued to actively explore at Yinnetharra with two (2) drill rigs currently operating at the Malinda prospect and one (1) rig operating at the Jameson prospect, supported by multiple field teams undertaking detailed geological mapping and surface sampling. Ongoing exploration will support the expansion and further definition of target prospects across the wider Yinnetharra package of tenure. Delta has received results during the quarter from the Jameson tenement demonstrating spodumene bearing pegmatites present from surface. Stratigraphy at the Jameson prospect is folded. Lithium anomalism at Jameson is present as a coherent soil geochemistry anomaly >150ppm Li2O approximately 600m long parallel with stratigraphy. Pegmatites cross cut stratigraphy trending NE-SW. Drilling orientations at Jameson were initially chosen to intercept the regional trend of stratigraphy in a perpendicular manner, access considerations and a desire to test pegmatite orientations account for the variety of drill hole orientations. Geological interpretation of Jamesons is ongoing with more information becoming available as the Company progresses drilling and mapping. Orientations of mineralised LCT pegmatite are understood to be striking NNE-SSW dipping moderately to the ESE. Delta continues to drill at Jameson with further results to be released in due course. Drilling completed to date at Malinda has demonstrated quality lithium intercepts from surface with the dominant lithium bearing mineral being spodumene. Recent highlights can be seen below in Table 1* and Figure 3*, with a full list of recent results in Appendix 2*. Further along strike extensions to M36 have been found, as well as near surface eastern extensions to M42 and a new near surface mineralised pegmatite in M20.The Company is very pleased with the results received to date. Lithium resources are largely present in three main pegmatites at Malinda from surface to a depth of >300m although recent drilling has demonstrated in near surface mineralisation from two other pegmatites M42 and M20. Metallurgical test work is ongoing with initial results demonstrating the potential for high recovery of spodumene to high grade low impurity concentrates. Malinda Metallurgy Delta is completing further metallurgical work to improve the understanding of the ore body variability and to better estimate laboratory scale up factors. Subsequent to the initial test work on M1 and M47 composite samples (see ASX announcement 21/08/2023), the Company has recently completed a limited number of scoping batch flotation tests on low grade ore composites from 0.6% to 1% Li2O. The Low Grade Variability composites were developed from M1 drill core and were specifically chosen to evaluate the preliminary processing flowsheet to treat mineralised material with grade between the resource cutoff grade and the potential mining cutoff grade, as can reasonably be expected to be included in the ore stream via mining dilution. The results of the Low Grade Variability testwork (Table 2*) showed encouraging 70-84% global recoveries for the bench-scale batch tests. It should be noted that for comparative purposes, in contrast to the 'Sighter Testwork' the 'Low Grade Variability' tests did not include a magnetic separation stage in the testwork flowsheet. Going forward, Delta plans to include a magnetic separation stage to manage concentrate iron grades. Current testwork being undertaken employs a whole of ore flotation flowsheet, where crushed ore is milled before desliming and magnetic separation. The non-magnetic material then feeds a mica pre-flotation stage which precedes spodumene flotation. This current testwork is focussing on spatial and geo-metallurgical domain variability testing of the M1 pegmatite. The scope of work includes specific testing addressing early mine phases as well as exploring opportunities to simplify the existing process flowsheet. Work is planned to include locked cycle flotation testwork and a pilot plant treating 5 tonnes of ore. The pilot testing aims to validate the final flowsheet and provide better estimates for batch test scale up factors. Drilling of PQ core and collection of the pilot sample is currently underway. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/915I1A04 About Delta Lithium Limited Delta Lithium Limited (ASX:DLI) is an exploration and development company focused on bringing high-quality, lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits, located in Western Australia, into production. With a strong balance sheet and an experienced team driving the exploration and development workstreams, Delta Lithium is rapidly advancing its Mt Ida Lithium Project towards production. The Mt Ida Lithium Project holds a critical advantage over other lithium developers with existing Mining Leases and heritage agreements in place. To capitalise on the prevailing buoyant lithium market, Delta Lithium is pursuing a rapid development pathway to unlock maximum value for shareholders. Delta Lithium also holds the highly prospective Yinnetharra Lithium Project that is already showing signs of becoming one of Australia's most exciting lithium regions. The Company is currently undergoing an extensive 400 drill hole campaign to be completed throughout 2023. Related Companies How to Help How to Help There are some ways to help people affected by the fires in and around Ruidoso. The Albuquerque Police Department is collecting donations at its substations across the city, starting Thursday. Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except at the University Area Command at 1009 Bradbury SE, which closes at 4 p.m. Visit cabq.com/police to find a substation. APD will also host an additional donation day at its Old Town substation at 2060 Central SW on Saturday. Donations will be taken to Roswell on Sunday. People can also donate to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Southwest Division has deployed an Emergency Disaster Services team to provide donation management to aid those affected by the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire. Donations of new items are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Roswell Armory, at 1 W. Earl Cummings Loop in Roswell. Donations accepted include: Personal hygiene items, baby items, linens and blankets, socks and underwear, bottled water and sports drinks, nonperishable snack items, toilet paper and paper towels, cleaning supplies and toys and games. Items not accepted: Used items of any kind, household items, appliances, furniture and prepared meals. Monetary donations can be made at NewMexico.SalvationArmy.org or by texting RUIDOSO to 51555. Those wishing to donate via check can mail checks to: The Salvation Army Roswell Corps Community Center, Attn: Ruidoso Fire Relief, P.O. Box 897, Roswell, NM 88202-0897 Write Ruidoso Fire Relief on the memo line. The Mescalero Apache Reservation has set up a GoFundMe page. The goal is to raise $10,000. As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, $8,563 was raised. Donate to the The Community Foundation of Lincoln County. Pollution clogging flood drains is one of many issues the residents of Settegast, a historically black neighborhood, face on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, in Houston. Settegast has the lowest life expectancy in all of Harris County, which has prompted the County Health Department, Urban Land Institute and Kinder to work with residents to address the most pressing concerns. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A state appellate court on Tuesday rejected the city of Houstons request to reverse a ruling mandating that the city spend hundreds of millions more on street and drainage projects. Affirming the late April decision, the 14th Court of Appeals denied the Whitmire administrations motion to rehear the case. The courts rejection came just six days after City Council approved a $7.3 billion budget, which set aside roughly $100 million less in drainage funding than was ordered by the court. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Only a day after the appeal was rejected, City Council unanimously approved a landmark $1.5 billion settlement that provided raises and back pay for Houstons 4,000 firefighters. Critics have raised concerns that the deal will further strain the city budget, with Controller Chris Hollins warning Houstons budget deficit could balloon to as much as $280 million in the coming fiscal year. That projection does not account for the additional funds the city may have to allocate in the wake of Tuesdays decision. City Attorney Arturo Michel told the Chronicle that the ruling will likely have no immediate impact on the current budget. He said his office plans to petition the Texas Supreme Court to hear the case again. Even if the court rejects the citys motion, Michel said the additional drainage dollars would be allocated as part of next years budget process. Arturo Michel, Houston city attorney, leaves the courtroom after listening to his staff during arguments at a hearing in the lawsuit filed by Pappas Restaurants over their being booted by the City of Houston from their IAH location. Hearings in the matter are on-going at the Harris Co. Civil Courthouse Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor One of the lawsuits plaintiffs, Bob Jones, predicted the city would take their case to the Supreme Court. But seeing as the Supreme Court sided with us once before, Jones said on Wednesday, I dont see that working out for them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jones struggle against the city began five years ago, after a 2018 charter amendment approved by almost three-quarters of Houston voters outlined the creation of a dedicated drainage fund. Among other sources of revenue, the city was to use about one-fifth of its property tax revenues 11.8 cents per every $100 in taxable value to fund infrastructure improvements and repairs. But in 2019, Jones alleged the city had shorted the fund, and he filed suit with fellow plaintiff Allen Watson. Since then, the case has been a legal back-and-forth that initially saw short-lived victories on both sides. After an appeals court dismissed the case in 2020, Jones and Watson took their plea to the states high court. In 2022, the Texas Supreme Court found merit in their case, once again sending the matter back to trial. The two suffered another defeat in July 2023 after a district court judge ruled in favor of the city. They appealed that decision, ultimately resulting in the April ruling against the city. NOT OVER YET: Judge sides with Turner, city leaders in lawsuit accusing officials of shorting drainage funds Were very pleased with the decision issued by the court, and we hope the city will do what the voters voted for and start fully funding the street and drainage program, Jones said. People want their streets and drains fixed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Becky Selle is a co-director of West Street Recovery, a flood and disaster relief nonprofit. She applauded the courts decision but agreed with Jones that the full $100 million will likely not come immediately. She said even those who have spent years calling on the city to upgrade its infrastructure understand the citys budget is extremely tight. A new pro-nuclear energy bill has passed Congress as the US continues to roll out major climate-related legislation under US President Joe Biden's administration. With an 88 to 2 vote, the proposed Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act was passed on Tuesday to modernize "outdated" nuclear energy rules and support development for new "next-generation reactor technologies." The bipartisan bill is also expected to cut regulatory costs for companies seeking to license nuclear reactor technologies, potentially resolving the decades-old problem of growing costs and permit requirements in building new nuclear power facilities. This will be in addition to incentives to further encourage companies to revive former fossil fuel generator sites into clean energy facilities amid current slowdowns in the phaseout. Also Read : US Slows Down Phaseout of Coal-Powered Plants Amid AI Demands Surge Nuclear Safety Groups Oppose ADVANCE Act Nuclear safety advocates like the Union of Concerned Scientists, however, expressed concerns about the bill's passing, claiming that lax regulations could weaken "safety and security oversight across the board." The non-profit group even accused the law of making a "nuclear accident like Fukushima more likely in the US." This week, US Senate will likely pass the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act (ADVANCE Act) and send it to the President. This act could make a nuclear accident like Fukushima more likely in the US. https://t.co/sWbNiLnNzT Union of Concerned Scientists (@UCSUSA) June 18, 2024 The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was damaged after a tsunami hit Japan during the 9.1 magnitude earthquake in 2011, forcing all residents in the nearby areas to be relocated permanently. Studies have indicated that such could have been "preventable" as regulatory rules and preparedness against natural disasters like tsunamis "lagged behind international standards." Similar worries are now surfacing as the administration fastens clean energy laws to reach the 50-52 percent reduction economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. Biden Admin Rolls Out Sweeping Changes Towards Clean Energy The proposed ADVANCE Act is touted as part of the sweeping laws passed under the Biden administration intended to reduce air pollution in the US since its peak in 2005. Among the legislations pushed is the reduction in carbon emission on highways with the transition towards zero-carbon emission vehicles like electric cars and the $369 billion climate investment pledge. Despite the administration's push against climate change, several states, particularly Florida, have since walked back on environmental efforts to prioritize the fossil fuel industry in their states. Birla Opus Paints, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Group's Grasim Industries, unveiled its first-ever brand campaign today. The film, titled "Make Life Beautiful," embodies the brand's philosophy and its transformative power to create a more aesthetically pleasing world. The commercial features a captivating never-before-seen animation style in India's paint industry. Using high-definition, 3D feature animation with realistic silhouettes, the film takes viewers on a journey through a colorless world transformed by a child's magical touch. The film's melodious soundtrack, composed by renowned Indian music director Ram Sampath, perfectly complements the message. The song's powerful message, "Duniya Ko Rang Do" (Color the World), resonates with the idea of finding beauty, hope, and happiness in life.This landmark campaign signifies a significant milestone for Birla Opus Paints as it expands its reach across India. The film will be broadcasted in Hindi and all major regional languages, backed by a comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategy encompassing television, digital platforms, out-of-home advertising, print media, and radio. The campaign, conceptualized by Leo Burnett India and produced by the leading global animation studio Zombie Studio (Brazil), aims to drive brand awareness and encourage product trials.Commenting on the film launch, Rakshit Hargave, CEO, Birla Opus, said, "We understand the discerning tastes of today's consumers who seek products and experiences that resonate with purpose and value. With this films playful rendition which personifies our brand belief of Make Life Beautiful, we are excited to embark on this journey of transformation with our customers, inspiring them to embrace beauty with purpose." Inderpreet Singh, Head Marketing, Birla Opus, added, We're thrilled to unveil our first-ever brand film for Birla Opus. The film exemplifies beauty which comes alive through one of the best animation styles in the world, comparable to HD animation in Hollywood movies, a first in the paints industry in India. The message, Duniya Ko Rang Do crafted by renowned music composer, Ram Sampath, resonates with a powerful idea of finding hope, happiness and beauty in life. Rajdeepak Das, CCO, Publicis Groupe - South Asia & Chairman, Leo Burnett - South Asia, said, Birla Opus is a brand that is designed for todays dynamic new Indian audiences. And we wanted to give the campaign a fresh and innovative approach. Using animation for storytelling, our film is an artistic approach to express how our audiences can surround themselves with colour that inspires and transforms. The film's concept opens in a black and white world where a young boy brings vibrant colors to life by touching objects in his home. Initially apprehensive, his mother witnesses the positive impact her son has on the world around him and embraces his gift. DoubleVerify ("DV"), the pioneering software platform for digital media measurement, data, and analytics, has unveiled its DV Global Insights: 2024 Trends Report. This comprehensive analysis draws on more than one trillion video and display impressions delivered across APAC, EMEA, LATAM, and North America, from January to December 2023, including desktop, mobile web, mobile app, and connected TV (CTV). The study also includes a global survey conducted by Sapio, surveying 1,000 advertisers across these regions. The report highlights the growing importance of addressing advertising fraud in India, where significant strides have been made in reducing fraud rates. Notably, fraud rates in India have decreased by 36% due to the increased adoption of verification tools. Despite this progress, fraudulent activities remain a significant challenge as new schemes continue to emerge. In 2023, DVs research revealed a 23% surge globally in new fraud schemes and variants compared to the previous year, according to the DV Fraud Lab. Moreover, unprotected advertisers globally experienced a fraud/SIVT (Sophisticated Invalid Traffic) violation rate as high as 17%. These violations include incidents of bot fraud, site fraud, app fraud, hijacked devices, nonhuman data center traffic, and injected ad events, all of which illegitimately inflate online advertising impressions or data events to generate revenue. This year's report explores how media buyers are approaching key trends, including AI, attention measurement, emerging media, and made-for-advertising (MFA) sites. Additionally, it provides data on the region's performance regarding attention, brand safety and suitability, fraud, and viewability. Here is a summary of the key findings. DV Global Insights Advertiser Survey Findings/What Marketers in APAC Think: In APAC, 60% of marketers think Al-driven campaign optimization will have the most significant positive impact on media quality. More than half (58%) of APAC marketers spend over 20% of their workweek manually optimizing digital media campaigns. 54% of marketers in APAC said that emerging channels have a significant negative impact on media quality. Regional Insights from the Report (APAC and India): The APAC region drives the highest overall attention with an average Attention Index of 124, with India performing exactly at regional benchmark. While brand suitability violations are declining across APAC, India experienced a 3% decrease. In the APAC region, navigating brand safety during elections is tough, with 56% of media buyers concerned about political news cycles. Inflammatory Politics & News content doubled before the 2022 Indian Presidential election, peaking at 860% above the year-to-date average, two days before the nomination deadline. Despite an 85% decrease in CTV Fraud Rate, CTV remains the device with the highest Fraud Rate in APAC. Media buying is still concentrated heavily on mobile channels in APAC, which represent over 70% of total impressions for the region. The Video Viewable Rate in India increased by 19%, reaching 79%, which is above the global average of 71%. India's Display viewable Rate (70%) also witnessed an upward trend, increasing 3% from last year. The DV Global Insights series further explores other crucial industry topics, including the significant role of AI in transforming media and advertising. It delves extensively into Gen AI, highlighting the challenges it presents in terms of ad fraud and MFA impressions. In fact, DV's latest analysis indicates a 19% year-over-year increase in MFA impression volume globally for 2023. Additionally, the report sheds light on media quality in Retail Media Networks (RMNs). DVs findings reveal that RMNs over-index globally for media quality in terms of brand suitability and ad fraud, with fraud rates nearly one-third (31%) lower than the DV overall fraud benchmark and brand suitability violations 10% lower than the DV overall brand suitability benchmark globally. For the full DV Global Insights report series, visit https://doubleverify.com/global-insights-2024-trends-report. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Indias pioneering manufacturer of SUVs and armoured vehicles for defence and paramilitary forces, has announced the launch of 'Hearts to Bravehearts', an initiative for commemorating the 25th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War. This initiative is an earnest mission for honoring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our brave soldiers. Mahindra reiterates its commitment towards nation-building through this endeavour. Mahindra SUVs will simultaneously flag off from Tanot Border Post, Kibithoo Border Post, and Kochi Port covering 10000 km. The convoys will carry messages from citizens to military stations, garrisons, and war memorials across the country, culminating at the Kargil War Memorial. The campaign is a sincere call to all Indians to express their gratitude towards the Indian Armed Forces. Citizens are invited to share their gratitude through letters, poems, sketches, and other creative expressions. In partnership with Indian Post (Department of Post, Ministry of Communications), Mahindra will utilize their extensive network to deliver messages from Mahindra Dealerships to three locations of military significance from where convoys of Mahindra SUVs will flag off. The final destinations for these messages include military stations, garrisons, war memorials, and cantonments across the country and Kargil/Drass. Veejay Nakra, President - Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, "We are deeply honoured to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Kargil victory with our 'Hearts to Bravehearts' initiative. This campaign is not just about remembering our heroes but about celebrating the freedom and peace they have secured for us. By sending our heartfelt messages to the brave soldiers who protect our nation, we aim to show them that their sacrifices have not only brought us safety but also endless smiles and a peaceful life. Mahindra is proud to be a part of this significant journey, reinforcing our commitment to exploring the impossible and supporting our nation's heroes." In a significant collaboration, Mahindra has tied up with Faujiana as a partner to engage with Kargil war veterans to spread awareness and drive citizen participation through its extensive network. Along the way, the drive will also foster goodwill through the involvement of eminent journalists and celebrities, amplifying the campaigns emotional resonance. A robust social media campaign will provide the necessary reach and scale, engaging millions across the nation. Citizens will be encouraged to share their messages on social platforms as well as at their nearest Mahindra Dealerships, amplifying the collective voice of gratitude and respect for our armed forces. Drop points will be set up at Mahindra showrooms and workshops nationwide, making it convenient for people to contribute their messages. By delivering these messages to Defence destinations across the country, Mahindra proudly plays a role in honouring heroes and reinforcing the nation's pride in its defence forces. Welspun Global Brands has named Pradnya Popade as the Head of Marketing for its home textile and flooring categories, a news she shared on LinkedIn. In her new position, Popade will oversee the marketing efforts for the Home Textile and Flooring division of the company. Expressing her enthusiasm in her LinkedIn post, Popade stated that she is delighted to embrace this new role and looks forward to working with the incredible team at Welspun. She aims to utilise the advanced marketing strategies to achieve optimal results. Before joining Welspun, Popade served as the Marketing Communication Head - Media and Communications at Samsonite South Asia, where she focused on brand building and media strategy for Samsonite, American Tourister, and Kamiliant. Her previous experience also includes roles at Mediacom, Madison Communications, Rediffusion DY&R (The Media Edge), and Mudra Communications. With over 23 years of experience in marketing, Pradnya Popade brings valuable expertise to her new position. She is a Google Squared Graduate and holds certifications in digital and social media strategies, as well as in enhancing and supervising brand communication. Rajit Gupta has been hired as a VP and Creative Head for Cheil X, Mumbai, which is an independent full-service agency under the Cheil SWA group to manage the fast growing new client mandates in India. With a proven track record of crafting compelling campaigns and pushing creative boundaries, Rajit will play a pivotal role in shaping Cheil Xs creative oeuvre and driving client success. In his current role, Rajit will report to Vikash Chemjong, CCO, Cheil India. His appointment comes at the heels of the agency beefing up its Mumbai operations to increase their focus on exploring new expansion opportunities in the region. Rajit joins the team from McCann Worldgroup, where he held the position of Executive Creative Director and helmed the creative execution of G20 summit in India last year. He has more than 17 years of experience in the dynamic world of advertising, collaborating with top-tier brands and agencies globally. His repertoire of work includes stints with agencies like J. Walter Thompson, Publicis, DDB Mudra, and Contract Advertising. He has extensive experience across a wide breadth of industries, having worked on brands like Air India, Incredible India, Coke, Pepsi, Volkswagen, Dominoes, Nestle Maggi, and Nescafe. His work has been consistently recognized and celebrated at national & international award shows, including a grand prix. Vikash Chemjong, CCO Cheil India, said, There is a lot that Rajit brings to the table. His understanding of brands. His sense of design. His typography. His experience at some of the best agencies in the country. His tally of metals. Not to mention his eloquence and effortless good looks! But these arent the only reason we at the agency were impressed about him. He has this vibe. An edge. A mojo so to say. Or simply put, an X factor! Which probably is what makes him such an excellent fit for Cheil X! We are lucky to have him. And Im sure our clients will feel the same very soon. Commenting on his appointment, Rajit said, Why Cheil?" That's what everyone asked me when they heard the news, even Poppins, my dog. He wasnt thrilled about his walk being moved from 10:00am to 7:00am. I tried to tell him that discipline is good for us, but he sensed there was more to it. He knew that the only reason I'd walk out of a nine year old stint is because I was ready for my second innings. I embraced the idea of transformation. A change in perspective, format, culture and city. I feel a renewed energy to accept this challenge because, as creatives, thats what we do! We evolve and create something better. Joining Cheil X in Mumbai is like joining a start-up with the backing of a powerful company. It offers the flexibility of a start-up with the stability and resources of an established firm. Its an opportunity to create impactful work with a confidence that comes from solid backing. Social Pill, through its AI-forward stance, developed a custom GPTthath will help advertisers cut their time of submitting the self-declaration form to about 3 minutes or less from the traditional 10 to 15 minutes for every single advertisement. Under this, the advertiser needs to upload the ad creative to the GPT and the tool will automatically read the creative and furnish the information that needs to be filled in with regards to the ads. The mandate of the new self-declaration compliance laid out by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting for all advertisements going out from 18th of June 2024, requires that every single ad in outdoor, print, television and digital media carry a self-declaration alongside. The process laid out mentions that the agency would require a letter of authorisation (LOA) from the client that enables them to apply for self-declaration. This declaration states that any information that is being communicated via the ad is not misleading and in compliance with the ethical guidelines of MIB. This poses a challenge to mid and larger digital agencies that publish multiple ads every single day on platforms like Google and Meta for their advertisers. Neelesh R Pednekar, Co-Founder & Head to Digital Media mentioned, We anticipated the ambiguity and chaos that could come along with the implementation of the self-declaration form and started working towards building the custom GPT. We have always leveraged technology to make things simpler and easier. This tool will cut down the burden on the executives who are managing the campaigns by reducing their time to fill in the self declaration forms. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on inputs for formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy 2024. The objective of the policy is to facilitate the growth of the sector with quick adoption of the emerging technologies for providing an immersive and enriching experience to the consumers in a cost-effective manner, while safeguarding the interest of the stakeholders involved in the broadcasting sphere. Achieving these goals necessitates collaboration among the key stakeholders viz. the central and state governments, local governments and agencies, television and radio broadcasters, OTT service providers, content creators, distributors, equipment manufacturers, academia, research institutes, industry including startups and small and medium enterprises. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), vide its letter dated July 13, 2023, had requested TRAI to provide its considered inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 for formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy. As a first step, TRAI issued a Pre-Consultation Paper on September 21, 2023, to elicit the issues which were required to be considered for the formulation of National Broadcasting Policy. Based on the comments received from and discussion held with stakeholders, TRAI released the Consultation Paper on Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024 on April 2, 2024. The Consultation Paper identified the focus areas and raised 20 questions seeking comments of the stakeholders. TRAI received comments from 42 stakeholders, including service providers, organizations, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups and few individuals. An Open House Discussion (OHD) was held on May 15, 2024. Certain additional comments were also received post OHD. The recommendations on inputs for formulation of the broadcasting policy have stipulated the vision, mission, goals and strategies for the planned development and growth of the broadcasting sector in the country in the era of emerging technologies. The Authority has recommended the following Vision, Mission and Goals for the National Broadcasting Policy, 2024. Vision To foster a competitive, affordable and ubiquitous ecosystem for sustained growth of the broadcasting sector, catering to the diverse needs of consumers that facilitates quality content creation, promotes democratic values and cultural diversity, enables inclusivity and literacy, attracts investments, safeguards intellectual property, develops resilient indigenous infrastructure, adopts emerging technologies, generates employment and drives socio-economic development through innovation and collaboration for strengthening Indias soft image and positioning Brand India globally. Mission In pursuit of establishing India a global leader in the broadcasting sector, this policy intends to target broad roadmap for 10 years with special focus on the next 5 years. The National Broadcasting Policy-2024, envisages to achieve the following: Propelling Growth Establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem by enabling growth[1]oriented policies and regulations through data-driven governance. Supporting creation of a resilient, adaptive and tech-agile infrastructure fostering R&D, technology innovation and indigenous manufacturing. Facilitating level-playing field and healthy competition; promoting ease of doing business and stimulating economic growth by enabling the reach of broadcasting services to all, positioning India as an Uplinking Hub for television channels, attracting investments, generating employment opportunities and promoting skill development. Promoting Content Supporting quality content production and distribution for television, radio and OTT broadcasting services, encouraging proliferation of Indian content, both locally and globally, by harnessing the power of emerging broadcasting technologies and making India a Global Content Hub. Establishing India as a preferred destination for content creation. Enabling quality content production in public service broadcasting to inform, educate and entertain the masses. Promoting and facilitating the growth of Indian content through films, animation, visual effects, gaming, music and state-of-the-art post-production infrastructure. Protecting Interests Combating piracy and safeguarding the rights of content creators and intellectual property holders through copyright protection. Fulfilling social responsibilities by ensuring awareness and enabling provisions for disseminating information to all strata of society; and environmental responsibilities through green broadcasting practices and disaster preparedness. Goals Propelling Growth: Establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem Measure sectors performance based on various key economic parameters to enable data-driven policy decisions Enable reach and access of television broadcasting services to uncovered households Enable radio coverage in uncovered areas Promote R&D and secure IPR in broadcasting sector Promote manufacturing and adoption of new technologies, including indigenous broadcasting technologies and equipment Employment generation, bolstered up through training and upskilling for providing New Age Skills to the workforce Encourage innovation-led start-ups and empower Small and Medium Enterprises Foster conducive policies and regulatory practices for economic growth Make India an Uplinking Hub of television channels Leverage digital terrestrial broadcasting as a complimentary broadcasting technology Establish effective audience measurement and rating system Promoting Content: Encouraging Indian content outreach at global stage Establish India as a hub for content creation Strengthen Public Service Broadcasting Facilitate content proliferation through Digital Radio Broadcasting Support growth and proliferation of Indian Content through OTT broadcasting services Support Indian Content production through films, animation, visual effects, gaming and music Protecting Interests: Safeguarding rights of content creator and leveraging broadcasting services for protecting socio-environmental interests of the society Enforce content security through copyright protection Address social and environmental responsibilities Recognize the role of broadcaster during disasters To achieve each goal, a number of strategies have been recommended. Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand: The Masterminds Behind the Paper Leak 2 The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 paper leak exposes the education system of India. This debacle saw a new twist, with the accused admitting to the police that question papers were arranged for certain candidates a day before the exam for nearly Rs 32 lakh. The shocking confession came from four persons arrested by the Bihar Police, including a NEET aspirant named Anurag Yadav, whose uncle is a junior engineer in the Danapur Municipal Council, and two others Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand the purported masterminds behind the paper leak. They sold NEET papers for Rs 32 lakh. The arrested accused said that the question papers were provided a day before the May 5 exam. Anurag Yadav, whose uncle is a junior engineer in the Danapur Municipal Council. Anurag told the police that his uncle Sikander Yadavendu arranged the NEET papers for him in advance. Anurag was preparing for NEET at the Allen Institute in Kota (Rajasthan). His uncle Sikander Yadavendu called him to Patna and took him to Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar, where he was given some questions and the answer keys for the exam. He was told to memorise the answers. When he appeared for the test the next day, the questions were the same as those given to me on May 4. However, after the test, the police arrested him. The police also raided the place where the students were given the leaked papers. They also found the remaining pieces of the burned question papers. About 24 lakh aspirants appeared for the NEET on May 5 for admission to medical colleges. The results were announced before time on June 5 but were marred by allegations of paper leaks and the awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 candidates. The Ministry of Education has requested a comprehensive report from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 examination conducted in Patna. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry addressed the issue of grace marks in the NEET-UG 2024 matter, stating that it has been fully resolved. As regards certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. The government will take further action upon receipt of this report, the statement noted. The Supreme Court heard a total of 14 petitions during the hearing. Of these, 10 were filed by 49 students and a student organisation called Student Federation of India. Meanwhile, the remaining four were submitted by the NTA. In their petitions, the NTA demanded a direction to transfer all pending cases in various high courts linked to the NEET exam row to the top court. One of the petitions from the students side was to constitute a court-appointed committee. The top court, however, asked the lawyer to list the matter for July 8 with the rest of the petitions. The Supreme Court also refused to halt the NEET counselling process, repeating its stand. The bench said that if the examination continues after the final hearing, counseling will also follow. The Supreme Court refused to halt the NEET counseling and also declined to direct the CBI to take up the probe into the alleged paper leaks and malpractices. The entrance examination was held on May 5 across 4,750 centers, and around 24 lakh candidates took it. The Ministry further emphasized that any individual or organization found to be involved in malpractice concerning the NEET-UG 2024 examination will face the strictest action. Previously, on June 18, the Supreme Court directed the Center and the NTA to thoroughly address any negligence in conducting the NEET-UG 2024 exam. If there is 0.001 percent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with. All these matters ought not to be treated as adversarial litigation, observed a vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 results and a fresh examination, citing allegations of paper leakage and malpractices during the May 5 test. Aspirants have raised concerns over the leakage of the question paper, the awarding of compensatory marks, and anomalies in the examination process. Its happening because our institutions have been compromised. Our vice chancellors are appointed not based on merit but because they belong to a specific organisation. The BJP has penetrated the countrys education system and destroyed it. The Education Ministry ordered the cancellation of UGC-NET and asked for accountability to be fixed. Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall on Mexicos Gulf Coast on Thursday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center. The center of the tropical storm was moving inland as of 7 a.m. CDT and had 45 mph winds, according to the hurricane center. Alberto, the first named storm in the Atlantic in 2024, could dump a lot of rain on parts of Mexico, and the forecasters warned about the potential for flash flooding through tonight. Alberto developed in the southwestern Gulfs Bay of Campeche, and that area could be the breeding ground for another tropical system in the next few days, according to the hurricane center. Forecasters expect another area of low pressure to develop there over the weekend near Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula and move into the southwestern Gulf, where it could become a tropical depression. Forecasters expect this second system to also take a path to the west-northwest or west early next week. If it were to develop into a tropical storm and get a name, it would be Beryl. Alberto was expected to dissipate as soon as today as it moves farther inland in Mexico. A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Gulf coast of Mexico south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla. (Tropical storm warnings have been dropped for Texas.) As of 7 a.m. CDT Thursday, the center of Tropical Storm Alberto was located about 25 miles west of Tampico, Mexico, and was moving west at 13 mph. Albertos winds had dropped from a peak of 50 mph to 45 mph, the hurricane center said. Tropical Storm Alberto is expected to weaken and dissipate by tonight.NHC The hurricane center said rain from Alberto is expected to ease off over southern Texas today, but northeast Mexico could continued to see tropical downpours. Five to 10 inches of rain will be possible in that area, with some areas getting up to 20 inches. That could prompt flash flooding, mudslides in higher terrain and river flooding in Mexico, forecasters said. A tornado or two could be possible this morning in parts of south Texas, the hurricane center said, but a tornado watch in that area was allowed to expire at 7 a.m. Thursday. ELSEWHERE IN THE ATLANTIC The hurricane center was also watching a disturbance in the western Atlantic on Thursday morning, and it was expected to move toward the Atlantic coasts of Florida and Georgia today and Friday. The hurricane center said the disturbance was disorganized on Thursday morning, and theres a chance it could become a depression before it reaches the U.S. The hurricane center said a reconnaissance aircraft would take a look at the disturbance today: 8 AM EDT Jun 20: A small area of low pressure east of the northern Bahamas (#AL92) could become a tropical depression before it reaches the coast of NE Florida or Georgia on Friday. An Air Force plane is scheduled to investigate this afternoon.https://t.co/DboWSR44Dt pic.twitter.com/3Din4fSfVB National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) June 20, 2024 The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. It is widely anticipated to be a very active season, with 17-25 named storms possible. Tupperware is closing its factory in South Carolina. According to multiple reports, Tupperware filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice in South Carolina informing the state it is closing its facility at 248 Tupperware Road in Hemingway, South Carolina. Almost 150 people will be laid off due to the closure. The layoffs will take place between Sept. 28 and Jan. 14, 2025. The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated June 11, according to Penn Live. According to the Orlando Business Journal, the South Carolina facility is the Orlando-based brands only U.S. factory. The facilitys operations will be transitioned to the companys Lerma, Mexico plant. Tupperware manufactures preparation, storage, and serving containers and was founded in 1946 and for most of its history relied on a direct sales model. In 2023, the company filed notice of facing financial difficulties as it sought additional financing. California lawmakers are reportedly rushing to pass roughly 50 AI-related bills as the state government tries to address growing concerns in the AI industry. According to the Los Angeles Times, most of the proposed legislations are intended to regulate and provide human oversight on AI due to its potential impacts on the work industry, human safety, and societal discrimination. These include several labor union-sponsored bills aiming to require companies to provide some protection to their employees that could be affected by the increase of automation in their workplaces. Due to its proximity to Silicon Valley companies, California currently has the most AI regulations proposed in the country as nationwide laws remain a low priority in the national government. However, only a few have successfully pushed past the House of Representatives as AI firms and tech companies argue such regulations would stifle innovations and creativity. Also Read : California Lawmakers Advance Proposals for AI Regulation Amid Increasing Deepfake Issues California Legislators Still Welcome AI Innovations Despite the wave of AI-related regulations California is trying to pass, the state still intends to use current technological innovations in an attempt to address longstanding issues in the state. Among the proposed applications of generative AI is its integration into traffic management operations to reduce road congestion and improve customer services in critical chokepoints. The state is currently partnered with several tech firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, to form new AI models that would help California enforce better road safety guidelines. Related Article : California Looks into Generative AI to Solve Traffic Congestions US AI Regulation Law Receives Pushback from Tech Companies State legislations are not the only proposed AI regulations currently facing headwinds amid the government's efforts to manage emerging risks from the tech industry. Just last year, Capitol Hill recorded a 120% increase in clients lobbying for AI-related issues, going from 272 filings in 2022 to 566 within 12 months. This is in addition to strong opposition to the executive order mandating several departments and agencies to formulate potential provisions for the planned regulatory law for AI. If youve yet to dine at Auburn Universitys 1856 Culinary Residence, this summer might be the time to make those reservations. The teaching restaurant in AUs Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management which Southern Living readers selected as the best new restaurant in Alabama earlier this year -- will host a Summer Chef Series in July, with each chef taking over the restaurant for a week. Birmingham native Kyle Knall, the chef and owner of Birch Restaurant and culinary director at Stone Bank Farm in Milwaukee, will kick off the series the week of July 8-13. Knall, who worked with Frank Stitt at Chez Fonfon in Birmingham and with Michael Anthony at Gramercy Tavern in New York City, is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist -- for Oustanding Chef in 2022 and for Best Chef: Midwest in 2024. Leo Maurelli, managing partner of culinary operations at Ithaka Hospitality Partners in Auburn and the former executive chef at Auburns influential Amsterdam Cafe, will be the guest chef the week of July 15-20. Born in the Republic of Panama, Maurelli has lived in the South since he was 11 and earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management at AU in 2003. Finally, revered Atlanta chef and restaurateur Ford Fry, who is wrapping up his year-long stay as the chef-in-residence at 1856, will close out the summer chef series the week of July 22-27. Fry who owns and operates restaurants in Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte and Houston will prepare dishes from his Atlanta steakhouse Marcel. RELATED: The story behind Auburns world-class Rane Culinary Science Center The chefs will serve an a la carte menu at lunch and a $125 tasting menu for dinner. Here are the links to their respective menus: Kyle Knall (July 8-13): Lunch menu. Dinner tasting menu. Leo Maurelli (July 15-20): Lunch menu. Dinner tasting menu. Ford Fry (July 22-27): Lunch menu. Dinner tasting menu. Optional beverage pairings for the dinner tasting menus are an additional $100 per person. Reservations for the Summer Chef Series are available through TOCK. Named for the year Auburn University was founded, 1856 opened in September 2022 in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center on the AU campus. The restaurant is at 205 South College St. in Auburn. For more information, go here. Louisiana has passed a law requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, a new development in a longtime public policy controversy that has surfaced in Alabama repeatedly over more than two decades. Alabama does not have the same law as the one Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed into effect on Wednesday, legislation that won praise from former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who has championed Ten Commandments displays during his political career. But Alabama voters did show strong support of Ten Commandments displays when they approved an amendment to the state constitution in 2018. Seventy-two percent of those who voted supported the measure, which is Amendment 942 to the Alabama Constitution. The amendment said public schools and public bodies can display the Ten Commandments on property owned by the state. It added this qualifying language: The Ten Commandments shall be displayed in a manner that complies with constitutional requirements, including, but not limited to, being intermingled with historical or educational items, or both, in a larger display within or on property owned or administrated by a public school or public body. The amendment also says: No public funds may be expended in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment. Former state Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, sponsored the bill to put the amendment on the ballot. Dial, who left the Legislature in 2018 after 10 terms, said he does not know what schools or public entities posted the Ten Commandments after voters approved the amendment. Dial said he distributed laminated copies of the Ten Commandments to schools but is not sure whether they were used. As for Louisianas approach, Dial said there were concerns in Alabama about the legal costs that could have resulted from mandating Ten Commandments displays. We tried to go down that road to a degree, Dial said. But then we were warned by all the legal scholars that it would be unconstitutional and it would just cost the state a lot of money to go all the way to the Supreme Court. And what I was doing was the most practical and easiest way and it would leave it up to the school boards and city managers and governmental officials to decide whether they wanted to put it up or not. Dial, noting that he is not a lawyer, said hes uncertain how the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court would rule on a challenge to the new Louisiana law and whether the principal of separation of church and state would result in blocking the law. Several groups have already said they plan to sue to block the Louisiana law. Dial believes there would be benefits to Ten Commandments displays in public schools because of the influence it could have on students, even if thats a small number of students, especially in an era of concern over gun violence and school shootings. If it keeps one person from doing something, or if it changes one persons life, its worth the effort, Dial said. What we seem to in America to have gotten away from is that one life is valuable. Weve come almost to the point where, well, first thing on the news is somebody killed. Thats just tough luck. Thats just to be expected. If this helps to reinstall the value of what a human life or what human beings should be and how we should treat our neighbors, then its worth the effort, Dial said. If this helps to reinstall the value of what a human life or what human beings should be and how we should treat our neighbors, then its worth the effort, Dial said. Kayla Moore, president of the Foundation for Moral Law, said Alabamas 2018 amendment has not encountered any legal challenges. Kayla Moore is the wife of Roy Moore, who founded the Foundation for Moral Law, a not-for-profit legal firm that focuses on religious liberty cases and constitutional issues. While the Foundation hasnt defended specific cases, we are aware of grassroots efforts to display the Ten Commandments, Kayla Moore said in an email. We stand ready to defend these displays, confident in their constitutionality based on recent Supreme Court precedent and the Founders intent. Alabama U.S. Senator Katie Britt is calling on the Biden Administration to exert diplomatic pressure to free ministers of an evangelical church founded by an Alabamian who are imprisoned in Nicaragua. In a speech on the Senate floor, Britt said the administration should utilize all sanctions enforcement powers and leverage in any diplomatic way. Any options that are in the toolbox should be used to force Nicaragua to remedy this situation, Britt said. In December, the administration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega ordered the closure of Mountain Gateways 10 churches and arrested 11 of their pastors, accusing them of money laundering, according to Christianity Today. Four months later, the pastors were found guilty and received sentences ranging between 12 and 15 years and a combined fine of more than $1 billion. Leaders of the ministry deny the charges and earlier this year said they hadnt even seen charging documents. Instead, critics of the regime said it is part of an ongoing campaign against Christian ministries and reflects the governments uneasiness with mass religious gatherings and organizations. Mountain Gateway was founded by Alabamian Britt Hancock and is based in Texas. Britts speech follows efforts by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Dale Strong (R-Monrovia), Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) on behalf of the church. Mountain Gateway recruits, trains, commissions, and sends out ordained Christian ministers to spread the Gospel, Britt said. In Nicaragua, the organization has advanced Gods Kingdom through discipleship, through feeding and clothing those in need, through providing assistance during natural disasters, and sharing the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These individuals doing this work should be celebrated not persecuted. A largely forgotten shipwreck off the Florida Keys has been identified as a four-masted schooner that ran around during a squall in 1911, according to NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The scattered debris off Key Largo is what remains of the Star of the Sea, NOAA marine archaeologist Matthew Lawrence told McClatchy News. Its great to bring an unknown story back to life, with a touchstone like a shipwreck to give it physical presence, Lawrence said in an email. Star of the Sea was carrying lumber from Pensacola when it grounded at French Reef in October 1911 ... in stormy, squally weather. Initial reports said it was lightly grounded, and could be saved, but that ended not being the case. This schooner was built in 1887 in Bath, Maine, and originally named the Katie J. Barrett, records show. The identity of the wreck was lost over time as it vanished below the surface. It sits in 20 feet of water and is not commonly visited by people who dive, snorkel or fish, Lawrence said. Putting a name to the debris solves a mystery and helps historians connect the vessel as a driver of economic activity and social exchange, he said. A research group known as Diving with a Purpose is credited with helping to solve the mystery. The nonprofit organization trains divers in underwater archaeological techniques and in ecological monitoring, officials said. Divers mapped the wreck June 10-15 and confirmed the debris is scattered over a 250-foot stretch of the reef, Lawrence said. That makes the wreck difficult to take in as a whole, despite being in shallow water, he said. The shipwrecks remains primarily consist of the metal fittings used in its construction. The wooden hull is not present on the site due to deterioration and the way it broke apart, he said. All of the artifacts were left on the shipwreck. Sanctuary regulations prohibit disturbing the wreck and taking artifacts and we hope that those who visit the shipwreck in the future honor this history by leaving everything where they found it for future visitors to discover. The Star of the Sea is among 800 historical sites within the NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary protects 3,800 square miles of waters around the Keys, from south of Miami westward to the Dry Tortugas, NOAA says. 2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Slidell, Louisiana man was arrested and accused of placing hidden cameras in his home and inside a condominium in Orange Beach, where multiple victims were recorded, according to the Slidell Police Department. In late May, Slidell police began investigating Jonathan Bethancourt, 31, after a babysitter found a camera hidden in a smoke detector in a bathroom at Bethancourts home. The babysitter brought the video camera to the Slidell Police Department. Investigators issued a search warrant at Bethancourts home, where they found another camera, police said. The babysitter, Alyssa Glavan, has posted a series of videos on her TikTok account since Monday, writing in the comments that it was time [she] spoke up. In a TikTok video, Glavan said that she found a smoke detector in the closet near the bathroom. After noticing a camera lens on the smoke detector, she took it off of the wall and found an SD card with a QR code inside of it. Glavan scanned the QR code, which brought her to an online page for a secret spy cam. At the end of the video, Glavan included an audio clip of who she says is Bethancourt, admitting to owning the spy camera. This has not yet been confirmed by police. Investigators are still looking through video evidence and have identified additional victims so far in the probe, police said Wednesday. Bethancourt was booked into Slidell City Jail and charged with 11 counts of video voyeurism on May 29, then was later transported to St. Tammany Parish Jail. He has since been released on bail. No other information is currently available. ___ (c)2024 The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. Visit The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. at www.theadvocate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has a fan in Alabama, one who has been an old soldier in past culture war battles to get the Ten Commandments displayed in public venues. Former Alabama State Supreme Court Judge Roy Moore, in an interview with AL.com Wednesday, said the new law in Louisiana requiring Ten Commandment displays in every public classroom is so much needed in our country, and should be able to withstand legal challenges. Landry, ahead of signing the law, said he couldnt wait to get sued. That is likely to happen, after several civil liberties groups have vowed to challenge the law based on an argument over a separation of church and state. Its a wonderful thing what the governor is doing, said Moore, during an interview with AL.com from his home in Etowah County. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry addresses members of the House and Senate on opening day of a legislative special session, Feb. 19, 2024, in the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge, La. (Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP, File)AP Moore gained the nickname the Ten Commandments Judge for refusing to take down a homemade wooden Ten Commandments plaque behind his bench when he was an Etowah County circuit court judge in the 1990s. And his placement of a Ten Commandments monument inside the states judicial building led to his ouster as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court several years later. I think it will be differently perceived in this (U.S. Supreme) Court, Moore said. Im confident it will go through, and I willfully support the governor and will help him in any way I can. FILE - Workers repaint a Ten Commandments billboard off of Interstate 71 on Election Day near Chenoweth, Ohio, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Louisiana has become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom under a bill signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)AP Moore, 77, said he has not spoken to Landry about Louisianas efforts which culminated in the governor signing the Ten Commandments bill into law on Wednesday. The new law, a GOP-drafted legislation, mandates 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 displays will be paired with a four-paragraph context statement describing how the Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries. The displays must be put into place in classrooms by the start of 2025. Its historical and something our country is founded upon, and we sorely need that morality back, said Moore, who continues to run the non-profit Foundation for Moral Law with wife, Kayla, from their home in Etowah County. There is a lot of talk in politics right now that were so divided in our country. But until we go back to some standard of right and wrong, its all going to be about power in the country. It shouldnt be. Power will not solve our problems. God will. Moore and his former campaign strategist, Dean Young of Orange Beach, said they believe the legal challenges will be upheld by the current U.S. Supreme Court, where conservatives have a supermajority. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law was unconstitutional and violated 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 Ten Commandments law in Kentucky served no secular purpose but rather was for a plainly religious purpose. The courts have confused that over religion, Moore said. God was not religion. The difference between religion and morality are the duties we owe to God. If you plug that into the First Amendment, its about how you worship God and not that you couldnt recognize God. Young said he is disappointed that Alabama lawmakers did not lead the efforts to get a similar law passed. Louisiana is the first state to require their displays, igniting the latest culture war issue that is sure to be debated by politicians as the presidential election season heats up. Alabama dropped the ball, Young said, adding that state lawmakers nationwide now have a blueprint by which to go by with Louisianas new law. It takes a governor to stand up for what is right, said Young, a former Republican congressional candidate in South Alabama. Thats what they have in Louisiana. Dean Young of Orange Beach holds a press conference at the State Capitol on Feb. 2, 2022. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) Moore gained his reputation as a staunch defender of the Ten Commandments for his legal tussles with the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups for his refusal to remove the displays. After he was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2000, Moore commissioned the display of a 2-1/2-ton granite monument inscribed with the Ten Commandments and had it placed in the rotunda of the Alabama Judicial Building in downtown Montgomery. A federal judge ruled the display unconstitutional in 2002, but Moore refused to have it taken out of the building. A state panel then ruled Moore had violated the judicial ethics code, and he was removed from the bench. The Ten Commandments standoff led to national fame, and Moore did consider a presidential bid in 2012. He, instead, won back his state Supreme Court seat in a competitive race against Democrat Bob Vance. Moore did not bring back the Ten Commandments display, but he was suspended for ordering state judges to defy the Supreme Courts ruling in 2015 legalizing same-sex marriage and instead have them enforce a state ban on such marriages. Moores age prevented him from running for the Supreme Court again. He, instead, ran for the U.S. Senate in a special Senate election in 2017. Moore won a crowded GOP primary and easily defeated then-Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange in the runoff. He was then defeated by Democratic challenger Doug Jones by a narrow margin in a contest that drew international attention. Moores candidacy unraveled about a month before the election after controversy surfaced about alleged sexual misconduct he had decades ago with teenage girls when he was in his 30s. Moore ran again for the Senate in 2020, but he finished a distant fourth place in that years GOP primary won by Tommy Tuberville. A transient facing murder charges in Alabama and Oklahoma showed a pattern of escalating violence and could be responsible for more killings, authorities said Thursday. Stacy Lee Drake, 50-year-old former Jimmie Hale Mission resident in Birmingham, was taken into custody Thursday morning following a two-state manhunt. Authorities said he is the suspect in three Oklahoma homicides and is charged in the May slaying of another man at a Tuscaloosa AA building last month. It would not be surprising to me at all, Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy said Thursday afternoon. If you look at his criminal history, he was continuously escalating his violent behavior. He is now responsible for at least three, possibly four, homicides that we know about in the last two months so I would not be surprised if theres other homicides out there that are unsolved in other jurisdictions, Kennedy said. Drake allegedly travelled to multiple states with no fixed address, using false names, and altering his appearance. We do not know if he is responsible for any other homicides but that is being looked into, he said. There are a few other things that have come to light, and we are working with a few other jurisdictions on that as well. Asked if Drake is a suspected serial killer, Kennedy said, I dont know if there is an official designator for that, but it does appear at a minimum hes killed three, possibly four, in the past two months. In Alabama, Drake is charged with murder in the May 14 slaying of 62-year-old Russell Thomas Rusty Andrews. He was taken captured about 10 a.m. Thursday in a wooded area south of the intersection of University Boulevard and Poor Farm Road in Morrilton, Arkansas. Russell Thomas "Rusty" Andrews(Photo courtesy of Russell Andrews) Andrews son, Russell Andrews, said hes relieved he doesnt have to worry about the suspect tearing any more families apart. Im glad hes finally going to face his consequences, he said. My heart goes out to all of the families affected. I cant thank the Conway County Sheriffs Office, the Morrilton Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Jack Kennedy and the violent crimes unit enough for all their hard work, Russell Andrews said. Kennedy released new information about Andrews slaying Thursday and confirmed that the longtime Alcoholics Anonymous volunteer was fatally shot. Andrews was found slain that Tuesday inside the AA building on Jack Warner Parkway. His vehicle was missing when he was discovered. Investigators learned that Andrews was last seen talking to a man now identified as Drake. He stayed behind talking with this gentleman after everyone left, Kennedy said. Nobody knows what the motive is, but (those who police spoke with at AA) all said he would have given him his car and his money if he had just asked for it. Kennedy said investigators started with little to no information. We did not know who he had been with or the exact time this occurred, he said. We rapidly learned the suspect was a newly arrived transient or traveler that had only been in Tuscaloosa a week or possibly two. Detectives put out a request for information releasing a description and possible nickname for the suspect, which turned out to be a false name. Through the use of multiple investigative tools and techniques, they identified Drake as the potential suspect. Multiple people who had been associated with him that week picked him out of lineups, Kennedy said. The murder warrant was then secured. Andrews stolen vehicle was later located around the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas. He was definitely outside of Tuscaloosa County, Kennedy said, and the U.S. Marshals fugitive task for was brought in to lead the hunt. He was using a false name and dressing himself differently, using glasses and hats, Kennedy said, which starts to make sense now that we know about his past and what hes done since then. Lookout bulletins were issued to law enforcement agencies nationwide, but investigators did not publicly release the suspects identity. It was reasonable to believe that he did not know he had been identified by us, Kennedy said. We thought that would aid in us capturing him the fact that he would believe he had gotten away with it. Three people were killed this week in Oklahoma - one victim in El Reno, and the other two in Gans. Those locations are about three hours apart. Police released surveillance footage from an Arkansas hotel where a suspect in four murders was last seen in the parking lot.(Contributed) On Tuesday, the Sequoyah County Sheriffs Office in Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation responded to a double homicide in Gans. Deputies about 6:30 p.m. responded to a business near State Highway 64 and South 4670 Road. When they arrived, they found a man and woman dead inside a business. Both had injuries consistent with homicide, state authorities said, but did not elaborate. Details of the third homicide in El Reno werent immediately available but OSBI said three people were killed during two separate carjackings. Drake is separately wanted on multiple felony warrants from multiple jurisdictions, with charges including aggravated robbery, carjacking, and murder, authorities said. The vehicle Drake reportedly took during one of the Oklahoma crimes was found late Tuesday night parked at a hotel in Morrilton, Arkansas. Morrilton police said Wednesday that Drake was seen on video in the hotels parking lot. The hotel was searched but Drake was not located. Arkansas State Police said Wednesday night that Drake was last known to have purchased camping gear and all indications are he is still in the Morrilton area. Drake has committed crimes in Alabama before. In 2010 he was arrested and later indicted for numerous crimes in Pickens County. Drake was convicted in the Feb. 21, 2010, carjacking of a 1993 GMC Sonoma. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison but placed on supervised release. That supervised release was revoked in 2019, and Drake was revoked in 2019 and he was ordered in 2021 to serve 10 months with credit for time served.. He pleaded guilty in 2022 to first-degree robbery in Dale County, and received a 120-month suspended sentence. Kennedy said Drake still has an outstanding federal charge. It appears he was traveling the country utilizing false names in an attempt to keep from being incarcerated, he said. What led him to become a person that violently assaults and murders people, I do not know. Kennedy said roughly 50 investigators have worked on Andrews case, and said it was a 24-7 probe. We are confident he is responsible for Mr. Andrews murder here in Tuscaloosa, he said. . We never quit working on that case. Said 50 different people working 24 hours a day to identify him. When it all works the way its supposed to work, its very reassuring to me, Kennedy said. We cant bring Mr. Andrews back but we can make good cases against this guy so he doesnt get out and victimize anyone else. Authorities have released the name of a 15-year-old girl killed in an apparent domestic shooting that also wounded her young brother. Birmingham police identified the teen victim as Cornelia Rose Lathan. A young innocent life is lost, said Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond, and its absolutely ridiculous. The deadly shooting happened before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of 25th Street North at Park Place apartments. Officers were called to the apartment earlier Wednesday, Chief Scott Thurmond confirmed. They responded to a domestic disturbance, which was verbal not physical. Thurmond said there have been previous domestic calls at the apartment. Hours later, sometime before 12:30 p.m., police said the ex-boyfriend of the woman who lived in the apartment returned. He stood in the parking lot and opened fire. Witnesses said they heard three to four shots and then saw the suspect running away. Cornelia was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:25 p.m. Her 5-year-old brother was shot in the leg and transported to Childrens of Alabama. His injuries arent life-threatening. The childrens mother, who is pregnant, was later transported by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service to an area hospital for observation. The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending formal charges, was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon after a brief manhunt in Woodlawn. The arrest was made in the 6000 block of First Avenue North. He is being held in the Birmingham City Jail awaiting formal charges. Its just a very heinous situation, Thurmond said. We have kids out of school, trying to enjoy the summer and weve got someone so angry they believe they have to take violence into their hands and shoot into an apartment. We continue to see these things in our city over and over again, Thurmond continued. Its people who know each other and its just really sad to see these continue. Cornelia is Birminghams 70th homicide this year. Of those, seven have been ruled justifiable and therefore arent deemed criminal. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 93 homicides including the 70 in Birmingham. Gateway megachurch founding pastor Robert Morris, a onetime spiritual advisor to Donald Trump, has resigned after admitting he sexually abused a girl in the 1980s. The churchs board of elders accepted his resignation Tuesday, saying in a statement that though they had known about an extramarital relationship, they did not know the circumstances or the age of the victim. The abuse took place before Texas-based Gateway was founded, but while Morris was a pastor at Shady Grove Church, which would become one of the megachurchs 11 locations. See also: Texas pastor resigns from Church of the Highlands board of overseers after sex abuse allegations The elders prior understanding was that Morriss extramarital relationship, which he had discussed many times throughout his ministry, was with a young lady and not abuse of a 12-year-old child, the church said in a statement obtained by Dallas NBC affiliate KXAS. Even though it occurred many years before Gateway was established, as leaders of the church, we regret that we did not have the information that we now have. But Cindy Clemishire, who detailed the four years of abuse to evangelical Christian watchdog website The Wartburg Watch, said the church did indeed know those details. She urged a deeper investigation to find more victims and said Morris should have been fired rather than allowed to resign. The leadership at Gateway received actual notice of this crime in 2005 when I sent an email directly to Robert Morris Gateway email address, the now 54-year-old Oklahoma grandmother said in a statement through her attorney, Boz Tchividjian, as reported by The Christian Post. An elder received and responded to my email, acknowledging that the sexual abuse began on December 25, 1982, when I was 12 years old. She also expressed skepticism about the scope of Gateways investigation, urging it to be expanded beyond the years of her abuse. This is just the beginning, Clemishire said. I wholeheartedly and sadly believe I am not the only victim. Gateway did not immediately respond to the Daily News request for comment. With News Wire Services 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is one of several members of a Senate committee calling for an audit of the safety of in vitro fertilization and the clinics where it is conducted around the country. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., in a letter Thursday is requesting the Department of Health and Human Services audit the safety standards of IVF and assisted reproductive technology, or ART, in U.S. clinics. Tuberville signed the four-page letter, along with Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. Mothers in this situation make a substantial emotional, financial, and personal investment, and rightly expect that fertility clinics will protect and respect human life and keep treasured embryos safe, the senators wrote. It is the latest clash involving IVF between Republicans and Democrats since the Alabama Supreme Court in February ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law. Several clinics in the state suspended IVF treatments until the state enacted a law to provide legal protections for IVF clinics. Last week, all Senate Republicans except Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine voted against a bill that would make it a right nationwide for women to access in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. Democrats in turn blocked a Republican bill by Alabama Sen. Katie Britt to protect in vitro fertilization procedures. She said it was because it would deprive them of political ammunition in November. A spokesperson for Cassidy told The Washington Examiner that he supports IVF and only wants to improve security for mothers and families. As Congress considers legislation related to IVF, we respectfully request that (the department) provide an evaluation and assessment of how well ART clinic oversight is working to better enable Congress to evaluate what changes may need to be made, the letter states. The letter states that parents do not have adequate information about safety standards in clinics that offer IVF. It goes on to list accidents at cryogenics labs where embryos were destroyed without parental consent, or implanted in the wrong biological mother. It lists two incidents, in San Francisco and Cleveland, where thousands of embryos and eggs were destroyed. Over 15,000 car dealerships have to halt operations on Wednesday following reports of a "cyber incident" at US and Canadian stores. CDK Global, the software provider to auto dealers in North America, told CNN that the service outage was "out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers." CDK Global servers house several critical details on car dealer operations, including customer schedules, electronic signatures, and messaging tools. The company did not disclose the exact nature of the "cyber incident" but said it has already "executed extensive testing and consulted with external third-party experts." As of writing, all affected car dealers have resumed operation on Wednesday afternoon, several hours since the incident was first noted at 2 a.m. Eastern time. US, Canada Suffers from Cyberattack Surge The "cyber incident" in CDK Global and the car dealerships only follow the growing trend of cyberattacks reported across tech firms in the US and Canada. Financially-motivated cybercrimes, particularly ransomware attacks, have been noted to surge since last year as hackers and threat actors try to steal corporate data to bargain with potential buyers. A big cause of the uptick in ransomware attacks can be pointed to the return of the hacker forum board, "BreachForums," where users can auction stolen company data for millions of dollars. One recent case was the ransomware attack on Ticketmaster that exposed over 560 million customer data, including personal information and credit card details, to hackers. Rise in Cyberattacks Could Impact US, Canada Economy If cyberattacks continue to rise across North America, experts fear that the service disruption could have a significant impact on the countries' economic stability. According to the International Monetary Fund, such attacks could potentially cause "funding problems for companies and even jeopardize their solvency," hurting the country's economic growth in the long run. The IMF projected that total industry losses could soon mount up to billions of dollars if the impact of more aggressive cyberattacks remains unmitigated. Related Article: Increased Cyberattacks in Financial Sectors May Cause Economic Instability, IMF Warns Walmart is closing three locations, including two in the metro Atlanta area. Fox5Atlanta reported Walmart plans to close locations in Dunwoody and Marietta, Georgia. Both locations will close on July 12. A spokesperson told the station that the locations would close due to poor financial performance. At this time, there are no plans to close any of the more than 213 Walmart and Sams locations in Georgia, the company confirmed. The third closure took place in Aurora, Colorado near the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus, The Denver Post reported. The closure of a Neighborhood Market took place on June 7. Failure to meet financial expectations was cited in that shutdown as well. The store had more than 140 employees. All employees will receive 90 days of pay during which they can apply for positions at other Walmart or Sams Club locations. After that time, they will be eligible for severance pay. The closures are among a handful of other Walmart shutdowns around the country. At the same time, the chain announced it would build or convert 150 stores into larger format locations, including a new store in Atlanta. A Madison County woman has been indicted in connection with a dog attack in March that resulted in the death of a two-year-old boy. Melissa White Phillips, 55, was charged with a violation of Emilys Law. The 2018 law was named after Emily Colvin, a Jackson County woman who was attacked and killed by a pack of dogs in 2017. It can be used to charge a dog owner with a crime if the dog is known by its owner to be dangerous and later causes physical injury due to the owners disregard. It is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Phillips voluntarily surrendered to detectives Thursday. She is being held on $15,000, and could face additional charges, according to Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner. Phillips was charged in connection with the March 1 death of Mark Alan Partain. Deputies, and police from New Hope and Owens Cross Roads, responded to the 200 block of T. R. Christian Road at about 5:21 p.m. for a report of a dog attack. Partain was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the sheriffs office, its Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team and Major Crime detectives seized two dogs at a neighbors residence due to their potential involvement in the attack. A third dog, located down the road, might also have been involved. All three dogs suspected in the attack were surrendered by the owners and picked up by Madison County Animal Control. Last night our world was completely shattered. I lost my youngest child, my mini me, my Mark Alan. The hurt is unreal. I... Posted by Kayla Hughey Partain on Saturday, March 2, 2024 During the investigation, it was discovered that one of the three dogs had recently been involved in another dog attack in the area reported to New Hope in January. With the help of a forensic odontologist, investigators were able to collect bite impressions and rule out the involvement of two of the dogs in the childs death. The dogs involved in this incident have all been euthanized, the sheriffs office said. Emilys Law also authorizes officials to euthanize dangerous dogs. Nothing can make up for the loss of a child, but we hope this arrest helps bring the family one step closer to some form of closure, Turner said. I want to thank all the law enforcement officers who took part in this investigation, as well as Madison County Animal Control. The attack that killed Partain was the second fatal dog attack that week in North Alabama. The child died four days after Beau Clark, 4, was killed in an attack in Hartselle. Cause-and-effect is one of the first abstract ideas the human brain learns to deal with. The tiniest baby knows within his first few hours that if he cries, his mom will feed him. Even my little dogs know that if they bring me one of their chew toys at the right time of day, Ill fix their supper. We know that the worst thing that can happen to a child is to be born into a family where this cause-and-effect dance doesnt happen. We now know that neglect is far more damaging than abuse. To neglect a child is to break that all-important connection. The only power an infant has is his grasp of cause-and-effect; it gives him a tiny bit of control in an otherwise hostile world. Conversely, cause and effect is one of the hardest ideas to prove, for our world is incredibly complex -- every effect is just swimming in possible causes -- often unforeseen and indemonstrable. This is why its such a struggle to find solutions to our problems. To rectify an errant policy, we need to know what caused it, or at least we need to be able to forecast what ramifications a change in that policy will set off. We also need to know which is the cart and which the horse. Thomas Sowell talks a lot about cause-and-effect and he points out that too often those making policy decisions dont think past the first level; theyre oblivious to outcomes lurking behind the second and third levels of inquiry. So, we want to solve the problem of poverty. The obvious solution would be to give the poor more money. Problem: poverty, solution: more money. So, lets raise the minimum wage. More money = less poverty. Unless: Companies cant afford to pay out more in wages, so they eliminate positions. The ultimate effect is that more people are poor than were in the beginning. Because these companies can no longer keep enough workers on staff, they pile the extra work onto those few workers left, and eventually, they quit and hope against hope theres an opportunity elsewhere. So we lose workers. Last week 10,000 California workers were let go due to the increase in the minimum wage. Thats 10,000 sources of government revenue gone, at least temporarily. Now even the government is poorer. And thats just three ripples moving out from this solution. The point is that superficial solutions are no solutions at all. How do we manage to avoid this kind of knee-jerk reaction to problems? This thin, third grade approach has us sending our kids to schools that advertise their inability to protect our children (Gun Free Zone!). It has us welcoming sexual deviants into our schools to do what? -- to practice making perversion normal? How do we start thinking ahead more responsibly? For one thing, we need to recognize the flaws that are inherent in human nature. We want things to be simple and easy, but they arent, so facing that would be step one. Were all damaged goods. We are all prone to greed, sneakiness, impatience, and arrogance. Those traits must be factored in. Checks and balances must be applied. If we make the mistake of believing that all people are basically good, we open ourselves to Moral confusion because we good people dont always act that way, Philosophical confusion because if all people are good, how do we account for evil? (You cant blame everything on Trump.) Financial disaster. If we run businesses, or work for the government and just blindly assume that all people are basically good, then human nature -- your own and everyone elses -- will take advantage of that Pollyanna fog and soon we have major airplane manufacturers unable to guarantee the viability of their product, we have school teachers who fail to actually teach, and doctors who prescribe dangerous vaccines. We do, however, need to be wary of any proposal that gives government more power than it already has. I dont want the government keeping track of how much I drive, at what temperature I keep my house, how often I water my yard. I dont want some bureaucrat telling me which shots I should get, or what procedures I must have done. I dont care what problems such restrictions may fix, the cost is too high. While were being wary of each others negative propensities, we still need to balance that with respect for the average persons abilities and drives. Most problems almost solve themselves, if big government gets out of the way. Human beings are smart, ambitious, creative, and now and then, responsible. We solve most problems at the micro level -- close to home. But most problems are caused by attempts to fix things on the macro level -- close to board rooms and the seats of government. Then we must become more discerning about which problems are actually problems. Is there even a cart to be pulled? It turned out that Covid was not nearly the boogeyman it was portrayed to be. Neither is climate change. Neither is racism -- it once was, but, aside from the machinations of political stormtroopers, it really isnt such an authentic or urgent nightmare that we have to swarm into some ill-thought-out solution like affirmative action or bussing kids to distant schools. Most importantly, we need to be honest with ourselves about what has caused our almost impossible peace and prosperity in a world that has never had enough of either. The woke weasels think this nation was built on the backs of people of color. They assume that men (white males) made all the mistakes of yesteryear, therefore it must be testosterone overload and lack of melanin that set off those errors. We must read the founding documents to see what was really going on, what actually produced our astounding prosperity. Or well lose it. One of the things that catapulted our young nation onto the top of the mountain was our education system. Not just that it was free and available to all, but that it did seem to educate people and educated people invent things, manage things, produce. Much of why that system met our needs so well is that it taught our young people about God. We no longer do that -- anyone want to venture to guess what the effect of that has been? Carts and horses. Right now, the cart is leading, and the horse is walking backward toward the cliff edge. The man holding the reins isnt even aware thats a problem. You see, elections have consequences, causes and effects. What caused that problem? Failure on our part to follow the money. Failure to face how evil people can be. Failure to raise our children well. Failure to be honest and earnest. Failure to honor God and be grateful to Him. Failure to be truly American. Image: Kurt S Nobody enjoys being manipulated. I have never met anyone who remarked, Im so glad people cleverer than I tricked me into doing what they wanted. Yet we are all bombarded each day with messages from people and institutions vying to shape our thoughts and control our behaviors. Television commercials push us to buy certain products. Politicians describe domestic and foreign threats in such ways that only they can provide necessary solutions. Religious leaders choose which doctrines of their faiths must be diligently observed and which ones can be casually overlooked. More open societies might be marketplaces for competing ideas, but the most effective salespeople within any society are the ones who know how to magnify their own messages while silencing others. Given that this is the case, a society interested in protecting its people from manipulation would be highly invested in educating citizens from a young age how to use reason, rationality, and logic to filter truth from falsehood. Aside from a smattering of classical and religious schools that focus on how to assess information and judge its credibility, it is evident that Western educational systems have been designed with no such purpose in mind. Students are taught what to think but not how to think. They are handed bits of knowledge without first being provided the cognitive tools for acquiring knowledge on their own. They have no appreciation for how misleading rhetoric and faulty logic are used to produce spurious arguments. They have no background in philosophy sufficient to arm them with the mental acuity necessary to spot and reject propaganda. They have no comprehension of the linguistic games that are used to program their minds. They lack shrewd discernment. What does it say about a civilization that generally requires young people to spend thirteen or more years in public school systems engineered to produce mediocre minds? It should set off alarm bells! When governments are in the business of dumbing down citizens, they are investing in future generations who will be obedient slaves. Or, if an animal farm metaphor makes it easier for a millennial influencer to understand, Western governments prefer easily managed cattle that they can move from pen to pen before sending them to the slaughterhouse (think: Ukraine). What they do not want is an independent-minded cow knocking over a fence and freeing the herd from certain death. Schools, like penitentiaries, are institutions for corralling large numbers of humans together, so that a mixture of indoctrination and punishment can be efficiently administered until most learn to behave. When Western education mimics Western incarceration, Western citizens should start to wonder just who the real prisoners are. The U.S. Pentagon, the NATO military alliance, and Western espionage agencies spend a great deal of their resources influencing human minds. Great, you might say. They should be actively shaping the opinions of civilians in adversarial nations. Except Im not talking about winning the hearts and minds of foreigners living under dangerous dictatorships. When I say that the military and Intelligence Community are currently fighting an undeclared war in what they call the cognitive battlespace, it is your mind that they are fighting to influence. At a time in history when people from opposite sides of the planet have never been better connected, national governments have lost their monopolies over domestically available information. In the past, most information warfare was directed outwardly toward foreign regimes. Spies and soldiers spread disinformation througho ut an enemys population in order to sow discord, breed mistrust, and weaken morale. Traditionally, information warfare directed inwardly at ones homeland has been limited to war propaganda intended to do the opposite of foreign disinformation campaigns: namely, to forge national unity, foster civic trust, and heighten morale. As technology innovation and a global computer interface radically transformed the distribution of information during the last half-century, information warfare specialists have had a constantly evolving and expanding battlefield through which to influence foreign enemies. However, as new forms of communication have given warfighters sophisticated means of conducting offensive operations from the relative comfort of office cubicles, these same technologies have enabled foreign enemies to conduct cyber-attacks, sabotage critical infrastructure, and engage in long-distance espionage rather cheaply. One of the cheapest ways for militarily inferior adversaries to harm the United States and its allies is to reciprocate the Wests information warfare with versions of their own. Especially during times of social confusion and civil unrest (including race-related conflicts, mass shootings, and other politically volatile events), hostile adversaries flood online chat rooms, social media forums, and messaging platforms with false information meant to enrage Western citizens and turn them against each other. Foreign operatives can accomplish a great deal of harm practically for free. Weaker enemies continue to use such asymmetric warfare to great effect. The U.S. government has responded to these novel threats poorly. Instead of defending free speech in the strongest possible terms regardless of the intrusion of malicious foreign actors into the public forum D.C.s permanent bureaucracy has chosen to classify and criminalize speech. We saw this un-American effort to censor communication go into overdrive after President Trumps 2016 victory. Obama falsely blamed Hillarys loss on an upswing of fake news and demanded that Silicon Valley take more responsibility in determining what Americans can post and read. To anybody who values free speech, this was an alarming turning point in American history. Had Obama been a defender of the First Amendment, he would have acknowledged that the answer to speech he dislikes is more speech. Instead of endorsing mass censorship, Obama should have embraced the town square as a quintessentially American refuge where competing points of view are freely debated and people democratically decide what they believe. When he and the D.C. Blob instead chose to target and eliminate information that they deem harmful, the federal government effectively declared war on free speech. Remarkably, this is the third major front in the U.S. governments detestable war against the Bill of Rights in the first quarter of this century. In the aftermath of 9/11, the passage of the Patriot Act, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the formation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence ushered in a new era of widespread domestic surveillance in direct conflict with the Fourth Amendments requirements for particularized warrants first establishing probable cause that a crime has been committed. After every politically advantageous mass shooting, state and federal officials work to deprive Americans of their Second Amendment right to possess firearms. And since President Trumps 2016 victory, the Obama-Biden Deep State has worked to monitor Americans communications; classify unapproved speech as mis-, mal-, or dis-information; and censor speech it dislikes in flagrant violation of the First Amendments protections. Time and again, the U.S. government tells Americans that the only way to protect them from foreign and domestic threats is to deprive them of their constitutionally guaranteed liberties. Even after years of brainwashing from indoctrination camps posing as public schools, though, such rhetorical rubbish is backfiring. Why? Because Americans can sense that they are being manipulated! The most effective deterrence to the threat of foreign propaganda is an informed and intellectually nimble citizenry. But the only way to dupe citizens into accepting domestic propaganda is to repeat lies, censor dissent, and suppress the human minds capacity to think. Consider this: if you viewed the American peoples combined consciousness as a cognitive battlespace that must be conquered, would you ever encourage citizens to debate ideas or question authority? Conversely, if you accept that the human mind is now the primary focus of global military planners, is it not true that revolutionary ideas will be the most important weapons in any war for human liberty? Speak. Resist. Thi nk. Image via Picryl. The progressive monkeys are engaged in projecting their shrill messaging and are coming out of the trees. They are campaigning by scaring American voters with what they themselves have been doing: jailing Trump-supporters, destroying our democracy, allowing illegals to flood our nation and murder innocent American citizens. The list of activities has turned America into both the laughingstock of the world and a lawless third-world society. The baboons from CNN, NBC, MSNBC are lying. They are claiming that Trump is going to attack them, jail them. The list of their accusations is endless, and totally without any believable evidence. We already have evidence of Trump as president for four years, and he did nothing of what they say. They are simply seeking to scare voters. His record of achievements, against all efforts to destroy his administration, speaks for itself. As for the polls, I believe that they too will prove to be totally misleading. Most American voters are experiencing the difference between the Trump and the Biden years. They are not the fools the mass media portray them to be as they circle the wagons to protect their choice. Why? I believe that it is because most of those who make up the mass media today are not only untrustworthy, but also neo-Marxists. They want to destroy this country. They know that the opportunity to accomplish this nefarious goal is to shove Joe down our throats by re-electing this frail, totally incompetent ghost of a president and spread discord. A strong America is their worst enemy because it is the best hope a free world has to stand against the increasing power and threat from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as they link arms against the West. Finally, I believe that Biden has begun the third world war through his feckless and misguided weak-knee policies. You cannot feed bullies. It is obvious to all who look objectively that the Democrats are conflicted. They are stuck with Joe and have few competent replacements. Any decision to bribe Kamala for example, to become governor of California could fail or be met with powerful resistance because she is a woman and black. Stay tuned. It is Trumps to lose. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikipedia is such a hard-left organization that its founder disavowed it. Under the leadership of former Obama administration official Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL, once established purely to fight antisemitism, is also a hard-left organization. However, October 7 scared it, and it began to remember its Jewish rootsso Wikipedias editors have banned it as a source for events in the Israel-Hamas war and its fallout at home. We are witnessing the American equivalent of the Bolshevik purge of the Mensheviks, which was the true prelude to the Russian Revolution. Ive written at length about the ADLs leftism, which has seen it partnering with Al Sharpton, an unrepentant antisemite, and attacking Elon Musk. Additionally, As I write this, the ADLs home page, rather than being dedicated to antisemitism, is celebrating Juneteenth: The same home page also supports LGBTQ+ Pride month (of course). One would think that the ADL has proved its leftist chops. However, since October 7, some of the solons at the ADL have realized that Hamas is not a nice organization and that it really wants to kill Jews. In the same way, watching events at home, the ADL has begun to understand that antisemitism is real and that it makes its home in America among the same intersectional groups that the ADL has been reomancing for the last many years. Thus, the ADL has been daring enough togasp!support Israel: This was too much for the people at Wikipedia: Wikipedias editors have voted to declare the Anti-Defamation League generally unreliable on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, adding it to a list of banned and partially banned sources. An overwhelming majority of editors involved in the debate about the ADL also voted to deem the organization unreliable on the topic of antisemitism, its core focus. A formal declaration on that count is expected next. The decision about Israel-related citations, made last week, means that one of the most prominent and longstanding Jewish advocacy groups in the United States and one historically seen as the leading US authority on antisemitism is now grouped together with the National Inquirer, Newsmax, and Occupy Democrats as a source of propaganda or misinformation in the eyes of the online encyclopedia. Moreover, in a near consensus, dozens of Wikipedia editors involved in the discussion said they believe the ADL should not be cited for factual information on antisemitism as well because it acts primarily as a pro-Israel organization and tends to label what they consider legitimate criticism of Israel as antisemitism. You really must read the whole Times of Israel article to understand what just happened. The core problem is that the ADL looked at the pro-Hamas protests sweeping across America, the ones that demanded the death of Jews or that shouted, From the River to the Sea (a shorthand for exterminating the Jewish population between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean) and concluded that this was antisemitic stuff. All I could think of when reading this was the internecine warfare in Russia between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks 120 years ago, both of which were vying for power to lead the Russian communist party. The Bolsheviks won and, flush with their victory, went on to take advantage of WWI and the general weakening of the corrupt Russian monarchy to impose 73 years of communist terror on the Russian people. Whenever there are purges within communist organizations and battles between factions, its time for everyone else to start worrying. Democrat Jews, especially, had better worry because the ones who have allied themselves with the values of Hitler (a stone-cold socialist) and the Islamists are winning. Image: ADL logo (edited). Public domain. Here we go again. Another president wants to go around Congress and provide amnesty. Didn't we see that movie before? It did not end well for the dreamers who are still dreaming and wondering what their legal status is. So Biden gave us a DACA and some of us agree with the Dallas Morning News that this is a bad idea. Let's read the editorial: The Biden administration announced on Tuesday a new program to protect undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. Known as parole in place, the proposal would benefit about half a million spouses by shielding them from deportation and providing a green card without leaving the U.S. President Joe Biden is taking a misguided shortcut on immigration policy in an attempt to mollify progressives who were angered by his recent asylum cap rule to stem illegal border crossings. Pathways already exist for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to obtain legal status, so we are left to conclude that the president is pursuing this policy mainly for political gain. This kind of sweeping immigration policy should be debated and shaped in Congress. Yes, debated and shaped in Congress. The ghost of Philadelphia 1787 shows up again. After all, those guys who created the US Constitution were a bit concerned with giving a president so much power. They thought that issues like these should be debated and shaped in Congress. Why did he do it? Don't underestimate desperation. They can't convince anyone that they are doing a good job so let's pander again. Unlike DACA, an order about youngsters who grew up in the US because their parents brought them illegally, Biden's order is about adults who did not take advantage of rules that already exist. In other words, you can leave and come back legally to rejoin your spouse. So any bets that this order will end up in the courts? P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: CalTrans Does the Washington Post have an Al Jazeera problem? One wonders, given its propensity to print one-sided and outright false stories that in the end require corrections. It's happened so often the Washington Free Beacon decided to look into whom the WaPo was actually hiring. According to the Washington Free Beacon: At least six members of the Posts foreign desk previously wrote for Al Jazeera, the Doha-based news outlet bankrolled in part by the government of Qatar, which is now sheltering Hamass top leaders, a Washington Free Beacon review found. They include the papers Middle East editor, Jesse Mesner-Hage, who spent more than a decade as an editor at the outlets English edition, London correspondent Louisa Loveluck, investigative reporter Evan Hill, visual enterprise editor Reem Akkad, WaPo Live host Libby Casey, and breaking news reporter Adela Suliman. The Al Jazeera-Washington Post pipeline raises ethical questions for an American newspaper that prides itself as a bulwark against threats to "democracy." Founded in 1996, Al Jazeera has been described by an Israeli court as an "intelligence and propaganda arm" for Hamas, and the outlet is banned from broadcasting in Israel, where officials alleged in February that Al Jazeera "journalist" Muhammed Wishah served as a commander in Hamass guided missile units. In the United States, the Justice Department ordered the networks English language affiliate to register as a foreign agent of Qatar in 2020, though it has refused to do so. The WaPo didn't bring it up, but one of its contributors from 2019, Abdallah Aljamal, who had since moved on to a media outlet funded by an NGO, had been holding Israeli hostages in his apartment until the Israeli Defense Forces freed them in a spectacular rescue. He's not now around to write about it. Israel has actually banned Al Jazeera from its country based on its record of serving as a mouthpiece for Hamas, the Beacon continued. "Al Jazeera remains a propaganda outlet that is often pro-Hamas and in the past it has been pro-Saddam Hussein, pro-insurgency, and pro-al Qaeda," Foundation for Defense of Democracy vice president of research Jonathan Schanzer said. "I think that when we look at the media landscape in the United States right now and the concerns that we have about the disinformation space, Al Jazeera features prominently." The outlet falsely alleged in March that IDF soldiers raped patients and staff at a Gaza hospital. The piece was quietly removed a day later, according to the Jerusalem Post. This is not to say that every last piece that Al Jazeera has ever run is propaganda journalism. I've seen good reports from them, better than what the mainstream press has had. But newsrooms are infused with culture and that culture can come with reporters to new newsrooms. That so many of them are being hired at the Post even with all the obvious problems with the bias in their journalism is very problematic, given the politically charged atmosphere at that paper. And note that detail that one of these reporters left her Al Jazeera experience off from her Washington Post bio. Wonder why. The Beacon's account gives so unusually bad instances of reportorial malfeasance that just happens to coincided with the kinds of things Hamas might like to see in one of America's papers of record. If it's the case that Al Jazeera's propaganda culture has infiltrated the Washington Post, then obviously it needs to be fixed. Hamas propaganda has no place in a U.S. newspaper. And with problems of bias, wokesterism and other things that slant the news, this is one more bag of snakes for readers to watch out for. Image: Ron Cogswell, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 DEED Recently I attended a play at the local community college. Before the play started, one of the staff came out to ask the audience members to turn off their cell phones. Id never heard this announcement before, but this was the first community college play Id been to in decades. Maybe the students, unlike the patrons at the playhouses featuring big-budget traveling shows, just need a bit of help with their etiquette? Anyway, after telling us to turn off our phones, the announcer asked us to observe a moment of silence in respect for stolen lands. Then she read a long statement apologizing to the Indians who lived here before the white man came. What? Then the play started, and I forgot about the statement. But its been in the back of my mind for a while. The apology bothered me. So I looked up the statement. I couldnt find the Mesa Community College statement online, but I found a similar one from nearby Scottsdale, Ariz.: Scottsdale Community College (SCC) credits the diverse Indigenous people still connected to the land on which we gather. Our college resides on the ancient lands of the Huhugam, ancestors to the Oodham and tribal territory of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRP-MIC). SRP-MIC is a federally recognized tribe - one of 22 Arizona Indigenous tribes and one of 574 across the United States. Attached to this physical space is a painful history of forced removal and the resulting intentional genocide of its Indigenous people. We remain appreciative of our ability to teach, learn and serve in a space of such importance and reverence. SCC acknowledges the land on which we are situated today as the traditional land and home of two distinct tribal nations: the Onk Akimel Oodham (Pima) and the Xalychidom Piipaash (Maricopa). We take this opportunity to thank the original caretakers of this land, the Huhugam. We offer our respect to all O'odham and Piipaash of the past, present and future. Rather than try to unpack and explain, Ill let the lefties explain in their own words what they are up to: A land acknowledgment is a critical step towards working with Native communities to secure meaningful partnership and inclusion in the stewardship and protection of their cultural resources and homelands. Our institutions were founded upon exclusions and erasures of Indigenous peoples. We honor and are grateful for the land we occupy and recognize the ongoing damage of settler colonialism. The lefties speaking these statements probably arent aware that their words come from the teachings of a Soviet disinformation campaign. Started in 1972, the SIG campaign sought to teach Middle Easterners and North Africans (MENA) to hate Israel and her American supporters. (SIG stands for a long, unpronounceable name so this is program is always referred to by its initials, even in Soviet documents.) The SIG campaign sent 3,5004,000 young people per year from Warsaw Pact nations to MENA nations in a program similar to the American Peace Corps. But there was a big difference. The Soviets instructed the teachers on words to say and use when talking about Israel and the U.S. The goal was to create animosity. Some of these words were Zionist, settler, occupier, colonialist, imperialism, genocide, and capitalism. These words were selected based on the 1960s works of an anti-Jewish Ukrainian philosopher who had been chastised by the world community for his antisemitic rantings and had found new words to express his hatred. Additionally, the aid workers were taught to explain economics as a zero-sum game. Zero-sum means there are winners and losers. Simply put, one group improves the Jews in Israel while another group the Palestinians becomes worse off. This theory of economic development might sound weird to you, but to the third-world people, this theory matches their world. Nothing new is created; the people with power accumulate all the wealth. The SIG program ran from 1972 until the fall of the Soviet Union. Palestinian leaders the PLOs Yasser Arafat and Hamas leader Mahmoud Abbas were guested in Moscow and taught how to frame their struggles within the anti-Zionist framework. The Soviets also taught them how to refer to their movements. The KGB also translated and distributed copies of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. This short pamphlet was full of Jewish blood libels and anti-Jewish hatreds. Over the last 50 years, the MENA peoples migrated to Europe and America, bringing their prejudices with them. This is why you hear the words listed above to describe Israel's hostage rescue operations in Gaza. The college teachers with their hatred of America quickly picked up the language and incorporated it into their multicultural rantings. Multiculturalism arose when the SIG campaign and another Soviet disinformation campaign intersected in the academic community in the early 1980s. Multiculturalism is ignoring the drawbacks of third-world civilizations while celebrating Americas failure to live up to her lofty ambitions. Its the denial of American exceptionalism. If you listen, you can hear the words of the Soviet disinformation masters in the land acknowledgment statements. The left has been brainwashed by the Soviets. When informed that todays political discussions are held within a framework designed by Soviet disinformation masters, the left says it doesnt matter. The USSR collapsed decades ago. But consider this: through the 1970s, American children were taught that the Monroe Doctrine and Western expansion were good things. Todays children are being taught that settlers and imperialism are evil. The words used today to describe the American forefathers paint them in an evil light. This is the slow destruction of American patriotism. The denial of American exceptionalism. How long can this continue? Terry Gibbss new book The Resentful Citizen Looks at America explores todays political landscape and reveals connections between leftist ideology and Soviet disinformation campaigns. Twitter: @ImResentful. Image: Praveenp via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped). (Photo : Pexels/Photo by Ivan Samkov) Achieving a significant career milestone, be it reaching a six-figure salary or securing a major promotion, might initially appear to solve the feeling of fulfillment at work. However, feelings of emptiness, boredom, or lack of fulfillment may persist after accomplishing these goals. That is the same with a Harvard Business School professor and co-chair of the school's Managing the Future of Work initiative, Joseph Fuller, who explains with CNBC Make It that careers often do not align perfectly with how individuals expect them. Fuller cautions that the same principle applies to any professional goal you pursue. Having unrealistic expectations that a salary increase or job change will resolve all issues or meet every expectation could only lead to disappointment and failure. Fuller adds that a common career mistake that can lead to burnout and unhappiness is failing to honestly assess your priorities and the trade-offs you are willing to make in your work. READ ALSO: A Psychology Expert's Tip to Live a Meaningful Life: "Work's Just Part of Our Big Life" Fuller frequently advises his students that those most unhappy in their careers often have not truthfully evaluated which objectives to prioritize and what they are willing to sacrifice to achieve them. For instance, if prioritizing weekends off and maintaining a work-life balance is crucial to you, accepting a job that requires 80-100 hour workweeks may not be advisable, regardless of how attractive or impressive the salary or title might be. Clearly Define Your Goals in Life While no job is flawless, you can discover a position that aligns with most of your criteria by clearly defining your top priorities and understanding the trade-offs you are willing or unwilling to make before committing to an offer. Assess The Company Culture Firsthand You can assess a company's culture by inquiring about how it supports employees' professional growth, provides feedback, and addresses challenges, among other relevant questions. Fuller adds that securing a job where you feel a sense of control and enthusiasm for the work can bolster motivation and prevent burnout. Asking insightful questions during job interviews can also significantly enhance your understanding of your potential employer. LinkedIn's vice president and workforce expert, Aneesh Raman, recommends inquiring about learning culture before committing to a job. He underscores that despite uncertainties about the future, organizations fostering a culture of learning and encouraging active employee engagement in learning will be better equipped to adapt to changes. Integrate Your Core Values in Your Tasks Another strategy for achieving career satisfaction is integrating your core values into your daily tasks. Fuller suggests proposing a meaningful side project to your boss, organizing office social events, or taking the initiative to lead a weekly meeting, all of which align with what you value most. However, when one defines success, Fuller emphasizes the importance of working for an organization whose objectives align with their personal goals and ambitions, whether those goals involve financial success or significantly changing the world. RELATED ARTICLE: The Know-It-All Mentality: The No. 1 Red Flag CEOs Hate to See at Work 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Minorities in America are more obese than white people in America. I dont make this statement intending to insult minorities. Its a fact. The Office of Minority Health, a subset of the US Health and Human Services department, says so. It also says that there are health risks associated with obesity. However, its entirely possible that, if the Oregon Medical Board (OMB) has its way, a doctor urging a minority to lose weight could be accused of a microaggression, giving the government the right to seize that doctors license. The Washington Free Beacon reports that the OMB is on the verge of finalizing an ethics rule that makes alleged microaggressions a factor in seizing a doctors license to practice medicine. And to make the rule stick, those who dont squeal on a colleague engaged in wrongthink will also lose their licenses: [U]nder a soon-to-be-finalized ethics rule from the Oregon Medical Board, doctors who commit microaggressions risk losing their medical licenses. Under Oregon law, doctors who fail to report unprofessional conduct from themselves or a colleague within 10 business days can face severe penalties, including loss of license. The states medical board is in the process of shoehorning microaggressionsinnocently intentioned behaviors interpreted by women or minorities to be subliminal communications of biasinto its definition of unprofessional conduct, according to the proposed rule, which the board unveiled in April. According to the proposed rule, a doctor, podiatrist, or acupuncturist violates his ethical obligations if he engages in discrimination through unfair treatment characterized by implicit and explicit bias, including microaggressions, or indirect or subtle behaviors that reflect negative attitudes or beliefs about a non-majority group. The proposed rule would seem to exempt those differences in the quality of healthcare delivered that is not due to access-related factors or clinical needs, preferences, and appropriateness of intervention. Image by AI. That exception would seem to prevent the scenario I imagined, but thats too optimistic a reading. The current leftist trope is that theres nothing wrong with being fat and, in fact, that concerns about obesity are driven entirely by racism: carbs are racist is a new one pic.twitter.com/IKp2OBLzYQ Jessica ODonnell (@heckyessica) April 3, 2021 Its not just one woman on TikTok. This past November, an ostensible science article was published blaming structural racism on childhood obesity. And two years ago, a gal with a BS degree (Im not making that up) wrote a post explaining The racist history of fatphobia and weight stigma: Fatphobia and weight stigma are insidious forces in our society. They are responsible for many harmful effects on those living in larger bodies, especially Black people, who are disproportionately discriminated against. Western medicine wants you to believe that weight is an accurate predictor of health. But this is a stigmatizing mythfatphobia and racism are closely connected. The truth is, systemic racism and weight discrimination can lead to far more health risks than weight, and even body mass index (BMI), which has its own problematic and racist origins. The way this is going to work for Oregon doctors if the rule passes is that, if they comment on a minoritys weight, theyre being racist. Worried doctors, therefore, will refrain from giving minority patients information about the health risks of obesity. However, if one of those worried doctors loses a patient to a heart attack or Type II diabetes, that same doctor can expect a malpractice lawsuit for failing to advise the patient about the health risks of obesity. Its a no-win situation for doctors. Everything that the left does is designed to destroy societal trust and to break institutions. When Marxism in America was solely economic, the Cloward-Piven strategy posited bankrupting the government to pave the way for the revolution. Now that American Marxists are using cultural issues to advance the revolution, they are, appropriately enough, breaking our society at a more fundamental leveland the whackadoodles along Oregons coast (the inland areas are conservative) are leading the way. In 2018, the Washington Post and New York Times were awarded a Pulitzer Prize for reporting on alleged connections between Trump and Russia influencing the 2016 election. This was an attack on the truth, but not the worst in history. In 1964, the NYT was involved in an even greater assault on the truth in the case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. In this case, the United States Supreme Court, the most powerful judicial body in history, ruled that lies about public figures are protected unless the plaintiff can prove the publisher knew the information was false before publishing. As the country approaches the final stretch of the 2024 election, vile rhetoric and lies will increase. The SCOTUS decision in NYT v. Sullivan has substantially contributed to this situation because, on that fateful day of March 9, 1964, the Court unanimously undermined the truth and made lies profitable. Yet this decision is celebrated as a great victory for the First Amendment and free speech. Thats nonsense. After Sullivan, media corporations filled with professional writers, supposedly dedicated to reporting the truth, were granted government protection to bear false witness against public figures. This is especially damaging for political figures. As media-propagated lies spread, for example, from the NYT to other established news outlets, our political candidates and leaders are powerless to stop the spread or punish those who broadcast damaging false information. This poisonous discourse opens the floodgates to lies and, dare I say, disinformation, to the point where the Pulitzer Prize Board can confidently award a major news organization for publishing lies. At this point, the best solution is to completely overturn Sullivan to reestablish respect for individual reputations and the truth as fundamental values. The concerns expressed by the SCOTUS in the Sullivan ruling, such as the need for public debate and protecting free expression, do not outweigh the importance of the truth. People and news organizations still have the freedom to express, debate, and speak their minds. They can still claim candidates are stupid, cruel, evil, corrupt, racist, sexist, or anything else derogatory. They just might be sued if they make specific false statements about public figures. However, if Sullivan is not completely overturned, there is a compromise that offers some protection, fairness, and justice to public figures. The Sullivan ruling primarily weakened the victim's rights, placing the burden on public figures to prove malicious intent in order to sue. Meanwhile, the offending side may profit from lies. Shouldnt that revenue belong to the person defamed? In the current system, the media and others can earn revenue off the image and likeness of a public figure with lies and keep all the revenue for themselves. A simple legal fix to NYT v. Sullivan would be to allow public figures an option to sue those that defame them not for reputational damages, but for the revenue made at their expense. In choosing this path, the public-figure plaintiff would only need to prove the statements were false and damaging to their reputation. If successful, the award would be based only on revenue earned from the false statements, along with reasonable attorneys fees, both of which are likely easier to calculate than reputational damage. For example, on many social media sites the details on revenue earned for specific content is already accurately tracked. Therefore, if someone posts lies about a public figure on YouTube and earns revenue from this, the revenue earned would be available to the public figure as part of this type of defamation lawsuit. The same would apply to any organization or individual, whether in print, on television, on social media, on podcasts, or any other medium, making defamatory statements about public figures for clicks leading to subscriptions and/or advertising revenue. Not only would this show respect for the truth and provide relief to defamed public figures, but it would also improve media discourse. Imagine how the media landscape would change if the NYT risked forfeiting all the revenue from their popular Russia hoax coverage to the Trump campaign. Additionally, the revenue generated from lies by supposed purveyors of truth would offer far more valuable data for the public to make informed decisions on the credibility of information and news sources than anything a fact-checking site, disinformation board, or censorship board could ever produce. Charlie Rose recently retired after working over 30 years for the United States Army. Image: New York Times If anything out there shows the difference in leadership styles of the Republican and Democrat candidates for president, look no further than the case of a 37-year-old mother of five who was raped and murdered by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador as she jogged in a park in Maryland last year. According to the New York Post: Former President Donald Trump called the mother of Rachel Morin, who was ruthlessly raped and murdered by an illegal migrant from El Salvador, on Thursday with the grieving mom saying she was deeply touched by his honest compassion. The condolences from the presumptive GOP nominee came after Patty Morin flammed President Bidens Department of Homeland Security chief for referring to her daughter as an individual killed by a suspected gang member. Trump talked at length with Patty about Rachel, a 37-year-old mother-of-five who was senselessly slaughtered last August while on a hiking trail in Harford County, Md. I am deeply touched by President Trumps kindness and concern, Patty said in a statement about the call. Can you imagine having your daughter killed by a foreign criminal who should never have been in this country and then hearing a sleazy, oozing, avuncular creep like Mayorkas call her "an individual," as if she had never had a name? What a nightmare. It got worse when he made it clear he was mainly interested in avoiding blame for allowing the killer, who was wanted on a different murder rap back in El Salvador, into the country for the third time: Alejandro Mayorkas just refused to say Rachel Morins name. Mayorkas then said hes not responsible for her m*rder even though he allowed in the illegal who m*rdered her. Mayorkas helped facilitate Morins m*rder, hes an accessory to the crime.pic.twitter.com/ZYBZmo7eHG Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) June 19, 2024 The Biden response was bad, too. Biden's White House said they offered condolences -- in response to a query by Fox Digital from a White House spokesperson of unknown seniority, but the family of victim said he never did and no one contacted the family. The White House offered "condolences" to the loved ones of Rachel Morin but would not say what steps it would take to secure the border. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Rachel Morin," a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "We cannot comment on active law enforcement cases. But fundamentally, we believe that people should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law if they are found to be guilty." Apparently what they say to Fox Digital about their "deepest condolences" was in response to queries is how the grieving family is supposed to get their condolences. The White House doesn't even sound as though they consider the illegal guilty enough to arrest in a multi-state operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Trump by contrast, was genuinely kind to the family, taking the time to see how they were coping, and asking them how they were and if there was anything he could do to help. NEW: The attorney representing Rachel Morins family says Trump called Rachels mom today to offer condolences. From the attorneys press release: Patty Morin expressed her gratitude for the President's call this morning, stating, "I am deeply touched by President Trump's Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 20, 2024 He was kind and attentive, and that goes beyond mere politics. Any questions as to why pollsters ask whether voters think a politician "cares about people like me"? With Joe Biden, it's obvious he has nothing but lies and contempt for the little guy, including those devastated by his open border policies. Trump, by contrast, really does care, and he doesn't toot his horn about it, the news we have of this comes from the victim. That tells us all we need to know about which man would be the better president. Image: Twitter screen shot Thanks to a tip from a friend, I came across a recent story from citizen journalist Tony Seruga that was highly suspect, and very concerninguniforms, cruiser decals, and radios from the New York Police Department were disappearing, in significant numbers. Now, Seruga is reporting that the missing law enforcement gear and supplies isnt a mystery thats exclusive to the Big Apple, but apparently happening across the nation: While I have hundreds of long time trusted contacts between NYPD and LAPD, I am getting messages from LEOs across the U.S. that uniforms, equipment, cruisers (even a SWAT truck) have turned up missing in the past 6 months and no one seems to care. There has always been the https://t.co/Sm5o1cyTDD Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) June 19, 2024 Disclaimer: I have no idea who Tony Seruga is other than the self-description he offers in his X bio, so take it with a grain of salt, but this man claims to be a contractor and whistleblower in the intelligence community, and as far as I can tell after a brief internet search, Seruga has neither been labeled a fraud, nor had his purported professional record debunked. Seruga also writes this: Dozens of LEOs with experience in counterintelligence are pointing fingers at a rogue FBI working with DIA and CIA. The NYPD radios stolen were in a locked room. CCV were disabled and access card logs erased. (I think CCV is supposed to be CCTV.) Now if true, none of this is a smoking gun of coursecrime, and especially theft, is way up, thank you Joe and companybut its compelling circumstantial evidence that something isnt quite right, especially when you consider other factors in the context. Millions of third world terrorists are officially inside our nation, and nobody really has any idea exactly where they areuntil theyre caught in the planning stage, or the act itself. More context, from a blog I previously wrote on the Chinese Communist Partys uncomfortable presence in our politics and landscape: Weve got military-aged Chinese males swarming across our border before largely disappearing somewhere into our interiorGordon Chang pointed out that they occasionally pop up when theyre caught practicing their shooting skills in rural areas. Did anyone catch that the 911 system was offline for several hours on Tuesday across the entire state of Massachusetts? Officials have since blamed faulty software, but if it were a nefarious cyberattack or hack job, would they even tell us? I seriously doubt it. Could terrorists dress like cops and go door-to-door a la October 7th while 911 services are down? Doesnt seem that inconceivable to me. Does anyone else still think about the missing ammonium nitrate? Sixty-thousand pounds of an explosive compound that somehow just vanished while in transit last year? Dont worry though because CBS News said not to, just as long as the chemicals disappearance was caused by a leakand if it wasnt something innocuous but malicious instead? I have a lot of questions, and almost no answers. Hat tip: Rusty Shackleford. Image: Dave Hosford, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered. No one doubts the wisdom of the Latin adage Si vis pacem, para bellum (If you want peace, prepare for war). Of course, the term war in that proverb means the next war, not the last war. Unfortunately, generals struggle with that, so much so that someone (Winston Churchill?) been credited with the remark, Generals are always prepared to fight the last war, and has H.G. Wells observed in his The Outline of History that the professional military mind is by necessity an inferior and unimaginative mind. Its worrisome to believe that our own military might be struggling with this concept regarding Chinese plans for Taiwan. When it comes to Taiwan, there has been a very definite theatre upgrade over the last war. The last war had three theatres: land, sea, and air. The next war will have at least five theatres (land, sea, air, space, cyberspace), perhaps even six if we include psychic space, for which theatre we read China is preparing. Image: Perhaps the Navys focus on DEI has diminished its ability to focus on its real job. Public domain. And yes, by the next war, we mean war with China, a war that the US Navy claims it is prepared to fight. US Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, the new chief of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), recently stated there is a plan to deter China from invading Taiwan by ensuring that Beijing understands the utterly miserable consequences it could suffer if it does launch an incursion. The U.S. strategy in stopping China from launching an invasion is called Hellscape, Paparo told the Post. As soon as Chinese forces start moving toward Taiwan, the U.S. military would launch thousands of unmanned surface ships, aerial drones and submarines to surround the island. This would give the U.S., Taiwan and its regional partners enough time to coalesce for a bigger response, Paparo said. Here we have documentary proof positive of the long-held surmise that our Pentagonal deep thinkers actually believe that the Chinese intend to launch a WWII-style amphibious assault complete with thousands of riflemen storming the beaches of Taiwan. Lets unpack that Paparo quote: As soon as Chinese forces start moving toward Taiwan. That started months ago. Where is the hellscape? It is long overdue. the U.S. military would launch thousands of unmanned surface ships, aerial drones and submarines. These entities exist by the thousands? to surround the island. After the Chinese start moving toward Taiwan, then the US Navy is going to surround the island of Taiwan on Chinas home court before the PLA can attack it?! What are these people smoking? Maybe Churchill and Wells were correct in their surmises. Fundamentally, our deep thinkers have their dates confused. They are fixated on June 6, 1944, when they should be thinking of December 7, 1941, on steroids. They dont understand how the Chinese invasion timetable will unfold: At 1500 in the afternoon in Taipei (which is 0300 in DC), on a beautiful sunny day, all electric power will vanish in Taipei and the entire island of Taiwan. Everything that works on electrical circuitspower grids, telephones, television, radio, cell phones, computers, trucks, jeeps, tanks, cars, airplanes, drones, missile systems, etc.will instantly cease functioning. Some people will claim they saw a second sun in the sky at 1500. Over the next few hours, PLA commando forces will drop from the sky to seize all the institutions of government, along with military headquarters and the media. There will be no bombardment and no deployment of heavy weapons. Only scattered riflemen will offer resistance. Taipei will surrender and the news of this surrender will be served to the US President with his morning coffee. Let us ask: Do the Pentagons planners actually intend to trigger the Chinese seizure of Taiwan? No, of course not. But making public an utterly impotent defense plan will only encourage, not deter, a Chinese move to seize the island. A recent sting operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI resulted in the arrest of eight Tajikistani nationals who are suspected of ties to the ISIS terror group. All eight were subjected to background checks when they crossed the border in 2023. Those checks came back clean, and it was only after they had been turned loose in the U.S. that law enforcement found their possible connections to terrorism. ICE and the FBI should be commended for disrupting what appears to have been a terrorist cell making plans for an attack in the U.S. But law enforcement was lucky in this case. This group of homicidal thugs could easily have gone undetected until after they killed thousands of innocent Americans. Accordingly, the true moral of this this story is that vetting alone isnt enough to protect the national security and public safety of the United States. The only acceptable approach to border security is to view it as a process of managing risk. The come one, come all, nobody will be turned away migration policies of the current administration invite risk, rather than managing it. The ability to run a background check on someone is dependent on two key factors: 1) that the individual has a traceable history; and 2) that the U.S. government can access reliable information about that history. Individuals who come from countries that dont have or wont share records cannot be effectively vetted. Moreover, most of the information reviewed during background checks is reactive rather than proactive meaning that vetting systems are filled with information regarding bad acts that malefactors have already committed. The thinking is that what a bad guy has done in the past is a pretty good indicator of the kind of additional bad things he may do in the future. But terror groups want to infiltrate their targets using members who wont attract attention, so that they remain free to gather information and plan attacks. The gold standard for doing this is a cleanskin a covert operative whose identity and background are unknown to the security forces of the target country. Because the whole purpose of a cleanskin is to use somebody who will pass background checks, the reactive information contained in most vetting databases is useless in attempting to identify them. Tajikistan is a case in point. The U.S. Agency for International Development says the countrys existing economic, social, and governing systems are neither optimal, nor sustainable. And the CIA World Factbook says Tajikistan is beset by pervasive corruption. Poor, corrupt countries rarely keep reliable records because the government functionaries responsible for maintaining records systems inevitably supplement their salaries by accepting bribes for altering existing records and producing bogus documents that appear real. Meanwhile, Tajikistan is caught in the throes of Jihadist extremism. The most recent Department of State (DOS) Travel Advisory and Country Security Report for the country flat out states that numerous terror groups are operating there. If Tajikistani nationals are free to travel to the United States, then cleanskin Tajik terrorists can make their way here. And the eight Tajiks picked up in the ICE-FBI sting arent the only terrorists who managed to infiltrate the U.S. during the current border free-for-all. In FY2023 alone, 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended inside the United States. And those are just the ones we know about. How many more terrorists made it through undetected? So, what is the best way to proactively manage the risk presented by foreign nationals who cannot be vetted? It is as straightforward and simple as possible: Dont let them in. And, when you find them here, kick them out as quickly as possible. The Department of Homeland Security, the DOS and all of the other U.S. security services are well aware of what countries present a threat to American citizens. And the Immigration and Nationality Act confers more than ample authority on the president to bar and deport individuals from countries that present an inordinate terror threat. In fact, in Trump v. Hawaii the Supreme Court unequivocally affirmed the Trump administrations efforts to do just that. What the mainstream media derided as a Muslim ban was, in reality, a temporary moratorium on the admission of individuals from a list of countries that were known to support terrorism and were infamous for refusing to cooperate with U.S. vetting efforts. Why isnt the Biden administration acting to protect U.S. citizens from global terrorism? Who knows? But if it doesnt immediately get serious about using a multi-layered, risk management approach to border security, the U.S. is going to experience another attack that is likely to rival the horror this nation experienced on Sept. 11, 2001. Matt OBrien is the Director of Investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute and the co-host of IRLIs podcast No Border, No Country. Immediately prior to working for IRLI he served as an immigration judge. He has nearly 30 years of experience in immigration law and policy, having held numerous positions within the Department of Homeland Security. Image: LiveNOW from Fox video screen shot, via YouTube The European Union (EU) is seeking to scan your messages, including encrypted ones, to detect and stop child sex abuse material (CSAM). The proposed chat control legislation will undergo a vote in the EU Council later today. If the controversial new legislation passes this voting round, it will move forward in the Councils law-making process. EU wants to scan your encrypted messages for child safety In this AI-powered digital world, child safety is one of the major concerns for lawmakers and parents alike. While internet platforms have placed various rules and regulations to make children safer online, these systems arent foolproof. The EU believes it can develop a more effective measurescanning private messages to prevent the spread of CSAM. Introduced in May 2022, this controversial regulation aims to implement an upload moderation system. Service providers must install a vetted monitoring technology that scans all your digital messages. It will check for potential child sex abuse material in images, videos, and links you share. Users will be asked to allow permission to scan their messages. You cannot share media files and links if you dont allow permission. Interestingly, the European lawmakers who drafted this regulation made arguments both in favor of and against end-to-end encryption (E2EE). The proposed law says E2EE is a necessary means of protecting fundamental rights. However, it also states that encrypting messages could inadvertently make messaging apps secure zones where child sexual abuse material can be shared or disseminated. The regulation doesnt ask service providers to lift E2EE in Europe. Instead, it wants a backdoor that allows scanning of the message before it is encrypted. This new moderation system leaves messages open for scanning without compromising the layer of privacy offered by end-to-end encryption. E2EE doesnt allow anyone apart from the sender and receiver to read the message, not even the messaging platform and governments. Industry players have opposed this regulation Before the regulation goes into the voting round later today, several privacy advocates and industry players have expressed concerns over it. Organizations including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Center for Democracy & Technology, and Mozilla have signed a joint statement urging the EU to reject the law. Many European Parliament members have also opposed the proposed law. Encrypted messaging platform Signal plans to exit Europe if this law is passed. We will leave the EU market rather than undermine our privacy guarantees, said Signal President Meredith Whittaker. This proposalif passed and enforced against uswould require us to make this choice. Its surveillance wine in safety bottles. It remains to be seen what the EU Council decides. It wont be a long wait, so stay tuned. Googles Gemini is a tool that can benefit everyone, but not everyone can use it. The thing is that many Gemini features (even Gemini itself) arent available in all regions. This is because of several reasons. Well, Google just announced that Gemini is making it to more people. Gemini is making it to more people, starting with India When a company releases a new AI tool, it needs to be localized to different regions. This involves making it compatible with different languages. In America, the language is easy; English (even though what some states call English is debatable). Over in India, there are several languages that companies have to take into consideration. Google finally made the Gemini app available in India, and its available in nine languages in that country. These languages are Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Gemini Advanced, powered by Gemini 1.5, is also available in those languages in India. This makes Googles powerful AI technology available to millions more people. With Gemini 1.5, users have access to the massive 1 million-token context window. This also sets the stage for more powerful features to hit the region. Google announced some really cool stuff during Google I/O 2024. So, the folks in India could be in for some exciting AI tech. Gemini in Messages is coming to more people Google has been working on integrating Gemini into its first-party messaging app. If youre using a Pixel or newer Galaxy phone, then youre able to use Gemini in Google Messages. You can use it to draft messages, get ideas, etc. Its like a messaging assistant, and you can communicate with it just like any other chatbot. Well, its been limited over the past couple of months. Gemini in Google Messages is finally making it to more people. Its dropping the Pixel/Galaxy phone requirement. You can use it with any Android phone (however, it might not be available if youre running a long-forgotten version of Android) with at least 6GB of RAM. Gemini in Google Messages is available in India, but its limited to English. The OnePlus Watch 3 has been popping up in the news already, despite the fact the OnePlus Watch 2 didnt launch so long. The device isnt expected to launch until next year, but its possible it alraedy surfaced on TENAA certification. Do note that its possible that this is some other OnePlus-branded smartwatch, it remains to be seen. Either way, the shared image reveals that the watch will have a round design. This mysterious OnePlus Watch will have a round design Its only been a few months since the OnePlus Watch 2 released. Now, the company is gearing up to release yet another OnePlus Watch model, but it remains to be seen which one. MySmartPrice have spotted a new OnePlus smartwatch on the TENAA certification, which could be the OnePlus Watch 3. According to the certificate, this OnePlus Watch will have a circular design. It will also have two buttons on its right side that will help you control the watch. In terms of connectivity, the smartwatch will support LTE connectivity for eSIMs, according to the certificate. It will be compatible with China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile telecom operators. The smartwatch will also include GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, WLAN, and NFC. The certificate also reveals the smartwatchs battery capacity. This OnePlus Watch will come with a 500mAh battery. Before appearing on the TENAA certification, the watch was already listed on the BIS, 3C, and TUV certifications. All certifications list the watch with the model number OPWW234, and according to the 3C certification, the smartwatch will support 10W charging but will not include an adapter. The OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to come with the Snapdragon Wear 5 SoC The OnePlus Watch 2 is powered by the Snapdragon Wear W5 SoC, and its expected that the upcoming smartwatch in the series will also use the same processor. However, it may be a W5 Gen 2, which hasnt been announced by Qualcomm yet. The OnePlus Watch 2 has been well-received by audiences and has managed to overcome the poor performance of its predecessor. As we get closer to the official launch of the OnePlus Watch 3, you can expect more leaks and rumors about the watch design and specs. Time will tell whether this is actually the OnePlus Watch 3 or not. It seems to be a bit early for it to surface on TENAA, though. China joins multiple countries in opposing double standards on human rights Xinhua) 08:29, June 20, 2024 Delegates attend a meeting of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) China spoke on behalf of multiple countries Wednesday in opposing the double standards of certain countries that use human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of developing countries. GENEVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- China spoke on behalf of multiple countries here on Wednesday in opposing the double standards of certain countries that use human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of developing countries. Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations (UN) office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, called on multilateral human rights mechanisms to uphold fairness and justice and to serve as platforms for constructive dialogue and cooperation. Chen made the remarks when delivering a joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights through Dialogue and Cooperation and a group of countries at the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The enjoyment of human rights by all is a common pursuit of humanity, said Chen, stressing that the Human Rights Council and other international human rights mechanisms must uphold fairness and justice, abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and adhere to the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-politicization and non-selectivity in their work and operation. This photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows an exterior view of the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Shi Song) He also underscored that these mechanisms should stand firmly against double standards, bullying and unilateralism, and ensure that they serve as platforms for constructive dialogue and cooperation among all countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. Highlighting that some countries interfere in the internal affairs of developing countries on the pretext of human rights while turning a blind eye to and evading serious human rights violations within their own borders and those of their allies, the statement said, "We oppose such double standards." The statement also pointed out that there is no one-size-fits-all route to human rights development in the world, and no country should impose its own model on others. "We must respect each country's exploration of its own path to human rights development that best fits its national reality, and promote the fair enjoyment of human rights by all peoples of all nations with peace and development, fostering the healthy development of the international human rights cause," said Chen. The joint statement received widespread support from developing countries, and many countries echoed it in their speeches at the session. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) (Photo : Pexels/Photo by Thought Catalog) Snapchat's parent company on Wednesday agreed to settle $15 million into a three-year investigation by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) over allegations of discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment of its female employees, according to state officials. California Civil Rights' Three-Year Investigation The California Civil Rights Department, which conducted the investigation, revealed that Snapchat Inc., the technology company behind the popular social media app, treated its female employees unfairly despite its rapid growth from 2015 to 2022. According to the state officials, Santa Monica-based female employees were either discouraged from actively seeking promotions or lost out on promotions to less-qualified male counterparts. Aside from facing unwelcome sexual advances and other forms of harassment, the CRD also alleged that women workers faced retaliation when raising such concerns, including the issuance of negative performance reviews, deprivation of professional opportunities, and termination of their employment. Snapchat's Commitment to Resolving The Allegations Snap emphasized its dedication to upholding a fair and inclusive environment, stating on Wednesday that it does not perceive any current systemic issues related to pay equity, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against women. Despite its disagreement with the claims and analyses from the California Civil Rights Department, Snap acknowledged the financial and reputational impacts of prolonged litigation and opted to resolve the claims to prioritize its future focus. The statement further indicated that Snap has been successfully implementing tools and governance for several years to achieve pay equity, affirming the company's commitment to ongoing investment in policies that ensure team members are consistently valued and compensated fairly for their work. READ ALSO: American Tech Company Scrutinized for Discriminatory Job Ad, Faces Penalty After Restricting Candidates to "Whites Only" Under the settlement pending court approval, Snap will pay fifteen million dollars to cover direct relief and litigation costs, with fourteen million five hundred thousand dollars earmarked for compensating female employees who worked at the company from 2014 to 2024. Snap also committed to hiring an independent consultant who would guide its pay and promotion policies and undergo a third-party audit to assess its compliance with sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination standards. California's Pride in Holding Companies Accountable Kevin Kish, the Director of the Civil Rights Department, emphasized California's pride in its innovators, who significantly contribute to the national economy and the state's civil rights laws, which protect workers from discrimination and promote opportunities for success. The settlement represents one of California officials' recent actions to hold the state's tech giants accountable. In December, the Civil Rights Department reached a $54 million settlement agreement with video game company Activision Blizzard to address similar allegations of pay discrimination against women. Attorney General Rob Bonta has also pursued legal actions against tech industries, including joining a multi-state lawsuit against Google that led to a $700 million settlement by the end of 2023. Bonta settled with DoorDash in February over allegations of selling its customers' personal information. RELATED ARTICLE: Elon Musk Sued by Eight SpaceX Engineers Over Wrongful Termination, Gender Bias, Harassment Lawsuit 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Qualcomm reached a big settlement in favor of shareholders, something that not even Apple had achieved after a previous lawsuit. Shareholders had accused the company of using shady methods to inflate stock prices. According to the lawsuit, Qualcomm was deceiving them about the companys administrative issues. The main problem was licensing patents. The company had apparently refused to license essential patents in some cases. They would have even demanded the purchase of chipsets as a prerequisite for obtaining the licenses. Shareholders reach a $75 million settlement with Qualcomm, something Apple wanted By definition, patents defined as essential must be granted in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. After all, the related technical process is essential to working on a particular technology or standard. Therefore, making an agreement subject to a prior purchase of Qualcomm chips went against this principle. This was the reason for Apples lawsuit against Qualcomm related to the $75 million settlement that shareholders will receive. Interestingly, Qualcomm emerged victorious from its legal confrontations related to this matter. However, shareholders achieved something that neither Apple nor other entities (such as the US Federal Trade Commission) could. According to the lawsuit, Qualcomm claimed that its chip sales and technology licensing were separate businesses. However, the company was bundling them, engaging in an anti-competitive practice. These practices would have been carried out between February 2012 and January 2017. Apple had sued for the same thing; the agreement was not in their favor Apple and the Federal Trade Commission sued Qualcomm in 2017. At that time, the Cupertino giant also referenced the practices described by shareholders. Apple claimed that the chip supplier used its position to charge excessive prices for baseband processor licenses. Licenses for baseband processors are on the essential patent list. In addition to the price, they also mentioned that Qualcomm required onerous conditions to grant these licenses. The situation even led Apple to consider ditching Qualcomm modems. For this, the company was in talks with Intel. Samsungs upcoming chip factory in Taylor, Texas may not be fully operational before 2026. The first phase of the project is reportedly complete and ready for operations. However, we will have to wait longer for the production of chips at the factory. The company plans to produce advanced (4nm and newer) chips at the new semiconductor plant. Samsungs new chip factory in Texas may not be ready before 2026 The upcoming chip factory in Williamson County of Texas will be Samsungs second in the US. The first one is also located in Texas (in Austin) and has been operational since 1996. The Korean firm began construction at the new site in 2021, aiming to make it ready for operation in 2024. However, various factors delayed the project. In December 2023, the Korean media reported that Samsung now aims to begin operations at the Taylor factory in 2025. The report also revealed that the total estimated cost of the project has gone up from $17 billion to $25 billion. Increased material costs, construction costs, and other overheads significantly added to the bill. While Samsung hasnt faced any other major construction setback in recent months, a new report says the site wont be fully operational before 2026. The construction work may be completed sometime next year, but the company plans to start production of chips the following year. Perhaps it will take time to install the chip equipment and other accessories and make everything ready for mass production. Interestingly, a Williamson County Judge told county commissioners in February that manufacturing work at the new factory will begin as early as July 1, 2024. Judge Bill Gravel allegedly learned about the date from Samsungs chief financial officer at a semiconductor conference in South Korea. Gravell even said that construction crews have started pouring the foundation for production equipment. The latest report suggests Gravel was referring to the first phase of the project, which should be fully operational anytime now. This phase likely doesnt involve the final production lines. Since a chip factory requires clean rooms and many other facilities, Samsung is moving with the construction phase-by-phase. It will take the company another year and a half to complete construction at the site. Samsung is building another chip plant in the US Samsung may still be constructing its second chip factory in the US, but the company has already announced a third one. It will also be located in Taylor, Texas. The estimated cost of the two sites could come in at around $44 billion, though it could increase as the construction progresses. The new project also includes an R&D (research and development) center and an advanced packaging facility. The Korean firm is building these factories to expand its production capacity in the US, something the Joe Biden administration desperately wants to do to reduce reliance on Taiwan amid invasion threats from China (TSMC, the worlds largest semiconductor foundry with around 60% market share, mostly produces chips in its home country). TSMC and Intel are also building new chip factories in the US. The US government has awarded these companies with massive grants and subsidies for their commitment to the US chip industry. Samsung received $6.4 billion, TSMC received $6.6 billion, and Intel received $8.5 billion. Samsungs factories will reportedly create 17,000 construction jobs and 4,500 manufacturing jobs in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation recently opened a new four-lane highway called Samsung Highway to improve transportation between Samsungs Taylor and Austin factories. T-Mobile has denied claims of any data breach of its systems, which allegedly took place earlier this month. As per a report by Beeping Computer, T-Mobile made a statement that its systems werent compromised and no source code was stolen. A threat actor who goes by the name IntelBroker claimed to have hacked T-Mobile servers this month. T-Mobile has denied the claimed breach and says its customer data is safe. T-Mobile says its customer data is safe The telecom operator told Beeping Computer that its systems werent hacked in the alleged breach earlier this month. Besides, the company is already actively investigating a claim of a data breach at a third-party service provider. The carrier says that any claims of selling source code or customer data by the bad actor are false. The statement comes after the threat actor IntelBroker claimed to have breached T-Mobile this month T-Mobile released the statement after IntelBroker claimed to have breached the companys servers in June 2024. Linked to several breaches at various major tech companies in the past, IntelBroker is a well-known threat actor. To prove the T-Mobile data breach is authentic, the bad actor posted various screenshots. The screenshots showed that the breacher had access to a T-Mobile Confluence server with administrative privileges. Furthermore, they show access to the telcos internal Slack channels for developers. IntelBroker says that the T-Mobile data he is selling includes Source code, SQL files, Images, Terraform data, t-mobile.com certifications, and Siloprograms. Beeping Computer was told by a source that the data being sold by the breacher is actually older screenshots of T-Mobiles infrastructure posted to a third-party vendors servers, where it was stolen. The companys statement mentions that it is already actively investigating claims of breaches at a third-party service provider. Notably, T-Mobile has dealt with multiple cybersecurity issues in the past few years. One of the biggest breaches the company faced took place in January 2023. At the time, the perpetrators stole the personal data of 37 million T-Mobile users. US popstar Taylor Swift has been invited to Londonderry by the citys mayor after research indicated a family connection. Research suggested this week that the singer, who has dominated the charts with her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, can trace her family roots to the city. Irelands national broadcaster RTE reported that Swifts ancestors left Ireland for the US in the 1830s. Irish Emigration Museum CEO Aileesh Carew said it is well known that Swifts great-great-grandfather, George Findlay, hailed from Dublin, but they recently discovered a connection to Northern Irelands second city. Today I wrote to @taylorswift13 to ask her to come and visit Derry during her trip to Ireland!We are proud to call Taylor a Derry Girl and are hugely excited to extend this invitation to her to help her trace her ancestral journey. C'mon let's see if we can make this happen! pic.twitter.com/RBJZtg3ovv Mayor Derry Strabane (@mayordcsdc) June 20, 2024 She said that Susan Davis, a 21-year-old dressmaker and Francis Gwynn, a 21-year-old weaver, emigrated from Derry in 1836. They met on the ship to the US and married in Philadelphia. They went on to have six children, including Mary Gwynn who was Swifts great-great-grandmother. We were absolutely astounded to find out, in fact, that Taylor Swift is a Derry girl, she told RTE. Taylor Swift has family links to Derry, research has suggested (Doug Peters/PA) Ms Carew said they have commissioned an artist to do an illustration to document the story for the mega star. Swift is due to arrive in Ireland next week as she brings her Eras tour to Dublin. She is set to perform in the Aviva Stadium for three nights from Friday June 28 to Sunday June 30. Derry Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr (Liam McBurney/PA) Derry Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr said she has written to Swift to invite her to visit the city. We are proud to call Taylor a Derry Girl and are hugely excited to extend this invitation to her to help her trace her ancestral journey, she said. Cmon lets see if we can make this happen. (Photo : Pexels/Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko ) Starting in July, the U.S. Army plans to pilot a generative artificial intelligence (AI) program in its acquisition, logistics, and technology division to streamline tasks such as contract writing and data analysis. Leveraging AI for Army-Related Initiatives Jennifer Swanson, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for data, engineering, and software, expressed that the initiative will provide insights into how the Army's acquisition and logistics operations could leverage generative AI tools. Swanson emphasized during Defense One's Tech Summit in Arlington, Va., on June 18 that the pilot aims to boost productivity and explore additional industry tools that could be leveraged or integrated into Army operations. The Army is the latest Defense Department agency to announce an initiative to experiment with generative AI. The Air Force and Space Force previously introduced their experimental tool, the Non-classified Internet Protocol Generative Pre-Training Transformer (NIPRGPT). In 2023, the Navy launched a conversational AI program named Amelia to assist sailors with troubleshooting and provide tech support. The Army's Large Language Model (LLM) Comes with Citations Swanson expressed optimism about generative AI's potential, particularly in fields like contract writing and policy, where automation could alleviate burdens on the Army's workforce, highlighting significant potential returns in contracts and policy. The large language model that the Army will use differs from systems like ChatGPT because it is trained on Army-specific data that will include citations to show the source of its information, aiding in fact-checking for the service. The pilot program represents a broader initiative within the Army to assess widespread AI tool adoption's challenges and potential benefits. The Crucial Trial Phase As part of its assessment, Swanson noted that the Army reviewed its expenditures on AI research, identifying testing and security as the primary areas needing improvement for broader deployment of these tools. The Army also pinpointed 32 risks and devised 66 measures to mitigate their effects. Additionally, the Army formulated a policy for generative AI, which will govern the pilot project by setting specific parameters and mandating the presence of a human in the decision-making process. READ ALSO: Tech Giants Pledge AI Safety Commitments, Introduce "Kill Switch" for Worst Case Scenarios The generative AI pilot will transition into the subsequent phase of the initiative, a 16-month period focused on the technology's operational implementation. Insights gathered during this phase will guide the Army's budget planning for fiscal year 2026. Swanson explained that the 100-day plan sets the groundwork, establishing the current state, while the 500-day plan focuses on practical implementation. Florent Groberg, vice president of strategy and optimization at AE Industrial Partners, stressed the importance of transparency from the Army during these evaluation stages and urged the swift adoption of tools being developed by industry partners. During the same panel with Swanson, Groberg emphasized the importance of defining clear objectives and establishing a framework for achieving them, stressing the need to set boundaries and proceed with implementation. RELATED ARTICLE: Army, Air Force Reversing Shortfalls with New Programs, Policy Changes While Navy Missing Enlistment Goals 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Theatregoers have spoken of their disappointment and sent their good wishes to Sir Ian McKellen as he recuperates following a fall from a West End stage on Monday. The veteran stage and screen actor, 85, was portraying John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre on Monday when he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage. Sir Ian revealed on Thursday that he is having physiotherapy while he takes a break from performing following the fall. The final London dates of Player Kings will see Sir Ians understudy, David Semark, take on the role of Falstaff. Rania Margaronis, 56, flew for four hours from Greece specifically to see Sir Ian perform. She said: It was shocking really because knowing someone so professional and so talented and at his age, its really scary. I wish him all the best. Im a great fan, I came all the way from Greece to see him and I was really disappointed. We love him and were very proud to have him. Wendy Geri, 84, travelled from Israel to see him perform, and booked a front row ticket as soon as she saw the play advertised. She said she was devastated at the news that Sir Ian would not perform, describing it as a big disappointment. She said: Its a very big disappointment. Ive watched him on YouTube, Ive watched him in conversations. Im a student of what hes done. And he slipped up. Im devastated. Sir Ian McKellen is receiving physiotherapy and resting following his fall on Monday (Matt Crossick/PA) Sophie Starnes, 34, a teacher who flew from California, said at the news Sir Ian would not perform: We were slightly disappointed, but obviously his health has to come first. And Im sure its still going to be a wonderful performance. We really hope he gets well soon and hes back on stage as soon as possible. Its still going to be a fantastic performance. Corin Doregger, 61, a retired teacher, flew from Vienna to see Sir Ian. She said: Im a bit disappointed because I booked tickets last year, and flew over from Vienna specially. When I heard hed had a fall, I thought thats it. She said her message to the actor is: Get better soon and Im sorry to have missed you. She said: I tried to see him in Keswick some years ago and didnt get to because it was a ballot, so this was my only chance. But we really need to cheer on the guy whos the understudy. Its really hard being an understudy. Distillery workers at whisky maker Whyte & Mackay are due to walk out next week after rejecting the companys latest pay offer, a union has confirmed. GMB Scotland members at three of the companys distilleries will strike on Monday, followed by 11 days of walkouts in July and a further two weeks of industrial action in August. It comes after 84% of GMB members at the companys Dalmore and Invergordon distilleries in Ross and Cromarty, and Tamnavulin in Moray, voted to reject the companys pay offer in a ballot, which saw a 90% turnout. However the revised offer, which came on the back of last-ditch talks between the two sides, was accepted by staff at the companys bottling and distribution sites at Grangemouth. The union claimed Whyte & Mackay is making record profits and paid out almost 53 million in dividends to shareholders between 2019 and 2022, and that its highest paid director earned 710,000 in 2022 11 times more than the average salary in the company. Lesley-Ann Macaskill, GMB Scotland organiser in the Highlands, said: Whyte & Mackay is making record profits and expanding operations but is still paying workers less than other companies across the industry. She said the company should be rushing to offer fair pay to our members because without their skill and experience, there would be nothing to bottle and nothing to distribute. A company spokesperson said: Whyte and Mackays priority is to resolve this dispute. We continue to engage both our trade union partners to reach a sustainable resolution. We are pleased to have reached agreement with Unite, however, we are disappointed that this has not yet been possible with GMB. The walkout at Whyte & Mackay comes as GMB members at whisky maker Edrington, which makes The Macallan and Famous Grouse, are also being balloted on industrial action in an ongoing pay dispute. The GMB said industrial action during the summer has the potential to disrupt supplies to stores and warehouses for Christmas. Whyte & Mackay, which is owned by Philippine-based Emperador, operates Dalmore distillery at Alness in Ross and Cromarty; the nearby Invergordon grain distillery; Fettercairn in Aberdeenshire; Tamnavulin near Tomnavoulin, Moray; and Jura on the Hebridean island. Despite playing many soldiers throughout his career, Donald Sutherland was a passionate anti-war campaigner. The Canadian actor began his career with a number of small roles on British TV before taking on the minor role of Hospitalman Nerney in 1965 war film The Bedford Incident setting off a trend of involvement in the genre. Sutherland came into his own as dim-witted Vernon Pinkley in 1967 film The Dirty Dozen, which saw condemned soldiers trained as a crack commando team to undertake a mission in Nazi-occupied France. Canadian actor Donald Sutherland arriving at Londons Heathrow Airport in September 1985 (David Parker/Alamy/PA) The actor was praised for his portrayal, which many considered his breakout role. However, it was his role in sitcom M*A*S*H, which followed the staff of a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, that shot Sutherland to international stardom. His portrayal of Captain Benjamin Franklin Hawkeye Pierce secured him roles in many other war projects, including Kellys Heroes in 1970. Sutherland plays Sergeant Oddball in the film which follows a group of US soldiers during the Second World War as they desert their posts to rob a bank thought to contain German gold. In the same year, he starred in Revolution Without Me, set during the French Revolution, playing an identical twin, with the other twin played by US actor Gene Wilder. Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland (Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy/PA) Despite playing numerous soldiers, Sutherland was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War. In 1971, he staged a travelling roadshow opposite his Klute co-star Jane Fonda in front of US soldiers a reaction to Bob Hopes pro-war United Service Organisations (USO) tour. It was turned into a documentary entitled FTA in 1972, capturing the anti-war sentiment of the 1970s. Documents declassified in 2017 revealed the CIA had placed Sutherland on a watch list because of his anti-war activities. His political activities did not adversely affect his career, and he starred in 1976 Second World War film The Eagle Has Landed. Donald Sutherland (Daniel Leal/PA) The film follows a group of Germans who plot to kidnap British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, with Sir Michael Caine portraying Colonel Kurt Steiner, while Sutherland plays agent Liam Devlin who accompanies him on the mission. In 1981, Sutherland starred in A War Story, which tells the story of Major Ben Wheeler who was taken prisoner by the Japanese during the Second World War, as well as 1985s Revolution alongside Al Pacino. Sutherland later appeared opposite Dame Helen Mirren in Bethune: The Making Of A Hero in 1990 set during the Chinese Civil War, and in 2002 appeared in TV film Path To War a role which won him a Golden Globe. The veteran actor channelled his political beliefs into some of his roles, including The Hunger Games where he played the tyrannical President Snow. In 2015, he told the BBC that he hoped the films socio-political message would help young fans become more aware of the world around them. England will attempt to join hosts Germany in the last 16 at Euro 2024 when they face Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday. Gareth Southgates side top Group C after Sundays 1-0 win over Serbia and know another three points would seal their progression. Elsewhere, Serbia face Slovenia in the other game in Englands pool, while Spain battle it out with reigning champions Italy in Group B. In Wednesdays action, Germany secured their progression with victory over Hungary, while Scotland boosted their hopes of qualifying from the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland while Albania struck late to deny Croatia victory. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at day seven of Euro 2024. Shutting out the noise England manager Gareth Southgate has ordered his players to shut out the noise ahead of the Group C clash with Denmark (Adam Davy/PA) England boss Southgate has urged his players to ignore the noise surrounding their performance against the Serbs amid an ongoing debate over his team selection and tactics. He said: Theres more noise around a national team than there ever is around a club team. Millions of people in your own country, extensive media coverage, social media One guy writing a comment on social media gets put in a newspaper now, thats a story, so its a different world. Personally I accept thats how it is. It is not going to affect what I do. My job is to keep the players on track. Big night for the holders Italy boss Luciano Spalletti admits Thursday nights Group B clash with Spain is one of the biggest games of his careers as the holders attempt to reach the knockout stage. Spalletti, who led Napoli to the Serie A title in 2023, said: Ive already been through some important games, but this is certainly one of those which is right up there. We all have a story to tell and when the players get to my age, they will know that they need to have stories to tell and this is one of those matches which could give them a tale to tell in the future. Opposite number Luis de la Fuente is under no illusions as to the task ahead of his team in Gelsenkirchen. De la Fuente said: We know the potential of these national teams because weve seen them in the qualification stage in different games, so the potential that France has, Germany, England, Italy, we know them perfectly. Alive and kicking Scotland opened their Group A account with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland (Andrew Milligan/PA) Scotland will head into Sundays showdown with pointless Hungary targeting victory after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland gave them a foundation to reach the knockout stage. Xherdan Shaqiris superb equaliser cancelled out Scott McTominays opener in Cologne, but a win over the Hungarians could see the Scots progress. Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan eased Germany through after a 2-0 win over Hungary in Stuttgart. Meanwhile, Croatia are in danger of an early exit after their 2-2 draw against Albania left them with one point from two games, with reigning champions Italy left to face. Picture of the day Scott McTominay celebrates after scoring the opening goal in a 1-1 Group A draw with Switzerland (Andrew Milligan/PA) Post of the day Whos up next? Slovenia v Serbia 2pm, ITV1 Denmark v England 5pm, BBC One Spain v Italy 8pm, ITV1 All times BST. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie has questioned the process of using a majority of seats at Westminster as a mandate for independence. It is the method proposed by the SNP, with the partys leader John Swinney pledging the result would give democratic effect to independence talks. But speaking after the Greens launched their General Election manifesto on Thursday, Mr Harvie said his party instead wants the power to hold constitutional referendums to be devolved to Holyrood. The UK Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum without Westminsters approval. Mr Harvie said he is not convinced the Westminster electoral system which uses first-past-the-post rather than a proportional representation method to decide results could genuinely count as a mandate. It was put to him that Labour could use the election as a mandate not to hold a referendum if it wins a majority of seats in Scotland similar to the SNPs approach. Mr Harvie said: I question whether a majority of seats under first-past-the-post genuinely reflects a mandate. If they were to win 50% of the votes in Scotland, you would have to respect that, you would have to recognise that that was the way the majority of people in Scotland, the majority people choosing to cast their vote. I dont think thats likely to happen, but if any political party was to get that level of 50%-plus support, other parties would have to respect that. The Scottish Greens launched their General Election manifesto on Thursday (Jane Barlow/PA) But what I dont think any political party can claim a mandate for is for the right of the UK Parliament to decide the timing of a future decision on Scottish independence because only 10% of the MPs in the UK Parliament have any mandate at all coming from Scotland. It has to be for Scottish voters to be able to determine that decision for themselves, not that decision being made in Whitehall for them. However, he agreed with Mr Swinney that the Scottish Parliament already secured a mandate in 2021 when pro-independence parties won a majority of seats. Mr Harvie also said he is very confident support for independence will grow beyond the current levels if there is a clear period of campaigning. In polls, independence support has fluctuated above and below the 50% mark. Tommy Sheppard, the SNP candidate for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: There already is a mandate for independence in 2021 the people of Scotland voted for a pro-independence majority Scottish Parliament in support of another independence referendum, yet this right has been denied by Westminster parties who do not respect Scotlands democratic voice. We have been resolutely clear as was published on line one, page one of our manifesto that a vote for the SNP in the General Election will be a vote for Scotland to be independent. If we succeed in securing a majority of Scotlands seats, we will enter negotiations with the UK government to implement the right of the Scottish people to choose our own future. Junior doctors in England have been urged to call off cynical strikes later this month as experts warned that the health of patients will be compromised as a result of the walkout. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said that the Government cannot make an offer to medics during the pre-election period as she warned that the five-day walkout will cause real harm to patients. It comes as the Patients Association said that the only thing that the strike by members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will achieve is disruption to patient care. My response to letter from @TheBMA Junior Doctors Committee These planned strikes are cynical and will harm patients. The BMA must call them off. pic.twitter.com/YHGIRHzgcR Victoria Atkins (@VictoriaAtkins) June 20, 2024 The timing of the action, with the UK now in a pre-election period and no government for the BMA to negotiate with, means there is no possibility for talks to prevent these strikes, the organisation said in a statement. The only thing the planned five-day strike at the end of June will achieve is disruption to patient care as appointments and procedures need to be rescheduled. Patients health will be compromised. It comes after junior doctors offered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a final chance to avoid the fresh wave of strikes in their long-running dispute over pay. The union offered to call off strikes, planned for five days from June 27, if they get a commitment in writing to a detailed pathway that will restore our pay in the form of a comprehensive deal that will be implemented if you are able to form the next government. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins called the strike cynical (Lucy North/PA) In response, Ms Atkins said that the cynical strikes will harm patients. In a letter posted on X, she wrote: You are now threatening to strike in the middle of an election campaign. This is a cynical move that will sadly cause patients awaiting treatment real harm. She said that it would not be appropriate for the Government to make an offer during the pre-election period, as set out by Cabinet Office guidance, adding: You know this yet you have refused to call off these strikes. Ms Atkins said that if the Conservatives win the election they will get back into the negotiating room immediately and she concluded: These strikes are harmful to patients. You must call them off. The BMA wrote on X: The upcoming strikes are happening because the Government, and Victoria Atkins have never made a credible offer to our members. BMA junior doctors committee co-chairs Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi said in a statement: It is not true to say there is no possibility to prevent these strikes. We made very clear in our letter to the Prime Minister on Wednesday that all he has to do is commit in writing to a pathway to pay restoration, like any of his other commitments, and we would call the strikes off. This is very much within his gift. Yorkshire & the Humber is one of the key battlegrounds at the General Election, with the Conservatives defending a host of marginal seats and Labour hoping to make considerable gains though other parties could have an impact as well. A redrawing of boundaries means the shape and names of some constituencies in the region have changed since 2019, although the number of seats is the same at 54. Had the last election been fought on the 2024 boundaries, it is calculated that Labour and the Conservatives would have each won 27 seats. Notional results for the 2019 election based on the 2024 boundaries have also been calculated, in order to determine the scale of the challenge facing candidates this time, and it is these majorities that are used below. Labours top target in Yorkshire & the Humber is actually a seat it won in 2019, Leeds North West, but which thanks to the new boundaries is being treated at this election as a constituency that would have been won in 2019 by the Conservatives with a majority of 2,001. Key battleground seats in Yorkshire & the Humber (PA Graphics) Keighley & Ilkley previously known as Keighley is next on Labours list, and has a long history of alternating between Tory and Labour, changing parties eight times in the last 60 years. This year sees a rematch of the 2019 contest, with Labours John Grogan hoping to win back the seat from Conservative Robbie Moore by overturning a 2,218 majority. There are five seats in the region that would change hands on a direct swing in the share of the vote from Conservative to Labour of five percentage points: the two already mentioned, plus the new constituencies of Wakefield & Rothwell and Hull West & Haltemprice, together with Calder Valley. Calder Valley is an example of a so-called bellwether seat, which means the result in the constituency has a habit of matching the overall result of the general election in this instance, at every election since 1983. If Labour is able to perform particularly strongly and push the swing from the Tories up to 10 percentage points, a total of 12 seats could change hands, including Rother Valley which was won by the Conservatives in 2019 for the first time since the constituency was created in 1918. The party could also win the new seat of Leeds South West & Morley, part of which includes the former constituency of Morley & Outwood that was once represented by Labours shadow chancellor Ed Balls. Seats with larger Tory majorities, but which could be at risk if there is a Labour landslide, include Great Grimsby & Cleethorpes where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer were quizzed by an audience of voters on Sky News earlier in June and Beverley & Holderness, which has been won by the Conservatives at every election since the constituency was created in 1997. A profile of Great Grimsby & Cleethorpes constituency (PA Graphics) Yorkshire & the Humber contains the seat where Rishi Sunak is the Tory candidate, Richmond & Northallerton. Mr Sunak faces 12 other candidates, making this the most-contested constituency at the General Election. The region also contains one of only two seats in mainland Britain where there is not a Conservative on the ballot paper: Rotherham, due to a last-minute withdrawal by the candidate. It is the first time since 1945 that there has not been a Tory candidate for Rotherham at a general election. The other constituency in Britain where there is no Conservative candidate is the Speakers seat of Chorley in Lancashire, which is traditionally not contested by the main political parties. Yorkshire & the Humber is not merely a two-horse battleground between the Tories and Labour. The Liberal Democrats have one top target in the region, Harrogate & Knaresborough, which the party would take from the Conservatives on a swing of 8.0 percentage points. The Lib Dems are also in a close second place behind Labour in Sheffield Hallam, a seat once held by Nick Clegg, former leader of the Lib Dems and deputy prime minister. Meanwhile, in the brand new seats of Barnsley North and Barnsley South, both of which are being treated as Labour defences at this election, the party notionally in second place is not the Tories or the Lib Dems, but Reform. In Barnsley North, Reform are calculated to need a swing of just 4.5 percentage points to take the seat from Labour, ranking it as the partys top target in the whole of the UK. Reforms targets can be calculated only in those areas of the country where the party stood in 2019, when it was called the Brexit Party and because it did not stand candidates in any of the seats the Conservatives were defending at that election, all of its targets this year for which data is available are seats being defended by Labour. All notional majorities and swings mentioned above have been compiled by professors Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher of the University of Plymouth, on behalf of BBC News, ITV News, Sky News and the PA news agency, and will be used as the basis for reporting the gains and losses at the General Election. A 75-year-old man has turned his childhood knitting hobby into a business as he prepares to graduate with a Masters degree which involved researching the craft. While others may enjoy rest and relaxation after retiring, Michael Harrigan resigned from a career in professional development training to start his own trade in knitting. Mr Harrigan, who is due to graduate from the University of Dundee on Thursday, previously trained lawyers and financial service providers, and will graduate with a Masters degree in Scottish history. He is also part of a knitting guild and is a certified master hand knitter. Michael Harrigan has had an interest in knitwear since he was a boy (University of Dundee/PA) Mr Harrigan said he has enjoyed studying at an age when many of his contemporaries are retired. He said: At my age you have to keep your mind active, I think thats very important. Try not to think about it as a lot of work. If you take one day at a time and find something youre genuinely interested in, its very enjoyable. During his course, Mr Harrigan studied Scottish bonnet-makers, and found most of them did not have particularly lucrative careers, but also found that Ayrshire bonnet-makers were generally more successful than others around the country. He learned about the hand-knitters, who made bonnets in Dundee from the 15th century, and later those of Stewarton, in Ayrshire, who gained prominence with their diversification of products and marketing of their wares abroad. Ayrshire makers shipped many of their bonnets overseas and sold in Europe and Canada, a relatively new approach at the time, whereas Dundonian bonnet-makers kept their business local. Mr Harrigan said: I wanted to learn why it was men who predominantly knitted these bonnets, how they did it and how they managed their businesses. I carried out research through the National Records of Scotland and found through death records that they were not particularly wealthy and that they passed on their craft to family members. Michael Harrigan works on a delicate piece of knitwear (University of Dundee/PA) Mr Harrigan, originally from northern New York State in the US, currently lives in Thailand and has studied part-time for the last three years as a distance learning student. He said: Ive had everything I needed to study from afar. People were there if I needed them and I could be independent if not. The support has been fantastic but not overbearing. Ive made a few friends and have a real respect for the professors who went out of their way to make sure we are all digging in deep enough, learning all we can and getting what we need to out of our studies. Having arrived in Dundee on Wednesday, Mr Harrigan says it is the first time he has visited the city, and he is looking forward to his graduation. He said he intends to carry on his research beyond graduation. The ASTI said the real figures were likely to be higher due to under-reporting and the fact Police Scotland did not respond to FoI request. Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP Acid attacks and other offences involving corrosive substances in the UK have risen by 75% in a year but only 8% of cases led to criminal charges or a summons, figures suggest. The total number of recorded offences last year based on freedom of information (FOI) requests was 1,244 up from 710 in 2022 comprising 454 physical attacks and 790 other alleged offences, including carrying corrosives and threats of acid attack to aid other offences such as rape or robbery. Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), which obtained the data, said the real figures were likely to be higher due to under-reporting and the fact that Police Scotland did not respond. Jaf Shah, the executive director at ASTI, said there needed to be more focus on prevention in the same way that there was for gun and knife crime. The incoming government should increase funding for prevention initiatives and address the drivers that facilitate acid attacks and violent crime more generally in the UK socioeconomic inequality and deprivation, and a lack of opportunity for young people, he said. Additionally, while there are laws in place that restrict access to corrosive substances, the growing number of offences shows that the government and businesses must tighten the enforcement of these regulations and do more to stop corrosive substances being weaponised to cause devastating harm. The charity says that acid attacks have historically been associated with male-on-male often gang-related violence, but women and girls are being increasingly targeted. Where gender data was available 50% of all victims of corrosive offences were women, rising to 59% for threats of violence. Of all physical attacks using corrosive substances, 18% 81 cases were recorded by Northumbria police in an area with a population of 1.5 million people, followed by the Metropolitan police with 72, but across a population about six times as large. Francisco Figueiredo, a professor of ophthalmology at Newcastle University, said: Over the last five years there has been a concerning rise in the incidence of acid attacks, especially in the north-east of England 80% of the victims are young caucasian males and 90% of them are not reported to Northumbria police. Ammonia is the most common chemical used in the north-east of England area. Using noxious chemicals to cause harm, and ocular harm in particular, is becoming a popular mode of assault in the UK, and is a serious medical and social concern which requires further investigation to be able to increase public awareness, implement stricter regulations, better surveillance and means of prevention, as well as to provide adequate support to the victims. In February, Abdul Ezedi was found dead in the River Thames three weeks after he was believed to have attacked a woman and her daughters with a corrosive substance in Clapham, south London. Passersby and police officers were also injured as they tried to help. In 32% of the cases covered by the FoI data, the alleged victim identified a suspect but did not support further action, suggesting a fear of reprisals. Huw Evans, a 75-year-old retired council worker, was crossing a road when he was rammed by the escaped cow - Wales News Service The directors of a cattle market have been ordered to pay more than 82,000 in costs and fines after a runaway cow trampled a pensioner to death. Huw Evans, a 75-year-old retired council worker, died in hospital from multiple injuries after being trampled by the cow that had escaped from Whitland livestock market in Carmarthenshire in Nov 2022. David Arwel Thomas from JJ Morris Limited, which runs the market, was fined 75,000 after pleading guilty at Llanelli magistrates court to failing in its health, safety and welfare duty to an employee, and failing in the firms duty to the safety of the wider public. He was ordered to pay 5,047 costs and a 2,000 surcharge along with John Nicholas, the firms co-director. Shot by police The extremely agitated and aggressive cow had escaped from the market while being unloaded from a trailer, the BBC reported. The nine-year-old red Limousin cross breed had charged an employee at the site, injuring the mans leg, before ramming into Mr Evans as he crossed the road. The cow then strayed on to railway lines, forcing train operators to suspend services, before it was shot by police. Mr Evans was airlifted to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff but died from his injuries six days later. Mr Evans was airlifted to hospital in Cardiff from Whitland livestock market in Carmarthenshire - Wales News Service In a victim impact statement read to the court his son Dafydd John Evans said he had lost his best friend and that he missed him terribly, adding that he had been taken too soon. Rhys Hughes, an inspector with the Health and Safety Executive, said in a statement: This tragic incident was foreseeable and preventable. The risk posed by cattle escaping from the livestock mart should have been identified, and effective control measures implemented. The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance, which is readily accessible and outlines the requirements to safely manage cattle. (Photo : Unsplash/freestocks) Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix, shared that his greatest pride is not solely tied to launching the streaming giant. Instead, at 66 years old, he takes pride in not letting his success come at the expense of his personal and family life. Not Letting His Career Steal His Personal Time In a recent social media post on platform X, Randolph attributed this balance to a regular practice: Tuesday night dates with his wife. He explained that for over 30 years, he maintained a strict schedule: He left work at exactly 5 p.m. every Tuesday to spend the evening with his best friend, regardless of circumstances. In the post shared on LinkedIn last year, Randolph shared that his most significant source of pride is not the companies he founded, despite currently serving on several company boards like Solo Brands. Instead, he values maintaining his marriage, being present for his children as they grow up, and having time to pursue his other passions outside of work. Randolph's commitment to prioritizing his family also contributed to his professional success, where experts suggest that establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life can help prevent burnout. But achieving a work-life balance is easier said than done, with Randolph admitting to occasionally breaking his rule, as he wrote in a post on Substack in February. The Truth About Work-Life Balance During the most demanding phases of his career, such as when launching companies or undertaking significant projects, Randolph acknowledged on Substack that he often did not have sufficient time to return home physically. While launching Netflix with Reed Hastings in 1997, Randolph admitted breaking his rule. In the weeks leading up to the official launch, he detailed rushing home to have dinner with his family before returning to work. Reflecting on this period, he acknowledged in his Substack post that achieving daily balance is a challenge few can manage consistently, including himself. When Randolph could not adhere to his regular Tuesday night plans, he sought to compensate for family time and relaxation through different approaches he outlined. Following the launch of Netflix, he prioritized taking breaks. He aims to condense his workweek by scheduling meetings primarily on two specific weekdays, dedicating another day for focused deep work, and allocating more time to be with his family on the remaining days, he detailed. READ ALSO: NVIDIA CEO's Perception of Time Management, Which His Younger Self Wouldn't Understand While a well-structured schedule can be disrupted by unforeseen work emergencies, during periods of smooth operation, he rewards himself with a four-day weekend to ensure he fully relaxes and decompresses. Billionaire entrepreneur and startup investor Mark Cuban reiterated Randolph's sentiment during a March SXSW panel. According to Cuban, there are phases in one's career where sacrificing date nights, particularly when launching a business, may be necessary. As an entrepreneur starting your company, achieving a work-life balance is not feasible, according to Cuban. He emphasized that competitors always strive to outperform you, so focusing solely on work is often necessary. Randolph's advice is to aim for balance but not to criticize yourself if you sometimes fall short. According to Randolph, it is impossible to maintain a daily routine of exercising, meditating, hustling, focusing, socializing, and delivering outstanding presentations while eating healthily and getting enough sleep every day. In reality, no one can sustain such a routine every day. He emphasized the importance of finding one's way to achieve balance in whatever way or means that would fit your schedule. RELATED ARTICLE: NVIDIA CEO's Meeting Tactic: "Recurring One-on-One Is Not an Option 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sir John Bell says most people behaved 'incredibly well' during the pandemic - La Roche The Governments former Covid testing tsar has backed calls for an amnesty for pandemic rule-breakers. In an interview with The Telegraph, Sir John Bell, the leading scientist who worked under Boris Johnson, revealed that he had opposed fines for breaking the rules. And he said it was not right that people had a criminal conviction simply because they met six people instead of four. He said he supported calls to wipe the slate clean for the people, who number about 29,000, so far convicted in the courts for breaching Covid rules. I think it would be a real shame if people ended up perhaps totally accidentally with a criminal record because of the Covid rules, he said. Sir John, the regius professor of medicine at Oxford University, was responding to the calls by charities and former Cabinet ministers, including Sir Robert Buckland, the justice secretary during the pandemic, to wipe the slate clean for offences such as attending gatherings, leaving home during lockdowns, and failing to wear face coverings. Unlike politicians such as Rishi Sunak who were handed fixed penalty notices, thousands of people received criminal convictions after being found guilty by courts because they contested the fines or failed to pay them. Criminal record could hit job prospects This could hamper their job prospects as police can pass on the details to potential employers if they are deemed relevant for criminal background checks for sensitive jobs such as teaching, social work and policing. Covid convictions would also have to be revealed when applying for visas to visit countries such as the United States and Canada. Both countries reserve the right to permanently ban anyone who fails to reveal a conviction. Sir John, who was also a member of the expert advisory group to the Governments vaccine task force, said he disagreed with the prevailing view in Whitehall during the pandemic that lockdowns and other measures needed to carry the threat of criminal prosecution. There was a view in Whitehall that mandatory enforcement was quite an important thing to do. There was a view that none of this stuff was going to work unless it was an offence if you broke the rules. I am not sure that over time there was a lot of evidence that was the case, he said. Most people behaved incredibly well. I am not sure a fine was actually going to make that much difference. That was my view at the time and is still my view. What I wasnt aware of was that so many people ended up with a criminal offence because they didnt respond to a [fixed penalty notice] letter, or maybe even tore up the letter. He cited as an example the requirement to report test results. They didnt report the tests because they didnt need to. If people were tested positive, they didnt go to the pub. Maybe decisions were not good ones They just said: I dont want to give my friends Covid. I would argue that 99 per cent of people behaved pretty well, he said. It is quite important that people understand it was a crazy time and that we dont want it to have a long tail to affect people for a long time because people were making decisions quickly and maybe the decisions were not that good ones. Why someone has to live with that seems beyond me. Three former Cabinet ministers Sir Robert, Sir David Davis and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Lord Sumption, the former supreme court judge, have been joined by charities in calling for an amnesty for those with Covid convictions. I think its a reasonable argument that Robert Bucklands come up with which is, lets just wipe the slate clean from the point of view of a record. It was never intended to give you a criminal record, said Sir David. Truth be told when somebody writes the history of this, theyre going to view this whole policy as bonkers because youve got people going on business trips to a country and coming back to the wrong airport because the countrys been reclassified while theyve been away. People being done for exercising and a policeman says youre not exercising, youre not sweating. And that literally happened. Scenes like this, it was a barking mad period of time, really, but the truth is, what can we do? We can stop people having their lives ruined, and we should do that. The Cypriot president, Nikos Christodoulides, in Brussels this week. After the Hezbollah threat he sought to emphasise the islands policy of neutrality. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/EPA Cypriots have reacted with shock after threats from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that Cyprus could become a target if it allows Israel to use its territory in any conflict between the two sides, who diplomats fear are on the brink of a fully fledged war. Despite the EU expressing unreserved support for its easternmost member, it was clear on Thursday that the Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallahs warning had set off alarm bells in Nicosia where officials insisted the island republic remained a pillar of peace in an otherwise volatile region. Cyprus is not involved, and will not be involved, in any war or conflicts, the Cypriot government spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, told the public broadcaster CyBC. Therefore, the statements made by the Hezbollah leader do not correspond with reality. He said Cyprus had excellent relations with Lebanon and it would not allow any state to use its territory for military operations against another. Nasrallah had warned on Wednesday of a war without rules or ceilings as he sought to highlight the perils of a full-scale Israeli offensive against his Iran-aligned organisation. Taking many by surprise, he also threatened Cyprus, saying: Opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the resistance [Hezbollah] will deal with it as part of the war. Related: IDF transfers powers in occupied West Bank to pro-settler civil servants In the event of a broader conflagration there will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones, Nasrallah vowed. Nervousness in Nicosia was not limited to government officials. Western diplomats stationed in the divided islands internationally recognised south also voiced dismay at the spectre of Cyprus, a popular tourist destination and barely a 40-minute flight away from Tel Aviv, being drawn into the Middle East tumult if a fully fledged war erupted between the two foes. Hezbollah has a history of acting on its threats, said one EU envoy. Hezbollah knows Cyprus does not have the military capability to respond and in that respect its an easy target. Within hours of Nasrallah issuing the threat, the Cypriot president, Nikos Christodoulides, sought to emphasise the islands policy of neutrality, underscoring the role it had played in establishing a sea corridor to transfer humanitarian aid to Gaza. Cyprus is not part of the problem [it] is part of the solution, he said. And our role, as manifested, for example, through the humanitarian corridor [to Gaza], is recognised not only by the Arab world but by the entire international community. Scores of vessels carrying aid have travelled to Gaza under the initiative from the southern Cypriot port of Larnaca since March. But in a conflict where perceptions play an equally vital role, the islands alignment with Israel and ever improving relations with the US have also been noticed by Hezbollahs leadership. Nicosias approach was for years more pro-Arab than pro-Israeli. Deteriorating relations between Israel and Turkey and the discovery of gas reserves off the Israeli coast have paved the way for an energy alliance and much closer ties. The two countries share intelligence and increasingly close military links. Two years ago the Israel Defence Forces used Cyprus to stage war games simulating combat in Lebanon, involving what was said to be the largest ever number of troops sent abroad by Israel. The drills focused on possible invasion tactics, the island having been picked for the exercises because of the similarity of its terrain with that of Lebanon. Last year armed forces from both nations conducted military exercises on the island to respond to particularly demanding operational scenarios. Both were seen as a provocation by Hezbollah, said another diplomat. And we know that Christodoulides was told as much when he visited Beirut with EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen in May. By virtue of its location, Cyprus is often involved in events beyond its borders. In 2006 Cyprus became a transit hub for the evacuation of more than 30,000 foreign nationals fleeing war in Lebanon, and last year thousands of British passport holders were airlifted from Sudan to the country. Although not known to offer any land or base facilities to the Israeli military, Cyprus has allowed Israel to use its airspace to conduct drills simulating an Iranian attack on Israel. Earlier this year protests were staged outside one of Cypruss two British military bases retained by London after the Cypriots won independence in 1960 over concerns that the installations were being used by the US and UK to send military aid to Israel. RAF Akrotiri was previously used by UK forces in the air campaign against Islamic State. On Thursday Cypriot officials emphasised that under the treaty of establishment, Britain was not obliged to inform Nicosia about movements on the bases. Political analysts have described Nasrallahs inflammatory rhetoric as classic deterrence but also said it was a warning of how bad the situation could get if the conflict escalates. Some said it was likely to spur Greece, which also enjoys excellent ties with Israel, to implore its ally to give peace a chance before launching an offensive against Hezbollah. The Cypriots would never allow their facilities or territory to be used by Israel for armed confrontation because they know it would seriously harm their relations with all other countries in the region, said Prof Hubert Faustmann, who teaches history and political science at the University of Nicosia. Hezbollah also knows that if it acts on its threat and attacks Cyprus, the EU and Nato would very likely be brought into the conflict which it doesnt want either. But for the EUs nearest state to the unfolding theatre of war, the unprecedented threat could not be ignored. This is the first serious challenge and the price Cyprus might have to pay for the pro-Israeli shift it has made in the last years, Faustmann said. Senator Tina Smith speaks at the US Capitol earlier this year Photograph: Anna Rose Layden/Reuters Democrats introduced legislation on Thursday to repeal a 19th-century anti-obscenity law that bans mailing abortion-related materials, amid growing worries that anti-abortion activists will use the law to implement a federal abortion ban. The bill to repeal the Comstock Act was introduced by the Minnesota Democratic senator Tina Smith, whose office provided a draft copy of the legislation to the Guardian. The Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren and Nevada senator Catherine Cortez Masto also back the bill, according to the Washington Post, which first reported the news of Smiths plans. Companion legislation was also set to be introduced in the House. We have to see that these anti-choice extremists are intending to misapply the Comstock Act, Smith said in an interview. And so our job is to draw attention to that, and to do everything that we can to stop them. Passed in 1873, the Comstock Act is named after the anti-vice crusader Anthony Comstock and, in its original iteration, broadly banned people from using the mail to send anything obscene, lewd or lascivious, including any article or thing designed or intended for the prevention of conception or procuring an abortion. In the 151 years since its enactment, legal rulings and congressional action narrowed the scope of the Comstock Act. For years, legal experts regarded it as a dead letter, especially when Roe v Wade established the constitutional right to an abortion. But after the US supreme court overturned Roe in 2022, some anti-abortion activists started arguing that the Comstock Acts prohibition against mailing abortion-related materials remained good law. Project 2025, a playbook written by the influential thinktank the Heritage Foundation, recommends that a future conservative presidential administration use the Comstock Act to block the mailing of abortion pills. Other activists have gone even further, arguing that the Comstock Act can outlaw the mailing of all abortion-related materials. Because abortion clinics rely on the mail for the drugs and tools they need to do their work, such an interpretation of the Comstock Act would be a de facto ban on all abortion. The Biden administration has issued guidance arguing that someone only violates the Comstock Act if the sender intends for abortion-related materials to be used unlawfully. However, although Joe Biden has focused his re-election campaign on reproductive rights, he has steered clear of addressing the potential return of the Comstock Act. Smith said that it seems impossible that her repeal bill will garner the 60 votes necessary to advance legislation in the Senate. Republicans recently stymied Democratic efforts to establish federal rights to contraception and in vitro fertilization. But Smith views her bill as a chance to raise awareness of the nationwide consequences of a Comstock Act revival, particularly among voters living in states where abortion rights are currently protected. You talk to somebody in Minnesota or Nevada or Pennsylvania, places where people feel secure that they have control over their own decisions and their own potential to decide for themselves about abortion and then come to find out that Donald Trump has a plan to take away that control that you have, even without a vote or an act of Congress, Smith said. It makes it much more real, what the difference is and what the contrast is, what the choices are for you even in those states where state law protects you. That could all change. In a New York Times April op-ed where she first aired her plans to repeal the Comstock Act, Smith suggested that she planned to introduce the legislation once the supreme court ruled on a case involving access to mifepristone, one of the two drugs typically used in US medication abortions and a top target of anti-abortion activists. In a unanimous opinion earlier this month, the supreme court ruled on technical grounds to let access to mifepristone remain unchanged for now. Although rightwing justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito brought up the Comstock Act during oral arguments in the case, neither the majority opinion nor a concurrence by Thomas ultimately mentioned the anti-obscenity law. The court, in its decision, left the door wide open for future challenges based on Comstock, Smith said, adding: There was nothing in the courts decision that gave me any sense of security. Silly season is upon us as Just Stop Oil activists stage another stunt and this time Stonehenge is the victim - Reuters The late Lord Arran introduced two Bills in the House of Lords. One was the Sexual Offences Act of 1967, which legalised homosexuality. The other was for the protection of badgers. Lord Arran later complained that while the chamber had been full during the reading of the first Bill, few had taken an interest in the second. To which someone is alleged to have replied, There arent any badgers in the House of Lords. How things have changed. There are still no badgers in the Lords; though who knows what will happen under Sir Keirs proposals for that chamber. Starmer has said he is pro-badger, so they appear to enjoy increasing support. The UK Badger Trust has issued a 2024 election manifesto. It calls on the major political parties to restore nature now. This presumably means no more bypasses. I remember the Newbury bypass furore of 1996, which was also caused by the badger constituency. Work was suspended because badgers were using setts on the line of the new road. The Newbury Badgerites distributed a handbook to their supporters, which offered a less than encouraging insight into their views on the humble road-builder. It ran thus: Encircle his machine. Hell soon get bored and start to read The Sun. As far as I know, there have been no surveys on the reading habits of road-builders. There is nothing to suggest that they do not read The Telegraph, but the Newbury protesters had them reading The Sun. There was something rather sneering and unpleasant in this, as there are in the current prejudices of eco activists. For all you dozers out there, the deranged hooligans from Just Stop Oil defaced Stonehenge with tangerine powder yesterday while Extinction Rebellion is upon us once more. It recently consciously coupled with Hollywoods finest in a protest against man-made climate change in New Yorks Times Square, encouraged by the Were All Going To Die brigade of weathermen. An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for the central and eastern US, where temperatures are being described as lethal. British holidaymakers have been told to prepare for another summer of record-breaking temperatures in Europe, where more spine-chilling cautions have been issued by our globalist duennas. How can we stop weather hyperbole and the constant blaming of climate change on capitalism? For one thing, the climate hasnt changed. It was just as hot in the Middle Ages. Monastic chronicles under the reign of Edward IV record people cooking food on cobblestones; while the Tudors wilted, letting prisoners out of the Tower because of temperatures in London. The summer of 1524 was noted as intolerably hot in the Annals of Dublin. Many expired. Aside from their ignorance, the greatest fault of the climate change lot is the contempt in which they hold the rest of us. One has the feeling that most of them would like to chuck it all in and live on a pig farm in the Andes. But they cannot, so they make our lives as unhappy as possible. Accordingly, they make a feature of insisting that the cultural habits of man should make way for biodiversity. Man is Bad and Nature is Good. Hippy days are here again. Old ideas are not necessarily the best. Naturalists may quote in their support such varied and weighty sources as Romantics Rousseau, Shelley and dHolbach. The Romantic movement was really a rehearsal for Flower Power. Rousseau and dHolbach had long hair and resembled members of one of those 1960s pop groups like The Byrds. DHolbach may actually have been the inventor of Flower Power. There is a passage in his Systeme de la nature, published in 1770: Come back, runaway child..Restored to nature, to yourself, scatter flowers along the road of life. No sensible person would wish to be restored to nature. Much of nature, until refined and moulded by the artifice of man, is not a very pretty sight. Deprived of the veneer of a Poussin or Fragonard idyll, it can be deeply unpleasant. More false claims are made for the country than are made by a pimp for a one-legged whore. One may ask, what is wrong with cities, apart from the fact that most were built by white men? The word civilised, after all, is from the Latin civilis, which means pertaining to a city. Urbane is derived from urbs, again a city. And where does the term village idiot come from? The worship of nature makes idiots out of its proponents, and unsavoury idiots at that. Friends of the Earth has referred to Earth rapists. What of the rapists of women? In the protesters strange order of priorities, one has to assume that they no longer matter. The most fervent supporters of nature have held dubious moral views. Rousseau, for example, came up with the idea of the noble savage. But there is nothing noble about savagery. Rousseau fathered a series of illegitimate children and gave them away as foundlings. He was also an early communist who believed in the abolition of private property. It is views like these that have given intellectual credibility to tyrants. The young who were to make Hitlers Germany lit their campfires and communed with nature. The Fuhrer was entranced by Wagnerian landscapes, while Goering, who was obsessed with biodiversity and hated hot weather, would have been a hero to Extinction Rebellion. Someone tell that to the Greta goblin person. Nigel Farage is standing to become the MP for Clacton - Ian West/PA A Conservative wipeout at the general election could be even worse than a major opinion poll suggests, Nigel Farage has claimed. The Reform UK leader said Tory fortunes were continuing to worsen after polling from Savanta for The Telegraph found the party on track to slump to just 53 seats. Mr Farage also said he was willing to place the biggest bet in my life that Reform would win seats on July 4 after the constituency-level survey of 18,000 people predicted that it would be left without any MPs. The Savanta poll predicts Rishi Sunak will become the first Prime Minister ever to lose their seat at a general election. On the Tory wipeout, I think it could be even bigger than Savanta suggests, Mr Farage told The Telegraph. I think things are getting worse and worse for them. The Conservative campaign has been hit by a series of gaffes, including a rain-soaked campaign launch on the steps of Downing Street and a row in which Mr Sunak was forced to apologise after leaving D-Day commemorations in Normandy early. On Wednesday night, it emerged that a second Tory candidate is being investigated over an alleged bet on the date of the general election in a fresh blow to the party. The Savanta poll predicted that Reform would not win a single seat despite a surge in the opinion polls. It consulted people between June 7 and June 18, meaning fieldwork started days after Mr Farage had returned to the political front line. Under the first past the post system, it is harder for smaller parties to gain ground at general elections, as it means geographically concentrated support is needed to win constituencies. Mr Farage said: There is obviously some of the Farage effect in it [the poll], but its nowhere near as strong as it is today. We are the ones with momentum. I will have with Savanta the biggest bet in my life I have ever had that we will win seats. An extra element of doubt could apply to the Savanta poll because of changes in Reforms profile since Mr Farage returned to lead the party on June 4. He replaced Richard Tice as leader a few days before polling for the seat-by-seat survey, with an uptick in Reforms vote being seen throughout the last fortnight. His impact on the seat of Clacton, where he is standing, is also hard to predict with nationwide polling. Lee Anderson, the Reform candidate for Ashfield, was the partys only MP when Mr Sunak called the general election last month. Mr Anderson, a former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, defected in March. Farage praised Tate for defending male culture in a podcast episode that aired in February. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images Nigel Farage has praised the misogynist influencer Andrew Tate for being an important voice for the emasculated and giving boys perhaps a bit of confidence at school in online interviews that appear to be aimed at young men over the past year. The Reform UK leader spoke in favour of Tate for defending male culture in a Strike It Big podcast that aired in February, while acknowledging that the influencer had gone over the top and elsewhere that he had said some pretty horrible things. Since December 2022, Tate has been facing charges in Romania of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, which he denies. Many politicians and teachers have spoken out against Tates influence on young boys in the UK, after the self-proclaimed misogynist said women belonged in the home and were a mans property. Theres no way you can be rooted in reality and not be sexist, Tate said in one video. In other clips reported by the Observer, the British-American kickboxer who poses with fast cars and guns, and portrays himself as a cigar-smoking playboy talks about hitting and choking women, trashing their belongings and stopping them from going out. He has now been banned from YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Farages interviews on the podcasts demonstrate how he has been attempting to appeal to younger audiences on a series of controversialist podcasts and online shows aimed at younger men. He has ranged from arguing against diversity quotas for BAME people, saying the idea we should give people jobs according to how suntanned they are, the colour of their skin was nonsense, to suggesting that some people on benefits are too fat too stupid, too lazy to work. In his Strike It Big podcast appearance in February, Farage said Tate had been an important voice for men, who were being told that male culture should be looked down on. Tate was a very important voice for an emasculated you three guys, you are all 25, you are all kind of being told you cant be blokes, you cant do laddish, fun, bloke things Thats almost what youre being told. That masculinity is something we should look down upon, something we should frown upon. Its like the men are becoming feminine and the women are becoming masculine and its a bit difficult to tell these days whos what. And Tate fed into that by saying, Hang on, whats wrong with being a bloke? Whats wrong in male culture? Whats wrong in male humour? He fed into those things. His was a campaign of raising awareness, his was a campaign of giving people perhaps a bit of confidence at school or whatever it was to speak up He acknowledged that Tate maybe took that alter-ego of masculinity too far in his relationships with women and that some of things he had said and posted were over the top. But he said the jury is out on investigations into the influencer. Farage was pictured with Tate in 2019, before the legal case in Romania. Elsewhere in the podcast, Farage said: The banking sector, now full of idiots, people are promoted not because of ability, but ethnicity or gender The white male you lot are going to feel the worlds against you. Andrew Tate tapped into that. Youre going to feel the worlds against you, youre going to feel resentful and angry These are massive cultural battles. In another podcast from August last year, the Disruptors show hosted by Rob Moore, Farage was asked whether he would rather listen to Andrew Tate or Jordan Peterson, the Canadian psychology professor and culture warrior. I think Jordan Peterson because I think he is a lot more rounded. I think Andrew Tate is a fascinating figure. I think his speaking to men, who because of the woke agenda were told they couldnt be male in any way at all, was an important thing. But I feel some of his comments were pretty horrible. Jordan has a much more coherent intellectualism to what he does. Asked about his podcast appearances, including his comments on Tate, Farage said: Theres an awakening in a younger generation who have had enough of being dictated to, have had enough of being lectured to. Theyre seeing through the rubbish theyre getting taught in schools and universities. If no other politician is willing to reach out to this group of people, then I will. Alex Davies-Jones, a Labour candidate and shadow minister for domestic violence, said Tate was a dangerous misogynist who is facing multiple charges of human trafficking and sexual offences and it is inexplicable that a politician would praise him. Davies-Jones, who has previously faced death and rape threats for criticising Tates brainwashing of young boys, added: Tate is not a positive role model for young boys. He will drag them down a horrific rabbit-hole of objectifying and abusing women. It is never just banter it is part of a toxic culture that sadly often leads to violence. On an episode of the Your Round podcast, which aired earlier this month, Farage hit out at the idea of hiring policies that take diversity into account, appearing to describe people of colour as being suntanned. The race thing is even worse. The idea we should give people jobs according to how suntanned they are, the colour of their skin the whole thing is nonsense. A guy whos my producer at GB News is half Indian. Im darker than he is! Its nonsense. He later added: Now were saying this person gets this job because theyre black, or theyre gay. In an appearance on the free speech Triggernometry podcast, which has almost 1 million subscribers, in February 2023, Farage claimed that welfarism, Im afraid, is making millions of people lazy. Im too fat, Im too stupid, Im too lazy, I dont get out of bed in the morning. I smoke drugs, give me money Thats what were saying. I dont need to work, the state will provide for me We cannot afford it, he said. Other rightwing views aired on the podcast included Farage saying he wished that the former Conservative prime minister Liz Truss had held her nerve and stuck to her budget as a lot of it was good thinking although he said it was too much, too fast. He also claimed that Jeremy Hunt taking over as chancellor after the budget triggered a negative market reaction was part of a globalist coup. In a further interview with a show called Nomad Capitalist in April 2024, Farage had huge praise for Javier Milei, the far-right libertarian Argentine president famous for posing with a chainsaw, saying he had been bringing in Thatcherism on steroids this is incredible, cutting and slashing public expenditure, doing all the things hes done, adding: Thats leadership he is amazing. When asked to list the best leaders in the western world, Farage named Hungarys rightwing leader, Viktor Orban, a strong leader, and his friend Donald Trump, the US presidential candidate. Previously, in 2016 on Fox News, Farage praised Vladmir Putin, the Russian president, who he said for all his faults was a strong leader who believes in his own nation. February 2023 Im too fat, Im too stupid, Im too lazy, I dont get out of bed in the morning. I smoke drugs, give me money Thats what were saying. I dont need to work, the state will provide for me We cannot afford it. I welcomed much of [Liz Trusss] budget. I think if there is a criticism, they tried to do too much, too quickly, without prior explanation What happened here is the backbenches wobbled really quite quickly because a lot of Conservative backbenchers are basically globalists and listened to those big noises from the multinationals and the IMF. As soon as she sacked Kwarteng, it was all over I would much have preferred her to hold her nerve, keep making those arguments and see if the party dared get rid of them. August 2023 I think Andrew Tate is a fascinating figure. I think his speaking to men, who because of the woke agenda were told they couldnt be male in any way at all, was an important thing. But I feel some of his comments were pretty horrible. February 2024 Tate was a very important voice for an emasculated You three guys, you are all 25, you are all kind of being told you cant be blokes, you cant do laddish, fun, bloke things Thats almost what youre being told. That masculinity is something we should look down upon, something we should frown upon. Its like the men are becoming feminine and the women are becoming masculine and its a bit difficult to tell these days whos what. April 2024 Javier Milei is Thatcherism on steroids this is incredible, cutting and slashing public expenditure, doing all the things hes done Thats leadership He is amazing. June 2024 The race thing is even worse. The idea we should give people jobs according to how suntanned they are, the colour of their skin the whole thing is nonsense. A guy whos my producer at GB News is half Indian. Im darker than he is! Its nonsense. For the first time, Indias coal-powered stations, such as the Ennore plant near Chennai, used more coal than Europe and North America combined last year. Photograph: Idrees Mohammed/EPA The worlds consumption of fossil fuels climbed to a record high last year, driving emissions to more than 40 gigatonnes of CO 2 for the first time, according to a global energy report. Despite a record rise in the use of renewable energy in 2023, consumption of fossil fuels continued to increase too, an annual review of world energy by the Energy Institute found. Juliet Davenport, the president of the Energy Institute, said the report had revealed another year of highs in our energy-hungry world including a record high consumption of fossil fuels, which rose by 1.5% to 505 exajoules. The findings threaten to dash hopes held by climate scientists that 2023 would be recorded as the year in which annual emissions peaked before the global fossil fuel economy begins a terminal decline. Related: Former BP boss calls for end to new North Sea drilling licences The Energy Institute, the global professional body for the energy sector, found that while energy industry emissions may have reached a peak in advanced economies, developing economies are continuing to increase their reliance on coal, gas and oil. Overall, fossil fuels made up 81.5% of the worlds primary energy last year, down only marginally from 82% the year before, according to the report, even as wind and solar farms generated record amounts of clean electricity. The report, authored by consultants at KPMG and Kearney, found that wind and solar power climbed by 13% last year to reach a new record of 4,748 terawatt hours in 2023. But that was not enough to match the worlds growing consumption of primary energy, which rose 2% last year to a record high of 620 exajoules and led to more fossil fuel use. The review found that the worlds appetite for gas remained steady in 2024 while consumption of coal climbed by 1.6% and oil demand rose by 2% to reach 100m barrels a day for the first time. Simon Virley, the UK head of energy and natural resources at KPMG, said: In a year where we have seen the contribution of renewables reaching a new record high, ever increasing global energy demand means the share coming from fossil fuels has remained virtually unchanged at just over 80% for yet another year. Nick Wayth, the Energy Institutes chief executive, added that the slow progress of the energy transition masks diverse energy stories playing out across different geographies. In advanced economies, we observe signs of demand for fossil fuels peaking, contrasting with economies in the global south for whom economic development and improvements in quality of life continue to drive fossil growth, said Wayth. The report found that, in India, fossil fuel consumption climbed by 8% last year, matching the increase in overall energy demand to make up 89% of all energy use. This meant that, for the first time, more coal was used in India than Europe and North America combined, it said. In Europe, fossil fuels fell to below 70% of primary energy use for the first time since the Industrial Revolution, driven by falling demand and the growth of renewable energy. Europes demand for gas in particular has continued to tumble since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which caused pipeline gas imports into Europe to collapse. Overall gas demand fell by 7% in 2023, according to the report, after a fall of 13% the previous year. Glastonbury Festival could be hit by rain ... again making it difficult for music lovers - Matt Cardy/Getty Glastonbury-goers should bring their wellies as the Met Office warns there may be heavy and thundery showers during the festival. Heatwave conditions are expected over the next few days across the UK, with temperatures in the high-20s into the middle of next week, possibly as high as 30C in some places. But after Wednesday, when the festival officially starts, the Met Office said there was a strong possibility of showers in parts of the country. Although the set-up for the festival is likely to be in near heatwave conditions, there is a signal for showers, perhaps even heavy and thundery, towards the end of next week, said Met Office spokesman Graham Madge. Sir Paul McCartney headlines at Glastonbury in 2022 on the Pyramid Stage - Samir Hussein/WireImage The showers may not last long though, before a return to warmer temperatures, but the Met Office said that it was too soon to predict what the weather would do over the weekend. For those unsure about what to pack it is best to wait until early next week to take account of the latest Met Office forecast, Mr Madge said. Festival-goers will be hoping for hot weather at Worthy Farm, like last year - Jamie Lorriman What weve got from now is an area of high pressure, which is beginning to build, raising temperature values, so were in for largely a fine weekend, said Mr Madge. And by the time we get to the end of the weekend well see temperatures start to climb. But he said: There is uncertainty over exactly how long this period of fine and settled weather will last. At the moment, we are forecasting that it will last into at least the middle of next week. So that will be in situ for when Glastonbury starts to open on Wednesday. Whether we get those conditions lasting into the festival period itself is subject to quite an element of uncertainty at the moment. Even a short deluge on Glastonbury may bring scenes like those seen at last weekends Download Festival in Leicestershire, where attendees were left wading through ankle-deep mud. The warmer weather on the way is a contrast to the first two weeks of June when more than a third of people were forced to switch on their heating due to the cold temperatures, according to a new survey from Opinium. The survey, commissioned by Direct Line Home Insurance, also found 40 per cent of people put on their winter jumpers over the period, with the worst affected areas in the east and south west of England. Nigel Farages TikTok output includes a video of him mouthing the lyrics to Eminems Without Me. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images While Nigel Farage has written off many in generation X for being hopelessly woke and leftwing, he is much more interested in gen Z. Support is exploding among young gen Z 18-25 voters, he told an audience in Runcorn in Cheshire on Thursday. Something remarkable is happening out there. Theres an awakening in a younger generation who have had enough of being dictated to, have had enough of being lectured to, and theyre seeing through the BS theyre getting in schools and universities. Reform party backers are sometimes thought of as even older than Tory voters. But recent polling shows that Farages party is actually attracting more younger supporters than the Conservatives, with particular backing among men. According to the latest Survation survey, Reform was getting 12% of younger peoples vote compared with 2% of 18-to-24s opting for the Tories. The most recent YouGov poll has Reform on 15% with 18- to 24-year-olds and the Conservatives on 7%. It suggests the partys decision to target younger voters is deliberate and its strategy of engaging with them on social media appears to be paying off. Farage has been appearing on a number of podcasts that appeal to young men many of which appear to be hosted by rightwing controversialists with large social media followings. It is on one of these, the Strike It Big podcast, where Farage praised the important voice of self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate in standing up for male culture, while acknowledging that the influencer had gone over the top. Other recent guests on Strike It Big, which has 200,000 followers, include David Icke, the conspiracy theorist, and a testosterone expert called Jack Hopkins who advises on how to get rich FAST & become a real man. The Reform leaders short, punchy social media clips have also gained far more attention than many of his more strait-laced political rivals. He is one of a small number of British politicians who have successfully and enthusiastically embraced TikTok a platform eschewed by the Tories and Labour as a way of reaching out to the young. With 776,000 followers on the platform, up almost 200,000 since the election was called, he is the most followed UK politician on TikTok by far, with Zarah Sultana the next at 446,000. His following, boosted by his appearance last year on Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, of more than 775,000 dwarfs that of Reform itself (188,000) and the Green party (41,000). At the same time, he has recently taken to speaking with fondness for gen Z a cohort born between 1997 and 2012 and for whom TikTok is often a preferred social media tool whom he has sought to portray as self-starters who are more receptive to his brand of political views. The TikTok output of Farage not traditionally known as a hip-hop fan also indicates a younger hand at work. Clips that have cut through include one of Farage mouthing the lyrics of Eminems song Without Me (7.6m views). Another which received 2.4m views featured Farage inspecting fruit on a walkabout and raising an eyebrow as he turns to the camera and says lovely melons. Some of Farages close advisers behind his strategy include his long-term media aide Dan Jukes, a digital specialist who helped with the politicians social media during his Im a Celebrity appearance. Others have included Michael Heaver, a former press aide to Farage and a Brexit party MEP, who has sought to create his own social media following on YouTube. However, eyebrows have been raised within Reform circles about the involvement of a newer figure, Jack Anderton, who has been contracted to do digital work. Anderton, 23, is a prolific presence across X, TikTok and other platforms where he has sought to link immigration to the struggles faced by young British people. His X posts included one in which he referred to millions of people living in Britain whom he said hate our country, adding: They might, on paper, be British citizens but they are distinctly foreign. A source close to Anderton said: Jack was speaking in a personal capacity and is entitled to his opinion. He was referring to a large-scale pro-Palestinian march deliberately timed to coincide with Armistice Day. Labour will undoubtedly win the vote with younger people on 4 July, with all polling showing they are way ahead. But the main parties may come to reflect on Reforms strategy on social media, and its small but growing appeal among this demographic, as once again Farage appears to be reaching sections of society that politicians have not always engaged with before. Armed settlers look on at nearby Palestinian towns from their security outpost in Yitzhar, West Bank. Israeli politicians have long sought to find ways to permanently seize the occupied West Bank. Photograph: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images The Israeli military has quietly handed over significant legal powers in the occupied West Bank to pro-settler civil servants working for the far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich. An order posted by the Israel Defense Forces on its website on 29 May transfers responsibility for dozens of bylaws at the Civil Administration the Israeli body governing in the West Bank from the military to officials led by Smotrich at the defence ministry. Smotrich and his allies have long seen control of the Civil Administration, or significant parts of it, as a means of extending Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. Their ultimate goal is direct control by central government and its ministries. The transfer reduces the likelihood of legal checks on settlement expansion and development. Israeli politicians have long sought to find ways to permanently seize, or annex, the occupied West Bank, which it captured in 1967 and where millions of Palestinians live. Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said: The bottom line is that [for] anyone who thought the question of annexation was foggy, this order should end any doubts. What this order does is transfers vast areas of administrative power from the military commander to Israeli civilians working for the government. It is the latest coup for Smotrich, who became finance minister and a minister in the defence ministry after a coalition agreement between his far-right political party and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party. The Civil Administration is principally responsible for planning and construction in Area C of the West Bank the 60% of the Occupied Palestinian Territories under full Israeli administrative and security control as well as enforcement against unauthorised construction, whether by Israeli settlers or by Palestinians. The transfer of laws, which was largely unremarked upon in Israel, follows a years-long campaign by pro-settlement politicians to accrue many of the legal powers previously wielded by the military chain of command. The laws cover everything from building regulations to the administration of agriculture, forestry, parks and bathing locations. Lawyers have long warned that transferring them from military to political control would risk bringing Israel into conflict with its responsibilities under international law. After entering government, Smotrich moved quickly to approve thousands of new settlement homes, legalise previously unauthorised wildcat outposts, and make it more difficult for Palestinians to build homes and move around. Reports in the Israeli media say US officials have privately discussed the possibility of imposing sanctions on Smotrich over his destabilising impact on the West Bank, where he lives in a settlement that is illegal under international law. Netanyahu has become more reliant on the support of Smotrich and other far-right elements of his coalition government since the moderate former defence minister Benny Gantz quit Israels emergency war cabinet in a row over strategy in the Gaza war and how to bring home Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Smotrich has made no secret of his desire to carve out his own stronghold in the ministry of defence to pursue his policies, downplaying the significance as merely technical. In April, Smotrich appointed a long-term ideological ally, Hillel Roth, as the deputy in the Civil Administration with responsibility for enforcing building regulations in settlements and outposts. Roth is a former resident of Yitzhar, a West Bank settlement with a reputation for violence and extremism. He served as an official with Bnei Akiva, an NGO linked to Smotrichs Religious Zionist party. Sfard said the transfer meant legal power in the West Bank was now in the hands of an apparatus headed by an Israeli minister whose only interest is to advance Israeli interests. Equally important, Sfard said, was that although the head of the Civil Administration is an officer subordinate to the military command, Roth is a civilian who answers to Smotrich. Sfards view echoes a legal opinion published by three Israeli jurists last year who warned that transferring powers from the military would amount to annexation in law, as Smotirch considers himself committed first and foremost to advancing the interests of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, rather than the welfare of Palestinian residents. Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst for Israel-Palestine at Crisis Group, said: The big story is that this is no longer creeping annexation or de facto annexation, it is actual annexation. This is the legalisation [and] normalisation of a long-term policy. Smotrich is basically re-establishing the way in which the occupation works by taking a large part out of the hands of the military. Half the people he has brought in to the defence ministry are from [the pro-settler Israeli NGO] Regavim. The same people who worked at Regavim to disposess Palestinians in Area C are now in government positions. John Swinney at the SNP's manifesto launch in Edinburgh on June 19 - Bloomberg As the last of the SNPs long marchers those nationalists who played their part in voting for Scottish devolution at Westminster and whore still engaged in elected politics John Swinney is unique in his party. Along with Alex Salmond, leader of the breakaway Alba party but no longer an MSP, and Roseanna Cunningam the retired Republican Rosie he took part in Commons votes that paved the way for the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. He has been a politician longer than any of his counterparts, including his predecessor Humza Yousaf whose self-inflicted downfall led to Mr Swinney taking over the reins as both First Minister and SNP leader. But the pertinent question remains dramatically different: having been on the political front line for more than two decades and been one of founders of the modern-day SNP, how did Mr Swinney lead his party towards election disaster on July 4? The SNP walked away from the 2024 general election with only a handful of seats remaining, ending the partys era of domination over Scottish politics as they gained just nine seats. Mr Swinneys party fell victim to a Labour tidal wave, but also to the Tories who picked up support from voters opposed to the SNPs plan to shut down North Sea oil and gas production. Mr Swinney spoke at the SNP's General Election manifesto launch where the theme was "A Future Made in Scotland" - PA Mr Swinney had been ushered in as a safety first leader after chaos reigned following Mr Yousafs resignation at the end of the controversial coalition with the Greens. But he enjoyed the briefest of political honeymoons since being nominated as First Minister on May 7. Rishi Sunaks decision to call the general election for July 4 caught Mr Swinney by surprise, kicking his campaign off to the worst of all starts. Shortly after the election was called, he was castigated for refusing to back a lengthy suspension from Holyrood for Michael Mathes, the disgraced former SNP health secretary, who charged the taxpayer 11,000 for roaming charges he racked up on holiday. Mr Swinneys approach resulted in both his partys and his personal popularity plummeting in opinion polls. One veteran campaigner said: On the doorsteps people are fed up. They think Swinney has lost the plot. If he thinks that the voters dont care about issues like this, he is completely wrong. Disillusionment with the SNP is now turning to anger. Mr Swinney, who looks every one of his sixty years, is remembered, principally, as Alex Salmonds first lieutenant when the SNP entered the new Scottish parliaments temporary home at the top of Edinburghs Royal Mile twenty five years ago. The pair were a pretty poor runner-up to Labour, still then Scotlands natural party of government, in the first election. Mr Swinney met with Jack Hillmeyer, Consul General of the US Consulate General in Edinburgh on Wednesday With the Liberal Democrats joining Labour in a coalition government a situation that lasted for eight years the SNP was shut out of power and looking a long way off from their goal of Scottish independence. In spite of his placid, workmanlike, demeanour this was a cause that has always burned fiercely in Mr Swinneys heart. As opposition leader Mr Salmond took the lead against Donald Dewar, the former Scottish Secretary, who had been specially selected by Tony Blair to run what was seen by Downing Street as little more than Labours branch office in Edinburgh. That all changed in 2000 when, first, Dewar died of a brain haemorrhage and Mr Salmond, for reasons still not adequately explained, resigned as SNP leader. Mr Swinney was the natural successor but his term of office was, to say the least, ill-starred. Against, at first, Henry McLeish as Labour First Minister and then Jack McConnell, after Mr McLeish resigned following an expenses mix-up, the weekly joust between the two party leaders lost much of its former lustre. Instead of heavyweights battling it out, such as Mr Salmond and Dewar, there was Mr Swinney versus Mr McLeish - a distinct drop in star quality, so much so that one sketch writer dubbed Question Time hamster wars. But that was the least of his worries. Under Mr Swinneys leadership, the SNP lost one of their six MPs at the 2001 general election and notched up only 19 per cent of the vote in the 2004 European Parliament election, one of its lowest ever shares of the vote. It was deemed a disaster and by this time Mr Swinneys allies were convinced that Mr Salmond was undermining him from Westminster. It was widely reported that James Bond star Sir Sean Connery, a leading Scottish independence backer and friend of Mr Salmond had made it known that Mr Swinney was too boring to be leader. The denouement arrived when senior party figures only half-jokingly referred to as the men in kilts advised Mr Swinney to stand down. He did, only to be succeeded by the man he had succeeded, Alex Salmond. But now, and proving that theres nothing new in politics, he is back as both party leader and First Minister. However, the poisoned chalice he won in 2000 and was forced to give up four years later, was replaced by another of the same. An SNP era of domination over Scottish politics collapsed when the party was left with just nine seats at the 2024 general election, having previously held 48 since the 2019 vote. Mr Swinney at the SNP General Election launch at Patina on Wednesday - Jeff J Mitchell A veritable blitzkrieg of bad government, sleaze and hugely unpopular policies alienated the party and appeared to turn supporters against them. Furthermore, lurking in the background was the case of the Missing Six Hundred Thousand the massive sum which disappeared from the partys coffers. It was cash that had been donated by party activists to pay for a hoped-for new independence referendum. The missing money has been investigated by Police Scotland in what is code named Operation Branchform for nearly three years and Peter Murrell, the husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was charged in connection with embezzlement. A report from Police Scotland went to the Crown Office, which is Scotlands prosecuting authority. Ms Sturgeon herself and Colin Beattie, the partys former treasurer, were both arrested and then freed pending further inquiries , which the police say are still continuing. Ms Sturgeon said she was certain she had committed no offence and insisted: I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing. Mr Beattie said he would co-operate fully with Police Scotlands inquiries. The case may be seldom mentioned in polite political circles but according to veteran campaigners, it is constantly raised on the doorsteps. Staunch supporter of Scotlands independence Mr Swinney was born in Edinburgh in 1964 and attended Forrester High School in the capital city. He became attracted to the SNP during the second general election of 1974, when the party won 30 per cent of the vote and 11 seats. Another factor that he has said pushed him towards the SNP was his irritation when English commentators described the swimmer David Wilkie as British when he triumphed at the Commonwealth Games but Scottish when he did not. Mr Swinney joined the party in 1979, aged only 15, convinced that Scotland was getting a raw deal from the Union and needed to leave the UK. He graduated from Edinburgh University in 1986 with an MA in politics before becoming a research officer with the Scottish Coal Project. The same year he became the partys national secretary at the age of only 22. John Swinney, Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond and Mike Russell in 1999 - Ben Curtis Within two years he was working as a business and management consultant for a Glasgow firm, where he met his first wife, Lorna. The reserved and quiet Mr Swinney and the outgoing Lorna King did not appear to be the most obvious match. However, the couple married in 1991 and a daughter, Judith, was born a few years later followed by a son, Stuart. Later he worked for insurance firm Scottish Amicable but his life was soon turned upside down. First, he was elected the MP for Tayside North in the 1997 general election, ousting Tory Bill Walker. Even then he was being touted within SNP circles as the natural successor to then party leader Alex Salmond. However, in August 1998 he and Lorna announced their separation after seven years of marriage. At first they claimed no one else was involved but it emerged that she had been having an affair with a married nursery teacher. Mr Swinney moved out of the family home and his wife broke off the relationship with her lover. Although they divorced, it did not appear to be a rancorous split, with Lorna stating at the time: He is still the father of my children and a good father at that. In January 2001 the then 37-year-old announced he had a new girlfriend, Elizabeth Quigley, a BBC politics reporter eight years his junior. She promptly moved to cover general news instead of politics to avoid any suggestion of bias and they married in 2003. The couple married at Saint Peter's Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh - PA Mr Swinney has never been viewed as a charismatic politician and has normally been seen as a moderate voice in the SNP hierarchy but his support for independence has never been questioned. However, in a long career as SNP finance minister, he boasts that he has successfully got eleven budgets through the Scottish Parliament and has earned the respect, if not the admiration, of his opponents. But a low point in his political career so far came in 2016 when Sturgeon moved him from the role of finance secretary to education secretary in a bid to stop the slide in Scotlands traditionally well-regarded education system. He remained deputy first minister. However, moving Mr Swinney to education didnt work and in 2020 he faced fierce criticism from parents, teachers and political opponents over what Labours Richard Leonard described as his disastrous overview of examination results which saw 125,000 pupils having their grades reduced on the basis of past school results. He survived a no confidence motion in the Holyrood parliament on that issue and survived another such vote a year later over what was described by Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross as the bureaucratic mess of a new teaching system. Ms Sturgeon then removed him from the education brief and made him the minister for Covid recovery seen by many as a non job while still retaining his title as deputy first minister. And it was his role in this latter post when Scottish politicians saw another side of Mr Swinney what seemed to be an out and out apologist for Ms Sturgeon. She has been locked in a bitter personal battle with Mr Salmond, since succeeding him after the failed referendum campaign in 2014. This included Mr Salmond accusing Ms Sturgeon of being part of a conspiracy against him, which included him being facing trial and being acquitted in 2019 of 13 harassment charges, including one of sexual assault with intent to rape. Ms Sturgeon denied a role in any conspiracy and there then followed several years of mudslinging between the two along the lines of who said what to whom and when and including a complaint that Ms Sturgeon had misled the Scottish Parliament. Mr Swinney found himself in the middle of this bitter dispute, having to issue statements on First Minister Sturgeons behalf. However, he earned criticism, too, for what he didnt say when in 2022 Ms Sturgeon forced her controversial gender reform act allowing over 16s to self declare their gender through the Scottish parliament. Nor has he made any public statement about the more than 600,000 missing from the SNPs coffers. But the shambles of the Sturgeon period came to a head when after she resigned in 2023, insisting it had nothing to do with the missing cash, and was replaced by her candidate Humza Yousaf, her accident prone health minister. Humza Yousaf with John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon after he delivered his farewell speech as First Minister at the Scottish Parliament Building on May 7 - Jeff J Mitchell Mr Swinney saw his chance and resigned as deputy first minister almost before the ink was dry on Ms Sturgeons resignation letter. His exile to the backbenches lasted only a year when, again, with what looked like unseemly haste and no opposition he effectively made himself First Minister when Mr Yousaf was forced to resign to escape a no confidence motion after ending the SNP coalition deal with the Greens. Mr Swinney promised his party and opponents that he would pursue a moderate and voter-friendly policy agenda while also, for the first time, publicly expressing his Christian faith. The latter explanation may have had something to do with the fact that he made Kate Forbes in the eyes of many the best candidate to be First Minister his deputy. She was an already avowed Christian and member of the Free Church of Scotland. Stewart Hosie, Kate Forbes and Stephen Flynn listen to leader John Swinney at the SNP General Election launch - Jeff J Mitchell But Mr Swinneys promises look hollow against his recent behaviour in defending a friend and ministerial ally over the latters attempt to get the taxpayers to foot an 11,000 data bill run up by his family on a foreign holiday and then lying to the public about the circumstances. As a result, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar attacked Swinney for putting the SNP first not Scotland, while Mr Ross accused him of disgusting behaviour that demeans the office of First Minister. In response Mr Swinney sought to attack Mr Ross for using nasty, personal abuse an accusation that many observers might reckon is rich given the routine approach of SNP leaders when responding to attacks. Two women have been arrested after Just Stop Oil attempted to spray Taylor Swifts jet with orange paint - but failed to find it. Cole Macdonald, 22, and 28-year-old Jennifer Kowalski are said to have entered the airfield at London Stansted Airport at around 5am on Thursday. Essex Police later said two women were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use of national infrastructure after orange paint was sprayed on two planes. It is understood the two climate activists attempted to target Swifts jet, claiming they knew its tail number, but could not find it. Instead, they sprayed two jets at random using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint. Swift had landed at the private terminal at the Essex airport hours earlier, Just Stop Oil said, with the American singer scheduled to perform at Wembley Stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. Just Stop Oil activists sprayed two jets at random using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint after failing to find Taylor Swift's plane - Just Stop Oil It has now emerged that Ms Kowalski was previously a fan of Swift and met her backstage after a show in 2015. In an interview with an environmental magazine, she said: I was one of 15 people chosen, out of about 14,000 to meet the legend that is Taylor Swift backstage after her show in Glasgow. A pretty good achievement if you ask me! She added that Swifts song Marjorie, released in 2020, was an inspiration and the lyrics Never be so polite, you forget your power; never wield such power, you forget to be polite was her favourite quote. On her Facebook page she also shared a collage of her favourite pictures of Swift while a biology student at the University of Aberdeen. In a statement on the JSO website, Ms Kowalski, a former sustainability manager from Dumbarton, said: Over the years, Ive had to realise that even working in sustainability provides me with essentially no ability to make the necessary changes to prevent the complete collapse of our natural systems. I have to take desperate measures to make my voice heard. A spokesperson for JSO told The Telegraph Ms Kowalski remained the biggest Taylor Swift fan. Ms Macdonald, from Brighton, East Sussex, said: Were living in two worlds one where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unlivable conditions are being imposed on countless millions. Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending cruel summer. Billionaires are not untouchable climate breakdown will affect every single one of us. A Just Stop Oil spokesman said: Whilst governments are allowing oil corporations to run amok, destroying our communities, the actions of individuals mean very little. Thats why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government signs up to a legally-binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. Failure to defend the people they represent will mean Just Stop Oil supporters, along with citizens from Austria, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland will join in resistance this summer if their own governments do not take meaningful action. The demonstrators were said to have entered the airfield at around 5am on Thursday - Just Stop Oil Essex Police said in a statement: Officers were on the scene within minutes and detained two people. The airport and flights are operating as normal. A 22-year-old woman from Brighton and a 28-year-old woman from Dumbarton have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure. Swift has been contacted for comment. On Wednesday, Just Stop Oil attracted a storm of criticism after two protesters sprayed orange powder over Stonehenge the day before the summer solstice. Niamh Lynch, 21, and Rajan Naidum, 73, were filmed vandalising the stone circle near Salisbury with repurposed fire extinguishers. Wiltshire Police arrested the activists on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. Michael Gove, who is stepping down at the election, urged his Tory colleagues not to lurch to the Right if Labour wins - Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe Michael Gove has suggested that Liz Truss is to blame if the Conservatives lose the election. The Housing Secretary said the Tories chances of re-election had taken a bit of a knock because of the former prime ministers disastrous mini-Budget. However he refused to name Ms Truss, referring instead to the period between Boris and Rishi. Mr Gove, who is stepping down at the election, urged his Tory colleagues not to lurch to the Right if Labour wins. He admitted it would be a stretch for the Conservatives to win, warning that there was a risk Labour could become a forever government. Speaking before a visit to a building site in west London, he said: One of the challenges in particular that we face is the reputation for sound economic management, which is essential to Conservative success, took a bit of a knock in the period between Boris and Rishi. That was undoubtedly a challenge, and weve had very good economic management since then. I dont want to say I can draw definitive conclusions, because votes havent been cast but if you ask what made the election more difficult than it might otherwise have been, its that period. There are other challenges that we have as well. Therell be an opportunity after the election, whatever the result, for us to assess where support may have waned, where it held, and where it might have improved. Speaking at The Times CEO Summit, Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, said a Conservative win at the general election was not the most likely outcome. Asked whether he could win in his constituency, Mr Hunt said his seat was too close to call and that he was still meeting a lot of people who say they havent yet made up their mind. Earlier, Mr Gove warned that Labour could use a large majority to rig the system and create a forever government. He told Sky News: I hope we are getting our message across on tax and one of the things is that if people do reflect on the polls, and of course some may, they will ask themselves this question: If Labour do have that really big majority, what is to stop them rigging the system? What is to stop them giving votes to EU citizens, 16-year-olds, prisoners, and making sure that they could be a forever government? He also urged colleagues not to turn further to the Right, saying the Tories had to espouse social justice. Whatever happens whether we win the election, which I hope we will, or we lose the Conservative party is at its best when it embraces the spirit that we had in 2010 and 2019 of recognising that you need to be a party that appeals to every part of the country, in background and in geography, he said. We cant be a party of just property owners we need to be a party of renters and those who aspire to own property. We cant just be a party that safeguards those who have done well because of hard work, weve got to be a party on the side of those who aspire to both do better economically and contribute to society. In broad terms, the Conservative Party succeeds when it believes in hard work and enterprise, and social justice. Mr Gove said he would not get into the issue of partygate and whether that was having any impact on the election. The coal terminal at Lianyungang port, in the eastern Jiangsu province of China; 80% of Chinese citizens want a quick green transition, the UN poll found. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Most people in the worlds biggest fossil fuel producing countries want their countries to transition quickly to clean energy to fight the climate crisis, according to the largest ever climate opinion poll, conducted by the UN. Many of these states have profited heavily from fossil fuel exploitation, but the 77-nation poll shows their citizens are deeply concerned about the impacts of global heating on their lives. In China and India, the biggest coal producers, 80% and 76% respectively want a quick green transition. In the US, the worlds biggest oil and gas producer, 54% of people want a fast transition, as do 75% of those in Saudi Arabia, the second biggest oil producer. The poll also found 69% of Australians want a quick transition away from its large coal and gas sector. The UN Development Programme said the purpose of the poll was to show political leaders what millions of people around the world felt about the climate emergency, and what action they wanted taken. It is so important we let the people speak for themselves, said Achim Steiner, the UNDP head. The poll questioned 75,000 people in countries representing almost 90% of the global population. It found a large majority (80%) wanted their countries to strengthen their climate change commitments, with only 5% saying their country should weaken its action. Even more 86% wanted to see their countries set aside geopolitical differences and work together on climate change. Steiner said this level of consensus was stunning, given the increase in conflict and the rise of nationalism around the world. There can be no doubt that citizens across the world are saying to their leaders, you have to act and, above all, have to act faster, he said. This is an issue that almost everyone, everywhere, can agree on. Steiner said some fossil fuel nations would have to go through existential shifts. There are very narrow, self-interested agendas that maintain artificially inflated [profits] for fossil-fuel-based industries that ultimately are coming at the cost of everyone, he said. Hundreds of billions of dollars of fossil fuel subsidies are artificially slowing down an energy transition [it] is deliberately being held back by a distorted market. But we are definitely peaking on fossil fuels and we are seeing exponential growth rates in renewables and what the public ultimately wants is unquestionably pointing in the direction of a net zero transition. The Peoples Climate Vote contacted participants via randomly generated telephone numbers, with results weighted to ensure they represented national populations, and special effort was made to reach those sometimes overlooked by polling, such as older women without any formal education. Globally, the poll found 72% of people wanted their country to transition quickly away from fossil fuels to clean energy, with majorities in nine out of 10 countries. Only 7% of people said there should be no transition at all. There were large majorities in significant fossil fuel producers, including Nigeria (89%), Brazil (81%), Iran (79%), UK (76%) and Canada (65%). However, Russia (16%) and Iraq (43%) were exceptions. The poll also found that 56% of people globally said they thought about climate change daily or weekly, and a similar number said they were more worried about climate change than they were a year ago. Almost 70% said their big decisions, such as where to live or work, were being affected by climate change. Climate change is on peoples doorsteps, and they know it, said the UNDP global director of climate change, Cassie Flynn. Extremes are a part of our everyday lives, from the wildfires in Canada, the droughts in east Africa, to the flooding in UAE and Brazil. Cop29, the UNs annual international climate summit in December, is set to be dominated by the issue of climate finance and the poll showed 79% of people wanted rich countries to give more support to poorer countries. The social and justice dimensions of the climate transition have become perhaps the most central variables in the way the politics will play out in the years to come, said Steiner. One of the lessons everyone has learned in recent years is do not underestimate the concern people have for their livelihoods and their ability to pay their energy bills. Mark Rutte is expected to be confirmed formally as Natos secretary general in the coming days and take over when Jens Stoltenberg steps down on 1 October. Photograph: Johanna Geron/Reuters The outgoing Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, has won the race to become the next head of Nato at a perilous moment for the western alliance, after his only rival withdrew his bid. The long-serving Dutch leader is expected to be confirmed formally as Natos secretary general in the coming days and take over when the incumbent head, Jens Stoltenberg, steps down on 1 October after nearly a decade in charge. Ruttes imminent appointment comes as Ukraine faces relentless pressure from Russian bombardment in its eastern regions, while Nato-sceptic Donald Trump vies for another term in the White House. Rutte, 57, is a strong supporter of Ukraine and quickly won the support of key Nato countries, including the US, the UK, France and Germany, after he threw his hat in the ring following his decision to retire from Dutch politics. Although he is a critic of Vladimir Putin, Rutte could be perceived as less hawkish than possible candidates from central and eastern Europe, making him a near consensus choice. Related: Admitting Ukraine to Nato would be a mistake for both Ukraine and Nato | Christopher S Chivvis But to secure the job, which requires unanimous agreement of Natos 32 members, he had to win an endorsement from an initially wary Turkey, then overcome opposition from Hungary. The final hurdle to his appointment fell on Thursday when the Romanian president, Klaus Iohannis, announced he was withdrawing from the race. Romania will back Rutte and donate one of its two operational Patriot missile systems to Ukraine on condition that allies replace it with a similar air defence system, Bucharests supreme defence council, chaired by Iohannis, said. Earlier in the week Rutte persuaded Viktor Orban to support his bid, overcoming years of tensions between the EUs two longest-serving leaders over democratic standards in Hungary and EU spending. Rutte once said Hungary had no business being in the European Union any more owing to Hungarys anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. At a meeting in Brussels, Rutte gave the Hungarian leader assurances that no Hungarian troops or money would be deployed in Ukraine, in line with an existing agreement. Slovakia, another holdout, soon followed in announcing its support for Rutte. Rutte takes the reins of the alliance after nearly 14 years as Dutch prime minister and 18 as leader of his liberal Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy. He is the great survivor of Dutch politics, nicknamed Teflon Mark for his ability to avoid being tainted by scandals. For years his straight-talking, no-nonsense persona endeared him to Dutch voters, propelling him to lead four different coalition governments in a row. In one viral video, he insisted on mopping up coffee he had spilled, as cleaning staff applauded and he laughed at his own clumsiness. Well known for cycling to work or driving a battered Saab when in a hurry Rutte does his own supermarket shopping and lives in the same part of The Hague where he grew up, in a house he bought with friends as a student. For several years he has taught social studies once a week at a Dutch high school. Maybe Ill do it a couple of times a week, he said last July when he announced he would not be running for election again, after his coalition collapsed over immigration policy. Another nickname is the Trump whisperer for his ability to manage the former US president, who may return to the White House after the November US election. Rutte is widely credited with rescuing a 2018 Nato summit by talking Trump around on defence spending. Under Rutte, the Dutch government has given Ukraine 2.63bn (2.22bn) in military support and promised a further 2bn for 2024. Ukraine must win this battle. For their security and ours, Rutte has said. He also led a push to give Kyiv F-16 fighter jets, a decision described by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as historic on a trip to the Netherlands. The shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, with 196 Dutch people among the 298 people killed, was a defining moment in Dutch attitudes towards the Kremlin. Two weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rutte described Putin as cold-hearted, brutal, merciless. Ukraine has also revealed Ruttes evolving views towards the EU. Hes been on a journey, one EU diplomat said. There has been a clear trajectory, going from the EU is a market towards we need to defend Ukraine to defend our values. At the beginning of his premiership, his wariness of some EU integration made him a close ally of the then UK prime minister, David Cameron. But the chaos unleashed by the Brexit vote, as well as the 2015-16 migration crisis, reconciled Rutte to the EU as a foreign policy player. There is no such thing as splendid isolation, Rutte said in 2019 in a landmark speech when he called for a stronger, more united Europe to deal with an array of global problems. Under Rutte, the Dutch have played an outsized role in EU politics. Before Brexit, Dutch officials used to joke that they had six policy officers dealing with any given EU file one in The Hague and five in London. After, the Netherlands became a more influential player, aided by Ruttes years of experience. Rutte has never been afraid to speak his mind, once arriving for EU budget negotiations with a biography of Frederic Chopin to get through the night because what else is there to do. Angela Merkel was said to be irritated by his behaviour. That Dutch bluntness was on display at the Munich Security Conference in February when he said Europe had to work with whoever is on the dancefloor. All that whining and moaning about Trump I hear that constantly over the last couple of days, lets stop doing that, he said. The National Police Chiefs Council announced a race action plan for England and Wales in 2020, vowing to end decades of discrimination Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Media Policing has been plunged into a disastrous new race crisis after the National Black Police Association withdrew its support for chief constables flagship plan to stamp out discrimination in the ranks. The NBPA, which represents thousands of minority ethnic officers across the UK, accused police leaders of breaking years of promises of reform and allowing a toxic environment to destroy or blight the careers of black and Asian officers. Chiefs are planning crisis talks to avert the potential collapse of their credibility on race, and one of the most senior minority ethnic officers ever to serve in British policing told the Guardian he quit because his fellow bosses lacked the will to change. The National Police Chiefs Council announced in 2020 a race action plan for England and Wales, vowing to end decades of discrimination and greater use of force against black British communities, which it said threatened the polices legitimacy. It came as a direct result of the murder in the US of George Floyd by a police officer, which triggered protests around the globe. The NBPA president, Insp Andy George, said: We believe that the working environment is toxic and the experiences and views of black people and civil society organisations are neither listened to nor valued. This is not an environment that the NBPA can endorse or be a part of. Next month the NBPA leadership will meet to decide whether its boycott is made permanent. George said: We are clear that at this time and in its current format the national race action plan cannot continue. The NBPA has spent weeks trying to balance involvement in a plan it felt was flawed against the loss of influence in trying to improve any reforms. George said: Over the last four years we have seen a significant increase in the need for support of our members who are experiencing racism and discrimination and a decrease in positive experiences of policing for black people. The association also accuses some chiefs of setting up their own groups for minority ethnic officers and staff to gaslight communities and quell criticism. Next week an employment tribunal brought by an officer who worked on the plan for the police chiefs is expected to start. The former Met assistant commissioner Neil Basu, who served as Britains most senior counter-terrorism officer, told the Guardian: This is a disastrous moment for policing. The NBPA represents thousands of officers and staff across the country. Communities will be looking on aghast at the promises that have not been kept. Chief constables have had many opportunities to deliver a credible plan and have chosen not to do so. The NBPA says chiefs should be ousted from spearheading the efforts to reform their forces, and it did not rule out the Home Office taking over. It said: This work must be taken out of the hands of chief constables and a national race action plan must be developed, implemented and embedded which has real power to force through improvements in all police services. Basu retired in 2022 and said his colleagues lack of commitment to race reforms led him to leave. Labour has consulted him as it prepares for government, and he said: I hope a change of government will change the approach by chiefs. I hope a new government will realise how important this is for the safety of communities and not just morally the right thing to do. Gavin Stephens, the chair of the NPCC who leads the race action plan, said: We have invited them [NBPA] to meet with us to discuss their concerns and hopefully reach a position where they feel they can continue to support the plan moving forward. There has been a renewed sense of purpose and direction under the new leadership of the plan since September 2023 and we plan on publishing our first ever progress report on the plan in a matter of weeks. This will give people a sense of what we have achieved and our future direction. What is not in question is that we will continue to listen to and seek the views of the NBPA to ensure the plan delivers for their members and black communities. Keir Starmer visits a housing development in North Yorkshire on 20 June as polls predicting a Labour landslide cause unease among partys campaigners. Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images In three weeks time, Ed Davey could be standing at the dispatch box as the leader of the opposition, Rishi Sunak could be on a plane to California having lost his seat and three-quarters of the cabinet out on the job hunt while more than 500 Labour MPs take their seats. There are no leadership chances for the seatless James Cleverly, Penny Mordaunt or Priti Patel. Are these predictions real, or as outlandish as they sound? Not all the polls are as apocalyptic for the Conservatives as the scenario above describes, but if Keir Starmer enters parliament with a majority of 150, it would now feel almost disappointing. Inside Labour HQ, there is a policy not to discuss the polls at all and to make decisions based purely on the partys own data and precision-targeted strategy. But for Labour campaigners trying to mobilise voters, the polls are becoming positively unhelpful. It is the Tories who stand to gain the most from the argument that it is important to have a bulwark of Tory MPs as a counter to an unprecedented Labour majority, in order to motivate their disillusioned base and activists. It is also a key argument for Starmers critics on the left. A Labour landslide is nailed on, they argue, so vote with your conscience for Greens or independents if you want to put pressure on the party about the climate crisis or war in Gaza. And it is easy to see why that argument has some merit the polls indicate that Starmer will be the most powerful prime minister in modern times with a majority double that of Tony Blairs in 1997. But drill closer into the data and listen to ground reports from Labour MPs and activists and the picture is not quite the same. A dozen Labour candidates who the Guardian spoke to this week said that although Tory voters in their patches and elsewhere were hugely disillusioned and divided, they were encountering large numbers of undecided voters. Even if Labour HQ believes the polls, the party lacks the capacity to work all of the potential targets. Tory vote is collapsing to Reform in the long shot seats, one MP said. But many I dont think are realistic. We arent re-directing resources. It feels more volatile than ever with a lot of undecideds and uncertains, said another MP. Its positively unhelpful, said another, drawing a comparison with the 2017 election, when people voted for Labour thinking the then leader, Jeremy Corbyn, wouldnt win. So many undecided voters may land Tory as they think it wont matter Ive been in a seat where the Tories are hiding in undecided responses too so I expect things to narrow a lot. Some Labour candidates are so anxious about their own, safe seats they are annoyed at being harangued by Labour HQ to campaign elsewhere and some of the Labour WhatsApp groups are near mutinous about the degree of control being placed on their movements. Ellie Reeves, the partys deputy campaign coordinator, recently told them not to make more than 500 contacts in their own seats and that those with bigger majorities had to spend at least five days a week in battleground seats. The most recent MRP polls for Savanta and Ipsos put between 100 and 150 seats on a knife-edge. The polls use a method taking about 10 times the usual number of survey respondents and extrapolate that data on to constituencies. Related: Ipsos poll shows just how deep a hole the Conservatives are in But very different methods are used by all the different pollsters now using this new method of MRP polling in order to drill down into the different constituencies. In the past, these polls have been very accurate the YouGov MRP poll in 2017 was the only one to detect the Tories would lose their majority. But the numbers of voters actually surveyed in each constituency is tiny and the methods used to determine how that will affect the national picture differ from pollster to pollster. All the predictions are for a Labour victory but between all the pollsters, results vary by 134 seats. Sometimes, the polls throw up bizarre results in certain seats where the local picture is complicated. In the past week alone, polls have predicted Nigel Farage failing to take Clacton and also predicting he will win with the largest swing in history. The clincher for the Conservatives is that for all the wobbles about undecided voters no one is detecting a swing back to Sunak. Campaigners say they are barely meeting anyone who says they are voting Conservative. Nothing Sunak has said during the election campaign whether it is policy, attacks on Starmer or his performance in the debates has moved the dial apart from negatively. Turnout on a winters day in December 2019 was 67%. Photograph: Terry Harris/Rex/Shutterstock The devil may yet be in the detail, but the polls are clear about one thing: Labour is heading for a large, possibly very large, majority when results come in on 5 July. But what might this mean for turnout at the general election? Does a result that seems to be a foregone conclusion mean people might think their vote doesnt matter? On a winters day in December 2019, turnout was 67%. Down a little on 2017, but substantially up on a low of 59.4% for the UK general election in 2001. With an allegedly uninspiring campaign, a clear signal of the winning party and high levels of voter distrust, some have suggested that a summers day in 2024 might not tempt voters to the polling station. A clear and large polling lead for one party may mean voters are less inclined to vote, but it isnt immediately clear who that might benefit. Those who intend to vote Labour may think it isnt necessary for them to do so. But equally likely is that those who have previously voted Conservative think theres no point. Voters who have voted for one of the two main parties in the past may also feel enabled to cast a vote for a smaller party, knowing it is unlikely to change the outcome. Broadly there are two types of non-voters. First there is the habitual non-voter, many of whom are not on the electoral register to vote. The factors that influence this kind of abstention are often structural: habitual non-voters are less interested in politics, less likely to feel any attachment to, or strong dislike for, a political party. They are less likely to be homeowners, less likely to have a degree-level qualification, and are disproportionately drawn from lower socioeconomic groups. On top of this, there is also an age effect on turnout, with younger voters less likely to vote. This has become particularly important in British elections as age is increasingly related to voting behaviour. The other type those who have voted in previous general elections but who may choose not to on 4 July are more difficult to predict. These voters are more likely to be influenced by the campaign, polls and party competition in their local area. And these factorschange from election to election. Pollsters do not try to understand the habitual non-voter; they are unlikely to be in panels that samples are drawn from, or agree to do a survey over the telephone, and critically they are very unlikely to vote. Instead, pollsters try to make sure they only count people who will actually vote. How they do this varies, from relatively simple weighting to more complex modelling of likelihood to vote. A common approach is to ask people how likely they are to vote and only report those who say they are very likely to go to the polling station. These measures have shown some unusual patterns during the last 18 months, which may give a hint of unusual turnout patterns to come. Those who voted in a previous election are usually very likely to vote again. Before the 2019 and 2017 elections, YouGov polling found three-quarters of voters for the main parties said they were absolutely certain to vote again at the next election. But recent data has shown fewer than two-thirds of those who had voted Conservative in 2019 say this now, while for Labour and the Liberal Democrats this has remained at a similar level to previous elections (78% and 72% respectively). This hesitancy in the Conservative vote reflects the unusually high indecision among these voters. Many of them remain undecided how they will vote even at this late stage of the campaign. While the party is doing all it can to try to motivate previous Conservative voters, stressing the need for effective opposition and the dangers of a split vote with Reform UK, there is little sign these messages are making a difference. While the assumption is that a large polling lead may be a problem for the leading party to motivate its voters, in this election there is some cause to think that it is previous Conservative voters who may drive any changes in turnout patterns. With less than two weeks to polling day, persuading previous voters may be as important for the Conservatives as getting them back from other parties. According to MoJ data released on 14 June, the usable capacity in prisons across England and Wales was 88,815, while the population was 87,347. Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA Prison governors have been warned that jails will be so overcrowded by the second week of July that they will struggle to accept any more inmates, plunging an incoming government into an immediate crisis. The heads of jails in England and Wales were informed by HM Prison and Probation Service officials earlier this month that data pointed to an operational capacity breaking point only days after the 4 July general election. The development signals a significant logistical headache for an incoming justice secretary. It is expected to trigger Operation Early Dawn, a crisis measure that allows offenders to be housed in police cells when jails are full, while other measures can prompt magistrates courts to delay cases. The measures are in addition to a temporary government scheme under which prisoners can be released up to 70 days early. Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association, said: We understand that we will no longer be able to receive prisoners from court in the second to third week of July. It is not an exact science but it is very soon after the election. This position was projected some time ago. The outgoing government did not take the necessary action in a timely fashion to avoid this. Wheatley said any attempt to cram further offenders into prisons beyond the operational capacity could be challenged in the courts. If a new government arrives and says: We want more people in, it would be challenged in court by the PGA because ministers would be placing our members at risk, he said. Operation Early Dawn is a contingency measure that has been used for very short periods usually no longer than a week to manage immediate, localised, pressures on the prison estate. It steps up coordination between police stations, the Prison Service and the courts to make sure nobody is taken to the courts until the Prison Service can guarantee a space for them should they be remanded. According to the latest Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data, released on 14 June, the usable capacity in prisons across England and Wales was 88,815, while the population was 87,347. In May, Operation Early Dawn was trigged in London and north-east England before being rolled out across England after concerns over prison overcrowding. It meant that defendants in police custody remained there and were not transferred to magistrates courts for bail hearings in case there was no space in jail cells for those remanded into custody. During the same month, police were instructed to consider making fewer arrests because of the lack of space in prisons. In a further development, officials have drawn up plans to reduce the time served by prisoners from the current halfway point in their sentences to about 43%. Modelling shows this would be the most effective medium-term solution to the overcrowding crisis, generating thousands of spare places. It would replace the current ad hoc early release scheme of up to 70 days. The Conservative party has shelved its pledge to ensure that most sentences under 12 months should be suspended and served in the community, rather than in prison. The proposal formed part of the sentencing bill, which was introduced during the last session of parliament. The bills progress ground to a halt when a group of rightwing Tory MPs organised in opposition to the policy. The Conservative manifesto omitted any mention of the plan to scrap short prison sentences. It also fails to mention a second element of the sentencing bill, which would have lowered the prison population a move to extend eligibility for early release under the home detention curfew scheme for people serving sentences of more than four years. Labour insiders said the party would force through planning permission for new prisons but have not said how it would deal with an immediate overcrowding crisis, saying they had not had access to government data but were aware that they faced a brutal inheritance. The party is widely expected to form the next government. Related: If you decide to cut staff, people die: how Nottingham prison descended into chaos Shabana Mahmood, Labours shadow justice secretary, said: This is just the latest example of the chaos the Conservatives have created in our criminal justice system. Not only are they releasing prisoners in secret, now they are deliberately delaying the delivery of justice. For months, the Conservatives have been operating under a cloak of darkness. They must now come clean about the true scale of the crisis on their watch. The Conservative party has been approached for a comment. The MoJ declined to comment in line with purdah rules. Jamaal Bowman, left, and George Latimer are competing for New Yorks 16th congressional district. Photograph: Alamy/AP The primary for New Yorks 16th congressional district, which takes place on Tuesday, has drawn record-breaking spending, with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) and a crypto-currency Super Pac behind the lions share of the funding. AdImpact, a group tracking political advertisements, reported earlier this week that the race between the incumbent progressive representative Jamaal Bowman and his challenger, George Latimer, has become the most expensive House primary ever, with more than $23m spent on ads so far. The two are battling to represent a district that spans parts of the Bronx and Westchester county. Latimer is leading in polling, and if he wins, he will be the first challenger to successfully unseat a member of the progressive Squad. The huge haul of outside spending most of it funding ads attacking Bowman and supporting Latimer underscores Bowmans precarious position as a high-profile Squad member whose criticism of Israel and outspoken support for Palestinian rights has drawn the ire of the pro-Israel lobby. But the race is more than a referendum on Israel-Palestine policy. Its also a test of the fledgling progressive wing of the Democratic party, whose ranks Bowman joined after winning an upset primary victory in 2020 and defeating former representative Eliot Engel, an incumbent who had held the office since 1989. The New York race has brought that split between a generation of left-leaning Democrats and their establishment colleagues back to the fore. Among Bowmans highest-profile supporters are the senator Bernie Sanders and the representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (known as AOC), who will appear at a rally on Saturday to turn out voters for the incumbent. Meanwhile, Latimer has earned the support of the former secretary of state and Democratic party establishment stalwart Hillary Clinton. The race has turned ugly at times, with Latimer claiming during a debate that Bowman had earned more support from Dearborn, Michigan the only majority-Arab city in the US than his New York district. Since 7 October, Bowman has consistently voiced opposition to Israels military operations in Gaza a critical point of difference between the incumbent and his challenger, who has said he supports a two-state solution in the region but has not called for a ceasefire. Latimer has accused Bowman of rabble-rousing in Congress and has said he would govern as a centrist and he avoided taking a position on tax hikes for the wealthy during a debate. The proxy war between the left and right of the Democratic party has been bolstered by staggering outside spending. Super Pacs, which can spend unlimited amounts of money on ads advocating for or against candidates, had spent $20.3m as of 20 June, according to campaign finance records, which tend to slightly lag behind AdImpacts numbers. A Guardian analysis of campaign finance records has found that three Super Pacs have spent nearly $18m to unseat Bowman. United Democracy Project (UDP), an Aipac-affiliated Super Pac, has spent more than $14.5m backing Latimer the most the group has spent on any single race in its history. Latimer has also benefited from $1m from the group Democratic Majority for Israel and $2m from the crypto-backed group FairShake, according to Federal Election Commission records. Meanwhile, a coalition of 10 progressive outside groups have spent about $3m in support of Bowman. Both campaigns have also raised considerable cash in the form of direct campaign donations in contrast with Super Pac spending, which doesnt go directly to campaigns with Bowman raising $5.9m and Latimer netting $5.7m. Of those contributions, a larger share of Bowmans campaign cash has come from small donors than Latimers with a total of about $1.4m in donations of less than $200, to Latimers approximately $320,000. People cool themselves off during a heatwave in Boston, Massachusetts, on Wednesday. Photograph: Cj Gunther/EPA The United States continues to suffer extreme weather as a heatwave baked millions across the upper midwest and north-east and a tropical storm soaked Texas and northern Mexico. The National Weather Service said the heatwave was expected to peak in the eastern Great Lakes, New England, the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic over the coming weekend. Widespread daily record high temperatures are likely. Heavy to excessive rainfall will be associated with thunderstorms forecast to move across parts of the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, it said in a weather advisory on Thursday. A tropical cyclone building in the Gulf of Mexico named Alberto is forecast to bring heavy rain, flooding threats and gusty winds to south Texas but gradually decrease as it makes landfall in Mexico and dissipates. Related: Heatwaves and wildfires strike across US as tropical storm forms in gulf An air-quality alert was issued for New York City where an early season heatwave continues to tax residents. Highs are expected to reach 92F (33C) on Thursday, while RealFeels will surge to nearly 100F (38C). Conditions are expected to ease over the weekend. In New Mexico, where a wildfire tore through the village of Ruidoso in the southern part of the state on Tuesday, killing two and destroying 1,400 buildings, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has asked the White House to declare two fires a major disaster. In Caribou, Maine, which has become a meteorological place of interest given its northerly US location, high temperatures records were tied on Wednesday to a record set in 2020 when the thermometer reached 96F. In Bangor, Maine, Wednesdays high of 95F tied the record which was last set in 1995. The all-time high temperature record in Bangor is 104F, set on 19 August 1935. The soaring temperatures are attributed to meandering fluctuations in the jet stream that can allow heat domes, or persistent regions of high-pressure over an area. When these meanders in the jet stream become bigger, they move slower and can become stationary. Thats when heat domes can occur, explains William Gallus, a professor of meteorology at Iowa State University. Related: What is a heat dome and how is it contributing to the heatwave in the US Historically, heat domes have been blamed for a record 739 deaths over five days in Chicago in 1995; the US southern plains heatwave of 1980 when 10,000 people died; for record temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona, last summer; and for the US Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Brett Anderson, a climate expert and senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, said in an email that a massive and persistent ridge of high pressure in the atmosphere has been covering much of Mexico since early March. This has basically prevented most cold fronts from reaching the northern part of the country during the spring, which has allowed tremendous amounts of heat to build up over the past three months. During June, this pocket of heat began to expand northward into the Southwest US, Anderson wrote. The high pressure, he added, had greatly limited shower and thunderstorm activity, by redirecting most of the tropical moisture away from the country, leading to unusually dry conditions and severe drought. Anderson said that climate change is clearly playing a role in enhancing this warming. We are also coming off a moderate to strong El Nino. This is usually the time period, the later stages of El Nino, that we see the greatest warming influence from this natural phenomena. But El Nino is typically followed by La Nina that typically has a slight cooling influence on the average global temperature. However, he wrote: Global temperatures for 2025 will still likely rank in the top ten hottest years on record due to global warming. St Thomas's Hospital in London was one of those affected by the cyber attack - Andrius Kaziliunas/iStock Russian hackers who targeted NHS hospitals have demanded a 40 million ransom. The group, called Qilin, claimed responsibility for the cyber attack on computer systems run by Synnovis, which provides pathology services to hospitals and GP surgeries in London. More than 1,100 operations have been postponed as a result of the attack on June 4, which have left three major London hospital trusts struggling to process blood, urine and tissue tests. New figures, released on Thursday, revealed that 1,134 operations and 2,194 outpatient appointments at Kings College and Guys and St Thomas hospital trusts have been cancelled in the two weeks since. NHS officials apologised to patients affected, with those waiting for routine blood tests from GP surgeries also impacted. Continuing to have significant impact Dr Chris Streather, the medical director for the NHS in London, said there was a reduction in the number of elective procedures being postponed but the cyber attack was continuing to have a significant impact on NHS services in south-east London. He added: Having treatment postponed is distressing for patients and their families, and I would like to apologise to any patient who has been impacted by the incident. Staff are continuing to work hard to re-arrange appointments and treatments as quickly as possible. Patients should access services in the normal way by dialling 999 in an emergency, and otherwise use NHS 111 through the NHS App, online or on the phone. They should also continue to attend appointments unless they are told otherwise by the clinic team. Investigation ongoing It is understood the Qilin group, thought to have links to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has threatened to publish data stolen in the breach. Ciaran Martin, the first head of GCHQs national cyber security centre, had previously said Qilin appeared to be behind the attack. A Qilin website, on which the group listed its alleged victims, disappeared from the internet in the days after the hack. Another page remained online, but Synnovis was not listed. A Synnovis spokesman said: The investigation into the attack continues, including any possible impact to data. Once further information is known, we will report in line with the Information Commissioners Office requirements, and prioritise the notification of any impacted individuals or partners as required. We also continue to engage with law enforcement and the information commissioner and are working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre and NHS Englands cyber operations team. Definition of worst of humanity The mother of a three-year-old whose kidneys do not work and who depends on dialysis said her daughters treatment was disrupted because of the attack. Emma, who chose not to give her second name, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: They are directly attacking and targeting babies, toddlers and amazing children at the Evelina Childrens Hospital. That hospital is the definition of what is the best of humanity, and what they [the hackers] are doing is the definition of the worst of humanity. Representatives of Qilin apologised for the disruption but suggested the attack was justified by the British governments involvement in unspecified wars, according to Bloomberg. The representative added that they had cut contact with Synnovis after their demand for a ransom payment was not met within a 120-hour deadline. Qilin first emerged in 2022 and has been responsible for 29 ransomware attacks globally this year, according to research by Comparitech. Saudi Arabian officials shut illegal pilgrims out of air-conditioned rest areas in Mecca during extreme heat that killed more than 1,000 people on hajj. More than half of the deaths were among unregistered worshippers who had not bought costly permits for the annual pilgrimage, which all Muslims with the means are encouraged to complete at least once. The death toll from this years hajj exceeded 1,000, diplomats said, as temperatures hit 125.2F (51.8C) in Mecca this week. People were tired after being chased by security forces before Arafat day. They were exhausted, one Arab diplomat said on Thursday, referring to Saturdays day-long outdoor prayers that marked the hajjs climax. Medical team evacuate a pilgrim affected by the scorching heat, at the base of Mount Arafat - FADEL SENNA/AFP A man affected by the extreme heat is helped by a member of the Saudi security forces - FADEL SENNA/AFP A pilgrim splashes water on his head to cool off - FADEL SENNA/AFP Saudi authorities reported clearing hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca earlier this month, but many still participated in the main rites which began last Friday. Tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt to perform the hajj, which involves rituals performed in the summer heat, through irregular channels every year because they cant afford the official permits. Without official permits, they were not able to access air-conditioned spaces provided by Saudi authorities for the 1.8 million authorised pilgrims to cool down after hours of walking and praying outside. Friends and family members have been searching for missing pilgrims. They searched hospitals and pleaded online for news, fearing the worst during the scorching temperatures. Footage on social media showed bodies on the streets and one abandoned on the pavement covered with a sheet of metal. Other videos showed shrouded corpses lined up to be removed. One witness said bodies lay on the side of the road near Mina, just outside Mecca, covered with the white ihram cloth a simple garb worn by pilgrims until medical vehicles arrived. Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun - FADEL SENNA/AFP Saudi Arabia has not provided information on fatalities, although it reported more than 2,700 cases of heat exhaustion on Sunday alone. In one clip shared on social media, a pilgrim blamed the extremely poor management by the Saudi government for the chaotic scenes. Ambulances are just standing there doing nothing, he said in the film shot in Mina, which is five miles from Mecca and is famous for its tents housing pilgrims during the pilgrimage. He said there had been no buses or taxis, which forced pilgrims to walk on foot through the oven-like temperatures. Wilayet Mustafa, a Pakistani pilgrim, said: It was so harsh and the people cannot bear that type of heat. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque as they perform Tawaf - Mohamad Torokman/Reuters Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, a scientific advisor at German institute Climate Analytics, believes the climate crisis is one of the reasons for the heat at the site worsening. The hajj has been conducted in a certain way for more than 1,000 years now, and its always been a hot climate but the climate crisis is adding to the severity of the climate conditions, said Mr Schleussner. Saudi Arabias extreme heat comes as deadly heatwaves scorch cities in other continents in the Northern Hemisphere. Blistering high temperatures Countries around the Mediterranean have endured another week of blistering high temperatures that have contributed to forest fires from Portugal to Greece and along the northern coast of Africa in Algeria, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Earth Observatory. In Serbia, meteorologists forecast temperatures of around 104F (40C) this week as winds from North Africa propelled a hot front across the Balkans. Health authorities declared a red weather alert and advised people not to venture outdoors. Europe this year has been contending with a spate of dead and missing tourists amid dangerous heat. A 55-year-old American was found dead on the Greek island of Mathraki, police said on Monday the third such tourist death in a week. A heat dome occurs when a strong, high-pressure system traps hot air over a region, preventing cool air from getting in and causing ground temperatures to remain high. John Swinney (centre), with former leaders Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon is at centre of another SNP controversy - Andrew Milligan/PA The cash-strapped SNP is being investigated by Holyrood over claims that stamps earmarked for parliamentary business have been used for its general election campaign. The Scottish Parliament confirmed it was investigating a complaint that SNP staff members had used the taxpayer-funded stamps for campaign activities such as sending target letters to hard-to-reach addresses. The complaint included screenshots of a WhatsApp group, called office manager chat, which appeared to have a timer for messages to be automatically deleted. In extracts of the conversation, disclosed by The Times, a staff member named Paul posted a message that read: Guys, the new stamps. Can they be traced? A colleague who worked in the office of Nicola Sturgeon asked if he was referring to who purchased them and what theyre being used for. Paul responded: Can they be traced back to who purchased them? A member of SNP deputy leader Keith Browns office said she had asked Rab in the mailroom and he said no. Another staff member said they were not aware of the stamps being traceable. A colleague working for Shirley-Anne Somerville, the communities secretary, replied: If they can then a few people may be up in front of [Holyroods ruling] corporate body Although MSPs are allowed to spend up to 5,500 a year on postage and stationery, the Holyroods rules state that they must be used only for parliamentary duties and must not be used for any other purpose, including party political purposes. Party finances The SNP has struggled to raise money under the shadow of the ongoing police investigation into the partys finances. Peter Murrell, the partys former chief executive and Ms Sturgeons husband, has been charged with embezzlement. In an email to Alison Johnstone, Holyroods presiding officer, the complainant said: I am anonymously sharing a screenshot from the SNP office managers WhatsApp group chat due to my concerns that several MSPs are using stamps paid for by Scottish Parliament expenses to pass to UK Parliament election candidates for campaign activities such as sending target letters to hard-to-reach addresses. Im concerned about this open discussion involving several members offices. A spokesman for the SNP Holyrood group said: The parliamentary rules are crystal clear that materials, including stamps, can only be used for parliamentary purposes such as representing constituents and campaigning on their behalf. These exchanges, whilst obviously light-hearted, are being investigated as is appropriate and we would expect the offices of MSPs of all parties to cooperate with the parliamentary corporate body. A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: We take the use of publicly-funded resources very seriously. Officials are investigating the matter to establish whether there has been any misuse of parliamentary resources. Rishi Sunak speaking during a BBC Question Time Leaders' Special in York - Stefan Rousseau/PA Young people who refuse to do national service could forfeit their driving licences and be denied access to student loans, Rishi Sunak has suggested. The Prime Minister said there would need to be a set of sanctions and incentives to ensure compliance with a new scheme proposed by the Tories. When asked how he would make youngsters take part, he suggested the UK could adopt punitive measures used by other European nations. The Tories have included plans for a new national service scheme in their manifesto. Under the plans every 18-year-old would have to spend either a year in the military or the equivalent of one weekend a month in a volunteering role. Mr Sunak was pressed on how he would enforce the scheme, which the Conservatives say would be compulsory, during a leaders special of Question Time. He said: Youll have a set of sanctions and incentives and we will look at the models that are existing around Europe to get the appropriate mix of those. Asked what that meant, he added: Theres all sorts of things that people do across Europe, whether thats looking at driving licences, other access to finance. It is understood the Prime Minister was referring to schemes which mean people who refuse to do national service can face sanctions related to driving licences or student loans. Ten European states have national service - Austria, Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Mr Sunak said that a Royal Commission would be set up to examine the best options on incentives and sanctions and report back to Government. A Tory source said such a commision would look at best practice from other comparable counties and decide on appropriate measures for the UK. He said other countries have sanctions on student finance and driving licences, and that Mr Sunak was not saying those are good for the UK. The Prime Minister was one of four main party leaders taking part in a BBC Question Time programme on Thursday night. Election date gambling row During a grilling from audience members Mr Sunak was also confronted about the row over alleged betting on the election date engulfing his party. It emerged this week that a second Conservative candidate and the partys campaigns director were being looked into by the Gambling Commission. The watchdog is examining bets allegedly placed by Laura Saunders, the Tory candidate in Bristol North West, and her husband, Tony Lee, who is now on leave of absence from his job at party headquarters. Last week the Prime Ministers parliamentary private secretary, Tory candidate Craig Williams, apologised for placing a 100 bet that the election would be in July. Mr Sunak said that he was incredibly angry to learn of these allegations but refused to say that the two candidates involved should be barred by the party. He said: All I can say is they are serious investigations. Its right that they are done thoroughly, confidentially, the integrity of that process should be respected. But what I can tell you is that if anyone is found to have broken the rules not only should they face the full consequences of the law but I will make sure that they are booted out of the Conservative Party. Mr Sunak was pressed by one audience member over his plans to reduce record levels of migration, which includes a clampdown on dependents visas. He said that migrants made a big contribution to the UK but that levels of migration that we have seen are too high and they need to come down. What we have done is say that people are going to bring family members here, they just need to be able to support them. I think thats reasonable because anyone who comes to this country obviously adds to the pressure on public services. That is a very common sense measure. Mr Sunak was then grilled on whether social care staff who come to Britain from overseas should be paid more so they were able to support their families. He replied: We have a dedicated visa for social care because we know how important it is and we need to make sure that we do get the right workers. Mr Sunaks appearance came at the end of a bruising week for the Tories with several polls predicting that the party was on course for an electoral wipeout. A Savanta MRP poll for The Telegraph found the party would be down to little more than 50 seats, with more than 20 Cabinet ministers losing their seats. In that scenario even Mr Sunak would be kicked out of office, becoming the first ever sitting prime minister to lose their seat in an election. Mr Sunak told the BBC Question Time audience he believed he had chosen the right moment to call the General Election. It was the right moment to call the election, for the reasons that I have outlined. Asked if he was glad to have called the election, he added: I am. 10:50 PM BST Thats all for this evening... Thank you for following The Telegraphs liveblog coverage of the BBC Question Time election special. My colleague Jack Maidment will be back tomorrow morning to bring you the latest. 10:46 PM BST Sir David Davis: I am angry about allegations of election date betting Sir David Davis said he was angry about allegations that Tory figures placed bets on the date of the general election. Like the Prime Minister, Im angry about it. I mean, look, its in the middle of a criminal investigation. So the Prime Minister is quite right not to step into it. Im disappointed and if its true itll be a disgrace. But weve got to wait. The former Brexit secretary added he was not worried about the threat of Reform in the polls, saying the polls have been wrong at every single election he has taken part in. 10:33 PM BST PM was at the top of his game says minister The Prime Minister was at the top of his game during the BBC Question Time leaders special, a minister has said. Bim Afolami, the economic secretary to the Treasury, told Sky News: I dont think it was the difficult night. I think the Prime Minister performed incredibly well. I think that yes, youre right that the news of the day was difficult, but look at the performance the Prime Minister turned out. It was strong, resolute, decisive, clear. At times he was willing to do that thing that people like you will say politicians dont do which is challenge the audience, say where he disagreed. And actually, what I heard at the end was an audience that saw a guy, a Prime Minister, at the top of his game, serious and understanding the challenges the country faces. 10:33 PM BST Starmer will say just what he thinks you want to hear say Tories Sir Keir Starmer will say just what he thinks you want to hear, the Tories have said. A spokesman for the Conservative Party said: It was clear from the debate tonight that Keir Starmer will say just what he thinks you want to hear. What he didnt say is that his tax trap manifesto does not add up and he is planning to raise tax. Raise council tax, impose the Retirement tax and tax the family home, this will cost hard working families at least 2,094. A vote for anyone other than the Conservatives will hand Starmer a super majority to raise your taxes and rig our elections for a generation. 10:29 PM BST Tory minister sets out election dividing lines Kevin Hollinrake, a business minister, said the key dividing lines between Labour and the Conservatives were tax and migration. Mr Hollinrake told reporters: People can choose between lower taxes and lower migration under a Conservative government or higher taxes and higher migration under Labour. Hes been very clear these are very difficult decisions to potentially exclude ourselves from parts of the ECHR, and not let the European Court in Strasbourg stop us doing what we need to in terms of controlling legal migration. We should be clear that we are going to tackle this issue, whatever the resistance in parliament and whatever resistance in other parts of our society, because its the right thing to do. 10:26 PM BST Cynicism is a big challenge for Labour, says Streeting Cynicism is a big challenge for Labour despite projections of a landslide election victory, Wes Streeting has said. The shadow health secretary said the scandal over bets placed on the date of the general election was an example of the Conservative clown show continuing. He told reporters: So many lifelong Conservative voters that Ive been speaking to over the last four weeks are now looking to Labour as the alternative and our challenge in the next fortnight is to persuade people that politics can make a difference, that voting can change things. Were not inhaling the polls. We know that. You know, cynicism is a big challenge and the Conservative Partys message to Labour supporters is put your feet up, stay at home. Theres no need to vote for change because Labours going to be in government anyway. We know that. You know, elections are hard and there are still millions upon millions of votes to be cast in this election. Anything can happen. So were working hard for every single vote up to 10pm on July 4. Sir Keir Starmer speaking during a BBC Question Time Leaders' Special in York - Stefan Rousseau/PA 10:19 PM BST Watch: Audience shouts shame on you at Sunak 10:18 PM BST Sunak: It was the right moment to call the election Rishi Sunak said he believed he had chosen the right moment to call the General Election. He told the BBC Question Time audience: It was the right moment to call the election, for the reasons that I have outlined. Asked if he was glad to have called the election, he added: I am. The Prime Minister compared his current prospects to those he had during the Tory leadership contest of 2022. Mr Sunak said: Even though people didnt want to hear it at the time, I kept going, I kept saying what I thought was right for this country, I kept going until the end and you know what? I was proved right then. And that is why you can trust me now when I say that what Keir Starmer is promising you is the same fantasy as Liz Truss did and it is just going to make your taxes go up and that matters to me because I dont want that to happen. 10:15 PM BST Lib Dems: Sunak has gone from ducking D-Day to blundering on betting Rishi Sunak has gone from ducking D-Day to blundering on betting, the Liberal Democrats have said. Munira Wilson, the Lib Dem education spokesman, said: Rishi Sunak has gone from ducking D-Day to blundering on betting. If he was truly angry about this scandal these Conservative candidates would have been suspended. He is more interested in taking away young peoples bank accounts if they dont do National Service than investing in their education. She added: From a flatlining economy to an NHS on its knees, his performance showed why we cannot let Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party gamble with our countrys future again. 10:11 PM BST Rishi Sunaks performance was abject failure say Labour Rishi Sunak faces questions on the general election betting scandal from Labour in the aftermath to the Question Time special. Pat McFadden, Labours campaign coordinator, described the Prime Ministers performance as an abject failure. He added: On the candidates involved in the insider betting scandal, does he think they would be good MPs? Will he campaign for them? Does he want his cabinet colleagues to campaign for them? Does he think they are fit to hold office as Ministers? How many more Tory politicians or officials are involved in this? When he became leader after the Liz Truss disaster he had a chance to change his party. He flunked it. He put his party before his country. And the consequences of that failure were on full show tonight. 10:08 PM BST Sunak attacks Starmer over Corbyn Keir Starmer says he never backed Jeremy Corbyn. He did. He now says he won't raise your taxes. Can you guess what happens next? #BBCQT Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 20, 2024 10:07 PM BST Who do you believe won the Question Time special? We have now heard from Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer, John Swinney and Sir Ed Davey on the BBC Question Time election special. Who do you think performed the best? You can vote in our poll below: 10:06 PM BST Audience members shout shame on you as Sunak suggests he could leave ECHR Rishi Sunak faced calls of shame on you as he suggested that he would be prepared to leave the European Court of Human Rights to make his Rwanda plan work. He told a voter in the audience: Sir, with the greatest respect, we do not need a foreign court to tell us how to police our own borders and our security, right? He added: And I believe everything were doing is in compliance with our international obligations but if Im put in a position where Im forced to choose between those things, Im going to put our countrys national security first every single time. And I make absolutely no apology about that. Several in the crowd then shouted: Shame, shame, shame on you. Boos and jeers could also be heard during the programmes closing credits, obscured by Question Times theme tune. 09:57 PM BST Readers views on Rishi Sunaks performance 09:56 PM BST Of course I have regrets, says Sunak Rishi Sunak has been asked if he has any regrets, as Labour is so far ahead in the polls. The Prime Minister told Question Time: Of course, no one gets everything right, and Ive been very open about that, and I completely understand peoples frustrations with me, with the Conservative Party, but what this election is about is about the future. He added: As I said, I wish wed made more progress on the waiting list. Ive been very open about that. I wish we had made more progress on the waiting list because to me, we havent made as much progress as I would have liked. Rishi Sunak on Question Time 09:54 PM BST Other countries are agreeing with our approach to illegal migration, says Sunak Sir Keir Starmer would lead to the UK becoming the soft touch of Europe on illegal migration at a time when multiple other European countries are agreeing that our approach is the right approach, Rishi Sunak has claimed. Defending his Rwanda plan, Mr Sunak said: If Keir Starmer is your Prime Minister, the illegal migrants that weve detained will be out on the streets. They wont be on those planes. We will become the soft touch of Europe, just at a time when multiple other European countries are agreeing that our approach is the right approach, and thats what I want to deliver for you as your Prime Minister, if you give me the chance. 09:47 PM BST NHS is doing more than its done in its history, Sunak insists Rishi Sunak has been grilled over the growing NHS waiting lists, insisting that the health service was carrying out more checks and tests than it has done in its history. He told Question Time: The NHS is today, carrying out more checks, tests, scans, operations, treatments, appointments, than its done in its history. But when youre dealing with six million missed referrals that we are now catching up on it is going to take time to get them down. Answering a question from an NHS worker, he said: I absolutely acknowledge your concerns. You and your colleagues are working very hard. Youre doing more than weve ever done before, but the situation is challenging, because we are dealing with the backlog of missed appointments that you are very well aware of, and Im sure you were working hard during Covid. You saw what didnt happen during that period. 09:40 PM BST Anyone who has broken law over general election bets will be booted out of Tory Party, says Sunak If anyone has broken the law over betting on the general election they should face the full force of the law, Rishi Sunak has said. Tony Lee, the Conservative Partys director of campaigning has taken a leave of absence while he is investigated over an alleged bet on the election date. It had earlier emerged that his wife, Laura Saunders, the Tory candidate in Bristol North West, was facing an inquiry by the Gambling Commission. Craig Williams, Mr Sunaks parliamentary private secretary, is also facing questions from the gambling watchdog after admitting he had a flutter on the date. Responding to the allegations, Mr Sunak said: I was incredibly angry, incredibly angry to learn of these allegations. Its a really serious matter. Its right that theyre being investigated properly by the relevant law enforcement authorities, including, as Fiona said, a criminal investigation by the police. I want to be crystal clear that if anyone has broken the rules, they should face the full force of the law, and thats what those investigations are there to do, and I hope that they do their work as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. He added: What I can tell you is if anyone is found to have broken the rules, not only should they face the full consequences of the law, I will make sure that they are booted out of the Conservative Party. 09:39 PM BST Sunak fails to say what sanctions would be in place for those who refused national service Rishi Sunak has failed to say what kind of sanctions would be in place for young people who refused to do national service. Asked how it would be made compulsory, the Prime Minister said: Youll have a set of sanctions, and incentives, and we will look at the models that are existing around Europe for the appropriate mix of those. Asked for examples, Mr Sunak said: Theres all sorts of things across Europe, whether thats looking at driving licenses, other access to finance, all sorts of other things. Pressed on what that meant, the Prime Minister said: Theres a range of things, and we will have a Royal Commission look at all of those, come back to the government and recommend what the appropriate mix of incentives and sanctions is. 09:32 PM BST Sunak asked whether he feels any embarrassment over leading Tories Rishi Sunak immediately came under fire after the first question put to him was whether he felt any embarrassment over leading the Conservatives after seven prime ministers. He told Question Time: When I first got this job, I stood on the steps of Downing Street and spoke to all of you as prime minister for the first time, and I acknowledge that. I said very clearly that mistakes had been made, and thats why I was standing there in front of you. In fact, you may remember I spent the summer before that arguing against the policies that my predecessor had suggested were right. I didnt think they were right for the country, and I said so. But what Id ask you to do is judge me on my 18 months that Ive been in office. I came in with one primary job, and that was to bring back economic stability after the difficult few years that weve had. 09:29 PM BST Starmer: I am a common sense politician Sir Keir Starmer claimed he was a common sense politician when asked why he had not kept a promise to abolish university tuition fees. Asked why he had backtracked on the pledge, the Labour leader told the Question Time audience: We dont have the money to do everything we want to do. We do want to change the tuition fees. But I have a choice to make, which was of the available money do I use it for getting rid of the tuition fees or do I use that money to get our waiting lists down? That is a political decision and I took it. I am not going to do the tuition fees abolition, because I want to put that money to get our NHS back on its feet. Sir Keir also said he chose Labours plan for a windfall tax on oil and gas companies over nationalising energy companies, as the latter would require huge amounts of money to pay off the shareholders. The Labour leader said: I am a common sense politician. I work through the issues and to me it did not make sense to nationalise energy and not get the bills down, so I decided we would go for getting the bills down. 09:29 PM BST Starmer defends private schools VAT policy Sir Keir Starmer has defended his VAT policy on private schools, saying that all parents are aspirational for their children. He told Question Time: Look on private schools, I completely understand that families up and down the country work hard and save hard to send their children to private school because theyre aspirational for their children, but all parents are aspirational for their children. Every single parent, every single child, wherever they come from, whatever their background and whichever school they go to, (should) have the same opportunities. 09:25 PM BST Readers views on how Sir Keir Starmer is doing on Question Time 09:23 PM BST Starmer challenged on his views on gender Sir Keir Starmer has been challenged on his views over trans issues. Asked about his historic views on gender, the Labour leader said: Look on the biology. I agree what Tony Blair said the other day, in relation to men having penises and women having vaginas. He added: There are some people who dont identify with the gender that theyre born into, and they go through a lot of anxiety and distress. And my view in life is to respect and give dignity to everyone, whatever their position and I will always do that. Sir Keir said: I was worried at the time... by the way in which the debate was being conducted, because it got very toxic, very divided, very hard line, and we lost sight of people in that, so much so that that drags you to a place where we end up, as we did, with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom making a trans joke in Parliament when the mother of a murder trans teenager was watching out, that is a shocking place to get to. 09:15 PM BST Watch: Sir Ed Davey refuses to rule out entering coalition 09:12 PM BST Our plans to get NHS waiting lists down is an ask of staff says Starmer Our policy plan to cut the waiting lists is an ask of staff in the NHS, Sir Keir Starmer has said. Asked by a nurse on Question Time how hed tackle the crisis in the NHS, he said: The first thing Id say is we would treat you with respect. And I say that because we have a Prime Minister who, 18 months or so ago said, Im going to get the waiting list down, and he said, hold me personally responsible. And now he hasnt gotten down because theyve gone up he blames you, he blames the NHS staff, we will never do that, because I know how hard you work, all of the time, in Covid in particular. He added: We do have to take the pressure off the waiting list. Now that is an ask of staff. It is an ask of staff, Im not going to say otherwise, because it will be working evenings and weekends to get those lists down. You can read more about the Labour manifesto here 09:05 PM BST Starmer refuses to say whether or not he believed Corbyn would have made a good PM Sir Keir Starmer has refused to say whether or not he believed Jeremy Corbyn would have been a good prime minister. Asked several times about whether he meant it when he said that Mr Corbyn would make a great prime minister while serving in his shadow Cabinet, Sir Keir said: It wasnt a question that really arose because I didnt think we were going to win the election. Asked again, he said: I was campaigning for the Labor Party, and Im glad I did. He told Question Time: In 2019 I campaigned for the Labor Party, as Ive always campaigned for the Labour Party. I wanted good colleagues to be returned to Parliament. I knew we had a job and a half to do as a Labour Party because I didnt think we were going to win that election. Afterwards, because we got the worst results since 1935, the electorate clearly gave their verdict, we did a lot of work on how we needed to change the party. 09:01 PM BST Starmer booed as he came onto Question Time stage Sir Keir Starmer was booed as he came on stage at the BBC Question Time leaders special. The jeers were heard immediately after host Fiona Bruce announced his name. They were briefly drowned out by the programmes theme tune before being heard again as he stepped up to the lectern in front of the crowd. The majority of those in attendance applauded the Labour leader. 08:59 PM BST Swinney: Tories cant be out of office quick enough John Swinney has said that it is a racing certainty that Labour will win the election in England, and called the Conservative Government a total disaster and a calamity. Asked whether Sir Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak would be a better leader in Westminster for Scotland, Mr Swinney said: Look, I think that the Conservative Government has been a total disaster and a calamity, so it cant be out of office quick enough. He added: I think its an absolute racing certainty that the Labour Party will win the election in England, and I hope people in Scotland will recognise the importance of having strong SNP voices in the House of Commons, who will argue for decisions to remain in Scotland for Scotland, and not put into people in Scotland first. 08:55 PM BST Sunaks authorisation of new oil and gas licences is utterly irresponsible Rishi Sunaks decision to authorise new oil and gas licences in the North Sea is utterly irresponsible and is essentially to deny the climate emergency, John Swinney has said. He told Question Time: The Prime Minister has said that he would authorise 100 new oil and gas licenses. I think thats completely and utterly irresponsible. It is essentially to deny the climate emergency, and I would have nothing to do with that. But what I do want to make sure is that we can work with the oil and gas sector to support it in making the transition to net zero, because we will actually need lots of the skills in the oil and gas sector to be available to help us with the transition to net zero. 08:52 PM BST Brexit means Scotland deserves a second referendum, says Swinney Brexit caused a very material change in circumstances that merits another referendum on an independent Scotland, John Swinney has said. Asked whether Scotland should be able to have a referendum on rejoining the EU or the Single Market, he said: I think its a very good point, because in 2016 Scotland voted emphatically to stay in the European Union. And one of the things we were told in the 2014 independence referendum in Scotland was that our European Union membership was guaranteed by voting no to independence. He added: Two years later, the absolute opposite of what was promised actually came to pass. So, for me, thats a very, very material change in circumstances that merits another referendum on the question of independence, because one of the fundamental building blocks of the arguments against independence was about the continuity of EU membership. 08:46 PM BST Swinney defends SNP record John Swinney has defended the record of the SNP, after one voter asks if the party can still be trusted after it appears the party has destroyed itself from the top down. The SNP leader said: Let me perhaps set out some of the things that weve done since we came to office. For example, GDP per capita in Scotland, the growth of the economy has been faster in Scotland than the rest of the United Kingdom. Productivity in the Scottish economy has grown faster under the SNP government than it has in the rest of the United Kingdom. 08:43 PM BST Lib Dem team pleased with Sir Ed Daveys performance Save for plenty of laughter at Fiona Bruces joke about when he met his wife, the spin room was fairly muted as Sir Ed Davey took questions, Dominic Penna reports from York. The Liberal Democrat team here is pleased with the performance of his leader, who faced tough questioning on the Post Office Horizon scandal, tuition fees and his offer to the country. After what they admit was a deliberately silly start to the campaign, with Sir Ed grabbing headlines for a series of stunts across the country, it has taken on a more serious and sober tone since the manifesto launch. The applause enjoyed by Sir Ed when he railed against water giants over the sewage scandal suggests this quietly resolute focus on Britains polluted waters, as well as the social care and NHS crises, is starting to pay off. But how that plays out at the ballot box on July 4 remains anyones guess. 08:41 PM BST Swinney: The UK Government should let us put the question of independence to Scotland John Swinney has blamed the UK Government for not allowing the SNP to put the concept of independence to the public. He told voters: I honestly believe that Scotland would be a stronger country and would have better prospects if we were an independent country. Thats been my view, my honest view, for all of my entire adult life. but Im a democrat, so I accept that we cant be an independent country until the people of Scotland vote for us to be an independent country. And I do believe in the right of the people of Scotland to decide their own future. John Swinney at Question Time election special He added: One of the frustrations Ive got is that today in the Scottish Parliament, there is a majority in favour of there being a referendum on independence and that Scotland should be an independent country. But we are not being permitted by the United Kingdom Government to put that idea and that concept to the public, and I think we should have the right to do so. 08:39 PM BST Swinney: I may have played a part in polarisation of politics John Swinney, leader of the SNP, has now taken to the stage to take questions from voters. He has said that he believes that there is a need to bring people together in politics, and he is worried about the polarisation of politics. Mr Swinney said: One of the things that really worries me about politics today, and accept that I might actually have played a part in creating this, is the polarisation of debate. I think theres a need to bring people together and when I became First Minister just six and a half weeks ago, I pledged that I would reach out beyond my party to other parties, to other opinions, to try to bring people together, because I think whats wrong with our society today, is that were not together. We are polarised, and we have to bring people back together. 08:31 PM BST Why did you think of Sir Ed Daveys performance? 08:31 PM BST Davey: I understand why young people lost faith in the Lib Dems Sir Ed Davey said he understands why people no longer trust the Liberal Democrats after they abandoned their pledge to scrap tuition fees in the coalition years, but said his party has learned lessons. During the BBCs Question Time special, the Liberal Democrat leader said: I understand why your generation lost faith in us. It was a difficult government to be in. He added: The thing I learned from that process the whole process, fees, but other things too was you shouldnt promise what you cant deliver, and I think we did in 2010. Asked if hes making promises he cant commit to in the current election campaign, Sir Ed replied: Absolutely not. It was the big lesson I learned. He later added that the coalition years were very scarring. 08:30 PM BST Tories release attack ad: The Lib Dems arent a joke The Lib Dems aren't a joke. If you vote Lib Dem, you'll end up with Labour. #BBCQT pic.twitter.com/dqwm1gGHAj Conservatives (@Conservatives) June 20, 2024 08:24 PM BST Telegraph readers views on Sir Ed Daveys performance 08:23 PM BST Davey questioned on whether Lib Dems appeal to voters in the North of England The Liberal Democrat leader has been challenged on whether or not they appeal to voters in the North of England. Sir Ed Davey told a voter from the North of England: Well, Im hoping that you like our manifesto and the things Im saying tonight, there are seats in Greater Manchester that Im really sure we can win, Hazel Grove and Cheadle in Stockport, part of Greater Manchester. Were looking really good to beat the Conservatives in those seats. And there are parts of the North, (I was) in Sheffield earlier today with our candidate in Sheffield Hallam, I think we can actually beat Labour there. Im going to Harrogate tomorrow. So there are parts of the North, but it is true that the vast majority of seats that I think we can win at this election are in the Home Counties. 08:15 PM BST Davey questioned on whether he thinks he can become PM Sir Ed Davey has been questioned on whether or not he believes he can become prime minister. Asked whether he believed he could, he said: Im realistic about our chances. Right, weve had three very bad elections and when I became leader, I said my top priority was to defeat as many Conservative MPs as possible. Asked again by Fiona Bruce, Sir Ed said becoming prime minister would be challenging given the polls. But I dont want to put a ceiling on our ambition, he added. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey speaking during a BBC Question Time Leaders' Special in York - Stefan Rousseau/PA 08:09 PM BST Davey defends time in coalition with the Tories Sir Ed Davey has defended his time serving in coalition with the Conservatives. Questioned about the Liberal Democrats credibility after serving in coalition with the Tories, Sir Ed said: It was very difficult governing with the Conservatives, we couldnt get everything we wanted. You either had to stay in and fight inside the government or leave. I think the easy choice for me would be to leave, vote against it, and tour the media studios and complain. The hard choice was to stay in, roll my sleeves and really fight. He added that he was not proud of some of our votes when the Liberal Democrats were in coalition. 08:05 PM BST Sir Ed Davey denies he will bankrupt the country Sir Ed Davey has been challenged on his spending plans, with the first question put to the Liberal Democrat leader asking if he was going to bankrupt the country. Sir Ed told Question Time: The answer is no. We put forward a very detailed, costed manifesto, and its got a big health and social care package at the centre of about 9 billion and other things, for example, helping with free school meals, with cost of living, and weve shown how well pay for everything weve got in that. 08:01 PM BST Spin room hots up as Question Time begins The spin room here in York is already a hive of activity with journalists and broadcasters gearing up for the night ahead, writes Dominic Penna. Snacks and sandwiches have been laid on for those in attendance as party aides and MPs begin to work the room. Bim Afolami, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, and Sir David Davis, a former Brexit secretary, are among the star guests wheeled out by the Tories. Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, is expected to be spinning for Labour. Many believe this election is already a foregone conclusion. The prominence of the event tonight represents one of the last chances to shift the dial for Rishi Sunak, while Sir Keir Starmer will want to be careful to avoid any unforced errors that could jeopardise his 20-point poll lead. 07:46 PM BST Sunak to lose seat in Tory wipeout, major poll predicts The BBC special comes a day after the Telegraph revealed that Rishi Sunak is predicted to become the first sitting prime minister ever to lose their seat at a general election. The Conservatives are also on track to slump to just 53 seats, with around three-quarters of the Cabinet voted out, a major opinion poll for The Telegraph has revealed. The Liberal Democrats are on course to be just behind the Tories on 50 MPs, according to the Savanta and Electoral Calculus polling analysis, leaving them in touching distance of becoming the official opposition. Labour is forecast to have 516 seats and an estimated House of Commons majority of 382 double that won by Sir Tony Blair in 1997 as Sir Keir Starmer becomes prime minister. 07:21 PM BST Pictured: Ed Davey and John Swinney arrive Rishi Sunak arriving at the BBC Question Time Leaders' Special at York University Sir Ed Davey arriving at the BBC Question Time Leaders' Special in York - PA Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney - Getty Images 07:16 PM BST What could the leaders be grilled on? The party leaders are likely to face questions on the economy, the NHS, and immigration, among other topics. Rishi Sunak may also have to face a grilling over two Conservative Party candidates under investigation for betting on the date of the general election by the Gambling Commission. Sir Keir Starmer has previously come under fire during previous televised debates for his support for Jeremy Corbyn in 2017 and 2019, so he may face questions about that. 07:14 PM BST What is the format? Each of the four leaders will face 30 minutes of questions from the Question Time audience, appearing individually one after another. Sir Ed Davey will go first for the Liberal Democrats, then John Swinney for the SNP, then Sir Keir Starmer for Labour and finally Rishi Sunak for the Tories. 07:12 PM BST Who is appearing on Question Time tonight? Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will face questions from the audience, as well as John Swinney for the Scottish National Party and Sir Ed Davey for the Liberal Democrats. Nigel Farage and Adrian Ramsey will be appearing on another Question Time special next week for Reform UK and the Green Party. 07:07 PM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you the latest updates this evening as Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer face off in a BBC Question Time election special. Genevieve Holl-Allen, political reporter, will be bringing you the latest news and analysis as the evening unfolds. The BBC election special begins at 8pm. Nvidia is now the most valuable company in the world by market cap (Reuters / Reuters) Nvidia is leading the pre-market trading as the artificial intelligence darling and chipmaker surpassed Microsoft (MSFT) to become the most valuable company in the world. Curiously, it was the Canadian-hedged stock of Nvidia which was leading gains, up 3.4%. NVDA.NE also owns other financial instruments, aside from just NVDA stock, to counteract the effect of the Canadian dollar rising or falling against the US dollar, meaning some investors are betting the CAD is going to rise against the American currency. Nvidia stock has climbed 174% in 2024, as the AI boom continues to boost equities. Over the past five years, it has surged by an impressive 3,450%. The company is suffering from success as employees who joined before the boom are now millionaires given their stock options. This has led many Nvidia executives to reportedly be operating in "semi-retirement" mode. In response, Huang advised all workers to act as the CEO of their own time and be responsible for determining their work ethic. Constellation Energy (CEG) Constellation Energy, a producer of nuclear power, is another trending ticker in pre-market hours as investors realise that the AI boom needs power to run its data centres. Much of the excitement lies in Wall Streets expectation that Constellation will inevitably craft a "collocation" deal with one or more Big Tech players, enabling those companies to build data centres needed for AI use right next to Constellation's nuclear plants for access to carbon-free power. Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez said at a recent media roundtable that the company is "fairly deep in discussions with a number of companies that are interested in doing that." The Baltimore-based company's stock is up more than 85% year to date. The upcoming earnings release of Constellation Energy Corporation will be of interest to investors. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at $1.88 (1.48), signifying a 26.56% drop compared to the same quarter of the previous year. For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $7.62 per share and a revenue of $23.77bn, representing changes of +52.1% and -4.62%, respectively, from the prior year. Dell (DELL) Shares in Dell Technologies were higher after it CEO Michael Dell announced a partnership with Nvidia (NVDA) to construct an AI Factory designed to boost the capabilities of Grok, an AI model developed by Elon Musk's company, xAI. Musk has told investors that his artificial intelligence startup xAI is planning to build a supercomputer to power the next version of its AI chatbot Grok, according to a report by the Information in May. The stock also got a boost this week after Morgan Stanley reiterated its Overweight rating on the computer company, emphasising its status as a top pick for 2024 by the firm. Sainsburys has struck a deal to sell its banking business to lender NatWest. The supermarket has agreed to pay the state-owned lender 125m to take on the assets, which include about one million customer accounts. The deal will see NatWest take on about one million customer accounts, as well as 1.4bn of unsecured personal loans, 1.1bn of credit card balances and about 2.6bn of customer deposits. Sainsbury's said customers would "not need to take any action" and said there would be no immediate changes to their terms and conditions. The deal is expected to complete in the first half of next year. Watch: Nvidia's rapid stock rise might see a pause Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Victorian industry minister Natalie Hutchins (right) says no projects have resulted from the governments 2022 memorandum of understanding. Photograph: James Ross/AAP The Victorian government quietly signed an agreement with Israels defence ministry in order to capitalise on global tensions and countries wanting to protect their national interests militarily, internal documents reveal. The 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed prior to the Israel-Gaza war, was intended to foster trade relations and support greater collaboration on defence industry objectives, according to Victorian government documents released under freedom of information laws. The existence of the MoU between the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Israel Ministry of Defense was first reported by the ABC, but the exact details of its wording has not been released. Related: More transparency needed on exports to Israel after Greens exploited information vacuum, Labor says The text of the MoU was redacted in full in the documents provided to Guardian Australia. But, according to talking points prepared for its signing on 7 December 2022, the MoUs purpose was to foster trade relations between the Victorian and Israeli defence, aerospace, security and cybersecurity sectors. The notes cited global tensions, including the war in Ukraine and increasingly militarised territorial disputes in our regions in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific ocean. They said it was important to form strong defence alliances and industry cooperation between governments that share the same interests. Globally countries are investing significant funds to protect their national interests with military capabilities aligned to this environment, the speaking notes read. This MoU is a pathway for meaningful cooperation between Israel and the state of Victoria to capture and share these opportunities. The Victorian minister for jobs and industry, Natalie Hutchins, said the government was not supplying arms or weapons to Israel and the agreement was not legally binding. The purpose of this MoU is to identify potential opportunities for collaboration on projects that can deliver significant advanced manufacturing capabilities, highly skilled jobs and economic benefits for Victoria, she said in a statement. No joint projects have been identified or entered into under the MoU. Prior to the MoU, several suppliers to the Israeli defence forces had already established a presence in Melbourne. They include Elbit Systems, which established the Centre of Excellence for Human-Machine Teaming and Artificial Intelligence in Port Melbourne in 2021 with investment from the Victorian government. Despite the MoU being signed in 2022, an event briefing before its signing warned the department it would face criticism from civil society organisations and the Victorian Greens for its engagement or cooperation with Israel and companies in its defence and security industries. Israels ongoing conflict with Palestine continues to attract public and media attention, with the Victorian government already facing criticism for its provision of a grant to Elbit Systems Australia, the brief reads. Fairly standard or shocking? Experts weigh in Jennifer Parker, expert associate at the ANU National Security College, said the language used to describe the MoU was unsurprising. This is a fairly standard agreement, obviously signed prior to the current conflict, which is about promoting a states defence industry. Id be surprised if other states didnt have similar agreements with other countries, Parker said. She said Victoria had a significant defence industry, known for its infantry fighting vehicles and ammunition, that could learn from Israel, which is considered a world leader in defence technology. For a relatively small nation, Israel has developed a pretty high-profile defence industry where they actually export to a significant number of nations, Parker said. In terms of understanding how theyve managed to build up their industries to do that, I think there are good lessons there for Victoria. But I do think that this needs to be put in the context of when this MoU was signed. Related: Campus holdout: University of Sydney tells Gaza protesters to leave but small group vows encampment has not ended But Rawan Arraf, the principal lawyer and executive director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, said it was shocking the Victorian government went ahead with the agreement and urged its scrapping. The Victorian government must drop all pretence about the importance of this relationship for national security or job growth, and cancel this offensive MoU, she said. Israels defence industry has long relied on testing its new technologies against Palestinians with catastrophic consequences. The documents also reveal the MoU was set to be signed by the Israeli president in 2020, but the event was cancelled due to Covid-19. But later that year, new federal laws giving the foreign affairs minister the power to veto international agreements reached by state, territory and local governments and public universities were introduced. This meant the Victorian government had to seek federal approval before each stage of the process. In January 2022 the then acting foreign affairs minister, Simon Birmingham, allowed the state government to begin negotiations with Israel before his successor, Labors Tim Watts, allowed Victoria to enter the agreement later that year. Another briefing document showed it was Israels preference for the signing to take place there, and offered to facilitate travel for Victorian government representatives to Israel or a third location to sign the MoU. But the department said it would not be possible, citing to competing demands and caretaker arrangements due to a looming state election. The same briefing recommended the Victorian government request its MoU to be exempt from the public register, given its sensitive contents and its linkage with national security. Before Sunak announced the July election on 22 May, few had expected a date to be set before the summer. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA When Rishi Sunak, Britains Conservative prime minister, called a snap election in the pouring rain last month, he would have hoped his party would have closed at least some of the 20-point deficit in the opinion polls. Instead, it seems the only members of his party who have profited since are some of his Downing street aides in a political betting scandal that has swiftly reinforced prevailing anti-Conservative stereotypes in the British publics imagination. A week ago, the Guardian revealed that Craig Williams, Rishi Sunaks parliamentary private secretary, an otherwise obscure politician with an intimate knowledge of Downing Street, had placed a 100 bet on his boss calling an early general election in July. The odds were 5-1, hardly enough to be worth risking a reputation over. But even though Williams stood to gain only 500, he thought it worth placing a bet on Sunday 19 May with a rural Welsh bookmaker. Three days later, a rain-soaked Sunak made his surprise announcement, asking the British public on 22 May: Who do you trust? Before that Wednesday morning, few had expected an election to be called before the summer. Williams bet raised the question of whether word of the prime ministers plan had spread and he was relying on inside information, and the industrys regulator, the Gambling Commission, began an inquiry. Betting on an event of which you already know the outcome is illegal in English and Welsh law. However, it was a question the gilet-wearing Williams studiously avoided when the BBC caught up with him on the street the day after. Im not expanding, because it is an independent process, Williams said as the television cameras followed him, although he was willing to admit the bet was a huge error of judgment. Political scandals in Britain do not have to involve large sums of money, but they linger in the public imagination if they feel politicians have been acting with impunity. Fifteen years ago, dozens of MPs were forced out after an expenses scandal. One Conservative quit after asking taxpayers to pay 1,645 for an ornamental duck house. More pertinently, Sunaks predecessor as prime minister but one, Boris Johnson, was forced out of office two years ago over another scandal: the Partygate affair. Johnson, aides and advisers, it emerged, had held a string of parties and drinks events in Downing Street during the coronavirus crisis, at times when the British public were forced to remain at home, unable even to visit sick or dying relatives. The Gambling Commission has widened its investigation, looking at last-minute bets on a July election where anybody stood to gain more than the relatively modest sum of 199. Other data already suggested that several gamblers were making last-minute online bets on a surprise July election. A Guardian analysis shows that a sudden flood of bets on a July election was placed on Tuesday 21 May on the Betfair Exchange, before Sunak had even told his own cabinet of senior politicians that the early election was going ahead. Between January and May, an average of 27 a day was gambled on Sunak calling a general election in July, and most people bet just a few pounds on what was seen as an unlikely outcome. Then, the day before Sunaks announcement, a total 3,285 was gambled on Betfair in dozens of bets. Some punters stuck on hundreds of pounds, suggesting serious confidence and driving the odds down. Although the data came from only one specialist online bookmaker, it immediately suggested the scale of bets across the whole industry may have been more substantial as the Gambling Commissions own inquiries appear to be bearing out. On Monday, a police bodyguard, whose job it was to protect Sunak from terror attacks and other physical threats, was arrested after allegedly placing a bet on the timing of the election. Then on Thursday, it emerged that two more Conservatives might be involved. Laura Saunders, the partys candidate in Bristol North West, was under scrutiny over an election day bet, the BBC revealed. Her husband, Tony Lee, the partys director of campaigns, was immediately placed on leave of absence, and the Conservatives were forced to admit that a small number of individuals were being investigated. Britains opposition Labour party, already firm favourites for a landslide victory, barely had to say anything, although one party spokesperson leaned into the idea that the affair reflected a Conservative sense of entitlement. Pat McFadden, the partys national campaign coordinator, said he did not understand why it was only the police officer that had been suspended: This looks as if there is one rule for members of the Tory [Conservative] party, and another rule for everybody else. John Swinney, Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer and Ed Davey were grilled by Fiona Bruce and the Question Time audience The BBC Question Time debate was unique in giving the main leaders a lengthy period to answer questions half an hour each to be exact. This allowed the audience not just to ask, but interrogate. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, was pressed on funding his vast spending commitments. John Swinney, leader of the SNP, was scrutinised on his continued determination to deliver independence for Scotland. Keir Starmer, Labour leader, was asked about the potential for tax rises, while Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, faced a range of difficult questions from election betting to national service. Each leader attempted to stand their ground and deliver their core message. Here, two of our columnists react on who they believe did better and worse. Its never nice watching someone struggle. While some take a positive pleasure from watching a leader badly out of their depth flounder in a horribly mismanaged campaign, I just feel bad for them. And so it was with a distinct sense of relief that I turned off the England game, and started preparing for the Question Time special. First up was Ed Davey, for once on dry land. Question one: arent you going to bankrupt the country? It was a hostile start and an unconvincing answer. The fundamental problem for Ed was that his political strategy is to be a decent chap hoovering up protest votes, and this makes policy a tricky subject for discussion. Far better to fall off a paddleboard instead. The audience, however, wanted to know about his record. Hadnt he enabled austerity? Davey conceded he was not proud of some of the things the Liberal Democrats did the last time they were actually relevant, and by the time hed answered (or failed to answer) questions about potential coalitions, whether he could be prime minister, tuition fees, and the post office, his limits were becoming painfully clear. Swinney didnt fare any better. Once he had finished his carefully phrased answer on the SNPs scandals, the audience began turning the screws. Question two: are you simply going to carry on holding referendums until you get the answer you want? His position appeared to be something like this: if the SNP gets a majority of Scottish seats in the election, thats a green light for a referendum. And if they dont, its a green light for a referendum. Indeed, every problem appeared to be seen through this prism. How would Swinney help manufacturing? By Scotland rejoining the EU. After independence. In fairness, its not as if the SNPs domestic performance is anything to write home about. Asked how hed boost the Scottish NHS, Swinney proceeded to blame a crisis caused by austerity. But the Scottish health service is now spending 10 per cent more than it was before the pandemic while producing left. At some point, accountability is needed. Then again, thats never been the SNPs strong point. Whenever something goes wrong, its England, Brexit or the Tories to blame. Thats not to say the audience was unmoved: the loudest applause of the evening so far came when Swinney called the Conservative government a calamity. Well then. This edition of Question Time was the first when a celebrity on the panel might have helped: why not top it off with 30 minutes of Russell Brand? Absent a good laugh where was Nigel Farage? come Keir Starmers appearance at the halfway mark, the audience at home had probably turned off, while the atmosphere in the studio was somnambulistic. Weve heard these Labour lines before; the answers, there come none. Why did he say Jeremy Corbyn was great? Keir repeated that he didnt think hed win an election. Why punish private schools? He likes schools. When will waiting lists come down? My mum was a nurse. The only illuminating bit was a lecture on why socialism in the energy sector wouldnt work, which highlights his dubious conversion from Corbynism. The reason why the Corbyn question matters is because Starmer wont say if hes changed his policies because he now sees Corbyn was wrong - or because he doesnt want to lose like his predecessor did. In short, if he thought he could get away with it, would Sir Keir go full communism? We shall just have to find out. As for Rishi Sunak, his hands were lively but his face dead. Why is he doing this? Im surprised he hasnt left for California already. Interrogated, he seemed to switch off and power down turning back on to issue the standard corporate apology for a service that has not met ones expectations. Why does he want to conscript kids into volunteering? Because he met a boy who worked for St Johns Ambulance and enjoyed it. Bravo. Thats an argument for promoting St Johns Ambulance, not his bizarre national service plan. The curious thing is why either man has agreed to these debates. Starmers strategy is to say nothing, so why not spend the election on a yacht in the Mediterranean, issuing the occasional press release? Sunak believes that he has the intellectual edge because thats what the man in his bathroom mirror shouts back at him every morning but the more we see of the Tories, the more it reminds us why they are set to lose. Olivia Colman will return for the highly-anticipated second series of The Night Manager alongside Tom Hiddleston, it has been announced. The Oscar-winning actress will reprise her role as intelligence officer Angela Burr, for which she received a Golden Globe for best supporting actress. Sex Educations Alistair Petrie will also return as Sandy Langbourne and A Quiet Place actor Noah Jupe will reprise his role as Daniel Roper, the son of notorious businessman Richard Roper, eight years on from when the BBC thriller first aired in 2016. Tom Hiddleston (Matt Alexander/PA) Joker actor Douglas Hodge will return to his role as Rex Mayhew and Traces actor Michael Nardone as Ropers former henchmen, Frisky. It was previously announced that Loki star Tom Hiddleston will be back in his starring role as Jonathan Pine. Babylon actor Diego Calva, Daisy Jones & The Six actress Camila Morrone, Obsession star Indira Varma, Wicked Little Letters actor Paul Chahidi and Adult Material Hayley Squires are also joining the cast for the next series. Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, said: Olivia Colmans award-winning role as Angela Burr in the first series of The Night Manager was unforgettable and we are over the moon that she is back alongside Tom Hiddleston. We have such a strong cast and with Alistair Petrie, Douglas Hodge, Michael Nardone and Noah Jupe also returning, and filming starting in London, the second series of The Night Manager promises to provide even more drama, glamour, intrigue and suspense. The Night Manager welcomes back Olivia Colman! Additional returning cast include Alistair Petrie, Douglas Hodge, Michael Nardone, and Noah Jupe. Filming begins this month on the second series of the drama, coming to @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer More https://t.co/CxeDJa599x pic.twitter.com/ZjYx7SvzFG BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) June 20, 2024 Character 7s Stephen Garrett, who was also lead executive producer on the first season, added: The best dramas all have at their core some version of the family, and the first season of The Night Manager was no exception. Its thrilling that our riotously dysfunctional family is now, after eight years apart, reunited for season two, spearheaded by the impeccable Olivia Colman. Joined by Messers Petrie, Hodge, Nardone and the global star that Noah Jupe has rightly become, it almost looks like we planned it. Inspired by the characters in John Le Carres best-selling novel, the second series will again be written by show creator David Farr and will be helmed by Bafta-winning director Georgi Banks-Davies. Filming for the next series of the thriller will start next month and will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. The first series followed hotel night manager Jonathan Pine who gets recruited by a British intelligence office to infiltrate an arms dealers inner circle, played by House star Hugh Laurie. It was nominated for a host of awards including Baftas, Emmy Awards and Golden Globes. A suspended chief constables claims about his brothers Falklands service are utterly preposterous and a pack of lies, a misconduct panel has heard. Nick Adderley, of Northamptonshire Police, who is facing a gross misconduct hearing amid claims he exaggerated his rank and length of service and lied about his naval achievements, previously claimed the South Atlantic Medal (SAM) that he has been pictured wearing since at least 2012, was given to him by his brother Richard when he emigrated to Australia in 2008. The SAM was awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the Falklands conflict, but John Beggs KC, representing the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) told the hearing, which continued in Northampton on Thursday, that Richard Adderley did not embark for The Falklands until July 2 1982, with the hostilities ending around three weeks previously on June 14. Nick Adderley is facing a gross misconduct hearing (Jacob King/PA) He added that the chief constables brother was not entitled to wear the SAM with rosette and only applied for a SAM under a change in criteria for applicants put in place in 2015 on October 12 2023 10 days after Nick Adderley received a notice of investigation from the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The misconduct panel previously heard from a Ministry of Defence medal office expert that a SAM allegedly worn by Nick Adderley on a number of occasions since at least 2012 was 110 per cent a fake. Mr Beggs said: Mr Adderley asserted in interview that his brother went to The Falklands on the HMS Hermes. He repeats that, but in fact he wasnt. How plausible is it that a brother wouldnt know if his brother had served in the conflict? It is something you would know with exquisite detail. Mr Beggs said this was entirely indicative of one of the worst deceits Mr Adderley had put forward. He said: The circumstances of Richard Adderleys claim to the medal were distinctly dubious. He said he got it a few weeks after he arrived in the mess hall, in a box from some lads with his name and service number on it. What would he have been awarded it for, and why would some lads be giving him the medal? How on earth could the medal have been conceptualised, approved in Whitehall, designed and manufactured and then sent, perhaps by Concorde, to arrive by July 3? The hearing has resumed following a three-week break after an accusation of bias was put forward (Jacob King/PA) It is utterly preposterous, and it is a pack of lies in which unfortunately a chief constable has engaged. Perhaps the key point why do you suppose that Nick Adderley was so unenthusiastic about calling Richard Adderley to give evidence? Just as he wouldnt give evidence, he didnt want his brother giving evidence, it would have been a car crash. It gets worse because Richard Adderley wasnt entitled to any SAM medal until the criteria was amended in 2015. Nick Adderley said he gave it to him before emigrated to Australia in 2008. We now know Richard Adderley wasnt even entitled to a SAM during that period. Why did Richard Adderley say he got the medal a few weeks after arriving at a mess hall? Because he wasnt telling the truth, and at whose instigation is he not telling the truth? If you join the dots, we say it is pretty obvious what is going on. Everywhere you look, there are inconsistencies. During his closing statements, Mr Beggs urged the misconduct panel, chaired by legally qualified chairman Callum Cowx, not to view the evidence in compartments. Nick Adderley has been directed to attend the hearing when it continues (Jacob King/PA) He said: To do so would strip it of competence or sense. Every one of the groups of allegations all relate to one fundamental issue and the importance of that obvious point is that there is an overarching theme in this case from start to finish, from 2009 when he started wearing a SAM and has probably been involved in some skullduggery as to its providence. The theme runs throughout the 14 years covered by the charges. One has to join the dots and not compartmentalise. Mr Adderley did not attend Thursdays hearing, but Mr Cowx said he had directed him to attend when the hearing continues on Friday. Matthew Holdcroft, representing Mr Adderley, said his client was simply proud of his older brothers military service, wore the medals he was gifted by him and that it isnt unusual for a younger brother to consider that which an older brother tells them to be true. The misconduct hearing took a three-week break at the end of May after Mr Adderleys defence team accused the panel of bias and put forward an application for them to be recused. The application was rejected and the hearing resumed on Thursday. The hearing was adjourned on Thursday afternoon while the panel retired to start its deliberations and continues on Friday. Sir Ian McKellen has revealed he is having physiotherapy while he takes a break from performing following a fall from a West End stage on Monday. The final London dates of the production, Player Kings, will see Sir Ians understudy take on the role of Falstaff while the veteran actor recuperates following the accident. A statement sent on his behalf by his publicist Clair Dobbs to the PA news agency said: After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and Im now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home. Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Ickes amazing production and cast. The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me. The screen and stage actor, 85, was taken to hospital on June 17 to receive treatment after he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage. The remainder of the nights show was cancelled following the fall. Sir Ian was expected to make a return for Wednesdays performance before it was announced on Tuesday that the show would not return until Thursday evening. A post to the Player Kings X, formerly Twitter, account on Thursday said that actor David Semark would take his place for the remainder of the London dates. It said: David Semark will be playing the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London while Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday 17 June. It added: We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday 3 July, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle. The final London performances are taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sir Ians understudy, Semark, trained at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (Rada) and has credits in TV shows including EastEnders, Doctors, Law & Order UK and The Bill. After his fall, The Lord Of The Rings star and Olivier Award-winner Sir Ian thanked everyone who had left messages of support. On X he wrote: I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. To them, of Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) June 18, 2024 To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work. A spokesperson for the London theatre said in a statement to PA: Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ians fall during this evenings performance of Player Kings. Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits. The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday June 18 so Ian can rest. The statement also thanked doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to the venue staff for their support. A BBC journalist who saw the play said the veteran actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage. The actor was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help. After the accident, audience members were informed that the remainder of the evening performance had been cancelled and they were evacuated from the premises. Sir Ian McKellen was taken to hospital after the fall (Matt Crossick/PA) Audience member Paul Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk, told PA it was a shock to witness the fall. The house lights came up very quickly as the stage management and front of house team dealt with the incident. We were evacuated immediately so that Sir Ian could be treated in privacy, he said. Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July. Sir Ians career has spanned more than six decades and seen the actor perform at theatres around the country. On screen he is most known for playing Magneto in the X-Men films and Gandalf in Peter Jacksons fantasy trilogy, based on the books from JRR Tolkien. On the stage he has played a number of Shakespearean characters including Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus and King Lear. His many acting credits have led to a number of accolades over the years including several Olivier Awards. Sir Ian McKellens understudy will perform in the play Player Kings for its final London dates while he recuperates following a fall from the stage on Monday. The veteran screen and stage actor, 85, was performing at the Noel Coward Theatre when he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage. After the accident, he was taken to hospital to receive treatment and the remainder of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays performances were cancelled to allow him to rest. A post on the Player Kings X account on Thursday said: David Semark will be playing the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London while Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday 17 June. It added: We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday 3 July, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle. The final London performances are taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. His understudy, Semark, trained at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (Rada) and has credits in TV shows including EastEnders, Doctors, Law & Order UK and The Bill. After his fall, The Lord Of The Rings star and Olivier Award-winner Sir Ian thanked everyone who had left messages of support. On X he wrote: I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. To them, of Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) June 18, 2024 To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work. A spokesperson for the London theatre said in a statement to the PA news agency: Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ians fall during this evenings performance of Player Kings. Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits. The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday June 18 so Ian can rest. The statement also thanked doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to the venue staff for their support. A BBC journalist who saw the play said the veteran actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage. The actor was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help. After the accident, audience members were informed that the remainder of the evening performance had been cancelled and they were evacuated from the premises. Sir Ian McKellen was taken to hospital after the fall (Matt Crossick/PA) Audience member Paul Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk, told PA it was a shock to witness the fall. The house lights came up very quickly as the stage management and front of house team dealt with the incident. We were evacuated immediately so that Sir Ian could be treated in privacy, he said. Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July. Sir Ians career has spanned more than six decades and seen the actor perform at theatres around the country. On screen he is most known for playing Magneto in the X-Men films and Gandalf in Peter Jacksons fantasy trilogy, based on the books from JRR Tolkien. On the stage he has played a number of Shakespearean characters including Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus and King Lear. His many acting credits have led to a number of accolades over the years including several Olivier Awards. Author Sir Salman Rushdie has said the impact of a knife attack has made it physically and mentally harder to write. Sir Salman was stabbed multiple times and suffered severe and life-changing injuries as he prepared to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York in 2022, leaving him blind in one eye and unable to use one of his hands. The Satanic Verses writer survived an assassination attempt in 1989, after a fatwa calling for his death was issued by Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini in the same year. Sir Salman says he suffered a number of incidents of racist abuse after arriving the UK aged 14 (Ian West/PA) Support for the death sentence was withdrawn in 1998 by the Iranian government. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s This Cultural Life, Sir Salman said that when writing he hopes it will not get in the way of what I want to do next, and added that injuries to his eye and hand had made everything harder. He said: Practically, its harder because because one eye is harder than two and one hand is harder than two hands, so it makes everything slower. As far as terms of what I write, I just hope that it doesnt get in the way of what I want to do next, and now I just want to do something completely different. He was asked by presenter John Wilson if he found writing the book Knife, which is based on the attack, cathartic. Sir Salman said: It was not exactly cathartic, but it was a way of handling it, that was a way of dealing with it. I feel now as if Ive kind of dealt with the subject. I didnt want to do it and then I discovered that there was no alternative because it was just in the way of everything else. I thought the only way of getting past this is to go through it. Sir Salman said writing his book the knife helped him to get over the 2022 Knife attack (Andrew Matthews/PA) The 77-year-old author described himself as a medical miracle for the way he had recovered from the ordeal and added he was surprised by how well his recovery had gone. Sir Salman explained that military medical experts had expressed surprise at how well his hand had recovered from the attack. During the BBC interview, the writer also spoke about the racism he faced when he first moved to the UK from India at the age of 14, something he said he was reluctant to do due to the British weather. Sir Salman said: I was foreign, that was not good, I was bad at games, that was extra not good and there were bits of racism. He explained how work cubicles he used at his school would be plastered with racist slogans and that some of his completed assignments were torn up by fellow students. But Sir Salman said he did not have the same experience when moving to New York in 2000, he described the city as welcoming and added you put your bags down in New York and youre a New Yorker. Sir Salman picked the independence of India, migration and surrealism, fabulism and mythical story telling as his three biggest cultural influences and experiences. Son Heung-min said Rodrigo Bentancur has apologised for making a racist joke about him during a TV interview in Uruguay, adding he believes his Tottenham team-mate made a mistake. Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said on Wednesday it had received a significant number of complaints regarding Bentancurs comments which targeted the South Korea international. Spurs said that they have been providing assistance to ensure that the 26-year-old Uruguayan is educated along with the rest of the squad in the clubs diversity, equality and inclusion objectives. Following a comment from Rodrigo Bentancur in an interview video clip and the players subsequent public apology, the Club has been providing assistance in ensuring a positive outcome on the matter. This will include further education for all players in line with our diversity, pic.twitter.com/HOkdu50n9p Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 20, 2024 We fully support that our captain Sonny feels that he can draw a line under the incident and that the team can focus on the new season ahead, the club posted on X, formerly Twitter. We are extremely proud of our diverse, global fanbase and playing squads. Discrimination of any kind has no place at our club, within our game or within wider society. Son said: Ive spoken with Lolo (Bentancur). He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised. Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all. Were past this, were united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one. Bentancur previously posted: Sonny brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke. Taylor Swift has said her first time playing in Wales was out of control in the best way after she dazzled crowds in Cardiff with her record-breaking Eras Tour. The US superstar performed hits from across her back catalogue and spoke Welsh to thousands of adoring fans at the Principality Stadium. Swift will kick off her London residency at Wembley Stadium from Friday the first of eight shows across June and August. The singer shared a series of images to Instagram of her performing in a variety of elegant and glitzy outfits while in Cardiff on Tuesday night. Alongside the post, she wrote: Cardiff!! My first time playing in Wales and that was truly out of control in the best way looking out into that massive, bouncing, dancing sea of people. Ill never forget it. Im absolutely living for these UK crowds. Next up: our weekend at Wembley!! See you tomorrow London! Swift kicked off her performance in Wales with a number of hit songs before having a go at speaking the language. Shwmae, Swift told the crowd in videos circulating on social media, which means hello. Croeso i daith Eras, she added, which means Welcome to the Eras Tour. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan unveils the Swiftie Steps at Wembley Park as the global superstar brings her Eras Tour to the capital (David Parry Media Assignments/PA) Swift kicked off the UK leg of her mammoth, billion-dollar Eras Tour earlier this month at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh with three dazzling shows, before playing three back-to-back gigs at Liverpools Anfield. On her first night in Liverpool she celebrated the 100th show of the tour, while confirming it will come to an end in December. Swift is set to perform three sold-out shows from Friday to Sunday at Wembley before she returns for five dates in August to end the UK and European stint of the tour. Her fans are expected to boost the London economy by 300 million when they descend on the capital, according to a report shared by the Greater London Authority. London is hosting more Eras Tour shows than any other city in the world, with around 640,000 people expected to attend across the eight dates. To celebrate her arrival in the capital, murals, a special Tube map, a Taylor trail and a series of events have been created to entertain the Swifties. The Conservatives are not defeated yet, Michael Gove has said as he insisted the election had not entered Fergie time. Having started the election well behind Labour, the Conservatives have seen their polling numbers worsen rather than improve over the campaign, with four major polls this week suggesting the party is on course for its worst result ever. But Mr Gove, the Housing Secretary, told broadcasters on Thursday that the Conservatives still had a chance, referencing former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Gove said: There are opinion polls, as Ive acknowledged and as we both know, that are not great, but its not the 90th minute, were not in Fergie time yet. He added: Im a Scotland fan, so you wait until the final whistle. Sometimes it looks as though the odds are against you, but you keep on fighting. But some of Mr Goves Cabinet colleagues have been less upbeat about their partys prospects. Michael Gove struck a more optimistic note than some of his Cabinet colleagues (Aaron Chown/PA) Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggested on Monday that a Conservative victory was unlikely, while Wales Secretary David TC Davies acknowledged on Wednesday that the polls were pointing to a large Labour majority. The polls, combined with warnings from some Conservative figures that Labour would have unchecked power if it won a large majority, have sparked speculation that the Conservatives are now engaged in damage limitation rather than attempting to win the election. But Mr Gove insisted the party would continue to fight until the final whistle. He said: This election is not an election between Savanta and YouGov, its between Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak and there is therefore a choice of policies and, for example on housing, my brief, I think weve got better ideas. But Mr Gove later said that a Conservative victory would be a stretch, adding: We are absolutely the underdogs. Its incredibly tough, were up against it. But it is possible and youve got to believe that in order to ensure that you do the electorate a service. Labour has also sought to play down polling forecasts of a landslide, with shadow housing minister Matthew Pennycook telling Times Radio on Thursday that he took polls with a pinch of salt. He said: I think our message of change, of turning the page on 14 years of Tory chaos is resonating. But there are still lots of people out there uncertain, undecided, which is why we are fighting for every single vote and will continue to do so, fighting like were 10 points behind in all of our target seats across the country. Because there really is only one poll that matters, and that is the poll that takes place on July 4. US rapper Travis Scott has been arrested on suspicion of trespassing and disorderly intoxication. The 33-year-old from Texas, real name Jacques Webster, was taken into custody and transported to the Miami Beach Police Department following an incident at the citys marina in the early hours of Thursday morning. A statement to the PA news agency from the Miami Beach Police Department said: The Miami Beach Police Department confirms the arrest of Mr Jacques Webster, DOB 4/30/1991, on June 20, 2024, at approximately 1.44 a.m. Mr Webster was taken into custody following an incident at the Miami Beach Marina located at 300 Alton Road. Police documents show that officers responded to a disturbance on a yacht where they observed the rapper yelling at those on the vessel. The complaint/arrest affidavit added that officers could sense a strong smell of alcohol coming from the defendants breath and he was told to leave the dock or he would be arrested. He initially complied with officers warning him to leave the premises before he returned after five minutes and disregarded officers commands for him not to go back. The document added that the defendant later admitted to drinking alcohol and stated: Its Miami. Scotts representatives have been approached for comment. Police have arrested two people on suspicion of running an illegal crypto exchange which traded more than 1 billion-worth of cryptocurrency. Two people, aged 38 and 44, had their London offices searched by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), while the Metropolitan Police seized several digital devices during searches of two residential properties in the capital. Both suspects were interviewed under caution by the FCA and released on bail. The authoritys investigation into the case is ongoing. More than 1 billion of unregistered crypto assets are believed to have been bought and sold through the business, the regulator said. Therese Chambers, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said: The FCA has an important role to play in keeping dirty money out of the UK financial system. These arrests show we will do everything in our power to stop crypto firms from operating illegally in the UK. It comes after a global crackdown on crypto companies of late, following the collapse of several industry giants which led to millions of people losing money they had invested in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum. Our new rules mean #crypto firms must ensure that people have the appropriate knowledge and experience to #invest. Firms that promote #cryptoassets will need to include clear risk warnings and ensure adverts are clear, fair and not misleading. https://t.co/lzThyUU1Y1 Financial Conduct Authority (@TheFCA) June 8, 2023 The most high profile was the implosion of FTX, the crypto exchange run by Sam Bankman-Fried, which saw the mogul sentenced to 25 years in prison in the US for defrauding customers and investors. Meanwhile, Changpeng CZ Zhao, the founder of crypto exchange Binance, was sentenced to four months in prison in April for allowing criminals to launder money on his platform. Mr Zhao resigned from Binance in November. He pleaded guilty to breaking US money-laundering laws. Binance is still operating, and remains the biggest crypto exchange in the world by transaction volumes. The FCA has a register of so-called authorised crypto companies which are allowed to operate from the UK. This includes crypto spinoffs set up by financial giants such as Fidelity, Standard Chartered and Japanese investment bank Nomura. The regulator also forces registered crypto firms to prove they comply with UK money-laundering regulations in order to operate legally. Crypto crime amounted to more than 24 billion US dollars-worth (19 billion) of transactions last year, according to intelligence firm Chainalysis. The list of authorised crypto firms numbers 45. Meanwhile, a separate FCA list of crypto companies it suspects of operating illegally in the UK has more than 13,000 businesses on it. Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." After a busy morning rushing from patient to patient in the pediatric cardiology clinic where she worked, Rachel Manalo, DO, was looking forward to her lunch break. It was a cherished few minutes for her to sit down and take a breath. And at 18 weeks pregnant, she especially relished that moment of quiet. But that day, her body just wouldntor couldntrelax. My heart was beating super fast, even when I was resting and paying attention to my body, Dr. Manalo says. I use my Apple Watch to track my heart rate during exercise, so I immediately went to the ECG feature and turned it on. Her heart rate was around 150 beats per minutemuch higher than her resting heart rate during pregnancy of roughly 80 bpm, and closer to what shed expect to log during a workout. As a cardiologist, Dr. Manalo knew this was unusual. But she also knew pregnancy can cause a lot of weird physical and biological changes. Shortly after, her heartbeat had slowed again. She asked a colleague to look at the Apple Watch data but didnt mention the incident to her ob-gyn. The electrophysiologist I work with said to just continue monitoring it for now, because it only happened that one time, Dr. Manalo says. I didnt want to worry my OB. But as her pregnancy progressed, the episodes kept recurring. Every time she felt her heart begin to race, she recorded it on her watch. At 33 weeks, she often felt dizzy and out of breath. One night after work, her heart raced for hours. It would race for a minute, then calm down, then race again, she says. I could see the pattern forming on my watch. Dr. Manalo made an appointment with a cardiologist who, using hospital instruments, made a diagnosis that aligned with Dr. Manalos Apple Watch data: ventricular tachycardia (VT), an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the lower chambers of the heart beats too quickly. VT can result from a structural issue in the heart at birth, or it can arise when heart cells spontaneously start producing an electrical impulse theyre not supposed to. It is also a rare but known complication of pregnancy . If a fast VT heart rhythm goes on too long, it can impact the hearts ability to pump blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. Sustained VT (i.e., an episode lasting longer than 30 seconds or requiring intervention within 30 seconds due to insufficient blood flow) can also lead to cardiac arrest. Hoping rest and a new prescription medication would help, Dr. Manalo started maternity leave early. But a week later, the abnormal rhythm returned. [My heart] raced for a full hour with no stopping. I had to go to the ER, she says. Once again, she used her watch to capture what was happening. When she got to the hospital, the doctors were able to act quickly. After they tried different medications to bring her heart rate to normal, her blood pressure started to drop (a sign that her life and her babys life were in danger), and they ordered an emergency C-section. Her baby girl was born the next morning. I could have developed cardiomyopathy [a disease in which the heart muscle cant pump blood effectively] or potentially died if I had not been able to closely monitor my heart rhythm during my symptoms, Dr. Manalo says. The watch helped me tell that my palpitations werent just anxiety but truly abnormal. Dr. Manalo isnt the only pregnant woman whose wearable health tracker may have helped save her life. In December 2022, a pregnant woman in Costa Mesa, California, was wearing an Apple Watch when it warned her of a racing heartbeat that turned out to be the first signs of placental abruption, a rare pregnancy complication. In 2021, a pregnant Kentucky moms Apple Watch alerted her to an abnormal heart rhythm that turned out to be a rare heart infection called myocarditis. Other companies that produce wearable health trackers such as the Oura Ring, Garmin watches , and Whoop are also dialing into technological solutions to help women track biological data (and especially heart rates) during pregnancy. Getty Images A Revolution In Pregnancy Tracking Tech From watches and smart rings to health-tracking apps, Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuffs, and continuous glucose monitors that help with gestational diabetes, new tech products are becoming a key tool for managing preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum health. And experts have started paying attention to the data these tools collect. Sometimes its the small physical and biological changes that might otherwise go undetected that affect a pregnant woman and her babys health. For example, changes in sleep and activity could be used to predict preterm birth, one 2023 study found. Other small studies suggest that trackers can encourage physical activity and weight management in pregnant women, two factors that can reduce pregnancy complications. Another paper found that pregnant women wearing a FitBit tracker increased their daily step count by 1,716 steps on average. Trackers can be immensely powerful tools to help us, in real time, take what we know about our environments, our sleep habits, our eating, our movement, and show how those inputs affect internal metrics, heart rate, blood glucose levels, and sleep metrics, says Christy Evans, MD, an ob-gyn at Almond Obgyn . These tools are as powerful, if not more so, in pregnancy, when women may feel like the stakes are even higher. Recently, ob-gyns have noticed more patients, like Dr. Manalo, using health trackers to monitor their heart during pregnancy and postpartum. Its a promising trend, considering the latest numbers show that maternal mortality rates in the United States remain higher than in other industrialized countries. In 2022, roughly 22.3 women died per 100,000 live births, an increase from 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The trend is even worse for Black women, whose maternal mortality rate is nearly three times that of white women. Right now, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of maternal mortality in America, according to Jenny Y. Mei, MD, the ob-gyn at UCLA Health who treated Dr. Manalo after she arrived at the ER. So, especially for patients who are at higher risk, technology could help address that component. Dr. Mei coauthored a case study on Dr. Manalos story that highlighted the need for larger-scale research on the topic. She is also involved in research looking at how remote blood pressure monitoring (in which patients upload their own blood pressure readings from an arm cuff into an app from home) can improve outcomes. The ability to upload readings allows health-care providers to monitor blood pressure efficiently and more often. Its having an impact in reducing ER visits, which are a proxy for tracking complications, Dr. Mei explains. This type of remote blood pressure monitoring may even help reduce racial disparities in maternal health. A 2023 paper found that Black patients were less likely to discover their high blood pressure if they were in the group that only checked blood pressure in-office (so more likely to detect their high blood pressure in remote monitoring), and another paper found that Black women and other high-risk groups in a remote blood pressure monitoring program received medication adjustments that reduced ER visits. Getty Images Preventive Care You Can Wear Some doctors think wearable health-tracking technology will be especially important as more women delay pregnancy past age 35 (when the risk of complications is greater) or start pregnancy with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Amanda Horn, a nurse midwife at Holston Medical Group in Kingsport, Tennessee, says the vast majority of her patient population has an underlying disease, meaning there is greater risk for potential complications during pregnancy and postpartum. Depending on your health status, you may need to be more vigilant, so I can see where more data and monitoring could potentially play a role, she says. Although doctor visits become more frequent during pregnancy, for women at high risk for complications, it may not always be enough to adequately monitor whats happening in their body. The traditional prenatal care model means prenatal visits every four weeks for the first and second trimesters and every two weeks through most of the third trimester. That adds up to just 12 to 14 vital sign measurements, says Santosh Pandipati, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Campbell, California. There is a vast amount of missed data opportunity across the entire pregnancy and postpartum journey. More data means more ability to obtain crucial insights, which in turn means more opportunity for early intervention. Additionally, a dearth of high-risk-pregnancy specialists in many parts of the country highlights other ways wearable health trackers could benefit women. A lot of people are relying on virtual visits, and this type of remote monitoring could help patients who otherwise cant do this kind of care in person, says Dr. Mei. That might mean wearing a tracker (like a watch) that can monitor heart rate or using a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff or continuous glucose monitor that can upload results directly to your doctor. That way, they can alert you to potential problems, provide advice, or direct you to the ER or other in-person care as needed. However, while these tools may be helpful for connecting the dots, doctors emphasize there is no replacement for being evaluated by a professional. Whether or not you have a watch, when you have heart palpitations or otherwise dont feel well, its important to bring it up with your doctor, says Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. And of course it will take more than a few Apple Watches to solve the maternal health crisis, which is compounded by socioeconomic factors like low income, housing and food insecurity, and substance use disorders. A larger overhaul of the maternal health system (including increasing access to health care via free or low-cost care and more housing support and other services for pregnant women and moms) is needed to truly move the needle. More Info Isnt Always The Answer There are other potential downsides to relying on wearables for health information. For starters, more info isnt necessarily better. Heart palpitations are expected during pregnancy and, in most cases, very normal, says Horn. Ive had folks come to me with heart rate increases, and we end up doing significant interventions with seven-day monitors just to discover it is in fact benign. So, it can be a blessing and a curse. It can also mean were doing more intervention than we needed to do. Conversely, Dr. Greves worries that patients will consider their watchs assessment the be-all and end-all, and they could miss important clues because theyre busy thinking, Well, my watch says Im fine. At the end of the day, you have to understand the limits of the data to use it most effectively. Doctors suggest leaning on tech to collect dataand nothing more. Its a helpful adjunct that can help detect a trend, Dr. Greves says. At the same time, your body will send you signals if something is off. In a way, you have an internal watch already. More research is needed to determine best practices when it comes to technology during pregnancy. It could be that only people with certain health risks such as obesity, known cardiovascular or metabolic disease, or being 35 or older during a first pregnancy stand to benefit. Still, experts say being aware of symptoms and reporting concerns to your provider is always a good move. No one knows that better than Dr. Manalo, who underwent a procedure called an ablation to correct her VT two months after giving birth. Thanks to that early intervention and procedure, shes now back at work and chasing after a healthy toddler at home. And to this day, she credits her Apple Watch with helping to save her life. You Might Also Like Seasonal depression isn't just a winter phenomenon. Many have experienced a mood dip brought on by a frigid winter or a rainy weekend. But extreme heat can also have a significant impact on mental health. As the U.S. swelters under an unrelenting heat wave, experts say the sky-high temperatures could make people more frustrated and stressed and exacerbate existing mental health conditions. "I can estimate what the temperature is outside without even stepping outside my office," said Susan Albers-Bowling, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. "This week, in particular, when it is excessively hot, I see an increase in frustration, irritation, anger, listlessness." The National Weather Service warned that this week would bring dangerous levels of heat to cities in the East as heat advisories, watches or warnings were issued for more than 100 million people. Philadelphia's Health Department declared its first heat health emergency of the year through this Saturday. Temperatures could climb to the 100s in Pittsburgh and could reach 101 degrees in Washington, D.C., this weekend. Boston could see its second 98-degree day on Thursday. In Caribou, Maine, a 103-degree heat index set an all-time record, even as forecasters predicted temperatures could rise another 2 degrees. Temperatures in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, broke century-old records on Wednesday. And the heat index in northwest Ohio and northern Indiana could hit 102 degrees on Friday, while farther west, Phoenix and Tucson could see temperatures climb to 113 degrees. Experts say extreme heat can cause irritability and stress. More: Tropical rainstorm to bring heavy rain to Texas and Louisiana Extreme heat can cause irritation, anxiety, raise stress hormones Warm weather improves mental health people get outside and soak up more Vitamin D when it's nice outside, Albers-Bowling said. But extreme heat can have the opposite effect. "Heat has been shown to cause irritability, agitation, anxiety, cognitive impairment," she said. "Research also shows that, during heat waves, there's a noted increase in suicide rate, domestic violence, substance use and crime." Albers-Bowling said the high temperatures could take various forms, including through disruption to sleep. "If you aren't sleeping well, it's likely you're going to be much more irritable and frustrated the next day, or feeling depressed or blue," she said. Extreme heat can also cause hormone changes, including an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone, and can reduce alertness and cognition, she said. "People have noticed changes in their work habits, they may notice that they're dragging at work or they have trouble getting started or motivated with different projects." Elevated temperatures can even lessen the effectiveness of certain medications, she said. More: Earth marks 12 straight months of record heat, a bewildering climate change milestone ER visits for mental health increase during heat waves Statistics show the dangerous physical effects of extreme heat on the body. Heat-related deaths rose from 1,722 in 2022 to more than 2,300 in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last summer, rates of emergency room visits for heat-related illness jumped "substantially," the agency reported. Emergency room visits for mental health-related concerns also increased as temperatures got hotter, according to research by Amruta Nori-Sarma, an assistant professor at Boston University School of Public Health's Environmental Health Department. Nori-Sarma said she found that between 2010 and 2019, the rate of emergency department visits with "mental health outcomes" increased by 6-11% on the five or six hottest days of the year. Nori-Sarma said the visits were linked with a wide range of mental health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety and stress disorders, self-harm, schizophrenia and substance use disorders. "What I think that means is that extreme heat is this external stressor that's really exacerbating people's underlying mental health symptoms," she said. Albers-Bowling said some groups are more vulnerable to the psychological impacts of heat than others, including young children, the elderly, people with pre-existing mental health issues like anxiety or depression, and those who suffer from chronic illnesses. Socio-economic conditions can also make a difference people who don't have air conditioning or work outside all day are at greater risk, Albers-Bowling said. Nori-Sarma also noted that her research focused on people with commercial health insurance, but the mental health impacts of extreme heat on people with public insurance or who aren't insured remain understudied. Experts say increasing temperatures brought on by climate change could have a lasting impact on mental health. Global heat is already smashing one record after another last year was the hottest on record, and last summer hit the highest temperatures in 2,000 years, according to a Nature study. And the end of May marked 12 straight months of record-high temperatures, the second-longest recorded streak of heat. Nori-Sarma said existing mental health services already don't meet public need. Rising temperatures could exacerbate that demand. "It's very reasonable to assume that some health systems may be overwhelmed in (the) future," she said. "It's really important to start preparing now for when we see a heat wave is going to be happening." Albers-Bowling urged people to prepare for the potential psychological effects of an oncoming heat wave by drinking water and cooling down periodically. "Being hydrated is something that everybody could do to help boost their mental health," she said. "Also, staying cool, wearing cool clothing, staying in air conditioning, staying inside during the hottest part of the day." A cold shower or placing a cool washcloth on the forehead can also restore concentration and attention, she said. The heat also makes it harder for people to take a stroll outside, which many use to alleviate stress. "Finding alternatives for stress management and relaxation can be key," she said. Albers-Bowling said personal check-ins and staying in touch with physical and mental well-being can go a long way. "Just having that awareness can make people put a label on why they may be feeling more depressed, anxious, irritable," she said. Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heat wave could make you irritated, stressed, experts say One of the ways you can see gorgeous manatees in Florida is by renting a kayak and gently paddling in the warm waters where manatees are present. If you've very lucky, one of these gentle giants may even come up to your kayak. If you're like me, you maybe assumed that when this happened it was because the manatee loved humans and wanted to say hello. The reality of the situation may be a bit more spicy than that! The hilarious video was shared by the TikTok account for @Wetrabbitkayaks and it explains, "Manatees have poor eyesight. Basically, they can see colors and shapes up close just enough to find food, but thats about it. Because of the shape, size and colors of our kayaks and the glass bottom resembling an underbelly, we often get mistaken for manatees when a young male is feelin frisky." Oh dear! That's not awkward at all! TikTok users feel the same and one person said, "He saw that big boat bottom and made his move." Oh no, LOL! Another added, "he said COME HERE GIRL!!!" Related: Adorable Baby Manatee in Florida Is Quickly Breaking the Internet I just adore manatees but we all know you aren't supposed to touch them but I would personally have a very difficult time not breaking that rule! Can't we just quickly hug one? I guess not! These animals are so amazing and there are a few places where you can have your very own close encounter with these potatoes of the sea! Where You Can See Florida Manatees They are such beautiful creatures. JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock The best time to see manatees is generally November through March, when manatees usually cluster around warm-water sources. The Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida has observation decks at the park where you can view these beautiful animals. If you encounter wild manatees while swimming, you can never touch them. The Crystal River and Kings Bay area is the only area in Florida where swimmers are monitored around manatees. The website explains, "Avoid excessive noise and splashing if a manatee appears nearby. The manatee may be resting and may surface without being aware of your presence. Noise and activity may startle the animal awake, which may put it in harms way if it is frightened and leaves the area." The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a cohesive list about where people can view manatees. I don't know about you, but that's for sure on my bucket list. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. John Stanhill said the win has been such a huge relief" for him and his wife as they entered parenthood Florida Lottery Victoria Oakley (left) and John Stanhill A Florida man won big on a lottery scratch-off ticket shortly before his wife was expected to give birth to their first child. John Stanhill, 46, recently purchased a $50 500X THE CASH scratch-off ticket from Duval Exxon, located at 1403 Third Street North in Jacksonville Beach, according to a news release from the Florida Lottery. The ticket which just happened to be a $1 million winner was bought just three weeks before his wife Victoria Oakley was expected to give birth, state lottery officials added. Stanhill said winning on the lottery ticket couldnt have happened at a better time and has been such a huge relief for us. Florida Lottery Victoria Oakley (left) and John Stanhill Related: $842.4 Million Powerball Jackpot Winner Revealed as Michigan Lottery Group: 'Once-in-a-Lifetime' Weve been able to fully focus on being new parents by putting our financial worries at ease, the couple explained. Stanhill claimed his prize at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee on Tuesday, June 11, according to the news release. He opted to receive a one-time, lump-sum payment of $640,000. Since then, the couples baby boy was born. We won the lottery and then we won the lottery again with our beautiful, healthy baby boy! Oakley said. Now, the couple plans to put the money to good use. We were able to start a college fund for our baby and plan on paying off student loans, they explained. We are over the moon with everything thats happened! 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 Exxon where Stanhill purchased the ticket has received a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winner. The odds of winning on the $50 scratch-off ticket purchased by Stanhill are 1-in-4.23, according to state lottery officials. Over the years, scratch-off games have reportedly generated more than $18.95 billion for Floridas Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. New York Times political correspondent Maggie Haberman weighed in on the upcoming debate between former President Trump and President Biden, noting that Trump acknowledged he interrupted Biden too much in their first 2020 debate. Haberman spoke to CNNs Anderson Cooper on Wednesday night about the preparation Trump is likely undergoing ahead of next weeks debate. She suggested the former president is not doing mock debates in practice but instead focusing on policy areas through briefings provided by lawmakers. He has said to people multiple times that he knows that he interrupted too much in the first debate with Biden in 2020, and having just rewatched that debate recently, its really striking, Haberman said on CNNs Anderson Cooper 360. I mean, we all talked about it at the time, but Biden could barely get a word in edgewise, and Biden was kind of smiling throughout as this was happening, she added The first debate of the last presidential cycle was marked by name-calling by both candidates as Trump repeatedly clashed with moderator Chris Wallace. The 2024 presumptive GOP nominee also repeatedly interrupted Biden throughout the debate, resulting in many calling for a mute button. During next weeks debate, which will be hosted by CNN, both candidates have agreed to muting microphones throughout the debate, except when they are called on to speak. Moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will be able to use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion. Haberman said Trump is focusing on policy time by bringing in different people, including Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.). She signaled he is also practicing how to answer questions about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. And they are focusing on various issues that could come up: abortion, health care, energy, COVID and then very specifically, the Times reporter said, and this was one thing that came up last Thursday, what Trump will say when asked Jan. 6-related questions, particularly his statements about pardoning some of the people who were arrested in connection with the violence that day. She added that the former presidents team want Trump, when asked about whether he would pardon those arrested, to say it depends on a case-by-case basis. Haberman also noted that Trump is not a fan of debate prep. Trump doesnt like prep. I mean, he considers it school, she said. So the fact that theyve gotten him to do it this way is actually pretty revealing and also speaks to the fact that I think he knows that this has to go well for him. When reached for comment, senior Trump adviser Jason Miller took aim at Biden as he touted the former presidents experiences attending political rallies and giving interviews ahead of the debate next week. President Trump takes on numerous tough interviews every single week and delivers lengthy rally speeches while standing, demonstrating elite stamina, Miller said, while repeating claims Trump and allies have made that Biden must be shot up with chemicals to stay focused. Trump said late last month that he would request a drug test for the incumbent ahead of the debate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Steve Holland and Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House expressed deep disappointment over criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States on Thursday amid tensions between the two allies over Israel's war in Gaza. The White House response came as national security adviser Jake Sullivan held meetings with Netanyahu's top two aides to discuss the Gaza conflict and other issues. Similar talks were expected between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Israelis. Netanyahu on Tuesday issued an English-language video in which he said Blinken had assured him that the Biden administration was working to lift restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel, an exchange the top U.S. diplomat declined to confirm. In a rare account of normally private diplomatic conversations, Netanyahu also said he told Blinken that it was "inconceivable" that in the past few months Washington was withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby addressed the comments in a briefing with reporters, saying the U.S. had directly expressed displeasure to Israel. "I think we've made it abundantly clear to our Israeli counterparts through various vehicles our deep disappointment in the statements expressed in that video and our concerns over the accuracy in the statements made," Kirby said. "The idea that we had somehow stopped helping Israel with their self-defense needs is absolutely not accurate," he said. Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Ron Dermer, Israel's minister for strategic affairs, spoke with Sullivan as a larger, more formal "strategic dialogue" meeting was being rescheduled, according to a White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Blinken said weapons shipments - with the exception of one with large bombs - were moving as usual given Israel faced security threats beyond Gaza, including from Hezbollah and Iran. He declined to comment on his private exchange with Netanyahu during a news conference on Tuesday. "There is one shipment of high payload munitions that we have put under review and that remains under review. That's not a bottleneck. That's a policy review," said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. The United States in May paused a shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs due to concern over the impact they could have in densely populated areas but Israel was still due to get billions of dollars worth of U.S. weaponry. Scrutiny on Israel's conduct in its military operation in Gaza has increased as the Palestinian death toll from the war has soared to above 37,000, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave and reduced Gaza to a wasteland. The war started when Palestinian Hamas militants stormed across the border and attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Biden in April warned Israel that the U.S. would stop supplying it weapons if Israeli forces make a major invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza that is the last refuge for many displaced by the war. (Reporting by Steve Holland, Humeyra Pamuk and Trevor Hunnicutt, additional reporting by Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Deepa Babington and Josie Kao) Jennifer Lopez is flying soloor at least, on her latest European trip anyway. The Mother star was spotted without her hubby Ben Affleck or any family in footage obtained by TMZ, where the actress seemed to be enjoying an outing at a hotel in Positano, Italy, on Wednesday, June 19. In a video published by the outlet, the Selena star can be seen with a few friends walking down a flight of stairs and eventually boarding a small watercraft. For the occasion, Lopez appeared water activity-ready, putting her toned midriff on full display in a yellow bandeau top with matching shorts, paired fabulously with heels. Around the same time, the 51-year-old actor was seen riding an electric bike around Los Angeles with his son, Samuel, 12. The sighting sans Affleck only further fuels rumors that the two are headed toward divorce, if they've not already quietly decided to go their separate ways. Related: 'The View's Joy Behar Issues Stern Warning for Jennifer Lopez Amid Ben Affleck Divorce Rumors After several public appearances together following their lavish August 2022 wedding in Georgia, the joint outings have drastically tapered off as of late, with fans noticing they'd not been photographed together in months. Though still supporting each other's familieswith Lopez showing up to attend celebratory graduation parties for her stepchildrenthere has been no show of PDA at the more recent unified gatherings. Additionally, the two are selling their Los Angeles-located marital home, which they just purchased last year for $60 million, and have reportedly been living separately for a while now. The Marry Me actress, did, however, wish the Air star a Happy Father's Day over the weekend, calling him "our hero" in a social media tribute. Affleck and Lopez rekindled their romance in April 2021, after a failed engagement in 2004. After splitting two decades ago, they each went on to marry and have children with other people. Lopez is mom to twins Emme and Max, whom she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony, while Affleck welcomed Violet and Fin, in addition to Samuel, with Jennifer Garner. Next: Why Fans Think Jennifer Lopez Hinted at Relationship Problems With Ben Affleck Several civil liberties groups say they are poised for a legal battle over Louisiana's new law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments one day after the law was signed by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. The groups including The American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation said Wednesday that they plan to challenge the law in court. The groups say the law violates the separation of church and state in public buildings and would impact students education and safety, according to an ACLU statement. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate, and it certainly should not be coercing students to submit day in and day out to unavoidable promotions of religious doctrine, the ACLU wrote. PHOTO: A stock photo of an empty classroom is seen here. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images) MORE: Biden's Title IX rule change temporarily blocked over LGBTQ protections HB 71 mandates public schools -- from kindergarten to the collegiate level -- to display the Ten Commandments, a religious set of rules from the Old Testament, in every classroom on a poster or framed document that is at least 11 inches by 14 inches. If you want to respect the rule of law, you gotta start from the original lawgiver, which was Moses," said Landry Wednesday during the press conference where he signed the bills. The bill also outlined a specific version of the Ten Commandments to be used for the display. Public schools have until January 2025 to display the poster, which will be paid for by private donations and not state dollars, according to the law. The law does not state what would happen if a school does not comply with the order. PHOTO: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry speaks with reporters outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC on March 18, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE) MORE: Gov. Ron DeSantis' push for 'civics' education: What does it look like? The bill is one of 18 signed by Landry as part of his Dream Big education plan that aims to bring back common sense in our classrooms, he said in a Wednesday statement. Supporters of HB 71 argue that the law isnt about religion: This is not preaching a Christian religion. Its not preaching any religion. Its teaching a moral code, Republican state Rep. Dodie Horton said during an April hearing, according to local news outlet WWL-TV. The law argues that the Ten Commandments are also historically significant, reflecting "the understanding of the founders of our nation with respect to the necessity of civic morality to a functional self-government," the text reads. Opponents of the bill believe this is a violation of the First Amendment. The ACLU pointed to the 1980 Supreme Court case Stone v. Graham, which found that Kentuckys then-law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms "had no secular legislative purpose" and was "plainly religious in nature, the decision read. All students should feel safe and welcome in our public schools, the ACLU said in a statement. The statement continued, H.B. 71 would undermine this critical goal and prevent schools from providing an equal education to all students, regardless of faith. We will not allow Louisiana lawmakers to undermine these religious-freedom rights. Louisiana's Ten Commandments requirement in school classrooms spurs talk of legal battles originally appeared on abcnews.go.com CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico The tunnel is dark and narrow. Toxic gases rise from the dank water. Insects scurry along the sides, rattlesnakes wait, coiled. Rodents lurk along the waters edge. Yet this drainage network that reaches from Ciudad Juarez into El Paso, Texas, is one of the most sought-after routes for patrons of a VIP migration package offered by Mexican cartels to those with the money to pay for it. The tunnel route costs at least $6,000, according to interviews with top Mexican state authorities, federal law enforcement officials from both sides of the border and migrants waiting to cross in encampments along the Rio Grande. Ricardo, a migrant smuggler, said he has charged as much as $15,000. Everything in this underground world functions by a code the cartels give their VIP customers, often delivered by cellphone, that identifies which cartel travel agency a migrant is working with so everyone from local police to rival criminal syndicates knows not to harass them. Investigation: Hacked data reveals which US gun sellers are behind Mexican cartel violence Heightened U.S. security along the 2,000-mile border with Mexico and fewer legal pathways to come north have been an economic boon for Mexican criminal organizations. Instead of fixing a broken immigration system, the U.S. government is outsourcing migration policy to criminal groups, some experts say, increasing practices of corruption. The migrant, said Blanca Navarrete, director of the migrant advocacy nonprofit, Integral Human Rights in Action, is the one to pay the price for that lack of action. Antonio Lopez, a Venezuelan migrant trying to reach the United States, watches the news in Ciudad Juarez as U.S. President Joe Biden announces a sweeping border security enforcement effort earlier this month. A joint investigation by Mexican and U.S. authorities has discovered that one Juarez-based cartel, La Linea, has been smuggling at least 1,000 migrants through the tunnels into El Paso every month, according to a senior Mexican official. Experts predict the return on investment of trafficking humans has eclipsed that of trafficking drugs. Criminals have shifted from their primary business, which was drug trafficking, said Arturo Velasco, head of the anti-kidnapping unit at the Chihuahua attorney generals office. Now 60 to 70% of their focus is migrant smuggling. A kilo of cocaine might bring in $1,500, but the risk is very high. The cost-benefit of trafficking a person is $10,000, $12,000, $15,000. Velasco says he has seen the pressure and with it, opportunity grow in the past two years, after economies around the world gutted by the COVID-19 pandemic led people to migrate in search of work. Natural disasters driven by climate change and violence also have spurred Latin Americans to leave their countries. A draft study by the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, expected to be published later this year, estimates record-breaking payments made to migrants in Mexico by family members in the U.S. Remittances in cities like Ciudad Juarez have doubled to nearly $90 million per trimester so far in 2024, said Ines Barrios de la O, an immigration specialist at the college. That is up from between $40 million to $60 million in the border town in 2015, she said. Migrants walk around with a price on their heads, she said, desperate to cross, scared for their lives. 'Everyone is in on it' For the VIP transit to work, key people must be in on the action. Interviews with migrants and government officials suggest the system relies on an already established flow of bribes that reach from high-level Mexican immigration bureaucrats to the citys municipal police. Corruption in Juarez, or in any other Mexican border city, must be in collusion with authorities, said Oscar Hagelsieb, a former assistant special agent in charge of the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations unit in Ciudad Juarez who now runs a security consulting firm in El Paso. Velasco said investigations by his office have found that Mexican National Guard and immigration authorities turn migrants over to cartels and sell migration permits that allow people to legally transit through the country. We know of federal law enforcement that traffic migrants, Velasco said. From inside shelters, they, along with officials from the National Institute of Migration, send information on people and then, outside, these people are abducted by criminal groups. Requests for comment sent to the National Guard by phone and messaging app were not returned. The National Institute of Migration declined to comment. Local police abduct migrants for profit as well, Velasco said. And they are a crucial part of the migrant smuggling operations in Juarez networks in the city. In Juarez, municipal police Chief Cesar Omar Munoz Morales denied the allegations of corruption, saying its difficult and complicated to address things that are not formally documented. Its tough to respond to your question when there are no formal complaints for our department to follow up on, Munoz said. He described his department as clean and efficient, adding, Were doing the best we can. Velasco, however, confirmed that police officers are kidnapping migrants, who are then held in safe houses in one case, just feet from the homes of one officer until they come up with the amount they agreed to pay the cartel before starting their journey. Belongings of migrants near the Rio Bravo River, border between Mexico and the United States in Ciudad Juarez. State investigators documented municipal police participating in kidnapping of migrants arriving at the Juarez International Airport. This year, that has resulted in several shootouts between government and rival human smuggling groups, which has turned the airport area into the latest turf war for organized crime. The migrant smuggler who spoke with USA TODAY confirmed that municipal police play an integral role for his organization as well, including transporting migrants from the safe houses to the tunnels. They load people onto their trucks, and they care for them so that another cartel doesnt abduct them, Ricardo said. The officers not only bring clients to drain entrances, he said, but they provide cover for him and his fellow smugglers to head into El Paso. For this service, Ricardo said, he pays a police commander nearly $600 a migrant. Its millions of pesos in extortions, and everyone is in on it, said Tony Payan, director of the U.S.-Mexico Center at Rice University who has written a book about the political situation in Juarez. In other words, Payan said, its an extortion force. The promise of a bus ride, free of hassles Ciudad Juarez is at the heart of tensions of migration and immigration policy. Last year, El Paso recorded 427,000 encounters with Border Patrol authorities, the most of any sector along the southern U.S. border. Migrants come to the city from all over the globe. Some, like the Chinese, pay exorbitant fees of up to $75,000 for the VIP packages, according to Ricardo. Others fall short or run out of money and find themselves among hundreds camping on the banks of the Rio Grande. There they say they feel like hostages, stuck between a desire to stay away from criminal groups yet within reach of the U.S. Standing between them and their destination are hundreds of Texas National Guards members in Humvees and in helicopters hovering above. Ronald, a 29-year-old migrant from Venezuela, speaks to his family from along the dry riverbed of the Rio Grande River while searching for an entry point into the United States from Ciudad Juarez. Andres, a 25-year-old Venezuelan, naps in a sleeping bag in an area he knows as no-mans land. Nearby, others sleep on flattened cardboard boxes. One recent afternoon, Andres, who asked to be identified by only his first name, recounted how he came north on the promise of a VIP package advertised on social media. The package described crossing through the Darien Gap on a horse, he recalled, followed by a bus ride, free of hassles. He navigated his trip through his cellphone, communicating with a chain of regional cartel representatives starting in his hometown, Caracas, all the way to the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. Everything went as planned until he reached Juarez, Andres said. By then, he had paid half of the $15,000 fee to the cartel, but he had no money to cover the other half. As a result, his cartel travel agency stopped responding. His family loaned him $750 to pay for a code provided by local criminal groups. Its especially helpful, he said, when he needs to cross the street next to the Rio Grande, where his camp is located. As Andres sat on the banks of the river, he pointed to men in pickups with high-powered weapons. Below, on a highway, municipal police cars drove up and down. All had demanded his code, he said. Members of the Texas National Guard stand guard near a razor wire fence to inhibit the crossing of migrants into the United States from Ciudad Juarez. Andres was growing desperate. He saw his only option as jumping over, or crawling through, the concertina wire between him and the United States. Then he would make a dash past Texas National Guardsmen and into the arms of U.S. immigration authorities. Down the road, in central Juarez, Ricardo talks about the promising future his job has provided. In just five years, he has gone from being a low-level guide to managing 15 migrant smugglers. He said he smuggles about 50 migrants a month into the U.S. and gets paid thousands of dollars per person. Much like the people he brings through the storm drains, he, too, has a dream. I want to buy my mother a car, a house, everything, he said. In fact, construction is already underway." 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. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexican drug cartels offer migrants VIP package for passage into US Weve all been fortunate," says Doris Griffith, one of the sisters who now holds the record Courtesy of Notley Hawkins Norma Jacob (left), Lorene Kollmeyer, Maxine Cole, Doris Griffith, Margaret Norton and Elma Jennings stand together in July 2021 Six Missouri sisters have been verified as the record holders for the highest combined age of six living siblings. The Overall sisters of Farmington, Mo. including Norma Jacob, 101, Lorene Kollmeyer, 98, Maxine Cole, 97, Doris Griffith, 94, Margaret Norton, 90, and Elma Jennings, 88 now hold the record, Guinness World Records confirmed. The siblings range in age from 88 to 101 years old, and their total ages combined add up to 571 years, 293 days and counting, according to the organization. The sisters were inspired to try for the record after learning of a group of siblings who set the record for having the combined highest age of 12 living siblings, according to the Columbia Missourian. The Overall sisters worked with other family members to submit various forms of proof, including birth and marriage certificates, videos and photos and witness statements from people who could confirm their ages. Courtesy of Notley Hawkins The Overall sisters Related: 14-Year-Old Cat Earns World Record for Loudest Purr: 'She's a Stubborn Little Old Lady' We applied with them in mid-February, Jacobs son, Dean, said. And we didnt submit everything until about the middle of May. The family sent in at least 100 documents before they received verification. This record attempt has been an exciting time for these sisters who are all now in the twilight of their lives, Dean told Guinness World Records. The sisters were born to Stanley and Ethel Overall in Farmington, Mo., and had one older brother, Stanley Overall Jr., who died in a 2003 bicycle accident at age 81. The sisters have stayed close over the years and often went on trips together to places like Washington D.C. They have also taken to wearing matching t-shirts with their birth order on them when they go out. They each have a wonderful sense of humor and possess the gift of gab,' said Nortons son, Pat Adams. Kollmeyer, Norton and Jennings, all born in July, also continue a tradition that their mother started and get the whole family together to celebrate their summer birthday. Related: Man Breaks World Record by Pulling 5,687-Lb. Bus with Beard a Challenge That Once Ripped Out His Whiskers As of today, Jacob, who resides in Ohio, lives in a memory care facility, while the rest of the sisters live in Missouri. Norton and Jennings live in assisted living centers, while Kollmeyer, Cole and Griffith live in their own homes. The sisters stay active; Cole takes fitness classes and Griffith walks nearly a mile every day. Jennings tells Guinness World Records that she and her sisters never stayed mad at each other for long throughout their lives. The sisters also attribute their ages to family genes. 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. Weve all been fortunate, I guess, Griffith said. To have such long, good lives. There are a number of other siblings who hold age-related records. Larry A. Brown, Lon B. Brown, and Gene C. Brown, from the United States, hold the record for oldest living male triplets, according to Guinness World Records. Additionally, the oldest identical twins to ever live were Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama from Japan, who were 108 when Koume died in 2022. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. By Hannah Lang (Reuters) - PayPal has hired one of Walmart's top tech executives Srini Venkatesan to head up the company's push into artificial intelligence as its new chief technology officer, the company told Reuters on Thursday. Venkatesan will oversee technology across the payments giant, including AI and machine learning, information security and product engineering, the company said. Under PayPal CEO Alex Chriss -- who joined in September -- the company has tried to tap into investor enthusiasm for AI, announcing new AI-based products in January, like a platform that enables merchants to reach new customers based on their prior shopping history. Chriss has called 2024 a "transition year" for PayPal, and has promised to grow revenues beyond transaction-related volume. As we execute our mission to revolutionize commerce globally, Srinis experience leading technology, digital transformation and AI personalization from inside some of our largest customers and partners will be invaluable," said Chriss in a statement. Venkatesan led a team of 14,000 under Walmart's U.S. Omni Platforms and Tech organization, which is responsible for building platforms to support the retailer, including elements of the Walmart+ subscription service. Archie Deskus, PayPal's current chief technology officer, has decided to leave the company and will depart in July after supporting the transition, PayPal said. (Reporting by Hannah Lang in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Snapchat Inc. will pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Californias civil rights agency that claimed the company discriminated against female employees, failed to prevent workplace sexual harassment and retaliated against women who complained. The settlement with Snapchat Inc., which owns the popular disappearing-message app by the same name, covers women who worked for the company in California between 2014 and 2024, the California Civil Rights Department announced Wednesday. The settlement is subject to court approval. The agreement resolves a more than three-year investigation over claims that the Santa Monica, California-based company discriminated against female employees when it came to pay and promotions, the department said in a statement. The bulk of the settlement money will go to employees who faced discrimination at Snapchat Inc., California officials said. In California, were proud of the work of our states innovators who are a driving force of our nations economy, said Kevin Kish, director of California's civil rights agency. This settlement with Snapchat demonstrates a shared commitment to a California where all workers have a fair chance at the American Dream. Women are entitled to equality in every job, in every workplace, and in every industry. Snapchat Inc. said it disagrees with the agency's claims but that it decided to settle to avoid costly and lengthy litigation. We care deeply about our commitment to maintain a fair and inclusive environment at Snap, and do not believe we have any ongoing systemic pay equity, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation issues against women," the company said in a statement. Snapchat Inc. grew from 250 employees in 2015 to over 5,000 in 2022. But the growth didn't translate to advancement for female employees who were told to wait their turn, were actively discouraged from applying for promotions, or lost promotion opportunities to less qualified male colleagues, California officials said. In particular, women in engineering roles, which account for about 70% of Snaps workforce, found barriers when trying to advance from entry-level positions, according to the complaint. Californias civil rights agency also said in its lawsuit that women were sexually harassed and that when they spoke up, they faced retaliation that included negative performance reviews and termination. Male managers routinely promoted male employees over more qualified women, the agency said. Women were told, both implicitly and explicitly, that they were second-class citizens at Snap, the agency said in its lawsuit. The settlement will require the company to hire an independent consultant to evaluate its compensation and promotion policies and retain an outside auditor of its sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination compliance. The company will also have to train its staff on preventing discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment in the workplace, officials said. Snapchat Inc. also agreed to provide information to all employees about their right to report harassment or discrimination without fear of retaliation. In the 2020 primary, Biden won 70% of Orangeburg, South Carolina, an hour north of Charleston (pictured here). Today, the Orangeburg mayor says he would expect Biden to close the border upon a second term. Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Republicans claim that their election-year rhetoric about immigration has a new audience in Black communities. North Charlestons newfound racial complexity tests that claim. The working-class city of about 120,000 people is one of the most strongly Democratic in South Carolina, more so even than Charleston, its larger, storied neighbor to its south. It has also long been split almost evenly between Black and white residents. Immigration has been adding a third dimension to what was a two-way relationship. In the neck of the barbell-shaped city, between the primarily white northern neighborhoods and the primarily Black southern neighborhoods, are stretches where the shops advertise in Spanish and almost all the children getting off the school bus are Latino. About 2.5% of North Charlestonians identified as Hispanic in the 1990 census. That rose to 4% in 2000, 10% in 2010 and, on paper, about 12% today, with 8% other. But the current census figures are questionable, said Enrique Henry Grace, CFO of the Charleston Hispanic Association: Forget about it. Because Hispanics dont do the census. Whatever the census says, double it. Immigration can be a tough topic to discuss in South Carolinas Black community, which isnt keen on offering white conservatives who regularly attack cities as crime-infested yet another reason to snipe at North Charleston, especially in an election year when immigration rhetoric on the right has become increasingly toxic. But it doesnt mean they arent asking more from Democratic leaders. In early June, Joe Biden announced changes to border policy, significantly curtailing asylum claims in a bid for bold executive action on a campaign issue. The US presidents border order came with political pressure mounting on the president and Congress to resolve negotiations on a bill to change Americas immigration policies and stem undocumented migration. Some of that political pressure comes from big-city leaders like the mayors of New York and Chicago, after border state governors began shipping people who had crossed the border to them last year, straining the social services infrastructure. But the border action has an audience among Democrats in South Carolina, too. *** Biden was serving red meat to Democratic party loyalists at a January campaign speech in Columbia, South Carolina, talking about his appointment of Black judges and lowering Black unemployment rates, when he threw them one nugget of red-state steak. He complained that Republicans in Congress were thwarting legislation on the border despite getting almost everything they wanted in the bill at the bidding of Donald Trump in order to preserve it for him as a political issue. If that bill were the law today, Id shut down the border right now and fix it quickly, Biden said, to applause. As attendees awaited the president before the speech, Michael Butler, mayor of Orangeburg, South Carolina, a Democrat, expressed sympathy with this idea. I would expect the president, if hes elected a second time, to close the border, Butler said. The population of both the city and county of Orangeburg, about 45 minutes north of North Charleston, is mostly Black, poor, rural and Democratic. Biden won 70% of Orangeburg in the 2020 primary his best showing statewide and two-thirds of votes in the November election. Without a careful message, this time could be different. Shipping border crossers to big cities seemed like a publicity stunt, but it was one that worked, in Butlers view, to highlight how problems at the border are problems everywhere, including Democratic strongholds. I empathize with those mayors, Butler said. They have to deal with the expectations of migrants, and the security of them. You know were the land of the free and the brave, and we believe in taking care of all citizens. But those borders need to be secured to protect the citizens. Butlers take on immigration isnt uniformly held across the state. Some Black political leaders in North Charleston beam about how immigration has changed their communities. State representative JA Moore, a North Charleston Democrat, boasts of having the most diverse district in the state. Im proud of that, he said. Moore pushes back, hard, against the suggestion that theres tension between Black and Latino people about housing or jobs where he lives. North Charleston presents a more nuanced test of the Black electorates reaction to immigration, because the growth of its immigrant community has come with booming economic growth and overall population increases. Even so, Moore admits that some could conflate something like the rapid increase in housing prices with the rapid increase in immigration. The housing market in general and in Charleston is higher than it was 10, 15 years ago, Moore said. And also the amount of Hispanics that are moving in has increased tremendously in the past 15 years. They see a Hispanic person move into their neighborhood, and theyre seeing the prices of the houses going up People may be correlating the two. Donald Trump is counting on those kind of inferences. Bidens Republican challenger, known for his increasingly strident immigration rhetoric, responded to the border closure at a rally in the Las Vegas heat after Bidens announcement, describing it as insufficient while arguing that the president is waging all-out war on Black and Latino workers. He falsely claimed that the wages of Black workers had fallen 6% since 2021. The international manufacturers that have driven growth arent hiring undocumented labor, said Eduardo Curry, president of the North Charleston chapter of the Young Democrats of South Carolina. A lot of jobs here in Charleston are skilled labor jobs, he said. Its not just walk off the street and let me hire you. The problem, Curry said, is that too few Black workers in North Charleston have the training to take those jobs, even as those employers are yearning for more labor. Working-class Black laborers instead compete with recent immigrants for jobs that require less formal education. Tension between Black and Latino people in North Charleston has been relatively low, but may be rising because of job competition, said Ruby Wallace, a job recruiter at a staffing agency in North Charleston that serves warehouses and distribution centers working-class employers. Hispanics are working for whatever they can get at this point, she said. And theyre doing a lot of work. The North Charleston native said her staffing agency has lost 40% of its business year over year after some clients found it less expensive to hire undocumented labor through shady organizations. The neighborhood around the staffing agency has become populated primarily with immigrants, and the office, which has historically employed working-class and poor Black people, turns away undocumented applicants every day. A cottage industry of undocumented labor has emerged, undercutting legal operators by skirting federal E-Verify laws and omitting payments into workers compensation and unemployment taxes. Wallace has been reporting the violations she sees to the US Department of Labor, to no avail. Im trying to figure out, how is it possible for them to load people up and bring them, working here in South Carolina? Is it not illegal for them to do that? she said. *** Republican messaging aimed at Black voters mixes threats about job losses with invective about immigration, crime and cities. Black voters are expected to ignore the racial undercurrent of attacks on cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia or most recently Milwaukee a horrible city in Trumps most recent tirade while being receptive to the idea that undocumented people from Central and South America make those cities more unsafe. That hasnt happened in North Charleston. North Charleston began assessing the citys racial disparity in arrests and victimization in 2020. A majority of North Charlestons immigrants are Latino. According to a report released in 2021, Hispanic suspects represented about 7.5% of arrests, while Hispanic residents comprised 10% of the citys population that year. Violent crime increased during the pandemic in North Charleston, as it did in most cities with more than 100,000 residents. It has fallen since. But it is among the higher-crime cities in the state, with a murder rate about five times the national average. Keeping the peace in North Charleston has meant navigating racial tension in a city experiencing poverty and crime. Immigration adds a new element to that challenge. Reggie Burgess, 58, grew up in North Charleston and served on its police force for more than 30 years five as its chief before winning election as the citys first Black mayor in 2023. He said he contends with a common trope: that undocumented immigrants bring with them an uptick in crime. But that depiction of immigrants as criminals is false; they are measurably less likely to commit crimes than the US-born. Burgess, who has witnessed the changes in his community first-hand, said he has had to meet with immigrants to discuss how they are too often victimized by other poor people who look like him. Back when Burgess was still chief of police in 2017, he found himself conducting role-playing exercises with Latino immigrants about identifying Black people, trying to build some trust with the community. We would actually turn them backwards, and wed turn them around real quick and say: Look at this person, and turn em back around, Burgess said. Id ask, can you give me a description of the person? We were trying to teach them to understand that a Black male was more than this Afro. Youve got to [describe] a shirt, or this lanyard. It became evident to Burgess 20 years ago that undocumented individuals were being targeted for robberies because they tended to work in cash trades, he said. That revelation led the city to start pushing the financial-services industry to provide banking services, and was the start of relationship-building exercises between civic leaders and immigrants. But the federal government doesnt do enough to keep victims from being deported long enough to sustain prosecutions, he said, leaving undocumented individuals as easy targets for crime and exploitation. The U visa is supposedly supposed to help us lock in the witness for a period of time, Burgess said, describing a victim witness visa program. And Hispanics and Latinos would fill out the form, and Im thinking: OK, were good. The next thing you know, they tell me the prime witness has to go back or got caught up at a traffic stop and is being deported. Underlying this issue is unstable housing and endemic poverty. Theres a lot of need in Charleston in the Hispanic community. Need for everything, housing, jobs, everything, said Grace of the Charleston Hispanic Association. The undocumented community in North Charleston tends to be concentrated in an area of the city with trailer parks and affordable housing. They are too often living in substandard or overcrowded conditions, said Annette Glover, who operates an immigrant-oriented community ministry in North Charleston. North Charleston is part of a three-county metropolitan area of about 830,000 residents. Glovers organization, Community Impact, assisted 86,387 people within that area last year, she said, with food, language training, housing assistance and other help. Most were immigrants. About 75% to 80% were undocumented, she said. With that has come a fear of appearing on the governments radar, even while applying for help from nongovernmental organizations like hers, she said. We have found a way to actually get them to fill out applications, by allowing them to understand that were not going to be giving it to Ice or to anything like that, she said. Burgess said economic conditions and education are stress points. I mean, some of these neighborhoods, the [adjusted median income] is $29,000. And then you can go a little further up, and AMI is probably is $101,000, he said. And without education, theres no options. You have to settle for whatever you get. *** The gridlock in Washington DC on immigration has an impact on places like North Charleston. Bidens move to close the border to asylum seekers is a short-term approach to a long-term problem, Burgess said. Without actual reform to the immigration system, undocumented immigrants will remain in the shadows. We have to step back and push aside these little personal vendettas and squabbles in these parties, and think as Americans, Burgess said. My people came here in chains 400 years ago. Were free now, right? Why? Were free because the country said enough is enough. And they fought, brothers and sisters, fought each other, and they said: OK, everybodys free. They could do that in 1865. They can do the same thing in 2024. Its the find of the millennium - well, two. It turned out to be much more. The vase dated back 2,000 years, and her Anna Lee Dozier knack for second-hand shopping near her Washington, DC, home paid off big time. She was in a Maryland thrift store in 2019 and found a vase on the clearance rack for just $3.99. I saw this vase, and I assumed it was like a tourist reproduction, Dozier told The Independent. It did look old, but I was thinking a 20- or 30-year-old tourist reproduction. It turned out to be much more. The vase dates back two millennia. Her thrifty find was, in fact, priceless. Anna Lee Dozier purchased a priceless ancient Mayan artifact, pictured, at a Maryland thrift store for less than $5. (Anna Lee Dozier) For five years after finding the vase on the clearance rack, Dozier kept the vase at home, she said, not thinking twice about it until she went on a trip Mexicos Museum of Anthropology in January. There, Dozier said she saw vases that reminded her of her thrift store find, so she asked the staff what to do if she might have an artifact. The museum staff told her to contact the US embassy. I came back to DC not thinking it could really be something, and I didn't want to bother the embassy, so I googled some professors who were experts on Mayan or Mexican history, she told The Independent. When no one responded, Dozier reached out to the embassy, where staff asked her to send detailed pictures of the vase. A month later, Dozier learned it was a ceremonial urn from the Mayan community dating anywhere from the year 200 to 800. After learning she had thrifted a priceless, ancient artifact, Dozier was connected with the Cultural Institute of Mexico, where a ceremony was held Monday for the vases return. It will now make its way to Mexicos Museum of Anthropology for analysis. Dozier, who works as a human rights advocate for Mexicos Indigenous communities, said she was glad to be a part of the vases journey home. Human rights extend to culture and history, Dozier said at the event on Monday. Dozier isnt the first to accidentally stumble upon an ancient artifact. In 2017, an Italian marble expert discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic was being used as a coffee table in a Manhattan apartment for the last 50 years. The apartment owners thought nothing of it when they purchased the table from an Italian noble family in the 1960s, they said at the time. It has since been returned to the Italian government. Former President Trump blasted Fox News on Thursday after the network published a poll showing him trailing President Biden nationally for the first time this year. The poll found that 50 percent of respondents said they would vote for Biden in November, while 48 percent said they would back Trump. Its a 3-point improvement for Biden over last months Fox News poll, when Trump led by 1 point. The latest Fox News poll is TRASH! Trump said in a Truth Social post. They used a biased, Democrat-leaning sample of voters, polling more Biden 2020 voters than Trump 2020 voters to skew the results in favor of Crooked Joe. I am leading BIG in virtually every other poll, including in all of the key battleground states, like Wisconsin, where I just held a massive rally, and Pennsylvania, where I will be on Saturday, he continued. Fox News polls have never treated me, or MAGA, fairly! Dont worry, we will WIN!!! he added. Fox News should get rid of Paul Ryan, and get a new Pollster, but they wont. Wednesdays poll marks the first time Biden has cracked 50 percent support this election cycle, and the first time he has led Trump in a Fox poll since October. When third-party candidates are included in the poll, Biden leads Trump by 1 point, 43 percent to 42 percent. Independents Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West received 10 percent and 2 percent support, respectively, while Green Party candidate Jill Stein got 2 percent support. In Mays poll of the field, Trump led by 3 points. Among one of the races most critical demographics, independent voters, Biden leads Trump by 9 points. Thats an 11-point shift from May, when they favored Trump by 2 points. The underlying demographic tendencies that have defined the race remain in place, said Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducted the survey. Biden has improved slightly with women and seniors, which keeps him afloat despite significant reductions from 2020 in support from younger voters and African Americans. An Emerson College/The Hill poll published Thursday found Trump with an edge over Biden in swing states, including 4 points over Biden in Arizona and Georgia, 3 points up in Wisconsin and Nevada, and 2 points up in Pennsylvania. In Michigan, Trump leads by 1 point, and the pair are even in Minnesota. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. The Voyager 1 spacecraft is sending back a steady stream of scientific data from uncharted territory for the first time since a computer glitch sidelined the historic NASA mission seven months ago. Currently the farthest spacecraft from Earth, Voyager 1 stopped communicating coherently with mission control in November 2023. The probe seemed caught up in a Groundhog Day scenario, with its flight data systems telemetry modulation unit sending back an indecipherable repeating pattern of code from billions of miles away. A creative fix by the Voyager mission team restored communication with the spacecraft, and engineering data began streaming back to mission control in April, informing the team of the spacecrafts health and operational status. However, data from Voyager 1s four science instruments, which study plasma waves, magnetic fields and particles, remained elusive. This information is important to show scientists how particles and magnetic fields change as the probe flies farther away. On May 19, the Voyager team sent a command to the spacecraft to start returning science data. Two of the instruments responded, but getting data back from the other two took time, and the instruments required recalibration. Now, all four instruments are beaming back usable science data, according to an update shared by NASA on June 13. A long-distance fix Voyager 1s flight data system is responsible for collecting information from the spacecrafts science instruments and bundling it with engineering data that reflects the probes health status. Mission control on Earth, located at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, receives that data in binary code, or a series of ones and zeroes. It took time and some out-of-the-box thinking for Voyager mission specialists to decode the spacecrafts garbled code. But once they did, they determined the cause of the issue: 3% of the flight data systems memory was corrupted. A single chip responsible for storing part of the systems memory, including some of the computers software code, isnt working properly and the loss of the code on the chip caused Voyager 1s science and engineering data to be unusable. Since there is no way to repair the chip, the team stored the affected code from the chip elsewhere in the systems memory. They couldnt pinpoint a location large enough to hold all the code, so they divided it into sections and stored it in different spots within the flight data system. There are still minor fixes needed to manage the effects of the initial issue. Among other tasks, engineers will resynchronize timekeeping software in the spacecrafts three onboard computers so they can execute commands at the right time, according to the agency. The team will also perform maintenance on the digital tape recorder, which records some data for the plasma wave instrument that is sent to Earth twice per year. (Most of the Voyagers science data is sent directly to Earth and not recorded.) Long-lived space missions Meanwhile, Voyager 1 is back to doing what it does best: Sharing insights from uncharted cosmic territory. The spacecraft is currently about 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) away from Earth, while its sister vehicle, Voyager 2, has traveled more than 12 billion miles (20 billion kilometers) from Earth. The twin probes lifted off weeks apart in 1977, and after initially flying by Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, their missions have been extended to 46 years and counting. Both are in interstellar space and the only spacecraft to operate beyond the heliosphere the suns bubble of magnetic fields and particles that extends well beyond Plutos orbit. As the sole extensions of humanity outside the heliospheres protective bubble, the two probes are alone on their cosmic treks as they travel in different directions. Think of the planets of Earths solar system as existing in one plane. Voyager 1s trajectory took it up and out of the plane after passing Saturn, while Voyager 2 passed over the top of Neptune and moved down and out of the plane, Suzanne Dodd, Voyagers project manager at JPL, previously told CNN. The information collected by these long-lived probes, the only two spacecraft to directly sample interstellar space with their instruments, is helping scientists learn about the cometlike shape of the heliosphere and how it protects Earth from energized particles and radiation in interstellar space. Over time, both spacecraft have encountered unexpected issues and dropouts, including a seven-month period in 2020 when Voyager 2 couldnt communicate with Earth. In August 2023, the mission team used a long-shot shout technique to restore communications with Voyager 2 after a command inadvertently oriented the spacecrafts antenna in the wrong direction. We never know for sure whats going to happen with the Voyagers, but it constantly amazes me when they just keep going, Dodd said in April. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Express your opinion! Fill out this form to submit a Letter to the Editor. Submit remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Following Broadcom CEO Hock Tans announcement of simplifying VMwares go-to-market approach and modernising its product offerings, Broadcom plans to enable customers and partners to be laser-focused on deploying its private cloud solution. In a blog post, Broadcom VP of global partner and commercial sales Cindy Lloyd said it was important to engage, collaborate and clarify what Broadcom was offering with VMware customers and partners regularly and highlight the progress the semiconductor and infrastructure company has made to strengthen its network of distributors and resellers. Since Broadcom completed its acquisition of VMware, we have continued VMwares plan to complete the transition to a subscription-based business, aligning with market trends towards cloud operating models, she said. We also have modernised and simplified our product offerings, going from roughly 8,000 disparate and confusing SKUs into four core offerings. According to Lloyd, Broadcom planned to offer customers flexibility and choice with respect to subscription length, with contract durations structured in ways that align with customers needs, whether they purchase directly from Broadcom or through channel partners. Were taking that approach to flexibility with subscription payments, she said. Weve ended VMwares requirement for up-front payments, offering an annual pay-as-you-go model instead. Broadcom also plans to structure payments as its products are deployed, much like the way it structures its contracts. Our subscription model also offers us the most effective way to charge our customers based on the value we create for them through the use of their product offerings, she said. These and other changes we have previously highlighted will enable enterprises and organisations to optimise their IT investments according to their unique business transformation journeys. Lloyd said that resellers can sell Broadcoms four VMWare solution offerings to end-customers. Additionally, this strategy created a better model for distributors and resellers because, according to the blog post from Lloyd: Distributors for VMware solutions would not generally qualify as resellers and so will eliminate conflicts of interest and result in distributors focusing on enabling their reseller community to serve end-customers. Distributors and resellers operate in a net margin model where all discounts are delivered up front, at the point of sale, providing more transparency to partners with what they make on every deal across both new and renewal business. Broadcom has introduced route-to-market parity across all partner types and discounts, so no one route or partner is able to benefit from unfair advantages vis-a-vis other partners. Broadcom has introduced a distribution partner-delivered technical support model for our VMware customers in certain markets and segments globally. Effective since [3 June], distribution partners now provide technical support for those customers in their preferred language and time zone and weve further enhanced the customer experience through accessibility, specialised knowledge, tailor-made solutions, personalised assistance and training programs. Partners can differentiate themselves and create closer relationships with customers through their extensive knowledge of Broadcom solutions, in-region expertise and ability to deliver value-added services. Lloyd also said that Broadcoms IT and sales operations teams completed the migration and transformation from VMwares complex and cumbersome resource planning systems to Broadcoms more automated system. Our teams have gone through the process of cleansing and migrating critical data from multiple legacy systems to a single unified Broadcom system, she said. Doing this work hasnt been easy and has delayed quotations over the past few weeks. She said that Broadcom was confident that VMWare would be back to normal by the end of June. Broadcoms goals through this transition period are to simplify VMwares tools and systems, streamline processes and introduce automation and self-service capabilities to make it easier to do business with us, Lloyd said. Through the Advantage Program, Broadcom has significantly reduced channel conflict, streamlined systems and tools and increased resourcing and support to make it easy and profitable for partners to invest with the vendor, Lloyd claimed. Broadcom officially closed its US$61 billion acquisition of VMware on 22 November. At the time, a few key announcements made their way through, including the resignation of VMware CEO Raghu Raghuram and taking up a strategic advisory role to Broadcom CEO Hock Tan. Marc Beder, general manager of Asia Pacific at 11:11 Systems told ARN there were elements of frustration, disappointment and, in some cases, anger regarding the deal, with mixed reactions ranging from being annoyed by it to accepting the increase and moving on. There were those that immediately looked for alternatives. To me, that was more of a knee-jerk reaction. To switch a platform that youve been running on for potentially a couple of decades based on a cost increase that you dont like is a knee-jerk reaction, said Beder. Now, for some, its right, and thats okay, but it isnt right for everyone. When youve got an ecosystem of your engineers, your history, your skillset and perhaps other integrations, suddenly changing that ecosystem overnight is not realistic. At the time of publication, Broadcom did not respond to ARN about any local changes to VMwares channel. Pure Storage has announced new capabilities in its platform to improve users ability to deploy AI, improve cyber resilience and modernise their applications. Headlining the developments were what the company described as first of its kind storage automation, dubbed the next generation of Pure Fusion, to unify arrays and optimise storage pools on the fly across structured and unstructured data, on-premises and in the cloud. This will be available across the companys entire platform to all global customers, including managed service providers. A generative AI copilot for storage is also being delivered, providing a new way to manage and protect data using natural language. Pure Storage said this new AI capability builds on data insights from tens of thousands of customers to guide storage teams through the investigation of complex performance and management issues and to stay ahead of security incidents. Pure Storage touts its platform as-a-service model as delivering agility and risk reduction to organisations with a simple, consistent storage architecture that addresses a broad set of use cases across on-premises, public cloud, and hosted environments. It also promises continuous and non-disruptive upgrades married to service level agreements so reliability, performance and sustainability requirements can be met and demonstrated. A new Evergreen One site rebalance SLA could also prove popular among MSPs as well as end users. If capacity is no longer needed at a specific site, if a data centre is being consolidated or if performance at one site was oversized, that can now be used elsewhere through a rebalance option once every 12 months for each subscription. Pure Storage is introducing other innovations in the platform to help businesses accelerate successful AI deployments and to future proof their environments. First, a new Evergreen One for AI storage-as-a-service option with a new service level agreement that provides guaranteed storage performance for GPUs to support training, inference and high performance computing workloads introducing the ability to purchase based on dynamic performance and throughput needs. Mark Jobbins, chief technology officer Pure Storage Asia-Pacific and Japan, told Reseller News Evergreen One was traditionally split into two block and file or unified fast file and object and then tiered based on a performance profile. What weve observed in the world of AI is it flips it around a different way, Jobbins said. This is typically in object format but people want throughput. The new service agreement Evergreen One for AI allows customers to subscribe to a throughput service level agreement to drive the GPU-based compute layer. It was envisaged MSPs could also subscribe to this and pass that on to their end users. A second innovation, secure application workspaces with fine-grained access controls, makes storage infrastructure transparent to application owners, who gain fully automated access to AI innovation without sacrificing security, independence, and control. These combine Kubernetes container management, secure multi-tenancy and policy governance tools to enable advanced data integrations between enterprise mission-critical data and AI clusters. Pure Storage is also expanding and accelerating AI adoption with Nvidea DGX SuperPOD certification expected by the end of the year. Enterprises adopting AI need storage performance and flexibility as they architect their infrastructure to address AI workloads at scale, said Charlie Boyle, vice president of DGX Platform, at Nvidea. Pure Storages certification with the NVIDIA DGX and OVX platforms helps deliver highly-performant solutions for customers at every stage of their AI journey. Also announced at the vendors Pure//Accelerate conference this month were new cyber resilience capabilities including SafeMode for ransomware recovery and an enhanced cyber recovery and resilience service level agreement that now also covers disaster recovery. Services range from procurement, cyber security and cloud computing, including advanced skills across both Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), and support offerings include managed desktop, security and Microsoft 365. The acquisition of GoCloud will significantly bolster our existing managed IT services capability and expand our cloud, infrastructure and security team across Australia and New Zealand to over 90, Fusion5 enterprise resource planning (ERP) director Richard Evans said. Once the changes are bedded in, our customers can expect more localised support in their own time zones. With extra headcount, Evans anticipates that its service desk will soon be able to offer a 12-hour business day support model. GoCloud will officially become part of Fusion5 on 1 July with all 15 staff joining the Fusion5 IT managed services team in the Wellington office. GoCloud is also the exclusive Australasian partner for Tines, a security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platform that automates any workflow regardless of complexity or technology stack. Bringing GoCloud into the Fusion5 fold will also allow us to leverage their impressive Microsoft Azure and AWS skill sets to the benefit of our customers, Evans said. Like us, GoCloud is a leading AWS Advanced Tier Partner. Despite their relatively small size, they have over 20 successful AWS customer launches under their belt. GoCloud CEO David Brabant added the acquisition offers significant opportunities for GoCloud customers and employees alike. Our customers will have access to a larger team and can leverage the business benefits of a broader portfolio of solutions from a single trusted partner, Brabant said. Joining forces with Fusion5 also reflects our desire to help develop the career paths of our talented team beyond GoCloud through exposure to other solutions and larger and more varied projects. It will also allow them to grow their skill sets in new directions if desired. These are opportunities we couldnt offer them without change. Last year, Fusion5 acquired NetSuite partner Liberate I.T, boosting its ERP customers and skills across Australia and New Zealand. NEW DELHI: In a major relief to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Rouse Avenue court on Thursday granted him bail almost three months after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam. Special judge Niyay Bindu also declined the ED's prayer to keep in abeyance the bail order for 48 hours to allow the Central agency to appeal against it before a superior court. The judge ordered Mr Kejriwals release on a personal bond of '1 lakh. She, however, imposed certain conditions on the AAP leader before granting him relief, including that he will not try to hamper the investigation or influence the witnesses. The judge also directed Mr Kejriwal to appear before the court whenever required and to cooperate with the investigation. Mr Kejriwal is expected to come out of Delhis Tihar jail after he furnishes the bail bond before the Rouse Avenue court on Friday. Once we get the release order from the court, Mr Kejriwal can walk out of jail, a senior Tihar prison officer told this newspaper. After the Rouse Avenue court order, the Delhi CM will remain imprisoned only if the high court or the Supreme Court stays his bail order. The money laundering case against Mr Kejriwal is an offshoot of a corruption case filed by the CBI in the excise policy matter. After the CBI case, the ED stepped in and arrested the Delhi CM on March 2. The Rouse Avenue court granted bail to Mr Kejriwal just a day after it had extended his judicial custody till July 3. Earlier in the day, the judge had reserved the order on his bail plea after hearing the ED, which sought to link him to the alleged proceeds of crime and co-accused. The defence had, however, claimed that the prosecution had no evidence to nail the AAP leader. The grant of regular bail to Mr Kejriwal will give the AAP and its allies a stick to beat the Modi government, as bail under the stringent PMLA can be granted only if the judge is prima facie satisfied that the accused has not committed the offence and that he is unlikely to commit any offence while on bail. Buoyed by the court order, the AAP supporters burst into celebratory mood. A large number of party supporters also burst fire crackers outside the chief ministers residence. In her post on X, AAP leader Atishi wrote, "Satyamev Jayate (truth alone triumphs). Feeling vindicated, the AAP on its official social media handle on X said: Truth can be troubled, not defeated. Rejecting all the objections raised by the BJP's ED, the Honourable Court has granted bail to Delhi chief minister @ArvindKejriwal. Punjab chief minister and senior AAP leader Bhagwant Mann posted on X in Hindi, We have faith in the court Kejriwal Ji gets bail truth wins." Mumbai: Opposition parties in Maharashtra on Thursday warned the Eknath Shinde government over growing tension between the Maratha community and OBCs. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar met OBC leaders, who are on indefinite fast for the last eight days opposing inclusion of the Maratha community in the OBC category. NCP founder Sharad Pawar put the onus on the Shinde government and said it has to resolve both issues. OBC activists Prof. Lakshman Hake and Navnath Waghmare have been on an indefinite fast at Wadi Godri village in Jalna District demanding to not disturb the OBC quota while providing the reservation to the Marathas. Hake and Waghmares protest came in the backdrop of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who has been demanding OBC reservation for his community members as Kunbis, an agrarian group classified as an OBC (other backward class) community. Mr. Wadettiwar, who is leader of opposition (LOP) in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, spoke to chief minister Eknath Shinde over the phone. The chief minister assured the LOP that the government will send its delegation to the Jalna district. The Congress leader said that he is committed to his community (OBC) and he is not bothered for the power and position. Due to the wrong policy of the government, our reservation will be lost, he alleged. Mr. Wadettiwar said that the government should give an answer as to why the OBCs reservation is being taken away. The two communities are becoming hostile to each other. There is anger among the people, he said, while appealing to the chief minister to take a decision soon on this issue. An official from CMO (chief minister office) said that the CM has decided to send a delegation to meet the both OBC activists. A delegation of cabinet ministers will meet the OBC activists on Friday and the delegation will urge them to withdraw the agitation, the official said. Mr. Ambedkar, who is the chief of VBA (Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi), said that the government should look into this issue seriously. Social harmony needs to be maintained in the state. To this end, we need to step up. Unfortunately, the government failed to take a step in this regard, the VBA chief said. Mr. Pawar said that the Centre needs to step in. In some places, laws need to be amended. At the same time, the Union government and the state government should change their policies. The government, especially the Union government will have to take the lead on the demands (of both community leaders). It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that social tension should not emerge. We dont want to bring politics into it. But we can not accept the centers role of being a mute spectator, the veteran Maratha politician said. The Russian president met with To Lam, who came out on top following anti-corruption purges. The two signed a series of agreements in traditional sectors. Vietnam sees Russia and the United States (which criticised the visit) as rivals on an equal footing, but holds China in much higher regard. Experts do not expect Hanoi to take further risks in foreign policy. Hanoi (AsiaNews) Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Vietnam for a two-day visit following his visit to North Korea. Welcomed by President To Lam, who has been in office for less than two months, Putin will meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, the countrys de facto leader, since he heads the Politburo and the Central Military Commission. The Russian president arrived at a time of great transformation in Vietnam. An anti-corruption campaign has been underway for months, sweeping away some of the main office holders in the Communist regime, with To Lam emerging as one of the top figures, potentially the next general secretary at the Communist Party congress in 2026. Relations between Moscow and Hanoi have been friendly since the 1950s, when the Soviet Union offered its support to North Vietnam. Nguyen Phu Trong, like many other senior Vietnamese Communist Party officials, studied in Russia. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Vietnam (like other countries with long-established relations with Russia) has refrained from condemning Russias action. Despite a certain rapprochement with the United States and the West against China, the Southeast Asian country remains Russias main trading partner in the region. Still, bilateral trade is a puny US$ 3.63 billion in 2023 and US$ 1.96 billion in the first five months of 2024, compared to US$ 171 billion for China and US$ 111 billion for the United States. Vietnam still relies on Russian-made military equipment, but after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, it halted large-scale purchases and began diversifying its sources. The most important relationship is with Russian oil companies for exploration in the South China Sea, where Vietnam, like other countries in the region, frequently runs up against Chinas (baseless) claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam wants reassurances that ties between Russia and China will not be at its expense; for this reason, it has brushed off US criticism. In fact, on Monday, the US Embassy in Hanoi, in a statement said no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression. After signing a series of agreements in "traditional" sectors such as energy, the Russian president said that the two countries share an interest in "developing a reliable security architecture" in the Asia-Pacific region, based on the non-use of force and the peaceful resolution of disputes, with no room for "closed political-military blocs". According to experts, Vietnam sees Russia and the United States as symmetrical rivals, but holds China in greater regard, with a mixture of deference and distrust. Case in point: US President Joe Biden travelled to Vietnam last year, invited by the head of the Communist Party, and greeted at the airport by the head of the Party's Foreign Affairs Committee, like Putin today. By contrast, Chinese President Xi Jinping was invited by the head of state and the general secretary, and was welcomed by the Prime Minister in December. This type of approach is referred to as "bamboo diplomacy, an expression coined in 2021 by Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to describe the countrys foreign policy, which, while keeping firm roots in communism, seeks dialogue with countries that have conflictual relations. Some believe that such an attitude, coupled with recent leadership changes within the Party which has had the effect of encouraging officials to do less lest they get the boot is unlikely to produce significant changes in economic or foreign policies. Once the Russian president is gone, Daniel Kritenbrink, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, is expected to arrive in Hanoi. In Hanoi, they know very well that if the bamboo bends too much in any direction, it risks breaking. The news of the day: after North Korea Putin arrived in Vietnam, historical ties between the two countries. In the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines accuses the Chinese Coast Guard of acting 'like pirates', boarding ships armed with knives. In India, heat strokes are multiplying due to the record heat wave. In Xinjiang, according to HRW, village names changed to eliminate Uyghur culture. IRAN A revolutionary court in Ahvaz sentenced Yasin Mousavi, an Iranian Christian convert, to 15 years in prison. The charge concerns "membership in groups aiming to disrupt national security" and "propaganda against the Islamic Republic through the promotion of Zionist Christianity". Although Christians are recognised as a religious minority in Iran, the authorities treat those who convert from Islam to Christianity harshly. RUSSIA - VIETNAM Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi for the second leg of a tour of East Asia. The trip, which comes after his meeting in North Korea with Kim Kong-un, is interpreted as a demonstration of the diplomatic support Russia still enjoys in the region. Vietnam still values its historical ties with Russia, although it is working to improve its relations with Europe and the United States. PHILIPPINES - CHINA The Philippines accused the Chinese Coast Guard of acting "like pirates", claiming that personnel armed with knives and spears boarded their supply ships at Second Thomas Shoal in the latest clash in the disputed South China Sea. Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner said the incident occurred on 17 June while Filipino soldiers were trying to resupply sailors stationed on the Sierra Madre. ISRAEL - UNITED STATES Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuses the United States of holding back arms shipments, slowing the Israeli offensive in Rafah, where fighting has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation for Palestinians. President Joe Biden delayed the delivery of a single shipment of heavy bombs in May because of concerns about civilian killings. Meanwhile, divisions deepen between the government and the Israeli army, whose spokesman acknowledged that "Hamas is an idea and can only be defeated by a political alternative". INDIA India recorded more than 40,000 cases of suspected heatstroke as a prolonged heatwave killed more than 100 people across the country, while parts of the northeast were hit by floods due to heavy rains, authorities said. Billions of people across Asia are grappling with the extreme heat this summer, in what is one of the longest heat waves on record. CHINA According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), China has changed the names of hundreds of villages in the Xinjiang region with the aim of erasing Uyghur Muslim culture. Words like 'sultan' and 'shrine' are disappearing from place names - to be replaced by terms like 'harmony' and 'happiness', according to the research, which is based on data published by China itself. The Chinese embassy in London has denied the allegations. ARMENIA - GEORGIA The company of the 'South Caucasus Railways' announced that on 24 June a passenger connection will be opened on the Yerevan-Batumi line between Armenia and Georgia, much desired to reach the beach of Adzaria, the Georgian tourist area, and also the first route re-established after the re-opening of railway communication between the two countries. RUSSIA - AFGHANISTAN Some regions of Russia, especially Tatarstan and Chechnya, are offering jobs to migrants from Afghanistan. In Kazan in particular, they are counting on Afghan Tatars after the government's pronouncements on the removal of the Taliban's 'terrorist' status, although concerns remain over Russia's rampant xenophobia against Asians. Beijing Int'l Book Fair opens with increased overseas representation Xinhua) 08:34, June 20, 2024 People attend the 30th Beijing International Book Fair in Beijing, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The 30th Beijing International Book Fair commenced in Beijing on Wednesday, drawing a wider participation of foreign exhibitors compared to last year. With an expanded exhibition area of 55,000 square meters this year, the five-day event has gathered around 1,600 exhibitors from 71 countries and regions, showcasing 220,000 Chinese and foreign publications to visitors, according to the organizers. The fair has seen an increase of 150 overseas participants compared to the previous year, featuring 1,050 exhibitors from abroad, accounting for 66 percent of the total participants. Compared to 2023, this year's event has welcomed 15 new participating countries, including Azerbaijan, Qatar, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Nigeria. More than 20 countries, including France, Germany and Italy, are hosting national booths. Saudi Arabia is this year's Country of Honor. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, has visited and researched the book fair. The Beijing International Book Fair, established in 1986, is one of the world's largest book fairs and serves as a major platform for copyright exchange, facilitating the trading of publications from China and abroad, including print books and multimedia works. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) 20 June 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more The chaotic struggle on the French political scene and the failure of the Macron government did not change the country's foreign policy position. Political commentators describe it in two ways: a strong pro-Armenianism in the French policy, which continues as a legacy, or the last chords of the Macron government, which is heading towards collapse. However, in all cases, the expansion of these harmful effects to the South Caucasus makes Baku extremely cautious. Recently, official Baku prepared a harsh response to this. Thus, France's signing of an arms deal with Armenia right after the snap parliamentary elections was remembered with many remarkable moments. In particular, France's dual policy, that is, its leap from the Ukraine issue to the South Caucasus, gives grounds for all doubts. Today, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is no longer in France's interests, so it puts Armenia in the foreground against the backdrop of internal political strife. There may be one reason why Paris armed Armenia on the eve of the steps towards peace: to destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus and to put its long-standing aggressive plan in the region. There is no doubt that Baku is aware of these plans. For example, the boycott of France in Africa and a number of colonial territories is observed by the reduction of its military contingent in those territories. So, according to received data, France is going to reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa to 600 personnel. A foreign media report says that Paris will leave about a hundred people in Gabon (now there are 350), hundreds in Senegal (instead of 350), and hundreds in Cote d'Ivoire (now 600). About 300 people instead of 1,000 will remain in Chad. One of the reasons for the planned reduction was the announcement in France of early parliamentary elections with an uncertain outcome for the presidential camp. Until two years ago, in addition to 1,600 troops in West Africa and Gabon, France had about 5,000 soldiers in the Sahel. The contingent in Cote d'Ivoire, previously considered one of France's main allies in West Africa, has already been reduced from 900 to 600 people, and the withdrawal of military personnel has also begun from Senegal. At the same time, France still intends to maintain a military base in Djibouti, where 1,500 troops are stationed. According to sources, France wants to maintain a strategic foothold in this small country, located opposite Yemen, at the outlet of the Red Sea, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where most of the world trade passes between Asia and the West. It is noted that this summer a command responsible for Africa will appear in the French Armed Forces, and the general who will lead it has already been selected. In 2022, the French military, which had been present in the Sahel region since 2014 as part of the anti-terrorism Operation Barkhane, was forced to leave Mali. In July, France announced the official end of Operation Takuba, a joint counter-terrorism effort with European allies. In November 2022, the French President announced the end of Operation Barkhane in the Sahara-Sahel region. In March 2023, the authorities of Burkina Faso announced the denunciation of the military assistance treaty with France, which concluded more than 60 years ago. The Foreign Ministry of Burkina Faso also notified the French side that the French military must leave the country. The presented facts signal French expansionism and at the same time its militarization policy. France's greed towards the world's poorest countries rich with natural resources and neo-colonialism policy are also evident in the South Caucasus today. Unfortunately, France, which always penetrates territories through intermediaries, tries to find a way to the South Caucasus region through Armenia. At a time when Armenia needs to develop itself in the economic field rather than arming and military preparation, France's gift of expensive weapons to it is completely inappropriate and unconstructive. As for Armenia, official Yerevan considers the supply of arms to France and India as its sovereign right, and in its statement accuses Azerbaijan of occupying its strategically important villages. It means that Armenia is trying to implement what it cannot say and act with the support of its "allies". Yes, it is trying, but we wonder if Yerevan still dreams of winning a war. In our opinion, the Russia-Ukraine war should be a vivid example for Yerevan. When the war began, France and other Western powers promised that they would never spare all their military support and that the war would soon end with the defeat of Russia. But reality does not reflect what is said today. For this reason, any dangerous step against the South Caucasus is primarily a threat to Baku. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 16:09 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Hosting one of the largest UN events, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change marks a significant achievement for Azerbaijan. This success stands as a cornerstone in Azerbaijan's foreign policy, rivalled only by its leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement and membership in the Security Council. Azerbaijan has established itself as a dependable energy partner and a responsible global player in combating climate change. Despite its abundant oil and gas reserves, Azerbaijan is committed to a sustainable energy future and a "green economy". The country has long initiated the transition to renewable energy sources. Following the signing of the Paris Agreement, Azerbaijan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2050. The development of renewable energy, therefore, forms a crucial pillar of Azerbaijan's clean energy strategy. Notably, Azerbaijan plans to commission 9 solar and wind power plants by the end of 2027, generating up to 2 gigawatts of energy. By 2030, an additional 10 plants with a capacity of up to 5 gigawatts will be operational. In continuation of these efforts, Baku hosted the 29th High-Level Meeting themed "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future," on June 19, a prelude to Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29. The opening ceremony, held on June 19 and spanning three days until June 21, was inaugurated by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy of the Presidential Administration, who read President Ilham Aliyev's address. "The fight against climate change has long been a pivotal global issue," emphasised President Aliyev's address. He underscored the climate crisis's global nature and its pervasive impact on sustainable development and people's lives. President Aliyev affirmed Azerbaijan's full preparedness for COP29 and its commitment to fostering collaboration with other nations and stakeholders in combating climate change. He highlighted Azerbaijan's openness to cooperation with NGOs and think tanks, acknowledging their role in sharing expertise and supporting the COP29 preparations. Regarding international cooperation, Azerbaijan collaborates closely with Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, Central Asia, and European countries on various joint projects. Notably, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Europe are advancing the "Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe" green energy corridor, aimed at exporting renewable energy from Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region to Turkiye and further to Europe. Additionally, Azerbaijan is actively involved in the "Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor" project, known as the "Black Sea Cable", facilitating the transmission of green energy from Azerbaijan's wind farms to Romania and beyond. Overall, Azerbaijan's strides in sustainable energy and its proactive role in global climate action position it as a key player in shaping a green, equitable, and sustainable future for the planet. The green energy partnership, initiated in 2020 with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and the UAE's Masdar for pilot projects totaling 240 MW of wind and 230 MW of solar, has rapidly expanded in scope. In a short span, collaboration with companies like Masdar, ACWA Power, bp , Fortescue Future Industries, China Gezhouba Group Overseas Investment, Total Energies, Nobel Energy, and A-Z Czech Engineering has surged, resulting in a cumulative capacity exceeding 28 gigawatts. These cooperative efforts underscore international confidence in Azerbaijan's green energy trajectory, championed by its president. During Baku Energy Week, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Masdar finalised Shareholder Agreements for three renewable energy ventures: one wind and two solar power projects within Azerbaijan. Key milestones include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Azerbaijan's State Agency for Renewable Energy and the EU's WindEurope, alongside another MOU between Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy and EU-based Nobel Energy, marking pivotal moments in forging new energy alliances. These initiatives align with Azerbaijan's strategy, developed jointly with the EU, aimed at integrating green energy into the national grid by 2027. President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's climate commitments in his address, urging global action against escalating climate threats: "While significant strides have been made globally to combat global warming, escalating challenges demand urgent international mobilization to limit warming to 1.5C. We face a critical juncture where the international community must swiftly agree on new collective financial targets beyond 2025 at COP29 in Baku. This underscores our collective responsibility to safeguard our future." The President also highlighted Azerbaijan's commitment to addressing the unique challenges of small island states, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change. As host of COP29, Azerbaijan pledges to facilitate constructive dialogue and ensure impactful climate action, focusing on mitigation, adaptation, finance, biodiversity, water and food security, agriculture, and the role of science and innovation. "In assuming the presidency of this esteemed event, Azerbaijan is dedicated to steering COP29 towards successful outcomes through transparent, inclusive negotiations. We look forward to robust discussions at the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, confident they will drive essential decisions crucial for our planet." This statement outlines Azerbaijan's proactive role in global climate governance and its steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable solutions on the world stage. The President of Azerbaijan also highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, which organised the event. "Operating under the guiding principles of the visionary Azerbaijani poet and thinker, Nizami Ganjavi, the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre has swiftly risen to prominence as a leading global institution, earning widespread respect and trust," stated President Ilham Aliyev. Expressing his appreciation for the centre's initiatives and innovative approaches to tackling contemporary global challenges, the President remarked, "The efforts of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre are highly esteemed and valued on the international stage." During the event's opening ceremony, Ismail Serageldin, the moderator and co-chairman of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, was honoured with the "honorary diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan." In his address, Serageldin reflected on the 30 years since the Kyoto Protocol was first introduced, noting the profound changes since then in the global effort to combat climate change. He underscored the significance of Azerbaijan hosting COP 29 this year, emphasising, "We are actively engaged in discussions with our team. The recent unprecedented heatwaves exceeding 52 degrees Celsius in Pakistan and India underscore the severe challenges posed by global warming and climate change to humanity." Mukhtar Babayev, the President of COP29 and Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, affirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring COP29 is conducted inclusively, transparently, and fairly. "As the COP29 Presidency, it is crucial to listen to all perspectives and foster consensus in addressing climate change," emphasised the Minister. He further highlighted, "Over the past months, our team has held extensive consultations with leaders of relevant international organisations, creating new opportunities to enhance ambition and action." The 29th High-Level Meeting, organised in preparation for COP29, aims to address key issues in the fight against climate change. The event is progressing with panel sessions, covering a wide range of topics. Notably, the first day included panels attended by up to 100 guests, focusing on "Overview of the Climate Challenge," "Balancing Mitigation, Adaptation, and Sustainability," and "Climate Change's Impact on Water, Biodiversity, and Food Security." Participants also engaged in discussions on "The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation," "Challenges Facing the Food and Agriculture Sector," "Financing Climate Change Responses and Sustainable Development Goals," "One Planet, One Health: Uniting for a Sustainable Future," and Azerbaijan's unique experiences and insights. Jean-Pierre Cayol, Coordinator of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressed that "advancing innovation will be pivotal in the global efforts to combat climate change." Appreciating Azerbaijan's commitment, the representative of AEBA emphasised, "Addressing the climate crisis must be the foremost priority for all nations worldwide. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative ideas is crucial in this endeavour. COP29 presents a significant opportunity for advancing in this direction." During the panel discussion, Milica Pejanovic-Durisic, former Minister of Defense of Montenegro, asserted, "COP29 should serve as a platform to extensively explore and discuss the intersections of new biology, ICT, and artificial intelligence." She added, "We are witnessing an era of remarkable scientific, technological, and innovative advancements. The revolutions in new biology, ICT, and artificial intelligence offer unprecedented possibilities. Our primary objective should be to harness these advancements for the benefit of future generations amidst the challenges posed by climate change." In her contribution to the panel, MP Nigar Arpadarai underscored, "At COP29, our primary focus should be on attracting investments to tackle climate change issues." Highlighting the escalating financial risks, she stressed, "We need to enhance our universities and support our researchers to drive green innovation. This entails leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and ideas to develop new products and processes that not only spur growth but also foster inclusivity." Two panel discussions of the event, which conclude on June 21, will take place in Zangilan district. It's worth highlighting that the success of COP29 will not only reflect Azerbaijan's achievement but also enhance the credibility and integrity of global climate action. COP29 holds the promise of handing down a healthier and more sustainable world to future generations. Thus, global cooperation is imperative in addressing climate challenges. A successful COP29 can catalyse interest in sustainable solutions through collective efforts, contributing to a better world for generations to come. Addressing climate challenges also presents an opportunity to promote not only environmental health but also economic prosperity and sustainable development. In conclusion, the decision to entrust Azerbaijan with the responsibility of hosting COP29 underscores the international community's profound confidence in our nation. This trust is rooted in Azerbaijan's extensive experience in hosting numerous international events focused on political, economic, and humanitarian issues. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 11:27 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The second day of the high-level meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, themed "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future," is currently in progress, Azernews reports. Members of the centre are actively engaged in supporting COP29's success and Azerbaijan's efforts to address climate change impacts. They are holding meetings with heads of various UN agencies related to COP29, participating in international events, and collaborating with the Office of the UN Secretary-General to prioritise COP29 at the "Summit of the Future." The event has brought together global leaders with extensive experience and diverse perspectives on climate change and sustainable development from nearly 20 countries. Key topics being discussed include mitigation and adaptation strategies, financing for climate initiatives, the impact of climate change on biodiversity, water, and food security, current challenges in the food and agriculture sectors, as well as the role of science, technology, and innovation. Moreover, discussions are set to continue in the Zangilan district as part of the event. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 12:31 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In recent years, the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea have sparked significant concerns, prompting various theories and underscoring the urgent need for solutions and regulatory measures. Former Romanian Prime Minister Petre Roman addressed these concerns during panel discussions on "The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation" at the High-Level 29th Meeting focused on "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future," Azernews reports. Roman highlighted that tectonic activities at the Caspian Sea's seabed are contributing to these water level changes. Additionally, a reduction in the flow of the Volga River is observed, which is crucial for the Caspian's ecosystem. "Water levels are declining in water bodies worldwide, and the Caspian Sea is no exception," he noted. Roman attributed this trend to reduced river inflows and global warming impacts, stressing that fluctuations in enclosed basins have far-reaching consequences, with some lakes facing more severe conditions. Despite the Volga River traditionally helping stabilise Caspian Sea levels, recent years have seen its own decline. Roman expressed optimism that COP29 would elevate awareness and spur solutions to address these critical environmental challenges. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 18:39 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva At least 4,300 millionaires are expected to leave India in 2024 and start businesses in other countries, Azernews reports. Thus, in 2024, India will rise to third place after China (15 thousand 200 people) and the United Kingdom (9 thousand 500 people) by the influx of millionaires. This is a lower figure than in 2023, when 5.1 thousand million people left the country. According to the company's forecast, in 2024, about 128 thousand people with a fortune of more than $ 1 million will leave the country of residence. Their migration destinations will be mainly the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The United Arab Emirates is preparing to host a record number of 6,700 millionaires in 2024. According to experts, a stable political base, developed infrastructure, a calm environment, ease of doing business, and a variety of investment opportunities create an opportunity to attract a large amount of foreign investment to the UAE. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 21:10 (UTC+04:00) The head of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, Orkhan Nazarli, was elected president of the Intra-European Organization of Tax Administrations (IOTA) for 2024-2025. According to Azernews, the vote took place during the administrative session of the 28th IOTA General Assembly in Budapest (Hungary). Based on the voting results, a new composition of the IOTA Executive Council for the next two years was also formed. It included Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland and Sweden. Azerbaijan headed the Executive Council. During his speech, the head of the State Tax Service, Orkhan Nazarli, spoke about modern trends and challenges of the international tax system, and priority areas for tax administration development in the medium term. Against the backdrop of globalization and digitalization, tax systems are experiencing a new stage of transformation, which requires the organization of a perfect and modern tax system at the international level and strengthening cooperation between tax administrations. Orkhan Nazarli emphasized that in the coming period, it is planned to mobilize all efforts to increase the efficiency of cooperation within the framework of IOTA. Particular attention will be paid to the implementation of the goals of the IOTA strategy for 2023-2027, strengthening the capacity and increasing the capabilities of the General Assembly. The next meeting of the IOTA General Assembly will be held in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 11:43 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Shahin Novrasli and Spanish dancer Rebeca Ortega (Rebeca Ortega Flamenco) have mesmerized the audience with their magnificent performances at third Baku International Piano Festival, Azernews reports. The dancer managed to create an amazing show, providing the audience with a fascinating and passionate musical visualization of Spanish passion and expression in the traditional flamenco style with her own improvisations. Rebeca Ortega worked with the Nottingham Flamenquitas group. She studied classical flamenco at the Carmen Amaya Cultural Academy of Flamenco, interned at the world famous Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Espanola Amor de Dios in Madrid, at the Escuela Mayor de Danza, and at the Professional Dance Academy in Seville. She also studied modern dance with master Manuela Nogales. Her dance includes an extensive repertoire, including classical flamenco, as well as personal stage experiences related to theater and circus skills. As a flamenco dancer, she is distinguished by her strong expression, sense of rhythm, elegance and high level of stagecraft. The Baku International Piano Festival is not only about the magical performance of virtuosos on the piano and keyboard instruments, it is, first of all, a luxurious atmosphere that will inspire and enchant the most discerning music lovers and give vivid emotions. The founder and director of the Baku Piano Festival is laureate of international competitions, jazzman and pianist, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Shahin Novrasli. Festival motto: May piano inspire you! Hashtags: #bakupianofest #bakupianofestival Detailed festival program on the website: https://bakupianofestival.com/ Tickets: https://iticket.az/ru/events/3rd-baku-international-piano-festival Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az,Trend.Az, Day.Az, Milli.Az. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 15:28 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan has been represented at the 30th Beijing International Book Fair, Azernews reports. Set up by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in China, the national stand displays 309 copies of 133 books. Participants and visitors to the exhibition are provided with extensive information about Azerbaijan's culture and history, especially the city of Shusha, which has been declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2024. After the opening ceremony of the international book fair, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Beijing National Library to discuss the prospects of cooperation. Founded in 1986, BIBF has become a large-scale international publishing exchange event covering books, digital, animation, and other industries. It serves as a major platform for copyright exchange, facilitating the trading of publications from China and abroad, including print books and multimedia works. The world's second-largest book fair has attracted approximately 1,600 publishers, distributors, digital media professionals, agents, and consumers from 71 countries. There has been a notable increase of 150 foreign attendees compared to the previous year, with 1,050 exhibitors from overseas constituting 66% of the total participants. In comparison to 2023, this year's event has welcomed 15 new participating countries, such as Azerbaijan, Qatar, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Nigeria. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 20:30 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more At a time when the peace process in the South Caucasus is moving towards formation, France's attempts to hinder it have already started to become a global threat. The statements of the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan openly condemned France's militarization policy as a threat to the region and its interference in all processes by abusing relations with Armenia. However, neighboring Armenia's attempt to present this as its sovereign right reveals another problem: on the one hand, Armenia clinches a deal on purchasing dangerous weapons from France, and on the other hand, it accuses Azerbaijan of trying to "disrupt" the peace process. The question arises whether this double standard is a scenario created by the French-Armenian couple to disrupt the peace process or... It is worth noting that the process of signing a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is progressing rapidly. The meeting held by the foreign ministers of the two countries in Almaty on May 10-11 indicates successful negotiations towards peace, with concrete agreements reached on continuing and accelerating delimitation and demarcation work. So the next question comes ad what is Frances aim to create tension by deploying its military contingent on Yerevan? In a comment for Azernews on the issue, Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian and political analyst, said that weapons provided by France are the center of danger in the South Caucasus. Armenia feels vulnerable against Azerbaijan after the defeats of the last 2 and a half years. Yerevan is desperate to improve its defense capabilities. However, the danger lies in weapons acquired from France being employed aggressively. Incidents which produce loss of life can quickly escalate into full scale conflict. That is in nobody's interest but can be a consequence of the acquisition of new weapons and a desire for revenge over recent defeats, the expert added. Walsh explained the reason behind Frances biased policy. France's motivation for interfering in the unstable South Caucasus are multidimensional. There would be a purely commercial interest. There would also be a vote winning aspect in relation to the Armenian diaspora in France, the historian noted. He touched on Pariss intention to get main role in Europe. There would also be France's determination to assume the leadership of Europe since the departure of the UK and disablement of Germany as a result of sanctions against Russia. France has seen an opportunity to lead the Western advance in the South Caucasus. In many ways this is a substitute for action in Ukraine, which the US is restraining at present and which may be stopped altogether if Trump wins a second term, the expert said. The pundit also brought attention that Macron leadership has special sympathy for Armenia. He explained that Frances interfere to Armenia is historical experience. France has more sympathy for Armenia than it does for Ukraine. There is a strong and long standing relationship based on Christian sentiment. Of course, this does not mean that disaster for Armenia might result. After all isn't this the historical experience of Western intervention for Armenians? he added. Speaking about religious issues, the expert also noted that French aggression towards Muslim countries is a national matter. These acts are inherent in French society and might be stronger within the French Right which is very anti-Islam. But Macron is interested in projecting French power into the South Caucasus for different reasons, more to do with prestige than from an anti- Muslim basis, the historian said. The expert recalled that peace is the one and only solution for the normalization processes between not only Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also France and Azerbaijan. A comprehensive peace settlement is the only solution to the instability presently existing. However, the geopolitical situation in the world at present does not favor this at all, unfortunately, Walsh concluded. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) The Turkish company "T-Rupt" plans to start the implementation of the earthquake risk modeling project in Azerbaijan in the near future. Azernews reports, citing AzerTag that "T-Rupt" CEO Erdem Karabostan told the Turkish media about this. According to him, the company participates in various events and maintains active communication with the Azerbaijani side. At the end of May, the representatives of "T-Rupt" company participated in the conference dedicated to the stability of the financial system against catastrophic risks, jointly organized by the Central Bank and Azerbaijan Compulsory Insurance Bureau in Baku. Karabostan noted that natural disaster risk modeling technology is of great importance primarily for the insurance market. "Our company has developed the CATMOD catastrophic risk modeling platform, which allows insurance companies to imagine the future of the market, taking into account the possibility of disasters such as earthquakes," explained the head of the company. Karabostan recalled the consequences of the devastating earthquake that occurred in Turkey on February 6, 2023, which forced insurance companies to pay large compensations to property owners in 11 provinces of the country. According to him, the practice of "reinsurance" (reinsurance) is used today in the international market, that is, an insurer transfers its risks or a part of risks to another insurance company under a contract in order to reduce the possibility of paying a large amount of compensation. However, such "risk sharing" is very expensive, and catastrophe risk modeling is a more cost-effective option for the insurance market. "The CATMOD platform provides an idea of what the damage of earthquakes of different magnitudes will be in the region taken separately. This allows to reduce the amount of risks that can be "transferred" to other insurers. Regarding Turkey, our company has developed a platform that takes into account 100,000 earthquake scenarios," said the CEO of T-Rupt. He pointed out that all software for the CATMOD platform is a product of Turkish specialists and is constantly updated. "The priority of international cooperation for T-Rupt is Turkish states and Eastern European countries. With the spread of compulsory earthquake insurance, interest in "CATMOD" will increase," he added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 10:42 (UTC+04:00) From June 9 to 13, experts from Allied Air Command Ramstein, Joint Forces Command Naples, NATO and Azerbaijan assisted the QEAF in evaluating the level of interoperability of a C-130 Air Transport Unit in the framework of Alliance operations,Azernews reports citing the NATO website. Two of the units Hercules C-130 transport aircraft had been declared to the NATO pool of forces in 2022 to potentially support Alliance missions as part of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI). The evaluation team consisting of 15 Qataris, 15 NATO and three Azerbaijani evaluators provided a challenging scenario testing the units ability to conduct mission under different threat conditions besides outside temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius. The ICI is a partnership framework that aims to contribute to long-term global and regional security by offering non-NATO countries in the broader Middle East region the opportunity to cooperate with NATO. In 2005, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates formally joined the ICI, while Oman and Saudi Arabia participate in selected activities within the framework. 20 June 2024 17:55 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Ganja State Philharmonic Hall has organised a meeting with Chairman of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, People's Artist Frangiz Alizade, as part of the project "Face to Face" (Uzbuz), Azernews reports. The evening was held as part of a series of events to mark the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union. Honoured Artist, Professor Khajar Babayeva hailed Frangiz Alizade's contribution to Azerbaijani culture and musical art. She noted that composer successfully promotes national music on the international arena. Frangiz Alizade has been composing music since a young age and has achieved a number of international successes. One of the first in the former USSR to perform piano works by classics of the 20th-century musical avant-garde. Her musical works are performed by internationally acclaimed musicians and orchestras, including Yo-Yo Ma, Hilary Hann, David Geringas, Alexander Ivashkin and Kronos Quartet. Along with Azerbaijan, Frangiz Alizade was engaged in teaching activities in foreign countries; she played a special role in the formation of a large number of musicians. Frangiz Alizade spoke about the milestones of her creative activity, the development of the modern school of composition and classical music, and answered questions from those gathered. Note that the project "Face to Face" features meetings with famous personalities working in various fields of culture. The guests of the project have an opportunity to share their experience and success with others. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 16:41 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more On World Refugee Day, we honour the strength and courage of Azerbaijani refugees, and underline their right for a dignified and secure return to their homes, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry on its official "X" account. "Azerbaijan protects and supports its refugees on every step of their journey, and shares their hopes for a secure and inclusive future," the ministry added. It should be noted that World Refugee Day is an international day established by the United Nations to highlight the problem of refugees around the world. It is celebrated on June 20 every year. On #WorldRefugeeDay, we honor the strength and courage of Azerbaijani refugees, and underline their right for a dignified and secure return to their homes. Azerbaijan protects and supports its refugees on every step of their journey, and share their hopes for a secure and pic.twitter.com/BVFXqUICo4 MFA Azerbaijan (@AzerbaijanMFA) June 20, 2024 Recall that following the liberation of the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions from Armenian occupation during a 44-day war in 2020, the Azerbaijani government embarked on extensive infrastructure initiatives to restore the region. In November 2022, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving the First State Program on the Great Return to Azerbaijans Liberated Territories, outlining the preparation of 280,000 hectares (692,000 acres) of land in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions for resettlement by 2026. By that same year, approximately 34,500 families are expected to relocate to the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions, necessitating the construction of 34,500 apartments and private houses. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 18:55 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan - General Director Agil Gurbanov, visited the Republic of Italy, Azernews reports. Within the framework of the visit, the Director General met with Mr. Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Italy. At the meeting, where relations between Azerbaijan and Italy are based on strategic partnership, the current situation and development prospects of cooperation in the military and military-technical fields were discussed. In the meeting, detailed views on joint projects and a number of other issues were exchanged. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The President of Kazakhstan, Kasim-Jomart Tokayev, signed the law on mass media, which provides for increasing the volume of television and radio programs in the Kazakh language from the current 50 percent to 60 percent by 2027, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the President's office. It was reported that the volume of broadcasting of television and radio programs in the state language and local content will be increased to 55 percent from 2025, and the total volume of television and radio programs will be increased to 60 percent from 2027. At the same time, there will be a decrease from 20 percent to 10 percent in the volume of rebroadcasting of foreign television and radio programs in the weekly broadcasting volume of Kazakh television channels and radio stations. It is also planned to unite online publications and information agencies in a single concept of "Internet publication". Online publications will be one of the types of mass media and must be registered. The law requires that the news agency's news and materials must be referenced by other mass media. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 21:44 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre Turkey's total production, which began supplying natural gas from the Black Sea to the system last year, increased by 113 percent compared to 2022, reaching 807.3 million cubic meters. The Sakarya Gas Field contributed 41.8 percent to this production. The production area spans 10,000 square kilometers, of which 2,200 square kilometers are actively producing. Daily natural gas production in Filyos exceeded 5.1 million cubic meters. One of Turkey's most significant steps in diversifying its energy resources and ensuring supply security is the discovery of natural gas in the Black Sea. In recent years, Turkey has strengthened its maritime energy fleet and introduced the Black Sea gas into the system at a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on April 20, 2023. Since September last year, Black Sea gas has been supplied to the system uninterruptedly. According to the annual natural gas report by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), Turkey's Black Sea gas discovery has started to be reflected in production. Natural gas production increased by 113 percent last year compared to 2022, reaching 807.3 million cubic meters. Dependence on Foreign Sources Decreasing Rapidly Turkey's natural gas production was recorded as 473.9 million cubic meters in 2019, 441.3 million cubic meters in 2020, 394.4 million cubic meters in 2021, and 379.8 million cubic meters in 2022. The EMRA report stated, "A significant part of this increase is due to the fact that the natural gas discovered in the Black Sea Sakarya Gas Field started to be produced and fed into the system as of September 2023." 41.8% of Production from Sakarya Gas Field Eight companies with wholesale licenses in the country are authorized to produce natural gas. Turkish Petroleum Joint Stock Company (TPAO), Thrace Basin Natural Gas Corporation Turkey, and Park Place Energy Limited were the leading producers. Among the provinces where gas produced by licensed companies is offered for sale, Zonguldak, where Black Sea gas is prominent, ranked first with 337.8 million cubic meters. The share of Black Sea gas in total production was 41.8 percent. Zonguldak was followed by Tekirdag with 243.3 million cubic meters, Krklareli with 108.7 million cubic meters, and Duzce and Istanbul, each with 55.9 million cubic meters. Hatay contributed the least to the system, with 4,000 cubic meters. New Discoveries on the Horizon The Sakarya Gas Field covers approximately 10,000 square kilometers, with 2,200 square kilometers currently under production. Turkey, which has started production by exploring 25 percent of the total field, continues its efforts in the region. Daily natural gas production in Filyos has exceeded 5.1 million cubic meters. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar previously stated, "New discoveries may come in this field that will increase the reserves in many different locations." Bayraktar expressed hope for new discoveries in July from the Goktepe-1 and Goktepe-2 wells in the Sakarya Gas Field. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 22:23 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre Otokar, one of the leading military land vehicle manufacturers in the Turkish defence industry, will exhibit a number of its products at Eurosatory, one of Europe's largest and the world's leading defence industry fairs, which starts tomorrow in Paris. In this context, the heavy-class unmanned ground vehicle ALPAR will be introduced abroad for the first time. What is ALPAR, and what are its features? ALPAR, Turkiye's first heavy class unmanned land vehicle, has a maximum loaded weight of 15 tons and operates completely silently thanks to its serial hybrid electric drive infrastructure. Otokar has conducted a series of engineering and qualification tests for ALPAR, which was first introduced last year. These tests focused on vehicle autonomy and remote control, with ongoing development and testing in these areas. As a result of these studies, ALPAR, with its advanced driving controls and algorithms, has gained capabilities such as patrolling from point A to point B, following the vehicle in front, and performing 2D and 3D mapping for autonomy. Further development activities of these functions are continuing. ALPAR will remain open to development in terms of autonomy and driving support, with Otokar continuously increasing the vehicle's autonomy levels based on technological advancements. Testing its Strength on Road and Off-Road In addition to these developments, mobility tests of ALPAR, which features a serial hybrid power infrastructure, continue in both road and off-road environments. These tests include evaluating high-voltage battery efficiency, power consumption, vehicle range, and optimising electric motor efficiencies. Development activities are also ongoing for the Remote Control Unit, which controls the vehicle, to facilitate user control, enhance effectiveness, and increase situational awareness. With ALPAR, Otokar aims to offer the most advanced innovative solutions to the Turkish defence industry by closely following technological innovations. The Future Points to Unmanned Systems Various studies are being conducted on the use of unmanned vehicles for military purposes in countries with advanced defence industries and modern armies. Vehicles like ALPAR around the world are not yet fully operational, with development activities ongoing at both company and military levels. However, autonomous systems are expected to become a significant part of the battlefield in the future. While the battlefield always presents conditions requiring human decision-making, making it unlikely for autonomous systems to completely replace humans, vehicles like ALPAR offer significant advantages in protecting personnel during dangerous missions. These systems are expected to be widely used to safeguard soldiers in high-risk or uncertain missions, such as those involving CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats. It is anticipated that unmanned systems, equipped with artificial intelligence, will minimise human error and become prominent in routine tasks such as patrol and surveillance. Autonomous systems are expected to function as "wing tanks" in tank teams in the distant future. Capabilities and Applications of ALPAR ALPAR was developed considering all these needs and the latest technological advancements on the battlefield. It can perform various mission capabilities for reconnaissance, surveillance, or combat due to its modular electronic infrastructure designed to address different mission needs. ALPAR combines capabilities such as autonomous and remote command, low thermal and acoustic signatures, vehicle tracking, and mobility agility comparable to light tanks and similar vehicles in the field. Thanks to its electric propulsion infrastructure, ALPAR can operate as a main element or a supporting element alongside manned vehicles and/or infantry. It can carry unmanned aerial and ground forces for tasks such as obstacle detection in hazardous areas, surveillance and reconnaissance in urban environments, and route discovery in changing terrain conditions. ALPAR can undertake responsibilities such as suppressing enemy/terrorist positions with fire, neutralising enemy vehicles and facilities with main weapons or guided missiles while minimising personnel risk, serving as a fire support element, and conducting reconnaissance and surveillance duties. It can perform autonomous tasks such as transporting mini unmanned land vehicles and drones, target detection, and logistics support activities. ALPAR also stands out as a suitable platform for missions such as loitering ammunition carrier, autonomous supply, anti-UAV, and electronic warfare. Recognises Friend/Enemy and Returns Home Within its autonomous and remote-controlled driving capabilities, ALPAR offers 360-degree situational awareness, can operate up to 5 kilometers with MIMO radio, and provides effective, advanced remote control and connection capabilities through satellite communication. ALPAR, which can determine routes using a local map in environments without a Global Positioning System, offers services such as navigating a given route, patrolling, following the vehicle or personnel in front, performing convoy duties, communicating with other unmanned elements, returning home, 2D and 3D LIDAR mapping, obstacle detection, new route determination, friend/foe recognition, and swarm management. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 19:43 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Romania will purchase self-propelled howitzers made in South Korea, Azernews reports. During a working meeting with his South Korean counterpart Shin Won Sik, who is in Romania on an official visit. "The Romanian official welcomed the winning by the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace of a tender for the purchase by Romania of three 155 mm battalion-level howitzer systems, including 54 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, auxiliary equipment and an initial amount of ammunition," the press service of the Romanian military department said. During the talks, the heads of the military departments of the two countries discussed the international security situation and prospects for bilateral cooperation in the field of defense. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 June 2024 20:51 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The leading opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has submitted to the lower house of parliament a draft resolution of no confidence in the government of Fumio Kishida, Azernews reports. The opposition accuses the Cabinet of Ministers of failing to take measures that suit the population to reform the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) amid a scandal about the appropriation of political donations from businesses. The draft resolution of no confidence will be supported by other opposition forces, including the Japan Renewal Society and the Communist Party. The vote on this issue will take place during the day at the plenary session of the lower house of Parliament. It is expected that the draft will be rejected by the votes of deputies from the LDPR and the Komeito party, its junior partner in the ruling coalition. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The major force behind illegal immigation into western countries is asylum fraud. Economic migrants make false claims of asylum to get a foothold in western countries on both sides of the Atlantic. When their court date comes to actually follow thorugh on their claims, the majority skip the hearing knowing their asylum claim is a fraud to begin with. Most of those who do show up and try to con their way into an asylum claim are unsuccesful and their claim for asylum is denied. One curious aspect on both sides of the Atlantic is that many of the illegal alien migrants throw away their identification documents before crossing the border into their final desintation, so that they can claim to be anyone from anywhere. This is particularly useful for someone with a criminal background, terrorist background, or from a country that may cause questions. A Breitbart reporter wrote an article, which was put up here on the Beaufort Observer about the huge piles of discarded identification documents on the south side of the RIo Grand that illegal aliens threw away just before entering the US. Interstingly, there were lots of ID cards showing someone from a county with problems like Veneauzela had already achieved asylum in a safe country like Chile. But the US pays more welfate, so they went tor the big welfare check. Now Germany has revealed they have the same problem. In the past year, 57% of the illegal aliens arriving there came without a passport or other ID as to who they really were. The CEO of low cost airline Ryanair has revealed that many migrants fly to the UK or Ireland from safe countries and throw their passports into the toilets of his airplanes before arriving at their destination. "It's a complete scam. These people are not refugees", he declared https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/germany-fifty-seven-percent-of-migrants-arrive-without-passports/ https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/ryanair-ceo-its-complete-scam-these-people-are-not-refugees Music satire on illegal immigration into the UK, "Brand New Leather Jacket": Democrats are still fighting to gut election integrity as recent developments in Nevada and Michigan show. In Nevada, the Public Interest Legal Foundation has been fighting to clean up election rolls by removing ineligible voters. State law requires voters to register where they live. In Washoe County, the state's second most populous, PILF reviewed addresses on voter registration and found hundreds of "voters" registered at commercial addresses including strip clubs, casinos, convenience stores, and parking lots. Those were clearly illegal registrations but PILF's requests to election officials to remove them were denied. PILF filed a petition in court to obtain a court order for their removal. Who shows up to fight to keep those illegal voters on the rolls? None other than national Democrat election fixer Marc Elias. https://thefederalist.com/2024/06/19/democrat-fixer-marc-elias-firm-steps-in-to-stop-disastrous-election-system-fix/ In Michigan, Republicans were cheered when a state court issued an order requiring the Democrat Secretary of State to follow state law in verification of signatures on mail in ballots and applications after she had told local officials they did not have to follow state law but could "presume" signatures were valid. However, that was short lived as Democrat legislators passed legislation to mangle the state's election laws to make it more difficult to challenge results. One bill they passed made it much more difficult to get recounts. The other took away the function of the bi-partisan Boards of Canvassers to investigate election fraud, and also took away their subpoena power. Fraud investigations are now to be sent to partisan District Attorneys who are not likely to be responsive to complaints from the opposing party. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/06/mi-senator-goes-dirty-democrats-after-they-pass/ Election integrity is still up in the air for 2024 and we must fight Democrat efforts to rig elections. As practices nationwide continue to face provider shortages, there are ways ASCs can remain competitive when it comes to recruiting talent, according to seven leaders who spoke with Becker's. Higher compensation: When enticing talent, it is important for ASCs to provide competitive compensation packages to keep up with larger systems. "In 2023, we made major modifications to our staffing structures and pay scales. Investing in our staff was and continues to be an ongoing priority for our business," Todd Currier, administrator of Bend (Ore.) Surgery Center, told Becker's. ASCs that pay well likely have an easier time retaining staffers who could otherwise be pulled away for higher-paid positions. Flexibility and benefits: Since ASCs are not equipped to handle overnight emergencies like hospitals, they are able to offer more flexible schedules for their employees, which can be a positive for many. "We're investing in our employees' well-being. One of the ways we're doing this is by offering flexible work schedules including part time or reduced hours," Johnny Russell, director of operations at Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health, told Becker's. "When staff feel valued, we see improved employee satisfaction, greater stability in employee tenure and a positive impact on patient care." Some employees gravitate toward facilities with more predictable workdays. "ASCs have definitive business hours, shorter days, and no work on weekends or holidays. This provides better work-life balance for workers," Allison Griffin, administrator at the Urology Surgery Center in Savannah, Ga., told Becker's. Additionally, ASCs can provide more autonomy for employees. "Ambulatory surgery centers can potentially gain an edge in surgeon recruiting by offering a more streamlined and efficient work environment, increased autonomy for surgeons, opportunities for ownership or investment, and the ability to focus on specific surgical specialties," Brian Fiani, DO, a surgeon at Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists in West Bloomfield, Mich., told Becker's. "Additionally, ASCs may be able to provide more flexible scheduling and potentially higher reimbursement rates for surgeons." If ASCs cannot keep up with hospitals and larger systems when it comes to base compensation, they might be able to compensate through other benefits, such as educational and professional programs. "Puerto Rico ASC Holding as the operator of three ASCs in Puerto Rico (Vista Ophthalmic, Caguas ASC and CALMA) is investing in our people. ASC staff truly make magic every day with their hard work for the benefit of our patients. Staff retention is one of the most challenging situations we are facing," Angie Jimenez, administrator of Vista Ophthalmic Ambulatory Surgical Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, told Becker's. "We are investing in our staff's professional development to form future leaders and to help them achieve professional goals like completing a nursing master's degree or a surgical tech completing their nursing degrees and clerical staff achieving a coder certification." Streamlined leadership: Because ASCs are smaller, and sometimes independent of large systems, they can offer employees the opportunity to work with less bureaucracy and red tape. "Large bureaucratic organizations will be replaced by smaller, better-focused patient-centric entities especially as technology advances allow critical information to be easily accessible by the masses. ASCs with strong and adaptive leadership will be well positioned to play an important role in the once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly change healthcare for the better," Stephen Blake, CEO of Arlington, Texas-based Central Park ENT & Surgery Center, told Becker's. In addition, ASC leaders can be more hands on and offer more growth opportunities for employees. "Smaller ASC teams foster strong professional relationships, allowing administrators to be more hands-on with patient care in addition to their operational duties. Worker challenges and concerns are more often heard, understood and addressed," Allison Griffin, administrator at the Urology Surgery Center in Savannah, Ga., told Becker's. A man in Fresno, Calif., was sentenced to 188 months in prison for defrauding a vulnerable physician of more than $2.7 million before his death. Anthony David Flores was also ordered to pay $1 million in restitution, according to a June 17 news release from the Justice Department. Beginning June 2017, Mr. Flores used false promises to befriend a physician and investor worth more than $60 million who suffered from a mental illness and lost the ability to care for himself following hospitalizations. Within days of meeting the physician, Mr. Flores and his former girlfriend, Anna Rene Moore, moved into his home rent free and "slowly took control of his life by pretending to be his new 'best friends' and caregivers, according to the release. Following the physician suffering a mental breakdown resulting in his arrest in September 2017, Ms. Flores fraudulently induced him into granting control over the victim's finances. He told the physician he would only access the finances to post bail for release and that he would rescind the powers, but the powers of attorney were never rescinded. Within days, according to the release, Mr. Flores opened bank accounts and gave himself access to the physician's wealth. From September 2017 to May 2018, Mr. Flores and Ms. Moore lived with the physician and diverted his funds to their own bank account, among other allegations. In May 2018, the physician died, and the pair moved back into the home and withdrew large sums of money from his accounts. Additionally, according to the release, they also concealed information about the victims finances from his mother and sister. Although the ASC industry is largely fragmented, big players like Tenet Healthcare, HCA Healthcare and Optum are chipping away at ownership as procedures migrate to the outpatient setting. Dallas-based Tenet, parent company of United Surgical Partners International, has been bullish on ambulatory growth. USPI is the largest ASC chain in the country, with 512 ASCs and 25 surgical hospitals spanning 38 states. "We see a tremendous opportunity with our ambulatory platform," CEO Saum Sutaria, MD, said, speaking May 14 at the Bank of America Securities 2024 Health Care Conference. "We're in this unique space of innovation and ambulatory care growth, which creates a significant amount of value and savings for the system, but it's also unique in the sense that it's value-based care that actually creates value for shareholders. In 2020, Tenet acquired more than 90 ASCs from SurgCenter Development for approximately $1.2 billion, paving the way to market dominance. In the first quarter of 2024, Tenet acquired 45 ASCs and plans to invest $450 million into growing its ambulatory business in 2024. The next largest ASC chain is SCA Health, which Optum acquired for $2.3 billion in 2017. SCA Health has grown from 186 ASCs in 2019 to 320 in 2023. While the company shed several ASCs in deals inked this year, SCA Health acquired at least two cardiovascular providers in 2023 National Cardiovascular Partners and Pivotal Healthcare. In May 2022, Surgical Care Affiliates rebranded to SCA Health to focus on specialty care and updated its logo to symbolize growth momentum. Optum, the country's largest employer of physicians, is focusing on physician deals and has spent $31 billion on acquisitions in the last two years. The group added 20,000 physicians in 2023 and inked three major physician group acquisitions. In March, Optum announced plans to acquire bankrupt Dallas-based Steward Health Care's physician group, Stewardship Health. It also received approval to bypass a state review of its planned purchase of physician-owned Corvallis (Ore.) Clinic. Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, another massive, for-profit system, employs or is affiliated with more than 47,000 physicians, and is also ramping up its ASC portfolio through HCA Surgery Ventures. HCA posted $1.8 billion in income and $17 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2024 and outpatient revenues made up 36.9% of the group's patient-based earnings. The company ended the first quarter with 121 ASCs, down slightly from 126 in the same quarter last year. In January, Surgery Ventures announced that it acquired a majority interest in two Texas ASCs in the fall of 2023. The group added two freestanding endoscopy centers in the last year, ending the first quarter with 24 facilities. Michael George, MD, owner and chief surgeon at Tylock-George Eye Care and Laser Center in Irving, Texas, on June 14, according to a June 17 report from Fort Worth Inc. His death was "unexpected," according to the report. The practice's offices in Irving and McKinney, Texas, will be temporarily closed while the practice navigates its next steps. Dr. George purchased the practice in 2016 from Gary Tylock, MD, and specialized in 3D Lasik procedures, cataract surgery and lens implant surgery. Dr. Tylock and Dr. George were the first surgeons in Texas to use the advanced WaveLight Refractive Suite Laser, the report said. "We appreciate the understanding and patience of our patients, staff, and community during this challenging time, the practice said in a statement shared with the news outlet. "Further updates regarding the reopening of our offices and ongoing patient care will be communicated as soon as possible." Greenwood (Miss.) Leflore Hospital and Rolling Fork, Miss.-based Sharkey Issaquena Hospital have entered into a cybersecurity partnership with Microsoft, the Greenwood Commonwealth reported June 20. Under the partnership, Microsoft will fully fund cybersecurity software and training expenses for front-line and IT staff for Greenwood Hospital and Sharkey Issaquena Hospital during the first year of their partnership. During the second year, the tech giant will reduce the cost for its security products for the hospitals by 75%. According to Greenwood Leflore Hospital officials, this will bring an estimated value of the first year to $50,000. "We appreciate the help," Gary Marchand, interim CEO of Greenwood Leflore Hospital told the publication. "It's going to augment the risk we're already trying to cover." This initiative is a part of a collaboration between the Biden-Harris administration and Microsoft announced on June 10. Under this initiative, Microsoft pledged to offer free and low-cost resources to rural hospitals nationwide to help them boost their cyber defenses. In a move designed to bolster healthcare, medical education and biomedical research, Lifespan Health and Brown University, both based in Providence, R.I., finalized their expanded affiliation agreements. As part of the agreements, Lifespan will undergo a rebranding effort, adopting the name Brown University Health later this year. This rebranding, to be developed over the coming months, is intended to improve Lifespan's ability to attract and retain physicians, according to a June 20 news release from Brown. Both organizations will continue to operate independently after the rebrand. The agreements also include mutual financial investments between Lifespan and Brown. Brown University will invest $15 million to $25 million each year in Lifespan, adding up to $150 million over seven years. This money will help Lifespan financially and support their shared goals, according to the release. After seven years, Lifespan will invest $15 million each year to support the Warren Alpert Medical School's education and research programs. The proposed agreements were announced in October. Lifespan operates five hospitals, three of which are academic teaching hospitals: Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital and Newport (R.I.) Hospital. Many Lifespan providers are also faculty members at Brown's Warren Alpert Medical School. Dallas-based Steward Health Care has extended the auction date for some of its 31 hospitals and its physician group, Stewardship Health, by three weeks. In June 18 bankruptcy court filings obtained by Becker's, the health system shared plans to extend the sale process for Stewardship Health and its "first-round hospitals" in Arizona and Massachusetts, and St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston. The new bid deadline for the facilities and physician group is July 15, with an auction of July 18 and a proposed sale hearing of July 31. "We have extended the bid deadlines to a more reasonable date," a spokesperson for Steward said in a June 20 statement shared with Becker's. "The extension gives everyone involved time to develop robust bids." News of the extension comes after Steward, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy May 6, received approval from U.S. bankruptcy Judge Chris Lopez on June 3 to sell its facilities and Stewardship Health in two rounds. The first round of hospitals and Stewardship Health were initially set with a bid deadline of June 24 and a first sale hearing of July 11. The second round, which includes Steward's Florida hospitals and four Texas facilities, was approved for a bid deadline of Aug. 12 and an Aug. 22 sale hearing. Steward has no plans to modify the existing bidding procedures for its second-round hospitals and other assets at this time, the June 18 filings said. A $225 million loan to support Steward's hospital operations was also approved by Mr. Lopez during a June 13 hearing. However, concerns loom regarding what will happen to the hospitals that do not receive bids. "While we hope that ultimately all hospitals will receive bids, and there will be new operators for each of these hospitals, we are obviously concerned about a situation when there is no bid for a particular hospital," Hugh McDonald, an attorney for the commonwealth of Massachusetts and its health and human services office, said during the hearing. West Monroe, La.-based Glenwood Regional Medical Center, part of Dallas-based Steward Health Care, has laid off 23 employees. Some of the roles impacted included leadership, a spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement shared with Becker's. "This action, while unfortunate for those impacted, is a necessary step to adjust to the business conditions that have changed," the statement said. "These are the only reductions planned at this time and all impacted employees have been invited to consider moving to other current open positions." The layoffs will not impact patient care or operations, the statement said. The layoffs come as Steward is working to auction off its 31 hospitals and a physician group, Stewardship Health, in two rounds. The health system filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy May 6. Glenwood Regional had its CMS status restored and was deemed in compliance with the Louisiana Department of Health on May 14 after a period of regulatory review. The hospital had previously been placed in immediate jeopardy status three times across 120 days due to financial issues, KNOE reported April 11. "I think Steward, in itself, is a bankrupt entity with bankrupt executives, and they need to just go away," Louisiana Rep. Michael Echols, told Becker's. Mr. Echols also encouraged Steward's landlord, Medical Properties Trust, to "do the right thing" and give or sell the hospital back to the community to return it to a functioning facility. "We've been anticipating these moments for well over six months based on Steward's mismanagement of the facility," he said. "I've been working with our attorney general to ensure that we hold executives of Steward Health Care accountable." Advocate Health's chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer is stepping down from her role at the end of August, and the Charlotte, N.C.-based system's chief nursing officer plans to retire in December, according to a memo obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Cristy Garcia-Thomas, who has led efforts to address health disparities and social determinants of health, will leave the organization in August. She told the news outlet that her successor as chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer will be named soon, and that she has been involved in the process of screening candidates. Ms. Garcia-Thomas is also president of the Advocate National Center for Health Equity. Mary Beth Kingston, PhD, RN, Advocate Health's executive vice president and chief nursing officer, will retire in December. Jim Skogsbergh, who had served as co-CEO of Advocate Health alongside Eugene Woods, stepped down May 31, and Executive Vice President Rick Klein retired in May. The leaders were the last remaining C-suite executives at the system who had been part of Aurora Health Care, which became part of Advocate Aurora Health (dually based in Milwaukee and Downers Grove, Ill.) in 2018. In late 2022, Advocate Aurora Health merged with Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health to form Advocate Health, a 69-hospital system with footprints in Illinois, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Sarah Vogler, MD, was appointed chief of staff for Cleveland Clinic's Florida market. Dr. Vogler began the permanent role on June 19 after serving in it on an interim basis, according to a health system news release. She oversees the Office of Professional Staff Affairs in Florida and has responsibility for overall clinical performance across the market, which includes five hospitals, according to the release. Dr. Vogler initially joined Cleveland Clinic's Florida market in 2021 as associate chief of staff and regional director of colorectal pelvic floor care. Kirk McCarty, MSN, RN, was appointed CEO of Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kan., part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare. Mr. McCarty began his new role on June 1, according to a news release shared with Becker's. He joins Menorah from HCA's Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colo., where he spent four years as CEO, according to the release. Before that, he was COO of Sky Ridge. Concierge medicine is a growing model in healthcare, but some are concerned about its impact on patients who cannot afford the fees, CBS News reported June 20. Concierge care models involve paying a periodic fee to be a patient. These fees are not covered by insurance and can range from annual fees of $199 for Amazon's One Medical to $10,000 or more for top-branded practices such as Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital's concierge service. Patients who can afford the fees describe better experience and relationships with their provider, but those who cannot can find themselves struggling to find another provider who is accepting patients. Many end up relying on pharmacy-based clinics, urgent cares or emergency departments for primary care. "Concierge medicine potentially leads to disproportionately richer people being able to pay for the scarce resource of physician time and crowding out people who have lower incomes and are sicker," Adam Leive, PhD, a researcher at the University of California Berkeley, told CBS News. His research found no decrease in mortality for concierge patients, suggesting there may not be notable improvements in some health outcomes. Some concierge providers said they are allowing patients to opt out of concierge care but stay at the practice at a lower tier of service, which can mean longer waits, shorter appointments and more visits with clinicians who may have less training than their previous provider. There are 5,000 to 7,000 physicians and practices providing concierge care in the U.S., according to Concierge Medicine Today, and the market is expected to grow in revenue by 10.4% annually through 2030. Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings has received conditional approval from Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, after a lengthy review, to sell its two safety net hospitals to The Centurion Foundation. The sale of the two hospitals, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, R.I., and Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, must also be compliant with "40 unique conditions across seven areas" imposed by Mr. Neronha to ensure success for the hospitals, according to a June 20 news release shared with Becker's. The hospitals are owned and operated by Prospect's Providence, R.I.-based CharterCare Health Partners. A nonprofit organization, Atlanta-based Centurion aids other nonprofits through development, arranging finances and leasing facilities. It has completed over 100 taxable and tax-exempt financial transactions that total more than $850 million, according to its website. In 2021, Mr. Neronha required that the hospitals meet multiple conditions in a deal approved under the Hospital Conversion Act. Prospect was then required to put $80 million in escrow or letter of credit to ensure operation of its two hospitals. Conditions had to be met for five years; however, by November of 2023, Prospect owed more than $24 million to hospital vendors and specific elective surgeries were canceled due to surgical supply order delays, according to a 2023 lawsuit filed by Mr. Neronha. On May 26, 2023, a Hospital Conversions Act application was submitted to Mr. Neronha and the Rhode Island Department of Health that would let Prospect sell CharterCare and the two hospitals to Centurion. The parties found the submission "did not constitute an initial application," the release said. Prospect and Centurion submitted a second application in November, which Mr. Neronha and the health department found to be complete in December. Prior to the application approval, Prospect was ordered on June 12 by Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Brian Stern to pay more than $17.3 million in unpaid bills to hospital vendors within 10 days. Here are nine findings from some of the required conditions: 1. Prospect must address the life safety and physical plant violations that state and federal regulators have cited, including inadequate life safety equipment and roof repairs. 2. Prospect must comply with Mr. Neronha's 2021 decision and pay the outstanding balance due to vendors for the hospitals. 3. Eighty million dollars in funding from Prospect and Centurion must be dedicated to the CharterCare system, regardless of failure to secure the funding through bond transactions. 4. An additional $66.8 million must be contributed by Prospect and Centurion to a dedicated fund. Prospect can apply the $47 million in outstanding escrow funds from the 2021 decision to support the CharterCare system. Centurion will not be able to use the funding for management fee or executive compensation. "Centurions management fee will be paid only to the extent that the Transacting Parties remain in compliance with all conditions of the Decision," the release said. 5. CharterCare system's board must adopt best governance practices, feature community and local input, and can not "alienate, encumber, or pledge New CharterCARE System's assets" without a notice to or approval from Mr. Neronha. 6. A turnaround consultant for CharterCare must be funded by Prospect and Centurion and approved by Mr. Neronha. 7. Timing, process and effort levels must be outlined to address the application's reliance on future, contingent events like IRS approval of nonprofit status. 8. CharterCare must meet charity care industry standards and properly fund community health needs that are identified. 9. Mr. Neronha must be notified by CharterCare regarding any workforce reductions that meet a specific threshold. The existing level of employee benefits must be maintained during the initial period after the proposed transaction closes. "Beyond the numbers, figures, and provisions that make up a transaction are the communities, patients, and providers that these hospitals serve and employ, Mr. Neronha said in the release. "Our conditions aim to ensure that these hospitals continue to deliver quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare, gainfully employ thousands of Rhode Islanders, and successfully operate long into the future." The state's department of health is expected to issue a separate decision on the transaction, the release said. Becker's has reached out to Prospect Medical Holdings for comment and will update this story should more information become available. Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health scrapped its planned acquisition of two hospitals from Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems after an appellate court granted the Federal Trade Commission an emergency injunction blocking the deal. The decision is a significant win for the FTC, which has ramped up antitrust enforcement against healthcare mergers and acquisitions over the last three years under Chair Lina Khan's leadership. In December, the FTC and Justice Department updated their merger guidelines, which outline the factors and frameworks used to review proposed transactions. Under the guidelines, health systems are not allowed to merge if doing so prevents a potential competitor from entering the market or reduces incentives to pay higher wages. The guidelines could also be used to challenge cross-market mergers that have been historically difficult to challenge. Here are six other health system deals that were called off after FTC enforcement actions or challenges under Ms. Kahn's leadership: 1. John Muir Health and Tenet Healthcare In December, Walnut Creek, Calif.-based John Muir Health called off plans to fully acquire San Ramon (Calif.) Regional Medical Center from majority owner Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare. The FTC sued to block the deal, arguing that it would drive up healthcare costs in the area by eliminating head-to-head competition between John Muir and Tenet. The health systems said they strongly disagreed with the FTC but decided not to fight the agency in court "due to the cost and disruption of litigation," according to a statement shared with Becker's. 2. Steward Health Care and HCA Healthcare In June 2022, Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA and Dallas-based Steward Health Care spiked their proposed deal that would have sees five Utah hospitals move to HCA. The FTC alleged the acquisition would eliminate the second-and fourth-largest health systems in Utah's Wasatch Front region, where about 80% of the state's residents live. The systems called off the plan 13 days after the FTC sued to block the deal. 3. RWJBarnabas Health and Saint Peter's Healthcare System In June 2022, two New Jersey systems New Brunswick-based Saint Peter's Healthcare System and West Orange-based RWJBarnabas Health terminated a definitive agreement to merge after the FTC filed a suit to block the transaction. The commission alleged the deal would eradicate head-to-head competition between the two systems and increase prices for inpatient general acute care services. The deal would have given the combined health system a market share of about 50% for general acute care services in Middlesex County as a whole, resulting in a presumption of harm under the antitrust laws, according to the FTC. 4. Hackensack Meridian Health and Englewood Health Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health and Englewood Health tore up plans to merge in April 2022 after a U.S. appellate court affirmed the order of the district court to block the deal. The FTC challenged the deal in 2020, arguing it would give Hackensack Meridian control of three of the six hospitals in Bergen County and raise healthcare costs. A district court judge agreed the acquisition would raise prices, despite the systems arguing that merging some operations would bring savings. 5. Care New England and Lifespan In February 2022, Providence, R.I.=based Lifespan and Care New England called off plans to merge after the FTC filed a suit to block the deal. The merger would have given the combined system 80% of the market's hospital beds and ownership of eight of Rhode Island's 13 hospitals. The FTC cited competition concerns in its decision. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said the state would join the FTC in the lawsuit, stating the deal would raise healthcare costs. 6. Crouse Health System and State University of New York Upstate Medical University Syracuse, N.Y.-based SUNY Upstate Medical University and Crouse Health System abandoned plans to merge in February 2022 after the FTC voiced its opposition to the deal. The commission claimed the transaction would leave Syracuse with just two hospital systems Upstate and St. Joseph's Health and give the combined entity a 67% share of commercially insured inpatient services in Onondaga County. Sacramento, Calif.-based UC Davis Health has launched an initiative with Best Buy Health's home-care platform, Current Health. UC Davis Health launched a program that will allow it to monitor patients with high blood pressure from their homes. Patients enrolled in this program will use devices such as blood pressure cuffs and scales. These devices will transmit readings to the Current Health platform and integrate with the patients' UC Davis Health electronic medical records, according to a June 20 news release from the health system. The UC Davis Health Connected Care Center can access these readings in real time, which will enable more timely response and intervention, the release said. Walgreens is on a mission to attain provider status for its pharmacists. An abundance of research has concluded that patients crave and care improves with broader scopes of practice for pharmacists. It's an uphill battle though as some organizations lobby against scope expansions. Walgreens, the nation's second largest pharmacy company (behind CVS), is going full steam ahead to grow job descriptions for its 26,000-some pharmacists. Mary Langowski, Walgreens Boots Alliance's executive vice president and U.S. healthcare president, said pharmacists are well positioned to take on extra duties and tackle obstacles made by workforce shortages. She raised the example of blood pressure screenings, reasoning that it makes more sense for pharmacists to take on this role than primary care physicians, who are already burnt out. "To the extent we can create better, faster, cheaper pharmacy operations, so that our pharmacists can do more and more and more, that's the ideal state," Ms. Langowski said at AHIP's 2024 conference in Las Vegas. Before this "ideal state" can come alive, advocates for expanding pharmacist scopes of practice have to first contend with regulatory and reimbursement constraints. Some organizations argue that physicians have more training in clinical settings than pharmacists, but Ms. Langowski said it isn't an either/or, but a both/and. "We want to partner with physicians," she said. "This is all totally complimentary to the rest of the activity that's going on in the healthcare system." "There's a lot of old paradigms out there, and a lot of old regulatory regimes and a lot of entrenched interests that are making it difficult for us to make progress on that, but we're gonna keep fighting on it," Ms. Langowski said. "It's so important for us to kind of crack that open for pharmacists." Biddeford, Maine-based University of New England received nearly $5 million to educate and train Maine's healthcare workforce in geriatric care. The five-year grant, awarded by Health Resources and Services Administration, will support Maine's Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program administered through the university. The program will develop the direct care workforce, enhance rural education and create more dementia-inclusive communities, according to a June 14 university news release. It is the only federally funded program dedicated to education and training healthcare professionals in geriatrics. Multiple spine and orthopedic medical devicemakers have reduced their workforce this year. Here are three devicemakers that have laid off staff in 2024, as reported by Becker's since Jan. 26: 1. Medtronic laid off 44 employees from its Carlsbad, Calif.-based facility in March. Then, in May, it had another round of layoffs, which let go an undisclosed number of employees as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. 2. Zimmer Biomet laid off 3% of its back office workforce as part of a global restructuring in February. The company said its restructuring strategy is expected to save it $200 million by 2025. 3. NuVasive laid off 157 employees at its San Diego headquarters in January, and permanent layoffs went into effect in March. NuVasive said the layoffs were part of companywide organizational restructuring. Artificial intelligence in spine surgery is in its infancy, and physicians are discussing the exciting and nerve-wracking aspects of it. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next question: Halfway through the year, what's one accomplishment you're proud of and what's a goal you have for the remainder of 2024? Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Wednesday, June 26. Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: When it comes to AI in spine surgery, whats one thing you're excited about and one thing you're nervous about? Neel Anand, MD. Cedars-Sinai Spine Center (Los Angeles): AI is paving the way for the type of innovation in spine surgery that will help our patients get the exact care they need, delivered with incredible precision, to the specific area of the spine where they need it, all while allowing for minimal invasion and faster recovery. It remains in the infancy stage, but the power and promise of AI in spine surgery are right here in front of us. In the diagnosis of spinal conditions AI shows great promise in helping healthcare providers achieve more accurate and timely diagnoses of spinal conditions. Using predictive-modeling type AI applications, the ability to amass loads of clinical data and predict which patients may end up developing spine conditions is advantageous. As with most medical issues, the earlier the diagnosis, the earlier the intervention before problems become catastrophic. In the surgical treatment of spinal conditions When coupled with robot-assisted spine surgery, which is already in use, AI has the potential to predict which patients might benefit most from surgical intervention and can also help the precision and skill of surgeons when performing spine procedures. The predictive accuracy of AI in the operating room also offers the potential to help reduce surgeon fatigue. In many cases, most spine surgeries are relatively long four hours or more. In the prediction of spine surgery outcomes AI offers the potential for scientists and statisticians to predict spine surgery outcomes based on a patient's unique health metrics and circumstances. For example, the result of the same spine procedure on a 46-year-old sedentary female may not be the same or may be accompanied by additional considerations as the one performed on a 75-year-old active male. AI can help spine surgeons analyze the data available on both populations. In turn, spine surgeons can have honest conversations with their patients, and patients can make well-informed decisions about their spine surgery and health care decisions. In the recovery and return to daily living for spine surgery patients With addiction to opioid pain relief medication at an all-time high, one of the timeliest promises of AI is in the prediction of which patients will need post-operative pain management, how much they will need, and which medications are best. As a spine surgeon, I must ensure my patients can manage their pain well after surgery. Yet I don't want them to become addicted to the medication tools I prescribe during their healing. There is a delicate balance between just right and too much when it comes to pain medication. I am excited about the potential of AI to help pinpoint the right spot on the pain management continuum so that my patients can recover well without future risks of harm from pain medication. While we might be a way off from harnessing the most potent potential of AI in all of the above areas of spine surgery, I am confident we will get there. Spine surgery research as it relates to AI is more proliferated than it was even five years ago, and if I know one thing about the history of spine surgery and the tenacious researchers behind it where there is a will, there is a way. Choll Kim, MD, PhD. Excel Spine Center (San Diego): Patients considering spine surgery are hungry for information. I imagine a day soon when there is an AI version of myself that has studied everything I have ever said and written, along with a selective body of information pertinent to my practice, that my patients, and their loved ones, have access to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They can ask me any question they want, for as long as they want, and the same question in as many ways as they want, without me getting tired or impatient. I hope and pray that this will free up my time to focus on higher level activities that I enjoy more. Just like the convenience of the internet and the apps on our mobile devices, AI will make life easier in many ways. But of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch. The tradeoff is that my office will be a lot lonelier, as the need for ancillary staff will be greatly diminished, and there will be many people that might prefer interacting with my AI more than me. For an extrovert, not having real people to spend time with is terrifying. Philip Schneider, MD. The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (Bethesda, Md.): AI and machine learning have demonstrated the ability to assist in surgical decision-making, patient selection, and predicting functional outcomes which can all result in improved patient care. However, I am concerned that surgeons may become overly dependent on AI over time. All technology is prone to failure at some point, and my trust in AI is not yet fully established. Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): There certainly seems to be a societal press in medicine (like every other facet of our professional lives) to meld AI beyond our perspectives to a point of newfound dependence, should elevate nervousness amongst actual and proper practicing clinicians. Some aspects of discernable AI techniques such as risk stratification, image analysis and intraoperative navigation may be useful to some, the variability of patient symptoms and diversity of anatomic presentation requires more individualistic prescience. My fears of further dehumanizing the art and science of medicine will only be furthered and justified with added dilution of separation as this reliance and dependence grows. The goals of mitigating doubt and errors in medicine and its delivery is paramount. Methods to do so are supported. Victoria Square law being rushed through, construction leaders fear Industry bodies say the proposed law has not had proper consultation or scrutiny, and could lead to unintended outcomes Legislation is being introduced in response to the issues facing residents of the Victoria Square apartments. Pic: Presseye James McNaney Thu 20 Jun 2024 at 07:22 A body representing the construction sector has said its extremely troubled that new legislation brought to the Assembly after owners of Victoria Square apartments in Belfast were forced to move out without compensation is being rushed through Stormont. Taylor Swift will play three sold-out shows at the stadium from Friday, before returning to the venue for five nights in August (Aaron Chown/PA) Taylor Swift fans have been spending up to 300 on tour merchandise at a pop-up shop outside Wembley Stadium before the singer performs in London. The shop, which is open to anyone, sells T-shirts, hoodies, posters, bracelets, water bottles and tote bags featuring the dates and branding of Swifts 2023-2024 Eras tour. The items range from 15 for a poster to 70 for a beige hoodie. The most popular item, according to staff, is the grey Eras Tour quarter-zip fleece (65) featuring a colourful pop art-style collage of Swift. Since 10am on Thursday, more than 2,000 people had entered the shop, set up in a car park to the east of the stadium, according to security officer Khan Balayt. Nikki Nesh, who works in marketing, was one of them. Ms Nesh was celebrating her 27th birthday and is set to attend Fridays show. Ms Nesh, from Streatham, south London, said she spent 120 on merchandise and 249 on tickets to see Swift play on Friday and another show in August. She said: It wasnt bad. We budgeted way more than that. (Swift) is just amazing. Ive grown up with Taylor Swift. Ive been a fan since I was 12. I love everything about her. Her lyrics, her storytelling. Shes gets a lot of hate, but shes such a good role model. She makes me feel like I could do anything, like I could achieve whatever I wanted to. Ms Neshs friend, Jenny Ansell, also 27, added: You feel the lyrics and you think, Ive been through that. Ms Ansell, a carer from Romford, said she spent 300 on merchandise at the pop-up shop. She said: (Swift) made me feel so confident. Ive only been a fan for a year. Ms Nesh interrupted: I turned her and made her a Swiftie. Ms Nesh showed off her wrist full of home-made friendship bracelets featuring facts and key phrases about Swift that she swaps with fellow fans. One bracelet displayed the number 13, which Ms Nesh said was Swifts lucky number. Vivian Huang, a 24-year-old Chinese student studying law at Queen Mary University, said she spent 140 on merchandise in addition to a 500 ticket to see Swift play at Wembley on Friday night. Ms Huang said her favourite song was Enchanted, adding: When I met my boyfriend, I listened to that song a lot. Violet Tang, Ms Huangs friend, is seeing Swift play on Sunday. The accounting student at Kings College London said: Taylor Swift is popular in China. She said it did not matter that few people could understand the meaning of Swifts songs, because the melodies are memorable. We listened to her songs in school. We learned English grammar from her, she added. Danny Nash, 40, said he was not attending any of Swifts shows but was buying merchandise for his 15-year-old daughter. Mr Nash, a technical services manager who lives beside Wembley Stadium, said: I couldnt afford the tickets so I got the merch instead. He said that when Swift played on Friday evening my daughter will just ride around (outside the stadium) on a Lime bike to listen to the music. The pop-up store opened on Thursday and will close on June 23. Mary Lafferty believes fate intervened in her decision to set up ERANO, having worked in Northern Ireland advocating for minority ethnic groups for many years. However, in 2011 I was offered the opportunity to go and work in Saudi Arabia, after eight years wonderful years there lecturing in an all-female university I moved on with my husband to India where I worked in an International School in Hyderabad, says Mary, speaking to highlight Refugee Week (June 17-23). We returned home for a holiday in 2019 and since then I have never returned. I volunteered to help the Syrian refugees that were placed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council at the time. They were in desperate need of help and support, and this became more challenging during Covid. The pandemic also meant I couldnt travel so I became much more involved in the plight of the refugees and their families. Though initially intent on going back overseas once the restrictions lifted, Mary was taken by the significant changes facing the ever-growing population of refugees arriving into the area, with very little support. I knew I needed to do more to help support them, she says. Mary Lafferty, who established ERANO After initially supporting the community in a voluntary capacity in October 2021 I established ERANO Empowering Refugees and Newcomers Organisation with support from Omagh Community House, Fermanagh Omagh District Council. The organisation has grown greatly in the last few years as more refugees arrived and other new communities emerged. In 2022 we secured core funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which allows us to support, advise and guide our new communities and the local community. We offer a range of services from form filling to running training workshops and social gatherings. Without doubt. ERANO is one of many organisations set up to embrace and support people in need, many who arrive into Northern Ireland with the little they can carry, fleeing from war, genocide and conflict, she continues. They have had terrible experiences, so opening our doors to them, and embracing them into our communities is essential and humane. For generations, we have all been world travellers, there are pockets of Irish people in pretty much every country in the world. Working in this field my colleagues and I firmly believe in treating others as you would like to be treated and ensure vulnerable people are treated with dignity and respect. With support people flourish and we have witnessed many success stories. Refugee Week is the worlds largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, resilience and creativity of refugees and people seeking asylum. This years theme is Our Home and home can be a feeling, a place or a state of mind. It can be found in our culture and landscape, in the food we eat and the clothes we wear. Within the last year, ERANO has made a tangible difference. Over 130 individuals (138) received immigration advice, with 105 receiving housing and welfare support. It also secured large financial grants for 78 people and distributed over 240 supermarket vouchers or small hardship payments. Mary is keen to challenge the misconception that refugees are here to take all they can. Mary Lafferty In actual fact the many refugees we have welcomed and supported at ERANO are really keen to do something with their lives, to make new homes and futures for their families. They have suffered unthinkable trauma, and so they want a purpose, a future and a better life. They enrich our communities through their skills, talent, and culture, which is weaving itself into our communities across Northern Ireland, I look around me and see new barber shops, pop-up businesses, students studying at schools and universities who arrived here with their parents with little or no English, now wanting a better future. We are constantly challenging the myth and mistruths that circulate. ERANOs work is comprehensive and varied, including helping refugees understand their entitlements, helping them find education, employment, and immigration support, We help with translation, integration, education, and building networks, says Mary. Many refugees come here tired and overwhelmed, and we link them into their communities from their countries so they have a supportive network and can find out how to make a life and home here for their families. We provide classes and training in language, skills, multi-cultural events and activities to bring refugees together and help build their community. The organisation has already helped over 250 families, totalling 1,000 individuals since it opened its doors. That is nearly three times the amount theyd hoped to help, with ERANO initially established to help 40 families annually. Mary and members of the Indian Community We keep the doors open because we are here to provide support to refuges, to advocate for their needs, support them to settle and assist their smooth integration onto the area, says Mary. We want to empower them to make better lives for themselves, their families and the local community around them too. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Marys driven by the people who come through the door daily. There are many problems, and it can be exhausting listening to harrowing stories or having to tell people bad news, she says. However, if you drop into our office it is a happy place as those who come to ERANO for help, are grateful, we offer guidance and advice when they have nowhere to go, and dont know how to access support, services, health, education, a home. ERANO is the hub and a place of welcome for friends to meet and chat and seek help. Marys keen to share the endless moments of pride for herself and brilliant volunteers. We have had many events where the room is filled with families, eating, dancing, chatting, sharing happy memories, and feeling part of our community this fills me with immense pride. So do the classes and support from our office daily, when I hear people speaking a new language and able to have their needs met, from training to getting into a school or a job, or a new home, through our help and support, I have made so many good friends through ERANO. Im blessed! Anyone who wishes to help or volunteer with ERANO can contact the Omagh office mary.lafferty@erano.omagh@gmail.com, or 07783 706598 for information Day trip for ERANO members Celebrate Refugee Week with ERANO ERANO has launched a photography competition as part of its Refugee Week celebrations, aimed at refugees who have settled here in Northern Ireland. Under the theme Our Home, the competition focuses on celebrating NI refugees from across the world now living and located in the community and encourages participants to share images of what makes our collective home, from the home we have created for our families, to the places we meet and call home, where we gather together, share memories, cook and live. It is open to all refugees living in Northern Ireland with prizes of 300, 100 and 50 available to the first, second and third winners agreed by a panel of judges. We recognise that for many people, making a home once is a huge responsibility, so to leave a home and all of your belongings, and resettle a family and loved ones many thousands of miles away from home must be immensely difficult for many refugees and asylum seekers. This competition embraces their courage and resilience in making a new life and a new home, says Mary. The closing date is June 21. Images taken can be sent with a short descriptor, name and contact details of the entrant via email to erano.omagh@gmail.com Music and Gigs Exclusive | The Saturdays Rochelle: Wed always try to start or end tours in NI its the best night with the best crowd DAERA said fish mortalities have increased at the site as temperatures have risen Up to 100,000 fish could be culled at a Co Antrim fish farm. Stock image. Up to 100,000 fish could be culled at a Co Antrim fish farm as problems over stocking and concerns about zebra mussels increase. In November last year, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) carried out a cull of 28,500 trout at Movanagher Fish Farm, close to Ballymoney, citing concerns over the discovery of zebra mussels at the site in June 2023. The site is normally used to stock NIs Public Angling Estate (PAE), but stocking was suspended in July following the discovery the previous month. The Department advised this was to ensure compliance with the 1985 Wildlife Order. Under the NI Zebra Mussel Management Strategy, the movement of live fish from aquaculture in this case the fish farm to other water bodies is identified as a potential vector (carrier) for the invasive species. DAERA said they had used the time over the summer to fully assess the extent of the problem and its impact on their stocking programme. Now the authorities are mulling over a further cull of trout at Movanagher ahead of the warmer summer months. It is understood the number of fish affected could be as high as 100,000. A DAERA spokesperson said a limited cull was being considered. "As fish grow, they need more space and the only way to achieve this is to reduce the number of fish in a single tank or raceway and to keep similar sized fish together, said a Department spokesperson. "As stocking is currently suspended, fish stocks on the farm have now reached a critical point that unless these fish are moved off the farm then the health and welfare of a significant number of fish on the farm will become affected and many will ultimately die due to overcrowding, cannibalism and the outbreak of diseases. "Fish mortalities had risen on the farm recently due to the increased water temperatures. Given these fish cannot be stocked out elsewhere to comply with the Wildlife Order 1985, the Department is considering carrying out a limited cull for the fish remaining at Movanagher. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. Pic: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph "The exact numbers have not yet been finalised. The Department is actively working to revise the stocking protocol that may allow some fish to be stocked out in compliance with the Wildlife Order 1985. Zebra mussels have been present in Northern Ireland since the 1990s; they were first identified in the Erne system and were discovered in Lough Neagh in 2003. Recent surveys have revealed an increase in both the number of mussels and the number of sites in which they were detected, particularly in the Lower Bann area where the fish farm is situated. Angling groups, who rely on the PAE, have raised concerns over both the previous cull in November and the potential of another this summer, pointing out that the Department has continued to move eels into the NI water system. In April 2024, 400kg of elver (young eel) were imported from the Loire Estuary in France to Lough Neagh. In response to an Assembly Question from East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden, Minister Andrew Muir said a number of measures had been taken to maintain compliance during the transfer. "A stocking protocol is being developed and reviewed for periods when zebra mussels veligers (larvae) are not present, he said. "However, there is also a gap in our knowledge as to the life cycle of zebra mussels in Northern Ireland with scientific evidence suggesting zebra mussels may be spawning at temperatures exceeding 9C. DAERA is currently considering how to address the knowledge gap. 400kg of elver were imported from France in April 2024. The major risk associated with stocking live trout is in the river water that they would be transported in, as it may contain zebra mussel veligers. Elvers used for stocking from France are caught in the marine environment. "Bio-security measures are also in place to transfer elvers to Lough Neagh. After capture, elvers are held in potable water. They are then removed from the water and placed into polyboxes. "This is done dry with ice in their own slime before being transferred. Only one stocking has taken place from France for glass eels since the suspension of stocking from Movanagher was put in place. Ulster Angling Federation (UAF) Chair Gary Houston said: "This situation has eroded our trust in the Environment, Marine, and Fisheries Groups commitment to transparency and integrity. Moreover, the unnecessary culling of 28,250 trout to date, with further culls of up to a further 100,000 anticipated, represents a wasteful expenditure of public funds and raises concerns regarding animal welfare. "We firmly believe that the current circumstances are counterproductive to the promotion and advancement of angling. The Federation has lodged a formal complaint over the situation, claiming stocking could be carried out with mitigations and alleging financial constraints are behind the decision to halt it, something DAERA has denied. "Movanagher fish farm remains open. The suspension of stocking and reducing fish numbers is not due to financial issues or budgetary constraints, said a Department spokesperson. General Election 2024: How to vote, when to vote, when results will come and whether or not you can take a selfie Presbyterian Church sets up taskforce to oppose legislation on assisted dying Move comes amid disturbing backdrop of parliamentary discussions across UK and Ireland over change in law The 2024 Presbyterian Church general assembly Niamh Campbell Thu 20 Jun 2024 at 21:00 Presbyterian officials from across the island of Ireland and beyond have come together to oppose the proposed introduction of assisted dying and euthanasia throughout the UK and Ireland. Michael McConvilles body was discovered on Saturday Police at the scene on Annaghmare Road in Crossmaglen. Credit: Presseye Police have charged a 67-year-old man with the murder of a Co Armagh pensioner. Michael McConville (74) was found at his home in Crossmaglen on Saturday by a neighbour who was concerned for his welfare. He had sustained serious injuries. The man arrested had been detained following the incident, with police granted two separate time extensions to question him in connection with Mr McConvilles death. That man has now been charged with his murder. Police believe Mr McConvilles injuries were caused by a weapon. It is understood the man charged is a local man who would have been well known to Mr McConville. Mr McConville was discovered in the bathroom by a neighbour who had called to cut the grass and became concerned after the elderly gentleman did not answer the door. A murder investigation has begun after a pensioner was found dead in a house in Crossmaglen, Co Armagh (Image: Pacemaker) At first, it was thought the south Armagh pensioner, who had serious head injuries, might have suffered a fall. However, on further examination of the property blood was found in another room and there were signs that someone had tried to clean the scene. Local people said Mr McConville was a quiet man whose neighbours kept an eye on him, as he lived alone in a rural location on the outskirts of Crossmaglen. There is shock at the sudden death in the tight-knit area, with locals saying they had never known him to have a cross word and that Mr McConville was well thought of in the community. Sinn Fein councillor Aoife Finnegan said the community was shocked. She offered her condolences to the victim and urged anyone with information to contact police. The community is shocked and saddened at the death of this gentleman, adding that she sent her condolences to the mans family and friends. The 67-year-old man charged with Mr McConvilles murder will appear before Banbridge Magistrates Court sitting in Newry on Thursday June 20. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. News Catch Up: Wednesday 19th June 2024 Firefighters extinguished the blaze on Wednesday night Firefighters responded to reports of a Renault Scenic on fire in the Regent Street area of Belfast on June 19th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters responded to reports of a Renault Scenic on fire in the Regent Street area of Belfast on June 19th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters responded to reports of a Renault Scenic on fire in the Regent Street area of Belfast on June 19th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Emergency services are at the scene of a suspicious car fire in north Belfast. Firefighters responded to reports of a Renault Scenic on fire in the Regent Street area of the city on Wednesday night. Watch: Firefighters attend north Belfast car fire One fire appliance from the nearby Whitla Fire Station responded and firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze. The PSNI have been contacted for comment. JJ ODochartaigh, aka DJ Provai, of Belfast hip hop group Kneecap pictured at Belfast High Court with his solicitor Darragh Mackin. JJ ODochartaigh, aka DJ Provai, of Belfast hip hop group Kneecap pictured at Belfast High Court with his solicitor Darragh Mackin. JJ ODochartaigh, aka DJ Provai, of Belfast hip hop group Kneecap pictured at Belfast High Court with his solicitor Darragh Mackin. Picture: Alan Lewis. Belfast rap group Kneecap has secured High Court permission to challenge the UK Governments decision to block them from receiving a 15,000 funding award. The Irish-speaking hip-hop trio were granted leave to seek a judicial review into claims that denying the grant unlawfully discriminates against them on grounds of nationality and political opinion. A judge agreed to list the case for a full hearing in November, after the group returns from a series of gigs in the United States. Outside court, band member DJ Provai insisted the legal action was not about the money. Fifteen grand wouldnt pay for the bar tab in America, he said. This is an attack on artistic culture, an attack on the Good Friday Agreement and an attack on us and our way of expressing ourselves. In December last year Kneecap sought funding for a Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) grant allocated to support the expansion of UK-registered artists in global markets. The controversial rappers application was said to have been shortlisted and approved by a British Phonographic Industry (BPI) panel. However, the initiative is overseen by the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport at Westminster. Judicial review proceedings were issued after UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch decided to refuse the funding. Kneecap claimed that a provocative poster for their 2019 Farewell to the Union tour had angered the Conservative Party. At the time a Government spokesperson insisted it fully supports freedom of speech, but said it was hardly surprising that it did not want to hand out UK taxpayers' money to those opposed to the United Kingdom. The BPI expressed disappointment over the blocking of the grant. Stressing the importance of artistic freedom of expression, the body made clear it was the Government's decision to decline Kneecaps application. Lawyers for the group contend that Ms Badenoch abused her power for an unlawful purpose. Papers issued as part of the case claim her decision discriminates against Kneecap on grounds of religious belief or political opinion, as well as racial grounds of nationality and ethnic origin. In court today their barrister, Ronan Lavery KC, announced it has been conceded there are arguable grounds of challenge. Its a shame I wasnt able to say that in Irish, he added. Based on the agreed position reached between the two sides, Mr Justice Scoffield confirmed that he was granting leave to apply for a judicial review. That doesnt say anything in particular about the ultimate strengths of the case, the judge emphasised. I think there are some grounds in this case which are stronger than others. DJ Provai, who formed Kneecap with friends Mo Chara and Moglai Bap, was the only member of the trio who attended court. Following the hearing he claimed Ms Badenoch had overreached by stepping in to deny the grant. He stated: We are paying taxes and surely we have a right to the benefit of those taxes, regardless of our political beliefs. Kneecaps solicitor, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, claimed Ms Badenochs decision was an attack on identity, freedom of expression and the fundamentals of the Good Friday Agreement. The underpinning discrimination is hiding in plain sight, he alleged. The Secretary of State has now conceded that she has a case to answer, and we welcome the courts indication that this case will be heard early in the new term. A man has been charged after seven reports of shotgun cartridges being left outside properties in a Co Down housing estate. The shotgun cartridges were left outside the homes of new residents and those due to have new tenants in the Weavers Grange, Newtownards on Tuesday. The 36-year-old man was charged with intimidation and possessing ammunition without a certificate. He is due to appear in Newtownards Magistrates Court today. A number of items were taken away following the search for further examination. Police said they believe the shotgun cartridges were an attempt to intimidate and control the new tenants. A police spokesperson urged anyone with information surrounding the incident to come forward. Our enquiries are continuing and we would continue to appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the ongoing investigation, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 946 20/02/24, you can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online. Last year, the estate was at the centre of a loyalist paramilitary feud sparked in March when the South East Antrim UDA said they had expelled members living in Newtownards. The move left those members without the support of the paramilitary group, but the deposed loyalists refused to leave, saying they would be operating as the Real UFF. The gang had clashed with a rival UDA faction and homes and businesses were attacked. Local people say the gang manipulated the housing system, sending fake death threats to gain intimidation points and push them to the top of the list so they would be allocated homes in the newly-built estate. Around 30 families fled the area during the feuding, with an almost constant police presence for weeks on end. In April around 50 people took South East Antrim UDA murals down from walls in the estate. A number of people have been charged in connection with the gathering, while local women also organised street protests demanding those involved in criminality leave the area. Senior judge Mark Hamill was also targeted, his name painted alongside crosshairs on the exterior wall of Newtownards Courthouse where cases against the rival gangs were being heard. Last October, an attempt to allocate some of the empty houses in Weavers Grange to families on the housing list was abandoned after threatening graffiti appeared on the walls of the empty homes. Clanmil Housing Association, who own the estate, initiated legal action against two individuals linked by police to the feud for breach of their tenancy agreements. Those orders were granted and the two tenants given six weeks to vacate the properties. The orders were enforced in November 2023. News Catch Up: Wednesday 19th June 2024 A motorcyclist has died following a road traffic collision with a PSNI vehicle in Londonderry, police have confirmed. The police vehicle, which was being driven by a contracted member of police staff, collided with the motorcyclist near Maydown Police Station around 1pm on Wednesday. PSNI officers and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended the scene, however, the male motorcyclist passed away later in hospital. Locator: Maydown Police Station, Derry Inspector Cherith Adair said: A report was received shortly after 1pm of a collision involving a police vehicle driven by a contracted member of police staff and a motorcycle in the vicinity of Maydown Police Station. Officers attended the scene along with our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, however the motorcyclist sadly passed away later in hospital. Our thoughts are with the family at this time and an investigation to establish the circumstances is now underway. The Collision Investigation Unit is appealing to anyone who may have any information or to anyone who may have been travelling in the area at the time and captured any dash-cam or other footage that could assist enquiries to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 701 of 19/06/24. Police have launched an investigation after the death of motorcyclist Richard Edwards who died after a collision with a police car in Londonderry. A police vehicle, which was being driven by a contracted member of police staff, collided with 68-year-old Mr Edwards near Maydown Police Station at around 1pm on Wednesday. PSNI officers and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended the scene, however, Mr Edwards passed away later from his injuries, after being airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Inspector Cherith Adair from the Police Services Collision Investigation Unit said an investigation had been launched by the PSNI. She said: We received a report shortly after 1pm of a collision involving a police vehicle driven by a contracted member of police staff and a motorcycle in the vicinity of Maydown Police Station. Locator: Maydown Police Station, Derry Officers attended the scene along with our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, however the motorcyclist sadly passed away later in hospital. Our thoughts are with the family at this time and an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances. The Collision Investigation Unit is appealing to anyone who may have any information which may assist with our investigation, or who may have been travelling in the area at the time and captured any dash-cam or other footage, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 701 of 19/06/24. Known to his friends as Richie, Mr Edwards was a father of two adult daughters and lived in Strathfoyle. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan, who lives in the area, is a member of the NI Policing Board. On Thursday, he called for a full investigation into the incident. Its a close-knit community and the whole area is in shock and sadness at the sudden and tragic passing of Richard, who would have been well-known in the area, as would his family, he said. "There will be questions [about the crash] and its important there is full transparency, he said. Right now, I dont think the familys priority is to do that immediately. When asked if the collision had been reported to the Police Ombudsman, a spokesperson for the watchdog said they could confirm that this incident is outside our remit as it doesnt relate to a police officer (or a member of police staff in our jurisdiction). The Belfast Telegraph again asked the PSNI for further confirmation on the type of vehicle that was involved in the crash, and for more clarification on the job status of the driver. A spokesperson for the service declined to go into further detail, and repeated that this was a police car and a contracted member of police staff. The Police Federation has also been asked for comment. The Department of Health (DoH) has published statistics relating to abortions in Northern Ireland (2020/21 to 2022/23) The number of abortions in Northern Ireland increased by almost 25% in 12 months, according to new Department of Health (DoH) statistics. On October 22, 2019, at a time when devolution had collapsed, abortion in Northern Ireland was decriminalised, with MPs passing legislation on March 31, 2020. Statistics released by the DoH today for the period of 2020/21 to 2022/23 reveal 5,497 abortions in that time in NI. Of those, 160 women were under the age of 18. The figures cover the period of April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2023, with a rise in the number of abortions each year. The number of abortions carried out in 2020/21 was 1,574, while in 2021/22 that rose to 1,755 an increase of 11.5%. In 2022/23, there were 2,168 abortions in NI a jump of 23.5% compared to the previous 12 months. DoH figures also broke down the age ranges of women who underwent abortion procedures. Between 2020/21 and 2022/23, 160 abortions were carried out on women under 18, while 4,171 occurred in the 18-34 age bracket and 1,078 in the 35-plus age range. Age breakdown per year: During 2020/21, there were 46 abortions carried out on women under 18, 1,149 carried out on women aged 18 to 34 years, and 362 carried out on women aged 35 years and over. During 2021/22, there were 54 abortions carried out on women under 18, 1,359 carried out on women aged 18 to 34 years, and 307 carried out on women aged 35 years and over. During 2022/23, there were 60 abortions carried out on women under 18, 1,663 carried out on women aged 18 to 34 years, and 409 carried out on women aged 35 years and over. Each year there were a number of records where age was not completed on the notification form. In 2020/21, 17 were incomplete. In 2021/22, 35 were incomplete. In 2022/23, 36 were incomplete. Meanwhile, the Belfast Trust carried out the most abortions in each year, with 667 in 2022/23, whilst the Western Trust carried out the fewest abortions across the three years. In 2022/23, the Northern Trust carried out 572 abortions, while 438 took place in the South Eastern Trust, 415 in the Southern Trust and 76 in the Western Trust. The proportion of abortions performed under different grounds has remained similar across the three years, with 96.2% of abortions (1,513) being performed under ground A (pregnancy has not exceeded 11 weeks) in 2020/21, 97.8% (1,713) in 2021/22 and 97.6% (2,113) in 2022/23. Last year, the Court of Appeal ruled the Secretary of State acted lawfully in directing the establishment of full abortion services in Northern Ireland. Senior judges rejected claims by a pro-life group that regulations introduced by the Government to issue the instruction were legally invalid. Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan identified a requirement to implement the recommendations of a UN committee which found that womens rights were being breached by limited access to terminations. She said: The regulations are part of a suite of legislative steps which clearly change the law of Northern Ireland as foreseen. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) was seeking to overturn a High Court verdict that Westminster was entitled to impose a deadline on the NI Executive to introduce a centralised system for abortions. Police are continuing searches in south Belfast this morning after a kayak and items of clothing were found. The PSNI have been searching an area close to a boat club in the Shaws Bridge area of south Belfast since Wednesday evening. A kayak, shoes and socks have been located and a search is underway to establish if a person has entered the water, a PSNI spokesperson said. Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact the police. We would also appeal if the owner of the items is safe and well to contact us. The number to call is 101 and quote reference 1798 19/06/24. News Catch Up: Wednesday 19th June 2024 Exclusive | The Saturdays Rochelle: Wed always try to start or end tours in NI its the best night with the best crowd Mary Lou McDonald has defended party candidate Pat Cullen as being a good woman after the former nursing chief failed to condemn the Omagh and Enniskillen bombings. Speaking at the launch of Sinn Feins General Election manifesto for Northern Ireland, Ms McDonald further said that she didnt think focusing on the atrocities of the Troubles was progressive going forward in the campaign. Primary school principals are pleading for help, the Dail has heard. Social Demcorats leader Holly Cairns told the Oireachtas that costs of running primary schools have soared. During Leaders Questions, she said: Over the past two years, heating costs have risen by an average of 37%, electricity costs by 35% and insurance by 19%. Seven out of 10 primary schools have been running a deficit in the last 12 months. Almost three quarters do not even have enough money to pay for cleaners and caretakers, more than half have had to fundraise for basic utilities. On top of all of that, 28% of schools have a long-term vacancy rate with that figure rising to 51% for delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS band 1 schools and gaelscoileanna and 48% for special schools. Ms Cairns asked Tanaiste Micheal Martin: Is it any wonder that many principals and their schools are at breaking point? The Social Democrat leader said schools do not have the funding, staff or the resources they need to operate. She said principals are working after hours to clean toilets and mop floors due to a lack of funding for sanitation staff. She added: They have to leave classrooms to fix broken pipes and clean up leaks from them, and they feel as though they cannot speak publicly about the issues affecting their schools for fear that their enrolment numbers will go down and that the problems will only worsen from there. This is causing burnout and 75% of principals have considered quitting. Ms Cairns said the problem also affects teachers who are working in under-resourced and high-pressure environments. She added: It is affecting parents and, crucially, it is affecting students. Ms Cairns also said families are not getting the special education teaching hours they need. Representing the Government, Mr Martin said the Irish primary education system has been shown to be one of the best in Europe. He said: Our system is very high up there in terms of outcomes and that needs to be said, because Deputy Cairns narrative was one of unrelenting misery and almost of a system that was not effective at all. The system has grown enormously. The number of teachers has grown enormously and is up dramatically. This Government has significantly reduced the pupil-teacher ratio and the Deputy did not acknowledge that in her presentation. Mr Martin, an ex-teacher and former education minister, added that the Government had expanded the hot-meals programme and the DEIS programme. He said it had also increased the number of new special schools and special needs assistants. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA) He added: I accept that there are challenges, but it is not good enough to come in and say that everything is miserable and a disaster without giving the other side of the coin. The fact is that huge resources, both capital and current, have been put into education over the last three to four years. The Tanaiste said a free books scheme had been brought in for students up to junior certificate level. Mr Martin said he had helped establish the Irish Primary Principals Network during his time as education minister. Ms Cairns said principals feel that funding is not being directed in the right place, with one school leader stating that the contract for the hot-school meals costs 160,000 euro which is more than the school received for all the other costs they are covering. She added: While they welcome it, they cannot pay for basic things like cleaning the school so they do not feel like the funding has been allocated in the right place and I think they make a very valid point. Ms Cairns also said that increased funding for DEIS schools is being swallowed up as they are unable to fundraise in the same way as other schools. She added: It is therefore not meeting the extra needs that the DEIS schools have. They really welcome the book scheme, but they are telling us loudly and clearly that it is not covering the cost of books. Mr Martin said the funding in the books scheme was adequate. He also said that Special Educational Needs Organisers will play a more pro-active role in assisting parents securing places for their children, rather than mothers and fathers having to chase down schools. Around 5,400 people will be granted Irish citizenship across six ceremonies in Dublin this week. The ceremonies across Thursday and Friday will see applicants from 143 countries and living in 30 counties on the island of Ireland being conferred as Irish citizens. It means that, in total, 10,000 people will be conferred with Irish citizenship this month after 4,800 people attended ceremonies in Killarney last week. Khaled Kakaa attends a citizenship ceremony at the Convention Centre (Brian Lawless/PA) Simon Harris, attending his first citizenship ceremony as Taoiseach, said they are magnificent celebrations of all that it is to be Irish. Speaking at the Convention Centre in Dublin, Mr Harris said: The richness of our nation isnt measured in wealth. It is measured in people. Our newest citizens are part of us, and we of them. I am very grateful to those who have made Ireland their home. They contribute to the rich fabric of our nation and make exceptional contributions in a range of areas from health and home care, to culture and construction, to transport and tourism. Attendees at the Dublin Convention Centre on Thursday (Brian Lawless/PA) I am very grateful to each of our new citizens for choosing Ireland as the home of their hearts and the home of our future. Asked by reporters if he felt that Ireland had become a less welcoming place amid a growth in anti-migration demonstrations, Mr Harris said: I believe this is still a very welcoming country and I believe we should never allow a very, very, very small number of people to suggest they speak for the majority or suggest they speak for Ireland. If you want to speak for Ireland, you run for election and thats the way you decide who gets to speak for our country. Taoiseach Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA) Of course, we have and we shouldnt be ignorant to the fact that we have seen a rise in recent periods of time in terms of anti-migrant sentiment and we should always push back against that. I think the best way a government of the centre pushes back against that is by one: calling it out, but secondly: ensuring that the compassion that we have in this country for people who come here and seek our assistance and seek refuge is also matched by a common sense, rules-based efficient migration system. Justice Minister Helen McEntee also attended Thursdays events. Founder of the Irish Muslim Council Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms McEntee said: My heartfelt congratulations go out to all our newest citizens conferred at this weeks citizenship ceremonies. Ireland is all the better for having you here and you are valued members of our society. Founder of the Irish Muslim Council, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, was among those receiving Irish citizenship. In a statement, he said: Im proud to have become an Irish citizen from today. Thank you, Ireland. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a visit to Sizewell in Suffolk, while on the General Election campaign trail (PA) The Conservative Party is grappling with a fresh scandal, with news of a campaign official betting on the General Election date emerging, as it hopes to turn around its poll ratings. Here are the key moments from day 29 on the election campaign trail: Stop the bets Rishi Sunaks Tories are beleaguered by a mid-campaign scandal, as it emerged the partys director of campaigning Tony Lee has taken a leave of absence amid reports both he and his would-be MP wife Laura Saunders are being investigated by the Gambling Commission. The pair are the latest people with links to the Tory party or No 10 caught up in allegations about betting on the date of the July 4 contest. Craig Williams, the Prime Ministers parliamentary aide and Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, last week admitted he had put a flutter on the date of the poll in the run up to it being called. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has criticised those involved in the bets, telling reporters any candidates found to have used inside information to bet on the date of the General Election should be sacked. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross during First Ministers Questions at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) Scandals have beset the various incarnations of the Conservative Party which has been in power since 2019, with sleaze becoming a popular accusation levelled against its leaders since Boris Johnson. Some of the hardest hitting crises have included Partygate, the decision by Mr Johnson not to fire his deputy chief whip Chris Pincher even though the then-prime minister knew about groping allegations levelled against him, and the Conservatives coming out to bat for Owen Paterson in 2021, when the former minister was found by parliamentary authorities to have breached paid advocacy rules. Mr Sunak, crowned Tory leader after Liz Trusss short spell at the top, came into office with a promise to restore trust in politics. Partygate has already come up on the campaign trail for Mr Sunak, who was asked about it during a question and answer session with factory workers during the first week of canvassing. Three opinion polls only on Wednesday showed Labour maintaining a comfortable lead over the Tories, with Nigel Farages Reform UK behind them. Quote of the day Conservative former minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith: I just think its people being incredibly stupid and venal when they do that sort of thing. First of all, what the hell are they doing betting anyway the outcome of an election? Theyre meant to fight it, not foresee what may happen. Not over until its Gove-r Leading the Conservatives campaign efforts on Thursday was Housing Secretary Michael Gove, who insisted the Tories were not defeated yet despite the latest polls. There are opinion polls, as Ive acknowledged and as we both know, that are not great, but its not the 90th minute, were not in Fergie time yet, he said in reference to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Mr Gove added: Im a Scotland fan, so you wait until the final whistle. Sometimes it looks as though the odds are against you, but you keep on fighting. Minister for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Michael Gove during a housing visit in West London, while on the General Election campaign trail (Aaron Chown/PA) Hunting for the chief executive vote Elsewhere, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was less upbeat than his colleague as he appeared at the Times CEO summit. There he was less than ebullient about his chances of winning the new Godalming and Ash constituency, which he said was too close to call and said the Conservatives are not pretending that the party winning the General Election is the most likely outcome. Mr Hunt also said he believed there had not been sustained economic scarring from Liz Trusss mini-budget. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves meanwhile told business leaders she hoped they could see their fingerprints all over Labours manifesto. In Englands green and pleasant land Sir Keir Starmer has denied a Labour Party official said a future government could flatten the whole green belt to achieve homebuilding plans. Labour has vowed to reform planning laws in order to build some 1.5 million homes over the next five years if elected, which could include construction on poor quality land currently designated as green belt, which the party dubs grey belt land. Sir Keirs denial comes after Politicos London Playbook newsletter attributed the remark to an unnamed Labour official. The comment was seized on by Rishi Sunak, who shared it on X, formerly Twitter, with the caption: Good to finally get Labours real views on Britains green belt. Farage takes aim at Blackpool Reform UK leader Mr Farage took up a gun on the campaign trail in Cheshire, as he tried his hand at clay pigeon shooting. Never point a gun, even in jest, he said to photographers as he refused to aim it at them. The visit came ahead of a speech by the Reform leader in Blackpool on Thursday evening. Social media moment The Liberal Democrats have weighed in on the Prime Ministers election campaign being thrown into fresh turmoil over the betting allegations. The Lib Dems shared a picture of a billboard showing Mr Sunak, former prime minister Ms Truss and Chancellor Mr Hunt behind what appears to be a poker table. The picture also appears to show Mr Hunt throwing house-shaped dice to criticise the Tories handling of mortgage rates. The image was shared on X, formerly Twitter and captioned: The Conservatives economic mismanagement sent mortgages and rents soaring. Dont let them bet the house again. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Across the Union In Northern Ireland, the Alliance party launched its manifesto. Party leader Naomi Long warned Alliance would no longer tolerate Stormonts toxic and undemocratic veto system, and urged the UK and Irish governments to show leadership and drive change to the devolved structures in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Greens launched their election offer in Edinburgh, with co-leader Patrick Harvie urging the next UK government to drop its objections to Scotlands gender reforms. What is happening tomorrow? Mr Sunak will be in campaigning in Wales, while Sir Keir Starmer will return to Scotland. Sticking with the nations, BBC Wales will host a Welsh leaders debate, while the BBCs Panorama election special interview with Nigel Farage is also expected to air. Labour will change every rule they can to ensure they stay in government once they gain power, Rishi Sunak will say as polls put the opposition party on course for a historic General Election victory. The Prime Minister will concede that voters want to make clear their frustrations with him but warn that once you hand Keir Starmer a blank cheque, you cant get it back. Speaking at the launch of the Welsh Conservative manifesto, he will say the Labour administration in Cardiff Bay is a blueprint for how the party would govern from Westminster. The Tories have frequently attacked the Welsh Labour government over its extension of the franchise in Senedd elections to people aged 16 and over as well as its legislation on 20mph speed limit zones and its handling of the NHS. (PA Graphics) On his visit to Kinmel Bay on the north-east coast, Mr Sunak will claim Sir Keirs party would give 16-year-olds the vote not because they think theyre adults, but because they think theyll vote for them. If Labour gets in, theyll change the rules so it is much harder to ever get them out, the Prime Minister is expected to say. Once they have got power, they will change every rule they can to ensure they keep it. We cant let that happen and only we Conservatives can stop it. I understand that people want to make clear to us, to me, their frustration. And I have heard you. But once you have handed Keir Starmer and Labour a blank cheque, you cant get it back. Labour says it would seek to extend the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds because people old enough to work and pay tax should have a say in how their money is spent. Mr Sunak will also attack the Welsh governments law to restrict motorists driving in built-up areas to a speed of 20 miles per hour, arguing the limit is hurting you, hurting small business, hurting the economy. The Tories have pledged to introduce a Backing Drivers Bill that would use Westminster powers to curb the use of 20mph routes in Wales, as well as unilaterally reversing the expansion of Londons clean-air zone. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (PA) Speaking on Friday, Mr Sunak will say Wales is a great country, but a country let down by Labour. A generation of Labour rule has led to Wales having double the NHS waiting lists of England, the worst education results in Britain, and farmers being forced out of business by top-down eco targets, the Prime Minister will say. Labours sole focus here is making sure that it stays in power, whether that is by introducing votes at 16, adding more members to the Senedd, or ignoring votes of no confidence in its First Minister. And to think, Labour Wales is what Keir Starmer calls his blueprint for Britain. So, let me speak directly to you both as your Prime Minister and as a fellow citizen and issue a warning: our countrys future is in danger. Mr Sunak will repeat accusations that Sir Keirs party would hike taxes, raid pensions and put homeowners at risk of spending thousands and thousands of pounds on net-zero changes to their properties. Four major polls this week predicting the worst Tory electoral result ever, combined with warnings from senior party figures of a Labour supermajority, have sparked speculation that the Conservatives are now focused on damage limitation rather than winning the vote on July 4. But Cabinet minister Michael Gove insisted on Thursday that the party would fight until the final whistle and suggested it could pull off a poll-defying victory like Donald Trump and the Leave campaign at the Brexit referendum in 2016. Mr Sunak will be joined by Wales Secretary David TC Davies and leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies as he touts the partys plan for a brighter future for Wales on Friday. Along with pledges on driving, he will talk up plans to draft in an additional neighbourhood policing officer in every community across Wales and delivering the UKs third mega-nuclear power station at Wylfa. Responding to the launch, shadow Welsh secretary Jo Stevens said: The Welsh Conservative manifesto is a desperate fantasy wish-list of unfunded spending commitments, based on money that isnt there and powers the UK Government doesnt have. Their increasingly scattergun approach is Trussonomics on steroids, and threatens to add 4,800 to peoples mortgages and trample over devolution, as successive Tory governments have for the last 14 years. On 4 July, voters have the opportunity to vote for a true partnership between two Labour governments, working together to drive the improvements Wales and Britain need after 14 years of Tory decline. China, meanwhile, has invested in the Southeast Asian nation as its own domestic market slows. Diversifying supply chains away from China is a boon for Southeast Asia and a priority for the U.S. government. But it can create potential new tensions when those supply chains go toward supporting Washingtons adversaries. This is especially true with Malaysia. With the exception of the Philippines, Southeast Asian countries are reluctant to be pulled into a competition between great powers and they have asserted their neutrality. For the United States, however, there is nothing neutral about supplying semiconductors and other high-tech, dual-use equipment to its rival nations, including those under United Nations sanctions. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration has imposed sanctions on Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese firms supplying products to Russian or Iranian companies. Such scrutiny is only going to intensify. The U.S. intelligence community makes extensive efforts to investigate how Russia, Iran and North Korea evade international sanctions and procure dual-use technology. This includes forensic analysis of battlefield weapons and munitions. For the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, fostering economic growth is their top priority but so is maintaining strategic autonomy. No country has benefited more from the U.S.-China chip war than Malaysia. Malaysias economy is growing, but it has not fully recovered from the coronavirus pandemic. Kuala Lumpur received U.S. $40 billion in foreign direct investment pledges in 2023, finally reeling in some rewards during a respite from its political instability, when it had five different prime ministers from 2018 to 2022. Malaysias semiconductor industry has always been large. About 13% of global chip testing and packaging takes place there. Globally, it is the sixth largest exporter of semiconductors. The Financial Times estimates that 20% of U.S. chip imports come from Malaysia. Semiconductor exports in 2023 were valued at $81.4 billion. The government anticipates investments totaling over $100 billion in its semiconductor industry. Last year, pledged investment totaled $12.8 billion, more than the total investment between 2013 and 2020. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks to attendees at the Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 conference at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center in Kuala Lumpur, May 28, 2024. [S. Mahfuz/BenarNews] Recent investment pledges have been breathtaking. Intel announced a $7 billion chip packaging facility. Germanys Infineon announced a $5.4 billion expansion and a third facility. Austrias AT&S also plans to invest. The leading semiconductor equipment maker, the Dutch firm ASML, announced that it would build a manufacturing facility in Port Klang. Develop homegrown talent Malaysia, aware that one of the limiting factors will be human capital, has allocated $5.3 billion to train 60,000 chip designers and engineers over the next five years. Along with developing its own homegrown talent, Malaysia seeks to strengthen local capacity for all phases of design and production. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government hoped to have at least 10 companies with revenue of between $210 million and $1 billion. The government announced that it and Khazanah Nasional, a sovereign wealth fund, would invest in the regions largest integrated circuit design park in Selangor. But all of that is increasingly putting Malaysia in U.S. crosshairs. Before the Ukraine war, Malaysia supplied Russia with one-third of its semiconductors. At the onset of the war, Malaysias ambassador to Russia announced that Kuala Lumpur would continue to supply Moscow. That prompted a rebuke from Washington. This past May 1, the U.S. government sanctioned a Malaysian firm, Jatronics, for supplying semiconductors to Russia. Officials in Kuala Lumpur were quick to point out that Jatronics is not a manufacturer, but a trading company operating without an export license. Meanwhile, Malaysias foreign ministry pledged to uphold the countrys international obligations and cooperate with the U.S. Embassy. Nonetheless, Anwar shot back against U.S. sanctions. I offer our nation as the most neutral and non-aligned location for semiconductor production, to help build a more secure and resilient global semiconductor supply chain, he told attendees at the Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 trade show in Kuala Lumpur last month. Links to Iran drone programs Malaysian firms have also been under U.S. scrutiny for supplying Irans drone program, itself a key supplier to Russia. In April 2023, the Treasury Department sanctioned one firm. In December 2023, it sanctioned four others for selling engines, circuitry, electronics, and other components, formally known as Common High Priority List items. Two Indonesian firms were sanctioned at the same time. In addition to semi-conductors, there has been a spate of proposed investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence from Nvidia ($4.3 billion), Google ($2 billion), Amazon Web Service ($6 billion) and Microsoft ($2.2 billion). Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (right) attends a video conference with business leaders including Ruth Porat, Alphabet Inc.s president and chief financial officer (left on screen), in Putrajaya, Malaysia, May 30, 2024. [Malaysian Prime Ministers Office via AP] The U.S. government is determining how to ensure that these technologies are not used by adversaries. Malaysia is among countries trying to prevent what is considered the extension of U.S. law. Another area of potential conflict could be Chinese investment in Malaysias high-tech sector. In part, this is just sound business, especially as Chinas domestic market slows. But there is ample concern in Washington that Chinese firms in Malaysia, Vietnam and elsewhere are setting up shop either to purchase sanctioned manufacturing equipment or to mask exports to sanctioned countries, including Russia, Iran and North Korea. Malaysia has relations with all three. The Dutch government, for example, bowed to U.S. pressure and denied ASML an export license to China. The U.S. government has imposed a sweeping ban on the export of certain semiconductors. Recent investments by Chinese firms include Star Five, which is building a design center, and Tong Fu Microelectronics. Technology is not the only point of friction. In early May, two senior U.S. Treasury Department officials traveled to Kuala Lumpur as there had been an uptick in money moving to Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, through the Malaysian financial system. Diplomatic and material support for Hamas is unlikely to stop. The war in Gaza has been a bilateral irritant and Washington seems unaware of how deep anti-Americanism is running, both within the government and the opposition. Anwar made a point of meeting with Ismail Haniyeh , the leader of the Hamas militants, in Qatar in May. U.S. Treasury Department officials have wanted to discuss ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian crude oil in Malaysian waters. While Indonesias small and underfunded Coast Guard has on two publicly announced occasions interdicted ship-to-ship transfers from Iranian tankers , Malaysia seems to have turned a blind eye, despite U.N. sanctions. Indeed, Malaysia exports more oil than it produces. Governments in Southeast Asia have largely bristled at unilateral U.S. sanctions and the threat of secondary sanctions, including the loss of access to the American and other Western markets. But for the United States, while diversifying supply chains away from China is the goal, there needs to be controls to prevent technology making its way into the hands of adversaries. Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or BenarNews. Chinese Premier Li Qiang (center), led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, meets Malaysian cabinet members after inspecting an honor guard during his visit with Anwar in Putrajaya, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. Kuala Lumpur and Beijing marked 50 years of diplomatic relations by deepening their ties through a slew of economic and trade pacts, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang wrapped up a three-day visit to Malaysia on Thursday. Lis visit was the final leg of a trip that included New Zealand and Australia, as Beijing seeks to shore up its influence in the region amid rising geopolitical rivalry with the United States. Chinas No. 2 official and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim put on a show of bonhomie and ignored almost any mention of bilateral disagreements. During a luncheon with the Malaysia-China business community on Thursday, Anwar said he had found Chinas leadership to be friendly, respectful and understanding of cultural differences. [T]his is not what is being portrayed elsewhere. Malaysia is your true friend. And to Malaysians, China is our true friend, Anwar said, according to a transcript from the government. A joint statement released after Li departed said the two leaders had agreed that their countries territorial dispute in the South China Sea should be settled by peaceful means through friendly consultations and negotiations. The two countries will launch a bilateral dialog on the management of maritime issues as early as possible, the statement said. On Wednesday, Li held private talks with Anwar in Putrajaya, the Malaysian administrative capital. Afterward the two leaders witnessed the signing of 14 memorandums of understandings, including on technology, cross-border crime, green energy and the renewal of a five-year trade and investment plan. China also agreed to the import of fresh Malaysian durian a spiky and smelly fruit that is considered a delicacy in many parts of Asia. Malaysia said it would extend a visa exemption for China tourists until 2026. Chinese Premier Li Qiang inspects an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in Putrajaya, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. [Handout/Malaysian Department of Information/AFP] Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign affairs expert at the University of Malaya, said the agreements showed economic ties were being ramped up, but in targeted sectors that will also benefit China in a greater geopolitical sense. Certainly it will signal a new drive by China to pull Malaysia closer to its orbit, and to send a signal to the region and the West that Beijings strong and conventional sphere of influence and economic ties in the region are based on time-based advantage, he told BenarNews. Using geographical advantage, historical links and the string of economic measures and assurances of shared prosperity, China is fending off increased Western overtures. Mutual development At a state dinner on Wednesday evening, Li praised Malaysias diplomatic independence and longstanding friendship in a world fraught with changes and turbulence. He said further coordination of development strategies and interests would benefit both nations. It is important to develop greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Madani Economic Framework, step up trade in agricultural and other products, and tap the potential of cooperation in emerging areas such as green energy and advanced manufacturing, Li said, according to a release by the Chinese embassy. Anwars trademark Madani framework sets out key areas for Malaysian development by 2030. The Malaysian prime minister, for his part, said that bolstering ties with China was not about short-term gains but securing long-term benefits. We believe that it is in Malaysias strategic interests to forge amity and cooperation with China, not against it, he said in his keynote at the dinner reception. Anwar has vowed that Malaysia will stay neutral amid intensifying rivalry between China and the U.S, while trying to position the country as a non-partisan hub for manufacturing of hi-tech goods amid shifting global supply chains. Ahead of Lis visit, Anwar said Malaysia was angling to join the Beijing and Moscow-backed BRICS bloc to diversify its economic options. Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks to China Premier Li Qiang during a ceremony to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, in Kuala Lumpur, June 19, 2024. [Handout/Malaysian Department of Information/Reuters] Brian Wong, a fellow at the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong, said Beijing viewed Malaysia as a linchpin of its Southeast Asian and Indo-Pacific economic diplomacy. The Malaysian leadership, especially under Dato Anwar Ibrahim and given the countrys long-standing commitment to justice in the Middle East, is increasingly alarmed by what it views to be the arbitrary impunity of the U.S. and its allies within the context of the war in Gaza, he told BenarNews. China thus senses a strategic opening in building up more multidimensional ties with Malaysia, in ways that are not strictly self-serving. Pan-Asian Railway As part of his visit, Li attended a groundbreaking ceremony with Anwar for an integrated transport hub that will be part of Malaysias East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). The ECRL is a U.S. $16 billion rail project being built under Beijings globe-spanning infrastructure drive, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The 665-km (414-mile) rail project, which will span the states of Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, was launched in August 2017, but it has been bogged down by delays and cost overruns. The railway is a prime example of Chinas infrastructure largesse in Southeast Asia and, on Wednesday, Li said Beijing was ready to explore ways to link ECRL with Laos and Thailand. This will promote greater progress in the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and make greater contributions to enhancing regional connectivity and deepening the development of the ASEAN Community, Li said, referring to a trade route between western China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Chong, from the University of Malaya, said that Lis comments reflected Chinas long held dream of a Pan-Asian Railway connecting it by land to mainland Southeast Asia. This complements and completes the full circle for China in having a dual access to the vital region through a maritime route and land route, he said, adding it would also give Beijing a fallback passage for logistics in the event of maritime conflict in the South China Sea. This is a subscriber exclusive story. Subscribe today to access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for $3.99/month Subscriber Sign In | Return Home You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close LENOX Progress has been made in the past year to address bullying at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, its principal says. In his recent report to the School Committee on how much progress has been made, school Principal Jeremiah Ames offered some encouraging findings. We want to continue to combat bullying, said Ames. And I say continue because I think were doing a lot of things really well. We want to be sure those stay in place and we also want to keep adding safeguards for our students. The goal was to provide clear expectations and consistent responses to inappropriate and harmful behaviors, Ames noted. Among the strategies: Social emotional learning, staff and student training, and enabling student leadership around equity and inclusion. Making bullying and harassment policies clear to students by starting as early as possible is a key action item, Ames explained. A lot of this work is being done at Morris Elementary, he said, so its not a news flash when they come up" at the school. Work with state leaders of the Anti-Defamation League began last fall at the school convocation and continued during faculty professional development and throughout the school year. The ADLs building-wide No Place for Hate events continued, along with A World of Difference training for students, emphasizing equity, acceptance and inclusion. The students Code of Conduct has been revised and distributed to all students electronically, with a greater focus on language around bullying and harassment, Ames said. Schoolwide events included bonfires and pep rallies, and the Anonymous Alerts bullying reporting system remains in use. The results include a considerable decline in reports of bullying as defined by the school and the state, Ames said. In 2022-23, 13 investigations yielded nine findings of bullying or harassment. For the just-concluded 2024-25 school year, there were five investigations and two findings. A whole lot of behavior was looked into thoroughly, commented on, and there was a consequence, Ames acknowledged. But official findings of bullying were down sharply. Weve gone to great lengths to make sure students, parents and teachers know whats considered bullying and how to report it, he said. We then take on the responsibility of being responsive. Its kind of a relationship, to try to build this trust, we have to try to maintain it by acting on the information we get. Thats why were seeing these numbers go down." Lenox Public Schools Superintendent William Collins, reporting on his first-year goals, emphasized the message of a "brave and safe space" at Lenox middle and high and Morris Elementary. "It's not one-and-done, it's a journey and we're working on it together and supporting a school culture of belongingness so everyone feels they belong, adults and students alike," he said. Progress in other goals outlined by Ames included: Improving the written communication abilities of high school students,a tough one, he acknowledged, citing several gaps in students abilities to write cogent, effective essays, as identified by English, humanities and social studies teachers. Weve really seen a decline in what our students are able to produce, Ames asserted, pointing to markers such as college essays and research projects by the beginning of grade 12. One eventual solution: The new curriculum, instruction and assessment director, to be filled by Morris Elementary Principal Brenda Kelley as she phases into the position. Strengthening scheduling and offerings so that arts, science and other electives are not secondary. Setting priorities so students can select classes by using PowerSchool software is more efficient and effective, Ames stated. Enhancing the middle school program, given the different social, developmental and learning age of the students included flexible learning times, activity breaks, recess, project-based and hands-on learning, social support and guided independence. Reviewing the middle school schedule and to explore other middle school/high school approaches in western Massachusetts. You are the owner of this article. The president of the local Teamsters union says UPS has cut back on deliveries to eight small towns in Berkshire County. UPS, known formally as United Parcel Service, hasnt identified the ZIP codes that are affected and has made no formal announcement to customers. But Bryan Donovan, the Springfield-based president of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 404, which represents local UPS drivers, said the Berkshire County towns are Monterey, Otis, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Tyringham, Windsor and Drury village, in Florida. All are seeing UPS delivery routes cut by at least one day a week, according to Donovan. UPS' so-called rural deferred program is "consolidating" the daily deliveries its drivers make to rural areas throughout the country. The Teamsters Democratic Union, a grassroots alliance that works with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, says the UPS rural deferred program screws employees and customers alike. Sandisfield business owner, Hattie White is feeling it. She and her husband, Billy White, have owned New Boston Crane Service & Sleds since 2012. Her parents started the business in 2008, which sells and repairs outdoor equipment, such as lawn mowers and weed whackers. It also sells snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. Whites UPS driver alerted her to the three-delivery schedule the company implemented about a month ago in Sandisfield, but she received no formal notice. While the UPS brown box truck used to arrive Monday through Friday, the new schedule omits Tuesday and Thursday deliveries. Since her business isnt open on Mondays and UPS delivers near the end of her business day, a busted lawn mower might have to wait several days for a part, which might be sitting at UPS Pittsfield warehouse for part of that time. Thus far, the new schedule has delayed just a handful of jobs at her business, but Whites customers arent always understanding. They get angry if their parts arent going to be here, White said. She talked with her driver about coming earlier in the day as a sort of work-around. Then, at least, we would get our parts in the morning, and we can jump on the job the same day, White said. If were getting parts on a Friday or the end of the day Wednesday, it wont be until the following day til we can work on the machine. Is it costing her business? Not yet, she said. I would say its kind of early, but it just kind of makes for a poor taste in a customers mouth if you say its going to be there and then its not. White worries that customers might decide to take their dollars elsewhere, perhaps to a city unaffected by the abbreviated delivery schedule. Its not just hitting her business: Whites parents, who live next door to her, ordered frozen meals via UPS delivery. Having waited an extra day, the packages arrived waterlogged and went straight into the trash. A STATEMENT FROM UPS A spokesman from UPS didnt identify the rural deferred program by name. We are consolidating deliveries in certain ZIP codes to help our drivers more efficiently serve our customers, the spokesman wrote. UPS shipments to these ZIP codes will spend an additional day in transit. Customers will still have certainty about the delivery date of packages and our delivery guarantees still apply. The spokesman said it would affect less than 1 percent of our deliveries every day and critical health care deliveries using UPS Premier will not be affected." We are constantly evaluating and modifying our network, and we remain committed to providing our customers with the most reliable and efficient service wherever they live and work. IN MONTEREY In Monterey, Tom Thorn does his own repairs on his vehicles. Hes noticed the change for several months and is particularly perturbed that Amazon Primes two-day shipping guarantee seems to be shot if UPS handles the delivery. What are my concerns? White said. Getting my orders in a timely fashion. As Hume New England prepares to open its summer camp in Monterey, the UPS truck has been arriving Monday, Wednesday and Friday chock full of packages, the Rev. John Boal, executive director of Hume Christian Camps and Retreats, told The Eagle. The impacts been compassion for the driver whos way overloaded with stuff when he arrives, with a little bit of frustration with the only three days a week theyre coming out here, Boal said. Plus we have 30 to 40 summer staffers from all over the country, and parents shipping them care packages and boxes. Still, he said it would be far worse if there were medication deliveries involved. SOME BUSINESSES NOTICE NO DIFFERENCE Ive never had a problem with UPS, said Michael Dolle, owner of Mountain Top Country Meats in Savoy. He said hes had no trouble with and has seen no change in UPS deliveries to the town of about 700 in recent weeks. Of his driver, he said, He comes here because he loves my beef jerky. Dolle was surprised to hear of the cutbacks on rural routes. Delivery services are going to be the wave of the future, he said. FedEx is going to boom. In Richmond, two orchard owners said theyve noticed no difference in deliveries. WHAT THE TEAMSTERS SAY The International Brotherhood of Teamsters filed a grievance demanding that UPS bargain over the rural deferred program. As of March 5, that grievance was deadlocked at the national grievance panel and was heading to an arbitrator, according to the Teamsters Democratic Union. In a blog about the rural deferment program, called a UPS Toolkit, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters wrote, By consolidating deliveries and cutting services to these rural areas, UPS which raked in more than $91 billion in revenue last year is clearing the way for more layoffs. In addition, The result is more rural families deprived of decent jobs and more customers and small businesses denied services all so the company can fatten its profit margins. Its time for UPS to stop treating rural communities as an expendable market for its business. A WORD FROM LOCAL 404 Donovan, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 404 in Springfield, represents the four western counties in Massachusetts. He said of the three UPS facilities located in that territory Pittsfield, West Springfield and the Hampshire County town of Whately Whately and Pittsfield are most affected. "We're not thrilled with it," Donovan told The Eagle. "But there's not much we can do because it is covered under management rights." He said UPS made its determination about which towns and which days to cut from service based on efficiency. Delivery to some towns was only cut by one day a week, "but there are a number of routes designated for rural deferment." "Money-saving isn't always the same thing as efficiency," Donovan said. "I think it's sad that a company like UPS, who has prided themselves on service and dedication to their customer, are now dedicating themselves to the stockholder and the cost." Chinese, Belgian leaders meet on promoting bilateral ties Xinhua) 08:43, June 20, 2024 Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Alexander De Croo, caretaker prime minister of Belgium in Brussels, Belgium, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BRUSSELS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Alexander De Croo, caretaker prime minister of Belgium, held talks here Wednesday on bilateral and China-Europe relations. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belgian leaders, the China-Belgium all-round friendly cooperative partnership has yielded fruitful results. He emphasized the importance of consolidating political mutual trust, deepening cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, science, technology and green initiatives, and strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster greater development of China-Belgium relations and bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries. Stressing that China and Belgium share common interests in opposing protectionism and safeguarding free trade, Ding expressed the hope that Belgium will play a constructive role in deepening practical cooperation between China and Europe, and in managing economic and trade differences. For his part, De Croo emphasized that Belgium values its relationship with China and adheres to the one-China principle. He also said Belgium is willing to enhance communication and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields with China to boost the sustainable development of Belgium-China and Europe-China relations. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) Start the day with the latest headlines Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter The Mount Greylock Regional School District School Committee has moved to keep the Latin program as is another year, after initially moving forward with a plan to move it out. Pictured here are former members of Mount Greylock's Junior Classical League. Kris Hansen picks up trash on the banks of the Mississippi River near her home. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. 30 women from tier 2 and 3 institutions have been selected for the second cohort of the programme Bengaluru-based Syngene International, a leading integrated research, development and manufacturing services company, has announced the second cohort of the Scholarship, Mentoring and Industry Orientation for Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH). This programme offers scholarships to women studying STEM subjects at tier 2 and 3 institutions across various regions of the country, to enable them to gain industry experience in research institutions and companies and receive mentoring support. Out of 549 applications, 216 profiles were shortlisted based on academic merit, socio-economic background, and STEM disciplines. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 151 students to assess their achievements and research interests. The top 60 applications were then reviewed by the Selection Committee, comprising experts from both industry and academia. As a result, the second cohort of the programme has identified 30 women, with 10 selected from undergraduate programmes and 20 from postgraduate programmes. Despite increased female enrolment in existing STEM programmes, dropout rates and limited career opportunities persist, especially for women from tier 2 and 3 cities. The Syngene/RICH programme addresses these issues by offering scholarships and mentorship, enabling students to gain internships and practical experience in top research institutions and industries. A first of its kind technology that can make robotic knee surgery available even in smaller hospitals and Tier 2 and 3 cities Vapi-based Meril, a global medical device company, has announced the launch of its advanced surgical robotic technology, MISSO. MISSO is a high-quality robotic system entirely made in India that provides surgeons with real-time assistance during knee replacement procedures with unparalleled accuracy. Indian hospitals currently depend on imported robotic technology for knee replacement surgeries which requires a significant investment. MISSO will reduce this investment by ~66%, making these surgeries more accessible and affordable. The versatile technology of MISSO can be adapted for other joint surgeries in the near future. Knee replacement surgery is necessary for patients who suffer from severe osteoarthritis. This condition is highly prevalent in India, occurring in around 22 to 39 percent of the population. Today about, ~5.5 lakh people undergo total knee replacement in India every year, which is 2.5 times the number of such procedures conducted annually about five years ago. Although its adoption is on the rise, the need for knee replacement surgeries annually is 7-8 times higher than the current number of surgeries performed in India. Currently, only 20% of surgeons perform 80% of knee replacement surgeries (approx.). MISSO has received approval from CDSCO and is queued up for CE and USFDA approvals in times to come. Dr Chandrashekar P, Director of Orthopedics, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, says, MISSO will help bring cutting-edge technology even to smaller hospitals so that maximum patients get the benefit of robotic surgery. Knee replacement procedures using robotic systems significantly reduce post-operative pain and help patients get back on their feet rapidly as compared to conventional procedures. MISSO, the indigenous robotic system will certainly change the landscape of robotic surgery in India and is a proud moment for our country. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Matthew McConaughey has said he almost quit Hollywood over the pressures of being typecast in rom-com roles. The 54-year-old actor told Interview magazine he felt a sense of insignificance when being asked to continuously star in films such as The Wedding Planner, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and Failure To Launch. Advertisement He said this led to discussions with his wife about finding a new vocation, where he considered becoming a teacher, a conductor or a wildlife guide. McConaughey got his break in Hollywood with a supporting role in 1993s Dazed And Confused, before he shot to fame in starring roles in the likes of Interstellar, Dallas Buyers Club and Magic Mike. Advertisement But the actor said his career became scary when Hollywood bosses began to continuously ask him to perform in similar roles. He said: Ive usually zigged when I felt like Hollywood wanted me to zag. When I had my rom-com years, there was only so much bandwidth I could give to those, and those were some solid hits for me. But I wanted to try some other stuff. Of course I wasnt getting it, so I had to leave Hollywood for two years. I had long talks with my wife about needing to find a new vocation, I think Im going to teach high school classes. I think Im going to study to be a conductor. I think Im going to go be a wildlife guide. Advertisement I honestly thought, I stepped out of Hollywood. I got out of my lane, the lane Hollywood said I should stay in, and Hollywoods like, well f*** you, dude, you should have stayed in your lane. Matthew McConaughey said he considered a different career path because he was keen to try something new (Isabel Infantes/PA) The days are long, the sense of insignificance. But I made up my mind that thats what I needed to do, so I wasnt going to pull the parachute and quit the mission I was on. But it was scary, because I didnt know if I was ever going to get out of the desert. Advertisement Despite becoming disillusioned with the film industry, McConaughey said he never became cynical about playing my greatest hits, but added he did not want to rely on them. McConaughey was being interviewed by fellow American actor Glen Powell, who has starred in the likes of Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You and Hit Man. During the conversation, Powell said he was also concerned about not becoming a derivative of myself and added that if he did too much work, his life felt like a press tour. The leader of the Alliance Party has warned that her party is no longer going to tolerate Stormonts toxic and undemocratic veto system. Naomi Long used her manifesto launch to challenge the British and Irish governments to show leadership and drive change to the devolved structures in the North. Advertisement She said the onus was on the next UK government to act, as she acknowledged that the parties currently holding the veto powers the DUP and Sinn Fein were unlikely to give up that leverage. Advertisement The old saying is turkeys dont vote for Christmas if you can influence that kind of power and control, its unlikely youre going to put your hand up and say yes, lets give that away, lets give that leverage away, Ms Long told party supporters at the launch event on the outskirts of Belfast. But its incredibly toxic in terms of how we do business, that we still have that imbalance in terms of how we operate together. It doesnt enhance our ability to co-operate and collaborate and doesnt encourage people to come together to try and find shared solutions. It simply allows people to throw up roadblocks and I think it needs to change. Ms Longs cross-community party has long campaigned for reform to remove the veto power to collapse the institutions held by the biggest unionist and nationalist parties. Since 2017, both Sinn Fein and the DUP have pulled the plug on powersharing, meaning Northern Ireland has been without a devolved government for five of the last seven years. Advertisement Alliance leader Naomi Long, centre, launched the manifesto with the partys Westminster candidates. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Buoyed by a series of election successes in recent years, Alliance has established itself as the third-largest party in the North a rise reflective of the growing middle ground in the region that does not vote on traditional orange and green lines. It goes into the election defending one seat North Down but is hopeful of making gains, with East Belfast and Lagan Valley key targets. Advertisement Ms Long, who is running against DUP leader Gavin Robinson in East Belfast, said institutional reform was needed to end the cycle of crisis and collapse. She said the case for structural change was overwhelming. I dont think we need to win the intellectual arguments anymore, what were looking for is some courage in terms of the parties in Dublin and London to show leadership to make this change happen, so people in Northern Ireland can have confidence in their political institutions and know that when they vote for somebody, therell be a government for them to go into, she said. Advertisement Naomi Long said the case for structural change was overwhelming. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Alliances Leading Change manifesto also prioritises securing a new financial deal for Northern Ireland, with an improved funding model for the allocation of resources to the region. The party is also seeking a review of existing and potential revenue-raising levers for Stormont and consideration of the devolution of more tax-varying powers to the devolved administration. The manifesto also calls for reform of government spending rules to free up funding to tackle climate change, a move the party says could facilitate a green new deal for the North. Alliance also wants the British government to commit more funding to integrated education in the region. Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, Stormont has a governance system that incorporates mutual veto powers, enabling blocs of unionist and nationalist MLAs to stop moves that otherwise command majority support and, in extreme circumstances, pull down the institutions and prevent them operating. The mechanisms were introduced during the peace process as a way of protecting minorities in Northern Irelands divided society. But Alliance insists the structures no longer reflect modern-day Northern Ireland and wants changes to voting systems within both the Assembly chamber and at the Executive table to ensure votes cast by MLAs who consider themselves neither unionist nor nationalist are given the same weight as others. Last year, Ms Long, who serves as Justice Minister at Stormont, warned she was prepared to test the legality of the existing devolved structures. Were conscious of the cost of vetoes in government of projects blocked and delayed because agreement cant be found, she told the manifesto launch in Carryduff. Those vetoes have held us back when there is a government wasted time, wasted resources, wasted money. But, worse than that, they have denied us government too often. And that is not sustainable. Its not acceptable. Its not democratic. And we are not going to tolerate it any longer. We will work for reform of the Stormont institutions to ensure that no single party can ever again collapse the Executive and Assembly, that all votes in that chamber count equally and that the abuse of vetoes is ended. Asked about the prospect of a Labour government in London, Ms Long said her job was to convince the party of the need to act. Naomi Long, right, said institutional reform was needed to end the cycle of crisis and collapse. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA My strongest argument to that is that if they dont make the change while things are stable and while theres a window of opportunity, they are storing up crises down the line, she said. We know that has been the pattern of the Assembly, not just in the last few years, but over the last 25 years we need to end that cycle of crisis and collapse. I dont want to see the UK government and the Irish Government flying into Stormont to try and cajole us all to go back and do the jobs that we said we wanted to do (after another collapse). I want them to work with us now, while were in government, to ensure that the instabilities are addressed. We have proposals to do that. If other parties have better proposals, lets see them. Lets have the discussion. But we have opened this debate. The next of kin of murdered showjumper Katie Simpson have urged that sentences handed to three people for trying to cover up the death are reviewed. Ms Simpson (21), from Tynan, Co Armagh, died following an incident on Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on August 3rd, 2020. Advertisement Her death had originally been thought by police to have been at her own hand, but was later treated as murder. Jonathan Creswell (36) denied charges of rape and murder. His trial, however, collapsed earlier this year following his sudden death. Three women, Hayley Robb (30), Jill Robinson (42) and Rose de Montmorency-Wright (23) admitted offences connected to covering up the death of Ms Simpson. Last week, they received suspended sentences. Advertisement Northern Irelands Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron indicated there was no legal grounds on which to challenge the sentencing as unduly lenient. Advertisement Solicitor Kevin Winters, acting for Ms Simpsons next of kin, has written to the Public Prosecution Service asking for an immediate review of the decision not to refer the sentencing to the Court of Appeal. Given the strict 14-day time limit within which an application needs to be filed to the Court of Appeal we urge that you undertake this review request immediately, he wrote. As a preliminary, in support of the request, the family cite the obvious and clear interference with the police investigation which impaired and delayed the investigative steps that needed to be undertaken, particularly at an early stage in the inquiry. The family expect an engagement to explain precisely how the director reached his decision not to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. To that end we now ask formally for a detailed outline of the reasoning to include, if applicable, senior counsels opinion. Advertisement We also request confirmation that an immediate review will be undertaken and that such review will be conducted collaboratively with the next of kin. The UK Public Prosecution Service (PPS) is understood to have received the correspondence and are to respond to it. In a statement, the PPS said: While sentencing is a matter for the judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions does have the power to refer particular sentences to the Court of Appeal on the grounds that they may be unduly lenient. An unduly lenient sentence is one that falls outside the range of sentence that a judge, taking into consideration all relevant factors and having regard to sentencing guidance, could reasonably consider appropriate. The director can refer a sentence to the Court of Appeal only if there is a legal ground to do so. Advertisement In this case there is no legal ground to refer the sentences imposed to the Court of Appeal. A Derry man who conspired to traffic migrants into Britain is to be extradited there for breaching the terms of his release from prison, after he was accused of a number of other charges including trying to murder his ex-partner. Stephen Andrew McLaughlin (44) was sentenced to nine years imprisonment in 2016 for conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK in August 2014, in a scheme that was discovered after an Afghan man died of a heart attack in a lorry container. Advertisement Authorities in the UK are seeking his extradition for breaching the terms of his licence after his release from prison. He is also wanted to face a number of charges in Northern Ireland including attempted murder, making a threat to kill, criminal damage and assault. McLaughlin, of Rose Park, Limavady, Co Derry, had denied the conspiracy charge but was convicted by a jury and jailed at Basildon Crown Court on June 30th, 2015. The court heard that in 2014 Afghan national Meet Singh Kapoor died from a heart attack while travelling from Belgium with 34 others, including his family. Advertisement UK Border Force officials found 35 Afghan women, men and children in a container at Tilbury Docks in August 2014. The container had arrived in Tilbury with 10 men, 10 women and 15 children on board from Zeebrugge port. McLaughlin, the court heard, supplied the lorry, his yard and allowed his shipping account to be used for the container's journeys. The court also heard that another container on a lorry had been discovered at the Europort in France, earlier in August 2014, that was due to depart to the UK with 12 Afghan nationals on board before it, too, was intercepted. Advertisement At the High Court on Thursday, Jane Murphy BL for the State, said the court had given judgement and made an order for surrender pending a report on domestic matters. Providing an update on these matters, she informed Mr Justice Patrick MacGrath that McLaughlin is due before Buncrana District Court on June 25th next to face two charges of dangerous driving and one of public order dating back to 2015. She said the 44-year-old also faces one charge of simple possession of drugs and a charge of possession of a razor blade. Bench warrant The lawyer said a bench warrant for these matters was issued while McLaughlin was in custody in the UK and was subsequently executed in May 2021. David Perry BL, for McLaughlin, confirmed that his client wished to be surrendered rather than await the conclusion of the domestic matters. Advertisement Mr Perry said it was a matter for the court to weigh up whether it was more appropriate for McLaughlin to be sent back to serve the sentence and face the charges in the UK or whether those be put on hold while he deals with the matters in Ireland. He asked the court to consider the antiquity of the domestic charges and submitted it was more appropriate to send McLaughlin back at this juncture in respect of the UK matters. Ms Murphy said the State did not take a view on the matter. Extradition Mr Justice McGrath said he would not postpone the extradition. He said he agreed with Mr Perry that the matters for which McLaughlin is sought in the UK and Northern Ireland are far more serious than the ones in Ireland which are summary matters of some antiquity. Advertisement Mr Justice McGrath made an order that McLaughlin be surrendered to the requesting authorities in the UK. He remanded McLaughlin in prison for a period not exceeding 25 days pending the carrying out of this order. At the High Court in May, Ms Murphy told Mr Justice MacGrath that McLaughlins licence was revoked for not complying with probation services and a warrant for his arrest was issued by Southend Magistrates Court in February 2024. She said McLaughlin has a balance of 341 days to serve. She told the court that another warrant for McLaughlin was issued in January by Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast for seven alleged offences, one of which is attempted murder. Authorities in the North are also seeking to charge McLaughlin with making a threat to kill, criminal damage, two charges of dangerous driving and two counts of assault. The maximum sentence for attempted murder in the UK is life imprisonment. The warrant alleges that on September 19th, 2022, at Ness Woods Country Park in Co Derry, McLaughlin rammed the car of his former partner before placing her in a chokehold, turning her face purple and causing her eyes to roll back in her head. The warrant alleges that McLaughlin threatened to kill the woman and then placed her in a sitting position against her car before reversing back his own car and again ramming her car. The warrant further alleges that McLaughlin also assaulted a female friend of his ex-partner. The Minister for Justice has been urged to progress promised hate crime legislation after three gay men were allegedly chased and hunted by six men with knives this week. The incident was brought to light by Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward, who told the Seanad on Wednesday that gay men were targeted in Dublin's Phoenix Park because of their sexuality. Advertisement They were chased down and ... hunted by six men with knives, Mr Ward said. He said the men got away but but God knows what would have happened if they had not. Mr Ward asked what on earth is going on that this still happens in Ireland in 2024 when every right-thinking member of society recognised the normality of sexual relationships between people of the same gender or same sex? In a joint statement on Thursday evening, LGBTQ+ community organisations expressed concern about the incident in Phoenix Park and urged Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to progress hate crime laws without delay. "Two separate attacks were reported to LGBT Ireland and Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, and their social care teams have reached out and are available to support those directly affected by these traumatic events. We urge the public to respect the privacy of the victims at this time," the statement said. Advertisement The organisations said the attacks were "shocking but not surprising". "This incident underscores the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable communities," the statement added. "The delay in Hate Crime legislation is inexcusable. It is time to reject contrived culture war attacks on the Bill and prioritise the safety and rights of all citizens and progress the legislation without delay." Taoiseach Simon Harris promised earlier this year he would pass an amended version of proposed hate crime legislation before the next general election. Politicians have been wrangling over the wording of the Bill, which aims to introduce laws that would see hate become an aggravating factor in certain offences. Advertisement Sinn Fein and some Government politicians, including Fine Gael TDs Charlie Flanagan and Michael Ring, have called for the hate speech draft laws to be scrapped entirely. Sinn Feins TDs voted in favour of the Bill in the Dail last April. Figures released last month showed that there has been a 12 per cent increase in the number of hate crimes and hate-related incidents reported to gardai. The force said some 651 hate crimes and hate-related (non-crime) incidents were recorded in 2023, up from 582 in 2022. These include 548 hate crimes and 103 hate-related incidents, up from 510 and 72 respectively in 2022. A serving Irish soldier who beat a woman unconscious in a random street attack, and boasted about it afterwards on social media, has been given a suspended sentence. Cathal Crotty (22), of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, had initially tried to blame his victim, Natasha OBrien (24), by wrongly telling gardai who arrested him that she had instigated the attack at OConnell Street, Limerick on May 29th, 2022. Advertisement However, after gardai showed Crotty CCTV footage of him setting upon Ms OBrien without provocation, he admitted his guilt, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard. Hours after the attack Crotty boasted to friends on Snapchat: Two to put her down, two to put her out, in reference to striking Ms OBrien four times. Crotty had been drinking throughout the evening in question. It appeared he lashed out at Ms OBrien, of North Circular Road, Limerick, after she and a friend had politely asked him to stop shouting faggot at other people on the street, the court heard. Advertisement Ms OBrien, who was not known to Crotty, was walking home with a woman friend after working a shift at a pub, when Crotty grabbed her by her hair and punched her to the ground. He continued holding her hair with one hand and punching her face with his other first as she lost consciousness, the court heard. Ms OBrien, who sustained a broken nose and bruising, and suffered nightmares and panic attacks afterwards said she thought Crotty was going to kill her. Crotty fled when a male passerby intervened, however his friends remained at the scene. Advertisement In court, Ms OBrien walked past Crotty to the witness box to read a victim impact statement. When Cathal Crotty attacked me I went into a state of shock, I couldnt understand why this was happening to me, I felt completely helpless, feeling like I was being used as a punching bag, I didnt feel human, Ms OBrien told the court. As I lay in the foetal position, and loosing consciousness, he continued his relentless beating. My last conscious thought was, hes not stopping, Im going to die. The physical injuries I sustained were devastating; a severe concussion, a broken nose, severe swelling, and bruising on both arms, shoulders, head, right upper thigh, left eye, cheek and jaw. Advertisement I spent the following weeks and months attending hospital and doctor appointments, and due to persistent concussion symptoms I was deemed highrisk for a brain bleed, and I received a battery of tests including a head CAT scan. A sense of constant dread and isolation was unlike anything I have ever experienced and I spiralled into self-destructive behaviours and lost all interest and motivation for life. Basic tasks at work became incredibly difficult and I ultimately lost my job due to my rapidly declining performance. I became numb and detached from reality, living in perpetual fear of seeing him again, she added. He [Crotty] may not remember, but my memory of the vicious sinister look in his eyes as he approached me will haunt me forever. Advertisement The court heard Crotty remains a Private solider in the Defence Forces, based at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick city. His superior Commandant Paul Togher gave evidence that Crotty was an exemplary, courteous, professional and disciplined officer. When asked by prosecution counsel, Lily Buckley BL, for his reaction to the evidence of the attack, Commandant Togher replied he was exceptionally disappointed and surprised as it was, in his opinion, very out of character for the defendant, and that he was most disappointed as Crotty, as a solider, is expected to keep people safe. Crottys barrister, Donal Cronin, said Crotty, who was accompanied in court by his mother, was ashamed and embarrassed and offers his interest apologies to the victim. Judge Tom ODonnell, said Crottys actions on the night were utterly appalling. The judge said he had no doubt if he imposed an immediate jail sentence on Crotty, his army career is over. He [Crotty] took pride in striking a defenceless woman in what was a cowardly, vicious, unprovoked and totally unnecessary assault, the judge said. Judge ODonnell said Crotty must be given credit for pleading guilty to assaulting Ms OBrien, causing her harm. He said he had to take into account Crotty had no previous convictions; Crottys army career; that Crotty pleaded guilty early, which eliminated the necessity for a jury trial. Judge ODonnell imposed a three-year sentence which he suspended in its entirety. He also ordered Crotty to pay 3,000 compensation to Ms OBrien without prejudice to any potential civil court proceedings. Speaking afterwards Ms OBrien criticised the sentence and said: I lost my job because of his (Crottys) actions, because I was so impacted by what he did, but this judge doesnt want to jail him because it will mean he will loose his job. Thats not justice, Ms OBrien said. The court had sent a message to Crotty and anyone else that they could attack women in public and not be jailed, she added. The World Health Organisation and US drug manufacturer Eli Lilly have warned people to be wary of fake versions of popular weight loss and diabetes medicines. The WHO said on Thursday that it has received reports of fake semaglutide the active ingredient in Novo Nordisks Wegovy and Ozempic in all regions of the world since 2022. Advertisement Lilly said in an open letter that it was deeply concerned about growing online sales and social media posts involving phony or compounded versions of tirzepatide, the active ingredient behind its drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound. The Indianapolis-based company said it was the only lawful supplier of those drugs, and it does not provide tirzepatide to compounding pharmacies, wellness centres or online retailers. Taking falsified medicines can harm your health. They may contain: no or incorrect amount of active ingredient the wrong active ingredient These medicines wont treat or prevent disease & may cause harmful side effects. Only purchase from authorized pharmacies. Advertisement World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) June 20, 2024 Lilly said fake versions of its drugs frequently advertised or sold online are never safe to use. Advertisement Novo Nordisk has issued similar warnings in the past about its medicines. The WHO said patients can protect themselves by using prescriptions from licensed doctors. The agency said patients should avoid buying the drugs from unfamiliar sources. Lilly said any products marketed as tirzepatide and not Mounjaro or Zepbound were not made by the drugmaker and are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Things are looking up for the Iberian lynx. Just over two decades ago, the pointy-eared wild cat was on the brink of extinction, but as of Thursday the International Union for Conservation of Nature says it is no longer an endangered species. Advertisement Successful conservation efforts mean that the animal, native to Spain and Portugal, is now barely a vulnerable species, according to the latest version of the IUCN Red List. In 2001, there were only 62 mature Iberian lynx medium-sized, mottled brown cats with characteristic pointed ears and a pair of beard-like tufts of facial hair on the Iberian Peninsula. The species disappearance was closely linked to that of its main prey, the European rabbit, as well as habitat degradation and human activity. Advertisement #BREAKING: The #IberianLynx population has grown 21% in one year, reaching 2,021 last year. This remarkable growth brings the species halfway to its full recovery. This historic milestone was made possible by 21 organisations, including @WWFespana. RT to show your support pic.twitter.com/qoER9EmbhH WWF (@WWF) June 20, 2024 Advertisement Alarms went off and breeding, reintroduction and protection projects were started, as well as efforts to restore habitats like dense woodland, Mediterranean scrublands and pastures. More than two decades later, in 2022, nature reserves in southern Spain and Portugal contained 648 adult specimens. The latest census, from last year, shows that there are more than 2,000 adults and juveniles, the IUCN said. Its a really huge success, an exponential increase in the population size, Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the IUCN Red list unit, told The Associated Press. One of the keys to their recovery has been the attention given to the rabbit population, which had been affected by changes in agricultural production. Advertisement Their recovery has led to a steady increase in the lynx population, Mr Hilton-Taylor said. The greatest recovery of a cat species ever achieved through conservation () is the result of committed collaboration between public bodies, scientific institutions, NGOs, private companies, and community members including local landowners, farmers, gamekeepers and hunters, Francisco Javier Salcedo Ortiz, who coordinates the EU-funded Life Lynx-Connect project, said in a statement. IUCN has also worked with local communities to raise awareness of the importance of the Iberian lynx in the ecosystem, which helped reduce animal deaths due poaching and roadkill. In addition, farmers receive compensation if the cats kill any of their livestock, Hilton-Taylor said. Since 2010, more than 400 Iberian lynx have been reintroduced to parts of Portugal and Spain, and now they occupy at least 3,320 square kilometres, an increase from 449 square kilometres in 2005. Advertisement We have to consider every single thing before releasing a lynx, and every four years or so we revise the protocols, said Ramon Perez de Ayala, the World Wildlife Funds Spain species project manager. WWF is one of the NGOs involved in the project. While the latest Red List update offers hope for other species in the same situation, the lynx is not out of danger just yet, says Mr Hilton-Taylor. The biggest uncertainty is what will happens to rabbits, an animal vulnerable to virus outbreaks, as well as other diseases that could be transmitted by domestic animals. We also worried about issues with climate change, how the habitat will respond to climate change, especially the increasing impact of fires, as weve seen in the Mediterranean in the last year or two, said Mr Hilton-Taylor. The Israeli armys chief spokesman on Wednesday appeared to question the stated goal of destroying the Hamas militant group in Gaza in a rare public rift between the countrys political and military leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted Israel will pursue the fight against Hamas, the group running the besieged Gaza Strip, until its military and governing capabilities in the Palestinian territory are eliminated. But with the war now in its ninth month, frustration has been mounting with no clear end or post-war plan in sight. Advertisement This business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear its simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the military spokesperson, told Israels Channel 13 TV. Advertisement Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. Its rooted in the hearts of the people whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong. Mr Netanyahus office responded by saying that the countrys security Cabinet, chaired by the prime minister, has defined the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities as one of the goals of the war. The Israeli military, of course, is committed to this. The military quickly issued a clarification, saying it was committed to achieving the goals of the war as defined by the Cabinet and that it has been working on this throughout the war, day and night, and will continue to do so. Rear Admiral Hagaris comments, it said, referred to the destruction of Hamas as an ideology and an idea, and this was said by him very clearly and explicitly, the military statement added. Any other claim is taking things out of context. Advertisement There have already been open signs of discontent over the handling of the war by Mr Netanyahus government, a coalition that includes right-wing hard-liners who oppose any kind of settlement with Hamas. Open signs of discontent over the handling of the war by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government have appeared (Abir Sultan/AP) Months of internationally mediated truce talks, including a proposal floated this month by President Joe Biden, have stalled. Advertisement Benny Gantz, a former military chief and centrist politician, withdrew from Mr Netanyahus war Cabinet earlier this month, citing frustration over the prime ministers conduct of the war. Early this week, Mr Netanyahu expressed displeasure with the armys decision to declare a tactical pause in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to help deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged territory. An aide said Mr Netanyahu was caught off guard by the announcement, and Israeli TV stations quoted him as saying we have a country with an army, not an army with a country. Israel attacked Gaza in response to Hamas October 7 cross-border attack into southern Israel, which killed some 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Advertisement Israels war effort initially enjoyed broad public support, but in recent months wide divisions have emerged. While Mr Netanyahu has pledged total victory, a growing array of critics and protesters have backed a ceasefire that would bring home the roughly 120 hostages still in Gaza. The war in Gaza has killed more than 37,100 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The Israeli military has already pronounced more than 40 of them dead, and officials fear that number will rise the longer the hostages are held. Inside Gaza, the war has killed more than 37,100 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians. The war has largely cut off the flow of medicine, food and other supplies to Palestinians, who are facing widespread hunger. The United Nations said that its humanitarian workers were once again unable to pick up aid shipments at the Kerem Shalom border crossing from Israel because of a lack of law and order. UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said that although there were no clashes along the route where Israel has declared a daily pause in fighting, the lawlessness in the area prevented UN workers from picking up aid. This means that no trucks have been able to use the new route since Israel announced the daily pause on Sunday. In recent weeks, Israels military has concentrated its offensive in the nearby city of Rafah, which lies on the border with Egypt and where it says Hamas last remnants are holding out. More than half of Gazas population of 2.3 million people had earlier taken shelter in Rafah to escape fighting elsewhere in the territory, and the city is now nearly empty as the Israeli military carries out airstrikes and ground operations. Israels military has concentrated its offensive on the city of Rafah, where it says Hamas last remnants are holding out (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The Israeli military says it has killed more than 500 militants and inflicted heavy damage on Hamas forces, but officials expect the operation to continue for at least several more weeks. Israel also has taken over a 14km corridor along Gazas border with Egypt, including the Rafah border crossing. Footage circulating on social media shows the crossing blackened and destroyed, with only the former passenger terminal remaining intact. Before Israel moved into the area, the crossing was used to deliver humanitarian aid and to allow Palestinians to leave the territory. The head of the Rafah municipality, Ahmed al-Sufi, said on Wednesday that Israeli strikes have destroyed more than 70% of the facilities and infrastructure. People wave Israeli flags during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, demanding new elections and the release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) He accused Israeli forces of systematically targeting camps in Rafah, adding that entire residential areas in one neighbourhood have been destroyed. Mr Al-Sufi did not immediately respond to a request for additional information. In a separate incident, 11 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, said Dr Saleh al-Hamas of the nearby European Hospital. There were no further details and the Israeli military had no immediate comment. Romanias president has withdrawn from the race to become Natos next secretary general, leaving outgoing Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte all but certain to head the worlds biggest military organisation from October. The office of Klaus Iohannis said in a statement that Romanias security council has backed Mr Ruttes bid. Advertisement It also said that Mr Iohannis had informed Nato late last week that he intended to pull out. His withdrawal removes the last real hurdle Mr Rutte might face. Romanian president Klaus Iohannis (Andreea Alexandru/AP) Advertisement It should allow Nato to put on a show of unity and demonstrate solidarity with war-ravaged Ukraine when US president Joe Biden and his counterparts meet in Washington on July 9-11 to mark Natos 75th birthday. Nato secretaries-general are responsible for chairing meetings and guiding sometimes delicate consultations among the 32 member countries to ensure an organisation that operates on consensus can continue to function. On Tuesday, Hungary lifted its veto on Mr Ruttes candidacy after the long-serving Dutch prime minister gave written guarantees that he would not force Budapest to take part in the military alliances new plans to provide support to Ukraine should he be appointed. Turkey had also voiced opposition to Mr Ruttes bid but lifted its objections in April. Advertisement Mr Rutte has for months been the preferred candidate of the majority of Nato allies, including big members like the United States and Germany. In office for a decade, outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has been a steady hand at Natos helm and has proved difficult to replace. Mr Biden and his Nato counterparts had been due to name a successor when they met in Lithuania in July 2023, but no consensus could be found about a replacement. Russia has resumed its aerial pounding of Ukraines power grid and Kyivs forces again targeted Russian oil facilities with cross-border drone strikes, officials said. With no major changes reported along the 600-mile front line, where a recent push by the Kremlins forces in eastern and north-eastern Ukraine has made only incremental gains, both sides in the war have taken aim at distant infrastructure targets. Advertisement In its seventh major attack on Ukrainian power plants since Moscow intensified energy infrastructure attacks three months ago, Russia fired nine missiles and 27 Shahed drones at energy facilities and critical infrastructure in central and eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said. Air defences intercepted all the drones and five cruise missiles, it said. Smoke rises from a building in Bakhmut (Photo/AP) Advertisement The attack hit power structures in the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv and Vinnytsia regions of Ukraine, according to national power company Ukrenergo. Private energy company DTEK said one of its power plants was hit in the overnight attack but did not specify its location. Three company employees were injured and the plants equipment was severely damaged, DTEK said on social media. Among the most damaging recent strikes on Ukraines energy supply were an April barrage that damaged Kyivs largest thermal power plant and a massive attack on May 8 that targeted power generation and transmission facilities in several regions. Rolling blackouts have affected Ukrainian households and industry. Advertisement In Russia, meanwhile, authorities in two regions reported fires at oil storage depots after drone attacks, two days after a Ukrainian strike started a huge blaze at another refinery. Ukraine has in recent months stepped up aerial assaults on Russian soil, targeting refineries and oil terminals in an effort to disrupt the Kremlins war machine. Murat Kumpilov, head of Russias Adygea region, said a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at an oil depot in the town of Enem that was later extinguished. The head of the Tambov region, Maxim Yegorov, said an oil reservoir went ablaze at an oil depot there. Advertisement Krasnodar region governor Veniamin Kondratyev said a drone hit a private house in the town of Slavyansk, killing a woman. Russias Defence Ministry said air defences downed 15 Ukrainian drones over three regions but did not mention any damage. With the British summer showing no signs of improvement, the race is on to find sunshine elsewhere. But dont worry if youve still not booked anything theres still a chance to pick up a good deal with a bit of savvy planning. HotelPlanner.com CEO and co-founder Tim Hentschel shares his tips. Pick your day to book Tuesdays are usually a good day to pick up a good holiday deal particularly if you can travel at the last minute. Most often, the pricing teams for hotels and tour operators meet on a Monday to review whats sold well over the weekend. Then on Tuesday morning theyll update their systems and websites with deals and offers to increase bookings to hotels and destinations where they have more availability. Booking on a Tuesday can drive savings of around 5-8% for international travel when compared to the higher price points later in the week. Advertisement Dont fall into internet traps One of the biggest mistakes consumers make is revisiting the website and searching for the same holiday and dates to check out the price. Each website has algorithms, so the more searches for specific dates or visits to a particular page, means the price may increase. Add the holiday you like to the favourites tab, which many booking platforms have to view later. Theres still time to grab a bargain, but check on a Tuesday for best deals (Alamy/PA) Be flexible Travelling on a Tuesday through to Thursday is typically much cheaper than traveling over the weekend. Sign up for airline discount alerts for cities you want to visit on sites like SkyScanner or CheapFlights.com. If there is a discount rate that pops up within your budget, be prepared to book immediately. Advertisement Pick up the phone All hotels are subject to the industrys rate parity protocol for published rates, but some Online Travel Agencies such as HotelPlanner can sometimes offer an unpublished discount rate, but only if you speak to a reservation agent by phone, where its considered a private, closed-sales environment. When you have more time to plan your trip, this can be considered the best option. Sign up to loyalty schemes If there is a particular hotel chain you enjoy staying in sign up to their loyalty scheme as they upgrade repeat customers. Many credit card companies and supermarkets are also offering reward points for every pound you spend that can be put towards hotel stays. Kim Williams outlined an extensive list of areas for improvement and renewal in his first major speech as chair of the public broadcaster on Wednesday evening, a bid to restore the ABC after what he calls decades of fragmentation and dislocation. The speech, delivered as the inaugural Redmond Barry address at the Victorian State Library on Wednesday night, served as a pitch for increased funding and his vision to make the ABC the countrys national campfire. Kim Williams in conversation with former ABC presenter Maxine McKew after outlining his vision at the State Library of Victoria. Credit: Francine Schaepper Williams called for greater government funding or as he termed it, investment. We need to be tough-minded to achieve our goals and we need to measure performance reliably. Of course, achieving our goals will also take something else Something you have probably guessed investment. The ABCs resident monitor of the Australian media sector, Paul Barry, is almost out the door, and his departure leaves open the tantalising prospect of the public broadcaster shaking up the 15 minutes of TV dreaded by journalists and editors across the country. Media Watch, which remains one of the ABCs highest-rating shows, has been dishing out the pain to the sector for decades and Barrys exit, revealed by this masthead, potentially opens the door for the public broadcaster to hand over the reins to someone outside the so-called media bubble. Past and present Media Watch hosts (left to right): Richard Ackland, Paul Barry, Stuart Littlemore, Monica Attard Credit: Monique Westermann Given the controversial nature of the role, the profile of the next host is already a topic of debate among Media Watchs current and former hosts. Stuart Littlemore, a barrister and the programs founding host in 1989, said the next host of Media Watch should not be a journalist, or at least someone who does not seek to continue as a journalist after their stint is over. Theres a scene about halfway through Monkey Man Dev Patels gripping, blood-drenched 2024 film where the intense violence gives way to something unexpectedly hypnotic. Patels character begins training on a punching bag, and every kick, thrust and jab is accompanied with flawless precision by an Indian percussionist. Beyond the perfect synthesis of music and movement, what makes the scene so remarkable is that the percussionist is none other than Zakir Hussain, widely regarded as the worlds greatest living tabla player. Zakir Hussain made a surprise appearance in the film Monkey Man. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo In the film, Hussain does not speak and is referred to only as Tabla Maestro, but his visceral, rhythmic duet with Patels character is one of the films most memorable sequences. Hussain has vivid memories of filming that scene, set in India but shot in an open-air temple in Indonesia. On the phone from his long-time home in California, he cheerfully recounts how heavy rain filled the temple floor with water, necessitating the construction of barriers around Hussain so he wouldnt be electrocuted where he sat. Advertisement Eating outFine dining Dine at Australias best restaurants with the Good Food Gift Card Accepted at 800 restaurants around the country, including hatted restaurants such as Attica and Quay. Good Food June 20, 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 Stuck for a gift idea? Choose the most delicious option: the gift of food, with Good Foods Gift Card. Available digitally and in physical form, the cards can be used like money at 800 venues across the country from hatted restaurants to classic eateries and newbies, many that feature in the 2024 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and The Age Good Food Guide. Old-world glamour at Gimlet. Earl Carter The recipient (or you) could feast on pesto pasta made tableside at Sydneys two- hatted waterfront Italian diner aMare, or take a seat in veteran restaurateur Andrew McConnells opulent Euro-inspired beauty, Gimlet, at Melbournes Cavendish House. Sydneysiders could also try legendary fine-diners such as Quay and Firedoor, or stalwarts such as Ho Jiak and 10 William Street, while Melburnians can use the card at heavy hitters including Attica and Cafe Di Stasio, plus buzzy joints like Maha and Old Palm Liquor. aMares trofie al pesto, prepared tableside. Supplied Advertisement Maybe youre going on a regional road trip? You can use the gift card at hatted Thai diner Paste in Mittagong, NSW, or Hogget Kitchen at Victorias Warragul. The cards accepted in other states too, including Brisbanes best, such as Levantine stunner Gerards Bistro. In Tasmania, you can drop the card at The Agrarian Kitchen Restaurant; in Adelaide spots include Soi 38; and in WA, you can use the card at Perth wine bar Wines of While and at Cowaramup winery Vasse Felix. Gerards Bistro in Brisbane. Morgan Roberts How does the Good Food Gift Card work? The gift card can go straight through a restaurants Eftpos terminal venue staff simply enter the card value into the terminal, and swipe or tap the gift card, and the money is taken off the bill. You dont need to spend the full balance of the card in one go, any remaining balance is yours to use as long as its valid. Advertisement The white-and-gold card is fee-free, so every dollar spent on the card goes to the restaurant. Some restaurants may charge you for using the card and such fees may be deducted from the balance of your card at the time of the transaction. You can register your card here, meaning if you lose it, and it still has credit on it, you can get a replacement card. You can check your cards balance here. Photo: How long is the card valid? Three years, which is plenty of time to consider which of the 800 restaurants across Australia to visit next. Advertisement Where can I buy the gift card? Pick up a card at most major retailers, including Coles, Woolworths and Big W, as well as The Store, which sells other Good Food merch including caps and Good Food Guides. The card is also available digitally, meaning you can grab one as a last-minute present for a food-lover in your life. For more info visit goodfood.gift. The full list of participating restaurants can be found here. Given the rising number of battery fires in Australia, its great to see environment ministers acting on the issue. The big news out of the meeting of federal, state and territory environment ministers today is that a commitment to unite to stop batteries ending up in landfills and causing dangerous fires. The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia has warned that waste and recycling workers face increasing risks as fires ignite from lithium-ion batteries. A fire in Melbourne in April this year caused by an e-scooter battery exploding. Credit: Paul Rovere It has demanded immediate action to come up with a solution to the battery-fire crisis enveloping the industry, calling for collection points for all batteries in all states while a plan is developed. The ministers said in a joint statement: Ongoing fires and emergency situations illustrate the critical importance of acting quickly on batteries to protect lives and property. The leaders committed to fast-track work towards reducing the environmental impact of all batteries throughout their life cycle, with Queensland, NSW and Victoria leading the charge. The ministers will deliver a list of steps to be taken to manage battery harm by December. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said she was heartened by the strong leadership of state and territory environment ministers and their agreement to ambitious national targets. This masthead has been reporting for some time on the risk of lithium ion batteries, found in mobile phones, computers, e-bikes and other rechargeable devices, catching on fire. While house fires are a problem, most of the fires occur in waste management facilities after the batteries have been disposed of in the general rubbish. Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association chief executive Gayle Sloan called for batteries to be diverted from kerbside bins, trucks and facilities as they were not designed to collect the potentially incendiary devices. Our industry is fast approaching a time when we will not be able to insure our trucks and facilities, which will mean services to the community will be in doubt, she said. Our workers and facilities need to be safe, just like every other industry. We cannot continue as is with the rate of fires. A Future Batteries Industry Co-operative Research Centre report has found Australians throw away $600 million to $3.1 billion of valuable materials in lithium batteries by not recycling them. The industry body is also calling for community education about how to dispose of batteries and what products to buy. Jeff Angel, director at the Total Environment Centre, said the agreement was a significant advance because it applied product stewardship to all batteries and set a deadline. With AAP Young Dawn learned piano from an early age with the Sisters of St Joseph in the Convent next door. She quickly became an accomplished pianist, providing music for her mothers shows. With no high school in Mount Isa at the time, Dawns continuing education involved 72-hour-long train journeys between Mount Isa and the familys home town of Toowoomba. In 1950, renowned Australian organist, choirmaster, and ABC classical music broadcaster Arthur Floyd described Dawn in Brisbanes Courier-Mail as the long-distance champion of the annual Brisbane summer music school, when she travelled almost 4700km to participate. After high school at Toowoombas Fairholme Presbyterian Girls College and Somerville House in Brisbane, Dawn moved to Adelaide to complete her Associate of Music, Australia at the University of Adelaides Elder Conservatorium. She boarded with her former Fairholme College headmistress, Jean Tassie, one of Australias pioneering feminist educators, with whom her mother Wealthy had developed a close friendship. In Adelaide, Dawn was introduced by comedian and wartime entertainer Jimmy Tonkin to broadcaster Eric Pearce, then 5KA station manager. After the meeting, Eric told Jim: I am so impressed with that young lady Im going to offer her a job. I dont know where to put her, but I have to find a place for her. And he did, with Dawn working as a scriptwriter and record librarian, as well as occasional station accompanist, for two years. In 1955 she sailed for the United Kingdom and after a tour through Europe, Dawn travelled to North America where she found work with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto. Accepting a random offer to drive from the east to Americas west coast to deliver a Chevrolet Bel Air produced an unforgettable month for Dawn and her Canadian friend Audrey. They shared a fearless spirit to embrace opportunity and talked about those four adventurous weeks for decades. Dawn Kenyon, first lady of childrens TV. Dawn always said she had been lucky in her life. It was on the ship returning to Australia that this was clear when, after a brief conversation with a virtual stranger about her future, she was given a letter of introduction that led to an offer to take up the position of childrens programs coordinating producer for ATN7. Almost 10 years before the ABC started Play School, Dawns Captain Fortune show became many young Australians first taste of television. Management was eager to trial its own version of Romper Room, a childrens TV program popular in the US at the time, and decided to include a 15-minute segment within the 90-minute Captain Fortune show. Dawn became Miss Dawn and reluctantly but ably stepped in front of the camera. Sadly, there is no video recording of these true live-to-air shows. It was at the Mobbs Lane Studios that Dawn met her future husband Fred Kenyon, a British Marconi television engineer, who came to Australia in 1956 to set up equipment for broadcasting the Melbourne Olympic Games and the roll-out of television stations around the country. He had fallen for the beautiful Dawn from afar and contrived a double date through a colleague. They fell in love and were engaged within 10 days. The Australian Womens Weekly in October 1957 reported ATN7 was in a whirl with a difficult job to replace Dawn after her impending marriage, which took place in St Phillips Anglican Church, Sydney, in December 1957. Soon after the wedding, which attracted Sydney media attention, they set sail for Britain. Fred returned to work at Marconis Chelmsford headquarters, while the British Broadcasting Corporation pursued Dawn for an on-camera job thanks to her valuable television experience, which was rare in those early days of broadcasting. Fred and Dawn Kenyons wedding, December 14, 1957. But she declined the offer, choosing instead to be a wife and soon becoming a mother to their first child, Steven, born in 1960. The young family returned to Australia in 1961, where Fred began working for AWA and later Channel 10. Peter was born in 1963 and Anne in 1965. She continued sharing her skills in music and education, teaching piano and musicianship at Barker College in Hornsby for 16 years and joining the choir of Wahroongas St Johns Uniting Church where she sang for almost 50 years. In 1993 Dawn and Fred moved to London after News Limited enticed Fred from retirement to lead the development of the worlds first encrypted, end-to-end digital TV broadcast system. They lived in Knightsbridge with Harrods as their corner store. Dawn Kenyon, first lady of childrens TV. Returning to Sydney, they settled back into life close to family and enjoyed being grandparents. Fred received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queens Birthday 2018 Honours List for services to television. He died in 2020. Outside family, Dawn volunteered with the Merry Makers. This unique troupe, most of whom live with an intellectual or physical disability, meet each week to rehearse and perform through dance. This tapped into Dawns passion to help others connect through the power of music and she remained a volunteer with the organisation for 25 years. Leading Australian television producer and journalist Anita Jacoby got to know Dawn at Merry Maker rehearsals when she was producing a 60 Minutes story on the group and shared a commonly held opinion in the community that Dawn was always a shining light. Learning of Dawns death, journalist Jeff McMullen wrote to daughter Anne: Your warm-hearted mother was so often the first to greet us, introduce us to new families, and lead us deeper into that magic of the Merry Makers. Daniel Andrews has thrown his weight behind Israel and urged Australians to rally against antisemitism and terrorism as debate rages about activists vandalising MPs offices. The former Victorian premier has been named as an inaugural patron of Labor Friends of Israel, which was created earlier this year to emphasise support for the state of Israel within the labour movement. Former Labor senator Nova Peris will join him in the role. Daniel Andrews and Nova Peris becoming patrons of a new pro Israel group Credit: Publicly expressing support for Israel has become politically tricky for Labor MPs as the Netanyahu government wages a military campaign in Gaza in response to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. Andrews said it was crucial Australians spoke out to support the local Jewish community but did not directly mention the war. The car park at Murrays Beach, on the southern head of Jervis Bay, is a monument to Australian visions about nuclear energy. The clearing in the coastal scrub, about three hours drive from Sydney, was meant to house a nuclear power plant in the 1970s, when Liberals in Canberra wanted to match the big projects of America and Europe. That dream died when a Treasury analysis found the entire scheme would cost too much. The project was scrapped after Billy McMahon replaced John Gorton as prime minister in 1971, saving a beautiful bay and its residents from a project that looks, today, like utter madness. Illustration: Simon Letch That history sets up an essential reality check for Peter Dutton after he unveiled his big idea for seven nuclear power stations to be funded by the Commonwealth. The opposition leader has to reckon with the hard fact, as solid as a nuclear cooling tower, that other energy sources are cheaper. The choice was easy in the 1970s because coal was cheap and could be burnt with no qualms about the climate. The decision is much harder today when coal-fired power stations are closing down. There is no consensus on the solution, only a new phase of the climate wars. Max Chandler-Mather and Andrew Bragg have little in common except for a shared conviction that the federal governments agenda on housing is behind the times and a weakness they can exploit. The energetic Greens housing frontman and the equally enthusiastic opposition housing affordability spokesman may unite to block Labors home ownership and rental policies when parliament returns next week. Max Chandler-Mather and Andrew Bragg oppose key elements of Labors home ownership and rental policies. Credit: Marija Ercegovac The parliamentary clash will mirror last years fight over Labors signature $10 billion building fund and, the pair hopes, expose frustrations inside the government about the scale of its housing agenda. At issue this time are two bills: the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, to be brought to the Senate next week, which gives the government a stake in mortgages; and a new policy cutting tax for building long-term rentals. The April 2024 testing also shows inconclusive results on the effectiveness of MACS, it said. Further tests are taking place this month. Metro Tunnel contractors have agreed not to run test trains when the Royal Melbournes intraoperative MRI machine needs to be used. The Auditor-Generals Office said there were four areas where there were risks of delays or blowouts to the cost of the project because electromagnetic problems were more significant than expected or because the proposed solutions at these sites did not work. A spokesperson for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre said testing was still underway to understand the potential impact of electromagnetic interference and what mitigation measures may be required. Importantly, our patients are still able to access the highest quality MRI and other imaging services at Peter Mac Imaging East Melbourne, they said. Loading A University of Melbourne spokesperson said it was also working with the project to find a solution to mitigate the impacts... on sensitive medical and research equipment located now and in future at the University. Rail Projects Victoria estimates there is a 10 to 50 per cent likelihood of these risks becoming a reality. It has advised the government about how much money it needs to prevent these problems and the funding has been approved through extra emergency funds that were not used in the upgrade of the Sunbury railway line. Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said the government acknowledged that electromagnetic interference was a problem, but he expected issues related to the Metro Tunnel would be resolved this year. A promised hospital precinct over the future Arden station was instead moved to Parkville this year because of the cost of tackling this problem in the area. The Auditor-Generals Office report found Metro Tunnel builders would not meet the September completion date outlined in the contract. Rail Projects Victoria is working to a new schedule that shows work being finished in June 2025. This is not expected to disrupt the governments promise that the project will be open to passengers in 2025. But the report said it did expose the project to cost blowouts, with the Auditor-Generals Office told the delay was driven by shortages of construction workers, hold-ups in supply chains and ironing out issues identified during testing of the tunnels high-tech signalling and how it integrated with the older parts of the rail network The state will need to pay more to address remaining issues and finish the project, the report said. The project has insufficient contingency funds to cover these costs. The project was initially costed at $10.9 billion, but is now valued at $14 billion following negotiations with the state government and its contractors. The states contribution is $12.8 billion, with another $1.37 billion paid by builders. The Auditor-Generals Office report found Rail Projects Victoria had advised the government how much backup funding was needed to complete the project, but as of April, had not sought money from the state to cover these costs. The agency was expected to update its cost forecast after negotiating with contractors. The agency told the Auditor-General there was not enough contingency funding left in the projects budget and the state governments $12.8 billion contribution did not include further funding for additional risks. Pearson, the transport infrastructure minister, said there was some contingency funding left, but would not be drawn on if it was enough to deal with the cost pressures. He said the government was in regular dialogue with our construction partner. Loading He said the Town Hall and State Library stations had the most delays because they had to be integrated into the existing rail system. Opposition transport infrastructure spokesman David Southwick called on the Allan government to be upfront about the size of cost overruns and what impact they would have on the states finances. Reports of major projects running out of money are just more of the same from a decade-old government that has lost control of Victorias transport infrastructure pipeline, he said. On top of the initial $10.9 billion pledged for the Metro Tunnel, the government has paid an extra $1.37 billion in its settlement with the builders, $388 million in settlements over COVID delays in 2023 and $166 million for changes to the trial of high-capacity signalling. Regional house prices are expected to hit record highs in all but one pocket of the country in the next year thanks to resilient regional economies, a new forecast predicts. Queenslands Gold and Sunshine Coasts were tipped to record the strongest growth among regional areas and will become the most expensive regional house prices in Australia, the Domains FY25 Price Forecast Report predicts. The Gold Coast was predicted to grow by 3 per cent to 6 per cent, hitting a median of $1.08 million to $1.11 million. On the Sunshine Coast the median was predicted to grow by 2 per cent to 5 per cent, reaching $1.07 million to $1.1 million. Regional Queensland was tipped to increase by 2 per cent to 4 per cent growth to reach a median of $536,000 to $546,000. Meanwhile, regional NSW would hold steady at a median of $735,000 with the potential of rising to $757,000 after 3 per cent of growth. Both regional areas would hit record price highs if the forecast rises come to pass, but only at the upper end of the prediction for NSW. The unstated goal of this Republican exercise is to divide Democrats and provoke shouted insults from their most progressive representatives that would alienate American Jewish voters and donors and turn them toward Donald Trump. he said. The division in Washington reflects the political rancour among Israels political and military leadership. This business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear, its simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys chief spokesperson The Israeli armys chief spokesman on Wednesday appeared to question the stated goal of destroying the Hamas militant group in Gaza in a rare public rift between the countrys political and military leadership. Netanyahu has insisted Israel will pursue the fight against Hamas, the group running the besieged Gaza Strip, until its military and governing capabilities in the Palestinian territory are eliminated. This business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear, its simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the military spokesperson, told Israels Channel 13 TV. Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. Its rooted in the hearts of the people. Whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong. Netanyahus office responded by saying that the countrys security cabinet, chaired by the prime minister, has defined the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities as one of the goals of the war. The Israeli military, of course, is committed to this. Palestinians search for bodies and survivors in the rubble of a house destroyed in an Israeli airstrike, in Rafah. Credit: AP The military quickly issued a clarification, saying it was committed to achieving the goals of the war as defined by the Cabinet and that it has been working on this throughout the war, day and night, and will continue to do so. Hagaris comments, it said, referred to the destruction of Hamas as an ideology and an idea, and this was said by him very clearly and explicitly, the military statement added. Any other claim is taking things out of context. There have already been open signs of discontent over the handling of the war by Netanyahus government, a coalition that includes right-wing hardliners who oppose any kind of settlement with Hamas. Months of internationally mediated truce talks, including a proposal floated this month by Biden, have stalled. Benny Gantz, a former military chief and centrist politician, withdrew from Netanyahus war Cabinet earlier this month, citing frustration over the prime ministers conduct of the war. A bulldozer unloads the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes and turned over by the Israeli military during a mass funeral in Rafah. Credit: AP And early this week, Netanyahu expressed displeasure with the armys decision to declare a tactical pause in the southern Gaza City of Rafah to help deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged territory. An aide said Netanyahu was caught off guard by the announcement, and Israeli TV stations quoted him as saying we have a country with an army, not an army with a country. Israel attacked Gaza in response to Hamas October 7 cross-border attack into southern Israel, which killed some 1200 people and took 250 hostages. Loading In a signal of further potential regional destabilisation, the head of Lebanons Hezbollah said on Wednesday that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war breaks out between the two foes. New threats He also threatened EU member Cyprus for the first time and other parts of the Mediterranean. Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war. On Tuesday, the Iran-backed group published what it said was drone footage of sensitive military sites deep in Israeli territory. A video grab shows Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah addressing a rally in Beirut in 2023. Credit: AP In a televised address on Wednesday, Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said there will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones in Israel in the event of a broader war. The group also had a bank of targets that it could target in precision strikes, he said. Israel knows that what also awaits it in the Mediterranean is very big ... In the face of a battle of this magnitude, it knows that it must now wait for us on land, in the air, and at sea, Nasrallah added. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz had warned on Tuesday that a decision on an all-out war with Hezbollah was coming soon and Israels military said operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated. A Palestinian child looks at the graves of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and buried inside the Shifa Hospital grounds in Gaza City in 2023. Credit: AP Nasrallah also threatened Cyprus - the EU member state in closest proximity to Lebanon, with which it has cordial relations - accusing it of allowing Israel to use its airports and bases for military exercises. The Cypriot government must be warned that opening Cypriot airports and bases for the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon means that the Cypriot government has become part of the war and the resistance (Hezbollah) will deal with it as part of the war, Nasrallah said. Rafah offensive In recent weeks, Israels military has concentrated its offensive in the nearby city of Rafah, which lies on the border with Egypt and where it says Hamas last remnants are holding out. More than half of Gazas population of 2.3 million people had earlier taken shelter in Rafah to escape fighting elsewhere in the territory, and the city is now nearly empty as the Israeli military carries out airstrikes and ground operations. The Israeli military says it has killed over 500 militants and inflicted heavy damage on Hamas forces, but officials expect the operation to continue for at least several more weeks. Israeli tanks backed by warplanes and drones advanced deeper into the western part of the Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Wednesday, killing eight people, according to residents and Palestinian medics. Residents said the tanks moved into five neighbourhoods after midnight. Heavy shelling and gunfire hit the tents of displaced families in the Al-Mawasi area, further to the west of the coastal enclave, they said. This additional ESL burden, along with increases to land tax and foreign surcharges, will only serve to impact the feasibility of the delivery of Housing Accord targets, she said. India was the third country after China and Turkey in terms of number of Schengen area visa applications this summer, said the European Commission about a passport stamp that allows visa-free travel to over 29 countries in the continent. Getting a visa should be a priority when you plan a foreign trip. Visa applications tend to take a long time to process, often due to high demand and bureaucratic inefficiencies, says Abheek Anand, a businessman in Delhi who will travel to California later this year. Many countries require extensive documentation, which can be cumbersome and confusing for us applicants. Moreover, The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief is likely to come out of jail on Friday, as the bail order is yet to reach the jail first. His lawyer told the Delhi court that the Enforcement Directorate's (ED's) entire case against the AAP chief rests on statements given by those who turned approver in the case. Delhi court grants bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case, on bail bond of Rs 1 lakh. WHO failed in its efforts to help countries agree to a pandemic treaty to improve preparedness and response to pandemics before its annual meeting last month | Photo: Bloomberg French President Emmanuel Macron is joining several African leaders on Thursday to kick off a planned $1 billion project to accelerate the rollout of vaccines in Africa, after the coronavirus pandemic exposed gaping inequalities in access to them. The launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, which will provide financial incentives to vaccine manufacturers, offered a momentary break for Macron from domestic political concerns as legislative elections loom on June 30 and July 7. Many African leaders and advocacy groups say Africa was unfairly locked out of access to Covid-19 treatment tools, vaccines and testing equipment that many richer countries bought up in huge quantities after the pandemic swept the world starting in 2020. WHO, advocacy groups and others want to help Africa get better prepared for the next pandemic, which many health experts say is inevitable. When the coronavirus pandemic began, South Africa was the only country in Africa with any ability to produce vaccines, officials say, and the continent produced a tiny fraction of all vaccines worldwide. WHO failed in its efforts to help countries agree to a pandemic treaty to improve preparedness and response to pandemics before its annual meeting last month. The project was shelved largely over disagreements about sharing of information about pathogens that cause epidemics and the high-tech tools used to fight them. Thursday's event in Paris also aims to help give a funding shot-in-the-arm to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private partnership that helps get needed vaccines to developing countries around the world. Gavi says the project aims to make up to US$ 1 billion available over the next ten years help boost Africa's manufacturing base, to improve global vaccines markets and improve preparedness and response to pandemics and outbreaks like HIV, malaria, TB and Covid-19. The Geneva-based alliance says the accelerator will inject funds into manufacturers in Africa once they hit supply and regulatory milestones, with an aim to use market forces to drive down prices and encourage investment upstream. Officials say the project will explore issues like technology transfer which has been resisted by some Western countries with powerful pharmaceutical companies as well as the possible creation of a African medicines agency and tackling regulatory hurdles faced in Africa's patchwork of legal systems. Today GIST Impact, the leading provider of impact data and analytics, announced an investment from UBS Next, the leading universal Swiss banks venture and innovation unit. GIST Impact delivers actionable impact intelligence to companies and investors, helping them easily measure their environmental and social impacts. The firms data and software are founded on a science-based, location-specific and standards-aligned approach, drawing on over 16 years of experience measuring and valuing impact. Its clients include some of the worlds largest banks, sovereign wealth funds, and technology firms. The provision of better impact data is critical in developing greater transparency for investors to help them manage their portfolios. New regulations and standards have also set a higher bar for measuring impact across value chains - whether through assessing impact materiality as part of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) or evaluating natural capital impact as part of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). The investment from UBS Next will support the further expansion of GIST Impacts product integrations with partners and development of proprietary impact data and software solutions, including preparations for CSRD and TNFD requirements where clients require most support. Andre Hoffmann, Co-Founder of GIST Impact, said, This partnership with UBS marks a pivotal moment for GIST Impact as we set new standards for how companies and investors can integrate environmental and social considerations into their core business strategies. Our collaboration is more than an investment; it's a shared commitment to foster a more sustainable future where financial success is inextricably linked to positive impact on the planet and society. We are thrilled to join forces with UBS to drive this change forward, ensuring that our clients are not just prepared for the future but are actively shaping it." We believe that actionable impact intelligence and data will help investors manage their portfolios in a targeted manner and match opportunities and environmental and social impact. This is a pre-requisite to create long-term sustainable outcomes, said Sergio Ermotti, Group CEO of UBS. Were proud to partner with UBS to accelerate this next stage in our growth. Our world-leading impact data and intelligence algorithms empower investors to manage their portfolios towards better social and environmental outcomes and impacts, said Pavan Sukhdev, Co-Founder and CEO of GIST Impact. Furthermore, our impact valuation platforms help companies evaluate their impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities, helping create long-term sustainable value. About GIST Impact GIST Impact is a market-leading impact data and analytics provider, measuring, quantifying and valuing corporate impacts on society and the environment for over 16 years. With a team of 120+ data scientists, engineers, ecologists and economists, GIST Impact delivers location-specific impact data covering 14,500+ companies. Since 2021, the firm has automated its systems to provide investment portfolio impacts, and its clients include investors representing over $8 trillion in assets under management as well as leading global corporations. GIST Impact also partners with some of the largest consulting firms, business networks, and fintech platforms to enable impact measurement and reporting across global markets. https://gistimpact.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240619424763/en/ India's Modi urged to solve water crisis in capital Xinhua) 09:42, June 20, 2024 NEW DELHI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A senior minister of the government of India capital Delhi on Wednesday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in the ongoing water crisis in the national capital. Delhi Water Minister Atishi wrote a letter to Modi requesting the immediate release of water from the neighboring Haryana state and threatened to sit on an indefinite fast from Friday if the issue is not resolved. Delhi is facing an unprecedented heatwave due to which water demand in the capital has shot up. She said that on May 29, the temperature in Delhi was unprecedented 52.9 degrees Celsius. "In this scorching heat, the need of water for the people of Delhi has increased. But when Delhiites need water in large quantities, there is a water shortage in Delhi. There is a panic for water in the city," she wrote. "Prime Minister, the people of Delhi are very troubled ... I have tried everything possible, but the Haryana government is not ready to give water to the people of Delhi. I am requesting with folded hands that you provide water to 2.8 million people of Delhi. In case the city does not get water, I will have to start Satyagraha (a form of nonviolent civil resistance) from 21st June and sit on an indefinite hunger strike," she said. Delhi is under a water crisis and residents in various areas are seen queuing around water tankers to meet their daily water needs. The Delhi government has also resorted to the Supreme Court to get immediate additional water. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) The Indian real estate industry's leading figures congregated for the prestigious 6th edition of the Global Real Estate Brand Awards 2024. Held at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, the event served as an eminent platform for leaders in the real estate sector to convene, exchange insights, network, and commend outstanding accomplishments within the industry. The event garnered significant support from esteemed partners, including Care Edge Ratings as the Strategic Knowledge Partner, Zee Business as the Telecast Partner, National Real Estate Development Council Karnataka Chapter as the Conference Partner, The CEO Magazine as the Print Media Partner, and Insight Success Magazine as the Magazine Partner. A notable feature of the day was an engaging panel discussion on the topic "Navigating the Changing Landscape of Real Estate Financing in India: Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities," adeptly moderated by Manoj Lodha, Vice Chairman, NAREDCO Karnataka. Manoj's optimistic outlook on the Indian real estate sector struck a chord with attendees. Panellists, such as Ashish Sharma, Director, Anarock, who provided insights into real estate financing and alternative options, Aakash Jain, Director, CareEdge Ratings, who presented data and statistics on real estate financing, and Pradeep Singh, Director of Bhartiya Urban, who discussed innovative financing solutions and shared success stories, contributed to the engaging discourse. The event kicked off with Aakash Jain, Director, CareEdge Ratings, extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and acknowledging the resilience displayed by the Indian real estate sector over the past year. The evening concluded with a glamorous red carpet affair, showcasing the winners of the highly esteemed Global Real Estate Brand Awards. Central to the awards ceremony was the acknowledgement of exceptional leadership, innovation, design, and growth within the industry. Approximately 25 businesses and entrepreneurs were honoured for their outstanding contributions across various categories. The distinguished awards were presented by chief guest Architect Mr. Indrajit Kembhavi, renowned Architect Dinesh Verma, and Mr. Shyam Mareddy, President, NAREDCO Karnataka, fostering a memorable evening of celebration and networking opportunities for attendees to connect and exchange ideas. The winners across various categories at the Global Real Estate Brand Awards 2024 are as follows: CATEGORIES WINNERS Property Award of the Year - Ultra Luxury Project B&B Opulent Spire - B&B Infrastructure Ltd. Property Award of the Year - Luxury Villa Subha Ecostone - Subha Builders & Developers Property Award of the Year - Mid Range Gopalan Olympia - Gopalan Enterprises Property Award of the Year - Affordable (Apartment) Global Edifice Celesta - Global Edifice Builders Property Award of the Year - Commercial Brigade Padmini Tech Valley - Brigade Enterprises Property Award of the Year - Green Homes Mana Dale - Mana Projects Pvt Ltd Property Award of the Year - Plotted Development Magical Springs - Siri Malle Infra Developers Property Award of the Year - Plotted Development (Non Metro) Yesh Samruddhi Mysore - Yesh Developers Property Award of the Year - Integrated Township The Right Life - NeoBuild Ventures Most Admired Luxury Project of the Year Elegant Terraces - Elegant Builders & Developers Most Admiring Upcoming Project: Mid-Range category Elements - Disha Habitat Projects Most Admired Plotted Development of the Year Pride Vatika Phase-II, Pride Group Most Innovative Project of the Year Aiikya Village Sarjapur Most Admired Farmland Project of the Year Swasya Livings - Velisha Ventures Pvt Ltd Iconic Property Award: Mid-Range category Disha Pursuit of Sunshine - Disha Habitat Projects Iconic Affordable Project of the Year Global Edifice Cresent - Global Edifice Infra Real Estate Consultant of the Year Xanadu Realty Ltd Luxury Developer of the Year Bhutani Infra Developer Award - Plotted Development Address maker Emerging Developer of the Year M1 Homes Best Lifestyle Developer of the Year MJR Builders Pvt Ltd Most Promising Developer of the Year Splendid Properties Most Enterprising CEO of the Year Ashwinder R Singh, CEO, Bhartiya Urban Young Achiever Award Novin Reddy, Managing Partner, Modern Spaaces Professional of the Year Sunaina Kohli, Executive Vice President, Phoenix Mills Ltd Woman Achiever of the Year Nidhi Jayashankar, Director, Adarsh Developers Vietnam cement sales rise in April but disappoint YtD ICR Newsroom By 20 June 2024 Total Vietnam cement sales, including domestic and export, for April amounted to 8.541Mt, a 7.7 per cent MoM and 4.6 per cent YoY increase, up from 7.931Mt in March and 8.164Mt in April 2023. Domestic sales in Vietnam rose 11.5 per cent MoM and 1.4 per cent YoY to 5.699Mt in April 2024. This is up from 5.113Mt in March and 5.622Mt a year earlier, according to the Vietnam National Cement Association (VNCA). Of the total, VICEM companies saw flat sales compared to a year earlier at 1.831Mt. Non-VNCA members also reported no change from a year ago at 2.700Mt, while other VNCA-affiliated companies report an increase of eight per cent YoY, to 1.168Mt. Cement exports rose six per cent YoY to 1.967Mt, while clinker exports were down 21 per cent YoY to 875,066t. VICEM cement exports were down 13 per cent YoY at 228,858t, non-VNCA members reported a six per cent YoY fall to 1.369Mt, while other VNCA-affiliated companies saw cement sales jump 164 per cent YoY to 369,821t. In terms of clinker exports, VICEM companies reported a 425 per cent YoY increase to 104,036t, other VNCA recorded a 117 per cent YoY rise to 15,898t and non-VCNA members saw clinker export sales gain 14 per cent YoY to 755,132t. January-April 2024 In the year-to-date so far, total cement sales amounted to 28.034Mt, down 3.4 per cent YoY from the same period of 2023. Domestic cement sales were 17.143Mt, down 8.1 per cent compared to the January to April period of 2023. VICEM companies reported a 11.5 per cent YoY contraction to 5.337Mt, other VCNA members saw a 5.4 per cent YoY fall to 3.506Mt, and non-members reported a 6.8 per cent YoY decline to 8.300Mt. Cement exports from Vietnam rose three per cent YoY in the first four months of 2024, amounting to 6.589Mt, up from 6.391Mt a year earlier. Cement exports by VICEM companies fell 10 per cent YoY to 871,691t, other VCNA-members saw cement exports rise 102 per cent YoY to 1.231Mt, while non-member companies reported a seven per cent YoY contraction to 4.484Mt. Clinker exports rose eight per cent YoY to 4.305Mt from 3.961Mt in the January to April period last year. Clinker exports by VICEM companies gained 93 per cent YoY to 426,214t, other VCNA-affiliated companies reported a 378 per cent YoY jump to 128,0501t, and non-members saw clinker exports rise one per cent YoY to 3.751Mt. Published under Pakistan's cement export growth unabated in 11MFY23-24 ICR Newsroom By 20 June 2024 Pakistan's cement and clinker exports increased by 40.5 per cent in the 11MFY23-24 (July 2023-May 2024) to US$236.79m, from US$168.58m in the 11MFY22-23, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data said. In Pakistani rupee terms, export revenue saw a significant growth of 61.1 per cent to PKR67.19bn (US$241.1m) during the period, sustained by the local currency's competitive rates against the US dollar. Export volumes advanced 67.1 per cent over the same period to 6.183Mt from 3.7Mt. Export growth can be attributed to the continued good exchange rate of the Pakistani rupee against foreign currency, the fall in coal prices, and other factors. Additionally, improved economic conditions in importing countries, such as Sri Lanka, contributed to increased exports. May 2024 PBS export and import data showed that cement and clinker exports in May 2024 registered a 28.6 per cent MoM growth to US$32.25m from US$25.07m in April 2024. Volumes increased 32.5 per cent to 880,574t MoM from 664,808t in April 2024. YoY, cement exports rose by 78.2 per cent in value from US$18.09m in May 2023, while the export volume increased by 89.2 per cent to 465,266t. Published under A team of finance students from Southern Adventist Universitys School of Business participated in the Greater Tennessee Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Research Challenge this school year. Despite this being only the second year for Southern to compete in the challenge, the team placed second among the 10 participating colleges and universities. increasing its position from third place last year.In the annual research challenge, students assume the role of financial analysts, evaluating a company and advising a panel of judges on whether to buy, sell or hold stock in the company.The competition tests students analytical, valuation, report writing and presentation skills.For this years local-level competition, colleges and universities researched and reported on Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. Southerns team, comprised of four students, logged over 300 hours of work conducting research, putting together the report and creating the presentation. Each team is allowed to have one advisor from its respective school, with Southerns team selecting Joelle Akiki, professor in the School of Business.Southerns team members are all involved in the Student Managed Asset Risk and Return Training (SMARRT) Fund at Southern. Students who hold membership in the SMARRT Fund manage an endowment for Southern that is currently valued at more than $600,000.Using the Bloomberg terminals located in Southerns finance lab, the team was able to access Cracker Barrels financial data, such as 10-K filings and financial statements, a privilege of SMARRT Fund members. A Bloomberg terminal is a software system that enables finance professionals to monitor and analyze real-time financial market data.Our success in the CFA challenge is a testament to the support of the Bloomberg terminals and our finance lab, as well as the dedication of the School of Business professors, Prof. Akiki says.According to senior finance major Abi Cornelius, this years SMARRT president and team lead of Southerns CFA research team, the team built the framework and did early research for their project in the fall and over Christmas Break. When they returned to school in January, the bulk of the work began.The teams final report was due in early February, at which point they had approximately three weeks to create and prepare their presentation for the panel of CFA judges, where each team would present their research in the Alliance Bernstein Building in Nashville.We were given a mentor from the CFA Institute and had Professor Akiki and some of last years team members provide some guidance, but the challenge still involved many hours of work and late nights in the finance lab, Ms. Cornelius says. Pretty much all of the research we conducted was done on the Bloomberg terminals. We got analysts insights, saw the latest financial news, read through documents, and listened to earnings calls.Prof. Akiki says that it is vital to have resources like the Bloomberg terminals available for students as well as business professors who can be strong mentors. The commitment to excellence by the professors in the School of Business and their tireless efforts in nurturing the next generation of professionals played a pivotal role in shaping the teams success in the challenge, she said.With this being Southerns second year participating, both Prof. Akiki and Ms. Cornelius are hopeful that future teams from Southern can continue to grow and excel in future years of the CFA Research Challenge.Southerns $20 million School of Business Leadership and Innovation Campaign will support a new building and program endowment that benefits students and programs like these. To learn more, visit southern.edu/gobusiness. Nokian Tyres celebrated the opening of a finished goods warehouse at its North American factory Thursday, marking the completion of a five-year ramp-up process at its award-winning production facility in Southeast Tennessee. The 350,000-square-foot warehouse can hold hundreds of thousands of tires produced at the Dayton Factory, where Nokian Tyres has grown its team to approximately 500 employees. The global tiremaker ships tires from the finished goods warehouse in Dayton to its nine-warehouse network across North America, from which the company serves dealers in the United States and Canada. Nokian Tyres dedicated the finished goods warehouse Thursday at a ceremony with local and state leaders, construction partners and news media. It is already shipping tires from the warehouse to distribution facilities throughout the continent, from Quebec to California. The tiremaker opened its Dayton Factory in October 2019 and began commercial production the following January. It expanded operations from one shift to four in 2020, added 125 team members last year and completed a capital expansion this year that added light-truck capabilities and increased capacity. The company makes all-season and all-weather tires in Dayton and exclusively distributes them to North American customers. The opening of our finished goods warehouse marks the completion of a five-year growth process that took us from a 60-member launch team to a 500-colleague workforce, said Nokian Tyres Dayton Factory Operations Director David Korda. We could not have reached this point without great dedication from our employees, and we are also grateful for the support we have received from the community, our customers and our colleagues around the globe. Nokian Tyres has made North America a priority, and the Dayton Factory is the center of those efforts, said Nokian Tyres Vice President of Passenger Car Tyres Lauri Halme. Our growth in Southeast Tennessee allows us to serve growing demand for our all-season and all-weather tires in the United States and Canada, which complements our decades-long legacy of winter tire leadership. Nokian Tyres has won awards for the operations and culture at its Southeast Tennessee campus. It received Company of the Year honors from the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association in 2021 and was the first Rhea County company to win a Tennessee Governors Environmental Stewardship award. The factory possesses ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications for its quality, sustainability and safety, respectively. The factory is the first LEED v4 Silver-certified tire production building in the world and is partially powered by solar energy. Onsite solar panels provide three megawatt-hours of energy every year. Pieper O'Brien Herr Architects designed the warehouse, which was built by BC Construction Group. AtkinsRealis provided project management services. Later this year, Nokian Tyres will open a Central European production facility in Oradea, Romania, which will join Dayton and Nokia, Finland in its global production network. Timeline: Nokian Tyres Dayton Factory Fall 2017 Groundbreaking of the factory site Spring 2019 Hiring of factory launch team October 2019 Grand opening January 2020 Start of commercial production Summer 2020 ISO 9001 certification Summer 2021 Start of third and fourth production shifts; workforce doubles ISO 14001 certification January 2023 Capacity expansion, workforce increase announced May 2023 ISO 45001 certification June 2023 Completion of hiring process more than 125 new employees Spring 2024 Capacity expansion to as many as four million tires per year June 2024 Dedication of finished goods warehouse For a while, Pluto was considered the ninth planet in our solar system, but in 2006, it was reclassified as a dwarf planet because it did not meet all the criteria that are used by the International Astronomical Union to define a full-sized planet. Now, astronomers may be on the verge of discovering a ninth planetnot Pluto. The possible ninth world has been nicknamed Planet Nine. The hunt for Planet Nine has persisted for nearly a decade. Its been so hard to detect because of how far away it is from the sun. But with the opening of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile next year, scientists may just be able to spot the potential ninth planet or dismiss the idea of it for good. Aside from the now-downgraded Pluto, no other planets beyond Neptune or the Kuiper Belt have been found. The Kuiper Belt is a massive ring of asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets that orbit the sun beyond Neptune. As time went on, it was looking more and more unlikely that a ninth planet existed. However, in 2004, scientists discovered that a dwarf planet called Sedna, which was located past the Kuiper Belt, had an unusual orbit around the sun. This indicated that another large mass out there in the solar system was gravitationally pulling it. In 2014, an object in the Kuiper Belt with a similar orbit was found. Afterward, four others were detected as well. The findings have led scientists to the conclusion that an unknown planet was the cause of these strange orbits. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Beneath Rome, there are ancient burial grounds in dim tunnels that once contained the remains of the earliest Christians. They are known as the Catacomb Saints. Their skeletons were meticulously adorned with gold, precious gems, and fine fabrics before being displayed in churches throughout Europe. This practice served as a powerful reaffirmation of faith and highlighted the sacrifice that early Christian martyrs made in order for their religion to finally be accepted. The catacombs of Rome are ancient underground sacred burial sites dating back to the beginning years of Christianity. From the start, followers of Christ suffered greatly. They experienced persecution, exile, martyrdom, and more. As the religion spread, the catacombs became the final resting place for devout followers and the people who had died for their faith. In the 16th century, the Catholic Church went through a series of attacks known as the Great Iconoclasm. They were led by Calvinist Protestant crowds who destroyed religious imagery, causing many valuable relics of the Catholic Church to be lost forever. After such attacks, the Catholic Church sought to restore peoples faith by making use of Romes underground catacombs in 1578. Catholic officials found skeletons entombed in the catacombs. The remains were believed to be those of martyrs, but most of them likely belonged to some of Romes early Christian citizens. The bones were exhumed and transported to towns and churches across Europe. The Catholic Church went to great lengths to decorate the remains, as they were viewed as tangible connections to the churchs past. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. A father prays at the grave of his slain son who was murdered in an attack on an Ahmaddi mosque in Pakistan. Catholic advocate awarded by US State Department explains why Christians are disproportionately targeted while the Islamic majority predominantly accuses its own. Daniel Berehulak / Staff / Getty Last month, mob violence took the life of Lazar Masih of Pakistan. Hundreds of Muslims responded with brutality to accusations that the 74-year-old Christian had desecrated a Quraneven before he could be tried under the nations blasphemy law. A year earlier, in a similar blasphemy accusation, thousands of rioters burned hundreds of 400 homes and 26 churches, sending Christian villagers fleeing for safety. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has consistently condemned this hostile climate as unjust, including in a special update issued last December. The brutal killing of Lazar Masih is an alarming reminder of the dangers of merely being suspected or accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, stated USCIRF chair Stephen Schneck. The countrys draconian blasphemy law signals to society that alleged blasphemers deserve severe punishment, which emboldens private individuals and groups to take matters into their own hands. Pakistani authorities must hold those responsible for his death accountable. Sign up for CT Pastors Each weekly CT Pastors issue equips you with the best wisdom and practical tools for church ministry. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. Accountability is rare. In 2011, Pakistan executed the assassin of Salman Taseer, a former governor outspoken in his criticism of such laws. But from 1994 to 2023, 95 individuals were killed in blasphemy-related extrajudicial attacks, according to data compiled by the Lahore-based Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). Stretching back to 1987, at least 2,449 people have faced legal accusations. USCIRF has recommended Pakistan be classified as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) since 2002 for its violations of religious freedom. Created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), the independent bipartisan watchdog lobbies US policy to press reform on egregious offenders. In January, Rashad Hussein, the US ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, commemorated the 25th anniversary of IRFA by honoring CSJ executive director Peter Jacob as one of nine award recipients for his dedication to the cause. In particular, he praised CSJ for compiling Pakistans only comprehensive database of blasphemy-related arrests, prosecutions, and killings. Last year, 329 suffered under the law, and 7 people were killed before ever reaching the court. But of the accused, only 11 were Christians. High-profile cases such as Masihs tend to reach Western and persecution-monitoring media, overlooking the 247 Muslims who were overwhelmingly targeted in a nation that is 97 percent Muslim. Christians still suffer disproportionately, but Jacob works in defense of all. Since CSJ has started tracking data, 52 percent of accusations have been lodged against Muslims, 32 percent against Ahmadis (a heterodox Islamic offshoot founded by a messiah-like figure), 12 percent against Christians, 2 percent against Hindus, and 2 percent are of unconfirmed identity. Nearly 600 people are currently detained in prison. With such data, Jacob lobbies the government. In advance of last Februarys elections, he won concrete pledges to address minority rights issues in the platforms of three major political parties, who went on to win over half of Pakistans legislative seats. Obtaining reform is more difficult. Last year, parliament voted to increase the punishment for blasphemy offenses from three to ten years imprisonment. It also added language to forbid insults against the companions of Muhammad, which can implicitly target minority Shiites. The US State Department has adopted USCIRFs CPC recommendation since 2018. Open Doors ranks Pakistan No. 7 on its World Watch List of countries where it is hardest to be a Christian. Jacob founded CSJ in 2014 and has spent 35 years in human rights work. He obtained a master of laws degree from Notre Dame University and served 18 years as executive director of the National Commission for Peace and Justice, established by the Catholic Bishops Conference on Pakistan. CT asked Jacob about hate speech protections for Christians, why Muslims accuse each other of blasphemy, and how faith sustains him in an uphill battle: Why are Christians disproportionally accused of blasphemy? Christians take pride in the fact that their leadership supported the creation of Pakistan, and remain politically and socially active in the country while contributing to its welfare and defense. But this sentiment is in a direct clash with the monolithic view of Pakistan championed by sectarian parties and extremist groups. Persecuting minorities became politically advantageous in the pursuit of religious nationalism, and as Christians resisted the human rights violations against them, their victimization only increased in scope. Today, it is the Shiite Muslim sect that is predominantly persecuted. But as blasphemy laws were introduced by the military government in the early 1980s, and especially since 1992 when they were fully activated, Christians have been among the foremost victims. Are the accusations based on fact? Given the harsh punishments in the law and an environment of hostile social behavior, it is safe to say that blasphemy, in the real sense, is almost nonexistent. The entire range of cases is either totally or partially fabricated. Experts widely believe that the civil law prohibitions of disrespect to the Quran and insult against the Prophet Muhammad are massively misused. Even so, the laws are discriminatory, religion-specific, and lack the safeguards built into criminal justice systems throughout the world. As the law fails to take into consideration the element of intent, it tends to punish the accused on mere suspicion. How do Muslim-world blasphemy laws differ from legitimate hate speech protections? In many Muslim majority nations like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, blasphemy is not treated as a major offense. But Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Iran assign severe punishments up to the death penalty, established through religious decrees. Pakistans blasphemy laws came through an illegitimate military dictatorship, and then was later approved by parliamentwhich was assumed as popular approvaland subsequent political manipulation turned them into a social movement. Nevertheless, the United Nations has urged all states to repeal blasphemy laws as inconsistent with human rights. Hate speech can cause human suffering. Given that defamation of religion is determined by perception, it is impossible to measure damage to a nonliving concept. Incitement to violence should be the true area of concern. Are Pakistani Christians in need of hate speech protections? The law already has provisions to deal with hate crimes and provocation to animosity. The amendments to create blasphemy laws were therefore unnecessary and have created more tension and sparked more conflict than anything it has resolved. Religious minorities have become vulnerable regarding their physical safety. In fact, after the 2013 suicide bombing at a church in Peshawar, the supreme court issued orders to ensure the protection of places of worship, secure minority participation in public policy, and promote their economic well-being. Unfortunately, implementation is still pending. I do not imagine there are any quick fixes. But building a counternarrative of inclusion can begin by undoing faulty provisions in existing blasphemy laws to add workable safeguards. This would include defining the offense of an insult, exempting unintended actions or speech, and delineating the scope of nonbelievers to speak about another religion. Why do Muslims accuse each other of blasphemy? Sectarian differences have rattled society. Religious intolerance was first directed at the Ahmadi school of thought, a 19th-century offshoot of Islam that developed in India, as its founder claimed to be a prophet. As Muhammad is considered to be the final prophet, the law has barred Ahmadis from calling themselves Muslims since 1974, and a decade later prevented them from using Islamic symbols. Deeming their beliefs and practices as heretical, many organizations nurtured hostility toward them even to the point of human rights violations, criminal violence, and outright persecution. This exclusion and intolerance then became part of Pakistans overall social climate. Christians became the next victims, and later Shiites and other minorities have also been on the receiving end. The state became hostage to an ill-conceived law and unscrupulous implementation, aggravating otherwise ordinary individual community conflicts. Differences in interpretation among Muslim sects caused further tension, as extremists labeled other sects as apostates and blasphemers. By virtue of their weaker status, minority groups suffer the most. Does the blasphemy law impede the church and its witness? There is abundant evidence that these laws have violated the freedom of religion, opinion, and expression of even the most legitimate religious leaders. But furthermore, they have created a generation of disenchanted youth who have turned away from those who use these laws to further their own vested interests. It is difficult for the new generation to find a genuine discourse on religion. If Pakistan adopted the American respect for religious freedom, ensuring the noninterference of the state in personal affairs of faith, this would not only be a way forward for the church but result in a transformation of the entire social order. How does CSJ contribute to this goal? Although those who joined hands to create Pakistan had varied objectives, there is ample evidence the state was to be a democracy based on the principles of equality and equity. What we see now related to freedom of religion is an aberration and contradiction to this original objective, so we dedicate our efforts to defining an alternative view of Pakistan. And therefore, as an independent and multifaith human rights organization, we advocate for alternative public policies. We do this primarily by collecting data on the abuse of blasphemy laws, sharing our findings, and proposing remedies for relief. We argue that the government should set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the scale and magnitude of this abuse and empower it to act on its findings. We seek allies to join in this demand and improve upon our recommendations. Unfortunately, the authorities have not followed through. Does personal faith sustain your advocacy? I was raised Catholic within the ecumenical Christianity of Pakistan, and my worldview was informed primarily by Catholic social teachings. In my youth, I was particularly impressed by liberation theology and its concept of active nonviolence. As such, I have chosen to work for much of my lifebut not exclusivelywith Catholic organizations. Jesus was accused of blasphemyevidence of how a collective entity can level such atrocious charges for their personal gain. His parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to reach out to all people in their distress, regardless of their identity. The Christian tradition contributed strongly to the development of human rights, as a neutral ground for all human beings. I believe this is the best outcome of religious and educational experience. At CSJ, we are strong believers in human goodwill. Our movement has endured difficult times through a deep faith that the people of Pakistan will change the course of our national history. This hope, along with our marginal successes, encourages us to continue the struggle. Please keep us in your prayers. Home News Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes bill requiring insurance companies to cover detransitions Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed a bill that would require health insurance companies to cover detransition procedures of individuals who underwent gender transition procedures and are now seeking to align their physical appearance with their biological sex again. Hobbs sent a letter Tuesday to Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican, informing him that she was vetoing Senate Bill 1511 but didn't elaborate much on her reasoning behind the veto. She only indicated that she viewed the bill as "unnecessary," expressing concern that it "would create a privacy risk for patients." Senate Bill 1511 was approved by the Republican-controlled Arizona Senate in a 16-12 vote and passed by the Republican-controlled Arizona House of Representatives in a 31-29 vote. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "A physician, health care institution or other person or entity that is licensed or otherwise authorized to furnish health care services in this state and that performs gender transition procedures must agree to provide or pay for the performance of gender detransition procedures," the bill states. The bill would have prohibited health insurance providers from denying coverage for "gender detransition procedures." If passed, the measure would have required health insurance providers to compile reports about the number of detransition claims that included the "age and sex of the individual who received the gender detransition procedure" as well as the date of the individual's gender transition procedure and the location in the state where the detransition procedure took place. The proposed legislation forbade the inclusion of personally identifying information about detransitioners in the report. Hobbs' veto of the measure reflects the politically polarizing nature of the debate about surgical and hormonal gender transition interventions, with Democrats generally supporting such procedures and Republicans opposing them. All Republicans in both chambers of the state legislature voted in favor of the proposal, while not a single Democrat voted for it. The plight of detransitioners, individuals who once identified as a member of the opposite sex and underwent some type of gender transition procedure only to regret those procedures later on and see their gender dysphoria subside, has gained national attention. One of the most prominent detransitioners who has emerged as a national voice against gender transition surgeries is Chloe Cole. Cole, now an adult, filed a lawsuit last year against the medical professionals who treated her as she experienced gender dysphoria as a teenager. A notice of intent to sue filed earlier in the year detailed how Cole was "advised that the distress she experienced because of her gender dysphoria would resolve as she transitioned," only to discover that her "distress always came back worse" following the "initial relief" that occurred after "each phase of transition." Cole had a double mastectomy performed on her at the age of 15. The notice of intent to sue alleged that the removal of the healthy breast tissue caused her to experience suicidal thoughts and a deteriorating state of mental health. In an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference last year, Cole elaborated on the struggles she has experienced as a detransitioner seeking to reverse or mitigate the effects of the life-altering procedures performed on her. "I've reached out to the team of medical professionals who helped me transition, and I haven't gotten any help with my detransition," she said. "I've even tried to figure out how to go through the motions all by myself." Lamenting that California, where she resides, does not provide health insurance coverage for detransition procedures, Cole explained "I'm having a lot of complications from the blockers, the cross-sex hormones and the surgery and I haven't gotten help with any of those." She stressed that there are "no standards of care for people like me." Cole also obtained puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, which are frequently prescribed to youth with gender dysphoria. As outlined by the American College of Pediatricians, puberty blockers can cause "osteoporosis, mood disorders, seizures, cognitive impairment" and sterility, while cross-sex hormones can lead trans-identified individuals to "an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, blood clots and cancers across their lifespan." Concerns about the long-term impact of gender transition procedures, illustrated in part by Cole's experience, have led several states, including Arizona, to implement measures prohibiting the performance of some or all of the life-altering procedures on minors. Arizona's ban only applied to gender transition surgeries, not puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones. Hobbs issued an executive order shortly after taking office last year that seeks to ensure "access to medically necessary gender-affirming healthcare" and reversed a ban prohibiting the health insurance plan provided to state employees from excluding gender transition procedures. Home News Biden can't force religious employers to provide accommodations for elective abortions, court rules Several Catholic organizations have prevailed, at least temporarily, in their efforts to block the Biden administration from enforcing a rule that would require them to provide their employees with accommodations for elective abortions in violation of their deeply held religious beliefs. In an opinion released Monday, federal Judge David Joseph granted a preliminary injunction preventing the Biden administration from enforcing a rule interpreting the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to require employers to provide their employees with accommodations in order to obtain an abortion against the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Lafayette and Lake Charles in Louisiana, along with The Catholic University of America and the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Josephs decision comes after the Catholic organizations filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana last month asking a federal judge to strike down the rule. The states of Louisiana and Mississippi challenged the rule in a separate complaint and Josephs ruling covers both cases, which are now consolidated. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Josephs preliminary injunction prevents the Biden administration from enforcing the requirement that covered entities provide accommodation for the elective abortions of employees that are not necessary to treat a medical condition related to pregnancy against the states of Louisiana and Mississippi and their agencies, employers with 15 or more employees in the two states, as well as the Catholic organizations named as plaintiffs. The ruling will remain in effect until final judgment is entered in the consolidated cases. Efforts to secure a permanent block against the rule are ongoing. Passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, a massive omnibus bill approved by the United States Congress in 2022, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers with 15 or more workers to accommodate the pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition of a qualified employee. The law granted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission the authority to issue regulations that provide examples of reasonable accommodations addressing known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The regulations implemented by the executive branch agency last year include having or choosing not to have an abortion on a list of examples of what constitutes pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and, therefore, must be accommodated by employers. The regulations also defined related medical conditions as medical conditions which relate to, are affected by, or arise out of pregnancy or childbirth, as applied to the specific employee or applicant in question, including, but not limited to, termination of pregnancy, including via miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Joseph, appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump, determined that the EEOC likely exceeded its statutory authority in including an abortion accommodation mandate in the Final Rule. Maintaining that abortion is a term that is widely understood by everyone, Joseph wrote, If Congress had intended to mandate that employers accommodate elective abortions under the PWFA, it would have spoken clearly when enacting the statute, particularly given the enormous social, religious, and political importance of the abortion issue in our nation. Instead, he noted, Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle expressly stated that the PWFA does not address abortion as the measure was under consideration. Laura Wolk Slavis, counsel at the law firm Becket that is representing the Catholic organizations, cheered Mondays decision in a statement describing the ruling as an important step in ensuring that American workplaces can be free to continue serving their communities consistent with their beliefs. Slavis added, The EEOC twisted a law protecting expecting mothers and their babies and co-opted the workplaces of over 130 million Americans to support abortion. That is an abuse of power no one should have to choose between their conscience and protecting pregnant women, she added. Banning employers nationwide from affirming life is unacceptable and unlawful. As Becket explained, The federal government has 60 days to appeal the decision. Any appeal would go before a panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Home News Daystar Television removes Robert Morris content from network after child sex abuse allegations Texas-based Daystar Television Network, one of the largest Christian television networks in the world, has removed all programming featuring Gateway Church founder Robert Morris following his resignation amid an allegation that he sexually abused Cindy Clemishire over multiple years in the 1980s beginning when she was 12. We are deeply grieved and saddened by the recent and very serious allegations against Pastor Robert Morris involving the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old minor. In light of these events and a recently released statement by Gateways Elders, Daystars leadership has made the decision to remove all of Pastor Robert Morris programming from our broadcasting schedule, the network said in a statement released Tuesday on X. Daystar unequivocally condemns the actions described in these allegations and remains committed to upholding biblical values as outlined in the Word of God. As we navigate through this challenging situation, we extend our heartfelt support and prayers to all those impacted, the network added. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Morris programming appeared on the network every day except Saturday. His ministry was featured Monday-Friday at 5 p.m. EST, Thursdays at 10 p.m. EST and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. EST. Clemishire, a 54-year-old grandmother, reported last Friday that the megachurch founder began sexually abusing her on Dec. 25, 1982, when she was just 12 years old. She says the abuse continued for four-and-a-half years before he was found out. But he was later allowed to return to ministry. When questioned about the allegations by The Christian Post, Morris only confessed to being involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady more than 35 years ago and said he repented and was restored to ministry. In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of. I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young ladys father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counseling and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area, Morris said. Clemishire insisted to CP, however, that she was no young lady when Morris abused her. I was 12 years old. I was a little girl. A very innocent little girl. And he was brought into our home. He and his wife, Debbie, and their little boy, Josh, and trusted and preached at the church that my dad helped start and then began grooming all of us to do this, which took me decades to wrap my brain around as an adult, she said. It went on for many years. He says there was no sexual intercourse, but he did touch every part of my body and inserted his fingers into me, which I understand now is considered a form of rape by instrumentation. I was an innocent 12-year-old little girl who knew nothing about sexual behavior. In announcing Morris resignation Tuesday, elders at Gateway Church said Morris did not reveal he had abused a 12-year-old, and they were under the impression she was an adult. But Clemishire disputes the churchs claim. "The leadership at Gateway received actual notice of this crime in 2005 when I sent an email directly to Robert Morris' Gateway email address. Former Gateway elder, Tom Lane, received and responded to my email, acknowledging that the sexual abuse began on December 25, 1982, when I was 12 years old," Clemishire said in a statement released Tuesday night by her attorney Boz Tchividjian. "Again in 2007, my then attorney Gentner Drummond (the current Attorney General of Oklahoma) sent a letter to Robert Morris with the hope that he would help reimburse me for the thousands of dollars I had expended in counseling as a result of this abuse. His attorney acknowledged the dates as well and then attempted to blame me for the abuse," she insisted. "At the very least, both the Gateway pastor and at least one elder had specific notice that I was sexually abused beginning when I was 12 years old. Gateway had the information but intentionally decided to embrace the false narrative Robert Morris wanted to believe." Though he previously featured prominently in former President Donald Trumps Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, a spokesperson for Trumps 2024 presidential campaign also revealed that Morris no longer has a role in it. Home News Georgia's new foreign agents law threatens churches, legal expert warns The Georgian government has enacted a law that aims to persecute churches, non-governmental organizations and independent media, according to a renowned law professor. The Foreign Influence Transparency Law, in force since June 3 despite widespread protests, makes churches, NGOs and media enter personal information on a public register if they receive more than a fifth of income from supporters abroad or face thousands of dollars in fines. Giorgi Meladze, a law professor at Ilia State University, told rights watchdog Forum 18 that the impact of the law on smaller religious communities stood out as a particular concern. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe It is our belief that the law was specifically designed as an instrument to target others, and religious minorities should consider it a threat to their fundamental rights and liberties, Meladze said. Forum 18 sought answers from Zaza Vashakmadze, head of the State Agency for Religious Issues, about which religious organizations would be affected by the law, and why the state demanded such detailed information about funding. He did not respond. Any listed churches, NGOs or media organizations failing to comply face heavy fines of 25,000 lari ($8,945) and have details noted on the register regardless, according to RFE/RLs Georgian Service. A financial declaration is then needed by the organization or another fine of 10,000 lari ($3,500) is imposed. The state authority would then check a month later, and further disobedience to comply with the law results in yet another fine of 20,000 lari ($7,150). Fines for the same amount would be levied each month the organization does not give the details required. Meladze said consistent suppression by the government had caused religious groups to be less visible. He called the crackdown a historical low. With very little visibility in public debate, religious minorities risk losing their rights without this being noticed, he told Forum 18. The Georgia governments haste in adopting the new law has also dented any democratic response by groups concerned, according to Meladze. The speed at which the government rushed to adopt the law never gave enough space for wider public discussion and consultation with stakeholders, including religious minority groups, he told Forum 18. One can even argue that religious minorities were kept on the margins throughout the process. Despite public protests, on May 28, the Georgian Parliament vetoed President Salome Zurabishvilis refusal to sign the bill, and the chairman of parliament, Shalva Papuashvili signed it into law. The Georgian Dream Party, dominating the countrys parliament since 2012 and led by businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, pushed the law through after considering a similar regulation in March 2023. Forum 18 stated that Ivanishvili had promised not to adopt a similar law in the future. The promise was broken, and not for the first time, Meladze commented. The legal regulation also demands personal information about staff of organizations, including religious views. Many aspects of the law remained vague and dangerously open to interpretation by authorities, Forum 18 said in a press statement. The Rev. Zaal Tkeshelashvili of the Evangelical Church of Georgia, said he feared the state installing surveillance cameras in every corner to control the religious or private lives of believers. Meladze said the legal culture in Georgia needed to be understood to perceive the underlying threat now facing Evangelicals and others under the new law. He listed characteristics such as a formalistic application of law, wide discretion of the executive, spontaneous and anonymous authorship of the precedent and the discriminatory attitude of policy-making institutions. The ambiguity of the law hence created a toxic mix for human rights protection, according to Meladze. Papuashvili defended the law in responding to concerns of Michael OFlaherty, commissioner for human rights at the Council of Europe. He called the new law essential, not optional, for increasing transparency. On April 16, Papuashvili wrote to OFlaherty, Overall, the draft law is compatible with the European human rights standards. He said a previous, similar draft law had been ditched on the understanding that Georgian and foreign organizations would open up their funding and provide requested information. We tried to partner with major donor organizations on [a] voluntary basis, but, despite our attempts, the situation worsened, Papuashvili wrote. The unfortunate reality in Georgia is that certain non-profit organizations continue to evade transparency requirements and covertly influence political, economic and security processes. Archil Metreveli, law professor and head of the Institute for Religious Freedom at the University of Georgia, differed with Papuashvili on the effect upon human rights in the country. The initiation and adoption process of this law suggests that the governments real purpose is not to ensure public transparency of the finances of private organizations, including religious organizations, but to exert control, Metreveli told Forum 18. The adoption of the law will have an expressly negative impact on human rights in Georgia, including the freedom of religion or belief, he said. This effect will be both direct and indirect, and it will be devastating, Metreveli told Forum 18. There are similarities between the new law, known as the Foreign Agents Law, with a similar law adopted by Russia in 2012, Forum 18 noted. Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has requested that the Georgian government withdraw the law, underlining that it poses serious threats to the rights to freedom of expression and association. The European Commission for Democracy through Law, commonly known as the Venice Commission and an advisory body to the Council of Europe, has also criticized the new law. This law, which is human-rights sensitive but is also highly controversial in Georgian society, as is demonstrated by the massive reactions in the country, was adopted in a procedure which left no space for genuine discussion and meaningful consultation, in open disregard for the concerns of large parts of the Georgian people, said the commission, according to Forum 18. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europes Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in an urgent opinion on May 30, stated the law did not pursue a legitimate objective as reflected in international human rights instruments, nor attests to a particular necessity, and unduly impacts the right to association and right to privacy, among others. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International. Home News Indian state set to introduce strict anti-conversion law Rajasthan has drafted legislation to curb religious conversions considered illegal, aligning with several other BJP-governed states that have already enacted strict anti-conversion laws. In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, the Rajasthan government acknowledged the absence of specific legislation on religious conversions in the state. However, it noted that it is "in the process of bringing its own legislation" to address the issue. Until this law is enacted, the state has committed to "strictly abide by the law on the subject, guidelines, or the directions passed by this Hon'ble Court." This move is a response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay in 2022, which called for stringent measures against forced conversions, particularly concerning alleged mass conversions of socially and economically underprivileged individuals nationwide. However, the Supreme Court objected to certain derogatory statements about minority religions made by the petitioner in the petition and requested their removal. The court also replaced the petitioner's name in the cause title with "In Re: The Issue of Religious Conversion." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In addition to this petition, the court has combined it with other PILs challenging the religious conversion laws passed by Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and other states. Recently, during the hearing of a different case, a Supreme Court bench noted that certain aspects of the UP anti-conversion law seemed to violate Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom. Rajasthan's decision aligns it with states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, which have implemented similar laws in recent years. These laws have faced criticism for infringing on personal liberties and targeting minority communities, particularly Christians. This has reignited a long-standing debate on the necessity of such measures to protect vulnerable populations from coercive or fraudulent conversions. The state's affidavit marks a significant departure from the stance of the previous Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot, who had been a vocal critic of anti-conversion laws. Gehlot had argued that such legislations "will leave consenting adults at the mercy of state power," emphasizing the potential for misuse and the infringement on personal freedoms. Rajasthan had promulgated an anti-conversion law in 2006 during the first tenure of former CM Vasundhara Raje's government, but despite being passed by the state assembly, it could not come into force for want of assent from the governor and the president. However, a set of guidelines issued by the Rajasthan High Court in December 2017 allows scrutiny and prior approval by the state machinery into interfaith marriages. The High Court had stated that until the state government enacted a law, the court had a duty to issue guidelines to "check the problem of forcible conversion of religion for the purpose of solemnizing marriage only." There are at least ten states in the country where similar legislations on unlawful conversions are in force, including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh government's law, infamously known as the 'love-jihad' law, prescribes a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 50,000 (US$597) for conversion under marriage, fraud, coercion or enticement. The controversy surrounding anti-conversion laws in India has a long history, with several princely states enacting such laws even before Independence to restrict missionary activities. Examples include the Raigarh State Conversion Act of 1936, the Patna Freedom of Religion Act of 1942, the Sarguja State Apostasy Act of 1945, and the Udaipur State Anti-Conversion Act of 1946. Specific laws against conversion to Christianity were also enacted in states like Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kalahandi and Kota. The last attempt at a central legislation on this issue was in 1978 when the Janata Party government introduced the All India Freedom of Religion Bill in the Lok Sabha. However, the bill was never discussed and was subsequently dropped after the government fell in July 1979. Originally published at Christian Today India Home News Judge grants bail to 52 Muslims accused of murdering Christian man over false blasphemy accusation LAHORE, Pakistan Due to a sloppy police investigation and pressure from an Islamist extremist party, a judge last week granted bail to at least 52 Muslims accused of killing a Christian man over a false blasphemy accusation, sources said. Last Thursday, the Special Judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court, Sargodha Muhammad Abbas, granted bail to the suspects, including three individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR), in the lynching of 74-year-old Nazeer Masih Gill in the Mujahid Colony area of Sargodha, Punjab Province, on May 25. Gill succumbed to his injuries at a military hospital in Rawalpindi on June 3. Attorney Asad Jamal said he regretted the release of the suspects but was anticipating it because of the polices intentional poor investigation. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The polices conduct was suspicious from the onset, Jamal told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The investigators neither preserved the crime scene nor made any attempt to interrogate the detained suspects. The suspects were arrested and sent to jail on the same day, whereas the police should have sought their physical remand for interrogation to record their first version statements to link their involvement in the incident. The Muslim lawyer, who has represented several people falsely accused of blasphemy, including Christians, was part of a fact-finding mission of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) that termed Gills lynching a calculated assault, manipulated through religious fervor to gain maximum leverage. Jamal said it was clear that police had deliberately recorded statements of false witnesses to damage the case. They should have identified neighbors who witnessed the entire incident and recorded their statements, but it was not done, he said. Moreover, the police have not recorded the statements of Gills family to date. Jamal said police were not sharing any information with Gills family, though they are a natural party to the case. Bails are not granted without notice, Jamal said. Why didnt the judge summon the affected family? Why didnt the police inform them about the bail hearing and bring them to court to present their point of view? There is no indication that the government has any intention of gathering evidence and prosecuting the suspects, he said. According to criminal procedure, though the family can make a representation in the case, the responsibility of prosecution is on the government, and it has to take a lead in it, he added. Jamal said the family could proceed with a private complaint, but he asked how would they come up with evidence. Will the police share their evidence with the family? he asked. It is not easy to pursue a private complaint in court, particularly in cases where a mob is involved. This particular case is very complicated both politically and legally and theres very little hope for justice for the victim. The lawyer also criticized the governments inaction against the hardline Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which staged a massive protest against police in Sargodha against the arrest of their members involved in Gills lynching. TLP leaders publicly threatened police and Christians and proudly endorsed Gills killing, yet no action has been taken against them, Jamal said. It was also a clear attempt to pressure the court. Expecting Pakistani judges to hear and decide sensitive cases without the support and protection of the government is tantamount to giving them a death sentence. The Urban Area Police Station had registered a FIR on behalf of the state against 44 named and 300 to 400 unidentified suspects. The case was registered under several sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including murder, attempt to murder, obstructing public officials in discharging their duty, assaulting a public official and mischief by fire or explosive material with intent to destroy a house or cause death or hurt. Judge Abbas admitted the suspects pleas, in which they claimed that police had implicated them in the case only on the basis of suspicion. They stated that police had failed to attribute their specific roles in the incident, and none of the 18 witnesses had identified them. Moreover, nothing has been recovered from their possession, they added. Accepting the petitions, the judge ordered the suspects release on bail against surety bonds of 100,000 rupees (US$360) each. The release of the suspects shocked and disappointed Christians and rights advocates. They believe that outcome of Gills case will be similar to the Jaranwala cases of Aug. 16, in which all detained suspects have been freed on bail, and the court has halted proceedings due to defective police investigation and weak prosecution. The victims son, Sultan Gill, confirmed to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that police had neither recorded their statements nor informed them about the bail applications. The news of the bails came as a surprise to us, Sultan Gill said. We only came to know about this when the police suddenly increased deployment in our area, as most of the men freed on bail are from our neighborhood. He said that police were forcing them to stay indoors, making them prisoners in their own house. We are clueless and dont know where this case is heading. I dont think we have any other option but to relocate from this city, he said. Though church leaders and Christian socio-political activists have spoken out against the increasing violent persecution of their community, the governments silence and inaction have led many to believe that the community has been left at the mercy of Islamist extremists. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. Originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Lawmakers seek to force tech companies to remove deepfake pornography A new bill was introduced in Congress Wednesday by a bipartisan group of senators led by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to mandate that technology and social media platforms remove any deepfake pornography within 48 hours of its detection. This bipartisan initiative seeks to provide a more robust legal framework to combat the emerging threat of digitally manipulated abusive content. The TAKE IT DOWN Act proposes stricter penalties for individuals and tech companies that fail to remove harmful content within 48 hours upon a victim's request. Individuals found guilty of creating and distributing deepfake pornography could face up to two years in prison for images of adults and up to three years for images involving children. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Failure by a company to diligently comply could be classified as either an unfair or deceptive practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Led by Cruz, the bill is also sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., Todd Young. R-Ind., Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Martin Heinrich. D-N.M. In recent years, weve witnessed a stunning increase in exploitative sexual material online, largely due to bad actors taking advantage of newer technologies like generative artificial intelligence," Cruz said in a statement. "Many women and girls are forever harmed by these crimes, having to live with being victimized again and again. ... While some states provide legal remedies for victims of non-consensual intimate imagery, states would be further supported by a uniform federal statute that aids in removing and prosecuting the publication of non-consensual intimate images nationwide." Cruz believes the bill would put the "responsibility on websites to have in place procedures to remove these images." Praising the bill, Melissa Henson, vice president of the Parents Television and Media Council, said in a statement there is an urgent need for this legislation. "Children and teens are becoming the targets of deepfake pornography. Right now, tech and social media platforms aren't prioritizing taking down this kind of content, leaving families nowhere to turn for justice," she said. Deepfake content uses artificial intelligence to create or alter video content so convincingly that it can be difficult to detect as fake. "It is appalling that children are being subjected to this kind of abuse, which is magnified as it spreads on the internet. The tech industry must confront this and the 'Take it Down Act' will ensure that tech has accountability for acting to remove deepfake pornography," Henson added. Echoing the concerns, other voices across the political and technological spectrum have pointed out the inadequacies in the existing mechanisms to handle such abuses. The encrypted messaging platform Telegram was listed on the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's annual Dirty Dozen List of mainstream facilitators of sexual exploitation due to lax content moderation policies concerning image-based sexual abuse, including deepfake pornography and nonconsensual distribution of explicit material. The issue has personally touched politicians such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who revealed her own disturbing encounter with deepfake pornography. While discussing legislation with aides, she came across an AI-generated image depicting her in a sexually explicit act. "There's a shock to seeing images of yourself that someone could think are real," Ocasio-Cortez told Rolling Stone. "As a survivor of physical sexual assault, it adds a level of dysregulation. It resurfaces trauma." Ocasio-Cortez is spearheading the House version of the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE) Act of 2024, aimed at facilitating easier legal action for victims of nonconsensual AI-generated porn. It's more real than some people believe, she said at the time, adding that it profoundly affects not only the victims but also those who view and engage with it. Breeze Liu, a survivor of online image abuse, shared her harrowing experience with The New York Times in April. After discovering a video of herself on Pornhub, Liu felt an overwhelming sense of despair, contemplating suicide due to the shame and violation she felt. It was one of the most devastating moments of her entire life, Liu recounted. Despite the removal of the original video, deepfakes of her continued to circulate, worsening her trauma. Liu's struggle reflects the larger issue of tech companies' complicity in the proliferation of such content. Nicholas Kristof, a columnist for The Times, criticized the role of search engines like Google and Bing in facilitating access to deepfake content. These companies monetize such victims, Kristof said, suggesting that more stringent regulations and amendments to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act could hold tech companies more accountable. The TAKE IT DOWN Act and the DEFIANCE Act seek to establish a legal framework that penalizes the creation and distribution of such content and empowers victims to seek justice. Home News More Israelis requesting copies of the New Testament after Oct. 7, Messianic Jewish group says The faith-based nonprofit Jews for Jesus, an organization that shares the Gospel with people of the Jewish faith, says it has seen an increase in the number of New Testament orders from Israelis since the war between Israel and Hamas began last October. Jews for Jesus, affiliated with the Messianic Jewish movement, is an organization dedicated to helping Jewish people continue living out their faith while believing in Christ, the Son of God. According to the nonprofit's website, Jews for Jesus' international headquarters is located in San Francisco, but the group has various branch offices in cities worldwide, including New York, London, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The organization engages in conversations about Jesus in public spaces like college campuses and parks and hosts events to create opportunities for dialogue. The group is devoted to demonstrating Christ-like behavior through charitable acts, such as soup kitchens and ministering to Holocaust survivors during their last days of life. Jews for Jesus offers the New Testament for free to Israelis through its website and the sites of its ministry partners, One for Israel or Tree of Life Ministries. According to data provided to The Christian Post, the organization has seen 1,230 New Testament orders from Israelis since the war between Israel and the terror group Hamas began in October. Israel launched a military operation to eradicate Hamas after the terror group killed around 1,200 people and abducted over 240 others during a surprise attack on Oct. 7. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims over 37,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began but has not differentiated between combatants and civilians. Jews for Jesus Executive Director Aaron Abramson told CP that one possible reason for the increase in requests is that Israelis appear to have a lot of questions, including spiritual ones, since Hamas' Oct. 7 onslaught "But there's also a kind of hopelessness," Abramson said. "Israel has prided itself in its ability to defend itself, so Oct. 7 was a real blow to that for people. You had people questioning whether they should remain in Israel and if it was safe for them. You have people who once lived in other countries and experienced antisemitism who were like, 'Well, where do we go from here?'" "And so, if you can't put your trust in maybe, let's say, a political solution, you can't put your trust in like a military solution, or if you can't put your trust in an economic solution, then where do you put your trust?" he asked. "And I think that's why a lot of people were starting to sort of dig into those spiritual questions." Abramson said that many of the organization's staff in Israel have wives, husbands or kids in the Israeli military who were called in after Oct. 7. He said the nonprofit decided to "shift gears" by supporting those who were impacted by the terrorist attack, partnering with groups like Samaritan's Purse to help those in need. In addition to helping kibbutzim residents relocate after Hamas devastated their communities, Jews for Jesus helped provide food once residents resettled at hotels. The nonprofit also helped set up makeshift classrooms so the children of the kibbutzim communities could continue going to school. Jews for Jesus transformed its Moishe Roshen Center in Tel Aviv into a location that provided resources to those impacted by Oct. 7, such as toiletries and medication. Abramson said that the group even set up an art gallery to help people express themselves and hosted barbeques for military units. "So for us, it was really how can we create space for people to come in to wrestle through deeper questions and how can we speak to those spiritual needs, as well as meeting some of those emotional and physical needs?" Abramson said. A nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching Jews about Jesus is not without controversy, however. The nonprofit CEO said the group has received some pushback from some Orthodox communities who are opposed to Jews for Jesus' missionary work. In the past, he said the organization has attempted to conduct outreach in Jerusalem, and a whole yeshiva of around 20 or 30 guys have come out to stop them. A yeshiva is a traditional Jewish education institution that usually includes the study of writings like the Talmud. "I'm not trying to make the claim that Judaism is about following Jesus," Abramson clarified. "I realize that the majority of the different branches of Judaism would disagree that Jesus is the Messiah." "But that doesn't change the fact that there are a significant amount of Jews in Israel and abroad, in the United States and other places that have found meaning, life and hope in Jesus as their Jewish Messiah," he added. When it comes to sharing the Gospel with Jews, Abramson said there is not a "one-size fits all approach," highlighting the variety of Jewish communities who believe different things. For example, a secular Jew may have questions about the existence of God and the conversation may take a different turn compared to a discussion with an Orthodox Jew. "So, I think there are a few things that I encourage people to do," Abramson said. "One, don't be afraid. Jewish people are like everybody else in that you can talk and bring stuff up." "And, you know, I wouldn't say just ignore the social cues you're getting," the CEO continued. "You know, try and get an idea. Does it seem like they want to interact around it? You can always toss a seed out there. Even the smallest little thing." "There are moments when God may inspire you just to be bold and to say, 'Hey, I just want to tell you, I don't know if you've ever considered this,' ... and people will come to faith that way." Home News NYC 'Bling Bishop' Lamor Whitehead sentenced to 9 years in prison for financial crimes A New York City pastor known as the Bling Bishop will spend nearly a decade behind bars for financial crimes that he has vehemently denied committing. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York announced Monday that Bishop Lamor Whitehead was sentenced to nine years in prison for wire fraud, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal law enforcement agents. Whitehead, pastor of Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Brooklyn, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $85,000 in restitution and a fine of $95,000. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Lamor Whitehead is a con man who stole millions of dollars in a string of financial frauds and even stole from one of his own parishioners, said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams. He lied to federal agents, and again to the Court at this trial. Todays sentence puts an end to Whiteheads various schemes and reflects this Offices commitment to bring accountability to those who abuse their positions of trust. Whiteheads sentencing at the hands of U.S. District Court Judge Lorna Schofield comes three months after his conviction for using $90,000 given to him by a parishioner he vowed to assist with purchasing a home to make a down payment for a $4.4 million New Jersey mansion and attempting to force a body shop owner to give him $500,000 in exchange for promising him access to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office about Whiteheads sentencing contained additional details about the allegations against Whitehead taken directly from his indictment and evidence at trial. The statement notes that he falsely claimed he had millions of dollars in the bank and made hundreds of thousands of dollars a month when submitting an application for a $250,000 business loan. Whitehead received millions of dollars in loans due to making fraudulent loan applications similar to those of other financial institutions. Whiteheads charges of lying to federal agents stem from his insistence to federal law enforcement officials executing a search warrant at his mansion that he did not own any cell phones besides the one he had on his person despite having another cell phone. Whitehead has consistently maintained his innocence of any wrongdoing, posting an Instagram story after his conviction declaring that the story isnt over. Adding that God is still God and asserting that they can all laugh now and talk, he predicted that Jesus will get the glory and urged his followers to Stay tuned for this new chapter called Truth and vindication. Whiteheads nickname as the Bling Bishop stems from his extravagant lifestyle, which drew national attention after he was robbed at gunpoint in 2022. Multiple masked gunmen entered his church and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry as a frightened congregation looked on. The conviction slated to send Whitehead to prison is not the pastors first run-in with the law. In 2006, he was arrested for perpetrating a $2 million identity theft scheme and ended up serving five years in prison, securing release in 2013. Whitehead denied all allegations of wrongdoing in that case as well, maintaining that he was falsely convicted and arrested for a crime I did not commit. Home Opinion Conversion therapy myths harm same-sex attracted individuals (part 1) I am the boogeyman. Yes, according to the LGBTQ+ activists and their sympathizers, I am the terror that haunts their dreams. What am I? Im a psychotherapist that offers help to individuals with undesired same-sex eroticization and want to explore change in their sexual attractions and behaviors. The activists label me a conversion therapist, expecting that to be sufficient to vilify me. My supervillain origin story is that God placed a burden on me in college when I saw my peers who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction and behavior. These men were in a bind. If they shared with our Christian college administration, they ran the risk of being punished for violating the schools code of conduct. If they sought counseling off-campus, they often got set up with a therapist that claimed to be a Christian, but would not affirm their values and would try to convince them to embrace a gay self-label and explore homosexual relationships. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe But I couldnt just ignore this issue. No, instead, I made it my mission to read the books by the leaders of the ex-gay ministry movement, such as Frank Worthen, Andrew Comiskey, Joe Dallas, and others. And after interning at a counseling practice that specialized in all manner of sexual issues, I launched a support group at my alma mater, which I ran for eight years. The group was comprised of both men with heterosexual sexual addiction and men with unwanted same-sex attraction, all working through pains from the past. We shared boldly and honestly, responding with acceptance, destroying shame, and encouraging each other to move toward healing and growth. Several years into running this group, I went to graduate school to became a psychotherapist so I could do this type of work full-time. In June 2015, for the heinous crime of helping men with unwanted same-sex attraction, my graduate school kicked me out of the program. I was four weeks away from graduating. They told me I would be a threat to the field of psychotherapy. Those words follow me like a specter, though I have since completed my degree and received my license as a professional counselor. And I have no shortage of clients, the majority of which are men and women overcoming bondage to unwanted same-sex eroticization. I have no shame about the work I do. I see the good fruit all the time. And so, Im very open about it on my social media platforms. This has cost me job opportunities and made me the target of frivolous complaints to my old employer and my state board from complete strangers. With the enactment of various conversion therapy bans, I constantly face the threat of being outlawed. My opponents justify their witch hunt against me and my colleagues around the world because they have successfully indoctrinated the world with certain myths about our work. They may even believe these lies themselves, falling victim to their own propaganda. Certainly, the masses, desperate to be seen as compassionate and on the right side of history, have gobbled up these myths. They trust the ever so reliable and objective institutions (sarcasm), like both APAs, the ACA, the WHO, etc., who all parrot the same line: that so-called conversion therapy refers to a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing ones sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. This mantra is spawned by at least two myths: the harm myth and the ineffectiveness myth. The harm myth claims that all forms of counseling (or ministry or self-help, for that matter) to explore changes in sexuality are innately harmful. The ineffectiveness myth is that any attempt to alter sexuality is impossible. Both of these myths are rooted in what I call the sexual orientation paradigm, the idea that all humans are categorized by allegedly inborn and unchangeable sexual arousal patterns that are intrinsic to ones identity. Another myth that is often assumed is the coercion myth, which assumes that people minors especially engage in counseling for sexuality only because of external pressure or force. With these myths firmly in place in our cultures collective psyche, the privileged class in our post-Sexual Revolution society can easily squash the dissidents. They can justify trampling your rights because they claim to be protecting hapless victims from so-called perpetrators of something they portray as barbaric. The LGBTQ oligarchy has all the institutional power in the USA (and most of the Western world). But as long as they perpetuate the myth of me being a monster and my clients being victims, they can punch down while looking virtuous. The truth is the tyrants opposing my work are not motivated by compassion. Its resentment and contempt for the sexual norms and normative sexual development God has established and communicated in Scripture and general revelation. They want to ensure theres only one pathway for individuals with feelings, ideas, and experiences that differ from the norms of sexuality that God ordained: full affirmation. Any response that encourages no matter how safe or successful individuals to pursue alignment of their sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with the higher principles of Gods design and intent for sex and marriage is outright rejected. These ideologues literally believe they are oppressed by normality. Yes, my assertion is that the opposition to counseling for same-sex attraction is rooted in and driven by ideology, not by a preponderance of evidence showing that it is intrinsically coercive, harmful, or ineffective to obtain counseling for sexuality change. The truth is the powers that be have no genuine interest in the truth of our clients situations, worldview, and motivations for seeking counseling; what we actually do in therapy, nor the outcomes. Theyve already made up their minds decades ago. Therefore, they do not want you to know the truth either. And so, there is a war on information and freedom of therapeutic choice and thought. Remove all other options and the field is cleared of competition. Commence with indoctrination in the new sexual orthodoxy. In July 2019, at the behest of a gay activist from the UK, Amazon purged its site of books it had been selling by Joseph Nicolosi, the founder of authentic Reparative Therapy, as well as books by other well-respected leaders in the ex-gay ministry movement, such as Joe Dallas and Anne Paulk (now Anne Edward). It was a modern-day book burning. This incident inspired me to respond with a video series on my YouTube channel, PsychoBible, called Conversion Therapy Myths and Misunderstandings, the basis for this particular op-ed. True to form, YouTube just recently deleted one of the parts of this series, so you would have to go to one of my alternative platforms (Rumble.com or Odysee.com) to watch all the parts. I intend to write a few articles dispelling the myths around therapy for sexuality. Maybe well find out Im not the boogeyman after all. Home Opinion Getting out of Gods way in the journey of loving your LGBT-identified child For many of our children, when we, as Christian parents, hear the news of their acceptance or struggle with an LGBT identity, they already know where we stand. They know what we are against. But do they know who we are for? Indeed, it is easy to get caught up in the battle around us and forget they are more than their sin struggles. It is as though we have forgotten that God gave us to each other. Each person wanders off, barricades their heart, and deals with the aftermath of the explosion on their own. That is typical of trauma. We start spinning and eventually find we are a family of individual spinning plates. Each goes their own way. Before too long, we are out of control. We rarely if ever consider that whatever we are going through, God created us to face it together as a family. As Christian parents, when we step into the spiritual battle in this arena, there is a tendency to believe that if we just insert the correct Scripture verse into our conversation, it will magically turn everything around. Or perhaps if we could just share a redemptive testimony we have heard with our loved one, that will open their eyes and teach them how to walk out their healing. Or if we could tell them one more time that this is wrong, and God has something better for them, they will fall on their face in repentance. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Having a child embrace an LGBT life and identity will teach us things about ourselves we didnt know. I never thought I was a controlling person until my daughter shared that she experienced same-sex attraction and was choosing to embrace an LGBT identity. Forgetting this was a spiritual battle and not a physical one, I started controlling everything I could get my hands on. The means through which I thought would lead my daughter away from LGBT only pushed her further away. She didnt need a controller. She needed a mom to sit in the pain with her and lovingly help her sort out the confusion, a mother with whom she could share her hurts and struggles and not try to manage her healing but surrender it to the Holy Spirit. Its crucial to realize who the Holy Spirit is and what He does, especially in a sensitive area like this one. Being mindful that it is ultimately the LORD who gives sight to the blind (Psalm 146:8), we have to remember that it is the Holy Spirits role, not ours, to convict the world of sin (John 16:7-8), guide people into all truth (John 16:1315), and sanctify people (2 Thessalonians 2:13). What, then, can we do as parents who love our LGBT-identified kids? We love them as God defines love (1 Corinthians 13:47), we enjoy being a parent and see our children as gifts (Psalm 127:3), recognizing that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:16-20) while remembering that He works supernaturally through our prayers (Philippians 4:6). What would it feel like to just love your child with no expectations of them? No agenda when spending time with them? Just pure, simple parent-child love? The key to doing this is understanding that you are not the one who will open their spiritual eyes. This was a significant struggle for me, as it is for many other parents. If you find yourself here, you arent alone. We love our children immensely and want what is best for them. But Gods ways are so much better. Our job is not to remind them of their sin. God has called us to pray, love, and speak truth when necessary. How we share the truth and the intent of our heart in that sharing is just as important as the truth we want to share or the truth we feel they need to hear. Do you want to prove a point or win an argument? Take your words and heart before the Lord first and get His wisdom and insight. Just because truth can be spoken doesnt mean it needs to come from our mouths every time. When you have the right heart and the Holy Spirit is prompting you to speak, dont withhold the truth and let the truth do its job. There are indeed times when the truth needs to be spoken. But unless something new has come up, dont continue to bring up their sin every time you are with them. But remember, your child is not a problem to fix but a person to love. This treasured child staring back at you is the same child God gifted you with however many years ago. Your loved one in front of you has hurts and joys and wants to be seen, heard, included, and loved. Maintaining our lane creates the space for God to do what He can do. Your primary goal is to become a conduit through which the Holy Spirit ministers. If your child changes their life because of you, it will not last. But if they change their life because the Holy Spirit draws them, they will be forever transformed. Episcopal Church grapples with 'transformative role' in Native American residential schools For most Native American children in the late 19th century and early 20th, education was neither a right nor a privilege. Indigenous children from Florida to Alaska were taken away, sometimes by force, to residential schools run by the government and often by denominations that operated under government contracts. The aim of the education was to teach the children European American ways. Anything Indian, from language to clothing and dance, was forbidden. The system left a trail of trauma and death amid a quest for mass assimilation into white settler culture. Now the Episcopal Church, which was involved in running at least 34 of the schools, has begun to reckon with the outsized role it played in this history. Last June, the church's Executive Council allocated $2 million in a truth-seeking process aimed at documenting how Episcopal-run schools impacted lives for generations and to explain why things happened as they did. When Episcopalians gather next week (June 23-28) for their General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, a panel event will bear witness to boarding school legacies still impacting families and tribal communities. Meanwhile, two Episcopal commissions overseeing the research are asking bishops churchwide to grant access to archives in their regions and to recruit research assistants of their own. The U.S. government operated or supported 408 boarding schools between 1819 and 1969, according to a 2022 Department of the Interior report under the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. "The United States pursued a twin policy: Indian territorial dispossession and Indian assimilation, including through education," the report says. How the Episcopal Church used its considerable influence in crafting that federal policy must be understood before restorative justice can occur, said the Rev. Lauren Stanley, a research commission member and canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota. "To simply say, 'Yes, we participated in running schools' without saying, 'Because we helped formulate the policy' denies truth, justice and the possibility of conciliation which we hope will lead to reconciliation," said Stanley in an email. In Canada, where a similar boarding school system is blamed for eroding Indigenous languages and cultures, a truth and reconciliation process led to a $6 billion settlement with tribes in 2006 and multiple major settlements since then. Pope Francis, visiting Canada in 2022, apologized for the Catholic Church's role in what he called "cultural destruction and forced assimilation." But in the United States, where church records haven't been made public and often aren't digitized or consolidated, Americans aren't being taught what happened. Studies show only a handful of states include the story of Native American boarding schools in their history curriculum standards. The research done already shows the Episcopal Church was no minor player in the boarding school system. The 34 known schools are far more than previously identified, but people involved in the research say the list is expected to grow. Beyond the number of its schools, Episcopalians and their church "played a uniquely transformative role" in creating the federal government's Carlisle Indian Industrial School, according to Veronica Pasfield, a Native American researcher and archival consultant. Carlisle became the prototype for U.S. residential schools under Richard Henry Pratt, an Army officer who'd fought Indians on the Great Plains. Episcopalians in the Dakotas reportedly helped recruit students for the school. "Federal and Church power worked collaboratively to operationalize Indian policy via schools that removed children from home for indoctrination and extraction," writes Pasfield in a May consulting proposal. She's now helping guide the church's boarding school research. "Indigenous Episcopalians are leading the process to uncover and tell the story of Episcopal Church involvement in Indigenous boarding schools, and that work, as they note, is just beginning," said Episcopal Church spokesperson Amanda Skofstad in an email. "An apology before thorough research and understanding would fall short of the truth-telling, reckoning, and healing we committed to as a church." Religion News Service I'd like to meet Jesus, says actor Paul Rudd Ant-Man star Paul Rudd has confessed he would most like to meet Jesus if given the chance. The 55 year old, who is Jewish, chose Jesus when asked by a reporter for IGV Presents who he would most like to speak if he could choose anyone in history. "Anyone from history, who would we choose? I know my answer: Jesus Christ," he said. Rudd got his big break in the 1995 classic, Clueless, alongside Alicia Silverstone, and has since starred in many hit movies, including the Ant-Man, Avengers and Ghostbusters franchises. He is now busy promoting his latest movie, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. His answer about Jesus drew laughter from his two young co-stars, Mckenna Grace, 17, and Finn Wolfhard, 21. In the light-hearted exchange, Rudd told them they could "laugh all you want" as he added, "It seems like it would be a wrong thing to say." He continued, "You say this and people think like, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa, you can't say that,' and I'd say, 'Well, why?' That's who I would choose." Wolfhard asked if Jesus was real, to which Rudd replied, "He existed! So wouldn't you want to spend some time with him and go 'Jesus, what's the deal?"' Grace replied, "That's a fantastic answer." Rudd was raised in Reformed Judaism and has said in a previous interview that his whole family is Jewish and that the Jewish community is like a "tribe" that he feels part of. Last year, he told People magazine that if he could speak to his late father now, he would ask him what the afterlife is like and about the people he has met on the other side. "Did you stop at the grandparents' or did you have great-great-grandparents that you never knew that were like, 'Mike, finally. Great to see you.' Wait till you see what this whole thing's about. Get ready for your mind to be blown,'" he said. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in the UK on 24 June. Robert Morris resigns, Gateway elders say they didn't have all the facts (CP) The Board of Elders of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, announced Tuesday that the megachurch's founder, Robert Morris, has resigned, and they have retained a law firm to investigate a claim made by a woman who alleges Morris sexually abused her over multiple years in the 1980s beginning when she was 12. "Today, June 18, the Board of Elders of Gateway Church accepted the resignation of Robert Morris, the senior pastor. In addition, the Board has retained the law firm of Haynes & Boone, LLP, to conduct an independent, thorough, and professional review of the report of past abuse to ensure we have a complete understanding of the events from 1982-1987," the board said in a statement to The Christian Post. Morris' resignation comes after the woman, 54-year-old grandmother Cindy Clemishire, claimed that the megachurch pastor began sexually abusing her on Dec. 25, 1982, and continued with the abuse for four-and-a-half years after that. Without naming Clemishire, Morris admitted to CP in an earlier statement that he had engaged in "inappropriate sexual behaviour with a young lady" while he was a pastor in his early 20s. "When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying. It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behavior happened on several occasions over the next few years," Morris said. "In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of. I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young lady's father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counseling and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area," Morris added. Elders at Gateway Church also told CP that Morris was transparent with them about his past and they believed he had been biblically restored to ministry. In their latest statement, however, the elders said Morris did not reveal that he had abused a 12 year old. "Regretfully, prior to Friday, June 14, the elders did not have all the facts of the inappropriate relationship between Morris and the victim, including her age at the time and the length of the abuse. The elders' prior understanding was that Morris's extramarital relationship, which he had discussed many times throughout his ministry, was with 'a young lady' and not abuse of a 12-year-old child," the elders explained. "Even though it occurred many years before Gateway was established, as leaders of the church, we regret that we did not have the information that we now have. We are heartbroken and appalled by what has come to light over the past few days, and we express our deep sympathy to the victim and her family," the elders said. "For the sake of the victim, we are thankful this situation has been exposed. We know many have been affected by this, we understand that you are hurting, and we are very sorry. It is our prayer that, in time, healing for all those affected can occur." The Christian Post Senior Church of England cleric praises journalists and programme-makers A senior Church of England cleric has praised journalists and TV and radio programme-makers for their work "in the search for truth." Opening the prestigious Sandford St Martin Awards for the best in programmes about religion, ethics and spirituality, Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, celebrated the work of creative people working in the media. He emphasised the important role of "journalists, reporters, filmmakers, and writers who are passionate and fearless in the search for, and the sharing of truth." Dr Oakley described the current global context as "a time when we have never had so many words but never been so disinclined to believe them, a time when the boundaries between facts and opinions and lies, are publicly disappearing, and a time when there is heightened self-promotion coupled with a low self-awareness." Speaking to the audience at Southwark Cathedral, London he pointed out, "When many are trying to be examples of power, our journalists and creatives must show the power of example. And that's why we're here tonight, because they do." Dr Oakley, an award-winning author of books on poetry and spirituality, explained, "These awards are important because they celebrate work that helps people understand the philosophical, historical, political, and emotional intricacies of religion and ethics. "There is much around at the moment that would prefer dishonest simplicity to an honest complexity, but the work we acclaim this evening refuses that impatient temptation." The Sandford St Martin Trust described the entries for this year's awards as "a showcase for the excellence of UK creatives producing content that explores belief and ethics. "Whether it is through cutting-edge journalism, creative storytelling or societal impact, they prove that the audience for good religiously literate content and in-depth exploration of ethical issues is more diverse and more engaged than ever before." Winners of the awards presented this week included a radio celebration of Christmas in war-torn Ukraine, a TV documentary about the debate around assisted dying, and a TV investigation into a Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York. The award, voted for by readers of the best-selling magazine Radio Times, went to TV programme 'The Holy Land and Us.' The two-part documentary explored how several families' histories were impacted by the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. Author and broadcaster Tom Holland received the Sandford St Martin Trustees' Award "In recognition of his contribution to the greater public understanding of religions and their role in contemporary and historical human experience." The Sandford St Martin Trust "promotes thought-provoking, distinctive programming that engages with religion of all faiths, ethics or morality." It believes "the media have an increasingly important and challenging role to play in interpreting what happens in the world, and that through their work, they can promote understanding, increase tolerance, and help build community." Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the CofE. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Mr. Taylor Lam, Chief Strategy Officer of CITIC Telecom CPC, believes it is imperative for enterprises to look for a cloud solutions and services partner rather than a vendor. Its a view that reflects the extensive experience of serving different enterprises across the automotive, banking and financial services, engineering, construction, healthcare, legal, manufacturing, and retail industries that rely on CITIC Telecom CPCs technology acumen and its track record of success delivering the comprehensive ICT solutions and specialized expertise they need. Businesses are not only looking just for infrastructure, says Lam. They require comprehensive ICT solutions that align with their specific business goals, as well as trusted partners who are able to provide a broad range of expertise and capabilities that extend far beyond the provisioning of infrastructure. That necessitates end-to-end solutions that encompass connectivity, cloud applications, security, data management, support services, and the specialized expertise that is needed to guide them throughout their entire cloud journey. Success in that endeavor requires a strong, collaborative relationship with a partner who can provide the valuable insights and strategic advice needed to achieve long-term success. Empowering enterprises globally with extensive multinational coverage and Global-Local expertise CITIC Telecoms expert teams use best-in-class technologies to create highly flexible, customized solutions that address each organizations unique business, compliance, and security needs. Supported by nearly 170 points of presence, 21 Cloud Service Centers, and more than 30 high-performance data centers located worldwide, the companys solution suites include TrueCONNECT private network solutions, TrustCSI information security solutions, SmartCLOUD cloud computing solutions, and DataHOUSE cloud data center services. Leveraging VMware Technology expertise to deliver customized cloud services Drawing on more than a decade of experience using VMware technology, CITIC Telcom CPC also offers virtual private cloud, dedicated private cloud as well as hybrid cloud solutions based on VMware by Broadcom technology as its core cloud infrastructure. Notably, these are based on VMware Cloud Foundation, VCF. One of the most noteworthy qualities of VCF is that the software-defined networking capabilities it enables something which lets us deliver advanced functionality, such as virtual network provisioning, network automation, and improved network management provides our customers with a robust and scalable infrastructure they can evolve with, notes Lam. It also dramatically enhances the reliability of software by providing a standardized and consistent approach to managing the entire infrastructure stack. Customers know that mission-critical applications and workloads that function flawlessly with VMware technology on-premises will work just as well in the cloud as they modernize their infrastructure and complete their ICT transformations. CITIC Telecom CPC prides itself on addressing those needs and more. As the first company to achieve VMware Sovereign Cloud partner status in Hong Kong, it has extensive experience providing the secure and compliant cloud environments that empower multinational enterprises to enjoy the benefits of high-quality cloud computing services and applications something that is required across industries to deploy multi-cloud services that comply with local laws and regulations while enabling data compliance and reliability. The company specializes in virtual private cloud, dedicated private cloud and managed cloud services, additionally we provide Backup-as-a-Service, Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service, Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Software-as-a-Service, effectively supporting numerous multinational corporations across borders in a secure cloud environment. Customers include enterprises that have offices, factories, and subsidiaries in Asia including Mainland China, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan as well as Europe. Support teams in each geography specialize in addressing each enterprises unique objectives. At CITIC Telecom CPC, our offerings extend far beyond cloud services, adds Lam. We deliver comprehensive ICT managed services that integrate cloud, network, and security solutions. We empower enterprises to drive innovation and business growth, as well as the robust IT infrastructure and solid foundation required to deliver a wide range of cloud services all of which are delivered by dedicated professionals and teams that create long-term partnerships built on trust and reliability. For more information on CITIC Telecom CPC, please visit here. Look to CIO.com for stories about the industry-leading providers in the Broadcom Advantage Program and insights on how they are helping enterprises succeed in their private, hybrid, and multi-cloud endeavors. Rohit Badlaney, General Manager of IBM Cloud Product and Industry Platforms, brings more than two decades of experience in his role leading strategy, product management, design, and go-to-market for IBM Cloud. Badlaney believes that IBM stands out among other hyperscalers for being the destination for VMware workloads in the cloud. The companys innovative cloud agnostic strategy, supported by VMwares increased capabilities post-acquisition, will promote growth for the clients, no matter if their workloads are on-premise or in a public cloud environment. With clients spanning the worlds largest banks, Fortune 500 leaders, and small- and medium-sized firms across even the most highly regulated industries, IBM is able to leverage its industry and domain expertise to evaluate use cases and workloads based on unique needs and requirements including performance, resiliency, total cost of ownership, security, and compliance obligations. IBM and VMware understand that each client has a unique business, IT process and applications, says Badlaney. Especially for enterprises across highly regulated industries, there is increasing pressure to innovate quickly while balancing the need for them to meet stringent regulatory requirements, including data sovereignty. And now, following Broadcoms acquisition of VMware in late 2023, we have taken additional steps to expand our partnership to help enterprises become future-ready and be prepared to invest in transformative technologies like Generative AI. Redesigning existing IT estates to decrease cost, operational risk, and complexity can address challenges across customer service, supply chains, and the desire to have more sustainable operations. However, with many mission-critical workloads spread out across hybrid environments, including on-premises and in multiple clouds, this can present hurdles around where data lives, how its accessed and the necessary security and governance to cultivate trust. This, Badlaney says, is where a hybrid-by-design strategy is crucial. Organizations that make their architectures hybrid-by-design build a full stack approach for data sharing, resiliency and security with support from consulting experts and ecosystem partners to enable secured modernization for their workloads. We are helping clients accelerate innovation on their own terms and timeline, and this includes enabling modernization across any environment, said Badlaney. To achieve this, we are aligning our VMware-based services and solutions to VMware Cloud Foundation, which is one of the industrys core software stacks that serves as the foundation of private and hybrid clouds. This will aim to make it more seamless for clients looking to transform their workloads, while addressing their security and compliance requirements. VMware Cloud Foundation is a refreshed strategy that offers IBM and VMware clients the ability to bring multiple offerings and licenses to IBM Cloud. The key benefit of this, Badlaney says, is that this offers clients a singular hybrid cloud aligned to a NIST-validated framework, for a seamless migration of workloads with the same tools and techniques between on premises and IBM Cloud environments. Clients can leverage thousands of hardware profiles and storage options without having to re-architect their existing applications, allowing for control of their data and where it resides. This will ultimately help accelerate and scale the impact of clients data and AI investments across their organizations. IBM was the first to run VMware workloads in the cloud and, today, we offer VMware Cloud Foundation in the cloud with options for it to be fully managed by IBM or self-managed, he adds. The IBM and VMware relationship goes back two decades and includes our jointly funded innovation lab.1 This lab enables engineering teams from both companies to develop cloud-based solutions designed to ease transformation for our clients, with recent work focused on bringing IBM watsonx on-prem on VMware Private AI and Red Hat OpenShift, to help enable fast, generative AI capabilities. Most companies immediately associate virtualization with the software layer, but now, VMware Cloud Foundation offers a full stack that includes storage and network virtualization, as well as a management layer on top. Flexible consumption models and consolidated subscriptions are available and can help partners and enterprise clients of IBM and VMware to deliver differentiated services on IBM Cloud and in their own cloud environments thanks to the power of choice. For example, many organizations, particularly those in highly regulated industries, run SAP workloads on premises, Badlaney says. But the IBM Cloud is our premiere SAP-certified hyperscale environmentr able to run SAP-certified Power and Intel x86 production workloads on VMware just as they have run in customers on-site data centers for years. Badlaney also notes that VMwares addition to the Broadcom family comes at a strategic time. IBM also has a decades-long, active relationship with Broadcom, as well as extensive experience using its hardware and software across IBMs business, including mainframes and on-premise systems. An example of this growth comes from IBM being named a VMware Cloud Service Provider Pinnacle tier partner in April 2024. Being a VMware by Broadcom Pinnacle partner is exciting because it is further evidence of how we are working with Broadcom to help enterprise clients optimize their investments in cloud and AI, Badlaney says. Clients on new VCF-as-a-Service (VMware Solutons on IBM Cloud) 1- or 3-year term contracts can get a savings of up to 50% and the VCFaaS multitenant solution is one of the lowest entry price points for VMware infrastructure in the IBM Cloud. Discounted pricing and flexible billing offer more convenient sourcing and aim to expand access to IBM and VMware joint services and solutions. Not surprisingly, Badlaney believes the relationship between both companies will only get stronger. Together, we are helping modernize mission-critical workloads for many of the largest and leading corporations in the world. For more information on how IBM is helping clients navigate their VMware workloads and cloud strategy, visit here. In the months to come, look to CIO.com for stories about the industry-leading providers in the Broadcom Advantage Program and insights on how they are helping enterprises succeed in their private, hybrid, and multi-cloud endeavors. Background UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. The work of UN Women in Moldova is guided by its new Country Strategic Note 2023-2027, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Moldova (2023-2027), UN Women Global Strategic Plan, National Programs and Strategies and aims to contribute to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Strategic Note focuses on four main areas: 1) Ending Violence against Women; 2) Womens Leadership and Governance; 3) Womens Economic empowerment and 4) Humanitarian and Peace development nexus and UN Coordination on Gender equality. The announced internship position comes as a measure to enable people belonging to groups vulnerable to discrimination to get the necessary skills to further defend and promote their own rights, and to contribute to UN Women work, specifically under the area of Humanitarian Response, Ending Violence against Women. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UN Women Project Coordinator, the intern is supposed to assist on a part-time basis in daily implementation of the tasks, presented below. Duties and Responsibilities Provide logistical support in organizing events, including by preparing and distributing event invitations and receiving event confirmations, etc; Catalogue, gather and systematize various information within the area, including by using Excel and other relevant tools; Provide assistance with communication with partners (developing invitations and keep tracking confirmations); Support communication actions under the area (prepare posts for social media etc), including design of knowledge products; Provide assistance with translations of texts (Ro-Ru/Ru-Ro). English is an asset; Other duties as assigned by Supervisors. Learning objectives for the internship in this area: Learn about UN Women mandate globally and at country level, more specifically in the Humanitarian response and EVAW field Learn about main stakeholders active in the area Learn more on gender equality, humanitarian response and EVAW field Competencies Core Values: Respect for Diversity Integrity Professionalism Core Competencies: Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues Accountability Creative Problem Solving Effective Communication Inclusive Collaboration Stakeholder Engagement Leading by Example Please visit this link for more information on UN Womens Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process#_Values Functional Competencies: Some knowledge and/or strong interest in gender equality and women's rights issues; Good verbal and written communication skills; Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with peers, colleagues; Experience of using computers and Microsoft Office 365 software; Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct. Demonstrate willing to learn and share knowledge. Take charge of self-development and take initiative. Required Skills and Experience Education: University studies in one of the following disciplines: law, human rights, sociology, gender studies, public relations, development studies and/or other relevant subjects is required. Meet one of the following: Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a two-year period of graduation; or Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program which is part of a degree programme and undertake the internship as part of the program requirements. Language: Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required; Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage. Renumeration: Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UN Women to partially subsidize their basic living costs for the duration of the internship. Who can apply for the internship? This internship position seeks to target persons belonging to marginalized groups, who are underrepresented at the national labor market and particularly: women and men with diverse gender identities, persons with disabilities, people living with HIV, LGBTQI people, ethno-linguistic, cultural and religious minorities, refugees, migrants, other marginalized groups. Application Information: All applicants must submit a completed and signed P.11 form with their application. Due to the high volume of applications received, UN Women can ONLY contact successful candidates. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of enrollment in a valid health insurance plan at the duty station of the internship, proof of school enrollment or degree, a scanned copy of their passport/national ID and a copy of a valid visa (as applicable). Interested candidates are invited to submit their online applications by 03 July 2024 to UN WOMEN Jobs - 116507- Internship within Humanitarian Response and EVAW a (undp.org) . Note: In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need. If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Womens policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.) A Labour government would not mean tonnes of additional funding for the charity sector, though it wants to provide support, the shadow civil society minister has said. Speaking at NCVOs voluntary sector hustings, Lilian Greenwood said that if Labour wins the next election, its changes to local government could release more money for civil society. She said local government would provide longer-term funding settlements which could make more money available for charities. It should allow them [local government] to give more certainty and in a way that actually releases more funds because I know when I talk to voluntary organisations in my constituency and across the country, often theyre bidding for short-term contracts. So, if we can have a bit more long-termism, and a bit more forward planning, I think that will allow more resources to be available for the delivery of those services and we do want to be able to provide more resources. Greenwood said the partys key goal is to grow the economy, which would increase tax revenues and allow Labour to make investments into public services. She added the party wants to work in partnership to provide support for the sector but it has to be scalable and sustainable. Greenwood emphasised that if Labour come into government, there is not going to be tonnes of additional funding for civil society. She said: I'd like to be able to say that, but I can't, and so we have to look at other ways to bring more resources into our communities. Civil society a leading changemaker Greenwood said: Over the last 14 years civil society has made the best of times in the worst of times. You kept us going through austerity, a global pandemic, conflict overseas and a cost-of-living crisis. We've seen civil society in all its brilliance and we owe you a great debt. For too long, many in this current government have seen parts of civil society as an irritant, or an extension of the opposition, when all you were trying to do was speak up for the voiceless and catch those falling through the ever-widening cracks in our fractured country. Well once again, a Labour government means change and civil society will be a leading change-maker for a Labour administration. Civil society minister Stuart Andrew said it has been an honour and a privilege to be minister for civil society for the last two years. He said: If I was fortunate enough to carry on in a job that I have absolutely loved doing for the last two years, I would want to further work very closely with the sector. I do think we've got more work to do in that area. And it's something that I feel very passionately about because I know that when we work in partnership, what we achieve can be really quite outstanding. Tories national service volunteering initiative criticised The Conservatives recently announced a new plan to require 18-year-olds to take part in a form of national service such as military training or volunteering. Andrew said while there have been raised eyebrows about the policy, he believes this is a way of trying to attract people into volunteering that will build a lifetime of working in our communities. He added: I think it will just give those young people some fantastic experiences, but also hopefully help the sector as well by knowing that they will have this regular support coming their way. Other participants in the voluntary sector hustings disagreed with the proposal. This included Ellen Forman, charities spokesperson for the Scottish National Party, Liberal Democrats candidate Angus MacDonald, Green Party candidate Stephen Ashfield and shadow civil society minister Greenwood. Commenting on the hustings, CEO of NCVO, Sarah Elliott, said: Volunteering in its very nature, isnt volunteering if its mandated. Any type of forced participation is not only offputting for people, it can also prevent them from building a love of giving their time to the causes that matter to them. We know people who do volunteer get so much out of it, so instead we want to see politicians support our vision for a long-term plan to motivate and inspire people to give something back. Civil society minister and philanthropy Greenwood would not say whether she supported having a minister for civil society in the cabinet, saying that was over my paygrade to decide. She insisted that the sector would have a place in every government department, including the Treasury. Andrew said that while his role is placed in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that does not mean he does not work very closely with his colleagues in the Cabinet Office. His engagement with civil society motivated the governments National Youth Guarantee, he said, as these organisations are the ones often providing much of the services being discussed. It was through that engagement that it became obvious they needed support through the cost of living and we've got that 100m [for the sector], and we recently started work on philanthropy. He added: America does this very well. And certainly, parts of the UK do this very well. But there are whole swathes of the rest of the UK where we could do better. Greenwood also mentioned that a Labour government would work on increasing philanthropy in the UK, which she said has a huge potential to bring in extra resources. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, With temperatures pushing above 90 degrees in parts of the Midwest and Northeast United States this week, many American workers are clocking in during what AccuWeather described as an intense heat wave that is impacting more than 135 million people. When it heats up, workers can adapt. Employers adopt safety measures to protect employees from both the direct and indirect effects of extreme heat, and both state and federal governments offer recommendations for how to deal with scorching conditions. However, there are still concerns that these adaptations, behavioral changes and recommendations may not fully reduce the effects of excessive heat, Sebastian Negrusa, the Workers Compensation Research Institutes chief research scientist, said during a recent heat-related webinar. Excessive Heat Increases Frequency of Work-Related Injuries In a new study, WCRI found that compared to temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees, the overall number of work-related injuries increased between 5% and 6% when the daily maximum temperature rose above 90 degrees. This finding was based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration temperature data from 24 states during the months of May to October through the years of 2016 to 2021. That information was then merged with workers compensation claims data. The direct effects of excessive heat are physiological; they include heatstroke, fainting, cramps and fatigue. Indirect effects of extreme heat manifest as a decline in psychomotor, perceptual or cognitive tasks, which could, for example, cause a worker to fall off a ladder. Excessive Heat Becoming More Common According to the CDC, between 1981 and 2021, the annual number of excessive heat days from May through September has become more frequent in parts of the South, Midwest and Northeast. When analyzing their sample, WCRI researchers found that the South is the region driving the work-related injury count increase, with increases of between 9% and 11% when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. That increase was 8% in the Northeast. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures, contusions and lacerations, are much more likely to occur when workers experience excessive heat than [sprains] and strains, Negrusa said. These traumatic injuries are consistent with events like ladder falls. The full study can be accessed on the WCRI website. Excessive Heat Expected to Break Soon More days of 90-plus-degree weather are expected from Illinois to Maine. AccuWeather reported Wednesday that Washington, D.C., is forecast to hit triple-digits on Sunday setting the daily record and marking the first time the nations capital passed 100 degrees in nearly eight years. A cold front is expected to move into the Ohio Valley and Northeast late this weekend and early next week, though, bringing slightly cooler conditions and lower humidity levels, AccuWeather reported. Families of the victims of two fatal 737 Max crashes are asking the Justice Department to seek to fine Boeing Co. nearly $25 billion, saying the company committed the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history. That amount is legally justified and clearly appropriate, Paul Cassell, an attorney who represents 15 victims families, said in a letter sent to the DOJ on Wednesday. Cassell suggested that $14 billion to $22 billion of the total amount could be suspended if Boeing devotes those funds to an independent corporate monitor and improvements to its safety programs. Cassell also said DOJ should pursue criminal prosecution of the company and that the planemakers board of directors should be ordered to meet with the families. The letter comes a day after Boeing Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun faced a public grilling from US senators, who called on the company to fix its broken safety culture. Before the hearing got underway, Calhoun stood and faced the bereaved relatives assembled behind him to apologize, saying everyone at Boeing was deeply sorry for your losses. Boeing didnt immediately respond to a request for comment during a US holiday, while the DOJ declined to comment. The US manufacturer has been under heightened scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers after a fuselage panel on a 737 Max blew off mid-flight in January. The near-catastrophe sparked a criminal investigation and prompted the DOJ to consider throwing out a deferred-prosecution agreement that was put in place after the 737 Max crashes, which killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. That deal was set to expire just days after the accident. The DOJ determined last month that the company had breached the 2021 agreement a conclusion that Boeing refutes and now has until July 7 to decide what punishment Boeing should face, if any. Possibilities include criminal charges or drawing up a new deal with additional conditions. Boeing needs capital to survive to begin with, working capital to support its employees, Sheila Kahyaoglu, an aviation analyst at Jefferies LLC, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. They support a whole supply chain, so to fine them $25 billion does not really make sense. Kahyaoglu said a fine could be closer to about $1 billion, given the Alaska Airlines incident that prompted the current crisis was smaller and not a fatal accident. In the hearing chaired by Senator Richard Blumenthal this week, the Connecticut Democrat said the evidence is near-overwhelming to justify prosecution by the DOJ. Boeings stock price and finances have been hammered in the wake of the Jan. 5 Alaska Air accident. The shares are down by about a third this year, and the company has warned that it stands to burn through about $8 billion in cash in the first half. Boeings output of the all-important 737 aircraft has been capped by regulators monitoring the companys progress toward improved production. Calhoun has announced that hell step down by the end of the year, and the search is underway for a successor. He took over in early 2020 from Dennis Muilenburg and has accepted Boeings responsibility for the two crashes and the January accident. At the same time, hes defended Boeings safety record, saying at the hearing this week that the company has made major changes to address previous shortcomings. In the letter, the families also called on the DOJ to prosecute Boeing executives who were at the company at the time of the two crashes. Prosecutors previously indicated to the families that the five-year deadline for bringing criminal charges would likely doom any prosecution effort targeting individuals. Top photo: Dave Calhoun at a Senate hearing in Washington, DC on June 18. Photographer: Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. COLUMBUS, Ohio Horrible or not, Donald Trump now appears to be set to stay in Milwaukee for next months Republican National Convention, after media reports in Chicago from earlier this week initially linked his overnight plans to the former presidents property in the Windy City. But Trump showed no public signs of foot-dragging when it came to the last big GOP convention, held in Cleveland in 2016. That year, Trump stayed in Cleveland the week of convention. Although details were kept quiet for security reasons, The Plain Dealer and other local media outlets widely linked Trump to the Westin Hotel on St. Clair Avenue, located about a half-mile from what was then known as Quicken Loans Arena, the site of that years convention. Trump even addressed the media from the Westin Hotel lobby the morning after he formally accepted the GOP nomination, heaping praise on the city and local police officials. Thank you Cleveland, Trump posted afterwards on the social media platform that was still then known as Twitter. We love you and will be back many times! Trumps feelings for the host city for this years Republican National Convention have not been quite as unqualified. First, Trump described Milwaukee as a horrible city during a June 13 closed-door meeting with House Republicans in Washington, D.C., comments that the former presidents campaign and allies immediately litigated after they were reported by Punchbowl News, a Capitol Hill news publication. Then, a TV station in Chicago, citing local law enforcement officials and a City Council member, reported that officials in Chicago were preparing for Trump to stay in the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago during the convention. Chicago is about 90 minutes from Milwaukee, and Trump has been known to go out of his way to stay in his own properties while campaigning, according to the New York Times. Trumps campaign said the former presidents horrible comment was mischaracterized, and said he was responding to a Congress members question about crime and elections in the city. Wisconsins pro-Trump Republican congressional delegation generally echoed that explanation, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, although one member denied Trump made the comment at all. A convention spokesperson told a Milwaukee TV station that Trump was referencing a controversy about where the designated protest zone for the convention would be located. And Trump during a Tuesday campaign rally in Racine, Wisconsin, denied having ever said it. I was the one who picked Milwaukee, Trump said, according to CBS 58 News. Meanwhile, Trumps campaign responded to the Chicago report on Tuesday by announcing that hes staying in Milwaukee during the convention and denying he ever planned to stay in Chicago. The Milwaukee convention is scheduled to run from July 15-18. I have a beautiful hotel there. A beauty. Its as good as it gets. But Im staying here. I was always planning on staying here, Trump told TMJ4 News of Milwaukee. Andrew Tobias covers state politics and government for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer China allocates flood, drought relief funds totaling 916 mln yuan Xinhua) 09:42, June 20, 2024 BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have allocated 916 million yuan (about 126 million U.S. dollars) to flood and drought response work in the country's southern and northern regions, and to support disaster relief efforts, the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday. The figure includes 499 million yuan to support flood control and relief efforts, as well as safety measures, in Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei. A total of 417 million yuan is being provided to support Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi and Gansu in their water conservancy and drought relief efforts. The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration on Wednesday issued an orange alert for potential mountain torrents in Guizhou and Qinghai. Localities have been advised to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of local residents, including real-time monitoring work, flood prevention warning issuance and relocation efforts. China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) Amazon said Thursday it has removed 95% of the plastic air pillows from its packaging in North America and will replace them with paper fillers made from 100% recycled content. It marks Amazon's largest plastic-packaging reduction effort and will help it remove nearly 15 billion plastic pillows annually. "We are working towards full removal in North America by end of year and will continue to innovate, test, and scale in order to prioritize curbside recyclable materials," VP of Mechatronics and Sustainable Packaging Pat Lindner said in the announcement. The e-commerce company began transitioning away from plastic filler in October 2023 when it announced its first U.S. automated fulfillment center to eliminate plastic-delivery packaging. Amazon collaborated with suppliers to instead source paper fillers that are also curbside recyclable. This is not the first step that Amazon has taken to reduce its packaging waste. In 2015, the company launched the Ships in Product Packaging program, an initiative designed to reduce the use of Amazon's signature brown box and instead ship products in their original packaging. Kaspersky Internet Security software is seen at the store in Krakow, Poland on December 30, 2021. The Biden administration on Thursday will announce plans to bar the sale of Kaspersky Lab's antivirus software in the United States, a person familiar with the matter said, citing the firm's large U.S. customers including critical infrastructure providers and state and local governments. The company's close ties to the Russian government were found to pose a critical risk, the person said, adding that the software's privileged access to a computer's systems could allow it to steal sensitive information from American computers, install malware or withhold critical updates. The sweeping new rule, using broad powers created by the Trump administration, will be coupled with another move to add the company to a trade restriction list, according to two other people familiar with the matter, dealing a blow to the firm's reputation that could hammer its overseas sales. The plan to add the cybersecurity company to the entity list, which effectively bars a company's U.S. suppliers from selling to it, and the timing and details of the software sales curb, have not been previously reported. A spokesperson for the Commerce Department declined to comment, while Kaspersky Lab and the Russian Embassy did not respond to requests for comment. Previously, Kaspersky has said that it is a privately managed company with no ties to the Russian government. The moves show the administration is trying to stamp out any risks of Russian cyberattacks stemming from Kaspersky software and keep squeezing Moscow as its war effort in Ukraine has regained momentum and as the United States has run low on fresh sanctions it can impose on Russia. It also shows the Biden administration harnessing a powerful new authority that allows it to ban or restrict transactions between U.S. firms and internet, telecom and tech companies from "foreign adversary" nations like Russia and China. The tools are largely untested. Former President Donald Trump used them to try to bar Americans from using Chinese social media platforms TikTok and WeChat, but federal courts halted the moves. The new restrictions on inbound sales of Kaspersky software, which will also bar downloads of software updates, resales and licensing of the product, kick in on Sept. 29, 100 days after publication, to give businesses time to find alternatives. New U.S. business for Kaspersky will be blocked 30 days after the restrictions are announced. It is less clear what impact the entity listing will have on Kaspersky, whose Russian business is already subject to sweeping U.S. export restrictions over Ukraine which make it almost impossible for any U.S.-made items other than food or medical equipment to reach Russia. If the Commerce Department adds foreign units of Kaspersky to the entity list that purchase significant inputs from the United States, the move could crimp its supply chain. If it only adds the Russian entity, the impact will be largely reputational. Kaspersky has long been in regulators' crosshairs. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security banned its flagship antivirus product from federal networks, alleging ties to Russian intelligence and noting Russian law lets intelligence agencies compel assistance from Kaspersky and intercept communications using Russian networks. Pressure on the company's U.S. business grew after Moscow's move against Kyiv; The U.S. government privately warned some American companies the day after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 that Moscow could manipulate software designed by Kaspersky to cause harm, Reuters reported. The war also prompted the Commerce Department to ramp up the national security probe into the software, first reported by Reuters, that resulted in Thursday's action. Kaspersky, which has a U.K. holding company and operations in Massachusetts, said in a corporate profile that it generated revenue of $752 million in 2022 from more than 220,000 corporate clients in some 200 countries. Its website lists Italian vehicle maker Piaggio, Volkswagen's retail division in Spain and the Qatar Olympic Committee among its customers. This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here . Russia-North Korea partnership Russia and North Korea signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" deal on Wednesday, including a mutual defense pact, during President Vladimir Putin's first state visit to North Korea in 24 years. Putin received a grand welcome from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who expressed full support for Russia, including its actions in Ukraine. The partnership has raised concerns among Western officials. CNBC's Holly Ellyatt has more insights into this marriage of convenience. On hold The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates despite inflation falling to its 2% target ahead of the upcoming general election. Money markets predict a low probability of a rate cut in Thursday's meeting, with bets on an August cut also trimmed. While the 2% inflation mark is significant, it was anticipated and mainly driven by lower energy prices. Further fluctuations are expected as the impact of energy prices diminishes. Musk clarifies remarks Elon Musk attempted to clarify his controversial remarks after advertisers threatened to leave X. Musk previously told advertisers to "go f--- yourself." He explained it was about free speech, not directed at the entire advertising industry. "It wasn't to advertisers as a whole," Musk said at the Cannes Lions advertising festival in Cannes, France. "It was with respect to freedom of speech. I think it is important to have a global free speech platform, where people from a wider range of opinions can voice their views." Mixed Europe The U.K.'s FTSE 100 inched up ahead of an interest rate decision expected Thursday as inflation dropped to the BOE's 2% target for the first time in three years. France's CAC 40 gave up some of the previous session's gains as investors await an economic manifesto from the far-right National Rally, which is expected to win the country's upcoming parliamentary elections. The index fell more than 6.2% last week, marking its worst weekly loss since March 2022. The Stoxx 600 index ended the session down 0.18%. Wall Street was closed for the Juneteenth public holiday. Box office revival Recent family-friendly films like Disney's "Inside Out 2" have helped revive movie theaters, boosting box office sales after a slow start to the year. The success of these films has given theater operators optimism for the rest of 2024, with upcoming releases like "Despicable Me 4" expected to contribute to a potential box office rebound. While the domestic box office is still down compared to previous years, the momentum generated by these family films could be a significant factor in closing the gap. [PRO] Megacap correction? Megacap stocks like Nvidia and Eli Lilly are propelling the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to new heights, but their meteoric rise has Wall Street concerned about a potential pullback. Could these giants, which have outperformed the broader market, be setting the stage for a significant correction? Netherland's Prime Minister Mark Rutte arrives to attend the European Political Community summit at the Palacio de Congreso in Granada, southern Spain on October 5, 2023. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday rescinded his bid for the leadership of the NATO military alliance and threw his support behind the favorite contender for the post, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Iohannis communicated his decision during a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense, saying he had informed NATO allies of his withdrawal at the end of last week, according to a statement from the Romanian presidency translated by CNBC. The move effectively clears the path for outgoing Dutch PM Rutte to assume the top position of the 32-member U.S.-led NATO military coalition, when incumbent Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg finishes his mandate on Oct. 1 after 10 years in the job. Secretary-generals must be unanimously backed by NATO allies. Iohannis had announced his intentions to participate in the race for the coalition's leadership position back in March, championing the merits of a renewed, Eastern European perspective amid the ongoing war in Romania's neighboring Ukraine. Iohannis, 65, is ending his second five-year round at the helm of Romania, which will hold national elections in September. Rutte, a stalwart ally of Ukraine, has been widely regarded as the favorite in the competition for the top NATO job, but had faced and recently surmounted opposition from Hungary, which has retained friendlier ties with Russia. Two weeks ago, Budapest conceded not to block the NATO alliance's deepening military support for Ukraine in exchange for nonparticipation. French founder of artificial intelligence startup Mistral AI, Arthur Mensch, attends the Viva Technology show at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, on May 22, 2024. Chesnot | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images Most of the top-funded generative artificial intelligence companies in Europe were founded by entrepreneurs with experience at U.S. technology giants, according to a new report from venture capital firm Accel. The report, produced in partnership with Dealroom, found a quarter of the 221 generative AI companies across Europe and Israel previously worked at Apple , Amazon , DeepMind, Meta , Google and Microsoft . That figure rose to more than a third (38%) for the top 40 European and Israeli generative AI companies in terms of venture funding raised, and 60% for the top 10 generative AI companies for funding levels. Harry Nelis, general partner at Accel, told CNBC tech giants are natural catalysts for new generative AI firms, as those companies "have been leaning forward in AI the most and have the capabilities when it comes to compute, when it comes to data, when it comes to money." "They are really smart in the sense that they have seen how an early lead in this field can lead to a massive competitive advantage," he said, adding there's a "golden opportunity" for people with "entrepreneurial mindsets" to make their own genAI ventures. Europe's best-funded genAI startups Company Founding country Founding city Total funding raised Mistral France Paris $1.1 billion Aleph Alpha Germany Heidelberg $641 million Hugging Face France Paris $396 million Owkin France Paris $335 million H France Paris $235 million Synthesia United Kingdom London $157 million Stability AI United Kingdom London $151 million PolyAI United Kingdom London $118 million Source: Accel In its research, Accel defines generative AI as "an emerging AI frontier that uses models trained on a large data set of content medium ... to create something new instead of just analysing existing things." Nelis noted many of the largest U.S. tech firms have already made early moves in AI and Europe is an increasing focus. Google bought British AI lab DeepMind in 2014, and the firm's tech is now key to AI products including its Gemini generative AI tools. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, opened the European arm of Fair, or Facebook AI Research, in Paris in 2015. Many founders of prominent AI startups developing generative AI tools come from Google, DeepMind and Meta. Microsoft-backed French startup Mistral, for example, counts Arthur Mensch, a former DeepMind AI scientist, as its CEO. Co-founders Timothee Lacroix and Guillaume Lample both worked at Meta. And fellow French AI firm H, which is backed by Amazon, was co-founded by former DeepMind researchers Laurent Sifre and Karl Tuyls, and Charles Kantor, a former Stanford University student. Mistral has raised $1 billion of funding to date, according to Accel, while H, which is only a few months old, has already raised $235 million. Google is the top producer of new generative AI startups in Europe and Israel, Accel said, with 11.3% of genAI companies having founders with past experience at the tech giant. DeepMind, which Google owns, is in second place, minting 5% of generative AI firms. Meta is third, producing 4.1%. Many AI founders are professors, too Accel noted universities play a major role in the creation of generative AI startups. Many European universities, it said, now serve as so-called "founder factories" that produce new startup founders. More than a third (38%) of companies have at least one founder who holds or has held a position such as professor, researcher or lecturer at an academic institution. watch now Lourdes Agapito, co-founder of British AI firm Synthesia which uses generative AI to remove the need for physical equipment in video production is a professor of 3D Vision at University College London. She says her time at UCL helped connect her with like-minded AI innovators. While at UCL, Agapito grew to know Matthias Niessner, a Synthesia co-founder, before going on to form the company with CEO Victor Riparbelli and Chief Operating Officer Steffen Tjerrild. "Looking back on Synthesia's founding team, what was special about us is how we complemented each other so well in terms of expertise," Agapito told CNBC via email. Agapito said being based in London was another "key ingredient" behind Synthesia's early success. British universities are the most popular study destination for generative AI founders, Accel's research found. The University of Cambridge produces the most generative AI companies, with 7.9% of founders having studied there. France's Ecole Polytechnique is the second-highest academic founder factory in Europe, with 7% of generative AI founders having studied there. The leader of Hezbollah has vowed a fight with "no rules and with no red lines" if full-out war erupts between the Lebanese militant group and Israel, warning Cyprus against getting mired in the conflict. Lebanon and Israel have regularly traded cross-border fire since the start of the Jewish state's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas which, like Hezbollah, is backed by Iran in the Gaza Strip. Fire exchanges have intensified since an Israeli airstrike last week killed a senior Hezbollah commander, Taleb Sami Abdullah, along with three other group operatives. In a televised speech at the official's memorial service on Wednesday, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said: "Israel knows very well that no place will be safe from our missiles and drones" in the event of a war between the neighboring states, according to comments carried by the Hezbollah-aligned al-Manar TV news outlet. He added that Hezbollah has now "obtained new weapons," but did not share any more details. The group often uses rockets, anti-tank missiles and Burkan heavy warhead rockets, which are modeled off the Iranian Ababil drones, according to Seth Frantzman, adjunct fellow at the U.S.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. Nasrallah declared that Hezbollah's numbers have now "far exceeded 100,000 fighters," after first saying they'd hit that threshold in 2021, according to the Associated Press. The secretive nature of the group which wields considerable political, military and social influence in Lebanon makes it challenging to verify the figures. Lebanon's formal military forces are estimated to have around 80,000 personnel, according to data portal IndexMundi. The Hezbollah leader also threatened war against the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, if the European Union member permits Israel to launch military operations from its territory. Nasrallah accused Israel of "conducting maneuvers in preparation for the Lebanon war" in Cyprus, without disclosing his sources. "I say that the Cypriot government must be careful because opening airports for the enemy to attack Lebanon means that Cyprus is part of the war and we will deal with it as part of the war," al-Manar quoted Nasrallah as saying, according to a Google translation. Cyprus has denied the accusations, but it has stepped up defense cooperation and participated in joint military exercises with Israel as recently as May 2023. In response to Nasrallah, Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday stressed that his country is not involved in the conflict and is, in fact, part of the solution, according to the Cyprus News Agency. CNBC has reached out to the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment on whether Cypriot sites are used for Israeli military activity. A great business isn't always a great investment if the price one pays is too high. I'll review how to handle this challenge with options. ARM Holdings (ARM) offers several technologies instrumental in AI applications, notably its advanced processor designs and intellectual property. The company's Cortex processors are often used in smartphones, tablets, IoT devices. Its R Series real-time processors are used in applications requiring high-reliability such as automotive and industrial control systems. ARM has several chips with AI applications. With these and other technologies, it's unsurprising that ARM Holdings has ridden the AI wave, up more than 170% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S & P 500 by nearly 150% over the same time frame. Operationally ARM Holdings is very well positioned. Its offerings are used in everything from handheld devices to data centers. But there are valid concerns about valuation. In this case, ARM Holdings is currently valued at about $174 billion, more than 56 times trailing 12 months revenues, and recent price action in particular looks extended. For those that would like to participate if the rally continues but were not in the name, it's a challenge to commit fresh capital at these prices. For those who are already in the name and may be reluctant to sell possibly for tax reasons or simply to adhere to the wisdom of "letting one's winners run" their may be a way to participate with slightly lower risk than purchasing (or continuing to hold) the stock at current prices of just over $173 a share. The trades For those who already own the shares, but want a downside buffer if the shares should fall, consider a "put spread collar". Such as the September $130/$170/$200 one illustrated here : Sold Sep. 20 $130 put Bought Sep. 20 $170 put Sold Sep. 20 $200 call One would purchase the September $170/$130 put spread, financed by the sale of the $200 strike call for even money. This would provide about $27 worth of upside from here, while providing $40 worth of downside insurance in the event that ARM Holdings pulls back. The risk/reward for those trying to play the momentum with fresh capital, but less concerned about the extended valuations at current prices could employ a synthetically similar strategy using a call spread risk reversal, purchasing an upside call spread financed in whole or in part by selling a downside put. By selling a downside put one is taking on the risk of purchasing the stock at the put strike, so this does carry equity like risk, but depending on the put strike selected, the purchase price could be significantly lower than the current market price. For example the $140/$175/$200 call spread risk reversal here incurs the risk of owning the stock at $140/share. Sold Aug. 16 $140 put Bought Aug. 16 $175 call Sold Aug. 16 $200 call Forty times price-to-sales isn't cheap from a value investor's point of view, but $140 is nearly 20% cheaper than the current stock price. A great price? No, but certainly a better one. DISCLOSURES: (None) THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. Artificial intelligence has been the subject of many recent conversations about investing in tech, with Nvidia, Alphabet and Microsoft grabbing headlines. For investors looking to diversify their holdings , one stock has been "[flying] under the radar," according to Trent Masters, portfolio manager at Alphinity Investment Management. Masters named telecommunications company Motorola Solutions , a company he says is "a very beautiful, solid, public safety-focused business." "It is one that flies under the radar, but a business that we like a lot we have owned for a while," said Masters, who has been bullish on Nvidia and AI in general. MSI YTD mountain YTD shares of Motorola "When people think about Motorola, they do think about the phones, but it's a fundamentally different business," Masters told CNBC's " Street Signs Asia " recently. "The phone business is pretty much long gone now and what the business essentially is, is a facilitator of public safety," he added. According to Masters, "about 70% of the business" is dedicated to Land Mobile Radio (LMR), "the walkie talkies that first responders use to communicate." The rest of the businesses includes its video security and building command center units. Masters is bullish on the stock - with Motorola's LMR business is currently in an upgrade cycle in which new devices are charged at higher prices, he said. He added that the company's video security and command center businesses are also gaining more traction in the market. "You've got these three elements backed by public safety [and] government spend. That's an area of the market [where] even if you do think that the environment might look a bit sketchy, the clamps don't really come on in terms of spend," he added. Put that all together and you have a "very, very strong, high quality compounding business," Masters said. "Results continue to be strong. Just a compounding winner," he added in notes sent to CNBC. Masters noted that AI is not a "key driver" for the company and is not a pure play like Nvidia and Microsoft, though he says there are some "potential gaps" in which it can use AI to "augment growth." One such possible use would be in Motorola's video security solutions, where Masters noted that AI would help identify if anyone would be entering a school carrying a gun, and "control the access" into the school. Traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Motorola's shares are up over 18% year to date, and up over 30% over the last 12 months. According to FactSet data, of 15 analysts covering the stock, nine give it a buy or overweight rating and six have a hold rating. The average price target on the stock is $376.38, giving it slightly downside potential. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a tax on foreign corporate investments in a case some worried could imperil any future attempts to enact a wealth tax on the super-rich. The case had previously attracted scrutiny after conservative Justice Samuel Alito refused to recuse himself over his ties with one of the lawyers challenging the one-off tax imposed in 2017. Alito was part of the 7-2 majority that rejected the challenge to the measure. In the majority opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the decision was a narrow one that he indicated has no bearing on a potential wealth tax, which would involve a tax on assets, not income. He wrote that "nothing in this opinion should be read to authorize any hypothetical congressional effort to tax both an entity and its shareholders or partners on the same undistributed income realized by the entity." "Those are potential issues for another day, and we do not address or resolve any of those issues here," he added. The provision was part of the major tax law enacted by the Republican-led Congress and signed into law by then-President Donald Trump. The case, hinging on the Constitution's 16th Amendment, concerned whether people can be forced to pay taxes on stakes in foreign-owned companies even if they have not derived any income from them. The 16th Amendment says Congress has the power to "collect taxes on incomes." David Rivkin, one of the lawyers involved in the case against the federal government, interviewed Alito in two articles published in The Wall Street Journal that addressed recent claims of ethics violations on the court and the power of Congress to legislate on the issue. Rivkin represents Washington state-based Charles and Kathleen Moore, who invested in an India-based company, although he did not argue the case in front of the Supreme Court. In 2005, the Moores invested $40,000 in a company called KisanKraft Machine Tools. Although the company was profitable, they said they did not receive dividends, with the money instead being reinvested in the business. Because of that, the Moores did not pay taxes on what the U.S. government defined as income from the company from 2006 to 2017. After the new law was enacted, the Moores paid almost $15,000 in additional taxes, which they then sought a refund for. They argued that the tax was unlawful on the grounds that an increase in the value of a capital investment does not constitute income. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by fellow conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, said that the money at issue should not be taxed because "the Moores never actually received any of their investment gains." A driveway leading to a home seen is covered in floodwater on June 19, 2024 in Surfside Beach, Texas. Storm Alberto, the first named tropical storm of the hurricane season, was located approximately 305 miles south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas and formed earlier today in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The first named storm of the hurricane season made landfall in Mexico on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and flooding to the country's Gulf Coast and to Texas. Alberto, which weakened from a tropical storm to a depression, is moving inland over Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in an update at 10 a.m. local time. Heavy rains and gusty winds were starting to subside for the Texas coast, but moderate coastal flooding was likely through the morning, the National Hurricane Center said in a public advisory. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides were likely in some areas of northeastern Mexico, it said. A tropical storm warning that was in effect for the Texas coast from San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande was lifted early Thursday. A warning remained in effect for the northeastern coast of Mexico south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla, it said. Already on Wednesday, parts of Texas experienced at least moderate flooding with streets transformed into waterways. Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued a disaster declaration for 51 Texas counties as the storm advanced, "to ensure Texans and at-risk regions have the resources and personnel needed to respond to this storm," he said in a statement. The Texas A&M Forest Service mobilized at least four teams comprising 100 personnel and 24 vehicles, while the Texas National Guard had three platoons with a total of more than 40 personnel, along with 20 vehicles, including Chinook helicopters, at the ready. The National Weather Service advised residents in areas expected to be affected by the storm to have at least five to seven days' worth of food, water and other essential supplies on hand. In Surfside Beach in Brazoria County, cars could be seen driving down flooded roads. The storm comes amid a heat wave expected to last through at least Friday, with more than 82 million people under some form of a heat advisory Wednesday. Alberto's center was forecast to move west into Mexico before weakening and most likely dissipating by Thursday night, the National Hurricane Center said. Some parts of Mexico, including Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, were expected to get maximum totals of 20 inches of rain, it said. But already, the system appeared to be potentially linked to deaths in Mexico, with civil protection authorities in the northern state of Nuevo Leon saying one man died in the La Silla river in the state's capital, Monterrey. They said two minors also died from electric shocks in the municipality of Allende. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that the hurricane season that began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30 is likely to be well above average, with as many as 17 to 25 named storms. Its forecast also calls for as many as 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. A study has presented the impact of sibling dynamics on teenage mental health, revealing insights from surveys conducted among 9,400 Chinese and approximately 9,100 American eighth-grade students. Researchers analyzed responses regarding mental health and family structure, finding significant differences based on sibling numbers and demographics. Among Chinese students surveyed, those without siblings reported the highest levels of mental well-being. In contrast, among American students, those without siblings or with only one sibling reported the best mental health outcomes. According to The Crusader, the study also noted that teens reporting optimal mental health typically hailed from families with higher socioeconomic status. Doug Downey, the study's lead author, explained the findings through the lens of resource dilution theory: "If you think of parental resources like a pie, one child means they get all the pie. But when you add more siblings, each child gets fewer resources and attention from the parents, and that may have an impact on their mental health." Dr. Clare Crosh, a pediatrician at Advocate Children's Hospital, cautioned against overinterpreting the study's implications: "There are countless studies that point to the benefits of having a close, positive relationship with siblings, especially as we age and enter adulthood." Crosh added practical advice for families considering the study's findings: "If you are considering having more children, it's certainly important to consider resource allocation and your own time and mental health. Having children is a very personal decision, and one that you and your partner/family should make." The research, published in the Journal of Family Issues, adds to current debates surrounding family dynamics and their psychological impact on teenagers, proposing that differences in sibling count and age spacing could affect mental health outcomes in critical phases of development. Managing teenagers' social media usage is crucial for their mental well-being. Social Media and Teenagers' Mental Well-Being Social media greatly influences teenagers' mental health. Continuous exposure to online content can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Experts at Yale, such as Dr. Linda Mayes, Chair of the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC), emphasize that parents need to be proactive in guiding their children's social media habits. Setting Ground Rules Establishing clear rules about social media usage is essential. Dr. Mayes suggests that parents determine the appropriate age for their child to access social media. Most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, but younger children often use them, necessitating parental supervision. Starting with restricted devices like "dumbphones" for younger children can help. Maintaining Open Communication Dr. Yann Poncin, a child psychiatrist at YCSC, advises parents to keep open lines of communication with their teens. Parents should discuss the benefits and risks of social media, fostering an environment where teens feel comfortable sharing their online experiences. This approach helps teens navigate potential dangers and make informed decisions. Monitoring Content and Usage Parents should monitor the type of content their teens are exposed to and the amount of time they spend online. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, highlighted in his advisory the negative impacts of excessive social media use, such as disrupted sleep and poor mental health outcomes. Encouraging teens to avoid using devices late at night can improve their sleep quality and overall well-being. Balancing Benefits and Harms While social media can have negative effects, it also offers opportunities for positive interactions. Teens can use social media to connect with peers, express creativity, and find support. Dr. Poncin suggests that these positive aspects can be beneficial if used appropriately. Leading by Example Parents should model healthy social media habits. Dr. Mayes notes that parents often struggle with their own device usage, and admitting this can open up honest conversations with their teens. Demonstrating balanced usage helps teens develop similar habits. The first season of the Boston-set Frasier reboot obviously didnt feature the late John Mahoney as Martin Crane, and David Hyde Pierce famously declined the opportunity to return as Niles, ultimately leaving little connective tissue between the two shows. And we havent even mentioned the fact that Frasiers son Freddie now has an entirely new face. Play At least Season Two will bring back Peri Gilpins Roz in a recurring capacity, and apparently Bulldog and Gill will make an appearance for some reason. After all, who amongst us wouldnt travel across the country just to visit an ex-co-worker? Don't Miss In a lot of ways, Frasier 2.0 feels like just another Kelsey Grammer sitcom, of which there have been many. So lets take a look back at some of the Grammer-led comedies that probably would have done better had he simply changed the main characters name to Frasier Crane, such as Kelsey Grammer Presents: The Sketch Show (2005) As weve mentioned before, just the year after Frasier went off the air, Grammer returned to network TV with Kelsey Grammer Presents: The Sketch Show, a remake of a British series of the same name (minus the Kelsey Grammer Presents part). The short-lived show assembled an impressive cast of comic talents including Kaitlin Olson and Paul F. Tompkins. Unfortunately, the cast was also forced to appear in a certain number of awkward sketches starring their boss: Kelsey Grammer. At least Grammer didnt insist on singing the theme song for this one. Back to You (2007-2008) The Frasier reboot recently cast Patricia Heaton as a recurring guest star, presumably so Grammer will have someone on the set to talk to about politics (who wont recoil in horror). But this is a reunion of sorts, too, because they both starred in the show Back to You. The sitcom once again teamed Grammer with Frasier producers Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd (not that one) as well as director James Burrows. The plot concerned a Los Angeles news anchor (improbably named Chuck Darling) whos forced to return to his old gig at a Pittsburgh station after hes fired over an on-air tirade that went viral. Even with a supporting cast that included Fred Willard and Ty Burrell, the show was canceled after just one season, allowing Lloyd and Levitan to pitch some show called Modern Family to ABC. Hank (2009) Just a year after Back to You folded up shop, Grammar was already back on TV with Hank, a comedy about a wealthy Wall Street executive who loses his job and is forced to move to his home state of Virginia. Wait, are all of these shows about Grammer losing a high-paying job and sacrificing his dignity to start from scratch? This ones kind of like Schitts Creek if Schitts Creek were terrible. Even though 10 episodes were filmed, just five made it onto TV. Hopefully the remaining five were sealed away in a secure warehouse like the Ark of the Covenant. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the biggest arts festivals in the entire world, and it always features a number of interesting comedic acts. For example, this year were getting the premiere of a musical parody all about the shitty Willy Wonka event that weve already forgotten about and completely moved on from. But hey, at least non-Scottish non-comedian John Stamos is tangentially involved. One of the shows at the festival thats getting a ton of media attention is TERF, which isnt a misspelled stage show about foam toys, but rather, a satire seemingly about J.K. Rowling and her raging transphobia and unbridled enthusiasm for crapping all over her own legacy. Hot off the heels of daring the police to arrest her like shes Al Capone, simply because Scotland updated its hate crime laws, Rowling now finds herself the subject of a new play by Joshua Kaplan, which imagines what it would be like if the young actors from the Harry Potter series staged an intervention for Rowling all of whom have been critical of her garbage opinions in real life. Don't Miss The official synopsis reads: Jo led a blessed life. Literary phenomenon. Cultural icon. And beloved. Completely beloved... until everything went to hell in a broombasket. Now, Jos surrogate children Daniel, Rupert, and Emma have had enough. Its time for an intervention. Except Jo isnt in the mood for an intervention, especially not one organized by three A-list Judases. At one point, the author sneers, You have no appreciation for the world that made you possible, to Daniel Radcliffe. Advertisement But TERF hasnt had an easy time getting off the ground. Five Fringe theaters passed on hosting the show, before it finally landed a spot at the Ian McKellen Theater (is there anything that guy cant do?). And some of the creatives behind TERF have been subjected to online abuse; one producer received vitriolic comments on a Facebook post commemorating the anniversary of his sisters death. Because if theres one thing the Harry Potter books taught us, its that bullying rules. Weirdly, Terf isnt the only fringe festival play weve gotten about Rowling in the past year. There was also An Evening with JK, in which Australian stand-up comedian Anna Piper Scott played Rowling or rather a character named JK who is legally distinct from JK Rowling during a fictional sit-down interview. Advertisement But TERF premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival feels particularly pointed because Rowling lives in Edinburgh, and its where she wrote her famous books. Her penchant for taking inspiration from the city, including lifting names off of gravestones, has made Edinburgh a tourist hot spot for Harry Potter fans. Advertisement Advertisement While one cafe brags that its the birthplace of Harry Potter, youll note that no local establishments are bragging that theyre where Rowling sat down and penned all those tweets and blogs belittling trans women. You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this). Moored in Philadelphia, a landmark waiting to return to its home port. Photo: Hannah Yoon/Bloomberg via Getty Images It is said that ships are the largest things that move, and ocean liners are among the hugest of the huge. Even among them, though, the S.S. United States stands out. Its the biggest passenger ship ever built in America, just shy of 1,000 feet long. Commissioned in 1952 and retired in 1969, it has spent several decades shuttling from owner to owner, each successive one having grabbed onto the dream of bringing it back to life. Most recently, its spent two and a half decades moored in Philadelphia, lately in the care of a foundation thats been trying hard to find someone to restore and find a use for it. Every few years, a new plan is (literally) floated, then falls through. The most promising was an almost-consummated deal with Crystal Cruises to turn it back into a working liner, announced in 2016 and then abandoned owing to its technical infeasibility. Two months ago, RXR Realty became the latest to lay out a promising scheme, intending to moor it in New York and turn it into a very cool hotel, docked at Pier 76 by the Javits Center. This week, The Real Deal reported that this plan, too, was on the rocks, mostly because the Hochul administration says the pier there is too small. Meanwhile, the ship faces eviction from the pier in Philly amid a rent dispute. Restoring the S.S. United States would be a fabulous thing. It was, in its day, a gorgeous piece of engineering, and if you walk up to it in Philadelphia these days, even the rust streaks and peeling paint and general sense of desolation around it do not quite obscure what a majestic object it is. Its a triumph of the American building arts as much so as the Empire State Building or the Brooklyn Bridge and it deserves preservation, as any great skyscraper would. (It is, in fact, approximately the size of the Chrysler Building.) It was Americas biggest and most powerful entry into the transatlantic superliner race, built as a combination of shipbuilding know-how, Cold War government subsidies, and gonzo national pride pushed the nation to compete with the British and the French, who all but owned the high-speed transatlantic trade. Unlike its Art Deco predecessors, finished in wood and bronze, the S.S. U.S. was mid-century modern, its upper works all aluminum, intended to look to the future and also be completely fire-resistant. (The French Lines Normandie had burned and sunk at its pier a decade earlier, and the United Statess designer, William Francis Gibbs, took the lesson to heart.) This, mind you, was not a cruise ship meant to loaf around the Caribbean. It was built for speed, and it was fast. How fast exactly was kept a secret for many years those government subsidies included some naval technology but it was rumored to be capable of 42 knots, or 48 miles an hour, outrunning its competitors by 30 percent or so. (Consider for a moment what kind of power it takes to move a ship of 47,000 gross tons at that speed. The engines produced 240,000 horsepower.) Nothing so big has ever moved so swiftly. It knocked 12 hours off the four-day crossing. The United States in its 1950s prime. Photo: Daily Mail/Shutterstock And then came the jet age six hours to London instead of three and a half days and the luxury-liner business evaporated. After its 1969 retirement, it spent 15 years mothballed in Virginia and then was sold off to the first of those potential saviors. Its been in a darkening twilight ever since. Every few years lately, the ship has had a near-death experience in which it seemed destined to be cut up for scrap. About the only promising thing that happened in this period (aside from the establishment of the foundation thats been keeping it from the scrappers all these years) was that one of those owners stripped the interiors to get all the asbestos out. That means its lost its design pizzazz, but it also means theres a blank canvas there for redevelopment, and an expensive cleanup has already been dealt with. All that said, saving a ship is not quite like saving a building. A ship, after all, is not a building but a building-size piece of machinery. Big machines are built with the expectation that theyll see a lot of mechanical upkeep, particularly as they age, extra-particularly if theyre sitting in corrosive salt water. That is one major reason the shipping lines dont run them as ocean liners indefinitely: They get tougher to keep up. Well-maintained oceangoing ships typically operate for 40 years or so before the rust gets too deep and theyre off to the sunset. Even if the turbines arent running and dont need repair, the pipes and wires in the walls get older every year, and theyre no less likely to crack or fail just because theyre not crossing the ocean anymore. The United States hasnt had a coat of fresh paint since the 1960s, and it looks awful. The stripped public rooms will need to be reimagined and constructed nearly from scratch. It will presumably have to be dry-docked for work below the waterline, and there are only so many workshops where you can park a 990-foot-long ship. At least the hull is sound a test a few years ago said it retained 94 percent of its strength, possibly owing to its mil-spec build. However this project goes, its going to be expensive. Then there is the question of where to put it. In many of the plans floated over the years, the S.S. United States was to be permanently moored on the West Side of Manhattan, near the United States Lines piers where it once departed for Southampton (the British port, that is, not the East End beach town). Some years ago, I was talking to Madelyn Wils, who was then running the Hudson River Park Trust, and asked about its prospects; she said basically that it would need a viable plan reasonably enough, she didnt want a thousand-foot carcass dumped on the park. At the time, she somewhat opaquely added that if it worked out, I know where it would go, but she wouldnt elaborate. This project is not the first of its kind, because a surprising number of people absolutely love the biggest ocean liners and hate to see them cut up and turned into tin cans. Since the Depression, there have been just seven of these 1,000-foot (give or take) ships built to cross the Atlantic: two French, four British, one American. Two of them died in service, so to speak, and one is still running. The Normandie (built 1935) burned and sank in New York Harbor in 1942. The France (built 1961) was briefly retired in the 1970s, then became a Norwegian Caribbean cruise ship renamed Norway; it served successfully until early in this century, then went to be scrapped, controversially. The Cunard Lines Queen Mary 2 (built 2004) continues to run from Southampton to New York and back a few times a year, the last ship that does so. Of the other four, each has seen heroic attempts at re-use, and their various degrees of success and failure are instructive. The worst-case scenario is the Queen Elizabeth (launched 1940, retired 1967). It was bought by a Hong Kong magnate, C.Y. Tung, who intended it to become a floating university. (In fact, he renamed the ship Seawise University; pronounce the name and youll get it.) The rebuild was underway in Hong Kong Harbor in 1973 when the ship caught fire and tipped over then sat poking out of the harbor, half sunk, for decades, becoming a rusty haunted landmark. (It figures in a James Bond movie, too.) There have been murky questions about the origin of the fire ever since. The plans for the ship resulted in nothing more than a sad watery ruin. Cautionary tale: Cunards Queen Elizabeth, after the fire in Hong Kong Harbor in 1973. Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty Images The best-case outcome, and one that RXR seems to be taking its cues from, is that of the Queen Elizabeth 2, Launched in 1967 and retired in 2008, the QE2 after a decade-long limbo in which it too seemed likely to go to the scrapyard is instead leading a graceful retirement in Dubai. It became a hotel docked a couple of miles from the Palm Jumeirah, and a French hotel operator runs it for Istithmar World, a UAE investment firm. It seems from this distance at least, and judging by the reviews well-kept, and one suspects that the oil money that flows through Dubai will keep it that way. Best-case scenario: the Queen Elizabeth 2, moored as a luxury hotel in Dubai. From left: Photo: Philippe ROYER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Photo: Christopher Pike/Bloomberg via Getty Images Best-case scenario: the Queen Elizabeth 2, moored as a luxury hotel in Dubai. From top: Photo: Philippe ROYER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Photo: Chris... more Best-case scenario: the Queen Elizabeth 2, moored as a luxury hotel in Dubai. From top: Photo: Philippe ROYER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Photo: Christopher Pike/Bloomberg via Getty Images That was how the conversion of the Queen Mary the worlds first and most prominent ocean-liner-to-hotel reuse was supposed to go, too. The Cunard Lines Queen Mary, the Art Deco beauty of the North Atlantic from 1936 to 1967, was sold upon its retirement to the city of Long Beach, California. Its operation was contracted out to companies that knew how to run restaurants and hotels, and ownership eventually went to a foundation. And the whole thing lost money. A lot of money. Millions per year. It closed and reopened, and it changed contractors a few times. It continually waffled between profit and loss, often toward the latter. Despite broad local affection for it as tourist attraction and as civic monument and school-field-trip destination it was beginning to look like an 82,000-gross-ton white elephant. By the late 2010s it had grown seedy: splintery sun-bleached decks, visible rust streaks, and a couple of dire reports saying that the ship needed $289 million in repairs. A pipe that had been patched with duct tape burst, flooding a ballroom with sewage. The 80-year-old wooden lifeboats were rotting, and were removed lest they fall off the ship and brain someone. The vessel was in such terrible shape, one report suggested, that it could plausibly capsize. The British government leaned on the American government to fund a restoration. Instead, the city of Long Beach took the Queen Mary back over from its foundation in 2021, after putting something approaching $30 million into shoring it up. Reportedly, its back in the black, at least for now. A challenging business: the Queen Mary, permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967. From left: Photo: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Photo: Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images A challenging business: the Queen Mary, permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967. From top: Photo: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Photo: Brittany Mu... more A challenging business: the Queen Mary, permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967. From top: Photo: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Photo: Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images What should happen, of course, is what happens to our greatest monuments: government-funded preservation at the national level. The S.S. United States, built with Department of Defense subsidies, is a piece of cultural patrimony and military history, as much as Fort McHenry and the Gettysburg battlefield are. We preserve our naval history, too look at the battleship New Jersey and the aircraft carrier Intrepid. The former is a museum ship moored in Camden; the latter, at the foot of West 42nd Street, was rescued by a bond-backed foundation, allowing enthusiasts to buy in, and continues to draw grants and other civic funding for maintenance and care. The United States should not be recycled into tenpenny common nails. It ought to be treasured by the nation whose name it bears on its bow and stern. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. PETER R. BARBER Camilla Vacca, 5, is swung by her father Phil Vacca of Schenectady on the new splash pad in Central Park on the Opening Day of the new swimming pool Wednesday, June 19, 2024. It was a welcome fit for a Tsar. Thousands of North Koreans cheering fanatically as Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un greeted Russia's President Vladimir Putin for his first visit to the hermit kingdom in 24 years. 'A Labour government led by a man with a history of being weak on immigration and the scrapping of the Rwanda scheme will be used as a selling point around the world. The smugglers will be rubbing their hands with glee if Labour win the election.' An army of young children lined the red carpet in Pyongyang, waving Russian flags and beaming obligingly from ear to ear. Others held aloft large portraits of the two dictators as the pair rolled past, waving from the sunroof of a blacked- out Mercedes. We have become used to these farcical displays of idolatry inside North Korea. It was a welcome fit for a Tsar. Thousands of North Koreans cheering fanatically as Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un greeted Russia 's President Vladimir Putin for his first visit to the hermit kingdom in 24 years An army of young children lined the red carpet in Pyongyang, waving Russian flags and beaming obligingly from ear to ear But Putin's landmark visit to the authoritarian state this week marks a sinister shift in strategy for the Kremlin. So what exactly do Putin and Kim really want from one another, and how does it affect our ever-more fragile peace? A decade ago, Russia was a member of the G8 (now G7) alliance of major political nations. Putin had a seat at the top table of global diplomacy. He courted Western alliances, allowing US military jets to use Russian airspace and even once suggesting that Russia might be open to joining Nato. But all that has changed now. The moment Putin's war machine rolled into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he knew full well the old alliances to say nothing of uneasy friendships were shattered. O ver the past two years, Russia has become isolated to an extent not seen since the darkest days of the Cold War. Putin needs new friends. Others held aloft large portraits of the two dictators as the pair rolled past, waving from the sunroof of a blacked- out Mercedes A decade ago, Russia was a member of the G8 (now G7) alliance of major political nations. Putin had a seat at the top table of global diplomacy The moment Putin's war machine rolled into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he knew full well the old alliances to say nothing of uneasy friendships were shattered In the post-Soviet era, Russia has previously sought to keep North Korea at arm's length: friendly, but never over-familiar. Now, however, Putin is on diplomatic manoeuvres as he seeks to build an axis of anti-Western pariah states around the world. He has no choice. Russia is in desperate need of munitions to continue waging its barbaric conflict in Ukraine. Indeed, it appears as though North Korea has recently approved the delivery of a further five million artillery rounds to the Russian war machine, taking the total number of shells it has provided to around ten million. In the short-term, for Ukrainians this means the relentless barrage is set to continue. Premonitions of peace talks aired last week at the Ukraine Peace Summit were, to my mind, premature. In exchange, Russia is providing North Korea with millions of barrels of oil. Due to sanctions imposed by the West, Russia needs a market for its vast reserves of black gold and Kim is a ready buyer. But it's not just oil. North Korea also needs food to feed its invariably hungry population. Outside of major cities, millions of North Koreans live in abject food poverty and Kim, the obese leader, knows that an army marches on its stomach. Indeed, it appears as though North Korea has recently approved the delivery of a further five million artillery rounds to the Russian war machine, taking the total number of shells it has provided to around ten million In exchange, Russia is providing North Korea with millions of barrels of oil. Due to sanctions imposed by the West, Russia needs a market for its vast reserves of black gold and Kim is a ready buyer If North Korea is preparing for war indeed, technically it remains in a state of conflict against its southern neighbour it needs to feed its people first. Russia suffered a relatively poor harvest this year due to inclement weather and a shortage of labourers, with many drafted to the front line. But that hasn't stopped Putin sending grain to North Korea by the boatload. The question is: where does this new-found friendship go next? The US is particularly concerned that Russia will begin sharing nuclear-missile technology with North Korea. In 2003, former leader Kim Jong Il known as The General withdrew from the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Since then, his bellicose son has rapidly expanded its nuclear arsenal. The state is now believed to possess a stockpile of some 40 to 50 nuclear warheads along with the raw materials needed to double this apocalyptic hoard. However, what it lacks is the long-range ballistic technology required to launch and carry these warheads. In September last year, Putin welcomed Kim to Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport in the far east of the country. The spaceport is typically used to launch satellites, but the technology needed to do so is very similar to that required to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. At the time, Putin wisecracked to the assembled reporters: 'The leader of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) shows great interest in rocket engineering.' I am, however, sceptical that Putin really wants to share nuclear know-how with Kim. For all the pomp and ceremony of this month's visit, Russia still does not fully trust North Korea. A more likely point of collaboration between the two concerns cyber-warfare the latest and more profitable front in the battle against the US and Europe. North Korea runs a highly sophisticated cyber unit which has been implicated in frauds worth $3 billion between 2017 and 2023. The possibility of co-operation in cyber-hacking represents a fearsome new threat to global banking, international security and personal data. And then there is the potential for trade in people. In February this year, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated that more than 180,000 Russian soldiers had been killed in Ukraine, with around 300,000 more believed to have been injured. The result is that Russia faces a crippling shortage of workers to man its munitions factories, bring home the harvest and maintain public services. North Korea, on the other hand, has a surplus of impoverished, hard-working people. It wouldn't surprise me if we see thousands of North Koreans labouring in Russian munitions factories by the end of the year. Whatever the case, Putin's historic visit to North Korea this week marks a line in the sand. A new axis of pariah states is emerging with Russia, North Korea, Iran and China at its heart. But it's not just these four geopolitical heavyweights. Putin is hoping to lead a tribe of outcasts which also includes the likes of Venezuela, Zimbabwe and Iraq. The world is becoming ever more unstable. The risk of another global conflict is increasing. But there remains one great truism of war: before you pick your enemy, you choose your friends. And in this regard, Putin has made his ugly choice. How tough is Rishi Sunak? Tough enough to resign as Chancellor in July 2022, and bring about the demise of his patron, Boris Johnson. Yet during this campaign Mr Sunak hasn't been tough. He has been resilient and industrious but has failed, like his party, to grip the main issue of the election: Sir Keir Starmer. When the PM set the process in motion four weeks ago, I had my doubts about timing. Wouldn't it have been preferable to wait until the autumn, when the economy will be stronger? Nonetheless, I welcomed the prospect of Mr Sunak going head to head with the Labour leader, and illuminating his astonishing inconsistencies. He hasn't done so. Sir Keir may have been exposed as a furtive tax-raiser who is planning to whack the better-off and very possibly not-so-well-off with higher capital gains tax and property taxes. But that's only part of it. The bigger picture is Sir Keir himself. No major political leader in modern times has changed his mind so often in so short a period. He is a weather vane of a politician, veering from hard-Left to soft-Left to hard-Left and back to soft-Left again. Rishi has shown little interest in these amazing gyrations. How tough is Rishi Sunak (pictured)? Tough enough to resign as Chancellor in July 2022, and bring about the demise of his patron, Boris Johnson Yet during this campaign Mr Sunak hasn't been tough. He has been resilient and industrious but has failed, like his party, to grip the main issue of the election: Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) People may forgive Sir Keir for his Trotskyist views in his 20s when, by his own recollection, he was a republican. If we were all to be hung for things we said and did as young adults, there would be gibbets all over the land. As he became a successful barrister, Starmer edged Rightwards, and by the time he became Director of Public Prosecutions in 2008 had moved to the soft-Left. That is how he was billed when elected an MP in 2015. Yet he cheerfully joined the shadow cabinet of the new hard-Left leader, Jeremy Corbyn, though moderate Labour MPs such as Yvette Cooper, Liz Kendall and Rachel Reeves declined to do so. When Corbyn was challenged for the leadership in 2016, Starmer disowned him only to rejoin the shadow cabinet after the grizzled old booby had seen off the attempted putsch. For the next three years Starmer was a loyal Corbynite. He didn't oppose the rising tide of anti-Semitism. Nor did he question the higher taxes proposed in the party's 2017 and 2019 manifestos. He was a fellow traveller of the hard-Left. He even described Corbyn as his 'friend', an encomium seldom uttered by one politician about another. In one area Brexit he went further than his leader, and championed a second referendum, which was an attempt to repudiate the largest democratic vote in our history. Why doesn't Rishi challenge him on this vast intended betrayal when they meet tonight in a debate with other leaders, and next Wednesday when the two of them will be alone? I hope the PM hasn't been advised never to mention Brexit. In 2019, as we know, Labour went down to its most abject defeat since 1935. Now Sir Keir seeks to distance himself from this debacle by saying he knew that the party would lose. Why, then, did he campaign so enthusiastically for a Labour victory? I don't believe him. I think he's trying to find an excuse for having supported Jeremy Corbyn. It's a dishonourable ploy. He claims to have had no faith in the policies he once advocated. What kind of man admits that? The duplicities continued. When he stood for the leadership of the Labour Party in 2020, Starmer did so on a platform that was virtually Corbynite, advocating the scrapping of student tuition fees and the 'common ownership' of most privatised industries. Once elected, the new Labour leader embarked on yet another change of political course, ditching most of his commitments, and trying to make himself attractive to disenchanted Tories. Perhaps the culmination of this insincere love dance was a newspaper article last December in which he affected to admire Margaret Thatcher. Here's a question and one that Rishi and the Tories should be asking if they had any gumption: why should voters have any confidence in Labour's 2024 manifesto given that Sir Keir has torn up the manifesto on which he was elected leader of his party only four years ago? The man is a serial chameleon. No, that is a slur on chameleons. What does he really believe? Does he believe in anything other than the acquisition of power by any means? What has Rishi to lose? As things stand, he's likely to go down as the prime minister responsible for the worst Tory defeat in history The economist John Maynard Keynes famously said: 'When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?' Of course we all change our minds, and may not even be entirely sure what we think about some things. But Sir Keir Starmer's mind-boggling inconsistencies are of a different order. If he were 25, one might forgive him for chopping and changing so much. But he's 61. In his 50s he zigzagged around the political track in both directions. A man should have settled beliefs at such an age if he is to command trust and respect. Except, it seems, if he wants to be the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Is it possible that voters hate the Conservative Party so much that they don't care whom they choose to replace it? They resemble householders who want to get rid of a rogue builder who has overcharged and botched the job. It doesn't occur to them that the chap who turns up at the front door with a sledgehammer in his hand might be far worse. And yet there are clues that some people entertain doubts about Sir Keir. His personal ratings, though far better than Mr Sunak's, are not as stellar as they should be, in view of his party's huge lead in the polls. One recent YouGov survey suggested that one in three hold a favourable view of the Labour leader but around half still have a negative opinion. There are hints elsewhere of misgivings. At last week's leadership debate in Grimsby, the audience tittered after a questioner said that Sir Keir 'was more like a political robot'. On Nick Ferrari's LBC show on Tuesday, there were several sceptical listeners. Unsurprisingly, they were met with the usual wall of Starmer waffle. Why won't Rishi and other Tories take the fight to the Labour leader, and dwell on his hard-Left past, his opportunism and his lack of enduring principle? You'd think that such weaknesses were a gift to them, but they won't take it. Mr Sunak was prepared to plunge the knife in Boris's back and yet is reluctant to go for his opponent's jugular. Surely, if you crave the top job, you must be able to show political aggression. Sir Keir Starmer is engaged in a gigantic deception against the British public and the Tories are letting him get away with it. What has Rishi to lose? As things stand, he's likely to go down as the prime minister responsible for the worst Tory defeat in history. It may not be too late if he fights. At worst he will be defeated with honour. The evasive, opaque, endlessly politically mutating Sir Keir Starmer is the biggest issue of this election. Let's address it at last. She shared a video highlighting the ingredient as part of an apricot jam recipe A popular food influencer has left the internet stunned after revealing a popular European cooking ingredient is actually illegal in the US. Claire Dinhut, who's known as @condimentclaire on TikTok and Instagram, shared a brief video highlighting the ingredient as part of an apricot jam recipe. The American-French social media star described that the ingredient 'smells and tastes of vanilla, but like a very almond hay vanilla, kind of like [the plant] woodruff.' The spice, which is quite popular in France, is in fact the seed of the South American cumaru tree. But despite being used regularly in recipes around the world, Claire explained that she cannot get hold of the ingredient in her native US, because it has been banned. Claire Dinhut, who's known as @condimentclaire on TikTok and Instagram, shared a brief video highlighting the ingredient as part of an apricot jam recipe She described that it 'smells and tastes of vanilla, but like a very almond hay vanilla, kind of like [the plant] woodruff' It's known as the tonka bean, and it's been illegal in the US since the 1954 due to its dense level of the chemical coumarin, which can be toxic to humans in high enough doses. 'But it's super popular here in France,' said Claire, adding that one would have to consume close to 30 tonka beans to reach a toxic amount. However, as she demonstrated in making the jam, she was grating a mere single tonka bean into her mixing bowl, combining it with roughly a kilo of chopped apricots. Cassia cinnamon, which is commonly found in spice cabinets across the US, has a far higher concentration of coumarin, as reported by the BBC. Defending the tonka bean - which looks to have the approximate consistency and color of an almond - Claire continued: 'I just think it flavors things so nicely. 'And some people think of it as imitation vanilla, because vanilla beans can be super expensive. But tonka beans aren't cheap either. 'So I don't know if I would call them imitation vanilla, but they're really fun. They're very commonly used in Latin America apparently, which I didn't realize because that is where they're grown.' Elsewhere on her feed, Claire showcased the completed jar of apricot-tonka bean jam, which she soon after polished off herself, pairing it with various soft cheeses and a glass of red wine. Revealing the ingredient to be the tonka bean, Claire demonstrated how she only grated a single one into an apricot jam recipe for flavoring - while it would take close to 30 to be toxic Claire is half French and half Greek-American, and grew up between Los Angeles and the French countryside Hundreds took to the comments to react to the revelation about the legalities of the tonka bean - with many pointing out that the US permits seemingly much more dangerous additives Last year on her TikTok, Claire delved into her personal history - one that has directly informed her interest and tastes in cuisine. She's half French, and half Greek-American, and grew up between Los Angeles and the French countryside. With this upbringing, she's developed a taste for seasonal produce and loves experimenting with fresh ingredients she's able to source. On Claire's tonka bean video, hundreds took to the comments to discuss the revelation about the seed and its legalities. 'Me, a perfume lover only associating tonka bean with perfume and not realizing people eat them too,' admitted one. 'Meanwhile Brazil nuts are just openly available and apparently you're only supposed to eat like 2 a day,' a second pointed out. 'Really....that's what the US bans.. ?!' a third chimed in incredulously, given the FDA's notoriously lax policies toward ingredients and food additives with well-documented negative health consequences. 'The US where carcinogens in bleached flour and preservatives out the whazoo are fine, but this thing you have to eat 30 of is banned ,' echoed a fourth. Prince William was snapped smiling and waving with his stepmother yesterday She was once branded the 'wicked stepmother' by Prince Harry, who said that he and his brother Prince William begged their father not to marry. But Prince William's carriage ride with Queen Camilla at Royal Ascot yesterday - with the Prince of Wales taking pride of place alongside his stepmother in the absence of King Charles - proved just how far their relationship has come. The duo, who were joined in their carriage by the Earl and Countess of Halifax were seen sharing smiles, highlighting their growing fondness for each other amid an anxious time for both. Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales are currently facing similar hurdles in their personal lives, with both their spouses are undergoing treatments for cancer. William balancing official duties with caring for his young family and supporting Kate while his wife takes a step back from her role as a senior working royal to continue her preventative chemotherapy. Queen Camilla and Prince William were joined in their carriage by the Earl and Countess of Halifax as they waved to crowds at the racecourse in Berkshire and shared a smile The duo rode in a carriage together, as King Charles missed the second day of Royal Ascot Camilla and William smile as they are pictured having a chat in November 2022 When King Charles announced his condition, Queen Camilla upped her number of official duties and filled in for him at 13 royal engagements. Prince William has forged an 'unlikely ally' with his stepmother amid the Royal Family's health crises, according to royal expert Jennie Bond. Jennie previously told OK! magazine that she had noticed changes in William and Camilla's relationship, even before Kate released her video statement about the disease in March. She said: 'Recent events have obviously brought William and Camilla much closer. They have been left, almost literally, nursing the Crown while the King and the Princess recover. 'Their teams will be working more closely to coordinate diaries and cover the engagements that have been planned, and Camilla and William are bound to have been in much closer regular contact.' Meanwhile, a royal source previously told the Sunday Times of Queen Camilla: 'Although she was not expecting to find herself in the position of leading the family, the Queen is absolutely prepared to do whatever needs to be done for the institution. 'She has found reserves of energy that even she didn't think she had, and the estimation of her by those inside the palace has soared as she has put her shoulder to the wheel.' The then Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William beam as they chat to others at the Commonwealth Day reception in 2018 Queen Camilla looks at Prince William as he smiles at revellers at Royal Ascot today At the start of March, the Prince of Wales shared a giggle with his stepmother at the Commonwealth Day Service. As Camilla approached, William was seen to say 'hello' to his stepmother before moving forward to kiss her on both cheeks. They chatted as they stood side by side, ready for the national anthem to be played before they shared a laugh and led the other royals into the service. In 2022, William was also there to support her on her first major outing since the late Queen issued her royal seal of approval for her to use the title when Charles, becomes monarch. Queen Camilla and Prince William share a giggle as they lead the royals at Westminster Abbey The Duchess of Cornwall engaged in a sweet chat with Prince William today in her first major event since being named as future Queen in 2022 Sources told the Daily Mail at the time that whilst he was not part of the decision-making process, William was'respectful' of the title change. But they have not always had a strong bond, with William struggling to come to grips with his stepmother at the start of the relationship, according to a well-placed source. They told the newspaper: 'There were huge family rows in the early stages of Charles and Camilla's marriage as everyone found their feet. William didn't have the best relationship with his father back then. 'But he sees that Camilla had made his father happy and it is something he has come to terms with. 'His relationship with the Prince of Wales is better than it ever has been. He is not particularly close to his stepmother but they get on perfectly well and are quite the blended family now. 'He also respects his grandmother and her judgement more than anything in the world. If it is right for her, then it will be right for him.' The Princess of Wales has also smoothed the relationship between William and Camilla, according to royal author and commentator, Angela Levin. William, Camilla and Kate are pictured having a conversation at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in 2019 The then Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William arrive at Trooping the Colour in 2007 In her biography of Queen Camilla she says that Kate made a real effort to spend time with both William's father and his stepmother. Ms Levin writes in her book that she used shared interests, such as a love of the arts, to bond with Charles and Camilla and organised private meetings with them - without William in tow. In Camilla: from Outcast to Queen Consort, Ms Levin writes: 'Fortunately, time helped improve Camilla's relationship with senior Royals, including Prince William, largely thanks to the Princess of Wales, who is a peacemaker. 'Camilla is also a conciliator and doesn't nurse grievances. They both believe that supporting their husbands is a priority,' says Ms Levin, a journalist who has worked extensively for both The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday. 'Catherine has a love of the arts, which William doesn't particularly share, and she often goes both privately and publicly with the Queen Consort and King Charles to see exhibitions.' William's brother, Prince Harry - who left his role as a senior working royal to live in California with Meghan Markle in 2020 - also revealed how the brothers were reluctant to accept their father's remarriage to Camilla. In his memoir Spare released in early 2023, the Duke of Sussex wrote that they 'begged' him not to remarry. He wrote: 'I remember wondering...if she would be cruel to me; if she would be like all the wicked stepmothers in the stories.' Harry later wrote that ultimately he and William approved of Camilla The close relationship Prince William shares with Carole Middleton was on show as the pair attended Royal Ascot together today, according to a body language expert. Judi James told The Sun that the Prince of Wales, 41, who looked like a 'schoolboy' in his top hat, appeared to have 'triggered some maternal-looking body language responses from his mother-in-law'. She added that the close proximity the pair were standing in signals that they are 'a very relaxed and close family unit'. According to Judi, the way William and Carole, 69, interact show the 'support and affection' they share as a family. 'It's so clear that the presence of Kates mother and father, who have had a very parental role in Williams life, creates what looks like a safe place for William to relax and have fun in the wake of all the worries over his wifes illness,' Judi added. Prince William is pictured with his mother-in-law Carole Middleton as the two attend Royal Ascot together today According to body language expert Judi James, William appeared to have 'triggered some maternal-looking body language responses from his mother-in-law' today At one point, the prince showed off his chivalrous side, coming to the rescue of Carole after a minor mishap. Carole was seen having her very own Cinderella moment as her foot slipped out of her heel which was left behind in the ground, but she luckily had a charming prince on hand. The pair were seen laughing off the incident as they walked off together and joined other guests. The Middletons' outing comes after their daughter Kate, 42, who has been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since February, made a spectacular return to public life during Trooping the Colour on Saturday. Carole and Michael Middleton's last public appearance was at Kate's annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas at Westminster Abbey in London in December. Three months later, Kate announced to the world her cancer diagnosis. Carole, who sported a 350 light blue frock from Self-Portrait for today's outing, has reportedly been supporting her daughter through her cancer treatment at her home in Windsor. Her floral dress appeared reminiscent of Kate's 1,275 blue lace creation by Elie Saab, which she first wore to Royal Ascot in 2019. It also featured a dainty bow and pleated detailing. Prince William holds out his hand to help his mother-in-law Carole after her shoe got stuck in the turf Body language expert Judi James , told The Sun that William (right) appeared at ease and particularly close with Kate's mother, Carole Middleton (left) Pictured: William looked smart on the second day of the races as he wore a classic black suit and top hat The royal seemed at ease while speaking with his mother-in-law, and appeared to be smiling and laughing during their interactions Proving to be a queen of coordination, Carole teamed her long-sleeved summer dress with a matching light blue fascinator, featuring a statement flower, and a pair of dark blue heels. With a stylish clutch bag in hand, she finished off her stunning look with a smattering of glamorous makeup and a pair of Emily Mortimer Electra Gold Sky and London Blue Topaz earrings. William looked delighted that his wife's parents were enjoying a day out at the races. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said of the Middletons stepping back into royal life: 'They are the unsung heroes of the current period, eschewing the limelight, but undoubtedly making a very significant contribution at such a difficult time for the Wales family.' He continued: 'As we rejoice that Catherine made such a stunning success at her first official appearance in six months at Trooping the Colour, spare a thought for her parents who have undoubtedly helped her and her family so much during this stressful period.' Two bikini-clad college students have set the internet alight with a brazen claim about the 'craziest thing' they've done on Spring Break. The young women were interviewed by YouTuber Travaine Barnett in Los Cabos, Mexico, when they made a ludicrous confession after being asked to share their little-known secrets. During the chat, the pair shocked the host when they gave a staggering response, telling him they are now 'almost millionaires' as a result of their actions. In the video, Barnett's heard asking them: 'What's the craziest experience you've had on Spring Break?' The girls then proceeded to allege they found eight pounds of cocaine on a Miami beach during last year's Spring Break and sold it. The two unidentified woman were in conversation with YouTuber Travaine Barnett in Los Cabos, Mexico when they shared their 'craziest experience while on spring break' The woman donning a red bikini carelessly told the interviewer she and her pal had found mysterious packages on the beach by chance. 'We were in Miami last Spring Break and a huge... like eight pounds of cocaine flew in, and we stuffed it in our bikinis,' she said, as the other girl chimes in from the background, adding: 'We took it.' She continues, 'and sold it, we're like almost millionaires now.' Her friend continues to explain: 'It was last year in Miami from Cuba. It came in like seaweed and floated onto the beach.' When asked if realize they are now outing themselves, one of the girls explains it's okay because a year has passed.' The red bikini clad woman went on to explain that they supposedly found the mysterious packet supposedly floating in the ocean from Cuba They add: 'I feel like I shouldn't be telling anyone but it's fine now because it's like a year later but at the time no one was supposed to be on the beaches. 'But we'd go at night and shove it in our bikinis.' During the exchange, Barnett says he's skeptical, but the pair urge him to 'look it up'. A screenshot of a news article from The Miami Herald shows on the screen from an article published September 28. The piece acknowledges several cases of varying drugs, including cocaine, washing up on Florida shorelines following an increase in maritime migration from Cuba and Haiti which began in 2022. The girls do not give a specific enough date to be able to verify their claims. The blue bikini wearing woman said that the cocaine package 'came in seaweed' But regardless of their authenticity of their tale, viewers were astonished with their admission. One viewer said, 'Mannnn the way Id never tell anyone. The fact they said this publicly is nuts, between the drug dealers and the IRS and the FBI. I cant believe they said this online.' 'Not very bright. And you dry snitching for posting it smh,' one viewer also commented. Others weren't believing their story, with one person saying: 'Shove kilos of coke in a bikini? Sure.' Multiple users also went further ahead and said that the girls may end up in jail after snitching on themselves. DailyMail.com has approached Miami Police and U.S. Border Patrol. Queen Letizia of Spain is well known for her impeccable style and it looks like her teenage daughters are following suit. Princess Leonor, 18, and Princess Sofia, 17, opted for elegant outfits and immaculate hairstyles for an appearance at the Royal Collections Gallery to mark the 10th anniversary of King Felipe VI's proclamation on Wednesday afternoon. Princess Leonor, the future Queen of Spain who is currently completing her military training at Zaragoza Military Academy in Northern Spain, looked striking in a beaded pale blue two-piece and black slingbacks for the gallery visit. Her younger sister Princess Sofia, who is currently a student at UWC Atlantic college in Wales, looked elegant in white wide-leg trousers and a matching white top with a subtle shimmer. Both young women opted for a soft blow-dry hairstyle reminiscent of their mother's polished looks and subtle, fresh makeup with glowing skin and glossy lips. Princess Leonor, 18, and Princess Sofia, 17, opted for elegant outfits and immaculate hairstyles for an appearance at the Royal Collections Gallery Both young women opted for a soft blow-dry hairstyle reminiscent of their mother's polished looks and subtle, fresh makeup with glowing skin and glossy lips The sisters clearly take after their glamorous mother when it comes to style The European royals were out in force this week for numerous celebrations to celebrate King Felipe's 10-year reign. The 56-year-old monarch ascended the Spanish throne June 19, 2014, making yesterday his official 10-year anniversary as King. The spotlight has been on Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia as well as their glamorous parents this week as the sisters have attended a series of high-profile engagements in Madrid. Princess Sofia and Princess Leonor showed their individual styles again during a gala lunch at the Royal Palace in Madrid earlier on Wednesday. Princess Leonor once again emulated her mother with a killer red suit and chunky heels, while Princess Sofia opted for a structured black dress with a colourful printed panel and cut-out detail. Princess Sofia and Princess Leonor showed their individual styles again during a gala lunch at the Royal Palace in Madrid earlier on Wednesday Princess Leonor once again emulated her mother with a killer red suit and chunky heels, while Princess Sofia opted for a structured black dress The gala lunch was held as part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of King Felipe's proclamation Princess Leonor (left) and Princess Sofia (right) sat alongside their mother Queen Letizia for the special event After the event at The Gallery Of Royal Collection, the Spanish royals enjoyed a family night out at a concert to mark the 10th anniversary of King Felipe's proclamation. Queen Letizia, 51, stepped out with her husband and their daughters Crown Princess Leonor, 18, and Princess Sofia, 17, for the Ara Malikian concert at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Wednesday evening. The stylish Queen opted for a black vest top which showed off her toned arms and a gold pleated satin skirt by Massimo Dutti which she paired with black sandals. Letizia greeted members of the public as she arrived, even stopping to shake hands and take pictures with crowds of royal fans. She accessorised with a 980 gold bangle from Filigree Fine Jewels and a black leather BOSS belt. Queen Letizia joined her family for a concert during the 10th anniversary of King Felipe's proclamation on Wednesday evening in Madrid Meanwhile Felipe, who celebrated 10 years since his proclamation, donned grey trousers which he paired with a pink shirt and navy blazer. It was a whirlwind of a day for the royals as Felipe celebrating the 10th anniversary of his ascension to the throne earlier in the day. After a ceremony inside the Palace, the family-of-four then appeared on the balcony to wave to crowds of royal fans. Letizia looked effortlessly elegant in blue, she opted for satin midi dress for the celebration at the Royal Palace in Madrid. The stylish gown featured a chic square neckline, asymmetric sleeve and A-Line skirt. The mother-of-two offset her stylish ensemble with minimal jewellery, opting for a pair of dangling blue-and-amber crystal earrings. The Spanish royal, 51, stepped out with her husband (second left) and their daughters Crown Princess Leonor, 18, (left) and Princess Sofia, 17, (second right) for the Ara Malikian concert at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Wednesday evening The stylish Queen opted for a black vest top which showed off her toned arms and a gold pleated satin skirt by Massimo Dutti which she paired with black sandals Letizia greeted members of the public as she arrived, even stopping to shake hands and take pictures with crowds of royal fans She accessorised with a 980 gold bangle from Filigree Fine Jewels and a black leather BOSS belt Leonor wore her light brown hair down and in a centre parting for the occasion. Meanwhile, Sofa looked equally elegant in a black dress with pink tie-dye ruching on the front. Felipe's father Juan Carlos famously abdicated in 2014 following a series of scandals and affair rumours. Two years before, the ex-monarch's popularity nosedived when he was pictured posing next to a dead elephant in Botswana while Spain was struggling with the financial crisis. In more recent months, Queen Letizia herself has been faced with unproven accusations of an affair with her ex-brother-in-law Jaime del Burgo. Last month, Spanish journalist Jaime Penafiel, 91, launched a fresh attack on the European Queen with his new book 'Letizia's Silences'. Following his first best-selling book 'Letizia & I' (which alleged that Letizia had an affair with her ex brother-in-law Jamie del Burgo), the veteran royal reporter claims in his latest work that Felipe was 'aware' of his wife's alleged infidelity 'in real time'. The author alleges that bodyguards joined Queen Letizia on a trip she took to New York in 2011 with her 'lover' Jaime del Burgo, whom she had dated before meeting Felipe. Queen Letizia spoke to members of the public before the concert alongside King Felipe Princess Leonor, (left) looked elegant as she opted for a chic light blue patterned skirt and matching top, which she paired with black stilettos Princess Sofia wowed in a stylish white co-ord of trousers and a matching vest top, she completed her ensemble with a black block heel The royal appeared in great spirits as she posed for snaps with members of the adoring public Letizia showed off her toned arms in a black vest top as she greeted members of the public on Wednesday King Felipe and Queen Letizia were joined by their two daughters to mark the anniversary of the royals' proclamation Letizia offset her stylish ensemble with minimal jewellery, opting for a pair of dangling blue-and-amber crystal earrings The author wrote: 'That day [in New York], she was accompanied by her faithful escorts, who, without a doubt, any, they would pass a report to the Ministry of the Interior or [the Palace of] Zarzuela.' Following this, Jaime claims that Felipe has been left 'crushed and destroyed' by his wife's alleged cheating. The royal reporter - who worked for Hola! magazine for 20 years - claims that Felipe has been 'plunged into hell' by his wife's supposed 'betrayal' and 'wants to get out'. Elsewhere in the book, Jamie labels Queen Letizia 'cold, emotionally immature and passive aggressive' and makes unsubstantiated claims she is 'hated' by King Felipe's family. Jaime Penafiel, 91, was sacked by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after 20 years earlier this year following the publication of first book on the Queen called 'Letizia & I'. She's been known for her 'quiet luxury' style - and once stepped out in a pair of JW Anderson slippers costing nearly 600 for the school run. But Akshata Murty, who is worth more than 500million, can't be accused of showing off her wealth during her husband Rishi Sunak's election campaign. Instead, the daughter of a self-made billionaire, 44, has reworn outfits and sported British High Street staples, including most recently a coulorful 95 Boden jumper. Her election wardrobe has also boasted a 225 striped midi dress from Jigsaw, which she first wore in October 2023 ahead of the Conservative Party Conference, as well as a 34 Boden shirt that she originally debuted in May 2023. The mother-of-two has previously been known for wearing designer ensembles that top fashion experts claim would have given Jackie Kennedy a run for her money. On Wednesday, Ms Murty - dubbed Britain's 'first lady' - opted for a vibrant check 'everyday crew-neck jumper' from Boden, priced at 95 But on Wednesday, Ms Murty - dubbed Britain's 'first lady' - opted for a vibrant check 'everyday crew-neck jumper' from Boden, priced at 95. She teamed the colourful garment with a pair of wide-leg jeans and well-worn trainers as she joined the wives of Jeremy Hunt and James Cleverly on the general election campaign trail. Ms Murty met up with Lucia Hunt, the Chancellor's wife, and Susie Cleverly, the wife of the Home Secretary, in the village of Fordham, Cambridgeshire. The trio were also joined by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, the local Tory candidate, as they delivered campaign leaflets and spoke to residents. Last week, Ms Murty continued her low-key dressing by rewearing a 225 striped midi dress from Jigsaw while touring Shinewater Primary School in Eastbourne. Meanwhile, when attending a Conservative general election campaign event in Stanmore, London, in May, the Prime Minister's wife opted to once again show her love of a rewear. Appearing alongside her husband, Ms Murty sported an embroidered relaxed shirt from Boden, currently costing 34 but originally priced at 85, that she first wore in May 2023 when hosting a Coronation Big Lunch outside Downing Street. The chic long-sleeved garment was embellished with love hearts and featured trendy white and blue stripes. Appearing alongside her husband in May, Ms Murty sported an embroidered relaxed shirt from Boden, currently costing 34 but originally priced at 85, that she first wore in May 2023 when hosting a Coronation Big Lunch outside Downing Street Last week, Ms Murty continued her low-key dressing by rewearing a 225 striped midi dress from Jigsaw while touring Shinewater Primary School in Eastbourne Designer darling: Ms Murthy has previously raised eyebrows with her high-end wardrobe. In December 2020, the IT heiress wore a box-fresh pair of 445 Gucci trainers, a REDValentino shearling and leather coat costing 1,630 and a leather skirt worth more then 1,000, for a date night with her husband in upmarket Mayfair, pictured Ms Murthy, who owns a 430million stake in her Indian tech billionaire father Narayana Murthy's IT business, previously raised eyebrows with her high-end wardrobe. In February 2023, Ms Murty showed that even her loungewear is chic as she stepped out in a pair of JW Anderson slippers costing nearly 600 outside Downing Street. She wrapped up in a chic all-black outfit including textured leggings and a lined leather jacket as she returned home in the car after what appeared to be the school run. The billionaire's daughter, whose wardrobe often includes luxury items, sported a pair of JW Anderson chain-detail slippers on her feet. The 570 suede slippers, which are lined with shearling, are a little more hardy than the average pair of house-shoes, with a durable rubber sole. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty are joined by daughters Krishna and Anoushka and their dog Nova as they host a Coronation Big Lunch outside Downing Street on May 07, 2023 Elsewhere, in December 2020, the IT heiress wore a box-fresh pair of 445 Gucci trainers, a REDValentino shearling and leather coat costing 1,630 and a leather skirt worth more then 1,000, for a date night with her husband in upmarket Mayfair. In July 2023, Ms Murty was named Britain's best dressed person and compared with Jackie Kennedy-Onassis. The businesswoman and fashion designer made the list compiled by Tatler magazine alongside the likes of Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and actor Bill Nighy. Chandler Tregaskes, Tatler style editor, said: 'Her stream of 'It' ensembles would have given Jackie Kennedy a run for her money... 'Mrs Sunak is a shining example of modern-day diplomatically decadent dressing that steals the show.' Ms Murty attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles and started her fashion label Akshata Designs. Kylie Jenner surprised fans at the start of this year when she waltzed into Paris Fashion Week in a strapless gown - a radical departure from her usual high glamour look. The 26-year-old, from California, went for a natural look- all pale, lightly flushed skin, tousled hair and minimal eye makeup. But those who have followed the reality television star for some time spotted a drastic difference in the way styled and carried herself. There came a time before dating Timothee when Kylie was all about wearing bright colours, revealing clothing and heavy makeup. The only thing that has changed between now and then is her partner, raising questions as to whether the star enjoys matching her look to that of her boyfriend's wardrobe. Kylie Jenner gave the world a shock when she waltzed into Paris Fashion Week in a strapless gown paired with tousled curls and pale glowing skin Some fans have wondered whether the inspiration behind Kyle's new classic image is her beau, Timothee Chalamet (both pictured in January at the Golden Globe Awards) Her first long-term relationship with Tyga blossomed after the couple met in November 2011 at Kendall's 16th birthday party. Their on-and-off relationship started in 2015, when he gifted her a Ferrari for her birthday and got a tattoo dedicated to her. And it seems Kylie mirrored his gestures, changing her Instagram handle to 'King Kylie', inspired by Tyga, also known as 'King Gold Chain'. The rapper is covered head-to-toe in tattoos and has grills, a type of dental jewellery worn over the teeth. Back then, Kylie was not afraid to show off her edgy style and bold looks, which would often include a full face of makeup, tan skin and hair in unnatural colours such as green, blue and purple. Kylie Jenner is pictured looking very different when she was dating Travis Scott in 2019 In 2020, Kylie was dating Travis Scott and donned a revealing nude fishnet outfit The couple would often coordinate, with Kylie donning bright mint-coloured hair, matching Tyga's khaki camo top. The star also once donned a red ensemble, while her beau opted for a red flame hoodie and a black beanie with cherry-coloured writing on it. When their relationship came to an end in 2017, Kylie met Travis Scott, another rapper, and they engaged in a whirlwind romance. Kylie and Travis - who share two children together - would often match her ensembles him. In 2022, they stepped out in matching red and white leather biker jackets and in 2018, the couple decided to don bright-coloured ensembles to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, a far cry from Kylie's neutral wardrobe. Mini skirts, oversized sunglasses, and short mini dresses were often what her fans would see her dressed in, along with hair extensions and heavy makeup. When the star dated rapper Tyga, she would often experiment with different hair colours (pictured in 2017) These dainty, yet elegant appearances are a contrast with her 'King Kylie' era in 2014, inspired by her then-boyfriend rapper Tyga, also known as 'King Gold Chain'. Above: Kylie in 2015 The reality television star is pictured with her ex-boyfriend Tyga in 2017 in New York But since dating Timothee Chalamet last year, Kylie has been trying out a more classic, dressed-down style and it's believed she wants to match the aesthetic of her boyfriend. Her look at Paris Fashion Week gave fans a glimpse into a more natural Kylie but some criticised it and said she looked older than she was, which upset the star. For the Met Gala in May, the mother-of-two also opted for a classic Hollywood glamour rather than her usual modern look. She turned heads as she showed off her hourglass figure in a champagne-colored Oscar de la Renta gown with a retro bullet bra bodice and a fluffy train. The indie darling and the reality star make such an unlikely couple it's even been suggested that the 'Kylie effect' could be damaging to Timothee's low-key image, so perhaps her switch-up is no coincidence. Speaking to FEMAIL brand expert Emily Austen previously explained: 'Timothee has charmed fans with his rise to fame and his unorthodox perception of Hollywood,' she said. In 2022, Kylie and Travis stepped out in matching red and white leather biker jackets In 2018, the Travis and Kylie decided to don bright-coloured ensembles to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, a far cry from her neutral wardrobe Mini skirts, oversized sunglasses, and short mini dresses were often what her fans would see her dressed in when she was dating Travis The brunette beauty is snapped with Travis in 2019 donning a red satin dress 'He's very much the underdog story, French, he doesn't have the Hollywood 'look' - muscles, build, or fashion sense. 'He has feminine energy, dresses energetically, and shuns the traditional trappings of celebrity culture. This has given an endearing sense of curiosity into his personality. 'His girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, couldn't be more opposite. She's all but grown up on television, sharing every intimate detail of her life, business, bank balance, routine and journey to motherhood. 'The Kylie effect could be damaging to Timothee's credibility amongst fans, but likely won't impact long term deals and film success.' For the Met Gala this year, Kylie showcased another pared-back style, turning heads in a champagne-colored Oscar de la Renta gown with a retro bullet bra bodice and a fluffy train. In this week's episode of The Kardashians, the mother-of-two broke down after internet trolls said she looked 'old' in the unfiltered pictures. In a conversation with her sister, Kendall, she complained about how people had been making fun of her face. Kylie received criticism over her Paris fashion week look, with some fans stating that she 'looked old' Kylie puts on a very public display of affection with boyfriend Timothee Chalamet at the Golden Globes Kylie Jenner broke down in tears on this week's episode of The Kardashians after internet trolls said she looked 'old' in unfiltered pictures taken at Paris Fashion Week back in January In a candid chat, Kylie said people would criticise her if she was wearing 'too much makeup,' but if she went in the opposite direction, people would also comment on her look. 'I've never cried about this before but I guess it does affect me,' she said. 'People have been talking about my looks since I was 12, 13, before I even got lip filler. It's just so hurtful. [They say] I look old, I see it under every post.' In particular, she was hurt that fans as well as cosmetic dermatologists and professionals experienced with injecting fillers and Botox had pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks. Some fans and professionals had speculated that she had used too much filler below her eyes and over her cheek bones, creating the prominent crease. However, the lines can be visible on anyone, even in children, and Kylie claimed that the feature had always been prominent on her going back to when she was a child. For the Met Gala in May, the mother-of-two also opted for a classic Hollywood glamour rather than her usual modern look In March, DailyMail.com spoke to insiders who insisted that Kylie and Timothee are still dating after recent fears emerged that couple called it quits. The pair have not been spotted together in public since January, leading some fans to believe they had quietly separated. Now, insiders have claimed the smitten duo have deliberately taken a step back from the limelight to 'protect' their relationship - and because Timothee, 28, was uncomfortable with the coverage of their kiss at the Golden Globes and feared it could distract from his new film, Dune 2. 'Timothee didn't like all the attention he got with Kylie during the Golden Globes and their kiss took away from the reason he was there,' a source said. 'His career is taking off and he wants to protect it and let it thrive based on his talent not who he is or isn't dating. He also wants to protect his relationship with Kylie.' Emperor Naruhito of Japan has admitted his family is running out of heirs amid an ongoing crisis for the monarchy. Japan's strict laws of succession forbid women from ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne and force them to give up their titles if they marry commoners. Meanwhile, many of the royal family are ageing - with eight members over 60, while only four members of the family are male. Speaking ahead of a state visit to Britain next week with his wife Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito, 64, made a rare comment about the crisis facing the imperial household. He said on Wednesday: 'The number of male members of the imperial family is decreasing, they are ageing, and female members of the imperial family leave the imperial family upon marriage.' Emperor Naruhito of Japan has admitted his family is running out of heirs amid an ongoing crisis for the monarchy If the marriage was to a prince, they could stay within the family - the trouble is that there are no fellow male royals for them to wed. 'Due to these factors, the number of members of the imperial family who can take on public duties is decreasing compared to before,' he continued. 'This is a problem that relates to the future of the imperial family, but I would like to refrain from commenting on matters related to the [legal] system.' His comments make for a rare insight into the royal dynasty, as emperors have avoided discussing items of political importance since Japan's defeat in the Second World War. The slimmed down state of the Japanese monarchy is partly due to male primogeniture rules, meaning only male members of the royal family can succeed the throne. Only four out of 16 members of Naruhito's family are male, following Emperor Emeritus Akihito's abdication in 2019. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako share only one child, Princess Aiko, who was born in 2001 after fertility treatment. However, she cannot take the country's throne. This means the heir to the throne is Naruhito's younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, 58. His son, 17-year-old Prince Hisahito and Naruhito's uncle Prince Hitachi, 88, are the only other male figures of the dynasty. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako share only one child, Princess Aiko - but she isn't allowed to rule The heir to the throne is Crown Prince Fumihito, the Emperor's brother and one of only four male royals Female royals are forced to give up their status if they marry a commoner. Pictured: Princess Mako and her husband Kei Komuro in a press conference to announce their marriage in 2021 Fumihito shares a daughter, Princess Kako, 29, with his wife Crown Princess Kiko, 57 - but she is also not allowed to inherit the throne. Fumihito also has two other children - Prince Hisahito of Akishino, 17, and Mako Komuro, 32 - who gave up her title after marrying her husband Kei Komuro. The country's strict laws of succession forbid women from ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne and force them to give up their titles if they marry commoners - seen most recently in Princess Mako's wedding. However, 90 per cent of the public support a change to the law to allow women to ascend the throne, according to a recent poll. Conservative members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party oppose the changes and they are yet to be instated. In addition, the Japanese monarchy are ageing - with eight of them being over 60. For example, Princess Yuriko celebrated her 101st birthday two weeks ago. These means that royal duties are spread thinly between the increasingly few numbers of working royals. In Japan, these include receiving dignitaries, taking part in Shinto ceremonies and visiting schools and hospitals. Japan's crisis is partly due to the royals ageing. Pictured is the Emperor's uncle Prince Hitachi, who is 88 Meanwhile Princess Yuriko, wife of the late Prince Mikasa, celebrated her 101st birthday last week Last month Japanese politicians debated solutions to resolve the crisis, which did not include allowing women to rule. Instead, options included allowing princesses to remain in the royal family after marriage and bringing back descendants of former cadet branches into the fold, who lost their royal status after World War Two. This still would not increase the number of heirs, as the LDP insists princess' children should not be allowed to rule. Princess Mako is the most recent example of female royals who have given up royal life in order to marry. In October 2021, she gave up her royal title to marry her commoner boyfriend in a move that sharply divided public opinion. Mako, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and niece of reigning Emperor Naruhito, tied the knot with her university sweetheart Kei Komuro, a commoner, in Tokyo after an eight-year engagement. The low-key ceremony was met with protests, and was held behind closed doors without any of the pomp and pageantry of other Japanese royal weddings, which traditionally include a reception and banquet. The decision led to comparisons with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who also turned their backs on royal duties to live privately in the US. Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, left, and their daughter Princess Aiko pose during a family photo session for New Year at the Imperial Palace in December 2023 Japanese Crown Prince Akishino (R), Crown Princess Kiko (C) and Princess Kako (L) Princess Mako was forced to give up royal life in 2021 when she married Kei Komuro In November last year, Emperor Naruhito called for a review of official duties because members are either leaving due to age or marrying a commoner, according to the Japan Times. 'It would be difficult to pass on (official duties) if the number (of imperial family members) decreases,' the crown prince told journalists in Tokyo. In February, Emperor Naruhito used his 64th birthday address to make a poignant speech to victims of the New Year's Day Earthquake, which killed 241. The royal expressed his grief for those who lost their lives in the 7.6 magnitude disaster on New Year's Day, which killed 241 people and saw more than 12,000 forced to flee their homes. 'I would like once again to express my condolences to those who lost their lives in the Noto Peninsula earthquake last month and to convey my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those who were affected by the disaster,' he said. 'I wish every one of you a peaceful spring.' In February, Emperor Naruhito used his 64th birthday address to make a poignant speech to victims of the New Year's Day Earthquake Naruhito appeared solemn during the address, sporting a black blazer and white shirt and tie for the occasion. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the Japanese state visit to the UK next week will not include the traditional trip to Downing Street to see the Prime Minister, as it coincides with the general election campaign. However, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer are still expected to attend the formal banquet at Buckingham Palace, despite having a TV debate the following evening. Meanwhile the British royal family has postponed any engagements that may 'appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign'. Other engagements are still allowed to go ahead. Glamorous racegoers have put their best fashion foot forward as they arrived at Royal Ascot in the sunshine today to kick off Ladies Day. Floral summer dresses, vibrant frocks and eye-catching headpieces were all on display as thousands of revellers descended on the Berkshire racecourse this morning. Showstopping headwear appeared to be the order of the day, with radiant racegoers showcasing an array of fabulous fascinators and quirky hats. One guest decided to stand out from the crowd with a balloon-themed headpiece, while another opted for a firework-themed creation. Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, started on Tuesday with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Saturday. Party on! Guests danced the night away as they celebrated their bets coming in Yellow yellow! One guests looked delighted as she danced with a drink in hand Quids in! Another guest sipped on Pimms as she celebrated a win The royal couple during presentations for the Gold Cup trophies Come on! Very sharply dressed guests celebrated winning Turning heads: These racegoers made sure all eyes were on them in their stylish ensembles Caped crusader! This racegoer was the epitome of chic in a white and black cape Not everyone appeared to be a fan of a summery dress, with these racegoers instead opting for mini frocks Creative: Novelty hats appeared to be the biggest trend of the day, with one person turning up with a burger inspired hat and another showing off a chessboard fascinator An explosion of colour! This remarkable hat featured various vibrant elements popping out from a navy base Radiant guests turned the racecourse into a sea of colourful ensembles as they stepped out for the prestigious occasion. Those trying to command attention amongst the crowd of thousands opted for unique headwear - including a unicorn-themed creation and even an owl design. Novelty hats appeared to be the biggest trend of the day, with one person turning up with a burger inspired hat and another showing off a chessboard fascinator. The wacky, gravity-defying style of hats are permitted in most of the areas at Ascot, except from the Royal Enclosure. 'A hat or headpiece with a solid base of four inches in diameter is mandatory in the Royal Enclosure,' explained the Royal Ascot website. 'Fascinators are not permitted. Novelty hats (i.e. ones which are excessively oversized, or are promoting or marketing any product or brand) are not permitted.' This year's meeting will have an overall prize-money pot of 10million. This is a record amount for Royal Ascot. The minimum winnings for all eight Group 1 races will be 650,000. It was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for 'horses to gallop at full stretch' and has today become a major social event as well as a sporting attraction. Hats off to the ladies! These radiant guests opted for huge floral hats for today's event As colourful as a rainbow! Revellers wow in their very bright outfits at Royal Ascot Hedwig, is that you? One racegoer set out to stand out from the crowd by wearing an owl-themed hat It's all about the hats: These radiant racegoers opted for statement headwear to elevate their looks Taking the garden with you: A colourful butterfly detailing adorned this person's hat Radiant in ruby: A racegoer showcases a stylish red dress and matching accessories Making an entrance! A woman showcases her billowing dress as she steps out at Ladies Day Perfect polka dots: Glamorous racegoers (including TV presenter Louise Roe, pictured left), showcase their patterned dresses Looking good: Three ladies in mini dresses show off their sensational ensembles These stunning racegoers decided to wear eye-catching hats with their elegant ensembles for their day out at Royal Ascot Monochrome magic: This elegant lady appeared stylish in a long sleeved gown with bow detailing Racegoer Fiona Andrew opted for a suit and tie for Ladies Day, teamed with a top hat Thrice as nice! These elegant ladies dressed to impress for the third day of Royal Ascot Bringing the sunshine! A racegoer stuns in a yellow floral and polka dot dress and matching hat Bucking the trend: Rather than an on-trend floral frock or feathered hat, this stunning racegoer opted for a suit with a glamorous blue handbag Pretty in pink! Beaming racegoers opt for vibrant midi dresses as they step out at the prestigious event Bright and bold: A beaming racegoer commands attention in an orange V-neck dress The bigger, the better when it comes to these hats! These women commanded attention with their over-the-top headwear Getting off to a flying start! A woman showcases her elegant billowing dress at Royal Ascot Gorgeous in green! A racegoer showcases her unicorn-themed hat and matching dress Red hot! This woman's enormous hat ensured she stood out from the crowd at Royal Ascot Famous faces: Charlotte Hawkins (pictured left) and Lady Victoria Hervey (pictured right) attend day three of Royal Ascot For the first time in its 313-year history, Ascot Racecourse announced this year the appointment of a creative director. British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher was responsible for the creation of the annual Lookbook and Millinery Collective in 2024, which set the style tone for the year and often inspire racegoers' outfits. He's known for his classically tailored silhouettes and modern gender-fluid clothes; his Spring/Summer 2023 collection included corset designs for both men and women. The Cheshire-born designer, whose first customer was the eccentric Harry Styles, told GQ in 2023: 'The idea of an item of clothing being for a specific gender is such a funny one. 'I understand that something like a bra is designed for function, but when it comes to a shirt, why would we apply gender to something like that? And for me, the same applies to the corset.' Former One Direction member Harry whose style has included jumpsuits, feather boas, skirts and dresses, became Daniel's first customer after buying all the boxy short-sleeved shirts from the designer's graduate collection in 2015. 'Harry had a huge impact on my career,' Daniel admitted to GQ in 2020. 'At 24 years old I couldnt believe what was happening.' Since then, the designer's career has gone from strength to strength, with A-listers including James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Corrin and Emerald Fennell wearing his looks. Blooming lovely! A racegoer showcases her floral hat and quirky sunglasses for the event Working it in neon: These revellers went for bold colours when picking out their outfits Elegant: This radiant racegoer put on a sophisticated display while soaking up the sun Vibrant: Racegoers opted for bold and bright coloured ensembles for day three of the event Matching! These friends decided to opt for coordinating hats when attending the prestigious event Glamorous guest arrive for Ladies Day at the Berkshire racecourse Hat's how you do Ladies Day! Racegoers show off their finest frocks as they attend the event at Royal Ascot Photographers take pictures of Louise Roe as she attends day three of Royal Ascot 2024 Police are pictured at Royal Ascot as racegoers arrive for Ladies Day at the Berkshire racecourse The Central Saint Martins graduate has also designed for some of the worlds most prestigious houses including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and JW Anderson and held the role of Artistic Director for Italian label Fiorucci between 2019 and 2023. He was nominated for the LVMH prize in 2017, was a winner of the European Semi- Final of the International Woolmark Prize and named Breakthrough Designer of The Year in the 2020 GQ Men of The Year Awards. After many successful seasons showing his collections on the London Fashion Week schedule, Daniel took part in Netflixs Next In Fashion series which saw him make it to the final. Of his latest appointment, Daniel said: 'Im thrilled to be appointed as Ascots first Creative Director and have thrown myself into the new role. 'Im keen to encapsulate the rich heritage of the racecourse while embracing the unique dress codes, adding a contemporary twist to bring a flair that Ascot hasnt seen before. 'For 2024, I want to inspire racegoers to push the boundaries with their own unique style and immerse themselves in the opportunity to embrace their own creativity and what better occasion than Royal Ascot! 'Im super excited to reveal the next evolution of style direction for the world- renowned brand and cant wait for the vision to become a reality.' A child-free woman has revealed how she decided to become a surrogate so that she could could still experience pregnancy without the 'tie' of being a parent. Kim Smith, from east London, is no stranger to surrogacy, because her mother, Emma, 52, has carried six surrogate babies in the past. The 29-year-old says she knew from the age of 14 she did not want children - but was drawn to follow in her own mother's footsteps. Adamant that she was not going to change her mind, Kim submitted an application through UK surrogacy agency COTS aged 24. Kim has now been a surrogate for two couples and gave birth last month to a boy for a 34-year-old couple Chris and Tom. Kim Smith, from east London, is no stranger to surrogacy, because her mother, Emma, 52, has carried six surrogate babies in the past (both pictured) Kim has now been a surrogate for two couples and gave birth last month to a boy. Above: Kim with Chris and Tom's son Kim, who is engaged to be married, said: 'I wanted to help people. 'And on the selfish side - I wanted to experience pregnancy and not have the tie of having a baby at the end. I found pregnancy absolutely fascinating.' Kim's mother, Emma, decided to be a surrogate after feeling like her family was complete and seeing an advert for COTS on TV. Kim, who works on railways, said: '[My mother] really enjoyed pregnancy. Kim is pictured showing off her bump and has already given birth twice at the age of 29 'I've got really fond memories of resting my head on my mum's stomach and feeling the baby moving. Because I grew up with it, it was the most normal thing.' Kim knew from her early teenage years that she wanted to be a surrogate. She said: 'I wanted to carry babies for other people. 'I have also been adamant that I don't want to have kids. I get the best job in the world. I get to be the fun aunt.' Kim waited a few years to make sure she was certain it was something she wanted to do and then submitted her application in 2019, adding that she 'knew it was the path for me'. She chatted to a few couples before settling on her first set of intended parents. 'You've got to make sure you're on the same page. We had difficult conversations,' she said. Kim is a traditional surrogate and uses artificial insemination in the comfort of her own home. She fell pregnant in late 2020 after four months of trying - and met her fiancee, Dilara, 27, who also works on the railways when she was six months along. Kim Smith is pictured with Dilara and the pair are due to get married in September this year Kim said she did not want the 'tie' of having children but still wanted to experience pregnancy Kim first submitted an application through UK surrogacy agency COTS aged 24 She said: 'It was a relief. We were close during the pregnancy. We spoke regularly. They came down for all the appointments. 'Seeing her face when she saw her baby moving, it was unforgettable. We had some really special moments.' Dilara said: 'I'd never really given much thought to surrogacy. I just found it really interesting. 'I just remember being quite excited about it. When she was talking about future surrogacies I couldn't wait to be a part of them.' Kim gave birth to a baby boy via emergency c-section in spring 2021 after being in labour for 24 hours. She said: 'I heard his first cry. He was bundled up and taken to his parents. I have footage of the moment.' Kim saw the couple a few more times but now says the contact is minimal. She waited until November 2022 before she started looking for another couple to become a surrogate for. Kim is due to get married to Dilara in September and does not want to be pregnant for the wedding. Kim says she knew from the age of 14 she did not want children - but was drawn to follow in her own mother's footsteps. Pictured: Kim and her mother Emma Kim has become close with Tom and Chris over the course of her carrying their child Kim is pictured smiling as she shows off her baby bump with her mother, Emma who has been a surrogate six times And this time around, she had more of a checklist of things she wanted in a couple. Kim said: 'I really wanted to carry for a gay couple. I met Chris and Tom and we were chatting in the pub for four hours. 'I felt that spark. I wanted the relationship to last a lifetime.' Kim fell pregnant within a month last summer and had a 'plain sailing' pregnancy. WHAT ARE THE LAWS ON SURROGACY? The laws of surogacy differ from country to country. In the US the laws suffer from state to state; some states have written legislation while others have common laws stemming from court decisions. For example, California is accepting of surrogacy agreements and upholds agreements that include LGBT people. However, others are stricter, like Michigan, which forbids absolutely all surrogacy agreements, and fines people $500,000 for entering into agreements. In the UK surrogates are the legal mother of any child they carry, unless they sign a parental order transferring their rights to the intended parents when they give birth. The birth mother always has the right to keep her child, even if they are not genetically related. Its illegal to pay a surrogate in the UK, except for medical expenses. Advertisement The four went for scans together and had dinners and sleepovers, with Kim even moving into Chris and Tom's place when she was 39 weeks pregnant. Kim had a home birth at their home and laboured for five hours before birthing their son in May this year, weighing 8lbs 10oz. She said: 'I gave birth on the sofa into his dads' arms. It was an incredible and powerful moment. It was lovely watching them become dads.' Kim says their little boy is now 'chunky' and 'healthy' and she has continued to see them frequently. She said: 'We've all become a huge part of each other's lives. I'll be an auntie for the baby as well.' Dilara said: 'I loved it. To see this lovely couple, to see them growing a family because of what Kim is doing - it's been fascinating. 'I have got nothing but good words. It's the ultimate show of love. 'The whole thing felt quite effortless. She did a very good job with it. She's very in tune with her body. 'I was taking photos the entire time [during labour]. I just remember saying "You're doing fine. Just let it happen". It was quite a magical moment. 'We're quite lucky with Chris and Tom. It feels effortless. It doesn't feel like a chore. They're like an extended family. It gives you hope for the next time.' Kim hopes to be a surrogate again but will wait at least a year before finding others to help. 'I'm going to see how I go. But I want to continue doing surrogacy at least a couple of times.' Kim said surrogacy is 'not something everyone could do' and says anyone considering it should not 'rush' into their decision. She added: 'You have got to make sure you feel that spark. It's very intimate.' Emperor Naruhito has praised the British royals for treating him 'like family' when he spent time with the late Queen Elizabeth in the 1980s. During his two years studying at Oxford University, the royal, now 64, was invited to stay at Balmoral for a couple of days. Emperor Naruhito smiled as he recalled sweet memories of the late Queen, Prince Philip and King Charles. According to the Japan Times, he said: 'I have very fond memories of the Queen driving a car, inviting me to a barbecue and Prince Philip showing me around by driving a carriage himself.' The father-of-one said King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, taught him how to fly fish, but admitted that 'neither of us had success.' Queen Elizabeth escorts Naruhito through the Great Hall in Windsor Castle in 2001 The then Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Charles watch an exhibit after the opening ceremony of the Japan Festival 1991 at the Victoria & Albert Museum Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022 'I was welcomed with warmth as if I were their family member,' Emperor Naruhito added. He also attended the late Queen's funeral in September 2022, marking his first overseas trip after The Emperor's enthronement. The royal said he was 'very grateful' that King Charles is set welcome him and his wife, despite his cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales, 42, also announced that she had cancer at the end of March and has been going through preventative chemotherapy. She attended Trooping the Colour last weekend, where she rode in a carriage alongside her children Prince Louis, six, Prince George, 10 and nine-year-old Princess Charlotte. Speaking of Charles and Kate, Naruhito said: 'I hope their treatment goes smoothly and they can make a speedy recovery.' The Emperor is planning to fly over to the UK with his wife, Empress Masako, on Saturday and stay for eight days, with events for their official visit commencing on Tuesdau. During their trip, the couple are going to attend private events along with meeting Japanese people who live in the UK. Naruhito walks along Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 2001 The then Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Charles attend the opening ceremony of the Japan Festival at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1991 The Emperor is planning to fly over to the UK with his wife, Empress Masako (both pictured), on Saturday and stay for eight days Currently, Princess Aiko (pictured) is their only child and the law states that the throne shall only be succeeded to by a male offspring They will also go to the Francis Crick Institute and visit Oxford on their final day, where Masako also studied. The Empress is still in the process of recovering from a stress-induced illness, according to the Japanese outlet. Some have said that she has been suffering from this because she feels pressure to produce a male heir. Currently, Princess Aiko is their only child and the law states that the throne shall only be succeeded to by a male offspring. Aside from Naruhito's nephew Prince Hisahito, 17, the only male heirs are his brother Crown Prince Akishino, 58, and his uncle Prince Hitachi, 88. Naruhito said yesterday: 'The number of male members of the imperial family is decreasing, they are ageing, and female members of the imperial family leave the imperial family upon marriage.' If the marriage was to a prince, they could stay within the family - the trouble is that there are no fellow male royals for them to wed. 'Due to these factors, the number of members of the imperial family who can take on public duties is decreasing compared to before,' he continued. 'This is a problem that relates to the future of the imperial family, but I would like to refrain from commenting on matters related to the [legal] system.' Queen Letizia looked elegant in cream for the opening of a new exhibition at the Royal Palace in Madrid that marks 10 years since her husband, King Felipe VI, ascended the throne. The Spanish royals were greeted by crowds of tourists for the unveiling of 'Felipe VI, a decade of the history of the Spanish Crown', a series of portraits of the family. The 56-year-old monarch ascended the Spanish throne June 19, 2014, making yesterday his official 10-year anniversary as King. Felipe succeeded his father, Emeritus King Juan Carlos, who was the head of state for 39 years before famously abdicating in 2014 when his popularity plummeted amid corruption allegations and affair rumours. More recently, the King and Queen of Spain's marriage was rocked when Queen Letizia faced with unproven accusations of an affair with her ex-brother-in-law, Jaime del Burgo. Queen Letizia stood alongside her husband, King Felipe VI, who looked smart in a grey suit and statement pattern tie Felipe succeeded his father, Emeritus King Juan Carlos, who was the head of state for 39 years before famously abdicating in 2014 Queen Letiza has been known to match smart suits and jackets with more casual footwear for a moderm take on power dressing For the grand occasion at the Royal Palace, Queen Letizia, 51, wore a striking cream suit and relaxed white plimsolls, mixing and matching formal and casual styles. This is an occurring theme with Letizia's recently sartorial choices, with the European royal recently opting for laid-back black sandals with her evening attire for a family night out at a concert to mark the 10th anniversary of King Felipe's proclamation. To complement her smart-casual look, Queen Letizia wore her brown hair down, skimming her shoulders with a sleek blow dry, subtle makeup and understated gold jewellery for a relaxed overall look. Queen Letizia stood alongside her husband, King Felipe VI, who looked smart in a grey suit and statement pattern tie. The European royals were greeted by rows of tourists who had lined up eager to get a picture with the couple as well as see the new exhibition. The European royals were greeted by crowds of tourists for the unveiling of 'Felipe VI, a decade of the history of the Spanish Crown' Spain's Queen Letizia (centre) and King Felipe VI (right) happily greeted tourists who lined up to see them at the new exhibition Queen Letizia looked elegant in cream for the opening of a new exhibition at the Royal Palace in Madrid The new exhibition showcases huge portraits of the Spanish Royal Family The European Queen looked happy and relaxed after what's undoubtedly been a difficult time with fresh affair allegations from journalist Jaime Penafiel It's been a week of celebrations for Queen Letizia and the rest of the Spanish royal family, who have been attending events throughout the week to mark the 10th anniversary of King Felipe's proclamation. Last night, Queen Letizia stepped out with her husband and their daughters Crown Princess Leonor, 18, and Princess Sofia, 17, for the Ara Malikian concert at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Wednesday evening. Again the Spanish royal happily greeted members of the public as she arrived, stopping to shake hands and pose for pictures with excited royal fans. The couple looked happy and relaxed after what's undoubtedly been a difficult time. Queen Letizia took the time to greet tourists visiting the exhibition Crowds turned up in their droves to get a first glimpse of 'Felipe VI, a decade of the history of the Spanish Crown' Queen Letizia flashes a smile as she posed with tourists at the opening of the exhibition 'Felipe VI, a decade of the history of the Spanish Crown' Last month, Spanish journalist Jaime Penafiel, 91, released a damning new book about the European Queen entitled 'Letizia's Silences' again bringing her reputation into question. The book following his bestseller 'Letizia & I', which first alleged that Letizia had an affair with her ex brother-in-law Jamie del Burgo. In his new book, the royal reported alleges that Felipe was 'aware' of his wife's alleged infidelity 'in real time'. Penafie also accuses Queen Letizia of being 'cold, emotionally immature and passive aggressive' and makes unsubstantiated claims she is 'hated' by King Felipe's family. The author also claims Felipe was left 'crushed and destroyed' by his wife's alleged cheating and that his wife's supposed 'betrayal' means he now 'wants to get out'. Jaime Penafiel was sacked by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after 20 years earlier this year following the publication of first book on the Queen called 'Letizia & I'. Zara and Mike Tindall once again cemented their reputation as the PDA royals on Thursday as the rugby player couldn't resist placing a hand on his wife's behind at Royal Ascot. King Charles's niece, 43, beamed as she arrived in a carriage alongside the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon. And Zara stole the show at Ladies' Day in a dazzling blue dress, joined by her rugby-playing husband Mike Tindall who was smart in a grey suit and top hat. The couple, who have long been known for their affectionate displays, were seen deep in conversation - while Mike placed a cheeky hand on Zara's bum. Meanwhile Zara gently supported Mike's hand, in a sweet and loved-up display of affection. Mike and Zara Tindall engaged in a sweet public display of affection at Royal Ascot Ladies' Day on Thursday The King's niece, 43, was beaming as she arrived for a third day at the races in Berkshire King Charles and Queen Camilla were also present at the Berkshire event, joining the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire in their carriage. Though turned out in blue, Zara's spirits were far from such as she stepped out of the carriage for another day at the races. She opted for the stunning Rebecca Vallance Juliana Puff Sleeve dress in a cornflower blue shade, which was smartly tailored with a belt and a plait around the neckline. She added a smart matching hat, while her accessories included shades of white in her pearl earrings, clutch and heels. Power couple Zara and Mike were seen deep in conversation while waiting for the races, in what is set to be another thrilling day of action. They are fond of affectionate public displays - and notably shared cheeky smooches and loved-up touches at Cheltenham Festival this March. The two are known for their friendly relationships with everyone in the Royal Family, marking themselves as key players binding members of the Firm together. They have a close relationship with the Wales's, while Zara has a close bond with her cousins Beatrice and Eugenie. Meanwhile Zara gently supported Mike's hand, in a sweet and loved-up display of affection Zara stole the show at Ladies' Day in a dazzling blue dress, joined by her rugby-playing husband Mike Tindall who was smart in a grey suit and top hat The royal couple have long been known for their affectionate displays at public events Power couple Zara and Mike were seen deep in conversation while waiting for the races Zara opted for the stunning Rebecca Vallance Juliana Puff Sleeve dress in a cornflower blue shade Also attending on Thursday was Zara's mother Princess Anne - who is also an Olympic Equestrian - and her husband Sir Admiral Timothy Laurence. The daughter of billionaire Aga Khan's, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, joined the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in another carriage. Princess Margaret's children, the Earl of Snowden and Lady Sarah Chatto also joined the royal procession. Glamorous racegoers have put their best fashion foot forward as they arrived at Royal Ascot in the sunshine today to kick off Ladies Day. Floral summer dresses, vibrant frocks and eye-catching headpieces were all on display as thousands of revellers descended on the Berkshire racecourse this morning. Showstopping headwear appeared to be the order of the day, with radiant racegoers showcasing an array of fabulous fascinators and quirky hats. One guest decided to stand out from the crowd with a balloon-themed headpiece, while another opted for a firework-themed creation. Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, started on Tuesday with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Saturday. Though she was wearing blue, Zara's spirits were far from such as she waved from her carriage Zara Tindall (left). The Duchess of Richmond and Gordon centre) and Mike Tindall arrive by carriage Zara added a stunning matching hat, as well as gorgeous pearl drop earrings The royal was very smartly turned out as she waited in anticipation of the races Radiant guests turned the racecourse into a sea of colourful ensembles as they stepped out for the prestigious occasion. Those trying to command attention amongst the crowd of thousands opted for unique headwear - including a unicorn-themed creation and even an owl design. Novelty hats appeared to be the biggest trend of the day, with one person turning up with a burger inspired hat and another showing off a chessboard fascinator. The wacky, gravity-defying style of hats are permitted in most of the areas at Ascot, except from the Royal Enclosure. 'A hat or headpiece with a solid base of four inches in diameter is mandatory in the Royal Enclosure,' explained the Royal Ascot website. The King and Queen arrive at Ascot today for the third day of the race meet The monarchs arrived alongside the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire 'Fascinators are not permitted. Novelty hats (i.e. ones which are excessively oversized, or are promoting or marketing any product or brand) are not permitted.' This year's meeting will have an overall prize-money pot of 10million. This is a record amount for Royal Ascot. The minimum winnings for all eight Group 1 races will be 650,000. It was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for 'horses to gallop at full stretch' and has today become a major social event as well as a sporting attraction. For the first time in its 313-year history, Ascot Racecourse announced this year the appointment of a creative director. Queen Camilla appeared frustrated - and very animated - today as she watched the races alongside the royal family at Ascot. Dressed in all white, Camilla put on a very expressive display as she held on to binoculars and watched the races from the royal enclosure after arriving alongside the King and Duke and Duchess and Devonshire. After leading the royal procession, the pair then headed to the royal enclosure, where Camilla appeared on the edge of her seat - perhaps indicating the race didn't have her desired outcome. The King, who didn't attend the racecourse yesterday in favour of investitures, opted for a classic top hat and tails look, pairing a grey suit with a complementary powder blue waistcoat and pink tie. The Queen, who yesterday attended with her stepson Prince William and his in-laws Carole and Michael Middleton, wore an all white look with a stand-out Dehli Carved Emerald Brooch. The piece was gifted to Queen Mary in 1911 when she attended the Delhi Durbar, the coronation in India. Queen Camilla appeared frustrated today as she watched the races alongside the royal family at Ascot Dressed in all white, Camilla joined the King as arrived in a carriage with the Duke and Duchess and Devonshire before heading to the royal enclosure The pair then headed to the royal enclosure, where she appeared very expressive - perhaps indicating the race didn't have her desired outcome The king and queen - both keen attendees of the races - looked enthralled by the races Her Majesty put on a very animated display as she watched the races The queen appeared to suffer a tough blow as she watched on Queen Camilla reacts and bites her fingers as she watches on The pair were joined by their keen equestrian niece Zara Tindall and her husband Mike. Zara, 43, wowed in an all blue Rebecca Vallance dress and bespoke Hettie by Tusting clutch bag as she rode in a carriage alongside husband Mike and The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon. Also attending was Zara's mother Princess Anne - who is also an Olympic equestrian - and her husband Sir Admiral Timothy Laurence. The daughter of billionaire Aga Khan's, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, joined the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in another carriage. Princess Margaret's children, the Earl of Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto also joined the royal procession. Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh during the presentation ceremony Royal Ascot Sophie and Edward beam as they present an award Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh during the presentation ceremony Royal Ascot The King and Queen arrive at Ascot today for the third day of the race meet The monarchs arrived alongside the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire Zara Tindall, a keen equestrian, wowed in a blue ensemble at the race meet The royal couple during presentations for the Gold Cup trophies It comes as The Princess of Wales' mother and father - Carole and Michael Middleton - attended the second day of Royal Ascot, in their first public appearance since their daughter's cancer diagnosis. Dressed in all their finery, the beaming couple looked in good spirits as they arrived side-by-side for the prestigious event at the Berkshire racecourse - alongside royals such as Zara and Mike Tindall. The Middletons' outing comes after their daughter Kate, 42, who has been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since February, made a spectacular return to public life during Trooping the Colour on Saturday. Prince William, who led the royal carriage procession along side Queen Camilla in the absence of his father on day two of the society event, spent time chatting to his mother and father-in-law ahead of the races beginning. In spite of the absence of the King and Princess of Wales from the event, there was a strong turnout of royals today, with the Windsors - and the Middletons - putting on a united front in the face of recent adversities. Zara Tindall (centre) speaks with husband Mike Tindall (centre right) on day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse Also attending was Zara's mother Princess Anne - who is also an Olympic Equestrian - and her husband Sir Admiral Timothy Laurence Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, started on Tuesday with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Saturday. Charles was sure to read the programme before heading to watch the races The King greets his stepson, Tom Parker Bowles, inside the royal enclosure The pair sweetly kissed each other on the cheek - before sharing a joke The pair appeared to joke and laugh together Camilla looks through binoculars at from the royal enclosure The king also put on a animated display as he joined his wife on the balcony Camilla looked shocked as she looked down from the balcony Sophie and Camilla enjoyed a laugh together as they watched the races Zara and Mike enjoyed a spot of PDA as they watched the races Charles was sure to make sure he looked dapper in a three piece suit Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, started on Tuesday with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Saturday. Radiant guests turned the racecourse into a sea of colourful ensembles as they stepped out for the prestigious occasion. Those trying to command attention amongst the crowd of thousands opted for unique headwear - including a unicorn-themed creation and even an owl design. Novelty hats appeared to be the biggest trend of the day, with one person turning up with a burger inspired hat and another showing off a chessboard fascinator. The wacky, gravity-defying style of hats are permitted in most of the areas at Ascot, except from the Royal Enclosure. Zara opted for the Juliana Puff Sleeve Midi Blue Dress from Rebecca Vallance The King's niece was sure to pull out all the stops for Ladies Day Zara and Mike appeared enthralled by the races The king's brother Prince Edward looked dapper in a three piece suit David, Earl of Snowdon supported his cousin, the King, at the event Sophie wowed in an all white ensemble with bold flower prints The King led the royal procession alongside his wife Former England rugby pro Mike Tindall - who is married to Princess Anne's daughter - wore a grey suit 'A hat or headpiece with a solid base of four inches in diameter is mandatory in the Royal Enclosure,' explained the Royal Ascot website. 'Fascinators are not permitted. Novelty hats (i.e. ones which are excessively oversized, or are promoting or marketing any product or brand) are not permitted.' This year's meeting will have an overall prize-money pot of 10million. This is a record amount for Royal Ascot. The minimum winnings for all eight Group 1 races will be 650,000. It was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for 'horses to gallop at full stretch' and has today become a major social event as well as a sporting attraction. For the first time in its 313-year history, Ascot Racecourse announced this year the appointment of a creative director. The King, known for his chatty demeanour, was sure to greet guests at the event The King, who recently underwent cancer treatment, waved to guests Charles and Camilla appeared to delighted to meet crowds British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher was responsible for the creation of the annual Lookbook and Millinery Collective in 2024, which set the style tone for the year and often inspire racegoers' outfits. He's known for his classically tailored silhouettes and modern gender-fluid clothes; his Spring/Summer 2023 collection included corset designs for both men and women. The Cheshire-born designer, whose first customer was the eccentric Harry Styles, told GQ in 2023: 'The idea of an item of clothing being for a specific gender is such a funny one. 'I understand that something like a bra is designed for function, but when it comes to a shirt, why would we apply gender to something like that? And for me, the same applies to the corset.' Former One Direction member Harry whose style has included jumpsuits, feather boas, skirts and dresses, became Daniel's first customer after buying all the boxy short-sleeved shirts from the designer's graduate collection in 2015. 'Harry had a huge impact on my career,' Daniel admitted to GQ in 2020. 'At 24 years old I couldnt believe what was happening.' Since then, the designer's career has gone from strength to strength, with A-listers including James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Corrin and Emerald Fennell wearing his looks. The Central Saint Martins graduate has also designed for some of the worlds most prestigious houses including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and JW Anderson and held the role of Artistic Director for Italian label Fiorucci between 2019 and 2023. He was nominated for the LVMH prize in 2017, was a winner of the European Semi- Final of the International Woolmark Prize and named Breakthrough Designer of The Year in the 2020 GQ Men of The Year Awards. After many successful seasons showing his collections on the London Fashion Week schedule, Daniel took part in Netflixs Next In Fashion series which saw him make it to the final. Of his latest appointment, Daniel said: 'Im thrilled to be appointed as Ascots first Creative Director and have thrown myself into the new role. 'Im keen to encapsulate the rich heritage of the racecourse while embracing the unique dress codes, adding a contemporary twist to bring a flair that Ascot hasnt seen before. 'For 2024, I want to inspire racegoers to push the boundaries with their own unique style and immerse themselves in the opportunity to embrace their own creativity and what better occasion than Royal Ascot! 'Im super excited to reveal the next evolution of style direction for the world- renowned brand and cant wait for the vision to become a reality.' Australian tea enthusiasts have discovered a 'forgotten' tradition that stems back centuries - and the spiritual act has a practical reason. A New South Wales resident came across the 'correct way' to make tea by turning the teapot clockwise thrice and anticlockwise thrice after pouring boiling water in. 'My family never did this, but I've had a few people tell me it's tradition. The reasons I've been given are 'for good luck', 'to settle the leaves', and 'to make the brew stronger',' she shared on Reddit. She wondered if it was a 'real' Aussie tradition or just a 'generational joke to make people do something silly and unnecessary' - but the act goes back centuries. Tea expert Cara Chen told FEMAIL in a Gongfu tea ceremony, pouring the kettle anticlockwise instead of clockwise is rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, emphasising the natural flow of energy (Qi) and promoting harmony. Tea expert Cara Chen told FEMAIL in a Gongfu tea ceremony, pouring the kettle anticlockwise instead of clockwise is rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy In addition to the benefits of the Gongfu ceremony, turning a teapot works to agitate the water by introducing a circular current that mixes tea leaves together and prevents them from clumping. When you then turn the teapot the other way, you counter the current and allow the water to settle again, preventing the tea from marinading too much. 'This practice symbolises positive, harmonious energy and aligns with the natural order,' Ms Chen added. 'Additionally, it preserves the authenticity and traditions handed down through generations, and sometimes, the design of teaware and seating arrangements make the anticlockwise motion more practical and ergonomic. 'Hospitality is a significant aspect of the tea ceremony, and pouring anticlockwise represents a welcoming hand gesture, enhancing the sense of warmth and invitation to the guests.' A few Australians also explained a billy tea ceremony. 'It's tradition to swing billy tea - made over an open fire - around in a circle three times to settle the leaves. 'By 'circle' I mean vertically with an outstretched arm, from your knees to overhead and back. You have to do it fast enough that the water doesn't spill.' Turning a teapot works to agitate the water by introducing a circular current that mixes tea leaves together and prevents them from clumping One was overjoyed such traditions evolved into turning teapots in domestic kitchens. 'The billy spin is definitely an Aussie tea tradition. It's a motion that makes more sense to me in terms of settling the leaves. Plus, it's more theatrical. Interesting thought that turning the teapot might be a more kitchen-friendly version of this campfire tradition!' one said. Many from the UK revealed that 'turning the teapot' was an essential step of making English tea. 'I didn't learn this until I moved to the UK,' an Australian said. 'A gentleman I worked with patiently explained how to make the perfect English tea (for client presentation as much as flavour), and it was eye-opening. 'Now I'm back in Australia, but when I have fancy guests around I always make a point to spin the teapot three times. I can never remember which direction, and nobody's ever picked me up on it.' Another added, 'I have no idea what settling the tea leaves does, but turning the tea pot three times in each direction is a must unless you want weak tea. You can easily see that if you steep then pour, the tea is weak. Turn it and it's strong. You especially have to do it with rubbish tea bag pots you get at cafes.' The response from the manager was shocking An employee was given nightshift for a whole week and asked the boss why An employee was gobsmacked after being told by his boss that he's been given all the nightshifts because he 'complains the least' out of the team. British career expert Ben Askins read out an anonymous submission which detailed the text messages exchanged between the man and his manager. The employee texted the manager asking about the roster and why they'd been put on night shift for the entire week. 'Hi, just a quick question, I seemed to have been put on the late shift for every single night this week?' the worker asked. The manager replied: 'Yeah sorry about that, I know no one wants to do that shift and I knew you would complain the least if I gave them to you.' British career expert Ben Askins (left) read out an anonymous submission which detailed the text messages exchanged Feeling shocked, the employee said: 'That doesn't make sense? Can't we just split the last shifts between the three of us like usual?' But the boss responded: 'Last time I put Jamie on the late shift he just complained so much. Honestly I can't be bothered to deal with that.' 'So I'm being punished because I don't complain as much?' the employee asked. The manager said: 'It is a compliment mate! You are way less low maintenance which is a good thing.' 'This is honestly bulls***. You realise you are basically incentivising me to be more unhelpful?' the employee responded. But the manager said: 'That is a very disappointing way to take what I just said.' And the employee hit back: 'You should see it from my side. If you make me do this, I will quit.' Finally the boss said: 'Fine I will change it.' The employee threatened to quit if they are made to do the entire night shift for a week Ben was stunned by the admission and called the boss 'pathetic' for how he dealt with the situation. 'What do you think your job is if it's not to deal with that as the manager?' Ben said. 'What a waste of time. Genuinely what is he playing at?' The video has since been viewed more than 399,000 times. 'The Good employees ALWAYS get punished,' one wrote. 'I'd become the worst complainer they had ever seen,' another said. 'Time to start complaining incessantly,' a third wrote. Someone else said: 'I'd still start looking for another position.' But another pointed out that 'at least the boss is honest'. Doctors have slammed Labour's Wes Streeting for defending 'browbeaten' physician associates (PAs) as 'valuable' and 'important' to the NHS. In a speech earlier this week the shadow health secretary said he was 'depressed by the state of debate' around 'devalued' PAs, and urged the NHS to not 'slam the brakes' on their recruitment. However he acknowledged that safety concerns around the group, dubbed 'cut-price doctors', needed to be 'seriously addressed'. Speaking to MailOnline, medics reacted with fury to the comments accusing Mr Streeting of 'living in a fairy world' and claiming he was attempting to silence their concerns. The row erupted as the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) today announced it was halting employing PAs in GP surgeries until the profession is properly regulated later this year. Shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, said while concerns needed to be 'seriously' addressed, he was 'depressed by the state of debate' around PAs and the NHS should not 'slam the brakes' on their recruitment Emily Chesterton, pictured, was just 30 when she died in 2022 after a PA failed to spot a blood clot. The actress was seen twice by the same PA, who told her she had anxiety and long Covid. Her parents say that at no point during the appointment was Emily made aware the person she was seeing was not a GP She died in November after she suffered a cardiac arrest. A coroner concluded her life could have been saved if she had been sent to A&E. The GP practice where Ms Chesterton was seen, the Vale Practice in Crouch End, has now stopped employing PAs. Her parents are now warning of the dangers patients can face amid plans to expand the use of PAs It follows months of vocal concern by medics over the NHS's growing reliance on PA staff, which has been linked to three deaths. PAs do not go to medical school and instead do two years of post-graduate training on top of a degree in a subject like biomedical sciences. Mr Streeting told this website: 'I've been really depressed by the state of the debate and discussion around the future of physician associates. 'Depressed because I think physician associates do have a role to play, and that it would be wrong to throw the baby out with the bathwater and just say, because of some legitimate concerns that doctors have, that we're just going to slam the brakes on or end physician associates in the NHS. 'I've met quite a lot of PAs who are doing really valuable work with their patients and appropriate work. 'And are feeling increasingly pessimistic and browbeaten about their roles and feeling devalued by colleagues. 'And that's because I think we've ended up in that position because legitimate concerns from doctors about the substitution of doctors for physician associates and PAs sometimes being asked to work beyond their scope of practice, because of the workforce constraint those doctors concerns haven't been listened to. 'We've ended up with a far more toxic conversation than we might otherwise have had.' He added: 'Physician associates, working within their scope of practice, have a really important role to play, taking doctors concern seriously. 'And I think there's been a failure of leadership and not listening to doctors, and allowing this toxic culture to erupt with barely any public commentary whatsoever from the leaders of this system. Norman Jopling, 79 from North London, suffered a serious brain bleed after a PA mistakenly told him that his painful headaches were nothing to worry about. His wife Maureen, right, accused the NHS of 'trying to cut corners' by allowing PAs to carry out 'complicated tasks they're not qualified to perform' 'I've been genuinely shocked by it, and shocked by the extent to which any number of organizations, political or not, could have gotten a grip on this and could have shown leadership, and instead have run for the hills. 'And that doesn't bode so well for the future of the NHS, if that's the culture we have.' Tropical disease medic Dr Eilidh Garrett, however, warned Mr Streeting's position 'suppresses the genuine concerns of doctors who are worried about patient safety'. She added: 'It's a massive red flag that he isn't even Health Secretary yet and is already feeding into this culture. 'Streeting's position on PAs shows that he has a lack of knowledge of the medical world. 'If he had this knowledge, he would know that PAs should not be used to diagnose or treat patients, which is how they are being used by the NHS right now. 'He is living in a fairy world if he thinks that someone with less training than a doctor can take on the same tasks.' Heather Ryan, a Formby-based GP, also said: 'Personal attacks are not nice and doctors need to be civil to PAs. 'However I don't think it is constructive to silence debate by invoking this idea that we need to be kind. 'We need to be free to openly discuss this serious issue.' Meanwhile, Dr Helen Salisbury, a GP and medical education expert at the University of Oxford, told MailOnline: 'Doctors have no axes to grind with individual PAs, but we are legitimately upset about the NHS structures in place, which mean that PAs can autonomously manage patients without proper supervision from a doctor. 'Our concerns are all about patient safety. I feel sorry for the PAs being put in these dangerous situations, but its a mess and it needs sorting out. 'He [Wes Streeting] needs to get to grips with this topic, because while there has been some toxicity, its an issue which needs serious attention.' The NHS employs more than 3,000 PAs in England and plans to increase this to 10,000 by 2036. Labour has already promised to deliver the long-term workforce plan if it triumphs at the next General Election. First introduced in 2003, a PA role currently allows them to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse test results and make diagnoses. But they should always work under supervision. So just how qualified are physician associates? PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs) are healthcare professionals who have been practising in the NHS since 2002 and 2004, respectively. They require two years of postgraduate study but no formal medical training, unlike doctors who typically complete five years of medical school followed by a two-year hospital placement. They are intended to increase capacity and improve patients' access to care by taking on some routine tasks easing pressure on doctors. PAs can work autonomously but must always be under the supervision of a fully-trained and experienced doctor. The adoption of PAs has spread globally and, as of 2022, at least 16 countries have been in various stages of expanding their use of PA-like medical workers. Advertisement PAs are not allowed to prescribe drugs or refer patients for procedures. However, several high-profile cases of harm occurring to patients following consultation by PAs have recently hit headlines, including three deaths. In 2022, actress Emily Chesterton, 30, died of a blood clot after a PA dismissed her symptoms as anxiety and gave her pills instead of directing her to A&E. She wrongly believed she had been seen by a GP at her surgery in North London but had twice been seen by an associate. The GP practice where Ms Chesterton was seen, the Vale Practice in Crouch End, has since stopped employing PAs. Her parents are now warning of the dangers patients can face amid plans to expand their roles. And Norman Jopling, 79 from North London, suffered a serious brain bleed after a PA mistakenly told him that his painful headaches were nothing to worry about. His wife Maureen later accused the NHS of 'trying to cut corners' by allowing PAs to carry out 'complicated tasks they're not qualified to perform'. In the past year there have also been reports of PAs requesting prescriptions, discharging patients from hospital without a sign-off from a doctor and even taking part in brain surgery. In February, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Brinton told a House of Lords debate that doctors had reported '70 instances of avoidable patient harm and near misses caused by PAs', including 'fatalities, missed diagnoses causing terminal diseases, sepsis and heart attacks'. Discussing the role of PAs Mr Streeting later added: 'I think it is important that we address seriously the concerns that doctors are raising, that we make sure that physician associates are deployed appropriately. 'And that they work within their scope of practice that they are complementing the role of doctors not replacing them or substituting them inappropriately. That's important for patient safety. 'I also think it's important for a much better workplace culture. And I don't think that they're mutually exclusive things.' Demonstrators, including doctors, gathered outside Parliament in protest against handing over responsibilities to Physician Associates on February 26, 2024. Pictured, Dr Robert Laurenson (third left), Co-Chair of the Junior Doctors Committee, taking part in the protest Doctor and campaigner Jatinder Hayre told MailOnline: 'Personally, I do not see or foresee any role for physician associates within our NHS. It marks a dilution of standards within medicine with the ultimate losers being our patients. 'This is a national scandal in the process and only in retrospect in a few years' time will we be able to look back and assess the damage that has already been done.' Meanwhile, Helen Fernandes, consultant neurosurgeon and chair of the Doctors Association, told MailOnline the situation was 'akin to the post office scandal' by allowing 'the public to think they're being seen by a doctor when they're not'. She added: 'Although thankfully people aren't being charged with criminal offenses and being jailed. 'I feel that they [PAs] have been mis-sold a degree, which is not really a master's qualification. They've been mis-sold a career. 'It is a crying shame for both the NHS, patients and for the PAs themselves, that the initial design of their role has morphed into something that's become this unimaginable monster of inappropriate use of people who are well motivated, and want to help in the care of patients but that are not qualified or trained to do so and never will be.' The RCGP's decision today to halt PA recruitment followed 'concerning findings' from its recent consultation, the college said. Its survey of over 5,000 GPs found more than 80 per cent believe the use of PAs in general practices has a negative impact on patient safety. The 'disturbing' results also showed half respondents reported 'being aware of specific examples of patient safety being compromised by the work of PAs', including instances of misdiagnosis and inappropriate prescribing. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the RCGP, said: 'The fundamental issue here is that of patient safety and maintaining the high standards of general practice. 'We understand the picture emerging from these results is disturbing, and will be of concern to many, including patients, GPs and PAs themselves.' Earlier this year, doctors union the British Medical Association (BMA) also called for PAs to be barred from diagnosing patients. It said PAs must be seen as 'an assistant role to doctors' helping with simple practical procedures, administrative tasks, and working with patients in a supportive and specified role. They should also never perform complex or life-threatening procedures or be put on doctors' rotas. Professor Philip Banfield, BMA council chair, today told MailOnline: 'Patients need to know when they are being seen by a doctor and when they are not, and what tasks require the training, experience and expertise of a doctor. 'Despite these assistant roles having existed in the NHS for the last 20 years, the recent emphasis on their rapid expansion makes the need for patients and clinicians to have crystal clear understanding of the skills, qualifications and the limitations of those providing care. He added: 'Amid a disappointing lack of clarity, engagement and leadership in this area from the Government, NHS England, the GMC and many of the Medical Royal Colleges, we, as the doctors trade union and professional association have been forced lead from the front, producing guidance for safe practice and supervision ourselves.' The number of people using high-strength vapes has soared almost 10-fold in as little as three years, research shows. A third of vapers used high-strength nicotine in January this year compared to just 3.8 per cent on average between July 2016 and June 2021. The biggest increase was among 18-to-24-year-olds with more than half now using the strongest e-cigs. Large rises were also seen in seen in older age groups and among current smokers and recent ex-smokers, according to the study by University College London. Researchers looked at survey responses from 7,314 adult vapers in England between 2016 and 2024 to see how use of different nicotine strengths had changed in that period. The biggest increase was among 18-to-24-year-olds with more than half now using the strongest e-cigs. To assess more current use of nicotine strengths between 2022 and 2024, the researchers also looked at survey data from Wales and Scotland. The team classified e-liquids containing 20 mg/ml of nicotine or more as high strength, which is the legal limit in the UK. The UK Government has proposed setting three categories of tax on e-liquid, with the lowest applied to nicotine-free liquid, and the highest to e-liquid containing 11 mg/ml or more of nicotine. The researchers found that vapers using disposable e-cigarettes tended to use higher-strength nicotine. Lead author, Dr Sarah Jackson, said: The timing of the rise in popularity of high-strength vapes coincided with the introduction of new disposable vapes, many of which contain e-liquids with nicotine concentrations at the upper end of the legal limit (20 mg/ml). Disposable vapes are particularly popular among younger vapers, so to see a greater increase in the use of high-strength e-liquids among 18-24 year-olds is not surprising. With plans to ban disposable vapes, experts warned the high strength versions could easily be replaced with re-usable models. The study also found an increase in the proportion of vapers using disposables and pod devices who did not know how strong their nicotine-containing e-liquid was. Writing in the journal Addiction, they suggest better labelling is needed to ensure nicotine strength was clear to consumers. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Despite the sharp increase, researchers warned against taxing vapes according to their strength, adding it could do more harm. Dr Sharon Cox, of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, said: Taxing products according to nicotine strength may also result in people using a lower, cheaper strength and vaping more, as a person with nicotine dependence will alter their behaviour to get the required nicotine dose in their system. It therefore may increase the amount of liquid used and vapers exposure to potential toxicants. Deborah Arnott, CEO of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and a co-author of the study, said: Curbing underage vaping can best be achieved by making all vapes less appealing and increasing the price at point of sale, whatever their nicotine content. Those are the policies which will be most effective in stopping children from starting to vape in the first place. If you want to get a good night's sleep, then you probably want to keep away from Florida's most well-known coastal resort. Miami has been deemed the noisiest city in the country, according to an analysis of average 24-hour noise levels in 50 major cities across the US. Visitors can expect to hear sounds that reach 52 decibels (dB) equivalent to the hum of an industrial refrigerator when they try to nod off. Unsurprisingly, the city that never sleeps also made the top ten list, although Boston was deemed to be more disruptive. Chicago and Louisville in Kentucky were also culprits of sleep-killing noise. The above graphic shows the ten cities with the most noise pollution at night Experts linked the noises to traffic congestion in the cities, and also suggested that sounds from construction work could disrupt sleep. For the report, by wellness firm Pure CBD Now, researchers extracted data from national database ArcGIS on noise pollution by city over a 24-hour period. Noise pollution is measured by decibel meters placed at strategic points in cities such as near traffic jams which records dB levels throughout the night. Forty-two cities in the analysis had more night-time noise than the World Health Organization recommended limit of 40dB equivalent to the sound of light rain. Only eight cities were found to have noise pollution levels below the WHO maximum. These were: Raleigh, Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, Tucson, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, Bakersfield and Virginia Beach. Overall, all the cities studied had an average noise level of 42dB at night or two dB above the WHO recommended level. In the countryside, previous research has shown that noise levels hover around 20 to 30 dB over a 24-hour period equivalent to the sound of leaves rustling. Experts warn that the noises at night can cause people to wake up more and have a worse night's sleep The CDC says everyone should get an average of seven to nine hours of sleep a night, although studies show one in three Americans do not manage this. Experts said Miami was likely the noisiest city because it suffers from significant traffic congestion. There was also above average levels of construction work at the time of the study, which could also drive up its position in the rankings. New York City despite being known as the 'city that never sleeps' came in third place. Experts say this may be because of the size of the city, which features many more suburban quiet spots. In Miami, on the other hand, the noise is far more concentrated. At the other end of the scale, Virginia Beach was considered to be the quietest city. Experts say this may be because the residential buildings are more spread out and the city has more parks. Anthony Bautista, the CEO of Pure CBD Now, said noise at night was disrupting people's sleep. 'Urban areas tend to have higher noise pollution from traffic, night-life, and other urban activities, which can disrupt sleep.' 'Rural areas or neighborhoods with lower population density may offer quieter environments conducive to better sleep.' He once struck terror into the hearts of politicians with his incisive and relentless interviewing techniques. But Jeremy Paxman, who famously asked then-Home Secretary Michael Howard the same question 12 times during an appearance on Newsnight, cut a slightly softer figure during his return to broadcasting yesterday. The former BBC host, who quit the corporation three years ago after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, now runs a podcast, Movers and Shakers, which features celebrities discussing the challenges of living with the degenerative condition. Sipping a pint of lager and munching a Scotch egg, Paxman quizzed shadow health and social care secretary Wes Streeting in a London pub a world away from the intense studios where he spent his career grilling ministers and MPs. But despite his casual checked shirt and unkempt mop of white hair, the star journalist soon proved he has lost none of his renowned bite, hauling Mr Streeting over the coals on his plans for the NHS. Jeremy Paxman demanded to know what Wes Streeting plans to do about the 'broken' NHS Paxman sipped a pint of lager and ate a Scotch egg during the interview at a London pub, a world away from his Mr Streeting pledged to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease by delivering 62,000 more NHS neurology appointments a year As the politician declared the health service is 'broken', Paxman, 74, cut across him, demanding: 'Well what are you going to do about it?' Mr Streeting is the first politician to appear on the podcast, which has been running since last year. He used the interview to pledge to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease by delivering 62,000 more NHS neurology appointments a year if his party wins the general election on July 4. There are currently 234,119 patients in England on the waiting list for neurology services and almost half have been waiting for more than the NHS target of 18 weeks as of the end of April. It means many of their illnesses will have gone undiagnosed and may have potentially worsened during that wait. Speaking on the podcast, which will be released on Saturday, Mr Streeting recalled how he had a 'terrifying experience' being interviewed by Paxman on Newsnight when he was president of the National Union of Students. Paxman now runs a podcast called Movers and Shakers which features celebrities discussing the challenges of living with Parkinson's disease Other presenters include former BBC journalists Rory Cellan-Jones, Mark Mardell and Gillian Lacey-Solymar, plus Princess Diana's divorce barrister, Sir Nick Mostyn, and Vicar of Dibley co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer He added: 'I didn't think it was going to happen again. I thought I'd escaped when you left Newsnight but here I am being subjected to the Paxo treatment.' Other presenters on the podcast, who all have Parkinson's disease, are several of Paxman's former colleagues BBC News' former technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones, the BBC's ex-Europe and North America editor Mark Mardell and correspondent Gillian Lacey-Solymar. Also in the line-up is the late Princess Diana's divorce barrister, Sir Nick Mostyn, and Vicar of Dibley co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer. Mr Streeting said: 'Too many patients living with Parkinson's disease are being left in the slow lane thanks to 14 years of Tory chaos, facing unacceptable waits to get diagnosed and treated. 'Jeremy, Gillian, Paul, Rory, Nicholas and Mark all know how important it is to receive a timely diagnosis to get the treatment and care patients need. 'NHS Parkinson's services are in dire need of a change and only Labour has a plan to deliver it. 'We will boost the number of neurology appointments every year by 62,000 and clear the 18-week backlog to get the NHS back on its feet.' The podcast presenters marked World Parkinson's Day earlier this year by presenting their 'Parky Charter', with tens of thousands of names, to Downing Street. It calls for swift access to specialists for individuals with Parkinson's under the NHS, the introduction of a Parkinson's UK pamphlet for enhanced awareness and support, the implementation of a Parkinson's passport granting automatic entitlement to specific benefits, improved comprehensive care, including regular consultations with a Parkinson's nurse, and increased Government funding for research for a cure for the disease. The group said: 'The Movers and Shakers are thrilled that Wes Streeting has acknowledged the importance of our Parky charter and promised an extra 62,000 neurological appointment. 'We're delighted that he sees conditions like Parkinson's at the heart of Labour's vision for the NHS. 'Should Labour form the next Government we will be watching closely to make sure this actually happens, and we will be pressing hard to get the rest of the Charter implemented.' Paxman, who quit his BBC role after revealing his diagnosis in May 2021, has previously said: 'Parkinson's may not kill you but it will make you wish you hadn't been born. 'There's nothing in it for the drug companies, it's just more money for them.' Movers and Shakers began in February 2023 and is described by the former Newsnight and University Challenge host as 'good fun'. Sir Nicholas this week launched King's Parkinson's, a new charitable fund aimed at raising money and focusing awareness on the need for better research and treatment for the disease. A young California man is warning healthy Americans not to ignore alarming symptoms after he was diagnosed with lethal sepsis, despite being ultra-fit. In late April, Joe DuPont, 28, noticed red blotches dotting his neck, chest, and other parts of his body. At first, Mr DuPont, who is regularly active, assumed that the fast onset rashes were just a normal skin reaction. But when the spots failed to heal after a day and started oozing, he grew concerned. 'When I realized that it just wasn't going away, that's when I went to the hospital,' Mr DuPont, who works on the business side of the clinical lab industry, told DailyMail.com. The worst of it on the left side of his neck was filled with pus and fluid and continued opening up more. On April 29, doctors at the local hospital, however, dismissed the symptoms as anxiety and a skin infection, prescribing steroid cream and oral antibiotics. It was a critical mistake as, less than 24 hours later, Mr DuPont suffered a life-threatening cardiac event as a result of sepsis, an immune system overreaction that kills one American every 90 seconds. Joe DuPont, 28, was active and living a healthy lifestyle when his sepsis symptoms started. He now stresses that 'everybody can go through this' Mr DuPont experienced a spreading skin rash and fluid buildup. When he experienced a cardiac event, doctors realized he had sepsis Now, less than two months after the near-death experience and on his way to recovery, Mr DuPont is focused on raising awareness of medical errors and sepsis, which is the leading cause of hospital death in the US. 'I am incredibly fortunate to come out of this the way I did,' he said. 'This happens to so many people. Anybody can go through this.' Sepsis is responsible for 300,000 deaths in America every year, and occurs when an infection causes a freak overreaction of the immune system, making chemicals in the bloodstream go haywire. Instead of sending infection-fighting white blood cells to attack a foreign invader, it targets healthy tissues and organs such as the limbs and the lungs and kidneys, leading to organ failure and, at times, amputations. GOT A HEALTH-RELATED STORY? EMAIL: health@dailymail.com Advertisement Yet, a third of Americans have never heard of it, and every hour that treatment is delayed, the chance of death increases by four to nine percent. Mr DuPont noted that while he did tell doctors he was feeling a bit anxious, he was surprised that was part of the main diagnosis. At home, shortly after his symptoms were dismissed by physicians, Mr DuPont's legs started shaking and spasming. 'I took it as a sign that maybe my body was healing,' he said. But by the next morning, 'I woke up in much worse shape and just felt completely different.' 'When I stood up, I felt fluid rush to my legs, like fluid was literally collecting in my sandals. I realized, "I need to go back to the ER."' On the way there, Mr DuPont's heart started pounding amid intense chest pain, and he began losing vision, experiencing a fever, and feeling fluid disperse throughout his body. When he finally got there, he felt so weak that he could hardly walk to the triage area. An EKG revealed irregular heart beats, and fluid was collecting around his heart. He soon suffered a severe cardiac event, with his heart rate spiking and then plummeting down to the 30s. A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. 'It was close,' he said. 'I pretty much pulled through as everything went black.' 'It was close,' Mr DuPont said about his near-death experience from sepsis. 'I pretty much pulled through as everything went black' Mr DuPont is now working to raise awareness of sepsis. 'I ultimately view this as a good thing that gave me appreciation and perspective that I wouldn't otherwise have' Mr DuPont had gone into sepsis, though it's unclear if it was caused by a skin infection or another underlying pathogen. Further tests done during the hospital stay indicated endocarditits, which is inflammation of the inner lining around the heart's chambers and valves. This is usually caused by an infection that travels through the bloodstream and attaches to the heart. It's most common in older people, as well as those with damaged or artificial valves. Additionally, an echocardiogram indicated tricuspid valve regurgitation, which happens when the heart's tricuspid valve does not properly close, leading blood to flow backwards. Over time, this can lead to an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart failure if left untreated. Mr DuPont has since been discharged from the hospital, though he is still working through cardiac-related side effects. He is now focusing part of his time on raising awareness of the dangers of misdiagnosis and medical errors by connecting with groups like Global Sepsis Alliance and connecting with other young survivors. Dr Steven Simpson, Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas and Chair of the Sepsis Alliance, previously told DailyMail.com that so many sepsis cases are misdiagnosed in the US because 'doctors are not provided with enough information to help them to diagnose sepsis.' Cases are also on the rise, up 20 percent between 2019 and 2021, according to the most recent CDC data. But despite this, the US has no comprehensive strategy for tackling the problem. In fact, a quarter of US hospitals have no sepsis protocol whatsoever. 'Learning more about sepsis has been quite interesting after this experience,' Mr DuPont said. 'It's blowing my mind to hear what people have gone through with this.' 'I've been healthy pretty much my entire adult life. I just never expected I could go through something like this, and I think it's important that people are aware that this can happen.' 'I ultimately view this as a positive experience that gave me appreciation and perspective that I wouldn't otherwise have.' Pregnant women who were stressed out during the Covid pandemic gave birth to babies with smaller brains, according to the results of a study that has been immediately slammed as 'alarmist' by British experts. Scientists from the Children's National Hospital in Washington DC, claimed their research, involving 150 mother and baby pairs, found significant reductions in the brain size of infants born to mothers who scored high stress scores in the pandemic. This included reductions in the cerebral white matter, an interior part of the brain responsible for processing information, the hippocampal area, which governs learning, and the amygdala, areas which govern emotion. Authors of the study claimed this 'stunted growth' could lead to an increased chance of babies suffering from problems like anxiety later in life. However, British specialists have poured cold water on the conclusion, saying it was 'not supported by the data'. Scientists from the Children's National Hospital in Washington DC, claimed their study of some 150 mother and baby pairs found significant reductions in the brain size of infants born to mothers who scored high stress scores in the pandemic (stock image) The study compared maternal stress scores of two cohorts of mothers 103 pre-pandemic and 56 during the pandemic with brain scans of their infants. Mothers in the Covid group had about triple the chance of scoring above thresholds to measure anxiety, stress and psychological distress compared to their pre-pandemic counterparts. Their babies' brains were up to 0.3cm smaller in the cerebral white matter and hippocampus areas. The amygdala, the brains emotional processing centres, were up to 0.5cm smaller in babies of the stressed pandemic mums. But Professor Grainne McAlonan, an expert in neuroscience at King's College London, said the findings needed to be treated with caution. 'In my view this paper uses unjustifiably alarming language and is not especially a paper about Covid,' she said. 'Rather it is a paper about possible response of the early brain to maternal stress during pregnancy and stress unsurprisingly was higher during Covid.' She added that while the paper did find differences in the brains the authors had failed to demonstrate what, if anything, these actually meant. 'Whether this difference is clinically meaningful was not established, there are no childhood outcomes, so assigning a value to brain volume differences by using words like "stunted" is entirely inappropriate and not supported by the data,' she said. 'In general, in brain imaging studies, bigger brain regions are not necessarily better unless there is a clear relationship between brain size and a brain function. The authors do not look at this. 'All that has been shown here is a possible brain response to maternal stress during pregnancy and a very small effect at that. We cannot tell whether it's good or bad.' Professor McAlonan also pointed out that data on pandemic mothers was gathered between 2020 and 2022. This, she said, was a long period of difference and that mothers who experienced pregnancy during the height of the 2020 lockdowns likely had a very different experience than those carrying babies in 2022. Another flaw she identified was how mothers' distress was measured, which was if they scored high on a self-reported threshold. 'Distress is complex, variable and exists on a continuum and using this kind of cut-off may not be optimal,' she said. The above graph shows the likelihood of a particular behavior in pandemic babies compared to non-pandemic babies by their first birthday. Pincer refers to using the thumb and index figure together. Pandemic babies were more likely to crawl, but less likely to be talking, pointing or waving goodbye She added however, that more work needed to be done to answer if any of the observed differences in brains in infants did amount to any changes in their future development. None of the women in the smaller pandemic cohort tested positive for the virus during pregnancy. The authors acknowledged their study is small and being composed of primarily White highly educated women may be less relevant to other populations. Previous studies have linked stress during pregnancy to alterations in how babies brains develop, potential causing emotional problems later in life. British researchers previously linked higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in mothers with structural changes in the amygdala of newly born babies. Cortisol is involved in the body's response to stress with higher levels indicating higher stress and also plays a role in foetal growth. The amygdala of which there are two in each hemisphere of the brain is known to be involved in emotional and social development in childhood. Multiple studies have also sought to uncover if and how babies born into the Covid years differ from their peers and many have uncovered mixed results. Some have found that they have an altered gut microbiome the ecosystem of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria in the digestive system which may be leading them to have fewer food allergies and a stronger immune system. Others have found negatives such as youngsters who were born in the pandemic being less likely to have said their first words by their first birthday compared to babies born pre-Covid or point at objects. Experts have theories the above observations may be due to mask wearing during pandemic limited children's ability to read facial expressions or see people's mouths move as well as a reduction in socialisation during lockdowns. A Las Vegas grandmother was shocked to find a dead mouse in a packet of organic spinach she'd bought from her local branch of Walmart putting her at risk of a host of potentially deadly infections. Rumiko Bosa-Edwards, 65, was rinsing the greens in her sink when she spotted what she believed to be dirt, and poked it with a spatula. Noticing the animal's red eyes, she realized the infestation was in fact a dead mouse. Its unclear how the mouse got into the spinach, which is still being sold under WalMarts proprietary brand Marketside. The red-eyed mouse sat lifeless in her sink as Mrs Bosa-Edwards called Walmart about the incident, but the store did not answer. Eventually, she decided to bring her surprise discovery to the staff at her local Walmart, who offered her a refund. Mrs Bosa-Edwards initially thought the mouse in her spinach was dirt and tried to move it aside with a kitchen utensil The spinach is still on Walmart shelves and is billed as washed and ready to eat Mrs Bosa-Edwards told the Las Vegas Review Journal that she always washes her vegetables, a habit she said had been instilled in her in childhood. The lesson served her well last week when she found the dead mouse hiding amid the spinach leaves. Mice droppings are known to carry a range of viruses and bacteria that can cause a range of diseases, from hemorrhagic fever and deadly salmonella poisoning, to leptosperosis and monkeypox. A Walmart spokesperson said: The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority, and we are working with our supplier to investigate this alleged incident. Mrs Bosa-Edwards said Walmart employees did not answer her repeated calls, and eventually brought the dead mouse to the store Ms Bosa-Edwards said the store did not take her contact information and has not reached out since she went to the store. The spinach is still on shelves. She said: Under the words baby spinach it says WASHED & READY TO EAT, which left me with a bad taste in my mouth. She has since disinfected her sink at least three times. Her experience is not entirely uncommon. Last year, Sam Hayward, 39, of the UK claimed he had already started eating his Chinese takeout when he supposedly noticed something moving at the bottom of his bowl. Mr Hayward, who runs construction company Hayward's Building and Contractors, said he initially thought the rodent was a large mushroom before noticing a 'tail'. Mrs Bosa-Edwards said she is considering suing Walmart. Doctors in Connecticut have treated a critically ill patient with the same rare, lethal flesh-eating infection that is spreading across Japan and leaving many sufferers dead within 48 hours. Physicians reported the case a 41 year-old female patient in March, at the time when Japanese authorities first warned of a rise in cases. The woman visited her local emergency room after a week vomiting, diarrhea, and trouble breathing. Scans revealed fluid buildup in the left side of her lungs, as well as respiratory and kidney failure. Doctors believe the woman's illness was caused by Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), an extremely deadly bacterial infection that has so far killed 77 people in Japan this year, the country's highest number of cases. The patient's CT scans revealed fluid filling the left side of her lungs. She soon went into respiratory and kidney failure As the patient's circulation got cut off, her toe started turning black. Doctors believe it may have to be amputated It is believed the woman contracted the bug behind the condition, called group A Streptococcus, by breathing in infected droplets in the air, which are expelled via sneezing, coughing and talking. Before seeking emergency care, a pulmonologist had prescribed the woman the corticosteroid prednisone, as well as antibiotics and a medication to widen her airways. She reported asthma but no other chronic health issues. However, her husband noted that several family members had recently been diagnosed with strep throat, caused by the common bacteria group A Streptococcus (group A strep). GOT A HEALTH-RELATED STORY? EMAIL: health@dailymail.com Advertisement In the hospital, the woman also had an elevated pulse and low blood pressure. After three days in intensive care, the patient stopped urinating. One of her toes also started turning black from circulation being cut off and tissues dying. Several days later, further tests revealed STSS from an untreated respiratory infection. Most group A strep infections cause mild illnesses like strep throat. However, when the bacteria spreads to the blood and deep tissue, patients can develop STSS which kills 30 percent of those affected. STSS often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. However, over time, blood pressure drops, while heart rate and breathing speed up, and vital organs like the lungs can begin to fail. And like with the Connecticut patient, the illness attacks healthy tissues and eats away at flesh, sometimes requiring amputations. The US reported 145 STSS cases in 2021, according to the latest available CDC data. Cases have soared in Japan, where over 1,000 people have been infected since the start of this year and 77 have died. Although Strep A can cause a number of serious illnesses, it tends to begin with a few typical symptoms. This includes a rash, a sore throat, flushed cheeks, muscle aches, a high fever, an ear infection and sores on the skin It's unclear exactly what is behind the Japanese surge, but Dr Ken Kikuchi, of Tokyo Womens Medical University, told local new outlet NHK that immunity debt from the Covid pandemic could partially be to blame. Immunity debt is when the immune system becomes weaker after not being exposed to a variety of pathogens. 'We can boost immunity if we are constantly exposed to bacteria. But that mechanism was absent during the coronavirus pandemic,' Dr Kikuchi said. 'So, more people are now susceptible to infection, and that may be one reason for the sharp rise in cases.' However, American experts have stated that it's unlikely the surge will spread to the US, and the condition is still rare. Dr Andrew Steer, director of infection, immunity, and global health at Murdoch Children's Rsearch Institute in Australia, told the Washington Post: 'Weve had Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and invasive strep A infection in the US for decades and decades and decades, hundreds of years.' 'Its still an uncommon infection, but the community and doctors should be aware that there is an increase in the number of cases.' And though cases are rising in Japan, experts have warned that influenza and Covid infections are much higher. For example, more than 746,000 Covid infections have been reported this year through June 9, according to reports from more than 5,000 hospitals. And Japan's health ministry has ensured tourists that there is no need to cancel travel plans to the country, Bloomberg reported. STSS often results from a person having an open wound being exposed to the bacteria, given it an easier way to infect deeper tissues. However, in many cases, the exact cause of STSS cannot be identified. US experts have urged patients to be vigilant with open wounds, ensuring they are cleaned and dressed effectively. The Connecticut patient has completed a course of antibiotics and inpatient rehab, though doctors noted she may need to have one toe amputated. The case report was published in the journal Cureus. Commentary: NATO's allegation against China highlights its destabilizing agenda Xinhua) 09:43, June 20, 2024 BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) recent rhetoric against China, epitomized by its Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's remarks at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., reflects the Cold War relic's enduring reliance on fear-mongering and scapegoating to justify its existence. Stoltenberg's claim that "China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II" is not only a blatant disregard of the facts but also a botched attempt to distract attention from NATO's destabilizing role in the world. Such a smear campaign against China reveals NATO's hypocrisy, especially given the military alliance's own history of unprovoked military interventions and violations of international law. As an anachronistic relic of the Cold War, NATO's expansionist policies and interventionist actions have often exacerbated global tensions rather than alleviated them. Inch by inch, the hegemonic bloc has wantonly expanded eastward, eating away at the security space of those outside the bloc in pursuit of absolute security and ignoring the legitimate concerns of others, particularly Russia, and has brought them to the brink of confrontation, as evidenced by the Ukraine crisis. China is not a creator of or a participant in the Ukraine crisis and has consistently worked towards mediation and peace talks. Despite NATO's blame shifting, China's impartial position and its constructive role have been widely recognized by the international community. Furthermore, the trade between China and Russia adheres to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and market principles, targeting no third parties. China does not supply weapons to warring parties and strictly controls dual-use items. On the contrary, NATO member states have increased their armaments and conducted military exercises in an increasingly larger scale, severely impacting regional peace and stability. Their escalating military support for Ukraine has also further fueled the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During his speech at the Wilson Center, Stoltenberg said that he has invited the leaders of several Asian countries to the NATO Summit in Washington in July. Echoing Washington's talking-points, Stoltenberg also claimed to "work closely with our friends in the Indo-Pacific." This attempted expansion into Asia is emblematic of NATO's enduring Cold War mentality and raises serious concerns about the alliance's role in undermining the regional peace. The Asia-Pacific region neither welcomes nor needs an Asia-Pacific version of NATO. NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific will only heighten geopolitical risks, and threaten the region's decades-long prosperity and stability. NATO has outlived its usefulness and has become nothing more than a weapon for Washington. Far from being a force for peace and stability, it has become an instrument for exporting chaos and fear-mongering. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - During a telephone conversation with the Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Deby, the Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid al Dbaiba, expressed his condolences over the explosion of an ammunition warehouse in the Chadian army's strategic reserve camp in the capital, N'Djamena, that claimed nine lives and caused injury to dozens Haley Dean, a Nashville hairstylist and mother, said for years that getting eye lash extensions made her feel 'so pretty.' That was until her eyes became inflamed, red and itchy and her entire face began to swell. In a panic, she rushed to urgent care to find out she had developed an allergy to her fake eye lashes and had to have them removed immediately or risk having her eyes swell shut, she explained on TikTok. And she is far from alone, according to Dr Will Flanary, an Oregon-based ophthalmologist. In a post on X, Dr Flanary said these popular beauty treatments 'look horrifying' when patients come in complaining of eye pain and discomfort. He added that fake eyelashes 'frequently result in red, itchy, swollen, irritated eyelids. The eye doctor called them 'a sebaceous swamp,' referencing the dirt and oil that builds up under the false lashes, which becomes the perfect breeding ground for infections. Eyelash extensions can lead to infection, allergy and shedding your natural eyelashes, experts say. Improper care can also lead to an infestation of tiny parasitic bugs. @haleybuchanandean Yeah. Not my journey #eyelashextensionfail also it was jot the lash techs fault she has done my lashes in the past shes amazing. I developed an allergy Oh No - Kreepa In addition to the long lashes collecting and harboring germs and bacteria, the glue used to adhere them to the eyelid often contains irritating chemicals and can make your natural eyelashes fall out. It can also cause populations of mites that live on your skin to grow rapidly, Dr Ashley Brissette, assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine and founder of Daily Practice, told Daily Mail.com. When your lashes are clean, these mites are relatively sparse. But they like to feed on bacteria, and when they're given more to eat, their numbers can explode, wreaking havoc on your eyelashes and leaving waxy deposits on the hair follicle. And complications can arise no matter how clean and professional application is because the lashes often create unhygienic build up around the eye that's a 'breeding ground for bacteria,' leading to the mite infestations, Dr Carly Rose, an Ohio based Optometrist, said on TikTok. Despite these warnings, the eyelash extension market is booming. It was valued at $1.4billion in 2020, and is projected to surge to $2.3billion by 2028, according to Verified Market Research. Eyelash extensions are tiny, hair-like fibers that estheticians place under, between or on top of your natural lash line using glue to create long, luscious lashes. The lashes can be synthetic, silk or mink and are applied purely for cosmetic purposes. Application and touch ups can run between $75 and $300. Dr Will Flanary, a trained ophthalmologist, also makes comedy videos online under the character name Dr Glaucomflecken. They ideally last between six and eight weeks, and can fall naturally out on their own or be removed with a cleanser that breaks down the adhesive. The technique, glue type and extension length vary based on the esthetician you visit, but the extensions can be used to create a natural look or more avant-garde style. Many technicians use a glue that contains formaldehyde, Dr Rose said, which can be toxic, especially if you're exposed to it frequently. Seventy-five percent of professional eyelash glues tested by University of Minnesota researchers in 2022 contained formaldehyde, despite the fact that none of them included it on their label. Formaldehyde is added to products to help preserve their shelf life or make them more adhesive, but it's most commonly used to preserve dead bodies. In high concentrations, it disrupts cellular function, and can cause shortness of breath, headache and skin irritation, according to the CDC. Even if the glue doesn't contain formaldehyde, users can develop an allergy to any adhesive or the lash itself. This can cause irritation, swelling and in extreme cases, can harm vision. Additionally, Dr Brissette told this website the weight of the extensions can pull and irritate your natural lashes, which can make them break or fall out. With time, patient's can rehab their eyelashes back to health, but it can take months and is an intensive process. It involves avoiding eye products and regularly cleaning the area. If you had a more severe problem, like a mite infestation, you might also require a prescription medication to get your skin's health back on track. The Arkansas patient (pictured) from the case study who got a Demodex infestation from failing to clean her lashes properly. Also, placing these foreign objects on the lash line gets in the way of crucial oil glands that lubricate the eye and skin, and can cause you to develop dry, irritated eyes. This is part of the reason the extensions are nearly impossible to clean thoroughly, because the oil that would be naturally moving around the area can build up at the base of the lashes, along with dirt and dead skin. This build up is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, Dr Rose said. If your eyes weren't already irritated, some of these bacteria release chemicals that inflame and irritate the eyes. This can then attract tiny parasitic bugs, called Demodex, which live naturally on the skin. These eight-legged worm-like bugs like feeding on the bacteria around the eyelashes, so when a build up occurs, their populations can multiply. When they multiple, they begin depositing waste on the eyelashes and sometimes, destabilizing the lash itself, This scenario was documented in a case study in Arkansas, after a 32-year-old woman visited her eye doctor complaining of itchy, watery eyes and blurry vision. Looking under the microscope, Optometrist Dr Jade Coats saw a thick, waxy build up at the base of the patient's eyelashes. GOT A HEALTH-RELATED STORY? EMAIL: Health@dailymail.com Advertisement Dr Coats discovered the patient, who had been avoiding cleaning her eyelashes, had developed an Demodex infestation, which had led to her symptoms. She wrote the 'large majority of patients' who have extensions that aren't removed properly develop some degree of this problem. Dr Brissette summarized all the problems with fake lashes by explaining the extensions get in the way of how your eye is built to function. Eyelashes are designed in a very specific way to support vision and keep foreign objects out of eyes. 'I think, you know, our eyes and our eyelids and lashes have a specific function. You can, I think enhance them naturally somewhat with the mascara,' Dr Brissette said, 'but the thing you want to be cautious of is going overboard with it.' Adding extensions that are too long can change the way you blink - leading to dry, irritated eyes. If you're still curious about lash extensions, Dr Brissette said it's okay to use them once for special occasions, like a wedding or vacation, but getting lashes regularly is usually a bad idea. If you do get them, she recommends double cleansing your eyelashes, first using eye makeup remover and gently scrubbing the lashes, and second, washing with a gentle face wash. Doing this daily, even if you don't have false lashes, will help your eyes look brighter and feel better, Dr Brissette said. She added: 'Whenever patients ask me, "Well, you know, is it safe to do or can I try it?" My advice is always, you know, nothing is black and white, but I would never recommend that somebody do these continuously.' Scientists have discovered a genetic defect that makes you more likely to be overweight or obese but there may be a cure. Experts at Exeter University found people with a faulty gene called SMIM1 burn less energy while resting, giving them a massive disadvantage when trying to maintain a healthy weight. On average, women with the condition are 10lbs (4.6kg) heavier, and men have an extra 5lbs (2.4kg) of fat. The defect is found in individuals with a rare blood type called Vel-negative, believed to affect around one in 5,000 people. Women with the SMIM1 genetic deficiency are 10lbs (4.6kg) heavier on average, and men have an extra 5lbs (2.4kg) of fat People with the condition burn less energy while resting, giving them a massive disadvantage when trying to maintain a healthy weight They are more likely to be obese and overweight but the researchers think there may be an answer. Its hoped a cheap and widely available drug for thyroid dysfunction called levothyroxine may help obesity with the SMIM1 gene deficiency. Professor of cell biology Mattia Frontini, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: Obesity rates have nearly tripled in the past 50 years, and by 2030, more than one billion individuals worldwide are projected to be obese. The associated diseases and complications create significant economic burden on healthcare systems. Obesity is due to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, often a complex interplay of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. In a small minority of people, obesity is caused by genetic variants. When this is the case, new treatments can sometimes be found to benefit these people. We are now hoping to run a clinical trial to find out whether a widely-available drug for thyroid supplementation may be beneficial in treating people who lack SMIM1. Our findings highlight the need to investigate the genetic cause of obesity, to select the most appropriate and effective treatment, but also to reduce the social stigma associated to it. Your browser does not support iframes. The proportion of Brits overweight or obese has slowly grown over time, rising to two thirds as of 2021, the latest data available. No data was recorded for 2020 the year of the Covid pandemic Obesity affects around a quarter of all adults in the UK and increases the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke and coronary heart disease. The new research, published in the journal Med, was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the British Heart Foundation. The team analysed the genetic data of nearly 500,000 individuals, identifying 104 people with the variant that leads to loss of function in the SMIM1 gene. Using blood samples from both Vel negative and positive individuals, they also established that people with the SMIM1 deficiency often have other conditions linked to obesity. These include high levels of fat in the blood, signs of fat tissue dysfunction, increased liver enzymes and lower levels of thyroid hormones. The collaboration included researchers at the Cambridge University, the Sanger Institute, the Copenhagen University in Denmark and the Lund University in Sweden. Jill Storry, of Lund University, said: SMIM1 was only discovered a decade ago, as a long-sought blood group protein on red blood cells, but its other function has remained unknown until now. Its very exciting to find that it has a more general role in human metabolism. Professor Ole Pedersen, of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, said: The whole team is very much looking forward to seeing how this new knowledge can be translated into practical solutions for people with this genetic make-up. Dr Luca Stefanucci, of Cambridge, said: With the increased availability of genetic data, and more information on SMIM1 mechanism, we would like to see that when individuals lacking SMIM1 are identified, they receive information and support. A simple sticker could pave the way for easier diagnoses of diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure. Washington researchers developed a small adhesive health monitor that people can wear discretely on their arms filled with tiny pathways that collect and measure their sweat and levels of three key health markers. Human testing of the sticker-like devices have shown they are highly accurate in providing measurements of glucose, lactate and uric acid, which could hint at potential kidney and heart issues, as well as diabetes. Sweat can reveal a myriad of health conditions, but unlike blood sampling, collecting it is non-invasive. And the flexible health monitors were made in a 3D printer for a quick, inexpensive manufacturing process. Researchers said the devices have the potential to make a huge impact on the healthcare field as they provide a new method to catch diseases early. Sweat contains many important metabolites that can reveal health conditions, and unlike blood sampling, collecting sweat is non-invasive The health monitor measures sweat on a volunteer's arm. As part of the prototype testing, shown above, the sweat was dyed red and the blue patch was used for laboratory comparison Chuchu Chen, a Washington State University PhD student and first author of the paper, said: Diabetes is a major problem worldwide. I think 3D printing can make a difference to the healthcare fields, and I wanted to see if we can combine 3D printing with disease detection methods to create a device like this. In testing, people wore the patch while exercising and it changed color to indicate the specific biochemical levels of the three markers. It measured users' levels of uric acid, used to diagnose kidney problems, glucose levels, used in diabetes diagnoses and lactate levels, which reflect exercise intensity and indicate when a person reaches their maximum threshold, a key indicator of personal fitness. When the researchers compared the results from the monitors on volunteers' arms to traditional lab results, they found the monitors accurately and reliably measured the concentration of the chemicals and the sweat rate. Researchers wrote in their report, published in the journal ACS Sensors, the study successfully demonstrated the functionality and reliability of our health monitor, generating reliable... results of sweat rate, glucose, lactate, and uric acid concentrations during physical exercise. The small device is manufactured using a 3D printer. It measures for three biomarkers now, but can be scaled up relatively easily to test for more The monitor's channels are printed on the devices using a technique called direct ink writing, which creates self-supporting structures that collect human sweat. The structures collect sweat on the sticker, which has been infused with bioassays that measure the presence and amount of a certain health marker, like uric acid. The sticker provides real-time analysis and produce a color change that indicates the levels of each biomarker. The patches are still in trials for validation and have not yet been commercialized. But given the pace at which new technology is arriving in the healthcare space, driven mostly by the advent of AI, it may not take long, according to a press statement from WSU. People with diabetes can already use sticker-like devices to keep track of their blood glucose levels over time, but they require a small sensor to go under the skin, making it somewhat invasive. The sweat sensor, however, does not require any sort of incision. Early detection of diseases, particularly chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, is key to treating them effectively and maximize one's life expectancy. Several such technologies are already available. A quick and painless electrocardiogram, which requires a doctor to stick small electrodes to a patient's chest, arms, and legs to capture electrical activity of the heart from various angles. And to detect cancer, particularly lung, breast, colorectal, blood, prostate, and ovarian cancers, doctors can use a noninvasive liquid biopsy, which analyzes bodily fluids like blood, urine, or saliva. Traditional biopsies require doctors to take tissue samples from the body. And a simple urine test can help doctors spot elevated levels of creatinine in people at risk of kidney disease as well as to assess kidney function, potentially mitigating a late-stage diagnosis with little chance of survival. Thousands of people with cystic fibrosis are finally assured lifechanging drugs on the NHS in what has been hailed a monumental day by families. UK regulators reached a deal with drug-makers Vertex over three miracle drugs - Orkambi, Symkevi and Kaftrio, which can extend lives by decades. It follows years of campaigning by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which described the agreement as a really important moment for thousands of families blighted by the deadly condition. The treatments will help many to live normal lives, potentially stopping bouts of severe illness and reducing the need for gruelling daily physio. David Ramsden, chief executive of the charity, said: This is a really significant day and there are a lot of emotional families today. In a disease as remorseless as cystic fibrosis, you want access to the best treatments available and we now in a position in England where that now seems certain. One of those set to benefit is Rufus who, like any child about to turn two, doesnt like to sit still His parents Alex and Ben, both 31, described weeping with relief at the news he will now be eligible for the triple therapy, Kaftrio, from next month Kaftrio is one of trio of drugs recently approved to be given to people with cystic fibrosis on the NHS Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, affecting around 11,000 people in the UK with around 1 in 25 carrying the faulty gene. A progressive disease, symptoms usually start in early childhood and there is no cure. The average life expectancy is still the mid-30s but it is hoped these treatments will extend this. Known as modulator drugs, these are the first to treat the cause of the disease, rather than simply treat the symptoms with ongoing results suggesting they can extend life by decades. Patients have been able to access the treatments during an interim period in which further data was being collated on their effectiveness. But at a cost of around 100,000 per patient, per year, NICE said in November that although clinically effective, they were too expensive to recommend at list price. There were fears that new patients including young children would miss out on the medicines when they became eligible. Details of the commercial agreement remain confidential, although it is likely to be below list price. Nice was also able to use a new method to evaluate the drugs which means it can give extra weight to health benefits from medicines for treating the most severe diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Effective in around 90 per cent of people with the disease, the decision will ends anxieties for those already on the drugs and the families of young children about to become eligible. Mr Ramsden added: Weve seen these drugs make such a difference to peoples lives already. Theres been a big spike in women with cystic fibrosis having babies - an unexpected baby boom - which has been a really lovely thing to see. These drugs allow whole new life moments that people are able to take advantage of. But its important to say this is still just the start for cystic fibrosis patients. We should not forget though that these treatments are not a cure and simply don't work for some people. Around 8,200 people are already on the treatments in England and will continue to be able to get them on the NHS. Rufus was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just days old, a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system Such is the severity of his condition, the family from West to East Yorkshire so he could benefit from the sea air of Bridlington The drugs will also be available to people who are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the future. Negotiations are expected to be finalised with health services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the coming days. John Stewart, NHS England director of specialised commissioning, said: We know this is the news that people living with cystic fibrosis and their families have been waiting for. Thanks to this NHS deal thousands of patients including young children will be able to have a much better quality of life, whether that is being able to walk to school or ride a bike for the first time. The NHS has a strong track record of offering people with cystic fibrosis life-changing treatments with 8,000 people now benefiting - and today's deal give families security knowing that they will be guaranteed access to these drugs for years to come. One of those set to benefit is Rufus who, like any child about to turn two, doesnt like to sit still. But a simple cough or cold can mean hes out of action for weeks at a time, unable to play or go to toddler groups. He must endure gruelling physio three or four times a day when poorly, with little energy for anything else. Diagnosed when just days old, his parents Alex and Ben, both 31, described weeping with relief at the news he will now be eligible for the triple therapy, Kaftrio, from next month. They say the drug which significantly improves lung function, helping people with cystic fibrosis to breathe more easily will give him a normal life with his older brother Henry, four. Its been a massive worry especially for Rufuss future, said Ben, who works in social care. Two of the other drugs impacted by the new agreement are Orkambi and Symkevi which can which can extend lives of people with cystic fibrosis by decades Its been bittersweet hearing from other families that are just a bit older than him, hearing just how beneficial it is. Weve been in limbo thinking this could be really good for him but then having that awful realisation he might not get it. Such is the severity of his condition, the family from West to East Yorkshire so he could benefit from the sea air of Bridlington. They have now put him on a waiting list for nursery and hope the treatment means he can live a full and normal childhood. Full-time mum Alex said: For Rufus, it means he will be like any other child which is all we want him to be. We just to have the same chances as anybody else and this should give him that. When hes okay, hes like any other child but when hes ill, he doesnt have a life. He cant go out to toddler groups or play because hes not well enough and is really lethargic. With this medicine, he can go to nursery and he can live like any other toddler. What this means is when he does get ill, he wont be as ill he wont get to the level. Hell just be like any other child with that gets a cold or virus. Doctors warn that Americans are 'masking' potential signs of brain cancer with painkillers. When a headache comes on, your first instinct may be to reach for a bottle of medicine or lie down in a dark, quiet room. However, if you find yourself constantly popping pills or having to stop your everyday activities, it may be a sign of something more sinister. Dr Mina Lobbous, a physician at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, said that brain cancer, which kills 18,000 Americans every year, can manifest as persistent headaches that require some form of painkiller to alleviate. She also warned that the condition can be difficult to diagnose early due to a lack of preventative screening. Experts warned that regularly getting headaches that require pain meds could be a sign of brain cancer Former Senator John McCain (left) and Beau Biden (right) both died of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer with just a seven percent survival rate 'It is very important to be mindful of symptoms that require more urgent evaluation, as early detection and intervention can have a significant impact on outcomes such as survival or neurological function in some types of tumors,' Dr Lobbous told Parade. The warning comes as cancer cases surge in young, otherwise healthy Americans. Dr Lobbous warned to pay attention if you catch yourself regularly opening a bottle of Aspirin for headaches. GOT A HEALTH-RELATED STORY? EMAIL: health@dailymail.com Advertisement 'Persistent headaches, especially new-onset severe headache, with or without nausea, vomiting or blurry vision, should be discussed with a provider right away instead of depending on over-the-counter headache remedies,' she said. This is especially true for patients who don't otherwise have a history of chronic headaches or migraines. Dr Jose Carrillo, a neurologist and neuro-oncologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in California, told Parade: 'Headaches accompanied with nausea in a person that does not have a history of migraines should be evaluated right away for a brain tumor.' Pain and nausea may occur because a tumor leads to increased pressure in the skull, particularly as it grows larger. According to Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, tumor-related nausea may last for at least a week, feel worse in the morning or when laying down, and intensify after suddenly changing positions. Dr George Al Shamy of Memorial Hermann in Texas noted that headaches from tumors 'are typically continuous' and 'worse in the morning and when bending forward.' Additionally, a 2021 review in the journal Cephalalgia suggested that headaches are the most common brain cancer symptom. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 25,000 brain and spinal cord tumors will be diagnosed with this, and over 18,700 adults and children will die. There are more than 125 forms of brain cancer. The most common cancers are gliomas, which form from the brain's glial cells. These help hold nerve cells in place. About 33 percent of brain tumors are gliomas, which include a wide range of cancers including the ultra-aggressive glioblastoma that killed John McCain and Beau Biden. Just one in three brain cancer patients are expected to survive after five years. However, brain cancer is still rare. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall lifetime risk of developing the disease is less than one percent. Dr Lobbous noted that other brain cancer signs included seizures, vision changes, weakness, numbness, double vision, hearing changes, facial pain or numbness, and difficulty swallowing or speaking. YouGov was co-founded by former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi YouGov shares fell sharply on Thursday after the market research group warned its annual profits and revenue would be lower than expected. The firm, which has made headlines lately with general election polling data, flagged sluggish demand in its data products division, as well as 'challenges' in its European, Middle East and African markets. YouGov said sales bookings had been lower than expected since posting its half-year results. It now expects reported revenues for the year to come in at between 324million to 327million, roughly 5 per cent below forecasts. Annual operating profit is expected to be between 41million to 44million, down from 48.3million a year ago. The group's share price fell 33.9 per cent by late morning on Thursday to 542p, having nearly halved in the past year. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'Casual observers of YouGov might assume the company would enjoy a bumper time during the election but its polling operation makes a relatively modest contribution to group revenue.' Founded in 2000 by Stephan Shakespeare and former Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi, YouGov is well-known in Britain for conducting online political polling. Alongside this, the group runs surveys for major corporations, like social media app TikTok, brewing giant Molson Coors, Vauxhall Motors and Virgin Money. Shakespeare stood down from running the company on a day-to-day basis last November, handing over the reins to Steve Hatch, a former executive at Facebook owner Meta. Under Hatch, YouGov is looking to boost growth by expanding in the United States, where it hopes to capitalise on the upcoming US presidential election. 'In line with our stated strategy, the company had invested in the business to set up for an acceleration in growth in H2,' YouGov said. 'As we move into FY25, we will focus on optimising our cost base and prioritising investment in key growth areas such as upgrading our Data Products, continuing to build out our AI capabilities and enhancing our sales organisation to further capitalise on YouGov's unique asset: its high-quality global panel and proprietary dataset.' YouGov said it continued to see increased demand for its customised research solutions. However, sales in the data products division have remained slow and it continued to see declines in fast-turnaround research services. Mould of AJ Bell, said: 'The data analytics side is more important [than polling] and this is where the company is struggling. 'The company invested for an expected acceleration of growth in the second half of its financial year which, in classic fashion, failed to materialise. 'This may reduce some of the clamour for the company to move its listing to the US in search of a higher rating. The one reassuring element of the announcement is the recently acquired consumer panel business is performing as expected.' Trades: Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an illegal cryptocurrency exchange Two people have been arrested on suspicion of running an illegal exchange trading more than 1billion worth of cryptocurrency. The suspects, aged 38 and 44, had their London offices searched by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), while police seized several digital devices at two homes. More than 1billion of unregistered crypto assets are believed to have been bought and sold through the business. Both suspects were released on bail. The FCA has an important role to play in keeping dirty money out of the UK financial system, said executive director of enforcement and market oversight Therese Chambers. The arrests come off the back of a wider crackdown on the industry following the dramatic collapse of exchange FTX and various other operators. The FCA has been the anti-money laundering supervisor for crypto asset businesses in the UK since the start of 2020. Latest figures show the regulator has received 347 applications to register of which just 47, or 14 per cent, have been accepted. The FCA has consistently warned that investors should be prepared to lose all their money if they invest in crypto, arguing they are unregulated and high-risk. In May the Chinese bitcoin queen Jian Wen was jailed for six years for a 3billion crypto fraud. The former Chinese takeaway worker was found guilty of money laundering. She came to the polices attention when she tried to buy a 23.5million Hampstead mansion. Sainsburys is offloading the bulk of its banking business to NatWest as supermarkets flee financial services. The supermarket giant will pay the lender 125million to take 1.1billion of credit card balances, 1.4billion of unsecured personal loans and 2.6billion of customer deposits in savings accounts off its hands. The deal comes as supermarkets reverse a push into financial services to focus on their main food businesses. First acquisition: Paul Thwaite (pictured) was appointed NatWest chief exec in February to replace Dame Alison Rose And it continues the trend of consolidation among lenders following Nationwides acquisition of Virgin Money and Coventry Building Societys tie-up with Co-op Bank. The deal is NatWest chief executive Paul Thwaites first acquisition since taking over earlier this year. He was appointed in February to replace Dame Alison Rose who had to resign last summer after a row over the debanking of Reform UK leader and Brexiteer Nigel Farage. Thwaite said previously he was open to acquisitions that scaled up the business, with the Sainsburys deal boosting NatWests credit card business. It comes after the Governments plan for a Tell Sid-style sale of part of its remaining stake in NatWest was put on hold due to the general election. The Treasury bailed out the bank in the 2008 financial crisis and was at one point the lenders biggest shareholder with a holding of over 80 per cent. The deal with Sainsburys will add around 1m customer accounts to NatWests books. Thwaite said: As well as a complementary customer base, the transaction is expected to add scale to our credit card and unsecured personal lending business within existing risk appetite. Sainsburys announced plans to wind down its banking unit in January this year to focus on food. It follows Barclays agreement to buy most of Tesco Banks assets in a 600million deal earlier this year. M&S Bank, meanwhile, closed all its branches and axed current accounts three years ago. Sainsburys said it will return around 250million in excess capital to shareholders following the deal, which is expected to complete next year. Deal: Sainsbury's will pay NatWest125m to take 1.1bn of credit card balances, 1.4bn of unsecured personal loans and 2.6bn of customer deposits in savings accounts off its hands The supermarket said it will hold on to its cash machine, insurance and travel money businesses as well as Argos Financial Services. Sainsburys boss Simon Roberts said: There will be no immediate change for our bank customers as a result of this announcement. 'The news means we will focus all our time and resources going forward on growing our core retail business, delivering great quality and value, week in week out. Russ Mould, investment director at broker AJ Bell, said removing any distractions elsewhere in the business could help to oil the wheels. Supermarkets have experimented over the years with ways to expand beyond their core focus, offering products that grocery customers might also want, he said. Some initiatives worked, others didnt, but we are now in an age where companies have a preference to focus on what they do best and retreat from the rest. Will Howlett, financials analyst at wealth manager Quilter Cheviot, said: This move is indicative of the ongoing consolidation trend within the banking sector, which we have been anticipating. While the scale may be small relative to NatWests existing operations, the long-term potential for cross-selling and deepening customer relationships could be significant. Sainsburys shares rose 2.1 per cent, while NatWest gained 2.6 per cent. The combined value of the worlds three biggest quoted companies topped $10 trillion (7.9 trillion) for the first time last night, powered by another surge in computer chip designer Nvidias share price. Nvidia this week overtook tech giant Microsoft to become the most valuable company on earth, having leapfrogged iPhone maker Apple earlier this month. And yesterday the shares hit a record high of more than $140 to give Nvidia a stock market value of $3.5 trillion. Microsoft and Apple are both worth some $3.3 trillion. It means that if the trio of tech titans were an economy they would rank only behind the US and China in size. On top of the world: Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, left, Apple boss Tim Cook, centre, and Microsoft's Satya Nadella, right, lead the world's three biggest quoted companies But it is the remarkable rise of Nvidia whose chips have turbo-charged the revolution in artificial intelligence (AI) that has really captured investors attention. In February, the company became the fastest ever to go from $1 trillion to $2 trillion. Incredibly, it took just eight months. Nvidia then went from $2 trillion to $3 trillion in only 30 trading days from April 24. It means Nvidia has added a trillion dollars of market value since May 20. At 23 trading days this is the quickest a company has ever added a trillion dollars, said analysts at Deutsche Bank. Nvidia is worth more than the value of the UK stock market and is almost as big as the annual output of the British economy. HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Exactly a decade ago the entire listed UK stock market was 400 times larger than Nvidia, Deutsche analysts added. In the last week, Nvidia overtook it. Experts are divided as to how much higher Nvidia can go. The shares cant keep going up in a straight line for ever, said Derren Nathan at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown. Nvidia also faces growing competition from rival chipmakers but counts the worlds next biggest companies Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and Google-owner Alphabet as customers. But others point out that Nvidia has, in effect, cornered the market in both AI hardware and associated software, where sales growth is likely to be the fastest over the next decade. Rosenblatt Securities analyst Hans Mosesmann thinks Nvidias shares could hit $200 for that reason, putting it within striking distance of a $5 trillion price tag. Investors do not need to own Nvidia shares directly to have gained from the shares stratospheric rise. Tech-heavy funds or trackers following the US stock market have also benefited as Nvidia is on course to be the best-performing S&P 500 stock for the second year running. Revolut's debit card airmiles loyalty scheme RevPoints has just landed in the UK. Revolut launched its debit card airmiles loyalty scheme in Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece and Malta in September 2023 and now UK customers will be able to collect and use RevPoints. Customers will be able to transfer RevPoints they collect to more than 30 airline loyalty programmes, including British Airways Avios points. Revolut customers will not need to apply for a credit card to collect points as it is a debit card scheme. Revolut's debit card airmiles loyalty scheme RevPoints has launched in the UK. It allows customers to collect points and redeem them on flghts How to earn RevPoints Revolut customers can earn RevPoints by spending as usual on their Revolut debit card. Depending on the type of plan they have, Revolut customers can earn up to 1 point per pound spent Bonus points can be earned by upgrading your Revolut plan and hitting a spend target, completing challenges in the Revolut app, booking hotel stays via Revolut and signing up for RevPoints Spare Change. Standard plan users can turn on the Spare Change feature in order to earn on card spending. On top of the points they earn on card spending, Spare Change round-ups will be converted into additional points, at a rate of up to 50 points for every pound spared. The number of points you earn varies based on the Revolut plan you have. Here's what you can earn: Standard (free) - 1 RevPoint per 10 spent Plus (3.99 per month) 1 RevPoint per 10 spent Premium (7.99 per month) 1 RevPoint per 4 spent Metal (14.99 per month) 1 RevPoint per 2 spent Ultra (45 per month) 1 RevPoint per 1 spent New customers can turbo boost their points with 3,000 points - equivalent to 3,000 air miles or up to 60 in travel discounts - after making 150 eligible transactions. Existing Revolut customers can pocket up to 10,000 bonus points if they upgrade their plan and meet spending thresholds within the first 90 days. For those on Revolut's Ultra plan, customers who spend 2,500 a month could earn up to 30,000 RevPoints annually that's enough for a free round trip from London to New York or a 600 hotel discount, according to Revolut. What else is it offering? RevPoints can also be redeemed for discounts on premium holiday accommodation and holiday experiences and activities through the Lifestyle tab in the Revolut app. For everyday shopping, points can also be used for discounts at brands such as French Connection and Dermalogica when shopping online with Revolut Pay. How does it stack up to other card schemes? There are significantly more points to be had with the likes of Amex and Barclaycard. New American Express Gold card holders can currently get 30,000 bonus points as part of an enhanced offer running until 16 June. The credit card giant has increased the sign-up bonus on its Preferred Rewards Gold credit card from 20,000 to 25,000 points. New Amex Gold cardmembers can earn 25,000 points, boosted from the usual 20,000, when they spend 3,000 in the first three months of having the card. While Barclaycard has a free Avios Mastercard which comes with a sign-up bonus for new customers of 5,000 Avios points if you spend 1,000 in the first three months. There could be an appeal for customers who don't want to sign up for a credit card to collect airmile points with Revolut's scheme. Rob Burgess of frequent flyer website Head for Points said: 'Fundamentally it doesn't seem to offer much value to a frequent flyer, to be honest. I can't see anyone opening a Revolut account purely to take advantage of air miles earning opportunities. 'Earning 1 Avios (or other airline mile) for every 10 spent on the free Revolut debit card is hardly going to get anyone excited, given that you can earn 10 times that with the free British Airways American Express card or the free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard. Even the Ultra card at 45 a month doesn't out-earn the free BA Amex or free Barclaycard.' 'It's also difficult to see much crossover between the debit card market (typically teens or those with poor credit) and the sort of people who are looking to earn Avios for long haul business class flights.' 'There are also the added risks of using debit cards for any major payments, such as the lack of legal protection via Section 75 if there are any problems with the transaction.' Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) Sudan's warring parties recent unlawful attacks in North Darfurs El Fasher have killed hundreds of civilians and forced tens of thousands to flee, as thousands in and around the city face starvation, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Wednesday Advertisement Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage are both using the election campaign to push for a massive overhaul of the UK's voting system. But analysis by MailOnline today lays bare how their demands of reducing the voting age to 16 and ditching the historic 'First Past the Post' arrangements could have changed the fate of Britain by putting Jeremy Corbyn in No10. The tendency of teenagers to vote Labour, together with the near-inevitability of coalitions under proportional representation (PR), would have prevented Boris Johnson from securing a landslide and 'Getting Brexit Done' in 2019. Although the former PM would have led the largest party on 280 seats, only Jeremy Corbyn with 214 seats would have had a chance of cobbling together a 'rainbow' coalition to achieve a majority and install himself in Downing Street. Your browser does not support iframes. Projections using the popular D'Hondt method of PR alongside demographic estimates and surveys of voting intentions suggest the Lib Dems would have had 74 MPs. In reality, they achieved 11. Meanwhile, the Greens would have had 18 seats, compared to the one they actually won. As a result, veteran left-winger Mr Corbyn, who supports unilateral disarmament and opposed Nato, could have been in charge through Covid and responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Critics of electoral reform say that ditching FPTP would simply lead to weak coalition governments, giving small and extreme parties disproportionate power. Many forms of PR would also lose the element of MPs representing specific geographical constituencies. However, supporters of PR say the current system encourages tactical voting and is unfair. Mr Farage has pointed out that UKIP received six million votes in 2015, but only secured one MP. Although he has not spelled out exactly what arrangements he would prefer to FPTP, Mr Farage was an MEP for many years and many EU nations use the D'Hondt method of distributing seats for European Parliament elections. Rishi Sunak this week accused Sir Keir of only wanting to lower the voting age because it was 'electorally helpful to him'. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Prime Minister said of his rival: 'I think that tells you a lot about him and the Labour Party.' Your browser does not support iframes. Although former PM Boris Johnson would have led the largest party on 280 seats, only Jeremy Corbyn with 214 seats would have had a chance of cobbling together a 'rainbow' coalition to achieve a majority and install himself in Downing Street. Rishi Sunak this week accused Sir Keir Starmer of only wanting to lower the voting age because it was 'electorally helpful to him'. The Labour leader is pictured left during a visit to Morrisons in Swindon on June 19. Corbyn is pictured right speaking to pro-Palestine students and protesters outside the London School of Economics this week Political commentators credit the FPTP system for helping the Conservatives stay in power for much of the past century. If Sir Keir wins on July 4 and lowers the voting age, it would mark the largest change to the electoral roll since the last cut from 21 to 18 in 1969. Speaking on a visit to Stafford earlier in the campaign, Sir Keir argued that young people 'should have a say on how their money is being used'. Labour's manifesto released last week said: 'We will increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy by giving 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections.' Teenagers aged 16 and 17 can already vote in Scottish and Welsh assembly elections,, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Brazil and Austria, as well as for some contests in Germany, Malta and Norway. Opponents argue that teenagers should not be entrusted with the vote before they are adults, with the policy branded 'cynical' because it is only expected to benefit Labour. Polls in the run-up to the 2019 showdown suggested 61 per cent of 16 and 17 year olds would have supported Mr Corbyn given the chance. Political commentators credit the FPTP system for helping the Conservatives stay in power for much of the past century. Mr Sunak is pictured speaking with apprentices during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power facility on June 19 Mr Farage has pointed out that UKIP received six million votes in 2015, but only secured one MP. Although he has not spelled out exactly what arrangements he would prefer to FPTP, Mr Farage was an MEP for many years and many EU nations use the D'Hondt method of distributing seats for European Parliament elections. Mr Farage is pictured speaking to an audience at Princes Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea on June 18 Your browser does not support iframes. Only a fifth would have voted for Mr Johnson, according to a tracker by Survation. On the night itself, Labour was the preferred option for all three cohorts under the age of 44 (18-24, 25-34 and 35-44). Tories were the party of choice for all the older groups. Younger age groups usually see a lower turnout, however. In the 2010 election between David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg, 18 to 21-year-olds had a turnout rate of 40 per cent around half that of those aged over 65. MailOnline's analysis was based on the voting intentions in a Survation poll of 16 and 17-year-olds in August 2019, which included just the options of: Tory, Labour, Lib Dem and Green. Those results were projected on to the overall population in the age group, adjusted for the real turnout and then added to the total votes that were received by each party in 2019. The D'Hondt method was then applied to the total votes to work out how many seats each would have gained. Voting behaviour would almost certainly have been very different if Brits were operating under a PR system but the findings do give a flavour of how different the outcome could have been under PR. Some of Labour's biggest trade union backers such as Unite and Unison have also moved towards supporting proportional representation in recent years. Labour hasn't officially backed a reform, although delegates overwhelmingly backed a motion calling on the party to embrace proportional representation at its annual conference in 2022. Sir Keir later stressed that it was 'not a priority', however. Lucy Powell, shadow leader of the Commons, last autumn hinted that 'conversations' about ditching FPTP could take place if the party wins the general election. Paul McNaughton was this week sentenced to life in prison for murdering a retired Fettes College teacher in a catfishing plot. The shop worker killed 75-year-old Peter Coshan in a flat in Leith, Edinburgh, in August 2022 - after using a fake profile on gay dating site Gaydar to lure him to the address. McNaughton murdered the former teacher then broke into his house and used his bank cards for a spending spree before dumping his body by a layby in Northumberland. Among those reading the news with was freelance journalist Paul Smith, who was horrified to realise he had once met McNaughton on a night out in Edinburgh and gone back to his home. Below, he details the disturbing encounter for the first time. Paul McNaughton (pictured) killed 75-year-old Peter Coshan in a flat in Leith, Edinburgh, in August 2022 Freelance journalist Paul Smith (pictured) once met McNaughton on a night out in Edinburgh and went back to his flat It was only a matter of time before someone fell victim to Paul McNaughton. I got that feeling the night I met him. I was on a night out in Edinburgh for a friend's 30th birthday in August 2019 and met Paul in a bar toilet. He sparked up a conversation with me while I was washing my hands - asking where I was from and what brought me to the Scottish capital. He introduced himself to me as 'Ryan' while shaking my hand. The conversation continued as we left the toilet - I asked him if he was a local and where was good to go for cocktails. But he didn't seem too interested in my questions. Instead he asked me if I was gay and on Grindr. I told him yes to both questions. We walked towards the bar to order a drink and he asked what my profile was on the gay dating app. I showed him and he sent me a thumbs up emoji, saying: 'We'll chat more later.' As I walked away from him to return to my friends, he shouted at me asking if I had ever paid for sex. I told him 'No, no way would I do that.' 'Ryan' then proceeded to tell me he was an escort and sold videos and pictures online to men, as well as getting paid to meet straight men. He asked if I wanted to see his 'content', to which I replied, 'No thank you, not in the middle of a bar anyway.' I nervously laughed as I didn't know what to say to him after that. 'Ryan' kept looking at me from the other side of the bar and a short time later he sent me another message on Grindr asking me back to a flat nearby. I told him I wasn't ready to leave the bar and that I might catch up with him later. I carried on drinking with my mates. McNaughton murdered Peter Coshan then broke into the former biology teacher's house and used his bank cards for a spending spree The killer went on to dump the retired teacher's body by a layby in Northumberland Dr Coshan taught biology at Fettes, which counts former prime minister Tony Blair among its former pupils Towards the end of the night, we met in the toilet again. I asked him if that offer was still on and he said 'yes, of course', so we left the bar and headed back to a flat. While we were walking, I made it clear I would not be paying for sex and if that's what he wanted I'd be leaving him in the street. 'Ryan' said to me 'I'm a little desperate tonight, so let's just go and forget about money'. At that point, I really should have just walked away, but I didn't. I did think it was a little strange, what escort hands themselves out for free? We got back to the flat and I was offered a drink, we had a few drinks, and eventually had sex. But 'Ryan' started to make me feel extremely uncomfortable. He pinned me down a number of times to a point I didn't feel safe. I eventually asked him to stop and he asked 'why?' I told him I was feeling very uncomfortable and wanted to leave. He stopped, and then asked if I wanted to stay overnight and try again in the morning, to which I replied 'thanks, but I just want to leave'. 'Ryan' started to become quite erratic shouting and telling me I was a 'c***' and that I was just 'using him for sex' because he was 'hot' and I knew I was 'getting a free s*** from an escort. I told him this wasn't the case and that he needed to calm down - but he continued shouting and storming about. At one point he screamed: 'I don't even f****** fancy guys, I only do this s*** for the money and you've just taken advantage and wasted my f****** time. I could have made 200 quid tonight. F*** you, f*** you.' Chilling footage shows McNaughton casually buying two shovels in a shop after the murder In another clip McNaughton can be seen strolling down the street eating McDonald's 'Ryan' left the room. I quickly put on my jeans and trainers and headed towards the door, while he walked back into the room as I was leaving and asked where I was going. I told him I was leaving and that he was scaring me, but he laughed and said: 'Scaring you? You're a f****** pussy. All you wee p**** are the same, that's why I like real men who can put up a fight.' I continued to walk towards the door and he said: 'I better not see you back in that pub again, in fact, I better not see you back in Edinburgh again or you'll be sorry.' Journalist Paul Smith (pictured) was horrified to discover McNaughton's true identity after looking him up on Facebook As soon as I got out the door, I ran down the stairs and onto the street. I didn't look behind me, I just kept going. I had numerous missed calls from mates and voicemails asking where I was and if I was okay. I called them back and told them I was fine and was on my way to meet them at the train station. I got to the station and put on a front, I didn't mention to them about what had happened as they were angry enough I had left to meet someone without telling them. When I got home, I reported 'Ryan' to Grindr, informing the app he was dangerous. I did also think about reporting this to Police Scotland, but I didn't. It was his word against mine. I couldn't stop thinking about what vulnerable person he might stumble across though. The meeting really put me on edge about hooking up with anyone else on the app and I did consider deleting it. But Covid came along months later, and I stopped using it anyway. It took me a while to get over what happened that night, but to this day, I'm still extremely cautious about meeting people. Fast forward a few years and news broke about Dr Peter Coshan being reported missing and later his body being found. I'm a journalist and cover missing people and deaths almost daily, so I took little notice. The judge who sentenced McNaughton (pictured) to life in prison, Lord Scott, said he acted in a 'cold and chilling manner' after the murder Police searching woodland in Northumberland for Dr Coshan's body A murder investigation was then launched and later announced a man had been arrested and charged in connection with Dr Coshan's death. It wasn't until Paul McNaughton was named in the press that I searched him on Facebook. My heart sank when I clicked on his profile and realised 'Ryan' was actually Paul McNaughton. I searched Paul McNaughton on Facebook again - I thought I was seeing things. I felt physically sick but then again, I wasn't shocked he had been arrested and charged with murder given how he reacted that night I met him. I felt a small sense of responsibility though. Had I called the police and reported him, would Dr Coshan still be alive? I then had to tell myself that many others had probably come across McNaughton, I wasn't the only one. I felt embarrassed I had met him, and slept with him - and for obvious reasons I've kept this to myself until now. He was sentenced earlier this week at the High Court in Glasgow and it's taken me a few days to actually be able to admit to myself I slept with him. I had sex with a killer. EXCLUSIVE A public servant and ex-policeman who was suspended on full pay after saying 'my white n***er' to an Indigenous colleague has tried to argue the term is 'just a word' that his daughter and her friends often use as a greeting. Bryce Waite, 61, was stood down as a compliance officer for the Queensland government's Department of Environment and Science over comments he made during a work dinner at the Oxford Hotel in Rockhampton on February 22, 2023. Mr Waite had been debating the racist slur with another colleague when a young, Indigenous female co-worker joined the conversation and became upset after she heard him say the offensive phrase. When challenged on the matter, he said: 'What, its just a word, n***er.' Mr Waite tried to fight the suspension in an appeal to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, but it failed last week. He has now been asked to show cause why he shouldn't lose his job. He is not allowed to comment until the matter is finalised, but his partner Sharon told Daily Mail Australia the father-of-two thinks the situation is unfair. She said he also regrets the interaction and now knows he should not use the term at all. Bryce Waite (pictured) was suspended for misconduct over a racist statement at a work function Mr Waite (pictured) tried to defend his use of a racist term during an appeal over his suspension Details of the incident were revealed in the appeal judgement, which was handed down by Commissioner Jacqueline Power on June 11. According to the published judgement, Mr Waite tried to appeal his suspension by arguing that he did not know the female co-worker identified as Indigenous. He also said it was her choice to join the conversation at the pub, implied that no one would have been offended if she'd stayed out of it, and she took his comment out of context. He repeatedly claimed the term was 'just a word', he did not mean any offence by it and was sorry she got offended, while continuing to use the term in his submissions. Mr Waite likened the situation to the fact that he was a Jewish person who had no issue being called a 'Jew' - an argument which was shot down by the commissioner, who pointed out that 'calling someone a Jew is not anti-Semitic'. 'It is a result of a person's religion. There are many derogatory terms for a person of the Jewish faith that they may not accept quite as readily,' she said in her judgement. Mr Waite then attempted to justify his use of the term by comparing it to other profanities frequently used in the workplace, which the commissioner found was 'not the same' and showed a failure to understand 'the gravity of the term'. Mr Waite (pictured) has accepted that he should not use the offensive term anymore Further, the commissioner found it troubling that Mr Waite sought evidence from a former colleague at another workplace to show that no offence was intended because their team would use the term regularly in day-to-day conversations. He claimed his former team had 'banded together to disempower the term'. The commissioner rejected that claim, saying: 'They did not. They simply demonstrated that casual racism in that team was an acceptable, everyday occurrence. 'The fact that another employer tolerated that term as a "coping mechanism" is an appalling reflection on that team and that employer.' Another defence was that his daughter and her friends often used the slur as a greeting, which the commissioner said 'ignores the social and historical context of the term'. In his submissions, Mr Waite argued that his human rights had been violated because he was denied the right to hold an opinion, freedom of expression and freedom of speech. However, that argument was also rejected because those freedoms are not without limits, and Mr Waite admitted using a racist term in a submission to the commission. His employer responded to the supposed human rights violation in further submissions to the commission, saying: '[Mr Waite's] apparent ignorance of racial slurs and his belief that it is "just a word" are not a human right.' The incident took place at the Oxford Hotel in Rockhampton (pictured), northern Queensland, last year The original decision to suspend Mr Waite was upheld by the commissioner. She ultimately found he failed to show genuine remorse because he appeared to be sorry that the colleague was offended, suggesting it was her fault for feeling offended. 'That is not a genuine apology,' the judgement read. 'Whether or not you gave a genuine apology to [the co-worker] doesn't alter the fact that the offence occurred, and that [she] took offence.' 'The department considers that the comment is highly inappropriate, regardless of [her] response to it. [Her] response demonstrates the impact that comments of this nature can and do have.' Mr Waite's partner Sharon, who has been undergoing cancer treatment throughout the ordeal, told Daily Mail Australia he wants his job back and believes he was treated unfairly - though he accepts he was wrong to use the term. 'Bryce had no opportunity to have mediation with the girl,' she said. 'He did apologise to her but it didn't go through the process of going through supervisor to sort it out that way - they made it clear that they want to terminate him.' Sharon said Mr Waite really didn't think there was anything wrong with the word, partly because he had seen it used casually on American comedy shows and people in younger generations, like his daughter, appeared to use it affectionately. 'A lot of language that used to be indecent is language is now acceptable language,' she said. 'To him, it was just another word he used, and he didn't use it to be mean or racist, but he accepts it shouldn't be used.' Sharon explained Mr Waite left the police force in Victoria some time ago and had worked in different departments of local government for 30 years without incident. He had only been in this particular job for four months when he was suspended for misconduct, which means he has now been on paid suspension for significantly longer than he was a working employee. A mother is fuming amid claims her distraught young daughter was allegedly 'mistreated' and humiliated by a Virgin Australia crew member entrusted to look after her during the flight. Chey Gurner's seven-year-old daughter Charlie flew accompanied on a flight from Melbourne to Tasmania this week. The little girl was left so traumatised by the harrowing ordeal that she never wants to fly on her own again. Her furious mum is now demanding answers as the airline launched an investigation into the matter. 'My daughter walks off the flight from Melbourne sobbing her heart out,' Ms Gurner posted this week. 'I got no explanation from the crew, just a 'sign here' and (they) walked away.' A furious mother claims her seven-year-old daughter was left traumatised by the 'mistreatment' she received during a short flight (stock image) It took 15 minutes for Ms Gurner to calm her distressed daughter. Charlie claimed the Virgin crew member assigned to look after her gave the girl 'the cold shoulder' and barely offered 'her the time of day'. 'Charlie got up during the flight to stretch her legs and go to the bathroom, instead the flight attendant went cross at Charlie and told her 'you are not allowed to stand up, sit down',' Ms Gurner wrote. 'Charlie then spilt her drink all over her, absolutely covered herself and her area in it. 'Charlie looked at the flight attendant and instead of coming over and helping her clean herself up, she got stared at and the lady walked away. 'Another passenger had to help Charlie clean it up.' Her daughter is still traumatised by the distressing ordeal. 'To have my daughter say to me 'Mum, she was meant to help me. She was so rude. I never want to fly on my own again',' Ms Gurner wrote. The mother claimed her attempts to raise the matter with Virgin Australia have been stonewalled. Pictured is a Virgin Australia plane 'A seven-year old child on her own and this was her experience. It is absolutely devastating.' Ms Gurner claimed her attempts to contact Virgin Australia regarding the ordeal have been stonewalled by the airline. 'I phoned Virgin Australia on the same Monday and asked to speak with someone urgently about this matter,' Ms Gurner wrote. 'I got told that I am unable to speak to someone via the phone and that I need to put this in an email. I did this. 'I then wrote on Virgin Australia's Facebook page about this experience. They contacted me asking to contact them directly on Facebook to discuss. I did this. 'Instead of discussing it with me as they said they would, I was told that I needed to submit another enquiry via their website, I also did this. 'After asking to be contacted urgently, I have now been told I need to wait at least 10 business days for a response.' Ms Gurner said the experience had left her 'mortified'. 'As an unaccompanied minor, you pay an extra fee for a service for your child,' she wrote. 'This service was not performed. 'Instead my daughter was left feeling helpless, anxious to travel on her own, and disheartened. ' The person we told her was going to be there to help her whenever she needed, was in fact not there at all for her.' Ms Gurner said she was told she would need to fly to Melbourne Airport (pictured) to make a complaint in person Ms Gurner said she again phoned Virgin and 'demanded that I be put through to someone in charge'. 'I was finally put through, however, this was after hesitation and being told that I again needed to put this in an email,' she wrote. Eventually Ms Gurner spoke to a Virgin representative but 'got nowhere' and admits the 'conversation got heated'. Ms Gurner said after repeatedly explaining what had happened she was told she would have to fly from her home to Melbourne Airport and make the complaint in person there. 'This is not okay,' Ms Gurner wrote. 'All my daughter wants is an apology, someone to apologise for making her feel the way she felt. 'All I want is for this lady to be aware of her disgusting behaviour and to never be given the chance to do this to another child. 'No one is taking this seriously, no one seems to care.' Ms Gurner's story was backed up by Vickie Woodhead, who opened her home for Charlie to spend the weekend at. Charlie was truamatised she never wanted to fly again, according to Ms Gurner (stock image) 'It broke my heart when I was talking to her (Charlie) on the phone,' Ms Woodhead wrote in a comment. 'We had a fantastic weekend away and I told her this morning that they will look after her cause she was nervous and then they done this to her. Not happy.' The alleged incident horrified other flight attendants posting on social media. 'I'm so sorry to hear this happened to your darling girl,' one wrote. 'Unaccompanied minors are most definitely our most precious cargo on board and should be treated with so much love and care, to travel on your own is so exciting and brave! 'Reading this my heart breaks for her! At a MINIMUM, a UM (unaccompanied minor) should be frequently checked on, offered extra comfort and care, explained noises and bumps they might experience. 'There is always time for crew to initiate and prioritise this. There is no excuse. 'Sending you and your family love and I hope your next experience is a MUCH better one.' A Virgin Australia spokesperson said the airline was 'actively investigating this matter'. 'We will be keeping the guest informed of the investigation's progress and outcome,' the spokesperson said. Ms Gurner confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Virgin Australia had contacted her and were investigating the matter. The rights and wrongs of mass immigration, net zero and the traditional family are hot issues in both Britain and Europe. They are high on the political agenda in the run-up to our General Election and provoked deep splits of opinion at polls in the EUs 27 nations earlier this month. But there is another topic on the horizon that is arguably more important than these for all our futures. It is babymaking or the lack of it. The rate at which children are born in the West is plummeting, which will provoke staggering social change warn demographic experts and change that will not be for the better. The problem is concentrating the minds of political leaders, Christian churches and social scientists as well as fertility doctors. But none of them has yet found a way of solving what is called the baby gap. Earlier this year it was the Pope who entered the fray: Without children, he warned, a country loses its desire for the future. Europe is lagging behind the required 2.1 babies per woman needed for a stable population, with Malta and Spain notching the lowest averages He was speaking after it became clear that births in Italy where thousands of primary schools have closed because there are no children to go to them dipped to a record low of 379,000 last year after 15 years of relentless decline. The Catholic countrys Right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has now mounted a family-first campaign, with papal backing. Ms Meloni says her plan to boost the number of births to half a million annually within a decade is essential to prevent Italian society from collapsing as a result of the elderly outnumbering younger workers in the population. Italy is not a freakish outlier. Spain, another Catholic country, is facing a steeper decline in new arrivals. The facts are devastating and simple. To maintain a stable national population, every woman must have 2.1 babies. This is called the fertility replacement rate. Any lower than that and the number of young people whose taxes fund the welfare and health services vital for the care of the elderly will drop like a stone. Yet there is not one country in the EU that has a fertility rate above this threshold. And, as yet, no nation in history facing a collapsing population has ever turned the situation around and pushed it back above the fertility replacement rate. In a ground-breaking report in March, The Lancet medical journal predicted the trend would result in staggering social change. It said the implications of falling fertility trends are immense, and will lead to the complete reshaping of the world we live in today. There will only be six countries, Samoa, Somalia, Tonga, Niger, Chad and Tajikistan where the replacement rate will be above 2.1 by the end of the century, said the report. In the UK, 2022 figures showed that women were having an average of 1.49 babies, much lower than the 2.6 rate achieved in the 1960s for the first time ever, half of women now reach their 30th birthday without having a child. The 1.3 rate projected for 2100 is lower still. Across Western Europe, it will drop slightly less, from 1.53 in 2021 to 1.37, by this centurys close. The UK's current birth rate, which sits at 1.49 babies per woman, is a significant drop from the 2.6 rate achieved in the 1960s The EUs statistics and data service Eurostat indicates that the population of the bloc will fall by 6 per cent by 2100. It might not sound excessive but the implications are deeply alarming. For by 2100, those aged 65 and over are predicted to account for 32 per cent of the population compared to 22 per cent today. And we in the West face a dilemma over who will foot the escalating bill for their pensions and welfare. The Lancet which is Left-leaning declared that an obvious solution is to allow more people to come to the EU and Britain from countries with younger populations. Natalia V Bhattacharjee, one of the authors, pointed out: Reliance on open immigration will become necessary to sustain economic growth. This, of course, would be anathema to Right-wing parties within the EU which gained popularity at the recent elections by fighting against open borders and, like Italys Giorgia Meloni, champion the need to boost the indigenous birth rate. Intriguingly, the blocs populist parties have broad appeal, not just among the conservative elderly but also the young. Both groups, say pollsters, are tired of immigration and, above all, the resulting shortage of affordable housing. According to the website Politico, the taboo of voting for populist, anti-migration parties, is fading. Which means the problem of the baby shortage will become an ever more fractious issue on the political agenda. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni is one of many European leaders that champions the need to boost indigenous birth rates Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter) and the father of 11 children by three mothers, is a fanatic about population collapse which he believes is a bigger risk to the world than global warming. This was apparent in a recent exchange on X between Musk and the Netherlands hard-Right leader, Geert Wilders, in which the Dutch politician warned of a collapse of Western values in his country thanks to open borders, a stance shared by other EU populists. Agreed, responded Musk. But if the birth rate stays as low as it is [1.6] your Dutch nation will die out by its own hand. After months of tortuous political negotiations, Wilders has finally pulled together a coalition government which vows to take a much stronger stance on immigration. It did well in the EU- wide elections. A major confrontation with Brussels is now likely because the coalition has applied to the EU to opt out of its asylum policies and is demanding the right to forcibly deport those who are refused asylum as much as possible. Meanwhile, Viktor Orban, leader of Hungarys conservative and Christian governing party Fidesz who has also clashed with the EU on immigration levels, is so worried about the falling birth rates that he has introduced a pioneering traditional family first policy to encourage babymaking. When his party came to power in 2010, the birth rate was at an all-time low of 1.25. Through cash handouts, tax incentives, interest-free loans, subsidised nursery places and the nationalisation of IVF clinics, young couples have been successfully encouraged to have more children. Maternity leave has been raised to 24 weeks, mothers are encouraged to stay at home to have as many babies as possible, while fathers work as the main breadwinner (paternity leave is curtailed at just ten days). By 2021, the birth rate was up to 1.59, the number of marriages had doubled and abortions had fallen too. But there was a caveat. Incentives for couples to have babies were tied to strict rules concerning previous employment and regular tax returns, effectively ruling out huge numbers of immigrants, the Roma, and others who were working in the black economy. The Hungarian model has been hailed by both Italys Ms Meloni and the Pope as a perfect example of how to tackle the crisis. A great battle is needed to defend families, God and all the things that built our civilisation, said Meloni at a Demographic Summit in Hungary earlier this year. Fewer children are being born in richer nations and we need to mobilise resources to support the family. Her words chimed with the view of the Italian public 74 per cent say the descending birth rate is an urgent problem. La Stampa, an Italian newspaper, has said that for every child under six years old, there are now five elderly people, pointing out that this is unsustainable given that three workers [are needed to] support every pensioner. The paper added a chilling prediction: that by 2050, Italys worker-pensioner ratio will fall to 1:1. At which point Italys welfare state will collapse completely. Yet some refuse to accept we face an impending crisis. The issue of the baby gap has been weaponised by those who bizarrely claim it is a conspiracy theory cooked up predominantly by the so-called Far Right. Even the moderate Labour MP Rosie Duffield has been targeted for engaging in debate about the baby gap. She was forced to pull out of a cross-party Westminster panel discussion on the UKs dwindling births in December last year following an avalanche of online threats condemning her planned appearance. Students at Cambridge University have also boycotted a showing of a compelling documentary called Birthgap Childless World which was produced by the British data scientist Stephen J. Shaw who has warned that no nation is known to have emerged from the grip of long-term low birth rates. The YouTube film highlights the perils of population collapse and to an extent blames childlessness on women delaying childbirth and or failing to find a partner during their most fertile years. The students condemned the film as anti-feminist and misogynistic, with one saying the documentarys ideas were categorically untrue. Another critic pronounced that women should not be coerced by the state into how many babies they bear, even though Mr Shaws film gives exactly that same warning. There is, however, no doubt that the UKs demographic forecast is a cause for concern. Fraser Nelson, editor of The Spectator magazine who chaired the Westminster debate which Rosie Duffield pulled out of, said recently: My own view is we are living a lie by assuming that there will be a massive workforce around to generate tax to support the pensions and related NHS expenditure in the future. The evidence is overwhelming. In May, it emerged that the number of babies being born in London has fallen by a fifth in a decade as experts warn that people are delaying or deciding against having children. Pope Francis last month warned: Without children, a country loses its desire for the future,' a message that has been echoed across Europe of late So dramatic is the effect that the NHS is consulting on plans to close the maternity units at one of two north London hospitals the Royal Free in Hampstead or the Whittington in Archway. Pupil numbers in our state schools are expected to drop by 500,000 in the next three years. Already some primaries in London have been forced to close or merge as there are not enough parents needing places. Would state intervention help? Perhaps. But Swedens famously generous paternity leave policy hasnt boosted births. A decade ago, Sweden registered a fertility rate of 1.9, but since then it has drifted downwards with no sign of stopping. Meanwhile, a Do it for Denmark campaign to improve their birth rate was a flop. A survey by London University earlier this year revealed that 31 per cent of Gen Z Britons (born between 1997 and 2010) are not interested in having babies. Among the most commonly cited reasons were wanting time for themselves and finding children a nuisance. Only time, perhaps, will make them question this stance and realise that, far from being a nuisance, children are the lifeblood of their own futures. One in four Australians use social media apps like Facebook and Instagram as their main source of news despite Meta's plans to axe deals for paid news content. Up to 32 per cent of Aussies use Facebook to access news, the 2024 Digital News Report led by the University of Canberra and Reuters Institute has revealed. The report found that three out of four Gen Z's (74 per cent) access news on social media - an increase of 15 percentage points from last year. Gen Z's is increasingly using social media as their main source of news while engagement with online, radio and print news is down by 49 per cent. The report found that TV remains the main source of news for 74 per cent of boomers, 57 per cent of Gen X and 77 per cent of Gen Y. Online news websites were the main source of news for 59 per cent of Gen Y. Overall, TV as a main source of news has dropped by four per cent since last year. Up to 32 per cent of Aussies use Facebook to access news, the 2024 Digital News Report led by the University of Canberra and Reuters Institute has revealed (stock image) One in four Australians use social media apps like Facebook and Instagram as their main source of news despite Meta's plans to axe deals for paid news content (stock image) The research was conducted before Meta announced it would be terminating deals for paid news content, citing a sharp decline in interest. The US company cited a drop in traffic to the Facebook News Tab in its decision not to renew commercial deals with Australian news publishers. Meta said the number of people accessing the dedicated news tab in Australia and the US had dropped by 80 per cent in 2023. However, Facebook remains the top social media platform for news in Australia. Crystal Andrews, founder and editor of Zee Feed, said Meta apps were important news channels for millions of Australians. 'Whether we like it or not, Facebook and Instagram have become important news channels for millions of Australians,' she wrote in the report. 'Banning news would be a devastating blow to small publications, news 'creators', and the overall diversity of the media landscape.' Ms Andrews said removing news channels on social media would result in a population that was less engaged with the news and more reliant on the opinions of 'everyday people' who reflect their own point of view. 'Whether this increases the spread of misinformation and poor journalistic practices any more than some sections of the mainstream media is up for debate,' she said. In March, Meta announced it would not renew commercial deals with publishers following similar moves with European media organisations in September. 'We will not enter into new commercial deals for traditional news content in (Australia, France, Germany, the US and UK) and will not offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers in future,' the statement read. The company said it would close the Facebook News feature on its Australian and US platforms in April and seek to focus its investments on content such as short-form video as 'people don't come to Facebook for news and political content'. The report found that three out of four Gen Z's (74 per cent) access news on social media - an increase of 15 percentage points from last year (stock image) But Meta's changes stop short of reinstating its short-lived news ban in Australia. 'People will still be able to view links to news articles on Facebook,' it said. 'News publishers will continue to have access to their Facebook accounts and pages, where they can post links to their stories and direct people to their websites in the same way any other individual or organisation can.' Communications Minister Michelle Rowland slammed the move saying it would affect the news media industry. 'It's an abrogation of responsibility to Australia's news media sector,' she said. 'Australian news media publishers deserve to be fairly compensated for the investments they make in that.' Israel is on the brink of a 'full-scale war with Hezbollah', an ex-IDF intelligence officer has chillingly warned. Avi Melamed, who used to work for Israeli intelligence, claimed the Iran-backed terror group is running out of Israeli targets to hit without provoking a significant counterstrike by Jerusalem. He told MailOnline: 'Since October 8, Hezbollah has harassed Israel's northern communities, turning them into ghost towns through its aerial strikes both of missiles and attack drones,' Melamed added. 'It has also managed to ignite forest fires in northern Israel, all in service of its partners in Gaza, part of Iran's network of "resistance". But, its success has also left it with very few viable targets left that won't result in a significant Israeli strike.' 'On Israel's northern border, the ever-growing exchange of fire between the IDF and Hezbollah is bringing the conflict to the brink of crossing over to a full-scale war,' Melamed added. This comes as Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said that 'no place' would be safe, while also threatening to attack Cyprus. In a dramatic escalation in rhetoric, Nasrallah said his group would fight with 'no rules' and 'no ceilings' in the event of a broader war. In a televised address on Wednesday, Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said 'there will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones' in Israel in the event of a broader war (file image of Nasrallah) Smoke billows from fires ignited by Israeli shelling on the forested areas of the southern Lebanese village of Deir Mimas on June 15, 2024 Mourners carry the coffin of Sally Skaiki, a day after she was killed along with Dalal Ezzedine in an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese village of Jannata, during their funeral in Deir Kanoun, east of Tyre on June 15, 2024 An interception of a rocket launched from Lebanon to Israel over the border, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, close the Israeli border with Lebanon June 13, 2024 A picture taken from the Israeli border with Gaza shows an Israeli army tank manoeuvering inside the Gaza Strip, on June 4, 2024 Nasrallah was speaking at a memorial event for a commander killed in an Israeli strike last week - the most senior Hezbollah figure to be killed so far in the current conflict with Israel. 'Israel has managed to continuously attack Hezbollah commanders, military infrastructure and fighters,' Melamed said. In a strike yesterday, Israeli jets struck a Hezbollah military structure in the Tyre area in Lebanon, according to the IDF. Melamed said that the strike 'highlights not only Israel's prowess both in gathering intelligence and acting on it, but also the significant number of additional targets it can strike at will without igniting a full-scale war'. He added increased exchange of fire is also causing internal pressure within Iran's axis of resistance and defiance for Hamas to compromise and sign the Israeli-American deal on the table, giving Hezbollah the "excuse" to take the step back.' Melamed warned: 'Hezbollah is at a crossroads on both the political and operational routes where unless it is given an exit ramp, it will force itself to trigger a full-scale war with Israel. 'This is why it's extremely likely that the rumours of Hezbollah pressuring Hamas to sign the deal that would bring a ceasefire to Gaza which Hezbollah can claim it had a hand in pressuring the US and Israel into.' Meanwhile, Hezbollah chief Nasrallah said that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war breaks out between the two foes, and also threatened EU member Cyprus for the first time and other parts of the Mediterranean. Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war. On Tuesday, the Iran-backed group published what it said was drone footage of sensitive military sites deep in Israeli territory. In a televised address on Wednesday, Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said 'there will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones' in Israel in the event of a broader war. The group also had 'a bank of targets' that it could target in precision strikes, he said. Mourners and relatives carry the coffins of Dalal Ezzedine and Sally Skaiki, a day after they were killed in an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese village of Jannata, during their funeral in Deir Kanoun, east of Tyre on June 15, 2024 Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli air strike in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, as seen from an area near Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, 19 June 2024 Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah gives a televised address during a ceremony, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon May 31, 2024 Relatives visit the graves of killed Hezbollah fighters during Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura near the border with Israel on June 17, 2024 A view of the targeted area after Hezbollah carried out one of the largest missile attacks on northern Israel on June 12, 2024 Israel 'knows that what also awaits it in the Mediterranean is very big ... In the face of a battle of this magnitude, it knows that it must now wait for us on land, in the air, and at sea,' Nasrallah added. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz had warned on Tuesday that a decision on an all-out war with Hezbollah was coming soon and Israel's military said 'operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated'. Nasrallah also threatened Cyprus - the EU member state in closest proximity to Lebanon, with which it has cordial relations - accusing it of allowing Israel to use its airports and bases for military exercises. 'The Cypriot government must be warned that opening Cypriot airports and bases for the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon means that the Cypriot government has become part of the war and the resistance (Hezbollah) will deal with it as part of the war,' Nasrallah said. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides denied any suggestion Cyprus was taking sides in any conflict. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz (pictured) had warned on Tuesday that a decision on an all-out war with Hezbollah was coming soon and Israel's military said 'operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated' Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese village of Jebbain, near the border with Israel on May 25, 2024 Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides (pictured) denied any suggestion Cyprus was taking sides in any conflict 'It (Cyprus) is not part of the problem, it is part of the solution. That role is evident, for example, through the humanitarian (aid) corridor which has been acknowledged not only by the Arab world, but from the international community,' he said, referring to shipments of aid from Cyprus to Gaza. Cyprus is not known to offer any land or base facilities to the Israeli military, but has in the past allowed Israel to use its vast airspace - its flight information region - to occasionally conduct air drills, but never during conflict. Ex-intelligence officer Melamed said on the Hezbollah threats: 'Nasrallah's comments [on Wednesday] speak for the Iranian regime in that Tehran has laid claim to a foothold in the Eastern Basin of the Mediterranean Sea and by effect, has put Cyprus in its crosshairs. 'While the words were spoken from Nasrallah's mouth, their author sits in Tehran. 'This move comes after years of failed Western Policy which has unsuccessfully dealt with Iran's Hegemonic plans which wrought instability throughout the Middle East, currently threatens trade and global commercial shipping in the Red Sea via the Houthis and now will threaten Europes Natural Gas supply chain in the Eastern Basin through Hezbollah. 'Unless the West decides to change its standard operating procedure and to in fact directly address Iran, Tehran has telecasted what it plans to do.' Hezbollah unleashed its largest volleys of drones and rockets at Israel in retaliation. U.N. officials expressed concern at the escalation, and U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein travelled to Israel and Lebanon to urge both sides not to move into a full-scale conflict. Hezbollah first showed it could hit a vessel at sea by striking an Israeli warship in the Mediterranean during their 2006 war. Reports by media and analysts have for years indicated that Hezbollah acquired Russian-made anti-ship Yakhont missiles in Syria, after its forces deployed there more than a decade ago to help President Bashar al-Assad fight the country's civil war. A senior advisor to Joe Biden looked rattled and scoffed at the notion that Biden's immigration policies are unpopular after being shown a poll in favor of mass deportations. On Tuesday, Biden announced a sweeping new policy that would lift the threat of deportation for hundreds of thousands of people married to U.S. citizens. However, the CBS News/YouGov poll, conducted between June 5-7, found that 62 percent of registered voters favored a government program to deport all illegal immigrants. Senior advisor Tom Perez, the former chair of the Democratic National Committee, seemed unfazed by an anchor reading him those numbers as he discussed Biden's border policy Wednesday. 'I'd love to sit down with your polling team and show them how they've gotten this wrong,' he said, citing other polls claiming that the parameters of the new Biden plan. Tom Perez, a senior advisor to Joe Biden looked rattled and scoffed at the notion that Biden's immigration policies are unpopular after being shown a poll in favor of mass deportations When asked whether Pres. Biden's new program offering legal status to some undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens will be struck down by the courts, senior Biden adviser Tom Perez says: "It's the right thing to do, it's the legal thing to do and it's the smart thing to do." pic.twitter.com/b2cyQbjnog CBS News (@CBSNews) June 18, 2024 He claimed Biden's action would be both morally and legally correct, and even popular. 'It's the right thing to do, it's the legal thing to do and it's the smart thing to do,' he said. 'We're keeping families together, communities together and we've got a workforce shortage,' Perez added. The poll also showed that a majority of voters supported Biden's recent executive action at the southern border. Biden has deported and repatriated more people in the past year than any year since 2010. Donald Trump has proposed using the National Guard to deport illegal immigrants, planning what he calls 'the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.' In contrast, Biden's recent executive actions at the southern border aims to manage asylum claims and control border crossings more effectively. The Biden administration has introduced measures to suspend the entry of migrants across the southern border once the number of average border encounters in a day hits 2,500 for seven days in a row. On Tuesday, Biden announced a sweeping new policy that would lift the threat of deportation for hundreds of thousands of people married to U.S. citizens Perez claimed Biden's action would be both morally and legally correct, and even popular The idea is to make is easier to remove newly arrived migrants should they not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S. The White House's decision earlier this month to implement a restrictive proposal that essentially halted asylum processing at the U.S.-Mexico border angered many of Biden's political allies. In the policy announced this week, Biden plans to allow roughly 490,000 spouses of U.S. citizens an opportunity to apply for a 'parole in place' program, which would shield them from deportations and offer them work permits if they have lived in the country for at least 10 years. Biden opened his presidency with promises to fight for widespread relief for the millions of immigrants who live in the country without permanent legal status. But as the number of migrants reached historic levels and he prepares for a reelection contest against Donald Trump, Biden earlier this month enacted a border clampdown that critics say is similar to those pursued by his predecessor. The authority Biden is invoking not only gives deportation protections and work permits, but removes a legal barrier to allow qualifying immigrants to apply for permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. It's a power that's already been used for other categories of immigrants, such as members of the U.S. military or their family members who lack legal status. Biden was also expected to announce a policy of making recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program eligible for visas, rather than the temporary work authorization they currently receive, according to two of the people briefed. President Joe Biden announced a policy that will protect hundreds of thousands of spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation Colombian migrant David Laguada holds a placard reading 'Help us we are migrants' as he waits with his family for a CBP One appointment to reach the United States next to the border wall during a heat wave in Mexicali, Mexico Still, Biden's use of the authority could come under legal challenge, just as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program has faced. The White House on Tuesday afternoon is marking the 12th anniversary of that program, which was created by then-President Barack Obama to protect young immigrants who lacked legal status, often known as 'dreamers.' Biden's policy would only apply to longtime U.S. residents, but Republicans were nonetheless critical. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called it a 'huge magnet' for would-be immigrants, saying it was 'going to attract even more people' to the border. A family's therapy dog that was helping two young boys grieve their father was mysteriously shot three times and had to be put down. Arielle Brandenburg, from Minnesota, was walking her cattle dog and red healer mix, Gus, down her driveway with her two young sons on June 15 when they lost sight of him for 15 minutes. When Gus reappeared he had been shot three times by an unknown gunman and his injuries were so severe the family had to put him down. Mourning his loss, Brandenburg said 'Gus was a certified therapy dog that got two little boys through the biggest heart ache of their lives' after the death of their Iraq War veteran father, Jeremy. Police are investigating the shooting and searching for the gunman. A family's therapy dog that was helping two young boys grieve their serviceman father was mysteriously shot in Minnesota last week Gus had comforted the boys since the death of their Iraq War veteran father who died a year and a half ago Arielle told Fox: 'Whenever he was anxious and scared and was grieving, [Gus] came on top of him and was this weighted blanket, and truly was his best friend, and was there through the intense grief process of losing a parent.' The boys' father, an Iraq War veteran who suffered from PTSD, died from suicide a year-and-a-half ago. Gus comforted the boys when they were upset or scared. But on June 15, just after 6pm, Gus ran to the front porch of their house bleeding heavily from his back leg after being out with the family. They called police and rushed him to the emergency room, but vets discovered a .22 caliber bullet had traveled to his lungs and said they had no choice but to put him down. The boys were given a chance to say goodbye to Gus who had been with the family for five years. Arielle told Fox: 'There was comfort care enough for the boys to say "goodbye" and get a paw print, and love on him one last time. 'Reece told Gus, I hope you find Daddy and keep him company."' Police are investigating the shooting and searching for the gunman Gus had been shot three times by an unknown gunman and his injuries were so severe the family had to put him down The gunman has not yet been identified but Carver County Sheriffs Office are investigating. Writing on Facebook, Arielle said: 'You truly took away a family member this morning and a piece of my heart. 'If anyone had any information or can think of anyone who would have done this in Norwood please reach out to me.' After she shared the incident on Facebook, Arielle told Fox a neighbor had messaged her saying her horse had also been shot, suggesting it may be a pattern of attacks. Arielle said: 'I'm terrified to put my horses near the road, or have my kids even drive their dirt bikes alone. It's too scary at this point.' A doctor with nearly 40 years of experience has sounded the alarm after falling victim to a healthcare trend that is causing a ten-fold rise in some people's medical bills. Danielle Ofri, a primary care doctor at Bellevue Hospital in New York took her daughter to what she thought was an urgent care center in Chicago, hoping to get a quick X-ray after a bicycle accident. Weeks later she received a bill for $1,168 and discovered that the clinic was owned by a hospital that tagged on hundreds of dollars for 'facility fees'. 'It turns out that I'd stumbled into a lucrative corner of the health care market called hospital outpatient departments, or HOPDs,' she told the NY Times. 'Since these facilities don't necessarily look like hospitals, patients can be easily deceived and end up with hefty financial surprises. 'I'm a doctor who works in a hospital every day, and I was fooled.' Dr Danielle Ofri was horrified when she was charged $1,168 for a couple of $100 X-rays before discovering that the 'urgent care center' was in fact a hospital outpatient department The proportion of hospital-owned doctors' offices has jumped from 29% to 41% in ten years The hospital-owned clinics carry out the same routine procedures as independents but are allowed to charge higher prices. The average charge for a colonoscopy is $1,383 at a HOPD, compared $625 at a doctor's office according to a study by the National Institute for Health Care Reform. A knee MRI cost 50% more, chemotherapy twice as much, echocardiograms three times as much, and prostate biopsies more than six times as much. 'Because they are considered part of a hospital, they get to charge hospital-level prices for these outpatient procedures, even though the patients aren't as sick as inpatients,' Dr Ofri wrote. The cash cow has been eagerly leapt on by hospital groups which have mounted an aggressive buying campaign against formerly independent clinics. The proportion of doctor's clinics affiliated with hospitals jumped from 29% to 41% in the ten years to 2022. In Maine and Ohio, four out of five medical bills for heart screenings that are now sent to each state's largest insurer has a facility fee tacked on, and a report in March found that many hospital systems are now earning at least half of their revenue from patients who have not been admitted. Dr Ofri cited the case of one elderly patient in Ohio whose bill went up 10-fold for the same treatment by the same doctor after a hospital was allowed to charge for it. 'It's one of the most egregious examples of hospital financing at the expense of consumers,' said Liz Hagan of the United States of Care advocacy group which has investigated the trend. HOPDs add hefty facility fees that charge an individual for use of the room in which they meet with their medical practitioner, to offset the cost of running a hospital Some states have taken matters into their own hands. In Indiana, clinics located off hospital campuses affiliated with the largest nonprofit health systems, cannot charge fees 'Hospitals are at the center of a massive market failure. 'Ultimately, consumers are left paying the price for that either through higher premiums, because hospital costs are built into premium costs, or at the point of service.' Attempts to tackle the iniquity have foundered in Congress in the face of fierce lobbying from the health industry which argues that the fees are the only thing protecting hospitals from 'substantial and unprecedented cuts'. Dr Ofri has nearly 40 years experience as a practitioner, and warned that if she can be caught out, so can anyone 'The cost of care delivered in hospitals and health systems and any associated sites of care operated by the hospital takes into account the many unique services that only they provide to their communities,' the American Hospital Association told the Guardian. 'This includes the costs of maintaining standby capacity for traumatic events and delivering 24/7 care to all who come through the emergency department, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status.' Some states have acted on their own initiative including Indiana which has rules that clinics located off hospital campuses affiliated with the largest nonprofit health systems, cannot charge fees. Hospitals in Colorado will join those in 15 other states in having to disclose their fees upfront to potential patients from next month. 'It's time for Congress to protect patients from both unfair pricing schemes and health care deception,' Dr Ofri said. 'I was so livid about being charged hospital rates for two simple X-rays that I filed a formal complaint with the Illinois attorney general's office, which concluded that the billing was legal under federal law. When I asked for on-the-record comments about my contention that the charges seemed excessive and that the system felt deceptive, a representative for NorthShore University HealthSystem (now Endeavor Health) offered only a general statement. Liz Hagan of non-profit advocacy group the United States of Care said hospitals 'are at the center of a massive market failure' 'That read, in part: 'We understand that navigating the health care landscape, including billing, can be complex'. 'After six months of fighting the cost, the hospital quietly canceled our bill. 'I'm sure it calculated that this was the simplest way to get rid of a pesky patient but that wasn't what I was after. 'I wanted to untangle this loophole that catches patients unaware and saddles them with exorbitant bills.' The son of a 92-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by police during an arrest has said his father was left 'disabled for about a month' after the alleged incident. Two NSW Police officers were called to the home of Patricia, 90, and Ronald Hodge, 92, at Picton, in southwest Sydney, about 8.45pm on January 21 over a domestic violence incident. Mr Hodge was arrested but during the confrontation with officers suffered a broken elbow and significant bruising to his head and arms. Mr Hodge's son, Bruce Hodge, who works as a surgeon in Port Macquarie, said his mother has since been moved into a dementia ward in a nursing home, with his father now home alone. 'The biggest thing now is the separation and the confusion,' he told the ABC, adding that his parents have been married for 70 years. 'It's very unfortunate because it has affected the relationship he now has with my mother.' Two NSW Police officers were called to the home of Patricia, 90, and Ronald Hodge, 92, (pictured), in Picton, in southwest Sydney , at about 8.45pm on January 21 over a domestic violence incident Ms Hodge developed dementia about two years ago but her condition had worsened in recent months. Mr Hodge said his father had been confused over what had happened and who was to blame following the incident. Ms Hodge suffers from paranoia and had called police a year ago over a similar incident. But her son said the officers who arrived then had 'responded very well'. He said his mother had a pair of scissors and was acting somewhat aggressively towards the officers who managed to calmly take them off her and arrange for an ambulance to take her to hospital. On the night Mr Hodge was allegedly assaulted, his wife phoned her son after calling police. Bruce said he tried to tell the officers his mother suffered from dementia but was unable to reach them before his father was arrested. His father was hospitalised following the arrest, which Bruce said essentially left him 'disabled' for about a month. Mr Hodge was arrested but during the confrontation with officers he sustained a broken elbow and significant bruising to his head and arms He said he did not believe the action taken by officers was 'appropriate'. Following an internal investigation, a senior male constable and a male constable, both attached to the South West Metropolitan Region, were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and served court attendance notices. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb told a press conference last week that she was 'disappointed' by the alleged assault. 'Police respond to many calls for domestic violence, and often walk into situations not knowing what they're walking into,' she said. The police chief was asked if elderly people could feel safe calling for police assistance. 'We respond to thousands and thousands of calls every week, every year, in NSW. And most of the time, we get them right - almost all the time,' she said. 'We respond to victims in a very empathetic, caring manner. 'But if we have concerns as an executive, as a leadership, that officers haven't responded appropriately, then we will investigate.' Commissioner Webb said the elderly man had received support from NSW Police after the incident and officers had liaised with his family. She added that the officers involved were 'experienced' but not 'veterans'. One of the officers will appear at Campbelltown Local Court on July 30. The other is due to appear at the same court on August 6. Both officers have been suspended with pay and were restricted to station duties after the internal investigation was launched on January 22. One of three women who say they were gang raped by a groom and his friends on a bucks weekend has told a jury about feeling a 'swarm of people around me'. The woman, who was 18 at the time of the alleged rapes, gave evidence against her accused attackers in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Wednesday. Maurice Hawell, his brother Marius Hawell and their friend Andrew David have pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated sexual assault in company. David and Maurice Hawell say any sex they had was consensual and deny performing certain acts, while Marius Hawell insists he did not take part in any sexual activity. Their accusers are unable to identify who committed each alleged act against them but the three men are facing trial together on the basis they engaged in a joint criminal enterprise. Maurice Howell was 27, his brother 20 and David 28 when they travelled from Sydney to Newcastle in February 2022 with six other men ahead of the older Hawell's wedding. Three men accused of gang rape on a bucks weekend at an Airbnb apartment met their first alleged victims - two 18-year-old friends - at a nearby pub. Maurice Hawell (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges involving three women They are accused of raping three teenagers, Miss A, Miss B and Miss C, during the course of the bucks weekend between Friday, February 22 and the next evening. The group booked a three-bedroom Airbnb apartment for the occasion and on the Friday night some of them headed out to the nearby Cambridge Hotel. At the pub one of the group, 'Matt', met Miss A and her 18-year-old friend Miss B, who had joined four other mates at the Hunter Street venue. Matt is not accused of having committed any wrongdoing at any time. Miss A did not know the names of any of his friends but the Crown says he was at the pub with the Hawells and David. Miss A, who gave her evidence over audio-visual link, had kissed Matt, who bought her a can of Smirnoff Double Black vodka and citrus flavoured soda. The pair parted ways and Miss A hit the dance floor where she had an ecstasy cap, her second of the evening. 'I was just on the dance floor with friends, dancing, singing, having a good time,' Miss A told the jury. Andrew David (pictured) and brothers Maurice and Marius Hawell were among a group of nine men who rented a three-bedroom property in the NSW Hunter Valley two years ago. David has pleaded not guilty to raping three women he met that weekend When Miss A next saw Matt he was with one of his group and invited her back to their rented Parry Street apartment. 'I said only if my friend [Miss B] can come because I don't want to go alone,' Miss A told Matt. The court has previously heard Maurice Hawell asked Ms B about the same time if she wanted to go back to the Airbnb. Miss A, who had consumed a third Smirnoff on top of two cans of rum and Coke before going to the Cambridge, said she left the hotel with Matt, two of his friends and Miss B. 'I was starting to slur my words but I still felt in control,' she told the jury. Once inside the apartment, Miss A said Miss B went into a bedroom with a man the Crown says is Maurice Hawell and she went into another bedroom with Matt. Miss A said she and Matt got on the bed and began chatting 'just to get to know each other', then started kissing. 'There was foreplay then we had sex,' she said. The Hawell brothers and Andrew David met two 18-year-old women at the Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle who came back to their rented apartment. Marius Hawell (pictured) insists he engaged in no sexual acts Miss A said after the pair had sex the door opened and a man the Crown says is Maurice Hawell walked into the room naked. '[The naked man] just kept saying, "Can I join you and Matt?' and 'I'm a better root than Matt",' she said. 'I can't remember exactly what I said but I know I said no.' Miss A said the man the Crown alleges is Maurice Hawell put his hand on her upper left thigh before Matt told him to leave. Maurice Hawell had already had consensual sex with Miss B, who had also had consensual sex with Andrew David. Miss A said she found Miss B in the kitchen and the pair went into the bathroom where they discussed feeling 'uncomfortable'. The two women then went into the bedroom where Miss A and Matt had previously had sex to collect their phones and the light was turned off, Miss A said. 'I just felt a swarm of people around me,' she told the jury. 'At first I thought Matt was in there so I didn't immediately react.' The bucks group booked a three-bedroom Airbnb apartment ahead of Maurice Hawell's wedding and on the Friday night some of them headed out to the nearby Cambridge Hotel Miss A said she was forced onto the bed on her back. 'My shirt was untied and my skirt was pulled up,' she said. Miss A said she was then subjected to a series of sexual assaults by three men who she could not identify but the Crown says were the Hawell brothers and David. 'I just yelled out, "Where's Matt?",' she said. 'I had multiple people respond that "I'm Matt". I asked about three or four times where Matt was. 'I just felt like everyone that was in the room said, "I'm Matt".' Miss A said at some point Matt entered the bedroom and she asked him, 'Can you get your friend off me?' 'He spoke a different language I didn't know to his friends. He just kept asking if I was OK. I said, "Yes, I'm OK" and I asked where [Miss B] was.' '[Miss B] responded and said, "I'm here". She was on the bed next to me.' The Crown case is that Miss B had also been subjected to non-consensual sex acts by the men. Maurice Hawell (pictured) is charged with eight counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count each of aggravated sexually touching another person and attempted aggravated sexual assault in company Miss A said she told Miss B they had to get out of the apartment because it was 'all weird', before they passed three naked men in the kitchen. The two women returned to the Cambridge with Matt, who she kissed on the dance floor after meeting up with the rest of their friends. Miss A said she told her friends about having sex with Matt but did not mention being assaulted by anyone. 'I just kept the whole group thing to myself,' she told the jury. 'I was embarrassed and ashamed of what had happened.' Miss A said she exchanged phone numbers and Snapchat details with Matt and days later sent him naked pictures of herself. 'I still wanted to get to know him,' she said. 'He was still cool and funny.' Under cross-examination by Maurice Hawell's barrister Richard Pontello SC, Miss A said she did not go to the police until they contacted her on March 8, about two weeks after the alleged rapes. Marius Hawell (pictured) is charged with six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count each of aggravated sexually touching another person and attempted aggravated sexual assault in company Later that day Miss A sent Miss B a series of text messages including a note saying, 'I thought it was funny and all that until now realising how dangerous and serious it is'. Miss A denied telling a friend before she left the Cambridge, 'I'm going back to these guys' hotel, I'm going to get a root'. She also denied Miss B having said, 'I'm going back with [Miss A] to get a root as well'. Miss A agreed with Mr Pontello she was 'keen and down for whatever was going to happen' with Matt but said that was not going to include group sex with Miss B. She could not recall having the following conversation with a friend at at the Cambridge after she returned from the apartment. Friend: 'What did you guys get up to?' Miss A: 'Yeah, we f***ed. It was really good with Matt. But there was like an orgy happening. There were so many guys there it was crazy.' Miss B: 'Yeah, it was crazy'. Asked if she might not have made a statement about the matter unless contacted by police, Miss A said 'Correct'. Maurice Hawell and David are charged with eight counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count each of aggravated sexually touching another person and attempted aggravated sexual assault in company. Marius Hawell is charged with six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count each of aggravated sexually touching another person and attempted aggravated sexual assault in company. The trial before Judge Gina O'Rourke continues. You can donate to his GoFundMe page here A young man who lost his leg in a horror motorcycle accident has shared an important message with road users after his life was turned upside down in just seconds. Blake Peterson, 20, was left with life-threatening injuries after he slammed into the back of a taxi when it pulled out unexpectedly on the evening of Saturday, April 6. After three resuscitations and six gruelling hours of surgery, doctors decided to amputate Blake's right leg in a decision that saved his life. The 20-year-old was placed in an induced coma with his family told there was a possibility he could wake up brain dead or not wake up at all. Blake only realised the full extent of his injuries when he woke up two weeks later. Blake Peterson, 20, was left with life-threatening injuries after he slammed into the back of a taxi when it pulled out unexpectedly on the evening of April 6 This is the last photo Blake has of both of his legs He suffered an extensive brain injury and lost all feeling in his right arm after the nerves detached from his spinal cord in the crash. The 'recovery warrior' has shared moments from his lengthy physical and psychological journey back to health to his social media accounts. Speaking from his hospital bed, Blake urged motorcyclists not to speed or weave through traffic and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. 'You just never know what's going to happen while riding motorcycles,' he said. 'Either don't ride a bike or just be aware of your surroundings if you don't want these injuries to happen.' Blake has started rehab sessions to get his muscles as active as possible to help him adjust to balancing on one leg. He has learnt to stand up, sit down and use his wheelchair on his own. 'I'm being as positive and as dedicated as I can be so hopefully everything is a lot faster than expected,' Blake said. 'I've got one more surgery on my stump and then I will get a prosthetic leg, so I'm looking forward to that. 'I can't wait to be standing with two feet.' The former gym junkie admitted he did have bad days. 'Mental health is important, it's a big part that most people struggle with and don't know how to address the issue,' he said. 'If your having a bad day or something is bothering you, find someone to talk to don't be afraid to talk it's not going to hurt you or bring down your self worth.' Blake (pictured) suffered a staggering 26 brain bleeds and lost all feeling in his right arm after the nerves detached from his spinal cord in the crash Blake's loved ones were warned he could wake up brain dead after he was placed in a coma Speaking from his hospital bed, Blake urged motorcyclists not to speed or weave through traffic and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times Blake said his accident had made him think about the 'bigger picture'. 'I'm going to show you guys that you can be positive through anything during the hardest time of your life, there's always a positive and there's always a rainbow at the end of the story,' he said in a video on Wednesday. 'I want to try to help people out in my situation or in a similar situation and try to help you be as positive as you can be about it. 'There is always a light at the end of the rainbow.' A GoFundMe page has raised more than $65,000 to go towards Blake's recovery. A seaside Australian community has been left outraged over the sentence given to a teenager who pushed an elderly woman off a pier as a prank. The boy was 14 when he pushed the woman off Mornington Pier, in Victoria, in January along with two mates, one of whom recorded video of the incident. The stunt could have caused the woman - who could not swim - to drown if others had not jumped in to save her. And now there is shock in the Mornington Peninsula community after the boy, who has since turned 15, walked out of court on Tuesday without a conviction. He was instead given a diversion order, meaning he will undergo a mandatory program including counselling and education. Chris Crewther, the state MP for Mornington and Victorian Opposition spokesman for justice and corrections, said it amounted to no more than a 'rap on the knuckles'. There is outrage in an Australian seaside community over the sentence given to a teenager who pushed an elderly woman off a pier (pictured) and then laughed about it 'It was pretty shocking for me and most of the Mornington community at the time, that these three young people would just push an elderly person off the pier for no reason whatsoever,' he told 3AW radio. 'I was equally shocked, with our community, that basically he only got a rap on the knuckles.' The boy was on bail at the time of the attack, but the court heard he was remorseful for what he did. Mr Crewther, however, is sceptical about this claim. 'He said he was remorseful in court, but then he gave the finger to people outside of the court,' the MP said. 'There's really not much justice for victims, and continued fear, and when there's no consequences they just go on to commit more crimes.' Mr Crewther agreed with radio host Jacqui Felgate that the youth crime crisis in Victoria has a 'nasty element' to it. 'I think we've seen this growing more and more recently, where young people are committing crimes and bragging about their crimes on social media and elsewhere, but there seems to be little consequences for youth committing offences,' he said. He also pointed out that Mornington Police station is operating on reduced hours. 'This has happened under the state Labor government, where they've reduced hours for multiple different police stations across Victoria,' he said. 'In particular in this case, you look at the fact that the young guy was on bail for assault, for assaulting a 35-year-old female. 'He committed this offence of pushing the person off the pier while he was already bailed.' There was shock in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula community when the now 15-year-old walked out of court on Tuesday without a criminal conviction. The scene of the incident is pictured Mr Crewther said this showed the Labor government is 'weakening our bail laws in Victoria, particularly with respect to abolishing offences of breaching bail conditions and abolishing offences of committing an indictable offence while on bail'. During sentencing the magistrate told the court 'it's not going to be an easy process', adding that 'you're remorseful for your behaviour, which is a positive step for you and the community'. The teenager's father told 9News outside court: 'We're very pleased with the outcome.' If he completes that four-month order, the charges against the 15-year-old will be wiped from his record. Horrifying new details have emerged in the murder investigation of a 12-year-old girl who was found strangled in a creek just hours after sneaking out of her home. Police have said Jocelyn Nungaray's body was found floating in a creek nearby her Houston, Texas home on Monday after she snuck out of the house at 10pm. It has since been revealed that the preteen made her way to a local convenience store, where officers believe she was accosted by two unidentified male suspects. She called her 13-year-old boyfriend from the convenience store at around midnight that night - and he would later report he heard her talking to two adults, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced at a news conference Tuesday. 'There will be a report issued shortly, with very bad, horrific circumstances,' he pledged - before revealing that the young girl was raped, according to KHOU. Jocelyn Nungary, 12, was found dead by strangulation in a shallow creek near her home on Sunday Her grieving mother, Alexis Nungary, is now struggling to process what had happened. 'It's like it's not real,' she told Click2Houston. 'I keep hearing everything, and everybody tell me everything, and I hear it and it's not registering.' She remembers telling her daughter at around 10pm Sunday night not to stay up too late, as she was joining her at work the next day. Those would be the last words she ever spoke to her daughter. By 3am Monday, Alexis said she noticed Jocelyn's cat was 'going crazy,' but assumed the cat was with her daughter, who always slept with her pet at night. It wasn't until she woke up at 6am and started her normal routine to wake up her five-year-old son and Jocelyn that she noticed her daughter was missing. Police have identified two males as 'persons of interest' in the murder investigation She then searched frantically around the house, and walked around their apartment complex looking for her daughter, then got into her car and pinged her daughter's cellphone. It traced back to a creek where police were already investigating. Earlier that morning, Billie Jackson was driving home from dropping her husband off at work when she found Jocelyn's body in a shallow creek. 'I drove past, and when I looked up the creek, I thought it was a mannequin,' Jackson told ABC 13. 'I did a U-turn, and I stopped on the bridge, put my flashers on, looked down and realized it was someone. I parked right here and called 911,' she said. It is believed Jocelyn first encountered the two men when she went to a convenience store Alexis says she now wants justice for her young daughter. She said she does not believe she knows the two men Jocelyn was seen with at the convenience store, whom the Houston Police Department have identified as 'persons of interest in the case.' But, Alexis says she suspects they either live in the apartment complex or may have walked to the store from a nearby state park. 'I want karma to hit them, I'm angry,' Alexis told Click2Houston. 'They took advantage of her. 'She's so young, she's 12. 'I want justice,' she continued. 'I want whoever has seen them to please call police. They took my baby away.' Billie Jackson said she noticed Jocelyn's body in the creek on her way home from dropping her husband off at work Monday morning Alexis also said that she does not know why Jocelyn snuck out of the house, though she noted that she has struggled in recent months with her mental health. 'I don't know why, what possessed her to walk around late at night in this area out of all places,' Alexis said. 'I always told her to never leave the house, never leave unattended, always be safe. There's people around here that are crazy. 'I don't think she ever thought it would face her.' She and other family members have described the preteen as a loving and caring child. 'Jocy was a smart, loving, nurturing young lady,' her uncle Joamel told Click2Houston. 'She brightened up the room every time she came by and was loved by everyone around. 'She had no reason to die that way.' Alexis also described her as the 'greatest friend' who was 'very goofy. 'She had aspirations for life,' Alexis said. 'She loved everyone, was so kind.' A GoFundMe has now been set up to pay for Jocelyn's funeral. 'Her family was not prepared for such a loss, and [need] help to give her daughter the memorial she deserves, to honor her memory and to say our last goodbyes,' it says. As of Wednesday night, it had already raised more than $16,000. Trafficking gangs will be 'rubbing their hands with glee' if Labour win the election, the Home Secretary warned last night. James Cleverly made the remarks after it emerged that nearly 900 migrants reached Britain in just one day earlier this week. The Home Office confirmed there were 882 small boat arrivals on Tuesday - the highest number for more than 18 months. Mr Cleverly said: 'People smugglers are vile and criminal, but they're not stupid. 'They are marketing their criminal services via social media and they change their tactics in response to the UK government's actions. James Cleverly made the remarks after it emerged that nearly 900 migrants reached Britain in just one day earlier this week An overloaded dinghy of migrants crossing the Channel to the UK in April 'A Labour government led by a man with a history of being weak on immigration, and the scrapping of the Rwanda scheme will be used as a selling point around the world. 'Labour's immigration plan is just a rebranding of existing Home Office teams, and the scrapping of our key deterrent. 'The smugglers will be rubbing their hands with glee if Labour win this election.' The Conservatives have vowed to plough ahead with compulsory removals of 'irregular' migrants to Rwanda if they retain power in the general election. By contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said his party will immediately cancel the Rwanda deal. Labour says it will instead seek a new returns agreement with France - which has already been rejected multiple times by president Emmanuel Macron's administration - as well as create a beefed-up Border Security Command. Since January 1, more than 11,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel on small boats RNLI lifeboats and Border Force Vessels were seen rounding up men, women and children as they arrived into the Port of Dover The arrivals on Tuesday - including children - came after four days of no crossings due to windy conditions in the Channel. It smashed the previous daily record for this year by more than 180 and took the total number of arrivals so far this year to 12,313, up 17 per cent on the same point last year. It was highest daily tally since 947 people reached British soil on November 29, 2022. Stephen Kinnock, Labour's shadow immigration minister, said: 'Far from stopping the boats, Rishi Sunak is presiding over the worst year our country has ever seen for Channel crossings. 'While he has focused all his efforts on trying to get 300 migrants sent to Rwanda, 40 times that many people have crossed the Channel already this year, the trafficking gangs have got ever richer and the amount the government is spending on hotels for asylum seekers remains stuck at 8million a day.' Migrants board a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the English Channel in April By contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said his party will immediately cancel the Rwanda deal He added: 'The Labour party has a comprehensive plan to smash the gangs and end the use of hotels, with hundreds of specialist investigators using anti-terrorist powers under a new Border Security Command and the creation of a new Returns and Enforcement Unit to remove people from Britain who have no right to be here.' Earlier this week it emerged a second failed asylum seeker had been sent voluntarily to Rwanda. The unnamed migrant was handed about 3,000 in British taxpayers' money in exchange for agreeing to go to Kigali. Ministers revealed the voluntary scheme in March as an addition to the compulsory removals programme. Under the terms of the voluntary scheme anyone who agrees to be sent to Rwanda will receive the same terms as under the compulsory measures, including up to five years' accommodation, employment training, healthcare and other support. Ministers believe the prospect of being removed to Rwanda will deter migrants from crossing from northern France in the first place. The all-time highest daily number of small boat arrivals is 1,305 on September 3, 2022. READ MORE: Aussies pool their savings to buy an apartment A heartbreaking photo of Aussies queueing for hot meals has exposed the dire state of the cost-of-living crisis with charities unable to keep up with demand. SWAG Family Sydney president Ricky Herrera photographed the scene outside one of the food collection points at Martin Place, in Sydney's CBD. Mr Herrera's charity helps feed hundreds of people every week with stations also set up in Liverpool and Wollongong. The queues have become an increasingly common sight around the country with hundreds recently spotted lining up at Footscray, in Melbourne's inner west. 'What I'm seeing now, I've never seen before,' Mr Herrera told news.com.au. 'More mothers and kids sleeping in cars. We've got [the] elderly sleeping in cars.' SWAG Family Sydney president Ricky Herrera photographed the heartbreaking scene outside one of the food collection points at Martin Place, in Sydney's CBD Mr Herrera said he also gets an extra 160 calls from people who are in need of basic necessities. 'We've noticed an increase in people that actually have somewhere to live coming out just for food because after paying the rent, electricity and say the phone bill, they've got nothing left for shopping,' he said. A video uploaded to TikTok showed dozens of volunteers handing out hot meals, fresh fruit, bottled water, and cans of soft drink to hundreds of people in need. Mr Herrera also visits homeless people sleeping on the street at night several times a week to check if they need supplies. He said more people are giving him a call to tell him they have lost hope and can't see a way out of their living circumstances. 'We've got people that are depressed, suicidal. I get calls every night from people that are just ready to give up. I'm running out to the city at 2am/3am in the morning,' he said. Charities operating across Australia have encountered similar scenes with long queues. Reaching Out founder Randa Beirouti, whose charity operates in Melbourne's inner west, said it become the new norm. 'Yes, this is a normal queue. Our numbers have grown exponentially,' she told Yahoo. Hundreds of Aussies lining up in large queues (pictured) for hot meals and basic necessities, has exposed the dire state of the cost-of-living crisis with charities unable to keep up with demand Swag Family Sydney president Ricky Herrera (pictured) said people who have a place to live are struggling to afford food and groceries The charity runs a stall every Monday at 5.30pm and supports those in need by providing necessities including clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags. Housing affordability has hit a record low with just 0.6 per cent or 289 homes out of more than 45,000 rental listings considered affordable, according to the latest figures from Anglicare Australia. Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said affordable housing is no longer a reality in Australia. 'The housing crisis is the worst it's ever been. 'This is not hyperbole. It is Australia's new normal,' she said. A recent report ranked Sydney as the second least affordable city in the world to buy a home. The harbour city was ranked behind Hong Kong as the least affordable cities for housing affordability while Melbourne and Adelaide were ranked in the top ten. Lifeline: 13 11 14. A huge majority would give Labour the power to 'rig' future elections and stay in power for a generation by giving an extra eight million people the vote, the Tories warned last night. The Conservatives claimed that Sir Keir Starmer wants to expand the electorate to include huge numbers of migrants, as well as teenagers, and even prisoners. They predicted that the new voters would be Left-leaning and so shift the dynamic of the electorate and cancel out pensioners' ballots. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said last night: 'Keir Starmer has long advocated giving EU migrants and prisoners the vote, along with 16-year-olds. 'A large majority would give him a blank cheque to do just that, locking Labour in power for a generation. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said last night: 'Keir Starmer has long advocated giving EU migrants and prisoners the vote, along with 16-year-olds. A large majority would give him a blank cheque to do just that, locking Labour in power for a generation' The Conservatives claimed that Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) wants to expand the electorate to include huge numbers of migrants, as well as teenagers, and even prisoners 'He knows these are groups which would overwhelmingly support Labour and cancel out the votes of the Britons he wants to tax to the hilt. For millions of older voters, this could be the last time to make their vote count.' It comes after Rishi Sunak told the Mail this week that Sir Keir's bid to lower the voting age was not 'principled' and just an 'electorally helpful' way to 'entrench his power'. Currently 46.6 million people across Britain can take part in general elections. To be eligible to vote you have to be over 18; a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen; and either living in the UK or a citizen who has previously been registered here. Labour's manifesto confirms that if it wins next month it will lower the voting age, which will enfranchise an estimated 1.5 million more teenagers at the next election. 'We will increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy, by giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections,' the document stated. If EU nationals with the right to live in the UK permanently were also given the vote, it would add another 6.6 million to the electorate. Senior Labour figures have previously spoken out in favour of the move, with Sir Keir including 'full voting rights for EU nationals' as a pledge in his 2020 leadership campaign. In 2022, Labour MPs and peers tabled amendments calling for the 'enfranchisement of certain foreign nationals at parliamentary elections', although they were never voted on. And the Tories claim that 27,702 prisoners across the UK serving four years or less could also be given the vote, based on plans in Labour-run Wales. The Welsh Government insisted in 2022 it was 'committed to enfranchising some prisoners', with a 2020 plan for local elections saying it would cover those in custody 'serving a custodial sentence of less than four years'. Last night Labour insisted it is not planning to give the vote to migrants or prisoners. A spokesman said: 'This reeks of desperation and is a lie. Labour will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote, and will not extend voting rights beyond that.' Acid attack offences rose by 75 per cent last year, shock new figures show. Official data from police forces revealed that hundreds more victims were attacked last year, but only a tiny fraction of cases led to criminal charges. The research by charity, Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), identified 1,244 offences involving corrosives in 2023, compared to 710 in the previous year. A Freedom of Information request to all police forces in the UK revealed that over a third of the crimes were physical attacks, with the remainder offences relating to threats of acid attacks, carrying of corrosives, and other serious crimes such as rape or robbery involving corrosives. It is the second consecutive year that offences have risen, after a 69 per cent increase in 2022. Acid attack offences rose by 75 per cent last year, shock new figures show (Stock Image) Jaf Shah, Executive Director at ASTI, said: 'Our new data shows that acid violence is an escalating problem in our country, with women increasingly at risk' Despite the alarming rise, only eight per cent of cases lead to charges, with almost a third (32%) of cases not progressing due to lack of victim support. The charity found that women make up half of all victims targeted. Northumbria Police recorded the highest number of offences, followed by the Metropolitan Police. Jaf Shah, Executive Director at ASTI, said: 'Our new data shows that acid violence is an escalating problem in our country, with women increasingly at risk. 'With a new Government soon in place, we are asking our leaders to take urgent action and stop these atrocious crimes which leave victims forever scarred. 'The incoming Government should increase funding for prevention initiatives and address the drivers that facilitate acid attacks and violent crime more generally in the UK - socio-economic inequality and deprivation, and a lack of opportunity for young people. 'Additionally, while there are laws in place that restrict access to corrosive substances, the growing number of offences shows that the Government and businesses must tighten the enforcement of these regulations and do more to stop corrosive substances being weaponised to cause devastating harm.' A Republican state lawmaker from Vermont has apologized for repeatedly pouring water into a Democratic colleague's bag, after he caught her doing it on video via a $23 spy camera. State Rep. Mary Morrissey publicly apologized to state Rep. Jim Carroll, colleagues and the citizens of Vermont from the House floor on Monday. Both are from Bennington, a town of about 15,000 in the southwestern corner of the state. 'I am truly ashamed for my actions,' Morrissey said of 'her disrespectful conduct' toward Carroll. She said she had apologized directly to Carroll and would be working toward 'resolution and restoration through out legislative process.' A Republican state lawmaker from Vermont has apologized for repeatedly pouring water into a Democratic colleague's bag, after he caught her doing it on video State Rep. Mary Morrissey publicly apologized to state Rep. Jim Carroll, colleagues and the citizens of Vermont from the House floor on Monday In response, Carroll told the chamber that he heard the sincerity in her voice but that he had to be frank, saying: 'For five months, I went through this,' and Morrissey had a choice each time she did it. 'It was torment,' he said. Carroll said that the tote bag he hangs in a hallway at the Statehouse was soaked a couple of times per week in January and February. Then, after he was charged with driving under the influence in February and returned from rehab, his bag was soaked almost daily, he said. 'It was relentless,' Carroll said, adding that he was fairly confident it was Morrissey, who he said often mistreated him. He set up a video camera he bought for $23 behind a scarf on the opposite wall and captured Morrissey pouring water from a glass into the bag on April 23 and April 26. Carroll then showed the footage to House Speaker Jill Krowinski, who confronted Morrissey with it. 'This is a truly disturbing situation that is at odds with our legislative practices,' Krowinski, a Democrat, said in a statement. Carroll told the chamber that he heard the sincerity in her voice but that he had to be frank, saying: 'For five months, I went through this,' and Morrissey had a choice each time she did it' Carroll set up a video camera behind a scarf on the opposite wall and captured Morrissey pouring water from a glass into the bag on April 23 and April 26 She added that 'the integrity and decorum of our legislative proceedings and of legislators are of paramount importance, and any actions or behaviors that compromise these values will be thoroughly investigated and addressed.' Morrissey hasn't said why she did it, and she didn't respond to an email seeking comment. Carroll told fellow lawmakers on Monday that the first time he and Morrissey sit down to talk will be awkward, 'but we have to start somewhere.' 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Andy Brown, who is standing in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, posted an article on social media suggesting the 'toxin' used to incapacitate former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, and kill Dawn Sturgess, was 'never produced in Russia, but was in service in the US, UK, and other NATO states'. The source for the article - Putin mouthpiece Russia Today - was banned by broadcast regulator Ofcom in 2022. Yesterday Sir Keir said the party 'acted straight away' when the material was presented to them. Andy Brown is standing in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Yesterday Sir Keir said the party 'acted straight away' when the material was presented to them But Labour's unfortunate choice of candidate may end up costing them a winnable constituency on Sir Keir's journey to Downing Street. The seat was tightly contested by Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross and the SNP in 2019 - but Labour's improved stance in Scotland with voters has turned the seat into a three-horse race, according to pollsters. The suspension after the June 7 candidate deadline means Brown will remain on the ballot, but won't be supported or endorsed by the party any further. If he is elected, he will sit as an independent MP. Mr Brown had also shared a post in 2018 that appeared to downplay allegations of antisemitism that were plaguing Labour at the time. The post had a quote from a Jewish historian that said 'the real issue is that rightwing Jews in the Labour party and outside the party object to the fact that Jeremy Corbyn is a consistent supporter of Palestinian rights'. The seat was tightly contested by Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross and the SNP in 2019 - but Labour's improved stance in Scotland with voters has turned the seat into a three-horse race, according to pollsters The suspension after the June 7 candidate deadline means Brown will remain on the ballot, but won't be supported or endorsed by the party any further. If he is elected, he will sit as an independent MP Sir Keir told reporters on the campaign trail yesterday: 'When the material came to light, we acted on it straight away and they're suspended as a candidate and that's been our sole track record. Wherever there's been any difficulties, we will continue to apply in that way.' A Scottish Labour spokesperson said: 'Andy Brown has been administratively suspended from the Labour party pending investigation. We have taken the decision to withdraw support from a parliamentary candidate during a general election. 'Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer have changed the Labour party and said that every candidate and MP would operate to the highest standards. This action shows that they meant it.' In February the party suspended two candidates - Graham Jones and Azhar Ali, who was already on the ballot paper for the Rochdale by-election - for comments about Israel. Earlier this week, Labour peer Lord Cashman was suspended after suggesting MP Rosie Duffield was 'frit or lazy' for withdrawing from local husting events over safety concerns. A coroner has blamed excessive service of alcohol as the main contributor in the deaths of two men who drowned months apart in a popular waterfront area after a night out. Dr Robert Xu, 32, who drowned on November 7, 2019, and Jarrod Davies, 27, who died on February 8, 2020, had both been drinking at bars in Hobart before falling off the boardwalk and into the water below. Almost a year after a joint inquest was held into the deaths of the two men - both who were visiting Tasmania - Coroner Robert Webster found they drowned after heavy drinking caused them to become 'incapable of looking after themselves', reported the Mercury. Mr Xu attended a trainee dinner at a now closed Hobart restaurant, Glass House, where he had six to seven wines on the night of November 6. The trainee surgeon from Melbourne kicked on with some others to Evolve Spirits Bar, where had at least another five whiskies. Trainee surgeon Dr Robert Xu, 32, (pictured) drowned in 2019 after falling off a boardwalk in Hobart after a night of excessive drinking The coroner found diving instructor, Jarrod Davies, 27, (pictured) was intoxicated and had been assaulted at one venue before disappearing off the end of Hobart's Elizabeth Street Pier The young doctor then went to Mobius with one person and had one gin and tonic. The coroner found that when Dr Xu he arrived at that establishment, he was already in a state of considerable intoxication. Mr Webster said that before 1.30am, the 32-year-old and his associate parted ways and was he then alone. In CCTV footage, the doctor was seen walking past waterfront venues just minutes before he appeared to walk off the footpath and fall into the water. 'The fact Dr Xu walked off the footpath over the ledge and into Victoria Dock is indicative of a loss of judgement, visual impairment and/or a reduction in his powers of perception and awareness caused by excessive alcohol consumption,' Mr Webster said of Dr Xu. The coroner found Dr Xu's blood alcohol reading was likely to have been close to 0.228 at the time he fell into the water. In the other tragic drowning, the coroner found Mr Davies, who was a diving instructor and in Tasmania with his father to complete a marine course, had consumed 21 drinks over nearly 12 hours. The men had been walking along the waterfront in Hobart before falling in the water and drowning (pictured Hobart) The counsel for Observatory Bar owner, Ian Vaughn, objected that service of alcohol at the venue was linked to Mr Davies' death. The coroner did not agree. 'Mr Davies intoxication contributed to him either walking, tripping or slipping off the end of the pier and the level of intoxication was such as to render him incapable of extracting himself from the water,' he said. 'He was after all a very experienced open water diving instructor and he was a strong swimmer.' Mr Davies was with his father at several Hobart venues, and is believed to have had 10 schooners over nine-and-a-half hours to 10pm. The diving instructor then went to the Telegraph Hotel, where he is believed to have consumed seven vodka Red Bulls. The men had been drinking (three months apart) in Hobart's popular waterfront area (pictured), before tragedy struck. The coroner has not recommended fences be installed as it is a working port In the hours before his death at 11.44pm, Mr Davies had gone to the Observatory Bar with two other men and purchased 14 drinks - consuming at least six. While at the venue, he suffered a 'forceful' assault where he was headbutted and punched in the jaw, knocking him to the ground. After the incident, two crowd controllers removed the 27-year-old from the bar. Mr Davies was then seen walking along the waterfront from 12.59am, alone. The coroner had considered whether Mr Davies' assault had contributed to his death and found it was likely the 27-year-old had sustained a concussion. 'This occurred in a person who was already extremely intoxicated,' he said. But Mr Webster found there wasn't any evidence that staff had witnessed the assault on Mr Davies. The coroner said the 27-year-old was not 'looked after'. 'No bottle of water was then offered by the crowd controllers on Mr Davies exit,' he said. In his findings, coroner Robert Webster recommended Evolve Spirits Bar (pictured) review its procedures so a patron who buys multiple drinks does not consume all of them, and staff ensure the drinks are shared. The venue was also found to have failed to follow procedure, which also contributed to Mr Davies' death. 'They would not have been admitted to the venue, or they would have been removed from the venue, he said. 'Clearly, they were admitted and there is no evidence of removal.' Mr Webster made recommendations, including venues with out-of-hours permits be required to implement real-time CCTV monitoring and Evolve Spirits Bar review its procedures so a customer who buys multiple drinks does not consume them all - with staff ensuring drinks are shared. The coroner did not recommend fencing be placed in the waterfront area as a safety feature as it would not be practical because it is a working port. Tasports have since added 15 lifebuoys with lighting installed to be on between dusk and dawn. Twelve safety ladders equipped with lighting were added, bringing the total to 42 in the area. The Green Party suspended an election candidate yesterday after the Mail discovered he had recently confessed to a sexual assault. Chris Brody also described in his March 31st blog post about his 'bipolar condition' that he had once 'dragged' a woman 'down the street by the arm' and 'resisted arrest'. The candidate, who is standing against former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith in London's Chingford and Woodford Green, said he had been 'sectioned under the Mental Health Act several times' and had 'pushed carers out of my way'. The now deleted post was on Mr Brody's personal blog, which says on it that it is 'published and promoted... on behalf of Waltham Forest & Redbridge Green Party'. In it, he also detailed how his condition made him believe that he was a 'messiah' who could communicate with animals and 'create a new world order from scratch through sheer force of my will and superhuman powers'. Chris Brody (pictured) also described in his March 31st blog post about his 'bipolar condition' that he had once 'dragged' a woman 'down the street by the arm' and 'resisted arrest' The Green Party suspended Mr Brody after the Mail alerted them to the post. But a constituent said the party had previously failed to respond to her after she repeatedly raised concerns about the post and the suitability of the candidate. The constituent, who has asked not to be named, said: 'In my emails, I asked them to provide me with some clarity on why Chris Brody has been chosen as the candidate to be our MP, given the very serious and deeply troubling nature of the blog.' She also asked how the party would be supporting him, given his condition. But she said there was no response and instead the post his blog was just removed. 'I'm relieved that he has been suspended but, unfortunately, people will still be able to vote for him, and some may already have on postal votes.' The deadline for withdrawing candidates from ballot papers passed on June 7. 'It all raises serious questions about the Green Party's vetting procedure. I discovered his blog post within minutes of researching candidates in my constituency, yet they selected him as a candidate.' In the blog post, headlined 'It's a mad (mad, mad, mad) world', Mr Brody said the sexual assault happened 'in a 'secure' ward that was lacking proper supervision'. He added: 'I've made plans to kill myself and take the whole planet with me', during a period he described as 'one extended depressive episode'. He said when he dragged the woman down the street by her arm he was 'attempting to carry her off to the New World'. Mr Brody added: 'I've caused physical harm to people and things because [I] believed that the car I was driving could fly over the traffic in front of me'. Mr Brody was previously accused of promoting 'anti-Semitic' conspiracy theories after he shared an article on Facebook two weeks after Hamas's October 7th atrocity claiming the attack may have been a 'false flag engineered to open the way to the genocide of the Palestinian people of Gaza'. Earlier this month the Green Party launched an investigation after a dossier suggested 20 of its general election candidates shared anti-Semitic slurs and conspiracy theories online. After being contacted by the Mail about the later blog post, a Green Party spokesman said: 'After these matters came to our attention, Chris Brody was suspended from the party. 'As Chris has now been suspended, he will no longer be able to campaign for the Green Party at this election and will receive no further support, other than pastoral support, from the party.' A new page of honour took to the stage on Garter Day the Hon Guy Tryon, ten, son of the King's godson Lord Charles Tryon. His mother was Dale Tryon, a glamorous Australian nicknamed Kanga by the King and once Camilla's rival for the post of mistress to then Prince Charles. She was routinely described as the only woman who ever really understood him. King Charles and Queen Camilla attend Garter Day She suffered ill health for much of her life and died aged 49 in 1997, three months after Princess Diana, a double blow that deeply upset the King. Prince Andrew, banned from being seen in public but still royally indulged, has been busy with behind-the-scenes Royal Ascot duties. He is currently on hand at Windsor Castle to entertain the King's house guests. It apparently comes as quite a shock to some, assuming he'd been banished, to find Andrew gurning at them across the drinks table when they arrive. Prince Andrew (pictured), banned from being seen in public but still royally indulged, has been busy with behind-the-scenes Royal Ascot duties When they set off for the races he stays behind, presumably to do the washing up. While Kevin Costner now proudly recalls being told by Prince William that his late mother had 'fancied' him, another Hollywood A-lister got the thumbs down. After meeting Tom Cruise on the set of the first Mission: Impossible film in 1996 with sons William and Harry, Diana concluded on returning to Kensington Palace: 'That's another one off the list he's too short!' Princess Diana (right) meets actors Tom Cruise (left) and Nicole Kidman (right) at the premiere of Far and Away Imelda Staunton didn't stifle a yawn at her damehood but it was close. 'Honest to God, I don't care,' she says. 'All I ever wanted to do was work and I have done that.' Imelda Staunton (left) is married to Downton Abbey's Jim Carter (right) And referring to her long and happy marriage to Downton Abbey's Jim Carter, she adds: 'We have had such a really great and fortunate career and life together that no medal can top that.' ITV's Anushka Asthana got Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner to admit that as a teenager she had bedroom wall posters of East 17 and The Prodigy. Turning to Rachel Reeves, she asked: 'Who did you have on your wall?' Rachel Reeves (left) and Angela Ratner smile after a meeting in Manchester The Shadow Chancellor replied sheepishly: 'A framed picture of Gordon Brown.' When was he on Top Of The Pops? Nigel Farage's chum Jamie Blandford, Duke of Marlborough, threatens to turn up at Royal Ascot today sporting a Reform party rosette. But will the flunkies at the entrance of the ultra-Tory White's club marquee in the Royal Enclosure, Jamie's chosen watering hole, ask his grace to remove his Farage bloom? Feverishly campaigning as an independent in Islington North, Jeremy Corbyn accuses the Tories of wrongly claiming that he acquired his beloved Finchley allotment by jumping the queue. Jeremy Corbyn seen feverishly campaigning as an independent in Islington North 'I make jam from the fruit grown on my allotment,' he boasts. Will it be more jam tomorrow if Jeremy gets the heave-ho on July 4? Roll up! Roll up! Roll up! Ladies and gentlemen, behold Mr John Swinney, inventor of the new miracle tonic, Independence! Why, its a constitutional cure-all, an electoral elixir, a national nostrum. Independence! Itll put hair on your chest and an extra zero on your bank balance. Independence! Guaranteed to prevent Tory governments and alleviate the symptoms of fiscal solvency. Do you suffer from the Barnett Formula, the State Pension or other common Westminster ailments? Then you need Independence! Miracle tonic - but will voters swallow John Swinneys political panacea? Warning: may cause loss of currency and 60 per cent of trade. Side-effects include capital flight and prolonged exposure to the IMF. Always read the label. (Just not too closely.) The empty promises of A Future Made In Scotland make for a fitting manifesto for the SNP. The only oil theyre interested in these days is snake oil. And a snake-oil salesman is exactly what the First Minister sounded like as he unveiled this flimsy document before a modest band of party loyalists in Edinburgh. Swinney had vowed that secession would proudly sit on page one, line one of his partys election manifesto, and there it was: Vote SNP for Scotland to become an independent country. It only took them 17 years but the SNP had finally kept a promise. The words were written in ALL-CAPS and in a typeface visible from space, a part of the galaxy in which a couple of Swinneys candidates appear to reside. Reporters asked about SNP hopefuls accused of praising Vladimir Putin and casting doubt on whether Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad had used chemical weapons. Im not saying this was an unhelpful distraction but We condemn the actions of the Assad regime is not a clarification you want to be issuing at your manifesto launch. It wasnt easy to distract from independence, which was all Swinney wanted to talk about. Scotland, he assured us, needed independence for the powers to protect our NHS and independence for a better future. Independence was fundamental to the lives and concerns of ordinary people. There was no malady that couldnt be remedied by this panacea. Swinney made independence sound less like a policy and more like a miracle. Then again, it has made their poll lead vanish into thin air, so maybe that qualifies. To an audience with all the lively energy of a dentists waiting room, the First Minister declared that a vote for the SNP was a vote against the two-child benefit cap. Labours plans to continue that Tory policy showed Sir Keir Starmers party was morally lost. Im not sure the SNP is in any position to cast such aspersions. Theyd be morally lost even if they had Mother Teresa as their GPS. Swinney is still speaking in that breathless, jings-crivens tone he does to feign disbelief. Of Labours stance on the benefit cap, he sputtered: I cant fathom that. Wheres the change? Weve had Anas Sarwar crib George H W Bushs Watch my lips and now Swinney appeared to be channelling Walter Mondales Wheres the beef? Before this elections over Alex Cole-Hamilton will have enjoined us to ask not what our country can do for proportional representation but what proportional representation can do for our country. People are crying out for principled leadership, Swinney told his supporters. After two decades of the SNP in power, that was bound to happen. Principled leadership, it seems, includes maintaining the pretence that the health service isnt fully devolved to Holyrood, for Swinney proposed a Keep the NHS in Public Hands Bill. Voting SNP is a vote to protect our public services, he said. One wonders how we vote to protect our public services from the SNP. The First Minister pledged himself to bairns not bombs as he reiterated the Nationalists wish to see Scotland left without nuclear defences. See, thats another benefit of independence no one talks about: wed all be fluent in Russian pretty quickly. Mind you, some of Mr Swinneys candidates might be up for that. Antoinette Lattouf has thrown her hat into the ring to be the next host of the ABC's program Media Watch, despite currently being engaged in an unlawful dismissal case against the national broadcaster. Current host Paul Barry made the announcement last Thursday he would be leaving the program at the end of the year because it was 'time to give someone else a go'. Lattouf, 40, revealed less than a week later on Wednesday she had conducted a poll on who should be his replacement - and that she was crowned as the favourite. Lattouf was taken off air three days into her week-long stint as a fill-in host on ABC Radio last December because of controversial Instagram posts she had made. One post linked to a human rights report that accused the Israelis of 'using starvation of civilians as a weapon of war in Gaza'. Antoinette Lattouf has put herself forward as the new host of Media Watch on the ABC despite being locked in an unfair dismissal battle with the broadcaster Current host Paul Barry is stepping down after 11 years helming the flagship program Lattouf subsequently launched a Fair Work claim, alleging she was fired over her political opinions and her Lebanese heritage. The ABC claimed she breached the organisation's social media policy around impartiality and that she was not actually sacked because she was paid for the full week. But Lattouf scored a major win in her case earlier this month when the Fair Work Commission ruled that she was indeed sacked by the national broadcaster. The bitter and drawn-out legal fight could still end up in the Federal Court if scheduled mediation talks between Lattouf and the ABC next week fail. Despite the ongoing saga over her sacking, Lattouf has suggested she should be the one to take over flagship program Media Watch after current host and media veteran Barry announced last week he was exiting in December after 11 years. 'So dear Aunty, let's put the sacking behind us. I'll gladly accept reinstatement as the new host of Media Watch,' Lattouf wrote in a tongue-in-cheek piece for the Sydney Morning Herald. Lattouff said that despite the job usually going to an older male she felt she was cynical enough to take the reigns of one of the toughest jobs in media. She turned to social media platform X where she polled just short of 3,200 people on who should be the next host of the show, giving them four options. Along with herself, she nominated Leo Puglisi who is the 16-year-old founder of online news website 6 News Australia, veteran columnist and political commentator Gerard Henderson, and smash-hit Aussie cartoon cartoon character Bluey. Teenage 6 News founder Leo Puglisi was also put forward as a host for the show to draw in younger viewers Veteran columnist Gerard Henderson was also suggested in a Twitter poll run by Lattouf As was cartoon character Bluey who she said, tongue-in-cheek, would be a great host to keep the appointment in-house and perhaps draw on some of that show's popularity The journalist said Puglisi would be a smart appointment to draw in younger viewers, which the ABC is desperately in need of, while Bluey would be good to keep the role 'in-house' with the ABC. Henderson who already writes the Media Watch Dog column for The Australian was included to avoid any perceptions of the ABC's left-wing bias, she said. Lattouf came out on top with 45 per cent of the vote, well ahead of runner-up Puglisi with 35 per cent, followed by Bluey with 17 per cent and Henderson with a measly 2.9 per cent. She said she 'loved holding the media to account' and would relish the gig. 'Lately, I've featured on the show, not as host but still in the hot-seat. Thankfully, it has been supportive of me,' she said. Puglisi said he was flattered to be considered, at least by Lattouf, for the role. 'As long as the ABC moves the Media Watch start-time earlier when it's a school night, I'd be happy to host,' Puglisi told Daily Mail Australia. Lattouf also revealed she had got her start at Media Watch as a young researcher which was then hosted by Monica Attard, before going to work on and off with the broadcaster in the following years. There is no word yet on whether the broadcaster is considering her olive branch but as Lattouf put it, she still has her security pass and it could 'easily be reactivated'. BBC Radio 4 star Emma Barnett has sparked a backlash after calling a pair of armed terrorists who kidnapped an Israeli grandmother 'men working for Hamas'. The Today programme host was telling listeners about a 75-year-old grandmother of six who was horrifically snatched at gunpoint by Hamas terrorists on October 7 - a day in which more than 1,100 people in Israel were killed and 253 were taken captive. In the latest example of the BBC refusing to brand Hamas as terrorists, she said: 'On October 7 last year Ada Sagi's life changed forever. She was having a morning coffee at home in Nir Oz kibbutz on the border with Gaza, when suddenly several men working for Hamas burst into her home and forced her barefoot by gunpoint onto a motorbike and took her hostage.' Barnett went on to say that 116 hostages taken by Hamas that day are still unaccounted for. Ada Sagi was held hostage by Hamas for 53 days before she was released. Lifelong peace activist Ms Sagi described the men who took her as 'two Hamas terrorists' and added: 'I saw many, many terrorists outside and many people running [from the] shooting.' The Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was 'unfathomable' that the BBC would not call Hamas terrorists, adding that it 'only fuels anti-Jewish extremists and apologists for terrorism'. BBC Radio 4 star Emma Barnett (pictured) has sparked a backlash after calling a pair of armed terrorists who kidnapped an Israeli grandmother 'men working for Hamas' The Today programme host was telling listeners about a 75-year-old grandmother of nine Ada Sagi who was horrifically snatched at gunpoint by Hamas terrorists on October 7 A spokesman told The Telegraph: 'Ofcom has made it crystal clear that there is no rule stopping the BBC from referring to Hamas as terrorists, so what is the Corporation waiting for?' Later on in the programme, Barnett again failed to call Hamas terrorists. She said: 'Several men working for Hamas burst into her home and forced her barefoot at gunpoint onto a motorbike and took her hostage alongside scores of others.' The former Woman's Hour presenter also did not mention Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. Last month, Lord Cameron challenged the BBC over their failure to describe Hamas as 'terrorists'. He was speaking after Hamas released a video showing Nadav Popplewell, a British-Israeli hostage, who the terrorist group claimed had died in Gaza after being wounded in an Israeli air strike. The Foreign Secretary furiously urged the broadcaster to 'ask itself again' about how it labels Hamas in the wake of the October 7 atrocities. Speaking on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on May 12, he blasted the 'callous' terrorists for 'playing with the family's emotions'. 'Maybe it's a moment actually for the BBC to ask itself again, should we describe these people as terrorists? They are terrorists,' the Foreign Secretary added. Shocking images of Hamas terrorists driving back to the Gaza Strip with the body of Shani Louk on October 7 An Israeli flag is placed next to a house destroyed by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel Just 24 hours later, the BBC's Nick Robinson ignored Lord Cameron's request while talking about Israel's military operations in southern Gaza on Radio 4. 'Is there a sense that Benjamin Netanyahu is walking a political tightrope, proceeding with military action against what he says are the remaining targets of the group he calls terrorists, Hamas?' he asked Jo Floto, the BBC's Middle East bureau editor. Robinson's wording was met with a backlash, including from Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant, who said on social media: 'Why does Nick Robinson say on BBC Radio 4 'Hamas, a terrorist organisation as Israel would say' when Hamas is a terrorist organisation and is proscribed as such by the United Kingdom and EU?' John Simpson, the BBC's world affairs editor, previously said: 'We don't take sides. We don't use loaded words like 'evil' or 'cowardly'. We don't talk about 'terrorists'. Deborah Turness, the BBC's head of news, also defended not describing Hamas as terrorists and the Corporation has not changed its policy. Broadcaster Kirsty Young, who was a Desert Island Discs and Crimewatch presenter for the BBC, suggested the Corporation refuses to call Hamas terrorists because it does not want to anger the group and lose access to reporting. Speaking on the Adam Buxton podcast shortly after October 7 attacks, Young, 54, said: 'It's not necessarily the BBC that is talking about the use of the word terrorism. They're answering criticism from the outside and I guess as long as especially when it comes to something in the Middle East if you're getting roughly the same amount of complaints from both sides, which they are, then you kind of know you're doing an OK job. 'And I think this whole reporting that it is a proscribed terror organisation with reference to Hamas, then that is a legitimate stance if you want to continue to have access and to report what is happening in those places. Because what you don't want to do is get thrown out of places because you're not allowed to report any more. 'You want to have access. You know the whole point of the BBC in news terms is to show people the evidence as fairly as they possibly can.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'We don't think anyone listening to the report this morning could be in any doubt about the nature of what happened on October 7th, and the depth of the horror endured by Ms Sagi. 'Our editorial guidance remains unchanged and anyone listening to our coverage will hear the word 'terrorist' used many times we attribute it to those who are using it, for example, the UK Government.' San Francisco is relying on an unusual feature to draw in more tourists with a surprising advertising campaign. The crime-ridden city has been in the grips of a homelessness crisis which has seen businesses flee and residents move away. In an effort to regain visitors, San Francisco is hamming up an unusual feature: its cold climate. As swathes of the US are gripped by a dangerous, record-breaking heatwave, the coastal city is advertising its gloomy weather and lower temperatures. Marketers for Pier 39 have erected billboards in hot inland cities promising sweaty passersby 'it's cooler on the Bay'. In an effort to regain visitors, San Francisco is hamming up an unusual feature: its cold climate As a heat dome sits over the north east, sending the temperatures of over 270million Americans rising with the mercury reaching at least 90 degrees, San Francisco is billing itself as a safe, cool, harbor. The city is renowned for its fog - generated by the cold sea air and warmer surface - which keeps temperatures down. Randall Scott, who runs Fisherman's Wharf in the city, told the Wall Street Journal he often gloats about the city's cooler climate to his family. He said: 'Theyll say, God its miserable here, and Ill say, Its 58 degrees here, and they say, "Oh you suck!"' Unsuspecting visitors are often surprised by the cold when they arrive, expecting it to be a hot beach town. Cruise operator Chris Vardijan told the Journal: 'Everyone thinks its going to be warm so they come in T-shirts and shorts.' Visitors Jamie and Kelli Burmeister, of Nebraska, told the Journal they learned the hard way when taking an Alcatraz tour on a day when temperatures never climbed above 58 degrees in June. 'The wind was the coldest part, we just layered what we have. Back in Omaha, I am in shorts from May to September.' The weather is an unexpected boon for the ailing city which has struggled with soaring crime and homelessness rates since the pandemic. Tourism is on the rise however, with visitor numbers expected to return to pre pandemic levels this year. The crime-ridden city has been in the grips of a homelessness crisis which has seen businesses flee and residents move away In 2019 there were 26 million visitors, dropping to 10 million in 2020 and now expected to reach 24 million this year, according to the San Francisco Travel Association. Hotels are cashing in on the colder weather too, promising guests that they will be able to seek respite from the sweltering heat elsewhere. President of the Hotel Council of San Francisco Alex Bastian posted on Facebook a U.S. map of the coast-to-coast blistering heat. He wrote: 'If youre looking to get out of the scorching hot heat, come visit us in San Francisco! We have some of the best hotels in the world and free air conditioning.' Hotel Zelos launched a 'Beat the Heat in San Francisco' campaign in 2023, and this year the Hotel Castro reportedly plans to run a Chill in the The Castro promotion, after seeing 'a notable increase' in guests specifically fleeing intense heat. The city is renowned for its fog - generated by the cold sea air and warmer surface - which keeps temperatures down Hospitality workers hope the campaigns will help boost visitor numbers after the city has spiraled into a doom loop in recent years. Earlier this month the desolate reality of San Francisco's hollowed out city center was 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. Boris Johnson's Brexit negotiator has warned that Labour would drag Britain back into the 'orbit' of Brussels by watering down the UK-EU trade deal if it wins the election. Lord Frost said Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would betray the 2016 vote to Leave by unpicking Mr Johnson's deal and making Britain subject to EU laws and judges. It comes after shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said a Labour government would seek closer alignment with the bloc's rules in areas such as the chemicals sector and an enhanced deal for workers in the City of London. Sir Keir also wants a closer relationship with the EU and there are growing fears he will betray the vote to Leave after saying last week that 'everything' about the post-Brexit relationship needs re-negotiating. He has described the deal struck by Mr Johnson and Lord Frost as 'botched' and has insisted he would strike a 'better' one. Lord Frost (pictured) said Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would betray the 2016 vote to Leave It comes after shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) said a Labour government would seek closer alignment with the bloc's rules But Lord Frost warned that it would mean Britain having to potentially re-cede sovereignty to Brussels, effectively being a rule taker while not being members. 'If the EU gives you something it wants something back,' he said, adding: 'We do have to face this prospect that Labour are going to water down the deal we got. 'There's no doubt they're going to try and get us closer into the single market even if there won't be the stroke of a pen that does the whole thing. And we're going to be back in the orbit of the EU.' Speaking to the Sun's Never Mind The Ballots show, he also warned that if Labour wants deeper ties with the EU 'then they're going to have to accept the EU laws and courts to get it' because that will be a red line for the bloc. This was a price that Mr Johnson's government wasn't willing to pay when Lord Frost was negotiating the current deal, he said. On Tuesday, Sir Keir was forced to deny that he would betray British fishermen by caving into Brussels demands for greater access to UK waters. It was after EU sources revealed that Brussels will demand greater access to British fishing waters for EU trawlers as the price of any trade concessions. Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) also wants a closer relationship with the EU Lord Frost said Starmer will unpick Boris Johnson's deal and make Britain subject to EU laws and judges Under the post-Brexit UK-EU trade deal, 25 per cent of the overall existing EU quota in UK waters will be transferred to the UK over a five-and-a-half-year transition period to 30 June 2026. After 2026, negotiations on access and share of stocks will take place on an annual basis, although multi-annual agreements are possible. Labour will be in charge of these if it wins the Election, along with a review of the wider trade pact scheduled for that year. A much-loved professional mime who entertained SeaWorld visitors for 36 years has shared his heartbreak after being suddenly fired from his job. Lynn Frey, who is known as Lynn The Mime, has garnered a huge following of his own after his long tenure of performing to crowds visiting the Florida theme park. But when Lynn arrived at work recently, he says he was scolded by a security guard for riding his bike - as he'd done for many years, a disagreement ensued, which ultimately cost him his job. Lynn claims he wasn't given an opportunity to tell Sea World bosses his side of the story, was terminated without consolation from Sea World directly and was denied the opportunity to perform one final time. His plight has spurred support from thousands online. 'It was not my decision, it was theirs. And I will tell the story,' he said. Lynn Frey, a professional mime artist who goes by @lynnthemime on TikTok , revealed that he had been abruptly terminated from his job due to an argument Frey told his 81.2K TikTok followers that on the fateful day, he got into an argument with a security guard about his riding his bicycle in the park In May, Lynn says he parked his car in the lot and then picked up his bicycle to ride into the amusement park as he would do any other day. 'As I ride my bike through the security guard, I see some security ladies that I've seen quite a few times over the years, and just said "good morning",' he said in a video online. 'And I got on my bike and rode away. And as I rode away, I heard some gentleman yell at the top of his voice, "Hey, come here!" The mime artist later revealed that the man who yelled was another security guard who told Frey: 'Youre not allowed to ride your bike in this park.' Frey recalled replying: 'Excuse me? Ive been riding my bike in and out of this park for years.' The mime artist later revealed that the man who yelled was another security guard who told Frey: 'Youre not allowed to ride your bike in this park' Lynn has amassed his own following of his own after his long tenure of performing to crowds visiting the Florida theme park After a few minutes of back and forth, Frey says the security guard ordered him to park his bike in a corner and walk instead. According to the artist, the security guard went to HR and reported that Frey cussed at him and threw his bike. But the long-time professional has refuted these allegations and claims he did not swear at the guard or throw his bike. 'I didnt cuss at him. Everybody out there knows me and knows that I wouldnt do that,' he says. 'I dont cuss at people. I dont have that in me. Thats not in my nature. If you push me hard enough, yeah, I might say something. He didnt push me that hard. The conversation wasnt that tense.' According to the artist, the security guard went to HR and supposedly said that Frey cussed at him, threw his bike and then went down to his dressing room to tell people that he was going to be fired Lynn says he went to work for two more days, and then received a call from his boss - a third-party company employed by Sea World saying he was fired. Not only this, but Lynn was told he is banned from Sea World property. He said the HR department never asked him to provide a clarification on the matter. 'So, Sea World never let me tell my side of the story. They just judge, jury, and executioner that quick. 36 years at SeaWorld. Evidently, that means nothing to them,' he said. 'I asked them if I could come in and do one last show. They said no. I asked if I could come in and tell my side of the story. They said no. Theres nothing I can do about it. I'm sorry, folks.' Since being fired, the artist's daughter has launched a GoFundMe to help support his new company, The Mime Company. He has also received ample support from his TikTok community - with many demanding a response from Sea World. One viewer said: 'My dad worked for Sea World Orlando over 25 years and he rode his bike on the back road. I worked there for 3 years, always enjoyed watching you. you were always kind to everyone. sorry this happened.' Said another: 'Maybe Sea World doesnt realize how important you are to the visitors?' Someone else begged: 'Sea World Orlando do better !!! Hire this guy back and give him a raise !!!!' Lynn says he is devastated, but is trying to look at the bright side. 'I am sad the way it ended but happy but excited for new adventure,' he said. DailyMail.com has approached Sea World for comment. The campaign against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament was won on the back of a catchy slogan which destroyed Anthony Albanese's hopes that Australians would vote with their hearts: If you don't know, vote No. Campaign managers and analysts within the Yes camp couldn't compete, because they didn't have the detail that Peter Dutton convinced the Australian public they would need to form an educated decision. That detail, Mr Albanese said, would have come after the Yes vote. Now, the PM and his Labor government have an opportunity to flip that very phrase back on the Opposition leader. Mr Dutton unveiled his vision for a future Australia powered by nuclear reactors on Wednesday. He made his pitch to the voting public, going so far as to say he'd be happy for the next election to become a 'referendum on energy'. The campaign against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament was won on the back of a catchy slogan which destroyed Anthony Albanese 's hopes that Australians would vote with their hearts: If you don't know, vote No Mr Dutton unveiled his vision for a future Australia powered by nuclear reactors on Wednesday Campaign managers and analysts within the Yes camp couldn't compete, because they didn't have the detail that Peter Dutton convinced the Australian public they would need to form an educated decision The Voice referendum's six-word slogan is once again trending on X, with hundreds of Australians arguing Mr Dutton has not provided enough detail to warrant a mandate to shift to nuclear. 'Somewhere in Australia there is a warehouse full of ''if you don't know, vote No'' merchandise. Happy to take that off your hands, I believe there might be a market,' one critic said. 'No information? If you don't know, vote No,' another said. During the Voice campaign, that phrase was constantly used by Coalition politicians during interviews, shared on Liberal party social media pages and even turned into merchandise by the official No campaign. The Voice referendum's six-word slogan is once again trending on X, with hundreds of Australians arguing Mr Dutton has not provided enough detail to warrant a mandate to shift to nuclear The Yes camp attempted to defuse the sting of the slogan with their own, telling the public 'if you don't know, find out'. But Mr Dutton and the No camp argued there was no detail available to 'find out', given many of the specifics weren't to be established until after the referendum result. Now, Mr Dutton has walked right into a similar trap, failing to provide sufficient answers to several key questions in the nuclear debate. Mr Dutton spoke at length on Wednesday about his plan to open seven nuclear reactors across Australia if he's elected at the next election. Lithgow and the Hunter Valley are the proposed NSW sites, Mount Murchison and Tarong in Queensland and Traralgon in Victoria. Mr Dutton proposes one site in South Australia in Port Augusta, and another in Collie in WA. Each of the locations are sites of current coal plants due to be shut down or decommissioned. Critics are now encouraging Aussies to vote against Mr Dutton's plan due to a lack of detail Labor have already come out swinging against Mr Dutton's proposal, describing it as 'economic insanity' and 'ideological stupidity' Mr Dutton said these would be owned and operated by the government, but he had no answers as to how the government would go about acquiring them, given they're all currently privately owned and some have already been identified as future renewables sites. But the primary concern amongst critics and the government is that Mr Dutton did not reveal any costings for the ambitious project. Energy Minister Chris Bowen said: 'The reason Mr Dutton didnt release the costs of his nuclear fantasy yesterday is that he knows it would drive up bills. Nuclear is the most expensive form of energy available.' And Labor MP Julian Hill added: 'The biggest con in decades! Peter Dutton wants Australians to pay for his nuclear reactors, and pay more for electricity. 'Nuclear energy is the MOST expensive form of power. He wont even say how many hundreds of billions of your dollars this fantasy would cost.' The slogan was a highly effective tool throughout the campaign The Yes camp struggled to win over Australians who felt there wasn't enough detail in the proposal Mr Dutton also failed to go into detail about how he intends to win over state Premiers who remain staunchly opposed to nuclear in their backyards. Nuclear reactors are banned in NSW, Queensland and Victoria, and each of the Labor premiers in those states have categorically ruled out overturning that for Mr Dutton. When asked about that hurdle, the Opposition Leader said: 'We'll work with the state premiers, some debate about that I see, as you know, somebody famously said I would not stand between the Premier and a bucket of money.' Finally, the government of the day would need a majority in the Senate - or a policy supported by the crossbench - to pass any legislation. The Greens are opposed to nuclear energy and will not make any concessions to aid the passage through the chamber. Labor have already come out swinging against Mr Dutton's proposal, describing it as 'economic insanity' and 'ideological stupidity'. Labor's Julian Hill became the first Labor MP to utilise Mr Dutton's famous phrase, sharing a picture of a nuclear reactor overlaid with the message, 'don't know? Vote no'. The Opposition Leader is already bracing for 'the mother of all scare campaigns' on the back of his announcement. 'We know the Prime Minister and his Government will mount the mother-of-all scare campaigns on zero-emissions nuclear energy,' he said. 'But we believe Australians are up for this discussion and are open-minded about including zero-emissions nuclear technology as part of a balanced energy mix.' Sir Bob Geldof has pleaded with fans to vote for his Tory cabinet minister friend in an expletive-laden video. The foreign aid activist endorsed Andrew Mitchell, the deputy foreign secretary, because he was 'a decent person'. However, the Irish rock star admitted he had 'no bloody idea' where the Conservative's Sutton Coldfield constituency was. Sir Bob said: 'The party that Andrew Mitchell is a member of is not important to me. What is important is that he's a decent person or else he wouldn't be a friend of mine, I guess.' Mr Mitchell was secretary of state for international development but had to resign from the role in 2012 after calling police officers 'f****** plebs' for asking him to enter Downing Street through a side gate. Sir Bob Geldof (pictured) endorsed Andrew Mitchell, the deputy foreign secretary, because he was 'a decent person' Mr Mitchell (pictured) was secretary of state for international development but had to resign from the role in 2012 after calling police officers 'f****** plebs' for asking him to enter Downing Street through a side gate He and his wife Dr Sharon Bennett were friends with Sir Bob and his wife, Jeanne Marine. The politician was called 'a laugh' by Sir Bob in the video, who felt he had a 'fine human sympathy for those he was trying to help, whether that was in Sutton Coldfield or elsewhere in the world'. He added: 'What we so desperately need in our Parliament, whether again in opposition or in Government, is clever, committed, capable people. We have had enough of leery shysters, buffoons and tiresome w*****s. 'We need people who can actually do things and then get it done. Mitchell knows how to do stuff and to get it done.' But Sir Bob was tired of hearing about the qualities of Sutton Coldfield and its people, claiming it 'bored the a** off me' whenever Mr Mitchell mentioned it over dinner. 'I have no bloody idea where Sutton Coldfield is. It does tend to spoil the evening, Andrew. Give it a rest,' he said. Mr Mitchell, who deputises for Lord Cameron in the House of Commons, accused his peers in April of being 'patronising' in their demands for an independent monitoring committee to establish if Rwanda was safe for asylum seekers. The US car industry was thrown into chaos on Wednesday after a cyber-attack targeted one of its leading software suppliers. Hackers broke into the systems of CDK Global late on Tuesday night, potentially putting the sensitive financial details for millions of customers at risk. The software company had shut down most of its operations by 2am on Wednesday, leaving 15,000 auto retailers offline and customers angrily demanding an update. 'Our first priority is always the security of our customers, and our actions reflect our obligation to them as a trusted partner,' said CDK spokeswoman Lisa Finney. Dealerships use the company's software to manage vehicle acquisitions, sales, financing, insuring, repairs and maintenance, and clients include General Motors, Group 1 Automotive and Holman. General Motors is one of the dealerships that uses the hacked CDK systems Finney said it shut down most of its systems 'out of an abundance of caution', and had restored its core document management system and digital retailing software by Wednesday afternoon. 'We are continuing to conduct extensive tests on all other applications, and we will provide updates as we bring those applications back online,' she added. Some dealers were reverting to post-it notes and hand-drawn spreadsheets to stay open. 'We are already back online in GA,' tweeted one from Marietta at 4.53pm. 'Not able to access digital deal jackets but we could print a deal and sell a car. 'Would have to manual load everything to do so.' 'Our first priority is always the security of our customers, and our actions reflect our obligation to them as a trusted partner,' said CDK spokeswoman Lisa Finney 'Why do you guys not have local replication so at least the dealers could perform basic functions?' demanded another. 'NOT A GOOD LOOK.' 'It's Michigan, it's the entire country - about 15,000 dealers they service, so this is a big outage in our industry,' said Todd Szott, president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. 'And hopefully it will be rectified soon.' 'To me, it has all the looks and feel of a ransomware event,' cybersecurity expert David Derigiotis told Fox News. 'We're dependent on technology, we're dependent on software and if there's any fail-point along the whole digital supply chain, it has ripple effects and that's what we're seeing with this exact example here.' The attack took place just days after a separate hack which pushed the Findlay Automotive Group offline. Insurance company Zurich North America warned that dealerships are a prime target for hackers because they hold a 'treasure of information' on customers' credit applications and financial information. 'In addition, dealership systems are often interconnected to external interfaces and portals, such as external service providers,' Zurich explained, with many dealerships lacking 'basic cyber security protections'. CDK produced figures suggesting attacks by cyber-hackers on individual car dealerships rose from 15 to 17 percent last year. It boasts that it offers a 'three-tiered cybersecurity strategy to prevent, protect and respond to cyberattacks'. But it was roasted on social media after the hack which brought much of the car retail industry to a grinding halt. Clients vented their fury at the breach of CDK's cyber security online 'Instead of paying the ransom and not letting the data get leaked they shut everything down and now the data is going to get sold privately or leaked for free and CDK reputation is down the drain,' tweeted @RichOffMNQ. 'Worst decision they have ever made.' 'This CDK Global breach is a prime example of why businesses shouldnt be using shared services,' suggested John Marcum. 'This whole #CDK situation is just insane,' added Sarah Brown. 'It's honestly mind boggling that in 2024 companies are not doing their due diligence to invest in heavy duty cyber security. 'I really hope CDK is back up tomorrow, because the amount of work that everyone is going to have to catch up on from this whole thing.' Witnesses have relived the horrific moment they saw a man who was run down in a suspected road rage attack and then dragged 100m along the street to his death. Police were called to a school zone on Jersey Road, Blackett, in Sydney's west at about 8.45am on Thursday after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a white ute. Officers arrived and found a 27-year-old man had been struck by the vehicle before it fled the scene. It is understood the victim, who was wearing high visibility clothing and jeans, was in a red Ford Ranger which is believed to have been in an earlier traffic incident with the white ute. Witnesses say he then got out of the Ford and tried to stop the other vehicle when he was fatally struck. Debbie Cremen, who has lived in the street for 25 years, witnessed paramedics working on the victim. It was extremely confronting. He had been dragged from his ute and was lying in the road, she told Daily Mail Australia. A man died in an alleged road rage incident in a western Sydney suburb on Thursday morning The vehicle (pictured) is described as being a white ute with a metal tray, a black canopy and a black toolbox with metal racks on top Ms Cremen, 59, said it was clear the victim's body had been dragged along by the ute before it became free. I was literally shocked. How can someone do such a horrible thing and drive off without a care in the world?' said Ms Cremen. Its someones brother, uncle, son. Horrified staff members of the nearby Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, saw the incident unfold outside their building. Do YOU know who the driver of the ute is? Email: tips@dailymail.com Advertisement It was a road rage incident, one staff member told Daily Mail Australia. I cant even put it into context. He got out his car, I dont even know what he was planning on doing. Another staff member performed first aid on the victim but could not revive him. Residents said members of NSW Police's elite Raptor organised crime squad were the first emergency services to arrive on the scene to administer first aid. The victim was later treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. 'I was just going to grab some drinks and I saw this guy laying on the ground,' one tradie who witnessed the desperate fight to save the victim's life told ABC News. 'A couple of cops were trying to do CPR for him.' A nearby neighbour added: 'They were giving him heart massage and then other police came and blocked it all off.' A local mum added: 'That anyone can just hit someone and run away and show no remorse - not to stop and check on him or anything like that... it's absolutely disgusting.' It is understood the victim, who was wearing high visibility clothing and jeans, was in a red Ford Ranger which is believed to have been in an earlier traffic incident with the white ute The 27-year-old was then was dragged around 100 metres by the ute, police confirmed Police have established a crime scene and detectives have launched an investigation into the incident. Detectives are hoping to speak to the driver of the ute that was seen in the area at the time of the incident. The vehicle is described as being a white ute with a metal tray, a black canopy and a black toolbox with metal racks on top. Mt Druitt Police Area Command Duty Officer, Acting Inspector Shane Ranee, said the victim had felt threatened by the driver of the ute. The victim had got out of the vehicle after being threatened by the car following him, said Acting Inspector Ranee. 'And obviously words were said and thats what led us to believe it could have been a road rage incident The 27-year-old was then was dragged around 100 metres by the ute, police confirmed. 'Its devastating,' he added. 'I feel bad for the victims parents and his family and I urge the driver to please come forward and hand himself into police. The driver of the ute is still at large and being hunted by cops, although they admitted that the CCTV footage was not very clear. We would like to speak to the driver of the Ute with the metal tray, black canopy and black toolbox with metal racks on top, Acting Inspector Ranee said. We urge anyone who may know the driver or anyone who may have information or dash cam footage to please call police or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.' 'Too late' for Australia to properly prepare for war with China The former boss of Australia's Home Affairs department has said it is 'now too late' for the nation to be properly prepared to defend itself against Chinese military aggression. Mike Pezzullo said although trade relations with China have improved under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australia must prepare for a potential war and highlighted the communist country's three main strategies for achieving power. 'We should have upped the tempo of... our defence spending in the last decade and a half,' Mr Pezzullo told Sky News host Sharri Markson on Wednesday night. He wrote about the military threat posed by China in a 2009 Defence White Paper, and said successive Australian governments have not done enough since then. Mr Pezzullo said Australia should have commissioned and brought into service 'large platforms' such as 'the 12 large submarines [and] the general purpose frigates that were announced in that white paper'. The former boss of Australia's Home Affairs department has said it is 'now too late' for the nation to be properly prepared to defend itself against Chinese military aggression. Chinese troops are pictured marching in Tiananmen Square A Chinese naval ship is seen in Sydney Harbour on June 7, 2019. Mike Pezzullo wrote about the military threat posed by China in a 2009 Defence White Paper, and said successive Australian governments have not done enough since then 'That opportunity was lost some 15 years ago and indeed since,' he said. 'It's now too late to bring those platforms into the time frames that we need. We need to rethink with a larger fleet of perhaps more basic capabilities, such as drones, to act as substitutes, because we don't have 10 to 15 years to build up that kind of force.' Mr Pezzullo said the lack of preparedness concerned him given Australia's policy of 'defence self-reliance'. 'We don't want to rely on the combat assistance of the United States or indeed anyone else, [so] it troubles me that there's some glaring gaps now,' he said. He said there were three 'dimensions' of the Chinese regime which should be the 'centre of our analysis' in dealing with events such as military taunts and the physical blocking of journalist Cheng Lei in Parliament House by Chinese officials this week, as Anthony Albanese appeared alongside the visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Mr Pezzullo said the first dimension was China's aim to 'push' the US out of the Indo-Pacific so it could begin to dictate to the countries in the region, including Australia. The second was the interference China uses to affect supply chains and technology, such as changing the value of its currency to undermine trade, or by using sanctions, such as those placed on Australian goods such as wine. Thirdly, Mr Pezzullo referred to what he called 'political and cultural relativism' and said Australia should speak out about the value of Western civilisation, the rule of law and the prevention of arbitrary detention. 'I think we should be standing up for the universality of those principles and not accepting that relativism,' he said. Mr Pezzullo was sacked as Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs last October after an inquiry found he had breached the public service code of conduct But that hasn't stopped Mr Pezzullo from slamming the Labor government. He was stood aside from his $900,000 role last September over a series of explosive texts alleging he sought to influence government affairs. Mr Albanese confirmed the top bureaucrat had been fired on November 27. Mike Pezzullo (pictured) said that although trade relations with China have improved under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australia must prepare for a potential war and highlighted the communist country's three main strategies for achieving power Seven months on from his sacking, Mr Pezzullo said Australia 'will fall into a trap' if it did not build coalitions and 'band together' with other like-minded nations, rather than relying so much on China for trade. He said while the trade improvements achieved by the Labor government were 'not to be sneezed at', he found it odd that Australia welcomed the lifting of sanctions that had been used as weapons in the first place. Poll Is Australia's trade with China more important than preparing for a potential war with it? Yes No Is Australia's trade with China more important than preparing for a potential war with it? Yes 77 votes No 336 votes Now share your opinion 'We shouldn't accept that that's normal behaviour where turning those trade linkages into political weapons and then having those barriers lifted is something for us to applaud and congratulate,' he said. 'The Chinese approach is to divide and conquer. What they want is a bilateral relationship with everyone other than the Americans.' Mr Pezzullo said his views were 'not about the Chinese people, but the regime (which) is a Leninist communist regime that believes in the absolute authority of the party ... to control all organs, not just of the state, but also the economy, the culture, and indeed politics'. He said if the Australian government did not factor in exactly what the communist state's way of operating is, 'we're going to get it wrong every time, and we're going to be surprised by what it does'. Markson asked him if China was trying to buy Australia's silence over its military aggression and human rights issues by lifting trade sanctions, to which he answered 'yes'. 'Getting those bilateral wins is important. The thing is, what do you do after that?' Mr Pezzullo said. This photo taken on January 4, 2021 shows Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers assembling during military training at Pamir Mountains in Kashgar He said having 'normalised' the relationship with China through the visit of Premier Li Qiang, it would be a 'policy failure' to lessen the importance of The Quad diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the US. 'If we trade away those multilateral or regional groupings and the bandings in order to gain these bilateral benefits, which really aren't benefits because they shouldn't have been punishments in the first place anyway, that's where I think we're at risk of policy failure,' he said. 'In other words, yes, but the bilateral engagement is fine. Having the visit here is fine. Notwithstanding the atrocity in our parliament in relation to Cheng Lai. Having that trade engagement is fine. 'It's what you do next that I'm concerned about.' Longtime Republican operative and former Donald Trump advisor Roger Stone was caught in a secret recording of how he'd challenge election results if Trump loses again in 2024. Stone, who has worked in GOP politics dating back to the 1970s and his support of Richard Nixon, spent time in prison in connection with Robert Mueller's Special Counsel investigation. He was convicted on charges of witness tampering, obstructing an official proceeding, and five counts of making false statements before Trump commuted his sentence. Now, a liberal journalist appears to have caught Stone talking about what he's got up his sleeve for 2024. Stone says it will be 'easier to stop' a supposed steal of the next election in some states and that he'll use 'lawyers, judges, technology' to do it. Longtime Republican operative and former Donald Trump advisor Roger Stone (pictured left) was caught in a secret recording of how he'd challenge election results if Trump loses again in 2024 He even said that the campaign has Republican governors on board who will help them, though he noted it was 'not many.' Stone added that Trump will be on the offensive to try and get their way this November. 'At least this time when they do it, you have a lawyer and a judge, his home phone number standing by so you can stop it,' he said, referring to those who certify elections. Stone was speaking two reporters for the outlet The Undercurrent, who went undercover as Trump supports at a March 19 event called 'Catholics' Prayer for Trump.' The longtime lobbyist said they were unprepared for the loss in 2020, saying 'we made no preparations last time, none.' He also endorsed the Capitol riot after one reporter said she'd been there but added that they have plans in place to potentially prevent that from having to happen again. 'That may not be necessary. There are technical, legal steps we have to take to try to have a more honest election,' he said. Stone said that Trump will be on the offensive to try and get their way this November Stone was speaking two reporters for the left-leaning outlet The Undercurrent, who went undercover as Trump supports at a March 19 event called 'Catholics' Prayer for Trump' Stone said the campaign 'should be suing in a half dozen places' to help change election laws ahead of the vote. 'We are beating them. [Trump's] trial in Georgia is falling apart. I think the judge is on the verge of dismissing the charges against him in Florida. They're delayed in New York City and they're now delayed in Washington, he said in a statement to Rolling Stone. 'All of the election integrity provisions that I suggested are perfectly legal and should be part of any ballot Security effort.' Stone, who stayed devout to President Richard Nixon even after Watergate, had met Trump during the 1980 presidential campaign through Roy Cohn. Cohn became known after his death as Trump's right-hand man but was best known at the time for being Sen. Joseph McCarthy's chief counsel during the anti-Communist hearings of the 1950s. Stone was looking to build up support for Reagan in New York. 'So, Roy set up a meeting for me with Donald,' Stone recalled in an interview. 'Donald said, "OK, give me the pitch," and I told him why Reagan would win.' That was enough to convince Trump to become a Reagan backer, providing the campaign staff with the use of his plane, office space and phones, the book said. After Reagan's election win, Stone convinced Trump to sign on as a client with his firm, which he remained for decades. A suspected member of the Gilbert Goons was arrested again just hours after he was sentenced to three years probation for an assault linked to the Arizona teen gang. Jacob Pennington, 20, was arrested on suspicion of underage drinking, the same day he was sentenced for an assault in Gilbert. Pennington is believed to be a part of the Gilbert Goons - the name given to a group of teenagers and young adults who have terrorized Phoenix suburbs for the last two years. The teens' alleged reign of violence, which includes armed robberies and dozens of assaults at parties and in parking lots - several with brass knuckles - culminated with the fatal beating of Preston Lord, 16, at a Halloween party on October 28, 2022. Pennington has not been charged in relation to Preston Lord's death. Jacob Pennington, 20, was arrested on suspicion of underage drinking on June 13, the same day he was sentenced for a 2022 assault in Gilbert This month Pennington has appeared in court twice regarding two different cases - one on June 10 for an assault relating to an incident in 2023. Three days later on June 13, Pennington was sentenced to three years supervised probation for a 2022 assault and then later that day, he was arrested for underage drinking. He was in a car which had been pulled over for a criminal traffic violation near Lindsay and Elliot roads around 10.45pm. Gilbert police told Fox10: 'Evidence was observed which indicated Pennington had consumed an alcoholic beverage. 'Upon completing the investigation, Jacob Pennington was arrested and booked into the Gilbert-Chandler Unified Holding Facility for ARS 4-244.41, minor in consumption of alcohol, a class 2 misdemeanor.' After his latest arrest, Maricopa County Attorney's Office filed a petition to revoke his probation sentence. The building cases against him come after the Chandler Unified school district in Arizona was sued by dozens of parents who claim their children have been harassed, seriously injured, driven out of the country and even to suicide by the gang. Pennington's mother Alisha Tidwell denied her sons, Jacob and his younger brother Noah, were involved in teen violence when approached by DailyMail.com, saying 'none of it is true.' 'I'm not worried,' she added. 'If I didn't know who my kid was, I would be.' DailyMail.com revealed how the gang of youngsters ran amok in the Arizona town before Preston Lord's death in October It's billed as one of America's best places to raise children, but the killing of Preston Lord, 16, highlighted a concerning issue of teen violence in Arizona suburbs However, Jacob admitted to police that he was part of the Goons in January, claiming the name originated from a Snapchat group, according to police documents. The group were only officially designated as a gang in May. Following a months-long investigation, sparked by the killing of 16-year-old Preston Lord, embattled Gilbert police chief Michael Soelberg confirmed the group functions as an organized criminal entity. The chief explained the Goons were classified as a 'hybrid gang,' because it relies on social media, its members are not of the same race and it has a 'lax or absent' code of conduct. The Goons have been involved in at least 95 assaults in 18 attacks, most in Gilbert, as reported by the Arizona Republic. Soelberg previously told DailyMail.com his department has made 29 arrests in connection to the attacks. Lord's murder suspects from top left to right: Jacob Meisner, Talan Renner, Taylor Sherman, Treston Billey, Talyn Vigil,Dominic Turner and William 'Owen' Hines The Gilbert Goons are thought to be behind an August 2023 attack on Rick Kuehner's 16-year-old son in an In-N-Out parking lot in Gilbert Kuehner claims he had been trying to get Gilbert police and school officials to protect his son from the Goons since last summer after the attack Gilbert, a wealthy Phoenix suburb once billed as the country's second-safest city, has been in national news over the teen delinquents who have allegedly terrorized the community since as far back as 2022. But Soelberg has said the videos of teen attacks and claims made by alleged victims about their reign of terror were not shared with police until after the fatal beating of Lord 16, at a Halloween party in October in nearby Queen Creek. Seven teens and young men, including several Goons suspects, have been charged with his murder, sparking accusations from some in the community who believe the alleged killers should have been removed from the streets long ago. One father, Rick Kuehner, claims he had been trying to get Gilbert police and school officials to protect his son from the Goons since last summer, when his child was first threatened and then brutally beaten up at an In-N-Out parking lot which was a go-to spot for the teen delinquents. In a lawsuit against Goon suspects, their parents and Arizona officials, Kuehner argues that authorities failed to protect his son, and then also failed to punish the Goons. EXCLUSIVE Ryan Geoffrey Cole allegedly went on a shooting rampage on Wednesday - his 31st birthday A tradesman who allegedly gunned down a mother then shot a good Samaritan who rushed to her aid in Central Queensland had his life saved as a teenager after being bitten by one of the world's most deadly snakes. Ryan Geoffrey Cole, 31, allegedly shot his neighbour Natalie Jane Frahm, 34, in the head and chest as she pulled up in her car outside her house on Robb Place, South Mackay, on Wednesday afternoon. James Trevor McGill, 66, who was in the street visiting his elderly mother, raced over to help Ms Frahm and was allegedly also shot in the chest. Ms Frahm died at the scene while Mr McGill was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Cole, who celebrated his 31st birthday on the day of the alleged murder, made headlines in 2008 after he was bitten on the foot by a coastal Taipan - the third most venomous snake in the world. Then aged 15, Cole was jumping into the Burnett River in his hometown of Mundubberra, about 390km northwest of Brisbane, when the snake struck him twice on the foot. Natalie Frahm, 34, (pictured) has been identified as the alleged victim of the attack Police are pictured processing the scene on Robb Place, in South Mackay, on Wednesday after the alleged double shooting He started convulsing and bleeding from the mouth, but was saved by his brother Jakob, 16, and mates Scott Smith, Josh Allen, Lee Carsons and Torren Wood, who dragged him from the waterhole, bandaged his foot with a t-shirt, and called triple-0. Cole was rushed to hospital and pumped with nearly a litre of anti-venom to save his life. Incredibly, it was the second time Cole had been bitten by a snake. 'I think I'm going to have to be a bit careful when I go into the bush in future,' Cole told media at the time. Cole's older brother and friends were bestowed with bravery award in 2011 for their rescue efforts. Tragically, Jakob Cole died the following year, in July 2012, aged 20. Cole (left) made headlines in 2008 after being bitten - and surviving - the third most venomous land snake in the world Daily Australia understands the South Mackay property where Cole was living is owned by his mother, however, it is unclear whether she was also residing at the premises. Ms Frahm, a young mother, moved to Mackay several years ago from her hometown, of Mount Isa, located 1,230 km west in outback Queensland. Her family are well known within the small town, where they run local businesses. In 2015, Ms Framh made local headlines after winning a regional prize - the EMO Trans Northern Outback Business Awards - for her beauty spa, Bellovista Spa & Skin Clinic. According to social media, Ms Framh was a Thai boxing enthusiast who also enjoyed skateboarding. Pictured: Ms Frahm's last Instagram post showed her skating down a footpath on Monday last week In her last post on Instagram last Monday, Ms Frahm shared a video of her skateboarding down a footpath alongside the caption: 'Skating into the week like a boss.' A heartbroken friend paid tribute to the mother online as a 'beautiful angel'. The tragedy has rocked the quiet coastal suburb, which thrusted into a massive emergency lockdown amid the alleged shootings. Police will allege Cole opened fire on Ms Frahm about 4.30pm while she sat in her car with two teenage girls before fleeing the scene in a Mitsubishi Triton. The teenagers - aged 11 and 12 - fled to a nearby residence to seek help, before Mr McGill, who was in the area visiting his elderly mother, was allegedly shot. Police were called and an exclusion zone was put in place at 5.20pm as officers searched the area for the alleged gunman. Cole was arrested about 7.45pm outside a service station on the Bruce Highway near Hilton Street, about 2km away. The incident forced police to plunge the surrounding area into a lockdown as they searched for the alleged gunman (pictured, exclusion zone) It is understood Cole and Ms Frahm did not know each other, but resided on the same street. A neighbour said she was shocked by the chain of events, saying she frequently saw Cole in the street. 'He seemed nice,' she said. 'He has been living there for a while. He seemed like a good style of a man. He would always drive past and smile. I'd see him working on his boat or with his carpenter's trolley. '[What allegedly happened] is all very sad.' Cole appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday morning via watch-house video link, charged with murder and attempted murder. He was remanded in custody to appear back before the court at a later date. Screams were heard in court from the family and friends of a young man who was found guilty of murdering a bottle shop worker, whilst the slain man's mother and sister cried and embraced. Keith Kerinauia, 19, was found guilty of murdering Airport Tavern BWS bottle shop employee, Declan Laverty, 20, after an eight-day trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court. Mr Laverty was minutes away from finishing his shift at the drive-through bottle shop in the Darwin suburb of Jingili, just before 9pm on March, 19, 2023, when he was stabbed multiple times. Kerinauia attacked Mr Laverty after he was refused service and fled the scene in a blue 2014 Toyota Camry. Twenty witnesses gave evidence during the trial - including police, forensic experts, eyewitnesses and Kerinauia, reported ABC News. Declan Laverty, 20, was stabbed and killed just before 9pm on March, 19, 2023 in Darwin's northern suburb of Jingili Keith Kerinauia, 19, was found guilty in Darwin's Supreme Court on Thursday of murdering 20-year-old bottle shop worker, Declan Laverty (pictured, the drive-through BWS bottle shop where Mr Laverty was stabbed to death only minutes before his shift was due to end) Multiple CCTV clips showing the stabbing unfolding were played to the court. The 10-day trial was told the two men got into a verbal altercation before Kerinauia left the bottle shop in Darwin's northern suburbs and returned with a knife. In CCTV footage shown to the court, Mr Laverty can be seen lunging at Kerinauia with a knife, which his mother had told him to 'carry for protection'. Kerinauia then fatally stabbed Mr Laverty in the chest. He died in the back room at his work shortly after 9pm, texting his mother one last time: 'I love you, being stabbed'. During the second day of the murder trial on Tuesday, security guard Rifat Mahmud told the Supreme Court in Darwin he saw Mr Laverty being stabbed. Mr Mahmud told the jury he yelled at the worker to 'get back in here' as he held open the shop's staffroom door. The security guard desperately tried to save Mr Laverty who he said was laying next to the toilet and 'bleeding badly'. 'He put his hand to me and said 'Rifat, save me',' Mr Mahmud told the court in a report by NT News. 'His eyes were getting bigger, he was bleeding from his mouth. He was suffocating, he couldn't breathe.' BWS Airport Tavern security guard Rifat Mahmud (centre) tried desperately to save Ms Laverty and revealed the worker's final words to the Supreme Court in Darwin The jury, who were sent to deliberate on Wednesday afternoon, returned their unanimous verdict just before 11am on Thursday in front of a gallery full of supporters for both the victim and the accused. Mr Laverty's mother Samara broke into tears before being consoled by her sister-in-law and daughter. The heartbreak of Kerinauia's family was palpable before their distress caused security to lock down the Supreme Court. One family member drove erratically across the Darwin courthouse's lawns, while another yelled 'you racist mother****ers'. The same woman said the courts had locked up a 'gentle giant' and there was 'no justice for him or Kumanjayi Walker', referring to the Indigenous teenager fatally shot by an NT Police officer in November 2019 during an attempted arrest. Samara Laverty (centre) said the family has justice and was glad the jury could see that her son died an agonising death. Declan sent her a text in his final moments that said: 'I love you, being stabbed' However, Ms Laverty said her family had received justice. 'He was just a 20-year-old kid at work and for that he died. So now we've got justice,' Samara Laverty told reporters. 'The brutality of what he went through that night. The size of the fatal wound I needed to know that he didn't suffer. 'But listening to that last triple-zero call not only did he suffer, but he died an agonising death. And I'm so glad the jury could see that.' In the Northern Territory a murder verdict carries a minimum non-parole period of 20 years in prison. Kerinauia's defence lawyer Jon Tippett indicated he would be making a submission for the minimum non-parole period for his client when they returned to court for sentencing submissions in coming weeks. A whistleblower nurse who accused America's largest children's hospital of illegally using Medicaid benefits to offer children free sex change operations claims the FBI showed up at her doorstep and threatened her. Vanessa Sivadge told journalist Chris Rufo that her employer, the Texas Children's Hospital, was violating state law by using the benefits to provide sex change operations to minors. She further alleged that doctors at the hospital were manipulating patients into accepting 'gender-affirming care, and said she believed that some families feared the doctors would call Child Protective Services if they dissented. But after speaking with Rufo about what she had seen, Sivadge claimed two FBI agents showed up at her door - sharing doorbell camera footage with him showing two plain-clothes agents knocking on the door and asking for her. Vanessa Sivadge, a nurse who alleged Texas Children's Hospital was providing free sex change operations for minors, claimed FBI agents showed up at her door after she blew the whistle As she approached the men, one of the agents began asking her about her work. 'I'm sure you're aware of some of the things that have been going on at your work lately,' he says in the video, which Rufo shared to X. When she replies that she is, the agent then asks if he could come inside to 'let me do my song and dance.' From there, Sivadge claims the agents began to threaten her. 'They threatened me,' she told Rufo. 'They promised they would make life difficult for me if I was trying to protect the leaker. They said I was not safe at work and claimed that someone at my workplace had given my name to the FBI.' Sivadge is now the second employee at Texas Children's Hospital to make such claims. She shared doorbell camera footage showing he plainclothes agents at her door Last year, Dr. Ethan Haim - a surgeon who completed his residency at the hospital - leaked documents showing that TCH staff had provided puberty blockers and other sex-change treatments to children, even after hospital officials said they had stopped the procedures in March 2022. Just one month after leaking the documents, Haim said he received a knock on his door from FBI agents who handed him a letter identifying him as a 'potential target' in a federal probe.' 'I was given a target letter signed by a federal prosecutor that stated I was being criminally investigated for a case regarding medical records,' he said. Haim now argues that such tactics are a 'blatant attempt at political intimidation,' claiming the prosecution is 'driven by a highly ideological division within the Department of Health and Human Services.' Officials seek to 'silence whistleblowers who expose institutionalized medical corruption and the dangers of these hormone-based interventions for confused, adolescent children,' he said. Sivadge claimed that the hospital was violating state law by using Medicaid benefits to cover the gender-affirming surgeries She further alleged that doctors were intimidating parents into letting their children have the gender-affirming surgery Haim has now been indicted on four counts of violating HIPPA medical privacy laws, but he insists he did nothing wrong. Though he released private medical files that detailed trans medical procedures on children as young as 12, he says the identities of patients had been redacted. Donations have since poured into Haim's legal defense fund, with supporters praising him for 'holding the line' and 'standing up for children' in the face of 'corruption' at the hospital. Meanwhile, Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton said he is investigating the claims, and State Rep. Brian Harrison called for an emergency hearing over the allegations that the US Justice Department intimidated the whistleblowers. Dr Eithan Haim also claimed FBI agents approached him at his door after he leaked documents showing the hospital continued to perform sex change operations after it said it had stopped State Rep. Brian Harrison is calling on the Texas House to investigate the allegations 'It is absolutely outrageous that [the] DOJ - instead of targeting the medical professionals who were abusing Texas children - is apparently protecting them by silencing those that would stand up against these abusive and illegal practices,' Harrison, a Republican, wrote in a letter to Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan. 'The Texas House of Representatives must not sit idly by and allow this federal overreach to occur,' he continued. 'Texas must lead the nation in the defense of the next generation and state sovereignty.' Harrison also shared the letter on X, writing: 'The [Texas] House must not allow the Biden Administration to aid and abet CHILD ABUSE and MEDICAID FRAUD by prosecuting whistleblowers.' 'I'm asking Dade Phelan to immediately hold hearings to investigate federal officials and hospital leadership,' he wrote. 'Inaction is complicity.' DailyMail.com has reached out to the Department of Justice and Texas Children's Hospital for comment. A comedian's vape-toting, fratty impersonation of liberal California Governor Gavin Newsom exaggerating the lefty's eccentricities has made a viral mark. Josh Meyers, 48, has been on TV and in movies for decades, including several seasons on MADtv and Date Movie. He's also the brother of 'Late Night' host Seth Meyers, but it's on a different talk show where he's made the Newsom character - which he calls a mix of a frat boy and Jeff Spicoli from 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' - a favorite. Meyers has been doing the impression for over a decade, including on a mock talk show called 'The Gavin Newsom Show' that aired on the Al Gore-owned Current TV. He's even performed the impression on his brother's NBC show. However, it's on Jimmy Kimmel's show where the impression has caught the notice of viewers and even the governor himself. A comedian's impersonation of liberal California Governor Gavin Newsom exaggerating the lefty's eccentricities has made a viral mark Meyers performs his impression of Newsom - whom he calls a 'central casting' politician - as an even bigger liberal caricature than the governor comes off as in real life but perhaps more of a typical 'Hollywood bro' type. 'There's a bit of just stereotypical Cali, which I think the rest of the country resonates with pretty strongly, and it just makes him fun because he is so smart and he is so well-read and he's so good off the cuff,' he says of the impression. In one sketch, he offers to share his vape amid a faux commercial promoting his expansion of access to drugs, before telling a constituent 'I only vape Merlot.' At one point, Meyers as Newsom says he would make 'vaping mandatory in offices, hospitals and Ferrari dealerships.' In another bit, he takes the governor's obsession with solar power and wonders if he can harness the power of the moon: 'What about lunar power?' Kimmel has also had Meyers parody the governor's infamous Fox News debate with Ron DeSantis, performing a fake battle with MyPillow impresario Mike Lindell. There are more serious criticisms of Newsom, like when he was caught dining out against COVID-19 regulations during the peak of the pandemic. He joked of the difficult decision Newsom made, such as: 'whether to order the Monterey Bay abalone gratin or the Devil's Gulch rabbit. Just kidding, it's a prix fixe menu, so you get it all.' Josh Meyers, 48, has been on TV and in movies for decades, including several seasons on MADtv and Date Movie Meyers critique comes from a California native who told the San Francisco Chronicle he likes Newsom and is a liberal himself. However, he says his anti-Newsom friends have appreciated his critique of the man some have pitched as a replacement for Joe Biden. 'I have friends who definitely don't like Newsom, and they'll text me and say, 'Oh, keep ripping him.' And then I have friends that like him, and they say, 'We really enjoyed it.' So I like that,' he said. The Chronicle has fact-checked the impression, noting that while Newsom is pro-legalization of drugs, he has never smoked marijuana himself. 'He's slick and he's handsome, and there is so much in him for his supporters to love and his detractors to hate,' Meyers said. He began doing the impression during the pandemic via a green screen he set up in his garage. His brother put it on the air. The impression has even made a mark with the governor, who spoke to Meyers' brother about it on a recent episode of his show. Newsom called it 'next level, but I don't want to admit that,' with his 14-year-old saying Meyers is 'so much cooler' than the real man. The real Newsom called the impression 'next level, but I don't want to admit that,' with his 14-year-old saying Meyers is 'so much cooler' than the real man Meyers initially performed the impression in late night on his brother Seth's NBC show Meyers has done the impression on several shows and plans to continue in the lead up to the election, where Newsom will likely be active in campaigning for Joe Biden. Most recently, social media was doing the mockery when Newsom posted a selfie at the US/Mexico border. The video shows Newsom in a pair of aviator sunglasses and dress shirt standing at the border in southern California near Tijuana with the fence stretched out behind him. 'This is the San Ysidro port of entry, not to far away which is the largest in the western hemisphere,' Newsom said in the video. 'We just down here with the National Guard meeting with customs agents as well as border control, talking about our partnerships.' Newsom said they have 390 National Guard members focused on fentanyl in California. 'Look, at the bottom line, end of the day, they need more resources,' Newsom said. It sparked an avalanche of criticism from Republicans and Newsom critics online. California Assembly Republican leader James Gallagher fired back on X. Meyers has done the impression on several shows and plans to continue in the lead up to the election, where Newsom will likely be active in campaigning for Joe Biden Kimmel has also had Meyers parody the governor's infamous Fox News debate with Ron DeSantis, performing a fake battle with MyPillow impresario Mike Lindell 'Thousands of Californians have been poisoned by fentanyl flowing across the border-now that were 5 months from an election, @GavinNewsom finally decides to act,' he wrote. 'How many lives would have been saved if hed done this years ago instead of waiting till its politically convenient?' His post was retweeted by other Republican assembly members. California Republicans accused the state Democratic leader and close President Biden ally of 'dragging his feet on adding state resources.' An Antiques Roadshow guest burst into tears after she was told the appraised value of her dead brother's 1960s Rock & Roll posters. The guest had presented 47 posters collected by her brother between 1967 to 1969 of various Rock musicians and bands to James Supp for evaluation. She quickly told Supp that before passing away 28 years ago, her brother would send money for postage to rock concert promoter Bill Graham and the iconic music venue Fillmore West, and in return would receive a poster in the mail. When asked by the evaluator where the posters had been for nearly three decades, she recalled that her mother had taken them off her brother's walls and securely stored them in a box. After learning how the posters had been pristinely preserved, Supp was told the artworks had great value, noting one in particular which held the highest market price. Amidst tears, the guest says: 'Wow. Wow! He loved them and I love them too. I want to do something with them, you know? I don't know what to do. Enjoy them not in a box anymore' He described a Jimi Hendrix flying eyeball poster with art by Rick Griffin from 1968 as 'the most iconic 1960s rock and roll posters', explaining it represented the peak of 60s psychedelic art. Supp went on to also explain that the eyeball poster was a first edition due to placement of the 'Bill Graham' and the poster number. 'The poster number is 105 from "Bill Graham Presents" and because of its placement under the word "tickets", you can tell it's a first edition,' he told the surprised guest. The guest was then told that since the poster had very minimal damage and no pinhole marks, it could be valued anywhere between $5,000 to $7,000. The woman was left completely shocked after hearing the valuation of the rare poster and can be heard telling Supp of how 'awesome it is'. The guest had presented 47 posters collected by her brother between 1967 to 1969 of various Rock musicians and bands to James Supp for evaluation The evaluator then goes on to price another Jimi Hendrix poster from 1968 when he was at the peak of his career between $3,000 to $5,000. Another poster of The Grateful Dead performing at Cafe au Go Go in Greenwich Village for the first time ever was also valued at $2,000 to $3,000. He also notes that the reason why all of the posters are priced differently is because their value 'not only depends on which concert or which artist played but also is it a first edition print, is it printed before the concert or is it printed after the concert'. By the end of the evaluation, Supp tells the guest that her entire 47 poster collection would collectively be priced between $20,000 and $35,000. He described a Jimi Hendrix flying eyeball poster with art by Rick Griffin from 1968 as 'the most iconic 1960s rock and roll posters' and explained that it represented the peak of 60s psychedelic art Amidst tears, the guest says: 'Wow. Wow! He loved them and I love them too. I want to do something with them, you know? I don't know what to do. Enjoy them not in a box anymore'. James Marshall 'Jimi' Hendrix is regarded as the greatest and one of the most influential electric guitarists in history, despite only having a four-year professional career before his death. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as 'arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music'. The mother of a cop killed in the line of duty has slammed a town council for causing her a 'world of hurt' by refusing to fly the 'Thin Blue Line' flag in another dead officer's honor. Democrat-run Wethersfield town council in Connecticut stirred controversy this month by voting down an attempt to have the Thin Blue Line flag flown in honor of Aaron Pelletier who was killed in the line of duty on May 30. The motion failed 5-3 after the Democrats said the flag is racist and chose to fly the rainbow LGBT flag, that was already scheduled to fly for Pride month in June, at half-mast instead. Slamming their decision at a council meeting on Monday, the mother of a second fallen officer, Debbie Garten said: 'The impact of this council's action is immeasurable.' Her son, Hartford Det. Robert "Bobby" Garten, was killed in 2023. The mother of a cop killed in the line of duty, Bobby Garten (pictured) has slammed a town council for causing her a 'world of hurt' by refusing to fly the 'Thin Blue Line' flag in another dead officer's honor Defending the Pelletier family, Debbie told councilors: 'I feel you all have missed the point of this flag request, which has caused a world of hurt to me as a lifelong resident of this town for 60 years, my family, residents of Wethersfield and the law enforcement community at large.' Her son Bobby was killed in September 2023 when his patrol car was hit by another vehicle. Seeing the Thin Blue Line flag flown after his death brought her comfort, she said: 'This flag symbolizes a united community that offers comfort, compassion, and assistance to all those who have experienced this unimaginable loss. 'The thin blue line holds a deeply personal meaning for me. 'It's a tribute to my son's sacrifice it symbolizes his honor, his strength, and his remembrance of all he stood for.' She added: 'It represents society's gratitude, respect for the men and women who have put their lives on the line for the greater good. 'And it symbolizes solidarity; reminding us to support and uplift the families of fallen officers and to ensure that they are not left behind or forgotten.' She said the media fall-out from the council's decision to fly the Pride flag at half-mast instead was 'embarrassing' and slammed some councilors' for doing television interviews on the topic. 'It was disheartening to witness the news coverage and hear the disrespectful and hurtful remarks made by some town council members especially as the week and funeral for First Class Pelletier was going on,' she said. Speaking after Debbie at the council meeting on Monday, Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser announced the town will review its flag policy after the controversy. The row arose this month after Pelletier was struck and killed by a suspect high on cocaine and fentanyl while conducting a routine traffic stop on a state highway on May 30. His widow Dominique choked back tears as she paid tribute at her husband's funeral, remembering him as 'my honey, my home, my heart and my best friend.' Her speech in front of hundreds of mourners came after the council declined the request to fly the Thin Blue Line flag, saying it was racist. Dominique Pelletier choked back tears as she paid tribute at his funeral, remembering Aaron as 'my honey, my home, my heart and my best friend' Aaron Pelletier (left), Trooper First Class, was killed on May 30 while conducting a traffic stop on a state highway. He leaves behind his wife, Dominique (right) and two young sons The town council rejected an effort to have the Thin Blue Line flag flown in honor of Pelletier after branding it 'racist'. Instead the LGBT flag - which was already flying because it is Pride month - was flown at half mast Emily Zambrello, a Democrat member of the council said of the Thin Blue Line flag: 'That flag was either created or at least became prevalent in direct response to the Black Lives Matter protests, which were fueled in part by the killing of George Floyd by police. 'It's viewed as antagonistic even if you dont see it that way and I dont think thats a good flag to fly, especially not without further discussion.' Fellow councilmember Brianna Timbro, a Republican, argued that the Thin Blue Line flag existed well before the Black Lives Matter riots - which erupted in 2020. At a Pride ceremony at Wethersfield Town Hall, the rainbow LGBT flag flew at half-mast to honor Pelletier's sacrifice. 'We won't be raising the pride flag today. It's already up on the pole at half-staff in honor of his passing,' said state representative Amy Morrin Bello as she spoke at the ceremony. Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, was in attendance at the ceremony. He had previously directed state flags to be flown at half-mast to honor Pelletier. When asked what the Thin Blue Line flag means to her, Zambrello said it 'represents racism and antagonism to many, many people.' 'It's not appropriate to raise above out Town Hall, especially when our flag policy prohibits us from doing anything associated with hate,' she added. She also said that it does not matter if the Thin Blue Line flag means something different to some people, who choose to fly it on their personal property as a sign of solidarity with the law enforcement community. Social media commentator Libs of TikTok highlighted the incident on her well-trafficked account, writing: 'Watch fallen state trooper Aaron Pelletiers wife honor her husband. Aaron leaves behind a loving wife and 2 young children who will now grow up without a father. UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE Democrats in CT voted against flying the American blue line flag to honor fallen officer Aaron Pelletier who was kiIIed in the line of duty. Instead they flew the pride flag at half staff to honor him. The pride flag. I have no words. This is disgraceful. https://t.co/J0jLfj7j6l pic.twitter.com/7qJQ9oZqSA Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 6, 2024 The suspect, Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 44, has been charged with 2nd degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating while intoxicated, as well as operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, failure to drive in proper lane, and evading responsibility resulting in death Dominique Pelletier holds one her sons as her husband Connecticut State trooper Aaron Pelletier's casket is carried out of the Xfinity Theater after his funeral in Hartford, Conn., on Wednesday, June 5 Motorcycles from state and local law enforcement agencies escort Connecticut State Trooper Aaron Pelletier into Xfinity Theater for his funeral in Hartford, Conn. When asked what the Thin Blue Line flag means to her, Democratic councilwoman Emily Zambrello (pictured) said it 'represents racism and antagonism to many, many people,' and added that it doesn't matter if others believe the flag is a way to honor the men in blue 'Democrats led by Emily Zambrello decided to fly the PRIDE FLAG at half staff to honor Aaron. They refused a request to fly the American thin blue line flag because it represents racism and antagonism. 'This is how Democrats honor a fallen officer. How degrading and disrespectful. Theres no low for them.' Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a staunch defender of the law enforcement community, responded to Libs of TikTok's post, simply writing: 'This is ridiculous.' Some Wethersfield residents expressed their discontent with the council's decision by commenting on the town's Facebook page. 'What disgusting behavior! The people who voted to not fly the blue line flag are hopefully voted out of office. When it comes time to vote, remember this,' wrote Sheila Bekker Ierardi. The driver of the vehicle that killed the nine-year veteran of the force fled the scene, but was later tracked down and arrested. The suspect, Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 44, has been charged with 2nd degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating while intoxicated, as well as operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, failure to drive in proper lane, and evading responsibility resulting in death. Cops claim he was on a dizzying array of drugs at the time of the collision, including fentanyl and cocaine. Oyola-Sanchez is being held on a $5million bond. He had previously served a federal sentence for murder and was arrested for homicide in Puerto Rico. A GoFundMe for Pelletier's wife and children raised over $660,000. Witnesses have relived the horrific moment they saw a man who was run down in a suspected road rage attack and then dragged 100m along the street to his death. Police were called to a school zone on Jersey Road, Blackett, in Sydney's west at about 8.45am on Thursday after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a white ute. Officers arrived and found a 27-year-old man had been struck by the vehicle before it fled the scene. It is understood the victim, who was wearing high visibility clothing and jeans, was in a red Ford Ranger which is believed to have been in an earlier traffic incident with the white ute. Witnesses say he then got out of the Ford and tried to stop the other vehicle when he was fatally struck. Debbie Cremen, who has lived in the street for 25 years, witnessed paramedics working on the victim. It was extremely confronting. He had been dragged from his ute and was lying in the road, she told Daily Mail Australia. A man died in an alleged road rage incident in a western Sydney suburb on Thursday morning The vehicle (pictured) is described as being a white ute with a metal tray, a black canopy and a black toolbox with metal racks on top Ms Cremen, 59, said the victim's body had been dragged along by the ute before it became free. I was literally shocked. How can someone do such a horrible thing and drive off without a care in the world?' said Ms Cremen. Its someones brother, uncle, son. Horrified staff members of the nearby Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, saw the incident unfold outside their building. It was a road rage incident, one staff member told Daily Mail Australia. I cant even put it into context. He got out his car, I dont even know what he was planning on doing. Another staff member performed first aid on the victim but could not revive him. Residents said members of NSW Police's elite Raptor organised crime squad were the first emergency services to arrive on the scene to administer first aid. The victim was later treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. 'I was just going to grab some drinks and I saw this guy laying on the ground,' one tradie who witnessed the desperate fight to save the victim's life told ABC News. 'A couple of cops were trying to do CPR for him.' A nearby neighbour added: 'They were giving him heart massage and then other police came and blocked it all off.' A local mum added: 'That anyone can just hit someone and run away and show no remorse - not to stop and check on him or anything like that... it's absolutely disgusting.' It is understood the victim, who was wearing high visibility clothing and jeans, was in a red Ford Ranger which is believed to have been in an earlier traffic incident with the white ute The 27-year-old was then was dragged around 100 metres by the ute, police confirmed Police have established a crime scene and detectives have launched an investigation into the incident. Detectives are hoping to speak to the driver of the ute that was seen in the area at the time of the incident. The vehicle is described as being a white ute with a metal tray, a black canopy and a black toolbox with metal racks on top. Mt Druitt Police Area Command Duty Officer, Acting Inspector Shane Ranee, said the victim had felt threatened by the driver of the ute. The victim had got out of the vehicle after being threatened by the car following him, said Acting Inspector Ranee. 'And obviously words were said and thats what led us to believe it could have been a road rage incident The 27-year-old was then was dragged around 100 metres by the ute, police confirmed. 'Its devastating,' he added. 'I feel bad for the victims parents and his family and I urge the driver to please come forward and hand himself into police. The driver of the ute is still at large and being hunted by cops, although they admitted that the CCTV footage was not very clear. We would like to speak to the driver of the Ute with the metal tray, black canopy and black toolbox with metal racks on top, Acting Inspector Ranee said. We urge anyone who may know the driver or anyone who may have information or dash cam footage to please call police or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.' It led to him coming to terms with his past In 2018, when Christian O'Connell moved from the UK with his family to work in Melbourne radio, his clothes were not the only baggage he brought with him. The 51-year-old had also been hiding a crippling secret for years, until moving to Australia finally forced him to face his demons - anxiety, panic attacks and breakdowns. Dealing with it made him realise just how long his mental health had been a part of his life, he told Andy Coulson's Crisis, What Crisis? podcast, where he also spoke about a 'men's mental health crisis' in Australia. 'I can probably see that anxiety was around in my life in my nervous system as a teenager, but in the '80s that word hadn't been invented. You were told just to stop being so sensitive and man up,' he said. Like many young men in that era, he found a temporary solution in alcohol. He admitted there was 'an unease in my system and fearing fear, and not knowing what to do'. Christian O'Connell (pictured, with his wife Sarah) has opened up about his history of crippling anxiety, panic attacks and breakdowns Like many young men in the 1980s, O'Connell (pictured) found a temporary solution in alcohol. There was 'an unease in my system and fearing fear, and not knowing what to do' 'And so when I got to like 17, 18, that would mean drinking two litres of cider on a park bench with my friends,' he said. 'That's what we did. You looked for those things, you didn't realise at the time what you were trying to do with that, to try and relax yourself, to try and basically not feel what was trying to come through you.' For almost 12 years O'Connell was the breakfast host on Absolute Radio in the UK, winning awards and entertaining millions of listeners. He stunned those listeners when, at the peak of his presenting powers, he upped sticks with his wife Sarah and their children and moved to Australia. His audience had no inkling that he had suffered a breakdown, a series of panic attacks so bad they sometimes left him unable to go on air. 'I suddenly out of nowhere started to have very bad panic attacks, and they only would happen about half an hour before the show,' O'Connell, who is the host of The Christian O'Connell Show on GOLD104.3, told Coulson. 'I'd never been nervous before a radio show ever, suddenly I'd walk into my radio station and I'd start to have panic attacks. 'I didn't even know what they were at the time. I'd walk back out blaming that I wasn't feeling very well and going home, and I was breaking apart.' For a year or two before that, O'Connell had started to feel very unhappy and wasn't enjoying radio for the first time in his life. He describes what happened to him as 'a life quake'. 'It stripped away everything and it forced me to listen to it. And I am eternally grateful that I did turn around and stop and get help. It changed my life and changed me as well.' O'Connell confided in his wife, who said the words he needed to hear - 'I think you need help'. At first, though, he didn't realise he needed to hear those words. He thought her concern meant she was really saying 'I think you've just f***ed up'. 'It's not what she meant, it's not what she said, but it's what I interpreted it as,' he said. O'Connell (pictured) confided in his wife, who said the words he needed to hear - 'I think you need help' Christian O'Connell's image, and his radio station's logo, is pictured on a wall in Melbourne O'Connell (pictured) stunned his UK listeners when, at the peak of his presenting powers, he upped sticks with his wife Sarah and their children and moved to Australia With some nudging from his wife, it led to him going to see a therapist for the first time, even if he didn't want to be there and was angry about it. The therapist realised what he was facing once the radio star was sitting across from him and said, 'You don't want to be here, do you?' 'No. I think therapy is for people who have f***ed up, and I'm not a f*** up,' O'Connell replied. The therapist asked him why he had come at all then, and O'Connell said something bad had happened and 'I just want it cut out. This is fear, I just want it cut out of me'. This made the therapist laugh, and he said, 'I'll go and get a knife. Where do you think is it in your body? I'll cut it out for you, and I'll be the richest surgeon in the world if I can cure people of panic attacks just by cutting it out of them.' He explained that the problem wasn't an 'it', it was part of who O'Connell was. ' And that is going to be your journey, is befriending that part of you that actually has got something to say to you,' he said. O'Connell eventually told his therapist the family was going to move to Australia and 'start all over again'. But life was not plain sailing Down Under for a long time. He was still getting panic attacks, his radio show was not rating well and he found it very hard to make new friends. At one point he was so lonely he asked an Uber driver to go for a beer with him. He had to pay very close and serious attention to his mental health again. 'And it's a real effort to begin with. It's like, suddenly this horse has gone wild in the paddock and he's smashing all the fences. 'And you have to quietly go up to this wild part of you and go, "It's okay, it's okay. Let's breathe, sit down, slow down, we're here right now. It's safe right now. Comeback into your body and get out of this noisy thing here, and have a focus".' Christian O'Connell launches new mentoring service - Finding fire Radio host Christian O'Connell said the response he got from readers of his book No One Listens to Your Dad's Show - where he wrote about being vulnerable and his struggles - has led him to create Finding Fire, a new mentoring service. 'I'm building a community for fellow seekers, makers and leaders with mentoring, courses, workshops, and podcasts,' he said. Christian O'Connell (pictured) has launched a new mentoring service 'Maybe even retreats. Im lighting a small fire and this is your invite to come sit around it with me as we work to shift what may feel stuck in your life and turn it into a free-flowing stream of possibilities and potential.' The first offering from Finding Fire is The Heart of Speaking, a live four-part online program with a session every fortnight across eight weeks. The course is designed to help participants awaken their truest voice and express themselves more authentically. Drawing on over 25 years of hosting a daily radio show without a script, O'Connell will share practical insights and techniques to help individuals find their voice and connect with their inner creativity. 'My mission has always been to wake people up every morning; now, it's also about igniting your inner fire to help you show up in your full power and creativity all day, every day,' he said. There are more details at www.christianoconnell.com/mentoring Advertisement Things eventually improved in O'Connell's life, helped by his radio ratings taking off and his success in Melbourne matching what he'd previously enjoyed in the UK. But, given his own experiences over the years, he is very concerned with mental health in his adopted home. 'In Australia there is a massive men's mental health crisis - and it's actually getting worse. The danger zone is men, early 40s to mid-50s, and it's really bad here,' he said. He said a lot of men find it very hard to ask for help. 'You see the way that men are treating women, and treating kids at times, underlying all of that. 'Part of that is there is a real problem with men in that how we are raised and how we're not allowed to feel our emotions safely, and that can only manifest itself in bad ways. Whether that's alcoholism, whether that's self-harm,' he said. Ultimately, O'Connell has come through the other side after decades of mental health issues that were first hidden in a haze of alcohol when he was a teenager. Andy Coulson (pictured right, with John Reid) interviewed Christian O'Connell for his podcast Crisis, What Crisis? Christian O'Connell (pictured) said he's 'very grateful to my radio career. It's actually saved my life a couple of times' 'It wasn't until many, many years later that I had to learn that's a skill, you have to learn (to cope with it without alcohol). 'And it's something which is always going to be around in my life. I've got different ways of dealing with (mental health issues) now, which is a lot kinder to me.' O'Connell also realises that he chose well in the career he has pursued. 'I've been very, very grateful to my radio career. It's actually saved my life a couple of times.' Christian O'Connell was 'talking to Andy Coulson's Crisis, What Crisis? podcast.' Missing British teenager Jay Slater cut his leg on a cactus and didn't know where he was during the last phone call he made, it was revealed last night. His best friend Lucy Law has been desperately searching for the 19-year-old bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, ever since he went missing on Monday morning. Jay was last seen getting into a car with two people he met on Sunday night after NRG music festival in south Tenerife. He is believed to have travelled with them to a property in Rural de Teno Park, a 40 minute drive or 10-hour walk from where he was staying in Playa de las Americas. Jay was reported missing after he rang Lucy to say he was lost, dehydrated and only had one per cent battery on his phone as he tried to walk home. But panic erupted when the call cut out suddenly, and he has not been seen or heard from since. Debbie Duncan (left) received a sickening Snapchat message just moments after getting off the plane in Tenerife to find her son (right) Lucy Law (pictured) was the last person to speak to Jay Slater before he went missing. She now fears he has been kidnapped Spanish police searching for Jay in a remote national park in Tenerife on Thursday Last night, Lucy revealed more about the panicked phone call she received from Jay, including that he had 'cut his leg on a cactus' as he tried to walk along the remote path. Shedding light on his last known contact, the teenager told Sky News how Jay had posted a Snapchat image of the house he had visited, showing mountains in the background. She then desperately drove around the area until she found the property, using the mountains and flower beds as markers to locate it. Lucy said: 'We managed to find the house. I knocked on the door and there were two people there.' The occupants told her how Jay had gone out for a cigarettes before going back in and saying he wanted to go home. Jay's final Snapchat picture is an out-of-focus image of a hand holding a cigarettes at a property in the Buenavista del Norte area at 7.30am on Monday. 'They told me he'd spoken to the next door neighbours and they'd told him there was a bus every 10 minutes back down to Los Cristianos,' she said. Jay was reported missing on Sunday morning by friend Lucy Mae Jay Slater, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, travelled to the Canary Islands for a festival Missing Jay posted a final picture at 7.30am on Snapchat from the house of 'two English lads' an hour before phoning his friend Lucy 'The bus stop was right next to the house. So obviously if he'd gone to get the bus he wouldn't have got lost because it [the stop] was visible from the front door.' The search for Jay has entered its third day with mountain rescue crews, sniffer dogs and police scouring the remote north-west side of the island for any signs of him. Around 15 of Jay's family and friends have flown out to Tenerife to help with the search, including his mother Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater and brother Zak. Since he went missing, Ms Duncan has been receiving sickening phone calls from Brits with 'northern accents' claiming to have kidnapped her son. Yesterday, she revealed another horrifying message sent to her just moments after touching down in Tenerife. It read: 'Kiss goodbye to your boy, you're never going to see him again, he owes me a lot of money.' Distraught Ms Duncan said her son is 'streetwise' and 'not stupid', now fearing he may have been kidnapped. She explained: 'I've got a bad feeling. I'm being warned there's a lot of bad people in Tenerife. I just think he's being held against his will. He's not a stupid lad. He wouldn't have gone walking down bloody mountains. 'There's no ransom demand come in yet. I've told them [police] my suspicions, that I think Jay's been taken up north by people against his will.' Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay was studying for his apprenticeship, issued a statement to say: 'We are deeply concerned about the recent news regarding one of our apprentices, Jay Slater, who has gone missing while on holiday in Tenerife. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students are of utmost importance to us, and our thoughts at this worrying time are with Jay's family and friends.' Social media posts from the night before show Jay went missing show the teenager smiling in a grey t-shirt with green patches on the shoulders. The search mission has entered its third day. Pictured: Rescuers on June 19 At 2:30am on Tuesday morning, Jay's mother Debbie was alerted to his disappearance Jay is seen in this image shared to his friend Lucy's social media days before he disappeared Pictured are drones in the sky searching for Jay on Wednesday Yesterday afternoon, concern for Jay's wellbeing deepened as the chaotic search to track him down shifted dramatically. The search had centred on the remote area near the village of Masca in north-west Tenerife. But suddenly police focus shifted to the tourist hotspots of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas in south Tenerife, after a false sighting of him getting out of a taxi. It later emerged the report was false and police, having wasted precious time in the blistering 27C heat, were forced to move attention back to their original site. Sniffer dogs have been deployed in the search for Jay Slater in north-west Tenerife on June 19 A screenshot of Jay's last known location where his phone battery died Police were checking vans yesterday to try and find the teenager A MailOnline graphic detailing the timeline of events from when Jay attended the three-day NRG festival to his location when his phone died at around 8.50am on Monday Donate to the GoFundMe here Advertisement Responding to the misleading report of Jay being sighted on the opposite side of the island, Ms Law said: 'Someone has given a false lead to the police saying he's rang a taxi down to Los Cristianos. 'If this was the case he would have rang his mum or one of us. I know him well and he would not have us worrying. 'Someone is trying to deter the police from him being up there. I'm starting to think he's been kidnapped.' After around seven fake GoFundMe pages were set up and debunked by his family, a real fundraising page by Jay's friends has now been verified. Its raised an impressive 13,119 in five hours as of the time of writing, set up by Lucy. The hygiene standards at an Australian McDonald's restaurant are again under scrutiny weeks after an employee was pictured drying a mop over the food warmer. A customer at the Booval restaurant in Queensland filmed a tradie standing on the counter on Sunday with their boots firmly planted on the food preparation surface. The same restaurant was recently slammed after a video shared to TikTok showed an unidentified worker holding a filthy damp mop over the open French fry warming tray so it would dry under the heat lamp. The customer said the incident left her disgusted. 'First it was McMop and now this at the exact same store,' the customer said. A tradesperson has been pictured treading over the food preparation area of a Queensland McDonald's in his dirty work boots (pictured) Only a few weeks ago at the very same restaurant a worker was filmed drying a dirty mop over the French fry warming tray It is understood staff had just been re-trained on food and safety standards after the mop fiasco which McDonald's said was an 'isolated incident'. McDonald's headoffice told Daily Mail Australia in a statement they are aware of the latest incident and had consulted with managers. 'We are extremely disappointed to see this behaviour, which falls far short of McDonald's strict standards for workplace and food safety in our restaurants,' the spokesperson said. 'We have taken action to remove the individual contractor, who was newly hired, from working in our restaurants. 'As a priority, we are retraining our restaurants and contractors to ensure this does not happen again. 'Our Restaurant Manager was made aware of this issue on the day and immediately took action to ensure the area was sanitised. 'The incident has also been addressed with the individual and the contract company.' The two incidents happened at the Booval McDonald's in southeast Queensland A video of the mop incident quickly went viral online with many users making light of the situation. 'So that's where the flavour comes from' quipped one. Another said they 'bet the mop head is warmer than the fries'. 'The old McMop is back! Must be limited time-only - get in while they are hot,' joked another. However, others were disgusted. 'That's the most brainless thing I've seen this year. This woman needs her hygiene and food safety procedure certificate ripped up!' wrote one commenter. Another accused McDonald's restaurants of being 'filthy'. Daily Mail Australia understands that staff member has been spoken to by management but kept her job. A McDonald's spokesman said at the time that the company takes food safety 'extremely seriously' and followed strict cleaning and hygiene procedures in all restaurants. 'We have addressed this with the restaurant directly and conducted thorough re-training for all employees on McDonald's sanitisation, hygiene and food safety procedures,' he said. 'This was an isolated incident, and we will continue to work with the restaurant to ensure this does not happen again.' Do you know the woman who tried to stop the attack? Rare plant organisms on Stonehenge could be damaged after Just Stop Oil eco fanatics targeted the monument with orange powder paint, an expert said today. Environmental campaigners Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, ran up to the stones yesterday and attacked them as members of the public tried to intervene. Video footage showed two people wearing white shirts with the Just Stop Oil slogan, approaching the stone circle with canisters and spraying orange powder paint. English Heritage said today there appeared to be 'no visible damage' to Stonehenge, but one expert revealed his concerns for the lichen plant organism on the stones. Tim Daw, a local farmer and historic property steward who used to volunteer at the site, carried out an experiment this morning by mixing cornflour and food dye then applying it to a small piece of sarsen, which is the same stone as Stonehenge. On the piece of sarsen a series of little back dots are visible, which are the lichen. Mr Daw described this on BBC Breakfast as a 'very, very rare plant organism that grows on rocks' which 'takes hundreds of years to grow because there's no nutrition'. He then washed the bottom half of the stone before gently rubbing it and noticed that the cornflour was is in the stone's pores and therefore 'displacing the lichen'. Tim Daw, a Stonehenge expert who used to volunteer at the site, carried out an experiment today by mixing cornflour and food dye and applying it to a small piece of sarsen stone Mr Daw washed the bottom half of the piece of stone before gently rubbing it and noticed that the cornflour was is in the stone's pores and therefore 'displacing the lichen' Mr Daw told the show that he was 'worried' about the lichen on the monument, and said of yesterday's attack: 'I was shocked and saddened. I couldn't believe it. 'Stonehenge is so precious, not just to me but to so many people. To do this act, which I think has worked against their cause, just seems pointless and damaging.' It comes after JK Rowling mocked Just Stop Oil over the incident, claiming that the group is 'funded by Big Oil'. Just Stop Oil said of the attack yesterday: 'The orange cornflour we used will soon wash away with the rain, but the urgent need for effective government action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the climate and ecological crisis will not.' But Harry Potter author Rowling reposted this on X, adding: 'Public opinion's definitely moving, mostly towards the conclusion that you're funded by Big Oil.' One person tried to halt the protest by Just Stop Oil on the Stonehenge stones yesterday Harry Potter author JK Rowling has mocked Just Stop Oil after activists targeted Stonehenge Another X user then replied to Rowling's post, saying: 'I don't understand why they thought this would win anybody over.' And Rowling added: 'Let's not target anyone or anything remotely responsible for climate change. Let's attack a unique ancient monument to which everyone's hugely attached, incidentally endangering rare lichen that only grows there'.' It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described it as a ' disgraceful act of vandalism to one of the UK's and the world's oldest and most important monuments', while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded the group 'pathetic'. In a reference to green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince, Mr Sunak added: 'Just Stop Oil should be ashamed of their activists, and they and anyone associated with them, including a certain Labour Party donor, should issue a condemnation of this shameful act immediately.' Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, ran up to the stone circle at around 12pm yesterday Mr Vince's Ecotricity firm gave Labour 1.5million according to the Electoral Commission data for the first quarter of 2024. The green energy industrialist also reportedly gave another 1million to the Opposition party the day after the General Election was called, taking his total donations to 5million. He has previously donated to Just Stop Oil, although last year he said he was diverting his funding to a campaign to encourage voter registration. However, Mr Vince stated that he did not support yesterday's protest. He said: 'Since Rishi Sunak has asked me personally to comment, I will. I don't support what JSO did today, it's that simple. 'But there are far worse actions we could focus on, far more harmful ones, like pushing two million children and their families into poverty. This is what Sunak and the Conservatives have done with their two-child cap on benefits. Other members of the public tried to help a women wrestle the canister off the protesters 'One in three of our children now live in poverty in our country. That's my definition of a shameful act, and one deserving of all our condemnation - it has mine.' Sir Keir said: 'The damage done to Stonehenge is outrageous. Just Stop Oil are pathetic. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.' But Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused Labour of 'faux outrage' at Just Stop Oil and claimed the Opposition's net zero policy had been 'dictated by fanatics' in the environmental protest group. Conservative minister Simon Hoare joined the chorus of criticism, saying: 'The full weight of the law is needed. I would incarcerate them on an old oil rig.' And fellow Tory Alex Stafford said: 'It's absolutely disgusting these mindless vandals have no appreciation for our history and heritage. All they can do is destroy rather than create.' Rajan Naidu and Niamh Lynch were arrested on suspicion of damaging the monument Nick Kendrick, 55, who has been a Stonehenge tour guide for more than 30 years, said: 'There are 79 different species of lichen which grow on those rocks. 'These lichen are alive and help protect the stone and (they) will definitely have been harmed by this idiotic stunt.' Wiltshire Police said officers had attended the scene and arrested two people. A spokesman for the force said: 'At around noon, we responded to a report that orange paint had been sprayed on some of the stones by two suspects. 'Officers attended the scene and arrested two people on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. Our inquiries are ongoing, and we are working closely with English Heritage.' English Heritage chief executive Dr Nick Merriman said this morning that there appeared to be 'no visible damage' to Stonehenge. Dr Merriman told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'It's difficult to understand and we're deeply saddened about this vandalism, but we've been really touched by the messages of sympathy and support we've had. 'Our experts have already managed to clean the orange powder from the stones because we were really worried about what would happen if they got in contact with water. 'So far, there seems to be no visible damage. The site is open to the public again and for the solstice tomorrow.' Discussing the action by Just Stop Oil, Dr Merriman said: 'It's vandalism to one of the world's most celebrated ancient monuments. 'We wish people would channel their protests away from cultural heritage sites, museums and galleries because we feel that doesn't actually help their cause, and causes huge upset and disruption to the operation of these important sites.' It comes after English Heritage said yesterday that experts were assessing the 'extent of the damage' on the stones. Stones were covered in the substance before the protesters stopped and sat on the grass A spokeswoman said: 'Orange powdered paint has been thrown at a number of the stones at Stonehenge. 'Obviously, this is extremely upsetting and our curators are investigating the extent of the damage. Stonehenge remains open to the public.' Senior druid and pagan priest, King Arthur Pendragon, said he 'totally' disapproves of the protest and that the group's actions 'alienate any sympathy' for their cause. Mr Pendragon, who is standing as an independent parliamentary candidate for the area, said: 'Stonehenge is a living working temple at times of celebration and pilgrimage such as the summer solstice and, as a well-known protester myself, I totally disapprove of such behaviour as demonstrated by these people who do nothing to enhance and everything to alienate any sympathy anyone has or had for their cause.' Members of the public were seen trying to prevent the protesters by dragging them away The pagan priest has previously been involved in several protests at the monument and lost a legal challenge over a 15 car parking charge at the site in 2017, claiming the fee breached his human rights. In a statement, Just Stop Oil said its action was to demand that the incoming UK government should agree a plan with other governments to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. A spokesperson for the group said: 'The UK's government-in-waiting has committed to enacting Just Stop Oil's original demand of 'no new oil and gas'. However, we all know this is not enough. 'Continuing to burn coal, oil and gas will result in the death of millions. We have to come together to defend humanity or we risk everything. 'That's why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.' Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed Stonehenge with orange paint in their latest stunt yesterday The group said it used orange cornflour paint to spray onto the stones, which it claimed would 'soon wash away with the rain'. Responding to the group's statement, Ms Coutinho said: 'Labour's faux outrage at the Stonehenge vandalism would carry a lot more weight if Just Stop Oil hadn't also thanked Labour for enacting 'their demands' in their press release today. 'We must not allow Britain's energy policy to be dictated by fanatics.' The incident happened yesterday at about 12pm, the day before the summer solstice is celebrated at Stonehenge, which is at the heart of a World Heritage site. Around 8,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to mark the longest day of the year in 2023, with similar numbers expected today. The solstice will be celebrated from 7pm this evening until 8am tomorrow. An English Heritage spokeswoman said: 'It won't be affected, we are still planning on having the solstice go ahead.' John Adams, chair of the Stonehenge Alliance group, told MailOnline: 'The Stonehenge Alliance does not condone any action with potential to damage the stones. 'Our campaign is about protecting the World Heritage Site from harm, especially the government's current road building proposals which have been condemned by UNESCO. 'This direct action is unacceptable but is relatively minor compared to the huge gash that will be cut across the World Heritage Site by the tunnel cuttings and which at the western end will run through a bronze age settlement. 'It's sad that this should happen on the eve of the summer solstice when hundreds of people visit Stonehenge to celebrate its majesty and solar alignment and for some this site has spiritual meaning. 'Just Stop Oil is not part of the Stonehenge Alliance and whilst we share their deeply held concerns about the climate crisis, we don't support direct action with the potential to cause damage to the megaliths.' In a statement released by Just Stop Oil, Miss Lynch, a student from Oxford, said the continued burning of fossil fuels was leading to 'death and suffering'. 'It's time for us to think about what our civilisation will leave behind - what is our legacy?' she said. 'Standing inert for generations works well for stones - not climate policy.' Mr Naidu, who is understood to be a Quaker from Birmingham, added: 'Either we end the fossil-fuel era, or the fossil-fuel era will end us. 'Just as 50 years ago, when the world used international treaties to defuse the threats posed by nuclear weapons, today the world needs a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to phase out fossil fuels and to support dependent economies, workers and communities to move away from oil, gas and coal.' Just Stop Oil supporter Ben Larsen (left) said the protest had resulted in a a bit of orange dust on a rock during in an interview on Sky News yesterday with presenter Matt Barbet (right) In an interview on Sky News yesterday, Just Stop Oil supporter Ben Larsen said the protest had resulted in a a bit of orange dust on a rock. Presenter Matt Barbet asked him: 'Why these tactics in particular, which for the most part amount to criminal damage? And Larsen replied: 'Well you can call them criminal damage if you like, it's a bit of orange dust on a rock that's weathered 5,000 years of British weather.' Barbet then said: 'Now Come on, that's disingenuous. It's not a rock, it's an ancient monument that's a Unesco world heritage site.' But Larsen responded: 'It's a beautiful ancient monument but this is orange dust. It's orange dust on stone. All that we need to do is wait for it to rain and all this will be washed off. And these have been the 18 wettest months on record. So we're not going to have to wait very long even. It's unwise to get hung up on tactics. Do you know the woman who tried to stop the attack? Email: tips@dailymail.com The search for British teenager Jay Slater has now entered its fourth day after he went missing in Tenerife while on holiday with his friends. The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle was last seen on a night out on Sunday after going to the NRG music festival. When one of his friends last spoke to him on Monday morning, he said he was lost, thirsty and only had one per cent battery left. She says he told her he was going to walk back to their accommodation - an 11 hour walk - and his phone died showing his last location in the mountainous area of Rural de Teno park. There has been no sign of him since, with his mother, Debbie Duncan and father Warren rushing out to Tenerife with other relatives and friends to join the search. Here MailOnline looks at what we know about the missing boy so far. Jay Slater, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, travelled to the Canary Islands last week A screenshot of Jay's last known location where his phone battery died A 'bubbly' teen who is 'very streetwise' Jay is 'very street wise' and he's 'no mug', his stepfather said. Speaking from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, Andy Watson told LancsLive: 'But if it was dark and he had no touch on his phone, he could have gone the wrong way and become more lost than he was.' His distraught mother Debbie said her son is a 'popular boy'. She said: 'He's just a great person who everyone wanted to be with. He's good looking, he's a popular boy.' She told the BBC Jay is an 'all-round nice, bubbly guy with hundreds of friends'. 'He's gorgeous, he's beautiful. He's my baby,' she said. He had attended the New Rave Generation music festival in Tenerife over the weekend Jay's distraught mother Debbie said her son is a 'popular boy' Jay's last picture The teenager posted a Snapchat picture just one hour before phoning his friend to say he was lost in a national park. The out of focus photo of showed his hand holding a cigarette at 7.30am at the property where he travelled to with two men. He is believed to have got into a car with the 'two English lads' he met in the early hours of Monday and ended up at their accommodation about 40 minutes drive away. Missing Jay posted a final picture at 7.30am on Snapchat from the house of 'two English lads' an hour before phoning his friend Lucy Fears that he has been 'taken' His distraught mother Debbie Duncan said: 'It's just traumatic and it doesn't feel real. It's just awful, it's horrendous. 'I think he's been taken against his will with what's been said, but it's in the hands of the police.' 'He's just a great person who everyone wanted to be with. He's good looking, he's a popular boy.' Police are checking vans yesterday to try and find the teenager Cruel trolls claim to have kidnapped Jay Speaking from the south of the island where her son had been staying, mother Debbie said: 'I'm obviously beside myself with worry which is why I've flown out here with my eldest son to do anything we can to help. 'We're just praying the police or someone finds Jay. I know there's a mountain rescue team out and a helicopter. 'Nothing's ever going to be enough when your youngest son's gone missing but it sounds as if the police here are taking this very seriously and doing the best job they can.' Debbie also revealed she had received several prank calls from hidden numbers claiming they had taken her son and held him for ransom, describing the pranksters' jokes as 'sickening'. Debbie said twisted Brits with 'northern accents' had been phoning her with hidden numbers and claiming they had her son captive and were keeping him because he owed them money She also told how twisted Brits with 'northern accents' had been phoning her with hidden numbers and claiming they had her son captive and were keeping him because he owed them money. The mother said: 'Some of the phone calls I've been getting have been horrible. I just don't know why people would want to do things like this. 'I've been getting lots of prank calls. It's sickening. People ringing me and saying they've got Jay because he owes them money. 'But it's not putting me off and I want to keep this in the news because it's going to increase the chances of Jay being found safe and well which is obviously what we're praying for.' Jay filmed laughing and smiling the night before A Snapchat video shows Jay laughing and smiling around 8.35pm on the night before he went missing, Manchester Evening News reports. In the video Jay was seen in the outfit he was last seen wearing, which consists of a light grey t-shirt with green shoulders as well as a black bag. After the rave he left in a rented car with new friends, Lucy told MEN. Jay's final Snapchat shows the teenager laughing and smiling around 8.35pm the night before Fake GoFundMe pages set up to find him Jay's family have pleaded with kind strangers not to donate to fake fundraisers created in his name. As widespread efforts continue to locate him, including national media attention and an official Facebook group set up for updates, cruel fraudsters have leapt on the opportunity and set up fake fundraisers in his name. With around seven bogus GoFundMe pages set up so far, Jay's family have taken to social media to alert concerned strangers and say they are not connected to them. A Facebook group set up by the family called 'Jay Slater Missing' says: 'This is the only official 'missing Jay Slater' Facebook group. Jay's mother DOES NOT want a GoFundMe set up so DO NOT donate to one!!' Several panicked members replied to say there are 'about seven' fake fundraisers people donated '100+' to. When MailOnline clicked on the links, they had all been taken down. Up to seven fake fundraising pages were reportedly set up and shared on Facebook Wasting precious time Mountain rescue crews and sniffer dogs had been searching the mountainous area of north-west Tenerife for the 19-year-old up until yesterday afternoon. But suddenly police focus shifted to the tourist hotspots of Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas in south Tenerife, after a false sighting of him getting out of a taxi. It later emerged the report was false and police, having wasted precious time in the blistering 27C heat, were forced to move attention back to their original site. Earlier, a spokesman for the Civil Guard confirmed 'the search operation has moved to the south of the island' in Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas. While a spokesman did not offer any more detail, it was added: 'It's obviously down to information that's been received as the investigation has progressed. Pictured are drones in the sky searching for Jay yesterday A MailOnline graphic detailing the timeline of events from when Jay attended the three-day NRG festival to his location when his phone died at around 8.50am on Monday 'As things stand at the moment the search in the mountainous area near Masca in the north has been halted.' But it was later ruled out as a false sighting by a well-meaning member of the public. Jay's mother Ms Duncan told MailOnline: 'It was a false alarm but with good intention. 'Someone thought they had seen him get into a car with two other guys but it was wrong. 'The search is still focusing on the north where he was last seen. We still don't have any updates and need people to keep looking.' The Coronation Street link A Coronation Street star issued a desperate plea to help find Jay after the 19-year-old went missing. Vicky Entwistle, who famously played Janice Battersby on the ITV soap, says she 'hope to God they find him' as she prays for the missing apprentice bricklayer's return. She posted one of the missing posters of Jay on X/Twitter alongside a message that says: 'My God Mother's Grandson has gone missing. His Mother has flown out 7pm. To join the police search. Hope to God they find him. Please pray for him.' My God Mothers Grandson has gone missing. His Mother has flown out 7pm. To join the police search. Hope to God they find him. Please for him. pic.twitter.com/L7gWxsew8O Vicky Entwistle (@vicky_entwistle) June 18, 2024 What have the authorities said? A spokesman for a regional emergency coordination centre said: 'The Civil Guard are coordinating this operation because they're responsible for investigations involving missing people. 'We're acting as support to them and they're the ones who are asking for more resources as and when they feel they're needed. 'The Civil Guard is involved as well as firefighters and Civil Protection workers who have two drones. 'The alert about this missing youngster was received at four minutes past 9am and the search began soon after and went on into the night. 'My understanding is this man has subsequently been formally reported as missing to the police.' The spokesperson said the search is focusing on the area near Masca village. A FCDO spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.' The revolving door keeps turning at Channel Seven with a series of departures following the stunning Bruce Lehrmann revelations. The network announced a reshuffle in its news leadership team on Thursday, including a new director of news in Sydney, and new executive producers for Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise. Sean Power will take on the role of director of news for Seven Sydney, replacing veteran news chief Neil Warren, who was at the network for 32 years. Mr Power will leave his post as the executive producer of Sunrise, with current supervising producer Jake Lyle to take over the role. Mr Lyle is a recent addition to Seven, having only been at the network for six months, previously working on Nine's Today show and with Ben Fordham at 2GB. They're among the latest changes at Seven in the wake of the damning Bruce Lehrmann sex and drugs allegations that hit the network's flagship current affairs show Spotlight. New executive producers have been announced for Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise in the latest Seven shake-up. Pictured is Sunrise co-host Nat Barr Sean Power (pictured) will take on the role of Director of News for Seven Sydney, replacing veteran news chief Neil Warren, who was at the network for 32 years In April alone, the network lost director of news and current affairs Craig McPherson, managing director James Warburton, commercial director Bruce McWilliam, and Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn. Mr McPherson was replaced by director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief, Seven West Media, Anthony De Ceglie earlier this year. In a statement, Mr De Ceglie paid tribute to Mr Warren: 'Neil is extremely well-regarded by all his peers at Seven and across the industry.' 'We're sad to see him go but wish him all the best, and we're grateful he will be sticking around for some time yet to ensure a smooth transition.' Announcing the new director of news for Seven Sydney, Mr De Ceglie said Mr Power's time at Sunrise had been marked by incredible success and creativity. 'I can't wait to see what he will bring to the all-important 6pm news bulletin,' he said. More changes are on the way for Channel Seven in the wake of the Bruce Lehrmann revelations Veteran TV news producer Richard Cunningham (right) will leave Seven after 36 years, where he worked with David Koch (left) Of his new appointment, Mr Power said: 'The opportunity to lead the Seven News Sydney team in this next chapter is incredibly exciting.' 'We have the best journalists, producers, cameramen and editors in the country, in a new state-of-the-art studio and newsroom, and we will continue to put our audience first when telling the stories that matter most to Sydney.' In other changes at Seven, Holly Fallon takes on the role of executive producer on Weekend Sunrise, while Chloe Flynn remains executive producer of The Morning Show. Veteran TV news producer Richard Cunningham will leave Seven after 36 years. Mr Cunningham joined the network following a 20 year career in the newspaper industry including working as a correspondent in New York and London. Channel Seven's Director of News and Current Affairs and Editor-in-Chief, Seven West Media, Anthony De Ceglie (pictured right with former WA Premier Mark McGowan) has moved across the country for his new role Advertisement Friends of missing British teenager Jay Slater say Spanish police 'could be doing more' as the hunt resumes for a fourth day on Tenerife. Jay, 19, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, has not been seen or heard from since he called a friend on Monday morning to say he was 10 hours away from his accommodation but needed water and had 1% battery life on his phone. Searches for the apprentice bricklayer, who had flown to the Canary island for the NRG music festival, have taken place in the mountainous Rural de Teno national park. Read below for a full recap of the MailOnline's coverage. A mother who has not seen her young children for more than two-and-a half years has shared a handwritten letter penned by their fugitive father who is believed to have abducted them. The woman, who wants to be know simply as Catherine, is desperate to be reunited with Jayda, 11, Maverick, 9 and Ember, 8, who went missing along with their father Thomas Phillips from the small New Zealand town of Marokopa in December 2021. Hours after she issued an emotional public appeal, Catherine has shared photos of the two page note from Phillips along with snaps of of the last birthday for Jayda when the family were together. It's not known when the letter was sent. In the letter, which appears to been have crumpled up, Phillips begs for forgiveness and for Catherine to take him back. Catherine has shared a note penned by her ex partner Thomas Philips as the wait to be reunited with her children continues Catherine shared a photo of her and the three children celebrating a birthday for eldest daughter Jayden 'I don' know what to say or do to help you forgive me,' the letter begins. Phillips states he is not desperate 'to be with someone or I would have done it' but only wants Catherine back. 'I want to be with you Catherine, the woman I been in love with for seven years,' he wrote. 'I can't make you forgive me only you can make that choice. He goes on to say he is 'sorry for everything I have ever said or done to hurt you'. 'These past nine months I have suffered everyday knowing I should have dealt with things better and know that I f***ed up. Thomas Phillips (pictured) has been on the run for two and a half years and continues to evade authorities 'You have a beautiful personality and the happiest years of my life are because of you 'I don't feel complete without you. I hope you can remember the man you fell in love with and know that I make multiple f*** ups I have a good heart and I mean well.' Catherine posted on social media that she decided to share the letter to show that 'all is not as it seems'. The letter comes only two day after Catherine made a desperate video plea for help to be reunited with her children. 'I am standing before you here today, begging for your help to bring my babies home,' Cat pleaded in the video. 'They are just innocent children, they do not deserve to be treated this way, they do not deserve the life that is being provided to them right now'. The plea was made particularly poignant by being made on what would have been Jayda's eleventh birthday. 'She will be a young woman now and she needs her mother,' a tearful Cat explained in the Facebook video distributed by New Zealand police. Despite having numerous suspected sightings of Phillips with his children, police have not been able to track down the group An $80,000 reward was also announced for information leading to the safe return of the children, who were reported missing by family members in January 2022. Despite police following up numerous reported sightings of their father Luke Phillips sometimes with his children in the region around Marokopa, which is around three hours drive south of Auckland on the North Island's west coast, the foursome remain elusive. Cat accused Mr Phillips of endangering and depriving the children. 'Ember is asthmatic as am I and she needs medical care that cannot be provided from the land,' Cat claimed. 'Many of you say that the children are fine and they are being well looked after. 'How do you know? Have you seen them? Or is it just bush talk? 'What Thomas is doing is not OK. It is not OK to divide and conquer, to isolate and control. One of the many reported suspected sightings of Mr Phillips, this one from a Bunnings Warehouse store in Te Rapa, Hamilton last August 'It is child neglect, it is child abandonment, it is child abuse. My babies deserve better.' Police told Stuff that they have had more than 100 new reports of information on Mr Phillips Almost half of those reports are considered by police worthy of greater examination. While the area around Marokopa continues to be the focus, police search inquiries are also being made the surrounding areas of Honikiwi and Otorohanga. Police urged anyone who has observed recent suspicious behaviour in these areas to come forward. In January, police said they believed they had narrowed their search to an area where they had credible reason to think Mr Phillips was living with his children. 'We believe Tom and the children are hiding out in Western Waikato within Marokopa or the surrounding areas,' Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said. Police are appealing for anyone who has seen the children to come forward and their is an $80,000 reward for information leading to their safe return. Pictured are Jayda, 11, (far left) Ember, 8, and Maverick, 9, (far right) Catherine has made a desperate plea for the return of her children who have been missing for two and a half years 'Although the environment is challenging for investigators, we continue to devote resources to this operation and follow up on all reported sightings.' However, Mr Phillips continues to avoid police. Mr Phillips, a capable hunter with intimate knowledge of the bush, was last spotted in grainy CCTV in November last year attempting to allegedly rob a store in Piopio in the Waitomo District with another individual. Dressed in army-style combat clothing with caps pulled low and masks covering their faces, the two figures can be seen leaving a red quadbike before they approach the window of the store. Mr Phillips then allegedly smashed the shopfront before fleeing when the alarm sounded. 'We continue to review existing evidence and new information and appeal to the community to pass on any details that could help the three children be reunited with their family,' a police spokesperson said at the time. An infant school has been accused of 'indoctrinating four-year-old children' after it put up 11 Pride flags on the school gates. Westmeads Community Infant School in Whitstable, Kent, has been blasted on social media following its decision to display the flags during Pride month. Conservative peer, Dame Jacqueline Foster, is among the many who joined criticism of the school on X, describing the move as 'wholly inappropriate'. She added: 'All materials referring to 'sex education' have to be age appropriate and this is not. 'Infants do not come into any category at all - it should be removed immediately.' However, head teacher, Kirsty White, defended the decision to display the flags, saying Westmeads, which has 156 pupils aged four to seven, is 'an inclusive school in every sense'. Westmeads Community Infant School in Whitstable, Kent, has been blasted on social media following its decision to display the flags during Pride month She told Joe Harbert of the Kent Messenger: 'Equity is one of our core school values underpinning everything we do and fundamental to our ethos. 'We feel strongly that representation for every member of our community matters. 'We will always celebrate our diverse community through a progressive curriculum representative of British values.' The row erupted on Monday night when writer and social commentator James Esses shared pictures on X of the rainbow colours on the school fence. He posted: 'Dear @westmeadsschool, could you kindly explain why you appear hellbent on indoctrinating 4-year-old children by plastering this ideological symbolism all over your school?' After social media comments attacked the school for flying the flags, Westmeads locked its X profile to prevent further criticism. Local Labour councillor Chris Cornell said 'Our town is a very LGBTQ+ inclusive place and this homophobia is awful.' Some parents have also backed the decision of the school to display the flags during Pride month. Mother Olivia Thomas said 'The community created around the school is wholly-centred on inclusivity. 'The school values are a really important part in ensuring our children and next generation grow up understanding and celebrating diversity, feeling safe to be themselves and always welcoming different views.' Another parent, Hayley Johns, said 'Choosing this school for my child with its values and leadership, and its strong sense of community ethics was absolutely forefront in my decision, and I will defend it.' A third mother, Marie Lewzey, added 'I couldn't be prouder to send my child to Westmeads Community Infants School. 'Westmeads' values are those we, as a community, nation and global society, should aspire to embody. 'Its atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity has had such a positive impact on my child's development. 'Because of Westmeads, I learn from my child's openness and inquisitiveness every day.' Ms White took over as head of the school in September 2021, and Westmeads was given its first Ofsted rating in 14 years the following summer. The school put up one large Pride flag and ten smaller ones on the gates It was downgraded from 'outstanding' to 'requires improvement' with the inspectors rating the school as 'good' for behaviour and attitude, personal development, leadership and management and early years' provision. Their report said: 'Pupils at Westmeads Infant School are happy and carefree. 'They enjoy taking part in a wide range of activities at break and lunchtimes. Leaders ensure the school's core values, particularly love and kindness, are understood by all.' The critical post on social media has now been viewed over 200,000 times. One person commented: 'Let children be children. They do not need to be prematurely brought to adulthood. 'That's why there's censorship laws on films and computer games so children are not exposed to unnecessary adult content. Clearly this is the case at this school. Perhaps the educators should work in a secondary school.' Another wrote: 'I'm not transphobic nor homophobic but to have a primary school displaying the pride flag is wrong. They do not need to know about this sort of thing at their age. 'It's fine when older when they can choose their own sexuality but this is what the school wants, not what the kids want or need. 'Schools are a place of learning age appropriate things but the pride meaning is not one of those things. Again I'm not against pride or who loves who, I quite frankly don't care. But not in a primary school.' A third added: 'The bigoted snowflakes who have a problem with this sort of thing with schools have absolutely no idea what they are actually taught at school. It's all very age appropriate. 'The bigots don't like children knowing that kids can have two dads or two mums. Well, like it or not, they'll find out eventually.' Jails in England and Wales are to hit breaking point next month and will be forced to refuse new inmates due to overcrowding, bosses have been warned. Prison heads have been warned by HM Prison and Probation Service officials that an 'operational capacity breaking point' will arrive just days after the July 4 election. It comes amid already desperate measures by government to reduce pressure on Britain's incarceration system, which have included the release of thousands of prisoners before the end of their sentence. But the government has reportedly failed to take measures that go far enough to counter the problem, with emergency plans named Operation Early Dawn expected to be triggered by the crisis in the first days of the new government. The operation allows inmates to be held in custody at police stations instead of in jails, as well as delay cases from being heard at magistrates' courts. Prison heads have been warned by HM Prison and Probation Service officials that an 'operational capacity breaking point' will arrive just days after the July 4 election Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association, has blamed the outgoing government's lack of action on prison overcrowding Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association, told the Guardian: 'We understand that we will no longer be able to receive prisoners from court in the second to third week of July. It is not an exact science but it is very soon after the election. 'This position was projected some time ago. The outgoing government did not take the necessary action in a timely fashion to avoid this.' Operation Early Dawn was last triggered in May, and was forecast to run for around a week. The Law Society said at the time the measures 'could cause chaos as victims, witnesses, defendants and lawyers' who would face turning up at court only to find their case had been delayed. The society reported that one lawyer, criminal defence solicitor Kerry Hudson, revealed the contents of a court attendance note, which said: 'Client not brought to court because of Operation Early Dawn although listed in court 10. 'He may or may not be produced tomorrow. He may already be bailed. Who knows? Will have to check with cells tomorrow.' Mr Wheatley said that any efforts by officials to continue sending inmates to jails could be challenged in the courts because it would put staff 'at risk'. The latest data on prison populations released by the Ministry of Justice last week showed there are just shy of 1,500 spaces currently available in prisons in England and Wales - meaning jails are 98 percent full. Operation Early Dawn was last triggered in May, and was forecast to run for around a week For much of this year emergency measures have already been in place across England and Wales allowing some criminals to be released up to 70 days early from their sentence in a bid to free up more spaces. Judges have also been urged to consider community sentences for non-violent offenders, rather than jail time. Many offenders are already released halfway through their sentence - subject to good behaviour - but officials are now reportedly considering shortening this to 43 percent. It is thought this could quickly free up thousands of spaces at a time when the courts system has a huge backlog of cases. The prison population has risen by 93 per cent over the last three decades to more than 87,000, and in March just 500 prison places were available in England and Wales. Shabana Mahmood, Labour's shadow justice secretary, said: 'This is just the latest example of the chaos the Conservatives have created in our criminal justice system. 'Not only are they releasing prisoners in secret, now they are deliberately delaying the delivery of justice. For months, the Conservatives have been operating under a cloak of darkness. They must now come clean about the true scale of the crisis on their watch.' The Ministry of Justice was contacted for comment. Multiple people have been injured following a shooting at Juneteenth celebrations in Oakland, California, with police describing the incident as a possible 'mass casualty event'. At least four people were taken to hospital with gunshot injuries, after the incident at Lake Merritt on Wednesday night, shortly before 9pm. Violence erupted after a largely peaceful Juneteenth celebration that attracted around 5,000 people near the lake earlier in the evening. Oakland Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hunt said the number of people shot or injured could have grown since he was last updated, he advised at 10.24 pm, CBS News reports. Police and fire officers were alerted at around 9pm after reported gunshots at Grand and Euclid Avenues, where a large crowd was found to have gathered at a sideshow event, which had not been sanctioned by public officials, police said. Multiple people have been injured following a shooting at Juneteenth celebrations in Oakland, California , with police describing the incident as a possible 'mass casualty event' At least four people were taken to hospital with gunshot injuries, after the incident at Lake Merritt on Wednesday night, shortly before 9pm. Pictured: Dozens of police officers place a cordon around the scene The violent incident happened after a largely peaceful Juneteenth celebration that attracted around 5,000 people near the lake earlier in the evening. Pictured: Multip0le police units responded to the shooting Witness Tamia Robinson told ABC7 News: 'We were all celebrating, there were sideshows, couple of fights that were going on - next thing we know, we all thought we heard fireworks, so we ran from the direction. 'Next thing you hear, another 'boom, boom, boom, boom, boom' from the other side of the lake. 'We come down here, walking, and my sister sprints across the street, where she's seen one of her friends were laying out.' Witness Tamira Robinson, from Richmond, told KTVU: 'I'm very disappointed. 'It's a shame we can't even get together as a community and enjoy each other, celebrate each other. 'Celebrate our ancestors without somebody being killed.' Footage posted online from journalist Jaden Shaul of KTVU shows the scene with a heavy police presence in the aftermath of the shooting. Another video shared by @1SaltyDorito on X shows people dispersing from the scene. Meanwhile on Instagram, user 28madi_ shared a video of a woman at first kneeling to the ground and then multiple gunshots ringing out as she flees from the area. The condition of the four gunshot victims is unknown at this time. A number of other injuries were also reported. Paul Chambers, Oakland Police Department's strategic communications manager, told KTVU the event had been largely peaceful, with up to 5,000 people attending. It is understood 28 officers and four sergeants were there to monitor the activities. He said around 8.15pm, a sideshow involving 'motorbikes and vehicles' took place at Bellvue and Grand avenues, on the north side of the lake, and a fight broke out nearby. Video posted on social media shows a crowd of thousands dispersing and running from the scene amid gunshots going off In another video, one woman was forced to kneel close to the ground as she attempted to get to safety from the scene A crowd of 2,000 to 3,000 people had been watching the sideshow, San Jose Mercury reports. He said: 'During that fight multiple shots rang out,' placing the shooting at around 8.45pm. Chambers said some officers were struck by the crowd as they attempted to move people to safety, with at least one being taken into custody for assaulting an officer. 'We wanted to make sure people had a safe time, but unfortunately that did not happen,' he told San Jose Mercury. Residents are asked to avoid the area of I-580 at Grand Avenue, while police investigations continue. In a statement posted this morning by Oakland Police, a spokesperson said: 'The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is investigating a shooting with several victims. The incident occurred just after 8.45 pm on June 19, 2024, in the 400 block of Grand Avenue. 'The preliminary investigation revealed that 28 officers and four sergeants monitored crowds of roughly 5,000 people participating in events at and around Lake Merritt. 'The crowds were peaceful until around 8.15 pm when an illegal sideshow involving vehicles and motorbikes occurred near Grand Avenue and Bellevue Avenue. 'A short time later, a fight broke out, and as the crowd headed towards the altercation, multiple shots were fired. 'Officers located several victims who were struck by the gunfire. Medical personnel transported several victims to an area hospital. Additional victims were taken to various hospitals by private transportation. 'At this time, there are no reports of fatalities, and the exact number of those injured is still under investigation. 'No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. 'It is currently unknown if there was a single shooter or multiple shooters involved. 'Following the shootings, officers attempted to guide the crowd into a safe area. 'During this effort, some individuals in the crowd punched and pushed officers, resulting in minor injuries. 'One person was taken into custody for assaulting an officer. 'The events were not sanctioned gatherings.' Juneteenth is a federal holiday that takes place on June 19 each year, marking the emancipation of slaves in the US and is referred to as America's Second Independence Day. In 2021, President Joe Biden put pen to paper at the White House to make it a federally-recognized holiday to mark the emancipation of enslaved Americans 155 years earlier. An ex-soldier who was jailed for kissing a fellow serviceman in the 1980s has become one of the first gay veterans to have his ceremonial cap badge returned to him. Fusilier Stephen Close, 61, was court-martialled, discharged with disgrace, imprisoned and placed on the sex offenders register for having a gay relationship with a fellow soldier. But earlier this week, he was invited to the Royal Fusiliers' regimental HQ at the Tower of London to re-receive his military cap and badge - 40 years on from his discharge. Mr Close from Salford, Greater Manchester, said: 'It was a proud moment for me. It took a lifetime, but it came and it has given me closure. 'I served alongside my brother, he said during my court martial he loves me and I am a fusilier and always will be, no matter what they said in there. 'He was at my ceremony and had a tear in his eye.' Fusilier Steve Close receives his beret and hackle from Major General Jon Swift, the Colonel of the Regiment of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Stephen Close (pictured), 61, was court-martialled, discharged with disgrace, imprisoned and placed on the sex offenders register for having a gay relationship with a fellow soldier The 61-year-old was discharged from the army after being charged with gross indecency and jailed for six months Mr Close was stationed in Berlin in 1983 when he was reported by a colleague for kissing a fellow soldier on a night out. The pair were questioned and swabbed for DNA samples before being paraded around the army base in front of their colleagues. The 61-year-old was discharged from the army after being charged with gross indecency and jailed for six months. Mr Close and his partner served their time in separate prisons and never saw each other again. While in prison, Mr Close was forced to wear a red ribbon to mark him out to guards and fellow inmates. He said: 'I went out with some friends and ended up back at one of their rooms. 'Their room was shared with another soldier who I found attractive. I was still a virgin at the time, it's not like it was a regular thing. 'We got chatting and there was a bit of chemistry and we started kissing. 'He suggested we go somewhere more private and we went into another room. 'We thought his roommate had collapsed, but he hadn't and he saw us kissing and reported us. 'I suffered with anxiety for a long time. It was frustration really, it took a toll on my mental health. 'It wasn't just the court case, it was the total abandonment from my military mates, who knew who I was. That hurt.' Homosexuality was de-criminalised in 1967, but it remained an offence in the armed forces until 1994. And a ban on homosexuals serving in the British military was not lifted until 2000. Upon his release from prison, Mr Close's conviction stayed on his civilian criminal record. He was therefore registered as a sex offender and was unable to work with children or vulnerable people until he was given a royal pardon in 2013. Mr Close and his partner served their time in separate prisons and never saw each other again Pictured: The Regiment of Royal Fusiliers ceremonial cap badge Mr Close was pardoned the same year as computer pioneer and code-breaker Alan Turing after years of campaigning. The 61-year-old added: 'In Nazi Germany, gays had to wear pink triangles, I had to wear a red ribbon. 'In 2012, I was contacted by Greater Manchester Police who were investigation crimes. I had to give a DNA sample as I was a sex offender. 'Eventually following pressure from Peter Tatchell, the police deleted my DNA. 'I received a Royal Pardon in 2013 and my record was wiped clean, but by this time I was 50 years old.' Restoring cap badges to discharged service personnel was among the recommendations made by an LGBTQ independent veterans review last year. Mr Close said that for years he had felt 'too ashamed' to attend Remembrance events and had found it 'too painful' to attend regimental reunions. He added: 'There were a lot of people in the room that day that came in after the ban was lifted. 'My battalion has been quite proud to recruit LGBT recruits to demonstrate they're openly accepting of gay people. 'I would encourage any young gay person to join the army now, but it's taken a while. 'Even a few years after the ban was lifted, I wouldn't have, but I would now. 'People are accepting it more now, eventually it just become the norm, it's a good thing.' Two gay men believed they were 'going to die' after eight masked-thugs left them bloodied and bruised. Daniel Timothy, 31, and Jordan Brook, 36, had cut eye sockets, scars and swollen faces following what is believed to be a homophobic attack on Tuesday night. The 'frightening' assault occurred outside Blackburn Train Station in Lancashire, after they arrived with Jordan's mother, who has terminal cancer, at around midnight. Earlier that day the couple had been to see 'Burlesque The Musical in Manchester, but on their return a group of balaclava-clad thugs descended, hurling a slew of homophobic abuse and violent threats. Station staff separated the two groups, but as Daniel and Jordan waited for a taxi the group continued hurl taunts before 'charging' towards them. Daniel Timothy, 31, (right) and Jordan Brook (left) , 36, had cut eye sockets, scars and swollen faces following what is believed to be a homophobic attack on Tuesday night The 'frightening' assault occurred outside Blackburn Train Station in Lancashire, after they arrived with Jordan's mother, who has terminal cancer, at around midnight The masked attackers mostly targeted Jordan by kicking him as he lay on the ground, but both men said they feared they might not survive the horrifying ordeal. Daniel said: 'In that moment we feared he was going to die - that's for me personally, as well. 'Once the kicking started in the head, I didn't know when that was going to go on until. That was a very real fear for me in that moment. 'We wanted to go and see the show for its celebration of queerness, and we'd had an amazing night. 'So to have just experienced that when we were just minding our own business - for the fact that we were gay - on our own doorstep is scary. 'We got attacked not far from the town centre. This is the area where we do everything in, and I don't feel safe anymore.' Lancashire Police have since confirmed eight people between the ages of 17 and 23 have been taken into custody following the incident. The police force have said they are treating it as a 'homophobic assault'. Those arrested have all since been bailed pending further inquiries. Daniel, a customer support officer, recalled a young man began verbally abusing them after they used the male toilets at the train station. Earlier that day the couple had been to see 'Burlesque The Musical in Manchester, but on their return a group of balaclava-clad thugs descended The balaclava-clad assailants mostly targeted Jordan (pictured: hist injuries following the attack) The youngster's aggressive behaviour only escalated into physical threats, according to Daniel, who alleged the young man had to be pulled away by two friends. After reporting the issue to train station staff, the couple then left with Jordan's mum, who sadly has terminal cancer. But the three men, who were then joined by five others, spotted them from across the street and once again began taunting them, making fun of Jordan's mum. Daniel said Jordan, a hairdresser, had responded verbally to these cruel taunts, but the gang had then replied by pulling on masks and attacking them. He said: 'They just charged across the road. Initially, most of them went for Jordan, and they got him on the ground and were all kicking him in the head. 'I was trying to fight a couple of them, just to get some off him. 'And I ended up on the ground with another guy - and I ended up getting kicked in the head off two others as well. 'That was just a bit of a blur until it was over. In the end, someone who we knew came across and tried to get them off us. He added: 'Jordan's mum was a witness to the whole thing and was just crying the whole time, watching her son getting his head stamped on. 'I remember getting up and just loads of blood dripping in clumps out of my eye. 'Jordan at this point, after they got the lads off him, was curled up in a fetal position, trying to protect his head.' Daniel said police had arrived at the scene soon after the incident had started and arrested all the men involved. As the thugs attacked Jordan, Daniel feared both he and Jorden were 'going to die' Eight men aged between 17 and 23 were arrested and have since been released on bail pending further enquiries (pictured: Jordan's injuries after the attack) He and Jordan were taken to hospital by ambulance and were treated for their head and chest injuries. Daniel said: 'Jordan had a lot of swelling and bumps on the right side of his face. And he had a very visible trainer mark on his forehead. Luckily, nothing is broken. 'He got stamped on his chest, and his been in a lot of pain. He can't see out of his left eye at the moment, he's got an ulcer behind it from dirt getting in. 'The injuries look horrific, doctors said he was very, very lucky. He added: 'I still have a split eyelid, which has left a scar, above my left eye.' A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: 'We were called at about 12.05am on Tuesday, June 18 to a report of an assault on Railway Road in Blackburn. 'Two men aged 32 and 26 were assaulted by a group of males outside the railway station. Thankfully their injuries are not life threatening. 'Eight people aged between 17 and 23 from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of assault and are in custody. 'Enquiries are ongoing into the incident which is being treated as a homophobic assault. 'Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 0010 of June 18th. 'You can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' Residents have blasted council for 'failing' to clean up road in Paisley, Scotland Full of dumped carpets, sofas and even beds - could this be Britain's most fly-tipped street? Once a thriving community, Tannahill Road in Painsley, Scotland, is now overwhelmed with waste, which has caused fury among residents and created a breeding ground for rats. Although the deserted housing estate, located in the Ferguslie Park area, is due to be demolished next month, nearby residents are fed up of the mounting piles of waste. Tommy Eggerty, 75, who lived on Tannahill Road for 19 years before relocating nearby, expressed his frustration with the council's lack of action. He said: 'The council is taking nothing to do with it. Its been going on for ages; they have done nothing. They need to get their finger out. Full of dumped carpets, sofas and even beds - could this be Britain's most fly-tipped street? 'If it was happening where they stayed, they wouldn't put up with it. Its ridiculous because its going to be full of rats, thats for certain.' The former resident believes a number of individuals have been coming from 'all over' to dump their 'all sorts' on the street. He suggested: 'Just catch some of them. I think they should have a warden here, even during the day because theyre tipping during the day not just at night.' He even revealed how a local bus was unable to drive its usual route last week as litter was 'dumped in the middle of the road, and carpets were all over the place.' The derelict estate on Tannahill Road is set to be demolished in July, following the approval of a 630,000 contract with demolition firm Caskie, which will see the destruction of 51 blocks of empty council homes over the course of a year. However, one private homeowner remains, with the council in ongoing negotiations to acquire the property. Tommy added: 'It could turn out a nice place. I dont know if theyre going to build on it, I dont know what their aim is.' The demolition will affect properties on Ferguslie Park Avenue, Drums Avenue, Tannahill Road, and Tannahill Terrace. Once a thriving community, Tannahill Road in Paisley, Scotland, is now overwhelmed with waste, which has caused fury among residents and created a breeding ground for rats Although the deserted housing estate, located in the Ferguslie Park area, is due to be demolished next month, nearby residents are fed up of the mounting piles of waste Tommy Eggerty, 75, who lived on Tannahill Road for 19 years before relocating nearby, expressed his frustration with the council's lack of action This move has been met with relief from the community, including Terry McTernan, chair of Ferguslie Community Council. He said: 'We're delighted that this has eventually gone through. As Ive said before, if it was up to us, we would have it demolished tomorrow but we appreciate there are processes that need to be followed.' 'I do need to compliment the council on their increased and regular communication with us over recent months, particularly in regards to fly-tipping. 'The fly-tipping, it needs to be said though, is getting worse again. The buses couldnt even get through recently because of the fly-tipping. 'I understand there are efforts being made to try and reroute the bus route for obvious reasons anyway, but until thats done the bus still needs to get through.' The derelict housing estate is reported to have also been a magnet for anti-social behaviour, with the local authority recently confirming that there had been 16 fires in recent months. Councillor Graeme Clark, Labour representative for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, acknowledged the severity of the situation at a recent board meeting, citing multiple serious fires and significant fly-tipping in the area. Councillor John Shaw, SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, echoed these sentiments, expressing his satisfaction with the forthcoming demolition. Resident Tommy said: 'If it was happening where they stayed, they wouldn't put up with it. Its ridiculous because its going to be full of rats, thats for certain' Resident Tommy revealed how a local bus was unable to drive its usual route last week as litter was 'dumped in the middle of the road, and carpets were all over the place' The derelict estate on Tannahill Road is set to be demolished in July, following the approval of a 630,000 contract with demolition firm Caskie Renfrewshire Council has assured residents that measures are being taken to address the fly-tipping issue. A spokesperson stated: 'Officers have been in regular contact with local representatives and residents to listen to their concerns and keep them updated on the actions we are taking to address these issues.' 'Council officers have implemented a number of measures, including regular visits to investigate and clear fly-tipping and debris.' 'The access road to the site will soon be closed off to help stop illegal dumping and suitable surveillance measures will shortly be in place to help identify and fine those responsible.' It comes as fed up locals of the seaside town branded the worst in Britain say they have lost the battle against badly behaved drinkers vomiting in the streets and getting into fights, as well as rising homelessness. Skegness resident Rachel Barker has lived in seaside resort in Lincolnshire all her life, but says that most of her older friends have moved away because of the town's boozy reputation. The partner of a young woman killed in horror boat crash has been charged over her death four months after the tragedy. British expat Samantha Jones, 32, died when the boat she was travelling in crashed into the riverbank before becoming wedged under trees on the Hawkesbury River at Wilberforce in Sydney's north-west in February. The much loved hairdresser and St John's Ambulance volunteer died at the scene, despite the frantic efforts of NSW ambulance paramedics The alleged driver of the boat, a 38-year-old man was taken to Westmead Hospital for mandatory testing where he allegedly returned a positive result for alcohol. Police launched an investigation into Ms Jones' death and arrested the 38-year-old man on Tuesday. Samantha Jones, 32, was killed in a horror boat crash on the Hawkesbury River in February The boat Ms Jones was a passenger in crashed into the riverbank before becoming wedged under trees The partner of British expat Samantha Jones (pictured) has been charged over the fatal boat crash He was charged with dangerous navigation occasioning death and bailed to appear in Windsor Local Court on July 11. His boating licence has also been suspended. Police will allege that Ms Jones' partner, Brendan Faithfull, was driving the boat when it crashed into the riverbank on the Hawkesbury River, news.com.au reported. Faithful gave a touching eulogy to his 'beautiful' partner and 'soul mate' at his partner's funeral back home in England earlier this year, news.com.au reported 'Samantha you were truly the most beautiful person that I ever met,' Faithfull said. 'I cannot believe you are gone and I cannot imagine doing life without you. I am blessed for the time we shared and the memories we created. 'You are my soul mate and best friend forever.' Ms Jones had been embraced by the right-knit Hawkesbury community in Sydney's north-western outskirts. She worked locally as a hairdresser and volunteered as an Advanced Responder for the Hawkesbury Division of St John's Ambulance. In emotional tributes on a remembrance page following Ms Jones' memorial service at the Hawkesbury Race Club, one mourner described Ms Jones as 'bright and bubbly, ambitious and hard-working.' Heartbreaking tributes flowed for Samantha Jones (pictured) in the wake of the tragedy Ms Jones had been embraced by the Hawkesbury community, working as a hairdresser and volunteering for St. John's Ambulance Police allege that Ms Jones' partner Brendan Faithfull, was driving the boat when it crashed into the riverbank on the Hawkesbury River. Pictured is the scene Another wrote: 'Thinking of you Always Sam with Love , and as I look up to the Nighttime Sky, I will think of you, as YOU will be The BRIGHTEST, SPARKLY STAR SHINING IN THE SKY'. 'I will always remember you as the most happiest and sparkly of people always lovely to everyone you met and full of energy and sunshine,' another mourner wrote. Ms Jones' parents and sister wrote a heartfelt message on the St John's Ambulance dedication page. 'Our beautiful eldest daughter tragically taken from us on 4th Feb 2024 in a boating accident on the Hawkesbury river in Wilberforce NSW Australia,' the post read 'We were so proud when you became an Advanced Responder for the Hawkesbury Division of St John's after all your hard work, and you loved volunteering so much for them. 'We still can't believe you're gone we're so heartbroken.' They wrote how a collection at Ms Jones' funeral raised $1,140 (600) which will was split between St John's Ambulance NSW and St John's Ambulance UK. Never meet your heroes, they say. Just nine years ago biology student Jennifer Kowalski and her sister were among 15 lucky fans to come face to face with Taylor Swift backstage in Glasgow. The pop megastar, in the midst of her 1989 world tour, looked thrilled as the Scottish Swiftie siblings lifted her in the air after her sell-out show to 14,000 people at the SSE Hydro Arena in 2015. The sisters were wearing Tay Tay-inspired dresses and had even adapted their white trainers by writing 1989 on them before the dream-come-true meeting. But today Jennifer was one of two Just Stop Oil zealots who broke into Stansted armed with fire extinguishers filled with orange paint in search of her idol's private jet, which landed at the airport last night carrying her parents. Swifties haven't been happy with her use of private jets and at 5am this morning Kowalksi and co-conspirator Cole Macdonald, 22, defaced two planes on the Tarmac in the VIP area of the airfield - but apparently couldn't find Taylor's. The friends hugged after the attack and laughed as they said into camera: 'We just spray-painted the f*** out of this private jet - and the one behind'. MailOnline can reveal how Kowalski had once considered Swift her hero, calling her a 'legend' and claiming a lyric about being 'polite' but 'powerful' was her favourite quote. Jennifer Kowalski (left) and her sister lift up Taylor Swift backstage in 2015. Today former Swiftie Jennifer broke into Stansted searching for Taylor's private jet armed with orange paint - all in her support of Just Stop Oil Kowalski (left) and her co-conspirator Cole Macdonald (right), who was in court last month Jennifer Kowalski, 28, (pictured) is one of the JSO protesters who broke into Stansted to spray-paint private jets Kowalski shared this collage of Taylor Swift on her Facebook page while she was a university student Macdonald outside court with a Palestine flag Taylor Swift's plane (left) after landing at Stansted last night On board was Swift's father Scott (pictured) and mother Andrea as well as personal possessions and what appeared to be wine Her family would even throw parties when Taylor released new music and they saw her perform on a number of occasions in the UK. Kowalski also shared a collage of her favourite pictures of Taylor on Facebook while a biology student at the University of Aberdeen, which could have been homemade. And in a Q&A for an environmental magazine she was asked to tell readers something 'interesting about you', and replied: 'In 2015, I was one of 15 people chosen, out of about 14,000 to meet the legend that is Taylor Swift backstage after her show in Glasgow'. She added that Taylor Swift's song Marjorie, released in 2020, was an inspiration and the lyrics 'Never be so polite, you forget your power; never wield such power, you forget to be polite', was her favourite quote. Yet despite these words, today she busted her way into Stansted. Most recently the green fanatic says she was employed by the Department for Work and Pensions as a Sustainability Manager - even though she was also a proud 'full time activist' for JSO. Kowalski is still listed as a civil servant on her LinkedIn but MailOnline understands she left the DWP earlier this year. MailOnline can also reveal that her co-conspirator at Stansted, Cole Macdonald, 22, is a JSO activist from Brighton who was in court only a few weeks ago for another stunt - this time for the Palestinian cause. Kowalski and Macdonald were arrested at Stansted this morning after cutting through a fence. They then ran into the VIP area of the airfield and began spraying private jets before posing for selfies in front of the planes and hugging each other while waiting for police to arrive. Just Stop Oil claimed Taylor Swift's luxury jet was parked there while she is in the UK for her Eras Tour. But MailOnline understands it was not one of the two jets defaced. Video taken from the scene shows the two activists brazenly cutting through a wire fence at the perimeter of the airfield The pair then proceed to spray paint a series of jets before sitting proudly in front of their vandalism and embracing The group say they spray painted aircraft 'hours after Taylor Swift 's own jet arrived' Swift is in the UK for her world tour Macdonald was arrested and charged after she 'locked on' to a road in Sussex in protest against an American arms company based there as part of a Pro-Palestine protest last year. She pleaded not guilty at a hearing in May and will appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court in October where, if convicted, she could face up to six months in prison and a fine for a public order offence. Critics have said that her attack on Stansted again shows how often protesters are being bailed before committing more crimes. The attack came less than 24 hours after JSO yobs appalled the world by spraying Stonehenge orange. The protesters have been held on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use of national infrastructure. Yesterday, the headline-grabbing group targeted Stonehenge in Wiltshire by attacking the ancient monument with spray paint - leading Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to brand them 'a disgrace'. It is the latest in a series of attention seeking stunts the group has foisted on the public this summer Two Just Stop Oil activists have broken into a VIP private airfield at Stansted airport Far from raising awareness of climate change, their antics sparked widespread condemnation after it emerged activists could have irreparably damaged rare lichen that lives on the rock. Footage from Stansted this morning shows the pair brazenly cutting through a wire fence at the perimeter of the airfield and crawling under to gain access. The pair then proceed to spray paint a series of jets before sitting proudly in front of their vandalism and embracing in a smug hug. Sharing their breaking and entering on social media, a spokesman for the group 'justified' the action by declaring that '80% of the population had never taken a flight.' MailOnline understands the pair have since been arrested and has approached Essex Police for information. Speaking before the stunt, Jennifer Kowalski, 28, who describes herself as a full time JSO activist on Linked In claimed she 'had to take desperate measures to make her voice heard.' It is the latest in a series of attention seeking stunts the group has foisted on the public this summer. Yesterday, members of the public were forced to intervene after two Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed Stonehenge with orange paint sparking widespread condemnation. Just Stop Oil protesters have sprayed Stonehenge with orange paint yesterday Video footage posted on social media showed two people, wearing white shirts with Just Stop Oil emblazoned on the front, running up to the ancient monoliths with canisters and spraying paint all over them. In a heroic attempt to stop the group desecrating the stones, one woman was seen desperately trying to drag the protesters away before other members of the public piled in to help her. The protesters, who were named as Niamh Lynch, 21, a student from Oxford, and Rajan Naidu, 73, from Birmingham, have now been arrested by police on suspicion of damaging the historical monument. As police officers led the pair away, one man could be heard shouting: 'You dirty scum. This is a temple, not a publicity stunt!' Several stones - dating back to the late Neolithic period - were covered during the incident, which happened at around 12pm today, the day before the summer solstice is celebrated at Stonehenge, which is the heart of a World Heritage site. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned the attack as a 'disgraceful act of vandalism to one of the UK's and the world's oldest and most important monuments.' Video footage posted on social media showed two people wearing white shirts with Just Stop Oil on running up to the monoliths with canisters spraying paint Members of the public were seen trying to prevent the protesters by dragging them away Several stones were covered in the substance before the protesters stopped and sat cross legged on the grass The Prime Minister continued: 'Just Stop Oil should be ashamed of their activists, and they and anyone associated with them, including a certain Labour Party donor, should issue a condemnation of this shameful act immediately.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said 'Just Stop Oil are pathetic' after activists from the group targeted Stonehenge. In a tweet, he wrote: 'The damage done to Stonehenge is outrageous. Just Stop oil are pathetic. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.' Historian Tom Holland, who has previously hailed Stonehenge as one of Europe's most precious prehistoric sites, also criticised the attack. He wrote on X: 'Parade your concern for the planet by destroying endangered lichens. Sympathy transmuted into utter loathing.' Wiltshire Police said officers had attended the scene and arrested two people. A spokesman added: 'At around noon, we responded to a report that orange paint had been sprayed on some of the stones by two suspects. 'Officers attended the scene and arrested two people on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. 'Our inquiries are ongoing, and we are working closely with English Heritage.' Indian Embassy celebrates International Yoga Day in Washington The Indian Embassy in the US has organised a Yoga session in Washington ahead of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated worldwide on June 21. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy shared, "International Yoga Day 2024 celebrated by the Indian Embassy in the US at the picturesque and serene Wharf in Washington. Various community organisations participated enthusiastically in the Yoga and meditation session." Emphasising the global reach and popularity of Yoga, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy Supriya Ranganathan noted that the ancient practice of Yoga has travelled far and wide following its inception in India and today there are hundreds of millions of followers of this discipline around the world. Outlining the theme of International Yoga Day 2024, "Yoga for Self and Society", the event also aimed to promote adopting environment-friendly products and practices in daily life. "Highlighting International Yoga Day 2024 theme celebrating #YogaForSelfAndSociety, the event included elements to inspire the embrace of environment-friendly products and practices in daily life," the Embassy stated in another post. We've all heard the arguments for WFH - including that by slashing commute times it makes people work more efficiently. But a major new study has revealed that remote working does not, in fact, make you more productive. The first scientific experiment to measure the results of the Covid-era practice found that white-collar workers who are allowed to work from home for part of the week are not more efficient. The study involved around 1,600 workers from a Chinese technology company who were split randomly into two groups. One group was required to come into the office every day, while the other could follow a 'hybrid' system where they worked from home on Wednesdays and Fridays only. The study, published in the journal Nature, compared the two groups after six months. The researchers found no evidence that workers became more productive by working from home. However, they also found that people were 'happier' if they were allowed to work remotely. They also discovered that the rate at which the hybrid workers quit plunged by around a third. Nicholas Bloom of Stanford University suggested that the results would surprise people who 'love working from home and expect large productivity gains' - as well as those who 'hate working from home and expected the productivity impacts to be really negative'. 'Their claim would be that all the time saved travelling and the quiet at home would lead to a productivity surge for remote work,' he told The Times. A major new study has found that people do not work more productively if they WFH Six-figure salaries are on offer for people working from home across the UK post-pandemic It comes after MailOnline revealed how firms are offering would-be employees six-figure salaries - all while working from home. The highest-paid WFH jobs on offer are 150,000 per year, while billing supervisors are being recruited at 100,000 annually, according to job search website Jooble. Other options include working as a commercial property solicitor for up to 60,000, a tutor paid 51,000 per year and a human resources assistant on 40,000 - while an IT systems administrator can count on receiving up to 55,000 per year. Top-prized roles also include equity release advisors on 75,000 per annum, financial controllers offered 70,000 and remotely-working legal counsel hired for as much as 100,000 over the course of a year. Employers are targeting recruits who prefer clocking on from within the comfort of their own four walls - as Swedish furniture giant IKEA becomes the latest to tout new remote working roles. The company is offering rates of up to 13.15 per hour to serve customers from home as part of its virtual store Roblox crew - adding up to 43,197.75 per year. Those earnings are comfortably more than the UK's average salary of 34,963, according to the Office for National Statistics - 5.8 per cent up on last year's 33,061. WFH specialists online are touting roles they say pay as much as between 30 and 48 per hour, such as e-commerce assistants for app developers - and top salaries reach as high as 150,000 without needing to go into an office. Nine-hour working days across a whole year could net 48-hourly employees almost 158,000 - although online ads suggest much of such work is part-time, with a suggested minimum of five hours per week. Jooble says average salaries for people working from home in London is 66,845 - 51 per cent more than the UK average - and which amounts to 5,570 per month, 1,285 per week and 33.03 per hour. The company is currently promoting working from home roles such as service administrators paid an annual 43,000, photography agents on up to 54,000 and loan closers offered as much as 67,000. Other advertised posts include equity release advisors on 75,000 per annum, financial controllers offered 70,000 and remotely-working legal counsel hired for as much as 100,000 annually. Daily rates include 450 per day for data analysts in Leeds, 550 for similar roles in Cambridgeshire and the same for educational psychologists in Peterborough. A study conducted earlier this year concluded Brits are spending an average of less than two days a week in the office Roblox is a free online gaming platform that lets users build their own virtual worlds. It allows users to play games created by themselves or by others (file photo) Yet there can be drawbacks, with recent research suggesting that working from home can decrease overall productivity by as much as 20 per cent. TOP-PAYING WORKING FROM HOME JOBS 150,000 Mortgage advisor, Orphan Client Bank (Edinburgh) 150,000 Banking rates analyst (London) 100,000 Billing supervisor, SF Recruitment (Manchester) 100,000 Commercial contract solicitors legal counsel (London) 90,000 Legal counsel, Cutover (London) 80,000 Software engineer, Interact Consulting (Manchester) 75,000 Equity release advisor (Newcastle) 70,000 Financial controller (Manchester) 67,000 Investment bank executive assistant (London) 60,000 Venture capital data analyst (Birmingham) Source: Jooble.org Advertisement Jacob Rees-Mogg was one of the ministers pushing for civil servants to return to the office amid productivity fears. After it emerged that Britain was the working from home capital of Europe last July, he said: 'No wonder our productivity record, especially in the public sector, continues to be so bad.' Meanwhile, Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers, said: 'It is something that is definitely going to damage the economy. 'How, for example, can you start a new company from scratch if everyone works from home? How do you train the next generation of workers? Other countries are going back to the office while we lag behind.' But contact centre home working specialists Sensee insists 'homeworking is a better way' for employers, employees and customers. The job firm, which has tied up with businesses such as Bupa, Allianz, Northumbrian Water, Staysure and L&G, highlights research suggesting 74 per cent of workers say clocking on remotely gives them a better work-life balance. A third of businesses now allow their employees to log in from anywhere across the world, according to a study by accountancy firm RSM UK. Yet some firms are desperately trying to tempt Gen Z-ers back into the office by offering perks such as free breakfasts and woodland meditation retreats. Britain's post-lockdown WFH boom means many young workers are demanding 100 per cent remote-working and even refusing to come into the office for job interviews, bosses have said. One media chief told how the pendulum of power has swung away from the employer towards the employee, saying: 'Gen-Z candidates want to know what the employer can do for them first - theyre the ones in power.' James Micklethwait, vice-president of online educational firm Kahoot!, told MailOnline how the 'changing post-pandemic work environment' was prompting firms to offer better deals to WFH Gen Z-ers - for fear they could be tempted elsewhere if denied at least hybrid working. A recent survey by Deloitte found some 77 per cent of Gen Z-ers in the UK and 71 per cent of slightly older millennials would consider looking for a new job if told they had to turn up at their workplace full-time. Mr Micklethwait said: 'With many Gen Zs entering the workforce for the first time after having experienced remote education as a consequence of the pandemic, they are increasingly seeking non-traditional desk roles as a result. 'With this, companies need to manage the generational divide and begin to embrace technology that can ease their transition into the workplace. 'With Covid lockdowns permanently altering the way we work, it is likely that we will see an increase in roles that would have once been considered out of the ordinary, as employers look to appeal to the demands of younger, tech-minded workers.' Sausage-maker HECK has built a creche for dogs designed to look like the office staff work in next door.And a software firm with all staff working from home has decided to book a week in the sun for workers each year to make up for a lack of bonding in the office. More businesses are also handing out cakes on important days, free breakfasts and lunches as well as meditation courses in woodland, known as 'forest bathing'. Salary sacrifice schemes for crypto-currency and help with mortgages to get young people on the property ladder are also being provided more widely. Yet a survey of HR directors conducted by money-saving website Nous.co found 25-to-34-year-olds were unimpressed by offers of breakfasts, pool tables, after-work drinks - when they would prefer instead help with their finances and mental health. Health and Safety Executive figures reveal a rise in the number of days lost to stress, anxiety and depression post-pandemic, especially among younger age groups. Those in the 25-to-34 age bracket report more illness than any other group, while the proportion of those between 16 and 24 claiming work-related stress has overtaken that of people more than twice their age. The new IKEA roles promise 13.15 per hour to work in a virtual version of the company's stores. The 'fully remote' role will include helping customers choose their furniture while also serving up meatballs in a digital recreation of the IKEA bistro. The company is taking applications from now until this coming Sunday, though cautions that only 10 posts are available. Meanwhile, the boss of Santander UK - who earns 3.3million a year - has admitted he works from home and would not have accepted the job if he had to work in London five days a week. Chief executive Mike Regnier spends up to two days a week working in the company's main offices in Milton Keynes and London. For the rest of the week, the 52-year-old works from his home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, or travels the country to visit branches and other satellite offices. He said last month: 'I don't think it's absolutely vital that people spend all five days a week in the office as they did pre-Covid. 'And, actually, had it not been for Covid, I wouldn't have accepted this job, because I wouldn't have wanted to be away from home five days a week in London. That wouldn't have been good for the family or for me.' Yet earlier this year workers at Disney were called to return to the office for four days each week after managing director Bob Iger said 'nothing can replace' staff being physically together. And Goldman Sachs chief executive David Solomon described working from home as an 'aberration' that was bad for collaboration and innovation. The Mail revealed how fewer than four in ten civil servants working for the taxman are actually showing up to the office each day. Despite complaints about poor customer service, just 38 per cent of UK-based staff at His Majestys Revenue and Customs were at their desks on an average day last month, the Mail can reveal. This number fell to as low as 24 per cent for mandarins based in the departments Whitehall office. A 750ft cargo ship has sunk in the Red Sea days after Yemen's Houthi rebels said they launched a blistering drone attack on the vessel, reportedly killing one mariner on board. Dramatic footage released by the group shows the moment a barrage of rockets slammed into the MV Tutor, with a direct hit triggering a huge explosion after striking the centre of the defenceless coal carrier. It would be the second ship sunk as part of the rebels' campaign targeting Red Sea shipping after the Rubymar, which was carrying more than 41,000 tonnes of fertiliser, went down in March around two weeks after being struck by missiles. The sinking of the Tutor marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthis in their campaign of attacks on ships in the vital maritime corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The attack comes despite a months-long US-led campaign in the region that has seen the Navy face its most-intense maritime fighting since World War II, with near-daily attacks targeting commercial vessels and warship. A screengrab from footage made available by the Houthis media center shows flames and smoke rising from the explosion Smoke is seen rising from the vessel after the bombardment a few days ago The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated Tutor sank in the Red Sea, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said in a warning to sailors in the region. 'Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the last reported location,' the UKMTO said. 'The vessel is believed to have sunk.' The Houthis claimed to have used two different drone boats to hit the vessel from both its side and the stern. The ship is reported to have just completed a port call in Russia and was headed for Egypt when it was struck by an uncrewed surface vessel (USV). John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, said on Monday that the attack killed 'a crew member who hailed from the Philippines.' The Philippines has yet to acknowledge the death, but the man who had been aboard the Tutor has been missing for over a week in the Red Sea, which faces intense summertime heat. The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of the attack in 2000 on the USS Cole, a suicide assault by al-Qaida when the warship was at port in the Yemeni city of Aden, killing 17 on board. The Cole is now part of a US Navy operation in the Red Sea led by the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to try and halt the Houthi attacks, though the rebels continue their assaults. The Houthis have launched more than 60 attacks targeting specific vessels and fired off other missiles and drones in their campaign that has killed a total of four sailors. They've seized one vessel and sunk two since November. The Houthis claimed to have used two different drone boats to hit the vessel from both its side and the stern A US-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with a series of strikes May 30, killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say. In March, the Belize-flagged Rubymar carrying fertilizer cargo sank in the Red Sea after taking on water for days following a rebel attack. The Houthis have maintained that their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the United States or Britain. However, many of the ships they've attacked have little or no connection to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The outline of the bulk carrier can be seen in the distance with smoke rising from an explosion The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated Tutor sank in the Red Sea, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said 'It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed,' the shipping industry said in a joint statement Wednesday. 'This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now,' it said. The war in Gaza has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. A recent report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency said that container shipping through the Red Sea has declined by 90 per cent since December because of the attacks. As much as 15 per cent of the world's maritime traffic flows through that corridor. Meanwhile, the Houthis said on Wednesday that US-led airstrikes targeted Raymah, a province in Yemen under rebel control. The Houthi-controlled SABA news agency described a local radio station's building as being 'totally destroyed' in the strikes. It would be the second ship sunk as part of the rebels' campaign targeting Red Sea shipping after the Rubymar went down in March About a week earlier, the Houthis said similar strikes killed two people and wounded nine others, without saying if those hurt were fighters or civilians. Later in the day, SABA also reported US-led strikes targeting the port city of Hodeida. The US military's Central Command said in a statement early Thursday it destroyed 'one ground control station and one command and control node in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen' in the strikes. It also claimed destroying two Houthi drone boats in the Red Sea as well over the last 24 hours. A notorious bank robber who gained infamy by staging a series of armed heists during a 10-year spree is reportedly so ill that he may die within days before he's sentenced. Sources close to Kym Allen Parsons, 73, claim that he is 'suffering' with late stage terminal cancer and should be freed from custody to end his life with a voluntary assisted dying kit he is in possession of at South Australia's Flinders Medical Centre. They claimed that the Adelaide man dubbed the 'Bicycle Bandit' is so poorly that he may not live to see his original sentencing date on June 28. At an urgent hearing in the South Australian Supreme Court on Thursday, Parsons asked a judge to sentence him 'as soon as possible'. Justice Sandi McDonald told the hearing she was not ready to sentence Parsons but brought the sentencing date four days forward to next Monday. Kym Allen Parsons, 73, has confessed to being the so-called Bicycle Bandit who committed a string of bank armed hold-ups between 2004 and 2014 Defence lawyer James Marcus earlier requested Parsons to be freed on home detention bail out of 'mercy'. He said his client, who's currently in custody the Adelaide Remand Centre, 'is feeling very poorly and is suffering' but wished to sentenced before he died. 'Upon reflection, he does not wish to access the VAD procedures until your Honour has passed sentence and so some of the urgency of today is perhaps allayed,' Mr Marcus told the court on Thursday. Justice McDonald said the earliest she could sentence him by was Monday, despite a request to do so by 2pm Thursday. 'I think the best I could do, to do justice to the process and to the victims and all the parties involved, would be to sentence Mr Parsons on Monday,' Justice said. 'Is that tolerable for you, Mr Parsons?' she asked. He replied: 'Yes, thank you very much, Your Honour.' A source close to Parsons told the Advertiser he had 'literally two weeks to live. It comes after Parsons pleaded guilty to 10 counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery and firearms charges for offences committed between 2004 and 2014, the Advertiser reported. He tearfully read out a statement admitting to being the masked the gun-wielding bandit and pledged to repay the $358, 976.90 he had stolen, putting his actions down to 'illogical and irrational' thinking. Earlier this week Parsons, who may only have days to live, tearfully confessed to being the 'Bicycle Bandit One of the traumatised victims of Parsons' robbing spree has called for him to remain behind bars for the rest of his life saying not doing so would be 'getting away with it'. The former bank worker, who has stage four cancer and may have less than a year to live, said Parsons should spend the rest of his life, however short that was, behind bars. 'People can say I'm inhumane, I don't care the law is the law, a sentence is a sentence, and he has to be held accountable,' she told the Advertiser. 'He did wrong and not just once it was 10 bloody times, almost 11 he is where he belongs, and he should not have access to his VAD kit while there. 'Parsons pleaded guilty but he's not going to serve his full term if he has his kit, then he's got a way to give himself an out and basically get away with it.' Parsons would rob banks by parking a bicycle outside and walking in with his face concealed by a helmet of balaclava If the teller did not pass over the cash Parsons would become more threatening on on occasions fired shots Parson admitted to having stole $358, 976.90 during his 10-month spree of robbing banks PUSH BIKE BANDIT'S ALLEGED BANK ROBBERIES 21 May 2004 at ANZ Mannum 26 July 2004 at ANZ Lobethal 17 March 2005 at BankSA Blackwood 19 September 2005 at BankSA Mt Pleasant 21 April 2006 at BankSA Tanunda 14 December 2006 at ANZ Yankalilla 26 July 2007 at BankSA Mt Pleasant 14 September 2007 at ANZ Yankalilla 27 June 2008 at ANZ Balaklava June 26 2009 at BankSA Willunga May 4 2011 at Westpac St Ives June 13 2011 at Westpac Edgecliffe June 24 2011 at Westpac St Leonards November 2011 at Westpac Bondi Junction November 2011 at Westpac Five Dock September 4 2014 at BankSA Mt Pleasant April 17 2015 at ANZ Lobethal Advertisement Parsons was first caught on bank security cameras in the South Australian town of Mannum in 2004, and he struck 10 banks in the state over the next five years before disappearing from view. In 2011, it is suspected that the same man reappeared suddenly robbing banks in Sydney. He would cycle to the branch he intended to rob, park his bike at the front - even sometimes bringing it inside with him - and enter the bank wearing sunglasses, a bike helmet or hat to obscure his face. Once at the counter he would point the gun, ussually a semi-automatic rifle in the style of a Russian AK-47, at the bank clerk and presents the bag for them to fill. If those demands were not met he would grow increasingly threatening and fired shots at least three times. During a robbery at Balaklava in 2008 Parsons used the rifle to threaten a police officer who responded to the hold-up alarm. The Just Stop Oil eco-clowns who thought they were targeting Taylor Swift's plane spray-painted a private jet that belongs to a US bank, MailOnline can reveal. Jennifer Kowalski, 28, and Cole Macdonald, 22, broke into Stansted airport's VIP airfield just hours after the pop sensation landed in London ahead of this weekend's Eras Tour shows in Wembley. Video shows the pair using a disc cutter to slice through a chain link fence at the airport's perimeter, before using fire extinguishers to spray orange paint on the aircraft. We can reveal that one of the planes targeted was an 18-seat Gulfstream G650 owned by US Bank, which would be worth around 60million when new, according to documents we have seen. The private aviation terminal at Stansted Airport is operated by Harrods Aviation One of the planes targeted was an 18-seat Gulfstream G650 owned by US Bank Jennifer Kowalski and Cole Macdonald broke into Stansted airport's VIP airfield just hours after the pop sensation landed in London ahead of this weekend's Wembley shows In a post on X, Just Stop Oil said: 'Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where @taylorswift13's jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030.' The accompanying video shows one of the activists cutting a hole in the airfield's metal fence using an angle grinder. One activist, wearing a Just Stop Oil T-shirt, can then be seen spraying the fuselage and windows of two parked white planes with orange paint, before both then sit together in front of the planes on the tarmac. Officers were called at around 5am after reports of people gaining access to a private area of an airfield at Stansted Airport, Essex Police said. Two people had entered an area 'well away from the runway and main passenger terminal' before causing damage to two aircraft. A 22-year-old woman from Brighton and a 28-year-old woman from Dumbarton have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure, the force said. It added the airport and flights are operating as normal. One activist can be seen spraying the fuselage and windows of two parked white planes with orange paint Video shows the pair using a disc cutter to slice through a chain link fence at the airport's perimeter, before using fire extinguishers to spray orange paint on the aircraft Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: 'I would like to reassure passengers and the wider public that we are well prepared and resourced to deal with incidents of this nature. 'Almost immediately after we were made aware of this incident, which took place away from the main passenger terminal, we were on the scene. We maintain a constant presence at the airport and this presence will be heightened over the summer period. We are not anti protest but we will always take action where criminal acts take place.' Macdonald, from Brighton, said: 'We're living in two worlds: one where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unliveable conditions are being imposed on countless millions. 'Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending 'cruel summer'. 'Billionaires are not untouchable, climate breakdown will affect every single one of us.' Kowalski, former sustainability manager from Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, said: 'Over the years, I've had to realise that even working in sustainability provides me with essentially no ability to make the necessary changes to prevent the complete collapse of our natural systems. I have to take desperate measures to make my voice heard. 'In 2024 we all have to be considering what we can do each day to change the course our society is on. We need an emergency treaty to stop the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030.' The group's latest protest comes after two Just Stop Oil activists sprayed orange paint on the prehistoric Stonehenge monument on Wednesday. MailOnline has approached US Bank and Harrods Aviation, who run the private terminal at Stansted Airport, for comment. A man has allegedly led police on an 100km cross-border chase which ended when he jumped from a moving truck and swarmed by officers. Police were alerted to reports of a truck allegedly driving dangerously on the Princes Highway in Bangalow, west of Byron Bay in northern NSW on Thursday. The alleged driver, 27, allegedly didn't pull over when directed, sparking a pursuit through rural towns and across the Queensland border. Queensland officers joined the pursuit which ended two hours later when the man allegedly jumped from the moving truck on the Pacific Motorway on Gold Coast and allegedly fled into nearby shrubbery. The Queensland man was promptly arrested and taken to a police station where he is assisting officers with inquiries. No charges have been laid. A man has been arrested after allegedly leading NSW and Queensland Police on an over 100km cross-border pursuit after refusing to stop a truck (pictured) A NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the pursuit was called off after the truck exited the M1 onto Tweed Valley Way. Highway Patrol and PolAir continued to monitor the truck as it allegedly sped through rural NSW before road spikes were used at two locations. The truck continued on its northerly path and into the Sunshine State despite both front tyres being popped. Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen said the alleged driver only abandoned the vehicle when it appears to have run out of fuel. The man in high-vis can be seen in footage taken by Seven News jumping from the truck and running into nearby bushes lining the M1 before police took up chase on foot. One officer was treated for a cut to his eye which he sustained while jumping a fence during in pursuit. The man was arrested by police on the M1 near the Gold Coast when he jumped from the moving truck (pictured) after it appeared to have run out of petrol Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen said the alleged driver had 'tested his hand against the New South Wales and Queensland Police'. He added the truck was driving in an 'extremely dangerous manner' and was 'causing crashes and causing risk of serious injury'. 'We know it struck at least four vehicles,' Senior Sergeant Wiblen told reporters. 'This was a highly motivated driver who was (allegedly) intent on causing harm to members of the public. 'We were fortunate to take him into custody without very serious injury.' Police added that the man will be charged with 'a series of very serious driving offences'. The last person to speak to Jay Slater claims 'something sinister is going on' as family fears he could have been kidnapped grow with each passing day the teenager is not found. The apprentice bricklayer, 19, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last heard from on Monday morning as he tried to walk home along a mountainous path in north-west Tenerife. He rang his friend Lucy Law to say he was lost, dehydrated and only had one per cent battery on his phone, but the call cut out suddenly and he has not been seen or heard from since. His mother, Debbie Duncan believes Jay has been 'taken against his will', although Spanish police have never said this is a line of enquiry and are treating him as a missing person. Today, Lucy repeated those fears, exclusively telling MailOnline that 'the whole thing is just so weird' and out of character for the teenager. Lucy Law (pictured) was the last person to speak to Jay Slater before he went missing. She now fears he has been kidnapped Debbie Duncan (left) is also working off the assumption that her son (right) has been kidnapped after receiving a sickening Snapchat Jay Slater, 19, went missing on Monday morning, sparking a huge search mission on the island of Tenerife The search for Jay has entered its fourth day on Thursday in Tenerife. Pictured June 20 Volunteer firemen searching for missing Jay Slater in Tenerife on Thursday. Pictured June 20 She said: 'It's been three days now since he was last seen and the more time goes on the more I'm sure he has been taken. At first I wasn't so sure but now I'm convinced. 'He is not stupid if he left the house on his own he would have walked to the road and then tried to flag a car down or stop someone for help. 'The last time we heard from him it was around 9am so the place where he would have been walking would have had hikers and holidaymakers. 'The more time passes and he has not been seen then the more we are convinced he has been taken by someone and is being held against his will.' Jay was last seen getting into a car with two people he met on Sunday night after NRG music festival in south Tenerife. He travelled with them to a property in Rural de Teno Park, a 40-minute drive or 10-hour walk from where he was staying in Playa de las Americas. Jay's final Snapchat picture is an out-of-focus image of a hand holding a cigarettes at a property in the Buenavista del Norte area at 7.30am on Monday. The search for Jay has entered its fourth day with mountain rescue crews, sniffer dogs and police scouring the remote north-west side of the island for any signs of him. Jay's mother Debbie is pictured Thursday during the fourth day of the search The hotel apartments where Jay was staying whilst in Los Cristianos The police are searching the flats where he was staying in Los Cristianos Lucy (pictured) now desperately fears that her friend has been 'taken against his will' Spanish police out searching for missing teenager Jay Slater in the Masca Gorge on June 19 Sniffer dogs have been deployed in the search for Jay Slater in north-west Tenerife on June 19 The search mission has entered its third day. Pictured: Rescuers on June 19 Around 15 of Jay's family and friends have flown out to Tenerife to help with the search, including his mother Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater and brother Zak. Yesterday afternoon, concern for Jay's wellbeing deepened as the chaotic search to track him down shifted dramatically. The search had centred on the remote area near the village of Masca in north-west Tenerife. But suddenly police focus shifted to the tourist hotspots of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas in south Tenerife, after a false sighting of him getting out of a taxi. It later emerged the report was false and police, having wasted precious time in the blistering 27C heat, were forced to move attention back to their original site. Ms Law slammed Spanish police for not taking the hunt seriously, adding 'I think they could be doing more'. She told MailOnline: 'I know they have had a helicopter and drones up but to be honest I think they could be doing more. 'The other day I was on Veronica's Strip in Los Cristianos and I picked up some information and I went to the Guardia Civilia and they said "who is Jay Slater?" 'Can you believe that? It doesn't really give you much confidence does it. I've been out looking and so have his friends and family. Jay's final Snapchat picture was posted at 7.30am on Monday from the house where he had travelled to with two men in a remote part of Tenerife Lucy (pictured) went to Tenerife with Jay Slater and another friend but their first ever friends' holiday turned into a nightmare when Jay disappeared 'We are just all so desperate for some news, we need people to keep looking we need Jay back. 'The whole thing is just so weird someone must have seen him, we are all extremely worried and the more it goes on the more dodgier it looks. 'I just think the fact that no one has seen him makes it all the more sinister.' Ms Duncan also fears her son could have been kidnapped, saying he is 'streetwise' and 'not stupid'. She said: 'I've got a bad feeling. I'm being warned there's a lot of bad people in Tenerife. I just think he's being held against his will. He's not a stupid lad. He wouldn't have gone walking down bloody mountains. 'There's no ransom demand come in yet. I've told them [police] my suspicions, that I think Jay's been taken up north by people against his will.' Jay's mother Debbie (pictured) made a heartbreaking plea for her son to return alive and well on Wednesday evening Since he went missing, Ms Duncan has been receiving sickening phone calls from Brits with 'northern accents' claiming to have kidnapped her son. Yesterday, she revealed another horrifying message sent to her just moments after touching down in Tenerife. It read: 'Kiss goodbye to your boy, you're never going to see him again, he owes me a lot of money.' On Thursday, Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay was studying for his apprenticeship, issued a statement. It said: 'We are deeply concerned about the recent news regarding one of our apprentices, Jay Slater, who has gone missing while on holiday in Tenerife. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students are of utmost importance to us, and our thoughts at this worrying time are with Jay's family and friends.' Jay is seen in this image shared to his friend Lucy's social media days before he disappeared Pictured are drones in the sky searching for Jay yesterday A screenshot of Jay's last known location where his phone battery died Police were checking vans yesterday to try and find the teenager A MailOnline graphic detailing the timeline of events from when Jay attended the three-day NRG festival to his location when his phone died at around 8.50am on Monday Speaking from the south of the island where her son had been staying, mother Debbie said: 'I'm obviously beside myself with worry which is why I've flown out here with my eldest son to do anything we can to help. 'We're just praying the police or someone finds Jay. I know there's a mountain rescue team out and a helicopter. 'Nothing's ever going to be enough when your youngest son's gone missing but it sounds as if the police here are taking this very seriously and doing the best job they can.' Debbie also revealed she had received several prank calls from hidden numbers claiming they had taken her son and held him for ransom, describing the pranksters' jokes as 'sickening'. After around seven fake GoFundMe pages were set up and debunked by his family, a real fundraising page by Jay's friends has now been verified. More than 13,000 has been raised since the fundraiser went live. What's the biggest eel you have caught? An angler is celebrating after he reeled in Britain's largest ever freshwater eel breaking a 46-year record that was thought to be unbeatable. Steve Ricketts 'shouted in shock' when he saw the size of the 11lbs 3oz and 47 inch long eel on his hook in the water. It is estimated that the monster eel - which has a girth of 12 inches and was caught in a lake in Kent - is 40-years-old. Mr Ricketts, 62, narrowly beat the previous record catch of 11lb 2oz by Steve Terry on the Kingfisher Lake in Hampshire in 1978. The eel was weighed on three sets of scales to ensure the recording was spot on. The European eel, which Mr Ricketts released back into the water safe and well, has been confirmed as an official record by the British Record Fish Committee (BRFC). The 62-year-old said he was still in 'shock' as the record was thought to be 'unbeatable'. What's the biggest eel you have caught? Email: olivia.christie@mailonline.co.uk Steve Ricketts (pictured) 'shouted in shock' when he saw the size of the 11lbs 3oz and 47 inch long eel on his hook in the water It is estimated that the monster eel - which was caught in a lake in Kent - is 40-years-old Mr Ricketts, from Catford, south London, said: 'Initially I didn't think the eel was that big. It wasn't putting up a big fight and felt more like a 6 pounder. 'It had a small head so when that popped out the water, I still didn't think it was that big. 'But when I saw the rest of it surface, I shouted out in shock. 'My net has 3ft arms, and with the fish's head at the spreader block, a load of its body was still hanging out the back. 'I weighed it then got another carp angler to do the same as I couldn't believe it. 'I think it still has not sunk in yet because nobody thought that record would be beaten.' The National Anguilla Club for eel anglers, of which Mr Ricketts is a member, posted on social media: 'OFFICIAL NEWS - A new British record. 'Most of us have grown up with Steve Terry's record eel thought to be unbeatable. Mr Ricketts, 62, narrowly beat the previous record catch of 11lb 2oz by Steve Terry on the Kingfisher Lake in Hampshire in 1978 'But with Steve Ricketts' recent epic capture the unthinkable has become reality. 'Steve's scales were verified as 0.2 grams light and after all the evidence has been checked and verified by the BRFC they have just announced a new British record of 11lb 3oz will be issued. 'A huge congratulations to NAC member Steve Ricketts on a truly remarkable and inspiring capture.' News of the record sparked excitement among fellow anglers who hailed the 'truly amazing creature'. Lee Swords said: 'That is probably the fish of my lifetime, a truly amazing creature. Simon Joyce added: 'A breathtaking capture huge congratulations to Steve from one who knows how tough big eel fishing is.' The trial of Russian-American ballerina accused of committing treason by donating $50 to Ukraine's military has begun in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. Her trial will be held behind closed doors, as is customary in such cases in Russia. The court in Yekaterinburg published a short video of Ksenia Karelina sitting in a glass cage, wearing jeans and a green plaid shirt. She smiled faintly as reporters snapped photographs. 33-year-old Karelina, a Los Angeles resident who became a US citizen in 2021, was detained earlier this year by Vladimir Putin's Federal Security Service, the FSB, while visiting her grandparents in Yekaterinberg and has been branded an American spy by Moscow. She was accused of 'funding the Ukrainian armed forces' and taking part in 'public actions to support the Kyiv regime', after she allegedly donated a $51.80 to a Ukrainian charity in the US. Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian national detained on suspicion of treason, attends a court hearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia on Thursday Karelina could face up to 20 years in prison. Her case fuels fears that Putin is building up a pool of hostages with dual nationalities Despite scant evidence, Russian prosecutors will argue the money was used to finance the Ukrainian army, and purchase ammunition, which could send her to jail for between 12 and 20 years under draconian Putin laws. It is understood that when she arrived at Koltsovo airport in Yekaterinburg her cell phone was checked using the search word 'Ukraine'. Law enforcement allegedly found evidence of a bank transfer for $51.80 to a pro-Ukrainian foundation in America. They did not detain her immediately but invited her the next day to come to a police station. When she arrived, it is reported by Yekaterinburg journalist Dmitry Kolezev, that she was confronted by FSB officers. The US-Russian citizen is an amateur ballerina and works as an aesthetician in LA Karelina was arrested after a visit to Russia after she was discovered to have donated around $50 to a Ukrainian charity Karelina is among several American citizens being held in Russian prisons, and her case has further fuelled fears that Western citizens who also have Russian passports are being targeted for arrest in Russia She was then held for 14 days on an administrative charge of 'using obscene language in a public place'. After the two week period was up, she was told she was facing more serious charges alleging treason. Her former mother-in-law, Eleonora Srebroski, told Reuters in February that Karelina, who worked at a spa in Beverley Hills, had travelled home around the New Year after her boyfriend surprised her with a plane ticket. She had assured her boyfriend that Russia was 'safe' and that he had no reason to fear her traveling there, according to Srebroski. Srebroski said Karelina had made a small donation to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based nonprofit that sends non-military assistance to the country, invaded by Russian forces in 2022. Karelina, who is in her early thirties, moved to the US in 2012 through a work-study program Pavel Karelina, 56, previously told DailyMail.com the family is 'at a loss to understand what's going on' with their daughter Ksenia On her Facebook page, Karelina says that she's from Yekaterinburg and that she studied ballet at the S. P. Diaghilev school Video released shortly after her arrest earlier this year showed Ksenia blindfolded in custody Karelina, who is in her early thirties, arrived in the US in 2012 via a work-study program and was briefly married to Srebroski's son. Her ex-husband has described her as a fun-loving woman who didn't care much for politics. In a statement, Razom's CEO Dora Chomiak said the organization is 'appalled' at Karelina's arrest. 'Vladimir Putin has repeatedly shown that he holds no sovereign border, foreign nationality or international treaty above his own narrow interest,' Chomiak said. 'His regime attacks civil society activists who stand up for freedom and democracy.' Karelina is among several American citizens being held in Russian prisons, and her case has further fuelled fears that Western citizens who also have Russian passports are being targeted for arrest in Russia. Just this week, Russian prosecutors confirmed that The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, the American journalist who was arrested on espionage charges, will stand trial on June 26. An Australian dad allegedly caught with meth in Bali says he now regrets his actions as he faced court for the second time. Troy Andrew Smith, 49, appeared in Denpasar District Court on Thursday as his trial continued. The father-of-two originally from Port Lincoln in South Australia, was allegedly caught with 3.19g of methamphetamine inside a Colgate toothpaste container at Champlung Mas Hotel in Legian on April 30. Police allegedly found a further 0.4g of the drug that had been bought in Bali, along with a bong and a lighter. The charges carry a maximum 12-year sentence. Smith was seen before the trial hearing sitting with his head bowed, looking dejectedly into his hands. Wearing a white business shirt, tan slacks and brown riding boots with matching belt, Smith sat during the hearing with a stony expression and hands tightly clenched. His lawyer Ida Bagus Gumilang Galih Sakti told reporters outside court that Smith would appeal to Indonesia's highest court if he's denied the chance 'to cure his addiction.' Australian Troy Andrew Smith, 49, is facing a possible 12 years in an Indonesian jail after being allegedly caught with meth in Bali He told the court he regretted his actions as he opened up about his drug use. 'I respect Bali, I respect Indonesia, I feel sorry,' Mr Smith told the court on Thursday. Mr Smith told the court that he ordered the drugs from a man in Australia three weeks before his arrest. He added that the drugs was not for sale but for personal use. Smith told the court that he had used meth routinely on a daily basis to reduce depression and anxiety since 2020. He added that the last time he used the drugs was April 29, one day before his arrest. Troy Smith told the court hearing held in Denpasar District Court on Thursday that he regretted his actions The trial also heard from two police officers investigating the matter and the prosecutor also read out statements from two hotel staff who saw the arrest. Smith had originally been languishing in a shared prison cell with a dozen other inmates but was released to a rehabilitation facility last month. Bali's National Narcotic Agency authorised the release concluding he 'was using drugs for himself' and not part of a criminal enterprise. The trial resumes next Thursday (June 27) to hear prosecutor's demand. Defence lawyer Ida Bagus Gumilang Galih Sakti told reporters on Thursday that Smith was an addict who only used the drug for personal use and argued the appropriate course was rehabilitation rather than punishment. At the time of his arrest Mr Smith was enjoying an extended honeymoon in Bali with his Nigerian-born wife Tracy Ijusa He said witnesses were asked if 'there is any proof of conversation of Smith is selling or trying to share it with other person' but there was none. He also claimed that police had found nothing to suggest he was trafficker on his phone. 'Troy used it for himself and doesn't have any relation with any drug trafficking,' Mr Sakti told reporters. 'The purpose is for his own consumption and then used to reduce his depression because of the 2020 Covid (pandemic).' Mr Sakti said an attending doctor had recommended Smith be in rehabilitation for six months. The lawyer stressed how remorseful Smith was but he couldn't help taking drugs because he was an addict. 'I've been with Troy for almost two, up to three months, and I know he tell the truth,' Mr Sakti said. 'From the first time he get arrested, he really regrets what he's doing, and then he is asking for forgiveness to the panel of the judges and then also from the citizens of Indonesia.' Mr Smith is a father-of-two and hails from Port Lincoln in South Australia but was living in Cairns at the time of his arrest 'He doesn't mean to disrespect Indonesian, the law or the regulation.' 'He cannot control himself to doing it because he's addictive.' Mr Sakti expressed hope the prosecution would also call for rehabilitation. 'We are asking the judges to please to give a chance to Mr Troy to cure his addiction,' Mr Sakti said. Mr Sakti vowed 'to fight until we get the rehabilitation' and said if the court did not decide this then Smith would appeal to Indonesia's highest court. So because based on the court today, all the witnesses are talking about the rehabilitation and then for his own consumption if the judges are going to do different things and then we will fight under the highest court. Smith, who now lives in the north Queensland city of Cairns had been honeymooning in Bali with new wife Tracy Ijusa at the time of the arrest. Mr Smith and Ms Ijusa took a number of happy snaps as they enjoyed their honeymoon in Bali Troy Smith (pictured at last week's court hearing was let of out of crowded Indonesian prison cell last month and transferred to a rehabilitiation centre After Mr Smith popped the question in Bali in October and the pair married at the end of December in Nairobi, in the capital of Kenya, where Ms Ijusa is from. Photos from the day show the pair loved up at the Lenana Mount Hotel while other photos show them visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve wildlife conservation park. The couple then returned to Bali, with snaps showing the pair enjoying time on the Indonesian island since February. One pictures show the newlyweds at the Hard Rock Cafe in Kuta, while others captured them lounging around in a resort pool and celebrating at a beach party. In one caption of the pair, Ms Ijusa, who describes herself as a fashion blogger and Instagram model, wrote, 'My favourite place in the world is next to you'. Smith had struggled with alcoholism earlier in his life which resulted in his children cutting off contact with him and his marriage breaking down. He said his world changed after meeting Ms Ijusa. The death toll at the hajj pilgrim has exceeded 1,000 after a brutal heatwave saw temperatures topping 50C at the world's biggest gathering of Muslims in Saudi Arabia. Shocking images showed people being stretchered away and collapsing on the streets after they fell victim to the searing heat, while many others suffered severe heatstroke and had to be urgently rushed inside. Unregistered pilgrims make up more than half of those who have perished, with many unable to access air-conditioned facilities and help from authorities. Around 10 countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam which all Muslims with the means must complete at least once. The national meteorological centre reported a high of 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) this week at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. A British Imam described the scenes as 'harrowing' and said that it was impossible for pilgrims to walk through the streets and not to see people suffering from the heat. A Hajj pilgrim is carried away on a stretcher, his fate unknown, after an intense heatwave in Mecca left more than a thousand dead A man, affected by the scorching heat, is helped by a member of the Saudi security forces as Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina on June 16, 2024 A man, suffering from apparent heatstroke, is helped by another Muslim pilgrim earlier this week Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun as they arrive at the base of Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the hajj pilgrimage Rescuers carry away a man, affected by the scorching heat, on a stretcher Fire crews carry a stretcher through crowds as temperatures soar at the annual gathering 'There are so many stories from the pilgrims who are with me about what they saw in the streets, particularly last Sunday,' he told the BBC. 'As you were walking, you could not walk 20 yards except you would see someone struggling in the heat. 'People were doing whatever they could to shade themselves, they were taking water from kind individuals who were giving them towels, they were taking shade in hotel receptions. 'It was harrowing at times, I've never seen so many people struggle collectively.' He went on to say that while authorities had been on hand to help, they need to learn lessons from the awful scenes caused by the extreme heat, made worse by overcrowding. Around 1.8 million pilgrims took part in the hajj this year, 1.6 million of them from abroad, according to Saudi authorities. Each year tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt to perform the hajj through irregular channels as they cannot afford the often costly procedures for official hajj visas. This places these off-the-books pilgrims at risk as they cannot access air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities along the hajj route. A Muslim pilgrim splashes water on his head to cools off at the base of Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat Around 1.8 million pilgrims took part in the hajj this year, 1.6 million of them from abroad, according to Saudi authorities Muslim pilgrims walk under mist dispensers, which Saudi authorities have set up to try to keep people cool Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage 'I think the Saudi authorities perhaps do need to start thinking about controlling the numbers of how many pilgrims come each and every year,' the British Imam said. 'With climate change, with the fact that the pilgrimage happens in the summer months, they really need to look into this in more detail.' The hajj, whose timing is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, fell again this year during the oven-like Saudi summer. The national meteorological centre reported a high of 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) this week at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. A Saudi study published last month said temperatures in the area are rising 0.4 degrees Celsius each decade. Each year tens of thousands of pilgrims try to join the hajj through irregular channels as they cannot afford the often costly official permits. Pilgrims shield themselves from the sun as temperatures soar past 50C in Mecca More than a thousand died in the blistering heat of Saudi Arabia at this year's gathering The pilgrimage is increasingly affected by climate change, according to a Saudi study published last month that said temperatures in the area where rituals are performed were rising 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) each decade Saudi authorities reported clearing hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca this month, but it appears many still participated in the main rites which began last Friday. This group was more vulnerable, because without official permits they could not access air-conditioned spaces provided for the 1.8 million authorised pilgrims to cool down. 'People were tired after being chased by security forces before Arafat day. They were exhausted,' one Arab diplomat told AFP on Thursday of Saturday's day-long outdoor prayers that marked the hajj's climax. The diplomat said the main cause of death among Egyptian pilgrims was the heat, which triggered complications related to high blood pressure and other issues. Egyptian officials were visiting hospitals to obtain information and help Egyptian pilgrims get medical care, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday. 'However, there are large numbers of Egyptian citizens who are not registered in hajj databases, which requires double the effort and a longer time to search for missing persons and find their relatives,' it said. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has ordered that a 'crisis cell' headed by the prime minister follow up on the deaths of the country's pilgrims. Sisi stressed 'the need for immediate coordination with the Saudi authorities to facilitate receiving the bodies of the deceased and streamline the process,' said a statement from his office. More fatalities were also confirmed on Thursday by Pakistan and Indonesia. Out of around 150,000 pilgrims, Pakistan has so far recorded 58 deaths, a diplomat told AFP. 'I think given the number of people, given the weather, this is just natural,' the diplomat said. Indonesia, which had around 240,000 pilgrims, raised its death toll to 183, its religious affairs ministry said, compared with 313 deaths recorded last year. Deaths have also been confirmed by Malaysia, India, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, Sudan and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. In many cases, authorities have not specified the cause. The pilgrimage is increasingly affected by climate change, according to a Saudi study published last month Muslim devotees walk around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on June 13, 2024 Pilgrim deaths are reported every year, not only due to heat but also the difficulty of the walk and the sheer amount of people who undertake it Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage, in Mina on June 16, 2024 Muslim pilgrim arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina on June 16, 2024 Pilgrims were seen passing out on the side of the road amid blistering conditions at this year's gathering A sea of umbrellas was all that could be seen on this street as people protected themselves from the sun Friends and relatives have been searching for missing pilgrims, scouring hospitals and pleading online for news, fearing the worst. Two diplomats told AFP Thursday that Saudi authorities had begun the burial process for dead pilgrims, cleaning the bodies and putting them in white burial cloth and taking them to be interred. 'The burial is done by the Saudi authorities. They have their own system so we just follow that,' said one diplomat, who said his country was working to notify loved ones as best it could. The other diplomat said that given the number of fatalities it would be impossible to notify many families ahead of time, especially in Egypt which accounts for so many of the dead. Saudi Arabia has not provided information on fatalities, though it reported more than 2,700 cases of 'heat exhaustion' on Sunday alone. Last year various countries reported more than 300 deaths during the hajj, mostly Indonesians. The timing of the hajj moves back about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar, meaning that next year it will take place earlier in June, potentially in cooler conditions. A 2019 study by the journal Geophysical Research Letters said because of climate change, heat stress for hajj pilgrims will exceed the 'extreme danger threshold' from 2047 to 2052 and 2079 to 2086, 'with increasing frequency and intensity as the century progresses'. Hosting the hajj is a source of prestige for the Saudi royal family, and King Salman's official title includes the words 'Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques', in Mecca and Medina. The hajj has seen a number of disasters over the years, most recently in 2015 when a stampede during the 'stoning the devil' ritual killed up to 2,300 people. Daniel Lempres is a criminal justice reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle. Before joining the Chronicle in 2023, he worked as a reporter for the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley, where he focused on long term investigations in collaboration with outlets like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and S.F. Chronicle. He can be reached at Daniel.Lempres@sfchronicle.com. New figures today revealed the areas of England and Wales worst affected by acid attacks - as cases soared by 75 per cent in a year. Northumbria Police recorded 81 cases of physical attacks using corrosive substances, the highest overall and nearly a fifth of the total. This was followed by the Metropolitan police with 72, but across a population about six times as large. The third worst affected force area was the West Midlands (34 attacks) followed by Kent Police (31). Police Scotland refused to provide figures. Official data from police forces revealed that hundreds more victims were attacked last year, but only a tiny fraction of cases led to criminal charges. The research by charity, Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), identified 1,244 offences involving corrosives in 2023, compared to 710 in the previous year. Your browser does not support iframes. Shannelle Farrier, 19, was left in excruciating pain after she was sprayed with ammonia and bleach in a random attack on the doorstep of her flat in Newcastle A Freedom of Information request to all police forces in the UK revealed that over a third of the crimes were physical attacks, with the remainder offences relating to threats of acid attacks, carrying of corrosives, and other serious crimes such as rape or robbery involving corrosives. It is the second consecutive year that offences have risen, after a 69 per cent increase in 2022. Despite the alarming rise, only eight per cent of cases lead to charges, with almost a third (32%) of cases not progressing due to lack of victim support. The charity found that women make up half of all victims targeted. Shannelle Farrier, 19, was left in excruciating pain after she was sprayed with ammonia and bleach in a random attack on the doorstep of her flat in Newcastle. The teenager had just returned home from a night out in the city centre in December last year with her friend when thug David Nicholson and two acquaintances knocked on her door. The stranger asked for a cigarette and was given one by Ms Farrier's friend before the group barged into her home. She told the group to leave, when when they did, Nicholson, 21, squirted a substance from a Fairy liquid bottle into her face, twice. Ms Farrier immediately felt a burning sensation and started to scream before falling unconscious while the trio sprinted off. She said: 'I felt burning in my eyes and my mouth. I was screaming in pain yelling that something was in my eyes. The teenager had just returned home from a night out in the city centre in December last year with her friend when thug David Nicholson and two acquaintances knocked on her door Ms Farrier told the group to leave, and when they did the 21-year-old squirted a substance from a Fairy liquid bottle into her face, twice 'I honestly thought that I was going to die and was screaming out for help. It was instant, I didn't know what was happening. They did it without rhyme or reason. 'There was a strong smell of bleach. We thought it was an acid attack. I eventually ended up unconscious. 'My friend had rang an ambulance who turned up in protective masks and hauled me in the shower to wash off as much of the substance as possible.' Ms Farrier spent five hours being treated in hospital before returning home. She added: 'He took the bottle of ammonia and bleach with the intention of using it on anyone that night. If it wasn't me it would have been someone else.' Nicholson was sentenced to 20 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to abstain from alcohol. It is still not clear what motivated the thug and Ms Farrier has slammed the 'soft' sentence. Last month, four members of a North East drugs gang were found guilty of murdering a man in an ammonia attack. Andrew Foster, 26, suffered a fatal asthma attack after he was sprayed in the face at his home in Gateshead in August, Newcastle Crown Court heard. The gang, led by drug dealer Youssef Wynne, will be sentenced on 26 July. The horrific incident was just one of a series of attacks in Gateshead and South Tyneside, one of which caused a victim to lose an eye. David Nicholson (pictured) was spared prison after pleading guilty to assault following the attack Andrew Foster, 26, suffered a fatal asthma attack after he was sprayed in the face at his home in Gateshead in August There were four corrosive substance attacks in the space of 11 days, connected with drug dealing, Newcastle Crown Court heard. The most notorious chemical attack this year saw Abdul Ezedi travel down from Newcastle to Clapham in south-west London, where he poured an alkaline substance on his former partner and injured her children, eight and three. Ezedi allegedly threw the younger child to the ground during the attack at 7.25pm, before attempting to drive away from the scene, crashing into a stationary vehicle and fleeing on foot. Minutes later he boarded a Tube train at Clapham South Underground station, and by 8pm he was at King's Cross Tube station. His body was later found in the Thames. Jaf Shah, Executive Director at ASTI, said: 'Our new data shows that acid violence is an escalating problem in our country, with women increasingly at risk. 'With a new Government soon in place, we are asking our leaders to take urgent action and stop these atrocious crimes which leave victims forever scarred. 'The incoming Government should increase funding for prevention initiatives and address the drivers that facilitate acid attacks and violent crime more generally in the UK - socio-economic inequality and deprivation, and a lack of opportunity for young people. 'Additionally, while there are laws in place that restrict access to corrosive substances, the growing number of offences shows that the Government and businesses must tighten the enforcement of these regulations and do more to stop corrosive substances being weaponised to cause devastating harm.' Pictured top left, Youssef Wynne, top right, John George Wandless, bottom left, Josh Craig Hawthorn and bottom right, Kenneth Fawcett Do you know the woman who tried to stop the attack? A Just Stop Oil activist has played down how fellow eco fanatics targeted Stonehenge with powder paint, claiming it was 'a bit of orange dust on a rock'. Environmental campaigners Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, ran up to the stones yesterday and attacked them as members of the public tried to intervene. Video footage showed two people wearing white shirts with the Just Stop Oil slogan, approaching the stone circle with canisters and spraying orange powder paint. Naidu and Lynch were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, damaging an ancient monument and deterring a person from engaging in a lawful activity. The duo were bailed today while Wiltshire Police continues to investigate. Now, Just Stop Oil supporter Ben Larsen, 26, from the Wirral, who has previously been convicted of traffic disruption, has now been trying to justify their actions. During an interview on Sky News, presenter Matt Barbet asked him: 'Why these tactics in particular, which for the most part amount to criminal damage?' And Larsen responded: 'Well you can call them criminal damage if you like, it's a bit of orange dust on a rock that's weathered 5,000 years of British weather.' Just Stop Oil supporter Ben Larsen (left) said the protest had resulted in a 'a bit of orange dust on a rock' during in an interview on Sky News yesterday with presenter Matt Barbet (right) Barbet then said: 'Now come on, that's disingenuous. It's not a rock, it's an ancient monument that's a Unesco world heritage site.' But Larsen replied: 'It's a beautiful ancient monument but this is orange dust. It's orange dust on stone. All that we need to do is wait for it to rain and all this will be washed off. 'And these have been the 18 wettest months on record. So we're not going to have to wait very long even. It's unwise to get hung up on tactics.' It comes as English Heritage said today there appeared to be 'no visible damage' to Stonehenge, but one expert revealed his concerns for the lichen plant organism on the stones. Tim Daw, a local farmer and historic property steward who used to volunteer at the site, carried out an experiment this morning by mixing cornflour and food dye then applying it to a small piece of sarsen, which is the same stone as Stonehenge. Tim Daw, a Stonehenge expert who used to volunteer at the site, carried out an experiment today by mixing cornflour and food dye and applying it to a small piece of sarsen stone Mr Daw washed the bottom half of the piece of stone before gently rubbing it and noticed that the cornflour was is in the stone's pores and therefore 'displacing the lichen' On the piece of sarsen a series of little back dots are visible, which are the lichen. Mr Daw described this on BBC Breakfast as a 'very, very rare plant organism that grows on rocks' which 'takes hundreds of years to grow because there's no nutrition'. He then washed the bottom half of the stone before gently rubbing it and noticed that the cornflour was is in the stone's pores and therefore 'displacing the lichen'. Mr Daw told the show that he was 'worried' about the lichen on the monument, and said of yesterday's attack: 'I was shocked and saddened. I couldn't believe it. 'Stonehenge is so precious, not just to me but to so many people. To do this act, which I think has worked against their cause, just seems pointless and damaging.' English Heritage, which manages Stonehenge, said removing the orange powder could still have a 'harmful impact' though by 'eroding the already fragile stone and damaging the lichens'. One person tried to halt the protest by Just Stop Oil on the Stonehenge stones yesterday The organisation said in a statement: 'We can't understand why anyone who professes to care for the environment would attempt to harm such a monument and to distress people from all over the world, including those for whom Stonehenge holds a spiritual significance.' The charity added: 'We moved quickly due to the risk that the powder would harm the important and rare lichens growing on the stones and that if the powder came into contact with water, it would leave difficult-to-remove streaks. 'And while we are relieved that there appears to be no visible damage, the very act of removing the powder can - in itself - have a harmful impact by eroding the already fragile stone and damaging the lichens.' It comes after JK Rowling mocked Just Stop Oil over the incident, claiming that the group is 'funded by Big Oil'. Just Stop Oil said of the attack yesterday: 'The orange cornflour we used will soon wash away with the rain, but the urgent need for effective government action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the climate and ecological crisis will not.' Harry Potter author JK Rowling has mocked Just Stop Oil after activists targeted Stonehenge But Harry Potter author Rowling reposted this on X, adding: 'Public opinion's definitely moving, mostly towards the conclusion that you're funded by Big Oil.' Another X user then replied to Rowling's post, saying: 'I don't understand why they thought this would win anybody over.' And Rowling added: 'Let's not target anyone or anything remotely responsible for climate change. Let's attack a unique ancient monument to which everyone's hugely attached, incidentally endangering rare lichen that only grows there'.' It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described it as a ' disgraceful act of vandalism to one of the UK's and the world's oldest and most important monuments', while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded the group 'pathetic'. In a reference to green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince, Mr Sunak added: 'Just Stop Oil should be ashamed of their activists, and they and anyone associated with them, including a certain Labour Party donor, should issue a condemnation of this shameful act immediately.' Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, ran up to the stone circle at around 12pm yesterday Mr Vince's Ecotricity firm gave Labour 1.5million according to the Electoral Commission data for the first quarter of 2024. The green energy industrialist also reportedly gave another 1million to the Opposition party the day after the General Election was called, taking his total donations to 5million. He has previously donated to Just Stop Oil, although last year he said he was diverting his funding to a campaign to encourage voter registration. However, Mr Vince stated that he did not support yesterday's protest. He said: 'Since Rishi Sunak has asked me personally to comment, I will. I don't support what JSO did today, it's that simple. 'But there are far worse actions we could focus on, far more harmful ones, like pushing two million children and their families into poverty. This is what Sunak and the Conservatives have done with their two-child cap on benefits. Other members of the public tried to help a women wrestle the canister off the protesters 'One in three of our children now live in poverty in our country. That's my definition of a shameful act, and one deserving of all our condemnation - it has mine.' Sir Keir said: 'The damage done to Stonehenge is outrageous. Just Stop Oil are pathetic. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.' But Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused Labour of 'faux outrage' at Just Stop Oil and claimed the Opposition's net zero policy had been 'dictated by fanatics' in the environmental protest group. Conservative minister Simon Hoare joined the chorus of criticism, saying: 'The full weight of the law is needed. I would incarcerate them on an old oil rig.' And fellow Tory Alex Stafford said: 'It's absolutely disgusting these mindless vandals have no appreciation for our history and heritage. All they can do is destroy rather than create.' Rajan Naidu and Niamh Lynch were arrested on suspicion of damaging the monument Nick Kendrick, 55, who has been a Stonehenge tour guide for more than 30 years, said: 'There are 79 different species of lichen which grow on those rocks. 'These lichen are alive and help protect the stone and (they) will definitely have been harmed by this idiotic stunt.' Today, Wiltshire Police confirmed the two people arrested had been bailed. In a statement, the force said: 'This is to allow us additional time to work with specialists and progress our inquiries. 'A man in his 70s and a woman in her 20s were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, damaging an ancient monument and deterring a person from engaging in a lawful activity. 'It follows reports that an orange substance had been sprayed on some of the stones by two suspects. We also continue to work closely with English Heritage.' It comes after the force said yesterday that officers had attended the scene and arrested two people. A spokesman said yesterday: 'At around noon, we responded to a report that orange paint had been sprayed on some of the stones by two suspects. 'Officers attended the scene and arrested two people on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. Our inquiries are ongoing, and we are working closely with English Heritage.' English Heritage chief executive Dr Nick Merriman said this morning that there appeared to be 'no visible damage' to Stonehenge. Dr Merriman told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'It's difficult to understand and we're deeply saddened about this vandalism, but we've been really touched by the messages of sympathy and support we've had. 'Our experts have already managed to clean the orange powder from the stones because we were really worried about what would happen if they got in contact with water. 'So far, there seems to be no visible damage. The site is open to the public again and for the solstice tomorrow.' Discussing the action by Just Stop Oil, Dr Merriman said: 'It's vandalism to one of the world's most celebrated ancient monuments. 'We wish people would channel their protests away from cultural heritage sites, museums and galleries because we feel that doesn't actually help their cause, and causes huge upset and disruption to the operation of these important sites.' Stones were covered in the substance before the protesters stopped and sat on the grass It comes after English Heritage said yesterday that experts were assessing the 'extent of the damage' on the stones. A spokeswoman said: 'Orange powdered paint has been thrown at a number of the stones at Stonehenge. 'Obviously, this is extremely upsetting and our curators are investigating the extent of the damage. Stonehenge remains open to the public.' Senior druid and pagan priest, King Arthur Pendragon, said he 'totally' disapproves of the protest and that the group's actions 'alienate any sympathy' for their cause. Mr Pendragon, who is standing as an independent parliamentary candidate for the area, said: 'Stonehenge is a living working temple at times of celebration and pilgrimage such as the summer solstice and, as a well-known protester myself, I totally disapprove of such behaviour as demonstrated by these people who do nothing to enhance and everything to alienate any sympathy anyone has or had for their cause.' Members of the public were seen trying to prevent the protesters by dragging them away The pagan priest has previously been involved in several protests at the monument and lost a legal challenge over a 15 car parking charge at the site in 2017, claiming the fee breached his human rights. In a statement, Just Stop Oil said its action was to demand that the incoming UK government should agree a plan with other governments to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. A spokesperson for the group said: 'The UK's government-in-waiting has committed to enacting Just Stop Oil's original demand of 'no new oil and gas'. However, we all know this is not enough. 'Continuing to burn coal, oil and gas will result in the death of millions. We have to come together to defend humanity or we risk everything. 'That's why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.' Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed Stonehenge with orange paint in their latest stunt yesterday The group said it used orange cornflour paint to spray onto the stones, which it claimed would 'soon wash away with the rain'. Responding to the group's statement, Ms Coutinho said: 'Labour's faux outrage at the Stonehenge vandalism would carry a lot more weight if Just Stop Oil hadn't also thanked Labour for enacting 'their demands' in their press release today. 'We must not allow Britain's energy policy to be dictated by fanatics.' The incident happened yesterday at about 12pm, the day before the summer solstice is celebrated at Stonehenge, which is at the heart of a World Heritage site. Around 8,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to mark the longest day of the year in 2023, with similar numbers expected today. The solstice will be celebrated from 7pm this evening until 8am tomorrow. An English Heritage spokeswoman said: 'It won't be affected, we are still planning on having the solstice go ahead.' John Adams, chair of the Stonehenge Alliance group, told MailOnline: 'The Stonehenge Alliance does not condone any action with potential to damage the stones. 'Our campaign is about protecting the World Heritage Site from harm, especially the government's current road building proposals which have been condemned by UNESCO. 'This direct action is unacceptable but is relatively minor compared to the huge gash that will be cut across the World Heritage Site by the tunnel cuttings and which at the western end will run through a bronze age settlement. 'It's sad that this should happen on the eve of the summer solstice when hundreds of people visit Stonehenge to celebrate its majesty and solar alignment and for some this site has spiritual meaning. 'Just Stop Oil is not part of the Stonehenge Alliance and whilst we share their deeply held concerns about the climate crisis, we don't support direct action with the potential to cause damage to the megaliths.' In a statement released by Just Stop Oil, Miss Lynch, a student from Oxford, said the continued burning of fossil fuels was leading to 'death and suffering'. 'It's time for us to think about what our civilisation will leave behind - what is our legacy?' she said. 'Standing inert for generations works well for stones - not climate policy.' Mr Naidu, who is understood to be a Quaker from Birmingham, added: 'Either we end the fossil-fuel era, or the fossil-fuel era will end us. 'Just as 50 years ago, when the world used international treaties to defuse the threats posed by nuclear weapons, today the world needs a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to phase out fossil fuels and to support dependent economies, workers and communities to move away from oil, gas and coal.' Do you know the woman who tried to stop the attack? Email: tips@dailymail.com A man has finally been charged with the murder of a Brit whose mutilated body was pulled out of a river in Australia a whopping 20 years ago. Jason Palmer, who was aged 34 at the time of his death, was brutally stabbed in the western Sydney suburb of Lakemba before his bleeding corpse was dumped in a nearby river and weighed down with rocks. He was reported missing by wife Renny, with whom he had settled Down Under, in early February 2004 and his body was fished out of the river some three weeks later. Coroners quickly established he had died from his stab wounds before being thrown into the water, but police had no leads and were unable to pin down the killer. Some 18 years later the case was reopened as authorities uncovered new information - and officers on Monday arrested 52-year-old Queensland man Gofal Baziad and charged him with Palmer's murder after two painstaking years of investigation. Detectives believe that Baziad had been seeing Palmer's wife and subsequently murdered the unsuspecting Brit in a jealous fit of rage. Jason Palmer's (pictured) stabbed body was found weighed down with rocks in a river on February 29, 2004, three weeks after he was reported missing Gofal Baziad (pictured in green top) has been charged over the brutal cold-case murder of a father that baffled police for more than two decades Palmer's body had been wrapped in a sleeping bag weighed down by several rocks. Investigators believe he was tossed from atop a bridge over the Nepean river in Sydney. Cops were at a loss as to who could've carried out the heinous crime and referred the incident to the unsolved murder department in New South Wales. The incredible breakthrough in the case, which baffled Sydney police for two decades, came after investigators painstakingly reviewed a torrent of communications and re-interviewed witnesses. They found that Baziad and Renny had been seeing each other prior to Palmer's death, and subsequently moved to Indonesia shortly after the Brit's body was discovered. They resided in Indonesia for years before making a return to Queensland some time later, though Baziad's social media pages list him as living in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The pair eventually broke off their relationship, investigators said. But Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty, who runs the New South Wales Police homicide team, told Australia's 9News that they had uncovered enough evidence to suggest Baziad lashed out and murdered Palmer in a crime of passion. 'We will allege in court that he was very jealous of her and very possessive and obsessed with her and to the point we believe, and we will show the facts, this had led him to commit what we will say was a very violent crime.' Palmer's body had been wrapped in a sleeping bag weighed down by several rocks. Investigators believe he was tossed from atop a bridge over the Nepean river in Sydney Detective Superintendent Doherty continued: 'Mr Palmer had been stabbed numerous times. 'We believe it was a pure crime of passion... however it's a horrendous murder.' He said that it was only the persistence and focus of detectives that allowed them to track down the alleged killer. 'It's been 20 years since Mr Palmer, who was originally from the UK, is alleged to have been murdered,' he said. 'He was a husband and father, and police had always remained hopeful of an arrest. 'This arrest once again demonstrates that investigators will not rest until there's a resolution for unsolved matters, and to provide answers to families.' Detectives believe there are members of the public that know more details about the case and have urged them to come forward. A judge has come under fire for telling a group of young children visiting an Oregon court that they could 'decide what happened' in a real-life hit-and-run case, which ended with the person standing trial being acquitted. Judge Ulanda Watkins, of Clackamas County Circuit Court, is said to have selected the second graders - aged between seven and eight-years-old - as 'special jurors' for the trial, which took place this past April. The students, who were on a field trip from St John the Apostle school in Oregon City - around a 10-minute walk away - were allowed to sit in the jury box, just feet away from the defendant and were given note pads, just like a real-life sworn jury would receive, Oregon Live reports. They were also told they could interrupt a witness if they couldn't hear them. At one point, Watkins is said to have wondered aloud if the children knew how to write. Judge Ulanda Watkins, of Clackamas County Circuit Court, is said to have selected Second Graders - aged between seven and eight-years-old - as special jurors for a trial in April The unusual proceedings took place at a hit-and-run trial at Clackamas County Circuit Court Christa Doerbeck, a certified law student from Lewis & Clark Law School, who was on the prosecution team, was then asked by the judge to give her opening statement to the schoolchildren and share the state's exhibits with them. Samuel Varvara, 56, who represented himself, was on trial for failing to perform the duties of a driver in an accident that involved property damage. He was accused of leaving without exchanging insurance details after damaging the side view mirror of a woman's car. Doerbeck subsequently alerted prosecutors in the office of the District Attorney (DA) about what was happening and the youngsters were removed. Varvara was acquitted. Now just weeks after the unusual court proceedings, Clackamas County DA John Wentworth has written to Judge Michael Wetzel, the county's presiding judge, raising his concerns over whether it was a fair trial for all parties. In a letter dated 3 June, seen by Oregon Live, Wentworth wrote: 'There was no inquiry of either party as to whether they consented to this process, or consideration given to the victim, who was equally confused by what was taking place.' On the acquittal of Varvara, Wentworth wrote: 'We can say with almost 100% certainty that had the defendant been found guilty, his conviction would have been overturned.' He added that the victim, who is a schoolteacher, felt the proceedings were 'unprofessional and confusing.' Wentworth has shared his concerns with Oregon's chief justice, Meagan Flynn. She told him that Judge Watkins 'takes seriously her relationship with the litigants who regularly appear in the courts and her reputation for fairness, as do we all.' The youngsters were visiting the court while on a field trip from their nearby St John the Apostle School in Oregon City Judge Watkins was appointed to the bench in July 2017 by former Governor Kate Brown and ran unopposed in the May primary. According to a biography, Watkins, who is originally from Portland, is the only judge of color in Clackamas County, as well as the first African American to serve as a judge in an Oregon county other than Multnomah. She was formerly a defence lawyer and managing attorney at insurance company GEICO. Judge Watkins was in the headlines in recent months after grieving mother Cathie Psaros said the 'system' had failed her daughter after she, her fiancee and son were killed by the victim's abusive ex-husband. Diane Psaros had applied for a restraining order against Lawrence Peters in 2022, but Judge Watkins denied the request in a four-minute hearing, Katu reports. The SNP manifesto is an exercise in wishful thinking and rank hypocrisy. It was no surprise that independence demands were on page one, line one of the threadbare 28-page document. But it is the stuff of fantasy given that the goal of separatism is now on life support making a mockery of John Swinneys grandstanding. Everyone knows that a repeat referendum is not going to happen so naturally there is more focus on what the SNP has done in the here and now, rather than in the future. With 800,000 Scots on waiting lists, and record numbers going private, the NHS, not independence, is the number one issue in this election. Talk about delusional! John Swinney has nothing to offer but separatist snake-oil Yet the SNP calls on the UK Government to increase spending on health by 10billion, which would deliver an extra 1billion for Scotland. This conveniently ignores the fact that control of the NHS has been devolved for 25 years and the SNP could increase spending if it chose to do so. Despite Mr Swinneys hike in higher-rate tax a penny for patient care the amount spent on health is set to fall. Mr Swinney said we must never lose faith in the power of the democratic voice of the people of Scotland. That is impossible to take seriously from the leader of a party which has stubbornly refused to acknowledge that a majority of Scots rejected its plan for the break-up of Britain a decade ago. The SNP is still trying to sell a product that most people simply dont want to buy. But the writing is on the wall and heavy electoral losses lie ahead, according to the polls. That means the party has dialled down some of its rhetoric about the General Election as a de facto referendum. But Mr Swinney maintains his stumbling party will still have a mandate for indepen-dence even if they are punished at the election. Talk about delusional! Elsewhere in its manifesto, the SNP pledged to champion our vision for an independent Scotland in the EU. This is nothing more than a pipe dream and in any event would cede key economic decisions to Brussels bureaucrats. There is a commitment to tackle drug deaths coming from the party which presided over a surge in fatalities to the highest level in Europe. The manifesto also claims that the SNP is doing all it can to support people through the Westminster-made cost of living crisis. But its punitive taxes mean Scotland is in danger of becoming a no-go zone for entrepreneurs and hard-working young professionals. Scots are crying out for change but the SNP has nothing to offer them but the same tired old platitudes and snake-oil salesmanship. Dont trust Reform Reform is a party of misfits a truth borne out by our disturbing revelations about one of its candidates. Jo Hart shared vile comments about the late Queen and other Royals in a 2022 post on Facebook. Reform candidate Jo Hart shared vile comments about the Royals on Facebook Plainly, vetting has been minimal or at least ineffective after all, it doesnt take much detective work to check social media feeds. But this unedifying episode raises an important question if Reform has made such a botched job of candidate selection, how on earth could it be trusted in office? A vote for Reform in Scotland would make SNP victories more likely in those key targets seats where the Tories are defending vulnerable majorities. It may be tempting for Tory voters to back Nigel Farage in protest after a torrid time for their party. But it would be a wasted vote and one that would put the Union in fresh peril. A beauty influencer has died aged just 36 after suffering a suspected heart attack on board a yacht in Malta while on holiday. Tunisian-born Farah El Kadhi was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital in the harbour town of Msida, on the eastern side of the island, after she was found unconscious on June 17. Hours before, Farah, a trained architect, had been posting photos of herself on board the boat which was docked in a marina. Local media reports say she had no signs of injuries and had arrived in the country for a one-week holiday. An autopsy will be carried out and a magisterial inquiry has been opened to confirm the cause of death. Fellow Tunisian influencer Soulayma Hneynia, who lives in Malta and took part in the first series of Love Island Malta, was among those that raised the alarm when she was unable to reach her. Tunisian-born Farah El Kadhi, 36, above, was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, on the eastern side of the island, after she was discovered unconscious on a yacht on June 17 Farah El Kadhi, who was a trained architect and worked for company Key Concept, was one of Tunisia's most popular influencers She used her platform to promote her fashion brand Bazarbyfaf and other paid promotions to her 1.1 million Instagram followers She said Farah was a 'truly wonderful person, known for her kindness, generosity, and warmth.' She said: 'Her positive spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.' Farah, who worked as an architect for company Key Concept, was one of Tunisia's most popular influencers. She used her platform to promote her fashion brand Bazarbyfaf and other paid promotions to her 1.1 million Instagram followers. Tributes poured in to her Instagram page. Fellow influencer Laurie Marquet wrote: 'I can't believe it. I'm in shock, we'll miss you babe. 'I will never forget you. RIP my darling.' The Tories are under pressure to suspend a second election candidate being investigated over bets placed on the date of the vote today, as it emerged she is marred to the party's campaign director. Laura Saunders, who is standing in Bristol North West, is the subject of an inquiry by the Gambling Commission over an alleged wager on Rishi Sunak going to the polls in July. She is the second candidate to be investigated by the Commission, which is also looking into a bet placed by Craig Wiliiams, a close aide of the prime minister. Today it emerged that Ms Saunders is marred to Tony Lee, who is also being investigated, according to the BBC. The Conservatives confirmed Mr Lee has taken a 'leave of absence' from his party role. Communities Secretary Michael Gove admitted this morning that it would be 'reprehensible' to use inside information to bet on the General Election date, adding: 'It doesn't look great.' Labour leader Keir Starmer said: 'This candidate should be suspended and it's very telling that Rishi Sunak has not already done that. 'If it was one of my candidates, they'd be gone and their feet would not have touched the floor.' Laura Saunders, who is standing in Bristol North West, is the subject of an inquiry by the Gambling Commission over an alleged wager on Rishi Sunak going to the polls in July. Today it emerged that Ms Saunders is marred to Tony Lee, who is also being investigated, according to the BBC . Sources confirmed Mr Lee has taken a 'leave of absence' from his party role. Communities Secretary Michael Gove admitted this morning that it would be 'reprehensible' to use inside information to bet on the General Election date, adding: 'It doesn't look great.' Labour leader Keir Starmer said: 'This candidate should be suspended and it's very telling that Rishi Sunak has not already done that.' On the Tory campaign battle bus in London, Mr Gove told broadcasters: 'Obviously, it doesn't look great. And, obviously, the conclusions lots of people are drawing are not at all great. 'But I don't know all the facts at the moment. I'd be loath to condemn without there being an investigation that's been concluded.' A Conservative spokesman said: 'We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals. 'As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldn't be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded.' Mr Williams is also being investigated after putting a 100 bet on the election being held in July, just days before the Prime Minister announced the July 4 vote. The 5-1 flutter would have netted him 500. The issue with those with close connections to the PM placing a bet on the election date comes with the individual having possible inside information that could give them an advantage. It has not been confirmed whether Ms Saunders had any inside information when allegedly placing the bet. The use of confidential information to gain unfair advantage when betting may constitute a criminal offence of cheating under section 42 of the Gambling Act. Those convicted face and unlimited fine or up to two years in jail. The investigation regarding Ms Saunders also comes as a police officer in Mr Sunak's close protection team has been suspended and arrested over alleged bets about the timing of the election, it was revealed on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police was contacted by the Gambling Commission last Friday and told the commission was investigating the activities of a member of Scotland Yard's Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) command. The police constable was removed from operational duties with immediate effect. A Met Police spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that on Friday, 14 June, the Met were contacted by the Gambling Commission who informed us that they were investigating alleged bets made by a Police Constable from the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, which were related to the timing of the General Election. 'The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties. The issue with those with close connections to Rishi Sunak (pictured) placing a bet on the election date comes with the individual having possible inside information Craig Williams (pictured), Rishi Sunak 's parliamentary private secretary, is also being investigated after putting a 100 bet on the election being held in July, just days before the Prime Minister announced the July 4 vote 'The officer was subsequently arrested on Monday 17 June on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody and bailed pending further enquiries. The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 'The Gambling Commission continues to lead the investigation into the alleged betting offences, and our investigation is running in parallel to that.' Mr Williams, who is standing for re-election as MP in Montgomeryshire, bet on the election being held in July just three days before the announcement was made, The Guardian first reported. Meanwhile, the nation was surprised the election was going to be held in summer rather than autumn. Mr Williams has since apologised for a 'huge error of judgement'. The date and value of Ms Saunder's alleged bet have not been revealed. The homeless man who police say was stabbed to death by a University of Southern California frat boy after being confronted for attempting to break into cars has been identified. 27-year-old Xavier Cerf, who is said to have been homeless, was named by the Los Angeles County medical examiner. Cerf's sister paid tribute to him in a Facebook post on Wednesday, and expressed anger at the fact that he had not been named by the media. She added that he was more than just a homeless man, noting that he loved to draw, sing and dance. This comes after 19-year-old Ivan Gallegos was arrested on Monday night in connection to a fatal stabbing at Greek Row. He is being held on a $2 million bail. 27-year-old Xavier Cerf (right) was killed on Monday outside a USC frat house According to USC student publication The Daily Trojan, officers responded to the stabbing, which was reported at around 8.15 pm. Los Angeles Police Department said Cerf was attempting to break into a car by the Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Tau Delta fraternity house. Cerf allegedly told the student he had a gun, which resulted in Gallegos confronting him and stabbing him multiple times. Police reportedly found the victim in an alley, suffering from stab wounds. Paramedics arrived and pronounced Cerf dead at the scene. According to his LinkedIn, Gallegos is a sophomore at USC studying business administration. The suspect has been identified as Ivan Gallegos A 19-year-old USC student and music artist has been arrested after the fatal stabbing of a homeless man outside the Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Tau Delta fraternity house He also describes himself as an 'aspiring regional music artist and producer'. His artist name is IDG. USC Annenberg Media had recently written a profile on him, naming him 'LA's upcoming Corrido and Reggaeton artist'. He was born and raised in a rough part of East LA and his parents were said to have been involved in gangs. According to his Instagram, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2022. He is first-generation Latino. 'Despite growing up in an environment saturated with drugs, gangs, and prostitution, he focused on music and sharpened his skills to become a multifaceted instrument and vocalist', Annenberg Media wrote about Gallegos. Gallegos is a sophomore at USC studying business administration. He also describes himself as an 'aspiring regional music artist and producer'. His artist name is IDG USC Annenberg Media had recently written a profile on him, naming him 'LA's upcoming Corrido and Reggaeton artist' He was born and raised in a rough part of East LA and his parents were said to have been involved in gangs. According to his Instagram, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2022. He is first-generation Latino. He performed with Mariachi band Los Troyanos and also produces reggaeton and electric dance music. Speaking to the MailOnline, Gallegos' mother Violet said: 'We are doing ok, but we are hanging in there. He is a very good kid, but that's all we can release right now.' Police in India are investigating an incident that saw a horrified man wake up in hospital to find he was 'tricked' into a sex change operation as part of a bizarre land grab attempt. The 20-year-old man from Sanjak village in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, known only as Mujahid, accused another man, Omprakash, of misleading him into believing he had an urgent medical issue that needed to be solved. After going to Muzaffarnagar Medical College, he was put under the knife by a team of trained doctors on June 3. Following the surgery, Mujahid woke up to find that surgeons had removed his genitals, NDTV reported. 'When I regained consciousness, I was told that I had been changed from a boy to a girl,' Mujahid recounted. The afflicted man alleged that the incident was the culmination of a two-year campaign of threats and harassment by Omprakash, but the extent of their relationship is still unknown. The 20-year-old man, known only as Mujahid, went under the knife at Muzaffarnagar Medical College (pictured) Omprakash allegedly then told Mujahid that he would now have to live with him, as he would be ostracised by friends and family. He also allegedly threatened to shoot Mujahid's father and seize his share of the family land. 'He said, 'I changed you from a man to a woman and now you have to live with me. I have prepared a lawyer and prepared a court marriage for you. Now I will shoot your father and the land of your share will be named after me and then I will sell it and go to Lucknow',' Mujahid recalled. But instead of being cast out by his local community, workers from a local farmer's union set up a protest at the medical college, calling for immediate legal and criminal action against Omprakash and the involved doctors. Local cops have since arrested Omprakash, and are said to be investigating the involved doctors. Mujahid's family are also suing, claiming that his life has been severely affected by the horrific incident. 'All the allegations made by the family and the protestors will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate legal actions will be taken against those found guilty,' Senior Muzaffarnagar police officer Ramashish Yadav said. Families' desperation is growing amid fears that as few as 50 Israeli hostages remain alive in Gaza, according to estimates from US officials. Of the 250 hostages taken in the bloody October 7 invasion of southern Israel, 116 continue to be held captive, the Washington Post reports. Now mediators in the hostage talks and a US intelligence insider have reportedly told the newspaper that the number of those still alive could be less than half that number. Israel has not confirmed the figures, which would mean that 66 of those still held hostage could be dead - 25 more than the government has publicly acknowledged. Distraught relatives of those remaining in Gaza say they cannot wait any longer, and are calling for their loved ones to be released immediately before it is too late. Distraught families are calling on the government to strike a hostage deal and get their loved ones home People lift banners and portraits of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian militants in Gaza, during an anti-government rally in front of the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem calling for early elections on June 17, 2024 Many, including Gili Roman, whose sister was freed but relative Carmel Gat remains among the remaining hostages, said families are dreading phone calls. 'It's about who will get a phone call saying the body of your family member has been found or he has been declared dead,' he said. An IDF operation brought home four hostages in June - including 26-year-old Noa Argamani, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival on October 7. Tragically, many captives have not escaped with their lives, with the bodies of 19 hostages have returned to Israel, including eight in the past three months. Israel has determined that another 41 hostages are dead in Gaza, with families demanding that their bodies are found and repatriated. A statement from the Hostages Families Forum, in response to various reports from US intelligence sources: 'All the hostages must be released immediately. 'There should be no differentiation between bringing back living hostages for rehabilitation and bringing back those who were murdered for proper burial. 'The international community must take action to ensure the safe return of all 120 hostages and support the proposed deal. Time is of the essence, and we cannot let this critical moment pass.' A screen displays a picture of Noa Argamani who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack and has since been returned home Neither the IDF, Israeli government, nor Israeli intelligence service Shinbet have commented on the report or confirmed the figures. Hamas has told mediators it does not know how many of the hostages are still alive, and says some are held by other groups in Gaza. Israel's ground and air campaign was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The offensive has left Gaza in ruins, killed more than 37,400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, and left nearly the entire population homeless and destitute. A military vehicle maneuvers near the Israel-Gaza border, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, as seen from Israel, June 20, 2024 Since a week-long truce in November, repeated attempts to arrange a ceasefire have failed, with Hamas insisting on an end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Ceasefire talks between the two sides, mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar, have been at an impasse for many weeks. A deal, as with previous agreements, would include exchanging hostages with Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Israel was initially unwilling to accept dead bodies in the deal, but its latest proposal presented to Hamas says it would accept the return of deceased hostages to meet the numbers. Israel has vowed to continue fighting until Hamas is destroyed, while the group has said a path to end the war is one of its demands in talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will agree only to temporary pauses and will not end the war until Hamas is eradicated and the hostages are freed. The Sites Fire in Colusa County had burned nearly 20,000 acres as of Thursday, Cal Fire said. Courtesy of Cal Fire The Sites Fire in Colusa County had burned nearly 20,000 acres as of Thursday, Cal Fire said. Courtesy of Cal Fire The Sites Fire in Colusa County had charred 19,195 acres by Thursday morning, becoming the largest wildfire in California as crews continued battling other blazes in Wine Country and Southern California. Ripping across tawny hills of dry brush and grass, the Sites Fire engulfed an area roughly stretching from East Park Reservoir campground in Lodoga to the unincorporated town of Leesville. California fire map & tracker: Latest updates on active fires throughout the state Advertisement Article continues below this ad Firefighters from Cal Fires Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit had made gradual progress since the blaze erupted Monday afternoon, reaching about 15% containment Thursday as they fortified lines with bulldozers and hand crews, sending out helicopters to douse the flames with retardant. As of Thursday, Cal Fire had focused on Devils Elbow, a problem area on the northeast end, unit chief Mike Marcucci said. He had just stepped off a helicopter to deliver the agencys morning video update from a base camp at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. Standing before a map that outlined the oblong path of the Sites Fire, Marcucci described plans to button this fire up on its northern side. Other wildfires raging throughout the state include the Aero Fire in Calaveras County, which flared up Monday afternoon near Rock Creek Road and Highway 4. It had burned 5,351 acres Thursday morning and was 52% contained. Crews appeared to have the upper hand of the Point Fire in Sonoma County that threatened wineries and vineyards in Dry Creek Valley earlier in the week. By Thursday it had devoured 1,207 acres and two structures, leaving one firefighter injured. But Cal Fire had stemmed the Point Fires forward progress and had it 70% contained. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Massachusetts woman survived after being buried alive and given less than a two percent chance of survival. Ashley Piccirilli, 35, nearly died in May 2021 after she was buried alive at a construction site in Northampton, about 20 miles north of Springfield. 'If I knew I could've died in that hole, would I have panicked? Maybe. I literally didnt think I could die,' Piccirilli told WesternMassNews. The Air Force veteran had been just a week into her new construction job when a wall of dirt collapsed. One of the trench's side walls crumbled and trapped her under thousands of pounds of dirt - about six feet. Ashley Piccirilli, 35, nearly died in May 2021 after she was buried alive at a construction site in Northampton, about 20 miles north of Springfield 'At first, it only really felt like when a friend comes and meets you and gives you that bear hug and its kind of uncomfortable and you dont really like it and really thats all it felt like,' Piccirilli told the local news outlet. She added: 'They know where I am. Theyre coming to get me, so I stayed calm through the whole thingtook very, very small breaths. 'I couldnt take a big breath because there was no room for my lungs to expand because that dirt was packed in.' It took about 30 minutes to free Piccirilli using an excavator and hands. She who had broken ribs, a collapsed lung and internal bleeding. It took about 30 minutes to free Piccirilli using an excavator and hands. She who had broken ribs, a collapsed lung and internal bleeding The Air Force veteran had been just a week into her new construction job when a wall collapsed Baystate Medical Center trauma surgeon Dr. Kristina Kramer told WesternMassNews that Piccirilli was bleeding to death when she arrived at the hospital and her chances of survival were slim to none. Piccirilli was bleeding so much that the doctors could hear it, something doctors call 'audible hearing,' Kramer explained. During her first surgery, her heart stopped but doctors were able to restart it. Piccitilli spent the next 30 days at the hospital but is now back at home and thriving. She returned to flight school and is now a pilot at Barnes Air National Guard Base. Piccitilli spent the next 30 days at the hospital but is now back at home and thriving She returned to flight school and is now a pilot at Barnes Air National Guard Base 'The reason she survived is because of her strength physically and mentally and the teamwork of all the different people that were involved in her care its never one person,' said Dr. Kramer. 'For trauma in particular there are so many different pieces that must work seamlessly together from pre-hospital providers to the emergency department and operating room teams, to care team on the units after surgery, to rehabilitation and home care. 'Everyone came together.' Distressing images show the final moments of a 12 year-old Texas girl who was found strangled in a creek after sneaking out of her house after bed time. Jocelyn Nungaray is seen alongside a man, who has been branded a person of interest in the killing, while walking into a convenience store in Houston. Another picture shows the young girl in the parking lot of the store hours before she was found in shallow water below a bridge, after being strangled. Police said earlier this week that she had called her 13-year-old boyfriend from the store at around midnight, where he heard her talking to two adults. Nungaray had lived with her family at an apartment complex not far from where her body was found, with police believing she snuck out on Sunday evening. Jocelyn Nungaray is seen alongside a man, who has been identified by police in north Houston as being a person of interest, walking into a convenience store Jocelyn Nungary, 12, was found dead by strangulation in a shallow creek near her home on Monday morning Another picture shows the young girl in the parking lot of the store hours before she was found in shallow water below a bridge Her body was then found by passerby Billie Jackson shortly after 6am on Monday morning in a shallow creek. Speaking to ABC13, Jackson said: 'I drove past, and when I looked up the creek, I thought it was a mannequin. 'I did a U-turn, and I stopped on the bridge, put my flashers on, looked down, and realized it was someone. I parked right here and called 911 immediately.' Her grieving mother, Alexis Nungaray, is now struggling to process what had happened. 'It's like it's not real,' she told Click2Houston. 'I keep hearing everything, and everybody tell me everything, and I hear it and it's not registering.' She recalled telling her daughter on Sunday not to stay up too late, as she was joining her at work the next day. Those would be the last words she ever spoke to her daughter. By 3am on Monday, Alexis said she noticed Jocelyn's cat was 'going crazy,' but assumed the cat was with her daughter, who always slept with her pet at night. It wasn't until she woke up at 6am and started her normal routine to wake up her five-year-old son and Jocelyn that she noticed her daughter was missing. Earlier this week police in Houston issued a notice saying the two men were both persons of interest in the case. Neither has been identified or arrested Her grieving mother, Alexis Nungaray, pictured here, is now struggling to process what had happened Nungaray began searching frantically around the house and apartment complex for her daughter before pinging her cellphone which traced it back to the creek. Her mom is now seeking justice for her young daughter, and added that she does not believe she knows the two men seen with Jocelyn at the convenience store. She said she suspects they either live in the apartment complex or may have walked to the store from a nearby state park. 'I want karma to hit them, I'm angry,' Alexis told Click2Houston. 'They took advantage of her. She's so young, she's 12. 'I want justice,' she continued. 'I want whoever has seen them to please call police. They took my baby away.' Alexis also said that she does not know why Jocelyn snuck out of the house, though she noted that she has struggled in recent months with her mental health. 'I don't know why, what possessed her to walk around late at night in this area out of all places,' Alexis said. Billie Jackson said she noticed Jocelyn's body in the creek on her way home from dropping her husband off at work Monday morning 'I always told her to never leave the house, never leave unattended, always be safe. 'There's people around here that are crazy. I don't think she ever thought it would face her.' She and other family members have described the preteen as a loving and caring child. Her uncle Joamel said: 'Jocy was a smart, loving, nurturing young lady, She brightened up the room every time she came by and was loved by everyone around.' Alexis also described her as the 'greatest friend' who was 'very goofy. 'She had aspirations for life,' Alexis said. 'She loved everyone, was so kind.' A GoFundMe has now been set up to pay for Jocelyn's funeral which as of Thursday morning had raised over $19,000 dollars. 'Her family was not prepared for such a loss, and [need] help to give her daughter the memorial she deserves, to honor her memory and to say our last goodbyes,' it says. Western Australia Premier Roger Cook has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his late mother. Mr Cook took to social media on Thursday to announce the sudden loss of the 'wonderful' Lynnette Owen on Monday. 'She was a wonderful mum of seven kids, and a much-loved grandmother,' he wrote. 'Alongside my dad, to whom she was married for more than 70 years, she raised our family in a home full of love, respect, and kindness. 'I love you mum.' He was back at work less than 24 hours after his mum's death to welcome Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Perth. Mr Cook also thanked the messages of love and support that people had shared with his family, in particular those for his father Hugh. Western Australia Premier Roger Cook (left) has announced the sudden death of his 'wonderful' mother Lynnette Owen (right) WA treasurer Rita Saffioti paid special tribute to Mrs Owen in parliament and commended Mr Cook returning to work less than 24 hours later. Mr Cook previously committed to personally welcoming Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Perth on Tuesday after meeting with Anthony Albanese in Canberra. 'On behalf of the Parliament of Western Australia, I want to offer our condolences to the Premier and Carly, the Premier's father Hugh, and the whole Cook family,' Ms Saffioti told WA parliament, The West reports 'I also want to acknowledge on behalf of the State of Western Australia, the incredible efforts the Premier went to on Tuesday to honour his commitments on behalf of the State as part of Premier Li's official visit to Western Australia all while while he was still processing the loss of his mum. 'It was incredible strength and our thoughts continue to be with the Premier at this time.' In a show off cross-parliament support, opposition leader Shane Love extended his condolences to the Cook family on behalf of Liberal and National parties. Roger Cook (pictured as a child) remembered his late mother as a 'wonderful mum of seven kids, and a much-loved grandmother' He also thanked those who extended their condolences to the Cook Family, especially his father Hugh Cook (pictured centre) who was married to Lynette (left) for seven decades MPs from both sides of the political chamber and interstate reached out to the premier following the sad loss. 'Sincere condolences Roger, Losing parents is very hard, especially such a wonderful mother,' Liberal MP David Honey wrote. Labor MP Christine Tonkin said Mr Cook carries 'all the love with which she raised you'. 'My sincere condolences to your Dad who must be suffering deeply at her loss,' Ms Tonkin added. Former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Michael Gunner, said he hoped the premier could 'find a comfort with loved ones in your shared memories'. 'She must have been incredible - 7 kids and 70 years of marriage is a rare effort and a testament to a deep capacity for love,' Mr Gunner wrote. The frantic mother of missing teenager Jay Slater has made a tearful appeal through MailOnline asking for anyone holding him to release him. Worried Debbie Duncan has not heard from Jay since he left a rave party on the Spanish island of Tenerife and went off with two British men to their isolated Air BnB apartment an hour away. A search involving a helicopter, mountain rescue dogs and drones has so far discovered nothing, and he has been missing for three days with fears growing that he may have been abducted. Spanish police have never said kidnapping is a line of enquiry and are treating him as a missing person. Apprentice bricklayer Jay was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday when he messaged his friend Lucy Mae Law to say he was 19 miles away at the apartment in Masca, north west Tenerife and trying to make his way home. The isolated village is famously a dangerous area, where many rescue operations have been launched in the last few years. The frantic mother of missing teenager Jay Slater has made a tearful appeal through MailOnline asking for anyone holding him to release him describing him as a 'good boy' Apprentice bricklayer Jay was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday The mountain range in Rural de Teno near the village of Masca where police are searching Police officers and a sniffer dog are pictured in the search for Jay on June 19 Police officers and firefighters talk while searching for the missing 19-year-old School finance officer Debbie said: 'If anyone does have him, just let him go, he's not a bad person, maybe he's got in with some strangers who've befriended him. 'I'm not stupid, I've been to Tenerife before, I've worked abroad myself and I gave him warnings, I just think if anyone has got him let him go, he's not a bad person.' Breaking down in tears, Debbie added: 'If he's got himself mixed up with any trouble, just let him go, just let him go, it's been three days, he's in the same clothes, if he's been dumped in the mountains it's hot in the day and cold at night. 'Jay is a brilliant person, everybody loves being in his company, he's bubbly and fun, he's such a lovely, beautiful boy. I just want my little baby home with me. 'He was supposed to fly home from Tenerife today, he should be on the flight now, coming home. I had the taxi booked and everything and now who knows where he is. 'I just don't know what to think, I'm all over the place and I'm trying to keep positive, has somebody taken him? Is he panicked and lost in the mountains? I just don't know, that's why if anyone has any information please just tell us. 'But if he is lost then why hasn't anyone seen him? It's busy with hikers and holidaymakers up there so if he was lost then someone would have seen him, so that's why I think maybe he's been bundled off somewhere.' Police officers search in the Masca ravine for Jay on June 19 The search for missing teenager Jay has entered its fourth day with officers searching a ravine School finance officer Debbie said: 'If anyone does have him, just let him go, he's not a bad person, maybe he's got in with some strangers who've befriended him' Polic searched the hotel apartments Paloma Beah where Jay was staying in Los Christianos The search for Jay has entered its fourth day on Thursday in Tenerife. Pictured June 20 Debbie, who flew out to Tenerife, has so far remained in her apartment at Los Cristianos in the south and left the search to family and friends who have arrived to join and support her. She told MailOnline: 'I can't bear to go up there, I don't have the strength to do it, he could just be lying somewhere up there and I don't want to be the one to find him. 'I've had loads of weird messages from people saying they know where he is and I've not had a ransom demands but I've had messages saying 'Your lad owes me money' and I've given them to the police. 'I've now got to go back and clear out the apartment he was staying in because he should have checked out and flown home today, the police have been in but there's nothing to see, I've got his passport and I just want him with me now.' It has now been more than 72 hours since Jay was last heard from after he flew to the Canary island on holiday with friends to attend the NRG music festival. Family and friends are increasingly concerned the 19-year-old may have been kidnapped with the last person to speak to him telling MailOnline, 'something sinister is going on'. The search mission has entered its fourth day. Pictured: Rescuers on June 19 Sniffer dogs have been deployed in the search for Jay Slater in north-west Tenerife on June 19 Pictured are drones in the sky searching for Jay on June 19 Lucy Law also criticised Spanish police for its search of the apprentice bricklayer, telling this website that officers 'could be doing more'. She tracked down where her friend had gone back to after the night out and asked those at Casa Abuela Tina en Masca what happened. Jay was last seen getting into a car with two people he met on Sunday night after NRG music festival in south Tenerife. He travelled with them to the property in Rural de Teno Park, a 40-minute drive or 10-hour walk from where he was staying in Playa de las Americas. Shedding light on his last known contact, the teenager told Sky News how Jay had posted a Snapchat image of the house he had visited, showing mountains in the background. She then desperately drove around the area until she found the property, using the mountains and flower beds as markers to locate it. Lucy said: 'We managed to find the house. I knocked on the door and there were two people there.' The occupants told her how Jay had gone out for a cigarettes before going back in and saying he wanted to go home. A MailOnline graphic detailing the timeline of events from when Jay went missing A screenshot of Jay's last known location where his phone battery died Jay (left) is pictured right alongside mother Debbie and brother Zak (right) 'They told me he'd spoken to the next door neighbours and they'd told him there was a bus every 10 minutes back down to Los Cristianos,' she said. 'The bus stop was right next to the house. So obviously if he'd gone to get the bus he wouldn't have got lost because it [the stop] was visible from the front door.' Jay's final Snapchat picture is an out-of-focus image of a hand holding a cigarettes at a property in the Buenavista del Norte area at 7.30am on Monday. It comes after Jay's mother Debbie Duncan said she has been receiving sickening phone calls from Brits with 'northern accents' claiming to have kidnapped her son. She also said she has received a sick Snapchat message from trolls following her son's disappearance. The message is said to have read: 'Kiss goodbye to your boy, you're never going to see him again, he owes me a lot of money.' And while around seven fake GoFundMe pages were set up and debunked at first, Lucy has now set up a validated page which has raised 18,099 since this morning. Around 15 of Jay's family and friends have flown out to Tenerife to help with the search, including his mother Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater and brother Zak. Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay was completing his apprenticeship, issued a statement to say it was 'deeply concerned' by the apprentice bricklayer's disappearance. A spokesperson said: 'We are deeply concerned about the recent news regarding one of our apprentices, Jay Slater, who has gone missing while on holiday in Tenerife. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students are of utmost importance to us, and our thoughts at this worrying time are with Jays family and friends.' Holidaymakers at Birmingham Airport faced more misery today as passengers told of 'insane' queues which forced them to wait in line for several hours amid confusion over security's liquids policy. Scores of passengers took to social media to share their experience today, describing two-hour queues as 'appalling' and 'ridiculous', while another traveller said the 'non-express queues are insane'. Physical changes to the security area, which should allow for new technology required to relax the 100ml rule, mean passengers are now queuing on the ground floor and, at busy times, even outside of the airport. Government had announced that the 100ml rule would be scrapped in time for summer, meaning holidaymakers could take larger bottles of liquids in hand luggage for the first time in years. But this has now been delayed, causing chaos at airports across the UK and confusion for passengers. Queues at Birmingham airport today were reportedly taking around two hours to clear Due to changes in security, some passengers are even queuing outside of the airport - with experts warning the chaos could last for months The government had originally given approval to some airports to allow passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage after the installation of new CT scanners. But it has temporarily re-introduced the 100ml restriction until further notice. New 'liquid check' stations were rolled out at the airport yesterday, in a bid to cut the time wasted at security by those confused by the changes to hand luggage rules. Airport bosses have also said they are in the process of hiring a further 100 staff to help combat the lengthy queues faced by travellers. But the changes don't seem to have eased the problems. One passenger today said he had 'never had to queue so long in such chaos' and vowed not to fly from the airport again. Posting on X, he said: 'It is dreadful. I just travelled from Birmingham Airport and have never had to queue so long in such chaos. 'On my return all I saw as new measures was the airport installing more outdoor tents to accommodate even longer queues! Not flying from there again.' Another traveller said: 'Flying out of BHX airport this Thursday morning at 06:00. Arrived 03:30. Fortunately had Express Lane! 25 minutes total through Security; 10 of that was just queuing for the lift. New 'liquid check' stations were rolled out at the airport yesterday, in a bid to cut the time wasted at security by those confused by the changes to hand luggage rules 'Staff working hard to keep things organised, but the non-Express queues are INSANE!' Over the last few weeks, passengers on long-haul flights were advised to arrive as much as four hours in advance of their departure time to check in. The ongoing disruption has sparked fears that delays could continue for months. It was reported earlier this week that the airport is hiring specialists to help tackle the back log amid confusion over liquid rules. Birmingham Airport chief executive Nick Barton said the extra 'third-party customer service specialists' would explain current rules and help passengers 'prepare for security'. Mr Barton also revealed that key features such as escalators had been removed for health and safety reasons and would be replaced by lifts. He said: 'The escalators were really dangerous. We removed them because they were a health and safety issue. 'These lifts are huge, we only really need three of them to be working in the peak. When the ground space opens up people won't be queuing downstairs.' He continued: 'These new measures are designed to give passengers a smoother and easier experience though security.' He added that passengers were made to queue outside to reduce panic and crowding inside and explained: 'It is much nicer to queue outside as much as we regret the perception that this has on the passengers.' Passengers on long-haul flights were advised to arrive as much as four hours in advance of their departure time to check in (Pictured: Queues earlier this month) One passenger shared a photograph of the queue at around 6am on June 16, which led out the terminal in a straight line Furious passengers have often spent hours getting through security over the last few weeks (Pictured on June 6) Customers can use a premium fast-track service to skip most of the queues, but this costs an extra 13 per person. Airports have criticised the Government for the liquid rules U-turn after some airports - including Birmingham - had installed new 3D scanners. It should have meant the rules were changed on June 1 so passengers could carry liquids up to two litres in their hand luggage. But the likes of Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester were allowed to miss the latest deadline for installing them after various logistical challenges. Some airports that had installed the new technology had already dropped the 100ml liquid rule. But the Department for Transport (DfT) ruled that six British airports, including Birmingham, will temporarily reintroduce the ban. Birmingham Airport was contacted for comment. A fourth person has been arrested over the alleged murders of Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, who were killed while on a surf trip in Mexico. Brothers Jake, 30, and Callum Robinson, 33, and their friend Jack Rhoad, 30, had been on a surfing and camping trip in the Baja California region of Mexico, near Ensenada when they vanished on April 27. Family and friends took to social media to ask for help to find them after they failed to check into their Airbnb in Rosarito, near the US-Mexico border. A fourth person has now been arrested in connection to the alleged murders, after the brother's bodies were discovered 10 metres down a well, Nine reported. Callum and Jake Robinson (pictured) were last seen near the Rosarito and Ensenada region of Baja California, before their bodies were found down a well The authorities have not disclosed any details of the man arrested. The trio's bodies were found weeks after their disappearance near their remote campsite, with three Mexicans arrested soon after. Police were able to make the initial three arrests after one of the brothers' mobile phones was turned back on and pinged a local tower. A woman was found in possession of the phone as well as some illicit drugs. She was arrested along with two other men. The incident is believed to be a 'robbery gone wrong', with Mexican authorities alleging the three men were shot in the head by locals attempting to steal the tyres from their pick-up truck. Callum Robinson is pictured with his girlfriend Emily Horwath A burnt out car which was believed to have belonged to the trio was found by local police The Robinson brothers (pictured) with their parents Debra and Martin Robinson (pictured) Jesus Gerardo, the accused ringleader of the trio also known as 'El Kekas', faced court and is set to remain behind bars until his hearing in November later this year. Gerardo was arrested along with his brother Cristian Alejandro and girlfriend Ari Gisel. The brothers were commemorated by their friends and family in a paddle out at Sorrento Beach, north of Perth this month, six weeks after they were killed. Hundreds attended the paddle out, heading out into the ocean on surf boards or boats and formed a circle with their oars in the air. The Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club posted on their Facebook page about the ceremony. 'It will provide these communities with an opportunity to come together to commemorate and remember these two wonderful boys and show their support for their family,' the post read. A large group of friends and family members paddled out off a beach in WA in memory of Jake and Callum Robinson, who were killed during a surfing trip in Mexico 'WA surfers, surf life savers and ocean paddlers will all come together as one group as they paddle out to form a circle and remember Callum and Jake.' Callum and Jake's mother, Debra Robinson paid tribute to her sons, along with her husband Martin at their funeral service in Sorrento in Perth's north west earlier this month. They delivered an emotional speech to the 800 grieving friends and family watching the service, which was also live streamed. 'We loved that Jake was curious, kind and happy and never judgmental,' Mrs Robinson said. 'Callum always made a conscious decision to wake up and be positive every day.' 'He saw so much fun in life. We miss you beyond description, Callum and Jakey boy, please shine on us.' The mother of a woman allegedly murdered by an undocumented immigrant has slammed the Biden administration as she revealed the White House has not contacted her. Patty Morin's daughter Rachel, 37, was raped and murdered by Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last August, according to police. The case had remained a mystery for 10 months after Morin, a mother-of-five, was reported missing by her boyfriend after she went for a run on hiking trails. Hernandez illegally crossed the southern border in February 2023 after he allegedly murdered another woman in El Salvador a month earlier. He is also accused of attacking a nine-year-old girl and her mother in Los Angeles before Morin's murder. Speaking on Fox News, Patty called out Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for referring to Rachel as an 'individual' instead of using her name during a CNN appearance. Patty Morin called out Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for referring to Rachel as an 'individual' instead of using her name during an interview Your browser does not support iframes. 'Its a completely political statement because theyre not even willing to acknowledge that she was a mother, a daughter,' Patty said. 'It totally depersonalizes her and makes her an object.' Patty also slammed Mayorkas for not mentioning the fact that Hernandez is undocumented during the interview. Mayorkas said on CNN: 'First and foremost of course our hearts break for the children, the loved ones and the friends of the individual who was murdered the woman, the mother. He added: 'A criminal is responsible for the criminal act... The criminal who committed this heinous act should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and forcefully so.' The grieving mother also claimed she had not been contacted by anyone from the Biden administration following Hernandez' arrest last week. Patty Morin's daughter Rachel, 37, was raped and murdered by Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, in Tulsa, Oklahoma , last August, according to police Cops arrested an illegal immigrant on suspicion of raping and murdering Maryland mother Rachel Morin, 37, in August 2023 Morin's naked and battered body was found on the Ma and Pa hiking trail in Bel Air, around 45 miles north of Baltimore, the day after she was reported missing. Six months later, Maryland investigators released a sketch of Morin's suspected killer as her family pleaded for the public to help solve the case. According to detectives, Hernandez was believed to be hiding adjacent to the popular hiking trail when he allegedly murdered Morin. He allegedly attacked, raped and killed her before fleeing the state, and the Tulsa Police Department said he was tracked down to Oklahoma after officials in the state were contacted by the FBI. Hernandez was taken into custody inside a bar in Tulsa on Friday by several law enforcement agencies, and was said to be found 'casually sitting at the bar.' Patty also slammed Mayorkas for not mentioning the fact that Hernandez is undocumented during the interview Mayorkas denies any responsibility for the illegal alien monster who crossed Biden's open border in early 2023 and went on to savagely murder Maryland mother-of-five Rachel Morin pic.twitter.com/zmrZkA9WiT RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 19, 2024 Morin was reported missing by her boyfriend Richard Tobin (pictured together) after she went for a run on hiking trails and failed to return Officials said he initially lied about his identity and denied any knowledge of the crimes he was wanted for. Hernandez is now awaiting extradition. At a press conference on Saturday, Hardford County Sheriff Jeff Gaylor announced Hermandez's arrest, and said the suspect had carried out a trail of criminality since entering the country illegally. Before reaching Morin in Maryland, Hernandez attacked a nine-year-old girl and her mother in a home invasion in Los Angeles, California, in March 2023, Gaylor said. DNA evidence from the home invasion was later linked to Morin's case. 'It is my understanding that this suspect, this monster, fled to the United States after the murder of a young woman in El Salvador a month earlier in January of 2023,' Gaylor said at Saturday's press conference. 'Once in our country, he brutally attacked a nine-year-old girl and her mother in a home invasion in March of 2023 in Los Angeles.' In the almost-year-long investigation, detectives scoured seven states and involved 10 federal, state and local agencies. The suspect in Morin's murder has been linked by DNA to a home invasion and assault in LA back in March 2023 The body of the 37-year-old mom-of-five was discovered on the popular trail naked and beaten in a tunnel along a popular hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland Officials expressed fears that the suspect could strike again, and released Ring doorbell camera footage showing the assailant fleeing the Los Angeles home after the home invasion. Gaylor said at the time: 'Serial killers all start somewhere. What he did in Los Angeles was certainly, I believe, in that direction. 'I believe it was his intention to inflict more serious physical harm. We don't know who he is yet. 'He could still be laying his head here in our county, or he could have fled anywhere in the country or even the world.' Hernandez is known to also have ties to the Washington, D.C., area in both Virginia and Prince George's County, and is believed to be affiliated with gang activity, cops said. Morin's boyfriend Richard Tobin found her car at the trailhead on the day her body was found, and he was forced to take to social media to deny any involvement after the case gained national attention. Detectives previously released Ring doorbell camera footage showing the assailant fleeing the Los Angeles home after the home invasion The pair had made their relationship official on social media four days before she was murdered. He posted: 'I love Rachel. I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve. 'Yes, I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please.' Tobin has been arrested 14 times since 2014 on a variety of charges including drug dealing, assault, disorderly conduct and refusing arrest. The future of all major UK fossil fuel schemes is in doubt after the Supreme Court today ruled in favour of residents opposed to the 'Gatwick Gusher' oil well. Sarah Finch challenged Surrey County Council's decision to allow the expansion of an oil well site at Horse Hill, near Horley in Surrey, in 2019. Ms Finch, acting on behalf of Weald Action Group, argued that the environmental impact assessment carried out before planning permission was granted - which only took into account the impact of extracting the oil - should have taken into account the 'downstream' emissions produced when the oil was burned. She challenged an earlier Court of Appeal ruling dismissing her case, having also lost a legal battle in the High Court. And in a ruling today, Supreme Court justices ruled three to two in favour of allowing her appeal and quashed the decision to grant planning permission for the site. Sarah Finch (seen celebrating the verdict today) challenged Surrey County Council's decision to allow the expansion of an oil well site at Horse Hill, near Horley in Surrey, in 2019 UK Oil & Gas Investments said they discovered 100billion barrels worth of oil reserves in the Weald Basin, near Gatwick airport (pictured, the well head at Horse Hill) Speaking outside the UK's highest court in Westminster after the judgment, Ms Finch described the ruling as 'a massive vindication of what we've been saying'. She told reporters: 'This means that in future, every fossil fuel development project that's of the size to meet environmental impact assessment requirements, they will have to assess the downstream emissions from the fuel when it's burned. 'That is going to make it a lot harder for anyone to open a new oil or coal field and it has implications for some that have already been agreed but are subject to legal challenges.' Later describing the decision as a 'huge win', Ms Finch continued: 'In climate science we hear a lot about tipping points, Amazon deforestation, melting permafrost, things that accelerate global warming in an unpredictable and frightening way. 'I think today we've seen a tipping point in the other direction. No longer will any planning authority be allowed to wave through fossil fuel production without fully considering the climate impact.' 'Together we have just made the future safer,' she added. Friends of the Earth, which supported the legal challenge, said that the landscape surrounding planning permission for fossil fuel extraction has been 'fundamentally changed' by the ruling. Katie de Kauwe, a lawyer for the campaigning group, said: 'This historic ruling is a watershed moment in the fight to stop further fossil fuel extraction projects in the UK and make the emissions cuts needed to meet crucial climate targets. It is a huge boost to everyone involved in resisting fossil fuel projects.' Ms Finch had challenged an earlier Court of Appeal ruling dismissing her case, having also lost a legal battle in the High Court She continued: 'This judgment will make it harder for new fossil fuel projects to go ahead. They can no longer claim that downstream emissions are someone else's problem. Now, when fossil fuel companies apply for planning permission, it follows from the Supreme Court's judgment, that the end-use emissions must be considered by the planning authority. 'This is a stunning victory for Sarah Finch and the Weald Action Group, after nearly five years of grit and determination, in going to court year after year against adversaries with far greater financial resources than they have.' In the judgment, Lord Leggatt said 'it seems to me plain' that emissions created by burning oil extracted at the site 'are effects of the project', and as a result 'it follows that the council's decision was unlawful'. In the ruling backed by Lord Kitchin and Lady Rose, he continued: 'The reasons accepted by the council for excluding the combustion emissions from consideration and assessing only direct greenhouse gas emissions from within the well site boundary are therefore demonstrably flawed' He added: 'In my view, there was no basis on which the council could reasonably decide that it was unnecessary to assess the combustion emissions.' A map showing the location of Horse Hill, just north of Gatwick Airport Lord Leggatt also said that he could see 'no reason why combustion emissions that will occur elsewhere as a consequence of the operation of a project to extract oil should be regarded differently' from emissions generated by extracting the material. The justice later added that while the law did not prevent planning authorities from approving projects which may harm the environment, the authority needed to reach a 'reasoned conclusion' on the impact. But he said it was 'not a valid ground' to argue that the oil being refined elsewhere before being burned meant it did not need to be considered by the council as part of the environmental assessment. Under the plans, the oil well site, run by Horse Hill Developments, would have seen the fossil fuel extracted over 20 years, producing around 3.3 million tonnes of oil. A police source said they forced the girl to have sex while uttering death threats Enraged French citizens have condemned as monsters three young boys involved in the shocking gang-rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl in an abandoned hangar at the weekend as they took to the streets to protest anti-Semitism. Hundreds of protesters lined the streets in Paris and several other French cities on Wednesday and today, toting placards that read 'do not sacrifice French Jews' and 'this could have been your sister'. Another rally is being organised for Thursday evening by French organisations such as anti-racism group SOS Racisme and the Women's Foundation at the Place de la Bastille in Paris. Commenting on the horrific gang-rape of the young girl, SOS Racisme said: 'It was with horror that we learned of the gang rape of a 12 year old child, because she was Jewish', adding that it expressed its solidarity with 'this young girl, scarred by misogyny and anti-Semitic hatred, as well as with her family'. 'We call on all women and men to rise up in unity against this particularly sordid anti-Semitic and misogynistic act', the organisation said when announcing the Place de la Bastille rally, which it said will 'denounce antisemitism and violence against women'. People attend a demonstration against anti-Semitism in front of Paris City Hall after three teenagers aged 12 to 13 indicted in Courbevoie, accused of rape and anti-Semitic violence against a 12-year-old girl, in Paris on Wednesday. Slogan reads: 'It could have been your sister' Protesters hold placards which read "Anti-Semitism is not residual", "+1000% in anti-Semitic acts, these aren't just figures", "Our lives are worth more than the imported conflict" and "Raped Jewish girl, Republic in danger" as they gathered to condemn the alleged anti-semitic gang rape of a 12 year-old girl, during a rally on Lyon Terreaux square in Lyon, central eastern France, on Wednesday In the midst of the general election campaign, political reactions are multiplying after the indictment on June 18, 2024, of two 13-year-olds for gang rape, death threats, anti-Semitic insults and violence against a 12-year-old girl Two of the suspects, both 13, were charged on Tuesday with gang rape, anti-Semitic insults and violence and issuing death threats, while a third boy, 12, faced the same charges but not rape. Pictured; People attend demonstration against anti-Semitism on Wednesday in Paris The girl from Courbevoie, in the Hauts-de-Seine suburb northwest of the French capital, told police on Monday that she had been raped at the weekend by three youths - one of whom she said was her ex-boyfriend. Investigators heard how the gang grabbed her while she was sitting in Courbevoie's Henri Regnault square with her boyfriend and dragged her to a derelict warehouse in the nearby La Defense district to carry out the attack. A police source said the youths forced her into sex acts 'while uttering death threats and anti-Semitic remarks', including 'dirty Jew' amid the heinous attack. Two of the suspects, both 13, were charged on Tuesday with gang rape, anti-Semitic insults and violence and issuing death threats, while a third boy, 12, faced the same charges but not rape. Police set out to detain the attackers after a gynaecological examination at a local hospital on Monday confirmed the girl had been raped. The boys appeared in front of a judge yesterday afternoon and reportedly admitted to the crimes after the victim's boyfriend was able to identify two of them. The girl's former boyfriend told police that he was angry she hid being Jewish from him and wanted revenge, according to Le Parisien. French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti talks to journalists during a demonstration in Wednesday against anti-Semitism in front of Paris City Hall after three teenagers aged 12 to 13 were accused of rape and anti-Semitic violence against a 12-year-old girl, in Paris, France Imam of Drancy Hassen Chalghoumi attends a demonstration against anti-Semitism in front of Paris City Hall on Wednesday An investigating source said: 'The girl went out with her parents' permission on Saturday at 3pm to meet her current boyfriend. 'She was approached by two teenagers and dragged by force into a shed connected to a disused nursery, as she was returning home through a park near her parents' house in a tower block in La Defense. 'A third minor then joined them, and insulted the young girl about her religion, calling her a dirty Jew.' According to the girl's initial witness statement, she was beaten, thrown to the ground, and photographed using mobile phones. The boys allegedly said they would use the images to blackmail her, before saying they would burn her, while placing a lighter by her face. Various sex acts were then performed on the girl, and she was told she 'would be killed' if she spoke to police. One of the attackers is said to have asked the girl to return the next day to give him 200 euros about 170 as part of a blackmail plot. Investigators allegedly found anti-Semitic comments and images, including that of a burned Israeli flag, on the boy's phone. One of his friends reportedly told police that he had hit the girl because she said bad things about Palestine. According to further reports in the French media, the boys all come from the neighbouring suburb of Rueil-Malmaison. France, which is home to Europe's largest Muslim community, experienced a surge in anti-Semitic acts since Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel that prompted a brutal retaliatory campaign by Israel in Gaza. According to government figures, anti-Semitic acts soared in France in the first quarter of 2024, with 366 cases recorded between the months of January and March. This is a 300% increase compared to the corresponding period a year ago. Of the 1,676 anti-Semitic acts recorded in 2023, 12.7 per cent took place in schools. The girl from Courbevoie, in the Hauts-de-Seine suburb northwest of the French capital, told police that she had been raped last weekend. She said she went to the Henri Regnault square (pictured) with her boyfriend when three teenagers grabbed her and took her to an abandoned hangar on the site of an old nursery nearby President Emmanuel Macron condemned the 'scourge of anti-Semitism' threatening French schools The leaders of France's Jewish community - the largest of any country outside Israel and the United States - expressed horror over the attack as Macron told parliament that more must be done to combat anti-Semitism in schools. Macron 'spoke solemnly and seriously about the 'scourge of anti-Semitism' in a cabinet meeting, calling for 'dialogue' about racism and hatred of Jews in schools to prevent 'hateful speech with serious consequences' from 'infiltrating' classrooms, a government source told AFP. France's chief rabbi Haim Korsia wrote on X that he was 'horrified' and that 'no-one should be excused in the face of this unprecedented wave of anti-Semitism'. Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen, whose National Rally party is tipped to make major gains in the election, slammed the 'extreme left' for 'stigmatising Jewish people' since the Israel-Hamas war started. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the hard left France Unbowed (LFI) party, who has been accused of minimising the importance of anti-Jewish attacks, condemned 'anti-Semitic racism'. Courbevoie's centre-right mayor Jacques Kossowski condemned what he called 'an abject act' and called for the perpetrators to be met with the full force of the law 'whatever their age.' A state trooper who sent shocking sexualized texts about murder suspect Karen Read has sparked fears his conduct could thwart her trial. State Police Trooper Michael Proctor admitted to making demeaning comments about Read including referencing her 'ass' and calling her 'a babe'. His admission came during testimony during Read's trial for the murder of her Boston cop boyfriend John O'Keefe. Read, 44, has denied murder and claims she is the victim of an elaborate set up by police, including Proctor. She is accused of running over O'Keefe, 46, and leaving him to die outside a friend's house in 2022. A state trooper who sent shocking sexualized texts about murder suspect Karen Read has sparked fears his conduct could thwart her trial On the stand, Proctor acknowledged that he called Read several names, including 'wack job,' in texts to friends, family and fellow troopers. He also admitted that he joked to supervisors about not finding nude photos while searching her phone and texting his sister that he wished Read would 'kill herself,' which he claimed was a figure of speech and that 'emotions got the best of me.' He apologized for the language he used, but insisted they had no influence on the investigation. O'Keefe was found unconscious in a snowbank outside a the home of Brian Albert, with skull fractures, swollen eyes and hypothermia at around 6am on January 29, 2022. Read had dropped him off at the house for a party the night before his death. Her defense claims he was beaten up and kicked out by another guest. In another boost for the defense, Proctor admitted to being friends with the brother of Brian Albert and his wife. State Police Trooper Michael Proctor admitted to making demeaning comments about Read including referencing her 'ass' and calling her 'a babe' Read is accused of running over Boston cop John O'Keefe, 46, and leaving him to die outside a friend's house. On cross-examination, defense attorney Alan Jackson got Proctor to acknowledge that he was drinking buddies with Alberts brother, Kevin Albert, who is a Canton police officer. But Proctor insisted the relationship had no influence on the investigation and that he had never been to their house before OKeefes death. He did acknowledge they went out drinking several months after OKeefe died, worked on a cold case together and communicated about coordinating aspects of the OKeefe case even though the Canton Police Department recused itself from the case. Proctor is still employed by Massachusetts State Police, however he is under investigation. There are fears his admissions could jeopardize any potential conviction in the Read case. Meanwhile, the attorney in a separate murder case investigated by Proctor also plans to file a motion over Proctor's conduct, Newsweek reports. Read, 44, has denied murder and claims she is the victim of an elaborate set up by police, including Proctor Larry Tipton, the lawyer for Matt Walshe, a husband accused of murdering his wife Ana last year said he does not know if Proctor's behavior biased his client's trial. Last week, Governor Maura Healey said she was 'disgusted' by the trooper's actions, adding the messages harm the 'integrity of the work men and women across the state police and law enforcement.' Prosecutors claim that witnesses at the scene heard Read yell 'I hit him!' when she and two friends found his body, along with 'this is my fault. I did this.' Read's defense, however, was able to get cops to acknowledge they never actually heard her say she hit O'Keefe, who was a 16-year veteran of the Boston Police Department. China allocates 346 mln yuan in natural disaster relief funds Xinhua) 10:26, June 20, 2024 BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have earmarked 346 million yuan (about 48.63 million U.S. dollars) in disaster relief funds to assist flood control and drought relief efforts for a broad swath of the country. Some 213 million yuan will be used to support flood control and relief work in the provincial-level regions of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Guizhou, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. Provincial-level regions of Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shandong and Henan will receive 69 million yuan for drought relief work such as ensuring water supply for rural and urban residents. Fujian and Guangdong provinces will receive 64 million yuan for geological disaster relief work, according to the statement. The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration on Wednesday issued an orange alert for potential mountain torrents in Guizhou and Qinghai. Localities have been advised to take preventive measures such as real-time monitoring, issuing flood prevention warnings, and undertaking relocation to ensure the safety of local residents. China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Laguna Honda Hospital has regained federal approval to care for residents on Medicare, ending a two-year saga that threatened to shut it down. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Laguna Honda Hospital has regained federal approval to care for residents on Medicare, ending a two-year saga that threatened to shut it down. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Laguna Honda Hospital, San Franciscos largest skilled nursing facility, has regained federal approval to care for residents on Medicare, the government health insurance program for seniors bringing to an end a two-year regulatory saga during which the 150-year old facility faced the threat of closure. Laguna Honda leaders were informed Wednesday that they regained Medicare certification, which means they can begin admitting new residents again and bring back the dozens of residents who had been transferred to other facilities in 2022 as part of the federally mandated recertification process. It means Laguna Honda is here to stay, said San Francisco Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax, who oversees the San Francisco Health Network, a network of city-run health care providers that includes Laguna Honda. Going forward, well continue the progress and make sure Laguna Honda is a world-class facility and serve the city of San Francisco the way its done over the past 100 years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The facility, which now houses about 400 residents and has a third of the skilled nursing beds in the city, came under state and federal scrutiny in 2021 after two residents overdosed but survived. That kicked off inspections that identified deficiencies and safety violations, including many residents testing positive for narcotics. As a result, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revoked Laguna Hondas eligibility to receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, which pays for about 90% of residents care. That brought the facility to the brink of closure, since it receives a majority of its funding for patient care from those payments. CMS mandated that Laguna Honda begin transferring residents to other facilities and prepare for closure. Twelve of the 41 residents who were transferred out in 2022 died shortly afterward, raising concerns that the move contributed to their death. Those discharges were halted after the San Francisco city attorney filed a lawsuit to stop transfers. The federal recertification means Laguna Honda is here to stay, said San Francisco Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax, shown here, left,with Laguna Hondas interim CEO, Roland Pickens at the facility on Feb. 24, 2023. Salgu Wissmath/The Chronicle Eventually, Laguna Honda regained Medicaid certification last year after demonstrating to federal regulators that it had improved safety and monitoring procedures and retrained staff. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The residents who were transferred out during the recertification process will be given first dibs if they wish to move back, Colfax said. Some of those residents families have already expressed interest in returning. Any residents who moved out who currently have skilled nursing facility needs are going to be welcome back to Laguna Honda if they choose to come back, said Roland Pickens, director of the San Francisco Health Network. Theyll be the first priority for any new admissions. Dr. Teresa Palmer, a geriatrician who previously worked at Laguna Honda and is now a patient advocate, welcomed news of the Medicare recertification because it means patient care will be fully funded and regulators agree it is a functioning facility. But she is concerned the same problems may arise again, particularly if patients from San Francisco General Hospital who have severe behavioral problems or who are drug-seeking are transferred to Laguna Honda when a specialized behavioral health facility would be a more appropriate care setting. What I worry about is some of the same practices that got Laguna Honda in trouble in the first place will continue because of political and economic pressure, Palmer said. A treating physician or nurse cant be doing a patient search and removing substances. Thats a police function. That got all mixed up at Laguna Honda because no one was minding the ship. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They say theyre going to be minding the ship again but if theres immense pressure to take behaviorally disordered people who arent stabilized and treated, and active substance users and seekers from San Francisco General, the regulatory problems will recur. It's been panned by critics as 'a war crime', 'the worst sitcom ever made' and 'a comedy for people who clap when the plane lands' - but Mrs Brown's Boys can still count on a loyal audience of millions of fans. The slapstick show, which has been on air since 2011, is frequently described as 'unfunny' and 'vulgar', yet it still pulls in plenty of viewers and has been a BBC mainstay for more than a decade, with two festive specials coming up this year. The question of whether Mrs Brown's Boys deserves a spot in the BBC's schedule was raised again this week, when the corporation's director of comedy was asked about whether he found the show amusing and would actually watch it. If you ask the critics the verdict is overwhelmingly negative, with Irish comic Mary Bourke describing it variously as 'a war crime', 'as funny as polio' and 'a comedy for people who clap when the plane lands'. Hugo Rifkind of The Times described its festive specials as 'the now traditional unmitigated s***house of fatuous a***' while colleague Carol Midgley accused the BBC of trying to 'wring the last curdled drops from its teat'. Mrs Brown's Boys is regularly panned as 'unfunny', 'predictable' and 'vulgar' - yet it remains a long-running hit Writer Brendan O'Carroll has vowed to keep on making more Christmas Specials, saying: 'As long as the BBC keep asking, we'll keep making episodes.' In his review last year, Sean O'Grady wrote in the Independent: 'As ever, there are no laughs not a single titter to be had from sitting through the half-hour, which wearily grinds its way through the usual uninspired, unoriginal, dismal material the kind of stuff that would shame a best man's speech delivered by, say, Sir Gavin Williamson.' Grace Dent, for her part, called it 'the worst comedy ever' made, adding: 'It is Two Pints of Lager and Packet of Crisps, but more than ten times as crass and not as cerebral.' And a Metro reviewer was similarly scathing, writing in 2011: 'The BBC should hang its head in shame.' Yet despite this wave of opprobrium, fans of Mrs Brown's Boys would point to just how many people choose to tune into the show. It reached its peak audience of 11million in 2012 and 2013, then in 2017 was the most-watched show on TV on Christmas Day with 6.8m viewers. It may have slumped to 4million viewers last Christmas, but it remains unquestionably one of the BBC's biggest comedy hits that has now graced (or haunted) or screens for well over a decade. Supporters have taken to social media to defend the show, calling it 'hysterical' and dismissing critics as 'snobs'. 'Say what you like about Mrs Brown's Boys but we all need a bit of light hearted, sometimes silly, comedy. It brought a smile to our faces tonight!' one X user wrote. A second added: 'Seeing a lot of hate for Mrs Brown's Boys. Might be a controversial opinion, but I enjoy the programme.' A cheeky audience member prodded at the controversy at a Q&A for the BBC Comedy Showcase at Soho House on Tuesday, telling the BBC's director of comedy, Jon Petrie: 'Can I ask as comedy chief, do you actually find Mrs Brown's Boys funny? And would you watch it if you didn't have to?' The show divides opinion on social media Mrs Brown's Boys: The ingredients of an unlikely comedy hit Mrs Brown's Boys tells the story of loud-mouthed, bawdy Irish matriarch Agnes Brown - played by Brendan O'Carroll - who is seen meddling in the lives of her six children. Described by the BBC as featuring 'sauciness and slapstick', the show has an informal production style, with characters regularly breaking the fourth wall. O'Carroll's unlikely inspiration for the character of Mrs Brown was his mother, Maureen, who raised 11 children and embarked on a trailblazing political career that saw her rise to become the Chief Whip of the Irish Labour Party. Other characters include Harold Brown, better known as Grandad, who has a deep rivalry with Agnes, long-suffering eldest child Mark Brown, and Rory Brown, the third son and the only homosexual in the family - a fact unacknowledged by everyone except Agnes. Advertisement The TV executive awkwardly giggled before the host, comedy writer Michelle de Swarte, waded in by saying: 'It's a trap. It's a trap. Look at me. That's a trap. Next question.' Earlier at the event he had praised Mrs Brown's Boys, saying people 'want jokes [and] shows that make them laugh' before noting that it still brought in 'huge numbers' - while an onlooker claimed he simply hadn't had enough time to answer the question. And the next day Petrie praised Brendan O'Carroll, the show's writer and star, for 'creating the iconic comedy character' that had 'made me laugh many times'. 'Seeing Mrs Brown's Boys live is an unforgettable experience,' he added. 'I feel very lucky that I've had the chance to witness it and I'm proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable.' O'Carroll has vowed to keep on making more Christmas Specials, telling the Daily Star: 'As long as the BBC keep asking, we'll keep making episodes.' And he hit back at his critics of the last festive offering by pointing out that the show still has millions of loyal fans - and has been praised by the parents of children with autism. He told BBC Sounds: 'First of all, I'm well aware that comedy is very subjective. What some people like, other people just detest. So I don't take it too serious. 'When we started... by about the fourth or fifth episode, we got a couple of letters from people who had autistic children. 'It started as a couple of letters and it's now been over 3,000. And they said that their kids watched Mrs Brown and they heard them laugh in context for the very first time. 'One woman said she was in the kitchen and heard her son laughing for the very first time. So when you get a letter like that I don't care what the critics say. That'll do me.' Neighbours have spoken of their horror after a two-month-old baby girl tragically died after she was left in a hot car for several hours in San Diego. San Diego Sheriff's Department is investigating the child's death, which happened last Thursday at a residential address in the city of Santee. An official statement posted on social media confirmed that their dedicated Child Abuse Unit is looking into the circumstances. 'She was found unconscious after being left alone inside an SUV for several hours,' the statement said. According to The San Diego Tribune, a family member called 911 around 12.20am on June 13 after discovering the baby girl inside the vehicle. A two-month-old baby girl tragically died after she was left in a hot car for several hours in San Diego. Pictured: A neighbour captured the moment emergency workers arrived at the home on Settle Road on their Ring doorbell camera A view of Settle Road, Santee, where the tragedy occurred last Thursday Emergency workers rushed the baby to Sharp Grossmont Hospital, in La Mesa, where she was later pronounced dead. The name of the baby has not been released, while the official cause and manner of death will be determined by the county Medical Examiner's Office. Police are reminding parents, guardians, babysitters and caregivers that leaving a child alone in a car is illegal, regardless of whether the engine is running or not, and to think twice before leaving their cars, as summer temperatures continue to spike. Experts say the interior of a vehicle can reach 105 degrees within minutes, even when it is only 75 degrees outside. The statement added: 'Never leave your child alone in a car even for a second to dash into a store or to run a quick errand. 'Summer routines can shift unexpectedly. Even the best parents can forget a quiet or sleeping child is in the backseat of a car. 'Always remember: Once you park, stop, look, lock.' A neighbour who spoke anonymously with NBC 7 said their Ring doorbell camera had captured the moment emergency workers arrived at the home on the 10000 block of Settle Road. 'They were in there a minute, two minutes maybe. Then they left, so we knew something bad happened.' According to the website of advocacy group No Heat Stroke, 972 children have died in hot cars due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH) since 1998. Of these, 56 have occurred in the state of California. Dr David Diamon, a professor of psychology at the University of Southern Florida, told NBC 7 it was easier than people might believe to forget they have a child at the back of their car, especially when they are rushing about. 'We have powerful brain-autopilot brain-memory system that gets us to do things automatically and, in that process, we lose awareness of other things in our mind, including that there's a child in the car.' The parents of the child have not been charged with any offence at this time. A top California Democrat was brought to tears when he was told in a heated debate that Asian and Latino residents shouldn't have to pay for a controversial slavery reparations package. Ash Kalra, the Indian-American chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, briefly sobbed in a tense exchange with Latina Republican Kate Sanchez as she slammed race-based payouts. The pair were debating Senate Bill 1331, one of 14 reparations bills being weighed by lawmakers after a task force last year proposed $1.2 million packages for every descendant of slavery. Sanchez, a GOP Latina and businesswoman from the Los Angeles suburbs, slammed payouts as 'fundamentally unfair' because of who would foot the $800 billion price tag. Asians and Latinas make up 55 percent of the Golden State's population and shouldn't have to pay through a 'major tax hike unlike anything this state has ever seen before.' Ash Kalra, a progressive Indian-American immigrant, came close to tears as he spoke about the need to compensate the descendants of slavery Latina Republican Kate Sanchez, says most Californians had 'nothing to do with slavery, discrimination, Jim Crow laws.' 'Most of them, like me, are first, second, or third generation immigrants who had nothing to do with slavery, discrimination, Jim Crow laws, nothing,' she said. 'It is fundamentally unfair to force these people to pay for this.' She added that the 'pain of our past should not be paid by people of today.' Kalra, a progressive Indian American immigrant who represents eastern San Jose, countered, his voice faltering as he fought back the tears. 'Compensation is necessary,' he said. Poll Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes No Not sure Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes 559 votes No 17652 votes Not sure 172 votes Now share your opinion 'It's hard to ask those of us currently sitting in the Legislature to make those commitments, but no one asked black families over generations if it was okay to take their wealth, if it was okay to enslave them.' America 'became a superpower' from slavery and 'we still benefit to this day from what happened to our brothers and sisters in the black community,' he added. 'I know it's not going to be easy,' he told the June 11 session in Sacramento. 'It's not supposed to be easy to actually admit when you've caused pain.' The heated exchange came as the California Legislative Black Caucus pushes hard to turn reparations into reality, including through a first-in-the-nation task force that wrapped up last year. Their slate of 14 reparations bills tackle education, business, criminal justice, health care and civil rights. While voters and politicians have backed plans to issue an official apology, which does not have a large price tag, cash payouts to the descendants of slaves have failed to gain traction. A survey last year of 6,000 registered California voters found that only 23 percent supported cash reparations, while 59 percent were opposed. The Assembly Judiciary Committee met earlier this month to debate the controversial $800 billion package of reiterations bills From left, State Sen. Steven Bradford, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, task force member Lisa Holder and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer hold up a final report of the California reparations task force last year It's unclear how California can afford the $800 billion process, which is more than 2.5 times the annual budget of a state that is already grappling with a $68 billion deficit. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he did not support the issuing of checks for reparations The reparations movement gathered momentum across the US amid the race protests over the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, but progress has stalled more recently. Campaigners say it's time for America to repay its black residents for the injustices of the historic Transatlantic slave trade, Jim Crow segregation and inequalities that persist to this day. The sums are eye-watering black lawmakers in Washington seek at least $14 trillion for a federal scheme to 'eliminate the racial wealth gap' between black and white Americans. Critics say payouts to selected black people will inevitably stoke divisions between winners and losers, and raise questions about why American Indians and others don't get their own handouts. Reparations are popular among the black people who stand to benefit from them, but unpopular among the whites, Asians, and others who would foot the tax bill without themselves benefiting. Fully 74 percent of blacks support the US government reparations for slavery and its legacy, compared with just 26 percent of whites, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey from last year. Reparations are much more popular among Democrat voters than with Republicans. From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported by European ships and merchants and sold into slavery. Those who survived the brutal voyage ended up toiling on plantations in the Americas, including in Brazil, the Caribbean, and the United States, while others profited from their labor. A Democrat Hill staffer is being dragged online for bragging about having his student debt wiped while making $80,000 per year off taxpayer funding. Benjamin Kamens, the Communications Director for Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), boasted in a post on X about how President Joe Biden canceled the $8,250 he had outstanding in federal student loans. 'Just got a call to let me know my student debt has been canceled. This is why elections matter. Thanks Joe Biden,' the staffer wrote. MAGA social media personality Gunther Eagleman responded on X: 'You should thank the taxpayers you ungrateful f**k.' 'Imagine posting this unironically,' Donald Trump's lawyer Jenna Ellis wrote. Congressional staffer Ben Kamens bragged on X that the remaining $8,250 of his federal student loans were wiped clean by President Joe Biden's student debt forgiveness plan As of May, Biden has canceled $6 billion in student debt and has plans to continue with more forgiveness via alternative avenues after the Supreme Court shot down his plan to give relief to most Americans with outstanding federal loans. Biden originally proposed a sweeping plan that would give most Americans with federal loans up to $10,000 in relief and those with Pell Grants up to $20,000 in forgiveness. The Supreme Court struck down Biden's plan to forgive $400 billion by a vote of 6-3 in June 2023. The conservative justices ruled against liberal justices claiming that the Biden administration overstepped its authority. According to Legistorm, Kamens made a salary of $80,375.02 in 2023 and is on track to make closer to $90,000 this year. As an employee of a U.S. congresswoman, Kamens' salary is paid by taxpayer funds. Republicans and critics of student loan forgiveness argue that it's not fair for those who did not go to college, never took out federal student loans or those who already paid them off to have to contribute to the benefit for others. Ironically, Kamens' boss Rep. Kaptur has previously spoken out against Biden's plan for widespread student debt forgiveness. 'What about the people who paid off their loans?' Kaptur said in August 2022, shortly after Biden revealed his plans to forgive up to $20,000 in student debt. 'What about the people who didn't rack up that level of debt? What about people who put college on hold?' she questioned. 'What about the systemic problems we have in the student loan program, where you walk into an admissions office at a college and they give you a credit card, and you get the money, and you can spend the money on a car or a vacation or whatever, and then the student doesn't graduate. There's a lot of issues.' Many on X claim that Kamens' is double dipping by both receiving taxpayer-funded relief for his student loans and getting paid his salary by taxpayers. President Joe Biden has repeatedly proposed plans to cancel student debt and has so far given out $6 billion in relief 'Your tax $ were already paying this DC Staffer's student loans off for him while he works on Capitol Hill. Now, you paid them off completely, whether he works or not,' former Rep. Scott Taylor (R-Va.) posted to X. 'This is why elections matter,' he added. Steve Guest, a former staffer for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), wrote: 'Joe Biden is robbing from hardworking plumbers, electricians, and mechanics to pay off the student loans from congressional staffers ahead of schedule.' 'This reflects so poorly on the Dems.' Another X user wrote that his loans were not simply 'canceled.' 'Me and every other hard working tax payer paid for your education, you deadbeat shill,' they added. 'And many of us (me included) worked our a***s off to pay off our student loans on time. Others of us never went to college or graduate school, but now we covered your lawful debts, you welcher.' 'You should be ashamed about your perfidy, and instead you celebrate it. Disgusting.' Tons of others took to X to share their distaste with Kamens posting about how Biden is to thank for student loan relief. A elderly man breaks down in tears after learning the high price point of his childhood blanket. In a vintage clip that has resurfaced on social media, Antiques Roadshow guest Ted Kuntz showed appraiser Donald Ellis a blanket he said was 'over the back of a chair' in his house. Kuntz said the blanket was given to the foster father of his grandmother by Kit Carson, an famous United States frontiersman during the late nineteenth century. During the time when Kuntz lived with his grandmother, he said the blanket was on the bed where he slept and kept him warm during the cold winter months. 'Did you notice when you showed this to me I kind of stopped breathing a little bit?' Ellis said to Kuntz. 'Do you have a sense at all of what you're looking at here?' A elderly man breaks down in tears after learning the high price point of his childhood blanket In a resurfaced clip from Antiques Roadshow, Ted Kuntz showed appraiser Donald Ellis a blanket he said was 'over the back of a chair' in his house Knowing Kuntz was oblivious to the true value of the blanket, Ellis asked him 'Are you a wealthy man, Ted?' as he knew his life was about to be forever changed. The blanket Kuntz brought in was actually a rare Navajo Ute First Phase chief's blanket, one of the first types of chief's blankets made between 1840 and 1860. 'This is Navajo weaving in its purest form,' Ellis said, noting the blanket's unbelievable condition. 'It is the most important thing that's come into the Roadshow that I've seen.' 'On a really bad day, this textile would be worth $350,000. On a good day, it's about half a million dollars,' Ellis said, Kuntz's eyes welling up with tears. The item's value, the appraiser explained, did not factor in the item's provenance as a gift from Kit Carson, which could not be confirmed at the time. Sadly, there is a bleak history associated with the infamous frontiersman. Ellis said the blanket Kuntz brought in was actually a rare Navajo Ute First Phase chief's blanket, one of the first type's of chief's blankets made between 1840 and 1860 In 1864, under military orders, Kit Carson led the forced relocation of Navajo communities from their ancestral lands in present-day Arizona onto a much smaller reservation. When the Navajo resisted, Carson's tactics included a scorched-earth campaign aimed at starving them into submission. This brutal episode, known as the Long Walk of the Navajo, resulted in the deaths of thousands a devastating loss of life considered an act of ethnic cleansing today. Despite this horrific truth, the blanket was said to be worth 20% more if it had a confirmed connection to Carson. The blanket eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $450,000 years after Kuntz had appeared on Roadshow. The blanket was then donated to the Detroit Institute of Arts (Pictured: The Navajo blanket displayers in the Detroit Institute of Arts) Kuntz said he immediately contacted Ellis to see if he would be interested in helping him sell the blanket. Ellis offered him $300,000 with the idea that they would split whatever he was able to sell it for. However this offer was made before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and Ellis was stuck with a $300K investment into the blanket, but no sale in sight to complete the second part of the deal. In a later episode, it was revealed that the blanket had been sold to an anonymous buyer for $450,000 years after Kuntz had appeared on Roadshow. The blanket was then donated to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Kuntz used his windfall to pay off the mortgage on his house. 'I knew we couldn't afford to keep it, and it would be better served to be someplace where it could be preserved properly,' he said. A senior Post Office employee admitted deleting crucial information from a witness statement later used to prosecute a postmaster - but denied there was a cover-up. Graham Ward, a former security team casework manager and financial investigator, conceded he had removed reference to bugs in the system expert from witness Gareth Jenkins' testimony when the Post Office sought to prosecute postmaster Noel Thomas in 2006 over an alleged 48,000 debt. Mr Thomas, from Anglesey in north Wales, was handed a nine-year jail term after pleading guilty to false accounting, something he said he did in order to escape a more serious charge of theft. His conviction was later overturned. At the inquiry into the scandal, Post Office worker Mr Ward today [thurs] said he made changes to the witness statement, telling colleagues in an internal email at the time that admitting errors in the accounting software, known as Horizon, would undermine the Post Office's case and leave it open to being 'embarrassed at court'. Graham Ward, a former security team casework manager and financial investigator, conceded he had removed reference to bugs in the system expert from witness Gareth Jenkins' testimony when the Post Office sought to prosecute postmaster Noel Thomas in 2006 over an alleged 48,000 debt Mr Ward denied being part of a cover up to protect the reputation of the Post Office, file photo Mr Ward, who was warned by inquiry chairman Sir Wyn Williams about potentially incriminating himself at the inquiry in central London, denied his actions were part of a wider cover-up to protect the Post Office, and said: 'I can see how it looks, and I'm sorry it looks that way. But I can assure you that was not my intention.' Mr Ward was previously called to give evidence in February, during which he said he 'would not have written over or deleted anything from anybody's statement'. But he was recalled yesterday after Jason Beer KC, lead counsel to the inquiry, said new material had emerged of Mr Ward's potential involvement. The inquiry heard Mr Jenkins, an expert at tech giants Fujitsu who made the faulty software for the Post Office, produced a draft statement to be used in court against wrongly accused postmaster Mr Thomas, which noted: 'There had been some sort of system failure (with Horizon). Such failures are normal occurrence.' Mr Ward wrote to a colleague: 'This statement needs more work.' He added the reference to the 'system failure' was 'potentially very damaging'. He wrote: 'It is more important to get it right and ensure we are not embarrassed at court, which we certainly could be if we produced a statement accepting 'system failures are normal occurrences'.' Mr Beer said the statement was written in a Word document, which identified Mr Ward spent 52 minutes making changes. Among the amendments was to strike through the reference to the 'system failure'. Post Office inquiry lead counsel Jason Beer, pictured outside Aldwych House in central London asked Ward about changes he made to a word document containing expert witness Gareth Jenkins' testimony in the prosecution of a postmaster wrongly accused of theft An annotation, made by Mr Ward on the document, added: 'This is a really poor choice of words which seems to accept that failures in the system are normal and therefore may well support the postmasters claim that the system is to blame for the losses!!!!' Mr Beer asked: 'You agree you deleted those words?' Mr Ward replied: 'I put a line through it, yes I can see. And it's deleted. I was just trying to help him and to review a statement.' He denied Mr Beer's suggestion that the reference needed to be deleted so as not to support Mr Thomas' defence. Mr Ward said: 'My intention was not for anything to be deleted but I can see that, yes, that's how it looks.' Mr Beer asked: 'Do you agree that the information that you deleted was material to the prosecution of Mr Jenkins?' Mr Ward replied: 'Yes' But he said he did not agree that his conduct directly caused material information to be removed from the witness statement in the prosecution against Mr Thomas. Mr Ward, appearing via video-link, said: 'I don't, I think the decision to remove that had to have been Mr Jenkins' decision. What went in there, that was for Mr Jenkins to decide.' He said integrity of the Horizon software 'wasn't an issue for us at all' in 2006. Mr Beer said: 'This was a rather sloppy attempt at covering up in criminal proceedings evidence of system faults with Horizon.' Mr Ward replied: 'Absolutely not, I wouldn't agree there, I'm not trying to cover anything up at all. More than 700 sub-postmasters were prosecuted for theft by the Post Office and handed criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015 as the faulty IT system it used made it appear as though money was missing at their branches (Pictured: Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells, who has already given evidence to the inquiry) 'There is no motive from me to remove anything because at the time there was absolutely in my head no issues with Horizon at all. 'The idea I would be covering anything up just would not have been in my head at all.' More than 700 sub-postmasters were prosecuted for theft by the Post Office and handed criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015 as the faulty IT system it used made it appear as though money was missing at their branches. Mr Thomas previously described his 'nightmare' at being handed a jail term. He said: 'I found myself at Walton prison in Liverpool. It was horrible as I knew I had never done anything wrong', he said. 'I felt terrible for my family as I was stuck in prison and they had to face people. Mud sticks. 'What got me through was my family and friends, and we got a lot of support from our local community. 'But we did have experiences of people crossing the street to avoid me.' The inquiry continues. A British couple who were ringleaders of a drugs gang selling millions of fake Xanax pills around the world are facing jail. Brian Pitts, 29, and Katie Harlow, 26, ran an international criminal empire from a luxury villa in Thailand. They arranged for millions of counterfeit Xanax pills to be produced in sheds and garages across the West Midlands. The gang included family members and friends who sold more than 4m worth of fake pills on the dark web. Harlow arranged for millions of counterfeit Xanax pills to be produced in sheds and garages Brian Pitts, 29, ran an international criminal empire along with Katie Harlow, 26, and others Pitts and Katie Harlow ran their crime empire from a villa with swimming pool in Thailand Pill press stamp found for use in the manufacturing network that was uncovered by police Investigating officer Detective Inspector Dave Hollies said: 'The scale of production of these counterfeit tablets ran in the millions' They were finally caught after a five-year international investigation led by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Ltd. Pfizer bought multiple batches of the pills and ran tests which confirmed the tablets were fake and dangerously dosed with other drugs and bulking agents. Regional Organised Crime Units across the UK launched an investigation to identify the gang and ten of the group are now facing jail. Pitts previously admitted conspiracy to supply class C drugs and conspiracy to commit a trademark offence. Barlow, who lived with Pitts in a modest three-bedroom semi-detached house in Wednesbury, admitted money laundering. On Wednesday two more defendants, Jordan Pitts, 25, and Bladen Roper, 24, were found guilty of assisting in the commission of an offence following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Police say the gang made an 'eye-watering' sum of money in online sales in 2018 and 2019 with profits being laundered through Bitcoin. In 2019, police raided a shed in Tipton and found a fake Xanax factory complete with an industrial powder mixer. Cops also swooped on a garage in Wolverhampton where they found a tablet press machine, metal pill casts and stamps along with powder and a handwritten recipe list. Detectives discovered that between 2018 and 2019 four pill press machines capable of producing 10,000 pills an hour had been bought from a UK company for 30,000. During the same period large quantities of Alprazolam and an analogue, Adinazolam, powder was shipped from China, along with bulking agents and other ingredients to make the fake pills. Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Dave Hollies said: 'The scale of production of these counterfeit tablets ran in the millions. 'We found evidence the group had purchased over two tonnes of bulking agent which made up over 90 per cent of the tablets. 'The weight of active ingredients purchased was up 220kg. And the profit in Bitcoin also ran into millions.' Records showed shipments of the fake tablets were made across the globe including mainland Europe and America. Xanax is a powerful tranquilliser used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. It is not available on the NHS, but can be obtained in the UK through a private prescription. The gang faced a string of charges including conspiracy to supply class C drugs, conspiracy to commit a trademark offence, and money laundering. They will be sentenced at a later date. A woman who assaulted an elderly Parkinson's sufferer, robbed him of his mobility scooter and left him to die in sub-zero temperatures has pleaded guilty to his manslaughter. Kimberley Ann Hawkins, 41, of no fixed address, admitted the charge at Bristol Crown Court following the death of Neil Shadwick in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in January last year. Mr Shadwick, 63, was found unresponsive in the car park of a Tesco Superstore on Stratford Road on January 22, without his mobility scooter, which he used as his mode of transport. A member of the public discovered Mr Shadwick shortly before 6am. Emergency services were called and he was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in Gloucester, where he died later the same day. Appearing via video-link from prison, Hawkins confirmed her name and replied 'guilty' when the charge was read out to her. Judge Peter Blair adjourned the case for sentencing on a date to be fixed. Kimberley Ann Hawkins, 41, had already admitted charges of aggravated vehicle taking and assault occasioning actual bodily harm Neil Shadwick, 63, died after being found unresponsive in a Tesco Superstore car park by a member of the public. His mobility scooter had been stolen He told the defendant: 'Ms Hawkins, we need to obtain more information before a decision is made as to what sentences should be passed on you for these offences. 'That will include the probation service wanting to speak with you to prepare a report to advise me about what their assessment of you and your past and potential is. 'It will also enable any other matters to be got by your lawyers to present to me in mitigation. 'The prosecution will need time to submit any statements of family members of Neil Shadwick to express and explain the impact upon them of his death. 'The matter will be listed before me to sentence you. We can't fix the date yet. It is going to be in August. 'You are going to be remanded in custody in the meantime.' Following his death, Mr Shadwick's children and siblings said in a statement: 'We're grieving for the death of our father and brother and would ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.' Kimberley Ann Hawkins was charged with manslaughter following the death of Neil Shadwick who suffered from Parkinson's Security CCTV showed a man, who is believed to be Neil Shadwick, driving up to a cashpoint with a woman in a long grey coat on the back of his scooter The man, believed to be Mr Shadwick, is seen at a cashpoint while the unnamed woman stands metres away and looks agitated The Tesco Superstore car park in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where Neil Shadwick, who suffered from Parkinson's, was found unresponsive in January last year CCTV footage previously released by police showed Mr Shadwick driving up to a cashpoint in the early hours of the morning with a woman riding on the back of his scooter. He appeared to withdraw cash while the woman, who appeared agitated, waited nearby. The pair then climbed back onto the scooter and drove away. Shadwick was found less than a mile away from the cashpoint on the Sunday morning, while the scooter was found abandoned by a member of the public on Bisley Old Road over a mile away. Police said Hawkins had stolen and rode away on the mobility scooter, leaving Mr Shadwick to die in sub-zero temperatures. Mary Cowe appeared for the prosecution, while Sarah Jenkins represented Hawkins. Hawkins previously admitted charges of aggravated vehicle taking, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, in relation to the incident, in April 2023. Detective Inspector Adam Stacey, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: 'Hawkins' sickening actions had tragically fatal consequences for a man whom she knew full well to be extremely vulnerable. 'I welcome her guilty plea, which has meant that Mr Shadwick's family at least have not had to endure a lengthy trial in court. 'Our thoughts remain with his family at this very difficult time.' A catholic school - once attended by Tony Blair's daughter, Kathryn - has been closed for three days as police stand off with a man on the roof. Police have had a tense stand-off with a man for over two days after he climbed on the roof of Sacred Heart High School in Hammersmith, west London. The Metropolitan Police first responded to reports of a man who had crept his way up to the roof of the school at 9.20pm on Monday. As the stand-off continues, special negotiators have been called in to try talk him down from the building. The Catholic comprehensive school, whose alum includes Kathryn Blair, educates young girls aged between 11 and 18. Sacred Heart High School has been closed since the incident - and all classes are currently being carried out online. Sacred Heart High School - once attended by Tony Blair 's daughter, Kathryn - has been closed for three days as police continue to stand off with a man on the roof According to a letter seen by the Evening Standard, the school's headteacher Mrs O'Donovan said a man with 'mental health difficulties' had climbed upon the school's roof. 'The police contained the situation early on but as I send this letter out the situation is not yet resolved. Specialist negotiators have been on site throughout the day,' it read. The headteacher's letter also said police confirmed the Calder Building was 'safe and secure' for exam use and for senior members of staff to direct students. No student will have access to the main building, according to the letter. According to The Express only those currently taking their A-Levels alongside the Senior Management Team are permitted to be on the premises. Students will be escorted by staff to an exam hall at St Paul's Girls' School to take their A-levels. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called at about 21:20hrs on Monday, 17 June to reports of a man on the roof of a school building. 'Officers remain in attendance and continue to engage with the man with the aim of bringing the situation to a safe conclusion.' MailOnline has approached Sacred Heart High School for comment. Alleged Baby Reindeer stalker Fiona Harvey has been left too afraid to go to the grocery stores as fans of the Netflix show continue harassing her, her lawyers have claimed. The 49-year-old Scot, who claims she is the inspiration behind the Netflix stalking drama, is suing the streaming giant for at least $170million for defamation and negligence. Speaking on News Nation's CUOMO, Harvey's attorney Richard Roth argued that Harvey is not a public figure, adding that she felt she needed to reveal herself as the real-life Martha because she was being harassed. 'She's been harassed, she's been stalked, she's getting death threats, she's afraid to go out and buy groceries and she's not a public figure,' Roth said. 'She's destroyed, she's shattered.' The real-life Baby Reindeer alleged stalker Fiona Harvey has been left too afraid to go to the grocery stores as fans of the Netflix show continue harassing her, her lawyers have claimed The show, which is said to be based on the real-life experiences of comedian and writer Richard Gadd, sees character Martha Scott - played by Jessica Gunning - stalk him after he offers her a free cup of tea in a pub where he works. Harvey accuses Netflix of 'spreading brutal lies' including that she is a 'twice convicted stalker who was sentenced to five years in prison' - as the show suggests. Her attorneys are arguing that it was defamatory to Harvey to depict Martha character as a convicted felon. 'When Netflix starts the series, it doesn't say, "this is based on a true story," doesn't say, "this is inspired by a true story,"' Roth explained. 'It says five words - "This is a true story" - so you better make sure its true.' The attorney continued: 'Spoiler alert, during the series, it comes up that she was convicted of stalking and spent four and a half years in jail. Never happened. She was never even arrested. 'And then at the end of the series, she pleads guilty to four different counts of harassment and then gets four more felony convictions. So they portrayed this woman as a two-time convicted felon when she's never even been arrested for anything.' Fiona Harvey's attorney Richard Roth argued that Harvey is not a public figure, adding that she felt she needed to reveal herself as the real-life Martha because she was being harassed Roth went on to say that the series made it too easy to identify the woman who inspired Martha Roth went on to say that the series made it too easy to identify the woman who inspired Martha. 'Make her from a different heritage. Give her a different accent,' Roth suggested, before adding: 'They did nothing. 'Everything in here leads to Fiona Harvey, and its very easy to find out who it is.' Netflix has said that it intends to 'defend this matter vigorously' and stand by Gadd's 'right to tell his story.' Speaking to BBC News previously, Harvey said she was certain that Netflix would lose the case and added: 'I have no doubt about that. Otherwise, we wouldn't be doing it. We think we are going to win.' Harvey says the show, which features Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning (pictured), makes false claims about her The seven-part miniseries starring Richard Gadd is billed by Netflix as a 'true story' yet it portrays 'Martha' as pleading guilty and being jailed for nine months which she says never happened The lawsuit, filed at the Californian federal court, states: 'Defendants told these lies, and never stopped, because it was a better story than the truth, and better stories made money. 'As a result of defendants' lies, malfeasance and utterly reckless misconduct, Harvey's life had been ruined.' The court documents allege Netflix 'did literally nothing' to confirm that the story represented was true, stating that Harvey 'has never been convicted of any crime and has never been to prison.' Roth, a New York-based lawyer representing Harvey, said earlier this month that he has 'incontrovertible documentary evidence' proving that his client has never been convicted of a crime. After the show was first aired, Gadd asked viewers not to speculate over the real people who inspired the series. He also previously said Martha's identity was so well disguised that she would not recognize herself but internet sleuths swiftly identified Harvey as Martha. The woman then appeared on Piers Morgan, where she denied stalking allegations but admitted to having met Gadd several times in Camden, north London. It was previously revealed exclusively in the Mail that the show's writer, Gadd, who plays himself and based the premise on his own experiences, told makers Clerkenwell Films that his stalker was never convicted. . Jack Ohman/The Chronicle Lets make a dope deal. Let me rephrase that. Lets lobby for a dope deal. You may recall, or not, depending on your decades-long marijuana consumption level, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong and their potent weed-based humor from the 1970s. Every teenage boy in the United States then had their favorite routines, and now every 60-something guy can recite vast tracts of cuts from their albums. Advertisement Article continues below this ad YOU RUINED MY RECORD, MAN! I JUST BOUGHT IT! would be my go-to Cheech and Chong bit. Its completely lost on anyone who didnt listen to AM radio in 1973, which is a rapidly contracting demographic. Now that Cheech and Chong are 79 and 86, respectively, and, yes, you may gasp and take a hit after reading this, theyre still entertaining but also have become The Man. They have their own firm, Cheech & Chong Global Holdings Inc., and theyve registered the company with the California Secretary of States Office. What precisely will they be lobbying for? Well, according to Jonathan Black of Cheech and Chong Global Holdings, Were trying to protect the hemp-derived drinks we have in the state of California right now. The pot industry has gone several tokes over the line since 2016, when California voters approved legal marijuana sales. California Pot Industrial Complex sales are down two-thirds from their peak, according to Dennis Bozanich, a marijuana industry consultant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Youd think pot consumption would be up since Donald Trump was elected. Guess again, bong breath. I guess nothing surprises me anymore, given the Trump presidency. Cheech and Chong as Sacramento K Street lobbyists is on-brand for our era. Sonny Bono was a conservative Republican House member from Palm Springs, too. Everything is weird now. Although I am sure that Cheechongs lobbying isnt anything theyd do personally, it would be better if they did. Dont put on the Zegna and Brioni, either. Stick with the headbands and the wool caps. A visit to the Cheech & Chong website is revelatory. Che Guevaraesque portraits of the duo pop right out, and the headline HAVE YOU TRIED CRUISE CHEWS, MAN? Whos ready to take a cruise with Cheech and Chong, no travel required greets readers at their homepage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You can also become a Cheech & Chong Bowlmate. A Bowlmate is someone whos cool Someone who gets it Someone who likes a good joke, and doesnt steal your lighter. And weve got a club just for our Bowlmates, where we love giving away all kinds of cool stuff! Well, I get it, and Im the second-coolest person in Sacramento, excluding virtually everyone in Sacramento. Dont ask about my Bay Area coolness rating, but its probably right in there with the Oakland As ownership. Cheech and Chong also sell high-quality glass pipes, mezcal (I dont believe thats weed, but hey) and something called a Gorilla Grow Tent, which presumably allows people not to have to patronize weed shops (or grow their own gorillas, in which I would be all in, even more than my beloved 1960s Sea Monkeys). Had I given their careers any sort of thought at all since a drive-in movie I saw of theirs on a muggy Detroit evening in 1982, I guess I would say that predicting Cheech and Chong as lobbyists would be alongside my prediction about Richard Nixon Beachwear. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The notion that anyone can go into a Starbucks-like store, inquiring sweetly of a 23-year-old budtender about the Girl Scout Cookie strain of weed, isnt anything I would have predicted, either. So people tell me, anyway. To me, Cheech and Chong are the ultimate cool guys, utterly unsuited for the rank earnestness of Sacramento. The only person in Sacramento who is remotely cool is Gavin Newsom, but I also know he grew up memorizing Remington Steele episodes. He also strikes me as Not A Weed Guy. And, no, I wont inquire of his comms person. Good lord, there must be other cool people here in Sacramento. (Final Jeopardy! theme music). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nope. I have this fantasy of Cheech and Chong rolling into the state Capitol, trailing blue clouds behind them, giving Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis a contact high (awesome!) and generally not observing indoor smoking bans. A Senate hearing room door pops open, they sit down and launch into a full-force diatribe against the Omnibus No Weed Drinks Act of 2024. Pizza is ordered, Doritos are consumed, fingers are heavily scrutinized, and, boom goes the TNT (or THC), the bill is quietly killed. Fortunately, no one remembers and its all good, dude. 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 No, I wasnt high when I wrote this. Unless you count statins. Thats my new drug of choice, man. A wealthy mortgage broker who strangled his wife after sex texted her friends she was dead, a court heard. Robert Hammond, 47, allegedly murdered his wife of more than 20 years, Sian on October 30 last year in an attempt to clear his spirally debt. Hammond, who was facing a 'surging mountain of debt and financial pressures' had made sure he had paid off the arrears on his wife's life insurance policy days before her death. The banker from Cambridgeshire then called emergency workers, telling them he had found his wife dead in the early hours of the morning after going to bed alone. However a post-mortem examination indicated the mother-of-two had been strangled. Robert Hammond, 47, allegedly murdered his wife of more than 20 years, Sian on October 30 last year in an attempt to clear his spirally debt Mother-of-two Sian, was allegedly strangled by her husband of more than 20 years after the pair had gone to Aldi to buy a steak dinner Sian with her two daughters and her husband. Friends were shocked to hear of her death after the banker texted them the devastating news in the early hours of the morning The 46-year-old broker also known as James, called 999 at 1.50am and told the operator he had found his wife face down on the bed and not breathing at their 1.2million home in Primes Corner, Cambridgeshire. He then coldly texted friends to inform them of her death, saying: 'I wanted you to hear from me Sian passed away last night in her sleep. 'Been a tough day. Can you let your other halves know please. 'I don't need anything, just want you to know. James' Deborah Bevis, who first met Mrs Hammond around 15 years ago when their children were attending the same school, said she and her husband were shocked at the message. Mrs Bevis told jurors she 'didn't believe it' and her and her husband went round to see their long-term friend three days later where the banker boasted of his sexual exploits with his deceased spouse. Hammond allegedly told Mrs Bevis that the couple had gone to Aldi to buy steak for dinner before doing a workout in their home gym. He also said that since Sian was very sporty, she had treated their sex as a workout. Hammond, 47, was in around 300,000 of debt and had already been 'telling lies' including a bogus cancer diagnosis to keep creditors off his back Mrs Hammond (pictured) had numerous abrasions and bruises around her head and pinprick haemorrhaging to her face and neck a post-mortem examination found Mrs Hammond was found dead at her 1.2million detached home that she shared with her husband Christopher Paxton KC told Mrs Bevis: 'He (Hammond) said they had gone to bed but you don't know what time that was. 'He said he and Sian had a cwtch - it's a Welsh word for cuddle - and James told you he had sex with Sian and he described Sian as like a gym bunny and that Sian had used it as a workout.' Mrs Bevis replied: 'Yes, I think he said that.' The prosecutor asked Mrs Bevis if she had asked any questions about this, and she said 'it didn't seem appropriate at the time'. Mr Paxton asked if it was 'normal for Sian previously or James to discuss their sex life', and Mrs Bevis replied 'no'. She agreed that Hammond said he 'went downstairs to allow Sian to get sleep as he snores so badly', and that when he later went upstairs he found her lying on her front and 'knew immediately something was wrong'. Karim Khalil KC, defending, asked Mrs Bevis if she thought Hammond 'saying about going up to bed at midnight or about there was him simply indicating it was late, or was he being particular about things'. Mrs Bevis said: 'I think he was just indicating it was late.' She described Hammond as a 'funny, sociable, nice man' and that she 'didn't see him not being calm'. Mr Khalil said: 'She (Mrs Hammond) never indicated they were under any financial strain?' Mrs Bevis replied 'no', and gave the same answer when asked if Mrs Hammond had ever indicated there was 'any strain between her and her husband'. She agreed with Mr Paxton that the couple's daughters 'swam at a very high level' and that Mrs Hammond would pick them up from places and take them to school. The prosecutor asked Mrs Bevis if Mrs Hammond would 'occasionally take diazepam, particularly if anyone was flying in the family'. Mrs Bevis replied: 'I know she would take it if she was flying. 'I don't know if she would take it if anyone else was flying or not.' The trial was earlier told that one of the couple's teenage children was due to be flying home from Switzerland later on the day of Mrs Hammond's death. Mrs Bevis said she had met Mrs Hammond for lunch on October 27, and when asked if Mrs Hammond had mentioned any problems or issues on that occasion she replied 'no'. 'She spoke maybe one day in the future she might get an apartment in Menorca but that wasn't in the near future,' said Mrs Bevis. Despite Mrs Hammond's plans for the future, her husband was hiding serious spiralling debt. The prosecution claim he acted after his debts spiralled to 300,000 and had already been 'telling lies' including a bogus cancer diagnosis to keep creditors off his back. 'While the Hammonds were no doubt very wealthy, with numerous properties, and were held in high regard by many, the defendant found himself in a hole, not just about the debt and money but the status that brought them,' Mr Paxton said. Suspicions were raised after Hammond claimed his wife fell of the bed while he was performing CPR. The Crown say this could have been the first step in covering up the injuries she received when she was strangled, describing it as 'part of his facade, his act playing the grieving and anxious husband'. A paramedic also questioned whether CPR had taken place as he arrived ten minutes after the 999 call was received. Police were called to the detached house and noticed suspicious 'bruises and marks', the court was told. A subsequent post-mortem examination found Mrs Hammond had numerous abrasions and bruises around her head and pinprick haemorrhaging to her face and neck indicating there had been 'pressure to the neck'. Injuries to her hands suggested they were caused defending herself. An investigation by Cambridgeshire Police found Hammond owed 200,000 to Legal and General and another large sum to HM Revenue and Customs. During a conversation with a staff member at Legal and General who was chasing payment, Hammond is said to have mentioned his wife had died and that they had been in the process of divorcing. But when interviewed by police, he said they were 'happily married'. In a further conversation with the Legal and General employee on November 3, Hammond is said to have asked whether the firm would review the interest on his debt balance when he received a 450,000 life insurance payout. 'Sian had been dead barely a week and this was on the defendant's mind. He had his eyes on the prize of the pay-off,' said Mr Paxton. 'We say the defendant saw Sian's death as his way out of the debt crisis he was in.' The court heard the couple, who have two teenage daughters and had been earning a combined 90,000 a month, had recently separated their businesses. Sian, 46, was principal and director of Lime Tree Financial Services based in Cambridge, while her husband, who denies murder, runs Hammonds Mortgage Services in Huntingdon. The trial continues. An alleged 'Walter Mitty' police boss who wore a Falklands War medal despite being just 15 when the conflict happened has been accused of telling a 'pack of lies'. Nick Adderley, who was suspended from his role as head of Northamptonshire Police, is facing a gross misconduct hearing amid claims he exaggerated his rank and length of service and lied about his naval achievements. Adderley had previously claimed the South Atlantic Medal he has been pictured wearing since at least 2012 was given to him by his brother Richard when he emigrated to Australia in 2008. The SAM was awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the Falklands conflict. But John Beggs , representing the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner today told the hearing in Northampton that Richard Adderley did not embark for The Falklands until July 2, 1982. Nick Adderley, suspended as head of Northamptonshire Police, has been facing a gross misconduct hearing amid claims he exaggerated his rank and lied about naval achievements Adderley previously claimed the South Atlantic Medal he has been pictured wearing since at least 2012 was given to him by his brother Richard when he emigrated to Australia in 2008 That was later than the end of the hostilities almost three weeks earlier on June 14. He added that the chief constable's brother was not entitled to wear the SAM with rosette and only applied for a SAM under a change in criteria for applicants put in place in 2015 on October 12, 2023. That was 10 days after Nick Adderley received a notice of investigation from the Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog. The married father-of-two was among the frontrunners to take charge of London's Metropolitan Police before Sir Mark Rowley became commissioner in 2022. The misconduct panel previously heard from a Ministry of Defence medal office expert that a SAM allegedly worn by Nick Adderley on a number of occasions since at least 2012 was '110 per cent' a fake. Mr Beggs said: 'Mr Adderley asserted in interview that his brother went to The Falklands on the HMS Hermes. He repeats that, but in fact he wasn't. 'How plausible is it that a brother wouldn't know if his brother had served in the conflict? It is something you would know with exquisite detail.' Mr Beggs said this was 'entirely indicative of one of the worst deceits' Mr Adderley had put forward. He said: 'The circumstances of Richard Adderley's claim to the medal were distinctly dubious. 'He said he got it a few weeks after he arrived in the mess hall, in a box from some lads with his name and service number on it. 'What would he have been awarded it for, and why would some lads be giving him the medal? 'How on earth could the medal have been conceptualised, approved in Whitehall, designed and manufactured and then sent, perhaps by Concorde, to arrive by July 3? 'It is utterly preposterous and it is a pack of lies in which unfortunately a chief constable has engaged. Nick Addeley, pictured on the first day of his misconduct hearing on May 28, has been under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct Nick Adderley (pictured, centre, leaving his misconduct hearing in Northampton last month) has been accused of wearing a Falklands War medal despite being only 15 at the time 'Perhaps the key point - why do you suppose that Nick Adderley was so unenthusiastic about calling Richard Adderley to give evidence? 'Just as he wouldn't give evidence, he didn't want his brother giving evidence, it would have been a car crash. 'It gets worse because Richard Adderley wasn't entitled to any SAM medal until the criteria was amended in 2015. Nick Adderley said he gave it to him before emigrated to Australia in 2008. 'We now know Richard Adderley wasn't even entitled to a SAM during that period. 'Why did Richard Adderley say he got the medal a few weeks after arriving at a mess hall? Because he wasn't telling the truth, and at whose instigation is he not telling the truth? If you join the dots, we say it is pretty obvious what is going on. 'Everywhere you look, there are inconsistencies.' During his closing statements, Mr Beggs urged the misconduct panel, chaired by legally qualified chairman Callum Cowx, not to view the evidence in 'compartments'. He said: 'To do so would strip it of competence or sense. Every one of the groups of allegations all relate to one fundamental issue and the importance of that obvious point is that there is an overarching theme in this case. 'From start to finish, from 2009 when he started wearing a SAM and has probably been involved in some skullduggery as to its providence. 'The theme runs throughout the 14 years covered by the charges - one has to join the dots and not compartmentalise.' Mr Adderley did not attend today's hearing, but Mr Cowx said he had directed him to attend when the hearing continues tomorrow. A panel has been told of media coverage falsely suggesting Adderley (pictured) had served in the Royal Navy for ten years and that he was a Falklands veteran Northamptonshire Chief Constable Nick Adderley is pictured here arriving at the Northampton Saints ground on May 28 for his gross misconduct disciplinary hearing Matthew Holdcroft, representing Mr Adderley, said his client was simply proud of his older brother's military service. He added that the police chief wore the medals gifted by him, adding: 'It isn't unusual for a younger brother to consider that which an older brother tells them to be true.' The misconduct hearing took a three-week break at the end of last month after Mr Adderley's defence team accused the panel of bias and put forward an application for them to be recused. The application was rejected and the hearing resumed today, before the panel retired to start its deliberations. Donald Trump said the U.S. 'won't be second in line' in pushing the 'nuclear button,' according to am explosive new memoir from the former governor of Puerto Rico that recounts his trip to the island. Former Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello recounts parts of Trump's trip after Hurricane Maria wreaked devastation across the island in his new memoir. Rosello, who Trump said did a 'terrible job' and eventually stepped down from his post amid massive street protests, did toss Trump a sympathetic comment on his infamous decision to throw rolls of paper towel to hurricane-ravaged resident even while calling the move 'done.' 'The image plastered in history was one that demonstrates disdain and repulsion for the people,' Rossello wrote in his memoir, 'The Reformer's Dilemma,' in an excerpt obtained by The Hill. Puerto Rico's Governor Ricardo Rossello (L) hosted Trump after Hurricane Maria thrashed through the US territory in 2017. Now retired, he penned a memoir where he says he was floored by what Trump said about nuclear war 'Was it dumb and incredibly thoughtless? Yes. The president should have known better. But that does not detract from the true story: The media narrative got carried away, which is happening more often than not in our political culture.' He was less charitable toward Trump's comment on first use of nuclear weapons. He said Trump made it while they were touring devastation from a helicopter above, after the storm and it's 175-mile per hour winds brought mudslides and historic flooding. 'Nature has a way of coming back,' Trump said, according to Rossello. 'Well, it does until it does not. Who knows with nuclear warfare what will happen,' Rossello wrote in his memoir, 'The Reformer's Dilemma.' Trump's October 2017 trip featured famous footage of him tossing rolls of paper towel to storm ravaged residents A man carrying a water container walks next to damaged houses after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, September 26, 2017 Rossello recounts the episode in his new book 'And then, he said the one thing that made me more concerned than anything else in the entire visit,' Rossello continues. 'But I tell you what' He paused for effect. "If nuclear war happens, we won't be second in line pressing the button." This statement floored me. I could not believe what I was hearing. It was surreal. Was he really talking about total annihilation as we flew over the ravaged sights of the island?' It came on a trip where Trump also told struggling Puerto Ricans that 'you've thrown our budget a little out of whack, because we've spent a lot of money on Puerto Rico. Trump's campaign responded with a statement saying he 'abhors' the idea of a nuclear war. Under President Trump's leadership, the world was safer and more peaceful than any time in decades. President Trump abhors the idea of nuclear war,' said campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. 'That's why his historic diplomacy with North Korea stopped the regime's nuclear tests and long range missile launches, which resumed after Biden took office. President Trump negotiated historic UN Security Council sanctions on Iran that left the regime weak and brokeuntil Biden enriched them. And it's Joe Biden who is leading the world to the precipice of World War 3. President Trump's top priority will be the safety and security of the American People. He is determined to return the world to peace. ' America's busiest bankruptcy judge has been accused of helping his lawyer girlfriend land huge multi-billion dollar cases. Judge David R Jones allegedly signed off on at least $13 million dollars' worth of fees charged by his lover Elizabeth Freeman's firm. Their relationship was exposed by disgruntled math teacher Michael Van Deelen, who was unhappy with how the judge handled his stake in a bankruptcy case. He received an anonymous letter tipping him off about the affair, the Wall Street Journal reports, with the accusations about the romance later proven to be true. The missive claimed that $700-an-hour lawyer Freeman through her firm Jackson Walker was often brought in for big bankruptcy cases as it was known the judge would be 'in their favor'. America's busiest bankruptcy judge David R Jones has been accused of helping his lawyer girlfriend land huge multi-billion dollar cases Freeman and her firm also worked with for Kirkland & Ellis, the world's largest law firm by revenue, which had in turn boosted Jones' career by bringing him some of its biggest corporate bankruptcy cases to his Houston courtroom. The relationship saw Freeman landed with lucrative contracts for cases heard in Jones' court, according to the allegations. Van Deelen, 74, decided to expose their relationship after Jones signed off on a bankruptcy plan proposed by Kirkland, which wiped out his $146,541 share in an oil company after it went bust. The former math teacher submitted the anonymous letter to court, arguing it the conflict of interest was grounds to have Freeman dismissed from his bankruptcy case. However, initially a partner from Kirkland successfully argued before a different judge that the letter was 'unsubstantiated'. The evidence was deemed inadmissible and Jones went on to sign a letter sealing it from public view. Van Deelen also sent a copy of the letter to Freeman's law firm. She allegedly told her employers the relationship had ended when questioned. Neither Kirkland or Jackson Walker disclosed publicly what they had learned and both continued to work with Jones. Lawyer Elizabeth Freeman's firm was reportedly able to earn $13 million in fees after her lover signed off on cases instructing them In one instance, Jones shortlisted his girlfriend to handle a massive bankruptcy case for asset-management firm GWG. Sources close to the matter claimed he told the company she would be a 'good choice'. In April 2023, he signed off an agreement for GWG to hire Freeman at $700 per hour. But Van Deelen did not give up and was eventually able to uncover a property deed showing that the couple owned a home together. Armed with the new information he resubmitted his claim against Jones in October. The filings immediately triggered an investigation by The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court's chief judge determined there was probable cause that Jones had committed misconduct regarding his relationship with Freeman. He resigned days later. He has since confirmed the relationship to the Wall Street Journal and has argued that he is legally immune from civil claims over his conduct on the bench. Freeman said in court filings she had no legal duty to disclose the relationship. Jackson Walker said it took appropriate steps after finding out about the affair and took Freeman at her word when she said it was over. The relationship was exposed by former math teacher Michael Van Deelen, 74 Kirkland also maintains it was not obligated to disclose unverified allegations. On June 6 Van Deelen secured a boost to his crusade when the two firms were brought before U.S. District Judge Alia Moses to explain why they did not examine the allegations more fully. 'Why did no one look into it?' Moses asked. 'Everyone is coming into court with not-so-clean hands.' She will now decide if Van Deelen's claim can move forward. The Airbnb where missing teenager Jay Slater spent his final night before going missing on the island of Tenerife has been revealed. The two-bedroom property called Casa Abuela Tina costs 40 a night and was rented to two British men who have since left the island. Set in the village of Masca about 20 miles from the party spot of Playa Americas, it has been seen as an unusual spot for a young person to holiday in. The property has spectacular views over Buenavista del Norte and is an hour's drive from the main resort along mountain roads. There is no suggestion the property's owners nor the British men involved have anything to do with the teenager's disappearance. Apprentice bricklayer Jay Slater, 19, pictured here with his mother Debbie Duncan, was last heard from on Monday at 8.50am The teenager posted a Snapchat image on the morning he went missing in Spain This is the two-bedroom property called Casa Abuela Tina where Jay Slater spent the night before his disappearance The Airbnb is in the village of Masca about 20 miles from the party spot of Playa Americas MailOnline understands Jay asked a neighbour what time a bus left for Playa and then decided to walk home after being told he had missed it. The two men who were at the apartment have been spoken to by Spanish police and are now said to be back in the UK. In its Airbnb listing the property is described as being a farmhouse within the 'unique natural landscape' surrounding it. An online post says: 'It is a house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room and kitchen ideal to enjoy the tranquillity, reading, hiking or nature. 'The house has wifi and all the necessary appliances for a comfortable stay in one of the most beautiful and rugged places on the island, nestled in the heart of Macizo de Teno.' It is known that Jay sent pictures of himself inside the house and from outside on Snapchat to his mum and friends. The question that is troubling them is why on earth did he get in a car after the rave to drive to an isolated farmhouse an hour away instead of returning home. The teenager's frantic mother Debbie Duncan has made a tearful appeal through MailOnline asking for anyone holding him to release him. She has not heard from Jay since he left a rave party on the Spanish island of Tenerife and went off with two British men to their rented apartment. A search involving a helicopter, mountain rescue dogs and drones has so far discovered nothing, and he has been missing for three days with fears growing that he may have been abducted. Spanish police have not said kidnapping is a line of enquiry and are treating him as a missing person. In its Airbnb listing Casa Abuela Tina is described as being a farmhouse within the 'unique natural landscape' surrounding it An online post says: 'It is a house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room and kitchen ideal to enjoy the tranquillity, reading, hiking or nature' It is known that Jay sent pictures of himself inside the house and from outside on Snapchat to his mum and friends Museo is the last known location of apprentice bricklayer Jay Slater The setting is surrounded by spectacular mountains and rocky roads The property Casa Abuela Tina which was visiting by the 19-year-old has a bus stop outside The frantic mother of missing teenager Jay Slater has made a tearful appeal through MailOnline asking for anyone holding him to release him describing him as a 'good boy' Apprentice bricklayer Jay was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday The mountain range in Rural de Teno near the village of Masca where police are searching Police officers and a sniffer dog are pictured in the search for Jay on June 19 Police officers and firefighters talk while searching for the missing 19-year-old Apprentice bricklayer Jay was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday when he messaged his friend Lucy Mae Law to say he was 19 miles away at the apartment in Masca, north-west Tenerife and trying to make his way home. The isolated village is famously a dangerous area, where many rescue operations have been launched in the last few years. School finance officer Debbie said: 'If anyone does have him, just let him go, he's not a bad person, maybe he's got in with some strangers who've befriended him. 'I'm not stupid, I've been to Tenerife before, I've worked abroad myself and I gave him warnings, I just think if anyone has got him let him go, he's not a bad person.' Breaking down in tears, Debbie added: 'If he's got himself mixed up with any trouble, just let him go, just let him go, it's been three days, he's in the same clothes, if he's been dumped in the mountains it's hot in the day and cold at night. 'Jay is a brilliant person, everybody loves being in his company, he's bubbly and fun, he's such a lovely, beautiful boy. I just want my little baby home with me. 'He was supposed to fly home from Tenerife today, he should be on the flight now, coming home. I had the taxi booked and everything and now who knows where he is. 'I just don't know what to think, I'm all over the place and I'm trying to keep positive, has somebody taken him? Is he panicked and lost in the mountains? I just don't know, that's why if anyone has any information please just tell us. 'But if he is lost then why hasn't anyone seen him? It's busy with hikers and holidaymakers up there so if he was lost then someone would have seen him, so that's why I think maybe he's been bundled off somewhere.' Police officers search in the Masca ravine for Jay on June 19 The search for missing teenager Jay has entered its fourth day with officers searching a ravine School finance officer Debbie said: 'If anyone does have him, just let him go, he's not a bad person, maybe he's got in with some strangers who've befriended him' Polic searched the hotel apartments Paloma Beah where Jay was staying in Los Christianos The search for Jay has entered its fourth day on Thursday in Tenerife. Pictured June 20 Debbie, who flew out to Tenerife, has so far remained in her apartment at Los Cristianos in the south and left the search to family and friends who have arrived to join and support her. She told MailOnline: 'I can't bear to go up there, I don't have the strength to do it, he could just be lying somewhere up there and I don't want to be the one to find him. 'I've had loads of weird messages from people saying they know where he is and I've not had a ransom demands but I've had messages saying 'Your lad owes me money' and I've given them to the police. 'I've now got to go back and clear out the apartment he was staying in because he should have checked out and flown home today, the police have been in but there's nothing to see, I've got his passport and I just want him with me now.' It has now been more than 72 hours since Jay was last heard from after he flew to the Canary island on holiday with friends to attend the NRG music festival. Family and friends are increasingly concerned the 19-year-old may have been kidnapped with the last person to speak to him telling MailOnline, 'something sinister is going on'. The search mission has entered its fourth day. Pictured: Rescuers on June 19 Sniffer dogs have been deployed in the search for Jay Slater in north-west Tenerife on June 19 Pictured are drones in the sky searching for Jay on June 19 Lucy Law also criticised Spanish police for its search of the apprentice bricklayer, telling this website that officers 'could be doing more'. She tracked down where her friend had gone back to after the night out and asked those at Casa Abuela Tina en Masca what happened. Jay was last seen getting into a car with two people he met on Sunday night after NRG music festival in south Tenerife. He travelled with them to the property in Rural de Teno Park, a 40-minute drive or 10-hour walk from where he was staying in Playa de las Americas. Shedding light on his last known contact, the teenager told Sky News how Jay had posted a Snapchat image of the house he had visited, showing mountains in the background. She then desperately drove around the area until she found the property, using the mountains and flower beds as markers to locate it. Lucy said: 'We managed to find the house. I knocked on the door and there were two people there.' The occupants told her how Jay had gone out for a cigarettes before going back in and saying he wanted to go home. A MailOnline graphic detailing the timeline of events from when Jay went missing A screenshot of Jay's last known location where his phone battery died Jay (left) is pictured right alongside mother Debbie and brother Zak (right) 'They told me he'd spoken to the next door neighbours and they'd told him there was a bus every 10 minutes back down to Los Cristianos,' she said. 'The bus stop was right next to the house. So obviously if he'd gone to get the bus he wouldn't have got lost because it [the stop] was visible from the front door.' Jay's final Snapchat picture is an out-of-focus image of a hand holding a cigarettes at a property in the Buenavista del Norte area at 7.30am on Monday. It comes after Jay's mother said she has been receiving sickening phone calls from Brits with 'northern accents' claiming to have kidnapped her son. She also said she has received a sick Snapchat message from trolls following her son's disappearance. The message is said to have read: 'Kiss goodbye to your boy, you're never going to see him again, he owes me a lot of money.' And while at least seven fake GoFundMe pages were set up and debunked at first, Lucy has now set up a validated page which has raised 18,099 since this morning. Around 15 of Jay's family and friends have flown out to Tenerife to help with the search, including his mother Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater and brother Zak. Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay was completing his apprenticeship, issued a statement to say it was 'deeply concerned' by his disappearance. A spokesperson said: 'We are deeply concerned about the recent news regarding one of our apprentices, Jay Slater, who has gone missing while on holiday in Tenerife. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students are of utmost importance to us, and our thoughts at this worrying time are with Jays family and friends.' Soaring numbers of migrants from a known hotbed of ISIS have crossed the southern border since Joe Biden became president. Over 1,500 migrants from Tajikistan are reported to have crossed the border from October 2020 until May 2024, according to data seen by The New York Post. This year alone around 500 of Tajiks have been caught by immigration officers, with only 26 crossing the border in the 14 years prior to 2020. It is unknown how many Tajik migrants have been released into the US, although the majority of migrants claim asylum and are allowed to stay pending a court hearing. Others may also have made the crossing without being intercepted. The numbers recorded only take into account migrants apprehended by Customs and Border Patrol. The country in central Asia has become a major breeding ground of terrorists for ISIS and offshoot group Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K). Over 1,500 migrants from Tajikistan are reported to have crossed the border from October 2020 until May 2024 A view of the Tajik Darvoz District, in Tajikistan, on the border with Afghanistan on March 30, 2024 Former counterterrorism official Javed Ali, who now teaches at the University of Michigan, said the rise could be ISIS 'seeding' people into the US for an attack. Last week, the post reported that six suspected terrorists with ties to ISIS had been arrested in a sting operation in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Two sources confirmed that the six people all hailed Tajikistan and had been under surveillance for 'several months'. Anonymous ICE officials told the newspaper a wiretap revealed one of the suspects talking about bombs. Experts believe that ISIS and its affiliated groups have been preying on Tajiks to help carry out attacks abroad. Texas A&M University Professor Edward Lemontold the outlet: 'Tajiks have been recruited to and played a key role in terrorist organizations like Islamic State to a greater degree than many neighboring countries in recent years. 'They have become key to [ISIS-K]s externally-focused campaign as it seeks to gain attention and more recruits.' Lemon warned that 'heavy handed counter-extremism policies' by the Tajik government may be helping radicalizing some of the population. The splinter group had been behind the Moscow theatre attack which killed 143 in March, seen here ISIS-K regard the US, Russia, Iran and even their Taliban hosts in Afghanistan as enemies Lemon, whose research focuses on Central Asia, added: 'Tajikistan is one of the most migration dependent countries in the world, with over a million of the countrys 10 million people living in Russia. 'As life in Russia has become more difficult since the invasion of Ukraine, they have sought other destinations such as Europe, the Gulf and US.' In a report from the Combating Terrorism Center based in West Point, New York, issued last month said that ISIS-K urged Tajik's to help topple their government. The report said that books published in Pashto language urged Muslims in Tajikistan to join their efforts and migrate to Afghanistan. That same message was also included in their 2024 Eid message, with accounts on Telegram helping provide next steps to potential recruits to settle in Afghanistan. The splinter group had been behind the Moscow theatre attack which killed 143 in March. Former counterterrorism official Javed Ali, who now teaches at the University of Michigan , said the rise could be ISIS 'seeding' people into the US for an attack Rescuers work to extinguish fire at the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue following a shooting incident, outside Moscow, Russia, March 22, 2024 The attack, which left the concert hall in flames with a collapsing roof, was the deadliest in Russia in years and came as the country's war in Ukraine dragged into a third year. The Kremlin said Putin was informed minutes after the assailants burst into Crocus City Hall, a venue on Moscow's western edge that can accommodate 6,200 people. The attack took place as crowds gathered for a performance by the Russian rock band Picnic. ISIS-K regard the US, Russia, Iran and even their Taliban hosts in Afghanistan as enemies. The FBI revealed last year that the group has established a trafficking network to smuggle Uzbeki's into the US and that more than a dozen had disappeared after being processed by DHS officials. FBI director Christopher Wray flagged the danger less than two weeks before the Moscow attack when he spoke to a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. Who would have thought that a 30-second video could win you the keys to Number 10? This year's General Election is like no other. While traditional hustings and televised debates are still going ahead, the real battle for power is happening online. In the words of advertising guru David Jones, who led David Cameron's 2010 electoral campaign: 'The party that wins social media, wins the election, especially TikTok.' According to an Ofcom study from May last year, 3.8 million 18-24 year-old Brits spend an average of 55 minutes each day on the app, which has 1.5 billion users worldwide. No wonder this has been widely dubbed 'the first TikTok election'. I started making TikTok videos as a teenager in 2020. It quickly became my full-time job. Within a year, I had over half a million followers and was making 10,000 a month. My most successful video racked up 10 million views and I had a total of 34 million 'likes' across all of my posts. The moral of the story is pretty simple. If you want to reach millions of young people at no cost in as short a time as possible, TikTok is the place to do it. So I wasn't at all surprised when the Conservative and Labour parties both opened accounts last month, ahead of the General Election. Everyone from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage and Tory-to-Reform defector Lee Anderson is now on the platform. But it isn't easy to create a viral video. TikTok doesn't allow paid-for advertising from politicians or political parties. So, instead, marketing teams are having to concoct genuinely funny videos to attract eyeballs. In my experience, the recipe for a successful TikTok video is humour, self-awareness and authenticity. Not exactly the characteristics we would associate with our current crop of politicians. On numbers alone, it looks like Labour is winning the online battle for now. The party's videos have amassed twice as many views as the Tories'. One of Labour's most successful videos features a clip of Cilla Black singing 'Surprise Surprise' along with the caption: 'Rishi Sunak turning up on your 18th birthday to send you to war' - a clever mockery of the PM's plans for National Service. But winning the individual TikTok challenge is Nigel Farage, with around 776,600 followers - more than the Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem, Green and Reform parties' accounts combined. There's also a great irony to all this. Because only in March last year, government officials were ordered to delete TikTok from their work phones over security fears. TikTok is officially owned by ByteDance, a Chinese tech company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with its operational headquarters in Beijing. Many democracies - including the US - fear the app is being used as a weapon of espionage by the Chinese Communist Party. Whatever the risk, it's clear politicians feel it is one worth taking. So which politician wins TikTok - and who should close their account immediately? Conservatives In this clever spoof of a scene from The Apprentice, Ed Miliband's face is Photoshopped on to a former contestant who is getting a dressing down Humour: 10/10 Effectiveness: 4/10 Coolness: 9/10 TikTok Knowledge: 10/10 Total: 33/40 Here, in a spoof of a well-known scene from The Apprentice, Ed Miliband's face is Photoshopped on to a former contestant being ridiculed by the fearsome interrogator, Claude Littner, about his plans for a new, publicly-owned clean energy company. Whoever is running the Tories' account has a sharp eye for Gen Z trends. Labour Sir Keir Starmer's policies are filled in on the blank space left on the Tories' 'empty whiteboard' TikTok trick Humour: 7/10 Effectiveness: 8/10 Coolness: 7/10 TikTok Knowledge: 10/10 Total: 32/40 Labour hijacks the Tories' 'empty whiteboard' TikTok, filling the blank space Rishi had unveiled to 'list' all of Starmer's policies. They are head to head with the Conservatives when it comes to trends - this video includes some useful facts and figures about policy, so Labour gets some points for authenticity. Liberal Democrats The stunt sees Rishi Sunak chat to people in Henley as Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper sails past on a boat, edited to the sound of Enya singing 'Sail away, sail away, sail away' Humour: 7/10 Effectiveness: 4/10 Coolness: 9/10 TikTok knowledge: 8/10 Total: 28/40 The Lib Dems have been dropping deadly TikToks that savage the PM. This is a snappy clip of last week's stunt, in which Sunak was chatting to people in Henley when the party's deputy leader Daisy Cooper sailed past on a boat, edited to the sound of Enya singing 'Sail away, sail away, sail away' The content is brilliantly ironic, using viral clips from the party's antics on the campaign. With good platform knowledge, the Lib Dems are making a splash. Greens Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay skips the flair to deliver a serious policy message Humour: 0/10 Effectiveness: 7/10 Coolness: 3/10 Tiktok Knowledge: 3/10 Total: 13/40 In this deeply boring TikTok, various Greens walk towards the camera, earnestly explaining their policies on housing, taxes and the environment. Most of the party's videos look more like TV campaigns than TikToks: they don't seem to understand the app at all. Nigel Farage shows off his Adidas Gazelles, poking fun at Rishi Sunak's relaxed attire in an interview earlier this year Humour: 8/10 Effectiveness: 4/10 Coolness: 8/10 TikTok Knowledge: 6/10 Total: 26/40 In this video, Farage reclines on a sofa, mocking the Prime Minister's decision to wear Adidas Sambas... as the angle pans down, revealing that the Reform leader is wearing Adidas Gazelles. He's mocking the infamous photo of Rishi Sunak wearing Sambas in April. Hilarious - and the understanding of the platform is there - but he's a bit late to the joke. The Prime Minister was pictured wearing dress-down Adidas Sambas in April Jeremy Corbyn, Independent Jeremy Corbyn goes for no-nonsense over humour - but his message is proving popular Humour: 1/10 Effectiveness: 9/10 Coolness: 5/10 TikTok Knowledge: 6/10 Total: 21/40 'I believe in democracy,' says a pious looking Jeremy Corbyn. A hero in the eyes of Left-wing Gen-Zers, the disgraced Labour leader-turned independent candidate for Islington has proven popular on TikTok talking about health services, the environment and, inevitably, the war in Gaza. His content may not be humorous or engaging, but his audience laps it up - proven by the hundreds that clamour in the comments: 'Corbyn for Prime Minister'. Ed Miliband, Labour Ed Miliband piles on the drama with his TikTok delivery Humour: 4/10 Effectiveness: 2/10 Coolness: 2/10 TikTok Knowledge 3/10 Total: 11/40 Cringe. The former Labour leader poses against a backdrop of stormy clouds, dramatically turning to camera and staring into the distance. 'I'm saying Hi, and I'm saying...' Miliband croaks as he wags his finger repeatedly. Lee Anderson, Reform Lee Anderson show off leaflets in a somewhat bland delivery Humour: 1/10 Effectiveness: 4/10 Coolness: 2/10 TikTok Knowledge: 1/10 Total: 8/40 Is it raining? Lee Anderson hasn't noticed. In this TikTok he braves the inclement weather to leaflet his constituents, insisting it's another 'good day on the doorstep'. However, the Reform MP has clearly not grasped what TikTokers want to see, as he's only got about 9,500 followers. Most of his content is pasted from TV interviews - where straight-talking Lee performs better than on this platform. Grant Shapps, Conservative Grant Shapps rattles off his achievements in his constituency Humour: 2/10 Effectiveness: 7/10 Coolness: 8/10 TikTok Knowledge: 5/10 Total: 22/40 Swaggering like James Bond, Grant Shapps walks towards the camera boasting of his achievements in his constituency - followed by various scenes of the Defence Secretary wearing the same navy quarterzip, cutting red ribbons and greeting adoring fans. Shapps has tried to 'own' memes on TikTok, but here he's gone weirdly old school. His content is humorous and slick - but a tad smug. Zarah Sultana, Labour Zarah Sultana pleads with voters to back her in an earnest message to TikTokers Humour: 0/10 Effectiveness: 9/10 Coolness: 3/10 TikTok Knowledge: 5/10 Total: 17/40 Corbynista Zarah Sultana begs voters to support her in her 'hyper-marginal' constituency of Coventry South. With no dance trends, memes or comedy in sight, the 30-year-old has still attracted almost half a million Gen Z followers, drawn to her earnest clips of speeches in the Commons and at rallies. And yet her 'millennial pause' - the agonising split-second pause before speaking in each video - proves that she is older than most people on the platform. Nadia Whittome, Labour Nadia Whittome uses the personal touch to target Gen Z viewers discussing subjects such as rent, tuition fees and zero-hour contracts Humour: 3/10 Effectiveness: 9/10 Coolness: 5/10 TikTok Knowledge: 7/10 Total: 24/40 Nadia Whittome knows her audience on TikTok, here asking 'Why do young generations keep getting screwed over?'. Informative, personal and raw - Nadia is taking TikTok by storm. The 27-year-old Labour MP for Nottingham East is not trying to be 'down with the kids', but is targeting Gen Z viewers by discussing rent, tuition fees and zero-hour contracts. Whittome's vim and personal touch lands her as one of my favourites. Lucy White is a Video Journalist and Correspondent. A teacher who had sex with a schoolgirl in his car after meeting her on Instagram has been jailed for five years. James Auchterlonie exchanged messages with the teen before he picked her up and drove her to a secluded spot then took her into the back seat. Before they met in person, the 33-year-old former primary school worker had joked 'I'm getting over the fact it's illegal' and 'seriously makes me a bad person if I end up f***ing a 14-year-old'. Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim appeared 'older and confident' but was a vulnerable girl who has been left traumatised by what happened. She said in an impact statement: 'Since this has happened I constantly feel dirty. My ability to feel clean has gone and I want to scrub my skin.' James Auchterlonie (pictured) exchanged messages with the teen before he picked her up and drove her to a secluded spot then took her into the back seat The teen said she now feels 'sick to the stomach' around men and added: 'I feel like you targeted me for your own sexual fulfilment.' She added that Auchterlonie would compliment her during online chats to 'reel me in'. The victim's mum said her daughter has been 'forever changed' by what happened and added that the role of a teacher should be to protect children. She said: 'With sheer audacity you came and took her from her home, the one place she was safe. 'You knew it was illegal and she was underage and that turned you on. 'That was my child, my baby you were leering over and planning to abuse. She will not be your victim but a survivor.' Auchterlonie, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, admitted sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming and three charges of sexual activity with a child. Judge Gavin Doig said he must abide by a sexual harm prevention order and sign the sex offenders register for life. Judge Doig said Auchterlonie had been employed as a primary school teacher but was not in that job at the time and the victim in this case was not and had never been his pupil. Newcastle Crown Court (pictured) heard the victim appeared 'older and confident' but was a vulnerable girl who has been left traumatised by what happened The judge told him: 'She was a child, you were a man in your 30s who had extensive experience in education. 'As you know, this whole episode was a disgrace and you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. 'You knew it was wrong and it didn't stop you.' Joe Culley, defending, said Auchterlonie has been in no trouble before or since and added: 'He does recognise he was the adult, that his victim was a child and whatever happened he was responsible for using the situation that presented itself to him. 'He recognises it would have had an impact on her. He apologises. 'He does express a hope the complainant can at some point move on from the harm he has imposed on her and lead a fulfilling life in the future.' A Florida mayor shocked his constituents with an explosive resignation letter accusing the town's governing body of corruption. Former Madeira Beach Mayor Jim Rostek, elected last year, sent a letter to all the town's residents on Friday, pointing the finger at City Manager Robin Ignacio Gomez. 'I am sorry to leave. But with a city manager as such, I cannot be or have any part of Gomezs corrupt behavior, talking in circles, lies, preferential treatment of some or discriminatory enforcement practices. As well as the everyday wasting of the tax-payers' money and trying to justify it,' Rostek wrote, as reported by Fox News. 'In the end, some will go up to the pearly gates and some wont. I will always do what is ethical and correct, others not so much.' Rostek went on to accuse Gomez of ignoring his requests to establish a life jacket policy as well as a smoking policy and a ban on cell phone usage for town employees operating boats and vehicles. Former Madeira Beach Mayor Jim Rostek shocked residents with an explosive resignation letter accusing the town's governing body of corruption The former mayor added: 'I had a resident take pictures of the code enforcement boat, with people riding around on it doing their job, I guess, no life jackets on. 'The smoking policy I see one or two of them smoking in city vehicles. Theres federal law about that stuff. He refuses to implement policy.' Rostek sent a letter to all the town's residents on Friday, pointing the finger at City Manager Robin Ignacio Gomez Rostek also claimed he had seen sanitation workers holding onto the back of a truck with one hand and texting on the other. He also accused his former colleagues of unethical financial techniques, citing how they supposedly avoided commission approval on projects by negotiating multiple line-item contracts at lesser amounts instead of issuing a Request for Proposals. Rostek, a retired fire captain, told Fox News he is a stickler for ethics and the stress from dealing with his former colleagues sparked multiple health issues. 'God only knows what else is going on,' he said of the governing body of Madeira Beach, which is about 12 miles west of St Petersburg. 'You don't know what you don't know until you start looking and digging deeper.' Meanwhile Gomez has denied Rostek's claims, issuing a statement to Fox News. Gomez said: 'While entitled to his opinions, the city has provided answers and resolutions to the comments although not completely supported/agreed/understood by Mr. Rostek. City administrators will hold a special meeting to fill the vacant seat next week 'It is unfortunate that the disagreements and misunderstandings of city processes and policies by Mr. Rostek led him to state/list claims of corruption, which are simply baseless and false. 'We continue to perform our daily tasks and responsibilities pursuant to federal, state, county and city laws/ordinances/statutes in the most ethical manner.' Former city commissioner Anne-Marie Brooks has stepped up as Rostek's replacement as mayor. City administrators will hold a special meeting to fill the vacant seat next week. Police are planning to introduce controversial live facial recognition in Scotland, sparking a fresh row over Orwellian technology. The Mail can reveal Police Scotland is looking at bringing in the cameras with the aim of cracking down on shoplifters and people who have broken bail conditions. Officers in police vans monitor live footage and hi-tech software checks the images against a database, flagging up potential matches with wanted criminals. The move is part of a series of ambitious proposed changes to use technology to fight crime - but last night there was concern over the possible threat to civil liberties. Jake Hurfurt, head of research and investigations at Big Brother Watch, said live facial recognition technology is incompatible with a democratic society and should be banned. Use of the facial recognition cameras has sparked a fresh row over the 'Orwellian' technology He said: Britain needs to have a proper conversation about the role big data and AI [artificial intelligence] plays in our policing, rather than allowing the government and the police to cobble together patchwork legal justifications to experiment on the public with intrusive and Orwellian technology. Were sleepwalking into a high-tech police state. A spokesman added: At a time when liberal democracies around the world and bodies like the EU are banning or scaling back the use of this Orwellian technology, which is rarely seen outside of Russia and China, expanding the use of AI-powered surveillance would be a step backwards for human rights in Scotland and would put the privacy of millions of Scots at risk. In England, the Metropolitan Police are currently facing a legal challenge regarding the use of live facial recognition in the capital. Police Scotland should learn from the multi-million pound mistake made by the Met in experimenting with this technology in London - and keep it out of Scotland. The UK Government announced earlier this year that mobile police units would be deployed to English high streets, with facial recognition used in crowded areas to identify people wanted by the police including repeat shoplifters. At a conference on biometrics for example facial recognition, DNA, AI, and fingerprinting Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: We have a really strong foundation for looking at some of these higher-end technologies now we are watching what those other forces are doing and trying to learn from them. He said he was not going to put a timeframe on it [the introduction of live facial recognition] but I think we should start exploring it. Mr Freeburn told the conference hosted by the Scottish Police Authority in Edinburgh that there was a statutory duty to keep people safe but this had to be balanced with maintaining human rights. He said: I think we do need to get into the difficult and potentially divisive topic of live facial recognition technology; we need to look at the limits of AI - and I hope that today is the first step in a wider debate. We need to make a proportionate use of technology to keep the public safe in our increasingly digital world. Cameras are focused on a specific area so that when people pass through their images are streamed directly to the live facial recognition system. This system contains a watchlist - a list of offenders wanted by the police and/or the courts, or those who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. The UK Government has said it is ramping up the use of facial recognition technology to help catch perpetrators and prevent shoplifting in the first place. Backed by a 55.5million investment over the next four years, the police south of the Border will be able to further roll out facial recognition technology. This will include 4million for bespoke mobile units that can be deployed to high streets across the country, with live facial recognition used in crowded areas. The mobile units will take live footage of crowds in towns and on high streets, comparing images to specific people wanted by the police or banned from that location. Police will then be alerted so they can track down offenders. Scotlands Biometrics Commissioner, Dr Brian Plastow, has said Police Scotland had never deployed live facial recognition technology capable of mass public space surveillance in Scotland. But he said there are circumstances where the future use of such technology should be available to the Chief Constable as a strategic or tactical option for potential deployment. The Metropolitan Police in London used the cameras during the King's coronation last year Since 2015, several police forces across the UK have begun to use this technology in public places as part of targeted crackdowns and to police busy events. However, Londons Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police have been among the keenest adopters of the technology. The Metropolitan Police have already deployed live facial recognition a staggering 73 times this year, recording 146,157 faces and leading to 209 arrests. The police and Home Office argue that these large-scale surveillance operations are justified by their results. But civil rights groups have raised concerns over the use of live facial recognition, arguing that the technology is overly invasive. Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: It is right for Police Scotland to embrace new technology to fight crime, and not be left behind the rest of the UK as happened with body-worn cameras [which are about to be introduced in Scotland]. However, its also vital for SNP ministers to ensure full adherence to the law and to ensure that the public are kept fully informed. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the use of biometric data was integral to some of the key societal issues of our time, touching on human rights and ethics. She said: I dont have a scientific background but am able to look on with awe at what is and what could be possible and at the skills and expertise of some of the people who work in this sector. Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport More than one-third of public school students and 45% of white children attend segregated schools where 75% or more of students share the same race or ethnicity. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Eight years ago, as my child approached kindergarten, my husband and I faced an important decision about where to send her to school. We were living in Philadelphia and had the option to apply to any of the schools in the district. American parents like us have more power than ever to choose their childrens schools, thanks to public school lotteries, vouchers for private schools, expanded charter school networks and other school choice programs. As of 2019, 42% of U.S. students had school choice within the public school system, and the number continues to grow. While our kids slid down slides and ran through parks, my fellow parents and I discussed our options. I noticed that my Black and white friends, all well-educated and passionate about their childrens success, had different opinions about which school characteristics mattered most. As someone who researches marketplace disparities, I was perplexed. I wanted to understand more about how parents choose schools and whether we might be unintentionally sorting ourselves along racial lines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Believe it or not, American schools are just as racially segregated now as they were in the late 1960s. While integration increased after the Supreme Courts Brown v. Board of Education ruled that school segregation was unconstitutional in 1954, it began to dip again in the 1990s as government programs enforcing desegregation waned. Today, more than one-third of children and 45% of white children in the public school system attend segregated schools where 75% or more of students share the same race or ethnicity. As it turned out, my colleagues Aziza Jones, Broderick Turner and I determined that school choice can indeed lead to greater segregation but it doesnt have to. As part of our inquiry, we surveyed over 1,000 Black and white parents across the U.S. about their school preferences. While all parents preferred top-performing schools, Black parents valued a schools performance 50% more than white parents. Meanwhile, white parents placed greater value on short commute times and predominately own-race schools. We used artificial intelligence to model the impact of these different preferences and found that as school choice becomes more widely available, segregation increases. This happens even if parents dont care about race, because Black and white parents weigh other attributes differently when looking at schools. We estimate that for every 3% increase in U.S. households with school choice, half a million additional children will attend segregated schools. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But this outcome isnt inevitable. When we gave parents additional information beyond the racial demographics of each school, it dramatically shifted their choices. Informing parents that a school was high-performing more than doubled the number of Black parents willing to pick a predominately white school. More than eight times as many white parents picked a predominately Black school when told it was high-performing. Letting parents know a school had a higher safety rating swayed all parents but had an especially large impact on white parents. Over half chose the predominately Black school when told it had the higher safety rating, compared to only 8% when the decision was based solely on racial demographics. Our findings suggest that schools can attract more diverse students by highlighting the attributes most important to the groups that are underrepresented. In todays competitive landscape, schools do market themselves, but the messages generally arent tailored to specific demographics or ZIP codes. This is a missed opportunity to diversify the student body. Historically, desegregation involved introducing Black students into predominately white schools. Today, white students are the ones most likely to be in segregated schools. To really move the needle on diversity, the flow of students must go both ways. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If predominately Black schools actively marketed their programs to white families, they would have much to showcase. Of the 201 top-rated kindergarten through 12th-grade schools in New York City, for example, over 20% are racially segregated Black schools. White families living nearby might be especially eager to learn that they could send their kids to a high-performing school with a short commute. 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 Study after study shows that segregation is harmful for kids of all races. Students attending more diverse schools develop better leadership skills and are more comfortable around people from different backgrounds. White students experience positive social and emotional outcomes and better-standardized test scores. As adults, Black students who attended more diverse schools enjoy better health and greater financial success. At a societal level, school integration leads to greater social cohesion. Seven people were shot dead on a public square in a north-eastern Brazilian town late Wednesday, in an execution-style slaying that authorities described as 'unacceptable.' Local television channel Verdes Mares broadcast CCTV footage showing attackers leading the victims to the Clovis Bevilaqua square in the town of Vicosa do Ceara with their hands on their heads and lined up side by side. The broadcaster said the victims had been at a bar near the square when the attackers pulled up in several vehicles, with the shootings taking place around 3 am. The motivations for this massacre have not been clarified and the victims are yet to be identified. According to Verdes Mares, one of the people murdered was wearing an electronic ankle bracelet. The victims were said to have been between the ages of 16 and 29 - Ana Carolina de Sousa Rocha, 24, Francisco Luan Brito da Silva, 26, Ingrid Ivine from Souza Rocha, 16, Isamara de Sousa Rodrigues, 25. Seven people were shot dead on a public square in a north-eastern Brazilian town late Wednesday. CCTV footage shows attackers leading victims to a square before shooting them Image shows the covered bodies of the victims of Wednesday night's execution-style massacre in the Brazilian town of Vicosa do Ceara The names of the remaining three people who were slain have not been confirmed. Two people survived, and were taken to the Vicosa Municipal Hospital and then transferred to the Madalena Nunes Hospital and Maternity, in the city of Tiangua. Their current status is not known. 'Security forces are investigating the deaths of seven people,' the Ceara state's security secretariat said on the social network X, adding that two others were wounded by bullets. 'This episode of violence is unacceptable,' Ceara Governor Elmano de Freitas said. This is the second execution-style attack to take place in the town in the last two years. In December 2021, four people were shot dead in their home, as reported by Verdes Mares. Later that month, the police arrested Erivan Melo da Silva, the head of a criminal group operating in the area and suspected of participating in the massacre. Vicosa do Ceara is a town of about 60,000 people that lies 350 kilometers (217 miles) west of Fortaleza, the vibrant seaside regional capital. Ceara is one of the poorest and most violent states in Brazil, with a murder rate of 35.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the NGO Public Security Forum. This is well above the national average of 23.4 murders per 100,000 people, according to the latest statistics, which date from 2022. Airport operations were suspended for nearly an hour The threat was made by a passenger on the plane from Ibiza to Milan Ibiza Airport was shut down after a bomb threat on a Ryanair flight Ibiza Airport has been closed because of a bomb alert The false alarm led to normal operations being suspended for nearly an hour this afternoon and some flights are understood to have been diverted to other airports like Palma Airport in Majorca. It was not immediately clear if any British holidaymakers had been affected. Police are believed to have arrested a man on a Ryanair flight heading to Milan Bergamo Airport who claimed he was carrying a bomb as the plane was about to take off. No landings or take-offs occurred for nearly an hour after the alarm was sounded just after 3.30pm. Ibiza Airport has been forced into shutdown after a bomb threat on a Ryanair flight was reported (File image) Flight operations were suspended from around 3.45pm to 4.30pm local time. A spokesman for Spanish airport operator Aena said: 'There has been a security incident on a plane at Ibiza Airport and the Civil Guard has taken charge of the situation. 'Normal flight operations at the airport were suspended for around 45 minutes.' He said he wasn't in a position to say how many flights had been affected. The incident is thought to have had knock-on effects in terms of delays for outgoing flights. Earlier this month a storm caused flight chaos at Majorca's Palma Airport, forcing the suspension of flights for around two hours during a downpour that flooded parts of the inside of the terminal. One pilot was filmed aborting his landing at the last minute after facing 'zero visibility' during his approach to the airport. London Commuters have been hit by Tube chaos as they race home to watch England's Euros clash with Denmark. The Circle, District, Piccadilly and Hammersmith and City lines have all been hit by severe delays. A sign inside a tube station stated that a customer was under a train and the entire Circle line has been suspended. The sign read: 'The entire Circle line is suspended due to a customer under a train! Change at Earl's Court' Photos shared on social media sowed queues of desperate fans stuck in tube station corridors waiting to board trains home. Queues of wearing commuters waiting inside a tube station corridor, waiting to board trains home in time for kickoff An update from TfL shows that tube lines are experiencing severe delays A sign inside a tube station reads that a customer is under a train and the entire Circle line has been suspended England fans waiting nervously with beers for the match between Denmark and England at Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt TfL confirm there was an incident at Cannons St earlier but said the station is now open. Many England fans worked from home today while others took the day off as excitement builds ahead of this evening's Euro 2024 match against Denmark. Some companies confirmed they will even allow their staff to leave the office early so they can get home in time to watch the match kick off at 5pm on BBC One. However, those who were still needed in the office will be frustrated as they try to navigate the tube amid transport chaos. The Circle Line has no service between Aldgate and Edgware Road via Embankment and the District Line has no service between Whitechapel and Earl's Court while the emergency services deal with a casualty on the track. The Hammersmith and City Line have no service between Liverpool street and Barking while the Piccadilly Line has minor delays between Acton Town and Uxbridge/Heathrow Airport due to a signal failure at Acton Town. TfL has said there is a good service on other lines including the Bakerloo, Central Northern and Victoria. Annual leave requests are up on the May daily average by 123 per cent today and 148 per cent tomorrow, according to research by BrightHR. The firm added that absences last Friday - the first day of the tournament - were up 302 per cent on May. An estimated 18.5million people watched England's winning start to Euro 2024 on TV against Serbia on Sunday night as Jude Bellingham scored in a 1-0 victory. Tens of thousands of England fans are now in Frankfurt today with Prince William among them as he flies in on the day before his 42nd birthday. An unarmed 14-year-old air cadet fatally stabbed in the neck by a former friend had been 'exploited' into dealing cannabis just two weeks earlier, police have revealed. As Nathaniel Shani's killer also 14 at the time and a second teenager were given life sentences for his murder, detectives said his tragic death illustrated how easily children from loving, supportive families can be sucked into a deadly inner-city underworld. Their stark warning over the latest victim of Britain's knife crime epidemic came as Nathaniel's devastated parents who police say could not have known about his brief foray into a world of criminal gangs movingly paid tribute to their 'courageous and charming' boy. They called for a 'total ban of carrying knives in our streets' and urged schools to inform parents about concerns that their children were involved in crime so they could take 'responsibility' for keeping them out of trouble. They also called for stiffer sentences for those convicted of offences involving knives. Nathaniel Shani (pictured) was fatally stabbed in the neck by a former friend had been 'exploited' into dealing cannabis just two weeks earlier, police have revealed Pictured: Forensic officers at the scene of the stabbing in September last year Pictured: Tributes left to Nathaniel at the scene in Harpurhey, Manchester The case comes after two 12-year-old boys last week became Britain's youngest murderers since James Bulger's killers after a being found guilty of stabbing Shawn Seesahai, 19, to death in a park in Wolverhampton. A pupil at Manchester Communication Academy, Nathaniel took pride in his role as an air cadet, shining his shoes and ironing his shirt to make sure he looked the part. A photograph released by his parents shows his delight at celebrating his 14th birthday with a card celebrating the 'amazing journey' through life that the family envisaged for him. Instead, on September 15 last year the schoolboy who was unarmed - was fatally stabbed in the neck during a petty dispute in a local shopping precinct in Harpurhey, north Manchester. His devastated friends lied to police that it had been an argument about money, but detectives recovered Snapchat messages which revealed the true story. One of his killers, Boy B, had taken a small amount of cannabis from another boy which had originally been provided to Nathaniel to sell in street deals. Reacting angrily, in a bid to 'save face', a trial heard Nathaniel confronted Boy B, who was armed with a screwdriver, and Boy A a 'good' friend of Nathaniel before they fell out - who had brought a knife. The court heard Nathaniel had been 'goading' Boy A that he wouldn't use a knife before throwing a punch. But gruesome CCTV footage showed how Nathaniel collapsed in the ensuing fight after being stabbed to the neck by Boy A. After both were convicted of murder following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, the pair - neither of whom can be named due to their ages were given life sentences on Wednesday. Boy A, now 15, will serve a minimum term of 13 years in custody while Boy B, now 14, will have to serve a minimum of 10 years. Paying tribute, his parents said: 'Nathaniel will be missed for many reasons, he was such a courageous young boy, charming with a great sense of humour, loving and caring who loved jokes and laughs, when he was inspired seeing Three Stooges' comedy team first time. Nathaniel was stabbed in the Harpurhey neighbourhood (police pictured at the scene) of north Manchester, where he lived with his mother and sister Emergency response vehicles pictured at the scene 'Until his death, Nathaniel was never angry or mad at anyone. 'When he is bored, he will just crack a joke and every one would just burst into instant laughter whether it's at home or in school or playground.' Describing the 'life-changing' impact of losing their son in such a traumatic way, they added: 'It's like a dream and that when we wake up, Nathaniel will be in his room sleeping.' They are now calling for a meeting with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham to discuss their demands for a tougher crackdown on knife crime. Among their demands are a 'total ban of carrying knives in our streets', insisting parents 'take responsibility' for ensuring children don't carry knives, and requiring schools to disclose any concerns. 'More powers need to be given to police to pin down those carrying knives, prosecute and award longer sentences,' they added. Afterwards the lead detective on the case, Det Chf Insp Gina Brennand, of Greater Manchester Police, revealed that the dealer who provided Nathaniel with the drugs has since been locked up for drugs offences. She said investigators had established that Nathaniel had only been involved in drug dealing for about two weeks before he was murdered, with messages showing he had been told he could move onto selling cocaine if he did 'well' with cannabis. 'That street level exploitation, I would say, has led to Nathaniel's murder,' she said. 'Had the drugs not been stolen, the fight would never have taken place. 'That person has been the catalyst for Nathaniel's murder, and his parents would say that.' DCI Brennand claimed Nathaniel and his friends were victims of 'child exploitation', saying 'they don't have the skills to know otherwise'. 'They might think it's cool, but they're not. 'They're just acting for someone else and being exploited. It happens every day, on streets of inner cities in the UK. And this is why children start to carry knives. 'It's awful, absolutely awful, it's devastating. 'These are vulnerable children who can't make decisions, who might want some money for a new pair of trainers, and so they start doing things because someone has approached them.' She said Nathaniel's parents had responded by asking themselves 'What could we have done?' and 'What have we missed?' 'At least we could tell them that as far as we're aware, from Nathaniel's phone evidence, this is such a short period, just 14 days before he died that he started to get involved in dealing cannabis. 'They will always look at whether they could have done anything to prevent it, but they didn't know. There were a large number of police vehicles, ambulances and a critical care team at the scene following the incident 'It was such a short period of time, this is what makes it even more tragic. 'His own parents hadn't had the chance to become aware of what he was doing. They are mortified that they didn't know. 'What we've said to them as a team is that you'd have been lucky to know.' At the pair's trial, Boy A unsuccessfully argued he had been acting in self-defence. The trial heard Boy B had 'encouraged' him to stab Nathaniel. It was told that after falling out, Boy A and Nathaniel would meet up and engage in fights, but it was the cannabis theft by Boy B which lit the fuse for the confrontation which would end his life. Following his death, the Greater Manchester wing of the Royal Air Force Cadets said it was 'extremely shocked and deeply saddened at the death of Nathaniel, who was a bright and popular young man'. Asked what could be done to curb the scourge of knife crime, DCI Brennand said police could not tackle it alone. 'You need parents and families involved, you need council CCTV to be in the right place, you need security in the streets in the form of places where children can't hide, you need education at school,' she said. 'It seems to me that it doesn't matter how many children die from a knife wound from someone of a similar age, week in week out in the UK. That is not a preventative message to the children. 'I think the children might be the best people to ask how you stop it. 'I bet those who saw Nathaniel die won't carry a knife anymore.' An Arkansas mom is suing healthcare providers for harvesting 'many organs' from her dead son without getting her consent first. Irma Huckleby has launched a suit against Helena Regional Medical Center in eastern Arkansas, saying staff had 'reckless disregard' for her 'extreme mental and emotional distress.' They removed 'many organs' from her 49-year-old son, Kelly Huckleby, and donated them for transplant to other patients 'without the consent' of his family, says the four-page lawsuit. 'The defendants owed the Huckleby family a duty to use ordinary care for the safety and preservation of their loved one's body,' the suit says. The hospital did not answer DailyMail.com's request for comment. Kelly Huckleby, the second oldest of ten children, weathered 'challenges' in life but 'loved singing gospel songs, and he didn't hesitate to sing every song by Michael Jackson,' says his obituary Bereaved mother Irma Huckleby endured 'extreme mental and emotional distress,' says her lawsuit It's just the latest example of family members in the South complaining of organs being removed from deceased relatives without their approval. Kelly Huckleby was found 'non-responsive' on March 11, 2024, at his home in Helena, Arkansas. He was taken by ambulance to Helena Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. He then 'had many organs donated without the consent of' his mother, it adds. The suit takes aim at the hospital, Phillips Hospital Company, and medical staff Amanda Young, Kerri Neal, Velashia Craig, Alex Harris, Julie Wallace, and Bobbie Rubio. The violation 'was so outrageous in character, so extreme in degree, as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency,' says the suit. Their actions should 'regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized society,' says the suit. It was filed at the Circuit Court of Phillips County last month. Doctors at Helena Regional Medical Center allegedly removed 'many organs' from him without asking his mother It remains unclear what happened to Kelly Huckleby's organs after they were harvested Lawyer Donald Knapp filed the suit at the Circuit Court of Phillips County last month The bereaved mom seeks damages and her legal costs paid. Kelly Huckleby, the second oldest of ten children, weathered 'challenges' in life, his obituary says. But he stuck with a Baptist background and 'loved singing gospel songs, and he didn't hesitate to sing every song by Michael Jackson.' The US South has been dogged by repeated claims of shady organ procedures in recent months. The families of five dead prison inmates in April sued the Alabama Department of Corrections and the University of Alabama over harvesting organs without their consent. The lawsuits filed in state court describe similar circumstances in all five cases. Each of the inmates was sent to UAB to have autopsies performed after their deaths, but when the bodies were released to the family, they found they were missing some or all their internal organs, they say. In most of the cases, relatives said they never received their loved one's organs despite requests, the papers show, and were told it wasn't the university's policy to return them after an autopsy. Relatives of kidnapping hoaxer Sherri Papini claim she faked a bizarre paranoia about Mexican food, curly hair, and mariachi music after she returned to her family. The 41-year-old mother disappeared while out for a jog a mile from her house on November 2, 2016 before resurfacing three weeks later on Thanksgiving. But she was jailed in 2022 for the Gone Girl-style plot after it became clear she lied to police and gave herself injuries in an elaborate ruse to match the faux abduction. Now her family claims she pretended to be triggered by Mexican culture and would regularly break down during therapy to keep up her kidnapping lie. 'There were so many precautions taken,' her mother-in-law Pam Papini explains in the new Hulu's docuseries titled Perfect Wife. 'She refused to eat black beans because they [kidnappers] only fed her cold black beans out of a can.' Relatives of kidnapping hoaxer Sherri Papini (left) claim she faked a bizarre paranoia about Mexican food and Hispanic people after she returned to her family Her scheme captivated the nation and has been the center of true crime documentaries and podcasts. She was reported missing in November 2016 when she suddenly vanished after going out for a jog. Sherri, who was 34 at the time, appeared 'dazed, battered and bruised' three weeks later on Thanksgiving about 145 miles away from where had been last seen. In a new docuseries, her relatives claim she kept up the lie by faking a bizarre paranoia of Hispanic food and culture. 'I went to several of her therapy appointments with her, she would curl up and start screaming or crying,' her older sister Sheila said. 'She would work through something in therapy but she would find something new that would trigger her. '[She] can't handle anything that had to do with Hispanic culture. Sherri's mother-in-law Pam added: 'There were so many precautions taken.' While her ex-husband Keith said: 'If there was anybody with dark curly hair, any Hispanic people, it would heighten her anxiety. Like "is that them?"' Sherri's best friend Jenifer Harrison claimed she was triggered by lots of things including loud noises and closed doors. She added that the mother-of-two would not be able to drive on her own. Keith said: 'If she needed to use the restroom, she couldn't handle the door shut. 'Then I would have to go into the bathroom and then close it but she wouldn't want me to lock it.' Pam added: 'She had to be next to him at all times. He was in charge of everything.' Her ex-husband claimed she would refuse to eat food that wasn't prepared by him or her sister Sheila. The 41-year-old mother disappeared while out for a jog a mile from her house on November 2, 2016 before resurfacing three weeks later on Thanksgiving Now her family, including mother-in-law Pam Papini (pictured) have claimed she pretended to triggered by Mexican culture Her ex-husband Keith Papini said any sight of Hispanic people would heighten her anxiety While her older sister Sheila claimed she would regularly break down during therapy and new things would trigger her 'She had to know the person and in front of her because she was being drugged by these people and they would put drugs in her food,' Keith added. Sherri told the authorities that she heard mariachi music on the radio in the car when she was kidnapped and she allegedly described it as 'that really annoying Mexican music'. Early on in the docuseries, Jenifer explained what Sherri told her about her relationship with Keith. '"If I ever try to leave him, he'll kill me",' she said. 'She went down to "he'll chop me up into little pieces and bury me in the backyard." 'But I will tell you she tends to be a little dramatic, a little exaggerative.' Keith revealed he thought Sherri was lying about the ordeal as soon as he saw her after the alleged kidnapping. 'When I pulled back that curtain and I saw her very first reaction when she looked up at me...It just looked like she thought she was caught,' he said. 'It's an image that's burned in the back of my brain.' But he added that any doubt disappeared once her saw her injuries and he 'immediately felt horrible for even thinking that'. He accompanied her to therapy sessions and once told the therapist: 'Sometimes I don't believe what Sherri is telling me to be true.' 'She's like "okay well you know, one thing I can always tell you is her story's never changed. At the end of the day, look at her body. You can't fake that sort of stuff. Look at the scars, do you think she's capable of that?" 'I remember I took a long pause. In a very shameful way, I was like, "yeah I can actually kind of see her doing that". 'But she seemed to do odd things in the past. She would lie, she would manipulate.' Officers discovered Sherri with a chain around her waist, multiple injuries and a brand on her shoulder. Over the following weeks she crafted an elaborate ruse, telling officers that she had been abducted by two Hispanic women who had beaten and branded her. But her story unraveled when officers found her ex-boyfriend's DNA on her clothes in 2020 and discovered she had been holed up with him the whole time she had been pretending to be missing. Keith has broken his silence to reveal how he was duped by her fake kidnapping scheme Papini's ex-husband Keith with whom she shares children Tyler, 11, and Violet, 9 filed for divorce in April 2022 and sought to maintain sole custody after her August 2023 release Sherri's story unraveled when officers found her ex-boyfriend's DNA on her clothes in 2020 and discovered she had been holed up with him the whole time she had been pretending to be missing It emerged that her injuries were all self-inflicted to back-up the kidnapping story. Keith spent the time she was missing desperately searching for her while also being treated as a suspect in her disappearance. After her trial and imprisonment, he was given full custody of the children. Breaking his silence seven years on, he told Good Morning America she has never apologized to him or their children for what she put their family through: 'She has no remorse that I have ever witnessed or seen.' Even when police accused her of lying, Sherri insisted she was telling the truth, Keith said: 'She made us believe that her story was true. Every single day she committed to the lie.' Speaking out, he said he wants everyone to know 'how convincing' Sherri was 'all those years' and how he believed everything she said. He said: 'I think she wanted to plan a fake kidnapping, but in her version I was supposed to find her.' He said all he wants now is to be able to 'move past it' even though the events are 'always going to be there'. Keith said: 'I do want to provide my children an amazing childhood, but I think it will always be there.' Sherri is currently battling for more access to their children Tyler and Violet while Keith wants her to undertake a psychological evaluation and be barred from seeing them unsupervised. She is also demanding he hand over an array of items from the marital home in Redding, among them Grandpas truck, an inflatable water slide, a leaf blower and a smart TV'. An expense declaration obtained by DailyMail.com shows that the petite blonde claims to have an income of just $1,000-a-month, half of which she says she pays out in rent. She was previously awarded just $10,000 in her divorce and ordered to pay half of a $3,000 debt she racked up on a BestBuy credit card after she was arrested in April 2022. A besotted Sherri Papini was spotted sharing a passionate smooch with her new boyfriend Shawn Hibdon outside a local Starbucks in Orland, California on Monday Papini is said to have begun dating the recently widowed businessman before her 10-month stint in prison in Victorville, California which ended last August Last week, exclusive DailyMail.com photos showed Sherri locked in an embrace with her auto dealer boyfriend Shawn Hibdon, 49, following an amorous encounter in the backseat of her white Jeep SUV in a Starbucks parking lot in Orland, California, on Monday. After an hour in the car with Hibdon, who arrived separately in a gray Hyundai with distinctive dealer plates, she emerged giggling and dressed in a pink tank and flashy tie-dye leggings. The pair then enjoyed a smooch having first checked the parking lot to make sure no one was watching before leaving in different cars. Hibdon has been single since losing his wife Brittany unexpectedly at the age of 36 in September 2021 and is a single father to their two sons Houston, 16, and Westley, 14. A source told DailyMail.com the relationship began prior to her 10-month stretch at FCI Victorville, with the pair meeting in Chico a town located an hour south of Sherri's former home in Redding. She briefly lived in the area after being thrown out by her ex following her arrest. Her sister Sheila also resides in the town. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun admitted that he was aware that employees at the company retaliated against whistleblowers at a Senate hearing Tuesday where lawmakers addressed the company's recent scandals. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) was the one to directly ask Calhoun, point blank, how many Boeing employees have been fired for retaliating against the whistleblowers. 'Senator, I don't have that number on the tip of my tongue. But I know it -- I know it happens,' Calhoun said, according to a transcript from CNN. 'I am happy to follow up and get you that number.' While he later admitted to Blumenthal that Boeing 'had fired and disciplined people,' he did not specify the precise nature of the retaliation or link it to the deaths of the whistleblowers John Barnett and Joshua Dean. Blumenthal read Boeing's code of conduct to Calhoun, which directly stated an employee was not allowed to 'retaliate against or punish anyone who speaks up to report a concern.' With protesters in the audience, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun takes his seat to testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Investigations to tell lawmakers about troubles at the aircraft manufacturer since a panel blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Some protestors were the family members of those killed in Boeing crashes Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun looks at protesters and families of victims as he arrives He continued: 'And yet, the whistleblowers that we have heard, including testifying before this committee, have reported a host of retaliatory behaviors, from reassignment, to exclusion from key meeting, to being sidelined and sidetracked in their careers, verbal harassment and threats, and even physical violence. 'After whistleblower, John Barnett, raised his concerns about missing parts, he reported that his supervisor called him 19 times in one day and 21 times another day. And when Barnett asked his supervisor about those calls, he was told, quote, 'I'm going to push you until you break.' He broke. 'When whistleblower, Sam Mohawk, raised concerns about Boeing's concealment, concealment of nonconforming parts, he was put in charge of completing correct -- corrective action investigations with an impossible deadline and then threatened with formal discipline, including firing. He couldn't meet that deadline. 'When I hear about these experiences, I wonder whether Boeing really wants change. How can you reassure us that Boeing is going to, in fact, end this broken safety culture? Calhoun said he had listened to the whistleblowers that appeared at the Senator's hearing, and that they were sincere in their remarks. 'With respect to our company, we do have a policy. I often, often cite and reward the people who bring issues forward, even if they have huge consequence on our company and our production levels, et cetera,' said Calhoun. 'My leadership team does that. We survey our people with respect to, do they feel empowered to speak up? That survey performance gets better and better. It's never perfect. 'We worked hard to reach out to our people. Immediately following Alaska, we had a stand down. The stand downs continue and they rotate. And we listen to everybody. 'I'm trying to deal with 30,000 ideas on how we can move forward.' Many of those holding signs behind Calhoun had connections to those who died or were injured aboard Boeing planes In January, an Alaska Airlines operated Boeing plane lost a door mid-flight. Multiple passengers aboard that flight are suing Boeing and the airline On Monday, the subcommittee released a report with explosive allegations from a Mohawk, a Boeing quality insurance inspector, said the company installed faulty parts onto planes and that he was later told by his managers to conceal the evidence from government regulators. Mohawk's allegations are just the latest in a deluge of whistleblower complaints against Boeing this year. Barnett, 62, had worked for Boeing for 32 years before retiring in 2017, with 17 of those years spent as a quality manager. His death sparked huge uproar when his body was found the same day he was due to testify against Boeing after alleging under-pressure workers were deliberately fitting sub-standard parts to aircraft on the assembly line. The coroner later ruled he died by suicide from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. The autopsy report said he was suffering from 'chronic stress', anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of his death. He was involved in a lawsuit with Boeing up until the day he died and had been in Charleston undergoing legal interviews as part of the process. Former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, Joshua Dean, 45, died from a mystery infection less than two months after Barnett. Dean previously said he was fired from his job as a quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems in April 2023 for questioning standards at the supplier's plant in Wichita, Kansas, in October 2022. Boeing has long denied Dean, and other whistleblower claims that the company willfully ignored safety warnings. John Barnett, 62, died in March by suicide in the midst of a legal action against Boeing Former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, Joshua Dean died from a mystery infection Before his opening remarks, Calhoun stood up from the witness table to apologize to the bereft family members of Boeing 737 Max victims. 'I'm deeply sorrymy whole team at Boeing, everybody worldwide past and present,' Calhoun told the audience in the crowded Senate room. Onlookers held up portraits of victims who had died on Boeing planes, and there were too many faces to count. Boeing has made headlines in recent years for broken landing gears, doors popping off mid-flight and faulty software systems leading to catastrophic crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019 that resulted in scores of deaths. The company's repeated failure to fix the plentiful problems has led to skepticism on Capitol Hill and lawmakers torched Calhoun for his role in the airline's downfall Tuesday. 'It is a moment of reckoning for Boeing,' Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the subcommittee's chairman told the Boeing CEO, warning him that he has a dozen whistleblowers ready to dish dirt on the American airplane giant. On Monday, the subcommittee released a report with explosive allegations from a Boeing quality insurance inspector, Sam Mohawk, who said the company installed faulty parts onto planes and that he was later told by his managers to conceal the evidence from government regulators. Mohawk's allegations are just the latest in a deluge of whistleblower complaints against Boeing this year. But the whistleblower's revelations seems to be an aside as during the hearing, lawmakers aimed their blows at Boeing's CEO. 'Mr. Calhoun, let's put it very bluntly, 346 people died because of a faulty control system, the MCAS system, that Boeing knew was going to cause a crash at some point,' Blumenthal said. 'I would not say the latter part of that sentence,' Calhoun retorted. 'There was a judgement made by ourselves our design engineers and the certification process that that could never happen, but it did.' 'Now you are going to make me really angry,' Blumenthal responded, visibly looking upset by the CEO's response. Blumenthal responded, visibly looking upset by the CEO's response. A faulty door plug in the Boeing 737 Max 9 is thought to have been the reason for the blowout Family members of the crash victims of the Boeing 737 MAX8 in Ethiopia, hold photographs during a news conference on Capitol Hill on Tuesday 'Boeing was charged with defrauding the United States of America and the prosecution was deferred because Boeing paid a fine, but no individual was held accountable,' Blumenthal stated. 'Senator, it's wrong for me to re-investigate an investigation that was thorough, thorough, thorough,' Calhoun responded. Shouldn't individuals who are still at Boeing be held accountable, Blumenthal asked. 'Senator Blumenthal we are responsible,' Calhoun admitted after Blumenthal's temper flared. Later, Republican Josh Hawley, R-Mo., incredulously asked the CEO how much he gets paid to oversee such disasters at Boeing. 'What is it you get paid to do exactly,' Hawley asked. 'I get paid to run the Boeing company,' Calhoun shot back. Hawley then asked if Calhoun's job responsibilities and nearly $33 million dollar per year salary are based on transparency and safety. 'You're under investigation for falsifying 787 inspection records, Boeing is under criminal investigation for the Alaska Airlines flight, you were investigated by DOJ for criminal conspiracy to defraud the FAA,' Hawley said. 'This is all under your tenure.' 'Doesn't sound like a lot of transparency to me,' the Republican told Calhoun. A placard with photos of those killed on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 is held up as Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun testifies before the Senate Boeing has been the subject of multiple investigations from federal authorities regarding the safety and quality of its planes in recent years Boeing and Alaska Airlines are facing separate criminal probes after a door blew out from a plane in January. Both have denied wrongdoing. 'I am proud of having taken the job,' Calhoun told Hawley. 'I am proud of our safety record.' 'Behind you the folks are showing the people who are the victims of your safety record,' the Missouri Republican said. 'I think we can all see them and I think the American public, when they fear to get on their airplanes, they understand your safety record.' 'And I think its a travesty you are still in your job,' the Republican concluded. During the hearing Calhoun reiterated the steps taken by the company in recent months in response to the January Alaska Airlines flight. The incident prompted a frantic all-hands-on-deck meeting with C-suite staffers in the days after the door dislodged mid-flight. Further, Boeing paid $61 million to Alaska Airlines in March to compensate them for the disaster. 'In our factories and in our supply chain, we took immediate action to ensure the specific circumstances that led to this accident would not happen again,' the CEO testified. Boeing has said it reworked employee incentives, replaced senior staff on its commercial plane unit and is searching for new suppliers to address some of its problems. The door blew out while the plane was cruising at 16,00 feet, forcing a quick response from the pilots to get the craft grounded to protect passengers Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun testified he is proud of the company's safety record despite the high-profile safety incidents Still, the lawmakers did not seem to buy the CEO's answers. 'Instead of asking what has caused Boeing's safety culture to erode, you and your colleagues in the C-suite have deflected blame, looked the other way, and catered to your shareholders instead,' Blumenthal said. 'Boeing needs to stop thinking about the next earning call, and start thinking about the next generation.' HOSPITAL bosses have warned a lack of cash means they cannot tackle a surgery backlog and will concentrate on cancer patients. NHS Fife says its not possible to reduce its waiting times for routine operations within its current funding, and instead it will prioritise on urgent cancer cases and patients who have had the longest waits. The backlog affects those waiting for routine surgery, like hip and knee ops and cataracts. It comes amid a nationwide log-jam of people waiting for operations which has soared since the pandemic. Scotlands NHS waiting lists have reached more than 840,000 despite key SNP pledges to eradicate long waits. NHS Fife says its not possible to cut waiting times for routine operations Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, Roz McCall, said: It is deeply concerning that patients are languishing in pain for months without treatment and I fear that this story is just the tip of the iceberg. Years of SNP mismanagement has brought our health service to its knees and my constituents in Fife are suffering the consequences. The SNP has left health boards across the country unable to reduce the waiting times backlog for planned surgeries - with far too many Scots left waiting in agony for treatment. For far too long the SNP have obsessed over independence at the expense of our NHS. The details have emerged in a new report to NHS Fifes board this month on its annual Delivery Plan for 2024-25. Describing its plans on key specialities, including cancer, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and diagnostics, the document warns: It is not possible to deliver year on year reductions in waiting times and tackle backlogs within the funding available. Instead it will focus on Urgent Suspicion of Cancer and those who have endured the longest waits for routine ops. It has also recruited a new surgeon who will start later this year. The report states: It may be necessary to accept deviations from desired performance metrics in certain areas temporarily and the Board may need to make informed decisions to prioritise certain aspects of care, which might lead to short-term variances in performance metrics. These decisions are essential for achieving longer term balance and sustainability in our health and care system. In 2022, the SNP said it wanted to eradicate NHS waits of one year by September 2024. But that looks unlikely to happen. Previous targets, to end two-year waits in 2022, were missed. The most recent figures for March show 46,828 Scots have been waiting more than a year for an outpatient appointment, including 3,964 in Fife. They also show 37,761 Scots have been waiting more than a year for inpatient surgery, including 628 in Fife. A Scottish Government spokesman said: We are determined to ensure people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible and our investment of 30 million is being targeted at a series of national and local plans to reduce wait backlogs that built up throughout the pandemic. We are working closely with NHS Boards to reduce the longest waits and two National Treatment Centres opened last year in Fife and Highland, providing additional protected capacity for patients across Scotland. We are providing over 14.2 billion for NHS boards in 2024-25 to support services, a real-terms increase of almost three per cent. The Budget takes NHS Fifes overall funding for 2024-25 to over 829.2 million. Former President Donald Trump has expressed a major regret about his performance in the 2020 presidential debates. Trump told friends and allies that during the first presidential debate four years ago he realizes he interrupted now President Joe Biden too much. The New York Times' Maggie Haberman shared her reporting on Trump's debate prep Wednesday night with CNN's Anderson Cooper. 'He has said to people multiple times that he knows that he interrupted too much in the first debate with Biden in 2020, and having just rewatched that debate recently, it's really striking,' Haberman said of the ex-president. The September 29, 2020 debate held in Cleveland was memorable for Trump talking over Biden, sparring with moderator Chris Wallace, and because questions still linger over whether the president was positive at the time with COVID-19. Former President Donald Trump (left) has told people that he knows that he interrupted now President Joe Biden (right) too much during their first of two debates in 2020 New York Times reported Maggie Haberman appeared on CNN Wednesday night and talked about Trump's debate prep for next week's face-off in Atlanta The New York Times' @maggieNYT has new reporting on how Trump is preparing for next week's CNN debate. pic.twitter.com/4eterirVbi Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) June 20, 2024 Trump officially announced his COVID diagnosis three days later. Due to Trump refusing to participate in a virtual debate, he only met Biden on the debate stage twice in the 2020 cycle, with the second debate being held on October 22. This year, the Biden and Trump campaigns agreed to just two debates from the get-go, with the first taking place next Thursday. Haberman said instead of Trump having someone on his team pretend to be Biden, he's prepping by receiving policy briefings from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Sens. Marco Rubio and Eric Schmitt. 'He's not doing mock debates,' Haberman said. 'He's doing what they've been describing as "policy time."' In 2016 and 2020, Trump had former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie play a version of Hillary Clinton and then Biden. Christie declined a request from DailyMail.com to discuss his role in Trump's debate prep. Former President Donald Trump looks at his facemask during the September 2020 presidential debate against Biden. Trump has admitted he interrupted Biden too much during that debate. Trump was also diagnosed with COVID three days later During the 2020 debates, Trump (left) had former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie stand in for Biden (right). To prep for Thursday's CNN debate, Trump is having policy time with Republican lawmakers instead 'Trump doesn't like prep. He considers it school,' Haberman explained. 'So the fact that they've gotten him to do it this way is actually pretty revealing and also speaks to the fact that I think he knows that this has to go well for him.' She said lawmakers have been briefing Trump on abortion, healthcare, energy and COVID. But one specific issue that came up in his briefing last week in Washington, Haberman said, was how Trump would talk about the January 6 Capitol attack. 'What Trump will say when asked about January 6-related questions, particularly his statements about pardoning some of the people who were arrested in connection with the violence that day,' Haberman said. 'On that one, what they are hoping he is going to say - and again who knows what he will actually say - but what they are hoping he will say is some version of "it depends on the case,"' the New York Times reporter explained. Trump has previously said he would pardon every person involved in the Capitol riot. 'I think they are going to have him try to point to specifics including people who were arrested where they were not that close to the building - or inside the building,' Haberman said. President Joe Biden heads to the reclusive mountain resort of Camp David on Thursday night to lock himself up with advisers to prepare for next week's debate with Donald Trump. With the showdown one week away, Biden, who prefers briefing binders and practice sessions, will be focused on holding Trump accountable on his record and coming up with punchy one-liners to throw off the former president. Trump, meanwhile, has been trying out new catch phrases and bits of rhetoric, ready to pound his rival with his words. Next Thursday's debate in Atlanta is believed to be the first time the two men will be in the same room together in four years - since their final presidential debate on October 15, 2020. Joe Biden (left) and Donald Trump (right) will meet on the debate stage in Atlanta next Thursday The Biden campaign is already down playing expectations, noting the president has been busy with his day job instead of preparing for the debate stage. 'The President will have less time for debate prep than 4 years ago given his day job, so prep will largely be confined to immediately prior,' a campaign official told DailyMail.com. Biden is coming off a hectic two-week travel schedule, having spent five days in France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and a state visit. He then went to Italy for 48 hours for the G7 conference. He spent the weekend on the West Coast fundraising. But the biggest hurdle the 81-year-old will have to overcome are the concerns about his age. The Trump campaign has pummelled him about recent incidents showing him freezing or having to be guided off stage. The White House claims the videos are edited to make the president look bad. And Biden's campaign has struck back at the 78-year-old Trump, pointing out times he fell asleep in court during his New York trial on business fraud. Trump, meanwhile, also has been down playing the upcoming showdown. At a rally in Wisconsin this week, he argued he won't just be debating Biden but also CNN's two debate moderators - Jake Tapper and Dana Bash - who he says doesn't like him. 'I'll be debating three people instead of one half of a person,' he said. Biden will get the first word and Trump will get the last when the two men meet. The campaigns participated in a coin toss with host CNN on Thursday to determine speaking order and podium position. The debate will last 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. During that time, the president will focus on attacking Trump for 'ripping away reproductive rights, promoting political violence and undermining our democratic institutions, and doing the bidding of his billionaire donors to fund tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy and corporations by hurting seniors and the middle class,' a Biden campaign official said. But neither man has held back in attacking his rival. Trump claims Biden is physically and mentally unfit for office, while Biden has called his Republican rival 'unhinged' and a danger to democracy. Biden's supporters also point to Trump's role in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol, his attempts overturn the 2020 election and his conviction on May 30 for 34 felony counts for his involvement in a hush-money scheme to keep an alleged sexual encounter with a porn star from the public. Trump, meanwhile, could attack Biden's son Hunter, who was convicted last week on three felony charges related to a 2018 gun purchase. Neither Donald Trump nor Joe Biden have been on the debate stage since 2020 - above they are seen at their last debate on October 22, 2020 President Joe Biden likes to do prep work at Camp David - above he and his team prepare for the State of the Union address at Camp David in March Neither man has been on the debate stage in years. Biden didn't have a serious Democratic primary challenger and Trump refused to participate in the GOP primary debates - which didn't harm him given he won the nomination. Biden's former chief of staff Ron Klain is leading the effort to help the president get ready for the debate. Klain has prepped presidential candidates going back to Hillary Clinton. Trump is not expected to do any mock debate sessions that would require someone to play the part of Joe Biden. As for the Biden campaign, they said the role of Donald Trump has yet to be cast for their mock sessions. Biden's personal lawyer, Bob Bauer, played Trump in Biden's debate prep sessions four years ago. But Trump will get time to practice his attack lines. He's holding a campaign rally in Philadelphia on Saturday, four days before the debate. A Bay Area lawmaker is moving ahead with legislation that would require students to promise not to create a hostile climate in order to enroll at state universities in California. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle As colleges, students and Israeli and Palestinian advocates grapple over standards for campus protests, a Bay Area lawmaker is moving ahead with first-of-its-kind state legislation that would require students to promise not to create a hostile climate, and undergo training on the issue, to enroll at state universities in California. Senate Bill 1287 by Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, does not single out speech favorable to either side in the Middle East. But it is supported by pro-Israel groups, such as the Anti-Defamation League and Hillel, and opposed by Palestinian and Muslim advocates, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and by the American Civil Liberties Union. The bill speaks to the current climate, the hostile climate that is occurring right now on the campuses. Jewish students have been harassed, intimidated, Glazer said Tuesday after a hearing in the Assembly Higher Education Committee, which approved the measure by a 7-1 vote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It passed the state Senate on a 30-1 vote last month and still must pass the full Assembly, and be approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It has been given high priority by the Legislatures Jewish Caucus, of which Glazer is a member. If SB1287 becomes law, students enrolling at the University of California, California State University or community colleges in the state would have to agree to a code of conduct. As originally drafted and approved by the Senate, it would have banned the advocacy of genocide, but Glazer amended it this week to require students instead to promise not to engage in violent, harassing, intimidating, or discriminatory conduct that creates a hostile environment on campus, based on someones race, religion, ethnicity or disability. The schools would provide mandatory training on compliance with the rules. Students who refused to sign the pledge would be denied enrollment, and those who violated it would be expelled. Despite the amendments, the bill could still have a chilling effect on free speech, Omar Altamimi, a policy and advocacy coordinator for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said after Tuesdays hearing. State law and university policies already forbid violence, vandalism and harassment on campus, he said, and SB1287 would pressure them to target certain students. All it does is create an atmosphere that discourages students from speaking out. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And while the only allegations of genocide in the current war have been leveled against Israel in suits by South Africa before the International Court of Justice, and by Palestinian advocates in a Bay Area federal court accusing President Joe Biden of complicity in Israeli genocide Altamimi said supporters of Israel have labeled such slogans as From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free as a call for Israels destruction. Another opponent of SB1287, David Mandel, a Sacramento attorney and member of the anti-Zionist group Jewish Voice for Peace, said the bill follows in the footsteps of a 2016 state law, AB2844 by Assembly Member Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica. As drafted, it would have prohibited the state from granting contracts to any businesses that had endorsed a boycott of Israel, a mandate enacted in many other states but declared unconstitutional by some federal courts. Facing opposition, Bloom stripped the boycott provision from the bill and rewrote it to merely require companies contracting with the state to promise to comply with all anti-discrimination laws, including as the measure stated the existing ban on discriminatory actions taken against individuals of the Jewish faith under the pretext of a constitutionally protected boycott or protest of the state of Israel. The amended measure was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. Mandel said it did not establish any new legal obligations for state contractors, but nevertheless has created an atmosphere where people think theyd better watch their language. Likewise, Cynthia Valencia, an ACLU policy advocate, said Glazers removal of the genocide language from SB1287 improves its chances of surviving in court, but the legislation would still punish students and chill speech. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, in a statement to a legislative committee, said the bill would address the growing trend of intolerance for differing viewpoints (that) is a threat to everyone in a diverse, pluralistic society. Administrators are simply not dealing with these incidents on their campuses, the group said. As a result, students are being deprived of their right to participate fully and equally in the education process. While Newsom hasnt taken a public position on the measure, Glazer said his legislation is consistent with the Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism that Newsom announced in April. Newsom said the state has added funding to protect houses of worship, increased penalties for symbols of hate and urged university leaders to enforce campus safety policies and cultivate spaces for affinity and dialogue amid rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias incidents. The governor also made a one-day visit to Israel in mid-October. The official GoFundMe page for missing teenager Jay Slater has so far raised around 20,000 after the Brit disappeared in Tenerife four days ago. Jay, 19, was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday when he messaged his friend Lucy Mae Law to say he was 19 miles away at an apartment in Masca, north west Tenerife and trying to make his way home. He had attended the NRG music festival in south Tenerife when he went off with two British men to their isolated Air BnB apartment an hour away on Sunday night. A search involving a helicopter, mountain rescue dogs and drones has so far discovered nothing, and Jay has been missing for four days with fears growing that he may have been abducted. The teenager's friend Lucy, who had gone on holiday with him, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help with search efforts to find Jay. The page has so far raised around 20,000, with a 30,000 target. Jay Slater, 19, (pictured) was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday when he messaged his friend Lucy Mae Law to say he was lost and trying to make his way home Jay's friend Lucy, who went on holiday with him, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help with search efforts to find him Posting on the page, distraught Lucy wrote: 'I have come on holiday to Tenerife to attend the NRG festival with my friend Jay and another friend. On the last day of the festival, I left alone, earlier than everyone else, because I was tired from the weekend. 'I woke up to a phone call off Jay at 8.30am saying ''he was lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink & his phone was on 1%''. 'He had met two people on Sunday night and left with them to go to their apartment. Their apartment was miles away from civilisation and in a very secluded location.' There is no suggestion the two men were involved in Jay's disappearance. Lucy added: 'He left at 8am, and walked half an hour before frantically ringing me when his phone reached 1%. This was three days ago now, and no one has seen or heard from him since. 'His last location was on an off road track, which was a 10 hour walk from his hotel. The weather conditions up there are terrible for someone in shorts & a t-shirt, both in the day & at night. Apprentice bricklayer Jay was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday The frantic mother of missing teenager Jay Slater has made a tearful appeal through MailOnline asking for anyone holding him to release him describing him as a 'good boy' The mountain range in Rural de Teno near the village of Masca where police are searching 'He has no water for when it's warm through out the day, and he has no coat/suitable clothing for when it's cold at night. It was 1 degree and extremely windy when I was out looking in the middle of the night We are all so worried and we just want him home. 'Please help if you can and share far and wide. Thank you for reading.' The isolated village is famously a dangerous area, where many rescue operations have been launched in the last few years. Spanish police have never said kidnapping is a line of enquiry and are treating him as a missing person. Jay's devastated mother, school finance officer Debbie, said: 'If anyone does have him, just let him go, he's not a bad person, maybe he's got in with some strangers who've befriended him. 'I'm not stupid, I've been to Tenerife before, I've worked abroad myself and I gave him warnings, I just think if anyone has got him let him go, he's not a bad person.' Police officers and a sniffer dog are pictured in the search for Jay on June 19 Police officers and firefighters talk while searching for the missing 19-year-old Breaking down in tears, Debbie added: 'If he's got himself mixed up with any trouble, just let him go, just let him go, it's been three days, he's in the same clothes, if he's been dumped in the mountains it's hot in the day and cold at night. 'Jay is a brilliant person, everybody loves being in his company, he's bubbly and fun, he's such a lovely, beautiful boy. I just want my little baby home with me. 'He was supposed to fly home from Tenerife today, he should be on the flight now, coming home. I had the taxi booked and everything and now who knows where he is. 'I just don't know what to think, I'm all over the place and I'm trying to keep positive, has somebody taken him? Is he panicked and lost in the mountains? I just don't know, that's why if anyone has any information please just tell us. 'But if he is lost then why hasn't anyone seen him? It's busy with hikers and holidaymakers up there so if he was lost then someone would have seen him, so that's why I think maybe he's been bundled off somewhere.' An 80-year-old ex-scoutmaster arrested after more than 27 years on the run is facing further child sex abuse charges. Richard Burrows, who is accused of the historic sexual abuse of children, was arrested at Heathrow Airport in March, after returning to the UK from Thailand. He had been wanted since December 1997 when he failed to attend Chester Crown Court to face trial for two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault. The charges relate to allegations of abuse reported to have taken place at a children's home in Congleton, Cheshire, between 1969 and 1971 and in the West Midlands between 1971 and 1981. Cheshire Police revealed today that the Crown Prosecution Service had now authorised additional charges against him. Richard Burrows, who is accused of the historic sexual abuse of children, is seen here in handcuffs at Chester Crown Court on April 2 this year Ex-scoutmaster Burrows, 80, was arrested at Heathrow Airport in March after returning to the UK from Thailand - shown here is an age-enhanced image issued by police in 2011 They were 20 counts of indecent assault, one count of buggery, three counts of making indecent images of children and four counts of possession of a false identity document with intent. The additional charges relate to 11 victims and the offences occurred between 1966 and 1996 across Cheshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia areas. Burrows is next scheduled to appear at Chester Crown Court on August 2. He had been due to be prosecuted at Chester Crown Court on child sex charges when he skipped bail in December 1997. A warrant was issued for his arrest but, despite various appeals, including on the BBC's Crimewatch, police did not locate him until March this year. Detectives from Cheshire police working with the National Crime Agency, dubbed Britain's FBI, finally arrested Burrows as he 'stepped off a flight' from Thailand at London's Heathrow Airport. He appeared at Chester Crown Court on April 2. Asked by the clerk of the court whether it was correct that he had 'failed to surrender to custody and failed to surrender pursuant to a warrant for his arrest,' Burrows, who was dressed in a grey tracksuit, replied: 'Yes.' He was due to be prosecuted at Chester Crown Court on child sex charges when he skipped bail in December 1997 Judge Steven Everett told the court that Burrows was facing historical allegations of serious sexual assault and indecent assault relating to 11 young complainants at a Cheshire childrens home, and while he was acting as a scoutmaster, when he jumped bail in December 1997. The judge remanded Burrows in custody and ordered that he appear before the court again on June 21 to enter a plea. He also set the date for his trial for January 13. Two men have been charged with the horrific murder of a 12-year-old Texas girl. Jocelyn Nungaray's body was found floating in a creek near her Houston home on Monday. Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, have now been charged with capital murder following a manhunt for the suspects. Houston PD explained that the murder of anyone aged under 15 automatically results in a capital murder charge. They previously suggested the youngster had also been raped and sent off a sexual assault kit to obtain further evidence. Jocelyn Nungary, 12, was found dead by strangulation in a shallow creek near her home on Sunday Officials are also working with Homeland Security Officials to see whether Martinez and Ramos are illegal immigrants. The medical examiner confirmed that Jocelyn died by strangulation. Police issued images of two persons of interest seen with the pre teen hours before her death after she had snuck out of her home at around 10pm. Officers said the suspects, who lived in the same block as the girl, bumped into Jocelyn and walked with her to a convenience store. She called her 13-year-old boyfriend from the convenience store at around midnight that night. He reported hearing her talking to two adults, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced at a news conference Tuesday. Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, have now been charged with capital murder following a manhunt for the suspects Police said the suspects resided within the same apartment complex as the victim It is believed Jocelyn first encountered the two men when she went to a convenience store Her grieving mother, Alexis Nungary, is now struggling to process what has happened. 'It's like it's not real,' she told Click2Houston. 'I keep hearing everything, and She said she does not believe she knows the two men Jocelyn was seen with at the convenience store, whom the Houston Police Department have identified as 'persons of interest in the case.' But Alexis says she suspects they either live in the apartment complex or may have walked to the store from a nearby state park. 'I want karma to hit them, I'm angry,' Alexis added. 'They took advantage of her. 'She's so young, she's 12. I want justice. I want whoever has seen them to please call police. They took my baby away.' An Alabama man accused of killing multiple people in Oklahoma has been snared by police in an Arkansas woodland after two days on the run with camping gear. Stacy Lee Drake was shown grimacing with his eyes fixed on the ground while wearing a baggy khaki t-shirt and glasses as cops led him away in handcuffs in a photograph released after his capture. The 50-year-old is suspected of murdering a man and a woman in the tiny town of Gans, Oklahoma, on Tuesday night, following two separate carjacking incidents. Police issued a warning to the public about Drake later that night, saying he was on the loose in a stolen car and believed to be armed. Police released a photograph of Stacy Lee Drake grimacing with his eyes fixed on the ground while wearing a baggy khaki t-shirt and glasses as cops led him away in handcuffs. The multiple murder suspect was caught Thursday morning after two days on the run His disappearance sparked a manhunt involving several agencies including the Arkansas National Guard. In a brief release, Arkansas State Police said cops found him around 10am Thursday in a wooded area more than 120 miles away from the crime scene. They said he had been detained in Morrilton, a small city which sits near the center of the state on the Arkansas River around 50 miles north-west of Little Rock. 'Drake was taken into custody without incident after a manhunt that began late Tuesday,' the department said. Police previously said he had bought camping gear in Morrilton and released surveillance camera images of him wearing a flat-cap and sunglasses outside a hotel in the town. The 50-year-old is suspected of murdering a man and a woman in the tiny town of Gans, Oklahoma, on Tuesday night, following two separate carjacking incidents Drake's disappearance sparked a manhunt involving several agencies including the Arkansas National Guard Police previously said he had bought camping gear in Morrilton and released surveillance camera images of him wearing a flat-cap and sunglasses outside a hotel in the town. Along with the homicides and car-jackings in Oklahoma, Drake is wanted on other felony warrants from multiple jurisdictions including aggravated robbery and carjacking. Drakes last known address is in Birmingham, Alabama. The victim's identities have not yet been released and it's unknown what Drake's connection with them was. Their bodies were transported to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner for identification and to determine a cause and manner of death, according to the state Bureau of Investigation. DailyMail.com has contacted the bureau for more information. Dr. Anthony Fauci was lavishly praised by the hosts of ABC's 'The View' Thursday while he makes the rounds promoting his new book. Host Whoopi Goldberg gushed over Fauci, the former White House chief medical adviser, calling him 'one of the classiest' people in Washington, D.C. 'Thank you for coming on the show and everything, everything you've done from the very beginning,' Goldberg said to a glowing and smiling Fauci, who was cheered by the audience. 'It's extraordinary and you're no worse for the wear, you look good.' Goldberg continued: 'You are probably one of the classiest people I've ever watched move around in Washington, D.C.' 'I just want to raise my dreads to you,' Goldberg said holding up her hair in salute. The fawning over Fauci comes as the former health official has faced criticism over his handling of the COVID pandemic. He recently admitted that there was no clear science behind six-feet social distancing and masking of children, sparking outrage. ABC's 'The View' host Whoopi Goldberg could not contain her excitement as Dr. Anthony Fauci joined the show to promote his new book. She called him 'one of the classiest people' to have ever roamed the streets of Washington, D.C. Fauci released a book this week called 'On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service' which details his five decades as a government health official. In it he touches on his navigating of the AIDS pandemic and later COVID. It also reveals fiery f-bomb filled conversations with former President Donald Trump and the death threats he has faced as a result of his work. Earlier this month, Fauci testified before a House committee investigating COVID's origins that he, despite throwing cold water on the theory in the past, is 'open minded' about the possibility the virus started in a Wuhan lab. Republicans later said he lied to the committee about his openness to the lab leak hypothesis, saying he could face charges for lying. 'If trying to save people's lives is a crime, then I'm guilty,' he told the enamored View hosts when asked about Republicans who say he could be criminally charged. Fauci smiled as the TV hosts heaped praise on him for his efforts during the COVID pandemic During the appearance the hosts mentioned how Republicans want to press charges on Fauci, to which he replied 'What are the charges? That you saved millions of lives with the vaccine' 'What are the charges?' he said. 'That you saved millions of lives with the vaccine that you helped develop or that you got people to do things that were interventions that made them more safe against a deadly pandemic that killed 1.2 million people?' 'I quite frankly don't know what they are talking about,' Fauci said. After his hearing in early June, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer accused the doctor of lying about his role in establishing COVID masking and distancing rules. 'Everyone knows that Doctor Fauci was the lead instigator in the spacing distance,' Comer charged. He also said he 'likes the idea' that Fauci could face criminal charges over his conduct during COVID and for lying to Congress. 'I don't know that I said he should be arrested, but I like the idea,' Comer told Fox Business' Stuart Varney earlier this month. 'At the end of the day, if you lie to Congress, that's a felony.' House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, later requested Fauci sit for a transcribed interview to grill him on his claim that he supported the lab leak theory. Jordan alleges that Fauci's remarks are absolutely 'false.' Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has said Fauci lied before Congress when recounting his open mindedness to COVID beginning in a Wuhan lab Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee has also said that Fauci lied under oath, and he 'likes the idea' of the doctors arrest The Ohio Republican charges that 'is false on its face' because of the 'pressure' Fauci and the Biden administration put on social media firms to choke out lab-leak posts, leading to their censoring online communication on COVID. Jordan further alleges that Fauci 'sidelined' former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield in a bid to silence his view that COVID 'came from a Wuhan lab.' Those specific allegations never came up during Fauci's Thursday TV appearance. Chicago has suffered so many murders from gun violence that the city is now offering to pay out $1,500 in funeral costs to help bereaved families. The funds will be paid out as part of the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund and will provide families with finances to help bury their loved ones. Shooting victims can also receive $1,000 to help cover basic needs like their medical and grocery bills - as well as up to $1,000 for temporary relocation costs. The program already exists in the city after being introduced across five communities in 2022 but is now being expanded to a further 15 across the city. Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the plans saying the move was a step in the right direction and could help mitigate the gun violence problem. Critics have claimed the creation of the fund is a disturbing sign of just how the Windy City has become. Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the plans saying the move was a step in the right direction and could help mitigate the gun violence problem The program already exists in the city after being introduced across five communities in 2022 but is now being expanded. Cops are seen here responding to a shooting in April of this year Johnson said: 'This crisis did not show up with simply a bullet. This crisis showed up when previous administrations decided to give up on these communities. 'The program provides much-needed resources to promote healing in our communities and among the families that have been affected by violence, offering a lifeline that will lead us to a safer city.' Kevin Edwards, who survived a non-fatal gunshot wound, received $1,000 in support following the shooting in the West Garfield Park area last summer. He told ABC7: 'It was terrible. I couldn't do anything else. I thought I was over with. I thought I was going to die.' Edwards used the funds to help pay towards his medical bills, adding: 'It can cease. I believe what he said. Hopefully everyone can get on board and it can decrease.' The announcement by the mayor comes after a violent week in the city in which 71 people were shot and nine killed from Friday to Monday. From midnight on Sunday until 5am on Monday around two dozen people were shot. Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters that Rivera had been walking out of his home when shots rang out. The scene of the shooting is seen here Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters that Rivera had been walking out of his home when shots rang out 22nd Ward Alderman said: 'Seventy people being shot is 70 too many. The fact is, we've got work to do. While we're making progress, we've got so much more to do.' Latest statistics released earlier this week by the Chicago Police Department show that so far this year there has been 961 shooting incidents. On Tuesday evening, seven-year-old Jaimani Amir Rivera was shot and killed in the city's Near West Side in what police described as 'random gunfire'. Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters that Rivera had been walking out of his home when shots rang out. Snelling said: 'This child was walking out of their residence and was struck by gunfire.' Rivera received aid from officers who arrived on the scene and was rushed to hospital but he was later pronounced dead. Snelling added: 'We are losing our children and we really need to think about the gun violence that is going on in this city. 'We all need to step up to try and fight this gun violence to try and save our children.' On Tuesday evening, seven-year-old Jaimani Amir Rivera was shot and killed in the city's Near West Side in what police described as 'random gunfire' In 2020, Natalia Wallace was killed outside of a 4th of July party at her grandmother's home while playing with other children on the sidewalk Rivera was not the first seven-year-old to die as a result of the gun violence in the city. In 2020, Natalia Wallace was killed outside of a 4th of July party at her grandmother's home while playing with other children on the sidewalk. Officers said that three men jumped out of a white vehicle and opened fire on party-goers before speeding away. Wallace was shot in the forehead and was later pronounced dead in hospital, with her family describing her as a 'funny and outspoken girl'. Kevin Boyd was charged with first degree murder in connection with her death, alongside Terrell Boyd and Davion Mitchell. It is unclear at what stage their cases are it. After the death of Rivera, Mayor Johnson joined Snelling in echoing his sentiment that gun violence had reached a breaking point in the city. Johnson said: 'The grief in this city has become increasingly more unbearable. The ungodly behavior, the acts of violence that have plagued our city for so long have reached a breaking point. Chicago police officers responded to the violent incident around 9.15pm Saturday in the 2000 block of West 52nd Street in the Back of the Yards neighborhood 'This is no longer simply about tragedy, but it is about course-correcting ways of life of some individuals in this city that have caused terror, trauma and torment. We will hold individuals accountable.' In April of this year an eight-year-old was killed in a mass shooting in the south side of the city that left ten others hurt. According to police, a family was gathered for a birthday party when gunmen opened fire with assault rifles and handguns. A nine-year-old boy was also injured with a graze wound to his finger. He was taken to the hospital and was in stable condition, police said. In announcing the new move for victims and their families, the city said they will be reinvesting $10 million over the next three years to cover the cost. It was a work horse in the North Sea oil fields for decades, first as a drilling rig and then as a production facility. But as these dramatic images show it took just seconds to reduce the Northern Producer to a pile of scrap metal. Footage shows the semi-submersible rig sitting in a dry dock in north-west Scotland as demolition charges ignite in its legs. Demolition charges ignite in the rig's legs as it sits in the huge dry dock on Loch Kishorn Smoke and decades of dust and dirt erupt from the structure The rig disappears in a cloud of dust as it collapses After years serving the North Sea oil industry the rig is reduced to a pile of scrap The 12,000 ton structure is then enveloped in clouds of dust, which eventually clear to show a huge pile of twisted metal. Northern Producer was used in the Dons oil fields, about 100 miles north-east of Shetland. But the fields have reached the end of their life and are being de-commissioned, so the structure was taken to Kishorn Ports dry dock facility in Strathcarron, Ross-shire, three years ago and blown up last week. Work is now under way to recycle and reuse different parts of the rig, which was built in Norway in 1976 at the height of the North Sea oil boom. The yard said it believed its dry dock, which was built in the 1970s for the construction of North Sea platforms, was the first to be used to demolish a rig in this way. The U.S. is 'sleepwalking' toward the next 'Cuban missile crisis,' top Intelligence Republican Mike Turner warned as he once again called on the Biden administration to declassify Russia's anti-satellite capabilities. Turner months ago raised alarm across the country when he issued an ominous and seemingly out-of-the-blue statement calling on Biden to declassify information related to a 'serious national security threat' - but wouldn't go into details. It was later reported to relate to Moscow's plan to put a nuclear weapon into space to target and destroy satellites the world depends on. 'I believe the Biden administration is sleepwalking itself into an irreversible catastrophic situation with Russia,' Turner told DailyMail.com after a talk where he reignited the dire warning at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The U.S. is 'sleepwalking' toward the next 'Cuban missile crisis,' top Intelligence Republican Mike Turner warned as he once again called on the Biden administration to declassify Russia 's anti-satellite capabilities 'This is the Cuban Missile Crisis in space. And President Biden is not rising to the to the charge the way that President Kennedy did and impacted the outcome and changed history for the better.' Turner warned the world could go dark for as long as a year. Cell phone towers, internet, GPS, banking systems, power grids, first responders and military operations could all be impacted. 'This threat would mean that our economic, international security and social systems come to a grinding halt,' Turner warned. 'This would be a catastrophic and devastating attack upon western economic, and democratic systems. Vladimir Putin knows this checkmate.' He referred to the day Putin would use his anti-satellite capability as 'day zero,' after which 'mankind would be unable to repopulate low earth orbit and man space exploration would be deadly.' The US does not currently have defenses against such a threat, and if satellite-based communications were destroyed, getting them back online would require maneuvering remaining satellites into place and launching new ones on rockets - both of which days or weeks. Turner insisted public pressure would lead to more international sanctions that could force Russia to back off putting a nuclear weapon in space. The talk came as Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un this week signed a mutual defense pact between the two nuclear-armed super powers. 'Putin's plans and weapons programs must be fully disclosed by the administration and understood by the world,' Turner said during the talk, accusing Biden of being 'incredibly reluctant to take any action that would appear escalatory.' 'This should not be permitted to go into orbit, period. and the administration does not even have it on their to-do list.' White House national security spokesman John Kirby said it was 'flat out wrong' to say the Biden administration wasn't taking the threat seriously. 'We have absolutely taken very seriously, we've been working this particular problem set from every possible angle, including through intense diplomacy with countries around the world,' Kirby said. 'I believe the Biden administration is sleepwalking itself into an irreversible catastrophic situation with Russia,' Turner told DailyMail.com after a talk where he reignited the dire warning at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Suspected test of new satellite killing S-550 at Sary-Shagan test site in Kazakhstan, November 2020 'We said at the time in February, when did this was made publicizing this highly sensitive intelligence was highly irresponsible,' he went on. 'Nevertheless, what I can say is we're going to continue our efforts to swayed Russia from putting a nuclear weapon into orbit.' READ MORE: Top secret Russian electronic weapon 'based in Kaliningrad' is jamming GPS technology on civilian flights across NATO's eastern flank, Western intel fears There has been disruption to the GPS guidance of air and sea traffic in Finland, the Baltic states and Poland, according to Estonia's military chief. 'What we have seen is a malfunctioning of GPS for ships and air traffic,' General Martin Harem, commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, said. 'And we really do not know if [Russia] want to achieve something or just practice and test their equipment' Advertisement The warning signs of such an attack are already there. In 2021, Russia demonstrated its capability to shoot down satellites with missiles launched from Earth, destroying one of its own decommissioned satellites. And in 2020 Russia fired a projectile from a satellite up into outer space - though Russian officials maintained the projectile was not a weapon. The move to put a nuclear device in space would also go against the Outer Space Treaty, a 1967 agreement the then-USSR was party to. One provision of the treaty is a ban on orbiting nuclear weapons. In recent years, Russia may have violated another part of this treaty when it shot down its own 1980s-era Cosmos 1408 satellite in 2021. And earlier this year Moscow rejected Washington's efforts to negotiate a new START agreement for when the current one expires in 2026. Turner, meanwhile, insisted that in the past decade and a half the U.S. had not adequately prioritized missile defense capability. 'I truly believe that the American public will think we have missile defense system in place that is operational and would defend us against China and Russia,' he said. Over the last few administrations, 'you have policies that are anti-missile defense.' 'This view that it is escalatory, that it is destabilizing your adversary would think we need more nuclear weapons because you have missile defense, that it would work, and that it was too costly. But what we've seen is it's actually de escalatory.' The last person to speak to Jay Slater said his friends have spent 12 hours driving around Tenerife and 'searching everywhere you can imagine'. The apprentice bricklayer, 19, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last heard from on Monday morning as he tried to walk home along a mountainous path in north-west Tenerife. He rang his friend Lucy Law to say he was lost, dehydrated and only had one per cent battery on his phone, but the call cut out suddenly and he has not been seen or heard from since. But Lucy has now blasted the local Spanish police for 'not doing a good enough job' in finding the missing Brit after his mother, Debbie Duncan said she thought Jay has been 'taken against his will'. The 18-year-old told The Times: 'We were driving around the island for 12 hours. We have been everywhere you can imagine, up and down the mountain several times and searching spots that he might have sheltered in. Lucy Law, 18 (pictured), was the last person to speak to Jay Slater before he went missing. She said his friends have spent 12 hours driving around Tenerife and 'searching everywhere you can imagine' Jay Slater, 19, went missing on Monday morning, sparking a huge search mission on the island of Tenerife The search for Jay has entered its fourth day on Thursday in Tenerife. Pictured June 20 Volunteer firemen searching for missing Jay Slater in Tenerife on Thursday. Pictured June 20 A MailOnline graphic detailing the timeline of events from when Jay attended the three-day NRG festival to his location when his phone died at around 8.50am on Monday 'We are having to do this all by ourselves as Spanish police are not doing a good enough job. They dont even speak English. Its been a very slow process here so we need the British police to come out and help them.' Jay's friends' frustration has even caused them to look for evidence and interview potential witnesses themselves. More than two dozen friends and relatives have flown out to the island to help find Jay, who was on his first holiday abroad. Jay was last seen getting into a car with two people he met on Sunday night after NRG music festival in south Tenerife. He travelled with them to a property in Rural de Teno Park, a 40-minute drive or 10-hour walk from where he was staying in Playa de las Americas. Jay's final Snapchat picture is an out-of-focus image of a hand holding a cigarettes at a property in the Buenavista del Norte area at 7.30am on Monday. Debbie Duncan (left) is also working off the assumption that her son (right) has been kidnapped after receiving a sickening Snapchat The search for Jay has entered its fourth day with mountain rescue crews, sniffer dogs and police scouring the remote north-west side of the island for any signs of him. His mother, Debbie Duncan believes Jay has been 'taken against his will', although Spanish police have never said this is a line of enquiry and are treating him as a missing person. Lucy repeated those fears earlier today, exclusively telling MailOnline that 'the whole thing is just so weird' and out of character for the teenager. She said: 'It's been three days now since he was last seen and the more time goes on the more I'm sure he has been taken. At first I wasn't so sure but now I'm convinced. 'He is not stupid if he left the house on his own he would have walked to the road and then tried to flag a car down or stop someone for help. 'The last time we heard from him it was around 9am so the place where he would have been walking would have had hikers and holidaymakers. 'The more time passes and he has not been seen then the more we are convinced he has been taken by someone and is being held against his will.' Jay's mother Debbie is pictured Thursday during the fourth day of the search The hotel apartments where Jay was staying whilst in Los Cristianos The police are searching the flats where he was staying in Los Cristianos Lucy (pictured) now desperately fears that her friend has been 'taken against his will' Spanish police out searching for missing teenager Jay Slater in the Masca Gorge on June 19 Sniffer dogs have been deployed in the search for Jay Slater in north-west Tenerife on June 19 The search mission has entered its third day. Pictured: Rescuers on June 19 Jay's family and friends that have flown out to Tenerife to help with the search, include his mother Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater and brother Zak. Yesterday afternoon, concern for Jay's wellbeing deepened as the chaotic search to track him down shifted dramatically. The search had centred on the remote area near the village of Masca in north-west Tenerife. But suddenly police focus shifted to the tourist hotspots of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas in south Tenerife, after a false sighting of him getting out of a taxi. It later emerged the report was false and police, having wasted precious time in the blistering 27C heat, were forced to move attention back to their original site. Lucy slammed Spanish police for not taking the hunt seriously, adding 'I think they could be doing more'. She told MailOnline: 'I know they have had a helicopter and drones up but to be honest I think they could be doing more. 'The other day I was on Veronica's Strip in Los Cristianos and I picked up some information and I went to the Guardia Civilia and they said "who is Jay Slater?" 'Can you believe that? It doesn't really give you much confidence does it. I've been out looking and so have his friends and family. Jay's final Snapchat picture was posted at 7.30am on Monday from the house where he had travelled to with two men in a remote part of Tenerife Lucy (pictured) went to Tenerife with Jay Slater and another friend but their first ever friends' holiday turned into a nightmare when Jay disappeared 'We are just all so desperate for some news, we need people to keep looking we need Jay back. 'The whole thing is just so weird someone must have seen him, we are all extremely worried and the more it goes on the more dodgier it looks. 'I just think the fact that no one has seen him makes it all the more sinister.' Ms Duncan also fears her son could have been kidnapped, saying he is 'streetwise' and 'not stupid'. She said: 'I've got a bad feeling. I'm being warned there's a lot of bad people in Tenerife. I just think he's being held against his will. He's not a stupid lad. He wouldn't have gone walking down bloody mountains. 'There's no ransom demand come in yet. I've told them [police] my suspicions, that I think Jay's been taken up north by people against his will.' Jay's mother Debbie (pictured) made a heartbreaking plea for her son to return alive and well on Wednesday evening Since he went missing, Ms Duncan has been receiving sickening phone calls from Brits with 'northern accents' claiming to have kidnapped her son. Yesterday, she revealed another horrifying message sent to her just moments after touching down in Tenerife. It read: 'Kiss goodbye to your boy, you're never going to see him again, he owes me a lot of money.' On Thursday, Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay was studying for his apprenticeship, issued a statement. It said: 'We are deeply concerned about the recent news regarding one of our apprentices, Jay Slater, who has gone missing while on holiday in Tenerife. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students are of utmost importance to us, and our thoughts at this worrying time are with Jay's family and friends.' Jay is seen in this image shared to his friend Lucy's social media days before he disappeared Pictured are drones in the sky searching for Jay yesterday A screenshot of Jay's last known location where his phone battery died Police were checking vans yesterday to try and find the teenager Speaking from the south of the island where her son had been staying, mother Debbie said: 'I'm obviously beside myself with worry which is why I've flown out here with my eldest son to do anything we can to help. 'We're just praying the police or someone finds Jay. I know there's a mountain rescue team out and a helicopter. 'Nothing's ever going to be enough when your youngest son's gone missing but it sounds as if the police here are taking this very seriously and doing the best job they can.' Debbie also revealed she had received several prank calls from hidden numbers claiming they had taken her son and held him for ransom, describing the pranksters' jokes as 'sickening'. After around seven fake GoFundMe pages were set up and debunked by his family, a real fundraising page by Jay's friends has now been verified. More than 13,000 has been raised since the fundraiser went live. Vice President Kamala Harris had a conversation with model Chrissy Teigen at the White House about abortion rights on Thursday at an event that quickly drew tears. Teigen praised the vice president and the Biden campaign for making abortion rights an important part of their reelection campaign and not shying away from sharing stories of women struggling with new limits on abortions after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. 'Sharing all of these stories and humanizing this taboo subject is really an important thing,' Teigen said. Teigen tearfully shared her experience of having an abortion at the Feminist Womens Health Center in Atlanta, Georgia. 'It doesn't have to be this place of darkness that's scary and the level of comfort I felt just being at your clinic was so incredible and so beautiful and something I actually wished for myself, I found it to be such a beautiful place, that it was just so, so, special,' she said. Chrissy Teigen shared her abortion story with Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday In 2020, Teigen shared the news that she had a miscarriage at 20 weeks, losing her son Jack. But in 2022, after the Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson decision, she revealed it was actually an abortion that she said saved her life. 'Lets just call it what it was: It was an abortion. An abortion to save my life for a baby that had absolutely no chance. And to be honest, I never, ever put that together until, actually, a few months ago,' she said. Teigen's husband John Legend was present for the event held at the White House executive office video set. Attendance was limited to select media outlets and was not broadcast live by the White House. Chrissy Teigen attends the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. Harris has made abortion rights the focal point of her campaign activity The conversation coincided with the two year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2021. Teigen grew more outspoken about abortion after the ruling, sharing details of the pregnancy she chose to end with an abortion. Teigen and Legend publicly supported Harris during the 2020 campaign. After Teigen appeared at a campaign rally with Harris, she famously claimed she was 'not showering off my Kamala hug.' Both Legend and Teigen were filmed celebrating the news of Biden's victory cheering and shouting 'f**k Donald Trump' while hanging out of their Land Rover SUV on November 7th. Gov. Gavin Newsom, above, former Gov. Jerry Brown and others contended a ballot measure to make raising taxes much harder was so far-reaching that it would be a revision of the state Constitution. Jessica Christian/Associated Press A business-sponsored initiative that would have required voter approval for any increase in state or local taxes or fees must be removed from the November ballot because it is so far-reaching that it would be a revision of the state Constitution, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday. The measure would fundamentally restructure the most basic of governmental powers, the power of state and local lawmakers to raise taxes to fund the government, Justice Goodwin Liu wrote in the 7-0 ruling. The court granted a request by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislators to remove the measure from the ballot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Current law allows the Legislature to increase state taxes by a two-thirds majority vote. The initiative, a proposed amendment to the state Constitution, would keep that standard but would also require a majority of California voters to approve the increase before it could take effect. It would also require local voters to approve any increases approved by city or county governments in their taxes or licensing fees, with a two-thirds majority required to raise funds for specific programs. And it would apply retroactively to all taxes and fees that have been raised since the start of 2022, canceling them unless approved within 12 months by the lawmakers and voters designated in the ballot measure. Newsom and legislative Democrats, joined by many local government leaders and by former Gov. Jerry Brown, contended the ballot measure was so-far reaching that it would be a revision of the state Constitution, and not merely an amendment. A revision cannot be placed on the ballot by initiative and instead requires approval by two-thirds of the Assembly and Senate before being submitted to the voters. This proposal is unlike any measure that has ever gone before the voters with respect to the sweeping changes it would make to Californias fundamental governmental structure, lawyers for Newsom and the legislators told the court in an emergency petition in September. Administrative agencies would lose the power to do much of the work they do today under legislatively delegated authority. The court agreed Thursday, rejecting arguments that it should allow voters to decide on the measure before ruling on its legality. The justices did not decide whether the ballot proposal would violate state laws or constitutional standards, concluding only that it was too far-reaching to qualify as an initiative. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whether the proposed changes will in fact promote transparency or accountability, and how such interests might be balanced against considerations of agency expertise, administrative efficiency, or practicality are not for us to say, Liu wrote. But he said the measure would substantially alter our basic plan of government, since (f)rom the states founding, the Legislature has had broad authority to levy taxes. It would strip the Legislature of authority to promptly raise revenues in response to financial emergencies or natural disasters, he said. And at the local level, Liu said, the ballot measure would transform an overdue library book fine or an expired parking meter fine into a tax subject to voter approval if it had not been approved by the city council with standards that allowed appeals. The court rarely removes initiatives from the ballot after they have received enough signatures, preferring to let voters consider a disputed measure before ruling on its legality. But in 2018, the justices removed an initiative that proposed to divide California into three states, without deciding whether it was within the voters power to approve. The measures sponsor, venture capitalist Tim Draper, later withdrew it. Sponsors of the tax-cut ballot measure could ask state lawmakers to approve it for a future ballot but would have little prospect of success in the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and an attorney for sponsors of the proposed November ballot measure, said they could draft narrower tax-cut initiatives for the 2026 ballot that would accomplish some of the same goals as the now-rejected initiative. The late Howard Jarvis was the sponsor of Proposition 13, the 1978 initiative that slashed property taxes statewide and required a two-thirds legislative vote to increase state taxes. Prop 13 was upheld by the state Supreme Court, and it has been followed by business-backed initiatives further limiting taxes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Im not sure the court will allow anything now thats pro-taxpayer, Coupal said after Thursdays ruling. I think the California Supreme Court has abandoned any pretense of impartiality. Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, said his organization would now shift its multimillion-dollar campaign budget to support of the November initiative that would increase criminal penalties for low-level retail thefts and drug possession. That would repeal part of Proposition 47, a 2014 ballot measure that reduced those punishments in order to lower the states prison and jail populations. The ruling sent a message that direct democracy is no longer alive and well in California, Lapsley told reporters. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, called the ruling an outrageous abuse of power. But state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said the court had blocked a ballot measure designed to tear down state and local government and make it impossible to fund basic services like police, fire, and education. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lorena Gonzalez, leader of the California Labor Federation, said in a posting on the social media platform X that the ruling was a victory for working people & all California. And Omar Rodriguez, a spokesperson for Newsom, said the governor was grateful the California Supreme Court unanimously removed this unconstitutional measure from the ballot. A Republican lawmaker from northern Michigan was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning after police responded to reports of a man with a gun and possible shots fired. Neil Friske, 62, has a record as a hardline conservative and has put faith and family at the heart of his campaign to be reelected to the state House of Representatives. He was arrested after chasing an adult dancer following a disagreement, according to the Michigan Information and Research Service, which covers the state capitol. His campaign quickly issued a bizarre statement suggesting the case was politically motivated. 'As many of us know, Rep Friske is always exercising his Second Amendment right,' it said. Neil Friske was arrested at about 2:45am on Thursday in the street near his home, according to police in Lansing, Michigan 'We do not have any details, besides what the media sourced, oddly before anyone of us knew anything. 'It is highly suspect considering the timing of this situation.' It went on to say the arrest came just before absentee ballot papers were released and days after an unknown phone number conducted polling on Friske's race against an 'opponent with deep state ties.' 'We ask everyone for prayers and to stay tuned for updates directly from this campaign or Representative Friske himself,' it said. 'Thank you for the outpouring of concern and unwavering support we have received this morning. Clearly, Rep. Friske is over the target in this race.' A request for comment from his campaign was not immediately returned. 'Around 2:45 a.m. on 6/20/24, members of the Lansing Police Department were dispatched to the 2100 block of Forest Rd for a report of a male with a gun, as well as possible shots that were fired,' said police spokesperson Jordan Gulkis. 'Our officers quickly responded and made contact with all the parties involved. An accused was arrested for a felony-level offense.' Friske's campaign released a statement claiming the arrest was politically motivated Friske's Facebook page includes pictures of him using firearms Gulkis added that the investigation continued and evidence would be presented to prosecutors for possible charges on Friday. Property records show he was arrested close to a condo he owns, according to the Detroit news. About 40 minutes after police said Friske was arrested, two posts appeared on his X account, discussing legislation banning pornography produced by A.I. without the consent of people in the image. 'I'm not going to cave to the pressure of special interest. I'm not afraid of the false accusations, like 'Friske is for AI Porn' when a bill denies THE PEOPLE their rights to properly defend themselves,' his account posted at 3:25am, along with a follow-up. Friske is one of the most hardline conservatives in the House. He is a member of the Freedom Caucus, which lines up against the vast majority of legislation brought before them in the Democratic-led legislature. A young man charged with killing a gay Jewish teen in Southern California this week told a court how the pair connected on Tinder. Samuel Woodward - who grew up in a conservative, religious family where he is said to have developed homophobic and anti-Semitic ideals - attended the Orange County School of the Arts with his victim Blaze Bernstein. Woodward, now 26, recounted how he matched with a then 19-year-old Blaze on Tinder in 2017, became nervous and unmatched him before re-matching six months later. What began on Tinder led to a Snapchat correspondence between the then-teenage boys that ultimately to an encounter on January 2, 2018, after which Blaze was never seen alive again. His body was found stabbed 28 times and Woodward, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder, was arrested two weeks later. Samuel Woodward, 26, enters court. He is on trial in Orange County for the murder of gay Jewish teen Blaze Bernstein back in the winter of 2018 Bernstein (pictured) was found in a shallow grave with 28 stab wounds days after disappearing from his parents house on a night when Woodward picked him up from his parents' house Thursday marked Woodward's fourth day of testimony and the 29th day of his trial, which Judge Kimberly Menninger indicated she feels is moving too slowly. On January 2, 2018, Woodward drove to the Bernstein family home - where Blaze was staying during his winter break from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a sophomore - to pick up his former classmate. According to Woodward's testimony, the pair then went to a park in Lake Forest. Days later, Bernstein was found in a shallow grave with 28 stab marks. Woodward's defense attorneys have, from the outset, said the evidence in the case will show that Woodward killed Blaze - but not because of his religion or sexuality. The murder suspect's charges are upgraded because prosecutors have brought hate crime charges against him. Some of the questions Woodward was made to answer under oath focused on his sexuality. He told the court he'd had a short-term relationship with a woman but said he had never experimented with men. Defense attorneys asked their client about his internet search history, which included visits to gay porn websites in 2015 and 2016. Samuel Woodward brushes away the hair from his face after his attorney Assistant Public Defender Ken Morrison asked him to do so during his testimony in Orange County Superior Court on Thursday, June 13, 2024 Bernstein's body was discovered in a shallow grave at the park close to his parents' home - he's pictured here with his mother and father, who said their lives became a waking nightmare after their son's disappearance Blaze Bernstein was a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania when he was murdered while home in southern California for winter break The young man, whose hair and beard are consistently left untamed ahead of court appearances, said he had consulted the websites for the sole purpose of gathering images. He intended to use the photos to antagonize other users in an online group he was a member of. He also discussed his affiliation with the far-right neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division, of which he said he was never a full-fledged member. He spoke about his desire to form a meaningful connection with a group. He said he was looking for brotherhood. Judge Menninger has begun pushing the page of the defense's line of questioning, which she says is taking too long. If he is convicted, Woodward will face life in prison. Judge Kimberly Menninger is presiding. In February, Woodward threw a cup of water at her, which made it so the process of jury selection had to begin over again The alleged murder weapon submitted to evidence in Orange County Superior Court - Woodward was arrested two days after it was found in his room The prosecution has mounted a case against Woodward that has painted him as an angry, homophobic teen with violent tendencies. Deputy DA Jennifer Walker submitted evidence from a journal allegedly kept by Woodward called 'diary of hate,' in which he described threats he claims to have made against gay people online.' The defendant is guilty of killing Blaze Bernstein because he was gay,' Walker told jurors at the outset of the trial. 'You will see that Blaze fought for his life as best he could.' The teen's parents later found his glasses, wallet, and credit cards in his bedroom after he missed a dentist appointment on January 3 and wasn't responding to texts or calls. Scenes from the alleged murder have been presented to the jury during the trial that has so far stretched for close to six weeks Woodward was arrested two days after a bloody blade was found in his room at his parents' house in the upscale enclave of Newport Beach. The case has taken years to come to trial because of questions about Woodward's mental state and ability to stand trial. Multiple public defenders have quit on Woodward, and the lead prosecutor on the case at one point became a judge. In late 2022, he was deemed competent. He has also gone through a number of defense attorneys, one of whom claimed Woodward has Asperger's syndrome, which generally causes difficulty with social interactions. Tiffany Henyard, also known as 'America's worst mayor,' has been slammed with a lawsuit by a former employee who said he was fired for not going along with one of her schemes. Dwayne Thrash, 63, a former maintenance manager in Dolton, Illinois, where Henyard serves, alleged last week that a close ally of the embattled mayor approached him in 2023 with a plan to replace the school board's attorney with a law firm he proposed. After Thrash decided to not support the alleged scheme he was abruptly fired - while on approved vacation - for 'unsatisfactory work performance' and 'insubordination,' the lawsuit claimed. The legal filing has demanded that the city erase the part about his inadequate work performance and award him compensation for his abrupt firing. This is the latest legal filing against Henyard as she received two federal subpoenas just last month over her excessive spending habits. Mayor Tiffany Henyard has been sued by a former maintenance manager in Dolton, Illinois, Dwayne Thrash, 63. (Pictured: Henyard at at an annual township meeting in April) A close ally of the embattled mayor approached Thrash (pictured) in 2023 with a plan to replace the school board's attorney with his personal law firm The ally, who has not been named, allegedly wined and dined multiple times. Thrash also received a $10,000 raise, the lawsuit, reviewed by WKRC-TV, said. When asked if he would support the replacement plan, Thrash said that he wouldn't if it meant 'firing everyone in the office,' according to the lawsuit. He and another member then decided not to attend the meeting that was supposed to discuss the alleged scheme. Their absence prevented the preferred law firm from teaming up with the school board. The new lawsuit has accused the mayor of multiple offenses, including violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments. According to Thrash's LinkedIn, he is now a maintenance manager in Thornton, about 13 minutes away from Dolton. DailyMail.com contacted Thrash and Mayor Henyard for comment. In the beginning of June it was announced that former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will probe Henyard after the town vetoed her attempts to block any investigation. After Thrash decided not to go along with the scheme, he was abruptly fired -while on approved vacation- for 'unsatisfactory work performance' and 'insubordination' On Monday, June 3, police were forced to break up the room as the situation devolved following a 4-2 vote by the town board to reinstate Lightfoot. The incident unfolded after more than two hours of heated debate, during which village residents poured into the chamber to air their considerable grievances against 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 $5 million. The town board previously attempted to hire 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.' In the beginning of June it was announced that former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (pictured) will probe Henyard after the town vetoed her attempts to block any investigation 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 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 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 the mayor's staff. 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,' Lightfoot 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. In mid-January, Henyard visited Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Winter Meeting, as she filmed her experience, which included meeting President Joe Biden. According to Fox 32, the embattled mayor incorrectly billed $9,167 to taxpayers who do not live in Dolton, Illinois, where she is mayor. Instead, she used a credit card for Thornton Township to pay for the hefty expenses. 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 $5million due to Henyard's trips, multiple lawsuits against her, credit card usage and her police security detail. Senior judges in Florida approached Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon last year to ask her to step back from his Mar-a-Lago classified documents case but she steadfastly refused, according to a shocking new report. Cannon has been the source of fury and puzzlement among Trump critics after she issued rulings in the case that got overturned and failed to get it on track for trial before the November elections. Trump was indicted in June 2023 and charged with illegally retaining national security documents at his Florida club. Not long after the fact, two senior federal judges asked Cannon, who had been assigned the case, to step back, the New York Times reported Thursday, citing her limited trial experience and rulings that helped the defense. Judge Cannon was confirmed to the Senate in November 2020, weeks before Trump left office, and had limited experience in the complex area of national security law and classified documents. Her Fort Pierce courtroom, unlike federal court south in Miami, wasn't equipped with a secure facility for document handling. Senior judges encouraged Judge Aileen Cannon to step back after she was assigned the Trump classified documents case. She stayed on instead 'Her critics have suggested that she could be in over her head, in the tank for Mr. Trump or both,' as the Times put it in its report, which relied on sources who relayed details of the entreaties, which came by phone. Among those urging her to step back from the case were judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, chief judge of the Southern District of Florida, a George W. Bush appointee who is the first female Cuban American federal judge. Prosecutors, led by special counsel Jack Smith, successfully got an Appeals Court panel to overturn her order that was preventing the government from using classified documents seized from the former president during its investigation. It agreed with the DOJ's contention that 'the district court likely erred in exercising its jurisdiction.' Among those who have blasted her procedural decisions over the past year are lawyer George Conway, who last year announced his divorce from former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway. He called Cannon 'shes uniquely incompetent but effective. Federal judges such as Cannon make their own decisions on recusal or whether to relinquish a case. A year ago, experts identified the Florida case as the greatest threat to Trump. Now it is highly unlikely to see trial before the November election Trump has blasted the case, federal prosecutors, and FBI agents who searched Mar-a-Lago. If he were to be elected president, he could use his authority to try to shut down the case U.S. District Chief Judge Cecilia Maria Altonaga has been identified as asking Judge Cannon to decline to oversee the case Court clashes and filings have grown increasingly heated, with Smith's team calling one Trump legal theory 'pure fiction,' and Cannon blasting Smith's prosecutors for demanding a speedy decision 'unprecedented and unjust.' The information on the pressure from colleagues, which Cannon resisted, comes out after the classified documents case once called the most serious legal threat facing Trump has little chance of getting tried before Trump faces a jury. In May, Cannon accused Smith of making a 'bad faith' request to impose a gag order on Trump following his claim that the FBI was authorized to shoot him during a search at Mar-a-Lago. She ruled against Smith, saying federal prosecutors didn't show 'professional courtesy' when they conferred with defense lawyers right before the start of the Memorial Day weekend. Also in May, she postponed the trial indefinitely. It had been scheduled to begin May 20th. A Lamborghini-driving lawyer who is fighting to become Birmingham's new MP once joked about 'sparking out' men who enter female toilets during an exchange over gay and transgender rights. Akhmed Yakoob, 36, who loves fast cars and expensive jewellery, also told how he pulled his children out of secular state schools to avoid them being exposed to positive LGBT messages. Mr Yakoob, a criminal defence lawyer, is standing as an Independent in the Birmingham Ladywood constituency and has close links to George Galloway's Workers Party of Britain. In a video interview broadcast nine months ago, Mr Yakoob was introduced as 'the most famous solicitor in the world right now' by Mikey Melin, the host of YouTube documentary channel The Blue Tick Show. In the interview, Mr Yakoob said: 'What if a man goes into the ladies' bathroom and says, ''I'm not a man, I'm a woman''. 'Well if my wife's in there I'm sparking him out. And there ain't no defence for that offence.' Laughter followed before Mr Melin added: 'I would accept the time, f*** it, put me inside.' Akhmed Yakoob, 36, (pictured) who loves fast cars, is fighting to become Birmingham's new MP Mr Yakoob, a criminal defence lawyer, is standing as an Independent in the Birmingham Ladywood constituency Mr Yakoob claimed he and any Muslim cannot 'promote' positive LGBT issues because doing so is prohibited in their faith Today, Mr Yakoob insisted the comment in the video was not aimed at trans women, instead claiming: 'I was saying what if a big grown man who can clearly be seen is a man. That's the fear isn't it? 'Men who are not trans, who are normal men, will start taking advantage. It will give normal men who are predators the idea that they could get away with it.' Ladywood is home to the city's celebrated Gay Village. Liberal Democrat candidate Lee Dargue said it would be dreadful for the city and the LGBT community if the next MP for the area held such views. Mr Yakoob is hoping to unseat Labour's shadow justice minister Shabana Mahmood and has built up a following among disaffected Muslims and people who support his pro-Palestine campaign messages. Recent polling shows him making inroads into Labour's significant majority of 28,582. In the interview, Mr Yakoob also claimed that he and any Muslim cannot 'promote' positive LGBT issues because doing so is prohibited in their faith - a claim that was condemned by some faith leaders, academics and gay Muslims. He also stated that he 'hates' LGBT equality messages being shared in schools, so much so that his own children were moved out of secular state schools to faith secondary schools. Speaking to Mr Melin, Mr Yakoob said: 'I've got no issue with this LGBTQ. I don't promote it. I can't promote it. You [Mr Melin] can't promote it, we can't promote it because we are Muslim. 'We can't promote it because it's been told, we've been told, God has sent down a message...people should be able to do what they like, yeah, but not try to enforce their views and opinions on other people's kids. I don't like this being taught in schools - I hate it.' Mr Yakoob added: 'I have now pulled my kids out of school. Now they are in Islamic schools because I can't have that around me. Regardless of what religion you are, a young girl or a young boy should not be taught about different genders that you can change your gender. He also stated that he 'hates' LGBT equality messages being shared in schools, so much so that his own children were moved out of secular state schools to faith secondary schools Mr Yakoob's videos have become popular on Instagram and TikTok 'If we say something bad about these (LGBTQ) guys, people go mad, but people are burning the Holy Quran - have you heard anyone say anything about that, condemn that? Nobody cares about that. 'That's our religious book [...] why are people just ignoring that? And somebody says bad about LGBTQ and the whole world goes mad - they are so annoyed about it and get frustrated so easily.' Mr Yakoob later clarified that his children had attended state primary schools but he moved them to faith schools when they went into the secondary sector, one attending an Islamic school and the other at a Catholic school. Ahead of his election campaigns, Mr Yakoob's videos have become popular on Instagram and TikTok using his catchphrase 'There's a defence for every offence'. He has 195,000 followers on TikTok and around five million likes. He polled nearly 70,000 votes in the recent West Midlands mayoral election. Earlier this year, Mr Yakoob was criticised when a misleading video he promoted, alleging a young teacher supporting a Labour candidate had used a racial slur, went viral. She had not said anything offensive but was bombarded with hate messages over the video after Mr Yakoob and others put her name and school into the public domain. He later apologised and is facing an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority over his behaviour. In another video, Mr Yakoob also praised controversial influencer Andrew Tate as a 'good hearted man' who just wants 'men to be men'. The video interview went online after Mr Tate was charged with human trafficking, rape and criminal gang enterprise offences in Romania. Mr Tate, his brother Tristan and others accused deny all allegations. He has 195,000 followers on TikTok and around five million likes Mr Yakoob said he would represent Mr Tate given the chance, adding: 'I genuinely like that brother, I think he's a good, kind hearted brother who works hard and I'd go out of my way to help him....all he was doing and them brothers were doing was promoting hard work and telling men to be men, nothing wrong with that. 'People get offended too easily, people are soft these days.' Mr Yakoob said today he did not believe he had said anything offensive in the video interview. Mr Yakoob said: 'My view on LGBTQ people is this; I have no issue with any community. I love all communities and everyone has a right to co-exist and live in peace and harmony with each other.' But he said he maintained it was wrong to 'sexualise' children from a young age, adding: 'My view about children being taught it (about the existence and equality of LGBT people) is correct, children should be left to grow up by themselves, and their innocence should be protected, and they shouldn't be taught about any sexualization.' Challenged on what evidence there was of schools 'sexualising' children, he referenced story books available in some schools, saying they were confusing. Books in some local primary schools include ones featuring a child with two mummies, two boy penguins who nurture an abandoned egg and raise the baby penguin together, and a boy who likes to wear a dress. Mr Yakoob said: 'Some boys or some girls don't have that much intellect compared to others and that information (in story books) could be misinterpreted by a seven or eight year old boy.' He claimed a worried Roman Catholic father had recently approached him to ask for his help over the same issue and was 'really pleased' to hear he could move his child to another school or home-school them. On his admiration for Mr Tate, Mr Yakoob said: 'I don't agree with everything Andrew Tate says - I agree with what he says about working hard to make something of yourself.' On the charges facing Mr Tate, he said only that 'I believe that someone is innocent until proven guilty'. He also spoke on a second recorded podcast interview in which he has come under fire for 'joking' about domestic violence against women. The commentary was part of an unedited version of the Minted Mind podcast, hosted by Birmingham-based entrepreneur Abdhul Zaman. In it six male voices are heard exchanging views on the role of women and whether men should do more to 'keep them in their place'. At one point Mr Yakoob joins in laughter and 'jokes' during a discussion about women dancing on TikTok as one of the podcasters states: 'Getting back to masculinity, I personally would give her a backhander. I'm not joking.' Mr Yakoob 'jokes' about the legal defence that could be framed in such a circumstance. The comments have been widely criticised. Councillor Nicky Brennan, equalities cabinet lead at Birmingham City Council, said: 'One in four women are victims of domestic abuse in their lives, on average two women die a week at the hands of violent men. It's nothing to joke about.' Today, Mr Yakoob said of the response: 'Everyone is on a learning curve and everyone makes mistakes. We learn things daily. I'm on a learning curve. And if I have upset anyone by taking part in that podcast, I apologize and if I have upset anyone, it's unintentional.' The podcast features Mr Yakoob saying that '70 per cent of hell would be women'. Asked about this today, he claimed he was quoting a Muslim 'hadith' that states: 'The majority of the dwellers of the fire are women.' Mr Yakoob added: 'It was a quote...it's not something I made up, you can research it.' He also said he stood by a belief expressed in the podcast about divided gender roles. Mr Yakoob said: 'I do believe that at home I'm the king, I go out and get my hands dirty, do the work, and my wife is the queen, looking after the children and the household. I actually feel that, it's true, my wife is my queen. Why should she go outside and get her hands dirty when I can do that?' Asked if people of diverse backgrounds, women, and the LGBT community could trust him to represent them, Mr Yakoob said: 'Every single constituent of Ladywood is equal in my eyes, and is allowed to co-exist with each other. 'And if they have any issues, my doors are open to every single constituent, whether they are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, black, white, Chinese, whatever community they're from, LGBT, I don't want to cause division.' QUESTION: Which was the UKs first department store? The department store is viewed mainly as a post-1850 phenomenon although many businesses, notably Fortnum & Mason (1707) and Debenhams (1778), had their origins in the 18th century. However, they were, respectively, a grocers and a drapers merchants at the time. Certainly, the precursor to the department store was Harding, Howell & Co., established in Pall Mall in 1796. The shop was on the ground floor, divided by glazed mahogany partitions into four departments: furs and fans; haberdashery; jewellery, ornaments and perfumery; millinery and textiles. Modern multi-level department stores were influenced by Aristide Boucicauts redevelopment, in 1852, of an early novelty shop to create Le Bon Marche in Paris, which transformed traditional retail by offering a wide range of goods on multiple floors under one roof. In 1909, Selfridges arrived on Oxford Street and encouraged the shopping experience to be about pleasure rather than essentials People walk past Oxford Street's Selfridges in 2006 In London, the first modern department store is usually taken to be Whiteleys. William Whiteley started a drapery shop at 31 Westbourne Grove in 1863. By 1867 it had expanded to a row of shops containing 17 departments and was soon described as an immense symposium of the arts and industries of the nation and of the world. It moved to its purpose-built Queensway location in 1911. John Anderson opened the Royal Polytechnic Warehouse on Glasgows Argyle Street in 1867. The ground floor boasted a wide range of goods, from small wares to haberdashery. A decade later, Peter Jones was established on the Kings Road in London. It was purchased by John Lewis in 1905. In 1909, Selfridges arrived on Oxford Street and encouraged the shopping experience to be about pleasure rather than essentials. Jessie Collings, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks QUESTION: Were any of the thousands of Stasi informers punished after reunification? The opening of Stasi (the East German secret police) records after the fall of the Berlin Wall caused a sensation. The Stasis surveillance network was enormous, encompassing an estimated 274,000 employees, including 174,000 informants. TOMORROW'S QUESTIONS... Q: Where does ananas, the French word for pineapple, come from? Mark Stuart, Stirling Q: Who coined the term magical realism? Katherine Moore, Worcester Q: What is the strange-looking plant that is featured in the painting St John The Baptist In The Wilderness, by Hieronymus Bosch? Lucy Graham, Kendal, Cumbria Advertisement A small number of high-ranking Stasi officials and informers faced criminal charges. This was primarily for human rights abuses or other significant criminal activities. Erich Mielke, the head of the Stasi from 1957 to 1989, was the most prominent figure prosecuted. However, he served little jail time because of his failing mental health. The vast majority of informers were not prosecuted because their activities were often legal under East German law, and it was challenging to retroactively apply West German laws to actions that were legal in the GDR. The new Germany implemented a lustration policy (scrutinising a public official or candidate for public office in terms of their political history), aimed at preventing former Stasi officers and informers from holding positions of power in the new unified Germany. The main punishment was one of public exposure. The Stasi Records Agency was established to manage the archives of the Stasi. Citizens could request to see their own files, which revealed the identities of informers; sometimes these were close friends. This public exposure sometimes led to social and professional consequences for the informers, such as losing their jobs or being ostracised by their communities. Mr H. Cohen, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion QUESTION: What was the purpose of Napoleons Great Sanhedrin? Napoleon Bonaparte aimed to create a loyal, integrated Jewish population within his empire. To achieve this, he convened an Assembly of Jewish Notables in 1806, which led to the establishment of the Great Sanhedrin the following year. This body was modelled after the ancient Great Sanhedrin, the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews during classical antiquity, which operated during the period of the Second Temple, from perhaps as early as 515BC to the temples destruction in AD 70. Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries, painted Jacques-Louis David in 1812 As with the original version, Napoleons Great Sanhedrin comprised 71 members, two-thirds of whom were rabbis, with the final third lay leaders. The Great Sanhedrins deliberations addressed issues such as marriage, divorce, usury and the Jews loyalty to the state. It confirmed that Jewish laws did not conflict with French civil laws, especially regarding loyalty to the state and military service. Furthermore, it bolstered Jewish civil rights in France, reinforcing their status as French citizens while maintaining their religious identity. Alan Jones, London SE11 Is there a question to which you want to know the answer? Or do you know the answer to a question here? Write to: Charles Legge, Answers To Correspondents, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY; or email charles.legge@dailymail.co.uk. A selection is published, but we're unable to enter into individual correspondence. The SNP is facing a probe by parliamentary authorities over the alleged inappropriate use of public money to fund its general election campaign. The investigation has been launched after a leaked screenshot from a WhatsApp group appeared to show staff discussing how stamps paid for by expenses were used to distribute SNP leaflets. A complaint and screenshot of the discussion as evidence was sent to Alison Johnstone, the Scottish Parliament's presiding officer, by what appears to be an anonymous SNP staff member. Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are allowed to spend 5,500 a year on postage and stationery but the rules state they must be used only for parliamentary duties and not for party political purposes. The investigation comes amidst pressure on the SNP's finances. The most recent figures showed it made a loss of more than 800,000 last year after the amount of large donations dried up in recent years. John Swinney's party is under investigation by parliamentary authorities over the alleged inappropriate use of public money to fund its general election campaign. Pictured: The leader with a copy of his party's manifesto on Wednesday An investigation by the Scottish Parliament has been launched after a leaked screenshot from a WhatsApp group appeared to show staff discussing how stamps paid for by expenses were used to distribute SNP leaflets Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are allowed to spend 5,500 a year on postage and stationery but the rules state they must be used only for parliamentary duties and not for party political purposes It also comes after Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell, who was the party's chief executive for 22 years, was charged in April with embezzling funds from the party. Sturgeon herself was arrested on June 11, 2023, and interviewed for seven hours, before being released. She remains under investigation. The leaked screenshot showed a snapshot of a conversation from a group called 'Office Manager Chat', which appears to have a timer for messages to be automatically deleted. A person named 'Paul' asked: 'Guys, the new stamps. Can they be traced?', according to The Times. They then clarified in a second message: 'Can they be traced back to who purchased them?' A member of SNP deputy leader Keith Brown's office replied and said she had 'asked Rab in the mailroom and he said no'. The leaked screenshot showed a snapshot of a conversation from a group called 'Office Manager Chat', which appears to have a timer for messages to be automatically deleted The postage investigation comes after Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell, who was the party's chief executive for 22 years, was charged in April with embezzling funds from the party. Pictured: Sturgeon outside her home following the arrest of her husband Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive for 22 years, pictured arriving home after being charged for allegedly embezzling party funds on April 18 A complaint and screenshot of the WhatsApp discussion was sent to Alison Johnstone (pictured), the Scottish Parliament's presiding officer, by what appears to be an anonymous SNP staff member Another staff member chimed in and said they were not aware of the stamps being traceable. Someone from the office of the social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville replied: 'If they can then a few people may be up in front of corporate body...' There is no suggestion that either Somerville or Brown were aware of any issue regarding stamps. Holyrood's corporate body is a group of five cross-party politicians that oversees the running of the parliament and the enforcement of rules, including around expenses over postage. In the email to Johnstone, the individual who made the complaint said: 'I am anonymously sharing a screenshot from the SNP office managers' WhatsApp group chat due to my concerns that several MSPs are using stamps paid for by Scottish parliament expenses to pass to UK parliament election candidates for campaign activities such as sending target letters to hard-to-reach addresses. 'I'm concerned about this open discussion involving several members' offices.' Holyrood's corporate body is a group of five cross-party politicians that oversees the running of the parliament and the enforcement of rules, including around expenses over postage (stock photo) A member of SNP deputy leader Keith Brown's (pictured on Tuesday at a Channel 4 News election debate) office replied and said she had 'asked Rab in the mailroom and he said no' Someone from the office of the social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville (pictured) replied: 'If they can then a few people may be up in front of corporate body...' A Scottish parliament spokesman said: 'We take the use of publicly funded resources very seriously. Officials are investigating the matter to establish whether there has been any misuse of parliamentary resources.' The latest party figures show the SNP has 220,000 of financial liabilities when offset against its assets. This means technically the party could not meet its financial obligations should those debts be called in. But most of this money is owed to local branches and an explanatory note accompanying its last accounts indicated that local associations would 'not draw on this accrual to any extent that may be to the detriment of the party's ability to meet its obligations'. A spokesman for the SNP Holyrood group said in a statement: 'The parliamentary rules are crystal clear that materials, including stamps, can only be used for parliamentary purposes such as representing constituents and campaigning on their behalf. 'These exchanges, whilst obviously light-hearted, are being investigated as is appropriate and we would expect the offices of MSPs of all parties to cooperate with the parliamentary corporate body.' The postage row is the latest in a string of finances-related issues for the SNP. Last April police officers, including forensics experts and others with riot shields, made a very public search of the Sturgeon family home in Glasgow A police patrol passes by the couple's home on the morning of Friday, April 19, 2024 Nicola Sturgeon, then Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Alex Salmond's deputy, marrying Peter Murrell in Glasgow in July 2010 Pictured: Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell walking to cast votes for the Scottish Parliament election in 2016 Donations have been drying up, with no donation greater than 500 was received by the SNP in the first three months of this year. However on June 15 the party's general election fund was given a boost after a man's will handed it 128,000. Political critics have suggested that the shadow of Operation Branchform, the three-year investigation into party funding which has led to the charging of Murrell and the arrest of his wife Sturgeon, may have diminished the SNP's ability to raise cash. Under Sturgeon and her predecessor Alex Salmond, the party received more than 8 million and 4 million in donations respectively. Salmond was leader for seven years and Sturgeon resigned as leader after eight. John Swinney tonight signalled he would continue his push for independence even if the SNP fail to win a majority of Scottish seats at the general election. With just a fortnight left until polling day on 4 July, the Scottish First Minister was grilled about the SNP's plans to break up the UK on BBC's Question Time. The SNP's manifesto states, if they win a majority of the 57 constituencies being contested in Scotland, they will be 'empowered' to begin independence talks. But Mr Swinney this evening refused to say if he would abandon his party's push for independence if the opposite occurred, and the SNP don't win a majority of seats. At some moments during the show, members of the audience were seen yawning in front of Mr Swinney, who has reportedly been described by James Bond star Sean Connery as being too boring to be leader. Audiences watching the programme at home echoed similar criticisms, with one viewer even labelling the SNP leader as 'the most boring man on the planet'. With just a fortnight left until polling day on 4 July, Scottish First Minister John Swinney was grilled about the SNP's plans to break up the UK on BBC's Question Time Members of the audience were seen yawning in front of Mr Swinney as he spoke Audiences watching the programme also said the SNP leader was far from entertaining, with one viewer even labelling the SNP leader as 'the most boring man on the planet' During the programme, Mr Swinney hit out at the UK Government at Westminster for failing to agree to the SNP's demands for another independence referendum. 'I accept we can't be an independent country until people vote for us to be an independent country,' he said. 'We are not being permitted to put that idea and that concept to the public and we should have the right to do so.' Recent polls have shown the SNP - who have suffered a meltdown in support in recent months - could fall far short of winning a majority of seats in Scotland. Latest research by YouGov has shown Labour winning 28 seats, with the SNP falling to just 20 seats and the Tories dropping to five constituencies. The SNP's travails saw the party burn through three First Ministers in just 14 months. Mr Swinney this evening admitted he needs to 'rebuild trust' with voters and needed to earn the trust of the Scottish public 'on an ongoing basis'. Earlier today, Mr Swinney accused the Conservatives of not caring about the climate as he clashed with Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross. Mr Swinney was grilled by a studio audience and BBC presenter Fiona Bruce in York Earlier today, Mr Swinney clashed with Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood During First Minister's Questions at Holyrood on Thursday, the SNP leader was challenged on his party's stance on oil and gas. The Scottish Government's current position, as laid out in its draft energy strategy, is that new oil and gas licences which are approved by the UK Government should meet a climate compatibility test before being rubber-stamped. But there have been concerns from environmental activists that the position could be watered down when the final document is published. Outgoing Scottish Tory leader Mr Ross said the position is 'temporary' as he claimed the Government does not support new oil and gas fields in the North Sea. But the First Minister said: 'We've got a rational and considered process that we've argued for, which is that every individual application should be subject to a climate compatibility assessment because there is a journey that we have to make as a country to reach net zero. 'That is inescapable. What is clear from the position taken by the Prime Minister, supported by Douglas Ross and the Conservatives, is that they don't care about the journey on climate. 'They're not interested in the crisis that we face in the climate emergency, while this Government will take the responsible approach to managing that transition and the challenges of the climate emergency.' In turn, Mr Ross claimed the Scottish Government and SNP MSPs 'don't care' about jobs in the north east of Scotland supported by the oil and gas sector. 'Whenever a new development is proposed in the North Sea, the SNP oppose it,' he said. 'They oppose every round of new licences granted for the oil and gas sector, in recent years, they have not supported any new fields not one. 'Whatever John Swinney is claiming today, it's only a temporary position for the SNP, because their position is actually very clear. 'They don't and will not stand up for Scotland's oil and gas industry, they are willing to put tens of thousands of jobs and the north-east economy at risk.' Tech Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg was spotted living it up and embracing his newfound style glow up with his wife Priscilla Chan and friends while in Ibiza for vacation. The Facebook tycoon was seen draped in Balmain designer gear as he was seen enjoying a walk with his wife, friends and entourage. The group then headed for some lunch before going back to his mega yacht worth $300 million, which was anchored in the Mediterranean. In April, Zuckerberg took to Instagram to share an update on Meta's AI technology which showed off an edited image of himself with a scruffy beard and tanned skin. Since then, at 39 years old, the billionaire Facebook founder seems to be evolving his style. Tech Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg was spotted living it up and embracing his newfound style glow up with his wife Priscilla Chan and friends while in Ibiza for vacation The Facebook tycoon was seen draped in Balmain designer gear as he was seen enjoying a walk with his wife, friends and entourage Zuckerberg, once known for his gaunt, pale, sandal-wearing exterior, is now reinventing himself after the AI hottie version of himself received an overwhelming positive reaction, with internet users calling him a 'snack' and 'Mr. steal your girl.' The AI-generated picture is a stark contrast from the clean-shaven Meta CEO, who has since started donning fur coats and designer sweaters that left many people asking if he'd acquired a stylist. Within the same month Zuckerberg's AI generated picture was revealed, he and his wife debuted new looks at Saturday's UFC 300 event, showing off a more daring fashion choice. This isn't the first time Zuckerberg and his wife have been seen at a UFC event, but the couple's major fashion glow up had other fans talking. Zuckerberg donned a white shirt, gold chain and black pants to watch the fight, and pose in photos with UFC champions. The group headed for some lunch before heading back to his mega yacht which was anchored in the Mediterranean In April, Zuckerberg took to Instagram to share an update on Meta's AI technology which showed off an edited image of himself with a scruffy beard and tanned skin. Since then, at 39 years old, the billionaire Facebook founder is having a glow-up His wife opted for an all-black outfit, wearing a short black dress with tights and black leather shoes, with a solid gold necklace. She walked in wearing black sunglasses to accompany her sleek look. According to critics, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla's latest fashion adventure is an homage to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's aesthetic In the late 2010s, Zuckerberg was public enemy number one - as he was grilled in Congress about selling data and personal information of up to 87 million users to companies. He was pale, sick-looking and often times awkward, donning a simple T-shirt and jeans and most of his social media photos were just of him and his family. Now he's cozying up to fighters, women are finding him attractive, he's palling around with right-wing people like White and other UFC fighters, despite being a democratic mega donor. Mark Zuckerberg released a video promoting Meta's AI technology and received positive responses to his fake facial hair and tanned skin pictured: AI-generated image of Mark Zuckerberg Mark Zuckerberg (middle) trained with UFC champions Israel Adesanya (left) & Alex Volkanovski (right) At the same time, Facebook is suffering for its role in January's congressional hearing on child safety and allegations that the social media platform is negatively impacting children's mental health. Facebook recently hit its 20-year anniversary, which has seen its ups and down - and many scandals. Heather Munoz recently visited 'Zuck's' Instagram page to see the progress of the social media site, but she was shocked to find the opposite. 'I came on here to see what Mark is doing in the future of social media and all I see are a bunch of posts about his favorite pastimes,' Munoz shared on the site. 'Shouldn't Mark be thinking like a CEO at least some of the time?' Another user commented on one of his photos saying: 'Love that Mark has time for this. Meanwhile my 20-year-old Facebook profile and business page has been hacked and Meta has been zero percent helpful in getting it back under my control.' But it seems Zuckerberg's appearance seems to matter more to some than the progress of his platforms. Pictured: Zuckerberg at lunch with friends in Ibiza, Spain Pictured: Zuckerberg's mega yacht worth $300 million From the awkward college student inventing Facebook in his dorm room at Harvard University to the body-building UFC fighter he's become today, Zuckerberg's transformation has been nothing short of astounding. Zuckerberg impressed the masses when he showed off a shirtless photo last year, alongside UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski before heading into the ring for training. In the post, Adesanya wrote: 'No fugazi with Mark. This is Serious Business' Back in January, the billionaire stood before Congress to address allegations that the social media platform had widely impacted youth's mental health, resulting in depression and in some cases their deaths. During the hearing, Zuckerberg apologized to the parents and families who said their children had died because of issues related to social media. 'I'm sorry for everything you have all been through,' Zuckerberg said at the hearing. The public had an overwhelming reaction to Zuckerberg's AI-generated look, with one person saying: '[He] went from Mr. steal your data to Mr. steal your girl' In the late 2010s, Zuckerberg (left) was public enemy number one due to concerns about his company selling data and personal information of up to 87 million users 'No one should have to go through the things that your families have suffered, and this is why we invested so much and are going to continue doing industry-leading efforts to make sure that no one has to go through the types of things that your families had to suffer.' The Child Safety hearing wasn't the first time Facebook has come under fire after it gained international attention for selling users data between 2011 and 2015 to more than 60 companies including Nike, AOL, UPS, and the Hinge dating app. The question remains if Zuckerberg can rebrand himself enough to rebrand his platform as the positive social media apps it was marketed as back in his small dorm room at Harvard. Spera signage is seen on 39 Tehama St. in San Francisco on Thursday. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle New signage on the facade of a luxury high-rise in San Franciscos SoMa neighborhood offers a not-so-subtle clue that the owner of 33 Tehama St. is seeking to turn the page on the flooding crisis that displaced hundreds of tenants two years ago. Bold, white letters pasted across windows near the base of the 35-story tower that once read 33Tehama.com have been replaced with SperaSF.com. The words Now Leasing have been added. The buildings freshly revamped website also points to a sweeping rebrand: Images of hip young adults lounging in an outdoor hot tub or playing pool inside an apartment try to sell an idyllic vision of urban life in downtown San Francisco. A banner at the top of the page states that newcomers who move into Spera before the end of the month are eligible to receive eight weeks of free rent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The changes were confirmed by building owner Hines on Tuesday and come just months after the buildings residents, who were displaced for more than 19 months due to two severe floods, received the green light in January to return to their homes. The 403-unit building is a huge investment by Hines at a time when the citys multifamily housing and commercial real estate markets are struggling. Hines built San Franciscos tallest skyscraper, the Salesforce Tower. The 35-story residential tower, 33 Tehama, as seen from the southwest on June 7, 2022. It has been rebranded as Spera. John King/The Chronicle Marisa Monte-Santoro, a spokesperson for Hines, told the Chronicle that 33 Tehama was 95% occupied when the flooding occurred and that roughly a third of the towers original residents have returned. As of June, the building was 43% occupied, with 129 units filled, of which 113 represent returning tenants who lived in the building prior to the floods. An additional 50 new leases have been signed since the building reopened, according to Hines. We are delighted to welcome these residents home, Santoro said, adding that spring leasing has been strong. We are growing our Spera community. In addition to the restoration and renovation work inside and out, new signage and signature art will be installed this summer, as well as enhanced activity programming and concierge offerings, she added. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stephanie Michaels, who was displaced from a top floor unit after the floods, is among residents who decided to return. She said that spending many months in limbo in hotels and in temporary replacement housing was a difficult, but added that she wasnt ready to give up on the building. I fell in love with the building when I moved in. Its quiet, it has beautiful views, its charismatic, Michaels said. But for some of the buildings original tenants, memories of disaster striking in summer 2022 have not faded. Hines faces at least three pending lawsuits filed in the aftermath of the two floods by tenants alleging that the companys actions before and after the floods amounted to negligence. One of the lawsuits was filed as recently as April. A water main failure caused the first flood, resulting in an estimated 20,000 gallons of water tearing through the building. Just as tenants were told they would be able to reoccupy their homes by fall 2022, a second flood in August prolonged that timeline indefinitely. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tenants criticized Hines for its handling of the crisis. Tenants were outraged after allegations of theft inside residents homes circulated on social media, including video footage of what appeared to be a contractor pocketing items from a unit undergoing repairs. Hines acknowledged the theft last year, terminating the contractor in response and ramping up security surveillance. Rebranding of residential complexes often takes place in the wake of high visibility crises. After six people died in a balcony collapse at a downtown Berkeley building in 2015, the apartment complex rebranded when it opened in 2017. With more than $7 million invested in repairs at the property, Hines hopes new tenants moving into Spera will appreciate amenities like 360-degree views of the bay and a rooftop social club. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The frightened grandmother of missing Brit Jay Slater has broken her silence for the first time and admitted she's 'terrified' by what might have happened to her beloved grandson. June Duncan, who described Jay as a lovely boy, revealed that she's growing more worried as time goes on. She said: 'The longer it goes on the more worrying it is. I'm just getting through each day at a time.' Ms Duncan also compared the desperate scenes in Tenerfie to TV doctor Michael Moseley's disappearance and said she can't bear to think about what's happened to Jay. The 19-year-old was reported missing on June 17 after he failed to return to the apartment he was sharing with friends in Tenerife, Spain following a night out. June Duncan, 77, holding up a family photo of her missing grandson Jay. The desperate grandmother has compared his disappearance to TV doctor Michael Mosley's Ms Duncan described Jay as a lovely boy and revealed that she's growing more worried as time goes on and the hunt continues The frantic mother of missing teenager Jay Slater (pictured) flew out to Tenerife to help rescue efforts to find her son The apprentice bricklayer was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday, after leaving a rave with two British men to their isolated Air BnB apartment an hour away. Before his disappearance, Jay messaged his friend Lucy Mae Law to say he was 19 miles away at an apartment in Masca, north west Tenerife and was trying to hike back but was in desperate need of water. The teen from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire has not been seen since. In her first interview since her grandson went missing, the worried grandmother told LancsLive that she is terrified. She said: 'I watched all that on the news about [TV doctor] Michael Mosley and it's just so similar. It's hot out there in Tenerife and I just can't bear to think about what's happened to Jay, I'm terrified.' Despite her fears she said she is trying to stay positive but admitted that she feels totally powerless. Ms Duncan is being kept updated on any major developments in the search for Jayby her family. The teenager's frantic mother Debbie Duncan and her eldest son Zak flew out to Tenerife after police knocked on the door of her home in the early hours of Tuesday. Apprentice bricklayer Jay was last heard from at 8.50am on Monday when he phoned his friend to tell her he was lost New footage of the missing teen has show him partying at a rave in Tenerife just hours before he disappeared She hurriedly packed a bag and got on the first flight out of Manchester after an officer told her: 'I'd fly out there now if I was you.' Speaking from her chalet on the outskirts of Clitheroe, Mr Slater's grandmother said her family are shielding her from the worst of the speculation surrounding his disappearance. The 77-year-old said she hasn't been reading the news but can't escape it on the TV despite trying not to think about it too much. Her son son Glen has now joined Jay's mother Debbie as the family continue desperately to search for the missing Brit. Police are focusing their search on mountain range in Rural de Teno near the village of Masca and are treating the rescue operation as a missing personcase. The isolated village is famously a dangerous area, where many rescue operations have been launched in the last few years. Jay's devastated mother, school finance officer Debbie, said: 'If anyone does have him, just let him go, he's not a bad person, maybe he's got in with some strangers who've befriended him. Jay was reported missing on June 17 after he failed to return to the apartment he was sharing with friends in Tenerife, Spain following a night out and he has not been seen since The mountain range in Rural de Teno near the village of Masca where police are searching 'I'm not stupid, I've been to Tenerife before, I've worked abroad myself and I gave him warnings, I just think if anyone has got him let him go, he's not a bad person.' Breaking down in tears, Debbie added: 'If he's got himself mixed up with any trouble, just let him go, just let him go, it's been three days, he's in the same clothes, if he's been dumped in the mountains it's hot in the day and cold at night. 'Jay is a brilliant person, everybody loves being in his company, he's bubbly and fun, he's such a lovely, beautiful boy. I just want my little baby home with me. 'He was supposed to fly home from Tenerife today, he should be on the flight now, coming home. I had the taxi booked and everything and now who knows where he is. 'I just don't know what to think, I'm all over the place and I'm trying to keep positive, has somebody taken him? Is he panicked and lost in the mountains? I just don't know, that's why if anyone has any information please just tell us. 'But if he is lost then why hasn't anyone seen him? It's busy with hikers and holidaymakers up there so if he was lost then someone would have seen him, so that's why I think maybe he's been bundled off somewhere.' A search involving a helicopter, mountain rescue dogs and drones has so far discovered nothing, and Jay has been missing for four days with fears growing that he may have been abducted. Latest polling indicates the SNP could lose the bulk of their Westminster seats on July 4 while the Conservatives also face major losses across the UK. But in Scotland the Tories are still confident of holding on to their six existing seats and are aiming to take another six from the SNP. Activists are now focusing their efforts on the areas where the Conservatives are the best-placed alternative to defeat the SNP. In the final instalment of a three-day guide to these key battlegrounds, MICHAEL BLACKLEY examines four seats in west and central Scotland. PERTH AND KINROSS-SHIRE Luke Graham is closing in on the SNP in Perth Scotland's ancient former capital of Perth used to attract visitors from across the country to enjoy its vibrant town centre packed with local businesses and diverse cultural and leisure attractions. In recent years, however, it has lost institutions such as McEwens, the department store which had served Perth for 150 years. After its closure, it was initially revived as a Beales outlet but it too has now closed its doors, leaving the prominent building in St John Street empty. National chains such as New Look, Debenhams and The Body Shop have also vanished from the city in recent times, leaving the scar of empty units in and around its once buzzing high street. It has led to a growing feeling of decay in the city. Locals believe this has been partly caused by national problems including the SNP governments failure to provide Scottish firms with vital business rates relief handed to those in the hard-pressed retail, hospitality and leisure sectors south of the border by the UK Government. Another key factor is the feeling that there has been a much greater focus on investment in nearby Dundee in recent years. In a rare boost, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunts spring Budget included 10million for cultural and regeneration projects in Perth and Dunfermline giving hope that much-needed investment is in the pipeline. SNP ministers have also come under fire for breaking their promise to have the A9, which links Perth and Inverness, fully dualled by 2025. It is Scotlands most dangerous road and an analysis of official figures suggests lives are being lost because of the failure to upgrade the road. Transport Scotland data indicates that from 2020-2023 there were 199 injuries and 15 deaths on single-carriage sections of the road, compared to 114 injuries and seven deaths on dualled sections. Last year, the promise to fully dual the road was pushed back by a decade, until 2035, leading to claims that motorists had been betrayed. Former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson joins Luke Graham in Perthshire Local transport is also a major concern across the Perth and Kinross-shire constituency, with a number of bus services being cut. The constituency has been significantly altered by boundary changes, replacing the old Perth and North Perthshire seat. Pete Wishart, 62, is the SNPs longest-serving MP, having first been elected in 2001. He survived an almighty scare in 2017 when he finished just 21 votes ahead of Tory rival Ian Duncan. The 2019 general election was more convincing, as he ran up a 7,550 majority over Conservative candidate Angus Forbes. The boundary changes have increased Tory hopes as a number of local wards where they are traditionally strong, such as Strathearn, Almond and Earn, and Kinross-shire, have been drawn into the constituency. Mr Wishart appears to be increasingly worried about his seat, and lashed out at other pro-independence candidates standing in his constituency for Alba and the Scottish Greens by questioning why they believe splitting the vote advances independence and helps keep the Tories out. In 2019, other pro-Union parties trailed far behind, with the Lib Dems in third place on just 7 per cent and Labour in fourth on 4.6 per cent. The two parties have struggled to gain a foothold in the area, which has become a clear SNP/Tory head-to-head battle. Perth and Kinross Council has also swung between the SNP and Tories, and has just two Labour councillors out of 40. Despite the SNPs big lead in 2019, some recent polling has indicated the gap has closed considerably and the Tories are close to a major scalp. A Norstat poll last week put the SNP on 30.25 per cent and the Conservatives on 29.97 per cent. Tory candidate Luke Graham, 39, who previously represented Ochil and South Perthshire from 2017 to 2019, is highly regarded in the Conservative Party. But his prospects of a return to the Commons will be largely determined by whether he can persuade pro-Union voters to unite behind him. 2019 Winner: Pete Wishart (SNP) 2019 majority: 7,550 Key battle: Luke Graham (Con) v Wishart Coastal communities hit by ferry farce could swing seat to Tories ARGYLL, BUTE AND SOUTH LOCHABER The SNPs ferries fiasco has angered coastal communities across the west coast of Scotland and the islands. Tory candidate Amanda Hampsey In Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, the Tories are hoping to encourage tactical voting by traditional Lib Dem and Labour supporters to punish the Nationalists for ignoring and betraying the area. The Tory candidate is Amanda Hampsey, pictured, who has served as a local councillor for Oban South and the Isles since 2022. The SNP had a majority of 4,110 in 2019 but polling indicates its support has collapsed since then across Scotland. Some of the areas in this constituency worst affected by ferry delays include Islay, Jura and Gigha, and the anger of residents could hit the prospects of re-election for Brendan OHara, who is the SNPs foreign affairs spokesman in the Commons. When first elected in 2015, he ousted long-serving Lib Dem MP Alan Reid. Since then the constituency has become a straight SNP/Tory fight. In 2017, Mr OHara had a majority of just 1,328 when he secured 36 per cent of the vote, with the Tories in second on 33 per cent. In 2019, the SNP had 44 per cent while the Conservatives had 35 per cent. 2019 winner: Brendan OHara (SNP) 2019 majority: 4,110 Key battle: Amanda Hampsey (Con) v OHara Dr Gulhane puts the NHS front and centre as he seeks to oust Nats EAST RENFREWSHIRE Once a Labour stronghold, East Renfrewshire has swung between the SNP and the Tories since 2015. MSP Sandesh Gulhane is the partys health spokesman at Holyrood Kirsten Oswald ousted Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, the areas long-serving MP, that year. Labour hoped to reclaim the seat, which has a large number of affluent, middle-class households, in 2017 but former Better Together chief Blair McDougall was third on 27 per cent with Tory Paul Masterton winning with 40 per cent. In 2019, Ms Oswald won it back with 45 per cent of the vote. But the Tories cemented their position as the SNPs main rival by taking 35 per cent, with Labour on just 12 per cent. Mr McDougall is back for Labour and some polling suggests it may again be a three-way battle. The Tories have selected MSP Sandesh Gulhane, the partys health spokesman at Holyrood. The practising GP, pictured, will be hoping the SNPs appalling record on the NHS can help him claim victory. 2019 winner: Kirsten Oswald (SNP) 2019 majority: 5,426 Key battle: Sandesh Gulhane (Con) v Oswald How backlash over Storm Babet could help kick out Nationalists ANGUS AND PERTHSHIRE GLENS Boundary changes have seen this former Angus constituency take in vast swathes of northern Perthshire and the northern suburbs of Dundee. Experienced Tory MSP Stephen Kerr The incumbent MP is Dave Doogan, who was previously a Perth councillor and leader of the SNP group on Perth and Kinross Council. During the 2019 campaign which saw former supporters desert the sitting Tory MP Kirstene Hair due to issues such as Brexit and the appointment of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister Mr Doogan secured a 3,795 majority. His main rival on July 4 is respected Tory MSP Stephen Kerr, pictured, who has held a number of prominent party roles but now sits on the backbenches. The former Stirling MP is hoping to tap into local anger against the SNP Government over its poor response to the severe flooding that hit Brechin during Storm Babet in October last year. A recent poll indicates the SNP is on 34.4 per cent, with the Tories on 31.7 per cent. Mr Kerr has highlighted that the Tories can beat the SNP when pro-Union voters unite behind the party and he now needs to persuade others to now rally to his cause. 2019 winner: Dave Doogan (SNP) 2019 majority: 3,795 Key battle: Stephen Kerr (Con) v Doogan Tributes from Donald Sutherland's former Hollywood co-starts are pouring in as they celebrate the prolific actor's 'gigantic' presence on-and-off screen. Elliott Gould, who starred with Sutherland in Robert Altman's 1970 movie M*A*S*H, where they played battlefield surgeons, told DailyMail.com that the 6-foot-4 Sutherland towered over most but not just because of his stature. 'Donald was a giant, not only physically but as a talent,' Gould said. 'He was enormously kind and generous. 'It's never easy losing the caliber of a human being and actor like Donald Sutherland, but this one really profoundly hurts because Donald was like my brother, and a big part of my own career.' Gould said when they took on the roles of Hawkeye Pierce (Sutherland) and Trapper John McIntyre (Gould), they were both young fathers and quickly bonded in their new roles as actors and dads. Both were nominated for Golden Globes for Best Actor in 1971. Actor Elliott Gould, right, and Donald Sutherland formed a close bond during the filming of the 1970 film M*A*S*H Set in South Korea during the Korean War, the movie M*A*S*H followed the lives of medical staff who cared for the wounded in a mobile army surgical hospital. Sutherland, left, and Gould, right, played battlefield surgeons in the 1970 movie Gould, 85, added: 'Rest in Peace, you dear kind friend. I love you and I will never forget you.' The veteran Canadian-born actor's fellow movie-star son Kiefer Sutherland announced the Hollywood icon's passing on Thursday. 'With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away, Kiefer Sutherland wrote on X. 'I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He added: 'He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.' The veteran actor starred in over 200 TV and film roles during his career in Hollywood for over 60 years Sutherland's CAA representative, Missy Davy, confirmed to DailyMail.com that the veteran actor died in Miami. A private celebration of life will be held by his family, but no further details were provided concerning his cause of death. Tim Matheson, who starred with Sutherland in the 1978 comedy classic National Lampoon's Animal House, said he admired his co-stars' passion for his craft. 'One of the finest and most passionate actors Ive ever worked with,' Matheson told DailyMail.com. 'He made me a better person, performer and director by working with him. And he always had an evilly delicious sense of humor and intelligence to delight you with.' He added: 'I offer my deepest condolences to his family for their loss. And thank you Donald for leaving us such a huge legacy and body of work to celebrate you with. I will always adore you.' Tim Matheson starred in National Lampoon's Animal House with Sutherland, which was released in 1978 Matheson, left, said he admired Sutherland's 'passion' for acting Actress Karen Allen, who also starred in Animal House, reflected on Sutherland's 'unique' sensibility. 'I adored Donald as both the soulful person he was, and as a great poetic actor,' she told DailyMail.com. Sutherland appeared in about 200 television shows and films over six decades, including Six Degrees of Separation, Klute and the 1978 remake of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In his more recent roles, he played the main antagonist President Snow in The Hunger Games franchise. He received an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2017. Elliott Gould, right, said Donald Sutherland, left, was 'a giant, not only physically but as a talent' In 2022, he appeared on what would be his last projects, Lawmen: Bass Reeves and Swimming With Sharks. Sutherland was set to star in the upcoming apocalyptic flick Heart Land, which is in pre-production. A flood of bets was placed on a July election the day before Rishi Sunak announced the date, it has emerged. The Prime Minister was under pressure last night after it was revealed that the gambling watchdog is investigating several senior Conservatives. And questions were being asked as to how many more may be involved. The partys director of campaigning, Tony Lee, took a leave of absence yesterday, with he and his Tory candidate wife, Laura Saunders, both under investigation. Mr Sunaks close parliamentary aide Craig Williams is also being investigated for betting 100 on the date at odds of 5/1. Earlier this week, one of the PMs police protection officers was arrested over betting claims. Ms Saunders said she was cooperating with the Gambling Commission. It is not known how much her bet was for or when she placed it. Last night, a gambling industry insider told Sky News: Yes to more names [coming out]. The Conservative's director of campaigning, Tony Lee (right), took a leave of absence yesterday, with he and his Tory candidate wife, Laura Saunders (left), both under investigation Mr Sunak's close parliamentary aide Craig Williams (pictured) is also being investigated for betting 100 on the date at odds of 5/1. Earlier this week, one of the PM's police protection officers was arrested over betting claims The Prime Minister (pictured) is under pressure after it was revealed that the gambling watchdog is investigating several senior Conservatives Rules against using 'inside information' Using confidential or 'inside' information to gain an unfair advantage when betting may constitute a criminal offence. Gamblers are not allowed to use it to place a bet, or pass the inside information on to someone else which they then use for betting. The Gambling Commission says inside information is known by individuals as a 'result of their role in connection with an event and which is not in the public domain'. If found guilty, they face two years in prison or a fine, or both. Advertisement Last night, Mr Sunak told the BBCs Question Time Leaders Special: I was incredibly angry to learn of these allegations. If anyones found to have broken the rules, not only should they face the full consequences of the law, Ill make sure they are booted out of the Conservative Party. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith branded those involved as stupid and venal. Reform leader Nigel Farage accused the Conservatives of being corrupt. Analysis of figures from Betfair, the worlds largest online betting exchange, shows almost 6,000 was bet in a just few hours on May 21 the day before the PM surprised Westminster by calling a summer contest, rather than waiting until autumn as had been expected. When the Betfair bets were placed, odds put a summer election at a less than a 25 per cent chance. Wagers up until then had not exceeded 500. But more than 90 per cent of the bets placed on July 4 were placed on May 21, when Mr Sunaks decision to go to the polls should have been known to only his tightest circle. Data from the Betfair Exchange shows that a total of 5,900 had been placed with the bookmaker on a July election before May 20. But on May 21 alone, a further 5,483 was wagered, including a bet for 830 that should deliver a 5,810 profit. Cabinet minister Michael Gove admitted the situation doesnt look great for the Conservatives, adding: Obviously, the conclusions lots of people are drawing are not at all great. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith (pictured) branded those involved as 'stupid and venal' and 'whatever happens to them [if the allegations are proven] wouldn't be hard enough in my book' Reform leader Nigel Farage (pictured) accused the Conservatives of being 'corrupt' Cabinet minister Michael Gove (pictured) yesterday admitted the situation 'doesn't look great' for the Conservatives, adding: 'Obviously, the conclusions lots of people are drawing are not at all great' 'The Gambling Commission are looking at Craig and also looking at Laura, and well see what the conclusions are. The BBC reported that the gambling regulator was also looking into Mr Lee. Labour called for the Tories to suspend Ms Saunders and Mr Williams, with Sir Keir Starmer saying: If it was one of my candidates, theyd be gone and their feet would not have touched the floor. Tim Montgomerie, who founded grassroots website Conservative Home, told Times Radio: Conservative members and activists are shell-shocked. Its almost like every time we get up from the last knock to our morale, something else knocks us down. And Ive had three members say theyve decided enough is enough today theyve resigned. The Conservative Party said: As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldnt be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded. The commission said: We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation. An urgent warning has been issued to Brits to avoid fake fat loss jabs which have been found in the UK. Earlier today the World Health Organisation warned the drugs could be life threatening. The WHO released the warning after finding three fake batches of semaglutide in Brazil and the UK in October 2023, and the USA in December 2023. To avoid fake medicines, the health organisation advised people to only get products with prescriptions and avoid buying medicines from unverified sources including online shops. They added that Brits should check the packaging and make sure medication has not expired and always take them as prescribes. Weight loss drugs like Ozempic are used to treat obesity and diabetes but fake versions are now flooding the market (Stock image) Fake Wegovy and Ozempic batches have been found across the world and WHO have warned Brits not to buy the jabs from unverified sources (Stock image) Counterfeit and 'dangerous' weight-loss pens a mother of two bought online which led to a near fatal reaction This is not the first time stark warnings have been issued. Earlier this year a mother-of-three has told how she nearly died after injecting herself with a 'skinny jab' she bought online. Lynsay McAvoy, from Edinburgh, purchased the jabs on the internet in the hope of shedding belly fat despite weighing just 8st (51kg). After shedding around 7lbs (3kg) in just a few weeks, the mother-of-three ordered another batch of the injections. However, the 42-year-old beautician then suffered a severe allergic reaction, which saw her tongue swell up and her eyes burn, causing her to pass out. After being rushed to hospital, medics informed her that she had suffered a severe allergic reaction to the injections, which can trigger organ failure in severe cases. She said she feels 'ashamed' and warned that despite seeming like a 'quick fix', the pens are 'dangerous'. She said the injections appeared exactly the same as the first lot she purchased and she jabbed herself in the stomach before setting off for work. However, within seconds, she her tongue had become swollen, her skin felt itchy and her eyes 'began to burn' to the point that she struggled to open them. Lynsay McAvoy, from Edinburgh, purchased the jabs on the internet in the hope of shedding belly fat despite weighing just 8st (51kg) Single mother Michelle Sword nearly died in front of her children after injecting herself with a 'counterfeit skinny jab' she purchased off the internet. Michelle Sword, 45, pictured with her two children Cadie (right), 13, and Coen (left), 18 who watched on in horror as their mother collapsed In November last year a mother-of-two Michelle Sword almost died in front of her children after injecting a fake weight-loss jab. Doctors told the 45-year-old she was very lucky to be alive after self-administering a 'dangerous' weight-loss pen she bought online for 150 in September. Ms Sword, who lives in Carterton, Oxfordshire, said she previously tried the drug 'legitimately' via an online pharmacy three years prior - but decided to try out the viral weight-loss injection again in a bid to shed some pounds. The 45-year-old was able to purchase the drug 'very easily' online but never expected the injection would lead to her collapsing on the floor and suffering a seizure in front of her eldest daughter on September 20. Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products said that health authorities and the public should be aware of the dangerous drugs which claim to contain the active ingredient found in Novo Nordisk's (NOVOb.CO). He also demanded that any stakeholders report any suspicious medicines to the relevant authorities. A spokesperson for the WHO said they had been observing increasing demand in thees medicines as well as increasing reports of fake versions flooding the market. They told The Sun: 'These falsified products could have harmful effects to people's health; if the products don't have the necessary raw components, falsified medicines can lead to health complications resulting from unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight. 'In other cases, another undeclared active ingredient may be contained in the injection device, e.g. insulin, leading to an unpredictable range of health risks or complications.' The health organisation also said that due to the high cost of Semaglutides, they are not recommended as a treatment for obesity and instead the WHO is working on advice to better tackle the obesity epidemic. The future of new fossil fuel energy projects in the UK was under threat last night following a startling Supreme Court decision. Judges at the highest court in the land ruled in favour of anti-oil and gas campaigners who argued that a council's decision to approve drilling for oil in Surrey was unlawful. The decision triggered a furious backlash, with politicians branding it 'lunacy' and warning that it would make the country more reliant on foreign energy. It also added to concerns that the court was 'trying to make itself a government'. Net zero campaigners argued that Surrey County Council was wrong to give UK Oil & Gas plc planning permission to build new wells at a site known as the 'Gatwick Gusher' close to the airport in 2019. The judges sided, by a 3-2 majority, with the argument that, when granting the licence, the council should have taken into account the pollution created by homes and businesses when oil from the site was eventually burned as fuel, such as by motorists. Anti-oil campaigners celebrate after a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court that Surrey Council should have considered the full climate impact of burning oil from new wells An exploratory well-head at Horse Hill, is seen at a site in Surrey, southern England, in 2015 Q&A Why the dispute? In 2019, Surrey County Council granted oil companies planning permission to drill four wells at Horse Hill, near Gatwick Airport. But local campaigners challenged the decision in the Supreme Court. They accused the council of failing to take into account the full environmental impact of the wells. In a 3-2 verdict, the judges said the council should have taken into account emissions produced by users of the oil for instance, when motorists burn the oil in the form of petrol or diesel. Why so long? Because the case has worked its way through every level of the British justice system. Extinction Rebellion activist Sarah Finch first applied for a judicial review of the council's decision five years ago. This was rejected by the High Court in 2020, then the Court of Appeal in 2021. The case was then taken to the Supreme Court. What now? Climate campaigners claim the ruling could mean other oil, gas and coal projects in the UK will need to be reviewed, and potentially challenged in the courts. Surrey County Council said planning permission for Horse Hill 'remains to be determined in due course'. What's at risk? The two main projects are the Whitehaven coal mine in Cumbria which will produce millions of tonnes of coal that could be used for steel production and the Rosebank oil field off the Shetland coast. Advertisement The decision stacks the odds against the project, and others like it, ever receiving the go-ahead. Extinction Rebellion activist Sarah Finch, who brought the first case in 2020 on behalf of the Weald Action Group, said she was 'absolutely over the moon', while Friends of the Earth called it a 'stunning victory'. But energy companies said the decision could have profound implications for North Sea projects such as the Rosebank, Jackdaw and Cambo fields and mining schemes, such as the planned Whitehaven coal mine in Cumbria. The offshore fossil fuel industry in the UK adds 30billion to the economy, brought in 9billion in tax revenue between 2022 and 2023, and employs more than 220,000. Former Welsh secretary Sir John Redwood said the UK was 'shooting itself in the foot'. He added: 'I didn't understand the judgment at all. Using energy produced in the UK will save CO2 compared to importing from across the world.' Kwasi Kwarteng, a former business and energy secretary, said: 'Killing off the North Sea makes no sense in terms of jobs or energy security. This is a bad move'. The industry warned that if carbon emissions 'down the line' must be taken into account, it could be difficult to justify setting up any new projects. It could pave the way for green campaigners to unleash a torrent of lawsuits which could see companies having to set aside millions for potential legal challenges. The judgment also renewed concerns about the increasing role of the Supreme Court. In 2019, it ruled that Boris Johnson's suspension of Parliament was unlawful following a case brought by anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller. And last year it said the scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful. Tory candidate and former business and energy secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'This is patently ridiculous judgment and a further example of judicial over-reach. The Supreme Court is trying to make itself a government. 'We should be governed by people who are democratically elected, and not by unelected judges.' Two wells already existed at the Surrey site, but UK Oil & Gas put forward plans to build a further four, which it says would produce millions of tons of oil over 25 years. Surrey County Council conducted an environmental impact assessment before granting permission. Campaigners protesting against Horse Hill oil production site in Surrey in November 2021 In the judgment, Lord Leggatt said 'it seems to me plain' that emissions created by burning oil extracted at the site 'are effects of the project'. UK Oil & Gas said the ruling was a 'rather perplexing' and 'counter to all prior judgments'. Sachin Oza of Reabold Resources, an investment company specialising in onshore and offshore oil and gas projects said: 'The oil that would have been produced will simply be imported.' The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it will 'carefully consider the judgment'. So who are the three judges behind the landmark decision? Lord Leggatt, 66, is the son of former Court of Appeal judge, George Leggatt Lord Leggatt, 66, is the son of former Court of Appeal judge, George Leggatt. He attended Eton before studying philosophy at Cambridge and winning a scholarship to Harvard. He taught and worked in the US before returning to Britain to work as a barrister, specialising in commercial law. Appointed a High Court judge in 2012, his cases included a 2014 ruling that the detention policy adopted by British forces in Afghanistan was unlawful under international human rights law. He was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2018 and then to the Supreme Court in 2020, and has been appointed as the courts lead justice on diversity and inclusion. Lady Rose, 64, is one of only two female justices at the Supreme Court Lady Rose is one of only two female justices at the Supreme Court. Vivien Rose attended a North London comprehensive and has degrees from Oxford and Cambridge. Now 64, she spent most of her career in the Government legal service, first as an adviser at the Treasury and later at the Ministry of Defence. She then worked as part of the legal team for the Speaker of House of Commons. Her first judicial role was with the Competition Appeal Tribunal. She was named a High Court judge in 2013, and an Appeal Court judge in 2019. She was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice in 2021. Lord Kitchin, 69, formally retired from the Supreme Court last year and yesterdays ruling involved one of his final cases Lord Kitchin, 69, formally retired from the Supreme Court last year and yesterdays ruling involved one of his final cases. He was previously one of the 11-strong Supreme Court panel that ruled that prime minister Boris Johnson had acted unlawfully when he suspended Parliament during Brexit wrangling. Lord Kitchin studied natural sciences and law at Cambridge and coxed the winning Cambridge team in the 1975 Boat Race. He started work as a barrister in 1977 and specialised in intellectual property law, and became a High Court judge in 2005, an Appeal Court judge in 2011 and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2018. Rishi Sunak tonight vowed to kick out Tory candidates facing a probe into betting on the date of the general election if they are found to have broken rules. The Prime Minister is under pressure to take action after two would-be Conservative MPs and the party's director of campaigning were engulfed in a gambling scandal. Laura Saunders, her husband Tony Lee, and Craig Williams - a close aide to Mr Sunak - are caught up in allegations about betting on the timing of the 4 July election. A Metropolitan Police officer - one of the PM's police protection officers - has also been removed from operational duties as part of the growing scandal. The huge row over people with links to No10 and the Tory party has come as a fresh blow to the PM's faltering campaign to stay in Downing Street ahead of polling day. In a sign of the public anger over the allegations, Mr Sunak was grilled about what action he would take during a special episode of BBC's Question Time this evening. The PM told a studio audience: 'Well like you I was incredibly angry, incredibly angry to learn these allegations. It's a really serious matter.' Rishi Sunak tonight vowed to kick out Tory candidates facing a gambling probe if they are found to have broken rules In a sign of the public anger over the allegations, the PM was grilled about what action he would take during a special episode of BBC's Question Time this evening 'It's right that they're being investigated properly by the relevant law enforcement authorities, including a criminal investigation by the police,' Mr Sunak added. 'I want to be crystal clear that if anyone has broken the rules, they should face the full force of the law. 'That's what those investigations are there to do. And I hope that they do their work as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.' Mr Sunak was pressed about whether he would suspend Ms Saunders and Mr Williams, who are both standing as Tory candidates in the general election. The PM replied: 'All I can say is they are serious investigations. It's right that they are done thoroughly, confidentially. The integrity of that process should be respected. 'But what I can tell you is if anyone is found to have broken the rules, not only should they face the full consequences of the law, I will make sure that they are booted out of the Conservative Party.' Ms Saunders, who is standing in Bristol North West, is the second Tory candidate to be investigated by the Gambling Commission after it previously emerged they are probing Mr Williams - a former parliamentary aide to Mr Sunak. In a statement released through her solicitor today, Ms Saunders said she would be 'co-operating with the Gambling Commission and has nothing further to add'. The statement also warned she is considering legal action against the BBC, who first reported the allegations, and 'any other publishers who infringe her privacy rights'. It emerged earlier that Ms Saunders is married to Mr Lee, the Conservative Party's director of campaigning, who is also being investigated according to the BBC . The Tories confirmed Mr Lee has taken a 'leave of absence' from his party role. Communities Secretary Michael Gove admitted this morning that it would be 'reprehensible' to use inside information to bet on the general election date, adding: 'It doesn't look great.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: 'This candidate should be suspended and it's very telling that Rishi Sunak has not already done that. 'If it was one of my candidates, they'd be gone and their feet would not have touched the floor.' Tory candidate Laura Saunders (pictured), her husband Tony Lee, and Craig Williams - a close aide to Mr Sunak - are caught up in allegations about betting on the timing of the election Mr Williams, Mr Sunak's parliamentary private secretary, is being investigated after reportedly putting a 100 bet on the election being held in July It emerged earlier that Ms Saunders is married to the Conservatives ' director of campaigning Tony Lee (pictured), who is also being investigated according to the BBC In a statement released on Ms Saunders' behalf, Nama Zarroug, a solicitor at Astraea Linskills, said: 'As the Conservative Party has already stated, investigations are ongoing. 'Ms Saunders will be co-operating with the Gambling Commission and has nothing further to add. 'It is inappropriate to conduct any investigation of this kind via the media, and doing so risks jeopardising the work of the Gambling Commission and the integrity of its investigation. 'The publication of the BBC's story is premature and is a clear infringement of Ms Saunders' privacy rights. 'She is considering legal action against the BBC and any other publishers who infringe her privacy rights.' On the Tory campaign battle bus in London, Mr Gove told broadcasters: 'Obviously, it doesn't look great. And, obviously, the conclusions lots of people are drawing are not at all great. 'But I don't know all the facts at the moment. I'd be loath to condemn without there being an investigation that's been concluded.' A Conservative spokesman said: 'We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals. 'As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldn't be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded.' Mr Williams is also being investigated after putting a 100 bet on the election being held in July, just days before the PM announced the July 4 vote. The 5-1 flutter would have netted him 500. The issue with those with close connections to the PM placing a bet on the election date comes with the individual having possible inside information that could give them an advantage. It has not been confirmed whether Ms Saunders had any inside information when allegedly placing the bet. The use of confidential information to gain unfair advantage when betting may constitute a criminal offence of cheating under section 42 of the Gambling Act. Those convicted face and unlimited fine or up to two years in jail. The investigation regarding Ms Saunders also comes as a police officer in Mr Sunak's close protection team has been suspended and arrested over alleged bets about the timing of the election, it was revealed on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police was contacted by the Gambling Commission last Friday and told the commission was investigating the activities of a member of Scotland Yard's Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) command. The police constable was removed from operational duties with immediate effect. A Met Police spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that on Friday, 14 June, the Met were contacted by the Gambling Commission who informed us that they were investigating alleged bets made by a Police Constable from the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, which were related to the timing of the General Election. 'The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties. 'The officer was subsequently arrested on Monday 17 June on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody and bailed pending further enquiries. The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 'The Gambling Commission continues to lead the investigation into the alleged betting offences, and our investigation is running in parallel to that.' Mr Williams, who is standing for re-election as MP in Montgomeryshire, bet on the election being held in July just three days before the announcement was made, The Guardian first reported. Meanwhile, the nation was surprised the election was going to be held in summer rather than autumn. Mr Williams has since apologised for a 'huge error of judgement'. The date and value of Ms Saunder's alleged bet have not been revealed. A glamorous former conservative journalist has claimed she was exiled from one of New York City's most exclusive clubs because of her views after making a controversial Father's Day post. Caitlin Sinclair, who was once an on-air reporter for OANN, said she was left 'heartbroken' on Wednesday when Zero Bond's membership manager and one-time friend Duncan Menaker told her she was no longer welcome. 'They literally said, "We're kicking you out because of your politics",' she claimed to the New York Post. That shock announcement came just days after Sinclair posted a photo to Instagram showing her holding up a sign reading, 'You are here because your dad's not queer.' Former OANN journalist Caitlin Sinclair claims she was kicked out of Zero Bond for her conservative views Sinclair, 28, said Menaker originally sent her an email on Wednesday asking her to 'refrain from using the club' after seeing the Fathers' Day post. But later in the day, Sinclair said, he called her to tell her her $3,850 annual membership was canceled. 'A lot of your beliefs do not align with Zero Bond,' Menaker reportedly told her. 'He said I offended their members,' Sinclair said. 'You know what? Their members offend me. 'There are members there who are huge Trump haters,' she said as she defended her controversial post. 'I was simply stating a fact. We cannot be born without a man and a woman,' she said. 'I'm not saying I don't support LGBTQ+. I have trans and gay friends - I never said anything offensive,' she claimed, noting that she is friends with Caitlyn Jenner. Her ouster came days after she posted a picture of herself holding up a sign for Fathers' Day, reading: 'You are here because your dad's not queer' Sinclair says she is now considering suing the NoHo establishment, claiming it was '100 percent discrimination.' 'Why are other Zero Bond members allowed to attend pro-Hamas rallies, drag queen story hour and celebrate when Trump gets convicted, but that doesn't go against Zero Bond policies?' she later asked, noting 'a lot of the members there hate Trump and stood in front of the courthouse.' It is unclear which members Sinclair may have been talking about, but the ritzy club has attracted such celebrities as Taylor Swift, Jared Leto, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly - and is a frequent hang out spot of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Many of those club-goers were her friends, Sinclair said. 'They're ostracizing me from my community,' she said, claiming that many of the club-goers were her friends. 'I paid the money to go to a safe space. 'If I went to the club wearing a MAGA hat or holding that sign [from the controversial post] that's different,' she continued. 'But I never once brought my politics inside the club - that was my personal account that I posted on.' Sinclair claimed that many of the club members are 'Trump haters' Officials at the NoHo club say they have no plans to let Sinclair back in Before she engages in any legal action, though, Sinclair has begged club founder Scott Sartiano to take her back - saying she wanted him to join her to 'help me lead the way to showing our fellow New Yorkers and our fellow Americans that there doesn't have to be this great divide.' But a club insider says Sinclair is exaggerating how upset she is by the ouster, and has accused her of trying to stir up a controversy to get attention. 'She obviously is doing this to try and get famous,' the unidentified insider told the Post. 'She got into Zero Bond, so they clearly knew exactly who she was and what her political affiliation was since she's so public about it. 'There are many Republican members so Zero Bond is clearly not anti-conservative, and for her to make this a political issue as opposed to admitting how disgusting her homophobic comment was is an embarrassment,' the insider added. The club has been frequented by celebrities including Taylor Swift, Miles Teller, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly Actor Jared Leto once hosted an event at the exclusive New York City club Sinclair has also admitted that Sartiano once told her that her beliefs were welcome at the club, saying: 'We need diversity at the club, so we're glad you're here.' Still, club leaders say they have no plans to let her back in. 'We stand by our decision to revoke Caitlin's membership as a result of her public, homophobic Instagram post and not because of her political affiliation,' they said in a statement to the Post. 'It's also come to our attention that Ms. Sinclair is attempting to exploit our club's esteemed reputation for personal gain. Other than this, her baseless claims do not deserve any further comment.' Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has opened up about coming 'close to psychological burnout' caused by Russian president Vladimir Putin's barbaric invasion of her homeland. She told of trying to stay strong for her husband. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as her children - and people across the war-torn nation. Russian forces invaded in February 2022 with the conflict still dragging on as Ukraine resists - with Mr Zelensky this week making a new appeal to the West for more crucial military equipment. Earlier this month the couple attended 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France, where they mingled with guests including the Prince of Wales, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and French president Emmanuel Macron. Mrs Zelenska, 46, has now revealed the personal toll the past two years has taken on her, having been forced by the invasion to live apart from her husband. Ukraine 's First Lady Olena Zelenska has told how Russia's invasion of her homeland left her 'close to psychological burnout' She and her husband Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, are seen here arriving at the international commemorative ceremony marking 80 years since D-Day earlier this month She previously met Queen Camilla at Clarence House in London on February 29 this year Mrs Zelenska (right) joined US First Lady Jill Biden (left) and the Princess of Wales (centre) at a Buckingham Palace reception connected to King Charles' coronation in May last year He has remained at his office in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv while she resides at a different, unspecified location with their two children. In a new interview with the Telegraph, she revealed: 'There are moments where I feel I am close to psychological burnout and I understand that I need rest. 'I try to use the moment effectively, because sometimes when we think we have rest, we don't.' She described 'horrifying moments' waking up in the middle of the night with thoughts of struggling to cope. She added: 'It's good it happened at night because none of my children saw it because I always have to be a source of confidence for them. 'Children always look up to their parents and they need to know that everything is going to be okay. 'A couple of times I allowed myself to cry when it was unbearably sad but it was something I did consciously because I know I have to dive deep to the bottom to find the power to push and then I can swim again. 'You have to allow yourself an opportunity to cry it all out.' Olena Zelenska and Volodymyr Zelensky, pictured at Omaha Beach in France on June 6 this year, first met when at school together before marrying in 2003 Mrs Zelenska is seen here at 10 Downing Street with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murty on February 29 this year She was pictured sharing a hug with a child during the opening of the Superhumans Centre for Prosthetics and Rehabilitation in the Ukrainian city of Lviv earlier today Mrs Zelenska went on to declare how she hopes to 'live until the moment of victory', while adopting coping mechanisms such as not reading the news on her mobile phone before retiring for the night. She also compiles 'a list of things that calm me down' as well as occupying herself by doing cleaning chores or washing her hair. She added: 'While you are doing something you don't just sit idly and be scared, you do something helpful at this moment.' The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces has said some 529,750 Russian troops have been killed since the invasion launched on February 24 2022. Mrs Zelenska, a former screenwriter, first met her future husband as teenagers at school before later working on a comedy show together and married in 2003. She joked in the new interview: 'We don't bore each other, we miss each other - we don't have the time to make each other angry or have a fight, so recently we don't have fights at all.' She also told how 'incredibly grateful' she was to rescue workers retrieving people from the rubble of buildings hit by Russian artillery - saying how their contribution 'inspires even in the worst moments'. Mr Zelensky warned last weekend that the level of military aid being sent by the West was still not enough for Ukraine to defeat Russia as 80 countries backed its 'territorial integrity'. Thumbs-up signals are given by French president Emmanual Macron, his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine First Lady Olena Zalenska in Paris on June 6 The future Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska at Buckingham Palace in October 2020 Volodymyr Zelensky has warned the level of military aid being sent by the West is still not sufficient for Ukraine to defeat Russia as 80 countries backed its 'territorial integrity' Speaking at the end of a two-day conference in Switzerland billed as the start of a 'Path to Peace', he did hail the event as a 'success' despite a string of major countries failing to sign the communique among them India, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Telling delegates that President Vladimir Putin was not ready for a 'just peace', Mr Zelensky also said Ukraine was ready to negotiate with Russia 'tomorrow' - but only if its forces 'leave our legal territories'. Following the summit - to which Russia was not invited, and which was snubbed by its key ally China - 80 nations jointly called for Ukraine's 'territorial integrity' to be the basis for any peace agreement. Issues of nuclear safety, food security and the exchange of prisoners would also be crucial, they agreed. But Mr Zelensky warned the current level of Western military aid being sent to his country was not enough to ensure Kyiv wins the ongoing conflict. He said: 'There is aid. There are serious packages. Is it enough to win? No. Is it late? Yes.' He also told a closing press conference: 'Russia and their leadership are not ready for a just peace. 'Russia can start negotiations with us even tomorrow without waiting for anything - if they leave our legal territories,' he added. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had an emotional meeting with D-Day veteran Melvin Hurwitz, 99, a former Air Force pilot at commemorations in France earlier this month Other world leaders there on June 6 included US president Joe Biden (centre) and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron (right) There were more than 25 world leaders at the June 6 D-Day events including a massive ceremony on Omaha Beach, where Mr Zelensky was joined by others including US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. One of the American veterans who fought at D-Day, 99-year-old former air force pilot Melvin Hurwitz, gave Mr Zelensky a hug and a kiss - calling him a hero. Mr Hurwitz told the Ukrainian president, 'You're the saviour of the people,' before receiving the response: 'No, no, no - you saved Europe.' The US veteran then said, 'You're my hero', and Mr Zelensky replied with 'You are our heroes' as the hugged and posed for photos. Banned by King Charles from appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour these days, the minor royals were on parade elsewhere in London this week. They went en masse to the summer party at the Victoria and Albert Museum, named after their ancestors. Lady Amelia Windsor, 28, the Duke of Kent's granddaughter, wore a pink coquette gown while carrying a novelty handbag. Lord Frederick Windsor, 45, son of Prince Michael of Kent, was joined by his wife, the actress Sophie Winkleman, 43. Among the other royals there were James Ogilvy, 60, son of Princess Alexandra, his wife, Julia, 59, and their daughter, Flora Vesterberg, 29. James Ogilvy, 60, son of Princess Alexandra, his wife, Julia, 59, (left) and their daughter, Flora Vesterberg, 29, (right) at the V&A Summer Party 2024 Lord Frederick Windsor, 45, son of Prince Michael of Kent, was joined by his wife, the actress Sophie Winkleman, 43 Lady Amelia Windsor, 28, the Duke of Kent's granddaughter, wore a pink coquette gown while carrying a novelty handbag I winged it, admits Macca He's arguably our greatest living pop star and songwriter, but Sir Paul McCartney still has doubts that he was, or is, any good. The Beatles star, who turned 82 on Tuesday, admits: 'I've actually got a lot of reasons to believe that I'm good, but I don't. I don't think I'm bad, but I still think what I make could be better.' Speaking as a 1974 Wings live album, One Hand Clapping, is released, Macca reflects: 'I didn't realise we were that good at the time. I think people all share this thing: we're never that sure of ourselves and, looking back, I really should have been sure of myself.' However, he concedes: 'I've proved to myself that I can write songs, and I've proved that I can write songs that people remember.' He's arguably our greatest living pop star and songwriter, but Sir Paul McCartney (pictured performing at Glastonbury 2022) still has doubts that he was, or is, any good Despite being blinded in one eye and losing the power in one hand in a vicious attack in New York in 2022, Sir Salman Rushdie is still keen to do more comic cameos such as those he performed in Bridget Jones's Diary and BBC comedy W1A. 'I don't see why I shouldn't do more,' says the novelist, 77. 'I'm a frustrated actor, I think it's what I have always wanted to do.' Sir Salman Rushdie (pictured at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards 2023) is still keen to do more comic cameos such as those he performed in Bridget Jones's Diary and BBC comedy W1A More news from strife-torn Winchester Cathedral: former BBC top honcho Mark Byford has left his position as a lay canon. The cathedral's dean, Catherine Ogle, is under pressure after the early departure of the respected head of music, Andrew Lumsden. Has Byford, who ran the BBC during the Jimmy Savile crisis, been made a sacrificial victim? Ogle recently filmed a public announcement which was so cack-handed that it only added to the drama. Byford is rumoured to have been involved in that PR disaster. Things have become so fraught that the bishop is now to hold an inquiry. The Conservatives' former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, fighting hard to retain his Chingford and Woodford Green seat in the General Election, has taken to verse. IDS, who has a majority of only 1,262, has adapted the classic William Hughes Mearns poem Antigonish to produce the following: 'The other day upon the stair/ I met Sir Keir who was not there/ He was not there again today/ Yet took my savings right away/ Oh how I wish he'd go away.' A master calligrapher and collector of commemorative stamps, Alan A. Blackman was an international phenomenon whose Letters to Myself were exhibited at the San Francisco Main Library. He died June 6 at age 96. Brandon Chew/Special to the Chronicle 2015 The illustrations that he made were whimsical and inspiring and filled us with joy and wonder at his creativity, says Lorraine Swerdloff, communications director for the the Washington Calligraphers Guild. Alan Blackman/San Francisco Public Library Alan Blackman could count on receiving one letter per month hand-addressed in perfect calligraphy and sent through the U.S. mail. He knew it was coming because he addressed, stamped and mailed the envelopes himself an act of art and eccentricity that lasted for 36 years before he finally shared them in a traveling exhibition called Letters to Myself. An exalted figure in the insular world of calligraphy, who accentuated his own strange persona by affecting the style and mannerisms of the fictional Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, Blackman died June 6 at VA Medical Center in San Francisco, said his niece and caregiver, Lissa Spitz. Blackman turned 96 on May 26 and was still living alone in an apartment overstuffed with envelopes, arranged in boxes in chronological order, all addressed either to Alan A. Blackman, 1125 Shrader St., San Francisco, CA 94117, or Alan A. Blackman, 4119 24th St., San Francisco, CA 94114. There were never any letters inside the envelopes. His obsession did not go that far. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Blackman was part of a community of stamp collectors who pursue first-day cover stamps. On the day the U.S. Postal Service issues a new commemorative stamp, such collectors stick it on an envelope, take it to the post office to get it postmarked that day, and mail it to themselves. Where he elevated the hobby was in the handwriting of the address. Every new envelope was a mind-blowing reaction to the design of the stamp it depicted, said Carl Rohrs, editor of Alphabet: The Journal of the Friends of Calligraphy. He considers Blackmans Letters to Myself project to be one of the seven wonders of the world of calligraphy, a world that goes back to ancient Greece. An exalted figure in the insular world of calligraphy, who accentuated his strange persona by affecting the style and mannerisms of fictional Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, Blackman died June 6 at VA Medical Center in San Francisco. Courtesy of Lissa Spitz The word calligraphy translates to beautiful writing, with each stroke of the pen or paintbrush transmitting a letter in alternating thick and thin ink. Its most common use is in the addressing of wedding invitations, but Blackman was never interested in a common or commercial pursuit. He was interested in the purest form of the art, using simple tools a broad-edged pen or pointed brush to make shapes in just a few strokes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The illustrations that he made were whimsical and inspiring and filled us with joy and wonder at his creativity, said Lorraine Swerdloff, communications director for the the Washington Calligraphers Guild, which exhibited Blackmans envelopes at an international calligraphy conference at James Madison University in Virginia. Blackman designed two typefaces, the most prominent being one he called Galahad. It has hundreds of characters and has been published by Adobe, the giant software firm. Galahad has been around for 30 years, and Blackman often demonstrated it in workshops and conferences sponsored by calligraphy guilds. He taught in Germany, England and half the states in the U.S., including Alaska. He also served as past president, treasurer and a longtime board member of the Friends of Calligraphy, a San Francisco society with 700 members. Everybody in the world of calligraphy would know the name Alan Blackman, Rohrs said. He was a unique, quirky guy, one of the most original people Ive ever met. He was a unique, quirky guy, one of the most original people Ive ever met, says Carl Rohrs, who considers Blackmans Letters to Myself project to be one of the seven wonders of the world of calligraphy. Brandon Chew/Special to the Chronicle 2015 Alan Abner Blackman was born May 26, 1928, in Brooklyn. When he was 7, his mother, Rose, moved Alan and his older brother, Sheldon, out of New York City to escape both an unhappy marriage and the Great Depression. Their destination was the mountain town of Hunter, N.Y., where her family owned the village newspaper. The brothers Alan and Shelly became stamp collectors in support of the stamp-collecting statesman, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Blackman studied anthropology and sociology at Queens College, part of the City University of New York system. After graduating in 1950, he followed his interest in stamps to a job as a postal clerk at the 42nd Street Airlines terminal in New York City. He then joined the U.S. Army and was trained as a signal slicer in a construction battalion. He was able to secure his preferred posting, in Germany during the postwar reconstruction, because he wanted to learn German. He said it was the most beautiful language, said his niece, and he became fluent in it. It dawned on me that since the stamps were always different, the design on the stamp could influence what the address looked like, Blackman told the Chronicle in 2015. Alan Blackman/San Francisco Public Library Discharged in 1953, he went to England to witness the coronation of Queen Elizabeth and pursue a fascination with the royals. While there, he met Maria Delores, a visitor from Spain, and they were married in England. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They had a short and very painful marriage, his niece said. He never talked that much about her. They had a son, Stephen, before divorcing. Blackman eventually came out as gay. He later explained to the Chronicle that he began his Letters to Myself project as an attempt to connect with his son, who lived in Berkeley and later England, by mailing him letters addressed in Blackmans elegant handwriting. Hed learned calligraphy by enrolling in night classes at the California College of the Arts. His motivation was to improve the signage on exhibits at the anthropology museum at UC Berkeley, where he had a day job. He also worked at the Rincon Annex Post Office and at Flax, the art supply store. Blackman learned calligraphy by enrolling in night classes at the California College of the Arts. His motivation was to improve the signage on exhibits at the anthropology museum at UC Berkeley. Alan Blackman/San Francisco Public Library The Letters to Myself project ran from 1968 until 2004. The envelopes were addressed in uniform style when he started out, but his creativity overtook him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It dawned on me that since the stamps were always different, the design on the stamp could influence what the address looked like, he told the Chronicle in 2015. That was quite a departure. I had not anticipated it, but once I discovered it, it became a subject of great fascination to me and to my friends who had seen these things. In 2015, Letters to Myself was exhibited in the downstairs gallery at the Main Library. There were 200 envelopes, and the only viewer unimpressed with it was Blackman himself. Im at war with my own work, he said while looking at walls covered in his envelopes. I usually dont like it. The exhibition was dedicated to the memory of Stephen, who died in 2012. Every new envelope was a mind-blowing reaction to the design of the stamp it depicted, says Carl Rohrs, editor of Alphabet: The Journal of the Friends of Calligraphy. Alan Blackman/San Francisco Public Library In addition to envelopes, which are letter-size, Blackman did works that are poster-size and created individual manuscript books. Hundreds of Blackmans artworks will eventually become part of the Richard Harrison Collection of Calligraphy and Lettering at the San Francisco Public Library. Examples in all sizes will be included in the upcoming fall issue of Alphabet. The entire issue, 40 pages, is dedicated to Blackman. This has happened only one other time in the 49-year run of the publication. Furious political leaders in South Korea have threatened to send weapons to Ukraine in response to Vladimir Putin's latest manoeuvres. They hit out after the Russian leader signed a defence pact with North Korean despot Kim Jong-un during a two-day visit to the pariah state. Military analysts fear the move is the first step towards troops from Pyongyang flooding into Ukraine to ramp up Putin's bloody campaign. The text of the deal states that each country would provide immediate military help if the other one was invaded. South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol's office said: 'It's absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion the Korean War and the war in Ukraine are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a pre-emptive attack by the international community that will never happen.' Furious political leaders in South Korea have threatened to send weapons to Ukraine in response to Vladimir Putin 's latest manoeuvres Russian President Vladimir Putin driving North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in an Aurus limousine in Pyongyang, North Korea 19 June 2024 Mr Yoon's national security adviser Chang Ho-jin said Seoul was 'planning to reconsider the issue of providing weapons support to Ukraine'. He added: 'Any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps strengthen North Korea's military capabilities is a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions. 'Russia's own violation of the resolution and support for North Korea will inevitably have a negative impact on the South Korea-Russia relationship.' South Korea, which is aiming to become one of the world's top arms exporters, has signed huge deals with European countries. But it has a long-standing policy that bars it from selling weapons into active conflict zones, which it has stuck to until now despite calls from Washington and Kyiv to reconsider. It came as Putin was treated to a fresh round of red-carpet treatment yesterday in Communist-led Vietnam. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol shake hands after their statements following the talks in Kyiv on July 15, 2023 Putin and Kim Jong Un review an honor guard during the official welcome ceremony in the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19 Soldiers formed a guard of honour at Hanoi airport as the presidential plane arrived. Putin was greeted by the country's deputy prime minister before being ushered towards a limousine. The US, which is among the country's top trading partners, accused Vietnam of normalising Russia's 'blatant violations of international law'. Last year, US President Joe Biden made a state visit to Vietnam and received a similar welcome. Critics have branded the Hanoi regime's strategy of maintaining relations with all sides 'bamboo diplomacy' a reference to having strong roots but flexible branches. Hanoi's diplomatic approach dates back to the Cold War, when it decided to be a friend to all countries. Nguyen Khac Giant, of the Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute a Singapore-based research centre said: 'Vietnam has played this game quite well. It has been actively neutral [in US-Russia disputes]. Hanoi knows it must balance different powers, to gain benefits from them.' His comical portrayal of Scotlands most miserable minister brought laughter to television audiences for more than 40 years. But the late Rikki Fultons iconic character Rev I M Jolly, known for his doleful Last Call TV sermons has, according to one real-life minister, cast a shadow over how Scots perceive the Kirk. While the fictional clergymans satirical, gloomy speeches from the comfort of a green leather armchair left fans chuckling, Reverend Neil Glover says it has given the lasting impression that church is dour. The Perthshire minister is now making it his mission to change the image of the joyless Christianity personified by the downtrodden Scotch and Wry sketch show character. The inimitable Rikki Fulton as the hugely popular Rev I M Jolly in the Scotch and Wry sketch show He says it needs to be less about locking up swings on a Sunday and more about creating places that offer the gift of stillness in a busy world. Rev Glover, who is minister at Aberfeldy Church, said: I think the Rev I M Jolly presented a version of religion that was dour and, in a way, he hadnt learned to be human. When he was trying to be religious he felt very dull and wooden but when he relaxed and learned to be himself he could be quite funny. He added that the image presented by Rev I M Jolly was that you had to pretend to be religious to come to church. The minister has written a book, Finding Our Voice: Searching for Renewal in the Mainline Church, which he hailed a manifesto for the Kirk to address ways it can throw off its gloomy image and show people it is engaging. He wants the church to be seen as a place where people can grow and be ourselves. In turn he hopes it can encourage more people back through the church doors following a drastic decline in numbers. Rev Glover admitted that it would be hard to shake off the gloomy image cast by Rev I M Jolly but he was optimistic that the church would survive for generations to come. A BBC News report gave a 'misleading impression' about evidence that trans women's milk is as good for babies as breast milk. A probe by the corporation's complaints unit found that the broadcast had broken its rules on accuracy. The Context on the BBC News channel had discussed claims about the nutritional value of milk produced by trans women, which is achieved with the help of drugs. The corporation's Executive Complaints Unit found the show had 'failed to give due weight to an appropriate range of views' on the subject. Complaints bosses said they had 'found limited evidence to support the claim' that transgender women's milk was as good for babies as breast milk and this was not properly reflected in the broadcast. A probe by the BBC's complaints unit found that the broadcast had broken its rules on accuracy The Context on the BBC News channel had discussed claims about the nutritional value of milk produced by trans women, which is achieved with the help of drugs (stock picture) The discussion, on February 19, was prompted by a leaked letter from a medical director of a NHS trust who claimed the milk was comparable. The programme was also found to have given a 'misleading impression' that World Health Organisation evidence would support the claims in the leaked letter. The ECU also pointed out that a guest who stated there was 'persuasive evidence' to support its nutritional value had a 'lack of any specialist knowledge' on the subject. Kate Luxion, described as a 'research fellow' at University College, London, had appeared on the show. The report said it should have been made clear to the audience more research was needed before conclusions like hers could be made. The BBC programme was also found to have given a 'misleading impression' that World Health Organisation evidence would support the claims in the leaked letter (stock picture) The programme had sparked complaints to the BBC, with concerns that the science cited in the letter was 'accepted without question' and that the evidence had been misrepresented. There were also concerns about whether Ms Luxion was a 'neutral expert'. The ECU said the 'weight of relevant evidence' on the subject was not made 'sufficiently clear' and viewers would have 'been left with a materially misleading impression'. It added the programme had failed to give 'due weight' to an 'appropriate range of views' on a 'controversial issue'. The ECU said elements of the complaints had been resolved as the programme-makers had already told the complainant that some of the script should have been 'clearer' and that another contributor should have been interviewed. It added there had also been a posting on the subject on the BBC complaints page of its website. But it upheld a complaint in relation to accuracy. THE SNP is being investigated by the Scottish parliament authorities over the potential misuse of postage stamps bought using MSPs expenses. An allegation has emerged that stamps bought on expenses were passed to UK election candidates for campaigning activities including mailouts to potential voters. MSPs have up to 5,500 a year to spend on postage and stationery but rules state they must be used only for parliamentary duties and must not be used for any other purpose, including party political purposes. Parliament officials have confirmed they are investigating an anonymous complaint submitted to Holyroods presiding officer, Alison Johnstone. A spokesman said: We take the use of publicly funded resources very seriously. Officials are investigating the matter to establish whether there has been any misuse of parliamentary resources. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone has been asked to investigate claims that MSPs used expenses to buy stamps that were then passed onto candidates for campaigning Parliamentary rules state than any postage or stationery bought with MSPs' expenses cannot be used for party political purposes Latest accounts show the SNP plunged to an 800,000 financial loss as membership numbers slumped and donations dried up. The SNP Holyrood group dismissed the seriousness of the complaint and told the BBC the rules were crystal clear. A spokesman added: We would expect the offices of MSPs of all parties to co-operate with the Parliamentary Corporate Body. Materials, including stamps, can only be used for parliamentary purposes such as representing constituents and campaigning on their behalf. The complainer emailed the presiding officer, saying: I am anonymously sharing a screenshot from the SNP office managers WhatsApp group chat due to my concerns that several MSPs are using stamps paid for by Scottish parliament expenses to pass to UK Parliament election candidates for campaign activities such as sending target letters to hard-to-reach addresses. Im concerned about this open discussion involving several members offices. Leaked messages from an SNP group chat called Office Manager Chat details exchanges between staff members about the use of postage stamps. According to newspaper reports, one staffer asked: Guys, the new stamps. Can they be traced? Someone from former First Minister Nicola Sturgeons office replied: Like who purchased them and what theyre being used for? A third person, said to work for deputy leader Keith Brown, wrote: I asked [name of non-SNP parliamentary worker] at the mailroom and he said no. There was another question about tracing stamps back to the person who bought them, to which the consensus was no, before an employee at Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somervilles office added: If they can, then a few people may be up in front of corporate body. However, there is nothing to suggest any of the office bearers were aware of any issues regarding stamps. For true royal decorum, look no further than the re-emergence of Catherine, Princess of Wales. After months of quietly undergoing chemotherapy, having famously declared a retreat from public duties, the princess announced, just last Friday, that she was feeling well enough to attend the Trooping the Colour ceremonies the following day. Rather than indulge as a certain duchess tends in victimhood, self-pity, oversharing and navel-gazing, the princess expressed gratitude, humility, and a desire to celebrate with her family and the King, himself enduring his own cancer battle. Alongside a new photo of Kate standing alone in a lush wooded green, looking up towards the sun in a spirit of health, renewal and optimism, a statement read: 'I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months... as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting... I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty'. After months of quietly undergoing chemotherapy, having famously declared a retreat from public duties, the princess announced, just last Friday, that she was feeling well enough to attend the Trooping the Colour ceremonies the following day. Rather than indulge as a certain duchess tends in victimhood, self-pity, oversharing and navel-gazing, the princess expressed gratitude, humility, and a desire to celebrate with her family and the King, himself enduring his own cancer battle. Kate went on to write that 'I am not out of the woods yet'. This is a remarkable admission for a woman who is quite obviously a perfectionist, who rarely sets a foot wrong, whose public presentation is ever immaculate, whose three young children are astonishingly well-behaved. Kate Middleton, for the first time, has shared her fears and vulnerabilities, perhaps even a tendency towards impatience. How human. How honest. She began not with her own sorrows but with a note of thanks, before commiserating with her fellow travelers. It was a jolting yet very welcome announcement. Now, of course, as Kate's sudden return generated global headlines, the supporters of Montecito's despoiling duchess seemingly couldn't allow her ailing sister-in-law the spotlight. Yes: Meghan Markle, more stubborn than kudzu, popped back up again or rather, a surrogate did. Of course, while there's no way to know if Meghan had any awareness of this latest stunt, it certainly felt woefully predictable. Hours before Kate's appearance at Saturday's parade, Harry's great pal Nacho Figueras posted a jar of American Riviera Orchard jam a new flavor, a limited edition ('2 of 2' the jar read) with that basic muslin wrap and cloying hand-tied bow. Hey at least this label wasn't peeling! Figueras also posted a jar of dog treats, which looked to be labeled with Meghan's ostentatious calligraphy. And it's all led to a rather well-deserved backlash not just over the timing, but over the content itself. As Kate's sudden return generated global headlines, the supporters of Montecito's despoiling duchess seemingly couldn't allow her ailing sister-in-law the spotlight. Hours before Kate's appearance at Saturday's parade, Harry's great pal Nacho Figueras (above, center) posted a jar of American Riviera Orchard jam a new flavor, a limited edition ('2 of 2' the jar read) with that basic muslin wrap and cloying hand-tied bow. Hey at least this label wasn't peeling! Figueras also posted a jar of dog treats, which looked to be labeled with Meghan's ostentatious calligraphy. Meghan, after all, is the same woman who recorded Harry's marriage proposal on her iPhone and used that footage in their Netflix docu-series. The same woman who brands herself a feminist yet reminded the world, during that incendiary Oprah sit-down, that Kate's one-time nickname had been 'Waity Katie'. Who, again on Netflix, smirked as she appeared to mockingly reenact her introduction to the late Queen with a deep curtsy. Nothing Meghan does ever feels accidental. It would hardly be the biggest surprise if she had some hand in the timing of this new promo for the still-merchless 'ARO'. And, if so, then how did Meghan, who became the Duchess of Hertz at last year's Women of Vision awards, lecturing the crowd about the importance of 'daily acts of service, in kindness, in advocacy, in grace and fairness', not see that this would be an epic face-plant? Catherine, Princess of Wales, bravely fulfilling a public duty amid chemotherapy vs. sweetmeats and dog treats on Instagram. It's enough to make you wonder: has Meghan lost her touch? Remember everyone: Be kind! Remember, too: When Kate was convalescing after surgery in January, followed by the clatter around Photoshop-gate in March, Meghan decided to launch 'ARO', posting an old-timey video of herself in the kitchen, then seen from afar in a voluminous black ballgown for day! all set to, perversely, Nancy Wilson's classic 'I Wish You Love'. Days later, when Kate announced to the world that she had cancer, Harry and Meghan so estranged that they learned this news along with the rest of us wasted no time issuing a press release. 'We wish health and healing for Kate and the family,' their statement read, 'and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace'. HA! Meghan and the word 'peace' seem at great odds, do they not? Alongside a new photo of Kate (above) standing alone in a lush wooded green, looking up towards the sun in a spirit of health, renewal and optimism, a statement read: 'I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months...' It strikes me that if they wanted to give their full support, they would finally set aside their grievances, drop the pernicious victimhood act, and apologize for insinuating to Oprah that the royals were racist. Apologize, too, for Harry reprinting private texts between Meghan and Kate in his memoir, or for the major mistake of mouthpiece Omid Scobie naming Kate and Charles now the most sympathetic and admired royals going as those so-called 'racists', information that has still not been denied by the Gruesome Twosome. Then again, Meghan is the woman who, amid a backdrop of impoverished African children, complained about her mental wellbeing and griped that 'Not many people have asked if I'm okay'. Kate, meanwhile, spent hours on her feet on Saturday, in heels and a form fitting white dress, to show up for her sick father-in-law and for her country, no doubt at great personal toll. The princess, understandably, will most likely have been left drained and fatigued but she is not asking for our pity. Compare Kate's most recent statement with Meghan's typical logorrhea, her vintage L.A. word salad of self-validation and narcissism, signifying nothing. Here she was in Nigeria just last month, cosplaying as if on official royal business, explaining how her Nigerian ancestry only made her that much more awesome. 'What has been echoed so much in the past day is, "Oh, we are so not surprised when we found out you are Nigerian." It is a compliment to you, because what they define as a Nigerian woman is brave, resilient, courageous and beautiful,' she said. And Meghan wonders why, with each successive attempt to rival Kate, she only ever fails. READ MORE: Why haven't aliens contacted us? Scientists reveal their theories Many scientists have a view on why we haven't heard from aliens yet. Now, legendary English physicist Professor Brian Cox has shared a compelling new theory. In a typically witty post on X, Professor Cox said civilizations are 'inevitably crushed shortly after inventing the internet'. He also revealed he thinks 'it wont be long before our spacecraft are the only thing that remains of our increasingly dim-witted civilisation'. Professor Cox was being trolled after hailing NASA's Voyager 1 probe, which is fully functioning for the first time since November. In response to trolls on X, Professor Brian Cox has shared his newest theory about why we haven't heard from aliens In a typically witty post on X, Professor Cox said civilizations are 'inevitably crushed shortly after inventing the internet' After NASA announced Voyager 1 had been fixed, Professor Cox posted: 'It never ceases to amaze me that a spacecraft launched in 1977 can be fixed remotely from Earth.' Someone replied: 'Meanwhile, the printer that's 3 feet from my laptop won't connect.' Another said: 'Maybe the aliens kind enough to give it a jumpstart out there.' Some conspiracy theorists joined in, with one saying 'as if people actually believe this is real'. Taking to X again the academic then posted: 'Honestly - a few of the replies to this little tribute to engineering excellence exhibit a level of stupidity that suggests to me that it wont be long before our spacecraft are the only thing that remains of our increasingly dim-witted civilisation. Professor Cox also mentioned the Fermi Paradox the apparent contradiction between the lack of evidence for extra-terrestrial civilizations and various high estimates for their probability. 'Until recently my guess has been that the answer to the Fermi Paradox might be found in biology complex biological systems are rare,' he said. 'Im increasingly of the view that the reason for The Great Silence is that civilisations are inevitably crushed by the weight of n*****ds shortly after inventing the internet.' 'Maybe the aliens gave it a jumpstart?': Cox was humorously trolled for hailing the ageing Voyager 1 space probe While Voyager 1 is more than 15 billion miles away from Earth, someone replied that 'the printer that's 3 feet from my laptop won't connect' 'They switched it off and on again': Voyager 1 was launched in September 1977 and has been suffering technical glitches Professor Cox mentioned the Fermi Paradox - the apparent contradiction between the lack of evidence for extra-terrestrial civilizations and various high estimates for their probability (file photo) What is Voyager 1? No spacecraft has gone farther than NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft. Launched in 1977 to fly by Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 1 crossed into interstellar space in August 2012 and continues to collect data. The probe is now in interstellar space, the region outside the heliopause, or the bubble of energetic particles and magnetic fields from the sun. Source: NASA Advertisement Voyager 1 the most distant human-made object in existence has been sending back data from interstellar space for nearly 50 years after being launched in 1977. It is famous for returning one of the most revered astronomical images of all time Pale Blue Dot, showing our planet as a spec of dust in the vastness of space. However, in November, a glitch occurred that made the spacecraft's data about its environment and the health of its own systems unintelligible to the NASA scientists monitoring it. The team partially resolved the issue in April when they prompted the spacecraft to begin returning engineering data, including information about the health and status of the spacecraft. The following month, two of its four science instruments were fixed after the team sent commands to it, more than 15 billion miles away. The two other instruments required some additional work, but now they are also returning usable science data, NASA said in a statement last week. Voyager 1 was the first human-made object to leave our solar system and enter the space between stars. Its identical twin, Voyager 2, is 12.6 billion miles (20 billion kilometers) away and is also still functional Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, stopped sending back understandable data in November 2023 but has been fixed Jupiter, taken from Voyager 1 at around 12 million miles (20 million kilometres) away in 1979 Voyager 1 is more than 15 billion miles away from Earth, while its sister probe Voyager 2 is more than 12 billion miles away. Both Voyagers launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida in 1977 with Voyager 2 departing a month earlier than 1. They were built to last five years but they have far exceeded that, having been travelling for 47 years as of this summer. Both spacecraft flew past Jupiter and Saturn, while Voyager 2 also flew past Uranus and Neptune. READ MORE: Ernest Shackleton's 'last ship' is FOUND off coast of Newfoundland An ancient ship containing hundreds of stunningly-preserved wine jugs has been found on the floor of the Mediterranean. The 40-foot vessel, found 1 mile deep on the seafloor 56 miles from Israel's coast, dates back 3,300 years to the late Bronze Age, experts say. It's thought to be the oldest ship found this deep in the Med, as previous shipwrecks from this era never ventured this far away from land. This suggests ancient seafarers were more capable at navigating the deep seas than historians previously thought. The ship likely sunk either from a storm or after coming under attack by pirates, the discoverers believe. The 40-foot vessel, found 1 mile deep on the seafloor 56 miles from Israel's coast, dates back 3,300 years to the late Bronze Age, experts say. Here, researchers check jugs that were discovered in the wreck - more than a mile deep on the bed of the Mediterranean The ship's cargo was hundreds of intact amphorae - the ancient vessel form used as a storage jar for wine, oil and fruit Jacob Sharvit, head of the Israel Antiquities Authority's marine unit, called it 'a world-class history-changing discovery'. 'The ship seems to have sunk in crisis, either due to a storm or to an attempted piracy attack a well-known occurrence in the Late Bronze Age,' he said. Although its exact location is undisclosed, the experts said the shipwreck is on the seafloor around 56 miles (90km) from Israeli land. The ship itself is staying underwater at least for now, but marine technicians have managed to extract its jugs 'with minimal risk of damage to the entire assemblage'. The jugs are amphora a style of storage vessel typical of the ancient world with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck and two handles, used for carrying oil, wine and fruit. Although its exact location is undisclosed, the experts said the shipwreck is on the seafloor around 56 miles (90km) from Israeli land researchers checking artefacts that were discovered in a wreck more than a mile deep on the bed of the Mediterranean Sea by London-listed energy firm Energean The contents were identified as Late Bronze Age storage vessels by the Israel Antiquities Authority The late Bronze Age ship itself is staying underwater at least for now although the contents have been brought to land 'The muddy bottom conceals a second layer of vessels, and it seems that wooden beams of the ship are also buried within the mud,' said Sharvit. The fact that the ship was so far out to sea suggests navigation abilities of ancient seafarers were more advanced than previously thought. They would have been capable of traversing the Mediterranean without a 'line of sight' to any coast, instead of being forced to stay close to land where they could more easily return home. 'From this geographical point, only the horizon is visible all around,' said Sharvit. 'To navigate they probably used the celestial bodies, by taking sightings and angles of the sun and star positions.' Two similar ships from the same era had been discovered previously in the Mediterranean, but only close to shore. The ship itself is staying underwater at least for now, but marine technicians have managed to extract its jugs 'with minimal risk of damage to the entire assemblage' This is both the first and the oldest ship found in the Eastern Mediterranean deep sea, ninety kilometers from the nearest shore The 'ground-breaking discovery' was unexpectedly made last year by Energean, a London-based natural gas firm during routine scans of the seafloor using robots but only now are experts detailing the findings. 'As part of our ongoing activity to discover and extract natural gas from the deep sea, we conduct surveys that check different parameters, using an advanced submersible robot to scour the seafloor,' said Dr Karnit Bahartan at Energean. 'About a year ago, during a survey, we saw the unusual sight of what seemed to be a large pile of jugs heaped on the seafloor. 'We are in ongoing contact with the Israel Antiquities Authority, and when we sent them the images it turned out to be a sensational discovery, far beyond what we could imagine.' Archeologists have discovered a lost ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess of war, after translating a newly found case of 2,500-year-old graffiti. Among over 2,000 remnants of ancient Greek graffiti, one scholar has uncovered a diagram of this lost temple to Athena, ancient Greece's goddess of war and wisdom. The graffiti, which experts said was made by a shepherd or herder, depicts a now bygone temple on the very same site as Athens' historic, still-standing Parthenon. 'The structure,' according to the University of Tennessee classics professor who made the discovery, 'is identified by its inscription as 'the Hekatompedon' and was produced by an individual named Mikon.' Among over 2,000 remnants of ancient Greek graffiti, one scholar has uncovered a diagram (above) of a lost temple to Athena, ancient Greece's goddess of war and wisdom 'The structure,' according to the University of Tennessee classics professor who made the discovery, ' is identified by its inscription as 'the Hekatompedon' and was produced by an individual named Mikon.' Above, the professor's sketch of Mikon's 2,500-year-old graffiti Hekatompedon was once the official ancient name for the temple to Athena, but it translates literally to '100-footer' in ancient Greek, a reference to the temple's size. Crucially, however, the alphabet used in this graffiti dates it back to the 6th century BC at least 50 years before the construction of the Parthenon structure, also dedicated to Athena, even began. 'Mikon's graffito supports the scenario that the Hekatompedon in the decree was an operational temple on the south side of the Acropolis,' classics professor Merle Langdon wrote in his new study, published in the American Journal of Archaeology. This earlier temple would have been dismantled, and many of its columns and other structures could have been reused, for the ancient Greek structures still standing atop the hill where the Parthenon rests today, within the Acropolis of Athens. Translated from this ancient Greek alphabet, the engraved inscription simply reads 'the Hekatompedon [] of Mikon,' according to Langdon who was the first to discover the graffiti. The professor noted that there are two possible temple 'candidates' known to archeologists that could match the diagram that Mikon drew in his graffiti. One nicknamed 'the Bluebeard Temple' by archeologists and another called 'the Gigantomachy Temple,' a neutral temporary term used while scholars still debate what the remnants of these historic structures might have once really been. The Bluebeard Temple, which is theorized to have been built on the north side of the Acropolis around the second quarter of the 6th century, was named by archeologists for a prominent three-headed serpent with a blue beard, found among in its ruins. The Gigantomachy Temple, also called the Old Temple of Athena by some scholars, dates back to roughly the same 6th century period. It's remnants were also found on the Acropolis in Athens, but its exact original location is still debated by scholars. Langdon and his co-author, archeologist Jan van Rookhuijzen, said they would stop short of trying to definitively identify 'the drawn temple' any further, as 'the debate on the architectural history of the Archaic Acropolis has not come to a resolution.' Hekatompedon, ancient Greek for '100-footer,' was the official ancient name for the temple to Athena. But the alphabet used in this graffiti dates it back to the 6th century BC, over 50 years before construction on the Parthenon even began. Above, on the hill, the Parthenon today Above, a closer look at the Parthenon today - sitting atop the Acropolis in Athens, Greece In other words, the complete history of the lost temple to Athena, that Mikon called 'the Hekatompedon' is still shrouded in mystery and remains yet to be written. For years, the team has studied the 6th century BC sketches, scrawlings and graffiti made by the ancient Greek's in this region drawings that include ships, horses, and 'erotic scenes.' 'Why the shepherds produced so many graffiti is not known,' van Rookhuijzen wrote in an article at The Conversation, discussing he and Langdon's new study. 'It may have simply been a form of escapism during the dull moments of their job.' The hill where Mikon's graffiti was located, along the north and east of Vari, Attica, is now a southern suburb of Athens. The landscape has become a boon to scholars as it is literally covered in ancient shepherd graffiti. Langdon and van Rookhuijzen employed high-resolution photographs and detailed reproductions to analyze the long-dead shepherd's writing style, hunting for clues in his letter forms, handwriting, and spelling to better date and authenticate the find. Above, the site where Langdon and his co-author found Mikon's ancient graffiti (red arrow). the shepherd's inscription - made on the exposed marble of Vari's Barako Hill near Athens - has now suffered from two millennia's worth of erosion The team compared the Mikon drawing and its writing style to other previously discovered architectural drawings and inscriptions from the wider Athens area. Mikon's sketch of the temple, they concluded is 'the earliest known testimony of admiration of the architecture of the Acropolis,' based on its faithful and favorable depiction of the structure's columns and roof-like entablature. They also noted that Mikon's graffiti is now the earliest recorded instance of a person using 'Hekatompedon' to mean a large temple or building. 'Our occurrence is earlier than the 37 other known examples of this name in the Greek world,' the team wrote in their new study, 'including 12 from Attica.' But the ancient graffiti still has some mysteries left to decode, as the shepherd's inscription made on the exposed marble of Vari's Barako Hill has now suffered from over two millennia's worth of erosion 'This impedes a full appraisal of both the drawing and the inscription,' the researchers noted, 'of which some letters are illegible.' A catastrophic injury lawyer has warned consumers against using three cancer-causing products that are commonly found in homes. Tom Bosworth, a lawyer specializing in wrongful death cases, revealed that carcinogens silently reside in air fresheners, cleaning products and carpet shampoos. Federal law requires companies to disclose all ingredients on food, cosmetics and drug labels but cleaning products are exempt, leaving consumers in the dark about what toxins they might be breathing in. When breathed in, these chemicals can damage the liver and nervous system and can cause skin and lung cancer. Carcinogens silently reside in air fresheners, cleaning products and carpet shampoos Bosworth, 33, has his own practice in Pennsylvania where he is known for becoming the youngest lawyer in the state's history to obtain a jury verdict in excess of $10 million for a living client as lead counsel. 1. Air Fresheners The attorney, who shared the advice in a TikTok, explained that air fresheners like Glade plug-ins contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that include formaldehyde - which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat when exposed to it over short periods. However, longer exposure can lead to coughing or choking and can cause the throat to swell or cause chemical burns in the lungs, leading to death. The amount of VOCs varies depending on the air freshener's fragrance composition. For example, many products use alpha-pinene to replicate pine trees' natural, fresh smell which causes the kidneys to malfunction, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Air fresheners like Glade plug-ins contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that include formaldehyde - which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat when exposed to it over short periods MADE SAFE, a product certification program, tested tested a range of air fresheners in 2020 and found numerous chemicals associated with toxic effects - and formaldehyde been measured at high levels. Although air fresheners can introduce VOCs in the air through their direct emissions, they can also cause a secondary reaction with naturally occurring indoor air compounds like the ozone, which produces the carcinogen formaldehyde. 'The regulations in this country around what you can put in cleaning products and certainly in air fresheners are pretty loose,' Ryan Sullivan, an associate professor of chemistry and mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University told The Washington Post. 'To a chemist 'really clean' would actually be no scent because the scent is caused by a chemical.' 'Truly clean means very low levels of chemicals.' As an alternative, the EPA recommends reducing the use of products that have a strong fragrance and consider using essential oils if you want to add a scent to your space. Shampoos used to deep-clean rugs or carpets 'can contain dangerous chemicals like perchloroethylene, which is a carcinogen that damages the liver, kidneys and nervous system,' Bosworth said 2. Carpet shampoos Shampoos used to deep-clean rugs or carpets 'can contain dangerous chemicals like perchloroethylene, which is a carcinogen that damages the liver, kidneys and nervous system,' Bosworth said. The chemical is also known as tetrachloroethylene or tetrachloroethene, which the EPA has classified as a likely carcinogen. The agency reported that studies have found associations between people who were exposed to it in the workplace and later developed several types of cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma and bladder cancer. Although it has not been conclusively linked to reproductive issues, the EPA warned that it could cause 'menstrual disorders, altered sperm structure, and reduced fertility.' People should look for 'green products' when selecting carpet shampoo, including those that aren't fragrant. A 2023 study found there were 530 unique VOCs emitted in 30 different products including cleaning supplies, carpeting, cosmetics and pesticides - 193 of which were toxic. The researchers found that 'green products' - like those that state they're non-toxic and free from artificial fragrances - emitted the lowest amount of total and hazardous VOCs. 'These findings suggest ways that people can reduce their VOC exposure from cleaning products, by using certified green products, especially those without fragrance,' Dr Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist and the study's lead author told Health.com. A 2020 study found that cleaners, who are exposed to these chemicals daily and for hours on end have a 50 percent increased chance of developing asthma and a 43 percent risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a chronic lung disease that obscures the air passageways, making it difficult to breathe 3. Furniture polish Some products that are used to clean wood or furniture 'can cause skin and lung cancer and contain chemicals such as phenol and nitro benzyne,' Bosworth warned in the TikTok video. For people working in the cleaning industry, repeated exposure to these chemicals could seriously impact your health. A 2020 study found that cleaners, who are exposed to these chemicals daily and for hours on end have a 50 percent increased chance of developing asthma and a 43 percent risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a chronic lung disease that obscures the air passageways, making it difficult to breathe. A separate study in 2018 found that inhaling cleaning products, like furniture polish, could cause as much lung damage as smoking a 20-pack of cigarettes a day. The study was only conducted among women, so it's unclear if men would experience the same effect. It is still important to remain wary of what ingredients the so-called green products contain, according to Samara Geller, the senior director of cleaning science at the Environmental Working Group (EWG). She warned that just because a product says 'green,' 'eco-safe,' or 'environmentally friendly,' it doesn't necessarily mean it's safe because it isn't regulated by the EPA. 'Essentially, they're marketing terms,' Geller told EveryDayHealth. 'Many so-called 'natural' products still contain hazardous chemicals and undisclosed ingredients.' Instead, people could take the DIY approach and make their own cleaning products that have the added benefit of costing a fraction of what it would in the store. Geller recommended mixing baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar which works the same as everyday cleaning products, without the worry of added carcinogens. Netflix viewers can't get enough of the necropolis of China's first emperor though archeologists have long worried about the dangers of opening his still-sealed tomb. Toxic liquid mercury rivers, built as a miniature map of the emperor's kingdom, are just one of the many potential risks to opening this inner-most sanctum of the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. Experts are also worried about exposing the tomb's sealed army of clay-sculpted 'terracotta warriors' to the open air, which has instantly peeled and evaporated the paint off similar sculptures buried close to the emperor's over 2,200-year-old tomb. Researchers have even turned to an exotic x-ray-like scanning technique, 'muon tomography,' exploiting cosmic rays from space to peer into the sealed burial site. But naturally, there's also rumors of a curse on the tomb, and certainly the seven local villagers who unearthed the first of Qin Shi Huangdi's nearly 8,000 buried clay warriors in 1974 paid a high price for their discovery. Netflix viewers can't get enough of the necropolis of China 's first emperor - even though archeologists have long worried about the dangers of opening his still-sealed tomb Toxic liquid mercury rivers, built as a miniature map of the emperor's kingdom, are just one of the potential risks to opening the inner-most section of Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. But many more have also troubled scholars and excavators - including rumors of traps and even a curse 'Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors' pulled in a reported 6.8 million hours viewed, climbing this week to Top 4th spot on the streamer's 'Most Watched' list since the one hour and 17 minute documentary debuted on Netflix June 12. The smash doc, from British director James Tovell, explores the life, death and archeological legacy of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259210 BCE), who succeeded in conquering and unifying the whole of China in 221 BCE. Qin Shi Huang created an empire that lasted for some two millennia. And his other achievements included starting construction on the Great Wall of China, establishing a nationwide road network and standardizing writing and units. But the discovery of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's clay soldiers sculpted to serve as his army in the afterlife proved to be less of a success for the seven men who uncovered the first known of Qin's terracotta warriors. These villagers in a farming community near the city of Xian found a warrior's clay head while digging a new well amid a devastating 1974 drought. A frenzy followed from the moment this pottery-like clay head, and the several bronze arrowheads unearthed with it, were first made public. Soon, the village's farmland was seized by the government for its archeological and historic value. And in time, homes were demolished to make way for museum exhibit halls and tourist shops. Three of these seven farmers died under tragic and terrible circumstances. Then 60-year-old Wang Puzhi hung himself with a rope in 1997 after facing insurmountable medical bills to treat his illnesses. Another two farmers died in their early 50s, Yang Wenhai and Yang Yanxin, equally penniless and unable to pay for their own healthcare. Netflix's new documentary 'Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors' pulled in a reported 6.8 million hours viewed, climbing this week to Top 4th spot on the streamer's 'Most Watched' list The rest lived on to earn less than a few dollars a day for years signing books for tourists at the official souvenir shops for the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. One of those surviving farmers, Yang Zhifa, was so disgusted with his treatment that he did not go see the restored army of sculptures until 1995, so he told China Daily. And many more of these surviving farmers, and their fellow townsfolk, spoke to filmmaker Peter Gilbert about their troubled history with the emperor's tomb for his aptly named documentary 'The Curse of the Terracotta Warriors' back in 2018. While discovery of the tomb remains one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century, efforts to delve deeper into the tomb have met troubling obstacles. Testing of the soil around the site has revealed mercury traces 100 times higher than normal, lending credence to the myth that Qin had artisan-made rivers and lakes teeming with the element constructed for his tomb as part of a giant map of China. 'Every time we unearth anything there will be a lot of risk assessment,' Ming Tak Ted Hui, an associate professor of Classical Chinese and Medieval China at Oxford University, told DailyMail.com earlier this June. Above, 2,200-year-old terracotta army at Xi'an's Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum 'But if we look at the trend I can say that it seems there are more possibilities for us actually to do that,' according to the researcher, who appears in the new Netflix doc. He added that while better technology is making it easier for researchers to dig with caution, the tombs in Xi'an that may include one of the emperor's heirs, Prince Gao, may have the additional challenge of traps. The existence of these traps were laid out in the work of ancient historian Sima Qian, who wrote around 85 BC. According to Sima Qian (14586 BCE), the Han dynasty's official historian, the emperor's necropolis complex contained 'palaces and scenic towers for a hundred officials' all carefully protected. Qin's underground tomb itself 'was filled with rare artefacts and wonderful treasure,' this Han historian wrote, and to safeguard those treasures, 'craftsmen were ordered to make crossbows and arrows primed to shoot at anyone who enters the tomb.' Above (left) a depiction of Qin Shi Huang, the merciless first emperor of China, dated c.1850 AD, and (right) an exhibition of artifacts of the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang and terracotta warriors at the Liverpool World Museum, Merseyside in the UK Associate Professor Ming Tak Ted Hui at Oxford University said he's confident that archeologists will one day broach the innermost secrets of the tomb, which he is happy to see getting wider interest thanks to the Netflix original. 'At a time when we are seriously doubtful about the truth', the 'heroes' of this story, he says, are the people who have given their lives in the present to better understanding the past. 'There are common interests or common mysteries you will find in it,' he said. 'It's not about which culture you belong to [...] it's not only a project that would attract an audience from China. It's attracting an audience worldwide to think about what humanity as a whole has achieved.' The state of California is investigating longtime San Francisco building contractor John Pollard, shown in 2016, after a Chronicle story revealed complaints that he performed shoddy work and flouted building codes. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle 2016 The state of California is investigating a longtime San Francisco building contractor after a San Francisco Chronicle story revealed numerous complaints that he performed shoddy work and flouted building codes. John Pollard and his business, S.F. Garage Co., specialized in seismic retrofits to make buildings more resistant to earthquakes. Over two decades, he became one of San Franciscos most prolific builders. He wooed clients with promises that he could handle all aspects of the citys notoriously difficult building process. In May, the Chronicle published an investigation revealing numerous complaints from Pollards clients, who accused him of substandard work, billing them for work that he didnt complete, and failing to obtain necessary permits. One woman described having to delay her retirement for years so she could earn the money she needed to finish the project that he abandoned. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Chronicles story revealed that as Pollards presence in San Francisco waned, he began building in Sonoma County. A neighbor of his there sued him in 2022, accusing him of unpermitted work, fraud and trespass. Pollard settled the lawsuit the day before it was to go to trial. The California Contractors State License Board has opened a complaint to investigate information obtained from your May 31, 2024, SF Chronicle article, spokesperson Katherine White said in an email Tuesday. CSLB will investigate allegations in your article that include failure to comply with permit requirements and/or industry trade standards. Pollard did not respond to requests for comment. The newspapers investigation showed Pollard was close personal friends with one of the Department of Building Inspections senior leaders, Edward Sweeney, who retired in 2020. The newspaper showed how Pollard communicated repeatedly with Sweeney during a dispute with a client, Sal Salma, over a project in North Beach that was supposed to take a few months but remains unfinished years later. When Salma complained about his ordeal to the state, Pollard and Sweeney traded a slew of phone messages, and DBI swiftly addressed problems that had languished for several years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Salmas dispute with Pollard led the CSLB to suspend Pollards license in 2022, and place him on a four-year professional probation. I gave the city attorney and the state all the information I have, Salma said afterward. I hope they take the proper action. He is still hoping to see action from the city of San Francisco, he said. I wish the city will investigate him, the city attorney or the district attorney its their duty, he said. Ive been waiting 2 years for the city to act. Previously, the city attorneys office told the Chronicle it was investigating Pollards work as part of its own examination of municipal corruption in San Francisco. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another former client, Barbara Savitz, called the development long overdue. Savitz hired Pollard in 2007, paying him $850,000 to demolish and rebuild her home. She told the Chronicle she ultimately had to postpone her retirement for more than a decade to pay another contractor hundreds of thousands of dollars to finish the construction of her home after Pollard abandoned it. Maybe this will protect others from getting hurt by him, she said. The perception of Pollards clout at DBI prompted former Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards to publicly criticize the department in 2019 for allowing work on an 18th Street building without the proper permits. The dispute intensified when DBI revoked permits on a project of Richards at a four-unit building on 22nd Street. Richards sued in response, accusing the department of retaliating against a whistleblower. The city ultimately paid $1.8 million to settle the lawsuit. On Tuesday, Richards said he was pleased to learn of the states probe, but said it raised further questions about how Pollard was able to operate unchecked for years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What does it take for someone to be held accountable? he said. The city and Bay Area are littered with his victims we have to put an end to this kind of stuff. Sacramento needs to do something about this kind of behavior and needs to do it quick. The Chronicle investigation also showed that the citys building regulators took little action to rein in wayward builders, despite numerous complaints. In December, the Chronicle revealed that San Francisco was not using a law passed in 2021 meant to inform residents of builders who repeatedly flout city building rules by adding them to a public list called the Expanded Compliance Control Program. Before the Chronicles Dec. 7 story, DBI had added just one person to its list of problem builders: Rodrigo Santos, a structural engineer who pleaded guilty in January 2023 to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients and bribing inspectors so his clients received approvals on their projects. In the wake of the Chronicles reporting, the department began adding other builders to the list, and it added Pollards name in April as well as that of his engineer, Harold Howell after the Chronicle inquired about the complaints about his work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pollard qualified for the list because of notices of violation tied to five of his projects, DBI records show. Pollard is appealing DBIs determination. DBI spokesperson Patrick Hannan said DBI informed the CSLB on June 7 that it was adding Pollard to its Expanded Compliance Control list. The Department of Building Inspection supports the California Contractors State License Boards investigation into Mr. Pollards work and conduct, he said. We look forward to reviewing their findings. Parents suing to ban New Jersey from storing baby blood have been left in shock after the state made a surprising attempt to get the case dismissed. Nearly every US-born baby has blood drawn to check their risk of about 60 rare diseases, but the New Jersey Department of Health had been storing infant DNA for 23 years and gives law enforcement and third-party researchers access. Two parents filed a class action lawsuit in November 2023 and state officials on Thursday announced retention would be dropped to two years in an attempt 'to likely ask the court to dismiss the case,' Attorney Brian Morris told DailyMail.com. 'This is a small step in the right direction, but the state is still refusing to do the one thing that will make its retention program constitutional: Ask parents for informed consent,' said Morris, who represents the parents. The class action lawsuit was filed in 2023 after news broke about a 1996 cold case being solved when police allegedly collected a baby's DNA without a warrant to investigate the child's father. New Jersey's Department of Health has dropped storage time from 23 years to just two after parents sued claiming the program violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans from unreasonable seizures by the government Boonton mother Erica Jedynak, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said on Thursday: 'Until the state actually asks parents for their permission before retaining their baby's blood, we'll continue to fight against this policy in court. 'Parents deserve to know what the government is doing with their children's genetic information.' Hannah Lovaglio, a resident of Cranbury and plaintiff, told DailyMail.com in November: 'This is a true parent right's issue. This is their body; this is their property taken from them from five years of being a minor, and the state is not required to give any justification.' Morris told DailyMail.com that they plan to move forward with the lawsuit, especially after learning New Jersey is planning on asking the court to dismiss it due to Thursday's changes to the program. He continued to explain that he and the plaintiffs were shocked to hear about officials changing the storage program as no one in their camp was briefed prior to the announcement. Obviously two years is better than 23 years, but the length of the retention is irrelevant if the state refuses to get informed consent from parents,' Morris said. 'The state didnt say why it picked two years or why it couldnt ask for informed consent first. But until the state asks for consent first, well continue to fight on.' Genetic newborn testing started in the 1960s with the hopes of detecting diseases and conditions that could kill a child or cause severe problems - 61 illnesses and congenital disorders are tested. Nurses fill six spots on a special filter card when administering the screening that is then sent to a lab for testing, but leftover samples are stored for the specific allowed time. According to the state of Minnesota's website, samples are kept so that tests can be repeated, used to identify a missing or deceased child and for medical research. In 2021, Brian Avis, 61, was convicted of sexually molesting a 10-year-old girl in 1996 after New Jersey police analyzed the DNA of Avis' child, who was born in 2012 While data is sparse regarding how many samples have been stored, a report states that in 2009, 13.5 billion newborn blood spots were warehoused nationwide. Most states have been storing infant DNA since at least 2001, while California that holds samples indefinitely started in 1983. Morris, an attorney at the Institute for Justice (IJ), told DailyMail.com in November: 'New Jersey is among the worst. The biggest problem is that it is a black hole with no regulations governing this retention. 'Nothing is preventing the New Jersey Health Department from doing anything with the samples. 'This is not just a parent issue, it is about digital privacy as well. The government can reach in and take whatever it wants, and we are trying to protect individuals from that.' In March, the two parties had been in discussions to settle the class action lawsuit outside of a courtroom. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a March 4 letter: 'Over the past months, the parties have engaged in settlement discussions to try to resolve this dispute in good faith. 'Those discussions have been productive, and the parties plan to continue negotiating in the hopes of agreeing to a resolution that would ultimately obviate the need for further litigation. Platkin announced the changes to the program Thursday, but the update still does not require the state to ask for informed consent before retaining the blood, nor does it implement safeguards for what the state can do with the samples. The directive explained that records and bloodspots can only be obtained through a court-issued subpoena. Law enforcement was previously able to gain access through a grand jury subpoena, a search warrant based on probable cause, or an administrative subpoena. Platkin also noted that 'law enforcement has almost never sought to use this material as part of an investigation.' But officers allegedly illegally obtained blood samples in 2021 to convict Brian Avis for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in 1996 and a five-year-old girl in 2003. Boonton mother Erica Jedynak, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said on Thursday: 'Until the state actually asks parents for their permission before retaining their baby's blood, we'll continue to fight against this policy in court' Hannah Lovaglio, a resident of Cranbury and plaintiff, told DailyMail.com in November: 'This is a true parent right's issue. This is their body; this is their property taken from them from five years of being a minor, and the state is not required to give any justification' The samples were obtained from the card of a Avis' now 12-year-old child, leading to his arrest in 2022. Avis was sentenced to an aggregate and is serving 17 years in New Jersey State Prison. 'There is the Fourth Amendment right that [protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government] and that the Supreme Court recognizes that parents have a fundamental right to protect their children and make decisions,' said Morris. 'We are saying the state is infringing on that.' New Jersey has a laboratory in Trenton where samples are sent for disease testing, but the warehouse in which they are stored is unknown. The lawsuit claimed that the lab processes more than 100,000 newborn tests each year. 'This is a small step in the right direction, but the state is still refusing to do the one thing that will make its retention program constitutional: Ask parents for informed consent,' said Morris on Thursday. 'Obviously two years is better than 23 years, but the length of the retention is irrelevant if the state refuses to get informed consent from parents. Institute for Justice (IJ) attorney Brian Morris, told DailyMail.com: 'New Jersey is among the worst. The biggest problem is that it is a black hole with no regulations governing this retention' 'Attorney General Plotkin had the chance to make this program constitutional, but this certainly does not achieve that.' In December 2020, it was revealed that investigators in California had sought access to newborn screening samples for criminal investigative purposes and made at least one arrest using the genetic material. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia proposed a databank of the DNA-filled newborn blood spots in 2002 and using themseemingly without parent consentfor additional purposes beyond the infant genetic screening program, according to the Citizens' Council on Health Care. Some states, such as South Carolina and South Dakota, destroy the blood spots after a year or as soon as testing has been completed. Other states that store newborn DNA for years have regulations to limit what can be done with the samples, and some, like Alabama and Arizona, let parents refuse blood retention. Approximately 29 US states provide parents with forms to refuse to screen, including Alabama, New York and Nevada. Ellidy Pullin is ready to start dating again, four years after the tragic death of her long-time partner, snowboard champion Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin. The 31-year-old, who had Chumpy's child, daughter Minnie Alex, two, through an incredible IVF and posthumous sperm retrieval process, said she is 'excited' about jumping back into the dating pool. Speaking to her close friend Chloe Fisher on their podcast Darling, Shine!, Ellidy said she would love to date a tradie but isn't ready for anything serious just yet. 'Absolutely open to dating, actually excited about it, it's a f**king jungle out there though,' she said with a laugh. 'It would be sick to be walking through Woolworths and someone just picks the same apple as me.' Ellidy Pullin says she is ready to start dating again, four years after the tragic death of her long-time partner, snowboard champion Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin She went on to say that while she is eager to dip her toe into the dating world 'for a bit of fun' she isn't ready 'to bring someone into our lives as something serious'. Ellidy said she has a very specific checklist for what she's looking for in her next man. 'I just wanna find a f**king tradie who's nice, and we get along, and we just have that chemistry. Someone who likes adventure. Who is up for travelling,' she said. Ellidy gave birth to Minnie in 2021, naming her after Chumpy who passed aged 32 when he drowned while spearfishing on the Gold Coast. The 31-year-old, who had Chumpy's child, daughter Minnie Alex , two, through an incredible IVF and posthumous sperm retrieval process, said she is 'excited' about jumping back into the dating pool Ellidy and Chumpy had been dating for eight years before his sudden death, and while they never married, Ellidy changed her last name to Pullin in his honour Ellidy and Chumpy had been dating for eight years before his sudden death, and while they never married, Ellidy changed her last name to Pullin in his honour. It comes after Ellidy opened up last week about life without Chumpy, raising their daughter Minnie, and what her future looks like. Ellidy said there is still some of her late partner's sperm available if she wanted 'another Chumpy bubba', but she is considering other options. 'I do see myself having a baby one day with someone else, maybe in like five years' time, but I can't really see myself getting married,' she told the Gold Coast Bulletin. Ellidy went on to say that while she is not yet at the point where she wants to date anyone long-term, she has had some flings while on holiday. Vick Hope looked radiant in a copper metallic plunging dress as she stepped out for the launch of NAOMI: In Fashion at London's V&A. The BBC Radio 1 presenter, 34, was beaming as she stepped out in a glitzy ensemble for Wednesday's event celebrating supermodel Naomi Campbell's new exhibition. She looked glamorous for the event in a metallic capped sleeve BOSS dress, complete with a tight waistband and full skirt. Vick opted for gold accessories to finish of the look, including a clutch bag, stilettos and a collection of diamond jewellery. The Naomi: In Fashion exhibition explores the iconic model's amazing 40-year career in the fashion world. Vick Hope looked radiant in a copper metallic plunging BOSS dress as she stepped out for the launch of NAOMI: In Fashion at London's V&A The BBC Radio 1 presenter, 34, was beaming as she stepped out in a glitzy ensemble for Wednesday's event celebrating supermodel Naomi Campbell's new exhibition It will open June 22 2024 and run until April 6 2025 and will feature past and present pieces from the designers who helped shape Naomi's early career. Outfits from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Virgil Abloh and more are set to be included. Vick returned from Spain earlier this month where she and Calvin attended Scott Mills' wedding. The BBC Radio 2 presenter, 51, got married to Sam Vaughan whom he began dating in 2016 and proposed to in 2021. Vick and Calvin happily returned the favour after Scott and Sam, 35, attended their wedding in 2023. The couple tied the knot in a lavish Glastonbury-themed wedding in September. After their wedding, Vick and Calvin jetted off to Brindisi in Italy on a 25million private jet for their romantic honeymoon. In February, Vick opened up about her decision to professionally drop the Nigerian Igbo 'Nwosu' from her double-barreled surname Nwosu-Hope. She looked glamorous for the event in a metallic capped sleeve dress, complete with a tight waistband and full skirt Vick opted for gold accessories to finish of the look, including a clutch bag, stilettos and a collection of diamond jewellery The Naomi: In Fashion exhibition explores the iconic model's amazing 40-year career in the fashion world The exhibition will feature past and present pieces from the designers who helped shape Naomi's early career Outfits from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Virgil Abloh and more are set to be included She told Mixed Messages: 'My name has always been double-barreled. When it came to deciding to drop Nwosu for work, it was a really hard decision that I agonised over for a long time. 'It was something that was suggested to me by my agents at the time, who I havent worked with for years ... I will always be Victoria Nwayawu NwosuHope, and anyone who knows me knows that.' Previously, Vick revealed her and Calvin's love story actually goes all the way back to the mid-Noughties. Vick shared that when she was 19 she rejected a 24-year-old Calvin's advances when he was riding on the high of Acceptable In The 80s. She told You Magazine: 'It's something that we laughed about on our first proper date. We still laugh about it now.' BBC Radio 2 host Scott, 51, who has been in a relationship with producer Sam, 35, since 2017, tied the knot in a stunning Mediterranean Villa in Barcelona on Saturday The ceremony looked incredible and Scott's former co-host Chris Stark (right) took on Master of Ceremony duties While Calvin went on to become one of the highest paid disk jockeys/producers, racking up an estimated 200-plus million fortune, Vick previously admitted she was 'shallow' and had no idea he would turn into 'an Adonis'. Talking about her engagement to Calvin, Vick confessed she kept the details of her engagement private noting it was a 'very special moment' and that 'it was... perfect. She said: 'We don't really put anything on social media because the time we have together is 'real life' and it's our own. 'For the first time in a long time, I'm finishing work and going home to a life that is just mine. I'm learning to find balance and peace.' Jodie Turner-Smith cut a typically stylish figure as she attended the V&A Summer Party 2024 at The V&A in London on Wednesday. The actress, 37, effortlessly turned heads as she arrived to the event in a pink BOSS blazer with black buttons and matching trousers. The Queen & Slim star added height to her frame with a pair of black heels and also sported a pair of glasses as she posed for the cameras. Showing off her natural locks, Jodie accentuated her natural beauty with a light palette of makeup. The star's outing comes shortly after she broke her silence on her ex-husband Joshua Jackson's new romance with Lupita Nyong'o. Jodie Turner-Smith cut a typically stylish figure as she attended the V&A Summer Party 2024 at The V&A in London on Wednesday The actress, 37, effortlessly turned heads as she arrived to the event in a pink BOSS blazer with black buttons and matching trousers The Queen & Slim star added height to her frame with a pair of black heels and also sported a pair of glasses as she posed for the cameras Jodie filed for divorce in October last year, citing 'irreconcilable differences' after four years of marriage. The two stars agreed to join custody of their daughter named Juno Rose Diana Jackson, four. Sources told DailyMail.com at the time Joshua had been left 'heartbroken' over the split. But, just weeks later, the Fringe actor, 45, confirmed his romance with Lupita, 40. They were photographed holding hands publicly. Speaking out on Joshua's romance with Lupita for the first time, Jodie told The Cut on Friday: 'Good for them,' Jodie said. 'We need happiness in order to peacefully co-parent. I'm trying to get us to the Gwyneth [Paltrow] and Chris Martin level.' 'I truly hope they're happy and that it benefits us as a family,' The Acolyte starlet said, putting their daughter first. The Anne Boleyn actress went on to explain what co-parenting with Joshua is like and how she's adapted to life as a single mother. 'I just have to do everything that I can to set Juno up to win and to peacefully co-parent with someone whom I once loved very, very much,' she told the outlet. The star's outing comes shortly after she broke her silence on her ex-husband Joshua Jackson 's new romance with Lupita Nyong'o (pictured) Jodie filed for divorce from Joshua in October 2023 after four years of marriage; seen in 2022 'Peace is what's needed right now. Grace is what's needed right now. Love, empathy, compassion. I'm trying to be all those things and have faith that when I'm all those things, I will see that reflected back toward me,' she finished. Joshua and Jodie were married from 2019 and split indefinitely in 2023, with him moving on with Lupita just weeks after the divorce filing at a Janelle Monae concert in L.A. Two months later in December, it was confirmed that they were officially. Back in March, Joshua and Lupita were spotted sharing a passionate kiss during a getaway to Mexico. Aussie model Gabrielle 'Gabby' Epstein defiantly brushed off criticism she's 'too skinny' on Wednesday when she modelled a white lingerie set during a photo shoot. Gabby, 31, showed off her incredibly ripped abs and long slender legs in a lace bra, matching garter belt and G-string. She paired the raunchy look with a pair of classic nude pumps and a few staple pieces of gold jewellery, which included several rings. With her tresses twisted into large, loose curls, Gabby posed up a storm with her Labrador retriever. At one point, she crouched down to let the pooch place a paw on her knee. Aussie model Gabrielle 'Gabby' Epstein defiantly brushed off criticism she's 'too skinny' on Wednesday when she modelled a white lingerie set during a photo shoot It comes after Gabby was forced to hit back at cruel trolls who body-shamed her after she posted some bikini pictures. In the images, Gabby slipped into a crop top and a tiny pair of leopard print bikini bottoms which sat very high on her waist. She accessorised with gold belly jewellery and a cowboy hat alongside the caption: 'Babe let's go it's a Joe Exotic summer!' Gabby, 31, showed off her incredibly ripped abs and long slender legs in a lace bra, matching garter belt and G-string Some followers left insulting comments beneath the snap, with one person sharing a gif of a dancing skeleton, while others wrote 'only bones' and '#eatingdisorder'. But the vilest of the messages came from someone who said: 'That is the most unflattering bathing suit I've seen on a holocaust victim.' Gabby hit back at the shocking message, writing: 'Somewhere in the world there's a tree working really hard to replace the oxygen you waste.' It comes after Gabby was forced to hit back at cruel trolls who body-shamed her after she posted some bikini pictures In the images, Gabby slipped into a crop top and a tiny pair of leopard print bikini bottoms which sat very high on her waist She accessorised with gold belly jewellery and a cowboy hat alongside the caption: 'Babe let's go it's a Joe Exotic summer!' Some followers left insulting comments beneath the snap, with one person sharing a gif of a dancing skeleton, while others wrote 'only bones' and '#eatingdisorder' Fans flocked to the model's back in support, with one commenting, 'Cue the body shamers,' alongside a face palm emoji Fans flocked to the model's defense, with one commenting, 'Cue the body shamers,' alongside a face palm emoji. Another added: 'Fugg [sic] anyone who lets jealousy make them hateful. Your body is 10/10.' Yet another follower commended Gabby for standing up for herself, saying: 'Good for you. This comment to you was disrespectful and hurtful. I'm glad you spoke up.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Gabby for comment. Married At First Sight's Jade Pywell has revealed the controversial way she intimidates children who 'aren't nice' to her daughter Victoria. The Gold Coast-based bombshell, 26, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a video of herself getting glammed up for her confrontation. Jade, who was paired with Ridge Barredo on 2024's season of the reality TV dating show, was shown applying lip gloss while wearing an olive jumper and tight black pants. Over the top of the clip, she wrote, 'me on the way to my daughter's school to stare at all the kids who aren't nice to her.' The post's caption read, 'this is obviously a joke...unless you saw me...then I guess it's not,' followed by smiling emoji. Married At First Sight's Jade Pywell has revealed the controversial way she intimidates children who 'aren't nice' to her daughter Victoria. The Gold Coast-based bombshell, 26, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a video of herself getting ready. Pictured Jade, who was paired with Ridge Barredo on 2024's season of the reality TV dating show, was shown applying lip gloss while wearing an olive jumper and tight black pants Jade and Ridge, 27, were the surprise success story of this year's season of MAFS, with many viewers questioning her 'husband's' maturity and commitment to the relationship. The pair revealed their plans to start a family earlier this year. The lovebirds said they hope to have twin babies in the near future so they can give Jade's eight-year-old daughter Victoria some siblings to play with. The caption to the post read, 'this is obviously a joke...unless you saw me...then I guess it's not,' followed by smiling emoji 'Boy and girl twins! I'll definitely be waiting for another ring before we have any kiddies,' Jade told New Idea magazine. 'The show doesn't count. I'd like a proper engagement, instead of me just being handed to him.' Ridge added he was committed to having children with Jade so their family could be complete. It comes after Ridge and Jade revealed their plans to start a family earlier this year Ridge and Jade's relationship has been going from strength to strength however their pairing on MAFS was initially questioned during their wedding ceremony Their pairing on MAFS was initially questioned during their wedding ceremony after Ridge cracked several immature jokes while delivering his vows. He also repeatedly used a made-up catchphrase 'deece' and described himself as 'gorgeous', leaving Jade's sister very unimpressed. Ridge also promised to provide 'safety and security' in their relationship, before bizarrely adding, 'because I know you girls love that stuff'. Sir Michael Caine looked in good spirits as he was joined by his glamorous wife Shakira for dinner at The Ivy in London on Wednesday evening. The legendary actor, 91, made his way inside the swanky eatery with the help of a walking frame. The film star has had trouble with his mobility since he fell on ice and broke his ankle in 2018. Michael dressed to impress for the evening out with his spouse, cutting a dapper figure in a navy blazer and dark trousers which he wore with a light blue shirt. Meanwhile, former actress Shakira, 77, was as stylish as ever in a shimmering black shirt teamed with statement silver earrings. The stunner carried a chic pale blue jacket with her, while storing her essentials in a black, crocodile print handbag. Sir Michael Caine looked in good spirits as he was joined by his glamorous wife Shakira for dinner at The Ivy in London on Wednesday evening The legendary actor, 91, made his way inside the swanky eatery with the help of a walking frame. The film star has had trouble with his mobility since he fell on ice and broke his ankle in 2018 Her husband was aided by a trio of assistants, who ensured the movie star got inside safely. Last year he switched to a walker after undergoing back surgery in 2022. Michael has spinal stenosis, a condition that narrows the spinal canal and can cause back and leg pain. Surgery is usually recommended only when non-surgical treatments have not been effective. The actor previously explained: 'I have a spine problem which affects my leg, so I can't walk very well.' Michael announced his retirement from acting in October 2023 - after a career spanning eight decades. His final film, biographical drama The Great Escaper, was released the same month as his announcement. Former actress Shakira, 77, was as stylish as ever in a shimmering black shirt teamed with statement silver earrings Michael dressed to impress for the evening out with his spouse, cutting a dapper figure in a navy blazer and dark trousers which he wore with a light blue shirt Michael was aided by a trio of assistants, who ensured the movie star got inside safely The star was later given a helping hand once more following dinner It is based on the true story of British World War II Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan who, at 89 years old, 'broke out' of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France in June 2014. Also starring was Glenda Jackson, and the film proved to be her last role as she died just weeks after filming concluded. However, Michael may still have another production under his belt. Michael announced his retirement from acting in October 2023 - after a career spanning eight decades (pictured in August 2021) As 2023 drew to a close, The Sun reported that Michael will come out of retirement to star in an unnamed Netflix programme. A source told the publication: 'He's been asked to star in a Netflix series. Details are kept closely guarded.' Representatives for Michael and Netflix have been contacted by MailOnline for further comment. Toni Collette has been living life to the fullest in recent months following her separation from her long-time husband Dave Galafassi. The Muriel's Wedding star, 51, is currently in Europe filming her upcoming movie Under The Stars, which is being filmed in the Apulia region of Italy. Working alongside veteran actor Andy Garcia, 68, the pair look to be having the time of their lives together. But the same cannot be said about her ex-husband Dave, 47, who appears to be miserable as of late. The Aussie drummer, who has recently been romantically linked to fellow actress Claudia Karvan, was seen out and about in Sydney last week looking pensive and lonely. Toni Collette (left) has been living life to the fullest in recent months, but the same cannot be said about her ex Dave Galafassi (right) The Hereditary star announced her separation from ex-husband Dave Galafassi (right) after 19 years of marriage back in December 2022 Alone for the outing, Dave wore a bright green hoodie and washed-out grey jeans while walking with his mobile in hand at Bondi Beach He later took what looked to be an important phone call. The musician hasn't been sighted with Claudia in months, sparking questions if they are still together or have called time on their relationship. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Claudia Karvan's representatives for comment regarding her relationship with Dave Galafassi. Dave, who was a drummer in an indie rock band when he met the About a Boy star, confirmed his split from Golden Globe winner Toni in December 2022 after 19 years together, when he was pictured passionately kissing Sydney chiropractor Shannon Egan at Manly Beach in Sydney. The Muriel's Wedding star, 51, is currently in Europe filming her upcoming movie Under The Stars, which is being filmed in the Apulia region of Italy Working alongside veteran actor Andy Garcia (left), 68, the pair look to be having the time of their lives together Meanwhile, her ex Dave was seen out and about in Sydney last week looking pensive and lonely Daily Mail Australia contacted Toni's management about the photos, and hours later she announced the couple had split in a joint statement released on her newly reactivated Instagram account. 'It is with grace and gratitude that we announce we are divorcing,' the pair wrote. 'We're united in our decision and part with continuing respect and care for each other. 'Our kids are of paramount importance to us and we will continue to thrive as a family, albeit a different shape. We're thankful for the space and love you grant us as we evolve and move through this transition peacefully. Big thanks.' Toni was in Italy filming Mafia Mamma when news of her divorce made global headlines. The pair met in 2002 at the launch of Galafassi's band's debut album Metal Detector in Sydney, and their second encounter came just a few days later at a house party. The musician hasn't been sighted with Claudia Karvan in months, sparking questions if they are still together or have called time on their relationship. Pictured in November 2023 Toni was in Italy filming Mafia Mamma when news of her divorce made global headlines They were married with Buddhist rituals on her property at Berry on the NSW south coast less than a year after they met, in January 2003. Meanwhile, Dave and Claudia were spotted for the first time smooching during a romantic surfing date at Bondi Beach at the end of last year. Photos showed the couple, both dressed in wetsuits, exchanging kisses in the waves as they floated around on their surfboards. An onlooker told Woman's Day magazine the pair arrived at the beach and left together, adding: 'They just seemed really happy together and weren't bothered by anyone seeing them.' Claudia's last known romance was with ex-partner Jeremy Sparks, who she dated for 22 years before splitting in 2017. The former couple maintain a harmonious relationship and co-parent their daughter Audrey, 22, and son Albee, 17. Dave meanwhile shares daughter Sage, 15, and son Arlo, 12, with ex Toni. Toni and Claudia have plenty in common. Aside from their strikingly similar looks and their shared hometown of Sydney, the actresses have both enjoyed successful careers in cinema, television and the stage. Toni is best known for her roles in Muriel's Wedding, Hereditary, Little Miss Sunshine and About A Boy. Claudia is most recognised for her roles in The Secret Life of Us, Love My Way, Bump and Daybreakers. Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori has been roasted after showing off her new pink hair colour while stepping out with the rapper in Paris. The former Yeezy architect, 29, debuted the bright locks at the PROTOTYPES Menswear spring/summer 2025 show on Wednesday. Fans quickly slammed Censori's new hair colour on social media, insisting it looks 'atrocious' and 'horrible'. 'She's delusional if she thinks that's a good look - it's absolutely hideous,' one person wrote. 'Her hair looks melted, fried...horrible,' another agreed, while a third said: 'The more outrageous they try to be, the more boring they become.' Kanye West 's wife Bianca Censori has been roasted after showing off her new pink hair colour as she stepped out with the rapper in Paris 'I'm sure it's her pink hair that caught everyone's attention,' one sarcastically wrote, referring to Bianca's revealing ensemble. 'Same look, different hair colour. Still atrocious,' another said. 'I think having pink hair is the least of her problems,' one person agreed. Despite some backlash, others defended Censori and said they love her bright new look. 'Loving the hair but she never smiles though never seems very happy to me. I hope she's ok,' one commented. 'She looks good,' another agreed. She debuted the bright, youthful locks at the PROTOTYPES Menswear spring/summer 2025 show in Paris on Wednesday Censori- who has already been a brunette and a blonde in the past - seemed happy with the new hue as she wore her shorter hair in loose, slightly wavy tendrils - although the new do may have been a convincing wig. She had very little clothing on: she modelled a backless and sheer nude thong leotard that flashed the flesh. The budding star added knee-high stockings with heels. The stepmother to Kim Kardashian's four kids North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm walked to the front row of the fashion show late with West by her side. Fans quickly slammed her new hair colour on social media. Censori has already been a brunette and a blonde in the past It comes after Japanese locals were left outraged last week after Censori put on another shocking display during a shopping trip in Tokyo. Censori flaunted her backside in a ribbed cream G-string leotard as she walked through a public shopping mall with West, 47. She also went braless in the sheer ensemble, appearing to leave shop assistants shocked over her attire. Critics have slammed Censori's display, with one arguing it should be considered 'public indecency', a charge which comes with a fine of up to 300,000 yen (AU$2,878), according to The Penal Code of Japan. It comes after Japanese locals have been left outraged last week after Censori put on another shocking display during a shopping trip in Tokyo 'As a Japanese national I am disgusted. This is bad behaviour. I don't understand the need to blatantly expose yourself like this. It is unacceptable,' one person said. A second wrote: 'Absolutely no need and should be charged with indecency. An insult to the Japanese culture.' 'She has no self respect, he has no respect for her and they have no respect for the Japanese culture,' another commented. 'The utter disrespect shown by this pair is shameful,' one person agreed. Another said: 'The Japanese are offended by this behaviour. They should be ashamed of themselves. Show some respect when going to another country.' Others said the display was 'disrespectful' to residents of the conservative country. Italian locals also previously complained to the police that she was walking around in public 'virtually naked' during a trip in Europe 'In a country known for its modesty and discretion. this is rudeness and a blatant provocation, they should be asked to leave,' one commented. 'That's so inappropriate in Japan. Respect is so important to them,' another said. 'Japan is a very modest and conservative country in terms of fashion so it's incredible that Bianca is able to dress like that and get away with it. It's unfortunate that money and influence holds so,' another wrote. Matthew McConaughey has not always found his prospects in Hollywood to be alright, alright, alright. The Academy Award winner, 54, revealed he 'stepped out of Hollywood' for two years as he considered leaving the industry altogether, while speaking with Glen Powell for Interview Magazine. 'I've usually zigged when I felt like Hollywood wanted me to zag,' he said. 'When I had my rom-com years, there was only so much bandwidth I could give to those, and those were some solid hits for me. 'But I wanted to try some other stuff. Of course I wasn't getting it, so I had to leave Hollywood for two years,' explained McConaughey. He recalled confiding in wife Camila Alves during the 'scary' time as he considered a career change. Matthew McConaughey revealed he 'stepped out of Hollywood' for two years as he considered leaving the industry altogether 'I've usually zigged when I felt like Hollywood wanted me to zag,' he said. 'When I had my rom-com years, there was only so much bandwidth I could give to those, and those were some solid hits for me' 'Dude, it was scary. I had long talks with my wife about needing to find a new vocation. "I think I'm going to teach high school classes. I think I'm going to study to be a conductor. I think I'm going to go be a wildlife guide,"' McConaughey went through the list. 'I honestly thought, "I stepped out of Hollywood. I got out of my lane,"' he explained. 'The lane Hollywood said I should stay in, and Hollywood's like, "Well, f*** you, dude. You should have stayed in your lane. Later."' McConaughey continued, 'It was scary. The days are long the sense of insignificance. But I made up my mind that that's what I needed to do, so I wasn't going to pull the parachute and quit the mission I was on. But it was scary, because I didn't know if I was ever going to get out of the desert.' The Dallas Buyers Club actor explained that with success came in Hollywood came a new set of anxieties. 'For me, going back to A Time to Kill, after I first had a big success in a major studio picture and became famous, I remembered that the Thursday before that movie opened, there's 100 scripts out there that I would've done, and 99 of them I could not book,' said McConaughey. 'Over that one weekend, 99 noes became 99 yeses.' He added, 'I was like, "What? Three days ago, I'd have done any of these! And now you're asking me which one I want to do?" It was a hell of a shocking thing. I chucked on a backpack and went to Peru for three weeks just so I could hear myself think.' McConaughey bonded with the Twisters star over the need 'to be discerning' with the parts they take, so not to get typecast. 'I've had similar runs where I've said no to things, where I'm like, "Am I being too safe, or am I ferociously chasing what I want?"' he said. 'Because sometimes you can get paralyzed in the no's,' McConaughey added. 'I've had plenty of times in my career where I'm like, "I dont know what I want to do, I just know I don't want to do that.'" 'But I wanted to try some other stuff. Of course I wasn't getting it, so I had to leave Hollywood for two years,' explained McConaughey He recalled confiding in wife Camila Alves during the 'scary' time as he considered a career change: 'I had long talks with my wife about needing to find a new vocation' The Dazed and Confused star, 54, moved home to Texas in 2014 with Alves, 41, and their sons Levi, 15, Livingston, 11, and 14-year-old daughter Vida The Dazed and Confused star moved home to Texas in 2014 with Alves, 41, and their sons Levi, 15, Livingston, 11, and 14-year-old daughter Vida. His potential career changes during his time away from Hollywood included a Texas gubernatorial run that almost happened. McConaughey has also served as a 'visiting instructor' at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, where he currently serves on the faculty of the Radio/Television/Film department and the school's self-appointed 'minister of culture.' Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff interviews climate special presidential envoy John Kerry during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in San Francisco in November. Benioff and his wife, Lynne, have donated another 158 acres to the Hawaii Island Community Development Corp. to build affordable housing in Ouli, Waimea. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff prepares to introduce OpenAI CEO Sam Altman ahead of a conversation held at Yerba Buena Theater during the first day of Dreamforce, the annual tech conference hosted by Salesforce, in San Francisco in September 2023. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife, Lynne, have donated another 158 acres to the Hawaii Island Community Development Corp. to build affordable housing in Ouli in Waimea on the island of Hawaii. This adds to the 282 acres they donated in December, bringing their total contribution to 440 acres. We are so pleased that HICDC is able to use this land to support this important need, the Benioffs, who reside at a $25 million beachside estate near the agricultural town of Waimea, said in a statement. We are inspired by all that (Executive Director) Keith Kato and his team have accomplished across the years in providing self-help housing and affordable rentals to families on the Big Island and are honored to support their work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Ouli Project will start with 43 self-help affordable housing units and include single-family homes, parks and community spaces. Our goal is to move quickly as affordable housing is needed today for low to moderate-income residents on Hawaii Island, Kato said in a statement. Without the Benioffs donations, none of this would be possible today. Marc Benioffs net worth is $8.9 billion, according to Forbes. The co-founder of the San Francisco-based tech giant has often touted the idea of ohana a Hawaiian term for family in Salesforces corporate culture. A recent NPR story found the couple has bought more than 600 acres in Hawaii, worth approximately $100 million, since 2000. A Benioff spokesperson said the couple gave away 90% of that land. Their contributions in Hawaii include more than $250 million to various causes, including a recent $150 million gift to expand hospitals and $7 million for the Ouli Project sites planning and infrastructure. They have also donated to disaster relief, fire safety, emergency transport, education and environmental causes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad American Idol producer Wylleen May will not return for season 23 of the hit singing competition show. May has served as Executive In Charge Of Production since the show's inception in 2002. She was let go by Fremantle, the production company behind American Idol, following season 22, which wrapped up on May 19. 'It is hard to express the gratitude I have to the team at Fremantle and American Idol, the place I knew as home for the last 22 years,' said May in a statement to Deadline on Wednesday. 'It may sound cliche, but it was my absolute honor to work day in and day out with people I consider to be some of the most talented, dedicated, and devoted in the business. I will miss you terribly.' American Idol producer Wylleen May will not return for season 23 of the hit singing competition show; Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan with host Ryan Seacrest in 2024 She shared her gratitude for being able to contribute to American Idol's lasting legacy but admitted she's 'sad to be leaving.' 'I will forever cherish my time with Idol, and hope I am remembered for my experience, passion, and dedication to my role. All we want for ourselves is to know that our work had a lasting impact,' she continued. 'I am excited for my next journey, and what that will bring. Sometimes you need a little push forward, and I am grateful for all of it beginning, middle, and end.' May made sure to address the circumstances related to the HR investigation she was involved with in late 2023 over her alleged interactions with team members. 'Unfortunately, my exit has been the subject of hurtful speculation and innuendo. Yes, at the end of 2023, I was the subject of an HR investigation following a complaint about how I interacted with certain members of my team.' She continued, 'I fully and completely cooperated with this investigation, and it was closed quickly without any action taken. 'The decision to move on from me to a new EIC is not related, and any implication otherwise is completely misleading and inaccurate.' A Fremantle spokesperson would share the company's gratitude for her service on the series, while also confirming her comments about the HR investigation having nothing to do with the decision to change the EIC position. 'Wylleen has played a crucial role in helping build the lasting legacy of American Idol over the course of 22 seasons. She steered the production to enduring success, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions and dedication to the show,' the spokesperson said. Like May, Fremantle also maintained the 'decision to make staffing changes for the next season was not based on the conclusion of any [HR] investigation.' May had been with American Idol team since its original launch ahead of the June 2002 premiere on Fox, as well as the series revival on ABC in March 2018. This most recent season 22 also marked the end for Katy Perry, who worked as a judge with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan since the show's ABC's reboot. May has served as Executive In Charge Of Production since the show's inception in 2002; Judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell with host Ryan Seacrest in 2005 This most recent season 22 also marked the end for Katy Perry, who worked as a judge with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan since the show's ABC's reboot So far, there's been no official word on who might be brought in as Perry's replacement. Created by Simon Fuller and based on a British format, American Idol began in 2002 with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, along with Ryan Seacrest as host. The original trio of judges remained in tact for the first eight seasons, but the panel ended up seeing several changes that included brining in the likes of Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Mariah Carey, Nicki Ninaj, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. until its cancellation after the 15th season in 2016. When the show was revived by ABC in 2018, Perry, Richie and Bryan were brought in as the new set of judges. Kevin Costner says he was 'disappointed' after Yellowstone higher-ups did not publicly have his back amid his exit from the Western series. The Oscar-winning actor, 69, who is on the promotional trail for his new motion picture Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, chat with People Wednesday about his feelings on the touchy TV topic. 'I read all the stories,' Costner said. 'I was disappointed that nobody on their side ... ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them. 'There came a moment where I thought, '"Wow, when is somebody going to say something about what I have done versus what I haven't done?"' The A-lister said he enjoyed playing the role of John Dutton III during his five-season stint on the series between 2018 to 2022, for creators Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. Kevin Costner, 69, says he was 'disappointed' after Yellowstone higher-ups did not publicly have his back amid his exit from the Western series. Pictured Tuesday in NYC The A-lister played the role of John Dutton III during his five-season stint on the series between 2018 to 2022 'I loved the show,' Costner said. 'I liked the people on the show. I liked what it was about. I love that world.' Costner said he said that he had been patient for more than a year's time anticipating the show's storyline and shooting schedule, but 'the scripts weren't there' ultimately. 'There was a moment where that show for me stopped for 14 months,' Costner said. 'That's the fact. I could have done a lot of things in that time, but I wasn't aware that that [hold-up] was going to happen.' Costner was irked by reports he departed the series to work on his film series, or made himself available for filming for only one week, the publication reported. 'In the very end, I couldn't do any more for it than I had already done,' Costner said of the show. Costner said that he initially only agreed to be on a single season of the series in the first place. 'When it was first pitched to me by Taylor it was one season and [like] a long movie, which [is] speaking my language but ultimately, I think what happened was the studio didn't want that,' Costner told the outlet. 'And because he's such a prolific writer, he said, "I can do that. I can make a series that goes on."' Costner said he 'stepped up' and committed to work on the series for three seasons, and 'ended up doing it for five.' Costner said that he was impressed by the writing of Yellowstone and Sheridan's outline for the series storyline. The A-list actor said, 'I read all the stories. I was disappointed that nobody on their side ... ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them' Costner was pictured on the series opposite late actor Dabney Coleman 'I liked the writing and really, really liked what Taylor was doing,' Costner said. 'He understood the world of modern-day ranching and was able to create all this other type of drama inside it, but in an effective way.' Despite the hard feelings over his exit, Costner said he would consider appearing on Yellowstone again if the creative aspects aligned to his liking. 'I've always felt that it might be an interesting moment to come back and finish the mythology of this modern-day family,' Costner said. 'And if that happens, I would step into it if I agreed with how it was being done.' Suri Cruise gave Dawson's Creek fans deja vu as she attended her high school senior prom in New York City this week. Her mom Katie Holmes, 45, famously played the role of Joey Potter on the hit teen drama on The WB that aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003. Suri, 18, looked like the spitting image of Katie as she posed for photos with her prom date Toby Cohen as identified by DailyMail.com before hopping into an SUV with her friends. The photos immediately reminded fans of the iconic Dawson's Creek episode in season three where Joey goes to prom with James Van Der Beek's Dawson Leery. In episode 22, titled 'The Anti-Prom,' Joey throws together a special prom for her Capeside High classmates and Dawson takes her as his date amid a love triangle with Joshua Jackson's Pacey Witter. Like Suri, Joey's prom look featured a spaghetti strap dress, minimal jewelry and a classic 90s lip. Suri Cruise, 18, gave Dawson's Creek fans deja vu as she attended her high school senior prom in New York City this week with her date Toby Cohen. The photos immediately reminded fans of the iconic Dawson's Creek episode in season three where Katie's character Joey Potter goes to prom with James Van Der Beek's Dawson Leery The episode aired back on May 17, 2000 - nearly six years before Suri was born on April 18, 2006. The teenager headed to her senior prom on Tuesday night but was first seen hanging out outside the Ascent Lounge with her prom party before loading into a waiting car, as per photos obtained by DailyMail.com. She appeared to be in a great mood as she smiled plenty while chatting up her friends, including date Toby, a fellow high school graduate and budding musician who appears to have accompanied the teen to the milestone event as her date. Toby attended LaGuardia High School alongside Suri and is set to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston in the Fall, while Suri will head off to Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. There appeared to be no sign of Holmes but there was a woman in a black coat taking photographs of Suri, who turned 18 in April. Meanwhile, her estranged actor father Tom Cruise was last seen flying a helicopter in London where he has been spending much of his time lately. For her senior prom, Suri looked stunning in a floral print corset-style dress with a maroon piping. The dancer added high-heeled gold strappy shoes as she went bare legged for the milestone event in NYC. Suri had a purple flower corsage on her wrist from her prom date Toby, revealing that the teen was following with tradition. She wore her hair parted in the middle and down in soft summer waves. There were hints that Suri was going to attend prom this summer as she was seen looking at dresses three weeks ago in New York City. The star was spotted at a dress shop in lower Manhattan. The 18-year-old rocked a floral print corset-style dress with maroon piping while Toby looked dapper in a blue suit for the special occasion on Tuesday night In episode 22, titled 'The Anti-Prom,' Joey throws together a special prom for her Capeside High classmates and Dawson takes her as his date amid a love triangle with Joshua Jackson's Pacey Witter; Holmes and Jackson pictured Her mom Katie Holmes , 45, famously played the role of Joey Potter on the hit teen drama on The WB that aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003; Holmes seen with co-stars James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson in 1997 But the dress could belong to her fashion minded mother Katie, who recently shared that her only child often 'steals' clothing out of her closet. Holmes is known for wearing designer gowns from her pals like Zac Posen. Cruise has also hinted where she will attend college as she wore a Carnegie Mellon University sweatshirt in early June. DailyMail.com exclusively revealed she has been accepted into Pittsburgh's prestigious Carnegie Mellon University - which is about a two-hour flight, or a nine-hour drive from Berklee, where Toby will be studying. Suri revealed her Tartan pride in a playful TikTok where she and her friends each wore their chosen college's sweatshirt and revealed the name to the camera. Suri, whose famous father has had no part in her upbringing, has always been determined to forge her own way. She applied to a host of colleges with the artistic teen 'leaning towards' studying fashion. Carnegie Mellon's School of Design is one of the oldest and most highly ranked programs in the country. Now, with her acceptance into its hallowed halls, a notably chic mother and a wardrobe said to be worth $5million, Suri is off to the best possible start if that is her chosen path. One insider told DailyMail.com: 'She is a smart girl, and she is turning into a very intelligent mature young woman. She has a very close group of loyal friends, and she knows exactly where she comes from.' DailyMail.com exclusively revealed she has been accepted into Pittsburgh's prestigious Carnegie Mellon University - which is about a two-hour flight, or a nine-hour drive from Berklee, where her prom date Toby will be studying A source previously told DailyMail.com that mom Katie is 'overwhelmed' at the thought of sending her little girl off to college; seen on June 7 But though Holmes will surely be proud of her daughter's stellar achievement sources say she is 'overwhelmed' at the thought of sending her little girl off to college. Speaking recently, one told DailyMail.com: 'Katie takes great pride in her but is also extremely overprotective.' Perhaps it's little wonder given that, for the past 11 years, Holmes has effectively raised Suri solo. Sixty-one-year-old Cruise's only input to his daughter's life has been financial and he hasn't been seen with his daughter since 2013, after Holmes quit both the marriage and the Church of Scientology the religion to which Cruise is so devoted. According to their divorce settlement, Cruise agreed to pay Holmes $400,000 a year until Suri turned 18 and will continue to pay for her college fees as well. Under the terms of their agreement, though he may be physically absent from his daughter's life, he has and will continue to cover, 'medical, dental, insurance, education, college and other extracurricular costs.' But despite having little if any relationship with her dad, Suri is, according to sources, a happy and well-adjusted teen who has loved growing up in New York City. Although she was born to two famous parents, Suri was largely raised by her actress mom after losing contact with Scientologist dad Tom Cruise (pictured in 2007) following their divorce Holmes and Cruise had reportedly been keen to co-parent when they initially divorced in 2012. But Cruise's religion proved a bar to any continued contact with his ex-wife and child, just as it did to his former spouse, Nicole Kidman; Cruise seen in April Holmes and Cruise had reportedly been keen to co-parent when they initially divorced in 2012. But Cruise's religion proved a bar to any continued contact with his ex-wife and child, just as it did to his former spouse, Nicole Kidman. The 56-year-old actress has had no relationship with the son and daughter that she and Cruise adopted since she left the Church of Scientology, and they remained in it. Non-believers are deemed 'suppressive' by Scientologists and despite the Church's official denials multiple former Scientologists speak of being forbidden from having any continued relationship with people who have left the Church, regardless of the nature of their relationship. Hailey Bieber is serving some maternity glow with her latest Rhode Skin drop. The mommy-to-be, 27, put her baby bump on display in a blue bandana crop top and floral underwear as she posed in a field for a campaign she shared Wednesday on Instagram. 'Just cute things,' Bieber captioned the post. 'Wearing @rhode blush in piggy, launching tomorrow 9am pt.' She accessorized with a think pink ribbon bow in her hair, while flashing her giant $1.4 diamond ring from her recent vow renewal. Last month, Bieber appeared to reveal that she's expecting a girl when she posted about the 'cherry blossom in my belly.' Hailey Bieber put her baby bump on display in a blue bandana crop top and floral underwear as she posed in a field for a campaign she shared Wednesday on Instagram 'Just cute things,' Bieber captioned the post. 'Wearing @rhode blush in piggy, launching tomorrow 9am pt.' She accessorized with a think pink ribbon bow in her hair, while flashing her giant $1.4 diamond ring from her recent vow renewal Hailey and husband Justin Bieber previously announced their first pregnancy in a video from their intimate Hawaii ceremony. The mother-to-be debuted her baby bump in a custom Saint Laurent lace wedding dress by Anthony Vaccarello with matching veil. She and Justin, 30, privately tied the knot in November 2018 following a brief engagement, having their nuptials in South Carolina a year later. Following their pregnancy news, the couple confirmed to People that they are six months along and are due in late summer. Justin's mother Pattie Mallette celebrated the news that she's 'gonna be a grandma,' sharing her excitement in a video on Instagram. 'CONGRATULATIONS @justinbieber and @haileybieber!! My heart is so full. What an exciting new adventure. Love you so much!' she wrote in the caption. Mallette, 49, said the couple is 'going to be the best parents ever,' before clarifying that they're not having twins. Hailey's father Stephen Baldwin previously sparked rumors of marital trouble when posted about 'special challenges' the couple was facing in a since-deleted post on Instagram in February. The Bio-Dome actor, 58, asked for 'a little prayer for them to have wisdom, protection, and draw close to the Lord.' Last month, Bieber appeared to reveal that she's expecting a girl when she posted about the 'cherry blossom in my belly' Hailey and husband Justin Bieber previously announced their first pregnancy in a video from their intimate Hawaii ceremony Following their pregnancy news, the couple confirmed to People that they are six months along and are due in late summer It's now believed that comment was in reference to Hailey's pregnancy, after she revealed an ovarian cyst in 2022, following surgery for a heart defect. 'With both of them having various health struggles, they decided now, as opposed to trying a little later, would be the best time to have children,' a source told DailyMail.com. In recent years, Justin has also opened up about his struggles with Lyme disease and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. 'They are still young and will be able to enjoy being parents,' the insider added. 'As they grow old, they can watch their kids grow old too.' Robert De Niro, 80, gushed that his one-year-old daughter Gia is 'a little doll and called her 'so cute, and so innocent, and so lovable.' He and his girlfriend Tiffany Chen, 45, welcomed Gia last April and announced her arrival a few weeks later, sending shock waves through the public. Now a father of seven - with children raging in age from 52 to one - Robert has raved about the joys of being a parent even at his advanced age. 'Im lucky,' the GoodFellas actor explained. 'I have had help doing it with the kids, with the babies, so that makes it easier, more manageable.' The Taxi Driver star also shared the adorable first word that little Gia recently attempted to say, in an interview with Haute Living. Robert De Niro , 80, gushed that his one-year-old daughter Gia is 'a little doll and called her 'so cute, and so innocent, and so lovable' 'My girlfriend told me that she said a word close to "dada" yesterday. I wasnt there, but she was looking for something yesterday, and she said the word,' he said. 'Every little word that she says - or every little beginning of a word that shes starting to say now - is very sweet and adorable. Its that simple.' De Niro recently went viral for a splashy appearance outside Donald Trump's hush money trial in Manhattan, where he headlined a press conference for the Joe Biden campaign. The trial hinged on Trump's 34-installment payment to porn star Stormy Daniels to suppress her allegation that he had sex with her just months after his wife Melania gave birth to their son Barron. Trump was ultimately convicted of 34 felonies - one for each installment - and promptly received a surge in his poll numbers and donations from Americans who regarded the legal proceedings as politically motivated. In a flamboyant speech in front of the courthouse, De Niro denounced Trump as a 'clown' who 'could destroy the world' as the ex-president's supporters heckled him. Chelsea Handler, who is also a vociferously outspoken critic of Trump, revealed in early May that she was infatuated with De Niro. 'I feel sexually attracted to Robert De Niro, I always have and I would like to be penetrated by him,' she declared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He and his girlfriend Tiffany Chen , 45, welcomed Gia last April and announced her arrival a few weeks later; De Niro and Chen pictured last week at his Tribeca Festival De Niro and Chen are pictured in April attending a state dinner at the White House in honor of Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida De Niro was himself appearing on the same program that evening, and was accompanied to the studio by his girlfriend. 'I couldn't even go near him backstage because his girlfriend's back there and I don't want her to think that I'm making a move, but I want to make a move,' said Handler. Her remarks came months after Handler roasted De Niro as part of a handful of 'horny old men' who cannot restrain themselves from having children. She also took aim at Al Pacino, 84, who has four children, Alec Baldwin, 66, who has eight children, and Elon Musk, 52, who has 11 children. 'There's an epidemic sweeping the country and, no, it's not another virus, it's worse. Horny old men who won't stop spreading their seed,' she joked on Instagram. 'Don't get me started on these four horny old men who have never met a broken condom they didn't like. They cannot stop procreating.' The comic quipped: 'Elon Musk clearly isn't as old as Murdoch or De Niro, he's not in his 80s but because of his personality, he may as well be.' Kylie Jenner broke down in tears on this weeks episode of The Kardashians after internet trolls said she looked 'old' in unfiltered pictures taken at Paris Fashion Week back in January. Candid images of the 26-year-old went viral earlier this year and in a conversation with her sister Kendall on Wednesdays show, Kylie complained about how people had been making fun of her face. She said a photo of herself was sweeping the internet after she decided not to wear a lot of makeup. Kylie said that if she wore a lot of makeup, people would she she was wearing 'too much makeup,' but if she went in the opposite direction, people would also criticize her on social media. In particular, she was hurt that fans as well as cosmetic dermatologists and professionals experienced with injecting fillers and Botox had pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks. Kylie Jenner broke down in tears on this weeks episode of The Kardashians after internet trolls said she looked old in unfiltered pictures taken at Paris Fashion Week back in January She appeared to refer to her appearance at Paris Fashion Week (seen), when trolls claimed she looked 'old' and bashed her for alleged using too much filler Kylie's pared-back makeup look was the source of much speculation at the time - with some suggesting that her appearance was connected to her romance with Timothee Chalamet Some fans and professionals had speculated that she had used too much filler below her eyes and over her cheek bones, creating the prominent crease. However, the lines can be visible on anyone, even in children, and Kylie claimed that the feature had always been prominent on her going back to when she was a child. After she met up with her sister Kendall and attempted to prank their mother Kris Jenner on the series, they headed back to Kylie's home for what ended up being a heart to heart. They started out in a jubilant mood, but the conversation took a darker, more emotional turn as the cosmetics mogul made a major confession about how deeply the trolling comments about her appearance at Paris Fashion Week had hurt her, particularly because she had toned down her makeup and fillers. Kylie, who was wearing a chic dark blue denim jacket and matching jeans, noted that it's hard to spend time with her sisters because they're so busy. 'Well that was a failure,' she said as Kendall agreed that they were the 'worst prankers.' 'But, I love hanging out with you!' Kylie said. But then she confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty.' Kylie confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty' She was hurt that fans pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks, which they said could indicate too much filler use Kylie (seen in Paris) claimed during The Kardashians that she has had the lines on her face since she was a child Several experts weighed in on Kylie's new look after social media was set ablaze with speculation that she had overdone the filler Kylie complained to her sister about how people had been making fun of her online after she stepped out in the City of Lights for Paris Fashion Week. She said a photo had gone around of herself after she decided not to wear a lot of makeup. Kylie said that if she wore a lot of makeup, people would she she was wearing 'too much makeup,' but if she went in the opposite direction, people would also criticize her on social media. In particular, she was hurt that fans as well as cosmetic dermatologists and professionals experienced with injecting fillers and botox had pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks. Some fans and professionals had speculated that she had used too much filler below her eyes and over her cheek bones, creating the prominent crease. However, the lines can be visible on anyone, even in children, and Kylie claimed that the feature had always been prominent on her going back to when she was a child. 'I just hear nasty things about myself all the time,' Kylie admitted in the confessional interview. The billionaire reality star and cosmetics mogul wondered aloud to her sister why people didn't more prominently defend her online. Kendall was a sympathetic ear. Kylie wondered why it was acceptable to say mean things about her online and began to cry Kylie said she hadn't cried about the comments before, but she was set off by people who said it was fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalled reading. Kendall wrapped her arms around Kylie to comfort her as she sobbed Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' she said Im kind of like, so numb to people talking about my looks at this point, and I just want to know why on the internet no one says anything or thinks that its OK,' she said. Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' she said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings.' 'If you talked the same way you talk about us about any other woman, people would come to their defense all day long,' Kendall added. Kylie was particularly upset because she was trying to find a new, more natural looking, and she confessed to being on a 'journey' over the past year in which she dissolved 'half' of her lip filler. 'I think with me it's never going to change,' Kylie said, before pausing as tears started to well up in her eyes. As she brushed them away, Kendall took a seat next to hear and wrapped her in a hug. Why do people think its OK to talk about me? Kylie asked through her tears. She said she hadn't cried about the mean comments before, and as the tears slowed she shared how she occasionally sees defensive comments, but others claim online that it's fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalled reading. Kylie said people had complained about her looks even before she got fillers, and she seemed distressed that people say she looks 'old,' though Kendall claimed she looked younger than ever. Earlier, Kendall had cut out from the Balenciaga show her sister Kim Kardashian had been at in Beverly Hills to visit Kylie's house with an adorably fluffy puppy They wanted to introduce to their mother Kris' dog Bridgette, which was also a Poodle mix Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional Poodle, so they decided to prank their mom by giving her dog a surprise haircut The model said they would never get past the comments, as people would always assume they had both gotten 'full facial reconstructions.' 'I can't let the comments get me down,' Kylie said. 'I can't let the comments get me down. I have s*** to do. Rise above.' Earlier, Kendall had cut out from the Balenciaga show her sister Kim Kardashian had been at in Beverly Hills to visit Kylie's house. The model brought along an adorably fluffy puppy, which they wanted to introduce to their mother Kris' dog Bridgette. Bridgette, like the puppy, appeared to be a Poodle mix, and Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional Poodle with most of her hair trimmed short and accented with longer poofs. Hair grows, why not at least try, Kendall said. Kylie worried that their mother might be furious if she suddenly discovered her dog had gotten a drastic haircut, though Kendall thought their reality show might help them out of a jam. Because the cameras are on, I dont think shell get that mad, Kendall added. 'I think I'm good at pranks...' Kylie later said in a confessional, though she sounded unsure of herself and trailed off. The two made their way over to Kris' home and snuck in before calling out for Bridgette. The dog cautiously turned a corner and started to walk toward them, but Kendall and Kylie were disappointed to see that she had recently had a haircut, so her hair was too short for their intended cut. They ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced. Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a Poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? But Kylie vowed that they would think of a more substantial prank later. As they were leaving with the puppy, Kylie let out a high-pitched squeak that confused Kris, and she head to explain that it was a hiccup. 'That's your hiccup?!' Kris responded, as she had apparently never heard the unusual mouse-like squeal, and Kendall admitted that she sounded the same when she hiccupped. But Bridgette had already had her fur cut too short, and they ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a Poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open Kim was joined by her model sister Kendall, and she groused the Khloe skipped the show despite being invited, which she blamed on her belief that she has agoraphobia The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open. Fittingly, her model sister Kendall joined her, and the two walked along a closed-down street while navigating crowds of models and crew preparing the show. Every Balenciaga show is such a moment, so its really fun to see it all come to life,' Kim gushed later in her confessional interview. She noted that her sister Khloe Kardashian didn't join them despite being invited, and she added with some venom in her voice that her younger sister didn't come because the fashion show was 'outdoors' and in the 'daylight.' Kim then explained that she thinks Khloe may be suffering from agoraphobia, though it's not clear if she thought it might be a clinical case, or just that her sister is turning into a homebody. I get it, but its time to break out of it, she added with audible annoyance. Kim noted that she is officially a brand ambassador for Balenciaga, even though people had assumed she was long before that after she began wearing numerous outfits from the Spanish fashion house. Kim's ex-husband Kanye West had previously collaborated with Balenciaga, but the luxury fashion line severed their ties in 2022 in the wake of antisemitic comments the rapper made. Kim also noted that she was getting ready to pitch a new comedy film, which she will presumably star in, so she was branching out and even busier than usual. Kim was now a Balenciaga Ambassador, so her presence was essential Celebrities including Cardi B and Brigitte Nielsen walked the runway After the Balenciaga show, Kim had more on her plate as she drove around to five film studios around town to pitch a new rom-com film she would presumably star in The movie was titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was to be written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito (pictured) While she was at the fashion show, it cuts away to reveal other stars walking with the models, including Brigitte Nielsen and Cardi B. After the show, Kim had more on her plate as she drove around to five film studios around town to pitch a new comedy film she would presumably star in. The film was tentatively titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito. While she was being chauffeured, her agent Brad Slater was giving her a pep talk. I know youre more nervous than me Kim began. Im not nervous, Im excited for you,' Brad replied. He reminded her that she had done so many things in her career, but pitching a movie written for her was a new adventure. Kim said she was staying calm because she doesnt get excited for things until theyre confirmed. That way she doesnt get let down if they fall through. Kim got a pep talk from her agent between pitches, but she said she didn't want to get excited unless it was confirmed that the film would be made Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed, but she wasn't going far from home, and her excuse was that Kourtney might go into labor at any moment. The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce. The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child. I am not open for business you are! Khloe said, as she emphasized that she wanted to be single for a while. But she was happy for her friend and approved of her trying to find a real partner before resulting to an anonymous sperm donor. While they talked about a date that didn't end well with an insistent suitor who wouldn't stop texting Malika, Khloe admitted that she had been turned on when her ex-husband Lamar Odom found out they had the same business manager and sought out her contact info after she wouldnt give him her number. She found his persistence sexy. While driving, Khloe also complained that they couldn't have as much fun in public anymore because there are phones everywhere now. In a confessional, Khloe admitted she didn't want to start dating again because it might f*** up her kids, and she had been disappointed by her recent romantic interests. While Malika had a suitor she found too persistent, Khloe said she found her ex-husband Lamar Odom's persistence sexy The show cut back to Kim in her car after she had finished her first pitch. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer The show cut back to Kim in her car after she had finished her first pitch. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer. At the end of the meeting, she said she had so much going on that unless were going to be the biggest commercial movie and have the best cast and break the internet, she wouldn't be able to give it her all. In a confessional, she admitted she would have to give something up, and the producer asked her what it would be. 'My sleep,' she responded without a pause. Back at the goat farm, Khloe gushed over how 'cute' the little animals were. True would die, Khloe said, before FaceTiming her daughter, who clearly loved the animals, even as they tried to eat Khloe's jacket and bite Malika. Khloe admitted she 'definitely didnt think everything through,' such as how the goats 'poop little pellets' and 'pee everywhere' and have a tendency to hump each other. Classic Carl,' an employee said of one particularly sexed-up goat. Pets and men are two different things,' Khloe said, because pets only require food and petting. While at the farm, a group of visiting school children saw Khloe and shouted her name. She said 'hi' back to them and gave a group of young girls a big hug. Khloe had a hard time believing eight- or nine-year-old girls would know who she was, but she still spent a few minutes with them and gave them high fives. Back in the confessional, she told her producer that she '100 percent' expects to be married again in the future. Khloe thought the baby goats were adorable, but she didn't think they would make good pets since they weren't housetrained and they wanted to eat her jacket and bite Malika She FaceTimes her daughter true to see the goats, and she was delighted A group of young kids recognized Khloe and were over the moon to see her, so she stopped to chat with them for a few minutes and gave the girls a group hug After her pitches climaxing with Netflix buying the rom-com Kim told her longtime friends at dinner and mused about becoming the 'female 007' The women had all been friends since they were teens Then Kim's Hollywood journey continued as she went out to dinner after a busy day with her 'lifers,' a group of her female friends she had know since they were teens, which included hr pals Allison Statter, Zoe Winkler, Simone Harouche and Sarah Meyer Michaelson. Kim mentioned how they were all aging, as she found the menu blurry and could no longer see her phone close up, which just suddenly happened one day. She was first coy about her 'project,' but then she admitted she had sold a romantic comedy to Netflix after her friends begged her for details. Kim explained that until recently she didn't have an agent, but after she appeared on American Horror Story she began meeting with interested agents, one of whom mentioned Paula Pell. Kim recounts explaining the plot of The Fifth Wheel, which would feature four women going on a trip, and she compared it to The Hangover films, Bridesmaids and The First Wives Club. She said the studio executive had all loved the idea, and each studio gave her agent a call 20 minutes later with offers, though she elected to go with Netflix, which tends to offer more money up front, as there won't be a chance to make any performance-based bonuses since the film will only be available on the streaming service. After her good news, Zoe jokingly wondered why Kim didn't mention that she was going to pitch a movie in the girls' group chat. But Kim explained that she didnt want to get ahead of herself with a new career. Kim's friends were overjoyed to learn that she had sold her film, which she said her friend Amy Schumer was interested in starring in Her friend Allison suggested that Kim could be the 'female 007,' which Kim approved of But she wasn't willing to give up her Botox in order to act better or cry on demand She told the ladies that she would be one of the stars of the film, while also producing the movie, and now she could relax because it had been sold to a distributor. Then, in a self deprecating moment, Kim joked that she could do about one movie per year going forward, and she said she would have about 10 years left in which she would look good. After those 10 busy years she could finally take some time off. Then Kim continued to gush about how her friend Amy Schumer who has previously appeared on The Kardashians had written her to say she wanted to be in the film. Kim admitted she was 'proud' that Amy and others wanted to join her project. You think I can do that? she recalled thinking about the offers for the film started pouring in. Im tripping the f*** out, low-key,' Kim said, but she cautioned that she still had to deliver. But then Kim starting worrying about the logistics of being a movie star. I also feel like you need less botox for more emotion, and I dont have it, she joked to her friends. She also ruled out any Raging Bullstyle body transformations. Im not gonna be gaining 500 pounds for a role and losing,' she continued as her friends chuckled. 'Thats just not where Im going to be.' The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. She felt a contraction while they looked at old photos in bed Kourtney recalled traumatic surgery to clear fluid in Rocky's lungs while he was in the womb, but he made a miraculous recovery The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. On October 29, 2023, Kourtney and Travis were sitting in bed looking at old photos of themselves on his phone when she announced that she had had a contraction. My babys about to pop, Travis said gleefully. He said it would be the first 'natural birth' he had experienced, and he said he would be filming Rocky as he was born. But Kourtney objected, saying she didn't want him to be 'down there.' She said she didn't want Travis to be 'traumatized by your favorite thing in the world.' Later that night the lovebirds drove to the hospital, and Kourtney joked that Rocky was waiting for a Halloween birthday. Both parents guessed that Rocky would weigh exactly eight pounds. Then Kourtney looked back to a traumatic event months earlier when doctors had discovered fluid in Rocky's lungs, which was 'super rare,' but they were 'lucky' to have caught it. Kourtney filmed herself on her phone from her hospital bed and admitted she was filled with fear after the surgery. Things seemed to take a downturn when the fluid returned to Rocky's lungs. But then Kourtney saw a video on the power of positive thinking, and after she tried to focus on optimistic thoughts, she claimed that the fluid had completely disappeared. Its time to go, she whispered to Travis after her contractions began, so they left for the hospital on the night of October 29 But she still wasn't dilated enough by the morning of October 30, so she had to bounce on a ball to stimulate labor Its time to go, she whispered then as she prepared to birth Rocky. A nurse attending to her said she was one to two centimeters dilated and had some bleeding, which didn't concern her. But then it was 10 in the morning on October 30, and Kourtney revealed that she had gotten up to three centimeters dilated by 4 a.m., but there was no progress after that. She was seen bouncing on a big rubber ball in her hospital gown and moving in circles to stimulate the labor while talking on the phone with her family. Kourtney even wondered if she should cool it with the ball exercises, as she really wanted Rocky to wait until Halloween. You better squeeze him out, babys gonna be 10 pounds, Travis joked as the morning progressed. They decided to leave the hospital while things were stalled, but first they left to eat at Crossroads. Once they were home, Kourtney revealed that they showered and then had sex. That helps sometimes, she said with a sly smile. They left for lunch at Crossroads and then went home to have sex. That helps sometimes, Kourtney said with a sly smile Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' Travis drummed to the baby's heartbeat, which Kourtney found relaxing, rather than intensely annoying. But by 11:45 p.m.her doctor decided it was time to induce labor Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' But he had second thoughts on the way back to the hospital. We said it too much that his birthday was gonna be on Halloween,' Travis mused on the ride over. The Blink-182 member had an odd way of calming his nerves while he waited for Kourtney to go into labor. He had brought along his drum practice pad and began banging out rudiments at the the same tempo as Rocky's heartbeat. Many women in labor might have found the din unbearably annoying, but Kourtney was on the same page as her husband. She said she found the drumming soothing, and she said Travis' practice had helped her fall asleep in the past. Before Rocky arrived, she reflected that they were too afraid to feel it after she got pregnant because they worried it was 'too good to be true, especially after they had given up on IVF treatments. While she was on her side in her hospital bed and being attended to by a nurse, a faint splashing sound was heard on the soundtrack, and Kourtney said she finally broke her water, indicating that Rocky was arriving soon. Kourtney had planned for Travis to be the only family member with her in the delivery room, but her plans had a major shake up after a surprise guest arrived her mother Kris. She got a surprise guest when her mom Kris Jenner arrived uninvited because she was 'in the area,' so she sat masked up by the wall Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving Ritz Bits crackers for a day Despite gatecrashing the birth, Kris tried to be innocuous by sitting on the other side of the room while masked up and looking at her phone. In her confessional interview, Kourtney revealed that she got a surprise call from her security that her mother had arrived at the hospital and wanted to join her. Kris told the guard she was 'just in the area,' so she decided to drop in on the birth. She was not in the area, Kourtney grumbled, although she didn't have the heart to ban her mother from getting to see her grandson be born. As she waited for the big moment after reaching four centimeters dilation, Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving some Ritz Bits crackers since the day before. As it got closer and closer to midnight, Kourtney admitted: I think Rocky wants to be November first.' Travis agreed: Yeah, he doesnt want to be the King of Halloween.' But there was still a slim chance after her doctor decided to induce her at 11:45 p.m. Kourtney was surprised when Travis, who had been playing music in the hospital room all night, switched to exclusively Frank Sinatra as Rocky's arrival was imminent. Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1. After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter. But Kourtney admitted later that she was glad her mother was there, as Kris had a calming effect over the proceedings. Later, during her confessional interview, Kourtney paused to FaceTime Travis, and he gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life. He added that he wanted to watch the show's footage of the birth. I want to know what song he popped out to, Travis explained. They determined the song was Sinatra's performance of That's Life, the title track of his classic 1966 LP Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1 After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter Travis played Frank Sinatra leading up to the birth, and they later determined that it was his 1966 classic That's Life that was playing when Rocky was born 'The song just came up in the playlist and we were like, "What a perfect song,"' Kourtney recalled. As Travis sat in the hospital bed and cuddled little Rocky, Kourtney beamed with love for him after the fact during her interview. 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' she said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything. In the preview for next week's episode, Kim plans the family's popular Christmas Eve Party with imported snow for a full white Christmas, but thunder on the horizon threatens to ruin the outdoor bash. Meanwhile, Khloe was once again at home with her kids and her brother Rob Kardashian's daughter Dream. While visiting her, Kim claimed Khloe's kids rule her life. Live your f***ing life! Get out! she shouted at her younger sister. Travis gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' Kourtney said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything' Then all the women were about to take a family vacation, but something went awry as Kylie joined them on the private jet. I just have a really bad feeling,' Kylie confessed, before getting off the plane with no explanation. The very last moment of the episode was a humorous tag in which one of Khloe's confessional interviews was interrupted by a spider descending in front of her. Luckily, a crew member apprehended it and saved her, but not before they poked fun at her frightened expression with a freeze frame. Queen's entire music catalog is in the process of being sold in a distribution deal valuing at over $1 billion. Sony is in the middle of acquiring the rights to Queen's entire music catalog after a long negotiation process and concluded with a record-shattering megadeal worth $1.27 billion. It was previously reported that Sony joined the negotiation in February and a deal was finally and recently struck when a mystery bidder reportedly stopped at $900 million. According to Variety, the deal involves Queen's royalties for recorded-music rights in the United States and Canada as well as a distribution deal. The 10-figure deal includes everything except revenue from live performances, which founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor, now in their seventies, will retain as they continue to tour under the band name with Adam Lambert. Currently, Queen's distribution deal is managed by Universal Music Group but will expire in a few years and pass on over to Sony. Queen's entire music catalog is in the process of being sold in a distribution deal valuing at over $1 billion; seen in 1973 Sony is in the middle of acquiring the rights to Queen's entire music catalog, which includes Freddie Mercury-penned Bohemian Rhapsody, after a long negotiation process and concluded with a record-shattering megadeal worth $1.27 billion; seen in 1982 However, the recorded-music rights still belong to Disney and will remain theirs in perpetuity although certain of the group member's remaining royalties from them will go to Sony once the deal officially closes. And similarly, Queen's distribution deal will go to Sony in all territories outside of the U.S. and Canada when its contract with Universal Music Group expires in a few years. Queen's music catalog includes some of the most iconic hits in history, so it's no surprise that the acquisition deal was more than double than some of the other biggest music deals. Back in 2021, Sony Music paid $500 million less than half of what Queen's sold for to acquire Bruce Springsteen's music catalog. Previously, Michael Jackson's music catalog was sold by his estate for $600 million which still trails behind Queen's 10-figure deal. Prior to Sony signing the dotted line for the rock band's catalog, it was reported that there was mystery bidder involved but they stopped short of $900 million. Queen's music catalog includes some of the most widely-known rock classics ever including Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Radio Ga Ga, 39, Somebody to Love, You're My Best Friend. Their biggest hits also include stadium staples We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions. The 10-figure deal includes everything except revenue from live performances, which founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor, now in their seventies, will retain as they continue to tour under the band name with Adam Lambert; seen in June 2023 It was previously reported that Sony joined the negotiation in February and a deal was finally and recently struck when a mystery bidder reportedly stopped at $900 million. According to Variety, the deal involves Queen's royalties for recorded-music rights in the United States and Canada as well as a distribution deal; seen in 1984 Queen's music catalog includes some of the most iconic hits in history, so it's no surprise that the acquisition deal was more than double than some of the other biggest music deals; seen in 1973 Queen was originally formed in London in 1970 by May and Taylor. They previously played together in a group called Smile with the late legend Freddie Mercury on vocals and piano. The year following the group's inception, John Deacon joined on bass guitar. They later struck a record deal with EMI and it was with them that they released Queen's self-titled first album in 1973. The group made several hits and charted in the U.K. with Seven Seas of Rhye and Killer Queen. However, their big breakthrough emerged in 1975 when they released the iconic, Mercury-penned hit single Bohemian Rhapsody. Following that song's symphonic success, they skyrocketed to fame and became one of the biggest, most well-known groups in the world. Over the next decade, each member penned a No. 1 single. Queen was originally formed in London in 1970 by May and Taylor. They previously played together in a group called Smile with the late legend Freddie Mercury on vocals and piano. The year following the group's inception, John Deacon joined on bass guitar; seen in 1981 May and Taylor will retain performance revenue rights as they have continued touring in their seventies alongside Adam Lambert In the following decade after the group's inception and the release of Mercury-penned Bohemian Rhapsody, each member wrote a No. 1 single. Taylor, Queen's drummer, penned their 1984 smash hit Radio Ga Ga; seen in May 2023 In addition to Mercury's Bohemian Rhapsody, May wrote their 1977 hit We Will Rock You. Deacon penned their 1980 song Another One Bites the Dust, and Taylor was the genius behind 1984's Radio Ga Ga. They continued performing at large stadiums all over the world until Mercury contracted the AIDS virus and tragically died of complications from the disease in 1991. Queen's legacy still lives on as their music continues to receive extensive airplay on radios and sporting events. Kourtney Kardashian and her husband Travis Barker finally welcomed their baby son Rocky on the latest episode of The Kardashians. The lengthy segment the longest of the episode gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Kourtney's lengthy labor, which was stretched out over nearly four days. The startstop process was interrupted along the way by trips back home for the lovebirds to have sex, and Kourtney's ideal labor was hilariously interrupted by her mother Kris Jenner, who just happened to be 'in the area.' Kourtney and Travis hoped the entire time for a Halloween birthday for their son, but they ended up being a single minute too late On October 29, 2023, Kourtney and Travis were sitting in bed looking at old photos of themselves on his phone when she announced that she had had a contraction. Kourtney Kardashian and her husband Travis Barker finally welcomed their baby son Rocky on the latest episode of The Kardashians and fans got a behind-the-scenes look at the lengthy, eventful delivery She felt a contraction while they looked at old photos in bed My babys about to pop, Travis said gleefully. He said it would be the first 'natural birth' he had experienced, and he said he would be filming Rocky as he was born. But Kourtney objected, saying she didn't want him to be 'down there.' She said she didn't want Travis to be 'traumatized by your favorite thing in the world.' Later that night the lovebirds drove to the hospital, and Kourtney joked that Rocky was waiting for a Halloween birthday. Both parents guessed that Rocky would weigh exactly eight pounds. Then Kourtney looked back to a traumatic event months earlier when doctors had discovered fluid in Rocky's lungs, which was 'super rare,' but they were 'lucky' to have caught it. Kourtney filmed herself on her phone from her hospital bed and admitted she was filled with fear after the surgery. The segment opened with the two looking at old photos of themselves in bed when Kourtney announced that she'd had a contraction, so they headed to the hospital Kourtney recalled traumatic surgery to clear fluid in Rocky's lungs while he was in the womb, but he made a miraculous recovery Its time to go, she whispered to Travis after her contractions began, so they left for the hospital on the night of October 29 Things seemed to take a downturn when the fluid returned to Rocky's lungs. But then Kourtney saw a video on the power of positive thinking, and after she tried to focus on optimistic thoughts, she claimed that the fluid had completely disappeared. Its time to go, she whispered then as she prepared to birth Rocky. A nurse attending to her said she was one to two centimeters dilated and had some bleeding, which didn't concern her. But then it was 10 in the morning on October 30, and Kourtney revealed that she had gotten up to three centimeters dilated by 4 a.m., but there was no progress after that. She was seen bouncing on a big rubber ball in her hospital gown and moving in circles to stimulate the labor while talking on the phone with her family. Kourtney even wondered if she should cool it with the ball exercises, as she really wanted Rocky to wait until Halloween. You better squeeze him out, babys gonna be 10 pounds, Travis joked as the morning progressed. But she still wasn't dilated enough by the morning of October 30, so she had to bounce on a ball to stimulate labor They left for lunch at Crossroads and then went home to have sex. That helps sometimes, Kourtney said with a sly smile Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' They decided to leave the hospital while things were stalled, but first they left to eat at Crossroads. Once they were home, Kourtney revealed that they showered and then had sex. That helps sometimes, she said with a sly smile. Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' But he had second thoughts on the way back to the hospital. We said it too much that his birthday was gonna be on Halloween,' Travis mused on the ride over. The Blink-182 member had an odd way of calming his nerves while he waited for Kourtney to go into labor. He had brought along his drum practice pad and began banging out rudiments at the the same tempo as Rocky's heartbeat. Many women in labor might have found the din unbearably annoying, but Kourtney was on the same page as her husband. Travis drummed to the baby's heartbeat, which Kourtney found relaxing, rather than intensely annoying. But by 11:45 p.m.her doctor decided it was time to induce labor She got a surprise guest when her mom Kris Jenner arrived uninvited because she was 'in the area,' so she sat masked up by the wall She said she found the drumming soothing, and she said Travis' practice had helped her fall asleep in the past. Before Rocky arrived, she reflected that they were too afraid to feel it after she got pregnant because they worried it was 'too good to be true, especially after they had given up on IVF treatments. While she was on her side in her hospital bed and being attended to by a nurse, a faint splashing sound was heard on the soundtrack, and Kourtney said she finally broke her water, indicating that Rocky was arriving soon. Kourtney had planned for Travis to be the only family member with her in the delivery room, but her plans had a major shake up after a surprise guest arrived her mother Kris. Despite gatecrashing the birth, Kris tried to be innocuous by sitting on the other side of the room while masked up and looking at her phone. In her confessional interview, Kourtney revealed that she got a surprise call from her security that her mother had arrived at the hospital and wanted to join her. Kris told the guard she was 'just in the area,' so she decided to drop in on the birth. She was not in the area, Kourtney grumbled, although she didn't have the heart to ban her mother from getting to see her grandson be born. Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving Ritz Bits crackers for a day As she waited for the big moment after reaching four centimeters dilation, Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving some Ritz Bits crackers since the day before. As it got closer and closer to midnight, Kourtney admitted: I think Rocky wants to be November first.' Travis agreed: Yeah, he doesnt want to be the King of Halloween.' But there was still a slim chance after her doctor decided to induce her at 11:45 p.m. Kourtney was surprised when Travis, who had been playing music in the hospital room all night, switched to exclusively Frank Sinatra as Rocky's arrival was imminent. Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1. After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter But Kourtney admitted later that she was glad her mother was there, as Kris had a calming effect over the proceedings. Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1 After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter Travis played Frank Sinatra leading up to the birth, and they later determined that it was his 1966 classic That's Life that was playing when Rocky was born Later, during her confessional interview, Kourtney paused to FaceTime Travis, and he gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life. He added that he wanted to watch the show's footage of the birth. I want to know what song he popped out to, Travis explained. They determined the song was Sinatra's performance of That's Life, the title track of his classic 1966 LP 'The song just came up in the playlist and we were like, "What a perfect song,"' Kourtney recalled. As Travis sat in the hospital bed and cuddled little Rocky, Kourtney beamed with love for him after the fact during her interview. 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' she said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything. Travis gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' Kourtney said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything' The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open. Fittingly, her model sister Kendall Jenner joined her, and the two walked along a closed-down street while navigating through crowds of models and crew preparing the show. Every Balenciaga show is such a moment, so its really fun to see it all come to life,' Kim gushed later in her confessional interview. She noted that her sister Khloe Kardashian didn't join them despite being invited, and she added with some venom in her voice that her younger sister didn't come because the fashion show was 'outdoors' and in the 'daylight.' Kim then explained that she thinks Khloe may be suffering from agoraphobia, though it's not clear if she thought it might be a clinical case, or just that her sister is turning into a homebody. I get it, but its time to break out of it, she added with audible annoyance. Kim noted that she is officially a brand ambassador for Balenciaga, even though people had assumed she was long before that after she began wearing numerous outfits from the Spanish fashion house. Kim's ex-husband Kanye West had previously collaborated with Balenciaga, but the luxury fashion line severed their ties in 2022 in the wake of antisemitic comments the rapper made. Kim also noted that she was getting ready to pitch a new comedy film, which she will presumably star in, so she was branching out and even busier than usual. While she was at the fashion show, it cut away to reveal other stars walking with the models, including Brigitte Nielsen and Cardi B. Kim was joined by her model sister Kendall, and she groused the Khloe skipped the show despite being invited, which she blamed on her belief that she has agoraphobia Kim was now a Balenciaga Ambassador, so her presence was essential Celebrities including Cardi B and Brigitte Nielsen walked the runway After her time at the Balenciaga show, Kendall was seen driving over to her younger sister Kylie Jenner's house. Kendall brought along an adorably fluffy puppy, which they wanted to introduce to their mother Kris Jenner's dog Bridgette. Bridgette, like the puppy, appeared to be a poodle mix, and Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional poodle with most of her hair trimmed short and accented with longer poofs. Hair grows, why not at least try, Kendall said. Kylie worried that their mother might be furious if she suddenly discovered her dog had gotten a drastic haircut, though Kendall thought their reality show might help them out of a jam. Because the cameras are on, I dont think shell get that mad, Kendall added. 'I think I'm good at pranks...' Kylie later said in a confessional, though she sounded unsure of herself and trailed off. The two made their way over to Kris' home and snuck in before calling out for Bridgette. The dog cautiously turned a corner and started to walk toward them, but Kendall and Kylie were disappointed to see that she had recently had a haircut, so her hair was too short for their intended cut. They ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced. Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? After Kendall had cut out from the Balenciaga show her sister Kim Kardashian had been at in Beverly Hills to visit Kylie's house with an adorably fluffy puppy They wanted to introduce to their mother Kris' dog Bridgette, which was also a Poodle mix Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional Poodle, so they decided to prank their mom by giving her dog a surprise haircut But Kylie vowed that they would think of a more substantial prank later. As they were leaving with the puppy, Kylie let out a high-pitched squeak that confused Kris, and she head to explain that it was a hiccup. 'That's your hiccup?!' Kris responded, as she had apparently never heard the unusual mouse-like squeal, and Kendall admitted that she sounded the same when she hiccuped. The sisters left their mom's house and headed back to Kylie's abode to unwind, but the conversation took a darker, more emotional turn as the cosmetics mogul made a major confession. Kylie, who was wearing a chic dark blue denim jacket and matching jeans, noted that it's hard to spend time with her sisters because they're so busy. 'Well that was a failure,' she said as Kendall agreed that they were the 'worst prankers.' 'But, I love hanging out with you!' Kylie said. But then she confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty.' Kylie complained to her sister about how people had been making fun of her online after she stepped out in the City of Lights for Paris Fashion Week. She said a photo had gone around of herself after she decided not to wear a lot of makeup. But Bridgette had already had her fur cut too short, and they ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a Poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? Kylie said that if she wore a lot of makeup, people would she she was wearing 'too much makeup,' but if she went in the opposite direction, people would also criticize her on social media. In particular, she was hurt that fans as well as cosmetic dermatologists and professionals experienced with injecting fillers and botox had pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks Some fans and professionals had speculated that she had used too much filler below her eyes and over her cheek bones, creating the prominent crease. However, the lines can be visible on anyone, even in children, and Kylie claimed that the feature had always been prominent on her going back to when she was a child. 'I just hear nasty things about myself all the time,' Kylie admitted in the confessional interview. The billionaire reality star and cosmetics mogul wondered aloud to her sister why people didn't more prominently defend her online. Im kind of like, so numb to people talking about my looks at this point, and I just want to know why on the internet no one says anything or thinks that its OK,' she said. Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. Kylie confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty' after she received trolling comments on her appearance earlier that year She appeared to refer to her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, when trolls claimed she looked 'old' and bashed her for alleged using too much filler. Even dermatologists and filler specialists shared their opinion on her filler use; pictured January 24 in Paris She was hurt that fans pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks, which they said could indicate too much filler use. But they can be visible on anyone, even children, and Kylie claimed she had the lines going back to when she was a child 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings.' 'If you talked the same way you talk about us about any other woman, people would come to their defense all day long,' Kendall added. Kylie was particularly upset because she was trying to find a new, more natural looking, and she confessed to being on a 'journey' over the past year in which she dissolved 'half' of her lip filler. 'I think with me it's never going to change,' Kylie said, before pausing as tears started to well up in her eyes. As she brushed them away, Kendall took a seat next to hear and wrapped her in a hug. Why do people think its OK to talk about me? Kylie asked through her tears. She said she hadn't cried about the mean comments before, and as the tears slowed she shared how she occasionally sees defensive comments, but others claim online that it's fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalls reading. Kylie said people had complained about her looks even before she got fillers, and she seemed distressed that people say she looks 'old,' though Kendall claimed she looked younger than ever. Kendall was a sympathetic ear. Kylie wondered why it was acceptable to say mean things about her online and began to cry Kylie said she hadn't cried about the comments before, but she was set off by people who said it was fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalled reading. Kendall wrapped her arms around Kylie to comfort her as she sobbed Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings' The model said they would never get past the comments, as people would always assume they had both gotten 'full facial reconstructions.' 'I can't let the comments get me down,' Kylie said. 'I can't let the comments get me down. I have s*** to do. Rise above.' Meanwhile, Kim was going to five film studios around town to pitch a new comedy film she would presumably star in. The film was tentatively titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito. While she was being chauffeured, her agent Brad Slater was giving her a pep talk. I know youre more nervous than me Kim began. Im not nervous, Im excited for you,' Brad replied. He reminds her that she had done so many things in her career, but pitching a movie written for her was a new adventure. Kim said she was staying calm because she doesnt get excited for things until theyre confirmed. That way she doesnt get let down if they fall through. After the Balenciaga show, Kim had more on her plate as she drove around to five film studios around town to pitch a new rom-com film she would presumably star in The movie was titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was to be written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito (pictured) Kim got a pep talk from her agent between pitches, but she said she didn't want to get excited unless it was confirmed that the film would be made Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed, but she wasn't going far from home, and her excuse was that Kourtney might go into labor at any moment. The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce. The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child. I am not open for business you are! Khloe said, as she emphasized that she wanted to be single for a while. But she was happy for her friend and approved of her trying to find a real partner before resulting to an anonymous sperm donor. While they talked about a date that didn't end well with an insistent suitor who wouldn't stop texting Malika, Khloe admitted that she had been turned on when her ex-husband Lamar Odom found out they had the same business manager and sought out her contact info after she wouldnt give him her number. She found his persistence sexy. While driving, Khloe also complained that they couldn't have as much fun in public anymore because there are phones everywhere now. In a confessional, Khloe admitted she didn't want to start dating again because it might f*** up her kids, and she had been disappointed by her recent romantic interests. Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child While Malika had a suitor she found too persistent, Khloe said she found her ex-husband Lamar Odom's persistence sexy The show cut back to Kim in her car after she had finished her first pitch. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer. At the end of the meeting, she said she had so much going on that unless were going to be the biggest commercial movie and have the best cast and break the internet, she wouldn't be able to give it her all. In a confessional, she admitted she would have to give something up, and the producer asked her what it would be. 'My sleep,' she responded without a pause. Back at the goat farm, Khloe gushed over how 'cute' the little animals were. True would die, Khloe said, before FaceTiming her daughter, who clearly loved the animals, even as they tried to eat Khloe's jacket and bite Malika. Khloe admitted she 'definitely didnt think everything through,' such as how the goats 'poop little pellets' and 'pee everywhere' and have a tendency to hump each other. The show cut back to Kim in her car after she had finished her first pitch. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer Khloe thought the baby goats were adorable, but she didn't think they would make good pets since they weren't housetrained and they wanted to eat her jacket and bite Malika She FaceTimes her daughter true to see the goats, and she was delighted Classic Carl,' an employee said of one particularly sexed-up goat. Pets and men are two different things,' Khloe said, because pets only require food and petting. While at the farm, a group of visiting school children saw Khloe and shouted her name. She said 'hi' back to them and gave a group of young girls a big hug. Khloe had a hard time believing eight- or nine-year-old girls would know who she was, but she still spent a few minutes with them and gave them high fives. Back in the confessional, she told her producer that she '100 percent' expects to be married again in the future. Then Kim's Hollywood journey continued as she went out to dinner after a busy day with her 'lifers,' a group of her female friends she had know since they were teens, which included hr pals Allison Statter, Zoe Winkler, Simone Harouche and Sarah Meyer Michaelson. Kim mentioned how they were all aging, as she found the menu blurry and could no longer see her phone close up, which just suddenly happened one day. She was first coy about her 'project,' but then she admitted she had sold a romantic comedy to Netflix after her friends begged her for details. A group of young kids recognized Khloe and were over the moon to see her, so she stopped to chat with them for a few minutes and gave the girls a group hug After her pitches climaxing with Netflix buying the rom-com Kim told her longtime friends at dinner and mused about becoming the 'female 007' Kim explained that until recently she didn't have an agent, but after she appeared on American Horror Story she began meeting with interested agents, one of whom mentioned Paula Pell. Kim recounts explaining the plot of The Fifth Wheel, which would feature four women going on a trip, and she compared it to The Hangover films, Bridesmaids and The First Wives Club. She said the studio executive had all loved the idea, and each studio gave her agent a call 20 minutes later with offers, though she elected to go with Netflix, which tends to offer more money up front, as there won't be a chance to make any performance-based bonuses since the film will only be available on the streaming service. After her good news, Zoe jokingly wondered why Kim didn't mention that she was going to pitch a movie in the girls' group chat. But Kim explained that she didnt want to get ahead of herself with a new career. She told the ladies that she would be one of the stars of the film, while also producing the movie, and now she could relax because it had been sold to a distributor. Then, in a self deprecating moment, Kim joked that she could do about one movie per year going forward, and she said she would have about 10 years left in which she would look good. After those 10 busy years she could finally take some time off. The women had all been friends since they were teens Kim's friends were overjoyed to learn that she had sold her film, which she said her friend Amy Schumer was interested in starring in Then Kim continued to gush about how her friend Amy Schumer who has previously appeared on The Kardashians had written her to say she wanted to be in the film. Kim admitted she was 'proud' that Amy and others wanted to join her project. You think I can do that? she recalled thinking about the offers for the film started pouring in. Im tripping the f*** out, low-key,' Kim said, but she cautioned that she still had to deliver. But then Kim starting worrying about the logistics of being a movie star. I also feel like you need less botox for more emotion, and I dont have it, she joked to her friends. She also ruled out any Raging Bullstyle body transformations. Im not gonna be gaining 500 pounds for a role and losing,' she continued as her friends chuckled. 'Thats just not where Im going to be.' In the preview for next week's episode, Kim plans the family's popular Christmas Eve Party with imported snow for a full white Christmas, but thunder on the horizon threatens to ruin the outdoor bash. Meanwhile, Khloe was once again at home with her kids and her brother Rob Kardashian's daughter Dream. While visiting her, Kim claimed Khloe's kids rule her life. Live your f***ing life! Get out! she shouted at her younger sister. Her friend Allison suggested that Kim could be the 'female 007,' which Kim approved of But she wasn't willing to give up her Botox in order to act better or cry on demand Then all the women were about to take a family vacation, but something went awry as Kylie joined them on the private jet. I just have a really bad feeling,' Kylie confessed, before getting off the plane with no explanation. The very last moment of the episode was a humorous tag in which one of Khloe's confessional interviews was interrupted by a spider descending in front of her. Luckily, a crew member apprehended it and saved her, but not before they poked fun at her frightened expression with a freeze frame. At 53 and just days away from celebrating his first wedding anniversary with wife Anna Osceola, Jon Hamm confessed he's now ready to grow his family with a baby of their own. 'I hope it turns into kids,' Hamm, 53, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter, in a new interview on Wednesday, June 19, for which he dished on his marriage. He proceeded to explain: 'It's not lost on me that I'm 53. I will be the old dad, but so it goes. It could be a good thing. We'll see.' Hamm, who only moments before confessed he 'didn't look at marriage as a thing', made a point to share that he didn't have any role models when it came to marriage due to his parents' short union before getting divorced. 'Obviously, my parents were not married long, so I don't have a model to look at and go, "Oh, this is how one finds happiness,"' he said, before adding, 'I just knew at a certain point I wanted to be with this person. But when I proposed, I was terrified. I was like, "What am I doing?"' Mad Men alum Jon Hamm, 53, revealed that he's ready to have children with his wife Anna Osceola, 36, whom he met on the set for the finale episode of the hit period drama in 2015 Hamm was at a loss as to why he was terrified in those days and weeks leading up to his wedding day on June 24, 2023. 'I just remember feeling, "This is really scary." Then going, "Well, it probably means its worthwhile,"' he explained. Despite those scary thoughts and feelings, the couple's wedding day went smoothly, and before long those feelings of terror were replaced with optimism and joy. 'My wedding day was perfect. Everybody I love was there. It was so emotional, and it felt right. I was like, "OK, I guess this is a thing." It turns out they decided to pay homage to Mad Men, which is how they met, and tie-the-knot where they had shared a scene together. 'We did it [where they had shot the Mad Men finale], which was also amazing,' he said. 'Again, it was like a reset, a reboot, a reframe, a reimagining, nine years later, almost to the day.' Hamm and Osceola first met while working on the series finale of Mad Men, when she portrayed a flower child receptionist at a spiritual retreat center in California. Anderson Canyon in the Big Sur region stood in for the Esalen Institute setting in the episode. The leading man met his wife on the set for the finale of Mad Men in Big Sur, California, which stood in for the Esalen Institute setting in the episode The couple decided to pay homage to series and hold their wedding ceremony where they had shot the Mad Men finale in Big Sur The couple were actually married during a ceremony at Anderson Canyon in Big Sur in June 2023, after dating for two years and being engaged for another four months. Hamm played the role of Don Draper on the AMC period drama series for seven seasons Mad Men, which followed the people working at an advertising agency on Madison Avenue, has been widely praised as one of the greatest television series of its era and of all time. 'I hope it turns into kids,' Hamm told to The Hollywood Reporter. 'It's not lost on me that I'm 53. I will be the old dad, but so it goes. It could be a good thing. We'll see' It earned numerous accolades for its acting, writing, directing, and technical achievements that includes winning 16 Primetime Emmy Awards from 116 nominations. The series won the award for Outstanding Drama Series four times from eight nominations, tying the record for most wins in the category. For is part, Hamm was also nominated eight times for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series, ultimately winning the award in 2015. Other accolades for the series include five Golden Globe Awards, seven Writers Guild of America Awards, three Producers Guild of America Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Kim Kardashian's simmering anger toward her sister Khloe Kardashian was turned up a notch on the latest episode of The Kardashians. The 43-year-old reality star couldn't hold back her snide comments about the absent Khloe, 39, after she opted to skip an an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening on the streets of Beverly Hills. However, Khloe was revealed to be skipping the show due to what Kim thought was worsening agoraphobia, rather than recent scandals that had dogged the fashion house. In late 2022, Balenciaga came under fire for a risque campaign in which children posed with teddy bears that were dressed in leather BDSM gear. Although the photos were didn't feature any explicitly sexual images, some critics founded the outfits the teddy bears wore to be offensively sexualized, and the most vociferous critics accused Balenciaga and its creative directors Demna of pedophilia. Kim Kardashian was featured at a Balenciaga show in Beverly Hills in the latest episode of The Kardashians, but her annoyance with sister Khloe simmered after she skipped it despite being invited However, Khloe was revealed to be skipping the show due to what Kim thought was worsening agoraphobia, rather than the right-wing conspiracy theories about pedophilia that trailed the fashion house Then the luxury brand was swept up in a second overlapping wave of controversy due to another unrelated ad campaign for its collaboration with Adidas. The accessories were photographed atop a pile of legal documents, which eagle-eyed social media users realized were filings from the Supreme Court Case United States v. Williams. The case upheld the PROTECT Act, which involved penalties for child pornography. The controversies were widely discussed in right-wing and conspiracy-theorist circles, and both Balenciaga and Demna apologized for the campaigns. The fashion house even launched a $25 million lawsuit against the set designer of the campaign with the court documents, though her attorney claimed she was being scapegoated by Balenciaga, as the papers had been supplied to her by the prop department. At the time, Kim said she was reassessing her relationship with Balenciaga, though she eventually decided to continue the association, which has only strengthened since then. At the show, Kim was joined by her model sister Kendall Jenner, and the two walked along a closed-down street while navigating through crowds of models and crew preparing the show. Every Balenciaga show is such a moment, so its really fun to see it all come to life,' Kim gushed later in her confessional interview. She noted that Khloe didn't join them despite being invited, and she added with some venom in her voice that her younger sister didn't come because the fashion show was 'outdoors' and in the 'daylight' I get it, but its time to break out of it, Kim added with audible annoyance She noted that Khloe didn't join them despite being invited, and she added with some venom in her voice that her younger sister didn't come because the fashion show was 'outdoors' and in the 'daylight.' Kim then explained that she thinks Khloe may be suffering from agoraphobia, though it's not clear if she thought it might be a clinical case, or just that her sister is turning into a homebody. I get it, but its time to break out of it, she added with audible annoyance. Kim noted that she is officially a brand ambassador for Balenciaga, even though people had assumed she was long before that after she began wearing numerous outfits from the Spanish fashion house. Kim's ex-husband Kanye West had previously collaborated with Balenciaga, but the luxury fashion line severed their ties in 2022 in the wake of antisemitic comments the rapper made. Kim also noted that she was getting ready to pitch a new comedy film, which she will presumably star in, so she was branching out and even busier than usual. While she was at the fashion show, it cuts away to reveal other stars walking with the models, including Brigitte Nielsen and Cardi B. Then the action cut to Khloe ahead of a brief exit from her mansion, proving that she does leave her home sometimes, although this trip was again focused on her children. Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed, but she wasn't willing to go any farther from home, with her excuse being that Kourtney might go into labor at any moment even though she apparently wasn't invited to the birth. The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce. The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child. I am not open for business you are! Khloe said, as she emphasized that she wanted to be single for a while. But she was happy for her friend and approved of her trying to find a real partner before resulting to an anonymous sperm donor. While they talked about a date that didn't end well with an insistent suitor who wouldn't stop texting Malika, Khloe admitted that she had been turned on when her ex-husband Lamar Odom found out they had the same business manager and sought out her contact info after she wouldnt give him her number. She found his persistence sexy. While driving, Khloe also complained that they couldn't have as much fun in public anymore because there are phones everywhere now. In a confessional, Khloe admitted she didn't want to start dating again because it might f*** up her kids, and she had been disappointed by her recent romantic interests. While Malika had a suitor she found too persistent, Khloe said she found her ex-husband Lamar Odom's persistence sexy Khloe thought the baby goats were adorable, but she didn't think they would make good pets since they weren't housetrained and they wanted to eat her jacket and bite Malika She FaceTimes her daughter true to see the goats, and she was delighted Back at the goat farm, Khloe gushed over how 'cute' the little animals were. True would die, Khloe said, before FaceTiming her daughter, who clearly loved the animals, even as they tried to eat Khloe's jacket and bite Malika. Khloe admitted she 'definitely didnt think everything through,' such as how the goats 'poop little pellets' and 'pee everywhere' and have a tendency to hump each other. Classic Carl,' an employee said of one particularly sexed-up goat. Pets and men are two different things,' Khloe said, because pets only require food and petting. While at the farm, a group of visiting school children saw Khloe and shouted her name. She said 'hi' back to them and gave a group of young girls a big hug. Khloe had a hard time believing eight- or nine-year-old girls would know who she was, but she still spent a few minutes with them and gave them high fives. Back in the confessional, she told her producer that she '100 percent' expects to be married again in the future. A group of young kids recognized Khloe and were over the moon to see her, so she stopped to chat with them for a few minutes and gave the girls a group hug Earlier, Kendall had cut out from the Balenciaga show her sister Kim had been at in Beverly Hills to visit Kylie's house with an adorably fluffy puppy They wanted to introduce to their mother Kris' dog Bridgette, which was also a Poodle mix After her time at the Balenciaga show, Kendall was seen driving over to her younger sister Kylie Jenner's house. Kendall brought along an adorably fluffy puppy, which they wanted to introduce to their mother Kris Jenner's dog Bridgette. Bridgette, like the puppy, appeared to be a poodle mix, and Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional poodle with most of her hair trimmed short and accented with longer poofs. Hair grows, why not at least try, Kendall said. Kylie worried that their mother might be furious if she suddenly discovered her dog had gotten a drastic haircut, though Kendall thought their reality show might help them out of a jam. Because the cameras are on, I dont think shell get that mad, Kendall added. 'I think I'm good at pranks...' Kylie later said in a confessional, though she sounded unsure of herself and trailed off. The two made their way over to Kris' home and snuck in before calling out for Bridgette. Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional Poodle, so they decided to prank their mom by giving her dog a surprise haircut But Bridgette had already had her fur cut too short, and they ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a Poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry The dog cautiously turned a corner and started to walk toward them, but Kendall and Kylie were disappointed to see that she had recently had a haircut, so her hair was too short for their intended cut. They ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced. Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? But Kylie vowed that they would think of a more substantial prank later. As they were leaving with the puppy, Kylie let out a high-pitched squeak that confused Kris, and she head to explain that it was a hiccup. 'That's your hiccup?!' Kris responded, as she had apparently never heard the unusual mouse-like squeal, and Kendall admitted that she sounded the same when she hiccuped. The sisters left their mom's house and headed back to Kylie's abode to unwind, but the conversation took a darker, more emotional turn as the cosmetics mogul made a major confession. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? Back at her house, Kylie confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty' after she was derided on social media for her appearance earlier in the year She appeared to refer to her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, when trolls claimed she looked 'old' and bashed her for alleged using too much filler. Even dermatologists and filler specialists shared their opinion on her filler use; pictured January 24 in Paris Kylie, who was wearing a chic dark blue denim jacket and matching jeans, noted that it's hard to spend time with her sisters because they're so busy. 'Well that was a failure,' she said as Kendall agreed that they were the 'worst prankers.' 'But, I love hanging out with you!' Kylie said. But then she confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty.' Kylie complained to her sister about how people had been making fun of her online after she stepped out in the City of Lights for Paris Fashion Week. She said a photo had gone around of herself after she decided not to wear a lot of makeup. Kylie said that if she wore a lot of makeup, people would she she was wearing 'too much makeup,' but if she went in the opposite direction, people would also criticize her on social media. In particular, she was hurt that fans as well as cosmetic dermatologists and professionals experienced with injecting fillers and botox had pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks Some fans and professionals had speculated that she had used too much filler below her eyes and over her cheek bones, creating the prominent crease. She was hurt that fans pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks, which they said could indicate too much filler use. But they can be visible on anyone, even children, and Kylie claimed she had the lines going back to when she was a child Kendall was a sympathetic ear. Kylie wondered why it was acceptable to say mean things about her online and began to cry Kylie said she hadn't cried about the comments before, but she was set off by people who said it was fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalled reading. However, the lines can be visible on anyone, even in children, and Kylie claimed that the feature had always been prominent on her going back to when she was a child. 'I just hear nasty things about myself all the time,' Kylie admitted in the confessional interview. The billionaire reality star and cosmetics mogul wondered aloud to her sister why people didn't more prominently defend her online. Im kind of like, so numb to people talking about my looks at this point, and I just want to know why on the internet no one says anything or thinks that its OK,' she said. Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings.' 'If you talked the same way you talk about us about any other woman, people would come to their defense all day long,' Kendall added. Kylie was particularly upset because she was trying to find a new, more natural looking, and she confessed to being on a 'journey' over the past year in which she dissolved 'half' of her lip filler. 'I think with me it's never going to change,' Kylie said, before pausing as tears started to well up in her eyes. As she brushed them away, Kendall took a seat next to hear and wrapped her in a hug. Why do people think its OK to talk about me? Kylie asked through her tears. Kendall wrapped her arms around Kylie to comfort her as she sobbed Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings' She said she hadn't cried about the mean comments before, and as the tears slowed she shared how she occasionally sees defensive comments, but others claim online that it's fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalls reading. Kylie said people had complained about her looks even before she got fillers, and she seemed distressed that people say she looks 'old,' though Kendall claimed she looked younger than ever. The model said they would never get past the comments, as people would always assume they had both gotten 'full facial reconstructions.' 'I can't let the comments get me down,' Kylie said. 'I can't let the comments get me down. I have s*** to do. Rise above.' Meanwhile, Kim was going to five film studios around town to pitch a new comedy film she would presumably star in. The film was tentatively titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito. After the Balenciaga show, Kim had more on her plate as she drove around to five film studios around town to pitch a new rom-com film she would presumably star in The movie was titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was to be written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito (pictured) Kim got a pep talk from her agent between pitches, but she said she didn't want to get excited unless it was confirmed that the film would be made While she was being chauffeured, her agent Brad Slater was giving her a pep talk. I know youre more nervous than me Kim began. Im not nervous, Im excited for you,' Brad replied. He reminds her that she had done so many things in her career, but pitching a movie written for her was a new adventure. Kim said she was staying calm because she doesnt get excited for things until theyre confirmed. That way she doesnt get let down if they fall through. The show cut back to Kim in her car after she had finished her first pitch. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer. At the end of the meeting, she said she had so much going on that unless were going to be the biggest commercial movie and have the best cast and break the internet, she wouldn't be able to give it her all. In a confessional, she admitted she would have to give something up, and the producer asked her what it would be. 'My sleep,' she responded without a pause. The show cut back to Kim in her car after she had finished her first pitch. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer After her pitches climaxing with Netflix buying the rom-com Kim told her longtime friends at dinner and mused about becoming the 'female 007' The women had all been friends since they were teens Then Kim's Hollywood journey continued as she went out to dinner after a busy day with her 'lifers,' a group of her female friends she had know since they were teens, which included hr pals Allison Statter, Zoe Winkler, Simone Harouche and Sarah Meyer Michaelson. Kim mentioned how they were all aging, as she found the menu blurry and could no longer see her phone close up, which just suddenly happened one day. She was first coy about her 'project,' but then she admitted she had sold a romantic comedy to Netflix after her friends begged her for details. Kim explained that until recently she didn't have an agent, but after she appeared on American Horror Story she began meeting with interested agents, one of whom mentioned Paula Pell. Kim recounts explaining the plot of The Fifth Wheel, which would feature four women going on a trip, and she compared it to The Hangover films, Bridesmaids and The First Wives Club. She said the studio executive had all loved the idea, and each studio gave her agent a call 20 minutes later with offers, though she elected to go with Netflix, which tends to offer more money up front, as there won't be a chance to make any performance-based bonuses since the film will only be available on the streaming service. After her good news, Zoe jokingly wondered why Kim didn't mention that she was going to pitch a movie in the girls' group chat. But Kim explained that she didnt want to get ahead of herself with a new career. She told the ladies that she would be one of the stars of the film, while also producing the movie, and now she could relax because it had been sold to a distributor. Then, in a self deprecating moment, Kim joked that she could do about one movie per year going forward, and she said she would have about 10 years left in which she would look good. Kim's friends were overjoyed to learn that she had sold her film, which she said her friend Amy Schumer was interested in starring in Her friend Allison suggested that Kim could be the 'female 007,' which Kim approved of After those 10 busy years she could finally take some time off. Then Kim continued to gush about how her friend Amy Schumer who has previously appeared on The Kardashians had written her to say she wanted to be in the film. Kim admitted she was 'proud' that Amy and others wanted to join her project. You think I can do that? she recalled thinking about the offers for the film started pouring in. Im tripping the f*** out, low-key,' Kim said, but she cautioned that she still had to deliver. But then Kim starting worrying about the logistics of being a movie star. I also feel like you need less botox for more emotion, and I dont have it, she joked to her friends. She also ruled out any Raging Bullstyle body transformations. Im not gonna be gaining 500 pounds for a role and losing,' she continued as her friends chuckled. 'Thats just not where Im going to be.' But she wasn't willing to give up her Botox in order to act better or cry on demand The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. She felt a contraction while they looked at old photos in bed Kourtney recalled traumatic surgery to clear fluid in Rocky's lungs while he was in the womb, but he made a miraculous recovery The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. On October 29, 2023, Kourtney and Travis were sitting in bed looking at old photos of themselves on his phone when she announced that she had had a contraction. My babys about to pop, Travis said gleefully. He said it would be the first 'natural birth' he had experienced, and he said he would be filming Rocky as he was born. But Kourtney objected, saying she didn't want him to be 'down there.' She said she didn't want Travis to be 'traumatized by your favorite thing in the world.' Later that night the lovebirds drove to the hospital, and Kourtney joked that Rocky was waiting for a Halloween birthday. Both parents guessed that Rocky would weigh exactly eight pounds. Then Kourtney looked back to a traumatic event months earlier when doctors had discovered fluid in Rocky's lungs, which was 'super rare,' but they were 'lucky' to have caught it. Kourtney filmed herself on her phone from her hospital bed and admitted she was filled with fear after the surgery. Things seemed to take a downturn when the fluid returned to Rocky's lungs. But then Kourtney saw a video on the power of positive thinking, and after she tried to focus on optimistic thoughts, she claimed that the fluid had completely disappeared. Its time to go, she whispered to Travis after her contractions began, so they left for the hospital on the night of October 29 But she still wasn't dilated enough by the morning of October 30, so she had to bounce on a ball to stimulate labor Its time to go, she whispered then as she prepared to birth Rocky. A nurse attending to her said she was one to two centimeters dilated and had some bleeding, which didn't concern her. But then it was 10 in the morning on October 30, and Kourtney revealed that she had gotten up to three centimeters dilated by 4 a.m., but there was no progress after that. She was seen bouncing on a big rubber ball in her hospital gown and moving in circles to stimulate the labor while talking on the phone with her family. Kourtney even wondered if she should cool it with the ball exercises, as she really wanted Rocky to wait until Halloween. You better squeeze him out, babys gonna be 10 pounds, Travis joked as the morning progressed. They decided to leave the hospital while things were stalled, but first they left to eat at Crossroads. Once they were home, Kourtney revealed that they showered and then had sex. That helps sometimes, she said with a sly smile. Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' They left for lunch at Crossroads and then went home to have sex. That helps sometimes, Kourtney said with a sly smile Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' But he had second thoughts on the way back to the hospital. We said it too much that his birthday was gonna be on Halloween,' Travis mused on the ride over. The Blink-182 member had an odd way of calming his nerves while he waited for Kourtney to go into labor. He had brought along his drum practice pad and began banging out rudiments at the the same tempo as Rocky's heartbeat. Many women in labor might have found the din unbearably annoying, but Kourtney was on the same page as her husband. She said she found the drumming soothing, and she said Travis' practice had helped her fall asleep in the past. Before Rocky arrived, she reflected that they were too afraid to feel it after she got pregnant because they worried it was 'too good to be true, especially after they had given up on IVF treatments. While she was on her side in her hospital bed and being attended to by a nurse, a faint splashing sound was heard on the soundtrack, and Kourtney said she finally broke her water, indicating that Rocky was arriving soon. Travis drummed to the baby's heartbeat, which Kourtney found relaxing, rather than intensely annoying. But by 11:45 p.m.her doctor decided it was time to induce labor She got a surprise guest when her mom Kris Jenner arrived uninvited because she was 'in the area,' so she sat masked up by the wall Kourtney had planned for Travis to be the only family member with her in the delivery room, but her plans had a major shake up after a surprise guest arrived her mother Kris. Despite gatecrashing the birth, Kris tried to be innocuous by sitting on the other side of the room while masked up and looking at her phone. In her confessional interview, Kourtney revealed that she got a surprise call from her security that her mother had arrived at the hospital and wanted to join her. Kris told the guard she was 'just in the area,' so she decided to drop in on the birth. She was not in the area, Kourtney grumbled, although she didn't have the heart to ban her mother from getting to see her grandson be born. As she waited for the big moment after reaching four centimeters dilation, Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving some Ritz Bits crackers since the day before. As it got closer and closer to midnight, Kourtney admitted: I think Rocky wants to be November first.' Travis agreed: Yeah, he doesnt want to be the King of Halloween.' But there was still a slim chance after her doctor decided to induce her at 11:45 p.m. Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving Ritz Bits crackers for a day Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1 Kourtney was surprised when Travis, who had been playing music in the hospital room all night, switched to exclusively Frank Sinatra as Rocky's arrival was imminent. Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1. After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter But Kourtney admitted later that she was glad her mother was there, as Kris had a calming effect over the proceedings. Later, during her confessional interview, Kourtney paused to FaceTime Travis, and he gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life. He added that he wanted to watch the show's footage of the birth. I want to know what song he popped out to, Travis explained. They determined the song was Sinatra's performance of That's Life, the title track of his classic 1966 LP After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter Travis played Frank Sinatra leading up to the birth, and they later determined that it was his 1966 classic That's Life that was playing when Rocky was born 'The song just came up in the playlist and we were like, "What a perfect song,"' Kourtney recalled. As Travis sat in the hospital bed and cuddled little Rocky, Kourtney beamed with love for him after the fact during her interview. 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' she said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything. In the preview for next week's episode, Kim plans the family's popular Christmas Eve Party with imported snow for a full white Christmas, but thunder on the horizon threatens to ruin the outdoor bash. Meanwhile, Khloe was once again at home with her kids and her brother Rob Kardashian's daughter Dream. While visiting her, Kim claimed Khloe's kids rule her life. Live your f***ing life! Get out! she shouted at her younger sister. Travis gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' Kourtney said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything' Then all the women were about to take a family vacation, but something went awry as Kylie joined them on the private jet. I just have a really bad feeling,' Kylie confessed, before getting off the plane with no explanation. The very last moment of the episode was a humorous tag in which one of Khloe's confessional interviews was interrupted by a spider descending in front of her. Luckily, a crew member apprehended it and saved her, but not before they poked fun at her frightened expression with a freeze frame. Aug. 22, 1980: Sandy the great white shark swims in circles in the fish roundabout exhibit at Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. Clem Albers/The Chronicle Aug. 19, 1980: A crew removes a great white shark from a truck into a loading dock for the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 22, 1980: Large crowds line up inside the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco for a chance to see a great white shark at the Steinhart Aquarium. Clem Albers/The Chronicle Aug. 19, 1980: Scientists lower Sandy the great white shark into the fish roundabout exhibit at the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 19, 1980: A crew removes a great white shark from a truck into a loading dock for the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle When Al Wilson found a great white shark eating from his net of starry flounder on Aug. 19, 1980, the Tomales Bay fisherman knew what to do: Gently squeeze its gills and tap its head to keep it alive, and slowly bring it to shore. Then he called the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. Wilsons catch started the most exciting week in Bay Area ichthyology history. Through preparation, deep scientific knowledge, a ringmasters marketing skill and a lot of luck, the California Academy Sciences fostered the first great white shark in captivity in its aquarium for five days. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A great white shark was caught in Bodega Bay yesterday by a fisherman whose swift attention to the seven-foot fishs delicate life system may make it the first to survive in captivity at the Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park, the Chronicle reported. The public exhibition of the predator, which happened during heightened shark mania in the wake of the 1975 movie Jaws, made the Chronicle front page for days and set museum admission records. May 5, 1977: John McCosker shows children the new touch pool at the Steinhart Aquarium in the California Academy of Sciences. Vincent Maggiora/The Chronicle Wilson caught the big fish, but the driving force behind its display was swashbuckling aquarium director John McCosker, whose great white shark journey started in 1973, preceding that of Jaws author Peter Benchley and director Steven Spielberg. McCosker, an energetic scientist who often appeared on local television shows, thought the aquariums new circular fish roundabout could support a great white and its needs for steady movement to keep water flowing over its gills bringing a constant flow of oxygen to its powerful body. Wilson, who talked like Robert Shaws shark hunter Quint from Jaws, had tried to capture a 1,500-pound great white earlier that year. (Ate a hole in my boat and was coming after me, he told the Chronicle.) When the fisherman caught a 7-foot-long, 300-pound shark, he named it Sandy, and immediately started focusing on its survival. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It just so happens I know how to nursemaid a shark to shore, Wilson said, explaining the head tapping and gill squeezing techniques. Its a lot easier to kill them than it is to spend hours and hours keeping them alive. His first phone call was to SeaWorld in San Diego, which reportedly was offering $7,000 for a live great white. When they didnt answer the 6 a.m. call, he tried Steinhart, which was offering a smaller reward of $500 for the first and second days and $100 per day after that up to a max of $5,000. A biologist answered immediately. Aug. 19, 1980: A crew removes a great white shark from a truck into a loading dock for the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle The aquarium, which had tried to foster an ailing great white the year before it died in less than a day had a truck at the ready with a tank and a canvas sling. A winch was set up to lift Sandy three stories into the aquariums roundabout, where the shark could do circular laps fully visible to a hundred or more guests standing in the center of the room. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The exhibit opened to the public the next day, and Chronicle photos show thousands standing in zigzagging lines through the museum. Some waited three or more hours to spend a few minutes with the shark. Over three days, more than 40,000 museum-goers visited Sandy. Aug. 22, 1980: Large crowds line up inside the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco for a chance to see a great white shark at the Steinhart Aquarium. Clem Albers/The Chronicle But the shark, used to prowling in very low light 60 feet below water, was seemingly put off by the bright tank and even more unsettled when the lights went off. She refused to eat, needed help from divers to keep moving, and developed other issues. We had an electronics expert come out, and we discovered there were these tiny mini-volts at one point in the tank, McCosker told the Chronicle. Whenever the shark reached that spot, she turned or sank to the bottom, and we had to have someone in there to keep her moving. Before 1980, the few great white sharks to make it to an aquarium alive had died in captivity. At the end of day 4, McCosker made the decision to send the shark back to sea. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Aug. 22, 1980: Sandy the great white shark swims in circles in the fish roundabout exhibit at Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. Clem Albers/The Chronicle If shes going to survive, it will have to be in the ocean, McCosker said. Biologist Ed Miller donned a wetsuit and guided the shark back into the stretcher. Chronicle photographer Clem Albers documented Sandys trip into the truck, and a 43-foot charter boat brought the shark from Sausalito to the Farallon Islands, where she was released into the Pacific. Aug. 19, 1980: Scientists lower Sandy the great white shark into the fish roundabout exhibit at Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle The shark was tagged, and survived at least another year in the wild. McCosker wrote papers about Sandy and co-wrote a great white shark book. Returning sharks back to the ocean after brief stints in captivity became the new normal among scientific institutions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For years no shark lasted longer than a few days in captivity. The big breakthrough came from Monterey Bay Aquarium, which had great white sharks in 2004, 2006 and 2007 that lived 198, 137 and 152 days in a million-gallon tank. All were eventually released back into the ocean. Mitch Orval has slammed Virgin Australia after his family's flight from the Northern Territory was cancelled on Wednesday. The influencer, 27, told his Instagram followers that he had been informed his 12.15pm flight to the Gold Coast had been delayed till 6pm. But after arriving to the airport with new fiancee Chloe Szepanowski and sons Arti, three, and Sunny, one, he was told the flight had been cancelled just an hour before take-off. Mitch - who had proposed to Chloe on the romantic getaway - then claimed the airline told him the earliest flight they could get him on is on Saturday. 'Flight cancelled. 12.15pm delayed to 6pm then cancelled at 5pm. @VirginAustralia you guys owe me a baby sitter and a night out,' he wrote. Mitch Orval has slammed Virgin Australia after his family's flight from the Northern Territory to the Gold Coast was cancelled on Wednesday He then shared an update, adding: '@VirginAustralia cancelled our flight yesterday and said latest they could get us on another flight is Saturday!' 'Is that a joke or am I tripping. The flight was Wednesday.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Virgin Airlines for comment. During their getaway at Tiwi Island Retreat in the Northern Territory, Mitch got down on one knee and proposed to girlfriend Chloe. A clip shared to social media on Monday showed the couple enjoying a drink on a sandy beach before Mitch's surprise proposal. The model couldn't hide her shock and excitement as she said yes. He explained to his Instagram followers that he had been informed his 12.15pm flight had been delayed till 6pm. But after arriving to the airport, he was told the flight had been cancelled Mitch then claimed the airline told him the earliest flight they could get him on is on Saturday The couple, who have been together for nine years, immediately shared a passionate kiss and embrace while their son, Arti, looked on. 'We're getting married @mitchellorval Special place forever @tiwiislandretreat,' Chloe captioned the post. The romantic scene, shared to Instagram on Monday, quickly garnered a flood of congratulations from friends and fans. 'Congratulations, my smile is so big at your lil jump when he got down,' one user wrote. During their getaway at Tiwi Island Retreat in the Northern Territory, Mitch got down on one knee and proposed to girlfriend Chloe 'This bought tears to my eyes. Love how you two have navigated your lives, your love for each other and your beautiful boys and your faith in God,' another commented. 'I'm sooo happy for you guys, seeing your relationship since the start and to now is so beautiful. Always love you guys xxxx,' a third said. Mitch and Chloe are popular social media influencers and have a combined Instagram following of 900,000. Arianne Zucker, who Donald Trump and Billy Bush infamously ogled in the infamous 2005 Access Hollywood bus tape, addressed what she thought about the widely-circulated clip, and how she felt Trump was an effective leader during his presidency. The Days of Our Lives actress, 50, appeared Thursday on the Miss Understood podcast with Rachel Uchitel, who herself was involved in a national scandal as Tiger Woods' former mistress. In the clip, which leaked during the 2016 presidential election, Trump and Bush were overheard on a hot mic speaking in a lascivious manner about Zucker as she approached the bus they were on. After Trump remarked on how he unsuccessfully sought to bed Bush's then-Access Hollywood colleague Nancy O'Dell, Bush pointed out Zucker approaching the vehicle. 'Your girl's hot as s*** - in the purple,' Bush told Trump, who said he 'better use some Tic Tacs just in case' he started 'kissing her.' Arianne Zucker, who Donald Trump and Billy Bush infamously ogled in the infamous 2005 Access Hollywood bus tape, addressed what she thought about the widely-circulated clip on a podcast Thursday In the clip, which leaked during the 2016 presidential election, Trump and Bush were overheard ogling Zucker as she approached the bus they were on, with Bush later asking her to hug both of them since they had just gotten off of the bus Trump then explained to Bush how his celebrity benefitted him when he was courting women. 'You know I'm automatically attracted to beautiful ... I just start kissing them,' said the 45th president. 'It's like a magnet - just kiss, I don't even wait - and when you're a star they let you do it. 'You can do anything - grab them by the p**** - you can do anything.' Zucker had 'nice legs,' Trump said, while Bush said she had 'good legs.' After they got off the bus, Bush - who was swiftly let go from his plum Today Show job after the clip surfaced - encouraged Zucker to hug both him and Trump, since they both got off of the bus. On the podcast, Zucker, who played Nicole Walker on NBC's Days of Our Lives from 1998 until earlier this year, made clear she didn't take offense to the discussion Trump and Bush had. 'He made a comment, I guess, about my legs and so did Billy Bush,' said Zucker, who subsequently filmed a soap opera scene with Trump after he got off the bus in 2005. The Los Angeles native continued: 'Everybody has spoken poorly about somebody in their lifetime. I don't care who you are, everybody has, it's just people get caught on camera doing it - unfortunately, that happens all the time. Zucker made clear she didn't take offense to the discussion Trump and Bush had Zucker appeared Thursday on the Miss Understood podcast with Rachel Uchitel, who herself was involved in a national scandal as Tiger Woods' former mistress 'And if you've ever gone to a fraternity party, the things happen. So I'm going, "Sounds like something my fraternity guys I know would say." But I just didn't see it in the way that people were seeing it.' Zucker said on the podcast that she 'felt attacked by the media' and 'knew all they wanted' was to diminish Trump's chances in the 2016 election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. 'I mean, the biggest thing was to get Trump off the ballot - I was like, that is not my job,' Zucker said. Zucker said that while she's not in alignment with Trump's overall communications, she thinks he implemented strong policies during the span of his presidency from 2017-2021. 'I don't really like talking politics,' Zucker said, 'but as far as the way he speaks, could he do a better job of it? Absolutely.' She added of Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate in the 2024 election: 'I think there are policies that were great that he did. I'm sure our pockets felt a little bit better four years ago than they do now. I know mine did. 'And so I think there were things without getting too much into that that I felt were really great.' Zucker said that she wasn't 'going to judge the system' but felt there are problematic issues nationally, without delving into specifics. Zucker said on the podcast that she 'felt attacked by the media' and 'knew all they wanted' was to diminish Trump's chances in the 2016 election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton Trump pictured on the campaign trail in Racine, Wisconsin on Wednesday 'I think people can probably hear the way I think by the things that I'm saying, but I'm very in the middle of what's going on in this country,' Zucker said. 'And I mean, if this is the conversation we want to have, I just feel like there is weaponization on both sides.' Zucker's final day working on Days of Our Lives came last December 23, according to Deadline, and in February she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the show's executive producer Ken Corday and one-time director-executive producer Albert Alarr. She said in court docs that she faced professional repercussions in the form of a slashed salary and an unrenewed contract after she was critical of Alarr's on-set conduct. Alarr, who exited the show last summer following an investigation into his behavior, has denied the allegations. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist star Jane Levy has joyously announced that she is pregnant with her first child by her longtime love Thomas McDonell. The 34-year-old actress broke the news recently while appearing on the red carpet at the NHMC Impact Awards Gala at the famed Beverly Wilshire hotel. She wore a long black dress that fell elegantly over her baby bump, which she lovingly cradled in order to throw it into sharper relief. Jane posed proudly on Thomas' arm at the star-studded affair, wrapping an arm underneath her belly to leave no doubt as to her delicate condition. Then this Wednesday night she took the news to Instagram, posting a picture of herself and Thomas at the Beverly Hills gala with a heart emoji. Jane Levy and her longtime love Thomas McDonell announced their pregnancy on the red carpet at the NHMC Impact Awards Gala at the famed Beverly Wilshire hotel Thomas and Jane first became a couple in late 2011, while she was separated from her first husband, another actor called Jaime Freitas. Jane went down the aisle with Jaime in March 2011 when she was only 20 years old, and by Halloween that year the marriage had fallen apart. The year she married and left Jaime and started dating Thomas was also the year she landed her big break as an actress - the lead in the sitcom Suburgatory. In order to take the part on Suburgatory, she had to give up her role as Mandy Milkovich on Shameless, which was subsequently played by Emma Greenwell. More recently, she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her acclaimed turn on the musical comedy series Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. Shortly after the show started, she spoke candidly about the differences between her relationship with Thomas and her marriage to Jaime. 'I got married when I was so young, and it lasted six months. I have been with my current boyfriend for nine years,' she reflected. 'So, my current relationship feels a lot more like a marriage than with the man I married when I was 20,' she told Inquirer. She wore a long black dress that fell elegantly over her baby bump, which she lovingly cradled in order to throw it into sharper relief Jane earned a Golden Globe nomination for her acclaimed turn on the musical comedy series Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (pictured) Jane happens to be pregnant at the same time as her best friend Mae Whitman, who is known for such series as Parenthood; the pair are pictured in 2021 Jane happens to be pregnant at the same time as her best friend Mae Whitman, who is known for such series as Parenthood, Good Girls and Arrested Development. Mae broke her big news on Mother's Day, which she crowed was 'looking a little different this year! Can't wait to meet you, huge baby kicking my insides to filth!' Although she came out as pansexual in 2021, Mae has otherwise kept her love life out of the public eye and has not disclosed the name of her baby's father. In a joint interview for The Hollywood Reporter, Jane joked to Mae: 'Everyones dream best friend is you, Mae Whitman, and everyone is jealous of me because I get to be your best friend, which makes me feel good.' She is the proud owner of a $1million Hermes handbag collection. And Roxy Jacenko's taste for the finer things in life also extends to luxury watches and jewellery. The PR Maven, 44, shared a photo to Instagram on Thursday of her expensive watch collection as she headed to Brisbane. Roxy flashed her $65,000 Rolex Yacht-Master Rose Gold watch as well as a $93,000 Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Rolex watch. She also showed off her $69,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time watch. Roxy Jacenko (pictured) showed off her wild $227,000 watch collection as she jetted to Brisbane on Thursday Roxy protected her expensive watches in a $1,810 Louis Vuitton travel watch case. The post comes after Roxy recently released a statement to Instagram, after her former business partners said they regretted going into business with her. The Singapore-based Australian publicist made headlines last month when she promised to personally refund all 7,000 people who had signed up to her online business course Roxy's Brand Bootcamp. The promotion, which Roxy had launched with business partners Youssef Tleis and Kassim Alaouie, included a number of prizes, including a luxury Cronulla home. Roxy flashed her $65,000 Rolex Yacht-Master Rose Gold watch as well as a $93,000 Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Rolex watch. She also has a $69,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time watch Entrants paid between $29 and $499 for a chance to win the extravagant prizes, but faced uncertainty after Roxy called in liquidators to the trio's ailing company, Roxy's Bootcamp Pty Ltd. In a joint statement released on social media, Youssef and Kassim apologised to those affected: 'Our primary concern has always been you, the public, especially those who participated and purchased an entry into this promotion,' they stated. 'We sincerely apologise to you all. We fought as hard as we could and were even willing to give personal undertakings to support our fight,' the pair added. 'We want to express our deepest regret for entering into this partnership with Ms Jacenko. It has been an incredibly challenging and eye-opening experience. We sincerely apologise,' the pair added. The post comes after Roxy recently released a statement to Instagram, after her former business partners said they regretted going into business with her Meanwhile, in a statement by Roxy, she revealed she will be personally refunding those with tickets. 'In life, we can all make mistakes. We are only human. This "partnership" was a mistake and is a life lesson. I want to make it clear that I never did anything other than act in the interest of the consumers who purchased the course to try and deliver,' she wrote in an Instagram statement. 'It became apparent this wasn't going to end well and so l had to seek a court injunction in the Supreme Court of NSW which was granted on June 5, 2024.' Prior to this legal action, Roxy revealed she took proactive steps to settle outstanding bills and ensure the $250K prize fund's integrity for the eventual winner. Kim Kardashian dug deeper than ever into Hollywood as she mused about being the first female 007 and pitched a new film starring herself on the latest episode of The Kardashians. The 43-year-old reality star followed up her acclaimed turn on American Horror Story by visiting studios around Los Angeles to pitch a romantic comedy that had been written for her. But after meeting up for dinner with a group of her longtime best friends, she even set her sights on taking over for James Bond in the future though she wasn't willing to cut down on her Botox use to help her cry on command. After an episode-opening stint at a Balenciaga fashion show, Kim was driven around to pitch meeting at five different major studios. The film she was pitching was tentatively titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito. Kim Kardashian, 43, ponder the possibility of playing a female 007 after she pitched five major studios on a rom-com film written for her on the latest episode of The Kardashians She met up with her longtime friends for dinner after Netflix bought the rom-com, but she worried about playing more dramatic roles like a female Bond, as she wasn't willing to give up her Botox in order to cry on command While she was being chauffeured, her agent Brad Slater was giving her a pep talk. I know youre more nervous than me Kim began. Im not nervous, Im excited for you,' Brad replied. He reminded her that she had done so many things in her career, but pitching a movie written for her was a new adventure. Kim said she was staying calm because she doesnt get excited for things until theyre confirmed. That way she doesnt get let down if they fall through. Later, The Kardashians checked in on Kim as she was driving away from her first meeting of the day. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer. At the end of the meeting, she said she had so much going on that unless were going to be the biggest commercial movie and have the best cast and break the internet, she wouldn't be able to give it her all. In a confessional, she admitted she would have to give something up, and the reality show producer asked her what it would be. 'My sleep,' she responded without a pause. The movie was titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was to be written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito (pictured) Kim got a pep talk from her agent between pitches, but she said she didn't want to get excited unless it was confirmed that the film would be made After her final pitch, she went out to dinner with her 'lifers,' a group of her female friends she had know since they were teens, which included her pals Allison Statter, Zoe Winkler, Simone Harouche and Sarah Meyer Michaelson. Kim mentioned how they were all aging, as she found the menu blurry and could no longer see her phone close up, which just suddenly happened one day. She was at first coy about her 'project,' but then she admitted she had sold a romantic comedy to Netflix after her friends begged her for details. Kim explained that until recently she didn't have an agent, but after she appeared on American Horror Story she began meeting with interested agents, one of whom mentioned Paula Pell. Kim recounts explaining the plot of The Fifth Wheel, which would feature four women going on a trip, and she compared it to The Hangover films, Bridesmaids and The First Wives Club. She said the studio executive had all loved the idea, and each studio gave her agent a call 20 minutes later with offers, though she elected to go with Netflix, which tends to offer more money up front, as there won't be a chance to make any performance-based bonuses since the film will only be available on the streaming service. After her good news, Zoe jokingly wondered why Kim didn't mention that she was going to pitch a movie in the girls' group chat. But Kim explained that she didnt want to get ahead of herself with a new career. Kim shared her good news about selling her rom-com to Netflix with her old friends at a dinner meet-up The women had all been friends since they were teens Kim's friends were overjoyed to learn that she had sold her film, which she said her friend Amy Schumer was interested in starring in She told the ladies that she would be one of the stars of the film, while also producing the movie, and now she could relax because it had been sold to a distributor. Then, in a self deprecating moment, Kim joked that she could do about one movie per year going forward, and she said she would have about 10 years left in which she would look good. After those 10 busy years she could finally take some time off. Then Kim continued to gush about how her friend Amy Schumer who has previously appeared on The Kardashians had written her to say she wanted to be in the film. Kim admitted she was 'proud' that Amy and others wanted to join her project. You think I can do that? she recalled thinking about the offers for the film started pouring in. Im tripping the f*** out, low-key,' Kim said, but she cautioned that she still had to deliver. Her friend Allison then suggested that Kim could be the first 'female 007.' Her friend Allison suggested that Kim could be the 'female 007,' which Kim approved of But she wasn't willing to give up her Botox in order to act better or cry on demand 'Instead of a Bond girl, it should be Bond boys,' said an approving Kim as she nodded her head. 'That would be epic.' She added that she really 'loved the idea' of being a female Bond. But then Kim starting worrying about the logistics of being a movie star. I also feel like you need less botox for more emotion, and I dont have it, she joked to her friends. She also ruled out any Raging Bullstyle body transformations. Im not gonna be gaining 500 pounds for a role and losing,' she continued as her friends chuckled. 'Thats just not where Im going to be.' The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open. Fittingly, her model sister Kendall Jenner joined her, and the two walked along a closed-down street while navigating through crowds of models and crew preparing the show. Every Balenciaga show is such a moment, so its really fun to see it all come to life,' Kim gushed later in her confessional interview. The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open Kim was joined by her model sister Kendall, and she groused the Khloe skipped the show despite being invited, which she blamed on her belief that she has agoraphobia Kim was now a Balenciaga Ambassador, so her presence was essential She noted that her sister Khloe Kardashian didn't join them despite being invited, and she added with some venom in her voice that her younger sister didn't come because the fashion show was 'outdoors' and in the 'daylight.' Kim then explained that she thinks Khloe may be suffering from agoraphobia, though it's not clear if she thought it might be a clinical case, or just that her sister is turning into a homebody. I get it, but its time to break out of it, she added with audible annoyance. Kim noted that she is officially a brand ambassador for Balenciaga, even though people had assumed she was long before that after she began wearing numerous outfits from the Spanish fashion house. Kim's ex-husband Kanye West had previously collaborated with Balenciaga, but the luxury fashion line severed their ties in 2022 in the wake of antisemitic comments the rapper made. Kim also noted that she was getting ready to pitch a new comedy film, which she will presumably star in, so she was branching out and even busier than usual. While she was at the fashion show, it cuts away to reveal other stars walking with the models, including Brigitte Nielsen and Cardi B. After her time at the Balenciaga show, Kendall was seen driving over to her younger sister Kylie Jenner's house. Celebrities including Cardi B and Brigitte Nielsen walked the runway Kendall had cut out from the Balenciaga show to visit Kylie's house with an adorably fluffy puppy They wanted to introduce to their mother Kris' dog Bridgette, which was also a Poodle mix Kendall brought along an adorably fluffy puppy, which they wanted to introduce to their mother Kris Jenner's dog Bridgette. Bridgette, like the puppy, appeared to be a poodle mix, and Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional poodle with most of her hair trimmed short and accented with longer poofs. Hair grows, why not at least try, Kendall said. Kylie worried that their mother might be furious if she suddenly discovered her dog had gotten a drastic haircut, though Kendall thought their reality show might help them out of a jam. Because the cameras are on, I dont think shell get that mad, Kendall added. 'I think I'm good at pranks...' Kylie later said in a confessional, though she sounded unsure of herself and trailed off. The two made their way over to Kris' home and snuck in before calling out for Bridgette. The dog cautiously turned a corner and started to walk toward them, but Kendall and Kylie were disappointed to see that she had recently had a haircut, so her hair was too short for their intended cut. Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional Poodle, so they decided to prank their mom by giving her dog a surprise haircut But Bridgette had already had her fur cut too short, and they ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a Poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry They ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced. Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? But Kylie vowed that they would think of a more substantial prank later. As they were leaving with the puppy, Kylie let out a high-pitched squeak that confused Kris, and she head to explain that it was a hiccup. 'That's your hiccup?!' Kris responded, as she had apparently never heard the unusual mouse-like squeal, and Kendall admitted that she sounded the same when she hiccuped. The sisters left their mom's house and headed back to Kylie's abode to unwind, but the conversation took a darker, more emotional turn as the cosmetics mogul made a major confession. Kylie, who was wearing a chic dark blue denim jacket and matching jeans, noted that it's hard to spend time with her sisters because they're so busy. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? Back at her house, Kylie confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty' after being mocked online for a recent outing 'Well that was a failure,' she said as Kendall agreed that they were the 'worst prankers.' 'But, I love hanging out with you!' Kylie said. But then she confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty.' Kylie complained to her sister about how people had been making fun of her online after she stepped out in the City of Lights for Paris Fashion Week. She said a photo had gone around of herself after she decided not to wear a lot of makeup. Kylie said that if she wore a lot of makeup, people would she she was wearing 'too much makeup,' but if she went in the opposite direction, people would also criticize her on social media. In particular, she was hurt that fans as well as cosmetic dermatologists and professionals experienced with injecting fillers and botox had pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks Some fans and professionals had speculated that she had used too much filler below her eyes and over her cheek bones, creating the prominent crease. She appeared to refer to her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, when trolls claimed she looked 'old' and bashed her for alleged using too much filler. Even dermatologists and filler specialists shared their opinion on her filler use; pictured January 24 in Paris She was hurt that fans pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks, which they said could indicate too much filler use. But they can be visible on anyone, even children, and Kylie claimed she had the lines going back to when she was a child Kendall was a sympathetic ear. Kylie wondered why it was acceptable to say mean things about her online and began to cry However, the lines can be visible on anyone, even in children, and Kylie claimed that the feature had always been prominent on her going back to when she was a child. 'I just hear nasty things about myself all the time,' Kylie admitted in the confessional interview. The billionaire reality star and cosmetics mogul wondered aloud to her sister why people didn't more prominently defend her online. Im kind of like, so numb to people talking about my looks at this point, and I just want to know why on the internet no one says anything or thinks that its OK,' she said. Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings.' 'If you talked the same way you talk about us about any other woman, people would come to their defense all day long,' Kendall added. Kylie was particularly upset because she was trying to find a new, more natural looking, and she confessed to being on a 'journey' over the past year in which she dissolved 'half' of her lip filler. 'I think with me it's never going to change,' Kylie said, before pausing as tears started to well up in her eyes. Kylie said she hadn't cried about the comments before, but she was set off by people who said it was fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalled reading. Kendall wrapped her arms around Kylie to comfort her as she sobbed Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings' As she brushed them away, Kendall took a seat next to hear and wrapped her in a hug. Why do people think its OK to talk about me? Kylie asked through her tears. She said she hadn't cried about the mean comments before, and as the tears slowed she shared how she occasionally sees defensive comments, but others claim online that it's fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalls reading. Kylie said people had complained about her looks even before she got fillers, and she seemed distressed that people say she looks 'old,' though Kendall claimed she looked younger than ever. The model said they would never get past the comments, as people would always assume they had both gotten 'full facial reconstructions.' 'I can't let the comments get me down,' Kylie said. 'I can't let the comments get me down. I have s*** to do. Rise above.' Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed, but she wasn't going far from home, and her excuse was that Kourtney might go into labor at any moment. Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child While Malika had a suitor she found too persistent, Khloe said she found her ex-husband Lamar Odom's persistence sexy The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce. The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child. I am not open for business you are! Khloe said, as she emphasized that she wanted to be single for a while. But she was happy for her friend and approved of her trying to find a real partner before resulting to an anonymous sperm donor. While they talked about a date that didn't end well with an insistent suitor who wouldn't stop texting Malika, Khloe admitted that she had been turned on when her ex-husband Lamar Odom found out they had the same business manager and sought out her contact info after she wouldnt give him her number. She found his persistence sexy. While driving, Khloe also complained that they couldn't have as much fun in public anymore because there are phones everywhere now. In a confessional, Khloe admitted she didn't want to start dating again because it might f*** up her kids, and she had been disappointed by her recent romantic interests. Back at the goat farm, Khloe gushed over how 'cute' the little animals were. Khloe thought the baby goats were adorable, but she didn't think they would make good pets since they weren't housetrained and they wanted to eat her jacket and bite Malika She FaceTimes her daughter true to see the goats, and she was delighted A group of young kids recognized Khloe and were over the moon to see her, so she stopped to chat with them for a few minutes and gave the girls a group hug A group of young kids recognized Khloe and were over the moon to see her, so she stopped to chat with them for a few minutes and gave the girls a group hug True would die, Khloe said, before FaceTiming her daughter, who clearly loved the animals, even as they tried to eat Khloe's jacket and bite Malika. Khloe admitted she 'definitely didnt think everything through,' such as how the goats 'poop little pellets' and 'pee everywhere' and have a tendency to hump each other. Classic Carl,' an employee said of one particularly sexed-up goat. Pets and men are two different things,' Khloe said, because pets only require food and petting. While at the farm, a group of visiting school children saw Khloe and shouted her name. She said 'hi' back to them and gave a group of young girls a big hug. Khloe had a hard time believing eight- or nine-year-old girls would know who she was, but she still spent a few minutes with them and gave them high fives. Back in the confessional, she told her producer that she '100 percent' expects to be married again in the future. The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. She felt a contraction while they looked at old photos in bed Kourtney recalled traumatic surgery to clear fluid in Rocky's lungs while he was in the womb, but he made a miraculous recovery Its time to go, she whispered to Travis after her contractions began, so they left for the hospital on the night of October 29 On October 29, 2023, Kourtney and Travis were sitting in bed looking at old photos of themselves on his phone when she announced that she had had a contraction. My babys about to pop, Travis said gleefully. He said it would be the first 'natural birth' he had experienced, and he said he would be filming Rocky as he was born. But Kourtney objected, saying she didn't want him to be 'down there.' She said she didn't want Travis to be 'traumatized by your favorite thing in the world.' Later that night the lovebirds drove to the hospital, and Kourtney joked that Rocky was waiting for a Halloween birthday. Both parents guessed that Rocky would weigh exactly eight pounds. Then Kourtney looked back to a traumatic event months earlier when doctors had discovered fluid in Rocky's lungs, which was 'super rare,' but they were 'lucky' to have caught it. Kourtney filmed herself on her phone from her hospital bed and admitted she was filled with fear after the surgery. Things seemed to take a downturn when the fluid returned to Rocky's lungs. But then Kourtney saw a video on the power of positive thinking, and after she tried to focus on optimistic thoughts, she claimed that the fluid had completely disappeared. But she still wasn't dilated enough by the morning of October 30, so she had to bounce on a ball to stimulate labor They left for lunch at Crossroads and then went home to have sex. That helps sometimes, Kourtney said with a sly smile Its time to go, she whispered then as she prepared to birth Rocky. A nurse attending to her said she was one to two centimeters dilated and had some bleeding, which didn't concern her. But then it was 10 in the morning on October 30, and Kourtney revealed that she had gotten up to three centimeters dilated by 4 a.m., but there was no progress after that. She was seen bouncing on a big rubber ball in her hospital gown and moving in circles to stimulate the labor while talking on the phone with her family. Kourtney even wondered if she should cool it with the ball exercises, as she really wanted Rocky to wait until Halloween. You better squeeze him out, babys gonna be 10 pounds, Travis joked as the morning progressed. They decided to leave the hospital while things were stalled, but first they left to eat at Crossroads. Once they were home, Kourtney revealed that they showered and then had sex. That helps sometimes, she said with a sly smile. Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' Travis drummed to the baby's heartbeat, which Kourtney found relaxing, rather than intensely annoying. But by 11:45 p.m.her doctor decided it was time to induce labor She got a surprise guest when her mom Kris Jenner arrived uninvited because she was 'in the area,' so she sat masked up by the wall Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' But he had second thoughts on the way back to the hospital. We said it too much that his birthday was gonna be on Halloween,' Travis mused on the ride over. The Blink-182 member had an odd way of calming his nerves while he waited for Kourtney to go into labor. He had brought along his drum practice pad and began banging out rudiments at the the same tempo as Rocky's heartbeat. Many women in labor might have found the din unbearably annoying, but Kourtney was on the same page as her husband. She said she found the drumming soothing, and she said Travis' practice had helped her fall asleep in the past. Before Rocky arrived, she reflected that they were too afraid to feel it after she got pregnant because they worried it was 'too good to be true, especially after they had given up on IVF treatments. While she was on her side in her hospital bed and being attended to by a nurse, a faint splashing sound was heard on the soundtrack, and Kourtney said she finally broke her water, indicating that Rocky was arriving soon. Kourtney had planned for Travis to be the only family member with her in the delivery room, but her plans had a major shake up after a surprise guest arrived her mother Kris. Despite gatecrashing the birth, Kris tried to be innocuous by sitting on the other side of the room while masked up and looking at her phone. Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving Ritz Bits crackers for a day Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1 In her confessional interview, Kourtney revealed that she got a surprise call from her security that her mother had arrived at the hospital and wanted to join her. Kris told the guard she was 'just in the area,' so she decided to drop in on the birth. She was not in the area, Kourtney grumbled, although she didn't have the heart to ban her mother from getting to see her grandson be born. As she waited for the big moment after reaching four centimeters dilation, Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving some Ritz Bits crackers since the day before. As it got closer and closer to midnight, Kourtney admitted: I think Rocky wants to be November first.' Travis agreed: Yeah, he doesnt want to be the King of Halloween.' But there was still a slim chance after her doctor decided to induce her at 11:45 p.m. Kourtney was surprised when Travis, who had been playing music in the hospital room all night, switched to exclusively Frank Sinatra as Rocky's arrival was imminent. Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1. After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter Travis played Frank Sinatra leading up to the birth, and they later determined that it was his 1966 classic That's Life that was playing when Rocky was born After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter But Kourtney admitted later that she was glad her mother was there, as Kris had a calming effect over the proceedings. Later, during her confessional interview, Kourtney paused to FaceTime Travis, and he gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life. He added that he wanted to watch the show's footage of the birth. I want to know what song he popped out to, Travis explained. They determined the song was Sinatra's performance of That's Life, the title track of his classic 1966 LP 'The song just came up in the playlist and we were like, "What a perfect song,"' Kourtney recalled. As Travis sat in the hospital bed and cuddled little Rocky, Kourtney beamed with love for him after the fact during her interview. 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' she said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything. In the preview for next week's episode, Kim plans the family's popular Christmas Eve Party with imported snow for a full white Christmas, but thunder on the horizon threatens to ruin the outdoor bash. Meanwhile, Khloe was once again at home with her kids and her brother Rob Kardashian's daughter Dream. While visiting her, Kim claimed Khloe's kids rule her life. Live your f***ing life! Get out! she shouted at her younger sister. Travis gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' Kourtney said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything' Then all the women were about to take a family vacation, but something went awry as Kylie joined them on the private jet. I just have a really bad feeling,' Kylie confessed, before getting off the plane with no explanation. The very last moment of the episode was a humorous tag in which one of Khloe's confessional interviews was interrupted by a spider descending in front of her. Luckily, a crew member apprehended it and saved her, but not before they poked fun at her frightened expression with a freeze frame. Lucia Hawley has shared some rare photos of her boyfriend of more than three years, Henry Poole, as she paid tribute to him on his birthday on Thursday. The 7Bravo reporter, 26, who is the niece of Hollywood star Nicole Kidman, described her partner as 'awkward' in the caption of the post. In one photo, the pair were dressed to the nines for a black tie event and in another Henry was seen giving the brunette beauty a piggyback. 'Birthday wishes to this awkward dude. We love you,' Lucia captioned the post. In other images, Henry was seen riding a bike and walking barefoot through some grass. Lucia Hawley, 26, (left) has shared some rare snaps with her boyfriend of more than three years Henry Poole (right) as she paid tribute to him for his birthday on Thursday The heartwarming birthday tribute comes after Lucia revealed her boyfriend Henry's reaction to her 'flirty' interview with Austin Butler. Lucia became very flustered while interviewing the Hollywood star, 32, at the State Theatre during the Sydney Film Festival earlier this month. She attempted to chat to Austin, who is dating Kaia Gerber, about his new movie The Bikeriders, but quickly became red-faced when he turned the tables on her. Rather than talking about his film, he started asking Lucia questions about herself instead, prompting her fans to joke that Austin was 'flirting' with her. The 7Bravo reporter, 26, who is the niece of Hollywood star Nicole Kidman , described her partner as 'awkward' in the caption of the post 'Birthday wishes to this awkward dude. We love you,' Lucia captioned the post In other images, Henry was seen riding a bike and walking barefoot through some grass The interview quickly went viral and Lucia later shared her longtime boyfriend Henry's reaction to the 'flirty' interview. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she joked that Henry was 'not happy' as she shared a screenshot of the comment he left underneath footage of the friendly interview. Henry, who has plans to move in with Lucia this year, hilariously penned, 'Eyes where I can see em @austinbutler,' as he poked fun at the 'flirty' chat. Reposting his comment, Lucia quipped of Henry's response: '@henrypoole_ has weighed in guys... (he's not happy).' Jenna Coleman made the announcement she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Jamie Childs at the opening of an exhibition in London on Wednesday. The actress, 37, showed off her bump in a gorgeous green silk dress at the Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah. The happy news comes six months after she left fans speculating she had married her director boyfriend Jamie, 35, after being spotted with a chunky gold band on her wedding finger. As Jenna embarks on the exciting next chapter, take a look at her star-studded love life - from falling for her Victoria co-star Tom Hughes, a four year on-off romance with Richard Madden to romance rumours with real life royalty, Prince Harry... Boyfriend Jamie Childs and marriage rumours Jenna Coleman made the announcement she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Jamie Childs at the opening of an exhibition in London on Wednesday Back in January, Jenna left fans speculating she had tied the knot with boyfriend Jamie Childs (pictured in September 2023) Jenna and Jamie met on the set of Netflix series The Sandman (pictured) in 2020 and have since worked together again on Jamie's first film Jackdaw Jenna and Jamie met on the set of Netflix series The Sandman in 2020 and have since worked together again on Jamie's first film Jackdaw. Back in January, Jenna left fans speculating she had tied the knot with boyfriend Jamie Childs after being spotted with a chunky gold band on her wedding finger. The Victoria star, 37, looked loved-up as she strolled in North-West London with director Jamie, 35. But a few weeks later, Jenna appeared to squash rumours that she's tied the knot, after moving her supposed 'wedding ring' to her middle finger. The actress famously keeps her relationships private and has never spoken publicly about her romance with Jamie. Back in 2019, while in a relationship with Tom, Jenna said she wasn't under any pressure to start a family, and instead wanted to see more of the world. 'Half of my friends have babies, and half don't, so it doesn't feel like a pressure. I want to take my time,' she told Harpers Bazaar. 'There's a whole lot more of the world for me to see first. I'd love to have children one day. But not nine of them. I can tell you that as a fact.' Tom Hughes The actress previously dated Tom Hughes, who played her husband Prince Albert in ITV 's Victoria They met in 2013 on the set of BBC drama series Dancing On The Edge, but went their separate ways in 2020 (pictured in 2017) The actress previously dated Tom Hughes, who played her husband Prince Albert in ITV's Victoria. They met in 2013 on the set of BBC drama series Dancing On The Edge, but went their separate ways in 2020. At the time it was reported that the pair were 'terribly sad' by the end of their relationship, with the actress moving into her own pad and they reportedly attempted to 'salvage a friendship.' An insider told The Sun at the time the pair later met up in an attempt to keep things 'as friendly and civil as possible.' The source said: 'They are trying to salvage a friendship but obviously these are trying times, and it's not easy. 'Both Tom and Jenna are terribly sad, but the relationship ran its course. There was no third party involved. 'Jenna's career is going from strength to strength, she's being offered increasingly more roles abroad, especially Los Angeles, and she wants to focus on this while she's still young.' Their romance was a case of life imitating art for the pair who began dating in 2016 after they met on set. Jenna and Tom's romance almost never happened, as the actress revealed she turned down the role of the iconic monarch Victoria twice, before finally accepting the part. The series' third season hit screens back in 2019, but since then ITV haven't announced any plans for a fourth. Speaking to Radio Times, Jenna said of the near-miss: 'I had just finished doing nearly four years on Doctor Who and I didn't want to do another long TV project. 'I wanted to do lots of different things, but now I'm doing Victoria, I find her quite addictive.' Prince Harry Back in 2015, Jenna and Prince Harry sparked romance rumours after they were pictured putting of a cosy display at a charity polo match (pictured) which she later downplayed The romance rumours were short lived, however, as Prince Harry met his now wife Meghan Markle a year later Back in 2015, Jenna and Prince Harry, 39, sparked romance rumours after they were pictured putting of a cosy display at a charity polo match. One onlooker said: Harry sneaked outside with Jenna. He took her by the hand and led her away from the crowd in the sponsors tent. They sat alone and talked. It was a very flirty, very tactile encounter. She was leaning in to him and he had his hand on her knee. From their body language, it looked like they were really enjoying each others company. They were sitting very close, laughing lots and touching each other.' Jenna attempted to brush off the rumours during an awkward appearance on Good Morning Britain in 2016, when host Kate Garraway asked: 'Talking about passion, there have been pictures of you and Prince Harry, I'm assuming you were together for research, for the Royal Family.' Jenna politely replied: 'No, he is a friend of mine.' The romance rumours were short lived as Prince Harry met his now wife Meghan Markle, 42, a year later. Richard Madden Before Tom, Jenna was in a relationship with Bodyguard and Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden and they had an off-on four year romance (pictured in 2015) Despite their split, Jenna and Richard appeared to stay on friendly terms, as they posed for a selfie together after reuniting in Barcelona in March 2024 Before her long-term romance with Tom, Jenna was in a relationship with Bodyguard and Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden. The pair dated on and off for four years after getting together in 2012. Their relationship coincided with their soaring careers, with Richard starring in Game Of Thrones at the time while Jenna had landed her Doctor Who role. In the early days of their relationship, a proud Richard gushed about visiting his girlfriend on the set of Doctor Who. 'I've watched Doctor Who since I was a kid. I loved it, and I still love it,' he declared. 'I was selfie-ing the s**t out of it, and sending it to my dad! "Look, it's me in the TARDIS!" I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I can geek out about it, like when I go to set and see the TARDIS.' While they often showed their support for one another at red carpet premieres of their various projects, the couple ended up splitting for good in 2015. Despite their split, Jenna and Richard appeared to stay on friendly terms, as they posed for a selfie together after reuniting in Barcelona in March 2024. Karl Davies Jenna auditioned for Emmerdale shortly after leaving the private Arnold House School in her home town of Blackpool and dated her co-star Karl Davies for two years (pictured in 2009) Jenna auditioned for Emmerdale shortly after leaving the private Arnold House School in her home town of Blackpool with straight As at A-level and landed the part of lesbian schoolgirl Jasmine Thomas. It was a role that developed into one of the soap's racier storylines when Jasmine had an affair with her best friend Debbie, fell pregnant by Debbie's father, had an abortion and then killed the father with a chair leg. While on the ITV soap she started a two-and-a-half-year relationship with her co-star Karl Davies. At the time, he admitted: 'On her first day she walked into the green room at Emmerdale and I just thought, Wow. I fell for her pretty quickly.' By coincidence, Karl also starred in Game Of Thrones where he played Alton Lannister. More recently he has has starred in The Bay as Carl McGregor and The Nevers. Heavily pregnant Adwoa Aboah stunned in a flowing red Lanvin dress as she left the V&A Summer Party celebrating Naomi Campbell, on Wednesday night. The British fashion model, 32, paired the dress with a multicoloured jacket which she wore over her shoulders. She finished her vibrant look with flat red shoes by Lanvin and gorgeous bracelets as she stepped out of the Naomi In Fashion at the V&A South Kensington. Adwoa was joined at the event, in collaboration with BOSS, by the likes of Jodie Turner-Smith, Elizabeth Hurley, and Naomi, 54, who flashed some skin in a plunging white dress from BOSS. The V&A describes Naomi In Fashion as: 'The first exhibition of its kind exploring the extraordinary career of fashion model Naomi Campbell.' Heavily pregnant Adwoa Aboah, 32, stunned in a flowing red Lanvin dress as she left the V&A Summer Party, celebrating Naomi Campbell, at the V&A South Kensington on Wednesday night The British fashion model also wore a beautiful multicoloured jacket and flat red shoes - also by Lanvin to Naomi In Fashion at the V&A South Kensington (pictured inside the event) The museum adds: 'Through the work of leading global designers and photographers we celebrate her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact.' Naomi In Fashion opens on Saturday and costs 18 to view. The supermodel, 54, was the centre of attention as the evening celebrated her honour. Naomi looked nothing short of sensational as she went braless beneath a custom white BOSS gown with daringly plunging neckline. The dress hugged her jaw-dropping figure and also boasted a saucy split which teased a glimpse of her iconic legs. Naomi accessorised with shades as well as diamonds with a snake shaped chocker around her neck as well as dazzling bracelets and rings. Adwoa announced her pregnancy with her first child by appearing at this year's Met Gala with a baby bump. The Top Boy star drew attention to her blossoming bump in a red balloon skirt and matching crop top for the glitzy fashion night in New York City. Naomi In Fashion opens on Saturday and costs 18 to view. The supermodel, 54, was the centre of attention as the evening celebrated her honour Speaking about her outfit choice, Adwoa said: 'My Met Gala looks are always very instinctive. 'I love leaning into the theme, but I always want to feel completely like myself with the confidence to stand out from the rest.' The beauty added: 'We created a look to mark a very special moment in my life.' She joked to Harper's Bazaar just a few days before the event: 'Im gonna do my Rihanna reveal moment, whatever that looks like and then Ill probably go back into hiding.' Adwoa later told the publication: 'I wanted to feel like my best self, and its hard when you have literally no control over your body and the way that its moving and growing and doing its own thing. 'I did a lot of research on pregnant women on the red carpet, she told me. Obviously, we have the likes of Rihanna, who killed it in such an incredible way. Sienna [Miller] was also a big reference for me.' Adwoa is in currently in a relationship with U.S. skater Daniel Wheatley. whom she's been dating since 2023. Daniel, 33, is also a member of the editorial teams on Thrasher Magazine and The Perfect Magazine. The couple often keep their romance low-key, sharing the odd cosy snaps of one another on birthdays and just special occasions. Adwoa announced her pregnancy with her first child by appearing at this year's Met Gala with a baby bump (pictured at the event in May) It seemed an easy question for the BBC's director of comedy: Does he find one of the sitcoms he oversees funny? But Jon Petrie's silence when quizzed about BBC staple Mrs Brown's Boys at a Q&A session earlier this week throws light on a bigger question: Who does actually like the show, and why does it divide TV audiences like nothing else? The slapstick comedy, which has been on air since 2011, is regularly panned as 'unfunny', 'predictable' and 'vulgar', yet it still pulls in millions of viewers and has been a BBC mainstay for more than a decade, with two festive specials coming up this year. A cheeky audience member prodded at the controversy at a Q&A for the BBC Comedy Showcase at Soho House on Tuesday, telling Petrie: 'Can I ask as comedy chief, do you actually find Mrs Brown's Boys funny? And would you watch it if you didn't have to?' Mrs Brown's Boys is regularly panned as 'unfunny', 'predictable' and 'vulgar' - yet it remains a long-running hit Characters Cathy Brown (Jennifer Gibney), Mrs Brown (Brendan O'Carroll) and Father Damien (Conor Moloney) in the 2020 Christmas Special The TV executive awkwardly giggled before the host, comedy writer Michelle de Swarte, waded in to rescue him by saying: 'It's a trap. It's a trap. Look at me. That's a trap. Next question.' It certainly isn't hard to find people who loathe Mrs Brown's Boys, with its return to our screens last year met by scathing comments on X. 'It's a sad day for the human race today, a new season of Mrs Brown's Boys starts tonight,' one user wrote. A second added: 'The whole nation absolutely does NOT adore Mrs Brown's Boys. I consider it drivel and totally unfunny.' Professional critics have been even more scathing, lambasting the show for its 'hackneyed sitcom tropes' and 'weak jokes'. Following his awkward Q&A appearance on Tuesday, Petrie released a statement the next day praising Brendan O'Carroll, the show's writer and star, for 'creating the iconic comedy character' that had 'made me laugh many times'. He added: 'Seeing Mrs Brown's Boys live is an unforgettable experience. I feel very lucky that I've had the chance to witness it and I'm proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable.' He also said earlier at the Q&A: People want jokes, they want shows that make them laugh and the ones that they are re-watching again and again are Ghosts, Motherland, Not Going Out and Mrs Browns Boys. They still get huge numbers for us. But the damage was done, prompting suspicions that even the man in charge of the BBC's comedy output doesn't like the show - although an onlooker claimed he simply hadn't had enough time to answer. Jon Petrie, the BBC's director of comedy, was unable to reply when asked whether he thought the show was funny. Pictured right is O'Carroll on a chat show This wouldn't be any surprise to its many critics, one of whom once took to social media to declare: 'I have not come across a single person who does not think Mrs Brown's Boys is the biggest load of rubbish ever.' Yet, in truth, many do. Mrs Brown's Boys: The ingredients of an unlikely comedy hit Mrs Brown's Boys tells the story of loud-mouthed, bawdy Irish matriarch Agnes Brown - played by Brendan O'Carroll - who is seen meddling in the lives of her six children. Described by the BBC as featuring 'sauciness and slapstick', the show has an informal production style, with characters regularly breaking the fourth wall. O'Carroll's unlikely inspiration for the character of Mrs Brown was his mother, Maureen, who raised 11 children and embarked on a trailblazing political career that saw her rise to become the Chief Whip of the Irish Labour Party. Other characters include Harold Brown, better known as Grandad, who has a deep rivalry with Agnes, long-suffering eldest child Mark Brown, and Rory Brown, the third son and the only homosexual in the family - a fact unacknowledged by everyone except Agnes. Advertisement The show reached its peak audience of 11million in 2012 and 2013, then in 2017 was the most-watched show on TV on Christmas Day with 6.8m viewers. It may have slumped to 4million viewers last Christmas, but it remains unquestionably one of the BBC's biggest comedy hits that has now graced (or haunted) or screens for well over a decade. O'Carroll has vowed to keep on making more Christmas Specials, telling the Daily Star: 'As long as the BBC keep asking, we'll keep making episodes.' And he hit back at his critics of the last festive offering by pointing out that the show still has millions of loyal fans - and has been praised by the parents of children with autism. He told BBC Sounds: 'First of all, I'm well aware that comedy is very subjective. What some people like, other people just detest. So I don't take it too serious. 'When we started... by about the fourth or fifth episode, we got a couple of letters from people who had autistic children. 'It started as a couple of letters and it's now been over 3,000. And they said that their kids watched Mrs Brown and they heard them laugh in context for the very first time. 'One woman said she was in the kitchen and heard her son laughing for the very first time. So when you get a letter like that I don't care what the critics say. That'll do me.' Fans of Mrs Brown and her chaotic household would agree, with comments online suggesting it is seen as a bit of lighthearted fun in serious times. 'Say what you like about Mrs Brown's Boys but we all need a bit of light hearted, sometimes silly, comedy. It brought a smile to our faces tonight!' one X user wrote. Others called it 'hysterical' and accused critics of being 'snobs'. So it's clear that despite its growing legions of haters, Mrs Brown's Boys seems set to soldier on for a little while yet. But what do YOU think of the show? Share your thoughts in the comments below... Shanina Shaik stunned as she arrived at the V&A Summer Party, supported by BOSS, in London on Wednesday evening. Celebrating Naomi Campbell's new exhibition at the museum, the Australian model, 33, looked incredible in a plunging waistcoat style gown. The neutral toned number featured a daring front slit, a white collar and buttons down the front. Shanina elevated her height with a pair of strappy heeled sandals and carried a small box clutch bag. To complete her outfit, she kept her makeup subtle with a soft, smoky eyeshadow and styled her hair straight. Shanina Shaik stunned as she arrived at the V&A Summer Party, supported by BOSS, in London on Wednesday evening Celebrating Naomi Campbell's new exhibition at the museum, the Australian model, 33, looked incredible in a plunging waistcoat style gown The exhibition, Naomi: In Fashion explores the iconic model's amazing 40-year career in the fashion world. It will open 22 June 2024 and run until 6 April 2025 and will feature past and present pieces from the designers who helped shape Naomi's early career. Outfits from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Virgil Abloh and more are set to be included. According to the V&A website: 'The first exhibition of its kind exploring the extraordinary career of fashion model Naomi Campbell. 'Through the work of leading global designers and photographers we celebrate her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact.' Meanwhile, Shanina welcomed her only child with boyfriend Matthew Adesuyan back in September of 2022. The pair first publicised their romance on Valentine's Day in 2021. They have been dating since 2020. The Australian beauty was previously linked to DJ Ruckus back in 2015, and less than a year later, the two were engaged. The neutral toned number featured a daring front slit, a white collar and buttons down the front She kept her makeup subtle with a soft, smoky eyeshadow and styled her hair straight To complete her outfit, Shanina elevated her height with a pair of strappy heeled sandals and carried a small box clutch bag In April 2018, the pair got married in the Bahamas in a destination wedding before separating a year later. Shanina is most recognised for her work as a supermodel for Victoria's Secret, but has also appeared on the covers of Harper's Bazaar and Cosmopolitan. She has appeared on Project Runway, walked the runway for Chanel, and famously opened for Jason Wu. 618 shopping gala stimulates consumption 10:41, June 20, 2024 By Fan Feifei ( China Daily An employee arranges orders placed during this year's June 18 shopping carnival at a food company in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on June 15. YANG MEIQING/FOR CHINA DAILY The enthusiasm of Chinese consumers has been evident during this year's June 18 shopping carnival, as major e-commerce platforms ramped up efforts to provide steep discounts and shopping subsidies as well as simplify promotional methods to attract price-conscious shoppers and bolster sales. Industry experts said the midyear promotional campaign has played a vital role in stimulating people's purchasing appetites, promoting the recovery of consumption and shoring up the economy, with electronic devices containing innovative technologies and domestic brands proving popular among consumers. As Chinese shoppers have become more rational about potential purchases, online retailers have adopted a more pragmatic and simpler approach by canceling presale campaigns this year, with a key focus on cost-effective products and the use of livestreaming to further unleash the immense potential of consumption, they added. Data from e-commerce giant JD, which initiated the midyear promotional event, showed that more than 10,000 brands saw their sales surge over fivefold in the first four hours of the June 18 shopping carnival, which kicked off at 8 pm on May 31. Sales of AI-powered computers, smartphones and learning devices via JD's online marketplaces soared 260 percent year-on-year in the first hour of the promotional gala, while the transaction volume of foldable screen phones, smartwatches and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, skyrocketed over 100 percent year-on-year in short bursts of time, JD said. The turnover of new products from more than 700 home appliance brands increased over 100 percent year-on-year in the first four hours, JD said. More than 2,500 clothing brands and 300 beauty brands witnessed their sales grow over 100 percent compared with the same period last year. In addition, the number of viewers of JD's promotional livestreaming sessions skyrocketed 460 percent year-on-year with orders from sessions hosted by JD's professional procurement and sales teams up 300 percent compared with last year's Singles' Day shopping festival. The company has launched a subsidy campaign worth 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) during the June 18 shopping spree, offering a variety of low-priced products. Data from Tmall, Alibaba's business-to-customer platform, showed that sales of 59 brands surpassed 100 million yuan within the first four hours of its midyear promotional event, which started at 8 pm on May 20. Turnover of Apple's products on Tmall exceeded 1.5 billion yuan within the first hour, while sales of domestic smartphone brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Vivo surpassed 100 million yuan during the period, Tmall said. Moreover, the transaction volume of 11 cosmetics and skin care brands as well as 23 household appliance brands including Haier, Hisense and Xiaomi crossed the 100 million yuan threshold in the first four hours. Sales of luxury brands, such as Valentino and Miu Miu, exceeded that of the entire day last year within the first hour of the gala, it added. Outdoor sporting goods, consumer electronic products, nutrition and healthcare items and household appliances witnessed robust growth during the shopping extravaganza that now spans about one month. Jason Yu, general manager of Kantar Worldpanel China, a market research provider, said, "Price is a very basic and core competitiveness for e-commerce platforms as consumers could purchase premium products with high cost-effectiveness during the promotional event, which will satisfy their demand for consumption upgrade." Yu said some brands are paying more attention to improving consumer experience, as well as providing various discounts and membership services, striking a balance between chasing commercial interests and optimizing user experience. Workers sort packages at a logistics center in Suqian, Jiangsu province, on June 14. WANG LI/FOR CHINA DAILY It is noteworthy that an increasing number of brands are moving toward starting their own normalized livestreaming sessions, reducing over-dependence on top livestreamers and nurturing new anchors, Yu said. Furthermore, he added that domestic brands have stepped up investments in technological innovation, research and development while improving the quality of products to cater to demand from value-conscious consumers. "Consumption has become the main driving force boosting China's economic growth, and the June 18 shopping festival is pivotal to unleashing consumers' purchasing potential and promoting the recovery of the economy," said Wang Yun, a researcher at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, which is affiliated with the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic regulator. Wang said that domestic brands are increasingly gaining popularity among Chinese consumers, especially the post-90s and post-00s generations, who have a growing sense of national pride and confidence in Chinese culture. China's consumer market has witnessed a sustained recovery. Retail sales, a significant indicator of consumption strength, grew 4.1 percent year-on-year in the first five months, said the National Bureau of Statistics. Online retail sales jumped 12.4 percent year-on-year during the January-May period. The country has rolled out a raft of measures to spur the consumption of products and services such as automobiles, electronics, housing and home decor amid its broader push to boost momentum and stabilize the economy. More efforts should be made to stabilize and expand employment, improve household incomes, boost people's ability and willingness to spend and propel the country's economic growth, said Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy. Industry insiders said chasing high gross merchandise volume, or GMV, is no longer the focus of the June 18 shopping carnival, while consumers are increasingly looking for cost-effective local alternatives as Chinese brands' product quality and safety improve. They added that Chinese consumer enthusiasm for the online shopping festival will not wane, but what e-commerce platforms should do is to improve supply chains, and optimize business and operational models in accordance with shoppers' buying habits and preferences. Mo Daiqing, a senior analyst at the Internet Economy Institute, a domestic consultancy, said it is of great significance for e-commerce platforms to adopt low-price strategies and offer cost-effective commodities, so as to attract a new breed of users and rev up sales. Noting that Chinese consumers are more rational now and carefully review their needs, with an emphasis on quality and product value, Mo said online retailers have made promotional methods simpler this time, with direct price cuts being a preferred strategy, which is conducive to improving user loyalty and repurchase rates. Moreover, both JD and Tmall are facing intensified competition from video-sharing and livestreaming platforms, including Douyin and Kuaishou, which are betting big on e-commerce in livestreaming formats, Mo added. "Major Chinese e-commerce platforms have canceled presales for this year's June 18 shopping extravaganza, simplifying the online shopping process and optimizing consumer shopping experiences and services," said Dong Puyu, a researcher at CIO Manage, a Beijing-based digital economy market consultancy. Dong said simplified promotional events and direct price cuts will help promote the healthy development of e-commerce and better protect the rights and interests of consumers over the long term. However, the move may lead to intensified competition among e-commerce players and merchants need to adopt new sales strategies and adjust their inventory management models, he added. Zhao Ping, deputy head of the Beijing-based Academy of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said China's consumer market is expected to see a recovery of growth this year. He called for efforts to further cut taxes and fees for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, expand employment and increase household disposable incomes to further perk up consumption. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Emily Miller displayed her bump in a rather daring ensemble as she marked her due date on Wednesday. The Too Hot To Handle star, 30, took to Instagram to reveal she is now 40 weeks pregnant and preparing to welcome her baby boy with Cam Holmes any day now. Emily and Cam, 27, who first met on the 2020 series, revealed they were expecting their first child together in January. The mother-to-be looked incredible in a cream co-ord set, consisting of a criss-cross bikini top and a low-rise maxi skirt. Emily captioned the snaps: '40 weeks (love heart emoji)' Pregnant Emily Miller displayed her bump in a rather daring ensemble as she marked her due date on Wednesday The Too Hot To Handle star, 30, took to Instagram to reveal she is now 40 weeks pregnant and preparing to welcome her baby boy with Cam Holmes any day now Fans flocked to the comment section to compliment the reality TV star and express their excitement. One fan commented: 'Never seen anyone look this good pregnant!!'; 'Girl if you don't go push this damn baby out!!! I need to see him.'; 'Beautiful baby mamma xxx'; 'Pregnancy looks so good on you.' Emily recently shared her 'bittersweet' emotions as she prepares to give birth to her baby while marking two years since she suffered a heartbreaking ectopic pregnancy. She shared a raw and honest paragraph on her Instagram last week alongside a slew of snaps, describing her past trauma. Emily wrote: 'It's a bitter sweet feeling today which marks 2 years since my ectopic pregnancy. 'My due date is only a week away but I had always secretly thought how weird it would be if I gave birth on the exact day. But I'm now glad that wasn't the case as they both deserve their special day.' An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Emily and Cam, who first met on the 2020 series, revealed they were expecting their baby in January The mother-to-be looked incredible in a cream co-ord set, consisting of a criss-cross bikini top and a low-rise maxi skirt The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb and if an egg gets stuck in them, it won't develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues. Unfortunately, it's not possible to save the pregnancy and it usually has to be removed using medicine or an operation. She added: 'I lost my little Twix [dog] a month before I found out I was pregnant which is ironic in itself because Twix hated babies and children and I always said I would never be able to have a child with Twixxy being my number 1 baby as it just wouldn't work. 'Fast forward a few months I then lost my wee Nan. This too is ironic because the reason I got Twix was that he was my grandad's dying wish for me. 'Except he was supposed to be a white Siberian cat. Not a stray dog from Batterseabut that's another story.' 'Long story short- I always felt my grandads presence in Twix. My Nan and Twix had this incredible bond and I don't know why but I just alwayssss knew that they would cross over at the same time. (sic) 'And would you believe it - as my Nan got sicker with Dementia and Twix got older neither of them were giving up until eventually it was only a few months apart when they both died. 'Anyway to cut to the point I've never been hugely into spirituality but I do feel like this has all been linked together and to top it off we are calling our son after my Grandad which Cam & I decided way before my nan's death. 'It's crazy how our mind and body recovers so quickly from trauma when it's replaced with love and hope.' She captioned the snaps with: '40 weeks (love heart emoji)' In June 2022 Emily revealed she suffered an ectopic pregnancy, after finding out she was pregnant a few weeks before. She detailed the tragic news in a lengthy post to Instagram, telling followers that she 'collapsed in pain' and was rushed to hospital. Emily detailed that she was 'extremely emotional' after the surgery and suffered a panic attack, adding that despite the physical pain, 'mentally it was even harder.' The television personality explained that despite the 'shock' pregnancy she was 'quite excited' before being admitted to A&E with stomach pain. Alongside a photo of her hospital bed, Emily penned: 'So a few weeks ago I discovered I was pregnant. Although it was a shock it was something I was also quite excited about.' 'However on Tuesday. I collapsed whilst being at the shops. I cannot even describe to you the pain- it felt like my whole stomach was collapsing and was quickly rushed to hospital. I waited in A&E until 3pm the next day, when I finally got my scan. 'As I laid on the table squeezing Cams hand the 2 nurses were so silent. I asked if everything is ok and she replied "I'm just going to get my colleague for a second opinion" as the 3 nurses gathered round it was then they confirmed I had something called an ectopic pregnancy.' 'For those who haven't heard of this (like me) it's basically where the fetus gets stuck and grows in your Fallopian tube which is fatal and if I had left it much longer my Fallopian tube would of burst.' 'It's one of those things you just think will never happen to you. I was just so scared. Not only was I about to lose my baby but I was about to have my Fallopian tube removed with the potential of my ovary too.' 'All I wanted to do was speak to my mum and I'm pretty sure I scared all the poor women in that waiting room with my crying.' In June 2022 Emily revealed she suffered an ectopic pregnancy, after finding out she was pregnant a few weeks before Kendrick Lamar delighted fans on Wednesday by hosting star-studded show The Pop Out - Ken & Friends at Los Angeles' Kia Forum, with more than 20 musicians making guest appearances. Taking place on Juneteenth, the concert was intended to showcase unity among West Coast talent - famous faces who took to the stage included Dr Dre, Roddy Ricch and Ty Dolla $ign. The star, 37, called all of the acts together on stage to pose for a group photograph before gushing: 'This is unity, y'all just don't know man'. However, the real standout moment of the show, which was live streamed on Amazon, was when the 17-time Grammy winner performed the breakout song from his recent beef with the Toronto-born Drake, 37, reigniting their long-running feud. The diss-track Not Like Us was rapped not once, not twice, but a whopping five times by Lamar after he was encouraged by the crowd again each time the song came to a close. 17-time Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar has reignited his feud with Drake after performing his diss-track Not Like Us five times on Wednesday The real standout moment of the show, which was live streamed on Amazon, was when the 17-time Grammy winner performed the breakout song from his recent beef with the Toronto-born Drake (pictured in 2022), reigniting their long-running feud After the explosive performance, the hitmaker said: 'Y'all ain't gonna let nobody disrespect the West Coast, huh? 'Oh y'all ain't gonna let nobody mock or imitate our legends, huh?' Lamar was supposedly referencing Drake's choice to use AI versions of Snoop Dogg and Tupac's voices on his track, Taylor Made Freestyle. The pair, who are arguably two of the world's biggest hip-hop voices, have been embroiled in a furious rivalry for years. Fans of either artist will know that the pair have a rocky relationship, despite becoming friends and even collaborating on each other's records in their early careers. Since things turned sour, both of the rappers have continued to release numerous of back-and-forth diss tracks about each other. However, the feud entered new territory in May when Lamar made some serious accusations on Not Like Us. In the song, the Compton-born rapper appears to accuse Drake of being a pedophile, along with another member of his crew. It was released on YouTube with what appeared to be a graphic of Drake's home covered with red sex offender symbols. The star, 37, called all of the acts together on stage to pose for a group photograph before gushing: 'This is unity, y'all just don't know man' The pair, who are arguably two of the world's biggest hip-hop voices, have been embroiled in a furious rivalry for years (Lamar pictured in 2022) Since things turned sour, both Kendrick Lamar (RIGHT) and Drake (LEFT) have continued to release numerous of back-and-forth diss tracks about each other Fans of either artist will know that the pair have a rocky relationship, despite becoming friends and even collaborating on each other's records in their early careers (Drake pictured in March 2024) In the lyrics, the Pulitzer Prize winner hit out at the hitmaker and members of his October's Very Own (OVO) crew. 'Say Drake, I hear you like 'em young,' Lamar raps, encouraging others to 'hide your little sister from him.' He then goes on to say 'They tell me Chubbs (Drake's security guard) the only one that get your hand-me-downs.' 'And Party at the party playin' wit' his nose now,' targeting Canadian artist PartyNextDoor. It gets even more personal when Lamar lodges these allegations against Baka Not Nice: 'And Baka got a weird case/Why is he around? he asks, before seeming to call both Baka and Drake, 'Certified Lover Boys, certified pedophiles.' He continues with, 'Why you trollin' like a b****, ain't you tired? You're tryin' to strike a chord and it's probably A minor.' And the multiple performances of Not Like Us was not the only shots that were fired at the recent Juneteenth concert. When Lamar initially took to the stage, he opened with his track Euphoria, which is another diss-track aimed at Drake - and it included new lyrics. According to the BBC, the song included a new line, with the hitmaker rapping: 'Give me Tupac's ring back and I might give you a little respect.' The new addition seems to reference how Drake purchased the late Tupac Shakur's crown ring for more than $1 million in July 2023, as an anonymous bidder. Other songs Lamar performed at the pop out concert include DNA, ELEMENT, Alright, Swimming Pools, Money Trees, and 6:16 in LA. Nick Knowles and his fiancee Katie Dadzie looked as in love as ever as they attended day three of Royal Ascot in Berkshire on Thursday. The couple, who have been engaged since last August, stared into each others eyes in a sweet snap as Nick beamed from ear to ear. The DIY SOS star, 61, didn't hold back with his fashion choices as he opted for a striking black top hat and matching long black blazer jacket. Adding some summer colour, he opted for a pale blue waistcoat and baby pink tie while tucking a pink rose into his lapel. He completed the look with some dark grey pinstripe trousers as he posed with his arm around his wife-to-be. Nick Knowles, 61, looked loved up with fiancee Katie Dadzie, 33, as the pair gazed into each other's eyes at day three of Royal Ascot in Berkshire on Thursday The DIY SOS star, 61, didn't hold back with his fashion choices as he opted for a striking black top hat and matching long black blazer jacket Meanwhile Katie, 33, wore a stylish white with black polka dot midi dress and cinched in her waist with a matching black belt. She accessorised the look with some black wedged heels, a black and white hat and black leather bag. TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins also attended another day of racing as she caught eyes in a bright pink ensemble. The Good Morning Britain star, 49, paired the long-sleeved pink dress with a pink hat and pink heels. David Sullivan, 75, and his fiancee Ampika Pickston, 42, also attended together as the model wowed in a plunging purple jumpsuit. She showcased her ample cleavage in the ensemble which she paired with a large purple hat and leather purple bag. Meanwhile the former Daily Sport and Sunday Sport owner looked the part in a smart suit, red waistcoat and stylish mirrored shades. Lady Victoria Hervey opted for a feathered white dress which featured a racy high leg split. She gripped on to her white headpiece as she smiled for snaps while her feathers blew in the wind. Adding some summer colour, he opted for a pale blue waistcoat and baby pink tie while tucking a pink rose into his lapel TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins also attended another day of racing as she caught eyes in a bright pink ensemble David Sullivan, 75, and his fiancee Ampika Pickston, 42, also attended together as the model wowed in a plunging purple jumpsuit Lady Victoria Hervey opted for a feathered white dress which featured a racy high leg split She completed the look with a white headpiece Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, started on Tuesday with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Saturday. The King and Queen are likely to join the punters at the famous racing meet and cement their position as champions of racing, just like Queen Elizabeth II. They'll be hoping to add to their tally of Royal Ascot winners. Charles and Camilla took on the late Queens thoroughbreds and have entered a string of horses over the next five days. The late Queen was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds, and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign. Traditionally, the King and Queen arrive at Royal Ascot in a carriage procession with their guests, a convention which will reach its 200th anniversary next year, as it was first held in 1825 during the reign of King George IV. In March, Nick revealed why he still hasn't planned his wedding to his fiancee Katie. The DIY SOS presenter announced he was set to marry the sex toy business owner in August last year. Nick announced he was set to marry the sex toy business owner in August last year Speaking to The Sun at the Inspirational Women Awards on Friday, he explained how the couples 'busy schedules' have got in the way. Nick said: 'Not yet. Still haven't decided. Still thinking about it. 'I've been away too much with all the travel shows I've been doing. Katie's been very busy with the company.' The TV personality continued: 'And as that gets busier, the time to be able to find, to disappear for a week in the schedule gets more and more difficult.' Nick and Katie became engaged in New Orleans in August 2023 with the couple announcing the happy news on Instagram. Katie, who is 27 years DIY SOS host Nick's junior, looked delighted in a series of snaps, which included Nick proposing while down on one knee. She captioned her post: 'So last minute something special happened in New Orleans.' Nick wrote: 'There was a Haribo ring incident in New Orleans. Very happy.' TV star Nick, who split from his wife Jessica Rose Moor in 2016, made his first appearance with Katie in September 2021, after ending his romance with PR guru Emily Hallinan in February 2020. Jenna Coleman put her blossoming baby bump on display as she attended a photocall for her new BBC show The Jetty on Thursday. The night before the Victoria revealed she was expecting her first child with boyfriend Jamie Childs as she made her grand reveal at a fashion dinner. And she proudly showcased her pregnancy curves the following day as she posed up a storm in a pink and white shirred dress at The Soho hotel. Jenna, 37, looked radiant in the garment, which featured a caped top half, ruched detailing on the stomach and a long skirt. She seemed in good spirits as she posed with her co-star Ruby Stokes at the event ahead of The Jetty's release later this year. Jenna Coleman put her blossoming baby bump on display as she attended a photocall for her new BBC show The Jetty on Thursday She stars alongside Tom Glynn-Carney in gritty upcoming crime drama, and portrays Detective Ember Manning. Tom, 29 - is best known for his role as Aegon II Targaryen in HBO drama House Of Dragon - but his character is yet to be revealed. The new show also stars Archie Renaux, known for his roles in The Greatest Beer Run, Shadow and Bone, and Romulus. The four-part series follows the aftermath of a fire tearing through a lake house in the aptly named Detective Ember's scenic Lancashire town. Ember attempts to find out how the fire links to a podcast journalist investigating a missing person's cold case as well as a disturbing 'love' triangle between a man in his twenties and two underage girls. The unfortunate truth threatens to destroy Ember's life, forcing her to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about her past, present and the town she's always called home. As much a coming-of-age story as a detective thriller, The Jetty asks big questions about sexual morality, identity and memory, in the places that Me Too has left behind. Jenna told the BBC of the project: 'Working with BBC and Firebird Pictures on bringing the complex and enigmatic character of Ember Manning to life has been an incredible experience. 'I can't wait for everyone to meet this new heroine and to find out what's lurking beneath the surface of The Jetty.' She proudly showcased her pregnancy curves the following day as she posed up a storm in a pink and white shirred dress Jenna, 37, looked radiant in the garment, which featured a caped top half, ruched detailing on the stomach and a long skirt The night before the Victoria actress debuted her baby bump at a dinner to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition at Chatsworth House Jenna and director Jamie Childs met on the set of Netflix series The Sandman in 2020 and have worked together again on Jamie's first film Jackdaw (pictured in September 2023) Jenna made her pregnancy announcement on Wednesday at a dinner to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition 'Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah', at Chatsworth House on Wednesday night. Wednesday night's dinner celebrated ERDEM's Spring Summer 2024 collection and the opening of Imaginary Conversations.. The exhibition examines Chatsworth House as a source of inspiration for ERDEM, welcoming visitors into Duchess Deborah's world and revealing how the history and archives at Chatsworth informed the creative process for this new fashion collection. The occasion brought together friends of the brand to celebrate the opening of Imaginary Conversations with a champagne reception in The Painted Hall, followed by a preview of the exhibition and dinner in The Sculpture Gallery. The night before the Victoria actress debuted her baby bump at a dinner to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition 'Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah', at Chatsworth House. Looking gorgeous in a green floral dress, Jenna cradled her bump as she posed for photos at the historic venue. The happy news comes six months after she left fans speculating she had tied the knot with her director boyfriend Jamie Childs, 35, after being spotted with a chunky gold band on her wedding finger. There was no sign of the ring on Wednesday night however. A representative for Jenna has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. Jenna seemed in good spirits as she posed with her co-star Ruby Stokes - who was wearing Lanvin - at the event ahead of The Jetty's release later this year The pair happily cosied up for a series of sweet snaps together at the event Bo Bragason (L) and Laura Marcus looked in good spirits as they smiled for the cameras Miya Ocego struck a pose as she modelled a brown crop top and leather trousers Jenna and Jamie met on the set of Netflix series The Sandman in 2020 and have since worked together again on Jamie's first film Jackdaw. In January, Jenna first sparked speculation that she and Jamie, 35, had taken their relationship to the next level after being seen wearing a ring on her wedding finger while on a stroll with the director in north London. The couple looked loved-up as they walked hand-in-hand, with Jamie tenderly stroking her hair at several points. While it didn't mark the first time she'd been seen wearing the ring, she usually wore it on a different finger leading to speculation that the move was significant. The actress previously dated Tom Hughes, who played her husband Prince Albert in ITV's Victoria. They met in 2013 on the set of BBC drama series Dancing On The Edge, but went their separate ways in 2020. At the time it was reported that the pair were 'terribly sad' by the end of their relationship, with the actress moving into her own pad and they reportedly attempted to 'salvage a friendship.' Pictures obtained by The Sun reportedly show Tom assisting Jenna to move into a new pad, which is said to be miles away from the home they previously shared. An insider told the publication that the pair have since met up in an attempt to keep things 'as friendly and civil as possible.' The source said: 'They are trying to salvage a friendship but obviously these are trying times, and it's not easy. 'Both Tom and Jenna are terribly sad, but the relationship ran its course. There was no third party involved. 'Jenna's career is going from strength to strength, she's being offered increasingly more roles abroad, especially Los Angeles, and she wants to focus on this while she's still young.' The happy news comes six months after she left fans speculating she will tie the knot with her director boyfriend Jamie Childs, 35 Jenna and Jamie met on the set of Netflix series The Sandman in 2020 and have since worked together again on Jamie's first film Jackdaw Jenna posed with Erdem Moralioglu at Wednesday's star-studded party The actress mingled with Keira Knightley and her husband James Righton along with Greta Bellamacina and Leith Clark Their romance was a case of life imitating art for the pair who began dating in 2016 after they met on set. Jenna and Tom's romance almost never happened, as the actress revealed she turned down the role of the iconic monarch Victoria twice, before finally accepting the part. The series' third season hit screens back in 2019, but since then ITV haven't announced any plans for a fourth. Speaking to Radio Times, Jenna said of the near-miss: 'I had just finished doing nearly four years on Doctor Who and I didn't want to do another long TV project. 'I wanted to do lots of different things, but now I'm doing Victoria, I find her quite addictive.' Before Tom, Jenna was in a relationship with Bodyguard and Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden. The pair dated on and off for four years after getting together in 2012. Their relationship coincided with their soaring careers, with Richard starring inGame Of Thrones at the time while Jenna had landed her Doctor Who role. In the early days of their relationship, a proud Richard gushed about visiting his girlfriend on the set of Doctor Who. 'I've watched Doctor Who since I was a kid. I loved it, and I still love it,' he declared. 'I was selfie-ing the s**t out of it, and sending it to my dad! 'Look, it's me in the TARDIS!' I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I can geek out about it, like when I go to set and see the TARDIS.' While they often showed their support for one another at red carpet premieres of their various projects, the couple ended up splitting for good in 2015. Despite their split, Jenna and Richard appeared to stay on friendly terms, as they posed for a selfie together after reuniting in Barcelona in March 2024. The actress famously keeps her relationships private and has never spoken publicly about her romance with Jamie. Jenna previously dated her co-star Tom Hughes after they met on the set of ITV's Victoria, but they split in 2020 after four years together (pictured in 2017) Before that, Jenna dated Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden, but the pair split in 2016 after four years together (pictured in 2015) Despite their split, Jenna and Richard appeared to stay on friendly terms, as they posed for a selfie together after reuniting in Barcelona in March 2024 Jenna was also linked to Prince Harry back in 2015, after the pair were pictured looking cosy at a charity polo match Jenna also previously dated her Emmerdale co-star Karl Davies, during her four-year stint on the soap as Jasmine Thomas (pictured in 2009) Jenna also previously dated her Emmerdale co-star Karl Davies, during her four-year stint on the soap as Jasmine Thomas. The star was also linked to Prince Harry back in 2015, after the pair were pictured looking cosy at a charity polo match. One onlooker said: 'Harry sneaked outside with Jenna. He took her by the hand and led her away from the crowd in the sponsor's tent. They sat alone and talked. 'It was a very flirty, very tactile encounter. She was leaning in to him and he had his hand on her knee. From their body language, it looked like they were really enjoying each other's company. 'They were sitting very close, laughing lots and touching each other.' Jenna attempted to brush off the rumours during an awkward appearance on Good Morning Britain in 2016, when host Kate Garraway asked: 'Talking about passion, there have been pictures of you and Prince Harry, I'm assuming you were together for research, for the Royal Family.' Lowering her smile, Jenna politely replied: 'No, he is a friend of mine.' Back in 2019, while in a relationship with Tom, Jenna said she wasn't under any pressure to start a family, and instead wanted to see more of the world. 'Half of my friends have babies, and half don't, so it doesn't feel like a pressure. I want to take my time,' she told Harpers Bazaar. 'There's a whole lot more of the world for me to see first. I'd love to have children one day. But not nine of them. I can tell you that as a fact.' Jenna has previously joked she has had practice for labour, having played Queen Victoria in the ITV drama, which saw her watch One Born Every Minute to prepare for the labour scenes, as Victoria had nine children. Jenna has previously joked she has had practice for labour, having played Queen Victoria in the ITV drama. The monarch had nine children (pictured with co-star Tom Hughes) Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show in 2019, she said: 'I have had many a labour scene now, I'm running out of noises for labour scenes. 'I try to [change it up]... I've just given birth to the seventh child now. And there is still no pain relief as of yet either [in the era the show is set] 'To be honest, I find if I build up adrenaline and then don't think about it and then watch it back, I think I sounded like a sheep on one thing that I saw back before. 'I'd just have loads of caffeine and then get really built up and then I'm sure one day maybe if I ever give birth I'll realise I was totally wrong.' The actress has also found the music of Mumford & Sons helpful to listen to before she films the intense scenes. She said: 'On set, I have got into the habit of listening to Mumford & Sons during the birth scenes. I think there is something about the banjo, something about the adrenalin.' The Jetty is coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One this summer Travis Scott was arrested overnight for allegedly causing a drunken altercation on a Florida yacht - and his hilarious response under police interrogation was recorded in an affidavit seen by DailyMail.com. Ten Miami Beach cops were called to the marina just before 1am to reports of 'a disturbance' which involved people 'fighting', the department revealed. When they arrived, they found the Astroworld artist 'yelling' at people from the dock. They arrested the 33-year-old rapper for two misdemeanors - disorderly intoxication and trespassing at the marina. Cops interrogated him about whether he'd been drinking. Scott replied: 'It's Miami'. He also responded to the night's chaos with a series of light-hearted tweets to calm fan fears about his upcoming tour, and an edited version of his bleary-eyed mugshot snapped in the early hours of Thursday morning. Travis Scott was arrested overnight for allegedly causing a drunken altercation on a Florida yacht - and his hilarious response under police interrogation was recorded in an affidavit seen by DailyMail.com The Houston-born rapper - who has two young children, Stormi and Aire, with Kylie Jenner - was arrested by police at the Miami Beach Marina (pictured from above) Scott wrote 'lol' on X and shared his booking photo complete with photoshopped shades and earphones via Instagram stories. Scott told his fans that he will be going 'ham' on his Circus Maximus stadium tour - which means 'hard as a motherf*****r'. The tour is just six days away - it kicks off June 28 in the Netherlands. Police said there was 'a strong smell of alcohol' on Scott's breath and that he had been 'disturbing the peace' of the marina by 'yelling' and 'behaving erratically' through the night. He got into a 'fight' with people on a yacht at the marina, triggering the police response at 1.17am. Ten cops were dispatched to the scene for the mission of ushering him back to his vehicle - 'a long walk away' per the affidavit. The Sicko Mode rapper could not be tamed, and continued 'yelling obscenities' at the vessel all the way according to police. When they got to his vehicle, he appeared to warn his security guard not to comply with police. Referring to his employee, Scott told officers 'if he gets in the vehicle he's gonna catch a fade' according to the arrest document. He was eventually detained and taken to Miami-Dade Corrections facility where his bleary-eyed mugshot was snapped. Travis Scott was arrested overnight for allegedly causing a drunken altercation on a Florida yacht, according to a police report seen by DailyMail.com. (Pictured: an edited version of the mugshot Scott shared to his Instagram hours after the arrest) Scott appeared to respond to his brush with the law on social media with a tweet simply reading 'lol' at 8.45am Thursday Scott's lawyer Bradford Cohen told DailyMail.com the rapper was 'briefly detained due to a misunderstanding'. 'There was absolutely no physical altercation involved, and we thank the authorities for working with us towards a swift and amicable resolution,' Cohen said. A source familiar with the situation also told DailyMail.com the fight was verbal in nature and 'there was no physical altercation with anyone'. 'This was a rowdy party and Travis was already bailed out for a few hundred dollars. He is already home,' they said. They added that 'no further action' will be taken over the 'minor incident' they described as 'akin to receiving a ticket with no injuries'. Kylie and Travis first broke up in October 2019 after sparking a romance in 2017. In February 2018, the two welcomed their first child, daughter Stormi, to the world Kylie and Travis have dated on/off since 2017 and they share two children: Stormi, six, and Aire, two; seen in 2021 Travis Scott is seen performing in Chicago on 14 June 2024 - days before his arrest Scott submitted a $650 bond - which includes $500 for the trespass charge, and $150 for disorderly intoxication. The rapper was recently spotted enjoying a family vacation in St Tropez with the kids he shares with ex-girlfriend Kylie Jenner - Stormi, six, and Aire, two. A week before this, he was involved in a skirmish with Jenner's previous ex Tyga, 34, in Cannes, and he's also facing a civil lawsuit after 10 people died during a crowd surge at his concert in 2021. Scott previously revealed he was 'devastated' by the Astroworld disaster, which occurred on November 5, 2021 concert in Houston, Texas. Travis and the Kylie Cosmetics founder, 26, have had an on-off relationship since 2017, but are currently not together. Kim Kardashian revealed she wants to explore an acting career more - thanks to her successful role on American Horror Story - although she refuses to gain weight for a role. Kim, who weighs 114 pounds, mapped out her acting career in the latest episode of the Kardashians, even discussing her 10 year plan. 'I can do a movie a year, I've got about 10 years where I still look good, so that's all I've got in me and then I'll take some time off... That's my 10-year plan,' Kim, 43, said. Adding: 'I feel like you need less Botox for more emotion and I don't have it. I'm not gonna be gaining 500 lbs for a role... that's not wher eI need to be. How am I gonna cry? How am I gonna be scared out of my mind?' Kim Kardashian revealed she wants to explore an acting career more - thanks to her successful role on American Horror Story - although she refuses to gain weight for a role Kim, who weighs 114 pounds, mapped out her acting career in the latest episode of the Kardashians, even discussing her 10 year plan Kim also mused about being the first female 007 and pitched a new film starring herself on the latest episode of The Kardashians. The reality star followed up her acclaimed turn on American Horror Story by visiting studios around Los Angeles to pitch a romantic comedy that had been written for her. But after meeting up for dinner with a group of her longtime best friends, she even set her sights on taking over for James Bond in the future. After an episode-opening stint at a Balenciaga fashion show, Kim was driven around to pitch meeting at five different major studios. The film she was pitching was tentatively titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito. Kim Kardashian, 43, ponder the possibility of playing a female 007 after she pitched five major studios on a rom-com film written for her on the latest episode of The Kardashians She met up with her longtime friends for dinner after Netflix bought the rom-com, but she worried about playing more dramatic roles like a female Bond, as she wasn't willing to give up her Botox in order to cry on command While she was being chauffeured, her agent Brad Slater was giving her a pep talk. I know youre more nervous than me Kim began. Im not nervous, Im excited for you,' Brad replied. He reminded her that she had done so many things in her career, but pitching a movie written for her was a new adventure. Kim said she was staying calm because she doesnt get excited for things until theyre confirmed. That way she doesnt get let down if they fall through. Later, The Kardashians checked in on Kim as she was driving away from her first meeting of the day. She told her agent that the executives she met with all seemed interested, but she hoped to get a bigger offer. At the end of the meeting, she said she had so much going on that unless were going to be the biggest commercial movie and have the best cast and break the internet, she wouldn't be able to give it her all. In a confessional, she admitted she would have to give something up, and the reality show producer asked her what it would be. 'My sleep,' she responded without a pause. The movie was titled The Fifth Wheel, and it was to be written by the married team of Paula Pell who wrote for SNL and 30 Rock and Janine Brito (pictured) Kim got a pep talk from her agent between pitches, but she said she didn't want to get excited unless it was confirmed that the film would be made After her final pitch, she went out to dinner with her 'lifers,' a group of her female friends she had know since they were teens, which included her pals Allison Statter, Zoe Winkler, Simone Harouche and Sarah Meyer Michaelson. Kim mentioned how they were all aging, as she found the menu blurry and could no longer see her phone close up, which just suddenly happened one day. She was at first coy about her 'project,' but then she admitted she had sold a romantic comedy to Netflix after her friends begged her for details. Kim explained that until recently she didn't have an agent, but after she appeared on American Horror Story she began meeting with interested agents, one of whom mentioned Paula Pell. Kim recounts explaining the plot of The Fifth Wheel, which would feature four women going on a trip, and she compared it to The Hangover films, Bridesmaids and The First Wives Club. She said the studio executive had all loved the idea, and each studio gave her agent a call 20 minutes later with offers, though she elected to go with Netflix, which tends to offer more money up front, as there won't be a chance to make any performance-based bonuses since the film will only be available on the streaming service. After her good news, Zoe jokingly wondered why Kim didn't mention that she was going to pitch a movie in the girls' group chat. But Kim explained that she didnt want to get ahead of herself with a new career. Kim shared her good news about selling her rom-com to Netflix with her old friends at a dinner meet-up The women had all been friends since they were teens Kim's friends were overjoyed to learn that she had sold her film, which she said her friend Amy Schumer was interested in starring in She told the ladies that she would be one of the stars of the film, while also producing the movie, and now she could relax because it had been sold to a distributor. Then, in a self deprecating moment, Kim joked that she could do about one movie per year going forward, and she said she would have about 10 years left in which she would look good. After those 10 busy years she could finally take some time off. Then Kim continued to gush about how her friend Amy Schumer who has previously appeared on The Kardashians had written her to say she wanted to be in the film. Kim admitted she was 'proud' that Amy and others wanted to join her project. You think I can do that? she recalled thinking about the offers for the film started pouring in. Im tripping the f*** out, low-key,' Kim said, but she cautioned that she still had to deliver. Her friend Allison then suggested that Kim could be the first 'female 007.' Her friend Allison suggested that Kim could be the 'female 007,' which Kim approved of But she wasn't willing to give up her Botox in order to act better or cry on demand 'Instead of a Bond girl, it should be Bond boys,' said an approving Kim as she nodded her head. 'That would be epic.' She added that she really 'loved the idea' of being a female Bond. But then Kim starting worrying about the logistics of being a movie star. I also feel like you need less botox for more emotion, and I dont have it, she joked to her friends. She also ruled out any Raging Bullstyle body transformations. Im not gonna be gaining 500 pounds for a role and losing,' she continued as her friends chuckled. 'Thats just not where Im going to be.' The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open. Fittingly, her model sister Kendall Jenner joined her, and the two walked along a closed-down street while navigating through crowds of models and crew preparing the show. Every Balenciaga show is such a moment, so its really fun to see it all come to life,' Kim gushed later in her confessional interview. The episode opened on Beverly Hills as Kim prepared for an all-star Balenciaga fashion show happening out in the open Kim was joined by her model sister Kendall, and she groused the Khloe skipped the show despite being invited, which she blamed on her belief that she has agoraphobia Kim was now a Balenciaga Ambassador, so her presence was essential She noted that her sister Khloe Kardashian didn't join them despite being invited, and she added with some venom in her voice that her younger sister didn't come because the fashion show was 'outdoors' and in the 'daylight.' Kim then explained that she thinks Khloe may be suffering from agoraphobia, though it's not clear if she thought it might be a clinical case, or just that her sister is turning into a homebody. I get it, but its time to break out of it, she added with audible annoyance. Kim noted that she is officially a brand ambassador for Balenciaga, even though people had assumed she was long before that after she began wearing numerous outfits from the Spanish fashion house. Kim's ex-husband Kanye West had previously collaborated with Balenciaga, but the luxury fashion line severed their ties in 2022 in the wake of antisemitic comments the rapper made. Kim also noted that she was getting ready to pitch a new comedy film, which she will presumably star in, so she was branching out and even busier than usual. While she was at the fashion show, it cuts away to reveal other stars walking with the models, including Brigitte Nielsen and Cardi B. After her time at the Balenciaga show, Kendall was seen driving over to her younger sister Kylie Jenner's house. Celebrities including Cardi B and Brigitte Nielsen walked the runway Kendall had cut out from the Balenciaga show to visit Kylie's house with an adorably fluffy puppy They wanted to introduce to their mother Kris' dog Bridgette, which was also a Poodle mix Kendall brought along an adorably fluffy puppy, which they wanted to introduce to their mother Kris Jenner's dog Bridgette. Bridgette, like the puppy, appeared to be a poodle mix, and Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional poodle with most of her hair trimmed short and accented with longer poofs. Hair grows, why not at least try, Kendall said. Kylie worried that their mother might be furious if she suddenly discovered her dog had gotten a drastic haircut, though Kendall thought their reality show might help them out of a jam. Because the cameras are on, I dont think shell get that mad, Kendall added. 'I think I'm good at pranks...' Kylie later said in a confessional, though she sounded unsure of herself and trailed off. The two made their way over to Kris' home and snuck in before calling out for Bridgette. The dog cautiously turned a corner and started to walk toward them, but Kendall and Kylie were disappointed to see that she had recently had a haircut, so her hair was too short for their intended cut. Kylie and Kendall admitted they had always wanted to style Bridgette like a traditional Poodle, so they decided to prank their mom by giving her dog a surprise haircut But Bridgette had already had her fur cut too short, and they ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a Poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry They ran into another obstacle when Kris' boyfriend Corey Gamble appeared and looked confused about why they were in the house unannounced. Then they met in the kitchen to fess up. We came over here to steal Bridget and the groomers waiting at my house to cut her like a poodle, Kylie admitted haltingly to Kris, who seemed more surprised than angry. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? But Kylie vowed that they would think of a more substantial prank later. As they were leaving with the puppy, Kylie let out a high-pitched squeak that confused Kris, and she head to explain that it was a hiccup. 'That's your hiccup?!' Kris responded, as she had apparently never heard the unusual mouse-like squeal, and Kendall admitted that she sounded the same when she hiccuped. The sisters left their mom's house and headed back to Kylie's abode to unwind, but the conversation took a darker, more emotional turn as the cosmetics mogul made a major confession. Kylie, who was wearing a chic dark blue denim jacket and matching jeans, noted that it's hard to spend time with her sisters because they're so busy. How can you not prank me? Its so easy! Kris added in confessional. What the f*** is wrong with you guys? Back at her house, Kylie confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty' after being mocked online for a recent outing 'Well that was a failure,' she said as Kendall agreed that they were the 'worst prankers.' 'But, I love hanging out with you!' Kylie said. But then she confessed that it was a 'miracle' that she still had any 'confidence' left and that she could look in a mirror and 'think that I'm pretty.' Kylie complained to her sister about how people had been making fun of her online after she stepped out in the City of Lights for Paris Fashion Week. She said a photo had gone around of herself after she decided not to wear a lot of makeup. Kylie said that if she wore a lot of makeup, people would she she was wearing 'too much makeup,' but if she went in the opposite direction, people would also criticize her on social media. In particular, she was hurt that fans as well as cosmetic dermatologists and professionals experienced with injecting fillers and botox had pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks Some fans and professionals had speculated that she had used too much filler below her eyes and over her cheek bones, creating the prominent crease. She appeared to refer to her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, when trolls claimed she looked 'old' and bashed her for alleged using too much filler. Even dermatologists and filler specialists shared their opinion on her filler use; pictured January 24 in Paris She was hurt that fans pointed out diagonal lines running through her plump cheeks, which they said could indicate too much filler use. But they can be visible on anyone, even children, and Kylie claimed she had the lines going back to when she was a child Kendall was a sympathetic ear. Kylie wondered why it was acceptable to say mean things about her online and began to cry However, the lines can be visible on anyone, even in children, and Kylie claimed that the feature had always been prominent on her going back to when she was a child. 'I just hear nasty things about myself all the time,' Kylie admitted in the confessional interview. The billionaire reality star and cosmetics mogul wondered aloud to her sister why people didn't more prominently defend her online. Im kind of like, so numb to people talking about my looks at this point, and I just want to know why on the internet no one says anything or thinks that its OK,' she said. Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings.' 'If you talked the same way you talk about us about any other woman, people would come to their defense all day long,' Kendall added. Kylie was particularly upset because she was trying to find a new, more natural looking, and she confessed to being on a 'journey' over the past year in which she dissolved 'half' of her lip filler. 'I think with me it's never going to change,' Kylie said, before pausing as tears started to well up in her eyes. Kylie said she hadn't cried about the comments before, but she was set off by people who said it was fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalled reading. Kendall wrapped her arms around Kylie to comfort her as she sobbed Kendall said it was an issue for the whole family, and they were 'dehumanized' in the public eye. 'They dont think that there are any rules with us,' sh said, adding that people dont think they have any feelings' As she brushed them away, Kendall took a seat next to hear and wrapped her in a hug. Why do people think its OK to talk about me? Kylie asked through her tears. She said she hadn't cried about the mean comments before, and as the tears slowed she shared how she occasionally sees defensive comments, but others claim online that it's fine to criticize her looks because 'she did it to herself.' '"She f***ed up her face. She has so much surgery,"' she recalls reading. Kylie said people had complained about her looks even before she got fillers, and she seemed distressed that people say she looks 'old,' though Kendall claimed she looked younger than ever. The model said they would never get past the comments, as people would always assume they had both gotten 'full facial reconstructions.' 'I can't let the comments get me down,' Kylie said. 'I can't let the comments get me down. I have s*** to do. Rise above.' Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed, but she wasn't going far from home, and her excuse was that Kourtney might go into labor at any moment. Then the action cut to Khloe Kardashian ahead of a brief exit from her mansion. Breaking news, guys! I am leaving Hidden Hills! she gushed The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child While Malika had a suitor she found too persistent, Khloe said she found her ex-husband Lamar Odom's persistence sexy The Revenge body star was taking a trip to see some baby goats at a petting zoo with her BFF Malika Haqq, who joined her in the passenger seat of her Rolls-Royce. The two got to talking about Malika recent dating attempts, after she paused her plans to use a sperm bank to help her have a child. I am not open for business you are! Khloe said, as she emphasized that she wanted to be single for a while. But she was happy for her friend and approved of her trying to find a real partner before resulting to an anonymous sperm donor. While they talked about a date that didn't end well with an insistent suitor who wouldn't stop texting Malika, Khloe admitted that she had been turned on when her ex-husband Lamar Odom found out they had the same business manager and sought out her contact info after she wouldnt give him her number. She found his persistence sexy. While driving, Khloe also complained that they couldn't have as much fun in public anymore because there are phones everywhere now. In a confessional, Khloe admitted she didn't want to start dating again because it might f*** up her kids, and she had been disappointed by her recent romantic interests. Back at the goat farm, Khloe gushed over how 'cute' the little animals were. Khloe thought the baby goats were adorable, but she didn't think they would make good pets since they weren't housetrained and they wanted to eat her jacket and bite Malika She FaceTimes her daughter true to see the goats, and she was delighted A group of young kids recognized Khloe and were over the moon to see her, so she stopped to chat with them for a few minutes and gave the girls a group hug A group of young kids recognized Khloe and were over the moon to see her, so she stopped to chat with them for a few minutes and gave the girls a group hug True would die, Khloe said, before FaceTiming her daughter, who clearly loved the animals, even as they tried to eat Khloe's jacket and bite Malika. Khloe admitted she 'definitely didnt think everything through,' such as how the goats 'poop little pellets' and 'pee everywhere' and have a tendency to hump each other. Classic Carl,' an employee said of one particularly sexed-up goat. Pets and men are two different things,' Khloe said, because pets only require food and petting. While at the farm, a group of visiting school children saw Khloe and shouted her name. She said 'hi' back to them and gave a group of young girls a big hug. Khloe had a hard time believing eight- or nine-year-old girls would know who she was, but she still spent a few minutes with them and gave them high fives. Back in the confessional, she told her producer that she '100 percent' expects to be married again in the future. The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. The final and longest section of the episode was devoted to her sister Kourtney Kardashian, her husband Travis Barker and the birth of their first child together, whom they had named Rocky. She felt a contraction while they looked at old photos in bed Kourtney recalled traumatic surgery to clear fluid in Rocky's lungs while he was in the womb, but he made a miraculous recovery Its time to go, she whispered to Travis after her contractions began, so they left for the hospital on the night of October 29 On October 29, 2023, Kourtney and Travis were sitting in bed looking at old photos of themselves on his phone when she announced that she had had a contraction. My babys about to pop, Travis said gleefully. He said it would be the first 'natural birth' he had experienced, and he said he would be filming Rocky as he was born. But Kourtney objected, saying she didn't want him to be 'down there.' She said she didn't want Travis to be 'traumatized by your favorite thing in the world.' Later that night the lovebirds drove to the hospital, and Kourtney joked that Rocky was waiting for a Halloween birthday. Both parents guessed that Rocky would weigh exactly eight pounds. Then Kourtney looked back to a traumatic event months earlier when doctors had discovered fluid in Rocky's lungs, which was 'super rare,' but they were 'lucky' to have caught it. Kourtney filmed herself on her phone from her hospital bed and admitted she was filled with fear after the surgery. Things seemed to take a downturn when the fluid returned to Rocky's lungs. But then Kourtney saw a video on the power of positive thinking, and after she tried to focus on optimistic thoughts, she claimed that the fluid had completely disappeared. But she still wasn't dilated enough by the morning of October 30, so she had to bounce on a ball to stimulate labor They left for lunch at Crossroads and then went home to have sex. That helps sometimes, Kourtney said with a sly smile Its time to go, she whispered then as she prepared to birth Rocky. A nurse attending to her said she was one to two centimeters dilated and had some bleeding, which didn't concern her. But then it was 10 in the morning on October 30, and Kourtney revealed that she had gotten up to three centimeters dilated by 4 a.m., but there was no progress after that. She was seen bouncing on a big rubber ball in her hospital gown and moving in circles to stimulate the labor while talking on the phone with her family. Kourtney even wondered if she should cool it with the ball exercises, as she really wanted Rocky to wait until Halloween. You better squeeze him out, babys gonna be 10 pounds, Travis joked as the morning progressed. They decided to leave the hospital while things were stalled, but first they left to eat at Crossroads. Once they were home, Kourtney revealed that they showered and then had sex. That helps sometimes, she said with a sly smile. Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' Travis drummed to the baby's heartbeat, which Kourtney found relaxing, rather than intensely annoying. But by 11:45 p.m.her doctor decided it was time to induce labor She got a surprise guest when her mom Kris Jenner arrived uninvited because she was 'in the area,' so she sat masked up by the wall Finally, it was October 31, and Travis told Kourtney that Rocky 'thinks today is the day.' But he had second thoughts on the way back to the hospital. We said it too much that his birthday was gonna be on Halloween,' Travis mused on the ride over. The Blink-182 member had an odd way of calming his nerves while he waited for Kourtney to go into labor. He had brought along his drum practice pad and began banging out rudiments at the the same tempo as Rocky's heartbeat. Many women in labor might have found the din unbearably annoying, but Kourtney was on the same page as her husband. She said she found the drumming soothing, and she said Travis' practice had helped her fall asleep in the past. Before Rocky arrived, she reflected that they were too afraid to feel it after she got pregnant because they worried it was 'too good to be true, especially after they had given up on IVF treatments. While she was on her side in her hospital bed and being attended to by a nurse, a faint splashing sound was heard on the soundtrack, and Kourtney said she finally broke her water, indicating that Rocky was arriving soon. Kourtney had planned for Travis to be the only family member with her in the delivery room, but her plans had a major shake up after a surprise guest arrived her mother Kris. Despite gatecrashing the birth, Kris tried to be innocuous by sitting on the other side of the room while masked up and looking at her phone. Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving Ritz Bits crackers for a day Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1 In her confessional interview, Kourtney revealed that she got a surprise call from her security that her mother had arrived at the hospital and wanted to join her. Kris told the guard she was 'just in the area,' so she decided to drop in on the birth. She was not in the area, Kourtney grumbled, although she didn't have the heart to ban her mother from getting to see her grandson be born. As she waited for the big moment after reaching four centimeters dilation, Kourtney confessed to Travis that she had been craving some Ritz Bits crackers since the day before. As it got closer and closer to midnight, Kourtney admitted: I think Rocky wants to be November first.' Travis agreed: Yeah, he doesnt want to be the King of Halloween.' But there was still a slim chance after her doctor decided to induce her at 11:45 p.m. Kourtney was surprised when Travis, who had been playing music in the hospital room all night, switched to exclusively Frank Sinatra as Rocky's arrival was imminent. Despite her best efforts, Kourtney gave birth just one minute too late for the baby to be the Halloween King, and Rocky Thirteen Barker entered the world at 12:00 a.m. on November 1. After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter Travis played Frank Sinatra leading up to the birth, and they later determined that it was his 1966 classic That's Life that was playing when Rocky was born After the lengthy birthing process and the joyous moment of meeting Rocky, Kris comforted her daughter in her inimitable way. Do you want a Cheez-It or whatever you call them? she asked her daughter But Kourtney admitted later that she was glad her mother was there, as Kris had a calming effect over the proceedings. Later, during her confessional interview, Kourtney paused to FaceTime Travis, and he gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life. He added that he wanted to watch the show's footage of the birth. I want to know what song he popped out to, Travis explained. They determined the song was Sinatra's performance of That's Life, the title track of his classic 1966 LP 'The song just came up in the playlist and we were like, "What a perfect song,"' Kourtney recalled. As Travis sat in the hospital bed and cuddled little Rocky, Kourtney beamed with love for him after the fact during her interview. 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' she said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything. In the preview for next week's episode, Kim plans the family's popular Christmas Eve Party with imported snow for a full white Christmas, but thunder on the horizon threatens to ruin the outdoor bash. Meanwhile, Khloe was once again at home with her kids and her brother Rob Kardashian's daughter Dream. While visiting her, Kim claimed Khloe's kids rule her life. Live your f***ing life! Get out! she shouted at her younger sister. Travis gushed that Rocky's birth was 'one of the best days' of his life 'I have the most amazing and supportive husband I could ever dream of,' Kourtney said sweetly. She gave thanks, adding that the way that it all happened is just such a reminder that Gods timing is everything' Then all the women were about to take a family vacation, but something went awry as Kylie joined them on the private jet. I just have a really bad feeling,' Kylie confessed, before getting off the plane with no explanation. The very last moment of the episode was a humorous tag in which one of Khloe's confessional interviews was interrupted by a spider descending in front of her. Luckily, a crew member apprehended it and saved her, but not before they poked fun at her frightened expression with a freeze frame. Dave Myers' Hairy Biker pal Si King today revealed the pair's last ever cookbook will be out in October after the TV star died of cancer aged 66. The 57-year-old said he had wanted to finish Our Family Favourites in honour of 'my best friend' and had written it 'with love'. Si was by Dave's side when he died in February at the age of 66 after receiving treatment for cancer. Today, in a video posted to Facebook, the chef said he had frequently discussed Our Family Favourites with his friend and felt it was only right to get it published. 'We have a new book called Our Family Favourites and I just wanted to talk about it a little bit,' he said. Si said he had wanted to finish Our Family Favourites in honour of 'my best friend' and had written it 'with love' Dave, pictured with Si, died of cancer in February. His passing will be commemorated in the new book 'It's a book that Dave and I discussed at length and I want to finish to honour my best friend. 'It's full of recipes that have remained favourites over the years and stay close to our hearts. 'It's out in October but you can preorder now.' Si added, with his voice breaking: 'It's a really special book written with love and in memory of my lovely mate.' Reacting to the news, Dave's wife Liliana Myers wrote: 'Aaawwweeee Si. This is such a wonderful thing to do Thank you.' Earlier this month thousands of motorcyclists travelled from the world famous Ace Cafe in London to Cumbria to celebrate Dave's life. An accompanying GoFundMe page to raise donations for NSPCC Childline and the Institute for Cancer Research has already seen well-wishers give nearly 100,000. Dave's passing in February was announced by Si in a heart-wrenching statement. As well as his cooking adventures, Myers was well known for his warm-hearted appearance on Strictly in 2013, where he partnered with Karen Hauer. Karen said she was 'heartbroken' by the news of his passing and she posted a broken heart emoji online. Dave's wife Lili, who he met while filming the first series of his TV cookery and travel show while they were filming in Transylvania Earlier this month thousands of motorcyclists travelled from the world famous Ace Cafe in London to Cumbria to celebrate Dave's life Dave met Si when they were both working in the film industry and bonded over their love of food and motorbikes. Over their career the best friends built up a reputation as the friendly faces of TV cooking, with 31 separate projects since they first debuted on the BBC in 2006. Following his diagnosis in 2022, Dave briefly took a break from work before filming his last show with Si. The programme, The Hairy Bikers Go West, saw the pair travel across Britain from Scotland to Devon and Si previously said it would be one they would 'always remember'. Eva Longoria looked red hot in a patent leather red halter dress with a slit up to her hip as she stopped by the Today Show. The Flamin' Hot director, 49, showed off her sculpted, muscular legs and nearly flashed some cheek as the slit moved while she walked. The neckline of the dress went over one shoulder, leaving the other shoulder and both arms bare while the bodice of the dress was ruched and laced up down one side, in the chic and stylish ankle-length dress. She wore her rich brown hair down and parted slightly off-center and her makeup was bronzed and dramatic with bold red lips. Bronze metallic pumps completed her stunning look as she headed into the studio. Eva Longoria looked red hot in a patent leather red halter dress with a slit up to her hip as she stopped by the Today Show Eva Longoria looked red hot in a patent leather red halter dress with a slit up to her hip as she stopped by the Today Show Eva appeared on the Today Show to promote her new Apple TV+ dramedy Land of Women in a conversation with Hoda Kotb, 59. In the show, which premieres on the streamer on June 26, the Deperate Housewives alum stars as Gala, an affluent New Yorker who discovers that her husband has $15 million in debt that must be repaid immediately. The moment Gala learns about her husband's debt unfolds in the trailer for the show when some mobster-like characters show up to scare her into coughing up the money. She mistakes the mobsters for some caterers before they threaten her as well as her daughter and mother so she whisks them away to the Spanish countryside without telling them why. The logline for the series states: 'With dangerous criminals searching for her family and now vanished husband, Gala is forced to leave the city with her aging mother Julia (Carmen Maura) and teenage daughter Kate (Victoria Bazua) to her mothers hometown in northern Spain a place that Julia fled 50 years ago to start life anew and hope their identities remain hidden. But gossip in the charming wine town quickly spreads, unraveling their deepest family secrets and truths.' Much of the series is shot in Spanish, which was a challenge for Eva, as she didn't learn the language until her 40s it was her third language after English and French and she didn't learn Castilian Spanish which is what is spoken in Spain. 'I got it into my head that I wanted to shoot in Spain and do a show in Spanish.' In the interview, she said the series is a sort of return to a Desperate Housewives style show and she purposely sought out the levity for her next project. The neckline of the dress went over one shoulder, leaving the other shoulder and both arms bare while the bodice of the dress was ruched and laced up down one side, in the chic and stylish ankle-length dress She wore her rich brown hair down and parted slightly off-center and her makeup was bronzed and dramatic with bold red lips Bronze metallic pumps completed her stunning look as she headed into the studio 'I feel like TV is so depressing to me sometimes...I just want blue skies,' she said, on why she wanted to return to TV, referring to the zombie and apocalypse-centered shows that are so prevalent today that leave audiences feeling depressed when over. She also spoke about her son Santiago, six, whom she shares with her husband Jose Baston, and how having him makes her want to leave the world a better place. 'Oh my gosh I can't leave it the way it is,' she said revealing the key is 'investing in women, investing in Latinas, making sure they realize their full power.' 'Anytime you invest in a woman its a good decision,' she said. Ariana Grande made a casual, macabre confession on Tuesday while speaking with her Boy Is Mine onscreen leading man Penn Badgley. 'I was infatuated with serial killers when I was younger,' the two-time Grammy winner - turning 31 next Wednesday - revealed in the second part of the 37-year-old Gossip Girl alum's Podcrushed podcast. 'Years ago, before the Dahmer series, I was in a Q&A with young fans. With a parent, someone said, "If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?" And I was like, "Oh, honey, you're so cute. Um, mom and dad, is it okay if I give the real answer?" And they were like, "Sure, what's the answer?" 'And I was like, "Jeffrey Dahmer's pretty fascinating. I think I would have loved to have met him, maybe with like a third party or something. But I have questions." And the parents were like, "We'll explain it later, sweetheart."'. Ariana Grande made a casual, macabre confession on Tuesday while speaking with her Boy Is Mine onscreen leading man Penn Badgley Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey raped, killed, and dismembered 17 boys and men - Steven Hicks (18), Steven Tuomi (28), James Doxtator (14), Richard Guerrero (25), Anthony Sears (24), Ricky Beeks (33), Eddie Smith (28), Ernest Miller (24), David Thomas (23), Curtis Straughter (18), Errol Lindsey (19), Anthony Hughes (31), Konerak Sinthasomphone (14), Matt Turner (20), Jeremiah Weinberger (23), Oliver Lacy (23), and Joseph Bradehoft (25). Dahmer - otherwise known as the Milwaukee Monster or the Milwaukee Cannibal - had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and a psychotic disorder before he was beaten to death by a fellow Columbia Correctional Institution inmate in 1994. In 2022, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan released their dismally-reviewed Netflix crime thriller, Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which depicted his unimaginable crimes and the victims desperate for justice. Evan Peters went on to win the Golden Globe Award for his performance as Jeffrey, thanking everyone who watched the show in his acceptance speech: 'It was a difficult one to make, a difficult one to watch but I sincerely hope some good came out of it.' And while the showrunners claimed to have contacted 20 of the victims' family members and friends, Rita Isbell - the sister of Erroll Lindsey - told Business Insider she was never contacted about the 'harsh and careless' show, which 'retraumatized' her. Grande (born Butera) agreed to do Penn's podcast after he starred in the Christian Breslauer-directed music video for her new single The Boy Is Mine, which dropped June 7. Fans can next catch the Florida-born pop star as Glinda Upland alongside her real-life boyfriend Ethan Slater in Jon M. Chu's big-screen adaptation of the 2003 Broadway musical Wicked, and the first part hits US theaters November 27 followed by the second part on November 26, 2025. The Florida-born pop star's 's flippant remark during LGBTQAI Pride month should absolutely horrify her 'Arianator' fanbase considering the notorious serial killer frequently stalked gay bars to find his young, mostly African-American male victims (pictured in 1991) The two-time Grammy winner - turning 31 next Wednesday - revealed in the second part of the 37-year-old Gossip Girl alum's Podcrushed podcast: 'I was infatuated with serial killers when I was younger' Ariana recalled: 'Years ago, before the Dahmer series, I was in a Q&A with young fans. With a parent, someone said, "If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?" And I was like, "Oh, honey, you're so cute. Um, mom and dad, is it okay if I give the real answer?" And they were like, "Sure, what's the answer?" Grande added: 'And I was like, "Jeffrey Dahmer's pretty fascinating. I think I would have loved to have met him, maybe with like a third party or something. But I have questions." And the parents were like, "We'll explain it later, sweetheart"' Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey raped, killed, and dismembered 17 boys and men - Steven Hicks (18), Steven Tuomi (28), James Doxtator (14), Richard Guerrero (25), Anthony Sears (24), Ricky Beeks (33), Eddie Smith (28), Ernest Miller (24), David Thomas (23), Curtis Straughter (18), Errol Lindsey (19), Anthony Hughes (31), Konerak Sinthasomphone (14), Matt Turner (20), Jeremiah Weinberger (23), Oliver Lacy (23), and Joseph Bradehoft (25) Dahmer - otherwise known as the Milwaukee Monster or the Milwaukee Cannibal - had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and a psychotic disorder before he was beaten to death by a fellow Columbia Correctional Institution inmate in 1994 (pictured in 1992) In 2022, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan released their dismally-reviewed Netflix crime thriller, Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which depicted his unimaginable crimes and the victims desperate for justice Evan Peters went on to win the Golden Globe Award for his performance as Jeffrey, thanking everyone who watched the show in his acceptance speech: 'It was a difficult one to make, a difficult one to watch but I sincerely hope some good came out of it' And while the showrunners claimed to have contacted 20 of the victims' family members and friends, Rita Isbell (R) - the sister of Erroll Lindsey - told Business Insider she was never contacted about the 'harsh and careless' show, which 'retraumatized' her Ariana agreed to do Penn's podcast after he starred in the Christian Breslauer-directed music video for her new single The Boy Is Mine, which dropped June 7 Mark your calendar. On Thursday Paramount Network announced Yellowstone will make its much-anticipated return on Sunday, November 10 at 8pm ET/PT. As previously announced, the megahit series is currently filming in Montana. Internationally, Yellowstone will premiere on Paramount+ in Canada on November 10th, the U.K. on November 11th and in Latin America, Brazil and France later in November. Thursday is also the six-year-anniversary of Yellowstone's season one debut in 2018. Yellowstone chronicles the Dutton family who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Yellowstone has a return date. On Thursday Paramount Network announced Yellowstone will make its much-anticipated return on Sunday, November 10 Kevin seen center with, from left, , Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, and Luke Grimes Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and Americas first national park. Yellowstone is co-created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. Executive producers include Linson, Art Linson, Sheridan, Kevin Costner, David C. Glasser, Bob Yari, Stephen Kay, Michael Friedman, Christina Voros and Keith Cox. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. In May Costner shared some insights into his role on the show to GQ. The Oscar-winning star maintained that he told creator Sheridan he would help end the series, but no scripts have ever come his way. And Costner also said that he and Taylor have a 'private' reason for not going forward, hinting they have disagreements over how the show should end. But the star, who is promoting his new movie Horizon, said that he wants to help end the Dutton saga for the sake of the 'audience.' Just hours after Kevin's GQ interview surfaced, Paramount Network announced that Yellowstone had already started production on the end of season five and was currently filming in Montana. Yellowstone chronicles the Dutton family who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States In May Costner shared some insights into his role on the show to GQ . The Oscar-winning star maintained that he told creator Sheridan he would help end the series, but no scripts have ever come his way Seen from left, Pete Sands, Mo Brings Plenty as Rainwater's Driver, Gil Birmingham as Chief Thomas Rainwater, Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler, Costner as John Dutton, Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton DailyMail.com has contacted Paramount to see if Costner may be starring in any of the new episodes. As of now, it does not seem as if he will be included. Yellowstone premiered in 2018 and has since attracted as many as 10 million viewers. On the show, Costner plays John Dutton III, who fights to save his ranch; he has been compared to a Godfather character because he uses murder to keep his businesses and family together. The show needs an ending, but there has been talk that Kevin was too busy or wanted too much money or wanted too much say to get it done. Now he has told GQ that he has tried. 'That's kind of my Western ethic,' he said. 'I've been quiet about the whole thing and I've taken a beating out there. My castmates are confused. The crew was confused.' He shared that he only did Horizon because he wanted to work more, and he felt he could do Horizon and Yellowstone at the same time. 'I've always wanted to do this movie,' Costner said, 'and I was doing Yellowstone. I love Yellowstone.' Costner said he was so committed to Yellowstone that he renegotiated from his original three-season deal for as many as seven total seasons. But there were delays from COVID, the writers' strike, and 'further disagreements about scheduling,' said GQ. And Costner also said that he and Taylor have a 'private' reason for not going forward, hinting they have disagreements over how the show should end. But the star, who is promoting his movie Horizon, said that he wants to help end the Dutton sag a for the sake of the 'audience' 'We very rarely started when we said we would and we didn't finish when we said we would,' said Costner. 'And I was okay with that. I really was. I was okay with it, but it wasn't a trend that could continue for me.' So he worked on Horizon. Then Yellowstone proposed splitting the fifth season of the show into two parts. 'And their big plan was to suddenly do eight now and then in the fall do eight more,' Costner said. 'I said, "I have a contract to do Horizon, and I have people and money." I think there was a belief that I couldn't get it mounted, but I didn't really care what anybody believed.' 'That's kind of my Western ethic,' he said. 'I've been quiet about the whole thing and I've taken a beating out there. My castmates are confused. The crew was confused' According to Costner, he tried to help end season five. But, he said, 'the scripts never came. They still haven't shot it. As far as I know. The scripts never came. And so then at one point they said to me that we don't have an ending or anything.' Costner then offered: 'I said, "Well, if you want to kill me, if you want to do something like that," I said, "I have a week before I start. I'll do what you want to do."' A spokesperson for Paramount Network refuted Costner's account of this conversation, said GQ. Costner is on the cover of GQ They negotiated more, and then he had only a week before he had to do Horizon. 'Somebody picked up the idea that I only wanted to work one week,' said Kevin. 'And that has been a carryover thing that I have seen in magazines: that I've only wanted to work one week.' Now he has been depicted as the person who is holding back the end of Yellowstone. 'My big disappointment is I never heard Paramount or 101 really come to my defense and say, "That's not true. He was going to do three more seasons."' He added: 'I started off only giving three seasons, ended up doing five and got embroiled in a thing that I don't feel one person over there ever told the story correctly, ever, about what I had done and what I've been willing to do.' Costner said that he thought that for Sheridan, Paramount, and 101 Studios, who were in the midst of developing several other Yellowstone spin-offs and originals, 'other shows became more important.' And he was okay with that. But he wished the story had been told differently, publicly. 'That's really f***ing bothered me, that none of them would actually try to set the record straight.' Kevin's next project is the movie Horizon: An American Saga which will debut on June 28 in movie theaters In a statement emailed to GQ, a Paramount Network spokesperson wrote: 'Kevin has been a big part of Yellowstone's success. While we had hoped that we would continue working with him, unfortunately, we could not find a window that worked for him, all the other talent, and our production needs in order to move forward together. We respect that Kevin has prioritized his new film series and we wish him the best.' Costner said he would go back if his terms were met. 'Well, Taylor and I know what the conditions are for coming back, and I'll just keep that between ourselves,' Costner said. He told GQ that as far as he was concerned, his terms were 'reasonable.' 'And if we can't get to it, it's because at the end of the day, it's unreasonable for them or something.' He added he loves John Dutton: 'I love that world. I am a person that is very script oriented. And if the scripts aren't there now, I need to know what I am. I want to make sure that the character lines up with what's important to me too. And that's pretty simple. That's just between, again, Taylor and myself. Can we ever get there? I don't know.' Kim Kardashian put on a busty display in Beverly Hills on Wednesday night as she visited a friend's house. The 43-year-old SKIMS mogul showed off her famous figure in a sleeveless black bodysuit with skin-flashing oval slits throughout. The mother-of-four, who celebrated daughter North West's 11th birthday last week, added low-rise, skintight black leggings. The petite fashionista added inches to her height as she slipped her feet into a pair of backless high heels with perspex straps. Kardashian left her friend's residence in her black Tesla Cyber Truck. Kim Kardashian put on a busty display in Beverly Hills on Wednesday night as she visited a friend's house Kardashian left her friend's residence in her black Tesla Cyber Truck The reality television star appeared to skip makeup, baring her clear complexion. Her dark roots were exposed as she styled her white-blonde locks in a sleek, straight style with layers at the front. Her busty chest was on display in her racy look, which she kept simple by skipping flashy jewelry. She accessorized with a thick, black cuff worn on her left forearm. And Kim flaunted a matching nude manicure and pedicure her minimalist go-to. It comes as the billionaire promotes the upcoming release of new lip glosses for her SKKN beauty brand. On Wednesday she uploaded her latest marketing reel, which showed her frolicking in an open field. Engaging her 362 million followers, she wrote in the caption: 'Meet your new @skkn summer essentials: a sheer, cushiony Lip Gloss that builds color and shine with every swipe and a light-catching, buildable Highlighter with an effortlessly luminous finish.' The 43-year-old SKIMS mogul showed off her famous figure in a sleeveless black bodysuit with skin-flashing oval slits throughout. The petite fashionista added inches to her height as she slipped her feet into a pair of backless high heels with perspex straps The reality television star appeared to skip makeup, baring her clear complexion Her dark roots were exposed as she styled her white-blonde locks in a sleek, straight style with layers at the front. And Kim flaunted a matching nude manicure and pedicure She added that the products are 'arriving on June 21st at 9AM PST.' 'Join the waitlist at SKKNBYKIM.com,' she wrapped up the note. Kim launched her SKKN by Kim skincare range two years ago on June 21, 2022. She relaunched her makeup offerings under the SKKN umbrella on January 26, 2024. The entrepreneur shut discontinued her makeup brand KKW Beauty in August 2021 and her perfume brand KKW Fragrance on May 1, 2022, with the intention of rebranding under a new name. At the time, Kim noted that the rebrand was not due to her divorce from Kanye West, whose surname she had used throughout the marriage, including it in her branding at the time. The businesswoman said the reason behind it all was because she felt bad about the customer having to pay shipping costs at three different websites KKW Fragrance, KKW Beauty and a skincare focused brand, which later turned out to be SKKN. She accessorized with a thick, black cuff worn on her left forearm Kardashian sat behind the wheel of her luxury vehicle before hitting the road Her busty chest was on display in her racy look, which she kept simple by skipping flashy jewelry. The superstar held her black encased phone in her left hand Her outing comes ahead of the release of new lip glosses for her SKKN beauty brand The mom-of-four was kid-free during the nighttime outing Kardashian shares North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five, with West. The two were married from 2014 until the former Keeping Up with the Kardashians personality filed for divorce in February 2021. The Chicago-bred rapper-turned-designer went on to tie the knot with Australian architect Bianca Censori in 2022. Kim dated comedian Pete Davidson from October 2021 through August 2022. Reese Witherspoon showcased her incredible figure in a low-cut bathing suit while on vacation in Italy. The 48-year-old movie star flashed her ample cleavage in the black one-piece, which had buttons along the neckline. The Sweet Home Alabama star posed in the swimsuit while enjoying time on a boat with pals off the coast of Portofino on Thursday. The blonde actress went makeup free and pulled her hair back into a casual bun, highlighting her natural beauty. After their boat day, Reese was seen enjoying shopping and lunch with her pals while in Portofino and San Fruttuoso. Reese Witherspoon showcased her incredible figure in a low-cut bathing suit while on vacation in Italy The 48-year-old movie star flashed her ample cleavage in the black one-piece, which had buttons along the neckline The star sat with her bathing suit-clad friends in the back of the boat; the stunner grinned ear to ear as she posed for pictures as a group. Reese added an oversized white button up dress with a matching hat for when the group went to the town to explore. The star carried a large woven tan tote. Later in the day, Reese was seen enjoying an al fresco lunch, which included a delicious plate of spaghetti. Soon after, Reese enjoyed an ice cream cone while going shopping. She carried a woven Prada tote as she perused the shops. Her sighting comes just weeks after Reese reprised her role a Elle Woods to announce a new Legally Blonde tv series. The star is developing a Legally Blonde spinoff tv series with the help of her production company Hello Sunshine. The star wore a pink tweed jacket and skirt like Elle as she went on stage at Amazon's Upfronts in New York City in mid-May. The Sweet Home Alabama star posed in the swimsuit while enjoying time on a boat with pals off the coast of Portofino The blonde actress went makeup free and pulled her hair back into a casual bun, highlighting her natural beauty After their boat day, Reese was seen enjoying shopping and lunch with her pals while in Portofino and San Fruttuoso Reese seen showcasing her incredible figure while on the boat Reese added an oversized white button up dress with a matching hat for when the group went to the town to explore Reese giggled as she posed for snaps with her friends Reese looked incredible in her one-piece swimsuit on Thursday Reese added an oversized white button up dress with a matching hat for when the group went to the town to explore Later in the day, Reese was seen enjoying an al fresco lunch, which included a delicious plate of spaghetti Soon after, Reese enjoyed an ice cream cone while going shopping She carried a woven Prada tote as she perused the shops Reese pretended to look for her dog Bruiser as she went on stage. Then she said: 'Guys, this is Bruiser! Thank you, I'm just glad you found him.' to Jen Salke, Head of Amazon and MGM Studios. Alan Moss, the vice president of global ad sales for Amazon Ads, accidentally dropped his pen. Reese then did the famous 'bend and snap' her character does in the movie. 'Alan, I got it. Because when you get nervous in front of a really big group of people that you're trying to impress, all you have to do is bend and snap.' Reese said of the project: 'I had this crazy idea that the world would want to know the origin story of Elle Woods.' Adding: 'So here I am, to officially tell you the most amazing news every, which is that we're going back to high school with Elle.' 'Before she became the most famous Gemini vegetarian to graduate from Harvard law school, she was just a regular 90s high school girl.' Reese concluded: 'And, thanks to Amazon and Hello Sunshine, all of you are going to get to know her in this new series on Amazon Prime Video. I'm so excited.' The series will be titled Elle - and will follow her through high school, and what led her to when she was heading to Harvard. Her sighting comes just weeks after Reese reprised her role a Elle Woods to announce a new Legally Blonde tv series; seen May 14 at the Amazon Upfronts in NYC Legally Blonde was released in 2001, with Reese as Elle Woods, Matthew Davis playing Warner Huntington III and Jennifer Coolidge as Paulette Bonafonte; Selma Blair and Victor Garber also starred in it Reese will executive produce the series alongside Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky, Marc Platt and Laura Kittrell, who created the upcoming series and is also set to serve as showrunner. Legally Blonde was released in 2001, with Reese as Elle Woods, Matthew Davis playing Warner Huntington III and Jennifer Coolidge as Paulette Bonafonte; Selma Blair and Victor Garber also starred in it. The sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde was released in 2003. He had multiple failed marriages and five kids, including actor Kiefer Sutherland When Donald Sutherland tragically passed away at age 88 this week, he left behind his devoted wife, Francine Racette, whom he was married to for more than five decades. But before the M*A*S*H alum found the love of his life in Francine, he had an extremely tumultuous romantic life filled with multiple failed marriages, cheating allegations, and a whirlwind affair with Jane Fonda. Almost immediately after the actor was skyrocketed into the spotlight in the late '60s, he earned a reputation for being quite the player. Donald tied the knot for the first time while he was in college, marrying a former child star who was 18 years his senior. But soon after his Hollywood career took off, the Hunger Games star filed for divorce. And within months, he was walking down the aisle with actress Shirley Douglas. When Donald Sutherland tragically passed away at age 88 this week, he left behind his devoted wife, Francine Racette (seen together in 2009) But before he found the love of his life in Francine, the actor had a tumultuous romance life filled with multiple failed marriages, cheating allegations, and an affair with Jane Fonda (seen) As the world grapples with the news of his death, DailyMail.com has broken down everything you need to know about Donald's rollercoaster-ride love life and family. He's seen with his kids The young stars quickly welcomed twins together - including 24 actor Kiefer Sutherland - but his second marriage came to a screeching halt when rumors erupted that he and Jane had become embroiled in a secret affair after falling in love on set of the movie Klute four years later. By the time Donald met Francine in 1972, Hollywood's new 'it' boy had already been embroiled in two very public breakups and a tryst with a costar. But she seemed to tame the former bad boy, and the couple - who welcomed three sons together - were happily in love up until his passing this week, which was confirmed by his son, Kiefer. It's been said that the acclaimed actor died in Miami from a long illness, but no further details were immediately available. 'With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,' Kiefer wrote on X on Thursday morning. 'I personally think [he was] one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad, or ugly. 'He loved what he did and did what he loved. And one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.' As the world grapples with the news, DailyMail.com has broken down everything you need to know about Donald's rollercoaster-ride love life and family - from his two ex-wives to his five kids. Donald married his first wife in 1959 after meeting her during his college years Donald met his first wife, Lois May Hardwick, when he was a studying at Victoria University, Toronto in Canada. A budding engineer with a passion for performing, Donald quickly became smitten with Lois, an aspiring teacher. They wed in 1959, and were together for seven years - but soon after Donald gave up on his dreams to be an engineer and set out on a pursuit to be an actor instead, their marriage came crashing down. Just when his film career began to take off, the budding new Hollywood star filed for divorce from Lois in 1966. Lois died in 2010 in London following a stroke. According to her obituary, she moved to the United Kingdom after divorcing from Sutherland to work for the Rambert Dance Company. She later trained as a teacher and became head teacher at Highgate Primary School. Her tribute described as an 'avid' moviegoer as well as a 'unique friend' and 'inspiration.' Despite the divorce, Lois retained her married name. While Sutherland never spoke publicly about what lead to their split, the timing of his next romance may pose as a hint. Almost immediately after his split from Lois, he walked down the aisle with actress Shirley Douglas Almost immediately after splitting from Lois, Donald walked down the aisle with actress Shirley Douglas, daughter of Canadian politician Tommy Douglas (seen together in 1968) And just a few months later, she welcomed their twins: Kiefer and Rachel. Donald is seen with Kiefer Almost immediately after splitting from Lois, Donald walked down the aisle with actress Shirley, daughter of Canadian politician Tommy Douglas who is well known for creating Canada's universal healthcare system. Their romance was torn apart after reports emerged that claimed Donald was having an affair with his Klute costar Jane Fonda. Shirley's seen in 2020 Just a few months later, she welcomed their twins: Kiefer and Rachel. Shirley was best known for her roles in Stanley Kubrick's Lolita, the TV series Wind at My Back, and the sci-fi series The Silver Surfer. But their romance was torn apart after reports emerged that claimed Donald was having an affair with his Klute costar, Jane. Kiefer went on to follow in his father's footsteps and became a major actor, starring in the Fox series 24, the film Stand By Me, horror comedy The Lost Boys, and The Three Musketeers, to name a few. As for Rachel, she is now a successful producer, and has worked on a slew of shows like Law and Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, Pretty Hard Cases, Nurses, Burden of Truth, and Mary Kills People. Shirley passed away in 2020 at age 86 from complications relating to pneumonia. He had a whirlwind affair with Jane Fonda that began just before they started shooting Klute together Both Jane and Donald were at the height of their careers when rumors of a love affair erupted. They're seen together in 1971 But the two stayed tight-lipped about their romance, that is, until years later, when Donald finally confirmed it to Rolling Stone. They're seen together in Klute in 1971 During a 2018 interview, he confessed that he and Jane were indeed 'lovers for a few years,' explaining that the whirlwind romance began just before shooting kicked off for Klute (seen) Both Jane and Donald were at the height of their careers when rumors of a love affair erupted. But the two stayed tight-lipped about their romance, that is, until years later, when Donald finally confirmed it to Rolling Stone. During a 2018 interview, he confessed that he and Jane were indeed 'lovers for a few years,' explaining that the whirlwind romance began just before shooting kicked off for Klute. And it turns out, Jane was the one who initiated it - despite him being a married man. 'We'd already been cast but had not started shooting,' he explained. 'And one day, she made it very clear, via a somewhat provocative suggestion, that I should come home with her. And I just said, "OK."' He exchanged vows for a third time with Francine Racette, and they were together up until his death Things with Jane must have eventually fizzled out, because in 1972, Donald exchanged vows for a third time with French-Canadian actress Francine Racette They went on to welcome sons Roeg in 1974, Rossif in 1978, and Angus in 1982, and stayed together until his passing this week. They're seen in 1990 Things with Jane must have eventually fizzled out, because in 1972, Donald exchanged vows for a third time with French-Canadian actress Francine after they grew close on set of Alien Thunder. They went on to welcome sons Roeg in 1974, Rossif in 1978, and Angus in 1982. Roeg now works as a talent agent and producer, while Rossif went on to become an actor, starring in ER, Crossing Lines, Poor Boy, and River. Donald's youngest son Angus briefly dabbled in acting but he now works as a producer. Donald and Francine stayed together until his passing this week. Celebrities paid tribute to Hollywood legend Donald Sutherland following his death at age 88. Michael Douglas, Henry Winkler, and Nancy Sinatra were among the A-listers taking to social media to remember the iconic actor. 'What a lovely, talented, and curious man. RIP Donald Sutherland,' Douglas, 79, captioned a photo of him with Sutherland from their 1994 film Disclosure. Winkler, 78, who starred opposite Donald's son Kiefer Sutherland in the 1998 film Ground Control, wrote to Kiefer directly on X, tweeting: 'Stacey and I send you our deepest sympathies .. Your dad was indeed singular . Warmly , Henry.' Meanwhile Nancy, 84, the daughter of Frank Sinatra, tweeted: 'This hurts. godspeed, Donald Sutherland,' along with a broken heart emoji. Michael Douglas, Henry Winkler, and Nancy Sinatra were among the A-listers taking to social media to remember Donald Sutherland Henry Winkler addressed Donald's son Kiefer Sutherland directly on X Meanwhile Nancy, the daughter of Frank Sinatra, tweeted: 'This hurts. godspeed, Donald Sutherland,' along with a broken heart emoji The late actor died Thursday in Miami after suffering a long illness, his talent agency CAA told The Hollywood Reporter. Director Ron Howard wrote in his tribute: '#RIPDonaldSutherland. I was blessed to direct him in #Backdraft. One of the most intelligent, interesting & engrossing film actors of all time. Incredible range, creative courage & dedication to serving the story & the audience with supreme excellence.' Elijah Wood took to X to remember Donald, sharing a photo of the actor along with the message, 'aww man. farewell, Donald Sutherland.' Kiefer Sutherland also paid a touching tribute to his late father Donald. The 24 star said his father Donald, 88, 'loved what he did and did what he loved', as he announced his passing on Thursday. 'With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film,' Kiefer said on Instagram. 'Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.' Kiefer - who went on to emulate his father with starring roles in flicks such as Flatliners and Designated Survivor - shared a heartwarming image of himself as a young boy alongside his father during his heyday. Donald's career in Hollywood spanned decades, including appearances in The Hunger Games and the 1970s horror movie Don't Look Now. Douglas and Sutherland pictured in 1994 The acting icons in the Disclosure film Elijah Wood took to X to remember Donald, writing, 'aww man. farewell, Donald Sutherland' Kiefer Sutherland also paid a touching tribute to his late father Donald Kiefer - who went on to emulate his father in Hollywood - said his late father 'loved what he did and did what he loved', as he announced his passing on Thursday He won a number of awards for his eclectic array of movie and TV roles, including a supporting actor Emmy for Citizen X in 1995. Sutherland also picked up nine separate Golden Globe nominations for hits including M*A*S*H and Ordinary people, winning two. His most recent appearance came last year as Judge Parker in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and he was set to star in upcoming apocalyptic flick Heart Land, which is in pre-production. After Kiefer led tributes in announcing his father's passing, a number of big names honored his timeless career. Broadcaster Piers Morgan said he was 'one of my all-time favorite actors who played so many great roles. What a sad loss.' Donald Sutherland pictured with his third wife Francine Racette The late actor, pictured in 2011 alongside Friends star Matt LeBlanc, picked up a number of awards and accolades during his decades-long career Donald's career in Hollywood spanned decades, including appearances in The Hunger Games and the 1970s horror movie Don't Look Now British filmmaker Edgar Wright, known for hits including Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver, praised Sutherland as a 'fascinating screen presence.' 'A funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies,' he said on X. 'So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind.' House of the Dragon star James Dreyfus added that Sutherland was a 'staple in my life through incredible performances.' 'Quirky, versatile, always honest & brilliant. Wonderful.' Donald's former co-stars Elliot Gould and Tim Matheson also paid tribute to the actor. Elliott Gould, who starred with Sutherland in Robert Altman's 1970 movie M*A*S*H, where they played battlefield surgeons, told DailyMail.com that the 6-foot-4 Sutherland towered over most but not just because of his stature. Jane Fonda also paid tribute to Sutherland, sharing this photo of the actor to her Instagram along with the caption 'Donald was a giant, not only physically but as a talent,' Gould said. 'He was enormously kind and generous. 'It's never easy losing the caliber of a human being and actor like Donald Sutherland, but this one really profoundly hurts because Donald was like my brother, and a big part of my own career.' Gould said when they took on the roles of Hawkeye Pierce (Sutherland) and Trapper John McIntyre (Gould), they were both young fathers and quickly bonded in their new roles as actors and dads. Both were nominated for Golden Globes for Best Actor in 1971. Actor Elliott Gould, right, was among the big names paying tribute to Sutherland Gould, 85, added: 'Rest in Peace, you dear kind friend. I love you and I will never forget you.' Tim Matheson, who starred with Sutherland in the 1978 comedy classic National Lampoon's Animal House, said he admired his co-stars' passion for his craft. 'One of the finest and most passionate actors Ive ever worked with,' Matheson told DailyMail.com. 'He made me a better person, performer and director by working with him. And he always had an evilly delicious sense of humor and intelligence to delight you with.' He added: 'I offer my deepest condolences to his family for their loss. And thank you Donald for leaving us such a huge legacy and body of work to celebrate you with. I will always adore you.' Other big names remembering Sutherland included Rob Lowe, Ever Carradine, Jill Hennessy, author Margaret Atwood, Rachel Zegler, author David Simon, director Joe Russo, and director Adam Nimoy. Rob Lowe hailed Donald's 'charisma and ability' in his tribute. Tim Matheson, who starred with Sutherland in the 1978 comedy classic National Lampoon's Animal House, said he admired his co-stars' passion for his craft; Matheson pictured in the film The 60-year-old actor has taken to social media to heap praise on Sutherland, who died aged 88 after a long illness. Alongside a throwback photograph of the Hollywood star, Rob wrote on X: "Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland. It was my honor to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget his charisma and ability. If you want a master class in acting, watch him in Ordinary People. My condolences to Kiefer. (sic)". Jane Fonda also paid tribute to Sutherland, sharing a photo of the actor to her Instagram along with the caption: 'I am stunned to hear that Donald Sutherland has died. He was my fascinating co-star in Klute and we loved working together. In this photo we are on the Klute set with director Alan Pakula. 'Donald was a brilliant actor and a complex man who shared quite a few adventures with me, such as the FTA Show, an anti-Vietnam war tour that performed for 60,000 active duty soldiers, sailors, and marines in Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines, and Japan in 1971. I am heartbroken.' Jenna Coleman continued to show off her blossoming baby bump as she attended a swanky dinner to celebrate the launch of Merit & Tove's signature bag in London on Thursday. Earlier in the day the busy actress, 37, was at a photo call for her new BBC show The Jetty, after announcing she was expecting her first child with boyfriend Jamie Childs at a fashion dinner the previous evening. Jenna looked sensational in a pale green satin dress for her latest outing which she teamed with a pair of chic heels. The former Doctor Who star completed the look with pearl earrings and toted her essentials in a bag by the luxury brand. Jenna debuted her baby bump at a dinner to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition 'Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah', at Chatsworth House. Jenna Coleman, 37, continued to show off her blossoming baby bump as she attended a swanky dinner to celebrate the launch of Merit & Tove's signature bag in London on Thursday Jenna looked sensational in a pale green satin dress which she teamed with a pair of chic heels Earlier in the day the busy actress (L) was at a photo call for her new BBC show The Jetty, after announcing she was expecting her first child with boyfriend Jamie Childs at a fashion dinner the previous evening (R) Jenna and director Jamie Childs met on the set of Netflix series The Sandman in 2020 and have worked together again on Jamie's first film Jackdaw (pictured in September 2023) The happy news comes six months after she left fans speculating she had tied the knot with her director boyfriend Jamie Childs, 35, after being spotted with a chunky gold band on her wedding finger. There was no sign of the ring on Wednesday night however. A representative for Jenna has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. Jenna and Jamie met on the set of Netflix series The Sandman in 2020 and have since worked together again on Jamie's first film Jackdaw. In January, Jenna first sparked speculation that she and Jamie, 35, had taken their relationship to the next level after being seen wearing a ring on her wedding finger while on a stroll with the director in north London. The couple looked loved-up as they walked hand-in-hand, with Jamie tenderly stroking her hair at several points. While it didn't mark the first time she'd been seen wearing the ring, she usually wore it on a different finger leading to speculation that the move was significant. The actress previously dated Tom Hughes, who played her husband Prince Albert in ITV's Victoria. Jenna appeared radiant just 24-hours after she announced her happy news to the world The former Doctor Who star completed the look with pair of pearl earrings and toted her essentials in a bag by the luxury brand She accentuated her features with make-up and wore her brunette locks in loose waves Idris Elba's wife Sabrina was also in attendance and slipped into a slinky black dress Sabrina sported shades and a selection of gold jewellery Former EastEnder's star Jessica Plummer stunned in a strapless yellow dress with bow detailing The look teased a glimpse of her black bra beneath as she posed up a storm Jessica forwent a necklace and let the dress speak for itself opting instead for stylish earrings Meanwhile fellow actress Naomi Ackie teased a glimpse of her toned midriff in a wine coloured co-ord Naomi added a pop of colour to the ensemble with red heels They met in 2013 on the set of BBC drama series Dancing On The Edge, but went their separate ways in 2020. At the time it was reported that the pair were 'terribly sad' by the end of their relationship, with the actress moving into her own pad and they reportedly attempted to 'salvage a friendship.' Pictures obtained by The Sun reportedly show Tom assisting Jenna to move into a new pad, which is said to be miles away from the home they previously shared. An insider told the publication that the pair have since met up in an attempt to keep things 'as friendly and civil as possible.' The source said: 'They are trying to salvage a friendship but obviously these are trying times, and it's not easy. 'Both Tom and Jenna are terribly sad, but the relationship ran its course. There was no third party involved. 'Jenna's career is going from strength to strength, she's being offered increasingly more roles abroad, especially Los Angeles, and she wants to focus on this while she's still young.' Their romance was a case of life imitating art for the pair who began dating in 2016 after they met on set. Jenna and Tom's romance almost never happened, as the actress revealed she turned down the role of the iconic monarch Victoria twice, before finally accepting the part. The series' third season hit screens back in 2019, but since then ITV haven't announced any plans for a fourth. Speaking to Radio Times, Jenna said of the near-miss: 'I had just finished doing nearly four years on Doctor Who and I didn't want to do another long TV project. 'I wanted to do lots of different things, but now I'm doing Victoria, I find her quite addictive.' Before Tom, Jenna was in a relationship with Bodyguard and Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden. The pair dated on and off for four years after getting together in 2012. Jenna previously dated her co-star Tom Hughes after they met on the set of ITV's Victoria, but they split in 2020 after four years together (pictured in 2017) Before that, Jenna dated Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden, but the pair split in 2016 after four years together (pictured in 2015) Despite their split, Jenna and Richard appeared to stay on friendly terms, as they posed for a selfie together after reuniting in Barcelona in March 2024 Jenna was also linked to Prince Harry back in 2015, after the pair were pictured looking cosy at a charity polo match Their relationship coincided with their soaring careers, with Richard starring inGame Of Thrones at the time while Jenna had landed her Doctor Who role. In the early days of their relationship, a proud Richard gushed about visiting his girlfriend on the set of Doctor Who. 'I've watched Doctor Who since I was a kid. I loved it, and I still love it,' he declared. 'I was selfie-ing the s**t out of it, and sending it to my dad! 'Look, it's me in the TARDIS!' I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I can geek out about it, like when I go to set and see the TARDIS.' While they often showed their support for one another at red carpet premieres of their various projects, the couple ended up splitting for good in 2015. Despite their split, Jenna and Richard appeared to stay on friendly terms, as they posed for a selfie together after reuniting in Barcelona in March 2024. The actress famously keeps her relationships private and has never spoken publicly about her romance with Jamie. Jenna also previously dated her Emmerdale co-star Karl Davies, during her four-year stint on the soap as Jasmine Thomas. The star was also linked to Prince Harry back in 2015, after the pair were pictured looking cosy at a charity polo match. One onlooker said: 'Harry sneaked outside with Jenna. He took her by the hand and led her away from the crowd in the sponsor's tent. They sat alone and talked. 'It was a very flirty, very tactile encounter. She was leaning in to him and he had his hand on her knee. From their body language, it looked like they were really enjoying each other's company. 'They were sitting very close, laughing lots and touching each other.' Jenna attempted to brush off the rumours during an awkward appearance on Good Morning Britain in 2016, when host Kate Garraway asked: 'Talking about passion, there have been pictures of you and Prince Harry, I'm assuming you were together for research, for the Royal Family.' Lowering her smile, Jenna politely replied: 'No, he is a friend of mine.' Eiza Gonzalez piled on the PDA in Notting Hill on Thursday as she stepped out with her new model boyfriend Guy Binns. The Hollywood It girl, 34, who hails from Mexico, kissed and hugged her beau, and even placed a cheeky hand on his bottom. Eiza, who also sings, looked beautiful in a striped blue and white shirt, a pale blue headband, and baggy blue jeans. Guy wore a white T-shirt, slim-fit blue jeans, and a pair of black and Vans trainers, and leaned in for yet another kiss from Eiza. The pair took selfies and Eiza posed with her food as they enjoyed two takeaway boxes from an Asian eatery. Eiza Gonzalez, 34, piled on the PDA in Notting Hill on Thursday with her new model boyfriend Guy Binns The Hollywood It girl, 34, who hails from Mexico , kissed and hugged her beau, and even placed a cheeky hand on his bottom Mexico-born Eiza, who also sings, looked beautiful in a striped blue and white shirt, a pale blue headband, and baggy blue jeans Also a personal trainer, Guy was previously linked to Eleonora Berlusconi, daughter of Italian businessman and politician Silvio Berlusconi. He and Eiza, who claimed in May that she had given up on love, have not been seen together before June, so it is thought their relationship is fairly recent. Guy and Eleanora have three children together - Riccardo, Flora, and Artemisia - and they split in 2022. Eiza and Guy were spotted looking cosy in April, but Eiza took to her Spanish X, formerly Twitter, account to criticise those who assumed the two were dating. She wrote: 'To clear up any doubts. Im single. I have male friends too. Not every man who is close to me is romantically linked. I will continue to have friends. 'Thank you. Have a nice day!' However, in Notting Hill on Thursday she proved that fans and others were right to assume there was something going on between the pair. Prior to Guy, Eiza dated a number of high-profile men, mostly actors, including Josh Duhamel, Jason Momoa, and Kylie Jenner's boyfriend Timothee Chalamet. Guy wore a white T-shirt, slim-fit blue jeans, and a pair of black and Vans trainers, and leaned in for yet another kiss from Eiza The pair took selfies and Eiza posed with a fork as they enjoyed two takeaway boxes of Asian food Also a personal trainer, Guy was previously linked to Eleonora Berlusconi, daughter of Italian businessman and politician Silvio Berlusconi Guy and Eleanora have three children together - Riccardo, Flora, and Artemisia - and they split in 2022 He and Eiza had not been seen romantically together before June, but it is thought that their relationship is a few months old They were spotted looking cosy in April, but Eiza took to her X, formerly Twitter, account to criticise those who assumed the two were dating She wrote: 'To clear up any doubts. Im single. I have male friends too. Not every man who is close to me is romantically linked. I will continue to have friends. Thank you. Have a nice day!' However, in Notting Hill on Thursday she proved that fans and others were right to assume there was something going on between the pair Eiza is known for her roles in Baby Driver (2017), Godzilla vs. King Kong (2021), and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024). In 2025, her action thriller In The Grey, directed by Guy Ritchie and also starring Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal, will be released. She is currently filming American heist adventure Fountain Of Youth with John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, and Domhnall Gleeson. The final film she has in the works, science-fiction thriller Ash, is in post-production and stars Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul. Prior to Guy, Eiza dated a number of high-profile men, mostly actors, including Josh Duhamel, Jason Momoa, and Kylie Jenner's boyfriend Timothee Chalamet Eiza looked at something in the distance but Guy looked straight at her as they cuddled on the grass of a park Eiza and Guy shared a sweet kiss, and cosied up in the sunshine together Travis Scott has been arrested and booked by cops for causing a drunken disturbance on a Miami Beach yacht, before writing 'lol' on social media. The Sicko Mode rapper 33, was arrested overnight for disorderly intoxication and trespassing at the marina, according to the affidavit seen by DailyMail.com. Scott, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center for the two misdemeanors around 4.35am Thursday, per court records. The Houston-born rapper - who has two young children, Stormi and Aire, with Kylie Jenner - was arrested by police at the Miami Beach Marina at 1:17 am. The rapper was involved in 'a disturbance on a yacht' which involved people 'fighting', according to police. Scott's lawyer Bradford Cohen told DailyMail.com the fight was verbal in nature and 'there was absolutely no physical altercation involved'. Travis Scott has had his mugshot taken after been arrested for disorderly intoxication and trespassing in Miami Ten officers approached the boat and found Scott 'standing by the dock and yelling at the vessel occupants', according to the affidavit. They tried to defuse the situation by asking Scott to sit down, but he repeatedly stood back up and disregarded their orders, per the record. Police said Scott had 'a strong smell of alcohol' on his breath, and Sergeant Lemus warned him to leave the dock or face arrest. 'Throughout the long walk from the vessel to the boardwalk, the defendant walked backwards yelling obscenities to the occupants of the vessel,' the affidavit reads. Scott eventually returned back to his vehicle, and ordered one of his security guards to get out of the SUV so that they couldn't leave the scene. He then appeared to threaten his own security guard, telling officers 'if he gets in the vehicle he's gonna catch a fade,' meaning get into a fight. The rapper eventually complied with officer's requests to leave. But just five minutes later he turned around and came back to cause more chaos. Scott 'began yelling once again, becoming erratic, disturbing the peace of the occupants of the marina and nearby residential buildings causing a public disturbance' according to police. He was detained and taken to Miami-Dade corrections facility. When probed about whether he had been drinking alcohol, Scott said 'it's Miami' and admitted that he had. Scott appeared to respond to his brush with the law on social media with a tweet simply reading 'lol' at 8.45am Thursday The Sicko Mode rapper was arrested overnight for disorderly intoxication and trespassing at the marina (pictured) - and when pressed about whether he had been drinking he said 'it's Miami' according to the affidavit seen by DailyMail.com The Houston-born rapper - who has two young children, Stormi and Aire, with Kylie Jenner - was arrested by police at the Miami Beach Marina (pictured from above) Kylie and Travis have dated on/off since 2017 and they share two children: Stormi, six, and Aire, two; seen in 2021 The 33-year-old submitted a $650 bond - which includes $500 for the trespass charge, and $150 for disorderly intoxication. Scott's lawyer Bradford Cohen told DailyMail.com the rapper was 'briefly detained due to a misunderstanding'. 'There was absolutely no physical altercation involved, and we thank the authorities for working with us towards a swift and amicable resolution,' Cohen said. The Astroworld rapper appeared bleary-eyed and expressionless in his mugshot, which has been shared by Miami Dade Corrections facility. He appeared to respond on social media with a tweet simply reading 'lol' at 8.45am Thursday. The booking comes just days before his international Circus Maximus stadium tour, which kicks off June 28 in the Netherlands. Scott was recently spotted enjoying a family vacation in St Tropez. He was pictured on a boat with his daughter Stormi and son Aire late May - kids he shares with his ex-girlfriend Kylie Jenner. The previous week, Scott was involved in a skirmish with Jenner's previous ex Tyga, 34, in Cannes. Travis and the Kylie Cosmetics founder, 26, have had an on-off relationship since 2017, but are currently not together. Travis Scott is seen performing in Chicago on 14 June 2024 - days before his arrest Pictured: Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott attends Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City This is not the first time that Scott has had run-ins with the law. The rapper is facing a civil lawsuit after 10 people died during a crowd surge at his concert in 2021 Kylie and Travis first broke up in October 2019 after sparking a romance in 2017. In February 2018, the two welcomed their first child to the world. In August 2021, it was confirmed that the duo were expecting baby number two together after rumors had circulated that Kylie and Travis had reportedly reconciled. It was confirmed in January 2023 that Kylie and Travis had decided to breakup for a second time after rekindling their romance in 2020. This is not the first time that Scott has had run-ins with the law. The rapper is facing a civil lawsuit after 10 people died during a crowd surge at his concert in 2021. Scott previously revealed he was 'devastated' by the Astroworld disaster, which occurred on November 5, 2021 concert in Houston, Texas. The musician told GQ he thinks about the disaster 'all the time' and has had 'rough moments' in the two years since as he worked on comeback album, Utopia. Those killed, who ranged in age from 9 to 27, died from compression asphyxia, which an expert likened to being crushed by a car. The star revealed his heartbreak at his attempt at putting Houston on the map as a city to rival New York and Los Angeles and inspire children had been 'ruined' - after previously saying he wanted to be a 'hometown hero' and not a 'villain.' In December 2021, speaking out about the November 5 tragedy Scott sat down with podcaster Charlemagne Tha God for an interview. Kylie and Travis first broke up in October 2019 after sparking a romance in 2017. In February 2018, the two welcomed their first child, daughter Stormi, to the world In the interview, Scott blamed his 'in-ear' person for not urging him to stop the show sooner, and claimed that he wasn't aware of or responsible for the fatal stampede and crowd crush Scott said that he is '1000 percent' certain he did everything he could have to prevent the tragedy, and claims he didn't hear the screams and cries for help as the crowd went out of control. 'Things happen, you know, and it's just been such a time, and I'm just trying to just really figure things out,' he said when asked why he was breaking his silence. 'My heart wasn't there to be the villainI was there to be a hometown hero.' Remy Ma has expressed her support for her son Jayson Scott as she broke her silence following his arrest for the 2021 murder of a man in Queens. Speaking with TMZ, Remy, 44, said she stood by her son's 'innocence' - as she described the 'difficult' circumstances her family is currently facing. 'We stand by JaySon's innocence and pray that the NYPD will conduct a complete and thorough investigation to reveal the truth. This is undoubtedly a difficult time for my family and me. 'While we sincerely appreciate the love and support we have received from all of you, we kindly ask for privacy as our legal team works to prove JaySon's innocence,' she told the outlet. Attorney Dawn Florio is representing Jayson and, through his law office, Remy said: 'As his mother, I want to address this situation personally but have been strongly advised by his legal counsel not to say anything -- as most people in similar situations are informed by their attorneys due to it being an active case.' Remy Ma (right) with her son Jayson Scott, 23, who was arrested for the murder of Darius Guillebeaux in 2021 Scott was arrested on Tuesday for the murder of a man in Queens that occurred in June of 2021. Scott, 23, was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment for allegedly shooting 47-year-old Darius Guillebeaux following a June 7 argument. Scott was charged alongside 22-year-old Richard Swygert, who is also facing a murder charge. Guillebeaux was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and chest on June 7, 2021 just before 1pm. The NYPD says he was then taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The victim had previously been indicted by the New York attorney general as part of a significant drug operation. The investigation, which was called 'Operation Heat Wave,' led to 54 arrests for the alleged trafficking of heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone in upstate New York. An arraignment is expected to occur in Queens County court on Wednesday. Scott's mother, Remy Ma, is a rapper from the Bronx who has been signed with Fat Joe for years. Darius Guillebeaux, 47, was found with fatal gunshot wounds to his head and chest on June 7, 2021 - he was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead Remy Ma's son Jayson Scott was arrested this week on first degree murder charges for a 2021 killing Speaking with TMZ , Remy, 44, said she stood by her son's 'innocence' - as she described the 'difficult' circumstances her family is currently facing Ma, 44, has herself spent time in prison for assault and weapons charges. She is currently married to the rapped Papoose (pictured left) with whom she also has a child She used to perform with his group Terror Squad, before releasing the solo album 'There's Something About Remy' in 2006. She's been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and has appeared across high-profile Hip-Hop platforms, including appearances on BET and VH1. Ma, 44, whose real name is Reminisce Kioni Mackie, has herself been convicted of crimes that include assault and illegal weapons possession. The convictions were preceded by a 2007 shooting in a Manhattan deli. She subsequently spent more than half-a-decade in prison. Currently, Ma is married to Papoose - also a rapper - with whom she had a child in 2018. Travis Scott was 'totally confused' when he walked out of a Florida jail and found himself deserted after his drunk and disorderly arrest Thursday morning, DailyMail.com has learned. The Astroworld rapper was let out of Miami-Dade's Turner Guilford Knight Corrections Center after posting $650 bond around 7 a.m. - but was met by no driver or security guard nor any members of his entourage. 'Travis was released on bond just before 7 a.m., wearing black shorts and a black jacket,' an insider said. 'When he walked out, there was literally no one there to meet him. He was all by himself, no security guards nothing.' 'He looked totally confused because he was trying to get picked up and was looking for his driver. Eventually his driver appeared and picked him up.' Travis Scott was booked into Miami-Dade's Turner Guilford Knight Corrections Center Thursday morning on intoxicated conduct and trespassing charges He exited the jail around 7 a.m. after posting a $650 bond and discovered he had been deserted by his entourage His current whereabouts are unknown, but his private jet is still in Miami. News of the 33-year-old's arrest was breaking at approximately 8:20 a.m., with Scott still showing as a current inmate on Miami-Dade Corrections website's booking roster. But as media was starting to gather at the detention facility, it emerged by 9:30 a.m. that the hop-hop star - real name Jacques Webster - had already been released. Court records show Scott was booked into the facility around 4:35 a.m. after he was busted at Miami Beach Marina for allegedly causing a disturbance with a boat owner who had asked him to leave. Miami Beach PD's incident report claims the Sicko Mode rapper had a 'strong smell of alcohol' coming from his breath when cops arrived on the scene at 12:44 a.m. When probed about whether he had been drinking alcohol, Scott said 'it's Miami' and admitted that he had. A source familiar with the situation told DailyMail.com the fight was verbal in nature and 'there was no physical altercation with anyone'. The rapper was busted at Miami Beach Marina (pictured) for allegedly causing a disturbance with a boat owner who had asked him to leave Scott posted on X shortly after his release from jail brushing off the incident with a simple 'Lol' The complainant said he did not want to press charges but just wanted Scott off the vessel. The wealthy musician was ordered to leave the dock or he would be arrested, and did so walking backwards towards the boardwalk 'yelling obscenities' to the occupants. Scott is said to have arrived at his waiting vehicle and told one of his security personnel to exit the car, telling officers: 'If he gets in the vehicle he's gonna catch a fade'. The report notes the term 'fade' is said to be slang for fighting. Scott then left the area but allegedly returned five minutes later and approached the vessel once again, bypassing officers in the marina's parking lot despite being told to stop. 'The defendant began yelling once again becoming erratic disturbing the peace of the occupants of the arena and nearby residential buildings causing a public disturbance', the report states. 'The defendant also disregarded the officers warnings not to return to the Miami Beach Marina.' Scott was charged with disorderly intoxication and trespassing and hauled off to jail where he posed for a blear-eyed mugshot. Scott, who shares two children with Kylie Jenner, had a 'strong smell of alcohol' coming from his breath and admitted to drinking telling police 'It's Miami' The rapper is set to kick off his international Circus Maximus tour in one week. On Friday he preformed at Chicago's Summer Smash (pictured) He appeared to respond on social media with a tweet simply reading 'lol' at 8:45 a.m. Thursday. The booking comes just days before his international Circus Maximus stadium tour, which kicks off June 28 in the Netherlands. Scott was recently spotted enjoying a family vacation in St Tropez. He was pictured on a boat with his daughter Stormi and son Aire late May - kids he shares with ex-girlfriend Kylie Jenner. The previous week, Scott was involved in a skirmish with Jenner's previous ex Tyga, 34, in Cannes. Another 27 Rite Aid stores will close as part of the retailer's ongoing bid to turn its finances around. News of the closures by one of the nation's biggest drugstore chains came in a court filing on Monday. The 15 to shutter in Ohio and a further 12 in Michigan bring the total to 511 since it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October. Scroll down for the address of the 27. Customers took the news badly. 'I was really upset because I come here quite often. It's so convenient for me, and I'm just upset about it,' Carol Deluca told ABC News. She gets her prescriptions from one of the Rite Aid on Navarre Avenue in Oregon in Ohio, which is slated to close. The chain has been facing a series of challenges. Drugstores, generally, are struggling in the face of competition from Amazon, and big-box chains like Walmart and Target. Rite Aid will shut a further 27 stores nationwide as part of its bankruptcy restructuring In addition, Rite Aid has also been unable to settle hundreds of lawsuits which have accused the company of overprescribing opioids. The pharmacy giant - a Philadelphia-based chain founded in Pennsylvania in 1968 as the Thrift D Discount Center - filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October. At the time, it said that it would shut 154 of its 2,100 stores in at least 15 states. Since then it has announced more closures across 21 states, including California, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas, in a string of court filings. Over the rest of 2023, the drugstore chain announced a further 200 would be shuttered. Then across seven court filings in January and February it outlined a further 77. Then in April, it said it would shutter 53 more across nine states. With the 27 this week, that takes the total since the bankruptcy filing to 511. The company faces more than $3.3 billion in debt, and over a thousand federal lawsuits over its alleged role in the opioid epidemic. Last year, Rite Aid forecast it would generate approximately $650 million in losses for 2024. Rite Aid's chief financial officer Matthew Schroeder said: 'We're constantly looking at performance of stores, particularly ones that don't have much lease life left on the lease and determining whether we've got an opportunity to continue to maximize the profitability and the efficiency of the fleet. 'I would expect us to continue to do that.' Rite Aid has said it will shutter more than 500 stores as it navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings Rite Aid is not the only drugstore closing down locations across the country. CVS is set to close the doors on 900 of its stores by the end of 2024, 10 percent of all its shops, as part of their online strategy. Walgreens will also shutter 150 stores by next summer, citing slashed earnings due to plummeting demand for Covid-19 vaccines and tests. 'According to our estimates, about one in four neighborhoods are pharmacy deserts across the country,' Dima Qato, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, told The Washington Post. 'These closures are disproportionately affecting communities that need pharmacies most.' Farm equipment and construction equipment firm, Escorts Kubota Ltd on Wednesday said it has withdrawn its plan to set up a new manufacturing plant at Ghiloth in Rajasthan due to failure to meet all the key requirements for a large-scale project. The company, which has lined up an investment of up to Rs 4,500 crore over the next three to four years to set up a new manufacturing plant, said it continues to explore alternate options with other states, including Rajasthan. Escorts Kubota had submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) for the proposed acquisition of land in Ghiloth, Rajasthan, subject to requisite approvals and clearances, for setting up an integrated greenfield manufacturing facility, for expanding the existing capacities, the company said in a regulatory filing. "...Based on the detailed assessment of the location, the company has reached a conclusion that the location does not meet all the key requirements for a large-scale project being planned and accordingly the company has withdrawn the aforesaid EOI," it added. One of the key factors for the company withdrawing the EOI was the state government's inability to commit to providing adequate industrial water for the project. However, Escorts Kubota in its filing said it is "committed to setting up an integrated greenfield manufacturing facility in line with its Mid Term Business Plan (MTBP) and continues to explore the alternate options with other states, including Rajasthan". Through a new manufacturing plant, Escorts Kubota plans to double its domestic tractor production capacity to 3.4 lakh units annually, while also setting up new engine and construction equipment lines in phases. At present, the company has a total annual tractor production capacity of 1.7 lakh units. The main plant is located at Faridabad. Its engine production capacity is 1.5 lakh units annually with Kubota engines currently being imported. The Summit acknowledged the critical role of the Global South The recent G7 meeting held in picturesque Apulia, Italy, had several pointers on the recent geopolitical shifts and changing equations between some of the most powerful nations in the world. Yes, the meme-worthy, Pictures of Stares, Namaskars and Parachute Landings, kept the social media alive and brought energy to an otherwise, boring round of meetings and dinners of world leaders, discussing topics of shared interest, the underlining points were not missed. First, the clear focus of the meeting, as highlighted in the joint communique was Ukraine to send some tough messages to China and other parties working covertly with Russia. In a not-so-veiled message and directly naming China the Joint Statement read We will continue taking measures against actors in China and third countries that materially support Russias war machine, including financial institutions, consistent with our legal systems and other entities in China that facilitate Russias acquisition of items for its defense industrial base. We reiterate that entities, including financial institutions, that facilitate Russias acquisition of items or equipment for its defense industrial base are supporting actions that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Accordingly, we will impose restrictive measures consistent with our legal systems to prevent abuse and restrict access to our financial systems for targeted individuals and entities in third countries, including Chinese entities, that engage in this activity. The message to China was, dont keep playing with fire, as one day, it may singe you. It may be worth mentioning that the US has undertaken several export control measures to prevent the transfer of high-tech equipment to China, which have dual-purpose utilities, i.e. can be used for making precision weapons as well as cyber surveillance tools. China was the only large economy, (not so direct a party to the Russia-Ukraine war), which was absent from the G7 summit. Recently Chinese President Xi Jinping undertook a tour of several European countries to ease the tariff-related issues, imposed by several European nations, against Chinese electrical vehicles. While some nations in Europe are committed to the US-led vision of hard measures on China, several others are on the fringe, tilting towards China. Meanwhile, this G7 summit, in a backhanded compliment of sorts, for Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of inclusion of Global South countries in world affairs, reiterated the importance of African nations and pledged several measures to boost the economic prosperity of the region. The Joint Statement Stated We endorse African countries call for greater voice in international bodies and welcome the AUs participation in the G20 as a permanent member and the creation of a third Chair for sub-Saharan Africa at the IMF Executive Board in November. We reiterate our support for the G20 Compact with Africa, as a tool to increase private sector investments, promote structural reforms and local entrepreneurship support and enhance cooperation, including in the energy sector. PM Modi who was also in Apulia, as a special invitee, in his brief outreach session addressed highlighted the preeminence of Global South countries. He said The countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of global uncertainties and tensions. India has considered it its responsibility to place the priorities and concerns of the countries of the Global South on the world stage. We have given high priority to Africa in these efforts. We are proud that the G-20, under Indias chairmanship, made the African Union a permanent member. India has been contributing to the economic and social development, stability and security of all African countries and will continue to do so. A new world order with multiple voices opining on global matters, at a time when existing political structures are being challenged domestically, was one clear message from the G7 meeting in Italy. (The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal) Globally, women spend significant time on unpaid care work, limiting their participation in the labour market and affecting economic stability In the early 60s when Canadian short story writer, Alice Munro, who died recently, earned some success, a newspaper ran a piece on her, which had a condescending headline the housewife who finds time to write short stories. The banter fell through Alice and she went on to win a Nobel in literature in 2013. While another Nobel winner in Economics in 2023, Claudia Goldin, explained in her research that a womans vocation is not always guided by her choice, but, more often by the long-standing societal trends, which build a cult of domesticity around her, idealising her role as an unpaid caregiver. Not surprising that women spend almost 76.2 per cent of total hours, three times more than men, on unpaid care work (ILO). Of all regions, the Pacific and Asia present the worst scenario, with men performing the lowest share of unpaid care work (1 hour and 4 minutes). In 2018, 606 million working-age women expressed disappointment that they failed to enter the labour market because of the burden of unpaid care work, which was the case for only 41 million men. In terms of monetary value, womens unpaid work may exceed up to 40 per cent of GDP in some countries (ILO).Social scientists contend that child-bearing, as well as the age and number of children, more than marriage, impede womens entry into the labour market. Women (aged 25-54) face a wide disparity in labour force participation rate (LFPR), which remains only 61.4 per cent, as against mens 90.6 per cent (World Bank, 2022). While, in the lone women households, with at least one child under 6, economic compulsion lifts womens LFPR to about 65.8 per cent, but, it goes down to 48.7 per cent, when mothers live with a partner and a young child, as the male breadwinner syndrome prevails (UNWomen). Notwithstanding, the breadwinner moms also bear a heavier load at home, even if they out-earn their husbands ( Pew Research Centre). While, the motherhood penalty is very much persistent in the USA (Harvard, 23). Moms were six times less likely than non-mothers and 3.35 times less likely than child-free men to be recommended for a hireand are 114 per cent more likely than dads to take a career pause(Mom Project, US, a career-resource platform for working mothers). If a kid is sick,.. its going to be the woman to take time off, because they are paid less, which makes more economic sense (PNAS, 2023). While, a report by the British trade union association TUC, said that men do not face a penalty as parents at all, rather, fathers who work full time, experience a wage bonus, when they have children, earning 22 per cent more. The disparity arises not because mothers actually become less productive employees, or fathers work harder becoming parents, but, because employers expect them to be so, indicating a clear-cut culture bias about gender and work, said Michelle Budig, a sociology professor, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her research further revealed that on average, mens earnings increased by more than 6 per cent when they had children, if they lived with them, while, womens decreased by 4 per cent for each child they had (National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, US, 1979 to 2006). In India, childbirth impacts womens entry into the labour market, but, differently, in the context of urban and rural. A study, collecting the Life History Calendar(LHC) data from the States of Karnataka and Rajasthan, suggested that motherhood may not be accompanied by a penalty in terms of labour market participation for rural women because of the predominance of informal and flexible employment, which are more conducive for childcare responsibilities than work in an urban or more formalised setting(Gautham 2021). The analysis of data from the Employment-Unemployment Schedule (EUS) of the NSS from 2004 to 2012 revealed that rural motherhood wage penalties are close to zero, whereas, urban women pay a large penalty of about 18 per cent of total wages and highly educated women, or women in regular or salaried wage work, incur a larger wage penalty after motherhood than their less educated or casual wage counterparts(Wilde et al. 2010). However, first-time fathers, both rural and urban, experience no negative wage effects following the birth of children. The lack of childcare facilities is one of the most significant impediments to gender equality in job markets (UNWomen). A macro-econometric analysis of childcare policies in 18 OECD countries (1980-2007) commented that measures like high levels of employment protection and longer paid leave are crucial for the survival of working mothers (Thevenon, 2013). In 2016, an analytical study (ITUC) in seven high-income OECD countries, appraised that an investment of two per cent of GDP in the care industry, could create nearly 13 million new jobs in the US, 3.5 million in Japan, nearly 2 million in Germany, 1.5 million in the UK, 1 million in Italy, 600,000 in Australia and nearly 120,000 in Denmark and boost womens employment rate by 3.3 to 8.2 percentage points, as against mens 1.4 to 4.0 percentage points. Subsequently, similar research (ITUC) in emerging economies such as Brazil, Costa Rica, China (Peoples Republic), India, Indonesia and South Africa, also substantiated that the same amount of investment in the health and care sector would bolster nearly 24 million new jobs would in China, 11 million in India, nearly 2.8 million in Indonesia, 4.2 million in Brazil and over 400,000 in South Africa and 63,000 in Costa Rica. While, the ILOs recent global Care at Work report exhorted that to reducing the gender gap in employment by 7 percentage points and the monthly earnings gap to 1.8 per cent by 2035, a sustainable annual investment of over $204 billion, an average of 5.8 per cent of GDP per country, should be invested for universal childcare and long-term care services. While, feminist economists (Elson et al.) and proponents of the Purple Economy (Ilkkaracan), vouched for recognising care as an indispensable component of human well-being and called for a caring and gender equal economic and social order, by sharing caregiving responsibilities between the State and households and women and men. It is high time now that the world fulfils its SDG 2030 commitments and ensures womens economic justice and equality, with appropriate policy formulations and resource allocations. (The author is former Director General, Doordarshan & All India Radio, views are personal) The University Grants Commission has introduced a transformative policy that is expected to align India with global educational practices The University Grants Commission (UGC) in its recent decision has allowed Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which offer programs in regular mode, to admit students twice a year, from the coming academic year. This option would be made available only in those HEIs that intend to increase their student intake and offer new programmes in emerging areas. Earlier, the UGC had decided in its 571st commission held on 25 July 2023 to permit biannual admissions under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes in January and July during an academic year. Last year, after the UGC had permitted two cycle admissions in a year for ODL and Online modes, in addition to a total of 19,73,056 students who were enrolled in July 2022, an additional 4,28,854 students joined in January 2023 in these programs. That means, nearly half a million students benefited from this decision. It also shows the dearth of seats and the craving for Degrees. This policy decision will benefit several students who especially intend to go abroad for their higher studies, as in most countries this biannual mode of admissions exists for the diploma, degree and post-graduation courses after the senior secondary education. It will enhance international collaborations and student exchanges from foreign countries. As a result, the global competitiveness will improve and will be in alignment with the global educational standards. The biannual university admissions will help students who missed an entrance owing to a delayed result or health reasons, as they do not have to wait for one another full year. Most of the institution heads have welcomed the step, owing to the official directive and secondly as the intake will bring in extra revenue to their institutes. Some of them want to test the water by introducing it in some selected courses. On the other side, some of them expressed concern over the additional space, infrastructure and faculty required to handle this extra burden of students. Enhancing the quantity is good, but the cost of the quality is what some educational experts fear. Recently, a German IT professional was travelling from Delhi to Dehradun on a Shatabdi train. He was on his vacation trip to India after a six-month long professional hard work. He narrated how the Germans work, When they work, they work and then spare a few months to upgrade their skills and also go in a hibernation mode of rest for reviving themselves. Whereas, we Indians, either work throughout the 12 months of spring, winter, rainy and summer seasons; or follow a lacklustre attitude and take a back seat. In India, many scholars pursue a doctorate for the sake of procuring a PhD degree after their post-graduation. Whereas, in European countries like Germany, students while pursuing their secondary education develop the flare for a particular vocational course and practice it on grounds. After a while, they return to learn more about that particular profession through higher studies. No doubt, many of them do their PhD in plumbing or automobiles and add value to their profession. In countries like Germany, education is a lifelong learning process and addresses the ever-changing demands of the labour market. The learning is procured through adult education, professional development, recognising prior experience, flexible learning pathways and providing opportunities for seniors to pursue personal interests. The ongoing learning and training is imparted through Evening classes, Workshops, Vocational courses and Non-formal educational programs tailored to adults seeking to acquire new skills or qualifications. These educational opportunities are provided by diverse entities, including municipal and private institutions, religious organisations, trade unions, industry and commerce chambers, associations, political parties, businesses, Government agencies, academies, family education centres, vocational schools, as well as media outlets like radio and television. In India, the recently introduced vocational degree courses like BVoc and MVoc have failed to take off and get the desired results as expected. The adult mindset is different here, as they prefer a white-collar job. But the reality is different. One of the ITI pass out in the AC stream, Mr Khatri, an entrepreneur was recently awarded for his turnover of over Rs 10 crore per year. It is not the Degrees, but the determination and expertise in their profession, that makes a person successful. In most of the developed countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK and Germany, college students while pursuing their higher studies work and earn. The literacy campaign and the efforts to bring back the school dropouts in India have yielded good results. The missing link is the flare for a particular vocational course, hands-on training, experience in the respective field and the confidence to be of their own. A change in the mindset of senior secondary-level students towards their career perspective can make a difference. Adopting the worldwide model of universities is good, but engaging them after this biannual mode of education is what the policymakers need to ponder upon. (The writer is a former editor and former media advisor to the Delhi Government; views are personal) Still grappling with NEET controversy, the cancellation of UGC-NET exams on Wednesday has brought serious troubles for the Narendra Modi Government which has just started its third tenure and a Special Session of the Parliament scheduled next week. With the ruling NDA on shaky numbers, Opposition leaders on Thursday launched an attack on the National Testing Agency (NTA) and accused the agency as well as the Union Government of destroying the future of students who appeared for these exams. They said the matter will be raised in Special Session of the Parliament next week. Both the exams are conducted by Union Education Ministrys National Testing Agency (NTA) and the paper leaks and cancellations have led to protest by aspirants, students, parents with simultaneous attack by the Opposition parties and judicial interference to streamline the issues. A day after the UGC-NET was cancelled, Education Ministry officials on Thursday said no complaints were received about the exam but a suo motu action was taken on the basis of inputs available with them to protect students' interest and a fresh exams will be announced. Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal said the details of the inputs cannot be shared as the matter has been referred to the CBI and is currently under investigation. "No complaints were received but the inputs we received from agencies indicated that the integrity of the exam has been compromised. The action was taken suo motu to safeguard interests of the students," he said. While the Congress-led Opposition continues to mount attack on the BJP-led NDA Government, the partners of the NDA, JD(U), alleged a direct link of the RJD in the NEET paper leaks as the probe begins in the case by Nitish Kumar the Government. Bihar police have arrested 13 people in connection with the case. They are currently lodged in a Patna Jail. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Government over the alleged irregularities in both entrances and said Modi has "psychologically collapsed" post-elections and will struggle to run a Government like this. "It is being said Modi stopped the Ukraine-Russia war and Israel-Gaza war, but he is either not able to stop exam paper leaks or doesn't want to," the former Congress chief said. Responding to the Congress statement, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said Government is fully alert and sensitive over NEET exam. The Centre is determined, and won't let any injustice happen to lakhs of students... strict action will be taken against those who are responsible for this... Rahul has nothing to do with the future of lakhs of students, he just wants to play his politics on this topic. In Rajasthan, paper leak happened but Rahul did not utter a word on it, the BJP said. UGC-NET is a test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of junior research fellowship, for appointment as assistant professors and admission to PhD in Indian universities and colleges. The NEET-UG examination is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha claimed that the arrested prime accused in the NEET "paper leak" is linked to officials associated with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and demanded an investigation into it. The official associated with Yadav used to arrange accommodation for Sikandar at guest houses in Patna and other places. I have details of messages which the official had sent to the persons concerned for arranging accommodation for Sikandar, the deputy chief minister said. On the other hand, Supreme Court on Thursday decided to examine pleas questioning the Centres NTA chairman Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi to the high-powered committee which recommended a re-test for 1563 undergraduate National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) candidates who were given grace marks. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, the NTA and others on petitions, including those seeking the scrapping of NEET-UG 2024 exam and a court-monitored probe into the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance test. The top court also stayed further proceedings on some pleas on NEET (Undergraduate)-2024 examination pending before different high courts in the country. With a severe heatwave sweeping vast swathes of the country, the National Capital has seen a huge upsurge in mortalities caused by sunstrokes and other heat-related ailments. As more than 210 people have so far succumbed to the heat fury not seen in decades in Delhi or elsewhere in the country. Of the 210 dead in Delhi, 192 were homeless people who have been bearing the brunt of the extreme heat in the city. A total of 22 fatalities caused by suspected heat-related illnesses have been recorded at the Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung hospitals in the last 24 hours. The Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), an NGO working for the homeless, claimed that deaths of 192 homeless people due to extreme heat were recorded in Delhi between June 11 and June 19, marking a sharp increase of 156 per cent over the last year's figure when 75 people sleeping rough were found to be dead. Though Delhiites have got some relief from the searing heat thanks to a mild dust storm and light rainfall causing a slight fall in the maximum temperature, the heatwave conditions may intensify in the coming days as the minimum temperature showing a rising trend. The maximum temperature in the city was recorded at 40 degrees Celsius, one notch above the normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 29.6 degrees Celsius. However, the feel like temperature or heat index is 48.5 degrees celsius. According to officials at the Safdarjung Hospital, 33 patients suffering from heat-related illnesses were admitted there. Of them, 13 died in the last 24 hours. The RML Hospital received 22 patients, victims of suspected heatstroke, in the last 24 hours, four of them have died, a hospital source said. Meanwhile, at Nigambodh Ghat, the city's main crematorium, there has been a spike in the number of cremations. Officials, however, could not confirm if the deaths were related to heatstrokes. On Wednesday, 142 corpses were brought to the Nigambodh Ghat for cremation, which is nearly 136 percentage points higher than the daily average of 50-60 bodies, Suman Gupta, general secretary of the Nigambodh Ghat Sanchalan Samiti, which manages operations at the crematorium, said. The number was higher on Tuesday as well when 97 bodies were brought to the city's oldest and largest crematorium for cremation. "Usually, around 50-60 bodies are brought in here daily for cremation. The number has gone up in the last few days. Today, 35 cremations have taken place since morning and the number may go up by the end of the day," Gupta said. Further, the bodies of 50 people from underprivileged class were recovered from around Delhi during the past 48 hours, police said. Police and health officials, however, have not confirmed if all of them died of heat-related causes. Taking cognisance of the matter, Ashish Kundra, Principal Secretary to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena expressed to the Chief Secretary about Saxena's anguish over such unfortunate incidents in the National Capital. Saxena directed that a meeting be convened with concerned officers of Social Welfare department, DUSIB and Health, to ensure that adequate measures are in place for providing water and other facilities to destitutes, homeless and the poor. "District Magistrates may also be advised to visit the shelter homes and hospitals in their jurisdiction to ensure adequate arrangements are in place for relief and emergency response where warranted," the letter stated. Sunil Aledia, Executive Director of CHD stated that heatstroke, dehydration and skin problems are a major reason why such high numbers of mortality among the homeless people is being reported. "The constant exposure to scorching sun puts them at high risk of heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, high body temperature, and seizures. Access to clean drinking water might be limited, leading to dehydration which can worsen heatstroke risk and cause fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Sunburn, rashes, and heat boils are common due to relentless sun exposure," he said. Keeping in view of the situation, the Delhi government has directed officials to rescue the homeless from footpaths, parks and send them to shelter homes. In an order issued to Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) by Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday, he said, "With the summer season at its peak in Delhi and various advisories issued by concerned Government Departments (NDMA, NPCCHH, NCDC, State Health Departments, etc.), it has been directed to carry out rescue drives in Delhi." Appropriate medical assistance to people in distress due to the heat should be prioritised and Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulance can also be used to send sick persons to hospital, it said, adding that a report on the drive should be sent daily and any laxity on it will be viewed seriously, the order added. The Centre-run RML Hospital received 22 patients in the last two days. There have been five deaths and 12 to 13 patients are on ventilator support. "The victims did not have any comorbidities. When such people come to the hospital, their core body temperature is recorded and, if it is found to be more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no other cause, they are declared as heatstroke patients," a senior hospital official said, adding that those who succumb to heatstroke are declared as 'suspected heatstroke' and there is a committee of the Delhi government that later confirms the deaths. The Safdarjung Hospital received 60 patients with suspected heatstroke, including 42 who were admitted. The hospital has reported six casualties, including a 60-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man. At LNJP Hospital, four patients have died due to suspected heatstroke in the last two days. The Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi is reporting 30 to 35 heatstroke cases at its outpatient department daily. "These include conditions such as heat cramp and heat exhaustion," said Dr Atul Kakar, chairperson of the hospital's Department of Internal Medicine. The heat wave is causing an increase in the prevalence of lupus that affects the skin, joints and kidneys, among other organs. People who have lupus frequently experience flare-ups and aggravated symptoms as the temperature rises. Six to 10 cases of lupus were detected due to the prolonged heat wave. SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) or lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own system is targeted, leading to multiple-organ affection and damage. It primarily affects women and that too in their child-bearing age between 15 and 45, said Dr Lalit Duggal, a senior consultant of rheumatology and clinical immunology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. These numbers can be more as AIIMS hospital has yet not make its data public. Even as Canada's Parliament marked the first anniversary of slain Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death by holding a moment of silence in the House of Commons on Tuesday, India reminded the world of the Kanishka bombing in 1985, the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation. Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. Canadian police have arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the murder. Diplomatic ties remain frosty between the two countries over anti-India activities being carried out from the soil of Canada and alleged involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. "India stands at the forefront of battle against the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat", India's Consulate General in Vancouver said as it reminded the world of the Kanishka bombing, the most heinous terror-related air disaster in the history of civil aviation. The Montreal-New Delhi Air India 'Kanishka' Flight 182 exploded 45 minutes before it was to have landed at London's Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people on board, most of them Canadians of Indian descent. The bombing was blamed on Sikh militants in retaliation to 'Operation Bluestar' to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in 1984. The Consulate General of India has planned a memorial service to mark the anniversary of the bombing. "India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat," the Consulate General of India in Vancouver posted a social media message later Tuesday. "June 23, 2024 marks the 39th Anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), in which 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation," it said. The memorial is scheduled on June 23 at the Air India Memorial at Stanley Park's Ceperley Playground area in Vancouver. The Consulate encouraged members of the Indian diaspora to join the event in a show of solidarity against terrorism. The memorial service to be hosted by India comes amid strain in India's ties with Canada over the issue of Khalistan terrorists after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September last year of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Sikh terrorist. India has dismissed Trudeau's allegations as "absurd and motivated." India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. India has repeatedly conveyed its "deep concerns" to Canada and New Delhi expects Ottawa to take strong action against those elements. Nijjar, the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), figured on the list released by the Indian Government with 40 other 'designated terrorists'. Four Indian nationals, including Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, are accused of killing Nijjar. Nijjar's murder, in which Canada claimed the Indian government's role, has been a thorn in bilateral ties. However, earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. Speaking about the meeting, Trudeau said he saw an opportunity to engage with the new government over economic ties and national security. In a major setback to political parties in Bihar, the Patna High Court on Thursday set aside the amendments passed by the Bihar legislature in 2023 when quotas for Dalits, backward classes and tribals in Government jobs and educational institutions were raised from 50 to 65 per cent. The court declared null and void the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) Amendment Act, 2023 and the Bihar (in admission in Educational Institutions) Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 as ultra vires the Constitution and violative of equality clause under Articles 14, 15 and 16 of the statute. Meanwhile, the coalition Government-led by Nitish Kumar has decided to challenge the Patna High Court order in the Supreme Court. A division bench of Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Harish Kumar passed the ruling on a batch of petitions that had challenged the enactments as violative of the right to equal opportunity for citizens in matters of employment and education. "We, hence, set aside the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) Amendment Act, 2023 and the Bihar Reservation (in Admission to Educational Institutions) Amendment Act, 2023 as ultra vires the Constitution and violative of the equality clause under Articles 14, 15 and 16. The writ petitions are allowed leaving the parties to suffer their respective costs," the bench said in its 87-page verdict. Reacting to the development, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary said the State Government will move the Supreme Court and ensure justice for the people of Bihar. "In Bihar, the reservation for backward communities, Dalits and tribals must increase... therefore the Bihar Government will go to the Supreme Court and give justice to the people of Bihar... his (Tejashwi Yadav's) father did not give reservation to a single person. Lalu Prasad means anti-reservation and he was supporter of crime and epitome of hooliganism," he said. Earlier, RJD leader Tejashwi questioned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after the State's High Court scrapped the State Government's quota hike to 65 per cent. "We are hurt. We were suspecting this from before that the BJP will try to stop reservation for the underprivileged castes. We had already expressed the fear during electioneering that BJP people are against reservation. You must be aware that when we conducted the caste-based survey, people of BJP filed a PIL to try to stop it, but we won at the end. I don't understand why the CM is silent on this," he said. The order read, "that the State attempted no in-depth study or analysis before providing for enhancement of the reservation percentage is established from the records. That the State proceeded on the mere proportion of population of different categories as against their numerical representation in government services and educational institutions is the admitted position and is the pivotal argument of the State. That this argument works against the core principles of Articles 15(4) & 16(4) is a given fact. In our judgment hence, the enhancement of reservations beyond the 50% limit is bad in law based on the principles of equality emanating from the Constitution as laid down by the wealth of precedents discussed in this judgment; binding on us and the State equally," read the order. "The rule of 50% limit on reservation, thus, applies to the Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which is equally applicable under Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) and in the present case, we see no extenuating circumstance enabling the State to breach the rule", the order said. The State legislature had in 2023 amended the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (For Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) Act, 1991 after taking note of the data that revealed that members of SC/ST and other backward classes were still comparatively less in proportion in government service. The Nitish Kumar Government on November 21 last year issued gazette notifications for raising the quota for deprived castes from 50 to 65 per cent in State Government jobs and educational institutions. With this, total reservation in the State would have reached 75% after addition of 10% given to the economically weaker sections (EWS). Based on the findings of the caste survey in the State, the Government increased the quota for Scheduled Caste (SC) to 20%, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) to 2%, Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) to 25% and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to 18%. The order said the caste survey report relied upon by the State itself revealed that backward communities were adequately represented in public employment, by virtue of reservation and also merit. In fact, the Court said the State should introspect on the reservation percentage within the 50 percent limit and exclude the 'creamy layer' from the benefits. However, the Court clarified that it was only observing so and not issuing any direction. Ritika Rani, one of the counsels appearing for the petitioners, said, "We had submitted that the amendments to the reservation laws were violative of the Constitution". It opined that the same was an indication of one or other caste or community having reaped the benefits of reservation and the various beneficial welfare schemes implemented by the State in achieving an element of social capital. "There is no requirement for an enhancement of reservations, as adequate representation now exists and there is no valid ground for breach of 50% rule; which in any way is not permissible," the order thus said. A 24-year-old man allegedly personating as a sexagenarian bound for Canada has been apprehended by the CISF at the Delhi international airport. The passenger Guru Sewak Singh, with dyed hairs and beard, was intercepted on Tuesday evening at Terminal-3 of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and has been handed over to the Delhi Police, official said. The man was first checked by CISF personnel as his activities were found to be suspicious. He initially produced his identity in the form of a passport bearing the name Rashvindar Singh Sahota, 67. He was supposed to board an Air Canada flight flying out of Delhi on Tuesday, the officer said. "The man's appearance, voice and skin texture seemed significantly younger than the details provided in the passport. Closer observation revealed that he had dyed his hair and beard white and was wearing glasses to appear older," he said. The passenger, following further interrogation, disclosed his correct identity as Guru Sewak Singh, 24, and the photo of a passport in this name was also found in his mobile phone, the officer said. Chola Mandir police have booked a man for sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman on the pretext of marriage, accused of sexually exploiting the woman for about three months. The police have registered a case and started searching for the accused. According to the Chola police station, the victim lives in the Chola Mandir area. She works as a hawker of old clothes. About a year ago, she met the accused Ganesh Kuchbandia. He is a resident of Itwara area of Bhopal. Ganesh somehow got the mobile number of the woman and started calling her and talking. Gradually, the accused lured the woman into marriage and expressed his love. Ganesh physically exploited the woman for three months on the pretext of marriage. A few days ago, when the woman came to know that the accused Ganesh was already married. After knowing this, the woman started keeping distance from the accused. Despite this, the accused kept following the woman. When the woman stopped talking to the accused, the accused started threatening her. He threatened to kill the girl's younger brothers. Distressed, the girl told the whole thing to her family and lodged a complaint against the accused at the police station. Police have registered a case of rape against the accused Ganesh Kuchbandiya and have started searching for him. With the rainy season around the corner, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the State task force to chalk-out a strategy to prevent the outbreak of vector-borne and water borne diseases, including Dengue, Chikunguniya, Malaria, Lymphatic Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis and Kala Azar, in the State. Dr Balbir Singh, reviewing the activities being carried out by the Health Department to deal with the threat of dengue, malaria and other vector and water borne diseases, instructed them to concentrate on hotspots of these diseases, which are already identified and sensitize people of those areas to keep their surroundings clean. He also appealed to the people to keep vigil and clean all the vulnerable points including coolers, containers, pots, terrace etc in the houses, offices or any places where there is a possibility of stagnation of water. He said that this is the only way to break the breeding cycle of mosquitoes, who could mature from egg to adult in just one week. The Minister also directed the health officials to conduct meetings with general public and NGOs to make them part of fight against such diseases by keeping vigil on mosquito larvae. Concerned officials were directed to enhance fogging in cities as well as villages. He also directed the officials to involve education department and sensitize students about these diseases and its symptoms as they can play pivotal role in keeping vigil around the stagnant water at or around their houses. Dr Balbir also proposed to use 829 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which witness over 50,000 footfall per day, to sensitize people regarding prevention from dengue either via training the staff at clinics or by handing over pamphlets to the people visiting the clinics. Meanwhile, the Health Minister also reviewed the functioning of Aam Aadmi Clinics, Farishtey Scheme and other ongoing projects of the Health Department. Delhi BJP leaders and workers took out protest marches on Wednesday across the national Capital over the water crisis in the city, and slammed the ruling Arvind Kejriwal government. Holding responsible for water crisis here, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva took part in the protest at Andrews Ganj, where he was accompanied by New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj and accused Atishi of indulging in theatrics to distract attention from theft and black marketing of water, and said that the AAP government should be sacked for its inaction. "This water crisis was created by the AAP government," he said. Sachdeva attacked the AAP government, saying its free water scheme has proved to be a "sham". "The corrupt Kejriwal government of Delhi which made the people of Delhi yearn for every drop of water and in the last ten years made DJB its earning centre. By giving priority to its personal interests, it not only looted the Jal Board but also did not hesitate in emptying the treasury of Delhi," he said. Blaming Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party leader for collusion with the 'tanker mafia', Sachdeva said, "The way working women are standing in lines for water by staying awake all night and children are staying without bathing for many days, all this is the result of Kejriwal and his MLAs' collusion with the tanker mafia." He claimed that in 2006, when BJP MLA Sushil Chaudhary was in power at Indira Camp, a pipeline was installed here, but since then, whether it is the Congress government or the AAP, both have done only corruption. North west Delhi BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia led the padyatra in Rithala's Mandir Marg and said, "It is very unfortunate that the AAP government, which has hollowed out the Jal Board like termites, has not been able to provide water even after being in power for the last 10 years. We will also raise this issue in the Parliament so that the people of Delhi can get clean water. " New Delhi BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj claimed that the AAP is running away from its responsibilities by giving it a political colour. "But the reality is that the BJP councillors in Delhi are making tankers available to the common people by putting pressure on the DJB through their efforts," she stated. BJP MP from South Delhi Ramvir Singh Bidhuri has called the threat of water minister Atishi to sit on a hunger strike from June 21 another drama. He reminded Atishi that it is the responsibility of the Aam Aadmi Party government to provide drinking water to the people of Delhi, but it has completely failed in this. Leading the protest march in Kishan Ganj Colony, Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal said that water supply in Delhi is currently dependent on tankers. "Despite water supply being much more than 1000 MGD, people are still dependent on tankers. More than 54% of water is being wasted in Delhi. There is no accounting for the Rs 8,400 crore received by the Delhi Jal Board over the past nine years. Before 2014, the Jal Board had a profit of ?600 crore, but now it is running a loss of Rs 73,000 crore. Despite such corruption, Ms. Atishi is blaming the Haryana government for her faults," he said In a meeting held on Wednesday at the Collectorate office chamber, Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav convened the district unit of the Indian Red Cross Society. Attendees included Civil Surgeon Dr. Dinesh Kumar, District Cooperative Officer Sweta Gudiya, In-Charge Officer General Branch Kumar Kanishk, District Public Relations Officer Saket Kumar Pandey, Assistant Public Relations Officer Avinash Kumar, and other medical professionals. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the details of the Red Cross Society members. The Cooperative Officer informed that while the society has a total of 457 members, elections and reorganization for positions such as President and Secretary have not been conducted for many years, leading to a lack of accurate membership data. The Deputy Commissioner instructed that the election and reorganization of the Red Cross Society should be carried out using the available member data. There was an in-depth discussion on the election calendar. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to set dates for the sale of nomination forms, filing of nominations, scrutiny, and the election itself. Officials were directed to publicize these dates through various channels. Further, the Deputy Commissioner discussed potential activities that could be undertaken by the Red Cross Society to benefit the general public and enhance the society's internal revenue collection. Detailed plans and necessary directives were provided for these initiatives. Dr B.L. Soni, Assistant Professor of Maxillofacial Surgery in the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, has been honored with the prestigious International Fellowship, FDS RCPS (Glasgow, United Kingdom), by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. This accolade is in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery over the past decade. Dr. Soni completed his post-graduation and senior residency at AIIMS, New Delhi. For the past two years, he has served as a Faculty member in the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine at AIIMS, Bhopal. In his current role, Dr. Soni manages general emergency and trauma patients, along with maxillofacial emergency cases. The Fellowship conferred upon Dr. Soni by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is a testament to his expertise, achievements, and dedication to patient care, research, and academic excellence. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday launched two new schemes during a state-level Shramik Jagrukta Evam Samman Samaroh in Jind. On the occasion, he disbursed Rs 79.69 crore directly into the accounts of 1,02,629 workers under 18 schemes. The list of new initiatives launched by the Chief Minister includes Mukhyamantri Shramik Panjikaran Protsahan Yojana, providing an incentive of Rs 1100 to workers upon registration. Besides this, under the Kanyadan evam Vivah Sahayata Yojana, workers will receive Rs 1 lakh 1 thousand for their daughters' weddings, with 75 percent of the amount being provided three days before the wedding. State Industries and Commerce and Labour Minister Mool Chand Sharma was present. The Chief Minister said that he had directed the officers to prepare a list of workers who had not received any benefits due to any reason and to release benefits to all simultaneously. Today, benefits totaling Rs. 15.07 crore were disbursed directly into the accounts of 42,166 women for sewing machines, Rs. 9.95 crore for 19,925 workers under the cycle scheme, Rs. 15.90 crore to 19,880 workers for purchasing tools, Rs. 2.96 crore for education of 3,068 children of registered workers and Rs. 7.23 crore for purchasing e-scooters for 1,446 children received under the Electric Scooter Scheme. Furthermore, financial assistance of Rs. 12.18 crore was deposited into the accounts of 1,206 workers under the Kanyadan evam Vivah Sahayata Yojana, scholarships totaling Rs 1.25 crore were given to 379 meritorious children of registered workers under the Scholarship Scheme, and financial assistance of Rs. 7 lakh was deposited into the accounts of 34 workers under the Financial Assistance Scheme for their son's marriage. Besides these, several crore rupees of benefits were also provided under other schemes, said Saini. The Chief Minister announced that under the Mukhyamantri Tirtha Darshan Yojana, the workers will also get an opportunity of Ayodhya darshan. He said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Double Engine Sarkar are consistently delivering benefits of schemes to citizens. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has worked to develop every individual equally in the state over the past 10 years, ensuring today that the benefits of schemes reach the accounts of workers through the portal. Criticizing the Opposition, Saini said that Congress leaders claim that if they come to power, they will close the portals started by the present government. When Congress leaders talk about closing these portals, it reminds people of corruption, because during Congress' government, workers did not receive benefits, but the present state government has ensured that benefits reach every section through the portal. He said, Over the past decade, our government has provided benefits to workers under the Ayushman and Chirayu Scheme. The Congress government talked about giving plots to people, but neither did they give possession of plots nor did they provide any documents to them. However, our government has identified all such individuals and provided them with 100-100 square yards plots along with possession certificates. Additionally, for those villages where land is not available, an amount of Rs. 1 lakh will be transferred in their accounts to purchase plots. He said that Congress misled voters, whereas our government has worked to ensure that the benefits of schemes reach every person. He said, Our government is making strong decisions in favor of the poor, which has increased people's trust in Prime Minister Modi and our double-engine government. During the same event, Saini inaugurated the newly constructed International Guest House at Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind. The construction cost of this guest house amounts to Rs 19.20 crore. During the inauguration, the Chief Minister said that the government is actively pursuing development across various sectors. The newly constructed guest house within the university campus will prove to be highly beneficial. He underscored the increasing demand for facilities in fields like healthcare and education, affirming the government's commitment to meeting these needs. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the guest house will serve as a pivotal milestone in the university's progress. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that Dindori will play a significant role in establishing the Herbal Park at official residence of Vice President at New Delhi. He stressed on undertaking intensive research works for treatment of sickle cell anemia. Dhankhar said that awareness of sickle cell anemia requires coordinated efforts at all levels. A social movement is a must involving researchers, social workers, and doctors. Dhankhar expressed confidence that under the leadership of Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh will continue to advance socially, economically, and culturally. Vice President Dhankhar was addressing the state-level World Sickle Cell Day-2024 program in Dindori. Deputy Chief Minister Shukla welcomed the guests and briefed about the ongoing initiatives aimed at eradicating sickle cell anemia. Governor Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, Panchayat and Rural and Labour Department Minister Prahlad Patel, MP Faggan Singh Kulaste and Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President Dhankhar were present. Tribal artists welcomed the Vice President. Vice President Dhankhar gave the message of environmental protection by planting saplings at the venue. He visited the exhibition organized by Women and Child Development, Panchayat and Rural Development, Public Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, and other departments. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav welcomed Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Additionally, Dr. Yadav presented a Gond painting to the Vice President. Deputy Chief Minister Shukla welcomed Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Yadav. A short film highlighting efforts to control sickle cell anemia was screened. Dhankhar underlined the role tribes in Indian cultural and social fabric. The appointment of Draupadi Murmu as President will be recorded in the history. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the India's economy is witnessing rapid progress, surpassing countries like Brazil, Canada, England, and France. With the continued contributions of the tribal communities, India aims to surpass even Germany and Japan. Prime Minister Modi has committed to transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 and completely eradicating sickle cell anemia. Dhankhar referred to Prime Minister Modi's announcement he made from Shahdol district in July 2023, wherein the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission-2047 was launched. Stressing on collective efforts, he emphasized that the mission to eradicate sickle cell is underway and requires contributions from all. The government's vision is clear to address genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia with amended Ayushman Bharat scheme. Addressing the holistic approach to eradication, Vice President Dhankhar commended the state government's leadership. He apprised himself of abundant biodiversity and medicinal plants in Dindori and neighboring districts. He underscored the special provisions for tribes in the Indian Constitution, highlighting the vast mineral resources in tribal areas. Special initiatives by Prime Minister Modi for the development of these tribal areas have been acknowledged. Vice President Dhankhar acknowledged Chief Minister Yadav's focus, highlighting the priority placed on eradicating sickle cell disease and advancing tribal development from the onset. The choice of Jabalpur for the inaugural Cabinet meeting underscores Dr. Yadav's commitment to tribal welfare, while his decision on loudspeaker usage reflects sensitivity. Under Dr. Yadav's leadership, Madhya Pradesh will continue to lead. With barely a few months remaining for the Assembly elections in the State, former Haryana Congress leader Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti Choudhry on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at the party headquarters in New Delhi. After joining the BJP, Choudhry said she would work tirelessly to ensure the party returns to power in the state for a third time in a row. Today, I took this decision because the Prime Minister has pledged to a developed India by 2047. I have full faith that India will shine in the world. The public welfare work done by the Prime Minister has led to the formation of a BJP government in Delhi for the third time. I have worked a lot with Khattar ji. There used to be a lot of bitterness between us. But the way he worked has been my source of inspiration. Chaudhary and her daughter had resigned from the primary membership of the Congress on Tuesday, alleging that the State unit of the Congress party was being run as a personal fiefdom, in an apparent reference to former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Kiran was elected a legislator from Tosham four times in a row -- 2005 (bypoll), 2009, 2014 and 2019. Talking to journalists after joining BJP, she said, I was a very dedicated worker of the Congress. I dedicated my life to the Congress with hard work. But for a few years, I watched the Haryana Congress become an individual-centric party. They didn't want Congress to go ahead and follow such policies. So, you can understand that the Congress would never have progressed in Haryana. Big leaders quit the party due to them...I took this step to ensure that my workers get their due rights, equal rights. Kiran said, Now I am also painted in saffron colour. But this colour was also the colour of Choudhary Bansi Lal. We merged the Haryana Vikas Party into the Congress 20 years ago. Today, I call upon you to take the flag of the BJP in your hands, leaving the Congresss flag, and move forward till the last moment to ensure the BJPs landslide victory in the Haryana assembly polls for a third consecutive term, she said in her message to the supporters who had gathered in large numbers to witness the joining ceremony. From today, our work begins. Take the name of Choudhary Bansi Lal and start working on the BJPs policies, hailing the BJPs top leadership, and visiting every nook and corner of Haryana. This will be our true tribute to Choudhary Bansi Lal and Choudhary Surendra Singh, she added. She assured the BJP leaders that she and her daughter Shruti will work like grassroots workers to strengthen the party in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. We are ready, Shruti said, adding she had joined the BJP as she was inspired by the partys policies and historic decisions taken by Prime Minister Modi in the past 10 years. CONGRESS DEMANDS DISQUALIFICATION FROM HARYANA ASSEMBLY Soon after she joined the BJP, the Haryana Congress wrote to the state assembly Speaker seeking the disqualification of Kiran Choudhry as a member of the Vidhan Sabha. In a communication addressed to Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, Deputy Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP), Aftab Ahmed, and CLP chief whip, B B Batra, mentioned that Kiran Choudhry had been elected as MLA of the Congress party from Tosham in Bhiwani after the assembly polls in 2019. "It has come to our notice that Kiran Choudhry has resigned from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress party on June 18. Furthermore, she has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of BJP leaders on June 19. "A copy of her resignation letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, dated June 18 is enclosed herewith..," they wrote. The Congress leaders said according to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, specifically Paragraph 2(1)(a), "a member of a House belonging to any political party shall be disqualified for being a member of the House if they voluntarily give up their membership of such political party". Ahmed and Batra said given that Kiran Choudhry was elected as a candidate of the Congress and has now voluntarily given up her membership by joining the BJP, she stands disqualified under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule. "She has incurred a clear disqualification and cannot be counted as a Member of Legislative Assembly for any intent and purpose on June 19, 2024," they further wrote, requesting that a suitable notification or declaration regarding her disqualification may be made. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja said that Kiran Choudhry was treated unfairly in the party. Selja said, It is sad. Kiran has been a veteran leader of the party. She had taken Bansi Lals politics forward. This will harm the party. Her daughter was not given the ticket, this could be the reason for her leaving. Congress Assandh MLA Shamsher Singh Gogi also termed Kirans exit unfortunate, asserting that the party leadership must find a solution. I feel sad and I also regret it. She was in Congress her whole life and struggled...if she had some issues, she should have met the high command. The high command also needs to seriously take cognizance of such incidents...it is the duty of our leadership to find a solution to this. This is my personal opinion. I dont know what happened exactly but this is very unfortunate, Gogi said. However, Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan said that the exit of Kiran Choudhry will not affect the party. No this isnt affecting the Congress at all...she said that Congress has no future in Haryana so she is going there where she thinks her future is secured...she left because her daughter was not given a ticket...this has nothing to do with ideology, he said. The voting pattern of Sikh voters in the Jamshedpur Lok Sabha 2024 elections remained consistent with tradition. Historically anti-Congress since 1984, the Sikh community has again favored the BJP, ensuring their continued support for the party's candidate, Bidyut Baran Mahto. Despite attempts by a few Sikh leaders to challenge the BJP in urban areas, these efforts were unsuccessful. The enduring appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the simplicity of Bidyut Baran Mahto proved too strong for the opposition to overcome. In the recent elections, Gurdeep Singh Pappu, founder of the Jharkhand Sikh Vikas Manch, aligned with young BJP leaders, working diligently to secure votes for the party. Their efforts were rewarded with a favorable outcome. The Election Commission's data highlighted the significant support for the BJP from Sikh-majority areas. Leaders like Gurdeep Singh Pappu, Satvir Singh Somu, Joginder Singh Jogi, Manjit Gill, Chanchal Bhatia, Chintu Singh, Navjot Singh Sohal, Rocky Singh, Inder Singh Inder, Jathedar Kuldeep Singh, Ravinder Singh Rinku, and Daljit Singh have emerged as influential figures. In a press conference on Wednesday, these leaders expressed their gratitude to the Sikh community for their overwhelming support of BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto. Analyzing the booth-level data, BJP's stronghold was evident in areas such as Toiladungri, Namda Basti, Number 10 Basti, Manifit, Jemco, Sakchi Gurudwara Basti, Birsanagar, Fauja Bagan, Refugee Colony, and Arjun Bagan. In contrast, the Indi Alliance candidate, Samir Mohanty, secured only 10-15% of the votes in these regions. This trend aligns with historical voting patterns observed since 1985 when Raghubar Das maintained a stronghold from 1995 onwards, significantly contributing to the development and upliftment of local Gurudwaras, further solidifying BJP's support. In the Jamshedpur West Assembly constituency, Samir Mohanty lagged behind significantly in Ramdas Bhatta, Mango Gurudwara Basti, and Ulidih Punjabi Line. Gurdeep Singh Pappu and Satbir Singh Somu attributed BJP's success to the substantial work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Sikh community over the past decade. They criticized the attempts by certain elements to portray Sikhs as opponents of Modi and the BJP, citing misinformation spread on social media. They highlighted the increased vote percentage for BJP in Punjab, despite not winning seats, as evidence of growing support. Prime Minister Modi's appointment of Sardar Hardeep Singh Puri as a Cabinet Minister and Ravneet Singh Bittu as the Minister of State for Railways demonstrates his commitment to the Sikh community and their principles of nationalism, further consolidating their support for the BJP. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given additional charge of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) chairperson to Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar for two months. Kumar is a 1987-batch AGMUT IAS officer and has previously also served as the NDMC chairman. "I am directed to say that with the approval of the Competent Authority, it is decided to assign the charge of Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Council to... Naresh Kumar, IAS (AGMUT: 1987), Chief Secretary of Govt. Of NCT of Delhi, in addition to his existing charges, with immediate effect for a term not exceeding 02 months from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier," read the communication from the MHA to the principal secretary to the Lt Governor. Last month, the Centre had extended the service of Kumar for a further period of three months. Kumar, at loggerheads with the AAP government in Delhi, was given his first extension in November 2023, following a Supreme Court order. Kumar, who was due to retire on November 30, 2023, was given a six months extension. Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh has written a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressing concern on the rapid depletion of groundwater with the potential of turning into a desert very fast. In his letter, he said among many contributory factors, the role of paddy cultivation is the highest. Unless an alternative crop is proposed and incentivised, farmers in the State are not going to adopt so easily. He said the cropping pattern in Punjab is alarmingly changing and even the Cotton cultivators in the Malwa region are also shifting to paddy cultivation which besides upsetting the states diversification efforts will certainly have serious implications on the groundwater scenario as paddy is the water guzzler and the state is fast moving towards desertification. "The future appears even grimmer as the Central Ground Water Board has estimated that groundwater aquifers upto the depth of 600 ft. will run dry in the next 17- 20 years if the present pace of groundwater exploitation continues," he said in his letter. He said the most disturbing fact of the declining area under cotton crop cultivation is that the majority of this area is being diverted to the paddy crop. An increase of area under paddy in one lakh hectares means that almost 40,000 agriculture pump sets shall be extracting double the volume of groundwater, which was required for cotton crops. "I would like to suggest that States Agriculture Department, Punjab Agricultural University and other allied departments/institutes should set up some demonstrative plots of Monsoon Maize in an area of approximately 5000 acres all across the state, in all three Majha, Malwa and Doaba regions at farmers level under the guidance of relevant experts. A compensatory allowance can also be set up for farmers accruing losses during these experiments," he said in his letter. June 19, 2024: U.S. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) uses a wide variety of weapons and equipment to get the job done for the army, air force, navy and marine contingents that provide the manpower for a large array of tasks. For the navy this means building a series of fast, stealthy boats for use by SOCOM operators (specialized combat troops) to use when moving by sea. These craft include the CCH (Combat Craft Heavy). CCM (Combat Craft Medium) and CCA (Combat Craft Assault). The main difference between these three boats is that CCM is smaller and has an open rear deck while the larger CCH has a completely enclosed rear deck that enables smaller boats to be launched into the water to carry SOCOM teams to a nearby shore. Three CCHs have been ordered and at least one is operational. CCA is the smallest and has an open cabin. So far 32 CCAs have been built and more may be purchased. These boats are 18.6 meters long, with a speed of 72 kilometers an hour and a range of over 700 kilometers. There is a crew of four and up to 19 passengers or 3.5 tons of cargo. The CCH is also known as Sealion and is 24 meters long, displaces 25 tons and has a top speed of 72 kilometers an hour. CCH has a crew of three and can carry twelve passengers or a 1.5 ton payload. Passengers and crew have shock resistant seats to help handle the bumpy ride as the CCH moves through the water at high speed. A CCH can be transported by a C-17 aircraft, which is designed to load and carry bulky and heavy cargo. CCHs can be launched from the well-deck of marine corps assault ships or from coastal positions using mobile travel lift and crane. The first CCH was built a decade ago and three are now in service, with as many as five more on order. The CCH, CCM and CCA boats are constantly evolving to suit the developing needs of SOCOM operations. These boats are used to transport SOCOM operators and their equipment to shore quickly and usually at night to avoid detection. Earlier Navy SOCOM developed and built some semi-submersible Alligator class boats. These were eventually transferred to Israel, which used them to land commandos at night on hostile shores in Lebanon or Gaza. In yet another incident within the high security zone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a jawan deployed for the security of the temple died after being hit by a bullet in suspicious circumstances in the early hours of Wednesday. His body was found with a bullet injury on his forehead. The jawan was deployed near the VIP gate being built in front of Koteshwar temple. Ram temple is 150 metres away from this place. Soon after hearing the gun shot, the security personnel deployed with the jawan immediately took him to the hospital. Thereafter, he was taken to the trauma centre where he was pronounced dead by the doctors. After the news of the jawan being shot under mysterious circumstances reached the senior officers, both the IG and the SSP of Ayodhya reached the spot along with a forensic team and other experts to probe the incident. The jawan, identified as Shatrughan Vishwakarma (25), had joined the Special Security Force (SSF) from Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in 2019. Shatrughan, who hailed from Kajpura village under Sammanpur police station of Ambedkar Nagar, was not married yet. He is survived by his four brothers while his father has died. The SSF has been deployed for the security of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The police and forensic team are investigating the incident site. An investigation is being conducted to find out how the jawan was shot in the middle of his forehead. The fellow security personnel posted on duty are also being questioned. They had taken Shatrughan to the hospital. SSP Ayodhya Rajkaran Nayer claimed that he was informed by the guard commander that one of the jawans deployed on duty at the temple complex had shot himself so they rushed and shifted the injured to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Further investigations are on, he claimed. Shatrughan is the second jawan deployed for the security of Ram temple that has died of bullet injury while one was injured. Earlier on March 26 this year, commando Ram Pratap posted in the Ram temple premises was accidentally shot. He was cleaning his AK 47, when the bullet fired. He was brought to the King Georges Medical University Trauma Centre in Lucknow for treatment where he recovered. Apart from this, PAC jawan Kuldeep Kumar was also hit by a bullet in the red zone of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex on August 25, 2023. He also died from the bullet of his own service revolver. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Deora has said that the economy of Madhya Pradesh is moving forward dynamically. Capital expenditure is continuously increasing. Strategies are being designed to maintain the pace of infrastructural development. Deora was addressing a pre-budget dialogue session at the Academy of Administration here today. With an objective of making the budget of Madhya Pradesh as expected by the people and fulfilling their development plans, suggestions for budget formulation have been invited from all sectors of the society. The tradition of pre-budget dialogue session was started on the initiative of Deora. Principal Secretary Finance Manish Singh, Secretary Finance Ajit Kumar, Deputy Secretary Rajeev Ranjan Meena, Director Budget Bakki Karthikeon, Deputy Secretary Frank Nobel and officials of the Finance Department were present. Addressing the dialogue session, Deora said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of raising the country's economy to 5 trillion dollars. To achieve this, participation of all states is a pre-requisite. This will further strengthen States economy. Cooperation of every citizen is required. Deora has sought expert suggestions to further strengthen the energy sector. He said that dynamic Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman getting the responsibility of Finance Ministry is a good sign for the state. The financial management of Madhya Pradesh has improved due to the guidance received from him from time to time. Experts and representatives of different sections participating in the dialogue session gave useful suggestions for the budget making of Madhya Pradesh. Hemant Soni, General Manager, Reserve Bank of India highlighted the need to focus on climate risks, adequate storage space, financial and digital literacy for farmers and students.There is a need to create infrastructure at the cluster level. The budget provision should be increased. Nandu J. Naik Deputy General Manager NABARD expressed the need to focus on irrigation. There is a need to increase horticulture and micro irrigation, import market. Logistics and corporate sector also need attention. Also, small groups of farmers should be formed. Pro. C. Pratap Ranjan Jaina National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi suggested increasing capital expenditure in various sectors. He said investment in the key sectors need to be increased for boosting the GDP. Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative UN Women India said that Madhya Pradesh has done a good work by having seperat gender budget. More funds should be given for safety of women and care, welding economics. Hyun Hee Ben Chief Social Policy UNICEF India praised Madhya Pradesh and said that it has done a good work for the empowerment of women. More budget is needed for the development of children. Climate change also needs attention. Pro.Siddharth Chaturvedi, Ex-Chairman, CII said that the government should consider subsidy on stamp duty for the industry. There should be provision for additional funds for technology development in service sector, textile, roads, logistics, airport development, drone services, solar energy, defence, electronic vehicles. Along with this, consideration should be given to start-ups for women, making separate arrangements for women in the health sector, research in the field of education and linking skills with IT. Pro Yogesh Dubey, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal stressed the need to make separate budget for forests and water according to the environment. Wildlife, environment and climate change should be kept in mind. There will be a need to focus on water management, cleaning of rivers, Madhya Pradesh tourism, village tourism for tribal welfare and plantation at that place after forest fire. KV Pratap Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India suggested that additional budget would be required for investment in various sectors of infrastructure. Director Finance Bakki Karthikeon said in his vote of thanks that the suggestions given by the experts will be considered. Two green corridors were created on Wednesday to transport the donated liver and kidney of a brain dead patient in Bhopal. Mahesh Namdev (53), a resident of Sagar, was brought to Siddhanta Red Cross Hospital 5 days ago for the treatment of brain hemorrhage. During the treatment, he went into a coma due to excessive bleeding in the brain and was declared brain dead on Tuesday. After this, the family decided to donate his liver and kidney. The liver was taken to Bansal Hospital and the kidney to Chirayu Hospital for transplant. Additional DCP Traffic Bansat Kaul said that the first team of doctors from Bansal Hospital left Siddhanta Hospital with the liver at around 2.30 pm. The journey of 3.5 km was covered in four minutes. The second team left for Chirayu Medical College with the kidney at 2.35 pm. The distance of 17 km was covered in 13 minutes. The kidney is to be transplanted to a patient in Siddhanta Hospital itself. About 10 minutes after the departure of both the teams, Mahesh Namdev's body was handed over to his family. The family left for Sagar with the body. Siddhanta Red Cross Hospital Director Dr. Subodh Varshney said that 53-year-old Mahesh Namdev, a resident of Sagar, had recovered from a heart attack. He had come to Bhopal for treatment of brain hemorrhage. He was admitted here 5 days ago. During the treatment, he went into a coma due to excessive bleeding in the brain. After this, he became brain dead on Tuesday. After seeing the patient's medical report, the patient's family expressed their intention to donate liver and kidney. After this, under the prescribed protocol, the committee of medical experts declared patient Mahesh Namdev brain dead. Also, the patient's report was sent to the National Tissue and Transplant Organization (NOTTO). NOTTO approved transplanting the patient's liver to a patient admitted in Bansal Hospital, one kidney to Chirayu Hospital Medical College and one kidney to a patient admitted in Siddhanta Red Cross Hospital. Mahesh Namdev's son Sachendra Namdev said we are residents of Maharaj of Sagar. Father used to do farming. His health deteriorated on Tuesday. He was admitted to Bhagyoday Hospital in Sagar. Doctors said that he had a cardiac arrest. We brought him to Siddhanta Hospital in Bhopal. He underwent angioplasty here. He was fine for two-three days. On the day he was to be discharged, he suffered a brain hemorrhage. He also underwent surgery. Father died due to excessive bleeding. Mahesh Namdev's liver will be transplanted to a 49-year-old patient from Karond admitted in Bansal Hospital. Doctors had advised the patient to undergo liver transplant surgery a year ago. But, the surgery was not possible due to non-availability of an organ donor. Liver transplant surgeon Dr. Gursagar Singh Sahota will perform the surgery of the patient in the hospital. Amid heatwave and water crisis, Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Wednesday said that she has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the water crisis in the national Capital and threatened to go on an indefinite strike from June 21 if the issue is not resolved within a couple of days. Addressing a press conference here, Atishi said Delhi is grappling with a water crisis since Haryana is not releasing the capital's share of water. "Yesterday, Haryana released 513 MGD of water to Delhi as against 613 MGD. One MGD of water is for 28,500 people. The shortfall in water supply has rendered nearly 28 lakh people in Delhi waterless, she added. The Minister said people are not only battling heatwave conditions but also water shortage. "I have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the water crisis requesting him to resolve the issue. If the crisis is not solved within two days, I will go on an indefinite strike from June 21," she said. Atishi said they have written multiple letters to the Haryana government to resolve the issue. Atishi, in her letter said that it must be known that on May 29, the temperature in Delhi was 52.9 degrees Celsius, which was unprecedented. On Tuesday last, the temperature was 47 degrees. Even at 10 pm the temperature was 41 degrees. Delhi has not experienced this much heat in the last 100 years. In this scorching heat, the need of water for the people of Delhi has increased. But when Delhiites need water in large quantities, there is a water shortage in Delhi. There is a panic for water in the city. She further wrote that the total water supply in Delhi is 1050 MGD, out of which 613 MGD water comes from Haryana. But for the last two weeks, the water coming from Haryana has reduced considerably. If we look at the figures of June 18, only 513 MGD water was sent by Haryana to Delhi. That means Delhi is getting 100 MGD less water. "1 MGD of water provides water to approximately 28,500 people in a day. Due to shortage of 100 MGD water, 28 lakh people are not getting water. That means Haryana government has stopped water supply to 28 lakh Delhiites. Prime Minister ji, You tell me, is it right to keep 28 lakh Delhiites thirsty?" the Water Minister said. "Prime Minister ji, the people of Delhi are very troubled. Now I cannot see this trouble. I have tried everything possible, but the Haryana government is not ready to give water to the people of Delhi. Now I am requesting you with folded hands that you provide water to 28 lakh people of Delhi. In case the city does not get water, I will have to do 'Satyagraha" from 21st June and sit on an indefinite hunger strike," the city's water minister concluded in her letter. In a setback to the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, the Patna High Court on Thursday struck down its last year's decision to raise quotas for Dalits, backward classes and tribals from 50 to 65 per cent. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order on a bunch of petitions which had opposed the legislation brought by the state government in November 2023. The quotas were increased following a comprehensive survey of castes which gave a fresh estimate of the population of SCs, STs, OBCs and extremely backward classes (EBCs) in Bihar. The Nitish Kumar government on November 21 last year issued gazette notifications for raising the quota for deprived castes from 50 to 65 per cent in state government jobs and educational institutions. On our plea that the amendments violated Articles 14, 16 and 20 of the Constitution, the court had reserved its judgment in March. Today, the court allowed the petitions, said Ritika Rani, one of the counsels who appeared on behalf of the petitioners. These articles deal with equality before the law and equal protection of the laws (Art 14), equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment (Art 16) and safeguarding certain rights in criminal proceedings (Art 20). Another counsel for the petitioners, Nirbhay Prashant, said the state government defended the move stressing that it was based on the caste survey. "However, we had contested it citing Supreme Court's judgements in the Indra Sawhney case, and more recently, in the matter relating to reservations for Marathas. The Apex Court has made it clear that no state government can introduce quotas that exceed the 50 per cent cap," he told PTI Video. The state government had on October 2 last year come out with its report on a caste survey that was conducted after the Centre expressed its inability to undertake a headcount of social groups other than SCs and STs as part of the census. According to the survey, OBCs and EBCs comprised a whopping 63 per cent of the state's total population while SCs and STs, taken together, accounted for more than 21 per cent. The state government took the view that the Supreme Court's cap on reservations at 50 per cent had already been breached with the introduction of 10 per cent quotas for economically weaker sections (EWS) by the Centre and replicated in provinces, including Bihar. The state government then amended its reservation laws whereby the quotas for SCs, STs, OBCs and EBCs were raised from 50 per cent to 65 per cent. Taken together with the quotas for EWS, reserved seats in the state rose to 75 per cent of the total population. The state government had also requested the Centre to place the amended reservation laws in the Constitution's Ninth Schedule. The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution includes a list of Central and state laws that cannot be challenged in courts. In 1992, the Supreme Court capped reservations for the backward classes at 50 per cent. The amended quota laws had created a strong buzz and may have inspired the Congress, which was then sharing power with Nitish Kumar's JD(U) in Bihar, to promise a nationwide caste survey if it forms the government at the Centre. The BJP, which found itself back in power in the state with the latest volte-face by Kumar, had also been demanding its share of credit, pointing out that the survey was ordered in 2022, while it was a part of the ruling coalition. June 20, 2024: Ukrainian forces have been supplied with SpaceX Starlink satellite communication terminals since the beginning of the Russian invasion. SpaceX allowed Ukrainian forces to use Starlink terminals free of charge and as of 2024 about 10,000 Starlink terminals are used in Ukraine by the military, government and some commercial enterprises. SpaceX has kept Starlink operational over Ukraine since the war began in early 2022. This includes paying for rapid patches to defeat Russian EW (electronic Warfare) attacks and providing many Ukrainian users with the highest and most expensive level of service. This has cost SpaceX over $100 million. Maintaining the level of Starlink service Ukraine demands to maintain its communications advantage over Russia keeps growing. Both Russia and China have been seeking ways to disrupt or shut down Starlink over Ukraine. When Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, the Ukrainian minister of digital transformation contacted SpaceX for help in dealing with Russian efforts to cut Ukrainian access to the Internet. Starlink officials had already been negotiating with Ukraine to provide Starlink service locally. SpaceX agreed to help and within four days hundreds of Starlink satellites were moved into position to provide Ukraine with high-speed Internet service using hundreds of Starlink user kits SpaceX sent to Ukraine. SpaceX ultimately supplied Ukraine with nearly 2,000 terminals and managed to persuade countries supplying military aid for Ukraine to include Ukrainian requests for more Starlink terminals, especially the more expensive, and capable commercial models. In this way Ukraine was able to obtain over 40,000 terminals so far. Most of these are used to keep the economy going and the ones used by the military are subject to combat losses. Civilian users face a similar but lesser risk and about 500 terminals a month are lost to Russian attacks. These have to be replaced and most, if not all, of the replacements are paid for by military aid for Ukraine. The Starlink replacement terminals cost about a million dollars a month. Early in the war American defense officials admitted that if the Starlink satellite internet service were government run, it would not have remained operational over Ukraine because government regulations do not allow for the quick responses Starlink management used to defeat Russian electronic attacks and keep Starlink operational in Ukraine. SpaceX, the American firm that designed, built and put the Starlink satellites into orbit, accomplished this by encouraging innovation and acting quickly to deal with service interruptions, including deliberate efforts by hackers or hostile governments. By April 2022 about 20 percent of the initially planned Starlink global network satellites were in orbit. More satellites had to be put into orbit to provide the enormous demand Ukrainian military and civilian users were creating. Before 2022 Starlink was turned on over a few areas so reviewers and other volunteer users could test the system. By February 2022 Starlink appeared to be a success but the network also displayed a remarkable resistance to attacks from hostile governments, and the Russians were the first ones coming after it with major jamming efforts and threats to destroy Starlink satellites over Ukraine. SpaceX pointed out that it could put additional Starlink satellites into orbit faster and far less expensively than Russia or anyone else could destroy them. This capability was part of the Starlink design that not only allowed satellite and user software to be quickly updated but new Starlink satellites often had new features added to improve performance and that included more resistance to hacking and jamming. Starlink satellites are designed to last for up to seven years and the Starlink system is designed to expand to over 30,000 satellites if demand by paying customers is large enough to justify and pay for it. That is being tested by the heavy use of the Starlink satellites over Ukraine by Ukrainians who dont have to pay the usual one time $500 startup or and $99 monthly fees. This serves as a test of how much heavy use each satellite can handle, especially when constantly subject to heavy Russian hacking and jamming efforts. This got a lot more expensive as Starlink introduced its more capable, and expensive, commercial and military grade terminals. Russia did seek to sever the fiber optic cables that connect Ukraine to the global Internet, and generally try to disrupt Internet service inside Ukraine. Starlink made this effort futile and Starlink became the first satellite communications service that could be described as combat tested. This is always a major selling point for military equipment or anything built to that is built to survive in a harsh environment. Starlink expected many emergency relief organizations would maintain Starlink accounts that could be taken into disaster areas where most communications were disabled. Starlink terminals can be linked to local networks and supply Internet service for locals and emergency workers. Starlink resistance to hackers and jamming was quickly put to the test as Russia came after it several times in the first two months of the war, failing in each attempt because Starlink engineers could diagnose an attack, develop a software patch and implement it quickly, often in less than an hour. Starlink also responded by modifying the design of newly manufactured Starlink satellites to resist efforts to disrupt service. The Ukrainians were equally innovative in finding new ways to use Starlink Internet service in combat. One example was using Starlink to support attacks on Russian supply lines day and night. The night attacks were effective because of the use of small Ukrainian designed UAVs equipped with GPS, a night vision camera, a laser range finder and a link to a nearby artillery unit via Starlink. The UAV patrolled Russian supply routes at night and, when a convoy was spotted trying to move safely in the dark, the artillery unit had the continually updated location of the trucks. That enabled the Ukrainians to fire at the convoy and destroy many of the vehicles while demoralizing the survivors who didnt believe the Ukrainians could detect them in the dark and call-in accurate artillery fire. Similar innovations were developed to provide Ukrainian military units with better communications than the Russian invaders. That edge has been maintained and expanded even though Russians, now the Chinese, continue trying to disrupt Starlink service or find ways to locate active terminals quickly and target them for air or artillery attack. Russian users obtained some Starlink terminals and tried to use them in Ukraine. SpaceX discovered this and disabled the Russian terminals. The American military bureaucracy is not hopelessly trapped by mandatory rules and regulations. In wartime the system becomes a lot more responsive as the military is allowed to act quickly and effectively to deal with problems. This was the case during the recent war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq/Syria. That effort is winding down and the rules and regulations are regaining their dominance. Commercial firms like SpaceX achieve success by using wartime rules and often eventually fade as more rules replace their freedom to quickly respond. June 20, 2024: One rarely mentioned aspect of the Ukraine War is the frequent involvement of civilians and civilian groups in supporting the war effort. This was a factor from the beginning when civilians used their cell phones to capture pictures, with locations, of Russian military activity. The Ukrainian government quickly created an organization to receive all these civilian reports and provide civil or military authorities with useful information on a timely basis. Ukraine was also welcoming when it came to weapons or other military related items developed by individuals or groups of civilians. This was quite different from the situation in Russia, where the government expects civilians to take orders, not make suggestions. In contrast Ukrainian civilians, most of whom were born or came of age after the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine became an independent country, turned to the west for inspiration on how to live, govern and run the economy. When the Russians invaded in 2022, many officers and soldiers were surprised that Ukrainians were no longer culturally related to Russia but had become more like western Europeans. An example of this was seen in 2023 when Ukraine announced that that was going to spend over half a billion dollars on UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), but what was not revealed was the extent of efforts to add more capabilities to commercial UAVs as well and the growing number being manufactured by Ukrainian companies. These developers and manufacturers are often small groups of civilian hobbyists that proved capable of creating new features for UAVs, both commercial and hobbyist-produced models. The Russian invasion spurred a lot of innovation, mainly among Ukrainian developers. Among the items available to commercial customers are a lot of miniature digital video cameras as well as lighter, miniaturized computer components that could be assembled and programmed by users to perform essential tasks, like using AI apps and data from onboard video cameras enemy forces, even if they are camouflaged or in underground bunkers. Constant combat use of these systems enables developers to address shortcomings and continually improves the hardware and software carried on these hunter killer UAVs. Earlier in the war two UAVs were needed for this but now all that tech and weapons can be carried and used by one UAV. Wartime developers are able to improve their tech and hardware more rapidly because there was continuous feedback from users. Ukraine had an edge here because many of these developers were hobbyists who knew little about peacetime development, its bureaucracy and counter-productive over-supervision. Ukrainian developers were often creating these new UAV techs for friends or family members who were now in the military and eager for whatever help they could get. The Ukrainian military saw this entrepreneurial spirit as an advantage, not some form of insubordination or recklessness. Russians consider the entrepreneurial activities as unauthorized innovations. Despite that, some Russian innovations appeared, but the Russian innovations took longer to arrive and implement. Most Russian commanders and civilian officials are less willing than their Ukrainian counterparts to encourage individual initiatives. Another problem was that the economic sanctions made it more difficult for Russians to obtain the commercial tech that Ukrainians used. That free access to Western or Chinese components meant Ukraine could build very capable and lethal UAVs that were designed to carry out one or a small number of missions. That is why Ukraine and Russia are each losing thousands of UAVs a month. Cheap, useful and expendable is now the rule with most battlefield UAVs. Russia is at a disadvantage when it comes to its UAV losses because Ukrainian civilians are quick to report to their military any useful information, they witness about Russian UAVs and military practices in general. Russia tried to shut down Ukrainian access to communications with the Ukrainian military. Initially this was handled by cellphone, but the Russians gradually replaced Ukrainian cell towers with Russian ones wherever they could. Ukrainian civilians found other ways to communicate with the Ukrainian military. One of these alternatives was the widespread use of SpaceX Starlink internet terminals that turned a Ukrainian cellphone, desktop computer or tablet into a communications device that could get past Russian jamming and efforts to eliminate the ability of civilians to communicate with the Ukrainian military or government. Civilians continued to take cellphone photos or videos of Russian activities and transmit this information back to the Ukrainian military. This provided lots of useful target information on Russian forces and facilities. Many civilian photos and videos showed up on social media, which the Ukrainian military monitors for useful information. Throughout history civilians have often been useful informants for the military. With the appearance of cellphones, the internet and Starlink, civilian contributions have become more numerous, accurate and useful. by Austin Bay June 19, 2024 In 2024 -- or even 2028 -- can the U.S. fight and win two major simultaneous wars, one in Europe and one in the western Pacific? I'll answer the question -- but first let's review the history of the "win two at once" strategy. The concrete foundation of "win two at once" was poured at Pearl Harbor. December 1941, Britain faced Hitler. Then Japan attacked Pearl. In World War II, America waged two widely separated wars -- in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) against Germany and Italy, and in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) against imperial Japan -- East Asia, South Asia, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, their island chains). The ETO included North Africa and the Middle East. America and its allies won in both theaters, paying an enormous price in lives and GDP. In 1945, President Harry Truman made one of history's greatest decisions: He judged nuking Japan would stop the high explosive slaughter. U.S. nukes stunned Japan's militarist fanatics. The sane sought peace, saving millions of Japanese civilian and American GI lives. The Cold War forced the U.S. to maintain its "Two War" structure. Soviet Russia threatened Western Europe -- what became NATO Europe. After 1949, the Communist Chinese Party threatened Asia. In 1950, Communist China invaded Tibet -- imperialist war. In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, igniting the Korean War. In 1962, China attacked India. America's "Two War" strategy made deterrence sense. Mutual assured destruction kept the nuclear peace among the superpowers. So "limited conventional conflicts" erupted -- Korea, Vietnam, endless dirty wars in Africa, Central and South America, and proxy battles in the Middle East. In 1991, the USSR collapsed. Enter the peace dividend. U.S. military force structure shrank. Money for weapons could be spent on other projects -- like welfare? The peace dividend proved to be Washington, D.C. rhetorical fantasy. PTO 2024: China routinely violates Taiwanese air and sea space. China steals from the Philippines' maritime economic zone and claims the South China Sea as sovereign territory. ETO meets PTO: This week, Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un held a dictator's business meeting in north Korea's capital, Pyongyang. Hard facts: Russia and North Korea both have nuclear weapons, and they threaten to use them. Putin threatens Ukraine and NATO -- NATO equates to Western Europe. Kim threatens to nuke South Korea, Japan, Guam and Hawaii. If his new intercontinental ballistic missile ever works, he'll threaten Chicago. Putin and Kim are instructive enemies. Putin, a former Russian KGB colonel with Soviet imperial territorial goals, shattered the post-WWII understanding that no nation changes European borders using guns. In 2014, Putin invaded and annexed Crimea. He thoroughly revived war in the ETO Sweden and Finland joined NATO. In 2022, Putin tried to seize all of Ukraine. He failed. Now he's snared in a war of attrition he isn't winning. He needs artillery shells, rockets, missiles and, yes, soldiers, warm infantry bodies for his ETO war. So he consorts with Kim, the hereditary despot of an impoverished East Asian communist-totalitarian regime. Putin makes money selling oil and gas despite international sanctions. Kim faces international economic sanctions but Putin's cash busts them wide open. Kim sells decent shells (for Soviet-era tube artillery); his rockets usually work. Nor. K shoddy missiles, when they don't blow on launch, might strike Kyiv. The point: In 2024, an "East War and West War" waged simultaneously by major near-peer adversaries is a clear and present danger. "Capabilities-based threats" have emerged -- terrorists armed with chemical and biological weapons and anti-ship missiles interdicting freighters. Can the U.S. military handle this reality? No. In 2022, Adm. Mike Gilday, former chief of naval operations, testified the current fleet "is not sized to handle two simultaneous conflicts." The U.S. Navy can "fight one and keep a second adversary in check," but two all-out conflicts - no. That goes for the Army and Air Force as well. Truth be told, the Pentagon has wasted money on a lot of useless ships. America needs a massive rearmament program. We must build small, fast warships, drones and hyper-sonic missiles -- now. Independent candidate for president Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he'll cut the Pentagon budget in half. He's a fantasist. Key Points: The recently signed military agreement between Russia and North Korea has heightened anxieties in Asia. The pact, which pledges mutual military assistance in the event of war, has been criticized for potentially bolstering North Koreas nuclear program. While the agreements scope remains unclear, it underscores the growing security challenges facing the United States and its Asian allies. Kim-Putin Pact Stirs Anxiety in Asia A recently signed military agreement between Russia and North Korea has sent shockwaves through Asia, raising concerns of a regional arms race and escalating tensions between democratic and autocratic powers. Get alerts: The agreement, announced during Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to Pyongyang this week, pledges military and other assistance with all means should either nation find itself at war. While the pacts exact scope remains unclear, analysts fear it could bolster North Koreas nuclear ambitions and encourage its aggressive stance towards South Korea and Japan. Alarm Bells and Calls for Unity South Korea condemned the agreement, labeling it sophistic and absurd and vowing to strengthen defense cooperation with the United States and Japan. Officials in Seoul expressed particular concern about potential Russian assistance to North Koreas nuclear program, a move that would directly violate UN Security Council resolutions. US and Allies See Validation of Security Concerns Japan echoed these anxieties, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressing serious concern over potential military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has repeatedly warned that the Ukraine of today may be the East Asia of tomorrow and has championed increased defense spending and closer security ties with the US and South Korea. The recent agreement between Russia and North Korea has solidified the United States and its allies preexisting concerns regarding the escalating security complexities in the region. This development aligns with these nations longstanding assessments, which identified North Koreas military advancements and pursuit of strategic partnerships as potential threats to regional stability. To counter these perceived threats, the Biden administration has consistently prioritized strengthening collaborative efforts with key regional partners, such as Japan and South Korea. This trilateral cooperation encompasses various strategic initiatives, including, but not limited to, joint military exercises designed to enhance interoperability and readiness and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving security environment. The concrete manifestation of a formalized agreement between Russia and North Korea substantiates the strategic foresight of these collaborative endeavors, adding further weight to the argument that mitigating potential risks necessitates proactive regional security cooperation. The possibility of enhanced military and technological cooperation between these two nations amplifies the urgency for continued and potentially expanded trilateral efforts. Long-Term Implications and Regional Uncertainty Beyond its immediate impact, the Russia-North Korea pact raises questions about the future security landscape of Northeast Asia. Experts worry that the agreement signals a deepening strategic alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, potentially leading to increased arms proliferation and emboldened military actions. Some analysts believe the situation underscores the need for continued trilateral cooperation between the US, Japan, and South Korea, arguing that a united front is crucial to deterring aggression and maintaining stability in the region. However, others caution against further antagonizing China and Russia, emphasizing the need for a more balanced diplomatic approach. As the situation unfolds, one thing is sure: the Russia-North Korea pact has introduced a new level of uncertainty and complexity to an already volatile region. Akhal-Teke horses draw tourists, boost local economy in NW China's Xinjiang People's Daily Online) 10:46, June 20, 2024 Photo shows an Akhal-Teke horse during an equestrian performance at the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Li Long) As June marks the peak travel season in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, tourists are flocking to the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park in the regional capital, Urumqi, to immerse themselves in the area's rich equestrian culture. Various activities centered around Akhal-Teke horses, one of the world's oldest and most iconic horse breeds, including horse-drawn carriage parades and equestrian performances, are contributing to the development of culture, tourism, commerce, and catering in the region. The park, spanning over 40,000 square meters, is China's largest Akhal-Teke horse breeding center. It houses more than 400 Akhal-Teke horses and 18 renowned European and Asian horse breeds. The facility serves multiple purposes, including breeding, displaying, training, and showcasing Akhal-Teke horses, as well as hosting equestrian performances, competitions, and fitness activities. The park is home to the country's only gene bank dedicated to preserving the genetic resources of Akhal-Teke horses, ensuring the breed's survival. Akhal-Teke horses run in a spacious enclosure at the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Han Ting) Xinjiang, known for its expansive grasslands, has seen rapid growth in its horse industry in recent years. The region now boasts the country's highest breeding stock of horses and is a leader in horse breeding expertise. Chen Zhifeng, chairman of YEMA Group Co., Ltd., which runs the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park, believes that Xinjiang holds a unique position in equestrian culture due to its abundant breeding stock of horses, making it highly competitive in the field. "We are actively promoting horse culture through tourism, performing arts, and study tours, allowing more people to learn about the stories of Xinjiang's horses," Chen added. In recent years, the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park has attracted visitors from countries such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan, cementing the park's role as a cultural hub along the Silk Road. Photo shows an equestrian performance at the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Han Ting) Visitors to the park can also indulge in various local and international delicacies. In addition to Xinjiang's specialty food, chefs from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan bring their expertise in Central Asian cuisine to the park, offering dishes such as Uzbek palov and baked stuffed buns, providing visitors with a delightful culinary experience. Abram Akhmedvich Saidaliev, a Uzbekistani chef who has been in Urumqi for nearly two months, enjoys interacting with visitors and preparing specialty dishes at the park. "I take pleasure in sharing my cooking skills with everyone and have developed a fondness for Urumqi. I hope to make more friends here," Saidaliev said. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Police confirmed that drones were used 32 times for aerial coverage; two search operations; 10 times for photo/video purposes; 10 public order operations; 19 parades; 10 times for imaging scenes; 58 times for district policing and training purposes. The PSNI also confirmed that they could neither confirm nor deny certain aspects of the FOI request, namely national security reasons. The PSNI response stated: Police forces work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and on a daily basis information is freely shared in line with information sharing protocols. Modern day policing is police intelligence led and this is particularly pertinent with regard to law enforcement. The response added: Whilst there is a public interest in the transparency of policing operations and providing assurance that the police service is appropriately and effectively engaging with the threat posed by various groups or individuals, there is a very strong public interest in safeguarding the integrity of police investigations. As much as there is public interest in knowing that policing activity is appropriate and balanced this will be overridden in exceptional circumstances. The areas of police interest discussed above are sensitive issues that reveal local intelligence and, therefore, it is our opinion that for these issues the balancing test for confirming or denying whether any information is held is not made out. Taking into account the current security climate within the United Kingdom, the disclosure of information which may aid criminal/terrorist elements would impact on the force's ability to monitor this activity. Weakening the mechanisms used to monitor and investigate criminal activity, and specifically terrorist activity,would place the security of the country at an increased level of danger. Irrespective of what information is or is not held, the public entrust the Police Service to make appropriate decisions with regard to their safety and protection and the only way of reducing risk is to be cautious with what is placed into the public domain. The cumulative effect of terrorists gathering information from various sources would be even more impactful when linked to other information gathered from various sources about terrorism. At this moment in time it is our opinion regarding any disclosure by PSNI, no matter how generic, that it favours neither confirming nor denying that information is held. However, this should not be taken as conclusive evidence that the information you requested does, or does not, exist. GenAIEdu June 2024, the third national conference on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education, will explore the future of education in a world rapidly adapting to Generative Artificial Intelligence at Ulster Universitys Derry campus. The summit will bring together world-leading researchers, educators, students and industry professionals, to understand how generative AI will challenge the way we learn, teach and assess. At GenAIEdu 2024 there will be lots of new activities and events including a practitioner showcase where local teachers and educators will showcase best practice in the use of AI in the classroom to improve AI literacy and future proof employability prospects for the region. Confirmed to speak are some of the leading voices in generative AI and education: Dr Angelica Risquez, University of Limerick and Professor Mark O'Hara, Advance HE Sue Beckingham, Sheffield Hallam University and Professor Peter Hartley, Visiting Professor at Edge Hill University Hugh Meenagh, Microsoft Education Ireland Andrew Caffrey, CEO Canopy Co-lead at the National Centre for AI/JISC, Sue Attewell. JISC is the UK digital, data and technology agency focused on tertiary education, research and innovation As well as researchers and students from Ulster University, University of Limerick, Queens University and Edinburgh Napier University. The focus of the conference will be on universities and teachers working together to prepare the region for the transformational change that AI is going to drive rapidly over the next few years. It will explore new technologies that are currently available, those that are in development and to be released imminently, their potential impact on the sector and the practicalities and challenges of a rollout of AI in educational settings. The three-day conference will take place on Ulster Universitys Derry campus from June 26-28, and will be hosted by the School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems. It will see a host of keynotes, talks, discussion panels and hands on workshops, demonstrations and networking events with leading academics, researchers and industry experts in this area. The National Conference on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education is funded by the Garfield Weston Trust. Sue Attewell, Co-lead of the JISC National Centre for AI in tertiary education said: Embracing AI is not just about understanding the future; its about actively shaping it. For universities, navigating when and how to integrate AI is crucial amidst other pressing issues like digital transformation, budget constraints, and faculty workloads. The challenges that generative AI introduces are significant, but by addressing them directly at GenAI Edu I hope we unlock generative AIs potential to foster innovation and drive academic practice. Visiting Professor John Anderson, Independent Chair of the Innovation Forum said of the previous conferences: Since the first Ulster University GenAIEdu conference in 2023 inspired a similar conference for school leaders, organised by the Education Authoritys EdIS (Education Information Solutions) Programme and the Innovation Forum (which promotes and evaluates the innovative use of digital technologies in school classrooms) teachers have continued to test out and evaluate the place for GenAI in schools. "Its becoming more common to see applications which ease teacher workload, releasing teacher time to support learners. However, examples of the innovative integration of GenAI tools to stimulate learning are emerging most interestingly, in primary classrooms. Professor Colin Turner, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Dean of Faculty of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, Ulster University added: The first GenAIEdu conference brought to the fore the real and immediate impact of generative AI and how it is going to fundamentally change what schools and Universities (and other industries) currently do. It kickstarted the conversation and had a region wide impact as John outlines above. "The pace of new technology development and adoption is ramping up and AI offers extraordinary and somewhat unexplored - opportunities and challenges for transformation in education. Hosting this event, we are facilitating conversations which will help educators to understand the possibilities and pitfalls and navigate them carefully. More details on registration and the conference agenda are available here: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/conference/genaiedu-2024-june Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A planned strike by consultants in the health service has been suspended following a pay offer. The British Medical Association Northern Irelands consultant committee is set to consider the offer. It comes after a ballot in which 92% of those who voted indicated they were prepared to take industrial action. A 24-hour strike by consultants was planned to take place from 7am on June 26 to 7am on June 27. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the BMA's decision to suspend planned strike action by consultants in NI. pic.twitter.com/uNswISYOxa Department of Health (@healthdpt) June 19, 2024 In a statement on Wednesday, the BMA said consultant representatives met with the Department of Health who put forward what they termed a credible pay offer that the BMA wishes explore further. However Dr David Farren, chairman of the BMA Northern Irelands consultants committee said, said striking remained an option. We have agreed to suspend our strike action while we discuss the proposals the department has made, he said. Striking is still an option, but in suspending the strike we have made a signification step, and we are hopeful we can present a credible offer to members soon. Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomed the development. I welcome the BMA decision to suspend planned strike action by consultants in order to discuss proposals made by my department, he said. This helps create space for constructive and productive negotiations on a credible way forward. I very much value the contribution made by consultants and all their colleagues across medicine and the entire health and social care system. HIGHLIGHTS A researcher has found a bug that allows individuals to impersonate Microsoft corporate email accounts. The bug only affects emails sent to Outlook accounts. This bug raises serious concerns about the integrity of digital communications. In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, a disturbing discovery has come to light: a bug allowing individuals to impersonate Microsoft corporate email accounts has been found by a researcher. This bug not only raises serious concerns about the integrity of digital communications but also underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in todays interconnected world. As businesses and individuals alike rely heavily on email for communication and operations, the implications of such a flaw are dangerous, potentially paving the way for phishing attacks and data breaches. Lets delve into the details. Also read: Alert! New ClickFix malware tricks users with fake error fixes for Chrome & OneDrive To demonstrate the vulnerability, the researcher sent an email to TechCrunch that appeared to be from Microsofts account security team. Last week, Vsevolod Kokorin, known online as Slonser, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had discovered a bug related to email spoofing. He reported the issue to Microsoft, but the company dismissed his findings, claiming they couldnt replicate the problem. In response, Kokorin decided to disclose the bug publicly on X, though he did not provide any technical details that could potentially be used to exploit it. Also read: New Phishing Scam is here! Targeting Facebook Business accounts I want to share my recent case: > I found a vulnerability that allows sending a message from any user@domain > We cannot reproduce it > I send a video with the exploitation, a full PoC > We cannot reproduce it At this point, I decided to stop the communication with Microsoft. pic.twitter.com/mJDoHTn9Xv slonser (@slonser_) June 14, 2024 Microsoft just said they couldnt reproduce it without providing any details, Kokorin said. Microsoft might have noticed my tweet because a few hours ago they reopen [sic] one of my reports that I had submitted several months ago. According to Kokorin, the bug he discovered only affects emails sent to Outlook accounts. This encompasses a significant user base of at least 400 million users worldwide, as per Microsofts latest earnings report. I did not expect my post to get such a reaction. Honestly, I just wanted to share my frustration because this situation made me sad, Kokorin said. Many people misunderstood me and think that I want money or something like that. In reality, I just want companies not to ignore researchers and to be more friendly when you try to help them. It remains unclear whether anyone besides Kokorin has identified the bug or if it has been exploited maliciously. Point Robotics' MedTech surgical robot enhances spine surgeries with expanded functionality Targeting one of the most complex and sensitive parts of the human body, any minor error during a spinal surgery could lead to severe consequences such as infection, nerve damage, or spinal cord injury. This makes spinal surgery a high-risk surgical procedure. To overcome the challenges, Point Robotics MedTech created a minimally invasive spine surgery robot platform by combining medical expertise and state-of-the-art technologies such as robotic arms, optical positioning, and algorithms. The platform can help surgeons perform complex spinal surgeries with high precision and optimize the patient's medical experience. Point Robotics' surgical robotics technology is inherited from a professor at Imperial College London with over 30 years of experience. The company was founded in 2016 with support from the National Science Council's Germination Program. It aims to leverage the technical prowess of Taiwan's medical and mechanical industries to develop a spinal surgery robot that assists surgeons in enhancing surgical precision and reducing risks. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgical Robot with Precision and Reliability According to Brad Lin, Chief Marketing Officer of Point Robotics, there are two main challenges in existing spine surgeries. First, surgical precision requirements from medical institutions and patients are increasing, especially in minimally invasive surgeries. Traditional surgeries rely on surgeons' experience and tactile sensation, but this approach has limitations, particularly in tasks like bone grinding, where achieving high precision is more challenging. Moreover, surgeons performing spine surgeries over a long period are prone to wrist and eye fatigue, which can adversely affect surgical quality and career longevity. The second challenge lies in the increasing expectations of patients regarding surgical outcomes and post-operative recovery periods. Improving surgical efficiency and post-operative recovery outcomes have become significant missions for medical institutions. Not only to achieve precision, surgeries today also aim to minimize incisions and recovery time as much as possible. While technologies and equipment for spinal surgery have advanced rapidly, there is still room for improvement to meet all those demands. Particularly in the realm of robotic surgery equipment, existing systems are mostly focused on soft tissue surgeries, with fewer applications for hard tissue surgeries. Point Robotics' minimally invasive spine surgery robot and navigation system are perfect for addressing clinical needs today. Michael Lo, Head of Corporate Strategy of Point Robotics, explained the architecture of their product, which integrates a six-motored robotic end-effector with navigation systems and control technology, combining precision and flexibility. The company's surgical robot uses a robotic end-effector to compensate for deviations from the planned path, enabling real-time tracking of patient movement during surgery. This allows surgeons to perform precise and stable surgeries. By precisely controlling the robotic end-effector, the surgical robot has expanded its functionality to decompression capabilities. The precision of bone grinding can reach mere paper-thin thickness. During surgery, the force feedback system detects changes in bone density and dynamically adjusts grinding force, depth, and path accordingly to ensure surgical precision and safety. Point Robotics' Detail-focused Product Development Builds a Reputation According to Lo, for a medical device to gain industry recognition and successfully commercialize, it needs to overcome technical challenges and undergo lengthy clinical validation. "Robotic technologies are categorized as the high-precision, cutting-edge field, and the medical products are closely related to human safety," he emphasized. Thus, every prototype of a medical device must undergo rigorous validation and continuous communication with clinical physicians to ensure that the product design meets medical needs. In practical application, variations in each patient's bone density and other external factors can also impact the surgery process and outcomes, presenting challenges from theory to clinical practice and commercialization. Point Robotics' products have undergone iterative modifications and validation to achieve the clinical benefits doctors expect. Point Robotics' navigation system has been in clinical use since 2023. As of now, it has been utilized in 150 surgeries. The first-generation navigation system and robotic-assisted surgical system were cleared by the U.S. FDA and certificated by Taiwan FDA between 2022 and 2023. Regarding the product marketing plan, Lo mentioned that because the medical industry is typically cautious about new products, they will initially focus on the navigation system, which has higher market acceptance. Next, the company will develop a decompression surgery robot capable of performing various functions such as bone grinding, assisting surgeons in conducting more spine surgeries and improving surgical efficiency. According to Lo and Lin, the success of Point Robotics' technology in transferring from concept to product is due not only to the full commitment of the team members but also to the continuously improving ecosystem for startups in Taiwan. For example, while Point Robotics was looking for clinical resources, BE Accelerator a TTA accelerator partner, helped the company connect with suitable physicians, enabled product testing, and received feedback on suggestions and feasible directions. The locally enthusiastic startup atmosphere and policy support have also attracted many young overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs to return home. These entrepreneurs bring back global perspectives and innovative thinking. When combined with Taiwan's technology, medical and manufacturing industries, a virtuous cycle begins. Looking ahead, Taiwan's startup ecosystem is expected to mature further and be more internationalized. Point Robotics also looks forward to interacting and collaborating with other companies, expanding Taiwan's influence in the global medical technology field. (Editor's note: The original article was published in TTA Magazine Issue 14. Read more startup stories in TTA Magazines.) Point Robotics robotic-assisted surgical system and navigation system can help surgeons perform complex minimally invasive surgeries with high precision. MKS Instruments expands to Malaysia with new Penang plant, supporting chip production American semiconductor company MKS Instruments has announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in Penang, Malaysia, to support wafer fabrication equipment production both regionally and globally. Official construction is set to kick off in early 2025. MKS provides foundational technology solutions, including instruments, subsystems, and process control systems, primarily serving customers in semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, electronics, and specialty industrial applications. Its prestigious clientele includes TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and STMicroelectronics. MKS CEO John Lee highlighted the advantages of Penang as the site for the new factory, citing its proximity to customers and suppliers, well-developed infrastructure, and established semiconductor ecosystem. Lee described the construction of the factory as an important milestone for MKS, facilitating the company's continued expansion in Malaysia. Known as the "Silicon Valley of the East," Penang hosts renowned industry players such as Intel, Infineon, and Bosch. Chow Kon Yeow, chief minister of Penang, welcomed MKS to the state, emphasizing Penang's well-developed industrial ecosystem and its capacity to support the future growth of companies. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) stressed that MKS's decision to build a new plant in Malaysia underscores the nation's growing reputation as a premier destination for advanced technology investments, given its rich pool of talent and resources. MIDA noted that the MKS investment would significantly enhance manufacturing capabilities in Malaysia, aligning with the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP 2030) goals to achieve an added value of MYR 587.5 billion (US$ 126.3 billion) in manufacturing by 2030. The Malaysian government has implemented various initiatives to foster semiconductor industry development, initially focusing on downstream activities such as chip packaging and testing, and now advancing toward IC design and advanced chip manufacturing. Earlier, Penang announced the establishment of an IC Design and Digital Park, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024. Additionally, Selangor's IC Design Park, touted as the largest in Southeast Asia, is set to become operational in July 2024. Malaysia has also unveiled its National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), aiming to attract more foreign investments and cultivate tens of thousands of high-level semiconductor talent, ultimately establishing itself as a hub for advanced chip manufacturing. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. UK aims for semiconductor leadership with Taiwanese partnership at Semi-Impact forum Top advisors and industry leaders shaping the UK's semiconductor strategy joined forces with Taiwanese semiconductor veterans at the Semi Impact Forum to share their visions for transforming the UK into a chip-enabled science and technology powerhouse. The UK's semiconductor strategy, published in March 2023, aims to leverage UK's strengths in R&D, design, IP, and compound semiconductors to become a leading presence over the next two decades. The government plans to inject 200 million into the sector by 2025, with a commitment to invest up to 1 billion (US$ 1.27 billion) over the next decade, guided by an advisory panel comprising industry, academia, and government voices. Distinct from the US approach to onshoring large-scale silicon manufacturing, the UK focuses on expanding its compound semiconductor ecosystem, providing easier access to chip design tools and prototyping facilities, and supporting semiconductor startups through new incubators. At the forum on June 14, part of the London Tech Week fringe event, key UK figures discussed their progress and plans for semiconductor initiatives. Semiconductor efforts in progress Jalal Bagherli, chairman of the UK Semiconductor Strategy Advisor Panel, highlighted the UK's strong innovation in the semiconductor industry. "The UK has a robust history of successful startups and innovation in IP, with companies such as Arm and Imagination. Now, we're seeing growth in non-silicon semiconductors, including Silicon Carbide (SiC), Gallium Nitride (GaN), thin film technologies, and graphene," he noted. Bagherli pointed to areas needing further development, including compound semiconductors, open foundries, and commercialization of university research. Regarding which aspect of the strategy requires further development, Bagherli suggests compound semiconductors, open foundries, improving accessibility of foundries for startups, and the commercialization of R&D university research. The London School of Economics (LSE) recently released the "UK Semiconductor Handbook," detailing the current state of the nation's semiconductor industry. The report predicts that in the next decade; to reduce power consumption and carbon emissions in data centers, chip manufacturing will adopt new materials beyond silicon which the UK would then serve to benefit from its early development of compound semiconductor technology. Chips made from SiC and GaN are crucial for high-performance applications such as quantum computing, electric vehicles, 5G and 6G networks, IoT, and immersive technologies like AR and VR. The global compound semiconductor market is expected to grow to nearly 280 billion (US$360 billion) by 2030. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent announcement of an early general election on July 4 has raised questions about potential impacts on semiconductor policy continuity. Russ Shaw, founder of Global Tech Advocates and founding partner of London Tech Week, believes the current prime minister's ambition for the UK to become a science and technology powerhouse is a sentiment likely to be carried over by any future leaders regardless of the election result. "As the third largest tech ecosystem globally, the UK must prioritize semiconductors to realize its technological aspirations," he urges. Bagherli also hopes the next elected leader will maintain the continuity of the UK's semiconductor efforts, echoing the need for sustained investment, likening the UK's efforts to Taiwan's long-term approach. Collaboration with Taiwan Regarding collaboration opportunities, Bagherli suggested enhancing accessibility for smaller UK companies entering the semiconductor ecosystem. He proposed the establishment of a local presence by Taiwanese manufacturing representatives to facilitate initial engagements and reduce barriers for startups. Moreover, Bagherli believes the UK and Taiwan could benefit more from working together on advanced packaging and joint R&D initiatives. He highlighted the growing importance of heterogeneous packaging in integrating various chip technologies, emphasizing its relevance as the industry moves beyond bleeding-edge processing toward more systemic approaches. Bagherli also praised Taiwan's world-leading status in advance CMOS, suggesting that could be another sector where the two sides could collaborate more. He also mentions while there often are many issues regarding intellectual properties with other countries, Taiwan has remained a consistently reliable, and law-abiding partner. "I can assure you, in my 30-some years of the semiconductor industry, I've had never any problem with Taiwan," says the chairman of the advisory panel. Russian firm unveils MP21 single-board computer to rival Raspberry Pi 5 amid sanctions Russia-based state-owned technology firm Rostec has introduced the MP21, a single-board computer powered by the domestically developed Elbrus 2S3 processor. The newly introduced hardware aims to compete with the Raspberry Pi 5 in the single-board computer market. According to Tom's Hardware, the Elbrus 2S3 is a dual-core processor designed by the Moscow Center of SPARC Technologies (MCST) and manufactured by TSMC. Sanctioned processor Since 2022, TSMC has been prohibited from exporting processors with a clock speed above 25MHz to Russia due to US sanctions. Despite Rostec's assurance of sufficient Elbrus 2S3 stock, the future of the MP21 hangs in the balance. The Elbrus 2S3 is a dual-core processor built on TSMC's 16nm process, with a maximum clock speed of 2GHz and a computational performance of 196 Gflops. It supports up to two DDR4-3200 RAM modules and PCIe 3.0 channels, featuring a six-core GPU and an integrated video codec unit. Known for its high security and relatively affordable price, the Elbrus 2S3 is now scarce due to the US sanctions putting a stop to TSMC's production of the said processor following the Russo-Ukraine war. High-security hardware The MP21, utilizing the Elbrus 2S3, is a compact single-board computer measuring 9.5 cm square, equipped with up to 8GB of RAM and a non-soldered SSD ranging from 60GB to 480 GB. The MP21 has a power consumption of 40W, compared to the Raspberry Pi 5's maximum power consumption of 10W. Rostec targets the MP21 primarily at automation process control systems in factories, with potential applications in the aerospace and security system markets. While Rostec has not disclosed specific details or timelines for the MP21's production, nor released any images of the MP21, the company stated that it has provided some test samples to clients. The market release plan will be determined based on demand, with an expected initial production of over a thousand units. Since the onset of the Russo-Ukraine war, global trade sanctions have made it challenging for Russia to obtain advanced computing components. Despite recent technological advancements by Rostec, such as a 128-core server platform and self-destructing USB drives, the industry believes these developments lack the production scale and market relevance to become mainstream products. Louth County Council is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Public Participation Network (PPN), the officially designated networking and representational body of 599 community groups in County Louth. Nationally, PPNs are this year marking a decade since they were first launched in 2014 and throughout the week, 17th June 21st June, Louth PPN has been honouring ten years of service provided to communities across the county. Louth PPN represents and supports the voice of 599 groups, which at the very least represents 2,995 people engaged in community activity within the Louth PPN family. Economically, community volunteers contribute greatly to the fabric of Irish society and, at a conservative valuation of 15 per hour, the contribution of volunteers among PPN members is estimated at 1,401,660 per year (based on three hours of work per week per community group and most contribute more). The Public Participation Network project was established under The Local Government Reform Act 2014 and from 2016 to the beginning of June this year, has grown to 20,772 member groups, echoing local growth. This is seen as a monumental representation of community activity across the state and has been led by PPNs in providing empowerment and voice at a local level. Louth PPN says it wishes to acknowledge and thank all those groups, agencies and individuals who have supported the project across the ten years and, looking forward, encourage people to join in continuing the journey to greater inclusion, empowerment and representation of community interests through their PPN. Faughart CNS marked World Blood Donor Day on Friday, 14th June 2024, with a series of events aimed at educating and inspiring pupils about the importance of blood donation and community service. This year's celebration coincided with the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, a World Health Organisation initiative designed to promote voluntary, unpaid blood donation globally. To commemorate this milestone, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) invited landmarks and buildings across Ireland to Go Red. Among the participants was the Department of Health building on Baggot Street, joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness. In a highlight of the day, Faughart CNS welcomed Damien from Cu Chulainn Blood Bikes, a vital charity run entirely by volunteers. Damien provided an engaging talk about their mission, which includes the transportation of blood, blood products, human tissue, patient files, X-rays, and infant milk to hospitals in the HSE North Eastern Region. The charity serves counties Monaghan, Cavan, Meath, and Louth and collaborates with other Blood Bike groups across Ireland and NHS facilities in County Fermanagh. The pupils at Faughart CNS demonstrated their support for Cu Chulainn Blood Bikes by donating over 100 to the charity. They were enthusiastic about the life-saving work and thrilled by the presence of the blood bike itself. This event is part of Faughart CNS's commitment to the Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY) curriculum, which promotes holistic child development through identity education, values education, philosophy, and multi-denominational religious education. GMGY encourages children to engage with and contribute to their local community, fostering psychological and emotional well-being through critical, creative, collaborative, and caring thinking. As a designated DCU Changemaker School, Faughart CNS is dedicated to promoting social innovation and positive change within the community. The celebration of World Blood Donor Day not only highlighted the significance of blood donation but also underscored the school's commitment to developing pupils as conscientious and compassionate individuals ready to make a difference in the world. A Louth-based car dealer, Ali Fawad, and his former employer, Greenhill Motors of Boyne Business Park in Drogheda, have been convicted of knowingly selling a dangerous car without telling the consumer of the issues. Mr Fawad was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for 12 months, by Judge Eirinn McKiernan at Drogheda District Court on 18 June. The Judge fined Greenhill Motors 4,000 and ordered the company to pay legal costs of 4,500 plus VAT to the CCPC. Commenting, Patrick Kenny, Member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said, It is illegal for a trader to mislead a consumer as to the condition of a car. This is compounded in this case as the trader also knew the car to be unroadworthy. This put the consumer, their family and other road users in danger. "When buying a car, consumers should be able to rely on accurate information from car dealers on a cars history, condition and roadworthiness. The CCPC is and will continue to be very active in this sector. We encourage any consumer who believes that they have been misled by a motor trader, or indeed any trader, to contact us. The CCPC prosecuted Mr Fawad and Greenhill Motors following an investigation which established that a car had been bought at auction. The dealer sold the car to a consumer who returned the car for a refund after a mechanic established it had serious mechanical issues. The dealer then sold the car to a second consumer who also experienced serious issues. After paying an independent engineer to assess the car, the second consumer returned the car to Greenhill Motors and secured a full refund. It is illegal for traders to give false or misleading information about the history of a car. Unless otherwise stated, a motor trader should take all reasonable steps to ensure a car is safe and roadworthy, including completing a car history check, before making a car available for sale. While the law sets out the rules for traders, consumers should also take a proactive approach when buying a car and use the CCPCs online information and checklist to ensure they are getting what they pay for. Consumers who believe they have been misled by a trader can make a report to the CCPC helpline on 01-402 5555 or use the online contact form on CCPC.ie. The case concerned the initial sale of a 2012 Mazda 6 from Greenhill Motors in August 2021. The vehicle had been purchased by Greenhill Motors at an auction in July 2021. Following persistent problems, the consumer brought the car to a mechanic who said the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) was missing. He returned the vehicle and received a full refund. In November 2021, another consumer purchased the same car from Greenhill Motors, having seen the car advertised on Donedeal.ie. This consumer bought the car following assurances that the car was in perfect condition, that it had not been a taxi and, that it had not been crashed. About two weeks later, the consumer took the car to a mechanic who advised him that the car would not pass an NCT. After contacting Mr Fawad and paying an independent engineer to assess the car, the car was returned to Greenhill Motors and a full refund was secured. At an inspection by the CCPC, Mr. Fawad responded to a series of questions and was subsequently interviewed under caution. He denied knowledge of the missing DPF and the deficiencies with the vehicle. The CCPC alleged that Mr Fawad and Greenhill Motors had misled or deceived the consumer in relation to the risks presented by mechanical deficiencies relating to the car and the requirement to replace the DPF in breach of section 43 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. Further summonses alleged that Mr Fawad and Greenhill Motors had sold a dangerous car contrary to Regulation 7(3) of the European Communities (General Product Safety) Regulations 2004. Handing down the sentences, Judge Eirinn McKiernan underscored the dangers of selling defective vehicles and found that Mr. Fawad and Greenhill Motors did not act with the care and diligence required when selling the vehicle. Greenhill Motors did not attend court. Clogherhead RNLI volunteers were called upon to assist the crew of a vessel which had become disabled off the north east coast near Clogherhead on Sunday. The Irish Coast Guard requested that Clogherhead RNLI volunteers launch the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat at approximately 4.30pm to come to the aid of the crew on a vessel that had become disabled off the coast of Clogherhead. Weather conditions were favourable at the time with calm seas and good visibility. It took seven minutes from launching on the beach for the lifeboat to reach the scene where the disabled vessel was. It had already been secured by tow to another vessel when they arrived. Clogherhead RNLI was requested to accompany both vessels to the security of nearby Port Oriel Harbour, Clogherhead as a precaution which the crew duly did. Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Gerald Sharkey said: "The vessels owners were correct to alert the Coast Guard when the boat became disabled. "Situations like this can escalate very quickly. Happily, on this occasion, with the help of Clogherhead Coast Guard and the towing vessel, danger was averted and there was a safe and secure outcome for all concerned." The median house price for houses sold with the Dundalk Eircode A91 in April 2024 was 270,000, according to figures released by the CSO (Central Statistics Office), an increase of 5000 on the previous month. Of the 47 houses sold in Dundalk in April, 18 were to first time buyer owner-occupiers; 25 to former owner-occupiers and 4 were to non occupiers. Thirty-nine of these houses were existing builds while eight were new homes. The median price of the new houses sold was 357,500 and the median price of existing houses sold in April was 260,000. In Drogheda, the median price of residential properties sold in A92: Drogheda in April 2024, was 338,356. Twenty-two of the houses sold were new houses and thirty-four were existing. The median price for the new houses sold was 375,000 while for existing houses it was 265,000. Nationally, the national Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) increased by 7.9% in the 12 months to April 2024, with prices in Dublin rising by 8.3% and prices outside Dublin up by 7.6%. In April 2024, 3,572 dwelling purchases by households at market prices were filed with the Revenue Commissioners, up by 9.5% when compared with the 3,262 purchases in April 2023. The median price of a dwelling purchased in the 12 months to April 2024 was 335,000. The lowest median price for a dwelling in the 12 months to April 2024 was 169,000 in Longford, while the highest median price was 624,999 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. Commenting on the release, Niall Corkery, Statistician in the Prices Division, said: Residential property prices rose by 7.9% in the 12 months to April 2024, up from 7.4% in the year to March 2024. In Dublin, residential property prices saw an increase of 8.3%, while property prices outside Dublin were 7.6% higher in April 2024 when compared with a year earlier. Independent Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick has hit out at the lack of available dental services in Louth saying that it is having a detrimental effect on local children. Speaking in the Dail yesterday, Deputy Fitzpatrick said that he had lost count of the number of times he has heard of people going to Newry in the North or even abroad for dental treatment due to the cost and lack of availability. He detailed the case of one of his constituents whose daughter got braces two years ago publicly through the HSE. The orthodontist who was providing her with dental care quit in February and the child has gone from being seen every seven weeks to not being seen for the past four months, forcing her to look after her braces herself. The mother inquired about the situation last week and was told there was nothing in the pipeline as regards interviews or potential replacements for the orthodontist in Louth, and even if one were appointed today, her daughter would not be seen for more than six months, according to Deputy Fitzpatrick. At best, this child would be seen at the end of the year. Going private is not an option, as private orthodontists are either too busy or not taking referrals. This is one of many stories I have heard concerning children, he said. He further said that he had been contacted by numerous concerned constituents who have been refused dental care at their regular practices due to their medical card status. Constituents who are on the adult oral surgery list or who have a child on the paediatric special care waiting list have also come to my clinic, having waited an extraordinary length of time for their essential medical treatment. Some children who should have been seen by HSE dental care services three times before the age of 12 years are only being seen by dentists for the first time when they are well into secondary school. To put it in context, children are not being seen for the first of their three dental checks until they are 15 or 16 years of age. In parts of the country, there is a backlog of almost ten years in accessing the HSEs school dental screening services. Due to the effective collapse of the dental treatment services scheme, oral diseases are becoming more common. As they share common risk factors with chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity and diabetes, this highlights the potential dangers to which delayed dental care can lead. He went on to explain that although the Minister for Health approved new measures to provide expanded dental care services for medical card holders under the dental treatment scheme in April 2022, the Irish Dental Association has stated that many dentists have withdrawn from the scheme and that it is not fit for purpose, meaning that access to dental care is scarce despite having a medical card. The number of dentists providing treatment to medical card holders has more than halved. He urged the Minister for Health and the HSE to urgently engage the providers and their representative bodies on putting an effective plan and resources in place, to ensure that the people of Louth and east Meath have timely and effective access to essential dental treatment. Addressing the concerns raised by the Louth TD, Helen McEntee said that the area has received significant investment in recent years, with more than 200 million allocated every year for oral healthcare. She claimed that last year, more than 154,000 additional treatments were provided under the dental treatment services scheme, with over 26,700 extra patients, compared with the year prior and that in 2022, the dental treatment services scheme was enhanced to reintroduce elements of preventative care. She further stated that the Minister for Health is working to ensure that we can address any further backlogs as they arise. Regarding the current scheme, the Minister has increased the fees that are paid to contractors for most treatments by between 40% and 60%. They are now aligned with other European countries. Many countries, especially in Europes southern and eastern regions, do not have such a scheme, particularly for adults, that is free at point of access. There are particular challenges in Louth, especially as regards orthodontic care. Work is being done to try to address those challenges. Where orthodontist positions have not been filled locally, the HSE is seeking other orthodontists within the CHO 8 area to take on patients where there is space within their practices. This has had a positive impact on reducing the waiting lists. There are full-time positions being sought, but other methods of recruitment are also underway, which will take a little longer. Every effort is being made to try to address what is probably one of the greatest challenges in Louth in terms of orthodontic care for young people and adults. In reply Deputy Fitzpatrick asked the Minister to liaise with the Minister for Health to ensure the recruitment of an orthodontist in Louth as soon as possible while also ensuring adequate access to and funding of dental and aftercare services for children and medical card holders. Minister McEntee said that the government was investing to tackle waiting lists and improve capacity, adding: The Minister is working on an implementation plan for 2024 to 2026. It is being drafted by the Department of Health with the HSE and will be open for consultation and publication in quarter 3 of this year. Once it is published, I assume it will be supported by further budgetary measures to try to address backlogs and fill critical positions. After 17 years awarding third level student scholarships, the Naughton Foundation Scholarship scheme is reminding students from Louth to apply. The 2024 closing date is fast approaching, and all applicants are advised to submit their entries sooner rather than later! The Naughton Scholarships are a scheme of scholarships to promote the study of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in Ireland. Each year, from February to June, Leaving Certificate students can apply for a scholarship if they intend on studying science, computer science, mathematics, engineering or technology at third level that year. The closing date for receipt of application forms for The Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2024 is Friday, June 28 at midnight. There will be one guaranteed scholarship for each of the participating counties, 36 allocated in total. Students are invited to apply if they are currently attending secondary schools in Louth and if they are studying two or more of the following subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, and applied mathematics. Each scholarshio is valued at 20,000 - 5,000 for each year of the students third-level course in any publicly funded university or third-level institution in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. The school of each winner is also awarded 1,000. The 2024 application forms for The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Programme are available for download and can be completed online on The Naughton Foundation website: www.thenaughtonfoundation.com Three men have been arrested in connection with the alleged harassment of Taoiseach Simon Harris. The men, two aged in their 40s and one in his 30s, were arrested by gardai on Thursday morning. They were arrested by gardai from the Wexford-Wicklow Division, with support from the Special Detective Unit. The men are currently detained at Garda stations in Co Wicklow under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Gardai said the arrests were part of an investigation into alleged harassment of an elected official. There have been multiple protests outside Mr Harriss home, including last week. Asked about the arrests on Thursday, the Taoiseach said he cannot comment on ongoing garda investigations. However, asked more generally about security around senior politicians, Mr Harris said: Theres a distinction between protest and some of the carry on that we see outside certain peoples homes and Im speaking broadly in relation to that and in certain scenarios around the country. Protest is a fundamental part of democracy, protest does not equate to thuggery. I know the difference and Im glad the gardai know the difference and the people of Ireland certainly know the difference as well. Im very grateful to An Garda Siochana for the incredible work they do. My understanding is that they dont believe theres a need for any additional laws and I take them at their word in relation to that. The race for the leadership of the Green Party is officially underway, as the nominations process opened this Thursday morning, June 20. It's shaping up to be a two horse race so far, with Minister for Children and Intergration Roderic O'Gorman, and Senator and Minister for State Pippa Hackett having already announced their bids. The Green Party expects to reveal the name of Eamon Ryans replacement as leader on July 8. "Following a meeting of the Green Partys executive committee this evening (June 19), the party has written to all members to inform them that nominations for the forthcoming leadership contest can be submitted from 9am tomorrow until 9pm on Monday," the party said in a statement. Nominations for party leader are open to all Green Party / Comhaontas Glas members from now until Monday evening at 9pm. Nominees will be announced next Tuesday. Members, please check your email for the details sent recently. Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) June 20, 2024 The name or names of those seeking to become leader will be made public on the morning of Tuesday, June 25. "Prospective candidates need to be a full member of the party and receive 50 nominations from other full members. Information about the deputy leadership election, the hustings and voting will be sent to members in the coming days," the statement continued. Senator Hackett, who also holds a ministerial post as Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, has been endorsed from the start by her party colleagues. The Laois/Offaly senator is seen as a strong rural candidate who would dispel the narrative that the Green Party works against farmers and rural interests. Green Party TD Ossian Smyth, speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland earlier this week, said that the party needs to be relevant outside Dublin. Theres this narrative that the Green Party is in opposition to rural Ireland and its not true and we need to counter that very clearly. Read Also: Pippa Hackett enters contest for Green Party leadership Pippa Hackett is an agriculture minister, she is a beef and sheep farmer from Offaly, shes been sitting at the Cabinet table for the last four years and making decisions on every aspect in running the country and I think that she is the person to lead the party, and she hasnt said she would but, if shes listening now, I would like her to consider running. If she does agree to run, then I would be willing to run as deputy leader alongside her," Deputy Smyth added. Senator Hackett is also backed by her Seanad colleague, Pauline OReilly. Minister OGorman, who is understood to have the backing of TD Joe OBrien and junior Minister Malcolm Noonan, said he believes he has the right experience and vision to lead the party. I also have the experience of being a Cabinet minister for the last four years, progressing some major pieces of legislation, major pieces of policy through Government, he told RTE News at One. This all follows from the shock announcement in front of the Dail on Tuesday afternoon from Eamon Ryan, who said he was "stepping down to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders." This was followed by a further shock announcement from the Greens deputy leader, and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin saying that she too would "step back" from her role. Under the Green Party constituition, any party member can contest the leadership if they have the support of 50 other party members, meaning in theory (but unlikely) the new party leader could be someone not serving in the Oireachtas. Cork has lost 58 dentists providing treatment to medical card holders in the last 12 months, a reduction of almost a quarter, prompting one dentist to say the existing system is like banging your head against a brick wall. Figures show that 23.57% fewer dentists signed up to the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) in Cork this year, a reduction from 246 in May 2023 to 188 in May 2024. This is a loss of 22 dentists out of 82 in South Lee; 25 of 106 in North Lee; eight of 27 in West Cork; and two of 31 in North Cork. Access to routine dental care through the medical card DTSS is somewhat restricted as a number of private dentists have either left the scheme, or are only treating their existing cohort of patients, a HSE spokesperson said. At present there is the scope to manage emergency dental situations within the DTSS service in the community, the spokesperson added. Mass exodus Cork dentist Mairead Browne, spokesperson for the Irish Dental Association, explained that this focus on emergency care was a major reason for the mass exodus of dentists in Cork. The DTSS scheme has been barrelling into chaos over many years, and now its gone down to just over one in four dentists signing up to it, she told The Echo. The scheme is in need of total reform because its on the brink of collapse. Its from 1994 so it is hugely outdated and doesnt allow clinical autonomy or decision-making. Ms Browne said the system prioritises emergencies over prevention and limits the treatments dentists can perform, only allowing them to do two fillings per year but unlimited extractions. Dentists in the scheme are entering burnout territory, she said. Chaos Were in chaos, but its the patients who are most affected particularly the very vulnerable cohort, people with additional needs, elderly people, low income groups. The scheme is just totally unworkable, unfit for purpose, not a patient-first approach, and theres issues with the capitation of the scheme as well so you have dentists leaving the scheme, now theres a crisis and were not able to meet the demand as seen by the waiting list levels. It needs to be completely modernised, not just modified. We should be trusted to know whats best for the patient and provide the exact same treatment we would for someone without a medical card, but instead we can only remove all their teeth. Failing Ms Browne said the Irish Dental Association have been advocating for change since 2012, saying they have been commissioning research proposals and providing alternative ideas to the scheme. But, the Government is failing to prioritise dental health even though its so important for overall health. Speaking to The Echo, Social Democrats Cork City South Central councillor Padraig Rice said dental care has been a neglected part of the health service for far too long. I am particularly worried about the children who are missing out on crucial check-ups as part of the schools screening programme. Mr Rice said the Social Democrats had raised this issue with a motion in the Dail last month calling for all children to receive school-based appointments at the appropriate age, to increase the capacity for dental services and for reform of the dental scheme so that it works for dentists and patients alike. It has emerged there has been an almost 40% reduction in the number of public respite beds in Cork over the last six years. The issue came to the fore during a Dail debate on Tuesday, following the response to a parliamentary question by Social Democrats leader Cork South West TD Holly Cairns seen by The Echo. It shows that respite beds have decreased from 73 in 2018 to 46 in 2024, while convalescent beds have decreased from 41 in 2018 to 23 in 2024 a joint decrease of 45 beds and an almost 40% reduction. The HSE said: Short-stay beds can be interchangeable for use in response to particular service needs in residential care units at any given time, therefore it is important to note that the total number of respite beds in any one month can fluctuate. Closure Speaking in the Dail, Ms Cairns said access to respite has still not recovered from the pandemic and the closure of community nursing units. There are daily financial struggles, anger at the lack of services, constant anxiety about the absence of supports, and dread about what will happen to loved ones when a carer is no longer around. There are more than 299,000 unpaid carers in Ireland. That figure has grown by 53% in just six years. Every one of those carers provides an invaluable service to the State, but the State does incredibly little to support them. Report Her comments came as Sinn Fein tabled a motion on carers after the release of a Family Carers Ireland report last week. The report showed that almost three quarters of carers have never received respite, and the vast majority are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Cork South Central TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire said: In this motion, we are calling for a commitment from Government for a minimum respite guarantee and a significant relaxation of the Carers Allowance means test, he said. Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould added: A lady I am dealing with at the moment has to fight for everything. She drives her two children, both of whom have special needs, to school because they attend different schools. She cannot get school transport or therapies. She cannot get anything. The woman is at her wits end. I was on the phone to her last week. She said to me: Tommy, whos going to look after us? Whos going to look after my children? That is what she is asking and that is what we are asking here. Funding doubled Junior Minister Anne Rabitte said that funding for respite service provision had doubled in 10 years, with an increased number of respite hours nationwide. I acknowledge that demographic challenges associated with the increase in the number of people living with a disability, the increase in age and life expectancy, and the changing needs of people with a disability have all led to the need for increased respite services, and we are working hard to step up provision on a continuous basis, she said. A motorist with a 10-year driving ban was spotted by gardai as he drove past them at speed yesterday. Eugene Bannon, 38, of Windy Heights, Monard, Rathpeacon, Co Cork, was disqualified from driving for 10 years in April 2022. But yesterday, he said after he was caught driving despite the ban: I took a chance. Garda David ODonoghue stopped the Ford Transit van as he noticed it driving at speed at Knockpogue Avenue, Farranree, Cork. When Garda ODonoghue stopped the driver, he checked his details and discovered that the driver was disqualified at the time. The accused was arrested and charged with driving without licence or insurance and brought directly before Cork District Court where there was an objection to bail being granted. Judge Mary Dorgan remarked that it was most efficient policing to have an offence detected at 10.40am and brought before the court within an hour or so. Bail was refused following Garda ODonoghues objections. Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the accused man was pleading guilty to the charges against him. Eugene Bannon said he knew he should not have been driving but that he took a chance. Judge Mary Dorgan noted from the evidence of previous convictions that the accused man had 11 previous convictions for driving without insurance, among his 57 previous listed convictions. Judge Dorgan sentenced him to a total of four months in prison and imposed a new 10 year driving disqualification from yesterday. A BARMAN opening a city centre pub at 7am observed signs of a break-in at the premises and he was then approached by a young man who threatened to cut him open. These were the allegations made against a man appearing before Cork District Court where Judge Mary Dorgan said she was refusing to accept jurisdiction for the case, which will now proceed to the preparation of a book of evidence and be sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court for hearing. John OMahony, aged 32, of 120 Ardcullen, Hollyhill, Cork, faces charges of entering The Welcome Inn on Parnell Place as a trespasser on March 16, to commit a theft and possession of a knife. He was charged by Sergeant Maurice OConnor. Sergeant Aisling Murphy said: At approximately 7am, a member of staff was preparing for opening of Welcome Inn. As he did, he noticed damage had been caused to a door at the premises and a gate opened. He contacted his boss to inform him of what he had discovered. While there the staff member observed a man walk towards the premises, approach the gates and deliver two kicks to them in order to gain entry. The staff member apprehended this man and a struggle ensued. It is alleged that the man stated he was in possession of a knife and threatened to cut the staff member open. During the struggle a Swiss army style knife fell from his clothing. The suspect admitted stealing a bucket load of coin approximately put at 400. Judge Dorgan repeated one particular allegation: He threatened to cut a staff member open and a knife fell from him. On noting that, the judge said: I am not accepting jurisdiction. Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, said: I think we are going to need a book of evidence. Judge Dorgan adjourned the case to September 24 and remanded the accused on continuing bail. THE Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield, which closed its doors last August, was the subject of a robust Dail debate with a Cork TD saying progress on restoring the service was moving at a snails pace. Cork North Central People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry had asked Minister for Children Roderic OGorman for an update on attempts to source funding for the restoration of the facility. Mr OGorman told him: Im well aware of the issues facing Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) and the funding that they require to support the reopening. He acknowledged was an undersupply of childcare in the area, and the NCES plan to reopen the facility with an extended offering are really welcome. Mr OGorman said he had met NCE in Cork a few weeks ago and clarified that the capital funding he had announced recently was designed for the expansion of existing services and did not apply to NCE. I was able to confirm to NCE that I and my department are looking to see what solution can be put in place in this particular situation. Work is ongoing between my department and Pobal in terms of a solution. Mr OGorman said. Mr Barry said that response was a carbon copy of what Mr OGorman had said in March, saying: The community is crying out for the restoration of these services this is moving at a snails pace. Mr OGorman said he did not accept the notion that progress was moving that slowly. The NCE estimated that the months needed to bring the facility back into use once funding is pledged, means the chance has gone for the facility to reopen for September, Mr Barry said. He suggested that Mr OGorman ask the parents in the area if they think it is happening at a snails pace or not, to settle the issue, before vowing to return to the issue before the Dail summer recess. THE Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has written to Uisce Eireann and will be seeking a meeting with the companys chief executive following the discharge of approximately 2,500 litres of aluminium chloride into the River Allow in North Cork. Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is conducting an investigation to establish whether there is a link between the discharge of the chemical and a major fish kill on the river Allow which was discovered on Sunday, June 9. The information about a proposed meeting between Minister Ryan and the CEO of Uisce Eireann was disclosed by Neale Richmond, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, when the matter was raised in Dail Eireann by Cork East Labour TD, Sean Sherlock. This is a serious incident because fish kills arising from entities that are operated by statutory bodies in this day and age are entirely unforgivable and entirely avoidable, said Mr Sherlock. I feel sorry for the people of that region who have invested so much in the upkeep of that river as a major tributary of the River Blackwater. The TD asked whether or not the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had the power to prosecute if it found that there was fault at play here. Because if it is the case that Uisce Eireann was not filling its statutory obligations in relation to the safety of the river, it needs to be put through the rigours on this one he said, asking if Minister Ryan had communicated with the statutory authorities in relation to the matter. In response, Minister Richmond said IFI had responded quickly to the incident after being alerted to the spillage. The agency had moved into an investigation and had carried out water sampling. IFI is awaiting the report of the independent accredited laboratory in relation to the surface water samples taken at the time of the incident, said Minister Richmond. It is important to note that Uisce Eireann has also assured the community there has been no impact on the quality of drinking water. Any spillage occurred downstream of the intake point for the plant and, therefore, would not impact on quality of water entering supply. The Minister described the pollution incident as an ecological disaster for fish in this river, at a time of significant biodiversity loss. He added that the IFI as the statutory body tasked with the protection, management, conservation was extremely proactive in its efforts to prevent pollution incidents and would continue to exercise vigilance when dealing with pollution incidences. The Minister said the agency would utilise its powers to gather evidence and where warranted, use this evidence to bring cases before the courts. As I have alluded to, Deputy Eamon Ryan is fully abreast of this and will be engaging with all stakeholders and statutory bodies, as the Deputy mentioned. Of course, it is important to note that there is an active investigation into this pollution event and further action, including potential legal proceedings, will be informed by the outcome of that investigation. Guilty pleas to all charges will be entered by a man accused of burgling a funeral home and two neighbouring properties. Sergeant Aisling Murphy said, at Cork District Court, that the Director of Public Prosecutions had not yet decided if the cases should proceed at district- or circuit-court level. 34-year-old Daniel Jackson appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison. His solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said that irrespective of DPP directions, Mr Jackson will be pleading guilty. He faces three counts of burglary and one count of possession of a knife. Judge Detective Garda Maurice Hickey outlined the allegations against Jackson, when the 34-year-old allegedly burgled AJ Tyres on Boreenmanna Road at 10.40pm on April 22 and tried to get into three cars parked outside. The second alleged offence related to a break-in at Jeremiah OConnors funeral home, on Boreenmanna Road, 20 minutes later, and then burgling a house at Bellfield Abbey, half an hour after that, while armed with a knife and confronting two young Spanish men who were living there. Mr Buttimer said the accused was consenting to a four-week remand in custody in the hope that DPP directions would be available on the next occasion. Judge Mary Dorgan suggested that the indication of the guilty plea might assist. The case was adjourned to July 18. TELL me John why isnt there a statue of Bernadette anywhere near the Grotto? I was asked that question in Lourdes last week! We are all familiar with replica Lourdes Grottos all over the country with the statue of Our Lady on a height, often on a rock or a rocky outcrop with the statue of a kneeling young Bernadette Soubirous below. Not so in Lourdes. Yes there a few images of Bernadette within the domain, including two across the Gave river, but none at all anywhere near the Grotto itself where the first Apparition happened on February 11, 1858. Bernadette herself wanted it this way. She always contended that Lourdes and the Grotto were all about the Virgin Mary and her messages of prayer, penance, healing and renewal. Bernadette always felt she was just the means by which the special messages of Our Lady were made known and passed on to all who listened and came in procession to Lourdes. The Virgin used me as a broom to remove the dust. When the work is done, the broom is put behind the door again, was a phrase she often used. I was telling people recently about a week I spent in Lourdes in December 2012. It was beautiful weather and I nearly had the place to myself! As I walked along Rue de Grotte I noticed posters relating to a Public Meeting which was to be held the following week. Even with my limited knowledge of French I understood the gathering was part of a campaign to bring the incorrupt body of St Bernadette back home to Lourdes. I presume tourism promoters were behind the move thinking twould bring more visitors and more revenue to the town at the foot of the Pyrenees. It never happened and the remains of St. Bernadette remain in the Sisters of Charity Convent in Nevers which is 310 miles north of Lourdes. It was in July 1866, eight years after the First apparition that 21 year old Bernadette bade farewell to Lourdes for the last time -never to return. She stood across the river Gave and looked at the Grotto for the final time. On the Monday of our Pilgrimage a group of us gathered on that very spot for a special event. Back in June 2011 I brought a stone from Jim Conways grave in Ballinacourty cemetery in the Glen of Aherlow to Lourdes. We all know that lovely reading from the Book of Eccliastes that speaks of time.. a time to love, to hate, for war, for peace, to build up, to break down and so on. I thought by bringing a stone from a grave at home over to Lourdes and putting it into the river across from the Grotto we were uniting the memory of those gone before us who loved Lourdes with this special place. So on that Monday night we put stones from five graves in the river a time to gather stones together and a time to cast stones away. Cobh men in Lourdes. Like last year the Pilgrimage from the Diocese of Kilmore was with us and Bishop Martin Hayes and retired Bishop Leo OReilly concelebrated several of the masses with our own Bishop William Crean. Bishop Crean always has a lovely comment at our Opening Mass Its good to be here and for all of us it was great to be there. After the hiccups, delays and postponements of last year this years trip was just so peaceful, serene, happy and above all so friendly. We packed a lot into our first day, 10 o clock Mass to open and welcome everyone, some were regulars and for many this year it was their first time in Lourdes. The joy on faces that first morning was a sight to behold. That same day we also we had the Reconciliation Service - you might say Confession is not fashionable but the sense of ease, contentment and spiritual uplifting gained from the Sacrament is deeply appreciated and valued. The Passage through the Grotto is very special as one goes in under the rock overhang and touches the black surface, polished by the hands of millions. Our Lady told Bernadette to go and drink in the spring. The young girl was confused but she eventually knelt and found a muddy spring oozing up. The water was dirty as she drank but soon it ran clean. That was in March 1858 and today, 166 years later, that little spring still yields thousands of gallons of water each daily. Amongst my favourite places in Lourdes are two very special spots. One is the actual place where young Bernadette knelt when she heard a rustling up on the rock and then saw the lady for the first time. An inscribed tile marked Fevrier 1858 is set in the ground slightly to the left under the sets before the Grotto. That morning the young girl and her friends had come here to this boggy, marshy, bleak spot looking for firewood. Bernadette had left her home in the Rue de Petits Fosses that February morning. Her father Francois had been a successful miller but by the start of 1858 he had spent time in prison-wrongfully accused, and he was out of work. The family were destitute and homeless. A relative offered them the cachot, a dingy building which had once been the town jail. Today the cachot is as it was the same as it was that fateful morning, bare, austere and sparsely furnished. Over the years Ive spent hours sitting there on a little three-legged stool, we were so busy this year I never got to go up the town. Being busy in Lourdes is not a task or a burden, its truly a privilege and in reality an honour. When I went in 2008 Tom Fitzgibbon of Killeagh asked me to come over the bridge to the Acceuiel (Guest House/Hospital) , I knew Tom from GAA activity. He said to me that evening Youll keep coming back here, how right he was! Each year many of the same men and women helpers return to Lourdes to help with the Pilgrimage. Each year also we take a number of Youth Helpers, all from secondary schools at home. It a unique experience for these teenagers and this year we had an outstanding group. They probably travelled to Lourdes thinking it would be all about prayer and sure enough prayers, processions and Masses are central to the Pilgrimage and are at the heart of the Lourdes experience. What our young people do each year is simply amazing. They are there for our Assisted Pilgrims to push a wheelchair or a voiture, to walk and talk, laugh, sing and dance with everyone. Truly they are taken from their comfort zone and they love it, hopefully we will see many of them back in years to come as adult helpers. For our Healing Mass on the Tuesday we were in the Notre Dame Chapel, outside the main Domain and a new venue for all of us. Its ever and always such an emotional and powerful celebration. Truly I cannot describe the feeling of strength and warmth which flows from the priests hands when the Holy Oils are put on the palms and forehead. This year it was especially powerful and tearful for me as Mgr. Ned Goold was the priest who administered the Sacrament to me. He was one of my teachers in St Colmans half a century ago and for five years from 1927 his mother, then Johanna Kelleher, taught in Bartlemy National School. I love a sing song and so on a few evenings we gathered in The Little Flower for a lovely social gathering. In Lourdes on a Pilgrimage time flies, the days are long from before 8 in the morning til late but no one complains. I paid a brief visit to the grave of Sister Marie Terese O Connell the Irish Poor Clare nun who died her in 2015 and, as I had promised her, sang a verse of The Banks for her. Strange and wonderful things always happen in Lourdes and 2024 was no different. I was often asked to a meeting, a party or a wedding but invitations to funerals are rare enough! On the Monday afternoon we had the High and Low Stations of the Cross. I was in a group of about 20, young and old, healthy and ill, some in wheelchairs. Led by one of our priests we followed the Journey of Jesus from when he was condemned to death right through until the very end. At each Station our Spiritual Leader gave a unique insight into the mystery of life, suffering, pain, death and resurrection. At the 14th Station where Jesus Is Laid In The Tomb he took us aback I want ye all to come to my funeral he told us and let ye all take a hand at shovelling in the earth and if anyone questions ye tell em ye were invited to the funeral in Lourdes in June 2024. Thats Lourdes for you-what a place! By David Young, PA The leader of the Alliance Party has warned that her party is no longer going to tolerate Stormonts toxic and undemocratic veto system. Naomi Long used her manifesto launch to challenge the British and Irish governments to show leadership and drive change to the devolved structures in the North. She said the onus was on the next UK government to act, as she acknowledged that the parties currently holding the veto powers the DUP and Sinn Fein were unlikely to give up that leverage. The old saying is turkeys dont vote for Christmas if you can influence that kind of power and control, its unlikely youre going to put your hand up and say yes, lets give that away, lets give that leverage away, Ms Long told party supporters at the launch event on the outskirts of Belfast. But its incredibly toxic in terms of how we do business, that we still have that imbalance in terms of how we operate together. It doesnt enhance our ability to co-operate and collaborate and doesnt encourage people to come together to try and find shared solutions. It simply allows people to throw up roadblocks and I think it needs to change. Ms Longs cross-community party has long campaigned for reform to remove the veto power to collapse the institutions held by the biggest unionist and nationalist parties. Since 2017, both Sinn Fein and the DUP have pulled the plug on powersharing, meaning Northern Ireland has been without a devolved government for five of the last seven years. Alliance leader Naomi Long, centre, launched the manifesto with the partys Westminster candidates. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Buoyed by a series of election successes in recent years, Alliance has established itself as the third-largest party in the North a rise reflective of the growing middle ground in the region that does not vote on traditional orange and green lines. It goes into the election defending one seat North Down but is hopeful of making gains, with East Belfast and Lagan Valley key targets. Ms Long, who is running against DUP leader Gavin Robinson in East Belfast, said institutional reform was needed to end the cycle of crisis and collapse. She said the case for structural change was overwhelming. I dont think we need to win the intellectual arguments anymore, what were looking for is some courage in terms of the parties in Dublin and London to show leadership to make this change happen, so people in Northern Ireland can have confidence in their political institutions and know that when they vote for somebody, therell be a government for them to go into, she said. Naomi Long said the case for structural change was overwhelming. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Alliances Leading Change manifesto also prioritises securing a new financial deal for Northern Ireland, with an improved funding model for the allocation of resources to the region. The party is also seeking a review of existing and potential revenue-raising levers for Stormont and consideration of the devolution of more tax-varying powers to the devolved administration. The manifesto also calls for reform of government spending rules to free up funding to tackle climate change, a move the party says could facilitate a green new deal for the North. Alliance also wants the British government to commit more funding to integrated education in the region. Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, Stormont has a governance system that incorporates mutual veto powers, enabling blocs of unionist and nationalist MLAs to stop moves that otherwise command majority support and, in extreme circumstances, pull down the institutions and prevent them operating. The mechanisms were introduced during the peace process as a way of protecting minorities in Northern Irelands divided society. But Alliance insists the structures no longer reflect modern-day Northern Ireland and wants changes to voting systems within both the Assembly chamber and at the Executive table to ensure votes cast by MLAs who consider themselves neither unionist nor nationalist are given the same weight as others. Last year, Ms Long, who serves as Justice Minister at Stormont, warned she was prepared to test the legality of the existing devolved structures. Were conscious of the cost of vetoes in government of projects blocked and delayed because agreement cant be found, she told the manifesto launch in Carryduff. Those vetoes have held us back when there is a government wasted time, wasted resources, wasted money. But, worse than that, they have denied us government too often. And that is not sustainable. Its not acceptable. Its not democratic. And we are not going to tolerate it any longer. We will work for reform of the Stormont institutions to ensure that no single party can ever again collapse the Executive and Assembly, that all votes in that chamber count equally and that the abuse of vetoes is ended. Asked about the prospect of a Labour government in London, Ms Long said her job was to convince the party of the need to act. Naomi Long, right, said institutional reform was needed to end the cycle of crisis and collapse. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA My strongest argument to that is that if they dont make the change while things are stable and while theres a window of opportunity, they are storing up crises down the line, she said. We know that has been the pattern of the Assembly, not just in the last few years, but over the last 25 years we need to end that cycle of crisis and collapse. I dont want to see the UK government and the Irish Government flying into Stormont to try and cajole us all to go back and do the jobs that we said we wanted to do (after another collapse). I want them to work with us now, while were in government, to ensure that the instabilities are addressed. We have proposals to do that. If other parties have better proposals, lets see them. Lets have the discussion. But we have opened this debate. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The site of a derailed Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio on Feb. 15, 2023. NTSB / Handout via Xinhua The derailment of a freight train carrying hazardous materials in East Palestine, Ohio, last year was an environmental disaster. A new analysis of pollution and precipitation data has found that snow and rain samples collected from the Midwest to Maine and North Carolina after the crash contained high levels of pollutants, including the extremely toxic vinyl chloride, released during a controlled burn to prevent a potential explosion, reported The Guardian. In all, at least 16 states and southern Canada were affected over an area of 1.4 million square kilometers, AFP reported. On 3 February 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio. The accident and subsequent fire resulted in the emissions of large amounts of hazardous compounds to the ambient atmosphere over many days, the study said. About 50 train cars were involved in the accident, of which 38 derailed and at least 11 cars were carrying a variety of hazardous materials The cargo carried by the involved railroad cars included several volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including vinyl chloride, 2-butoxyethanol, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, etc. The precipitation samples were collected from 260 sites around the country as part of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). Finding high levels of toxic pollutants across such a large area was very surprising to the researchers, who had expected to find evidence of the fires from the crash 50 miles away, said lead author of the study David Gay, a researcher at University of Wisconsin and coordinator of NADP, as reported by The Guardian. We saw the chemical signal from this fire at a lot of sites and far away, Gay said. There was more than we ever would have guessed. The smell of chemicals lingered in the town of approximately 4,700 for weeks after the derailment. Gay said fires burning so long after the crash, as well as the vinyl chloride being so hot and concentrated which resulted in a tall plume reaching into the strong winds of the planets free troposphere caused the extensive spread of chemical pollution. Our measurements not only show the expected high chloride concentrations, but also the vast geographical area they covered, Gay said, as AFP reported. However, even more surprising are the unexpectedly high pH levels (more basic) and exceptionally elevated alkali and alkaline earth metals, exceeding the 99th percentiles of the last ten years of measurements. All of these pollutants are important in the environment because their accumulation has an impact on the Earths aquatic and terrestrial environments in many ways. Gay pointed out that the exceptionally high pH levels were found as far afield of the crash as northern Maine, reported The Guardian. Gay said the cargo on the train including cotton balls, semolina and frozen vegetables probably contributed to elevated pH levels because large volumes of potassium, calcium and magnesium were released. Firefighting foam used at the site could also have contributed calcium to the high pH. During the burn a low pressure system moved in across the region, pushing the pollution through Michigan and into Wisconsin. Gay said it was likely that all of the Great Lakes other than Lake Superior were affected. Chemical pollution levels were elevated for two weeks after the fires, then dropped off the third week. Gay said this was further evidence that its from the train wreck, The Guardian reported. This study demonstrates the important role of a nationwide network for routine precipitation monitoring, Gay emphasized, as reported by AFP. Our observations allowed us to determine the regional atmospheric impact from the accident and subsequent response activities. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. According to a new global survey of 75,000 people Peoples Climate Vote 2024 80 percent want their governments climate commitments to be stronger. The poll, conducted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), GeoPoll and Oxford University, posed 15 questions via telephone to residents of 77 countries that represented 87 percent of the global population, reported AFP. The Peoples Climate Vote is loud and clear. Global citizens want their leaders to transcend their differences, to act now and to act boldly to fight the climate crisis, said Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator, in a press release from UNDP. The survey results unprecedented in their coverage reveal a level of consensus that is truly astonishing. We urge leaders and policymakers to take note, especially as countries develop their next round of climate action pledges or nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. This is an issue that almost everyone, everywhere, can agree on. According to the survey, 89 percent of poorer countries were in favor of increasing efforts to curb global emissions, while 76 percent of wealthy G20 nations supported tougher climate action. The numbers were a bit lower from the planets biggest greenhouse gas emitters, with China at 73 percent and the United States at 66 percent backing more fervent measures to combat global heating. As world leaders decide on the next round of pledges under the Paris Agreement by 2025, these results are undeniable evidence that people everywhere support bold climate action. The Peoples Climate Vote has enlisted the voices of people everywhere including amongst groups traditionally the most difficult to poll. For example, people in nine of the 77 countries surveyed had never before been polled on climate change. The next two years stand as one of the best chances we have as the international community to ensure that warming stays under 1.5. We stand ready to support policymakers in stepping up their efforts as they develop their climate action plans through our Climate Promise initiative, said Cassie Flynn, UNDPs global director of climate change, in the press release. Some of the highest numbers were in Brazil where 85 percent were in favor of strengthening climate commitments Iran with 88 percent and Italy with 93 percent. Among five big emitters Canada, France, Germany, Australia and the U.S. women were more in support of stronger climate action by 10 to 17 percent. The survey also showed a worldwide majority 72 percent in support of a fast fossil fuel phaseout, including in nations that are in the top 10 largest coal, oil and gas producers. Just seven percent of those polled globally thought their government should not transition away from fossil fuels at all. Climate change is definitely on the minds of people throughout the world. The poll found that 56 percent of people were thinking about it on a regular basis daily or weekly with 63 percent of those living in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). More than half of those polled 53 percent also said they worried more about climate change this year than last year. Worldwide, 69 percent indicated that their big life decisions, such as where to work or live, were impacted by the climate crisis. In LDCs the proportion was higher at 74 percent and lower in Northern and Western Europe at 52 percent and North America at 42 percent. A survey of this size was a huge scientific endeavour. While maintaining rigorous methodology, special efforts were also made to include people from marginalised groups in the poorest parts of the world. This is some of the very highest quality global data on public opinions on climate change available, said Professor Stephen Fisher of University of Oxfords Department of Sociology in the press release. (Photo: World Council of Churches / Peter Williams)Traditional style offering at the 8th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Harare, Zimbabwe, Dec. 3-14 1998. Morning Worship: Offering for Hurricane Victims in Central America. Eight people have died after a bus carrying 62 Anglican pilgrims visiting a shrine dedicated to Saint Bernard Mizeki in Marondera, near the Zimbabwean capital Harare, caught fire. The pilgrims were returning June 16 from the annual Bernard Mizeki commemorations, a significant event that attracts tens of thousands of people each year, La Croix International reported. Saint Bernard Mizeki was an African Christian missionary and martyr who died on June 18, 1896. Bernard Mizeki (sometimes spelt Bernard Mzeki; c. 1861 18 June 1896) was a missionary and martyr. Born in Mozambique, he moved to Cape Town, attended an Anglican school, and became a Christian. "Along with other diocesan leaders, we went to the scene of the accident," Anglican Bishop Erick Ruwona of the Manicaland diocese said in a statement. While "54 pilgrims survived the fire... we are deeply saddened to confirm that eight pilgrims are still missing, and we fear they perished in the blaze," he said. The bus caught on fire Sunday night, triggering the pilgrims' deaths, who, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said, were "burned beyond recognition." "We have not been able to identify the deceased individuals; DNA analysis will be required. Two people are also missing," he said. The cause of the fire remains unknown. 'BUS HAD NO FITNESS CERTIFICATE' However, after visiting the scene on June 16, Felix Mhona, Zimbabwe's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, noted that "the bus operator openly admitted that the bus did not have a fitness certificate, meaning it was not roadworthy." "A bus without a fitness certificate should not be used to transport people, and the police will arrest the bus owner and driver as part of the investigation," he said. The police spokesperson said that the company's other buses have been banned from operating immediately. The Diocese of Manicaland is working closely with authorities, "including the prosecutor's office, police, and emergency services, to establish all details of the accident and provide support and assistance to the affected families." "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic event. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult time." Anglican leaders are also calling on all members of their community and the public to pray for and offer support and assistance to the families affected by this tragedy. The Herald newspaper reported that 66 people were on the bus, and 58 manged to escape. Of Zimbabwe's population of some 17 million about 80 percent of them are Christians. Want more? Subscribe to our premium service! Key Energy News offers carefully selected global news on a wide selection of energy topics - tax, price, supply, contract, forecast, energy market and policy to name a few - in the form of a daily, weekly or monthly newsletter. Benefit from our powerful search functionalities, query capabilities, archive browsing & saving capabilities and enhanced preference options. Take advantage of our free trial! The Senate has passed a sweeping bill that includes a lot of incentives for nuclear energy. The Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act passed in a vote, 88 to 2. The earlier version of the bill also garnered bipartisan support in the House of Representatives earlier this year. Those incentives will include financial awards for the first companies to upcycle recycled nuclear waste. The bill will change the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, streamlining the application and regulatory process for new reactors. Following the bill's passage, US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works chairman Tom Carper said in a statement: "The ADVANCE Act will provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with the tools and workforce it needs to review new nuclear technologies efficiently while maintaining the NRC's critical safety mission and creating thousands of jobs." Senators Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey were the two opposing votes, with the latter arguing that the ADVANCE Act turns the NRC into a facilitator rather than a regulator. "This bill puts promotion over protection, and corporate profits over community clean-up," Markey stated. Environmental groups have reacted strongly both for and against the bill. Dr. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) said in a statement : Make no mistake: This is not about making the reactor licensing process more efficient, but about weakening safety and security oversight across the board, a longstanding industry goal. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed Pornhub to leave five more states over age-verification laws More than 1,000 students pledge not to work at Google and Amazon due to Project Nimbus Sennheiser Momentum Sport review: Fitness earbuds that lack finesse You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! A super slim travel companion for almost any gadget. Engadget For just $80, Logitechs Keys-To-Go 2 is a surprisingly versatile universal travel keyboard. Its battery lasts a long time, it has a handy built-in cover, and it is easy to use between multiple devices. Its also incredibly thin. Niche, yes. Good, yes. Continue reading. Hes seeking a statewide school phone ban. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has issued a statement supporting efforts to restrict the use of smartphones in schools within the state. He did so mere hours before board members of Los Angeles school district voted to pass a proposal for a school phone ban. Newsom said he will work with lawmakers "to restrict the use of smartphones during the school day" this summer, because children and teens "should be focused on their studies not their screens." While LA's board members ultimately passed the proposal for a phone ban, two members voted against it. One told The New York Times that he voted no because teachers are already having difficulties imposing existing restrictions. He added that parents need to be able to contact their children during emergencies, like school shootings. And that is bleak. Continue reading. Bilbo Crossing. Wera The march of big-budget Tolkien fantasy has hit gaming yet again. While ignoring Gollums misadventures, another game, Tales of the Shire, offers a gentler, low-stakes way to play in the universe of Bagginses, lembas bread, and Gandalf. Dont expect fighting of any kind, but if youre looking for a gentle Animal Crossing / Stardew Valley experience, this might hit the spot. Continue reading. Kevin Costner has fond memories of Prince William. The "Yellowstone" actor topped People's annual 100 Reasons to Love America issue. In an interview with the magazine, he recounted the time he met the future king. The Oscar winner was told that the heir apparent wanted to have a private meeting with him years ago, and he agreed. "I happened to be in England, and I got this message that the prince would love to talk, and I said, 'What?'... and then I went, 'Okay,' "Costner told People. Recalling the incident, the "Waterworld" star said he had nothing but "fond memories" of Prince William, how the royal approached him, and the things they discussed during their meeting. For him, Prince William was "very sweet" and "quite a young man." During their chat, Prince William also shared that his late mom, Princess Diana, "fancied" the "Bodyguard" actor. "We met in this room, and it was just us," Costner shared. "He walked up, and we shook hands... The first line out of his mouth was, 'You know, my mom kind of fancied you.'" Years earlier, Costner had been in contact with Princess Diana for "The Bodyguard" sequel, his hit 1992 film opposite Whitney Houston. "There was a moment that that was really flying down the tracks, very quietly, because it's how I operate," Costner said. In the same interview, Costner shared the potential plot of the "Bodyguard" sequel. The script was reportedly written at the time of her death in August 1997. Costner is supposed to reprise his role as former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer, visiting Hong Kong to look after a prized racehorse. There, he will meet Princess Diana and be drawn into her orbit. "He's on a plane, Princess Di's upfront, everyone has to get off the plane," Costner explained the sequel's plot, per Us Weekly. "Di goes off the plane first, she goes into Hong Kong because she's going to this [horse] race too." "Princess Di, I meet her the next day at a party and I'm looking at her like everybody else. And she finally walks over and goes, 'I know who you are!' And I said, 'What the f-k are you talking about?' She goes, 'I know you're here to watch over me.' And I said, 'No, I'm not actually. I'm watching over a horse,'" Costner continued. "In the story, she had broken with the royal family." According to the actor, Sarah Ferguson introduced him to Princess Diana. Costner also found the Duchess of York "so sweet" for setting up the meeting between him and the late Princess of Wales. "Sarah was very cool... when she could have been going, 'Well, I'm a princess too. What about me?' She didn't do that at all. Diana and I began to talk," he said. Rapper 23 Brazy was taken into police custody for her alleged involvement in the Franklin shooting last year. On Tuesday, the rapper -- real name Tashawnda Nicole Drayton -- was arrested in the 3200 block of Brookside Drive at Brookside Square Apartments in Boykins, Virginia, after being on the run for months after allegedly killing 10-year-old La'Marj Holden and injuring a 37-year-old man in a shooting incident in August 2023, WTKR News 3 reported. "Her family member came out, and I heard Drayton's voice from the top of the stairs saying she was coming out, and she came down the stairs and surrendered," Robert Bowers of the U.S. Marshals Service told WTKR News 3 of Drayton's arrest, saying that a relative was hiding her. The woman accused of killing a 10-year-old boy in Franklin, who's been on the run for months, was arrested on Tuesday. Tashawnda Drayton, also known as "23 Brazy," was wanted on charges of first-degree murder in connection to the death of 10-year-old La'Marj Holden. pic.twitter.com/n3Br9SNe9o WTKR News 3 (@WTKR3) June 18, 2024 "They could be charged with harboring a fugitive or aiding and abetting a fugitive," Bowers added. Aside from the first-degree murder charges, she was reportedly charged with "attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, threat to burn or damage a building, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharge a firearm in a public place." The shooting Drayton was involved in took place on Aug. 9, 2023. At the time, four people, including the rapper, reportedly showed up in the 300 block of Artis Street and argued with a man. The argument reportedly led to Drayton shooting the man. "I was sitting in my front room watching TV and I heard 4 or 5 shots, 'bam, bam, bam, bam', about 4 or 5 times. It's really sad, upsetting, sad," said a witness named Betty, who was friends with Holden's grandmother, at the time. "[As] soon as I looked out the window, a bullet came flying in my room, so I dug down [and] came outside to see what's going on. [The] next thing I see is a little kid laying on the ground shot, killed. Another guy was wounded," recalled a neighbor. After the shooting incident, a warrant was issued for Drayton's arrest. Before she got arrested on Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals put up a search for her with a $10,000 to $20,000 reward. Pusha T has broken his silence on the shoutout Kendrick Lamar gave him in his Drake diss track, "Euphoria." In the track, Lamar referenced Drake's 2018 feud with Pusha T, who won their rap beef by revealing the existence of the "God's Plan" hitmaker's once-unclaimed son, Adonis. "Let me see you push a T," Lamar raps in "Euphoria." Pusha T gave Lamar's verse his seal of approval after being asked about the "Euphoria" name-drop during an interview with Vulture alongside his older brother No Malice. "Incredible. Incredible display. Incredible display of battle raps. Listen man, Kendrick ...," the 47-year-old rapper, whose real name is Terrence LeVarr Thornton, told the outlet. No Malice chimed in by calling Lamar's verse "a master class" in rapping. Pusha T's beef with Drake began after the latter got involved in the Clipse member's feud with Lil Wayne, according to Billboard. Pusha T and Drake began exchanging subtle disses, starting with the former's 2011 track "Don't F**k With Me." They continued their feud with "Exodus 23:1," "Tuscan Leather," "H.G.T.V Freestyle," and "Two Birds, One Stone" until Pusha T dropped his scathing diss track, "The Story of Adidon." In the 2018 track, Pusha T revealed that Drake had a secret son named Adonis. Six years later, Lamar kickstarted his rap beef with Drake with the verse, "Motherf**k the big three, n***a, it's just big me," on Metro Boomin and Future's "Like That" in March. It appeared to be a response to Drake and J. Cole's song "First Person Shooter," in which the latter raps: "Love when they argue the hardest MC / Is it K. Dot? Is it Aubrey? Or me? / We the big three, like we started a league." Following Lamar's diss, J. Cole fired back with "7 Minute Drill" but later apologized and bowed out of the battle. Drake, however, released the diss tracks "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle," to which Lamar responded by calling his rival a "master manipulator and habitual liar" in "Euphoria." Lamar went on to accuse Drake of having a secret daughter and pursuing underage girls in the tracks "6:16 in LA," "Meet the Grahams" and "Not Like Us." Drake denied Lamar's claims in his final release in their rap beef, "The Heart Part 6." Our Long Read articles take a deep dive into a topic of scientific importance: this month, research into high-pressure superconductivity has amazing potential, but is mired by ambiguous results. The ESRF can help shed light on the field. This article was first published in the June issue of the ESRFnews magazine. There is no subject in materials science that has generated quite so much recent excitement and controversy as high-temperature superconductivity. In the last few years, the field has been set alight with results for a series of high-pressure materials that superconduct closer and closer to room temperature, the longstanding goal. At the same time, there have been false starts, confusion and in the case of one high-profile scientist alleged fraud. Superconductivity is a hot topic for a good reason. Get it to work successfully in ambient conditions and it could well be a technological panacea a route to lossless electricity distribution, and a major weapon against climate change. Yet the direction of much of the latest research has been almost guaranteed to end in turmoil. High-pressure synthesis often produces complex, mixed-phase samples, so that it is not always clear what is actually being studied. It also requires specialist experimental knowledge, meaning there is less scope for results to be reproduced independently. Worst of all, its very nature interferes with the key tests upon which claims of superconductivity can be made. This is where the ESRF can help. Fed by the EBS source, beamlines such as ID15B and ID27 are able to extract crystallographic data at micron resolution, so that the makeup of samples is clear, no matter how heterogeneous they are. They can also do this repeatedly at an array of temperatures and pressures, to expose how complex changes in structure relate to the emergence of superconductivity. Best of all, the ESRF has its own specialist tools and expertise, so that even users without them can get involved. We want to have more people working in this field, says Gaston Garbarino, the ESRF scientist in charge of ID15B. And now we have tools that are extremely powerful, to perform full crystallographic analysis in all samples at extreme conditions. We can solve the crystal structures and, importantly, obtain results that are reproducible. Long journey The history of superconductivity goes back to 1911, when the Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes discovered that at just four degrees above absolute zero the electrical resistance of mercury vanishes. Over the next few decades, the same phenomenon was found in several other metals, but it was not until nearly half a century after Kamerlingh Onness original discovery that a trio of US physicists, John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and John Robert Schrieffer, figured out why it occurred. According to BCS theory, which was named after their initials, an electron travelling through a conductor attracts nearby positive atomic nuclei. This higher density of positive charge attracts another electron, and the two electrons become connected as a so-called Cooper pair. In this way, the electrons become immune from lattice vibrations, as each electron can balance any random kicks suffered by its partner. The result is that they travel without resistance, and the ordinary conductor becomes a super conductor. Conventional superconductivity usually occurs at very low temperatures. That is because at higher temperatures, atomic lattices have enough energy to overpower the distortions of positive charge required for Cooper pairing. The maximum operating temperature of conventional superconductors is not set in stone, though, for if the atoms are less massive, it is easier for the conducting electrons to attract them, and thereby preserve the Cooper pairing when the lattice has more energy. On that basis, a lattice made of solid metallic hydrogen, the lightest element, theoretically ought to superconduct easily at room temperature, but scientists have been trying and failing to make that happen for decades. A turning point came in the late 2000s, when theorists Neil Ashcroft and Roald Hoffmann predicted that hydrogen combined with other elements could be a realistic alternative to metallic hydrogen. Their prediction was proved correct in 2015, when a group led by Mikhail Eremets at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany, synthesised hydrogen sulfide (H 3 S) at a pressure of 90 GPa, and claimed that it turned superconducting at a record 203 K (83C). Then came the synthesis of superhydrides, starting with FeH 5 at the ESRF (see Figure 1). Another superhydride based on lanthanum (LaH 10 ) turned out to be very promising. In 2019, a group led by Russell Hemley at the University of Illinois Chicago in the USA claimed that it turned into a superconductor at a pressure of around 200 GPa and a temperature of 260 K (13C). Fig. 1: In 2017, a group led by Paul Loubeyre at the CEA and the Universite Paris-Saclay in France synthesised and studied FeH 5 , the first ever superhydride, at the ESRF. Their X-ray diffraction results allowed them to construct models of how increasing pressure allows more and more hydrogen to be packed into an iron hydrides structure, until above 130 GPa and the formation of FeH 5 , in which the hydrogen forms metallic slabs between quasi-cubic FeH 3 units [1]. Though it is debated, and awaiting experimental investigation, some theoretical studies have suggested that this buried metallic hydrogen within FeH 5 could make the material a superconductor. The attainment of room-temperature superconductivity looked to be just a matter of time and so it was, apparently, in two extraordinary claims by a group led by Ranga Dias at the University of Rochester in New York, USA. The first claim was for a compound made of carbon, sulfur and hydrogen (CSH), which was said to superconduct at a pressure of 267 GPa and a temperature of about 287 K (14C), while the second was for lutetium hydride doped with nitrogen, which was said to work at just 1 GPa and 294 K (21C). However, both papers were soon retracted due to concerns over data integrity, and this year an internal investigation at Rochester reportedly found Dias guilty of misconduct. While the Dias case has been exceptional, his claims are not the only ones to have come under close scrutiny. The trouble is that the two major signatures of superconductivity plummets in electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility are both very difficult to observe in high-pressure experiments. If it follows a strong theoretical prediction, an experimental claim is much more persuasive, but that relies on a positive match between theoretical and experimental crystal structures. In the past, due to limitations in beam focusing, synchrotron X-ray diffraction in extreme conditions has not had the resolution to discern different structures within highly heterogeneous samples. A new brilliance That has changed with the ESRFEBS. Thanks to the extremely low emittance and high brilliance of the upgraded light source, beamlines such as ID15B and the newly refurbished ID27 are able to focus X-ray beams down to less than a micrometre, making it possible to record high-quality diffraction patterns from even the smallest individual crystals at extreme pressures and temperatures. The power of the single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) technique was demonstrated earlier this year, when researchers at the University of Bayreuth came to the ESRF to study a promising system, yttrium and hydrogen, at pressures from 87 to 171 GPa, and discovered five previously unknown phases [2]. A recent study by the long-term user Leonid Dubrovinsky (above) and colleagues has shown just how complex high-pressure samples can be. Photo: ESRF/S.Cande According to one of the team members, Dominique Laniel at the University of Edinburgh in the UK, the new phases were unanticipated by theory, and could very well not have ever been discovered at all had the researchers not come to the ESRF. Using ID27, ID15B and ID11, the very high flux and small beam sizes allowed us to identify and solve the crystal structure of even the tiniest crystallites, he says. Such beam properties have other benefits too, Laniel adds. When measuring electrical resistivity, a fine map of the sample cavity can expose whether there is actually a path from electrode to electrode comprised of the same phase, or whether there are heterogeneities. Moreover, the high flux opens up the unprecedented possibility so long as the electron count of the other elements is not too high of directly determining the position of hydrogen atoms in the structural model, which is usually very difficult with synchrotron data. ESRF SCXRD will help to clarify the structures of other complex hydride systems. Whatever the structure of a sample, however, superconductivity must still be established. Difficulties with the usual direct measurements of electrical resistivity, usually noise, can to some extent be assuaged with the use of indirect, alternating-current techniques. But measurements of magnetic susceptibility are inherently tough, as the diamond anvil cells (DACs) used to generate extreme pressures will always themselves have a residual magnetic response. Back in 2016, Eremets and colleagues designed a novel way to circumvent this problem, in which they immersed a foil enriched with the tin isotope 119Sn in a sample of H 3 S, before placing the lot in a DAC. Once at the correct pressure and temperature, the researchers subject the device to synchrotron Mossbauer spectroscopy at the ESRFs former ID18 beamline. Specific probe Mossbauer spectroscopy is unique in that it can measure the nuclear resonance from a specific isotope in this case the 119Sn while ignoring any other source of magnetism. In this way, Eremets and colleagues could unambiguously demonstrate the expulsion of the magnetic field by the surrounding H 3 S when it reached a relatively high temperature, and thereby prove its superconductivity beyond doubt [3]. The experiment is difficult to perform, but with the completed three-year transfer and upgrade of the Mossbauer beamline to the ESRFs ID14 port, scientists have the benefit of an order-of-magnitude resolution boost, from 10 m to 0.8 m. Now, instead of studying the entire sample in integral, one can map a sample, giving a two-dimensional profile of a superconducting state, says Alexander Chumakov, the scientist in charge of ID14. Mossbauer spectroscopy is not the only way to study magnetism within DACs. In the past few years, groups led by Jean-Francois Roch and Paul Loubeyre at the Universite Paris-Saclay in France and others have been developing a method that exploits a defect in diamonds known as the nitrogen vacancy (NV) centre. The ability of an NV to fluoresce in a microwave field is dependent on its spin, the energy of which, in turn, depends on an external magnetic field. Therefore, performing microwave spectroscopy at a diamond anvil tip within a DAC allows the mapping of the contained samples magnetism. In 2020, Loubeyre and colleagues demonstrated that a compact NV magnetic microscope could be installed on an XRD platform at the SOLEIL synchrotron in France. Now that ID27 is up and running, he plans to bring the system to the ESRF, to have the best in structure and magnetism detection in superconducting hydride research. Both techniques have a similar micrometre space resolution, he says. Anna Pakhomova, beamline scientist at ID27, helps users to prepare high-pressure superconductivity experiments. Photo: ESRF/S.Cande So far, all the superconducting hydrides investigated experimentally stabilize at high pressures, up to around 300 GPa, which is more or less the squeeze present at the centre of the Earth. Naturally, such pressures rule out practical applications, whatever the transition temperature. For that reason, much of the new focus is on compounds of hydrogen with more than one other element so-called ternary or quaternary hydrides. Indeed, some of the very first studies of ternary hydrides have been performed at the ESRF. The hope is that we can obtain a superhydride superconductor that is metastable at ambient pressure, says Loubeyre. A few have already been predicted by ab initio calculations. Of course, all synchrotrons can perform measurements at high pressures and temperatures, says Garbarino. But here at the ESRF with the machine, the new beamlines, the new detectors and the on-hand sample environments were in a privileged situation. Text Jon Cartwright References [1] C.M. Pepin et al., Science 357, 382 (2017); https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan0961 [2] A. Aslandukova et al., Sci. Adv. 10, eadl5416 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adl5416 [3] I. Troyan et al., Science 351(6279), 1303 (2016); https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aac8176 Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement Wednesday that pledges mutual aid if either country faces aggression, a strategic pact that comes as both face escalating standoffs with the West. Details of the deal were not immediately clear, but it could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. The US is pushing Japan and the Netherlands to further restrict chipmaking equipment to China, a Reuters source said. US export policy chief Alan Estevez is reportedly headed for Japan, where hell press policymakers to tighten export controls. Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Delegates from approximately 90 countries across the world met in Burgenstock, Switzerland on June 15-16 to attend the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. According to the BBC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hoped to use the summit to battle [Russias] full-scale invasion with full-scale diplomacy and get as broad support as possible for a peace plan shaped by Ukraine. The BBC further reported that on the eve of the summit, Putin stated clearly that he had no intention to withdraw his troops from Ukraine, setting up a counter peace proposal that amounted to a call for Ukraines capitulation. Russia was not invited to participate in the summit. China, Russias closest ally, and Pakistan were invited but both chose not to attend. Of the countries represented at the summit, eight refused to sign on to the communique that was issued at the end of the conference. Among them were the usual suspects: Brazil, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. The nations that did not back the communique gave a variety of reasons for withholding their support. A few of them cited Russias absence. In South Africas case, it was unhappiness about the presence of Israel. One South African delegate is said to have issued a statement questioning the legitimacy of a communique that its sponsors argued was driven by respect for international law when Israel has been accused by many UN officials of violating international law. The lies and hypocrisy of these people are quite disorienting. In the period from March 2022 to February 2023, there were six major U.N. General Assembly resolutions condemning Russias unprovoked attack on Ukraine. South Africa did not vote in favor of a single one of them. The last of those votes was taken eight months before the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the current Israel-Hamas war. What was South Africas justification for voting against all those U.N. motions? The South Africans pretend not to notice that Russia has been sitting inside the U.N. Security Council chamber throughout the last couple of years participating in proceedings, as if it were a normal country, while its forces commit war crimes in Ukraine. Those atrocities have prompted the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue a warrant for the arrest of Vladimir Putin. Why does South Africa seem so unbothered by Russias war crimes, while at the same time saying that it doesnt want to be in a room with Israel because it is a violator of international law? It has been abundantly clear since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war that, with the exception of the West and its allies, most countries, particularly those in the Global South, consider the conflict none of their business. In fact, they blame the West for causing it, and will continue to make excuses for Putin. So why do Western leaders keep wasting so much time and energy calling for these votes at the U.N.? Likewise, President Zelensky should know by now that he is never going to convince any of these countries to back Ukraine. When leaders of the day understood the maximalist goals of Hitler in the late 1930s, they realized that no amount of compromising would satisfy him. It dawned on them that they needed to focus their minds and resources on defeating him on the battlefield. Putin may not be Hitler, but he has a fixed position: either Ukrainians do what he wants, or he will kill them and destroy their country. That is not someone to be negotiated with. This is no time to be running beauty contests at the U.N. and elsewhere to determine which country is more popular, Ukraine or Russia. After all, it is not as if those Global South countries being courted have any money or military equipment to contribute to the war effort in Ukraine. If they did, or had their way, most would likely aid Russia anyway. Taken together, this entire dance seems to be in pursuit of bragging rights. Putin is a tyrant who doesnt care about the number of votes people cast against him in any venue. The sooner Western leaders, their allies, and the Ukrainians realize this, the better. ASHLAND, Ohio The Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District will host Know Your Nutrient Plan Conservation Chat on Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. at the Ashland SWCD office, 110 Cottage Street, Ashland, Ohio, to provide hands-on instruction for farmers interested in nutrient management plans. The event is for farmers who are enrolled in the states H2Ohio expansion and those interested in learning more about the program. The program will use the MyFarms platform to manage on-farm data. Producers are asked to bring their soil test results and planned crop rotations as well as iPads or laptops if they have them. The district will have extra computers and iPads available for the sessions. Ashland SWCD Water Quality Specialist Cora Crilow, Conservation Specialist Katie Eikleberry, Watershed Assistant Joe Christner and Ashland SWCD Director Jane Houin will all be in attendance to help producers with their nutrient management plans and reporting requirements. Nikki Hawk, from the Ohio Agricultural Conservation Initiative, will also discuss OACIs role in H2Ohio programming and how farmers can certify their enrolled fields. The H2Ohio nutrient management program gives farmers $10/acre in cost share dollars to develop nutrient management plans for the 2025 and 2026 crop years. Once their plans are developed, participating producers can enroll those same acres in H2Ohio to carry out their plans in 2025 and 2026. Pizza and pop will be provided. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, call 419-281-7645 or email h2ohio@ashlandcounty.org LONDON, Ohio The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will host its 24th annual Manure Science Review on Aug. 6, at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, 135 State Route 38, London, Ohio, for farmers crop consultants, soil conservation workers and others. The Manure Science Review will feature speakers and field demonstrations from Ohio State educators and other companies and institutions related to farming. The event will kickoff with a presentation from representatives of the Ohio Department of Agriculture who will provide H2Ohio updates as well as best practices for manure application by Frances Springer. Will Osterholz, from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will also speak on the effects of manure placement on subsurface drainage. Following Springer, a panel discussion about the 360 Rain unit for liquid manure application will take place. The panel will feature Justin Koch, from 360 Yield Center; Taylor Pulver, from Rooted Agri Services; Andrew Klopfenstein, from the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Ryan Schmitmeyer, from Owl Creek Dairy. Additionally, demonstrations from OSU faculty members will take place. The demonstrations will begin with a manure spill mitigation by Springer and OSU Extension professional Glen Arnold. FABE professor and chair Scott Shearer and Klopfenstein will put on an autonomous tractor display, and OSU Extension educator Amanda Douridas will showcase an easy method for calibrating a dry manure applicator. The final two demonstrations will be a collaborative effort between Ohio State, ODA and 360 Yield Center that will show in-season animal nutrient and water application as a way to reduce nutrient losses while improving profitability with higher grain yields. Equipment in these demonstrations will be from 360 Rain hardware, which supports traditional irrigation methods by delivering water, nutrients and fungicides directly to the base of the plant. Shearer, Koch and Schmitmeyer will display the 360 Rain base station, well and injection site. Klopfenstein and Pulver will end the day with a 360 Rain unit field demonstration. Tickets to the 2024 Manure Science Review are $25 per person through July 19 and $30 per person after July 19. The program will include coffee and donuts and lunch. To register, visit go.osu.edu/msr-2024. For questions, contact Mary Wicks at wicks.14@osu.edu. LEBANON, Pa. The Pennsylvania Cattlemens Association will host its annual Beef Summer Field Day on Aug. 10 at Wen-Crest Farms, 549 Schaeffer Road, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The event will feature several speakers including Ron Gill, professor and extension livestock specialist from Texas A&M University, who will discuss Stockmanship and Stewardship. Gill has won multiple awards in the beef industry education sector and focuses on low-stress livestock handling. Additionally, Derrell Peel, an ag economics professor and extension specialist for livestock marketing from Oklahoma State University, will give a presentation on Cattle Markets and Outlook. Peel works in all fields of beef livestock production economics and marketing. He also specializes in international cattle and beef trade, particularly in the Mexican cattle and beef industry. During lunch, several beef-related organizations will give updates, including an update from the National Cattlemens Beef Association. Afterward, Dr. Mitch Blanding, director of Beef Technical Services with Zoetis, will give a presentation on Managing Cattle Health in High Markets. Blanding has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a masters degree in ruminant nutrition/physiology. Before joining Zoetis in 2003, he worked as a beef and equine practitioner in central Missouri and eastern Kansas for 10 years. The Beef Summer Field Day is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Cattlemens Association with support from the PA Beef Producers Working Group and NCBA. Arrival and registration will be open from 8-8:30 a.m. The final seminar will start at 1 p.m. To RSVP, email pca@pacattlemen.org or call 717-825-9824. Nanchang Railway Station enhances travel experience with improved facilities, services 11:08, June 20, 2024 By Zhang Kaiwei ( People's Daily Online Aerial photo shows Nanchang Railway Station in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Zhang Jie) Nanchang Railway Station, a major transportation hub in east China's Jiangxi Province, handled nearly 6.79 million passenger trips in the first five months of 2024, according to data from China Railway Nanchang Bureau Group. The station, which initially had only two platforms, five tracks, and a small waiting hall, has undergone extensive renovations over the past few decades. It now boasts 13 platforms, 16 tracks, 23 ticket windows, and improvements to its building structure, customer service, ticketing, and operating equipment, providing travelers with an enhanced experience. "We offer free wheelchairs or stretchers for passengers with disabilities," said Li Jun, a staff member at Nanchang Railway Station. "As for foreign tourists, even if we don't speak their language, we can use translation apps and do our best to help them." Aerial photo shows Nanchang Railway Station in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Zhang Jie) Photo shows a high-speed train at Nanchang Railway Station in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Zhang Mengfei) Photo taken on June 18, 2024, shows Li Jun, a staff member at Nanchang Railway Station in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, on her duty at the reception. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) Photo taken on June 18, 2024, shows Li Jun (middle), a staff member at Nanchang Railway Station in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, assisting a tourist. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) Photo taken on June 18, 2024, shows the waiting hall at Nanchang Railway Station in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) Photo taken on June 18, 2024, shows a free mobile phone charging area at Nanchang Railway Station in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) : ... Farmers are being asked to turn their fields purple in support of a charity working to help seriously ill children in the UK. Agricultural supplier Carrs Billington has announced it will again raise money for children's charity WellChild for 2024. After nearly 10 years of support, Carrs Billington has donated tens of thousands from the sale of its unique purple bale wrap and fundraising activities by staff. Another significant contribution will be made to the charity this year, and farming businesses are needed to help. For the 2024 campaign, farmers are being asked to create emoji-inspired displays with the wrap, and a large WellChild sticker must be prominently displayed. Once created, farmers - and the general public - are being urged to share pictures on social media using the hashtag #spottedpurple and tagging @CarrsBillington and @WellChild. Each time a person does this with a photo of different bales, they will be entered into a draw to win 200 of Carrs Billington vouchers. WellChild chief executive Colin Dyer thanked farmers for helping to support the charity's aims. "We would like to thank Carrs Billington and Zeus Packaging for their fantastic support over so many years for WellChild and the families we help across the UK. "The hay bale emojis are a fantastic sight in fields all across the country and the money which is raised by the farming community will go to support children with serious and complex health conditions to live a better, happier life. After surging prices in the first half of 2024, the sheep meat sector will now be challenged due to falling production and tight budgets impacting consumer demand. This is according to a new report by AHDB, which expects total sheep meat production to decline by 3% to 278,000 tonnes in 2024. A fall in the lamb crop impacting on slaughter levels of new season lambs is due to drive the decrease. The report also highlights that, despite a strong start to 2024, retail and foodservice demand for lamb will remain pressured by consumer budgets with consumption set to fall by 1% compared to 2023. Isabelle Shohet, AHDB analyst, said: The sheep meat sector will continue being put under pressure in the second half of 2024 with consumer budgets remaining tight and an anticipated reduction in retail promotion of lamb. Domestic lamb domestic prices may be supported for the remainder of 2024 by an anticipated fall in imports, coupled with further opportunities to export UK lamb to the EU, the report says. A drop in prices are being seen at the moment due to the supply coming through of new season lambs, AHDB explains. The sector is also past the typical peaks of demand for the year, such as Easter, which added strength to prices. Ms Shohet said: "We are unlikely to see continued strong consumer demand weve seen in the first half of the year, and supplies will be higher as the new season lamb crop continues to come forward. "However, prices will remain elevated when compared to recent years. The report notes that imports have grown in the first quarter of 2024 but are expected to slow for the remainder of the year. Exports have seen a slight yearly decline in the first quarter of 2024 and are expected to remain in decline given our falling domestic production. Hannah Waddingham feels "deeply privileged" to be performing the National Anthem ahead of the British Grand Prix. Hannah Waddingham will sing the National Anthem at the British Grand Prix The 'Ted Lasso' actress admitted getting to sing 'God Save the King' at Silverstone ahead of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix on 7 July is something she will never forget. She said in a statement: Its the most enormous pinch-me moment to perform the National Anthem ahead of this years race. I feel deeply privileged. "The atmosphere and excitement at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix last year was utterly electric and I cant wait to be a part of it again. I am immensely proud of my British roots and I will remember this honour all my life." And the 49-year-old star pledged her support to British drivers Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris. She added: Ill of course be cheering on our British drivers - The mighty Lewis, George and Lando Cmon Chaps! Lets DO this! The British Grand Prix will take place amid a four-day festival at the home of British motorsport. Kings of Leon will perform on Thursday 4 July, with Stormzy topping the bill the following evening. Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics with Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra will entertain crowds on the Saturday (06.07.24) before Rudimental close out proceedings on the final night. Other performers over the weekend include The Snuts, Self Esteem, Jordss, Ghetts, Anna De Ferran and Arielle Free. Tickets are on sale now. Hannah recently joked she has been "31-year overnight success" and is astounded by the fact that she has had the chance to work on movies with stars including Tom Cruise and Ryan Gosling. She said: "I'm a 31-year overnight success - that's a comedy in itself. "What has happened to me is ridiculous. It is lovely, but incredible. I am a firm believer in manifestation and I feel like I have been chucking things out there and someone has really been listening." She continued: "I finished 'The Fall Guy', got back to London, unpacked my cases, repacked a smaller case, flew to meet Tom Cruise. He met me on the tarmac and said: 'Let me take your bag (off) you.' It was mental. We flew in an Osprey (helicopter) over the sea and landed on a ship with 4,500 people waiting for us. "There have been so many pinch-me moments. All my dreams come true. But I know that I worked hard for this. For a long time, I had no life, so I don't take any of this lightly." Jon Hamm was "terrified" of proposing to Anna Osceola. Jon Hamm was scared to propose The 'Morning Show' actor tied the knot with the 36-year-old actress in June 2023, just a few months after they got engaged, and he admitted that because his parents had divorced when he was very young, he previously "didn't look at marriage as a thing" so was wary of venturing into the unknown. He told The Hollywood Reporter: "Obviously, my parents were not married long, so I dont have a model to look at and go, 'Oh, this is how one finds happiness.' "I just knew at a certain point I wanted to be with this person. But when I proposed, I was terrified. I was like, 'What am I doing?' " Asked what had "terrified" him, the 53-year-old star replied: "I dont know. I just remember feeling, 'This is really scary.' "Then going, 'Well, it probably means its worthwhile.' " The couple - who first met on the set of the 'Mad Men' finale, which aired in 2015, though they were not romantically linked until 2020 - tied the knot at Anderson Canyon in Big Sur, California, the site of the last episode of the advertising drama, and had a "perfect" day. Jon gushed: "My wedding day was perfect. Everybody I love was there. "It was so emotional, and it felt right. I was like, 'OK, I guess this is a thing.' "Again, it was like a reset, a reboot, a reframe, a reimagining, nine years later, almost to the day [of the 'Mad Men' finale.] So, its been great." The 'Fargo' actor and his wife are hoping to have children, but Jon is very aware he will be an "old dad". He said: "Its not lost on me that Im 53. I will be the old dad, but so it goes. "It could be a good thing. Well see." Remy Ma's son has been charged with murder. Remy Ma's son has been arrested for murder The 'Lean Back' rapper's 23-year-old offspring, Jayson 'Jace' Scott, and 22-year-old Richard Swygert were taken into custody on Tuesday (18.06.24) in connection with the shooting of Darius Guillebeaux, who lost his life aged 47 on 7 June 2021 In a statement to People magazine, the New York Police Department confirmed Scott had been charged with first and second-degree murder, as well as reckless endangerment in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Meanwhile, the other suspect has been charged with first-degree murder, reckless endangerment in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. It is unclear if either man had a prior connection to the victim. The shooting took place in Queens, with cops responding at the time to a 911 call about a man having been shot at the intersection of 148 Street and Rockaway Boulevard. A police statement reported: "Upon arrival, officers observed a 47-year-old male, unconscious and unresponsive, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest. "EMS responded to the location and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. The victim was later identified as Guillebeaux. Remy - whose real name is Reminisce Smith - has faced her own legal issues in the past and been arrested a number of times over the year. In 2007, she was sent to prison for six years following a shooting in New York which saw her found guilty on weapons, assault and attempted coercion charges. The 44-year-old rapper began her career as a member of the Terror Squad rap group in 1998 alongside the likes of Fat Joe and Big Pun. Ron Howard has paid a glowing tribute to Donald Sutherland. Ron Howard has heaped praise on Donald Sutherland The award-winning actor has passed away, aged 88, following a long illness, and Ron has taken to social media to pay tribute to Sutherland's career. The 70-year-old filmmaker wrote on X: "#RIPDonaldSutherland. I was blessed to direct him in #Backdraft. One of the most intelligent, interesting and engrossing film actors of all time. Incredible range, creative courage and dedication to serving the story and the audience with supreme excellence. (sic)" Edgar Wright has also taken to the micro-blogging platform to heap praise on Sutherland. The 50-year-old director - whose film credits include 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Baby Driver' - wrote: "RIP the great Donald Sutherland, a favourite actor and always fascinating screen presence. He starred in two of my very favourite and most influential films - Dont Look Now and the 1978 Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers. But that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his legendary filmography; a funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies, starting with his break-through in The Dirty Dozen, and then on an incredible run in the 70s, 80s and beyond with M*A*S*H, Kellys Heroes, Little Murders, Klute, Dont Look Now, The Day Of The Locust, Ordinary People and JFK, among many others. "I even adore his very early appearances in Dr Terrors House Of Horrors and The World Ten Times Over, as well as his very silly cameo in Kentucky Fried Movie. "I know many of you following me will feel the same way about this great screen legends passing, so please list your favourite Donald Sutherland films. "So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind. (sic)" MATSAPHA A suspect has been arrested in connection with the E60 million UNESWA fraud case. This was confirmed by Acting Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni. The police confirmed the arrest shortly after this publication had gathered that a Ministry of Labour and Social Security employee had been called in to assist the police regarding the UNESWA fraud case. The developments on the police investigations were revealed by the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Justice Thwala, during a press conference, which was held at Kwaluseni Campus conference room yesterday. The press conference was also attended by UNESWA Acting Registrar Richard Masuku and Bursar Mfanzile Dlamini, among others. The VC said they were not aware of the alleged E60 million UNESWA fraud case, until the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo visited the institution on Monday to introduce the 12-member task team to assess the state of affairs of the university, with the view of fully understanding the limitations and inadequacies. He said during the visit, the minister indicated that there was a case of E60 million fraud, which had been brought to his attention. Requested It is alleged that an individual requested the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to send the sum of about E60 million into his bank account, instead of that of the university. However, the anomaly was picked up before the money was transferred and the matter was reported to the police. During the press conference, the VC highlighted that it was their first time to hear about the matter. He said they took it upon themselves to investigate it, by enquiring from the various departments they work with, including government, in particular the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, together with the police. Today (yesterday), we were reliably informed that there is an employee from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security who is assisting the police with information regarding the matter, Professor Thwala said. He said they were waiting for the police to conclude their investigation, so that they could get an update about the matter. The administration of the university was asked if there was a link between the E60 million fraud case and the E7.7million fraud matter, which allegedly involves businessman Siyabonga David Dlamini, who had since been arrested. UNESWA Bursar Mfanzile Dlamini said, for now, it would be difficult for them to confirm if there was a link, or not, between the two incidents. Concluded We think once the police investigation has been concluded, this question will be answered, the bursar said. On another note, the administration was asked what the E60 million was meant for. The VC said in actual fact, the institution was not expecting this similar amount of money from government. He said this was because they had not yet registered incoming students, but such would be done in August 2024. Therefore, he said it was not clear what the money was meant for. He said they hoped the ongoing investigation by the police would clarify that. The release of Bridgerton Series 3, Part 2 on Netflix has seen fans celebrating the latest instalment of the beloved period drama in extravagant ways. This season, hailed as the most popular yet, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of romance, intrigue, and opulent settings. In an extraordinary display of fandom, Londoners have turned to Airtasker, a local services marketplace, to bring a touch of Bridgerton magic to their lives. Among the most talked-about requests is that of Danait, 20, from North London. Determined to make a grand entrance at a friend's Bridgerton viewing party, she posted a task offering 180 for two people to carry her in a Sedan chair, emulating a royal entourage. The Bridgeton Sedan Chair The "Pick-up and Delivery" category on Airtasker is typically one of the top three task categories in London, but Danait's request has given it a whole new meaning. She aimed to create an unforgettable experience, and her call was answered by George E., 23, from Chesham, and Michael G., 34, from Wiltshire. Both men donned regency attire and embraced their roles as Dukes for the evening. "This sounds awesome! Id love to do this task for you, the Bridgerton style is very cool," George, a part-time model and professional boxer, commented on the task posting. "I can bring a friend to assist. Available on the date and will make sure you make a great entrance!" Danait's request is just one example of the Bridgerton fever gripping the city. Other fans have also turned to Airtasker with their Bridgerton-themed desires. Faith S. is offering 100 for a Colin Bridgerton look-alike to attend a fancy-dress party with her and Jessica E. is offering 120 for a bespoke Bridgerton dress to be made. The Bridgerton phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down, and with Season 4 confirmed and in the works, its likely the fans will find ever more inventive ways to celebrate their favourite series. A fan arrives in stye Sri Lankan apparel exports to the European Union (EU) reached $417.814 million from January to April 2024. This trade performance raises hopes of better apparel shipments from Sri Lanka to the economic bloc throughout 2024. Outbound trade dipped last year after a surge in 2022. According to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro, the island country exported apparel worth $1,361.792 million in 2023. This shipment value dipped by 17.76 per cent from the $1,655.538 million recorded in 2022. Sri Lankan apparel exports to the EU reached $417.814 million from Jan-Apr, showing promise for the year. Overall, garment exports totalled $4,445.927 million in 2023, down from a peak of $5,512.597 million in 2022. Exports had previously been $4,973.962 million in 2021 and $3,943.156 million in 2020. Global demand surged post-COVID, peaking in 2022. Like other apparel-exporting countries, Sri Lankan garment exports peaked in 2022 over the last six years. Following COVID-related disruptions in 2020 and 2021, global garment and textile demand reached its peak. Sri Lankas garment exports to the EU were noted at $1,406.757 million in 2019. This figure dipped to $1,186.605 million in 2020 due to lockdowns and restrictions. After the easing of COVID protocols, shipments bounced back to $1,497.096 million in 2021, further increasing to $1,655.538 million in 2022. According to TexPro, Sri Lankas total garment exports to the world amounted to $1,441.060 million in the first four months of this year. Therefore, the EU accounts for 28.93 per cent of this total. Garment exports to the entire Europe were around $650 million in the same period, which was approximately 45 per cent of the total. Sri Lankas total garment exports amounted to $4,445.927 million in 2023, down from their peak of $5,512.597 million in 2022. In previous years, exports were recorded at $4,973.962 million in 2021, $3,943.156 million in 2020, and $5,210.227 million in 2019. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Starting July 1, 2024, South Africa's Revenue Service (SARS) and Customs will enforce new regulations on small orders entering the country. Clothing items valued at less than R500 (~$27.75) will now carry the same duties as larger orders. Currently, imported clothing packages worth over R500 face a 45 per cent import duty plus 15 per cent VAT, whereas parcels below this amount are charged about 20 per cent import duty and no VAT. Starting July 1, South Africa will impose the same duties on clothing items valued under $27.75 as those over this amount, which face a 45 per cent duty and 15 per cent VAT. Michael J Lawrence of the NCRF told F2F that he supports this move, expecting fairer competition and better consumer protection, though consumers may face higher prices. The government aims to level the playing field for local retailers by taxing clothing items bought from international e-commerce retailers and packaged in small quantities at the same rate as larger quantities. Concerns have been raised about Chinese high fashion e-commerce platforms, such as Temu and Shein, exploiting tax loopholes by shipping products in small quantities to benefit from lower import duties, according to local media reports. Michael J Lawrence, executive director of the National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF) of South Africa, exclusively spoke to Fibre2Fashion regarding the new regulations. He explained that the imposition of the 45 per cent VAT on packages under R500 addresses a long-standing oversight. Decades ago, the revenue system found it cumbersome to calculate duties on small parcels, applying either a zero rating or a 20 per cent rating instead of the correct 45 per cent duty and 15 per cent VAT. What we saw was there was a gap in the market that was being taken advantage of, but it became a market in the gap, a big market all by itself in the gap. So, a few thousand became many millions of parcels that had implications for revenue and for trade, said Lawrence. Lawrence anticipates that these new measures will level the playing field, making competition fairer for both local and offshore manufacturers who have been adhering to the full duty requirements. The substantial price differential had made competition difficult and unfair, particularly affecting local retail. When asked how these new tax measures will affect South African consumers, he acknowledged that consumers who have benefitted from lower prices due to the gap in the market would face price increases. However, this change is expected to result in a more accountable market and better consumer protection. As part of the bigger picture, what we should see is essentially a more accountable operation available to the South African consumer. Going forward, we remain concerned about offshore operators who don't have a local presence because our consumer protection legislation is very good here, Lawrence added. Regarding the competitive landscape for local retailers, Lawrence asserted that South African retail, particularly clothing retail, has always been highly competitive. He expects this competitiveness to continue, with efforts to offer the best deals to consumers, whether products are bought from shelves or online. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) Vietnams exports are projected to grow by 10-12 per cent in the year ahead, with trade surplus reaching $21-$24 billion, according to Junes macroeconomic report released by MB Securities Company (MBS). The countrys May exports were worth $33.8 billion, up 5.7 per cent month on month (MoM) and up 15.8 per cent year on year (YoY)signs of a recovery. The country, however, recorded a trade deficit of $1 billion in May due to a rise in import of equipment, machinery and raw materials as several businesses expanded operations to meet export orders from emerging markets. Vietnam's exports are projected to grow by 10-12 per cent in the year ahead, with trade surplus reaching $21-$24 billion, MB Securities Company's June's macroeconomic report said. High export growth was recorded in May in products like textile fibres and yarns, whose exports were up by 52.7 per cent. The trade deficit in the month was $1 billion. High export growth was recorded in the month in products like textile fibres and yarns, whose exports were up by 52.7 per cent, a domestic media outlet reported. In the first five months this year, exports stood at an estimated $156.7 billionup by 15.2 per cent YoY. The United States remained the largest Vietnamese export market with $44 billionup by 2 per cent YoY; followed by the European Union (EU) with $20.7 billionup by 16.1 per cent YoY; and Japan with $9.4 billionup by 4.7 per cent YoY. However, MBS said hurdles ahead for Vietnamese exports include rising transportation costs due to escalating geopolitical conflicts and fierce competition from regional peers like China, Indonesia and Thailand. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:XPHYF)(FSE:4XT) is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated April 25, 2024, and May 10, 2024, the Company has closed the second tranche of its non-brokered private placement in the amount of 1,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a price of $0.27 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $270,000 (the "Second Tranche"). The total placement size, cumulative of all tranches, is anticipated to be a maximum of 6,000,000 Common Shares for maximum gross proceeds of $1,620,000 (the "Offering"). The Company intends to close one or more tranches of the Offering in the future. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering, including the Second Tranche, for research, development, commercialization programs, and general working capital purposes. In connection with closing of the Second Tranche, the Company paid cash finder's fees in the amount of $21,600 to an eligible finder, and issued to the same finder 80,000 non-transferable Common Share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"), with each Finder's Warrant exercisable into a Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance at a price of $0.36 per Common Share. All securities issued in connection with closing of the Second Tranche are 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 referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience accelerator focused on next-generation drug formulations and delivery systems, diagnostic screening tests, and new active pharmaceutical production and evaluation, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, low-cost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization and clinical evaluation of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets BioNxt Solutions Inc. Hugh Rogers, CEO and Director Email: info@bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422 Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are 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 information in this news release includes the intention to close one or more tranches of the Offering in the future and the anticipated use of the proceeds from the Offering. 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, 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. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2024) - Eureka Lithium Corp. (CSE: ERKA) (OTCQB: UREKF) (FSE: S580) ("Eureka Lithium" or "Eureka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to its news release of June 14, 2024, that the Company's common shares ("Common Shares") commenced trading on a consolidated basis, with one (1) post-consolidated Common Share outstanding for every ten (10) pre-consolidated Common Shares (the "Consolidation"), effective at the opening of trading today, June 19, 2024 (the "Record Date"). As a result of the Consolidation a total of 5,175,462 Common Shares are issued and outstanding, subject to adjustments for rounding, on the basis of each fractional share of less than 0.5 being cancelled and each fractional common share of 0.5 or greater being rounded to one whole Common Share. Neither the name nor the trading symbol of the Company have changed. A new CUSIP number has been issued for the post-consolidation Common Shares, being 298596206. The exercise or conversion price, as applicable, and the number of Common Shares issuable under any of the Company's outstanding convertible instruments, have been proportionately adjusted as a result of the Consolidation. Shareholders of record as of the Record Date who hold Common Shares represented by a physical certificate or DRS statement will receive a letter of transmittal from the Company's transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company, with instructions on how to exchange existing certificates or DRS statements for certificates or DRS statements representing Common Shares on a post-Consolidation basis. Corporate Video To view a new Eureka Lithium corporate video, visit www.EurekaLithiumCorp.com (https://eurekalithiumcorp.com) or the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vvm0zfNFp4 Corporate Presentation Visit the Eureka Lithium homepage or click on the following URL to view the Company's Corporate Presentation: https://eurekalithiumcorp.com/EurekaLithium_Q3_2023.pdf About Eureka Lithium Corp. Eureka Lithium is the largest lithium-focused landowner in the northern third of Quebec, known as the Nunavik region, with 100% ownership of three projects comprising 1,408 sq. km in the emerging Raglan West, Raglan South and New Leaf Lithium Camps. These claims were acquired from legendary prospector Shawn Ryan and are located in a region that hosts two operating nickel mines with deep-sea port access. For more information please contact: DJ Bowen Chief Executive Officer Email: info@eurekalithiumcorp.com Cautionary Statement Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213597 SOURCE: Eureka Lithium Corp. MBABANE Former Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza has been taken to court by one of his wives, Hloniphile, to compel him to pay E50 000 maintenance. Hloniphile yesterday moved an urgent application at the High Court, where she is seeking orders, directing the former MP to pay school fees amounting to E19 302 for their three children. She also entreated the court to direct her husband to pay and/or facilitate the payment of the amount of E18 000, being arrears of a motor vehicle instalment in favour of Standard Bank for the month of May 2024. Hloniphile is also praying for an order directing Mabuza to make and/or facilitate the payment of a monthly amount of E50 000 being monthly maintenance for his children, rentals, nanny, driver, medical fees, groceries and her upkeep. In her application, Hloniphile narrated events leading to the alleged misunderstanding between her and Mabuza. She related to the court that in November 2023, with her children, they relocated to Mbabane to be close to her mother, since Mabuza is housed at Matsapha Correctional facility. Hloniphile brought it to the courts attention that, with Mabuza, they are still legally married as no divorce proceedings were in progress and, therefore, she is still under his care and maintenance. The applicant (Hloniphile) submitted that she informed her husband about her decision to move from Coates Valley in Manzini, where they were staying, to Mbabane, as she needed emotional support from her mother. She said her mother would help her in raising her (Hlopniphile) children. At first, my move was met with resistance from the respondent (Mabuza), who against my will, instructed that my children be placed with his other wife, Bongumenzi, at Mpaka. Upon realising that the burden was too much on the latter (other wife), he told me to fetch the children and live with them in Mbabane, where I had secured a rented apartment, submitted Hloniphile. She alleged that she later secured enrolment for the children in one of the private schools around Mbabane and she informed her husband about that since he paid school fees from his personal account. Ordinarily, the respondent would, through Ekhabeni Family Trust, make monthly transfers of E50 000 into my account towards the servicing of a monthly car instalment of E18 000 and the remainder of which I would tend to household necessities as well as day-to-day maintenance of the children and myself. She stated that her husband would further make school fees payments and other school-related expenses, as well as the nanny and driver fees, through his personal account. In the first term, the respondent refused to make school fees payments and I had to make a commitment fee payment of E4 500, being E1 500 for each child. At that time, the respondent had unilaterally decided to stop maintaining me and the children and would tell me that he would only restore maintenance and school fee payment on condition that I come and visit him at the Correctional facility. Hloniphile told the court that, engulfed by distress and uncertainty for her livelihood and that of her children, she proceeded to Matsapha Correctional facility and that was when Mabuza decided to make the payment, including her rentals, sometime in February 2024. She said this was despite that they had moved to Mbabane in November 2023 wherein she would make such payments with monies that she raised through the assistance of her relatives, as well as her savings. Hloniphile went on to narrate that, in the month of March, after Mabuza had sent her money for her birthday, she told him that she could not proceed with the birthday celebrations, because the payment of their maintenance and upkeep was not certain. She said this was due to the alleged on-and-off behaviour of the former MP. Hloniphile stated that she decided to save money as a result. May I add that each time I and the respondent had a misunderstanding, he would cut us off financially without considering the children, who are innocent. He further requested that he wanted his money back and I told him that I would transfer it back to him, however, I then used it to cater for our childrens needs, submitted Hloniphile. She alleged in the same month of March 2024, her husband told her that he had decided that the children should change schools and relocate to Ngogola with or without her. According to Hloniphile, the former MP told her that the children would be looked after by nannies and he would further deregister them at their current school as she was being stubborn. When my rentals became due, he did not make payments as per the norm and when I approached the accountant for clarity, I was told that she was instructed by the respondent not to make the payment and that for as long as I lived with the children in Mbabane, he would neither maintain us nor pay school fees and expenses related thereto, she alleged. The applicant averred that her husband further instructed the driver not to drop or pick up their children for school. According to Hloniphile, Mabuza later told the helper that she should quit her job and report her (Hloniphile) to authorities that she had left their children in her care. The matter was yesterday at the High Court and through his attorneys, Mabuza indicated that he was opposing the application and is yet to file his papers outlining why the court should not grant the orders as sought by his wife in the application. Hloniphile is represented by Nosisa Hlophe. MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, today stole the show at the Intersolar Europe 2024. Sungrow exhibited approximately 50 renewable energy products and solutions at the event, offering a comprehensive showcase of its offerings. The release of prominent new products garnered significant attention from the audience, sparking a flurry of immediate responses and inquiries at the event. Newly designed inverter lineup tailor-made for utility-scale power plants Tailored for utility-scale power plants, the SG350HX-20 string inverter boasts a flexible block design, managing outputs from 3.2 to 8.96MW. Its intelligent I-V curve diagnosis and cleaning functionalities boost yield by over 2%, enhancing performance. The inverter includes a built-in DC switch for automatic fault isolation, enhancing reliability. Additionally, the SG350HX-20 exhibits excellent grid adaptability, operating stably under weak and strong grid conditions with a stable SCR=1.1. This inverter enhances the efficiency of utility-scale power plants and contributes to renewable energy's sustainable development, promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future. Revolutionary C&I solar-plus-storage solution The innovative PowerStack 200CS liquid-cooled storage solution revolutionizes industrial and commercial energy. With intelligent wireless O&M, it slashes dispatch time by 90%, ensuring swift, efficient operation and boosting overall system performance. PowerStack 200CS offers comprehensive protection, from individual cells to the entire setup, ensuring safety and reliability for critical applications. Its automatic on-grid/off-grid functionality maintains seamless power delivery, even during fluctuations. Advanced liquid cooling in PowerStack 200CS ensures superior heat dissipation, minimizing cell temperature differences to = 2.5?. This optimizes performance, extends lifespan, making it a reliable, efficient energy storage solution for various industrial and commercial uses. The SG150CX string inverter excels with its 48A input current, ideal for accommodating larger PV modules. This product incorporates advanced AFCI 3.0 technology, featuring an extended cable detection range of 450 meters. Meanwhile, it provides comprehensive AC and DC terminal detection functions, coupled with over-temperature protection for added safety. Its intelligent fault detection mechanism further underscores its dependability and performance. New residential energy solution to boost your eco-friendly home life to new heights of ease The new microinverters from Sungrow, namely the S600S, S800S, and S1600S, showcase a range of remarkable features that redefine the standards of efficiency and convenience in renewable energy solutions. With seamless plug-and-play accessories, these microinverters reduce installation time for faster deployment and minimize downtime. They feature intelligent design with self-checks and IV diagnosis for easy installation, maintenance, and system reliability. Their innovative cooling system boosts performance by 6% for optimal output. Wide-area wireless technology extends communication distance by 50%, enhancing flexibility and scalability. These advancements in Sungrow's microinverter lineup represent a significant step forward in renewable energy technology, providing efficiency and convenience. In addition to the microinverter, Sungrow unveiled its advanced smart home energy management equipment iHomeManager during the expo as well, that ushers in a revolution in domestic appliance interaction. It supports EV charger, heat pump, battery, and inverter, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. Wired and wireless networking options offer flexibility and convenience. The system's AI mode reduces costs, optimizes power usage, and saves money. iHomeManager predicts and prevents power outages, ensuring uninterrupted supply. This innovative solution transforms the domestic landscape, enhancing modern living comfort and convenience. Utility PV pressure relief and explosion-proof safety design white paper released As power plant scenarios become more diverse and the complexity of PV systems increases, so does the risk of arc faults. To address this challenge, Sungrow released its utility PV pressure relief and explosion-proof safety design white paper, it is a technology based on in-depth research into arc faults and stimulation. This technology achieves a perfect balance between high protection and rapid arc extinguishing by improving structural design and incorporating rapid arc extinguishing methods. Sungrow's pressure relief and explosion-proof safety technology is applied to its entire range of PV inverter systems, including low-voltage cabinets, prefabricated substations, string inverters and modular inverters. These solutions have undergone rigorous international safety testing and certification and meet the requirements of Arc Class C. At the exhibition, Sungrow proudly showcased its star utility-scale products, including the innovative 1+X modular inverter, the cutting-edge PowerTitan2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system, the SHT series designed for small industrial and commercial applications, the CX-P2 series of industrial and commercial inverters, as well as a comprehensive range of residential inverters and batteries. By integrating these products with Sungrow's suite of self-developed digital platforms such as iSolarCloud, EMS3000, and iSolarBPS, the company has elevated energy management to a new level of convenience and sophistication. And Sungrow captivated visitors with its sleek and efficient 7kW and 22kW EV charger, offering rapid charging capabilities with uncompromising safety. "This year's Intersolar Europe expo marked a significant milestone for Sungrow, as we introduced numerous groundbreaking new products tailored to meet the diverse needs of the global market, particularly in Europe. It was an honor to participate in the expo again, and we are delighted to announce that Sungrow successfully secured contracts with numerous esteemed partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and we eager to build the bridge to a sustainable future together." Commented by Lewis Li, President of Sungrow Europe. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is a global leading PV inverter and ESS provider with over?515?GW of power electronic converters installed worldwide as of?December?2023. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and ESS for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions, NEV driving solutions, EV charging solutions and renewable hydrogen production systems. With a strong 27-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow's products power over 170 countries worldwide.?For more information about Sungrow, visit www.sungrowpower.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443316/photo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443315/image.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443314/Sungrow_Excels_by_Unveiling_an_Impressive_Range_of_Innovative_Products_and_Solutions_at_Intersolar_E.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/intersolar-europe-2024-sungrow-excels-by-unveiling-an-impressive-range-of-innovative-products-and-solutions-302177451.html HANOI, Vietnam, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, has decided to invest US$30 million to Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank, stock code: SSB) in form of a convertible loan. The loan can be converted into common shares of SeABank within 4-year term, aiming at providing additional capital to support retail banking customers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises in Vietnam. Norfund is an investment fund owned and funded by Norwegian Government that works to create jobs and improve lives by investing in businesses in developing countries that drive sustainable development. Norfund is fully funded by the Norwegian International Development Assistance budget - Government's most important tool for strengthening the private sector in developing countries and for reducing poverty. Ms. Le Thu Thuy - Vice Chairwoman of the BOD, SeABank shares: "The partnership shares our joint purpose of impacting Vietnamese economy growth in general, while enhancing financial access for SeABank's SMEs and retail banking customers in particular. The loan also supports the Bank's sustainable development strategy to the utmost in the upcoming period." Ms. Fay Chetnakarnkul - Regional Director (Asia), Norfund said: "Financial inclusion is Norfund's core mandate and is aligned with SeABank's strong commitment to finance and support retail banking customers and SMEs in Vietnam. The partnership will look to be a catalyst to help uplift the unbanked and underbanked in the country." The cooperation aims to provide SMEs with additional financial sources to fulfill their long-term capital demands. The Bank also has additional capital for retail lending, considering the increasing financial needs of this group. Previously, SeABank has continuously received foreign investments totaling nearly US$600 million from prestigious institutions like IFC, DFC, etc. These aim to accelerate the Bank's sustainable development strategies focusing on: SMEs financial access improvements, ESG practices application, and climate change mitigation. International funding, together with available capacity, has enabled SeABank to deliver flexible financial solutions and strongly support SMEs, especially women-owned SMEs, in capital use optimization. Besides, SeABank prioritizes disbursements for green credit and climate change mitigation projects as well as green mortgages for individual customers buying houses with green-building certificates, thereby posing positive impacts on the socio-economy and environment. Norfund's investment has demonstrated the increasing trust, affirming SeABank's reputation, operational efficiency, and capital utilization efficiency. This also helps SeABank's corporate customers improve capacity and promote key business areas effectively. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2442835/Norfund_grants_convertible_loan_to_SeABank.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/norfund-grants-us30-million-convertible-loan-to-seabank-302177460.html Company Partners With Norwegian and Italian Universities to Establish the European Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research SEOUL, South Korea, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics' (LG) is establishing a global R&D triangle connecting North America, Europe and Asia to lead the global heat pump market and secure next-generation heat pumps specifically designed for cold climate zones. The company aims to develop regionally specialized core technologies optimized for the cold climate of Northern Europe through the establishment of the European Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research (ECAHR). The collaboration with leading European universities follows the foundation of the LG Advanced Cold Climate Heat Pump Laboratory in Alaska last year, and the company plans to expand efforts to enhance the performance of its Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) products in low-temperature climate conditions. This August, LG will also continue its research on cold climate heat pumps in Harbin in partnership with a prestigious Chinese university. LG held a signing ceremony on June 18 at the main auditorium of Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway to mark the commencement of the consortium. Members include Oslo Metropolitan University, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet) and the University of Naples Federico II, an institute in Italy actively pursuing research in cold-climate HVAC. During the winter of this year, Northern Europe experienced record-breaking cold weather, with temperatures dropping below minus 40 degrees Celsius. In these regions, achieving high heating efficiency is challenging due to the difficulty of compressing refrigerants at lower pressures. To address this, LG established a consortium to develop heat pumps that deliver top-tier heating performance even in extreme cold conditions. Furthermore, the company is looking to enhance its core technologies to lead global electrification efforts and expand supplemental heating availability in Europe. In 2022, the EU launched the REPowerEU plan, aiming to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and expand new and renewable energy sources by 2030. As a result, the demand for high-efficiency electric appliances and heat pump heating and cooling systems has surged across Europe, fueling efforts to lower energy consumption and achieve carbon neutrality. What's more, LG is in the process of establishing a comprehensive local operation system for its HVAC business, which is expected to drive growth in its business-to-business (B2B) operations. The system covers all stages locally, from research and development to sales, maintenance and operations. In the announcement of LG's Future Vision 2030 last year, CEO William Cho highlighted B2B capability enhancement as one of three major growth factors. Aligning with this vision, the HVAC business has set an ambitious goal to more than double its sales by 2030 and become a top-tier global heating and cooling company. "We aim to expand our presence around the world by developing next-generation heat pump technology tailored to the diverse climate conditions of each region," said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. "We will continue to expand our footprint in the global market, adding value to drive growth in our HVAC business." About LG Electronics Air Solution Business Unit LG air conditioning provides optimized solutions for every sector and climate with a wide range of cutting-edge systems that bring exceptional heating, ventilation and air conditioning performance to buildings worldwide. Through our unmatched expertise and industry knowledge, we respond directly to the needs of businesses seeking digitalized and eco-conscious HVAC solutions. We are the partner your business has been looking for, and are well prepared to integrate our leading technology into your day-to-day operations, supporting you and your business every step of the way. For more information, please visit www.lg.com/global/business/hvac . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443353/OsloMet_LG_BAW_22_EDIT_Crop.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443354/LG_Nordic_Heat_Pump_Consortium.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443355/OsloMet_LG_BAW_20_EDIT_resize.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lg-establishes-global-rd-triangle-to-develop-high-performance-heat-pumps-in-extreme-cold-302177487.html Arlington, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2024) - The acclaimed podcast "American Potential," hosted by Jeff Crank, has been honored with the Platinum 2024 Viddy Award for its powerful episode, "From Dirty Jobs to Advocacy: Mike Rowe's Journey to Empower America's Workers." "We are deeply honored to receive the Platinum 2024 Viddy Award," said Jeff Crank, host of "American Potential." "This recognition is a testament to the incredible stories we have the privilege of sharing and the impact they have on our listeners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our listeners for their unwavering support and for helping us achieve over 20 million episode views and downloads since our launch." American Potential Podcast Wins Platinum 2024 Viddy Award for Episode Featuring Mike Rowe To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/213688_c5864c4f444f9821_002full.jpg About the Award-Winning Episode The award-winning episode features the multifaceted Mike Rowe, renowned for his groundbreaking work on "Dirty Jobs" and his staunch advocacy for skilled trades. In this episode, Mike Rowe shares captivating stories from his varied career, beginning with the pivotal phone call from his mother that led him to the sewers of San Francisco and laying the foundation for "Dirty Jobs." Rowe's journey underscores the value of embracing opportunities that others might overlook and highlights the significance of recognizing dignity in all work. To watch the award-winning episode, visit: From Dirty Jobs to Advocacy: Mike Rowe's Journey to Empower America's Workers About American Potential "American Potential" is a project of Americans for Prosperity, an advocacy organization that helps pass policies to expand freedom and opportunity. The podcast educates listeners by sharing policy solutions to the most important challenges facing the country and highlighting the stories of those making a difference. Hosted by Jeff Crank, Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, the podcast features guests ranging from public officials to ordinary Americans stepping up in big ways. The mission of "American Potential" is to inspire listeners and equip them with the information they need to raise their voices and be heard. Past Achievements In addition to the 2024 Viddy Award, "American Potential" has also been recognized with a 2023 Gold w3 Award and was nominated for the 2024 Latin Podcast Awards for Podcast of the Year for its Spanish version. These accolades underscore the podcast's commitment to excellence and its impact in both English and Spanish-speaking communities. Contact Information For more information about the "American Potential" podcast and the award-winning episode, please contact: Monica Hoss Producer, American Potential Email: mhoss@afphq.org Visit the American Potential Website to listen to the award-winning episode and explore more inspiring stories. About the company: American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their community to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, "enough is enough" and are stepping up in a big way. We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people's stories of success - and struggle - you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone. Jeff Crank hosts the American Potential podcast. Jeff serves as a regional vice president at Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy and accountability organization that helps pass policies to expand freedom and opportunity. He previously hosted The Jeff Crank Show from 2008-2022, and is the president of his own real estate investment company. American Potential is now a national award-winning podcast. Having won the Gold Award at the 18th annual 3w Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. The 3w Awards is judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. Contact Info: Name: Monica Hoss Email: mhoss@afphq.org Organization: American Potential Address: 4201 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1000 Arlington, VA 22203 Website: https://americanpotential.com Video URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ECmDJyhez8k4rwWa/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213688 SOURCE: Plentisoft Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Monarch Equity Capital Berhad has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the DR.IP Strategy Partner of Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education to develop joint academic programs and courses in financing. This initiative aims to enhance students' understanding and skills in financial management and related areas. The collaboration is facilitated by Dr IP (iTrademark Sdn Bhd), a strategic partner of both Monarch Equity Capital Berhad and the Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education. Monarch Equity Capital Berhad Signs MoA with DR.IP Strategy Partner of Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education to form Strategic Partnership To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10539/213697_208ec83fd4d4fbad_002full.jpg Monarch Equity Capital Berhad, a private capital firm, specializes in mergers and acquisitions, pre-IPO investments, and financial solutions. This partnership aligns with Malaysia's vision to encourage more entrepreneurs to compete globally. The nation recognizes that for its people to be truly empowered, they must have the means and support to create and innovate. Malaysia has placed significant emphasis on creating an environment where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can flourish, knowing that this approach is key to fostering economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Monarch Equity Capital Berhad will offer specialized courses to students at the Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education, focusing on financial education that aligns with Monarch's expertise. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Dr IP, which is responsible for assisting and coordinating the assessment of the program to ensure that all standards and certification criteria are met. This strategic partnership ensures that students receive education from a reliable source with a proven track record. Speaking about this strategic partnership, YM Tunku Prof Dato' PMgr Sr Dr Fauzi ibni Almarhum Tunku Seri Indera Setia Tunku Dato' Abdul Malek Al Haj, the Executive Chairman of Monarch Equity Capital Berhad, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He stated, "Through Monarch Equity Capital, students have the opportunity to learn valuable techniques from experienced financial advisors. This partnership further endorses the credibility to assuring students of the highest standards in their education." Datuk Francis Chong Han Kwang, Founder and Director of Dr.IP, said, "We are glad to facilitate this partnership between Monarch Equity Capital Berhad and the Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education. This collaboration marks a significant step in providing students with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the financial sector." Mr. Mohd Zaki, Manager of the Corporate & Communication Division from Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education, commented, "UM is happy about this upcoming strategic partnership as it aligns with our vision to educate more students and prepare them for the real world. This collaboration will help us achieve our goal of fostering innovative and skilled professionals." About Monarch Equity Capital Berhad Monarch Equity Capital Berhad, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, is a private capital firm specializes in mergers and acquisitions, pre-IPO investments, and financial solutions. The company is committed to facilitating the growth and success of ASEAN enterprises on the global stage. About Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education is adopted the concept of "Lifelong Education" by offering various educational and training program for all levels of society. Contact Info: Name: JK Soo Email: info@monarchequity.capital Organization: Monarch Equity Capital Berhad Website: https://www.monarchequity.capital/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213697 SOURCE: Monarch Equity Capital Berhad SALT LAKE CITY, June 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPS Capital Markets, LLC, a leading fintech firm offering corporate foreign exchange services, announced entering into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Corpay, Inc. (NYSE: CPAY), a leading corporate payments company. This acquisition will bring tremendous benefits to GPS Capital Markets clients, including enhanced delivery channels and expanded access to FX services across global markets. "At GPS our clients are at the heart of everything we do. With Corpay's resources and our team's expertise, we are poised to provide even greater value and drive transformative outcomes in the financial markets. The combined capabilities of our two companies will significantly benefit our clients and our employees," says Brandon Parke, President and CEO of GPS Capital Markets. By combining the strengths of GPS Capital Markets and Corpay, we are uniquely positioned to deliver unparalleled value in the market. "GPS is our third largest deal ever. We're quite excited about GPS's assets including a bluechip roster of clients, a team of terrific FX specialists, and a market-leading FX netting technology," said Ron Clarke, Chairman and CEO of Corpay, Inc. The transaction is expected to close in early 2025 subject to obtaining required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. For more details on the GPS Capital Markets acquisition visit: https://bit.ly/3XtlU32 ABOUT CORPAY: About Corpay. ABOUT GPS CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC: Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, GPS Capital Markets, LLC provides corporate foreign exchange services that help companies manage their foreign currency risk and execute foreign currency transactions. Founded in 2002, GPS brings together a senior management team rich in international banking experience from the world's leading financial institutions. GPS has several offices throughout the United States, as well as in Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom. It combines competitive exchange rates with a host of tailored international financial solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.gpsfx.com. Press contact: GPS Capital Markets Lindsey Wing 801-979-6114 lwing@gpsfx.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ca9bb9a-52c4-4cc3-9630-a62ba49a2cac Strategy seeks to capture long-term capital growth, minimize overall market risk Boston Partners, a premier provider of value equity investment products with $103.1bn in assets under management, announced today the transfer of its Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund ("the Fund") to the FundRock trading platform. This strategic move, effective June 4, 2024, will also see the Fund transition from a SICAV to an ICAV structure. This value-oriented, fundamental research-driven strategy seeks to capture long-term capital growth while minimizing overall market risk and is consistent with a global all-cap mandate. The Fund takes long positions in undervalued equities and short positions in overvalued stocks, offering investors a diversified approach to the global market with reduced exposure to general market risk. With the transfer to the FundRock platform, Boston Partners will continue to offer the Fund in institutional and retail share classes, as well as a new early-bird share class ("Class E") with reduced fees. The "E" share class offers a reduced investment management fee and no performance fee during a limited window. The Global Long/Short Strategy is led by seasoned Portfolio Managers Joshua Jones, CFA, and Christopher Hart, CFA. Mr. Jones, who began as an analyst with Boston Partners' global/international strategies, has been a portfolio manager alongside Mr. Hart since 2013, and focuses on the international and long/short strategies. While the team members each have their own distinct areas of responsibility, they collaborate closely at every step of the investment process and draw extensively on one another's research and analysis. "We are excited about this transition to the FundRock platform," said Jones. "This move streamlines investors' ability to access the Fund and utilize our time-tested approach for finding global long and short opportunities across a vast 12,000-company universe." The Boston Partners Global Long/Short Strategy leverages the firm's 26 years of experience managing long/short hedging in fund vehicles and $1.2B in long/short strategy assets under management. Demonstrating a strong track record, all of Boston Partners' established long-only strategies have outperformed their respective benchmarks net of fees. The Fund's transition to an Ireland-registered ICAV offers increased flexibility and efficiency within the Alternative UCITS regulatory framework. The Fund is available in institutional or retail share classes, denominated in USD, EUR, GBP, or CHF. For more information, please visit boston-partners.com. About Boston Partners Boston Partners is a value equity manager with a distinctive approach to investing-one that combines attractive valuation characteristics with strong business fundamentals and positive business momentum in every portfolio. The consistent application of this approach over nearly 30 years by an experienced and long-tenured team has created a proven record of performance across economic cycles, market capitalizations, and geographies. Visit boston-partners.com for more information. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Stocks and bonds can decline due to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, or economic developments; foreign investing, especially in emerging markets, has additional risks, such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability; value stocks may decline in price; growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments; the securities of small companies are subject to higher volatility than those of larger, more established companies. This material is not intended to be, nor shall it be interpreted or construed as, a recommendation or providing advice, impartial or otherwise. Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (Boston Partners) is an Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Boston Partners is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of ORIX Corporation of Japan. Boston Partners updated its firm description as of November 2018 to reflect changes in its divisional structure. Boston Partners is comprised of two divisions, Boston Partners and Weiss, Peck Greer Partners. Securities offered through Boston Partners Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Boston Partners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240619022495/en/ Contacts: Zaid Haroon (UK) zaid.haroon@backbaycommunications.com +44 203-475-7551 Emily Stoermer (US) emily.stoermer@backbaycommunications.com 1-617-391-0801 Automotive leader in India makes strategic decision to use Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud for its end-to-end new product development process Mahindra Mahindra can improve efficiency, reduce time to market, and support its sustainability goals for their automotive business The 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud will be utilized for all future auto programs of Mahindra Mahindra Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced that Mahindra Mahindra, a leader in automotive, farm and services businesses in India, is advancing its digital transformation by selecting Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud to accelerate its end-to-end new product development process. Mahindra Mahindra's strategic decision to adopt the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud for its future auto programs will enable it to improve the efficiency of its process and reduce the time to market of safer and more sustainable vehicles. Mahindra Mahindra will use the "Drive Emotion," "Global Modular Architecture," and "Smart Safe and Connected" industry solution experiences based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to connect thousands of users employees and suppliers in one virtual environment empowering collaboration and innovation. By working on the cloud, teams can quickly adopt industry best practices, collaborate seamlessly, and access real-time information. This ensures enhanced visibility and facilitates informed decision-making across product planning, design, engineering, strategic sourcing, and digital manufacturing domains. "We wanted high-performance technology that would enable us to launch innovative vehicles faster and fulfill our sustainability ambitions. With Dassault Systemes' expertise and 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we can deepen collaboration, and expedite problem identification and resolution, leading to streamlining new vehicle launch timelines," said Rucha Nanavati, CIO, Mahindra Mahindra. "Mahindra Mahindra has a long-standing partnership with Dassault Systemes and they continue to put their trust in our solutions to develop the next generation of their vehicles," said Laurence Montanari, Vice President, Transportation Mobility Industry, Dassault Systemes. "Vehicle development is complexifying every day due to regulations. Our 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud addresses this complexity. Our work with Mahindra Mahindra demonstrates the maturity of our cloud technology and solutions for automotive sector challenges." FOR MORE INFORMATION Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com Connect with Dassault Systemes on https://twitter.com/Dassault3DS https://www.facebook.com/DassaultSystemes https://www.linkedin.com/company/dassaultsystemes https://www.youtube.com/DassaultSystemes ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTEMES Dassault Systemes is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systemes brings value to more than 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com Dassault Systemes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systemes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240619517027/en/ Contacts: Dassault Systemes Press Contacts Corporate France, Arnaud MALHERBE, arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com, +33 (0) 1 61 62 87 73 North America, Natasha LEVANTI, natasha.levanti@3ds.com, +1 (508) 449 8097 EMEA, Virginie BLINDENBERG, virginie.blindenberg@3ds.com, +33 (0) 1 61 62 84 21 China, Grace MU, grace.mu@3ds.com, +86 10 6536 2288 India, Kriti ASHOK,kriti.ashok@3ds.com,+91 9741310607 Japan, Wen YANG, wen.yang@3ds.com, +81 3 4321 6549 Korea, Jeemin JEONG, jeemin.jeong@3ds.com, +82 2 3271 6653 Ms. Ogunbiyi becomes the first CEO to be renewed for a second five-year term reflecting tremendous results and impact under her leadership VIENNA, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Governance Board approved the reappointment of Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi to a second five-year term as Chief Executive Officer. Under her leadership, the organization has made great strides to enable just, equitable and sustainable energy transitions that ensure a better quality of life and opportunities for people living in developing regions. Recognized as a trailblazer during her first term, which began in 2020, Ms. Ogunbiyi led an ambitious expansion of SEforALL's global influence and country support, providing clear pathways to accelerate progress towards universal energy access and advancing a just and equitable energy transition in countries that are at greatest risk of being left behind. In this period, SEforALL, through a range of innovative programmes and initiatives, established working relationships with over 200 partners, and supported over 90 countries globally. SEforALL has prioritized evidence-based support to in-country capacity building that is driving policy, project, and ecosystem action with sustainable energy solutions towards climate and development priorities. Concretely, SEforALL has achieved the following impacts in under five years: USD 1.3 trillion in commitments expressed through Energy Compacts to support the achievement of SDG7. SEforALL, in partnership with UN-Energy, spearheaded the Energy Compacts, enabling the first-time capture of energy specific voluntary SDG7 commitments, aligned with Nationally Determined Contributions. expressed through Energy Compacts to support the achievement of SDG7. SEforALL, in partnership with UN-Energy, spearheaded the Energy Compacts, enabling the first-time capture of energy specific voluntary SDG7 commitments, aligned with Nationally Determined Contributions. 129,000,000 people have gained access to electricity and 22,000,000 people have gained access to clean cooking through Energy Compact commitments. and 22,000,000 people have gained access to clean cooking through Energy Compact commitments. Raised USD 40 million as subsidy to bridge the gap for new mini-grid and high capacity standalone solar systems that supported Sierra Leone, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Nigeria through the Universal Energy Facility (UEF), a results-based financing facility and multi-donor platform managed by SEforALL. that supported Sierra Leone, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Nigeria through the Universal Energy Facility (UEF), a results-based financing facility and multi-donor platform managed by SEforALL. 330 young women from the Global South trained in the sustainable energy sector and benefited from career development. trained in the sustainable energy sector and benefited from career development. Supported eight Presidencies of the G20 & COP - Saudia Arabia, Italy, Indonesia, India and Brazil under G20 and the UK, Egypt and the UAE under COP to advance just and equitable energy transitions. Saudia Arabia, Italy, Indonesia, India and Brazil under G20 and the UK, Egypt and the UAE under COP to advance just and equitable energy transitions. Supported Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Barbados and Sierra Leone to develop Energy Transition and Investment Plans providing an opportunity for these countries to build energy systems that support economic and social development and achieve net-zero emissions . . Supported the development of national integrated energy plans (IEPs) to help direct resources effectively and efficiently to help achieve Malawi, Nigeria and Madagascar's goals for electrification and clean cooking access. The 2024-2026 SEforALL Strategic Plan prioritizes three pillars of work: Global advocacy and knowledge dissemination for SDG7 and a just and equitable energy transition. for SDG7 and a just and equitable energy transition. Scalable solutions and platforms that develop and provide replicable solutions to address common challenges to regional or global issues. that develop and provide replicable solutions to address common challenges to regional or global issues. Tailored country support to address country-specific needs for a just and equitable energy transition. Specifically, the plan aims to build international ambition through energy diplomacy and mobilize global coalitions to finance and deliver a just and equitable energy transition; drive verified connections and accelerate private sector deployment of clean energy solutions, including through the continued scale-up of the Universal Energy Facility; and support national action through strategic country-level programmatic support. Ms Ogunbiyi received congratulatory messages from the Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria, the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Presidents of COP28, The World Bank, The African Development Bank, and The Rockefeller Foundation, the Acting CEO of GEAPP, the Executive Secretary of UNECA and the Executive Director of UNOPS and the CEO of UN Global Compact. To view the full press release visit: https://www.seforall.org/news/seforall-announcement NOTES TO EDITORS About Sustainable Energy for All Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization that works in partnership with the United Nations and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) - access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 - in line with the Paris Agreement on climate. SEforALL works to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work at SEforALL.org. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443194/Damilola_Ogunbiyi_CEO.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2218511/SEforALL_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/seforall-board-approves-term-renewal-of-ceo-damilola-ogunbiyi-302177372.html BRUSSELS, June 20, 2024to ban flavours in safer nicotine products. This move bypasses democratic processes and disregards the voices of 54,000 citizens who have signed a petition against such a ban organised by the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA). "Every year, 700,000 lives are needlessly lost in the EU due to smoking-related diseases. By recklessly pushing for a flavour ban on safer nicotine alternatives, they are playing with lives and ignoring the clear will of the people. It's time to stop this madness and listen to science and the citizens they serve," said Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers Alliance. The European Commission has yet to consult the public on a new Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This delay has left a void that Ministers aim to exploit, sidelining the necessary scientific evaluation, public consultation, and parliamentary scrutiny. The European Commission's initial Consultation was marked by record numbers of submissions, primarily from citizens supporting safer nicotine products. Flavours play a significant role in helping adult smokers transition away from cigarettes and maintain abstinence from smoking. Ignoring this fact endangers public health and disregards the overwhelming support from European citizens who have voiced their opposition to a flavour ban. The WVA calls in an open letter on EU Health Ministers to reject the flavour ban proposal and instead focus on policies that are informed by science and reflect the will of the people. As the next iteration of the Tobacco Products Directive is considered, it is imperative that EU policymakers recognize the importance of alternative products in reducing smoking rates and protecting public health. "This isn't just about regulation, it's about lives. We must prioritize harm reduction and listen to the voices of the people," added Landl. For media inquiries, please contact: Michael Landl Director of the World Vapers' Alliance info@worldvapersalliance.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/593edf99-c863-4124-850c-03f163f3acbc NEURIED, Germany, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AMSilk GmbH ("AMSilk"), a frontrunner in advanced biomaterials made from spider silk-based proteins, today announces that it has completed an independent 'Cradle-to-Gate' Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing the environmental footprint of AMSilk Ultrafine Fiber with mulberry silk across five environmental indicators: climate change, land and water use, acidification and freshwater eutrophication. These indicators are the most relevant to the textile industry and represent the top five of all 16 Product Environmental Footprint ("PEF") indicators evaluated after having normalized and weighted all results. The study was executed by Quantis, a BCG company and leading environmental sustainability consultancy. The ISO-compliant and objectively reviewed study found that the relative impact of 1 kg of AMSilk Ultrafine vs. Mulberry silk was significant, with AMSilk Ultrafine having: 81% lower climate change impact 90% lower acidification 73% lower eutrophication of freshwater 92% lower land use 97% lower water use Based on this "cradle-to-gate" study, AMSilk Ultrafine Fiber has a more favorable environmental footprint compared to Mulberry silk in the five environmental indicators examined. Key factors contributing to this include AMSilk's potential to reduce water and land use impacts by avoiding the negative impacts from deforestation and land use change associated with mulberry tree cultivation. Overall, the reduction in environmental impacts associated with AMSilk fibers can be attributed to its biofabricated nature, which circumvents the resource-intensive processes of silkworm rearing and cocoon harvesting inherent to silk production. In a separate analysis by the Fresenius Institute, AMSilk's textiles were shown to be readily biodegradable according to OECD 301B, with >60% degradation in just eight days, well ahead of the benchmark of 10 days, and 84% degradation within 28 days. Nonetheless, the material is fully durable in daily use by a consumer. Ulrich Scherbel, Chief Executive Officer, AMSilk commented: "These strong figures reinforce the environmental performance characteristics of our material in addition to their various high-performance properties. Our biofabricated fibers and yarns remove the limitations of existing materials and offer brands unimagined opportunities to reinvent themselves while reducing their carbon footprint." Click here for more details: Cradle-to-Gate- report overview To showcase its innovative biofabricated yarns, AMSilk will be attending Pitti Immagine Filati, in Florence, Italy, from the 25th to 27th June 2024, and Premiere Vision in Paris from the 2nd to 4th July 2024. If you would like to meet with a member of the team, please get in contact, or come and visit the stand. About AMSilk AMSilk is a frontrunner in advanced biomaterials made from spider silk-based proteins. Using a patented technology platform, protected by a best-in-class patent portfolio, we are pushing boundaries in the field of bio-based materials. At AMSilk, we turn man-made proteins into formulations, including fibers and yarns, hydrogels and silk powder. The high-performance qualities of our material enable a wide range of applications in the textile, homecare, biomedical, and automobile industries and bring breakthrough benefits for products and customers. AMSilk's materials go beyond earlier bio replacements; they can be tailored to specific market or product requirements, are biodegradable according to international standards. The Company has already collaborated with industry-leading global companies and plans to continue partnering with enterprises worldwide to pursue the vision of enabling true change through intelligent biotech materials. For more information, please visit www.amsilk.com Methodological details of the LCA A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an internationally recognized approach following ISO standards that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of products and services throughout their life cycle, typically beginning with raw material extraction and including all aspects of transportation, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life treatment. This study is cradle-to-gate as its purpose is to inform B2B applications for which there are too numerous and divergent end-product uses. An ISO-compliant LCA study typically evaluates 16 environmental indicators (including climate change impact and water use) to ensure a holistic and balanced environmental impact overview. Such an approach can also help to avoid burden shifting, for example, between climate and land-use. This is important as climate change is one of the most pressing issues (United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, 2017), and also one of the most robust indicators with the strongest level of research (Fazio, 2018). View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/independent-cradle-to-gate-life-cycle-assessment-shows-amsilks-fibers-have-a-significantly-lower-environmental-footprint-compared-to-silk-302177013.html Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? 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Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Deal represents largest ever energy transaction on Athens Stock Exchange, and one of largest in EU renewables Industry Masdar has signed a definitive agreement with GEK TERNA and other shareholders to acquire initially 67% 2 of the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY at completion of the transaction at a price of 20.00 3 euros per share 4 The acquisition price 5 represents an equity valuation of 2.4 billion euros and an enterprise value (EV) of 3.2bn euros Subject to closing of the transaction, Masdar will launch an all-cash mandatory tender offer to acquire all the remaining shares of TERNA ENERGY with the intention of reaching 100% The deal will provide significant capital investment in Greece and other EU countries, unlocking renewable energy capacity and supporting the EU's net zero by 2050 goals TERNA ENERGY is expected to play an important role in growing Masdar's portfolio across Europe as it targets 100 gigawatts (GW) global capacity by 2030 in support of the global energy transition ABU DHABI, UAE and ATHENS, Greece, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar ("Masdar"), the UAE's clean energy leader, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement with GEK TERNA SA (GEKTERNA.AT) and other shareholders of TERNA ENERGY SA (TENERGY.AT), with the intention to acquire initially 67% of the company's outstanding shares at completion of the transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. After completion of the transaction, Masdar will launch an all-cash mandatory tender offer to acquire all the remaining outstanding shares of the company with the intention of reaching 100%. The transaction and subsequent offer values TERNA ENERGY's total equity at 2.4bn euros6 with an enterprise value of 3.2bn euros, making it the largest ever energy transaction on the Athens Stock Exchange, and one of the largest in the European renewables market. The deal is expected to provide significant capital investment in Greece and other European countries, supporting TERNA ENERGY's contribution to Greece's National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and the EU's net zero by 2050 target. The proposed acquisition demonstrates the scale and ambition of Masdar's growth plans in the region, and further solidifies Masdar's role as a trusted global energy transition partner to governments, investors, developers and communities across the globe. Background and reasons for the transaction Established in 1997, TERNA ENERGY is a leading European clean energy platform, with a track record of more than 25 years of delivering innovative and sustainable projects. The company specializes in financing, developing, constructing and operating renewable energy facilities, focused on wind, solar, hydroelectric and pumped storage projects. The company has recently announced its growth plan targeting renewable energy operational capacity of 6GW by 2030. With a strong portfolio of projects in Greece and Europe, TERNA ENERGY is the largest investor in the renewables energy sector in Greece. The proposed acquisition is expected to play an important role in growing Masdar's portfolio in Europe as it targets 100GW global capacity by 2030. It also reflects Masdar's confidence in TERNA ENERGY's growth potential, as well as the strength of the Greek market and its renewables sector. The transaction is aligned with GEK TERNA's strategy of becoming the leading diversified infrastructure group in Greece and Southeast Europe and will accelerate the Group's path to a new growth era. Demonstrating continuity in leadership, TERNA ENERGY's Executive Chairman, Georgios Peristeris, and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Maragoudakis, will continue in their current roles following completion of the transaction and support Masdar in leading the company in its next phase of growth. HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President, said: "Today marks a major milestone in Masdar's strategy to expand its portfolio to 100GW of clean energy by 2030 and it will make a substantial contribution to the renewable energy capacity of Greece. As one of Europe's biggest renewable energy transactions in 2024, this investment reflects the UAE's clear commitment to Greece and Europe's clean energy development and it represents another major practical step in realizing one of the central goals of the UAE Consensus, to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. In short, this deal underlines the smart growth opportunities of a responsible and orderly energy transition stimulating new industries, new jobs and low carbon economic development." Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, commented: "We are injecting capital and global expertise to accelerate TERNA ENERGY's expansion, supporting Greece's renewable energy ambitions and extending Masdar's global reach. As a leading European development platform, TERNA ENERGY is expected to play an important role in Masdar's growing portfolio in Greece and Europe. We look forward to completing the transaction and starting to work with TERNA ENERGY's leadership team to supercharge their ambitious growth plans in support of Greece's energy transition." Georgios Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA, and Executive Chairman of TERNA ENERGY, said: "Our agreement with Masdar is a recognition of the great value of TERNA ENERGY and the result of the hard work of hundreds of people for more than 25 years. At the same time, it marks the beginning of a new era of even greater growth for GEK TERNA Group. It is also a strong vote of confidence for Greece and its prospects. TERNA ENERGY is the leading RES investor in Greece and a key pillar of the national effort to transition to a future with cleaner and cheaper energy for all. A future with greater energy autonomy for our country, based on clean energy that will be produced in our homeland. And we will continue on the same course with even greater power." Masdar has retained Rothschild & Co. as sole financial advisor, and Simmons & Simmons, Bernitsas Law, Latham & Watkins as legal advisors, in connection with the transaction and financing. GEK TERNA Group was supported by Reed Smith LLP and Potamitis Vekris, who were the international and Greek legal advisors for the transaction respectively, while Morgan Stanley has been acting as sole financial advisor to TERNA ENERGY. For more information please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar References: 1 Refers to TERNA ENERGY enterprise value 2Subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions precedent. 3 Subject to customary adjustments. 4 Overall return to TERNA ENERGY shareholders also includes an agreed dividend distribution of 0.38 per share 5 Subject to customary adjustments 6 Ibid. About Masdar Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transition and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of over 20 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future. Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year. About GEK TERNA Group GEK TERNA Group is one of the leading business Groups in Greece with a significant presence abroad. With approximately 8,000 employees worldwide, the Group holds a leading position in Greece in the fields of infrastructure, power generation, supply and trade, concessions and waste management. GEK TERNA (www.gekterna.com) is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (FTSE / ATHEX Large Cap). About TERNA ENERGY TERNA ENERGY, a subsidiary of GEK TERNA Group, has been a key player in the renewable energy sector for over two decades, holding the largest and most diversified portfolio of projects in Greece, with 2,500 MW in operation, under construction and ready for construction. TERNA Energy's installed capacity currently stands at 1,227 MW, while TERNA ENERGY is continuing seamlessly with its investment plan, aiming to approach a total installed capacity of 6GW by 2030. TERNA ENERGY (www.terna-energy.com) is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1973446/4743478/Masdar_Logo.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443539/pumped_storage_TERNA_ENERGY.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443540/Wind_farm_TERNA_ENERGY.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/masdar-and-gek-terna-strike-landmark-3-2bn-deal-uae-renewables-champion-to-acquire-greeces-terna-energy-302177749.html Waitrose is extending its collaboration with Blue Yonder with the addition of the supply chain solution provider's industry-leading forecasting capability. The new move will mark the first significant introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into Waitrose's forecasting and is designed to improve the already high levels of availability across the retailer's stores. Rather than relying on historical sales data and human intuition, the AI forecasting capability part of Blue Yonder Demand Planning focuses on customer behaviour and analyses 'why' customers bought what they did rather than just 'what' they bought. The capability understands and learns from the trading environment to provide a better forecast based on customer behaviour. For example, it will learn how customers responded to a variety of influences, including weather variations, major sporting and cultural events, and promotions. The upgrade is part of a significant investment in technology across Waitrose's supply chain and is designed to improve availability, which already stands at record levels. It is also expected to: Improve customer satisfaction score by increasing on-shelf availability and refocusing store Partners from manual ordering to more strategic customer-oriented tasks. Leverage AI capabilities to ingest and analyse massive volumes of data without overwhelming users. Assess risks by weighing different forecasting outcomes. Determine stock volumes dynamically to minimise waste. Respond to demand fluctuations automatically, quickly and accurately. Alison Maffin, Waitrose Supply Chain Director, said: "Whether we are planning for a major sporting final or the first cold snap of the winter, there can be multiple factors affecting what our customers buy. The Blue Yonder solution will learn from previous experience and help us predict this more accurately so we can be confident we have the stock our customers want. This will allow us to produce a much more accurate forecast for our suppliers and logistics partners, but will also result in less wastage and better availability for our customers.'' Gael Ramaen, Corporate Vice President, Retail, EMEA, Blue Yonder, said: "A better forecast is crucial for retailers, and we are thrilled and proud to support Waitrose with their goals of enhancing customer experience and meeting sustainability goals. This builds on the already successful deployment of Blue Yonder Fulfilment and Warehouse Management solutions used within their organisation." Additional Resources: Learn more about Blue Yonder Demand Planning Blue Yonder Demand Planning Solution Sheet : Blue Yonder Demand Planning for Retail : Videos : A Smarter More Dynamic Approach to Retail-Forecasting Benefits of Demand Forecasting Accuracy: The Blue Yonder Difference : About the John Lewis Partnership The John Lewis Partnership owns and operates two of Britain's best-loved retail brands John Lewis and Waitrose. Started as a radical experiment over a century ago, the Partnership is now the largest employee-owned business in the UK, with over 74,000 employees who are all Partners in the business. The Partnership is purpose-driven, existing to create a fairer and more sustainable future for our Partners, customers, suppliers and communities. Our Purpose not only inspires our principles, drives our decisions and acts as our guide to be a force for good, it steers us to do things differently and better all in service of creating a happier world for everyone and everything we touch. https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/ About Waitrose Waitrose Partners has 331 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 59 convenience branches, 27 shops at Welcome Break locations, and Waitrose.com its fast-growing online shopping business, consistently rated highly by independent research. The retailer combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced, combined with high standards of customer service. As part of an employee-owned business, all Partners have a say in how the business is run. https://www.waitrose.com/ About Blue Yonder Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain transformation. Global retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers leverage Blue Yonder to optimize their supply chains from planning through fulfillment, delivery and returns. Blue Yonder's AI-embedded, interoperable supply chain solutions are connected end-to-end via a unified platform and data cloud, enabling businesses to collaborate in real time across functions, which supports more agile decision-making, improved customer satisfaction, profitable growth, and more resilient, sustainable supply chains. Blue Yonder Fulfill your Potential blueyonder.com "Blue Yonder" is a trademark or registered trademark of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. Any trade, product or service name referenced in this document using the name "Blue Yonder" is a trademark and/or property of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of the companies with which they are associated. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620098494/en/ Contacts: Blue Yonder Public Relations Contacts: Marina Renneke, APR, Global Corporate Communications Sr. Director Tel: +1 480-308-3037, marina.renneke@blueyonder.com Rossella Benti, EMEA Corporate Communications Director Tel: +39 335 7849149, rossella.benti@blueyonder.com READING, England, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OQC , a global leader in quantum computing solutions and spin-out from Oxford University's Department of Physics, today announced the appointment of Dr Peter Leek as Chief Scientific Officer. Leek, the visionary behind OQC's core technology, will lead the company's scientific research operations and spearhead its global research programmes. Dr. Leek has been instrumental in shaping OQC's scientific foundation since its inception in 2017, serving as a scientific advisor to the company alongside his continuing academic research at the University of Oxford. His pioneering work in quantum computing, particularly with superconducting qubits, has positioned OQC at the forefront of the industry. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment as OQC embarks on its next stage of growth and focuses on advancing its core technology toward the era of universal fault tolerant quantum computation. CEO Gerald Mullally commented, "As OQC continues to grow and we progress on our journey, it is an exciting time to see Peter take on the new role of Chief Scientific Officer. His deep expertise and vision have been fundamental to our success, and his leadership will be crucial as we continue to build on our core IP and drive scientific excellence forward." Dr. Leek, an active researcher, is a pioneer in the field of quantum computing, particularly known for his contributions to superconducting quantum circuits. With a PhD from the University of Cambridge, and postdoctoral research experience from ETH Zurich in the science of circuit QED, he has led his own research group at the University of Oxford since 2012, where OQC's core IP was first developed.. The new Chief Scientific Officer is also a co-investigator in the UK's national quantum computing research hub, where he continues to play a prominent role in the national programme. "Taking on the role of Chief Scientific Officer at OQC is both an honour and an exciting opportunity," said Dr. Peter Leek. "The OQC team is full of talent and I am excited to work with them to continue to advance our research and innovation in quantum computing. Together, we will build on our strong foundation and drive the next wave of technological breakthroughs." The core IP developed by Leek has underpinned OQC achieving the world-first integration of a quantum computer into a colocation data centre and delivering Europe's first Quantum Compute-as-a-Service platform. The company's research department has continued to make notable contributions to the progression of the technology, including electron-beam annealing of Josephson junctions offers precise control over qubit frequencies post-fabrication, and developing a hardware efficient error-detection method laying the foundation to implement quantum error correction in next-generation quantum computers. About OQC OQC is a global leader in quantum computing-as-a-service, building a brighter future by providing enterprise-ready quantum solutions that seamlessly integrate into digital infrastructures and customer workflows. By pushing technological boundaries, we were the first commercially available quantum computer in the UK, the first Quantum Compute-as-a-Service company in Europe, and the first in the world to deploy a quantum computer to a commercial data centre including the integration with high performance compute. Our work has begun to break down technical, financial, and geographical barriers to quantum; offering every enterprise a chance to seize a competitive edge. Our latest device, OQC Toshiko, is the world's first and only enterprise ready platform: a powerful next generation system, deployed to commercial data-centres, enabling businesses to securely tap into ground-breaking technology. For more information, visit our website: www.oqc.tech . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443085/OQC.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2285831/4423566/OQC_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/oqc-founder-dr-peter-leek-appointed-as-chief-scientific-officer-302177182.html PQShield will use the investment to meet fast-growing market demand from the technology supply chain for its software and hardware IP The funding comes just as NIST is due to publish the official standards for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) - the final milestone in a process that is driving the global transition to quantum-resistant cryptography LONDON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PQShield , a cybersecurity company specializing in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), has raised $37 million in Series B funding led by Addition, with participation from new investors Chevron Technology Ventures, Legal & General and Braavos Capital, together with existing backers, Oxford Science Enterprises. PQShield will use the funding to expand its commercial operations as it continues to meet growing global demand for its quantum-ready cryptographic solutions for hardware, software and communications, as well as its research IP. The National Institute of Standards & Technology's (NIST) post-quantum cryptography standards are due to be ratified in a matter of weeks, marking an inflexion point in the global transition to quantum security. NIST's standards are also likely to be adopted by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). With new global standards in place and a series of government directives, such as the US National Security guidance (e.g CNSA 2.0 ), mandating the migration of critical systems to PQC from 2025, it's now a commercial imperative to adopt PQC. This is particularly so where an organization has critical data it needs to keep secure for any length of time - in fact, if they haven't already started planning the transition, they are already behind. Since it was founded in 2018, PQShield has established an industry-leading team of cryptography and engineering experts who have built an extensive, secure product suite for use in hardware, software, and the cloud. Recent strategic US hires include Johannes Lintzen, who joins from Cryptomathic as Global Business Development Director, and Janssen Liston, who joins from Rambus as North America Senior Sales Director. PQShield's cryptographic solutions are already helping to facilitate the transition to quantum security throughout the global technology supply chain - for example, in the secure boot and update of devices, in the Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) that secure most financial transactions, in ever-more connected vehicles, and in military grade communications systems. Customers include AMD, Microchip Technologies, Collins Aerospace, Lattice Semiconductor, Sumitomo Electric, NTT Data, Mirise Technologies (Toyota / Denso R&D), and many others. As well as advising businesses on the transition to quantum security, the company plans to also continue to support governments, industry bodies and cybersecurity agencies as they develop guidance around the migration to PQC. PQShield continues to play a leading role in the NIST PQC standardization project (having co-authored all four announced standards), and will continue to advise the White House, European Parliament, UK National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) and World Economic Forum (WEF) on the practical challenges involved. Todd Arfman of Addition said: "As we approach the culmination of the NIST project, we expect newly-ratified standards to help drive rapid adoption of PQC across the technology supply chain. Led by an industry-leading team with decades of experience, PQShield has quickly established itself as a leading authority in post-quantum cryptography for hardware and software. We are excited to see the business continue to build on its existing commercial success and further enhance its efforts in protecting our digital future." PQShield CEO and founder, Ali El Kaafarani, said: "I'm immensely proud to lead our team in shaping the way our digital world is protected against the threats of tomorrow. It no longer matters when a quantum computer will arrive that can break current cryptography methods: the need for quantum-resistant encryption is here today, as governments and standards agencies push to protect our most sensitive data. "We're already getting our technology into the hands of customers across the supply chain, and today's funding will enable us to deliver real-world, post-quantum hardware and software upgrades to even more organizations as they move to comply with new global standards. "It's our responsibility to deliver security and privacy in an increasingly digital world. Every line of code we write, every mathematical problem we solve, and every interaction we make is focused on one specific goal: keeping us all one step ahead of the attackers." About PQShield PQShield is a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) company building the quantum-safe cryptography solutions that are modernizing the vital security systems and components of the global technology supply chain. We deliver real-world, high-quality secure implementations of quantum-safe cryptography in hardware, software and the cloud, as well as being a leading contributor to post-quantum cryptography standardization projects around the world. Headquartered in the UK, with a 70 strong team across 10 countries, PQShield's contribution has been recognised by Bloomberg, Wired, Fast Company and the World Economic Forum. The company is backed by Addition, Oxford Science Enterprises, Chevron Technology Ventures, Legal & General, Braavos Capital, Kindred Capital, Crane and Innovate UK. Its extensive catalog of research papers is available here . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2441809/PQShield_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pqshield-raises-37m-in-series-b-funding-to-deliver-the-widespread-commercial-adoption-of-quantum-resistant-cryptography-302175608.html Dagfinn Hallseth, CEO and founder of NEO Consulting AS, has been awarded the title of 'Norwegian Healthcare CEO of the Year' in the 2024 Business Worldwide CEO Awards. LONDON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional C-level executives across various industries worldwide. Unlike many awards that focus solely on company performance, these awards honour the individual success of senior executives, including CEOs, Managing Directors, and other high-level managers, inspiring others to strive for similar excellence. The healthcare sector in Scandinavia has long been a beacon of excellence, serving as a model for nations worldwide. Despite facing challenges such as resource shortages, quality concerns, and the demands of an ageing population, Scandinavian healthcare systems continue to deliver high-quality, technologically advanced services. At the forefront of this excellence is NEO Consulting AS, founded and led by industry expert Dagfinn Hallseth. Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, NEO Consulting collaborates with healthcare leaders to navigate complex transformations effectively and support a healthy, thriving population and a sustainable healthcare system. With over 100 successful projects in the past five years, NEO has made a significant impact on healthcare reform, strategy development, organisational optimization, and healthcare digitalization across Europe and beyond. Before establishing NEO Consulting AS, Dagfinn Hallseth accumulated nearly 25 years of consulting experience, with 20 years dedicated to healthcare. His extensive portfolio includes hundreds of healthcare projects across Norway, the Nordics, EMEA, and beyond. As a former leader in PwC's healthcare team for Norway and EMEA, Hallseth brings unparalleled expertise in health policy, reforms, strategy, governance, transformation and technology. Hallseth's unique background includes several years in the military, where he developed skills in discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking. These skills have been instrumental in his success as a healthcare leader, enabling him to build high-performing teams and navigate complex healthcare landscapes effectively. Today, he is a revered strategic advisor, guiding top healthcare leaders and spearheading transformative initiatives. His mentorship and strategic acumen continue to shape the future of healthcare, both regionally and globally. Hallseth has contributed to numerous health trend reports and whitepapers and delivers over 20 healthcare strategy and change presentations annually. For more information about NEO Consulting and its pioneering work, visit NEO Consulting's website. Further information about the Business Worldwide CEO Awards can be found at https://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. Contact David Jones Awards Department E: david@bwmonline.com W: www.bwmonline.com T: +44 207 993 5951 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dagfinn-hallseth-of-neo-consulting-receives-prestigious-recognition-in-2024-business-worldwide-magazine-ceo-awards-302177126.html STOCKHOLM, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Systecon is proud to announce a strategic partnership with PragoData, naming the Czech company as our exclusive representative for the sale, implementation, and support of Systecon's Opus Suite solution for analysis-driven Life Cycle Management in the Czech, Slovak, and Bulgarian markets. This strategic alliance marks a major milestone in our mission to provide robust, data-driven life cycle management solutions for complex technical systems and a significant step in broadening the availability and impact of Opus Suite. "For over fifty years, Systecon has been at the forefront of developing methods and software for analysis-driven LCM that enable organizations to make informed decisions throughout the life cycle of their systems. Our partnership with PragoData not only extends our reach but also strengthens our capability to support our clients by leveraging PragoData's local expertise and market presence," said Magnus Andersson, Director Business Development at Systecon. The Opus Suite is renowned for its role in optimizing performance and reducing costs of complex systems, widely used by NATO member countries and defense industry suppliers. It facilitates seamless data exchange, precise modeling, and optimization of system performance and cost-efficiency. Every day, Opus Suite is used by hundreds of companies and governments in more than 20 countries on five continents. "Teaming up with Systecon elevates our ability to provide comprehensive life cycle management solutions. This partnership enables us to deliver even more value to our clients, particularly in managing complex systems and projects," said Bretislav Moc, CEO of PragoData This collaboration follows PragoData's recent acquisition of CALS servis, marking another milestone in their "Product Life Centre of Excellence" initiative. For further information, please visit www.systecongroup.com About Systecon Systecon is a leading provider of decision support solutions, specializing in optimizing complex systems for military and commercial applications. With a track record of excellence, Systecon delivers innovative tools and expertise to empower organizations worldwide. For over 50 years Systecon has developed methods and software for analysis-driven life cycle management. Our solution Opus Suite is used by organizations across the globe in different industries, from defense to renewables to transport, to make informed, smarter decisions in all phases of the system life cycle. We have the methodology, tools, and experience to understand and influence the factors that affect the performance and costs of technical systems - e.g., aircraft, trains, or wind turbines - and to optimize operations, system design, and maintenance solutions based on our customers' conditions and objectives. Today Systecon is a thought leader in analytical LCM and many of the world's most complex technology projects rely on our tools and expertise. For more information, please visit www.systecongroup.com. About PragoData PragoData is a leading Czech company specialising in the development, implementation, and security of information systems. It has become a trusted partner for numerous clients in both the private and public sectors, such as Skoda Auto, the Ministry of Defence, or the Czech Technical University. PragoData owns subsidiaries HAiDA spol. s r.o. for implementing GORDIC GINIS software and CALS servis s.r.o. for integrated product support (IPS) from the perspective of both the manufacturer and user. The company is also an exclusive partner of the Swedish company Systecon on certain European markets, a leading global provider of software for managing the life cycle of complex technical systems. PragoData holds the highest security standards from the National Security Authority and the National Cyber and Information Security Agency. PragoData and its subsidiaries are based in Prague, Brno, Ceska Lipa, and Novy Bor. www.pragodata.com Media contact: Magnus Andersson Director Business Development Phone: +46 705 782 517 E-mail: magnus.andersson@systecongroup.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/systecon-ab/r/systecon-partners-with-pragodata-to-expand-opus-suite-reach-in-central-and-eastern-europe,c4002884 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/2556/4002884/2871556.pdf Systecon Partners with PragoData to Expand Opus Suite Reach in Central and Eastern Europe_PRESS_Cision https://news.cision.com/systecon-ab/i/magnus-andersson--director-business-development--systecon,c3312186 Magnus Andersson, Director Business Development, Systecon View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/systecon-partners-with-pragodata-to-expand-opus-suite-reach-in-central-and-eastern-europe-302177765.html GUANGZHOU, China, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guangzhou Xianyou Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd (also known as NPC), a leading tech brand, will make a prominent appearance at the Poland Electronics Show 2024, one of Central and Eastern Europe's largest consumer electronics trade shows, which will be held from June 21 to 23 at Ptak Warsaw Expo in Poland. NPC will be exhibiting at Booth D3.13b. As a pioneering force in high-resolution displays and intelligent home ecosystems, NPC is set to present a slew of ground-breaking technologies that promise to push the boundaries of visual and digital experiences. Among the key attractions will be their magnificent QLED smart TVs, which include micron-level dot matrix contrast management, an expansive color gamut, and a full-channel 120Hz high refresh rate for unrivaled visual quality. Furthermore, NPC's professional-grade gaming monitors, designed with ultra-high refresh rates and lightning-fast response times, are poised to take the gaming experience to new heights. In addition to their display capabilities, NPC will demonstrate their innovative portable projectors and high-performance all-in-one computers, which are designed to seamlessly fit into modern smart home ecosystems, increasing ease and efficiency. Joining forces with NPC at this year's event is the legendary Japanese home appliance brand Aiwa, renowned for its exceptional audio engineering and user-centric innovations. Aiwa intends to present its latest audio products and smart home gadgets, maintaining its tradition of pushing the frontiers of sound quality and user experience. NPC and Aiwa extend a warm invitation to industry professionals, tech enthusiasts, and consumers alike to attend this technological extravaganza. Immerse yourself in the latest advancements, broaden your horizons, and witness first-hand the pulse of the industry as these two titans join forces with other esteemed peers to redefine the possibilities of modern living. About NPC Established in 2005, NPC is a worldwide technology company committed to providing superior audio-visual and smart home experiences through continual innovation and unwavering pursuit of quality. With a diverse portfolio encompassing QLED smart TVs, professional gaming monitors, intelligent projectors, and all-in-one computers, NPC has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with technology in their daily lives. Media contact: Company Name: Guangzhou Xianyou Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd Telephone: +86 020-86163637 E-mail: xy@npc-cn.com Website: www.npc-cn.com Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial. Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) The government on Wednesday cancelled the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination after inputs prima facie indicated that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. According to an Education Ministry statement, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, the fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. . The statement said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination in OMR (pen and paper) mode on June 18, 2024, in two shifts across different cities of the country. On June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised. To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation. The statement added that in the matter pertaining to the NEET (UG) Examination 2024, the issue related to grace marks has already been fully addressed. As regards certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. The government will take further action upon receipt of this report. The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interests of students. It is reiterated that any individual or organisation found to be involved in this matter will face the strictest action, the statement added. UNI RBE GNK Reduction of Share Capital - Update i3 Energy PLC (AIM:I3E)(TSX:ITE), an independent oil and gas company with assets and operations in the UK and Canada, announces the following update to its proposed reduction of share capital. Proposed Capital Reduction - Next Steps and Timetable Terms used in this announcement have the same meaning given in the shareholder circular of the Company dated 25 March 2024 unless otherwise defined in this announcement. At the General Meeting held on 15 April 2024 the shareholders approved a resolution to allow, among other things, the Capital Reduction. The proposed Capital Reduction is intended to increase retained earnings in order to create further distributable reserves in the Company to facilitate the future payment of dividends (in cash or otherwise) to Shareholders, where justified by the profits of the Company, or to allow the redemption or buy-back of the Company's shares (or other distributions to Shareholders). The proposed Capital Reduction is subject to the scrutiny of, and confirmation by, the High Court of England and Wales (the "High Court") which will take due account of the protection of creditors. On 12 June 2024, the initial directions hearing in relation to the Capital Reduction took place. It is currently expected that the final Court Hearing will take place on 2 July 2024. Subject to that confirmation of the Capital Reduction at the Court Hearing and registration by the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales of the order of the High Court, the Capital Reduction is expected to take effect as per the timetable below. The Board anticipates that the Capital Reduction will result in the creation of distributable reserves; however, this is subject to: (i) there being no materially negative change in the financial position or prospects of the Company; and (ii) any provision that the Court requires the Company to make for the protection of its creditors (although the Board does not expect any undertakings or similar measures to be required). This will give the Company the maximum flexibility to consider the payment of dividends and otherwise return value to Shareholders, should the Board consider it appropriate. It should however be noted that if the Company is required to give undertakings to the Court, this may delay the Company's ability to pay dividends and otherwise return value to Shareholders. Following the implementation of the Capital Reduction, there will be no change in the nominal value of the Company's shares or the number of shares in issue. The Capital Reduction will not involve any distribution or repayment of share premium by the Company and will not reduce the underlying net assets of the Company. The Directors reserve the right to abandon or discontinue any application to the High Court for confirmation of the Capital Reduction if the Directors believe that the terms required to obtain confirmation are unsatisfactory to the Company or if, as the result of a material unforeseen event, the Directors consider that to continue with the Capital Reduction would be inappropriate or inadvisable. Timetable of Principal Events The expected timetable of principal events with respect to the Capital Reduction are as follows: PRINCIPAL EVENT DATE Date for the directions hearing for the High Court to consider the Capital Reduction application 12 June 2024 Expected date for the hearing by the High Court to confirm the Capital Reduction 2 July 2024 Expected date that the Capital Reduction becomes effective On or around 3 July 2024 Enquiries: i3 Energy plc Majid Shafiq (CEO) c/o Camarco Tel: +44 (0) 203 757 4980 WH Ireland Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker) James Joyce, Darshan Patel Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1666 Tennyson Securities (Joint Broker) Peter Krens Tel: +44 (0) 207 186 9030 Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Joint Broker) Ashton Clanfield, Callum Stewart Tel: +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Camarco Andrew Turner, Violet Wilson, Sam Morris Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8338 Notes to Editors: i3 Energy is an oil and gas Company with a low cost, diversified, growing production base in Canada's most prolific hydrocarbon region, the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and appraisal assets in the North Sea with significant upside. The Company is well positioned to deliver future growth through the optimisation of its existing high working interest asset base and the acquisition of long life, low decline conventional production assets. i3 is dedicated to responsible corporate practices and the environment, and places high value on adhering to strong Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") practices. i3 is proud of its performance to date as a responsible steward of the environment, people, and capital management. The Company is committed to maintaining an ESG strategy, which has broader implications for long-term value creation, as these benefits extend beyond regulatory requirements. i3 Energy is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol I3E and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ITE. For further information on i3 Energy please visit https://i3.energy/. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: i3 Energy PLC View the original press release on accesswire.com Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus. Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential. In diesem kostenlosen Report geben wir Ihnen Favoriten an die Hand, die aufgrund von Sondersituation die Chance auf eine Kursvervielfachung besitzen. Handeln Sie Jetzt! Fordern Sie jetzt den brandneuen Spezialreport an und profitieren Sie von dem weiter steigenden Kurs des Edelmetalls. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Ihren kostenfreien Report. MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- StarCharge, a global leader in EV charging infrastructure and micro-grid solutions, has made a strong opening impression at Smarter E Europe 2024, showcasing its dedication to sustainable and efficient energy innovations. 1. Titan 320 and Nova 720: Pioneering Energy-Efficient Charging StarCharge's 97% efficiency EV charging solution,embodied by its Titan 320, a unified 320 kW high-power EV charger, and Nova 720, a flexible 720 kW charging station capable of integrating multiple charging points, has garnered significant attention. Tony Wu, General Manager of company's Charger Production Center, emphasized the chargers' capabilities, stating, "The Titan 320 and Nova 720 are engineered to minimize power loss and reduce energy expenses, offering substantial cost savings for our customers." With a cutting-edge modular design and dynamic power distribution, StarCharge's 97% efficiency charging solutions is expected to increase charging station profitability by 2% to 3%. 2. vLight: vLight: The Smart Choice for Residential Solar Energy Storage StarCharge's vLight makes its global debut at Smarter E Europe, presented by Business Director Dr. Huang Xiang and Product Director Chen Shen. This marks the company's official introduction of its groundbreaking residential battery storage solution. vLight's PV coupling technology allows for an uncomplicated retrofit, enhancing existing solar systems with minimal disruption. The solution's compatibility, efficiency, and ease of installation underscore StarCharge's commitment to providing customers with a sustainable and economically viable energy storage option. 3. eVOLT Charging Solution: Soaring New Heights with Lilium StarCharge has taken a strategic leap forward in transportation electrification by partnering with Lilium, a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM). Tom Rice, Ground Operation Manager of Lilium gave a speech highlighting the eVOLT charging solution collaboratively developed by Lilium and StarCharge, which marks a significant milestone in StarCharge's expansion into new transportation modes. Together, StarCharge and Lilium are pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation, ensuring a greener and more connected future. Herman, CEO of StarCharge, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the company's participation at Smarter E Europe 2024, stating, "Participating in Smarter E Europe 2024 is a testament to StarCharge's dedication to innovation and our role as a pioneer in the energy transition. It is an honor to present our latest technologies to an audience of industry leaders and visionaries." As the exhibition continues, StarCharge invites all industry professionals and attendees to visit Booth 150, Hall C3 to experience these groundbreaking innovations. About StarCharge Star Charge, a global leader in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and microgrid solutions, operates in 20 countries with manufacturing facilities in USA, Vietnam, and China. To contribute to the energy transition towards a more sustainable future, we focus on evolving our solutions through innovative technology in the e-mobility sector, aiming to build a mobile and efficient energy network. For more information, please visit www.starcharge.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443158/StarCharge.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smarter-e-europe-2024-starcharge-showcases-innovative-solutions-on-day-one-302177808.html MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CORNEX New Energy Co., Ltd. (CORNEX), a new energy innovative high-tech enterprise, presents its all-scenario energy storage products and solutions at The Smarter E Europe 2024, held from June 19 to 21 in Munich, Germany. CORNEX has fully demonstrated its full life cycle systematized service capabilities to overseas customers, stepping onto the European stage with a "green" attitude to accelerate its in-depth presence in the global energy storage market. As the largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry in Europe, the smarter E Europe brings together industry elites and exhibitors from around the world, focusing on cross-industry solutions from the electricity, heat and transport sectors for a sustainable 24/7 energy supply. CORNEX showcases its self-developed full range of product matrices and star products, including 150Ah, 280Ah, 314Ah batteries, 20-foot 5MWh Battery Energy Storage Container CORNEX M5 and 233 kWh Liquid Cooling Outdoor Cabinet. Through the "comprehensive product portfolio and completed overseas after-sales service", CORNEX showed its core strength and conducted in-depth exchanges with upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain, and received significant recognition for introducing flexible, eco-friendly, safe and intelligent Chinese solutions. In the future, CORNEX will firmly uphold the principles of innovation, openness and cooperation, in concert with a wider range of outstanding global enterprises, to foster the sustained growth and prosperity of the new energy industry. About CORNEX: CORNEX NEW ENERGY CO., LTD. is a new energy innovative high-tech enterprise focusing on R&D, manufacturing, sales and services of energy storage batteries, EV batteries and energy management systems. Their product has successfully obtained access certification in various territories, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and others. Adhering to the principles of "Proven Expertise, Fast Response and Flexible Warranty", CORNEX has established a strong network of more than 55 professional service teams, each composed of experienced technical experts, to offer immediate service responses within 2 hours, provide solutions to common problems within 48 hours, and solve complex problems within 72 hours. These teams are strategically located in 13 different countries and regions, including the United States, Australia, UK, France and Germany (with a constantly expanding service network), to deliver superior after-sales services in international markets. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443591/4ebfaa9e_434e_4b0c_a1af_8791ff2610b1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cornexs-products-are-moving-further-into-the-world-cornex-shines-at-the-smarter-e-europe-2024-with-latest-products-302177815.html The unified solution marks the first of its kind implementation globally Harnesses company's global network presence to deliver carrier grade performance and enhance user experience Provides unified visibility and control of network traffic with context led insights MUMBAI, India, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tata Communications today announced the launch of its Unified/ Single-Vendor Hosted Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) for global enterprises. In partnership with Versa Networks, a leader in AI-powered Unified SASE, Tata Communications Hosted SASE, converges software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) and secure service edge (SSE) capabilities in a single pass technology enabling future ready businesses to fully harness the power and potential of cloud-based environments through exceptional performance, zero-trust security, ease of use, and cost effectiveness. Hosted and managed end-to-end by Tata Communications, the solution offers secure, scalable, and agile deployment. The company's cross domain expertise across network, security and cloud, delivers a seamless operational management and integration with existing systems for enterprises, ensuring robust support throughout their journey. As enterprises increasingly adopt hybrid working, SD-WAN and a digital-first approach, their distributed network architecture increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, and hence the need for robust SSE solutions. A study commissioned by Tata Communications with Omdia identified that secure remote working was the top driver (49%) for adopting SASE solutions in global businesses, followed closely by simplified and integrated security models (43%). Furthermore, when implementing SASE, nearly half of businesses cited siloed security and networks teams as a key challenge. Tata Communications Hosted SASE is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. The company is harnessing its globally distributed network for delivering Hosted SASE ensuring carrier grade connectivity and superior performance. It also offers advanced detection and real-time protection via a cyber threat intelligence platform that generates insights by aggregating data from Tata Communications' network and other leading industry sources. "Our customers operate in a hyperconnected environment, so it is vital that they are able to access data anytime anywhere without compromising on security or user experience," said Srinivasan CR, Executive Vice President-Cloud and Cybersecurity Services & Chief Digital Officer, Tata Communications. "Our Hosted SASE solution powers global businesses with secure communication and collaboration weaving all of their data and applications into a single digital fabric that enables end-to-end control and visibility." Tata Communications Hosted SASE's single pass technology ensures unified visibility and control of network traffic along with actionable insights to optimize network performance. This helps enterprises to avoid complexities and delays in managing an ever-growing stack of point solutions. Furthermore, they can also improve their return on investment - with Tata Communications Hosted SASE, the cost of ownership is estimated to be nearly 40% lower than deploying point solutions. "As workforces become increasingly hybrid, there has never been a more important time to deliver something radically different, as every customer is unique and needs flexibility when determining how a SASE architecture fits into their environment. With the Hosted SASE, Tata Communications has set a new standard for enterprise security and connectivity for enterprises," said Mouli S, SVP & CTO, Hinduja Global Solutions. "We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Tata Communications," said Kelly Ahuja, CEO, Versa Networks. "Their Hosted SASE offering will help enterprises drive business transformation while enhancing security posture and providing a better user-to-app experience. Delivering this via a single platform and fully leveraging their global network footprint allows Tata Communications to create differentiation through data sovereignty and regulatory compliance." "Remote working, connectivity to clouds and collaboration are key enterprise considerations. But each comes with security risks. SASE helps simplify and integrate enterprise security models," said Brian Washburn, Research Director, Omdia. "Tata Communications' Hosted SASE solution marks a first for its type of implementation globally, combining the provider's high-performance global network with enhanced security for enterprises to connect, communicate and collaborate more safely." Click here to learn more about Tata Communications Hosted SASE. About Versa Networks Versa, the leader in single-vendor Unified SASE platforms, delivers AI/ML-powered SSE and SD-WAN solutions. The platform provides networking and security with true multitenancy, and sophisticated analytics via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both to meet SASE requirements for small to extremely large enterprises and service providers. Thousands of customers globally, with hundreds of thousands of sites and millions of users, trust Versa with their mission critical networks and security. Versa is privately held and funded by Sequoia Capital, Mayfield, Artis Ventures, Verizon Ventures, Comcast Ventures, BlackRock, Liberty Global Ventures, Princeville Capital, RPS Ventures, and Triangle Peak Partners. For more information, visit https://www.versa-networks.com or follow Versa on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) @versanetworks . About Tata Communications A part of the Tata Group, Tata Communications (NSE: TATACOMM) (BSE: 500483) is a global digital ecosystem enabler powering today's fast-growing digital economy in more than 190 countries and territories. Leading with trust, it enables digital transformation of enterprises globally with collaboration and connected solutions, core and next gen connectivity, cloud hosting and security solutions and media services. 300 of the Fortune 500 companies are its customers and the company connects businesses to 80% of the world's cloud giants. For more information, please visit www.tatacommunications.com Follow us on: Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram Forward-looking and cautionary statements Certain words and statements in this release concerning Tata Communications and its prospects, and other statements, including those relating to Tata Communications' expected financial position, business strategy, the future development of Tata Communications' operations, and the general economy in India, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including financial, regulatory and environmental, as well as those relating to industry growth and trend projections, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tata Communications, or industry results, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, among others, failure to increase the volume of traffic on Tata Communications' network; failure to develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; failure to successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services, including voice transmission services; failure to stabilize or reduce the rate of price compression on certain of the company's communications services; failure to integrate strategic acquisitions and changes in government policies or regulations of India and, in particular, changes relating to the administration of Tata Communications' industry; and, in general, the economic, business and credit conditions in India. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, many of which are not in Tata Communications' control, include, but are not limited to, those risk factors discussed in Tata Communications Limited's Annual Reports. The Annual Reports of Tata Communications Limited are available at www.tatacommunications.com. Tata Communications is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements. 2024 Tata Communications Ltd. All rights reserved. TATA COMMUNICATIONS and TATA are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tata Sons Private Limited in India and certain countries. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2268954/Tata_Communications_Logo.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443609/Versa_Networks_Logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tata-communications-hosted-sase-redefines-next-gen-networking--security-302177818.html VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calibre Mining (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) ("Calibre" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that effective June 25, 2024, Daniella Dimitrov has been appointed Senior Vice President ("SVP") & Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company. Darren Hall, President and CEO of Calibre stated: "I am delighted to welcome Daniella Dimitrov to the Calibre team as SVP & CFO. Daniella is a highly accomplished executive with extensive leadership experience in mining and capital markets. Her experience and reputation make her the right choice to lead our finance team and we look forward to her valuable contributions as we advance toward becoming a mid-tier gold producer." Daniella Dimitrov comes to Calibre with over 20 years of experience in mining and capital markets. Prior to joining Calibre, she served as the CFO of IAMGOLD Corporation and, for a period, also as President and Interim Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"). Ms. Dimitrov's previous roles include Partner, Investment Banking, with Sprott Capital Partners, CEO and, prior to this, CFO, of Orvana Minerals, Executive Vice Chair of Baffinland Iron and Chief Operating Officer of Dundee Securities. Ms. Dimitrov has also held various corporate development positions in mining and financial services. Furthermore, Ms. Dimitrov brings extensive governance experience, spanning more than 15 years, including with the Canadian Securities Administrators, Ontario's Mining Advisory group and several mining companies. Ms. Dimitrov holds a Global Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and Schulich School of Business, a law degree from the University of Windsor and is a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship Certified. Ms. Dimitrov was previously chosen as one of the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining. About Calibre Calibre is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Darren Hall" Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Ryan King SVP Corporate Development & IR T: 604.628.1012 E: calibre@calibremining.com W: www.calibremining.com (http://www.calibremining.com) Calibre's head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6. X (https://twitter.com/CalibreMiningCo) / Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CalibreMining) / LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/calibre-mining-corp-cxb-/?originalSubdomain=ca) / YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@calibreminingcorp) The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GS Energy (Ningbo) Power Technology Co., Ltd (GS Technology), a global leader in smart energy solutions, is showcasing its brands, GS ENERGY and GSCOOL, at Intersolar Europe in Munich, Germany, from June 19-21, 2024. Booth number: B4.375. GS ENERGY is displaying an array of products, including a photovoltaic-storage-charging integrated system for residential use. This advanced system is designed with multiple innovations that offer a holistic protection approach from the battery core through to the entire system, ensuring enhanced safety throughout its operational lifespan-from grid integration to routine maintenance. This comprehensive safeguarding not only secures customer safety but also guarantees sustainable and high financial returns. Key product features include: Stackable design for straightforward installation Application as an emergency backup power source Availability in either single-phase or three-phase configurations In its energy storage offerings, GS Energy has integrated a natural air cooling system to minimize heat dissipation, alongside an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that automatically detects the positions of batteries, streamlining system expansion. The system allows for the uploading of operational data directly through a QR code to a dedicated mobile app. It facilitates the use of various inverter brands, simplifying setup processes and ensuring consistent battery temperature management to extend the batteries' lifespan. Equipped with intelligent cluster-level management, it maximizes charging and discharging efficiency and is compatible with mainstream inverters, offering flexibility in inverter choice. These products comply with stringent European standards and certifications for energy storage, ensuring comprehensive safety, high efficiency, flexibility, and consistent system performance, meeting the specific needs of local markets. At the same event, GSCOOL, another GS Technology brand, is presenting a slim 3kW energy storage liquid cooling temperature control system. Some product highlights: An integrated ultra-thin design for horizontal installation, simplifying adjustment and cutting costs; A compressor and water pump with high-efficiency variable frequency, intelligent fan speed control, and energy-saving features; A standard RS485 communication interface using Modbus RTU protocol for centralized control; A power-off memory function that provides multiple alarms, records, and protection features; Compatibility with R513A refrigerant, enhancing safety and eco-friendliness; A high protection level of up to IPX5. Mr. Ni, GSCOOL's Brand Manager, remarked, "At this stage, thermal management and fire protection for energy storage are often handled by separate manufacturers, which complicates achieving optimal solutions from design through installation. The industry urgently needs professional manufacturers that can offer integrated solutions for both thermal management and fire protection. This is exactly where GSCOOL excels." GSCOOL boasts significant technical expertise, supported by a research and development team with over a decade of experience in the thermal management sector and involvement in more than 200 projects. Its production capabilities include automated lines that annually output over 50,000 liquid cooling units. Strict process controls ensure high product quality and consistency, enabling rapid scaling to meet market demands. Additionally, GSCOOL maintains a comprehensive experimental setup and a reliable testing system. It also offers professional pre-sales technical support and after-sales service teams, along with an international network, ensuring prompt and high-quality service to customers. Currently, GS Technology operates warehouses and subsidiaries outside of the home market in the Netherlands, Australia, and South Africa. Looking ahead, GS Technology remains committed to being customer-centric, continuously delivering safe and reliable products and services, and strengthening its global market presence. After SNEC PV Power Expo & Intersolar Europe 2024, let's meet at Solar Storage Live in UK. About GS Technology GS Technology is a global leader in energy storage solutions, committed to providing innovative and sustainable products that meet the needs of today's dynamic energy market. With a robust presence in both domestic and international markets, GS Technology continues to drive technological advancements and sustainable practices across the industry. For more information, please visit https://www.gs-ess.com/. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443651/11.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gs-technology-showcases-advanced-solar-storage-solutions--liquid-cooling-solutions-at-intersolar-europe-302177846.html CHICAGO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive Camera Market size is projected to grow from USD 8.3 Billion in 2024 to USD 16.0 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 11.5%., according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Government regulations regarding vehicle occupants and pedestrian safety is driving the growth of the automotive camera market on a global scale. Initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting autonomous vehicle technology require sophisticated camera systems for accurate detection and monitoring. As regions prioritize the development of autonomous vehicles to improve urban mobility and safety, the demand for automotive cameras, including rearview, surround-view, and driver monitoring cameras, is steadily increasing. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=125124333 Browse in-depth TOC on "Automotive Camera Market" 399 - Tables 90 - Figures 420 - Pages Automotive Camera Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 USD 8.3 Billion Estimated Value by 2030 USD 16.0 Billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% Market Size Available for 2019-2030 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Technology, ICE Application, Vehicle Type, View Type, EV Type, EV Application, Level of Autonomy Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Growing push for autonomous vehicles Key Market Drivers Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles The passenger car segment is anticipated to show the largest growth in the global automotive camera market. The passenger car segment of the automotive camera market is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period. The rising demand for ADAS is a crucial factor behind the increasing use of cameras in passenger cars. ADAS technologies, such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts, depend on cameras to identify and react to potential dangers. Additionally, global governmental regulations are moving toward making ADAS mandatory in passenger cars. For example, the EU has expanded its requirements to include features like the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. These features have been mandated in EU countries from July 2022. Such regulatory measures are likely to further stimulate the market for automotive cameras in passenger cars. Thermal segment is anticipated to be the fastest growing technology in the global automotive camera market. Thermal cameras in cars work by detecting heat emitted by objects, allowing them to capture images even in complete darkness. These cameras are essential for ADAS, including night vision systems and pedestrian detection. In night vision systems, thermal cameras enhance driving safety by detecting the heat signatures of objects, such as pedestrians or animals, and providing visual alerts to the driver. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents in low-visibility conditions like darkness, fog, rain, or snow. Thermal cameras are also used in pedestrian detection systems, where they identify the heat emitted by people, helping prevent collisions by alerting the driver to their presence. This technology is particularly useful in urban environments or areas with heavy foot traffic. The primary difference between thermal and infrared cameras lies in the type of infrared light they use. Thermal imaging systems utilize mid or long-wavelength infrared light, whereas infrared systems use short-wavelength infrared light. Thermal imagers are passive devices that detect variations in heat but cannot sense reflected light. Because they operate in a longer infrared wavelength spectrum than active infrared systems, they remain unaffected by incoming headlights, fog, haze, and dust. This capability allows thermal cameras to detect temperature changes, making them ideal for identifying heat signatures from objects or people in complete darkness. While both thermal and infrared cameras detect heat, thermal cameras are particularly advantageous for their ability to function under a wider range of conditions. Germany to lead the automotive camera market in Europe. Germany is expected to be the largest market for automotive cameras in the European region during the forecast period. The German automotive camera market is expected to grow due to the increasing safety awareness and government regulations mandating advanced systems in vehicles. Major German OEMs like Volkswagen and Daimler have already integrated advanced features to enhance the driving experience, offering most ADAS features as standard in their premium vehicles. Since July 2022, the country has mandated the use of ADAS features such as automotive emergency braking, driver monitoring, and lane departure warning systems. The presence of key manufacturers such as Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), and Continental AG (Germany) significantly contributes to this growth. Recent developments, such as camera heads enabling ADAS functionality (including 3-to-8-megapixel versions scalable up to 12 megapixels) released by Robert Bosch GmbH in September 2023, highlight the advancements and increasing demand in the market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=125124333 Automotive Camera Market Dynamics: Drivers: Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles Restraints: Impact of adverse weather conditions Opportunities: Growing push for autonomous vehicles Challenge: Low adoption and high cost of newer technologies Key Market Players Automotive Camera Industry: Prominent players in the Automotive Camera Market include Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Continental AG (Germany), Valeo (France), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), and Denso Corporation (Japan), and Ficosa International SA (Spain), among others. The break-down of primary participants is as mentioned below: By Respondent Type: OEMs - 32%, Tier 1 -37% and Others - 28%, OEMs - 32%, Tier 1 -37% and Others - 28%, By Designation: CXO's - 33%, Managers - 52%, and Executives - 15% CXO's - 33%, Managers - 52%, and Executives - 15% By Region: North America - 26%, Asia Pacific - 35%, Europe - 30%, and Rest of the World - 9% Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=125124333 Automotive Camera Industry Recent Developments: In March 2024, ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany) acquired a 6% stake in the South Korean software company StradVision, an artificial intelligence-based vision processing technology for autonomous vehicles and ADAS. The acquisition extends ZF's autonomous driving perception and sensor fusion capabilities. In January 2024, Valeo (France) collaborated with Teledyne FLIR LLC (US), part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, to bring thermal imaging technology to the automotive industry to enhance the safety of road users. In January 2024, Continental AG (Germany) unveiled Face Authentication Display, a two-stage access control system based on biometric user recognition, which uses special camera systems mounted externally on the vehicle's B-pillar and behind the driver display console. With biometric face authentication, the vehicle unlocks and starts upon detecting a registered user while enabling driver monitoring for enhanced safety. Automotive Camera Market Size - Key Benefits of Buying the Report: The report will help the market leaders/new entrants with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall automotive camera market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the market pulse and provides information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. This report provides insights on: Analysis of key drivers (Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles, Government initiatives for improved vehicle safety, Advancements in camera technology), restraints (Impact of adverse weather conditions, Lack of infrastructure in emerging economies), opportunities (Growing push for autonomous vehicles, Surge in demand for premium vehicles), and challenges (Low adoption and high cost of newer technologies, Integration with other vehicle sensors) influencing the growth of the automotive camera market. (Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles, Government initiatives for improved vehicle safety, Advancements in camera technology), restraints (Impact of adverse weather conditions, Lack of infrastructure in emerging economies), opportunities (Growing push for autonomous vehicles, Surge in demand for premium vehicles), and challenges (Low adoption and high cost of newer technologies, Integration with other vehicle sensors) influencing the growth of the automotive camera market. Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the automotive camera market. Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the automotive camera market. Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the automotive camera market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the automotive camera market. Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the automotive camera market. Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Continental AG (Germany), Valeo (France), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), Denso Corporation (Japan), and Ficosa International SA (Spain) among others in the automotive camera market. In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Continental AG (Germany), Valeo (France), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), Denso Corporation (Japan), and Ficosa International SA (Spain) among others in the automotive camera market. Strategies: The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the automotive camera market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. Related Reports: ADAS Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Automotive Ethernet Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Electric Vehicle Market - Global Forecast 2030 Autonomous / Self-Driving Cars Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Get access to the latest updates on Automotive Camera Companies and Automotive Camera Industry Growth About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automotive-camera-market-worth-usd-16-0-billion-by-2030-marketsandmarkets-302177781.html WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024that it has replaced 95% of the plastic air pillows from delivery packaging in North America with 100% recycled paper filler - a move that is, according to the company, expected to "avoid nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows annually." The decision is part of Amazon's "multi-year effort to remove plastic delivery packaging from North America fulfillment centers." This announcement follows years of campaigning by Oceana and its allies for the company to reduce its use of plastic packaging including releasing reports on Amazon's plastic packaging waste footprint, campaigning outside the company's headquarters, meeting with company representatives, and advocating for shareholder resolutions. In response, Oceana released the following statement from Matt Littlejohn, Oceana's Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives: "As the world's dominant e-commerce company, Amazon's action to reduce plastic packaging is welcome news for the oceans and the company's customers. "In 2020, when e-commerce sales surged due to the global pandemic, Oceana and our allies set out to push Amazon to reduce its enormous use of plastic packaging. Now, four years later, Amazon has announced it has effectively phased out plastic air pillows in North America, including in the United Statesfound that, in 2022, protective packaging, including plastic air pillows, accounted for over one-third of all e-commerce plastic packaging by weight globally. Plastic air pillows are made from the most common form of marine plastic litter in nearshore ocean areas- plastic film - which is also the deadliest typeof plastic to large marine animals. Plastic film, unlike its paper alternatives, is not curbside recyclable or compostable. According to research by YouGov, 85% of Amazon customers in the U.S. reported being concerned about plastic pollution. "While this is a significant step forward for the company, Amazon needs to build on this momentum and fulfill its multiyear commitment to transition its North America fulfillment centers away from plastic. Then, the company should expand these efforts and also push innovations like reusable packaging to move away from single-use packaging everywhere it sells and ships." Amazon's move away from plastic air pillows in North America follows the company's phasing out of plastic air pillows in Australia, and nearly all single-use plastic packaging (including air pillows) in India and throughout Europe. Last year, the company reported using 11.6% less plastic packaging globally in 2022 compared to the previous year. Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world's wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana's campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit?Oceana.org?to learn more.? MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At the prestigious Intersolar Europe Exhibition 2024, SYL, an energy storage subsidiary of the Risen Group, has once again demonstrated its leadership in the market by unveiling innovative energy storage solutions. This year's event, held from June 19-21, SYL unveiled its groundbreaking 215kWh all-in-one cabinet, tailored specifically for the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) market, marking a significant leap in the efficiency and scalability of the one-stop C&I solution. The highlight of the exhibition was the full-sized 215kWh all-in-one cabinet, the iCon, which drew considerable attention from industry professionals and potential clients alike. Lei Zhang, SYL's deputy general manager of product R&D, announced the product launch of this Europe version all-in-one cabinet, in his keynote speech on booth. This state-of-the-art product is designed to meet the growing energy needs of businesses, offering a compact, efficient, safe and reliable solution. The all-in-one cabinet integrates advanced liquid-cooled battery pack technology, the self-developed Battery Management System (BMS) and Power Conversion System (PCS) into one single unit, simplifying installation and maintenance while maximizing performance and safety. The CEO of the Group, Terry Wu, emphasized the importance of addressing the increasing demand for robust and scalable energy storage solutions in Europe. "Europe is one of the centres of global new energy development, and is also the highland of cooperation and innovation of SYL Battery. In the future, the company will continue to give full play to the advantages of technological innovation, further strengthen international cooperation, promote technical exchanges and resource sharing, and help promote the global renewable energy high-quality, sustainable development," said Terry. In addition to the all-in-one cabinet, SYL also presented a minimized model of their containerized energy storage system, the eTron, boasting an impressive 5MWh capacity in a directly shippable 20-foot container. This containerized solution is designed for utility and large-scale industrial applications, with doors opening at one single side, reducing footprint as much as 46% comparing to the industrial standard, offering a modular and scalable approach for 2~4 hours duration. The unveiling of these products at Intersolar Europe 2024 underscores Risen Group's strategic focus on advancing energy storage technologies in Europe's context. These solutions are poised to play a critical role in the transition to renewable energy by enhancing the efficiency and reliability of power systems in the European countries. In addition, SYL has its service and maintenance centre located in Nuremberg, Germany. Attendees at the exhibition had the opportunity to engage with SYL's technical experts, gaining insights into the design, functionality, and benefits of these cutting-edge products. Intersolar Europe 2024 served as the perfect platform for SYL to demonstrate their latest innovations and solidify their position as a key player in the energy storage market. As businesses worldwide seek sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, SYL's new offerings are set to make a significant impact, driving the adoption of renewable energy and contributing to a greener future. For more information on SYL's products and services, visit their website at www.sylbattery.com or Linkedin account at www.linkedin.com/company/72009443 . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443212/SYL_iCon.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443213/SYL_eTron.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443215/SYL_iCon_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443214/SYL_eTron_2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/syl-showcases-pioneering-energy-storage-solutions-at-intersolar-europe-2024-302177860.html Cabinet approves MSP for Kharif crops, Rs 76k crore port project also gets nod New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif crops including jowar, bajra, ragi and tur for marketing season 2024-25. The highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for oilseeds and pulses viz. niger seed (Rs 983 per quintal) followed by sesamum (Rs 632 per quintal) and tur/arhar (Rs 550 per quintal). The MSP for paddy has been set at Rs 2,300 per quintal, an increase of Rs 117 over the MSP in the previous year 2023-24. The MSP for bajra (pearl millet) has been fixed at Rs 2,625 per quintal for the marketing season 2024-25 as against Rs 2,500 per quintal in the preceding year. "Government has increased the MSP of Kharif crops for Marketing Season 2024-25, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce," an official press release said. It further said that the increase in MSP for Kharif crops for Marketing Season 2024-25 was in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average cost of production. "The expected margin to farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in case of bajra (77%) followed by tur (59%), maize (54%) and urad (52%). For the rest of the crops, margin to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be at 50%," the statement said. The MSPs for ragi and maize for marketing season 2024-25 have been set at Rs 4,290 and Rs 2,225 per quintal respectively. The MSP for cotton has been set at Rs 7,121 per quintal for medium staple and Rs 7,521 per quintal for long staple for the marketing season 2024-25. Groundnut oil MSP has been fixed at Rs 6,783 per quintal. In recent years, the government has been promoting the cultivation of crops, other than cereals such as pulses and oilseeds, and nutri-cereals/Shree Anna, by offering a higher MSP for these crops. Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved setting up a Major Port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharastra. The project will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), an SPV formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) with a shareholding of 74% and 26%, respectively. The Vadhavan Port will be developed as an all-weather Greenfield deep draft major port in Vadhavan, Palghar District, Maharashtra. The total project cost, including the land acquisition component is estimated at Rs 76,220 crore. This will include development of core infrastructure, terminals and other commercial infrastructure in public-private partnerships (PPP) mode. The cabinet also approved establishing the road connectivity between the Port and National Highways by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and rail linkage to the existing rail network and the upcoming Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor by Ministry of Railways. "The Port will comprise nine container terminals, each 1000 meters long, four multipurpose berths, including the coastal berth, four liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth. The Project involves the reclamation of 1,448 hectares of area in the sea and the construction of 10.14 km of offshore breakwater and container/cargo storage areas. The Project will create a cumulative capacity of 298 million metric tons (MMT) per annum, including around 23.2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalents) of container handling capacity," an official release said. On completion, the proposed greenfield port will be one of the top 10 ports of the world. UNI NK GNK Aberforth Split Level Income Trust Plc - Result of Meeting PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, June 20 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, OR INTO OR FROM CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND AND THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA. This announcement is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to acquire, securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful. Neither this announcement, nor any part of it, shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, or act as an inducement to enter into, any contract or commitment whatsoever. 20 June 2024 Aberforth Split Level Income Trust plc Legal Entity Identifier: 21380013QYWO82NZV529 Result of First General Meeting In connection with the proposals for the voluntary winding up of Aberforth Split Level Income Trust plc (the "Company" or "ASLIT") and combination with Aberforth Geared Value & Income Trust plc ("AGVIT") by way of a scheme of reconstruction of the Company under section 110 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (the "Scheme"), the Company is pleased to announce the result of the First General Meeting. The Company announces that the special resolution proposed at the First General Meeting held today has been passed by Shareholders. Details of the number of votes cast for, against and withheld in respect of the resolution, which was held on a poll, is set out below and will also be published on the Company's website https://www.aberforth.co.uk/trusts-and-funds/aberforth-split-level-income-trust-plc . Special Resolution Votes For (including Discretionary) % Votes Against % Votes Total % Issued Share Capital represented by Votes Total1 Votes Withheld2 To approve (i) the Scheme; (ii) the reclassification of the Company's shares; (iii) the changes required to be made to the Company's articles of association in order to implement the Scheme; and (iv) the granting of certain powers to the proposed liquidators. 102,532,360 99.87 128,980 0.13 102,661,340 53.96 2,256 Only Ordinary Shareholders were entitled to vote on this resolution. The number of Ordinary Shares in issue as at the voting record time of 6.30 p.m. (London time) on 18 June 2024 (the "Voting Record Time") was 190,250,000. As at that date no Ordinary Shares were held in treasury. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company as at the Voting Record Time was 190,250,000. A "vote withheld" is not a vote in law and will not be counted in the calculation of the proportion of the votes for and against the resolution. In accordance with the Scheme, the Shares will be disabled for settlement in CREST from 6.00 p.m. on 21 June 2024 and trading will be suspended from 7.30 a.m. on 24 June 2024. Following the reclassification of the Shares and admission of the Reclassified Shares to the London Stock Exchange on 27 June 2024, the Reclassified Shares will be suspended from listing at 7.30 a.m. on 28 June 2024. The full text of the special resolution proposed at the First General Meeting is set out in the Notice of First General Meeting contained in the Company's circular to Shareholders dated 28 May 2024 (the "Circular"). The Circular is available for viewing on the Company's website at https://www.aberforth.co.uk/trusts-and-funds/aberforth-geared-value-income-trust-plc and at the National Storage Mechanism at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism . Defined terms used in this announcement have the meanings given in the Circular unless the context otherwise requires. For further information please contact: LONDON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexaware, an IT services and solutions provider, today announced that it has been ranked first and recognized as an exceptional performer in general satisfaction with service providers and application services categories in the 2024 UK IT Sourcing Study conducted by Whitelane Research. Whitelane Research is an independent organization focused on IT outsourcing studies on trends and satisfaction across Europe. Considered one of the most comprehensive assessments of the outsourcing business, this research evaluates and ranks the top IT and cloud service providers based on key performance indicators and by segment. The study, comprising more than 330 participants from the top IT spending organizations in the UK, evaluated close to 900 unique IT sourcing relationships and nearly 900 cloud platform relationships. Thirty-four IT service providers and ten cloud providers were assessed and ranked based on their clients' opinions. The company ranked third in general satisfaction in digital transformation and fourth in financial services, and in the security services category, Hexaware achieved the ninth position. Amrinder Singh, Corporate Vice President & Head - EMEA & APAC Operations at Hexaware, said, "This success shows our commitment to improving and adapting to our clients' needs. We are proud of these achievements and will continue to provide transformative solutions and value to our clients." Jef Loos, Head of Research, Europe at Whitelane Research, said, "Hexaware's progress in various segments, including application services, and with service providers, is impressive. The study's findings show that the company has high client satisfaction and focuses on customer feedback. We congratulate them and hope they continue to excel." To learn more about Whitelane and the 2024 UK study, click here. About Hexaware Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Our 30,000+ Hexawarians wake up every day with a singular purpose; to create smiles through great people and technology. With this purpose gaining momentum, we are all on our way to realizing our vision of being the most loved digital transformation partner in the world. We also seek to protect the planet and build a better tomorrow for our customers, employees, partners, investors, and the communities in which we operate. With 45+ offices in 16 countries, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at https://www.hexaware.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2237417/Hexaware_NEW_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hexaware-secures-top-spot-in-whitelanes-2024-uk-it-sourcing-report-302177866.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Bayhorse Silver Inc, (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") reports that the installation of three groundwater test wells is underway at its Bayhorse Silver Mine, Oregon, USA to complete the final part of its baseline studies required for the Company's full Mine Operating Permit. The three test wells, two of 150 foot depth, and one of 750 foot depth, are to determine whether any groundwater is present around the Bayhorse Silver Mine that may be affected by planned mining operations. The wells are expected to be drilled and completed by the end of the first week of July. The test wells are being installed under the direction and supervision of HDR Engineering, of Boise, Idaho, through a ground water test plan approved by Oregon's Department of Geological and Mineral Industries ("Dogami"). Bayhorse CEO, Graeme O'Neill, comments "It has taken a year from the initial planning stage, to approval of the ground water test well drilling program. Now that it is underway, we are in the final stages of our full Mine Operating Permit application to get back to mining operations." Figure 1, Groundwater test well drill rig in operation at the Bayhorse Mine with the Pegasus Property in the background To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/213704_72a1fa0bc46e0a18_001full.jpg This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Mark Abrams, AIPG, a Qualified Person has prepared, supervised the preparation of, or approved the technical content of this press release. On Behalf of the Board. Graeme O'Neill, CEO 866-399-6539 About Bayhorse Silver Inc. Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA and the Pegasus Project, in Washington County, Idaho. The Bayhorse Silver Mine and the Pegasus Project are 44 km southwest of Hercules Silver's porphyry copper discovery. The Bayhorse Mine includes a state of the art Steinert Ore-Sorting technology reducing waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%, we have created a minimum environmental impact facility capable of mining 200 tons of mineralization per day and the ability to process and supply 3,600 tons per year of silver/copper concentrate ranging between 7,500 to 15,000 g/t using standard flotation processing at its milling facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company also has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Brandywine high grade silver/gold property located in B.C. Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213704 SOURCE: Bayhorse Silver Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, June 20, 2024), there are many similar geological characteristics between Hercules Silver Corp.'s ("Hercules Silver", TSXV:BIG) copper porphyry discoveryat the Hercules Project), and the Zeus Copper Project. NevGold will continue its active field program at Zeus throughout the summer. Key Highlights Positive high-grade copper, gold, and silver surface sampling results confirm the significant copper porphyry potential at the Zeus Copper Project ZRS-07: 1.22% Cu, 8.19 g/t Au, and 21.9 g/t Ag ZNR-01: 1.30% Cu, 0.19 g/t Au, 11.3 g/t Ag ZRS-03: 0.91% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au, 20.0 g/t Ag ZRS-02: 0.86% Cu, 0.11 g/t Au, 9.9 g/t Ag APF: 1.03 g/t Au, 114 g/t Ag Strong similarities between Zeus and the Hercules Silver copper porphyry discovery at the Hercules Project continues to be highlighted with the results from the active field program NevGold will continue its field program with further surface geochemical sampling and geophysical surveys to identify drill targets over the coming months Figure 1 - Photo of copper-gold-silver mineralization NevGold CEO, Brandon Bonifacio, comments: "The initial results from sampling completed at Zeus have yielded exceptional results, further validating the copper porphyry potential at the Project. The initial samples were taken as our Team was completing the project claim staking and the results have identified widespread copper-gold-silver mineralization across the entire project. With our project knowledge improving with each day spent in the field, we continue to confirm that Zeus has significant copper porphyry potential and that there may be multiple target areas or a potential cluster of copper deposits at the Project. We are diligently advancing other field work with the goal of arriving at drill targets over the coming months." NevGold VP Exploration, Derick Unger, comments: "Our compilation of geologic data and initial sampling has established multiple target areas and indicates that there is widespread mineralization at the Zeus Project. The presence of high-grade to highly anomalous values of copper, gold and silver confirms that the Zeus Project has strong potential to host a major porphyry copper system. Additionally, the fact that mineralization is widely scattered over the entire property, in multiple target areas, suggests the possibility of a cluster of copper deposits. This first group of surface samples was completed while we were staking the mineral claims at Zeus. We plan to complete a much more detailed and systematic program of sampling and geologic mapping during this summer field season." Zeus - Identified Target Areas The preliminary rock chip sampling by NevGold, as well as historical sampling (Henricksen, 1975) and compilation of geologic data, has identified at least five targets within the Zeus Project. This preliminary work indicates a large footprint of mineralization and potential for multiple copper porphyry producing intrusive centers. Figure 2 - Copper analysis of Zeus Project surface samples and target areas. To view image please click here Figure 3 - Gold analysis of Zeus Project surface samples and target areas. To view image please click here Figure 4 - Silver analysis of Zeus Project surface samples and target areas. To view image please click here Thorn Springs The Thorn Springs Target is the site of a large porphyry copper style alteration zone (Figure 5) that was first identified by Henricksen (1975). Sampling by Henricksen and NevGold (ZRS-07: 1.22% copper, 8.19 g/t gold, 21.9 g/t silver) has identified significant copper-gold-silver mineralization. The style of alteration, strong oxidation, and presence of copper minerals suggests that erosion has exposed the top of the copper-gold mineralization and that the deposit has experienced supergene enrichment, an important process in creating high-grade copper deposits. Thorn Springs has significant soil cover and poor outcrop exposure; these conditions may conceal a much larger mineralization footprint. The use of modern exploration methods, including soil geochemistry and high-resolution geophysics, will be key to identifying mineralization that may have been missed by previous prospectors. A significant portion of the Thorn Springs Target is located on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and could be drill tested with an Exploration Notice permit, which takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. Figure 5 - Thorn Springs Target map of porphyry copper alteration Mortimer The Mortimer Target is the southern most exposure of a 4-kilometer trend of copper-gold-silver mineralization that extends north-northeast to the Abundance Target. The target includes the area around the historical Mortimer Mine where significant skarn mineralization has been observed in open cuts, mine dumps, and outcrops. Multiple samples (Figure 6) have shown 0.8-1.3% copper in marble, magnetite, and intrusive rocks associated with the skarn. Figure 6 - Photo of copper-gold-silver mineralization Iron Mountain The Iron Mountain Target is located along the northeast continuation of the Mortimer-Abundance Trend and shows highly anomalous copper values in Triassic intrusive rocks as well as a large amount of mapped Huntington Formation, the formation that hosts copper mineralization at Hercules Silver's copper porphyry discovery at the Hercules Project. The work by Henricksen (1975) identified hornfels metavolcanic and metasedimentary host rocks that were intruded by Triassic dikes and plutons. Henricksen (1975) also reported "unusually large concentrations of sulfides" including the copper mineral chalcopyrite and the zinc mineral sphalerite. The many geologic similarities to the Hercules Project suggests that the area has strong potential to host a blind porphyry copper deposit. Abundance The Abundance Target is defined by a 0.6-kilometer geochemical trend of copper up to 0.25% situated in the northeastern extension of the 4-kilometer Mortimer-Abundance Trend. The zone is hosted within the metasediments of the Weatherby Formation, a known cover unit emplaced by the Bayhorse Thrust Fault. The underlying andesitic volcanics of the Lower Huntington Formation are rich in iron, which is a critical factor for intruding porphyritic plutons to host potentially economically recoverable mineralization. Additionally, Henricksen (1975) reported the presence of supergene copper enrichment in a now collapsed adit of the Abundance Mine. This area has many analogous attributes to the blind porphyry copper deposit discovered by Hercules Silver at the Hercules Project. Golden Goose Rock chip samples from the Golden Goose Target, named after Golden Goose Canyon, which lies just to the west, contained some of the highest silver values (114 g/t) and gold values (1.03 g/t) identified at Zeus to date. This area is similar to the Abundance Target in that the Weatherby Formation is emplaced by the Bayhorse Thrust Fault over the Huntington Formation. This area also has the potential to contain a blind porphyry copper deposit similar to that which was discovered by Hercules Silver. ? Selected Results from NevGold's Sampling Program Target Area Sample_ID Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Sample Description Thorn Springs ZRS-07 1.220 8.19 21.9 Aplite strongly altered with limonite, sericite, quartz, and malachite Mortimer ZNR-01 1.298 0.188 11.3 Quartz diorite breccia with malachite replacement of clasts Mortimer ZRS-02 0.857 0.111 9.9 Marble breccia with malachite and hematite in matrix Mortimer ZRS-03 0.913 0.219 20.0 Quartz diorite with malachite, azurite, and hematite along fractures Mortimer RSL01 0.833 0.056 10.5 Strongly altered quartz diorite with malachite on fractures Iron Mountain WP645 0.015 0.005 1.5 Quartz diorite breccia, hematite alteration of matrix Abundance WP624 0.254 0.027 6.00 Phyllite (Big Hill Wacke) with quartz veins, copper sulfides and malachite Abundance WP625A 0.045 0.005 0.6 Marble with veins of quartz, hematite, and magnetite Abundance WP625B 0.051 0.009 1.5 Strongly clay-altered dacite Abundance WP637 0.039 0.044 2.3 Silicified andesite with strong hematite alteration Golden Goose ZWDU1205 0.012 0.025 26.2 Andesite flow (Lower Huntington) brecciated with quartz and hematite Golden Goose APF 0.050 1.03 114 Breccia of silicified metasediments with specular hematite in matrix Table 1- Selected rock samples from the Zeus Project. Planned 2024 Activities / Status Update NevGold will continue its active exploration program at Zeus in 2024 including: Geological database review (completed); Geological mapping (in process); Comprehensive surface geochemical sampling (in process); Geophysics such as magnetics, gravity, EM, CSAMT, or IP (in preparation); and, Drill testing copper targets identified by the above activities (subject to the above activities). Figure 7 - Geologic Map of the Hercules Copper Trend compiled by the NevGold geology team. Modified from Figure 8 - Zeus Project Location and Hercules Copper Trend. To view image please click here References Adair, D. H. (1985). High-Grade Silver Potential of The Hercules Project, Cuddy Mountain District, Idaho. Report for Anglo-Bomarc Mines, LTD. Fankhauser, R. E. (1968). Geologic Map of The Southern Cuddy Mountains Washington County, Idaho. Idaho Geological Survey. Henricksen, T. A. (1975). Geology and Mineral Deposits of the Mineral-Iron Mountain District, Washington County, Idaho, And of a Metallized Zone in Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon. A Thesis Submitted to Oregon State University. John, D.A., Ayuso, R.A., Barton, M.D., Blakely, R.J., Bodnar, R.J., Dilles, J.H., Gray, Floyd, Graybeal, F.T., Mars, J.C., McPhee, D.K., Seal, R.R., Taylor, R.D., and Vikre, P.G., 2010, Porphyry copper deposit model, chap. B of Mineral deposit models for resource assessment: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5070-B, 169 p. Lowell, J.D., and Guilbert, J.M., 1970, Lateral and vertical alteration-mineralization zoning in porphyry ore deposits: Economic Geology, v. 65, p. 373-408. Lund, K. (2021). Geology of the Payette National Forest and Vicinity, West-Central Idaho. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. Skurla, S. J. (1974). Geologic Map of The Sturgill Peak Area, Washington County, Idaho. Thesis Submitted to Oregon State University. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Signed" Brandon Bonifacio, President & CEO For further information, please contact Brandon Bonifacio at bbonifacio@nev-gold.com, call 604-337-4997, or visit our website at www.nev-gold.com . Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance: All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Company's geologists and the chain of custody from the Project to the independent sample preparation and analytical facility, American Assay Labs in Sparks, NV, was continuously monitored. The samples were crushed, pulverized and sample pulps were analyzed using the methods IO-FAAu30 and IM-4AB52. Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Derick Unger, CPG, the Company's Vice President, Exploration, who is NevGold's Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release. About the Company NevGold is an exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the proven districts of Nevada and Idaho. NevGold owns a 100% interest in the Limousine Butte and Cedar Wash gold projects in Nevada, and the Nutmeg Mountain gold project and Zeus copper project in Idaho. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements 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. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the proposed work programs at Zeus, and the exploration potential at Zeus. 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. Such risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, market and business conditions, and the ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals. There is some risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions may not be correct or that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. 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 therein. Grid Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Grid") (TSXV:CELL)(OTCQB:EVKRF)(FRA:NMK2) is pleased to announce the conclusion of a second phase of soil samples and the construction of a geologic model incorporating mapped geology, magnetotelluric (MT) geophysics, and soil geochemistry. Grid's exploration team has determined that a multilayered approach to drill targets would improve the chances of intercepting lithium bearing brines. The initial soil sample program was completed in March 2024 and consisted of 166 samples on a 250 x 250 meter grid. The results of this program show a sizeable cluster of +300 ppm samples at the south end of the claims, and a generally northeast trending cluster of 100-300 ppm samples that extend to the north-central portion of the claims (Figure 1). A second infill phase was completed in early May 2024 over a 125 x 125 meter grid (Figure 2) and consists of 286 samples. The objective of the infill sampling is to refine grade breaks identified in phase 1 to better focus drill targeting. Assay results are pending. Recent Infill Soil Samples Taken (Clayton Valley Lithium Project) Figure 1: Clayton Valley Phase 1 soil sampling results. Figure 2: Clayton Valley infill Phase 2 soil samples. To better understand the underlying structure of the Clayton Valley claims, 2024 MT data, and publicly available geologic maps and DEM data were incorporated into a Leapfrog model by Mr. Ben Hinkley of Rangefront Mining Services. The geologic mapping used is from a 2008 summary report of a geothermal exploration program in Clayton Valley in 2007 (Hulen, 2008). Both mapped and inferred faults were used to create fault blocks. Figure 3 shows the geologic map used, and the Grid land shape both draped on a topographic DEM. Figure 3: A Leapfrog model with faults and fault blocks. The darked image to the right of the topographic DEM image includes the Grid land shape. Figure 4: Oblique view of the Clayton Valley geologic model without claims on the left and with claims on the right. Apparent resistivities and XYZ coordinates from each MT (1d and 2d) line were imported into Leapfrog as a numeric model, and isosurfaces (3d contours) were generated for various resistivities. 2D resistivities of <1 and 1-5 show the tightest structural focus to the northeast suggesting the most conductive brine is focused along the circled northeast fault (Figure 5). Figure 5: 2D resistivity isosurfaces for <1 ohm-m on the left and 1-5 ohm-m on the right All soil assays will be contoured as a horizontal surface and will then be draped on topography in Leapfrog. The expectation is that the soil contours and MT contours will enable the best placement of drillholes that are driven by structure, geophysics, and geochemistry. Grid's Clayton Valley Lithium Project (RC Drilling Locations Identified) Tim Fernback, Grid President & CEO comments "Recently, Century Lithium (TSXV:LCE),(OTCQB:CYDVF) our neighbor to the east) has just released their Positive Feasibility Study by T. Lane et al. (2024). Measured and Indicated resources totaling 1,207.33 million tonnes (Mt) at an average grade of 957 parts per million (ppm) lithium (Li) containing 1.155 Mt of Li or 6.148 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), a 40-year mine life and an after-tax NPV8 of $3.01 billion. Additional information is in Century Lithium's NI-43-101 byFayram et al. (2020) 43-101 Report. Clayton Valley Nevada is home to North America's only lithium brine producer (Albemarle Corporation's (NYSE: ALB) Silver Peak Mine) and our property is immediately to the west of their lithium property and production facility. We are very excited about our work completed to date and look forward to our assay results so we can continue to generate shareholder value in this prolific lithium producing region of Nevada." It should be noted that results from any adjacent property(s) are not an indication of what may be found on the Company's property(s). About Rangefront Geological Elko Nevada-based Rangefront Geological has combined in-depth expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide mining consulting services, contract labor, field crew services, and vehicular support to the mining industry. With services available across North America, Rangefront works closely with its clients to provide high-quality mineral exploration services. Qualified Person Mr. Steven McMillin, P.G. is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information contained within this news release. About Grid Battery Metals Inc. Grid Battery Metals Inc. is a Canadian based exploration company whose primary listing is on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's maintains a focus on exploration for high value battery metals required for the electric vehicle (EV) market. www.gridbatterymetals.com . About Texas Springs Property The Company owns a 100% interest in the Texas Spring Property which consists of mineral lode claims located in Elko County, Nevada. The Property is in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada, about 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Nevada. The target is a lithium clay deposit in volcanic tuff and tuffaceous sediments of the Humbolt Formation. A Phase 1 exploration program at the Texas Springs Property (Fall 2023) yielded average lithium grades of 2010 ppm, applying a 1,000 ppm cut-off, and up to 5,610 ppm Lithium. The Texas Spring property adjoins the southern border of the Nevada North Lithium Project - owned by Surge Battery Metals Inc. ("Surge") (TSXV: NILI, OTC: NILIF) and comprised of 725 mineral claims. Surge's first round of drilling identified strongly mineralized lithium bearing clays. The average lithium content within all near surface clay zones intersected in the 2022 drilling program, applying a 1000 ppm cut-off, was 3254 ppm. (Press release March 29, 2023). More recent results have shown higher grade lithium up to 8070 ppm on this property after initial drilling (Press release September 12, 2023). Our exploration results are on-trend with these results. About Clayton Valley Lithium Project The Company owns a 100% interest in 113 lithium lode and placer claims covering over 640 hectares in Clayton Valley. Clayton Valley is a down-dropped closed basin formed by the Miocene age Great Basin extension and is still active due to movement along the Walker Lane structural zone. As a result, the basin has preserved multiple layers of lithium bearing volcanic ash, resulting from multiple eruptive events over the past 6 million years including eruptions from the 700,000-year-old Long Valley Caldera system and related events. These ash layers are thought to contribute to the lithium brines extracted by Albemarle and are also likely involved in the formation of the exposed lithium rich clay deposits on the east side of Clayton Valley. Volt Canyon Lithium Property The Company owns a 100% interest in 80 placer claims covering approximately 635 hectares of alluvial sediments and clays located 122 km northeast of Tonopah, Nevada. References Hulen, Jeffrey B., 2008, Geology and Conceptual Modeling of the Silver Peak Geothermal Prospect, Esmeralda County, Nevada, Technical Report for Sierra Geothermal Power Corporation, http://gdr.openei.org/files/268/Silver%20Peak%20Geology%20Map%20and%20Model%20(Hulen)%20Jul%202008.pdf. Prefeasibility Study Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Esmerelda County, Nevada, August 5, 2020, Amended March 15, 2021, Todd Fayram MMSA-QP (CMS), Terre A. Lane MMSA-QP (GRE), J.J. Brown, SME-RM (GRE), NI43-101 Technical Report for Century Lithium Century Lithium Announces Positive Feasibility Study for the Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada, April 29, 2024, Terre A Lane MMSA-QP (GRE), Hamid Samari, Principal Geologist, Todd-Fayram, Sr. V.P Metallurgy-Century Lithium, Alan Drake, Process Engineering, Haiming (Peter)Yuan Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Paul Blauch, Technical Director, Farza Kossari, Cost Estimating Engineer, Century Lithium Press Release. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Tim Fernback" Tim Fernback, President & CEO Contact Information: Email: info@gridbatterymetals.com Phone: 604- 428-5690 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 forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. It should be noted that results from any adjacent property(s) are not an indication of what may be found on the Company's property(s). SOURCE: Grid Battery Metals Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") s pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 5,000,000 flow-through common shares (the "FT Common Shares") of the Company at a price of $0.40 per FT Common Share for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 (the "Offering"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, has been engaged on a "best efforts" basis for the Offering. Proceeds from the Offering are intended to be used toward eligible Canadian Exploration Expenses, within the meaning of the Canadian Income Tax Act, at the Company's high-grade Keno Silver project and the Company's alluvial gold royalty portfolio in Canada's Yukon Territory. The Company may pay finders' fees under the Offering in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Closing is expected to occur on or around June 24, 2024. All the securities issued are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from their date of issuance, under applicable Canadian securities laws. Completion of the private placement is subject to TSX-V final approval. The FT Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. About Metallic Minerals Metallic Minerals Corp. is a resource-stage mineral exploration company, focused on copper, silver, gold, and platinum group elements in top North American mining jurisdictions. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development. At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate highlights a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.2 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver, with numerous additional targets showing potential for a district scale porphyry system. In May 2023, the Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment by Newmont Corporation (previously Newcrest Mining which was acquired by Newmont Corporation in November 2023). The U.S. Geological Survey ("USGS") has identified the La Plata mining district as a potential critical minerals resource area under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative program and in 2023 completed significant geologic and geophysical studies to enhance understanding of the critical mineral occurrence in the district. In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining Company's operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. The new 2024 Resource Estimate at the Company's Keno Silver Project adds 18.2 Moz silver equivalent to the Company's total resources. Hecla is the largest primary silver producer in the USA and soon to be Canada's largest with full production at its Keno Hill operations in 2024. The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in North America, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development and has worked closely with Canadian First Nation groups, US Tribal/Native Corporations, and local communities to support successful project development. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Website: www.mmgsilver.com Phone: 604-629-7800 Email: cackerman@mmgsilver.com Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420 Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.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. SOURCE: Metallic Minerals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Regulatory News: TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), operator of OML 58 onshore license in Nigeria with a 40% interest, together with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL, 60%), have taken the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the development of the Ubeta gas field. Located about 80 km northwest of Port Harcourt in Rivers state, the OML 58 license contains two fields currently in production, the Obagi oil field and the Ibewa gas and condensate field. OML58 gas production is processed in the Obite treatment center and supplied to both the Nigerian domestic gas market and to Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant. Also located in OML58, the Ubeta gas condensate field will be developed with a new 6-well cluster connected to the existing Obite facilities through a 11 km buried pipeline. Production start-up is expected in 2027, with a plateau of 300 million cubic feet per day (about 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day including condensates). Gas from Ubeta will be supplied to NLNG, a liquefaction plant located in Bonny Island with an on-going capacity expansion from 22 to 30 Mtpa, in which TotalEnergies holds a 15% interest. Ubeta is a low-emission and low-cost development, leveraging on OML58 existing gas processing facilities. The carbon intensity of the project will be further reduced through a 5 MW solar plant currently under construction at the Obite site and the electrification of the drilling rig. TotalEnergies is working closely with NNPCL to enhance local content, with more than 90% of manhours which will be worked locally. "Ubeta is the latest in a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West. I am pleased that we can launch this new gas project which has been made possible by the Government's recent incentives for non-associated gas developments. Ubeta fits perfectly with our strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports", said Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President Africa, Exploration Production at TotalEnergies. About TotalEnergies in Nigeria TotalEnergies has been present in Nigeria for more than 60 years and employs today more than 1,800 people across different business segments. Nigeria is one of the main contributing countries to TotalEnergies' hydrocarbon production with 219,000 boe/d produced in 2023. TotalEnergies also operates an extensive distribution network which includes about 540 service stations in the country. In all its operations, TotalEnergies is particularly attentive to the socio-economic development of the country and is committed to working with local communities. 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. @TotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergies 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 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/20240620179450/en/ Contacts: TotalEnergies Contacts Corporate Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com Data on notification interruptions highlights opportunity to unify the disparate employee digital landscape New research from Unily the market-leading Employee Experience Platform, highlights the negative impact of workplace interruptions caused by digital notifications on employee well-being and productivity. The majority of employees and managers agree that companies are not effectively addressing the issue of digital noise, draining businesses' ability to stay competitive and adapt to today's market driven by volatile economic fluctuations and technological advancements. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620398667/en/ 'Distracted Every 15 Minutes': Unily Research Exposes Workplace Digital Noise Crisis. (Graphic: Business Wire) The rate at which workers report being distracted should be of critical concern to business leaders. Unily's latest research report, the 'Digital Noise Impact Report,'shows that nearly half of all employees are distracted at least once every 30 minutes, and almost a third report being distracted at least once every 15 minutes by a workplace notification. That means employees working 8-hour days could be experiencing over 160 distractions from their workplace digital tools each week. Tools designed to streamline tasks and enhance collaboration are having the opposite effect, with the constant barrage of notifications, messages, and updates, taking a toll on employees' mental wellbeing and causing significant stress. Nearly six in ten employees report that digital tools add to their workplace stress, with the biggest contributors revealed to be video conferencing systems (44%), email platforms (39%), and instant messaging applications (36%). In addition, employees and managers don't think their companies are addressing the growing problem of digital noise in the workplace. Close to half of all managers and almost two in five employees believe companies aren't implementing enough processes to combat the impact of digital noise, suggesting leadership isn't taking the problem seriously enough. Chris Ciauri, Chief Executive Officer at Unily, said: "Our report delivers sobering findings on the impact of digital noise in today's workplace, driving organizational lethargy and poor employee experiences. At the same time, we see some of the world's largest and most complex organizations taking the opportunity to improve workplace engagement, with data showing the crucial role a simplified digital landscape and considered use of AI can play in reducing operational friction and increasing efficiency." DISTRACTING YET EFFECTIVE: A CONUNDRUM FOR LEADERSHIP Yet, despite the challenges that digital noise is causing, some tools are exceedingly viewed as effective in helping us do our jobs. Email, for example, was reported by 91% of respondents as effective in doing their jobs. Other effective tools include intranet and internal communications (84%), messaging platforms (83%), and video conferencing (80%). The sheer number of digital tools integrated within the workplace means that employees have become dependent on them to complete most daily tasks. Digital tools help workers feel more connected in the workplace, with nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents agreeing with this sentiment. While many applications offer rudimentary on/off switches for their notifications, a total blackout may not be the answer. Nearly three in five (58%) believe that notifications have the potential to make them feel productive and informed. The problem lies in how digital notifications interrupt workers mid-task, placing a tax on time and attention. This can impede their ability to handle context switching, fragmenting attention between tasks, applications, and screens. Unily's data shows that two-thirds (67%) want more control over when and where they receive their notifications, highlighting the need for a smarter solution than a simple mute button. MANAGERS BEARING THE BRUNT Managers also appear to be bearing the brunt of these distractions. Over 59% reported a digital noise distraction every 30 minutes or less, compared to 48% of all respondents, while 39% said they are distracted every 15 minutes or less, compared to 31% of all respondents. "It's clear that managers are hampered with more communications and channels, which exacerbates the problem of stress in the workplace," said Kaz Hassan, Community Industry Insights Lead at Unily. "What's more, this doesn't account for managers' added cognitive burden from constantly switching between tools. The fact that managers are feeling the strain of digital noise hardest is particularly concerning given that they have the biggest impact on a company's employee engagement score." Digital noise was also found to be worse in the financial services sector, where 63% reported being distracted every 30 minutes or less and 43% said they are distracted every 15 minutes or less. AI THE SUPERAPP'S PROMISE FOR DISTRACTED WORKERS Workers showed a resounding belief in the potential of artificial intelligence to help quiet the digital noise. Most (59%) believe that AI could reduce excessive notifications and prioritize notifications (62%), and nearly half (45%) believe their organization should deploy AI to do so. Despite its potential, however, the majority of respondents (51%) are not currently seeing improvements in their employee experience from AI. A superapp strategy, which refers to a single application that brings all digital tools together in one place on all devices, was supported by nearly all respondents. When asked about the concept of a workplace superapp, 4 in 5 (83%) said it was a good or great idea. STRIKING A BALANCE Today's findings should spur organisations to prioritise a strategy that aims to reduce digital noise and improve the employee experience. Ciauri said: "The research reinforces what we've seen across the enterprise: the employee experience is suffering largely due to the crisis of digital noise in the workplace. While companies take on more digital apps to adapt to the new world of work, the resulting complexity and noise risks further disengagement and decreased productivity if not managed strategically. This jeopardizes an organization's ability to respond swiftly in the modern world of work." Organisations have an opportunity to support their workforces with a clear strategy that aligns human resources and internal communications teams directly with their employees. Ciauri concluded: "What's overwhelmingly clear from the data is that employees and managers alike believe that a superapp approach, supported by AI, can substantially improve their employee experience. At Unily, we're dedicated to working with all HR, IT and internal communication teams to achieve this goal." More information on the survey findings is available at: https://www.unily.com/insights/guides/digital-noise NOTES TO EDITORS Research methodology To learn more about the impact of digital noise on workers' productivity and wellbeing, Unily partnered with global research agency Vanson Bourne to survey 500 respondents across the US and UK. Working for organisations with 5,000 or more employees, from a number of sectors, including: Business and professional services Financial services IT, technology and telecoms Manufacturing and production Retail, distribution and transport Private healthcare All datasets are anonymized and available on request. Multimedia assets Click hereto download relevant images. About Unily Unily is the leading employee experience platform used by enterprises to engage, empower, and inspire employees everywhere and is positioned by Gartner as a Leader in its 2023 Magic Quadrant for Intranet Packaged Solutions. Enterprises around the globe, including CVS Health, Johnson Johnson, The Estee Lauder Companies, Shell, Wipro, and many more, rely on Unily's world-class, AI-enhanced SaaS technology to transform their employee engagement and alignment effectively and create exceptional employee experiences. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620398667/en/ Contacts: Red Lorry Yellow Lorry unily@rlyl.com New Delhi, June 20 (UNI) Retirement fund manager Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) added 18.92 lakh net members in the month of April 2024, according to provisional payroll data released on Thursday. The year-on-year analysis shows a growth of 10% in net member additions in April this year. "This surge in membership can be attributed to various factors, including increased employment opportunities, a growing awareness of employee benefits, and the effectiveness of EPFO's outreach programs," Ministry of Labour & Employment said in a statement. The provisional payroll data indicates that around 8.87 lakh new members were enrolled during April 2024. "A noticeable aspect of the data is the dominance of the 18-25 age group, constituting a significant 55.50% of the total new members added in April 2024. This is in consonance with the earlier trend which indicates that most individuals joining the organized workforce are youth, primarily first-time job seekers," the official release said. As per the official data, about 14.53 lakh members exited and subsequently rejoined EPFO in April this year. These members switched their jobs and re-joined the establishments covered under the ambit of EPFO and opted to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for final settlement thus, safeguarding long-term financial well-being and extending their social security protection. "Gender-wise analysis of payroll data unveils that out of 8.87 lakh new members, around 2.49 lakh are new female members. Also, the net female member addition during the month stood at around 3.91 lakh reflecting an increase of approximately 35.06% compared to the previous month of March 2024. The surge in female member additions is indicative of a broader shift towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce," the official release said. UNI NK ING Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus. Korrektur als Einstiegschance Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen. 3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! USAF work now amounts to over $100,000 in revenue per month. WESTMINSTER, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQX:BLGO), a company that creates and commercializes sustainable technologies to solve tough environmental and cleantech challenges, announced that its engineering subsidiary has been awarded a subcontract to provide air quality services to two Arizona U.S. Air Force bases for up to four years, with expected annual revenue of approximately $812,000. The news comes on the heels of a similar recently announced contract award to serve three Air Force bases in New Mexico, which has a potential annual average revenue of $650,000. BioLargo's work at the Arizona bases consists primarily of the air quality regulatory compliance portion of a Fence-to-Fence (F2F) support contract through prime contractor HLTLI Joint Venture, LLC, a joint venture between HL Environmental Services and TLI Solutions. The four-year prime contract secures pricing for F2F services over the term of the contract but does not guarantee continuation of the contract over that duration. In the past, BioLargo's engineers have continued providing services through the duration of the prime contract. In total, BioLargo Engineering's work at Air Force bases now amounts to over $100,000 of revenue per month. BioLargo Engineering, Science & Technologies President Randall Moore commented, "We are pleased and honored to continue providing vital engineering services to the United States Air Force and supporting their active mission and environmental compliance needs. These new contracts will provide for over $100,000 a month of ongoing fixed revenues while we continue to expand our abilities to support new opportunities." About BioLargo, Inc. BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB:BLGO) is a cleantech and life sciences innovator and engineering services solution provider. Our core products address PFAS contamination, achieve advanced water and wastewater treatment, control odor and VOCs, improve air quality, enable energy-efficiency and safe on-site energy storage, and control infections and infectious disease. Our approach is to invent or acquire novel technologies, develop them into product offerings, and extend their commercial reach through licensing and channel partnerships to maximize their impact. See our website at www.BioLargo.com. Contact Information Dennis P. Calvert President and CEO, BioLargo, Inc. 888-400-2863 Safe Harbor Act This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include without limitation those about BioLargo's (the "Company") expectations regarding anticipated revenue; and plans for future operations. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation: the effect of regional economic conditions on the Company's business, including effects on purchasing decisions by consumers and businesses; the ability of the Company to compete in markets that are highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change; the ability of the Company to manage frequent introductions and transitions of products and services, including delivering to the marketplace, and stimulating customer demand for, new products, services, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the dependency of the Company on the performance of distributors of the Company's products. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results is included in the Company's filings with the SEC, including in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates. SOURCE: BioLargo, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com To Focus on Business Opportunities for M2i in the Natural Resource and Commodity Sectors both in the U.S. and internationally RENO, NV / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / M2i Global, Inc. ("M2i," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us") (OTCQB:MTWO), a Company specializing in the development and execution of a complete global value supply chain for critical minerals for the U.S. government and U.S. free trade partners, is pleased to announce the appointment of New York-based EAS Advisors LLC ("EAS") as its global corporate advisor, primarily to assist M2i with the expansion and coverage of its business both in the U.S. and globally. Doug Cole, Executive Chairman of M2i, commented, "We're very pleased to formalize this long-standing relationship by signing with EAS as our global corporate advisors. We have been impressed by their past transactions in the natural resource and commodity sectors and relationships both inside and outside the U.S. and look forward to working with them as we continue to grow our presence in the U.S and internationally." EAS is a private, New York-based boutique corporate advisory firm focused predominantly on helping early stage mining and industrial groups access US and international financial markets and institutional capital. The foundation of EAS's business is built on industry knowledge, capital markets insights and access to a deep pool of traditional and alternative sources of capital. In addition to exposure to U.S. investors, EAS provides companies with access to local industry contacts to enhance their growth and expansion. Founded in 2008, EAS provides a range of services to clients, including institutional market engagement, equity and debt raising and M&A and capital markets advisory. Since inception, EAS has participated in over US$6.5 billion of successful transactions. EAS operates under the broker dealer license of Odeon Capital Group LLC - member of FINRA/SIPC/MSRB/NFA. More details on EAS Advisors can be found on EAS's website at https://easadvisors.com/. About M2i Global, Inc. (OTCQB:MTWO) M2i Global, Inc., through its subsidiary U.S. Minerals and Metals Corp., is an engineering, research, and services firm that brings together people, technology, and solutions from across government, business, not-for-profits, and academia to provide access and availability to critical minerals and metals for the purpose of defense and economic security. We aim to address this compelling need dictated by the evolving global environment predicated in terms of technology, energy, defense, and climate. The Company's vision and purpose is to develop and execute a complete global value supply chain for critical minerals for the U.S. and its free trade partners and create a strategic mineral reserve in partnership with the U.S. Federal Government. The reality is that the world outside of China faces a significant dearth of critical minerals necessary to fuel its reemergent manufacturing base. This supply problem leads to a very clear economic opportunity for the Company and others to develop these resources and supply this exploding demand over the next decade and beyond. For more information, please visit: https://www.M2icorp.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential," or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Investor Contacts: IR@M2icorp.com SOURCE: M2i Global Inc View the original press release on accesswire.com Strategic Partnership Accelerates Threat Detection, Investigation and Response; Drives Informed Decision-Making; and Strengthens Customers' Proactive Security Posture Cybersixgill, the global cyber threat intelligence data provider, announced today its strategic partnership with ThreatQuotient, a leading threat intelligence platform innovator, to improve defenses for ThreatQuotient customers with access to Cybersixgill's threat intelligence and actionable insights. Through the partnership, ThreatQuotient users can access Cybersixgill's Dynamic Vulnerability Exploit (DVE) Intelligence, Alerts page, and Darkfeed to operationalize and action comprehensive threat and vulnerability intelligence. Together, Cybersixgill and ThreatQuotient empower organizations to bolster their cybersecurity posture by enabling them to pre-empt attacks and expose threats with contextual intelligence data relevant to their business, risk exposure, and priorities. "Many security teams lack the resources to collect and analyze large amounts of data. They need security automation and threat intelligence with contextual insights to effectively defend their organizations against the growing number of threats," said Brandon Gaovongphet, Senior Director of Partner Programs at Cybersixgill. "Our partnership with ThreatQuotient gives organizations real-time, actionable threat and vulnerability intelligence so they can proactively analyze, investigate, and respond to threats as they emerge and maintain cyber resilience." "Having quality threat intelligence and understanding what vulnerabilities to prioritize is critical to our customers' cybersecurity programs," said Haig Colter, Director of Alliances at ThreatQuotient. "Our partnership with Cybersixgill enables them to pre-empt an attack by capturing, processing, and alerting teams to emerging threats and their exposure risk on the clear, deep, and dark web. Together, we provide the necessary tools and resources to make those defenders more efficient." Leveraging IOC Enrichment and Vulnerability Intelligence from the Deep, Dark Web Cybersixgill's real-time, actionable cyber threat intelligence (CTI) gives security teams access to the industry's most comprehensive collection of contextual data from the deep, dark, and clear web. Its solutions include DVE Intelligence, which correlates asset exposure and impact severity data with insights from a broad range of vulnerability sources across the deep, dark web; an Alerts page, which streamlines monitoring of an organization's attack surface and reacting to threats; and Darkfeed, the industry's most comprehensive, automated indicators of compromise (IOC) enrichment solution. The ThreatQ Platform is a data-driven threat intelligence platform that allows users to automate the intelligence lifecycle, quickly understand threats, make better decisions, and accelerate threat detection, investigation, and response. The benefits of the Cybersixgill and ThreatQuotient integration include: Streamline Vulnerability Management Activities: Cybersixgill's DVE Intelligence enables ThreatQuotient customers to quickly find, measure, prioritize, and remediate the risk of vulnerabilities across the entire CVE lifecycle. This intelligence enables them to streamline vulnerability management, pre-empt risk, and save time and money. Quick Identification and Measurement: DVE Intelligence enables rapid detection and assessment of vulnerabilities, providing detailed information about the severity and potential impact of each CVE. This helps organizations understand the risk level associated with each vulnerability. Improved Alert Management: Access to Cybersixgill's Alert page improves security workflows and team productivity and provides valuable insights. Accelerate Incident Prevention and Response: Powered by the broadest automated collection of threat intelligence from the deep, dark, and clear web, Cybersixgill's Darkfeed collects IOCs from the source in real time. As a result, ThreatQuotient customers can proactively block threats before they are weaponized. For more information or to schedule a demo, please visit https://www.threatq.com/demo-threatq-cybersixgill/. About Cybersixgill Cybersixgill continuously collects and exposes the earliest indications of risk by threat actors moments after they surface on the clear, deep, and dark web. The company's vast intelligence data lake, derived from millions of underground sources, is processed, correlated, and enriched using automation and advanced AI. Cybersixgill captures, processes, and alerts teams to emerging threats, TTPs, IOCs, and their exposure to risk based on each organization's complete attack surface and internal context. Its expert intelligence and insights, available through a range of seamlessly integrated options, enable customers to pre-empt threats before they materialize into attacks. The company serves and partners with global enterprises, financial institutions, MSSPs, and government and law enforcement agencies. For more information, visit https://www.cybersixgill.com/ and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. To schedule a demo, please visit https://cybersixgill.com/book-a-demo. About ThreatQuotient ThreatQuotient improves security operations by fusing together disparate data sources, tools and teams to accelerate threat detection and response. ThreatQuotient's data-driven threat intelligence platform helps teams prioritize, automate, and collaborate on security incidents; enables more focused decision making; and maximizes limited resources by integrating existing processes and technologies into a unified workspace. The result is reduced noise, clear priority threats, and the ability to automate processes with high fidelity data. ThreatQuotient's industry leading data management, orchestration andautomationcapabilities support multiple use cases including incident response, threat hunting, spear phishing, alert triage, vulnerability prioritization, and can also serve as a threat intelligence platform. ThreatQuotient is headquartered in Northern Virginia with international operations based out of Europe, MENA and APAC. For more information, visitwww.threatq.com. Public Relations Contacts: Liz Youngs Trier and Company for Cybersixgill Mobile: 1+843-412-6327 Email: lizyoungs@triercompany.com Paula Elliott C8 Consulting for ThreatQuotient 07894 339645 paula@c8consulting.co.uk SOURCE: Cybersixgill View the original press release on accesswire.com Q Precious and Battery Metals Corp. ("QMET" or the "Company") (CSE:QMET) is pleased to announce that construction of drill pads and access routes has commenced on the La Corne South project located north of Val d'Or, Quebec. The drill sites were designed to sample multi-element Volcanic Massive Sulphide targeted from geophysical survey (Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) and Magnetics) and from historic diamond drilling results reported by previous explorers. A total of 10 drill pads are planned for the June 2024 drill program. The initial drilling is to be located in an area that was previously drilled by Falconbridge Inc in 2004. The 2004 drilling reported high percentage sulphide mineralization containing significant copper, silver, with some zinc and gold values returned from core sampling (report GM 62134, also see QMET news release dated April 16, 2024). The TDEM survey completed by QMET in 2022 reveals a conductive body located slightly further to the east of the mineralization intercepted by Falconbridge. The QMET geologic team interprets the conductive body as potential massive sulphide mineralization, which is the target of the initial 2024 drilling. QMET also recognizes that the La Corne batholith hosts lithium-bearing pegmatite (see QMET news releases dated June 21 and October 15, 2023). The second drill hole is designed to test a magnetic low in the same general vicinity of the 2004 Falconbridge drilling, interpreted as granitic rock within the more magnetic high volcanic rocks. The 2004 drilling completed by Falconbridge included a drill hole that returned elevated lithium within "coarse grained granite". This is of interest for further testing by QMET. The QMET geologic team is currently in conference in Val d'Or in order to discuss and finalize plans for the June 2024 diamond drilling. Drilling is scheduled to commence immediately following construction of the first drill pads. Q BATTERY METALS CORP Q Battery Metals exploration programs undertaken in Quebec are supervised by Dr. Mathieu Piche, OGQ, with office located north of Val d'Or. He is also a Q Battery Metals company director. The company has 100% interest in mineral claims within Quebec, targeting critical and precious metals. Projects include the La Corne South VMS + Pegmatite Lithium Project, McKenzie East Gold property, the Lorrain Ni-Co-PGE property, and the recently acquired Pontax Lithium and Versant rare earth elements (REE) properties. Cautionary Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. On behalf of the Board of Directors Richard Penn CEO (778) 384-8923 SOURCE: Q Battery Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Homebuilding innovator ICON is laying the groundwork for affordable, 3D-printed homes in Community First! Village with support from Wells Fargo. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Around the world, communities are asking the same question: How do we make housing more accessible to everyone? One solution is to build differently, from the ground up. Inside the Community First! Village outside of Austin, Texas, one such homebuilding tool has taken shape: one of the country's first occupied 3D-printed homes. But they're far from the last. With some help from Wells Fargo, rapidly developing robotic 3D-printing technology is being combined with cutting-edge design and community-building to help address the housing gap. The result will be 3D-printed homes that are more resilient and imaginative in the face of climbing homebuilding costs and global crises like climate change. "Housing alone will never solve homelessness, but community will. I think what you see in Community First! Village is the manifestation of community. We need community, that human to human, heart to heart," said Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, whose supportive neighborhood outside of Austin houses more than 370 people coming out of chronic homelessness. In 2020, the nonprofit partnered with Austin-based ICON, a construction technology company, to build 3D-printed homes for some of its residents. Now that partnership is growing with Initiative 99. The international design competition tasks architects to create a new kind of affordable home that's only possible through 3D printing for a construction price tag of $99,000 or less, and are also resilient, dignified, and environmentally friendly. The first phase culminated at SXSW in Austin, where ICON announced six winning designs from around the world. With a $500,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation, one or more of those designs will be built at scale within an upcoming Community First! Village expansion. Plus, all the winning designs are available for homebuilders and architects across the nation to use to create high-quality affordable housing in their own communities via ICON's digital home catalog, CODEX. Darlene Goins, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation and head of Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo, said the competition is a "gamechanger for the housing industry," which will push the envelope for designing lower-cost, quality housing for the people and families who need it most. "These international design competitions don't usually happen for affordable housing," said ICON co-founder and CEO Jason Ballard. "The hope is that dozens and dozens, if not hundreds or thousands, of homes come into the world because of Initiative 99." What are the benefits of a 3D-printed home? ICON develops large-scale robotics, software, and advanced materials to build homes faster and more affordably. Their Vulcan construction systems, for example, weighing in at roughly one-ton, automate construction of their characteristically layered walls, while roofs, windows, and doors are built using traditional methods. 3D-printed homes can be built faster and for less money A recently unveiled multi-story robotic construction system called Phoenix introduces the capability of printing an entire building enclosure including foundations and roof structures. By increasing speed and size and decreasing setup time and the number of required operators, this advanced robotic system will reduce ICON printing costs by half. Ultimately, there could be a "quantum leap" in reducing housing costs, Ballard said. "We finally have a solution for the global housing crisis to speed things up and produce the housing that we need," said I99 winner Mona Peters. 3D-printed homes create new design possibilities ICON's printers specialize in building curved and bespoke designs quickly and more economically compared to traditional methods because 3D printers streamline a home's design and build materials. For example, I99 winner Victoria Roznowski added adaptable sleeping areas and a wavy exterior in her winning design, which she envisioned serving refugees in her native Germany. "I truly believe 3D printing can revolutionize the way we're building houses right now," she said. 3D printing promotes resilient and sustainable homebuilding These homes don't just promote sustainability through efficient automation, but in their building materials, too. For example, ICON's robotic printers dispense the company's own formulation of low-carbon concrete. The startup says its homes produce far less waste than the four tons left over after building the average home in the U.S. Many of the I99 designs go further to promote water conservation, efficiently scaled communities, and other sustainable features. How to 3D print your own home Interested in your own 3D-printed home? Try an open-sourced design. ICON's CODEX is a home design catalog of ready-to-print architecture plans for developers, architects, and homebuyers. Among the dozens of available designs in the catalog are the six I99 phase 1 winners. Other categories focus on storm- and fire-resilient homes, Texan architecture, and more. If you like a design, you or your architect can reach out to ICON or take a virtual tour. The company has 3D-printed homes on the market. Tech startup ICON engineers innovative homebuilding tools, such as the multi-story 3D printing robot Phoenix (pictured), to bring down project costs and make housing more accessible. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Wells Fargo Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargo Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Wells Fargo View the original press release on accesswire.com Automaker recognized by Points of Light Civic 50 as one of the most community-minded companies in America for the fourth year in a row Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today released its sixth annual Corporate Impact Report, highlighting its mission to be More Than a Car Company. The report showcases the automaker's commitment to all its stakeholders, including customers, retailers, employees, and surrounding communities. In addition, Subaru was recognized by Points of Light as a 2024 Civic 50 Honoree for the fourth year in a row, reaffirming its status as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America. Tadashi 'Tady' Yoshida, Chairman and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc.: "We extend our sincere gratitude to our retailers, partners, and the broader Subaru community for their invaluable support and dedication which drives our achievements. By working together towards a shared mission, we can make a meaningful impact on our world." The Subaru Corporate Impact Report provides a detailed outline of how the company embodied the Subaru Love Promise throughout 2023. Through comprehensive data collection and disclosure efforts, the report delves into the who, what, where, when, and why behind the automaker's endeavors to be a positive force and show love and respect to all people at every interaction, including new car buyers, longstanding owners, retailers, partners, and the communities where Subaru employees live and work. Jeff Walters, President and COO, Subaru of America, Inc.: "At Subaru, our collective commitment to being More Than a Car Company means embracing the responsibility to uphold that pledge across every aspect of our operations. While we are proud of our achievements over the last year, we remain focused on continuing to do better, enhancing the world we inhabit, and empowering the people in our communities." The Subaru Love Promise, a cornerstone of the company's ethos and the focal point of the Corporate Impact Report, is organized into five pillars: Subaru Loves to Care, Subaru Loves the Earth, Subaru Loves to Help, Subaru Loves Learning, and Subaru Loves Pets. In 2023, Subaru achieved significant milestones, including contributing over $1.4 million in donations to nonprofits in the Camden community via the SOA Foundation, and collectively volunteering over 15,000 hours nationwide. Living Our Values Subaru of America employees partnered with TED@Work to equip employees with the right resources and platforms to foster conversations around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Kevin Kight, General Manager of Subaru of Olathe in Kansas and member of the Subaru National Retailer Advisory Board, was named a 2023 Automotive News Notable Champion of Diversity for his instrumental role in driving DEIB strategies and initiatives at the local level. Notable Champion of Diversity for his instrumental role in driving DEIB strategies and initiatives at the local level. Subaru of America's annual comprehensive equal pay analysis found no disparities in pay based on race, ethnicity, or sex. The third-party assessment of pay practices ensures transparency, fairness, and equity. Love Promise Customer Commitment Subaru received more Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other brand since 2013.* awards than any other brand since 2013.* Named #1 in safety and product quality through the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Automobile Study 2022-23. Awarded 2023 Best Mainstream Automotive Brand according to Customer Reports. Love Promise Community Commitment Contributed more than $288 million in charitable donations from SOA and its participating retailers through the?annual Subaru Share the Love Event over the last sixteen years. Recognized by Forbes as the #1 automotive brand for social impact. Received the inaugural FutureCast TrailBlazer Award for "A Beautiful Silence" highlighting the connection between Subaru customers and their vehicles. More than 70% of SOA employees volunteered a total of 15,064 hours in the greater community in 2023. Donated more than $1.4 million to over 50 Camden nonprofit organizations. In addition to underscoring how Subaru was More Than a Car Company in 2023, the report showcases how the automaker's corporate responsibility actions parallel the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more about Corporate Responsibility at SOA, please visit www.subaru.com/about/corporate-responsibility.html. *Claim applies to U.S.-spec vehicles. Based on research conducted by Subaru of America and Subaru Canada. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $300 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 88,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. ### Diane Anton Subaru of America, Inc. (856) 488-5093 danton@subaru.com Adam Leiter Subaru of America, Inc. (856) 488-8668 aleiter@subaru.com Subaru of America, Inc. released its sixth annual Corporate Impact Report, showcasing the automaker's commitment to being More Than a Car Company in the 2023 calendar year. To learn more, visit: https://ourimpact.subaru.com/ View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Subaru of America, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Subaru of America, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/subaru-america-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Subaru of America, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - DelphX Capital Markets Inc. (TSXV: DELX) (OTCQB: DPXCF) ("DelphX" or the "Company"), a leader in the development of new classes of structured products for the fixed income market, announces that pursuant to an agreement with Castle Placement, LLC ("Castle") to accelerate the market exposure and use of the DelphX Credit Rating Security product, originally announced by the Company on March 19, 2024, the Company will issue 10,900,000 common shares (the "Common Shares") to Castle in satisfaction of the C$1,035,500 fee payable to Castle for advisory and support services in connection with the launch of the Credit Rating Security product provided under the agreement and grant Castle 645,000 options to purchase common shares of the Company at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of two years from issuance. The Common Shares will be issued at a deemed price of $0.095 per share, being the current price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Issuance of the Common Shares will be subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Common Shares have not been and will not be registered under the United Sates Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and will be issued as "restricted securities" (as defined in Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act), in reliance on exemptions from U.S. federal and state registration requirements. The issuance of Common Shares will not result in a new control person, and subsequent to the issuance, DelphX will have 171,559,573 common shares outstanding. About Castle Placement, LLC Castle Placement is The Premier Private Capital Investment Bank, with over 600,000 accredited investors and 64,500 institutional, private equity, venture capital and strategic investors, family offices, pension funds, foundations, endowments, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds and lenders. Founded in 2009, Castle Placement has experienced investment bankers with significant personal relationships, fully integrated with its robust, data-driven technology platform. Member FINRA/SIPC. CPGOapp.com provides unparalleled and transparent access for issuers and investors. About DelphX Capital Markets Inc. DelphX is a technology and financial services company focused on developing and distributing the next generation of structured products. Through its special purpose vehicle Quantem LLC, the Company enables fixed income dealers to offer new private placement securities that provide mitigation of spread and capital charge losses when downgrades occur, while allowing for attractive returns. The new DelphX securities will enable dealers and their qualified institutional investors (QIBs) accounts to competitively structure, sell and make markets in: Collateralized put options (CPOs) that provide secured rating downgrade protection for underlying corporate bonds; Collateralized reference notes (CRNs) that enable investors to take on a capped rating downgrade exposure of an underlying security in exchange for attractive returns. All CPOs and CRNs are fully collateralized and held in custody by BNY Mellon. CPOs and CRNs are proprietary products created and owned by DelphX Capital Markets. For more information about DelphX, please visit www.delphx.com. Mark Forney, Corporate Development DelphX Capital Markets Inc. mark.forney@delphx.com (718) 509-2160 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213709 SOURCE: DelphX Capital Markets Inc. New Delhi, June 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by US Congressman Michael McCaul on Thursday. The delegation comprises the Chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Michael McCaul, former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Gregory Meeks, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Ami Bera, and Jim McGovern. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present when PM Modi at the meeting. The delegation visited the Dalai Lama's residence in Himachal Pradesh's McLeodganj on Wednesday. In a brief meeting with the Dalai Lama, Michael McCaul, said US President Joe Biden would soon sign a bill that aims to press China to resolve the Tibet dispute. The Resolve Tibet Act calls on Beijing to resume talks with Tibetan leaders, which have been halted since 2010, to peacefully resolve their governance disagreement with China. The bill aims for the two countries to reach a negotiated settlement regarding Tibet. UNI JA ARN ING Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSX: SSV) (the "Company" or "Southern Silver") announces that it proposes to undertake a non-brokered private placement consisting of 13,000,000 units at $0.27 for gross proceeds of $3,510,000. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share and one-half (0.5) of one warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share for a period of 3 years at a price of $0.40. The Company may pay finders' fees comprised of cash and non-transferable warrants in connection with the Offering, subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued and sold under the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from closing. Completion of the Offering and the payment of any finders' fees remain subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Net proceeds from the private placement will be used for the continued development of the Cerro Las Minitas (CLM) property, Durango Mexico and for working capital. Following the recent PEA update, management is now considering the company's next steps in the advancement and development of the project. As currently modelled, the CLM project features a large-Scale underground mining operation with robust project economics and high gross revenues in a well located and mining friendly jurisdiction in southeast Durango, Mexico. For more information on the details of the current economic assessment of the Cerro Las Minitas Project please refer to NR-01-24 dated June 10, 2024. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Units, nor was there any sale of the Units 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. The Units offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person. About Southern Silver Exploration Corp. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits either directly or through joint-venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions. Our specific emphasis is the 100% owned Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, Los Gatos, San Martin, Naica and Pitarrilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine. Our property portfolio also includes the Oro porphyry copper-gold project and the Hermanas gold-silver vein project where permitting applications for the conduct of a drill program is underway, both located in southern New Mexico, USA. Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and supervised directly the collection of the data from the CLM Project that is reported in this disclosure and is responsible for the presentation of the technical information in this disclosure. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Lawrence Page" Lawrence Page, Q.C. President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp. For further information, please visit Southern Silver's website at southernsilverexploration.com or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at corpdev@mnxltd.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. This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. 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/213611 SOURCE: Southern Silver Exploration Corp. Chico, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - AmeraMex International, Inc. (OTC Pink: AMMX), a provider of heavy equipment for logistics companies, infrastructure construction and forestry conservation, announced that it has delivered the second out of six new Taylor Equipment Reach Stackers to the US Military. Each piece of equipment has an approximate retail value of $900,000. The five-year agreement for the six new Taylor Reach Stackers is expected to generate approximately $7 million of revenue over the life of the agreement CEO Lee Hamre commented, "We have been providing rental equipment to the US military for several years and won the five-year rental agreement for six new Taylor Equipment Reach Stackers in October 2022. An order for new reach stackers can take almost two years to ship to the customer. We shipped the first reach stacker last month; the second reach stacker has been delivered and third reach stacker is in transit with the last three stackers expected to be shipped in approximately two months." "It is easier and faster for this department of the US military to get rental agreements approved than outright purchases. We like rental agreements as they generate steady cash flow and, after an agreement expires, we refurbish the equipment, if necessary, and sell back into the open market." Taylor Equipment Reach Stacker To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10200/213651_64b384e4d4c6fb62_001full.jpg The Taylor Equipment Reach Stackers versatile machines that can handle many diverse types of containers. With a telescopic boom, it can stack 5-High 1st row, 4-High 2nd row and 3-High 3rd row (9-ft 6-in Loaded). It also has a 20-40 ISO Container Handling Attachment, with rotation, side shift, expansion/retraction and damping. For more information and pricing of equipment for the logistics, construction, and forestry industries, or to book a demonstration of the First Green Company's Electric's 100 percent electric skid steer loaders, ASV Posti-Tract and Skid Steer Loaders, Menzi Muck Excavators, or a Magni Telescopic Handler, contact the AmeraMex/Hamre Equipment sales team at 530.895.8955. AmeraMex International AmeraMex International sells, leases, and rents heavy equipment to companies within multiple industries including construction, logistics, mining, and lumber. The company has over 30 years of experience in heavy equipment sales and service. Follow AmeraMex on Twitter @ammx_intl and visit the AmeraMex website, www.AMMX.net or www.hamreequipment.com for additional information and equipment videos. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if added information becomes available in the future. Investor and Media Relations McCloud Communications, LLC Marty Tullio, Managing Member Office: 949.632.1900 or Marty@McCloudCommunications.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213651 SOURCE: AmeraMex International Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) -Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of 108,333,333 common shares (each, a "Share") of the Company at a price of $0.12 per Share (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds of approximately $13,000,000. The Offering was conducted by Paradigm Capital Inc., acting as lead agent and sole bookrunner, and Maison Placements Canada Inc., Pollitt & Co. Inc. and Velocity Trade Capital Ltd. (collectively, the "Agents"). In connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Agents a cash commission of $751,800.28 and issued 6,265,002 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant is exercisable into one Share of the Company at a price of $0.12 per Share for a period of 24 months from the date hereof. Additionally, as consideration for financial advisory services provided in connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Agents an additional cash advisory fee of $158,199.72 and issued to the Agents an additional 1,318,331 Broker Warrants. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for exploration and development, and general working capital purposes. The securities issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. 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 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 elaine@omaigoldmines.com +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, anticipated regulatory approvals in connection with 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213713 SOURCE: Omai Gold Mines Corp. Increasing cases of dairy allergies and the growing prevalence of lactose intolerance are key factors stimulating vegan cheese sales, says Fact.MR in its latest market report. ROCKVILLE, Md., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A recently released research report by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, states that the global Vegan Cheese Market is expected to reach US$ 3.58 billion in 2024. Further, worldwide vegan cheese sales are analyzed to climb to US$ 8.1 billion by the end of 2034. More millennials are giving preference to vegan products, such as cheese with rising concerns related to animal cruelty and sustainability trends. A growing number of people are showing an interest in cruelty-free products, leading to a preference for vegan options like cheese. More recipe creators and food service outlets are experimenting with vegan cheese to develop novel dishes. Popular items such as burgers, pizzas, and pasta are already available with vegan cheese, and as a result, many supermarkets and health food stores are stocking this plant-based option. Start-ups are investing significantly in enhancing the mouthfeel and texture of vegan cheese to match the qualities of conventional dairy cheese, which is expected to attract more consumers to this cruelty-free alternative. For More Insights into the Market, Request a Sample of this Report: https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=10217 Key Takeaway from Market Study: The global vegan cheese market is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2034. from 2024 to 2034. Global sales of vegan cheese in foodservice/HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, and cafes) outlets are projected to climb at 8.7% CAGR and reach US$ 3 billion by 2034. Mozzarella cheese is evaluated to capture an 18.9% share of global market revenue by 2034-end. Demand for vegan cheese in Japan is analyzed to increase at a CAGR of 9% from 2024 to 2034. The market in South Korea is evaluated to expand at 9.3% CAGR through 2034. North America is calculated to account for 24.3% of the global market share by the end of 2034. "Market players should invest in the production of vegan cheese mimicking the properties of conventional dairy cheese. Environmental sustainability is becoming a priority for many consumers, providing lucrative opportunities for manufacturers of vegan products," says a Fact.MR analyst. Increasing Use of Vegan Mozzarella Cheese in Several Delicious Fast Food Dishes Worldwide sales of vegan mozzarella cheese are projected to rise at a CAGR of 8.7% and reach US$ 1.53 billion by 2034. Increased consumption of mozzarella cheese in certain dishes, such as pizza, is driving its demand. Furthermore, the global expansion of the vegan movement, spanning regions like North America, Europe, and East Asia, is prompting an increasing number of consumers to choose delectable fast food items such as burgers, pizza, and pasta made with vegan mozzarella cheese. Key Market Players: Kite Hill Reine Vegan Cuisine Daiya Foods Inc. Kinda Co. Parmela Creamery Galaxy Nutritional Foods, Inc. Mad Millie Bute Island Foods Ltd. UPrise Foods Vermont Farmstead Tesco Free From Punk Rawk Labs Wayfare Inc. Miyoko's Kitchen, Inc. Regal Vegan To improve their supply chain systems, major competitors in the vegan cheese market are concentrating on mergers, joint ventures, and acquisitions. Furthermore, a number of international corporations are attempting to buy out smaller businesses to expand their range of products and production capabilities. Stockeld Dreamery is a start-up based in Sweden that offers vegan dairy products. In February 2024, the company offered a fermented cheddar slice to elevate the experience of consumers. This newly plant-based cheese is produced from fermented legume milk. The Compleat Food Group, in April 2024, returned to the M&A industry with an acquisition of Palace Culture, a United Kingdom-based business offering dairy-free cheese. This newly acquired company is expected to strengthen the company's product line. Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions: https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=10217 More Valuable Insights on Offer: Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the vegan cheese market, presenting historical demand data (2019 to 2023) and forecast statistics for the period (2024 to 2034). The study divulges essential insights into the market based on product type (mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, parmesan, gouda, others), end-user (food industry, foodservice/HoReCa, household), nature (organic, conventional), form (shreds, blocks & wedges, slices), source (almond, coconut, soy, cashew, others), and distribution channel (indirect sales, traditional grocery stores, hypermarkets/supermarkets, direct sales, online retailers, convenience stores, specialty retail stores), across seven major regions of the world (North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and MEA). Check out More Related Studies Published by Fact.MR Research: Cheese Market is projected to reach $133 billion by 2032 and is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 3.7% through 2032. Natural Cheese Market stands at a valuation of $14.2 billion and is estimated to reach $21.3 billion by 2033. Plant-based Cheese Market is predicted to attain a value of $5.3 billion and is estimated to surge at 15.1% CAGR through 2033. Cheese Concentrate Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8%, rising from its current value of $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion by 2032. Forskolin Market to reach a value of $584 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% to reach $1.32 billion by 2034. Seasoning and Spice Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5%, reaching US$ 73 billion by 2034. Food Retail Market is expected to achieve a CAGR of 5.5%, reaching $21,503.5 billion by 2034. About Us: 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 competitive. Contact: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 Sales Team: sales@factmr.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Blog View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vegan-cheese-market-set-to-reach-8-1-billion-by-2034--driven-by-8-5-annual-growth-rate--factmr-302178033.html Pathify's first acquisition extends improved student experiences to tens of thousands more students. DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Pathify, the fastest-growing higher ed digital experience hub, proudly announces its acquisition of Navengage, an ed tech pioneer in student engagement mobile technology. The strategic acquisition marks a significant inflection point for both companies in revolutionizing the higher ed tech landscape. Pathify As the most widely used independent student portal and digital experience hub in the U.S., Pathify unifies all institutional technology, content, resources and communication. A fourth straight year of strong financial efficiency and impressive top-line revenue growth allowed Pathify to extend its reach in new and exciting ways. Navengage is the company's first acquisition. "Pathify has always valued impact," said Chase Williams, Pathify CEO and Co-Founder. "Acquiring Navengage enables Pathify to significantly influence the student engagement space and better support Anthology customers. We're thrilled to welcome Navengage into the Pathify family." Co-founded in 2020 by three Penn State University graduates, Navengage provides a streamlined, mobile-native app for accessing and promoting events, student organizations, and campus resources, while also fostering student connections and belonging. The company recently partnered with Anthology, serving as a comprehensive mobile experience for Anthology Engage. Navengage's growing customer base includes institutions such as California Polytechnic State University, Penn State University, Roger Williams University, Texas Tech University, the University of Memphis, and the University of North Carolina Charlotte. "Today's announcement is a testament to our team's exceptional work in building Navengage into the premier student engagement mobile app it is today," said Andrew Strause, Navengage CEO and Co-Founder. "Pathify's expertise and resources across higher education provide a strong foundation from which we can continue to impact the student experience." Navengage will remain fully operational, continuing to support its customers and product growth. Various Anthology integration improvements are planned for Pathify to ensure ongoing support for Navengage customers. Pathify and Navengage are hosting several upcoming events to showcase how they are transforming the student experience. The higher ed community is invited to learn more and register at https://pathify.com/lp/pathify-acquires-navengage/. About Navengage Navengage delivers cutting-edge mobile technology designed to advance student engagement, foster belonging, and boost retention. Dedicated to helping institutions gather comprehensive, accurate, and readily available data for decision-making, we help higher ed professionals meet students where they are - on their mobile devices. Discover more about how we are creating a world where every student has the opportunity to safely and successfully pursue their education at www.navengage.com. About Pathify Obsessed with making great technology while developing incredible long-term relationships with customers, Pathify remains hyper-focused on creating stellar experiences across the entire student lifecycle - from prospect to alumni. Delivering cloud-based, integration-friendly software designed to drive engagement, Pathify pushes personalized information, content, and resources to the right people, at the right time - on any device. Led by a team of former higher ed executives, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders, the team at Pathify focuses every day on the values Impact, Wit, Contrast, Technique and Care. Learn more at pathify.com. Contact Information Megan Kratzman VP, Marketing megan.kratzman@pathify.com SOURCE: Pathify View the original press release on newswire.com. Originally published in Bloomberg's 2023 Impact Report NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / We provide data and news on sustainability and equality to help investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers build more resilient and sustainable communities. We use the time and talents of our employees and resources of our business to promote a more inclusive global economy, expand access to data and technology, support diverse voices in media and the arts and meet urgent needs in the cities in which our employees live and work. Promoting an inclusive global economy We support efforts to make the world's economy fairer and more inclusive. Economic inequality presents a threat to the stability of the global economy and stifles innovation. Bloomberg provides corporate social and governance data, news and insights to help investors, corporations and regulators make well-informed decisions. In addition, we engage in a range of philanthropic initiatives to help make financial markets more transparent and accessible. Facilitating corporate action - Bloomberg's transparent and actionable social and governance data, scores and insights help investors and companies better evaluate assets and report on social performance. We currently provide more than 2,500 social and governance data points, including third-party data, offering insight on a wide range of issues such as workforce diversity, board composition, executive compensation, labor and employment practices, health and safety and much more. Our social and governance data is available on the Bloomberg Terminal, in our enterprise product solutions, including our Portfolio and Risk Management solutions, and as an enterprise data feed via Bloomberg Data License, which allows this information to be used across a firm by multiple applications and people. We provide proprietary scores that investors can use to quickly and simply evaluate companies' management of financially material industry-specific social issues and opportunities, as well as governance policies and practices, with adjustments for country-specific rules and regulations. Available for more than 14,500 global companies, Bloomberg's Governance and Social scores are data-driven and fully transparent, allowing users to examine the company-reported social and governance data underlying each score. - Bloomberg's transparent and actionable social and governance data, scores and insights help investors and companies better evaluate assets and report on social performance. We currently provide more than 2,500 social and governance data points, including third-party data, offering insight on a wide range of issues such as workforce diversity, board composition, executive compensation, labor and employment practices, health and safety and much more. Our social and governance data is available on the Bloomberg Terminal, in our enterprise product solutions, including our Portfolio and Risk Management solutions, and as an enterprise data feed via Bloomberg Data License, which allows this information to be used across a firm by multiple applications and people. We provide proprietary scores that investors can use to quickly and simply evaluate companies' management of financially material industry-specific social issues and opportunities, as well as governance policies and practices, with adjustments for country-specific rules and regulations. Available for more than 14,500 global companies, Bloomberg's Governance and Social scores are data-driven and fully transparent, allowing users to examine the company-reported social and governance data underlying each score. Advancing the discussion - Our Bloomberg Equality vertical is committed to reporting on issues of race, diversity and fairness. Its content is available on the Bloomberg Terminal and on all Bloomberg Media platforms and is integrated across all content pillars such as climate change, technology and healthcare. In 2023, notable coverage included analysis of the progress of S&P 100 companies diversifying their workforces; reporting that showed how California is calculating the cost of reparations for the U.S. legacy of slavery and discrimination; how London lost its place at the heart of Black Britain; a series exploring India's ruling on same-sex marriage; how Big Tech layoffs are hitting diversity and inclusion jobs; reporting on how race in college admissions became a U.S. flashpoint; and a Bloomberg Businessweek special issue dedicated to equality. - Our Bloomberg Equality vertical is committed to reporting on issues of race, diversity and fairness. Its content is available on the Bloomberg Terminal and on all Bloomberg Media platforms and is integrated across all content pillars such as climate change, technology and healthcare. In 2023, notable coverage included analysis of the progress of S&P 100 companies diversifying their workforces; reporting that showed how California is calculating the cost of reparations for the U.S. legacy of slavery and discrimination; how London lost its place at the heart of Black Britain; a series exploring India's ruling on same-sex marriage; how Big Tech layoffs are hitting diversity and inclusion jobs; reporting on how race in college admissions became a U.S. flashpoint; and a Bloomberg Businessweek special issue dedicated to equality. Expanding horizons - Bloomberg employees build on our company's legacy of helping to make financial markets more transparent and accessible by working with nonprofit partners to train and mentor individuals from underserved communities. A key focus for our company is demystifying financial services and motivating more young people to consider careers in financial services. In 2023, some of our programs included: The Bloomberg HBCU Trading Challenge The Greater Bay Area Fintech Talent Initiative MIDE Global Money Week - Bloomberg employees build on our company's legacy of helping to make financial markets more transparent and accessible by working with nonprofit partners to train and mentor individuals from underserved communities. A key focus for our company is demystifying financial services and motivating more young people to consider careers in financial services. In 2023, some of our programs included: Opening doors - In keeping with our work to bring transparency, efficiency and fairness to financial markets, we leverage our expertise to create opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups to pursue careers in finance and high-growth industries. Highlights from the year include: Women in Finance initiative Bloomberg Women's Buy-Side Network (BWBN) Girls Who Invest (GWI) - In keeping with our work to bring transparency, efficiency and fairness to financial markets, we leverage our expertise to create opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups to pursue careers in finance and high-growth industries. Highlights from the year include: Expanding access to data and technology We're committed to creating a more level playing field in society by improving access to information. We share our expertise to help students and entrepreneurs acquire the technical and soft skills and support they need to unlock opportunity and drive progress in an increasingly digital world. Supporting diverse voices in media and the arts To broaden perspectives, enhance innovation and promote equality, we help women and people from diverse backgrounds share their ideas and insights with a wider audience. We're improving the mix of sources in our news stories to better reflect the demographics of our communities and working to ensure that a diverse range of voices are involved in reporting and shaping business news. We're also helping cultural organizations expand audiences and amplify diverse voices through initiatives that support the work of artists from underrepresented communities. Addressing the world's most pressing needs Bloomberg gives back to the cities in which we live and work, using our employees' time and talents and our company's resources to address unmet needs and create lasting impact. Our global employee giving and volunteer program, the Best of Bloomberg, harnesses the collective effort and generosity of our employees to strengthen our communities - and support the causes about which they're most passionate. In 2023, over 19,000 employees from 101 cities volunteered their time and talents, helping to provide food and assemble necessity kits for vulnerable neighbors, serving as educational mentors, sharing pro bono legal expertise with individuals and small businesses, engaging in environmental stewardship and much more. In all, employees provided 183,537 hours of collective service in 2023, a 39 percent increase over the previous year. Key areas of action included disaster relief, protecting the planet, and legal pro bono work. Read Bloomberg's 2023 sustainability report to learn more about its environmental and social impact. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bloomberg on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bloomberg Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bloomberg Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Bloomberg View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Building the workforce of tomorrow means investing in the students of today. That's why Merck has partnered with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) - the largest historically Black college and university in the U.S. - to launch the Merck Biotechnology Learning Center. "We're pleased to launch this new collaboration with an institution that precisely aligns to our company priorities to invest in the growth and delivery of innovative health solutions and strong values around diversity and inclusion," said Sanat Chattopadhyay, executive vice president and president, Merck Manufacturing Division. "Together we can fuel the growth of talent for our company and the biotechnology industry overall." Located in the home state of the company's Durham and Wilson manufacturing sites, the 4,025 square-foot facility will enhance academic programming and training for biotechnology careers for N.C. A&T students and provide advanced discovery opportunities through its classroom space, process laboratory and state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical manufacturing equipment. "This collaboration signifies a union between academia and industry, and a commitment to excellence, innovation and the advancement of scientific knowledge," said Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs for N.C. A&T. The collaboration also signifies an investment in the community's future by expanding local and statewide bioeconomy initiatives. Additionally, it will help to diversify talent and recruitment opportunities for Merck and offer vaccine manufacturing process training for new and existing employees. "The Merck Biotechnology Learning Center will provide opportunities for N.C. A&T students to look inside the biopharmaceutical industry and understand what a career in this space looks like. Through our joint initiative with N.C. A&T, we're developing new and innovative ways to build a pipeline of talent here in North Carolina and beyond," added Amanda Taylor, vice president and Durham plant manager, Merck. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Merck & Co., Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Merck & Co., Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/merck-co-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Merck & Co., Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Balanced Commercial Property Trust Ltd - Result of AGM PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, June 20 Balanced Commercial Property Trust Limited LEI Number: 213800A2B1H4ULF3K397 (the "Company") 20 June 2024 RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 20 June 2024, all resolutions set out in the notice of the Annual General Meeting Notice, dated 26 April 2024 (the "Notice"), were duly passed. Details of the number of votes cast for, against and withheld in respect of the resolutions, which were voted on by way of poll, are set out below: Ordinary Resolution For % Against % Withheld 1 415,568,528 99.35% 2,714,219 0.65% 912,395 2 410,362,879 97.97% 8,501,511 2.03% 330,752 3 418,752,285 99.95% 224,145 0.05% 218,712 4 415,158,739 99.09% 3,792,651 0.91% 243,752 5 238,074,744 96.30% 9,155,483 3.70% 171,964,915 6 414,658,964 98.97% 4,297,250 1.03% 238,928 7 415,262,955 99.12% 3,693,259 0.88% 238,928 8 415,988,949 99.30% 2,916,134 0.70% 290,059 9 418,123,625 99.82% 766,652 0.18% 304,865 10 418,355,625 99.89% 473,549 0.11% 365,968 11 416,032,630 99.27% 3,072,887 0.73% 89,625 Special Resolution For % Against % Withheld 12 415,662,447 99.22% 3,249,217 0.78% 283,478 13 391,090,179 93.58% 26,814,860 6.42% 1,290,103 Note - A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution. The full text of the resolutions proposed at the Annual General Meeting can be found in the Notice, which is available on the Company's website ( https://www.balancedcommercialproperty.co.uk ). A copy of the presentation used at the AGM, and proxy voting results, will be available shortly on the Company's website. The Special Resolutions were as follows: Special Resolution 12 THAT the Directors of the Company be and they are hereby generally empowered, to allot and issue ordinary shares in the Company or grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert securities into, ordinary shares in the Company ("equity securities'') for cash, including by way of a sale of ordinary shares held by the Company as treasury shares, as if any pre-emption rights in relation to the issue of shares contained in Article 6.2 of the Company's articles of incorporation did not apply to any such allotment of equity securities, provided that this power: (a) expires at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the expiry of 15 months from the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may, before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired; and (b) shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value of 701,550 being approximately 10 per cent of the nominal value of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding treasury shares), as at 25 April 2024. Special Resolution 13 THAT the Company be authorised, in accordance with section 315 of The Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008, to make market acquisitions (within the meaning of section 316(1) of The Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008 of ordinary shares of 1p each ("Ordinary Shares'') (either for retention as treasury shares for future resale or transfer, or cancellation), provided that: (a) the maximum number of Ordinary Shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 14.99 per cent of the issued Ordinary Shares on the date on which this resolution is passed; (b) the minimum price which may be paid for an Ordinary Share shall be 1p (exclusive of expenses); (c) the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for an Ordinary Share shall be the higher of (i) 105 per cent of the average of the middle market quotations (as derived from the Daily Official List) for the Ordinary Shares for the five business days immediately preceding the date of purchase; and (ii) the higher of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the trading venue which the purchase is carried out; and (d) unless previously varied, revoked or renewed, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution, or on the expiry of 18 months from the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may, prior to such expiry, enter into a contract to purchase Ordinary Shares under such authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiration of such authority and may make a purchase of Ordinary Shares pursuant to any such contract. Enquiries: Balanced Commercial Property Trust Limited via Buchanan Paul Marcuse (Chairman) chairmanBCPT@georgeson.com Buchanan +44 (0)20 7466 5000 Helen Tarbet / Henry Wilson / George Beale BCPT@buchanancomms.co.uk Tel: 01481 745001 END Travel Nurses, Inc. ranks among highest-scoring businesses on Inc.'s list of best workplaces. GERMANTOWN, TN / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Travel Nurses, Inc. has been named to Inc.'s annual Best Workplaces list. Prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company cultures, whether operating in a physical or a virtual facility. Best Workplaces Travel Nurses, Inc. named to Inc. Best Workplaces 2024 list. After collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. selected 543 honorees this year. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, which included topics such as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The organization's benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking. Travel Nurses, Inc. is a leading healthcare staffing agency with more than 35 years in the industry. Their commitment to integrity and transparency is not only recognized by corporate staff in the survey, but it is also echoed by the company's healthcare professionals in their reviews. "We are so honored to be on Inc.'s list of the Best Workplaces for 2024. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture where our team members can thrive and flourish," said Bryan Burnett, CEO of Travel Nurses, Inc. "Each year, Inc.'s Best Workplaces program recognizes the very best in terms of companies that have fostered a truly amazing culture," says Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman. "We use hard metrics and data as well as qualitative measures for judging in order to find the very best - and we're proud that the program is highly selective." Contact Information: Anna Joy Tamayo Community and PR Manager annajoy@travelnursesinc.com 901-347-0271 Catherine Knoll Vice President of Marketing catherine.knoll@travelnursesinc.com 901-425-1636 Related Images Best Workplaces Travel Nurses, Inc. named to Inc. Best Workplaces 2024 list. Travel Nurses, Inc. logo Travel Nurses, Inc. logo SOURCE: Travel Nurses, Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. Rapafusyn's RapaGlue platform rapidly discovers non-degrading molecular glues, a validated and highly sought-after modality to address challenging or previously undruggable disease targets Financing led by 3E Bioventures Capital and Proxima Ventures Ltd. with participation from Lapam Capital Founded by Professor Jun O. Liu of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a pioneer in the molecular glue field BALTIMORE, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals, a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic drugs based on non-degrading molecular glues, today announced the initial closings of an extension of its Series A financing, bringing the total round to $28 Million. The financing was led by 3E Bioventures Capital and Proxima Ventures Ltd. with participation from Lapam Capital. The financing will propel the progress of Rapafusyn's innovative and diverse pipeline of macrocyclic peptide-based non-degrading molecular glues and further enhance its internal capabilities. Rapafusyn's industry-leading libraries of RapaGlues can swiftly produce novel chemical entities for targets that are traditionally challenging or currently undruggable by other modalities. This innovative breakthrough offers a promising solution for numerous difficult-to-drug targets, paving the way for significant advancements in drug discovery and development to address high unmet medical needs of patients. "Non-degrading molecular glues were previously found serendipitously. The RapaGlue platform has the ability to create non-degrading molecular glues by design", said Dr. Jun O. Liu, scientific founder of Rapafusyn and a pioneer whose ground-breaking discovery of the molecular glue mechanism for FK506 and cyclosporin A at Harvard University with Professor Stuart Schreiber and colleagues in 1991 formed the foundation of the field of non-degrading molecular glues. "Our RapaGlue platform is primed to bring groundbreaking therapies to patients. This innovative non-degrading molecular glue modality integrates the benefits of molecular glues with cyclic peptides, creating cell-permeable drug candidates. Our robust platform allows us to tackle disease targets where other modalities have struggled." Dr. Sean Hu, CEO of Rapafusyn, commented. "We are very pleased to have such distinguished investors participate in this round of financing." "Rapafusyn offers a new class of macrocyclic molecules that function as non-degrading molecular glues. It can target a broad range of membrane or intracellular targets, including those traditionally difficult-to-drug, such as PPIs (protein-protein interaction targets), transcriptions factors, SLCs/transporters, ion channels and others", said Dr. Karen Liu, a Founding Partner at 3E Bioventures. "I am excited about the platform, because for the first time in drug discovery, we have a systematic and efficient way to screen for small molecule modulators beyond the traditional Lipinski rules and protein degraders popular in recent years." Haolin Sung, Partner at Proxima Ventures commented, "We are very attracted by and delighted to invest in Rapafusyn's non-degrading molecular glue platform. It is well differentiated and, in many ways, superior to other drug modalities in addressing challenging or undruggable disease targets. We are also impressed by the caliber of the Rapafusyn operating and advisory teams and are confident in the future success of the company." Mr. Zhihua Yu, Founding Managing Parter of Lapam Capital added, "By applying an innovative and well validated approach to effectively drug a broad spectrum of challenging or undruggable disease targets, Rapafusyn has the potential to address a major gap and unmet need in the pharma industry. We believe in Rapafusyn's potential to discover transformational medicines to benefit patients globally." About 3E Bioventures 3E Bioventures Capital is a life science focused VC fund, actively investing in global leading health innovators, investing in Biotech (new drugs, new modalities, and drug discovery platforms) and in TechBio, the intersection of biology and technology that can potentially disrupt old paradigms. 3E Bioventures takes on a science-driven, entrepreneur-friendly investment philosophy by working closely with companies and research institutions to develop drugs or products that have strong unmet medical needs. About Proxima Ventures Proxima Ventures is a respected VC fund focused on investing in innovative and disruptive medical and bio- technologies, dedicated to serving outstanding and innovative companies with tremendous potential for growth. Proxima Ventures is run by a highly experienced team with proven track record in the life science industries. The team has broad global knowledge, in-depth experience, and an extensive industry network. Currently, Proxima has multiple Chinese Yuan (RMB) and USD funds under its management, investing in angel to growth stage companies. Proxima Ventures has established a leading medical entrepreneurship ecosystem, helped its portfolio companies connect with high-quality clinical and industrial resources, and achieved remarkable results. About Lapam Capital Headquartered in Beijing, Lapam Capital is a leading healthcare venture capital firm in China. Lapam is currently managing five RMB (Chinese Yuan) funds and one USD fund, with more than 10 billion RMB under management. Lapam Capital focuses on investments in early to mid- stage fast-growing companies that have innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Its investment portfolio currently consists of 120+ projects, of which innovative drug therapeutics projects account for over 80%, including Betta Pharma, RemeGen Co. Ltd., Gyre Therapeutics, Asieris Pharmaceuticals, ImmuneOnco Biopharmaceuticals, Binhui Biotech, Biostar Pharmaceuticals, Eyebright Medical Technology Ltd., and many other companies with great potential. Lapam Capital has a professional investment team with more than 20 years of international and domestic biopharmaceutical industry R&D and management experience and can provide comprehensive value-added support for the invested companies. About Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals Rapafusyn emerged from the laboratory of Dr. Jun O. Liu's, Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, with a mission to develop transformational medicines to address high unmet medical needs and enhance patient care. The platform leverages non-degrading macrocyclic molecular glues (RapaGlues) to address challenging therapeutic targets. Rapafusyn has constructed both DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) and arrayed libraries of RapaGlues that form neo-PPIs to inhibit a protein from its native activity. These compounds are rationally designed and engineered to bind FKBP and form a ternary complex with the disease target protein, offering a promising avenue for modulating intricate protein-protein interactions. RapaGlues have proven effective in producing innovative chemical starting points for challenging drug targets. The modular architecture enables SAR and subsequent optimization for potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties to accelerate drug discovery and development. RapaGlues frequently exhibit cell permeability directly from the starting point, enhancing their potential for therapeutic development. For more information, please visit rapafusyn.com or contact Heather Lavin: hlavin@rapafusyn.com One Equity Partners ("OEP"), a middle market private equity firm, today announced that it has made a significant minority interest in Gruppo Siti B&T ("Siti"), an Italian manufacturer of turnkey plants and machinery, and provider of related aftermarket products and services to international manufacturers of ceramic tile, mineral stone, and quartz slabs used in construction and building applications. Founded in 1961 and led by the Tarozzi Family and headquartered in Formigine, Italy, Gruppo Siti B&T is one of the leading global players, a mission-critical manufacturer that designs, builds, and sells complete plants, production lines, machinery and consumables for the ceramic and quartz industry. Gruppo Siti B&T also offers after-sales products and services (maintenance, spare parts, and upgrades). Gruppo Siti B&T serves a diversified clientele of 2,500+ global manufacturers of ceramic, quartz, and other surfaces through its five world-recognized brands: Siti, Ancora, Projecta, Digital Design, Diatex and Mec Abrasives. Gruppo Siti B&T employs approximately 660 FTE individuals (plus additional approximately 150 outsourced personnel) and operates out of 16 offices globally and has 10 production facilities worldwide. "Siti offers full end-to-end capabilities to serve a longstanding global customer base across various end markets in the ceramic and stone tile production industry," said Ante Kusurin, Partner at One Equity Partners. "Given various favorable market tailwinds, we believe Siti possesses significant growth potential, both organically and through acquisitions." Growth in the global ceramic machinery market is being driven by several favorable market tailwinds, including urbanization and the demand for more cost efficient and sustainable ceramic products. "We believe One Equity Partners is the ideal partner to help growing Gruppo Siti B&T for its next stage of expansion both organically and through M&A given the firm's extensive experience investing in and growing manufacturing businesses," said Fabio Tarozzi, Chairman and CEO of Gruppo Siti B&T. "We have already identified with OEP several opportunities to continue to grow the business and OEP's expertise will be a tremendous asset in our efforts to execute on those initiatives." Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. About One Equity Partners One Equity Partners ("OEP") is a middle market private equity firm focused on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. The firm seeks to build market-leading companies by identifying and executing transformative business combinations. OEP is a trusted partner with a differentiated investment process, a broad and senior team, and an established track record generating long-term value for its partners. Since 2001, the firm has completed more than 400 transactions worldwide. OEP, founded in 2001, spun out of JP Morgan in 2015. The firm has offices in New York, Chicago, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.oneequity.com. About Gruppo Siti B&T Gruppo Siti B&T is a manufacturer of turnkey plants for the ceramic and agglomerated quartz industry tile worldwide. Siti has a widespread presence in all markets globally, providing technological solutions and innovative product and services. Gruppo Siti B&T provides customers with complete and customized service offerings, including technical assistance for installing, maintaining, and refurbishing manufacturing equipment. Siti is involved in all phases of the ceramic manufacturing process through the work of its subsidiaries and affiliates. To learn more, please visit https://siti-bt.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240619029296/en/ Contacts: Media Thomas Zadvydas Stanton 646-502-3538 Tzadvydas@stantonprm.com INtono Comunicazione Marco Fiori +39 059 7400576 marco.fiori@intono.it Form 941 for the second quarter of the 2024 tax year is now available for IRS e-filing. Now is the time for employers to get ahead of their payroll tax deadlines and ensure they submit accurate filings. The deadline to file Form 941 for Q2 of 2024 falls on July 31, 2024. Form 941, the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is pivotal in reporting income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employees' paychecks to the IRS. As this form is filed quarterly, employers must adhere to all four deadlines each year. Form 941 for the Second Quarter of 2024 is Now Available The deadline for filing Form 941 for Q2 of 2024 may seem distant. However, employers benefit significantly by being proactive and completing their filings early. Utilizing the services of TaxBandits, a reputable IRS e-file provider in the industry, can help streamline this process. By accessing the TaxBandits application, employers can take advantage of the opportunity to get a head start on their quarterly filing, as the Q2 2024 Form 941 is now available. This early action can provide ample time for reviewing and ensuring the accuracy of the filing information, ultimately leading to a smoother and more efficient filing process. Form 941 Updates for Q2 of Tax Year 2024 While Form 941 for 2024 does not have major changes, the IRS introduced new business rules validation and schema changes for Q2, 2024. TaxBandits has updated its application to seamlessly accommodate these changes, ensuring a smooth and efficient filing process. Deadline Extensions for Form 941 - Q2, 2024 The IRS has issued an important announcement regarding an extended filing deadline for certain taxpayers in West Virginia and Kentucky. Due to the impact of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that began on April 02, 2024, the deadline for filing Form 941 for Q2, 2024, has been extended. Taxpayers in these states now have until November 01, 2024, to submit this form. This extension aims to provide relief to individuals and businesses affected by extreme weather events, allowing them more time to fulfill their tax obligations. Recap: Updates to Form 941 for Tax Year 2024 Business owners and tax professionals should revisit the notable changes to Form 941 for Q1 2024: One of the most significant changes to Form 941 for Q1, 2024 is the removal of COVID-19-related tax credits for qualified sick and family leave wages. 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TaxBandits: Streamlined E-filing Features for All TaxBandits offers advanced features to improve the efficiency and accuracy of filing Form 941: Bulk Upload 941 data using 941 Excel templates Form 941 Schedule B for semi-weekly depositors for semi-weekly depositors Form 941 Schedule R for PEOs, CPEOs, and other 3504 agents for PEOs, CPEOs, and other 3504 agents Volume-based prepaid credits Built-in 941 Worksheets Automatic Tax Calculations Error checks using the IRS Business Rules Easy e-signature options ( Online Signature PIN or Form 8453-EMP ) When asked about these upcoming quarterly filings, Agie Sundaram, CEO and Co-founder of SPAN Enterprises (the parent company of TaxBandits), responded, "TaxBandits leads the industry as an IRS-authorized e-file provider because we offer advanced features and unbeatable customer support that simplify the e-filing process. With TaxBandits, filing Form 941 is easy and affordable, whether for a single business or thousands of clients." Create a free account at TaxBandits to e-file Form 941 for the second quarter of 2024. TaxBandits also supports filing for prior quarters of Form 941. About TaxBandits: TaxBandits is a SOC 2 Certified, IRS-authorized e-file provider specializing in Form 1099, Form W-2, Form 1095-C , Form 1095-B , Form 940 , Form 941, and Fillable W-9 . Serving businesses, service providers, and tax professionals, TaxBandits offers a comprehensive solution for BOIR for small businesses that require BOIR reporting with FinCEN. Software providers and other high-volume filers can take advantage of TaxBandits API. The integration allows them to add client value and expand monetization efforts. TaxBandits API enables seamless preparation and e-filing of 1099 , W-2 , 941, 940, and ACA 1095 forms . Software providers can also use the developer-friendly 1099 API to request W-9s and automate 1099 filings efficiently. About SPAN Enterprises: Headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, SPAN Enterprises has been developing industry-leading software tools for e-filing and business management for over a decade. The SPAN Enterprises portfolio includes Tax 990 , ACAwise , ExpressExtension , 123PayStubs , and TruckLogics . For media inquiries, please contact: Stephanie Glanville Content Writer, SPAN Enterprises stephanie@spanenterprises.com ### SOURCE: TaxBandits View the original press release on accesswire.com BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, June 20 BH Macro Limited (the "Company") (a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235) Transaction in Own Shares 20 June 2024 BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc: Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Date of purchase: 20 June 2024 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 236,479 Lowest price per share (pence) 361.5 Highest price per share (pence) 364.5 Trading venue LSE Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 236,479 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 364.0091 The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury. Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows: Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 356,701,249 Sterling Shares 17,941,501 Sterling Shares 28,506,709 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares From 20 June 2024, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 546,389,740. Enquiries: Company website: www.bhmacro.com William Simmonds JPMorgan Cazenove Tel: 020 7588 2828 The Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Tel: 01481 745001 EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Poll Results of 2023 AGM and the Class Meetings, Payment of Final Dividend, Amendments to the Articles of Association, and Re-Election of Supervisor 20.06.2024 / 18:11 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Announcement on Poll Results of 2023 Annual General Meeting and the Class Meetings, Payment of Final Dividend, Amendments to the Articles of Association, and Re-Election of Supervisor Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hong Kong, 20 June 2024 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, and applicable PRC laws in relation to: (1) Poll Results of 2023 Annual General Meeting and the Class Meetings (2) Payment of Final Dividend (3) Amendments to the Articles of Association (4) Re-Election of Supervisor The announcement is fully available at: https://smart-home.haier.com/en/sm/P020240620830136916745.pdf IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto Sven Pauly pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 (0) 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud in the Chinese market, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 20.06.2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, June 20 For immediate release 20 June 2024 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announce that it has today purchased 194,732 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 851.67 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 45,857,987; 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 179,133,316. The figure of 179,133,316 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 Regulatory News: Orano takes note of the Niger authorities' decision to withdraw from its subsidiary Imouraren SA its permit to exploit the deposit, despite the resumption of activities on site, pursuant to the expectations they had expressed. Engaged in Niger for more than 50 years, Orano together with its partners, through its subsidiaries, contributes to the development of the country's uranium potential and to the development of the regions of Northern Niger. Orano has always been committed to a responsible approach based on partnership and transparency, acting in continuous consultation with the State of Niger and local stakeholders, notably under the ambitious, long-term roadmap defined in the global partnership agreement signed in May 2023. Current market conditions, with a favorable rise in the price of uranium, make it once again possible to consider bringing Imouraren into production. This being the case, and at the authorities' request, Orano had submitted a concrete technical proposal to the State of Niger, enabling this development to take place as quickly as possible. To this end, the infrastructures have already been reopened since June 4, 2024, to accommodate the construction teams and move the work forward. Orano fears that this decision to withdraw the mining permit for the deposit will have a negative impact on the economic, social and societal development of the region. Orano remains willing to keep all channels of communication open with the Niger authorities on this subject, while reserving the right to challenge the decision to withdraw the mining permit before the competent national or international jurisdictions. About Orano As a recognized international leading operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group's 17,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow. Orano, giving nuclear energy its full value. www.orano.group View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620996267/en/ Contacts: Press Office +33 (0)1 34 96 12 15 press@orano.group Investor relations Marc Quesnoy investors@orano.group Leading Italian Bakery Brand to Exhibit its Products at Summer Fancy Food Show Bauli, the iconic Italian bakery brand, has officially announced its participation in the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The family-run business renowned for the iconic holiday pandoro box and baked goods celebrated its hundredth year in business in 2022 and has recently been making strides to further expand its business in the U.S. market. The brand's commitment to excellence has earned a well-deserved reputation for providing high-quality, authentic bakery items that delight consumers worldwide. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620589798/en/ Il Pandoro di Verona is Bauli's traditional, Veronese star-shaped holiday cake. "Pandoro" meaning "golden bread," is rich in butter and contains no preservatives. (Photo: Business Wire) From June 23 to 25th, Bauli will be at level 3 booth 2927 2929,offering attendees the opportunity to discover a wide range of bakery products, both savory and sweet, that will meet U.S. consumer needs, including panettone, croissants, pandoro, cakes, crackers, bruschetta, amaretti and more. Bauli Group's presence at the Fancy Food Show marks a key milestone in the company's strategic path of tri-directional growth through the innovation of new product categories, the development of new sales channels, and the expansion into new geographic markets. In the 2000s, Bauli embarked on a mission to expand globally to share the art of Italian baked goods with the world. Today, Bauli products are available in over 70 countries, bringing the taste of authentic Italian specialties to international audiences. In 2023, Italian exports to the U.S. grew an additional 5.4 percent over 2022, setting a historical record with a total value of $72.9 billion. The cultural affinity, consumption trends, and vast size of the American market make it an ideal place to invest. This allowed Italy to remain the 11th largest supplier country to the United States. To date, exports account for 20 percent of the Bauli Group's business. The international growth goal is to double exports in the next seven years, rapidly doubling the U.S. market within the next two years. "We are proud to bring the combination of tradition and innovation in the baking industry that has distinguished our Group for more than 100 years to the Summer Fancy Food Show," says Fabio Di Giammarco, CEO of Bauli Group. "This event represents an important opportunity in our international growth strategy. It is a crucial moment to strengthen relations with key international stakeholders and to consolidate the positioning of the Bauli brand as an ambassador of "Made in Italy" excellence in the food sector." Bauli's pursuit of excellence is evident in every product it creates. Combining over a century of baking experience with modern technologies, Bauli continues to produce top-quality bakery offerings that meet the highest standards. The company's dedication to quality and innovation ensures that each product is crafted with attention to detail, making every bite a celebration of Italian baked goods. About Bauli Bauli S.p.A. is a leading Italian company in the bakery sector, founded in 1922 in Verona as a small artisan bakery. It is the main operator at national level in the festive segment where it holds over a quarter of the market at Christmas and Easter. With an average of 1300 employees and 7 production sites, 6 of which are in Italy, in Castel d'Azzano (VR), Orsago (TV), Romanengo (CR) and San Martino Buon Albergo (VR), Altopascio (LU), Guarene (CN) and one in India, in Baramati. Today, the company boasts a wide portfolio of recurring and everyday products under the Bauli, Doria, Motta, Alemagna, Bistefani and MaxSport brands. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620589798/en/ Contacts: Padilla for Bauli Juliette Cheatham 415.591.8427 Juliette.Cheatham@PadillaCo.com San Antonio, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Today, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury & lifestyle portfolio, announced a new leadership team to the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, set to open in Summer 2024. Stacy Seaborn has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing, and Stefan Gruvberger has assumed the role of General Manager. Stacy Seaborn, Director of Sales & Marketing Stacy Seaborn is a hospitality veteran with over three decades of experience in the San Antonio area and deep ties to the community. As Director of Sales & Marketing for InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, she will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the property's sales and marketing efforts. Seaborn previously worked at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, first as Director of Catering and Conference Services and later as Director of Sales and Marketing. She graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts and a Minor in Food Service Management. Her enthusiasm for the hospitality industry comes from her enjoyment of interacting with people and being able to contribute to their experiences. Seaborn also sits on the board for Special Reach, an organization that provides dynamic enrichment programs for children with developmental delays and respite for their families, and volunteers with Dress for Success San Antonio. "I am thrilled to join the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk," said Stacy Seaborn, Director of Sales & Marketing. "Our unique location, combined with refined design, luxurious event spaces, and amenities, will provide guests with an insider experience, showcasing the vibrant culture and unique charm of San Antonio." Stefan Gruvberger, General Manager At the helm is the newly appointed General Manager, Stefan Gruvberger, who brings nearly 30 years of global hospitality experience to Texas. Gruvberger started his career in New York City as an assistant director of revenue for The Waldorf Astoria before becoming Hotel Manager at The Drake in Chicago. He's since held numerous leadership positions at properties in Lake Tahoe, San Jose, San Francisco, and Chicago, including Opening General Manager of The Lasalle Chicago, where he successfully managed the property into becoming one of the top luxury hotels in the market. Gruverger will oversee the opening of the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk and looks forward to captivating guests and locals with meaningful, culturally rich experiences. "InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk will bring a fresh take on luxury to the dynamic and diverse city of San Antonio," Gruvberger says. "Our property will bring world-class accommodations, modern amenities, and innovative design to guests while forging a deep connection to the local community through unique programming, transformative experiences, and more," he added. "It truly will be the best of both worlds." InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk is located at 111 E. Pecan Street and is now taking reservations as early as September 15, 2024. For more information, visit the property website and follow @ICSanAntonioRiverwalk on Instagram. To inquire about meeting and event space, please email ICSanAntonioSales@ihg.com. ### About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world's first and largest luxury hotel brand, with over 220 hotels spanning 70 countries and representing over 73,500 bedrooms around the world. Founded by Pan American Airways Founder Juan Trippe in 1946, InterContinental is guided by the belief in the power of travel to expand the mind and connect cultures. Opening doors to a 'world of fascination,' InterContinental is reimagining the luxury travel experience with the modern luxury traveler at its heart. Striking a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity, InterContinental focuses on satisfying a guest's yearning for knowledge and culturally rich experiences, building on its heritage as a beacon of approachable luxury travel. For more information and to book, visit intercontinental.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. About IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 18 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programs, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries and more than 1,800 in the development pipeline. Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 325,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Media Contacts: Jessica Lee IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Jessica.Lee2@ihg.com Emily Reynolds Bergh R Public Relations emily@rprfirm.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213527 SOURCE: R Public Relations Caravan Trailer Lodges of Alberta Ltd. (the "Company" or "Caravan") announces the appointment of Beverly McKenzie as a director of the Company. Ms. McKenzie is the daughter of Herb Styles and takes over as the Board nominee of Mr. Styles, who has resigned his position as a director and officer of the Company for health reasons. Mr. Calum Stewart, a current director of the Company, has also assumed the role of President of the Company. Beverly McKenzie brings a wealth of experience to the board, having been a licensed realtor with the Calgary Real Estate Board from 1983 to 1991. Since her marriage in December 1990, she has successfully balanced raising two children with active involvement in numerous committees and volunteering on various boards. She is currently residing in Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, BC, where she has been a dedicated real estate assistant for the past 21 years. Caravan also announces that, following the previously announced dismissal of the application brought by Herb Styles to appoint a receiver, the Court of King's Bench has rendered its ruling on costs. The Court has ruled that Caravan and the other respondents are entitled to enhanced costs against Mr. Styles reflecting 75% of their solicitor-client costs. Solicitor-client costs are a higher level of costs than standard party and party costs and are typically reserved for instances where there has been improper conduct or where the Court determines that the losing party's conduct warrants a higher level of sanction. These costs have been awarded against Mr. Styles individually. In rendering this decision, the Court noted: "[] this Court finds that Mr. Styles is giving himself too much credit for the organized way in which the Board is arranging for the sale of the Mobile Home Park, as defined in this Court's oral reasons, and the distribution of the sale proceeds once the Mobile Home Park is sold. Calum Stewart's affidavits articulate those important, organized steps. []. Mr. Styles was not successful in the application before this Court. Nor was there mixed success. This Court wholly dismissed Mr. Styles' application. He was not successful and for that, Caravan and the Respondents are entitled to costs." A complete copy of the costs decision can be obtained from the Court of King's Bench of Alberta and will be delivered by the Company to all shareholders and potential beneficiaries for which it has email addresses. Forward Looking Statements Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are 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 projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Calum Stewart Chairman, President and Director ac.stewart@hotmail.com Legal Inquiries can also be directed to Caravan's independent counsel, Tingle Merrett LLP, attention: Brett Code K.C. (ph: (403)571-8014) (re litigation matters); or Paul Bolger (ph: (403)571-8006) (re corporate matters). SOURCE: Caravan Trailer Lodges of Alberta Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Railtown AI Technologies Inc. (CSE: RAIL) (OTCQB: RLAIF) ("Railtown AI', "Railtown" or the "Company") announces that it proposes to raise up to US$1,470,000 through a non-brokered private placement. The placement will consist of up to 7,000,000 units at a price of US$0.21 per unit. Each unit will consist of one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant of the Company, with each whole warrant exercisable for a period of 18 months from the date of closing at a price of US$0.42 per share. Finder's fees or commissions may be payable to certain eligible persons. All securities issued in connection with the private placement to US shareholders are subject to US resale restriction, while any Canadian subscribers are subject to a 4-month hold period in Canada. The terms of the financing are subject to applicable securities laws and regulatory approval. Additional details regarding the Offering can be found in the Form 9 filed in accordance with the rules of the Canadian Securities Exchange, a copy of which is accessible at www.thecse.com under the Company's profile. The gross proceeds of the private placement will be used for general working capital purposes. The Offering may close in tranches, with the first tranche expected to close on or around July 2, 2024. About Railtown AI Technologies Railtown AI, a Microsoft Partner, is a cloud-based Application General Intelligence Platform for Software Developers and Teams that practice Agile Project Management. We purposely built our Application General Intelligence Platform to help Software Developers and Agile practitioners save time on redundant tasks, improve productivity, drive down costs, and accelerate developer velocity. Railtown's proprietary AI technology, designed to enable our clients to be more productive and profitable, is accessible on Microsoft's Azure Marketplace. Follow us on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/railtown_ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/railtown-ai/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@railtown_ai SUBSCRIBE FOR INVESTOR NEWS Click here to receive our latest investor news alerts. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Cory Brandolini" Cory Brandolini, Chief Executive Officer INVESTOR CONTACT Rebecca Kerswell Investor Relations and Marketing Email: investors@railtown.ai Phone: (604)417-4440 This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will," "may", "should", "intends", "anticipates", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will only update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. 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/213818 SOURCE: Railtown AI Technologies Inc. THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWS AGENCIES Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a final tranche of the Company's non-brokered private placement, previously announced on April 24, 2024 (the "Offering"). Pursuant to the final tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued 230,000 non-flow through units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.12 per Unit (the "LIFE Offering") and 3,900,000 flow through shares (each an "FT Share") at a price of $0.15 per FT Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $612,600. The closing is subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. Proceeds from the final tranche are in addition to the previously reported closing of the first tranche of the Offering for proceeds of $1,380,000, as disclosed May 9, 2024, and the second tranche proceeds of $2,137,860, as disclosed June 6, 2024. The final proceeds from the Offering total $4,130,460. Thomas Ullrich, CEO and Director, participated by purchasing 500,000 FT Shares in the final tranche of the Offering, which resulted in related party considerations pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on Section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement and Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction insofar as the transaction involved interested parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. In connection with the closing of the final tranche of the Offering, Aston Bay has paid cash finder's fees of $30,600 to one arm's length finder, representing 6% of the proceeds raised from subscriptions by placees introduced by the finder. Each Unit consists of one Common Share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire an additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.18 per Warrant for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The FT Shares acquired by the placees under the final tranche of the Offering are subject to a hold period until October 21, 2024, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation. There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/news/all. Prospective investors of the Units should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision. The Company plans to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration and development purposes of its projects in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The securities offered have not been 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 absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Aston Bay Holdings Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade copper and gold deposits in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona. The Company is currently exploring the Storm Project property and Epworth property in Nunavut, as well as the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein and critical metals prospects in central Virginia and is in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade copper potential in the area. The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West") have agreed to form a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and enter into a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under such agreement, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/. The Company's public disclosure documents are available on www.sedarplus.ca. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements made in this press release, including those regarding the closing and the use of proceeds of the private placement, management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statement", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this press release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this press release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only at the time of writing of this press release. Aston Bay disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by securities legislation. We seek safe harbour. THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, 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 OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com (416) 456-3516 SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd View the original press release on accesswire.com Solitario Resources Corp. ("Solitario") (NYSE American:XPL)(TSX:SLR) announces results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders at which holders of 39,943,338 shares of common stock were present in person or by proxy. The four matters identified below were submitted to a vote of the shareholders. Each proposal is more fully described in Solitario's definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 26, 2024. Chris Herald, President and CEO of Solitario, commented "We are pleased with the results of this year's Annual Meeting and thank our shareholders for their ongoing support as we strive to create value by moving our projects forward. The scope of our exploration activities includes the exploration success we have reported at our Golden Crest project in South Dakota as well as on-going activities at our Lik zinc project in Alaska operated by Teck and at our Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru, operated by Nexa. We look forward to reporting results on these activities in the coming months." Report of Voting Results 1. Election of Directors. Seven directors were elected to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified, with each director receiving the votes (and percentage of shares voting, excluding broker non-votes) below: Shares voted Name For Withheld Broker Non-Votes Brian Labadie 31,042.633 (99.73% of shares voting) 85,524 8,815,181 John Labate 30,751,591 (98.79% of shares voting) 376,567 8,815,181 James Hesketh 28,623,488 (91.95% of shares voting) 2,504,670 8,815,181 Christopher E. Herald 31,067,754 (99.81% of shares voting) 60,403 8,815,181 Gil Atzmon 30,818,015 (99.00% of shares voting) 310,142 8,815,181 Joshua D. Crumb 30,685,575 (98.58% of shares voting) 442,582 8,815,181 Debbie Austin 30,927,466 (99.36% of shares voting) 200,691 8,815,181 2. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation: The shareholders approved the following resolution concerning the compensation of Solitario's named executive officers, with 30,647,871 shares voting for (98.45% of shares voting), 230,124 shares voting against, 250,162 shares abstaining, and 8,815,181 broker non-votes. "RESOLVED THAT: Solitario shareholders approve the compensation of Solitario's named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company's proxy statement, dated April 26, 2024, pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC set forth in Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including, but not limited to, the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and any related material disclosed in the proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting." 3. Advisory Vote on the Frequency of the Company's Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation: In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the Company is required to solicit Shareholder preferences regarding the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation at least once every six years. Accordingly, we sought an advisory vote from our shareholders that asks them to indicate how often they believe the Company should hold an advisory vote on the executive compensation of our named executive officers. A majority of shareholders voted that a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation should occur every year, with 30,912,432 shares voting for an interval of One Year (99.00% of shares voting). The Company will hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation every year until 2030 in accordance with the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 4. Appointment of Auditors. The appointment of Assure CPA, LLC as Solitario's auditors for fiscal year 2024 was ratified, with 39,575,235 shares voting for (99.32% of shares voting), 106,621 shares voting against, 164,732 shares voting to abstain, and 96,750 broker non-votes About Solitario Solitario is a natural resource exploration and development company focused on high-quality Tier-1 gold and zinc projects. The Company's common stock is traded on the NYSE American ("XPL") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("SLR"). In addition to its Golden Crest project, Solitario holds 50% joint venture interest (Teck Resources 50%) in the high-grade, Lik zinc deposit in Alaska and a 39% joint venture interest (Nexa Resources holds the remaining 61% interest) on the high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru. Solitario is carried to production through its joint venture arrangement with Nexa. Solitario's Management and Directors hold approximately 9.0% (excluding options) of the Company's 81.4 million shares outstanding. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitarioxr.com. Solitario has a long history of committed Environmental, Social and Responsible Governance ("ESG") of its business. We realize ESG issues are also important to investors, employees and all stakeholders, including communities in which we work. We are pledged to operate our business in a manner that supports environmental and social initiatives and responsible corporate governance. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher E. Herald President & CEO (303) 534-1030, Ext. 1 SOURCE: Solitario Resources Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, today announced the results of the MSCI 2024 Market Classification Review. Select highlights of this year's review includes MSCI: Launching a consultation on the potential reclassification of Bulgaria from Standalone to Frontier Market status Continuing to monitor the implementation of measures aimed at improving the accessibility of the Korean equity market for international investors, but also noting that the recent short selling ban introduces market accessibility restrictions Noting recent improvement in the liquidity of the Egyptian foreign exchange market while warning on the potential implications of deteriorations reoccurring Continuing to monitor the market accessibility of the Bangladesh equity market Highlighting the evolution of clearing and settlement cycles across global markets "In the face of market volatility, regulators in certain markets around the world have proactively advocated for elevated market accessibility standards. While we are seeing various developments and measures announced and implemented, it's crucial that any actions toward enhancing market accessibility align with investor expectations and that no new restrictions impede any forward momentum," said Dr. Dimitris Melas, Global Head of Index Research and Product Development and Chairman of the MSCI Index Policy Committee. "We will continue to evaluate how new and evolving reforms impact global institutional investors' market accessibility and assess their effectiveness throughout the next market review cycle." More information related to the MSCI 2024 Market Classification Review, including the results of the 2024 MSCI Global Market Accessibility Review, can be viewed at www.msci.com/market-classification. Consultation on potential reclassification of Bulgaria to Frontier Market status MSCI announced today the launch of a consultation on a proposal for potential reclassification of Bulgaria from Standalone Market status to Frontier Market status in one step, coinciding with the May 2026 Index Review. As part of MSCI's August 2016 Index Review, Bulgaria was reclassified from Frontier Market status to Standalone Market status after a continuous decline in the size and liquidity of the Bulgarian equity market. At the August 2023 Index Review, MSCI implemented changes to the index construction and maintenance methodology for the MSCI Frontier Markets Indexes. These changes resulted in Bulgaria now having enough companies meeting Size and Liquidity requirements for Frontier Markets. MSCI welcomes feedback from market participants on this reclassification proposal until April 15, 2025 and will announce its decision as part of the MSCI 2025 Market Classification Review. Korea's Market Accessibility From 2008 to 2014, MSCI consulted with global market participants on the potential reclassification of Korea from Emerging Market status to Developed Market status. During this period and the time that followed, market participants highlighted key accessibility concerns including the limited convertibility of the Korean Won in the offshore currency market; the rigidity of the ID system that makes in-kind transfers and off-exchange transactions onerous; and the lack of investment instruments availability due to the restrictions on the use of exchange data for the creation of financial products. MSCI recognizes and welcomes the recently proposed measures aimed at improving the accessibility of the Korean equity market. Foreign exchange market : In February 2023, improvements to the Korean foreign exchange (FX) market's structure were announced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF). Starting from January 2024, Registered Foreign Institutions (RFIs) are now able to participate in the onshore interbank FX market and engage in direct FX transactions with banks. The pilot operation to extend trading hours has also been initiated, with full implementation set for the latter half of this year. Additional time is required to assess the implementation of these measures and the extent to which these infrastructure improvements align the Korean FX market with global standards. Legal Entity Identifiers : Advancements to the capital market were announced by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in January 2023. By the end of that year, following appropriate regulatory modifications and the development of relevant IT infrastructure, corporations began using Legal Entity Identifiers (LEI) instead of the Investor Registration Certificate (IRC) system. The requirements for reporting investment details of each final investor associated with an omnibus account holder were relaxed, and the scope of OTC transactions for ex-post reporting was broadened. However, market participants have expressed concerns about the complexity of the requirements needed to obtain an entirely validated LEI, which is creating further obstacles rather than simplifying market access for foreign investors. MSCI will continue to closely monitor the implementation of these reforms. Mandatory disclosures : As part of the improvement measures announced by the FSC, the first phase of the mandatory English disclosures (phased in by asset size and foreign ownership percentage) started this year. In addition, updates to dividend distribution procedures, announced by FSC and MOEF last year, were implemented in 2024. Nonetheless, only a minority of companies have embraced these measures. It is important to note that the aforementioned reforms do not address the issues arising from the limitations imposed by the local stock exchange on the use of exchange data for financial product creation. Additionally, in November 2023, authorities enacted a full ban on short selling, introducing additional accessibility constraints. In response to COVID-19, Korea implemented a ban on short selling on March 16, 2020. By May 2021, this prohibition was temporarily revoked for securities listed in the KOSPI 200 and KOSDAQ 150 Indexes. However, in November 2023, a full ban on short selling was reimposed. While this ban is expected to be temporary, sudden changes in market rules are not desirable. As a reminder, potential reclassifications require that all issues have been addressed, reforms have been fully implemented, and market participants have had ample time to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of the changes. Improvement in the liquidity of the Egyptian Foreign Exchange Markets Due to low FX liquidity and the re-emergence of the FX queue, foreign investors encountered repatriation challenges in the Egyptian equity market in 2023. In May 2023, MSCI applied a special treatment for Egypt in the MSCI equity indexes. This special treatment deferred index review changes and the implementation of corporate events aiming to address index replication concerns by potentially reducing the number of changes in related indexes. MSCI also highlighted the deterioration of Egypt's market accessibility as part of the 2023 Market Classification Review and warned that a consultation on a reclassification proposal may be launched if the market's accessibility worsened further. In March 2024, the Central Bank of Egypt enhanced currency availability by allowing the Egyptian pound to depreciate and committing to shift to a more flexible exchange rate system. With the clearing of the FX backlog, which had been outstanding for international institutional investors since early 2023, repatriation challenges were eased. Given this material improvement in the market's accessibility, MSCI removed the special treatment for Egypt effective June 3, 2024. "Significant frictions in the capital repatriation process negatively impacting index replicability are considered an uncharacteristic feature within Emerging Markets," remarked Jean-Maurice Ladure, Global Head of Index Management Research and member of the MSCI Index Policy Committee. "If Egypt were to re-encounter similar FX liquidity constraints in the near future, MSCI could consider launching an off-cycle consultation on a reclassification proposal for Egypt from Emerging Market status to Frontier or Standalone Market status." MSCI welcomes the aforementioned positive developments and will continue to closely monitor the onshore USD liquidity levels and the capacity of foreign investors to repatriate their capital without delays from the Egyptian market. Market Accessibility issues in Bangladesh In July 2022, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) reinstituted floor prices for all listed securities. Since then, the BSEC has gradually lifted these restrictions, yet six listed securities still retain floor prices. In addition, market participants have recently reported delays in capital repatriation due to low liquidity in the onshore FX market. As a result of these market accessibility issues, MSCI will continue to apply the special treatment introduced in February 2023. This special treatment defers index review changes and the implementation of corporate events aiming to reduce the number of potential changes in the MSCI Bangladesh Indexes and mitigate concerns on index replicability. MSCI continues to welcome feedback on the accessibility of the Bangladesh market and may consult with market participants in case of further developments. Evolution in Settlement Cycles of Global Equities The path towards shorter cycles in equity clearing and settlement mechanisms has continued. In May 2024, USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Jamaica transitioned from T+2 settlement cycles to T+1, while other markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Australia, are evaluating the possibility of reducing their settlement cycles to T+1 and are in a consultation/review phase. In response to these developments, MSCI sought feedback from global market participants from December 21, 2023 to March 15, 2024 on the potential impact of these changes in their investment processes. Market participants agreed that while operational adjustments are necessary due to these changes, amendments from index providers are not required. Furthermore, there is an expectation among market participants that the trend towards shorter settlement cycles will continue, ultimately establishing T+1 as the new standard. Feedback received also reemphasized that shorter settlement cycles must not introduce further operational challenges and risk, such as pre-funding requirements. Simultaneously, it was underscored that a lack of alignment in equity settlement cycles across global markets is undesirable. MSCI continues to closely monitor these developments. -Ends- About MSCI MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. 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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620323493/en/ Contacts: Media Inquiries PR@msci.com Melanie Blanco +1 212 981 1049 Konstantinos Makrygiannis +44 (0) 7768 930056 Tina Tan +852 2844 9320 MSCI Global Client Service EMEA Client Service 44 20 7618.2222 Americas Client Service +1 888 588 4567 (toll-free) Asia Pacific Client Service 852 2844 9333 Press Release Market Update Update on the targeted 800 million short-term interim financing Final structure agreed for the 450 million short-term interim financing previously committed: 100 million Facilities 1 provided by a group of bondholders (fully drawn) provided by a group of bondholders (fully drawn) 50 million loan from the French State (fully drawn) 225 million additional tranche of facilities backstopped by a group of banks for 125 million and a group of bondholders for 100 million, subject to a waiver from the banks under the 1.5 billion term loan of the Company, to an amendment to the 100 million Facilities previously provided by a group of bondholders and to an agreement in principle on the restructuring terms with the Onepoint Consortium, the Company and the group of banks and bondholders Factoring program reduced to 75 million provided by a group of banks Agreement reached on an additional tranche of facilities of 350 million Backstopped by a group of banks for 175 million and a group of bondholders for 175 million To be available by end of July to secure liquidity until the close of the financial restructuring process Subject to the signing of a lock-up agreement in respect of the financial restructuring and the entry into a dedicated accelerated procedure Syndication of the additional tranches of 225 million and 350 million of facilities (with reallocation of the banks' participations in the 75 million factoring program) to be launched today and ending on June 25, 2024 Objective of reaching a definitive financial restructuring agreement with the Onepoint Consortium2 and financial creditors by July 2024 remains unchanged Further updates to be provided shortly As a reminder, implementation of the contemplated financial restructuring plan will result in a massive dilution of the existing shareholders of Atos Paris, France - June 20, 2024 - Atos SE ("Atos" or the "Company") today announces that an agreement has been reached with a group of banks and a group of bondholders on the final structure of the 450 million interim financing for additional liquidity it had previously announced on April 9, 2024 (the "Initial Interim Financing") and on the incremental interim financing of 350 million requested on April 29, 2024 (the "Incremental Interim Financing"). Final structure of the Initial Interim Financing Further to its press release dated April 9, 2024, in which Atos announced a 450 million interim financing agreed in-principle, the Company confirms that a definitive agreement has been reached on the final structure of the Initial Interim Financing, as follows: The 100 million revolving credit and term loan facilities provided by a group of bondholders (the " Facilities ") was received on May 14, 2024; ") was received on May 14, 2024; The 50 million loan from the French State through the FDES (Fonds de Developpement Economique et Social) to a subsidiary of Atos, Bull SAS, which controls sovereign sensitive activities, was received on May 16, 2024; Regarding the 300 million factoring program that was initially agreed in-principle, after alignment between the Company and its financial creditors, this factoring program will be reduced to 75 million for efficiency purposes and the banks' participations will be reallocated under the program (as indicated below); In order to fill the gap of Initial Interim Financing resulting from the reduction of the factoring program, an agreement has been reached between the Company, a group of banks and a group of bondholders for an increase of the Facilities by an additional tranche of 225 million of revolving credit facility to be drawn shortly after close of syndication, subject to a waiver from the banks under the 1.5 billion term loan of the Company, to an amendment to the Facilities previously provided by a group of bondholders and to an agreement in principle on the restructuring terms with the Onepoint Consortium, the Company and the group of banks and bondholders. A group of banks and a group of bondholders have agreed to backstop the additional tranche of 225 million of facilities for 125 million and 100 million respectively. All banks and bondholders are invited to participate to the syndication process detailed thereafter. Structure of the Incremental Interim Financing Further to its press releases dated April 29, 2024 and June 13, 2024, the Company has engaged in discussions with stakeholders on the financial restructuring proposal submitted by the Onepoint Consortium. This restructuring proposal contemplates an Incremental Interim Facility for a total amount of 350 million of revolving credit facility repayable at the latest on the date of completion of the financial restructuring of the Company. Atos announces today that an agreement has been reached between the Company, a group of banks and a group of bondholders for a further increase of the Facilities by an additional tranche of 350 million of revolving credit facility to be drawn by the end of July to secure liquidity until the close of the financial restructuring process, subject to signing of a lock-up agreement in respect of the financial restructuring and the entry into a dedicated accelerated procedure3. This agreement is subject to a waiver from the banks under the 1.5 billion term loan of the Company, to an amendment to the Facilities previously provided by a group of bondholders and to an agreement in principle on the restructuring terms with the Onepoint Consortium, the Company and a group of banks and bondholders. A group of banks and a group of bondholders have agreed to backstop the additional tranche of 350 million of facilities for 175 million each. All banks and bondholders are invited to participate to the syndication process detailed thereafter. Syndication of the additional tranches of 225 million and 350 million of facilities (with reallocation of the banks' participations in the 75 million factoring program) to be launched today and ending on June 25, 2024 Following its press release dated June 13, 2024, are invited to participate in the additional tranches of 225 million and 350 million of facilities and the 75 million factoring program: All the holders of the following notes as at June 14, 2024, after close of market (the " Record Date ") (the " Bondholders "): 2024 Exchangeable Notes: 500 million of zero per cent. exchangeable bonds due 6 November 2024, issued pursuant to terms and conditions dated 6 November 2019 admitted to clearing under number ISIN: FR0013457942; 2025 Notes: 750 million 1.75 per cent. bonds due 7 May 2025, issued pursuant to a prospectus dated 5 November 2018 admitted to clearing under number ISIN: FR0013378452; 2026 Notes: 50 million NEU MTN (Negotiable European Medium Term Note) due 17 April 2026, issued pursuant to the 600,000,000 Negotiable European Medium Term Note program admitted to clearing under number ISIN: FR0125601643; 2028 Notes: 350,000,000 2.50 per cent. bonds due 7 November 2028, issued pursuant to a prospectus dated 5 November 2018 admitted to clearing under number ISIN: FR0013378460; 2029 Notes: 800 million 1.00 per cent. sustainability-linked bonds due 12 November 2029, issued pursuant to a prospectus dated 10 November 2021 admitted to clearing under number ISIN: FR0014006G24; ") (the " "): All the lenders under the following credit facilities as at the Record Date (the " Banks "): Term Loan A: 1.5 billion term loan facility agreement dated July 2022 maturing in January 2025; RCF: 900 million revolving facility agreement dated November 2014 maturing in November 2025. "): The additional tranche of 225 million of revolving credit facility (to be drawn shortly after close of syndication) will be allocated between Banks and Bondholders as follows: 125 million to be provided by Banks; 100 million to be provided by Bondholders. The additional tranche of 350 million of revolving credit facility (to be drawn by end of July) will be allocated between Banks and Bondholders as follows: 175 million to be provided by Banks; 175 million to be provided by Bondholders. As part of the reduction of the factoring program agreed in principle to 75 million, the participation in this program will be reallocated among the Banks with effect shortly after the close of the syndication. All the Banks and Bondholders willing to participate in these additional tranches of 225 million and 350 million of facilities and in the 75 million factoring program are invited to formalize their commitment by filling-in the following form by 5:00 pm Paris time on June 25, 2024 via: https://forms.kroll.com/orbeon/fr/is/atos-form/new?form-version=1 Banks willing to participate in the additional tranches of 225 million and 350 million of facilities will also have to participate in the 75 million factoring program in the same proportions and vice-versa. Bondholders willing to participate in the additional tranches of 225 million and 350 million of facilities will have to provide proof of holding as at the Record Date to Kroll and to sign a cooperation agreement. Information concerning the additional tranches of 225 million and 350 million of facilities and the 75 million factoring program to be provided is accessible on the following website: https://deals.is.kroll.com/atos. Next steps The Company confirms its objective of reaching a definitive financial restructuring agreement with the Onepoint Consortium and a majority of financial creditors during the week of July 22, 2024 and expects that: An in-principle financial restructuring agreement with the Onepoint Consortium and financial creditors would be reached during the week starting June 24; The new money backstop process for the 1.5 billion new money debt and 75 million new money equity to be provided as part of the restructuring plan would start during the week starting June 24; The Lock-up agreement would be expected during the week starting July 8; The accession to the lock-up agreement would be open from the week starting July 8 to the week ending July 19. The definitive financial restructuring agreement with the Onepoint Consortium and with financial creditors would then be implemented through a dedicated accelerated procedure4 from the week starting July 22. Following recent stock market speculation and as already indicated in previous communications, the Company reminds that the implementation of the contemplated financial restructuring plan will result in a massive dilution of the existing shareholders of Atos, who would hold less than 0.1% of the share capital. * Atos SE confirms that information that could be qualified as inside information within the meaning of Regulation No. 596/2014 of 16 April 2014 on market abuse and that may have been given on a confidential basis to its financial creditors has been published to the market, either in the past or in the context of this press release, with the aim of re-establishing equal access to information relating to the Atos Group between the investors. *** Appendix In millions of euros (m) Banks Bondholders French State Total Initial Interim Financing Factoring 75m - - 75m Term Loan / Revolving Credit Facilities - 100m - 100m Revolving Credit Facilities 125m 100m - 225m FDES - - 50m 50m Total Initial Interim Financing 200m 200m 50m 450m Incremental Interim Financing Revolving Credit Facilities 175m 175m - 350m Total Incremental Interim Financing 175m 175m - 350m Total interim financings 375m 375m 50m 800m Disclaimer This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including references, concerning the Group's expected growth and profitability in the future which may significantly impact the expected performance indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are linked to factors out of the control of the Company and not precisely estimated, such as market conditions or competitors' behaviors. Any forward-looking statements made in this document are statements about Atos's beliefs and expectations and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include statements that may relate to Atos's plans, objectives, strategies, goals, future events, future revenues or synergies, or performance, and other information that is not historical information. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties that are described within the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) on May 24, 2024 under the registration number D.24-0429. Atos does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility to update or amend any of the information above except as otherwise required by law. This document does not contain or constitute an offer of Atos's shares for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in Atos's shares in France, the United States of America or any other jurisdiction. This document includes information on specific transactions that shall be considered as projects only. In particular, any decision relating to the information or projects mentioned in this document and their terms and conditions will only be made after the ongoing in-depth analysis considering tax, legal, operational, finance, HR and all other relevant aspects have been completed and will be subject to general market conditions and other customary conditions, including governance bodies and shareholders' approval as well as appropriate processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws. About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 94,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), and listed on Euronext Paris. The purpose of Atosis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. Contacts Investor relations: David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net| +33 6 28 51 45 96 Individual shareholders: 0805 65 00 75 Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net 1 Revolving credit and term loan facilities provided by a group of bondholders. 2 Onepoint Consortium, comprising Onepoint, Butler Industries and Econocom, as well as a group of certain of the Company's financial creditors (the "Onepoint Consortium"). 3 The Company may request the opening of accelerated safeguard proceedings - whose effects would be limited to financial creditors and shareholders only - with the sole view to implement and obtain a Court approval on the terms of the financial restructuring plan agreed in the lock-up agreement. The accelerated safeguard proceedings would concern only the financial indebtedness of Atos and would not impact in any way suppliers, employees, the governance of the Company, or other creditors of the Company or its subsidiaries. 4 See footnote 3 Attachment Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Suncor Energy (TSX: SU) (NYSE: SU), one of the largest oil sands companies in Canada, and a member of the Pathways Alliance, is steadfast in our commitment to environmental performance and operational emissions reduction. To support our commitment, we have strived to be transparent about our actions and plans, which we believe is critical to building trust and driving improvement. However, our ability to remain transparent has been significantly compromised as a result of Bill C-59, which was recently passed and includes amendments to the Competition Act related to environmental and climate disclosure. With these changes, it is possible that certain public representations by a business about the benefits of the work it is doing to protect or restore the environment or address climate change will violate the Competition Act and subject it to significant financial penalties unless the business can adequately and properly substantiate their claims according to "internationally recognized methodology," which may or may not exist. Creating a public disclosure standard that is so vague as to lack meaning and that relies on undefined "internationally recognized methodology" opens the door for frivolous litigation, particularly by private entities who will now be empowered to directly enforce this new provision of the Competition Act. This represents a serious threat to freedom of communication. These amendments create significant uncertainty and risk for all Canadian companies regardless of sector, that communicate publicly about environmental performance, including actions to address climate change. As a result, we have been forced to remove information on environmental and climate performance, progress, and plans from our website, social media platforms and other communications channels at this time. These actions are a direct consequence of this legislation and are not related to our commitments or belief in the accuracy of our environmental communications. The result of this legislation, which has been quickly put in place with little or no consultation, is to silence Canadian businesses taking climate action. We will continue to impress on the federal government the need for clarity regarding these new amendments so that we and all other industries can share the important work we are doing to preserve and restore the environment and address climate change. Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading; offshore oil production; petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S.; and the company's Petro-CanadaTM retail and wholesale distribution networks (including Canada's Electric HighwayTM, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging EV stations). Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investments in power and renewable fuels. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused primarily on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. For more information about Suncor, visit our web site at suncor.com. Media inquiries: 1-833-296-4570 media@suncor.com Investor inquiries: invest@suncor.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213814 SOURCE: Suncor Energy Inc. A busy day at North China's Tianjin Port 11:12, June 20, 2024 By Weng Yufei, Jin Bo ( People's Daily North China's Tianjin Port is always bustling with vitality. Every day, the port welcomes a steady stream of over 100 colossal container ships, with more than 20,000 heavy-duty trucks thundering across its vast expanses. According to Wang Bin, a manager with China Ocean Shipping Agency Tianjin Co., Ltd., the cargo and container throughput of the port has been rising steadily. Photo shows the bustling activities at the smart zero-carbon terminal of north China's Tianjin Port. (People's Daily Online/Guo Junfeng) "We are obviously busier this year than the last," said Wang, who has been working at the port for two decades. Ports are a "barometer" of the economy. As a gate to the sea of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in north China, Tianjin Port handled 9.58 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first five months of this year, up 5.1 percent year on year, hitting a historical high. At the crack of dawn, Wang arrived at the Yuanhang International Ore Terminal, the largest ore terminal of Tianjin Port, where the massive bulk carrier "Cape Asia" was ready to discharge its mammoth cargo of 171,400 tons of iron ore. Since November 2023, the terminal has witnessed a dramatic surge in its operations. From February to April this year, the terminal's monthly throughput has maintained double-digit growth compared to the same period last year, reaching a new high in the last five years. Completing his work at the ore terminal, Wang immediately made his way to the roll-on roll-off terminal, or ro-ro terminal, to handle relevant procedures. "This year, we have seen a rapid increase in the number of ro-ro vessels, so I have to make more frequent trips to the terminals," said Wang. As a major auto import and export hub in north China, Tianjin Port exactly mirrors the surge in China's automotive exports. After lunch, Wang rushed back to his office. "I need to handle the work for the liner service between Tianjin Port and Ethiopia, and coordinate the container operations," he explained. Tianjin Port launches a direct container shipping route to the east coast of South America, May 6, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Wei) Wang noted that the liner service has seen a notable increase this year, leading to a container shortage caused by the high volume of cargo. As someone who routinely liaises with Ethiopian shipping companies, Wang said this was an unprecedented situation for him. Tianjin Port maintains trade connections with over 500 ports in more than 180 countries and regions worldwide. It has close ties with "old friends" and is also gaining more "new friends." On May 6, Tianjin Port launched a direct container shipping route to the east coast of South America. On May 15, a direct route to the east coast of the United States was opened. On May 16, it launched a new direct shipping route to Central America. "Tianjin Port remains committed to expanding its shipping routes and will never cease its steps of opening up," said Liu Yakun, Wang's colleague who is responsible for container shipping businesses. According to Liu, enterprises have been showing a strong demand since the launch of the three new routes. The port's increasing regional presence has unleashed its potential for transshipment to and from the inland. At 4:00 p.m., Wang arrived at the Huisheng Terminal. Across the street, heavy-duty trucks loaded with containers were departing the Tianjin Xingang North Container Central Station for destinations as north as Jilin and as west as Xinjiang. Cargoes from 14 provinces were being shipped out from Tianjin Port via sea-rail intermodal transportation. On the other side, a project to expand the station is currently underway. "The uptick in foreign trade in specific inland provinces has boosted the need for sea-rail intermodal transportation, creating a highly optimistic market outlook." said an employee of the station. As dusk fell, Wang concluded his work at the Huisheng Terminal and made his way to the world's first smart zero-carbon container terminal at Tianjin Port. While the three 200,000-ton berths of the terminal were occupied by massive vessels, not a single staff member was visible. Instead, Level-4 autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) transport robots hauled containers, with operators in the central control room maneuvering levers and buttons based on real-time video feeds to load and unload containers. Several wind turbines were spinning vigorously outside the central control room, supplying electricity to the terminal. The terminal has achieved self-sufficient green power supply, resulting in zero carbon emissions throughout the entire process. A container ship is docked at a berth of the smart zero-carbon terminal of north China's Tianjin Port. (People's Daily Online/Guo Junfeng) Currently, all container and dry bulk cargo berths at Tianjin Port are covered by shore power, and multiple terminals have achieved self-sufficient green power supply. "When I started working here, some of the terminals were just dirt lots; 20 years later, the terminals have been increasingly intelligent and clean," Wang said. Tianjin Port has been constantly enhancing its smart port construction with the continuous growth of ships and gradual expansion of the port. This year, the port launched an intelligent container terminal control system with fully autonomous and controllable software and hardware. It has also introduced China's first integrated intelligent system for general cargo with independent intellectual property rights. Intelligent systems have greatly improved the operational efficiency of the port. For instance, the maximum daily unloading volume of the traditional berths at the Yuanhang International Ore Terminal increased by nearly 90 percent following its transition to automated operations. Deep into the night, Tianjin Port's terminals were still bustling with activities, marked by increased throughput volumes, a constant flow of vehicles and vessels, and intelligent machinery working tirelessly. The activities of a single day at Tianjin Port vividly showcase the dynamic momentum and robustness of the Chinese economy. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Zug, Switzerland, June 20th, 2024, Chainwire Aleph Zero announces significant ecosystem advancements: the first EVM-compatible ZK-Privacy Layer capable of generating zero-knowledge proofs in under one second on consumer-grade devices and zkOS, a product suite for seamless integration of on-chain privacy into various Web3 applications. The Aleph Zero Foundation is excited to announce the testnet release of its ZK-privacy EVM Layer 2 solution powered by Arbitrum Orbit on Gelato RaaS. This marks the first EVM-compatible privacy solution capable of subsecond ZK proving times, significantly enhancing the end-user experience by making on-chain privacy virtually instantaneous. Aleph Zero also revealed its long-term strategy to develop zkOS: a client-side, chain-agnostic zero-knowledge privacy system. zkOS aims to offer Privacy-as-a-Service (PaaS) via seamless app integrations on WASM and EVM-compatible networks. These initiatives open Aleph Zeros ecosystem to a broader range of EVM users and mark its first step towards potential multichain growth. With zkOS, users can conduct private transactions and interact with dApps without compromising their data. This system enables high-throughput applications, such as privacy-preserving DeFi apps, RWAs, AI, and enterprise solutions, broadening the reach of privacy technologies to a wider audience. Privacy is still mostly unsolved; its costly, complex to use and build, and its use cases lack economic incentives. With zkOS by Aleph Zero and the zk-privacy EVM layer 2, we aim to change that not only in the Aleph Zero ecosystem, but also in the broader Ethereum ecosystem thanks to the flexibility of Arbitrum Orbits stack and our collaboration with the idOS network. -Antoni Zolciak, Co-founder of Aleph Zero Aleph Zeros Substrate-based WASM Layer 1 blockchain, launched in November 2021, offers developers subsecond finality, support for 170 validator nodes, and over 40 external teams building various applications. The Layer 1 will now also serve as the Data Availability layer for the L2 EVM layer, its applications, and its L3 appchains. The new ZK-privacy EVM Layer 2 Developer Testnet is now live, inviting builders and early adopters. Integration examples include Rarible, the NFT company, and a yet-to-be-announced team working on novel prediction markets. The Developer Mainnet release is scheduled for Q3 2024. Aleph Zero EVM, a ZK-privacy Layer 2 rollup on Ethereum, is built in partnership with Gelato, leveraging Arbitrum Anytrust DAC technology for a fast, secure, and scalable execution environment. It boasts up to 250ms block times with near-instant transaction finality and processes thousands of transactions per second, making it one of the fastest EVM chains on the market. Aleph Zero EVM uses Arbitrum Orbits advanced web3 scaling stackwith the most performant developer toolingto create the most advanced privacy-enhancing blockchain infrastructure on the market. said Luis Schliesske, Founder of Gelato. Privacy will become a major narrative in 2024 and beyond, as more mainstream use cases emerge. Aleph Zero EVM Layer 2 Developer Testnet includes extensive developer tooling from Gelato and third-party infrastructure like oracles, block explorers, and multi-sig, making it a versatile platform. Aleph Zeros zkOS uses the Halo2 with KZG commitment scheme for speed and a universally trusted setup. Although it requires more developer effort than alternatives like Noir or Risc0, Aleph Zeros zkToolkit simplifies zkOS integration, ensuring high performance and ease of use across existing apps in both Aleph Zero and Ethereum ecosystems. Initial benchmarks show zkOS zero-knowledge proofs can be executed in 600-800 ms on standard devices using browsers like Safari or Chrome. Development Roadmap The EVM Testnet is unveiled today, with the Mainnet release set for Q3 2024, enabling developers to deploy production-ready apps with optional privacy features. The zkOS MVP is expected by Q3 2024, with ZK identity features in collaboration with idOS and private operations on arbitrary ERC-20 tokens by Q4 2024. Advanced features of zkOS are slated for Q1 2025. For more details, users can visit the roadmap section on alephzero.org. Use Cases Confirmed use cases working with Aleph Zero and zkOS include: Holyheld : Enhancing card payments with privacy technology. Enhancing card payments with privacy technology. DRKVRS : Adding privacy to a unique action RPG game. : Adding privacy to a unique action RPG game. Rarible : the NFT company with Rarible Marketplace being integrated with Aleph Zero. : the NFT company with Rarible Marketplace being integrated with Aleph Zero. See3 : Building a new crypto-native ZK content standard. : Building a new crypto-native ZK content standard. idOS : Managing personal data access for dApps. : Managing personal data access for dApps. Pieces.market : Compliant investment in fractionalized luxury RWAs. : Compliant investment in fractionalized luxury RWAs. Upcade.xyz : Setting new standards in web3 gaming. : Setting new standards in web3 gaming. Common: Expanding its Private DeFi Suite to the EVM ecosystem via Aleph Zero. For more information about Aleph Zero EVM and zkOS, users can visit Aleph Zero or join the community on Discord and Telegram. About Aleph Zero Aleph Zero is a privacy-first ecosystem of blockchain solutions engineered for speed, data confidentiality, and ease of development, supporting development across WASM-based Rust and EVM-based Solidity environments. Aleph Zero showcases its adaptability across various sectors and applications, supported by an engaged community and growing ecosystem. For inquiries, users can contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Contact PR Manager Josh Adams Aleph Zero [email protected] DeepJudge, a Zurich, Switzerland-based AI-driven legal search startup, raised $10.7M in Seed funding. The round was led by Coatue, with participation from angel investors such as Gokul Rajaram and Michele Catasta and existing investors Thomas Dubendorfer, Daniel Sauter, and Felix Ehrat. The company intends to use the funds to continue its expansion and scale the team to support customer demands. Led by CEO Paulina Grnarova, DeepJudge is an AI-driven legal search company that allows firms to locate relevant content from across the enterprise, including document management systems, the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and other tools. DeepJudge Knowledge Assistant, a generative AI interface for law firms and legal departments that can instantly access the firms entire document knowledge base, uses Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology to provide up-to-date information, ensuring high-quality answers are grounded in each organizations comprehensive institutional knowledge. FinSMEs 19/06/2024 SHANGHAI and ORLANDO, June 20, 2024 Ronovo Surgical, a Shanghai-based medical technology innovator developing novel surgical robotics for soft tissue procedures, announces the successful closing of its Series B financing, raising a total of $44M from leading healthcare technology investors to accelerate the commercialization of its proprietary modular robotic system, the Carina Platform, in the Chinese market and set the stage for international expansion. This round was co-led by Guolian Capital and INCE Capital, with participation from King Star Med LP and existing shareholder, LongRiver Investments. Securing this round of financing from such an esteemed group of investors, despite challenging capital market conditions, is significant acknowledgement of our vision, mission and the execution of the team, said John Ma, CEO of Ronovo Surgical. Our innovation efforts for developing Carina have been laser-focused on expanding its application across multiple specialties, reducing learning curve, and improving cost-effectiveness. Carina features a modular architecture that simultaneously exemplifies clinical capability, flexibility, accessibility and affordability. It has been highly recognized and lauded by minimally invasive surgery experts across China, US, Europe and Latin America. Taking Carina from concept design to completion of human clinical trial in three years, is the result of our clinical-driven approach toward engineering, practicality in design decisions and the remarkable dedication of our team. commented Ying Mao, CTO & COO of Ronovo Surgical. Along the way, we built out a multi-product portfolio that features surgical robotics, functional vision, and a full suite of surgical instrumentation backed by more than 100 patent applications. The company recently successfully completed its multi-center, multi-specialty clinical trial for Carina, which included urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgery patients. The trial was a resounding success as all procedures were completed without conversion to laparoscopic, VATS or open surgery. Ronovo now expects to land NMPA regulatory approval in China and begin commercialization in early 2025. To support launch efforts, the company is building a 130,000 square-foot facility to house its national clinical training center and high-volume manufacturing operations. On the globalization front, Ronovo recently launched its first international site the Ronovo Institute of Surgical Excellence (RISE) based in Orlando. Established to deepen clinical collaboration with top international surgical experts and medical societies, RISE represents a significant step by the company towards internationalization. My one takeaway from the show has been how it combined Karan Arjun, Delhi Belly, and Barfi all at once. The cop may be bad, the concoction is not read more Cast: Gulshan Devaiah, Anurag Kashyap, Harleen Sethi, Saurabh Sachdeva, Aishwarya Sushmita Director: Aditya Darr Language: Hindi If not anything else, director Aditya Datt at least gets the casting of his films right. He cast the brooding Emraan Hashmi in Aashiq Banaya Aapne, who can still pull of sensuality and erotica with more effortless ease than any other. In Commando 3 and Crakk, he opted for Vidyut Jammwal, who moves faster than the speed of light and can make breaking bones look like poetry in motion. These were convincing choices that paid half well. His new show Bad Cop that will stream on Disney Plus Hotstar from June 21, is his most interesting casting choice. He casts two Gulshan Devaiahs for the price of one and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who could now give veteran actor and Guinness World Record holder Jagdish Raj a run for his money. Raj held the record for playing a cop in over 150 films, Kashyap has now discovered his evil side on celluloid. The droopy and dreary eyes fit well into the hideousness of his fictional characters. He plays a poacher whos both funny and frightening. A journalist leaves behind a video evidence before being brutally murdered ala Raj Zutshi from Kundan Shahs 2000 dud Hum To Mohabbat Karega. Advertisement Kashyap said his character of Kazbe mama is a one of a kind villain. His aura is charismatic and lethal at the same time. I was scared and sceptical when shooting for gore scenes; as opposed to my films. Kazbe is powerful, hard-hitting and I drew traits from many of the negative characters that I had created, to prepare for this role, he said. Bad Cop- Good Beginning Theres a lot of zaniness in the way Bad Cop begins. A sexual and surreptitious encounter in a seedy hotel room turns twisted and tumultuous, with some mortifying one liners by Devaiah. The sudden and abrupt change in tone adds more tension to the narrative. The split screen to introduce the dual characters in its opening credits feels like an obvious choice, they are called Karan and Arjun, without a Rakhi to add melodrama to the material. One is a crooked conman and the other a crooked cop, and unlike most of the other double role films, the two brothers are barely apart. Karan, Devaiah number two, isnt just a crooked cop but a covetous husband too. He refuses to allow his wife to play the woman card during an altercation scene. The conflict is not only necessary in the larger scheme of things but plays a crucial role in establishing the dynamic of the character too. Bad Cop- Bad Cliche? Lets figure out what binds Shatrughan Sinhas Kalicharan, Akshay Kumars Rowdy Rathore, Amitabh Bachchans Don, Salman Khans Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, and the recent blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 together- The Switch. A double role where one has to masquerade the other for some unfinished business. Why should Bad Cop not follow the template (read cliche)? A sea of bullets are heaped on the twins and successfully connect only in that one last attempt that kicks off the second part of the proceedings. Theres no reincarnation here. And despite the uneven staging and shooting, the first episode ends with an absolute banger (and yes, a solid cliff-hanger too). The similarities between the brothers are so seamless, there are no nuances for Arjun to follow that wont blow his cover once he becomes Karan (barring wearing a wrist watch properly). Arjun is a tricky part to nail. He needs to go bonkers but also hold his horses, he ought to have fun but know when to pee in his pants. And every time the man fumbles, he has an ingenious YouTubers videos for help. He learns how to cure a heart attack and to wear a police uniform. He has to cater to the love of his life but also care for his deceased brothers wife by being in his shoes, both at home and work. And Devaiah is imminently watchable despite the writing not being as inventive as his previous duality in Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota that made it a complete revelation. Advertisement The Duality Of The Tone Bad Cop isnt just about a pair of twins. The tone of the show has a certain sense of duality too. What begins as a show about crime on steroids slowly morphs into a drama about revenge and redemption. The hysteria begins to fade and uprightness takes over. And Devaiah shares some convincingly awkward scenes with Harleen Sethi, his boss and wife. They both are allergic to one another but get drawn by duty and circumstances. The trailer of the show has the Bhaag DK Bose song from Delhi Belly that suggests its going to be a ride filled with madness and mayhem. But the discovery of the Phir Le Aaya Dil number from Barfi in a scene where the husband and wife sleep together after ages with their daughter was both bracing and bizarre to watch. It felt as if writers Hussain Dalal and Renzil DSilvas attempt was to create a series that feels silly and soothing at once. Advertisement Its now almost impossible to think beyond the conventional while penning crime thrillers. Bugging houses, tapping phones, a chart of all the characters pictures to connect the dots, and disobeying orders from seniors with heroism dripping with swag. A terse Saurabh Sachdeva (of Animal and Jaane Jaan fame) and a solemn Sethi do the honors of playing uptight officers with the kind of attitude that feels out of place for a series that promised to be a satirical take on criminals and cops. The final product ultimately feels at odds with the glimpse that was thrown at us despite some genuinely tense moments. My one takeaway from the show has been how it combined Karan Arjun, Delhi Belly, and Barfi all at once. The cop may be bad, the concoction is not. Advertisement Rating: 2.75 (out of 5 stars) Bad Cop will stream on Disney Plus Hotstar from June 21 Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Tillotama Shome, Mayur More, Rajesh Kumar, Ranjan Raj, Alam Khan, Ahsaas Channa, Revathi Pillai Director: Pratish Mehta Langauge: Hindi When Kota Factory entered our lives, it took some time for us to respond to the world the makers created and the characters that lived in it. For anyone who has been a passionate and driven IIT-JEE & NEET aspirant would know the dark side of preparation, selections, and ultimate success. They say your struggles begin after you make it, and the show was and still is a testament to that. Given how murky it can be, it was appropriate for the team to give the show a black-and-white template, the only two colours that could possibly exist in an engineers life. Anubhav Sinha did the same with his underrated 2023 Bheed, which chronicled the tragedies of multiple characters and their complexities during the horrific pandemic that rendered the nation handicapped. Ashutosh Rana said in an interview that tragedies can never be colourful, and the statement echoes the sentiments of Kota Factory too. Advertisement The factory has come too far, from season one to three, and Vaibhav (the terrific Mayur More) has discovered a lot more about himself. And the iconic Jeetu Bhaiyaa (the shining Jitendra Kumar) still holds the baton for being an inspiring figure for anyone who feels lost or in misery. Writers Punnet Batra (Head Writer), Pravin Yadav, Nikita Lalwani, Manish Chandwa, and director Pratish Mehta craft a series that acts like a mixed bag of emotions for those who have lived, survived, and succeeded in this rat race. Kota plays a crucial role too, not just as a moniker but as a character itself. There would be no factory if there was no Kota. The everydayness of the engineering students in a solemn and alien city is a beautiful way to portray how an outsider would feel on a land he never saw or sensed. The clingy students, the stimulating teacher, the inevitable crush, the blandness of the mess food, the maiden tryst with masturbation, its an experience that feels nauseating and nostalgic at once. But Kota Factory 3, or the series as a whole, isnt just a grim and galvanising portrait of engineering, it also delves into the psyche and personal gratification of its central characters. It hints at a life after and beyond education; it makes us smile at the tender moments but also creates palpable tension by throwing questions about what next. And what works wonders for this show on Netflix, and everything that TVF creates, is that the dialogues feel more like routine conversations that instantly hit home. Mind you, this is in no way a theatrical or turgid take on a burning issue. Its an experience we all have to pass through by keeping it as close to reality as possible. Ultimately, the college campus also camouflages with the students that occupy it. The benches, blackboards, chairs brim with as much stench and fragrance as humans. Without either, there would be a Kota but no factory. And thats what makes the show both scary, and successful. Advertisement Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars) Kota Factory 3 is now streaming on Netflix A user wrote on Reddit, Just noticed that Poonam Sinha only follows six people on Instagram including her husband Shatrughan Sinha, Luv Sinha and Kussh Sinha. read more Its just three days away. We are talking about a couple that managed to keep their relationship a secret. Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are currently the talk of the town as the duo are set to exchange wedding vows on 23rd June. And the actress could be seen spending time with Iqbal and his family ahead of the big day. The picture was shared by Sinhas sister-in-law Sanam Ratansi on her Instagram story, whos a celebrity stylist. Advertisement But a user on Reddit observed how the actress mother Poonam Sinha and brother Luv Sinha have unfollowed her on Instagram. The user wrote- Just noticed that Poonam Sinha only follows six people on Instagram including her husband Shatrughan Sinha, Luv Sinha and Kussh Sinha. Strange! Why would she not follow her daughter? It added, Luv also doesnt seem to follow his sister on Instagram. Interestingly, Sonakshi also doesnt follow her mother and Luv on Insta. She only follows Shatrughan and Kussh. This feels very strange, considering Sona has been a pampered kid in her family. Sonakshis brother Luv Sinhas statement to ETimes has now gone viral. While talking about his sisters wedding, Luv was quoted saying, Im out of Mumbai at the moment, and if its regarding the news published, I have no comment or involvement in the matter. And contrary to reports of her father Shatrughan Sinha being upset with his daughter and not attending the wedding, hes going to grace the ceremony as per a statement by the actress uncle and filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani. Speaking to Times Now, the filmmaker said, Ha, but he cant remain upset for long, not with Sonakshi. She is his laadli. Shaadi nahin attend karne ka koi sawaal hi nahi paida hota. As climate change intensifies, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, impacting vulnerable groups disproportionately. From rural agricultural labourers to the poor in cities, those lacking access to healthcare and cooling facilities face heightened risks. Globally, lower-income countries bear the brunt of rising temperatures, exacerbating inequalities read more The frequency and duration of heat waves have surged with climate change, leading to more frequent hot days and nights. Data suggests that the unrelenting heatwave sweeping large parts of India has claimed at least 110 lives and left over 40,000 people grappling with suspected heatstroke between March 1 and June 18 this year. While several regions across the country are suffering from heatwaves, class differences mean that some groups are far more affected. Here, we explain who is most vulnerable to heat waves and how. Advertisement Heat wave projections in India According to a World Bank estimate, up to 75 per cent of Indias workforce, or 380 million people, depend on heat-exposed labour, often working in potentially life-threatening temperatures. Imagine, in this extreme heat, people must step outside to make a living where the air can feel like a furnace, posing serious health risks. This is the harsh reality for daily wage workers, cart vendors, farmers, waste pickers, and millions of others across India. Heatwaves exacerbate existing inequalities while creating new disparities. Not everyone faces the consequences of heat equally; there is a stark divide depending on socioeconomic status. A man covers himself with a cloth to protect from heat on a hot summer day in New Delhi. Reuters How the class divide plays in For the rural poor: The class divide is glaringly evident in the way heat waves impact different sections of society. The agriculture sector, where 70 per cent of all farmers from the Scheduled Castes work as labourers dependent on daily or seasonal wages, gets hit hard. Heat waves severely impact agricultural workers involved in crop harvesting and other related work. For many rural labourers, missing a days work due to the extreme heat means missing a days meal. Unlike middle, upper-middle, and upper-class individuals, agricultural laborers often lack access to adequate food, water, air-conditioning, or even fans and cool shade. These resources remain inaccessible not just at work but also at home and during transit. Advertisement For the urban poor: A survey highlighted in the chapter Effects of Climate Change and Heat Waves on Low-Income Urban Workers: Evidence from India, from the book Inequality and Climate Change, was conducted among the urban poor in Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur two cities in Odisha repeatedly affected by heat waves. Poor urban workers reported numerous health problems due to heat waves, including fever, tiredness, respiratory issues, loss of consciousness, blurred vision, nausea, and body aches, despite having no prior history of health problems. Among those reporting health problems, most were cobblers, porters, rickshaw pullers, or auto drivers, with few marketing and sales executives. Advertisement Reuters Hospitalisation due to heat attack was reported by 15 per cent of workers, half of whom were either porters, rickshaw pullers, or cobblers. This clearly indicates that the major victims of heat strokes are in the lowest income categories with the most exposed occupations among low-income workers. The findings suggest similar results are likely in other states and cities across India. For slum-dwellers: As temperatures rise, residents crowded into slums and jam-packed colonies often the abode of the poor are most at risk for health problems, heat stroke, and death, experts say. In contrast, wealthier neighbours living in air-conditioned homes on leaf-shaded streets fare better. Extreme heat poses serious health risks, including heat stroke, respiratory problems, stress, and even death. Those most exposed to heat often lack access to quality healthcare services. Advertisement Exacerbating poverty: For the poor, the impact on their health exacerbates their economic difficulties and poverty. During peak hot hours on heatwave days, workers might withdraw from the market or find fewer customers, leading to reduced earnings. To offset this loss, workers might want to work longer hours, but this may be impossible if the work type offers little scope for such substitution or if thermal stress forces rest. Poor health reduces work capacity, significantly affecting wages. Consequently, heat-affected workers might not be able to work longer and thus earn less. If income recovery is impossible, the person is forced to remain at a lower level of well-being. The loss of income and any additional expenditure to cope with the extreme heat adds to the economic difficulties they already face. Advertisement The trend on a global scale This trend is replicated globally. According to a 2022 study titled Increasing Heat-Stress Inequality in a Warming Climate, published in Earths Future journal, heatwave exposure has disproportionately increased in the lowest-income regions globally compared to the highest-income regions over the past four decades. Lower-income populations currently face a 40 per cent higher exposure to heat waves than higher-income populations. The study found that by 2100, the lowest-income quarter of the worlds population will face a pronounced increase in heatwave exposure, even with access to air conditioning, cool air shelters, safety regulations for outdoor workers, and heat safety awareness campaigns. The highest-income quarter will experience little change in exposure due to their greater ability to adapt to climate change. By the end of the century, the lowest-income quarter of the global population will face exposure to heat waves equivalent to the exposure faced by the other three quarters, combined, according to a new study in the AGU journal Earths Future. Many populous, low-income regions are in the already-warm tropics, and their populations are expected to grow, contributing to discrepancies in heatwave exposure. High-income countries have greater institutional and individual capacity to rapidly adapt to climate change than low-income countries. The findings demonstrate continued increases in heatwave exposure inequality due to delays in adaptation capacity in the developing world, compounded by a higher emergence of warming in low-latitude areas where most low-income countries are located. India already faces dire heat risks and is likely to be the most threatened country in the world by 2030, according to an analysis of climate data by The Washington Post and the nonprofit modeling group CarbonPlan. More than 770 million people in India are expected to live in highly dangerous conditions for at least two weeks a year. Hospitals in the Delhi-NCR are seeing an influx of patients with complaints of heatstroke and heat exhaustion as the mercury continues to soar. At least 52 bodies were brought to hospitals in the past two days. The state government has ordered all hospitals to ensure immediate attention to patients and make more beds available read more A person drinks water as other rest under the shade of trees as the city continues in the grip of a heat wave, in New Delhi. AP An unrelenting heatwave swept across northern India, with a minimum temperature being 35.2 degrees Celsius. The weather office has forecast above-normal temperatures this month as well. Hospitals in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) are seeing an influx of patients with complaints of heat stroke and heat exhaustion as the mercury continues to soar. Several reports have claimed dozens of people have died in the National Capital, prompting authorities to hold an emergency meeting with the heads of hospitals. Advertisement Lets take a closer look. Dozens killed in Delhi At least 52 bodies were brought to hospitals in the past two days, The Times of India said. The report said all the patients came from underprivileged socioeconomic backgrounds. They also lacked awareness about heatstroke and its symptoms. Another report by the Centre for Holistic Development, a non-governmental organisation, claimed at least 192 homeless people died from 11 to 19 June. As of Wednesday, three major hospitals in the National Capital RML hospital, Safdarjung hospital and LNJP hospital reported 20 heat-related deaths, NDTV report said. Experts explain critical patients generally arrive in hypovolemic shock, which is marked by a significant drop in blood pressure and oxygen levels. The condition is risky and happens when a lot of blood or fluids are lost from the body. Workers drink water as they take a break at a construction site on a hot summer day in New Delhi, India. Reuters Dr Gaurav Jain, senior consultant for internal medicine at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital in Delhi, told News18 that he has witnessed around 10 patients with serious pre-existing conditions requiring ICU care in the last 10-12 days. This includes three patients with cancer, two with kidney problems, and one with heart problems. Fortunately, no young and healthy patients affected by the heat have required ICU care so far, he said. Dr Arvind Aggarwal, the senior consultant at Delhi-based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, told News18 that his outpatient department (OPD) is seeing around 10 patients daily with mild to moderate symptoms such as dehydration, diarrhoea, and mild fever. Advertisement Overall, the OPD has managed 70-80 mild to moderate cases in the last 10 days. In the past week, we treated 5-6 critical cases in the inpatient department (IPD) due to severe heat-related complications, including hypertension and heart problems. Scaling up beds for patients Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj held an emergency meeting with the heads of hospitals on Wednesday. The ministry ordered the central and state institutions to ensure immediate attention to patients, while hospitals were directed to make more beds available. During the meeting, it was also decided that Delhi Police beat officers and patrolling teams will be requested help in shifting homeless to shelter homes in case they are found on a footpath. Advertisement Bharadwaj said in a post on X, Chaired an emergency meeting with heads of all major hospitals regarding Heat stroke patients. Delhi Police beat officers/ patrolling teams will be requested help in shifting the homeless to shelter homes in case they are lying under the open sky. The department is sending a communication to Delhi Police Commissioner to ask their patrolling teams to call Ambulances in case their teams spot destitute is running high fever or sick. Hospitals to scale up the beds for patients of heat-related illnesses. Circular issued to Hospitals & CATS Ambulance service. Fresh advisory to be advertised in Radio and Newspapers, the minister added. Advertisement Local tourist take refuge under the shade of a tree next to a water body as heat wave continues to grip capital New Delhi. AP In a communication to all hospitals, the Health Department said the importance of early management of heat-affected patients was informed to all the hospitals in the meeting. The communication directed the medical superintendents, medical directors, chief district medical offices (CDMOs) and the directorate of health services to ensure that the emergency section of all hospitals remains operational 24x7 and a senior doctor be present to handle such patients. As already directed, all the necessary medicines required for the treatment of such patients also must remain in the hospitals, read the circular. The circular directed medical superintendents and medical directors to personally ensure the immediate admission and treatment of heat stroke patients, so as to ensure that maximum lives could be saved. Advertisement All the CDMOs are also directed to ensure that even if such a patient comes to the dispensaries, the immediate treatment is given to the patient and he is shifted to the nearest hospital in an ambulance, the circular read, adding that CATS ambulances had also been put on high alert. Last month, Bharadwaj announced that the Delhi government-run hospitals will reserve two beds each for heatstroke patients while five beds will be reserved at the LNJP Hospital. Notably, RML hospitals even launched Indias first specialised unit for heat stroke patients on 8 May, according to Indian Express. Two bathtubs, an ice maker and two ventilator beds were included in this unit. So far, 20-25 patients have been admitted to the unit. Rising heatstroke cases in India A core body temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius or above, mental changes such as mild confusion or altered consciousness, and exposure to excessive heat and humidity are the three main indicators of heat stroke, the most severe form of heat disease. It is a silent killer, and hours after being exposed to the sun, patients may start feeling sick. According to the Indian National Centre for Disease Control, heat strokes have a 4064 per cent fatality rate, making them a life-threatening illness. Official statistics show that between 1992 and 2019, heatwaves claimed the lives of around 25,000 people. About three-fourths of Indian workers are employed in professions that involve heat, such as mining and construction, as per BBC. Heatwaves make this worse because there are fewer safe and effective work hours during the day. According to a Lancet study, India will lose 167.2 billion potential work hours in 2021 as a result of extreme heat. On Tuesday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda evaluated the state of the heatwave and the central government hospitals preparedness. In addition, he instructed officials to make sure all hospitals have the necessary supplies to give heatwave victims the best care possible. The intense spell of heatwave Delhi has been reeling under a prolonged heatwave, with daily temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius since May, peaking at nearly 50 degrees Celsius. Humidity and hot winds exacerbate the heat, compounded by water shortages and power outages due to soaring demand. On Wednesday, the National Capital recorded its warmest night in over 50 years on Wednesday, with a minimum temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius, as per the data from the weather department. The heatwave is not restricted to Delhi. This summer, India saw more than 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke and at least 110 verified deaths between 1 March and 18 June, when the countrys northwest and east saw twice as many heatwave days as usual. With 36 fatalities, Uttar Pradesh is the state most hit, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha. The real figure, meanwhile, is probably far higher because heat-related fatalities in rural areas are frequently underreported. Extreme heat is affecting billions of people in Asia, a trend that scientists believe is being made worse by climate change caused by humans. With inputs from agencies A day after the education ministry cancelled the UGC-NET, Amit Anand, the suspected mastermind of the NEET paper leak row, confessed his role to the police. The developments have shone a spotlight on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 a new anti-paper leak law which mandates a prison term of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Rs 1 crore read more The main accused in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024) paper leak case has confessed on Thursday, according to several media reports. The suspected mastermind, Amit Anand, has admitted to selling the question paper a day before the exam. Anand said he received between Rs 30 and 32 lakh for the question paper. The police have arrested 13 people in the case thus far. The development came a day after the education ministry on Wednesday cancelled the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) conducted by the National Testing Agency after reports that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. Advertisement The action from the education ministry, coming a day after nine lakh aspirants appeared for the UGC-NET 2024, has left many students and parents shocked. This also comes in the backdrop of a massive row on over alleged irregularities in the results of the medical entrance test National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) also conducted by the NTA which is currently before the Supreme Court. These developments have shone a renewed spotlight on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 a new anti-paper leak law. But what do we know about the law? What punishments does it prescribe for offenders? Lets take a closer look What do we know about the law? The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was passed both Houses of Parliament in February. It became law after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent. The idea behind the law is to bring in greater transparency, fairness and credibility to the public examination systems and to reassure the youth that their sincere and genuine efforts will be fairly rewarded and their future is safe. It came in the backdrop of a number of recent paper leaks including a teacher recruitment exam in Rajasthan, Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group-D posts in Haryana, recruitment exam for junior clerks in Gujarat and constable recruitment examination in Bihar. Advertisement The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was passed both Houses of Parliament in February. ANI As per News18, the law defines a public examination as test conducted by a public examination authority listed in its Schedule or any such other authority as may be notified by the Central Government under Section 2(k). The law covers entrance examinations conducted by Union Public Service Commission The Staff Selection Commission, The Indian Railways Banking recruitment examinations All computer-based exams conducted by NTA The law mentions leakage of question paper or answer key, directly or indirectly assisting the candidate in any manner unauthorisedly in the public examination and tampering with the computer network or a computer resource or a computer system as offences done by a person, group of persons or institutions. It also makes punishable creation of fake website to cheat or for monetary gain, conduct of fake examination, issuance of fake admit cards or offer letters to cheat or for monetary gain and manipulation in seating arrangements, allocation of dates and shifts for the candidates to facilitate adopting unfair means in examinations. What about the punishments for offenders? As per News18, Section 9 of the law makes all offences under it cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable. Advertisement This means suspects can be arrested without a warrant. The law mandates a punishment of a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment to curb cheating. Any person or persons resorting to unfair means and offences will land up in prison for three to five years, and will face a fine up to Rs 10 lakh. If the convict fails to pay the fine, an additional punishment of imprisonment shall be imposed, as per the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 10(1) of the law states, as per News18. The law also takes aim at organised gangs and institutions that are involved in paper leaks. Advertisement Under Section 10(2) of the law, a service provider is defined as an institution that gives support of any computer resource or any material, by whatever name it may be called. Not only does it mandate a prison term of 3 to 10 years and a 1 crore fine, it also bans the provider from conducting a public exam for four years. The law defines organised crime as unlawful activity by a group of persons colluding in a conspiracy to pursue or promote a shared interest for wrongful gain in respect of a public examination. It makes threatening the life, liberty or wrongfully restraining persons associated with the public examination authority or the service provider or any authorised agency of the government; or obstructing the conduct of a public examination a punishable offence. No person or group of persons or institutions shall collude or conspire to facilitate indulgence in any such unfair means, the proposed law says. Advertisement The laws Section 11(1) states those participating in organised crime can be imprisoned for a term not less than five years but which may extend to ten years and a fine which shall not be less than Rs 1 crore. It also bars any person, who is not entrusted or engaged with the work pertaining to the public examination or its conduct or who is not a candidate, from entering the premises of the exam centre. The law states that it serves as a model for states to adopt at their discretion. This would aid states in preventing the criminal elements from disrupting conduct of their state level public examinations, the law states. An officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police shall investigate any offence, the law states. Not meant to harass youth However, students who appear for these competitive exams are not under the purview of the laws. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, when the bill was passed by Parliament, explained, Very cautiously, we have kept the bona fide candidates out of the purview of the law, be it a job aspirant or a student. So the message does not go that this new legislation is meant to harass the youth of this country. It is only meant to deter those who are playing with their future and thereby the future of the nation. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the new legislation is not meant to harass students. PTI The future of our youth up to 40 years of age, who comprise 70 per cent of our population, is at stake, who are stakeholders in the Viksit Bharat of 2047, Singh added. The law also mandates the setting up of a high-level national technical committee on public examinations that will make recommendations to make the computerised examination process more secure. The committee shall look into developing protocols for insulating digital platforms, devising ways and means for developing foolproof IT security systems, ensuring electronic surveillance of examination centres and formulating national standards and services for both IT and physical infrastructure to be deployed for conduct of such examinations. Mastermind confesses News18 reported that Anand, the NEET paper leak mastermind, in his confession letter to the police said the aspirants were made to memorise the exam. Anand, who is from Bihars Munger district, oversaw the illegal scheme from a rented apartment in Patna. The Patna Police has arrested 13 people in the case. Of these, four have been identified as NEET candidate Anurag Yadav, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendu, Nitish Kumar and Anand. As per Business Today, Sikandar is a junior engineer from the Danapur Municipality. Anand has also admitted to participating in a number of other paper leaks. I went to meet Junior Engineer Sikandar at the Danapur Municipal Corporation office for some personal work I divulged to Sikandar my ability to procure leaked papers for competitive exams and assist candidates in passing them. Subsequently, Sikandar expressed his interest in aiding NEET aspirants and agreed to the terms of payment, " Anand wrote in his confession as per Business Today. Fresh date soon Education Ministry officials Thursday said no complaints were received about the UGC-NET exam but a suo motu action was taken on the basis of inputs available with them to protect students interest. Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal said the details of the inputs cannot be shared as the matter has been referred to the CBI and is currently under investigation. No complaints were received but the inputs we received from agencies indicated that the integrity of the exam has been compromised. The action was taken suo motu to safeguard interests of the students, he said. A fresh date for the exam will be announced soon, Jaiswal told reporters. With inputs from agencies PM Narendra Modi will be in Srinagar on 20-21 June, his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since he came to power for a third consecutive term. He will lead the 10th International Day of Yoga in the UT on Friday. Heres what else to expect from the trip and why it is important read more PM Narendra Modi will be in J&K on 20-21 June. PTI File Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday (20 June) after coming to power at the Centre for a third straight term. The two-day visit will see the Indian leader participate in several events and launch various development projects in the Union Territory. Modis trip comes in the wake of recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been tightened in the UT before the prime minister reaches Srinagar in the evening today. Advertisement Whats the agenda of Modis J&K trip? Why is it significant? Lets take a closer look. Development projects & more PM Modi will unveil and lay the foundation stone of 84 mega development projects related to roads, infrastructure, higher education, and more worth Rs 1500 crore in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. These projects include the upgradation of Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri Section, which is aimed to boost connectivity and facilitate better transportation in the region. The PM will lay the foundation stone for the development of Industrial Estates which is expected to bolster economic growth and create job opportunities. With the construction of six government degree colleges in J&K, the Centre plans to make higher education accessible for more youths in the UT. Modi will participate in the event Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar at around 6 pm today. According to the PMO statement, the event is a pivotal moment for the region aimed at exhibiting progress and inspiring young achievers. The PM will also distribute appointment letters to more than 2000 people selected for government service posts. Hon'ble PM Sh. @narendramodi to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 20- 21 PM Modi to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate 84 Major Developmental Projects valued at more than Rs. 1,500 crore in J&K. PM Modi to launch Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied pic.twitter.com/vr7idLTPjJ Information & PR, J&K (@diprjk) June 20, 2024 Advertisement Modi will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors valued at Rs 1,800 crore during his two-day J&K visit. The initiative will be implemented in 90 blocks across 20 districts of J&K, covering 15 lakh beneficiaries in a total of 300,000 households. On the morning of 21 June, PM Modi will lead the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at the SKICC on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha has told PTI that over 7,000 people from different walks of life will join the PM to mark the event. Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion. Advertisement The United Nations had declared 21 June as International Day of Yoga 10 years back. Last year, Modi led the global celebration of yoga at the UN headquarters in New York. Since 2015, the PM has headed the International Day of Yoga celebrations at different locations including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow and Mysuru. Tight security arrangements PM Modis trip has come at a time when J&K has hogged the limelight for multiple back-to-back terror attacks. At least nine people died and 33 were injured after terrorists fired upon a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, resulting in the vehicle plunging into a deep gorge in J&Ks Reasi district on 9 June. Recently, the police made its first arrest in the terror attack, nabbing a Rajouri resident who is suspected of providing logistics to the terrorists. Advertisement Two terrorists were killed and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was martyred in a terror attack in Kathuas Saida Sukhal village on 11 June. In another incident, a constable of the Special Operations Group (SOG) sustained injuries in an encounter in Doda district. In view of the recent militant attacks, security forces are on high alert ahead of PM Modis visit to Srinagar. IGP Kashmir Zone Vidhi Kumar Birdi said that a multi-tier security system is in place in J&K. As per the security protocols, the high-alert security arrangement has been made here," he was quoted as saying by ANI. According to an IANS report, teams of the Special Protection Group (SPG) are in the UT to coordinate security preparations with J&K security staff. The venue of the event has been thoroughly sanitised and the blue book that details the PMs security is being followed to the T. Advertisement The Srinagar police has declared the city a Temporary Red Zone, banning unauthorised drone operations in the area. Why PM Modis J&K trip matters Modis visit to J&K comes just weeks after he took oath as Indias prime minister for a third term. He made his first trip to the UT after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 in March this year. The June visit is happening in the run-up to the J&K Assembly elections slated for later this year. The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir held its last state-level elections in 2014. J&K has not had an Assembly since the 87-member House was dissolved in 2018 and Governors Rule was imposed in the then state after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ended its alliance with the Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing down the coalition government. Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019 and J&K was split into two Union Territories. Last year, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission (EC) to organise the J&K Assembly elections by 30 September 2024. After the delimitation order of May 2022, J&K now has a 90-member Assembly, with 47 seats in Kashmir and 43 in Jammu. The EC is actively making arrangements to conduct elections in J&K. The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir could happen after the Assembly elections, reported NDTV. J&K recorded its highest voter turnout in 35 years in this years Lok Sabha elections. PTI File Photo In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, J&K recorded a voter turnout of 58.58 per cent. As per the poll body, the UT saw its highest turnout in 35 years this time. According to NDTV, PMs visit is meant to signal the governments confidence and its long-term plans of peace and prosperity in J&K. With inputs from agencies Escuchar la noticia Escuchar la noticia Recently, the world was shocked by the sudden news of the death of the renowned intellectual, father of modern linguistics, and political activist Noam Chomsky. However, this information turned out to be a fake news, spread by media eager for sensationalism and views. Messages with the news link arrived from all over the world. Nobody, from Scotland to Chile, passing through Turkey and Germany, took a minute to verify the veracity of the heartbreaking news. The rumor of Chomskys death spread like wildfire, flooding newspapers, news portals, and social media worldwide. The fake news even reached the ears of people who have never read a book by Chomsky and were asking, Who is this Chomsky that everyone is talking about?. Jose M. Santana y Noam Chomsky. Weeks before, I knew through Valeria, Chomskys wife, that he was hospitalized in Brazil, accompanied by her in the difficult recovery process from a stroke he had in June 2023. Disturbed by the spread of this false information, I wrote to Valeria on WhatsApp, and she confirmed that Chomsky was still alive and recovering from his delicate condition. This episode seemed ironic to me and reminded me of the theory that Chomsky himself presented in his book Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media, where he analyzes and exposes the medias ability to distort reality and manipulate information to shape public opinion and maintain the status quo. The false death of Chomsky is a clear living example of manufacturing perception or what Chomsky calls, alluding to Gramsci, as common sense. In his book with Edward S. Herman, Chomsky argues that the media act as filters, selecting and presenting information according to the interests of those in power, that is, a conglomerate of individuals and corporations elites, that set the informative guidelines. In this case, the dissemination of fake news about his death responded to the search for audience and sensationalism, regardless of the veracity of the information or the impact it could have on society. Noam Chomsky, cuando fue reconocido por el INTEC, en Republica Dominicana. The proliferation of social media has amplified the reach of this type of fake news, allowing them to spread quickly and reach a large number of people within minutes. The lack of information verification and the ease with which it is shared on social media have created a breeding ground for misinformation, manipulation, and also for shaping common sense. I will use the example of the invasion of Iraq to illustrate how the mechanism pointed out by Chomsky works: First, a context is created: before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the United States government, led by President George W. Bush, argued that Saddam Husseins regime possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and had links to terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda. Critical intellectuals and academics value his intellectual rigor, his commitment to truth, and his courage to challenge dominant narratives. Sources are selected: the mainstream media relied almost exclusively on government officials and "experts" linked to the government. Few opportunities were given to critical voices or independent reports that questioned the claims about WMD. A narrative frequency is constructed: the governments claims about weapons of mass destruction and alleged terrorist links were repeated frequently. Headlines, news programs, and articles had similar narratives, reinforcing the message. Next, dissent is marginalized: opposing opinions and evidence were marginalized. Reports from UN inspectors that found no evidence of WMD received less media attention compared to government statements. The next step was to simplify the conflict: at this step, the media simplified the reasons for war, omitting discussions about historical context, geopolitical implications, or economic interests related to oil. At the end of the chain, the discourse was legitimized: the largest news platforms legitimized the official narrative by not rigorously questioning government sources and by presenting military actions as necessary and justified. The result is well known: a large portion of the American public came to accept the official narrative about the need for war. This consensus facilitated support for the invasion, despite the lack of concrete evidence. The United States invaded Iraq, never found the weapons of mass destruction, and succeeded in overthrowing and killing Saddam Hussein. Noam Chomsky. Someone might ask: What benefit is there in spreading fake news about Chomskys death? Such news has an emotional impact that can be used to demoralize those who see Chomsky as a reference and inspiring figure in their struggles and activism, creating a period of uncertainty. Noam Chomsky has played a crucial role in various activist struggles through his intellectual and ideological work. His influence has been vital for immigrant solidarity organizations in the southwestern United States, providing them with inspiration and guidance. In the student movements, the current demonstrations in support of Palestine find in Chomsky a legitimizing figure. Union movements in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico have also drawn from his ideas, using his ideas as a basis for their struggles and demands. Critical intellectuals and academics value his intellectual rigor, his commitment to truth, and his courage to challenge dominant narratives. Independent journalists see in Chomsky a model of committed and critical journalism. His ability to mobilize international public opinion is indisputable. Chomsky has been a consistent critic of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and has advocated for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. He has also explicitly supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement, initiated in 2005, whose main goal is to exert economic and political pressure on Israel to comply with international law and the rights of Palestinians. This movement calls for boycotts in various sectors, including consumer goods, culture, academics, and sports. Chomsky, alongside numerous academicsincluding the renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawkingand various academic and student organizations, has supported the academic boycott of Israel. The loss of Chomsky would represent a demoralizing blow to these sectors, whose members have relied on his intellectual framework and leadership as a source of inspiration and legitimacy for their struggles. Noam Chomskys political, scientific, intellectual, and ideological legacy will continue to live on. Like all human beings, Chomsky will die one day, but his legacy is immortal. Meanwhile, Noam Chomsky is alive and and kicking * Jose M. Santana. Former Research Associate with Noam Chomsky at MIT Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a White T-shirt campaign on his 54th birthday on Wednesday, 19 June, revealing that the colour symbolises transparency, solidity, simplicity for me. It is grabbing eyeballs as he calls on supporters to wear the simple tee in the backdrop of protests over the NEET, NET row read more In a video posted on X, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi explained that the white T-shirt symbolises transparency, solidity and simplicity for me. PTI One of Rahul Gandhis trademark looks is his plain white T-shirt. Made famous during his Bharat Jodo Yatras, the Congress MP launched a White T-shirt campaign on his 54th birthday on 19 June, Wednesday. He urged supporters to wear the simple tee in the backdrop of protests over the NEET, NET row. Lets take a closer look. The White T-shirt campaign In a video posted on X, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi explained that the white T-shirt symbolises transparency, solidity and simplicity for me. Advertisement My heartfelt thanks to all of you for your birthday wishes. I am often asked why I always wear a white T-shirt - this T-shirt symbolises transparency, solidity and simplicity for me, the Rae Bareli MP said in the post. Where and how useful are these values in your life? Use #WhiteTshirtArmy and tell me in a video. And, I will gift you a white T-shirt. Lots of love to everyone, he added. He asked people to use the hashtag #WhiteTshirtArmy in a video message to him that explained the significance of these values in their lives. Gandhi also promised to give out white T-shirts to anybody who sent him reaction videos in his post. These will have the signature RG on them. The timing is crucial Yes. Currently, young people have been angered about purported paper leaks and irregularities that resulted in the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam being cancelled and demands for the NEET-UG 2024 exam to be cancelled. Advertisement By linking transparency to a basic white T-shirt, the campaign aims to cultivate a potential voting base for the party, explained News18. Source: PTI Also, its a visual statement, much like the Modi shirt promotion on the NaMo app during the previous prime ministers mandate. The purpose of launching the T-shirt campaign is to mobilise young people who are tired of problems like unemployment, price hikes, and paper leaks. Since the Congress attributes its better performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to Rahul Gandhis two Bharat Jodo Yatras, the white T-shirt campaign is perceived as an extension that connects and reaches out to the public. Additionally, the Congress hopes that by using the colour that symbolises peace, it can offset the BJPs saffron campaign. Advertisement According to News18 sources, Gandhi had the concept for the T-shirt campaign last year, but he believes that the time is right to strike after the election results, prompted by the NEET/NET protests. Rahul Gandhis scathing attack on PM On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over UGC-NET cancellation and the ongoing NEET row, according to India Today. He said, It was being said that Modi ji stopped the Russia-Ukraine war. But for some reason, Narendra Modi has not been able to stop or doesnt want to stop paper leaks in India. The Congress MP alleged that the paper leaks were happening as the education system has been captured by the BJPs parent organisation. Advertisement Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others upon their arrival in Imphal ahead of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. File image/PTI Till the time this is not reversed, paper leaks will go on. Modi ji has facilitated this capture. It is an anti-national activity, Gandhi said, adding that university vice-chancellors were not picked on the basis of merit but on the basis of their connection to a particular organisation. And this organisation and the BJP have penetrated our education system and destroyed it. What was done by Narendra Modi to the economy with demonetisation, has now been done to the education system, he said. He added, The reason this is happening and the reason youre suffering is because an independent, objective education system has been demolished It is very important that the people who are guilty here are brought to book and they are punished. Advertisement The NEET, NET controversies The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) was cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Wednesday, one day after it was conducted on 18 June in 1,205 exam centres located in 317 cities nationwide. More than 11 lakh applicants took the test. The reason for the move was concerns that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. Students protest against alleged irregularities in NEET UG 2024 in Kolkata. ANI File According to the NTA, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received some information suggesting that the exams integrity might have been jeopardised. The agency said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the situation. The National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which is under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination, provided the insights that raise concerns about the exams integrity. This comes as reports of similar irregularities in the medical entrance exam National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG) also conducted by the NTA have surfaced, with allegations of question paper leaks being raised in states like Bihar. As many as 67 students scored a perfect 720, unprecedented in the NTAs history. Six of them were from a centre in Haryanas Faridabad, raising suspicions about irregularities. Grace marks are said to have played a part in so many students sharing the top spot. NSUI members stage a protest demanding re-examination of NEET-UG Entrance Exam 2024 over alleged irregularities in its results, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. PTI Regarding the NEET-UG exam, the NTA said, The issue related to grace marks has already been fully addressed. As regards certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. Government will take further action, on receipt of this report. Government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/organization found to be involved in this matter will face strictest action, it added. According to multiple media sources, the primary accused in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case confessed on Thursday. Amit Anand, the alleged mastermind, has acknowledged selling the exam question a day prior to it. Anand stated that he got paid between Rs 30 and Rs 32 lakh for the test. In this case, the police have already taken 13 persons into custody. With inputs from agencies Amid row over grace marks and paper leaks of NEET-UG, the education ministry cancelled the UGC-NET examination on Wednesday, a day after over nine lakh students appeared for it. The latter determines the eligibility of candidates for the roles of assistant professors and admissions to PhD programmes in Indian universities. So what went wrong? read more Aspirants search their roll numbers for seats before entering an examination centre to appear in the UGC-NET exam, at AN college in Patna, on 18 June. The exam has not been cancelled by the government. PTI The controversy surrounding the entrance-level exams continues to unravel. In the latest, the Ministry of Education announced the cancellation of the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) examination on Wednesday night, a day after lakhs of students appeared for it across the country. The education ministrys latest decision only adds fuel to the ongoing NEET-UG row. We take a look at what is going on and what can we expect next. What is the UGC-NET exam? Who conducts it? Advertisement The UGC-NET exam or the National Eligibility Test is conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for roles of assistant professors and junior research fellowships in universities and colleges across the country. It also tests those appearing for admission to PhD programmes. The exam determines the eligibility of several fellowships including those under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Minorities Affairs. According to the UGC-NET official website, candidates aspiring for these fellowships must also apply and qualify through this test. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) typically in Computer Based Test (CBT) and is held twice a year in June and December. While NTA has been holding the test on behalf of the UGC in the CBT format since 2018, this year the exam was held in the pen-and-paper format. The decision to hold the exam this year in the pen-and-paper format was to help pick more examination centres in rural areas, NTA officials told The Indian Express. The UG-NET exam was conducted in a pen-and-paper format on 18 June Why has the exam been cancelled? The June examination was conducted on Tuesday (18 June) in OMR (pen and paper) mode in two shifts across the country. The education ministry cancelled the exam late Wednesday night (19 June) after inputs from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. The National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the home affairs ministry looked into the matter. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised, the education ministry informed in a press release. Advertisement To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled, it added. Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. Ministry of Education has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled on the basis of inputs from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) June 19, 2024 The exam has two papers. The first is common to all applicants and the second is a subject-specific paper based on specialisation. Since the exam has been cancelled for all those who appeared, there is a possibility that the compromise was linked to the first paper. However, the governments statement does not provide any details on what went wrong. Members of the All India Students Association (AISA) protest against the NTA, at Shastri Bhawan, in New Delhi, on 19 June. PTI How many students will be affected? Nine lakh candidates appeared for the exam conducted at 1,205 centres across 317 cities. According to the NTA, 11,21,225 registered candidates, comprising 6,35,587 females, 4,85,579 males, and 59 third-gender candidates, registered for the exam. This year saw an increase in registration from the UGC-NET December 2023 exam for which 9,45,872 candidates applied. Advertisement Out of the total registered candidates, 81 per cent appeared for the exam, compared to about 73.6 per cent attendance in the December exam. On Tuesday, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar posted on X, NTA has successfully conducted UGC -NET June 2024 for determining the eligible candidates for (i) award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor, (ii) appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. and (iii) admission to Ph.D. only in 83 subjects in OMR (Pen and Paper) mode in two (02) different shifts (09:30 AM to 12:30 Noon and 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM)." Today, NTA has successfully conducted UGC NET June 2024 for determining the eligible candidates for (i) award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor, (ii) appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. and Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (@mamidala90) June 18, 2024 Advertisement So what next for students? A re-examination will be conducted. The education ministry said that information about it will be shared separately. Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students, the education ministry said. So far, no announcement on the new date for the test has been made. Candidates are checked before appearing for the NEET exam in Jabalpur. After NEET, now even the NET exam is under the scanner. File photo/PTI What happens next in the case? An investigation will be conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into inputs that the exam was compromised. While there have been reports of the exam paper being leaked, the education ministry has not divulged details. UGC-NET is the first centrally conducted public exam to be cancelled after the Centre introduced an anti-paper leak law earlier this year. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, which was passed in Parliament in February 2024, provides for three to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh for those resorting to unfair means and offences. It is likely to be applied in the case of this exam, sources told The Indian Express. What have been the reactions to the governments decision? Soon after the cancellation announcement, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government for its laxity and demanded that accountability be fixed. The laxity and corruption of the BJP government is fatal for the youth. After the news of scam in NEET exam, now the NET exam to be held on 18th June has also been cancelled due to the fear of irregularities. Will accountability be fixed now? Will the education minister take responsibility for this lax system? she wrote in a post on X. NEET 18 NET ? ? Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) June 19, 2024 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the repeated and absolute failure to conduct national examinations fairly exposes the NTAs incompetence. The repeated and absolute failure to conduct national examinations fairly exposes the NTAs incompetence. This is an education emergency and also lets down lakhs of students who diligently prepare for these entrance exams not to forget the mental pressure they go through. Cancelling is not the solution, accountability from government and NTA is. This absolute disregard to young students and their careers is unfortunate, she said. However, BJP leader Amit Malviya maintained that the government proactively cancelled the NET exam and assured to protect the interest of students. GoI proactively cancels NET exams, held on 18th Jun, after UGC receives reports that the exams were compromised. CBI probe ordered. Also assures to protect interest of students and promises action in NEET(UG) exam on receipt of report from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police, Malviya said in a post on X. NSUI members stage a protest demanding re-examination of NEET-UG Entrance Exam 2024 over alleged irregularities in its results, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, on 13 June. PTI What is the NEET-UG controversy? The NEET-UG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate) examination is the only entrance exam held every year for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical courses in medical institutions across the country. Like the UG-NET, this exam is also conducted by the NTA. The exam was held on 5 May and the results were declared on 4 June. Soon after, there was an outcry among students who alleged that a question paper was leaked and grace marks were awarded to over 1,500 students, an unusually high number got the perfect score. The results showed that 67 scored 720 in this years exams. Compared to this, in 2023 only two students scored full marks and only three in 2022. Six of the toppers allegedly appeared for the exam from the same centre in Haryana. The matter went to the Supreme Court. The Centre has told the apex court that it would conduct a retest for 1,563 students who were given grace marks on 23 June. If the candidates opt out of the re-test their previous results without the grace marks have been conducted, the court ruled. Now amid allegations of a paper lake, four men were arrested in Bihar including an aspirant. Now they have admitted to receiving the question paper a day before the exam. On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for a meeting with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Health Minister J P Nadda. It was attended by a representative from the Prime Ministers Office and officials from the NTA. Shah was briefed about the FIRs registered related to the NEET-UG exam, particularly in Bihar. The row has led to a face-off between the Opposition and the Centre; the Congress had called for a nationwide protest on 21 June (Friday). With inputs from agencies Russian president Vladimir Putin is in Vietnam. From Ukraine to defence cooperation to bilateral agreements, there is a lot that he will discuss with Communist leaders in Hanoi. But there is a more subtle signalling to the West at work, too. We explain what Putin aims to achieve from his Vietnam visit, what Hanoi expects in return, and how the United States is reacting to this diplomatic move read more After visiting North Korea and signing agreements with dictator Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam early on Thursday for talks with the countrys communist leaders on the final stop of his two-nation tour of Asia. Putin was scheduled to meet with Communist Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong, state President To Lam, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. We explain what Putin aims to achieve from his Vietnam visit, what Hanoi expects in return, and how the United States is reacting to this diplomatic move. Advertisement What Putin is looking to gain Talks about Ukraine and defence cooperation: One of the primary topics expected to be discussed is the Ukraine conflict. Vietnam has abstained from condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine, a stance appreciated by Moscow. In his op-ed in Vietnams Communist Party newspaper, Nhan Dan, Putin thanked Hanoi for its balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, defense cooperation will be a significant part of the talks. Historically, Russia has been a leading arms supplier to Vietnam, and despite a relatively low trade volume, defense exports remain a vital link between the two nations. Signing of bilateral documents: The visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several bilateral documents. These agreements are likely to cover a range of issues, including economic, educational, and energy cooperation. By formalizing these agreements, Putin seeks to deepen Russias strategic partnership with Vietnam, thereby ensuring continued influence in the region. Russia signalling it is not isolated: Putins visit is a clear signal that Russia is not isolated on the global stage despite Western sanctions and condemnations over the Ukraine war. Russia is signaling that it is not isolated in Asia despite the Ukraine war, and Vietnam is reinforcing a key traditional relationship even as it also diversifies ties with newer partners, AP quoted Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Centers Asia Program, as saying. Showing persisting Russian clout in Asia: By engaging with Vietnam, a country with strong ties to the United States and the European Union, Russia aims to showcase its enduring clout in the East. This trip is a strategic move to flaunt its geopolitical reach, even as it faces substantial snubs from the West. Russias President Vladimir Putin appears keen to show that Moscow still has substantial clout in Asia. File image/Reuters Pressing on common communist roots: Putins visit to Vietnam is underpinned by a historical connection between the two nations. The shared communist roots and the long-standing ties that date back to the Cold War era form a foundational element of the bilateral relationship. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese cadres were educated in the former Soviet Union, including the current head of Vietnams Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong. This historical bond is something Putin aims to reinforce, as it helps solidify Russias influence in Southeast Asia. Advertisement What Vietnam aims to gain Defence relations with Russia: Vietnam relies heavily on Russian military hardware, and maintaining strong defense ties with Moscow is crucial. The ongoing cooperation in defense ensures that Vietnam can continue to modernize its military capabilities, an essential aspect of its national security strategy. This reliance on Russian arms underscores the strategic importance of Putins visit for Hanoi. Maintaining independent bamboo diplomacy: Vietnams foreign policy, often referred to as bamboo diplomacy, aims to maintain flexibility and balance in its international relations. By engaging with Russia, Vietnam demonstrates its ability to diversify its partnerships and maintain a neutral stance amid global conflicts. This approach allows Hanoi to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes without being overly reliant on any single power. Counterbalance to China and the US: While not a major trading partner, Vietnams engagement with Russia also serves as a counterbalance to both China and the United States. While China poses a significant threat to Vietnams sovereignty with its claims in the South China Sea, the US is seen as an ideological adversary despite being a key economic partner. By strengthening ties with Russia, Vietnam seeks to create a buffer against the influence of these major powers and maintain its strategic autonomy. Advertisement The US response to Putins visit Concern over Putins access to a platform: No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalise his atrocities, a US embassy spokesperson in Hanoi told Reuters. If he is able to travel freely, it could normalise Russias blatant violations of international law, they added. In some sense, the US is likely viewing Putins Vietnam trip it as more significant than his trip to North Korea. Unlike the isolated and heavily sanctioned North Korea, Vietnam is a major manufacturing hub with active relations with the EU and the US. Vietnam has maintaine dgood relations with the West, including the United States. Reuters Bad optics for the West: Vietnams engagement with Russia is seen as bad optics for the West. It signals that Russia is not as isolated as the US and its allies would prefer. This undermines the narrative that Western sanctions and diplomatic efforts have left Moscow with few friends. Vietnams balanced stance and its willingness to host Putin suggest that Russia can still maintain significant relationships outside the Western sphere of influence. Advertisement Undermining US hegemony: The presence of Russia as a counterbalance to US influence in Vietnam may be another pain point. The US, which has been working to strengthen ties with Vietnam, including promoting it as an alternative supplier of key high-tech components, can see Russias involvement as a potential threat to its strategic goals. Vietnam, which officially pursues a neutral foreign policy, has abstained from condemning Russias attack on Ukraine, a stance that Western countries view as too close to the Kremlin. With inputs from agencies Africa is expected to see around 900 high-net-worth individuals leaving for friendlier shores in 2024. Meanwhile, billons of dollars in gold continues to be smuggled out of the continent most of it ending up in the United Arab Emirates read more African millionaires and gold are leaving the continent for UAE. Image source: AI-generate image Africas wealth, both in terms of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and precious commodities like gold, has been increasingly shifting to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant outflow of resources is underpinned by complex socio-economic and political factors. We explain why hundreds of millionaires, and separately, tonnes of gold, are moving out of Africa and into UAE. Outflow of millionaires from Africa According to Henley & Partners, South Africa and Nigeria are set to experience a notable exodus of millionaires in 2024. Projections indicate that South Africa will lose approximately 600 HNWIs, while Nigeria is expected to see 300 millionaires depart. Historically, South Africa has witnessed an annual outflow of 300 to 400 HNWIs, but the 2024 figures represent an unprecedented surge. Advertisement Henleys migration data shows that a majority of wealthy individuals from Africa are headed for UAE. Such migration is more than a statistical blip; it is a barometer of a countrys overall health and stability. The loss of these individuals, who often play pivotal roles in the economy through investments and consumption, could foreshadow a broader economic decline. Why are millionaires leaving? In South Africa, the upcoming elections have raised fears of new wealth taxes and the potential phasing out of private healthcare in favor of a government-run National Health Insurance model (NHI). High crime rates and persistent power cuts further exacerbate the living conditions, prompting many HNWIs to seek stability elsewhere. Nigeria, similarly, faces severe challenges, including religious tensions, high crime rates, and currency instability. These issues create an environment of uncertainty and insecurity, pushing wealthy individuals to consider relocation. The appeal of the UAE The UAE, particularly Dubai, offers an attractive alternative with its: Tax benefits: The absence of personal income tax and favorable corporate tax regimes make the UAE a financially appealing destination. Business opportunities: With excellent connectivity and a thriving business ecosystem, the UAE provides lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. Quality of life: High standards of living, safety, and luxury amenities enhance the overall appeal. Economic impact of millionaire migration The departure of millionaires is a significant blow to African economies. HNWIs not only contribute substantial tax revenue but also drive economic activities through investments and spending. Their migration results in a loss of foreign exchange and can deter further investments, leading to a vicious cycle of economic decline. Advertisement Smuggling of gold from Africa to UAE Beyond human capital, Africa is also witnessing a substantial outflow of its natural wealth, particularly gold. According to a recent report by Swissaid, an estimated $23.7 billion to $35 billion worth of gold is smuggled out of Africa annually, primarily ending up in the UAE for processing. Between 2012 and 2022, over 435 tons of gold were illicitly exported from Africa. This trade undermines economic stability by fueling conflicts, financing criminal networks, and facilitating money laundering. Mali, Ghana, and Zimbabwe are notable sources of this informal trade, which deprives these nations of significant tax revenues and perpetuates a cycle of economic hardship. Advertisement Why is gold smuggled out of Africa? Several factors drive the smuggling of gold out of Africa: Tax evasion: Informal miners can fetch better prices on the black market compared to official channels, leading to undeclared gold exports to avoid taxes. Regulatory loopholes: Limited regulation and oversight in African countries make it easier for smuggling operations to thrive. Funding for conflicts: Several militant groups involved in conflicts in African nations use the money generated from illicit gold exports to fund their activities. Operations involving child labour: For gold mining operations that involve child labour, selling through official channels is difficult. As such, smuggling it is quite profitable. Advertisement The role of Dubai in gold trade Dubais strategic location and status as a major trade hub make it a prime destination for gold smuggling. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has positioned itself as a global leader in gold trading, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and high demand for gold. The UAEs regulatory environment, marked by relaxed import laws and minimal oversight, further facilitates the entry of smuggled gold. The lack of stringent documentation requirements allows gold to be traded quickly and discreetly, making Dubai an appealing market for international buyers. With inputs from agencies In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists have discovered microplastics in the human penis. The study found microplastics in five out of six penile tissue samples, raising concerns about the impact on male sexual health read more Miscroplastics have been found in human penis for the first time. AFP Microplastics are a modern-day bane and they are everywhere. Now in an alarming revelation, scientists have found microplastics present in human penile tissue for the first time, raising crucial questions about the potential impact on male reproductive health, especially erectile dysfunction. This is not the first time microplastics have been found in private parts. Earlier, a study found a significant concentration of microplastics in human testicles and semen. All this only adds to the growing body of evidence showing how pervasive these tiny plastics have become. The researchers published their latest groundbreaking findings in the International Journal of Impotence Research. Heres what we know about it Advertisement The study The team of researchers first extracted tissue samples from six men who underwent surgery for a prosthesis related to erectile dysfunction at the University of Miami between August and September 2023. After analysing the samples using chemical imaging, scientists found microplastics in as many as five samples. Seven types of microplastics were found in the penile tissue, with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene being the most prevalent, the researchers said. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in food packaging such as plastic bottles and takeout containers whereas polypropylene is commonly found in plastic bottle caps. According to the study, the microplastics were as small as two micrometres - or two-thousandths of a millimetre. Of the six, the man who didnt have any detectable microplastics in his penis leads a very traditional, Cuban guy elderly lifestyle, Dr Ranjith Ramasamy, who headed the research, told Business Insider. He said he doesnt use a lot of plastics. Ramasamy explained to CNN that he wasnt surprised to find microplastics in the penis, as it is a very vascular organ, like the heart. The research team had taken a previous study that found evidence of microplastics in the human heart as a basis for their study. Despite having a small sample size, the study raises questions about the effect of pollutants on sexual health. Advertisement Can it lead to erectile dysfunction? Microplastics, which are plastics smaller than five millimetres (0.2 inches) in length, have been entering the human body through various means such as the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and even through physical contact. Evidence suggests widespread contamination of human bodies with microplastics, with scientists finding them almost everywhere they look. However, the human penis might be particularly susceptible due to high blood flow during erections, according to a study. Scientists suspect the dilation of blood vessels during an erection may create an environment where circulating microplastics may interact and accumulate within the penile tissue. Nonetheless, Ramasamy emphasised the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms involved. Advertisement We need to identify whether microplastics are linked to erectile dysfunctions and if there is a level beyond which it causes pathology and what types of microplastics are pathologic, he told CNN. The researchers said the pervasive spread of microplastics was alarming and it was imperative to understand the possible implications for human health. As a society, we need to be cognizant that drinking water from plastic water bottles, getting takeout food in plastic containers and, even worse, microwaving food in plastic containers, are contributing to having things in our body that should not be there. And the penis is the one organ that everybody will pay attention to, Ramasamy told The Guardian. Advertisement With input from agencies The state government said that 26 of those who got affected consumed arrack from packets. The forensic team has also confirmed that the liquor had traces of toxic methanol read more Most of the victims were from the Karunapuram area. PTI Over 30 people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Tamil Nadus Kallakurichi district. Officials say that the death toll is likely to increase. Meanwhile, 68 others who drank the same toxic liquor over the past few days, have been hospitalised and 18 of the victims have been moved to JIPMER in Puducherry and six to the Medical College and Hospital in Salem. The incident has invoked a reaction from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as well as the Opposition in the state. Advertisement Stomach pain, hearing loss and more Families have recalled the symptoms that the victims experienced moments before they died. A mother who lost her son in the unfortunate incident said, He complained of severe stomach ache and difficulty to open his eyes. He said he had consumed arrack. Initially, the hospital refused to admit him, saying hes drunk. The state government should shut all liquor shops. Most of the victims were from the Karunapuram area. Another woman whose son died after drinking the toxic liquor told NDTV, My son suffered excruciating stomach pain. He could neither see nor hear. This shouldnt happen to anyone. Stop selling liquor. The state government said that 26 of those who got affected consumed arrack from packets. The forensic team has also confirmed that the liquor had traces of toxic methanol. MK Stalin reacts In a tweet on X, Stalin wrote, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of people who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi. Those involved in the crime have been arrested in this matter. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. The chief minister added that strict action will be taken against those involved in selling and distributing the illicit liquor. He also sought information from the public to identify anyone who was involved in the sale of such liquor. Advertisement TN govt, police swing into action According to NDTV, the police have arrested three people connected to the case while they try to determine exactly what was consumed by the victims. The state government has also arrested a man named K Kannukutti who was found possessing 200 litres of illegal liquor containing methanol. Meanwhile, Stalin suspended district police chief Samay Singh Meena over negligence and replaced him with Rajat Chaturvedi. The district collector has also been replaced. The chief minister has also rushed the state health minister to ensure that the best medical treatment is provided to the affected people. Stalin has also ordered a Crime Branch-CBI investigation into the matter. Advertisement Opposition blames state govt BJP Tamil Nadu Chief K Annamalai said, Deeply saddened by the tragic death of 35 invaluable lives after consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi. On behalf of BJP Tamil Nadu, we will be visiting Kallakurichi to share the sorrows of the families who have lost their dear ones in this dreaded incident." He also demanded that the Prohibition Minister of Tamil Nadu must be sacked owing to his irresponsibility. We request the Chief Minister to ponder if he has the righteousness to continue in his position after the gruesome death of over 60 lives due to illicit liquor in the last 2 years, Annamalai said. A report by Henley & Partners said India has remained one of the top countries for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) departures across the world read more A whopping 4,300 millionaires are expected to leave India by this year, revealed a report by international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partners. As per the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024, India has remained one of the top nations for high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) departures across the world. In 2023, 5,1000 millionaires left the country. But, why are these millionaires leaving India? The report said that there can be multiple factors for which millionaires relocate. This could include safety, financial considerations, tax benefits, retirement prospects, business opportunities, favorable lifestyles, educational opportunities for children, healthcare systems, and overall quality of life. Advertisement According to Dr. Hannah White OBE, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government in London, economic and political stability are in retaining HNWIs. Where do these millionaires migrate to from India? The top most preferred destination for Indian millionaires is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). India continues to lose large numbers of millionaires, especially to the UAE, the report said. It further said that in 2024, the UAE is expected to attract a record net inflow of 6,700 wealthy migrants. Why so? Millionaires are likely to get lured by the UAEs zero income tax policy, luxurious lifestyle, strategic location and gold visa programs. The evolution and development of the UAEs wealth management ecosystem is unprecedented. In less than five years, the UAE has introduced a robust regulatory framework that provides the wealthy with a range of innovative solutions to protect, preserve, and enhance their wealth, a report by Economic Times quoted Sunita Singh-Dalal, Partner at Hourani in Dubai, as saying. Is it a worrying situation? The migration of millionaires tends to leave a significant impact on a country which they leave. The ET report quoted Andrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth, as saying that the migrating millionaires are a vital source of forex revenue, it is so because they tend to bring their money with them when they move to a country. Around 20 per cent of them are entrepreneurs and company founders who may start new businesses and therefore, create local jobs in their new country. This percentage rises to over 60 per cent for centi-millionaires and billionaires, Amoils added. Advertisement However, the report by Henley & Partners said that though India loses thousands of millionaires each year, concerns over the outflows may well be mitigated as with wealth growth of 85 per cent over the past decade, the country continues to produce far more new HNWIs than it loses to emigration. Which other countries may see millionaires moving out? Other significant outflows are expected from China, the UK, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Nigeria. Each country faces unique challenges that influence their millionaire migration patterns. Global migration In 2024, an unprecedented 128,000 of the worlds millionaires are projected to migrate to a new country, with the UAE and the USA topping the list of destinations. This is more than the previous record of 120,000 set in 2023. Advertisement This great millionaire migration signals a profound shift in the global landscape, with far-reaching implications for both the countries they leave and those they move to, Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, said. Other top destinations for migrating millionaires include the United States, Singapore, Canada, and Australia. These nations are expected to witness a remarkable increase in net inflows of wealthy individuals, benefiting from the economic contributions and job creation that HNWIs often bring, the Henley & Partners report said. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order on a bunch of petitions that had opposed the legislation brought by the Nitish Kumar government in November 2023 read more In what could prove a major setback to the government of Bihar, the Patna High Court on Thursday scrapped the state governments 2023 reservation hike for Dalit, backward classes and tribals in government jobs and educational institutions. The Government of Bihar hiked the reservation for all backward classes from 50 per cent to 65 per cent last year. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order on a bunch of petitions that had opposed the legislation brought by the Nitish Kumar government in November 2023. Advertisement Why was the reservation hike scrapped? The order was struck down by the court which said that it violated the equality clause under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution. The petitioners had challenged the constitutional validity of the amendments made to the existing reservation laws in the state. Ritika Rani, one of the counsels appearing for the petitioners, said, We had submitted that the amendments to the reservation laws were violative of the Constitution. After hearing both sides, the court had reserved its judgment in March. Today the final order has come and our petitions have been allowed, she told PTI. All about the reservation hike The Bihar government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on November 10 2023 hiked the caste-based quota by 15 per cent by clearing two bills, a move that was viewed to appease the minority for the Lok Sabha elections. The two bills called the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services Amendment Bill and the Bihar Reservation (Admission In Educational Institutions) Amendment Bill were passed unanimously after the government reportedly held a detailed analysis of the states landmark caste census. The survey shed light on the socio-economic condition of the minority in the state and indicated that marginalised classes were worse off than general classes. Advertisement By hiking the reservation, Bihar joined a list of other Indian states like Tamil Nadu to increase caste-based quota exceeding the 50 per cent mark. The caste survey has provided us with a comprehensive data. We will use it to introduce more measures for the uplift of socially, educationally and economically backward sections of society. I will be glad if the Centre, too, agrees to a caste census and raises reservations across the country, Nitish Kumar, who was part of the opposition alliance at the time, had said. The Enforcement Directorate requested the Delhis Rouse Avenue Court to grant them 48 hours to accept Arvind Kejriwals bail bonds so that order can be challenged in the higher court read more Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail on Thursday in a money laundering case linked to a now-scrapped excise policy. Vacation Judge Niyay Bindu of Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order after hearing Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over two days. Kejriwal has been asked to furnish a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh. Your browser does not support the video tag. First reaction of Arvind Kejriwals legal team to CNN News18 The ED, meanwhile, requested the court to grant the agency 48 hours to accept bail bonds so that order can be challenged in the higher court. Advertisement However, the judge refused to stay the order and said that the bail bond is to be produced before the duty judge on Friday. During the two days hearing, the ED alleged that kickbacks received from liquor sellers were used to fund the electoral campaigns of AAP in Goa and Kejriwal being the National Convenor of the party was both personally and vicariously liable for the offence of money laundering. The probe agency said that on November 7, 2021, during the Assembly poll campaign in Goa, Kejriwal stayed at the Grand Hyatt hotel, with the bill paid by Chanpreet Singh, who is alleged to have managed the AAP funds in the coastal state. Rs 1 lakh was paid in two instalments (to the hotel). It was paid by Chanpreet Singh (co-accused) from his bank account. Chanpreet is the person who received Rs 45 crore from different Angadiyas (couriers), the ED told the court opposing Kejriwals bail plea. Kejriwal was represented by Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhary who said that the entire case against the Delhi CM rests on statements. The statements are of those people who have confessed to being guilty. They are not saints here. They are those who are not only tainted, but it appears that some who were arrested were given a promise of bail and promise of being granted pardon. Approvers. And there is another category who have not been arrested, Kejriwals counsel said. Advertisement ED to move Delhi High Court on Friday Sources to News18 said the ED will move the Delhi High Court on Friday morning to challenge Kejriwals bail order. The order of the duty magistrate is surprising. The Ed will move the high court first thing in the morning. Ed will ask the court to put a stay on the order, the sources said. The ED arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Kejriwal on March 21 on allegations that he was part of a conspiracy to intentionally leave loopholes in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22, to benefit certain liquor sellers. In May, the Delhi CM was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court till June 1 to campaign for his party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He surrendered on June 2. Advertisement With inputs from agencies French journalist Sebastien Farcis on Thursday claimed that he was forced to leave India after the Union Home Ministry refused to renew his permit. read more French journalist Sebastien Farcis on Thursday claimed that he was forced to leave India after the Union Home Ministry refused to renew his permit. After 13 years working as a correspondent in India, the authorities have denied me a permit to work as a journalist. I have thus been forced to leave the country, Fracis said on X. Farcis was the South Asia correspondent for Radio France Internationale, Radio France, Liberation and the Swiss and Belgian public radios. Advertisement On June 17, I was forced to leave India, a country where I had lived and worked as a journalist for 13 years, as a South Asia correspondent for Radio France Internationale, Radio France, Liberation and the Swiss and Belgian public radios, Farcis said in a post on X on Thursday. After 13 years working as a correspondent in India, the authorities have denied me a permit to work as a journalist. I have thus been forced to leave the country. Here is my statement. pic.twitter.com/m52Q4ABsRk Sebastien Farcis (@sebfarcis) June 20, 2024 In February, French journalist Vanessa Dougnac left India after the government revoked her Overseas Citizen of India card. Farcis said he had been working in India as a journalist since 2011 and had obtained all the necessary visas and accreditations. I have never worked in restricted or protected areas without a permit. On several occasions, the MHA even granted me permits to report from border areas, he said in a statement posted on X. With 36 casualties, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of heatwave deaths in the country, followed by Bihar (17), and Rajasthan (16) read more A man sprays cold water on his face from a water jar on a hot summer day in Ahmedabad. Source: REUTERS At least 110 have died of heatwave between March 1 and June 18 this year and more than 40,000 people grappled with suspected heatstroke this summer, the Union Health Ministry said. A report by PTI quoted sources in the health ministry as saying that with 36 heatstroke deaths, Uttar Pradesh is the worst-affected. Bihar reported 17 deaths, while Rajasthan saw 16 casualties, as per the the data compiled under the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Advertisement The data visible may not be final submission from states. So the numbers are expected to be higher than this, the official source was quoted as saying. As per the data, on June 18 alone there were six deaths due to heatstroke. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh which reported the highest number of heatstroke cases - 10,636, logged only five confirmed deaths, a report by The Indian Express quoted sources as saying. Till May end, there were only 56 confirmed heatstroke deaths and 24,849 cases across the country, the report added. Most parts of northern and eastern India have been reeling under intense long heat, increasing heat stroke casualties. On Wednesday (June 19), Union Health Minister JP Nadda held a review meeting on the heatwave situation in the country, after which guidelines for heatwave were reiterated by Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goel to the states. Nadda also directed that special heatwave units must be set up in all central government hospitals to cater to those falling ill due to the heat. He even asked officials to ensure all hospitals are prepared for providing the best healthcare to the affected An advisory for the State Health Department on Heat Wave Season 2024 was also issued by the health ministry. The country may observe above normal seasonal maximum temperatures in-line with the observed trend of summertime temperatures. To reduce health impacts of extreme heat, health departments must ensure preparedness and timely response, the health ministry said. Advertisement Through the advisory, state nodal officers under the National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) have been asked to start submitting daily the data on heatstroke cases and deaths and total deaths from March 1 besides reporting under Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance. With inputs from PTI The Bank for International Settlements locational banking statistics, which have previously been regarded by Swiss and Indian authorities as a more accurate indicator of the amount of money that Indian citizens deposit in Swiss banks, revealed a nearly 25% decrease in these funds in 2023 to USD 70.6 million (Rs 663 crore) read more After reaching a 14-year high of CHF 3.83 billion in 2021, the total amount of money that Indian clients had with Swiss banks decreased for the second year in a row Image Courtesy AP According to yearly figures released today by Switzerlands central bank, funds held by Indian individuals and businesses in Swiss banks, including through local branches and other financial institutions, experienced a steep decline of 70% in 2023, reaching a four-year low of 1.04 billion Swiss Francs (Rs 9,771 crore). After reaching a 14-year high of CHF 3.83 billion in 2021, the total amount of money that Indian clients had with Swiss banks decreased for the second year in a row. This decline was primarily caused by a substantial decline in the amount of money that clients kept in bonds, securities, and other financial instruments. Advertisement Additionally, the statistics indicated a considerable fall in the amount kept in client deposit accounts and cash maintained through other bank branches in India. These are official numbers provided by banks to the Swiss National Bank (SNB); they do not represent the amount of the much-discussed black money that Indians in Switzerland are allegedly holding. Additionally, the money that Indians, NRIs, or other individuals may have in Swiss banks under the names of third-country businesses is not included in these figures. The SNB classified the sum of CHF 1,039.8 million as the total liabilities of Swiss banks or amounts due to their Indian clients at the end of 2023. This included CHF 310 million in customer deposits (which had decreased from CHF 394 million at the end of 2022), CHF 427 million held by other banks (which had decreased from CHF 1,110 million), CHF 10 million through fiduciaries or trusts (which had decreased from CHF 24 million), and CHF 302 million as other amounts due to customers in form of bonds, securities and various other financial instruments (which had decreased from CHF 1,896 million). According to SNB data, the total amount reached a record high of around 6.5 billion Swiss francs in 2006. Since then, it has primarily been declining, with a few exceptions, including 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020, and 2021. While customer deposits decreased significantly in 2020, all four components showed a reduction in 2019, and in 2021, all categories witnessed an increase. Only the fiduciaries segment experienced growth in 2022. The SNB claims that all Indian customers deposits with Swiss banks, including those from individuals, banks, and businesses, are included in its data on the total liabilities of Swiss banks to their clients. Data for Swiss bank branches in India is included in this. Advertisement However, the Bank for International Settlements locational banking statistics, which have previously been regarded by Swiss and Indian authorities as a more accurate indicator of the amount of money that Indian citizens deposit in Swiss banks, revealed a nearly 25% decrease in these funds in 2023 to USD 70.6 million (Rs 663 crore). After increasing by almost 39% in 2020, it had decreased by 18% in 2022 and by more than 8% in 2021. This number, which includes deposits and loans from Indian non-bank customers of Swiss-domiciled banks, increased by 7% in 2019 following declines of 11% in 2018 and 44% in 2017. Advertisement It reached a peak at the end of 2007 of more than USD 2.3 billion (more than 9,000 crore). Indian residents assets in Switzerland have never been deemed black money, according to Swiss authorities, who also actively assist India in combating tax evasion and fraud. Since 2018, Switzerland and India have begun exchanging automated tax-related information. According to this structure, Indian tax authorities received comprehensive financial data on all Indian citizens who have accounts with Swiss financial institutions since 2018 for the first time in September 2019 and this is being done annually since then. Furthermore, following the submission of prima facie evidence, Switzerland has been actively disclosing information regarding accounts of Indians who are suspected of engaging in financial misconduct. This kind of information sharing has occurred in hundreds of cases thus far. Advertisement From CHF 1.15 trillion at the end of 2022 to CHF 983 billion (more than 92 lakh crore) in 2023, the total amount of funds held by foreign clients, including institutions, decreased. Indian clients made up CHF 1.46 million in assets at the end of 2023, a 63% decrease from the year before and the lowest amount in more than 20 years. This comprised approximately CHF 188 million in dues from Indian clients, which increased from CHF 164 million at the end of 2022. With CHF 254 billion, the UK led the list of countries with foreign clients money in Swiss banks. The US came in second with CHF 71 billion, while France came in third with CHF 64 billion. Advertisement The West Indies, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Luxembourg, and Guernsey ranked among the next ten places, after these three. By the end of 2022, India had dropped from 46th to 67th rank. Bangladesh had a dramatic decline from CHF 55 million to CHF 18 million, while Pakistan also suffered a decline, down to CHF 286 million (from CHF 388 million). Similar to India, the topic of purported black money in Swiss banks has been a contentious political issue in the two neighboring nations. PM Modi has chosen a different venue for each of his Yoga Day celebrations since 2015. This time, he will be doing yoga on Friday on the banks of the Dal Lake, the famous tourist attraction in Kashmir. But why did he choose Srinagar as his Yoga Day venue? read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Srinagar to celebrate Yoga Day, keeping up with the tradition of choosing a different venue every year since he began organising public events on the day in 2015. This also comes in the series of state visits Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar and now Jammu and Kashmir by Modi after his reelection in Indias national polls held during April-June. About 7,000 people are likely to participate in the Dal Lake event of Modi to mark the 10th International Yoga Day, according to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. There seems to be a bigger message that the prime minister and his government want to send by this Yoga Day event in Srinagar. Advertisement Personal connect with Kashmiri people Sinha has said the choice of Srinagar as the venue was guided by the prime ministers special connection with Jammu and Kashmir. He said the people of the Union Territory have reciprocated Modis special bonding with the region, citing his public meeting at Bakshi stadium in March this year. I dont believe theres a distance between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and PM Modi. Three months ago when he gave a speech at Bakshi stadium, a sea of people came to witness the historic moment. This proves that the people are equally attached with PM Modi, he said. If some people believe that there is a distance between the people and the PM, then its their problem. Our PM remains in touch with locals here through different mediums. When a weaver does something extraordinary, when youth initiate something new, our PM appreciates them, Sinha said. Modi looks keen on sending the message of personal bonding with Kashmir again. Amarnath Yatra, a cultural message Amarnath Yatra has long represented the harmonious nature of the Kashmiri society. However, it has not been held regularly in the past few years. The schedule has been announced for the annual pilgrimage June 29 to August 19. The yatra has either been cancelled or curtailed since 2018. This year, it is expected to run the full course. Advertisement The yatra came under the scanner after recent incidents of terror in Jammu and Kashmir. Four terror incidents were reported from the Union Territory in two days of Modi taking oath as the prime minister for the third consecutive time. Following the incidents, his government responded with stronger measures to track down terror modules in both Jammu and Kashmir regions. The choice of Srinagar, in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, for a symbolic event appears to be a message from the Modi government that the prime minister is focused on bringing normalcy back to the Union Territory, which has not had its elected government since June 2018. Advertisement We have made special arrangements for Amarnath Yatra also. Muharram is also approaching and we will make sure that everything is in place, said Sinha. Confidence building ahead of election Modis Srinagar visit for the Yoga Day comes close on the heels of the parliamentary election and ahead of the likely Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, for which the Election Commission of India has begun the process. Three days after it announced the Lok Sabha election results, the poll panel invited applications from the political parties for the allocation of election symbols for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls. This marks the beginning of an election process. Advertisement Jammu and Kashmir saw a voter turnout of about 59 per cent the highest in 35 years in the parliamentary polls. Though Modis party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), didnt win a seat from the Kashmir region while it dominated the Jammu region, the prime ministers choice of the Yoga Day venue is aimed at sending an affirmative message to the Valley that has seen Pakistan-backed terrorism with the objective of discrediting Indias electoral processes. A message to Pakistan and also China Coming against the backdrop of a spurt in terror incidents, for which India has blamed Pakistani establishment and terror groups operating from Pakistans soil, Modis Srinagar Yoga Day event is an affirmation of Indias position that Jammu and Kashmir lies at the core of its territorial integrity. This assumes significance in the view of Pakistans stated objective of securing separation of Jammu and Kashmir through a policy of, what one of its former military chief and president called, bleed India with a thousand cuts. Advertisement China has traditionally supported Pakistan in its Kashmir policy. In recent times, its activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have intensified in close cooperation with the Pakistan Army. This change is significant against the backdrop of how India and China faced-off one another in eastern Ladakh. Thousands of troops continue to be deployed from both sides in the high mountain ranges, with several rounds of talks have failed to bring back normalcy as it existed before June 2020, when the first bloodied clash happened in 45 years. India lost its 20 soldiers in a non-gunfire clash in the Galwan Valley. China never disclosed casualties on its side. Chinas aggression in Ladakh was reportedly a reaction to infrastructure building by India in the region. Modis Srinagar visit is an apparent message to the pairing of China and Pakistan as they covet different parts of the northern Indian territories. Another message to the world While the immediate message could be aimed at Pakistan and China, Modis Srinagar visit for a grand public event on the banks of the famous Dal lake is also being interpreted as a message to the world at large. Given its history and geostrategic place, Kashmir always attracts global attention. India has been consistent in sending a message that Jammu and Kashmir remains strongly democratic in stark contrast to a compromised democracy in Pakistan and an autocratic communist regime in China. The record voter turnout in the parliamentary election makes it all the more significant for the Modi government to keep the mood upbeat in Jammu and Kashmir, where terror groups are making fresh attempts to dampen it ahead of the Assembly polls. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Sri Lanka on his first bilateral tour under Modi 3.0, reaffirming how Indias Neighbourhood First policy under PM Modi has been consistent read more Foreign dignitaries at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi for the third consecutive term. Leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, Seychelles, Nepal, and Mauritius were in attendance. PTI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Sri Lanka for his first bilateral meeting since the third Narendra Modi government was sworn in earlier this month as India looks to reinforce its Neighbourhood First policy. Though Jaishankars first foreign engagement under Modi 3.0 was his recent visit to Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod for BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), his visit to Indias closest maritime neighbour Sri Lanka is his first bilateral engagement under Prime Minister Narendra Modis third term. Advertisement Reaffirming Indias Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines Indias continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time-tested friend. The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors, said External Affairs Ministry in a statement ahead of Jaishankars visit. Emphasis on Neighbourhood First policy Historically, Indias relationships with its neighbouring countries have been crucial to its geopolitical strategy and economic growth. However, over the years, these relationships have faced challenges ranging from border disputes to economic competition. PM Modis emphasis on the Neighbourhood First policy marks a significant shift towards proactive diplomacy and economic integration. This has been reflective in his successive terms as he has reached out to his neighbours with a renewed focus every time he took the top job. PM Modis decision to travel to Bhutan in June 2014 marked his inaugural official foreign trip as Prime Minister, underscoring his governments commitment to revitalising Indias foreign policy priorities, particularly with its neighboring. He also made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister in 17 years to visit Kathmandu for a bilateral summit, where his address to Nepals Parliament received widespread acclaim. Meanwhile, then-External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj embarked on her first official standalone visit to Bangladesh, following her accompanying Prime Minister Modi to Bhutan. She also undertook diplomatic visits to Nepal and Myanmar. Jaishankars visit to Sri Lanka today, his first bilateral assignment at the beginning of PM Modis third term, is yet another example of how India is committed to push its First Neighbourhood policy. A year into his term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave one of the biggest surprises in Indias diplomatic history, when he chose to have a stopover at Lahore to personally wish his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his 66th birthday and also attend his granddaughters wedding at his palatial house at Raiwind. Advertisement After his visit, the relations between India and Pakistan had started to look positive after a chill of several months. Soon after the surprise visit, the Pathankot Air Force station was attacked on January 2. In a gunbattle with security forces, four militants, who allegedly entered the area in army fatigues, were gunned down. The Indian Air Force lost three of its personnel. United Jihad Council claimed responsibility for the attack. India later nailed ISIs hand in the attack, while Pakistan denied the accusations. The attack again soured the relationship between the two countries. Thereafter several developments, including the arrest of alleged Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Yadav, the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter in Kashmir, Uri attack and a subsequent air-strikes by India on a Jaish camp in Pakistans Balakot just could not get the relationship back on track. India has refused to begin dialogue with Pakistan since the Uri attack, insisting that cross-border terror has to stop first. Advertisement So far as China is concerned, tensions between the two countries increased dramatically after a clash along their disputed border in 2020. Despite more than a dozen rounds of talks since then, there has been no resolution and only minor progress. Swearing-in invites say a lot The fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords highest priority to the Neighbourhood First policy was very much reflective in his invites to leaders of neighbouring countries for his swearing-in ceremony as he took oath as the Prime Minister for the third time, a feat achieved only by the first Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru. The high-profile event was attended by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Advertisement Muizzu inclusion as an invitee surprised diplomatic circles in view of the currently strained ties between New Delhi and Male. However, Muizzu was on his first visit to New Delhi since coming to power in November last year on the back of an India Out campaign and taking a range of steps to move the Maldives closer to China in areas ranging from defence to trade. Within hours of taking oath, Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives to operate three aircraft used for humanitarian missions. India completed the process of replacing the military personnel with civilian experts last month. Advertisement Despite these anti-India measures, Muizzu was welcomed with open arms with the Ministry of External Affairs saying India and Maldives are maritime partners and close neighbours. While accepting the invitation, Muizzu too said that he looked forward to working with PM Modi to strengthen relations with India and noted that bilateral ties are heading in the positive direction, as would be demonstrated by this visit. After the ceremony, PM Modi met the visiting leaders at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reiterating Indias dedication to its Neighbourhood First policy and the SAGAR vision, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. In his third term, PM Modi affirmed Indias ongoing commitment to fostering peace, progress, and prosperity in collaboration with regional partners, alongside its pursuit of a developed India by 2047. PM Modi advocated for strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing regional connectivity. He also emphasised Indias role in amplifying the voice of the Global South on the global stage. Even as India now has a growing clout in the world, PM Modi could have easily chosen to invite superpowers to the swearing-in ceremony. First term, first priority In 2014, when Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister, he had a clear vision of giving Indias relationship with its neighbours a fillip. Even then he had invited the leaders of the eight member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) along with Mauritius for his swearing-in, a first-of-its-kind initiative. In 2019, leaders of the members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) as well as Mauritius and Kyrgyzstan were the guests at his inauguration. In his address to the nation on Independence Day during his first term, PM Modi reached out to the SAARC countries and urged them to join the battle against problems that go beyond borders the challenge of poverty and development. Indias foreign policy has many facets, said Modi, But I want to focus on our relations with our neighbours in my speech," he told the audience at the Red Fort that included more than 140 diplomats who were provided a live translation of the speech over headphones for the first time. PM Modi said the SAARC region had a common history relating to the freedom movement. Our common forefathers fought for freedom together. If without weapons or resources we could defeat a powerful sultanate (British rule), cant we win against poverty together? Though PM Modi did not elaborate on how he planned to take his vision forward, but his speech marked a new beginning in Indias relations with its neighbours. With inputs from agencies The NEET controversy has snowballed into a political war between the ruling BJP and the Opposition with the Congress blaming the saffron party for not taking enough action to address the issues of aspirants read more Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday slammed the central government over the NEET-NET row that has prompted students to take to the streets after the National Test Agency cancelled the UGC-NET exam amid alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exams. The NEET controversy has snowballed into a political war between the ruling BJP and the Opposition with the Congress blaming the saffron party for not taking enough action to address the issues of aspirants. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Central government on Wednesday cancelled the National Eligibility Test (NET) to ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process. The exams were held on June 18 (Tuesday) in two shifts across the country. Heres what Congress MP from Rae Barelli Rahul Gandhi said during a press conference: As India looks to enhance its own examination systems, the gaokaos journey in China offers invaluable lessons read more Parents walk their children to attend the annual national college entrance exam also known as Gaokao as it rains in Beijing, Friday, on 7 June, 2024. AP This year, over 13 million teenagers across China undertook the gaokao, the college entrance exam that spans two to four days, depending on subjects. The gaokao is renowned for its intensity and its potential to shape students futures significantly. Origins and evolution of Gaokao According to Xinhua, Chinas first unified matriculation exam was held in 1952. The Cultural Revolution led to a decade-long suspension of the gaokao, significantly diminishing educational quality and leading to a shortage of skilled professionals. Deng Xiaoping reinstated the gaokao in 1977, introducing a merit-based system that fueled Chinas economic reforms. From 1977 to 2021, the gaokao enabled about 140 million students to enter higher education, becoming a cornerstone of Chinas economic growth. Advertisement Unfair means were rampant at gaokao A report from China Daily revealed that in June 2015, a journalist from Southern Metropolis Daily in Guangzhou went undercover to expose a gang in Jiangxi province that was orchestrating the gaokao scam, using impostors to take the exam on behalf of other candidates. The journalist who blew the whistle on the scam recommended implementing more stringent technological safeguards to prevent cheating. While technology can enhance the verification process, gangs like the one in Jiangxi often evade high-tech measures. Therefore, it was crucial to stop gang members from colluding with officials who control the exam and admission processes, as these officials involvement is essential for fake candidates to secure admit cards. Additionally, strict scrutiny by exam supervisors is necessary to ensure that impostors cannot gain entry to the exam halls. In 2014, authorities in Henan province uncovered that 127 candidates had hired others to take the gaokao for them. The investigation revealed that a criminal agency had bribed some exam supervisors and employed college students from Wuhan, Hubei, to take the exam for Henan candidates. This incident highlighted that preventing gaokao cheating hinges more on vigilance over individuals than on advanced technology. How China continues to clean up gaokao The Gaokao, Chinas National College Entrance Examination is distinguished by its stringent anti-corruption measures and commitment to fairness. Recognising the exams significance while most students prepare rigorously some might resort to dishonest methods to secure high scores. Advertisement Key to its integrity are advanced technologies such as biometric verification and surveillance systems. Students must undergo biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial recognition, before entering the exam hall, effectively preventing impersonation. Surveillance cameras are strategically placed throughout the centres, actively monitoring for any signs of cheating. Additionally, some centres employ electronic jammers to block unauthorised signals, thwarting the use of electronic devices for cheating. The security of the exam papers is rigorously maintained with strict protocols in place. Exam papers are considered state secrets and are transported under police escort with high-tech security measures like facial recognition, smart security doors and drones in place to prevent fraud ensuring a level playing field. Advertisement These papers remain sealed and tamper-proof until opened in front of students at the start of the exam. The penalties for cheating are severe, with offenders, including students, parents and staff, facing bans on retaking the exam, criminal charges and substantial fines, acting as a strong deterrent against corruption. The Gaokaos administration is also robust, with trained invigilators who are vigilant in maintaining exam integrity. Invigilators are responsible for preventing cheating and students are assigned seats randomly on exam day to avoid any pre-planned collusion. This random seating ensures that students cannot arrange to sit near accomplices. The grading process is designed to be transparent and fair with multiple review stages to ensure accuracy and impartiality. Detailed guidelines for students and invigilators help minimise misunderstandings and ensure adherence to rules. A transparent grievance redressal system allows students to appeal against perceived grading errors or unfairness, upholding trust in the examination process. Advertisement Public education campaigns emphasise the importance of integrity, highlighting the severe consequences of cheating, thereby promoting a culture of honesty. These comprehensive measures have created a robust framework for the Gaokao, significantly reducing corruption risks and ensuring a fair examination process. Lessons for India India could benefit from the gaokaos approach to exam integrity by adopting advanced technologies, stringent security measures and severe penalties for cheating. Promoting transparency, fairness and accountability through thorough training for invigilators and effective grievance mechanisms can enhance the credibility of Indias entrance exams. Public campaigns emphasising honesty in exams could further cultivate a culture of integrity among students and parents. In Srinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the people that the day was approaching when Jammu and Kashmir would regain its statehood status read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Assembly elections would be held soon in Jammu and Kashmir and plans are underway to restore statehood to the union territory in the near future. In his first visit to the valley after becoming the prime minister for the third consecutive term, Modi emphasised the importance of enabling the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect their representatives for the Assembly. In his address at a gathering at SKICC Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K, he commended the people for their active participation in the Lok Sabha elections and expressed the need for them to choose their local leaders through upcoming Assembly elections. Advertisement The people of Jammu and Kashmir participated in Lok Sabha elections in large numbers and broke the record of the past 35 years. You deserve to be felicitated for it Now time has come that people of Jammu and Kashmir chose their own local representatives. For that, preparations are being made for holding Assembly elections, he said. Furthermore, Modi assured the people that the day was approaching when Jammu and Kashmir would regain its statehood status. He noted the role of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this strengthening of democracy. We are witnessing Atal jis vision of Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat aur Kashmiriyat, turning into a reality today, he said. Mentioning the record voter turnout in the recent elections, the prime minister praised the trust of the people in democracy. I have come to express my thanks for your efforts for keeping the flag of democracy high, he said. The Supreme Court in a judgement earlier this year had given time till September 30 to the Centre for holding Assembly elections in the union territory. The prime minister as well as Home Minister Amit Shah have said in Parliament that the government was committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time. On the recent terror attacks in Jammu region, he condemned those seeking to disrupt the peace and development in the region, affirming the governments commitment to thwart such attempts. Advertisement The enemies of peace and humanity are not happy with the development in Jammu and Kashmir. There were some terror attacks recently. The Centre has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. The home minister held a meeting and reviewed the entire mechanism. I want to assure that we will leave no stone unturned to punish the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. The enemies of Jammu and Kashmir are making last ditch efforts to stop the development here and that peace is not established. But the new generation of Jammu and Kashmir will live in permanent peace. We will strengthen the path chosen by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he added. Advertisement Highlighting the governments efforts to promote peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi underscored the elimination of Article 370 and the implementation of the Constitution in the region. He criticised previous administrations for failing to uphold constitutional principles and pledged to empower the youth and women of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister credited his governments initiatives of last 10 years for transforming the discourse around Kashmir and improving the lives of its people. I am devoted myself with full dedication and honesty to ensure that a way out of the past generations miseries may be found. We are making all possible effort to remove all distances whether of the heart or of Delhi (Dil ya Dilli), Modi stressed. Advertisement He pointed to achievements such as granting voting rights to West Pakistan refugees and Valmiki samaj in local body elections, as well as boosting tourism and economic opportunities in the region. Modi emphasised the importance of accountability in utilising funds allocated for Jammu and Kashmirs development, ensuring that every resource contributes to the welfare of its people. As the international Yoga Day celebration approached, he anticipated a positive impact on tourism and livelihoods in the region. Referring to the G20 meeting held here last year, Modi said now people talk about record tourist arrivals which have provided livelihood opportunities to locals and improved the local economy. Advertisement The international Yoga Day which will be held here tomorrow will be another tourist attraction, he added. He said while money was being granted to Jammu and Kashmir by earlier governments as well, his government has ensured accountability. Today, every penny is being used for your development, he said. Modi reiterated his governments unwavering commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and inclusivity in Jammu and Kashmir, signalling a new era of progress for the region. Recalling his recent visit to Italy for the G7 Summit, Modi highlighted the impact of continuity of the government for three terms as it has changed the outlook of the world towards India. He also said that all time high aspirations of Indians are the nations biggest strength. He said that this high aspiration leads to high expectations from the government and in this backdrop, the third continuous term of the government is special as the only parameter of an aspirational society is performance. People have faith in the intentions and policies of the government, he added. Modi said the big message of peoples mandate in this Lok Sabha Elections is that of stability. He recalled the long phase of unstable governments in the last decade of the last century when the country witnessed 5 elections in 10 years resulting in development coming to a standstill. Leaving that phase behind, India has now entered a new phase of stable government leading to strengthening of democracy, he said. The government is already facing intense scrutiny over consecutive national examination controversies with the opposition going all out to corner the Centre read more Students during a protest against the Central government over the cancellation of UGC-NET 2024 exam, outside Lucknow University, in Lucknow, on 20 June, 2024. PTI The row over the cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 exam is rapidly escalating into turmoil in both political and academic fields. Following the cancellation after an alert from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, the government on Thursday handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation, or CBI. The cancellation of the exam has affected 11,21,225 candidates who took the exam in OMR mode on 18 June. The government is already facing intense scrutiny over consecutive national examination controversies with the opposition going all out to corner the Centre. Advertisement Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the cancellation of UGC-NET exam, a victory of the spirit of millions of students. " ", ! - - 1NEET, UGC-NET, CUET (Common University Entrance Test) , 2 NRA - pic.twitter.com/A1CQRFIOws Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 20, 2024 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Central governments gross inefficiency had undermined the credibility of important national-level examinations and jeopardised the future of lakhs of students. Earlier today, several members of the Congress-affiliated NSUI were on Thursday detained while protesting outside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans residence here against the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination. The Union education ministry late on Wednesday night ordered the cancellation of UGC-NET following inputs of the exams integrity being compromised. Members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) led by its national president Varun Choudhary gathered outside Pradhans residence and demanded a ban on the National Testing Agency (NTA) and a probe into the alleged incidents of paper leak. Advertisement The student leaders were seen raising slogans against the alleged corruption in the NTA and the perceived inaction by the education minister. In a symbolic display of corruption, Choudhary flung a bag full of counterfeit currency in the air and demanded an urgent probe into the matter. The protesters also demanded an investigation into the irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The hypocrisy of expecting developing countries to curb pollution without providing the necessary resources to transition to cleaner energy is an affront to these philosophical principles. Image: REUTERS In 2019, during the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, leaders from industrialised nations delivered impassioned speeches about the urgency of addressing climate change. Yet, behind closed doors, they continued to approve new fossil fuel projects and delay meaningful climate finance commitments. This dichotomy highlights a fundamental hypocrisy in global climate politics: The West often preaches sustainability but falls short in practice, prioritising economic interests over environmental imperatives. As the countdown to the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan this November continues, the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany concluded in a stalemate last week. Nations disagreed on the size and scope of loss and damage financing, representing a significant setback in global climate negotiations. The Bonn talks did not achieve meaningful progress on climate financing, underscoring a persistent issue: industrialised nations, which bear the greatest responsibility for the current climate crisis, resisted calls from Global South countries to compensate those who suffer the most but have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions. Advertisement Over a decade ago, developed nations pledged to mobilise $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries. This commitment, formalised under the Copenhagen Accord in 2009 and reiterated in the Paris Agreement, has not been met. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that climate finance reached only $79.6 billion in 2019. It was only in 2022 that developed countries provided and mobilised $115.9 billion in climate finance for developing countries. By the end of COP29, all parties must agree on a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to guide the provision of climate finance, intended to replace the $100 billion target after 2025. Progress on negotiating the NCQG has been slow. Disagreements persist on almost every aspect of the new target, including the amount of money to be provided, the sources of these funds, the recipients, and the specific forms of financial assistance. Current climate finance is grossly inadequate for the scale of action required. The $100 billion target for climate finance is laughably insufficient. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Gap Report 2021 estimates that the costs of adapting to climate change in developing countries could reach $140-300 billion per year by 2030, escalating to $280-500 billion per year by 2050. Furthermore, the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2021 report highlights that global climate finance flows reached a record $632 billion in 2019/2020. Despite this record, the funding falls significantly short of the $4.13 trillion annual investment required by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement targets, as estimated by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its Net Zero by 2050 report. Advertisement Now even these estimates are seen as low. As highlighted by the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance in their November 2022 report, emerging markets and developing countries (excluding China) are staring at a financial chasm. These nations must mobilise approximately $1 trillion annually by 2025, amounting to 4.1 per cent of their GDPdouble the 2.2 per cent spent in 2019. Fast forward to 2030, and the figure balloons to a staggering $2.4 trillion per year, or 6.5 per cent of GDP. This glaring disparity underscores the urgent need to recalibrate climate finance targets if we are to meet the colossal demands of climate adaptation and mitigation. Advertisement According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes AR6 Synthesis Report on Climate Change 2023, the 2018 UNFCCC biennial assessments and the IPCC 1.5C report estimated that global financial needs for achieving a 2C warming target are $1.7 trillion annually from 2020 to 2030-2035, and $2.4 trillion annually for the 1.5C target, specifically for the energy sector. The report concludes that global climate finance flows must increase by three to six times the current levels to meet the average annual financial requirements until 2030. This cannot happen in the absence of reforms in multilateral development banks (MDBs). A high-level expert group established by the G20 under Indias presidency has proposed a 30-point roadmap to reform multilateral development banks (MDBs) and triple their lending by 2030. The Independent Expert Group, led by former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Indias 15th Finance Commission Chairman NK Singh, emphasized urgent action to scale MDBs to be fit for purpose by 2030. Advertisement Their report, The Triple Agenda: A Roadmap for Bigger, Bolder and Better MDBs, advocates for tripling MDBs sustainable lending limits, introducing new financial instruments like pooled portfolio guarantees and hybrid capital, and attracting private investors. The report underscores the urgency of these reforms, warning against delays and weak responses, and sets a target of increasing MDB financing to $390 billion annually by 2030. It also suggests establishing a pilot Global Challenges Funding Mechanism (GCFM) to attract additional resources from various investors for priority goals. Thus, the pressure on developed nations to increase their financial contributions intensifies. Transitioning from billions to trillions in climate finance will necessitate leveraging innovative financial instruments, such as green bonds, blended finance, and climate funds. Advertisement This cannot happen if the developed world continues to preach from a moral high ground on climate change while shirking its duty to fund climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. As John Rawls might argue, justice as fairness demands that those who have historically polluted and benefited from it should now shoulder the responsibility to aid others. Immanuel Kants categorical imperative would insist on treating developing nations not merely as means to an end but as ends in themselves, deserving of the same opportunities for growth and development. The hypocrisy of expecting developing countries to curb pollution without providing the necessary resources to transition to cleaner energy is an affront to these philosophical principles. It stifles their growth and perpetuates inequality. Aditya Sinha (X: @adityasinha004) is Officer on Special Duty, Research at the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Apart from mobilising anti-West interests, Moscow needs to source weapons from Pyongyang to sustain its ongoing war in Ukraine read more Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shake hands after a signing ceremony of the new partnership in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Wednesday, 19 June 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea to a red-carpet welcome and was personally received by supreme leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19, 2024. A rare visit after 24 years signals the two countries deepening alignment and Moscows need to source weapons from Pyongyang to sustain its ongoing war on Ukraine. The two leaders were seen talking with each other for several minutes before embarking and riding together in the motorcade. The streets of Pyongyang were decked out with Russian flags and posters of Putin. Both leaders are expected to sign a new strategic partnership that will replace documents signed between Moscow and Pyongyang in 1961, 2000, and 2001. Advertisement Putins trip reciprocates Kims last September visit to Russia, when he travelled in his bullet-proof armoured train to Russias far eastern region. The trip also comes at a time when tensions remain high on the Korean peninsula. North Korea continues to fire ballistic and other test projectiles across South Korea and Japan. Following his visit to North Korea, Putin is scheduled to travel to Hanoi to reinforce traditional ties with Vietnam. Russia Pushed into Chinese and North Korean Arms During the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit, the Western leaders promised Ukrainian President Zelensky to use frozen Russian assets to back a $50 billion loan to the war-torn country. This angered Russia. Meanwhile, the US helplessly watches North Korean munitions and missiles, as well as Iranian drones, being received by Russian forces. A few weeks earlier, Putin thanked Pyongyang for showing unwavering support for Russias war in Ukraine and said the two countries were ready to confront the ambition of the collective West. North Korean factories making arms for Russia are operating at full capacity, as per South Korean allegations. The US seems less concerned about the trip but more about the deepening relationship between these two countries. Washington, Seoul, and others have accused Pyongyang of providing substantial military aid to Russias war effort. In the last six months, North Korea has reportedly shipped about 6,700 containers to Russia, which contained nearly 3 million large-calibre artillery shells and nearly half a million rockets. Both countries have denied North Korean arms exports. Russia has been protecting North Korea by using its veto in the UN Security Council. Advertisement The all-powerful Putin won his fifth term earlier this year. Just last month, Putin made a state visit to Beijing, where he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a sweeping affirmation of their shared opposition to what they see as a US-led world order. Putins visit also bolsters North Korea, which continues to withstand years of international sanctions over its illegal nuclear weapons program. Russia, which had earlier supported nuclear-related sanctions against North Korea, has now been pushed by the West into Chinese and North Korean arms. Could the West Isolate Russia? The West thought that after Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the sanctions thereon, Moscow would be increasingly isolated. The same did not happen. China, North Korea, many West Asian and African countries, and India took a neutral or supportive stand. Russia is the worlds largest country with well-endowed natural wealth. It has the second-most powerful military. Russia and China are teaming to break the Western monopoly over global institutions and standard-setting. Advertisement Traditional North Korea-Russia Relations Soviet troops invaded the Japanese colony of Korea in 1945; by agreement with the US, the 38th parallel was the dividing line, with Moscow in charge to the North and Washington to the South. North Korea came under the control of the Soviet Civil Administration and Peoples Committee of North Korea from 1945 to 1948. The Soviet Union, the predecessor state of the Russian Federation, was the first to recognise North Korea (the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, DPRK) on October 12, 1948, shortly after the proclamation, as the sole legitimate authority in all of Korea. The Democratic US intervened to stem the expansion of communism. Advertisement The Korean War was fought from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union, while South Korea was supported by the United Nations Command (UNC), led by the USA. Finally, the Korean peninsula was divided between the North and South along the 38th parallel. North Korea was founded as part of the Communist bloc and received major Soviet military and political support. The two states share a border along the lower Tumen River, which is 17 kilometres long and was formed in 1860 when Tsar Alexander II acquired Ussuriland from Qing dynasty China in the Convention of Peking. Advertisement The Soviet Union had provided much support to North Korea during the Cold War. The comprehensive personality cult around North Koreas ruling family was heavily influenced by Stalinism. China and the Soviet Union competed for influence in North Korea during the Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s, but North Korea tried to maintain good relations with both countries. After the North Korean nuclear test on May 25, 2009, North Koreas relations with China and Russia changed. Russia, fearing that North Koreas success could lead to a nuclear war, joined China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US in starting a resolution that could include new sanctions. On June 15, 2009, China and Russia supported the UN sanctions on North Korea. However, the two countries stressed that they did not support the use of force. Things eased off after North Korea announced a moratorium on nuclear tests, long-range missile launches, and uranium enrichment a little later. After the dissolution of the USSR, for a short while, the new Russian government under Boris Yeltsin refused to provide support for North Korea, favouring South Korea instead. Renewed Russia-North Korea Relations With the collapse of the USSR in 1991 and the weakening of Russia, North Korea lost an important benefactor. Initially, Pyongyang looked for Chinese support. Shortly after becoming president, Putin sought to renew ties. He visited Pyongyang in 2000 to meet Kims father, then-leader Kim Jong II, thus becoming the first Russian leader to do so. Russia and North Korea have since come closer. On June 5, 2012, the two sides concluded a boundary treaty between the two states, and in September 2012, Russia agreed to write off 90% of North Koreas $11 billion historic debt to Russia as a sign of closer engagement with North Koreas new leader. In March 2016, following the January 2016 North Korean nuclear test, Kim Jong Un ordered the military to deploy the nuclear warheads so they could be fired at any moment and be prepared to launch pre-emptive attacks against its enemies. Russia unequivocally condemned the North Korean actions. Kim travelled to Vladivostok, near the border, in 2019 to meet Putin. On March 2, 2022, North Korea was one of the five countries to vote against a United Nations resolution condemning the invasion. In 2023, Kim made a rare overseas trip to meet Putin at a Russian spaceport. Kim has been supplying arms and munitions to refill Russias war expenditures. North Korea has also ramped up weapons testing and production to meet Russian demands. In 2024, North Korea is also sending workers to Russia, which lacks a workforce due to the war. Both nations need each other most. Some are calling it a real honeymoon period. A summit with Putin upgrades North Koreas international status and raises Kims domestic acceptability. It also balances Pyongyangs excessive dependence on China, and that is very important for them. North Korea has been conducting major weapons tests. Putins presence gives it an endorsement and will also embolden it. Pyongyangs military industrial complex will get a further boost as Russia places more orders. Russia may also share some military production technology in return. Putin and Kim will vow to deepen trade and security ties. Russia has been a major supplier of wheat to North Korea, and has often bailed it out during financial crises and famine-like situations. In 2022, North Korea became the third country (the second being Syria) to recognise the independence of the breakaway states of Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics in eastern Ukraine. In response to the recognition and support of Russia, Ukraine terminated diplomatic ties with North Korea. During the ongoing visit, North Korea could agree to supply more munitions to Russia in exchange for economic aid and technology to enhance its nuclear weapons program. Putin also discussed developing trade and payment systems independent of Western control and expanding cooperation in tourism, culture, and education. Indias Concern: The Pakistan Nuclear Connection Pakistan-North Korea relations started deepening in the 1970s during PM Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos state visit to North Korea. Pakistan also tried forging alliances between North Korea, Iran, and Libya. During the Iran-Iraq War, North Korea and Pakistan supported Iran. North Korean made weapons and military equipment were shipped to the Pakistani port city of Karachi, from where they were transported by land and escorted by the Pakistani armed forces to the Iranian border. The Iranian state then used them to strike at Iraqi targets. Pakistan has been accused by US officials of having secretly supplied North Korea with nuclear technology for military purposes. The CIA claimed to have tracked several air shipments between the two countries via satellite. The US Government believes that A. Q. Khan, a senior atomic research scientist, travelled to North Korea several times and provided crucial technological aid to the North Korean government to create highly enriched uranium. In 2002, US intelligence officials leaked information that Pakistan had been the source of North Koreas development of nuclear warheads. Abdul Qadeer Khan was placed under house arrest by the Pakistani government and was made to publicly apologise to the Pakistani public for embarrassing the country. The Pakistani government declined repeated calls for weapons inspectors to investigate Pakistans nuclear facilities or any attempts by the CIA to directly question Khan, despite growing Western pressure. Faced with a weakened economy during the 1990s and Chinas reluctance to face Western pressure about selling its M-11 missiles, Pakistan sought North Korea as an alternate supplier. Benazir Bhutto had met North Korean officials on several occasions during the 1990s to discuss a deal that would give Pakistan access to the North Korean Rodong long-range missiles, in return, Pakistan would supply North Korea with civilian nuclear technology. India-North Korea Relations India and North Korea have tried to maintain cordial formal relations. Trade between the two has been growing, albeit slowly. India was one of North Koreas biggest trade partners and a major food aid provider until 2017. However, India has implemented the UN Security Council economic sanctions and has ceased most trade with North Korea in April 2017. India did provide US $1 million in medical assistance to North Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. India has maintained that any peaceful agreement between North Korea and South Korea will be strongly endorsed. India has also clarified that it wants the reunification of Korea. India has been very critical of North Koreas nuclear proliferation record and has also voiced the need for its de-nuclearisation and disarmament. India has repeatedly condemned North Korean nuclear tests and views its nuclear programme as a threat to regional security. India has also been concerned about North Korean cyberattacks on the Indian banking system. Putins visit to North Korea interests India to the extent that New Delhi would rather see Pyongyang under Moscows influence than Beijings. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Even though the Outer Space Treaty debars nations from weaponising space, the writing on the wall makes it clear that a threat from the new frontier is lurking read more All the major powers, such as the US, Russia, China, India, France, the European Union, and Japan, are building space military organisations. Image: REUTERS Space is emerging as the forerunner in the era of technology-driven warfare. A country like India, with significant geopolitical heft and the potential to emerge as a power of relevance, would sooner or later face a threat from spacea threat that cannot be defended by conventional means. It is therefore important to analyse if India needs to build a space force that is capable of fighting, not so distant, space wars. Advertisement The Gulf War I is technically considered to be the first space war where the US relied on space satellite intelligence for aerial and ground operations inside Kuwait and Iraq. The satellite navigation systems played a significant role in the navigation of the US Air Force fighter jets. Currently, space prowess is clearly ruling the Russian-Ukraine and Hamas battlescapes. Taiwan is incrementally coming under the space lens of competing powers. The space satellites started playing their crucial role even before the start of the war. India raised the Defence Space Agency in 2019 as a scaled-down version of the space command. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also raised DSP to provide technical and Research and Development (R&D) support. In the last five years, outer space has emerged as a source of concern, primarily the threat from long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Many Direct Ascent Anti-Satellites (ASAT) experimental missile strikes have been tested, including by India (mission Shakti). Counter-missions are being developed for both offensive and defensive forms of space warfare. Even though the Outer Space Treaty debars nations from weaponising space, the writing on the wall makes it clear that a threat from space is lurking. All the major powers, such as the US, Russia, China, India, France, the European Union, and Japan, are building space military organisations. The US Space Force organises, trains, and equips personnel in order to protect US and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint forces. The US Space Force, headquartered at the Pentagon, employs 8,600 military personnel and 77 spacecraft. The Russian space forces are mandated to inform the higher political leaders and military commanders of missile attacks as soon as possible, ballistic missile defence, and the creation, deployment, maintenance, and control of in-orbit space vehicles, like the Persona reconnaissance satellite. Advertisement These forces operate the GLONASS global positioning system. The Russian Space Forces include the third Missile-Space Defence Army and a Division for Warning of Missile Attacks. The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (PLA-SSF) existed from 2015 to 2024 with the armys ability to fight informatised conflicts. In April of this year, the Strategic Support Force was dissolved and split into three independent arms: the PLA Aerospace Force, the PLA Cyberspace Force, and the PLA Information Support Force. Like China, Russia views space as a warfighting domain, and they base their warfighting doctrine around the idea that achieving space supremacy is a precondition for winning a conflict. Russia has fielded a suite of non-kinetic options to create reversible effects on satellite systems in space, including ground-based systems to counter GPS navigation signals, tactical communications, satellite communications, and radars. Advertisement On the non-kinetic side of this threat continuum, China has operational ground-based jamming systems that are capable of disrupting satellite communications, GPS navigation signals, synthetic aperture radars, missile warning systems, and other satellite systems. Jamming can prevent users from using satellite communication networks, degrade or prevent transmissions of vital missile warning data from space-based sensors to war fighters, and disrupt uplinks and downlinks needed to command and control spacecraft. While analysing the space wars, it is important to study the space-based wars of the past, when the intensity was nominal but gains were asymmetrical. During the two Gulf Wars, the Coalition bombers and fighters dropped more than 5,000 GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions during the day and night, in all weather, with shattering effectiveness. Advertisement Satellites also made it possible to direct Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks such as Predator and Global Hawk. US imaging satellites gave commanders an unprecedented view of targets and battlespace. At least seven different types of military satellite systems were used during the Gulf War I. GPS receivers were affixed to tanks, trucks, and aircraft across the theatre. Tank commanders wanted to know the moisture content of the soil in some areas. Tomahawk precision attacks have multiple space based use cases, such as intelligence preparation, target location, command and control, weather assessment, launch, route navigation, and damage assessment. Space and cyber domains are the major components of stand-off wars, which is the new way of war fighting. Elements contributing to stand-off conflicts are also moving into the hands of private space operators. While space force would have a mandate to provide space support to conventional forces, it would largely engage in providing a nation with a space shield. Advertisement Direct threats from space, such as hypersonic or ballistic missiles carrying single or multiple re-entry warheads, are a major concern. These missiles are even capable of delivering conventional or Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Nuclear warheads. The payloads could also deliver multi-sensor drones and deploy ground-based probes. This force would therefore be mandated to develop space dominance capabilities. The best point of interception of a ballistic or hypersonic missile is in space, i.e., before it re-enters the atmosphere, where it can achieve gravity-based acceleration and atmosphere-assisted glide manoeuvres. Once such a missile enters the atmosphere, the skies are almost indefensible. Hypersonic weapons can be launched from airborne aircraft, ships at sea, and land-based mobile launchers. Long-range air-launched hypersonic missiles with scramjet engines could also be launched by the enemys bombers from under the cover of air defences in their own airspace. Such weapons could be deployed as part of a fractional orbital bombardment system. The variety of launch options means hypersonic weapons might not create an IR signature intense enough to be detected. Today, most of Chinas and Russias deployed long-range missiles can carry one or more weapons that can manoeuvre in space, in the atmosphere, or both. Both China and Russia now consider US space-based assets as high-value targets that can be threatened to coerce the United States in a crisis or attacked to achieve space superiority in a conflict. They have developed kinetic ASATs and other space weapons to hold these difficult to defend, easy to attack. Long-range ballistic missiles typically have flight trajectories that take them over 300 km into space before they re-enter the atmosphere. The highly predictable flight paths and high altitudes of non-manoeuvring ballistic missiles make them much easier to detect and track. In contrast, hypersonic missiles can fly as little as 30 to 50 km above the Earths surface or even lower, which means that, because of the curvature of the earth, they may be below areas that are effectively covered by todays radar warning architecture. Our northern neighbour China has developed and deployed what it refers to as a multi-layered attack architecture with weapons systems that span the counterspace threat continuum. Used in combination, these weapons can degrade, deny, or destroy adversarial space systems in all orbital regimes. As a spacefaring nation, India must develop a wholesome space warfighting doctrine and an inter-service space force that would allow it a ready response mechanism to space threats and also support ground, maritime, and air operations. The mandate for the space force should be to: Develop SDA (Space Domain Awareness) to determine, mitigate, and respond to threats from and within space. Build sufficient resilient and military-grade capability, including the Line of Defence, for communications, ISR, and PNT to support and execute space-based integrated military operations. Specifications and capacities must be spelled out unambiguously to the industry with at least a 5-year lead time. Develop and deploy cross functional technologies (Information Communication Technology, and cyber) to optimise the EM spectrum in space warfare. Maintain a high degree of operational readiness and generate meshed intelligence to enhance warning periods. Build secure international space collaboration for enhanced regional and global space cover and to respond to surge requirements during external exigencies. Train and equip a sufficient and dedicated skilled space force that would support higher leadership, military theatres, and tactical battle areas during war, and participate in R&D, collaborative manufacturing, and cross-training activities during peacetime. Own, lease, and maintain sufficient space assets and infrastructure that are necessary to discharge its functions. Undertake incremental space and technological development activities that enable achieving space dominance and space superiority. While building a space cadre, it must be ensured that personnel selected are on permanent secondment to the force and/or are drawn from space and scientific institutions. Building any non-permanent enlisted force would be counterproductive. Lt Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu is a former Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff. He is a PhD in Management with the subject Indigenization of Defence Industry. He initiated the raising of Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Space Agency and Armed Forces Special Forces Division. He is on the board of Valley of words, heading the Military History and Strategy Vertical. He is a distinguished fellow of USI. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. India has so far done well in exposing Canadas propensity to run with the modern, liberal, democratic world while hunting with the terrorist hounds of the Khalistani kind read more Canadas Khalistani saga seems to be straight out of an Orwellian script where war is peace... freedom is slavery and ignorance is strength. Trudeau has added a new terminology to the Orwellian literature: Terrorism is democracy! Canada, under Justin Trudeau, has in recent years been behaving like a jilted lover who would not stop at anything but complete annihilation of the self, if it leads to the destruction of the other. Any semblance of a democracy, far less a matured one, is sorely missing. This was once again witnessed when the Canadian Parliament, on June 18, 2024, observed a moment of silence to commemorate the first anniversary of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjars death. Relations between India and Canada have been particularly strained since the alleged assassination of Nijjar in June 2023 in British Columbia, Canada. Advertisement Canadas Khalistani saga seems to be straight out of an Orwellian script where war is peace freedom is slavery and ignorance is strength. Trudeau has added a new terminology to the Orwellian literature: Terrorism is democracy! Here, it needs to be emphasised that Canadas tryst of Khalistani terror is not a new phenomenon. There has been a flourishing Khalistani ecosystem in Canada since the 1980s, when incidentally Justin Trudeaus own father, Pierre, first gave it a booster shot. In fact, as far back as in 1982, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi complained about the Khalistani menace to Pierre Trudeau, his Canadian counterpart, the then Canadian government chose to look the other way. Bill Warden, Canadas high commissioner to India in the early 1980s, thought Indias complaints were not entirely misplaced. In his memoirs, Diplomat, Dissident, Spook (2017), he recalled how two months before her assassination, Indira Gandhi sent a letter to her Canadian counterpart, John Turner, accusing in explicit terms that Sikh outfits in Canada were financing violence against India while receiving multiculturalism funds from that government. Indirectly, Canadian taxpayers were paying to kill Indians a damning charge labelled by Canadian journalist-author Terry Milewski in his 2021 book, Blood for Blood: Fifty Years of the Global Khalistan Project. Such was the failure of the Canadian authorities in handling the Khalistani terror in the 1980s that Warden, as Canadas high commissioner to India, was summoned to the (Indian) foreign ministry to receive strong protests on some eighteen occasions. And like Nijjar today, there was one Talwinder Singh Parmar then a dreaded Khalistani terrorist who had warned as early as in 1982 that Indian planes will fall from the sky. This nightmarish projection became a reality within three years with the Kanishka Air India bombing in 1985. Incidentally, India had sought Parmars extradition in 1982 a request that Ottawa refused to entertain on a ludicrous ground, saying the extradition protocols between Commonwealth countries would not apply because India only recognised Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, and not as Head of State! Advertisement The Kanishka Air India bombing, until 9/11, was the deadliest terrorist attack in history. But while the September 11, 2001, attack saw the initiation of the war against terrorism, the 1985 tragedy went largely unnoticed in the West despite the fact that of the 329 dead, 268 were Canadian citizens, mostly of Indian descent. Such was the indifference, if not disdain, for the tragedy that the victims families often wondered if it were an Air Canada plane full of white people, would the government have been so indifferent? Even Milewski wondered aloud: The investigation took twenty years. Except for the victims families, it seemed that nobody was interested in the Air India bombing. Advertisement Warden was quite categorical in saying that the Kanishka tragedy was fully preventable. According to him, warnings of potential disaster had been delivered in spades. The failure of the Canadian authorities to act was, consequently, one of the root causes. Milewski added to this when he revealed how since 1982, Canadas security services knew that a terrorist group, the Babbar Khalsa, was operating in Canada; that it had dozens of killings on its record; that its leader, Talwinder Parmar, was wanted for murder; and that he was preaching that Indian planes will fall from the sky. Thats why CSIS the Canadian Security Intelligence Service watched and wiretapped Parmar for three months before the Air India bombing, starting in March 1985. Advertisement The surveillance made it plain that Parmar was intent on violence so plain that Ray Kobzey, the CSIS agent in charge of watching him, immediately exclaimed on hearing that Flight 182 had gone down, Parmar did it! Parmar remained a free man, despite repeated Indian pleas for his arrest and extradition, just the same way Nijjar was given a free hand before he got himself killed last year. India has done the right thing by openly confronting Canada and exposing its democratic, liberal pretensions. Over the last 12 months, the Narendra Modi government has downsized New Delhis politico-economic ties with Ottawa. And again, just when the Canadian Parliament did the most unparliamentary thing by observing a moment of silence to commemorate Nijjars first death anniversary, the Indian Embassy in Vancouver responded by deciding to hold a memorial service on June 23, 2024, on the 39th Anniversary of the dastardly Kanishka bombing. Advertisement The era of clubbing terrorists with freedom fighters is mostly over and rightly so. Only a few pariah states, such as Pakistan, still hold such dangerous ideas. Canada, more so under Trudeau, seems to be going the Pakistan way. India must sharpen its diplomatic knife to further expose Canadas propensity to run with the modern, liberal, democratic world while hunting with the terrorist hounds of the Khalistani kind. And the way new India is taking the hypocritical Canadian challenge head on, its obvious the Trudeau & Co wont be going unchallenged this time. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Elon Musk was seen mending fences with advertisers almost a year after telling off advertisers on X who were considering withdrawing their ads from the platform. However, Musk also asserted that preserving free speech takes precedence over maximising profits read more Musk's tenure at X has been marked by clashes with advertisers, with leading agencies like WPP to advise clients to reconsider advertising on the platform in the early days of his leadership. Image Credit: AFP Elon Musk sought to mend fences with the advertising industry during his appearance at the Cannes Lions conference in France on Wednesday. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX was interviewed on stage by Mark Read, CEO of WPP Plc, one of the worlds largest advertising agencies. Read began by addressing Musks previous criticism of the industry, recalling Musks blunt message last year telling advertisers to essentially go f**k themselves. In response, Musk clarified that his frustration was aimed at certain advertisers he felt were stifling free speech. He emphasized that X, the social network he oversees, has made strides in ensuring a safer environment for brands. Advertisement Musk acknowledged the challenges hes faced since taking over the platform, which heavily relies on advertising revenue. Last year, the platform saw major advertisers withdraw due to concerns over its content policies, which Musk feared could jeopardize its future. Advertisers should have the right to choose where their brands appear, Musk asserted during the event at Cannes. He highlighted third-party assessments that rate X highly for brand safety. Despite this, Musk asserted that preserving free speech takes precedence over maximising profits, a principle he seems steadfast on, but often abandons when presented with a tricky situation, especially one that involves one his businesses. The billionaire acknowledged the controversy surrounding his decisions to relax content restrictions and reinstate banned accounts, actions that have unsettled some marketers. Musk admitted to occasional missteps in his own use of the platform, conceding, I do shoot myself in the foot from time to time. He defended his approach, advocating for authenticity over conformity to stringent filters. This appearance marked Xs return to Cannes after skipping last years event amidst strained relations with the advertising industry. Musks tenure at X has been marked by clashes with advertisers, with leading agencies like WPP to advise clients to reconsider advertising on the platform in the early days of his leadership. Advertisement X, which no longer publicly discloses financials, was projected to earn around $2.5 billion from advertising in 2023, a significant decline from previous years before Musks tenure, according to Bloomberg. This downturn reflects the challenges and controversies surrounding Musks leadership, including legal battles and strategic shifts away from reliance on ad revenue. Under Musks direction, X has pursued new avenues to bolster its advertising appeal, such as forging partnerships for premium video content aimed at offering marketers higher-quality ad placements. Concurrently, Musk has steered X towards diversifying its revenue streams, including the introduction of a subscription service and plans to expand into financial services. Advertisement Despite the efforts to reconcile with the advertising sector, challenges persist as Musk navigates the delicate balance between fostering a robust platform for free expression and appeasing advertisers concerned with brand safety. His ongoing efforts to reshape X into a multifaceted digital ecosystem underscore the ambitious vision that continues to define his tenure atop the controversial social media giant. Under the DMA, tech giants like Apple have been classified as gatekeepers and must comply with specific rules. These include allowing users to install third-party apps and app stores, uninstall pre-installed apps, adjust default settings, and opt out of targeted advertising read more If found in violation of DMA regulations regarding its App Store practices, Apple could face fines amounting to 10 per cent of its global annual turnover. Image Credit: Reuters Apple is facing mounting challenges in the European Union over its compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), with EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager highlighting very serious issues regarding the tech giants conduct. Speaking to CNBC on June 18, Vestager expressed surprise at suspicions of Apples non-compliance, stressing the importance of ensuring fair play across all businesses, especially in critical areas like the App Store and payment mechanisms. The ongoing investigation could result in substantial penalties for Apple. Advertisement If found in violation of DMA regulations regarding its App Store practices, the company could face fines amounting to 10 per cent of its global annual turnover. This will be on top of a recent $1.8 billion fine imposed on Apple for allegedly restricting competition by preventing apps like Spotify from informing users about cheaper subscription options outside of the App Store. The EUs current probes, which started on March 25, 2024, now go beyond Apples App Store policies. They are also examining whether Apple adequately allows users to exercise genuine choice within its ecosystem, or if it potentially breaches DMA provisions which are aimed at promoting fair competition. Under the DMA, tech giants like Apple have been classified as gatekeepers and must comply with specific rules. These include allowing users to install third-party apps and app stores, uninstall pre-installed apps, adjust default settings, and opt out of targeted advertising. Non-compliance with these rules could lead to significant fines. The EU Commission is authorised to impose penalties of up to 10 per cent of a companys global turnover and escalate the figure for repeat offences. This includes imposing daily fines for continued non-compliance. Moreover, the DMA empowers the EU Commission to restructure or even break up businesses to ensure compliance with its regulations, which is a rather stringent measure against monopolistic practices in the digital market. Advertisement Even in regions outside Europe, similar legislative efforts are underway globally to address concerns over Big Techs market dominance and anti-competitive practices. In India, for instance, the government has introduced the Digital Competition Bill to regulate the conduct of large technology companies. As Apple navigates these legal challenges, the outcomes of the EU investigations could significantly impact its operations and strategic decisions globally. The tech industry awaits further developments as regulatory authorities continue to assertively address concerns over monopolistic practices and safeguard competition in digital markets. In addition to improving stellar measurements, the Landolt mission aims to enhance our understanding of the universes expansion. Researchers hope to gain insights into dark energy, one of the most significant mysteries in astronomy today read more The artificial star created by the Landolt mission will serve as a reference point. By comparing its known brightness to that of distant stars, scientists can develop new, more accurate catalogues of stellar brightness. Image Credit: NASA NASA is set to embark on an innovative mission to launch an artificial star into space, aiming to enhance the accuracy of astronomical measurements. This mission, named Landolt, involves a device about the size of a toaster, equipped with eight lasers. Its primary function is to simulate the light from stars and other celestial objects, such as supernovas, by directing laser beams towards instruments on Earth. The $19.5 million Landolt mission seeks to help scientists achieve more precise measurements of real stars. Researchers believe the data gathered could also contribute to the study of dark energy, the mysterious force thought to be driving the accelerated expansion of the universe. Advertisement David Ciardi, deputy director of the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute and an astronomer at Caltech, emphasized the missions significance. He explained that current instruments can only measure the true brightness of stars to within a few per cent. The Landolt mission aims to improve this accuracy by more than tenfold, which will enhance our understanding of stars and the planets orbiting them. Accurate measurements of stellar brightness are crucial for a better understanding of these distant worlds and their potential to host life. The mission is named in honour of the late astronomer Arlo Landolt, known for his extensive catalogues of stellar brightness, which have been a cornerstone in astronomy since 1973. Daniel Huber, an associate astronomer and professor at the University of Hawaii, highlighted Landolts lasting impact on the astronomy community. The artificial star created by the Landolt mission will serve as a reference point. By comparing its known brightness to that of distant stars, scientists can develop new, more accurate catalogues of stellar brightness. Although the artificial star wont be visible to the naked eye, it can be observed through a telescope. In addition to improving stellar measurements, the Landolt mission aims to enhance our understanding of the universes expansion. By studying the brightness of distant stars, researchers hope to gain insights into dark energy, one of the most significant mysteries in astronomy today. Advertisement The spacecraft carrying the artificial star is scheduled to launch in 2029. It will orbit the Earth at a geostationary altitude of 22,236 miles, allowing it to remain fixed over a single point on the planets surface. Jamie Tayar, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Florida and a member of the mission team, stressed the missions fundamental importance. S he noted that the goal is to determine whether other planets orbiting other stars could have conditions suitable for life, such as oceans. For each star, its essential to know exactly how much energy it emits and the precise distance of the planet from the star. Advertisement By providing more accurate measurements of stellar brightness, the Landolt mission will contribute to our understanding of the conditions necessary for life on other planets. This groundbreaking endeavour represents a significant step forward in our quest to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. CDK Global, a major software provider for the automotive industry in the US, faced a major cyber incident. The outage caused significant disruptions, halting operations and forcing dealerships to resort to manual processes read more The cyber incident comes in the wake of CDKs acquisition by Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022, in an all-cash deal valued at $6.4 billion. Image Credit: Reuters Thousands of car dealerships across the United States found themselves unable to operate due to a cyber incident at CDK Global, a major software provider for the automotive industry. The outage caused significant disruptions, halting operations and forcing dealerships to resort to manual processes. CDK Global responded by shutting down all systems and conducting extensive testing, consulting with external cybersecurity experts to address the issue. According to Tony Macrito, a spokesman for CDK, the companys core product a dealer management system along with its digital retailing solutions have been restored. CDK is currently testing other applications and will provide updates as they come back online. Advertisement The systems first went down around 2:00 AM Eastern Time, significantly impacting dealership operations. Brad Holton, vice president of Proton, a cybersecurity firm serving the auto industry, stated that CDK provided minimal information about the cause of the outage, leaving many dealerships in the dark. Some dealerships were completely shut down, while others had to switch to paper record-keeping for basic services such as oil changes. In Manhattan, a BMW dealership informed customers that it had to stop all new business, including scheduling appointments and car servicing. A customer care representative admitted uncertainty about when operations would return to normal. Similarly, at Barberas Autoland in Philadelphia, receptionist Claire Glassmire reported that employees were unable to access customer records, set appointments, or print repair orders, forcing them to use makeshift solutions throughout the day. By Wednesday afternoon, some CDK functions began to come back online, but many services were still down or not fully operational, according to Holton. Despite these widespread issues, a spokesperson for Toyota Motor Corp. mentioned that the problem had been resolved with minimal impact on their dealer network. Subaru Corp. also reported no significant impact. Mike Stanton, president and chief executive of the National Automobile Dealers Association, emphasized the commitment of dealerships to protect customer information. He noted that dealers are seeking more information from CDK to understand the nature and scope of the cyber incident, enabling them to respond appropriately. CDK Global provides a range of services to dealerships, including online appointment scheduling, electronic signature capabilities, and messaging tools between divisions. This cyber incident highlights the heavy reliance of dealerships on these digital services for their daily operations. Advertisement The cyber incident comes in the wake of CDKs acquisition by Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022, in an all-cash deal valued at $6.4 billion. As the company navigates the fallout from the incident, it faces the challenge of restoring full functionality to its systems and addressing the concerns of its dealership clients. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in the digital infrastructure of modern businesses, particularly in industries like automotive sales and services that depend heavily on integrated software solutions. The recovery and future prevention strategies adopted by CDK Global will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, who are increasingly aware of the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Ilya Sutskever, who was OpenAIs chief scientist, teamed up with former Y Combinator partner Daniel Gross and ex-OpenAI engineer Daniel Levy to establish SSI or Safe Superintelligence Inc read more Sutskever left OpenAI in May following a significant disagreement with the company's leadership over how to handle AI safety. Image Credit: AFP, Reuters Ilya Sutskever, one of the co-founders of OpenAI, has started a new company called Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI), just one month after officially leaving OpenAI. Sutskever, who was OpenAIs chief scientist, teamed up with former Y Combinator partner Daniel Gross and ex-OpenAI engineer Daniel Levy to establish SSI. At OpenAI, Sutskever played a crucial role in the companys efforts to enhance AI safety, especially with the advent of superintelligent AI systems. He worked closely with Jan Leike, who co-led OpenAIs Superalignment team. Advertisement However, both Sutskever and Leike left OpenAI in May following a significant disagreement with the companys leadership over how to handle AI safety. Leike has since joined Anthropic, another AI-focused company, where he now leads a team. Sutskever has long been an advocate for addressing the challenging aspects of AI safety. In a 2023 blog post co-written with Leike, he predicted that AI with intelligence surpassing humans could emerge within the next decade. He emphasized that such AI might not necessarily be friendly and stressed the need for research into methods to control and restrict it. His commitment to AI safety remains strong. On Wednesday, Sutskever announced the formation of his new company, SSI, via a tweet. Sutskever stated, that SSI is a mission, and is the basis on which his new organisation will work. He further added that the SSI team, its investors, and its business model, all, are aligned to achieve safe superintelligence. Sutskever further added, that they approach safety and capabilities in tandem, and that technical problems should be solved through revolutionary engineering and scientific breakthroughs. He added, We plan to advance capabilities as fast as possible while making sure our safety always remains ahead. This way, we can scale in peace. The singular focus means no distraction by management overhead or product cycles. Their business model prioritises safety, security, and progress over short-term commercial pressures, he added. In an interview with Bloomberg, Sutskever discussed the new company in more detail but did not disclose its funding status or valuation. Unlike OpenAI, which initially launched as a non-profit in 2015 and later restructured to accommodate the immense funding required for its computing power, SSI is being designed as a for-profit entity from the start. Given the current interest in AI and the teams impressive credentials, SSI may soon attract significant capital. Daniel Gross told Bloomberg, Out of all the problems we face, raising capital is not going to be one of them. Advertisement SSI has established offices in Palo Alto and Tel Aviv and is actively recruiting technical talent. The company aims to push the boundaries of AI capabilities while ensuring that safety measures are always a step ahead. With a focus on revolutionary engineering and scientific breakthroughs, SSI is poised to make significant contributions to the field of AI safety. The formation of SSI highlights the ongoing debate and concern within the AI community about the potential risks associated with superintelligent AI. Sutskevers new venture aims to address these risks head-on, ensuring that the development of AI technologies is both safe and beneficial for society. The Realme GT 6 boasts a range of high-end features including a 120Hz LTPO panel, a 5,500mAh battery, a vapour chamber cooling system, and most importantly, a ton of AI features read more Like other true flagships, the Realme GT 6 also comes with several AI features. Image Credit: Realme Realme has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Realme GT 6, in India. Priced at Rs 40,999, the device comes equipped with Qualcomms new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC. The Realme GT 6 boasts a range of high-end features including a 120Hz LTPO panel, a 5,500mAh battery, a vapour chamber cooling system, and most importantly, a ton of AI features. Realme GT6 launch: Specifications Under the hood, the Realme GT 6 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. This is the latest chipset from Qualcomm and is part of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 series. The phone is equipped with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. Advertisement The Realme GT 6 features a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with an 8T LTPO panel, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and a 360Hz touch sampling rate. The display supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision and boasts 6,000 nits of peak brightness. The Realme GT 6 is equipped with a versatile and impressive array of cameras. It includes a 50MP Sony LYT-808 OIS primary camera, a 50MP Samsung JN5 telephoto camera, and an 8MP Sony IMX355 ultra-wide camera. For the front-facing camera, we have a 32MP front camera. The smartphone packs a 5,500mAh battery with 120W SuperVOOC charging technology, which Realme claims will maintain over 80 per cent of its capacity after 1,600 charging cycles. On the software front, the Realme GT 6 runs Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14. Additional features include Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and a USB Type-C port. Realme GT6 launch: AI Features Like other true flagships, the Realme GT 6 also comes with several AI features. One of these is AI Smart Removal, inspired by Googles Magic Eraser, which allows users to remove unwanted objects from their photos and fill up the empty spots to match the background. Another feature, AI Night Vision, enhances lowlight photos by adding artificial brightness. Realme claims this feature can capture clear videos comparable to phones equipped with a 1-inch sensor. AI Smart Loop allows users to select content on the screen, drag it, and share it with third-party apps via a side wheel of apps. Advertisement Realme GT6 launch: Price and availability The Realme GT 6 comes in two colour options: Razor Green and Fluid Silver. It starts at Rs 40,999 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The smartphone is available in two more variants: 12GB + 256GB priced at Rs 42,999 and 16GB + 512GB priced at Rs 44,999. Realme is also offering a bank discount of Rs 4,000 and an exchange bonus of Rs 1,000 on the 8GB+256GB and 16GB+512GB storage variants. The 12GB + 512GB variant has a bank discount of Rs 3,000 along with the same exchange offer. Pre-orders for the Realme GT 6 began in India at 2:30 pm on the launch day and will continue until June 24th. The smartphone will be available for purchase via Realmes official site, Flipkart, and other mainline channels in India. Musks comment comes at a time when Neuralink is making significant strides in brain chip technology. After working with a 29-year-old named Noland Arbaugh, Neuralink recently announced that it is now accepting applications for a second participant in its trials read more Musks vision for a future without phones, replaced by brain chips, may seem far-fetched to some. However, Neuralinks ongoing research and trials are paving the way for this possibility. Image Credit: AFP, X/Elon Musk Elon Musk, the CEO of Neuralink, has made a bold prediction about the future of technology. He believes that Neuralinks brain chips will eventually replace phones. Responding to a post on X, Musk wrote, In the future, there will be no phones, just Neuralinks. The post that sparked Musks comment featured an AI-generated image of him holding a phone, with a neural network design on his forehead. The caption asked if people would install a Neuralink interface to control their devices with their thoughts. This generated a mix of reactions from users on X. One user wrote, Love you Elon. But brother, no way in hell am I implanting something in my head. Thats a hard no for me bro, while another commented, Thats going to be wild. Advertisement In the future, there will be no phones, just Neuralinks Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 17, 2024 Musks comment comes at a time when Neuralink is making significant strides in brain chip technology. The company recently began its first human trials, involving a 29-year-old named Noland Arbaugh. Arbaugh, who was left paralyzed from the shoulders down following an accident eight years ago, underwent brain surgery on January 28 to have the Neuralink chip implanted. He has since shown promising signs of recovery. Arbaughs progress was highlighted in a video streamed by Neuralink in March. In the video, he told audiences how Neuralinks BCI chip has helped him transform his disability to engage in most of the activities that he loves. Playing chess, for example. Its crazy, so coolI cant describe how cool it is to be able to do this, Arbaugh said. Neuralink recently announced that it is now accepting applications for a second participant in its trials. While Neuralink is making headlines with its technological advancements, the company is also facing challenges. According to a report by the New York Post, a former Neuralink animal care specialist, Lindsay Short, has filed a lawsuit against the company. She alleges that Neuralink failed to provide proper protective equipment while she cared for animals. Despite these hurdles, Neuralinks progress is noteworthy. The companys mission to develop brain chips that can interface directly with electronic devices represents a significant leap in neurotechnology. If successful, this could revolutionize how we interact with technology, potentially making smartphones and other devices obsolete. Advertisement Neuralinks work has garnered significant attention and interest, not only for its potential to change everyday technology use but also for its implications in medical science. The ability to restore functions for individuals with paralysis or other neurological conditions could be life-changing. Musks vision for a future without phones, replaced by brain chips, may seem far-fetched to some. However, Neuralinks ongoing research and trials are paving the way for this possibility. As the company continues to develop and test its technology, the world watches with anticipation to see if Musks prediction will come true. For now, Neuralinks journey is a blend of groundbreaking advancements and ongoing challenges, reflecting the complex nature of pioneering new frontiers in science and technology. After completing his high-profile trip to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam. This is the first time the Russian leader is visiting the nation after 2017 read more Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha walk together after Putins arrival at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. Source: AP After a historic visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam which was the final stop of his two-nation tour of Asia. Putins plane touched down at the Hanoi airport where he was met on a red carpet by Vietnamese deputy prime minister Tran Hong Ha and top party diplomat Le Hoai Trung. The visit garnered major international attention after the United States expressed displeasure with the Vietnamese administrations decision to invite Putin. This marked the Russian presidents first visit to Vietnam since 2017, when he was looking to boost economic ties with the Asian nation. Advertisement Whats on the agenda? During his visit, Putin is scheduled to meet Communist party leader, Nguyen Phu Trong, the state president, To Lam, and the prime minister, Pham Minh Chinh. The Russian leader is also expected to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum housing the embalmed corpse of Vietnams founding leader. Before his visit, the Kremlin maintained that Putin would focus on strengthening ties with Vietnam in the economic, education and energy sectors. Ukraine and defence cooperation are also likely to be one of the topics of discussion. Both nations have shared strong ties that date back to the 1950s and for decades Moscow remained Hanois leading arms supplier. In an opinion piece before his visit, Putin lauded Vietnam for supporting a pragmatic way to solve the crisis in Ukraine. The Russian leader also listed progress on payments, energy and trade between the countries. Putins visit to Vietnam follows his high-profile visit to North Korea. During his visit to the hermit nation, Putin and the North Korean supreme leader signed a historic agreement that required the countries to come to each others aid if either is attacked. The controversial clause raised concerns among the West. While North Korea remains isolated, Vietnam has maintained diplomatic ties with the West as well. Last year, US President Joe Biden visited Hanoi in September as his administration seeks to build up Vietnam as an alternative supplier of key hi-tech components to reduce American dependence on China. Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping followed suit and visited Vietnam, three months after Biden. With inputs from agencies. Vladimir Putin landed in Vietnam from North Korea on Thursday, with a hope of renewing old friendly ties with the country when he stands cornered over his Ukrainian adventure. Both sides have spoken about the old ties that began with Soviet Russia helping Vietnam force American soldiers out read more Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha walk together after Putin's arrival at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, Thursday, on 20 June, 2024. AP From one Soviet Russia ally to another, Russia President Vladimir Putin landed in Vietnam on Thursday after a two-day visit to North Korea. Vietnam welcomed his visit by recalling their old ties filled with loyalty and gratitude. This is a reference to the days when Vietnam was divided into North Vietnam (under communist influence) and South Vietnam (under France backed by the US) during the 1950s to 1970s. With World War II ending, the US-led West was worried about the spread of the communist bloc led by Soviet Russia and China to new areas. The US sided with South Vietnam to keep Ho Chi Minh out of power in a unified Vietnam. The war began in 1954 and continued to 1975, when the American forces were forced to withdraw. Advertisement How did Vietnam do it? The defeat of US forces in Vietnam can be attributed to a combination of Vietnamese strategies, American missteps, and significant external support, particularly from Soviet Russia and China. Vietnamese strategies Guerrilla warfare: The Viet Cong of Ho Chi Minh and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) effectively used guerrilla tactics, blending in with the civilian population and launching surprise attacks. This made it difficult for US forces to identify and engage the enemy. Ho Chi Minh trail: It was an extensive network of supply routes through Laos and Cambodia that allowed North Vietnam to transport troops and supplies to the South, sustaining the war effort despite heavy US bombing. Political will and morale: The Vietnamese leadership, particularly Ho Chi Minh, had a strong commitment to unification and independence. This ideological drive, coupled with high morale among Vietnamese fighters, contrasted with the growing war-weariness in the US. Knowledge of local terrain: The dense jungles and difficult terrain of Vietnam favoured the local forces, who were familiar with the environment. US forces struggled to adapt to these conditions. American missteps Underestimating the enemy: US military and political leaders underestimated the resolve and capabilities of the Vietnamese forces, often treating the conflict as a conventional war rather than an insurgency. Limited support from South Vietnamese government: The South Vietnamese government was often seen as corrupt and lacked popular support, weakening the overall war effort. The public opinion was also against the foreign forces, which explains the governments hesitation in supporting the Americans. Public opinion and media: As the war dragged on, American public opinion turned increasingly against it. Graphic media coverage of the wars brutality further eroded support, leading to political pressure to withdraw. Inflexible military tactics: The US forces initially relied heavily on conventional military tactics and heavy bombing campaigns, which were less effective against guerrilla fighters and sometimes counterproductive. External support Soviet Union: The Soviet Union provided substantial military and economic support to North Vietnam, including advanced weapons systems like anti-aircraft missiles, tanks, and artillery. Soviet advisors also helped train Vietnamese soldiers and develop strategies. China: A new communist regime, but China was another major supporter of Vietnam. It supplied weapons, logistical support, and troops for logistical roles. Chinese aid was crucial in sustaining the North Vietnamese war effort. International support: Both the Soviet Union and China voiced the concerns of the Vietnamese people at international fora, helping to isolate the US and garner global sympathy for the Vietnamese cause. And Soviet Russias role Soviet Russias assistance to Vietnam was multifaceted and critical to the North Vietnamese war effort. Initially, the Soviet leadership was favouring a peaceful solution to the problem though it supplied North Vietnam with information, technical advisors and moral support. The equation changed after 1965, when the USSR signed a defence deal to provide North Vietnam with financial aid and military equipment and also send advisers. In 1968, Soviet Russia signed a fresh military and economic accord with North Vietnam. Now, Soviet Russia supplied food, petroleum, transportation equipment, iron and steel, other metals, fertilisers, arms, munitions and other commodities, besides weapons and military equipment to strengthen North Vietnams defences. Military aid: The Soviets supplied North Vietnam with a wide array of military hardware, including SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) systems, which significantly hindered US air operations. Economic support: Beyond military aid, the USSR provided economic assistance to help sustain North Vietnams war economy. Technical and strategic help: Soviet advisers helped the Vietnamese with training, strategic planning, and maintaining sophisticated equipment. This critical help from Soviet Russia led to the eventual withdrawal of US troops and the unification of Vietnam under communist rule. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidents House in Colombo where they jointly unveiled the houses constructed under the Indian Housing Project and also commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a $6 million grant from India read more External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House in Colombo on Thursday. ANI On his first bilateral engagement to Sri Lanka after the PM Modi-led government took charge for the third time, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidents House in Colombo where they jointly unveiled a digital plaque commemorating the inauguration of 106 houses constructed in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts under the Indian Housing Project. #WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House in Colombo President Wickremesinghe and EAM S Jaishankar jointly unveiled a digital plaque commemorating the inauguration of 106 houses constructed under the Indian Housing pic.twitter.com/qGiMAeryVE ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2024 Advertisement According to ANI news agency, the two leaders also handed over 48 houses from model villages in Colombo and Trincomalee to their respective beneficiaries. The two leaders also jointly commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a $6 million grant from India, as New Delhi stepped up bilateral cooperation with its key neighbour. This includes a centre at Navy Headquarters in Colombo, a sub-centre in Hambantota and unmanned installations at Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro and Mollikulam. Soon after the meeting, Jaishankar said that both the leaders discussed the way forward for the cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Honoured to call on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives. Under President @RW_UNPs guidance, discussed the way forward for the cooperation, pic.twitter.com/S9mdXOLFA6 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 20, 2024 Honoured to call on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives. Under President @RW_UNPs guidance, discussed the way forward for the cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors, Jaishankar posted on X. Advertisement Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties, he added. Later in the day, Jaishankar also called on PM Dinesh Gunawardena and met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry. Reiterated Indias strong support through development and connectivity initiatives. Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of people of Sri Lanka, wrote Jaishankar on X after meeting the Sri Lankan PM. Pleased to call on PM Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka today afternoon. Reiterated Indias strong support through development and connectivity initiatives. Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of pic.twitter.com/kM5nX5TXBR Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 20, 2024 Advertisement Warm interaction with Foreign Minister @alisabrypc of Sri Lanka. Our discussion covered further prospects in capacity building and shared engagement. Also exchanged perspectives of greater multilateral cooperation, especially in BIMSTEC, IORA and the UN, wrote Jaishankar in a separate post. Warm interaction with Foreign Minister @alisabrypc of Sri Lanka. Our discussion covered further prospects in capacity building and shared engagement. Also exchanged perspectives of greater multilateral cooperation, especially in BIMSTEC, IORA and the UN. pic.twitter.com/B7vyBp7MNK Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 20, 2024 Advertisement Jaishankar is also scheduled to discuss the progress of all ongoing Indian projects in Sri Lanka, officials said. He is also expected to discuss preliminary arrangements for a visit by Prime Minister Modi to the island. On his arrival in the island nation, Jaishankar was received by Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of the Eastern Province. Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership. Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR pic.twitter.com/3B6aSbW41w Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 20, 2024 Advertisement Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership, Jaishankar posted on X. Sri Lanka is central to Indias Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, he wrote. Under its Neighbourhood First policy, India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region is Indias vision and geopolitical framework of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The trip to Sri Lanka will be Jaishankars standalone bilateral visit after he assumed charge as the external affairs minister for the second term on June 11. Jaishankar was last week part of Prime Minister Modis delegation at the G7 Outreach summit in Italys Apulia region. Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe was among seven top leaders from Indias neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9. The last time that Jaishankar was in Colombo was in October 2023 to participate in the 23rd Council of Ministers meeting and the 25th Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). With inputs from agencies The package also tightens measures against the shadow fleet moving Russian oil outside the price cap on Russian crude set by the Group of Seven (G7) nations. EU countries added tankers to the list of sanctioned entities as well as at least two Russian-owned ships moving military equipment from North Korea read more European Union countries have agreed on a 14th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine, according to reports. This is the first time the EU has put restrictions on Russian gas. The package bans re-exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in EU waters but stops short of banning imports as the bloc did in 2022 for Russian seaborne oil. Despite these restrictions, some EU nations continue to import pipeline gas from Russia through Ukraine. Advertisement However, gas market experts said the new measure will have a limited impact, as only about 10% of Russias total LNG exports involve trans-shipments through EU ports to Asia. The sanctions package also targets three specific Russian LNG projects and includes provisions allowing Sweden and Finland to cancel their Russian LNG contracts, Reuters quoted diplomats as saying. Belgium, which holds the rotating EU presidency until July 1, said on social media platform X that the package maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes. This hard-hitting package will further deny Russia access to key technologies. It will strip Russia of further energy revenues. And tackle (President Vladimir) Putins shadow fleet and shadow banking network abroad, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X. Countries debated the new measures for over a month and ultimately watered down one of the Commissions proposals, aimed at preventing even more circumvention, at Germanys prompting. The dropped measure would have forced subsidiaries of EU companies in third countries to contractually prohibit the re-exports of their goods to Russia. The EU is keen to stop the flow of dual-use technology such as washing machine chips that could be used by Russia for military purposes. An EU diplomat said Germany had asked for an impact assessment, and the measure could be included at a later date. The package also tightens measures against the shadow fleet moving Russian oil outside the price cap on Russian crude set by the Group of Seven (G7) nations. EU countries added tankers to the list of sanctioned entities as well as at least two Russian-owned ships moving military equipment from North Korea, diplomats said. Advertisement Moscow and Pyongyang have grown closer since Russias February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This week, the two countries agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either faces armed aggression in a pact reached after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang. Overall, 47 new entities and 69 individuals were added to the EU sanctions list, bringing the total to 2,200. The package is expected to be formally approved when EU foreign ministers meet on Monday, diplomats said. With inputs from agencies. With regard to contact and negotiations between the central government of China and the 14th Dalai Lama, our policy has been consistent and clear, said Lin Jian, a spokesman at Chinas foreign ministry, adding, The key is that the 14th Dalai Lama must fundamentally reflect on and thoroughly correct his political views. read more The Dalai Lama with former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the US Congressional delegation at his residence, in Dharamshala. (PTI) The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism the Dalai Lama must thoroughly correct his political views as a condition for contact with Chinas central government to resume. Formal talks between China and the Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, and his representatives have been stalled since 2010. With regard to contact and negotiations between the central government of China and the 14th Dalai Lama, our policy has been consistent and clear, said Lin Jian, a spokesman at Chinas foreign ministry. Advertisement The key is that the 14th Dalai Lama must fundamentally reflect on and thoroughly correct his political views, Lin said at a regular ministry news conference. The Dalai Lama stepped down in 2011 as the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, which Beijing does not recognise and views as a violation of Chinas constitution. Yet China continues to chafe at any interaction he has with officials of other countries, including former US presidents, even though the Dalai Lama says he is not seeking independence for Tibet. The 88-year-old, whom China sees as a dangerous separatist in a monks robes, remains the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. US lawmakers are currently asking President Joe Biden to sign a bill aimed at pressing China to secure a negotiated and peaceful agreement on Tibet. A group of US lawmakers, who met the Dalai Lama in India on Wednesday, said they would not allow China to influence the choice of his successor. While Washington recognises Tibet as a part of China, the bill appears to question that position, analysts say. Beijing has rejected the Resolve Tibet Act, saying Tibet is part of China and brooks no interference from external forces. We urge the United States to fully recognise the importance and sensitivity of Tibet-related issues and earnestly respect Chinas core interests, Lin said. Advertisement We should abide by our commitment on the issue of obstacles, refrain from any form of contact with the Dalai clique, and stop sending wrong messages to the outside world. Fatalities have also been confirmed by Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan region, though in many cases authorities have not specified the cause read more Among the 600 people who died during Hajj in Mecca owing to soaring temperatures, 68 were Indian citizens. A Saudi Arabia diplomat told AFP, We have confirmed around 68 dead. Some are because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, thats what we assume. The death toll has risen from 550 which was notified by Saudi officials on Wednesday. Fatalities have also been confirmed by Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan region, though in many cases authorities have not specified the cause. Advertisement The highest number of casualties came from Egypt. The diplomat who confirmed the Indian fatalities said there were also some Indian pilgrims missing, but he declined to provide an exact number. This happens every year We cant say that it is abnormally high this year, he said. Its somewhat similar to last year but we will know more in the coming days. Temperatures in the Muslim pilgrim city touched 51.8 degrees Celcius on Monday, according to the National Center for Meteorology. Most of the rituals of the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage that Muslims are obligated to make at least once in their lifetime, are held outside under the direct sun. Pilgrims are often exposed to extreme heat as they walk around the Kaaba in circles. The Hajj has been facing the wrath of climate change recently but that is not stopping pilgrims from visiting the holy site. Around 1.8 million pilgrims took part in the hajj this year, 1.6 million of them from abroad, according to Saudi authorities. Studies suggest that increasing humidity and temperatures pose a threat to the health of pilgrims. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles predict that the annual pilgrimage could turn more dangerous from 2047 to 2052 and from 2079 to 2086 during the hottest months of the year. With inputs from agencies Hezbollahs Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah issued a warning against both Israel and Cyprus that there will be war with no ceilings if any of the nations target the Lebanese militant group read more The leader of the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, issued a warning to Cyprus if the European island nation allowed Israel to use its territory to attack Lebanon. In a recent message, the militant groups leader warned that there would be a war without rules or ceilings in the event of a full-scale Israeli offensive against the militia. Amid the brewing tensions in the Middle East, Cyprus and Israel have a bilateral defence cooperation agreement which has seen both the countries performing joint military exercises in the region. Advertisement Opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war, Nasrallah said in a televised message on Wednesday. This is the first time the Hezbollah leader has threatened Cyprus. What makes matters complicated is the fact that Cyprus is a member of the European Union and any conflict with the island nation could drag the regional body into the war. Cyprus reacts Shortly after the warning was given, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, gave a stern response on the matter. Cyprus remains uninvolved in any military conflicts and positions itself as part of the solution rather than the problem," Christodoulides averred. He also pointed to the humanitarian role his country had played in the Middle East, facilitating the opening of a sea corridor to transport desperately needed aid to Gaza. Our humanitarian corridor is a testament to our commitment to peace and stability, he told reporters at a University of Cyprus graduation ceremony, The Guardian reported. Such statements are not pleasant, but they do not reflect reality. Cyprus is not participating in any military engagements," he added. The Cyprus president maintained that the threat would be raised through diplomatic channels. Israel-Hezbollah tensions Nasrallahs remarks came a day after Israeli generals said they are planning to launch a wider offensive against the Lebanese militant group. Israels Foreign Minister Israel Katz suggested the country was on the brink of deciding whether to expand the war. Advertisement A day before Nasrallahs warning statement, Hezbollah flaunted a 9-minute video filmed by a drone showing civilian and military locations in and around one of Israels largest cities, Haifa. In his statement, the militia chief boasted about his groups ability to gather intelligence. The enemy knows that no place in the entire (state) is safe from our missiles, and it wont be arbitrary. Everything will be deliberately targeted, Nasrallah said in his speech. We have long hours of footage of Haifa, of the outskirts of Haifa, and what comes after Haifa, and after after Haifa, he added, referencing the groups slogan when it hit a rocket in the Israeli city for the first time in 2006. Advertisement Meanwhile, the mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, has described the video as psychological terror and demanded a protection plan for his city. He went on to slam the IDF commanders for not visiting Haifa since the October 7 attack by Hamas. I demand that the government present a plan for the massive defence of Haifa and find a military solution to eliminate the threat posed from the north, Yahav told Israeli radio station Reshet Bet. With inputs from the agencies. The initiative will study, support, and promote the India-Italy partnership, especially in the context of the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, launched at the G20 in New Delhi in September 2023 read more From the Augustan Altar of Peace, the Ara Pacis, dedicated to Pax Romana, the Indo-Mediterranean Initiative (IMI) was launched on the 16th of June. Under the aegis of Senator Giulio Terzi di SantAgata, the initiative will study, support, and promote the India-Italy partnership, especially in the context of the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor (IMEC), launched at the G20 in New Delhi in September 2023. The events were part of the two day India Forum 2024 in Rome, organised by the Chief Representative for Italy of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Vas Shenoy. Advertisement The IMI also announces the arrival of India as a great power, a cyclic return after almost 500 years of colonisation and humiliation. During the first day yesterday, together with illustrious Italian and international analysts and experts, we discussed the growing challenges, opportunities, and synergies emerging from the increasingly close connection between India and Italy, between the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Everyone was unanimously convinced that IMEC, the Economic Corridor launched by the Indian Presidency of the last G20, which saw Italy among the very first signatories, will be much more than an infrastructure project. said Senator Terzi, one of Italys former foreign ministers and a senior member of Prime Minister Melonis Fratelli dItalia party. Also present as a speaker was Amb Francesco Talo, former diplomatic advisor to the Prime Minister, while she visited India in 2023 and signed the IMEC MoU. A firm believer in the strategic importance of the Indo-Mediterranean, he said, I was very happy and proud to be present and be a part of the strategic initiative, which has seen Italy be a protagonist in the international scene not only with India but also the UAE and other countries. Other speakers included James Jay Carafano from the Heritage Foundation and Kaush Arha of Stanford University, who provided the US context as well as the geopolitical context. Speakers represented most of Italys important think tanks and universities through the strategic partnership of Formiche, Italys premier geopolitical platform. The event started with a video message from outgoing Italian envoy Amb. Vincenzo de Luca, who has strived during his mandate to give the bilateral relationship a strong push. The stage was set by a message from Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council. Advertisement The Italy-India relationship is important for global peace, security, and progress, and to conduct trade and business, trust is an essential commodity," said Ameya Prabhu, ICC President. The India Forum 2024, in its first edition, has touched upon all key components to make this relationship successful politics, trade, and business, he continued, concluding the first days sessions. On the 17th of June, the ICC Italy-India Business Forum was inaugurated with a message from HE Maria Tripodi, Under Secretary of State for External Affairs and International Cooperation, and the presence of Indias new envoy to Italy, Amb Vani Rao, Senator Terzi di SantAgata, Italys ambassador-designate to India, Antonio Bartoli, and other distinguished guests. Apart from members of the India-Italy parliamentary friendship group, including Sen. Marco Scurria, Sen. Matteo Gelmetti, and Hon Naike Gruppioni, speakers represented Italian institutions and met with the ICC delegation of 30 companies. Advertisement The Indo-Italian Chamber for Commerce and Industry was also represented by its Secretary General, Claudio Maffioletti. The business forum was organised by the ICC with the cooperation of UnionCamere, Italys national federation of Chambers of Commerce, at its headquarters in Piazza Sallustio, Rome. In November, in partnership with VeronaFiere, the ICC brings Vinitaly India Preview to New Delhi, bringing to life another ancient export from Italy to India. The forum concluded with a fashion show featuring key upcoming Indian brands on the terrace of the Woldorf Astoria Rome, overlooking the eternal city. Habeck visited South Korea as part of the first leg of his Asia tour. While in Beijing, he is anticipated to discuss Chinas relations with Russia and assist in handling the consequences from the growing dispute over European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles read more Habecks trip came in the same week that Russias President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea to agree a landmark military assistance pact, with deepening defence cooperation between the countries raising alarm bells in Washington and Seoul Image Courtesy Reuters German Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated on Thursday during a visit to the area that Germany and South Korea share the objective of diversifying away from China, expanding their raw material suppliers, and decreasing their reliance on vital products. Habeck visited South Korea as part of the first leg of his Asia tour. While in Beijing, he is anticipated to discuss Chinas relations with Russia and assist in handling the consequences from the growing dispute over European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Advertisement South Korea has a similar economic policy to Germany, it focuses on trade, Habeck said in Seoul. It is a country that relies on markets being open and protectionist tendencies being pushed back as far as possible. Habeck said he also pressed South Korea to stop work on LNG vessels for Russia under contracts agreed before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. But there is a good chance that these ships will not be delivered, Habeck said. That would be very much in the interests of all the countries that apply sanctions to Russia. Habecks trip came in the same week that Russias President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea to agree a landmark military assistance pact, with deepening defence cooperation between the countries raising alarm bells in Washington and Seoul. The militarization from North Korea and the cooperation with Russia with the circumvention of sanctions is of real concern for me and I think for the whole world, Habeck said, adding his concern was shared by South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Habeck is travelling with a delegation of small and medium enterprises from different sectors and the day started with a roundtable for companies. Half of them already have a location in South Korea, while the other half want to explore the market, want to understand how the system works and what market opportunities there are, Habeck said. In this photo released by the United Nations, Stephanie Koury, on screen, Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs for Libya, briefs the Security Council on the situation in Libya on 19 June, 2024, at UN headquarters. AP United Nations: Libyans from rival regions and all walks of life are fed up with the countrys divisions and want political players to end their years-long impasse and agree to hold national elections, a key step to peace in the oil-rich north African country, the U.N. deputy representative said Wednesday. Stephanie Koury told the UN Security Council that she has been meeting political leaders, civil society representatives, academics, womens groups, military leaders and others in the countrys rival east and west to listen to their views. She said there is consensus that the current status quo is not sustainable and the political process needs to advance toward elections. Advertisement Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. In the chaos that followed, the country split, with rival administrations in the east and west backed by rogue militias and foreign governments. The countrys current political crisis stems from the failure to hold elections on Dec. 24, 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah who led a transitional government in the capital of Tripoli to step down. In response, Libyas east-based parliament appointed a rival prime minister who was suspended. The east is now governed by Prime Minister Ossama Hammad while the powerful military commander Khalifa Hifter continues to hold sway. Koury, the top UN official in Libya since the resignation of special representative Abdoulaye Bathily in April, said many Libyans she spoke to signaled the importance of a pact or agreement that would affirm, among other things, the rival parties respect for the outcome of elections. They also expressed deep concern at the countrys divisions and parallel governments, and provided ideas on a roadmap to elections, she said. While institutional and political divisions keep deepening, ordinary Libyans long for peace, stability, prosperity and reconciliation, Koury said. Resolute and united action to advance a political process is needed by Libyans with the support of the international community. Advertisement In February, Bathily warned the countrys feuding political actors that if they didnt urgently form a unified government and move toward elections Libya will slide into disintegration. The three African nations on the council Sierra Leone, Algeria and Mozambique joined by Guyana said in a joint statement Wednesday that the Security Council must remain committed to an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations for the holding of national elections. The four countries called on the rival political players to move from the entrenched institutional and political positions, resolve their differences, build consensus and facilitate the holding of national election. Advertisement US deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said the United States also continues to firmly support the UN political missions efforts to bring Libya closer to unlocking a viable process toward long-overdue elections. Progress toward greater military integration remains key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty and preventing Libya from becoming enmeshed in regional turmoil, he said. Turning to Russias actions in Libya, Wood told the council the United States recently sanctioned Russian state-owned enterprise Goznak for producing counterfeit currency globally and printing more than $1 billion worth of counterfeit Libyan currency, which exacerbated Libyas economic challenges. Libya is under a U.N. arms embargo, and Wood said the United States also notes with particular concern the recent reports of Russian Federation naval vessels unloading military hardware in Libya. Advertisement Libyas UN Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, who represents the internationally recognized government in the west, stressed that national reconciliation is the only way to rebuild social cohesion and trust between the rivals, unite the country and pave the way for elections. We are tired and fed up from the stalemate and the vicious cycle that we have been going through for decades now, he said. We are tired and fed up from being lectured on what to do and what not to do, and from the Security Councils inaction. We are tired and fed up to use Libya as a proxy for certain countries and regional powers for selfish greedy battles, some of which have colonial ambitions, El-Sonni said. Advertisement He called on the Security Council to leave Libya alone and let the people decide their own future and take their destiny in their own hands. Despite state Senator Royce Duplessis opposition, Louisiana became the first US state to make the display of Ten Commandments in classrooms read more Louisiana became the first state in the United States to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom. The latest law that stirred headlines was passed by a GOP-dominated Legislature under a brand-new governor. The legislation in question requires schools to put out a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in large, easily readable font in all public classrooms. The opponents questioned the constitutionality of the law and vowed to challenge it in court. Advertisement Meanwhile, the proponents of the legislation argued that the measure is solely not religious but also has historical significance. They referred to the Ten Commandments as the foundational document of the country. Key aspects of the law The posters that are mandatory in all classrooms will also be paired with a four-paragraph context statement describing how the Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries. The Louisiana government set the year 2025 as a deadline for the implementation of the law, CBS News reported. Another interesting aspect of the legislation is the fact that under the law, the state funds will not be used to implement the mandate, posters would be paid only through donations. Shortly after Louisianas Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed the bill into law at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Lafayette on Wednesday, several civil rights groups demanded the government to keep religion and politics separated from each other. Criticisms that followed In a joint statement from the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, it was argued that the law will keep children who have different beliefs from feeling safe at school. The law violates the separation of church and state and is blatantly unconstitutional, the groups argued. The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice, without pressure from the government. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools, the statement further reads. Advertisement In April this year, Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis said that he is apprehensive about the legislation. Thats why we have a separation of church and state, Duplessis said in a conversation with CBS News. We learned the 10 Commandments when we went to Sunday school. As I said on the Senate floor, if you want your kids to learn the Ten Commandments, you can take them to church, he added. With inputs from agencies. The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Arakan Army (AA) were the members of the alliance, and the ceasefire permitted them to keep large areas of land they had taken in northern Shan state read more Myanmar's borderlands are home to a plethora of ethnic armed groups, many of whom have battled the military since independence from Britain in 1948 over autonomy and control of lucrative resources Image Courtesy AFP A coalition of armed ethnic groups in Myanmar has said that the junta has been frequently breaching a ceasefire in the countrys north this month, resulting in civilian casualties, with the help of China. Following months of violence that resulted in the displacement of almost half a million people close to Chinas southern border, Beijing mediated a truce between the junta and the so-called Three Brotherhood Alliance in January. The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Arakan Army (AA) were the members of the alliance, and the ceasefire permitted them to keep large areas of land they had taken in northern Shan state. Advertisement According to the group, on June 19, Junta troops conducted an airstrike on TNLA-held terrain close to Mogok, a hub for ruby and gem mining. In this incident, one civilian was killed and 3 wounded including a 10-year-old child, the TNLA said in a statement posted to the alliances Telegram channel on June 19. On June 18 junta troops had launched a drone attack that had killed one TNLA member and seriously wounded four others, the TNLA added. It said the attacks were the latest violation this month by the junta, which it said had shelled TNLA positions and cut roads and restricted the flow of goods to TNLA-controlled towns. AFP was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment. In October last year, the alliance launched a surprise offensive across northern Myanmar, seizing several towns and lucrative border hubs that are vital for trade with China, dealing a blow to the cash-strapped and isolated junta. Border trade with China during April-May was down by almost a third compared to the same period last year, junta-controlled media reported last week. Last month China hosted follow-up peace talks between the military and the alliance in the city of Kunming. A source close to the MNDAA told AFP that no substantial progress had been made, and the two sides would meet again in the future. Advertisement Myanmars borderlands are home to a plethora of ethnic armed groups, many of whom have battled the military since independence from Britain in 1948 over autonomy and control of lucrative resources. While fighting in Shan state has calmed, the AA has launched its own offensive in western Rakhine state, where it says it is fighting for more autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine population. Its fighters have seized territory along the border with India and Bangladesh, piling further pressure on the junta as it battles opponents elsewhere across the Southeast Asian country. In Kharkiv, a third bomb fell behind the Epicenter shopping complex, but it did not explode. The goal is to assist investigators in tracking down the supplier of the most recent Russian glide bombs, which are destroying eastern Ukraine through retrofitting. The bombs from the Soviet era have been cheaply modified with imported electronics to enable Russian jets to lob them towards Ukraine from a distance read more Avdiivka, Vovchansk, and Chasiv Yar are only a few of the cities that the weapons have totally destroyed. These bombs, which Russia has a virtually infinite supply of, are supplied from airfields right across the border that Ukraine is unable to hit Image Courtesy AP Aisles full of home improvement supplies piled nearly to the top were destroyed by the initial shock wave. A few seconds later, another Russian bomb descended like a comet, unleashing flames that reduced the megastore to a pale shell. In Kharkiv, a third bomb fell behind the Epicenter shopping complex, but it did not explode. The goal is to assist investigators in tracking down the supplier of the most recent Russian glide bombs, which are destroying eastern Ukraine through retrofitting. The bombs from the Soviet era have been cheaply modified with imported electronics to enable Russian jets to lob them towards Ukraine from a distance. Advertisement Avdiivka, Chasiv Yar, and Vovchansk are just a few of the cities that have been completely destroyed by the weaponry. Russia possesses an almost limitless supply of these bombs, which are delivered from airfields immediately across the border that Ukraine has not been able to attack. Using glide bombs and a developing network of airstrips, Russia has intensified its destruction of Ukraines front-line cities in 2024 to a scale never seen before in the war, according to an Associated Press review of drone footage, satellite imagery, Ukrainian records, and Russian photos. Avdiivka, Vovchansk, and Chasiv Yar are only a few of the cities that the weapons have totally destroyed. These bombs, which Russia has a virtually infinite supply of, are supplied from airfields right across the border that Ukraine is unable to hit. Drone footage, satellite imagery, Ukrainian records, and Russian photos all show that Russia has increased its bombing of Ukraines front-line cities in 2024 to a level never seen previously in the war by using glide bombs and a growing network of airstrips. Nineteen people, including two children, were murdered in the explosion at the Epicenter in Kharkiv. Thus far this year, glide bombs have struck the city more than fifty times, according to Spartak Borysenko of the regional prosecutors office in Kharkiv. He provided the news agency AP with investigative documents that listed at least eight Russian air basesall of which were located within 60 miles (or 100 kilometers) of Ukrainethat were utilized to launch the assaults. He claimed that one or more of the weapons was manufactured in May and contained foreign components. That date implies that Russia is making quick use of the weapons and has been able to get around the sanctions on dual-use goods. Advertisement Images of glide bombs being fired three or four at a time can be found on Russian Telegram channels that are affiliated with the military. The AP located the aircraft just outside the Russian city of Belgorod, close to the air base that is now being built, in one bomb launch. With Vovchansk and Kharkiv in their direct line of fire, all four of the bombs in the picture were pointing west. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed at the end of May that Russia was using 3,200 bombs in May alone, and that it was launching more than 3,000 bombs per month. Advertisement Attacking air bases is essential to reducing the rate of bombs by compelling Russian jets to launch farther, according to Oleh Katkov, whose military-focused website Defense Express was the first to identify the launch location. There are presently twelve or more Americans serving jail sentences in Russia; they are among the increasing number of foreign people entangled in the crisis of relations between Moscow and Washington amidst the conflict in Ukraine read more Karelina was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in January while she was in Yekaterinburg visiting her parents and younger sister On Thursday, a Russian-American lady who was detained earlier this year while on a visitation with family in Russia was put on trial for treason after the authorities said she had raised money to fund the Ukrainian army. Ksenia Karelina, a Russian native who came to the United States more than 10 years ago and made a new life for herself as an aesthetician in a Los Angeles spa, could be sentenced to 12 years to life in prison if proven guilty. Advertisement As is typical in similar cases in Russia, her trial will take place in private. There are not many acquittals for treason. A brief video of Karelina, dressed in denim pants and a green checkered top, sitting in a glass cage was released by the Yekaterinburg court in the Urals. A slight smile crossed her lips as photographers took pictures. There are presently twelve or more Americans serving jail sentences in Russia; they are among the increasing number of foreign people entangled in the crisis of relations between Moscow and Washington amidst the conflict in Ukraine. Karelina was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in January while she was in Yekaterinburg visiting her parents and younger sister. A brief video of Karelina, dressed in denim pants and a green checkered top, sitting in a glass cage was released by the Yekaterinburg court in the Urals. A slight smile crossed her lips as photographers took pictures. There are presently twelve or more Americans serving jail sentences in Russia; they are among the increasing number of foreign people entangled in the crisis of relations between Moscow and Washington amidst the conflict in Ukraine. Karelina was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in January while she was in Yekaterinburg visiting her parents and younger sister. Her former mother-in-law, Eleonora Srebroski, told Reuters in February that Karelina had travelled home around the New Year after her boyfriend surprised her with a plane ticket. Advertisement She had assured her boyfriend that Russia was safe and that he had no reason to fear her traveling there, according to Srebroski. Initially arrested under a minor petty hooliganism statute, Karelina was later charged with treason. Srebroski said Karelina had made a small donation to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based nonprofit that sends non-military assistance to the country, invaded by Russian forces in 2022. Karelina, who is in her early thirties, arrived in the U.S. in 2012 via a work-study program and was briefly married to Srebroskis son. Her ex-husband has described her as a fun-loving woman who didnt care much for politics. Advertisement Karelinas social media profiles feature photos of herself and friends on the beach and on trips but without political messaging. One photo from November 2021 shows her in a long dress, smiling and waving a small American flag, with the caption, Citizenship. South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Kyiv, citing a longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict read more On June 20, South Korea announced that it will think about arming Ukraine. This was a significant shift in policy, which came about as a result of North Korea and Russia striking a deal to defend one another in the case of conflict and rocking the area. A top presidential official made these remarks just hours after the pacts specifics were made public by North Koreas state media. According to analysts, this accord may represent the closest relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. It occurs at a time when both nations are facing intensifying standoffs with the West and Russia is becoming more and more isolated due to its war in Ukraine. Advertisement The agreements language, which was made public by the Norths official Korean Central News Agency, states that whichever nation is invaded and forced into a state of war, the other must immediately use all means at its disposal to offer military and other assistance. However, the agreement also stipulates that such activities have to comply with both national and international legal frameworks, as well as Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which upholds the right to self-defense of U.N. members. At a summit in Pyongyang on June 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un signed the agreement. Regarding security, trade, investment, cultural linkages, and humanitarian contacts, they both characterized it as a significant improvement in bilateral relations. The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement condemning the agreement, calling it a threat to the Souths security and a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and warned that it would have negative consequences on Seouls relations with Moscow. Its absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion the Korean War and the war in Ukraine are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a preemptive attack by the international community that will never happen, Mr. Yoons office said. Mr. Yoons national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, said Seoul would reconsider the issue of providing arms to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russias invasion. Advertisement South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Kyiv, citing a longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict. The summit between Kim and Putin came as the U.S. and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. Advertisement Following their summit, Mr. Kim said the two countries had a fiery friendship, and that the deal was their strongest-ever treaty, putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russias war in Ukraine. Mr. Putin called it a breakthrough document reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level. North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscows military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances. Theres ongoing debate on how strong of a security commitment the deal entails. While some analysts see the agreement as a full restoration of the countries Cold War-era alliance, others say the deal seems more symbolic than substantial. Advertisement Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the text appeared to be carefully worded as to not imply automatic military invention. But the big picture here is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world, just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation, he said. The deal was made as Mr. Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, a trip that showcased their personal and geopolitical ties with Kim hugging Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and Putin portraits, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyangs main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators. Advertisement According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the core interests of any of them and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests. KCNA said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to prepare joint measures for the purpose of strengthening their defense capabilities to prevent war and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency didnt specify what those steps are, or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation. The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a just and multipolar new world order, KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. How the pact affects Russias relations with the South is a key development to watch, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and director of the North Korea-focused 38 North website. Seoul had already signed onto sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, souring its relations with Moscow. Now with any ambiguity of Russias partnership with North Korea removed, how will Seoul respond? she said. Is there a point where it decides to cut or suspend diplomatic ties with Russia or expel its ambassador? And have we reached it? Mr. Kim in recent months has made Russia his priority as he pushes a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a new Cold War and trying to display a united front in Putins broader conflicts with the West. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Mr. Kims weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle. The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers. Seoul has a longstanding policy that bars it from selling weapons into active conflict zones, which it has stuck to despite calls from Washington and Kyiv to reconsider read more Major weapons exporter South Korea will reconsider a longstanding policy that bars it from supplying arms directly to Ukraine, a presidential official said Thursday, after North Korea signed a mutual defence agreement with Russia."(We are) planning to reconsider the issue of providing weapons support to Ukraine," a presidential official told reporters hours after Russias President Vladimir Putin left Pyongyang. Putin signed a breakthrough new deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his state visit. Seoul also expressed its grave concern over the agreement in which the two heavily sanctioned countries agreed to strengthen their military and economic cooperation, including immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression. Any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps strengthen North Koreas military capabilities is a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions, national security adviser Chang Ho-jin told reporters. Advertisement Russias own violation of the resolution and support for North Korea will inevitably have a negative impact on the South Korea-Russia relationship, Chang said. Western powers have stepped up sanctions aimed at constraining Russias war in Ukraine. Seoul has a longstanding policy that bars it from selling weapons into active conflict zones, which it has stuck to despite calls from Washington and Kyiv to reconsider. It has, however, sold tanks and howitzers to Poland. The US Congress passed this month a legislation, the Resolve Tibet Act, calling for a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the status and governance of Tibet. It also calls on Beijing to resume dialogue with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. read more The Dalai Lama with former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the US Congressional delegation at his residence, in Dharamshala. (PTI) A day after a bipartisan United States congressional delegation met with the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala, the Tibetan spiritual leader is set to travel to the US on Thursday for medical treatment for his knees. It remains unclear if he will meet any US officials during his stay in the country. The visit poses questions about why former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers travelled to India to meet with the Dalai Lama, just a day before his scheduled visit to the US. Advertisement Pelosi after meeting the Tibetan spiritual leader on Wednesday said that the legacy of the Dalai Lama will live forever and nobody will give Chinese President Xi Jinping any credit. The delegation is led by US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and has members including Pelosi, who is now Speaker Emerita, and prominent US Congressional members Mariannette Miller, Gregory Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Jim McGovern, and Ami Bera. The Resolve Tibet Act The US Congress passed this month a legislation, the Resolve Tibet Act, calling for a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the status and governance of Tibet. It also calls on Beijing to resume dialogue with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. The Resolve Tibet Act is a bipartisan bill to enhance US support for Tibet and promote dialogue between the Peoples Republic of China and the Dalai Lama toward a peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute between Tibet and China. US President Joe Biden is going to take a decision that he thinks is in the best interest of the United States, the White House has said, after China warned of resolute measures if the Tibet policy bill is signed into law. The Act enhances US support for Tibet empowering State Department officials to actively and directly counter disinformation about Tibet from the Chinese government, reject false claims that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times, push for negotiations without preconditions between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community, and affirm the State Departments responsibility to coordinate with other governments in multilateral efforts toward the goal of a negotiated agreement on Tibet. China officially refers to Tibet as Xizang. Advertisement China in April this year said it would talk only with the representatives of the Dalai Lama and not the officials of the Tibetan government in exile based in India. At the same time, China ruled out dialogue on the Dalai Lamas long-pending demand for autonomy for his remote Himalayan homeland. In its talks with China between 2002 and 2010, the Tibetan side pitched genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people in line with the middle-way policy as proposed by the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan spiritual leader has said he did not seek political independence for Tibet but seeks autonomy for all Tibetan areas which include Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces besides the current official Tibet Autonomous Region, a truncated version of Tibet before it was annexed by China. Advertisement After a failed anti-Chinese uprising in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and came to India where he set up the government-in-exile. Relations between the two sides strained further due to protests against China in Tibetan areas in 2008. With inputs from agencies. On Monday, Satnam Singh, 31, sustained injuries while performing maintenance on farm equipment in Latina, a rural region near Rome that is home to a sizable population of Indian laborers who are immigrants read more Italys labour minister, Marina Calderone, condemned the true act of barbarity and hoped that those responsible would be punished Image Courtesy AP A trade unionist has demanded a crackdown on barbaric exploitation in the wake of an Indian agricultural workers death, claiming that his employer abandoned him on a road after an accident that left him with a severed arm. On Monday, Satnam Singh, 31, sustained injuries while performing maintenance on farm equipment in Latina, a rural region near Rome that is home to a sizable population of Indian laborers who are immigrants. Singh, who emigrated to Italy three years ago with his spouse, is said to have had his arm amputated on the street outside his Borgo Santa Maria residence. Advertisement After his wife alerted the police, they said, an air ambulance was dispatched to take him to the San Camillo Forlalini hospital in Rome, where he passed away on Wednesday due to his wounds. His Italian company is being investigated for neglecting to provide assistance, violating industrial safety rules, and manslaughter. Initial investigations revealed that Singh was operating a plastic roller wrapping machine that was connected to a tractor at the time of the accident. Italys labour minister, Marina Calderone, condemned the true act of barbarity and hoped that those responsible would be punished. The Indian agricultural worker who suffered a serious accident in the countryside of Latina and was abandoned in very serious conditions has died, she told parliament. Agriculture minister Francesco Lollobrigida said on Thursday that Giorgia Melonis government was on the frontline to fight against all forms of labour exploitation. He added: This is a tragedy which mustnt leave us indifferent and on which full light must be shed. The centre-left Democratic party (PD) condemned the mans treatment as a defeat for civilisation, while urging the government to take action to rid Italy of the so-called agro-mafias that run migrant labouring rackets. Trump has floated tariffs of 60% or higher on all Chinese goods and a 10% across-the-board tariffs on goods from all points of origin. While, President Biden seeks to form a Pacific alliance to counter Chinas increasing influence in this strategically important region. read more A recent U.S. intelligence report indicates that Chinese leaders are indifferent to the upcoming US elections, showing no preference between President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump. According to Bloomberg, which cited anonymous American officials, US intelligence agencies have assessed that China does not favour either candidate as the first debate of the presidential campaign approaches next week. Both Biden and Trump have taken critical stances against China. The Republican candidate Trump advocates for higher tariffs on Chinese exports. In contrast, President Biden seeks to form a Pacific alliance to counter Chinas increasing influence in this strategically important region. Biden is actively involved with like-minded countries to counter Beijings growing influence. The US has revitalised its partnership with its allies and countries like India, Australia and Japan, amidst the rise of China, under Bidens tenure as President. Advertisement On the other hand, Trump who is in favour of imposing high tariffs on Chinese products said last month that the Biden administrations new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, semiconductors and medical products should be applied to other types of vehicles and products. The former U.S. president criticized President Joe Biden for not doing more on Chinese exports sooner and took credit for the tariff policies his Democratic successor has kept in place as the two face a rematch in Novembers presidential election. Trumps broader imposition of tariffs during his 2017-2021 presidency kicked off a tariff war with China. As a candidate this year, he has floated tariffs of 60% or higher on all Chinese goods and a 10% across-the-board tariffs on goods from all points of origin. The report suggests that officials in Beijing, much like those in Washington, expect that the relationship between the worlds two largest economies will continue to downgrade despite recent attempts to normalise relations. Over the past few years, the United States and China have been at odds on a range of issues, including technology, human rights, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. These long-standing conflicts highlight the challenges both nations face in stabilising their bilateral ties despite diplomatic efforts. With inputs from agencies. realme just launched the realme GT 6 smartphone in India today as the second smartphone in the GT series after this year after the launch of realme GT 6T last month. It has the same LTPO display, battery and camera, but gets a faster Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, Sony LYT-808 sensor, and a telephoto camera. Is this worth the price? Let us dive into the review and find out. Box Contents realme GT 6 16GB + 512GB in Fluid Silver colour 120W SUPERVOOC charger USB Type-C Cable Protective case SIM ejector Quick Start Guide and Warranty Information Display, Hardware and Design The realme GT 6 features a 6.78-inch (27801264 pixels) 1.5K AMOLED display with 1-120Hz refresh rate 8T LTPO display, which is the same as the one present in the GT 6T. The phone has 450 PPI pixel density. The display is bright since it has up to 6000 nits peak brightness, which works for HDR, and the global maximum brightness has also increased to 1600 nits It offers good colour output since it has 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and the sunlight legibility is good as well. You can select from vivid, Natural and Pro screen colour modes. I am also a fan of nature tone display feature, which adjusts the display based on the ambient lighting conditions. The phone has a 2160Hz high-frequency dimming technology. There are also eye-protection features such as sleep mode, ambient color adaptation, DC dimming, and comprehensive eye protection to enhance user comfort and reduce eye strain. The phone has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The phone also has HDR 10 support, which works for YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but HDR or Dolby Vision didnt work for Netflix for some reason. You can enable video color boost from display settings, which increases the colors in select apps. There is also image sharpener option. The phone doesnt have a notification LED, but this has an always-on-display that shows contextual info and notifications all day or as per schedule. The phone has ultra narrow bezels side bezels of 1.36mm, making it compact to hold. It has strong vibration motor. The phone has a tiny punch-hole that houses a 32-megapixel camera. Above the display, there is an earpiece on the top edge that doubles up as a secondary speaker. It has an in-display fingerprint scanner. There is a 1.94mm ultra-narrow bezel on the bottom. Coming to the button placements and ports, the power button is present on the right side along with the volume rockers. There is nothing on the left side. The Dual SIM slot, primary microphone, USB Type-C port and the loudspeaker grill are present on the bottom. The secondary microphone is on the top, along with a speaker vent and an IR blaster. The phones back cover has a nano-level mirror coating technology that undergoes over 30 meticulous processes to achieve, highlighting the contrast of bright and matte metal textures, said the company. Compared to the plastic back in the GT 6T, the GT 6 has a glass back, which looks a feels premium. The stainless steel camera module, with 20% increase in hardness, ensures enhanced lens protection. The phone IP65 ratings for dust and splash resistance. Camera 50MP main camera with 1/1.4 Sony LYT-808 sensor, OIS, f/1.69 aperture 8MP IMX355 112 ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture 50MP telephoto camera with 1/1.28 Samsung JN5 sensor, f/2.0 aperture 32MP front-facing camera with Sony IMX615 sensor, f/2.45 aperture The camera UI in the realme UI 5 is familiar. There is Pro mode, Panorama, Macro, Flim, Slo-mo, Time-Lapse, Dual-View video, text scanner, starry mode and tilt-shift. The rear camera offers 12.5MP output after pixel binning, and the front camera images are 32MP in size. There is a new Camera QR code scanning feature. Daylight shots were brilliant compared to the GT 6T and the other competitors who uses 1/1.56 sensors., and the dynamic range is better with auto HDR. 2X is good, but as you zoom in you lose details even though you get up to 20X zoom. The 2x telephoto camera also does a decent job, and the portrait mode offers a good edge detection. It has a same 8MP ultra-wide camera, which could have been better. Low-light shots are good. The night mode is way better, even though it takes a few seconds to process. With advanced night video algorithms, realme says that this uses Industrys first AI Night Vision Mode. There is also a tripod mode. The 32MP front camera does a decent job in daylight, but doesnt do much in low light. The bokeh shots are good, and the edge detection is decent. Check out the camera samples. It can record videos at up to 4K 60 fps, slow motion 1080p at 120fps, and the front camera can record at 4K 30fps videos finally. Ultra-wide camera shooting and Portrait video mode video with the main camera are limited to 1080p, 30 fps. It can also shoot 4K HDR Dolby Vision videos at 4K 30fps. There is OIS and EIS which does decent job. There is ultra-steady mode which is limited to 1080p 60fps. Software, UI and Apps It runs Android 14 based realme UI 5.0 out of the box. It has Android security patch for April 2024. The phone will get 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates. The phone has AI features that include AI Smart Removal, AI Night Vision Mode, and AI Smart Loop. The AI Smart Removal allows you to manually select passersby and clutter in your photos, which are then automatically erased. The background is smartly filled in, seamlessly rescuing and restoring your pictures without a trace of the unwanted elements. The AI Smart Loop feature helps to identify content selected and dragged by the user on the screen, allowing for quick sharing to third-party apps and enabling seamless interactions, which greatly saves time and steps in the process. It offers three main capabilities: Smart Recognition, Simplified Operations, and Increased Efficiency. Apart from the usual set of realme apps and Google apps, it comes with several preloaded apps such as Facebook, Amazon, Snapchat, and Myntra. These apps can be uninstalled, but come back once the phone is reset. There are also Hot Apps and Hot Games. Since this has an IR blaster, there is an IR remote app which is useful. Out of 16GB LPDD5X RAM, you get 14.94GB of usable RAM, and about 9GB of RAM is free when default apps are running in the background. It also has DRE or dynamic RAM expansion feature, which uses the built-in storage as RAM. This has up to 12GB of additional RAM expansion. Out of 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, you get about 457GB of free storage. Fingerprint sensor and Face unlock It has an in-display fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone quickly. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. You can also use the fingerprint for app local and payments in apps. Furthermore, you can change the fingerprint animation and also disable it, and also enable quick launch option to launch apps directly from the lock screen by holding the fingerprint. The phone also has face unlock feature. Music and Multimedia YouTube Music is the default Music Player. It has customizable Smart, Movie, Game and Music modes, but doesnt have Dolby Atmos. It doesnt have FM Radio support. Audio through the stereo speakers is good without any distortion even in full volume. Audio through earphones is good as well. This has Widevine L1, so that you can play HD content on Netflix and other streaming apps. It supports HDR content on YouTube, but this doesnt work on Netflix for some reason. Hope this will be fixed in update. Dual SIM and Connectivity The realme GT 6 has support for 5G SAn77/78/38/40/41(2496-2690MHz)/B66(2110~2180MHz)/N66(2110~2180MHz)/1/3/5/7/8/20/28 NSAn77/78/38/40/41(2496-2690MHz)/1/3/5/7/8/20/28 Network Bands in India. It has 4G Wi-Fi and VoLTE, with support for Carrier Aggregation on 4G. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 802.11 ax (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS / GLONASS / Beidou. It has OTG support, and NFC support. Moving on, the call quality is good, and we did not face any call drops and the earpiece volume was loud. The realme GT 6s body SAR is 0.368W/Kg and head SAR is at 1.175/Kg, which is well under the limit of 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g) in India. Performance and Benchmarks This is the one of the few phones to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC in India. It uses the same microarchitecture as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but the CPU cores are underclocked and this uses a different GPU. It uses 1 x Kryo Prime CPU (Arm Cortex-X4 based) at up to 3.0GHz, 4 x Kryo Performance CPUs (Arm Cortex-A720 based) at up to 2.8GHz and 3x Kryo Efficiency CPUs (Arm Cortex-A520 based) at up to 2.0GHz. The SoC is fabricated using the TSMC 4nm Process Technology, same as Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The phone has the 9-layer cooling system incorporates a 10014mm 3D tempered dual VC. There is 10870mm large copper foil above the screen, a 7075mm superconductive graphite in the screen compartment, a 10000mm dual Stainless Steel Vapor Chamber, cooling gel, a 1420mm mainboard top graphite copper foil, the PCB, a 800mm bottom copper foil, a 5300mm press plate support graphite, and an AL metal support. The Adreno 735 GPU offers similar performance as the one GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It has Real-time Hardware-Accelerated Ray Tracing, but it lacks Global Illumination which the Snapdragon 8 Gen has. We did not face any issues or frame drops in the graphic-intensive games like COD, BGMI and Genshin Impact. It reached maximum 42 in our testing indoors in 5G, but this might vary outdoors. In 3D Mark wild life stress test, it scored 52.5% which is just slightly less than the GT 6T. The temperature shot up from 34 to 44 degrees, which is not much, thanks to the cooling solution. That said, check out some synthetic benchmark scores below. As you can see, this is clearly better than the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, but the 8 Gen 3 is clearly the best. Battery life Coming to the battery life, the phone packs a 5500mAh (typical) battery, which is slightly bigger compared to older realme GT series phones. It can easily last for a day with heavy use and for 2 days with typical use. I got close to 7 hours of screen on time with a day of heavy use, mostly on Wi-Fi, and occasional 5G use in 120Hz. Since the phone has support for 120W SuperVOOC fast charging, it can charge up to 50% in about 10 minutes, and 100% in less than half an hour. There are smart charging, option to stop charging at 80%, and the smart rapid charging can charge the device faster if the battery is too low. Conclusion At a starting price of Rs. 40,999 for the 8GB + 256GB, the realme GT 6 is a camera and performance powerhouse while retaining most features from the GT 6T. Wish it had a better ultra-wide camera, and a slightly cheaper price tag since the gap between the GT 6T and GT 6 is huge. Pricing and availability The realme GT 6 is priced at Rs. 40,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model, 12GB + 256GB model costs Rs. 42,999 and the top-end 16GB + 512GB model is priced at Rs. 44,999. The phone is now available for pre-order from Flipkart, realme.com and offline stores and will go on sale from June 25th. Alternatives The OnePlus 12R in the similar price range offers a better build quality, but you will have to compromise on the camera. Xiaomi 14 CIVI with the same chip should be a good option, but it lacks an LTPO panel and a smaller battery. Pros 1.5K AMOLED 120Hz LTPO display is brilliant Smooth performance and good gaming performance Eye-catching design Brilliant main camera in daylight and low-light Long battery life with 120W fast charging Cons 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2x telephoto camera are average Bloatware China-Malaysia ties set example for region -- Chinese premier Xinhua) 13:46, June 20, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Prime Minister's office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday that China-Malaysia ties are at the forefront among relations between regional countries, and have set a benchmark and an example. He made the remarks in a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Chinese premier is paying his first official visit to the Southeast Asian country. Noting this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, as well as a "China-Malaysia Friendship Year," Li said that in the past half century, no matter how the international situation has changed, China and Malaysia have always been committed to sincere friendship, win-win cooperation and mutual learning and that their relationship has been steadily moving forward. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar reached an important consensus on jointly building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, creating a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations in the new era, Li noted. The Chinese premier said China is ready to work with Malaysia to continue to prioritize bilateral relations in their respective foreign policies and take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to accelerate the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen cooperation in various sectors and continuously enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Li said China is ready to work with Malaysia to synergize their development strategies more closely and give full play to their complementary advantages. China is willing to work with Malaysia to steadily advance the construction of major projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," while expanding the scale of trade and investment, promoting cooperation in such areas as logistics, new energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy and railway equipment, and strengthening cooperation in poverty reduction to better achieve win-win cooperation, he said. Li called on the two sides to increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges in such areas as culture, tourism, and education, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level to further facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries. China, Li said, is ready to work closely with Malaysia in multilateral areas, promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, and jointly safeguard the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in regional cooperation. He also urged the two sides to promote a high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and conclude the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area as soon as possible to jointly contribute to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world at large. For his part, Anwar said Malaysia cherishes its friendship with China and is firmly committed to consolidating the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Malaysia adheres to the one-China policy, firmly supports the reunification of China, and does not support any words or deeds advocating "Taiwan independence," he said. Noting that Malaysia-China relations are at a new starting point, Anwar said that Malaysia is willing to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, in the spirit of mutual respect, to further strengthen exchanges at various levels as well as cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, agriculture, digital economy, education and poverty reduction, actively advance the construction of major projects, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance mutual learning among civilizations and advance dialogue and cooperation between China and ASEAN. Malaysia supports major initiatives proposed by President Xi, such as the Global Development Initiative, welcomes China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, and stands ready to work with China to build a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, he added. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. The two leaders have agreed to unswervingly strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation and take the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a higher level. They have also pledged to continue to promote the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, push for the early conclusion of the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. They have agreed that China and relevant ASEAN countries should independently and properly handle the South China Sea issue, manage disputes and differences, promote dialogue and cooperation, and stick to the general direction of bilateral settlement. Following their talks, the two leaders also witnessed the exchange of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, culture, tourism, postal services, agricultural products exports to China, digital economy, green development, urban construction and higher education. Before the talks, Anwar held a grand welcoming ceremony for Li at the square in front of the Prime Minister's office. Chinese and Malaysian national flags fluttered in the wind. The two leaders stepped onto the reviewing stand. The national anthems of China and Malaysia were played. Then, Li inspected the honor guards. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Prime Minister's office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Fri Friday 86 /53 More sun than clouds. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 50s. European Peace Facility: Ensuring Air Defence Modernisation of the Republic of Moldova Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) 2024-06-17 On 13 June the Council of the European Union adopted a new assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF), pledging EUR 9 million to support the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova in the comprehensive modernisation of the nation's defence infrastructure. In this context, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), as the EU's implementing partner for this EPF assistance measure, will assist the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova in the procurement of short-range air defence launchers and missile systems. "As the implementing partner, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments brings broad experience in defence equipment procurement, delivering the necessary materials swiftly and considering not only the initial purchase, but also the future lifecycle and sustainable use of the equipment," said Katri Raudsepp, Deputy Director General of ECDI. Since 2021, the European Union has allocated 137 million euros to support the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova through the EPF. Thanks to this support, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova will receive relevant equipment to modernise their defence and cyber capabilities. The EPF was established in March 2021 to fund European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy activities with military and defence implication aimed at preventing conflicts, maintaining peace, and strengthening international security and stability. Through the EPF, the EU has the possibility to provide military equipment to increase its partners' security and defence capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Azerbaijan: Joint Press Release on the 5th EU-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 19.06.2024 Azerbaijan EEAS Press Team The fifth meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue was held on 13 June in Brussels. The participants had an open and frank exchange on the state of the bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, as well as on topical foreign and security policy issues of mutual interest. The participants also touched upon the process of normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as broader regional security issues. In this context, the importance of fostering regional stability and sustainable connectivity were mentioned. Azerbaijan underlined the bilateral nature of dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU stressed its continued support for the peace process, with a view to a secure, stable, peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus for the benefit of all people living in the region. The role of Azerbaijan as a reliable and important energy partner and its importance in the further development of the Middle Corridor was highlighted. The EU's support for humanitarian demining and mine victim assistance in Azerbaijan was appreciated. It was stated that under the EU Team Europe Initiative and other programs, further assistance to Azerbaijan's mine action program will continue. The Azerbaijani side also reiterated its interest in exploring possible cooperation with the EU under the European Peace Facility (EPF). In conclusion of the meeting, the EU and Azerbaijan agreed to continue regular exchanges on foreign and security policy issues. They also underlined the importance of meaningful work on all relevant strands of bilateral cooperation under the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service, and Mr. Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence European External Action Service (EEAS) 19.06.2024 Brussels/New York EEAS Press Team On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations and the European Union join forces to call for decisive action at the political and operational levels to prevent and eradicate sexual violence and to protect civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities in conflict zones. According to the World Health Organization, 1,510 attacks on healthcare facilities in areas affected by armed conflict were reported in 2023, compared with some 1,000 attacks in 2019. We are alarmed by this increase, which severely hampers the access of survivors of sexual violence to life-saving assistance, protection, reporting and reintegration. Sexual violence is one of the most devastating forms of violence committed mainly against women and girls but also men and boys, during armed conflicts. It adversely and profoundly affects women's physical, sexual and reproductive, and mental health. It is a major public health problem and a violation of women's human rights. Ensuring the inviolability of healthcare facilities in conflict zones is paramount for the protection of the basic human rights of survivors. Attacks on hospitals by armed actors, and the intimidation, harassment, threats and violence against health workers, has direct detrimental consequences for communities, including survivors of sexual violence. The delivery of health and psychosocial support services is severely compromised, as well as the availability of post-rape kits, including HIV prevention treatments, during the crucial 72-hour window for survivors, in contexts marked by widespread insecurity. Moreover, sexual and reproductive health services, including emergency contraceptives, which are critical for survivors to avoid unwanted pregnancies, are hardly accessible in areas where health structures have been partially or totally destroyed, or where the influx of internally displaced persons or refugees has overwhelmed already overstretched response capacities. The protection of healthcare facilities, equipment and health personnel in conflict zones is essential to mitigate the adverse impacts of conflict-related sexual violence on survivors, and to ensure reporting of these crimes as a basis for future accountability. Hospitals act as a place of refuge for war-torn communities, including survivors of sexual violence. Therefore, we urge parties to conflict to ensure that health facilities are not targeted, in line with International Humanitarian Law. We also call on the international donor community to fund the operations by humanitarian actors, including those working on providing specialized services to meet the most pressing needs of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. We remain determined to protect survivors and those at-risk to ensure an enabling environment and to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The international community must unite its voice to call for the protection of health services. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Estonia to Purchase 12 Wheeled CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzers from France Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) 2024-06-19 Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) has signed contracts with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and the defence company KNDS for the procurement of 12 wheeled self-propelled howitzers CAESAR, with the option to purchase additional howitzers in the future. The contracts were signed at one of the world's largest defence industry exhibitions, "Eurosatory 2024," in Paris. "France is a strong ally of Estonia in NATO and the European Union, with whom we share a long-term, trustworthy cooperation in defence procurement. French companies play a significant role in terms of capabilities, quality, and production volumes in the supply chain of Estonia's national defence and in the European defence industry as a whole," said ECDI's Director General Magnus-Valdemar Saar. "Wheeled artillery is a key capability for an efficient fire support and the CAESAR is probably the most advanced solution available. This joint acquisition between Estonia, Croatia and France will enhance the interoperability between the Land Forces of EU countries," stated General Gael Diaz De Tuesta, the French National Armaments Director (Direction generale de l'armement, DGA). The 66 chassis CAESAR-type 155 mm calibre self-propelled howitzers produced by the French defence giant KNDS will be integrated into the newly established third self-propelled artillery battalion, which will operate directly under the Estonian division, explained Project Officer Major Rauno Viitman. "Considering the reliability and effectiveness of the CAESARs in various armed conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, we can say that we have obtained the best possible solution. For us, cooperation with France in developing indirect fire capability is important, as well as the fact that we will receive the systems quickly and be able to integrate them with the domestic fire support system TOORU," commented ECDI Strategic Category Manager (Armament) Ramil Lipp. The first CAESARs will be delivered to Estonia at the end of 2024, with deliveries continuing until mid-2025. "Thanks to the reinforced production line of KNDS France, the first howitzers will be delivered at the end of this year," added General Emeric Wininger, Director for Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America at DGA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Estonia to Jointly Acquire Mistral Missile Systems and Missiles with Four EU Countries Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) 2024-06-19 Estonia, together with France, Belgium, Cyprus, and Hungary, has signed a joint procurement contract for the purchase of Mistral short-range air defence missile systems. Estonia is primarily replenishing its ammunition stocks. At the signing held at the international defence industry exhibition "Eurosatory 2024" in Paris, Magnus-Valdemar Saar, the Director General of the Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), stated that in many ways, this is a significant procurement. "Firstly, it is rare for so many EU member states to jointly procure something; secondly, it is a clear proof that the complex international security situation has significantly strengthened alliance ties and increased cooperation." "Meeting our Allies' needs, the Mistral joint acquisition between Belgium, Hungary, Cyprus, Estonia and France, and initiated by the Direction Generale de l'Armement, constitutes a cost effective solution for all EU countries looking for an efficient very short air defence capability." stated General Gael Diaz De Tuesta, the French National Armaments Director (Direction generale de l'armement, DGA). The Mistral air defence missile system has been part of the Estonian Defence Forces' arsenal for years. "The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of air defence, including short-range air defence. Our military's experience shows that it is a very capable weapon system. Past live firings have essentially achieved a one hundred percent hit rate on aerial targets," said Ramil Lipp, Armament Strategic Category Manager at ECDI. The new Mistral missile systems and missiles will be delivered to Estonia over the next three years. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Defence Pevkur: The first Caesar howitzers will arrive in Estonia this year Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence 19. June 2024 - 18:25 Statement by Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur Today is a historic day marking a new milestone in the bilateral defence cooperation between Estonia and France, significantly enhancing France's footprint in Estonia. Estonia has signed a contract with France for the procurement of 12 Caesar self-propelled howitzers for the Estonian Defence Forces. This weapon system, which has been successfully tested in Ukraine's defence against Russia's war of aggression, provides Estonia with a mobile, flexible, and long-range fire support capability. The procurement further strengthens the strategic partnership between Estonia and France and contributes to the interoperability of our defence forces. Development of a wheeled self-propelled artillery battalion is one of the urgent priorities of the Estonian current Estonian National Defence Development Plan. We are glad that French industry is able to provide 6 howitzers already this year and the accompanying package of necessary training and spare parts to within the timeframe that suits Estonia's urgent capability development timelines. The defence relationship between Estonia and France is based on mutual trust, strategic intimacy and interoperability consolidated by almost a decade of enhanced exchanges and military cooperation. As part of NATO Battlegroup (eFP), France has been directly contributing to the defence and security of Estonia since 2017 and is committed to strengthening the deterrence and defence posture on the Alliance's eastern flank. Now permanently militarily deployed in Estonia, French armed forces also train the Estonian Defence League and regularly participate in the Baltic Air Policing Missions. The strategic solidarity between Estonia and France has also been expressed in other theatres of operations. In 2014, Estonian and French armed forces cooperated in the Central African Republic. Between 2018 and 2022, Estonian Defence Forces participated in French-led Operation Barkhane and Task Force Takuba helping local armed forces at addressing the terrorist threat in Africa's Sahel region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah carries out missile attacks against Zionist targets IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 19, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has fired dozens of missiles and rockets on Zionist targets in the northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories, local media reported. Al Mayadeen TV said on Wednesday that sirens were heard following the attacks in northern Palestine. The Zionist news outlets also said that nearly 30 missiles were hit by Hezbollah which damaged buildings and caused fire in different parts of Qiryat Shemona. Hezbollah has said in a statement that a Zionist barrack has been hit in the attacks. Ever since the launch of the Zionist invasion against the Gaza Strip, the Hezbollah forces began targeting Zionist bases to ease the pressure of the regime on the Gazan people. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli military, security circles stunned by Hezbollah drone infiltration IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 19, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The release of a video of a Hezbollah drone flying over the Zionist-occupied territories has severely shocked and terrified Zionist military and security circles. In an article titled "Hoopoe video shook the security apparatus of the Zionist regime; the threat message was received," the Lebanese Al-Ahed news website pointed to the Israeli media's reaction to the footage released by Hezbollah on the Hoopoe reconnaissance drone. Zionist media outlets described the mission of the Hoopoe drone as very dangerous, referring to the image of this drone from important military centers in northern occupied Palestine. Some Zionist sources described the video as a message from Hezbollah in response to Israeli threats, meaning that if the Tel Aviv regime takes any action against Lebanon, the set of Israeli targets will not be limited. Israeli media also expressed dissatisfaction with the unhindered flight of the Hoopoe drone over the port of Haifa. These media outlets argued that the timing of this video release is not accidental, but rather coincides with the visit of US special envoy to Lebanon and the Israeli regime Amos Hochstein. Media outlets reported on Tuesday that a Hezbollah drone entered northern occupied Palestine and successfully took images of sensitive positions in the port of Haifa. 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah targets Zionist arms factory with missiles IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 19, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says it has targeted an Israeli arms factory in a missile attack. Hezbollah said in a statement late on Tuesday that its fighters targeted the Plasan military factory, the Zionist arms producer in Kibbutz Sasa, with Falaq missiles. The factory is active in arming and protecting cars for the Zionist army. Hezbollah had earlier targeted the Israeli military base Al-Manara on the Lebanese border. Since the onset of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, Hezbollah has targeted numerous military positions of the regime in northern occupied territories to show support for the Palestinian people and resistance movement. The attacks by Hezbollah have caused fear among the Zionist settlers and tens of thousands of Zionists have left their settlements near the Lebanese border. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli-linked ship hit by Yemeni army sinks in Red Sea IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 19, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has confirmed the sinking of a commercial vessel recently targeted by the Yemeni armed forces in the Red Sea. According to IRNA, citing the Palestinian Sama news agency, the UKMTO announced the sinking of the ship "Tutor" in the early hours of Tuesday. The Greek-owned Tutor coal carrier was struck by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat on June 12 and had been taking on water, according to previous reports from UKMTO, the Yemeni and other sources. In this regard, UKMTO reported that an oil stain can also be seen at the sinking site of this commercial ship in the Red Sea. The Tutor's manager could not immediately be reached for comment. One crew member, believed to be in the Tutor's engine room at the time of the attacks, remained missing while others were rescued. Earlier, spokesman of the Yemeni armed forces, Yahya Saree, while confirming the attack on Tutor, had announced its imminent sinking. In a statement on Saturday, Saree said that the ships, named Verbena and Tutor, were targeted and that Verbena had sunk in the Gulf of Aden after it was hit by several missiles and Tutor was at risk of sinking "within the coming hours". The Yemeni army official said that both vessels were heading towards Israeli-occupied ports and thus violated Yemeni warnings against approaching those ports. US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday morning said that the crew of Verbana left this bulk carrier due to the continued fire and inability to contain it. Over past months, the Yemeni armed forces, in support of the people of Gaza, have targeted several Israeli and Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bab al-Mandab strait. The Yemeni armed forces have pledged to continue attacking the ships heading toward the occupied territories until the Zionist regime stops its genocide against Palestinians and ends siege on the Gaza Strip. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two recovery tanks Bergepanzer-2 delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2024-06-19 Acquisitions and infrastructure development | Development and Strengthening of the Armed Forces The Bergepanzer-2 (BPz2) recovery tank is an advanced vehicle designed for level 2 repair on the battlefield: replacing components or recovery tasks. Its upgraded chassis is based on the Leopard-1 tank. Acquisition of recovery tanks is one of the parts of the 155 mm PzH 2000 howitzer acquisition project. Two BPz2 have been overhauled and delivered already and the current two is what was remaining from the order. Bergepanzer-2 are upgraded on the basis of a contract signed with moderation of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency on modernization of four BPz2s in 2018. The Defence Material Agency under the MoD is currently drafting a new contract to upgrade another batch of BPz2. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DFA Statement on the RORE Incident on 17 June 2024 Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs MANILA 19 June 2024 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs expresses grave concern over the incident that occurred in the Ayungin Shoal during a humanitarian mission to BRP Sierra Madre on 17 June 2024. The DFA denounces the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage. In line with the Philippines' commitment to pursue peace, the Department has been exerting efforts to rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China on the South China Sea. This cannot be achieved if China's words do not match their actions on the waters. We expect China to act sincerely and responsibly, and refrain from behavior that puts to risk the safety of personnel and vessels. We reiterate our call for China to adhere to international law, especially UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and respect the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in our own waters. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US committed to a free Indo-Pacific - 7th Fleet commander Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno June 19, 2024, 3:57 pm MANILA -- US 7th Fleet commander Vice Admiral Frederick William Kacher reaffirmed his country's stance in upholding rules-based international law to promote a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Kacher made this comment following his courtesy call to the AFP headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo where he was welcomed by AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura. "During the meeting, Lt. Gen. Cordura and Vice Admiral Kacher discussed the current security environment and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding rules-based international law to promote a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region," Trinidad said. The two officials also talked about progressive engagements in multilateral partnerships that aim to advance collective maritime domain security. Cordura thanked he US' continued support in enhancing the military's capabilities, stressing the importance of the annual "Balikatan" exercise. The Philippines, the US and other partner nations such as Australia have been conducting military drills amid Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Kacher's visit came days after the Chinese Coast Guard rammed a Philippine vessel while on rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal, causing severe injury to a Philippine Navy personnel. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DFA denounces latest 'illegal, aggressive' Chinese actions in Ayungin Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora June 19, 2024, 1:55 pm Updated on June 19, 2024, 6:42 pm MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday denounced the "illegal and aggressive actions" of the Chinese near the Ayungin Shoal on June 17, which severely injured a Philippine Navy personnel and damaged Filipino vessels. In a statement, the DFA expressed "grave concern" over the incident that happened during a humanitarian mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. Before the incident, the agency lamented the Philippines had been working to "rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation" with China on the South China Sea. "This cannot be achieved if China's words do not match their actions on the waters," according to the DFA statement. "We expect China to act sincerely and responsibly, and refrain from behavior that puts to risk the safety of personnel and vessels," the released statement also indicated. The DFA statement also reiterated the call for China to adhere to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The same also told China to respect the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its own waters. As of posting, the DFA has yet to provide details on the specific actions it will take over the latest incident. This year alone, the Philippines has filed at least 30 notes verbales against China's incursions and activities in the West Philippine Sea. READ: China has no right to damage PH assets within EEZ: AFP chief 'Deep concern' Canada and Japan's foreign affairs ministries were the latest international offices that backed Manila in expressing serious concern over the Chinese harassment. "Canada condemns the dangerous and destabilizing actions taken by the People's Republic of China (PRC) against Philippine vessels on June 17, 2024, near Second Thomas Shoal," the Global Affairs Canada said in a statement dated June 18. "The PRC's use of water cannons, dangerous maneuvers and ramming of Philippine vessels is inconsistent with the PRC's obligations under international law, including the UNCLOS," Canadian statement added. It expressed "deep concern" about the reports of CCG personnel "boarding and towing" Philippine vessels, saying this jeopardizes regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. "The rules-based order, including the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, is vital and must be maintained. Canada opposes escalatory and coercive actions, including the unilateral declaration of authority over disputed features," it said. "Disputes must be resolved through dialogue rather than through force or coercion. We call upon the PRC to comply with its obligations, including implementation of the 2016 UNCLOS arbitral tribunal ruling, which is binding on the parties," the Canadian statement concluded. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said China's repeated actions in the South China Sea "increase regional tensions". "Japan believes that the issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community, and thus Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea," it said. It praised Manila for "having consistently complied" with the 2016 Arbitral Award and for showing "its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea." "The arbitral award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the UNCLOS, and Japan strongly hopes that the parties' compliance with the award will lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea," it added. Chinese trespass PH's EEZ Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez denounced China's new rule, saying it is the Chinese who are trespassing in the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "We should be the ones apprehending and detaining them," Rodriguez said in a statement. He said with the recent Ayungin incident, China is escalating tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) and disrupting regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Rodriguez said China's unilateral enforcement of its "illegal" rule allowing its Coast Guard to detain alleged trespassers in areas in the South China Sea it claims as part of its territory, "has no basis in law." "It violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling in favor of our country," he said. He said the recent incident in which China Coast Guard personnel boarded a Philippine vessel in Ayungin Shoal is obviously part of Beijing's implementation and enforcement of such rule. "How could they claim our people are trespassing in that area not far away from Palawan when Ayungin Shoal is inside our 200-mile EEZ?" Rodriguez asked. (Zaldy De Layola/PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China has no right to damage PH assets within EEZ: AFP chief Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno June 19, 2024, 8:52 am Updated on June 19, 2024, 4:56 pm MANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. scored China for its latest act of "reckless and aggressive" harassment that targeted a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission for Filipino troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last June 17. In a statement Tuesday evening, Brawner said the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) has "no right or legal authority to interfere with our legitimate operations or damage our assets within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)." "This reckless and aggressive behavior has caused bodily harm and constitutes a blatant violation of international maritime law, Philippine sovereignty, and sovereign rights," he said. Earlier, the AFP said the intentional ramming by the CCG on the Philippine ship involved in the RORE mission severely injured one Navy personnel. However, the military did not give more specific details on the injuries and damage caused to the vessel. "The AFP strongly denounces these actions, which not only infringe upon our maritime rights but also pose significant risks to regional stability," Brawner said. Earlier reports, citing unnamed sources, said that at least eight Navy personnel were hurt, with one losing a finger, when Chinese maritime forces boarded and punctured their rigid-hulled inflatable boats, damaging the craft, aside from confiscating several items onboard. The AFP has yet to comment and confirm this allegation as of posting. Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said China's dangerous and reckless behavior in the WPS "shall be resisted by the AFP." 'Provocation' China's escalatory actions in Ayungin Shoal were meant to provoke the Philippines and its ally, the United States, into actions that would justify its claims that Washington is trying to go to war with Beijing, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) spokesperson Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said. "They clearly hope that the US will also be agitated to justify their false narrative that Washington really wants to go to war against Beijing," Tarriela said over X. He said China is intentionally failing to admit that its actions in the WPS are "a big gamble that would impact not just the region but the entire global trade." Tarriela's statement was in response to a video by China-backed media outfit Global Times that it is the Philippines that tried to provoke trouble during the incident in Ayungin Shoal on Monday that resulted in personnel injury and damage to the vessel. (With Raymond Carl dela Cruz/PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Britain launch new airstrikes on targets in Yemen's Hudaydah Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 6:59 PM The United States and Britain have launched multiple airstrikes on targets in Yemen's strategic western province of Hudaydah as Yemeni forces continue their maritime operations against Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea. Yemen's official Saba news agency, citing a security source speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that three airstrikes hit the Salif district in the province on Wednesday. No further details about any casualties were immediately available. The development came only days after US and British forces conducted six strikes against Hudaydah International Airport. They also carried out four air raids on Kamaran Island. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity. The Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end. Israel has killed nearly 37,400 people and wounded over 85,500 individuals in Gaza since October. Leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has said it is "a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly." The attacks have forced some of the world's biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Tankers are instead adding thousands of miles to international shipping routes by sailing around the continent of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nasrallah: Enemies seeking to disconnect Lebanese front from Gaza Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 6:18 PM The Hezbollah secretary-general says enemies are trying to create the absurd notion that the Lebanese resistance group's strikes against Israeli military positions in the northern side of the 1948 occupied territories are unrelated to the bloody onslaught on Gaza. Delivering a televised speech at a Wednesday funeral ceremony held in commemoration of several Hezbollah fighters fallen in recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said Hezbollah's retaliatory strikes have played a pivotal role in the course of the struggle against Israel. He said the strikes have inflicted material, moral and psychological losses on the occupying regime. "One of the strongest indications of the effectiveness of the Lebanese front is the outcry, threats and intimidation we hear from Israeli authorities as well as illegal settlers," Nasrallah said. "If this front were not effective, why are certain international parties seeking to detach it from the Gaza conflict?" Nasrallah then paid homage to high-ranking Hezbollah field commander Sami Abdallah, better known by the nom the guerre Abu Taleb, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes against a house in Lebanon's southern town of Jwaya last week. The Hezbollah chief went on to highlight the spiritual gift of martyrdom, stating that Abu Taleb played an important role in the Lebanese resistance group. He said Hezbollah is now more determined to confront the Zionist enemy, terming his group's response to the latest Israeli strikes as "fairly strong and befitting." Nasrallah underscored that Hezbollah's publication of a video footage gathered from its surveillance aircraft of strategic locations in the northern part of the occupied territories, including sea and air ports in the city of Haifa, was part of the group's psychological warfare against the Tel Aviv regime. "We have long hours of footage of Haifa, what's around it, what's before it, what's beyond it and what's even further," he said. The Hezbollah chief added that Israel doesn't disclose the real number of its fatalities in Gaza, as it avoids announcing its losses resulting from Hezbollah attacks in an attempt to deflect criticism away from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Nasrallah also roundly dismissed the Israeli military's assertion that plans for an offensive in Lebanon were "approved and validated" amid escalating cross-border clashes with Hezbollah, emphasizing that incursion into the Galilee region remains an option on the table should Israel invades southern Lebanon. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Hezbollah chief hailed the maritime operations of Yemeni naval units in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, stating that the strikes continue unabated regardless of the US intelligence agencies' attempts to stop them. "The United States and Britain have failed to stop Yemeni attacks. The Zionist enemy, unable to engage in other fronts, relies on US and UK support to confront Yemeni forces. "Israeli officials are trying to paint a distorted picture of unfolding developments in Gaza in order to mislead the public opinion and falsely claim to have made achievements," Nasrallah said. He stated that Hezbollah is in possession of a large cache of advanced weapons, and that the resistance movement is manufacturing its own combat drones as well as some types of rockets. "The resistance's manpower is unprecedented. We have recruited over 100,000 fighters," the Hezbollah leader said, warning that "no place" in the Israeli-occupied territories would be spared from the group's weapons in case of a full-blown war. "The enemy knows well that we have prepared ourselves for the worst... and that no place... will be spared our rockets," Nasrallah said. Israel must "wait for us on land, by sea and by air," he added, warning that Hezbollah will fight "without restrictions." "The enemy knows that what also awaits it in the Mediterranean Sea is very huge, seeing as all its coasts and ships will be targeted," he went on to say. "Threatening us with war on Lebanon does not scare us, we have prepared ourselves for the most difficult of days and the enemy knows well what awaits it," Nasrallah said. The Hezbollah chief also warned the island of Cyprus if it opened its airports and bases to Israel in the event of a new war on Lebanon. "Opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war," Nasrallah stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah fires more rockets after Israel's threat of 'all-out war' Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 6:08 PM Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has launched a fresh barrage of more than a dozen projectiles into the northern occupied territories in retaliation for Israel's attacks in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said its fighters targeted the regime's barracks with "dozens of Katyusha rockets and artillery rounds" on Wednesday. The attack was carried out in retaliation for the "Israeli enemy attacks" on the southern Lebanese towns of Yaroun and Khiam, Hezbollah said. Israel's military admitted that the area came under attack by Hezbollah fighters, saying in a statement that "approximately 15 projectiles were identified from Lebanon toward the area of Kiryat Shmona." Israel threatened Lebanon with an "all-out war" on Tuesday with the military saying "operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated." Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah warned the regime on Wednesday that "no place" in the occupied territories would be spared in case of a full-blown war. Israel must expect "us on land, by sea and by air," Nasrallah said in a televised address. Hezbollah has fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 18: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 3:04 PM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 37,400 Palestinians so far, including around 16,000 children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Monday, June 17, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on June 18: Targeted the "Kissufim" military site east of the central Gaza governorate with 107mm rockets in cooperation with Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Targeted an Israeli military Merkava tank with an Al-Yassin 105 shell near the Jawazat roundabout, east of the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces positioned in the "Netzarim" axis with 114 mm short-range Rajoom rockets. Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces stationed at the Tal Al-Sultan Brigade site with heavy-caliber mortar shells. Al-Quds Briagdes' operations on June 18: Targeted the command and control headquarters of the Israeli military with 107mm rockets and mortar shells, as well as positions of the Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles south of the Saudi neighborhood and Tal Al-Sultan west of Rafah city, southern Gaza. Targeted the "Kerem Shalom" and "Sofa" military sites east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, with heavy mortar shells. Targeted a group of Israeli soldiers with mortar shells on the supply line in the "Netzarim" axis, south of Gaza City. Mujahideen Brigades: Targeted the headquarters of the Israeli military on the so-called "Netzarim" axis with a rocket barrage. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades: In a joint operation with Al-Quds Brigades and the Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, targeted the gatherings of Israeli soldiers at the Abu Mutibaq military site, east of the Central Governorate, with 120-caliber mortar shells. In a joint operation with Al-Quds Brigades, targeted the forces stationed on the "Netzarim" axis with a barrage of standard 60-caliber mortar shells. Targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles in the axis of advance, south of the Tal Al-Sultan neighborhood in the city of Rafah, with mortar shells. Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on June 18: Targeted Israeli military gatherings penetrating the vicinity of the Rafah land crossing with 107mm short-range rockets. Al-Asifah Forces' operations on June 18: Targeted the headquarters of the Israeli army in the Netzarim axis, south of Gaza City, with two 107mm rockets. Hezbollah's operations on June 18: Eastern Sector: A Merkava tank inside the Hadab Yarin site was targeted with an attack drone, hitting it directly. The Ramtha site in the occupied Lebanese Kafr Shuba hills was targeted with a rocket, hitting it directly. The Zebdine barracks in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms were targeted with rockets, hitting it directly. Targeted Israeli forces at the Manara site with rockets and artillery shells. Targeting the command headquarters of the Sahel Battalion in the "Beit Hillel" barracks with a barrage of Katyusha rockets. Western Sector: Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at an artillery emplacement belonging to Battalion 411 (of the 288th Fire Brigade) in "Neve Ziv". Targeted the "Plasan" military industries factory, specializing in armoring and protecting vehicles and equipment for the Israeli army in the Saasa settlement, with Falaq missiles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah strikes Israeli military factory, outposts in response to attack on Lebanon Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 9:56 AM The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance forces have conducted a strike against Israeli military positions in the northern side of the 1948 occupied territories in retaliation for a deadly attack on a town in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's al-Manar television channel, citing a Hezbollah statement, reported that the resistance group targeted the gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their logistics in Metula town on Wednesday morning, with a squadron of combat drones. The statement added that the attack hit the designated targets precisely. Hezbollah said that the operation was conducted in reprisal for an Israeli drone strike that targeted a car in Lebanon's southern town of Borgholiya, killing a man. Lebanese media outlets identified the victim as Mohammed Yousef al-Hassan, a Palestinian refugee living in Qasimia camp near the Tyre district. Earlier, missiles launched by Hezbollah had hit an Israeli military factory. Hezbollah said that its Falaq (Dusk) rockets hit the Plasan facility located in Sasa kibbutz, which is about 2 miles from the Israeli border with Lebanon. The Plasan firm reportedly makes vehicle-protection products and components, and it also operates factories in France and the United States. The company reports that a large majority of its wares are exported to the US military. Hezbollah has been carrying out almost daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions in retaliation for the regime's aggression against Lebanon and in solidarity with Palestinians. The genocidal war in Gaza has killed at least 37,372 Palestinians, predominantly women and children so far. At least 455 people have also been killed on the Lebanese border, including more than 80 civilians, according to a tally by AFP. Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Painful failure': Israel war minister says 'difficult Gaza war' costs regime dearly Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 8:54 AM Israel's minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant has admitted the occupying regime's "painful failure" and intelligence fiasco on October 7, highlighting the cataclysmic cost of the "difficult Gaza war" for Tel Aviv. Gallant made the remarks at a ceremony on Tuesday, saying the war with the Palestinian resistance movements has cost Israel a lot, particularly in the besieged Gaza Strip. He noted that Israel has received heavy blows in the ongoing war in Gaza and its casualties are very high. "This difficult war took the Israeli military by surprise and we paid a heavy price," Gallant said, adding, "The painful failures will be studied and we will learn from them, and these lessons and experiences will have an effect on our future." The Israeli minister also stressed the need to understand how the resistance forces' defense and combat capabilities were built up over the past decade, which led to the failure of the intelligence and operations that culminated in the latest Gaza war, launched on October 7 last year. Gallant's remarks came two days after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the six-member war cabinet following the withdrawal of his principal rival, Benny Gantz. Gantz quit the cabinet more than a week ago, while accusing the prime minister of mismanaging the regime's genocidal war against the Gaza Strip. The war cabinet was formed on October 11, 2023, just a few days after Israel launched the war on Gaza after Hamas mounted the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, said Palestinian resistance caused the dissolution of the Israeli regime's war cabinet after eight month of war on Gaza. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli intensified violence against Palestinians. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed more than 37,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 70,000 Israeli soldiers disabled; thousands wounded in Gaza war Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 7:47 AM The Israeli ministry of military affairs says the number of disabled Israeli soldiers has surpassed the 70,000 mark for the first time, adding that 8,663 troops have also been injured since the start of the war on Gaza. The report revealed by the rehabilitation division of the Israeli ministry said that 35% of those wounded since the start of the Gaza massacre are struggling with mental health conditions, while 21% sustained physical injuries. The department is expecting for an influx of approximately 20,000 additional injured soldiers from the beginning of the ongoing conflict until the conclusion of 2024. An expert analysis revealed that approximately 40% of the individuals who will be admitted by year-end may experience a range of psychological responses, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, adaptation and communication difficulties, etc. The Israeli medical association has reported that more than 1,000 new male and female veterans are under treatment in the department on a monthly basis, with about 20% of them dealing with mental reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Out of the total number of disabled Israeli occupation forces, including soldiers from all Israeli wars, a significant portion of 9,539 soldiers are suffering from PTSD and mental reactions. On June 7, 2024, an Israeli military soldier named Eliran Mizrahi took his own life, after he was called back to war while suffering from PTSD and two injuries. A recent study by researchers said in March that over half a million of Israelis are at risk of developing PTSD in the aftermath of the Gaza genocide. Despite facing huge sufferings, the Israeli military persists in its aggression against Gaza, disregarding the UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The regime also defies the International Court of Justice's order to halt the invasion of Rafah and implement measures to prevent genocide amid the dire humanitarian conditions in the Strip. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warns situation in West Bank deteriorating significantly Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 7:32 AM The top United Nations human rights official has warned of the worsening situation for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the "unconscionable death and suffering" in the Gaza Strip. The situation in the West Bank, including East al-Quds, is "dramatically deteriorating," Volker Turk told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday. He said 528 Palestinians, 133 of them children, were killed by Israeli military forces or settlers from the start of the current war in Gaza in October to June 15, "in many cases raising serious concerns of unlawful killings." The remarks came on the same day that a Palestinian man was killed by Israeli troops during a raid in the central part of the West Bank. The official Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing local sources, reported that Israeli forces stormed the town of Beit Fajjar, located eight kilometers (4.9 miles) south of Bethlehem, deployed around a gas station and prevented locals from moving. They opened gunfire at a young man while he was present at the western entrance to the town, seriously wounding him. Following the shooting, Israeli forces shut down the area and prevented ambulance crews and local residents from reaching the scene. The 39-year-old man, identified as Bilal Adel Abdel Fattah Balu by the Palestinian Health Ministry, succumbed to his wounds. Separately, two Palestinian teenage boys sustained gunshot wounds as Israeli soldiers broke into the town of Salim, located six kilometers east of Nablus, sparking confrontations with locals. Israeli forces then fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and teargas canisters at residents, injuring two teenagers with live ammunition in the foot. Elsewhere in the West Bank, three young Palestinians were shot during confrontations with Israeli forces in the town of Beit Ummar, located eleven kilometers (6.8 miles) northwest of al-Khalil. 'Unconscionable death and suffering' in Gaza Turk also told the 47-member council that he was "appalled" by the disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law in Gaza, where "there has been unconscionable death and suffering." "More than 120,000 people in Gaza, overwhelmingly women and children, have been killed or injured since October 7 as a result of the intensive Israeli offensives," the official said. "Since Israel escalated its operations into Rafah in early May, almost one million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced yet again while aid delivery and humanitarian access deteriorated further," he added. Since Israel unleashed a war on the besieged Gaza Strip in early October 2023, casualties have been rising in the West Bank as a result of intensified near-daily Israeli raids into villages and cities in the occupied territories. At least 533 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or extremist Jewish settlers since the war began. According to the UN, 2023 was the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since the United Nations began keeping such records in 2005. At least 37,372 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have also been killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip over the past eight months during the regime's genocidal war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Philippines demands return of firearms taken by Chinese in South China Sea clash Military chief likens the Chinese to pirates By Jason Gutierrez for BenarNews 2024.06.19 -- The Philippines' military chief on Wednesday demanded that China return firearms its coast guard seized from Filipino troops during what he described as harassment of the country's resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in which one Filipino sailor lost a finger. The incident Monday set off a war of words, with the United States condemning "escalatory and irresponsible actions" by the Chinese Coast Guard and Beijing accusing the Philippine side of deliberately causing a collision. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday visited the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command, or WESCOM, in Palawan, a province fronting the South China Sea. He said he was there to rally the troops, pinning a medal to Navy man Jeffrey Facundo who lost a digit in Monday's incident. Local media in Palawan earlier reported that seven other Filipinos sustained minor injuries when the China Coast Guard intercepted a rigid-hulled inflatable boat belonging to the Philippine Navy in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin and called Ren'ai Jiao by Beijing. "Our action now is that we are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment. And we are also demanding from them to pay for the damages that they have caused," Brawner said in Palawan. Transcripts of his comments were made available to reporters. "We cannot allow them to just take and destroy our equipment. For me, this is piracy already because they boarded our boat illegally, they (took) our equipment," Brawner said. "Again, they are like pirates for doing such actions." The Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed its vessel was forcibly towed, looted and damaged, and that Chinese personnel used machetes, knives and pikes to threaten sailors and damage equipment. Differing accounts The incident was first reported by the Chinese press, which accused the Philippine side of setting off the confrontation when it ignored warnings and proceeded to Ayungin, where Manila maintains a rusting Navy ship that was purposely grounded there in 1999 to serve as its outpost in the disputed region. At a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian repeated that what caused the incident was "deliberate intrusion into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao" and that "the law enforcement action taken by China Coast Guard on the scene was professional and restrained." Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres, the WESCOM chief, said the CCG confiscated seven rifles aboard the Philippine Navy boat they intercepted. They also destroyed the boat's communications and navigational equipment as well as the personal mobile phones of the Filipino personnel. Torres said the firearms that were seized were disassembled and in gun cases because troops have strict instructions not to show or handle firearms in the vicinity of the disputed shoal, to dial down the tension. He said one of the CCG boats rammed the Philippine Navy boat at high speed, injuring Facundo who lost his right thumb. The Chinese armed with blades and machetes then boarded the Filipino vessel and pointed weapons at the Filipinos, who fought back, though outmatched, Brawner said, adding that the CCG boats outnumbered the Filipinos eight to one. Before disembarking, the Chinese personnel punctured the Philippine boat with a bladed weapon, he added. While there were guns and weapons aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippine Navy decided not to use them because "we don't want a war to break out," Brawner said. "The core issue remains -- the illegal presence and actions of Chinese vessels within our jurisdiction. The continued aggressive behavior of the Chinese Coast Guard is what escalates tensions in the area," Brawner said. The incident was the third this year in which Philippine personnel have been hurt on missions to rotate and resupply troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal. On March 5 and March 23, Filipino crew members were injured when their supply boats were hit by water cannons from Chinese vessels. Tensions between China and the Philippines have notched up in recent months in the resource-rich South China Sea, where six parties hold overlapping claims. Beijing's are the most expansive, including more than sea, according to analysts. China has been blocking the Philippines' efforts to bring supplies to the marines stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, saying the voyages violate China's jurisdiction despite the reef being located well inside Manila's exclusive economic zone. Jojo Rinoza contributed to this report from Manila BenarNews is an online news agency affiliated with Radio Free Asia. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bulgaria's GERB Party Has Won The Elections. But Will Anyone Work With Them? By Ivan Bedrov June 19, 2024 The center-right GERB party has won the latest Bulgarian elections, but no one, least of all the party's veteran leader, Boyko Borisov, is breaking out the champagne. Despite winning the June 9 parliamentary elections with nearly 25 percent of the vote, the support for Borisov's party's is dwindling. Frequently accused of corruption and cronyism, GERB received just 530,000 votes, its weakest electoral performance in history. There are now 68 GERB deputies in Bulgaria's 240-seat unicameral parliament, the National Assembly, one fewer than in the previous parliament and a far cry from the 100 seats it held during its strongest years. GERB is also shy of the 80 seats needed to block constitutional amendments or veto key appointments. Borisov now finds himself in a precarious situation. He has already ruled himself out as a candidate for prime minister, saying he wanted to "calm the possibility of negotiations." His stance is not motivated by charity, however, but is simply an expression of the harsh fact that most major parties have declared that they will not back a government led by Borisov. Murky Past The 65-year-old politician, who has been prime minister three times since 2009, has been the most prominent and influential Bulgarian politician over the last decade and a half. While not particularly popular among Bulgarians, Borisov has always done just enough to keep his party in power. A populist, he is a skilled political broker in Sofia and Brussels, doling out money and power to the extent that he has been accused of capturing Bulgaria's state institutions. Before coming to power, Borisov was a top police official, regularly appearing on TV to take on the bad guys -- despite accusations that he was linked to street gangs in the 1990s. Under Borisov, Bulgaria fell lower in the Transparency International Corruption Index and the Reporters Without Borders free media index. Corruption remains pervasive and deep-rooted, with society at the mercy of influence by powerful oligarchs and the Kremlin. The problem now -- and this is not a new problem -- is that GERB has a mandate from the country's president to form a government. Those negotiations are already under way and the party is trying to form a "cabinet of experts," with key ministers and a prime minister from GERB although not Borisov himself. An obvious choice for GERB would be an alliance with the liberal Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), which traditionally represents Bulgaria's ethnic Turk and Muslim populations. DPS has become the second-biggest party in parliament, with a record 47 seats, and has more political heft than ever before, making them indispensable for GERB. The two parties do not have any significant ideological differences and have worked together in recent years, challenging the reformist We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) coalition and making joint pledges to voters. The party's new co-leader, Delyan Peevski, a controversial media tycoon accused of corruption and influence peddling, has already thrown his hat into the ring, even before the final election results were announced. "Mr. Borisov, I expect an invitation from you and all the Euro-Atlantic leaders to start a conversation about the future of our Motherland," Peevski said on June 11. Trying To Form A Government For Bulgaria's main political parties, an alliance between GERB and DPS is a done deal. "You have a meeting with Boyko Borisov, and you are met by Delyan Peevski," former Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov recently quipped. Borisov, however, is wary of the DPS and Peevski. For many Bulgarians, the DPS is seen as a political instrument of the mafia, with its founder, Ahmed Dogan, accused of being an agent for the communist secret police. Such suspicions only deepened when Peevski, the most powerful oligarch in the country, became the party's leader this year. Even though Peevski is reportedly close to Borisov, the DPS leader is seen as too toxic a bedfellow due to the repeated allegations of corruption against him, which have led to U.S. and British sanctions. But beggars can't be choosers, and Borisov's critics say he has burnt too many bridges. In the June 9 elections, the PP-DB coalition lost more than half of their voters and now have 39 seats in parliament. Some of the party's leaders have linked that implosion to the last PP-DB-led government under Prime Minister Denkov, which had the support of GERB. The breakup of that last government has led to bad blood between GERB and PP-DB, with Borisov blaming the PP-DB for having to call early elections and PP-DB blaming Borisov, saying that he wanted to curtail their influence and was no longer complying with their demands for reform. As a result, PP-DB has said it will not work with GERB to form a new government. The fourth-place finisher in the elections, the pro-Russian Revival party, with 38 seats, has said it will also remain in opposition. For now, Bulgaria is being run by a caretaker government. If GERB fails to form a government, then the second-place party, the DPS, will be given a mandate by the president. In recent years, there have been governments formed on the second or third mandate. Borisov has been here before. He has been politically isolated since the elections of April 2021, when he lost the prime minister's post. But his options now look more limited than ever. If he can't form a government, he would have to call early elections once again, and those would be Bulgaria's seventh in the last three years. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-borisov- gerb-peevski-coalition/32999466.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson June 19, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo about the People's Republic of China's escalatory actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea. Their discussion followed the PRC's dangerous and irresponsible actions to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea on June 17. Secretary Blinken emphasized that the PRC's actions undermine regional peace and stability and underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty. The Secretaries also exchanged views on how to build on momentum from recent high-level bilateral engagements on issues of shared concern. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chad orders investigations after military depot explosion leaves dead, injured By Moki Edwin Kindzeka June 19, 2024 Officials in Chad say they have opened investigations and are calling for calm after an explosion and fire at a military ammunition depot in the capital N'Djamena late Tuesday killed an undisclosed number and wounded others, causing panic in the central African state. Efforts are ongoing to put out the blaze igniting weapons and ammunition. Chad state TV reports that President Mahamat Idriss Deby has ordered the mobilization of firefighters and military to assure the safety of civilians after deepening sounds of explosions from a military ammunition depot late Tuesday scared residents in the Goudji neighborhood of N'Djamena. Chad media reports that Deby posted on his social media platforms such as Facebook that the fire caused human and material damage but the leader did not say how many people were killed and wounded. Deby expressed condolences to bereaved families, wished the injured a quick recovery and called for calm among civilians in the capital city, according to Chad state TV. Deby ordered investigations into the causes of the blast, local media reported. Oumar Mokar sells spare parts for motors at the Central Market in N'Djamena. Oumar says many panic-stricken civilians ran to nearby homes and schools for safety and also remained at home Wednesday morning when they found a large number of government troops on the streets. Oumar spoke to VOA Wednesday via a messaging app from N'djamena. He said business was resuming gradually with many merchants returning to their shops. He said government troops and firefighters rushed several wounded persons to hospitals in Chad's capital. VOA could not independently verify the claims. The government said there were 'disruptions' in transportation but did not provide details. Tuesday's explosion occurred after Deby presided over a meeting of top military and security officials in N'Djamena this week. Deby said Chad's security is threatened by disgruntled armed gangs and people who want to see Chad in chaos. Mahamat Charfadine Marguin, Chad's Public Security minister spoke on Tuesday after the meeting. He says the security situation in Chad had remained tense ever since Deby was inaugurated as President on May 23 to end three years of military transition and a return to constitutional order. Margui says Chad is planning to deploy its military to hot spots to preserve peace, national unity and territorial integrity as Deby promised during his inauguration. The central African states Constitutional Council declared Deby the winner of Chad's May 6 presidential election with 61% of the vote. Opposition parties contested the results and accused Deby of vote-rigging, a claim Deby described as unfounded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN human rights office: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza may have violated 'laws of war' By VOA News June 19, 2024 The United Nations human rights office says Israeli airstrikes on Gaza "may have repeatedly violated fundamental principles of the laws of war." A report released Wednesday examined six airstrikes conducted by the Israel Defense Forces between October and December 2023 during the opening weeks of the war in Gaza. More than 200 people were confirmed by the human rights office to have been killed in the airstrikes, whose targets included residential buildings, a school, a market and refugee camps. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said it appeared Israel made no attempt to "effectively distinguish" between Palestinian civilians and Hamas fighters in its bombing campaign of Gaza. "Civilian lives and infrastructure are protected" under international human rights law, Turk said. "This law lays out the very clear obligations of parties to armed conflicts that make protection of civilians a priority." The report said the six attacks involved the suspected use of heavy bombs, those weighing between 113 kilograms and 907 kilograms. The report also says continued missile attacks toward Israel by Palestinian armed groups is "inconsistent with their obligations under international humanitarian law." Health authorities in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip say more than 37,266 people have been killed and 85,102 have been injured since the start of the Israeli ground and aerial campaign that began soon after the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages, Israeli authorities say. Israeli operations in Gaza continued Wednesday as tanks advanced into the western part of Rafah, killing eight people, Reuters reported, citing residents and Palestinian medics. Starting after midnight, the tanks moved into five neighborhoods, residents said. Twelve Palestinians also were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a crowd waiting for aid trucks to arrive in the south Gaza Strip, Reuters reported, citing medical sources. The Israeli military is looking into the report, according to Reuters. Up north in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood, residents reported fighting between Israeli tanks and warplanes and Hamas-led fighters. In the Gaza City suburb of Sheikh Radwan, four Palestinians, including a child, were killed by an Israeli airstrike on a house, medics said. The Israeli military said later Wednesday that Palestinian gunmen fired rockets in southern Gaza at the Kerem Shalom crossing, a key transit point for aid into Gaza. An Israeli commander said Tuesday their army was planning to battle Hamas fighters in the Shaboura and Tel al-Sultan neighborhoods, located in central and western Rafah, respectively. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban accuse UN rights expert on Afghanistan of undermining Doha meeting By Ayaz Gul June 19, 2024 Afghanistan's Taliban have labeled the latest United Nations report on alleged human rights violations as an attempt to "tarnish perceptions" in the lead-up to this month's international meeting to discuss the crisis-ridden country. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief Taliban spokesman, emphasized Wednesday the need for "constructive and positive engagement" between their government and the international community. His response came a day after Richard Bennett, the U.N. special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, alleged that the Taliban's "pattern of systematic violations of women's and girls' fundamental rights" has intensified. Bennett presented his hard-hitting report on Tuesday to a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, demanding that those responsible for Afghan human rights abuses be held to account. "Some members of the United Nations, particularly the report by Richard Bennett, are attempting to tarnish perceptions ahead of the upcoming Doha meeting," Mujahid stated. "Unfortunately, certain individuals within the United Nations are constantly trying to present a distorted image of Afghanistan and overshadow significant progress with a few limited issues," he added. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called a two-day conference of international envoys on Afghanistan in Qatar's capital, Doha, on June 30. The Taliban will attend for the first time in what will be the third meeting hosted by the Gulf state since Guterres initiated the process over a year ago. The U.N.-led dialogue is aimed at establishing a coherent and unified global approach to engagement with the de facto Afghan government, which has yet to be formally recognized by the world. Bennett said Tuesday it is essential that Afghan civil society, including women human rights defenders, meaningfully participate in the third Doha meeting and that women's and girls' rights be addressed both directly and within thematic discussions. "It is hoped that reality will be understood, and a constructive stance will be adopted," Mujahid said Wednesday. Human rights groups have criticized the U.N. for inviting the Taliban to the Doha huddle rather than holding them accountable for "crimes" against Afghan women and girls. They also have expressed concerns that, unlike the previous two Doha meetings, Afghan civil society and human rights activists would be kept from the upcoming session under pressure from the Taliban. On Tuesday, Farhan Haq, the U.N. deputy spokesperson, defended the decision to invite the Taliban to the third Doha conference. He would not say, however, whether Afghan civil society representatives will have a session with representatives of the de facto government. "At this stage, the arrangements for the conference are still ongoing," Haq told a news conference in New York. "This is a key concern, and we want to make sure that the rightful role of women in society is respected in Afghanistan, as it needs to be everywhere in the world," he said when asked whether the U.N. would support Bennett's call for the Taliban's "gender apartheid" to be codified as a crime against humanity. "Well, I just want to underscore that we treat them as the de facto authorities on the ground. They are not treated as the recognized government of Afghanistan," Haq explained when asked whether the U.N. would follow Bennett's advice not to treat the Taliban as a legitimate government or allow them to dictate the terms of the U.N.-hosted meetings. Guterres did not invite the Taliban to the first Doha meeting in May 2023, and the de facto Afghan rulers refused to join the second in February unless their delegates could be accepted as the sole representatives of Afghanistan. The Taliban's foreign ministry announced on Sunday that it has decided to send its delegation to the third Doha meeting after two months of discussions with the U.N. regarding the agenda and participation list. "If there are any changes to the agenda and participation, it would naturally affect our decision, which we will share with all sides at that time," it stated. The Taliban returned to power in Kabul almost three years ago, imposing sweeping retractions on Afghan women's rights and freedom of movement in line with their harsh interpretation of Islam. Girls aged 12 and older are banned from attending secondary school, and women are prohibited from working in public and private sectors, including the U.N., except for Afghan health care and a few other departments. Females are not allowed to travel long distances by road or air unless accompanied by a male relative, and they are banned from visiting public places such as parks, gyms and bathhouses. The Taliban dismiss international criticism of their governance and calls for reversing curbs on women as an interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Investigators: Disregard for human rights, law drives crisis in Sudan By Lisa Schlein June 19, 2024 Independent investigators have accused Sudan's warring parties of driving the country into a humanitarian abyss by blatantly disregarding fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law. The three-member International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan presented its first oral update Tuesday and Wednesday at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The investigators told the council that the lack of concern for the suffering of millions of Sudanese civilians by the warring parties has led to killings, looting, mass displacement, rape and other forms of sexual violence, "and resulted in a grave humanitarian crisis." They accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of preventing humanitarian aid from reaching millions of people who are at risk of famine. Citing the World Food Program, they warned that around 18 million people deprived of sufficient food will face acute hunger, with 5 million on the brink of starvation. The U.N. reports that rampant violations and abuses, along with the deprivation of essential lifesaving aid, have led to the mass displacement of nearly 9 million people inside Sudan, as well as to more than 1.8 million people fleeing to neighboring countries. Since the conflict began in April 2023, other armed groups have sprung up to support the two main military forces. Fact-finding mission chair Mohamed Chande Othman said the deadly conflict "now involves multiple actors within and outside Sudan and has spread from Khartoum and Darfur to most of the country." "We are deeply concerned that the fighting persists with tragic consequences and enormous suffering of the civilian population," he said. "We have received credible accounts of indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including through airstrikes and shelling in heavily populated residential areas, as well as ground attacks against civilians in their homes and villages," he said. He added that in the capital, Khartoum, and in nearby towns, killings, looting and sexual violence have "forced many to leave their homes and property to seek refuge in other locations." The investigators expressed particular concern about the situation in the Darfur region, especially the siege of the capital, El Fasher the last stronghold of the SAF, where 1.5 million inhabitants and some 800,000 internally displaced people are in great danger. "Already, heavy fighting between the warring parties in different parts of the city has led to significant civilian casualties, damaged homes and caused mass displacement," Othman said. "The attack on one of the main and last functioning hospitals in the city on June 8 led to its closure, leaving the civilian population without access to lifesaving medical care." The fact-finding mission said it is investigating earlier large-scale attacks against civilians based on their ethnicity in other areas of Darfur. These, said Othman, "have included killings, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture, forced displacement and looting." The investigators said they also have received credible reports of rampant sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, and that they are investigating reports "of sexual slavery and sexualized torture in detention facilities, including against men and boys." Othman said the mission has received worrying reports about the "widespread recruitment and use of children at checkpoints to gather intelligence, as well as to participate in direct combat and commit violent crimes," thereby putting the lives and future of many children at risk. A June 3 report from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on children and armed conflict ranks Sudan among the countries with the highest number of "grave violations against children" in the world. The fact-finding mission to Sudan is calling for an immediate cease-fire, without which, it said, "it is hard to see the human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan improving." Following the presentation of the report, Yassir Bashir Elbukhari Suliman, the chief prosecutor of Sudan, spoke as the representative of the concerned country. He accused the RSF of multiple crimes and atrocities against unarmed civilians, without assigning any blame to the SAF for the commission of similar acts. Commanders of the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have previously denied committing war crimes as they battle for control of the country. Commenting on the situation in Sudan last month, Guterres accused both warring factions of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interview: UN refugee chief urges end to 'insane' Sudan war By Margaret Besheer June 19, 2024 Filippo Grandi, the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, on Wednesday urged an end to the war in Sudan, where hunger and violence have driven millions from their homes. "They are fleeing horrible violence, very severe violations of human rights," Grandi told VOA in an interview from Juba, South Sudan, after field visits to Renk in South Sudan and across the border in Kosti, a city in Sudan's White Nile state. Thursday is World Refugee Day, and Grandi hopes to put this neglected crisis in the global spotlight. The United Nations has warned that 5 million Sudanese are on the brink of famine. Millions more are severely food insecure. Harvests have been lost, markets looted and burned, and humanitarians obstructed from delivering adequate aid. "But increasingly they are also fleeing deprivation and in particular food insecurity, and in some cases, hunger," Grandi said. "So you have a multiplication of factors that are all generated clearly by this insane war that doesn't seem to end." The United Nations says the 14-month-long war between rival generals has internally displaced more than 6 million people on top of the nearly 4 million who were displaced before the current conflict. Another 2 million have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan and Ethiopia. "Let's not forget that these people are coming, like here in South Sudan, to countries that are already very fragile they have huge challenges of their own in terms of security, political fragility, governance, economic problems and so forth," Grandi said, praising them for keeping their borders open and offering shelter. A U.N. panel of experts said earlier this year that external actors are fueling Sudan's conflict by providing the warring generals with weapons and ammunition. "My appeal is really to everybody who has any influence on the parties in this conflict: Push them not towards the battlefield, but to the negotiating table," Grandi said. "This is what is most needed: a cease-fire first and then the possibility that there is a political solution. Without that, I am afraid we will see more refugees and more suffering." The head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has been locked in an armed power struggle with the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces for the past 14 months. The fighting has spread from Sudan's capital, Khartoum, to other parts of the country, leaving death, destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe in its wake. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US lawmakers meet Dalai Lama as China slams visit By Anjana Pasricha June 19, 2024 A group of U.S. lawmakers met the Dalai Lama in India's northern town of Dharamshala Wednesday, amid cheers from Tibetans in exile and an angry reaction from China, which calls the Tibetan spiritual leader a separatist and a splittist. The visit follows the passage last week of a bill by the U.S. Congress that seeks to encourage dialogue between Beijing and Tibetan leaders in exile, who have been seeking more autonomy for Tibet. Talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives and China stalled in 2010. "This bill is a message to the Chinese government that we have clarity in our thinking and our understanding of this issue of the freedom of Tibet," Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker, said to cheers from hundreds of Tibetans whom the lawmakers addressed at a public ceremony after meeting the Dalai Lama at his residence. U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to soon sign the legislation called "Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act," also referred to as the Resolve Tibet Act. In Dharamshala, where the Tibetan government in exile is based, the visit of the U.S. lawmakers brought hope. "It is a jubilant moment for all Tibetans. We are all overjoyed. The visit is very significant because it comes soon after the passage of the bill which we hope will soon be passed into law," Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration, told VOA. Congressman Michael McCaul, who led the seven-member visiting delegation, said the bill reaffirms American support for what he referred to as the Tibetan right to self- determination. He said that their delegation had received a letter from the Chinese Communist Party, warning them not to visit. Beijing said the U.S. should not sign into law the bill passed by Congress. "China will take resolute measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Lin Jian said on Tuesday, as the lawmakers arrived in the Indian town. The Chinese embassy in New Delhi reiterated Beijing's concerns. "We urge the U.S. side to fully recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai group, honor the commitments the U.S. has made to China on issues related to Xizang, stop sending the wrong signal to the world," it said in a statement Tuesday night. Xizang is China's name for Tibet. In his remarks to Tibetans, McCaul said it is important that China not influence the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor. "Beijing has even attempted to insert itself into choosing the successor of the Dalai Lama," he said. "We will not let that happen." The issue is contentious. China says it has the right to approve the spiritual leader's successor while according to Tibetan tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after his death. The Dalai Lama has said his successor is likely to be found in India but Tibetans in exile fear China will try to designate a person to be the successor, in an effort to bolster control over Tibet. Meanwhile, Tibetan spokesman Lekshay said China needs to come forward to reinstate a dialogue with exiled Tibetan leaders. "It is a time for introspection for China to see what is going wrong, particularly with the Tibet issue which has been a longstanding conflict. China needs to be more positive." Beijing does not recognize the exiled administration. A formal dialogue process between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese government ended in 2010 after it failed to produce a concrete outcome. Pointing out that they are asking for autonomy within China and not independence, Lekshay said the Tibetan administration in exile did not represent a separatist movement. Tibetans in exile say they fear that their culture, language and identity is under threat due to Chinese assimilation of the region. The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959, has been instrumental in putting the Tibetan cause in the global spotlight but in recent years some Tibetan activists have expressed concerns that the Tibet cause is not getting appropriate attention in Western capitals. The Himalayan town of Dharamshala has been the Dalai Lama's home since he fled Tibet over six decades ago following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security and trade dominate Australian ministerial talks in Papua New Guinea By Phil Mercer June 19, 2024 Senior Australian ministers are in Papua New Guinea to discuss security and development amid China's growing ambitions in the region. The ministerial forum comes at a critical time with the Canberra government hoping to maintain its position as a dominant trade and security partner in the Pacific. Papua New Guinea is boosting trade ties with China and has had negotiations with Beijing over policing cooperation, which has caused alarm in Canberra and Washington, which struck a defense accord with Papua New Guinea last year. Australia's high-level delegation to Papua New Guinea includes Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Defense Minister Richard Marles, and ministers for cyber security, agriculture and fisheries, trade and international development. They will join their counterparts for talks Wednesday on economic and security cooperation. Wong told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that Canberra will pursue its own interests, while Beijing will do the same. "We do not expect China to stop being China. China will continue to assert its interests," she said. "How we deal with that is to assert ours and we do so both in the bilateral relationship but also in the way we engage in the region and the way we engage with other powers." Meg Keen, director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based research organization, told VOA that both Canberra and Washington want to limit Beijing's influence in Papua New Guinea. China has already sent police to neighboring Solomon Islands and Kiribati, insisting it has a plan to help Pacific Island countries maintain social order. Australia has, however, said that Beijing should have "no role" in policing the Pacific Islands, and that the Canberra government will train more local security forces to fill gaps. Keen said China has strategic ambitions in the Pacific region. "China is in a competition with Taiwan for recognition and since 2019 it has been able to win the support away from Taiwan of three countries in the region. That is significant. Kiribati is one of those," Keen said. "So, while these are small countries they have enormous ocean territories. They sit in a very strategic place between the United States, Australia and Asia." This week, the Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with senior government officials in Australia. It was a further sign that bilateral relations, which have been strained over various geopolitical and trade disputes, are improving. However, differences between the two sides remain over human rights, the South China Sea, allegations of cyber espionage and, increasingly, over Beijing's ambitions in the Pacific, a region Australia has traditionally considered to be its sphere of influence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 19 June 2024 - Day 847 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 since the beginning of the day, there have been 122 combat clashes. During the day, aviation, missile troops and artillery of the Defense Forces hit 13 personnel concentration areas and three Russian control points. Russian zagarbniki launched three missiles and 38 aviation strikes on the territory of Ukraine with the use of 55 CABs, also engaged 533 kamikadze drones. Along with that, Russia has fired over 2,900 shells on positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements with barrel and jet artillery, mortars, firearms and armaments of fighting vehicles. In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian occupiers supported by aviation six times unsuccessfully attacked in the areas of Lipciv and Vovchansk. According to preliminary information, since the beginning of the day, Russian loss has left 96 occupants dead and wounded, a tank, three artillery systems and 11 cars destroyed. 18 personnel shelters, two places of ammunition storage and a repository of fuel and oil materials were affected. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian forces made 11 attempts to push Ukrainian units from occupied positions in the areas of settlements Sinkivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Picni and Kruglyakivka. Eight Russian attacks successfully repelled, there are three combat clashes near the stepovoi novoselivka. In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders tried 15 times to advance in the areas of Grekivka, Nevsky, Terniv and Serebryansky forest. Defenders of Ukraine successfully repelled 14 Russian attacks. Near the settlement point of Terna, one battle is still ongoing. The situation is controlled, no loss of positions is allowed. In the Sivers komu direction, the setting of significant changes has not been experienced. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers carried out nine assault actions in the areas of Verkhnyokamiansky, Rozdolivka and the Chashovoy Yar microdistrict - Noviy. Six Russian attacks ended unsuccessfully, three combat still ongoing. The situation is under the control of Defense Forces units. Significantly activated his efforts the aggressor in the Kramatorsky direction. By the support of aviation Russian occupiers 17 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders from the Bakhmuta area. The fights were sharpened near Bogdanivka, Kalinivka, Ivanivs kogo, Kli iivka and Andriyivka. The situation is intense. 12 Russian attacks by the Ukrainian military repelled, five more fighting continue. Defense forces are putting maximum effort to restrain the opponent in a specified direction. In the Toretsky direction, the Russian occupiers made six attempts to break through the defensive borders of Ukrainian defenders east of the North. Ukrainian soldiers repelled four Russian attacks, two more combat continues. Russian troops maintain high activity in the pokrovsky direction. The number of encounters has increased to 43. With the support of all available means of fire effect (aviation, artillery, armaments of fighting vehicles, strike BPLA, FPV-drones and firearms) the garbniki continue to pressure the fighting order of defenders of Ukraine near Oleksandropol, Novooleksandrivka, Kalinovoye, Evgenivka, Sokola, Novoselivka the First and Karlivka. Ukrainian warriors repelled 31 Russian attacks. 12 battle clashes are still going on. Defense forces are exerting maximum effort to exhaust and restrain Russian forces in the direction. The previous Russian losses consisted of over 207 occupants killed and injured. A combat armored vehicle and a car were destroyed. The losses are in the making. In the Kurakhiv direction, the situation of significant changes has not experienced. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 10 clashes here. The tense situation remains in the area of krasnogorivki, where Russia maintains significant activity. Units of the Ukrainian Army carry out measures to increase defense resilience. In the Vremivs komu and Orihivs ky directions, the situation has not experienced significant changes. . In the direction of the pridniprovsk, five Russian assault actions were not successful. A loss of positions is not allowed. In other directions, the situation remained without significant changes. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that units of the Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 36th Marines Brigade, 42nd Mechanised Brigade, 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 71st Infantry Brigade, 120th, and 125th territorial defence brigades near Volchansk, Staritsa, and Liptsy (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 300 Ukrainian troops, two pickup trucks, two 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer. In addition, one AFU ammunition depot has been destroyed. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 14th, 116th mechanised brigades, 77th Airmobile Brigade, and 1st National Guard Brigade near Petropavlovka, Sinkovka (Kharkov region), Stelmakhovka, and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by formations of the AFU 3rd Tank Brigade and 110th Territorial Defence Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 450 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer were neutralised. Two AFU field ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 5th Assault Brigade, 71st Jaeger Brigade, and 79th Air Assault Brigade near Minkovka, Kalinin, Chasov Yar, Konstantinovka, Katerinovka, and Karlovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 560 Ukrainian troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, one U.S.-made Humvee armoured fighting vehicle, and five pickup trucks. In the course of counter-battery warfare, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzer, two 152-mm D-20 howitzers, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer, and two Bukovel-AD and Anklav electronic warfare stations were neutralised. Two AFU ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 27th, 110th mechanised brigades, 144th Infantry Brigade, and 109th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novgorodskoye, Yevgenovka, Umanskoye, Vozdvizhenka, Kamishevka, and Toretsk (Donetsk People's Republic). Five counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 23rd, 24th, 47th mechanised brigades, and 68th Jaeger Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 355 Ukrainian troops, six motor vehicles, two 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzers, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, and one BM-21 Grad MLRS combat vehicle. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 102th, and 108th territorial defence brigades near Pavlovka, Shevchenko, Vladimirovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Marphopol (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 120 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, two Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery systems, and one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer. Two AFU field ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 128th Mountain Assault Brigade and 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade near Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region) and Dnepropetrovskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 110 Ukrainian troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, four motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces delivered strikes at command posts of the AFU 5th Assault Brigade, 54th, and 92nd mechanised brigades, as well as engaged manpower and hardware clusters in 124 areas during the past 24 hours. Air defence units shot down 43 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, ten U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and three French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs. In total, 613 airplanes and 276 helicopters, 25,934 unmanned aerial vehicles, 531 air defence missile systems, 16,374 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,344 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 10,645 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 22,687 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US concerned specific fentanyl precursors will be scheduled within months: Chinese narcotics control official Global Times By Zhao Yusha Published: Jun 19, 2024 05:49 PM The final scheduling of the US highly concerned specific fentanyl precursors will be completed through the relevant legal procedures in the coming months, according to officials from China's Ministry of Public Security's narcotics control bureau. The official said that over the past seven months, the interaction of the China-US narcotics control teams has been frequent and efficient. Narcotics control teams between China and the US have been promoting substance scheduling, intelligence exchange, case cooperation, anti-money laundering involvement, technical exchange, cleaning of online advertising information, and cooperation in multilateral areas, Wei Xiaojun, head of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS)'s narcotics control bureau said at a press conference on Wednesday. China is also actively working on the scheduling of types of fentanyl precursors that the US remains highly concerned about, Wei said. "I believe that the scheduling of these three fentanyl precursors that the US is concerned about will be completed within a few months through the necessary legal procedures, achieving the final outcome." Currently, law enforcement departments in China and the US are conducting joint investigations into several key cases, and some cases have made breakthrough progress, Wei noted. Following US tipoffs relating to drugs and money laundering, Chinese police launched an investigation into a case involving illegal foreign exchange transactions, the MPS revealed on Wednesday. The investigation found that, since 2017, a suspect surnamed Tong started a car dealership in the United States and offered exchange services between Chinese yuan and US dollars. The operation later evolved into criminal activities including the illegal trading of foreign currencies. Tong has already been arrested, and further investigations are underway, the ministry said. The technical experts from China and the US have resumed regular exchanges. They have already held two exchanges online and offline in February and March, both of which have achieved good results. At the end of this month, there will be a second on-site supervision exchange, and it is believed that through professional assistance, the ability of both China and the US to combat drug crimes can be effectively enhanced, said Wei. China and the US also carried out the cleaning of online advertising information. Recently, China conducted a nationwide special governance actions and online cleaning actions for different types of substances and their future and prerequisites. During the actions, a total of 14 network platforms were removed of illegal content, closed, or adjusted, 332 enterprise accounts were forcibly deregistered, 1,016 online stores were taken down, 14.6 million pieces of information were cleaned, and 10 zombie websites were closed. Various website platforms have set up decentralized devices, and the number of online advertising information for all chemicals has significantly decreased. Narcotics control officials from both countries also held frequent exchanges over recent months. According to a news release issued by the Chinese Embassy in the US on Tuesday, during a meeting between Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng and Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, last Friday, "the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on promoting counternarcotics cooperation between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit." Recently, US officials claimed that small chemical businesses in China make precursor chemicals that are shipped to Mexico to produce illicit fentanyl. China says addiction and demand for the drug are US domestic problems. In China, some small-scale family-owned companies engage in the resale of chemicals. They advertise online and sell various chemicals, including imported ones. Once we discover these activities, we immediately take action to stop them. Depending on the laws and regulations, we either warn and advise them to cease and delete the relevant information, or ask them to cancel their business license, said Wei. If their actions violate the relevant laws, we will take criminal or administrative penalties against them. However, Wei said China has found that some entities and individuals operate websites or network platform servers in the US or other foreign countries. In this regard, we need cooperation from the US and other countries to jointly crack down on such activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, South Korea vow to enhance communication, improve mutual trust at 2+2 dialogue Global Times By Zhang Han Published: Jun 19, 2024 11:36 PM China and South Korea have held their first vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security dialogue, or 2+2 dialogue, which offered the two countries a platform to communicate positions on key issues, maintain the momentum of stabilization of bilateral relations, analysts said on Wednesday. Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong and Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission Zhang Baoqun co-hosted the 2+2 dialogue with South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Director General for International Policy at the Defense Ministry Lee Seung-buhm. The two sides communicated their diplomatic and security policies, and had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released on its website on Wednesday. South Korea mentioned the engagement and cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The Chinese side noted that North Korea and Russia, as friendly and close neighbors, have the legitimate need for exchanges, cooperation and development of relations. Holding the first vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security dialogue between China and the ROK was agreed quite early on by the two sides in light of the need of growing bilateral relations and has no particular link to the engagement between other countries, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. The China-South Korea 2+2 dialogue dates back to 2002 when it was a director-general level mechanism. Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the upgrading of the mechanism meets the demand of bilateral relations and can serve as a stabilizer and mediator of regional tension and conflict. It is primarily a bilateral framework that allows China and South Korea, who have close trade and culture ties, to enhance communication and trust on diplomacy and security issues, Da said. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, both China and South Korea reiterated during the 2+2 dialogue their commitment to valuing and developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations, agreeing to actively engage in dialogue and exchanges at all levels and in all fields. They agreed to strengthen communication through mechanisms such as high-level strategic dialogues, diplomatic security 2+2 dialogues, and 1.5 track dialogues to enhance political mutual trust and advance the healthy and stable development of the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership. Both sides agreed to enhance local and youth exchanges, continuously improving the friendly feelings between the two peoples. China expressed a firm stance on issues involving its core interests and major concerns such as on the Taiwan question, demanding that South Korea handle them in a responsible manner. South Korea reiterated that its position of respecting the one-China principle has not changed. Both China and South Korea are beneficiaries of economic globalization. They should work together to maintain the stability of the global production and supply chains, resist the politicization and securitization of economic issues, and oppose all forms of trade protectionism and "building walls and barriers," Chinese officials said. Both sides expressed their positions and views on the Korean Peninsula issue. China emphasized that maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula is in the common interests of all parties, including China and South Korea. The context and crux of the situation on the peninsula are clear, and the urgent task is to cool down the situation, avoid escalating confrontation, and adhere to the overall direction of a political solution. China has always determined its position based on the merits of the matter itself and will continue to play a constructive role in Korean Peninsula affairs in its own way. Da said although there are differences between China and South Korea on various topics, such a dialogue is important in communicating stances to avoid misjudgment and maximize common ground. It is unrealistic to expect one round of dialogue to solve thorny issues between the two countries, but it is a very positive start that could lead to more constructive talks and cooperation, Da added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China-Malaysia ties set example for the region -- Premier Li People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:55, June 19, 2024 KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday that China-Malaysia ties are at the forefront among relations between regional countries, and have set a benchmark and an example. He made the remarks in a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Chinese premier is paying his first official visit to the Southeast Asian country. Noting this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, as well as "China-Malaysia Friendship Year," Li said that in the past half century, no matter how the international situation changed, China and Malaysia have always been committed to sincere friendship, win-win cooperation and mutual learning and their relationship has been steadily moving forward. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar reached an important consensus on jointly building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, drawing a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations in the new era, Li noted. The Chinese premier said China is ready to work with Malaysia to continue to prioritize bilateral relations in their respective foreign policies and take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to accelerate the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen cooperation in various sectors and continuously enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Li said China is ready to work with Malaysia to synergize their development strategies more closely and give full play to their complementary advantages. China is willing to work with Malaysia to steadily advance the construction of major projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," while expanding the scale of trade and investment, promoting cooperation in such areas as logistics, new energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy and railway equipment, strengthening cooperation in poverty reduction to better achieve win-win cooperation, he said. Li called on the two sides to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, in such areas as culture, tourism, and education, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level to further facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries. China, Li said, is ready to work closely with Malaysia in multilateral areas, promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, and jointly safeguard ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation. He also urged the two sides to promote high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and conclude the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area as soon as possible to jointly contribute to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world at large. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on June 19, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2024-06-19 19:43 CCTV: The fifth China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue was held in Brussels yesterday. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang led a delegation to the dialogue. We noted that this is the first high-level dialogue between China and the EU after the European Commission's pre-disclosure of proposed duties last week based on its anti-subsidy investigation on China's electric vehicles. Can you share more information about the dialogue? Is the dialogue helpful to resolving the trade frictions between China and the EU on electric vehicles? Lin Jian: On June 18, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang met with Executive Vice President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic in Brussels, Belgium, and they co-chaired the fifth China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang noted that in recent years, President Xi Jinping and EU leaders have met several times, reaching multiple common understandings on enhancing China-EU cooperation on green transition. We need to jointly deliver on these important common understandings, work for more fruitful outcomes in our cooperation on green transition, and consolidate the momentum of steady improvement in China-EU ties. China and the EU have extensive common interests and huge space for cooperation in green transition. It is important to effectively leverage the role of the high-level dialogue mechanism, seek common ground while shelving differences, work in the same direction, keep the positive momentum of environmental and climate cooperation going, and deepen the green partnership between China and the EU. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized that electric vehicles are a landmark product of the green and low-carbon energy transition. The EU's plan to impose additional duties on imports of Chinese electric vehicles is typical protectionism, which is not conducive to the EU's green transition and would undermine the global cooperation on climate change. He expressed hope that the EU will enhance the consistency of its policies on environmental, climate, trade and economic cooperation with China, avoid economic and trade frictions that could delay the green transition process, and refrain from establishing green barriers that would interfere with normal trade and economic cooperation between China and the EU. The two sides need to properly address trade frictions through dialogue and consultation. China is firm in its resolve to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. Sefcovic said the EU appreciated China's strong measures and notable results in promoting green and low-carbon development, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as tackling climate change and protecting the ecological environment, and to work together to ensure the success of UNFCCC COP29. The EU side attaches great importance to the electric vehicle industry and is willing to properly handle differences with China through dialogue. Yonhap News Agency: The ROK-China diplomatic and security dialogue was held in Seoul yesterday. According to the readout from the ROK Foreign Ministry, China noted at the dialogue that its policy on the Peninsula issue remains unchanged and China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in solving the Peninsula issue. The Chinese side also met with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and said that China hopes the engagement between the DPRK and Russia will contribute to regional peace and stability. Has China stated its position that the engagement between the DPRK and Russia will contribute to regional peace and stability? What does China believe are the outcomes of the dialogue? Lin Jian: On June 18, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong and Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission Zhang Baoqun co-chaired the first China-ROK 2+2 vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security dialogue with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun and Director General of International Policy Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense Lee Seung-buhm of the ROK in Seoul. The two sides communicated their diplomatic and security policies, and had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. On the same day, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and relevant officials also met with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. Both sides stressed that they value and would like to grow the good neighborly relations and mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two countries. They agreed to actively carry out dialogue and exchanges at all levels and in various areas, step up communication, enhance political mutual trust and advance practical cooperation through dialogue mechanisms including the high-level strategic dialogue between the foreign ministries, the 2+2 diplomatic and security dialogue and the track 1.5 dialogue, and promote the sound and steady development of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership. The two sides agreed to enhance exchanges at the sub-national level and between the youth to steadily improve the friendly relations between the two peoples. China stated its solemn position on issues bearing on China's core interests and major concerns, such as the Taiwan question, and asked the ROK to handle these issues properly. The ROK reiterated that it remains unchanged in its position of respecting the one-China principle. The Chinese side pointed out that China champions the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security vision, practices true multilateralism, advocates that countries' legitimate security concerns should be respected, advances global security cooperation through dialogue and consultation, and opposes hegemonism, unilateralism and power politics. China and the ROK, having both benefited from economic globalization, need to jointly safeguard the stable and unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, reject turning economic issues into political or security issues, and oppose all forms of trade protectionism and moves to build walls and set up obstacles. The two sides communicated their positions and views on the Korean Peninsula issue. China stressed that safeguarding peace and stability on the Peninsula is consistent with the common interests of all parties, including China and the ROK. How the Korean Peninsula issue developed into the current situation and where the crux lies is clear. The pressing task is to cool down the situation, avoid escalation of confrontation and rivalry, and keep to the major direction of political settlement. China has always determined its position on the merits of the matter itself and will continue to play a constructive role in its own way in the Peninsula affairs. The ROK mentioned the engagement and cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. The Chinese side noted that the DPRK and Russia, as friendly and close neighbors, have the legitimate need for exchanges, cooperation and development of relations. Relevant high-level engagement is the bilateral arrangement between two sovereign countries. Holding the first vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security dialogue between China and the ROK was agreed quite early on by the two sides in light of the need of growing bilateral relations and has no particular link to the engagement between other countries. Bloomberg: A senior US official is set to visit Japan and the Netherlands to ask them to add fresh restrictions on China's semiconductor sector. This would include on China's ability to make the high-end memory chips that are needed for AI. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment on that? Lin Jian: We noted the report. The US has been inciting bloc confrontation and even extending it to trade and technology, and coercing other countries to go after China's semiconductor industry. China firmly opposes it. The US behavior is aimed at perpetuating its supremacy and denying China' legitimate right to grow and thrive. In order to take exclusive control of the top end of the value chain, the US would go so far as to destabilize global industrial and supply chains. This will not only handicap the global semiconductor industry, but also eventually backfire and do no one good. We hope relevant countries will do the right thing, firmly resist coercion, and jointly uphold an open and fair international trade order to protect their own long-term interests. Hubei Media Group: We noted that China-Europe freight train services recorded the highest monthly transport volume in May. What's your comment? Lin Jian: The China-Europe Railway Express has performed remarkably well this year. In May in particular, the China-Europe freight train services made 1,724 trips and carried 186,000 TEUs of goods, up by 14 percent and 13 percent respectively year-on-year and hitting a new monthly high. By the end of last month, the number of trips run by China-Europe freight trains exceeded 90,000 and carried more than USD 380 billion worth of cargo in total. Last week, China-Europe freight train services launched fully timetabled journeys that depart from Chongqing and Yiwu, which reduces the journey time to about 13 days from China to Germany. These freight trains carry not just cargo but also hope. They connect China and Europe and show the world not only the speed and vitality of Belt and Road cooperation, but also the dynamism and openness of the Chinese economy. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asian Development Bank, among other international institutions, in recent reports revised up their forecast for China's economic growth rate. In May, China's total imports and exports of goods grew by 8.6 percent year-on-year, 0.6 percentage points higher than the previous month. In the first five months of this year, accumulated imports and exports in China hit a record high compared with the same periods of previous years. We stand ready to work with countries along the routes of the China-Europe Railway Express to speed up the high-quality development of the China-Europe freight train services, make sure that global industrial and supply chains stay stable, help the world economy grow and bring more benefits to the people of those countries. Reuters: It's reported that Liaoning police is investigating a case of illegal foreign exchange activity and money laundering. Based on clues from the US, the Chinese government said the case is a good example of China-US counter-narcotics cooperation. Why is it regarded as an example of China-US counter-narcotics cooperation? Can you share more details of the case? How is the China-US counter-narcotics cooperation going? Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy of the US Rahul Gupta is visiting China now. What is China's expectation for the visit? Lin Jian: I'd refer you to competent authorities of China for your question. Bloomberg: Ecuador has temporarily stopped a visa agreement with China, citing "a worrying increase in migratory flows" from China in recent months. Does the Ministry want to comment on this? Lin Jian: I answered the question yesterday. Let me stress that the agreement on mutual visa exemption between China and Ecuador, since it took effect in August 2016, has played an important and positive role in promoting cross-border travel and practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries. AFP: The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that China's support for Russia's defense industry is prolonging the Ukraine war and has to stop. Do you have any comment on these remarks by Antony Blinken? Lin Jian: We've repeatedly stated China's position on this. I would like to reiterate that on the Ukraine crisis, China never fuels the flames or exploit the situation for selfish gains and is committed to 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 recognized by the international community. We firmly oppose attempts of the US to spread baseless disinformation and shift blame to China. Bloomberg: China and Sri Lanka just held diplomatic consultations in Beijing. Have those talks resulted in progress on a final agreement with China Exim Bank or on an in-principle deal with China Development Bank? Lin Jian: On the 13th round of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic consultations, China has released a readout, which you may refer to. What I can tell you is that the Chinese side has been providing assistance to Sri Lanka's socioeconomic development to the best of our capability. We stand ready to continue to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions to support Sri Lanka's debt sustainability. On your specific question, I'd refer you to competent authorities. Dragon TV: It's reported that at the 2+2 vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security dialogue with the ROK held yesterday, the ROK expressed the concerns on "defectors" and asked China to ensure the DPRK "defectors" in China are not forcibly returned and can go to their desired destinations. What's China's comment? Lin Jian: There is no so-called "DPRK defectors" in China. People who illegally enter China for economic reasons are not refugees. China handles these illegal entries under the principles of both domestic and international laws and the spirit of humanitarianism. We hope relevant side will not politicize this issue and create obstacles for China to handle it. AFP: The Philippine military said today that the Chinese Coast Guard boarded Filipino boats in the South China Sea this week. They also said that the Chinese Coast Guard seized guns from these boats. The Philippine military said that happened near Ren'ai Jiao. So is that true? Can you tell us what happened exactly? Lin Jian: Let me stress that what directly led to this situation is the Philippines' ignoring of China's dissuasion and deliberate intrusion into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao which is part of China's Nansha Qundao. The law enforcement action taken by China Coast Guard on the scene was professional and restrained and aimed at stopping the illegal "resupply mission." China Coast Guard didn't take direct measures against the Philippine personnel. The Philippines keeps saying that they were sending living necessities, but secretly they've been trying to send construction materials and even weapons and ammunition to the grounded warship for the long-term occupation of Ren'ai Jiao. China urges the Philippines to stop its infringement and provocation at once. We will continue to defend our sovereignty and lawful rights and interests. AFP: China will send to the Olympic Games next month in Paris a total of 11 swimmers who have been named in a doping positive case. The US Anti-Doping Agency had criticized the World Anti-Doping Agency, accusing it of hiding this case. Then the World Anti-Doping Agency has said it will send a team to China to investigate the case. Do you have any updates on when the team will come to China? Lin Jian: We answered relevant questions before. Let me stress that the Chinese government has a zero-tolerance attitude toward doping and strictly abides by the World Anti-Doping Code. China is committed to protecting the physical and mental wellness of our athletes, ensuring fair competition in sport and contributing to the unified global anti-doping campaign. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China is erasing Uyghur culture by changing village names, rights group says By William Yang June 19, 2024 A new report finds that the Chinese government has been systematically changing village names with cultural or religious significance to the Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang autonomous region to Chinese names showcasing Chinese Communist Party ideologies. The report, released Wednesday by Human Rights Watch and the Norwegian Uyghur organization "Uyghur Hjelp," which co-authored the report, found that around 630 villages have seen elements of religion, Uyghur history, and Uyghur cultural practices, including a traditional Uyghur string instrument "dutar" and a shrine called "mazar," removed from their village names. Some analysts say the campaign is part of Beijing's efforts to erase Uyghur culture and religious expressions. "This is a part of the serious abuses that are ongoing for the Uyghurs in Xinjiang," Maya Wang, the Interim China Director at Human Rights Watch, told VOA by phone. The Chinese government often uses Chinese phrases such as "happiness," "unity," and "harmony" to replace those Uyghur village names, according to the report. "New village names are mostly in Mandarin Chinese and they denote a positive sentiment the government wants Uyghurs to embrace and express under the Chinese leadership," the report wrote. While authorities in Xinjiang continue to change some Uyghur village names, the report said the majority of the name changes took place between 2017 and 2019, which coincides with mass internment of Uyghurs across the region. "Since 2017, Uyghur people's expressions of who they are, their history, and how they came to be a group of people have been erased or manipulated," Wang said, adding that Beijing's goal is to force Uyghur people to conform to the rules they have laid out. "If you practice something different, you could be labeled as an extremist and put under long imprisonment, so this is part of a wholesale erasure [of Uyghur culture and expression]," she added. The report found that most villages that undergo name change are concentrated in prefectures that are predominantly Uyghur, including Aksu, Kashgar, and Hotan in Southern Xinjiang. In response to findings from the report, the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C. said Uyghur culture has been "effectively protected and promoted." "Uyghur population in Xinjiang can use their ethnic language and road signs in Xinjiang are mostly in both Mandarin and Uyghur," Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy, told VOA in a written response. In 2022, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights determined in a report that the Chinese government had committed human rights abuses against the Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang that could constitute crimes against humanity. According to U.N. estimation, at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities may have been interned in re-education camps by Beijing in Xinjiang since 2017, but China denied these allegations and claimed in 2019 that all Uyghurs in the camps had "graduated." Impact on the Uyghur community As China continues to change some village names from Uyghur to Chinese, the report found that the campaign has seriously affected the Uyghur community. Based on interviews with 11 Uyghurs, the report found that the name change may increase the difficulty for some Uyghurs to find their villages while others may have difficulty registering for government services. "Some Uyghurs outside Xinjiang feel like they can't even recognize their hometown," Abduweli Ayup, an exiled Uyghur linguist who co-authored the report, told VOA by phone. The impact of the village name change is accompanied by the effect of Beijing's mass detention of Uyghurs, mass surveillance of the Uyghur community, and other persecutions against the Uyghurs, including separation of families, forced labor, and sexual violence. Some activists say all these efforts are part of the campaign that "targets everything that is of the essence'' for Uyghurs. "This village name change campaign makes some Uyghurs feel like they're less than the Han Chinese because their culture is backward," Zumretay Arkin, Director of Global Advocacy at World Uyghur Congress, told VOA by phone. According to Arkin, other campaigns that Beijing has initiated to better assimilate the Uyghurs in the Han Chinese majority is to sinicize mosques across Xinjiang by removing the crescent and dome while replacing religious writings with an homage to the Chinese Communist Party. In 2017, Human Rights Watch also found that Chinese authorities prohibited Uyghurs from using dozens of names with religious connotations common to Muslims around the world, claiming that using these names could "exaggerate religious fervor." What can the international community do? Arkin said the Chinese government's efforts to forcibly assimilate Uyghurs into the Han Chinese community have pushed Uyghurs to hide their identity and basic way of life. "For Uyghurs living in Xinjiang, they have to constantly hide their identity so they can fit into the mold that the Chinese government has created for them," she told VOA. Arkin said this trend has shifted the responsibility to preserve Uyghur cultural heritage to the diaspora community. "Since the diaspora community has been largely cut off from their family members and friends in Xinjiang, the responsibility of preserving the Uyghur culture has become a heavy burden for the diaspora community," she said. While the United Nations and foreign governments have condemned China's systematic persecution of the Uyghurs and imposed targeted sanctions on Chinese officials, Human Rights Watch said these responses have been ineffective in affecting Beijng's treatment of the Uyghur community. Ayup urged foreign countries to try to increase pressure on Beijing during the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session. "Concerned governments and the UN human rights office should intensify their efforts to hold the Chinese government accountable for their abuses in the Uyghur region," Ayup told VOA, adding that one priority should be the release of the hundreds of thousands Uyghurs who are still detained in Xinjiang. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia-DPRK talks Vladimir Putin has arrived in Pyongyang on a friendly state visit at the invitation of Kim Jong-un. June 19, 2024 13:00 Pyongyang Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un held an official welcoming ceremony for President of Russia Vladimir Putin on Kim Il-sung Square. During the ceremony, the two leaders introduced members of their delegations. Russia-DPRK talks began in expanded format and later continued as a one-on-one meeting. Following the consultations, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. During Vladimir Putin's visit to the DPRK, the sides also signed intergovernmental agreements on building a trans-border road bridge and on cooperation in the fields of healthcare, medical education and science. The heads of state made statements for the press. Later, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un took a walk around the Kumsusan residence and attended a gala concert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea's Kim hails Russia alliance, promises Putin support on Ukraine Leaders of the two neighbors concluded one-on-one talks that lasted about two hours, Russian media reported. By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.06.19 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed a "new, high level of alliance" with Russia on Wednesday as he promised President Vladimir Putin full support for his war in Ukraine, media reported. Putin, on his first visit to isolated North Korea in 24 years, said after one-on-one talks with Kim that lasted for about two hours that a new comprehensive strategic partnership pact would form the basis of relations for years to come, said a correspondent from Russia's RIA Novosti news agency. Kim said the pact signed by the two leaders was historic and he reaffirmed "full support and firm solidarity with the Russian government, armed forces and people in their struggle to defend their sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity in Ukraine," according to a video of summit remarks released by media outlets. "In the future, we will continue to strengthen and deepen strategic communication with the Russian leadership and Russia and unconditionally support all of Russia's policies, regardless of the complex international situation," Kim said. Kim said relations were "at an all-time high, unparalleled even in the past relations with the Soviet Union," adding that he was confident Putin's visit would "further solidify the friendship and people-to-people foundation of the two countries." Putin thanked Kim saying he appreciated North Korea's support. "We very much appreciate your systematic and permanent support of Russian policy, including on the Ukrainian issue," Russian media quoted Putin as telling Kim at the start of their meeting, AFP reported. The United States says that North Korea has supplied Russia with large amounts of weapons for its war in Ukraine, in particular artillery rounds and ballistic missiles, although both Russia and North Korea deny that. In exchange for its weapons, North Korea is suspected of getting Russian technological assistance for its space program. In May, the North's attempt to launch a military spy satellite ended in failure with the rocket exploding on liftoff. But in November last year, North Korea successfully placed a spy satellite into orbit, and it had planned to launch three more satellites in 2024. Earlier on Wednesday, the two leaders attended a welcome ceremony at Pyongyang's massive Kim Il Sung Square, complete with an honor guard and rows of North Korean citizens with balloons. Buildings around the square were bedecked with the countries' flags and huge portraits of the two men, pictures in Russian state media showed. Crowds in red, white and blue shirts waved flowers and flags as the two leaders passed by, standing in an open-top limousine. 'Solid friendship' Both Russia and North Korea are facing wide-ranging sanctions, the former for its invasion of Ukraine and the latter for its development of nuclear bombs and the missiles to deliver them around the world. In an apparent reference to the sanctions, Putin, in a commentary published on the eve of his visit in North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper, called for unity in resisting "illegal and unilateral restrictions", while vowing to build alternative systems for trade and settlements with North Korea out of the control of the West. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea, Russia pledge mutual defense, surprising many observers By William Gallo June 19, 2024 North Korea and Russia have signed a treaty containing a mutual defense clause, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced Wednesday, during a rare Putin visit to Pyongyang. Following a day of highly publicized events, Putin and Kim signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership agreement," formally upgrading relations that have expanded since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The text of the agreement has not been released. But following the signing, Putin said the deal contains a clause that "provides for the provision of mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties." The move amounts to a significant change of Russian policy toward North Korea, potentially restoring a mutual defense treaty that had been abolished following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Following the signing ceremony, Kim said the relationship has been elevated to the level of an "alliance," although Putin did not use that phrase in his public comments. According to a Kremlin readout, Putin noted that Russia "does not rule out the possibility that its cooperation with the DPRK in defense and technology will be developed further," using an acronym for North Korea's official name. The development is sure to rattle Western leaders, who have condemned Russian-North Korean cooperation as a violation of international law. U.S. officials accuse North Korea of supplying Russia with thousands of containers of munitions, including ballistic missiles, for use on the Ukraine battlefield. The treaty signing surprised many observers, who had predicted that any formalization of the relationship would fall short of a formal alliance. "Kim Jong Un has been able to extract more concessions than we thought he would be able to from his support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine," said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea specialist and professor of international relations at King's College London. The move appears to be an attempt to reanimate Soviet-era relations between Moscow and Pyongyang, although not all analysts are convinced that ties have reached that level. "Clearly, it's an important development, but I think we will need to see this relationship continue on a strong footing for a number of years before we can say there has been a definite change in the relationship," said Pacheco Pardo. Close, but how close? In recent years, Russia and North Korea have projected a unified stance as each country's relations with the West deteriorated. But the partnership has faced significant strains. As recently as 2017, Russia supported United Nations Security Council resolutions in response to North Korea's illicit nuclear weapons program. Russia now opposes those sanctions, with Putin on Wednesday calling them part of a "confrontational U.S. policy." Treaty relations between Moscow and Pyongyang also have been turbulent. In 1961, North Korea and the Soviet Union signed a friendship and mutual assistance treaty that included a provision for military intervention in emergencies. That deal was abolished after the Soviet Union's collapse. The two countries signed a new treaty in 2000, but it focused on economic rather than military matters. Russian officials say the latest document will replace that pact. Kim Gunn, a South Korean lawmaker who earlier this year stepped down as South Korea's top nuclear envoy, condemned the signing of the mutual defense clause, which he said is "only harmful to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula." But in Kim's estimation, the move is aimed at establishing the appearance of an alliance rather than the real thing. "Don't be dismayed by the facade of the visit, because that's exactly what they intend to achieve," he told VOA. Details matter Analysts will closely parse the language of any new treaty signed by Putin and Kim - if the agreement text is released. In addition to North Korea, Russia also shares comprehensive strategic partnerships a its highest form of interstate relations a with countries that include Vietnam, Mongolia and some Central Asian nations. However, not all those relationships are described as alliances. "Language matters for these things, in terms of what specific commitments and obligations are made," said Mason Richey, associate professor at South Korea's Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. "Mutual assistance in case of attack would qualify as an alliance." But Richey said he has "serious questions" about the ostensible alliance between Russia and North Korea, "especially as post-Cold War Russia has a spotty record in supporting its strategic partners." "North Korea would do well to examine the experience of Armenia in its last war with Azerbaijan. Russia was not very helpful to its supposed ally," Richey said. Asked by VOA what he thinks of the North Korean-Russian treaty development, former Russian diplomat Georgy Toloraya said the agreement "means what it says ... nuclear umbrellas." But, he added, "Security guarantees do not equal alliance." Late arrival The treaty signing Wednesday capped a busy day for Putin, who arrived at the Pyongyang airport around 3 a.m. a several hours later than Russian officials had earlier anticipated. Despite the late hour, Kim greeted Putin with a hug while standing on a red carpet rolled out next to Putin's plane. The Russian leader later received a grandiose welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang's central Kim Il Sung Square, where buildings were draped in massive Russian and North Korean flags and portraits of the two leaders. North Korean residents waved bright flower bouquets as Putin and Kim observed an honor guard before departing for negotiations. At the outset of the talks, Putin thanked North Korea for its "consistent and unwavering support" for Russian policy, including in Ukraine, reported Russia's Interfax news agency. Kim expressed his "full support and solidarity" for what he called Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, and he vowed to "unconditionally support" Russia's policies, according to Russian media. Late Wednesday, Putin presented Kim with a luxury, Russian-built Aurus limousine a the second such vehicle that Putin has given to Kim in recent months. According to Russian television, Putin got behind the wheel, taking Kim for a ride around the grounds of the Kumsusan Palace a a national landmark that contains the embalmed bodies of Kim's father and grandfather. Putin was expected to depart late Wednesday for Hanoi, the second stop on his foreign tour. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ghazizadeh Hashemi says will pursue diplomacy of power Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 5:03 PM Presidential candidate Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi has pledged to champion a robust diplomacy of power and to continue late President Ebrahim Raeisi's strategic international relations policy that yielded numerous accomplishments if elected to office in the June 28 presidential vote. Addressing the "political roundtable" program on Iran's state TV, Ghazizadeh Hashemi, who served as a senior official in the Raeisi administration, said foreign policy should bring the nation freedom and political independence, coupled with the development of relations with other countries in line with national interests. Addressing views that Iran must move towards detente with the US, he said Tehran cannot effectively resolve issues with Washington unless there is a fundamental shift in stance towards Iran at the White House. He said Iran must look to work with neighboring states and those who are free from US political influence. "In the previous terms, even neighboring countries turned their backs on us. In the Raeisi government, the begging diplomacy was turned into dignified diplomacy and we had achievements in every field," he said. During a period fraught with diplomatic challenges, including the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Raeisi administration safeguarded Iran's interests and averted a crisis akin to Ukraine's situation. "Our oil sales, which previously were between 100 to 600 thousand barrels, surged to one and a half million barrels," he said, highlighting Iran's integration into global entities like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS as significant strides. The would-be president said he plans to encourage people to participate in efforts to fortify Iran's stature, and that he would focus on reinforcing ties with neighboring countries. Ghazizadeh Hashemi underscored the need for the strategic use of Iran's geographical position as a pivotal transit hub in the region. "We must first create solid relations with neighboring countries, those who have historically been in contact with us, and have a common culture and economy. We must move towards creating common value chains," he said. Ghazizadeh Hashemi also stressed the importance of fostering shared economic interests with neighboring nations to ensure border security. "Our diverse ethnic communities, including the Baloch, Azari, Kurd, and Turkmen, exhibit strong internal and external linkages through people's institutions, enhancing our collective capacity." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Navy says acquires advanced drones, to announce new unique additions to fleet Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 7:19 AM Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says there will soon be new additions to the force and that effective presence across the world's oceans is a "priority." Irani made the announcement in a ceremony in the southern city of Sirjan in Kerman Province on Wednesday, saying the Navy has made "good progress" in the operational areas and that there will be new additions ahead, which will continue to keep the force at the point of authority and progress. "Soon, we will see accessions in the Navy and effective presence in all oceans is on the agenda and a priority," the top commander said. "Our achievements are those of the people and the country as the Navy is a showcase of the country on the international stage." Irani underlined that the Navy has acquired advanced drones in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, which has increased the force's combat power in the area. Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient. Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran's defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran's defense capabilities. In May last year, the Iranian Navy's 86th flotilla of warships entered the country's territorial waters after a round-the-world voyage as part of the Islamic Republic's efforts to expand its naval presence in high seas. The Iranian Navy's flotilla, comprised of domestically-manufactured Dena destroyer and Makran forward base ship completed its maritime journey after sailing 63,000 kilometers of sea routes over eight months and a circumnavigation of the globe in 360 degrees. The 86th naval fleet, which set sail on a mission around the world from Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas on September 20, 2022, had its first stop at the port of Mumbai, India, and then docked in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, after passing through the Bay of Bengal and the Strait of Malacca. The flotilla continued its route towards the Java Sea and passed through the Strait of Makassar and the Celebes Sea, arriving in the vast Pacific Ocean for the first time in the history of Iran's military seafaring. Crossing the greatest width of the Pacific Ocean and passing by the islands of Micronesia and Polynesia, the flotilla moved towards the Strait of Magellan in the south of the Americas and entered the South Atlantic Ocean by crossing the strait. The 86th naval fleet, then, moved north and passed the coasts of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, finally anchoring in the port of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, which coincided with the 120th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Iran and Brazil. After stopping for a few days in Rio de Janeiro, the naval squadron crossed the Atlantic Ocean and anchored in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. The flotilla berthed in the port of Salalah, Oman, and after a 40-day voyage, sailed into Iran's territorial waters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libya has vast potential but its future prosperity depends on political stability: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya. 19 June 2024 I'd like to make four points this morning. First, the United Kingdom welcomes the announcement by the Libyan High National Election Commission on 9 June that they have opened voter registration for municipal elections in 60 municipalities. We urge Libya's leaders to provide the necessary support, including through cooperation with and funding to the HNEC, to enable the successful delivery of these elections and allow Libyans to exercise their democratic rights. Second, the United Kingdom is concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis in Kufra, which is receiving increasing numbers of refugees fleeing the brutal war in Sudan. Reports of child malnutrition and lack of medical facilities are of particular concern. We call on the Libyan authorities to prioritise these urgent humanitarian needs and facilitate access for UN agencies and international NGOs. Third, the continued closure of civic space and human rights violations threaten Libya's stability and its future as an inclusive democracy. As Deputy SRSG Koury said: the status quo is not sustainable. Reports of enforced disappearances, torture, and unlawful imprisonment are of utmost concern. We urge the Libyan authorities to uphold the rule of law and prevent violations from being carried out with impunity. Fourth, we note that the Panel of Experts continues to describe the arms embargo on Libya as totally ineffective because Member States are providing military support to parties to the conflict, controlling supply chains, and ignoring their obligations under Council resolutions. These actions expose the vested interests of certain Member States and confirm to the international community, and to Libya, that they are not committed to Libyan sovereignty, prosperity, or security. To conclude, President, the United Kingdom will continue to support UNSMIL and encourage Libya's leaders to engage with UNSMIL in good faith and compromise. We look forward to the appointment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and we encourage members of the Council to give the Secretary-General their full support in this regard, to help facilitate progress under UN auspices. President, as I saw on my visit last year, Libya has vast potential but its future prosperity depends on a political stability in a united country with transparent and accountable institutions. A political settlement can unlock this potential. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Briefed by Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs for Libya Meetings Coverage Security Council 9661st Meeting (AM) SC/15737 19 June 2024 (Note: A complete summary of today's Security Council meeting will be made available upon completion.) THE SITUATION IN LIBYA Briefing STEPHANIE KOURY, Deputy Special Representative and Political Officer for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), said that, in her ongoing consultations in the east and west, "overwhelmingly, citizens conveyed the need for a political agreement so that credible national elections can be held to restore legitimacy to all institutions". The importance of including details and mechanisms for enforcement in any future political agreement to help ensure adherence has been emphasized. Addressing underlying conflict drivers has been raised, including economic, security structure and governance issues. The need for more decentralization, inclusiveness, fairness and transparency was widely expressed. Libyans are calling for a national political solution and local elections. She highlighted that in June the High National Elections Commission opened voter registration for municipal elections in 60 municipalities, with over 30,000 people registering so far. "This is an important step, although voter registration, in particular female voter registration, remains quite low." The Commission, with UNSMIL, is encouraging greater registration, but 10 of 12 in-person registration centres in the eastern municipalities have been prevented from opening. She urged the authorities to allow them to open. She underlined that Libyans are concerned about conflict prevention and preserving stability. There were clashes in April in Tripoli's Ain Zara district, in May in Al-Jmail and Al-Zawiya, and a car bombing last week in Tripoli, alongside reports of continued arms build-up in the country. These are "a stark reminder of the fragility of Libya's security landscape" and underscore the "importance of unified, reformed security sector institutions and the importance of local mediation efforts". While no violation of the ceasefire was recorded during the reporting period, progress on the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries remains stalled. The security situation in several neighbouring countries has disrupted contact initiated by the 5+5 Committee with the liaison committees established by these nations. For many, she noted, the economic situation is difficult, with high prices and inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities. "Unifying the national budget is an absolute necessity," she said, urging all stakeholders to resolve remaining differences to ensure its swift adoption and transparent implementation. Expressing deep concern over reports of a repetitive pattern of abduction or arbitrary arrest and detention, she said that UNSMIL will continue to call for transparent and independent investigations into any deaths of men and women in custody and disappearances. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers continue to experience horrible human rights violations. A comprehensive legal and policy framework is needed to address their situation. On 28 May, UN agencies and humanitarian partners in coordination with Libyan authorities launched the 2024 Sudan Refugee Response Plan for $43.8 million to meet the needs of 195,000 Sudanese refugees and host communities. Underlining that it is critical to advance national reconciliation and transitional justice, she commended the work of the Presidential Council and the House of Representatives Justice and Reconciliation Committee for agreeing on one draft law that upholds victims' rights and adheres to international standards. UNSMIL launched in May its new youth engagement strategy to empower young people, focusing on training, advocacy and networking, and in June completed its first annual training programme for 30 young women leaders from across Libya, with a second following in September. She underscored that "the status quo is not sustainable", noting that, "while institutional and political divisions keep deepening, ordinary Libyans long for peace, stability, prosperity and reconciliation". She called for "resolute and united action" to advance the political process, with the international community's support. Statements The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed the Libyan High National Election Commission's 9 June announcement that it has opened voter registration for municipal elections in 60 municipalities, urging Libya's leaders to provide the support necessary to enable successful delivery of the same. Expressing concern over the growing humanitarian crisis in Kufra, which is receiving increasing numbers of refugees fleeing the war in Sudan, she called on Libyan authorities to facilitate humanitarian access for UN agencies and international organizations. She also noted that the relevant Panel of Experts continues to describe the arms embargo on Libya as "totally ineffective" because Member States are providing military support to parties to the conflict, controlling supply chains and ignoring their obligations under Council resolutions. "These actions expose the vested interests of certain Member States and confirm to the international community a and to Libya a that they are not committed to Libyan sovereignty, prosperity or security," she stressed. The representative of Sierra Leone , also speaking on behalf of Algeria , Guyana and Mozambique , underscored that it is crucial the Secretary-General promptly appoints a successor to the Special Representative for Libya and Head of UNSMIL. Expressing his grave concern about the political situation, he said that ending the stalemate and holding elections to unify Libya "is a race against time". All stakeholders must engage in UNSMIL's mediation efforts and move from entrenched positions to facilitate national elections. The security risks will continue if the political trajectory remains frozen, he noted. The absence of a cohesive governing body, unified security forces and a united strong stance on Libya from the Council mean the continued existence of external influences. The Council must collaborate to prevent Libya from becoming a safe haven for terrorist-affiliated non-State armed groups. He underlined that meetings, such as the one in May in Tunis, of Libyan security actors to discuss a common code of conduct are essential to establish a unified and coordinated security approach. Though heartened that the ceasefire agreement still holds, he expressed concern over the Sudanese and Libyan conflicts being intertwined. Noting that ongoing violations of the arms embargo reveal it to be "totally ineffective", he urged all Member States to fully enforce it. He called for the rescheduling of the National Reconciliation Conference. Humanitarian aid needs easier access, via coordination by Libyan leaders, and a coordinating mechanism to address needs would help. The authorities, with the support of the international community, must improve migrants and refugees' plight. Gravely concerned about obstacles to elected members accessing the Council's documentation, he urges Council members to seriously consider this issue. The representative of France , urging collective focus on organizing free, transparent and inclusive presidential and legislative elections in Libya, said that establishing a new, unified Government is critical to end the current impasse. In that context, she welcomed the High National Election Commission's announcement that municipal elections will be held in 2024, urging Libyan authorities to prepare by allocating the necessary budget and ensuring that security conditions are met for the smooth conduct of elections. Turning to the security situation a where "borders are porous, foreign intervention is growing, militias are expanding their foothold and myriad forms of trafficking are proliferating" a she stressed that this is undermining Libyan and regional stability. Key to restoring that stability is the withdrawal of all foreign combatants from Libya. Also expressing concern over human rights violations in Libya a pointing to "information related to arrests, arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances" a she encouraged Libyan authorities to facilitate international access to detention centres. The representative of Japan underscored that the lack of a political process is negatively impacting Libya's economic, social and security situation, as well as regional stability. "Japan again urges all the concerned stakeholders to place the desires of the Libyan people above their own interest," he said, calling for dialogue between key players under the UN's auspices. He appreciated the opening of voter registration for municipal council elections in 60 municipalities and called for its swift initiation in the other 46 municipalities. Welcoming the unification of the Central Bank of Libya and the establishment of the High Financial Committee, he said fair and transparent distribution of national revenue is imperative for leaders to place the people's interest first. The recent meeting in Tunis is encouraging regarding coordinating security, and efforts towards the withdrawal of foreign fighting entities must continue. The representative of Ecuador , welcoming the "significant progress" made towards opening voter registration for municipal elections, observed that "electing representatives at the local level has a positive impact and promotes development and stability in the country". To that end, Libyan authorities must ensure that citizens can exercise their right to vote, and cooperation to strengthen institutional infrastructure to carry out this process successfully is important. He also emphasized that a comprehensive national reconciliation process that "addresses the causes of division and includes demands for truth and justice" is key to achieving lasting peace in Libya. Noting the recent recovery of 11 bodies and the rescue of dozens of people off the coast of Libya as "further evidence of the serious situation being faced by migrants", he called on Libyan authorities a in cooperation with the international community a to protect the rights of those who are "part of migration movements" and to dismantle the trafficking networks operating in the country. The representative of the Russian Federation stressed the need for unifying processes in Libya, but underscored that there has been no progress due to external players' diverging interests, insufficiently effective international mediation efforts and local authorities' desires to maintain the status quo. Moving beyond this impasse requires nationwide elections. She hoped parties would soon reach an agreement on electoral legislation. Actors with significant support should not be excluded from the polls, including representatives of the former Government, otherwise, they will contest the election results. She feared that supposed concerns from within the Council over enhancing the Libyan army's professional level are a pretext for advancing national interests. Weapon deliveries and mercenaries' presence need to end, which have been apparent since the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) illegal aggression in 2011. She expressed concern about foreign financial structures being persistently manipulated, posing a threat to the safety of frozen Libyan assets. Irrelevant parts of the Sanctions List should be revised, she added. The representative of Switzerland , welcoming the recent announcement of municipal elections, said that they would be "an important first step in restoring citizens' confidence in their authorities and in the country's stability". Holding such elections also presents several challenges, however, and the authorities and institutions concerned must facilitate the process of organizing them. "The successful holding of elections at the local level could pave the way for elections at the national level," she observed. Turning to reports that "arbitrary detentions have been normalized in a climate of impunity" in recent years, she said that such practices "effectively muzzle political opponents a or those perceived as such a and spread a climate of fear that is not conducive to the exercise of political rights". Further, they are used against representatives of certain social, political or religious minorities; worsen tensions between communities; and represent a significant obstacle to long-term reconciliation efforts. "Individuals detained arbitrarily must be released unconditionally," she stressed. The representative of the United States said a unified international voice supporting the security, economic, political and humanitarian tracks will be crucial to make concrete progress for Libyans. He said that he was pleased the UN-Libya Vessel Inspection Authority was renewed in May for another 12 months. The measure serves as a deterrent to potential sanctions violators and facilitates information-sharing about trafficking off Libya's coast a itself crucial due to the increase in arms embargo violations. He welcomed the Panel of Experts' work and identification of those involved in embargo and other sanctions violations. Recent reports of Russian Federation naval vessels unloading military hardware in Libya are concerning. He underlined that progress towards military integration is key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty. Economic instability is fuelling national divisions, he noted. A unified budget and a transparent system for oil revenue management are needed. Human rights violations and the influx of Sudanese refugees must be addressed. The representative of Malta , expressing regret that "unsustainable political paralysis persists" in Libya, said that her delegation looks forward to addressing the current leadership gap within UNSMIL a "as we fear a prolonged gap will only solidify the status quo". She also expressed hope that Libyans who exercise their right to elect municipal leaders "will be similarly empowered to do so at the national level". Turning to structural threats to Libya's stability, she said these include the volatile political situation; the continued presence of foreign fighters, forces and mercenaries; and the proliferation of weapons under the control of various State and non-State actors. Full compliance with the arms embargo and broader sanctions framework is essential, and she said that the asset freeze "is meant to exist for the benefit of Libya and its people". Therefore, Libyan funds held abroad must continue to be identified and fully safeguarded for eventual repatriation. The representative of Slovenia said the political stalemate and its security, economic and humanitarian impacts affect the capacity to manage crises as they arise, for instance in disaster preparedness and extreme weather responses. She called on all actors to show the political will required to put the Libyan people first and engage in good faith and without preconditions with the UN's efforts. She welcomed progress towards local elections, urging authorities to facilitate the High National Elections Commission's work, and hoped to see presidential and parliamentary elections follow. The absence of any political progress only empowers armed actors in Libya, she underlined, adding: "It is regrettable that armed groups have growing influence in the country." She called for full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of all foreign fighting entities. She expressed concern that the arms embargo remains ineffective and urged States to respect it. The representative of China said that dialogue is "the only way out of the political impasse in Libya", expressing hope that all parties resolve their differences through consultation and continue to advance the political process. "The UN is a major channel for mediation on the Libyan issue," he stressed, calling on the international community and UNSMIL to continue supporting a political process led and owned by Libyans, to respect Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to avoid imposing external solutions. Stating that recent clashes in Zawiya and elsewhere are "a stark reminder of the fragility of the security landscape", he urged all parties in Libya to act in the best interests of the country, and its people to "be rational" and to exercise restraint. He added that "relevant European countries" should protect migrants' and refugees' right to life, and that the Council should proactively address Libya's legitimate concerns regarding its assets frozen abroad. The representative of the Republic of Korea , Council President for June, speaking in his national capacity, stressed the need for continued international and regional engagement towards Libya's unity and a unified Government. He urged that UNSMIL's role as mediator and facilitator continue without any pause. "The current precarious situation in Libya does not allow for wasting time." He welcomed the opening of voter registration and urged all authorities to fully support the holding of elections in 2024. Parties should refrain from providing arms to actors in Libya, which threatens to inflame instability. There must be implementation of the arms embargo and sustained attention on human rights and the humanitarian situation, including the plight of refugees and migrants. He noted the influx of people from Sudan due to the conflict there and welcomed the holding of an international conference on border security and combating illegal immigration next month in Tripoli. The representative of the Russian Federation , taking the floor a second time, said that "traditional friendly Russian-Libyan cooperation" is carried out pursuant to all international obligations. She added that "nobody can compare" to what the United States and several European States created in Libya and the region in 2011 a "and the havoc they wrought there". The representative of the United States , responding, said: "We know what they're doing a they're violating sanctions a and we'll continue to call it out as need be." The representative of Libya said that, while Libyans follow the Council's meetings, "they feel that there is a repetition of statements and they know the results in advance". There has been "no real, tangible progress in the political process" and stagnation persists, he said a especially with the Special Envoy's post vacant. Urging that the solution be left "in the hands of Libyans", he underlined the need to continue on the political path a especially when a new Special Envoy is assigned a and to "build on what has been consensual so far". He also urged support for domestic efforts to unite all national police and security forces; implementation of all provisions of the ceasefire agreement, including ending all foreign presence on Libyan territory; and necessary attention to national reconciliation. The latter, he stressed, is the only way to rebuild the social cohesion that will be the basis for building trust among Libyans. "Without that, we cannot reach a real reconciliation," he underscored. While addressing the country's economic situation, migration issues and terrorism are all important, he said that this will not be possible "until we find a real solution to the political problem and unite the country". Libyan people "are tired and fed up" with the vicious cycle that has been ongoing for decades; with "being lectured on what to do and what not to do"; with the Council's inability to implement its resolutions and hold spoilers accountable a "whether they are individuals, groups or countries"; and with using Libya as a proxy for certain countries' and regional Powers' "selfish, greedy battles a some of which have colonial ambitions". He added: "We are tired from all of that, and I guess it is about time to leave Libya alone and to free it from this Council." ... NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Protesters arrested in Myanmar over marches on ousted leader's birthday Thousands marched for Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday, calling for the release of all political prisoners. By RFA Burmese 2024.06.19 -- Protesters marched in cities across Myanmar on Wednesday in a show of support for democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi on her birthday and to call for the release of all political prisoners, participants told Radio Free Asia. Suu Kyi, who turned 79, has been in detention since the army ousted her civilian government in a 2021 coup, triggering turmoil as democracy supporters took to the streets in huge numbers, with many, after their rallies were crushed, taking up arms in a bid to end military rule. "We wish for the freedom of Suu Kyi, all political prisoners and the entire country," a resident of the Sagaing region's Wetlet township told RFA. "We launched this strike to show that we have not forgotten our leader," he said, adding that the Wetlet protest had drawn about 1,000 people. Suu Kyi led Myanmar's campaign to end decades of military rule from 1988, spending decades under house arrest before the military launched tentative reforms that included a 2015 election that her party swept. Defying bans on gatherings, her supporters throughout the country came out to mark her birthday, marching, cutting birthday cakes and holding up roses as a symbol of defiance. In the south, in the Tanintharyi region's capital of Dawei, about 500 people gathered for a march, according to Min Lwin Oo, a member of an activist group called the Democracy Movement Strike Committee A group in the main city of Yangon, members of a group raised a banner with her name "Suu", an activist said, adding that junta security forces were out in force in the former capital. 'Flower in his hair' There were no reports of arrests in Yangon but in the second city of Mandalay, in the Chanayethazan township, security men in plain clothes arrested two young men at a tea shop, residents said. "One of the two young men wore a flower in his hair," said one resident, who declined to be identified. "I think they were arrested because they were wearing flowers." A junta spokesman was not immediately available for comment but the military said on its Telegram social media channels that about 10 people were arrested in Mandalay for participating in a flower strike. Suu Kyi, the daughter of the leader of the campaign for independence from British colonial rule, General Aung San, was initially sentenced by the junta to 33 years on 19 charges that she denied. The sentence was later reduced to 27 years. The Nobel laureate was long believed to be in solitary confinement in a prison in the capital, Naypyidaw, but media reported in April she had been moved to house arrest. Her exact whereabouts are unknown. She has been largely denied contact with the outside world but Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai was allowed to meet July last year and said she was in good health. Several embassies in Myanmar recognized her birthday in social media posts. The British Embassy called for the release of her and all prisoners arrested arbitrarily. According to data from the Association for Political Prisoners released on Tuesday, the junta has killed more than 5,000 people and arrested more than 20,000 since the coup. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, North Korea sign treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership; Moscow 'more capable of playing long game' with West Global Times By Yang Sheng Published: Jun 19, 2024 10:55 PM Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement on Wednesday during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Pyongyang, RIA Novosti news agency reported. Chinese experts said by signing the agreement, Russia and North Korea will become closer partners amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis. The agreement implies "mutual assistance in case of aggression against participants," Putin explained, according to Sputnik. The document was inked during the face-to-face talks between the two leaders. During talks with the North Korea's top leader Kim Jong-un, Putin said the new fundamental document "will form the basis for long-term relations between the two countries," said the media report. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier that the new agreement would outline future cooperation prospects considering recent developments in bilateral relations, especially in the economic and security sectors. Putin's visit to North Korea will bring the Russia-North Korea relations to a new level, and the cooperation between the two countries will make Moscow more capable of "playing the long game" amid the Ukraine crisis, said Chinese analysts. By promoting ties with Pyongyang, Moscow is releasing a signal to the US and its allies that Russia isn't afraid of a prolonged conflict, because Russia is not alone. In addition, Pyongyang is also sending a message to the world that the US' strategy to isolate and sanction North Korea will fail and the country doesn't need to be afraid of any military intimidation, because it is not alone either, said a Beijing-based military expert who asked for anonymity. According to Sputnik's report on Wednesday, Putin stressed at the meeting that Moscow appreciates North Korea's consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in connection with the Ukraine crisis. Kim, for his part, emphasized that Pyongyang expresses "full support and solidarity with the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to protect the sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity," Sputnik reported. According to TASS, the visiting Russian delegation that participated in the negotiation between Putin and Kim was formed by many senior officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Natural Resource Minister Alexander Kozlov, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, head of Russian Railways Oleg Belozerov and head of Roscosmos (Russia's state space corporation) Yury Borisov. Cui Heng, a research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that according to the list of Russian delegates, it seems the Russia-North Korea cooperation will focus on the fields like military, natural resources, transportation, public health and space industry. "The two sides will also focus on coordination to boost economic development and interconnectivity," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian president makes landmark visit to North Korea IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 19, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea on a two-day official visit to further boost ties after saying both Moscow and Pyongyang want to cooperate closely to overcome US-led sanctions and pressure on both countries. According to IRNA's Wednesday morning report, citing the Russina news agency, Putin's trip to North Korea has a tight schedule and the main part of it will be held Wednesday, including negotiations in various formats as well as official and unofficial meetings between the Russian President and the North Korean leader. Upon his arrival in Pyongyang, Putin was warmly welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Russian President is accompanied on this trip by several top officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, and Head of the Ministry of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov. This is Putin's first visit to North Korea in about two decades and some 9 months after he met with Kim during his trip to Russia's Far East. Putin's visit comes at a time when Russia and North Korea are under severe Western sanctions and the warming of their relations has caused concern in Europe and the United States. The West claims that North Korea provided weapons to Russia to used them in the war against Ukraine, an accusation both Moscow and Pyongyang deny. However, Putin said in comments that appeared in its state media hours before he landed in Py9ongyang that he appreciates North Korea's firm support for his military actions in Ukraine. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, North Korea fighting US hegemonic policy: Putin Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 2:55 PM Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced the West, saying Russia and North Korea are fighting US hegemony across the globe. Russia and North Korea are fighting against the decades-long "hegemonic and imperialist policy" of the United States and its allies, Putin said on Wednesday during a visit to North Korea. Putin lashed out at the US and its allies over their schemes to change the objective of a multi-polar world. "Today, we are fighting together against the hegemonism and neo-colonial practices of the United States and its satellites," Russian state news agencies quoted Putin as saying. He blasted US President Joe Biden's administration for pushing to preserve America's global domination, insisting that Washington's plans were doomed to fail. "The Hegemon has succeeded for a long time now," Putin said. The Russian leader praised North Korea's cooperation with Moscow, particularly in regard to Pyongyang's support to Russia over the war in Ukraine. North Korea's Kim Jong-un, for his part, said Moscow-Pyongyang partnership had furthered "peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific region. The two leaders signed Wednesday a "comprehensive strategic partnership" to further deepen military, economic and political ties. Kim called the treaty signed between the countries a "grand, great program that will faithfully guarantee Korean-Russian relations for a century." He said it "fully contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the region" and would put the "security situation of both countries on a more reliable foundation," Russian state news agencies reported. Kim has praised Putin for his "correct decision and guidance... to foil the hostile forces' escalating threats." He promised Putin Pyongyang's "full support", describing the war in Ukraine as a US "proxy war" to destroy Russia. North Korea "expresses full support and solidarity with the Russian government, army and people in carrying out a special military operation in Ukraine to protect their sovereignty, security interests, as well as territorial integrity," Kim said. Kim criticized Western military aid to Kiev and blamed the "hegemonic policy" of the United States and its Western allies for the conflict. In the meantime, the United States and its allies have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with ammunition. Ukraine has reportedly found fragments of North Korean munitions on the frontier. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin to visit Vietnam to affirm traditional partnership The visit is praised as a symbol of Vietnam's foreign policy but not expected to yield much. By RFA Staff 2024.06.19 -- On the afternoon of March 2, 2001, the packed hall at Hanoi's Vietnam-Russia Friendship Palace erupted in cheers and applause as President Vladimir Putin walked in. The energetic 49-year-old shook hands and chatted with members of the audience before delivering a warm address. A similar gathering of alumni of Russian universities and institutes is planned in Hanoi on Wednesday for Putin, who is in his fifth term as Russia's president, and will be on his fifth visit to Vietnam. Yet it's hard to expect an equally enthusiastic welcome for the Russian leader this time in a country where, though fondness for Russia remains strong, its invasion of Ukraine has eroded some support, analysts say. Russia has a close, long-standing relationship with Vietnam and is one of Hanoi's few comprehensive strategic partners. However, after more than 20 years, the relationship between the old allies has changed substantially. Vietnam has adopted an open-door policy since the mid-1980s and has since normalized relations with countries it fought in the past, including China and the United States. Hanoi takes great pride in its so-called bamboo diplomacy, that enables it to befriend former foes while maintaining old friendships. "Putin's visit is highly symbolic," said Nguyen Ngoc Truong, a senior Vietnamese diplomat turned foreign affairs analyst. "It reflects Vietnam's independent, self-reliant and multilateral foreign policy." "Vietnam invited U.S. and Chinese top leaders to visit last year so this visit shows once again that Hanoi is pursuing its foreign affairs principles without exception," Truong told RFA. "There is still a part of Vietnam's society that is deeply Russophile, but it is shrinking. The Ukraine war has also led to a shift in the way the Vietnamese public view Russia, and Putin personally," the analyst added. 'Low expectations' Putin is set to arrive in Hanoi from Pyongyang where he held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to boost the ties of two countries both at odds with the West. The Russian president is expected to spend about 24 hours in Hanoi and to meet the four most senior Vietnamese leaders - the general secretary of the Communist Party, the state president, the prime minister and the National Assembly's chairman. Putin's delegation will discuss cooperation projects in various areas, including energy and defense, but no major agreements are expected. Trade between Vietnam and Russia stands at just US$3.7 billion, lagging far behind that with the United States -- to the tune of US$97 billion -- and with China -- US$131 billion. Russia is still Vietnam's biggest supplier of weapons but purchases have decreased markedly over the past five years and Hanoi did not place any new orders last year. U.S. sanctions have also made payment to Russia difficult so the two sides would have to "discuss a new financial mechanism," according to Nguyen The Phuong, a Vietnamese political scientist at the University of New South Wales in Australia. "It is impossible for Vietnam to wean off Russia's weapons overnight," Phuong said. "It still has to rely on Russia for a long time to come as it's very hard to find alternative sources." Russian experts said Vietnam will also be mindful not to irk the United States too much with Putin's trip. "Vietnam as an export-oriented economy depends much more on the U.S. so it will act with an eye on Washington, and Beijing as those countries are much more important for Vietnam than Russia these days," Kirill Kotkov, head of the Center for Far Eastern Countries Studies in St. Petersburg, told Russian media. "If there is a conflict with China, for instance, Russia will not be able to support Vietnam like we did in 1979 and the Vietnamese know that," Kotkov added, referring to a brief but bloody Sino-Vietnam border war. Valuable partner Vietnam is not a member of the International Criminal Court, or ICC, and so has no obligation to act on an arrest warrant it issued for in 2023 over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Still, a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Hanoi, voiced disapproval of Putin's visit. "No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities," the spokesperson told Reuters when asked about the impact of the visit on ties with the U.S. "If he is able to travel freely, it could normalize Russia's blatant violations of international law." Despite such U.S. misgivings, Hanoi remains a steadfast friend and partner to Moscow, analysts say. "Vietnam has never joined any anti-Russian forces and blocs, nor has it supported any embargoes or sanctions aimed at isolating Russia," Russian analyst Grigory Trophymchuk, told the Vietnam News Agency. "For the Russian Federation, this is particularly valuable from a geopolitical point of view." Putin's visit comes as Vietnam is going through an unprecedented upheaval in its domestic politics, largely because of an anti-corruption campaign, called "blazing furnace", initiated by Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong. The campaign, and the infighting it has generated, has led to the departure of six members of the party's Politburo and the ascent of To Lam, a former minister of public security, to state president. General Secretary Trong - and not Vietnam's president - is the host of Putin's trip, as well as of the previous trips by U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. That's intended to show that the general secretary position is still the most powerful and the Communist Party is the real ruler - a boost for its legitimacy at a turbulent time Trong may not be able to have a meaningful meeting with Putin on Wednesday because of his ailing health but rising star To Lam, who is said to be particularly fond of Russia, will ensure a warm reception. Both Putin and Lam have a background in the communist security system. Edited by Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Soldier Jailed In Russia On Theft, Threat Charges By Current Time June 19, 2024 A court in the Russian Far East has convicted and sentenced a U.S. Army sergeant who reportedly broke military rules to travel to Russia with his Russian girlfriend in May to three years and nine months in prison for allegedly attacking and threatening her amid accusations Moscow is using trumped-up charges to detain foreigners to use as currency in prisoner exchanges. The soldier, 32-year-old Gordon Black, had pleaded not guilty in the Pervomaisky district court in Vladivostok to the charges but acknowledged hitting the woman, Aleksandra Vashchuk, after he said she drunkenly attacked him and tried to prevent him from leaving the apartment they were sharing. Russian prosecutors had requested a nearly five-year sentence for Black. He was also ordered to pay Vashchuk 10,000 rubles ($115) in a related civil case. Black's lawyer said his client maintains his innocence and will appeal the verdict. U.S. authorities have said Black traveled to Russia via China from South Korea -- where he had been assigned before heading back home to Texas -- without informing his superiors. Around the time of Black's arrest in early May, Russian authorities reported detaining another U.S. citizen, identified as William Russell Nycum, on what they called "petty hooliganism" and alcohol charges in a separate case. The detentions have fueled suspicions that Russian authorities are targeting Americans for use in possible prisoner swaps as Moscow and Washington over the war in Ukraine and other international security issues. Russia has other U.S. citizens that Washington insists are being held unfairly or on dubious grounds in its jails, including RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and ex-Marine Paul Whelan. Russia's Foreign Ministry insists the cases involving Black and Nycum are not political. A State Department advisory from September urges Americans to avoid travel to Russia due to "the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials." The State Department said in December that Moscow rejected a significant offer it made to secure the release of Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, another American imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges. Russian officials have kept mum for the most part about any talks to win the release of the Americans. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly said that while "certain contacts" on swaps continue, "they must be carried out in absolute silence." Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the state news agency TASS on June 19 that Moscow was waiting for Washington to respond to its proposals on possible prisoner swaps. "I am not authorized to go into details, but let's put it this way: according to diplomatic protocols, there is a notion of 'the ball being in somebody's court.' In this situation, the ball is on the U.S.'s side; we are expecting a response from them to those ideas that were conveyed to them," Ryabov said. Russia is believed to be seeking the release of Vadim Krasikov, who was given a life sentence in Germany in 2021 for the killing of Zelimkhan "Tornike" Khangoshvili, a Georgian citizen of Chechen descent who had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and later claimed asylum in Germany. Russian President Vladimir Putin, asked in February about releasing Gershkovich, appeared to refer to Krasikov by pointing to a man imprisoned by a U.S. ally for "liquidating a bandit" who had allegedly killed Russian soldiers during separatist fighting in Chechnya. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-us-soldier-sentenced- prison-gordon-black/32998960.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Gennady Gatilov at the plenary session of the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, June 19, 2024 19 June 2024 21:05 1161-19-06-2024 Dear Mr. President, Dear Colleagues, The Russian Federation, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a possessor of nuclear weapons and a responsible State party to many fundamental international treaties, is fully cognizant of its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Our country is making consistent efforts and proposing concrete steps to establish a truly democratic system of international relations based on the rule of international law that would be relevant to the dynamic process of creating a multipolar world. Within such a system, all States would be confident of their own security, which would allow the international community to address truly and constructively numerous regional and global problems, including the settlement of existing conflicts. In this context, we would like to draw your attention to the statement made by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during his meeting with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry on 14 June 2024, in which the head of State addressed a range of issues concerning the current state of security both on the Eurasian continent and globally. Mr. President, Today, we can state with full confidence that the Euro-Atlantic security system has not only failed to justify itself, but has simply suffered fiasco. We are convinced that the main negative role in this was played by the decades-long policy of the US-led "collective West" which relied both on the aggressive military bloc of NATO and a system of bilateral and narrow-group military- political arrangements. As the President of the Russian Federation emphasized, for decades our State has not only been pointing out the erroneous course of Western countries, but has also put forward constructive initiatives to build a mechanism for European and global security architecture. Among those there was the idea of adopting a European Security Treaty. Furthermore, it was Russia that proposed holding a summit of the heads of State of the permanent members of the UN Security Council in order, inter alia, to develop a modern concept of international security. Lastly, in order to prevent the ultimate destruction of strategic stability, our country also proposed a mutual moratorium on the deployment of medium and shorter-range missiles. However, all these initiatives, as it is well-known, were categorically and immediately rejected by our partners. The refusal to consider the draft treaties on security guarantees for Russia submitted to Washington and Brussels in December 2021, as well as the course chosen by the West to inflict a "strategic defeat" on our State has led to an exacerbation of the already crisis situation on the Eurasian continent, with no resolution in sight. Instead of working to strengthen international ties and mutual trust, NATO member States have consistently undermined the agreements already reached. I remind you that it was Washington, with the connivance of its NATO allies in Europe, that significantly undermined strategic stability by unilaterally withdrawing from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the INF Treaty, and the Open Skies Treaty. Thus system of trust and arms control measures, built over decades in the European continent, was destroyed. All that NATO members could offer the world in return was, as it was emphasized by our President, what he referred to as a so-called "NATO-style diplomacy". It means that instead of seeking for peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, the alliance blames one side as responsible and unleashes all political, information, and military power against it, including economic sanctions and restrictions. This principle has been implemented by NATO in Europe for the Balkans States, and similar approaches have been applied in different parts of the world: in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The result is the exacerbation of existing problems, thousands of deaths, the growth of humanitarian and social disasters, and the emergence and strengthening of terrorist enclaves. Serious concerns are raised by NATO's attempts to extend its failed and destructive course to other regions. I would like to recall that at the alliance's summit in Madrid in 2022, it was announced that NATO plans to address security issues not only in the Euro-Atlantic but also in the Asia-Pacific region. We see this as nothing but an attempt to increase pressure on the countries the alliance deems necessary to "deter", including of course the Russian Federation. Essentially, this is an increase in conflict potential in yet another region of the world. The NATO-centric system of international security by its nature is designed to preserve the dominant positions of the US in the world. That is why Washington is currently investing in military technologies, including the technologies of tomorrow: in space capabilities, in modern drones, and in strike systems based on new physical principles. All these are areas that will define the nature of armed conflict in the future, and thus the military-political potential of states and, as a result, their positions at the regional and global levels. Mr. President, To prevent further extremely dangerous developments, the President of Russia has outlined his vision for a new security system in the Eurasian dimension, which, as he emphasized, will effectively need to be created from scratch. This initiative will be based on the principles of the UN Charter and the rule of international law. Its implementation is aimed at preventing the fragmentation of Eurasia into opposing blocks and is designed to avert the outbreak of a large-scale armed conflict involving Eurasian States and countries from outside of this region. We would like to emphasize some key elements of this initiative. First and foremost, the initiative calls for the establishment of constructive, mutually respectful dialogue with all potential participants in the future security system. Russia is ready to ensure that the latter is open to all Eurasian countries wishing to participate in its creation, including NATO Member-States. Geographical proximity and sharing the same continent encourage a joint search for ways of peaceful coexistence. As the President of Russia stressed, if Europe wants to preserve itself as one of the independent centers of global development and a cultural-civilizational pole of the planet, it will sooner or later have to restore the good-neighborly relations with the Russian Federation. Another important element is the activation of the dialogue process between the multilateral organizations already operating in Eurasia. This includes the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In the future, we hope that other influential Eurasian associations from Southeast Asia to the Middle East will join these processes. The next stage will imply a broad discussion of the new system of bilateral and multilateral collective security guarantees in Eurasia. In the long term, this will mean a decrease of external powers' military presence in the region. We proceed from the understanding that the States and regional structures of Eurasia will determine the specific areas of cooperation themselves to ensure joint security. To do that, it is necessary to build a system of functioning institutions, mechanisms, and agreements that are intended to serve the achievement of common goals of stability and development. The architecture built as a result of joint efforts will not be aimed against anyone's interests, nor will it imply the creation of any alliances and blocks. Its parameters will not only ensure enduring peace but also avoid any geopolitical upheavals as a result of the crisis of Western-patterned globalization. It will create reliable military-political guarantees of protection for both Russia and other countries in the region against external threats, and form a conflict-free space that will foster development. It will eliminate the destabilizing influence of extra-regional players on Eurasian processes. Mr. President, The initiative to recreate a security system in Eurasia would be incomplete if we did not address the Ukrainian crisis. We will not delve into the genesis of this conflict. The Russian delegation has repeatedly clarified the roots and causes of the current situation - which were no fault of our own - at the Conference on Disarmament. However, it is important to emphasize again that the crisis around Ukraine is not a conflict between two States, much less between two peoples, brought about by some bilateral problems between them. If that were the case, as the head of State noted, Russians and Ukrainians, who share common history, culture, spiritual values, and millions of kinship, family, and human relations, would have found a way to justly resolve any disagreements. It is important to understand that the events in Ukraine are the direct result of the aggressive and cavalier policy that the West has been pursuing since the end of the 20th century, long before the special military operation began. In these conditions, any attempts to hold so-called peace conferences on Ukraine, to which, by the way, Russia is not even invited, are absolutely absurd. Ignoring the underlying causes of the crisis, disregarding the interests of Russia's national security, and trying to impose terms that would merely preserve the NATO status quo will simply give the green light to the alliance's further destructive policy. This is a dangerous path not only for Europe, but for the entire world. In this regard, I would like to mention the conditions outlined by the President of Russia, which would allow for the beginning of a peaceful resolution, of course, after the West allows Kiev to lift the so-called self- imposed-ban on negotiations with Russia. Such conditions are clearly formulated and practically feasible. They are: the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions, from all territories within their administrative borders as they existed at the time of their incorporation into Ukraine after the USSR stopped existing. Once Kiev declares that it is ready for such a resolution and officially notifies its abandonment of plans to join NATO, Russia will immediately implement cease-fire and begin negotiations, and also will commit to guarantee the unimpeded and safe withdrawal of Ukrainian military units and formations. Subsequently, all these basic and fundamental positions shall be recorded in the form of international agreements. Naturally, such plan of action also presupposes the lift of all Western sanctions against Russia. Only such an option will lead to the real conclusion of the armed conflict in Ukraine, as well as will facilitate the restoration of trust and good-neighborliness between Russia and Ukraine and in Europe as a whole. Mr. President, Proposals for the establishment of security system primarily concern Eurasia. However, we believe that the future system of Eurasian security and cooperation should become, in our opinion, the foundation of the architecture of global security in the era of multipolarity. As noted in the statement of Russian President, the world is rapidly evolving. There are profound changes in global politics, the economy, and technological competition. More and more States are striving for strengthened sovereignty, self-sufficiency, national, and cultural identity. Countries of the Global South and East are coming to the forefront, and the roles of Africa and Latin America are growing. Based on the new political and economic reality, the contours of a multipolar and multilateral world order are being formed. In this context, the Russian Federation fully supports the initiative of the Republic of Belarus to develop a program document - a charter of multipolarity and diversity in the 21st century. It can include not only the framework principles of the Eurasian security architecture based on the basic norms of international law, but also, in a broader sense, the strategic vision of the essence and nature of multipolarity and multilateralism as a new system of international relations. The importance of establishing a new security system against the backdrop of the current unprecedented conflict potential and crisis of trust, including among nuclear powers, is absolutely clear to the entire international community. Russia is interested in ensuring that equal dialogue on such a vital topic for everyone as creating a system of indivisible security and reaffirming the principle that the security of some States cannot be ensured at the expense of the security of others, continues to develop, including in the UN. We proceed from an understanding that all States, without exception, should participate in the work of building a new world, and interaction should take place in the context of the new realities of multipolarity, on the principles of sovereign equality of States, as well as equal and respectful dialogue. The Russian Federation stands ready for this work. Thank you for your attention. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pacific Fleet units started practical actions during bilateral drills in Kamchatka 19.06.2024 The Pacific Fleet's units complete deployment as part of a planned bilateral exercise. Ship tactical groups of the formation guarding water area of the joint command of the units and troops in the North-East of Russian departed from the base of operations after practising withdrawal of forces from the attack of the mock enemy. During a drill to cross a mine-threatened area, the trawlers ensured that detachments of ships followed behind the sweeps. Previously, units of the Primorsky Flotilla of Joint Forces of the Pacific Fleet have been deployed in designated areas in the Sea of Japan. The planned bilateral exercise takes place from 18 to 28 June in the waters of Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, and Sea of Okhotsk under leadership of the Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Victor Liina. Press Service of the Eastern Military District NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia to Continue Developing Cooperation With Vietnam - Putin Sputnik News 20240619 MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Russia will continue developing bilateral ties and cooperation with Vietnam, President Vladimir Putin said in an article published by Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of the Vietnamese Communist Party, on Wednesday. "Together with Vietnamese friends, we will continue to build up bilateral ties, develop cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, for stability and prosperity in the region and the world in general," Putin said. Both countries share a similar position on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian president said, adding that Vietnam shares the same point of view on building a new Eurasian security structure that will be equal, indivisible, inclusive and non-discriminatory. Russia is grateful to Vietnamese friends for Hanoi's balanced position on the situation in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin said. "We are grateful to our Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis, for the desire to contribute to the search for real ways of its peaceful settlement. All this is fully in line with the spirit and nature of our relations," Putin said, adding that Russia views Vietnam as a like-minded partner in shaping the new architecture of equal and indivisible Eurasian security. Russia and Vietnam work closely together at key international platforms, including the United Nations, Putin added. "We appreciate that our countries have similar or close views on topical issues on the international agenda," the Russian president said. Putin also noted that Russian company Novatek plans to launch liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Vietnam, Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of the Vietnamese Communist Party, reported on Wednesday. According to the newspaper, Putin also said that Russia is working on the creation of a nuclear technology center in Vietnam. Moreover, the president mentioned that payments in national currencies accounted for 60% of trade transactions between Russia and Vietnam in the first quarter of the year. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, North Korea Agree on Mutual Assistance in Case of Aggression Sputnik News 20240619 PYONGYANG (Sputnik) -Earlier in the day, Putin said that "a new fundamental document" that will form the basis of the Russia-North Korea relationship for years to come has been prepared. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Wednesday. The Russia-North Korea agreement implies mutual assistance in case of aggression against participants, Putin explained The document was inked during the face-to-face talks between the two, which were preceded by the Putin--Kim negotiations with the participation of delegations earlier in the day. The negotiations saw the Russian head of state mention a new fundamental document that "was prepared today, something that he said "would form the basis of the long-term relationship" between the two countries. Putin also stressed that Moscow appreciates North Korea's consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in connection with the Ukraine crisis. Kim, for his part, emphasized that Pyongyang expresses "full support and solidarity with the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to protect the sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity." A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Court Sentences US Soldier Black to 3 Years and 9 Months in Penal Colony Sputnik News 20240619 VLADIVOSTOK (Sputnik) - A court in the Russian city of Vladivostok on Wednesday sentenced US soldier Gordon Black to three years and nine months in a penal colony for the crimes of death threats and grand larceny, a Sputnik correspondent reported from the courtroom. Earlier on Wednesday, the prosecution asked the court to sentence Black to four years and eight months in a penal colony and a fine of 40,000 rubles (nearly $470), while the soldier's lawyer asked the court to acquit him of all charges. Black told the hearing that he supported the position of his defense and declined to make a final statement. "To impose a sentence of imprisonment of three years nine months," a judge told the hearing. Black's lawyer, Inga Kirichenko, told journalists after the court hearing that the defense would appeal the court's sentencing. "We will appeal the sentence," she said but declined to provide further comments. In May, Russian authorities detained the US soldier on charges of criminal conduct until July 2 in Vladivostok. Police noted that the man was suspected of stealing 10,000 rubles from a woman he visited on April 10. Later in May, Black was charged with grand larceny, the press office of the Pervomaisky District Court of Vladivostok said. The soldier was stationed in South Korea before entering Russia. The US Army has started an administrative probe into his travel. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Pyongyang, Putin and Kim upgrade relationship, pledge closer ties By William Gallo June 19, 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin received a grandiose reception in Pyongyang on Wednesday, meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and pledging closer cooperation as both countries confront the West. Putin and Kim, who also signed a document upgrading ties, participated in a welcoming ceremony in the central Kim Il Sung Square, where buildings were draped in massive Russian and North Korean flags and portraits of the two leaders. North Korean residents dressed in red, white, and blue shirts waved bright bouquets of flowers in unison as a brass band played patriotic songs. Putin and Kim also observed a North Korean honor guard before departing for negotiations, which included two hours of one-on-one talks, according to Russian media. At the outset of the negotiations, Putin thanked North Korea for its "consistent and unwavering support" for Russian policy, including in Ukraine, reported Russia's Interfax news agency. Kim expressed his "full support and solidarity" for what he called Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, according to Interfax. The North Korean leader also vowed to "unconditionally support" Russia's policies, the agency added. Putin, who is making his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, invited Kim to Moscow, Russian state media reported. Russia and North Korea have long been close partners, but their cooperation has intensified following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. North Korea has supplied Russia with thousands of containers of munitions, including ballistic missiles, according to U.S. officials - an allegation denied by Pyongyang and Moscow. Close, but how close? According to Interfax, Putin and Kim signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, formally upgrading ties. The treaty text has not been released. Though it is expected to fall short of a formal alliance agreement, Russian officials have said it will likely cover defense cooperation in some sense. Analysts debate how far North Korea-Russia military cooperation will go. Some say Kim and Putin may find more reasons to continue working together as each country's relationship with the West deteriorates. But the two men will not restore Soviet-era ties, said Kim Gunn, a South Korean lawmaker who earlier this year stepped down as South Korea's top nuclear envoy. "Russia is not the former Soviet Union," he said. "And Russia is at war in Ukraine - they are pouring all their energy into this war. There's not so much room for Russia to do anything with North Korea." For now, Putin and Kim are presenting a united front, with Putin describing their collaboration on Wednesday as a fight against U.S. hegemony. An editorial Tuesday in the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's main newspaper, said the "people and military of both countries have the sacred duty, together, to safeguard their country's sovereignty and dignity and guarantee the peace and security of the region." Rachel Minyoung Lee, a North Korea watcher and senior fellow at the Washington-based Stimson Center, said that formulation was unusual for North Korean state media, an aberration that she said sends a "less than comforting message" about future military cooperation. "The agreement (or a treaty) North Korea and Russia sign during Putin's visit, if made public, will hopefully bring clarity to this phrase," she wrote in a blog post on 38 North, a North Korea-focused website. Sanctions evasion Tuesday, Putin vowed to work with North Korea to counter sanctions. In a letter published in North Korean state media, Putin said the two countries would develop trade mechanisms "not controlled by the West" and would "jointly oppose illegitimate unilateral restrictions." Both countries are subject to a growing number of sanctions imposed by individual countries - Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine and North Korea because of its nuclear weapons program and other illicit activities, such as cybertheft. North Korea is also subject to a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions, which prohibit a wide range of economic activity with Pyongyang. Russia - a permanent, veto-wielding member of the U.N. Security Council - voted for the North Korea sanctions as recently as 2017. But it now opposes the sanctions and has taken steps to complicate their enforcement. Many Russian analysts say Putin is reluctant to completely abandon U.N. sanctions on North Korea. Instead, he may search for what he sees as loopholes that facilitate cooperation even in areas that are subject to U.N. sanctions, such as North Korean laborers earning income abroad. For instance, North Korean IT specialists could work remotely from their home country without technically receiving income abroad, said Georgy Toloraya, a former member of the U.N. Panel of Experts, which was meant to monitor enforcement of the North Korea sanctions. Weapons cooperation Analysts are also watching Putin's visit for any signs of additional defense cooperation. A key question among Western analysts is what Putin might offer North Korea in exchange for weapons allegedly used in the Ukraine war. U.S. officials have expressed concern that Russia may provide North Korea with advanced weapons or other assistance related to its nuclear program. Such cooperation represents "the greatest threat to U.S. national security since the Korean War," said Victor Cha, the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In a blog post, Cha said it is "highly unlikely that Kim would have feted Putin so lavishly only for the promise of food and fuel," noting that Pyongyang seeks advanced weapons, including nuclear submarine and intercontinental ballistic missile technology. "This aspect of the relationship not only destabilizes security on the peninsula and in Asia; it also heightens the direct threat posed by North Korea to the [U.S.] homeland," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Africa's Ramaphosa sworn in amid political shift By Kate Bartlett June 19, 2024 Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated Wednesday for his second term as South Africa's president, though analysts said he could face a tough road ahead in keeping his new coalition government together. Ramaphosa took the oath of office at a colorful ceremony in Pretoria, attended by African royalty, heads of state, and diplomats. He won a vote in parliament last week to lead the country for a second term. But the second term begins under starkly different circumstances than the first. Ramaphosa's African National Congress party lost its parliamentary majority in the May elections for the first time since the end of apartheid thirty years ago. The ANC then engaged in talks with political opponents to form a coalition government that it is calling a government of national unity. Ramaphosa referenced that in his inaugural speech. "The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone. The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance. It is the beginning of a new era," said Ramaphosa. The ANC struck a deal with the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, or DA, which got the second largest number of votes at the polls. Several other smaller parties; the mainly Zulu Inkatha Freedom Party, the GOOD party, and the populist Patriotic Alliance have also joined the government. The agreement with the centrist DA was a relief to the markets and resulted in gains for South Africa's currency, the rand. Lumkile Mondi, a lecturer in economics at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University, explains the unity government is seen as "a very positive step." "This is happening both in terms of what the markets had expected - that a combination of different parties, led by the combination of the ANC and the DA, would be good for South Africa's development, ensuring that there is an investor-friendly environment -- while at the same time addressing the past inequalities," Mondi said. There had been concerns in some quarters the ANC could go into government with the radical left wing Economic Freedom Fighters, which wants the nationalization of land, banks and mines. But the EFF has refused to join a unity government that includes the DA, which has a white leader, John Steenhuisen. The uMkhonto weSizwe party, or MK, which got the third largest share of the vote and is led by former president Jacob Zuma, has also refused to join a unity government. MK has alleged, without any evidence, that there were election irregularities and refused to work with Ramaphosa, raising the specter of violence. However, what is notable is how peaceful things have been so far, with the ANC accepting the loss of its majority graciously and forming a coalition, said analyst Melanie Verwoerd. "Unlike so many other countries in the developing world -- when the liberation party or liberation movement turned government and then after a couple of decades lose their overall majority and then won't accept that -- South Africa has gone through a totally peaceful democratic transition ...that is incredibly significant," Verwoerd said. All eyes are now on whether the unity government deal between such ideologically diverse parties can hold. "Of course this government of national unity will definitely face challenges ...to keep this together will be a challenge," Verwoerd said. However she notes Ramaphosa is a seasoned negotiator and believes he is the best man for the job. He is expected to appoint his Cabinet in coming days. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian officer killed in Israeli airstrike against military sites in country's south Iran Press TV Wednesday, 19 June 2024 10:39 AM A Syrian officer has been killed when Israeli aircraft carried out a strike against two military installations in the southern side of the Arab country. Syria's official news agency SANA, citing a military source, reported that "the Israeli enemy carried out an aggression using drones against two military positions of our armed forces in the provinces of Quneitra and Dara'a," at around 7:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Wednesday. The report added that the attack resulted in the death of an officer and material damage. The Israeli airstrike against the crisis-hit Arab nation comes amid the regime's bloody onslaught against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal territory, including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched their surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7. At least 37,396 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed while another 85,523 individuals have sustained injuries. Israel frequently targets military positions inside Syria, especially those of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah which has played a key role in helping the Syrian army in its fight against foreign-backed terrorists. The Tel Aviv regime has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups opposing the democratically-elected government of President Bashar al-Assad. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. approves sales of two kinds of suicide drones to Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 06/19/2024 12:00 PM Taipei, June 19 (CNA) The United States government has approved the potential sales of two types of suicide drones to Taiwan worth an estimated US$360.2 million that would serve as a deterrence to a potential Chinese invasion, Taiwan's military said Wednesday. It was the 15th time, and the third since Taiwan's Jan. 13 presidential and legislative elections, that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has approved an arms sale to Taiwan. In a press release, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the latest package includes 720 Switchblade 300 (SB300) loitering munition systems and 101 SB300 fire control systems (FCS). A loitering munition is designed to loiter around a target area and then attack the target when spotted. The package also included operator and maintenance training; logistics and fielding support; and technical assistance, field service representatives and other related elements of logistics and program support, worth an estimated US$60.2 million. Another approved arms package comprised 291 Altius 600M-V systems, consisting of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) loitering munition with extensible warhead and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera. The package also includes Altius 600 inert training UAVs; pneumatic integrated launch systems (PILS); PILS transport trailers; ground control systems; and other logistics and program support, worth an estimated US$300 million. The proposed sales will help "improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region" and improve the recipient's "ability to meet current and future threats," it said. The DSCA said it had notified the U.S. Congress of the potential sale and the principal contractors have been identified as California-based AeroVironment, Inc. and Anduril, located in Atlanta. In thanking Washington for approving the sales, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) described the drones as a new tactical option for militaries around the world that can strengthen deterrence in combination with other precision missile systems. The U.S.' decision to sell the drones with reconnaissance and immediate strike capabilities will help Taiwan respond more quickly to enemy threats, the MND said in a press release. The MND also thanked the U.S. government for significantly shortening the related review process leading up to the approval of the two packages for Taiwan, it said. With the notification of the sales to Congress, they will undergo a 30-day congressional review period, and then if Congress gives the go-ahead, the U.S. government will send the foreign purchaser an official letter of offer and acceptance. That will lead to a process culminating in the signing of a final contract and delivery terms. There was no indication Wednesday of how long that process could take. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan undeterred by China's new maritime rule: Coast Guard ROC Central News Agency 06/19/2024 10:09 PM Taipei, June 19 (CNA) A new regulation implemented by the China Coast Guard last week will not affect Taiwan enforcing the law at sea, the country's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said Wednesday. The new regulation, which took force on June 15, allows the China Coast Guard to board and hold vessels in waters it lays claim to and question and detain foreign nationals found to have violated its "exit and entry rules" for up to 60 days. The China Coast Guard introduced the new regulation amid territorial disputes between Beijing and Manila near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippines has accused the China Coast Guard of attempting to bar its fishing vessels from accessing its fishing grounds in the area by deploying water cannons and using ramming tactics. China, in turn, has repeatedly accused the Philippines of ramming its vessels and insisted that it has the right to legally patrol the disputed waters off the Spratly Islands. The new rule will not affect the CGA's law enforcement, which is carried out according to the Coast Guard Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin () said at a news conference when asked by reporters about the matter. China's Coast Guard has been entering Taiwan-controlled "prohibited and restricted waters" near the Kinmen Islands since the fatal capsize of an unnamed and unregistered Chinese speedboat on Feb. 14. The vessel allegedly collided with a CGA patrol vessel and capsized in waters near Kinmen while being pursued, leading to the deaths of two Chinese crew members. China has since sent coast guard vessels into the Taiwan-controlled waters, claiming it has the right to legally patrol the disputed area. Hsieh said that the CGA has put into place principles while responding to contingencies at sea, which include guidelines on communicating with the armed forces of Taiwan and friendly nations. According to CGA personnel, there have been no instances of China Coast Guard vessels entering the prohibited and restricted waters off Kinmen this month. Hsieh said, however, an average of four Chinese coast guard vessels were spotted in waters near Kinmen every day in the first two weeks of June. They were all anchored in four zones around the Taiwan-controlled waters. From February to May, he noted, Chinese coast guard fleets intruded into the prohibited and restricted waters near Kinmen on average five times a month. The CGA will vigorously defend the rights and interests of Taiwan's fishing vessels and uphold national sovereignty and maritime safety, Hsieh added. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/06/19 1.Dateis 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Tuesday to Wednesday, Jun. 18-19 2.PLA activitiesis 18 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China In Eurasia Briefing: Did China Undermine Ukraine's Peace Summit? By Reid StandishJune 19, 2024 Beijing's Own Peace Strategy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy left a peace summit in Switzerland with a new commitment from 80 countries that Ukraine's "territorial integrity" would be the foundation of any peace deal to end the war with Russia. But the final communique -- and the summit as a whole -- was dampened by a lack of backing from the Global South, most notably from China, which didn't send any representation to the gathering and is shopping its own peace initiative to developing countries. Finding Perspective: Zelenskiy told reporters that representatives from 101 countries and international organizations, with more than 50 heads of state and government, mostly from Europe, were in attendance. The Ukrainian president told my colleague Zoriana Stepanenko that he was satisfied with the result of the summit, but several countries in attendance -- such as Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates -- did not sign the final communique. China didn't attend the summit because it said Russia wasn't invited and that both Kyiv and Moscow should be part of any peace talks. But ahead of the Swiss-hosted summit, Beijing had also been pushing its own rival initiative behind the scenes. The move by China sparked some rare public criticism from Zelenskiy, who said in Singapore on June 2 that Russia and China were attempting to undermine the summit. Zelenskiy's Good News: U.S. President Joe Biden did not attend the summit, but Vice President Kamala Harris did instead. While Biden's appearance would have lent some additional heft to the summit, he signed a 10-year bilateral security deal between Ukraine and the United States at the G7 summit before the meeting in Switzerland. Zelenskiy's Bad News: The summit ended with overwhelming Western support for Ukraine, but it also highlighted the global divides when it comes to the war. Chinese officials have been shopping alternative peace plansthat are said to be more Russia-friendly for months, with Reuters reporting that "Beijing has told developing nations the meeting [in Switzerland] would prolong the war." As I explained in this short video, all of this makes it much harder for China to portray itself as a neutral player when it comes to the war. Why It Matters: China has been pursuing a wider strategy to position itself as the leader of the Global South in opposition to the U.S.-led Western bloc, and diplomacy around the war in Ukraine is the latest playing field. China has been trying to enlist developing nations to join the six-point peace plan it issued with Brazil in May, with the proposal calling for an international peace conference "held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans." The Kremlin endorsed the idea of China brokering peace and the Chinese foreign ministry said more than 100 countries had supported its proposal. But the bigger question is whether Beijing is genuinely looking to broker peace or simply aiming to derail any Western-backed proposal in order to help out its partner, Russia. As the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center's Alexander Gabuev wrote in Foreign Affairsahead of the summit: "China will therefore continue to be a stick-in-the-mud: indirectly helping Russia, derailing Kyiv-led diplomatic initiatives, and pretending to engage in diplomacy instead of genuinely trying to work with other parties to find a solution." Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. How To Deal With China's Support For Russia? NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said China should face consequencesfor supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, if it does not change its ways. The Details: "Beijing cannot have it both ways. At some point -- and unless China changes course -- allies need to impose a cost. There should be consequences," Stoltenberg said in Washington on June 17. The comments from the NATO chief add to a growing chorus of high-level Western officials in recent months more openly criticizing China's support for Russia, with Beijing supplying some 90 percent of high-value dual-use goods to Russia in the last year. How to impose those consequences, however, is hardly straightforward. At the recent G7 summit in Italy, the group of wealthy democracies discussed going after small Chinese banks. Worried about being targeted by U.S. secondary sanctions, China's big banks have begun to limit their cross-border transactions involving Russia and Russian firms. Instead, smaller banks that are difficult to track and have less exposure to the international financial system have become the main channel. Targeting Chinese institutions generally poses contagion risks due to their connection to the broader global financial system, but going after smaller banks is tough as they are by design insulated from the very Western institutions that give Brussels and Washington the economic leverage they're trying to wield. "This is what I call the 'burner bank' strategy," Tom Keatinge, director of the Center for Financial Crime and Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, told me. "If the United States or other G7 countries sanction these banks, there is likely to be very limited contagion and the impact on the bank will likewise be limited as the bank has no need for access to the international banking system." 2. The Other Export Model Is China actively looking to export its authoritarian model abroad? A new batchof previously unexamined Chinese government documents seems to indicate yes. What It Means: Niva Yau, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, came across a trove of 1,691 files from China's Commerce Ministry that were logged online in 2021 and 2022. The dataset describes 795 governmental programs made up of trainings and exchanges with foreign officials that the documents state are designed to promote ideas and practices from China's economic and political model among countries in Eastern Europe and the Latin American, African, and Asian countries that make up the so-called Global South. Chinese officials have repeatedly said Beijing isn't exporting its authoritarian system for governing, but the collection of government files add to an emerging body of evidence showing that China is trying to sell the merits of its model to officials across the Global South while also developing new initiatives and practical programs to speed up their adoption. "This is real evidence to support what has been becoming a growing belief among the expert community," Yau told me. "We can now demonstrate in China's own words from its internal planning documents what it is trying to do." 3. China Looks To Revamp Central Asian Trade After years of discussions and delays, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which could change how Central Asian countries trade with each other, took a major step forward with Kyrgyzstan announcing it will take out a large Chinese loan to build it, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports. What You Need To Know: Azamat Sakiev, director of Kyrgyz Railways, told the country's parliament on June 19 that the expenses for constructing the Kyrgyz section of the railroad are estimated at $4.7 billion in total. Sakiev said the Chinese loan will cover 51 percent of the project while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will each provide 24.5 percent of the costs. Beijing will provide its loan to the Joint Design Company, a new holding company to be operated by all three countries building the railway. Sakiev, during his public comments, added that the specifics about the terms and amount of interest on the loan are yet to be finalized. Once completed, the railway could provide another key link for overland trade between Europe and China while adding an important artery for Central Asia, one of the world's least connected regions. Across The Supercontinent Climate Pressure: Kazakhstan's Lake Balkhash faces growing ecological strain in the form of climate change and China's rising demand for water upstream, as well as government plans for a nearby nuclear power plant, Maqpal Mukankyzy and Chris Rickleton report. A Tougher Brussels: Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the European Union must become less "passive" in defending its economic interests against the threat of countries such as China that have "unfair advantages." A 'More Aggressive' Cyberspace: Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of U.S. tech giant Microsoft, warned in a statement to a U.S. Congressional committee that closer cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran on the geopolitical stage could be replicated in cyberspace, my colleague Todd Prince reports. A Rare Visit: Senior EU diplomats have visited schools, religious sites, and a prison in Tibet as part of a dialogue with China about human rights, the Irish Times reports. One Thing To Watch It looks like the EU may be drifting into a trade war with China. After the bloc slapped Beijing with new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), China announced an anti-dumping probe against EU pork and by-products. The move is expected to target France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands particularly hard, which EU officials believe have been chosen as they are seen as the countries that pushed for the EV tariffs, Politico reported. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-ukraine-peace-summit-standish/32998953.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Roughly 1900 Servicemen in Last 24 Hours Sputnik News 20240619 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Ministry of Defense reported on the progress of the special military operation and the key achievements of the Russian Armed Forces. During the clashes, 1895 Ukrainian servicemen were decimated, while Russian Armed Forces took more advantageous positions According to the statement, the Ukrainian armed forces have lost up to 560 servicepeople in clashes with Russia's Yug (South) group of forces in the past 24 hours. "Enemy losses [as result of battles with Russia's southern group] amounted to up to 560 military personnel, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, a US-made Humvee armored fighting vehicle and five pickup trucks," the ministry said in a statement. The central group has repelled five counterattacks and Ukraine has lost up to 355 soldiers, while Kiev has also lost up to 120 soldiers in battles with the eastern group, the ministry said. The western group of the Russian forces has repelled two counterattacks and Kiev has lost up to 450 soldiers, while Ukraine has lost up to 300 soldiers in battles with the northern group. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's so-called peace proposal shows disdain for the rules based international system: UK statement to the OSCE Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, adds that the UK will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to secure a just and sustainable peace. 19 June 2024 Thank you, Mr Chair. Russia's War of Aggression in Ukraine continues unabated, causing immense human suffering. What it intended to be a three-day lightning strike quickly descended into chaos. This was a war of choice, unprovoked and unjustified. And now, two years and 118 days later, the human cost to both sides has been incalculable, with the extraordinary numbers of Russian casualties in particular a testament to President Putin's misjudgement. Ukraine continues to bravely defend its sovereign territory. Despite high operational activity by Russia, their gains have been minor in almost all sectors of operations and they continue to sustain high casualties. The poor performance and high attrition of the Russian armed forces has necessitated increasingly desperate measures, including recruitment of foreigners into their armed forces with the promise of high wages and Russian citizenship. Unsuspecting foreign nationals who believe they are travelling to Russia to study and are then forced to fight on the front line. With the previous 'convict pool' now likely to have exhausted, it is becoming clear how deeply unpopular further mobilisations will be among the Russian population. The previous mobilisation resulted in a record labour shortage and an exodus of skilled workers such as doctors and IT professionals. It puts Russia in a quandary of its own making. Against this backdrop last weekend more than 90 countries met in Switzerland at the Ukraine Peace Summit to reinforce international consensus that the principles of the UN Charter must underpin a just and lasting peace. This resulted in a communique, signed by representatives from every continent, that stated 'the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.' Yet Russia rejects this vision and instead continues to violate the fundamental principles of international law. Principles that they have freely signed up to - as a member of the United Nations and as a signatory to the Helsinki Final Act - to 'respect each other's sovereign equality and individuality as well as all the rights inherent in and encompassed by its sovereignty'. That same Act states that participating States 'have the right to belong or not belong to international organizations' and, most fundamentally, that participating States 'will refrain...from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State'. Russia continues to seek to deny Ukraine these fundamental rights: to choose its own security arrangements; to determine its own sovereign course and to live in peace and security within its internationally recognised borders. Meanwhile, President Putin's so-called peace proposal calls for Ukraine to cede parts of its internationally recognised territory. This is not consistent with the Helsinki Final Act or the UN Charter. It shows his disdain for the rules based international system that keeps us all safe and the contempt he has for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. That is why we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to secure a just and sustainable peace - because the principles and values that we all share to co-exist peacefully depend on it. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Are Preparing Decisions that Will Ensure a More Reliable Passage of the Heating Season a the Address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 19 June 2024 - 19:06 Dear Ukrainians! Today, there are two more signatories to the Peace Summit CommuniquA, and the representation of the American continent, particularly Latin America, has grown. It is now official: the Organization of American States, which unites countries from both North and South America. As well as the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. We consider the entire world to be equal, and this is our ideological difference from Russia in terms of international relations. We respect every nation and count on every voice when it comes to cooperation among nations. That is how the UN Charter is organized a so that all states matter. Putin, on the other hand, wants only himself, or someone of his choosing, to matter. This is Russia's typical colonial view of the world, and we a along with all our partners a must break it. And the format of the Peace Summit, the format of our CommuniquA, the format of our future preparatory work for the Second Summit will ensure the fair treatment of every nation, every state, and certainly Ukraine. I thank everyone who is helping. Our team is working to attract even more signatories and to maximize the work of the groups on the points of the Peace Formula. And among the first such groups, we plan to launch one on the energy sector a we need to restore real energy security in all its aspects and overcome Russia's approach to energy, to energy resources as a weapon. This applies to protection against Russian energy terror as well. The world is also capable of helping with this. We are preparing the first steps in this direction for July. Also today, I held a meeting with Government officials, the Office team and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council on the current situation in the energy sector. We are preparing solutions that will ensure a more reliable passage of the heating season and give people more opportunities to get through this extremely difficult period, in terms of energy shortages and outages. I gave instructions to provide all the details of what the state can do, and the details of the specific energy sector areas where we need to continue engaging our partners. Today, I also met with the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland, and one of the key topics of our conversation was the protection of Ukraine a our people and our energy sector a from Russian terrorist attacks. We discussed the key needs a the things that are needed now, and the ways in which Poland can help. Of course, we also discussed the entire bilateral agenda of our countries, as well as diplomatic measures that can increase our strength in the region. I thank Poland for choosing to stand with Ukraine in this time of war. And our warriors. I am grateful to everyone who is now in combat, on combat posts, on combat missions. All the units of our Defense and Security Forces. Today, I will commend the warriors of the National Guard of Ukraine who are defending our country in the Kharkiv direction. The 2nd assault unit of the Omega Special Purpose Center of the National Guard a thank you, warriors! The 3rd Spartan operational brigade of the National Guard a especially Soldier Bohdan Livak and Junior Sergeant Bohdan Sydor. Thank you! The 13th Khartiia brigade of the National Guard a Senior Soldier Ruslan Fedchun. Thank you! Our border guards, the Hart brigade a Sergeant Vitaliy Lysyi. Chop and Lviv border guard detachments a Senior Soldier Bohdan Mahotskyi and Senior Sergeant Denys Lanhazov. The Revenge brigade a the units of which are fighting in the Lyman, Siversk and Bakhmut directions a Soldier Andriy Kyrylchuk and Chief Sergeant Vladyslav Mysko. Thank you, guys, and all your brothers-in-arms! In addition, today I signed two decrees on presenting state awards to our warriors from the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service, the National Police and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. 445 state awards. 175 of them are posthumous. Ukraine will always remember its heroes and will be grateful to all those who defended our statehood and our independence. Ukraine must prevail! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak Discussed the Outcomes of the Global Peace Summit with the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India President of Ukraine 19 June 2024 - 18:42 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a telephone conversation with National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India Ajit Kumar Doval. Andriy Yermak expressed his gratitude for India's participation in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. The parties discussed the next steps of cooperation regarding the engagement of new countries to sign the Joint CommuniquA on a Peace Framework adopted at the Summit. "We really hope that India will become a part of this communiquA, because it is very important," the Head of the Presidential Office said. Ajit Kumar Doval noted that India is committed to peace and will thoroughly study the document, supported by the majority of the Summit participants. Other topics of conversation included strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the economic sphere. The Head of the Presidential Office invited the Advisor to the Prime Minister of India to pay a visit to Ukraine. Ajit Kumar Doval said that he would consider the possibility. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and the EU Finalize the Text of Security Commitments President of Ukraine 19 June 2024 - 13:22 On the instructions of the President of Ukraine and the Head of the Presidential Office, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva held the final round of negotiations on the security agreement with the EU with Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service for Peace, Security and Defense. The security agreement with the EU will be concluded in furtherance of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, which the European Union, together with the G7 countries, endorsed in Vilnius on July 12, 2023. The Ukrainian and EU negotiating teams finalized the text of the security agreement and agreed to sign it in the near future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine says energy facilities damaged in attack By VOA News June 19, 2024 An overnight drone attack in central and western Ukraine damaged energy facilities in the country, while firefighters in the Russian town of Azov battled a blaze at an oil depot for a second day. Ukraine's energy ministry said equipment was damaged and police emergency services had been called to help. The attack came after Ukraine announced rolling blackouts throughout the country. The mayor of Lviv, a city in western Ukraine near the border with Poland, said a drone attack in the village of Malekhiv injured two people, damaged a multi-story residential building and shattered dozens of windows in nearby buildings. Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said a 70-year-old and a 47-year-old were hurt. Meanwhile, a fire at a Russian oil storage facility in the Rostov region continues to burn for a second day after it was started by a drone attack. Vasily Golubev, the governor of the Rostov region, posted on Telegram that first responders haven't been able to put out the fire because a second storage tank had been depressurized. He said more than 200 firefighters were fighting the fire. A Ukrainian official told media outlets the attack was a special operation of Ukraine's Security Service. Ukraine has targeted energy infrastructure in the past as a way of hurting Russia's war effort. The attack hit two depots with 22 oil reservoirs, the official said. Azov is in the Rostov region in southern Russia, on the Don River about 16 kilometers from the Sea of Azov. Azov's two oil product terminals handled a total of about 220,000 tons of fuel for export between January and May 2024. Earlier in Ukraine, Russian attacks on power plants led to rolling blackouts throughout the country. "All regional power distribution companies will apply hourly outage schedules for industrial and household consumers from 00:00 to 24:00," national power provider Ukrenergo announced Wednesday. Previously, officials had tried to limit outages to afternoon hours. In Donetsk, a man and woman were killed by Ukrainian shelling of the city Wednesday morning, according to the city's Russian-appointed mayor, Alexei Kulemzin. Two other people, including a child, are in serious condition, he said. The latest hostilities come as Russia and North Korea announced a pledge Wednesday to aid each other if either country was attacked. An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday on X that the military partnership is a "brazen nullification" of international restrictions placed on North Korea. Misconduct allegations Ukraine's deputy prosecutor general told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the country has created a registry to track cases of sexual violence allegedly committed by Russian troops. Viktoriia Litvinova said the country has logged 303 cases of alleged sexual violence since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Of the 303 reports, 191 involved female victims and 112 involved male victims. Government officials told AP that tracking sexual violence could allow victims to make claims for financial compensation in the future. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Ukrainian prosecutors accused Russian troops of beheading a Ukrainian service member in the Donetsk Region. "While conducting aerial reconnaissance at one of the combat positions in the Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military discovered a damaged armored vehicle of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. It contained the severed head of a Ukrainian defender," the office of Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin posted on social media. Kostin's office included a photo that reportedly showed the armored military vehicle with a blurred section where the severed head was located. Prosecutors in Donestk also reported Tuesday that a Ukrainian man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for providing information about Ukrainian troops to Russian forces. The man, a resident of Kostyantynivka near the front line, used the Telegram messenger service last May to inform Russia about Ukrainian troop and artillery movements, according to prosecutors. Last year, the United Nations said Ukraine had launched more than 6,600 criminal cases against people for helping Russia since the war began. Material from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse was used in this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vancouver, B.C., June 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trillion Energy International Inc. ("Trillion" or the "Company") (CSE: TCF) (OTCQB: TRLEF) (Frankfurt: Z62) wishes to announce that further to the Company's news release dated June 6, 2024 announcing the upsizing of its non-brokered private placement to 30,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.09 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to a maximum of $2,700,000 (the "Offering"), the Company has closed two additional tranches of the Offering. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable at a price of $0.18 per share for a period of two years from issuance (please see the Company's news releases dated May 23, 2024, May 27, 2024 and June 6, 2024 for further details). Combined with the closing of the first two tranches, the Company has now issued an aggregate of 23,169,852 Units and raised an aggregate of gross proceeds of $2,085,286.68 in the Offering. The Warrants include an acceleration provision whereby if the Company's Shares trade at a price equal to or greater than $0.35 for a period of seven (7) consecutive trading days, Trillion may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants. Trillion may pay a cash finder's fee to qualified non-related parties of up to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering and issue a number of broker warrants ("Broker Warrants") that is up to 7% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder to one (1) Share and is exercisable at a price of $0.09 per share for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance. Third Tranche Closing Trillion has closed the third tranche of the Offering. The Company issued an aggregate of 1,532,478 Units on June 10, 2024 (the "Third Tranche") at a price of $0.09 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $137,923.02. Trillion paid an aggregate of $3,518.55 in cash finders' fees and issued an aggregate of 39,095 Broker Warrants. The Broker Warrants are non-transferable and are exercisable at $0.09 per share for a period of two years from the date of issuance. The Shares, Warrants and Broker Warrants issued in connection with the Third Tranche closing are subject to a hold period until October 11, 2024. Fourth Tranche Closing Trillion has closed the fourth tranche of the Offering. The Company issued an aggregate of 2,262,778 Units on June 19, 2024 (the "Fourth Tranche") at a price of $0.09 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $203,650.02. In connection with the Fourth Tranche closing, Trillion paid an aggregate of $5,481 in cash finders' fees and issued an aggregate of 60,900 Broker Warrants. The Broker Warrants are non-transferable and are exercisable at $0.09 per share for a period of two years from the date of issuance. The Shares, Warrants and Broker Warrants issued in connection with the Fourth Tranche closing are subject to a hold period until October 20, 2024. Final Closing is expected to occur at the end of the week. About the Company Trillion Energy International Inc. is focused on oil and natural gas production for Europe and Turkiye with natural gas assets in Turkiye. The Company is 49% owner of the SASB natural gas field, a Black Sea natural gas development and a 19.6% (except three wells with 9.8%) interest in the Cendere oil field. The Company has a farmin to earn 50% interest in 3 oil exploration blocks in S.E. Turkiye. More information may be found on www.sedarplus.c a , and our website. Contact Brian Park Corporate Finance 1 403 701 3272 e-mail: info@trillionenergy.com; Website: www.trillionenergy.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements, including without limitation, statements pertaining to the closing of the Offering, the use of proceeds, and the Company's ability to obtain necessary approvals from the CSE. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. Trillion does not undertake to update any forward- looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. These statements are no guarantee of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, delay, change of strategy, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and which may change over time. Accordingly, actual results and strategies could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These factors include unforeseen securities regulatory challenges, oil and gas price fluctuations, operational and geological risks, changes in capital raising strategies, the ability of the Company to raise necessary funds for development; the outcome of commercial negotiations; changes in technical or operating conditions; the cost of extracting gas and oil may increase and be too costly so that it is uneconomic and not profitable to do so and other factors discussed from time to time in the Companys filings on www.sedarplus.ca, including the most recently filed Annual Report on Form 20-F and subsequent filings. For a full summary of our oil and gas reserves information for Turkey, please refer to our Forms F-1,2,3 51-101 filed on www.sedarplus.ca, and or request a copy of our reserves report effective December 31, 2023. NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Teradata Corporation (NYSE: TDC) between February 13, 2023 and February 12, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 13, 2024. SO WHAT: If you purchased Teradata securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Teradata class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=26295 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 13, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) under Teradatas expanded business model, which involved engagement with additional customer business units and decisionmakers, transactions with Teradatas customers took longer to finalize; (2) Teradata thus overstated its ability to close customer transactions within their intended timeframes under its expanded business model; (3) Teradata failed to timely close several customer transactions that it had factored into its outlook for 2023 Total Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth; (4) as a result, Teradata was unlikely to meet its full year 2023 Total and Public Cloud ARR expectations; and (5) as a result, Teradatas public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Teradata class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=26295 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: New York, United States , June 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Agroforestry Market Size is to Grow from USD 99.5 Billion in 2023 to USD 194.5 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.93% during the projected period. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-sample/4588 Agroforestry is the viable solution to address the increasing demand for agricultural and forestry products thereby reducing global warming and fostering environmental sustainability. Agroforestry has an essential role in biodiversity conservation and enhancement of ecosystem services, having multifunctional roles in enhancing agronomic productivity, co-production of diversity of food and non-food products, and provision of ecosystem services. It offers a number of environmental benefits including soil fertility, protection of crops and livestock from wind, restore degraded lands, water conservation, limited utilization of pests, and prevention of soil erosion. The emerging trends favoring integrated land management practices are reshaping the global agroforestry landscape. The increasing environmental concerns regarding conventional farming methods and the implementation of initiatives for conserving natural resources and mitigating climate change are significantly driving the market demand for agroforestry. Further, the rising need for food, timber, fruits, nuts, and fodder is bolstering the market demand for agroforestry. On the contrary, the financial challenges due to the lengthy waiting period for return on investment and the absence of efficient value chains that limit the market access for agroforestry products are restraining the global agroforestry market. Browse key industry insights spread across 190 pages with 120 Market data tables and figures & charts from the report on the " Global Agroforestry Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By System (Agrisilvicultural, Silvopastoral Systems, Agrosilvopastoral Systems, and Others), By Product (Timber & Lumber and Fiber Crops, Fruits and Nuts, Vegetables and Herbs, Medicinal Plants, and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 2033." Buy Now Full Report: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/checkout/4588 The agrisilvicultural systems segment dominates the market with a significant revenue share through the forecast period. Based on system, the global agroforestry market is segmented into agrisilvicultural, silvopastoral systems, agrosilvopastoral systems, and others. Among these, the agrisilvicultural systems segment dominates the market with a significant revenue share through the forecast period. By using land for the simultaneous production of crops, including tree crops, the agrisilvicultural system contributes to biodiversity. The growing need for increased productivity and food security driving the market demand in the agrisilvicultural systems segment. The timber & lumber and fiber crops segment dominated the global agroforestry market during the forecast period. Based on the product, the global agroforestry market is segmented into timber & lumber and fiber crops, fruits and nuts, vegetables and herbs, medicinal plants, and others. Among these, the timber & lumber and fiber crops segment dominated the global agroforestry market during the forecast period. Agroforestry methods yield wood that is suitable for use as firewood, industrial raw materials, solid wood (timber), and other wood products. The increasing demand for timber and wood products along with the promotion of sustainable land management methods are propelling the market demand. Inquire Before Buying This Research Report: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/4588 Asia-Pacific dominates the market with the largest market share over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific dominates the market with the largest market share over the forecast period. The presence of vast agricultural lands and the need for diversified farming systems in countries like India, China, and Indonesia are significantly contributing to market growth. Favorable climatic conditions, a large agricultural workforce, and the rising emphasis on sustainable farming practices are also responsible for driving the market in the region. Additionally, the financial and technical support from several government organizations for agroforestry practices not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also enhances economic viability for farmers. The initiatives taken by the government to promote agroforestry are driving the market in the region. Middle East & Africa region is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period. The promotion of sustainable agriculture in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria is responsible for driving the market. The increasing awareness about the potential of agroforestry in combating desertification and soil erosion is fueling the market. The food security challenges in the region are further augmenting the market demand for agroforestry. The rising demand for timber, food, and fodder with the growing population in the region is further driving the market demand in the region. Competitive Analysis: The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market. Major vendors in the global agroforestry market are Agroforestry Systems Inc., Center for Agroforestry (University of Missouri), Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Weyerhaeuser, Green Resources, EcoPlanet Bamboo, Rainforest Alliance, TerraCarbon LLC, and Other Key Players. Get Discount At @ https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-discount/4588 Recent Developments In January 2019, GRET launched a new suburban agroforestry project in Haut-Katange (APHK), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), funded by the European Union, to support the Kipushi agroforestry perimeter associations syndicate (Capak). Market Segment This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the global agroforestry market based on the below-mentioned segments: Global Agroforestry Market, System Analysis Agrisilvicultural Silvopastoral Systems Agrosilvopastoral Systems Others Global Agroforestry Market, Product Analysis Timber & Lumber and Fiber Crops Fruits and Nuts Vegetables and Herbs Medicinal Plants Others Global Agroforestry Market, Regional Analysis North America US Canada Mexico Europe Germany Uk France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Rest of Asia Pacific South America Brazil Argentina Rest of South America Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Browse Related Reports Global Foliar Spray Market Size , Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Nitrogenous, Phosphatic, Potassium, and Micronutrients), By Form (Liquid Form and Powder Form), By Application (Horticultural Crops, Field Crops, and Turfs & Ornamentals), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 2033 Global Turf Protection Market Size , Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Pest Protection, Stress Protection & Scarification), By Solution (Chemical, Biological & Mechanical), By Application (Soil, Seed & Foliar), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 2033 Global Beneficial Insect Market Size , Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Pollinators, Parasitoids, Pathogen, Predators), By Application (Crop protection and Crop production), By Crop Type (Flowers & Ornamentals, Fruits & Vegetables, and Grains & Pluses), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 2033 Global Industrial Hemp Market Size , Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Seeds, Fiber, and Shivs), By Application (Textiles, Automotive, Animal Care, Furniture, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, and Others), By Source (Conventional, and Organic), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033 About the Spherical Insights & Consulting Spherical Insights & Consulting is a market research and consulting firm which provides actionable market research study, quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight especially designed for decision makers and aids ROI. Which is catering to different industry such as financial sectors, industrial sectors, government organizations, universities, non-profits and corporations. The company's mission is to work with businesses to achieve business objectives and maintain strategic improvements. CONTACT US: For More Information on Your Target Market, Please Contact Us Below: Phone: +1 303 800 4326 (the U.S.) Phone: +91 90289 24100 (APAC) Email: inquiry@sphericalinsights.com, sales@sphericalinsights.com Contact Us: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/contact-us Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter (2024-06-20) The new building will be approximately 7,500 square meters and will be completed during the first half of 2026. For AFK Eiendom, this is an incredibly exciting partnership that will contribute to attractive growth in our region. We are pleased to develop the project for Kitron at a key location for manufacturing and industry, says Tom Krusche Pedersen, Property Manager at AFK Eiendom. The building will be located at Longum, close to the E18 highway north of the city of Arendal, where Arendals Fossekompani has a 170-acre property. Construction work will start in the autumn of 2024, and the building is scheduled to be handed over during the spring of 2026. Increased capacity for Kitron There is growth and a high level of activity at Kitron in Arendal, and we believe the activity will increase further in the years to come. We are simply outgrowing the current premises. Now we get the opportunity to help design the perfect building for our needs. This gives us the opportunity to grow further here in Arendal, where Kitron has its roots back to the 1960s. We are extremely happy about that, says Heine stby, Managing Director of Kitron Norway. Kitron's operations in the area are currently divided between a facility of 7,300 square meters in Kilsund, which Kitron owns, and 4,000 square meters of rented premises at Stoa. When the new facility is ready, operations at Stoa will move to Longum, while the plant in Kilsund will continue as before. Veidekke chosen as turnkey contractor We are grateful for the confidence shown in us and for the fact that we have come up with solutions that will allow us to start the design and construction of the production building for Kitron on this great site. All parties involved have contributed with positive input, and we are now looking forward to continuing the strong collaboration in the next phase, says Regional Manager Atle Monan of Veidekke Bygg Agder. About Arendals Fossekompani Arendals Fossekompani is a long-term investment company that owns energy and technology-related companies that develop next generation industrial technologies. Arendals Fossekompani has been a proud producer of renewable hydro power for more than 100 years. About Kitron Kitron is a leading Scandinavian electronics manufacturing services company for the Connectivity, Electrification, Industry, Medical devices and Defence/Aerospace sectors. The group is located in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, India, Malaysia, China and the United States. Kitron has about 2 800 employees, and revenues were EUR 775 million in 2023. About Veidekke Veidekke is one of Scandinavia's largest construction and property development companies, with operations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The company was founded in 1936 and is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Contact: Arendals Fossekompani: Tom Krusche Pedersen, Property Manager AFK Eiendom, tel. 480 43 511, tom.krusche@arendalsfoss.no Kitron: Heine stby, Managing Director, Kitron Norway, tel. 472 42 606, heine.ostby@kitron.com Veidekke: Helge Dieset, Head of Communications, tel. 905 53 322, helge.dieset@veidekke.no BRUSSELS, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vapers across Europe have raised the alarm before the EPSCO Council meeting on Thursday, where Ministers will make an aggressive push to ban flavours in safer nicotine products. This move bypasses democratic processes and disregards the voices of 54,000 citizens who have signed a petition against such a ban organised by the World Vapers Alliance (WVA). Every year, 700,000 lives are needlessly lost in the EU due to smoking-related diseases. By recklessly pushing for a flavour ban on safer nicotine alternatives, they are playing with lives and ignoring the clear will of the people. It's time to stop this madness and listen to science and the citizens they serve, said Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers Alliance. The European Commission has yet to consult the public on a new Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This delay has left a void that Ministers aim to exploit, sidelining the necessary scientific evaluation, public consultation, and parliamentary scrutiny. The European Commissions initial Consultation was marked by record numbers of submissions, primarily from citizens supporting safer nicotine products. Flavours play a significant role in helping adult smokers transition away from cigarettes and maintain abstinence from smoking. Ignoring this fact endangers public health and disregards the overwhelming support from European citizens who have voiced their opposition to a flavour ban. The WVA calls in an open letter on EU Health Ministers to reject the flavour ban proposal and instead focus on policies that are informed by science and reflect the will of the people. As the next iteration of the Tobacco Products Directive is considered, it is imperative that EU policymakers recognize the importance of alternative products in reducing smoking rates and protecting public health. This isnt just about regulation, its about lives. We must prioritize harm reduction and listen to the voices of the people, added Landl. For media inquiries, please contact: Michael Landl Director of the World Vapers Alliance info@worldvapersalliance.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/593edf99-c863-4124-850c-03f163f3acbc Dublin, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "U.S. Neonatal Incubators Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The U.S. Neonatal Incubators Market was valued at USD 98.15 million in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 121.11 million by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 3.57%. The U.S. neonatal incubators market report contains exclusive data on 28 vendors. The infant incubator market is highly fragmented, with many producers in the U.S. To meet the surging consumer demand and expand their customer base, these companies are implementing various tactics such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships & collaborations, and new product launches. G.E. Healthcare, Inspiration Healthcare Group, Drager, International Biomedical, and Atom Medical USA are some of the leading vendors among infant incubator manufacturers in the U.S. Different participants, varying levels of technological innovation, product features, and pricing strategies further influence the market's dispersion. Integration Of Webcams In NICUs: The integration of technologies such as webcams in NICUs has significantly enhanced the experience of families with newborns undergoing care. These webcams allow parents to remotely observe their infants, even when they cannot be physically in the NICU. This capability fosters a sense of connection and reassurance for families during a stressful and challenging time. Studies have shown that increased family involvement and communication can lead to shorter hospital stays, reduced complications, and improved newborn developmental outcomes. Overall, integrating webcams and similar technologies in NICUs represents a significant advancement in patient-centered care. Advances In Neonatal Incubators: Advances in neonatal care have significantly improved the accessibility of medical therapy for premature infants. When surgery is necessary for a newborn, placing them in an incubator enhances their chances of recovery by providing an optimal environment for medical intervention. A prime example of this progress is the Fluke Biomedical INCU II, which serves as a comprehensive incubator/radiant warmer analyzer. This device adheres to global standards, simplifying testing procedures while ensuring the proper operation and security of transport incubators, infant incubators, and radiant warmers. U.S. NEONATAL INCUBATORS MARKET INSIGHTS The standard incubators segment held the largest market share, over 65% in 2023, in the U.S. neonatal incubators market. This segmental growth is due to the necessity of standard incubators in almost all hospitals and private maternity clinics. The other segment showcases significant growth by application, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 4.20% during the forecast period. The segment's growth is due to an increase in cases of respiratory distress syndrome, genetic defects, sepsis, perinatal depression, and maternal chorioamnionitis. The specialty hospitals segment dominates, with the most significant U.S. neonatal incubator market share. This segment's growth is due to the surge in preterm neonate admissions in neonatal and pediatric hospitals and the number of NICU installations in these hospitals. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED How big is the U.S. neonatal incubators market? What is the growth rate of the U.S. neonatal incubators market? What are the future drivers of the U.S. neonatal incubators market? Who are the major players in the U.S. neonatal incubators market? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 69 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $98.15 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $121.11 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.5% Regions Covered United States VENDORS LIST Key Vendors G.E. HealthCare Inspiration Healthcare Group Drager Atom Medical Corporation International Biomedical Other Prominent Vendors Advanced Instrumentations Avante AVI Healthcare Braun International Comen Dixion Fanem Ginevri Heal Force Aegea Siaikang Medical LMT Medical Systems MedCare Visions Medicor Zimed Healthcare Inc Bistos Co. Ltd. Cobams S.r.l Zhengzhou Dison Instrument and Meter Co.Ltd. J.W. Holdings Corp Koninklijke Philips NV Ningbo David Medical Device Co.Ltd. Phoenix Medical Systems Leex Medical SEGMENTATION & FORECAST By Product Standard/Normal Incubators Transport Incubators By Application Neonatal Hypothermia / Low Birth Weight Jaundice Others By End-User Specialty Hospitals Hospitals For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n0h7qw About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Biosimilars Training Course" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Prepare for the biosimilar market growth as some of the world's best-known biologics face patent expiration in the coming years. In today's pharmaceutical landscape, the rise of biosimilars presents a pivotal shift in therapeutic options, offering more affordable alternatives to biologics whose patents are expiring. With major biologics facing patent expiration in the near future, the biosimilars market is poised for substantial growth, driving increased interest and investment in this sector. This seminar delves into the critical distinctions between biosimilars and their reference biologics, addressing the complex regulatory pathways and challenges in both the EU and US markets. Participants will gain insights into essential dossier requirements specific to biotech products compared to pharma products, alongside strategies for successful biosimilar development. Moreover, the course emphasises key biological considerations and the concept of totality in biological reviews, discussing unique aspects of biosimilars compared to small molecule generics. This course will equip attendees with comprehensive knowledge essential for navigating the evolving biosimilar landscape. Benefits of attending Discuss global considerations and definitions of biotech/biosimilar products global considerations and definitions of biotech/biosimilar products Gain an invaluable overview of the regulatory pathways for biosimilars in the EU and US an invaluable overview of the regulatory pathways for biosimilars in the EU and US Understand the key Module 3 dossier requirements for biotech products versus pharmaceutical products the key Module 3 dossier requirements for biotech products versus pharmaceutical products Learn how to develop effective strategies for development of biosimilar products Certifications: CPD: 12 hours for your records Certificate of completion Who Should Attend: This course is perfect for pharmaceutical professionals working in regulation, quality assurance, pharmaceutical development, and R&D, including: Regulatory affairs professionals Medical affairs professionals Clinical development managers Quality assurance personnel Legal and compliance officers Key Topics Covered: Day 1 Biologics introduction Technical and legal definitions Examples of biologics The complexity of biologicals The challenges with the development of biologics Biosimilars vs generics How the process is the product A simple excursive to be reminded of the difference between biosimilars and generics Creating a copy with limited and imperfect tools The (e)CTD International Council of harmonization (ICH) The common technical document CMC explained (incl. quality by design, specifications) Why the CMC section for biologics is more extensive (as compared to small molecules) The (e)CTD continued Day 2 The registration process A review of EMA and FDA biosimilar guidelines Biosimilar development as a step-wise approach Quality Non-clinical Clinical Non-comparable biologics Other regulatory topics Interchangeability Naming Labelling Pharmacovigilance Module 3 for biosimilars - section by section In-depth review of module 3 documentation with special remarks regarding biologics and biosimilars specifically Challenges for biosimilar sponsors Global development Costs Uncertainty Main players in the biosimilar field A review of the current situation Strategic considerations A summary of key points to consider when (starting to) develop biosimilars Case study Speakers: Andrew Willis Consultant Independent Andrew Willis is an independent consultant providing expert advice and training on global regulatory solutions and pharmaceutical development. Previously, he worked for Catalent Pharma Solutions as VP Regulatory Affairs & Consulting Services. Catalent is the world's leading contract manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceuticals, and he was head of a team of internal and external regulatory affairs consultants. He qualified as a Chemist from the University of Glamorgan, after which he furthered his understanding of pharmaceutical development, working as a research chemist with Parke Davis. He has 10 years manufacturing and analytical experience prior to entering regulatory affairs as a Senior Executive Officer with responsibility for submission of European MAAs and project management of development programs. He currently has a total of 28 years pharmaceutical experience with extensive knowledge in the development and manufacture of sterile, solid oral, inhalation, topical and biotech pharmaceutical products. These experiences have allowed knowledge of many Biotech products requirements with experiences of growth hormones and multiple cancer treatments, including development and clinical registration of the first genetically modified live bacterium for such treatment. He has extensive experience of major European and US regulatory projects, in the clinical and marketing authorisation stages, and has significant experience in coordinating and managing meetings with European and US Health Authorities. Specific experience includes the project management of a large MAA requiring full clinical data, followed by Mutual Recognition of the application in all of the European Concerned Member States. The project recorded successful outcomes in all major markets (26 countries) and was viewed as highly successful by the client, meeting very stringent project timings. For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qrcetr 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. Toronto, Canada, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Right now there are 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, the highest of any time in history and LGBTQI+ individuals are uniquely vulnerable due to state-sanctioned homophobia and transphobia. In over 60 countries around the world, queer and trans people face persecution and violence, simply because of who they are, or who they love. This World Refugee Day and Pride Month, Rainbow Railroad, an international charity that helps at-risk queer individuals get to safety, releases a new report detailing the state of global LGBTQI+ persecution. The report draws on data from 15,352 help requests spanning 100+ countries, representing LGBTQI+ individuals fleeing violence. Its no secret that weve witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-LGBTQI+ hate and legislation around the world, which is reflected in the 60% increase in requests for help we received last year compared to 2022, says Latoya Nugent, Rainbow Railroads Head of Engagement. The information in our report sheds light on patterns in human rights violations and protection concerns facing LGBTQI+ communities worldwide. No other organization or government captures the breadth and depth of data on LGBTQI+ forced displacement, perpetuating the invisibility of queer individuals in humanitarian responses. Drivers of Displacement The top 10 countries where requests for help originated from in 2023 were Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United States, Uganda, Kenya, Turkiye, Nigeria, Morocco, Russia and Egypt. When individuals reach out to Rainbow Railroad for support, the organization tracks the specific threats to safety, health and welfare they face throughout their journey. Safety Concerns are direct threats to individuals from their families, communities, or the state. In 2023, Rainbow Railroad monitored 38 safety concerns, with community rejection emerging as the most common issue. Of all reported cases, 78% experienced rejection from their community, a significant increase from 53% in 2022. Family-based rejection is also a major concern, affecting 46% of individuals. Violence poses another serious challenge. Last year, 29% of cases reported community violence, 28% faced verbal threats or abuse, and 18% experienced life-threatening violence. Individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa faced nearly three times the risk of family-based violence compared to those in other regions. Cisgender women were over twice as likely to encounter sexual violence compared to other gender identities. Health and Welfare Concerns encompass issues related to physical and mental wellbeing that increase individual risk. In 2023, Rainbow Railroad tracked 16 such concerns, with the most common being mental health issues (42%), lack of basic needs (30%), and suicide risk (16%). Additionally, individuals faced heightened employment discrimination (15%) and homelessness (12%). Trans men, in particular, were more than twice as likely to experience homelessness compared to other gender identities. Trans and non-binary individuals were 2.5 times more likely to face housing discrimination than cisgender individuals. From Persecution to Pride Since its founding in 2006, Rainbow Railroad has assisted nearly 15,000 LGBTQI+ individuals in finding safety through emergency relocation, crisis response, cash assistance, and various other forms of support. Last year alone, Rainbow Railroad supported 7,265 individuals, a 63% increase compared to 2022. Emmanuel, a refugee from Rwanda who spent 25 years living in Cameroon without securing government support before reaching out to Rainbow Railroad, describes the nonlinear road of resettlement experienced by many refugees and asylum seekers. When a person flees their home country, it is often the beginning of a long journey to finding safety. To leave your country, it almost feels like dying. You leave everything that was attached to you. I left people who were so dear and so close to me. Its like part of you is dead. At times, its very hard to accept it. For Emmanuel, after living so many years without documentation in Cameroon, it is meaningful just to be recognized and supported as a refugee in Canada. I have so many hopes and dreams, he shares, and although the road ahead of him is uncertain, he feels that the future is possible now. Solidarity in Pride While Rainbow Railroads impact has been immense, there is more work to do. Reflecting on this, Nugent states, Until we are all free to celebrate and affirm our LGBTQI+ identity, efforts are still needed to help at-risk LGBTQI+ people move from persecution to Pride. Nugent further emphasizes, We call on governments worldwide to create more dedicated pathways and programs to help queer and trans people who are at risk of persecution, and invest in sustained partnerships with LGBTQI+ civil society to increase protection and safeguarding efforts of LGBTQI+ persons experiencing forced displacement. Resettlement is a costly but critical undertaking, and with the solidarity of governments and our community of supporters, we can co-create a world where LGBTQI+ people can safely live, work, and play with dignity and pride. The full report, along with personal accounts from at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals, can be viewed at www.rainbowrailroad.org/annualreport. About Rainbow Railroad Rainbow Railroad is a global charitable organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Headquartered in New York and Toronto, the organization has supported nearly 15,000 at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals since its founding in 2006. Rainbow Railroad is a registered Canadian charity and 501(c)3 organization in the USA. For more information please visit www.rainbowrailroad.org. Attachments VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greenridge Exploration Inc. (Greenridge or the Company) (CSE: GXP | FRA: HW3), is pleased to announce it has signed an Asset Transfer Agreement (the Agreement) dated June 19, 2024 with 15952506 Canada Inc. (the Vendor) for the sale to the Company of all of the Vendors right, title and interest (the "Acquisition") to acquire a 100% interest in the Snook Lake and Ranger Lake Uranium Projects (the Projects), located 100 km northeast of Sault Ste. Marie in Northwest Ontario. The Ranger Lake Uranium project consists of 942 mineral claims covering 20,782 hectares of Uranium prospective ground that occurs near historical Uranium mining district in the Elliot Lake region, in the tier one jurisdiction of Ontario. The Snook Lake Uranium project consists of 237 mineral claims covering 4,899 hectares and is approximately 75 km north of Kenora in Northwestern Ontario, a region that has attracted early-stage Uranium exploration in the past. Figure 1 - Greenridge Exploration Uranium Ontario Projects Portfolio Russell Starr, CEO of Greenridge commented, With the addition of the Snook and Ranger Lake projects, Greenridge is now further solidified as an emerging uranium explorer in Canada. We believe our uranium Projects in Nunavut, Saskatchewan and now Ontario are highly prospective and the Company looks forward to our 2024 exploration programs across Canada. Ultimately, we believe the uranium market will continue to strengthen as demand for clean energy sources remains high. Ranger Lake Uranium The Ranger Lake project lies within the Abitibi Subprovince of the Superior Province of the Canadian Shield. The oldest rocks on the Ranger Lake property consist of granitic rocks and diabase dykes. These rocks were later intruded by the Seabrook Lake Carbonatite Complex which is to the north of the project area on Seabrook Lake.2 The Ranger Lake Uranium Mining Company conducted an extensive work Program from 1953-1954 which included trenching, aeroradiometric surveys and 6 diamond drill holes which total 2,240 ft. The showing is in a diabase dike about 60 feet wide where an aplite dike 8 inches wide extends diagonally across it for a length of 30 feet. The central part of the aplite dike has a 2 to 3 inch wide radioactive zone of carbonate and quartz which has given anomalies up to 5 times background. A selected sample from the most radioactive part of the dike showed 0.30% U3O8 (radiometric equivalent) (OGS 1983 MDC 25 P 41-42). Parts of the Ranger Lake project had an airborne magnetic XDS VLF-EM and gamma ray spectrometer survey over parts of the property totalling 919.8 l-km, which was followed up by another airborne magnetic gradiometer and gamma-ray spectrometric survey in 2019.2 Figure 2 - Ranger Lake Uranium Project Regional Map Snook Lake Uranium The Snook Lake project is at the boundary of the Winnipeg River and English River Subprovinces which is marked by the Separation Lake Greenstone Belt.23 The greenstone belt is typically a thin remnant or septum that is less than 2 m thick. In the Separation Rapids area, the volcano-sedimentary belt achieves a thickness of several kilometers. The Snook Lake property is located near this trend and is underlain by remnant amphibolitized supracrustal rocks and granitoids of the English River Subprovince.4 Host rocks for uranium mineralization consist of massive pink to red biotite-bearing coarse grained to pegmatitic granite, quartz monzonite and granodiorite. The intrusive rocks contain appreciable biotite and horneblende.3 Anomalous uranium mineralization at Snook Lake occurs in an east-northeast to west-southwest trending corridor over a width of approximately 300 metres and along a strike length of one (1) kilometer.4 Uranium exploration in the area followed cycles in the industry, with the mid 1950s and the early 1970s being the most active. The area was mostly overlooked in the early 1980s when uranium exploration focused on high grade unconformity-type targets. Up until the 1970s, access was provided via float plane. In 2007, a prospecting and sampling program was completed; 64 samples collected returned between 497 to 2006 ppm U 3 O 8 . This confirmed the presence of zones of Uranium mineralization in several locales, which outlined an east west corridor of anomalous uranium over 1km strike length. In 2008, an Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Survey was completed.4 Figure 3 - Snook Lake Uranium Project Regional Map Agreement Terms The Agreement was entered into on June 19, 2024 (the "Effective Date"). In connection with the Agreement, the Company entered into an assignment and novation agreement with the Vendor, Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd. and 1544230 Ontario Inc. (the Assignment Agreement), whereby the Company acquired the Vendors interests under two separate property option agreements (the Original Option Agreements) with Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd. and 1544230 Ontario Inc. (the Optionors) for two separate options to acquire the Projects. In connection with the Assignment Agreement, the Company then entered into an amended and restated option agreement with the Optionors to novate the Original Option Agreements (the Amended and Restated Option Agreement). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company is required to issue to the Vendor an aggregate of 1,850,000 common shares (Shares) at a deemed price of $0.96 per Share as follows: (a) 850,000 Shares on or before the date that is thirty (30) business days after the Effective Date (the First Tranche Shares); and (b) 1,000,000 Shares on or before the date that is three (3) months after the Effective Date (the Second Tranche Shares). Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Option Agreement, the Company is required to make aggregate cash payments of $54,000 to the Optionors in order to earn a hundred percent (100%) interest in the Projects, as follows: (a) $24,000 on or before December 22, 2024; and (b) $30,000 on or before December 22, 2025. Pursuant to the Agreement, the First Tranche Shares and Second Tranche Shares will all be subject to escrow, with both tranches released over a 36-month period. All securities issued in connection with the Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. The Projects are subject to a 1.5% net smelter returns royalty. No finders' fees were paid on the arm's length Agreement, Assignment Agreement and Amended and Restated Option Agreement. The Agreement, the Assignment Agreement and the Amended and Restated Option Agreement are all non-related party transactions. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Garry Clark, P.Geo., and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects. References 1 Source: 1978 Assessment Report (number 81075) by Pan Ocean Oil Ltd. 2 Source: Breaks, F.W.1991.The English River Subprovince, in Geology of Ontario, Special Volume 4, Part 1, p 239 278. 3 Source: Sanborn-Barrie, M. 1988. Geology of the tectonic boundary zone between the English River and Winnipeg River subprovinces, northwestern Ontario; in Summary of Field Work and Other Activities, 1988, Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Paper 141, p.98-107. 4 Source: Saunders, D., 2007: Report on the 2007 Exploration Program for the Snook Lake Uranium Property (20005981). About Greenridge Exploration Inc. Greenridge Exploration Inc. (CSE: GXP | FRA: HW3) is a mineral exploration company dedicated to creating shareholder value through the acquisition, exploration, and development of critical mineral projects in North America. The Carpenter Lake Uranium Project is located in the Athabasca Basin consisting of 7 mineral claims covering 13,387 hectares across the Cable Bay Shear Zone and the Company is advancing the Project to test multiple high priority targets. The Companys Nut Lake Uranium Project located in the Thelon Basin includes historical drilling which intersected up to 9ft of 0.69% U 3 O 8 including 4.90% U 3 O 8 over 1ft from 8ft depth1. The Companys Weyman Copper Project in southeast British Columbia sits on the south portion of the famous Quesnel Terrance. The Company is led by an experienced management team and board of directors with significant expertise in capital raising and advancing mining projects. The Snook and Ranger Lake uranium projects, 4,899 hectares and 20,782 hectares respectively are located in western Ontario, with multiple previous uranium occurrences across both projects. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Russell Starr Chief Executive Officer, Director Telephone: +1 (778) 897-3388 Email: info@greenridge-exploration.com Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the project acquisition bringing a low-risk opportunity, the Company, building a strong battery metals portfolio with low-risk opportunities that positively impact the Company and its shareholders and the Company providing an initial work plan are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Projects and their mineralization potential; the Companys objectives, goals, or future plans with respect to the Projects; completion of the Acquisition; and the Company's anticipated exploration program(s) at the Projects. These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99c90386-f381-48fb-bae0-bdfc46dac9f3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e62c9ba-e335-456c-9ad5-00017bfba178 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f90d5b8-30d3-4577-986b-d78323b0be8a ORLANDO, Fla., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sustainable Green Team (OTC: SGTM) ("Company') announces the completion of a binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") for the acquisition of Regen Hubs North America, Inc., Regen Hubs International, Inc., and HumiRock, LLC, along with their affiliates ("Regen Hubs"). Upon completing the definitive agreement, the strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone in SGTM's mission to revolutionize sustainable agricultural practices worldwide and position SGTM at the forefront of sustainable agriculture. The collaboration aims to have a maximum impact on improving policies and adopting regenerative production processes and technologies, with a strong focus on food security. Regen Hubs developed access to extensive professional and geographical networks, and SGTM expects to leverage these connections to expand its reach and drive positive change in the industry. SGTM anticipated to capitalize on the expertise and knowledge of Chad Roy, Bobby Mann of Mann Marketing, and Gus Ibrahim of Worldwide TV Products, who have agreed to join the SGTM team as strategic advisors. Their invaluable contributions will accelerate the growth of SGTM's "Direct to Retail" operations, ensuring a seamless transition and leveraging their extensive experience. SGTM and Regen Hubs have collaborated with Worldwide TV Products to develop a comprehensive plan for selling, packaging, and distributing SGTM's full range of products to retailers in North America. By leveraging Regen Hubs' influential network, SGTM aims to secure purchase orders that should drive sales and propel sustainable agriculture forward. SGTM plans to debut select products this year on QVC and HSN (Home Shopping Network) with the support of Mann Media and Worldwide TV Products. The media collaboration has the potential to generate millions of dollars in revenue, further reinforcing SGTM's commitment to sustainable growth. Furthermore, SGTM and Regen Hubs will work together to develop a comprehensive plan for the sale, packaging, and distribution of SGTM's complete suite of products across various market sectors. SGTM plans to leverage Regen Hubs' expertise and marketing networks to establish solid partnerships and secure contracts with the military, NASA, federal and state governments, port authorities, universities, Indian reservations, and cattle ranchers in the United States, Africa, Mexico, and Panama. Chad Roy, CEO of Regen Hubs, states, "I'm excited for this opportunity to build an extraordinary synergistic relationship with the SGTM Team . I believe together, we can advance sales and distribution and further advance the development of sustainable agricultural products. Regan Hubs has an open door and instant access to Walmart , Lowe's , Home Depot , Kroger , Menards , Tractor Supply , John Deere , Target , Sam's Club , PetCo , and other global retail networks. I look forward to introducing SGTM's product lines to our established client base." In addition to their advisory roles, Chad Roy, Bobby Mann, Gus Ibrahim, and their respective teams will actively support SGTM in raising capital. The goal is to secure up to $100 million in investment capital, utilizing best practices to expedite growth and fuel transformative initiatives. "We are thrilled about this incredible opportunity to join forces with Regen Hubs and HumiRock. Together, we expect to revolutionize sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to a greener future," stated Tony Raynor, CEO of SGTM . For media inquiries or further information, please contact Tony Raynor at 1-407-886-8733 and traynor@sgtmltd.com . About Regen Hubs Regen Hubs is a leading organization focused on improving soil health, reducing chemical usage, and enhancing farmers' profitability through cutting-edge technology and strong partnerships. Committed to revolutionizing sustainable agricultural practices, Regen Hubs is at the forefront of driving positive change in the industry. About Sustainable Green Team, Ltd . (OTC: SGTM) ($SGTM): Sustainable Green Team, Ltd. (OTC+: SGTM) ($SGTM) is a leading Company in climate reversing technologies, a provider of sustainable solutions to improve environmental health, promote sustainable practices, and deliver eco-friendly products and services. SGTM aims to make significant contributions to global sustainability; learn more by visiting the Company website, https://thesustainablegreenteam.com/ , SGTM's YouTube Channel , Corporate Bloomberg TV commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_0rLESvJJ0 , corporate video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ7Dp9Coi88&t=1s and SGTM's Blogs - https://thesustainablegreenteam.com/sgtm-blog . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. The Company cautions readers not to rely on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Company Contact: Tony Raynor, CEO Sustainable Green Team, Ltd. (OTCQX: SGTM) ($SGTM) www.sustainablegreenteam.com Traynor@sgtmltd.com 407-886-8733 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9f01241-0048-42b7-8957-c2c659eadd09 CAPE CORAL, Fla., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beat the heat with sweet, iced coffee-on-the-go. Bones Coffee Company is pleased to announce the launch of its line of ready-to-drink (RTD) cold brew lattes, now available at Walmart. Five fun flavors of Bones Coffees Cold Brew Lattes are available at more than 3,000 Walmart stores: Sinn-O-Bun, French Toast, Holy Cannoli, Smorey Time, and Electric Unicorn. Bones developed Sinn-O-Bun as an exclusive flavor for Walmart. Were excited to offer our popular, flavored coffees in the form of sweet, creamy cold brew lattes at Walmart, said Travis Rule, CEO and Co-Owner of Bones Coffee Company. We cant wait for more people to get their hands on these creatively designed cans full of flavors our fans love and take them on the go. In cans designed with Bones signature skeleton and creative flair, Bones RTD lattes are designed to be refreshingly smooth, with 100% cold brewed coffee, a splash of whole milk, and a touch of sweetness. Made with Arabica beans ethically sourced from Brazil and freshly roasted in small batches, the lattes are rich, full-bodied, and full of flavor. Bones Coffees RTD lattes are available in select Walmart stores across the U.S. Visit the store locator at bonescoffee.com for locations. They are also available online at Walmart.com , Amazon , and bonescoffee.com . The RTD lattes are available in single cans ($2.98), 4-packs ($15.99) and 12-packs ($36.99). A selection of Bones Coffees whole bean coffee, ground coffee and Bones Cups are also available on Walmart.com. The line is expanding into other retailers in the coming months. About Bones Coffee Company Bones Coffee Company has a passion for coffee and a mission to inject some flavor into an otherwise boring landscape of coffee companies. With over 30 tempting flavors all made with high-quality, freshly roasted beans from Maple Bacon to Holy Cannoli plus single origin offerings and blends, Bones Coffee products are keto-friendly with no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Family-owned and operated with more than 90 local employees in Florida, Bones ships to consumers worldwide and is now expanding in retail. Learn more at bonescoffee.com and follow @bonescoffeecompany on Instagram and Facebook , @bonescoffee on TikTok , and @bonescoffeeco on Twitter . Lisa Lazarczyk, LAZ PR lisa@lazpr.com/617.838.7327 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36cff227-7985-425f-9800-f770dfad620f BALTIMORE, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Farms is going covert with their 7th annual Chickenpalooza, commencing on July 2, 2024! This years espionage-themed merchandise will be available for acquisition both online and in-store, featuring limited-edition t-shirts, Clucker Chronicles spy notebooks, and stealthy mini chicken toys. Exclusive to our beach locations, a limited-edition Classifried beach towel will also be available for purchase. Customers can join the mission by purchasing our special meal deals, including 3-piece chicken boxes (white meat, dark meat, and tenders) for just $8, 8-piece mix Chickenpalooza buckets for $12, and the NEW! chicken rolls 3 for $4.50. Customers can pair their World-Famous chicken with a refreshing Pepsi for a collaborative operation by adding a 20oz Pepsi for just $1 with the purchase of any 3-piece box. Royal Farms is proud to announce that a portion of proceeds from every 3-piece chicken box sold will be donated to a local charity in each state where we operate. This years recipients are the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore (Virginia), Baltimore Youth Arts (Maryland), Berkeley County BackPack Program (West Virginia), Cancer Support Community (New Jersey), Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (Delaware), Veterans Farm of North Carolina (North Carolina), and Street Tails Animal Rescue (Pennsylvania). Pepsi will be donating $10,000 to make this years Chickenpalooza the best of the flock. The festive chicken boxes feature a QR code customers will scan to accept Chickenpaloozas charity mission. The link will lead customers to our website where they vote for which charity receives their donation. Chickenpalooza is our favorite time of year. We get to show our commitment to the communities we serve alongside our customers. We love creating fun opportunities to delight our patrons and making a difference in our neighborhoods, said Frank Schilling, Director of Marketing and Merchandising. Were thrilled to partner with Royal Farms during the highly anticipated Chickenpalooza, celebrating an iconic pairing of chicken and Pepsi while giving back to the communities in which we work, live and play, said Noel Rodriguez, VP Retail, PepsiCo Beverages North America. The value of the three-piece meal bundle with an ice-cold Pepsi is an unbeatable summer meal option. Four lucky entrants will win free chicken for a year through the Chickenpalooza sweepstakes. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. Free chicken for a year prize will be awarded as (8) $100 Royal Farms Gift Cards. To enter to win the contest and view official rules and guidelines, please visit www.royalfarms.com/chicken-palooza. Customers can earn Royalty points for each purchase during and after Chickenpalooza by signing up for RoFo Rewards on the Royal Farms mobile app or on RofoRewards.com. RoFo Rewards Members will be able save money throughout the year, earn fuel discounts, receive rewards for everyday purchases, and redeem other surprise freebie offers. Customers can sign up for RoFo Rewards on the Royal Farms mobile app or on RofoRewards.com. RoFo Rewards Members save money throughout the year, earn fuel discounts with RoFo Pay, receive rewards for everyday purchases, and redeem other surprise freebie offers. How to Register as a RoFo Rewards Member Download the Royal Farms app here: https://engagement.punchh.com/b/royalfarms and click "Sign Up" to create a RoFo Rewards account. You can also visit https://www.roforewards.com/register/ to create an account. About RoFo Rewards By registering a RoFo Rewards card or downloading our app you gain access to special member offers and can earn rewards points on purchases. Every time you visit Royal Farms and make a purchase, you will receive 2 points for every dollar you spend, and one point for every gallon of gas you purchase. If you upgrade your card to RoFo Pay, you will also receive a discount on gas when you use your RoFo Rewards card to pay at the pump except for New Jersey Stores. You can keep track of points and offers at www.roforewards.com or by downloading the RoFo Rewards app on your phone. About Royal Farms Royal Farms is a renowned operator of fast and friendly neighborhood convenience stores with nearly 300 locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Royal Farms opened its first store in Baltimore, MD in 1959. Today, the chain has locations in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Royal Farms has been satisfying customers hunger for Real Fresh food served Real Fast. The Royal Farms Kitchen is well known for its Always Fresh, Never Frozen World-Famous Royal Farms Chicken that is lightly hand-breaded and pressure-cooked in Trans Fat Free cooking oil to golden brown perfection. Royal Farms Western Fries are hand-cut from fresh Idaho potatoes, hand-breaded, and cooked right in store. Most locations are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. For more information about Royal Farms, visit: www.royalfarms.com Contact: Aliyah Atayee aatayee@royalfarms.com Charleston, SC, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The anticipated sequel to Miss Brenda and the Loveladies, Miss Brenda and the Lovelady Movement shares the empowering success story of a center that helps vulnerable women and children find life-changing second chances. Brenda Lovelady Spahns journey began with a legal battle with the IRS. Determined to use the experience to change the course of her future, Spahn set out to pioneer a residential rehabilitation program for women and children. This program was The Lovelady Center, and it would grow into the largest Christ-centered transitional facility for women and children in the nation. Aiming to help societys most marginalized women, Spahn encountered many challenges and learning moments along the way. Miss Brenda and the Lovelady Movement bears witness to miraculous transformations and the incredible impact of faith in Gods grace. The book will appeal to anyone interested in social and prison reform as well as those who seek to make an impact in the lives of others. Miss Brenda and the Lovelady Movement is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. For more information about the author, please visit any of her social media platforms. Facebook: The Lovelady Center Instagram: @LoveladyCenter Twitter: @LoveladyCenter LinkedIn: The Lovelady Center About the Author: Dr. Brenda Lovelady Spahn, LHD founded The Lovelady Center, the largest Christ-centered transitional facility for women and children in the nation. She has been honored with the NBC13 Making a Difference award and has been featured on the national DirecTV Hometown Heroes program. She has received an honorary doctorate from Tennessee Temple University in humanitarian studies. Her previous publications include Miss Brenda and the Loveladies, which is soon to be a major motion picture. She lives in Alabama where she works hard to serve those in need. Media Contact: Jeanne Sparks Dean jeanne@loveladycenter.org Available for interviews: Author, Dr. Brenda Lovelady Spahn, Jeanne Sparks Dean Attachment FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In its fourth year, Fayetteville State Universitys 30-60-90 Free Summer School Program reaches record enrollment for the second consecutive year, just days after receiving a $750,000 private foundation donation that will further support its summer school student success goals. On June 19, FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison announced the gift to students, faculty, and staff in the Rudolph Jones Student Center Amphitheater and that 4,463 students are attending summer school. The enrollment increase is nearly 21% from the program's inception in 2021. We launched the idea of 30, 60, 90 Free Summer School in 2021 in the hopes that this concept would truly take at Fayetteville State University, said Chancellor Allison. Today, we stand here fully committed where 30, 60, 90 Summer School has become an integral part of FSU. We are no longer a two-semester institution fall and spring, but FSU is now a three-semester institution where 66% or two-thirds of our nearly 7,000 student population is enrolled in summer school. FSU is doubling down on its commitment to ensuring that students have real pathways of obtaining their degree in four years or less, which also equates to less debt in their pursuit of graduating. Chancellor Allison added. The large crowd also heard about the successes and accomplishments since launching the Free Summer School Program, like first-time freshmen retention rate. Our one-year retention rate for first-time freshmen cohorts in fall 2020 was 63.3%, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success & Enrollment Management Pamela Baldwin, Ed.D., said during the event. In fall 2021, we saw an increase to 69.7%. Fall 2022, another increase to 77.7%, and I am excited to share we project another increase for fall 2023. FSU student, Deborah Cathcart, recounted her personal experience with summer school. The benefits of the Free Summer School program are invaluable and has significantly decreased the financial burden of my family, Cathcart said. The opportunity to take free courses during the summer has placed me ahead of some of my peers, putting me on a smoother path toward timely graduation. FSUs 30, 60, 90, Free Summer School Program is a completion assistance program aimed at helping students graduate on time, in four years or less. Programs like the 30/60/90 Initiative also promote lowering student debt aligning with UNC System and State of North Carolina priorities. The 30, 60, 90, Initiative with the focus on free summer sessions is truly game-changing and groundbreaking across the system, said David English, Ph.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs with UNC System. This model of dedication to student success backed by private donors investing in the program is a testament to the confidences that individuals have in this institution and its students. The $750,000 private donation to Fayetteville State University to support summer school operations is evidence of the communitys advocacy and backing of the 30, 60, 90, Free Summer School Program. It additionally allows FSU to highlight the programs successes, such as two consecutive years of record-high enrollment and increasing the number of graduates and improving fall-to-fall retention rates. This is the latest private contribution to our summer school initiative, said Chancellor Allision. Since 2021, FSU has received more than $3.1 million for the Free Summer School Program, which speaks very strongly about our programs success in helping FSU students to finish. Emphasizing being a three-semester institution, FSU provides up to seven free credit hours to students during the summer, which helps students reach or exceed the number of credits needed to progress to graduation. Additionally, completion assistance programs within the UNC System are designed to help avoid students dropping out due to financial shortfalls. ### About Fayetteville State University: Founded in 1867, Fayetteville State University is a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina System and the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state. FSU is a historically black university offering degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. With nearly 7,000 students, Fayetteville State University is among the most diverse institutions in the nation. To learn more about Fayetteville State University, visit www.uncfsu.edu. Attachments Denver, Colorado, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Project C.U.R.E., the nations leading provider of donated medical supplies and equipment to underserved communities worldwide, received a $1 million donation from Wyoming philanthropist and Rotarian, John Evans. During a Project C.U.R.E. presentation at Laramie Wyoming Rotary Club, Evans was moved by the organization's work in providing critical medical relief to Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered more than $45 million in medical supplies and equipment on over 150 cargo shipments. Mr. Evans provided his gift as a matching fund to encourage other individuals and organizations to also contribute to the efforts in Ukraine. To date, Project C.U.R.E. has secured an additional $550,000 to be matched by Mr. Evans contribution. I hope other people will see what I have done here, and that they are motivated to make a gift to help Project C.U.R.E. The generous match from Mr. Evans will underwrite the delivery of approximately 60 additional semi-truck sized ocean containers of essential medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine in 2024. On average, the wholesale value of a shipment is $350,000 to $450,000, for an additional impact over $25 million in medical relief. This substantial contribution is a beacon of hope in the middle of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. It literally doubles the efforts of Project C.U.R.E.s partner organizations such as Rotary and others. As the war continues, the initial focus on crucial medical relief is moving to building resilience in hospitals and medical facilities throughout Ukraine. And when the conflict is over, Project C.U.R.E. will help with the rebuilding process, likely for decades to come. "Mr. Evans' gift makes possible the continued effort to support the people in Ukraine," said Dr. Douglas Jackson, President/CEO of Project C.U.R.E. "We have made a commitment to not forget the victims of this horrible war, and that commitment is more important now than at any time since the invasion." For the latest updates and to support the campaign for Ukraine, visit Caring For Ukraine. Donate directly to Project C.U.R.E.s efforts in Ukraine and the region: Ukraine Relief Campaign. For media inquiries, please contact: Julie Topka, Chief of Staff for Project C.U.R.E. at julietopka@projectcure.org About Project C.U.R.E.: Founded in 1987, Project C.U.R.E. (Project C.U.R.E.) has grown to be the largest organization in the world delivering nearly 200+ forty-foot ocean freight cargo containers of donated medical supplies and equipment annually. Each project begins with an onsite Needs Assessment to ensure that Project C.U.R.E. delivers the right items to the right people. Project C.U.R.E. has delivered medical relief in 135+ countries. In addition, Project C.U.R.E. conducts C.U.R.E. Clinics, Helping Babies Breathe trainings, and bio-technical trainings to hospitals and health care clinics in 40 developing nations. On average, the value of a Project C.U.R.E. Cargo container is worth approximately $400,000 (wholesale), providing an amazing 20-to-1 return on investment." Project C.U.R.E. operates Distribution Centers in Denver, Phoenix, Houston, Nashville, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Kansas City, where 30,000+ volunteers sort more than 26,000 types of non-perishable medical supplies and certify medical equipment for shipment abroad. Project C.U.R.E. also operates 12 Collection Centers from Ithaca to Sarasota and Portland. Project C.U.R.E. receives both new and quality used medical items from hundreds of hospitals throughout the United States and medical manufacturers, such as Stryker, Medline, Medtronic, Kimberly-Clark, Steris, and Hill-Rom. Project C.U.R.E. operates on 2.5% administrative overhead and has earned numerous awards for being the industry leader in international medical donations. Project C.U.R.E. is recognized as a four-star organization by Guidestar, ranked a Platinum Participant by Charity Navigator and was ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the 20 most cost-effective nonprofits in the United States. Attachment NEW YORK, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the M&A Class Action Firm), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating The Aarons Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), relating to its proposed merger with IQVentures Holdings, LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, The Aarons Company shareholders will receive $10.10 in cash for each share they own. Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/the-aarons-company-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: Do you file class actions and go to Court? When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders? What cases did you recover money in and how much? About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholdersand we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341 WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced over $1 million in new funding to provide critical training and counseling to aspiring and existing veteran small business owners as a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The new funding opportunity will make awards of up to $400,000 to up to three entities. Eligible awardees include private organizations, colleges and universities, private sector firms, nonprofit organizations, and state, local, or tribal governmental agencies. Through this initiative, the SBAs Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) is investing in military-connected entrepreneurs that will grow the VBOC program from 28 to 31 locations nationwide, said Robert Yannuzzi, Assistant Administrator for the SBAs Office of Veterans Business Development. This expansion will enhance the entrepreneurship experience across all U.S. states and territories. With this SBA funding, recipients will offer training to transitioning service members and military spouses via the Boots to Business entrepreneurship program, a key component of the Department of Defenses Transition Assistance Program, as well as Boots to Business Reboot and the Military Spouse Pathway to Business program. Applicants will deliver counseling, technical support, financial skills development, comprehensive business evaluations, and mentorship to veterans, transitioning service members, Reserve and National Guard members, and military spouses aiming to launch or expand their small businesses. Organizations across Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Florida, and Puerto Rico may apply for a portion of the total $1.1 million in funding available for this program in Fiscal Year 2024. Each award is made for a base project period of 8 months, with four 12-month option periods, starting Sept. 1, 2024. Additional information about the funding opportunity, including specific coverage areas and instructions on how to apply, can be found at www.grants.gov and by searching SB-OVVB-24-001. Applications submitted via other media, including SBAs website, will be rejected and will not be evaluated. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov no later than 11:50 p.m. EST on Friday, July 19, 2024. The SBAs Office of Veterans Business Development will host information sessions on the funding opportunity via this Microsoft Teams link or this call-in number (202-765-1264; access code: 265 542 768#, phone conference ID: 736 752 338#) at the following times: Monday, June 24: 4-5 p.m. ET Monday, July 15: 2-3 p.m. ET Please direct all questions about the VBOC funding opportunity to Tangela Liddell at tangela.liddell@sba.gov. For issues with grants.gov, please call the support line at 1-800-518-4726 or email. ### About the SBAs Office of Veterans Business Development The SBAs Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) works through the SBAs extensive resource partner network, which includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Womens Business Centers, and 28 VBOCs located throughout the nation. VBOCs are also the leading partner in hosting the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot programs, which offer courses on entrepreneurship on military installations and in local communities. Since the programs inception in 2013, Boots to Business has trained and graduated more than 200,000 service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. For more information on the resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, visit sba.gov/veterans. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. MONTREAL, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It is estimated that approximately 165,000 people per year experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Canada, and that by 2031, TBI is projected to be among the most common neurological conditions affecting Canadians. Because of the high numbers of people living with TBI, contrasted with the lack of resources to match the demand for services, people with brain injury are at a high risk of missing a critical window of opportunity for recovery. Brain injury affects every aspect of life, and the negative consequences could be reduced if immediate and effective treatment options were available and accessed. Through the Innovation Grants for Research Impact in Traumatic Brain Injury program, Brain Canada and Brain Changes Initiative (BCI) are funding research to improve brain health in Canada. Together, we are transforming the research landscape and positioning Canada as a leader in the field of TBI by responding to real needs identified by stakeholders, and funding creative and innovative evidence-based solutions. After a life-threatening car accident in which I suffered severe injuries, including a brain bleed, I defied the odds by using research about principles of neuroplasticity to recover and ultimately complete my medical studies, says Dr. Matthew Galati, founder of Brain Changes Initiative. Now, through our partnership with Brain Canada, we are committed to advancing TBI research, knowledge translation, awareness and support. Our work will improve our understanding and treatment of TBI, bridging the gap between research and medical practice. Today, we are pleased to announce the recipients of this competition: Dr. Carolina Bottari, Universite de Montreal Dr. DJ Cook, Queens University and Dr. Chantel Debert, University of Calgary Dr. Sandy Shultz, Vancouver Island University "By providing researchers with funding in this area, as well as stakeholder informed direction on where the greatest impact can be achieved, we are helping to build much needed evidence-based solutions that will improve brain health in Canada, says Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. "We are proud to partner with BCI on this initiative and eagerly anticipate the advancements made by these outstanding trailblazers in the field." Our federal governments steadfast commitment to supporting medical research is incredibly important to scientists across the country. It is equally important to all Canadians," says Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Outremont. Having recently suffered from a concussion myself, I am so pleased to see that there is further research and attention on traumatic brain injury. Congratulations to the incredible researchers receiving these grants and huge gratitude to Brain Canada for the critical role they play in advancing brain research at home and around the world. About the projects: Carolina Bottari, Universite de Montreal A sustainable ecosystem of care for women with traumatic brain injury following intimate partner violence: First steps Total amount awarded $311,753 This project been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada), and Brain Canada. DJ Cook, Queens University and Chantel Debert, University of Calgary Developing a rapid objective MRI assessment and report to characterize functional abilities and predict persistent symptoms following traumatic brain injury Total amount awarded $417,640 This project has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada), Brain Canada, and Brain Changes Initiative (BCI). Sandy Shultz, Vancouver Island University Improving the detection of brain injury in intimate partner violence patients Total amount awarded $400,000 This project has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada), Brain Canada, and Brain Changes Initiative (BCI). About Brain Canada Brain Canada plays a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world. To learn more, visit Braincanada.ca @BrainCanada About Brain Changes Initiative Brain Changes Initiative (BCI) is a not-for-profit organization that funds ground-breaking research to improve the standard of care for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery. BCI also provides awareness, advocacy and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors; they carry out knowledge translation, education, events and programs centered around nonpharmacological approaches to healing the brain. brainchanges.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6363cfca-9878-43ba-af3c-f0a8afe0abb0 TORONTO, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) is pleased to report on the progress at the Fox Complex, where we are advancing a new mine on the Stock Property. Production is planned to start in the second half of 2025. Pre-construction activities of the Stock portal have commenced, which will allow access to mining of the three gold zones, West, Main and East. In addition, the portal will provide cost-effective underground drill platforms to enable testing for expected depth extensions of these three zones. Recent exploration resulted in a 29% increase in the estimated gold resources for Stocks East Zone. The Fox Complex is comprised of several properties, including Stock, and has Measured and Indicated gold resources of 1,905,000 ounces at average grade of 4.20 g/t Au and Inferred gold resources of 549,000 gold ounces at average grade of 3.60 g/t Au. Stock Ramp to Access Future Production The Stock Property hosts the Stock Mill and the former Stock Mine, which produced 137,000 ounces of gold from an underground operation between 1989 and 2005. Our exploration has successfully defined three deposits at Stock - the East, Main and West zones. This mineralization has been found on a three-kilometer-long mineralized trend situated along the prolific Destor-Porcupine Fault. Pre-construction activities have commenced at the portal with the removal of overburden. Underground development is expected to begin in Q3. The Stock Ramp will connect the West Zone and the East Zone to the existing historical underground workings of the Main Zone. Stock is expected to provide increased gold production at a lower cost per ounce than our current production from the Froome Mine. The advantages of mining at Stock compared to Froome are significant and the reasons are three-fold: one, there is a significantly lower transportation or haulage cost. The Froome mine is deeper and located 35 kilometers from the Stock Mill, while the gold at Stock is at shallower depths and right next to the Mill; two, increased gold production due to expected higher mill throughput, as a result of the Stock material having a lower (softer) work index compared to what is currently being processed from the Froome Mine; and three, the bulk of Stock is free of royalties, whereas Froome is not. Mining will start in the East Zone, with a recently increased resource, and provide early production and cash flow. Our plan for the Stock development is to concurrently drive the Stock Ramp to the East Zone along with the ramps to the Main and West Zones. This approach will allow for multiple sources of mineralization to be accessed from the Stock Ramp. Figure 1 is a project wide longitudinal section at Stock, illustrating the proposed ramp development (shown as purple straight lines) and mining horizons (shapes in blue) associated with the West, Main and East Zones. Figure 1. Longitudinal Section for the Stock Deposit (Looking North) Figure 1 illustrates three principal plunge directions for mineralization at the Stock Zones. The following historic drill intercepts located towards the lower end of these plunges suggest the gold mineralization could continue at depth: 6.1 g/t Au over 5.6 m (S23-291), 4.3 g/t Au over 20.4 m (S21-202) and 2.7 g/t Au over 11.2 m (S19-31). Fox Complexs Large Resource Base Total Fox Complex Resources are now at 1,905,000 gold ounces of Measured and Indicated mineralization at an average grade of 4.20 g/t Au and 549,000 gold ounces of Inferred mineralization at an average grade of 3.60 g/t Au. These resources are sourced from several deposits, as listed in Figure 2. Table 1. Fox Complex Resources (May 20, 2024) Fox Complex Resources (May 20, 2024) Measured Indicated Inferred Tonnes (000s t) Grade (g/t) Contained Au (oz) Tonnes (000s t) Grade (g/t) Contained Au (oz) Tonnes (000s t) Grade (g/t) Contained Au (oz) Black Fox 304 5.80 57,000 91 5.44 16,000 149 5.33 26,000 Froome 568 3.99 73,000 284 3.95 36,000 143 3.44 16,000 Grey Fox - - - 7,566 4.80 1,168,000 1,685 4.35 236,000 Stock - West & Main - - - 1,938 3.31 206,000 1,386 2.96 132,000 Stock - East Zone - - - 866 2.70 75,000 579 2.66 50,000 Stock Project Total - - - 2,804 3.12 281,000 1,965 2.87 181,000 Tamarack - - - 1,055 1.63 55,000 - - - Davidson-Tisdale 200 7.25 47,000 75 6.42 15,000 105 4.35 15,000 Fuller - - - 1,149 4.25 157,000 693 3.41 76,000 Total Fox Complex Resources 1,072 5.11 176,000 13,024 4.13 1,729,000 4,740 3.60 549,000 Note: These resource estimates conform with the CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum) guidelines for Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE), ensuring that only material that has a realistic potential to be mined economically is reported as a resource. Stock: Growing the Gold Resource Base Table 1 shows that the overall Stock resource (West Zone + Main Zone + East Zone) now contains 281,000 gold ounces of Indicated mineralization at a grade of 3.12 g/t Au and 181,000 gold ounces of Inferred mineralization at a grade of 2.87 g/t Au, an increase in total gold ounces of nearly 7% from the Dec 31, 2023 resource. Recent Drill Results From the East Zone The 2024 infill drilling campaign at the East Zone was mainly executed within the two previously identified plunge directions (see Figure 2), yielding positive results and showing strong continuity between drillhole intercepts. Mineralization associated with the steeper of the two plunge directions below the 250 meters elevation will be more accessible for drilling from future underground drill platforms, at a lower cost per meter. The intercepts highlighted in yellow in Figure 2, including: 5.9 g/t Au over 13.5 m (SEZ24-108), 6.1 g/t Au over 7.8 m (SEZ24-105), 6.7 g/t Au over 6.3 m (SEZ24-111), are well above the East Zones current average Indicated resource grade of about 2.7 g/t Au. Figure 2. Longitudinal Section for the East Zone at Stock (Looking North) The 2024 drilling campaign at the East Zone was completed in early Q2. The intercepts highlighted in Figure 2 are included in Table 2 below. Table 2. Key Results From Recent Drilling at the East Zone Hole ID From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au Uncapped (g/t) Au x TW Uncapped (Gxm) SEZ24-104 82.1 89.8 7.6 6.7 3.0 20.1 SEZ24-105 106.6 116.8 10.1 7.8 6.1 47.6 SEZ24-107 227.4 252.0 24.7 18.0 3.1 55.8 SEZ24-108 113.8 134.4 20.7 13.4 5.9 79.2 SEZ24-109 109.6 117.4 7.8 6.4 3.9 24.8 SEZ24-111 72.2 79.0 6.8 6.3 6.7 42.4 SEZ24-115 127.8 134.9 7.1 5.1 5.2 26.8 SEZ24-116 211.4 219.2 7.8 6.8 3.3 22.4 SEZ24-117 227.1 233.9 6.7 5.5 3.1 17.1 SEZ24-118A 198.3 205.3 6.9 6.3 4.2 26.6 SEZ24-124 257.0 264.1 7.1 5.2 3.0 15.7 SEZ24-125 221.1 230.0 8.9 6.1 3.1 18.9 And 259.0 270.3 11.3 7.8 4.5 35.2 The above results were incorporated into the East Zone resource estimate dated May 20, 2024, and amounted to 75,000 gold ounces Indicated and 50,000 gold ounces Inferred, as shown in Table 3 below. Table 3. East Zone Resource Update (from Dec 31, 2023 to May 20, 2024) Resource Dates for East Zone Category Tonnes (000s t) Au Grade (g/t) Gold (oz) Dec 31, 2023 Indicated 1,232 2.40 95,000 Inferred 21 2.32 2,000 May 20, 2024 Indicated 866 2.70 75,000 Inferred 579 2.66 50,000 The start of production at Stock will coincide with production decreasing at the Froome mine. Permit applications to mine the Grey Fox deposit will follow the start of mining at Stock. The growth of our gold resources and the prospect of a long mine life are becoming clear and are a direct result of our intense focus and large investments in exploration, said Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner. Technical Information Technical information pertaining to the Fox Complex exploration contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of Sean Farrell, P.Geo., Chief Exploration Geologist, who is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects." The technical information related to resource estimates in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Luke Willis, P.Geo., McEwen Minings Director of Resource Modelling and a Qualified Person as defined by SEC S-K 1300 and Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects." Exploration drill core samples at the Stock Complex were submitted as 1/2 core. Analyses reported herein were performed by the photon assay method at the accredited laboratory MSA Labs in Timmins, Ontario, Canada (ISO 9001 & ISO 10725). Notes on the Updated Resource at the East Zone: Effective date of the updated Mineral Resource estimate is 20 May 2024. The QP for the estimate is Mr. Carson Cybolsky, P.Geo, an employee of McEwen Mining. Mineral Resources are reported using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards and in accordance with the CIM Best Practice Guidelines (2019). Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported above an economic cut-off grade of 1.95 g/t gold assuming underground extraction methods and based on costs per tonne of US$60.80 for mining, US$18.50 for process, US$7.98 for G&A, metallurgical recovery of 94%, and a gold price of US$1,725/oz. Mineral Resources include the must take minor material below cut-off grade which is interlocked with blocks above the cut-off grade within the mineable shape optimizer stopes. Figures may not sum due to rounding. For a list of drilling results at Stock since Feb 28, 2024, including hole location and alignment, click here: https://www.mcewenmining.com/files/doc_news/archive/2024/2024_06_StockDrillResults.xlsx CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements and information expressed, as at the date of this news release, McEwen Mining Inc.'s (the "Company") estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward--looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the corporation to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves, and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See McEwen Mining's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption "Risk Factors", for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information regarding the Company. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement. The NYSE and TSX have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management of McEwen Mining Inc. ABOUT MCEWEN MINING McEwen Mining is a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. In addition, it owns approximately 47.7% of McEwen Copper which owns the large, advanced-stage Los Azules copper project in Argentina. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, has a personal investment in the company of US$220 million. Want News Fast? Subscribe to our email list by clicking here: https://www.mcewenmining.com/contact-us/#section=followUs and receive news as it happens! WEB SITE SOCIAL MEDIA www.mcewenmining.com McEwen Mining Facebook: facebook.com/mcewenmining LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mcewen-mining-inc- CONTACT INFORMATION Twitter: twitter.com/mcewenmining 150 King Street West Instagram: instagram.com/mcewenmining Suite 2800, PO Box 24 Toronto, ON, Canada McEwen Copper Facebook: facebook.com/ mcewencopper M5H 1J9 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mcewencopper Twitter: twitter.com/mcewencopper Relationship with Investors: Instagram: instagram.com/mcewencopper (866)-441-0690 - Toll free line (647)-258-0395 Rob McEwen Facebook: facebook.com/mcewenrob Mihaela Iancu ext. 320 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-mcewen-646ab24 info@mcewenmining.com Twitter: twitter.com/robmcewenmux Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af6f5cde-005f-49c6-84ca-36f956a0f0e5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b3b2963b-c086-4c09-9b02-a54e26d4a68b WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ryan Donovan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, the public voice of the Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBank System), today released the following statement in response to the publication of the Federal Housing Finance Agencys Request for Input on Affordable Housing Program (AHP) applications. We appreciate FHFA recognizing the feedback it heard from the FHLBanks, their members, and affordable housing developers during its review of the FHLBank System that the AHP application process is overly complicated, and we welcome the opportunity to respond to this Request for Input. Solving the affordable housing crisis is one of our greatest societal challenges and while we recognize that no single entity or group can alone solve the problem, the FHLBanks today are one of the largest sources of private funding for affordable housing, down payment assistance and community development in the country with an expected $1 billion available in 2024. One of the biggest challenges facing community and affordable housing groups desperately seeking funding is how best to navigate the complexity of the AHP grant program application process. The FHLBanks, along with our members who provide AHP grants directly to consumers and housing providers, provide tools and guidance to applicants to ensure compliance for their projects and we fully support creating an easier path to for accessing AHP funding. We hope this is the beginning of a process to meaningfully streamline AHP regulations to enhance access use and, importantly, the impact of the program. Additional information: Each of the 11 FHLBanks have implemented programs designed to broaden the AHP applicant pool, extending the reach of the program into underserved and needy communities. Some examples include: FHLBank San Francisco established the Nevada Targeted Fund, the first program of its kind that specifically targets affordable housing projects in the state. To ensure the widest pool of applicants, the Bank granted $850,000 to the Nevada Housing Coalition over two years to build the Coalition's capacity, expand affordable housing development capabilities, and initiate educational efforts to ease the application process. FHLBank Atlantas Multifamily Housing Bridge Fund awarded $400,000 to Crescent Drive Apartments in Durham, North Carolina through member Truist Bank. The grants will enable the completion of a large, 82-unit complex specifically serving low- to middle-income households: 18 units are for households earning up to 30% of AMI, 42 for those earning up to 60%, and 22 for those earning up to 80%. FHLBank Chicagos Cultural Exploration initiative provides an avenue for it to meet with members in local communities and work toward innovative solutions. One member, IAA Credit Union, attended a Cultural Exploration event and left with a solution for a customer who had been previously approved for down payment assistance through FHLBank Chicagos AHP, but was faced with walking away from the purchase due to structural issues identified late in the process. IAA Credit Union paired the AHP funding with a USDA 504 loan program, which can be used to address hazardous repair or modernization of a property, allowing the buyer to move forward with the purchase. Each FHLBank is required by law to contribute a minimum of 10% of income to its Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Last year, the 11 FHLBanks voluntarily agreed to contribute a total of 15% of income to affordable housing and community development initiatives on a go forward basis. Each FHLBank is either already making additional voluntary contributions or is in the process of increasing its voluntary contribution levels. The FHLBank System recently reported combined net income of over $6.6 billion for 2023 with a combined AHP assessment of $752 million. Including expected voluntary contributions based on their 2023 financial results, the FHLBanks expect to provide approximately $1 billion in support for affordable housing and community development initiatives in 2024. About: The FHLBanks are 11 regionally based, wholesale suppliers of lendable funds to financial institutions of all sizes and many types, including community banks, credit unions, commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. The FHLBanks are cooperatively owned by member financial institutions in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The steady supply of lendable funds from FHLBanks helps U.S. lenders invest in local needs including housing, jobs, and economic growth. The Council of FHLBanks represents all 11 FHLBanks. BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS IS ACCESSIBLE, AND PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT WILL BE ACCESSIBLE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS, ON SEDAR+ NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chartwell Retirement Residences ("Chartwell" or the "Trust") (TSX: CSH.UN) announces that it has entered into definitive agreements for the strategic acquisition of two seniors housing portfolios in Quebec from separate vendors for an aggregate purchase price of $511 million (the "Portfolio Acquisitions"), consisting of: a 100% ownership interest in a portfolio of five high quality, modern retirement residences with 1,428 suites, located in the Greater Montreal area (the "GMA"), Gatineau, and Sherbrooke (the "GMA Portfolio") for $297 million; and a 50% ownership interest in a portfolio of five high quality, modern retirement residences with 1,805 suites located in the Quebec City area and Shawinigan (the "Quebec City Portfolio") for $214 million In addition to the Portfolio Acquisitions, Chartwell recently closed its acquisition of an 85% ownership interest in two modern, high quality residences with 685 suites from EMD-Batimo for $166 million: Chartwell Le Prescott and Chartwell Trait-Carre (the "Batimo Acquisitions"). On a combined basis, the Portfolio Acquisitions and the Batimo Acquisitions (collectively, the "Acquired Properties") are expected to result in Chartwell acquiring 12 properties representing 3,918 suites with an average age of five years and current occupancy of 95% (excluding two assets in lease-up)1. The total purchase price for the Acquired Properties, in aggregate, is $677 million. Chartwell is also in late-stage negotiations to acquire an 85% ownership interest in a retirement residence with 368 suites in Quebec from EMD-Batimo. Chartwell expects the price of the acquisition, if completed, to be approximately $86 million including the assumption of existing mortgages of $58 million. Concurrently with the Portfolio Acquisitions, Chartwell announces a $300 million bought deal offering (the "Offering") of units of the Trust (Trust Units), the net proceeds of which are expected to be used to partially fund the cash portion of the purchase prices for the GMA Portfolio and the Quebec City Portfolio, as further outlined below. GMA Portfolio The GMA Portfolio comprises five residences with 1,428 suites, of which three properties (55% of total suites) are located in the GMA, one property (23% of total suites) is located in Sherbrooke, and one property (21% of total suites) is located in Gatineau. The GMA Portfolio has a weighted average age of six years, with 105 seniors apartments (SA), 1,199 apartments offering independent supportive living services ("ISLA") and 124 suites offering assisted living services (AL suites). The current occupancy of the GMA Portfolio is 95%. Chartwell has agreed to purchase a 100% ownership interest in the GMA Portfolio for total consideration of $297 million. All properties offer residents a high quality living environment with upscale finishes, extensive and elegant amenity offerings, such as restaurants, theatres, multi-purpose rooms, libraries, swimming pools, exercise facilities and spas, and are well located in vibrant communities. The GMA Portfolio has over five acres of total excess land with the potential for development of over 580 units, across four properties. The GMA Portfolio is being acquired free-and-clear of debt. Quebec City Portfolio The Quebec City Portfolio comprises five residences with 1,805 suites of which four properties (82% of total suites) are located in the Quebec City area and one property (18% of total suites) is located in Shawinigan. The Quebec City Portfolio has a weighted average age of five years, with 181 SA, 1,428 ISLA and 196 AL suites. The current occupancy of the Quebec City Portfolio is 82%. Excluding two assets in lease up, the current occupancy of the Quebec City Portfolio is 94%. Chartwell will acquire a 50% ownership interest in the Quebec City Portfolio for total consideration of $214 million and will also assume management responsibilities. Chartwell expects to earn approximately $1.7 million in annual management fees from its joint-venture partner on a stabilized basis. The vendor has agreed to provide Chartwell with a 2-year net operating income ("NOI") guarantee, with $4.7 million of the purchase price to be held in escrow to support the vendors obligation. The Quebec City Portfolio comprises modern assets with high end finishes and amenity offerings, such as restaurants, theatres, multi-purpose rooms, libraries, swimming pools, exercise facilities and spas. Each property is well-located close to stores, public transit and other community offerings. Chartwell will be assuming the current in-place mortgage debt on the Quebec City Portfolio totaling approximately $154 million, being Chartwell's 50% share. Beginning on August 28, 2028, subject to a one-year extension at the vendor's option, Chartwell will have an option to purchase the remaining 50% ownership interest of the Quebec City Portfolio and the vendor will have an option to sell its remaining 50% ownership interest of the Quebec City Portfolio to Chartwell at the then fair market value. Batimo Acquisitions The Batimo Acquisitions comprise an 85% ownership interest in two modern, well-located retirement residences with 685 suites. One property (47% of total suites) is located in the GMA and one property (53% of total suites) is located in Quebec City. The Batimo Acquisitions have a weighted average age of five years, with 648 ISLA and 37 AL suites. The current occupancy of these residences is 96%. The aggregate purchase price for the 85% ownership interest in the Batimo Acquisitions was $166 million. The Batimo Acquisitions offer residents attractive amenities, high quality finishes and are located in vibrant communities in core Quebec cities. Chartwell assumed the current in-place mortgage debt on the portfolio totaling approximately $100 million, being Chartwell's 85% share. "These acquisitions of high quality, recently developed residences will positively contribute to the overall quality of Chartwell's portfolio and expand our presence in high-growth Quebec cities, particularly within the Greater Montreal and Quebec City areas. The Acquired Properties are complementary to our existing Quebec portfolio, which we expect will allow for operating and management synergies. The transactions are consistent with our investment strategy to grow in strong markets with newer, high-quality assets which we believe will be competitive for a long time," said Vlad Volodarski, Chief Executive Officer, Chartwell Retirement Residences. Benefits of the Acquired Properties The Acquired Properties are expected to enhance the quality of Chartwell's portfolio and fit strategically with Chartwell's growth objectives, increasing its presence in key cities in Quebec. The Acquired Properties are strategically located, with 76% concentration in the GMA and Quebec City area, two of Quebec's most sought-after and largest cities. Over 91% of total suites are apartments, with the majority offering independent supportive living services. 10 of the 12 Acquired Properties offer continuum of care with dedicated AL neighborhoods. Pro forma the Acquired Properties, Chartwell's weighted average portfolio age will decline by approximately three years. The Acquired Properties are expected to have lower capital expenditure requirements than Chartwell's existing portfolio. The purchase price per suite for the Acquired Properties of approximately $230,000 is estimated to be approximately 30% below current replacement costs. The Acquired Properties have historically experienced strong operating and financial performance. As of May 2024, occupancy for the Acquired Properties was 95% (excluding two lease-up properties in the Quebec City Portfolio)1. Chartwell expects the Acquired Properties to generate a stabilized operating margin of over 40%. Based on Chartwell's underwriting and financing considerations, including estimated NOI support payments, the Acquired Properties are expected to be accretive to adjusted funds from operations per unit in the first full year of ownership, while enhancing the quality of Chartwell's property portfolio. Acquisition Funding The Acquired Properties will be funded through a combination of proceeds from previously announced dispositions, the assumption of in-place debt, net proceeds from the Offering (in the case of the Portfolio Acquisitions) and existing sources of liquidity. On a pro forma basis, taking into account the Offering, the Acquired Properties will not have a significant impact on Chartwells Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio and with the expected continuing occupancy and earnings growth, Chartwell expects the ratio to continue to decline over time. Closing Conditions Closing of the GMA Portfolio acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions for transactions of this nature. Chartwell anticipates the closing of the GMA Portfolio acquisition to occur in Q3 2024. Closing of the Quebec City Portfolio acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions for transactions of this nature. Chartwell anticipates the closing of the Quebec City Portfolio acquisition to occur in Q3 2024. Bought Deal Equity Offering Chartwell also announced today that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by TD Securities Inc., Scotiabank, and RBC Capital Markets (collectively, the "Underwriters") to issue to the public, on a bought deal basis, 24,600,000 Trust Units, representing approximately $300 million of gross proceeds, at a price of $12.20 per Trust Unit. Chartwell has also granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Trust Units offered in the Offering on the same terms and conditions, exercisable at any time, in whole or in part, up to 30 days after the closing of the Offering. Chartwell intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering, including over-allotment proceeds, if any, to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the GMA Portfolio and the Quebec City Portfolio. The Trust Units will be offered in each of the provinces of Canada pursuant to a prospectus supplement to the Trusts short form base shelf prospectus dated April 30, 2024 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") that will be filed by no later than June 24, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement"). The Offering is expected to close on or about June 27, 2024 and is subject to certain conditions, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Trust Units have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act), except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any Trust Units in the United States. Delivery of the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, and any amendments to the documents will be provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a shelf prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus and any amendment. The Base Shelf Prospectus is, and the Prospectus Supplement will be (within two business days of the date hereof), accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Trust Units are offered under the Prospectus Supplement. An electronic or paper copy of the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement (when filed), and any amendment to the documents may be obtained without charge, from TD Securities Inc. at 1625 Tech Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5P5 Attention: Symcor, NPM, or by telephone at (289) 360-2009 or by email at sdcconfirms@td.com by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. The Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement contain important, detailed information about the Trust and the proposed Offering. Prospective investors should read the Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement (when filed) before making an investment decision. Advisors TD Securities Inc. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Chartwell on the acquisition of the GMA Portfolio. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is acting as legal advisor to Chartwell. About Chartwell Chartwell is in the business of serving and caring for Canada's seniors, committed to its vision of Making People's Lives BETTER and to providing a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life experience for its residents. Chartwell is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate trust which indirectly owns and operates a complete range of seniors housing communities, from independent living through to assisted living and long term care. Chartwell is one of the largest operators in Canada, with approximately 25,000 suites in four provinces across the country. For more information visit www.chartwell.com. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information that reflects the current expectations, estimates and projections of management about the future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities for Chartwell and the seniors housing industry. Forward-looking information can be generally identified by the use of words such as anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, expected, intend, may, will, project, plan, should, believe and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements relating to the Offering and Acquired Properties, including expectations regarding timing for completion of the Offering, the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the Offering, expectations about the impact of the Acquired Properties on Chartwells Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, expectations regarding the anticipation timing of completion of the Portfolio Acquisitions, the accretiveness of the Acquired Properties, the extent to which the Acquired Properties will affect Chartwell's weighted average portfolio age, expectations regarding the Acquired Properties capital expenditure requirements, anticipated annual management fees from the Quebec City Portfolio, the potential for further development of the GMA Portfolio, operating and management synergies resulting from the Acquired Properties, the potential acquisition of the additional 85% interest in a Quebec property from EMD-Batimo, and the expected operating margins for the Acquired Properties. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those expected or estimated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. See the "Risks and Uncertainties" section in Chartwell's managements discussion analysis of results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2023 dated March 7, 2024 and in our managements discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition for the three months ended March 31, 2024 dated May 9, 2024 (Q1 2024 MD&A), and in materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada from time to time, including but not limited to our most recent Annual Information Form and in the Prospectus Supplement to be filed in connection with the Offering. Except as required by law, Chartwell does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or for any other reason. Non-GAAP Measures Chartwells consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Management uses certain financial measures to assess Chartwells financial performance, which are measures not defined in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar metrics used by other entities. Chartwells credit agreements and outstanding debentures contain numerous financial covenants. For a full description of certain of these covenants, please refer to the Q1 2024 MD&A available on Chartwells website and at www.sedarplus.com. For more information, please contact: Chartwell Retirement Residences Vlad Volodarski, Chief Executive Officer Tel: (905) 501-4709 Email: investorrelations@chartwell.com Appendix Suite Type (at 100%) Property City Year Built Seniors Apartments (SA) Independent Supportive Living Apartments (ISLA) Assisted Living (AL) Total Occupancy (May 2024) St Jerome Saint-Jerome 2015 105 197 - 302 99.0% Terrebonne Terrebonne 2019 - 191 35 226 99.1% St-Jean Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 2018 - 224 37 261 92.3% Rock Forest Sherbrooke 2018 - 308 25 333 99.4% Gatineau Gatineau 2021 - 279 27 306 84.3% GMA Portfolio 2018 105 1,199 124 1,428 94.7% Shawinigan Shawinigan 2019 - 251 65 316 96.9% Val-Belair Quebec City 2018 - 237 56 293 95.3% Saint-Nicolas I Levis 2015 - 244 10 254 89.0% Saint-Nicolas II Levis 2022 - 287 34 321 59.2% Jules-Verne L'Ancienne-Lorette 2019 181 409 31 621 77.7% Quebec City Portfolio 2019 181 1,428 196 1,805 82.2% Chartwell Le Prescott Vaudreuil-Dorion 2017 - 324 - 324 97.8% Chartwell Trait-Carre Quebec City 2021 - 324 37 361 94.2% Batimo Acquisitions 2019 - 648 37 685 95.9% Acquired Properties 2019 286 3,275 357 3,918 89.2% Acquired Properties (Excl. Lease Up Properties)1 2018 105 2,579 292 2,976 94.8% Note: Year-Built based on weighted average of phases completed, by suite count, if applicable. 1. Excludes Saint-Nicolas II and Jules-Verne. Crucial for China, EU to find balance amid tariff tensions 15:53, June 20, 2024 By Global Times ( Global Times Illustration: Chen Xia/GT Amid the trade tensions sparked by the EU's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck is set to make his first visit to China this week, according to the German government, with German media outlets anticipating "intense negotiations" during the trip. Since Habeck has personally spoken out against punitive tariffs as "the worst way forward," his visit has undoubtedly garnered great attention amid trade tensions between China and the EU. This is not just because the visit will be closely watched for clues as to the fallout of the EU tariffs, but also because it shows the open attitude of China and some politicians in the EU in seeking dialogue and cooperation amid trade friction. It is undeniable that the rise of global trade protectionism in recent years has posed challenges to economic and trade relations between China and the EU. Last week, the European Commission's preliminary ruling on its anti-subsidy investigation into EVs imported from China escalated trade friction between the two sides. While some European politicians may sincerely believe resorting to protectionist measures such as raising tariffs on Chinese products would protect their own industries, this approach is unlikely to serve any good purpose, help to improve EU manufacturing competitiveness or accelerate the bloc's green transition. Instead, it is likely to exacerbate bilateral trade tensions, harming the economic interests of businesses of both sides. The EU is a key trading partner for China, and the close ties between China's industrial chain for EVs and European manufacturers, particularly those in Germany, mean that tariffs could have negative repercussions for both Chinese exporters and EU businesses and consumers. Furthermore, market concerns over potential retaliatory measures in response to trade tensions could create a harmful cycle of dampened market confidence, detrimental to future economic and investment exchanges between the two sides. Given this context, it is crucial for China-EU economic and trade relations to find a balance through dialogue and cooperation in order to effectively address the concerns of both sides and promote free trade. This is also why Habeck's reported visit to China is expected to carry particular weight in China-EU economic relations. Since Germany is Europe's largest economy, its choices and attitudes are not just about obtaining more access to the Chinese market for German companies. It's also about sending a message that China and some politicians in the EU still have the willingness to sit down and discuss problems, even amid friction and disagreement, so as to solve conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. Such an open and pragmatic attitude is crucial for the maintenance and growth of China-EU economic and trade relations, demonstrating that, despite their differences, both sides share a common goal of enhancing communication and understanding to find a way out. The development of China-EU economic and trade relations cannot be reversed and nor should they even risk a trade war because of temporary friction. A trade war will harm the economic interests of both sides and have a negative impact on the global economy. It is imperative for both sides to collaborate in resolving the issue and charting a path toward mutual development. This necessitates not only political wisdom but also long-term foresight. It is hoped that Habeck's visit could lead to more productive discussions on economic and trade issues, particularly in the realm of EVs, and infuse fresh energy into the ongoing development of China-EU economic and trade relations. Also, we hope for enhanced collaboration across various sectors to tackle global challenges like climate change and sustainable development. It is only through such efforts that China-EU economic and trade relations can progress amid challenges, fostering mutual benefit and cooperation for the stability and growth of the global economy. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) NEWTOWN, Pa., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a leading class action law firm, is investigating securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (Lamb Weston) common stock (NYSE: LW) between July 25, 2023, and April 3, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period). Investors who purchased Lamb Weston stock may move the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho to appoint them as lead plaintiff, no later than August 12, 2024 . Please contact Edelson Lechtzin LLP to discuss your investment losses at 844-696-7492, or by e-mail at elechtzin@edelson-law.com. A copy of the class action complaint can be viewed HERE. What is a Lead Plaintiff? The lead plaintiff is a court-appointed representative of a class of purchasers of securities in a class action under the federal securities fraud laws. The lead plaintiffs responsibilities include selecting the attorneys who will represent the class in the lawsuit, and if necessary, providing testimony at trial. Background on Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. Lamb Weston, based in Eagle, Idaho, distributes and markets frozen potato products globally. The Securities Fraud Claims On July 25, 2023, Lamb Weston completed the design of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system, which was intended to connect important aspects of its business and operations to improve efficiency through increased automation. In November 2023, the company transitioned some of its previous systems to the new ERP system. Defendants claimed the Company had experienced only the usual bumps in the implementation of the ERP system and told investors that its guidance for fiscal 2024 accounted for the financial impact of the systems deployment. The statements made during the Class Period were false. The Defendants knew of significant problems in the new ERP systems functionality. Despite this, Lamb Weston proceeded with the implementation, affecting its business and operations. As a result, the company's statements lacked a reasonable factual basis, leading to artificially inflated stock prices. On April 4, 2024, Lamb Weston revealed that it faced major challenges while implementing its new ERP system. The problematic roll-out resulted in a $135 million loss in sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, and the company had to lower its sales guidance for the full fiscal year by $330 million. On this news, the price of Lamb Weston stock declined by $19.59 per share or over 19%. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. Eric Lechtzin, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 or 215-867-2399 ext. 1 Email: medelson@edelson-law.com Email: elechtzin@edelson-law.com Web: www.edelson-law.com Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a leading class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving securities and investment fraud, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and dangerous and defective drugs and medical devices. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. SAN DIEGO, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of UiPath, Inc. (NYSE: PATH) securities between December 1, 2023 and the close of trading on May 29, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period), have until August 19, 2024 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the UiPath class action lawsuit. Captioned Steiner v. UiPath, Inc., No. 24-cv-04702 (S.D.N.Y.), the UiPath class action lawsuit charges UiPath and certain of UiPaths top current and former executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the UiPath class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-uipath-inc-class-action-path.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com. Lead plaintiff motions for the UiPath class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than August 19, 2024. CASE ALLEGATIONS: UiPath is a business automation software company. The UiPath class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) UiPaths turnaround strategy had failed because fruitless investments and inconsistent execution plagued UiPaths overhauled go-to-market strategy; (ii) UiPaths AI-powered Business Automation Platform suffered from UiPaths inability to adequately scale its AI-powered tools and caused confusion among customers; and (iii) as a result, UiPath experienced significant difficulties closing and/or expanding large multiyear deals. The UiPath class action lawsuit further alleges that on May 29, 2024, UiPath announced the resignation of defendant Robert Enslin as CEO effective June 1, 2024, and the reappointment of defendant Daniel Dines as CEO. The complaint further alleges that UiPath also revealed disappointing first quarter 2025 financial results and a significant cut in its revenue guidance for fiscal year 2025. On this news, the price of UiPath stock fell more than 34%, according to the UiPath class action lawsuit. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired UiPath securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the UiPath class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the UiPath class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the UiPath class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the UiPath class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading complex class action firms representing plaintiffs in securities fraud cases. The Firm was ranked #1 on the ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report for recovering more than $1.75 billion for investors in 2022 the third year in a row Robbins Geller topped the list. And in those three years alone, Robbins Geller recovered nearly $5.3 billion for investors, more than double the amount recovered by any other plaintiffs firm. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com VANCOUVER, BC - (TheNewswire - June 19, 2024) Gold\'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M), (OTC: GFTRF) (the "Company" or "Gold'n Futures") announced that it has entered into debt settlement agreements (the "Settlement Agreements") to settle outstanding cash payments owed to creditors (the "Creditors") totaling $65,861.00 for legal, accounting, geological, and corporate administration fees. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue 12,426,604 common shares ("Shares") at a deemed price of $0.0053 per Share, based on a 20-day VWAP. The board of directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to settle the outstanding debts by the issuance of the Shares in order to preserve the Company's cash for working capital. The Company will be relying on the "Employee, Executive Officer, Director and Consultant" exemption contained in section 2.24 (the "Exemption") of NI 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions, to issue the Shares to the Creditor. Securities issued under the Exemption are not subject to a hold period and are free trading. About Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. Gold\'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M) (OTC: GFTRF) is a mineral exploration company with two advanced Canadian gold projects. The Hercules Gold Project is 195 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario in the Beardmore - Geraldton gold mining camp. It is 54 km north west of Equinox Gold's Greenstone gold mine that reportedly boasts 5.5 million ounces of Proven and Probable Reserves (https://www.equinoxgold.com/growth-projects/greenstone-project/). The Hercules Property consists of 425 contiguous claims (11,370 ha). From the historical and its current work, the Company has built a comprehensive database and model and is preparing a new Mineral Resource Estimate based upon current and historical drilling totalling the order of 537 holes comprising 114,000 m of core. The Brady-Huxter Gold Project is in Central Newfoundland, 50 km southeast of the town of Gander. The Brady-Huxter property consists of nine mineral licenses, which cover 2,350 ha and contains two large porphyry-hosted gold deposits, the Reid and Mosquito Hill. These deposits have a combined drill-defined historical resource estimate of 59.5 million tonnes containing 938,753 oz of indicated and inferred gold mineralization (see Gold'n Futures news of October 16, 2023). Gold'n Futures is conducting programs to expand its gold resources and to develop viable gold mining operations through the application of extensive geological experience and knowledge combined with advanced technologies and computer modeling. For more information, please visit our website at: www.goldnfuturesmineralcorp.com For further information Matthew Fish Director Email: fish@fishpurdy.com Ph: 905-781-8786 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements that constitute forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical statements of fact are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the successful issuance of the common shares and the extinguishment of the debt. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "aim", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which 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 statements, and includes those risks described in the Company's Listing Statement dated August 19, 2020 and the Company's management's discussion & analysis for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, copies of which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release except as otherwise required by law. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, June 20, 2024 - CDN Maverick Capital Corp. (CSE: CDN) (OTCQB: AXVEF) (FSE: A117RU) ("Maverick" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, under the amended terms of the property agreement, it received $50,000 USD in cash and a total of 2,064,750 NOA Lithium Inc. (TSXV: NOAL) common shares as part of the third payment for CDN's Nevasca Lithium Project in Argentina. All other commercial terms of the original agreement remain unchanged. On June 12, 2024, NOAL was required to make a payment of US$250,000 in cash and US$250,000 in NOAL shares. However, CDN Maverick elected to receive US$50,000 cash and increase the share portion to US$450,000 worth in NOAL shares. Simon Studer, Interim CEO and President, CDN Maverick, comments, "Upon receiving the third payment, Maverick has increased its stake in NOA Lithium Brines Inc. to over 3.1 million shares. From an investor's standpoint, lowering the cash part of the NOAL payment to enhance our equity position in NOAL seemed particularly opportunistic as NOAL has recently expanded its resource at the Rio Grande Salar Lithium Project in Salta by 65%, reaching 3,799,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) with an average lithium concentration of 535 mg/l." And continues: "Our primary objective is to develop assets and identify opportunities that generate long-term value for our shareholders. The aggressive pace of NOAL's exploration efforts, along with the reported grades and size of the deposit at Rio Grande, compare favorably with historical examples of lithium brine projects in similar Salar environments in the Puna of Northwest Argentina, which have become M&A targets within a relatively short timeframe." All details regarding the original property transaction are set forth in the Company's news release dated May 8, 2023. Picture 1: "Cono de Arita", Arizaro Salar, Salta, Argentina, nearby the Nevasca Lithium Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4568/213629_5a7691f004d7486a_001full.jpg Update on Noram Lithium Corp. Investment CDN Maverick is also pleased to report an update on its investment in Noram Lithium Corp., which has released a new Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Zeus lithium project on June 10, 2024. The updated MRE highlights, constrained at a 525 ppm lithium cut-off, are as follows: Indicated Resources of 564 million tonnes grading 956 ppm lithium for 2.9 million tonnes of contained Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE). Additional Inferred Resources of 287 million tonnes at 861 ppm lithium, totaling 1.3 million tonnes of contained LCE. The constraining pit consists of a high-grade core plus a lower grade peripheral halo. Indicated Resources1 within the high-grade core zone include 166 million tonnes grading 1,121 ppm lithium, broken down as follows: High Grade Core Zone Indicated Resources1 Material Grade (ppm Li) Tonnes (Mt) Grade (ppm Li) High-Grade >1,325 54 1,496 Medium Grade 900-1,325 49 1,108 Low Grade <900 64 814 Total 166 1,121 Sufficient high/medium grade Indicated Resources to support 29 years of mine life plus a potential 18 years of processing low-grade, at a nominal processing rate of 3.5 Mt/year. Sandy MacDougall, Executive Chairman of CDN Maverick, states "The expansion and delineation of the high-grade core at Noram's 100% owned Zeus lithium project in central Nevada highlights the quality of the project. With about 15 years of material grading 1,500ppm lithium able to be fed into a future processing facility, the project has the ability to be a significant United States domestic producer of battery-grade lithium carbonate for use in electric vehicles. The high-grade core at Zeus is unique in central Nevada claystone deposits and therefore has the potential to build a much stronger business case compared to some of Noram's peer companies." ABOUT CDN MAVERICK CAPITAL CORP. CDN Maverick Capital Corp. is a diversified exploration company, with a core focus on lithium. Prospects and Projects: James Bay, Quebec: The Poncheville and Chabinoche Properties and Extensions cover 150,000 hectares of prospective ground for Lithium, Base Metals and PGE's targets. They are road accessible and located at about 65 km North of Matagami in Quebec's James Bay. Electric Avenue, Ontario: The 7,040 hectares Northwind Lake Lithium Property is located at 10km from the Frontier Lithium's PAK Lithium Project in the "Electric Avenue," an emerging lithium pegmatite exploration camp in the Red Lake area of Ontario. Rainbow Canyon, Nevada: In 2017, Maverick drilled a notable high-grade intercept over five feet (1.5m) containing 19.6 g/tn Au in hole RCR-03. Investments: NOA Lithium Brines Inc.: CDN Maverick holds 3,109,135 shares of NOA Lithium Inc. (TSXV: NOAL) Noram Lithium Corp.: The company holds over 1.66 million shares in Noram Lithium Corp. (TSXV: NRM) CDN Maverick Capital Corp. is actively expanding its critical minerals portfolio across the Americas, with a firm commitment to sustainable and ESG-friendly investing and exploration. Qualified Person Raul Sanabria, M.Sc., P.Geo., VP Exploration of CDN Maverick Capital Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandy MacDougall Founder, Chairman, and Director sandyjmacdougall@gmail.com C: 778.999.2159 Simon Studer President, Interim CEO, and Director simondavidstuder@gmail.com Phone: +41-44-485-2484 FOLLOW US: Twitter: https://twitter.com/cdnmaverickcorp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDNMaverickCorp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdnmaverick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdnmaverickcorp YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cdnmaverickcorp This news release contains projections and forward - looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward - looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements; the uncertainty of future profitability; and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Actual results and future events could differ materially from anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward- looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressed qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstance or management's estimates or opinions change. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange ("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. 1 Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that any Mineral Resource will be converted into Mineral Reserve. The Company expects to file an NI 43-101 Technical Report on SEDAR+ no later than July 19, 2024. This news release should be read in conjunction with the Technical Report. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213629 Toronto, June 20, 2024 - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of 108,333,333 common shares (each, a "Share") of the Company at a price of $0.12 per Share (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds of approximately $13,000,000. The Offering was conducted by Paradigm Capital Inc., acting as lead agent and sole bookrunner, and Maison Placements Canada Inc., Pollitt & Co. Inc. and Velocity Trade Capital Ltd. (collectively, the "Agents"). In connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Agents a cash commission of $751,800.28 and issued 6,265,002 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant is exercisable into one Share of the Company at a price of $0.12 per Share for a period of 24 months from the date hereof. Additionally, as consideration for financial advisory services provided in connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Agents an additional cash advisory fee of $158,199.72 and issued to the Agents an additional 1,318,331 Broker Warrants. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for exploration and development, and general working capital purposes. The securities issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. 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 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 elaine@omaigoldmines.com +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, anticipated regulatory approvals in connection with 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213713 VANCOUVER, June 20, 2024 - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or "FAN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement led by a strategic investor, of 9,928,571 flow-through shares (the "FT Shares") issued at a price of C$0.21 per FT Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,084,999.91 (the "Offering"). Each FT Share will consist of one common share of the Company issued as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Highlights: The Company's 2024 exploration program is now fully funded with a planned 5,000m drilling at the Atlantic Nickel Project to target numerous zones of awaruite nickel mineralization along a 30km ultramafic nickel trend. Financing of approximately $2.1M at C$0.21 per share represents a 58% premium to the 10-day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP"). Post-closing, a strategic investor holds a 9.98% equity stake in First Atlantic, secured by an investor rights agreement (the "Investor Rights Agreement") granting the right to maintain ownership in future financings. No warrants, finders fees, or commissions were payable in connection with the Offering. Funds raised from the Offering will fully fund the Company's 2024 exploration programs, which will include geophysical surveys, surface exploration, and a planned 5,000-meter drilling campaign at the Atlantic Nickel Project. These activities will target high-priority zones along the extensive 30-kilometer ultramafic nickel trend. The summer's geophysical surveys and surface exploration will play a vital role in identifying the most promising initial drill targets for the planned multi-zone drilling program. The Offering was led by a strategic investor who now holds a 9.98% equity position in First Atlantic. The FT Shares issued pursuant to the Offering were issued at a price of C$0.21 per share, which represented a 58% premium to the Company's 10 VWAP. Upon closing the Offering, the Company and the strategic investor also entered into an Investor Rights Agreement which will grant the investor the right to participate in subsequent equity financings to maintain their current interest of up to 9.98%. Adrian Smith, Chief Executive Officer of First Atlantic, commented, "We are thrilled to secure this substantial investment, which will enable the Company to fully fund its 2024 exploration program at the Atlantic Nickel Project and unlock the immense discovery potential along the 30km district-scale awaruite nickel trend." The Atlantic Nickel Project's size, location, and geological potential, including the unique awaruite form of nickel mineralization, has the potential to be a source of clean and sustainable nickel. Awaruite, a naturally occurring nickel alloy, allows for simpler, more sustainable, and economic processing compared to traditional nickel deposits, reducing dependence on foreign countries for processing. The project's strategic location also has the potential to provide enhanced security to critical mineral supply chains in Europe and North America necessary for the production of stainless steel, electric vehicles, and clean energy technologies. Figure 1: Atlantic Nickel Project highlights The proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's properties located in Newfoundland and Labrador on or before December 31, 2025. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2024. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to an Exchange hold period and a four month plus one day hold period pursuant to applicable securities laws of Canada, which will expire on October 21, 2024. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities may be offered or sold in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful prior to registration under U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or an exemption therefrom or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction or an exemption therefrom. First Atlantic Nickel Corp. shares trade in Canada on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FAN", in the United States on the OTCQB under the symbol "FANCF" and on several German exchanges, including Frankfurt and Tradegate, under the symbol "P21". Investors are invited to sign up for the official FAN (First Atlantic Nickel) List found at www.fanickel.com and can follow First Atlantic Nickel on the following social media. https://twitter.com/FirstAtlanticNi https://www.facebook.com/firstatlanticnickel https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstatlanticnickel/ For more information: First Atlantic Nickel Relations Robert Guzman Tel: +1 844 592 6337 Rob@fanickel.com http://www.fanickel.com Disclosure Adrian Smith, P.Geo., is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. The qualified person is a member in good standing of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and is a registered professional geoscientist (P.Geo.). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed herein. About First Atlantic Nickel Corp. First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) is a Canadian mineral exploration company that owns 100% of the Atlantic Nickel Project, a large scale significant nickel awaruite project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. By eliminating the need for smelting, nickel in the form of awaruite reduces dependence on foreign entities of concern for both supply and processing, thereby strengthening supply chain security. In 2022, the US Government designated nickel as a critical mineral, highlighting its importance to the nation's economy and security. The Atlantic Nickel Project is a special asset due to its unique combination of size, location, proximity to infrastructure, and the presence of awaruite. By developing this domestic awaruite nickel project, FAN aims to enhance supply chain security for the stainless steel and electric vehicle industries in the USA, Canada, and Europe. The Company's strategic location and focus on awaruite nickel position it to play a key role in meeting the growing demand for responsibly sourced nickel in these sectors. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, environmental stewardship, and working closely with local communities to create sustainable economic opportunities. With its experienced team and the project's significant potential, the Company is well-positioned to contribute to the future of the nickel industry and the global transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future. 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. Forward-looking statements: This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events 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 use of the proceeds from the Offering, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, and estimates of market conditions. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on http://www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. [1] https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/us-geological-survey-releases-2022-list-critical-minerals A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38a18ff6-7c8e-4edd-a9c4-c35fabe886dc Newey visits Aston Martin for private F1 team tour The possibility that Adrian Newey will re-emerge at Aston Martin rather than Ferrari has increased substantially. Adrian Newey, Saudi Arabian GP 2024 Red Bull Red Bull refugee Newey, arguably the most respected designer in Formula 1 history, has said in the past that one regret is not ever working with either Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso. When asked about Newey this week, Alonso - now at the rapidly developing Aston Martin team - answered whilst smiling: "I like him very much. "He is a fierce rival, who has helped every team he has been with to be better - to always look for a better version of ourselves. Now that he is free, on the market, logically we would all want, or dream, of having that possibility, the two-time champion told the EFE news agency. However, even Alonso admitted that the rumours, the talk has mainly been about the likelihood of Newey re-emerging in Formula 1 at Ferrari. Some authoritative publications even think a lucrative contract has been signed. But the respected Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf is suddenly reporting that Newey recently visited Aston Martin's new factory at Silverstone for a private tour . Correspondent Erik van Haren believes Newey and Red Bull have agreed that the 65-year-old's next destination in F1 will not be announced this year - whilst he works on the RB17 hypercar project. When asked about Newey's reported visit to Silverstone, a spokesperson for Aston Martin said: "Our team is a very attractive project with Lawrence Stroll's vision, a state-of-the-art new technology campus and exciting partnerships with Aramco and Honda. Many high-profile individuals from all walks of life are linked to the team, but we have nothing to announce, De Telegraaf quoted the official as saying. (GMM) Only FIA can clip Mercedes front wings, says Red Bull Dr Helmut Marko admits Red Bull has concerns about the flexibility of some rival team's front wing designs - especially Mercedes. George Russell, Canadian GP 2024 Mercedes As 2024 has progressed, Red Bull's dominance has begun to fade as Ferrari and McLaren in particular closed the gap. But even Mercedes seems to finally be putting its struggles with the 2022 'ground effect' era in the past. Technical boss James Allison described of the breakthrough that it was a How could we have been so dumb-type moment . It is believed Red Bull has asked the FIA to take a much closer look at how Mercedes' front wing in particular flexes at speed. They have a new front wing, Red Bull's F1 consultant Marko told Osterreich newspaper, "and on the TV pictures from Montreal you can clearly see that (George) Russell and (Lewis) Hamilton's wings are bending noticeably. However, the wings had the necessary strength when they were approved. It doesn't surprise me, he said. I don't know how often we had to check our wings. Marko doesn't deny that he will be keeping a close eye on the scrutineering process this weekend in Barcelona. Everything was ok (with the FIA) in Montreal. But there is a new inspection for Barcelona and Spielberg and so on, and it has to always be ok, he said. And everyone is looking at the situation critically - not just us, he insisted. When told that Red Bull is basically trying to clip Mercedes' wings , the 81-year-old laughed and replied: "A funny play on words. Something satirical. But if that happens, it will be the FIA who did it. (GMM) Kandace Sitting Eagle, 33, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury on Jun. 13, for aggravated child abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The four-day trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson, in Cheyenne. According to trial evidence, on Dec. 12, 2023, an Arapahoe school resource officer conducted a welfare check on a 13-year-old student that had not been to school in over a month. He eventually found the child in a crawl space under the trailer where the parents, Kandace and Truman Sitting Eagle, were hidin... Cold Sprite noodles with chile oil at the new Mission Chinese pop-up. Photo: Grub Street Does time heal? The last we heard of Danny Bowiens Mission Chinese, all was not well. Its East Broadway and Bushwick locations closed in 2020 and 2022 under the shadow of reports that the workplace had been a nightmare. (A San Francisco location is still open, but Bowien has no involvement with it.) Bowien seemed to have moved on. Lately, hes been taping Chopped and turning up in Supreme campaigns. Long before I pulled on the restaurant critics plastic bib, I ate at Missions old New York locations (and once in San Francisco) first with pleasure, eventually with exhaustion. By the time of Bushwick, Mission seemed more rave than restaurant: neon lights bouncing around the room, karaoke blasting at deafening levels. Maybe I aged out, or maybe Mission hadnt grown up. Either way, those visits dropped off. And then, this summer, Mission came back: quietly (sort of), temporarily (maybe). Wednesday through Sunday evenings until July 31, Mission is popping up at Cha Kee on Mott Street, cooking mainly its classics. Bowien is back in the kitchen every night, with his chef Patty Lee and the Cha Kee staff, who got a crash course in Missions ethos and cooking. Cha Kee does its own thing for breakfast and lunch service and goes Mission in the evenings. One of Bowiens favorite light-up Chinese takeaway photo-menu signboards now glows from the back wall, but other than that, the restaurant looks much as it usually does. When I went back to Mission Kee (if I may), I found Id missed it, and we both seemed better met for the time apart. On a recent Friday night, the room was full and buzzing. A birthday dinner, a pair of Bear-ish grizzled beard guys, hot girls: social ma la, but of a calmer, more focused kind. The drinks list that used to fuel the party has been mostly pared back to a few batched cocktails and Tsingtaos. The dishes that used to define Mission are back the chongqing wings, the kung pao pastrami like Bushwick-chastened authors of Why I Left New York essays returned for a penitent visit. And like those authors, its nice to see them again. These were great ideas, great dishes, potent ones, and they blasted their way onto the scene to burn hot and fast. A Chinatown-residing friend six-foot-plus, Alaska born, a former forest firefighter who had frequented the East Broadway location remembered that on one visit, the wings were so spicy he got a nosebleed. Here theyre joined by a couple new fun ones. Jackys Sprite noodles strike me as classic Mission: ballsy, irresistibly bad for you. Jacky, one of Missions hosts, is a big booster of Haidilao in Flushing (a China-based chain, home of the dancing noodle), where cold noodles are made with Korean cider. Here, the effervescent dressing is dosed with Sprite, which gives the cold, chile-oil-slicked noodles a little tingle. I found them to be overly sweet, but how are you not going to try a Sprite noodle? Go ahead, and while youre at it, get the new crispy beef Louis, braised for four hours and then finished in an umami-deep sweet soy caramel and Sicilian orange oil, or the returning cumin lamb ribs, punched up with dates. I worried for the vegetarian among us, but she agreed with the menu (how often does that happen?) that the addictive cabbage salad was, in fact, addictive, whatever was in its seaweed secret dressing, and the shiso fried rice buried beneath a mountain of shredded shiso basically off-gassed enough herbaceousness to feel substantial. Will Mission come back for a more permanent stay? As of now, its uncertain. Cha Kees owners have invited Bowien to do another run. After I closed the last Mission Chinese Food, I thought it would never come back again, he told me by email. Im glad it has, and Im not ruling anything out at this point. I feel very privileged to be cooking in the city again, and I definitely dont take it for granted. For now, its nice to have it in town on a visit. A little older, a little hopefully wiser, a little calmer, sure. But not toothless. I brought the forest firefighter back, and we dug into a dish of rice cakes with thrice-fried bacon, poppy with Sichuan peppercorn, and yuba. His eyes bulged. Thats a nose-bleeder, he said. The Realme GT 6 is now official, marking the GT series return to global markets at an event in Milan, Italy. It's a feature-packed flagship killer and the first Realme GT phone to sell globally in more than year. The phone is built around what the Realme calls Hyper Display. It's a 6.78-inch 1264x2780px AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and a bonkers 6,000 nits of peak brightness, which the company says is the brightest on a phone yet. There's a sheet of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on top of it for protection. The Realme GT 6 Ticking inside is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 that's all the rage these days, coupled with 12GB or 16GB of RAM. The GPU is an Adreno 715, enabling a solid gaming experience. There's also a healthy helping of AI as is the norm these days. Realme calls it NextAI and it can do AI Night Vision for video, AI Smart Removal to remove distractions in your photos and AI Smart Loop to suggest apps based on your screen's content and your actions. The Realme GT 6 packs an ample 5,500mAh battery with rapid 120W charging. The company claims it can go from 1% to 50% in just 10 min and all the way to 100% in 26 min. The battery should also retain at least 80% of its capacity after 1,600 charge cycles, which is over four years of daily charging. The Realme GT 6 has a 26mm wide angle 50 MP camera with a 1/1.4" Sony-LYT808 sensor and f/1.7 lens, OIS and PDAF, and a 47mm f/2.0 telephoto unit with a 1/2.8" 50MP sensor. The third camera on the back is an 8MP 16mm f/2.2 ultrawide unit without AF. The front has a 32MP 1/2.74" sensor with a wide 22mm f/2.5 lens and fixed focus. Realme GT 6 runs Android 14 at launch and will receive 4 years of Android upgrades and security patches, going all the way to Android 18. The Realme GT 6 is on pre-order in India with those booking a unit before June 24 getting a INR5,000 early-bird discount. The phone comes in 8/256GB (INR41,000), 12/256GB (INR43,000), and 16/512GB (INR45,000) variants, and will be sold through Realme's official Indian website, Flipkart, and mainline channels. Realme includes six months of screen damage protection. In Europe, the phone is available immediately. The base 8/256GB price is 600 with the 12/256GB model costing 700 and the 16/512GB version going for 800. Those who order before July 4 get an early bird discount, slashing the prices to 550, 650 and 700, respectively. If you want to know more about the Realme GT 6 you should definitely check out our review of the phone. Samsung introduced the Galaxy Book4 Edge laptop last month as part of a new series of personal computers with Copilot+ assistant. The device was announced with Galaxy AI as one of the first Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops, but pricing remained a mystery until now. The Book4 Edge is is now up for sale, starting at $1,350 in the US and 1,700 in Europe. Samsung is offering the laptop in two sizes 14" and 16"and some markets have the choice between Snapdragon X Elite at 3.4 GHz (X1E-80-100) or at 3.8 GHz (X1E-84-100). It comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, and the only color option is Sapphire Blue. Samsung offers the 14" version with 512 GB storage for $1,350 or 1,700, while the 16" is $1,450/1,800. Upgraging to the more powerful chip version and 1TB storage makes the price jump to $1,750/2,100. Samsung trade-ins can help you lower the price by up to $500/650. Users in the United States can trade an older laptop, while European customers can only hand back a phone, tablet, or a smartwatch. Source Several doctors from Loma Linda Universitys School of Medicine in Southern California will take part in the Hafa Adai Pacific Medical Conference from June 30 to July 1 at Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort, as well as take part in community outreach events on June 29 in Agana Heights and Dededo. The delegation is composed of specialists in different fields of medicine. The conference will feature doctors who are experts in the areas of: gastroenterology (digestive system, GI tract) pulmonology (lungs, allergies, asthma) nephrology (kidney function, disease, infection) rheumatology (arthritis, lupus, chronic pain) infectious diseases internal medicine These medical specialists will deliver lectures in their respective areas of expertise, providing valuable continuing education opportunities for medical providers, nurses, and allied health professionals. Participants can earn up to 20 Continuing Medical Education credits, essential for maintaining licensure for medical doctors under Guam law, which mandates 100 CME credits every two years. Nurses and allied health professionals must acquire 30 Continuing Education Units biennially. Community outreach While on Guam, the medical team will also be participating in community outreach initiatives. On Saturday, June 29, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., they, along with some local providers, will take to the villages of Agana Heights and Dededo to conduct short yet insightful talks on their focused areas of medicine and then open the floor for questions from the audience. The topics include: Your Lungs, Asthma, and Allergies Your Antibiotics Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and Other Gastro-intestinal Conditions Your Mental Health Understanding Your Inflammation Strategies for Diabetes and Weight Loss Your Kidneys Infectious Diseases Lifestyle and Wellness Six States of Illness The Hafa Adai Pacific Medical Conference is hosted by LLU, with support from the Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic. Other participating sponsors include American Medical Center, ASC Trust, Staywell Insurance, Bank of Guam, Calvos SelectCare, Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Guam Regional Medical City, Signify Health, Takecare Insurance, Coast 360, and more. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Roderic Teamer attended Brother Martin High School and Tulane, now hell be playing 10 minutes away in the Superdome with the New Orleans Saints. The team signed the New Orleans native and former Tulane standout to a one-year deal after a minicamp tryout, per ESPNs Adam Schefter. Teamer was first-team All-State in his senior year at Brother Martin and was ranked as a two-star prospect when he went to Tulane. He became a starter in his freshman season and was a high-quality player for the Green Wave. Teamers high school, college and professional teams all play within a 20-minute driving distance of one another. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. After playing a year in LA, Teamer was a depth piece in the Las Vegas Raiders defensive backfield for the past three seasons, starting five total games. He was arrested for DUI charges on Nov. 25, 2023 and two days later was released by the team. The report alleged he was driving about 91 mph in a 65 mph zone around 10:15 p.m. on the 25th, which was a Saturday night before a game. The Saints safety room now features Teamer, Tyrann Mathieu, Jonathan Abram and Jordan Howden. The team also recently signed tight end Jesper Horstead to a one-year deal, according to KPRC2s Aaron Wilson. Horstead also played with the Raiders in 2023, though it was primarily in a special teams role. Horstead and Teamer will have a chance to make the team during Saints training camp, which starts July 23 for veterans at UC Irvine. Haiti - News : Zapping... USA : "YonYon" implores the judge for leniency The former leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, Germine Joly (32) alias "Yonyon", in a letter addressed to US District Judge John D. Bates, before his sentencing on June 24, asks for forgiveness and implores the judge for leniency. LEt's recall that American federal prosecutors have requested life imprisonment against Germine Joly for her role in the smuggling of weapons from Florida to Haiti. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42589-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41565-haiti-usa-yonyon-the-former-leader-of-the-400-mawozo-gang-pleads-guilty-to-48-charges.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36596-haiti-usa-3-haitians-and-an-american-charged-with-having-provided-weapons-and-ammunition-to-the-gang-400-mawozo.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36576-haiti-flash-the-powerful-leader-of-the-400-wawozo-gang-extradited-to-the-usa.html CIN : ONI denial The National Identification Office (ONI) formally denies rumors that its annexes require money from applicants in exchange for the National Identification Card (CIN) which is completely free recalls the ONI in a note. "No fees should and cannot be charged for obtaining the card. Any request for payment for this service is illegal and should be reported immediately to the relevant authorities." Gambia : A Haitian UN resident coordinator United Nations Secretary General Antonio Gutteres has appointed Haitian Karl Frederick Paul as UN Resident Coordinator in Gambia. Karl Frederick Paul studied finance at Quisqueya University and has more than 20 years of experience in development and humanitarian work. Volker Turk calls for urgent deployment of the Mission At the opening of the 56th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights declared "I call for the urgent deployment of the Multinational Mission of Security Support (MMSS) in Haiti to protect human rights, support the national police and provide security to the Haitian people." Dominique Dupuy spoke with Ambassador Dennis Hankins Dominique Dupuy spoke with the US Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis Hankins. The Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), agricultural exports, the Labadie Cruise Port, judicial cooperation, decentralization and female leadership were discussed. UNNOH requests the removal of the 4 new materials The National Union of Haitian Normaliens (UNNOH) urges Antoine AUGUSTIN the Ministry of National Education to remove the four new subjects added this year https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42526-haiti-flash-models-of-the-official-basic-9th-grade-exam-2024.html of the official third cycle examinations HL/ HaitiLibre Google is currently canceling YouTube Premium subscribers who have taken out their membership via VPN. This is shown by numerous reports from German and international users on social media. YouTube subscriptions taken out in this way are therefore coming to an end - anyone wishing to extend their subscription should do so using a local IP address. Anzeige With a VPN, users can simulate a different place of residence when taking out a subscription. This can be advantageous if significantly lower prices are offered in other countries. Many German users have subscribed to YouTube Premium in Ukraine, Ghana, Turkey or Pakistan, for example, as comments on the deals aggregator Mydealz show. Instead of paying 13 euros per month, they sometimes paid less than 2 euros per month. This has worked for many users for months without any problems. Now, however, Google has apparently identified users who have used the trick to browse from their actual place of residence. "We believe that you did not enter your actual country of residence when you signed up," reads the email, which was published by Googlewatchblog and others. If you want to remain a subscriber, you have to register again - but this time at full price. YouTube Lite for 6 euros YouTube Premium costs 13 euros per month as standard. For this, you can watch YouTube without ads, save content offline and access YouTube Music. However, a Lite version is currently offered in Germany for 6 euros per month, which only removes advertising from videos and is therefore likely to represent better value for money for many users. YouTube has been taking rigorous action against other ways of excluding advertising for several months: In the duel with ad blockers, the Google subsidiary is in a race. According to a report by SponsorBlock, Google has recently started to inject advertising on the server side, making it untouchable for ad blockers. When asked by heise online, Google did not wish to comment on this report. (dahe) The interpellation relates to how the minister has behaved toward the media and private individuals, seeking to establish whether such behaviour is deemed acceptable by other parties. THREE OPPOSITION PARTIES , the Green League, Left Alliance and Social Democrats, brought forth an interpellation against Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman (PS) on Tuesday, reports YLE. Rydman was accused of improper conduct by a number of girls and young women in an investigative article published by Helsingin Sanomat in June 2022. He responded to the article by accusing the journalists of aggravated defamation and dissemination of information violating personal privacy in a complaint submitted to police. The Prosecutor General announced earlier this month it has decided not to bring charges against the journalists, the women who made the allegations or Rydman. Rydman, who has denied the allegations throughout the process, has expressed his disapproval with the decision not to prosecute, claiming that the decision is based on a misinterpretation of the facts. This interpellation isnt about the past improper conduct of minister Rydman, but about his conduct as minister, Timo Furuholm (LA) clarified in a joint press conference in the Parliament House on Tuesday, according to YLE. Instead of Rydman accepting responsibility for his conduct, he claimed that the story wasnt true and filed a defamation claim. The Greens, Left Alliance and Social Democrats cited Rydmans critical statements about the journalists behind the article in arguing that it is unacceptable for ministers to seek to erode public trust in media. In his role as minister, he has repeatedly attacked the media and the women who told about his conduct, said Tytti Tuppurainen, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group. The three opposition parties justified the timing of the interpellation by pointing to the fact that the pre-trial investigation and consideration of charges have ended. Also Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) and Minister of European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz (SFP) have outlined that Rydman could not serve as a minister for their respective parties. Adlercreutz also said the Swedish Peoples Party will stand by Rydman because the interpellation deals with the very future of the coalition government. The Finns Party appointed Rydman as the minister of economic affairs in July 2023, about six months after he had joined the party following his his resignation from the National Coalition. The Finns Party has insisted that it has no need to re-evaluate his position given that it has been satisfied with his performance as minister. Parliament is to weigh up the interpellation today. Aleksi Teivainen HT The Social Democratic Party, the poll found, would win 21.2 per cent of the vote if the parliamentary elections were held now, signalling a drop of 1.5 percentage points the eight-year high it hit one month earlier. POPULAR SUPPORT for the Finns Party and Social Democrats has fallen sharply in the past month, according to an opinion poll conducted for Helsingin Sanomat by Verian. The Finns Party would collect 14.9 per cent of the votes, 1.3 points less than last month. Its approval rating stood at almost 20 per cent as recently as in February. Support for the National Coalition crept up by 0.1 points to 20.0 per cent. Roughly a quarter of the poll responses were collected after the recent elections to the European Parliament. Both the Finns Party and Social Democrats came out of the elections disappointed, the former winning only a single seat with a vote share of 7.6 per cent and the latter two seats with a vote share of 14.9 per cent. Although the overarching trends in the elections are reflected also in the poll results, there are no signs of major shifts in voter allegiances, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The elections, for example, appear to have had a galvanising impact on supporters of the Left Alliance and Swedish Peoples Party. The Left Alliance emerged from the recent elections with 17.3 per cent of the vote and three seats in Brussels, coming in second after the National Coalition. In the poll, the left-wing opposition party was the choice of 9.9 per cent of respondents, representing an increase of 0.9 points from the previous month. The Swedish Peoples Party, meanwhile, saw its popularity surge from 3.4 to 4.5 per cent. Support for the Green League rose from 7.8 to 8.4 per cent, according to the poll. The Centre, Christian Democrats and Movement Now all gained 0.1 points to rise to 12.2, 4.3 and 2.3 per cent, respectively. Verian interviewed 2,412 people for the poll between 20 May and 14 June. Aleksi Teivainen HT IAM accepting back-to-school kids' clothes through July 19 Interfaith Assistance Ministry seeks the help of the community in its Back-To-School Clothes Drive, which runs through Friday, July 19. With the goal of helping every elementary school age child start the 2024-25 school year off feeling good about themselves and wearing a new outfit like many other students, IAM needs donations of clothing for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. We want to help children whose families cannot afford to purchase their child a complete new school outfit to have the opportunity to start school feeling and looking their best, said Elizabeth Willson Moss, executive director of IAM. Its embarrasing for a child to wear uncomfortable or tattered clothing and shoes to school especially on the first day. IAM staff and volunteers will distribute the clothing to children from July 22 through Aug. 9 at in the clothing assistance department. Distribution will occur on a first-arrived, first-served basis. Anyone interested in helping may pick a tag off of the Back-to-School Blessings Tree at IAMs Thrift Store 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Donors may also purchase any of these items: Boys and girls shorts, jeans or cargo pants: sizes 4-14 Boys and girls tops: sizes 4-14 Sneakers: Childrens sizes 10-13, 1-5 and adults sizes 6-8. Underwear sizes: 4-14 Childrens socks: ankle and no-show socks Donations may be dropped off at IAMs Crisis Services Facility;s pantry donation door under the portico at 310 Freeman St. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. If clothing donations are ordered online, please ship them to Interfaith Assistance Ministry, 310 Freeman St., Hendersonville, NC, 28792. In addition to the new clothing, IAM will also provide several gently used outfits to children heading back to school. Church groups, neighborhood groups, civic organizations and others are encouraged to participate in IAMs annual back-to-school efforts, Moss said. We are so grateful to our generous community for helping IAM make this happen for our youngest students. With the cost of living at an all-time high, donations are greatly needed and appreciated, Moss said. Financial gifts designated for Back-to-School blessings are also greatly welcomed and appreciated, she added. Financial donations can be made on line at www.iam-hc.org or via mail: IAM, PO Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC, 28793. Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra released the following statement in honor of this Juneteenth Day of Observance: "On Juneteenth, we honor the enduring legacy and contributions of African Americans to our nation. We also recognize the ongoing struggles against disparities and injustices that persist. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is resolutely committed to advancing health equity and ensuring that all Americans have access to quality health care and support. Let us stand in solidarity, honoring the resilience and strength of the Black community, and continue striving for a society where freedom and equality are realities for all. Happy Juneteenth." On June 17, Union home minister, Amit Shah, chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Manipur in New Delhi. An array of senior central- and state-level security officials attended it including the Chief of Army Staff (both outgoing and incoming), Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Director General of Assam Rifles and the Security Advisor to the government of Manipur. The meeting comes days after the announcement of the Lok Sabha election results, which saw the BJP and its allies losing existing seats across the Northeast, including Manipur. So, what does it mean? Is New Delhi changing tact on Manipur after more than a year of seemingly unending ethnic violence? Taking back control Perhaps the most striking aspect of the home ministrys meeting was the absence of Manipurs BJP chief minister, Biren Singh. It is unclear if he was invited or if the Union government decided to go ahead without him. According to a senior minister in the Manipur government, Singh did not attend because it was an executive, not a political, meeting. He, however, privately met three senior officials present in the meeting in his Imphal office on June 19. He has also been reportedly called to New Delhi in the coming days to discuss the crisis. Singhs absence from the review meeting could suggest that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre wants to take over the reins of the Manipur situation. It is likely because of a growing sentiment within certain political and security quarters and even the civil society in Manipur that his government has failed to bridge the ethnic divide between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities and restore calm. The recent poll mandate only reaffirmed that the people of Manipur, regardless of their ethnicity, have lost trust in the BJP-led political dispensations in both Imphal and New Delhi. This has likely rattled the partys high command, which now wishes to course-correct by re-establishing its writ and in turn, its popular legitimacy in the state. It is also possible that the central leadership blames Singh for its electoral downslide. Interestingly, the meeting came just a week after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, Mohan Bhagwat, expressed his dissatisfaction over the situation in Manipur during an organisational rally in Nagpur. He especially called on political parties to get over election rhetoric and focus on problems facing the nation. This was no less than a veiled rebuke to the BJPs central leadership, which has so far done little to fix the crisis in Manipur. Hard talk According to a media report, which quoted an anonymous official, officials in the meeting decided to initiate an effective crackdown to recover some 3500 weapons looted from state police armouries and undertake calibrated action against Meira Paibis a Meitei womens vigilante group accused of partaking in violence against the Kuki-Zo. Among those accused of stealing the weapons, Meitei militias, such as the Arambai Tenggol, are the most prominent. A decision to deploy central forces in sensitive pockets was also made at the meeting. Until now, the centre had refused to directly address the issue of looted arms and Meitei vigilantism, likely to protect the Singh governments political base. In that sense, the reported outcomes of the recent meeting are encouraging as they show the resolve to confront difficult but core aspects of the ethnic conflict. New Delhi now seems to be adopting a technocratic security approach that rises above ethnic politics. Yet, it remains to be seen if New Delhi will use its devices to crack down on Arambai Tenggol, which has emerged as an influential political and military force in Manipur. The outfit has directly subverted the states authority by not just forcing elected lawmakers to take an oath in the middle of Imphal, but also abducting state police officials. Because the militia is understood to be close to CM Singh and Leishemba Sanajaoba, the BJP MP in Rajya Sabha from Manipur, and the current titular Meitei king, the party's high command might be reluctant to shut it down. However, some punitive action against the Arambais leadership is likely in the coming days as part of New Delhis attempt to re-establish its political dominance. Is dialogue possible? A key reported outcome of the meeting was the decision to initiate dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo sides to bridge the ethnic divide at the earliest. This is a welcome move from the Union government, which had so far failed to play its statutory role as a neutral arbiter in the conflict. Ideally, such a dialogue should have begun long back. Now, a lot of water has flown under the bridge. Reconciliation, nonetheless, must happen for the sake of the people of Manipur who do not deserve to live in an endless state of exception and fear. However, any such dialogue must be truly inclusive and justice-centric. It should directly address the core socio-political grievances of both communities, rather than privileging one side over the other. No process of healing can begin without looking at the truth in its eyes, especially when the affected communities feel unheard. New Delhi must ensure that the dialogue process does not result in the usurpation of ancestral rights over land and resources, which was one of the key factors behind the ethnic conflagration. Finally, it must focus on comprehensively rehabilitating displaced communities in a safe and dignified manner, a process that would also need a system of fair compensation for loss of lives and property. Angshuman Choudhury is a New Delhi-based researcher and writer, formerly an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research and focuses on Northeast India and Myanmar. The views expressed are personal. This week marks some important astrological transitions and events. The Sun moves into Ardra Nakshatra, a time known for its intensity and potential for transformation. Further, Mercury will shift into Punarvasu Nakshatra, bringing a focus on communication, relationships, and renewal. We will also celebrate Jyeshtha Purnima, a full moon associated with spiritual growth and connection. In North India, this week marks the start of Ashadha, a month devoted to spiritual practices and reflection. For those considering major purchases, there are auspicious Muhurats (timings) this week for property and vehicles. Let's explore this weeks Panchanga in detail for New Delhi, NCT, India. Get weekly Panchang to determine auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position. Shubh Muhurat This Week According to Vedic Astrology, the odds of accomplishing a task successfully are significantly enhanced if they are carried out during an auspicious muhurta. An auspicious muhurta provides us with the best outcome possible according to our destiny if we execute the work in harmony with the cosmic timeline. That is why it is essential to take muhurta into account while commencing any auspicious work. This weeks Shubh Muhurat for various activities is as follows: Vivah Muhurat : No auspicious Marriage Muhurat is available this week. : No auspicious Marriage Muhurat is available this week. Griha Pravesh Muhurat : No auspicious Griha Pravesh Muhurat is available this week. : No auspicious Griha Pravesh Muhurat is available this week. Property Purchase Muhurat : Auspicious property purchase Muhurat is available this week on June 21, Friday (06:19 PM to 05:24 AM, Jun 22) and June 27, Thursday (11:36 AM to 05:26 AM, Jun 28). : Auspicious property purchase Muhurat is available this week on June 21, Friday (06:19 PM to 05:24 AM, Jun 22) and June 27, Thursday (11:36 AM to 05:26 AM, Jun 28). Vehicle Purchase Muhurat: Auspicious muhurta is available this week on June 24, Monday (03:54 PM to 01:23 AM, Jun 25), June 26, Wednesday (05:25 AM to 05:26 AM, Jun 27), and June 27, Thursday (05:26 AM to 11:36 AM). Upcoming Planetary Transits This Week In Vedic astrology, planetary transits are particularly crucial since they are the principal way of anticipating changes and advances in life. Planets move on a daily basis and go through several nakshatras and Rashis in the process. It assists in comprehending the nature and characteristics of events as they occur. Here are the upcoming transits this week: Mercury and Jupiter at a deep 30-degree angle on June 20 (Thursday) at 07:08 AM Mercury and Mars at a deep 60-degree angle on June 21 (Friday) at 09:50 PM Sun enters Ardra Nakshatra on June 22 (Saturday) at 12:16 AM Venus and Jupiter at a deep 30-degree angle on June 22 (Saturday) at 03:23 PM Mercury enters Punarvasu Nakshatra on June 24 (Monday) at 08:16 AM Mercury and Saturn in a 120-degree Trine on June 26 (Wednesday) at 11:37 PM Upcoming Festivals This Week Vat Purnima Vrat (June 21, Friday): The main purpose of this religious Hindu festival is to pray for a long, healthy and happy life for a husband. Women tie a piece of yarn around a banyan tree to protect their husbands life. Jyeshtha Purnima Vrat (June 21, Friday): Another important fast on the Hindu calendar is Jyeshtha Purnima Vrat, celebrated on the full moon day in the Jyeshtha month. This fast is devoted to the worship and appeasement of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Enthusiasts abstain from food, offer prayers, and perform rituals to wish for richness, health, and other boons. Kabirdas Jayanti (June 22, Saturday): Kabirdas Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Saint Kabir Das, a great poet, saint, and spiritual saint of the medieval period who preached moral, social, and humanistic values regardless of caste or creed. Celebrated on the day of the full moon of Jyeshtha month, it holds the residual of the philosophy he wanted people to imbibe in their lives, which cherishes unity, love, and equality. Jyeshtha Purnima (June 22, Saturday): This festival is held on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month of the Hindu calendar. The followers pray to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings to shower success, prosperity, health and wealth. Ashadha begins in North India (June 23, Sunday): Ashadha is the fourth month in the Hindu calendar. It is linked with revival and fertility by the coming of the rains and the monsoon. It has often been attributed to culture and agriculture as it signifies a period of advancement and food production. Krishnapingala Sankashti Chaturthi (June 25, Tuesday): This festival is celebrated to pray to Lord Ganesha. People perform puja and keep a fast of Ganesha with the intention of overcoming any hurdles and difficulties in their respective lives and accomplishing their sincere and genuine desires. Inauspicious Rahu Kalam This Week According to Vedic astrology, Rahu is an inauspicious planet. During the transition of planets, the time under the influence of Rahu should be avoided to do any auspicious work. Doing Puja, Hawan or Yagya to propitiate auspicious planets during this time is interfered with by Rahu due to its malefic nature. It is important to consider Rahu Kaal before starting any new work. By doing so, the possibility of achieving desired results is increased. Following are the timings of Rahu Kalam for this week: June 21: 10:38 AM to 12:23 PM June 22: 08:54 AM to 10:38 AM 08:54 AM to 10:38 AM June 23: 05:38 PM to 07:22 PM 05:38 PM to 07:22 PM June 24: 07:09 AM to 08:54 AM 07:09 AM to 08:54 AM June 25: 03:53 PM to 05:38 PM June 26: 12:24 PM to 02:09 PM June 27: 02:09 PM to 03:54 PM Panchanga is a calendar used in Vedic astrology to determine the auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position. It comprises five elements - Vaara, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. The essence of the Panchanga is the inter-relationship between the Sun (our soul) and the Moon (mind) on a daily basis. Panchanga is used for different branches of Vedic astrology such as natal, election, prashna (horary), religious calendars, and to understand the energy of the day. The day of our birth panchanga depicts our emotions, temperament, and nature. It can provide more insight into who we are and how we feel. It can amplify the effect of the planets and endow us with additional characteristics that we may not understand only based on our natal chart. Panchanga is the life force energy that nourishes the birth chart. ---------------------- Neeraj Dhankher (Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi) Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in Url: www.astrozindagi.in Contact: Noida: +919910094779 that little buzzing noise,Whatever your palmistry may make of it,Comes from a play-thing of the Emperors choice,From a Man-Tiger-Organ, prettiest of his toys. Portrait of Tipu Sultan by an anonymous Indian artist in Mysore, ca. 17901800. (Fowler&fowler/ Wikimedia Commons) John Keats, The Cap And Bells; Or, The Jealousies: A Faery Tale Long before Keats saw Tipus Tiger and before it had arrived in Regency England, the Man-Tiger-Organ was already widely popular. Partly the whimsical ingenuity of the life-size mechanical device depicting a tiger mauling a redcoat engendered this fascination and partly the mystique around Tipu Sultan. His tiger cult, sketched by artists, written about in penny broadsides and in poems, became an even greater phenomenon posthumously. With Tipus defeat in 1799, and the discovery of the wooden semi-automaton in his Rangmahal (music room), the British proclivity for spectacle got new blood. The sound of a growling tiger and a squeaking Brit and its uncanny resemblance to the real-life tragedy of Hector Sutherland Munros fatal encounter with a tiger, did not prevent its display at the Tower of London, and later at the East India House where it captivated the likes of Keats, William Blake and Gustave Flaubert. It has since continued to inspire artists like Marianne Moore, MF Husain, and now, Tania James, who hinges her brilliant novel on this mechanical marvel. 304pp, 1210; Penguin The novel begins in the late 18th century in Srirangapatna of Tipu Sultan; a time so rich in intrigue that it echoes in works as diverse as Wilkie Collins pioneering detective novel, The Moonstone, which opens with the fall of Tipu, and Allama Iqbals poem, Javednama, which explores the role of a traitor in his downfall. Tipus kingdom, according to contemporary sources is, at this time, well-cultivated, populous with industrious inhabitants, cities newly founded and commerce extending. For James whose chief character Abbas, a young migrant toymaker and woodcarver the city is always in a flux. It has barely survived Cornwallis and people can only submit to power, as with every alteration the ground unfirms itself beneath their feet, making it nearly impossible for anyone to leave a mark. Abbas intention is to make the wood lose its anonymity. But before that he unwittingly finds himself caught in a court plot against the Tiger of Mysore. Luckily, his art saves him. Abbas lands a job with a French horologist, Monsieur (Musa) Lucien Du Leze. Musa has been sent by Louis XVI, along with a porcelain hookah, in lieu of artisans, engineers, and a political alliance that Tipu had requested. As the Frenchman and the toy maker embark on making the fantastical curiosity, their relationship evolves into that of mentor and apprentice. Abbas attempts to learn French under Musas tutelage, wondering how a language could have only one word for rain. Yet, neither of them has a choice. Musa, away from his country and lover, is displaced by the French Revolution. Returning carries the threat of perdition. While the novel astutely deals with revolutions and war, colonisation and cultural restitution, James writes with delicacy about relationships, incisively about personal journeys and eruditely about multicultural exchange. The characters embody the complexities of a world shaped by colonial interaction. While men like Du Leze demonstrate a complex mixhes a skilled teacher and mentor but also struggles with alcoholism the women are portrayed with unyielding determination and unsparing resourcefulness. Even within Tipus zenana, the women are not passive victims but fallen warriors. Tipu Sultans Man-Tiger organ (By Victoria and Albert Museum/Wikimedia Commons) Loot is masterfully plotted, plunging us into the heart of Tipus desperate last stand, then hurtles us through the British conquest and beyond. Abbass dreams of establishing himself as an artist, to wield that small power over the grave, are thwarted though he manages to escape the mayhem and eventually seeks refuge in France. We follow Abbas on treacherous voyages across continents, from disease-ridden trade ships plagued by pirates to the shores of France and England. In Rouen, Abbas discovers Musas goddaughter Jehanne, born of French father and Mysorean Muslim mother, running a clock shop. This serendipitous encounter reignites his passion and fuels a desire to reclaim Tipus Tiger and his rightful place as an artist. Together, they embark on a quest which leads them to the grand Cloverpoint Castle. There, Lady Selwyn, a 72-year-old widow with a passion for gewgaws, carries on a clandestine two-nights-a-week affair with Rum, her Tamil Brahmin ex-aide-de-camp from her late husbands time in Mysore. Lady Selwyn is perhaps modelled on Henrietta, Robert Clives daughter-in-law who bought much of the Srirangapatna loot that came to be housed in the Powis Castle. Loot signifies a world of relentless taking; everyone takes in this novel, but do not receive. What is sought is seldom had, and that which is occasionally had is temporary. Escape, when it exists, is often a sardonic reconciliation rather than a path to liberation. Journeys, though vested with possibilities and patinas of novelty, become exercises in endurance. A pervasive sense of loss colours even the act of creation. As a character says, even its birth, like all births, was a violence. The pursuit of lasting beauty and progress is constantly shadowed by an internal darkness. Characters grapple with the limitations: reality rarely aligns with imagination, and dreams remain just that - dreams. They are perpetually sailing the inland sea like the narrator of Naipauls The Enigma of Arrival who observed, To see the possibility, the certainty, of ruin, even at the moment of creation; it was my temperament. The loot and loss and its inherent violence is present within the narrative, yet the act of writing itself transforms the horror into a strange kind of beauty. Author Tania James (Elliott ODonovan/taniajames.com) The Englishman trapped beneath the tiger embodies the duality of colonialism. He represents the colonizer, yet his position also evokes the anguish of the colonized, caught between death and life, betwixt platform and predator, a predator that was both frightening and alluring. For Tipu, the automaton tiger was more than just an amusing antic. In its piercing of the infidel Brit, and the ghastly aurality of its cry, caught in its wooden form, between un-being and being, Tipu was retaining for the future a perpetual possibility. For him it was a potent symbol of defiance different from all his other innovations, as it extended the imagination. James prose is of lapidary beauty; each neat sentence pounces on the next and each paragraph progresses with elan. There is no flab, no descent into the demotic or daring display; words are sinewy and phrases uncliched. The only grouse I have is with the characterisation of Tipu Sultan as a 18th century Putin. In the novel, he uses an army of Jacobins culled from the pits of prison a la Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner ragtag band of prisoners. Though seen only in the first quarter of the novel, Tipu is made to be a vigilante, distrusting despot, who hardly smiles, almost never with all his teeth, neither in person, nor in paintings. But by most untainted, dispassionate, and politically-free historical accounts, Tipu is known to have been a humane and civilised character (in comparison to his father) and one Englishman is known to have compared him with Achilles. The only tyrannical characteristic I have gathered in him is his hard work: He worked hard for sixteen hours a day, occupying himself with the minutest details of administration and leaving very little time for pastimes. And one more: his light breakfast consisted of cooked brains of male sparrows. Nikhil Kumar works in climate policy and is an independent writer. June 20, 2024 10:18 AM IST Indian shares opened marginally higher on Thursday, led by private sector banks after positive commentary on the sector from Macquarie, while a drop in pharma stocks capped gains. The NSE Nifty 50 was up 0.06% at 23,531.30, while the S&P BSE Sensex added 0.17% to 77,477.91, as of 9:27 a.m. IST. India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has imposed a fine of 188.2 million rupees ($2.25 million) on the world's largest crypto exchange, Binance, for operating in the country in violation of local anti-money laundering regulations. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) imposed a fine of 188.2 million rupees ($2.25 million) on Binance.(Reuters) India requires virtual digital asset service providers like crypto exchanges to be registered with the FIU as a reporting entity and comply with its anti-money laundering rules. Binance did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. In May, Binance had registered with the FIU as the exchange sought to resume operations in the country after the watchdog issued show-cause notices to nine offshore exchanges operating in violation of local rules. The watchdog had also asked the ministry of electronics and information technology to block online access to the exchanges. Crypto exchange KuCoin had registered with FIU in March but faced a smaller penalty amount of 3.45 million rupees. Canada's anti-money laundering agency had also imposed a fine of $4.38 million on Binance in May for violation of anti-money laundering rules. Changpeng Zhao, the former chief executive of Binance, was sentenced to four months in prison in May by U.S. District Judge Richard Jones in Seattle after pleading guilty to violating the country's laws against money laundering. An anonymous user on social media shared about a brutal gang fight in Bengalurus Kundalahalli area, involving a child. The person claimed that an entire gang was involved in the street brawl that happened on Monday, and he/she claimed that a few people were injured. Anonymous social media user describes brutal gang fight on Bengaluru road(Picture for representation) Also Read - On camera, stream of two-wheelers ride on Bengaluru footpath to bypass traffic Describing the incident, the user said, My friend dropped me off at Kundalahalli Gate around 8 and It was very crowded there. Upon getting close to the crowd, I saw 2 Guys (mid 20s) thrashing a kid (12-14) in between of the cross, literally on the center of the road. He was touching their feet," mai aapke pai lagta hu please leave me" (I'm begging/touching your feet please spare me), but they kept hitting and kicking him like an animal. And the kid looked like he belonged to a good family, had a school/tution bag with him. The user also said he/she tried to rescue the kid from the scene. I approached them as I wanted to calm down the situation and rescue the kid, but they were abusing him in kannada. My Kannada is not so good as It's been a few months since I moved here, So I approached the Traffic Police to handle the situation, he added. The brawl only escalated further with more people adding to the gang. The user further claimed, In the meantime, 2 guys came to confront these goons (I think they were his older brothers, but I'm not sure), but these two goons eventually started grabbing and pushing their collars. I pulled the kid away from the crowd as the situation was getting worse, he was shaking and trembling, holding his head as they kicked his head multiple times. Not even 5 mins after this, 8-10 people came in MX100 with loud exhausts as one of the goons was continuously calling someone. And for the next 30-40 mins, they thrashed the two brothers. However, police said to have arrived after a few hours and took the goons into custody. I went back to the scene after an hour and found the 2 goons who were beating the kid there along with a cop car and 3-4 policemen. I pray that these goons get smacked by the police for manhandling and thrashing a kid who was literally begging them to spare him, he rounded off. A video clip has also been attached to the post where the incident was recorded on mobile cameras. Bengaluru police responded in X and said that they are looking into the matter. The people on X said that street fights and road rage incidents have become common sight in the tech capital. (This social media claim cannot be independently verified by the HT) The army on Thursday said the two terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Baramulla district were Pakistani and associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Security force personnel during an encounter with terrorists in Baramulla district on Wednesday. (PTI Photo) The killed terrorists have been identified as Usman and Umar, both of Pakistan origin and associated with LeT, commander 5 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, Brigadier Deepak Dev, told reporters in Rafiabad. Two terrorists were killed and two security personnel injured in the encounter that broke out on Wednesday in Baramulla district of north Kashmir. The forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Watergam area of Baramulla in the morning on information about the presence of terrorists there, which then turned into an encounter when the terrorists opened fire at the security personnel. The Brigadier said Usman has been active in the Kashmir Valley since 2020. Significant quantities of weapons and ammunition have been recovered after the operation, the army officer said. He said over the past few weeks there has been constant information of the movement of a terrorist group in the Sopore-Rafiabad area of Baramulla district. On Wednesday, specific intelligence was received through the police that two terrorists were holed up in a house in Hadipura village of Rafiabad area. Consequently, the Indian Army, police and CRPF launched a joint operation, swiftly cordoning off the area, Brigadier Dev said. Delhi water minister Atishi on Thursday evening said that she will start her indefinite fast over the water shortage that has gripped the Capital over the last fortnight, continuing her allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central and Haryana governments. Delhi Water Minister Atishi addresses a press conference on Delhi water crisis(ANI ) Reiterating their stance on the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi governments allegations, Delhi BJP leaders and MPs called Atishis statements false adding that they spoke to the Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, and are now presenting the factual data and information. Amid heat wave, Delhi LG directs chief secretary to ensure availability of water for poor | Top updates In a message on Thursday evening, Atishi said she will start her indefinite fast from noon at Jangpura on Friday. Delhi is experiencing severe heat and needs 1,005 million gallons of water per day (mgd)... 613 mgd water comes from Haryana to Delhi but for some time the Haryana government has been giving only 513 mgd, due to which 28 lakh (2.8 million) people of Delhi are not getting water. The Himachal government is ready to provide additional water which is to come to Delhi via Haryana, but the Haryana government has refused to do so. I am sitting on an indefinite fast until the people of Delhi get water, Atishi said. Atishi on Wednesday said she has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking help alleviate Delhis water problem and said she would go on an indefinite jal satyagraha from Friday if additional water was not provided to Delhi. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, minister of state for defence Harsh Malhotra, MPs Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and others, in a press conference, slammed the AAP administration over the water situation. In 2018, the Kejriwal government similarly accused the Haryana and Punjab of not providing water to Delhi. They took the accusation to the Upper Yamuna River Board, which, after investigation, ruled that the Kejriwal governments accusation was false and that Haryana was supplying water to Delhi as per the agreement. In 2021, the AAP government again blamed Haryana and took the matter to the Supreme Court. The committee established by the Supreme Court investigated and reported that Haryana was supplying full water to Delhi as per the agreement. The Supreme Court reprimanded the Kejriwal government after this report in 2021, Sachdeva said. The Delhi said that there was no water crisis in Delhi. There is water corruption involving the Delhi government. By the end of May 2024, the BJP had established that pipe leakage and the looting by the tanker mafia protected by the government are responsible for Delhis water problem... Instead of seeking additional water from their ally Punjab, they are asking the Haryana and Himachal Pradesh governments to make them appear uncooperative and defame the BJP and Congress governments, Sachdeva added. AAP MP urges INDIA bloc to support water demand Meanwhile, in a separate press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh called on all parties of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance bloc to support the AAPs demand for fair water distribution to Delhi and alleged that the BJP orchestrated the severe water crisis in Delhi. Despite repeated requests of the Delhi government, the BJP-led Haryana government is still not giving Delhi its due share of water. They are not even providing drinking water. Haryana government has stopped drinking water of 100 MGD, equivalent to the demand of 28 lakh people, we are only asking for that same water. This will solve the water crisis, Singh said. Delhi crisis: AAP's Sanjay Singh seeks INDIA bloc's support to get water from Haryana Several areas in Delhi have been facing an acute water shortfall over the last few weeks, primarily due to raw water shortage that has hindered water production at Delhis water treatment plants. The problem has been exacerbated by the intense heatwave that has tightened its grip in parts of northwest India. Delhi is dependent on its neighbouring states to meet 86.5% of its raw water needs. Of the 1,050 mgd water supply Delhi receives from neighbouring states, 613mgd comes from Haryana. Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday said that the state government will approach the Supreme Court against the Patna High Court's decision to strike down the increase in reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and backward classes from 50% to 65%. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. (Photo by Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times) Choudhary, who is also the state BJP president, asserted his party was fully in support of reservations and the state government will move the Supreme Court after due consultations with legal experts. It was with the BJP's full support that the Nitish Kumar government ordered the caste survey and raised quotas for Dalits, tribals and backward classes, said Choudhary. Therefore, the Bihar government will go to the Supreme Court and will give justice to the people of Bihar. Read: Setback to Nitish Kumar as Patna HC scraps Bihar govt's quota hike to 65% in jobs, education RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who was Nitish Kumar's deputy under the Mahagathbandhan government when the law was notified, expressed his dismay over the court's ruling and trained guns at the BJP, which is now an ally of JD(U). "I am aghast at the judgement. The BJP had been trying to scuttle the caste survey, which provided the basis of hiked quotas. It is no surprise that such a verdict has come within days of the party's return to power at the Centre," Tejashwi Yadav said. Tejashwi said he would be writing to the chief minister on the issue. As far as legal remedy is concerned, the RJD will move the Supreme Court against the high court order if the state government fails to rise to the occasion, he added. Reacting to Tejashwi's remarks, Samrat Choudhary said, "His (Tejashwi Yadav) father did not give reservation to a single person, Lalu Prasad Yadav means anti-reservation, he was supporter of crime and he was epitome of hooliganism" Earlier in the day, the Congress asked will the Nitish Kumar dispensation immediately appeal in the Supreme Court and will the NDA-led Centre put its full weight behind it. "The High Court held that this breached the 50 per cent ceiling set by the Supreme Court. Will the Bihar government now go in for an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court? Will the NDA government at the Centre put its full and serious weight behind the appeal?" Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. Even as questions swirled about the efficacy of this years National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical education, the Centre cancelled the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) a day after it was conducted, saying that the integrity of the process may have been compromised. A little over 900,000 aspirants will have to take the test again, while the NEET imbroglio has left around 2.4 million aspirants in a flux even as counselling is set to begin. Central to both episodes is the competence of the National Testing Agency (NTA) which conducts both the tests, and, as a corollary, the impact on aspirants trust in a clean, fair testing process. The government needs to act quickly to restore this trust, given national entrance exams remain a key ladder for millions of students to ensure a decent future for themselves and their families, and therefore, carry enormous burdens of aspiration. As exams that select the countrys future doctors and professors, they also remain key to shaping the countrys future. Lucknow, Jun 20 (ANI): A scuffle broke out between the police and National Students' Union of India (NSUI) supporters and students during a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak in the UGC NET exam, in Lucknow on Thursday. (ANI Photo) (Naeem Ansari) Unfortunately, that trust has now been sullied. Despite the governments assurances, questions linger about the processes followed by NTA and the safeguards built into the system. This calls for independent and transparent investigations and a public acknowledgement of the missteps. NTA and other stakeholders can then attempt to fix the gaps. Beyond this, there is a need to make the testing framework less vulnerable, indeed foolproof, to leaks and other malpractice. To start with, effort should be made to ensure that the paper-and-pen format involving physical question papers and OMR sheets yields to computer-based tests (CBTs), as is the global practice. This takes care of question paper leaks from printing presses and test centres. Coupled with measures such as real-time tracking and limited connection time with the internet to address the vulnerabilities of CBTs -- this can also minimise chances of manipulation or subversion of the testing process. At the same time, shifting to multiple-choice questions that test a deep conceptual understanding of a subject can also negate subjectivity that is typical of manual assessment, at least at the preliminary level of screening. Then there are secondary ways in which the eroded trust can be repaired -- from greater sharing of anonymised performance data, detailed analyses of scoring, and using technology and psychometric analysis to reduce cheating. At the same time, the government and NTA must engage with this years aspirants, ensure that the disruption to their careers is minimal, and be as open in fixing lacunae as possible. The imperative to do this quickly cannot be overstated. At stake is the future of Indias young people, and what can be more important than that? KEAM Result 2024: The result of the Kerala Engineering, Agriculture and Medical or KEAM 2024 entrance examination will not be announced today, an official has confirmed to Hindustan Times. The result is expected to be released within a week, the official added. Once declared, the candidates can check their marks on cee.kerala.gov.in. KEAM result 2024 live updates KEAM 2024 result not today(Getty Images/iStockphoto) When announced, the candidates can check their individual results by using the following the steps mentioned below: How to download KEAM 2024 results? Go to cee.kerala.gov.in and open the KEAM 2024 exam page. Find and open the result download link. Provide your login information and submit it. Check and download the result. The provisional answer keys of KEAM Engineering and BPharm courses were released after the examination and the candidates were asked to send their objections by June 13 along with supporting documents and a fee of 100 per question. The KEAM Engineering exam was held from June 5 to 9 and on June 10 for Pharmacy aspirants. The Engineering exam was conducted from 2 pm to 5 pm and the candidates had to report at exam centres between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. For Pharmacy, the test took place from 3:30 pm to 5 pm and the reporting time was 1 pm to 3 pm. For help regarding the KEAM exam result, the candidates can contact the CEE Kerala helpline numbers at 0471-2525300, 2332120, or 2338487. For more details about the exam and counselling, they can visit the official website of the CEE Kerala. June 20, 2024 12:54 PM IST KEAM Result 2024 Live: The CEE Kerala said that the KEAM rank list will be prepared by giving equal weightage of 50:50 to the normalized score in the entrance examination and the grade/marks obtained in the Plus Two examination for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry put together, after effecting the standardization procedure. In the case of the candidate who did not study Chemistry and Computer Science, the marks obtained in Biotechnology will be considered. In the case of candidates who did not study Chemistry, Computer Science and Biotechnology, the marks obtained in Biology will be considered. For Nalanda Univeristy, named after the ancient seat of learning that drew scholars from far and wide around 1600 years ago, the sprawling state-of-the-art Net Zero campus is a big step forward in the quest for the glory that once drew scholars from far and wide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a group photo with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, EAM Dr S Jaishankar and others during the inauguration of the new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar on Wednesday(ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness that the universitys around 500 regular students are from 20 countries. Nationality was not a criteria for admission in the ancient Nalanda and the new Nalanda will also develop on similar lines, he said after inaugurating the campus. Though the university shifted to its new under-construction campus in 2020, the work went into completing the huge exercise. The university had once planned inauguration by the PM during 2022, but that could not materialise. But the PM made sure that he should inaugurate it in the very month of his third term. The infrastructure development work, said a senior official of the university, is 90% complete. It has 24 large buildings. The huge modern library and a 2000-capacity auditorium remain to be completed. The campus blends the flavour of the ancient Nalanda with modern facilities. On September 1, 2014, the university had its tryst with destiny with the start of the academic session at the International Convention Centre at the Buddhist pilgrim town of Rajgir, barely 10 kms from the Nalanda ruins, which was declared a UN heritage site in 2016 and which formed the backdrop at the G-20 Summit last year. The first phase of construction of the university campus included the construction of academic and administration buildings, residential buildings for faculty, staff and students, amenities buildings, campus Inn and the international centre. In the first phase, the water bodies and lakes for rain water collection and distribution for the campus was developed. Besides, it included development of internal roads, walkways and landscape. The entire construction is in accordance with requirements of green building certification by GRIHA and net zero energy, water and waste management strategies. The construction also involves innovative technologies for desiccant evaporative (DEVAP) cooling of the environment. The campus has water bodies spread across 100 acres in the 455-acre area. The visualisation of the Nalanda University had started in 2006 itself when former President APJ Abdul Kalam had talked about reviving the glory of ancient Nalanda during his address at the Bihar Legislatire. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar referred to the Nalanda University journey while thanking the PM for speeding up the work to see this day. At present, the institution runs six schools - Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions; Historical Studies; Ecology and Environmental Studies; and Sustainable Development and Management. There are 137 scholarships on offer for international students. The students enrolled in the postgraduate programmes and PhD programme for 2023-27, are from Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Myanmar, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, the USA, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Nalanda University has collaborates with 17 nations, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are more likely in the days to come, said a university official. However, the biggest challenge for the university will be to live up to the expectations it has been set up with, as it has to match the ancient Nalanda that had 10000 students and 2000 teachers from across the globe and was regarded as the worlds first residential university. The ancient one was destroyed by Bakhtiar Khilji in the 12th century, almost coinciding with the emergence of Oxford. Now, the new Nalanda has been set up to establish India as the knowledge centre of the globe that it once was in its quest to be a powerful nation. Global worries grow over wider regional war amid Israel-Lebanon tension 15:58, June 20, 2024 By GT staff reporters ( Global Times An Israeli reserve soldier takes part in a military drill in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on June 18, 2024. The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it has approved "operational plans" for an offensive against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Photo: Xinhua The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that plans for an attack in southern Lebanon had been approved and steps had been taken to accelerate "readiness of troops in the field." Since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, Israel and Hezbollah militants have been locked in ongoing hostilities, with the rhetoric intensifying recently. Last week, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Israeli military sites following an Israeli strike that killed its most senior commander. The group has also hinted at potential attacks on Israel's third-largest city - Haifa, according to media reports. On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a warning on X, stating, "We are very close to the moment of decision to change the rules against Hezbollah and Lebanon. In an all-out war, Hezbollah will be destroyed, and Lebanon will be severely hit." From a historical perspective, there has long been a possibility of escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as there is a deep-seated enmity between the two sides and there have been numerous clashes over the years, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether the conflict between the two sides will escalate into a sustained conflict similar to that in Gaza, said Liu. The latest round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has spilled over in several spots, including forces like the Houthi militants targeting Israel and the US on the Red Sea, and Iraqi militant groups launching drones and rockets. And Hezbollah, with support from Iran, remains a significant member of the anti-Israel forces, analysts said. With Israel's operations in southern Gaza potentially nearing an end amid substantial international pressure, there is a likelihood that Israel may shift its focus northward to target Hezbollah, said Liu. Escalation of the Israel-Lebanon conflict would make the surrounding situation increasingly tense, which would also bring more domestic and international pressure for Israel, said Liu. The international community is also paying close attention to the situation in the Middle East and there are concerns about a wider regional war. Many observers called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to stop the situation from deteriorating. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Deepika Padukone was the centre of attention at the pre-release event for Kalki 2898 AD, as she flaunted her baby bump in a black dress. She went on stage to talk about the film and her character, where she gave a glimpse of the fun rapport she shares with her co-star Prabhas. She even jokingly said that it was Prabhas amazing food on set which was the reason behind her bump. (Also read: Ranveer Singh refuses to let go of pregnant Deepika Padukone's hand at the airport. Watch) Actors Deepika Padukone (R) and Prabhas attend a promotional event of their upcoming Indian epic science fiction dystopian film Kalki 2898 AD in Mumbai on June 19, 2024. (Photo by Sujit JAISWAL / AFP)(AFP) What Deepika said At the event, the lead cast took the stage to discuss the film. After Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Prabhas, Deepika was called on stage. During the interaction, Deepika pulled Prabhas leg and joked that he was the reason for the way her pregnant belly looks. She said, Im actually like this because of all the food Prabhas fed me." Prabhas could not stop laughing at her comment. She then added, It got to the point where it was a full catering service, not just food from home. He feeds from the heart. Deepika shared a bunch of pictures on her Instagram ahead of the event. She chose a sleek black bodycon dress for the occasion. Okay enoughNow Im hungry! she captioned the post. More details Deepika and her husband Ranveer Singh announced that they are expecting their first child on February 29. They also mentioned that the baby is due in September. Ranveer-Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy's Lake Como after dating for six long years and the duo never fails to shower love on each other on social media. After Kalki 2898 AD, fans will see Deepika in Singham Again, the third instalment of Rohit Shetty's cop universe. Deepika steps into the role of Lady Singham alongside Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor. Ranveer and Deepika hold hands As they got out of the car, the paparazzi surrounded Ranveer and Deepika and asked them to pose for pictures. Deepika flashed a big smile as Ranveer walked beside her and held her hand. Ranveer guided her along the way, as Deepika followed him towards the entrance. Deepika paired a black cardigan along with her black dress, and kept her hair untied. Meanwhile, Ranveer was seen in a black shirt and baggy trousers. More details Deepika attended the pre-release event of Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD which took place in Mumbai on Wednesday. Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan also attended the event. In a video from the event, Deepika was seen getting up from the chair on stage to come down. Not only did Rana first rush to help her as shes pregnant, but also Prabhas. But it was Amitabh who was seen chiding Prabhas for beating him to it, pulling him from behind. This made Deepika and Prabhas break into a smile. At the event, Deepika also joked that her pregnant belly looks this way because of all the delicious food Prabhas fed her during the shoot. She said, Im actually like this because of all the food Prabhas fed me. It got to the point where it was a full catering service, not just food from home. He feeds from the heart. Deepika will essay the role of Sumathi in Kalki 2898 AD. The film releases in theatres on June 27. Priyanka Chopra's New York City restaurant SONA made its debut in March 2021 amid COVID-19 restrictions, and quickly gained a sizable social media following. However, she announced in August 2023 that she is parting ways with SONA, which she co-founded with Maneesh Goyal. It was clarified that the restraint will continue to operate despite her exit from the venture. Priyanka Chopra launched SONA with former business partner Maneesh K. Goyal. (Instagram) In the latest update on its Instagram handle, the restaurant has announced that it will be closing soon following its over 3 years of remarkable journey. After more than three remarkable years, SONA will be closing. We are immensely grateful to everyone who walked through our doors. It has been our greatest honour to serve you, SONA declared. The restaurant thanked its dedicated team for offering delicious food, smiles, and warmth every day. According to the post, SONA's final service will be brunch on Sunday, June 30. We hope to see you one last time for a meal or a drink. Our doors and hearts are open, the statement concluded. Responding to the post, several SONA lovers expressed shock while stating that We will miss you!. Sorry to hear that. I loved your food!, one person commented. Glad got a chance to dine, May new ventures open doors, another chimed in. A third user wrote: So sad! You were so great. You will be missed. Why did Priyanka Chopra step away from SONA? Last year, Priyanka Chopra's representative revealed that the actor, who was a partner in SONA since its opening, will now be focusing on other aspirations. In a statement issued to People Magazine, the rep stated, Priyanka has stepped away from her partnership at SONA. Bringing Sona to life will invariably be a proud and significant moment in her career. Priyanka has always endeavored to bring Indian culture to the fore through storytelling, whether thats via engaging content for film and TV, or a beautifully plated dish that embodies the haute cuisine of India. She can pursue these goals on a larger global scale by stepping away from SONA, and she is thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead, the person added. Maneesh K. Goyal, a friend and former business partner of Jonas and co-founder of SONA, told the publication that working with the Priyanka "has been a dream come true." In a statement, he mentioned that they are grateful for Priyanka's partnership and support, adding, We're excited for our respective new chapters ahead. She will no longer be participating as a creative partner, but she remains a part of the SONA family, Goyal stated. Was there any rift between Priyanka and her former business partner? Following Priyanka's sudden departure, many people wondered what had happened behind closed doors. There were reports in media that the actor announced her unexpected exit because of a rift with Maneesh Goyal. According to Page Six, it all started with Diwali celebrations. Priyanka's close friend, Goyal and Anjula Acharia, threw a joint Diwali party at the Pierre Hotel in 2022. But in 2023, their friends, including Priyanka, had to pick between Goyal and Acharia as the former decided to host a party at Mandarin Oriental, while the latter chose to go ahead with Pierre. According to insiders, this choice has left the South Asian community "picking sides." One person compared the issue to a Christmas crisis following a divorce, saying, "It's like, who's going to Mom's party and who's going to Dad's?" When questioned about the two gatherings, Goyal said that he is delighted that the South Asian community is dynamic enough to justify two events after co-hosting with Acharia. "I'm so looking forward to both events and the Diwali season ahead." However, Priyanka didn't address any of these speculations. Know more about Priyanka's role in the restaurant Priyanka's husband Nick Jonas suggested the restaurants name, which means 'gold' in Hindi. The restaurant offers cuisines that is reminiscent of the many Indian subcontinental areas, including Goan fish curry and paneer tikka. When SONA made its debut, Goyal referred to Priyanka as the "creative force" behind the restaurant. He noted that she has helped him with important elements including the menu, music, and design. Legendary actor Donald Sutherland has passed away at the age of 88 following a long illness", his agent confirmed on Thursday. Legendary actor Donald Sutherland has died at the age of 88. Acclaimed actor Donald Sutherland died today in Miami, Florida, after a long illness. He was 88 years old," CAA said in a statement to PA agency. Taking to X, his son Kiefer, who is also an actor, paid heartfelt homage to his father. With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived, he wrote while sharing black and white photo of the duo together. Reacting to his post, producer Ben Everard wrote: THE DIRTY DOZEN is an absolute all timer, as are many of his classics. RIP to a wonderful actor. Extending condolences to Sutherland family, one X user wrote, So sorry for your loss. Your dad was an incredible actor whose work will stand the test of time. Your Dad was one of my all time favorites. M.A.S.H. so many other tremendous performances. My favorite was his cameo in JFK. R.I.P. Mr. Sutherland. Peace to the Sutherland Family, one more chimed in. A look at Sutherland's bright career Sutherland, who was born in 1935 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and had a more than seven-decade cinematic career, was well-known for his appearances in Pride and Prejudice, M*A*S*H, The Hunger Games, and Ad Astra, among many more films. The Canadian received two awards: a Golden Globe for the television film Path To War and an Emmy for the miniseries Citizen X. He was also honored with an Academy Honorary Award in 2017 for his brilliant acting. Sutherland's most recent performances were as a judge in the 2023 TV series Lawmen: Bass Reeves and as Coriolanus Snow, dictator president, in the Hunger Games film franchise. Also Read: Joe Flaherty dies at 82: A look at SCTV star's iconic film and television roles He was bestowed with numerous accolades throughout his life, such as inductions into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011 and the Canadian Walk of Fame in 2000. In addition to being named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2019, Sutherland was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1978 and a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2012. Canada Post released a stamp honouring him in October 2023, marking his remarkable career as one of the country's most esteemed and diverse actors. Sutherland, was the father to the 57-year-old actor Kiefer Sutherland, winner of an Emmy, and seasoned CAA Media Finance executive Roeg Sutherland. His many television appearances include Trust, The Pillars of the Earth and Dirty Sexy Money. He is survived by wife Francine Racette, four sons -- Roeg, Rossif, Angus, and Kiefer, daughter Rachel; and four grandkids. Actor Priyanka Chopra's former restaurant Sona in New York is going to close its doors. The restaurant, known for infusing a modern touch to Indian cuisine, will serve its final brunch service on June 30. (Also read: Step inside Priyanka Chopra's stunning New York restaurant Sona, serving tequila gol gappas; Danielle Jonas pays visit) The restaurant was launched in partnership with Priyanka Chopra three years back. The news of the restaurant shutting down comes almost a year after Priyanka ended the partnership, and pulled out of the establishment. The update was shared via a post on Instagram. End of the golden run The restaurant released a statement on June 19 announcing the end of its chapter. It read, After more than three remarkable years, Sona will be closing. We have immense gratitude for everyone who walked through our doors. Its been our greatest honour to serve you. It added, SONAs final service will be brunch on Sunday, June 30. The restaurant was inaugurated three years ago with an Indian puja ceremony that saw Priyanka and her husband, Nick Jonas, in attendance. It was often frequented by celebrities, such as Mindy Kaling, Anupam Kher, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif. The restaurant took the guests on an Indian foodie trail with dishes such as Kerala roast chicken, pumpkin kofta and paneer lababdar. They also offered eclectic cocktails. Priyanka co-founded the restaurant in New York with Maneesh Goyal. She would often share glimpses of the place on her social media, from showing off beautifully plated meals, to diverse food options to vodka pani puri. The reason behind its closure is not yet revealed. Priyanka pulls out After two years since its opening, Priyanka ended her partnership with SONA amid reports indicating a rift with her business partner Maneesh. The restaurateur announced that while Priyanka moved away from the business her fingerprints were all over SONA. And she continues to remain in the SONA family despite not being a creative partner moving forward. In 2023, a statement from Priyankas representatives read, Bringing Sona to life will invariably be a proud and significant moment in her career. Priyanka has always endeavoured to bring Indian culture to the fore through storytelling, whether thats via engaging content for film and TV, or a beautifully plated dish that embodies the haute cuisine of India. At that time, Maneesh said that collaborating with Priyanka has been a dream come true. We are grateful for her partnership and support. While she will no longer be involved as a creative partner, she remains part of the Sona family, and we look forward to our respective new chapters ahead, he said in a statement to People. On the work front, Priyanka is currently shooting for The Bluff, and keeps on sharing snippets from the set on her social media. MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Rapper Travis Scott was arrested in Miami Beach early Thursday on misdemeanor charges of trespassing and public intoxication after officers say they found him at the city's marina shouting obscenities at people on a yacht and disobeyed their order to leave. Rapper Travis Scott arrested after Miami Beach police say he drunkenly yelled at people on a yacht Officers went to the marina shortly before 1 a.m. after receiving a call about people fighting on a yacht, according to a police report. When they arrived, they found Scott, 33, standing on the dock yelling at people on the ship, the report says. Officers told him to sit down, but he kept standing back up and yelling. They could smell alcohol on his breath, the report says. The man who called police did not want to press charges, so Scott was allowed to leave. As he walked away, however, Scott kept turning to yell obscenities at people on the yacht. He left as a passenger in a waiting car, but returned five minutes later and ignored officers' orders to again leave, the report says. Officers say he then began yelling again, disturbing people in nearby boats and buildings. When officers asked if he had been drinking, he replied, It's Miami. He was arrested. Scott was released from Miami-Dade County Jail before noon after posting a $650 bond. After his release, he posted on the social platform X, Lol. His attorney, Bradford Cohen, said in a statement that Scott was detained due to a misunderstanding. There was absolutely no physical altercation involved, and we thank the authorities for working with us towards a swift and amicable resolution, Cohen said. Scott, one of the biggest names in hip-hop and whose birth name is Jacques Webster, has more than 100 songs that made the Billboard Hot 100 and released four singles that topped the chart: Sicko Mode, Highest in the Room, The Scotts, and Franchise. He has two children with his former girlfriend, media personality and businesswoman Kylie Jenner. This is not the first time Scott has been involved in a police investigation. Ten people were killed in a crowd surge at Scott's 2021 performance at his Astroworld Festival in his native Houston. Attendees were packed so tightly that many couldn't breathe or move their arms. Those killed, who ranged in age from 9 to 27, died from compression asphyxia, which an expert likened to being crushed by a car. Lawyers for the victims alleged in lawsuits that the deaths and hundreds of injuries at the concert were caused by negligent planning and a lack of concern over capacity and safety at the event. Scott, promoter Live Nation, and the others who were sued have denied these claims, saying safety was their No. 1 concern. They said what happened could not have been foreseen. The final lawsuit was settled last month. After a police investigation, a grand jury declined to indict Scott, along with five others connected to the festival. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Eric Kripke's purposely deliberate and direct approach to many things in The Boys Season 4 has deeply affected armies of fans who initially worshipped the superhero satire series. With a narrative as loud and clear as it will ever be, the Prime Video show is expected to run out of fuel with its fifth and final season, as confirmed by The Boys' boss himself (or so he says, at least for now.) US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (left) and Valorie Curry as Firecracker in The Boys Season 4 (right). However, before that happens, he's already architected a long road ahead for fans, at least for those who've decided to stick around for more mind-boggling explosions in every way possible. Season 4 has significantly driven a wedge between the Rotten Tomatoes scores graded by the critics and the viewers. While the audience score stands at an all-time low across seasons, with 49%, the critics' Tomatometer still rises with a Certified Fresh 95%. Kripke acknowledges that stretching the series beyond its originally authentic elasticity will only do more damage than make a point. So, he's all in to hit the breaks, preventing The Boys from turning into the thing that we're parodying. As for the ongoing installment of the series, there's no room for ambiguity, especially when the main man behind the show has left no stone unturned in vividly spelling out his character inspirations and the subjects of his creative critique. Also read | The Boys' superhero marketing goes crazy with Homelander's first-ever Reddit Ask Me Anything New characters of The Boys 4 and their very real-life-like inspirations The Boys Season 4 not only opened the door to welcome fan favourites like Karl Urban's Billy Butcher, Antony Starr's Homelander, Karen Fukuhara's Kimiko, Jack Quaid's Hughie and others, but it also rings the alarm for stellar newcomers, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Joe Kessler, Susan Keyward's Sister Sage and Valorie Curry's Firecracker. The diabolical writer, whose other notable works include the epic 15-season saga of Supernatural, kicked his formidable political commentary a notch higher this season, especially with characters like Sister Sage and Firecracker on the roster. Speaking to Variety, he revealed how difficult it was to create a character who is essentially dubbed the smartest person in the person. Despite the intellectual insights and burdens carried by Keyward's Sister Sage, she's also a character whom everyone renders invisible. Kripke further accentuated his social commentary by making the character an African American woman. 'Lets make her an African American woman who nobody listens to. And so here she is, the ability to save all of mankind and everyone just kind of thinks shes invisible, Kripke described Sage's character design. Also read | Star Wars The Acolyte Episode 4 spoilers: Netizens stunned at chilling cliffhanger On the contrary, Curry's Firecracker embodies the essence of her character's name in the most racist ways possible. The Boys' creator confirmed his inspiration for this volatile persona was the far-right US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Explaining how the new character came into being, Kripke divulged that he mulled over the question, Hey, isnt Marjorie Taylor Greene scary? and Firecracker's personality was born. Like, you had Trump, but now you have these Trump spawn that are trying to outdo each other for how outrageous and sexualized and gun-toting and slavishly obedient they can be, Kripke noted. Drawing parallels between the creative fictionality of his show and reality, he positioned Starr's Homelander as former US President Donald Trump, envisioning how it wouldnt just start and end with Homelander, he would start to create these spores that would grow into these other characters, and shes a version of that. While describing her character in another interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kripke named US Rep. Lauren Boebert as another inspiration. On top of that, Kristi Noem also somehow made it to the list: When we were writing her, [South Dakota Gov.] Kristi Noem wasnt in our heads, but then she comes out and shes shooting puppies and then its like, Theres Firecracker! Shes literally shooting puppies!' As for the declining favouritism for the show among audiences, with Kripke's commentary becoming too political this season (as claimed by many on social media), he outrightly said that viewers can decide whether they want to watch it or not. Leaning further into how it basically mirrors the source material of the comic it's based on, Kripke reminded via the interview that the comic is really political, too. While the books seek to fictionally mirror a past reality about the post 9/11 George Bush era, the TV adaptation serves as an extended metaphor for the contemporary reality, representing the cross-section of celebrity and authoritarianism. Kripke also didn't forget to recount that their team first pitched before Trump was elected. The Boys Season 4 Episode 4, Wisdom of the Ages, is scheduled to be released on Thursday, June 20, 2024. When it was announced that Prabhas and Deepika Padukone were coming together onscreen for the first time in Kalki 2898 AD, fans were intrigued to see the fresh new pair. As expected, they blew us away in the trailer that released earlier this week. But little did we know that Prabhas and Deepikas chemistry was a reflection of their real-life bonding, which we got a taste of last night at the pre-release event of their film. Well, in one viral video from the event, mommy-to-be Deepika stroked her baby bump and joked, Actually, Im like this because of all the food hes fed me. She was talking about Prabhas love for food and feeding his co-stars finger-licking dishes on set. Prabhas and Deepika Padukone at the Kalki 2898 AD pre-release event But Deepika isnt the only celebrity who has been spoilt by Prabhas. Heres a look at 5 other actors who got to enjoy delicious food, courtesy of the Baahubali star: Kareena Kapoor Khan In 2021, Prabhas was busy shooting for Om Rauts film Adipurush (2023) with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Well, one fine day Saifs wife Kareena Kapoor Khan took to social media to reveal that the couple had received delicious biryani from Prabhas for dinner. Thanking him, she shared, When Bahubali sends you Biryani it's gotta be the best Thank you @actorprabhas for this insane meal #Adipurush When Kareena and Saif received Biryani for dinner from Prabhas Kriti Sanon Another Adipurush co-star who spoke about Prabhas love for feeding people is Kriti Sanon, who played his onscreen wife Janaki in the film. In an interview, the Bollywood actor shared that Prabhas is a total foodie. This was delightful for the team because he often brought home-cooked Hyderabadi dishes for them on set Prabhas and Kriti at a promotional event for Adipurush Amitabh Bachchan Not just Deepika but even Amitabh Bachchan enjoyed himself to the fullest on the sets of Kalki 2898 AD. Back in 2022 when they were shooting for the film, Big B thanked Prabhas on X for bringing him home-cooked meals, including special cookies, and revealed that the quantity of the food could feed an entire army. Amitabh added, Your generosity is beyond measure Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan at the pre-release event of Kalki 2898 AD Shraddha Kapoor Much like Prabhas, Shraddha Kapoor is also a self-proclaimed foodie. So the two obviously had the time of their lives while shooting for their 2019 film Saaho. While Prabhas treated her to finger-licking Hyderabadi delicacies, Shraddha brought lip-smacking desi Mumbai food to set for her co-star and their entire crew. In fact, after Saaho when a fan asked her when she would reunite with Prabhas for a film, Shraddha joked, When he will send me his ghar ka food tiffin When Prabhas treated Shraddha to Hyderabadi delicacies on Saaho set Shruti Haasan By now it is clear how much Prabhas enjoys sending home-cooked food to his co-stars, spoiling them with love. Well, it seems like he also believes food is the best way to commemorate milestones on set. This is why he treated Shruti Haasan to tasty treats after she completed a schedule of their 2023 film Salaar: Part 1 Ceasefire. Thanking Prabhas for the same, Shruti shared, Schedule wrap!!!!!! Celebrated with the most delicious dessert treat thankyou so much @actorprabhas When Prabhas celebrated Shruti's schedule wrap by treating her to desserts We wouldnt mind going to work if we had a co-star/worker like Prabhas too. Well, we are sure the tasty home-cooked food helped the team of Kalki 2898 AD give their best on set. We cant wait to be blown away when the film arrives in theatres on June 27. Acting may look like a glamorous job but working on a set can be quite dangerous with all the heavy machinery, elaborate sets and action sequences. Just yesterday, global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a picture of a big cut on her throat which she got while shooting. Well, she is one of the many Bollywood divas at work who have been hurt on set but were still unstoppable. Take a look: Bollywood divas who got hurt on set Priyanka Chopra Jonas Today Priyanka shared a photo dump on Instagram featuring her many moments on the set of her next film The Bluff. The post begins with a short clip where the actor has blood all over her upper torso. It looks like she is bleeding from her nose and mouth while the last two pictures give us a glimpse of the injuries on her shoulder and leg. Her daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas also makes a cameo in this post Deepika Padukone One of Deepika Padukones best and most enjoyable performances to date was in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013). She was gorgeous and looked effortless when she took over the dance floor. But did you know she shot many of these sequences with bruises and tape on her feet? In an interview, her co-star and now husband Ranveer Singh had revealed that Deepika had no skin left at the bottom of her feet. Thats not all! A trail of blood followed her steps as she completed a take. But she didnt stop and gave it her all Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela Alia Bhatt Another hard-working actor, Alia Bhatt gives her 100% when she shoots for a project. So you can only imagine the work she put into her passion project Brahmastra: Part One Shiva (2022) co-starring Ranbir Kapoor. According to reports, Alia injured her shoulder and arm while shooting for an action sequence in Bulgaria. Another time the actor got hurt on set was while filming Kalank (2019). She slipped on stairs and hurt her foot, but continued shooting because she was committed to wrapping up the tight schedule Injured Alia Bhatt Taapsee Pannu The versatile Taapsee Pannu is one actor who takes her work very seriously, which reflects beautifully onscreen. During the shoot of her 2021 film Rashmi Rocket, she got over-enthusiastic during running scenes and didnt take any rest. This resulted in a leg injury on the third day of the shoot. Another time Taapsee got hurt was while filming Game Over (2019). She shared glimpses of her injuries on social media, which left many fans worried Kangana Ranaut Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) was one of the biggest films of Kangana Ranauts career. She gave her heart and soul to the project, getting injured not once but twice while shooting. The actor got hurt on her forehead while filming a sword-fighting scene and later injured her ankle. But like the fighter that she is, she resumed shoot on recovery and gave us one of her most fierce performances Kangana after getting hurt on the sets of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi Well, these ladies are wonder women and continue to inspire their fans every day. Kudos to them! At least 13 people have died and 30 others have been hospitalised after they allegedly consumed illicit liquor in Kallakurichi district in Tamil Nadu, prompting the state government to transfer the district collector and suspend the superintendent of police. A person undergoes treatment after consumption of spurious liquor in Kallakurichi distict of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. (PTI) Prima facie, it appears that they consumed pocket liquor (sold illegally in the market), a senior government official said, adding that chief minister MK Stalin has ordered that the case be investigated by the CB-CID. Earlier, police arrested three individuals. The accused, identified as Kannakutti Damodaran, Kannakutti Govindaraj and Ramesh, have been arrested on charges of manufacturing and sale of spurious liquor. The victims most of whom are daily wage workers consumed illicitly manufactured liquor on Tuesday night and began having health problems post midnight. The victims reportedly had complained of sudden loss of vision and hearing, severe stomach pain and vomiting. District collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath told reporters that those undergoing treatment in the hospital told him about their symptoms. But we do not know yet if it (liquor) is contaminated with methanol. We are awaiting lab reports, Kumar said. Blood samples of the deceased have been sent to forensic labs in Villupuram district and Puducherrys Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). The deaths and subsequent action comes a day before the Tamil Nadu assembly is set to be convened on June 20. The district collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been transferred and superintendent of police (SP) Samay Singh Meena has been suspended. While MS Prasanth will replace Jatavath, Rajat Chaturvedi will be the new SP. The state government also transferred the entire Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) in Kallakurichi district for alleged lapses. Tamil Nadus opposition AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were quick to condemn the ruling DMK government over the incident. Leader of opposition and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) said that chief minister MK Stalin must not take peoples lives lightly. I have been continuously pointing out that illicit liquor is running rampant in this DMK regime, and I strongly condemn the DMK government for not taking any action to eliminate illicit liquor even after many lives have already been lost due to it, EPS said. BJP state president K Annamalai demanded the resignation of Tamil Nadus minister for prohibition and excise, Thangam Thennarasu, for misgovernance. It is heart-wrenching to see parents cry out of the pain of losing their child and wives losing their husbands due to the consumption of illicit liquor. DMK has not learnt their lesson , Annamalai said in a post on X. There is zero accountability in the DMK govt and ministers do not fear consequences for posing with illicit liquor sellers. Grieving family and relatives of the victims, who were undergoing treatment, gathered at the local government hospital. There shouldnt be more liquor shops in Kallakurichi, said Maria, whose husband died while undergoing treatment at the local government hospital. This is the first time so many deaths have happened in Kallakurichi. Last year, 22 people died in twin hooch tragedies in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts. Raipur: Two Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) personnel were killed after the vehicle they were travelling in fell into a gorge in Balrampur district on Wednesday, police said. The accident took place in Balrampur district (Twitter/ANI Photo) Police said that apart from the two dead, another CAF jawan, the driver of the mini goods vehicle and a civilian were injured in the accident. The CAF personnel were engaged in shifting their camp when the incident occurred between Pundag and Bhutahi villages, bordering Jharkhand state, Balrampur superintendent of police (SP) Lal Umed Singh said. SP Singh said that the D company of CAFs 10th battalion was transferred from Ramchandrapur to Pundag. He added that security personnel, goods and other materials were being shifted in buses and trucks to a new camp location as part of the redeployment exercise. A big truck which was engaged in transportation could not go beyond Bandarchua village hence, a mini vehicle was engaged to carry goods loaded in the truck from there to the new camp location. After ferrying the goods once, the vehicle was engaged in another round of transportation when its driver failed to negotiate a sharp turn on a hill and fell into a gorge and hit a tree, the SP added. Police have identified the deceased as head constable Fateh Bahadur, a resident of Uttar Pradesh and constable Narayan Prasad, from Surguja district in Chhattisgarh. The injured constable was identified as Rapratap Singh. In 2015, the Indian government, in a coup of sorts, convinced the UN General Assembly to declare June 21st as International Day of Yoga, thus reclaiming yoga, which had proliferated across the world in a variety of avatars, for Bharat. Since then, multitudes of eager Indians and non-Indians have come together on this day each year to perform a series of postures or asanas, which most of them understand simply as yoga. Todays postural yoga, traditionally called Hatha Yoga, has very little to do with ancient lineage (File photo) But todays postural yoga, traditionally called Hatha Yoga, has very little to do with ancient lineage. In fact, Swami Vivekananda, who took yoga to the west in the 1890s, dismissed Hatha Yoga as nothing but a kind of gymnastics. The rationalist monk himself espoused what he called Raja Yoga, a holistic spiritual practice based on ashtanga, the 8-step process to self-realization outlined by Maharishi Patanjali in the two-millennium-old Yoga Sutras. Hatha Yoga, in a new, improved, form, had to wait until the 1920s to gain mainstream acceptance. One of the pioneers of this form a rational, scientific approach to yoga as exercise and therapy was (almost) local lad Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, widely regarded as the Father of Modern Yoga. Born in 1888 in Chitradurga, Krishnamacharyas education was eclectic. From studying the Vedas under his scholar father until the age of ten, moving to a mutt in Mysore after his father unexpectedly passed, to eventually graduating from Mysore University before moving to Varanasi for higher studies, and in between all of this, travelling across India to study the nuances of the six ancient schools of Indian philosophy one of which is Yoga as interpreted by Patanjali his youth was also peripatetic. In 1919, he travelled to Simla to seek permission from the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, to cross the border into Tibet. His reputation as a healer having preceded him, Lord Irwin set before Krishnamacharya his own health problems, brought on by diabetes, which the latter proceeded to treat. Six months later, his health much improved, Lord Irwin sent the young man on his way, accompanied by an official escort. In 1926, Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar of Mysore accompanied his mother, Maharani Kempananjammanni, to Varanasi, on the occasion of her 60th birthday. Discovering to his delight that the great healer of Varanasi was from his own kingdom, he invited Krishnamacharya back to Mysore to teach yoga to the royal family, and, in 1933, encouraged him to establish a yoga school for the public the famous Yogashala in a wing of the Jaganmohan Palace. It was at the Yogashala, as a teacher of a style of yoga that he developed himself, Vinyasa Krama Yoga, that the diminutive Krishnamacharya had his greatest impact. Famously exacting and short-tempered as a teacher, it was nevertheless his students including his son TKV Desikachar; his brother-in-law, BKS Iyengar, of Iyengar Yoga fame; K Pattabhi Jois who developed Mysore Yoga; the Russian actress Indra Devi, yoga teacher to Hollywood; Srivatsa Ramaswami and AG Mohan who would be counted among the greatest yoga teachers of the 20th century, and turn yoga into a global phenomenon. In Mysore itself, with the death of Nalvadi in 1940, the Yogashala lost its royal patronage. Post-Independence, the chief minister, KC Reddy, ordered the school shut. Krishnamacharya moved to Bangalore, and then to Madras, where he taught until his death at the age of 100. His student Pattabhi Jois continued to teach in Mysore, at his own Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. In 1967, a Belgian publisher called Andre Van Lysebeth wrote a book called Yoga Self-Taught, after spending a few months with Jois. The book caused a sensation in Europe, and brought yoga-seekers in droves to Jois door. That flood is yet to abate? (Roopa Pai is a writer who has carried on a longtime love affair with her hometown Bengaluru) French journalist Sebastien Farcis, who has been working in India as a South Asia correspondent for the past 13 years, alleged that he was forced to return to France after his journalist permit was denied renewal. He called it an incomprehensible censorship. Farcis has been working for Radio France Internationale, Radio France, Libration and the Swiss and Belgian public radios. (X/Sebastien Farcis) The Indian government didn't immediately issue a statement on the matter. Sebastien Farcis has been working for Radio France Internationale, Radio France, Libration and the Swiss and Belgian public radios. After 13 years working as a correspondent in India, the authorities have denied me a permit to work as a journalist. I have thus been forced to leave the country, Sebastien Farcis wrote on X. Farcis said that he left India on June 17. Three months ago, on 7th March, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) denied the renewal of my journalist permit, preventing me from practising my profession and depriving me of all my income. No reason has been provided to justify this work ban, despite formal and repeated requests made to the MHA. I have tried to appeal also, but to no avail so far, he added. Working in India since 2011, Farcis claimed he has all the necessary visas and accreditations. I have respected the regulations imposed in India for foreign journalists and never worked in restricted or protected areas without a permit, he said. The French journalist claimed that on several occasions the MHA had allowed him to report even in the border areas. Therefore, this work ban comes as a big shock. Farcis said he was informed of the news on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections in India, which he was forbidden to cover. Speaking about the move's great impact on his family, Farcis said he was married to an Indian woman and held an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. He claimed that he was being asked to leave without any reason. I am therefore deeply attached to India, which has become my second homeland. But with no more work nor income, my family has been pushed out of India without explanation, and uprooted overnight for no apparent reason. Farcis is the second French journalist to be denied permission to report in India this year. In February, Vanessa Dougnac, a South Asia correspondent for 23 years, claimed that her OCI card was cancelled by the MHA for creating a biased negative perception of India through her work. Farcis said, This denial comes in a worrying context of increasing restrictions on the work of foreign journalists: after Vanessa Dougnac, I am the second French journalist in four months having to leave India under these conditions. At least five OCl foreign correspondents have been banned from working as journalists in less than two years. Farcis added that he applied for a new permit to work in India, and he hoped it would be accepted. In the meantime, as I am not able to work, I am forced to return to France. Liberation, the organisation that Farcis worked with, quoting Farcis said in a news report, Once again, on Wednesday, Libe contacted the Indian embassy in France for official explanations. The embassy only promised to forward an email to its superiors in New Delhi. In a letter sent on March 27 to the ambassador in Paris, Dov Alfon, the director of publication and editorial of the newspaper, along with Jean-Marc Four and Jean-Philippe Baille, respectively the directors of RFI and news at Radio France, the other two employers of Farcis, had already requested clarification about a decision infringing on the freedom to inform. This letter has remained unanswered. The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday hailed the Delhi court's order granting bail to chief minister and party convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The 55-year-old leader, who returned to Delhi's Tihar jail on June 2 after his interim bail period ended, will walk out of the jail three months after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in case. Arvind Kejriwal bail LIVE coverage Satyemeva Jayate (Truth wins), Delhi minister Atishi posted on X after the news of Kejriwal getting bail broke. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, who was also arrested in the case before being granted bail on April 4, said,"Arvind Kejriwal coming out of jail at such a time is going to strengthen democracy. This is good news for the people of Delhi...ED's statements till now were based on lies...this is a baseless fake case formed to trap Kejriwal." Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21. Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said,"Rouse Avenue court granting bail to CM Arvind Kejriwal is a milestone for the whole country. This decision will become a big example in our law system. In PMLA, most people get relief only from the Supreme Court...usually, lower courts never give relief...so it is evident that the central govt has no proof in this case." INDIA allies hail Kejriwal verdict Aam Aadmi Party's INDIA bloc allies welcomed the court order on Kejriwal. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi posted on X,"Welcome back @ArvindKejriwal ji!" Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole too hailed the order, saying,"We welcome the decision of the court on Arvind Kejriwal. He was trapped, there was no mistake of him, it became clear through this." Somewhere, this was expected. You believed in the court. This will also determine a new direction. This is a good thing, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Supriyo Bhattacharya told PTI. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Clyde Crasto told PTI,"Arvind Kejriwal getting bail today restores our faith in our judicial system and the democracy. We have been saying this from the very beginning that the case against Kejriwal was designed with an ulterior motive." BJP mocks AAP's Satyamev Jayate remark BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa slammed Aam Aadmi Party over bail granted to Kejriwal."On Arvind Kejriwal getting bail, Aam Aadmi Party is saying 'Satyamev Jayate'. If getting bail is victory, I would like to tell that there is not a single person who was arrested for corruption and did not get bail," he told PTI. "Getting bail doesn't mean there is no evidence against you. Evidence was there, and this is why the same court sent you to jail and then gave you bail, so you can't even say the court is biased," Sirsa added. Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Thursday claimed the involvement of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's aide in the alleged paper leaks and discrepancies in NEET-UG 2024. Addressing a press conference in Patna, Vijay Kumar Sinha asserted that on May 1 and May 4, Pritam Kumar, who served as Tejashwi Yadav's personal secretary during his ministerial tenure, contacted an employee of the Bihar road construction department to book a room for Sikander Kumar Yadavendu, an engineer implicated in the leak of NEET-UG question papers. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. (Photo by Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times) On May 1, Tejashwi Yadav's personal secretary Pritam Kumar called Pradip Kumar to book a room for Sikander Kumar YadavenduOn May 4, Pritam Kumar called Pradip Kumar again to book the room, Sinha said. The word 'mantri ji' was used by Pritam Kumar who was personal secretary to Tejashwi Yadav when he was minister in the previous government, he added. Read: SC stays proceedings in 3 high courts, issues notice on NEET-UG 2024 cancellation pleas The BJP leader called on Tejashwi Yadav to clarify whether Pritam Kumar was still his personal secretary. Tejashwi Yadav should clarify if Pritam Kumar is still his PS and he should also clarify who is Sikander Kumar Yadavendu. When Lalu Prasad Yadav was jailed in Ranchi, Sikander Kumar Yadavendu used to be at Lalu's serviceHe was a junior engineer in the irrigation department." They play with the future of the people. They do scams when they are in power and they try to influence the appointment process, he alleged. Read: UGC NET exam cancelled: What is the new anti-paper leak law? What are the punishments under it? A confession letter from Sikander Kumar Yadavendu, a junior engineer employed by the Danapur Nagar Parishad in Bihar, added fuel to the ongoing controversy around the NEET-UG 2024 examination. According to India Today, a Mantri Ji allegedly arranged for a NEET aspirant (a relative of the engineer), his mother, and other associates to stay at a government bungalow in Patna. In his confession, Yadavendu reportedly admitted to facilitating the accommodation of four NEET candidates and the guardian of one of them in Patna. The rough bill book of the guest house mentioned a Mantri Ji who reportedly facilitated the stay for Yadav and his associates. The result of the NEET-UG 2024 was declared on June 4. As soon as the results were declared, there was an uproar, with many students alleging discrepancies. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has so far arrested 13 people, including four examinees and their family members, in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case. All accused belong to Bihar, said Manavjit Singh Dhillon, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), EOU. According to Ahilesh Kumar, whose son Ayush was also arrested from the DAV school, confessed that Sikander Prasad Yadvendu had assured him of success in the NEET exam and he had demanded 40 lakh and collect examination papers from him. Similarly, another accused Reena Kumari, whose son Anurag Yadav was also arrested from an examination centre, told police that her son studied in Kota and her relative Sikander Yadav assured her of 100% success in the NEET paper. Sikander arranged a meeting with the arrested Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar. Sikander, in his confessional statement, told police that Amit and Nitish told him that they would manage any competitive papers with assured success. They demanded 30-32 lakh per candidate but I demanded 40 lakh from each candidate to pocket 8-lakh, he told the police. New Delhi: A setback in Haryana, where it lost half of the 10 Lok Sabha seats in the recently concluded general elections, has sent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on an overdrive to woo the politically significant Jat community in a bid to secure its position for the state assembly polls scheduled for later this year. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and BJP leader Tarun Chugh with former Haryana Congress leaders Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti Choudhry joined the BJP at BJP HQ in New Delhi. (Hindustan Times) Party leaders aware of the details have cited feedback from the cadre and the recent poll setback the party had won all 10 seats in 2019 as reasons for the BJP, which has focussed on non-Jat communities to fortify its presence in the northern state, now looking to promote Jat faces. On Wednesday, the BJP welcomed former Congress legislator Kiran Choudhary and her daughter Shruti Choudhary, a former parliamentarian, into the party fold. Today I took this decision because of Prime Minister, who has pledged a developed India by 2047. I have full faith that India will shine in the world. The public welfare work done by the Prime Minister has led to the formation of a BJP government in Delhi for the third time, Kiran Choudhary said after joining the BJP. Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, former chief minister and now Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar and BJP national general secretary Tarun Chug were present on the occasion. I have worked a lot with Khattar ji. There used to be a lot of bitterness between us. But the way he worked has been my source of inspiration, she added. Kiran and Shruti Choudhary come from a politically influential Jat family and their patriarch Bansi Lal, was a former Haryana chief minister and former defence minister. The joining on Wednesday is in line with the BJPs outreach towards Jats, who make up for about 20-25% of the states population. The party had made a conscious decision of consolidating the other castes in the state when it won the assembly polls in 2014 and appointed Khattar as CM. In 2019, we fell short of numbers and tied up with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), but as we head into elections later this year, there is a shift in our approach, a party functionary said, requesting anonymity. The appointment of Saini, an OBC, as chief minister replacing Khattar, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls did not help quell the anger among the Jat community over being overlooked for positions in the government, the functionary said. Sainis appointment was expected to cement the partys ties with the OBCs that make up for 21% of the population. The major takeaway from the LS polls is that the party failed to assuage the concerns of the Jat community, whether it was the issue of Jat reservation, farm laws that were rolled back after a year of protest, the treatment meted out to sportspersons, particularly women wrestlers, and the distress over shrinking defence services jobs after implementing Agnipath, the functionary added. On Monday, at the meeting chaired by party president JP Nadda with leaders from the state and the two election in-charges, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and lawmaker Biplab Deb, the issue of changing tack was discussed, a second functionary said. There is, however, a section of leaders in the BJP who feels the party would have done better to promote Jat leaders from withing the organisation. There is already heartburn over inductions from other parties and how they are given Rajya Sabha berths, tickets to contest polls and even positions in the party. The reliance on outsiders needs to be checked, the second functionary said. The functionary added that partys Jat faces Captain Abhimanyu, OP Dhankar, former state unit chief Subhash Barala should have been given prominence in the state as well as the Centre. Two of the three turncoats who were fielded Ranjit Singh from Hisar and former Congress MP from Sirsa Ashok Tanwar lost the Lok Sabha polls, so there is scope to encourage home-grown leaders who are conversant with the ideology and partys discipline, the second functionary said. In 2019, the BJP managed to form government in Haryana after partnering with the JJP. The BJP had 40 members in the 90-strong assembly and counted on 10 JJP legislators to from government for a second time. In 2014, the party won 47 seats and was in a comfortable position to form government. New Delhi: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and lawmaker Bhartruhari Mahtab from Odisha, who won the recently concluded Lok Sabha election for the seventh time, was on Wednesday appointed as the pro-tem Speaker by the President of India. BJP MP from Odisha Bhartruhari Mahtab (PTI Photo) President Droupadi Murmu appoints BJP's Bhartruhari Mahtab as Lok Sabha protem speaker Taking to X, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju informed, President is pleased to appoint Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member, Lok Sabha as Speaker Protem under Article 95(1) of the Constitution to perform the duties of Speaker till the election of the Speaker. A former Biju Janata Dal MLA for six terms from Cuttack, Mahtab had joined the BJP this year and retained his seat. Mahtab will take oath in front of President Murmu before he assumes the charge of pro-tem Speaker. Some observers link Mahtabs selection by the BJP with the electoral success of the party in the polls in Odisha after the BJP made its government in the state for the first time. President is also pleased to appoint Shri Suresh Kodikunnil, Shri Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Shri Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Members of Lok Sabha under Article 99 of the Constitution to assist Speaker Protem in Oath/Affirmation to newly elected Members of 18th Lok Sabha till election of the Speaker, Rijiju posted on X. Mahtabs role as pro-tem Speaker would be limited to overseeing the oath-taking of all MPs. Without taking the oath, no MP can participate in any activity in the House. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh argued that while Mahtab is a non-controversial and experienced lawmaker, Kondikunal Suresh of the Congress is the senior most MP serving his eighth term. Who is Bhartruhari Mahtab, Lok Sabha's new pro-tem Speaker? By convention, the MP who has served the maximum terms is appointed Speaker pro-tem for the first two days when the oath is administered to all newly elected MPs. The senior most MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha are Kodikunnil Suresh (Congress) and Virendra Kumar (BJP), both of who are now serving their 8th term. The latter is now a Union minister and hence it was expected that Kodikunnil Suresh would be the Speaker pro-tem. Instead, a seven-term MP, Bhartruhari Mahtab, has been appointed Speaker pro-tem, Ramesh said. The 18th Lok Sabha will hold its first session from June 24 to July 3. The oath-taking of the MPs will be done on June 24 and 25, during which the new Speaker of the House will be elected. President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint sitting of both Houses. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved setting up a major all-weather port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of 76,220 crore, in a decision aimed at bolstering Indias maritime infrastructure. Union minister I&B and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw briefing the press on Cabinet decisions at national media centre in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday. (HT) The project will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) with a shareholding of 74% and 26%, respectively, the government said in a release. The port will be developed as an all-weather greenfield deep draft major port in Palghar district of Maharashtra. The port will be an integral part of the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor). It will be constructed by the joint venture of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Maharashtra Maritime Board and will be one of the top 10 ports in the world, Information and Broadcasting (I&B) minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting. The total project cost, including the land acquisition component, is estimated at 76,220 crore and it will include development of core infrastructure, terminals and other commercial infrastructure in public-private partnerships (PPP) mode, the release said. This port will have around 23 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) container handling capacity. It will create a cumulative capacity of 298 million tonnes per annum and this port is estimated to generate 12 lakh (1.2 million) employment, Vaishnaw said. Upon completion, the port is slated to be one of the top 10 ports globally, boasting world-class facilities designed to handle mainline mega vessels on international shipping routes spanning the Far East, Europe, West Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The project envisions the construction of nine container terminals each 1,000 metres long along with four multipurpose berths, including a Ro-Ro berth and a Coast Guard berth. Additionally, the port will feature four liquid cargo berths and extensive container/cargo storage areas, facilitated by a 10.14 km offshore breakwater. Integral to Indias strategic initiatives such as the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC), the Vadhavan Port is set to augment EXIM trade flows, leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) to maximise operational efficiencies and incorporate modern technologies. The Project, aligned with the objectives of PM Gati Shakti program[me], will add to further economic activity and also have the potential for direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 12 lakh individuals, thereby contributing to the local economy, the government release said. In terms of connectivity, the ministry of road transport & highways will oversee the establishment of road linkages between the port and national highways, while the ministry of railways will ensure seamless integration with the existing rail network and the upcoming Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday launched a probe into the UGC-NET 2024 scam, a day after the Union education ministry cancelled the exam due to the paper being leaked. Lucknow, Jun 20 (ANI): Police detain National Students' Union of India (NSUI) supporters and students during a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak in the UGC NET exam, in Lucknow on Thursday. A case has been registered against unknown persons for compromising the integrity of the UGC NET exam conducted on June 18, the agency said in a statement. The case has been filed under sections of criminal conspiracy and cheating. The exam took place on June 18. What led to the cancellation of UGC-NET 2024? Addressing a press conference on Thursday, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan already facing severe flak over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, held on May 5 asserted that the UGC-NET 2024 question paper was leaked on Darknet. Soon after it was clear that the UGC-NET question paper on Darknet matches the original question paper of UGC-NET, we decided to cancel the examination, Pradhan said at a media briefing. In its Wednesday statement announcing the cancellation, the education ministry stated that there were prima facie indications that the integrity of the exam was compromised. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for thorough investigation in the matter, the ministry noted in its statement. According to M Jagadesh Kumar, chairperson, University Grants Commission (UGC), around 81% of more than 11.21 lakh registered candidates appeared for the National Eligibility Test (NET) in 317 cities. Organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which also holds NEET-UG, UGC-NET is held to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the post of 'Assistant Professor' as well as 'Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor' in Indian universities and colleges. New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday launched a probe into the NET-2024 exam leak, even as thousands of students across the country protested the cancellation. The UGC-NET exam is held in June and December every year (Representative Photo) The Union education ministry on Wednesday cancelled the UGC-NET exam suo motu based on inputs received from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) that the integrity of the exam might have been compromised. It referred the matter to the CBI to conduct a thorough probe. The federal anti-corruption probe agency filed a first information report (FIR) on Thursday against unknown persons on the complaint of K Sanjay Murthy, education secretary, and handed over the probe to its Anti-Corruption Branch, Delhi unit. CBI has (on Thursday) registered a case against unknown accused persons u/s 120B (cheating), 420 (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the basis of the complaint received from the secretary, Department of Education, said a CBI spokesperson. It has been alleged in the complaint that on June 19, UGC received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analysis Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that the integrity of UGC Net -2024 Examination, conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) in two shifts across different cities in the country, may have been compromised, the spokesperson added. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday revealed that the paper was leaked on Darknet. The UGC-NET exam is held in June and December every year to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of a Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as assistant professors, and admission to PhD in Indian universities and colleges. The Tea Association of India has raised an alarm over the drastic reduction in tea production across North India, attributing the crisis to the severe lack of rainfall and excessive heat that has plagued the region throughout the current cropping season. The crisis is due to severe lack of rainfall and excessive heat that has plagued the region throughout the current cropping season.(AFP file photo) According to a press release, the Tea Association of India estimates that the cumulative drop in production will be around 60 million kilograms by the end of June 2024, compared to the same period last year. Also read | Delhi Weather Today Live The combination of these adverse weather conditions has not only curtailed tea yields but also precipitated a significant liquidity crisis, potentially threatening the future viability of the industry. The Tea Board of India's latest data paints a grim picture for the tea-growing states of Assam and West Bengal. Up to April 2024, production in Assam has plummeted by 8 per cent compared to the same period last year, while West Bengal has experienced an even steeper decline of 13 per cent. The situation deteriorated further in May, with tea estates in Assam and West Bengal reporting estimated production drops of 20 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively, relative to the previous year. Also read | Union budget 2024 LIVE updates The primary factor behind this decline is the severe deficit in rainfall during the crucial early growing season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) data from March 1st to May 31st indicates a startling 50 per cent to 80 per cent reduction in rainfall in West Bengal's major tea districts and a 10 per cent to 30 per cent shortfall in Assam compared to the historical norms for these months. Tea is inherently a rain-fed crop, relying heavily on consistent precipitation to thrive. The pronounced lack of rainfall has led to significant wilting of tea bushes, a phenomenon that not only hampers the immediate yield but also threatens the long-term health and productivity of the tea plants. The absence of adequate rain has particularly affected the production of the highly prized first and second flushes, which are renowned for their quality and form a substantial portion of annual revenue for tea producers. Also read | Heatwave, dry conditions push Uttarakhand forest fires to new high The situation is compounded by the arrival of the southwest monsoon in late May, which brought heavy rainfall to the tea-growing districts. While the rainfall was initially welcomed, the excessive precipitation and subsequent lack of sunshine have further disrupted production. According to the IMD, rainfall levels in the first half of June have been 15 per cent to 66 per cent above normal in West Bengal and 3 per cent to 20 per cent higher in Assam. The resulting conditions have led to waterlogged fields and reduced photosynthesis, further exacerbating the production woes. Vijayalakshmi, wife of Kannada actor Darshan accused in the murder of Renukaswamy, recorded her statement on Wednesday after she was summoned following the recovery of shoes that her husband was allegedly wearing during the crime, from her flat. Kannada actor Darshan Thugadeepa has confessed to giving 30 lakh to co-accused Pradosh for the disposal of Renukaswamys body and to ensure his own name remained out of the investigation. (PTI) This was also the first time that Vijayalakshmi visited the Annapoorneshwari Nagar police station, where all the accused in the case is being lodged, and met her husband for the first time since his arrest, according to police officers familiar with the matter. One of the officers said that Vijayalakshmi also recorded her statement in the case on Wednesday. She was summoned by the police as they had recovered the shoes the actor was allegedly wearing during the crime from her flat. After the actors arrest, when the police went to his house for a mahazar, they found the clothes he was wearing but not his shoes. His costume manager had shifted them to his wife Vijaylakshmis house, from where it was recovered, the officer said. The police have collected DNA samples of the nine accused, including Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and others who were present at the shed, the scene of the crime, to match with samples collected. Police said that Darshan has confessed to giving 30 lakh to co-accused Pradosh for the disposal of Renukaswamys body and to ensure his own name remained out of the investigation. The police recovered the substantial amount from Pradoshs residence, shedding new light on the cases financial transactions and the lengths taken to cover up the crime. Darshan has stated that the money was intended for the disposal of the body and other expenditures related to the crime, including paying those who would carry out the task, ensuring that his involvement remained hidden, a police officer said. The remand report filed by the police includes confessions from the accused about the methods used to torture Renukaswamy. The weapons reportedly used in the attack included a lathi, a broken tree branch, and a water bottle. Bloodstains collected from the crime scene further corroborate these details, the officer said. Nagaraj, another accused (A11), was responsible for transporting Renukaswamys body using a Scorpio car. This vehicle has been seized by the authorities, and forensic analysis revealed bloodstains on the backseat. This evidence is crucial in piecing together the events following the murder. Meanwhile, the custody of Darshan and the other accused will end on Thursday, and they will be produced before the court. The police are unlikely to seek an extension of their custody, an officer familiar with the matter said. Amid reports that a few MLAs and Ministers were putting pressure on the chief minister to change special public prosecutor Prasanna Kumar in the Renukaswamy murder case, Siddaramaiah denied these reports as false and baseless. No MLA or Minister has put any pressure on me in Darshans case, not just on the choice of the Special Public Prosecutor. Even if they try, I am not someone who will heed to any such pressure. The police have been given a complete free hand and they are investigating the case as they deem right. Suitable action will be taken as per law, he said. A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to a now-scrapped excise policy. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to the liquor policy.(AFP) Accused is admitted to bail in the sum of 1 lakh, Special Judge Niyay Bindu said. The court also imposed certain conditions before granting Kejriwal the relief, including that he will not try to hamper the investigation or influence the witnesses. The Enforcement Directorate requested the court to grant the probe agency 48 hours to accept bail bonds so that order can be challenged in the higher court. Special Judge Bindu, however, clarified that there was no stay on the bail order. The court said that the counsel of Arvind Kejriwal can apply for bail bond tomorrow before the concerned judge. We have faith in the court Kejriwal ji gets bail truth wins, Punjab chief minister and senior AAP leader Bhagwant Mann posted on X in Hindi. AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who is also out on bail in the same case, said the ED's submissions till date were based on lies and asserted that the Kejriwal's release from jail will stregthen democracy. "Arvind Kejriwal coming out of jail at such a time is going to strengthen democracy. This is good news for the people of Delhi...ED's statements till now were based on lies...this is a baseless fake case formed to trap Kejriwal," he told ANI. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal congratulated Kejriwal on getting bail, which he said was "long overdue". "Tom the prosecutions standpoint now that elections are over no need to keep him in jail ! The justice delivery system has been unfair !" Sibal said on X. Judge Bindu reserved the order earlier today after hearing the matter for two days. During the hearing, the central financial crime-fighting agency had sought to link Arvind Kejriwal to the alleged proceeds of crime and co-accused, while the defence had claimed the prosecution has no evidence to nail the AAP leader. The ED submitted that on November 7, 2021, during the assembly poll campaign in Goa, Kejriwal stayed at the Grand Hyatt hotel, with the bill paid by Chanpreet Singh, who is alleged to have managed the AAP funds in the coastal state. " 1 lakh was paid in two instalments (to the hotel). It was paid by Chanpreet Singh (co-accused) from his bank account. Chanpreet is the person who received 45 crore from different 'Angadiyas' (couriers)," the ED told the court opposing the bail plea. The Angadia system, particularly prevalent in the jewelry trade in Mumbai and Gujarat, is an informal banking network used by traders to transfer cash across states. Kejriwal's counsel, however, asserted that the entire case against him rests on statements. "The statements are of those people who have confessed to being guilty. They are not saints here. They are those who are not only tainted, but it appears that some who were arrested were given a promise of bail and promise of being granted pardon. Approvers. And there is another category who have not been arrested," the counsel said. "Circumstances have to be so intrinsically linked (as to) lead to the guilt. These statements by tainted persons discredit the case of prosecution. There is no evidence that 100 crore came from South Group. These are all statements. There is no evidence," the counsel said. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21, less than three weeks before the country was heading for the parliamentary elections. On May 10, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to the AAP national convener till June 1 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections. The Aam Aadmi Party launched an aggressive Jail ka Jawab Vote Se campaign during the elections and Kejriwal, who was out on an interim bail, repeatedly claimed in his rallies and roadshows that he won't have to stay in jail if the opposition INDIA bloc comes to power. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was able to retain the power for a successive third term, it couldn't muster a parliamentary majority on its own. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday sought the INDIA bloc's support in the party's fight to get Delhi's share of water from Haryana. Sanjay Singh calls on INDIA bloc's support to get water from Haryana for Delhi(PTI) Addressing a press conference, Singh accused the BJP of sponsoring the water crisis in the national capital. Read more:Delhi water crisis: Atishi threatens indefinite fast, seeks PM Modis intervention "They carry out protests and indulge in theatrics. If they really want Delhi to get water, they should protest outside Haryana Bhawan," he said. Singh said Delhi Water minister Atishi will be starting an indefinite fast from June 21 to get Delhi's share of water from Haryana, which is ruled by the BJP. Read more: Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini blames Arvind Kejriwal for Delhi water crisis, says "I appeal to INDIA bloc parties to support us in this fight. We are asking for our share of water from Haryana," he said. The Delhi BJP on Wednesday accused Atishi of indulging in "theatrics" to distract attention from the alleged theft and black marketeering of water, and demanded that the AAP government be sacked for its "inaction". Read more: Delhi water crisis: DJB office vandalised, 3 injured in clash over tap access | Top updates Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday said 380 people were admitted to government hospitals in the capital, while 14 have lost their lives due to heat-related cases in the past 48 hours. He added that 112 people had been discharged while 118 were still admitted to hospitals in Delhi. Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj (File Photo) Read more: Heatwave horror: 5 dead, 12 critical at Delhi hospital; labourers most affected According to media reports, 10 people have also died in Noida in the last 24 hours due to heatstroke. Saurabh Bharadwaj said due to temperatures going as high as 52 degrees Celsius, the highest in 60 years, and night temperatures increasing to 38 degrees Celsius, a number of people suffering across north India and particularly in Delhi. Read more: Light rains bring down temperature in Delhi amid severe heatwave; AQI improves Earlier, the medical superintendent of RML hospital had stated that labourers in Delhi were most affected due to the heatwave and made up most of the patients. He also said the main cause of deaths is delays in accessing hospitals. Bharadwaj told news agency ANI that he was visiting government hospitals and ensuring that all of them had adequate IV fluids, medicines and ice packs. The Delhi health minister also said he has spoken to the Delhi Police Commissioner about the bodies recovered by the cops and delivered to DDU hospital. He said they would work on identifying what the cause of death was in those cases and if they were indeed due to heat-related issues. Read more: IMD sets date for monsoon onset in Delhi-NCR as residents reel under heatwave Bharadwaj said the Delhi Police, during their night patrols, should notice if people are sick or have high temperatures and escort them to the nearest hospital or call for an ambulance. Delhi's heatwave has been relentless but light rain have led temperatures to slightly cool down on Thursday morning. The arrival of monsoons is expected to bring relief later in the month, according to the IMD. Delhi has been grappling with a water crisis as well, which has made the heat-related health issues worse. In a major boost to seaplane operations in the country, the civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revamped rules for its smooth operations. Initially established in 2008, the regulatory framework for seaplane operations was long due for a review. (File photo) The pivotal amendments streamline infrastructure procedures, pilot training requirements, and regulatory compliances, paving the way for seaplane services to reach remote, inaccessible areas, a statement by the DGCA read. Initially established in 2008, the regulatory framework for seaplane operations was long due for a review. The DGCA said the revised regulations were issued following a recommendation by their Working Group to streamline and update the regulatory framework in question. The revised regulations incorporate easier training requirements and simplified approval processes for undertaking seaplane operations, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a seaplane service between Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad and Kevadia on October 31, 2020, almost three years after he travelled by seaplane from Sabarmati riverfront to Dharoj Dam in 2017 and announced his governments intention to harness waterways. Also Read:Gujarats seaplane project may get relaunched before assembly polls: Official Previously, between 2011 and 2017, Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL) and Mumbai-based Maritime Energy Heli Air Service Pvt Ltd (Mehair) had operated seaplane services in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mehair had also operated seaplanes between Mumbai to Pawna dam (Lonavla) and Mumbai to Aamby Valley. These operations, however, closed owing to poor response and high-ticket prices. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had spearheaded the initiative on promoting the seaplane ecosystem, providing guidance and engaging with stakeholders, including DGCA, state governments, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Airlines, and Aircraft Manufacturers. These collaborative efforts have ensured that the new regulations address key stakeholder concerns and pave the way for growth in this niche area, a DGCA official said. He said that, with the revised regulatory provisions, seaplane operators can utilise the streamlined procedures and optimized infrastructure requirements, to further extend seaplane services across the country and reach the most remote parts, fostering inclusive and sustainable development. The simplified water aerodrome requirements would also aid in economical and efficient operations while maintaining essential safety standards. Commenting on pilot requirements, a second official said, Pilots with a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) can now qualify as seaplane rated pilots by undertaking training at any ICAO-recognized training organization globally. Additionally, new training opportunities for support roles are set to enhance employment potential at seaplane hubs nationwide, he concluded. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday, his first visit here in his second consecutive term in office, during which he will hold talks with the country's leadership to bolster bilateral ties. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe with external affairs minister S Jaishankar in Colombo. (AP File image) Jaishankar was received by Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of the Eastern Province, on his arrival in Colombo. "Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership," Jaishankar posted on X. Also read | Union Budget 2024 LIVE updates Sri Lanka is central to India's Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, he wrote. Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region is India's vision and geopolitical framework of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The trip to Sri Lanka will be Jaishankar's standalone bilateral visit after he assumed charge as the external affairs minister for the second term on June 11. Also read | Sri Lanka Navy arrests four Indian fishermen and seizes trawler for poaching Jaishankar was last week part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's delegation at the G7 Outreach summit in Italy's Apulia region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi said the External Affairs minister will have meetings with the Sri Lankan leadership on wide-ranging issues. "This will be the external affairs minister's first bilateral visit after the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi," it said. "Reaffirming India's Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India's continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time-tested friend," the MEA said in a statement. "The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors," it said. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was among seven top leaders from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9. Environmentalists on Wednesday criticised Union minister for steel and heavy industries, HD Kumaraswamy, for supporting the revival of mining operations in Ballaris Sandur, a region still healing from the rampant illegal mining by Janardhan Reddy and his associates. The project, also approved in 2023, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential impact on local flora and fauna. (HT photo) In a move that has sparked intense debate and concern among environmentalists, the Karnataka Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) and Vijayanagar Steel Limited (VISL) was granted clearance in 2023 to commence mining activities in a biodiverse region of Karnataka. The project, also approved in 2023, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential impact on local flora and fauna. Despite assurances from Kumaraswamy and KIOCL regarding environmental safeguards, the project has sparked significant opposition from environmentalists and local communities. According to environmentalist Santosh Martin, the region targeted for mining comprises a mix of deciduous and dry deciduous forests, as well as scrub forests. Environmentalists warn that this ecosystem supports various endangered species, including the four-horned antelope and unique plant species such as Crotalaria Sandoorensis, which is endemic to the area and named after its locality. This is not just about trees; it is about the entire biodiversity of this region. Historically, this area has been home to tigers, though sightings ceased decades ago. The loss of habitat could further endanger species like the four-horned antelope and threaten the survival of endemic plant species like Crotalaria Sandoorensis, Martin said. Besides, the region is noted for its rich birdlife, with species comparable to those found in the Western Ghats, such as the orange-headed thrush and blue-capped monarchs. The area also hosts diverse wildlife including tarantulas, which contribute to its unique ecological balance. Critics of the project draw parallels to past controversies surrounding mining activities in Ballari, where illegal operations had devastating environmental consequences. With legal clearance granted, concerns persist that biodiversity loss will mirror past environmental impacts despite the change in legality. As the debate intensifies, environmental activists and concerned citizens are rallying support to reconsider the implications of mining in this fragile ecosystem. Sreeahaila Aladahalli, a member of the Samaja Parivarthana Samuday - an organisation fighting afforestation, said that mining is going to affect the weather pattern in the region. The dense, virgin forest here is crucial to control weather in Ballari and several parts of the Andhra Pradesh. We are not against mining, but it should be regulated. We fought against the illegal mining by Janardhan Reddy and others. But now, legal mining is causing damage to the environment. After the illegal mining destroyed the forests here, they are planting trees around 250,000 trees to rejuvenate the forests, during this time how does giving orders to destroy more forests make sense, he asked. Talking about the legality of the matter, he said that a March 2024 high court order has capped the mining at 35 million tonnes in Ballari. Already 34.9 million tonnes of iron ore is being extracted from here. Isnt it a basic knowledge that any further mining permission will be beyond this limit? Though the state forest department reported adverse effects, especially landslides in the region, the Union environment ministry has not even considered this report by the state government. If the authorities are going ahead with this, we will certainly approach the courts, he said. HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday addressed concerns over the approval of mining operations in Ballaris Sandur region, specifically in the 992.31-acre Devadari forest area. He said that the decision to allocate the mining block to KIOCL, which comes under the ministry of steel, was initiated by the state government before his tenure, adding that he did not personally endorse the project. The Devadari mining block was allocated by the state government, and my ministrys role was to facilitate further approvals, Kumaraswamy said during a press briefing. He said that KIOCL, the mining operator, has committed to extensive afforestation efforts covering 808 hectares, amounting to a significant investment of 194 crore, aimed at mitigating environmental impacts. However, Aladahalli took objection saying, What is the point of the saying afforestation will take place? How much time does it take for a forest to be formed, especially virgin forests like Sandur? This is absurd. Environmentalist SR Hiremath raised concerns over potential ecological damage, citing historical issues of illegal mining in Ballari district that led to severe environmental degradation and public health crises. He said: We are facing a climate emergency. In the past, illegal mining activities of unprecedented levels in Ballari district plundered natural resources, eventually leading to environmental degradation, drinking water problems and health crises, among other issues. It is unfair to allow mining in the virgin forest region (Devadari in Sandur taluk), which environmentalists, civil society organisations and the Supreme Court have fought hard to protect from mining. I appeal to both the state and central governments to revoke the approval given to KIOCL for mining. If not, we will have to move the Supreme Court to get justice, he said. He is dangerously close to the flames. His face is drawn and tired, his eyes are squinting in the heat, his legs are trembling under the strain of fighting a losing battle on a steep slope. The enemy that faces his team of five bedraggled men is fierce and unrelenting an uncontrolled forest fire that is spreading quickly in the Singtur range of Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district. An enemy that has singed the mountains of Uttarakhand for the past two months, and claimed the lives of men like him. A firefighter uses a jhapa and a sickle in Uttarakhand. (HT photo) French journalist Sebastien Farcis on Thursday claimed that he was forced to leave India and forbidden from covering the 2024 general elections after the Union ministry of home affairs refused to renew his permit, the second such claim in four months by a journalist from France. The ministry of home affairs in New Delhi. (HT File Photo) On 17th June, I was forced to leave India, a country where I had lived and worked as a journalist for 13 years, as a South Asia correspondent for Radio France Internationale, Radio France, Liberation and the Swiss and Belgian public radios, Farcis said in a post on X on Thursday. Farcis said that on March 7, the MHA refused to renew his journalist permit and informed him about the rejection to cover the general elections. This appeared to me as an incomprehensible censorship, he wrote, stating that he had been working in India as a journalist since 2011 and had obtained all the necessary visas and accreditations. I havenever worked in restricted or protected areas without a permit. On several occasions, the MHA even granted me permits to report from border areas, he wrote. This move, he claims, has an impact on his family as well because he is married to an Indian woman and thus has Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. This denial comes as a worrying context of increasing restrictions on the work of foreign journalists: after Vanessa Dougnac, I am the second French journalist in four months having to leave India under these conditions. At least five OCI foreign correspondents have been banned from working as journalists in less than two years, Farcis wrote. Farcis has said to have filed an appeal against the denial of renewal of Special permission to undertake any journalistic activity under Section 15(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, by the OCI Cell, FRRO Delhi with the MHAs Foreigners Division on April 5. In the appeal, he mentioned that he had been an OCI card holder since January 8, 2021, and was working as a journalist on Journalist Visa since 2011. In the appeal, he also wrote that he applied for renewal of journalistic license on August 9, 2023, but was informed on March 7, 2024, that it had been denied. No reasons were cited, he claimed. It is important to mention that I was also not given any opportunity to explain any objections or concerns that may have been the basis for the denial of permission for renewal of my journalism licence, he wrote in the appeal. Citing his OCI card number, he wrote, I am committed to my association with India and to ensuring that my journalistic activities contribute positively to the public discourse and awareness. In the appeal, Farcis said that he is the South Asia correspondent and bureau chief of the French public national broadcaster Radio France and its world service radio France Internationale. He also mentioned that he is a former secretary of the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia. His employers, Radio France, Radio France International and Liberation (a French daily) reportedly wrote to French ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, on March 18, in which the directors of the three organisations expressed their surprise over the non-renewal of his work permit. In our eyes, this is incomrehensible and a clear infringement of the right to inform, they said. They further said, We have vigourously protested to the Indian authorities and ask for your support so that this decision is reconsidered, adding that they even informed Stephane Sejourne, the French minister for Europe and foreign affairs. The aforementioned employers wrote a similar letter to the Indian High Commission in Paris, Farcis said, where they said they have parallelly informed French authorities of this situation. HT has seen a copy of the appeal, and the letter sent to the French ambassador to India. HT has reached out to the French Embassy in Delhi, and the Indian High Commission in Paris for more information. Farciss wife, who is an Indian, is with him in France, he told HT. HT has reached out to the MHA for a response. Dougnac was reportedly asked to leave India on February 16 after 23 years of working in the country as a journalist. She too was married to a man from India (Haryana) and has a son, according to a report by the Outlook. In January, she reportedly received a notice from the MHA accusing her of writing articles that were malicious, and harming the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India. The notice, she reportedly said, required her to respond as to why her OCI card should not be cancelled. In April, Australian journalist Avani Dias, who worked in India as the South Asia bureau chief for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), claimed that she was forced to leave the country as the government told her an extension of her visa would be denied as her reporting crossed a line, and that she would not be allowed to cover the general elections. However, a government official later rebuffed her version of the events. Eventually, Dias tweeted that she had got a two-month extension after the Australian government intervened, but she was still not permitted to cover the Indian elections. The NDA government cancelled at least 102 OCI cards between 2014 and May 2023, digital publication Article14 reported in February, citing Right to Information responses. OCI, a status created in 2005 under the Citizenship Act, 1955, allows foreign citizens of Indian origin or foreigners married to Indian citizens, to enter India without a visa. It also allows them to reside, work and own property. In 2019, journalist and British citizen Aatish Taseer lost his OCI status after his profile of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the headline Indias divider in chief, was published in TIME magazine. At that time, the MHA had said in a statement that Taseer suppressed information that his late father was of Pakistani origin. The Union government is considering introducing a new bill in Parliament to amend the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), aligning it with amended criminal laws and formally introducing a restitution of attached properties clause under which assets of alleged economic offenders are turned over to the banks that lent them money, according to senior officials involved in the consultations. A key procedural change in the amendment bill would be the reduction in the number of offences in Part A of Scheduled Offences of PMLA. (ANI) Discussions on the Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2024, began before the Lok Sabha elections with the finance ministry seeking comments from the ministry of home affairs (MHA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and other stakeholders. A key procedural change in the amendment bill would be the reduction in the number of offences in Part A of Scheduled Offences of PMLA, from 43 (of IPC) earlier to 31 now (of BNS), primarily due to merging of various sections in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaces the Indian Penal Code from July 1. Other special acts under which ED takes up cases, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act, Arms Act, Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, Prevention of Corruption A, the Information Technology Act etc. will remain as it is in the PMLA schedule. Consultations are currently going on PML (Amendment) Bill, 2024. A draft document was prepared by the ministry of finance and comments have been sought from all stakeholders, said a senior government official, who did not want to be named. Asked about the timeline for introduction of new bill on the PMLA, the officer said: Soon. Maybe by the monsoon session. Officials further highlighted that some new sections introduced in BNS, such as organised crime (section 109) and terrorism activities (section 113), may be included in the PMLA schedule as well. Besides, restitution of attached assets -- a strategy lately adopted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) -- is also being discussed if it can be formally introduced in the amended PMLA, said the first official cited above. The federal agency has actively taken steps to handover attached assets to the investors or banks in the money laundering probes. So far, public sector banks have already received 15,184 crore out of total 22,586 crore defrauded by three fugitive businessmen, Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Lok Sabha elections campaign, said in interviews that he was seeking legal advice on how to return the money seized by the ED to the people. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing several provisions of PMLA, including its powers to conduct inquiries, arrest, and attach property. Over 200 pleas were filed challenging the apex courts July 2022 decision, which upheld the constitutional validity of various PMLA provisions. It has been argued that EDs powers to arrest, force confessions, and seize property are excessive. The matter is expected to be taken up by the top court next month. In recent years, the Supreme Court has been asked to align PMLA provisions with constitutional principles, particularly following the 2022 Vijay Madanlal Choudhary judgment, which affirmed EDs extensive powers and held that PMLA provisions were not violative of fundamental rights. The three-judge bench, led by Justice AM Khanwilkar (now retired and appointed as the Lokpal chairperson), emphasised the need for stringent measures to tackle money laundering and acknowledged PMLAs role in fulfilling Indias obligations under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). While the judgment strengthened EDs powers, it attracted criticism from legal experts and human rights advocates who argued that it gave undue leeway to the federal agency, potentially at the expense of personal liberties and procedural safeguards. A month after this judgment, another three-judge bench admitted a batch of review petitions against it and agreed to reconsider at least two aspects -- denying a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) to the accused, and shifting the burden of proving innocence from the prosecution to the accused. While the review petition against the 2022 judgment remains pending, the top court has interpreted PMLA provisions in various other cases, clarifying and sometimes limiting the extent of enforcement powers. Several subsequent judgments have ensured that enforcement does not infringe upon constitutional liberties, with some even taking a view contrary to the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary verdict. For instance, in October 2023, a two-judge bench took a divergent view and held that made it compulsory for ED to provide a copy of the grounds of arrest to accused in money laundering cases, adding that a mere verbal information would be construed as a breach of constitutional right. Similarly, in the judgment delivered on the medical bail plea of Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in August 2023, the Supreme Court Moreover, stressed on cautious exercise of arrest powers under Section 19 of PMLA, demanding substantial evidence before detention. The judgment obligated magistrates to immediately release an arrested person if there are procedural or substantive violations. Another judgment in October 2023 on a bail plea moved by former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia further highlighted the mandate of speedy trial as a fundamental right while clarifying that Section 45 of PMLA which places a reverse proof of burden on an accused to prima facie show he or she is not guilty of the charges, is not an absolute bar on the grant of bail because the constitutional mandate is the higher law. In a November 2023 ruling in the Pavana Dibbur case, the top court declared that criminal conspiracy, punishable under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, cannot be the only offence for opening of a money laundering probe and that the conspiracy must relate to a crime enlisted as a scheduled offence under the 2002 Act. Former ED director, Karnal Singh, said: The PMLA schedule needs changing to bring it in sync with the three new criminal laws. On restitution of properties, there has to be thorough discussions since there are different parties involved like the ED, victims of fraud, banks, who are also victims, and NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) etc once a property is attached. The Patna high court on Thursday struck down Bihars decision last year to raise caste-based quotas to 65%, underlining that merit could not be completely sacrificed at the altar of reparations in a verdict that delivered a blow to the state government and will have sweeping political and social ramifications. Patna high court Bihar had last year raised the quota for scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), extremely backward classes (EBCs), and other backward classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and government jobs from 50% to 65% after a caste survey showed that these groups formed roughly 84% of the states population. BJP, RJD clash over quota ruling by Patna HC, both vow to move Supreme Court But the court noted that not only were backward communities adequately represented in public employment, the government had also attempted no in-depth study or analysis before enhancing reservation beyond the limit set by the Supreme Court in the landmark 1992 Indira Sawhney judgment. We set aside the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) Amendment Act, 2023 and the Bihar Reservation (in Admission to Educational Institutions) Amendment Act, 2023 as ultra vires the Constitution and violative of the equality clause under Articles 14, 15, and 16, held the bench of chief justice K Vinod Chandran and justice Harish Kumar, allowing a bundle of writ petitions that had challenged the 2023 law. The high court said the enhancement of reservations beyond the 50% limit as set by a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court in 1992 was bad in law as well as opposed to the principles of equality emanating from the Constitution because the state failed to demonstrate any extenuating circumstance that could enable it to breach the 50% norm. The fact remains that backward communities are adequately represented in public employment, by virtue of reservation and also merit; which is an indication of one or other caste or community having reaped the benefits of reservation and the various beneficial welfare schemes implemented by the State; in achieving an element of social capital. There is no requirement for an enhancement of reservations, as adequate representation now exists and there is no valid ground for breach of 50% rule; which in any way is not permissible, noted the court. The state government said it will appeal the judgment in the Supreme Court. The Bihar government will challenge the high court order before the Supreme Court after seeking legal opinion, said deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhury. The Opposition attacked the government. I am aghast at the judgement. The BJP had been trying to scuttle the caste survey, which provided the basis of hiked quotas. It is no surprise that such a verdict has come within days of the partys return to power at the Centre, said Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav. The quota was hiked on the basis of the 2023 caste survey, a landmark exercise that physically counted castes for the first time in independent India. The move was a brainchild of chief minister Nitish Kumar who was in alliance with the RJD then. Months later, he switched sides and joined hands with the BJP. Based on the survey, the Bihar assembly unanimously passed the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services Amendment Bill and the Bihar Reservation (Admission In Educational Institutions) Amendment Bill, 2023 to increase the reservation quota from 50% to 65%, leaving 35% for the general category. The new provisions increased the quota for SCs to 20%, STs to 2%, EBCs to 25% and OBCs to 18%, totaling 65% in reservations. The survey had revealed that EBCs and OBCs together made up 63.13% of the states population while SCs were 19.65%, STs 1.68%, and upper castes 15.52%. The notification was published on November 21, 2023. But a clutch of petitioners challenged the law, arguing that there was no scientific analysis of the caste survey data, and that the quota increase was based solely on the lack of proportionate representation in government jobs and educational institutions. The high court echoed these concerns, highlighting the absence of a thorough analysis of the data collected. The summary of educational data submitted by the state government, the bench pointed out, shows 100% as distributed between the various stages of education that only indicates the number of students carrying on studies in the various stages. We cannot find a large disparity among various categories, and we cannot discern either a case of proportionate representation or an adequate representation from the above details, it said. Although an experts views or a reference to a legally constituted commission is not necessary before every decision of increasing quotas, the bench underscored the importance of such an exercise. What worries us is the fact of no such exercise or analysis having been done by the government or the legislature in bringing about the Amendment Acts. After the collection of data, there was a frog leap into the amendment enhancing the reservations beyond 50%, which we found was again on proportionate representation in the services of the state and educational institutions, clearly not permissible under Articles 15(4) & 16(4), said the court. Articles 15(4) and 16(4) enable the State to create special provisions, including reservation, for the upliftment of socially and educationally backward classes. The court reiterated the principle that while reservations aim to break the stranglehold of a few at the expense of the many, merit cannot be entirely sacrificed. This principle underpinned the 50% reservation limit established in the Indra Sawhney judgment, said the bench, highlighting the need for excluding the creamy layer among backward classes to prevent monopolisation of reserved benefits by a few. On the issue relevant to the instant case, the rule of a 50% limit in reservation applies to the Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, equally applicable under Article 15(4) and Article 16(4). We see no extenuating circumstance enabling the State to breach the rule. Its increase beyond the 50% limit is bad in law based on the principles of equality emanating from the Constitution, as laid down by the wealth of precedents discussed in this judgment and which is binding on us and the State equally, the bench declared. Caste-based quotas are an important political subject in Bihar and were among the main issues in the recently concluded general elections. With the high court setting aside the law, it is likely to reignite the debate on reservation, potentially triggering another wave of political manoeuvring. At the same time, the verdict underscores the intricate balance between affirmative action to address historical injustices and the constitutional mandate for equality. We are hurtwhy is CM silent?: Tejashwi Yadav on Patna High court order rejecting 65% quota Tamil Nadu, at present, has a law providing for 69% reservation for identified classes. Although a challenge to this law remains pending before the top court, it has been saved so far on the ground that the law received a presidential assent in 1993 and was also put in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides only limited scope of judicial review. A November 2022 judgment by the Supreme Court, ratifying the 10% EWS quota, had also weighed in on the 50% ceiling on reservation. The majority verdict at that time held that the 50% ceiling on reservation is not inviolable or inflexible, marking a paradigm shift from the thumb rule that has governed reservations in India, preventing states from enforcing quotas that take the proportion above 50%. The 3-2 view noted that the 50% ceiling applied only to the provisions of the Constitution that existed at that time and cannot extend to the 2019 amendment to any subsequent law. State health department officials conducted raid in the residence of a 62-year-old woman, who was allegedly operating an illegal maternity clinic in Bagalkot district, and sealed the health inspection room, officials familiar with the matter said. Acting on a tip-off, the raid was conducted in Kumbara Galli, Jamkhandi by health deparment officials (File photo) According to one of the officials, the accused has been identified as Surekha Charaki. Jamkhandi sub-divisional magistrate Santhosh Kamagowda said: Surekha Charaki, who holds only an SSLC (secondary school leaving certificate), had been posing as a doctor. The team confiscated a range of medical supplies, including abortion pills, medicines, stethoscope, and various electronic devices. These items were reportedly sourced from Krishna Medical in the city and Vijayapur. Acting on a tip-off, the raid was conducted in Kumbara Galli, Jamkhandi by health department officials involving taluk medical officer Dr G S Galagali, sub-inspector Nagaraja Khilari, and other officials. Jamakhandi police sub inspector N R Khilari said: We assisted the health and revenue officers to conduct raid on illegal clinic. The health officers are probing the issue. They are yet to file a case with us. We will then register an FIR. Taluk medical officer Dr GS Galagali said: The investigation will delve deeper into Charakis activities. Stringent action will follow based on the findings. Charaki admitted to have referred patients for scans and even performed surgeries herself, despite lacking any formal medical qualifications. There are no records of how many people she treated, raising concerns about the potential harm inflicted on numerous patients over the years. The investigations will also be held on those who may have assisted Charaki. Criminal cases will be registered against all, he said adding that Charaki had been running the clinic at her house for many years. At least 14 people in Delhi have died of heat-induced illnesses this summer, government officials and local hospitals said, even as some health care facilities warned that this figure may be several times higher, underlining the grave risks associated with the severe heat that has smothered the national capital. Doctors also advised avoiding direct sun exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours between 10am and 4pm. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) According to government officials, of the 14 deaths recorded between April 1 and June 18, seven were at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, six at Safdarjung, and one at Lok Nayak, according to government data. Further, at least 20 more people are critically ill and being treated at RML, Safdarjung and Lok Nayak hospitals, said the officials. All these patients need intensive care and are intubated (on ventilators), said a senior government official, requesting anonymity. Another 104 people across five public hospitals in Delhi are also suspected to have died due to sweltering temperatures, though these will be confirmed as heat-related only after autopsies are conducted. Deen Dayal Upadhyay hospital reported 40 suspected heat-related deaths between June 11 and 18, a senior official of the facility told the Delhi governments health department in a letter on Wednesday. The sudden rising in number of dead bodies in the last two or three days could possibly due to extreme heat wave condition in the city, said the letter. However, autopsies are still to be conducted on these bodies, said officials, adding that the reports will confirm whether the deaths were triggered by the heat. Moreover, central government officials said that they had received reports that 20 more people at Lok Nayak hospital, 17 at RML, 15 at Lal Bahadur Shastri and 12 at Lady Hardinge had succumbed to the heat. These bodies have not been subject to autopsies either, and the Capitals overall number is likely to skyrocket if the post-mortem tests confirm these deaths as heat-related. To be sure, the citys summer toll is likely to be far higher than those reported by health care facilities, since a major chunk of deaths are likely to go unreported, and the correlation between the temperature and a death is also often difficult to piece together. According to health ministry guidelines, heat-related deaths, an overarching term for deaths where ambient heat has directly or indirectly contributed to the deaths, may be categorised in two types. First, where environmental heat was directly involved in the sequence of conditions causing death by heat stroke. Second type of deaths are those in which environmental heat contributed to the deaths but was not in the sequence of conditions causing these deaths. These kinds of deaths are mainly due to exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions. DDU hospitals medical director BL Chaudhary, who wrote to the special secretary of the Delhi governments health department, did not respond to calls and text messages requesting comment. Central government data that HT accessed showed that 110 people had died across India this summer. Six of these deaths were recorded on Tuesday, showed the data. Among the worst affected states is Uttar Pradesh, where 36 have died this summer and three on Tuesday. The other states with high mortality include Bihar (17 deaths), Rajasthan (16) and Odisha (13). Doctors treating patients in various heatstroke units said that almost all the patients who land up in hospitals are critically ill. The body temperatures range between 105 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5C-41.6C) when we measure in the emergency units, said Dr Amlendu Yadav, in-charge of the heatstroke unit, and professor at the emergency department of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. These are largely people from poor socio-economic background. They are mostly labourers or neglected elderly persons who have no one to keep a constant watch, said Dr Yadav. The normal human body temperature ranges between 97F and 99F, depending on a persons age and location. Temperatures between 105F can be fatal and trigger severe illnesses, seizures, irregular blood pressure and, in extreme cases, shock, coma or organ failure. People with comorbidities like those suffering from chronic heart, lung and kidney conditions and obesity, besides vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children, and people on certain medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics and anti-depressants are at high risk of being impacted. Experts point at two kinds of heat strokes exertional and non-exertional. The latter usually occurs over several days due to exposure to heatwaves, whereas the former happens in a matter of a few hours, especially if a person is performing strenuous physical activity in hot and humid conditions. Loss of fluids and electrolytes can burden the heart. If a heatstroke is suspected, the person should be taken to a doctor as quickly as possible. Its also important to make sure the affected person is brought into the shade; put under cold shower or wet towel is placed on the persons head, neck, feet, and palms to bring the temperature down, said Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Superspecialty Hospital in Saket. Doctors also advised avoiding direct sun exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours between 10am and 4pm. The police have filed a criminal case regarding bomb threat emails sent to Indore's Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport and 40 other airports across the country, an officer said. After the email threat, which turned out to be a hoax, authorities have requested information from Gmail, the email provider, news agency PTI reported. A bomb threat was received at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh. (HT/File) Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Vinod Kumar Meena said in Indore, On Tuesday, a Gmail account sent a threatening message claiming bombs would be placed at airports in Indore and other cities of the country. However, investigations revealed the message was fabricated. Meena said a case has been filed under Section 507 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation through anonymous communication, based on a complaint from an Airports Authority of India (AAI) officer, PTI reported. On Tuesday, 41 airports, including those in Varanasi, Chennai, and Jaipur, received bomb threat emails. This led to extensive anti-sabotage checks that lasted for hours, but all the threats were found to be hoaxes. Bomb threat emails were also received by Patna Airport and Vadodara Airport in Gujarat, causing scares. Additionally, a hoax bomb threat at Chennai International Airport led to a significant delay for a Dubai-bound flight carrying 268 passengers. Security was increased, and airport terminals were thoroughly checked after the emails were received from the address exhumedyou888@gmail.com. Moreover, over the past two days, about 60 hospitals throughout Mumbai received fake emails claiming that bombs were planted on their premises. This included both private and public hospitals, as confirmed by the police. The hospitals, after receiving the emails, immediately informed the local police and carried out thorough checks. The emails said the bombs have been kept under beds and in toilets. The hospitals immediately carried anti-sabotage checks and found nothing, the police told HT. Last week, Delhi police reported that several museums in the city received bomb threats through emails. The threats, which targeted about 10-15 museums including the Railway Museum, were later confirmed to be false alarms. India on Thursday lodged a strong protest after pro-Khalistani extremists held a 'citizens court' in front of India's consulate in Vancouver and burnt Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effigy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 Outreach Summit, in Apulia. (ANI) India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian high commission through a diplomatic note, conveying New Delhi's strong objection to Khalistanis being given a free hand by Justin Trudeau government. The stern diplomatic move comes day after the Canadian parliament observed a 'moment of silence' in the memory of Khalistan Tiger Force terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. ALSO READ: Nijjar was a killer, not a religious head, says Indian Intel Nijjar, who was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year, was an old associate of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) terrorist Gurdeep Singh aka Deepa Heranwala, who was involved in more than 200 killings in Punjab in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Canadian intelligence has continuously tried to peddle the narrative of Nijjar being an innocent and religious-minded head of Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Surrey, Canada. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Why is Trudeau govt silent on Punjab gangsters living in Canada Despite repeated protests of the indian government, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is playing vote bank politics. He runs a minority government with support of Khalistan linked New Democratic Party run by India hater Jagmeet Singh. During the G7 Summit in Italy earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi briefly met Trudeau but held no bilateral meetings with the Canadian premier, who refuses to crack down on anti-India propaganda being run by Khalistanis from his soil. Last year, Trudeau in the Canadian parliament alleged the role of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar, but is yet to provide an iota of evidence to substantiate his allegations. Last month, external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said the government gave names of 25 persons for extradition but there had been no response from Trudeau's government. The list includes notorious gangsters and pro-Khalistani terrorists taking refuge in Canada. New Delhi: India and Sri Lanka on Thursday launched a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), reflecting the deepening maritime security cooperation between the two sides, as external affairs minister S Jaishankar met the top leadership in Colombo to bolster ties in a range of areas. EAM S Jaishankar with Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe (Twitter/@DrSJaishanka) Jaishankar was on his first foreign visit after beginning his second term as the foreign minister, with the choice of Sri Lanka as the destination signalling New Delhis continued focus on its Neighbourhood First policy. The inauguration of the MRCC came six months after Sri Lanka declared a year-long moratorium on foreign research ships entering its waters amid Indias concerns over Chinese surveillance vessels docking in its neighbourhood. President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Jaishankar participated in a ceremony to hand over more than 150 houses built under two India-backed housing projects that are among the flagship initiatives of New Delhis development cooperation. Over the past two years, Sri Lanka has benefited from a range of initiatives aimed at bolstering energy, financial and physical connectivity. The commissioning of the MRCC, which comprises a main centre at the Sri Lanka Navy headquarters in Colombo and a sub-centre in Hambantota, was described in a readout from the Sri Lankan presidents office as the highlight of the meeting between Jaishankar and Wickremesinghe. This initiative underscores the deepening maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, the readout said. Built with a grant of $6 million from India, the MRCC includes seven unmanned installations at strategic locations across Sri Lankas coastline Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro and Mollikulam. The MRCC, established by state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), will serve as the nerve centre for search and rescue operations at the sea. A memorandum of understanding for the centre was signed in March 2022, and Sri Lankan Navy teams have been trained by BEL in Bengaluru and Colombo to operate the MRCC. In a post on X soon after his arrival in Colombo, Jaishankar said Sri Lanka is central to Indias Neighborhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies. In a separate post regarding his meeting with Wickremesinghe, Jaishankar appreciated the progress made on different bilateral projects and initiatives. Under President @RW_UNPs guidance, discussed the way forward for the cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors, he said. Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties, Jaishankar added. Wickremesinghe and Jaishankar jointly unveiled a digital plaque to hand over 106 houses built under the Indian Housing Project in the three districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale. These houses are part of the third phase of the project to build a total of 4,000 houses, and more than 3,700 houses have already been handed over to beneficiaries. The two leaders unveiled another digital plaque to hand over 24 more houses in two model villages for the poor in Colombo and Trincomalee. The model village housing project covers all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, and model villages consisting of 24 houses each have already been handed over in nine districts. Jaishankar held a separate meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry, and said on X that their discussions covered prospects in capacity building and shared engagement. They also discussed greater multilateral cooperation, especially in BIMSTEC, IORA and the UN. Jaishankar also held separate meetings with both ruling and opposition politicians. These meetings assume significance as Sri Lanka is expected to hold presidential elections later this year. During his meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Jaishankar reiterated Indias strong support through development and connectivity initiatives, he said in a post on X. Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of people of Sri Lanka, he added. Jaishankar also met former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed bilateral cooperation. Nice to meet the leader of opposition @sajithpremadasa and his delegation during my Sri Lanka visit. Thank GL Peiris, @EranWick, Niroshan Perera, Palini Thigambaram @Rauff_Hakeem and V Radhakrishnan for joining, he said in a post on X. Appreciate the bipartisan support for stronger India-Sri Lanka relationship. An insightful discussion on making our partnership even more robust, Jaishankar added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been leading the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga with different themes since its inception on June 21, 2015, which have been followed globally. PM Narendra Modi performs yoga as he leads the event on the occasion of 9th International Yoga Day.(ANI) Recognising its universal appeal on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said, Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature. This year, the 10th International Day of Yoga with the theme Yoga for Self and Society will be celebrated at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) along the Dal Lake in Srinagar on June 21. Prime Minister Modi, who has been elected to office for a third consecutive term, will lead the event. Heres a list of places from where PM Modi led the celebrations: Kartavya Path, New Delhi (2015): The first big International Day of Yoga event took place at Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) in New Delhi. A large crowd, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from many countries performed 21 yoga poses for 35 minutes. The theme for the event was Yoga for Harmony and Peace. This event broke two Guinness world records, one for the largest yoga class with 35,985 people, and another for having participants from the most countries with 84 nations represented. Capitol Complex, Chandigarh (2016): The second International Yoga Day celebrations were led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Capitol Complex in Chandigarh. The day was themed around Yoga for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. PM Modi was joined by over 30,000 yoga enthusiasts. They performed deep breathing and stretching exercises with him. PM Modi urged people to embrace yoga for better physical and mental health as he addressed the crowd at the grand event. Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, Lucknow (2017): The third International Day of Yoga was held on the theme Yoga for Health. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a mass yoga demonstration at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan in Lucknow where more than 51,000 yoga enthusiasts participated and performed various yoga asanas. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had also participated in the event. Forest Research Institute, Dehradun (2018): The main event of the fourth International Day of Yoga themed Yoga for Peace, was held at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations with 50,000 volunteers. Prabhat Tara Maidan, Ranchi (2019): The main event of the fifth International Yoga Day was held in Ranchi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a crowd of over 40,000 people. The theme of the event was Yoga for Heart. PM Modi addressed the people and stressed the importance of yoga for the overall health of the body, mind, and society. International Day of Yoga (2020): Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mass gatherings on International Day of Yoga (IDY) were not advisable. Keeping this situation in mind, the day was celebrated through electronic and digital media. The government had themed the day Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 15-minute televised address to the nation, said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world was feeling the need for yoga more than ever. International Day of Yoga (2021): The theme for the seventh International Day of Yoga was 'Yoga for Wellness'. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, people celebrated the day at their homes. In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi said that Yoga helped people gather the confidence and strength to fight the pandemic worldwide. Mysuru Palace Ground, Karnataka (2022): The eighth edition of International Day of Yoga was celebrated at Mysuru, Karnataka, on the theme Yoga for Humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a mass Yoga demonstration along with 15,000 participants. The day witnessed many new initiatives, including the Guardian Ring program, which was a collaborative exercise between 79 countries and United Nations organisations along with Indian Missions abroad. UN Headquarters, New York City (2023): Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 9th annual International Day of Yoga celebrations at the iconic North Lawn of the UN Headquarters in New York City. The theme for the year was Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth One Family One Future. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from thousands of Yoga enthusiasts from over 135 nationalities, setting a Guinness World Record for participation by the maximum number of nationalities in a Yoga session. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday hit out at Rahul Gandhi over the Congress leader's remarks on the NEET controversy and the cancellation of UGC-NET examination. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference at the AICC headquarters on Thursday.(Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times) Just because Rahul Gandhi failed for the 3rd time doesn't mean that he can abuse the youth of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh...he said that Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are epicentres (of paper leaks), BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said at a press conference. If you have some issue with an exam, you can point out its shortcomings but just because you have some personal issues with PM Modi, you make such big allegation against the youth of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat...if there is an epicentre for paper leak in the country, it was Congress' and Ashok Gehlot's govt in Rajasthan," the BJP leader added. ALSO READ: PM Modi psychologically collapsed, his chest now 30-32 inch: Rahul Gandhi While asserting that the Centre will not allow any injustice to the students, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said,"The government is fully alert and sensitive over NEET exam. Govt is determined, and won't let any injustice happen to lakhs of students...strict action will be taken against those who are responsible for this." Rahul Gandhi has nothing to do with the future of lakhs of students, he just wants to play his politics on this topic. In Rajasthan, paper leak happened but Rahul Gandhi did not utter a word on it, he added. The BJP's remarks come after Rahul Gandhi at a press conference alleged that the educational institutions in India have been captured by the BJP and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of facilitating it. It was being said Prime Minister Modi stopped the Ukraine-Russia War and Israel-Gaza war, but he is either not able to stop exam paper leaks or doesn't want to, Gandhi said at a briefing. "There has been an expansion of idea of Vyapam to rest of country," he said while referring to the Vyapam examination and recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh. A massive controversy has erupted on the medical entrance examination NEET over alleged irregularities, with the issue now before the Supreme Court. On Wednesday night, the Union education ministry ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET following inputs that the exam's integrity may have been compromised, and handed over the matter to the CBI for an investigation. (With agency inputs) A Delhi court on Thursday granted regular bail to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal nearly three months after he was arrested on corruption charges in the excise policy case, in a ruling that buoyed the beleaguered Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and potentially set off a new churn in city and national politics. A file picture of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal(ANI) The decision by Rouse Avenue court vacation judge Niyay Bindu in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also marks a blow to the federal agencys case, potentially altering the landscape of the ongoing legal battle. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal granted bail in excise policy case The accused is admitted to bail in the sum of 1 lakh, the judge announced while pronouncing the verdict on Thursday evening and said the detailed order will be released on Friday morning. The judge rejected EDs request to delay the acceptance of the bail bonds by 48 hours to allow the agency time to challenge the order in a higher court, clarifying that Kejriwals counsel can apply for bail bond on Friday before the concerned judge. There is no stay on the order of granting bail, the judge added. To be sure, the agency is expected to rush to the Delhi high court on Friday, seeking a stay on the bail order before a vacation bench. According to people aware of the matter, Kejriwals legal team has also filed a caveat in the high court to ensure no order is passed without hearing them. As things stand, Kejriwal may walk out of jail on Friday. Satyamev Jayate [Truth alone triumphs], Delhi minister Atishi posted on X. This decision was crucial for Kejriwal, who surged to power a decade ago after platforming himself as an anti-corruption crusader and shook up the Capitals entrenched political structures before finding himself embroiled in graft charges and his party in serious trouble. Kejriwal has been in custody since March 21 following his arrest by ED, apart from a 21-day interim bail in May for Lok Sabha election campaigning. The release came days after the general elections threw up surprisingly positive results for the Opposition but found the AAP winning no seat in Delhi and only three in Punjab, a state where it swept to power in a landslide two years ago. The bail also marks a setback for ED, as it means Kejriwal could successfully counter the accusations and challenge the existence of a prima facie case and evidence of guilt, prerequisites under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The provision requires the trial court to be convinced that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty and is not likely to commit any offence while on bail. The bail comes at a critical juncture when the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Kejriwals petition challenging his arrest by ED. AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar termed the decision historic. ...This case is completely fake; the whole case has been written in the BJP office. We are very grateful to the court or giving a historic verdict. Regular bail in a PMLA case is nothing less than an acquittal..., said Kakkar. The BJP said his bail was just a regular part of the process. Kejriwals arrest was part of the Oppositions agenda in the general elections campaign and his bail was welcomed by several leaders. His arrest was also considered a moment of reckoning for the AAP, which will vie for a third consecutive term in Delhi in the assembly polls scheduled in eight months. If released, Kejriwal the face of the party and its tallest leader will boost the partys campaign. The case against Kejriwal stems from allegations of irregularities in Delhis excise policy, which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began probing following a recommendation by Delhis LG in July 2022. Kejriwal was the third AAP leader arrested in this connection. Sisodia has been in jail since February 2023, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was granted bail by the top court in April this year after six months of custody. ED, in its submissions before all courts, has accused the CM of being the kingpin and key conspirator of the alleged corruption in the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy, adding he acted in cahoots with ministers of his cabinet and other AAP leaders for seeking benefit from some businessmen involved in the liquor business. The AAP chief has denied all allegations and called them politically motivated. Kejriwal approached the city court two days before his interim bail ended. He was arrested on March 21 for alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22 and was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10 to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. He surrendered on June 2 after the Supreme Court declined to extend the interim bail. Before the trial court, ED opposed Kejriwals application, raising concerns about the potential destruction of crucial evidence. In a 182-page reply, the agency argued that Kejriwals influential status could enable him to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses. During the bail hearing, Kejriwals defence, led by senior advocate Vikram Chaudhari, argued that ED failed to prove a money trail linked to Kejriwal or substantiate claims of AAP leaders receiving kickbacks through the policy. Chaudhary emphasised that the case was based on statements from tainted co-accused who had been granted bail or pardon, highlighting contradictions and a lack of material corroboration in these statements. The CMs lawyer also pointed out that Kejriwal was not made an accused in the Central Bureau of Investigation case and was called as a witness instead. They asserted that ED lacked evidence to prove AAP received 45 crore as kickbacks and that Kejriwal had connections with individuals who allegedly managed the funds. Chaudhari further contended that the apex court permitted Kejriwal to apply for regular bail while reserving judgment on his plea on May 17. Opposing the bail, additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju, representing ED, argued that there was undeniable evidence of money laundering. Raju stated that ED had concrete proof of Kejriwals involvement, including telephone call records and call data records (CDR) showing co-accused Chanpreet Singhs receipt of 45 crore as kickbacks. Citing the rigours of Section 45 of the PMLA, the law officer also argued it was Kejriwals responsibility to demonstrate that he was not guilty of a PMLA offence, regardless of his constitutional post. Arvind Kejriwal bail: AAP says Satyamev Jayate on court order, BJP hits back On Wednesday, the court extended Kejriwals judicial custody till July 3 after he was produced from Tihar jail via virtual mode. On June 5, Kejriwals plea for interim bail on medical grounds was dismissed by another trial court, citing his active involvement in election campaigning as evidence that he does not suffer from any serious or life-threatening ailments. To address Kejriwals health concerns, the court, however, ordered the revival of the AIIMS medical board constituted earlier to examine him and conduct necessary medical tests for prescribing any required treatment. Last month, ED filed a supplementary charge sheet in the money laundering case, naming Kejriwal and the AAP as accused. The court has reserved its order on cognisance of the seventh supplementary charge sheet filed by the agency. A Malayasia Airlines flight from Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur made a turn-around and returned to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport due to an issue with one of the engines, the airline confirmed on Thursday. Malaysia Airlines Bhd. aircraft on the tarmac at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (Bloomberg/Image used only for representation) The statement from Malaysia Airlines came after a video, recorded apparently by a passenger, showed sparks coming out from one of the flight's engines, and went viral on social media. The statement, however, did not comment on the exact nature of the incident that forced the pilots to return to Hyderabad. Also Read: United Airlines flight engine catches fire during takeoff at Chicago airport We can confirm that flight MH199 returned to Hyderabad due to an issue with one of the engines during climb after take-off. The aircraft landed safely at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 3:21 am local time; all passengers and crew disembarked safely, the Sepang-based flag carrier of Malaysia said. Affected passengers will be reallocated to other flights for their continued journey. The aircraft is currently on ground for further inspection. Safety remains of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines, it added. The service to the Malaysian capital was carrying as many as 138 passengers. According to sources, the landing was carried with emergency protocols in place at RGIA Hyderabad. Recently, a Virgin Australia passenger plane from New Zealand's Queenstown to Melbourne in Australia, was forced to make an emergency landing in Invercargill, New Zealand, as one of the engines stopped working after catching fire. While the exact cause of the fire was not known, Virgin Australia stated that the incident was due to a 'possible bird strike.' Fire trucks met the plane as it arrived in Invercargill about 50 minutes after taking off from Queenstown. As per the New Zealand Herald, there were witnesses to the engine catching fire, and loud bangs could be heard after the plane took off. Imphal: Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Thursday reviewed the prevailing security situation in the northeastern state with the Director general of police (DGP), Rajiv Singh, at Raj Bhavan in Imphal, people aware of the matter said. Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey with DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh at Raj Bhavan (Sourced Photo) During the meeting, DGP Singh briefed the governor about the recent incidents in Jiribam district and follow-up actions taken up by the state police with Central forces, said people. Singh informed the governor about the security measures taken to stop any eventuality at any point in time and at any part of the state. Since May 3 last year, Manipur has witnessed clashes between the two communities Kukis and Meiteis, which has claimed at least 225 lives to date and uprooted around 50,000 people, many of whom are still residing in relief centres. According to a press release from the Raj Bhavan on Thursday, The governor directed the DGP to take up appropriate security measures to ensure safety and security of the people and property in the state. Also Read: Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting on Manipur violence She also asked the DGP for taking up the appropriate scale of security coverage along the two national highways so as to enable free passage petroleum products and other goods laden vehicles, the release read. In the meeting, Governor Uikey directed DGP Singh to initiate prompt actions against anyone who is involved in violence and also asked him for necessary security measures in Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Churachandpur and all the valley districts. She also asked the police chief to extend possible help to the displaced people in the Jiribam district. The state had remained peaceful with some sporadic firing taking place in fringe areas of Manipur without injuring anyone since April. However, fresh incidents of violence were reported after a 59-year-old man was found beheaded in Jiribam district. States security advisor Kuldiep Singh also called on Governor Uikey at Raj Bhavan and apprised her about the security measures taken up in the state, especially in Jiribam, in the aftermath of the recent incidents of violence. He informed the governor that adequate security forces, comprising the state and central security forces have been deployed at many vulnerable places, including the interior far-flung areas of the district. The governor asked the security advisor to take up necessary security measures to ensure law and order and for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state. On Wednesday night around, an abandoned police naka (checkpoint) in the Leingangpokpi area was set on fire by suspected armed miscreants from hills in Manipurs Jiribam district. The checkpoint is situated on the border of the Jiribam and Tamenglong districts, and it falls under the Jiribam district, while the nearby Paithol village is located in the Tamenglong district. In another incident, a truck carrying goods and supplies was torched at Kangpokpi town at around 11:30pm on Wednesday allegedly by miscreants. Moreover, the representatives of 10 like-minded political parties in Manipur on Wednesday made separate requests to Governor Uikey and chief minister N Biren Singh, to to resolve the crisis in the state. Through memorandums, they also urged both the governor and CM to immediately deploy state security personnel at villages in the Jiribam district from where villagers have fled for fear of attacks and loss of lives so that they return to their original homes from the relief camps. Imphal: A truck carrying goods and supplies was torched at Kangpokpi town at around 11:30 pm on Wednesday allegedly by miscreants, police said. (Representative Photo) The incident took place between Kangpokpi and Changoubung village in the northern Kangpokpi district on National Highway 102. Kangpokpi police said the registration number of the vehicle indicated it belonged to the Meitei community. In another incident, an empty narcotic check post at Leingangpokpi in Jiribam district was set ablaze by unknown miscreants at around 10pm on Wednesday, police said. Police said that the Manipur Fire Service, along with state forces, were pressed into the services, however, they came under attack by the armed miscreants. The state force also retaliated with gunshots. No casualties were reported during the incident, said police. Also Read: Bus carrying CRPF jawans torched in violence-hit Manipur; no one hurt: Police The Kuki Inpi, a tribal body, has alleged that Manipur police commandos and Meitei militants were indiscriminately firing on the villagers and village volunteers of Phaitol Village, Tamenglong district (a border village between Tamenglong and Jiribam). Meanwhile, as per the agreement with district authorities of both Jiribam and Tamenglong, the joint Kuki Civil Societies of Jiribam and Tamenglong suspended their bandh on NH-37 (Imphal-Silchar to Jiribam) for two days. However, the joint body re-imposed an indefinite economic blockade along the National Highway until their demands were met. Over 500 goods-laden trucks stranded between Leingangpokpi and Gulathol in Jiribam district in Manipur were forced to return to Jiribam after Kuki villagers blocked National Highway 37 at Tatbung in Tamenglong district on Monday. Their demands include lifting the blockade imposed by Meitei mobs in Jiribam town, finding the missing person L Thainmuang of Jiribam who was allegedly abducted from his house in the presence of his family members, and booking all Arambai Tengol and Meitei militants from Jiribam district and removing them from Jiribam surroundings. On Monday, Union home minister Amit Shahs high-level security meeting, during which he announced that additional forces would be deployed in Manipur, if required, while issuing a firm directive to take strict action as per law against the perpetrators of violence. In follow-up action, the state government has started the process of constructing infrastructure with pre-fabricated materials for accommodating Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)-50 Coys at 50 different locations across 13 districts of Manipur. One company of CAPF reported to Singjamei police station around 12 noon on Thursday. Opposing this, a large group of Meira Paibi (womens group) stormed the police station, demanding that the CAPF could not stay in the surrounding areas. One of the Meira Paibi leaders said the CAPF should be deployed in vulnerable areas, not in the Imphal area, where there is peace. The agitation by Meira Paibi forced the CAPF vehicles to move away from Singjamei Police Station. A similar protest was also held by the students of DM University, Imphal, who marched in a rally from Kangla western gate towards Raj Bhavan, Imphal. However, the Manipur police blocked the rally just opposite Raj Bhavans main gate and dispersed the participants. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday lashed out at the Narendra Modi government day after the UGC-NET examination was cancelled. During Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, thousands complained about paper leaks, he added. It was being said that Modi ji stopped Russia-Ukraine war. But due to some reasons, Narendra Modi has not been able to stop or doesn't want to stop paper leaks in India, Gandhi said at a press briefing. ALSO READ: Wont hesitate in taking action': Education ministry after UGC-NET cancelled The reason behind paper leaks is that the education system has been captured by the BJP's parent organisation. Till the time this is not reversed, paper leaks will go on. Modi ji has facilitated this capture. It is an anti-national activity, he added. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (Reuters) It's happening because all our institutions have been captured. Our Vice-Chancellors are placed not based on merit. But because they belong to a particular organisation. And this organisation and the BJP have penetrated our education system and destroyed it, Gandhi added. ALSO READ: UGC NET exam cancelled: What is the new anti-paper leak law? What are the punishments under it? What was done by Narendra Modi to the economy with demonetization, has now been done to the education system. The reason this is happening and the reason you're suffering is because an independent, objective education system has been demolished...It is very important that the people who are guilty here are brought to book and they are punished, he said. The former Congress president said that the party will raise the issue in Parliament when the Monsoon session begins on June 24. On Wednesday, the Education ministry announced the cancellation of UGC-NET examination a day it was conducted across the country. On 19th June, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima-facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised, the ministry had said. Mumbai, A candidate from the Mumbai North West seat has appealed to the Lok Sabha secretary general not to administer oath to Shiv Sena's Ravindra Waikar, who won the poll from the constituency by 48 votes against his Shiv Sena rival. Mumbai NW candidate urges LS authority not to administer oath of MP to Waikar In a letter to the Lok Sabha secretary General, Bharat Shah of the Hindu Samaj Party alleged there were serious malpractices and illegalities during the counting of votes on June 4. "The voting and counting conducted in the Mumbai North West constituency was not free and fair as expected under the Representation of the People Act-1950 and was not in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct," claimed the letter dated June 19. "It will be just and proper not to allow Ravindra Waikar to take oath of allegiance under Article 99 as a member of Parliament which retain and regain the confidence of voters in India that there is some evaluation system functional which takes serious and swift cognisance of electoral frauds," Shah said in the letter. Notably, Shah got only 937 out of the total 9,54,939 votes polled in the constituency. Waikar defeated Shiv Sena candidate Amol Kirtikar by a very slender margin of 48 votes. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has alleged malpractice during the counting of votes and targeted the returning officer. Shiv Sena leader Vinayak Raut, who lost the Lok Sabha polls from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, also wrote to the Election Commission of India on Wednesday seeking repoll in the constituency, alleging winning candidate Narayan Rane of the BJP emerged victorious by resorting to "corrupt and illegal practices" Both the letters - to the Lok Sabha secretary general and the ECI - were sent by Asim Sarode, a lawyer representing the Shiv Sena and assisting the party in its pleas seeking disqualification of rebel Shiv Sena legislators. The first session of 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 to July 3. It will witness oath/affirmation of the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha, election of speaker, address of the President of India. A political slugfest erupted on Sunday over EVM tampering claims with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders citing a media report that alleged that a relative of Waikar was found using a mobile phone "connected" to an electronic voting machine during the counting of votes on June 4. However, Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer of the constituency, dismissed the report as "false news" and asserted that the EVM is a standalone system, not programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. UGC-NET 2024 Cancelled News: Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities during the medical entrance exam NEET, the Union education ministry on Wednesday, June 19, ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET 2024 following inputs that the exam's integrity may have been compromised. It also handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a probe. Students holding placards protest against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination in New Delhi. (ANI file) The education ministry also sought a report from the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit regarding alleged irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 in Patna, and said further action would be taken based on the report. Also Read | UGC-NET 2024: Why did Centre cancel the exam? How is it conducted? Explained In a shift from earlier practice, the National Eligibility Test (NET) was conducted in pen-and-paper mode, this time on a single day June 18 with a record 11 lakh students registering for the examination. UGC-NET is a test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of junior research fellowships, appointment as assistant professors, and admission to PhD in Indian universities and colleges. The reports of alleged exam irregularities came months after the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha passed an 'anti-cheating' bill to check fraudulent practices - such as leaking of exam papers - in government recruitment exams. Also Read | UGC-NET 2024 cancelled: Mallikarjun Kharge questions PM Narendra Modi; how Opposition leaders reacted In February, President Droupadi Murmu cleared the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, which became a law. The Centre brought the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 to curb leaks, malpractices as well as organised malpractices in recruitment examinations like UPSC, SSC, etc. and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET. Punishments under Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 The Punishments under Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 proposes that unfair means be punishable by imprisonment for three to five years with a fine of up to 10 lakh. 10 lakh. In case a person, group or persons commits an organised crime of this nature which includes the examination authority, service providers or any other institutions, they will be punished with imprisonment of five to 10 years with a minimum fine of 1 crore. 1 crore. The law empowers agencies to attach and forfeit the properties of institutions involved in committing organised crime for the proportionate recovery of the cost of examination. The law also states that an officer of the rank of deputy superintendent of police or assistant commissioner of police will be responsible for investigating any complaints under the Act. Need of the law In the last few years, leaks of question papers and organised cheating had affected the interests of lakhs of students due to the cancellation of tests and examinations, said Union minister Jitendra Singh, elaborating on the need and significance of the bill. In the recent past, many states have had to cancel or were unable to declare results of their public examinations due to adverse impact of unfair practices and means adopted by antisocial, criminal elements. These unfair practices if not effectively prevented and deterred will continue to jeopardise the future and careers of millions of aspiring youths of this country. In many instances, it has been observed that organised groups and mafia elements are involved. They deploy solver gangs, impersonation methods and indulge in paper leaks. The Bill primarily aims to deter such kind of nefarious elements, he had earlier said. A simmering controversy over irregularities and alleged paper leaks marring two premier entrance examinations exploded on Thursday as thousands of students hit the streets in protest and Opposition leaders took shots at the ruling party even as the government reiterated its commitment to weed out any corruption and fix lacunae. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan addresses a press conference in New Delhi, on Thursday. (PTI) The row snowballed a day after the Union education ministry cancelled the UGC-NET examination and said the integrity of the process may have been compromised, jeopardising the futures of 900,000 students who appeared for the test. UGC-NET paper leaked on Darknet: Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on cancellation of exam The announcement added fire to a swirling controversy around skewed results and allegations of paper leaks and irregularities that have vitiated the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) this year, left 2.4 million aspirants in limbo, and sparked questions about the processes followed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). I come from a poor background and my parents have toiled for me to reach this level. This was probably my last chance at NET, said Amit Khan, an aspirant from Jammus Doda district. On Thursday, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that a specific question paper of the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) was leaked on the darknet and this led to the cancellation of the exam used to screen doctoral candidates, assistant professors and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF). Some irregularities have come to the notice of the government. We take responsibility for it, he said. But the Opposition was unimpressed. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was incapable or unwilling to stop the paper leaks and alleged that the education system was captured by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its parent organisation. Gandhi, who may become the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, announced that the government is going to get pressure from the Opposition, setting the stage for confrontation over the exam controversy in the upcoming session of Parliament. It was being said that Modi applied the brakes on the Ukraine war. He also stopped Israels war in Gaza. But for some reason, Modi is unable and not willing to stop the paper leak. Students work for months and years to prepare for these exams but the government is playing with their future, Gandhi said, comparing the NEET and NET issues with the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh. The reason for the paper leak is that the education system has been captured by BJP and its parent organisation. This capture has been done by Modi, he added. Gandhi demanded that the guilty be brought to book, announced the exam issue will be raised in the upcoming Parliament session and insisted that the rules and system of universities had to be reviewed and changed. The controversy began with this years NEET, the medical entrance examination, after allegations surfaced that in one centre in Rajasthan, students appearing for the Hindi medium test got question papers in English amid reports of torn OMR sheets and delay in distribution of question papers. A case was lodged in Patna over an alleged paper leak, after which the police arrested 13 people involved in solving question papers and supplying answers as part of a racket. The arrested people include four examinees. For weeks, protests have swept across India as thousands of students hit the streets amid allegations of question paper leaks, inflated marking and arbitrary allowance of grace marks, even as opposition parties called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the allegations. The Supreme Court is set to hear a raft of petitions on the issue on July 8. Then, on Wednesday evening, the education ministry cancelled the UGC-NET examination and said the integrity of the process may have been compromised. The June edition of the exam was held on June 18 with 908, 580 candidates appearing at 1, 200 centres, taking the test 83 subjects using pen and paper on OMR sheets. But 24 hours later, the ministry said that UGC, Indias higher education regulator, received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the home ministry on the examination. On Thursday, Pradhan shed further light on the decision. He said the agency that tracks cyber crime for the Union home ministry informed UGC at 3pm on Wednesday that a specific question paper of UGC-NET set was leaked on the darknet. We tallied the questions on darknet with the original UGC-NET questions and they matched. We immediately decided to cancel the paper, and order a CBI inquiry into the matter. All these activities took place on Telegram these days. It is a challenge to track the complex nature of Telegram without a high level investigation, the minister said. The minister said the government also formed a high-level committee, comprising civil society experts, technocrats, scientists, education administrators and academia, to review the functioning of NTA. I have said earlier also that there is a need for improvement in the functioning of NTA. Therefore, the government is going to form a high-level committee regarding reforms in NTA. The high-level committee will be expected to make recommendations to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocolsZero-error testing is our commitment, he said. Pradhan said the government was in constant touch with the Bihar government in connection with the NEET exam incident, and Patna police are investigating the case of alleged paper leak. But he called it an isolated incident and ruled out scrapping the exam. This is the first time the government has admitted to a paper leak in NEET at any scale. According to the preliminary information, there are errors found in specific regions. I want to assure you that once the information comes strictly action will be taken against the guilty. Even if we find involvement of senior officials of the NTA strict action will be taken against them.. In this whole process priority will be given to the interest of the students, Pradhan said. Hours later, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons on the complaint of K Sanjay Murthy, education secretary, and handed over the probe to its anti-corruption branch, Delhi unit. According to senior education ministry officials, action is likely to be taken against senior NTA officials including the director general of the testing agency. However, when contacted, NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh refused to comment. I would like to say humbly that we have to pay attention to the interests of lakhs of brilliant students who have passed that exam after working very hard. As I said in the preliminary information that the work of Patna Police is commendable. They have been able to round up one isolated incident. Some more information is yet to come. Therefore, we will take final action on it soon, Pradhan said. He also appealed to the Opposition to not politicise the issue. But Gandhi and other leaders hit out, targeting Modi. CBI begins probe in UGC-NET 2024 exam leak Recalling how thousands of young people highlighted the perils of paper leaks during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Gandhi accused the BJP of appointing vice-chancellors and other education institute chiefs not on merit but due to ideological leanings towards the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). A strict law is required to stop paper leaks. But if you put incapable and mediocre people at top posts only because they are ideologically inclined towards the BJP and its parent organisation, such incidents will happenAs long as these institutions are not rescued from these people, such things (malpractices) will continue to grow under the BJP, Gandhi said. The Congress leader said students are under huge pressure due to large-scale unemployment and other issues. Right now the PMs main agenda is to get a Speaker elected. He is not even thinking about NEET. Patna: The Patna high court on Thursday struck down the Bihar governments move to increase the quota for Scheduled Caste (EC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in educational institutions and government jobs, to 65% from previous 50%. The high court of Patna (Representative Photo) A high court division bench headed by Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order on a bunch of petitions opposing the legislation. We set aside the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) Amendment Act, 2023 and the Bihar Reservation (in Admission to Educational Institutions) Amendment Act, 2023 as ultra vires the Constitution and violative of the equality clause under Articles 14, 15 and 16. The writ petitions are allowed, leaving the parties to suffer their respective costs, said the bench of Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Harish Kumar in its order on Thursday. Equality of opportunity pitted against reparations for long years of deprivation of equality, has been the subject of judicial discourse while adjudicating affirmative action, introduced by both the Central and State governments within this country. One such affirmative action exceeding the 50% limit, as prescribed by a nine-judge Constitution Bench in Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, enhancing reservation to 65% within the State of Bihar, is challenged in these batches of writ petitions, the court said. On the issue relevant to the instant case, the rule of 50% limit in reservation applies to the Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which is equally applicable under Article 15(4) and Article 16(4). We see no extenuating circumstance enabling the State to breach the rule. Its increase beyond the 50% limit is bad in law based on the principles of equality emanating from the Constitution, as laid down by the wealth of precedents discussed in this judgment and which is binding on us and the State equally, the court observed. Referring to the Indra Sawhney case to emphasize the manner in which a methodology was evolved for the collection of data and scientific analysis of the same, the bench said that it found no such analysis having been made of the data collected in the Caste Survey, though a massive exercise was conducted by the government to survey the entire population of the State and the data collated in a report. The petitioners had contended that there was no analysis of such data. Based on the lack of proportionate representation in government employment and educational institutions, the percentage of reservation was enhanced without any scientific analysis of the data collected. What worries us is no such exercise or analysis having been done by the government or the legislature in bringing about the Amendment Acts. After the collection of data, there was a frogleap into the amendment enhancing the reservations beyond 50%, which we found was again on proportionate representation in the services of the State and educational institutions, clearly not permissible under Articles 15(4) & 16(4), it observed. The court said to break the stranglehold hold of a few at the expense and to the detriment of the many, that reservation to backward classes was envisaged. But merit cannot be completely effaced and sacrificed at the altar of reparations. This was the principle on which the 50% limit was laid down for reservations, the bench said. The rule of 50% limit in reservation applies to the Backward Classes, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, which is equally applicable under Article 15(4) and Article 16(4). We see no extenuating circumstance enabling the State to breach the rule. Its increase beyond the 50% limit is bad in law based on the principles of equality emanating from the Constitution, as laid down by the wealth of precedents discussed in this judgment and which is binding on us and the State equally, the bench said. Under the new provision, based on the findings of the landmark caste-based survey in the state, the quota for Scheduled Caste (SC) goes up to 20%, while that of Scheduled Tribe (ST) to 2%, Extremely backward classes (EBC) to 25% and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to 18% to take total reservation to 65%. Under the new provision, based on the findings of the landmark caste-based survey in the state, the quota for SC goes up to 20%, while that of ST to 2%, EBC to 25% and OBC to 18% to take the total reservation to 65%. The survey the first in independent India to successfully enumerate all castes had found that EBC, which comprises 112 castes, and OBC, formed by 30 communities, together comprised 63.13% of the state population. The SC form 19.65% and the ST, 1.68%. Upper castes were 15.52% of the states population. Actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party president Konidela Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday assumed charge as the deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, holding portfolios of panchayat raj and rural development, rural water supply, environment and forests and science and technology. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan assumes office on Wednesday. (PTI) Amid chants of Vedic hymns by priests, Pawan Kalyan entered his camp office in Vijayawada and took his chair at around 10.30am after conducting special prayers for Lord Venkateshwara. After occupying his chair, the deputy chief minister signed two files one pertaining to linking of Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Programme with horticulture works and the other on construction of gram panchayat buildings in tribal areas. Principal secretary, panchayat raj and rural development Shashibhushan Kumar, panchayat raj commissioner Kanna Babu, principal chief conservator of forests Chiranjeevi Chowdary and other higher officials were present on the occasion. Several Jana Sena Party leaders including his brother K Naga Babu, state civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar and others congratulated Pawan Kalyan on assuming the office. Later, the deputy chief minister held a series of meetings with senior officials of the departments concerned to review their functioning. NAIDU ACCORDS HIGH PRIORITY TO PAWAN Though Pawan Kalyan is a first-time MLA and minister, Telugu Desam Party president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been according him high priority in the coalition government of the NDA, people close to the development in the TDP, said. Apart from conferring the deputy chief minister status to the Jana Sena Party chief, Naidu has instructed officials that Pawan Kalyan gets equal importance in terms of protocol and other facilities at all government functions and meetings. Pawan Kalyan has been allotted a convoy of bullet proof vehicles, which no other cabinet colleague has got. Naidu also instructed that all the public serving offices and institutions should have the framed photographs of both the chief minister and deputy chief minister. It shows how much importance Naidu is giving him, the TDP leader quoted above said. Naidu also got a big chamber allotted to the power star in block-2 of the state secretariat. The two other Jana Sena Party ministers, too, got their chambers in the same block. On Tuesday, when Pawan Kalyan entered the secretariat for the first time to inspect the chambers, he was accorded a guard of honour welcome by the police. It is a rare privilege for Pawan Kalyan. Hitherto, such guard of honour was given only for the chief minister, the TDP leader said. Former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday accused China and President Xi Jinping of trying to erase Tibetan culture after a meeting with the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, a day after Beijing, which calls the Tibetan spiritual leader a separatist, expressed concerns over the visit. Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama exchanges greetings with former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during their meeting at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on India. (REUTERS) (Chinese authorities) are trying to erase the culture, reduce the use of the language. They are attempting something we cannot let them get away with, Pelosi said. His Holiness Dalai Lama, with his message of knowledge, tradition, compassion, purity of soul and love, will live a long time and his legacy will live forever. But you, the President of China, youll be gone and nobody will give you credit for anything, the senior US lawmaker said in a comment pointedly about Xi. Pelosi and a bipartisan group of US lawmakers, led by Republican chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs Michael McCaul, held an hour-long meeting with the Dalai Lama at his residence in McLeodganj and also met senior officials from Tibets government-in-exile. The visit comes days after the US Congress passed a bill urging China to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to resolve the dispute over the status of Tibet. The talks have been frozen since 2010. The bill, a copy of which was presented to the Dalai Lama by the delegation, rejects Chinas contention that Tibet has been part of the country since ancient times and urges Beijing to cease its propagation of disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people, and Tibetan institutions, including that of the Dalai Lama. Addressing a group of Tibetans after the meeting, Pelosi said the legislation passed last week sends a clear message to the Chinese government. We have clarity in our thinking and understanding of this issue of the freedom of Tibet...We know that the Chinese government is up to. They must get the message, and this legislation sends that message and it will be soon signed by President Biden, she said. McCaul said, This bill makes it clear that the US believes that Tibet has its own unique language, religion and culture. It has a right to self-determination. The bill also requires the state department to aggressively challenge Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda about Tibet. The remarks come as Washington and Beijing seek to steady rocky ties, while India is engaged in a dragging military standoff with China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that has taken bilateral relations to a six-decade low. Officials from the Tibetan government-in-exile earlier said the US visit and legislation will put pressure on China to engage with them as they seek autonomy for the region. Congressional approval of the bill is a significant breakthrough, said its leader Penpa Tsering, saying it would put pressure on Beijing to negotiate. But the Dalai Lama had always sought autonomy or a middle way, not independence for Tibet, he added. On Tuesday, Beijing expressed serious concerns over the visit and urged US to fully recognise the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai group. It also warned the US against signing the bill into law, saying China will take resolute measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests. McCaul said the delegation, including Pelosi, had also received a letter from the Chinese Communist Party, warning them against coming to Dharamshala. They repeated their false claim that Tibet has been a part of China since the 13th century but we did not let the CCP intimidate us, for we are here today. The Dalai Lama knows that this is not true, that Tibet is a part of China and the people of Tibet know that is not true. The US also knows that it is not true, he said, adding That is why we are here today, in defiance of that warning. (With inputs from agencies) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is silent on the paper leak scandal because he is crippled, in apparent reference to the BJP's dependence on its allies, adding that his main agenda is the election of Lok Sabha Speaker. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi with party leader Jairam Ramesh during a press conference at AICC HQ, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (PTI) Addressing a press conference on the issue of alleged irregularities in NEET and cancellation of UGC-NET, Rahul Gandhi claimed that Prime Minister Modi has "psychologically collapsed" post-elections and will struggle to run a govt like this. When asked about the government's alleged silence after the accused admitted receiving NEET-UG question papers beforehand, Gandhi said, Silence is because the PM is crippled. Right now, the PM's main agenda is the (election of) Speaker. He is bothered about his government and Speaker...The prime minister has psychologically collapsed and, knowing his personality, he will struggle to run a government like this. Read: Why does Rahul Gandhi wear white t-shirt? Congress Rae Bareli MP explains Gandhi alleged that Modi's idea of running a government is to generate fear in people. But now people are not scared of him. You saw the other day, in Varanasi, someone threw a 'chappal' on his car, he said. Before the elections, if someone wanted to hit him, there was fear, now that fear has ended. There are internal problems too, there are problems in their party, there are issues in their parent organization. The former Congress president also took a jibe at the prime minister's image, saying the opposition has demolished the concept of Narendra Modi. Now no one is afraid of him. People ridicule himThe chest which was earlier 56 inches, now I cannot give the number, but it has become 30-32 (inches). Read: NEET UG Re-test 2024: NTA releases admit cards for 1,563 candidates re-appearing in exam, download link here He also said that the Opposition will raise the exam paper leaks issue in Parliament. A massive row has erupted on the medical entrance exam NEET over alleged irregularities, with the issue now before the Supreme Court. On Wednesday night, the Union education ministry ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET following inputs that the exam's integrity may have been compromised, and handed over the matter to the CBI for an investigation. Special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru granted the special investigation team (SIT) of Karnataka Police five days custody of former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna on Wednesday. This decision comes as part of the investigation into a third sexual harassment allegation against the former Hassan MP. Prajwal, who is already facing two other sexual assault charges, is now under SIT custody until June 24 to facilitate the investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a JD(S) worker in Hassan district (PTI) Prajwal, who is already facing two other sexual assault charges, is now under SIT custody until June 24 to facilitate the investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a JD(S) worker in Hassan district. The former MP has been accused in three separate sexual assault cases. The SIT has already concluded its custodial investigation in two of these cases. On Tuesday, following a six-day custodial investigation, Prajwal was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody in the second case, which involved the alleged sexual assault of a domestic worker. Revanna has also applied for bail in the first case, which involves the alleged sexual assault of a cook at his familys residence. The SIT completed its custodial investigation in the matter, and the courts decision on the bail application is awaited. During the court proceedings, the advocates revealed that Prajwal Revanna expressed his discomfort with the medical examinations conducted by experts, citing embarrassment. In line with previous investigations, where the former MP was held for 10 and six days respectively, the SIT plans to conduct medical examinations to compare his private parts with visuals from the videos. Prajwals legal troubles began after videos of sexual harassment involving him became public around the April 26 Lok Sabha polls in Hassan. The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed proceedings in petitions filed in three high courts regarding the alleged paper leak and discrepancies in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. Students stage a protest against the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination results and demand re-examination (File Photo) A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti also sought responses from the National Testing Agency, Centre and others on pleas, including one seeking cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 exam. The pleas filed by the NTA and other petitioners will be heard on July 8. Read: NEET exam, UGC-NET 2024 row: What is the new anti-paper leak law? What are the punishments under it? While hearing separate pleas concerning the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate)-2024 examination, the apex court had on June 18 said even if there was "0.001 per cent negligence" on the part of anyone in the conduct of the examination, it should be thoroughly dealt with. The NTA conducts the all India pre-medical entrance test. The allegations of paper leak and discrepancies in NEET-UG 2024 have cuased a huge stir across the country, with the opposition parties training their guns on the Narendra Modi government. Read: Four ways to conduct a fair, top-quality NEET The Congress on Thursday said every year Prime Minister Modi conducts a "grand tamasha" of what he calls 'Pareeksha pe Charcha' and yet his government cannot even conduct an examination without leaks and frauds. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the NEET UG 2024 Examination faces very serious questions that even the Education Minister has been forced to acknowledge. The integrity of the National Testing Agency (NTA) is under severe doubt, he said. Read: NEET row: Education Ministry seeks report from Bihar police over paper lead claims Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asked when will Prime Minister hold "NEET pareeksha pe charcha". National Students' Union of India held a protest outside UnionEducation Minister Dharmendra Pradhans residence in Delhi over alleged the paper leaks. The protesters were soon detained by the police. Kolkata: All the tourists, including some foreign nationals, who were stranded in North Sikkim after landslides triggered by heavy rains cut off the region since June 13, have been rescued and brought to safety, officials aware of the development said. Around 1,200 tourists were stranded in north Sikkim as most parts of the region remained cut off because of damages on roads, bridges amid heavy rainfall leading to landslides (PTI Photo) The Sikkim government had earlier stated that around 1,200 to 1,500 tourists were stranded in areas such as Lachung and Chungthang in North Sikkim roads and bridges were damaged. In a span of three days, a total of 1,447 tourists were rescued and brought to safety. The tourists were all evacuated by road as airlift operations by IAF (Indian Air Force) choppers could not be done because of inclement weather, said a senior official of Sikkims disaster management authority. At least nine people have died in landslides in North Sikkim and South Sikkim since June 13 along with several houses damaged, power and communication lines snapped and roads and bridges washed away by landslides and the swelling River Teesta. Airlift rescue operations failed to take off as rains continued in various parts of the state while IAF choppers were kept on standby at Bagdogra airport in West Bengal to fly to North Sikkim to evacuate tourists, officials said. We decided to evacuate them in groups from Lachung and Chungthang via roads from Monday, Sikkim tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia had earlier said. The evacuation process by road began Monday. Officials said that roads have been washed away at multiple places. The stranded tourists had to trek in three to four sections, where roads were washed away, board vehicles in between and reach the district headquarters, Mangan. There were stranded vehicles in between Tung and Mangan and the tourists boarded those vehicles to reach Mangan. The road connectivity from Gangtok to Mangan was open. Tourists flock to popular high-altitude destinations in North Sikkim every year, such as Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley every year. In 2023, when the Himalayan state was hit by flash floods triggered by a glacial lake outburst, a few thousand tourists had to be airlifted and brought to safety. Thinktanks and other stakeholders continued their opposition to the draft Digital Competition Bill (DCB) in the second meeting convened by the Union ministry of electronics and information technology on Wednesday. Stakeholders continue to oppose Digital Competition Bill at meet They argued that prescribing certain anticompetitive practices of Big Tech as illegal was unnecessary and would negatively impact medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in the country, lead to investor flight, and adversely affect market dynamics, four people aware of the matter said. Only one participant in the discussion supported the bill and ex-ante regulation for competition in digital markets, but added multiple caveats. The meeting, chaired by IT secretary S Krishnan, took place a day after a similar meeting with industry associations on Tuesday. Wednesdays meeting was attended by officials from MeitY and the Competition Commission of India, and representatives from Chase India, CUTS (Consumer Unity and Trust Society) International, Esya Centre, The Dialogue, Centre for Competition Law and Economics, Centre for the Digital Future, and Asia Group. Nikhil Pahwa, the founder of digital publication MediaNama, attended the meeting in his personal capacity. Saurabh Srivastava, co-founder of NASSCOM, chairperson of the Indian Angel Network, and a member of the committee on digital competition law (CDCL) that drafted the DCB, also attended the meeting on Tuesday. The stakeholders asked if the DCB was actually needed and if extant regulation would suffice. They said that in most markets, ex-ante (prescriptive) regulation to rein in big tech companies was too new to gauge its impact on markets and consumers. In the hour-long meeting, Srivastava stressed that any competition-related regulation must not adversely impact innovation in India, even as he underlined that the European Unions Digital Markets Act (DMA) should not be treated as the gold standard because EU is a more mature economy and not the epicentre of innovation. The representative from CUTS International also said that a law like the DMA would not have allowed something like the UPI to flourish. Pahwa submitted that the DCB would adversely affect market dynamics and the start-up ecosystem. Both Pahwa and the representative from Asia Group told MeitY officials that the bill would cause funding for start-ups to dry up. Three people told HT that Pahwa cited two instances of regulatory impact on start-ups --- first, the Web 3.0 ecosystem of India moved to Dubai due to regulatory constraints; and second, MeitYs AI advisory, which was eventually retracted and replaced, that required government approval for under testing AI models, led to uncertainty amongst founders of AI companies in India. Pahwa also said that the DCB should be scrapped altogether, two people said. Others echoed him in tamer words. CCLE, however, said that it supported ex ante regulation but said that implementation and regulatory capacity remained concerns. Despite its support for an ex ante law, the think tank pointed out that the 2019 report by the Competition Law Review Committee had said that India had adequate legal architecture to deal with digital competition but the CDCLs report and draft bill, released in March 2024, departed from it. The representative from CCLE said that the CCI had found evidence of anticompetitive behaviour by Big Tech companies in its investigations. Esya Centre and The Dialogue cited their respective studies on the issue to argue that the DCB would have an adverse impact on MSMEs, consumers and start-ups. Both said that restrictions on cross data usage, and tying and bundling of services would adversely affect consumers. The DCB forbids entities designated as systematically significant digital enterprises (SSDEs) from cross usage of personal data of end users collected from different core digital services such as cloud services, search engines, etc. It also forbids SSDEs from forcing or incentivising users to use multiple services that it offers. CUTS International also said that the DCB would severely impact the user interface (UI), creating unnecessary friction while accessing online services leading to customer drop-offs. At least 34 people died, and around 100 were hospitalised on Wednesday after allegedly drinking illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district, officials said on Thursday. The death toll is likely to increase, they said. So far, four people have been arrested. Critical patients have been admitted to hospitals in Salem, Tiruvannamalai, and Puducherry. (AP/File) Critical patients have been admitted to hospitals in Salem, Tiruvannamalai, and Puducherry. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin said he was shocked by the deaths and stated that action was taken against those officials who were responsible for not preventing the incident. In a post on X, MK Stalin said, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of people who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi. Those involved in the crime have been arrested in this matter. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. Immediate action will be taken if the public informs about those involved in such crimes. Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist. On Thursday, the opposition AIADMK's advocates requested the Madras High Court to hear an urgent petition on the liquor tragedy. A division bench comprising Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu agreed to hear it on June 21. Stalin has ordered a Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) investigation for a thorough probe. The TN government has replaced Kallakurichi district collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and suspended superintendent of police Samay Singh Meena, as per a statement. Additionally, nine other police officers, including those from the Kallakurichi prohibition wing, have been suspended, it added. MS Prasanth, the new collector of the Kallakurichi district, visited the patients receiving treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital. Rajath Chaturvedi is the district's new police superintendent. Stalin sent senior ministers EV Velu and Ma Subramanian to Kallakurichi to help the affected families. Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi also expressed his condolences for the deaths and wished the victims a quick recovery. Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan shared a post saying, I was very shocked to know that many lives were lost in Kallakurichi due to consumption of counterfeit liquor. Many others are fighting for their lives in critical condition. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and a speedy recovery to those admitted to the hospitals. From time to time, news emerges from different parts of our state about deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor. They reflect continuing shortcomings in curbing illicit alcohol production and consumption. This is a matter of serious concern, it added. The judicial system in Manipur is grappling with a profound dilemma; at its core are 42 Kuki undertrials who have been released on bail by the courts but fine themselves trapped in limbo due to the violence that has singed the northeastern state over the past year. The desperate voices of these undertrials echo through the confines of the jails foreigners detention centre(File) These undertrials, hailing from the hill districts of Manipur, are languishing in detention despite court orders for release. The reason -- a persistent fear of violence from other communities that forced them to stay within their wards in Imphal jail, until a month ago when they were moved to the foreigners detention centre inside the prison complex, despite all being Indian citizens. Manipur: Governor Uikey reviews security situation with DGP, security advisor The states only jail is in Imphal, a Meitei-dominated city where Kuki homes are either burnt down or abandoned husks of their former selves. Many have secured release orders months ago but find themselves safer inside jail than outside. Theyre caught in a legal limbo because the law offers no provision to detain individuals already granted bail. They remain detained not because of legal stipulations but due to the states inability to ensure their safe return home, underlining a legal anomaly that highlights the states struggle to reconcile judicial decisions with the harsh realities of the yearlong conflict. Their stories are living testaments to the complexities and challenges facing the administration in a region scarred by deep-seated ethnic fault lines. Desperate voices The desperate voices of these undertrials echo through the confines of the jails foreigners detention centre, painting a vivid picture of despair and longing. Five of them filled out a questionnaire sent by HT through a lawyer. They were duly informed about the questionnaires purpose and the answers that HT received bear their signatures. Kailalmuon, 36, was granted bail by a sessions court in a drug case on January 19. He furnished the required bonds, and release orders were also issued, but he is yet to go back home in Churachandpur district. I yearn to go back home to the hills, where my family awaits, but fear keeps me confined within these walls. The bail order feels meaningless when our lives are at stake...I feel unhappy and distressed that I am still inside, he wrote. Kailalmuon wants the state authorities to ensure his safe return but laments there has been no response from the state machinery so far. Another inmate highlighted the constant daily dread. Lunthanglen Touthang said he feels unsafe leaving the prison despite securing bail because of his ethnic identity. I felt happy when I was granted bail, but I am now disappointed for not being able to go back home to Kangpokpi, he said. A third undertrial made a heartfelt appeal to the state government: We are desperate to go back and settle with our families. Please, provide us with safe travel so we can reunite with our loved ones. Ensure our safety, Paoginmang Khongsai, 22, wrote. Khongsai was arrested in a drug case and lives in Kuki-dominated Moreh district. Boigin Guite, 20, even secured an order from the Manipur high court for his immediate release on April 29, but remains in detention. Along with T Lulun Simte, another undertrial who also secured bail, Guite approached the high court in a habeas corpus plea. Deciding his plea, a high court bench led by chief justice Siddharth Mridul allowed the plea, recording an undertaking from the state government that both Guite and Simte shall be released forthwith and that the state shall look into the security they need to go back to their homes in Chandel and Churachandpur respectively. I want to go back to my family. I feel unsafe to go out on my own due to the ongoing conflict. I am sad, wrote Guite. Khalter Khampa, their lawyer, said they were bewildered by the states inaction. A constitutional courts order is yet to be complied with by the state. Its perplexing, he said. The lawyer further noted that while a batch of prisoners were released last month under security, Guite and Simte were not among them. Their continued detention is not lawful even though safety remains a concern. But it really surprises me that if some of them could be released last month, why not these two? Khampa asked. The state government made a similar statement regarding the immediate release of prisoners in at least two other habeas corpus petitions before the high court. On April 24 and May 2 respectively, it assured the court that Lunminthang Haokip and Thangkholen Haokip shall be released forthwith but they remain in detention, HT confirmed. Similarly, Mangsuanlien, 21, continues to live in the detention centre, even as he expressed his desire to go back home as soon as possible. The families of these Kuki undertrials cannot come to receive them due to the ethnic composition and control of the regions they would need to traverse from the hill districts to the state capital. These testimonies underscore a fundamental human rights issue - the right to freedom and security, which remains elusive for these undertrials despite judicial mandates for their release. While the inability of the state to ensure safe passage for released prisoners reflects a broader failure to protect fundamental rights, their heartfelt appeals for safe passage highlight the urgent need for intervention of the judiciary and government to protect their lives and uphold their rights. Legal limbo and institutional challenges: The predicament of these Kuki undertrials exposes critical gaps in the legal and administrative framework of Manipur. Efforts to transport them to their home districts have been marred by secrecy and logistical hurdles. Previous attempts by central forces ended in chaos, with information leaks triggering public protests, roadblocks, and threats of violence around detention facilities. Jail officials, who did not wish to be named, shed light on the intricacies and challenges of managing these transfers. In October last year, the information about one such transfer got leaked and all roads to the Sejiwa jail were blocked by armed mobs. The central force had to make a retreat, one official revealed. Following this incident, there was no such attempt made until May. The BSF personnel carried 15 such prisoners to Kangpokpi on May 9. It was done on a trial basis, and we are happy that no untoward incident happened, the official added. In the face of escalating violence, the responsibility of ensuring the safe transfer of these undertrials has increasingly fallen on central armed forces. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been instrumental in this role. Our primary duty is to protect these individuals and ensure their rights are upheld, but the continuous violence makes it nearly impossible. The states machinery is overwhelmed, and we have to rely on central forces like the Army and BSF to do what state police should be doing. The transfers must be conducted discreetly to avoid inflaming the already volatile situation, said a second jail official. The transfers of Kuki undertrials are shrouded in secrecy, a veil of discretion that only a handful of top prison officials are privy to. These officials are informed about the transfer plans at the last minute to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and security. These clandestine transfers typically occur in the wee hours of the morning, under the cover of darkness when the world is asleep. This timing is strategically chosen to avoid any public attention or unrest, ensuring that the undertrials can be moved without incident, the second official said. He further pointed out that it was on the instructions of the state government that such inmates were shifted to the foreigners detention centre in May because there is no legal provision to continue their imprisonment in a jail after their release orders were issued. All they complain about is going back home. Each one of them, every day, will make the same request. Thats all they enquire about whenever they meet a senior jail official, the second officer lamented. A third official rued the broader implications: These prisoners are frustrated and anxious. They were granted bail, but the violence outside has turned their release into a nightmare. We provide them with telephonic and video call facilities to reassure their families, but it is not enough. Regular counselling sessions are held to maintain harmony inside the jail, yet the fear of what lies beyond these walls persists, he said. Manipur violence: Truck set ablaze in Kangpokpi, police check post in Jiribam The official stressed that regular counselling sessions for the room commanders aim to foster harmony among inmates and remind them that the conflict is instigated by a minority of troublemakers, urging them to transcend ethnic affiliations and maintain hope for a peaceful resolution. However, these measures offer little solace to the Kuki undertrials who yearn to return to their homes. They demand attention and urgent action from authorities, both from the executive and judiciary, to uphold their constitutional rights and ensure their safe passage to their communities. Longing for both familial reunion and broader societal peace, Kailalmuon expressed his yearning for peace and a return to normalcy. I desperately want to go back home and reunite with my family. More than anything, I hope for the restoration of peace in our state. The conflict has torn us apart and we need tranquillity to rebuild our lives, he said. . Day after announcing the cancellation of the UGC-NET 2024 examination, the Centre reassured the students that their best interest will be kept in mind when it comes to the National Eligibility Test. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan further said that a CBI probe has been launched after Centre got reports of the examination being compromised. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan (File Photo) While speaking on the cancellation of the UGC-NET 2024 exam, Dharmendra Pradhan told ANI, I want to assure the students, this is your govt...have faith, the interest of students is key to us...Yesterday evening, IC4 gave input on UGC-NET that there is a possibility that the exam was compromised. We researched and we also felt that the exam was compromised...we cancelled the exam and initiated CBI enquiry. While addressing a press conference on Thursday, the education minister spoke about the cancellation of the exam and said, We take responsibility, we have to rectify system. He further assured the students that no irregularities or malpractice will be tolerated by the government. Pradhan said in the press conference that the UGC-NET examination was cancelled because the paper was leaked on Darknet. Earlier, the National Testing Agency announced that the paper was cancelled because the integrity of the examination was compromised. The education minister also said that the Centre will form a high-level committee to look into the functioning of the NTA amid the cancellation of the UGC-NET and the raging row over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam. "The government is going to form a high-level committee regarding reforms in NTA. The committee will be expected to make recommendations to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocols. Zero-error testing is our commitment," Pradhan said at a press conference. On the NEET issue, Pradhan said,"In the context of the NEET exam, we are in touch with Bihar government. We are receiving some information from Patna. Police Police are investigating and a detailed report will be submitted by them. Following credible information, strict action will be taken against the guilty." On reports of the 'paper leak' from Patna, the minister said, "In the context of the NEET exam, we are in touch with Bihar government. We are receiving some information from Patna. Police Police are investigating and a detailed report will be submitted by them. Following credible information, strict action will be taken against the guilty." Protests erupted in different parts of the country after the UGC-NET 2024 examination was cancelled by the Education Ministry on Wednesday. Around 50 students from different universities were detained after student outfits such as SFI, AISA, NSUI participated in the nationwide protests against the Education Ministry. (With inputs from ANI, PTI) He may have retracted his statement on the Yadav and Muslim communities of Bihar, yet Janata Dal (United)'s Lok Sabha member Devesh Chandra Thakur now faces a court case for hurting sentiments of Kushwahas, Yadavs, and Muslims. Devesh Chandra Thakur Thakur won the Sitamarhi seat with a 51,000 margin over the Rashtriya Janata Dals (RJD) Arjun Rai (X/deveshMLCbihar) The case was lodged by Dilip Kumar Kushwaha, a social worker, before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's (CJM) court in Muzaffarpur on Thursday. The court has fixed July 2 as the date of hearing on our case. We have prayed that the accused MP be booked under IPC sections 501 and 505, Hari Om Kumar, the counsel for Dilip Kushwaha, the complainant, told PTI. The sections 501 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code deal with the offences of defamation and creating enmity between communities, respectively. What's the controversy? Thakur, a close aide of Bihar chief minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar, was elected Member of Parliament from Sitamarhi in the recently-held Lok Sabha polls, defeating RJD's Arjun Rai by over 51,000 votes. Days after the result, the senior politician, 70, targeted Muslims and Yadavs. He accused them of not voting for him and declared that as a result, he, too would not work for them. Days later, he directed his anger towards the Kushwaha community, and said that they voted for the Rashtriya Janata Dal as it gave ticket to seven candidates from their community. The reactions While RJD's Misa Bharti sought to know what message Thakur was trying to send with such a statement, Union minister Giriraj Singh, a leader of JD(U) ally BJP, backed the Sitamarhi MP-elect. Singh remarked that he could empathise with Thakur as Muslims have never voted for me since I first became an MP in 2014. Meanwhile, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar asserted that the senior party member was well within his right to voice 'anguish' over the poll outcome in a constituency he had nurtured for long. (With PTI inputs) Around 11 lakh students will have to retake the UGC-NET examination after the Union education ministry cancelled it following concerns about its integrity. The exam's new dates will be announced soon. Aspirants coming out from an examination centre after appeared in the UGC NET exams at A.N. College in Patna, Bihar, India, Tuesday,18, 2024.(Photo by Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times) What is UGC-NET? The UGC-NET or University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test, determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for roles as assistant professors or for junior research fellowships and assistant professors in universities and colleges across India. The awarding of JRF and/or eligibility for assistant professorship is contingent on a candidate's combined performance in paper-I and paper-II of the UGC-NET. Candidates who qualify only for assistant professorship must adhere to the recruitment regulations of the respective universities, colleges, or state governments. ALSO READ- NEET exam, UGC-NET 2024 row: What is the new anti-paper leak law? What are the punishments under it? What is NTA? The National Testing Agency (NTA), established in November 2017 under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860, is an autonomous body tasked with conducting various entrance examinations for admissions to higher educational institutions. NTA conducts exams such as NEET, JEE, CTET, GATE, GPAT, GMAT, CAT, and UGC-NET. The agency is chaired by an eminent educationist appointed by the human resource development ministry, currently chaired by Pradeep Kumar Joshi, a former chairman of UPSC. IAS Subodh Kumar Singh is director general of NTA. ALSO READ- NEET row: Education ministry seeks report from Bihar police over paper lead claims How UGC-NET is conducted? NTA is authorised to take UGC-NET test. It is held twice a year (June & December). Since December 2018, the UGC-NET has been conducted by NTA in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. However, this time, in a departure from previous practice, the National Eligibility Test (NET) was conducted in pen-and-paper mode on a single day June 18 with a record 11 lakh students registering for the exam. ALSO READ-UGC-NET 2024 cancelled: Mallikarjun Kharge questions PM Narendra Modi; how Opposition leaders reacted Why Centre cancelled UGC-NET The ministry of education announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 exam based on inputs received from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the ministry of home affairs. These inputs indicated potential compromises in the examination's integrity, it said in a statement on Wednesday. ALSO READ- Need answers: Supreme Court issues notice to NTA over NEET-UG 2024 paper leak allegations To uphold transparency and the sanctity of the examination process, the ministry decided to cancel the exam and initiate a fresh examination cycle, the statement added. The matter has also been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation. UGC-NET June 2024 exam cancelled news: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders hit out at the Centre after the ministry of education cancelled UGC-NET on Wednesday evening saying the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in New Delhi. (ANI file) Mallikarjun Kharge also attacked the government over the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET, and asked when will Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold NEET pareeksha pe charcha. The Congress dubbed the government led by Narendra Modi as paper leak government and asked whether the education minister would take responsibility now. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lashed out at the Centre over the UGC-NET 2024 development and asked for accountability to be fixed. In a post in Hindi on X, Mallikarjun Kharge said, Narendra Modi ji, you discuss exams a lot, but when will you hold 'NEET pareeksha pe charcha'. Cancellation of UGC-NET exam is a victory of the passion of lakhs of students, he said. This is the defeat of Modi government's arrogance due to which they made a despicable attempt to trample the future of our youth, the Congress president added. Mallikarjun Kharge also said the Union education minister first says that no paper was leaked in NEET, but when arrests of education mafia were made in Bihar, Gujarat and Haryana, then the minister "accepts that some scam" has happened. When will NEET exam be cancelled? the senior Congress leader asked. "Modi ji, take responsibility to stop your government's rigging and paper leak in NEET exam too," Kharge further said. Meanwhile, the Congress alleged that the Modi government was playing with the future of the youth. "Yesterday UGC-NET exam was conducted in various cities of the country. Today the exam was cancelled on suspicion of paper leak. First NEET paper was leaked and now UGC-NET paper. The Modi government has become a 'paper leak government'," the Congress posted on X. Reacting sharply to the examination cancellation, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also alleged that the BJP government's corruption and laxity is harmful to the youth. "After the news of scam in NEET exam, now the NET exam held on 18th June has also been cancelled due to the fear of irregularities. Will accountability be fixed now? Will the Education Minister take responsibility for this laxity?" Priyanka Gandhi asked in a post in Hindi. The Union education ministry, amid a raging row over the medical entrance exam NEET, ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET and handed over the matter to the CBI for an investigation. The ministry also sought a report from the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit regarding alleged irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (UG) 2024 in Patna and said further action would be taken based on the report. Big conspiracy against the country: Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav suspected someone's big conspiracy against the country. And now after the news of irregularities, the UGC-NET exam has also been cancelled. Under the BJP rule, the paper mafia is rigging every exam, one after the other. This could also be someone's big conspiracy against the country, he wrote on X in Hindi. Understand the deeper meaning: - If the police recruitment exam paper is leaked, the law and order situation will not improve. Due to which there will be unrest and instability in the country and state. - If there is fraud in the NEET exam, honest people will not be able to become doctors and in the future there will be a further shortage of doctors for treating the people of the country and dishonest people will become a threat to the lives of the public. - Due to the absence of UGC-NET exam, the already existing shortage of teachers will increase even more. The shortage of teachers will hinder the mental development of the country, which will prove to be extremely fatal for the country in the long run, Akhilesh Yadav added. This can be a very big conspiracy against the administration and human resources of our country, which will have far-reaching negative consequences. That is why this should be investigated rigorously under the supervision of the court and the culprits should be given the harshest punishment, and no criminal should be spared, no matter how big he is or how much power he has over him, he added. 'Education emergency': Shiv Sena (UBT) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that the repeated and absolute failure to conduct national examinations fairly exposes the NTA's incompetence. This is an education emergency and also lets down lakhs of students who diligently prepare for these entrance exams. , not to forget the mental pressure they go through. Cancelling is not the solution, accountability from government and NTA is. This absolute disregard to young students and their careers is unfortunate, she posted on X. Aaditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT) also reacted to the Centre's order. Education Emergency. However the central regime doesnt care about the lakhs of students. Theyre only focussed on PR. Ban NTA: NSUI The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) has called for immediate action against the NTA. NSUI, the student wing of the Indian National Congress (INC), in a release, said this development has once again highlighted serious concerns about the integrity and security of examinations conducted by NTA. NSUI president Varun Choudhary appealed to the education minister to take immediate and decisive action, including banning the NTA and initiating legal proceedings against its officials. "We have repeatedly pointed out the flaws and vulnerabilities in the examination processes conducted by NTA. The recent compromise of the UGC-NET exam is just one more example of their failure. It is time for the Education Minister to act responsibly and protect students' interests," Varun Choudhary stated. The campaign chief for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives stepped aside two weeks before an election, the party said on Thursday, after reports he and his candidate wife were being investigated for betting on the election date. UK PM Sunak's party campaign chief steps down after insider gambling scandal(Reuters) The rapidly escalating gambling scandal is the latest misfortune to unfold for Sunak, who is forecast to lose power on July 4 after a campaign characterised by gaffes that followed his surprise announcement of an early vote. Read more: Rishi Sunak roasted for his Buy British X post: Starting Swadeshi movement The Conservative Party confirmed that campaign director Tony Lee had taken a leave of absence. The statement followed news reports that the Gambling Commission was looking into allegations of improper betting by Lee and his wife Laura Saunders, a candidate for parliament in Bristol. British bookmakers allow bets on politics, and the timing of an election is a popular bet. But placing bets with insider knowledge is a crime. "We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals. As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldnt be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded," a Conservative spokesperson said. Read more: Indian-origin activist arrested after Just Stop Oil protest at Stonehenge in UK The scandal has already engulfed another Conservative parliamentary candidate, Craig Williams, a close aide to Sunak, who apologised last week for placing a bet on when the election would happen. London police said on Wednesday that they had arrested a police officer working in a special protection unit over alleged bets made on the timing of the election. The BBC reported the officer worked as one of Sunak's bodyguards. A spokesperson for the Gambling Commission said it was investigating "the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election" but could not provide further details at this stage. "We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation," the spokesperson added. Senior Conservative minister Michael Gove told LBC Radio it was "beyond bad to use insider information like that to secure an advantage". Read more: Japan's emperor says he looks forward to deepening ties with Britain's royals during UK visit Polls forecast the Conservatives are set to lose the July 4 election, potentially in an historic wipeout. Sunak's party was already far behind in the polls when he announced the election, and has failed to narrow the gap after a campaign marred by blunders, including a decision by Sunak to leave early from a ceremony for the anniversary of D-Day. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday questioned Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar after the Patna high court scrapped the state government's quota hike to 65 per cent. We are hurt and we were suspecting this earlier that the BJP will try to stop the reservation. We already said this during elections that BJP people are against the reservation. You must be aware that when we conducted the caste-based survey, people of BJP filed PIL to try to stop it, but we won at the end. I don't understand why the CM is silent on this, Yadav told news agency PTI. A division bench headed by Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order on a batch of writ petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the legislations brought by the state government in November last year. A file photo of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav The Bihar government in November last year had issued the gazette notifications for two quota bills- Bihar Reservation of vacancies in posts and services (For SC, ST, EBC and OBC) Amendment Bill and the Bihar (In Admission In Educational, Institutions) Reservation Amendment Bill, 2023, paving the way for increase in quota from the existing 50% to 65%. At that time Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United was part of the Mahagathbandhan, comprising Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress. ALSO READ: Violative of equality clause: Patna HC sets aside 65% for SC, ST & OBC 'Will Bihar govt move Supreme Court?': Congress Congress leader Jairam Ramesh too questioned the Bihar government over the Patna high court order. The Patna High Court has just struck down an Act passed by the Bihar Assembly last year that had provided for 65% reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Extremely Backward Classes in State Government jobs and educational institutions. The High Court held that this breached the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court, the Congress leader said on X. Will the Bihar Govt now go in for immediate appeal to the Supreme Court? Will the NDA Govt at the Centre put its full and serious weight behind the appeal? Will Parliament get an opportunity to discuss the issue at the earliest? he added. (With agency inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will start his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, June 20. During his visit, Modi will launch several development projects and join the 10th International Day of Yoga event in Srinagar. Security personnel stand guard near the SKICC in Srinagar (PTI) High-level security will be set up in the city for two days, especially around the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), where the main events will happen. This will be Modis second visit to Srinagar in three months. In May, he spoke at a large rally at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. A multi-layer security blanket has been set up to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister. IGP Kashmir Zone Vidhi Kumar Birdi told ANI, It is a multi-tier security. As per the security protocols, the high-alert security arrangement has been made here. Earlier on Tuesday, Srinagar police declared the city a 'Temporary Red Zone' for drones and quadcopters. They said that any unauthorised drone use in this zone will be penalised according to the Drone Rules, 2021. Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir will begin just one day after security forces conducted a search operation and encounter in Baramulla district on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of two terrorists. The operation is still ongoing. Chinar Corps-Indian Army posted on X said, On specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police today in the Hadipora area of PD Sopore; two terrorists eliminated, and the operation is in progress. During his visit to Srinagar, Modi will start 84 development projects in J&K worth 1,500 crore. Things to know about PM Modi's visit The Ministry of Education on Thursday said that the UGC-NET examination was cancelled as there was a chance that it had been compromised. 9 lakh students had participated in the UGC-NET exam that the NTA conducted on June 18... The ministry saw that there was a chance that the examination had been compromised. The ministry has decided to cancel the examination. The next date will be declared soon. The matter has been referred to the CBI, Govind Jaiswal, joint secretary, Ministry of education, said at a briefing. ALSO READ: UGC NET exam cancelled: What is new anti-paper leak law? Punishments under it No complaints were received about the exam but a suo motu action was taken on the basis of inputs available with them to protect students' interest, he said. The ministry official said it won't hesitate in taking action against those guilty. Jaiswal said the details of the inputs cannot be shared as the matter has been referred to the CBI and is currently under investigation. ALSO READ: UGC-NET 2024: Why did Centre cancel the exam? Who conducts it? Explained The UGC NET exam was held on June 18. (Santosh Kumar) "A fresh date for the exam will be announced soon," he added. On Wednesday, the education ministry in a notification announced that it had decided to cancel the UGC-NET examination, saying the integrity of the process may have been compromised. UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar had said that 81 per cent of 11.21 lakh candidates had appeared for the examination across the country. The examination is conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for 'Assistant Professor' as well as 'Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor' in Indian universities and colleges. The UGC-NET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. After the examination was cancelled, opposition parties launched an all out attack on the Narendra Modi government. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X,"How the Modi government has ruined the country's education and recruitment system -- Paper leaks, fraud and gross irregularities in NEET, UGC-NET, CUET (Common University Entrance Test) have now been exposed. The much-publicised NRA National Recruitment Agency is completely defunct." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a stern statement on the recent string of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, while addressing a gathering in Srinagar. Assuring people that peace will be established in the region, PM Modi said that the preparations are underway to make sure that assembly elections are conducted in Jammu and Kashmir smoothly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' event, in Srinagar. (PTI Photo) (PTI) PM Modi said that the enemies of peace and humanity don't like progress in Jammu and Kashmir. He also assured the public that the Centre has taken the recent wave of terror attacks in the union territory very seriously. While addressing an event in Srinagar, PM Modi said, "The enemies of peace humanity don't like development. Today, they are making their last efforts so that progress in Jammu and Kashmir stops and peace is not established. The government has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. The Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) has chaired a meeting with the officials of Jammu and Kashmir to review them." The prime minister also stressed that the Union Home Ministry has reviewed the security and law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the local administration. Issuing a stern warning regarding the terror attacks, PM Modi said, "I assure you that we will not hesitate to teach a lesson to the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir". The prime minister in his address also said that people will live with peace. "The new generation of Jammu and Kashmir will live with permanent peace. We will make the path of development stronger that Jammu and Kashmir has chosen." The stern remarks by PM Narendra Modi came on Thursday while he was addressing the Empowering Youth, Transforming Jammu and Kashmir Programme as part of his two-day visit to the region. On Friday, PM Modi will participate in the International Yoga Day event in Srinagar. Since June 9, there have been terror strikes at four places in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi, Kathua and Doda, where nine pilgrims were killed, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed, a civilian was injured and at least seven security personnel were injured. (With inputs from ANI) A 22-year-old man, who was sleeping on a pavement in Chennai, was killed after the daughter of YSR Congress Party Rajya Sabha MP Beeda Masthan Rao allegedly ran her luxury car over him, police said. YSRCP MPs daughter gets bail after running over man in Chennai The accident happened on Monday afternoon between 1.30 - 2.30pm, said a police officer investigating the case. The victim has been identified as Surya, a painter from Odaikyppam, a fishing hamlet in Besant Nagar. He was in an inebriated state. He was 4km away from his home and he was sleeping on the pavement and had fallen onto the road, the officer said. When the car took a turn, it was possible that the driver could not have seen him while turning. The victim was rushed to the Royapettah government hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The Adyar traffic police rushed to the spot after the public saw the accident. They arrested Beeda Madhuri, the daughter of the Andhra Pradesh MP who drove the car, under section 304(A) (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Its a bailable offence so she is out on bail, the officer added, clarifying that it was not a case of drinking and driving. Beeda Madhuri was accompanied by a female friend in the car who had gotten down to check on the victim, the officer said. She called for an ambulance as a huge crowd gathered. In videos emerging on social media, the crowd is seen arguing with the woman who subsequently left the spot. Later, the crowd gathered at the Adyar traffic police station demanding action. World Music Day 2024: What's life without a little music? Be it going for a walk in nature, or having a lonely day at home when it rains, or having a party with our loved ones, we need music to add background score to the moments we want to remember for a long time. Music has numerous genres, and each of them fits perfectly to the moods we go through in a day. Musicians and artists all over the world explore genres, tunes and rhythms to work on new styles of music to entertain their audience. Every year, World Music Day is observed to celebrate the importance of music, and urge musicians and artists to perform in public spaces. Music enhances the sense of community. It creates a beautiful unity in diversity. Every year, World Music Day is observed on June 21. (Unsplash) Music, like any art form, does not require the language to be understood, as much as it requires to be felt. Music is a beautiful medium for bringing people closer. As we gear up to celebrate the day filled with music, rhythm and tunes, here are a few things that we should know. ALSO READ: World Music Day 2024: 7 amazing benefits of listening to music World Music Day 2024: Date Every year, World Music Day is observed on June 21. This year, World Music Day falls on Friday. World Music Day also coincides with International Day of Yoga celebrated every year on June 21. World Music Day 2024: History In 1981, Jack Lang, the French Ministry of Culture, with music composer Maurice Fleuret, a radio producer and a music journalist, proposed the idea of celebrating a day dedicated to music. World Music Day originated in France and soon became a phenomenon all over the world. In 1982, the first Fete de la Musique took place in Paris where more than 1000 musicians came together to perform throughout the city. World Music Day 2024: Significance Faites de la musique is the slogan for celebrating World Music Day. Faites de la musique translates to the motivating slogan of Make music. It urges people to come out of their homes and make the world a better place with their music. Music helps in alleviating stress, making us happier and bringing us closer to the ones we love. The official theme of World Music Day for this year has not been declared yet. Last year, World Music Day was celebrated with the theme of - Music on the Intersections. World Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21 and this year marks the 10th International Yoga Day. Ageing brings a unique set of challenges, including reduced mobility, joint pain and increased risk of chronic diseases since as we age, maintaining physical health and mental well-being becomes increasingly important. International Day of Yoga 2024: 5 safe and effective poses for older adults (Photo by Marcus Aurelius on Pexels) However, engaging in regular physical activity can help mitigate these issues by improving flexibility, strength and overall vitality. It can also enhance mental clarity and emotional stability, which are crucial for maintaining a high quality of life in our later years. Yoga: More Than Just Physical Exercise In an interview with HT Lifestyle ahead of International Day of Yoga 2024, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared, Yoga, with its roots in ancient India, offers a holistic approach to health that goes beyond mere physical exercise. It combines postures, breathwork, and meditation to promote overall well-being. He added, For seniors, Yoga is particularly beneficial as it is an exercise that can be adapted to suit various fitness levels and health conditions. Unlike high-intensity workouts, yoga focuses on gentle movements and mindful breathing, making it accessible and safe for older adults. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar recommended the following safe and effective poses for older adults - Balanced Approach: Flexibility and Breathwork: While flexibility is a key component of Yoga, it is essential for seniors to avoid overexertion. Overstretching can lead to injuries, so it's important to focus on safe, effective postures and proper breathing techniques. Breathwork, or Pranayama, enhances the benefits of physical poses by improving oxygen flow, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of calm. Healing Walk: The Healing Walk involves walking with hands raised above the head keeping elbows straight. This simple yet powerful exercise enhances internal communication within the body, decreases neck muscle rigidity and increases neck flexibility. It is particularly beneficial for managing blood pressure and ear-related issues. Additionally, walking barefoot helps ground the body's energies, allowing for the discharge of negative charges and promoting a sense of connection to the earth. Siddha Walk: The Siddha Walk, which involves walking in a pattern of infinity, offers multifaceted benefits. This practice engages all the muscles in the lower limbs, pelvis, and abdomen, promoting strength and coordination. The unique pattern of movement also stimulates cognitive function and enhances balance, making it an excellent exercise for seniors. Siddhohum Kriya: Siddhohum Kriya is a special 5-step practice designed to harness and connect to universal energies, allowing practitioners to receive the blessings of the universe. This practice integrates breathwork, meditation, and movement to create a powerful tool for spiritual and physical alignment. It helps enhance energy flow, improve mental clarity, and foster a deeper sense of connection to the cosmos. Mindful Meditation Techniques and Breathwork: Mindful meditation and breathwork are integral components of Yoga that can significantly benefit seniors. These practices involve focusing on the breath and being present in the moment, which can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote emotional stability. Simple techniques such as deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Bhedan Pranayama), and guided visualisation can be easily incorporated into daily routines to enhance overall well-being. Thus, Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to health and well-being for seniors, combining physical postures, breathwork and meditation to address the unique challenges of aging. By focusing on safe and effective practices like The Healing Walk, Siddha Walk, and Siddhohum Kriya, older adults can improve their physical health, mental clarity and emotional stability. Mindful meditation and breathwork further enhance these benefits, making Yoga an invaluable tool for seniors seeking to maintain a high quality of life. There is still some way to go before theres clarity about how exactly Apple plans to roll out Apple Intelligence, once iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia roll out in what I expect would be late September (its usually after the iPhone keynote, in time for the availability of the new iPhones). For starters, it may not be a one-shot rollout with the new operating systems, with suggestions that availability may be enabled in batches as part of an extended test period. I find that rather unlikely it is not Apples way of having users sign up for a waiting list for software functionality. There however might be chapters for Apple Intelligence, Siri improvements and the ChatGPT integration. Availability is something Apple hasnt spoken about yet (all you read about on the internet is pure speculation, packaged with seriousness to sound well, serious). For me, Apples biggest challenge isnt acceptability. It will be to ensure the habitually unpredictable generative AI models dont go haywire. Apple Intelligence (Premium): Tech Tonic | If Apple Intelligence doesnt annoy anyone, thatll be a big win The series of conversations I had with Apple executives on the side lines of the WWDC keynote made one thing clear Apple on-device and Apple server models are the tech giants in-house efforts. Not OpenAIs GPT-4o, which in fact is just one parallel, optional element. In my understanding, that doesnt impact how Apples own AI models will work, learn and respond. If there are instanced when your queries may require some specialised learning for more detailed responses, youll be prompted to check if GPT may be invoked. Youll have control over whether to say yes or no. That said, quote a few things for Apple to be worried about, considering its dealing with something thats fickle and springs surprises. Heres a checklist. Generative AI in particular, only really works if it has a lot of data to work with. Even then, theres no guarantee it will be error-free something weve seen time and again. The tightrope Apple is walking with AI involves success with the complexity of tasks they promise, layered context to hold, and personalisation without compromising data privacy, whilst minimising hallucinations, false positives and generating content that may be offensive to human beings. Apple executives made clear to me that Apple will not use user data to train models, but training and context will be built with broader activity trends. One of the ways to do that is to try and compute as much as possible on the device. No user query will be retailed by Apples models. So much so, that theyve got OpenAI to toe the line for the GPT-4o integration for the optional call-up by users for certain tasks. To be specific, OpenAI confirms that when accessing ChatGPT within Siri and Writing Tools, requests will not be stored by OpenAI, as well as users IP addresses will be obscured. Quite how this turns out, time shall testify to it. This does give Apple its biggest challenge in years, with the unpredictable generative AI to tame. This isnt just a chatbot. Apple Intelligences systemwide integration magnifies a users touchpoints with AI. No pressure, then! Analysing Apples AI chapter, as it is being written Deep dive into Apple Intelligence models, optional ChatGPT and privacy approach Beyond Apple Intelligence, iOS 18 is changing and so are iPads and Macs Point to note: Apple executives confirmed to me that the companys agreement with OpenAI for GPT-4o as one part of Apple Intelligence is limited to your interactions with ChatGPT as part of Siri. If however, you sign in to your OpenAI account with a paid subscription for ChatGPT Plus, youll be out of the purview of that agreement which otherwise ensures OpenAI will not store your data and hide IP addresses so that no usage can be tracked back to users. SECURE? VPN Not so much, if youre trusting one of the many free Android VPN apps. As Simon Migliano, who is Head of Research at Top10VPN.com explained to me, the situation is worrying. Heres a snapshot as many as 88% of these free VPNs suffer some kind of data leak (IP, DNS, WebRTC; of this, around 17% are affected by multiple leaks), around 71% apps share your personal data with third parties including Facebook or Yandex and controversial data brokers like Kochava, as many as 15% contain Bytedance tracking code, while 53% contained at least one function in their own source code that posed a potential risk to user privacy and requested permission to run it. Id urge you to read his detailed study here youll know the worst offenders, and it ought to make you take corrective measures. This is quite worrying, since VPNs tend to otherwise cost a fair penny and users by default tend to look at the more cost-effective alternatives (read, free). Think about it, theyre free because they can sell your data to the highest bidder. MEETINGS One (among the many) lingering follow-through from the pandemic era, are virtual meetings. Mind you, that forgettable time in our lives did teach is a valuable lesson work is very much possible without having to be in office every day; remote work, if done diligently by genuine human beings, actually results in increased productivity. Youre wasting less time in commute, water cooler conversations and (applicable for some) extended lunch. Virtual works success rests on the successful implementation of virtual meetings. Thank you, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Google Meet and everyone else that pitched in with an app. But over time, weve probably begun to do too much of a good thing. And thats a problem, something Ive illustrated in my latest piece for HT Wknd. Virtual meeting fatigue is becoming a real thing, and Ive cited multiple studies which tend to illustrate how bad things can get if youre spending too much time in virtual discussions. Perhaps AI can provide an answer, as Ive pointed out Zooms AI companion summarising calls and Microsoft Copilot transcribing Teams calls, can help. But do enough people know enough about these tools at their disposal? Think about it. (Premium): Zooming in...and zoning out: Can AI help with video call fatigue? GENERATION The 2024 iteration of the Apple iPad Pro can only really be classified in one way a return to form, and Apples renewed pursuit for thin devices. It should, ideally, be a glimpse into what the future holds. As I wrote in my review, it is a pivotal moment for the iPad Pro line, a chapter thats defining the vision of a powerful computing device. Youd expect nothing less, considering it is introducing the M4 generation, the first time an iPad has had that luxury with Apple Silicon. New OLED screens (its actually two OLED panels fused into one), may be the visual highlight that gets your attention (as it should), but theres something else that could hint at broader influence. The slimmest ever iPad Pro, could lead us to even slimmer MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs and the iPhone, in the next few years. Apple, and no one expected this, managed quite successfully with the iPad Pro 11-inch and the iPad Pro 13-inch. Core to this change would be the Apple Silicon, since the company has found the elusive balance in the performance per watt metrics. Everything thats helped slim down the iPad Pro, may be relevant for the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air in the coming generations. It may need more for the iPhone though, since physics will pose more challenges a bigger screen for the Pro phones should open up the space for slimming everything down (this years iPhone 16 may be too soon, I suspect). Im intrigued by the prospect. Let us wait for it to unfold, as it should. Everything about the newest iPads, from our viewpoint Apple iPad Pro (2024) defines vision of a powerful computer, without being one Apple iPad Air (M2, 13-inch) is more iPad than you expect, and thats its charm Delhi-NCR is in the grip of an intense summer in 2024, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The relentless heat has made it a challenge to venture outdoors, and even the nights offer little respite. This extraordinary situation has led to a surge in social media posts, with people sharing their struggles and reactions to the scorching heat. One such post is from a homoeopathic doctor, who shared a humorous incident involving besan ladoos sent by her mother. A doctor shared this image and wrote that it shows how her besan laddoos melted into a cake due to extreme Delhi heat. (X/@thisisbhumika) Dear, Besan ke laddoo. Welcome to Delhi ki garmi! X user and doctor Bhumika wrote as she shared a photo. The picture shows a container filled with food. Her caption indicated that the item that resembled a Cake used to be round-shaped besan laddoos that melted due to extreme heat. Take a look at the post here: With over 4.2 lakh views, the share has also accumulated nearly 9,100 likes. The most interesting part was the diverse comments from people, each sharing their unique perspective. Some expressed their wonder at the situation, while others shared personal experiences of how the heat is impacting their lives. How did X users react to this post on laddoos? Besan ke laddoo identifying themselves as besan ka halwa, joked an X user. Another joined in and said, Seriously, they were laddoos? The doctor replied, Yes, my mom sent me. Joining the conversation, a third posted, That is savage, while a fourth wrote, This is not Besan ka laddoo, it's Besan ka Cake. The relentless heat in Delhi-NCR is not just a discomfort, it's a serious issue. The frequent power outages are leaving residents frustrated and sweltering. The water crisis and heat-induced illness are becoming more severe, painting a grim picture of the situation. What are your thoughts on this post shared by the doctor about Delhi heat? A 73-year-old Indian-origin activist is among two Just Stop Oil activists arrested by Wiltshire Police on Wednesday after they sprayed orange paint on the Stonehenge historical landmark in south-west England. After environmental activists sprayed an orange substance on Stonehenge, a UNESCO world heritage site in southwest England, police arrested two people on Wednesday. Rajan Naidu from Birmingham said the orange cornflour used in protest against the use of fossil fuels was to create an eye-catching spectacle that will soon wash away with the rain. He was joined by a 21-year-old student from Oxford, Niamh Lynch, and together they were campaigning against the continued use of coal, oil and gas. Either we end the fossil fuel era, or the fossil fuel era will end us," said Naidu in a statement released by Just Stop Oil. "Just as 50 years ago, when the world used international treaties to defuse the threats posed by nuclear weapons, today the world needs a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to phase out fossil fuels and to support dependent economies, workers and communities to move away from oil, gas and coal, he said. The orange cornflour we used to create an eye-catching spectacle will soon wash away with the rain, but the urgent need for effective government action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the climate and ecological crisis will not. Sign the treaty, he said. The Just Stop Oil environmental group said the campaigners had decorated Stonehenge in orange powder paint to demand that the incoming UK government commit to working with other governments to agree an equitable plan to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. While British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the incident as a disgraceful act of vandalism, Opposition Labour Leader Keir Starmer said the damage was "outrageous". At around noon, we responded to a report that orange paint had been sprayed on some of the stones by two suspects. Officers attended the scene and arrested two people on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument, Wiltshire Police said in a statement. Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are working closely with English Heritage, the statement noted. English Heritage, the charity that oversees the landmark, added: Orange powdered paint has been thrown at a number of the stones at Stonehenge. Obviously, this is extremely upsetting, and our curators are investigating the extent of the damage. More updates to follow, but the site remains open. Stonehenge, a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, is a popular tourist site in England. Archaeologists believe it was constructed in several phases from around 3100 BC to 1600 BC. Suborno Isaac Bari, 12, is all set to script history as the youngest student to graduate from a Long Island high school next week. Not just that, Bari will also attend New York University (NYU) this fall to study maths and physics, where he received full scholarship. The child prodigy shared about his achievements in a post on Facebook and expressed gratitude towards his parents. The 12-year-old attributes his achievements to his mother, father and brother. (Facebook/Suborno Isaac Bari) At 12 years of age, Im in Grade 12 at Malverne High School. Next month is my graduation. Today, we had a graduation Rehearsal at Malverne High School. I will be the first American (from Indian Subcontinent) who will be graduating from High School at 12 years old, wrote Suborno in a Facebook post. He further shared that he is set to attend New York University (NYU) this fall: By the way, I already got accepted at New York University (NYU) with a full scholarship to pursue a BS in maths and physics. It would not have been possible without the hard work of my mom, dad and brother. Suborno also expressed gratitude towards his father, Rashidul Bari. My dad worked for me like a cab driver: every day, he drove me from Malverne High School to Stony Brook University (40 miles) and then from Stony Brook University to NYU (60 miles) and then NYU to home (20 miles). Even cab drivers don't drive 120 miles every day. Thank you, dad, he further said. Take a look at the Facebook post below: According to a report by the New York Post, Bari authored two books and taught college classes in India. The child prodigy skipped classes twice - first from 4th to the 8th grade, and then from 9th to 12th grade. (I want to) help people around the world understand maths and science. My goal is to be a professor and try to help those in need of a good resource, Suborno told ABC 7. Speaking about her genius child, Baris mother, Shaheda Bari, told ABC 7, He was always one step forward, and then I talked to my husband and said he was like different. He's not like other kids. Not just Subornos parents but his teachers, too, find him one of a kind. We've had some smart cookies in these halls and sent some kids on to Princeton and Harvard. We've sent some heavy hitters to some great schools and Suborno is just a unique case, Patrick Nolan, his AP chemistry teacher, told the outlet. Not only Subornos family and teachers but also former US President Barack Obama are in awe of his intellect. Obama sent him a signed letter when he was four, acknowledging his intellectual gift. The founder of a Mumbai-based beauty brand recently introduced a strict rule to ramp up productivity among employees - Kaushal Shah has made it compulsory for his staff to reach office by 9.30 am. Failure to do so will result in a 200 fine for the latecomer. Unfortunately for Shah, the new rule has backfired on him - in less than a fortnight, he has had to shell out 1,000 for frequently being late to office. Evor Beauty founder Kaushal Shah pays 200 as fine for being late to office.(X/@_kaushalshah) Shah, founder of Evor Beauty, posted about the failure of his plan on the social media platform X. He said that last week, he introduced a strict rule wherein every employee would be required to reach office by 9.30 am, as opposed to the 10 or 11 am they usually showed up at. To ensure strict adherence to the rule, Shah said latecomers would be required to pay a penalty of 200. The money will be used solely for team activities and benefits, such as dining and other team events, the founder told Hindustan Times. Last week, to increase the productivity in office, I made a strict rule for everyone to be in the office by 9:30 am (earlier we used to come by 10-11) and if were late, we pay Rs.200 as penalty, the founder of Evor wrote on X. This is me paying it for the 5th time, he added ruefully, sharing a screenshot of his 200 transaction as proof. Take a look at his post below: The post has amused hundreds of people on X, where many praised Shah for not putting himself above the rules. Some, however, wondered whom the money was going to. Paid to self, quipped one commenter. Paying to whom? Your current account, another said. A third person pointed out that it appeared as if Shah was paying money to his own UPI account. Founder's clarification In a follow-up post, Shah said he had created a separate UPI Lite account to collect the fines. The money collected would be used for team events. For the concern about paying the penalty to my own UPI wallet, please note that I have created a separate UPI Lite account specifically as a team fund, he wrote. "The money collected is used solely for team activities and benefits, such as dining and other team events." He added that his intention for sharing the rule on social media was to hold founders and CEOs accountable. If you establish a rule for your employees, you must be the first to follow it, wrote Shah. A first-year political science major is facing a lawsuit filed by her roommate, a Russian heiress. Allegedly, accused, 18-year-old Kaitlyn Fung, stole roughly $51,000 of her roommate Aurora Agapovs pricey possessions. Agapov is the daughter of a Russian mining-magnate whose board of directors includes Vladimir Putin. The Russian heiress reportedly said that her "heart dropped" when she allegedly found her roommate was stealing from her. (Unsplash/Arno Senoner) What went down between Aurora Agapov and Kaitlyn Fung? Things were cordial between the women until Agapov noticed that some of her things had gone missing, including items from luxury brands like Gucci, Chanel and Bvlgari, reported the New York Post. Soon, she became suspicious of Fung and found a receipt for the consignment retailer The Real Real in her pocketbook. According to the outlet, Agapovs heart dropped after the discovery, as they had been quite good friends before the incident. The Cut reported that following Agapovs lawsuit, Fung was arrested on the charges of third-degree grand-larceny. However, she was later released. The case against Fung is still pending. Agapov, in addition to filing the lawsuit, also visited The Real Reals Soho store and informed them about the items being stolen, reported the Cut. The store reportedly told her that Fungs mother picked up the listed items from the store a few days ago. Following this, Agapov filed a complaint in the New York Supreme Court. She demanded Fungs return her things, besides $51,000 compensation in damages. Items that were allegedly stolen: What were the items that Fung allegedly stole from Agapov? As per the Cut, the list includes a $3,300 Celine tote, a $4,000 Chanel purse, and a $23,765 ruby ring, among other items. The items were reportedly sold at a fraction of their original price. For instance, a Chanel bracelet worth $2,000 was apparently sold for $175. How did NYU respond? According to the New York Post, the university didnt divulge details about this particular incident and the investigation that was launched based on it. However, spokesman John Beckman, while talking about the matter of stealing from a roommate, said it is a lousy thing to do, and a rarity among the 12,000 students we have in student housing. Addressing the matter, the Real Real said in a statement, If we receive any information that items might be stolen, we act fast by removing them from the site and starting an investigation. China on Thursday asked the Dalai Lama to thoroughly reflect and completely correct his political propositions for it to hold talks with him and asked the US to respect its sensitivity and importance to Tibet-related issues as Washington is set to pass a tough Tibet policy law. Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama exchanges greetings with former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during their meeting at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on India. (REUTERS) On the central government's contact and talks with the 14th Dalai Lama Chinas policy is consistent and clear, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing. The key is that the 14th Dalai Lama must thoroughly reflect on and completely correct his political propositions, he said, without elaborating. China watched warily the high-powered US Congressional delegation's visit to Dharamsala and its meeting with the 88-year-old Dalai Lama besides the strong remarks made by its leading members US House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Michael McCaul and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi questioning China's policy towards Tibet and their call to Beijing to hold talks with the Dalai Lama. Their visit came as US President Joe Biden was set to sign the Tibet policy bill adopted by both the US Senate and the House of Representatives. The bill awaits Biden's signature to make it into law. Also read | US lawmakers meet Dalai Lama, warn China on choice of successor The bill seeks to counter China's narrative about its control over Tibet and promote dialogue between the Chinese government and the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who is based in India since he fled the Himalayan region in 1959. On Tuesday, Beijing urged Biden not to sign the Tibet policy bill, warning of "resolute measures". On the US delegation's visit to Dharamsala and its talks with the Dalai Lama, Lin said, "We urge the US to clearly see the sensitivity and importance of Xizang-related issues and earnestly respect Chinas core interests on its comments on Xizang, refrain from any forms with the Dalai group and stop sending out to the world wrong signals." He also criticised the reported remarks by the Tibet government-in-exile that it is going to use the new Tibet legislation passed by the US Senate and Congress to try to force China to come to the negotiating table and urge other countries to put pressure on Beijing to hold talks with it. "The so-called Tibet government-in-exile is an out-and-out separatist political group and an illegal organisation in total violation of China's constitution and laws. It is not recognised by any country," Lin said. After the US Congressional talks with the Dalai Lama, McCaul said on Wednesday that the Tibetans have the right to self-determination and should be allowed to practise their religion freely. At a felicitation ceremony held after the seven US Congress members met the Tibetan leader, McCaul said the delegation had defied a warning from the Chinese Communist Party. "The Tibetan people possess a distant religion, culture and historic identity and they should have a say in their own future. You should be able to freely practise your religion and that is why we are here today in defiance of the CCP (Communist Party of China) warning," he said. "Our delegation received a letter from the CCP warning us not to come here. They repeated their false claim that Tibet is part of China since the 13th century, but we did not let the CCP intimidate us and we are here today," he said at the event organised by the Dharamsala-based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). He added that the Dalai Lama, the people of Tibet and the US know that Tibet is not part of China. The US delegation included Mariannette Miller, Gregory Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Jim McGovern and Ami Bera. At his residence, the Dalai Lama told them that he wanted the people of the world to be happy and peaceful. Referring to the Tibet policy bill, McCaul said at the later event that the timing of the visit could not be better. The bill also required aggressively challenging the CCP propaganda on Tibet, he added. "I presented the Dalai Lama with a wind chime, which will remind him of our support," he said. "Like many of you, I wish that this meeting was happening in your homeland of Tibet, but 65 years ago you were forced to flee after the Chinese Communist Party annexed Tibet and slaughtered tens of thousands of Tibetan people," he said. The delegation leader claimed that the CCP was determined to eliminate Tibetan culture and forcibly bring the Tibetan people under its control. Thanks to the kindness of the Indian people, the Tibetans who fled their homeland are able to live freely in this country and practise their religion without fear of persecution. "It is still my hope that one day His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his people will return to Tibet in peace," McCaul said. He said the CCP continued to threaten the freedom of the Tibetan people decades later and accused China of interfering with the process of finding a successor to the Dalai Lama. Colombo, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe here and jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a USD 6 million grant from India. EAM Jaishankar & Sri Lanka President Wickremesinghe formally commission Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Jaishankar arrived here early on Thursday, his first visit here in his second consecutive term in office. The two leaders met at the Sri Lankan President's House, the President's Media Division said. President Wickremesinghe and Jaishankar jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka under a USD 6 million grant from India. This includes a centre at Navy Headquarters in Colombo, a sub-centre in Hambantota and unmanned installations at Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro and Mollikulam. "Joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers and senior officials at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and virtual handing over of 154 houses under GOl housing schemes @RW_UNP," Jaishankar posted on X. "President @RW_UNP and Indian EAM @DrSJaishankar jointly unveiled the virtual plaque for 106 houses in Kandy, N'Eliya and Matale under the Indian Housing Project with 24 houses in each model village in Colombo & Trincomalee being handed over virtually," the PMD posted on X. Jaishankar is also scheduled to discuss the progress of all ongoing Indian projects in Sri Lanka, officials said. He is also expected to discuss preliminary arrangements for a visit by Prime Minister Modi to the island. Following his meeting with Wickremesinghe, Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. On his arrival here, Jaishankar was received by Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of the Eastern Province. "Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership," Jaishankar posted on X. Sri Lanka is central to India's Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, he wrote. Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region is India's vision and geopolitical framework of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The trip to Sri Lanka will be Jaishankar's standalone bilateral visit after he assumed charge as the external affairs minister for the second term on June 11. Jaishankar was last week part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's delegation at the G7 Outreach summit in Italy's Apulia region. Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe was among seven top leaders from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday jointly commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a USD 6 million grant from India. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe(@DrSJaishankar (X)) Jaishankar, who called on President Wickremesinghe here, said that he conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the way forward for the bilateral cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Also read | Sri Lanka Navy arrests four Indian fishermen and seizes trawler for poaching "Honoured to call on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives," Jaishankar said in a post on X. "Under President @RW_UNPs guidance, discussed the way forward for the India-Sri Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties," said the minister who arrived here early Thursday, his first visit here in his second consecutive term in office. The two leaders met at the Sri Lankan President's House, the President's Media Division said. President Wickremesinghe and Jaishankar jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka under a USD 6 million grant from India. This includes a centre at Navy Headquarters in Colombo, a sub-centre in Hambantota and unmanned installations at Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro and Mollikulam. "Joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers and senior officials at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and virtual handing over of 154 houses under GOl housing schemes @RW_UNP," Jaishankar posted on X. "President @RW_UNP and Indian EAM @DrSJaishankar jointly unveiled the virtual plaque for 106 houses in Kandy, N'Eliya and Matale under the Indian Housing Project with 24 houses in each model village in Colombo & Trincomalee being handed over virtually," the PMD posted on X. Also read | Resolving the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute Jaishankar is also scheduled to discuss the progress of all ongoing Indian projects in Sri Lanka, officials said. He is also expected to discuss preliminary arrangements for a visit by Prime Minister Modi to the island. He is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. On his arrival here, Jaishankar was received by Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of the Eastern Province. "Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership," Jaishankar posted on X. Sri Lanka is central to India's Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, he wrote. Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region is India's vision and geopolitical framework of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The trip to Sri Lanka will be Jaishankar's standalone bilateral visit after he assumed charge as the external affairs minister for the second term on June 11. Jaishankar was last week part of Prime Minister Modi's delegation at the G7 Outreach summit in Italy's Apulia region. Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe was among seven top leaders from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9. The last time that Jaishankar was in Colombo was in October 2023 to participate in the 23rd Council of Ministers meeting and the 25th Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Former CNN political analyst Chris Cillizza has claimed that CNN's rules for the upcoming presidential debate on June 27 appear skewed to benefit President Joe Biden in a recently posted YouTube video. US President Joe Biden speaks at an event marking the 12th anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 18, 2024. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP)(AFP) Cillizza remarked, He [Biden] is older, I do think he struggles more with these live performance kind-of-things than does Trump. Usually, presidential debates, organized by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, featured live audiences and did not mute candidates' microphones, but now, with the network's several new rules to prevent interruptions, CNN will only unmute the microphone of the candidate whose turn it is to speak. ALSO READ| HT Exclusive: Pelosi spokesperson blasts ludicrous alleged secret Democrat plot to replace Biden before election Muted microphones, commercial break and more Cillizza believes this rule is advantageous for Biden and he is surprised to see that. I don't love it from a debate perspective, but from a, 'Who does this benefit?' perspective, it clearly benefits Biden, he stated. If you go back and look at the debates they had they had two in 2020 between Biden and Trump Trump just talks and talks and talks and talks, and thats true in 2016, too. Like, he just over and over and over and over again just talks. I do think it helps Biden because I think Trump just tries to get you off your pace, off your rhythm, off your game just by talking and talking and talking, the former CNN political analyst added. Another novel aspect, presidential debates did not feature commercials, but CNN plans to utilize the expected high viewership to sell advertisements, incorporating two commercial breaks during the 90-minute event. Three rules to benefit Biden During these breaks, neither Trump nor Biden will be allowed to consult with their campaign staff and This probably benefits Biden a little bit just because he gets a little time to regroup, Cillizza commented. He is older I know it's only three and a half years older but I do think he struggles more with these live performance kind-of-things than does Trump. I think that's a good thing for Biden. I think he benefits from a little breather within. So that's two rules and two good things for Biden. He also suggested that Trump supporters are more likely than Biden supporters to ignore debate rules. ALSO READ| Trump blasts Biden for rewarding sham marriages at expense of soldiers 'dying on the streets' I do think this probably benefits Biden, Cillizza said. Trump supporters are loud. They are more likely to not follow the debate rules. Like, at every debate theyre like, 'please dont clap, please dont cheer, please dont express any sentiment toward either candidate until the end of the debate.' And people just dont follow the rules. I think the Trump people would be less likely to follow the rules just given what I know about them, and added, So you'd have a lot of cheering, a lot of booing, which I think might sort of impact how people perceive the debate. OK, so that's three rules and three good things for Biden. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday the country needs ammunition from the United States in "the war for its existence", directly addressing the White House after it criticised him for complaining about arms deliveries related to the Gaza war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu(AFP) "I am prepared to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives the ammunition from the US that it needs in the war for its existence," he said in a statement. The Israeli leader's comments came after he angered Washington with a video statement this week accusing it of "withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel". US officials have said they were not aware of what Netanyahu was referring to. "Those comments were deeply disappointing and certainly vexing to us, given the amount of support that we have and will continue to provide," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists earlier on Thursday. Washington said that there is only one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs that is under review because of concerns about their use in densely populated areas in Gaza. Kirby separately said that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is due to meet his Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer on Thursday. Washington is Israel's main military backer, but the White House has voiced frustration over the rising civilian death toll in Gaza, where Israel has conducted more than eight months of operations against Hamas. Fears of a regional war rose Thursday after Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement said none of Israel would be spared in a full-blown conflict, and Israel said it had approved plans for a Lebanon offensive. An Israeli soldier at the site of an Hezbollah anti-tank missile direct hit on a house near the Lebanon border in Moshav Shtula.(Bloomberg) Hezbollah said it fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for a deadly air strike in south Lebanon that Israel said killed a Hezbollah operative. Hezbollah also claimed several other attacks on Israeli troops and positions on Thursday. Experts are divided on the prospect of wider war, almost nine months into Israel's vow to eradicate Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's group and Israeli forces have exchanged near-daily fire since Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel triggered the Gaza war, and the bellicose talk has escalated along with the strikes. In a televised address, Nasrallah said "no place" in Israel would "be spared our rockets" if a wider war began. The chief of the Iran-backed group also threatened nearby Cyprus if it opened its airports or bases to Israel "to target Lebanon". European Union member Cyprus houses two British bases, including an airbase, but they are in sovereign British territory and not controlled by the Cypriot government. On Thursday Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis dismissed as "totally groundless" any suggestion of possible involvement in a conflict related to Lebanon. Warplanes from the British airbase in Cyprus have, along with US forces, attacked Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels who have for months been targeting Red Sea shipping. On Wednesday the US military said its forces destroyed two Huthi sites in Yemen. 'Urgent' de-escalation The October Hamas attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. The militants also seized hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza although the army says 41 are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 37,431 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. The latest toll on Thursday included at least 35 deaths over the previous day, the ministry said. The Huthis and Hezbollah both say they are acting in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israel's military announced that "operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated". The same day, Hezbollah published a video showing drone footage it purportedly recorded over northern Israel, including parts of Haifa's city and port. US envoy Amos Hochstein has called for "urgent" de-escalation, while the UN special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said there was "no inevitability to conflict" as she visited UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon. The cross-border violence has killed at least 479 people in Lebanon, most of them fighters but also 93 civilians, according to an AFP tally. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed in the country's north. Weary residents of Beirut on Thursday downplayed the chances of war in Lebanon, which a political deadlock has left essentially leaderless while a five-year economic meltdown continues. In Israel, some citizens called for action against Hezbollah, and Noam Galili, 29, said: "I know what it is like to live close to Lebanon, but it never felt as dangerous as it does now." Pressures The violence has already displaced tens of thousands of people, mostly in Lebanon but also in northern Israel. In southern Gaza, a United Nations mission found hundreds of thousands of displaced people "suffer from poor access to shelter, health, food, water and sanitation," a UN report said late Wednesday. In central Gaza, residents said they had turned to cooking oil to power their cars. US President Joe Biden has called for the implementation of a ceasefire plan he outlined last month. Hochstein and Washington's top diplomat, Blinken, say a deal to curb fighting in Gaza would by extension help resolve the Hezbollah-Israel violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners strongly oppose a Gaza ceasefire. He is also facing regular street protests by tens of thousands demanding a deal to free the hostages, and accusing him of prolonging the war. "We will not leave the Gaza Strip until all of the hostages return," Netanyahu on Thursday told relatives of hostages killed in the territory. "We do not have the option of giving up." In a separate statement on Thursday he called the war a battle for Israel's existence. "I am prepared to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives the ammunition from the US that it needs in the war for its existence," he said. His statement came after he angered Washington with a video statement accusing it of "withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel". The White House on Thursday called Netanyahu's video statement "vexing". Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told Israel's Channel 13 on Wednesday: "To say that we are going to make Hamas disappear is to throw sand in people's eyes. If we don't provide an alternative, in the end, we will have Hamas." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month said Washington had not seen an Israeli post-war plan and "the trajectory Israel is on" would still leave thousands of Hamas fighters. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said Thursday that Hamas's "final stronghold" in Rafah on the border with Egypt is systematically being taken apart. "And we will win," he told a press briefing. An Indian farm labourer working in Italy's Latina died on Wednesday after being left by the road following an accident that severed his arm, a minister said, condemning an "act of barbarity". Satnam Singh was injured on Monday while working on a farm in Latina, a rural area south of Rome that is home to tens of thousands of Indian migrant workers, news agency AFP reported. Latina is a rural area south of Rome where thousands of Indian migrant workers are living. (File/AFP) "The Indian agricultural worker who suffered a serious accident in the countryside of Latina and was abandoned in very serious conditions... has died," labour minister Marina Calderone told Parliament. The Indian embassy in Italy said it was working with local authorities and trying to reach the family to offer consular help. Read Here: 68 Indian pilgrims among 600 people to die during Hajj in Saudi Arabia The Flai CGIL trade union said Satnam Singh's arm was cut off while he was working on a farm. Instead of receiving help, he was left by the road near his house. Latina is a rural area south of Rome where thousands of Indian migrant workers are living. The Embassy is aware of the very unfortunate demise of an Indian national in Latina, Italy. We are in contact with local authorities. Efforts are underway to contact the family and provide consular assistance," the Indian embassy said, in a statement, on X. The Flai CGIL trade union news agency ANI that instead of getting help from his employer, Satnam Singh was dumped like a bag of rubbish near his home. Marina Calderone said authorities were investigating and hoped those responsible would be punished. AFP reported that Satnam Singh was working without proper legal papers. Police told the news agency that they were alerted by Singh's wife and friends, and an air ambulance was dispatched. The centre-left Democratic Party condemned the treatment of Singh in a region known for worker exploitation, calling it a "defeat for civilization". As a Democratic Party, we are close to Satnam Singhs wife and all his loved ones, aware that the deep pain of separation is associated with the dramatic awareness of the double violence that occurred. The violence of the conditions in which Singh was forced to work, certainly not suitable to protect him from the risk of accidents. The atrocious violence of those who preferred to try to hide their responsibilities in providing aid to this young worker, inevitably compromising his chances of survival. Singh's death, for which we claim truth and justice, will be an additional sprout for us, not only to fight with determination against corporal cancer, but also to demand a collective effort without a pause to counter the agromafia of the Latina province, the party said on Facebook. Two people have died in wildfires in southern New Mexico that have burned over 1,400 homes and other structures and triggered the evacuation of around 8,000 residents from the mountain resort community of Ruidoso. New Mexico is caught in a nearly three-decade-long drought that has made wildfires more destructive and faster moving. AFP PHOTO / Pamela L. Bonner(AFP) The unidentified skeletal remains of a person were found in the driver's seat of a burned out car, New Mexico State Police reported on Wednesday. Another victim was identified as 60-year-old Patrick Pearson. Read more: Heatwave, dry conditions push Uttarakhand forest fires to new high The relatively small blazes are burning around 135 miles southeast of Albuquerque, the state's largest city, in an area that has suffered a string of wildfires, including one that killed two people in 2022. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday requested a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for the South Fork and Salt fires, which have burned over 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares) to the north and south of Ruidoso. Read more: California wildfires devour thousands of acres, thousands evacuated, structures threatened New Mexico is caught in a nearly three-decade-long drought that has made wildfires more destructive and faster moving. In 2022 the state suffered the largest blaze in the continental United States which burned over 341,000 acres (138,000 hectares). Read more: Uttarakhand: Death toll in Almora forest fire incident rises to 5 A senior Ukrainian presidential aide on Wednesday said North Korea was helping Russia kill Ukrainian civilians and called for greater international isolation of both countries. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un meet in Pyongyang(via REUTERS) Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, deepening military and political ties that have flourished since Russia invaded Ukraine. "There is no doubt that North Korea is actively cooperating with Russia in the military sphere today and deliberately provides resources for the mass murder of Ukrainians," the aide, Mykhailo Podolyak told AFP. The United States and its allies have accused North Korea of providing ammunition and missiles to help Russia's war and Ukraine has reported finding fragments of North Korean munitions on the battlefield. Deliveries of North Korean artillery shells to Russia were helping its forces maintain a "high intensity" of attacks, Podolyak said. "This has an impact on the course of events in the war as a whole and significantly increases the number of civilian casualties." The aide blasted the "absolute incapacity" of international sanctions on Russia and North Korea. "It is obvious that the restrictive measures imposed on Russia and North Korea are not enough. We need a more rigorous approach to real isolation," he said. During a state visit to Pyongyang, Putin called for a review of sanctions on North Korea and said the two countries were together fighting "US hegemony". As sweltering heat continues to prevail in parts of Asia, an AFP tally suggests that over 1,000 people have died during this year's hajj in Saudi Arabia. The report showed that more than half of those who died were unregistered worshippers who performed the hajj pilgrimage in extreme heat this year. A man effected by the scorching heat is helped by a member of the Saudi security forces as Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca, (Photo by Fadel Senna / AFP)(AFP) The new deaths reported on Thursday included 58 from Egypt, according to an Arab diplomat who provided a breakdown showing that of 658 total dead from that country, 630 were unregistered. Around 10 countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the annual pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam which all Muslims with the means must complete at least once. The figures have come via official statements or from diplomats working on their countries' responses, reported AFP. The dates and timings of the hajj are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, and once again, it fell during the sweltering summer of Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, weather agencies reported a temperature of over 51 degrees Celsius in the Grand Mosque in Mecca. According to a Saudi study published last month, temperatures in the area are rising 0.4 degrees Celsius each decade. While this year the Saudi authorities cleared hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims for hajj, it was reported that many of them still participated in the pilgrimage without proper permits. Since unregistered pilgrims did not have access to air-conditioned areas and other facilities, they were the most susceptible to the heatwave. "People were tired after being chased by security forces before Arafat day. They were exhausted," one Arab diplomat told AFP on Thursday, referring to Saturday's day-long outdoor prayers that marked the hajj's climax. The main cause of death for majority of the pilgrims was the extreme heat, which triggered complications linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular issued and other problems. In addition to Egypt, fatalities have also been confirmed by Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, though in many cases authorities have not specified the cause. (With inputs from AFP) Power was nearly fully restored in Ecuador on Wednesday afternoon, after a nationwide electricity outage struck residential users, hospitals as well as the capital's subway system, a failure officials blamed on faulty transmission lines. Commuters gather at the El Ejido metro station as trains stalled during a nationwide blackout, in Quito, Ecuador, June 19, 2024 Adrian R. Cordovilla/via REUTERS (Adrian R. Cordovilla via REUTERS) Public Works Minister Roberto Luque said in a post on X that 95% of service had been restored by late Wednesday afternoon. Read more:Ecuador rights abuses under state of 'armed conflict': HRW The outage left the nation of some 18 million in the dark, as the minister also singled out insufficient maintenance as a contributing factor. "What happened today is just more proof of the energy crisis we're dealing with," he said, ticking off recent problems caused by insufficient power generation that has led to unscheduled service cuts. Luque, who also serves as acting energy minister, stressed that Wednesday's outage was due to a lack of investment in transmission that could have been avoided. Read more: Fire at UP sub-station hits power in large parts of Delhi Luque had earlier in the day pinned the blame on a transmission line failure that caused "a cascade disconnection." In April, Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa declared an energy emergency and announced planned electricity cuts. Wednesday's outage caused dangerous driving conditions for scores of motorists, as traffic lights ceased working. Operations of Quito's subway were also interrupted for several hours. Read more: Ukraine introduces emergency blackouts after Russian strikes on power plants While the South American country has struggled with a drought affecting hydro-electricity power generation, heavy rains over the weekend forced authorities to take three hydroelectric plants offline. The weekend rains provoked a landslide that killed at least 17 people and left dozens injured. The disaster also prompted Ecuador's private OCP oil pipeline to suspend operations and declare force majeure. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A royal author has said that Prince Harry is on his own because of his jabs at Queen Camilla. It is believed that Harry is not on good terms with his stepmother, and the bitterness only grew after his memoir Spare was released last year. In the book, Harry made sensational claims about Camilla. Prince Harry on his own as King Charles thinks criticism of Camilla is unforgivable' (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File, REUTERS/Hollie Adams TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Royal author Christopher Andersen has claimed that King Charles has not been able to forgive the Duke of Sussex for what he wrote in the book. I think people have to realize that the one thing that Charles finds unforgivable is criticism of Camilla, Andersen told Fox News. Theres no criticism of Camilla, added the author of The King. And unfortunately for Harry Harry said some pretty devastating things about her. He made it clear that he felt she was the villain in the piece. Reports that surfaced suggested that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have been trying to make peace talks with the royal family. Their efforts have simply failed, Anderson claimed. I think that still bothers the king, and I dont know that it will be easy for him to [forgive]. I dont think theyll ever forgive Harry for that, Anderson said. [Hes] on his own. What did Prince Harry say about Queen Camilla? In his memoir, Harry branded Camilla as the villain and dangerous. He also alleged that his 76-year-old stepmother leaked stories about the family to the media to maintain her popularity. I have complex feelings about gaining a step-parent who I thought had recently sacrificed me on her personal P.R. altar, he wrote. Harry referred to Camilla as the other woman in the book, saying meeting her was like an injection. Close your eyes and you wont even feel it, he wrote. A friend of Camilla later revealed that the Queen was left hurt by the remarks. Charles reportedly asked Harry to stop leaking personal details about the private life of the family. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a series of deals with his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam on Thursday, during a state visit that comes as Moscow is seeking to bolster ties in Asia to offset growing international isolation over its military actions in Ukraine. Russia President Vladimir Putin disembarks from a plane upon his arrival in Vietnam at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on June 20th, 2024. (AFP ) The two signed agreements to further cooperation on education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration and health. They also agreed to work on a roadmap for a nuclear science and technology centre in Vietnam. Also read | Vladimir Putin signs pact with Kim Jong Un: Russia & North Korea vowed Following the talks, Putin said that the two countries share an interest in developing a reliable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region based on not using force and peacefully settling disputes with no room for closed military-political blocs. This was echoed by Vietnam's new President To Lam, who said they seek to further further cooperate in defence and security to cope with non-traditional security challenges while implementing energy projects and expanding investments. He also congratulated Putin on his re-election and praised Russia's domestic political stability. The agreements between Russia and Vietnam were not as substantial as an agreement Putin signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the previous day, pledging mutual aid in the event of invasion said Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, and a former British ambassador to Belarus. Putin arrived in Hanoi early Thursday morning from North Korea, where he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that pledges mutual aid in the event of war. The strategic pact that could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War comes as both face escalating standoffs with the West. Putin also met Vietnams most powerful politician, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, as well as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, according to the official Vietnam News Agency. He is also scheduled to meet parliamentary chief Tran Thanh Man. Putin drove to Vietnams Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by school children waving Russian and Vietnamese flags. There, he shook hands with and embraced Lam before a bilateral meeting and a joint briefing to the media. Russia is keen to maintain close and effective cooperation in energy, industry, technology, education, security and trade, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady S. Bezdetko said on Wednesday, according to Vietnamese official media. The trip has resulted in a sharp rebuke from the U.S. Embassy in the country. Much has changed since Putin's last visit to Vietnam in 2017. Russia now faces a raft of U.S.-led sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the International Criminal Court in Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes. The Kremlin rejected it as null and void, stressing that Moscow doesnt recognize the court's jurisdiction. Also read | Kim Jong Un greets Vladimir Putin with late-night red carpet reception on North Korea visit Putin's recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to break the international isolation, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. The U.S. and its allies have expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its use in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed. Meanwhile, Russia is important to Vietnam for two reasons, Giang said: It is the biggest supplier of military equipment to the Southeast Asian nation, and Russian oil exploration technologies help maintain its sovereignty claims in the contested South China Sea. Russia is signalling that it is not isolated in Asia despite the Ukraine war, and Vietnam is reinforcing a key traditional relationship even as it also diversifies ties with newer partners, said Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Centers Asia Program. It is unlikely that Vietnam will supplying significant quantities of weapons to Russia, because that would risk progress the country has made with NATO members on military equipment, particularly the U.S., which has donated naval patrol vessels and is in talks to supply aircraft, said Ridzwan Rahmat, a Singapore-based analyst with the defence intelligence company Janes. There is progress that you wouldnt have imagined just 10 years ago, he said. So I would imagine Vietnam wouldnt want to take a risk, inviting the wrath of Western countries by supplying the Russians. Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing friendly relations between Vietnam and Russia. Evidence of this long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities like the capital, where the many Soviet-style apartment blocks are now dwarfed by skyscrapers and a statue of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, stands in a park where kids skateboard every evening. Many of the Communist Party's top leadership in Vietnam studied in Soviet universities, including party chief Trong. In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnams Communist Party, Putin vowed to deepen the ties between Moscow and Hanoi and hailed Vietnam as a strong supporter of a fair world order based on international law, on the principles of equality of all states and non-interference in their domestic affairs. He also thanked Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis, in the article released by the Kremlin. Given Putin's international isolation, Vietnam is doing the Russian leader a huge favour and may expect favours in return, wrote Andrew Goledzinowski, the Australian ambassador to Vietnam, on social media platform X. He said that it would have been hard for Vietnam to decline the visit since Putin was already in Asia and Vietnam has historical ties with the former Soviet Republic, but said that it was unlikely that the two would be strategic partners again. Vietnam will always act in Vietnams interests and not anyone elses, he wrote. Vietnam's pragmatic policy of bamboo diplomacy a phrase coined by Trong referring to the plant's flexibility, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of global geopolitics is being increasingly tested. A manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, Vietnam played host to both U.S. President Joe Biden and the leader of rival China, Xi Jinping, in 2023. The visit was important for Hanoi on a diplomatic level, said Gould-Davies, the former ambassador. Perhaps for Vietnam its a matter of just showing that its able to maintain this very agile balance of its bamboo diplomacy, he said. Already in the course of a year theyve hosted visits by the heads of state of the three most powerful countries in the world, which is pretty impressive." Similarly, for Russia the visit seems to have been more about optics than anything else, he said, as Moscow seeks to engage and influence other countries, particularly in the so-called Global South. Since the war began, Putin has not been able to travel much or very far, and hes made very few trips beyond the countries of the former Soviet space, he said. This is helpful to Russia as it tries to burnish its reputation. Vietnam has remained neutral on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But neutrality is getting trickier, with the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi criticizing Putin's visit, saying that no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities. If Putin is allowed to travel freely it could normalize Russias blatant violations of international law," the statement said. Vietnam needs support from the U.S. to advance its economic ambitions and diversify its defence ties, Parameswaran said. It has to carefully calibrate what it does with Russia in an environment of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow." Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was at $3.6 billion in 2023, compared to $171 billion with China and $111 billion with America. Since the early 2000s, Russia accounted for around 80% of Vietnam's arms imports. This has been declining over the years due to Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies. But to entirely wean itself off Russia will take time, said Giang. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un say the strategic partnership they signed in their summit in Pyongyang is a breakthrough, but what it means for their relationship is still uncertain. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un meet in Pyongyang(via REUTERS) While the agreement could represent the countries strongest deal signed after the Cold War, there are differing opinions on how strong of a security commitment Russia made to North Korea. Kim claimed that the deal elevated bilateral relations to the level of an alliance, although Putin was more understated and did not call it an alliance. The day after the deal was signed at a Pyongyang summit on Wednesday afternoon, North Korean state media released the text of the agreement, which vows mutual defense assistance and broader cooperation in military, foreign policy and trade. Russia has still not published its version of the text. Officials in rival South Korean said they're still trying to assess what it all means, including what Russias response might be if the North comes under attack. Also read | Kim Jong Un gets Russia-made Aurus car from Putin in luxury gifts exchange Relations between sprawling Russia and small, isolated North Korea both of them nuclear powers have warmed significantly in recent years amid Russia's growing acrimony with the West over the invasion of Ukraine and suppression of all domestic opposition. The new agreement could bring them even closer, while also posing new challenges to the international community. What's in the new partnership, according to Kim and Putin: What did Russia promise? Most of the debate over Putin and Kims comprehensive partnership agreement revolves around Article 4. According to North Korean state media, the article states that if one of the countries gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy all means at its disposal without delay to provide military and other assistance. But it also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes a U.N. member states right to self-defence. To some analysts, that sounds like a promise that Moscow will intervene if North Korea comes under attack, renewing a promise made under a 1961 treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union. That deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced in 2000 by one that offered weaker security assurances. Cheong Seong Chang, an analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute, said the agreement echoes the language of the 1961 treaty, as well as provisions of the U.S.-South Korea mutual defence treaty about activating channels to coordinate if either of faces the threat of invasion. Also read | South Korea fires warning shots after North Korean soldiers cross border North Korea and Russia have completely restored their Cold War-era military alliance, Cheong said. But other experts were cautious. Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Article 4 is carefully worded to avoid implying automatic intervention. Its also not clear why the article invokes the U.N. Charter. Still, the big picture is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world, just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation, Panda said. What far will military cooperation go? Putin essentially linked military cooperation with North Korea to Western supplies of weapons to Ukraine, referring to high-precision weapons systems, warplanes and other high-tech weapons. The Russian Federation does not exclude the development of military-technical cooperation with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea in accordance with the document signed today, Putin said. That statement in effect formalizes something Western countries claim is already happening. The U.S. and other allies allege that Russia has received ballistic missiles and ammunition from North Korea as the Ukraine war depletes Moscows inventory, and that Russia has made technology transfers to Pyongyang that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. North Korean state media said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to strengthen their joint defence capabilities, but didn't specify what those steps would be, or whether they would include combined military training. The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a just and multipolar new world order, the North's Korean Central News Agency said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate, escalating confrontations with the United States and its allies. Panda said the agreements language about joint measures on strengthening defence capabilities are broadly indicative of continued cooperation on a range of technical initiatives. What's the economic aspect of the pact? The partnership also calls for developing economic ties, an especially important issue for North Korea as it suffers under an array of international sanctions. North Korea needs goods and material, and in turn can supply Russia's war-depleted workforce with labour; those workers in turn could convert wages in rubles to dollars or euros and send hard-currency back home. Putin said the Russian-North Korean trade turnover has risen nine-fold over the past year, but admitted that the amount itself remains modest. Ahead of the summit, South Korean analysts said the North might seek to increase labour exports to Russia and other activities to get foreign currency in defiance of U.N. sanctions, although sensitive details of agreements between Kim and Putin weren't likely to be publicized. The text published by North Korea called for strengthened cooperation in a broad range of areas, including trade, science, technology and tourism. Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to strengthen ties with longtime partner Vietnam on a state visit Thursday that comes as Moscow faces growing international isolation because of its military actions in Ukraine. Russia President Vladimir Putin disembarks from a plane upon his arrival in Vietnam at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on June 20th, 2024. (AFP ) Putin was greeted by dignitaries upon his arrival in the Southeast Asian country as soldiers in white dress uniforms stood at attention. He arrived from North Korea, where he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that pledges mutual aid in the event of war. The strategic pact that could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War comes as both face escalating standoffs with the West. In Hanoi, the Russian leader is scheduled to meet Vietnams most powerful politician, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the new President To Lam and other officials. The trip has resulted in a sharp rebuke from the U.S. Embassy in the country. Much has changed since Putin's last visit to Vietnam in 2017. Russia now faces a raft of U.S.-led sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the International Criminal Court in Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes. The Kremlin rejected it as null and void, stressing that Moscow doesnt recognize the court's jurisdiction. Putin's recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to break the international isolation, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. The U.S. and its allies have expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its use in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed. Meanwhile, Russia is important to Vietnam for two reasons, Giang said: It is the biggest supplier of military equipment to the Southeast Asian nation, and Russian oil exploration technologies help maintain its sovereignty claims in the contested South China Sea. Read more : Russian Oil Tanker Does Secret Cargo Switch Near Singapore to Dodge US Sanctions Russia is signaling that it is not isolated in Asia despite the Ukraine war, and Vietnam is reinforcing a key traditional relationship even as it also diversifies ties with newer partners, said Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Centers Asia Program. Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing friendly relations between Vietnam and Russia. Evidence of this long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities like the capital, where the many Soviet-style apartment blocks are now dwarfed by skyscrapers and a statue of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, stands in a park where kids skateboard every evening. Many of the Communist Party's top leadership in Vietnam studied in Soviet universities, including party chief Trong. In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnams Communist Party, Putin vowed to deepen the ties between Moscow and Hanoi and hailed Vietnam as a strong supporter of a fair world order based on international law, on the principles of equality of all states and non-interference in their domestic affairs. He also thanked Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis, in the article released by the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Vietnam's policy of bamboo diplomacy a phrase coined by Trong referring to the flexibility of bamboo plant, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of global geopolitics is being increasingly tested. A manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, Vietnam played host to both U.S. President Joe Biden and the leader of rival China, Xi Jinping, in 2023. Vietnam has remained neutral on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But neutrality is getting trickier, with the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi criticizing Putin's visit, saying that no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities. If Putin is allowed to travel freely it could normalize Russias blatant violations of international law," the statement said. Vietnam needs support from the U.S. to advance its economic ambitions and diversify its defense ties, Parameswaran said. It has to carefully calibrate what it does with Russia in an environment of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow." Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was at $3.6 billion in 2023, compared to $171 billion with China and $111 billion with America. Since the early 2000s, Russia accounted for around 80% of Vietnam's arms imports. This has been declining over the years due to Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies. But to entirely wean itself off Russia will take time, said Giang. South Koreas Presidential office condemned an agreement reached by Russia and North Korea that vowed mutual defence assistance in the event of war and says it will reconsider its policy of limiting support to Ukraine of non-lethal supplies. President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol (via REUTERS) The comments by a senior presidential official on Thursday came after the office issued a statement condemning the agreement reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in their summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday. The office said the agreement posed a threat to South Koreas security and warned that it will negatively affect Seouls relations with Moscow. The presidential official, who spoke on condition of anonymity during a background briefing, according to office rules, said Seoul in response will reconsider the issue of providing arms to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russias invasion. South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Ukraine, citing a long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict. The new agreement between Russia and North Korea reached by their leaders at a Pyongyang summit requires both countries to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event of war, North Korean state media said Thursday. Both North Koreas Kim Jong Un and Russias Vladimir Putin had described the deal reached Wednesday as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties. Outside observers said it could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. The Norths official Korean Central News Agency on Thursday reported the language of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. The agency said Article 4 of the agreement states that if one of the countries gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy all means at its disposal without delay to provide military and other assistance. But it also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes a U.N. member states right to self-defence. The summit between Kim and Putin came as the U.S. and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. Following their summit, Kim said the two countries had a fiery friendship, and that the deal was their strongest-ever treaty, putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russias war in Ukraine. Putin called it a breakthrough document reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level. North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscows military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances. A full day after the summit, South Korean officials said they were still interpreting the results, including what Russias response might be if the North comes under attack. Analysts were mixed on whether the agreement obligates Russia to an automatic military invention on behalf of the North in war situations or was carefully worded enough to avoid such a commitment. It also wasnt immediately clear why the article invokes the U.N. charter. We are currently reviewing the specifics of the treaty signed between Russia and North Korea during President Putins visit to North Korea. We will announce our governments position after we are done, Lim Soosuk, South Koreas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said during a briefing. Still, Lim expressed regret that Moscow and Pyongyang signed the agreement while openly talking about military and technology cooperation that would be in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Based on our close analysis and assessment of the results of (Putins) visit, including the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between Russia and North Korea, we will work with the international community, including our allies and friends, to take correspondingly stern and decisive measures to any actions that threaten our security, Lim said. The deal was made as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, a visit that showcased their personal and geopolitical ties with Kim hugging Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and Putin portraits, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyangs main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators. According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the core interests of another and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests. KCNA said the agreements require the countries to take steps to prepare joint measures for the purpose of strengthening their defense capabilities to prevent war and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency didnt specify what those steps are, or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation. The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a just and multipolar new world order, KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate, escalating confrontations with the Untied States. Kim in recent months has made Russia his priority as he pushes a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a new Cold War and trying to display a united front in Putins broader conflicts with the West. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Kims weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle. The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers. By Sarah Morland and Stephanie Hamel Strengthening Storm Alberto takes aim at Mexico's Gulf coast, at least three dead MEXICO CITY -The outer edges of Tropical Storm Alberto began to unleash heavy rains over parts of northeastern Mexico near the U.S. border late on Wednesday as the large tropical system closed in on the Gulf coast, killing at least three people. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center , the storm was located about 135 miles east of the Mexican port of Tampico, packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph , as military and emergency services personnel braced for its full impact. Alberto is the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, though its sustained wind speeds remain below hurricane strength. The deaths of at least three people, all minors, have been attributed to Alberto, Nuevo Leon state Governor Samuel Garcia told local media. He did not give any details. One of the victims has been identified as a 15-year-old boy who was swept away by the current of a river and drowned outside the city of Monterrey, Mexico's third biggest, in Nuevo Leon state, according to a report from the city's emergency services. The NHC noted some "slight strengthening" is possible over Wednesday night. The center of Alberto is expected to make landfall along the coast of Mexico's Tamaulipas state, just south of the U.S. state of Texas, early Thursday morning. While it will likely weaken quickly, it is also seen bringing torrential rainfall, coastal flooding and strong winds. The NHC warned of considerable flash flooding in the storm's path, including in urban areas, along with swollen rivers and potential mudslides. Mexico's national water commission Conagua also issued a warning for overflowing rivers, landslides and flooding. Governor Garcia encouraged his state's residents to avoid leaving their homes amid heavy rainfall and said preparations were in place to quickly address possible impacts to local power supplies, water and sewage systems. Along the U.S. Gulf coast, including parts of Texas and Louisiana, videos posted on social media showed some flooding in coastal towns and waves smashing into sea walls. The NHC also cited the possibility of further coastal flooding along with the formation of tornadoes in Texas linked to Alberto. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The United States expressed deep concern Thursday over Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat to supply North Korea with weapons, warning such a move could destabilize the Korean peninsula. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) shaking hands after a signing ceremony(AFP) "It is incredibly concerning," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, following Putin's remarks in Vietnam that he "does not rule out" shipments to Pyongyang. It would destabilize the Korean peninsula, potentially, depending on the type of weapons, and might violate UN Security Council resolutions that Russia itself has supported. Boeing CEO David Calhoun was brutally ripped during his first appearance before the US Congress on Tuesday. He was grilled by the Senators who were looking into aviation giant's production safety measures, work environment, transparency following the series of scandals, whistleblowers accusations, aircraft incidents and business crises. Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun leaves after testifying during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Investigations Subcommittee hearing to examine.(AFP) Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri was one of the toughest questioners Calhoun had to deal with. He kept bringing up the CEO's annual reimbursement, which had increased by 45% from 2022, despite the fact that Boeing had been in disarray for a number of occurrences during his tenure. Calhoun received $32.8 million in total compensation in 2023, a 45 percent increase as compared to $22.6 million in the previous year. Hawley attacked Calhoun saying he only cares about "cutting corners" and extracting as much money as possible from the aviation behemoth, with little regard for the company's openness, the safety of its passengers, or quality assurance. You're eliminating safety procedures, you're sticking it your employees, you're cutting back jobs, you're trying to squeeze every piece of profit you can out of this company...You're strip mining Boeing...for profit, shareholder value and you're rewarded for it. You got a huge raise, you increase, so it's working out great for you, Hawley scolded Calhoun. Also Read: FAA was 'too hands off' in Boeing oversight before 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency incident Senators hold Calhoun responsible for January 737 MAX disaster The US Congressman highlighted the several investigations that are presently being conducted in relation to the Boeing tragedies. These investigations include determining if the firm carried out the necessary checks on its 787 aircraft and whether its staff fabricated records. The senators repeatedly questioned him and accused him of being personally responsible for the January 737 MAX disaster as well as a number of other recent aircraft mishaps. "(F)rankly, sir, I think it's a travesty that you are still in your job," said Hawley, asking the Boeing CEO that "Why haven't you resigned?" "I'm sticking this through. I'm proud of having taken the job. I'm proud of our safety record. And I am very proud of our Boeing people," he replied. Boeing said in March that Calhoun, who took over as CEO in January 2020, would leave the position by the end of 2024. Legislators reveal new whistleblower bombshell claims Legislators unveiled devastating new whistleblower claims before Calhoun had an opportunity to explain to them how the firm is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to identify and correct the flaws in its production system. The workers at Boeing are in pain and the whistleblowers are literally fearing for their lives, Hawley noted. Sam Mohawk, a quality assurance inspector for the company, said in the June 11 filings that the 737 program had lost track of faulty parts that he worried were being placed into new airplanes. Additionally, he claimed that superiors had retaliated against him for raising the alarm after concealing numerous other "non-conforming" parts from on-site FAA inspectors, such as stabilizers and rudders. The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations chairman, Senator Richard Blumenthal, described it as a "moment of reckoning" for the massive aircraft company and informed those in attendance that there was substantial proof the US Justice Department ought to prosecute Boeing. The Justice Department in May found that the aviation giant has failed to "design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics programme" following tragic crashes, according to news agency Reuters. By Mei Mei Chu China May soy imports from US soar; Brazil arrivals drop for first time this year BEIJING, - China's soybean imports from the U.S. accelerated in May with a 156% surge from a year earlier, data showed on Thursday, while supplies from Brazil shrank for the first time this year amid flooding disruption in the South American country. The world's biggest soybean buyer imported 1.27 million metric tons of the oilseed from the U.S. last month, compared with 494,103 tons in the same month a year earlier, showed data from the General Administration of Customs. That was still far less than imports from Brazil at 8.8 million tons, which made up the majority of the 10.22 million tons of soybeans China imported in May. Sales of U.S. soybeans to China has been sluggish this year as traders take advantage of cheaper and plentiful Brazilian soybeans. Still, May arrivals from Brazil dropped 19% from a year earlier. Brazil's soy harvest season that started around March is almost finished, that country's national crop agency said last week. The agency slightly lowered Brazil's soy production forecast after unprecedented rain in the southern part of the country damaged some of the crop. For January-May, shipments from Brazil totalled 24.71 million tons, up 23% compared with the same period last year. Total arrivals from the U.S. in the first five months of the year came to 10.85 million tons, down 34% on the prior year, the data showed. China imported 212,492 tons of soybeans from Argentina in the five-month period, though the data showed no arrivals in May. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Former lawmaker George Santos has announced that he has joined OnlyFans. Santos took to X on Wednesday, June 19, to make the announcement weeks after launching a Cameo account to raise funds for his legal defence and posh lifestyle. George Santos trolled after unveiling OnlyFans page (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)(AP) The moment you've all been waiting for! Santos wrote, sharing a link to his OnlyFans profile. Only on #OnlyFans will you get the full behind the scenes access to everything I'm working on. see ya all there! Nobody was waiting for this cursed moment Several X users trolled him in the comment section, with one writing, NO WAYYYYYYY I cant believe Im one of the first people to witness George santos opening an OF. And a memecoin?! Today is a huge day for santos stans. Nobody was waiting for this cursed moment, one said, while another wrote, Gross. Unfollowed. This has to be hacked or George is listening to the wrong people, one user said, while another wrote, Disgusting loser freak. Just get a job, one said. Another wrote, Former congressman to OnlyFans. Could only wonder why other countries laugh at us. I defy you to tell us one who was waiting let alone all, one user said, while another wrote, Damn this sh** aint doin numbers. Youve gone mad, one said. Santos used to represent the district that includes Long Island and Queens. Last December, he was expelled from Congress after fraud charges were brought against him by federal prosecutors. I wanted to stir the pot In a follow-up post, the Republican explained that the OnlyFans account does not have adults-only content, and admitted that it was just a stunt to make some money. Ok yall got your panties in a bunch, he wrote. The only fans is Not adult content. I decided to go with only fans because I wanted to stir the pot. Folks need to stop being so sensitive, he added. Donald Trump and son Barron in trouble? Barron Trump 18, developed the TrumpCoin (DJT) token with the agreement of his Donald Trump, and is in possession of the private keys to its smart contract address, claimed Martin Shkreli.(Getty) Martin Shkreli, who is also known as "Pharma Bro," claimed that he and Barron Trump are responsible for the introduction of the enigmatic DJT crypto token, a cryptocurrency named after Donald Trump. The investor and convicted securities fraudster's assertion comes after a spike in the price of the meme coin DJT due to rumors of its alleged connection to the former US President. Barron, 18, developed the TrumpCoin (DJT) token with the agreement of his father, and is in possession of the private keys to its smart contract address, according to Shkreli. Shkreli, who was sentenced to over six years in jail for securities fraud, alleges that Barron asked him to establish the Solana-based coin in April. Based on statistics from Birdseye, the token is currently valued at $146 million. Regarding the subject, neither Donald Trump or Barron have made a public statement. Shkreli asserted at a Mario Nawfal-hosted X Spaces that he did not actively participate in the launch of the token, and he only offered guidance to his "friend" Barron over the token's debut. He further claimed that Trump was the real DJT inventor and included influencer "Ansem" from the bitcoin space. "I have over 1000 pieces of evidence I created it with Barron," Shkreli said to online crypto investigator ZachXBT, who provided the data on X. He sent the message to ZachXBT after blockchain startup Arkham Intelligence announced $150,000 reward for identifying the person or people behind the DJT coin. Martin Shkreli says he didn't act alone In a post on X, Shkreli said ten persons were engaged in the token launch. I taught someone how to make a contact, and they pushed the button, not me. Keys are with Trump, not me. He added that I did not act alone. He additionally asserted that Trump had spoken with Kraken, a cryptocurrency exchange, about possibly listing DJT. Calming that Donald Trump "approved it", the 41-year-old Pharma Bro said: I have receipts of Barron saying his dad approved it. We did this on [Barrons] computer. He ran the programs, he said. We spoke every day for 10 hours a day for the last week. In an attempt to support his claims, Shkreli brought the "Mongolian Prince"a teenaged figure with fewer than 500 X followers who was purportedly involved with Shkreliinto the X Spaces. When someone in the audience asked the somewhat shy Mongolian Prince if "Barron made the token" and "has the private keys," he answered with a "mmhmm." Another audience member asked the Mongolian Prince who deployed the contract, he firmly said, Barron," adding that he wanted to do something special, something significant, and we all wanted to help him with that. According to Mongolian Prince, he met with Trump in Florida. Before the DJT token debut, the Mongolian Prince said Trump laughed when Barron showed him Phantom wallet, which is based in Solana. Blockchain expert ZachXBT received a $150,000 prize from blockchain analytics company Arkham Intelligence for purportedly identifying Shkreli as the developer of the DJT cryptocurrency. Adam Cochran, a partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, charged that Shkreli was "trying to throw Barron under the bus" in an effort to clean his own name. Many spectators in the X Spaces agreed with Shkreli's account of events, while others disagreed, saying Trump wouldn't be foolish enough to jeopardize his father's reputation during an election year. Donald Trump and Barron not involved in DJT Solana Meme Coin: Roger Stone One of Trump's close advisors, Roger Stone, refuted any involvement of the former president or Barron with the DJT memcoin as the conversation around his involvement grabbed center stage on social media. In 2017, Shkreli was found guilty on two charges of securities fraud and one charge of conspiracy in a federal court. He was sentenced to almost seven years in prison and was fined almost $70 million as a result. Many people have speculated that his current involvement may breach his parole restrictions, Shkreli has refuted this. In response to the 1.6 million followers X account "BORED," which threatened to send him back to prison, Shkreli responded, "Read the law, idiot." Also Read: Trump makes hurtful revelation on how son Barron feels about his hush money conviction How DJT affected other meme coins The influence on the prices of cryptocurrencies with Trump themes has been significant, regardless of the general skepticism over the purported links between the DJT token and the Trump family. The MAGA-inspired TRUMP cryptocurrency fell 31% in the four hours following the reports, according to data from CoinGecko, from its prior level to $7.46. The token's market valuation has dropped by almost $150 million as a result of this sudden dip, dealing a serious blow to the cryptocurrency with the Make America Great Again theme. It's interesting to see that other Trump-related meme currencies were also affected by the backlash. In a comparable amount of time, the Solana-based Donald Tremp (TREMP) token plummeted dramatically falling 36.8% from $0.95 to $0.60. Following the first sell-off, TREMP was able to partially recover to $0.76. Princess Kate Middleton always stuns at royal engagements, and her recent appearance at Trooping the Colour was no exception. But this year, the buzz online wasn't just about her impeccable style, but her much-awaited comeback after remaining out of the public eye for a long period. Some internet chatter has taken a curious turn, focusing on Kate's health and cancer battle, because of which she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Many think that her recent appearance at the monarchs birthday celebration was far more suspicious than her edited pictures in the past. Kate Middleton was sported in the same dress she wore to attended King Charles' coronation in May 2023.(Getty) Kate Middletons Trooping the Colour appearance faces scrutiny While royal followers celebrated Princess Kate's return to public view after a period of privacy with her family at Windsor Palace, some speculate that the woman seen on the Buckingham Palace balcony may not be Kate at all. These individuals, often labeled as conspiracy theorists, combed through photos and videos, searching for evidence to support their bizarre claims. While it was largely speculated that Kate would miss the major royal event, she surprised everyone with her last-minute wish to attend and appeared on the balcony alongside Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and her three kids George, Charlotte and Louise. Also read: Meghan Markles business move has nothing to do with Kates return as she has no control over Chemotherapy but no hair loss? Some questioned Kate's remarkably good health despite her ongoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, while others argued she simply appeared well-rested. Many voiced disbelief that someone undergoing chemotherapy could maintain such shiny, hazel-coloured, bouncy, and long hair. You can have chemotherapy and not lose your hair?" Also read: King Charles in talks for official America tour over desperation to meet Thankfully, medical professionals confirm that not all chemotherapy treatments lead to hair loss. While some medications are well-known for causing considerable thinning or loss of hair, others have less severe adverse effects. Since details surrounding the Princess of Wales's preventative chemotherapy haven't been publicly shared, it's possible the specific drugs used minimized hair loss. Internet questions if Kate had plastic surgery Comparing past pictures of the princess with the new ones flooding the official Buckingham Palace website and Instagram handle, some have noticed a noticeable difference. Many speculate that she may have undergone cosmetic procedures during her time away from the public eye. "I wonder if this was more reconstructive work after an incident, rather than an elective surgery, a person wrote on X (formerly Twitter.) A storm of internet rumours circled the Princess of Wales. From AI-generated photos to body double claims, speculation ran rampant. But for royal fans, the real story was simpler: seeing Kate healthy and smiling, engaging with the public despite recent challenges. King Charles is reportedly in discussions for an official trip to the United States as tensions with Prince Harry continue to escalate. Amid growing concerns and intense media scrutiny over the strained relationship with his son, the monarch is exploring the possibility of a stateside trip in a bid to address the ongoing family discord as per a Royal expert. However, the official trip requires extensive preparation, planning, and consideration. Once these challenges are overcome, the King would definitely like to meet his favourites whom he is longing to see. Prince Harry received news of Diana's death from his father, King Charles, on August 31, 1997. (AP ) King Charles in discussion for official US trip While the monarch is extremely close to his grandchildren in the UK, i.e. Prince William and Kate's children George, Charlotte, and Louis, he reportedly regrets not being there for his other two grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. The kids live in California with Harry and Meghan, away from royal life. The King has only seen Lilibet once and craves to see Archie more. There is no doubt that if this trip goes ahead, he would make time to visit his youngest son and his grandchildren. Also read: Meghan Markles business move has nothing to do with Kates return as she has no control over As per royal expert and author Tom Quinn, Charles has had discussions about an official visit to the United States at some time in the future, and there is no doubt if it goes ahead he would build in time to visit his youngest son and his grandchildren. Adding that the trip requires a lot of preparations and discussion he said, but there are mountains of planning to be overcome before that becomes even a remote possibility. King Charles wants to see Archie and Lilibet Earlier, the UK outlet reported that King Charles is not content with just video calls with Archie and Lilibet and wants to be more present in their lives. However, Harry has made his intention clear not to bring his family to the UK over security concerns. While he has received the green light to appeal after losing the battle back in February, the Duke reportedly thinks that the downsizing in security after he stopped being a working royal might pose a threat during his visits to the UK, and he doesnt want his family to suffer. Also read: Barron Trump to attend University of Pennsylvania? Pro-Palestinian protests influence college choice Quinn added, King Charles has privately visited many other countries he made an unpublicised visit to Transylvania for example to check up on his rental properties so its certainly possible that he would make a discreet private visit to Harry and the children in California. This comes after the monarch is said to have sent a special birthday gift and greeting card to Lilibet, who turned three just a few weeks ago. The expert added, He is desperate to see them and hates the idea that Archie and Lily will not remember him as the warm friendly grandfather he wants to be." Harry on a house hunt for a secluded Georgian house On the other hand, the Duke has reportedly been searching for a house, specifically a "secluded Georgian house" near his father's Highgrove estate. This comes amid reports that he and Meghan hope to divide their time between the US and the UK to avoid staying in hotels whenever they visit London for work. Royal author and expert Quinn suggests that Harry might be planning to establish a new UK base for his family. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed a law on Wednesday requiring public school classrooms in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments. Various civil liberties groups are seeking to challenge the move as unconstitutional by suing the US state. The new rule is expected to come into effect at any school that accepts state money, including universities and colleges. FILE - Workers repaint a Ten Commandments billboard off of Interstate 71 on Election Day near Chenoweth, Ohio, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Louisiana has become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom under a bill signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)(AP) The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is one of the leading groups criticizing the Republican leader's decision. In addition, the Louisiana chapter of the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation intend to file a lawsuit against House Bill 71. What is the new Ten Commandments legislation that was signed into law on Wednesday? According to the rule penned by Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, a poster or framed document (with dimensions of at least 11 inches x 14 inches) of the Ten Commandments is required to be put up in each classroom. Also read | Russian heiress, 19, whose dad has links to Vladimir Putin, sues NYU roommate for stealing over $50,000 in bags, jewels This decision has made Louisiana the first US state to push for such a measure, which will encompass all public kindergartens to state-funded universities. If you want to respect the rule of law, youve got to start from the original lawgiver, which was Moses, Landry said. Meanwhile, the opposing sides are questioning the decision's constitutionality. However, Landry's side of the narrative claimed that the law is not merely a religiously motivated measure but rather that it has historical significance, declaring the Ten Commandments as foundational documents of our state and national government. The poster-sized version of the Ten Commandments must be displayed in classrooms by the beginning of the new year. These posters will not be funded by the state but paid for through donations. Also read | US hate crime: Texas woman convicted for racially assaulting Asian American women in viral 2022 incident The four civil rights groups that want to keep religion separate from the government released a joint statement on Wednesday afternoon. Even among those who may believe in some version of the Ten Commandments, the particular text that they adhere to can differ by religious denomination or tradition. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate. ACLU also announced their challenge to the new law on social media. The official X/Twitter page of the civil rights group posted on Wednesday, "BREAKING: Were suing Louisiana for requiring all public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Public schools are not Sunday school." Along with @ACLUofLouisiana, @americansunited and @FFRF, well fight with everything we have to stop this blatantly unconstitutional law," they added. Other states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah, have faced similar proposals to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms. However, they haven't legalised the bills yet. China, Malaysia pledge early launch of bilateral dialogue on management of maritime issues Xinhua) 17:07, June 20, 2024 KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China and Malaysia will launch the bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues as early as possible to foster maritime dialogue and cooperation, a joint statement said Thursday. The two countries emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea, said the joint statement between the two countries on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership towards China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Both countries agree to resolve disputes by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The two sides will work together with other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, it said. The statement was issued during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to the Southeast Asian country, during which he held talks with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and attended the celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Melania Trump was spotted outside Trump Tower in New York City during a rare public appearance Tuesday. The former first lady turned heads with her sleek all-white ensemble that featured an extravagant Hermes Birkin handbag worth nearly $33,000. Melania's recent outing comes shortly after her husband, Donald Trump, was convicted in the historic hush-money trial, where he was found guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records. Melania Trump makes rare public appearance in New York City (X, formerly Twitter) Body language expert calls Melania's outfit an echo from the past The 54-year-old's continuous absence at her husband's criminal trial raised eyebrows and sparked discussions online. Now, all eyes are on her once again as her Tuesday outing marks one of the few times she has been seen out and about following the presidential hopeful's guilty verdict. A body language expert has revealed what her bold choice of outfit could mean, calling it an echo from the past. The all-white look isn't just about celebrity though, it's a look she styled out frequently during the last days of the Trump reign at the White House when her radiant, fairy-godmother vibe looked wholesome and spotless, Judi James told Express US. James continued, Its another suggestion of wealth though as top-to-toe white is a challenging look when youre navigating a city like New York and implies youre all about the chauffeured limos rather than a grimy subway. As an echo from the past it could suggest an intention to recreate her FLOTUS brand though, being eye-catching and confident but without looking deliberately attention-seeking, the expert added. Melania's outing comes as Donald continues with his campaign in Wisconsin. Ahead of the rally, the former president called Milwaukee a horrible city during a meeting with GOP legislators in Capitol Hill. As the statement could result in damaging results from Wisconsin, his campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung claimed that Donald was talking about how terrible crime and voter fraud are, per Mirror. Sen. Mitt Romney is not impressed after Donald Trumps visit with Republicans on Capitol Hill last week, just as he never was. Romney had initially planned to miss the former presidents DC meeting with the Utahans Senate colleagues. However, he attended it after his flight was cancelled. Sen. Mitt Romney still refuses to vote for Donald Trump after meeing him (Photo by Mattie Neretin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps) I didnt go there to support former President Trump. I went there to listen to what he was planning on doing if he became president, Romney told CNN. With President Trump, its a matter of personal character. I draw a line and say when someone has been actually found to have been sexually assaulting, thats something I just wont cross over in the person I would want to have as president of the United States, he added. Trump met with both House and Senate Republicans last week, and even had a face-to-face meeting with outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Meanwhile, Romney has publicly declared and maintained that he will not vote for Trump in November. He was notably the only Republican senator to have voted to convict Trump in his first impeachment trial. He also backed a conviction in Trumps second impeachment trial after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Last year, Romney cited his age and declared that he would not pursue re-election. He also said he would like to step aside so the next generation can take over. Sen. Mitt Romneys previous comments about Donald Trump Earlier this year, Romney said he would absolutely not vote for Trump over Joe Biden, considering the former presidents foreign policy views and his character. No. No, no, absolutely not, Romney told CNNs Kaitlan Collins on The Source on being asked if he would vote for Trump over Biden. Romney said that he is using two factors character and policy to decide who I want to have as the leader of my country and the person who is the example of the president for my kids and my grandkids. Adding that character is the most important, Romney said, Having a president who is so defaulted of character would have an enormous impact on the character of America. And for me, thats the primary consideration. On foreign policy, Im not aligned with Donald Trump, at least as I understand his policy, he further stated. And domestic policy, yeah, aligned with many of his domestic policies. Murdered Maryland mother Rachel Morins mom has called out Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for referring to her daughter as an individual in an interview on Tuesday, June 18. Its a completely political statement because theyre not even willing to acknowledge that she was a mother, a daughter, Patty Morin told Fox News Laura Ingraham. Rachel Morins mom blasts Alejandro Mayorkas for calling her slain daughter individual (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Harford County Sheriff's Office) It totally depersonalizes her and makes her an object, Patty said, adding that no one from the Joe Biden administration has reached out to her family after Morins killer, a migrant from El Salvador, was arrested. The illegal immigrant, Victor Martinez-Hernandez, allegedly killed Morin on a Maryland hiking trail last year. What did Alejandro Mayorkas say? Mayorkas appeared on CNN for an interview and was asked about Morins murder. He was asked about his response to critics saying the administrations policies were responsible for violent crimes. In his reply, Mayorkas referred to Morin as the individual. First and foremost of course our hearts break for the children, the loved ones and the friends of the individual who was murdered the woman, the mother, Mayorkas told Jim Acosta. A criminal is responsible for the criminal act, he added. The criminal who committed this heinous act should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and forcefully so. Mayorkas remark enraged Morins family. They just seem to be disconnected completely from what is happening at the southern border and how it is affecting Americans, Morin family attorney Randolph Rice said during an interview on The Ingraham Angle. They are hemorrhaging at the southern border and theyre arguing about what kind of bandaid to put on it when instead they should be putting a tourniquet on it and stopping this flow so that we dont have another Rachel Morin, Rice added. Martinez-Hernandez, who is also accused of another murder, has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape in Morins death. Morins sister has told New York Post that she believes the suspect may have killed more people. A woman in Plano, Texas, has been convicted on charges of hate crime after allegedly physically and verbally attacking several Asian American women in 2022. The Collin County District Attorney has announced that 59-year-old Esmeralda Upton was convicted on Friday, June 14, of three misdemeanour assault charges and one misdemeanour charge of terroristic threat. Each charge includes a state hate crime enhancement. Texas woman Esmeralda Upton (R) convicted in racially assault of Asian American women in viral 2022 incident (@JohnnyAkzam/X) In August 2022, Upton allegedly attacked four South Asian women outside the Sixty Vines Restaurant in Plano, trying to hit three of them and threatening the other, asking them to go back to India. The victims recorded the incident on their phones, and the video soon went viral. The victims were of South Asian descent. Upton continued to pass racial remarks even after Plano Police arrived on the scene. She was subsequently arrested on state charges, and later pleaded guilty to the four charges. According to a statement by the Collin County District Attorney, Upton was sentenced to two years of community supervision probation and 40 days confinement in the Collin County Jail for each of the cases. The incarceration will be served concurrently, and Upton was assessed a fine of $500 in each case. As Americans, we should all be able to enjoy our constitutional liberties, free and secure from this type of racially motivated assault, said Greg Willis, Collin County district attorney. Indeed, America is the only nation on earth defined more by its ideals than by race or ethnicity. Id like to thank United States Attorney Damien Diggs and his prosecutors, the Plano Police Department, and the FBI Dallas Field Office for their work and partnership on this important case. What does the video show? When one of the victims described Upton as white, she said she is Mexican American. Upton was heard saying in the video, I was born here. She also made remarks like we dont want you here and if things were so great in your country, then stay there. At one point, Upton appeared to walk away, but quickly returned and physically attacked the victims. The phone that was being used to record the video was visibly knocked off. One of the victims tried to explain that she is a naturalised citizen, to which Upton responded, Youre a naturalised citizen. Youre not a born and raised citizen. One of the victims, Anamika Chatterjee, read a statement before Uptons sentencing. My American-born children look like Indians. Because of your hatred and attack, I am now constantly scared for them, Chatterjee reportedly said. Thats the worst effect of what you did to methat constant worry and anxiety. It continues to astonish me that a person with a minority background like yourselfwhich you bragged about during the incidentwould behave like this, without a trace of shame, she added. Alki David, Coca-Cola heir and celebrity hologram creator with string of sexual assault convictions against him, has been directed to pay $900 million to a former employee by Los Angeles jury. This is said to be the largest-ever award for sexual damages in history. Los Angeles jury on Monday ordered Alkiviades 'Alki' David to pay $900 million after he was accused of raping another employee, (@REX/Shutterstock) According to the attorney of a woman, who goes by the name Jane Doe in her case against Alkiviades "Alki" David, said she was sexually assaulted and harassed for three years between 2016 and 2019. "Its so despicable, the facts of this case. He raped my client while on trial in another case," Doe's lawyer Gary Dordick stated, LA Times reported. Back in 2019, David was cautioned against even thinking of assaulting another woman's body following the $58 million sexual violence verdict that Mahim Khan, a former production assistant, won against him. He has been found guilty in several other cases involving sexual misbehavior, and he and his companies have been compelled to pay damages totaling around $70 million. David's enterprise, Hologram USA, is well-known for producing holographic images of deceased celebrities. His business has offered a wide range of online streaming services as well. Also Read: Harvey Weinstein lawyers argue he was denied fair trial in appeal of LA rape conviction All you need to know about Jane Doe's case Jane Doe, the plaintiff in the lawsuit is a thirty-year-old model who worked for David at Hologram USA and recognised him as a "media mogul and billionaire" when he hired her. The woman said that she had been concerned about David's behavior at the office since the beginning of her job. According to the lawsuit, a female coworker informed Doe that David had kissed her against her will. Additionally, the plaintiff claimed that in 2016 while on a business trip to his private island in Greece, David made an attempt to kiss her, to which she refused and he apologised. The complaint states that she was fired later that year and did not communicate with David until 2018. After that, David made her an offer to work as a brand ambassador for Swiss-X, his cannabis producing firm. According to the lawsuit, David gave the woman a tour of his hotel room after she accepted the job, and he gave her a sample of what he claimed was a CBD product. David masturbated and made her touch his penis when the woman started to feel drunk and confused, as per the suit. The woman claimed that in April 2019, he sexually assaulted her in a small room during a business meeting. David's current $3.7 billion wealth derives mostly from his wealthy Cypriot family, according to the Sunday Times annual Rich List. However, he has stated that media estimations of his wealth are massively inflated. Judge Christopher L. Lui's overwhelming ruling on Monday includes $800 million in punitive penalties in addition to $100 million in compensatory damages. Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts came together to observe the International Yoga Day at an event that was addressed by India's Deputy Ambassador to the US Sripriya Ranganathan. Representative Image: People attend a mass yoga session ahead of the 10th International Yoga Day, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 16, 2024. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha) At the picturesque Wharf, overlooking the Potomac river, the International Yoga Day event on Wednesday began with prayers and Indian classical dance performances. The yoga session highlighted the spirit of oneness and harmony inspired by the ancient Indian practice. ALSO READ- International Day of Yoga 2024: From corpse pose to forward fold, 5 yoga poses to help with summer migraines The International Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21 every year. This years theme is 'Yoga for Self and Society'. At the event, Ranganathan said yoga illuminates the path to creating harmony and balance for a brighter future of society. Recognising yoga's universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, she said. The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. ALSO READ- Include yoga, millets to make health a people-led movement: PM Modi's letter to Gram Pradhans Since its inception in the Indus Valley civilisation, the practice of yoga has travelled far and wide. Nearly 5,000 years later, hundreds of millions of people around the world practice yoga, Ranganathan said. ALSO READ- J&K police declares Srinagar temporary red zone ahead of PM Modi's Yoga Day event The event also included elements to popularise inclusion of millets and environment-friendly products and practices in daily life, a media release said. Authorities confirmed remains found in a basement one day after a man was convicted of his wife's murder belong to his ex-girlfriend who disappeared in 2020. Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said Jilly Todaro was a "victim of homicidal violence" identified through body imaging by a forensic odontologist and anthropologist, according to the Associated Press. He did not elaborate on her manner of death. Todaro's body was found buried in the basement of 48-year-old convicted murderer Brian Bradley Giles' Johnstown, Pennsylvania, home Friday, the day after he was found guilty in the slaying of his wife, Nancy Giles, who disappeared in October 2018. Nancy's body was found buried near a trail in Johnstown in 2020, investigators said, according to WJAC-TV and The Tribune-Democrat. Giles and Todaro were in a relationship the same time police were investigating Nancy's disappearance. Authorities had been in contact with Todaro before she vanished. "Jilly was really a nice person. She really was," Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said, the outlet reported. "I don't think she always liked things I had to say to her, or Jessica (Aurandt, assistant district attorney) had to say to her, but we were coming from a good place, trying to help her. She was a good person." "This one hits me a little differently," Neugebauer said. "Every homicide is a tragedy. This one is just a little different." "I just wish that Jilly could have seen, in her lifetime, the amount of people who rallied together, who made a lot of sacrifices to ensure that she was found and treated with the dignity she deserved," explained Aurandt. "I wish she could have seen how many people care. I see a lot of public response to this case. I wish she knew how many people cared, and how many people care now." Neugebauer said he expects to file murder charges against Giles soon. The Florida clinic where a plastic surgeon's wife suffered cardiac arrest while he performed several cosmetic procedures on her was plagued with issues well before her death, according to a report. An investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Health found that Dr. Benjamin Jacob Brown's Restore Plastic Surgery clinic in Gulf Breeze, Florida, first "began to decline" in 2021, a medical assistant told investigators. The medical assistant alleged Brown broke protocol when he began to delegate more work to his physician assistant and his unlicensed wife, Hillary Ellington Brown, whose death he subsequently and allegedly caused. The assistant also accused Brown of storing medication in an unlocked cabinet and purported staff would freely ingest Versed a sedative that promotes relaxation and sleepiness "to take the edge off" during their shifts, the 30-page report read. As part of their investigation, the Department of Health spoke with two previous patients who claimed they went to Brown for liposuction and breast implant surgeries, and received unauthorized Brazilian butt lifts a procedure where fat is transferred to the patient's buttocks while under the knife. When one of the patients confronted him, Brown allegedly admitted to the surgery because he thought she would "love it," according to the report. Investigators found Brown's clinic also allegedly failed to maintain proper medical records and documentation pertaining to patient appointments and procedures. On Monday, Brown was arrested and charged with second-degree felony homicide in connection with Hillary's death, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. The mom of three died in November 2023, one week after she was admitted to the hospital for cardiac arrest experienced while her husband performed a scar revision, arm liposuction, lip injections, and ear adjustment procedures, according to investigation records. Prior to the operations, Hillary administered her own "handful" of undocumented, "multi-colored pills," which included Valium, investigators discovered. She also prepared her own IV solution, despite not having a license to do so. While on the operating table, Hillary displayed symptoms of lidocaine toxicity caused by an overdose of the anesthetic, triggering a seizure and cardiac arrest. Brown allegedly instructed his staff to hold off from calling 911 for 20 minutes. His wife never regained consciousness. "My family lives in a sea of tears for eternity due to the actions of one careless individual," Hillary's dad, Marty Ellington said, according to the Pensacola News Journal. "His ego and arrogance overshadowed the need for help, prolonging oxygen deprivation to her brain and ultimately causing her death. Ben Brown took the mother from my grandchildren, my only daughter and our brightest star. Hillary gave the ultimate sacrifice so Ben Brown cannot hurt anyone else. Maybe in prison, he will get the attention he deserves." A US navy sailor out on bond for a torture-like sexual assault against a fellow member of the armed forces has been charged with allegedly murdering a woman in Texas. Julian Jefferson, 20, stands accused of killing Denise Lissette Ramos, 22, at her home in Fairfield, Texas, on March 28. Ramos failed to show up for work that day, which led to the discovery of her body. Jefferson was already embroiled in ongoing military proceedings, in which he pleaded guilty prior to Ramos' murder. The unrelated sexual assault took place on January 14, 2023, according to documents obtained by CBS/Telemundo affiliate KWTX. At a naval base in California, after midnight on the night in question, the sexual assault victim texted Jefferson to complain that his conversations were too loud and she was trying to sleep. He replied, apologizing for the noise, saying he would lower it down. However, later that night, the victim awoke to three loud knocks at her door. While she didn't see anyone through her peephole the first time, similar incidents continued throughout the evening until she caught Jefferson mid-knock. After entering the victim's room, a violent fight ensued. Fearing for her life, the woman began to scream at the top of her lungs before she went limp and feigned losing consciousness, hoping her attack would leave. What followed was a brutal, two-hour-long sexual assault before leaving the woman on the floor and exiting the room. She immediately got up and ran for help, describing the ordeal as torture-like. Jefferson pleaded guilty to one count of burglary with intent to commit certain offenses and two counts of rape by using unlawful force in May. He was sentenced to five years in prison for the burglary count and 20 years each on the rape counts, to be served concurrently. The defendant now faces extradition to Texas to be tried in front of a grand jury for the murder of Ramos. At the time of the murder charge, Jefferson was in the brig at Miramar, according to Law & Crime. Little details have been provided on Ramos' murder, but a GoFundMe has been set up by her family to celebrate her life. Ramos' father, Luis Ramos, disclosed that Jefferson had previously come to Fairfield while on leave after being granted bond in the rape case. He also stated that the accused had ties to Fairfield and that there had been some sort of prior incident involving the defendant. "It's left a huge scar on our family life, not only for myself and my wife, but for my younger children," Ramos told KWTX. Her family describes Lissette as a "truly beautiful soul." Authorities in Las Vegas say a homicide victim may have been stabbed to death by bystanders trying to stop him from committing a sexual assault, and they're asking the public for more information. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Wednesday that patrol officers responded to a report of a person stabbed on the 3400 block of East Charleston Boulevard at around 3:34 p.m. Tuesday. Officers found a man in an alley with apparent stab wounds, and medical personnel transported him to UMC Trauma Center where he was pronounced dead. Officers located an apparent crime scene on the 1000 block of Laurel Avenue. Homicide detectives then "learned that the victim may have been committing sexual assault in a shed in the area," police said. "A group of citizens ran to assist when they heard a woman's screams coming from the shed. It is believed that the victim was stabbed during the intervention," police said. All of the people allegedly involved fled the area before officers arrived. The investigation is ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward or submit an anonymous tip. --with reporting by TMX Rapper Travis Scott was busted in Miami on allegations of trespassing and disorderly conduct, jail records indicate. The Thursday morning arrest of Scott, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster, 33, came after he was allegedly "yelling obscenities" at someone on a yacht in Miami Beach, ABC News, CNN and WTVJ-TV reported, citing the police report. Responding officers alleged they could "sense a strong smell of alcohol" on Scott's breath. The person whose Scott's yells were directed at said they wanted the musician removed from the boat. Officers ordered the "SICKO MODE" artist to leave the marina. He allegedly returned five minutes later and attempted to go back to the vessel. Officers prevented him from returning to the yacht and Scott allegedly became "erratic," leading to his arrest, said police, according to ABC. Upon his detainment, Scott allegedly admitted he had been drinking and told cops, "it's Miami." Scott pleaded not guilty to the charges and bonded out of jail hours later. Shortly after his release, he posted an edited mugshot on his Instagram story, mocking his arrest. Scott made headlines in 2021 when 10 people died at his Astroworld Festival in Houston. He settled the last wrongful death lawsuit, last month. Police in California are warning residents that criminals are now using hidden cameras pointed toward their homes as a tactic for residential burglaries. Wednesday night, Alhambra Police responded to a call on the 1900 block of S. Primerose Avenue following reports of an attempted burglary. A neighbor of the targeted home had found a hidden camera in the bushes pointing toward their home, and an alarm company also notified the residents of an attempt to open the kitchen window earlier that day. Criminals are strategically placing camouflage cameras in discrete areas, such as bushes, to collect information on the homeowners' daily routines to rob their homes. Authorities are advising homeowners to regularly inspect the exterior of their home for any unfamiliar objects or changes in the landscaping that could possibly conceal a surveillance camera. They also recommend staying vigilant by keeping an eye out for suspicious-looking people knocking on doors. Never leave a house key hidden somewhere on the premises or a name or ID tag attached to the keys because, if lost or stolen, robbers can easily locate your home, warned the police department. Other prevention tips include writing down license plate numbers and reporting them should you spot a suspicious vehicle, as well as keeping good lighting around the exterior of the home, as it's the best deterrent to ward off criminals. Lastly, there should be regular maintenance and upkeep. Police suggest keeping trees and bushes well-trimmed to eliminate any potential hiding spots. Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection to launch in UNESCO Heritage Site this year in conversion deal with new partner Hoi An Pearl Joint Stock Company. The growth of IHG Hotels & Resorts in Vietnam continues with the introduction of its Vignette Collection brand to the country through an agreement with new partner Hoi An Pearl Joint Stock Company. Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection will join IHG's fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio - the second largest in the world - under the Vignette Collection brand, following an extensive refurbishment and conversion from the existing Bay Resort Hoi An. The property will offer heritage preservation, contemporary elegance and immersive exploration in the heart of Hoi An and on the banks of the Hoai River, a popular central coast hotspot renowned for its rich history and cultural tapestry. Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection will feature 128 guest rooms, including pool villas and suites. Its stay experience will be inspired by the word 'Moire', meaning a ripple or waved pattern and its design will evoke a feeling of fluidity, movement, and texture with a sophisticated retro finish. Chris Anklin, Senior Director, Development, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: "Tourism is picking up at a rapid rate in Hoi An, with 4.3 million visitors expected this year - a 10% rise from 2023. We're looking forward to welcoming guests to Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection, which is located within a UNESCO Heritage Site, from where they can experience the architectural marvel of the ancient town's cobblestone streets, well preserved wooden structures and shophouses. "We're excited to work with Hoi An Pearl Joint Stock Company for the first time as we bring our collective vision for this wonderful property to life. This is a quick conversion that reflects the attractiveness of our Vignette Collection brand, and the value of IHG's strong in-market teams and global enterprise." Vignette Collection stands apart in IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury & lifestyle portfolio. It presents a compelling way for IHG to welcome one-of-a-kind hotels into our family, combining each property's individual identity with the brand's promise of 'A Means For Good', powered by IHG's global scale and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. Each hotel has a distinct outlook and story to tell but they come together as Vignette Collection. Ms Huong Nguyen, CEO, Hoi An Pearl Joint Stock Company said: " IHG has built a reputation for creating outstanding destination hotels and resorts in Vietnam across its world-class portfolio of brands. We are confident it will deliver success for our property in Hoi An, where we want to provide a unique sanctuary for guests which blends the nostalgic charm of the city's storied past with contemporary luxury. "As part of the Vignette Collection brand family - where every property has its own distinctive story to tell - Moire Hoi An will offer guests immersive and personalised experiences to inspire them to stay longer and discover everything this beautiful town has to offer." Located on Xuyen Trung Block, Cam Nam Ward, Hoi An City, Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection is a five minute walk to the ancient town and a 30-minute drive from Danang International Airport. Facilities include two restaurants and a bar that celebrate authentic local cuisine and flavours, a swimming pool, fitness centre and boutique spa, and meeting facilities in a unique living room cafe concept. Guests will be offered a diverse and engaging range of activities and guided tours to allow them to discover the wonders of the ancient town, perfectly suited to lifestyle travellers and families. Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection joins a 12-strong* global Vignette Collection portfolio that includes Convent Square Lisbon and Casa da Companhia in Porto, Portugal, Yours Truly DC in the U.S., Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley in Australia, Dinso Resort & Villas Phuket in Thailand and Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort. With 23 hotels in the pipeline**, the brand is on track to reach 100 hotels by 2031*. Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection adds to IHG's rapidly growing portfolio in Vietnam which will more than double from 18 to around 44 hotels* within the next three years as it continues to grow across all market segments and welcome travellers to destinations including Ha Long Bay, Vinh Phuc, and more. * Numbers as of 31 March 2024 **Pipeline includes 5 unbranded properties in the IHG system that will convert to Vignette Collection Stacy Seaborn is a hospitality veteran with over three decades of experience in the San Antonio area and deep ties to the community. As Director of Sales & Marketing for InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, she will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the property's sales and marketing efforts. Seaborn previously worked at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, first as Director of Catering and Conference Services and later as Director of Sales and Marketing. She graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts and a Minor in Food Service Management. Her enthusiasm for the hospitality industry comes from her enjoyment of interacting with people and being able to contribute to their experiences. Seaborn also sits on the board for Special Reach, an organization that provides dynamic enrichment programs for children with developmental delays and respite for their families, and volunteers with Dress for Success San Antonio. Marriott International has appointed industry veteran Clark Albright to Director of Sales & Marketing of the iconic Palm Desert hotel, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Clark Albright takes on an all-encompassing role at the 450-acre property, which features 884 guest rooms, including 101 suites, along with a 38,000 sq. ft spa and an abundance of event venues. Clark Albright, an established industry leader, brings nearly 40 years of experience within the Marriott brand to his new role. Albright has proven success at both the property and above property levels, having held a variety of sales and leadership positions at brand properties including the LAX Marriott, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Newport Beach Marriott, Irvine Marriott, Westin LAX and JW Marriott Las Vegas. Clark is an enthusiastic collaborator who, in this new role at JW Marriott Desert Springs Spa & Resort, will oversee the sales and marketing teams for the property, providing day-to-day leadership while encouraging diverse thinking to drive organizational success. Responsible for achieving booking goals and property revenues, he will manage reactive and proactive sales efforts to ensure sales objectives are met while cultivating corporate relationships for sales, group, and leisure business. Clark will oversee the marketing budget to enable the development of property-specific campaigns, promotions, and collateral to drive revenue and meet property objectives. Through his role, Albright will ensure guests experience the ultimate in JW Service by bringing to light Marriott's core values and legacy of excellence. Clark is known to be an innovative and intuitive thinker with strong data analytics skills that is able to recognize opportunities and set appropriate strategies to garner desired results. He spent over 10 years as the Market Sales Leader for Arizona and Nevada where he led the sales transformation effort, Starwood Integration, and top-line revenue generation of over $500 million for thirty-three Marriott-managed properties. Most recently, Clark served as the Director of Sales at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn where he led the team in a post-Covid recovery effort that resulted in two back-to-back record-setting years. While Ms Quek Huilin always had her sights on pursuing theater, she was drawn to the passion, genuine human connections and camaraderie exemplified by both front- and back-of-house team members in delivering immersive, seamless customer experiences. The short stint at Starbucks, as well as her parents strong encouragement led her to switch gears and formally pursue an education at EHL Hospitality Business School. Much to her parents delight, it also brought her back to her family hospitality equipment supplies business, Q Industries. Following the passion Similar to why I fell in love with the theatre, I was drawn to the zealous passion and commitment that everyone had for their craft and the high level of camaraderie between team members. Each hospitality professional - be it back-/front-of-house - was fully committed to a common goal, with each playing his/her individual role well to create an immersive environment for guests. I was further emboldened by the encouragement of my parents, founders of Q Industries, as well as the appeal of the school of hospitality's diversity of nationalities, its extensive, global alumni network; as well as the pride and loyalty of the school alumni. An alumni client of my mothers, who was the CEO of a hotel management company essentially alluded that the hospitality management education at EHL - previously known as Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne - was the best, bar none. It was heartening to hear the unmistakable pride of an alumni and the institutions enduring legacy of excellence since its founding in 1983 and that further fortified my resolve to join them, even though I had likewise been accepted into another well regarded Hospitality program. Navigating the business landscape After my graduation in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, I joined Q industries first as a business development manager before becoming a sales director. Since 1987, the company operated primarily as a tableware distributor, and while I was impressed with the business and solid foundation that my parents have built, I recognised the need to pivot and diversify to keep pace with changing times. How could Q industries, a traditional product distributor, innovate, stay relevant and find windows of opportunities in the current digitalised world? Instead of staying stuck in the past, we decided to embrace and evolve with the digital new world. In addition to developing our brand of products, we embarked on a digitalisation journey in Singapore and Vietnam - key to its uninterrupted and seamless operation through the COVID pandemic. Our evolution culminated in the launch of Q Online Solutions, a digital procurement platform, and further anchored our new role as an integrated solutions provider. This operation has clearly highlighted how essential critical thinking and adaptability is for multi-generational businesses. Luckily for me, EHLs rigorous curriculum, and global internship opportunities helped hone these invaluable soft skills and developed my business acumen and clear-minded approach, which I apply daily in my leadership role as an CEO. From EHL family to family business Operating as a parallel company to the hospitality industry, it was crucial that I, and the company, adopted a clients-first business approach. Thankfully, the practical skills and industry focused learning that I had at EHL helped me understand how hotels and restaurants operated. Additionally, EHLs unique approach to education and its expertise in, insights of and combined experiences of the faculty in the hospitality industry is unparalleled. It endowed me with management skills that allowed me to take on the role of running my family business, with operations extending into ASEAN, Middle East and Australia. Lastly, the incredible diversity in nationalities each intake had and a strong global alumni network really prepares and supports you for a global management role as a hospitality leader. Each intake is carefully curated, starting with the pre-admission interview in person. That highlighted the careful consideration that they took beyond academics. It mattered to them that the students had the right profile and personal acumen to be part of the EHL family. Once inducted, this was a bond that endures well beyond graduation. London/Luxembourg/Austin, TX PAS (Professional Accounting Solutions, Inc.), Professional Advantage (PA) and LLP Group (LLP) announce the formation of a groundbreaking global alliance aimed at providing an Operational Intelligence & Integration platform to the hospitality sector globally. This strategic partnership brings together the collective expertise of all three organisations to deliver a comprehensive solution that seamlessly integrates with existing systems, across different platform environments whilst also providing visibility over key data. By leveraging their combined strengths, PA, LLP and PAS are committed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of hospitality services worldwide, ensuring that their clients can offer an exceptional operational experience through cutting-edge technology and insightful data analysis. We are excited to announce our strategic collaboration with PAS and LLP to introduce a comprehensive go-to-market offering specifically designed for the hospitality sector. This initiative addresses the persistent challenge of application integration faced by businesses in this industry, enabling seamless connectivity and communication between disparate software systems. By leveraging our combined expertise and cutting-edge solution, we aim to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive digital transformation, empowering hospitality companies to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. This partnership not only signifies our commitment to technological excellence but also ensures our clients receive the most robust and reliable solutions available today. Neil Richardson, Business Lead, ISV Solutions, Professional Advantage LLP is excited to be part of this Alliance. With over 30 years of SunSystems hotel experience and our deep expertise in multinational implementations of Infor SunSystems, EPM, HxGN EAM and PA solutions in over 70 countries, LLP Group is well-equipped to support global hospitality companies. By working closely with Infor, PA and PAS, we are dedicated to helping to provide complete Cloud finance solutions tailored to the needs of the hospitality sector, regardless of company size. Tim Smulders, LLP Group Western Europe Managing Director This is a whole new collaboration of three teams that know hotels. Together, we now have not only the technology but the application as well. Add that to our consolidated 24/7 helpdesk services around the world, and you have #oneteam to streamline communications and service for hotel properties. The extensive knowledge and scalability that PAS brings to the table are exactly why so many hotels across the world trust us with their back office needs. We are excited about these partnerships as we are able to add to our own existing team around the globe. Additionally, as partners of Infor PAS, Professional Advantage and LLP Group will continue to support many of Infor's global customers as a team. Gayle Edwards, VP Managing Director of PAS For those attending HITEC 2024 in Charlotte, please visit the PAS team as well as representatives from Professional Advantage and LLP Group in booth No. 935 to learn more about #oneteam, or you can schedule an appointment in advance here. About Professional Advantage (PA) For 30 years Professional Advantage has been meeting the evolving technology needs of our clients in Australia and internationally. Our focus on business outcomes for our clients, and wealth of knowledge across a wide range of industries and solutions has ensured we have remained an integral partner and trusted adviser for over a thousand organisations. Being a global development partner (ISV) for both Infor SunSystems and Microsoft, we are in a unique position to not only fulfil your cloud and application licensing needs but also to support you in your IT journey with cloud hosting, software implementation, user adoption, helpdesk services. For more information, please visit www.professionaladvantage.com. About LLP Group (LLP) LLP Group provides business consulting and software services to local and international companies throughout Europe, North America and Mexico. LLP is a reseller of Infor SunSystems, Infor EPM, HxGN EAM, Dynamics 365, expense@work, time@work and forms@work. We have delivered over 700 projects in more than 70 countries. Our clients include: Accor Hotels, Air BP, Alvest Equipment Services, Colonnade Insurance, Corinthia Hotels, Menzies Aviation, MetLife, PwC, Wood & Company and many others. For more information, please visit www.llpgroup.com. About PAS (Professional Accounting Solutions, Inc.) PAS (Professional Accounting Solutions, Inc.), has been the preferred provider of back office and accounting solutions for the global hospitality industry for more than 30 years and is the leading provider of Infor SunSystems and Infor EPM services. PAS customizes its products and support for each installation and provides a hotel-centric support model through its unparalleled help desk centers around the world. For more information on PAS and its services, please email [email protected] or visit http://www.profact.com. Those attending HITEC 2024 can visit the PAS team in booth No. 935 or set up an appointment at this link. Gayle Edwards Lynchburg, VA - The Craddock Terry Hotel, an award-winning boutique hotel located in the heart of Lynchburg, is thrilled to announce that Virginia Living Magazine has once again recognized it as one of the Best Hotels in Central Virginia. This prestigious recognition is part of the 12th annual Best of Virginia Readers Survey, in which over 50,000 readers participated. Virginia Living readers have spoken, and their overwhelming support has placed the Craddock Terry Hotel among the top three businesses in Central Virginia in the hotel category. This honor is a testament to the hotels commitment to providing exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and a unique guest experience that our visitors have come to love and expect. This is the 12th time the hotel has been recognized for this honor. We are incredibly grateful to our loyal guests and fans for their votes and for recognizing the dedication of our team. This award reflects the hard work and passion of our staff, who strive to make every stay unforgettable. Randy Player, executive vice president of operations for Cornerstone Hospitality The Craddock Terry Hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury, making it a premier destination for travelers. With unique features, such as our iconic shoe-themed decor and impeccable hospitality, the hotel continues to set the standard for excellence in the region. We are grateful to our guests and supporters and thank them for helping us achieve this honor, Player added. We look forward to welcoming you back and continuing to provide the exceptional service that earned us this accolade. For more information or to make your reservation today, visit www.craddockterryhotel.com. About The Craddock Terry Hotel The Craddock Terry Hotel, located in Lynchburg, VA, is known for its blend of history, luxury, and hospitality. What was once a turn-of-the-century shoe factory has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel. Witness a unique blend of original brick warehouse architecture and chic modern style. About Cornerstone Hospitality Cornerstone Hospitality www.cornerstonehospitality.com is a leading hospitality management and development company known for managing branded hotels and developing distinctive boutique hotels with historical roots in unique destinations. The company's portfolio includes 15 hotels, nine food and beverage outlets, and banquet venues. Cornerstone Hospitality's success is built on a foundation of innovative hotel management and a commitment to preserving its properties' historical and cultural significance. Amanda Ensinger Resonate PR Cornerstone Hospitality, LLC Gothenburg - Visit Group, a leading hospitality and travel tech provider, has partnered strategically with Atomize, a global hotel revenue management software frontrunner. This collaboration aims to create a next-generation and full-service AI-driven technology platform catering to the travel and hospitality sector worldwide. Bringing together a wealth of experience spanning 30 years in hospitality and travel technology, Visit Group and Atomize are exceptionally positioned to address the evolving needs of the travel industry. This partnership combines Visit Group's extensive e-commerce, packaging, and distribution solutions with Atomize's advanced revenue optimization platform, which includes real-time price automation and demand forecasting. A hallmark of this alliance is the integration and technical setup with ESS Group, a leading hotel group in the Nordics and the initiative's first beneficiary. This collaboration highlights both technology providers' platform's vast potential to transform operations, guest experiences, and profitability across various hospitality industry sectors. We are excited to embark on this strategic partnership with Visit Group, this partnership is not just about enhancing operational efficiencies; it's about redefining the guest experience and setting new benchmarks in revenue management through AI-driven solutions. Together, we are committed to empowering the global hospitality and tourism sector to exceed their potential in an ever-evolving market landscape. Alexander Edstrom, CEO at Atomize This partnership extends beyond the merger of two complementary technologies; it seeks to establish a unified digital ecosystem that covers all facets of the digital travel service spectrum. From personalized booking systems to post-departure customer engagement, and from maximizing revenue to boosting operational efficiency, the collaboration between Visit Group and Atomize is designed to offer an unparalleled platform for the travel and tourism industry. This strategic initiative is supported by a total of 250 dedicated employees, servicing 3000 hotels and travel operators worldwide, and is equipped to meet the ambitious goals of today's travel service providers. We are thrilled to collaborate with Atomize to unveil a solution eagerly anticipated by the broader travel industry. Leveraging Atomize's deep and extensive AI expertise, our partnership is not merely about addressing current needs but is a forward-looking endeavor poised to anticipate and shape the future of the travel sector.Together, our combined expertise and resources are set to revolutionize what hotel and travel operators can achieve, with ESS Group pioneering as the first to experience the benefits of this strategic partnership. James Dixon, CEO at Visit Group This strategic partnership is poised to redefine standards of innovation, efficiency, and profitability for the industry, promising a future where cutting-edge technology seamlessly enhances customer experiences. About Visit Group Visit Group was founded by Magnus Emilson in Gothenburg in 1999. With 200 employees in seven countries and 2,500 customers across 25 countries, the group is a leading hospitality SaaS company in Northern Europe. Visit Group is backed by prominent PSG Equity, a premier growth equity firm specializing in software and technology-enabled services, with offices in Boston, Kansas City, London, Madrid, Paris, and Tel Aviv. With its collaborative commerce platform, the group serves providers of all types of lodging, ski resorts, activities, day tours, theme parks, museums, DMOs, ferry companies as well as resellers and agents. Visit Groups platform optimizes customers sales, dynamic packaging, distribution as well as operational efficiency. To learn more about Visit Group, visit visitgroup.com. About Atomize RMS Atomize represents a cutting-edge hotel revenue management software, offering a sophisticated, AI-driven solution for dynamic pricing for hotels. Atomize leverages real-time market data, competition analysis, and demand forecasting to optimize pricing, thereby significantly enhancing revenue and operational efficiency. Atomize's cloud-based RMS platform is particularly noted for its capability to automate complex decision-making processes, providing hoteliers with a powerful tool to stay ahead in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. Atomize is a Swedish company with its headquarters in Gothenburg and operates on a global market, the software is used in over 50 countries, on 5 continents, by hotels ranging in size from 50 to 1250 rooms. Focused on innovation and data-driven decisions, Atomize RMS is shaping the future of revenue management. To learn more about Atomize, visit atomize.com or follow us at @Atomize. Alexandra Fjallman Chief Marketing Officer PARIS Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, together with executive travel managers and buyers from 17 leading international corporations, have launched the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC), an innovative advisory board aimed at reimagining the future of corporate travel and meetings. Established to create a forward-looking vision for business travel and corporate meetings, the GLC connects business leaders responsible for corporate travel across diverse industries with senior executives from Accor. Council delegates include representatives from sectors such as financial services, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, energy, professional services and technology. The first session, which was hosted earlier this month in Paris by Sophie Hulgard, Chief Sales Officer at Accor, discussed shifting corporate and traveler expectations; the importance of recognition, personalization and B2B-focused loyalty; the evolving importance of sustainability; emerging traveler trends; the role and impact of distribution and pricing; and a deep-dive on the hosting hotel brand, Sofitel. The Council delegates, who have a combined employee base of over 2.7 million travelers, unanimously agreed the top three priorities for business travel are: Traveler experience and well-being including corporate employee engagement, wellness, traveler security and digital efficiencies Cost management and optimization including program compliance, pricing, cost-reduction and cost avoidance Sustainability including sustainable action, carbon budgets and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) The dynamics of corporate travel are evolving rapidly. It is essential for both our clients and hospitality businesses to adapt to new demands and priorities. The GLC is a critical forum for sharing insights and collaborating on solutions that meet the changing needs of business travelers and delegates. Sophie Hulgard, Chief Sales Officer at Accor and host of the GLC The GLC aims to generate valuable insights and actionable strategies to drive and transform business travel, impacting the sector globally. Accor will compile the council's findings into a comprehensive report to be released later in the year. Corporate travel is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an increased focus on flexibility, sustainability, and personalization. Today's business travelers seek more than just efficiency and comfort; they prioritize sustainability, personalized experiences, and seamless technology integration. Throughout our business, Accor is committed to not only meeting these needs but also anticipating them, ensuring that every journey is as enriching and impactful as the destination and travel intent itself. Karelle Lamouche, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Accor About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,700 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. According to an IPSOS report commissioned by Hyatt[1], two thirds (65%) of European and Middle Eastern travellers plan to maintain or increase their travel budgets this year. The report, which was commissioned to better understand people and the factors driving their travel decisions throughout 2024, is based on insights from 750 respondents across Europe and the UAE. It reveals four key trends which are expected to influence travellers summer holiday plans: Trend #1. Travellers do not plan on cutting down travel spend Despite the global economic challenges, most travellers across the region say that they will have the same budget or higher for travel compared to last year. More than half of UAE travellers are planning to spend more. Across Europe, 62% of travellers in the UK, 73% in Germany, 62% in Spain, and 52% in France anticipate they will maintain or increase travel spending. Beyond budget considerations, 2024 is the year for the trip of a lifetime for 8% of respondents, and more than one in ten (12%) British travellers. Trend #2. Weather conditions are a key deciding factor When deciding where to travel, weather conditions at the destination are the second most important consideration (50%) for travellers from the surveyed region, trumped only by lodging costs (53%), and exceeding the importance of both transport costs (42%) and the experience offering at the destination (also 42%). Against a backdrop of uncertain summer weather, almost one-in-three (61%) German consumers see the weather as an important factor when choosing where to travel, versus 45% of French travellers, 47% of Britons, and 48% of those in Spain and UAE respectively. Trend #3. Taking a break and relaxing is the most common motive for travelling Though some travellers are seeking adventures this year, the majority (42%) want to take a break and relax. This is the case for French (45%), British (41%) and German (52%) travellers, who place this as their number one travel motive. For Spanish holidaymakers, living new experiences takes first place (40%), and for those from the UAE, spending time with family is the priority (40%). In the UK, in addition to wanting to relax, 36% say they travel for new experiences, closely followed by sightseeing (35%), and spending time with loved ones (29%). Trend #4. Domestic travel is in Domestic trips are playing a key role for travel in 2024, according to the report. Approximately three in four (73%) of UK travellers said they are planning leisure trips in their own country: similar to those in France (75%), and amongst Spanish (73%), Emirati (68%), and German (63%) holidaymakers. Concurrently, transport costs are considered a key deciding factor by 42% of respondents across the region, and this is a particular focus for UK travellers (53%). Alongside the appetite for domestic travel, more than half (55%) of consumers in the region intend to travel abroad, with 35% planning a trip somewhere they have never been before. French and UK based travellers are the most inclined to travel to a new place (43% and 42% respectively). Summer holidays are a highlight in many guests calendars, offering precious time to relax and explore destinations at home or abroad. As part of the wider consumer trend for prioritising memorable experiences and travel within annual budgets, it is fantastic to see consumers appetite to enjoy breaks here in the UK alongside seeking out favourable weather conditions and exploring new destinations abroad. Arnaud de Saint-Exupery, Area Vice President for UK and Ireland, Hyatt The approach to travelling identified in the report is consistent with Hyatts ambitious growth journey in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). Hyatt spans more than 46,000 rooms across the EAME region, with hotels in 41 countries covering a wide range of destinations and segments from iconic hotels in cities such as London, Paris, Rome, and Dubai, to almost 70 resorts in the Balearic, the Canary and the Greek islands, to the sought-after leisure destinations of Oman, Montenegro and Tanzania. For more information about Hyatt hotels, please visit: www.hyatt.com. The term Hyatt is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. The results mentioned in this press release are the findings of IPSOS, and Hyatts commissioning of such study is not an endorsement of its findings. Hyatt makes no representations or warranties with respect to the same. [1] Consumer Study on Travel Trends 2024: IPSOS conducted a survey of n=750 respondents in August 2023, with at least 150 respondents in each of the following countries: France, Germany, Spain, UK, and UAE (representative for general population). About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Vacation Club, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval, Alila, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, Dream Hotels, Hyatt Centric, and Caption by Hyatt; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, and JdV by Hyatt; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt loyalty program, ALG Vacations, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. IDS Next, Asias leading hospitality software provider, announces a new partnership with the technology distribution pioneer Ingram Micro India. The collaboration extends across all hospitality verticals served by IDS Next, spanning hotels, restaurants, leisure, and wellness. The collaboration aims to deliver turnkey solutions to the hospitality sector, with IDS Next providing cutting-edge enterprise software solutions and Ingram Micro India complementing it with end-to-end services, including hardware and technology aggregation, integration and implementation. Ingram Micro India recently expanded their offerings with a new hospitality vertical that serves as a technology aggregator for upcoming and operational hotels. With a comprehensive, hospitality-focused solutions portfolio, Ingram Micro India takes responsibility for aggregating, integrating and implementing information technology, cybersecurity, audio-video, and physical security infrastructure. The company also offers customised technology solutions to mid and high-end hotels, emphasising its OEM-agnostic approach and allowing customers the flexibility to select their preferred solutions. Commenting on the partnership, Binu Mathews, CEO at IDS Next, expressed, By combining our prowess in hospitality software solutions with the unparalleled reach of Ingram Micro India, we aim to together deliver holistic solutions that elevate the technological experience for hospitality businesses. The partnership enables Ingram Micro to offer solutions to hospitality businesses across India, including their IT products and recommending full-stack cloud and on-premise software of IDS Next. IDS Next remains the only company covering an extensive range of hospitality verticals, offering both back-end and front-end solutions, from contactless check-in and front office management to guest requests, housekeeping, payroll, finance, inventory, and procurement management. Navneet Singh Bindra, SVP & Chief Country Executive, Ingram Micro India, said, Ingram Micro Indias foray into the hospitality vertical aligns well with IDS Nexts commitment to providing innovative solutions for all facets of the hospitality industry. We are confident that this partnership will drive excellence and bring about a technology-led transformation in the hospitality sector. This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the technological infrastructure of the hospitality sector. With Ingram Micros comprehensive services and IDS Nexts software solutions, the collaboration is poised to reshape the landscape of hospitality. About Ingram Micro Ingram Micro is a leading technology company for the global information technology ecosystem. With the ability to reach nearly 90% of the global population, we play a vital role in the worldwide IT sales channel, bringing products and services from technology manufacturers and cloud providers to a highly diversified base of business-to-business technology experts. Through Ingram Micro Xvantage, our AI-powered digital platform, we offer what we believe to be the industrys first comprehensive business-to-consumer-like experience, integrating hardware and cloud subscriptions, personalised recommendations, instant pricing order tracking, and billing automation. We also provide a broad range of technology services, including financing, specialised marketing, and lifecycle management, as well as technical pre- and post-sales professional support. Learn more at www.ingrammicro.com. About IDS Next IDS Next is the largest hospitality solutions provider in emerging markets, catering to global customers in 50+ countries with award-winning software. Streamlining both front and back-office hospitality operations, IDS Next provides full-stack ERP solutions for hotels, restaurants, leisure and wellness sectors and integrates with over 350 leading technology partners. Having over 35 years of experience, the company promises the most secure operations with its PA DSS-certified and GDPR-compliant solutions. Today, the company powers 300,000+ rooms, 220+ hotel chains, 25,000+ POS outlets and 300+ leisure venues across the globe. Spanning across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, the company is trusted by renowned hospitality brands, including Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Choice Hotels and Louvre Hotels Group. For more, visit www.idsnext.com. Tanya Girdhar John VP Marketing +919916456138 View source London, UK HSMAI Europe, the industrys leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable revenue growth globally, has announced its expanded Board of Directors, and in pursuit of further growth, is now calling on more senior industry professionals from its membership to join and share their expertise. The associations 2024 and 2025 board line-up has more than doubled from eight to 21 members, who represent a wide range of companies, from large hotel chains and travel technology firms to corporate travel and recruitment agencies and hotel management schools. Michael Nowlis (CHAIR) , Programme director, MBA Programmes at Imperial College Business School , Programme director, MBA Programmes at Imperial College Business School Kelly Cronin , Revenue Director at Village Hotels , Revenue Director at Village Hotels Josje van Dongen , Head of Innovation & Programme Specialisations at Hotel Management School Maastricht , Head of Innovation & Programme Specialisations at Hotel Management School Maastricht Per Griwell , VP Commercial / CCO, Business Development & Franchise at Thon Hotels , VP Commercial / CCO, Business Development & Franchise at Thon Hotels Arnoud Griffioen , Chief Financial Officer at Odyssey Hotel Group , Chief Financial Officer at Odyssey Hotel Group Kristian Gundersen , Director Hotels Division at ISS Norway , Director Hotels Division at ISS Norway Courtney Harbin , Director Global Client Group at American Express , Director Global Client Group at American Express Ingunn Hofseth , President & CEO at HSMAI Europe , President & CEO at HSMAI Europe Minjauw Ivo , Chief Product Officer at Lighthouse , Chief Product Officer at Lighthouse Monique Jaspers-Wijn , Global Head of Data Insights & Digital Media at Travelport , Global Head of Data Insights & Digital Media at Travelport Matthieu Lafaurie , Vice President, The Club & Revenue Transformation at Radisson Hotel Group , Vice President, The Club & Revenue Transformation at Radisson Hotel Group Elodie Leunen , Founder and CEO at Fastpayhotels , Founder and CEO at Fastpayhotels Jonathon Liu , Chief Commercial Officer at Verdi Hotels, Corinthia Hotel Group , Chief Commercial Officer at Verdi Hotels, Corinthia Hotel Group Dimitris Manikis , President EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts , President EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Neetu Mistry , Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Cycas Hospitality , Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Cycas Hospitality Roberta Possenti , Vice President Europe at Preferred Hotels , Vice President Europe at Preferred Hotels Roland Seddon , Owner and Managing Director at MRK Associates , Owner and Managing Director at MRK Associates Michael Schaffner , VP Sales EMEA at Duetto , VP Sales EMEA at Duetto Roman Sucharzewski , Vice President Revenue Management Europe at Hilton Grand Vacations , Vice President Revenue Management Europe at Hilton Grand Vacations Will Yell , VP Commercial Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts , VP Commercial Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts Accor To be announced With HSMAI Europe eyeing membership growth in new countries and seeking a broader industry representation, it is looking to further expand its board to reflect this. A minimum of 60% has to represent hotels or other parts of the hospitality, event and travel industry. Desired expertise and knowledge for a board of directors seat includes revenue management, commercial, marketing, sales, digitalisation, branding, Artificial Intelligence and sustainability. Leaders interested in the role should hail from companies of all sizes and represent hotel chains large and small; suppliers of software solutions to the industry; events agencies; industry vendors and partners; national and regional travel-related companies; and more. A board members primary role is to guide the strategic direction of HSMAI Europe and to be ambassador for the association within their company. Leaders are also asked to focus on one area of expertise where they can make a significant contribution to HSMAI Europe and the industry. As board members, our role transcends governance; its more about actively supporting the association and the industry at large. The expertise of our senior industry leaders plays a pivotal role in engaging members, spearheading thought leadership, driving innovation, and supporting the professional development of peers. The expanded board will amplify our efforts to foster a collaborative environment that champions industry growth and sustainability Michael Nowlis, Chair, HSMAI Europe Board of Directors We are incredibly proud to see our board grow to 21 members, bringing a diverse range of expertise that truly reflects our membership and the broader sector. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Michael for his role as the chair and to all our new and current members for their dedication and contributions to the HSMAI Europe community. Together, we are poised to drive meaningful change and innovation within the industry. Ingunn Hofseth, President & CEO, HSMAI Europe HSMAI Europe has ambitions to grow its board of directors to at least 25 leaders. To be considered for the role, candidates must be an employee at a company with an HSMAI membership and be passionate about driving industry change through collaboration, knowledge sharing and championing best practices. The board has already staged its first two annual board meetings in London. The first took place on January 17th to coincide with HSMAI Europes Leadership Day and on the following day (January 18th), the annual ROC conference and HSMAI Europe Awards. The second meeting was staged after an AI Think Tank, hosted at Clermont Hotel Victoria on June 13th. HSMAI Europes next Board of Director meeting will take place near Utrecht in The Netherlands on September 4, and its first meeting of 2025 will be on January 15th in connection to our Commercial Strategy Week in London. To view the HSMAI Europe Board of Directors line-up visit hsmai.eu/board-of-directors/. To find out more about this opportunity, email Hans Poortvliet at: [email protected] About HSMAI Europe HSMAI Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International is a global organisation founded in the US in 1927. HSMAI Region Europe is the European arm of the organisation. HSMAI Europe aims to be a key influencer, pioneer and the go-to industry resource for professional development, commercial strategies and sustainability in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. www.hsmai.eu HOTEL TYPE : Group : Group SOLUTIONS USED : Revinate Marketing, Revinate Guest Feedback : Revinate Marketing, Revinate Guest Feedback REGION : EMEA : EMEA GOAL : Drive guest loyalty : Drive guest loyalty STRATEGY : Leverage data to surprise and delight guests : Leverage data to surprise and delight guests RESULTS: 7M in lifetime revenue Meet the customer Revinates tools and support are brilliant. So many hotels use the platform globally, and Revinate does a great job sharing best practices. Im always learning new ways to improve guest engagement. Lindsay Armstrong, CRM Manager, Daniel Thwaites The brand Daniel Thwaites is a UK hospitality company with hotels, conference venues, inns, spas, lodges, and pubs. For over 215 years, it has put customers at the heart of everything it does, recognizing that small details make a big difference to the guest experience. The company operates two distinct collectives: Thwaites Pubs and Brewery, which the company is most well known for, and luxury Hotels and Inns, composed of carefully selected properties across the United Kingdom from Penrith to Southampton, which are all dog-friendly, unique in style, and located in truly amazing locations. The challenge The senior leadership team at Daniel Thwaites recently doubled their commitment to improving their Net Promoter Score (NPS). They recognized that hospitality meant nothing if guests were not willing to recommend the brand to their families and friends. However, providing excellent customer experiences at scale required access to guest data. This posed a challenge to the marketing team and personnel across the 23 managed hotels and inns. While there was a data management system in place, staff were required to manually merge data from different systems, export lists, and manipulate data to get any use from it. This time-consuming and resource-intensive process made it difficult for staff to identify loyal guests or personalize communications effectively. The solution To tackle these challenges, Daniel Thwaites brought on Revinate Marketing and a CRM manager, Lindsay Armstrong, to oversee their email marketing campaigns. A newcomer to hotel marketing, she wasnt familiar with Revinate as a hospitality-specific solution, but when she asked other hoteliers about it, the feedback was universally positive. She quickly understood how Revinate could help execute the brands priorities, which include driving guest loyalty and promoting cross-property bookings. With Revinate Marketing at her disposal, Lindsay now executes targeted campaigns with precision and efficiency. Rather than relying on generic blanket campaigns, she carefully personalizes messages for each guest, fostering a more meaningful and impactful engagement strategy that drives loyalty. Using the solutions segmentation tools, Lindsay targets specific groups of guests. She promotes local events and spa specials to local guests who live within driving distance. Meanwhile, guests traveling from afar are offered seasonal promotions to encourage them to book a stay. For example, a spring break drip campaign for The Beverley Arms drove 169 room nights (25K in revenue) with a 54% open rate and 4% click-through rate. In addition to one-time promotions, the team leverages powerful features in Revinate Marketing to execute automated lifecycle marketing campaigns. These recurring campaigns include: Pre-arrival emails to provide details about the stay and suggest potential upgrades at just the right moment. Automated OTA winback campaigns to encourage OTA bookers to share their contact information with Daniel Thwaites so the properties can market to guests directly to capture a direct booking on their next stay. We miss you campaigns, segmented by geo location and NPS, to cross-promote properties to encourage exploration across the portfolio. Cancellation recovery campaigns to encourage guests with canceled bookings to rebook their stay at another time. Double opt-in emails to increase guest interest and comply with regulation. Given the high engagement rate of automated campaigns, which occur at just the right moment in the travelers journey, these emails are highly effective. For example, an automated double opt-in email campaign for Solent Hotel & Spa drove 29.6K in direct revenue thanks to an incredible 71% open rate and 31% click-through rate. The team is thrilled with the revenue-driving capabilities of Revinate Marketing, and they are equally excited about how it powers the brands loyalty program. With Revinates loyalty tiers and arrivals reporting, repeat guests are easily identified up to five days before arrival. Staff can quickly see how often they have stayed with the brand and are empowered to surprise and delight guests upon check-in with in-hotel perks chosen by the property based on their loyalty tier. The surprise and delight program is far more flexible compared to a traditional points-based loyalty program. It does not require the same level of management, since guests dont need to sign up for a cumbersome points-based membership. Instead, their stay history is visible to staff in Revinate Marketing. Best of all, guests arent even aware that theres a loyalty program so they are truly surprised and delighted, which drives goodwill and loyalty. Ultimately, the program aims to cultivate exceptional guest experiences, fostering positive reviews and feedback on social media platforms. This virtuous cycle then attracts new guests, driving visitation and further enhancing the establishments reputation. And it works. A March 2024 TripAdvisor review for one of the properties reads, Perfect stay Excellent service, quality and location. Had a room upgrade, which was a lovely surprise. Left a great feeling of a perfect night away. Some excellent, nice touches. Cozy, quiet and relaxing. Parking easy and breakfast, included, was first class. The results Before Revinate Marketing, there was no means to link marketing initiatives directly to revenue or gauge the influence of loyal patrons. However, with Revinate, teams can seamlessly assess the efficacy of their efforts, refine strategies for optimal performance, and acknowledge and incentivize loyalty among guests. Lindsay says, Revinate is so much more than a marketing tool. It helps us leverage data to make strategic business decisions. With Revinate, Daniel Thwaites has achieved: Lifetime revenue: 7M Email health: 63% Average open rate on email campaigns: 43% Average click-through rate on email campaigns: 4% Net Promoter Score: 5.8% increase YoY A well-built surprise and delight loyalty program About Revinate Revinate empowers hoteliers to directly connect with their guests. Our Guest Data Platform and communication solutions unlock revenue for hoteliers and put them in control of the full guest experience initial research, booking, check-in, throughout the stay, and even after check out all via the communication channels that guests prefer, whether it's voice, text, email, or web. More than 12,000 hotels globally bank on Revinate to drive direct revenue and deliver delightful guest experiences. Ask us how we do it. Visit our website to get a demo. Sanjana Chappalli VP of Brand Marketing and Communications Revinate, Inc. View source VENZA, the leading provider of data protection and regulatory compliance solutions for the hospitality industry, today announced that CEO Daniel Johnson will join a panel of experts in a cybersecurity educational session at the upcoming Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), hosted annually by Hospitality Finance and Technology Professionals (HFTP). Its no secret to most thatas a frequently targeted industry with unique points of vulnerabilityhoteliers ought to pay special attention to a range of data protection threats, said Johnson. VENZA will continue to spread that message. However, weve seen also the challenge and obstacles that well-meaning organisations have faced when building their security programs. We know having policies on the books is only part of the equation for success. In this discussion, well talk about how to bring your programs further, cementing them with a foundation built on a deep cultural commitment to lasting defense. Were thrilled to have the opportunity to share our insights with the audience at HITEC and look forward to seeing our colleagues there, he added. The event, titled A Cybersecurity Blueprint for Hoteliers: Awareness, Culture, and Governance, will provide insights for effectively deploying overarching cybersecurity initiatives, including a focus on governance, security awareness, and culture-building. The panel will address the formal and policy components of risk management, as well as the necessary changes in the habits, practices, and mindset of a hotels staff. Johnsons contributions will be supported by VENZAs extensive experience with guiding organisations to overcome the inherent challenges of developing robust security measures. HITEC, the largest hospitality and technology trade show for hoteliers, will take place this year at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC from 24 27 June. The cybersecurity panel will be available to conference attendees and held on Monday 24 June from 10:45 AM 12:00 PM EST. Lyle Worthington, former Global President of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), will moderate the discussion. VENZA will be exhibiting at HITEC in booth #838 and joined by CyberTek MSSP, a leading Managed Security Services Provider. In addition to showcasing its industry-leading security solutions, it will host fun events, including a cybersecurity-themed Jenga game. It will also preview Explore, VENZAs latest program for comprehensive social engineering and pen testing which is set to revolutionize the way hoteliers approach cybersecurity. ABOUT VENZA Drawing on decades of experience, VENZA is a data protection company that can help organizations mitigate their vulnerabilities and ensure compliance, keeping guests and their data safe from breaches. By delivering a security solution for readiness, reassurance and response, VENZA offers 360-degree visibility for proactive management of risks so users can focus on guest service and building trust in their brand. Better visibility means better defense. Know the risks, protect the enterprise with VENZA. More than 225,000 users in 100+ countries look to VENZA for tools, technology, and strategic security support. Founded in 2008 with a decade of service to the hospitality industry, VENZA is a privately held company with regional offices in Atlanta, GA, Pensacola, FL, New Albany, IN and The Hague, Netherlands. For more information visit VENZAgroup.com Laura-Jane Hatcher Technical Communicator 1 800 684 6132 ext. 108 View source Excerpt from MSN As travellers rush to book their summer getaways, Booking.com's internet safety boss says watch out for supercharged AI scams. Marnie Wilking, Chief Information Security Officer at the Netherlands-based travel giant, said generative AI had sparked an explosion in online phishing scams, and that the hospitality industry, long spared, had also become a target. Travel websites can offer a rich bounty to phishing scammers since travelers are often asked to share credit card and family details or upload ID. "Of course, we've had phishing since the dawn of email. But the uptick started shortly after ChatGPT got launched. The attackers are definitely using AI to launch attacks that mimic emails far better than anything that they've done to date," she said. With generative AI tools, the scammers can now work in multiple languages and with good grammar, Wilking said. They are also "really taking advantage of the helpful nature of hospitality." To be helpful to a supposed guest, a hotel owner is "probably going to open up the attachment" that is actually malware, she said. Click here to read complete article at MSN. Excerpt from CNN It might be an impossible task to find a traveler who loves crowds and long lines. However, theyre part of the price that most tourists have to pay to visit some of the worlds most famous attractions, especially during peak times. It used to be that someone looking for a bargain could count on traveling in the shoulder or low season - for example, Italy was once more affordable in the fall, while Hong Kong was cheaper in the boiling-hot summer months. But the pandemic threw a lot of this conventional travel wisdom out the window. Many offices and schools switched to online-only, which provided people a rare opportunity to spend long periods away from home. Some companies kept those remote working policies after the pandemic ended, providing their workers with more opportunities to explore the world while still drawing a paycheck. All that tourism, though, comes with consequences. Practically every day theres a new headline about efforts to combat overtourism, such as new hotel bans in Amsterdam, photo-blocking barricades in Japan and mass protests in the Canary Islands. According to the United Nations, global travel will return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and could go higher. That, in turn, begs a question: Is there such a thing as an off-season anymore? On the one hand, global travel is getting busier and busier, explains Olivier Ponti, a director at ForwardKeys, a Spain-based travel data and analysis company. There are still some peak seasons and those peak seasons remain really busy, but the low seasons are getting busier and busier as well. Recently, ForwardKeys crunched some numbers in three of the worlds most popular beach destinations: Thailand, Hawaii and the Maldives. Heres the math: take the total number of tourists in a year and divide that figure by 12, which works out to an average of 8% per month. Then, you can plot a graph to see which months are higher and lower than that total to determine when the peak season is. In Thailand, low season typically spans from April to September with April and May being really hot, says Ponti. During this low season the tourist volumes each month constitute more than 7% of the annual total. That means very, very little seasonality. In other words? There is no off-season anymore in a place like that. Click here to read complete article at CNN. Former Pittsfield Mayor Honored With Housing Public Service Award Linda Tyer Clairmont PITTSFIELD, Mass. Linda Clairmont, former mayor of Pittsfield, has received the Canon Brian S. Kelley Public Service Award from the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance. Clairmont accepted the award at MHSA's annual Home for Good fundraiser and award ceremony on May 16 in Boston. She joined fellow award winners Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch and Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan. The three were recognized for being "steadfast in their commitment to ending homelessness." During her eight-year tenure as mayor, Clairmont sought to find effective ways to support those experiencing chronic homelessness, often partnering with social services agencies in the Berkshires. She targeted some $8.6 million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act to address housing insecurity and homelessness, including $750,000 toward rehabilitation of a historic building on North Street into affordable units. In a November 2022 editorial board meeting with The Berkshire Eagle, Clairmont said combating homelessness means being flexible and working at it constantly. Clairmont is currently executive director of workforce development and community education at Berkshire Community College, which she joined in February. She served as a public official for nearly 20 years. Before being elected mayor of Pittsfield in 2016 (as Linda Tyer), she was city clerk from 2009-2016 and city councilor for Ward 3 from 2004-2009. She is a graduate of Bay Path Junior College in Longmeadow. The cooperative effort to raise funding for Dunham Mall has the goal of turning the bland walkway into a more inviting public area. Dunham Mall Project Passes First Fundraising Milestone PITTSFIELD, Mass. Planners reimagining Dunham Mall have pivoted to a phased approach and have surpassed their first fundraising goal. In a couple of months, the effort has raised $8,400 over the first milestone of $7,500 that will bring basic enhancements to the corridor. Some cafe lights have already been installed. "We're going to move away from the concepts that you've seen before and rather have the amount that we can fund raise help determine what we can accomplish in the space," Nicholas Russo of the Pittsfield Community Design Center reported in a social media announcement last month. "When we reach the goal of $7,500, we can start with some great basic enhancements like new cafe lighting, trash receptacles, wayfinding, and some tree planters as well and we're already talking with the city of Pittsfield Department Public Services to start some basic improvements of things that are already here." Feedback has changed the project from stylized design concepts to the new approach. "Rather than seeing concepts, you'll see an idea board about things that we hope to accomplish with the amount of fundraising that we receive," Russo said about the fundraiser's website. "It'll help us visualize about what we can do in the space based on the things that you've told us and the more we fundraise, the more we can accomplish." The fundraising effort concludes July 5. The project is a collaboration between the city, the Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association, MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative, Downtown Pittsfield Inc., and the grassroots Pittsfield Community Design Center. ADAMS, Mass. Dr. Joe Huston will begin as Principal of Berkshire Arts and Technology (BArT) on July 8, 2024. According to a press release, Huston is an experienced organizational leader, educator, and professional facilitator. He began his career as a math teacher in the Orange County Public Schools in Florida. He then served as an Instructional Leader, Instructor, Director of Academic Success, and as Dean at Seminole State College where he worked for over 17 years. Most recently, Huston has served as a member of the Mathematics Faculty at Seminole County Public Schools and part-time faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education at the University of Central Florida. "I am thrilled to be joining BART as its new Principal. During my visit, I was incredibly impressed by the creativity and dedication of the faculty, who go above and beyond to ensure their students' success," Huston said. "The engaging classroom environments, unique programming, and student work displayed throughout the school speak volumes about the commitment to excellence. The energy and enthusiasm of the students were invigorating, and the supportive atmosphere is a testament to the strong community spirit at BArT." Joe Huston further explained his enthusiasm for the Principal position. "The school's focus on college preparation through rigorous academics and immersive experiences is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with the faculty to further develop engaging academic and co-curricular programs that prepare our students to be successful now and in the future," he said. "BArT has tremendous potential to serve as a model for secondary education, and I am eager to contribute to its continued growth and success." Huston champions diversity and equity in his application. "As an instructor and leader within both the K12 and collegiate environments, I have always strived to ensure that equity in access, opportunity, and quality are primary focal points for myself and for my teams," he said. The Search Committee was impressed with Huston's research and knowledge of BArT, his background in data-driven instruction, and his experience bringing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to schools. Teachers, students, and parents who offered feedback after his interview commented on his knowledge of BArT, his emphasis on collaboration, his sincerity, and his enthusiasm for BArT and the Berkshires, stated a press release. The Search Committee worked with Interim Executive Director Jonathan Igoe over five months. The Committee included eight members of the BArT Faculty and Staff. They created a process that was equitable and thorough, evaluating candidates in a variety of settings including interviews with teachers and students and a community presentation. Throughout the year, Interim Principal Bouchard has shown dedication to students and support for the adults in this building, stated a press release. Lanesborough Search for Lewis Lent Evidence Comes Up Dry LANESBOROUGH, Mass. Massachusetts and New York law enforcement officers searched for evidence linked to serial killer Lewis Lent Jr. at a local property on Tuesday. Nothing was found. According to the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office, the town property has previously been searched in connection with the same case. "No additional evidence was recovered during yesterday's search," DA spokesperson Julia Sabourin said. Lent, 74, is serving a life sentence for the 1990 murder of 12-year-old Jimmy Bernardo of Pittsfield and the later killing of Sara Ann Wood in Herkimer, N.Y. Over a decade ago, he confessed to the 1992 murder of James Lusher. On Tuesday, June 18th a joint law enforcement effort conducted a search of a property in Lanesborough, Massachusetts in connection to unsolved crimes allegedly committed by Lewis Lent in the 1990s. The property has previously been searched before in connection to the same case, Sabourin wrote in a statement. Law enforcement bodies are in regular communication regarding the unsolved crimes to have allegedly been committed by Lewis Lent. Today's search is a part of an ongoing effort to solve cases involving missing children that may have been among Lent's victims. Law enforcement in both Massachusetts and New York are dedicated to bringing justice for the children who remain missing and will continue to investigate all leads until their cases have been solved." News outlets have reported that the search was focused on a Summer Street property where police questioned Lent in 1994 after an attempted kidnapping of 12-year-old Rebecca Savarese. "This early 1800s Summer Street house was searched repeatedly in 1994 looking for evidence in the 1993 disappearance of Sara Anne Wood," local historian Joe Durwin wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. "Lent spent a great deal of time at the house in the early 90s and assisted with a basement renovation around that time. A vehicle owned by the home's owner was used in the attempted 1994 Pittsfield abduction that led to Lent's capture." He reported that more than a dozen personnel were on the premises and sections of concrete walkway and basement had been cut up. The law enforcement response included the New York and Massachusetts State Police units; the Westfield and Lanesborough Police Departments; the New York State Department of Transportation; the Lanesborough Fire Department; the Berkshire and the Herkimer (N.Y.) District Attorneys' Offices. In 2013, Lent confessed to the 1992 murder of Lusher. The Westfield teen was last seen riding his bicycle to his grandmother's home in Blandford. Radio host Bill Sturgeon has been named grand marshal of this year's hosted Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade. Sturgeon Named Grand Marshal For Pittsfield Parade PITTSFIELD, Mass. William P. "Bill" Sturgeon is the latest honoree chosen by the Pittsfield Parade Committee to be the grand marshal of the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade. He joins a list of local people to be so honored including retired city police and fire chiefs Michael Wynn and Robert Czerwinski, respectively, as well as Julianne Boyd, the artistic director for Barrington Stage Company. "I'm blown away," Sturgeon said when asked about his reaction to his selection. There are so many deserving people," he said, adding, "It's such an honor. It's the one non-family event I missed the most when I was in the Army." Sturgeon served a tour with the 101st Airborne Airmobile in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal before his 1971 discharge. His career in criminal justice has spanned more than 45 years locally and with the U.S. Department of Justice. Sturgeon also had assignments with foreign governments including South Africa, the United Kingdon, Haiti, the Netherlands, and the Philippines. Sturgeon co-authored two books with the late Barry Glick, Ph.D., "No Time to Play" and "Recess is Over." In 2023 he co-authored with Francesca Spina, Ph.D., "Think Like a Terrorist to Combat Terrorism" and "Radicalization in Prison." Sturgeon has a bachelor of science and master of arts degrees in criminal justice administration and has worked for the Pittsfield and Lanesborough Police Departments. Sturgeon is married to the former Rose Ann Marcinczyk. They have been married 53 years and have one son, Patrick, and their daughter-in-law, Tina. They have a 19-month-old grandson, William, and another grandchild on the way. The 77-year-old stays active in the community hosting WTBR's "Morning Drive," serving on Pittsfield Community Television's board of directors and WTBR's Community Advisory Board. Previously, Sturgeon served on the Advisory Board for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. He also served on the board of the Berkshire County Historical Society and hosted a radio show at United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts' radio station WRRS. He is active on issues involving veterans, the elderly and the handicapped. Earlier this year Sturgeon was named Irish Person of the Year 2024 by the Irish American Club of Berkshire County. Prior to the Parade Committee's unanimous vote for Sturgeon as grand marshal co-coordinator for this year's parade, Rebecca Brien said, "He really checks all the boxes for this." Asked how he wants to prepare for his day of march, Sturgeon said he wanted to visit the Shrine of the Blessed Mother in New Lebanon, N.Y., where he will light a candle to honor all Vietnam veterans, living and deceased. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy JK Rowling ridiculed Just Stop Oil protesters after they covered the ancient ruins of Stonehenge with orange cornflour spray. The climate activists vandalised the stones on Wednesday (19 June), and demanded that the next government sign a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. Video footage of the incident shows two people in Just Stop Oil t-shirts, named by the group as Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, running up to the ancient structure with what appears to be repurposed fire extinguishers filled with orange paint. The Harry Potter author wrote on X: Public opinions definitely moving, mostly towards the conclusion that youre funded by Big Oil. Lets not target anyone or anything remotely responsible for climate change. Lets attack a unique ancient monument to which everyones hugely attached, incidentally endangering rare lichen that only grows there, she added in a reply on her post. This incident of vandalism comes just ahead of the summer solstice on Thursday, which is the longest day of the year and therefore a spiritually significant day and site for pagans and druids. The stones are considered an epicentre of special energy, and thousands are expected to visit the site to celebrate the solstice. Around 8,000 people gathered at Stonehenge on the solstice in 2023, and similar numbers are expected this year. Lynch, a student from Oxford, said: Stonehenge at solstice is all about celebrating the natural world but look at the state its in! We all have a right to live a life free from suffering, but continued burning of oil, coal and gas is leading to death and suffering on an unparalleled scale. Its time for us to think about what our civilisation will leave behind what is our legacy? Standing inert for generations works well for stones not climate policy. open image in gallery Screen grab taken from handout video of Just Stop Oil protesters spraying an orange substance on Stonehenge ( PA Media ) Just Stop Oil has said in a statement that the substance used to douse the stones was washable orange cornflour. A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: Failure to commit to defending our communities will mean Just Stop Oil supporters, along with citizens from Austria, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland, will join in resistance this summer, if their own governments do not take meaningful action. Stone circles can be found in every part of Europe, showing how weve always cooperated across vast distances were building on that legacy. Either we end the fossil fuel era, or the fossil fuel era will end us, Naidu said in quotes provided by Just Stop Oil. The orange cornflour we used to create an eye-catching spectacle will soon wash away with the rain, but the urgent need for effective government action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the climate and ecological crisis will not. Sign the treaty! Prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer, as well as Oasis star Liam Gallagher condemned the protest. Sunak said that the campaign group should be ashamed of their activists while Starmer added, The damage done to Stonehenge is outrageous. Just Stop Oil are pathetic. Those responsible must face the full force of the law. Gallagher posted on social media, warning: Dont f*** with the stones man, they have mystical powers. Hope they all wake up tmoz and are all orange toads. Both activists have been arrested by the Wiltshire police on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. Stonehenge continues to remain open to the public. English Heritage said experts were assessing the extent of the damage to the stones, which they describe as perhaps the worlds most famous prehistoric monument. A spokesperson said: Orange powdered paint has been thrown at a number of the stones at Stonehenge. Obviously this is extremely upsetting, and our curators are investigating the extent of the damage. Stonehenge remains open to the public. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The man accused of attempting to murder author Salman Rushdie is expected to reject the offer of a plea deal in court, his lawyers said on Tuesday. According to reports, the deal would see Hadi Matar, of New Jersey, receive a maximum state prison sentence of 20 years for attempted murder as opposed to 25 years if convicted at trial. He would have to admit to a different federal charge as part of the deal, attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organisation, which could see him face an additional sentence of 20 years. The deal was agreed upon by state and federal prosecutors and later approved by Rushdie himself. Matar, who had the deal outlined to him at Chautauqua County Court, is said to have rejected this offer, reportedly telling his lawyer: What have I got to lose? Hadi Matar, then 24, is accused of attempting to kill the author, who had long-standing threats against his life, in August 2022 ahead of a lecture on free speech at the Chautauqua Institute, New York. The attack, which saw Rushdie stabbed several times, left him blind in one eye and unable to use one of his hands. open image in gallery The now 26-year-old is accused of attempting to murder Salman Rushdie. ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Rushdie was the subject fatwa - assassination order - that was placed upon his head by the leader of Iran in 1989 and later removed over allegedly blasphemous content in his novel The Satanic Verses. It was deemed offensive by some Muslims for its allegedly blasphemous depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. Matar, who has been held without bail since the incident, denies all charges against him. However, he is reported to have expressed support for the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The acclaimed author and proponent of free speech later recounted the attack in the memoir Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, which was published in April of this year. Rushdie wrote: It felt like something coming out of the distant past and trying to drag me back in time, if you like, back into that distant past, in order to kill me. When somebody is attacking you with a knife, 27 seconds is a really long time. open image in gallery Salman Rushdie attends a presentation of his book Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder at Deutsches Theater on May 16, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. ( Adam Berry/Getty Images ) The Booker Prize-winning author added: He had a knife; I had a microphone. I was 75; he was 24. I couldnt have run away from him and I certainly couldnt have fought him, even if he hadnt had a knife. Ive more or less blacked out the pain. It was as close as you could come to dying without actually dying. I got a good look at it. Jason Schmidt, the countys district attorney, said: [Matar] came into Chautauqua county and then committed this crime, which is not just a crime against a person, but its also a crime against a concept of freedom of speech. Matar will next appear in court on 2 July, when he is expected to reject the plea deal. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Legendary actor Donald Sutherland who starred in a diverse range of celebrated films including MASH, Dont Look Now and The Hunger Games has died at the age of 88 following a long illness. His son, 24 star Kiefer Sutherland, announced the news with a heartfelt message posted on X Thursday: With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived. Sutherland, whose film career spanned seven decades, was born in New Brunswick, Canada, on July 17, 1935. After beginning a joint degree in engineering and drama at Victoria University, Sutherland left Canada for Britain in 1957, studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. open image in gallery Donald Sutherland died in Miami following a long illness, his agents confirmed ( Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images ) His breakout came in 1967 when he joined the ensemble cast of Robert Aldrichs war film, The Dirty Dozen. Sutherland told The Guardian in 2005 that he originally had one line in the film until Clint Walker refused to play a scene requiring him to impersonate a general. According to Sutherland, Aldrich, who didnt know his name, turned to him and said, You! With the big ears! You do it! After leaving London for Hollywood, Sutherland landed one of his most memorable roles as Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altmans MASH, the 1970 comedy about medics in the Korean War. The part won him a nomination at that years Golden Globe Awards and launched his career as a leading man. He starred opposite Jane Fonda in Klute (1971), Alan J Pakulas acclaimed film about a call girl who helps a detective track down a missing person. In her Oscar acceptance speech, Fonda credited Sutherland with her performance because of all the intense feelings I was experiencing with him. The two had begun an affair during filming, which lasted two years while Fonda was married to French film director Roger Vadim. In the 1980s, Sutherland earned praise for playing the father of a suicidal teenager in the Oscar-winning Ordinary People. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Donald Sutherland (left) with his son, 24 star Kiefer ( Getty ) He became known to younger audiences for his portrayal of President Snow, the main antagonist of The Hunger Games film franchise, which ran from 2012 to 2015. Most recently, he appeared as Judge Parker in Paramounts Western series, Lawmen: Bass Reeves. He is often cited as one of the best actors never to have received an Academy Award nomination; however, he was recognised with an Academy Honorary Award in 2017. Sutherland was made an Officer of the Order of Canada on December 18, 1978, and promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada in 2019. During the Vietnam War, he, Fonda, Peter Boyle and Howard Hesseman put together a traveling revue called FTA (Free the Army, popularly known as F*@k the Army). Documents declassified in 2017 show that Sutherland was on the National Security Agency watchlist between 1971 and 1973 at the request of the Central Intelligence Agency because of his anti-war activities. He was married three times, first to Lois May Hardwick from 1959 to 1966, then Shirley Douglas from 1966 to 1970 (with whom he shared twins Kiefer and Rachel) and finally to French Canadian actress Francine Racette. Sutherland is survived by Racette; sons Roeg, Rossif, Angus, and Kiefer; daughter Rachel; and four grandchildren. A private celebration of life will be held by the family. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kim Kardashian has expressed concerns that her anti-wrinkle treatments could prevent her from becoming a serious actor. The Skims co-founder, 43, has had botox in her face, which limits her ability to make certain facial expressions as the injections block nerve signals to the muscles in the targeted areas. Kardashian, who previously shocked audiences with a convincing performance in season 12 of American Horror Story, said she wants to star in one film per year for the next decade, but acknowledged that she needs more emotion in her face. Speaking on the most recent episode of The Kardashians, the reality star revealed she had sold a comedy film, The Fifth Wheel, to Netflix after pitching the idea to various studios alongside writers Paula Pell and Janine Brito. Kardashian, who will produce and take on the leading role in the forthcoming comedy, described the movie as a mixture of The Hangover, Bridesmaids, and First Wives Club. Now the pressures on because Im like, Oh s***, this is happening, Im tripping the f*** out low key because I have to really do this and I have to deliver, she said. Kardashian revealed that she was worried about how a film would fit into her already busy schedule, saying shed have to give up sleeping. She also made clear that she is unwilling to put on weight or gain any wrinkles to make it in Hollywood. open image in gallery Kim Kardashian in American Horror Story: Delicate ( FX Networks ) Ive got about 10 years where I still look good, she said. So, thats all Ive got in me and then Ill take some time off... thats my 10 year plan. She continued: I feel like you need less botox for more emotion, and I dont have it. Im not going to be gaining 500lbs for a role. Thats not where I need to be. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free How am I gonna cry? How am I gonna be scared out of my mind? In 2023, Kardashian began acting lessons in order to prepare for her role in Ryan Murphys American Horror Story, in which she played the ruthless Hollywood agent to Emma Roberts character. Numerous critics praised Kardashians performance in the long-running anthology show, with USA Today claiming the few times the premiere episode has a pulse come when Kardashian is on screen. Meanwhile, Deadline called the star perfect for the part, but warned viewers to calm down because its not like Kim is playing Portia in Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Josh Gad has confirmed that hes working with Mel Brooks on a sequel to the comedy greats 1987 sci-fi spoof Spaceballs, calling the project a dream come true. The original film, which starred Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis, was primarily a send-up of the Star Wars franchise but also incorporated references to other sci-fi classics like Star Trek, Alien, and Planet of the Apes. After news broke of Gads involvement, the Frozen star took to Instagram to confirm the project. My phone has never exploded as hard as it did today, he wrote. We are very excited! The sequel is being developed by Amazon MGM, and no release date has yet been set. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum is set to helm the film, from a screenplay by Gad, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez. Kevin Salter will executive produce Gad added: Early days still, but working with the legendary Mel freaking Brooks to make something worthy of this franchise and his legacy has been a dream come true. [Benji Samit], [Dan Hernandez], [Josh Greenbaum], [Kevin Salter] and I worship at the altar of all things Brooks and we are doing everything in our power alongside Mel to make sure you get what youve waited 37 long years for. EVERYTHING. open image in gallery Josh Gad and Mel Brooks ( Getty ) Brooks, the comedy giant best known for classic films including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and The Producers, is not averse to revisiting his old material. Last year he produced and starred in the Hulu series History of the World, Part II, a follow-up to his 1981 film History of the World, Part I. Last March, Brooks revealed that he had seriously considered giving up on the film industry before Blazing Saddles became a hit. Up until Blazing Saddles, I was hanging onto show business with the skin of my teeth, not making any money, he said. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free The first movie I made was The Producers. Good movie, I won the Academy Award for the screenplay, but it just about broke even. Brooks next film came in 1970 and was an adaptation of the Russian novel The Twelve Chairs. Despite Brooks believing it was one of my best movies, he said that alas, it didnt make a penny. As a result, Brooks said that he was considering returning to television where he was making money. And then, Blazing Saddles, that was an explosion. Busted open the doors and windows and gave me enough money to buy a house and finally pay for dinner I was OK. Blazing Saddles did it. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tom Guiry, the former child star best known for his appearance in the 1993 family comedy The Sandlot, was arrested earlier this month in South Carolina after bashing the windshield of a Jeep with a 35-pound dumbbell and going to a mans door with a knife, according to a police report. Guiry, 42, made his movie debut at 11 years of age playing Scotty Smalls in The Sandlot and has continued to work in film ever since, appearing in Lassie, Black Hawk Down, Mystic River and The Revenant among many other credits. He was arrested earlier this month on June 2 after police in Horry County, South Carolina, were called to investigate a trespassing/disturbance call. When officers arrived, the police report says that Guiry was standing in the middle of the road asking about his wifes safety. Security camera footage appears to show Guiry breaking a neighbors windshield with a 35-pound dumbbell before approaching his door with a knife and ringing the doorbell, the report said. Its not clear what started the dispute. Guiry admitted to breaking the window, telling his neighbor: That sucks, man, Ill pay you back, Im sorry, Im gonna get you back. He later added: I did it. Im sorry man. Im coming back to get you, [Im] sorry brother. Ill pay you back. Guiry was arrested on charges of assault and malicious injury to personal property. Tom Guiry with the cast of Tigerland in 2000: (left to right) Chris Huvane, Matt Davis, Shea Whigham, Colin Farrell, Guiry and Clifton Collins, Jr. ( Gabe Palacio/Getty Images ) Its not the first time Guiry has found himself in legal trouble, according to CNN. In 2013 the actor allegedly head-butted a police officer after he was told he was too drunk on a flight at Houstons Bush Intercontinental Airport. Guiry, who was born in New Jersey on October 12, 1981, has been married to his wife Janelle since 2009. They have three children. As well as his varied film career he has also made regular television appearances on shows including Law & Order, CSI: Miami and Elementary. He played Jimmy Donnelly on the NBC drama The Black Donnellys, a 2007 Irish mob drama series created by Crash screenwriter Paul Haggis. In 2005, Guiry reprised his Sandlot role for a flashback scene in the direct-to-DVD sequel The Sandlot 2. He also starred as himself in the 2022 independent comedy Killin Smallz, about a struggling mob family who hatch a scheme to kidnap a celebrity and then hold them for ransom. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kendrick Lamar added a whole new line to his Drake diss track Euphoria, as he performed during his Pop Out concert in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (19 June). The rappers feud with the Canadian star has escalated in recent months, with the two hip-hop titans trading barbs over each others physical appearance, talent, allegations of paedophilia and claims of secret children in a series of diss tracks. Opening the set on Euphoria, Lamar threw in the new line: Give me Tupacs ring back and I might give you a little respect. It references the ring previously owned by late rapper Tupac Shakur, purchased at an auction by an undisclosed buyer who last year was revealed to be Drake. Shakur wore the custom, self-designed crown ring set with rubies and diamonds on his left ring finger while making what would be his final appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, just over a week before he was killed during a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, aged 25. The ring had Pac & Dada 1996 engraved on the band, referencing his engagement to actor Kidada Jones. Kendrick and Drake have been trading barbs for months ( Getty Images ) Drake confirmed he was the mystery buyer when he posted a photo of the ring to an Instagram Story, with auction house Sothebys also confirming he was behind the 1m sale. In April, Lamar blasted Drake for using an AI-generated version of Tupac on a since-deleted diss track, asking: Am I battlin ghost or AI? The new lyric from Lamar is just the latest instalment in their beef, from which he was widely agreed to have emerged the winner. Another diss track, Not Like Us, is still riding high in the charts after debuting at No 1 in May. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Lamar welcomed guest stars including Dr Dre, Tyler, the Creator, Schoolboy Q and Jay Rock for the show, which was live streamed by Amazon Music and its hip-hop and R&B brand Rotation. The shows title of The Pop Out: Ken and Friends took its name from a line on Not Like Us where he raps: Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n****s/ Certified boogeyman, Im the one that up the score with em. Kendrick Lamar performs in Los Angeles ( Amazon Music ) While the feud appeared to cool off after a series of intruders tried to break into Drakes home, the One Dance artist appeared to reference the battle during his guest verse on Sexyy Reds U My Everything last month. On the track, he raps over Metro Boomins BBL Drizzy beat, which the producer released online and told followers to make their own version of the song. Metro previously featured on Kendricks early diss Like That in March. The BBL Drizzy title alludes to rumours that Drake underwent a Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. Me and the surgeon got history / I changed a lot of girls lives for real, they need a new body, they hittin me, Drake raps on Sexyy Reds song, as the beat switches to Metros BBL Drizzy. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jeremy Clarkson poked fun at Danish fans after their 1-1 draw with England at Euro 2024 on Thursday (June 20). Harry Kane gave England the lead at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt before Gareth Southgates side dropped off with Denmark hitting back to secure a point. Immediately after the full-time whistle blew, Clarkson shared on Twitter/X: Yes. But we make better bacon. Danish Bacon was heavily promoted on British television in the 1990s with slogans like: Nobody knows bacon like we knows bacon. Danish Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel even appeared in one 1998 advert for the brand in a butchers outfit while playing the accordion. Denmark levelled in the 34th minute on Thursday when Morten Hjulmand scored from long range after Kane lost possession. England remain unbeaten and top of Group C on four points and on the brink of progress to the last 16 after edging past Serbia 1-0 in its first match. Still, England can finish in any position from first to third in the group standings after playing unbeaten Slovenia next Tuesday. open image in gallery Yes. But we make better bacon, Jeremy Clarkson joked after England drew against Denmark ( Clive Rose/Getty Images ) Earlier this week, Clarkson addressed the viral video of a police car mowing down a baby cow who had escaped a nearby breeding farm in Surrey. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Clarkson, whose much-loved Prime Video series Clarksons Farm returned to screens for a third season in May, wrote on X: I will vote for any party which stops the police from running over cows. The former Top Gear presenter has spoken out several times about animal welfare since his farm-based series premiered in 2021. The show follows Clarkson going about life on his Diddly Squat farm in Oxfordshire. He recently spoke out about how heartbroken he was after the devastating death of his piglets. I thought it would be fun to have them, and then they just died in alarming numbers, he said. Were a bit stronger at dealing with it now but it was a very heart-breaking time. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Ian McKellen will miss the remainder of his dates in London play Player Kings to recover from a fall. Earlier this week, the 85-year-old Lord of the Rings star was hospitalised after he slipped and fell off the stage during a fight scene at the Noel Coward Theatre. He cried out in pain as staff rushed to help. The show was promptly cancelled and the audience was asked to leave but the veteran performer is expected to appear in Wednesdays matinee after the Tuesday performance was called off. Sir Ian McKellen has said he is having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home after three nights in hospital following the fall from the stage. I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support, the actor said via his publicist, Clair Dobbs, on X/Twitter on Tuesday (18 June). Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. Player Kings, which was adapted by Robert Icke, has been at the Noel Coward since April. Richard Coyle and Ted Lassos Toheeb Jimoh also star. open image in gallery Sir Ian McKellen plays John Falstaff in Robert Ickes adaptation of Shakespeares Henry IV ( Getty Images ) In a statement to The Independent, a representative for the production said: Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ians fall during this evenings performance of Player Kings. Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free The BBC had earlier reported that one member of the audience described McKellens fall as very shocking. open image in gallery The actor will miss the remainder of his dates in Player Kings to recover from a fall ( PA Wire ) Paul Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market who was in the audience, said: Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene. He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience. The house lights came up very quickly as the stage management and front of house team dealt with the incident. We were evacuated immediately so that Sir Ian could be treated in privacy. Player Kings is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July and will also be staged in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Michael Imperioli has posted a heartfelt tribute to his Sopranos co-star James Gandolfini to mark the eleventh anniversary of the death of the acclaimed Tony Soprano star. Gandolfini died from a heart attack in Rome, Italy on June 19, 2013. He was 51. In a message addressed to his late co-star, Imperioli wrote on Instagram: Dear Jim, Thinking of you today as now youve been gone 11 years. And your absence feels as strange, sudden and not real as it did on that terrible day 11 years ago. Today I was thinking about when I came backstage after seeing you on Broadway in God of Carnage. This was 2 years after The Sopranos ended. You were so happy doing a play again after so many years away from the stage. You told me I feel like a real actor again. Now I know what you meant by that as the showIm doing approaches its 130th performance! Wish you could see itAs the years go by I grow more proud of the work we did together. And the memories of all the fun we had and all the laughs grow more and more precious. Wish we could make another run. Perhaps we will. Thank you again dear friend. Miss you. Love Michael. open image in gallery Michael Imperioli with James Gandolfini in 2010 ( Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Exploring the Arts ) Earlier this year, Imperioli addressed a protesting audience member while still in character during a Broadway performance. The Sopranos and The White Lotus actor is currently starring in the New York City revival of Ibsens An Enemy of the People, alongside Succession actor Jeremy Strong. A performance in March was briefly disrupted when a group of climate protesters began to chant phrases such as No Broadway on a dead planet and No theatre on a dead planet. According to videos shared on social media, the protest took place while characters were in a town hall scene. As the play mimics a meeting setting, with house lights kept on throughout the show, the demonstrators outburst was fitting with the various objections from the characters. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free In response to the chanting, several of the casts actors, including Imperioli and David Patrick Kelly, shouted back and some began physically pushing the disrupters up the stairs toward an exit. One of the protesters was heard to say: I object to the silencing of scientists. I am very, very sorry to interrupt your night and this amazing performance. I am a theatre artist, I work in the theatre professionally and I am throwing my career However, his speech was cut when Imperioli interjected, while still in character as a 19th-century town mayor: You need to leave. Youre interrupting. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vladimir Putins military pact with Kim Jong-un represents a pariah partnership between two countries that are emerging as key components of an autocratic, anti-Western axis of impunity, experts say. During his meeting with the North Korean leader on Wednesday, Putin signed a comprehensive partnership agreement, marking a significant breakthrough and upgrade in a relationship that had been gathering dust until Russia launched the Ukraine war. Isolated on the international stage with Western sanctions taking a toll on the Russian economy, Putin has been casting around for ways to alleviate the pressure and feed his war machine. Western intelligence agencies say Moscow has begun importing large volumes of North Korean arms in exchange for basic food supplies and technological knowhow. Rachel Lee, a senior fellow at the Stimson Centers Korea programme, told The Independent that the treaty has the potential to have major military implications in the region. open image in gallery Putin, left, speaks as Kim listens to him during a state reception after their talks in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Wednesday ( AP ) The agreement includes a clause where the two countries have agreed to provide "mutual assistance in the event of aggression" against either country, said Putin. But the Russian leader, who has continued to call his full-scale war against Ukraine a military operation since 2022, did not spell out what would constitute aggression or what assistance would be required under the treaty. North Korean state media published the text of the deal on Thursday but it provides only a little more clarity. Article 4 of the deal states that if either of the countries is invaded and pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy all means at its disposal without delay to provide military and other assistance. Dr Colin Alexander, a political communications expert at Nottingham Trent University, told The Independent that the wording of the deal was kept deliberately vague. This is to encourage caution by those who may wish to attack Russia or North Korea either in direct military confrontation or in underhand moves that Moscow and Pyongyang have the liberty of interpreting as aggression, Alexander said, adding that this could be anything from a cyberattack to reconnaissance surveillance or sabotage. open image in gallery Putin and Kim Jong-un talk to each other as they walk after a signing ceremony in Pyongyang, North Korea ( AP ) Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said the deal was a cynical effort to legitimise cooperation between Russia and North Korea in evading sanctions. But while their collaboration is often presented as a counterweight to the West, North Korea and Russias ability to uphold such a deal is neither credible nor durable like the US alliances with Japan, South Korea and Nato countries, Easley says, given Pyongyang and Moscow lack the [necessary] shared institutions, rule of law, and functional interdependence to be considered genuine allies. The deal has angered South Korea, which has said it will review its decision not to supply arms to Ukraine in response. It describes the agreement as a direct threat to its security. Bolstered by the backing it has received from Russia since Putin and Kims last summit in September in Vladivostok, the Kim regime has intensified military activities on its border with South Korea and a 2019 peace agreement has been suspended by both sides. open image in gallery All smiles as the leaders fledgling friendship is on full display at a rally in Pyongyang ( Getty ) Pyongyang has since begun frenzied development at the Military Demarcation Line, already a heavily armed border that separates the two Koreas. On the eve of Putins visit, multiple North Korean soldiers were killed in land mine blasts while laying explosives. That was just days after the South Korean military fired warning shots after some North Korean soldiers crossed the MDL and entered the demilitarised zone, a 2.5-mile-wide buffer between the two countries. Easley said that while attention was focused on Putins pariah partnerships, the Kim regime is recklessly endangering soldiers with rushed construction work at the inter-Korean border. open image in gallery Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un drive an Aurus car in Pyongyang ( KCNA/ AP ) Alexander said a stronger or emboldened North Korea could potentially increase the threat level in the Korean peninsula, though ultimately this deal does not change the fundamental dynamics in the region Beijing remains the most important ally for both Russia and North Korea. The main powerbroker in the region remains China and they continue to desire a buffer state between themselves and the 30,000 US troops and armaments in South Korea, he said. The treaty has drawn comparisons to Nato, but Alexander said it does not appear to be one of the same strength of what Nato has, which says an attack on one member is an attack on all members. The wording of Article 4 of the new treaty restores a near-identical clause from a USSR-North Korea treaty signed in 1961, which was replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances. Lee said we should be level-headed about the practical implications of this change, however, given that earlier security clause was never actually invoked. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy South Korea has strongly criticised North Korea and Russias new military pact, and said it will reconsider supplying Ukraine with weapons in response. The comments from South Koreas presidential office came a day after North Korea and Russia reached a mutual agreement on defence assistance, including in the event of war, on Wednesday. The deal was signed after Vladimir Putin met his comrade Kim Jong-un on a visit to Pyongyang. North Koreas state media published the text of the deal on Thursday, which says each country would provide the other with immediate military assistance if it were to be invaded. Condemning the deal, South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeols office said the agreement was a threat to Seouls security and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. It will have serious negative consequences for South Koreas relations with Russia, the statement added. Mr Yoons national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, said South Korea would now reconsider the issue of supporting Ukraine in fighting off Russian invasion. Seoul has so far provided Ukraine with humanitarian aid but refused to send arms, citing a long-standing policy of not doing so for countries actively engaged in conflict. Mr Yoons office slammed the agreement between Mr Putin and Mr Kim and said: "Its absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion the Korean War and the war in Ukraine are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a preemptive attack by the international community that will never happen. "In particular, Russias decision to support North Korea and cause harm to our security, despite its status as a permanent member of the Security Council that has endorsed the sanctions resolution against North Korea, will inevitably have a negative impact on (South Korea-Russia) relations," the statement said. Experts are assessing the text of the North Korea-Russia deal to establish exactly what both sides have committed to. Article 4 of the agreement says: In case any one of the two sides is put in a state of war by an armed invasion from an individual state or several states, the other side shall provide military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and the laws of the DPRK and the Russian Federation. This has been carefully worded so as not to imply automatic military intervention, said Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. But the big picture here is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation, he said. For all intents and purposes, this is a pact of military alliance, said Artyom Lukin, of Russias Far Eastern Federal University. This will be Moscows first defence alliance outside the post-Soviet space. The agreement is a big win for Russia, which gets a legal framework for North Koreas support in the Ukraine war, said Cho Han-bum, of the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul. But its wording leaves room for Moscow to avoid helping North Korea in border clashes or other future skirmishes if it so chooses, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam on his second stop during his East Asia tour as the isolated European leader sought alliances under heavy sanctions for his war on Ukraine. Mr Putin is rekindling historic partnership with Vietnam with ties going back to the Soviet Union in a desperate need to strengthen diplomatic support in Asia. He landed at the Hanoi airport on Wednesday night to be welcomed by Vietnamese deputy prime minister Tran Hong Ha and shook hands with scores of Vietnamese officials who were present to greet the Russian leader. Before he flew out Mr Putin had hailed Vietnam for its balanced position on its war in Ukraine. Fresh from a rare meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, Mr Putin is seeking to strengthen ties with long-time partner Vietnam. The Russian leader signed an agreement with North Korea that pledges mutual aid in the event of war. The strategic pact, which could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War, comes as both face escalating standoffs with the West. In Hanoi, the Russian leader is set to meet Vietnams top politician, Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the new president To Lam, and other officials. open image in gallery Vietnamese President To Lam (C-L) and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin (C-R) review the guard of honor at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam ( EPA ) Mr Putins trip to Vietnam has drawn sharp criticism from the US which has warned partners and allies against giving platform to the Russian leader, who is believed to be ramping up efforts to legitimise its war in Ukraine. The US embassy in Hanoi said: No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities. According to Russian officials, Mr Putins visit will focus on the topic of economy, education and energy. The bilateral trade between the two countries remained at $3.5bn in 2022 while China and the US have emerged as major trade partners. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin praises Vietnam for balanced position on Ukraine war ( AFP via Getty Images ) In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnams Communist Party, Mr Putin vowed to deepen the ties between Moscow and Hanoi. He hailed Vietnam as a strong supporter of a fair world order based on international law, on the principles of equality of all states and non-interference in their domestic affairs. He also thanked Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis in the article released by the Kremlin. While North and Russia the two pariah countries facing international isolation were more vociferous in their support for each other Hanoi is walking a tightrope walk as it is trying to build delicate alliances with the US and the EU. Vietnam has remained neutral on Russias invasion of Ukraine. The country has also seen upgraded diplomatic ties with the US with president Joe Bidens visit to Hanoi to deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A high-level US Congressional delegation met the Dalai Lama in Indias hillside town of Dharamshala on Wednesday, angering China which calls the Tibetan leader a dangerous separatist. Democratic former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican representative Michael McCaul were among the top leaders from Washington who reached the Dalai Lamas scenic Indian exiled residence on Tuesday. They took part in a high-level meeting and called for the freedom of Tibet from China. China asserts that Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries although it only took firm control of the region after the Communist Party came to power in 1949. The delegation of seven US lawmakers, led by Mr McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, addressed hundreds who had gathered outside the monastery located outside the 88-year-old spiritual leaders residence. They also visited the offices of the Tibetan government in exile seeking autonomy for Tibet within China. Mr McCaul, the Republican representative, said the delegation had overcome intimidation from China to meet with the Dalai Lama, the leader in exile in India since the 1960s, as he underlined the American support for Tibets right to self-determination. Just this week our delegation received a letter from the Chinese Communist Party, warning us not to come here ... but we did not let the CCP intimidate us for we are here today, he said as people cheered. The delegation members said they wanted to encourage dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese officials in the hopes of finding a peaceful resolution between Tibet and Beijing. Among the list, the main focus of their visit was to underscore the Resolve Tibet Act, passed by the US Congress last week, and is now likely with the White House awaiting Joe Bidens signature to turn it into a law. Ms Pelosi said the bill is a message to the Chinese government that we have clarity in our thinking and our understanding of this issue of the freedom of Tibet, eliciting applause. In an immediate backlash, the visit was condemned by Chinese officials on Tuesday, who warned of resolute measures. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson asked Washington to not support Tibetan independence. The White House must not sign the bill into law or China will take resolute measures, said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry. Its known by all that the 14th Dalai Lama is not a purely religious figure, but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion, Mr Lin added, urging the US side to have no contact with the Dalai group in any form, and stop sending the wrong signal to the world. The charges by Beijing have been denied by the Dalai Lama who said he only advocates substantial autonomy and protection of Tibets native Buddhist culture. This visit is the latest flashpoint in the US and Congress relationship, which reached a communication point recently after several years of turmoil and contentious escalations. Beijing does not recognise the exiled administration and hasnt held any dialogue with the representatives of the Dalai Lama since 2010. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least 53 people have died and 20 are in critical condition after drinking illegally brewed liquor in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. A total of 117 people from Kallakurichi district are receiving treatment, chief minister MK Stalin said as fears grow of the death toll rising. Mr Stalin said at least 164 people took ill after consuming illicit liquor but locals suspect the number could be higher as deaths in the neighbouring villages went unreported. More people are affected there but they are trying to escape medical teams to avoid being hospitalised, K Kaveri, a schoolteacher, told The New Indian Express. Ambulances, doctors and specialists from nearby areas have been deployed to the district. The men were rushed to the hospital after they experienced giddiness, headache, vomiting and nausea after consuming the liquor on Tuesday. They are receiving treatment at Kallakurichi Government Medical College, JIPMER Puducherry and Salem Government Hospital. Police have arrested four men following the incident and seized 200 litres of liquor. According to investigators, the man suspected of brewing the unlicensed liquor used methanol in the mix. A preliminary investigation found that the methanol used in the brewing of the illegal liquor was sourced from neighbouring Puducherry, Mr Satlin said on Friday, vowing to take stringent action against those responsible. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. Immediate action will be taken if the public informs [us] about those involved in such crimes. Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist. Relatives of the victims accused the police of being complicit, saying they knew about the sale of illicit liquor in the area. If someone complains, they will stop for 10 days but resume again. If a person complains, the police will tip the peddler off on who raised the complaint and immediately, that person is threatened by the peddlers, said a family member of an unnamed victim. The sale of illicit liquor is so rampant that even 13-year-old and 15-year-old boys are sold it in packets, said the relative. The state government will take care of the education of children who lost either of their parents in the tragedy, Mr Stalin said, and pay an additional allowance of Rs 5,000 (47 ) a month until they turn 18 to those who lost both parents. The state will also deposit Rs 500,000 (4,728) in the bank accounts of the bereaved children and hand over the money when they turn 18. The Madras High Court pulled up the state government for failing to take action against hooch sales despite over 20 people dying from consuming illicit liquor in 2023. The court ordered the government to file a detailed report on the action taken and a counter affidavit by 26 June. In the wake of the deaths in Kallakurichi, police arrested nine people suspected of selling illegal liquor in the neighbouring district of Salem and seized a total of 13,256 litres of alcohol. This isnt the first time India has reported deaths from consumption of illegally brewed alcohol, which is common in several states where liquor is banned and others where the poor cant afford licensed brands from government-run shops. In May 2023, at least 22 people died after drinking moonshine in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu. In 2022, over 30 people died in the dry state of Bihar state after allegedly drinking tainted liquor. The same year, at least 46 people died and close to 100 others were rushed to the hospital after drinking spurious alcohol in the western Indian state of Gujarat. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The son of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has expressed concerned about her health as she marks her 79th birthday while under house arrest. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ms Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year jail sentence imposed by the countrys military junta after it removed her from power in a 2021 coup. The charges, which include bizarre allegations such as the illegal import of walkie-talkies, are widely regarded as politicall motivated. Referring to her with the Burmese word for mother, Ms Suu Kyis son Kim Aris said: While I am sure maymays many years under house arrest will have prepared her for her current period of isolation, given her age and ongoing health issues, I am concerned about her circumstances. He noted that his mother has now spent almost a quarter of her life under house arrest, including 15 of the 21 years from 1989 to 2010, which were spent at her mothers home at 54 University Avenue, Yangon. Mr Aris, currently living in London, said he has not had any communication with his mother since February when he received a letter stating she was in strong spirits. He said he has no information on her location or condition. open image in gallery Demonstrators hold papers printed with Aung San Suu Kyis famous quote The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear as they rally to mark her 79th birthday in Launglon township in Tanintharyi region, Myanmar ( AP ) As always I appeal to the military junta to free maymay and all other political prisoners and to respect the overwhelming vote of the people for democracy and freedom, he said. He also urged people to celebrate his mothers birthday by supporting humanitarian aid campaigns. Currently, people who love her want to give her flowers and cakes as birthday presents, but she is in a situation where she is not allowed to accept it, he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday. Her admirers should do as much as they can to help with humanitarian aid, he said. I think this will be my mothers most desired birthday present, Mr Aris said. Ms Suu Kyi is among more than 20,600 people detained by the junta since it seized control of the country from the democratically elected government, according to a tally maintained by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Despite the risks involved, Myanmar saw a range of flower-themed protests and other public celebrations of Suu Kyis birthday on Wednesday, as hundreds of her supporters took to the streets. Photos shared on social media showed protesters carrying Ms Suu Kyis picture and banners reading Happy Birthday, Steel Rose and The Steel Roses will retaliate against the juntas oppression without yielding, referencing one of their heros nicknames and adopting the sobriquet for themselves. Celebrations were also reported from the border regions of the country held by pro-democracy guerrillas, who are fighting a civil war against the military. Hundreds of Ms Suu Kyis supporters celebrated her birthday in Dawei in southeastern Myanmar, where resistance groups have been making gains against the junta. They carried a banner with one of Ms Suu Kyis most well-known sayings, reading: The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear. The quote was supposed to inspire people to have courage in the fight against military dictatorship, said Min Lwin Oo, a leader of the Democracy Movement Strike Committee (Dawei). Young people held more discreet protests in the big cities of Yangon and Mandalay, where security forces are reported to have used force to break up demonstrations and make arrests. At least 22 people were arrested in Mandalay for alleged involvement in the flower protests, reported Eleven Media, a news outlet with close links to the military government. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Trying to squeeze a sleeping bag, tent poles and an array of Instagram-worthy outfits into a duffle bag is an issue many Glastonbury campers will face over the next few days. But there are a few extra health-related items they should consider finding space for. The huge music wonderland comes with a plethora of hazards. Heatstroke, tinnitus and food poisoning are some of the health risks that can affect all festival-goers heading to Worthy Farm in Pilton on Wednesday. So, how do you prevent them ruining your glorious Glastonbury experience? DehydrationAs Brits, there are few pleasures in life that top basking in the sunshine with a cold beer at a festival, but doctors have urged festival-goers to drink plenty of water over the five-day event. Being outdoors in the heat can be physically demanding, especially if youre on your feet, dancing, says Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health & Safety. If you combine this with drinking alcohol, it can easily lead to exhaustion. To prevent this from disrupting your Bombay Bicycle Club boogie, Higginson recommends packing a large reusable bottle which you can refill between sets. Athletes foot Busy festivals like Glastonbury are breeding grounds for bacteria, but Dr Adam Staten, clinical director at One Day Tests and NHS GP, advises campers to keep their feet as clean as possible. Athletes foot is caused by a fungal infection which thrives in moist conditions, explains Staten. You can avoid athletes foot by keeping your feet clean and dry, and allowing air to get to them when possible. Food poisoning The choice of street food stalls at Glastonbury is always bountiful, but visitors should be wary of any food thats been left out in the sun for too long. Food poisoning is caused by eating food that is contaminated with viruses or bacteria, says Staten. Any cooked food you eat should be piping hot when served and you should avoid eating food that has been left to stand out. A quick peek over the till to assess a vendors cleanliness could also save you from spending most of the festival in a portaloo, adds Staten. Bacteria grows quicker when the weather is warm, so if the sun is out, take extra care around riskier foods such as seafood and chicken, notes Cheryl Lythgoe, nurse and matron at Benenden Health. Vomiting and/or diarrhoea can lead to dangerous dehydration surprisingly quickly, so stay alert to this possibility. TinnitusThousands of attendees are excited to see amazing performances from the likes of Dua Lipa and Shania Twain, however, the thumping bass during these sets could lead to tinnitus. The NHS defines tinnitus as hearing sounds that come from inside your body, rather than an outside source. Prolonged exposure to loud music can permanently damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, and cause hearing loss and tinnitus, explains Hannah Samuels, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare. She suggests using hearing protection ear plugs of muffs as these lower the level of sound, but still enable you to hear everything and it can often sound better, too. Insect bitesItchy insects bites are not something campers want to be dealing with next week. Insects tend to aim for parts of the body where blood vessels are closest to the surface, so they often bite around the wrist and ankles, explains Dr Staten. Keeping these areas covered is a good way to avoid bites, but might not be practical on a hot day in which case, your best option is to regularly apply insect repellent, or wear a sunscreen that contains repellent. Sprained ankles Sandals might be tempting, but protecting your ankles is more sensible, notes Higginson: While its fun to put on colourful outfits, wearing unsupportive shoes like sandals can easily lead to sprained ankles, which could result in the rest of your weekend being a lot less enjoyable, he says. Make sure youre wearing comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement, along with closed-toe shoes with good traction and support, that can help prevent slips, trips and falls on uneven ground. Sunburn Bright blue skies have arrived just in time for Glastonbury 2024 and temperatures are due to reach 25C in Pilton next week. Many will be keen to get a glowing tan, but health professionals have reminded festival-goers to protect their skin from UV rays. The NHS recommends using sun cream with at least SPF 30, and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection. If you do get sunburnt, head for shade, cool the skin with tepid water, take pain killers and apply calamine lotion or after-sun cream, advises Lythgoe. HeatstrokeTicket holders have been urged to stay alert and hydrated in case sunburn snowballs into heat exhaustion or the much more serious heatstroke. Dizziness, headaches, feeling sick and excessive sweating, are all signs of heat exhaustion, according to the NHS. However, if these symptoms do not subside after 30 minutes, it could be heatstroke. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion for an extended period of time, it can lead to heatstroke, which can be extremely dangerous, says Dr Ross Perry, GP and medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics. If you think you might have heat exhaustion or heatstroke, you need to speak to a GP immediately. Anyone needing medical help while at the festival should head to one of the medical tents available across the site. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Anna Wintour reportedly told Victoria Beckham that she would have to remove her breast implants to become Lady Beckham and make it in the fashion world, an explosive new biography has claimed. In The House of Beckham, celebrity biographer Tom Bower claims that while the Vogue editor approved of the former Spice Girls self-depreciating humour, she offered her some advice to help guide her in the world of haute couture. Victoria had only just entered the fashion business, he wrote of the time Wintour is said to have volunteered the remarks. She had met Marc Jacobs, an adored New York designer. At his fashion show she had modelled three of his outfits in three hours. Fashion queen Anna Wintour approved of size 6 Victoria. Her self-mockery won Wintours approval, but subject to her accepting some firm advice. Boob jobs and hotpants were definitely Essex and not East Side. To rebrand her image, her breast implants needed to be fixed. It was at this point that Victoria reportedly said she was done with music and insisted that she was not a WAG. Bower added: Fashion would be her new career. Ive always been the girl next door who got lucky, she laughed, but she knew that success was difficult. Becoming Lady Beckham, she admitted, would be fabulous. Beckham appears to have heeded Wintours advice and she proceeded to have her implants removed in 2014. A Vogue spokesperson strongly denied the claims. open image in gallery Victoria Beckham had her implants removed a decade ago this year. ( Getty Images ) Wintours alleged comment was not the only explosive revelation made in the new book about apparent social class. Bower also claimed that as a soon-to-be duchess, Meghan Markle believed herself to be of a higher social standing than the former Spice Girl. He said that the now Duchess of Sussex was irritated at the time to discover that Victoria was wealthier than herself. In Meghans celebrity world, ranking depended on wealth and fame, Bower wrote. As a seasoned operator, Meghan deluded herself that her status in the Royal family placed her above Victoria in the social pecking order. She was irritated to discover that the Beckhams had considerably more wealth than herself. They owned five homes, had constant access to private jets, invitations to sail on yachts and much more money. And she was soon to be a duchess. But despite Meghans apparent annoyance at the Beckhams wealth, she did reportedly make an effort with the couple until The Sun ran a story that claimed she had been given makeup advice from Victoria. open image in gallery Harry and Meghans relationship with the Beckhams appears to have soured in recent years. ( Getty Images ) Harry was ordered to complain to David Beckham, Bower claimed before revealing that Meghan accused the couple of leaking information about her to the press. This was denied and Victoria suggested that the information had been given by a beautician although the culprit was probably a boastful publicist. The Independent has reached out to a representative for Anna Wintour, Victoria Beckham and Meghan Markle for comment. The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power is out today (20 June) with HarperCollins. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Libyans from rival regions and all walks of life are fed up with the countrys divisions and want political players to end their years-long impasse and agree to hold national elections, a key step to peace in the oil-rich north African country, the U.N. deputy representative said Wednesday. Stephanie Koury told the U.N. Security Council that she has been meeting political leaders, civil society representatives, academics, womens groups, military leaders and others in the countrys rival east and west to listen to their views. She said there is consensus that the current status quo is not sustainable and the political process needs to advance toward elections. Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. In the chaos that followed, the country split, with rival administrations in the east and west backed by rogue militias and foreign governments. The countrys current political crisis stems from the failure to hold elections on Dec. 24, 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah who led a transitional government in the capital of Tripoli to step down. In response, Libyas east-based parliament appointed a rival prime minister who was suspended. The east is now governed by Prime Minister Ossama Hammad while the powerful military commander Khalifa Hifter continues to hold sway. Koury, the top U.N. official in Libya since the resignation of special representative Abdoulaye Bathily in April, said many Libyans she spoke to signaled the importance of a pact or agreement that would affirm, among other things, the rival parties respect for the outcome of elections. They also expressed deep concern at the countrys divisions and parallel governments, and provided ideas on a roadmap to elections, she said. While institutional and political divisions keep deepening, ordinary Libyans long for peace, stability, prosperity and reconciliation, Koury said. Resolute and united action to advance a political process is needed by Libyans with the support of the international community. In February, Bathily warned the country's feuding political actors that if they didn't urgently form a unified government and move toward elections Libya will slide into disintegration. The three African nations on the council Sierra Leone, Algeria and Mozambique joined by Guyana said in a joint statement Wednesday that the Security Council must remain committed to an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations for the holding of national elections. The four countries called on the rival political players to move from the entrenched institutional and political positions, resolve their differences, build consensus and facilitate the holding of national election. U.S. deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said the United States also continues to firmly support the U.N. political missions efforts to bring Libya closer to unlocking a viable process toward long-overdue elections. Progress toward greater military integration remains key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty and preventing Libya from becoming enmeshed in regional turmoil, he said. Turning to Russia's actions in Libya, Wood told the council the United States recently sanctioned Russian state-owned enterprise Goznak for producing counterfeit currency globally and printing more than $1 billion worth of counterfeit Libyan currency, which exacerbated Libyas economic challenges. Libya is under a U.N. arms embargo, and Wood said the United States also notes with particular concern the recent reports of Russian Federation naval vessels unloading military hardware in Libya." Libyas U.N. Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, who represents the internationally recognized government in the west, stressed that national reconciliation is the only way to rebuild social cohesion and trust between the rivals, unite the country and pave the way for elections. We are tired and fed up from the stalemate and the vicious cycle that we have been going through for decades now, he said. We are tired and fed up from being lectured on what to do and what not to do, and from the Security Councils inaction. We are tired and fed up to use Libya as a proxy for certain countries and regional powers for selfish greedy battles, some of which have colonial ambitions, El-Sonni said. He called on the Security Council to leave Libya alone and let the people decide their own future and take their destiny in their own hands. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Supreme Court is headed into its final few weeks with about a third of the cases heard this year still undecided, including ones that could reshape the law on everything from guns to abortion to social media. The justices are also still weighing whether former President Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution in the election interference case against him, more than a month after hearing arguments. The court heard 61 cases this term, and 19 remain unresolved. Here's a look at some of the major undecided cases: Presidential immunity Donald Trump is arguing that former presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts they took in office and that the indictment he faces on charges of election interference must be dismissed. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that former presidents cant be sued in civil cases for what they did in office, but it has never weighed in on criminal immunity. The timing of the decision may be as important as the outcome. Trumps trial in Washington, D.C., may not take place before the November election, even if the court rules he is not immune. Jan. 6, 2021 A former Pennsylvania police officer is challenging the validity of obstruction charges brought against hundreds of people who took part in the violent assault on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump faces the same charge of obstructing an official proceeding. The issue is whether a law meant to discourage tampering with documents sought in investigations can be used against the Capitol rioters. Emergency abortion Theres a second abortion case on the docket this year: whether doctors can provide that medical procedure in emergencies in states that banned abortion after the court overturned Roe v. Wade. In a case out of Idaho, the Biden administration says abortions must be allowed in emergencies where a womans health is at serious risk. The state argues that its strict abortion ban does allow abortions to save a womans life, and doesnt need to expand exceptions for health risks. Guns The justices are weighing whether to uphold a federal law that seeks to protect domestic violence victims by keeping guns away from the people alleged to have abused them. An appeals court struck down a law that prohibits people under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms. That court found that the law violated the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms following the Supreme Courts 2022 ruling that expanded gun rights and changed how courts are supposed to evaluate gun restrictions. Homelessness The most significant Supreme Court case in decades on homelessness centers on whether people can be banned from sleeping outdoors when shelter space is lacking. A San Francisco-based appeals court decision said that amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Leaders from California and across the West say that the ruling makes it harder for them to regulate homeless encampments encroaching on sidewalks and other public places. Advocates say it would criminalize homelessness just as rising costs have pushed the number of people without a permanent place to live to record levels. Chevron The justices could overturn a 40-year-old decision that has been cited thousands of times in federal court cases and used to uphold regulations on the environment, public health, workplace safety and consumer protections. The decision colloquially known as Chevron calls on judges to defer to federal regulators when the words of a statute are not crystal clear. The decision has long been targeted by conservative and business interests who say Chevron robs judges of their authority and gives too much power to regulators. Social media Three cases remain unresolved at the intersection of social media and government. Two cases involve social media laws in Texas and Florida that would limit how Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube and other social media platforms regulate content posted by their users. While the details vary, both laws aimed to address conservative complaints that the social media companies were liberal-leaning and censored users based on their viewpoints, especially on the political right. In the third case, Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration over how far the federal government can go to combat controversial social media posts on topics including COVID-19 and election security. A federal appeals court sided with the states in finding that administration officials unconstitutionally coerced the platforms to limit conservative points of view. Purdue Pharma The Supreme Court controls the fate of a nationwide settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that would allocate billions of dollars to combat the opioid epidemic, but also provide a legal shield for members of the Sackler family who own the company. The settlement has been on hold since last summer after the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in. Air pollution Republican-led, energy-producing states and the steel industry want the court to put the Environmental Protection Agencys air pollution-fighting good neighbor plan on hold while legal challenges continue. The plan aims to protect downwind states that receive unwanted air pollution from other states. SEC Another important regulatory case could strip the SEC of a major tool in fighting securities fraud and have far-reaching effects on other regulatory agencies. The court is being asked to rule that people facing civil fraud complaints have the right to a jury trial in federal court. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The European Union's top court said Thursday that products such as disinfectants can't be advertised as skin friendly. The European Court of Justice issued its ruling after a German federal court sought its opinion in a case against a drugstore chain that sold a hand, skin and surface disinfectant with a label that, among other things, declared it skin friendly. In that case, the German Association for Protection against Unfair Competition argued that drugstore chain dm failed to comply with an EU regulation on biocidal products. The court said the regulation prohibits promoting such products by calling them a low-risk biocidal product, nontoxic, harmless, natural, environmentally friendly" or animal friendly or any similar indication. The EU court found that skin friendly has positive connotations that avoid suggesting any risk, and may imply that the product could be beneficial for the skin. Such an indication is of a misleading nature which justifies the prohibition of its use in the advertising of the biocidal product at issue, the court said in a statement. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A bulk carrier sank days after an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who are believed to have killed one mariner on board, authorities said early Wednesday. It was the second ship sunk in the rebels' campaign targeting Red Sea shipping. The sinking of the Tutor marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthis in their campaign of attacks on ships in the vital maritime corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The attack comes despite a monthslong U.S.-led campaign in the region that has seen the Navy face its most-intense maritime fighting since World War II, with near-daily attacks targeting commercial vessels and warship. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated Tutor sank in the Red Sea, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said in a warning to sailors in the region. Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the last reported location, the UKMTO said. The vessel is believed to have sunk. The Houthis late Wednesday released footage showing their attack on the Tutor, acknowledging they used two different drone boats to hit the vessel from both its side and the stern. The U.S. military did not respond to requests for comment over the sinking. The Tutor came under attack about a week ago by a bomb-carrying Houthi drone boat in the Red Sea. John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, said on Monday that the attack killed a crew member who hailed from the Philippines. The Philippines has yet to acknowledge the death, but the man who had been aboard the Tutor has been missing for over a week in the Red Sea, which faces intense summertime heat. The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of the attack in 2000 on the USS Cole, a suicide assault by al-Qaida when the warship was at port in the Yemeni city of Aden, killing 17 on board. The Cole is now part of a U.S. Navy operation in the Red Sea led by the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to try and halt the Houthi attacks, though the rebels continue their assaults. The Houthis have launched more than 60 attacks targeting specific vessels and fired off other missiles and drones in their campaign that has killed a total of four sailors. They've seized one vessel and sunk two since November. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with a series of strikes May 30, killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say. In March, the Belize-flagged Rubymar carrying fertilizer cargo sank in the Red Sea after taking on water for days following a rebel attack. The Houthis have maintained that their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the United States or Britain. However, many of the ships they've attacked have little or no connection to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed, the shipping industry said in a joint statement Wednesday. This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now, it said. The war in Gaza has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. A recent report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency said that container shipping through the Red Sea has declined by 90% since December because of the attacks. As much as 15% of the world's maritime traffic flows through that corridor. Meanwhile, the Houthis said on Wednesday that U.S.-led airstrikes targeted Raymah, a province in Yemen under rebel control. The Houthi-controlled SABA news agency described a local radio station's building as being totally destroyed in the strikes. About a week earlier, the Houthis said similar strikes killed two people and wounded nine others, without saying if those hurt were fighters or civilians. Later in the day, SABA also reported U.S.-led strikes targeting the port city of Hodeida. The U.S. military's Central Command said in a statement early Thursday it destroyed one ground control station and one command and control node in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen in the strikes. It also claimed destroying two Houthi drone boats in the Red Sea as well over the last 24 hours. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Acid attacks have surged by 75 per cent with growing numbers of female victims, it has been revealed. Shocking new figures from police forces in England and Wales show at least 1,244 offences involving corrosive substances were recorded last year, up from just 710 in 2022. The latest rise comes after a 69 per cent year-on-year increase was also recorded in 2022 as experts warn the escalating problem is a huge concern. Worrying, only eight per cent of attacks resulted in a perpetrator being charged, according to the figures from Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI). The charity has called for urgent action from the winner of the general election amid fears the true total is likely to be even higher due to under-reporting by victims. The data, obtained via Freedom of Information Requests made to police forces, comes after a mother was critically injured in a horrifying alkali attack in Clapham earlier this year. Abdul Ezedi had travelled to London from Newcastle to douse his former girlfriend in a corrosive substance in the 31 January attack, which also saw her two children injured. Ezedi, 35, fled the scene but is believed to have taken his own life after his body was pulled from the Thames by police. According to friends, the mother was still in critical care having lost sight in at least one of her eyes a month after the attack. The area near Tower Pier on the River Thames where the body of Abdul Ezedi was recovered ( PA ) ASTI found that out of the 1,244 recorded offences last year, over a third were physical offences against the person, while 790 offences included threats of corrosive attacks, carrying of corrosives, and other serious crimes involving corrosives, such as rape or robbery. Their executive director Jaf Shah warned: There has to be action taken about threats from the beginning to prevent those threats from escalating into physical attacks. While acid attacks in the UK have often been associated with male-on-male violence, recent trends show it is increasingly being linked to violence against women and girls. Half of all corrosive offences last year were against women with some 502 female victims out of 1001 offences where gender data was available. This rises to over 59 per cent for threats of violence. Our new data shows that acid violence is an escalating problem in our country, with women increasingly at risk, Mr Shah added. With a new Government soon in place, we are asking our leaders to take urgent action and stop these atrocious crimes which leave victims forever scarred. The north east of England is also disproportionately affected with a shocking number of attacks recorded in Northumbria, where a fifth of all corrosive violent offences took place last year - including 81 violent physical attacks. Most commonly, ammonia was used by perpetrators. They recorded more incidents than the capital, with the Met Police recording 72 violent physical attacks. A GoFundMe was launched for a mother who was doused with a corrosive substance in Clapham in January ( GoFundMe ) Professor Francisco C Figueiredo, an ophthalmology expert at Newcastle University, said: Over the last five years there has been a concerning rise in the incidence of acid attacks especially in the North East of England. Eight per cent of the victims are young Caucasian males and 90 per cent of them are not reported to Northumbria Police. Ammonia is the most common chemical used in the Northeast of England area. Using noxious chemicals to cause harm, and ocular harm in particular, is becoming a popular mode of assault in the UK, and is a serious medical and social concern which requires further investigation to be able to increase public awareness, implement stricter regulations, better surveillance and means of prevention, as well as to provide adequate support to the victims. Acid violence too often goes unpunished with only eight per cent of the cases leading to a charge or a summon, the charity said. In many cases survivors live in fear of reprisal attacks, with almost a third of victims withdrawing support for police action despite officers identifying a suspect. Dr Matt Hopkins, Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Leicester, said the increase was a huge concern. However, we should also keep in mind that the incidents tend to be concentrated in a select number of areas and we need to further explore whether this is a product of better police recording and identify what types of substances are being used in the attacks to be able to improve prevention, he added. A Home Office spokesperson said: Attacks on people involving acids or other corrosives can result in huge distress and life changing injuries. Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, it is illegal to sell and deliver corrosive products to people under 18 and possess corrosive substances in public. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A mentally-ill Tube passenger has been found not guilty by reason of insanity over a 35-minute spree of attacks at London Underground stations, including causing someone to fall onto rail tracks. Donovan Kenlyn, 39, chased and punched passenger Samer Jawad at Baker Street station on October 27 2022, a court heard. Minutes later he propelled Angel Cambeiro onto the tracks at Finchley Road, narrowly missing live rails. He then travelled to nearby West Hampstead station where he struck a third man, Peter Acton, on the back of the head. He was cleared by a jury of attempting to murder Mr Cambeiro and causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a week-long trial at Londons Old Bailey. He was also found not guilty by reason of insanity for assault occasioning actual bodily harm to Mr Acton, who suffered broken ribs after falling on a seat divider, and assault by beating against Mr Jawad. Although Kenlyn accepted he was involved in the terrifying attacks on strangers, he denied the charges because he was suffering from schizophrenia. A verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity is a special verdict and does not mean Kenlyn has been acquitted by the jury on those counts, but means he likely faces a hospital order. Prosecutor Michael Williams had told the jury the spree of violence against members of the public lasted 35 minutes and was without any known motive. Recalling the moment he landed on the tracks in a statement read to the court, victim Mr Cambeiro said: I was in the waiting area when I saw a male coming towards me, something wasnt right he was looking at me, he was coming very clearly in my direction. He looked aggressive he had an aggressive manner. I didnt say anything, we didnt exchange words. I just remember him closing his right hand into a fist, I think I thought he was going to punch me. He got right into my face. After that all I remember was I was down on the rail tracks. CCTV played to the jury showed Mr Cambeiro walking close to the edge of the platform carrying two Sainsburys supermarket bags. The defendant could be seen putting his arm out in front of Mr Cambeiro before he plunged onto the tracks. Mr Cambeiro said: I was struggling to get up, I dont remember the impact, I cant recall the exact moment before I was on the tracks. He was helped back on to the platform by horrified members of the public after he broke his arm and dislocated his elbow in the fall. He has since had to have two operations, the court heard. Jacqueline Hylton, a TfL customer services supervisor on duty, said: If he had touched the negative or positive rails he would have been killed by the current. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Bradley Hillier told the court that Kenlyn suffers with persecutory delusions which caused him to incorrectly believe he was under threat. At the time of the incident, Kenlyn was single, living alone and was not receiving any treatment for his mental health condition. Dr Hillier told the court on Monday: It does appear for various reasons - not entirely surprising in my opinion - that Mr Kenlyn had not been under the care of mental health services. He had likely been ill for many years because schizophrenia usually sets in in the late teens or early 20s, Dr Hillier added. The clinician said he met Kenlyn at least four times in the 18 months before the trial and described his illness as severe, enduring, relapsing and remitting. He also suffered with auditory hallucinations, a thought disorder that made him at times incomprehensible and was in a psychosis-induced threat/control-override state when he carried out the attacks, the court heard. Dr Hillier added: He thought he was defending himself and didnt think that it was wrong because he was subject to an attack. If you were in a state where you absolutely believed that there is somebody in front of you who will attack you, or is part of a group that attacked you and quite possibly hearing voices that are telling you (that) you are in danger you might possibly act in defence. And thats what we believe Mr Kenlyn was doing in terms of trying to defend himself. In his closing statement, Paul Lazarus, defending, said Kenlyn was still very unwell after two years of psychiatric treatment in custody following the incident. Kenlyn will be sentenced at a later date. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Foreign Office has been accused of blocking a prominent Bahraini human rights activist from being granted British citizenship with the wait for a decision now stretching more than three years. Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, a director at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, has indefinite leave to remain in the UK, having been granted political asylum here in 2012 after taking part in pro-democracy protests in the kingdom. However, Mr Alwadaei has been facing a long delay to his citizenship application, which should usually take six months to process. Emails between the Foreign Office and the Home Office, which have been shared with The Independent, show that Home Office officials have been pushing to grant Mr Alwadaei citizenship which he applied for in May 2021 as there are no grounds to refuse the application. However officials at the Foreign Office have been dragging their feet after being consulted about whether granting Mr Alwadaei citizenship would affect bilateral relations with Bahrain. Bahrain is a close UK ally. Prime minister Rishi Sunak signed a new agreement with the country last summer, which aims to enable 1bn more investment into the UK. Two weeks after that announcement, Bahrain was dropped from the Foreign Office list of human rights priority countries nations where the UK is particularly concerned about human rights abuses and is working for change. Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei has been waiting three years for a decision on his British citizenship application ( PA ) In 2022, Mr Alwadaei was involved in a confrontation with then-Conservative MP Bob Stewart who told him to go back to Bahrain. Mr Stewart surrendered the party whip after he was found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence over the incident, but had that conviction overturned at Southwark Crown Court earlier this year. The judge in that appeal, Mr Justice Bennathan, said that while the words amounted to abuse, it was not believed that they caused Mr Alwadaei harassment, alarm or distress. Mr Alwadaei faced criticism in 2023 for comments he made accusing Israel of committing a genocide in its war inside Gaza. In February this year, the then home secretary, James Cleverly, apologised and said he had arranged for compensation to be paid to Mr Alwadaei after officials unlawfully detained him for more than two hours at Gatwick airport on his return to the UK from a UN meeting in Switzerland in September 2023. In an email to the Foreign Office dated 5 June 2023, Home Office officials explained that because of the applicants high profile, Home Office contacted FCDO for a view on the potential bilateral implications should the applicant be granted British citizenship. The email refers to notes from the Foreign Office in August 2022 and March 2023 on Mr Alwadaei and the implications arising from granting him British citizenship. These Foreign Office notes have not yet been disclosed, but could be publicised if the case goes to court. Tory MP Bob Stewart surrended the party whip after a confrontation with Mr Alwadaei ( PA ) The Home Office email reveals that the Foreign Office relayed concerns about Mr Alwadaei, but says that Home Office civil servants assessed these concerns were not serious enough to refuse his application. They then asked if the foreign secretary, then Mr Cleverly in a previous role, wanted to raise the matter with the home secretary, then Suella Braverman. The Foreign Office had earlier asked whether their advice on Mr Alwadaeis case would be made public in any potential court proceedings, with the Home Office confirming they would. On 20 July 2023, FCDO officials confirmed that they would not be submitting any formal representations to the home secretary about the application. However nearly a year on no decision about Mr Alwadaeis citizen has been made. Mr Alwadaei told The Independent: The UK is my home after fleeing torture and imprisonment in Bahrain but enduring over three years of scandalous delays to receive a decision on my citizenship application, despite meeting all legal requirements, has been a nightmare. To discover that these delayed have been mainly imposed by the UK foreign office, driven by fears of jeopardising relations with Bahrain, is shocking. The Foreign Office should seek to advance human rights when dealing with abusive states, not reward those states by making the lives of human rights defenders they have forcibly exiled and rendered stateless more difficult. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at 10 Downing Street in July 2023. ( PA ) Daniel Carey, partner at Deighton Pierce Glynn, who are representing Mr Alwadaei, said: It should not require legal proceedings just to get a Home Office decision on a citizenship application, but the over three year delay in this case has made this necessary. My client will argue this delay is unlawful and it will require very good reasons to defend such a claim. Bilateral concerns associated with the Bahrain government are not a good reason, indeed they raise troubling questions about the extent to which foreign persecution of human rights activists is permitted to interfere in the UK governments own immigration decisions." The Home Office declined to comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The most expensive home in Scotland, built on the ruins of a retreat once favoured by Mary Queen of Scots, has hit the market. But if you would like to follow in the footsteps of royalty inside this grand design, you will need deep pockets because Seton Castle is being sold for more than 8m. Located in Longniddry, East Lothian, the castle resides on the former site of Seaton Palace. This is the third time that it has hit the market since 2003. Prior to this, the 13 bedroomed castle belonged to the Wemyss family for over a hundred years. Built in 1789, the same year the palace Mary Queen of Scots is confirmed to have stayed in was demolished, the castle was designed by the architect Robert Adam. The original home, which was built at some point in the 1500s, was left in a state of ruin following 75 years of reported neglect. The most expensive home ever sold in Scotland was once favoured by its queen. ( Savills/BNPS ) Prior to this, the palace was so desirable that Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned there with Lord Darnley in July 1565. By the time of the 17th century, it was widely considered to be the best palace in Scotland, surpassing the likes of even Edinburgh Castle, which was built in 1103. But the original palace met its end during the Jacobite Rising of 1715 when it was set alight. Thankfully, its replacement is as grand as you would expect from any historical castle and comes with modern amenities like a cinema room and helipad. For the price of what would be a comparatively small property in London, the prospective buyer will also get to enjoy 13 acres of land. But there is a gym if you would rather get some indoor exercise. Other notable features, some of which the buyer might expect from a building of this size and grandeur, include a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, a billiard room, and a stable. There are even secret staircases. The castle is not all that the prospective buyer will get in return for Scotlands most expensive residence, as the estate also includes two three-bedroomed cottages. The grand residence was modernised in the early 2000s. ( Savills/BNPS ) The home was refurbished in the early 2000s by an Edinburgh businessman after its 2003 sale and initially put on the market for 15 million. The businessman bought it from the Wemyss family, who had reportedly owned and left the castle relatively untouched architecturally since it came into their possession in the 18th century. Unfortunately, it did not sell and this price was cut to 5 million, which eventually saw it purchased by online tycoons Steve Leach and his wife Heather Luscombe. They lived in and further renovated the castle before deciding to sell the castle to move abroad in 2019. However, it would be a further three years before the property was sold in 2022 to property investor and hospitality entrepreneur David Fam for 8 million. According to its agent at the time, this was the highest price ever paid for a residential property in Scotland. Describing what the castle was like to live in, Leach once told the BBC: Even after 12 years there, it still takes our breath away to drive into the courtyard and remember we are retracing the steps of Mary, Queen of Scots. The property is being sold by Rettie, Edinburgh and further details about its specifications can be found on Rightmove. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} More than 50 charities and housing bodies have called on Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey to make ending homelessness a major priority in the next government and commit to building 90,000 social homes per year. With rough sleeping up by 27 per cent in the year up to autumn 2023, charities are calling for the major parties to commit to building tens of thousands of social homes per year over the next decade. They are also calling for politicians to ensure that housing benefits keep on track with rising rents in private sector. The letter, which is signed by housing charities Shelter and Crisis among 53 others, also urges the next government to work across party lines to make ending homelessness a priority. Theyve also called for funding for services to be protected long-term. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told The Independent that it was a disgrace that homelessness is not a priority in either of the partys manifestos, asking: How can it be right that a quarter of a million people are homeless in the sixth richest country in the world? More than 100,000 households - two-thirds of which are families with children - are living in temporary accommodation, government figures from earlier this year show. In 2023, English councils supported 317,430 housesholds to prevent or relieve homelessness - a record high. The number of people sleeping rough has been increasing in the pas year ( Getty Images ) Last year, 3,898 people were also recorded as sleeping on the streets - an increase of almost a third on 2022s figures. Helene Begg, CEO at YMCA Brighton, which provides supported accommodation, said that people are presenting with more complex issues as a result of a lack of funding of statutory services, including mental health and emergency services. She added: We are also seeing a growing expectation on people to access private rented accommodation. Due to a shortage of social housing, people are left without suitable accommodation or support when they leave - resulting in a cliff edge. Were talking about people who are unable to work because of issues with physical health, mental health, and trauma. They are really struggling to find private rented accommodation and, since tenancies are not secure, people often end up back in emergency accommodation when their contract ends. This is a disaster, both humanly and because it costs the country a lot of money, she said. All of the residents that they support are reliant on food banks, as they cannot fund their basic needs on the benefits they receive, she added. Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link, the membership body for frontline homelessness services in England, said that the Labour, Tory and LibDem manifestos all lack the clear vision that many in the homelessness sector were hoping to see. But he backed the Labour and LibDem commitment to set-up a cross-government homelessness strategy. Read Labour and the Conservativess plan to tackle the housing crisis in full Pam Orchard, CEO at The Connection at St Martins, a homeless charity based in Westminster, said that rough sleeping was reaching similar levels to the peak before the pandemic. This year there is quite a marked increase in rough sleeping and it is beginning to return to the levels it was at just prior to the pandemic when it was at its worst. On any one night in Westminster pre-pandemic there were around 370/380 people recorded in a night sleeping rough. At the moment were at around 320 or so, and its been going up. This is partly because were seeing new people and also because people who were housed during the pandemic are coming back onto the street. Support services, like mental health treatments and addiction help, are struggling with demand and there is also not enough temporary accommodation available to help people off the streets, she added. The people who seek help in Westminster have often suffered profound abuse throughout their childhood and are struggling to deal with this trauma, Ms Orchard added - making well-funded comprehensives support services all the more vital. Mr Corbyn, who is contesting the seat of Islington North as an independent, added: We should listen to the experience of frontline workers who dedicate their lives helping others in need, and finally treat the housing emergency with the urgency it deserves. Everyone deserves a decent, warm, safe and comfortable place to live - is that really such a radical idea? Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Helen Morgan said: It is a national scandal that so many people are sleeping on the streets in 21st century Britain. We would end rough sleeping within the next parliament, ban no fault evictions and immediately scrap the archaic Vagrancy Act. We are also committed to increasing social housing stock, building 150,000 new social homes a year. The Labour party and Conservative party did not respond to requests for comment. Close Jay Slaters father makes six-word plea to son at visit to site of search Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jay Slaters family have been urged to use fundraising donations to hire experts to continue the search for the missing teenager. Spanish police said the hunt for the 19-year-old from Lancashire had ended, with the case remaining open on Sunday as the gruelling search entered another week. But his family have vowed to carry on looking for him regardless. TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas flew out to conduct his own investigation and has urged the family to use some of the 46,000 raised to help continue the search. He wrote on X: In light of the police search ending. I have suggested the family should use the GoFundMe money to continue the search using experts in searching. It comes as an amateur sleuth claimed to be following an unofficial new clue. TikTok climber Paul Arnott, who has been searching for Jay in Tenerife, said that a pair of sunglasses similar to the ones Jay was last seen wearing had been found close to where his mobile phone last pinged. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} After four gruelling weeks, the search for missing British teenager Jay Slater appears to have come to a close on the island of Tenerife following the discovery of a body. The 19-year-old was on his first-ever holiday without his family when he vanished as he walked back to his accommodation on the morning of June 17. He had visited an Airbnb near the village of Masca with two people and, having missed the bus back, embarked on what would have been an 11-hour walk. The apprentice bricklayer had not been seen or heard from since calling his friend at 8.50am to tell her he was lost, in need of water and that his phone was low on battery. While Spanish police ended their official search on the ground after 12 days, Mr Slaters friends and family vowed to continue in the hope of finding him. On Monday human remains, which have yet to be formally identified, were found. As the search for the teenager comes to an end, heres everything we know about his disappearance: Jay Slater is missing in Tenerife ( Supplied ) Where is his last known location? Jay Slater, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last heard from on Monday, 17 June, as he told a friend he planned to walk back to his accommodation after missing a bus, a journey expected to take around 11 hours on foot. He had travelled to the tourist hotspot with friends to attend the music festival in Playa de Las Americas in what was his first holiday without his family. On Sunday, his friend Lucy Law told Manchester Evening News that she had left the festival early, with Jay staying on and going to a nightclub in Playa de las Americas. He later travelled to an Airbnb in the remote Masca valley with two men, one of them known to be Briton Ayub Qassim, but left their accommodation at around 8am to travel home. Mr Slater was last seen by a cafe owner, who said the teenager had asked her about bus times before deciding not to wait two hours for a service. She then saw him walk out of the village. Ms Law was the last to hear from the teenager when he called her at 8.50am on Monday, alerting her that he was lost, had injured his leg, needed water and that his phone was on one per cent battery. He also phoned his friend Brad Hargreaves, who heard him sliding over gravel which indicated he had left the main road. Jay Slater in social media photo posted by friend days before his disappearance ( Supplied ) Ms Law told the MEN that one of the people Mr Slater had met had driven them back to his apartment in a hire car and the missing man had not realised how far away it was. Hes ended up out in the middle of nowhere. Jay was obviously thinking he would be able to get home from there, she said. But then in the morning hes set off walking, using his maps on his phone and ended up in the middle of mountains with nothing around. Mr Slaters phone then cut off, with his last location showing just off a path in the Rural de Teno park a mountainous area popular with hikers in the north of the island. When Jay Slaters phone cut off, his last location showed as the Rural de Teno park a mountainous area popular with hikers (Alamy/PA) Where have authorities been searching? A specialist mountain rescue team, including a police helicopter and sniffer dogs, were all deployed to look for Mr Slater. Search teams had narrowed their efforts on small buildings close to where his phone last pinged, while officers were seen at the AirBnb and in the next valley. A member of a search and rescue team search near the last known location of Jay Slater ( James Manning/PA Wire ) Andrew Knight, known on YouTube as the Knightrider, who joined the search told The Independent of the climate in Tenerife: Its rugged mountainsides, loose rocks that fall away underfoot, cactuses everywhere. Its a disorienting landscape and also has extreme weather changes. At night the temperature drops to around 12 degrees Celsius, but with the wind chill and the thin air at altitude, it feels around 10 degrees. In the sunshine, it can go up to 28 degrees. It also can be quite damp, it rained a little when I was there. It has its own microclimate that changes by the hour. After authorities officially halted their search on June 30, Jays father and brother were seen continuing to scour the valley his phone was last located in and searching in nearby mountain villages. After finding a body, Spanish police said they had indeed continued an incessant and discreet search in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers. A specialist mountain rescue team, including a police helicopter, has been deployed to look for Jay ( Victoria Roocroft/BBC ) Have they found him? Spanish police said on Monday 15 July that human remains had been found in the area where Mr Slater went missing. The Civil Guard said the evidence strongly suggested the remains were those of the 19-year-old, with DNA tests to be carried out to establish the persons identity, along with an autopsy to uncover the cause of their death. A Spanish police spokesperson said: All indications are that it could be the young British man who had been missing for 29 days. He could have died due to an accidental fall on the steep and inaccessible area where he has been found. We are awaiting the results of the autopsy to confirm that it is about an accident. What have his friends and family said? Jays family are yet to speak out about the body found in the search for Mr Slater - but they have expressed their immense concern throughout the search. Following his disappearance, a GoFundMe was set up to help assist with the search and to pay for his family and friends to remain in Tenerife. In an emotional interview near the search site, his father Warren Slater told reporters he just wanted his son back, while he was also seen sticking posters to nearby bus stops and buildings. Mr Slater pictured with his mother, Debbie Duncan ( Supplied ) After 12 days of searching, the Guardia Civil announced that they were standing down their operation, just one day after they issued a mass appeal for volunteers. In a statement issued through the British overseas missing persons charity LBT Global, Debbie Duncan said the land search for her son has been called off, but thanked the Guardia Civil who she said had worked tirelessly up in the mountains where Jays last phone call was traced. His mothers statement said: We are a very close family and are absolutely devastated about his disappearance. Words cannot describe the pain and agony we are experiencing. He is our beautiful boy with his whole life ahead of him and we just want to find him. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Just Stop Oil climate protesters have filmed themselves breaking into a private airfield and spraying jets orange. They targetted Taylor Swifts private jet with the superstar touching down in the UK for her Eras tour just hours earlier. The group said: Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where Taylor Swifts jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030. Police sources said they had since been informed that the Shake It Off singers jet wasnt at the private airfield. Flight tracking data appears to show Swifts Falcon 7x jet landing in Stansted at around 11pm last night. An Essex Police spokesman said officers moved quickly to arrest a 22-year-old woman from Brighton, and a 28-year-old woman from Dumbarton on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure. ( Just Stop Oil/PA Wire ) Two female activists appeared to use a circular saw to cut their way through a chainlink fence protecting the private airfield at Stansted Airport where they claimed Taylor Swifts jet is currently stationed. The pair painted two private jets using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint taking selfies in front of the vandalised planes at around 5am on Thursday. Just Stop Oil protesters after they sprayed orange paint over parked private jets at London Stansted ( Just Stop Oil/PA Wire ) A statement provided by the group said: Were living in two worlds: one where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unlivable conditions are being imposed on countless millions. Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending cruel summer. Billionaires are not untouchable, climate breakdown will affect every single one of us. For weeks, scrutiny over singer Taylor Swifts travel in private jets has been bubbling up on social media, with people pointing out the planet-warming emissions of carbon dioxide released with every flight. University of Central Florida student Jack Sweeney, who runs social media accounts that track the private jets, claimed Swift had travelled roughly 178,000 miles on her two jets in 2023. Swifts legal team subsequently issued Sweeney with a cease and desist letter, accusing the 21-year-old of stalking and harassing behaviour. A Stansted airport spokesman told The Independent: Shortly after 5am, Essex Police arrested two protestors who had entered the private aviation area of the airfield, away from the runway and main passenger terminal. As a precaution, runway operations were suspended for a short period, but no flights were disrupted, and the airport and flights are operating as normal. An Essex Police spokesperson said officers responded quickly and made two arrests. Officers were on the scene within minutes and detained two people, they said. The airport and flights are operating as normal. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: I would like to reassure passengers and the wider public that we are well prepared and resourced to deal with incidents of this nature. Almost immediately after we were made aware of this incident, which took place away from the main passenger terminal, we were on the scene. We maintain a constant presence at the airport and this presence will be heightened over the summer period. We have a good working relationship with Manchester Airport Group and Stansted Airport to ensure you can go about your travels with minimal impact. We are not anti protest but we will always take action where criminal acts take place. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Loved-up couples in Kent and Essex were the most likely to get married in 2022, new data that maps where people are getting hitched reveals. While the southeast counties had the highest number of registered marriages, Monmouthshire in Wales has seen the biggest increase in people coupling up, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Marriages increased by 67.4 per cent in the picturesque Welsh county between 2019 and 2022, as couples caught up with weddings after the pandemic. Marriages registered in Haringey, London, have fallen the most however - plunging by 51.1 per cent in those three years. Saturday 30 July was the most popular day to get married in 2022, with a total of 3,608 weddings taking place. But the popularity of getting hitched on a Saturday is slowly decreasing, analysis from the Office of National Statistics found. Nine in ten couples live together before they get married ( Getty Images ) Christmas Day remains the least popular day to get married, with only three weddings taking place on that day in 2022. Kent saw 7,510 registered marriages that year, while Essex and Hampshire saw 6,906 and 6,040 respectively. Westminster was the most popular London borough for newlywed couples, with 3,316 marriages registered. View more Data from the ONS showed that the trend of people living together before they get wed is increasing over time, with 9 in 10 heterosexual couples now cohabiting. The age at which both men and women marry has also been increasing. In 2022, the median age for heterosexual couples to get hitched was 32.7-years-old for men and 31.2-years-old for women. This was slightly higher for same-sex marriages, with the median age for men marrying a partner of the same sex was 36.2-years-old. For women this was 32.6-years-old. While only half of marriages were civil ceremonies in 1992, this has risen to 83 per cent two decades later. Only 17 per cent of marriages were religious ceremonies in 2022. The number of women getting married to each other is also increasing, ONS data shows. They made up 62.8 per cent of all same-sex marriages in 2022, the highest proportion of female couples recorded. Sital Fontenelle, head of family law at Kingsley Napley, said the rising median age of married couples partly explains the growth in pre-nups that they are seeing. She added: In many cases couples tying the knot later in life already have assets or successful careers (and earning power) which they want to protect in the event of divorce. View more Whilst the highest number of marriages occurred to people in their thirties, the fact those who remarry in their fifties, sixties and beyond are largely divorcees is evidence people are living longer and healthier lives in their maturity and still value the commitment marriage brings. David Lillywhite, partner at Burgess Mee, family law solicitors, said that cohabiting couples need more legal protection and are left without the same protections of married people. Shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry said earlier this year that Labour would reform the law on cohabitation to give unmarried couples more rights, however there was little detail on what this would entail in the partys manifesto. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An independent election candidate in Birmingham has been criticised for joking about domestic abuse and saying 70 per cent of hell is women. Akhmed Yakoob, who came third in the West Midlands mayoral election last month, made the recently surfaced remarks in a podcast called Minted Minds in March. In comments which sparked raucous laughter from other guests, Mr Yakoob, a criminal law solicitor with a hefty TikTok following, says to another guest: Brother, are you saying if she comes up in your personal space, you will defend yourself? At another point during the podcast titled Why we must not stop talking about Palestine, Dr Asif Munaf, another guest who is an ex-Apprentice contestant, states the majority of followers of Dajjaal a term that refers to a liar or a false messiah in Islam would be women who had been empowered. Mr Yakoob is a solicitor running for a seat in Ladywood ( Getty ) Mr Yakoob, who gained more than 10 per cent of the vote in the mayoral elections, backs his view, saying that 70 per cent of hell is going to be women. The remarks have been edited out of the final version of the podcast, which is hosted by entrepreneur Abdhul Zaman, but The Independent has listened to a full-length recording found online. Mr Yakoob, who is running a close race against Labours Shabana Mahmood in Ladywood, has also stirred controversy for sharing videos defending Andrew Tate the misogynistic influencer awaiting trial in Romania on charges of human trafficking and rape. The candidate has said he believes Mr Tate is not guilty and is a victim of an agenda by the higher powers. Mr Yakoob is running against Labours Shabana Mahmood ( PA Wire ) Speaking in a video shared in June last year, he said: I like the way he talks, to be fair, because Ive not heard him say anything wrong. Mr Tate denies the allegations levied against him. Alex Davies-Jones, Labours Shadow Safeguarding Minister, told The Independent: Andrew Tate is a dangerous misogynist who is facing multiple charges of human trafficking and sexual offences - it is inexplicable that any candidate would praise him. He is not a positive role model for young boys, he will drag them down a horrific rabbit hole of objectifying and abusing women. It is never just banter, it is part of a toxic culture that sadly often leads to violence. It is shameful that Akhmed Yakoob is contributing to this too. Mr Yakoob has previously defended influencer Andrew Tate ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Sophie Francis-Cansfield, of leading domestic abuse charity, Womens Aid, said they were shocked and disappointed to learn of Mr Yakoobs comments. We rely on political figures to proactively take action and accountability to end violence against women and girls and the misogyny that underpins it, she added. Whatever the context and however intended, there is no excuse for minimising, or making light of, this important subject. Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent Central, told The Independent she was shocked and appalled Mr Yakoob had joked about domestic abuse. The only way we will move the dial on tackling the epidemic of domestic violence is by everyone treating it with the seriousness it deserves, she added. Its not a joke and its not banter. Ms Butler added: Yakoob must now apologise for his vile comments - and I urge the people of Birmingham Ladywood to reject this vile rhetoric at the ballot box on July 4. We must protect women. Mr Yakoob, Dr Munaf and the podcast host have been contacted for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A leading expert has warned Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives not to overreact to dire poll predictions they are heading for a bloodbath at the election. A bombshell survey suggests the party could be left with just 53 MPs and Rishi Sunak would not be among them. But Lord Hayward, who is also a Tory peer, said that the party had lost fewer than predicted seats in the council elections in May. And I see no evidence to believe (the polls) are any more accurate six weeks later than they were then, he said. Bombshell polls suggest Rishi Sunak is heading for disaster ( Getty ) Tory candidates are braced for the party to reallocate election resources after a series of dire poll results. If the Savanta survey is correct, it would be the first time a sitting prime minister has lost his seat. The Tories could also be left battling the Lib Dems to avoid third place, with Sir Ed Daveys party set to gain 50 MPs. Other polls also show that big hitters including Penny Mordaunt, James Cleverly and Jeremy Hunt are all also on the cusp of being ousted. But Lord Harward warned the Conservatives - and voters - not to overreact to the number of seats the Tories are forecast to take. He told The Independent: The parties and voters should not overreact to these polls. If you look at local government election results, (the polls) were directionally correct, but got the numbers wrong. And I see no evidence to believe they are any more accurate six weeks later than they were then. He added: It is the issues that matter, not the polls. Big hitters like Penny Mordaunt are set to lose their seats ( ITV ) Earlier, Professor Sir John Curtice said the polling evidence in the election so far suggests that the Conservatives are heading for their worst ever result by a country mile. In recent days the Conservatives have urged voters not to give Labour a huge supermajority at Westminster. On Thursday, cabinet minister Michael Gove admitted a Tory victory would be "a stretch", but said he still thought his party could win. He added: "We are absolutely the underdogs. Its incredibly tough, were up against it. But it is possible and youve got to believe that in order to ensure that you do the electorate a service. "So, of course weve got to point out what the consequences would be if Labour were in, what the consequences would be if Labour get a majority as some of these polls - and polls are snapshots, not predictions - as some of these polls indicate that they might. But youve got to fight it." Michael Gove has said his party can win, but conceded victory would be a stretch ( PA/BBC Breakfast ) Mr Gove pointed to polls which had got the outcome wrong in the past, including the 2016 Brexit result. "Its like in any contest, as the minutes tick down to the final whistle, then the scale of the challenge - the mountain - looks bigger. The difference between a sporting contest and an electoral one is, of course, some votes have been cast as postal ballots, but there are still people who are making up their mind. "Now, there are still a significant number of people who are undecided. Will they all break for us? Experience would suggest not, but youve got to believe that it is possible. Youve got to believe that it matters to fight as hard as possible." He also denied polls had an outcome on how the paty campaigns. My sense from previous campaigns has always been to acknowledge that some of these decisions, allocations of resources and so on, will be taken by people who have got a lot more information than is available to us as ministers or candidates." Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Artificial intelligence (AI) will allow pupils to continue conversing with Holocaust survivors even when they are no longer alive. The technology for schools in the UK will aim to immortalise real Holocaust survivors and their stories through life-like conversations with pupils. The programme has been launched at a time when antisemitism is rising in the country and the number of Holocaust survivors is dwindling. Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, who created the programme, said it is vital that young people learn about the Holocaust as conspiracy theories and misinformation continue to be spread on social media. She told the PA news agency: I think the challenge weve got with Holocaust education sadly is that there are people who deny the Holocaust, who distort the Holocaust, who use the Holocaust to make other points that they want to make, abuse the memory of the Holocaust. So this is also about holding it up and saying this is the experience of a real person and you can hear about it and see the site that they are talking about. Ms Pollock added that there had been an explosion of antisemitism in recent months which includes inappropriate use of Holocaust language. Currently, Holocaust survivors share their experiences with thousands of pupils every year, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for survivors who are in their 80s and 90s to travel across the country to speak to pupils first-hand and soon the Holocaust will no longer be in living memory. But now speech-to-text recognition AI search technology, combined with a filming technique using a nine-camera rig, has created virtual 3D versions of Holocaust survivors which can answer 1,000 questions from pupils. AI understands the question and then plays the survivors recorded answer to give pupils the feeling of a natural conversation with the Holocaust survivor. A photograph taken at the national Holocaust museum in Amsterdam ( ANP/AFP via Getty Images ) Using virtual reality (VR) headsets, students will also be able to explore key sites linked to the survivor testimonies, including their pre-war home towns and the concentration camps where they were imprisoned. It is hoped the technology will ensure that young people have memorable experiences learning about the Holocaust for generations to come. Ms Pollock told PA: Were just facing the reality that Holocaust survivors are getting older and frailer and fewer. They are in their later years. She added: Lets not wait till that moment where we dont have anyone here. Lets do it now and gradually embed this sort of programme in schools. Manfred Goldberg, who survived Stutthof concentration camp and a death march, is the first to feature in the programme for pupils across the UK. The 94-year-old, who has shared his testimony with young people in hundreds of schools over 20 years, said pupils have told him in the past that hearing his story was an experience of a lifetime and it changed their lives. Mr Goldberg, from north London, told PA: That is a very powerful reaction and that is what keeps me going at my age to continue doing what Im doing. He added: I think one basic and highly important factor is the one we seem to have cracked now and that is that all these people for decades to come will be able to hear the words of a Holocaust survivor. Mr Goldberg spent five days being filmed within a green screen rig, from multiple angles at once using special volumetric capture cameras, and he answered more than 1,000 questions to ensure his virtual self could answer almost any question a student may pose about their experience of the Holocaust. He said: Never during those dark days of the Holocaust did I ever imagine that one day I would see myself, and my story, immortalised in this way. I have spoken to thousands of pupils over the years perhaps now I will make it millions. If this is my legacy, it will be a truly remarkable one. The Testimony 360 programme was officially launched on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Camberwell, London. Virtual testimonies from three other Holocaust survivors are set to be rolled out in schools from 2025. Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: This new technology will help staff bring this vitally important topic to life for future generations of students and ensure they understand the significance of this period of history. Schools are doing all they can to combat the rise in antisemitism and other forms of prejudice, by teaching pupils about different faiths and how to build and maintain positive relationships with their peers. This technology will provide another tool with which to do this. However, schools are facing growing challenges as a result of harmful material and disinformation being posted on social media and need swift action to be taken to prevent this. The next government needs to stand up to the technology giants and ensure they stop hatred from spreading across society via their platforms. A Unesco report this week warned that generative AI could be used by bad actors to seed disinformation and antisemitism around the Holocaust. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Michael Gove has blamed Liz Truss for the Conservative Partys collapse in the so-called blue wall of safe Tory seats. The party is facing a wipeout in its traditional southern English heartlands at the general election, with the Liberal Democrats and Labour eyeing a series of high-profile scalps, including Mr Goves former Surrey Heath seat. And Mr Gove, who represented the area for two decades, blamed the Tories struggles on Ms Truss and her September 2022 mini-budget. Click here for our live coverage of the general election campaign. Speaking to The Independent on the Tory partys battle bus on Thursday, the housing secretary said: One of the challenges in particular that we face, and it applies in seats like the one I have represented but also more broadly, is the reputation for sound economic management, which is essential for Conservative success, took a bit of a knock in the period between Boris and Rishi. Michael Gove told The Independent Liz Truss was responsible for the partys electoral woes ( Conservatives ) The veteran minister, who has been around the cabinet table almost constantly since 2010, refused to name Ms Truss directly, but said her premiership was undoubtedly a challenge for the Conservatives. His scathing intervention came after Britains top polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice warned the Tories are heading for the worst performance since the First World War by a country mile. A damning seat-level poll on Wednesday night put Mr Goves Surrey Heath seat as too close to call, with his successor Ed McGuinness expected to narrowly hold on. And the Savanta survey put chancellor Jeremy Hunt on course to lose his Surrey seat, Godalming and Ash, to the Liberal Democrats. Sir Ed Daveys party is also targeting former chancellor Nadhim Zahawis ex-seat of Stratford-upon-Avon and Wokingham where Brexiteer Sir John Redwood has just retired. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey is hoping to capitalise on the chaos caused by Liz Truss to break down the Tories blue wall ( PA Wire ) Other seats beyond a 15 per cent swing could also be targeted, including Chesham and Amersham which the Lib Dems won in a by-election in 2021. Savantas bombshell survey even suggested Rishi Sunak is on course to become the first prime minister in history to lose his seat, with the Tories left with just 53 MPs. The Savanta and Electoral Calculus polling analysis puts Labour on track to take 516 seats, with an estimated majority of 382 twice the size of Tony Blairs 1997 landslide suggesting that recent Tory warnings of a Labour supermajority are correct. Ms Truss declined to comment on Mr Goves accusation. But the Liberal Democrats said Mr Gove is absolutely correct that voters across the blue wall are sick to the back teeth of this Conservative government. Deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "The Conservative party trashed the economy, allowed filthy sewage to be pumped into our rivers, and brought local health services to their knees. Ms Truss was forced from office after just 49 days as PM after her disastrous so-called mini budget crashed the pound and sent mortgage rates soaring. Liz Truss is Britains shortest-serving prime minister ( PA Archive ) She became Britains shortest-serving prime minister and led to a collapse in Tory support. Mr Gove said polls suggesting a blue wall wipeout were snapshots and not projections, suggesting the Conservatives could recover lost support. But he said I wont deny there is a challenge, and if you ask what makes the election slightly more difficult than it might otherwise have been, it is that period [when Liz Truss was in charge]. Mr Gove declined to comment on Partygate and whether Covid rule-breaking gatherings in Downing Street under Boris Johnson contributed to the decline in Tory support, saying that is a more complex issue. Asked about the future of the party after what is expected to be a devastating election loss, Mr Gove warned the Conservatives against a lurch to the right. The Conservative Party is at its best when it embraces the spirit we had in 2010 and 2019 recognising you need to appeal to every part of the country, he said. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Peter Mandelson has resigned from the board of his lobbying firm weeks before Labour is set to enter No 10. Keir Starmer is now widely predicted to win by a landslide on July 4, returning his party to government for the first time since 2010. And there are predictions the overwhelming scale of the victory could guarantee he stays in Downing Street for a decade. Now it has emerged that Lord Mandelson has resigned as a director of Global Counsel. The move by the former business secretary has prompted speculation he would be free for a possible government role. But it is thought nothing has changed since he ruled out a return to frontline politics earlier this year. The peer raised eyebrows when he said Sir Keir could stand to shed a few pounds ( PA/Getty ) That was after the reported part-sale of his advisory firm to Barack Obamas former polling guru, Jim Messina. At the time Lord Mandelson, once dubbed the Dark Lord for his role as a New Labour spin doctor, told the Telegraph: I will continue to always be a cheerleader and champion of a Labour government but I do not intend to be a member of it. In March he raised eyebrows when he told Sir Keir he could stand to shed a few pounds, and that would be an improvement. The move appeared to be a bid at even-handedness after he hit out at the prime ministers notorious slim-fit suits and skinny ties, saying they diminish him rather than expand him on his podcast. At the weekend he accused Rishi Sunak of being afraid to take on Nigel Farage and said the Reform UK leader was "terrorising" the Conservative Party. He warned that trying to outflank Mr Farage would only embolden the former Ukip boss and make him stronger, in an interview with Sky News. On Mr Farage, he said: "I think he terrifies the Conservative Party. I mean, he terrified David Cameron into conceding a referendum on our membership of the European Union, and now hes doing the same, to Sunak. He terrorises them. "Now you, youve got to stand up to terrorists you know, in this world and including in, in British domestic politics." Companies House records show he resigned as a director at the start of May. A Savanta and Electoral Calculus polling analysis on Thursday had Labour on track to take 516 seats, with an estimated majority of 382 twice the size of Tony Blairs 1997 landslide suggesting that recent Tory warnings of a huge Labour supermajority are correct. The Conservatives are facing electoral meltdown after the scandal over betting on the election date engulfed the partys top campaign team. The party admitted its director of campaigning, Tony Lee, had taken a leave of absence hours after it was revealed that his wife, Laura Saunders, was being investigated by the Gambling Commission. Ms Saunders is the Tory candidate for Bristol North West and has worked for the party since 2015. With the partys electoral hopes in freefall, the forced departure of a senior campaign figure just two weeks before the polls open could not have come at a worse time for Rishi Sunak. Meanwhile, a Redfield and Wilton poll has become the latest to put Reform UK ahead of the Tories, on 19 per cent against 18 per cent. Laura Saunders and Tony Lee say they are cooperating with the Gambling Commission ( Supplied ) Reform leader Nigel Farage was quick to capitalise on the Tories problems, saying: From all the news thats breaking today, it looks like the Conservative Party is more corrupt than even its worst critics could have imagined. They are literally stealing the lightbulbs on the way out the door. This is another shocking scandal. Gallows humour among Tory MPs was summed up by former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who is facing defeat in his Chingford and Woodford Green seat. He told the News Agents podcast: They say it is armageddon, but I armageddon on with it here in this constituency. The scandal, which also involves one of the police officers on Mr Sunaks close protection team along with his chief parliamentary aide, Craig Williams, broke as postal voters are already completing and returning their ballots. Tory candidates and MPs have told The Independent that the scandal, which comes in the wake of the outcry over Mr Sunaks decision to make an early exit from a D-Day commemoration event earlier this month, is absolutely killing their hopes of getting elected. MPs have lost all faith in Rishi Sunak ( PA ) Some are even understood to be discussing taking action to publicly disown the prime minister as a group before the election in a bid to survive, while dozens have privately confessed that they are already disowning Mr Sunak in conversations with voters on the doorstep. Suspicion has been heightened after a data search carried out by the Financial Times appeared to show a surge in bets on a July election in the 24 hours before Mr Sunak made his surprise announcement, with up to 5,900 wagered just before 20 May. The Metropolitan Police have suspended and arrested the unnamed protection officer who is alleged to have bet on the election date before it was announced. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has led calls for police to investigate the allegations. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross urged Mr Sunak to disown those involved. He said: The investigation has been set up to look at these allegations, and if anyone is guilty of using [information] that they were privy to [in order] to place bets, to financially benefit from that, it is completely unacceptable, it is completely wrong, and they should no longer have the support. But there is an independent process, and I think its right that due process is allowed to continue. Tory grandee Sir Charles Walker, who is stepping down as an MP, insisted that the scandal would not affect the election result. He said: Nobody is going to change their vote off the back of this. Labour leader Keir Starmer wants Tory candidates involved in the scandal to be suspended ( PA ) Michael Gove said it would be reprehensible for someone to use inside information to bet on the date of the general election. If people have used inside information to place bets, that is deeply wrong, he said. What I cant do is get too much into the details of the case while an investigation is going on. But I can talk about the broad principle, and youre absolutely right, its reprehensible. On the subject of the alleged betting, Labours campaign director Pat McFadden said: What does it say about todays Tory party that once again their first instinct was to fill their boots? The deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper, said: Rishi Sunak must find his backbone and suspend Laura Saunders from the Conservative Party whilst this investigation is ongoing. It would be an utter disgrace if Conservative politicians were shown to be more focused on turning a quick buck rather than the needs of the country. Voters are sick to the back teeth of this endless carousel of chaos, sleaze and scandal. A Conservative Party spokesperson said: We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals. As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldnt be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded. The director of campaigning took a leave of absence from CCHQ yesterday. A spokesperson for the Gambling Commission said it was investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election, adding: This is an ongoing investigation, and the commission cannot provide any further details at this time. We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation. A Met Police spokesperson said: We can confirm that on Friday, 14 June, the Met were contacted by the Gambling Commission, who informed us that they were investigating alleged bets made by a police constable from the Mets Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, which were related to the timing of the general election. The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties. The officer was subsequently arrested on Monday, 17 June, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody and bailed pending further enquiries. The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The Gambling Commission continues to lead the investigation into the alleged betting offences, and our investigation is running in parallel to that. The Met is not currently carrying out any other criminal investigations for misconduct in public office relating to alleged betting offences linked to the election. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} When a soaking wet Rishi Sunak stood in front of Downing Street last month to call a snap 4 July general election, the Conservative Party needed a miracle. Almost three years had passed since the Tories enjoyed a lead over Labour in the polls, and the prime minister had given them just six weeks to turn it around. No campaign is ever perfect, but Mr Sunaks needed to be pretty close to stop Sir Keir Starmer walking into Downing Street on 5 July. But since the prime minister kicked off proceedings in the wettest of circumstances, the picture for the Tories has gone from bad to utterly bleak. Journalists sat around a conference table in a plain white room while Gove toured the site ( Reuters ) With poll after poll predicting an unprecedented wipeout, The Independent takes you behind the scenes on the Conservative Party battle bus to see the veteran campaigner Michael Gove in action. At 9am on Thursday, the Tory-blue bus was parked outside a cafe in the heart of Westminster to pick up a gaggle of broadcasters, print journalists and photographers as well as Mr Gove. We were heading for Capital Interchange Way, a housing development in Brentford, west London. Reporters had blocked out four hours for the trip in the hope of being able to grill the housing secretary on Tory policy, the partys campaign and the rapidly unfolding election betting scandal. Four hours on board but few questions were answered ( Reuters ) But mere minutes after boarding, the hopeful hacks were told they would get a Q&A with Mr Gove, but with just one question each and no follow-ups allowed. Disappointment rapidly set in. The hour-long bus journey left ample time for Mr Gove an experienced media performer to run through the Tory lines. Journalists had to coordinate lines of inquiry in advance to ensure we were not stepping on each others toes. Taking just a handful of media questions from select outlets has been a feature of Mr Sunaks premiership and the Tory campaign has even tried to limit the topics journalists can ask about. Earlier this month, a Tory aide sensationally brought a Sky News interview with the Conservative Party chair to a halt after the journalist asked about claims Richard Holden had stitched up his own selection for the Basildon and Billericay constituency. Gove previously said he would be standing down at the election ( Getty ) On Thursday the same aide criticised The Independent for asking an evasive Mr Gove a series of follow-up questions in the huddle. Huddles typically see top politicians grilled in a free-flowing back and forth which often ends when reporters have run out of questions to ask. But Mr Goves ended after the six print hacks had taken their turn and the minister was ushered off to the back of the bus. The day then slipped from disappointing to bizarre. After arriving at the housing development, journalists were told they could get off the bus, but not escort Mr Gove on his tour of the site. The Levelling up minister taking questions from reporters ( Getty Images ) An agency reporter was allowed to view flats with the housing secretary to report colour, including Mr Gove asking apprentices whether they were happy with their training. Its better than I thought it would be," one replied. Meanwhile, other journalists were kept for several hours around a conference table in a blank white room and offered fig rolls, Fanta, Sprite and Pink Lady apples to keep them happy. Mr Gove could briefly be seen speaking to TV cameras through a small closed window, but one reporter who tried to go out of the room was told to return to their seat. Without so much as a goodbye, Mr Gove had vanished and reporters were told to get back on the bus for the drive back to Westminster. Beth Rigby catches up with Gove during the housing site visit ( Reuters ) Tory staffers handed out pasta salads, Pringles and copies of the days newspapers, but most were left wondering what the point of the visit had been. It appeared emblematic of a campaign that has displayed an obsession with micromanaging minor details while tearing itself apart with major national gaffes. By the time we returned to Westminster, it had emerged that the partys campaign manager Tony Lee had taken a leave of absence after becoming embroiled in the election date betting scandal. With two weeks to go until election day, quite where this leaves a campaign that was already struggling to gain momentum remains to be seen. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Gambling Commission is investigating a second Tory candidate for taking a bet on the date of the election who may have had inside knowledge ahead of Rishi Sunaks surprise announcement. The candidate understood to be under investigation is Laura Saunders, who is running for the Tories in Bristol North West and has worked for the party since 2015. It was also revealed that she is married to Tony Lee, the Conservative Partys director of campaigns. This follows an admission by one of the prime ministers closest aides Craig Williams that he took a flutter on the election date just days before it was announced. Two candidates linked to the prime ministers inner circle are being investigated over betting on the election date ( James Manning/PA Wire ) It has led to concerns of corruption in Mr Sunaks inner circle using inside knowledge to profit from betting. Asked about reports the Gambling Commission was investigating a second Conservative candidate for placing a bet on the date of the election, Mr Gove told the BBC: If people have used inside information to place bets, that is deeply wrong. What I cant do is sort of get too much into the detail of the case while an investigation is going on. But I can talk about the broad principle and youre absolutely right, its reprehensible. Craig Williams served as the Prime Ministers parliamentary private secretary and is under investigation over an alleged bet (UK Parliament/PA) ( PA Media ) Michael Gove has said it would be reprehensible for someone to use inside information to bet on the date of the General Election. Mr Williams, who was Mr Sunaks parliamentary private secretary, has since returned the money and apologised but is also under investigation from the Gambling Commisson. But pressure is mounting for the Tories to take tougher action after it was reported a close protection officer for the prime minister was suspended by the Metropolitan Police and being investigated. Ms Saunders has not commented on the allegation. However, a Conservative Party spokesman told the BBC: We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals. As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldnt be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded. It is understood that the Met was contacted by the Gambling Commission on 14 June to be told that it was investigating alleged bets made by a police constable from the Mets Royalty and Specialist Protection Command. The Met told the BBC: The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties. Responding to the latest allegations against Ms Saunders, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Rishi Sunak must find his backbone and suspend Laura Saunders from the Conservative party whilst this investigation is ongoing. "It would be an utter disgrace if Conservative politicians were shown to be more focussed on turning a quick buck rather than the needs of the country. "The Conservative party has proven itself utterly unfit for office. Voters are sick to the back teeth of this endless carousel of chaos, sleaze and scandal. "People across the country are crying out for change and that is why in many areas they are backing the Liberal Democrats to get a strong local champion that will take their issues right to the heart of Parliament and not take them for granted any longer." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The families of the victims of two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes have asked the Justice Department on Wednesday to seek a fine of up to $24.78bn from the planemakers and criminally prosecute them. "Because Boeings crime is the deadliest corporate crime in US history, a maximum fine of more than $24bn is legally justified and clearly appropriate," Paul Cassel, a lawyer representing 15 families, wrote in a letter to the Justice Department. Boeing is facing a string of lawsuits relating to manufacturing malpractice after a door plug of a 737 Max 9 blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Before this, Max jets also crashed in 2018 in Indonesia and in 2019 in Ethiopia, killing 346 people. The incident exposed continued safety and quality issues at Boeing. The families of the 2018 and 2019 crash victims said the department could potentially suspend $14bn to $22bn of the fine "on the condition that Boeing devote those suspended funds to an independent corporate monitor and related improvements in compliance and safety". It comes a day after Boeing CEO David Calhoun apologised to the families of crash victims, saying the company was totally committed to future aircraft safety, as he faced an intense grilling at a special Senate hearing. Mr Calhoun appeared in front of a Homeland Security investigations subcommittee on Tuesday, where he was questioned on production inspection processes and whistleblower safety. I want to personally apologise, on behalf of everyone at Boeing. We are deeply sorry for your losses. Nothing is more important than the safety of the people who step on board our airplanes, he told the families in attendance. Every day we seek to honour the memory of those lost through a steadfast commitment to safety and quality. In the letter, the families also said Boeings board of directors should be ordered to meet with them and the department should "launch criminal prosecutions of the responsible corporate officials at Boeing at the time of the two crashes". In May, the Justice Department said it determined Boeing violated a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement that shielded the company from a criminal charge of conspiracy to commit fraud arising from fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. But Boeing last week told the government it did not violate the agreement. Federal prosecutors have until 7 July to inform a federal judge in Texas of their plans, which could be proceeding with a criminal case or negotiating a plea deal with Boeing. The Justice Department could also extend the deferred prosecution agreement for a year. The letter noted that Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the Senates Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and held a hearing with Boeing CEO, said: "There is near overwhelming evidence in my view as a former prosecutor that prosecution should be pursued." The two fatal crashes of Boeing 737 MAX planes in 2018 and 2019 in Indonesia and Ethiopia led to the best-selling planes worldwide grounding for 20 months. A safety system called MCAS was linked to both fatal crashes. Additional reporting by agencies The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A billionaire heir to a Coca-Cola bottling fortune has been ordered to pay $900m (710m) in damages to a former employee in a landmark sexual assault case. The Los Angeles courts ruling on Monday is believed to be the highest amount ever given in compensation to a victim of an alleged crime of this nature. Cypriot-British businessman Alkiviades David, 56, is alleged to have raped his former staffer in a string of increasingly aggressive assaults that took place between February 2016 to April 2019. Although an heir to the Coca-Cola fortune, David is successful in his own right and made his money through Hologram USA, which brought famous artists including Michael Jackson back to life in hologram form. Throughout proceedings, the court heard several shocking claims about the businessman including the use of a pornographic image that was captioned HER-ASS on his companys HR departments door. His behaviour was allegedly so prolific that his office became known as the rape room among staff. The prosecuting lawyer Gary Dordick said: This monumental verdict marks a significant triumph for justice and sets a precedent in the fight against workplace sexual assault. The billionaires office was known as the rape room by staff, according to the complaint ( Shutterstock ) The woman, known as Jane Doe, was subject to severe sexual harassment and assault, including rape from the businessman, according to her lawyer. According to the lawsuit, the woman was warned of her employers alarmingly hostile actions towards women when another female employee claimed he had kissed her without consent. History is said to have repeated itself just weeks later on the billionaires private Greek island when David attempted to kiss Doe on a work trip, who then found herself dismissed when she turned down his advances. The Coca-Cola heir, pictured here with partner Leila in 2018, was known to fire women who rejected his advances, according to the complaint ( Mediapunch/Shutterstock ) He proceeded to offer her employment again in 2018 and she accepted a role at his cannabis manufacturing company, Swiss-X. This saw David invite the woman back to his hotel room to sample the product and it was there that he sexually assaulted her again by forcing her to touch his genitals, it is alleged. The abuse is said to have escalated to rape in April 2019 when he called Doe to a supposed business meeting. The lawsuit notes that his dog, a Doberman pinscher, was present. By this point, David was already beginning to face the consequences of his actions against different women, which had already cost him $80m since 2014. Other cases against the billionaire in 2016 were settled out of court. But in April 2019, he was ordered to pay $8m in damages to a woman who was fired after refusing to sleep with the businessman in a case that eerily echoed that of Doe. Dordick said: Its so despicable, the facts of this case. He raped my client while on civil trial in another case. Later that year, he was ordered to pay the biggest sum to a victim to date when his former production assistant Mahim Khan was awarded $58 million in her sexual battery case. This case was brought about after he thrust his pelvis into her face to create the impression that she was performing oral sex on him. At the time, the businessman was told never to think of violating another womans body. Multiple women have sued the billionaire for sexual assault ( Alamy ) David denied all claims against him in 2019 and said: I never touched any of these women. He alleged to The Daily Beast in 2021, before being ordered to pay $900m: Theyve completely exhausted me of my cash resources. Fortunately, Ive got a great mother, God bless her, whos been very supportive of me. Despite this, the 2020 Sunday Times Rich List put Davids net worth at an estimated 2.35bn. The Independent has reached out to a representative for Alkiviades David for comment. Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673) The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An arm discovered on a beach in Illinois has been identified as part of the remains of Sade Robinson, a Milwaukee student who was dismembered after going on a first date with a man who police say killed her. The arm was found on 11 May by someone walking along Waukegan Municipal Beach, about 50 miles from Milwaukee, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office. A DNA analysis was used to match the arm to Robinson, according to the coroner. The 19-year-old Milwaukee Area Technical College student was killed after going on a date with 33-year-old Maxwell Anderson in April. Robinson's family was notified of the discovery on Tuesday, according to NBC News. "On behalf of the Lake County Coroners Office, I want to express our sincere condolences to Sades family and friends who continue to endure this tragic loss," the coroner, Jennifer Banek, said in a statement. Sade Robinson, a young woman who was killed on 1 April and whose remains were found in and around Lake Michigan. One of Robinsons arms was found on an Illinois beach approximately 50 miles from Milwaukee on 11 May ( Milwaukee Police Department ) Robinson's mother, Sheena Scarbrough, "is devastated and feels like her heart is being cut out as she is constantly tortured with this accumulating news of her daughter's murder," according to Verona Swanigan, the attorney representing the victims family. Other parts of Robinson's remains have already been found. On 18 April, more than two weeks after Robinsons death, a torso and an arm were found on a remote beach on Lake Michigan, according to Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. The day after Robinson was killed, a severed right leg with a foot attached was discovered on a beach in Warnimont Park in the Milwaukee suburb of Cudahy. The leg appeared to belong to a Black female and was severed just below the hip socket and appeared to have been sawn off, according to Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. The police complaint also noted the foots toenails had pink nail polish, and did not appear to be in a state of decomposition. On April 2, the day after Robinson's date, a 2020 Honda Civic was discovered with substantial interior damage caused by a fire, stated the complaint. Maxwell Anderson, 33, appears in court in Milwaukee on Monday 22 April over the alleged murder of 19-year-old Sade Robinson ( Wisconsin Court Systems livestream ) The vehicle and all of the remains found were identified as Robinson's. Anderson, of Milwaukee, was arrested on 4 April and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson in connection with Robinson's death. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $5m bail. Robinson and Anderson had scheduled a date for 1 April at the Twisted Fisherman seafood restaurant, according to Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. Surveillance footage from the restaurant showed the pair sitting at the bar enjoying drinks for around an hour before leaving together. Anderson was later identified as having been an employee at the bar. A Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office criminal complaint says that video taken from a bus and a convenience store captured a man walking away from a burning vehicle on the night of Robinson's murder. A witness also told deputies that she saw a man exit Robinson's car from the driver's side door and toss a lit lighter into the vehicle. Maxwell Anderson, pictured here in surveillance footage taken from a bus, murdered Sade Robinson before dismembering her body and setting fire to her car and fleeing the area on a bus, police say ( Milwaukee County Circuit Court ) The suspected arsonist, a male in dark trousers, a dark grey hooded top, and carrying a tan-colored backpack with tan straps, then boarded a city transit bus. Surveillance footage from inside the bus showed that Anderson was on board. The burned-out Honda Civic was later searched and clothing consistent with that worn by Robinson a black puffer coat, light blue ripped jeans, and white shoes was found. After the footage was recovered and adter Anderson was identified, deputies arrested him. Robinson's family is hoping that law enforcement can convince him to confess to the killing. "I want my daughter's remains! Sade should not have to spend eternity lost because of Anderson's evil agenda," Scarbrough said, via Swanigan. "I have in anxious torment waited 79 days without being able to see my child or know her whereabouts. I pray law enforcement or his family will finally get him to talk and set me free from this stabbing pain of not knowing what happened to my daughter or where her remains are located." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Georgia prosecutor was indicted and arrested for allegedly taking thousands of dollars of government funds meant for crime victims and instead spending it on personal expenses. Hall County Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard, whose position includes prosecuting low-level crimes like DUIs, is accused of taking at least $4,200 from public coffers and spending it on a variety of personal expenses, including a restaurant bill, college test preparation, a pillow at Target, and even the cremation of a dog. The indictment, certified on Tuesday in state court against Woodward, contains 24 felony charges, including 13 counts of false statements in writing and 11 counts of theft by taking. It follows a 2022 investigation from the Georgie Bureau of Investigation, launched after local news outlet Fox 5 Atlanta uncovered receipts showing Woodward spending office funds on noise-canceling headphones, jewelry repair, and other personal matters. As a public official, Hall County citizens trusted Solicitor Stephanie Woodard with their communitys interests, GBI director Chris Hosey said in a statement on Tuesday. This indictment illustrates that no one is above the law and must be held accountable for their actions. Working with our law enforcement partners, the GBI remains committed to following the facts and bringing to light evidence in public corruption investigations. A mugshot of Stephanie Woodard, a Georgia prosecutor accused of spending thousands of dollars in government money on personal expenses, who was indicted on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. ( Hall County Sheriffs Office ) At the time, Woodward told Fox 5 Some personal education expenses and other items submitted were confused as victim expenses by mistake and have since been reimbursed by me personally." The prosecutor, who remains in office, has continued to deny wrongdoing. "The decision by the Attorney Generals Office to institute charges against her in this absurd indictment is unfathomable and a waste of court time and taxpayer dollars, her attorneys said in a statement following the indictment. She absolutely committed no crime, but yet she has been viciously pursued by the GBI for years. They have harassed her family, including her children, during which time the agents were aware of ongoing severe health issues that they were facing." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The mother of a prison worker at Georgias Smith State Prison discovered an inmate killed her daughter after another convict called her using a contraband phone. Aramark employee Aureon Grace, 24, was working in the prisons kitchen on June 16 when inmate Jaydrekus Hart fatally shot her, according to a statement from the Georgia Corrections Department. He then shot himself and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Graces mother, Deshonda Hagins, had posted on social media that she discovered the tragic news by a call from inmates. The inmates were going through her social media and trying to find someone related to her, Hagins said, according to Fox5. She accused the prison of not doing enough to protect Grace, telling TV station WTOC: They failed her. You failed her. My child is dead and its no explanation for a firearm to be inside of a prison, she continued. Its not immediately clear how Hart obtained the gun. The corrections department said it now has custody of the weapon and plans to execute a complete and thorough investigation to determine the events leading up to the tragedy. Photo of Grace days before she was fatally shot while working ( Facebook ) Why didnt they search him when he left his dorm, why didnt they search him before he came into the cafeteria? Why was none of those things done? she added. Hagins spoke highly of her daughter, who left behind a four-year-old daughter and one-year-old son. She was a sister, she was a daughter, she was a mother. She was loved, the grieving mother told the outlet. Grace worked for her kids, Hagins said: She would work 11 days straight, 14 days straight, just to make money to make sure she could provide for her kids. She still didnt deserve to die. She still didnt deserve to leave her two children. Nobody deserves that. I dont wish this on my worst enemy, Hagins said. The department confirmed to WTOC that another inmate used a contraband cell phone to call one of Graces immediate family members, adding that the call was premature, as the facility staff was working on determining details in order to accurately communicate to the family. Hart was serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter with a maximum release date of June 2043, the corrections department said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The wife of a Florida plastic surgeon who died on his operating table had prepared her own anesthesia before surgery and taken a handful of multicolored pills, according to a state report. Benjamin Brown, 41, was charged with second-degree felony homicide and manslaughter by culpable negligence. He turned himself in to police on Monday after a warrant was issued for his arrest on Friday. Brown is being held in the county jail pending his bond hearing. The Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to Browns practice, Restore Plastic Surgery, in Gulf Breeze, Florida, for a medical emergency on November 21, 2023. Hillary Ellington Brown, 33, had suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to a hospital, where she was later put on life support. She died seven days later. An autopsy into her death is pending. On the day Browns wife went into cardiac arrest, she was scheduled to undergo miniature muscle plication/abdominal scar revision, bilateral arm liposuction, lip injections, and ear adjustment procedures. On the day Browns wife, Hillary, went into cardiac arrest, she was scheduled to undergo miniature muscle plication/abdominal scar revision, bilateral arm liposuction, lip injections and ear adjustment procedures. She prepared her own anesthesia before the surgeries ( Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery ) A state report revealed that she had prepared her own anesthesia before the surgeries but did not document what she took. She also ingested a handful of multicolored pills, including Valium. Shortly before the procedures, she began experiencing symptoms relating to sedation. When she went into the operating room, Brown administered additional anesthesia without being able to verify what his wife took, according to a report obtained by WEAR-TV. He subsequently did not record his wifes medication and dosage. At one point, his wife told him that her vision was becoming blurry and she saw orange. She also experienced restlessness, muscle twitching and blurred vision, which are common symptoms of toxicity. The doctor then continued injecting drugs into her face, according to the report. She then became unresponsive and started to seize. A medical assistant asked Brown if they should call 911 and he said no. Benjamin Brown, 41, has been arrested following the death of his wife, Hillary Brown Ellington. Days before the woman died, Brown performed procedures on her that resulted in her suffering a cardiac arrest ( Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office ) In the next 10 to 20 minutes, the assistant asked again and he said no or wait, the report noted. Brown began to panic and requested that his assistants bring him supplies, including an oxygen tank and stethoscope but the employees found it difficult to find the items. Meanwhile, Brown yelled at the staff asking what medication did she take? What did she take? After 10 to 20 minutes, Browns wifes breaths became shallow and her pulse and oxygen levels became low, the report stated. He then instructed his employees to call 911. Emergency officials arrived and transported her to the hospital. She never regained consciousness. The couple share three children. According to the health departments website, Brown graduated from Georgetown Universitys Department of Plastic Surgery in 2015. He holds medical licenses in Florida, Washington DC, Virginia and West Virginia. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Marty Ellington, Browns father, told thePensacola News Journal: My family lives in a sea of tears for eternity due to the actions of one careless individual. His ego and arrogance overshadowed the need for help, prolonging oxygen deprivation to her brain and ultimately causing her death. Ben Brown took the mother from my grandchildren, my only daughter and our brightest star. Hillary gave the ultimate sacrifice so Ben Brown can not hurt anyone else. Maybe in prison, he will get the attention he deserves. The Independent emailed Brown for comment. On May 2, the Floridas Department of Health issued an emergency order restricting Browns medical license to only perform procedures or surgeries in a licensed hospital while under the supervision of a licensed physician. The department is pursuing disciplinary action in the case. Brown has chosen to challenge the allegations made against him and the case will be heard by the Division for Administrative Hearings. The department conducted a probe as part of its request to restrict Browns license. Per that report, a medical assistant said Browns business started to decline in 2021. The person noticed Brown had been delegating more to his physician assistant and his wife, who did not have a medical license. The employee described the facility as dirty and poorly maintained, the report stated Medications were stored in an unlocked cabinet and employees would take Versed, a sedative, to take the edge off. The practices administration was tumultuous and poorly managed, the employee continued, describing Brown as vindictive. Officials with the Department of Health said Brown performed unwanted procedures on patients, including Brazilian butt lifts and allowed his wife to perform procedures on patients despite not having a medical license. One patient said her body is disfigured from the treatment she received at Browns practice between 2021 and 2023. Another said she constantly has pain in her diaphragm, abdomen and hips stemming from the procedures she had at Browns office. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Cops have slammed false and misleading rumors that Elijah Vue, who has been missing from his Wisconsin home for four months, has been found. Recently rumors surfaced on social media platforms stating Elijah has been found, police chief Ben Meinnert said in a statement on Facebook earlier this week. This is not true. The spreading of false and misleading information is disrespectful to the family of Elijah and detracts from our efforts in locating him, he added. The 3-year-old was last seen on the morning of February 20 at the home of his mothers partner, Jesse Vang, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. A search was launched that morning after Vang called Two Rivers police to report the boy missing. A few hours later, Vang, 39, was arrested and was charged with child neglect. He reportedly has a history of other criminal offences, including child abuse and is being held on a $20,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for June 28. Elijah Vue, 3, was last seen in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, on February 20, 2024. Cops have slammed false rumors that he has been found. ( Two Rivers Police Department ) Elijahs mother, Katrina Baur, 31, was arrested a day after her sons disappearance and charged with party-to-a-crime child neglect after she reportedly changed her story on her whereabouts at least twice while being interviewed by investigators. On March 7, the district attorney announced updated charges, replacing the original child neglect charge to chronic child neglect. Both have pleaded not guilty. According to details revealed in court earlier this year, Vang allegedly used tactics including time-outs where Elijah had to stand up for one to three hours, or was forced to take cold showers. He allegedly gave Elijah a cold shower on February 17, after the boy had filled his diaper. The criminal complaint also shows that a few days earlier, Baur had visited the Two Rivers apartment and took a photo of Elijah with a blindfold over his eyes and bruising on his face as he lay on a bed. Another photo, taken on February 15, showed the boy standing in a corner in his apparently full diaper and nothing else, with his hands in a praying position. Jesse Vang and Katrina Baur were arrested and slammed with child neglect charges ( Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office ) For nearly four months, police officers and volunteers have been knocking door to door, searching local rivers and using drones and dogs as part of the search for Elijah. In March, officers found the little boys red-and-white plaid blanket on Goodwin Road, east of County Road B in Manitowoc County. Police said in the statement on June 17 that the search for the boy continues, adding that more drone assistance and K9 searches have been launched and they plan to expand water searches with sonar. The FBI continues to follow up on recent leads, specifically in the Wisconsin Dells and Portage areas, the chief wrote in the statement, adding that investigators continue to analyze an extremely large amount of video and other data, including extensive and ongoing drone search footage, with assistance from federal and state agencies. We remain the sole source of factual information in this investigation and will release more information and updates when they are available to share, the chief added, reminding the public that any factual information will come directly from them. We will continue a variety of search efforts in our attempts to locate Elijah. We, like many of you, want to find answers and are working hard to do so. Anyone with information on the case can call 844-267-6648 or submit information via the local Crime Stoppers app P3. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A very dangerous armed felon, who is accused of at least three slayings across two states, has been caught following a two-day manhunt. Stacy Lee Drake, 50, was taken into custody around 10 a.m. Thursday by the Morrilton Police Department and Arkansas State Police, according to a statement released by the Conway County Sheriffs Office in Arkansas. He was found in the woods near the intersection of University Boulevard and Poor Farm Road just west of a Walmart. Drake has been linked to the killings of a man and woman in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, whose bodies were found inside a business around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. He is also accused of the May 14 killing of Russell Andrews, 62, in Alabama, Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs deputies said. Stacy Lee Drake was captured on Thursday in Arkansas, he was wanted in connection to multiple murders ( Arkansas Department of Public Safety ) Drake is being held at the Conway County Detention Center. No further details were immediately provided by authorities. Drake, whose last known address was in Birmingham, Alabama, had been in Tuscaloosa a few weeks before the slaying and was using a false name, according to a statement by Sheriffs Capt. Jack Kennedy. The victims have not been identified by police, but one victim in the Oklahoma double homicide was named by family as Taylor Sharp. In a social media post before he was caught, Sharps family urged people to be cautious if they encountered Drake. My family needs prayers and we also want Justice for my nephew Taylor Sharp, he was one of the two murdered victims in Sequoyah County, Linda Biggs, posted on Facebook. Drake, 5, was found in the woods near the intersection of University Boulevard and Poor Farm Road just west of a Walmart ( Arkansas State Police ) The manhunt began after Morrilton Police Department received a tip Tuesday from state police about a stolen vehicle, parked at a local hotel, that had been spotted at the scene of a double murder in Oklahoma. Arkansas State Police had issued a warning to residents in the Morrilton area, where he was last seen, to keep their eyes out for Drake who had purchased camping gear and all indications are he is still in the Morrilton area, which is about 50 miles northwest of Little Rock, state police had said at the time. Drake is a convicted felon with a sprawling rap sheet that includes burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault against an officer. He was sentenced to 22 years in 2010 after being convicted of carjacking; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking, according to KSCB News. Drake is a convicted felon with a sprawling rap sheet ( Morrilton Police Department ) Drake was accused of threatening a man with a .45 caliber pistol as the man left a grocery store and stole his wallet, food, and red GMC truck. He was chased by police for eight miles before he crashed the truck and was captured. At the time, he was facing prosecution for at least four other crimes in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alabama, according to the Tuscaloosa office of the FBI. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Russian-American ballerina, who was accused of high treason in Russia after donating $51 to a Ukrainian charity, is facing a closed-door trial in Russia. Ksenia Karelina, who was born in Russia and became a United States citizen in 2021, faces a sentence of 12 years to life in prison if found guilty, Reuters reported. Her trial began on Thursday in a court in Yekaterinburg and is being held in secret. A notice on the court website said the trial had been adjourned until August 7, the outlet reported. The reason for the adjournment is not immediately clear. Karelina, 33, was arrested in February on accusations of treason for allegedly contributing $51.80 to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based non-profit group that provides non-military aid to the war-torn country. She donated the same day that Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Karelina was building a life in Los Angeles working at a luxury hotel spa in Beverly Hills. However, her life changed on January 28 when she was arrested while visiting family in Russia. Her arrest sparked outrage and drew headlines. Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian national detained on suspicion of treason, after a $51 donation to Ukraine faces trial in Russia. ( Ksenia Karelina via Facebook/First Department ) The Russias Federal Security Service at the time issued a statement explaining that she had been proactively collecting funds... which were subsequently used to purchase tactical medical items, equipment, means of destruction and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces. Her boyfriend, Chris Van Deerden, told CNN: She doesnt intervene with anything about the war. I believe America will bring her back to me, he added. She was charged with treason after she had already been detained in the county and sentenced to 14 days in detention for violating public order. She and her boyfriend had been in Istanbul to celebrate the new year when he decided to go home to the US and she went to the Russia. Karelina attends a court hearing in Yekaterinburg on June 20. She faces 12 to life if she is convicted of treason. ( via REUTERS ) Van Deerden told The Los Angeles Times in late February: I thought it might be dangerous for her to go, with everything going on with the war in Ukraine, but she reassured me that she was Russian and that everything would be fine. He continued: So, for her birthday in December, I bought her a ticket. She was so excited. Now, I am hitting myself over the head about it. After she was arrested, the charity released a statement condemning her arrest and calling on the US government to continue to do everything in its power to demand that President Putin release all those unjustly detained by Russia and to hold Russias political and military leadership accountable for their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Neo-Nazi who killed a classmate he met online for a hookup has taken the stand in his defense as he faces trial on hate-crime allegations. Samuel Woodward - who grew up in a conservative, religious family - told the court about meeting Blaze Bernstein, 19, on Tinder. He said when they met, it was awkward, because of who he was, according to the Orange County Register. At that point he pretty much said, Dont worry, I get it, completely understand, Woodward said. He then admitted he made the first move. Im pretty sure I said we should hang out at some point and he said he was actually free (that) night, right now, the 26-year-old said. He said something else that was basically an offer to if I wanted to come over. At that point I said Alright, cool. Woodward said he picked up Bernstein from his home and the two drove to a park, where they started talking - however the day ended before Woodward could say what happened next. The Jewish teen was found stabbed 20 times in the park in 2018. Prosecutors have said the killing was a hate crime. The defense does not contest the killing, but said it was not the result of hate. Samuel Woodward, 26, was told by his attorney several times to push his hair away from his face as he took the witness stand. He is accused of killing Blaze Bernstein and testified during his own trial. ( 2024, Orange County Register/SCNG ) Its the third day on the stand for Woodward as he faces trial for killing Bernstein. Six years after the murder, Woodward appeared in an Orange County courtroom with long hair draped over his face, with his lawyer reminding him several times to push it aside so the jurors could look at him. Woodward and Bernstein with both students at the Orange County School of the Arts. Before that, Bernstein was a briefly a student at the University of Pennsylvania to study pre-med. Woodward had dropped out of college and went to Texas. There he met with a Neo-Nazi extremist group Atomwaffen Division before moving back to his California parents home. He relayed in court that there were moments in his life when he felt he did not have friends, and mostly, the only communication he had with other people was while talking online. I had been looking for people for a long time to spend time with or talk to, Woodward said. Screenshots of the online conversations between Woodward and Bernstein were shown during the trial, relaying how the pair had connected over the internet months before Bernstein had died, the outlet reported. Bernstein was 19 years old at the time his body was found in a shallow grave of a local park in 2018. He was stabbed to death 20 times, in a killing prosecutors described as a hate crime. ( Facebook ) The attorney argued, the outlet reported, that a long-undiagnosed autism spectrum condition meant Woodward had challenges in relationships with others and was confused by his own sexuality, especially due to growing up in an environment where his father criticized homosexuality openly. His attorney also argues that the narrative surrounding his client that has been put forward is flawed. There is this narrative thats been pushed: Nazi kills gay Jew. From the defense perspective, thats inaccurate, Ken Morrison told the judge during a hearing leading up to the trial, the Los Angeles Times reports. It took years for the case to go to trial due to questions surrounding Woodwards mental state until he was deemed competent to stand trial in late 2022. The trial started in late April and is currently 28 days into the proceedings and three days into Woodwards testimony. Authorities connected Woodward to the crime after Bernsteins family looked over his social media and saw he allegedly had contact with Woodward on social media. Upon searching Woodwards family home, the authorities allegedly found a folding knife with a bloodied blade in his room, along with a black Atomwaffen mask that had traces of blood on it. In a statement before the trial went ahead, Morrison wrote that for the past six years, the public has been reading and hearing a prosecution and muckraking narrative about this case that is simply fundamentally wrong. I caution everyone to respect our judicial process and wait until a jury has been able to see, hear, and evaluate all of the evidence, he said. The Associated Press contirbuted to this report. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two teen girls died in Illinois when their WaveRunner collided with a passing boat on a popular lake, according to police. Police told ABC7 the incident involved a 16-year-old from Lake Forest, California, driving a Yamaha WaveRunner with a 13-year-old passenger from Long Grove, Illinois, on the back, as the pair navigated the waters of Lake Marie. The teens were traveling towards a channel that led to Grass Lake on Tuesday when they collided with a Sea Ray Cabin Cruiser boat operated by a 55-year-old man. Witnesses described the WaveRunner speed directly at the boat. "The operator, there was nothing they could do to stop the boat in time around the wave runner as it approached," Lake County Deputy Chief Sheriff Chris Covelli said after the incident. Police respond to the scene of a boat crash on Lake Marie in Illinois, where two girls on a jet ski died after colliding with a boat on June 28, 2024 ( ABC7 Chicago ) The Lake County Sheriffs Office extends its condolences to the families of the girls and others involved in this tragic boat crash, his office said in a statement. The girls, both of whom were wearing life vests, were knocked unconscious in the collision and thrown into the water. The boaters pulled them out of the water, gave first aid, and called 911. The teens were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and pronounced dead on arrival. A male patient was transported from the scene to the hospital. The Lake County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit and Illinois Conservation Police are investigating. Officials are investigating whether the 16-year-old driving the WaveRunner had a boating safety certificate. The local coroners office will perform autopsies on the bodies of the victims on Thursday, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner newspaper. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The images were almost hauntingly romantic underwater windows to one of historys most famous shipwrecks, captured more than a century after RMS Titanic and the 1,517 souls aboard sank tragically to a deep-sea North Atlantic grave. The new 2022 pictures were the highest resolution ever taken of the doomed ship; its sinking 110 years earlier had quickly become a global fascination that has endured for generations. The ships victims were among the richest and poorest on the planet at the time, the circumstances of their deaths among the most terrifying imaginable. OceanGate Expeditions, the Washington-based companyresponsible for the photos, had shrewdly tapped into that public obsession. Founded in 2009 to make deep-sea exploration possible for commercial, scientific, and exploration travel expeditions, the company recorded the 8,000 pixels footage on a submersible dive and then publicly released them. They promptly and unsurprisingly went viral. OceanGate team Expeditions, a Washington-based company which began sending the manned Titan sub to Titanics graevesite in 2021, also captured the most high-res images of the wreck that had been taken at the time ( OceanGate Expeditions ) OceanGate was sleek and media savvy, helmed by a swashbuckling CEO whod once aspired to be an astronaut. Stockton Rush was excellent at promotion and pushing boundaries, and the enterprise simultaneously mixed science with tourism, zeroing in on the Titanic wreck as the ultimate exploration destination. The company pumped out press releases and held scientific research media briefings about its efforts to chronicle the wrecks decay and its surrounding ecosystem while dangling trips for civilians who could cough up six figures for a place as mission specialists on OceanGates submersible, Titan. And when the submersible carrying Rush and four others on a Titanic tour ceased communications less than two hours into its June 18, 2023 dive, the world tuned in. After four days of frantic searching by international authorities, recovered debris confirmed a second tragedy near the Titanics gravesite. Titan had suffered a catastrophic explosion around the time communications ceased and mercifully, it likely occurred with no warning to those aboard. OceanGates submersible an underwater vehicle that is not self-propelled, unlike a submarine, and requires a support ship was made of carbon fiber and titanium; it held five people ( OceanGate Expeditions ) Declared dead were British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19; British adventurer Hamish Harding, 58; French deep sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, whod been on Titans maiden voyage in July 2021; and Rush, 61, who was piloting the submersible. In another wry Titanic twist, the great-great grandparents of Rushs widow had been among the 1912 sinkings most famous victims: retail magnate Isidor Straus and his wife, Ida. According to Titanic legend, the elderly pair were pictured standing arm in arm on the deck of the ship as it went down, devoted until the very end. Rush exhibited a similar adoration albeit a reckless one to deep-sea exploration and innovation, and his push-through-at-all-costs philosophy at OceanGate has come under fierce scrutiny since the Titan implosion. But the tragic loss of life has also shone a spotlight on the high-risk high-reward nature of exploration and the attitudes of those who undertake it. Rush, himself, had seemed cavalier about the dangers from the outset. Stockton Rush, co-founder of OceanGate ( OceanGate ) I mean, if you want to be safe, dont get out of bed, he told CBS News Sunday Morning in 2022, the year after Titans first Titanic visit. Dont get in your car. Dont do anything. At some point, youre going to take some risk, and it really is a risk-reward question. I think I can do this just as safely by breaking the rules. Princeton-educated Rush, descended from Declaration of Independence signatories and oil and shipping magnates, founded OceanGate in 2009 with Guillermo Sohnlein, who left the company in 2013 but retained a minority share. If you were a researcher and had to explore the ocean, you had to get into one of the governments subs, Sohnlein told Rolling Stone last year, regarding the hurdles explorers faced at the time of OceanGates founding. Your only other option was to pay to build one We wanted to show the world it was possible to go down to 4,000 meters. I believe Stockton realized the best way to do that was to prove it ourselves. OceanGates high-res Titanic images and swashbuckling CEO helped cement its media presence and reputation; the disappearance of Titan in June 2023 prompted round-the-clock international coverage ( YouTube/OceanGate Expeditions ) Rush threw himself headlong into the effort, spearheading OceanGate efforts that eventually led to a model called Cyclops, followed by Cyclops 2, renamed Titan. Made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and titanium, the company boasted, it was named after the watery moon of Saturn. OceanGate touted Titan as the worlds only privately-owned, 5-crew member submersible capable of reaching Titanic depths. Rush and Nargeolet were among the five on the maiden July 2021 dive, the CEO proclaiming success at the time after OceanGate had to overcome tremendous engineering, operational, business and finally Covid-19 challenges to get here. The high-res images from that expedition gave OceanGate newfound recognition and media attention. Rush bragged a few months later, as he announced plans for a 2022 trip, that civilians aboard the inaugural voyage helped our crew gather and review terabytes of the highest resolution still images and video of Titanic and the debris field ever collected referring to the digital preservation initiative. Behind the buzz though, was an apparent house of cards at OceanGate as Rush forged ahead and reportedly cut corners. Former employees have alleged the CEO ignored warnings, fired those who raised concerns and outright lied about Titans safety, according to a Wired investigation published this week. Rush, however, was committed and a great salesman who fully believed so much in his own creation and innovation that he wasnt willing to even consider that he might be wrong about something, camera operator Brian Weed, who took a scary test dive on Titan in the months before its inaugural Titanic journey, later told Insider . Renata Rojas, centre, poses with members of her July 2022 dive down to the wreckage of Titanic ( Renata Rojas ) Detailing constant communication, mechanical and logistical problems on the aborted dive, Weed told Insider that Rush was blinded by his own hubris, for lack of better word blinded by his own confidence. That confidence, however, was winning over other intrepid explorers and Titanic enthusiasts hoping to realize life-long dreams and willing to pay through the nose for it, handing over $150,000 for the privilege of being a mission specialist. Chicago filmmaker David Waud, who was aboard Titans fifth exploration in summer 2021, told The Independent last year hed signed up for the trip quite a few years ago when it was a little bit less. Rush, hed reasoned, wouldnt have been down there piloting it almost every single trip, every single dive, if he hadnt had 100 per cent confidence that submersible was okay. Renata Rojashad dreamed of visiting the wreck since the age of 12, saved for decades and worked every contact she had before boarding Titan in 2022 to become the first ever Mexican woman to visit Titanic, she told The Independent that September. She recalled hurtling towards the ocean floor and being too busy helping on the five-person submersible to become overwhelmed with emotion as she realized her lifes ambition. Until she could actually see the ship materializing before her, Rojas later told The Independent prophetically I didnt want to get all my hopes up, because anything can happen until you get to the bottom. Officials from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada board the Polar Prince, the main support ship for the Titan submersible; International rescue crews searched for four days before debris confirmed the fate of the sub and its occupants ( PA ) That reality would hit hard nine months later, after the Titan began its doomed final descent carrying Rush, Nargeolet, Harding and the father-son Dawood duo. The submersible stopped communicating with the ship about an hour and 45 minutes into the dive; OceanGate waited about eight hours to alert authorities. Once that happened, however, the eyes of the world were on a possible race against time. Experts calculated that around 96 hours of oxygen remained; round-the-clock coverage followed as an international rescue effort launched ships, planes and equipment to search an area twice the size of Connecticut in waters two and a half miles deep. Reports dissected possible banging heard underwater as experts and talking heads across the globe queried whether those aboard from Sundays dive could be frantically signaling their adrift location. All hope evaporated by Thursday as the allotted oxygen hours crept to a close. That same day, the Coast Guard announced debris had been found roughly 1,600 feet from the Titanic. It was also revealed that the US Navy, in analyzing acoustic data from around the time Titan ceased communicating, found an anomaly consistent with an implosion or explosion in the general vicinity of where the submersible was operating, an official told AP. It was a tragic end to yet another ill-fated voyage in the North Atlantic waters. David Waud, of Chicago, traveled in 2021 on Titan to the Titanic wreckage alongside OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was again piloting the doomed mission last year ( Waud Family ) The president of the Explorers Club, which counted Harding and Nargeolet among its members and where Rush had spoken, lamented the deaths in a June 22, 2023 letter, writing: Their memories will be a blessing and will continue to inspire us in the name of science and exploration. Within weeks, however, OceanGates significant online presence had nearly vanished, and its office closed indefinitely. The disastrous end to Titans story is a blow to risk-taking adventuring as the merits of the venture continue to be debated, although some smaller competitors continue to grow. Even the most reliable technology can fail, and therefore accidents will happen, Nicolai Roterman, a deep-sea ecologist and lecturer in marine biology at the University of Portsmouth, England, told AP last year. With the growth in deep-sea tourism, we must expect more incidents like this. But the Titan disaster also made those who were willing to sign up think twice. Filmmaker Waud said he had felt so safe while journeying to Titanic to 2021 but conceded last summer that he and his family now know that it was a lot more dangerous than I thought it was and that I made it out to be. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has fallen behindJoe Biden in the latest election poll from Fox News. The Republican candidate is two points behind President Biden in the latest national presidential election poll by Fox News, which is the first time Biden has taken the lead in a Fox poll since October. Biden now stands at 50 per cent, whereas Trump is currently polling at 48 per cent in the head-to-head poll. Since May, the poll has seen a three-point change in the presidential race, as Trump was ahead by one point last month. Trump may be seeing the impact of his conviction at the end of his hush money trial, while Biden may be feeling the benefit of the US economy exceeding expectations. Biden also is leading by one point ahead of Trump, 43 per cent to 42 per cent, in the expanded Fox News poll that includes five presidential candidates, including Robert F Kennedy Jr, who received 10 per cent and Jill Stein, and Cornel West, who both got 2 per cent. The survey also revealed that some voters may be becoming more positive about the US economy, as around one-third of voters, 32 per cent, said that the economy is in excellent or good shape, the highest the polls number has been during Bidens presidency. The previous high was 30 per cent. However, the majority of respondents, 56 per cent, are still pessimistic about the state of the economy. As for Bidens presidency itself, the poll said that 45 per cent of voters approve of the job the president is carrying out, and 55 per cent disapprove. These numbers have been left unchanged from last months results, but they remain his best scores since January 2023. This most recent Fox News survey includes a sample of 1,095 registered voters randomly selected, with results based on the full sample having a margin of sampling error of +3 percentage points. On Wednesday, the same day the poll was released, Trump started lashing out at the conservative network on his social media platform Truth Social, declaring that nobody can ever trust Fox News. Trump went on to attack former Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, who serves on Fox News board of directors, calling him weak and ineffective as well as a total lightweight, a failed and pathetic Speaker of the House, and a very disloyal person. [Mitt] Romney was bad, but Paul Ryan made him look worse, Trump continued in his lambasting of Fox News. As a team, they never had a chance. Ryan has long doubled down on the fact he believes Trump is the wrong choice of candidate for the Republicans, such as recently slamming Trump on Fox News, stating that, if you put yourself above the Constitution, as he has done, I think that makes you unfit for office. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former New York Representative George Santos has announced on X that hes joined the site OnlyFans to share full behind the scenes access to everything Im working on. The site is mostly known for hosting adult content but the disgraced former lawmaker, who was expelled from Congress late last year after a bombshell report from the House Ethics Committee, insists hell be keeping it very PG. His subscribers will have to fork over $29.99 a month. Welcome to The George Santos Only Fans page! his profile on the site states. Here you will be able to dive deep into the exclusive never before seen content of the Congressional Icon and much more! Santos responded to one X user who insisted he should have used the subscriber-site Patreon instead of OnlyFans, by saying, Boring. We need to stir the pot! Gross. Unfollowed, another user replied. You do know its a content platform not just [porn]? Santos asked. Right. And Playboy is for the articles? the user responded. Again not all content on only fans is porn. Im not doing anything sexual what so ever, the former congressman said. Santos latest money-grabbing scheme comes as he faces federal fraud charges. Earlier this month, a judge granted his request to make regular visits to the Poconos in Pennsylvania, specifically to the town of Tobyhanna. The ex-representative has seen his travel restricted as a condition of his pre-trial release. Court records state that hes allowed to travel within New York City, Washington DC and Long Island, in addition to other destinations if he gives the government advance notice of his plans. Former Rep George Santos is joining OnlyFans to share behind the scenes content ( Getty Images ) Santos has pleaded not guilty to several charges including lying to Congress and defrauding donors. He was expelled from the House in December following the ethics panels report that found overwhelming evidence of criminal wrongdoing. In the history of the US House, Santos is only the sixth member to be expelled. Earlier this month, federal prosecutors asked a judge to reject a request from Santos to have some of the fraud charges against him dropped. Additional charges against Santos include that he received unemployment benefits while working and that he used campaign donations for personal purchases such as designer clothing. In court filings in May, Santos attorneys said that the charges against him of aggravated identity theft should be dropped because hes not facing allegations that he took credit card information illegally, only that he overcharged them. 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 attorneys stated in their motion. Prosecutors for their part called the claim meritless, and said that at trial, theyll reveal how he used donors identities to evade federal campaign finance laws. In a long filing, prosecutors wrote that 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. They added: 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. Santos is set to go on trial in September. In April, he abandoned an attempt to return to Congress as an Independent in New Yorks first congressional district on Long Island, where hes due back in federal court in August. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Its hard not to notice when its Representative Jasmine Crocketts turn to ask questions during hearings for the House Oversight Committee. Her accent a blend of her native St Louis and her adopted home of Dallas, which she represents in the House is distinct and the freshman Democrat relishes in using it to slice up Republicans. She has a way of cutting through political rhetoric and getting to the painful core of an issue particularly when it concerns Republicans ill-fated attempts to impeach President Joe Biden. During the first impeachment hearing in September, Crockett held up images of former president Donald Trump seemingly hiding classified documents in his bathroom and said, There are our national secrets looks like in the s***er to me. Last month, during a markup of a resolution to hold Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia mocked Crocketts fake eyelashes. In response, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York asked for Greenes words to be stricken from the record, considering they violate a rule about making personal attacks in the House. Crockett then asked Republican Chairman James Comer, in a moment that subsequently went viral, If someone on this committee then starts talking about somebodys bleach-blonde, bad-built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct? The moment made the rounds online before the hearing had even ended. In fact, it was Crocketts pastor who told her mid-hearing that she was going viral. Marjorie Taylor Greene clashes with AOC during House Oversight Committee hearing Crockett told The Independent in an interview this week that she came up with the insult impromptu-ish after she realized Comer would not punish Greene. Once I realized Comer was going to do the wrong thing, I looked over at [Greene] from head to toe, I wrote down [the insult] and said it, she said. Crockett has emerged as part of what Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, has dubbed the Truth Squad, a group of Democratic freshmen under his and Ocasio-Cortezs tutelage who work to push back on the misinformation promoted by Republicans on the Oversight Committee. Since then, shes become a regular face on Sunday talk shows and on social media. Raskin, for his part, appreciated Crocketts barbs against Greene. When Marjorie Taylor Greene was talking about Ms. Crocketts eyelashes, that was obviously absurd, he said. And so after waiting patiently for him to render the right decision, Ms. Crockett posed a well-framed parliamentary inquiry. Interestingly, Crockett did not want to join the committee that has propelled her profile. Ranking member of the House Oversight Committee Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) recruited Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) to the committee and has praised her legal skills. ( Getty Images ) I actually wanted financial services, she told The Independent, noting how the regional Federal Reserve office is based in Dallas. And if it was possible, I wanted to try to get on Judiciary as well. Her professional background as an attorney who specialized in business law wouldve made her a good pick for either. Unfortunately, Crockett who won her seat in 2022 would ultimately be bumped from the House Financial Services Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee was full. Raskin had actually been trying to recruit me for Oversight, Crockett said, and leadership had tried to convince me that Oversight was the closest thing to Judiciary and that I should consider it and I went kicking and screaming. Despite going kicking and screaming, Crockett has been an asset to the Oversight Committee. Combining her legal skill and charismatic delivery with a no-nonsense attitude, she has successfully pushed back on a number of Republican claims. My colleagues across the aisle love to talk about a two-tiered system of justice in America, and they are not wrong but this two-tiered system overwhelmingly protects powerful, rich white men like Trump, and disadvantages poor people of color, like my former clients, Crockett said in a statement after Trumps recent conviction in New York. Republican politicians arent angry because this two-tiered system is targeting their favorite president they are angry because this system is no longer treating President Trump with the impunity to which he is accustomed. Shes a superb lawyer and a great communicator, Raskin told The Independent. She has a brilliant record as a lawyer and she knows criminal law backwards and forwards. She knows civil law. And she knows how to pose clever parliamentary inquiries when there are ignorant rulings coming from the chair. Indeed, when Republicans on the Oversight Committee went to a DC prison to meet with rioters who were arrested for breaking into the Capitol on January 6, Raskin dispatched Crockett to push back on GOP claims the inmates were being treated inhumanely. Its since become clear that Oversight is going to be the main committee in Congress, says Crockett. She atttributes that to the energy that was brought by the young members on the committee we ended up kind of being the committee that everyone looked to. Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent that Crockett provides crucial context in their hearings. I think that Congresswoman Crockett does bring that prosecutorial legal eye, she said, adding that Crockett marries her legal and professional expertise with an ability to break it down for everyday people, which I think is a profoundly great asset. Crockett said she appreciated how Ocasio-Cortez and other women of color on the committee support each other. Both Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts rushed to her defense after Greenes personal attack, she said to the point that things became very tense on the House floor. Greene, a well-known firebrand who is used to bringing the controversy to Congress, may not have expected to come up against such a strong display of solidarity. I never have to feel like I'm by myself when somebody attempts to attack me, Crockett said. I feel like: You attack one of us, you attack all of us. The message was on full display in that moment. Her job, as she sees it, is to keep politics mainstream and to remind people in DC of the public who is holding them to account: I think that my job is to spell things out in a very authentic way and say the things that most Americans are thinking and also take my experience as an attorney, and really be able to add that part of the color to it. Shes also keen to dispel the myth of the soft, bleeding-heart liberal through her conduct: I think my role is to push back. I've heard way too often that Democrats are weak and that kind of stuff, and that's just not true. It's just not true. And I think that I'm also supposed to be the person that is really saying what everybody else is thinking that never gets said. Because everybody's trying to be so freakin polite. Crocketts profile is likely to increase in coming months. The White House has taken notice of her popularity; in May, when Biden visited Philadelphia to launch his Black voters initiative, Crockett flew on Air Force One. Then, last week, the Biden campaign had her put out a statement when Donald Trump came to the Hill. Three years after waging a continual war on our democracy, Donald Trump, a convicted criminal, returns to Capitol Hill to hang out with the very same MAGA extremists who acted as his proxies on January 6th, she said at the time. Trump and his cronies attacked our free and fair elections, they attacked our peaceful transition of power, and they attacked our Capitol and the American people are fighting back at the ballot box to defend democracy. It was a pared-back version of her usual biting critique. But those who prefer the more sharp-tongued version of Crockett dont have to go far to find it. On MSNBC, after being asked about Trumps claims that Black people will vote for him because they can understand what hes been through, Crockett said, To be clear, this guy has 34 felonies Ive never been arrested for a traffic ticket. Noting that her own clients would never have been allowed to walk free even pre-trial with so many charges pending against them, Crockett added: To quote Kendrick Lamar, they are not like us. He is not like us. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Congresswoman Jasmine Crocketts pastor was the one who informed her that she had gone viral after calling GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene a bleach blonde bad built butch body last month. The Texas freshman Democrat made the remark during a House Oversight Committee hearing after Greene, a right-wing firebrand from Georgia, mocked Crocketts fake eyelashes. In response, Democrats demanded that Greenes words be stricken from the record. Crockett then asked Chairman James Comer of Kentucky: If someone on this committee then starts talking about somebodys bleach blond, bad-built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct? Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett criticized Reprentative Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her a bleach blonde bad-built butch body during a hearing of the House Oversight Committee last month ( US House of Representatives/YouTube ) The chaotic hearing subsequently grabbed headlines but in an interview with The Independent on Tuesday, Crockett said that her pastor had notified her before the hearing ended that her remarks had blown up online. He actually called me while this was happening, she said. That's how I found out that it was definitely going viral. Crockett said that she received the call during a hearing. And I was like, I'm in a hearing and he's like, I know, she said. Her pastor told her that the next time that she makes remarks remarks like that to warn him, she added. Greene, a close ally of former president Donald Trump, later responded to Crocketts remarks and posted a video of her workout routine. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene posted a workout video in response to mockery from Rep Jasmine Crockett ( Screenshot / X / Marjorie Taylor Greene ) Yes my body is built and strong NOT with nips, tucks, plastic, or silicone, but through a healthy lifestyle, Greene said. Despite the spat, Crockett has not faced major consequences. Last month, she joined President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Air Force One to launch the campaigns Black voter outreach effort. She also sold T-shirts and hats bearing the phrase to bleach blonde bad built butch body to fundraise for Democrats in their campaign to win back the House of Representatives. Last months hearing had been to decide if US Attorney General Merrick Garland could be held in contempt of Congress, for his refusal to turn over audio recordings of Joe Bidens interview with special counsel Robert Hur regarding the presidents handling of classified documents at his private residence and other locations. The House later voted on the resolution to hold Garland in contempt of Congress but the Department of Justice said that it would not prosecute the AG. House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would sue to enforce the subpoena in hopes that a court would require the department to turn over the Biden audio recordings and other materials. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Lauren Boebert shot to fame with her gun-themed restaurant Shooters Grill, where waitresses served customers flouting loaded firearms in hip holsters and tourists increasingly flocked as the MAGA Republicans profile rose. That Shooters, in the appropriately named town of Rifle, shut down two years ago, just as Boebert has begun closing the chapter on the constituency where its located and where shes the incumbent. Rather than seeking re-election in the 3rd congressional district, Boebert abandoned ship to run in a new constituency eastward and as luck would have it, theres another Shooters there. Boebert and her then-husband operated Shooters Grill in Rifle until 2022; it became a tourist attraction for gun paraphernalia and later its association with the firebrand congresswoman ( Sheila Flynn ) Boebert has no connection to this sleeker restaurant almost 275 miles away in Byers. Shooters Bar & Grill serves alcohol, unlike Boeberts venture probably wise, considering the firearms, which the new Shooters is also missing. Also highlighting their differences: the new Shooters has not had any bad press for skirting Covid rules (having only opened last June) nor reports of food poisoning. The Byers Shooters, however, does get the odd Boebert-themed question. Weve had people ask about it, general manager Tiffany Engelsman tells The Independent just over a week before the June 25 primary which will decide whether Boebert gets the GOP nomination for the seat in the 4th congressional district although she notes its definitely not a common occurrence. Shooters Bar & Grill in Byers, nearly 275 miles east of Boeberts old restaurant in Rifle, has no connection to the congresswoman -- but gets the odd question, and sits within the constituency she hopes to represent ( Sheila Flynn ) Polling earlier this month placed Boebert with a 35-point lead over five other candidates, though 40% of voters were undecided at the time, according to the Kaplan Strategies poll. Boebert announced in December that she would no longer pursue a re-election campaign in CD3, where she narrowly beat Democrat Adam Frisch two years ago by just 546 votes. At the time of the switch announcement, many voters in the eastern plains a more heavily rural and conservative agricultural district were not hugely familiar with Boebert, despite her national presence. A cardboard cutout of a holstered Lauren Boebert helped point the way to the bathroom at her restaurant before it closed; tourists would take photos of themselves with the cutout and a cardboard cutout of Trump ( Sheila Flynn ) While some of CD4 touches the edges of Denvers commuter suburbs, most communities are small, close-knit and rural, home to farms producing crops like wheat, corn and oats as well as dairy and hog operations, and livestock ranches. The district stretches to the Kansas border and is considered Colorados agricultural heartland, a cultural world away from liberal Denver and the states ski towns. Familiarity with Boebert and her voting record has increased since December as word trickled out, says constituent Michele Wingo, shopping at the Byers General Store just down the street from the towns Shooters. I just know she fights for us and fights for our rights, she tells The Independent. I love what she did up there, she adds, referring to Boeberts old constituency. I was like, Oh, I wish she was down here. Boebert smiles before the first Republican primary debate for the 4th Congressional district in January in Fort Lupton, Colorado; her move to an already-crowded Republican primary caused rancor within some factions the party ( AP ) Next weeks primary will determine how many other voters share the sentiments of Wingo, who also works at the stores pharmacy and overhears local gossip which tends to focus more on the national scene than local. They just talk about the president, Wingo says. They dont talk about anybody else. Shed been hoping to stop at Boeberts former restaurant Shooters on the way to drive her daughter to college in Grand Junction, on the other side of the state but was sad to learn the business had closed. (Her daughter, who is old enough to vote, was unfamiliar with Boebert.) The space on Rifles Main Street, which used to be filled with guns and Second-Amendment-themed paraphernalia beside cardboard Trump cutouts, has been replaced by a Mexican eatery. A short drive from Shooters Bar & Grill in Byers is a general store; the rural community is representative of many agricultural towns within the district Boebert hopes to represent ( Sheila Flynn ) And it remains to be seen how much of a mark Boebert will leave on this new constituency, where the Republican primary is heavily crowded and where rancour remains about her carpet-bagging move. Lauren Boebert doesnt know CD4. She doesnt know this district, its constituents, or its strengths and challenges, Republican State Sen. Byron Pelton and his wife wrote this month in a letter to the Sterling Journal-Advocate endorsing rival Jerry Sonnenberg in the primary. She hopes that by spending her massive marketing budget (primarily earned from her previous district), that you will vote for her because you have been inundated with her advertising materials Weve had people tell us they are voting for Boebert because shes a fighter and shes not afraid to get on TV and speak her mind. We would ask you to consider that being an effective legislator is much more than being loud and being on TV. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former Donald Trump prosecutor Nathan Wade laughed off awkward questions about his affair with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in an innuendo-laden interview on The Daily Show. Wade sat down on Tuesday with parody interviewer Quon, played by comedian Marlon Wayans, and was quizzed about his relationship with Willis, who he described as a respectable mother [and] a brilliant legal mind. The attorney, who was appointed as top prosecutor in Trumps Georgia election interference case, stepped down after his relationship with Willis became public. Wade has previously said that he does not believe the affair is responsible for delaying the trial against the former president. Trumps Georgia election interference was thrown into disarray after prosecutors Fani Willis and Nathan Wade were revealed to have had an affair ( REUTERS ) During the tongue-and-cheek interview he was asked personal questions about the relationship. He told Quon: So, during the course of the investigation, we would meet early mornings, weekends, spent full days... He was interrupted by Quon, who asked: How can you not hit that?! How can you not?! We spending that much time together, we doing everything, we might as well. Wade laughed. Later, after the prosecutor denied that Willis had ever been his boss, but was more analogous to a client, Quon asked: So you served her well? I did. I did my job, Wade responded, as the audience laughed. Wade previously said that he would not have done anything to jeopardize the case but admitted the affair had been bad timing. His interview with The Daily Show became more lewd when he mentioned that Willis had previously interviewed other people for the prosecutor role. Parody interviewer Quon, played by Marlon Wayans (pictured), grilled Wade about his relationship with Willis during the awkward and innuendo-laden interview on Tuesday ( Comedy Central ) What position was it? Did that position look like this? Or this? Quon said, making several sexual poses and prompting further laughter. Even in moments of apparent sincerity, Wade was caught off-guard. Some people are saying this might have ruined the best chance to hold Trump accountable for trying to end democracy. What would you say to all the haters out there who cant get laid? Quon said. Composing himself, Wade replied: I dont know what the haters are thinking, but under my leadership we successfully secured a valid legal indictment and a charging document. Brushing the response off, Quon asked: Whats your advice to kids in the hood thats out there that wanna grow up and have their dick potentially in democracy? Wade burst out laughing, before yelling cut! and ending the interview. The Daily Show interview became more lewd after after Wade and Quon discussed the position of prosecutor in the Georgia election interference case ( Comedy Central ) The attorneys recent media tour, during which he has been asked constantly about his affair with Willis, has drawn criticism from her allies. Willis and Wade both denied wrongdoing after their relationship became public but a judge ruled that one must leave the case. Wade then resigned to allow Willis to continue to oversee the prosecution. The Georgia election interference case will see Trump and 17 co-defendants charged criminally. The group is accused of trying to subvert the 2020 election results in Georgia. Trump has pleaded not guilty while some of the other defendants have pleaded guilty. Trumps defense team has pushed to disqualify Willis from trying the case and the Georgia Supreme Court has ordered an October hearing on the matter. This will likely mean that the trial takes place after the presidential election on November 5. Willis has filed a request to dismiss the appeal. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Joe Biden won a coin toss ahead of nexts week presidential debate and chose where he will stand on the stage, instead of speaking last, when he squares off with Donald Trump. That means Trump will now get the final word during closing statements at the first debate on CNN. Biden and his campaign elected to stand on the right side of the stage instead of reserving a speaking slot. Its unclear why the president viewed the speaking location as the most important decision. CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will host the 90-minute debate from Atlanta that is set for 9pm ET on June 27. There will be no studio audience. According to the network, there will be only two commercial breaks, and campaign staff will be blocked from interacting with Biden and Trump during that time. During the debate, microphones will be muted until their turn to speak. CNN will host the first 2024 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden on June 27. Its now been revealed that Trump will get the final comment. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Props and pre-written statements wont be allowed on the stage, but Biden and Trump can each bring a pad of paper and a bottle of water to their podiums. The debate is the first of two scheduled debates between them. ABC is set to host another debate on September 10, roughly two months before Election Day. The window for qualifying for next weeks debate closed at midnight on Wednesday with both men satisfying the networks thresholds for state ballots and polling numbers. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to qualify under those guidelines, which Kennedy called undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly in a campaign statement. Trump refused to debate his Republican rivals for the partys nomination this year, and Trump and Biden have not debated against each other since the 2020 campaign. In their final match-up in September 2020, Trump repeatedly talked over Biden and debate moderator Chris Wallace, who struggled to keep order on the stage. Folks, do you have any idea what this clown is doing? Biden said at one point before he laughed out the phrase will you shut up, man. Trump and Biden have not debated against each other since the 2020 campaign, but are set to square off next week. ( REUTERS ) Trump also refused to denounce white supremacist violence and militia groups and called on the far-right Proud Boys gang to stand back and stand by which quickly turned into the groups slogan. Trumps final word at the June 27 debate will give him what he falsely claimed he was denied during his hush money trial in New York. The criminally convicted former president unloaded an all-caps rant on his Truth Social against what he called corrupt Manhattan prosecutors who delivered closing statements in his criminal trial, which is common practice. WHY CANT THE DEFENSE GO LAST? BIG ADVANTAGE, VERY UNFAIR. WITCH HUNT, he wrote. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The judge in former President Donald Trumps classified documents case, Aileen Cannon, declined private requests from two federal judges that she step aside from the case after she was assigned to it last year. The two more experienced South Florida judges told Cannon it would be best if she passed the case on to one of their colleagues, but she ultimately ignored that suggestion and chose to remain in charge of the proceedings, according to The New York Times. The judges, one of whom is Southern District of Florida Chief Judge Cecilia Altonago, approached Cannon after she was assigned the case last June. Cannons assignment prompted concerns regarding her limited trial experience and how she had previously intervened in the Department of Justice investigation that ultimately led to Trumps indictment. A three-judge panel decided that Cannon lacked the legal authority to intervene in that criminal probe, reversing an order that prevented prosecutors from viewing classified records seized at Mar-a-Lago. Lawyers who work in the Southern District of Florida have said that Cannon has broken with general practice to delegate some pretrial motions in the documents case to a magistrate, according to the Times. In this case, that would be Judge Bruce Reinhart, whos subordinate to Cannon but has more experience. Reinhart signed off on the 2022 FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago to recover classified documents from Trumps residence and private club. Aileen Cannon was urged not to take the classified documents case ( via REUTERS ) Cannon has since appeared combative against prosecutors, been slow to take care of pretrial motions and put the trial on hold despite both sides indicating they could be ready to begin proceedings this summer. Trumps legal team has also pushed her to postpone the trial until after the election in November an effort that will likely be successful given her handling of the case. If he becomes president again, Trump could order the Department of Justice to end it all together. The clerk of the district court told the Times that judges dont comment on pending cases. Critics have argued that Cannon may have taken on more than she can handle, that she is supportive of Trump, or both. As a judge appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, Cannon has life tenure and does not have to take on the advice of more experienced jurists. The second judge who spoke to Cannon was not identified by the sources who spoke to the Times about the efforts to get her to hand over the case. One of the sources said the initial judge to reach out to Cannon did so over the phone, telling her that it would be better for a jurist based closer to the districts Miami courthouse to take charge of the case. The grand jury that indicted Trump was based in the city. The Miami courthouse had a facility to house classified documents at the time. Judge Cannon is the only federal judge in the courthouse in Fort Pierce, about two hours north of Miami, which didnt have a classified documents facility when the case was assigned to her. A Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, or SCIF, has since been constructed there. Altonaga called Cannon after the first conversation failed to persuade her to hand over the case. The George W Bush nominee reportedly told Cannon that it would look bad for her to be in charge of the trial because of what occurred during the investigation that prompted Trumps indictment. The former president was charged with unlawfully holding on to national security information after leaving the White House and obstructing the governments attempts to get the documents back. During the 2022 FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, agents found thousands of files, including more than 100 marked classified. Trump then filed a lawsuit pushing back against the confiscation of the documents, which he argued were private property. He asked for a special master to be appointed to review the materials. Normal procedure would have been to allow Reinhart to rule on the lawsuit, but Cannon chose to handle it herself. To the surprise of legal observers on the left and right, she stopped investigators from seeing the evidence and appointed a special master, adding that the special master would only make recommendations to her. After prosecutors appealed, a panel of three judges reversed Cannons ruling, finding that she didnt have the legal power to step in. Trumps attorneys appealed all the way to the Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case. Judge Cannon dismissed the lawsuit in December of 2022. Trump was indicted by the grand jury six months later. The fresh case went into a system that would assign it randomly to a judge, the district clerk told the Times. It was at that point that it ended up in Cannons hands. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Wells Fargo has fired several members of staff after claims that they were faking keyboard activity to make it appear as if they were working when they were not. It remains unclear how the issue was revealed at the US bank, and if it was related to remote workers. The bank said that its staff had either been fired or resigned after review of allegations involving simulation of keyboard activity creating impression of active work, according to the BBC. New rules instituted in the US means that financial brokers working remotely have to be inspected every three years. Wells Fargo holds employees to the highest standards and does not tolerate unethical behavior, a spokesperson told The Independent. Wells Fargo said two years ago that it had taken on a hybrid schedule meaning that staff could partially work from home. A number of large firms have been using tools to monitor employees after the expansion of remote work during the pandemic. These tools can monitor keystrokes and eye movements, take screenshots and record what websites are used. Technology has also been developed to evade such surveillance tools, including so-called mouse jigglers which are used to make computers appear to be active when workers are actually doing something else. Amazon, which sells them for under $10, has said that thousands have been sold in the last month. Bloomberg initially reported the firings following a filing by the bank to the US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The outlet said more than a dozen people had been affected. The BBC found six instances of staff being fired following a review and another individual who voluntarily resigned after being confronted with allegations. Several had worked for Wells Fargo for less than five years. Financial firms are at the forefront of the push to make workers return to the office. While remote work remains popular, it has seen a downturn. In May, 27 per cent of paid days in the US were remote during the pandemics peak in 2020, that figure was more than 60 per cent. This is according to research from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM) Business School, Stanford, and the University of Chicago. This spring about 13 per cent of full-time workers in the US were fully remote while an additional 26 per cent have a mixed schedule, the researchers found. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} People in the scorching temperatures sought relief in Belgrades Ada Ciganlija lake, fountains and cafes on Thursday while the Serbian government ordered employers to protect outdoor workers from the heatwave. Meteorologists forecast temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) throughout Serbia this week as winds from North Africa pushed a hot and dry front across the Balkans. Health authorities and meteorologists declared a red weather alert and advised people not to venture outside. Belgrades emergency service said its doctors intervened more than 100 times overnight, mainly treating people with heart and chronic conditions. The Ministry of Labour and Employment told employers to organise outdoor work in such a way to avoid heavy physical labour and direct exposure to sun. I believe this is all due to climate change causing such temperatures, said 23-year-old student Vojislav Sumenkovic. Firefighters extinguish a wildfire, in Kitsi, near the town of Koropi, Greece, on June 19 ( Anadolu via Getty Images ) In neighbouring Montenegro, where health authorities also warned people to shelter out of the sun until late afternoon, tens of thousands of tourists flocked to Adriatic beaches, including the Ada Bojana resort on the border with Albania. It (heat) is kind of challenging, but we are in the water, on the beach, said Kolya, 35, a tourist from Germany. In Greece on Wednesday, firefighters fought wildfires near Athens that forced dozens to flee their homes, and authorities said they believed the flames were the result of arson as well as hot, dry conditions. The countrys Civil Protection and Climate Crisis ministry has issued a warning of fires for parts of the country on Friday. The wildfire warning map for Greece on Friday ( https://civilprotection.gov.gr/ ) There is Extreme Fire Danger for Attica in the west of Greece, an area that includes Athens. There is also very high danger for several other regions in central and western Greece. Deadly heatwaves are scorching cities on four continents as the Northern Hemisphere marks the first day of summer. Record temperatures already reached in recent days are suspected to have caused hundreds if not thousands of deaths across Asia and Europe. In Saudi Arabia, nearly two million Muslim pilgrims are finishing the haj at the Grand Mosque in Mecca this week. But hundreds have died during the journey amid temperatures above 51 C (124 F), according to reports from foreign authorities. Egyptian medical and security sources said on Thursday that at least 530 Egyptians had died while participating in the haj - up from 307 reported as of yesterday. Another 40 remain missing. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is set to become the next Nato chief after his only rival dropped out of the leadership race. Mr Rutte will become the secretary-general of the alliance in October after Romanian president Klaus Iohannis withdrew from the contest. The 57-year-old has been one of the driving forces behind Europes military support for Ukraine since Russias 2022 invasion, and says defeat on the battlefield for Moscow is vital to secure peace in Europe. Follow live updates on Ukraine here He will replace Norways former prime minister Jens Stoltenberg, who has run the US-led military alliance since 2014 and had his term extended four times. Romanian president Klaus Iohannis withdrew from the contest on Thursday, paving the way for Mark Rutte to become the next Nato chief ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Although he is a critic of Vladimir Putin, Mr Rutte is perceived as less hawkish than possible candidates from central and eastern Europe, making him a near consensus choice. He wont stop at Ukraine if we dont stop him now. This war is bigger than Ukraine itself. Its about upholding the international rule of law, Mr Rutte told the United Nations in September 2022. Romania will back Mr Rutte and donate one of its two operational Patriot missile systems to Ukraine on condition that allies replace it with a similar air-defence system, Bucharests Supreme Defence Council said. Earlier in the week Mr Rutte persuaded Viktor Orban to support his bid, overcoming years of tensions between the EUs two longest serving leaders. Earlier in the week Mr Rutte persuaded Viktor Orban (right) to support his bid for the Nato leadership ( MTVA - Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund ) Mr Orban said: We reached an important agreement with Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg. We agreed that no Hungarian personnel will take part in the activities of Nato in Ukraine and no Hungarian funds will be used to support them. Mr Rutte is a strong supporter of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he recalled meeting in Kyiv five years ago. It was clear even then: this is a man with a mission. I am convinced that Ukraines success largely depends on the mentality he conveyed from the very beginning, he said in April. By contrast, even while warning of the threat posed by Putin, he has suggested the Russian leader is not as strong as he seems. Dont mentally overestimate Putin. Ive talked to the man a lot. Hes not a strong man, hes not a strong guy, Mr Rutte said earlier this year. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russia has accelerated its destruction of Ukraines front-line cities in 2024 to a scale previously unseen in the war using glide bombs and an expanding network of airstrips. Thats according to analysis of drone footage, satellite imagery, Ukrainian documents and Russian photos. The results can be seen in the intensity of recent Russian attacks. It took a year for Russia to obliterate Bakhmut, where the bombs were first used. That was followed by destruction in Avdiivka that took months. Then, only weeks were needed to do the same in Vovchansk and Chasiv Yar, according to images analyzed by AP that showed the smoldering ruins of both cities. Now, Russia is putting the finishing touches on yet another airstrip less than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Ukraine and launching the bombs routinely from multiple bases just inside Russian borders, according to the AP analysis of satellite pictures and photos from a Russian aviation Telegram channel. The first shock wave shattered aisles stacked almost to the ceiling with home improvement products. The next Russian bomb streaked down like a comet seconds later, unleashing flames that left the megastore an ashen shell. In this photo taken from an undated video released by the Russian Defense Ministry shows a glide-guided bomb being released by a Russian air force jet at an undisclosed location ( Russian Defense Ministry Press Service ) A third bomb failed to detonate when it landed behind the Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv. Investigators hope it will help them trace the supply chain for the latest generation of retrofitted Russian glide bombs that are laying waste to eastern Ukraine. The Soviet-era bombs are adapted on the cheap with imported electronics that allow distant Russian warplanes to launch them at Ukraine. Other cities that have been devastated by the weapons include Avdiivka, Chasiv Yar and Vovchansk, and Russia has nearly unlimited supplies of the bombs, which are dispatched from airfields just across the border that Ukraine has not been able to hit. Store manager Oleksandr Lutsenko said the May 25 attack hints at Russia's aim for Kharkiv: Their goal is to turn it into a ghost city, to make it so that no one will stay, that there will be nothing to defend, that it will make no sense to defend the city. They want to scare people, but they will not succeed. Store manager Oleksandr Lutsenko stands inside of Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, June 6, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The bombing of the Epicenter in Kharkiv killed 19 people, including two children. In all, glide bombs have hit the city more than 50 times this year, according to Spartak Borysenko of the Kharkiv regional prosecutors office. He showed investigation documents to AP that identified at least eight Russian air bases used to launch the attacks, all within 100 kilometers (60 miles) of Ukraine. He said at least one of the munitions had foreign electronics and was made in May. That date suggests Russia is using the bombs rapidly and that it has successfully circumvented sanctions for dual-use items. Photos on Russian Telegram channels linked to the military show glide bombs being launched three and four at a time. In one launch of four bombs, the AP traced the aircraft's location to just outside the Russian city of Belgorod, near the air base now under construction. All four bombs in the photo were headed west with Vovchansk and Kharkiv in their direct line of fire. At the end of May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was launching more than 3,000 of the bombs every month, with 3,200 used in May alone. Firefighters put out a fire after two guided bombs hit the Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv, Ukraine ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Oleh Katkov, whose military-oriented site Defense Express first traced the launch location, said hitting air bases is key to slowing the pace of the bombings by forcing Russian planes to launch farther away. This doesnt mean they will completely stop their bombings, but it will become more difficult for them, Katkov said. They will be able to make fewer sorties per day. For months, Ukrainian officials complained bitterly about restrictions on using Western-supplied weapons against targets in Russia, including the airfields that house Russian bombers. The United States and Germany recently authorized some targets in Russia, but many others remain off-limits. The newest airfield, just outside Belgorod, has a 2,000-meter (-yard) runway, the AP analysis found. Construction began late summer 2023, during the failed Ukrainian counteroffensive. A Ukrainian intelligence official, who provided information to AP on condition of anonymity, said his government had been closely following the construction, which did not yet appear complete in a photo taken mid-June. Nina Korsunova gets emotional as she walks inside the destroyed Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv, Ukraine ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The official also noted that Belarus provides sanctuary for Russian bombers. A map created by the Ukrainian battlefield analysis site DeepState showed 10 airfields in Belarus, including five just across the border from Ukraine. In all, the DeepState map shows 51 bases used by Russia within 600 kilometers (370 miles) of Ukrainian-controlled territory, including three in occupied eastern Ukraine, six in the illegally annexed peninsula of Crimea, and 32 in Russia. The greatest strategic advantage Russia has over Ukraine is its advantage in the sky, Zelenskyy said last week. This is missile and bomb terror that helps Russian troops advance on the ground. Russia launches up to 100 guided bombs daily, Zelenskyy said. Besides missiles and drones, which Russia already routinely uses for attacks, the bombs cause an insanely destructive pressure. The base material for the glide bombs comes from hundreds of thousands of Soviet-era unguided bombs, which are then retrofitted with retractable fins and guidance systems to carry 500 to 3,000 kilograms (1,100 to 6,600 pounds) of explosives. The upgrade costs around $20,000 per bomb, according to the Center for European Policy Analysis, and the bombs can be launched up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) from their targets outside the range of Ukraines regular air defense systems. The bombs are similar in concept to the American Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, missiles, which have had their GPS systems successfully jammed by Russian forces in Ukraine. Smoke rises from a building in Bakhmut, the site of the heaviest battles with the Russian troops in the Donetsk region ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Because Russia does not have the strength to occupy eastern cities such as Kharkiv, bombing is their preferred option, said Nico Lange, an analyst with the Center for European Policy Analysis. From their point of view, the strategy seems to be to terrorize the cities enough that people will leave, Lange said. Back at the Epicenter home improvement store, surveillance footage taken just before the explosion showed salesperson Nina Korsunova walking across the floor toward the aisle that she was staffing that day. Then there was a blinding flash, and the camera cut out. An excavator clears the rubble from the Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, June 6, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Korsunova curled into the fetal position as a display crashed on top of her. She uncovered her eyes just in time to see the second bomb streak inside. With her eardrums blown out, she could hear nothing and saw not a single sign of life. I thought I was alone and that they had abandoned me there. It gave me the strength to climb out, she said. She crawled over piles of shattered lamps, and cables snarled her legs as she climbed through debris from the electrical supply aisle. Two weeks later, the skeleton of the building reeked of a disorienting combination of scorched metal and laundry detergent that spilled from melted jugs in the cleaning products aisle. Neither Korsunova nor the store manager have any plans to leave their hometown. It didnt break me, she said. "I will remain in Kharkiv. This is my home. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A junkyard of burnt cars. Shattered glass and shell fragments. Bodies lining the streets. This is Oleksandr Mykheds language of war. This is the language of Ukrainians. This is, he says, what we should be ready for: Because this might happen in your country, and youd better be prepared for that. Mykhed one of Ukraines most prolific authors is in London promoting his tenth book, The Language of War. His once floppy blonde hair is gone, shaved into a military-style buzz cut instead; it is a nod to his second job, the one he did not choose. Mykhed, 36, enlisted in the military as soon as the full-scale invasion began. Though he had no previous experience, he was told he would be a mortar battery ammunition man. You will pass grenades to the loader, carry a box of grenades and the mortar itself, the enlistment officer said to him, after he asked what he meant by mortar man. He then took part in training before going on patrol away from the frontline. He has recently undergone another 40-day training exercise. After his book tour, it is unclear where he will go next. Author turned soldier Oleksandr Mykhed is pictured in London during the promotion of his book The Language of War ( Tom Watling ) The Language of War is a harrowing recount of life as a Ukrainian during the first 13 months of Russias invasion a timely reminder of its ever-presence for the millions living through it. It is, in that sense, a book not about Ukraine but about Ukrainians. Broken down into a rigid structure, it starts with how the war has affected him, then his family, his peers and his country. It is dotted with anecdotes from other Ukrainians. The book is, he says, a matrix of the invasion. The idea is to make it an archetype of the Russian invasion and to show that it might happen anywhere, he says. Sometimes I feel so childish, so naive, that I have to mention that we are in this state like the Second World War. But there is some knowledge to take from the Ukrainian experience because this might happen in your country and youd better be prepared for that. The book is thus a snapshot of Mykheds rage. You have to keep that memory and you have to keep your rage sharp, he says. Yeah, thats the function of this book to myself and to my readers, and to those who will discover the book. People walk through debris and destroyed Russian military vehicles on a street in Bucha, where Mykheds parents had been living at the start of the invasion ( Getty Images ) An otherwise stoic Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky looks disturbed as he visits Bucha for the first time after it was liberated from Russian occupation in April 2022 ( AFP ) It is hard not to draw comparisons to the documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, a film by Ukrainian journalists Mstyslav Chernov and Evgeniy Maloletka. The film shows footage recorded by the two journalists as Russia tried to capture the southern city of Mariupol, bombing a maternity ward and turning tank turrets onto peoples homes in the process. In his narration through the film, director Mstyslav remembers the horrors of Russian destruction before wondering about the safety of his daughters somewhere else in Ukraine. The film went on to win an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film. Mykhed says he sees The Language of War as the twin brother of Chernovs documentary. It is 20 Days in Mariupol but it is almost 400 days in Ukraine, he says, adding that that is why he asked Mstyslav to write the blurb for his book. Speaking to The Independent after the interview with Mykhed, Chernov agrees. We are both seeking new ways, new, immediate and raw language of telling the truth about the horror which continues to take place on a daily basis. Also perhaps with both the book and the movie, the audience develops a relationship with the writer behind the pages or the filmmaker behind the camera, who is living through these events, as well as documenting them, which I think adds an emotional intensity to our works. Ukrainian emergency workers and volunteers carry an injured pregnant woman from a maternity hospital damaged by an airstrike in Mariupol. This footage appeared in 20 Days in Mariupol ( AP ) The book opens with Mykhed standing in his parents home, on day 383 of the invasion. After recently moving to the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, his parents were forced to hide in their basement for the first weeks of Russias occupation in March 2022, while Vladimir Putins forces rampaged above them. The pair eventually managed to flee westward. But the home they left behind would later be torn apart by shell fragments. Those who had been here had turned everything upside down and smashed the surfaces of every electronic device they could find, Mykhed writes. As if they were afraid to see their own bestial reflection. More than 275 pages as the book finishes, he dreams of the end of the war, when he will scream from pain squeezing out from myself the fragment of a shell stuck in the wall of my parents house. I want to forget it all, he adds. I want to never forget. One chapter, Requiem for Tarantino, is an obituary to Mykheds close friend Viktor Onysko, whose call sign in the army was Tarantino, in part because he was a film director before he was a soldier. Onysko was killed aged 40 on the penultimate day of 2022 by a Russian shell. As Mykhed fills in the gaps left in Onyskos official obituaries with tales of the artists eccentricities, he recounts an interview with an unnamed Norwegian journalist. Children play on the swings outside a burnt-out building destroyed by a Russian missile strike in Borodyanka, Kyiv Oblast ( Getty Images ) A Ukrainian soldier from the 57th Brigade waits for an order for his artillery vehicle to open fire on Russian positions at the front line in Ukraines Kharkiv region ( AP ) Do you think he died a hero? the journalist asks. What do you feel knowing that many more of your friends will die, and you yourself might perish too? The questions cast Mykhed and Onysko as mere subjects of war which brings, Mykhed writes, an unstoppable wave of anger to the surface about being seen as a curiosity. Mykheds account is as raw as it is poignant, says his friend Christopher Miller, the Ukraine correspondent for The Financial Times, who moved to Ukraine in his mid-20s as part of the Peace Corps. Miller has written his own book about his years in Ukraine, The War Came To Us. His book will compel you to care, Miller adds of Mykheds work. What adds to the visceral nature of Mykheds book is its inclusion of countless more accounts from fellow Ukrainians. None are more powerful than the stories of Ukraines children, detailed in the longest chapter of the book, titled Blue Van White Van. Anya and the Children of War. Parents write to him to tell him their children are throwing up 10 times a day with anxiety, that they have started playing Find and Kill the Russians to pass the time or that they build bomb shelters for the ants in the garden because the insects, unlike the family, have nowhere to run. Later in the chapter, he gives the story of those young Ukrainians who have only known invasion. After the words mum and dad, the next words that she learned to pronounce were All clear!, writes one parent of her child, referencing the end of an air raid siren. The scale of Russias attacks, and the severity of its impact on Ukraine, are something that is beyond imagination, Mykhed says. When something so huge happens, you dont know how to express your feeling, you feel like youre losing the ground beneath your feet, and you dont understand how this all happened, he adds. The book is written to fix the moment... when I am suddenly lost for words. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An ancient Roman beach buried nearly 2,000 years ago due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius has opened to the public in Italy after the completion of conservation work. The busy city of Pompeii and the upmarket resort town of Herculaneum were smothered by a three-metre blanket of volcanic ash and pumice from the eruption in AD79. Many people were crushed or trapped in the dwellings and temples where they took refuge. The following morning, a cloud of hot gas and ash swept in to suffocate the survivors. Many centuries later, the horrible reality was painstakingly unwrapped by archaeologists who restored the beach at the Herculaneum archaeological park by the Gulf of Naples, giving visitors an experience of the town before the natural disaster struck, according to The Guardian. Herculaneum is located in modern-day Campania, Italy. It is believed to be the site where more than 300 people tried to shelter themselves as they awaited evacuation by the army of Pliny the Elder, the Roman naval commander. The beach, which was discovered during 1980 and 90s, when skeletons of the inhabitants and other evidence of eruption were found during excavation, was reopened on Wednesday after years of restoration of work. The once ancient beach of Herculaneum is opened for visitors ( EPA ) "It was not only a restoration work but also a great research work because we know that representing a site, in an open-air archaeological place, also means being able to delve into scientific aspects: we carried out excavations and found remains and the passage of pyroclastic flows that hit the city in 79AD with materials of all kinds," said Francesco Sirano, the director of the Herculaneum archaeological park. The most important discovery was of the last fugitive in 2021 a 40-year-old man, trying to escape towards the sea with precious objects, reported ABC and NBC News affiliate KSBW. The once ancient beach of Herculaneum is opened for visitors ( EPA ) "Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis: we are working on many projects", the Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, was quoted as saying by the outlet. "In the budget law we have refinanced the excavations and there are construction sites that are active like never before and are revealing new treasures, which fuel the activity of scholars." The minister said the restoration of this archaeological area will represent a opportunity for socio-economic development. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Canada has listed Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, a move that will bar thousands of Iranian officials from entering the country and begin investigations against senior officials. The IRGC is a branch of Irans armed forces, established after the 1979 Iranian revolution that toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a secular monarch allied with the West, and led to the formation of an Islamic Republic headed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a Shiite cleric. The move comes after years of pressure on the Canadian government from the opposition to list IRGC as a terrorist entity. The IRGC has strong political and economic influence with close ties to Mr Khamenei, operates independently from Irans regular military, and has its own ground, naval, and air units. Announcing the decision, public safety minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canada will use all of the tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist entity of the IRGC. "Our government will ensure that there is no immunity for Irans unlawful actions and its support of terrorism." Addressing concerns about why it took so long for the government to take the decision, Mr LeBlanc said: The decision to list an organization under Canadas Criminal Code as a terrorist entity isnt made because of comments on Twitter or question period. Expressing concerns over retaliation from Iran, foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly said Canadians in Iran face the risk of arbitrary detention. "For those who are in Iran right now, its time to come back home. And for those who are planning to go to Iran, dont go," Ms Joly warned. The decision comes more than four years after the IRGC shot down a Ukraine International Airlines Flight over Tehran skies in January 2020. Around 175 people were killed in the strike, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents. Since then, the family members of the victims and the Conservative Party have called on the government to designate the group as a terrorist organisation. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accused the Justin Trudeau government of making the announcement now because of the upcoming key byelection vote next week in a Toronto district where almost 10 per cent of the population is Jewish. Israel and Iran have exchanged drones and missiles since Tel Aviv launched an attack inside Gaza after the 7 October Hamas attack. Iran has denounced Israel for its attack in Gaza that has killed many Palestinians and threatened a response. Once a group is placed on the terror list, police can charge anyone who financially or materially supports the group and banks can freeze assets. In October 2022, Canada said it would ban the IRGCs top leadership from entering the country and promised more targeted sanctions. The US banned IRGC in 2019. The UK government is also under pressure to ban the IRGC amid Israels war in Gaza. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} More than 1,000 people have died during this years Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia with temperatures having reached a peak of 51.8C in Mecca in recent days. Around 1.8 million Muslims have taken part in the days-long, mostly outdoor pilgrimage this year, which is a requirement of every Muslim able to partake at least once in their life. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is yet to comment on the official death toll, though reports suggest around 10 countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the annual pilgrimage. Hundreds of people lined up at the Emergency Complex in Al-Muaisem neighbourhood in Mecca, to claim their loved ones bodies and find information about their missing family members. Outside the complex, an Egyptian man broke down when he heard his mother was among the dead. He cried for some time before reaching for his phone and calling their travel agent. Pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun ( AP ) He left her to die, he shouted, referring to the agent. The crowd tried to calm him down. An official read out names of the dead and the nationalities, which included people from Algeria, Egypt and India. Those who said they were relatives of the dead were allowed inside to identify the deceased. An Arab diplomat told news agency AFP that deaths among Egyptians alone had jumped to more than 650, with 630 of them being unregistered. Each year tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt the Hajj through other channels as they cannot afford official permits. Saudi authorities have said that it has cleared hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca this month. Out of around 150,000 pilgrims, Pakistan has recorded at least 58 deaths, a diplomat briefed on the tally told AFP. I think given the number of people, given the weather, this is just natural, the diplomat said. People rest after casting stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of Hajj ( AP ) Indonesia, which had around 240,000 pilgrims, said the nations death toll had reached 183 according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. They added 313 deaths were due to heatstroke. Khalid Bashir Bazaz, an Indian pilgrim, speaking near the Grand Mosque, said he saw a lot of people collapsing to the ground unconscious. Deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, There have also been stampedes and epidemics throughout the pilgrimages history. Each year, the Hajj draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from low-income nations, and illnesses can spread among the gathered masses, many of whom save their entire lives for the pilgrimage. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj in 2024, including more than 1.6 million from 22 countries, according to the Saudi Hajj authorities. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj in 2024, including more than 1.6 million from 22 countries ( AP ) Saudi Arabia has spent billions of pounds on crowd control and safety measures for those attending the annual five-day pilgrimage, but the sheer number pilgrims makes ensuring their safety difficult. Islam follows a lunar calendar, so the Hajj falls around 11 days earlier each year. By 2029, the Hajj will occur in April, and in the next several years after that it will fall in the winter, when temperatures are milder. A 2015 stampede in Mina during the Hajj killed over 2,400 pilgrims, the deadliest incident to ever strike the pilgrimage, though Saudi Arabia has never acknowledged the full toll of the stampede. Additional reporting by AP For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu has hit back at comments from the nations military that destroying Hamas is an unattainable goal as rifts between the government and armed forces widen while the war in Gaza rages on. In a statement issued by his office, Mr Netanyahu said the military were obligated to follow his orders, one of which is the destruction of Hamas military and governance capabilities. His comments followed an interview on Israeli Channel 13 with Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the military, during which the soldier suggested that to say they were capable of destroying Hamas was akin to throwing sand in peoples eyes. Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a political party, he said. It is rooted in the hearts of people whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is mistaken. To say that we are going to make Hamas disappear is to throw sand in peoples eyes. He added that the only way to end the role of Hamas in the Gaza Strip is to develop something else to replace it. Something that will make the population realise that someone else is distributing the food, someone else is taking care of public services to really weaken Hamas, this is the way," Mr Hagari added. The Israeli military responded to Mr Netanyahus rebuke on Thursday with another statement, saying that the army is committed to achieving the wars goals as defined by the cabinet. They added that Hagari had been talking about the elimination of Hamas as an idea and ideology, and that any other interpretation was taking the quote out of context. But this latest spat between the military and the government highlights growing tensions within the country over how Israels forces are conducting their war in Gaza. Protesters hold signs and flags during a demonstration calling for an hostages deal and against the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government in Tel Aviv ( Getty Images ) Around half of the 250 hostages seized by Hamas during their deadly assault on 7 October, which killed 1,200 people, remain in Gaza, and Rear Adm Hagari claimed it would be impossible to return all of them through military operations alone. We have to reach a scenario where the hostages are returned in another manner, he said. Last week, Israeli former army chief Benny Gantz, one of the three core members of the war cabinet convened immediately after 7 October, quit his position due to what he believes is Mr Netanyahus lack of a long-term plan for its war in Gaza. Protests throughout Israel, including outside Mr Netanyahus residence, calling for the return of the hostages via negotiations, meanwhile, have become commonplace as the families of those still held in Gaza demand the government prioritise their relatives release over the destruction of Hamas. More than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israels retaliatory offensive, according to the local health ministry, and international pressure has only grown to push Israel towards the negotiating table. Mr Netanyahu, however, maintains that Hamas must be destroyed and that the militant group is using Palestinians as human shields in the Gaza Strip. Gadi Eisenkot, an Israeli general who was an observer in the war cabinet before quitting alongside Mr Gantz, accused Mr Netanyahu of peddling a baseless illusion of total victory against Hamas last week. Total victory is a catchy slogan, [but] anyone promising that well deal with the battalions in Rafah and then bring back the hostages is sowing a baseless illusion," he said, referencing the Israeli militarys latest attack on Gazas southernmost city of Rafah. Earlier this week, Yaakov Bardugo, a close associate of Mr Netanyahu, published an article on Israels Channel 14 website claiming that the Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi supports leaving Hamas in power in Gaza. The comments came after the army announced a limited pause in operations near a crossing into Gaza that was intended to help aid distribution into the besieged enclave. Aid groups have repeatedly warned that famine is imminent if supply routes are not reopened. The decision prompted Mr Netanyahu to lash out at the military on Sunday evening, writing that Israel was a country with an army, not an army with a country. In order to achieve the goal of neutralising Hamas capabilities, I made decisions that were not always accepted by the army leadership, he said. We have a country with an army, not an army with a country." After Mr Bardugos comments, an Israeli military spokesperson quickly denounced the claim as a severe and baseless lie, before adding that the idea that Hamas should be permitted to remain in control of Gaza was unacceptable. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A new world record has been set for converting sunlight to electricity on a residential-size solar panel. UK-based startup Oxford PV unveiled the next-generation tandem solar cell, which uses the so-called miracle material perovskite to boost the performance of conventional silicon-based solar panels. The perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell achieved an efficiency of 26.9 per cent, a 1.9 per cent improvement on the best current silicon modules that are a similar size. With a designated area of around 1.6 metres2, and weighing less than 25 kilograms, Oxford PV described it as the ideal size for residential applications. Oxford PVs record-setting module represents a significant advancement for solar power generation, said Oxford PV chief executive David Ward. Homeowners along with commercial and utility customers will all benefit from upwards of 20% more power with the same footprint. Not only does this save installation costs, it also speeds up the decarbonisation journey and can contribute to the global energy transition in a meaningful way. The announcement of the new commercial-sized solar panel record comes just days after researchers in China set a new record of 34.6 per cent power conversion efficiency using a tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell, though this rate was only achieved under strict lab conditions and is a long way from commercialisation. The latest breakthrough from Oxford PV comes less than six months after its previous efficiency record of 25 per cent on an industrial-size module. For the past decade, the team has continued to demonstrate the potential for perovskite on silicon tandem solar cells, setting and breaking efficiency records along the way, said Chris Case, Oxford PVs chief technology officer. Now we are taking the next steps to bring this high-efficiency solar technology into commercial use to support our vision of an all-electric future. The company has already set up a manufacturing facility in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, where it hopes to ramp up production of its next-generation solar cells. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An American TikTok user has split opinion on social media for threatening to discipline a strangers out of control child who spat at her and her husband on a recent flight. The debate started after a child in the row in front turned around and blew raspberries on the couple three times in the last hour of a fully booked flight from Atlanta to Denver. Shayla Monnier, a nurse and social media influencer, shared a video to TikTok recounting the spitting saga captioned What would you do? open image in gallery The child apparently sprayed spit over the couple three times ( Getty Images ) The child, a girl around four years old, repeatedly moved to shower spit over the pairs face and arms as her parents battled to keep the unmasked child in the middle seat. I put my hand up just to block the spit for me and her parents kind of grabbed her and had her sit down but she fought, said Shayla. Several social media users expressed outrage at the childs behaviour during the three-hour flight. One TikTok user wrote: You tell the parents You stop her behaviour or I will. Works every time. I would have stood up and firmly said thats enough. Do not spit on me again. Then call the flight attendant if it didnt stop, said another. Others were more sympathetic to the childs parents and said Kids be kids. Parents battle this. Its life. In a follow-up video, Shayla revealed that after the third incident her husband Andrew very sternly said to the parents if you dont get your kid under control Ill do it for you. The commotion and yell back from the childs mother prompted intervention from a flight attendant who offered the couple and the passenger in the window seat future flight credits because she felt terrible. The child, who had been asleep until the last hour of the flight, then went back to sleep. Shayla, a 44-year-old mother of five, asked her followers Is everybody seriously gentle parenting these days because Im not about it, not if youre spitting in my face. Hundreds of viewers praised the couples direct response to the misbehaving child. Hubs handled that very well. Ridiculous for them to allow it to happen 3 times, read one comment on the video. However, some users felt that the husbands threat to control the child was too strong. It must be hard to be so perfect and for all of your children to be so perfect! jibed one user. Another wrote: I would like to hear from a child psychologist how to handle this situation. I do know your husbands aggression was not ok. The original TikTok video has amassed over 120,000 views since it was posted on 17 June. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Signals from underwater microphones could be the key to finding missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 a decade on from the biggest mystery in aviation history. Since its disappearance on 8 March 2014 while travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, theories of what happened to MH370s 239 passengers and crew have been extensively evaluated. Now, researchers from Cardiff University believe they have identified a signal from a hydrophone (underwater microphone) from the final stage of the aircrafts journey in the Southern Indian Ocean. open image in gallery The study called on authorities to resume search efforts for the Boeing 777-200 aircraft ( The Independent ) Violent ocean impacts, such as the crash of a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, create acoustic signatures that can travel across the water to hydrophones on the seabed. If the flight crashed at a speed of 200 metres a second, Cardiff researchers estimate that the crash would have released as much kinetic energy as a small earthquake. The 7th arc area of the official search zone where MH370 is thought to have crashed is less than 2,000km from a hydroacoustic station at Cape Leeuwin in Australia. A weak six-second signal was recorded at Cape Leeuwin within the time frame suggested by the search, but researchers say other signals might be confirmed as related if efforts to locate the aircraft were revisited. Another hydroacoustic station, Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean was also operational at the time of MH370s disappearance. Dr Usama Kadri, a reader at Cardiff Universitys School of Mathematics, said: Our analysis shows clear pressure signals from previous aircraft crashes were detected on hydrophones, even at distances exceeding 3,000km. In the case of MH370, official investigations concluded the aircraft must have crashed near the 7th arc the point at which the last communication between the plane and INMARSAT [the satellite telecommunications company] occurred. Following the findings, researchers have called on authorities to conduct field experiments including controlled explosions or airguns along the 7th arc, to monitor the impact on signals received at nearby hydroacoustic stations. The study, published in May, referenced the 2017 search and rescue mission of the ARA San Juan navy submarine that vanished off the coast of Argentina. Hydroacoustic technology helped to locate the vessel 3,000ft in the South Atlantic one year after it imploded using grenades to emulate the explosion and cross-referencing sounds at the time of the submarines disappearance. Dr Kadri added: Unfortunately, weve been unable to find a signal with the certainty needed to launch a new search for the missing aircraft. However, if the recommendations are followed by the appropriate authorities, we can assess the relevance of the observed signals, potentially shedding light on the location of MH370. Michael Gove has admitted he is over the hill in politics. The cabinet minister, who announced last month that he will not stand at the general election, believes it is time for the Conservative Party to have a new generation coming forward alongside Rishi Sunak. Im over the hill, Ive been in parliament for 20 years, Mr Gove told Kay Burley on Sky News, when asked why he is stepping down. He named Kemi Badenoch, Laura Trott and Claire Coutinho as the new generation of Tory MPs and said he wants to support them instead. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un took turns to drive each other around in a Russian-built Aurus limousine on Wednesday 19 June, during the Russian presidents visit to North Korea. Footage shows the two smiling and laughing behind the wheel. Kim also gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, according to state media. The breed of hunting dogs are native to a region in the northern part of North Korea. Former South Korean president Moon Jae-in also received Pungsan dogs - named Gomi and Songgang - from Kim in 2018 at a time when inter-Korean relations saw a breakthrough. Kevin Hollingsworth, the newly elected President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, was out of the blocks quicker than Rhasidat Adeleke, with a compelling argument for increasing the level of building inspections by local authorities. I spoke with Mr Hollingsworth to hear more about this, and concerns regarding building components which are manufactured off-site. Mr Hollingsworth highlights that many local authorities are barely meeting a very low target of inspecting 12pc of new buildings. Mayo and Sligo failed to meet even that level in 2022, but Meath and Kildare are sending building control officers to well in excess of the minimum level. In Dublin, over 80pc of developments are inspected. Boann Distillery was founded by Patrick and Marie Cooney, along with their family Sally-Anne, Celestine, Peter, Patrick and James. Meath distillery Boann expects to double its revenue over the next five years as it expands into 70 new markets. The family-owned distillery is set to launch three single pot still Irish whiskeys following a 30m investment, with the new range expected to boost global revenues. The new whiskey expressions, known as Marsala, Madeira and Pedro Ximinez, will be released tomorrow to coincide with the summer solstice. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 Boann recorded revenues of 25m last year and already produces a number of other drinks, including Silks Irish Dry Gin, Merrys Cream Liquers and the Whistler whiskey brand. The new releases, which amount to 12,000 cases of whiskey, follow the launch of Boanns limited edition Solstice whiskey in December 2022. This marked the return of whiskey distilling in Drogheda for the first time in 160 years, according to Boann. Each of the three new whiskeys was matured in a number of cases from Spain, France and the USA in order to give each of the new releases its own flavour profile. "It was always our dream to craft and distil our very own Irish whiskey in the heart of the Boyne Valley, Boann managing director and founder Pat Cooney said. He added that the business now plans to grow beyond the markets it is currently active in in order to bring the essence of the land around the distillery across the world. "Our vision is to revive the heritage laid down by the lost distilleries of Ireland, distilling these historic mashbills (recipes) using local ingredients and uniting the past with the future of the craft of Irish whiskey distillation using modern technology, Mr Cooney said. The new offerings from the company will be released nationally and internationally in the coming weeks. Boann Distillery employs more than 25 people in Drogheda. It was founded by Pat and his wife Marie, along with their family Sally-Anne, Celestine, Peter, Patrick and James. Mr Cooney previously led Gleeson Group, a drinks distribution business. In 2022, the company reported that it would invest 10m across its alcohol businesses, including 5m at its Robert A Merry & Co factory in Clonmel to boost capacity. The business also planned a 5m investment in its distillery location. Irish-listed airline software specialist Datalex has reported a jump in revenues as the company signed a number of long-term contract renewals.. The group, which helps customers streamline retail offerings to passengers, recorded total revenue of $28.9m (26.06m) for 2023. This was up 23pc from a year earlier. Platform revenue increased 17pc to $12.9m as a result of a material increase in transaction volumes throughout the year, particularly in the Asian market. Services revenue rose by a quarter to $14.1m following new customer activation projects. In an update, the company also reported an adjusted loss in earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation (Ebitda) of $2.9m. This was an improvement of $2.4m from the 2022 loss of $5.3m. Loss after tax for the year was $9.1m last year, an improvement from a loss of $11.5m reported in 2022. Datalex renewed partnerships with a number of airlines throughout the year, including Air China, Air Transat, JetBlue and Aer Lingus. It is also working on an activation project with easyJet. Aer Lingus and Air China are among the airlines that will migrate to the groups new platform products. The airline software firm also pointed to the end of projects with a number of other customers over the year, including Virgin Australia, which made changes to plans for its internal retail programme. This move impacted Datalexs work with the airline, it reported. SAS also filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in the USA last year, while Datalex also confirmed that it will not proceed further with an agreement with Latam Airlines, which was first signed last year. Datalex secured another loan facility of 5m during the year from a company controlled by billionaire Dermot Desmond. This brings its total loan facility to 15m with a repayment date set for the end of this year. Around 13m has been drawn down so far. Datalex is working with advisers on planned equity funding to pay back this loan facility, as well as to provide enough working capital to invest in upcoming product launches and activations. The move is supported by Mr Desmond, who owns just over 40pc of the stock market-listed software firm. Mr Desmond has told the group that he will procure support for the planned fundraising. If Datalex does not complete this fundraising, Mr Desmonds Tireragh vehicle has confirmed that it will extend the termination date of the loan facility to the beginning of July next year and will provide a new loan of 10m if needed. Chief executive Jonathan Rockett said contract renewals have set a solid foundation for future growth. These renewals, along with the related investment by these airlines to migrate to Datalex's latest product suite, are not only a testament to the value of our long-standing partnerships with customers, but also a vote of confidence in where Datalex is bringing its products over the next three to five years, Mr Rockett said. He added that the group had signed a number of new customers over the past 18 months, while the renewals last year had boosted recurring revenues for the medium term. Mr Rockett joined the business in the final quarter of 2023 after former boss Sean Corkery announced his plans to retire last September. A senior executive with a refrigeration unit installation company has brought a High Court action aimed at preventing his employer from extending his purported layoff. Tom Clayton is the group corporate finance executive of Novum Overseas Limited. He claims that the lay off is "not genuine" but is an attempt to "exit him" from the company. Mr Clayton who the court heard was previously the CFO of Forfas, the national policy advisory board for enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation in Ireland commenced working his 135,000 per year plus benefits job with the defendant last year. He claims that several weeks ago the company, without explanation, informed him he was being temporarily laid off for a six to eight-week period. He also claims he was told by his employers to apply for jobseekers allowance. He claims the lay off has left him without salary, in financial dire straits, and has damaged his reputation. He also claims that after agreeing to go to work for the company last year, his role was downgraded, in what he alleges was "a fundamental rollback" from the terms of his employment. He sought undertakings from the company, including that his purported lay-off be brought to an end, and that he be restored to his paid employment. No such undertakings were furnished by the defendant, he claims. He was subsequently informed in correspondence from his employers that it is considering him for redundancy. He claims this shows that the defendant has already made up its mind and wishes to end his employment by way of "a sham redundancy". As a result, he seeks various orders from the court including an injunction restraining the defendant from extending the purported period of layoff beyond this week. He also seeks orders requiring the employer to pay him all his contractual entitlements, and that he be allowed to fulfil all his contractual duties with the defendant. The orders, if granted, would remain in place pending the outcome of the action. The matter came before Mr Justice David Nolan who granted Mr Clayton's lawyers permission to serve short notice of his application on the defendants. The matter will return before the court later this month. Reddit and Tumblr have lost a High Court challenge against the media regulator over being designated as video sharing platforms (VSPs). The two companies had contested a decision by Coimisiun na Mean to include them in its list of 10 VSPs that will come under the remit of a new online safety code. Tumblr, a micro-blogging site registered in the US, claimed it should clearly not be put in the same bracket as platforms such as YouTube and the decision amounted to an error in law. It argued that video was at most a minor feature on its platform. Reddit also challenged its designation, arguing that it was a predominantly text-based discussion platform, and that links to videos uploaded to other platforms should not be considered. Both platforms claimed their operations would be damaged by the decisions. Following the two separate decisions being handed down by the High Court Judge Siobhan Phelan today, Coimisiun na Mean said: We welcome the courts judgment and the confirmation of our designation of Reddit and Tumblr as Video-Sharing Platform Services. We are moving forward with our draft Online Safety Code and expect to have it in place later this year, as part of our overall Online Safety Framework. We are committed to using our full range of powers to improve online safety for users in Ireland and across Europe. A Reddit spokesperson said: "We disagree with the courts decision that merely allowing links to videos hosted by other platforms can result in a platform being regulated as if it were a video hosting platform itself. This is an unprecedented interpretation of EU law that will have broadly sweeping implications for the internet if applied to other discussion-based platforms. "While we consider next steps, we will continue to work with the Coimisiun na Mean to encourage thoughtful, appropriate regulation." The full list of VSPs designated by the regulator last December included Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Udemy. They each had 28 days to launch a legal challenge against their inclusion. We are committed to using our full range of powers to improve online safety While it never went to court, Udemy also argued against its designation. The company, which is headquartered in San Francisco but has an office in Dublin, said its platform was for professional skills development and had measures such as instructor ID verification to prevent harmful and illegal content. It said this proactive approach set it apart from other platforms that rely on reactive strategies to address harmful materials, and asked the regulator to take a more proportionate approach. The High Court victory will come as a relief to the Coimisiun, since the judgments uphold the procedures it followed before naming the 10 companies as VSPs. Designation has legal consequences for the 10, including being subject to a code of conduct which is due to be introduced later this year. Coimisiun na Mean recently sent its draft code to the European Commission for approval. The aim of the code is to reduce the amount of harmful content going online, such as posts promoting eating disorders or self harm. There will be fines of up to 20m levied on any VSP that is found to have violated the safety of children. Earlier this month the Irish Independent revealed that the media regulator had dropped two proposals in relation to teenagers from the draft code for online safety after opposition from Google and a representative group for Big Tech. Coimisiun na Mean had proposed a ban on under 18s either live-streaming content, or viewing live-streamed content, without parental permission. It also wanted VSPs to put in place parental controls on teenagers use of their services until the age of 18. Both ideas were dropped from the code that the regulator recently sent to Brussels after Big Tech pushed back against them during the public consultation phase. I dont think they can afford to go into court, said CEO of Irish carrier Ryanair has claimed damages against Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries. Photo: PA Ryanair group chief executive Michael OLeary doesnt believe that the trial of a case it has taken against internet giant Booking.com will go ahead next month as planned in the United States. Ryanair sued Booking Holdings and subsidiaries including Booking.com in 2020 over alleged screen-scraping of its fares by the firms. I dont think theyll go into court, said Mr OLeary. I dont think they can afford to go into court. 'I think theyll keep postponing it for as long as is humanly possibly Screen-scraping involves a third party accessing an airlines website and often offering that airlines fares to its own customers via its own website. Booking Holdings generated revenue of $21.4bn (20bn) last year and posted net income of $4.2bn. The trial is due to start on July 15 in Delaware and is pencilled in to last a week. Mr OLeary also doesnt think the case will be settled in advance of the trial. I think theyll keep postponing it for as long as is humanly possibly, he told the Irish Independent. With the evidence we have presented to the court of these guys scamming customers, overcharging consumers I think its indefensible, said the airline boss. We think thats why their senior management havent deposed, he added. Ryanair conceived of this lawsuit as part of its broader PR strategy Weve all been deposed because we have, frankly, a good story to tell. None of their senior management have been willing to undergo depositions. "I think when you go into court and you show the scamming that these guys have been doing against consumers duping them, overcharging them I dont know how you go in and defend it. Depositions have been taken in the case from Ryanair executives including Mr OLeary and the airlines chief technology officer, John Hurley. In its US lawsuit, Ryanair has claimed damages against Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries, arguing that it has incurred costs to tackle the travel agents unauthorised access of the website. Those costs, it has claimed, included having to beef up a programme it developed, called Shield, that is intended to block unauthorised third parties such as online travel agents (OTAs) from accessing the Ryanair website and selling its inventory. But Booking Holdings has rejected Ryanairs claims. Ryanair has claimed damages against Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries. Photo: PA Ryanair conceived of this lawsuit as part of its broader public relations strategy to prevent travellers from using OTAs to purchase Ryanair flights, its lawyers have previously claimed. Ryanair also routinely disparages OTAs in the press, including Booking.com, as a bunch of scam artists and internet pirates, they also noted. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 The legal team for Booking.com have also argued that Booking.com does not source flight information from Ryanair or any other airline and instead relies on another group, Etraveli, to provide the information to it. There is no evidence that defendants have knowledge of, a role in, or input into how their vendors obtain Ryanair flight information and book Ryanair flights, and that no defendant directs any vendor to access the Ryanair website, let alone to engage in criminal activity, the lawyers have stated in court documents. Ryanair has even previously accused Booking.com of being partly responsible for a malicious attack on the airlines payment processing platform between September and October last year. Booking Holdings has described the claim as baseless. The AI chipmakers spectacular rise to a 3.1 trillion market cap has also made its longtime CEO, Jensen Huang, the 12th richest person in the world Nvidia has overtaken Apple and Microsoft to become the worlds most valuable tech company. The US firm, whose powerful AI chips are in huge demand, is now worth $3.34 trillion (3.1 trillion), an 11-fold increase on its market capitalisation of $300 billion two years ago and 100 times more valuable than 8 years ago. It puts CEO Jensen Huangs personal fortune at an estimated $119bn, making him the 12th richest person in the world according to Bloombergs billionaires index, based on his shareholding in the company. 61-year-old Mr Huang has been described by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg as the Taylor Swift of tech, partly due to his habitual prop of using a leather jacket in public appearances. Born in Taiwan but brought up in the US, Mr Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 at the age of 30 and has been CEO since then, making him one of the longest-serving executives at a major tech firm. Prior to the AI boom of the last two years, Nvidia was mostly known for its computer gaming chips and graphics cards, sought after by teenagers and other gamers. While it has no office south of the border, its office is active in Belfast, recently co-investing over 6m in a research and development project into AI with Queens University Belfast. Nvidia has seen demand soar for its chips, as companies scramble for the most powerful engines to power their artificial intelligence (AI) rollouts. AI requires massive computing power, especially when used as cloud services from data centres. Demand for Nvidias H100 accelerators helped to drive the chipmakers sales up by more than 125pc last year. We believe over the next year the race to $4 trillion Market Cap in Tech will be front and center between Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, Daniel Ives, analyst at Wedbush Securities, wrote in a note. Nvidias GPU chips are in essence the new gold or oil in the tech sector as more enterprises and consumers quickly head down this path. Microsoft and Apple have vied for the most valuable tech company tag for the last year, with the Office Windows software giant being on top most of the time. All three companies are currently valued within 2pc of each other, between Apple ($3.29 trillion), Microsoft ($3.32 trillion) and Nvidia ($3.34 trillion). I should have gone to my GP sooner, but I put it off because I knew it was MS mum urges people with symptoms to seek help immediately In cinemas; Cert 15A 'The Bikeriders' needs to be seen on the big screen. Photo: PA Loud, ferocious and occasionally rather devastating, Jeff Nicholss The Bikeriders wasnt made for background viewing. It will, at some point, end up on a streamer, but it makes far too much noise for the small screen and it is far too beautiful a film to watch while youre doing something else. It deserves the full theatrical treatment, and it deserves an audience who will appreciate the work that went into it. The Goodfellas comparisons are inevitable, and Nichols an accomplished American filmmaker, among the cleverest in contemporary cinema knows exactly what hes doing with that awesome freeze-frame opening. Why bother pointing out the similarities between Scorseses seminal gangster epic and Nicholss riveting outlaw biker feature when the man in charge has already done it for us? That isnt to say Nichols is a copycat. The man behind Mud, Midnight Special and the Oscar-nominated Loving is a terrific storyteller, impossible to pigeon-hole, and he spent years trying to bring Danny Lyons 1967 photography book The Bikeriders to the big screen. Michael Shannon, the directors most consistent collaborator, told him he would never get around to making it. Perhaps thats just Shannons way of motivating a friend. Whatever the case, Nichols has proven him wrong. Austin Butler as Benny and Jodie Comer as Kathy in 'The Bikeriders'. Photo: Focus Features Armed with a factual blueprint (Lyons book depicts the real-life Outlaws MC from McCook, Illinois) and a fictional story (the films central gang call themselves The Vandals), The Bikeriders begins and ends with a man named Benny (Austin Butler). We dont know much about this handsome biker, but we do know this: hes the smoothest operator in any room; a strong, silent type who only ever comes out of his shell to join a fight. Johnny (Tom Hardy), The Vandalss committed president, adores the kid. So, too, does Kathy (Jodie Comer) who, on a chilly evening in 1960s Chicago, wanders into a random biker bar with a message for a friend, and leaves with a future husband. She and Benny are inseparable. Kathy knows nothing about bikes, but she tolerates the madness and the mayhem. She worries about Johnny, about his methods and about what happens when The Vandals get too big for their boots. The club started out as a space for like-minded oddballs and outcasts to share their love of motorcycles to ride together, drink together and to shoot some pool and swap some stories about their best and worst days. Johnny, a Marlon Brando fan, kicked it all off after watching The Wild One. But as the years progress and the membership expands, The Vandals begin to shed their innocence. Johnny, too, loses his head, and its after Benny is beaten by a couple of rival bikers across town that the boss decides to cause some trouble. 'The Bikeriders' needs to be seen on the big screen. Photo: PA Kathy knows exactly where this will end for her husband if he doesnt get out. She also knew what she was getting herself into when she married Benny and he begs her not to make him choose. Things get messy. Lyons book allowed its pictures to tell an epic tale of masculinity and motorcycle culture in 1960s America. In a way, thats how Nichols film occasionally operates. The Bikeriders adopts a rich, novelistic tone light on plot, perhaps, yet consistently thrilling. Part of that is down to the imagery. Its a fabulous looking film handsomely designed and impeccably performed. True, it sometimes feels as though there are chunks missing from the story, but thats intentional. Were not meant to see what Benny did when he wasnt hanging with Kathy and his biker buds, or how Johnny behaved around his wife and kids at home. The clue is in the title, and The Bikeriders does what its supposed to. Nichols also toys with an unusual framing device. Here, he has created his own version of Lyon (nicely portrayed by Mike Faist) who interviews Kathy (our spirited narrator) and the others about their lives together. It sounds heavy-handed, but it works. The film is probably at its best when it allows its story to breathe, and when the boys including Michael Shannons Zipco, Emory Cohens Cockroach and Boyd Holbrooks Cal bare their souls to one another. It takes a special kind of chap to join a gang like The Vandals. Most of them have a story to tell, and there are plenty of angry confessions in the mix. The engine noise will stay with you so, too, will the heartache behind it. Mesmerising stuff. Four stars Selecting Irelands 50 best songs was no easy task, but this list chosen by the countrys top music experts showcases our songcraft at its finest. Here are numbers 40-31 Whipping Boy were the most thrilling Irish rock band of the mid-1990s My Bloody Valentine have two songs in our top 40 Last year, the Irish Independent invited 50 judges from across the music business to nominate their favourite Irish albums ever. My Bloody Valentines Loveless came out on top, closely followed by U2s Achtung Baby and Van Morrisons Astral Weeks. The feature generated a huge response, partly because the resulting list wasnt just one persons opinion. It was a top 50 that took a lot of time to compile, but the results, we think, were worth it. Many readers had the same response: do the same for Irish songs. We listened, and here it is. As with the albums, we have asked 50 people who really know their stuff musicians, gig promoters, critics, broadcasters, DJs, music PRs, arts podcasters to come up with their top Irish songs ever in order of preference. A score was then applied 10 points to the song at number one, down to one point for the song in 10th place and the results totted up for the final rundown. There were ground rules, of course. No songs from overseas artists of Irish extraction. Sorry Morrissey, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush Songs from international bands featuring an Irish musician were permitted. Cover versions were also allowed and the song did not have to have been released as a single. The top 50 is being published in instalments on Independent.ie this week, which started yesterday with numbers 50-41. The full rundown will feature in next Saturdays special souvenir edition of the Irish Independent Review alongside an interview with the writer of the number one song, as well as an alternative top 50, in chronological order, culled from the songs that didnt quite make the original half-century. Happy reading and listening. 40 The Cranberries, Linger (1993) When you consider that the Cranberries had barely hit their 20s when they wrote and recorded their first LP, it makes Linger all the more impressive. The song, from the Limerick outfits debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Cant We?, has aged like a fine wine. A winning combination of the production nous of Stephen Street (the Smiths/Blur), those majestic sweeping strings and Dolores ORiordans achingly beautiful vocal performance make it a modern masterpiece. LM 39 Fontaines DC, Boys in the Better Land (2019) Guttural, swaggering and very real. The Irish band we had all been waiting for delivered this shot across the bows on their celebrated debut album Dogrel all of five years ago. Frontman Grian Chattens flat Dublinese speak-singing sounds both sullen and dazed amid splashing percussion and guitars that flash from jumpy rhythm parts to power-chording lead. This bolt of post-punk romanticism sounds like Shane MacGowan downing pints with Mark E Smith. AC 38 My Bloody Valentine, Only Shallow (1991) The opening track on MBVs second album is an alt-rock staple and a stunning achievement from the bands visionary leader Kevin Shields. Bilinda Butchers ethereal (if hard to decipher) vocals sit atop Shields distinctive guitar sound the track is a key example of his glide guitar technique and relentless percussion from Colm O Ciosoig. Its a sound collage typical of Loveless, voted best Irish album ever in the Irish Independents poll last year. JM My Bloody Valentine have two songs in our top 40 37 Aslan, Crazy World (1993) It is a song that has practically become a staple of any Irish gathering: weddings, funerals, house parties. Everyone knows the words of Aslans hugely popular single, with its eternally hummable melody and rousing chorus. Even so, it remains an underestimated gem. Christy Dignams conflicted lyrics, directed at his family while acknowledging his own troubles, add a layer of poignancy that is often disregarded during those big singalongs. LM 36 A House, Endless Art (1992) Released as a single from the Dubliners third album, I Am The Greatest, Endless Art is a beloved Irish classic, its popularity boosted by an inventive stop-motion video. All art is quite useless, according to Oscar Wilde, declaims Dave Couse, before listing an assortment of artists and their birth and death dates over a shoegazey distorted guitar riff and some repurposed Beethoven (Symphony No 5). Sprinkled with magic production dust by the mighty Edwyn Collins. RD 35 Whipping Boy, Twinkle (1995) Burning brightly, if all too briefly, the Dublin quartet were the most thrilling Irish rock band of the mid-1990s. Their second album, Heartworm, has proved especially enduring and of its many great tracks, this potent rocker holds a special grip. Shes the only one for me, sings Ferghal McKee, in a song shot through with menace and foreboding. Youre going to pay for all the hate Im giving. JM Whipping Boy were the most thrilling Irish rock band of the mid-1990s 34 For Those I Love, I Have A Love (2021) David Balfes debut single is a powerful meditation on loss and grief following by the sudden death of his friend and fellow artist Paul Curran. Taken from his self-titled Choice Prize-winning album, the track combines plaintive piano, shimmering electronics, spoken-word vocals, conversational excerpts, synths and keys to create a potent reflection on the devastating nature of bereavement, and the intense love and joy of close friendship. RD 33 Denise Chaila, Chaila (2020) Zambian-Irish hip-hop artist Denise Chaila grew up with people mispronouncing her name. On this startling single, she unapologetically puts her detractors in their place. Chaila nods to her African heritage with zingers like Dont need your Concern if youll look at me and see a Trocaire kid, simultaneously encompassing chest-thumping bravado and a sense of vulnerability. As statements of intent go, its both devastatingly clever and insanely catchy. LM Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 32 Sultans of Ping FC, Wheres Me Jumper? (1993) One of the great earworm songs by any Irish act: once heard, never forgotten. It remains an absurdist anthem, beloved by each new generation play this song at a wedding party, and watch the guests jump around with abandon. At first the band refused to play the song because they thought it was a bit crap, frontman Niall OFlaherty recalled, but theyve come round now. And the Corkonians are still playing it. JM 31 My Bloody Valentine, You Made Me Realise (1988) Before Dublin-London pioneers MBV conjured up cathedrals of sound and vaporous dream states on their still peerless Loveless album, they cooked up this art-punk racket from their astonishing third EP. Their first release on Creation Records was the beginning of something very bruised and very beautiful. You Made Me Realise is an exhilarating sonic shakedown that will leave your windowpanes rattling, your chandeliers tinkling and you shaking. AC Streaming review On a recent trip to an alpine village in Austria, a triptych of black-and-white photos in the hall outside my room caught my eye. They featured a woman in a dirndl, her blonde hair coiled into tight plaits on either side of her head. On a balcony that looked down on the operatic scenery, she shields her face from the light. He had my head pushed so hard against the shed door. I was saying, no, stop, I dont want this rape survivor tells of ordeal Blathnaid Raleigh still bears physical and mental scars of that night, but now she has justice Blathnaid Raleigh on the celebrated rugby player who raped her with a bottle Catherine Fegan Thu 20 Jun 2024 at 03:30 A few days after it happened, Blathnaid Raleigh was walking around her local shopping centre with her mother. Northern Lights seen across parts of Ireland again last night but why is the visual treat occurring so often lately? The Department of Agriculture received five previous complaints about the horse abattoir at the centre of an investigation into animal abuse - but none resulted in any action being taken. Michael Sheahan, deputy chief veterinarian at the department, told the Public Accounts Committee that none of the complaints about Shannonside Foods in Staffan, Co Kildare, related to someone beating horses horrifically. He said they were welfare concerns about lame and thin horses, but they were not upheld. The department received one complaint in 2018, one in 2019, two in 2021 and one in 2023. He said the department is currently carrying out an inquiry into activities involving the supply of horses for slaughter following an investigation by RTE. The plant has now been fully suspended. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 Some of the footage used in the RTE Investigates expose showed horses at the facility being beaten with pipes. Mr Sheahan said the programme was one of the most sickening things Ive ever seen. However, he said if you were to ask me even three weeks ago what were standards like within the slaughter plant in Straffan, I would say the standards were very good within the slaughter plant. We have a veterinary presence and technical officers present on the day when slaughter happens. What was shown on the programme did not happen within the slaughter plant. For some people that is a technicality. The horrific footage happened on the farm beside the plant. Within the slaughter plant, whether people like to hear it or not, our experience dealing with this plant is that the horses were in good condition. He said the suspension of the plant was due to food chain and traceability issues and not the animal cruelty that was witnessed. Mr Sheahan accused the public of jumping on the bandwagon in the wake of the programme. Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy asked whether background checks were carried out on those involved with Shannonside Foods before it received a licence to operate Irelands only horse abattoir. She also questioned what level of monitoring was done by the department on the facility, pointing out how there wasnt an abattoir in every county. Mr Sheahan said the department receives around 1,000 complaints every year on animal welfare issues, adding that we cant be in 130,000 premises. The department declined to comment on whether the animals at the abattoir, which was shut last weekend following revelations broadcast by RTE, had been moved without their authorisation to lands in Limerick in recent days. Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) appeared before the Public Accounts Committee to discuss a number of financial governance issues. The transfer of 350,000 from the account of a charity that helps jockeys to the bank account of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) was described as an isolated incident. Last year, a bombshell was dropped at the PAC hearing when it emerged a financial matter had been identified at the organisation. During that committee meeting in June 2023, members were told the chief financial officer of IHRB Donal OShea was on a voluntary period of leave and did not appear before the committee with IHRB colleagues at that time. The PAC heard today that Mr OShea remains on fully paid voluntary leave. Darragh OLoughlin, CEO of IHRB, said the board became aware on June 28 last year of an issue relating to financial governance which happened early in 2022. The issue concerned a transfer of 350,000 which was made in January 2022 from the Jockeys Emergency Fund, a charity bank account administered by the IHRB, to the IHRBs bank account, he said. It was repaid after three months. Mr OLoughlin said it was a mistake and shouldnt have happened. When asked if similar transfers happened before, he said the IHRB is satisfied that the transfer was a once-off. He said accounting firm Mazars was hired to carry out a review over a six-year period as he wanted to be able to say conclusively that no other similar transfers happened in the past. Gardai have made contact with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups following an alleged incident in Phoenix Park where three gay men were chased with knives. The incident was raised in the Seanad by Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward after one of the men allegedly targeted contacted him. Mr Ward said the man and his two friends were approached by a group of six men in Phoenix Park on Monday night. They were chased down and, as he said, hunted by six men with knives, Mr Ward said in the Seanad on Wednesday. Seanad told three gay men were chased with knives in Phoenix Park What on earth is going on that this still happens in Ireland in 2024, when every right thinking member of society recognised the normality of sexual relationships between people of the same gender or same sex? The three men managed to get away Mr Ward said, but God knows what would have happened if they had not. He acknowledged that it is Pride Month and we have come so far as a country in accepting people of all sexualities. The acting leader of the Seanad, Fianna Fail Senator Fiona OLoughlin, said the alleged incident was shocking and noted some councillors elected in the local elections hold many beliefs about LGBTQ+ people. I have seen evidence of one such councillor certainly being homophobic and calling people names I will not repeat in this House. We have a big task in society and we have to do what we can, she said. A garda spokesperson said gardai are aware of an alleged incident that took place in Phoenix Park on the night of Monday, June 17. "Gardai responded at 11:35pm but following a lengthy patrol of the area no person made any formal report to An Garda Siochana. An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with direct knowledge or who has been a victim of such an incident in the area to contact An Garda Siochana either at Cabra garda station on 01 666 7400, the Diversity Unit at the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau on 01 666 3150 or through an advocacy group. Following the reports of this alleged incident, An Garda Siochana through the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau and Community Policing Unit in Cabra garda station have been in contact with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups. The assessment of needs is vital for a childs education and treatment The HSE is facing mounting legal fees of tens of thousands of euro as more and more children with disabilities are taking it to court after being left waiting for vital assessments. It comes as it emerged that the overwhelming majority of complaints investigated by the HSE last year related to how long it took to get an assessment of needs. The HSE has confirmed that of 686 complaints that were investigated last year, 589 of these were in relation to the length of time it is taking to get an assessment of needs. Many families have suffered these delays, waiting for assessments that can help identify what their childs disability is and what health and education supports they need. Under the Disability Act, the HSE is required to carry out an assessment within three months of receiving an application. But this deadline is often missed, forcing many families to try to find and pay for a private assessment. While families are entitled to complain if it is taking too long to get an assessment through the public service, it is now also taking the HSE a long time to make a decision on those complaints. It is understood that this is linked with a staffing issue. This led to dozens of parents taking the HSE to court to try to get an order forcing the health service to make a decision on their complaint. In February of this year, 35 judicial reviews had been taken by families who had formally complained about how long it is taking to get an assessment of needs, but who had been left waiting for a decision from the HSEs disability complaints office. The HSE has now confirmed that by May, just three months later, the number of judicial reviews had almost doubled to 66. It is not yet known how much the cases will cost the HSE. Many of the 66 cases have not had final orders, or applicants may not have sent in bills of costs or had their costs paid yet. By February, the costs associated with such cases had already reached more than 70,000. The figures were released to the Irish Independent by the HSE, following a Freedom of Information request. Since last year, the High Court has had an increase in cases taken by families under the Disability Act, asking the court to direct the HSEs disability complaints officer to make a decision on a complaint. The issue relates to the low staffing of complaints officers within the HSE, who handle such complaints. Last November, an existing embargo preventing hiring managerial and administrative staff was extended to nearly all roles, save for consultants, doctors in training and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives. In January, the High Court heard that the hiring freeze was to blame for a number of cases taken by parents left waiting for a decision on their complaints. Ms Justice Niamh Hyland said the legal costs of this quite steady flow of cases must be quite considerable. She added that she was seeing at least three to four new ones per week which is a very bad use of court time and of legal costs. A tribunal into bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment within the Defence Forces will hold an opening session on Monday. Tanaiste Micheal Martin signed a statutory instrument to establish the tribunal on Thursday. It will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The tribunal will deliver its opening statement at a public sitting in Dublin on Monday. The tribunal was set up in the wake of the abuses exposed by the Women of Honour group of female former Defence Forces members. Mr Martin, who is also defence minister, said on Thursday: The establishment of this tribunal of inquiry, along with increased levels of investment, is another important step in the renewal of our Defence Forces as a rewarding career where every individual feels valued. Following approval of the terms of reference by both Houses of the Oireachtas, the statutory instrument I signed today now formally establishes the tribunal. I want to wish the Honourable Ms Justice Ann Power every success in her role as chair and I look forward to the tribunal issuing its guidance for anyone who wishes to take part in this important process. Defence Forces chief of staff, Lt Gen Sean Clancy, welcomed the establishment of the tribunal. "The Defence Forces is fully committed to cooperating with the Tribunal and the Honourable Ms Justice Ann Power in the course of her work and I fully expect that the Inquiry will determine the extent of the issues brought to light in the IRG-DF report, he said in a statement. Since being appointed I have made it abundantly clear, there is no place for any form of abusive behaviour in the Defence Forces. We are working tirelessly to redesign our grievance procedures and HR policies, rolling out mandatory Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships workshops and holding people to account for misconduct and misbehaviour. Change is underway and updated policies will be underpinned by the principles of mutual respect, dignity and equality. Irish airspace is not being used for experiments to try to reflect the suns rays back into space to reduce global warming, the Government has assured. The issue arose in the Seanad where Senator Sharon Keogan sought details of any weather modification or climate engineering operations taking place in Ireland. Ms Keogan said the European Commission was funding research into solar radiation modification (SRM) which involves the deliberate reflecting of sunlight back into space to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by Earth. She said Irish institutes were involved in the three-year research programme, called Co-Create. It is great to see that European funding has been made available to it, she said. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 There is work to be done on this. There are investigations going on in Europe at the moment which Ireland are very much at the forefront of and I welcome that. She added: At the moment we have very ambitious climate targets. The Greens under Eamon Ryan have missed our targets despite the high cost to the taxpayer. However, Minister Jack Chambers, responding on behalf of the Taoiseach, said there were no active experiments in Ireland. Met Eireann confirms it has not conducted any climate or weather modification programmes and it is not aware of any such activities in Irish airspace, he said. He quoted from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading climate science body globally, which said that while SRM could offset some of the effects of human-caused warming, there would be substantial residual and over-compensating climate change. There is low confidence in the understanding of the climate response, the IPCC said. Ms Keogan said she was glad of the clarification as each and everyone of us get emails on this daily. The Co-Create project is a consortium of research institutions from around Europe which is examining the governance principles and guidelines for responsible solar radiation modification research. This will ultimately support decisions on whether or not and under which circumstances, SRM research and experiments may be warranted from scientific and societal viewpoints, it says. None of the institutions listed in the consortium are Irish but Ms Keogan said afterwards there was reference in EU documents to Irish involvement. Mr Chambers told the Seanad that Met Eireann had said it would monitor the science and work with the IPCC to ensure that Ireland was up to date on any developments in it. JJ ODochartaigh, aka DJ Provai, of Belfast hip hop group Kneecap pictured at Belfast High Court with his solicitor Darragh Mackin. JJ ODochartaigh, aka DJ Provai, of Belfast hip hop group Kneecap pictured at Belfast High Court with his solicitor Darragh Mackin. JJ ODochartaigh, aka DJ Provai, of Belfast hip hop group Kneecap pictured at Belfast High Court with his solicitor Darragh Mackin. Picture: Alan Lewis. Belfast rap group Kneecap has secured High Court permission to challenge the UK Governments decision to block them from receiving a 15,000 (17,750) funding award. The Irish-speaking hip-hop trio were granted leave to seek a judicial review into claims that denying the grant unlawfully discriminates against them on grounds of nationality and political opinion. A judge agreed to list the case for a full hearing in November, after the group returns from a series of gigs in the United States. Outside court, band member DJ Provai insisted the legal action was not about the money. Fifteen grand wouldnt pay for the bar tab in America, he said. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 This is an attack on artistic culture, an attack on the Good Friday Agreement and an attack on us and our way of expressing ourselves. In December last year Kneecap sought funding for a Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) grant allocated to support the expansion of UK-registered artists in global markets. The controversial rappers application was said to have been shortlisted and approved by a British Phonographic Industry (BPI) panel. However, the initiative is overseen by the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport at Westminster. Judicial review proceedings were issued after UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch decided to refuse the funding. Kneecap claimed that a provocative poster for their 2019 Farewell to the Union tour had angered the Conservative Party. At the time a Government spokesperson insisted it fully supports freedom of speech, but said it was hardly surprising that it did not want to hand out UK taxpayers' money to those opposed to the United Kingdom. The BPI expressed disappointment over the blocking of the grant. Stressing the importance of artistic freedom of expression, the body made clear it was the Government's decision to decline Kneecaps application. Lawyers for the group contend that Ms Badenoch abused her power for an unlawful purpose. Papers issued as part of the case claim her decision discriminates against Kneecap on grounds of religious belief or political opinion, as well as racial grounds of nationality and ethnic origin. In court today their barrister, Ronan Lavery KC, announced it has been conceded there are arguable grounds of challenge. Its a shame I wasnt able to say that in Irish, he added. Based on the agreed position reached between the two sides, Mr Justice Scoffield confirmed that he was granting leave to apply for a judicial review. That doesnt say anything in particular about the ultimate strengths of the case, the judge emphasised. I think there are some grounds in this case which are stronger than others. DJ Provai, who formed Kneecap with friends Mo Chara and Moglai Bap, was the only member of the trio who attended court. Following the hearing he claimed Ms Badenoch had overreached by stepping in to deny the grant. He stated: We are paying taxes and surely we have a right to the benefit of those taxes, regardless of our political beliefs. Kneecaps solicitor, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, claimed Ms Badenochs decision was an attack on identity, freedom of expression and the fundamentals of the Good Friday Agreement. The underpinning discrimination is hiding in plain sight, he alleged. The Secretary of State has now conceded that she has a case to answer, and we welcome the courts indication that this case will be heard early in the new term. Taoiseach Simon Harris has described personal attacks aimed at Eamon Ryan as downright unethical following his move to step down as leader of the Green Party. A new Green Party leader to replace Mr Ryan is expected to be named on July 8, following a meeting of the Green Partys executive committee on Wednesday night. The partys executive committee proposed an expedited leadership contest after Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman and Junior Biodiversity Minister Pippa Hackett announced their candidacies. Mr Harris said Mr Ryan is a very decent human being and he believes he is a good politician too. "I can disagree with Eamon on points of policy, and he can disagree with me on points of policy, but in many ways he's a textbook example for people about how you can be passionate and a politician of conviction and not be rude and not be toxic and not feel hatred, he said on Thursday. "So I think Eamon has embodied that. And even when he has faced those sort of personal attacks on occasion, he's never responded to them. There is a difference between a joke and a bit of satire. And then there is a point where people seek to demonize a human being. Eamon Ryan is a very good man. Eamon Ryan is a person who has a family. Eamon Ryan has served his country well. And there are politicians in government and politicians in opposition, many of whom I agree with, some of whom I fundamentally disagree with. One thing I would take some heart from, actually, is in the recent days, since Minister Ryan has made his decision to step down as leader of the Green Party, not yet to step down from politics, the amount of people who have come out and recognized the positive contribution that he has made, whether they agree or disagree, he is a politician of impact, a contributor. Taoiseach Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA) This comes as the Green Party said nominations for the forthcoming leadership contest can be submitted from 9am Thursday until 9pm on Monday. The name or names of those seeking to become leader will be made public on the morning of Tuesday, June 25. Ms Hackett was the first to receive public endorsements from Senator Pauline OReilly and junior minister Ossian Smyth. However, it was Mr OGorman who announced his candidacy first with a social media video setting out his history with the party. His post was followed by endorsements from parliamentary party colleagues including Malcolm Noonan, Marc O Cathasaigh, Patrick Costello and Joe OBrien. He also received the backing of several councillors. Ms Hacketts supporters insisted the party needed its first leader from outside Dublin because all previous leaders were from the capital. Throughout the day the Offaly senator received further support for her campaign from rural Green TDs Brian Leddin and Steven Matthews. In his first public appearance as a candidate, Mr OGorman said he had never been afraid of hard work as he laid out his stall for becoming the next Green Party leader. Speaking to RTEs News At One, he said he had progressed major pieces of legislation during his time in the Cabinet and had the experience and vision to lead the party. He said the party had delivered in government but said small parties take a hit in government, but that hit is worth it if you are able to deliver real change. The Green Party leader candidates: Pippa Hackett and Roderic OGorman in profile Its all very well for parties on the progressive left to argue about change, but you have to take the risk of going into government and we saw that risk two weekends ago when we did lose seats. We did lose good people. Small parties, they take a hit in government but that hit is worth it if you are able to deliver real change. In response to the argument that the party now needs a leader from rural Ireland, Mr OGorman said the party had done a lot of work for those rural communities in terms of broadband, transport and the diversification of income streams for farmers. He added that the idea the Green message was not resonating must be addressed by the party. Mr OGorman also defended his role in advocating for a Yes-Yes vote in the family and care referendums on behalf on the Government. I and the rest of [the] Government made the case. The electorate didnt accept the case that we made. They didnt see the urgency of the changes. They didnt see, they didnt believe that the changes would be as significant as we argued and they gave us the answer. I was disappointed but I accept in a referendum people have a binary choice and they made the choice not to make those particular changes, he said. He added he had listened to groups and disability rights organisations on the importance of ratifying the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Appearing on Newstalks The Hard Shoulder, Ms Hackett said she would be putting her name forward and that her different life experiences could make the party relevant and relatable. She said the party needed a fresh start, which she believed she could offer. Im not your conventional Green. I live in rural Ireland. Im a beef and sheep farmer. I am also a mother and have also been a cabinet minister for the past four years. The party has never had a non-Dublin leader, weve never had a woman lead the party and I believe my different perspective and my different life experiences can make the Green Party relevant inside and outside of Dublin. Asked later on RTEs Drivetime about her chances of winning a Dail seat in Offaly in the next general election, or in a by-election following Barry Cowens move to Europe, Ms Hackett said there was no safe seat for the Green Party outside of Dublin. That is exactly the problem we have with the party. Right now, there is no safe seat outside of Dublin to be honest. And like many of my colleagues, I will be in the mix for a seat in Offaly, as will other colleagues across the country. And I think therein lies the problem if we have any couple of safe seats, they are going to be in Dublin. The funeral of a teenage girl who died following a medical emergency while at Irish college in a Galway Gaeltacht heard she brightened the world around her. Amelia Belle Ferguson (14) died while attending Colaiste na nOilean, a college located in Tir an Fhia in the Connemara Gaeltacht, last Thursday. Her family thanked everyone who tried to save Amelia who had a pre-existing medical condition after she took ill while on a walk at the Irish college. They thanked those at the college, her friends who stayed by her side, the emergency aeromedical paramedics and Galway University Hospital. Mourners gathered at the Temple in Newlands Cross Cemetery, Dublin, for a service to celebrate her life and to offer condolences to her heartbroken parents Suzi and Brian, as well as to her younger sister Poppy. Amelia was the best friend and sister I could ask for. She had the biggest personality and there are so many people here... because everybody loved her, Poppy said. It still feels like she is in the Gaeltacht". Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 Her mother Suzi recalled how the Dublin family-of-four travelled to Galway for a holiday one year when Amelia, so excited to see the beach and water, shed some clothes and ran in, with Suzi having to follow her in wearing her jeans and fully clothed in order to get her out. "She was kind of like that in everything in life. She was a deep thinker, a free spirit and she loved going on her little adventures, the mother said, adding that Amelia knew every bus route after getting her first Leap card. She described her daughter as her soulmate and her best friend, with the words loving, loud, main character, iconic, curious, kind and beautiful coming to mind when she thought of her. She said Amelia always pushed herself out of her comfort zone, reflected and tried to do better and was so genuinely interested in people. The teen, of Firhouse, Dublin, loved trying different cuisines, was a fervent feminist and loved languages, even teaching herself Russian. Mourners heard of her great gra for music, coming down to her mother Suzi every night to listen to music or sitting in her father Brians van and exploring and drawing inspiration from his music tastes. Amelia loved going to gigs and had such a beautiful voice and was a natural performer and was also part of a local drama group. Family and friends shed a tear at hearing Amelias voice, as a video played out of her singing a rendition of Vance Joys Riptide. Some of her other favourite songs to listen to were played throughout the ceremony, including her favourite number one, I Love You by Fontaines D.C. Shedding light on her short life, mourners heard how Amelia was born in 2010, the eldest of two. At just three days old, she had a pacemaker fitted. Throughout her life, she regularly attended Crumlin Childrens Hospital for monitoring. When she was just seven-years-old, she fell into a coma, in what was described as a hard time for the whole family. It looked like she wouldnt pull through. She made her communion a short time after that scare. She looked so pretty and happy in her beautiful little dress with an extra special celebration, having pulled through such a touch and go time, mourners heard. Amelia was due to have another pacemaker fitted next year. She had so many plans for summer including gigs, sleepovers and time with friends and families Mourners heard of how happy and excited Amelia was heading off to the Gaeltacht in Connemara, such was her love for Irish and languages. They heard how last Thursday, on the day of her sudden death, she spoke to her dad about the day she just had and how she was looking forward to the next days activities. She told her mother how she was really looking forward to coming home to watch a Disney movie while eating a spice bag on the sofa together. Amelia was a forward thinker and friends were a very important part of her life, making her a very loyal friend and great listener, mourners heard. They heard how the second-year student at Gaelcholaiste an Phiarsaigh in Rathfarnham, Dublin, loved her school friend group, where she had made so many friends and loved the girly gossip and chat. "She loved to plan ahead and she had so many plans for summer 2024. What to do throughout the school holidays including gigs, sleepovers and time with friends and families, she said. Amelia's death has left her classmates devastated Principal Joe Mac Suibhne told mourners said the whole school community was devastated after hearing the tragic news. "Over the last few days since Amelia died, we have had gatherings in the school the huge turnout of students and staff during the summer holidays reflects the esteem in which Amelia was held. There were a load of tears but there was also laughter remembering the antics of Amelia, he said. "Amelias friends are all heartbroken, especially those who were with her in Colaiste na nOilean, who would like to have been with her. They are heartbroken not just because they have lost a friend but because of the kind of friend that she was. "Memories of her and her goodness will never be forgotten. Pearl Jams Black, a song about letting go, played out as family put Amelias white coffin to its final resting place in Bohernabreena Cemetery. Amelia will always be loved... she will always live on in our hearts, one final tribute expressed. Around 15,000 young people are legally paid less than the State minimum wage in what was described as the super exploitation of young workers, the Dail has heard. Currently, the State minimum wage is 12.70. However, this applies to those who are 20 years or older. The minimum wage for those who are 19 years old is 11.43 or 90pc of the minimum wage, while the minimum hourly wage for those under 18 is 8.89. During leader's questions this afternoon, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy asked Justice Minister Helen McEntee when the government would end sub-minimum wage rates. You minister, are the Minister for Justice. You know that it is illegal to discriminate based on age, but that there was a legal exemption built in to allow young people to be paid less, despite doing the same work as their colleagues in the same workplace. It is legal, but it is definitely not just, Deputy Murphy said. The TD said despite his party bringing forward an equal pay for young workers bill over a year ago, the government response at the time was that a report was underway by the Low Pay Commission. It's now a year later, the Low Pay Commission has reported, and this report was very clear. Sub minimum wage rates should be abolished. So, the government has no place left to hide, Mr Murphy said. In response, the justice minister said the government was in support of workers but also businesses and that without employers, there can not be employees. Minister McEntee said it was also important that the government do not take measures that will negatively impact businesses in industries that are already under pressure. What the government is doing now and what the minister will do is examine the report, will take into consideration as I said, all of the factors that are impacting on business. The report before Christmas clearly set out that there were pressures on certain sectors, pressures because of the increase in costs, pressures because of external factors, and we need to make sure that we don't do anything further that might impact those sectors in particular, the minister said. However, Mr Murphy hit back at the minister and said her response to a question on low pay for young people, focused a lot on government support for business. There is legalised super exploitation of young workers taking place right now. You have a commission report, which looked into all the things you're talking about. It looked into the impact on employment, it said there's no real impact on employment. It looked into the impact on businesses, so there's no real impact on business. It looked into these things and it made a clear recommendation, Mr Murphy said. The People Before Profit TD said the government was more open with their support of businesses and assuring them around concerns concerning issues like sick pay. You weren't slow to say don't worry, we're going to delay on the sick pay days. Don't worry signaling we're not going to increase minimum wage. Don't worry, we're going to increase the PRSI thresholds to benefit employers, he said. The justice minister said though the government did support businesses, they had also introduced other measures like parental leave and domestic abuse leave which supported workers. What [the Minister for Enterprise] said very clearly is that we cannot take any further actions that could potentially impact on an industry that we know from the information and the facts that we have gathered prior to Christmas, that we know is already under considerable strain, Minister McEntee said. Landlord Irish Residential Properties Reit ordered to compensate tenant The landlord gave electric heaters to renter, but took them back. Photo: Collins The countrys largest private landlord, Irish Residential Properties Reit, has been ordered to compensate a tenant who said she was left without hot water and heating for 78 days between December 2022 and April last year. Three men that were arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged harassment of Taoiseach Simon Harris have been released without charge. Gardai in the Wexford/Wicklow Division supported by the Special Detective Unit detained the three men, for alleged offences contrary to Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act, this morning, Thursday, June 20. The action is part of ongoing probes into the alleged harassment of an elected official. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 The men, two of whom are aged in their 40s and one age in his 30s, were questioned at garda stations in County Wicklow under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said the three men have been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. There have been a number of protests held outside the Taoiseachs family home in Greystones, Wicklow, in recent months. Gardai disbanded one of these protests last week but did not make any arrests. A small group of masked protesters gathered around Taoiseach Simon Harriss family home on Friday night and the group some of whom carried Irish flags claimed they were there to demand Mr Harris close the borders. They made comments about wanting "mass deportations" and clearing tents. One man also made references to the Covid-19 vaccine. Those involved wore scarves or face masks which concealed their identities. Gardai were at the scene and warned them to stay off private property. It is understood the incident lasted only a few minutes before they left the area. The Taoiseach did publicly state his concerns about a similar event at the beginning of May. On that occasion a group gathered outside his Wicklow home while his children were preparing for bed. Mr Harris lives with his wife and two small children in a housing estate in the Greystones area of Co Wicklow. More than a dozen people were part of a group holding banners with slogans including close the borders, house the Irish first and Eire will no longer run by EU puppets. Images of the demonstrators outside the Taoiseachs house were posted on social media but their faces were blurred. "I have a very clear view in relation to this whether it's me, whether it's an opposition politician, whether it's, it's quite frankly, anybody. I always think people's families and people's homes should be out of bounds," Mr Harris said. A woman in her 60s tragically died after having arrived on a plane that landed in Dublin Airport on Tuesday night. Gardai said they and emergency services were alerted to a medical emergency on board the flight which, it is understood, had flown in from Malaga in Spain. A female in her 60s was pronounced deceased a short time after landing, gardai said. Her body was removed to the morgue at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. It is understood that foul play is not suspected. It has also been suggested that the woman was from Dublin and had been travelling with her son and daughter and a friend on the Ryanair flight. The airline has been contacted for comment. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 Cat Deeley found out the answer the hard way on air earlier this week. While doing a weird little on-air jig on This Morning, the broadcaster made a throwaway comment to her co-host Ben Shepherd: Nothing to see over here, Im fine. Im just having a seizure. When flights are cancelled or delayed, passengers have rights to refunds, re-routing, care and in some cases compensation Delays and cancellations are part and parcel of modern air travel, with a work-to-rule and strike by Aer Lingus pilots impacting passengers, and French air traffic control strikes already having caused Ryanair flight cancellations this summer. So what exactly are your rights if your flight is affected? The rights of passengers in the event of cancelled or delayed flights are set out under EU Regulation 261/2014. How do I know if my flights are affected? In the event of a strike or cancellation, airlines should contact affected passengers by email or SMS. You can also check the airline website (Aer Linguss latest cancellations list is here), and your airport's online departures boards. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled? If your flight is cancelled for any reason, and regardless of when you are notified, your airline must offer you the choice between: Re-routing as soon as possible, subject to availability, free of charge. Re-routing at a later date. A full refund within seven days. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled? How do I arrange a re-routing or refund? In the event of a cancellation or delay, airlines are obliged to inform passengers of their options. If this happens at the airport, staff should be on hand to talk you through the various scenarios. Otherwise you will receive an email or text message to the contact details attached to your booking. You can also check your carrier's website (Aer Lingus and Ryanair). It should include the steps to process your own refunds or bookings (a voucher may also be an option). If you booked through a third-party (for example a travel agent or tour operator), the original sales agent should contact you or be your source of contact. Am I entitled to care and assistance? If your flight is cancelled and you choose to be re-routed as soon as possible, then you are entitled to meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation and transfers between the airport and hotel as required. If the airline does not provide these, and you end up paying yourself, keep the receipts - you are entitled to a reimbursement of reasonable expenses. NB. A five-star hotel may not be a reasonable expense! Bear in mind that if your flight is cancelled and you choose a full refund, then the airline's obligations to you end there and then. Planes at Cork Airport during Storm Emma in 2018. Photo: Cork Airport/Twitter What about my accommodation? An airline is not liable for any missed accommodation, events or other knock-on effects of a delay or cancellation solely for the flight. However, if you booked through a travel agent or a tour operator as a package holiday, you may be in a better position to re-organise or reschedule accommodation. Adding travel disruption cover to your travel insurance policy (well in advance of travel) can also provide additional cover for expenses and accommodation (see below). Am I entitled to compensation? Financial compensation depends on the flight length and the reason for the cancellation. It differs to care and re-routing/refund obligations that must be offered (as outlined above), and generally ranges from 250 (short-haul, less than 1,500km) to 600 (long-haul, over 3,500km). You are not due compensation if the airline gives you two weeks or more notice of the cancellation. However, you may be entitled to compensation if you receive between seven days and two weeks notice and your arrival times are later than four hours on the reroute, or if you receive less than seven days notice and your arrival time is later than two hours on the reroute. If the air carrier can prove the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, then you may not be entitled to compensation. However, you are still due a refund or re-routing. Is a strike an extraordinary circumstance? That's the six million dollar question! Airlines may or may not claim them not be, depending on the circumstances involved. For example, French air traffic control strikes are external, and therefore usually classed as extraordinary and beyond an airlines control. In the case of an internal strike, industrial action by the airlines own staff is considered within its control, according to the Irish Aviation Authority. Compensation claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis - so if you believe you have a strong one, go ahead and make it. Bad weather generally is considered an extraordinary circumstance. Travel tips: Protect your holiday with these six tips for passport care and safety How do I claim compensation? Compensation claims are never evaluated or resolved at the airport. If you believe compensation is your due, then the first step is to formally contact the air carrier. If you're not satisfied with its response, then you can escalate by contacting the National Enforcement Body - which, in most cases for Irish passengers, is the Commission for Aviation Regulation (01 661-1700; iaa.ie). If my outbound flight is cancelled, what happens my return flight? If a flight isn't subject to disruption, technically you are not entitled to any care or compensation. However, airlines do tend to take a logical view, and normally work with passengers to refund or reschedule flights impacted in this way. If you have booked through a travel agent or tour operator, you should receive assistance from them. What if my flight is delayed? If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, and you choose not to travel, then you are entitled to a full refund. If you accept this refund, the airline is no longer obliged to provide onward travel or assistance. If your flight is delayed by at least two hours (short-haul), three hours (European) or four hours (long haul), you are entitled to care and assistance as outlined above. If you arrive at your destination more than three hours after the scheduled arrival time, you may be entitled to between 250 and 600 compensation, depending on the flight distance. How can my travel insurance help? In the event of a flight cancellation, the first source of refunds and re-routing should be with your airline (see above). Standard travel insurance policies don't offer much help here, but 'missed departure' cover can help you secure a new flight, or an additional night's accommodation. If your policy includes extra "travel disruption" cover, you should be covered for additional transport or accommodation costs up to around 1,000pp. This covers most of scenarios with flight cancellations due to weather, strikes and so on, but note that it covers transport and accommodation-related expenses only - i.e. not lost annual leave, business opportunities or deposits, concert tickets or museum or attraction fees booked in advance online. Passenger rights. Source: IAA Is it too late to take out travel insurance? Travel Disruption cover can be added retrospectively to a policy, but not to claim on an event that has already happened (or been forecast). There can also be a moratorium on travel disruption from the time you take out the policy to the time you will be covered (eg. seven days) - however, 'missed departure' cover should still apply. What happens if my baggage is delayed or lost? Travel insurance can cover claims of lost, delayed or damaged luggage, but air passengers also have rights under the Montreal Convention, including limited entitlements to compensation. Some airlines offer a daily allowance for delayed bags, so it's worth asking about this. Compensation for lost or delayed bags is limited under the Convention to 1,000 SDRs (approx 1,230 on current conversion rates). If your luggage fails to appear on the carousel, report the problem immediately with the airline and/or ground handler by filling out a Property Irregularity Report providing details of your bag (be sure to take a photo of the report). While you wait for your bag, keep receipts for any essential items you have to buy. Most baggage will eventually be delivered, but luggage is considered lost 21 days after it was supposed to have arrived. After the delay, you may want to claim on your travel insurance, or on the airline's liability through their reporting procedures - Ryanair's info is here, and Aer Lingus's here. If you are very worried, it may be worth avoiding the possibility of delayed or lost bags by using carry-on luggage only. If you must check a bag, keep a record of its tag number (a photo is a good idea) and remember not to carry valuables or essential medicines and documents in your checked luggage. Ryanair passengers. Photo: Getty Im nervous about travel. Can I get a refund? No. If you cancel your holiday without the Department of Foreign Affairs declaring travel to be unsafe, it could be deemed "disinclination to travel". As such, you may have to pay a cancellation fee or forfeit some or all of the cost of your air fare or holiday package. That said, it's worth noting that Irish tour operators have in the past worked to facilitate customers affected by exceptional events, so it's always worth a phone call. Where can I find more information? For full details on your air passenger rights in the event of cancellation, delays, downgrading and denied boarding, see the Irish Aviation Authoritys website, iaa.ie. NB: This article has been updated and republished. Both sides in the dispute with the airline are said to be far apart. Photo: PA And in the standoff between Aer Lingus and the airlines pilots who have voted to start a strict work-to-rule from next Wednesday, the French philosopher may have a point. As attitudes harden, the public is caught in an agonising limbo. Families cherished year-long holiday hopes, along with business plans, are left hanging literally in the air. Last month the Labour Court noted that the gap between the sides was significant. Now, as we enter the peak summer months, when as many as 40,000 passengers pass through Dublin Airport daily, intolerable uncertainty hangs over travel arrangements. Whether the pilots ought to be paid an increase of 23.8pc as they demand or whether the profitable airline is right to resist is not the issue as far as the public is concerned. The point is that travellers have a right to expect when they pay for a service that those responsible for operating it, at every level, will meet their obligations. If the industrial action goes ahead, pilots may refuse to work overtime, or carry out other out-of-hours duties. They will also refuse to access electronic crew portals or answer work phone calls outside of work hours. As this is high season, should there be any flight delay, a pilot may well find themselves having to work past the end of their shift. Should they fail to comply with this it could result in a cancellation and the rolling disruption that would follow for timetables and take-offs. Given that the possible work-to-rule is planned indefinitely, contingency planning is extremely difficult. There are ample industrial mechanisms and arbitrators capable of managing such negotiations to avoid a showdown in which people are held to ransom until one side blinks. Already the dispute is costing the airline considerably as passengers nervous about whether they will be able to fly with the national carrier switch to another. This risks reputational damage to the brand in an industry where reliability is critical. It also dents public trust and confidence. Head of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Eoghan OMara Walsh, has appealed to all parties to go back to the Workplace Relations Commission. A visitor to Ireland can equally choose Scotland or the Scandinavian countries. Thats the real danger, he told RTE. Irish Travel Agents Association CEO Clare Dunne was also fearful the travelling public would be the victims. Passengers have paid a lot of money and, for many, this is their one chance to go away and get a break, she said. The entire tourism sector, which depends on these golden months to sustain it through the year, will suffer. With so much at stake, it seems extraordinary further talks can not be held for several days. Any notion that conciliation is capitulation needs to be set aside. "Its a Holly party, so you can guarantee its going to be enormous fun. Those were the words of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage ahead of a wildly expensive London party that took place last week. The Holly in question is Holly Valance, former Neighbours star, and one of the hosts of the Farage-approved bash a fundraiser for one Donald J Trump. Once known for soap-opera drama, Valance tried her hand at a pop career in the early 2000s before decamping to Hollywood, where movie stardom failed to spark. Having settled into domestic bliss with UK billionaire Nick Candy, Valance seemed content to leave the celebrity life behind, only to recently re-emerge as a spirited cheerleader for the radical right, with Farage and Trump both counted among her friends. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, on the other hand, has drawn Valances ire, as have various other woke areas of interest, none of which she has been quiet about. With her profile rising and her support firmly behind Farages latest political run, can we expect Valance to step forward for public office herself in the future? On this episode of The Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady and by Dave Hanratty of the Irish Independent to look at the curious career pivot of Holly Valance. A Cork North-West TD said that a lack of information on the accommodation centre has been a huge worry for local people A Ballyclough resident said that locals are very much opposed to Longueville House being used as an accommodation centre for International Protection Applicants and the views of the community are not being fully considered by Government officials. The Ballyclough resident told The Corkman that the former hotel is not appropriate to be used as emergency accommodation given its status as a protected structure and the lack of infrastructure in the rural locality. There is inadequate infrastructure already; poor roads, water issues, the local primary school cannot accommodate the number of additional children who invariably will have special needs, language barriers, the resident said. Locals are concerned about safety issues, lack of supervision of residents and that they are not allowed work for six months. What will they do all day except walk the roads? I have concerns about child protection procedures and whether this emergency accommodation will be operated in line with the 1991 Child Care Act. Issues around the privatisation of asylum seekers accommodation is in direct contravention of the government policy to end direct provision. The resident also claimed that an information meeting for locals facilitated by the Department of Integrations Community Engagement Team at the local community centre on Monday, which was a follow up to a meeting last Thursday, was not attended by any local representatives. The local community is very much opposed to Longueville House being used as accommodation, but our views aren't being fully considered. The engagement committee had little information to convey on Monday, the resident claimed. The local said that at the meeting those in attendance were informed that a contract was signed between the Government, those running Longueville House and a private management company last Wednesday. Locals were never consulted prior to the deal being brokered, they stated. Speaking on Tuesday, Cork North-West TD Aindrias Moynihan told The Corkman that he had been trying to get information for people in the community who had raised concerns about the length of the accommodation contract at Longueville House and the impact that it could have on local services. The lack of information has been a huge worry for people. Its key that they get answers so they know exactly what the plan is, Deputy Moynihan said. Councillors in the Mallow local electoral area have criticised the lack of communication from the Department of Integration after it was recently announced that families of international protection applicants are set to be accommodated at Longueville House in Ballyclough. A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed to The Corkman that new arrivals are expected shortly in Longueville House. A new accommodation centre at Longueville House, Longueville, Ballyclogh is coming on stream and will be ready for new arrivals shortly. This premises has capacity for 123 people. This property will be for families of international protection applicants. A briefing has issued to local public representatives and statutory agencies. Labour Party councillor Eoghan Kenny admitted that he was shocked by the decision. There are 123 international protection applicants being put in. I was shocked by the decision considering the history of Longueville House in the North Cork area. It was once the home of former Senator OCallaghan and hosted many former Presidents of Ireland, he said. Cllr Kenny criticised the Irish Government for the lack of communication with elected representatives. I am disappointed with the government in terms of the lack of communication to TDs and councillors representing the area considering the nature of the case and knowing that there would be many forthcoming questions and concerns. Ballyclough has always been a very close knit and welcoming community. There has been a one year lease signed by government and the private landlord. I do believe there has to be a lot of engagement now in relation to public services, schools, medical and transport in particular. Over the next couple of days I will do as much as possible to seek further clarity on the matter, he added. Fianna Fail councillor Gearoid Murphy also acknowledged the poor communication from the Department of Integration. I am sad to see the hotel and restaurant close, having always enjoyed its hospitality. I also acknowledge that the communication from the Department has been lacking. I only found out myself for the first time from a journalist who contacted me about it on Wednesday evening (June 12). The poor communication from the Department is not the fault of the people who are seeking asylum, said Cllr Murphy. In many cases, they are fleeing from desperate situations. We have an obligation under the Geneva Convention to determine whether someone has a right to refugee status when they apply for asylum. There is currently a severe shortage of accommodation available for people who are applying for asylum. The last thing I want to see is children living on the streets, which is what will happen if the State does not provide emergency accommodation for families. Unfortunately there are already large numbers of asylum seekers who adults living on the streets, which is an appalling situation, he added. A community meeting was held in Ballyclough on Thursday, June 13 with residents keen to gather more information on the arrival of the international protection applicants. Cllr Murphy said their queries deserve to be answered. I attended a meeting and people had a lot of questions in relation to how the arrangement will work in practice, such as transport arrangements and access to the site, which are completely reasonable and deserve to be answered. In a briefing note to Cork TDs from the Department of Integration the department reiterated that Ireland is legally required under EU law to provide accommodation for people seeking international protection and emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. They also confirmed that the contract with the centre will be signed for a period of one year and that the Departments of Health, Education, Justice, HSE, An Garda Siochana, the Local Government Management Agency, the local integration teams and local development office in the area are preparing what additional supports will be needed to assist the international protection applicants settle in to the local community. In terms of the accommodation, the briefing note stated that there are 20 ensuite bedrooms and a standalone cottage with seven bedrooms in Longueville House. The briefing note confirmed that the property is leased to Earlsline Ltd for five years. The note also stated that Earlsline Ltd will be operating the site with staff on-site 24 hours a day and there will be a manager and/or security staff on site at all times. The Sinn Fein spokesperson on Social Protection said the party believes in common sense and decency. What we believe in is common sense and common decency. Most people recognise that where people are genuinely fleeing war, and oppression, that they deserve protection and support. Most Irish people also recognise that migrants who arrive here make a huge contribution to Irish society. The Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central added however that rules must be applied. We must recognise the dignity and humanity of each person. They must be treated with decency. Most people also, I believe, agree that this must be on the basis of rules, and that where there are rules that these rules must be applied. They want to see resources prioritised to those who need them most. It is clear that resources are currently scarce and under severe pressure. People do not want to see a migration system that is not managed. They do not want to see a system that is slow and inefficient, and fails to follow through. They want to see a system that is fair, efficient and enforced. Rules must be followed up on and adhered to, and where someone is deemed not to be genuinely in need of international protection, that they be returned, he added. There is no sense in the government's all-in approach to this migration pact, Deputy O Laoghaire said. The minister confirmed to me that no consideration was given to not opting in to all of this pact. Sinn Fein believes that it must be for an Irish government to decide on key aspects of our immigration system. We will oppose the governments full opt-in approach, which will tie the hands of future governments. The Cork TD said Ireland is in a unique position due to the common travel area with Britain. We are in a unique and fortunate position in this state that we have the opportunity to opt-into the elements of the EU Pact that are good for Ireland while remaining outside those laws that are not in our interests. We are also in a unique position in that we share a common travel area with Britain. If we are tied in entirely to the EU system, we reduce our ability to respond and legislate in a bilateral way with Britain. Deputy O Laoghaire also highlighted the concerns expressed by several human rights organisations regarding the EU Migration Pact. Several human rights organisations have outlined concerns regarding the potential in some of the provisions for detention, for inadequate assessments, and for the welfare of vulnerable asylum seekers. We share these concerns and believe that several of the measures do not meet adequate human rights standards. It is for these reasons that Sinn Fein will be voting no to the governments proposal to opt Ireland fully into the EU Asylum and Migration Pact. Sinn Fein firmly believes that Ireland must retain our sovereignty over these matters if we are to have an immigration system that is fair, efficient, and enforced, he added. Gardai were alerted to the discovery of a body on the Tullan Strand in Bundoran, Co Donegal. An investigation has been launched after a man's body was found on a Donegal beach this morning following a suspected drowning incident. Gardai were alerted to the discovery of a body on the Tullan Strand in Bundoran, County Donegal at approximately 10:45am this morning, Thursday, June 20, 2024. Emergency services, including the ambulance service and the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter attended the scene but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem will be conducted at a later date, the results of which will determine the course of this investigation. It is believed that the man had been fishing off rocks near the Roughey Cliffs when he fell into the sea. Gardai said, No further information is available at this time. Valentia were delighted to welcome a delegation from Newfoundland who are visiting Valentia as part of the UNESCO Heritage project. The delegation called to Scoil Naomh Dar Earca, Chapeltown, to present a framed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Valentia were delighted to welcome a delegation from Newfoundland who are visiting Valentia as part of the UNESCO Heritage project. With the Minister outgoing Cathaoirleach Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Norma Moriarty. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Valentia were delighted to welcome a delegation from Newfoundland who are visiting as part of the UNESCO Heritage project. With the Minister outgoing Cathaoirleach Kenmare Municipal District, Helen Barry-O'Connor, Deirdre Murphy, Kerry County Council, Leonard Hobbs, Chairman Valentia Cable Project, Scott Andrew, Newfoundland Delegation, Siobhan Griffin, Kerry County Council, Niamh O'Sullivan, Kerry County Council, Gerry Osmond, Assistant Minister Arts, Culture and Heritage and John Knightly Valentia Cable Project. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Valentia welcomed a delegation from Newfoundland as part of the UNESCO Heritage project. The delegation called to Scoil Naomh Dar Earca, Chapeltown, to present a framed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022. Paul O'Connor, Principal with Minister Steve Croker, Deirdre Murphy, Kerry County Council and outgoing Cathairleach Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Valentia welcomed a delegation from Newfoundland as part of the UNESCO Heritage project The delegation called to Scoil Naomh Dar Earca, Chapeltown, to present a framed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022. Pictured are Paul O'Connor, Principal with Elodie Alice Lewis-Walsh and Sadhbh McMahon-Lynch. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Back in the late 1800's the then remote Valentia Island in County Kerry and Hearts Content in Newfoundland played a major role in connecting the old and new worlds for the first time, placing the two locations at the cross hairs of the emerging global communications industry. Fast forward and the connections between the two locations are growing stronger as they bid for UNESCO status for Transatlantic Cable Project which connected both locations via an undersea telegraph cable for a century until 1966. This was an engineering feat comparable to the Moon Landing for its time and both cable stations subsequently played a pivotal role in the global telecommunications revolution. In July 2022 Valentia and Hearts Content Cable Stations were added to their countries World Heritage Tentative List, the first step towards eventual UNESCO World Heritage inscription. This week in their continued efforts on the plan the Valentia Island Development Company and the Valentia Transatlantic Cable Foundation, in partnership with Kerry County Council, were delighted to welcome a delegation from Newfoundland. The delegation was led by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and also included a number of his officials and members of the local community from the town of Hearts Content. This is a return visit as Hearts Content has received a delegation from Kerry in August of 2023. The activities this week for the delegation included a tour of the many sites associated with the Transatlantic Cable project, visiting the Cable Station, Foilhummerum Bay, Glanleam House and the Heritage Centre. The delegation also visited the Lighthouse anad the local School at Chapeltown where they presented the school with a copy of an MOU signed in September 2022 during Minister Crocker's last visit to create a framework for cooperation and coordination between the two governments concerning the UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble ". The delegation were the guests of honour at a community reception at the Cable Station which was addressed by Minister Crocker and outgoing Cathaoirleach of Kenmare MD, Norma Moriarty. The teams from both sides of the Atlantic will be collaborating this week in agreeing the joint management structure and milestones for the UNESCO inscription journey. In addition a community partnership workshop will be conducted to explore shared interests and identify joint projects which could have a socio-economic impact in both communities. The delegation will be departing mid week for Dublin and their final item will be a reception at the Canadian Embassy. Tralee's Noel O'Regan's book 'Though The Bodies Fall' has been nominated for the John McGahern Prize. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Such is the acclaim that it has received in the past 10 months, its amazing to think that its actually only been less than a year since Tralees Noel O'Regan celebrated the release of his debut novel 'Though the Bodies Fall which was published by Granta. The good times continued even further this week as it was announced that Noels book was just one of three books shortlisted for the prestigious literary prize that is the John McGahern Annual Book Prize. This is the fifth year of these awards which carries with it an award of 5,000 for the best debut novel or short story collection by an Irish writer or writer resident in Ireland published in the year 2023. 19 entries were received, all of which were then read and adjudicated by the shortlisting committee of Prof Dame Janet Beer, former vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool; Frank Shovlin, professor of Irish literature, University of Liverpool; and Dr Eleanor Lybeck, senior lecturer in literature at the department of English and Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool. Alongside Noel are two writers that he described this week as absolute gents, Michael Magee and his novel Close to Home and Colin Walsh and his novel Kala. Speaking about the nomination news this week, Noel said that he was honoured to be shortlisted for such an award, adding that he found the judges praise of his novel to be "very kind. Here is what the judges had to say about Noels book: Though the Bodies Fall is a remarkable effort towards telling an original story and capturing a place in time that might easily be overlooked. The characters are well-rounded and authentic, and their depiction generates a real sense of pathos. ORegan also makes compelling decisions in terms of form and structure, without the novel ever feeling overtly or deliberately experimental. Indeed, there is nothing faddish in this book: it is entirely genuine" Like all good writers, ORegan looks long and hard at the world and notices its variegations, whether that be via the manner in which clouds change the colour of the sea or the ways in which a chiffchaffs legs differ from those of a willow warbler. A book about duty and love, it will stay with you long after you have turned the final page. For those unfamiliar with the books blurb, it tells the story of Micheal Burns who lives alone in his familys bungalow at the end of Kerry Head in Ireland. It is a picturesque place, but the cliffs have a darker side to them: for generations they have been a suicide black spot. Micheals mother saw the saving of these lost souls - these visitors - as her spiritual duty, and now, in the wreckage of his life, Micheal finds himself continuing her work. When his sisters tell him that they want to sell the land, he must choose between his siblings and the visitors, a future or a past. The great Colm Toibin will be the final adjudicator on all three books later this summer and organisers of the awards say that are looking forward welcoming the winner to read and receive their award at the Liverpool Literary Festival on the weekend of October 4 to October 6. A childhood dream has come true for a Mayo Woman who is set to become the first Irish person to go to space. The International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) has announced a first-of-its kind, multi-researcher dedicated scientific mission on Virgin Galactics new Delta vehicle. The crew of the IIAS-02 Mission will include IIAS bioastronautics researcher Dr Norah Patten from Ballina in County Mayo. She will be accompanied by Kellie Gerardi of the United States and Dr Shawna Pandya of Canada. Dr Patten now lives in the Dublin and works for Realtra Space Systems Engineering in Coolock. She is due to take part in the space mission in 2026 and it is anticipated that the research spaceflight will take less than two hours in total from take off to landing. The flight will be sub-orbital and will travel to and from space without going around the earth. Announcing the news on social media, Dr Patten said her selection is a dream come true. "Sometimes impossible dreams can come true. "Since I was 11 years of age, after a visit to Nasa, I have had my sights set on space. "Today is a very special day. "Having worked tirelessly for almost three decades now, International Institute for Astronautical Sciences has just announced the institute's next research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic. "I'm so honoured, so grateful and so excited to be named alongside Shawna Pandya and Kellie Gerardi as a payload specialist on this mission, said Dr Patten. The crew of the IIAS-02 Mission will include IIAS bioastronautics researchers Kellie Gerardi of the United States, Dr. Shawna Pandya of Canada, and Dr. Norah Patten of Ireland. Dr Patten is an aeronautical engineer and bioastronautics researcher with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS). Norahs extensive research experience includes multiple microgravity research campaigns, commercial spacesuit testing and evaluation, and emergency egress operations. She was the PI of an experiment investigating the aerosolization of water droplets in microgravity, and tested a novel 3D bioprinter investigating novel solutions for skin grafts in weightlessness. Norah is an award-winning author and STEM advocate and is passionate about inspiring the next generation Speaking on RTE News at One, Dr Patten said it was an exciting time and a history making moment as she will be the first Irish person to go to space. Follow Independent Mayo on Facebook "This is a history making flight and it is a national first so I feel an immense opportunity to inspire so many people, young and old with sharing my journey and the space flight as we go. "The plan from now until when we actually go is to plan every single moment we can. "The chorography, who is doing what, all the research payloads will be mapped out in great detail so we absolutely maximise every moment of the flight, said Dr Patten. In 2019, Norah released her childrens book called Shooting for the Stars and it won the An Post Childrens Book of the Year, senior. She was awarded the IIAS Educator Award in 2018, was a recipient of the Emerging Space Leaders Grant and a Next Generation Plenary panelist at the International Astronautical Congress in 2015. Through a partnership with NanoRacks and the Irish Composites Centre, Norah created and managed The Only Way is Up project which launched Irelands first student experiment to the International Space Station in 2014, in which she was also the co-PI. The crew of the IIAS-02 Mission will include IIAS bioastronautics researcher Dr Norah Patten of Ballina in County Mayo. She will be accompanied by Kellie Gerardi of the United States and Dr Shawna Pandya of Canada. Norah participated in the International Space University Space Studies Program in 2010, holds a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Limerick, participated in the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Program, and has industrial experience from The Boeing Company and Bell Labs Alcatel Lucent. Norah is a former global faculty member at the International Space University (ISU), and currently works in Dublin, Ireland. Norahs spaceflight will make her the first Irish astronaut and the IIAS-02 Mission will be her first spaceflight. In a statement, the IIAS said Dr Pattens experience and dedication was key to her selection for the mission. "Norah Patten has consistently demonstrated the teamwork, excellence, and expertise needed to produce high-quality, cutting-edge research in operational environments. "The IIAS team will collaborate closely with academic, government, and commercial partners to carefully plan the crew's spaceflight activities to maximise the science and technology returns gained from this mission." The IIAS-02 research spaceflight will advance the scientific knowledge and operational insights gained from the inaugural IIAS-01 research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic in 2023, during which IIAS payload specialist Kellie Gerardi conducted biomedical and thermodynamic fluids research, while introducing novel physiological and physical sciences payloads. The IIAS team will collaborate closely with academic, government, and commercial partners to carefully plan the crews spaceflight activities to maximize the science and technology returns gained from this Mission. Since 2015, IIAS has operated microgravity research and payload development programs that use a variety of Earth-based testbeds for space, including microgravity research flight campaigns in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada, gravity-offset facilities, and neutral buoyancy facilities. The international crew of IIAS-02 have years of experience working together as a team in dynamic, operational research environments. A model of Sligo Airport, created by TY students David Aves, Kyle Spollen, Sam Cunningham and Odhran Gilmartin from Summerhill College was unveiled during the event by RTE broadcaster and aviation enthusiast, Ray Kennedy. Coast guard crew member, Richie Wallace; RTEs Ray Kennedy; Sligo Airport Manager, Noel Jennings; Conor Gilligan and Caroline Mulcahy, Derrin Group at the Sligo Fly -In. A sum of 75,000 was raised during the Deja Vu North-West 24 events in conjunction with the Planes, Cars and Coffee charity event at Sligo Airport in April. During what was the busiest day in terms of aircraft movements in the history of Sligo Airport, 70 aircraft, from all across Ireland, landed at the airport as part of the event which raised funds for the families of Gene McDonald and Daire Maguire who tragically died while competing in the Sligo Stages Rally last July. Beautiful vintage rally cars were also on display during the event which enjoyed great support from the local community and visitors from further afield. Funds were raised for the Rallying Friends appeal through aircraft registration for the Fly-In. A 76-page souvenir brochure on sale (15) at the event also added to the funds raised and sponsors donated through advertising in the brochure. Visitors also enjoyed delicious home-produced goods and arts and crafts at the Peoples Market that featured 60 local stalls in the airport grounds. The ever-popular Airport Cafe was thronged during the event. A very impressive and detailed model of Sligo Airport, created by TY students David Aves, Kyle Spollen, Sam Cunningham and Odhran Gilmartin from Summerhill College was unveiled during the event by RTE broadcaster and aviation enthusiast, Ray Kennedy. The purpose of the project was to aid with Sligo Airports vision of becoming an internationally recognised aircraft and vintage car museum. The model airport was one of various projects targeted towards TY students in several secondary schools throughout Sligo. Student David Aves, said, We were given the opportunity to visit the airport in November last year to aid with the model creation. This visit included a flight arranged by airport manager Noel Jennings, which gave us the chance to take aerial photographs of the airport as references for the model. The model took approximately seven months to make. The grass was created using various shades of green paint as a base layer, depending on the hue of the grass. Following this, static model grass was laid on top of it. Each of the buildings present on the model was individually 3D printed. The surrounding ocean was made from a mix of tissue paper stuck onto the model using a mix of wood adhesive and water. Paint and gloss varnish were later added to give the impression of realistic water. The Planes, Cars & Coffee Sligo Fly-In was supported by Derrin Group. Conor Gilligan, CEO, Derrin Group said, We are thrilled that this event got such great support from the aviation and motoring community and of course from the wonderful local community in Strandhill as well as visitors from Mayo, Leitrim and Donegal. Sincere thanks to everyone who participated and came out to see the action. Lets hope were as lucky with the weather for the Sligo Air Show which will take place on 27th and 28th July. Sligo based filmmaker Marian Quinn excited about new film set around women in Dublins gangland Filmmaker Marian Quinn returns to the directors chair with a powerful new irish feature which will be released on Friday. Neha Kumari reports. Marian Quinn Neha Kumari Sligo Champion Thu 20 Jun 2024 at 09:55 Sligo based filmmaker Marian Quinn is back with an Irish feature film TWIG, a modern-day adaptation of Ancient Greek tragedy Antigone, set in the ganglands of Dublin. International surfing day in Strandhill saw a beach clean-up, music and a sale of second hand surfboards Some young volunteers who took part in the beach clean-up in Strandhill. There was lots of action in and around Strandhill village and beach for the National Surf Centres first International Surfing Day last Saturday. Held annually on the third Saturday in June, International Surfing Day is a worldwide celebration of the sport of surfing. With a focus on environmental awareness and the sustainability of resources, the day kicked off with a strong turnout of volunteers for the mornings Beach Clean-Up in association with Clean Coast and Sligo Surf Experience. The enthusiastic group scoured the promenade and the shoreline, getting Strandhill Beach Ready for the summer. Strandhill native, surfer and manager of Sligo Surf Experience, Seamus McGoldrick is a long-time promoter of Beach Cleans and encourages visitors to Strandhill to respect the environment and dispose of rubbish appropriately. There was a great buzz in the afternoon as the National Surf Centre in association with Tides Surf Magazine hosted Irelands largest second-hand surfboard drive. Over 70 surf boards were on display at the Centre as surfers came to sell, buy and swap boards. A selection of mint condition longboards, shortboards, performance boards and fun boards were on the market for new owners. Ryan Vail from Tides Surf Magazine was delighted with the response to the drive with boards being registered from all over the country. Alchemical, a band of talented local musicians and surfers, entertained the crowds with live music during the afternoon thanks to the County Sligo Surf Club. International Surfing Day was not without surf activity with the waves being lapped up by budding and experienced surfers. Local band, Alchemical provided the musical entertainment. County Sligo Surf Club held an Expression-Session mini-competition, while a full schedule of surf lessons ran throughout the day with Atlantic Surf School, Rebelle Surf, Sligo Surf Experience and Strandhill Surf School. All four surf schools run daily lessons and summer camps throughout the summer so if youre looking to experience the thrills of the waves there is a class to suit you. Contact the schools directly or the National Surf Centre Strandhill with any queries. The day ran really well, said Rebecca Stevens, Director of Operations at the National Surf Centre. There was great interest from surfers and non-surfers alike, and we look forward to building upon this years activities for next year. Deirdre Gallagher Senior youth officer Foroige South Sligo, Liam Rafferty, treasurer Ballymote Arts Cultural Group, Conor ONeill Senior Youth officer/Manager Crib Sligo Foroige, John Perry Chair, Avril Hunt Youth Integration Officer South Sligo, Cllr Dara Mulvey, Clare Gavigan Area Manager Foroige N/W at the former Garda Station in Ballymote. A youth organisation believes the former Garda Station in Ballymote could be put to good use by them. In a presentation to the OPW which owns the station, Foroige says it aims to establish a dedicated youth space in the old Garda Barracks which will provide an out-of-school support to young people in the local community to enable them overcome social isolation, adverse circumstances and achieve their full potential by improving their personal and social development outcomes. Young people will access the facility as a Foroige managed drop-in youth centre a welcoming, safe, supervised open door in their community where positive choices are encouraged. Staff and volunteers will also be trained in evidence-based interventions and staff would work collaboratively with the community to ensure that the service is delivered in line with best practices, meeting needs within the community and thus enhancing the community for all. Foroige in its presentation said it was dedicated to providing support to all young people in Ballymote, Keash, Culfada, Gurteen, Coolaney, Bunninadden, and Kilavil which has a combined population of over 10,000 and growing. We will also support integration of young people who have recently moved to the area e.g. those seeking international protection and fleeing war. Foroige are committed to accessing funding to replicate what is in place in our youth spaces e.g Crib, UBU, NYP etc. In this case we are also aware that we have the support of the County Council and other state bodies. It has been identified that young people in South Sligo experience multiple challenges resulting from issues such as socio-economic disadvantage, isolation and family breakdown. They may be disconnected and experience poor mental health, anxiety, low mood and self-harm. Alcohol and substance misuse is prevalent, and there are significant levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including school refusal behaviour. As a result, they are not flourishing in education or in the community, are at risk of poor educational attainment and are at risk of marginalisation with limited progression opportunities. Foroige is the leading youth organisation in Ireland and has been working with young people since 1952. The stitched Unity Panel laid out. It is rolled up when the stitchers are working on it but they spread it out for the talk. There was a rare opportunity to meet the makers of the amazing Ros Tapestries and the new Threads of Friendship Tapestries which are being stitched at 14 The Quay, New Ross, at present, at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre recently. The stitchers discussed their experience of crewel work and learning the eight stitches used in creating the tapestries. They spoke about the challenging nature of the work and also the satisfaction and joy stitching has brought them over many years. Chaired by Marguerite Ahearn, the stitchers, Susan Synnott, Jackie ONeill and Karol Cullen discussed the difficulties of learning the stitches and improving their skills to the standard to be able to work on the big tapestries. A short video of the workshop in action, created by Therese Dalton, was shown. It included some of the more senior stitchers, namely Rosa Ronan, Kay Dolan and Mary Rochford, at work. They outlined how when you enter the workroom there is a quiet buzz of concentration as everybody focuses on their piece, making decisions about colour and about what stitch to use, together. When creating the original Ros Tapestries, designed by Ann Bernstorff, the colours and stitches were prescribed by her daughter Alexis Bernstorff, but the Threads of Friendship tapestries, designed by local artist Reiltin Murphy, allow for more individual input. The beauty of the tapestries is in the colour selection as well as the actual stitching. Choosing just the right shade or tone from the hundreds of threads available, can be challenging and leads to much discussion but the result when you get it right, is stunning, one of the stitchers said. The stitchers spoke about the sense of creating something that will last and will be admired for years. Many crafts are solitary and stitching is certainly individual, but there is a collaboration in choosing colours and stitches and in appreciating the work of each other, that has forged strong bonds between the stitchers. They recalled learning the stitches and then passing on the skills to successive stitchers. Over 180 stitchers have worked on the panels to date, with the final stitches being put in the final tapestry, Battles in the Kingdom of Ossory, in Rothe House Kilkenny at present. Their panel discussion was part of a Creative Ireland sponsored project, to spread the craft of stitching. Classes have started under the encouraging eyes of tutors Karol Cullen and Mairin Dunne. It is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn a new skill. This is an exciting year for the Ros Tapestry as the stitchers plan for the return of the tapestries from Kilkenny Castle, where they have been exhibited for the past four years, getting footfall of 500 a day during the summer months and 120 a day during the rest of the year. We are very grateful to the OPW in Kilkenny Castle for the great care they have taken of the tapestries. During the years when the Ros Tapestries were being stitched, the New Ross Piano Festival commissioned a piano piece to go with each panel. The complete Ros Tapestry Suite will be played by Finghin Collins and Marie Carroll, in Kilkenny on August 14, for the first time, as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Every Tuesday, the stitchers leave their cares and worries at the door and devote themselves to bringing the cartoons to life, painting with stitches and bringing great pleasure to us all. The panel discussion revealed their great passion for stitching and the tapestries. Rosslare Europort has entered into a strategic partnership with Bord na Mona as it continues efforts to develop the port as a key hub for the development of offshore wind projects in Irish waters. The partnership, which has seen Bord na Mona and offshore wind energy company Ocean Winds sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the port authority, underscores the commitment of all parties to accelerate Ireland's offshore wind energy ambitions and seeks to leverage the potential of Rosslare Europort as it accelerates its wind energy ambitions. In 2022, Rosslare Europort management announced plans to establish the port, its hinterland and the south-east region as Irelands Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs. To deliver its vision for ORE, the Europort plans to develop a purpose-built quay and berth, quayside storage and pre-construction up to 50 acres in area, a management control centre and management offices, and facilities for operations and maintenance. Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Jack Chambers T.D. said, Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to meeting Irelands climate change ambitions with a target of achieving 7GW of offshore energy by 2030, 2GW of which is dedicated to the production of green hydrogen. This agreement between Rosslare Europort and Ocean Wind Bord na Mona is a welcome one, as it demonstrates the level of commitment and collaboration to delivering on Irelands ORE ambitions by all involved. Dan Finch, Strategic Oversight Director Officer & Country Manager for Ireland & Poland, Ocean Winds, commented, "We are pleased to partner with Rosslare Europort to advance Ireland's offshore wind energy ambitions. This MoU represents a significant step towards creating the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale renewable energy projects, which are vital for achieving our national climate goals. John Reilly, Head of Renewable Energy, Bord na Mona, said, We believe that Rosslare Euroports strategic location and capabilities make it an ideal hub for offshore wind projects, and we look forward to working together to realise this potential." Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units for Iarnrod Eireann, Port Authority Rosslare Europort stated, "Rosslare Europort is excited to work with Bord na Mona and Ocean Winds, who share our vision for the development of offshore wind energy off the coast of Ireland. We believe there are strong synergies to be achieved as we work together to place this renewable energy industry at the heart of Irelands decarbonised future. The collaboration will focus on developing port and harbour facilities that are essential for the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms. It aims to position Rosslare Europort as a critical infrastructure asset in Ireland's renewable energy landscape, foster local industry growth and provide employment within the local area. This initiative also aligns with Ireland's broader goals of transitioning to a sustainable energy future and reducing carbon emissions. Theres a novel fundraising taking place in Enniscorthy on Thursday, June 20 when Philip Freeman is hoping to come out victorious in his rematch with a greyhound. The event, taking place at the Enniscorthy dog track, will generate much-needed donations for The Irish Cancer Society and is in memory of his late wife Lisa. Lisa OConnor Freeman passed away in 2022 at the age of 39 after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer, only three months after the couple welcomed their daughter Phia. She was a much-loved member of the community and a well-respected member of staff at CBS Secondary school in Wexford town where she went above and beyond for her pupils. Mr Freeman came up with this intriguing fundraiser idea when he began looking into different avenues other than the usual 5km walks and coffee mornings. He became inspired by Martin Story, a famous Wexford hurler, who did the same thing in 1996. He is grateful to all supporters, especially the local and abroad businesses that have generously donated some big prizes for the night. Mr Freeman used his significant following on social media, his Instagram account has nearly 31,000 followers, to reach out and acquire donations. While he initially approached the Wild Atlantic Lodge in Co Clare in the hopes of securing a one-night stay, they decided to offer a two-night stay that includes champagne on arrival, an ocean-view room, and a complimentary meal. The lodge is currently one of the top 8 B&Bs in Ireland. The event last year was a huge success that saw over 1,000 people attend, with the organisers running out of tickets on the night due to the demand. Mr Freeman plans to make the fundraiser a three year event. If he loses to the dog this year, then next year will be the grand deciding final, but if he wins again this year he will go again next year for the hat-trick of wins. He also assures the spectators from last year that this will prove to be another exciting event, especially as he is a year older and racing a younger dog called rains lightening. He extended thanks to yourbranded.ie who created and printed all the posters and tickets for the event for free, along with everyone else who has donated prizes and donated their time behind the scenes to make the event a success. Entry is 10 which includes entry into the spot prize raffle, and children are allowed in for free. Mr Freeman added that due to his father owning greyhounds, there is an extra layer of competitiveness as they will both fight for bragging rights within the family. This event promises to be a great night in celebration of a significant and meaningful cause. In her song Sweet Nothing, Taylor Swift references Wicklow in July, and wonders whether a pebble ever misses its home in the Garden of Ireland. While mystery still surrounds the possible location of the famous pebble, two Bray students hope to inspire Taylor Swifts fans to get a Wicklow Passport, discover the wonder of Wicklow and maybe even uncover just where Taylor Swift might have collected that pebble. Maybe it was in Bray? Loreto Bray students Abigail Devine (16) and Kayna Kennedy (16), who together with fellow student Judith Joby (16), have set up a mini-company called The Pebble People as part of their Transition Year Programme. Over the last few weeks they have been visiting the beaches across Wicklow collecting pebbles to create a unique piece of art inspired by Taylor Swifts song Sweet Nothings. Visitwicklow.ie commissioned the students to create the framed pebble artwork to mark Taylor Swifts return to Ireland and celebrate the creativity of the students and their mini-company The Pebble People. The hope is fans will be inspired to follow in Taylor Swifts footsteps, discover the wonder of Wicklow and maybe even uncover just where Taylor Swift might have collected her pebble. Potential locations for the song inspiration are Bray Seafront, Greystones Cove and beach, Kilcoole Beach, Brittas Bay, Newcastle, Wicklow town and Arklow South Beach. Speaking about the project, Abigail said: As a group, each of us were thrilled when VisitWicklow.ie reached out to us. Taylor Swift is returning to Ireland to perform her Eras Tour. However, this is not Taylor's first time visiting Ireland. "Previously, she stopped by Wicklow, she explained. We are aware of this from her song Sweet Nothing in which she mentions a pebble she collected and brought home with her and wonders does it ever miss Wicklow sometimes? Our mini-company, The Pebble People, are based in Wicklow and create rock/pebble artwork. "This was the perfect opportunity to create a gift for Taylor Swift. Our best selling product was our Rock Family Frames. So of course, it only made sense that we prepare a frame for Taylor. However, we needed to spice it up a bit. We brainstormed several ideas. Eventually, I suggested that we design a treasure map of Wicklow inside the frame. This whole project has been spectacular. I genuinely loved every last bit of it. Their teacher, Nicola Hennessy, said: Throughout the year the girls embarked on a whirlwind journey of skill acquisition such as human relations, money management and time management. Balancing a multitude of activities, they immersed themselves in learning and worked long hours to excel in both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. "Getting involved in a project like this is a once in a lifetime experience and will shape their memories long after they leave Loreto Bray. We are so proud of all their achievements thus far and predict great things for each of them in their future careers. You can sign up for the Wicklow Passport today, and stamp your journey to try and uncover just where Taylor Swift might have collected her pebble: visitwicklow.ie/passport. A Wicklow artist is taking part in the prestigious Connecting Artists 2024 programme, which is an initiative that aims to empower visual artists with intellectual disabilities. Joe Hallam, a talented 23-year-old artist from Enniskerry, will showcase his artwork on a national level and is one of 10 artists selected from across Ireland to participate in this 10-week online programme, which culminates in an exhibition hosted by Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin. The exhibition will be held from Wednesday July 3 to Sunday July 7. The Connecting Artists programme, designed by Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre, aims to empower visual artists with intellectual disabilities by providing a platform for them to develop their creative practice and gain professional recognition. Joe has been doing art since he was 15, drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of his home in Enniskerry. He enjoys taking his sketchbook outdoors to draft ideas, with a particular fondness for drawing tree barks, landscapes, and flowers. Joe prefers using acrylics to create an impactful, abstract style that brings his art to life. His dedication to his craft sees him drawing nearly every day, driven by a dream to work for himself as a professional artist. Reflecting on his upcoming participation, Joe said: "I am very excited and grateful to be part of the Connecting Artists Programme. Its an amazing opportunity to expand my work as an artist and exhibit for the first time. The journey so far has been incredible." Miriam highlighted the ongoing success and impact of the programme and thanked the public for their continued support. "As we enter the third year of the Connecting Artists programme, the dedication of our 10 wonderful mentors and the collaboration with the RCSI Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit remain crucial. We are thrilled to see the 2024 participants' fantastic artwork exhibited at a national level. The consistent support from the public, both business and community, has been incredible and continues to inspire us." The Connecting Artists 2024 exhibition will be officially opened by RTE presenter and broadcaster Miriam OCallaghan. It will feature diverse and exceptional artwork from the participating artists, offering a unique opportunity for the public to appreciate and support their talents and providing attendees the chance to meet the artists and purchase original artwork and cards. After 17 years of awarding third-level student scholarships, The Naughton Foundation Scholarship scheme is once again urging Wicklow students to apply before the application deadline on Friday, June 28. Established to promote the study of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in Ireland, The Naughton Scholarship scheme invites Leaving Certificate students to apply for a scholarship if they intend to study science, computer science, mathematics, engineering or technology at third level that year. Open to applications each year from February to June, there will be one guaranteed scholarship for each participating county this year, with 36 allocated in total. The Naughton Foundation was established by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 1994 and its goal is to support worthwhile causes in the arts and education. In 2008, they decided to create the scholarship programme to increase their support for Leaving Certificate students who would like to study engineering, mathematics, science, computer science and technology at third level in Ireland. Originally, the scholarship programme only applied to students from counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan however, it has since expanded nationwide and students from all Counties in the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply. Students are invited to apply if they are currently attending secondary schools in Wicklow, and if they are studying two or more of the following subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, and applied mathematics. Each Naughton Scholarship is valued at 20,000, with a contribution of 5,000 for each year of the students third-level course for a student studying science, engineering, maths or technology in any publicly funded university or third-level institution in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. The school of each winner is also awarded 1,000. The 2024 application forms for The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Programme are available for download and can be completed online at thenaughtonfoundation.com Michelle Conron from Donard with her son Ruairi, who has epilepsy and recently completed his first in-person creative workshop run by Helium Arts in Tallaght. Helene Hugel, CEO, Helium Arts, Dr Pamela OConnor, Consultant Neonatologist Paediatrician working in Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin and The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, and Dr Judith Meehan, Dean of the Faculty of Paediatrics, Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. Photo: Julien Behal A Wicklow mother has described how a creative workshop run by childrens charity Helium Arts has transformed the confidence and wellbeing of her nine-year-old son, who has epilepsy. Helium Arts, a childrens charity dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children and young people living with lifelong physical health conditions, recently expanded its Creative Health programme to hospitals, the community in Dublin and families living in Wicklow. The programme provides free, artist-led creative workshops in hospital paediatric outpatient clinics to children and young people living with lifelong physical health conditions. Michelle Conron is mum to Ruairi, who has epilepsy and recently completed his first in-person creative workshop in Tallaght, which the family travelled to from their home in Donard, west Wicklow. Praising the massive impact the workshop has had, Michelle said: We have seen such a wonderful change in Ruairis confidence and well-being since he began the creative workshop with Helium Arts. They have been an outlet for him to express himself and build his confidence. The medical care on-site means that we are reassured that he is in safe hands throughout the session. Ruairi cant wait to take part in the next workshop and have the opportunity to make friendships with other children like him. Following the hospital-based workshops, participants can be referred to Helium Arts community and online programmes, which include free workshops and camps during school holidays and weekends. These workshops, led by professional artists, provide on-site medical support and are accessible to participants with a variety of needs. Supported conditions include diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, allergies, heart conditions, asthma, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis, rare or complex conditions, and many more. The programme has been running in hospital and community settings in Cork, Limerick and the Mid-West since 2019, in Galway and the West since then, and is also offered online. In Dublin, the programme is initially being rolled out at Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) at Connolly in Blanchardstown and Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) at Tallaght, in partnership with the CHI Arts in Health Programme. In July, a free online Creative Arts summer camp is also available for children with lifelong physical health conditions. To register and for further information, visit helium.ie. Announcing the expansion of the Creative Health programme to Dublin, CEO of Helium Arts, Helene Hugel, said: As we celebrate five years of our Creative Health programme, were excited to expand the reach of our hospital-based programmes to enable children and young people from Wicklow to participate. In Ireland, 156,437 or 12 per cent of all children and teenagers live with the effects of illness or disability every day. This key step in our national growth means that even more children can have improved outcomes in health, wellbeing, social connection and creative expression. Our new partnership with the CHI Arts in Health Programme is a testament to the strength of community and collaboration that drives us forward to improve access to creative opportunities for more children living with chronic health conditions. Daithi O Se has shared an update on his hair transplant 18 months after his procedure. The Rose of Tralee host underwent a hair restoration procedure at the end of 2022. Daithi, a brand ambassador for a clinic, has been sharing regular updates on his fresh hairline on Instagram since the procedure, which costs between 4,500 and 10,000. In the latest edition of Daithis Diaries, he took his followers on a hair transformation journey as he documented how his grey locks have changed over the past year and a half. The video begins with the RTE star showing off his scalp one day after the hair restoration procedure, with the newly implanted grafts on display at the front of his head as they healed. Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th June 2024 Improvements could be seen after the one-month mark, but O Ses new do really began to take shape around six months after the transplant. Speaking to the camera, he said: In the last month or so, Ive noticed that the hairline in front has a beautiful line, a beautiful definition to it. Daithi O Se one day after his hair transplant It has really filled out as well which is fantastic. Three months later, he shared that he was absolutely delighted and looking younger apparently as he filmed his new hairline coming along nicely. He revisited the clinic to mark the one-year anniversary of his procedure, telling fans he could see a big change in one year and adding that he was delighted with the results. And in his most recent update 18 months after the transplant, he grinned as he said: As you can see, it looks absolutely fantastic. Daithi O Se speaks about his hair transplant Last year, amid controversy over brand deals struck by RTE stars, the national broadcaster banned the 48-year-old from speaking about his hair transplant after chatting to Oliver Callan about his experience on RTE Radio 1. I was on the understanding that I couldnt speak about it on my own show. That was fine, he told The Irish Sun at the time. But it was mentioned to me after that I couldnt talk about it on any other RTE platforms either. I told (RTE), Yes, if I know the rules, I will stick by them. Rapper Travis Scott has been arrested in Miami (Isabel Infantes/PA) US rapper Travis Scott has been arrested on suspicion of trespassing and disorderly intoxication. The 33-year-old from Texas, real name Jacques Webster, was taken into custody and transported to the Miami Beach Police Department following an incident at the citys marina in the early hours of Thursday morning. A statement to the PA news agency from the Miami Beach Police Department said: The Miami Beach Police Department confirms the arrest of Mr Jacques Webster, DOB 4/30/1991, on June 20, 2024, at approximately 1.44 a.m. Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner attending the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala 2019 (Jennifer Graylock/PA) Mr Webster was taken into custody following an incident at the Miami Beach Marina located at 300 Alton Road. Police documents show that officers responded to a disturbance on a yacht where they observed the rapper yelling at those on the vessel. The complaint/arrest affidavit added that officers could sense a strong smell of alcohol coming from the defendants breath and he was told to leave the dock or he would be arrested. He initially complied with officers warning him to leave the premises before he returned after five minutes and disregarded officers commands for him not to go back. The document added that the defendant later admitted to drinking alcohol and stated: Its Miami. Bradford Cohen, a lawyer acting on behalf of the rapper, said in a statement given to PA: Mr Scott was briefly detained due to a misunderstanding. There was absolutely no physical altercation involved, and we thank the authorities for working with us towards a swift and amicable resolution. On Thursday, following the incident, Scott posted on X and said: 6 days to circus Maximus tour. For the record Im going. Ham. Scott will bring his Utopia Circus Maximus Tour to Europe this month with dates in cities including London, Vienna and Lisbon. Last year, a Texas grand jury decided not to indict the US star in a criminal investigation into a massive crowd surge that killed 10 people at his 2021 Astroworld music festival in Houston. The rapper is known for hits including Highest In The Room and Sicko Mode. He shares children Aire and Stormi with reality TV star and makeup mogul, Kylie Jenner. Popular venue welcomes four different celebs on busy weekend Dublins Trocadero restaurant is used to being an actors hang-out, but last weekend was a busy one even for them as they welcomed four different celebrities. Hollywood star Paul Rudd, Brandon Flowers from The Killers, Fran Healy from Travis, and filmmaker Tim Burton were among the notable guests at Trocadero on Andrew Street. The 67-year-old business prides itself on being one of the capitals premier theatre restaurants, regularly attracting stars from stage and screen. Trocadero holds a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1957 and remains a popular choice for both locals and celebrities alike. The restaurants staff shared photos of the stars, adding: What a weekend for celebrities! We had the pleasure of hosting actor Paul Rudd, Brandon Flowers from The Killers, Fran Healy from Travis, but unfortunately missed capturing the elusive filmmaker Tim Burton! We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Ant Man star Rudd has been spotted multiple times in Dublin recently while filming the new musical comedy Power Ballad, directed by John Carney. Carney, known for his work on films like Once and Sing Street, has also been seen dining around Dublin alongside Nick Jonas, who also stars in the upcoming film. The Killers performed three gigs in Dublin last week, prompting sightings of Brandon Flowers dining with members of Scottish rock band Travis who provided support at their gigs. Tim Burton may have avoided Trocaderos camera lens, but was previously sighted at a restaurant in Dalkey back in April. Filming for the new season of Wednesday, the popular Netflix series directed by Burton, has been ongoing here since last month. Hollywood actress Jenna Ortega was also recently spotted in Ireland, taking a break from her schedule to attend the Forbidden Fruit Festival at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, over the June bank holiday weekend. Luxury fashion pop-up BrandCo Paris is coming to Dublin on June 30 Well-heeled bargain hunters will be heading to a pop-up shop with a difference in Dublins Merrion Hotel at the end of this month. BrandCo Paris, a pre-loved designer accessory pop-up, is bringing its collection of second-hand luxury goods to Dublin on Sunday, June 30. Founded in 2006 by brothers Nathan and Baptiste Ballet, BrandCo Paris collects and trades luxury accessories, offering pre-loved bags from all the major brands including Chanel, Prada, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, and more. Entry to the one-day-only pop-up store at the Merrion Hotel (11am to 5pm) is free, and BrandCo Paris is encouraging shoppers to trade in their own designer bags at the event. Usually a digital-only platform, the pop-up store will also have a wide range of luxury accessories including purses, jewellery, and scarves. The pop-up store will be held at the Merrion Hotel on Sunday, June 30, from 11am to 5pm However, anyone hunting for a bargain buy will still need a healthy bank balance as prices on the BrandCo Paris website arent cheap, starting at 190 for a Louis Vuitton Papillon Pouch in very good condition. Some of the more expensive items in their collection include a Hermes Kelly Retourne 28 in excellent condition going for an eye-watering 12,265. Such items are highly sought after in the luxury fashion market, particularly due to their brand, model, condition, or vintage status. Designers bags like the Kelly 28 are highly coveted due to Hermes limited production and the waiting list often associated with new purchases. Vintage Chanel bags, especially in perfect condition, are also considered rare. They often feature details and characteristics that are no longer produced by Chanel, making them sought after by collectors. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warmly embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival in Pyongyang, saying the two sanctioned states had withstood the trials of history generation after generation and century after century. Washington and its allies have raised concerns about the growing military cooperation between the two states at a time when Moscow is hungry for munitions to use in its war against Ukraine. North Korea is believed to have a large stockpile of dated artillery shells and rockets that would be compatible with Soviet and Russian weapons systems used in Ukraine. Russias drone attack damages Ukraine energy infrastructure Kyivs air force says it managed to stop missiles, but two were hurt by debris Ukrainian serviceman watches out for drones in Donetsk region. Photo: Reuters Anastasia Malenko Thu 20 Jun 2024 at 03:30 Russian drone attacks yesterday damaged energy infrastructure in central Ukraine and injured at least two people in the western region of Lviv, Ukrainian authorities said. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. India to Expedite Visa Process for Chinese Technicians Amid Industrial Concerns India is finalizing measures to expedite the visa process for Chinese technicians in response to concerns from several companies. These companies argue that the central governments restrictions on granting visas to Chinese technicians are undermining the nations industrial aspirations. In June 2024, it was reported that New Delhi is considering extending visa relaxations to meet the needs of domestic manufacturing facilities that are installing Chinese machinery. However, the new visa regulation guidelines are yet to be officially notified. New visa guidelines for Chinese technicians yet to be finalized Businesses based in India claim that the current visa restrictions are hindering the countrys potential as a manufacturing hub. The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs to create a framework that will expedite visas for engineers and technicians required for installing Chinese-made machinery in Indian factories. The objective is to shorten the visa processing time from the current 4-5 months to within 30 days, according to sources familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the talks. Several reports published June 17 noted that India will grant visas under new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to technicians from China for around six months. The time period is considered sufficient for foreign technicians to install the machinery at a facility and train Indian workers in its operations (installation, repair, and use). As per a government official, India is trying to create a better and more streamlined SOP and is hoping to roll it out after receiving clearance from the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for capital goods. The IMC was formed in 2020 to address issues and bottlenecks in the capital goods (CG) sector. It comprises representatives from all relevant Ministries and Departments and meets regularly to discuss and resolve sector-related challenges. Local media have reported that India issued only 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2024, compared to about 200,000 before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. In 2023, India had rolled out updated SOP guidelines aimed at accelerating the visa clearance process for Chinese nationals employed in industries where the government implemented a production-linked incentives program (PLI) to expand domestic industrial capabilities. Nevertheless, delays persisted, and vendors and local manufacturers repeatedly requested simplifying the visa process for Chinese technicians and experts. India first introduced the PLI schemes in 2021 to bolster manufacturing capacity in 14 industries: white goods, food products, drones, advanced chemistry cell batteries, medical devices, white goods, textiles, food products, automobiles, and specialty steel. As of March 2023, the schemes have paid out INR 970 billion (US$11.6 billion) to recipients, with a total budget outlay of INR 19,700 billion (US$23.61 billion). Geopolitical tensions create barrier for Indias manufacturing units During the COVID-19 pandemic, India issued Press Note 3 in April 2020, to amend the Consolidated Foreign Direct Investment Policy of 2017 (the FDI Policy) with a stated view of curbing opportunistic takeovers and/or acquisitions of Indian companies. This meant that all foreign direct investment (FDI) from countries which share a land border with India (the Border Countries) shall be subject to prior approval from the Government (Approval Route). Now, after giving the go-ahead to joint ventures like that between JSW and MG Motor India, the Indian government could approve Chinese companies diluting their stakes in Indian firms. This decision would be reportedly made on a case-by-case basis as managing security concerns is still a top priority for New Delhi. If implemented, Chinese entities like Xiaomi could expand their India operations. Of 450 FDI proposals received from Chinese companies since 2020, the Indian government has only approved 15 percent (around 70 projects); decision is pending on 200 proposals. Those who secured approvals were considered essential, such as for the production of iPhones in India. Relations between India and China have stayed sour ever since soldiers from both sides clashed on the Himalayan border in 2020 and, more recently, when Chinas President Xi Jinping missed the G20 Summit held in New Delhi in September 2023. Upon Prime Minister Narendra Modis re-election, re-appointed Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar reaffirmed New Delhis commitment to finding a solution for the border issues with China. A day later, on June 12, the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy published a post on X (formerly, Twitter): #China and India are important neighbouring countries. Relevant border issues should be handled properly. A sound and stable #ChinaIndia relationship is in the interest of both countries, and conducive to the peace and development in this region and beyond. China is willing to work with India to push forward bilateral relations in the right direction. Delay in visa approval process hurting manufacturing capacities of Indian companies in India Companies feel that Indias industrial goals and the significant subsidies provided to manufacturers of electronics, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals are being undermined by the current restriction placed by the central government on China. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has aimed to position the country as an alternative manufacturing hub to China, with companies like Apple Inc. establishing production facilities in the country. Domestic manufacturers have claimed that visa restrictions against China are driving up costs, preventing investments, and diminishing Indian companies standing as trustworthy suppliers. The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) estimates that the border standoff with China has resulted in a US$15 billion production loss in the sector from 2020-2023 and the loss of 100,000 job opportunities. ICEA chairman Pankaj Mohindroo has emphasized that although the association recognizes Indias security needs, the central governments actions against Chinese firms have deterred many Chinese nationals from traveling to India for business opportunities. Visa approval process Over the years, the visa approval process for Chinese ventures and Chinese expert personnel has become more rigorous as it requires prior approval from the Indian central government. At present, the Ministry of Home Affairs is vetting SOPs for visas for Chinese experts required by manufacturing units beyond PLI sectors in India. While some relaxation might come on visas, the government appears not to be looking at other relaxations on conditions to facilitate Chinese presence in the Indian economy, including investment concessions. Media reports quoting electronics industry executives claim that 4,000 to 5,000 visa applications of Chinese technicians are awaiting central government clearance. These reports also said the restrictions have cost India around US$15 billion in production losses in the past four years. Conditions: Business visa granted to a Chinese/Foreign national 1. Chinese/Foreign National who wish to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture in India. 2. Chinese/Foreign nationals coming to India to purchase/sell industrial products or commercial products or consumer durables. 3. Chinese/Foreign Nationals coming to India for technical meetings/discussions, attending Board meetings, general meetings for providing business services support. 4. Chinese/Foreign Nationals coming to India for recruitment of manpower. 5. Chinese/Foreign Nationals who are partners in the Business and/or functioning as Directors of the company 6. Chinese/Foreign Nationals coming to India for consultations regarding exhibitions or for participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, business fairs, etc. 7. Chinese/Foreign buyers who come to transact business with suppliers/ potential suppliers at locations in India, to evaluate or monitor quality, give specifications, place orders, negotiate further supplies etc., relating to goods or services procured from India. 8. Chinese /Foreign experts & specialists on a visit of short duration in connection with an ongoing project with the objective of monitoring the progress of the work, conducting meetings or to provide technical guidance. 9. Chinese/Foreign Nationals coming to India for pre-sales or post-sales activity not amounting to actual execution of any contract or project. 10. Chinese/Foreign Trainees of multinational companies/corporate houses coming for in-house training in the regional hubs of the concerned company located in India. 11. Chinese/Foreign nationals coming as tour conductors and travel agents and /or conducting business tours of foreigners or business relating to it. Documents required for India Business Visa: Original (or copy) of the dispatch letter from the Company of the applicant Business license of applicants company and its authenticated English translation or CCPIT Registration Certificate of Incorporation A letter of request from any of the FAOs or SASAC or MFA (or any other duly authorised Chinese organisation) [This is applicable for applicants who are working with State Owned Enterprise (SOE) ] Business Visa Proforma be obtained from Indian Visa Application Centre. Certification of incorporation or registration of the Indian company or PAN of Indian company Itinerary of visit Sponsorship letter issued to the applicant by the Indian company for the grant of Business Visa under any specific schemes of the Government of India. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of RMB 1,00,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of RMB 1,00,000 Source: Embassy of India, Beijing, China Indias industries rely heavily on Chinese specialists because no other nation can provide the quality experts needed, and the majority of the machinery and components are imported from China. Taiwan, which leads the world in electronics, too, needs to depend on Chinese professionals. Chinese experts permits are also being sought after by Taiwanese technology makers operating in India. Conclusion India must work on relaxing the visa norms for Chinese technicians more swiftly with domestic manufacturers facing challenges such as lack of trust from suppliers and dip in investments from China. Since China continues to be a major source of expertise for Indias manufacturing sectors, streamlining the visa application procedure is essential to sustaining the growth of the countrys industrial sector. This is also particularly important for the success of varied PLI schemes and keeping foreign investment coming into the country. Despite the geopolitical tensions and stringent approval processes that have historically hindered Chinese ventures, the necessity of Chinese specialists remains paramount to Indian industries. While India is committed to fostering a conducive environment for domestic manufacturing, it must navigate complex international relations more carefully. With inputs from Melissa Cyrill. (US$1 = INR 83.44) The article was originally published on June 20, 2024. It was last updated on July 19, 2024. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Kolkata: E-commerce platform Amazon.in has launched Creator University, an education programme designed to equip content creators with the tools and knowledge necessary to prosper within the dynamic creator economy. The programme will cater to a broad spectrum of content creators, encompassing both established and aspiring influencers, according to a press release. Through a curated selection of resources, the program provides participants with the foundational knowledge and practical strategies to cultivate a sustainable business on the Amazon marketplace. Amazon.in has also launched the Creator Connect programme, which is a series of in-person events designed to foster connections, learning, and growth for creators within the Amazon ecosystem. These events are strategically timed around major sales and Amazon initiatives to achieve two goals: generate excitement for upcoming promotions and attract new creators to the Amazon Influencer Program. Creator Connect offers a variety of interactive experiences, including workshops led by influencers, opportunities to meet with Amazon leaders and established creators, product showcases, trend discussions, and more. The first Creator Connect event, "A Summer Escape," kicked off on June 3rd, 2024 in Mumbai and will focus on building a community of fashion and lifestyle creators coinciding with Amazon Fashion's Wardrobe Refresh Sale. "At Amazon, we recognize the immense influence content creators have on today's consumers. Creator University and Creator Connect is our way of empowering these creators, both established and aspiring, with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive within the Amazon ecosystem. Through these programs, creators will gain valuable resources, connect with industry leaders, and build a sustainable business on our platform. We are committed to fostering a collaborative community where creators can learn from each other and drive informed purchase decisions for our customers, said Kishore Thota, Director, Shopping Experience, India & Emerging Markets, Amazon. Some of the key benefits of Creator University include: expansive educational curriculum; insights from industry leaders; actionable strategies for success; collaborative community. Amazons previous programmes for Content Creators include Amazon Live - a unique live shopping program on Amazon.in where customers can directly interact with content creators who showcase products. Amazon.in also has Amazon Influencer Program is a vital resource for influencers to monetize their content. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video New Delhi/Patna/IBNS: Four men, who were arrested over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 , have confessed to Bihar Police that the question paper for the examination was leaked a day before the examination, in what could further raise questions on how the examinations are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), media reports said. The four men from Bihar are Anurag Yadav, Sikandar Yadavendu, Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand. Anurag, a NEET aspirant, admitted as quoted by NDTV, "I was made to read and memorize it at night. When I went for the exam, I found the same questions which I had memorized correctly. After the exam, the police came and caught me, and I confessed my crime." Yadavendu said that Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand told him that they could leak question papers of any examination and it would take Rs. 30-32 lakh to clear NEET. "I agreed and told them I have four boys (who need help in passing the exam). On June 4 night, I took them with me and Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand gave them the question paper. Out of greed, I had also asked them for 40 lakh each instead of 30 lakh," Yadavendu said as quoted by NDTV. The confessions come after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan claimed there was no evidence to substantiate the claims that the question paper was leaked and accused the Opposition of peddling lies. "No concrete evidence of any kind of rigging, corruption or paper leak has been found so far in the NEET exam. All the facts related to this are before the Supreme Court and are under consideration. "The kind of politics being done on this issue is only an attempt to spread confusion and it affects the mental peace of the students," Pradhan had said as quoted by NDTV. About 24 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG, a test to enter into medical colleges, on May 5 but charges of irregularities have been levelled after the results were announced. Apart from the question leak allegations, over 1,500 students were awarded grace marks. The Centre on June 13 told the Supreme Court, which pulled up the National Testing Agency on every hearing date, that the grace marks given to 1,563 students will be cancelled and they will be informed about their actual marks. The government told the court that the students will be given an option to appear for a retest on June 23. Over the last week, massive protests sweeped the country against the alleged irregularities cornered the Modi government, which has just come into office for the third term. Apart from NEET, the Centre faced flak over the UGC-NET examination- held for Assistant Professor recruitments in universities and colleges as well as to determine eligibility for junior research fellowships- which was on Wednesday cancelled by the Education Ministry a day after it was held. The ministry said it was announcing the cancellation of the June 2024 examination "to ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process" and that it will be held afresh at a date announced later. There have been reports of the paper of the examination being leaked, but this was not confirmed by the ministry. It said only that the matter had been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for investigation. The UGC-NET is conducted twice every year, in June and December. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Arvind Kejriwal New Delhi/IBNS: A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its judgement on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 's bail plea in the money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam, media reports said. The court has also reserved its judgement on Kejriwal's plea seeking his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, be allowed to be present in the proceedings virtually when he gets examined by the medical board. Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party supremo who was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate, was given an interim bail in May for a brief period until June 2 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls. He went back to the jail on June 2, the day next to the last phase poll date. The central investigative agency asserts that the Chief Minister played a central role in the scam and was directly implicated in soliciting kickbacks from liquor barons. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab, X/@dasadarshan Bengaluru/IBNS: Police probe into the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, who was allegedly killed by Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his aides, has revealed some chilling facts about how the victim was tortured to death. The probe has found out that Renukaswamy's testicles were ruptured and had an ear missing, media reports said. Renukaswamy's face was half-eaten by dogs when the victim's body was found in the drain. The victim was tied, beaten up with sticks and was given electric shocks before his body dumped in the drains of Kamakshipalya, probe report finds. Genesis of the murder According to police, the victim had posted an objectionable comment on Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda's Instagram handle accusing her of causing a rift between Thoogudeepa and his wife Vijaya Lakshmi. This happened after Pavithra posted an Instagram video celebrating his 10-year relationship with Darshan, who has been married to Vijaya Lakshmi for 20 years. Darshan's aides reportedly carried Renukaswamy in a taxi from Chitradurga to their Bengaluru hideout where they tortured the victim to death. After allegedly beating to death, Renukaswamy's body was dumped in a stormwater drain at an area which falls under Kamakshipalya Police Station. Police reportedly got to know from a food delivery man who saw a dog eating the body of the victim. Representative image/ courtesy: Pixabay New Delhi/IBNS: The Union Education Ministry on Thursday said a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the UGC-NET 2024 has been ordered, a day after the Centre cancelled the examination over possibilities of irregularities. Speaking to the media, Ministry of Education Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal said, "About 9 lakh students had participated in the UGC-NET which was held on June 18. On June 19, the UGC had received some inputs... "The ministry felt there were chances of the examination being compromised. The ministry has decided to cancel the examination for students' interest. The next date of examination will be announced soon." "The matter has been referred to CBI as well so that action can be taken against anyone who is involved," he added. #WATCH | Delhi: Ministry of Education Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal says, "9 lakh students had participated in the UGC-NET exam that the NTA conducted on June 18... The ministry saw that there was a chance that the examination had been compromised. The ministry has decided to pic.twitter.com/kVXTQKAq6G ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2024 Over 9 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, which is held for Assistant Professor recruitments in universities and colleges as well as to determine eligibility for junior research fellowships. In a statement, the Education Ministry said the June exam of the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) was conducted on Tuesday in OMR (pen and paper) mode in two shifts across the country. "On 19th June, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised," it said. The ministry said it was announcing the cancellation of the June 2024 examination "to ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process" and that it will be held afresh at a date announced later. There have been reports of the paper of the examination being leaked, but this was not confirmed by the ministry. It said only that the matter had been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for investigation. The UGC-NET is conducted twice every year, in June and December. Photo courtesy: X/AAP Kejriwal's lawyer had argued the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had no evidence against him. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo is expected to walk out of jail on Friday after the bail order reaches the authorities. His lawyer told the Delhi court that the ED's entire case against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief rested on statements given by those who turned approver in the case. The court denied the ED's request to allow at least 48 hours to sign the bail bond for the central agency to challenge it before the relevant court. "The statements are of those people who have confessed to being guilty. They are not saints here. They are those who are not only tainted, but it appears that some who were arrested were given a promise of bail, and promise of being granted pardon. Approvers. And there is another category who have not been arrested," Kejriwal's lawyer had said earlier today, after which the court had reserved its order, only to announce the bail around 8 pm. "Circumstances have to be so intrinsically linked (as to) lead to the guilt. These statements by tainted persons discredit the case of prosecution. There is no evidence that 100 crore came from 'South Group'. These are all statements. There is no evidence," the Chief Minister's lawyer said. He was referring to the ED claims that the 'South Group', a lobby from Telangana that allegedly conspired to grab liquor licenses in the national capital. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 over money laundering allegations while framing the Delhi liquor policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped after the Lieutenant Governor raised red flags. The ED has alleged the money Kejriwal got from the liquor sellers was used to fund the party's campaign in Goa since he is the convenor of the AAP. Kejriwal and the AAP have throughout maintained the Centre has been misusing its agencies to harass the Opposition with false cases. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab, Deepika Padukone Instagram profile Mumbai/IBNS: Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has been sailing through the social media since Wednesday evening when she arrived at a promotional event for her upcoming highly-anticipated film, Kalki 2898 AD. More than the film, the social media discussions were centred on Deepika's baby bump as the 38-year-old is expecting her first child in a few months' time. In the wee hours on Thursday, Deepika stormed into social media once again, courtesy her morning flight which she caught with husband, actor Ranveer Singh. As the two reportedly jetted off to London, Deepika, who was wearing a black dress with the same colour cardigan, was protectively taken inside the airport by her husband. In the trending videos, Ranveer, who too was wearing black attires, was refusing to let go of Deepika's hands. Ahead of the Kalki event on Wednesday, Deepika sweeped the internet dropping some pictures of her baby bump. In a new Instagram post, Deepika is seen wearing a black midi dress which was her attire for the evening. In the caption, she wrote, "Okay enoughNow Im hungry!" In another Instagram video, Deepika was seen getting up from her sofa to take the dias while her co-star, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, helped her. Deepika, who is married to popular Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, announced her pregnancy on February 29, 2024. The couple are expecting their first child in September 2024. Image Credit : Video grab Mecca: Over 1,000 pilgrims have died during this year's hajj as of Thursday due to extreme heat in Saudi Arabia' pilgrim town Mecca, according to AFP. As per the latest report, out of the total fatalities, 90 were from India, with the number set to rise further. The news agency, citing diplomats, reported on Thursday that at least 600 Egyptian pilgrims had died, highlighting the oppressive heat worsening conditions of the pilgrimage in this year's sweltering temperatures. This figure was 323 on Tuesday, with most succumbing to heat-related illnesses, two Arab diplomats told AFP. "All of them (the Egyptians) died because of the heat," except for one who sustained fatal injuries during a minor crowd crush, one of the diplomats said. The diplomat added that the total figure came from the hospital morgue in the Al-Muaisem neighbourhood of Mecca. According to the report, unregistered pilgrims accounted for more than half of the deaths. According to an Arab diplomat, 630 of the deceased Egyptian pilgrims were unregistered pilgrims. Furthermore, Egyptian officials in Saudi Arabia received 1,400 reports of missing pilgrims, including the confirmed dead. Fatalities have been confirmed from several countries, including Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, though specific causes were not always disclosed. Jordanian officials reported 20 missing pilgrims, with 80 initially unaccounted for who were later found in hospitals. Saudi Arabia has not released overall fatality figures but reported over 2,700 cases of "heat exhaustion" on Sunday alone. Last year, over 200 pilgrims, mostly from Indonesia, were reported dead. Social media platforms have been flooded with photos and information requests for the missing, as families frantically search for their loved ones amid the rising death toll. More than 1.8 million people are taking part in this year's Hajj, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, according to the Saudi government. Last year, only 240 pilgrim deaths were reported, most of them Indonesians. However, Saudi Arabia's health ministry has denied any heat-related deaths. On Monday, the ministry stated that there were no significant heat-related deaths among this year's pilgrims. Reuters cited Jameel Abualenain, a health ministry official, who attributed the deaths to varied health conditions and pre-existing illnesses among the pilgrims. Photo courtesy: Video grab Chinese military personnel attacked two Philippine navy boats in the South China Sea, and boarded them with axes, spears, machetes, and hammers to inflict damage, media reported. This aggressive stance in a contested area of the South China Sea echoed China's 2020 Galwan Valley assault, evoking comparisons by Indians who referred to it as "Galwan 2.0 in the South China Sea". As Chinese soldiers took to primitive means to attack Filipino ships, sirens blared, alerting them about the attack. The bloody brawl escalated and heated exchanges between the troops unfolded, with multiple Filipino soldiers sustaining injuries, including one who lost his right thumb during the altercation. In the skirmish, the Chinese not only damaged the boats but also seized eight M4 rifles, packed navigation equipment, and other provisions, as reported by The Associated Press on Tuesday. This incident drew unsettling parallels to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash involving the People's Republic of China and the Indian Army, eliciting question from Vice Admiral Girish Luthra whether these were "China's Galwan-type tactics at sea". "The Philippines military says Chinese coastguard boarding parties used swords, knives, spears etc, and injured Philippine personnel in the fight, in the incident off Second Thomas/Ayungin Shoal. China's Galwan-type tactics at sea," Girish Luthra, the former chief of the Indian Navy's Western and Southern Naval Command wrote on X. Galwan Clash The Galwan skirmish erupted from a dispute over a temporary bridge built by the Chinese in the Galwan River valley in Ladakh. On June 15, Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a six-hour clash in the rugged terrain of Ladakh, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with makeshift weapons such as stones, batons, and iron rods. The face-off occurred in near-complete darkness and freezing temperatures, leading to fatalities as soldiers fell or were pushed from ridges. Twenty Indian soldiers were martyred in the clash, while China officially acknowledged four casualties, although reports indicate higher Chinese losses, as soldiers drowned in the choppy waters of the Galwan River. Among the Indians, Colonel B Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of the 16th Bihar Regiment, was martyred during the unprovoked aggression by PLA troops. The Galwan clashes highlighted China's aggressive stance towards its neighbouring countries. Many observers on social media noted similarities between the Chinese attack on Philippine navy ships and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. South China dispute The South China Sea has been a longstanding source of territorial disputes involving China and neighbouring countries the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan. China's assertive claims over nearly all of the South China Sea have escalated tensions in the region. Recent acts of Chinese aggression have heightened concerns about the potential for military conflicts. In order back its persistent aggression in the South China Sea, China enacted a law in 2021. This law grants the Chinese coast guard authority to seize foreign vessels that allegedly trespass into China's territorial waters and detain their crews for up to 60 days. The implementation of this law faced opposition from several littoral states' governments, including those of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It has contributed further to the strained relations and heightened maritime tensions in the South China Sea region. The excitement level of fans is only rising as the premiere date of the most controversial reality show is approaching. Everyone is eager to know who will be locked up in the house for two months without any contact with the outside world. After Delhi's Vada Pav Girl aka Chandrika Dixit, three other names have emerged as confirmed contestants for Bigg Boss OTT 3. Naezy, Deepak Chaurasia and Munisha Khatwani confirmed for Bigg Boss OTT 3 1. Naezy Naezy, born Naved Shaikh, is an Indian rapper known for his gritty and authentic portrayal of life in Mumbai's slums through his music. Born in the bustling streets of Kurla, Mumbai, Naezy shot to fame with his debut track Aafat in 2014, which he recorded using an iPad. His rapid-fire delivery in Hindi and Urdu, combined with street-smart lyrics, resonated deeply with audiences. Do you know his life story along with Divine's inspired 2019 Bollywood film Gully Boy. Naezy co-created the iconic track with Divine Mere Gully Mein, which became an anthem celebrating the spirit and struggles of Mumbai's youth. 2. Deepak Chaurasia Also Read: Bigg Boss OTT 3: Anil Kapoor teases mobile phones in the house What else can viewers expect? Deepak Chaurasia is a prominent Indian journalist known for his bold reporting has been a significant figure in Indian television journalism. He has worked with prominent news channels such as Aaj Tak and India TV. Known for his straightforward and sometimes controversial style of journalism, often delving into sensitive political and social issues, he has covered a wide range of topics, from politics and governance to social justice and human interest stories, contributing to shaping public discourse in India. Chaurasia's reporting has occasionally sparked debate and controversy, reflecting his commitment to uncovering truths and holding those in power accountable through his investigative journalism and sharp analysis. 3. Munisha Khatwani X Also Read: From Vada Pav Girl to Mika Singh, here's Bigg Boss OTT 3 confirmed contestants list Munisha Khatwani is a well-known astrologer and tarot card reader based in Mumbai who has worked with many news channels and also Bollywood stars and other prominent personalities. She is known for her expertise in tarot and astrology. With a career spanning over two decades, Munisha is celebrated for her accurate predictions. On Radhika Merchants 22nd birthday, Anant Ambani, the younger son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, penned a heartfelt love letter that has now been immortalised in a unique and touching way. For the first event of her pre-wedding Mediterranean cruise in May, Radhika wore a bespoke Robert Wun gown that was printed with Anants love letter. This is what Anant Ambani wrote for Radhika Merchant in a love letter years ago Newly released photos of Radhika, shared by stylist Rhea Kapoor, show her beaming in the black and white gown. The exquisite creation features lengths of French chiffon encrusted with crystals, elegantly displaying the cherished words from Anant. I always dreamt of finding someone like you. You have beaten my dream totally, reads the poignant letter from Anant Ambani to Radhika Merchant. In an interview with Vogue, Radhika revealed the significance of the letter, which Anant had written to her on her 22nd birthday. He wrote me this long letter on my birthday about what I mean to him, she shared. I wanted it for posterity - I want to be able to show it to my kids and grandkids and say that this is what our love was. Also Read: Radhika Merchant opens up about Anant's love letter on gown: 'I want my kids & grandkids to see it' Radhika Merchant opens up about Anant's love letter on gown: 'I want my kids & grandkids to see it'/Vogue IG The couples impending nuptials are set to be a grand affair, with the wedding expected to take place in Mumbai next month. Radhika Merchant is the daughter of Encore Healthcare CEO Viren Merchant and his wife, Shaila Merchant. In the lead-up to their big day, the Ambani family hosted two lavish pre-wedding galas for their friends, family, and select employees. The first was a three-day bash in Jamnagar this March, attended by high-profile guests including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. The celebrations featured performances by popular artists such as Diljit Dosanjh and Rihanna, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Following the Jamnagar festivities, the Ambani and Merchant families embarked on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise with stops across Europe. Radhikas love letter-printed gown was a highlight of the first night of this cruise, which concluded with a surprise performance by the Backstreet Boys. As Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant prepare to embark on their new journey together, the love letter gown stands as a beautiful symbol of their deep affection and the extraordinary bond they share. Also Read: Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant Cruise Party: Actors who were not invited for the pre-wedding bash For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who featured in Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur recently talked about his relationship with the director. In an interview, the actor thanked Kashyap for bringing him to major events like Cannes even though they are not even friends Nawazuddin Siddiqui said during a conversation with IndianExpress, With time people saw my work and started appreciating it. If your work is good, people will appreciate it, thanks to Anurag Kashyap who introduced me to a big platform. When I went to Cannes, there were so many people who had seen my work. A lot of the films that he has directed and I have acted in, have gone to Cannes, so Anurag is a special director for me. imdb Nawaz then went on to add, Anurag and I are not even friends, frankly speaking. If we sit together we might not even talk to each other for hours. We are like that. We have flown together, travelled together for 5-6 hours without saying a word, maybe well ask if you have matchsticks, or come, lets eat something or drink. We only discuss these things. We dont talk much. But Anurag has a special place in my heart. I always want him to be healthy and make films even if he doesnt cast me in them. Anurag should always keep making films. Kabhi koi aanch nahi aani chaahiye Anurag ko bass (Anurag should never have any problems), he concluded. Also read: When And Where To Watch Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Haddi - Film Based On A Transgenders Life In the same interview, he discussed how he had occasionally been turned down because of his appearance. This was all prior to the release of Gangs of Wasseypur. He acknowledged that it bothered him that people would treat actors in that manner. He added, I felt ajeeb (weird). Tick-tock! At a bustling Mumbai office, being fashionably late just got a lot less fashionable. A Mumbai-based beauty brand recently introduced a strict rule to ramp up productivity among employees but interestingly, it backfired on the founder himself. Representative image/ dreamstime.com Kaushal Shah, founder of Evor Beauty, recently implemented a new office policy requiring all staff to arrive promptly by 9:30 am. Those arriving late would face a Rs 200 penaltya move intended to boost office productivity. However, Shah soon found himself on the receiving end of his own rule. Within two weeks, he had already paid out Rs 1,000 in fines for arriving late. X Taking to social media platform X, Shah candidly shared his experience, admitting the unforeseen costs incurred due to the new policy. "Last week, I introduced a strict rule for everyone to be in the office by 9:30 am (previously, we were arriving around 10-11 am) and if late, pay 200 as penalty," he explained in a post. He even posted a screenshot of his own transaction as proof, humorously lamenting, "This is me paying it for the 5th time." Reflecting on the incident, Shah emphasised a crucial leadership principle: "If you establish a rule for your employees, you must be the first to follow it." Unsplash The response from readers was mixed, with some poking fun at Shah's payments, suggesting he was essentially paying into his own account. One comment read, "Paying to whom? Your current account." Another questioned, "Did productivity go up or just number of hours slogging went up?" Yet another pointed out the possible ill consequences of this: "This is horrible. didn't expect this from you. bro to save the 200 rs someone can rush what if they get into an accident or something. don't play with low earning people." For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Blowing a conch shell isn't for the faint-hearted (or the faint-lunged, rather!). Many who attempt it find themselves producing a jarring sound that belies their efforts. Yet, amidst a distinguished audience including Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ram Janam from UP defied expectations, holding the stage with an impressive conch-blowing session that resonated for an astonishing 2 minutes and 40 seconds. 63-year-old Ram Janam Yogi, draped in a saffron robe, captivated audiences with his extraordinary conch blowing, sustaining the resonant sound for an impressive 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Ramjanam Yogi/ X Hailing from Chaubepur in Varanasi, Ram Janam has honed his craft over decades, mastering the art of prolonged conch blowing that transcends mere skill to become a spiritual expression. Born and raised in Varanasi, Ram Janam began his conch blowing journey at the age of eight, standing outside a Hanuman temple near his home. What started as a youthful fascination turned into a lifelong pursuit of mastery, where he learned the delicate balance of breath control and rhythmic precision required to maintain an uninterrupted flow of sound. His dedication led him to participate in the vibrant Ramleela performances in Kashi during his early days, where his melodic conch blowing became a cherished part of local traditions. Ramjanam Yogi Over the years, Ram Janam's talent has garnered admiration beyond the temple grounds. His quest for excellence has even led him to apply for a Guinness World Record, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his art. Known reverently as "Shankh Maharaj," Ram Janam Yogi's exceptional ability has not only earned him local acclaim but also caught the attention of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. Watch the video of his performance here: #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Ramjanam Yogi blows conch at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. pic.twitter.com/ZrafwVYS8W ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2024 In the comments, people praised his skill. One said, "Rarest of the rare! Almost more than a minute and a half of Shankhnaad! Amazing breath control of this yogi. Hats off." Another commented, "Really adbhut aur akalpneey. How one can do it for more than 150 seconds." Yet another remarked, "Now that's what you call breathtaking', like literally." Indeed. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In Telanganas Adilabad district, the police headquarters recently held a special retirement ceremony for Tara, a dedicated member of their dog squad. Tara, a Labrador Retriever renowned for her expertise in detecting explosives, concluded 12 years of distinguished service, as reported by various sources. The event was captured in a video shared on X by @pintodeepakD, which was captioned, Retirement ceremony of Tara, a member of Adilabads dog squad and an expert in detecting explosives. She belongs to the Labrador Retriever family and served the dept for 11 years. #Telangana #PoliceDog #K9Unit @TOIHyderabad @adilabad_sp @TelanganaDGP @revan. In the footage, Tara is seen receiving a marigold garland, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the assembled police personnel. Following this, a shawl was placed over her as a mark of honor. As more garlands and shawls were added, the police team continued to applaud and cheer for Tara. She appeared to enjoy the attention and affection during her send-off. Retirement ceremony of Tara, a member of Adilabad's dog squad and an expert in detecting explosives. She belongs to the Labrador Retriever family and served the dept for 11 years.#Telangana #PoliceDog #K9Unit@TOIHyderabad @adilabad_sp @TelanganaDGP @revan pic.twitter.com/5VbJWS0hLC Pinto Deepak (@PintodeepakD) June 19, 2024 Throughout her career, Tara played a critical role in ensuring safety by detecting hazardous materials such as RDX, TNT, PEK, Cordex, and various types of ammunition. Her sharp senses and unwavering dedication were instrumental in averting potential threats, particularly during high-profile events and VIP visits. Also Read: Dog Wearing 'Coca Cola' Band In Viral Video Gets Noticed By The Company The ceremony was attended by Superintendent of Police Gaush Alam, who honored Tara with flowers and commended her invaluable contributions to the department. Taras handler, Somanna, highlighted their strong bond and shared their achievements in maintaining the district's safety. X Reacting to the video, one user commented, Mans best friend indeed. Another user humorously remarked, Shes probably wondering Wheres the treat, people? Shes one very beautiful lady. A third user noted, Good to see the celebration. Also Read: People create human chain to save dog trapped in water reservoir The heartwarming event highlighted the deep appreciation and respect the police force had for Taras service. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the Adilabad district police, who celebrated her contributions with much love and admiration. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, known for his radical attempts to extend human longevity, is making headlines again with his latest anti-aging experiment. Johnson, the CEO of neurotechnology firm Kernel, had previously made news by infusing his sons plasma to rejuvenate himself. Now, he claims to have slowed down aging through an unconventional DNA editing procedure on the remote island of Roatan, Honduras, in September 2023. Bryan Johnson Johnsons strict health regimen includes eating only between 4:30 and 11 am, going to bed by 8:30 pm, and consuming over 100 pills daily. Bryan Johnson undergoes gene therapy Johnson's latest endeavor involved spending $20,000 on a reversible gene therapy developed by Minicircle, a company known for its pioneering methods. He shared his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, Humans currently have a maximum lifespan of roughly 120 years. However, gene therapies have the potential to help break through that barrier. He emphasized that follistatin gene therapy, administered via two injections, has shown promise in extending lifespan by over 30 percent in mice. My six-month longevity gene therapy results are in... pic.twitter.com/w5uO9y2d4T Bryan Johnson /dd (@bryan_johnson) June 18, 2024 As per media reports, Minicircles Co-founder and CEO, Mac Davis, discussed significant improvements in epigenetic age and notable gains in muscular mass. Davis explained that the circular DNA loop, or plasmid, is designed to be easily manufactured and injected beneath the skin, potentially containing any gene beneficial to the human body. Also Read: Age-reversing Millionaire Bryan Johnson Recommends Eating This Daily If You Want To Have Great Skin Risks and concerns about gene therapy Johnson acknowledged the possible risks associated with gene therapy, which had previously prevented him and his team from using it. He mentioned that if his body reacted negatively, he might take tetracycline, an antibiotic that would swiftly kill and deactivate the implanted DNA molecules. Johnson's trip to Prospera, a city on Roatan, was motivated by the fact that the treatment has not received FDA approval in the US. Bryan Johnson Also Read: Millionaire Bryan Johnson claims his anti-aging regimen makes birthdays come every 19 months Jokingly, Johnson mentioned his various wellness practices, including using a 'blood boy,' monitoring nighttime erections, and regenerating his penis with shock therapy. He admitted that his therapies are quite varied but believes the gene therapy he is receiving in Honduras might be the best anti-aging treatment he has ever tried. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Mukesh Ambani, a leading figure in the business world, is the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). Under his leadership, RIL has become a global giant with interests in energy, petrochemicals, textiles, retail, and telecommunications. As of June 2024, Mukesh Ambani is the richest person in Asia and the 10th richest in the world, with a net worth of $116.1 billion. Reliance was founded by his late father, Dhirubhai Ambani, in 1966 as a small textile manufacturer. After Dhirubhai's death in 2002, Mukesh and his younger brother Anil divided the family business. India's richest man Mukesh Ambani was born in this country, not India! | X.com In 2023, Mukesh Ambani's three children joined Reliance's board. His son Akash leads Jio, daughter Isha oversees retail and financial services, and his younger son Anant is involved in the energy sector. While many know about Ambani's wealth and his luxurious home, Antilia, few are aware of his special connection to Yemen. Mukesh Ambani was born in Yemen when his father was working there before returning to India. READ ALSO: Next To Antilia: Meet Mukesh Ambanis Neighbour With Indias 2nd Most Expensive House Worth Rs 6000 Crore What is the connection between Mukesh Ambani and Yemen? Dhirubhai Ambani, whose full name was Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, started his career with humble beginnings and later transformed the Indian industrial landscape. He is renowned for his sharp business acumen and his significant impact on the Indian economy. Dhirubhai founded Reliance Industries and ventured into various businesses, leaving a lasting legacy. India's richest man Mukesh Ambani was born in this country, not India! | X.com In 1948, Dhirubhai Ambani went to work for A. Besse and Co. in Aden, Yemen, alongside his brother Ramaniklal. The company was a major trading firm in the east of Suez, Egypt, during the 1950s. There, Dhirubhai learned trading and accounting, honing his skills over the years. Dhirubhai's entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. He took the initiative to melt silver bullion and sell pure silver at a higher price, demonstrating his innovative approach to business. In 1955, at the age of 23, Dhirubhai married Kokilaben, who was 21. Kokilaben later spoke of the support she received from her husband during their early years away from family in India. India's richest man Mukesh Ambani was born in this country, not India! | X.com In 1957, Kokilaben gave birth to Mukesh Ambani in Aden. The following year, Dhirubhai moved his family to Mumbai, India, where they settled in a two-bedroom apartment in Bhuleshwar. They were later blessed with three more children: Anil, Nina, and Dipti Ambani. READ ALSO: Mukesh Ambani's Rs 592 Crore UK Hotel: The Stunning Wedding Venue For Anant Ambani And Radhika; Check Pics For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here All the big tech CEOs are no less than celebrities in the business world. One of the highest paid CEOs, Satya Nadella has been inspiring the masses with his impressive work for tech giant Microsoft which has a market cap of over 3 trillion dollars. He is not just an idol for the commoners but even co-founder Bill Gates is mighty impressed by him. Satya Nadella, renowned for his visionary leadership and inspiring career path, frequently makes headlines with business updates and new product launches at Microsoft. While the world is constantly updated about his work, lets do a deep dive into his personal life. Meet Anupama Nadella, Satyas wife who is a daughter of an IAS officer Good Housekeeping Anupama Nadella, also known as Anu, was born in New Delhi to KR Venugopal, an IAS officer. She completed her education in Hyderabad and holds a degree in architecture from Manipal University. According to reports, Anupama's father had the honor of serving under former Indian Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. Satya Nadella and Anupama's fathers were reportedly batchmates in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Satya Nadella's father, B. N. Yugandhar, was a respected civil servant in the Indian Administrative Service, while his mother, Prabhavati Nadella, is a Sanskrit scholar. The entrepreneur consistently praises his parents and attributes his achievements to their influence. Satya has frequently underscored the crucial role of a supportive family in his journey to success. Despite her husband's career prominence, Anupama chose to prioritize homemaking, reportedly forgoing her professional pursuits to focus on raising their children. Also Read: Inside The Life of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: Multimillion-Dollar Net Worth And Stunning Mansions Did you know that Satya Nadella gave up his green card for his lady love Anupama? The Street Satya Nadella tied the knot with Anu in 1992. When Satya Nadella and Anupama got married, Satya was already a permanent resident of the US. Despite Satya being a green card holder, Anupama's visa application was initially rejected by the US, forcing the couple to spend limited time together using tourist visas. To facilitate Anupama's ability to join him in the US more easily, Satya Nadella relinquished his green card and secured an H-1B visa, navigating through the complexities of immigration regulations. The couple had three children, two daughters and a son. Unfortunately, Satya Nadellas family suffered a major setback when his 26-year-old son passed away In 2022, Anupama and Satya Nadella faced a heartbreaking tragedy when their 26-year-old son, Zain Nadella, who had cerebral palsy, passed away unexpectedly. Despite openly discussing the challenges of raising a child with special needs, the loss came as a profound shock to the couple. Following their son's untimely death, Anupama Nadella pledged to make a positive difference in the lives of children facing similar special conditions. Also Read: From Sundar Pichai To Laxman Narsimhan: Net Worth Of Richest Indian-Origin CEOs Anupama Nadellas philanthropic work Since her son's diagnosis with cerebral palsy, Anupama has been actively involved with Seattle Children's Hospital, contributing to advancements in children's health. She has also made substantial philanthropic gestures, including a donation of Rs 2 crore to support the livelihood of farmers and women in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. Additionally, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Anupama reportedly donated Rs 2 crore to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund in India. Satya Nadella received Padma Bhushan award in 2022 PTI In recent years, Satya Nadella has garnered numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the technology sector through Microsoft. A significant highlight came in 2022 when the Government of India honored Satya Nadella with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. The Padma Bhushan is one of India's highest civilian awards, recognizing Nadella's exceptional achievements in technology and business. A wildfire that threatened eastern Attica has been contained, but much of the country remains on high alert for more brush fires sparking, authorities say. They say at least nine regions, including greater Athens, units of Euboea, Boeotia, Lesbos, Chios, Corinthia, Argolis, and Laconia, required vigilance and preparedness. are crucial. Authorities have alerted relevant state agencies, regional authorities, and municipalities in these areas to be on high alert for potential fire incidents. A total of 155 firefighters, four ground teams, 45 vehicles, six aircraft, and 12 helicopters are deployed to prevent and combat wildfires. Additionally, citizens have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid actions that could inadvertently spark fires, such as burning dry grass, using machinery that generates sparks, outdoor grilling, and discarding lit cigarettes. The burning of agricultural fields is strictly prohibited during the summer season here. Meantime, a blaze that raged unchecked in low vegetation along Vari-Koropi Avenue near the Hellenic Army Academy, is no longer active. Authorities suspect arson as the cause of the fire. Footage captured in the vicinity shows an individual setting fire to dry grass. A fuel canister and rags were also discovered near the ignition point, according to Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias. The Anti-Arson Crimes Directorate and police are currently gathering evidence and video footage for further investigation. iefimerida.gr Hezbollah leader Hassanthreatens that if Israel opens a total war against the Iran-backed terror group in Lebanon , the Jewish state must prepare for attacks from the ground, the air and the sea , and the situation in the Mediterranean will change completely. The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old passenger who attempted to steal an airport cab from the driver. Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, the commands spokesperson, confirmed the arrest to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday. According to Hundeyin, the cab driver reported the matter to the Alausa Police Division about 1:40 a.m. on June 11. Advertisement He stated that the driver reported that at around 1:20 a.m. on June 11, while on a driving service in Ajahs Chevron neighbourhood, he was stopped by the suspect, who pretended to be a passenger. According to him, the taxi driver claimed that the suspect asked him to take him to the shrine in Agidigbi, Alausa district of Ikeja, and that after agreeing on the fare, they both began the journey to the destination. READ MORE: God Called Me Because Of My Stubbornness, You Cant Do His Work Without It Pastor Yul Edochie Reveals On getting to the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by 7UP Alausa Ikeja, the suspect, who was sitting beside him, suddenly brought out a knife from his bag and attacked him in an attempt to snatch his Toyota Camry car. In the process, the driver sustained a deep knife cut on his hand while trying to struggle with the suspect. He quickly raised an alarm, and some good Nigerians came to his rescue while the suspect took to his heels. However, after a hot chase, he was later arrested by the anti-crime team of Alausa Police Division, he said. According to Hundeyin, the suspect was taken to the station with the car as an exhibit while the inquiry was underway. Protesters under the umbrella of Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance, have stormed the State Government House, Kaduna, to demand the probe of former Governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the protesters were seen, on Thursday, trekking from the popular UTC bust stop along Sokoto Road to the main entrance into Sir Kashim Ibrahim, in the state capital. They carried placards with inscriptions such as We will occupy all MDAs to chase out all indicted persons in the report, Stop servicing all loans that did not follow due process before they were obtained, Jimi Lawal almost killed Kaduna State the way he killed a bank some years ago, among others. Advertisement Recall that on March 30th, 2024, the incumbent Governor, Uba Sani, revealed during a town hall meeting that the state faced a substantial debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities inherited from El-Rufais administration. READ MORE: Urgently Invite EFCC, ICPC To Investigate El-Rufai, Others Kaduna PDP To Gov Sani Sani revealed that this led to over 70% of the states allocation being used to service the inherited debt. The protesters called on the Governor to invite officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other relevant agencies to arrest and prosecute El-Rufai over his administrations indictment to the tune of N423 billion. Addresing newsmen at the protest ground, the chairman of the protesting group, Comrade Victor Duniya, said that the group was at the government house to express their grievances over the previous administration. He said: We, the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance appreciate your presence as we express our grievances today. Our state has endured financial mismanagement, abuse of power, and a growing debt burden for the past eight years. The most troubling finding was the diversion of 10.5 billion naira meant for pastoral nomadism and the construction of the Milk Industry at Damau, Kubau LGA, for the construction of Galaxy Mall, Kaduna. Additionally, the report uncovered overpayments to contractors, payments to unregistered companies, and funds disbursed for work not completed, amounting to over 36.3 billion. The report also revealed large sums of money withdrawn from the state treasury without proper documentation of its usage. Furthermore, an expenditure of over 11 billion on a non-existent MRT transportation scheme was documented with no evidence to support it. Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps have arrested no fewer than 48 suspected criminals for various crimes in different parts of the state. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that two of the suspects, said to be females, were nabbed for crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, burglary, bank fraud, cultism, theft, assault, disobedience to the anti-open grazing law in the state, among others. Advertisement Some items said to have been stolen from their victims were also recovered from the suspects and displayed include two cars, a generating set, some clothing materials, electric transformer cables, and some fake dollar notes. Parading the suspects before newsmen at the headquarters of Amotekun Corps in Akure, on Wednesday, the Commander of the Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that all the suspects, some of whom were caught in the act, confessed to the crime. READ MORE: Amotekun Nabs Man For Allegedly Keeping Housewife As Sex Slave In Osun He said: The signals we are sending to criminals is that Ondo State is not a place where they can stay. We want them to know that even as a kidnapper, once you kidnap, you cant get away with it. If you steal cars, you cant get away with it. If you break houses, well pick you. So, what is the point of doing what you know you wont get away with?. The uniqueness of todays parade is because the criminal activities spread across kidnapping, stealing of cows, attempted murder, fraud and illegal counterfeiting of money, cultism, illegal migration and stealing of planks, burglary, arson, anti-grazing activities and vandalisation of critical government assets. So, all they need to tell the victims is to go home and bring all their valuables for these counterfeit dollars. As I said, we have 48 suspects today and all of these suspects have been profiled and will be taken to the next level which is the appropriate court of law to try their cases and those that are found wanting will be sent to the correctional home. Kidnapping in Ondo state has gone down by 90 percent and the remaining 10 percent, we only have them in the boarders, the extreme. But in all of these few occasions, we ensure that we rescue the victims and the suspects are made to face the music. An Akure High Court, in Ondo state has declared as illegal of the creation of 33 Local Government Development Areas by the State government. Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye, on Thursday, in his verdict described the LCDAS signed into law by late governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as inchoate and not lawfully created. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that Akeredolu had in September 2023, signed the bill establishing the councils into law after it was passed by the state House of Assembly members. Advertisement The newly created LCDAs are co-existing with the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, bringing the total into 51. READ MORE: Unlawful Arrest: Ondo Court Orders Police To Pay N.25m Fine Justice Adebusoye in his judgment agreed with the suit of the Akoko leaders and held that the creation of the LCDAs did not comply with sections 7 and 8 of the 1999 constitution and that there was no equitable distribution of the council areas among the existing local governments. Reacting to the development, the leaders under the leadership of registered trustees of Akoko Development Initiative (ADI) who filed the suit on behalf of themselves and the people of Akoko land, hailed the decision of the court to nullify the creation of the LCDAs. The leaders in a statement signed by the claimants in the suit including former Speaker of State House of Assembly, Hon. Bakitta Bello, Matthew Ofosile, and Lawal Rogbitan said the judgment of the court represented the true position of law and the aspiration of the people of the four local governments of Akoko. The statement partly reads: The Court did not only make informed declarations that support our position, it granted sufficient reliefs to safeguard the aspirations of the Akoko people and indeed, other ethnic groups in Ondo State to coexist with one another in a peaceful environment conducive for even and sustainable development in our political, social, religious and economic life. Well-known Nigerian artist, David Adeleke, better known by his stage as Davido, has taken his first childs mother, Sophia Momodu, to court in an attempt to get shared custody of their daughter. Olaniyi Arije, Okey Barrah, and other attorneys for Davido filed the lawsuit on April 17, 2024, at the Lagos State High Court. Davido reportedly asked the court for an order granting him unfettered and unrestricted access to Miss Imade. Advertisement The only respondent named in the lawsuit, LD/1587PMC/2024, is Ms. Sophia Momodu, whereas the applicant is Mr. David Adedeji Adeleke. Davido stated that he had regularly met his financial commitments for their childs well-being, including bearing the costs of Imades education. He claimed to have paid all of Imades school expenses, as well as the rent for the flat where Sophia Momodu and their daughter live. According to him, despite his efforts, Sophia has been making unreasonable demands that appear to be intended to irritate and frustrate him. He said that she declined his offer to provide a magnificent condominium worth N200 million in a gated community on Victoria Island, Lagos, but asked that he continue to pay N5,000,000 per year for a rented facility as his contribution to their daughters accommodation. READ MORE: Davido Ripped Me, Instead Of Giving Me Verse; He Used Me To Trend Portable Claims Davido said to ensure that the interest of Imade was well-catered for, I bought a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle for the use of the child and the respondent to meet the transport needs, including transportation of the child to and from school, etc. He added that sometime last year, he received a call from her daughters school that Imade had been absent for two weeks, and upon his inquiry from Momodu, She began to make excuses and complained that the Range Rover SUV was not in a good condition, however, she refused to inform me about that. He continued, Sequel to the information about the said condition of the vehicle, I provided another vehicle, Highlander SUV, and in addition, the sum of N5.8m as requested by her for the repair of the Range Rover SUV, making it two vehicles in the custody and use of the respondent and our daughter. I also made commitments to pay for living expenses, the fees of the nanny to our child, provide medical and health care, insurance, periodic international travel expenses and tickets. Notwithstanding my efforts in the overall interest of my daughter, the respondent has continued to make outlandish and Utopian demands to frustrate me. The respondent, among others, is demanding that I should pay the nanny she hired the sum of $800 per month, and that the total sum of $19,600 per annum be paid as a lump sum. Davido added that despite his contribution towards ensuring a better life for their daughter, the respondent has continued to show me unwarranted cruelty, inflicting so much pain on me. SEE BELOW: The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced the expulsion of former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, from the Party. The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the Party, Dan Orbih, was equally expelled. Advertisement As contained in a Wednesday statement issued in Benin by the Partys Publicity Secretary, Ogie Vasco, the duo were expelled for anti-party activities, For same reason, Vasco also announced the expulsion of Omorgie Ihama, a former House of Representatives member, who represented Oredo Federal Constituency. According to him, the decision was taken at a meeting attended by nine members of the State Working committee at the Party secretariat. The SWC has extensively deliberated on the issue and resolved to expel, with immediate effect, Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman South South. READ ALSO: Kano APC Calls For Kwankwasos Arrest After Accusing FG Of Fueling Insecurity It also decided to expel Phillip Shaibu and upheld the expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama from Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area, he said. Reacting, Orbih told newsmen the body had no powers to suspend a member of the National Working Committee or expel anybody without following the provision of the partys constitution. When a group of persons sits down to make pronouncement that are unconstitutional it only showed that they are ignorant of the constitution of the party. That is all I have to say about that and nothing more, Orbih told newsmen. Information Nigeria reports that Shaibu had made substantial donations to the campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo. He donated over 50 Toyota Sienna buses, music trucks, and his well-furnished campaign secretariat office to the APCs Okpebholo/DENCO Campaign Organization. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has rescued students who are indigenes studying at an Indian university, SRI SAI, who the previous administration abandoned. The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this weeks Executive Council meeting, chaired by the Governor. According to Kanu, the State Executive Council deliberated on the case of Abia students before they were rescued. Advertisement He said that the Governor had approved that their fees be paid to enable them to continue with their studies at the Indian university. READ ALSO: Biafra Day: Gov Otti Visits Families Of Slain Soldiers, Vows To Fish Out Perpetrators Following Governor Alex Ottis interest and the high premium he placed on students, the governor has graciously approved the payment of school fees of Abia students in India. He also approved the payment of school fees of 271 Abia students in Nigeria Law Schools, the Commissioner said. He also disclosed that the Governor appointed Njoku Ukoha Njoku as his new Chief Press Secretary (CPS). The new CPS replaced Kazie UkoKazie Uko, who has been the Governors Chief scribe since May 2023. Kanu explained that the replacement of Ukoh was part of Governor Ottis plan to rejig the media team of his administration, stressing that the new CPS, Mr Ukoha is renowned for his experience in advocacy and media management and would bring his expertise and passion for writing to bear. The House of Representatives Committee on Defence, on Wednesday, commended the military for working relentlessly to protect the nation. Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the Committee, via a statement, said the military has recorded many successful operations across the country. Advertisement According to him, the successes achieved in various theatres of operations across the country underpins the bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the nations military to protecting Nigerians. The recent successes of our Armed Forces in various operations across the country are highly commendable. These victories not only reflect the strategic prowess of our military leadership but also the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, airmen, and ratings. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their relentless efforts to protect our nation, the statement read. Pinpointing the success of the military in the fight against insurgency and banditry, Benson said troops under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have continually neutralised terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region through a series of daring operations. He added that: In one of such operation conducted on 15 June 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents. Additionally, in Abia States Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have impressively intensified their efforts against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). READ ALSO: Unknown Gunmen Storm Benue Community, Kill Six Villagers Our troops raided and cleared IPOB/ESN camps in the Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA), thereby liberating the communities from the clenches of miscreants and terrorists. Similarly, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, the Chairman noted that the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. This site contained unspecified quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO. This operation underscores the Nigerian Navys proactive efforts to protect national assets and ensure the sustainable management of Nigerias natural resources. In addition, the Nigerian Air Force carried out impressive airstrikes on June 17, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists. These strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the northwest and northeast, have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents. He however pledged the Committees support for the personnel of the armed forces, saying their welfare will the prioritised. The House of Representatives remains committed to supporting our Armed Forces in every possible way. We understand the importance of providing adequate resources and legislative backing to ensure the effectiveness of our military operations. Rest assured, we will continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of our troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency, he assured. Abdulmumuni Abiola, son of the late Chief MKO Abiola, who died in custody on July 7, 1998, has stated that his elder brother, Kola Abiola, was dating Ibrahim Badamosi Babangidas daughter while their father was still in prison. Abiola died in prison after former military dictator Ibrahim Babangida nullified his election on June 12, 1993, and imprisoned him in 1994 for declaring himself president. Abdulmumuni made this statement while appearing on Mic On, a podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, a prominent Channels TV presenter. Advertisement Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Abdulmumunis mother, was assassinated in June 1996 by state agents related directly to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, while attempting to carry out her husbands June 12, 1993 presidential election victory. When asked if he held Kola responsible for the way things had turned out and if he thought Abiolas legacy would have been appropriately preserved instead of how it is now, Mumuni said, I definitely do because he was in a better position, especially after the whole crisis. He could have been a strong voice for a true democracy but he chose not to. Apparently when my father was still in jail, he was having a relationship with Babangidas daughter. READ MORE: Ojude Oba Festival: No One Is Interested In Your Fashion Parade; End Cultism, Money Rituals In Ogun Kemi Olunloyo To Governor Abiodun Abdulmumuni added It is just sad that my father cant come out to see what his first son has turned out to be. I am unhappy and I think Nigerian people are unhappy. We saw how many people voted for him when he said he wanted to be President. How could he be a president? He cannot manage Abiolas empire, does he want to manage Nigeria? He doesnt deserve a high position. I told him he was not going to use my money to campaign, that he should give me my money. He owes me a lot. Watch him speak below Temidayo Olagundoye, the head of a syndicate that deals in counterfeit money in Ondo State, admitted on Wednesday that his group had deceived 16 people using fake dollar bills. Olagundoye, 53, who described how his crew defrauds naive customers via the one-chance cab business, revealed that the charm used on victims during the illegal conduct was fake. While being paraded among other suspects at the headquarters of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, better known as Amotekun Corps, the suspect revealed that he decided to commit the act after being duped by scammers in Abuja. Advertisement READ MORE: Seun Kuti Claims Burna Boy Wrongly Credited For His Achievements In Music Industry I have been involved in one-chance operations and defrauding people for over three years. Our route is along the Ondo/Akure/Osogbo/Ife highway. After some unsuspecting passengers might have boarded our vehicles, I will ask one of my gang members what is inside the bag with him, and he will respond that it is dollars with a charm on it. We do get the fake dollars from Lagos. About 16 people have fallen into our trick, with N260,000 being our highest catch. The charm we put on the fake dollar is not real; it was just to deceive our victims. I used to be an electrician, but I was duped in Abuja. After I was duped, I decided to also dupe people. While narrating how the suspected one-chance taxi operators were apprehended, the Commander of Amotekun Corps in the State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said, We were able to put some of our men in one of the vehicles, and as we talk today, out of the ten vehicles they use, we were able to retrieve three, and the kingpin of the criminal activities has been arrested and is here on parade. They have an herbalist who deceives them by telling customers of theirs that they can produce dollars for them, but you can see that they are counterfeit dollars. So, they collected naira from them in exchange for counterfeit dollars. We were able to break their cartel, and you can see the pots and charms they use in hypnotising their customers. So, all they need to tell the victims is to go home and bring all their valuables for these counterfeit dollars. The workers union of the Police Service Commission has called for the removal of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that PSC union accused Egbetokun over deliberate misrepresentation and falsehood about the recently concluded recruitment of 10,000 police constables. Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday, the Chairman, of the union, Adoyi Augustine, stated that the action of the IG was against his profession. Advertisement He said: We begin this press conference with a clarion call on the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu to immediately relieve the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun of his appointment as IGP. READ MORE: Officers Soliciting Undeserved Promotion Will Face Disciplinary Action Egbetokun Our concern comes from the fact that a public officer who misleads the president is causing confusion in the country and may lead to chaos which is antithetical to his duty as a police officer. His attitude has become only a replica of the biblical Haman who in deceiving his principal wanted to wipe out an entire nation but for the timely intervention of God. So we call on the president to responsibly relieve him of his duties for the following reasons. Adoyi also alleged that some elements in the police commission, attempted to smuggle 1,000 names into the recruitment list. He said: We have been furnished with reliable information indicating that elements within the Police Force attempted to smuggle over 1,000 names into the recruitment list. This manipulation was a grave breach of the recruitment process and a calculated attempt to undermine the credibility of the entire exercise. One of the 23 newly sworn-in caretaker chairmen in Rivers State, Darlington Orji, has disclosed that security agents denied him access to the headquarters of the Ikwerre Local Government Area. Orji, who was inaugurated as LG caretaker chairmen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stated this during an interview on Channels TV, on Wednesday. He said: Upon swearing in today, we were asked to resume so that we can swear in our members. Advertisement I got to Ikwerre Local Government Council and I saw that its been barricaded by security agents, the police to be very precise. I asked a question and they said they were acting on the orders of the Inspector General of Police. That is the situation. I couldnt access the council because I do not want to break the law. My responsibility is to ensure that there is law and order and to make sure that my people are protected. READ MORE: Rivers Crisis: I Wont Tolerate Arrest Of My Supporters Gov Fubara Warns Speaking further, Orji disclosed that security agents blocked the entrance and the premises of the LG Secretariat, adding that he wont struggle with them. He said: So, I wouldnt want to force myself against the security agent so that I would not have any clash with them. That is the position at the moment. The police barricaded the gate of the council. There is no point for power tussle. We are working on it and we will see what to do about it. Recall that the former LG chairmen who are loyal to Fubaras predecessor, insisted that their tenure be extended, adding that they wont leave office. Due to this development, protesters believed to be supporters of Governor Fubara, stormed the streets, demanding for the removal of the former chairmen whose tenures expired on Tuesday. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that no fewer than three deaths have been recorded in the wake of the pandemonium. Some yet to be identified gunmen on Tuesday, reportedly launched an attack on the Gugur community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and killed six people. It was gathered that the assailants rode on motorcycles to attack the community between 9pm and 10m. Confirming the incident on Wednesday, a lawmaker representing the constituency in the state House of Assembly, Jonathan Agbidye, said that six people were killed in the attack. Advertisement He said: Those people in that particular community were against the hoodlums; luck ran out of them and they got hold of two of them in April and killed them. READ MORE: Benue Police Ban Covering Vehicle, Motorcycle Plate Numbers So the incident that happened yesterday (Tuesday night) was just a revenge mission. But the place is calm now. We went there with the police this morning. Also confirming the horrible attack to newsmen, the local government chairman, Shaku Justine, said that the militias attacked the community between 9pm and 10 pm on Tuesday. He said: Its true that the incident happened yesterday between 9pm and 10pm. Six people were killed in the community. Managing Director of Holyfill Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Dr. Ayelaje Joseph, has been accused of removing a womans womb without her consent. Okeafor Suzan, claimed she went to the hospital for fibroid removal but later discovered that her womb had been removed without her knowledge or permission. Advertisement Reacting, Joseph asserted that Suzan had consented to the removal of her womb, given that she already had two children. As revealed by Vanguard, the distressed mother of two recounted that her ordeal began on February 16, 2024, when she visited Holyfill Hospital to consult with Dr. Joseph. According to her: We registered with Holyfill Hospital in Ikorodu on February 1, 2024, under our medical service provider, Marina HMO. In that same month, I had an appointment with the MD of Holyfill, who is also a gynecologist. I consulted him about a fibroid I had managed for few years and wanted it removed. He immediately suggested removing my womb. I refused, explaining that it was a single fibroid, and previous scans advised against removal because it was symptomatic, causing bleeding and pain. READ ALSO: 1,618 Ghost Civil Servants Exposed Through IPPIS Verification HoS Yemi-Esan Reveals He took me into his examining room, accompanied by his female manager, examined me, and stated that the fibroid had grown larger over the years. He prescribed medication to alleviate the pain and blood flow for that month. Although the medication provided some relief, I still desired to have the fibroid removed. He agreed and said he would send a code to my HMO for approval of the surgery. The HMO requested an additional scan, which again revealed a single fibroid. A surgery date was scheduled for March 30, 2024, but the doctor rescheduled it for March 29, 2024. After the surgery, I requested to see the removed fibroid, but nothing was shown to me. I returned to the hospital to file a complaint about the absence of my monthly period for April and May 2024. The doctor casually informed me, You wont see your period again, I removed your womb. I was shocked and asked why. He claimed it was what we had agreed upon, but that was untrue. I was taken to the theater and shown a bucket containing human parts, and I was told one of them was my fibroid. A subsequent scan confirmed that my womb had been removed without my permission, knowledge, or consent, and without pre-counseling or post-counseling. I did not request the removal of my womb, and I did not sign any consent form. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take over Rivers State has failed, insisting that the state will remain its stronghold. Tony Okocha, the leader of the party in the state, had urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state, claiming that the state is at war. He said, Rivers State is at war and the dramatis personae who are responsible for the mayhem that has claimed lives are known. Advertisement The governor is helpless, the police bias helpless. Therefore the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State as a way of taming the mayhem, and the upsurge that is going on in the state. I call on the federal government to act fast in this regard. Reacting, PDPs National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said on Wednesday that Okochas statement exposes APCs intention to cause a crisis in Rivers State. Ologunagba however called on the Federal Government and the APC national leadership to immediately intervene and advise Okocha to cease his actions as they posed a threat to democracy and stability in Nigeria. The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party has been drawn to yet another hallucinating press conference by the Rivers State Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Tony Okocha, wherein he again fantasized that the will of the people of Rivers State as expressed in the governorship election which produced Governor Siminalayi Fubara can be upturned by the imagination of the APC. READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: I Wont Tolerate Arrest Of My Supporters Gov Fubara Warns This reckless outburst by Tony Okocha further exposes the sinister plot by the APC in Rivers State which has been seeking ways to instigate crisis, forcefully overthrow a democratic Order and impose an anti-democratic regime in Rivers State in clear violation of Section 1 sub-section 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The use of the word war by Mr Okocha in his thoughtless statement clearly shows an evil intention which has been firmly resisted and will continue to be resisted by the people of Rivers State. The APC in Rivers State should note that its malevolent scheme to instigate crisis and forcefully take over the State has failed. Rivers State is a stronghold of the PDP and the people are solidly behind the Government of the PDP in the State, he said. The PDP spokesperson emphasised that the APCs efforts to undermine the peoples will would consistently fail. The statement continued: The PDP calls on the Federal Government and indeed the national leadership of the APC to, as a matter of urgency, rein in and caution Mr Tony Okocha to stop being an agent of destabilization and a threat to democracy in Nigeria. Our party demands that the Inspector-General of Police immediately invite the Rivers State APC Caretaker Chairman and hold him personally liable for his utterances which constitute a clear and present danger to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria and to peace and tranquillity in Rivers State. The international community should also take note of the reckless outburst of this individual whose actions and utterances are capable of negatively affecting the overall security of the country. The PDP for the umpteenth time warns the APC to perish the thought of forcefully taking over Rivers State as its attempts to undermine the will of the people will always come to naught. The University of the Arts Dorrance Hamilton Hall on South Broad St. in Philadelphia on Friday, May 31, 2024. Read more The University of the Arts, which shut down suddenly earlier this month, does not appear to have enough money to pay its employees the minimum it owes them under federal law. The news came out of the first impact negotiating session that Kristine Grady Derewicz, an attorney for UArts, and UArts human resources executive Caroline Tate held with the schools staff and faculty unions Thursday a session representatives for the workers said was insulting and insubstantial. Advertisement During the nearly two-hour session, Derewicz made no proposals on health insurance, severance or other benefits and offered no details on the schools finances, telling the union that such information does not exist currently, according to labor leaders. READ MORE: The latest UArts hearing discusses red flags before closure, a failed move to save the school, and an accusation of cowards on the board The university lacks the cash flow to comply with laws requiring 60 days of advance notice and pay before mass layoffs, union officials said in a statement. UArts laid off 613 employees the day the school closed June 7. Its unclear when and how much they will be paid. The University of the Arts representatives communicated their hope to maybe, if members are lucky, adhere to the universitys legal obligations, said Daniel Pieczkolon, president of United Academics of Philadelphia, a labor union that represents University of Arts faculty and staff. Our members have been left to guess as to whether the universitys board and their hired guns from [global management firm] Alvarez & Marsal will develop any sense of their own finances and ongoing operations. University officials informed the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the schools accreditor, on May 29 that they intended to close on June 7. They did not inform staff and students of the closure until May 31, after The Inquirer reported the news. President Kerry Walk, who has since resigned, said the school was in the midst of a financial crisis that forced the abrupt closure. She did not detail what triggered it or how much was needed, but a trustee later said the school would have needed about $40 million to handle the crisis. Several of the universitys deans banded together to try to get UArts to stave off the closure, one told state officials this week; the deans had hoped to run the school themselves, or bridge the gap until a new administration could be found. The schools board of trustees has hired Alvarez & Marsal to manage its closure; representatives from the global management firm told union representatives that digging into what caused the schools closure was not a priority ... and that any such analysis would fall on government officials or other investigators. Union officials are gathering signatures for a petition to ask Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry to investigate the schools sudden collapse. Separately, members of the state House of Representatives signaled Monday at a hearing on the universitys closure that they, too, had asked for an investigation and that news was likely forthcoming. No new bargaining sessions have been scheduled. Separately, there was movement Thursday on the universitys financial front. The schools bondholders have moved to a different trustee for its $45 million in bond debt, the first public sign of financial maneuvering since the institution closed. A bond trustee is a manager that oversees the bonds and acts as an intermediary between the borrower and investors. The new trustee, UMB Bank N.A., is known for dealing with financially troubled borrowers. Staff writer Harold Brubaker contributed to this article. Chef-owner Jesse Ito at work at his omakase counter at Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Queen Village. He is planning to open a new izakaya near Rittenhouse Square. Read more Jesse Ito, Philadelphias most celebrated sushi chef, told The Inquirer that he is planning a new restaurant near Rittenhouse Square, an offshoot of his Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Queen Village. But unlike at Royal, whose eight-seat omakase counter is arguably the toughest reservation in town (even at $300 a head) and remains the gold standard for omakase in Philadelphia, according to Inquirer critic Craig LaBan there will be no sushi on the menu, Ito said. While Royals main room at Second and Fulton Streets is also an izakaya, its menu includes rolls, sashimi, and chirashi. The new restaurant, on the former site of Foodery at 1710 Sansom St., will have a distinct menu, but it also will have fresh takes on Japanese comfort food, said Ito, an eight-time finalist for a James Beard Award. He said it will aim for a similarly fun, energetic vibe. Advertisement Ito said the restaurant, slightly larger than the original izakaya, is about a year away. He and partners Stephen Simons, David Frank, and Royal chef de cuisine Justin Bacharach are still working out details, such as the name and menu. In his new role as a partner, Bacharach will also be the new restaurants executive chef. READ MORE: What makes Royal Omakase so special? Its been nearly eight years since Royal opened at Second and Fulton Streets. Weve always been looking for a second place, Ito said. We were just waiting for the right opportunity. Simons and Franks restaurant holdings include Royal Tavern, Cantina Los Caballitos, Cantina Dos Segundos, Khyber Pass Pub, Triangle Tavern, and Royal Boucherie. In spring 2016, Simons and Frank brought Ito and his father, Masaharu Matt Ito, into the fold shortly after the father-son pair sold Fuji, their critically acclaimed Japanese restaurant in Haddonfield. (It still exists, but under different owners.) I got tired of going over the bridge for sushi, Simons said at the time, to explain their interest; he and Frank were longtime customers. Matt Ito, from Oita Prefecture on Kyushu, began his American sushi career in 1976 at Sagami in Collingswood. He left in 1979 to open Fuji in Cinnaminson. When a construction project was announced in 2007, he and his son relocated to downtown Haddonfield. Matt Ito still works at Royal, cooking the sweet rolled omelette that caps each meal at Sushi. The real estate deal was brokered by Veronica Blum of MPN, representing the tenant, and Kevin Healey of Tri State Commercial Precision Realty, representing the property owner. Dr. Frazier "was one of the greatest educators in the history of the City of Camden's school district," a former colleague said in a tribute. "She taught me a lot about education and leadership." Read more Mary Arnold-Frazier, 90, of Philadelphia, retired teacher and innovative school principal, the first Black woman to serve as assistant superintendent and special assistant to the superintendent for the Camden City School District, former adjunct college professor, celebrated mentor, and volunteer, died Saturday, June 8, of age-associated complications at her home. Dr. Frazier was a popular and effective assistant superintendent in Camden from 1984 to her retirement in 1997, and former colleagues repeatedly praised her leadership skills and innovative initiatives. They said she was central to the district rebounding from the difficulties of the tumultuous 1980s, and she became so indispensable she was rehired as special assistant to the superintendent in 2005. Advertisement Current superintendent Katrina T. McCombs said Dr. Frazier exemplified dedication, excellence, and visionary leadership for over four decades in a statement and called her a lesson in success. As assistant superintendent, Dr. Frazier was an expert on curriculum development and student instruction, and she created new classes and schedules that better connected students and their studies. The district added computer labs, libraries, and homework centers to schools during her tenure, and she developed programs that improved test scores and graduation rates, and reduced truancy. She started summer-school and work-study programs. She championed mixed-ability instruction, monitored classroom progress closely, and formed evening and weekend workshops to help parents stay involved. It doesnt matter how exciting our curriculum is if its not implemented properly, she told the Courier-Post newspaper in 1996. The subject comes alive depending on the ability of that teacher to make it exciting. Dr. Frazier to the Courier-Post in 1996 She was definitely hands-on, former colleagues said, and her district support staff became so invested in her projects that they called themselves the Frazier Girls. When she retired in 1997, her office was filled with farewell posters and gifts, and her retirement party for 800 guests at a nearby hotel was sold out. She created a popular professional development program that resulted in dozens of teachers and staff receiving masters degrees and other credentials, and she was seriously considered for the superintendents job when it opened in 1993. She was a lifelong learner who believed that the best lessons are demonstrated by example, her family said in a tribute. Dr. Frazier started her career at Camdens Garfield and Northeast Elementary Schools in 1956. She was a reading specialist and staff supervisor, and served later as principal at Forest Hill Elementary School, Broadway Family School, and Cooper B. Hatch Middle School. Teaching is an art, not a science, she told the Courier-Post in 1997. Ive always had a love affair with children. Public schools have to become student-centered, not program-centered. Dr. Frazier to the Courier-Post in 1996 Former students said Dr. Frazier took a personal interest in them, empowered them, and shared ways to succeed despite obstacles. She took me under her wings and made me a part of her family, a former student told the Philadelphia Tribune in 1997. Dr. Frazier also served on boards, was a member of many organizations, and assumed leadership roles for the New Jersey Department of Education and New Jersey Association of School Administrators. Former Camden High School principal Riletta Cream told the Courier-Post in 1997: Her name is synonymous with all that has been good. She taught classes at Rowan and Rutgers Universities, and Camden County College, and earned awards from the New Jersey Department of Education, Camden City Department of Community Affairs, Camden County Board of Commissioners, Cooper Plaza Neighbors Association, and many other groups. In 1997, the school district named the auditorium at Hatch Middle School after her. She instilled pride and confidence in countless numbers of children, a former student said in a Facebook tribute. A former school board member said on Facebook: She didnt control students and staff. She controlled the total ecosystem under her responsibility. She did it all with class. Mary Alice Miller was born Dec. 14, 1933, in Philadelphia. She got straight-A grades at Philadelphia High School for Girls and went on to earn a bachelors degree in elementary education at what is now Hampton University in Virginia, a masters degree in elementary education at Columbia University in New York, and a doctorate in education at the University of Maryland. She married William Arnold, and they had daughter Wanda and son William. After a divorce, she married Paul Frazier in 1980, and they lived in Philadelphia. Her husband and former husband died earlier. Away from school, Dr. Frazier was active with the Rock Community Baptist Church in Lansdowne, NAACP, YMCA in South Camden, and many other groups. When someone needed help, friends said, she showed up. She was inquisitive, bright, and opinionated, her daughter said. She gave her time to everyone. In addition to her children, Dr. Frazier is survived by five grandchildren and other relatives. A brother died earlier. Services were held June 15. Donations in her name may be made to the Mary Arnold-Frazier Scholarship Fund at Rock Community Baptist Church, 17 Lacrosse Ave., Lansdowne, Pa. 19050. Philadelphia police officers walked along Kensington Avenue where tents line the sidewalk, in June 2021. Tyler Lian, a medical student who works with unhoused people, expresses concern about the recent plan to increase the number of police in Kensington. Read more Theyre after me, she confessed. It was a sentiment not uncommon here in the inpatient psychiatric unit in West Philadelphia where I rotated as a medical student, usually in reference to spying neighbors, spouses who had turned evil, the Mafia, or even aliens. Tears streamed down her face as she continued talking to me: They push me out of the shelters each day. They push me off the benches each night. I wake up to their bright lights in my eyes and my things thrown all over the ground. Advertisement The they in her story, of course, were police. Why cant they just leave me alone? she asked me. I didnt have an answer for her. This month, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the case of Johnson v. Grants Pass, considered the most important case about the rights of unhoused people in four decades. It will decide whether people can be punished for sleeping in public, including in cities like Philadelphia, which has struggled to provide adequate and supportive shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Already in Philadelphia, the city is planning to triple the number of police in Kensington this week. But based on what Ive seen, criminalization doesnt help. Especially not for people struggling with homelessness or substance use. READ MORE: Current plans to fix Kensington wont work. Here is what will. | Opinion Mainstream discourse about homelessness has long been mired in the specter of violent crime and unhinged personalities. At the double-locked psychiatric facility in West Philadelphia where I began my medical training, most of the units patients grappling with clinical psychosis, housing instability, and substance use were exactly those sensationalized on the news and feared by the public. I remember the safety instructions racing through my mind on my first morning: Dont back yourself into the corner of any room. Dont wear anything you could be strangled in, like a tie or a lanyard. But I quickly felt at ease once the patients and I began talking. They told me about family photo albums, nostalgic horror movies, and pets they needed to get back to. Sometimes, Id get cussed out in a rage it stung but didnt mean I was in danger. On the contrary, I began to learn more about the dangers my unhoused patients faced while living on the street. Across the unit, people shared stories about random assaults and aggressive police confiscations, consistent with research that unhoused people are more likely to experience violence than perpetuate it. They told me about tragic psychiatric episodes and opioid overdoses when they could not access important medical and social resources while unsheltered. I heard about how incarceration ripped people from their lives and forced them to start over again when they got out, disrupting whatever tenuous progress they had made, social connections they had, and limited resources they could access. When you add constant displacement, sleep deprivation, and contempt from passersby, it is no wonder this systemic discrimination blurred into the paranoid persecution that brought people to the hospital in their lowest moments. Theyre after me, I heard again and again. And they were right. Society in the form of police, punitive policies, and defunded social safety nets was after unhoused people. Their visibility on the street just their existence, in the absence of another sustainable place to go was the crime. Theyre after me, I heard again and again. Motivated by what Ive seen, Im now part of one of the many street medicine teams across the city that aim to provide health-care services where people are on street corners, in local parks, and under bridges. Our work is supported by a local nonprofit, Bridge Beyond. And Im worried. Along with the impending Supreme Court decision, Philadelphia has made some recent choices that suggest homelessness may be criminalized more than before. Last month, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker began her campaign to dismantle homeless encampments in Kensington, offering a choice between coerced treatment which does not work or forced relocation. Eventually, the plan for the additional police being sent to Kensington is to clear the neighborhood and make arrests for low-level crimes, all in the name of public health and safety. Im not denying the reality of violence, but my experiences have challenged me to ask if anyones safer when we punish individuals for struggling with homelessness and substance use, which are the consequences of systemic injustices, yet leave the root causes of those injustices unresolved. Instead, we should invest in nonpunitive systems of care, namely resources for substance use, mental health, housing, and other case management services that can ultimately bridge people to lasting support. Were not doing nearly enough of this. Its hard to imagine an effective substance use treatment center after Philadelphia has cut $1 million in funding for evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as syringe exchanges. These strategies have proven for decades to reduce overdose, long-term substance use, and community presence of needles without increasing nearby crime. To expand affordable housing with supportive services, the city should consider innovative models like Housing First, which works to provide permanent housing without requiring participants to remain sober or engage in treatment for substance use and has reduced homelessness by almost 90% compared with traditional programs in other major U.S. cities. Even if Johnson v. Grants Pass is overturned, what Ive learned is that homelessness will not be solved by sweeping or clearing people like dirt. We need to care for our neighbors as human beings. Tyler Lian is a rising fourth-year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, where he walks with the Homeless Outreach Project. He is also a member of the Street Medicine Institute Student Coalition. There are very good reasons for other states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, to follow Marylands lead in pardoning thousands of people who were convicted of low-level marijuana and drug paraphernalia charges. But the best might be a confession 30 years ago by one of the architects of what became Americas war on drugs. In a 1994 interview, published in 2016 in Harpers Magazine, former White House counsel John Ehrlichman admitted that President Richard Nixons reelection strategy included demonizing two enemies: the anti-war left and Black people. Advertisement We knew we couldnt make it illegal to be either against the war or Black, but by getting the public to associate hippies with marijuana and Blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we would disrupt those communities, Ehrlichman said. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course, we did. READ MORE: After decades of discriminatory enforcement, rethinking marijuana laws is long overdue | Editorial Nixon resigned in disgrace after his goons got caught breaking into Democratic Party headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. His campaign strategy lived on, however, as official policy for subsequent Democratic and Republican presidents who discovered the issue resonated in their favor at election time. They portrayed drug abuse as a beast much greater than its actual size and claimed marijuana was the gateway to opioid addiction. That assertion has never been supported by data collected by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It said marijuana was the most commonly abused drug in 2022, with 22% of Americans aged 12 or older (around 62 million people) saying they used it in the past year, but only 3% (nine million people) said they abused heroin or other opioids. That doesnt sound like a gateway. In fact, prescription drug abuse is more likely to lead to an opioid addiction. That does not mean marijuana use isnt dangerous. Like alcohol, it should be regulated, and its users held responsible for their subsequent actions while under its influence. However, with Maryland and other states now admitting that incarceration for simply possessing marijuana did not always fit the crime, its time for new legal standards to be set and applied both retroactively and going forward. Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of marijuana, and 24 states and D.C. have made recreational marijuana use legal. By doing that two years ago, Maryland set the stage to pardon more than 150,000 people (some deceased) who were convicted of a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana. Another 18,000 to be pardoned were convicted of possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. This is about changing how both government and society view those who have been walled off from opportunity because of broken and uneven policies, said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. He noted the disproportionate impact of Nixons politically conceived, lock-them-up drug policies that other presidents continued to impose on Black and brown people. We cannot celebrate the benefits of legalization if we do not address the consequences of criminalization, Moore said. The Drug Enforcement Administration has also begun steps to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous Schedule III drug, along with ketamine and some anabolic steroids, instead of a Schedule I drug, which includes heroin and LSD. And while that bureaucratic step wont legalize the recreational use of marijuana, the Senate is considering a bill that will. Its past time for the federal government to catch up to the attitudes of the American people when it comes to cannabis, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. READ MORE: Marijuana laws are wrong. But Bidens mass pardon isnt right. | Kyle Sammin If the Democratic bill is successful, which doesnt seem likely given the current partisan divide in Congress, it will be a victory for every American frustrated with their national governments inability to address societal changes that require immediate action. A patchwork of state laws is no substitute for a uniform federal standard that would finally remove labels applied to marijuana by conniving politicians trying to win votes with law-and-order platforms. Making the punishment fit the crime is even more significant as the country decides whether to vote for a felon whose conviction did not disqualify him from holding what is supposed to be the most trusted position in our government. People who cant get a fast-food restaurant job after listing a conviction on a job application should feel cheated. Once again, the Constitution has been outed as archaic and sorely in need of changes reflecting what America is today. Voters will get the last word on whether justice will ultimately prevail when they go to the polls in November. Until then, lets savor Marylands decision to vacate minor marijuana convictions that never should have occurred and wont occur now that the states old cannabis laws have been updated. Perhaps justice delayed isnt always justice denied, even if its not as satisfying. With the clock rapidly ticking toward Election Day and polls showing the countrys extreme right could grab control of the government and implement a radical anti-immigration agenda to codify bias against the foreign-born hundreds of thousands of voters on the left had the same idea. It was time to take it to the streets. In France. Advertisement The situation is very grave, the former French president Francois Hollande told the New York Times as he joined the marchers in his hometown, Correze one of roughly 150 cities and towns where protests clogged the streets. For those who feel lost, we need to convince them: The coming together of the French is indispensable, Hollande said. The former president joined an estimated 640,000 union activists, college students, and other supporters of Frances umbrella of left and center-left political parties on the streets. Their goal? To prevent gains by the far-right National Rally (RN) party in parliamentary elections that begin at the end of the month. The mass marches united often-bickering political factions and brought out some young people whod never protested before. But the demonstrators agreed on one thing: that they would not allow a political movement they see as racist and reactionary to take root in France without the fight of their lives. I came because I am angry and I feel powerless, Lucie Heurtebize, a 26-year-old tech worker, told the Times. We need to unite. With far-right populist movements and strongman leaders on the rise across the globe in 2024, Frances marchers arent unique in fighting back. Earlier this year in Germany, large crowds took to the streets to voice their opposition to their countrys up-and-coming ultraright movement, Alternative for Germany (AfD). For many critics in Germany, AfD with 16% of the vote in recent elections for the European Parliament carries dangerous echoes of Adolf Hitlers Nazi Party, which plunged their country into World War II and executed the Holocaust against Jews. The first part of this story should sound familiar to U.S. voters. Donald Trumps Republican Party is running in November on a mass deportation proposal that would round up a million or more immigrants in the dead of night and ship them to large, sweltering detention camps on the southern border. Trumps anti-immigrant plan a first cousin to the extreme nativism of Frances RN or Germanys AfD is just one chapter in a 900-page blueprint for an American dictatorship called Project 2025 that would guide a second Trump administration. So ... where are the protesters? An anti-democracy comet is heading straight for Washington, D.C., in four-and-a-half months, and in a chilling case of life imitating art, we are living large in the United States of Denial (where, as I write this, the story at the top right of the New York Times home page is about a U.S. couples struggle to find a Rome apartment on their $950,000 budget). The insanity of doing the same thing over and over begging millions of utterly tuned-out voters to like the (undeservedly, in my opinion) unpopular President Joe Biden and expecting a different result on Nov. 5 isnt working. With the American Experiment on the line, the political slogan of 2024 is Dont Look Up! Whats weird is that its not that America doesnt have a tradition of political protest. In fact, the last 15 years have seen the most demonstrations, on both the left and the right, since the 1960s and early 1970s. When it comes to our bitterly divided electoral politics today, massive protest movements emerge from whichever side just lost the last election. The 2009-2010 tea party, a supernova of backlash to our first Black president, gave way in 2017 to the Trump Resistance and the giant Womens March on Jan. 21 of that year, 10 weeks too late to stop the disastrous 45th president. And surely you remember the reaction to Trumps defeat that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021. So, heres a crazy idea what about protesting and, more importantly, organizing before the wrong guy wins? Thats not the American way, I know, but I think the distinctive crisis in 2024 makes a case for changing things up, and maybe taking some inspiration from our friends in Europe. Just like over there, Trumps MAGA movement from the mass deportation scheme to plans to call up troops with the Insurrection Act to the candidates alarming echoes of Hitler is a threat like weve never seen before. But also comparable is that much like Frances Emmanuel Macron or Germanys Olaf Scholz our traditional neoliberal leader in Biden is neither popular nor inspirational. People want something to believe in so why not the belief that America cant be ruled by a right-wing dictatorship? The college students and 20-somethings who are telling you they really dont like Biden whether its because of the war in the Middle East or simply because of his age are also totally revulsed by Trump. So why not make the Nov. 5 election about that? And why not make this moment into a movement united against the right? I asked a top expert on the history of U.S. protest whos here in Philadelphia Temple University historian Ralph Young, author of the recent American Patriots: A Short History of Dissent for his thoughts on why Americans arent protesting on the streets against right-wing extremism like they are in Europe. Some of the difference, he believes, is a lack of imagination. The major issue, and why its happening in Germany and France and not in the United States, is they have an experience with that they had Hitler, and they had the taking over of France and the Vichy Republic, Young said. Theyve experienced totalitarianism, and Americans really havent. So far, anyway. And surely some folks will take to the streets as the election draws closer. The first real test of that may arrive Saturday night, when Trump comes to the Temple campus, in one of the most Democratic neighborhoods in left-leaning Philadelphia. The announcement that the presumptive GOP nominee is coming to Philly drew immediate chatter from would-be protesters, and Pennsylvania Democrats called for a 5 p.m. rally outside Temples Liacouras Center. I actually have mixed feelings. Some folks may not want to hear this, but given the realities of the electorate, I think a successful movement needs to be seen as against the right and not explicitly pro-Biden, which feels a bit astroturfed. I know the conventional wisdom is that people need to vote for something, not against something but this is a moment that screams for throwing old-school wisdom out the window. An overwhelming majority of Americans dont want a president wholl pardon the Jan. 6 thugs or stop fighting climate change. Lets work with that. As a journalist for The Inquirer, I cant take part in protests but I can imagine them. I can imagine a coalition of civil rights activists, union leaders, abortion-rights advocates, and college students spending the next 10 weeks of summer doing the hard work of organizing: building their lists of attendees, getting permits, and renting buses. I can imagine the hallowed space stretching down the National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial, filling up at noon on Saturday, Sept. 7, for an epic event: the first Unite Against the Far-Right Rally. I can imagine people energized by that D.C. rally going back to their hometowns and their college campuses and organizing teach-ins so that regular folks can learn about Project 2025 or about how a Trump 47 presidency would completely ignore the heat domes and the wildfires and the coastal flooding now overwhelming America, and surrender in the war against climate change. Then its time to march in the streets where you live, whether thats Philadelphia or Peoria, Ill. And then its time to do it again until a stake is driven through the heart of un-American extremism. Because heres what I cant imagine, and probably neither can you: a Christian nationalist America where the Ten Commandments are posted in every classroom, where women are forced to give birth, the LGBTQ community is forced back into the closet, and people can be jailed for what they write or what they believe. Thats the America that is coming if we sit on the couch and wait for the comet to strike. And no one is giving you $950,000 to move to Rome. Influential Democratic campaign groups plan to spend big to defeat U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R., Pa.) and lift the campaign of Democrat Janelle Stelson, a former broadcast journalist and ex-Republican, with the hopes that she can flip the red district. Republicans, however, arent too worried about the race. The House Majority PAC (HMP), a Super PAC focused on electing Democrats to the U.S. House, announced in April that it would spend $2.4 million on ads for the Stelson-Perry Central Pennsylvania district as part of a $186 million buy across the country, signaling a serious push to concentrate efforts on the district. Advertisement The race also recently landed on the coveted Red to Blue list, which outlines the districts that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) the campaign arm for House Democrats wants to flip. The DCCC announced its first round of ad reservations on Tuesday, and while the Perry-Stelson race wasnt on the list, the committee said its prioritizing crowded and expensive broadcast markets in states with competitive top-of-ticket races. The other Pennsylvania race on the Red to Blue list is Ashley Ehaszs challenge of U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in Bucks Countys 1st Congressional District, which also made Tuesdays spending list. Stelson and Ehasz have already begun working together to boost each others campaigns, such as in a co-signed emailed fundraising call supporters of both. The House Majority PAC has been eying Perrys 10th Congressional District since even before Stelson won a crowded Democratic primary to challenge Perry. The district, which spans Dauphin County and parts of York and Cumberland Counties, has an electorate comprised of 44% Republicans, 38% Democrats, and 17% unaffiliated or third party voters. In 2020, the district preferred incumbent Donald Trump over Biden by four percentage points and, in the hotly contested 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race, it went in favor of Republican Mehmet Oz over John Fetterman. But on that same ballot, district voters swung toward the center left when they elected Josh Shapiro as governor over far-right state Sen. Doug Mastriano, showing a willingness to break from the GOP. READ MORE: Scott Perrys Democratic opponent Janelle Stelson thinks she can get support from Republicans. She used to be one herself. Perry became a national political figure in 2020 when he tried to throw out the states electoral votes in order to keep Trump in the White House. This year, Democrats are framing him as too extreme for the district while Perry is trying to lump Stelson in with President Joe Biden as too far left. Perry has also attacked Stelson for living outside the district in nearby Lancaster County, though Stelson has been a familiar face on TV and lived in different parts of the district over the years. Perry, who was first elected in 2012, has won his races decisively, but in 2018, Democrat George Scott got close, falling just under three points behind him. National Republican strategists said they view Perrys district as safe, with the National Republican Campaign Committee spokesperson Mike Marinella calling a flip a pipe dream. Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), the super PAC dedicated to electing Republicans to the U.S. House, didnt signal investment in the race in its May ad reservation announcement. The $141 million Republican ad buy didnt mention Harrisburg the market for Perry and Stelsons race but it did include the Philadelphia market, targeting Fitzpatricks race. If Democrats want to waste their money in a district President Trump is poised to carry by a substantial margin, then by all means, CLF Communications Director Courtney Parella said in a statement. But House Majority PAC Communications Director CJ Warnke claimed that the real reason CLF isnt investing in the race is because they know insurrectionist Scott Perry and his extremist policies to defund law enforcement and restrict access to IVF will doom him in November. Perry voted for the Default on America Act, which included cutting funding for federal law enforcement, and he is a longtime sponsor of the Life at Conception Act, which would guarantee a right to life starting at fertilization. CLF said it spent more than $1.5 million on ads for Perry in 2020, and that additional ad reservations will come as necessary as the cycle progresses. And just as the CLF can add money to the race down the line, HMP can pull back. Spending announcements can be symbolic. CLF and HMP have both pulled money out of races as theyve progressed. Stelson has been close behind Perry in polls conducted by her campaign, as well as in a Franklin and Marshall College poll, which had a 6.1% margin of error. A national Republican strategist said that Perrys polling at 50% or more is a good sign hes safe, but Democrats see the results as a positive for Stelson. But if the F&M results are representative of reality, voters have a lot to learn about the candidates before casting their ballots and may still change their mind before November or skip the ballot altogether. Turnout is likely to be a determining factor in the 2024 election with polling showing that many voters are unimpressed with the two presidential candidates at the top of the ticket. According to the Franklin and Marshall poll, more than a quarter of voters in the district didnt know that Perry voted against certifying the 2020 election results and that he helped make a plan to pressure former Vice President Mike Pence to throw out electoral votes from states Biden won. Half of voters didnt know Stelson lives outside the district lines, and more than 40% didnt know enough about her to have an opinion. On a warehouses rooftop in Pennsauken, solar panels take in the suns rays and turn them into enough energy to power about 130 homes in Camden County. Solar arrays are popping up across New Jersey, thanks to a state program that makes it possible for people who cant install their own solar panels (think renters) to take part in renewable energy. Advertisement Warehouses and other industrial and commercial buildings are slowly becoming solar generators for homes. Keep scrolling for that story and to find out how you can get a free mansion in Montgomery County, see whether you qualify for free air conditioning, and peek inside a Graduate Hospital rowhouse that was completely gutted. Do you use renewable energy to power your home? If not, would you? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me. Michaelle Bond If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Judy Levine got a brochure in the mail that said she could save on her electric bill. She just had to subscribe to a solar array on the roof of an industrial building five miles away. The 79-year-old had moved from her single-family home in Medford to her Collingswood condo and hadnt known she could take part in solar while living in a multifamily building. She signed up. New Jerseys community solar program has spurred the construction of solar arrays on the big, flat roofs of commercial and industrial buildings. These arrays produce energy that eventually gets to residents homes. Keep reading to find out how community solar works and how New Jersey is expanding its program. A 17-room, 19th-century mansion in Limerick with oak beams, chestnut floors, and lots of fireplaces is being given away for free. But theres a catch. (Because theres always a catch.) Youre responsible for moving it off the property, which wont be cheap. And the clocks ticking. The Brooklyn developer who owns the property plans to turn it into a warehouse center. So this giveaway is a last-ditch effort to save the Hood Mansion from demolition. As my colleague Rita Giordano writes, this may well be the real estate opportunity of a lifetime for the right person and possibly the last chance to save a historic Delaware Valley property. Keep reading to find out how much the mansion would cost to move, what makes it special, and how you can get your hands on it. The latest news to pay attention to This week has been and will continue to be HOT. And not in a fun way. Some experts are saying this whole summer could be the hottest ever. So youre gonna need ways to stay cool. My colleague Erin McCarthy looked into how you can get help to keep your home from turning into an oven. You could be eligible for free fans or window or wall A/C units, or you could get some financial assistance for your utility bills. Heres what you need to know about getting help to stay cool this summer. Samantha and Nathan Matlins rowhouse in Graduate Hospital was a nightmare when they bought it. Heres just a partial list of what was wrong with it: It had no main bedroom. There were no closets or storage space. The main bathroom was too small to be functional. Architect Lea Litvin, who worked with the Matlins, called the home one of the worst interior planning situations I have ever seen. You may be wondering why the Matlins bought this house in the first place. Well, they wanted their two children to go to a certain school, and every house they looked at in the area around Rittenhouse Square was way out of their budget. Enter the fixer-upper. Which is an understatement. Fixing the house took almost two years. Peek inside the Matlins home and see how they turned a nightmare into their dream home. Trivia time A municipality in the Philly area could become the first in Pennsylvania to ban certain gas-powered lawn equipment, such as some leaf blowers. This municipalitys proposed ordinance is part of a growing national trend of trying to curb noise pollution and greenhouse gases. Question: Which place could make history? A) Chadds Ford D) Upper Merion C) Villanova D) Swarthmore This story has the answer. Photo quiz Do you know the location this photo shows? If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter. Shout out to Dorothy S., Gerrit B., and Robin A. for knowing that last weeks photo was taken at Spruce Street Harbor Park. In this heat, a giant ice cream cone sounds pretty good, doesnt it? How about one that never melts? The iconic and massive pink ice cream cone that is Twistee Treat in Mayfair is up for sale. The latest owner of the 27-foot-tall soft-serve stand is selling the Northeast Philly business and would rent out the kitschy cone to the buyer who could be you. Enjoy the rest of your week. And try not to melt. 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. The impact of wind droughts In the second half of 2021, Northwestern Europe experienced a wind drought, with wind speeds falling 15% below average. This reduction is largely linked to Arctic warming, which narrows the temperature differential between the tropics and the poles, thus reducing Northern Hemisphere wind speeds. Similar conditions were observed in the winter of 2022, with wind speeds plummeting over several days. Nearly half, or 46%, do not have or are unsure if they have a home inventory of major household items in case they need to file a claim. Moreover, 55% are unaware that a standard auto policy does not cover business use of the vehicle, and 44% incorrectly believe that personal items stolen from their car are covered by a standard auto insurance policy, though such theft is typically covered by a standard home or renters insurance policy. The research team began by surveying various brokerages to understand their priorities when it comes to claims. Additionally, they interviewed hundreds of brokers across the nation, who rated the insurers they had worked with over the last year. When you look at the US and globally, the environment is probably even hotter than it was four years ago. There is a lot of reason to believe that political instability could be an issue, said Matthew Westhoff, head of North America commercial property at Beazley. The provisional liquidators would then look to realise value from the companys remaining assets, at the end of which the remaining company would be wound up. The directors believe that, in those circumstances, there will be very little, if any, chance of any value accruing to the companys shareholders. I am very proud of our private equity and transactional liability practice as they remain at the forefront of market intelligence and innovation, allowing us to provide our brokers and clients with best-in-class solutions. A group representing claimants alleging childhood sexual abuse want New York courts to take steps to alleviate the backlog of lawsuits brought under the states Child Victims Act (CVA), including possibly setting up dedicated courts or dockets to handle only CVA cases. A report issued by ChildUSA estimated that 10,587 lawsuits were filed under the VCA, and the Coalition for Just and Compassionate Compensation (CJCC) estimates that roughly 94% of those claimants are still awaiting their day in court. This delay is causing immense distress and frustration among the survivors we represent, many of whom have already endured prolonged periods of suffering and trauma, CJCCs lawyers said in a letter to Joseph A. Zayas, the chief administrative judge of the New York State Unified Court System. Members of the CJCC include attorneys who represent sexual abuse survivors in litigation against public and private entities. The group maintains that the judiciary now needs to prioritize the resolution of CVA cases. Unfortunately, the current pace at which these cases are being processed is undermining the very purpose of this important legislation. Survivors are feeling re-victimized by the slow-moving legal process, and some have even passed away before seeing their cases addressed, claims the letter signed by Stephen Jimenez, a survivor and advocate, and David Catalfamo, CJCC executive director. New Yorks CVA allowed survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against individuals or institutions up until their 55th birthday. This lookback window to file lawsuits was closed in August 2021. Of the 10,857 CVA lawsuits filed before the August 2021 deadline, ChildUSA determined that that an estimated 51% have been filed against religious organizations, 15.7% against youth services organizations, 15% against individuals, 2.3% against government entities and 1.9% against corporations. CJCC acknowledges that the COVID pandemic probably contributed to court delays, as has what is sees as a shortage of judges and court staff. However, the victims group contends, the main problem is the tactic being deployed by private insurers, primarily Chubb, and to some extent the state itself for not stopping Chubb. A lack of judges and court staff is certainly a contributor, but it is our belief that the main reason these cases have been stalled is because of the outright refusal by insurers like Chubb to pay, bolstered by the Department of Finances continued inability to enforce their own guidance, CJCC told Insurance Journal. But Chubb rejects the argument that it is to blame for cases not moving forward. The principal obstacle to victims receiving compensation is the Archdiocese of New York itself. Insurance covers accidents, not conduct that was tolerated or hidden, the company said in a statement to Insurance Journal. In these cases of alleged horrific sexual abuse, the Archdiocese has refused to provide documentation to what they knew about the abuse, when they knew it, and the lengths they went to cover it up. The Archdiocese has substantial financial resources to pay just compensation to victims today but has instead pursued a path of delay and attempting to shift away blame for their own acts. In cases involving the Archdiocese of New York, Chubb has balked at settling, maintaining that the alleged incidents of sex abuse do not trigger coverage because they were not accidents or occurrences caused by negligence but were instead the result of intentional, known or expected occurrences and thus fall outside of their policies. Chubb has also argued that coverage is not available because the church has not cooperated in its insurers efforts to assess the claims. The New York archdiocese is facing more than 3,000 lawsuits alleging negligence concerning sexual abuse by clergy, lay people, teachers and others from the 1950s through the 1980s. Chubb has been defending 2,770 of the VCA lawsuits under a full reservation of rights. The insurer recently succeeded in convincing a state appeals court that its arguments have merit and should not have been rejected by a lower court in cases involving the archdiocese. The relevant inquiry is whether the Archdioceses actions fall within or without the operative policies, the appeals court said in an April ruling reinstating Chubbs action seeking summary judgments that the lower state court had thrown out. The complaint sufficiently alleges that recovery would fall outside the scope of plaintiffs duties to defend and indemnify if the Archdiocese had knowledge of its employees conduct or propensities. Chubb insurers have cited media reports, admissions by church leaders, investigations by 20 state attorneys general, and the underlying lawsuits themselves as evidence that the church knew about the sexual abuse of minors, failed to stop it, covered it up, and then lied about it. The appeals court found that Chubbs complaint also sufficiently pled a noncooperation defense. The archdiocese has accused Chubb of seeking to avoid financial responsibility based on an Alice in Wonderland claim that proof of negligence is actually proof of intentionality. CJCC worries that if it is upheld on further appeal, the ruling favoring Chubb represents the absolute opposite of the spirit of the CVA and could put every CVA case covered by an insurance company at risk, resulting in even further delays for claimants. CJCC is also frustrated with what it believes is the states inaction. In September 2019, the state Department of Financial Services issued a circular letter to inform all authorized property/casualty insurance entities that it expects them to cooperate fully with the intent of the CVA and assess their exposures and act in good faith to address their liabilities. The DFS guidance further states that all insurers with potential exposure to CVA-related legal claims are expected to act promptly and in utmost good faith and to exercise best practices with their prior and current policyholders, and their respective claimants, including properly performing any and all duties to defend CVA-related claims. CJCC has for months called upon DFS to enforce its guidance and has also for the state attorney general and lawmakers to investigate insurers. But it says its appeals to the state have been met with silence. Five years after the passage of the CVA, when will it be our turn for justice? asked CJCCs Jimenez. The CJCC has asked the courts to consider several proposals to address the backlog. They include: Set Trial Dates: Expedite trial dates for as many cases as possible. Increase Judicial Resources: Assign additional judges and court staff specifically to handle CVA cases. Establish A Dedicated CVA Court: Consider creating specialized courts or dockets solely for CVA cases. Regular Status Reports: Implement a system for regular status updates on the progress of CVA cases. Topics New York A federal appeals court has declined to intervene in state regulatory proceedings in Maryland involving allegations of redlining by Erie Insurance, despite Eries complaints that the regulator has already shown bias against it and is likely to do so again. Thats because Erie has not demonstrated that the actions by the Maryland Insurance Administration have been motivated by bias or that continuing the administrative proceedings would deprive it of a constitutionally adequate process, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week. The insurer has maintained that the MIA has not afforded it adequate opportunity to respond to complaints of racial and geographic discrimination by four Baltimore independent agencies. The insurer also claims that MIA violated state law by disclosing confidential business information from market conduct exams and its determination letters on the discrimination allegations. In those letters, MIA determined that Erie used improper underwriting standards and imposed penalties on agents in order to get them to reject eligible urban and minority risks it considered unprofitable, rather than adjusting its filed underwriting and rates to meet the risks. Erie sued MIA in federal court court in Baltimore last June over the agencys handling of the matter, seeking a declaration that the determination letters were unlawful, an injunction preventing the defendants from disseminating the letters, and a requirement for the defendants to publicly withdraw them. Last August, Judge Julie Rebecca Rubin in the federal district court dismissed Eries lawsuit against MIA. The judge cited the doctrine of abstention outlined in Younger v. Harris, which generally discourages federal courts from interfering with ongoing state proceedings. On appeal, Erie raised 21 issues questioning the district courts dismissal of its case, including expressing its concern that more trade secrets could be disclosed if MIA is permitted to continue on its current administrative path. In affirming the district courts decision to abstain from interfering, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals found that state law affords Erie adequate opportunity to raise its constitutional claims in the continuing administrative hearings and subsequent state court review. The court also found that Erie did not prove that past actions by MIA were motivated by bias that would affect future proceedings. Erie insisted that its case falls within a category of exceptions to the abstention doctrine where constitutional issues are at stake. But as the party asking a federal court to intervene, Erie had the burden to show that it lacks such an opportunity because state procedural law somehow prevents it from presenting its claims. But the court said Erie failed to meet its burden. Pointing out that Erie seeks an order directing the MIA to withdraw its already issued letters, the court noted that there is nothing preventing Erie from seeking such relief from the hearing officer and the Maryland courts. The original dispute involved the handling of four administrative complaints filed with MIA alleging Erie engaged in discriminatory practices against low-income and minority communities in the Baltimore area. The complaints were filed by Baltimore Insurance Network, Burley Insurance & Financial Services, Ross Insurance Agency and Welsch Insurance Group. In their complaints, the agencies said that they were restricted from offering Eries policies to residents of primarily Black communities. They alleged that Erie threatened and penalized them for challenging what they maintain are Eries discriminatory redlining policies. The agencies claim the retaliatory actions hurt their business. Topics Maryland The 911 system across Massachusetts was restored Tuesday after going down for several hours, which made it impossible for anyone to reach emergency services through the call number. The Massachusetts State Police announced around 3:45 p.m. that the system had been restored and that people could resume calling emergency services. They didnt provide any details behind the cause of the outage. It was unclear how many communities were affected by outage, said Elaine Driscoll, director of communications and policy at the states Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. It first was reported by several law enforcement agencies after 1 p.m. Firewall, Not Cyber Attack, Cited as Cause of 911 Outage The Massachusetts State 911 Department said Wednesday that the system disruption that lasted about two hours was the result of a firewall, a safety feature that provides protection against cyberattacks and hacking. The firewall prevented calls from getting to the 911 dispatch centers, also known as Public Safety Answer Points (PSAPs). A initial review by the systems vendor Comtech has confirmed that the interruption was not the result of a cyberattack or hack; However, the exact reason the firewall stopped calls from reaching dispatch centers remains under review. Although some calls may not have gone through, the system allows dispatch centers to identify the phone number of callers and return those calls. The department said it has not received any reports of emergencies impacted during the interruption. As a full review of the cause continues, Comtech said it has applied a technical fix to ensure that this does not happen again. In 2023, the 911 system received a total average of 8,800 calls a day. Insurance Journal staff report At the time of the outage, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said it was important for residents to know alternate ways of getting help, particularly given the hot weather heading toward the Northeast. He advised the public to contact local police departments if necessary. In addition, if youre having any issues that are medical related, or EMS or fire-related, you can go and pull your local call box, thats the red light boxes that fire departments have on local street corners, to also get medical attention that way, he said. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said residents shouldnt worry about calling the correct number or facility for their emergency, but to just reach out to their nearest authorities. If you are experiencing an emergency, if you find your way to police, fire or EMS, we will make sure that you get to the right place, she said. Over at Tufts Medical Center, officials said operations were not impacted by the outage. Our internal emergency number for Public Safety remained active and functional during the outage and appropriate responders were able to be reached this way from within the hospital, Jeremy Lechan, the media relations manager for the hospital said. We are very glad to hear that the issue has been resolved and people in need outside the hospital can once again get the medical assistance they require. Officials at Massachusetts General Hospital also reported no problems associated with the outage, and a spokesman for the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association said he wasnt aware of issues. The Massachusetts disruption caused confusion in other northeastern states, where some residents also got notifications on their phones. But authorities in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and Vermont all said their systems were operational. We are aware that some individuals in Vermont have received wireless notifications about the Massachusetts event, Barbara Neal, executive director of the Vermont Enhanced 911 Board, said. The official reason for that is unknown but it may be related to individuals having signed up for an alerting system in Massachusetts or having been at or near the Massachusetts border when the wireless alert was issued by Massachusetts. Several years ago, Massachusetts suffered sporadic 911 outages. At the time, it was blamed on outages from Louisiana-based CenturyLink, which affected some Verizon customers. In April, workers installing a light pole in Missouri cut into a fiber line, knocking out 911 service for emergency agencies in Nebraska, Nevada and South Dakota. Associated Press Writer Holly Ramer in Concord, N.H., contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Cyber Massachusetts Hundreds of UK banks, brokers and insurers missed a deadline to respond to the financial watchdogs survey on sexual harassment and bullying in the City, suggesting that firms are struggling to grasp the scale of the problem. In February, the Financial Conduct Authority sent out data requests in a bid to understand the extent of non-financial misconduct across the firms it regulates. It asked for figures on the number of incidents, details on how whistleblowers report, as well as the use of nondisclosure agreements over the last three years. A Bloomberg Freedom of Information request showed that one quarter of firms missed an initial deadline. The FCA said that it surveyed just over 1,000 firms, with 261 failing to respond in time and just 36 requesting extensions. It demonstrates the difficulty firms have experienced in capturing this data albeit at this point, safety might be provided in numbers, said Imogen Makin, a business crime lawyer at WilmerHale in London. This fact alone, quite apart from the responses themselves, is likely to provoke further scrutiny from the FCA. Facing pressure from lawmakers at the influential Treasury Select Committee a group of cross-party lawmakers - over a series of high-profile scandals, such as allegations of misconduct by hedge fund chief Crispin Odey, the FCAs markets chief announced the survey in January. The downfall of Odey left lawyers and campaigners asking what if anything has changed to improve workplace culture at city firms. At a London employment tribunal, judges are soon to decide how much an ex-Barclays Plc banker should be paid after hearing how her boss used plainly sexist language to describe her. The survey is part of a move to go further in pushing firms to tackle non-financial wrongdoing. The regulator is also now considering requiring employers to investigate an individuals behavior outside of the office if there are misconduct concerns. The data request comes to 23 pages of questions, and asked for detail on methods of detection including whether the incident was reported by a whistleblower and the outcomes of those incidents. The FCA also asked about nondisclosure agreements and employment tribunal proceedings. It also asked firms to split out incidents between those attributed to senior management and those without that FCA-certification. The regulator warned that the survey the most detailed yet was mandatory and any firms failing to comply risked a public reprimand, penalty or even a move by the FCA to seek a search warrant. It said in a separate statement that some 96% of the surveyed firms had now responded. Firms will need to ensure that they reconsider their systems and controls in light of their responses to the FCAs survey, and their experiences in gathering the data required to respond, Makin said. Photograph: Commuters cross London Bridge in the City of London. Photo credit: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Estimated insured losses from flooding, which hit Southern Germany on May 15-June 5, will range from 2.4 billion (US$2.6 billion) to 3.6 billion (US$3.9 billion), according to Verisk, the data analytics and technology firm. Moodys RMS recently estimated insured losses in a slightly lower range of 2 billion to 3 billion (US$2.1 billion to US$3.2 billion) from the floods for the days between Thursday, May 30 and Monday, June 3. The main flooding occurred along parts of the upper Danube River, as well as several of the Danubes southern tributaries, with the worst impacts in Germany in Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg, where streets, highways, homes, and businesses were flooded, said Verisk in its flood report. Insured Flood Losses in Germany Could Range From US$2.1B to US$3.2B: Moodys RMS In addition, a dam on the Paar River broke in two places in the Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, severely flooding surrounding areas and requiring hundreds to evacuate their homes in nearby Baar-Ebenhausen, Verisk said, noting that a dyke and a dam also broke in Diedorf. Elsewhere in Bavaria, the Schmutter, Cham, Paar, Ilm, Danube and Isar Rivers all surpassed the level 4 (highest) warning levels in several locations. In Baden-Wurttemberg, homes and businesses were also flooded, and an estimated 95,000 hectares of farmland were inundated. Between noon Central European Time on Friday, May 31 and noon CET on Monday, June 3, Verisk said that 120 to 160 liters of rain per square meter fell across southern Germany, which is more than what usually falls in a month, according to Sebastian Altnau, a meteorologist with the German Weather Office, who was quoted in the Verisk report. Nearly half of all structures in Bavaria are insured for flood, while in Baden-Wurttemberg that figure exceeds 90%, as flood protection was a compulsory part of property insurance in that state until 1994, said Verisk, quoting the German Insurance Association (GDV). Included in the Verisk industry insured loss estimate is insured physical damage to property (residential, commercial, industrial, auto, agriculture), both structures and their contents, from both on- and off-floodplain flooding. Also included are additional living expenses (ALE) for residential claims and business interruption (BI) for commercial claims. Verisks loss estimates do not include: Losses outside of Germany Losses to uninsured properties Losses to infrastructure Losses from extra-contractual obligations Losses from hazardous waste cleanup, vandalism, or civil commotion, whether directly or indirectly caused by the event Demand surge Other non-modeled losses Source: Verisk Photograph: After heavy rainfall, the old town in Passau, Germany, was flooded by the Danube on Tuesday June 4, 2024. (Armin Weigel/dpa via AP) Topics Carriers Flood Germany With temperatures pushing above 90 degrees in parts of the Midwest and Northeast United States this week, many American workers are clocking in during what AccuWeather described as an intense heat wave that is impacting more than 135 million people. When it heats up, workers can adapt. Employers adopt safety measures to protect employees from both the direct and indirect effects of extreme heat, and both state and federal governments offer recommendations for how to deal with scorching conditions. However, there are still concerns that these adaptations, behavioral changes and recommendations may not fully reduce the effects of excessive heat, Sebastian Negrusa, the Workers Compensation Research Institutes chief research scientist, said during a recent heat-related webinar. Excessive Heat Increases Frequency of Work-Related Injuries In a new study, WCRI found that compared to temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees, the overall number of work-related injuries increased between 5% and 6% when the daily maximum temperature rose above 90 degrees. This finding was based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration temperature data from 24 states during the months of May to October through the years of 2016 to 2021. That information was then merged with workers compensation claims data. The direct effects of excessive heat are physiological; they include heatstroke, fainting, cramps and fatigue. Indirect effects of extreme heat manifest as a decline in psychomotor, perceptual or cognitive tasks, which could, for example, cause a worker to fall off a ladder. Excessive Heat Becoming More Common According to the CDC, between 1981 and 2021, the annual number of excessive heat days from May through September has become more frequent in parts of the South, Midwest and Northeast. When analyzing their sample, WCRI researchers found that the South is the region driving the work-related injury count increase, with increases of between 9% and 11% when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. That increase was 8% in the Northeast. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures, contusions and lacerations, are much more likely to occur when workers experience excessive heat than [sprains] and strains, Negrusa said. These traumatic injuries are consistent with events like ladder falls. The full study can be accessed on the WCRI website. Excessive Heat Expected to Break Soon More days of 90-plus-degree weather are expected from Illinois to Maine. AccuWeather reported Wednesday that Washington, D.C., is forecast to hit triple-digits on Sunday setting the daily record and marking the first time the nations capital passed 100 degrees in nearly eight years. A cold front is expected to move into the Ohio Valley and Northeast late this weekend and early next week, though, bringing slightly cooler conditions and lower humidity levels, AccuWeather reported. Topics Trends Workers' Compensation Thousands of car dealerships were ground to a halt during a normally busy holiday Wednesday by a cyber incident at CDK Global, a major software provider for dealers across the US. The company shut all systems down and executed extensive testing and consulted with external third-party experts, Tony Macrito, a CDK spokesman, said in an email. The companys core product a dealer management system and its digital retailing solutions have been restored, and CDK is testing all other applications and will provide updates as it brings them back online, Macrito said. CDKs systems, which many car dealerships rely on to conduct nearly all of their normal business, first went down around 2 a.m. Eastern time, said Brad Holton, vice president of Proton, a cybersecurity firm that serves dealers and the auto industry. He said CDK provided little information on what caused the outage that effectively shuttered many dealerships. Some cant function at all and others have been forced to resort to paper record keeping for routine services like oil changes, Holton said. A BMW store in Manhattan told customers on Wednesday that it was forced to halt all new business, including scheduling appointments or car servicing. When asked how long its operations may be disrupted, a customer care representative for the store responded, I truly have no idea. Other dealerships also struggled to do business. We cant access customer records, cant set certain appointments. We cant even print a repair order, said Claire Glassmire, a receptionist at Barberas Autoland in Philadelphia. Employees have been using workarounds all day, said Glassmire, adding that all our hands are tied. Protons Holton said some CDK functions began to come back online Wednesday afternoon, but others remained down and the restored services werent fully operational. CDK provides car dealerships with several services, including online appointment scheduling, electronic signature capabilities and messaging tools between divisions, according to its website. Investment company Brookfield Business Partners agreed to buy CDK in an all-cash deal with an equity value of $6.4 billion in April 2022. Photo: Customers shop for used vehicles at a dealership in Louisville, Kentucky. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg Topics USA Cyber Auto A bid by GSK and other drugmakers to stop more than 70,000 lawsuits in Delaware over discontinued heartburn drug Zantac has received the backing of leading U.S. industry groups, including the United States Chamber of Commerce and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. In a friend-of-the-court brief posted to the Delaware Superior Courts docket on Thursday, the groups said that a Delaware judges recent ruling allowing the lawsuits to proceed jeopardized the states business-friendly reputation and threatened to turn it into a hotbed of products-liability and mass-tort litigation. GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, which all sold Zantac at times, had asked Judge Vivian Medinilla to bar plaintiffs from offering expert testimony linking Zantac to cancer, arguing that it was not based on sound scientific methods. The plaintiffs cases depend on that testimony, and cannot go to trial without it. After the judge refused, the companies petitioned her for leave to appeal directly to the Delaware Supreme Court. The industry groups in Thursdays filing are asking the judge to grant that petition. The groups, which also include the National Association of Manufacturers and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, said Medinillas ruling was at odds with a Florida federal court that in 2022 tossed about 50,000 Zantac claims after rejecting similar evidence as unreliable. Some plaintiffs are appealing that ruling. If Delaware courts adopted a more relaxed evidence standard for mass tort cases, they said, the state would quickly become a venue of choice for plaintiffs since many U.S. companies are incorporated there. The groups urged Medinilla to consider the importance to the business community of clarity, consistency and predictability in Delaware jurisprudence on expert testimony. A lawyer for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. First approved in 1983, Zantac became the worlds best-selling medicine in 1988 and one of the first to top $1 billion in annual sales. It was originally marketed by a forerunner of GSK and later sold successively to other companies. Lawsuits began piling up after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020 asked manufacturers to pull the drug off the market over concerns that its active ingredient, ranitidine, could degrade into a cancer-causing chemical called NDMA over time or when exposed to heat. The drugmakers have maintained there is no evidence Zantac exposes users to harmful NDMA levels or causes cancer. The vast majority of pending cases are in Delaware. Only one case, against GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim in Illinois, has gone to trial, ending in a victory for the companies last month. Photo: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan Topics Lawsuits Farmers Insurance officials this week said they have spoken with employees after receiving an anonymous letter, apparently from a group of in-house adjusters, accusing the insurer of understaffing and overworking claims professionals. Farmers Insurance has always been a leader in customer focus, professionalism, and integrity; however, the current work environment and conditions deeply contradict these core values, reads the letter, sent May 14 to Farmers and to insurance regulators in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. A Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance spokesman confirmed that the department had received the two-page letter, but said he could not comment further on complaints or a potential investigation. An email that accompanied the letter said that Farmers management had scheduled meetings in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and in Atlanta, to hear more from claims people. Farmers officials did not confirm the meetings but a spokesman said the insurer is aware of the issues. We have reviewed the concerns expressed in a recent anonymous email and have engaged with our local team members to encourage continued open dialogue and transparency regarding workplace matters, the spokesman wrote in an email. The letter to regulators said Farmers, a subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group and headquartered in Los Angeles, was guilty of improperly managing claims due to the severe staffing problems. Although we as a group request to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, we feel we have an obligatory duty to report on the current working conditions and overall failure of compliant claims management taking place daily, the letter reads. Inadequate staffing and resources have resulted in unachievable expectations imposed on us, and in the best interest of our customers and policyholders as well as ourselves who are responsible for servicing their claims, its critical these issues are addressed. The issues stem from a number of changes in the last two years, including a significant increase in claims after Farmers acquired MetLifes auto and home subsidiary, Metropolitan Property & Casualty Insurance, the adjusters said. Farmers claims processors were given no training on Metropolitan systems or claims processing, they contend. In the same time frame, Farmers laid off about 2,400 workers, or 11% of its workforce in 2023. That came shortly after a number of seasoned managers left the company on their own accord, the letter notes. Despite calls for help, Farmers did not add staff or address the concerns, the group said. The failure to manage claim counts and workload is a significant sign of negligence, which has instilled an environment of heightened tension and stress that simply cannot be expressed, the letter reads. Our duties and expectations have become completely unmanageable and detached from reality, which has inflicted harm on our overall health and well-being. One former Farmers adjuster and others that have worked for the company told Insurance Journal that the allegations are not surprising. Farmers will work the heck out of you, said Shaun Markwardt, who worked as an adjuster for Farmers from 2007 to 2015. Hes now a public adjuster, based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Farmers, like a few other major carriers, has faced lawsuits by former workers, including agents, alleging misclassification of workers as independent contractors. After one lawsuit, Farmers changed its payment system for some adjusters, from hourly wage to salaried. But Markwardt said the alleged abuses continued, with adjusters expected to quietly work long hours without collecting overtime pay. I was working 80 hours a week, he said. I was rookie of the year one year but I had to kill myself to do it. Other than that, though, Markwardt said he had a positive experience at Farmers and credited supervisors for being good mentors in claims handling. The anonymous adjusters group is demanding that Farmers hire more claims staff members; devise retention programs to keep veteran adjusters on board; complete a comprehensive assessment of adjuster workloads; comply with federal occupational safety guidelines on worker fatigue; and give claims professionals more time to complete continuing education courses. The adjusters allegations come at a time that Farmers is facing some other issues. A California prosecutor last week filed suit against Farmers and other home insurers, charging that the firm systematically underinsured homes in violation of state regulations. A year ago, Farmers earned the ire of thousands of policyholders after it halted new homeowners and auto business in Florida and California. A similar planned withdrawal in Georgia was disallowed by the state insurance commissioner, who said the changes had not been approved by his department as required by regulations. Topics Claims Agribusiness ATLANTA (AP) An Alabama insurance producer pleaded guilty Tuesday to leaving threatening phone messages for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and the county sheriff last summer because he was angry over the election-interference investigation into former President Donald Trump. Arthur Ray Hanson II, who holds an active producers license and is appointed with 12 life and accident insurers, made the phone calls just over a week before Trump and 18 others were indicted in Fulton County on Aug. 14. Hanson of Huntsville, Alabama, told a federal judge at his plea hearing Tuesday that he never meant harm to Willis, whose office is prosecuting Trump and the others, or to Sheriff Patrick Labat, whose staff booked the former president at the Fulton County jail and took his mug shot. I made a stupid phone call, Hanson said in court. Im not a violent person. He will be sentenced at a later date, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret Hobson told the judge that prosecutors will seek leniency for Hanson because he took responsibility for his actions. At the plea hearing, Hanson admitted to calling a Fulton County government customer service line on Aug. 6 and leaving voicemails for the prosecutor and the sheriff. In one message, Hanson warned Willis: When you charge Trump on that fourth indictment, anytime youre alone, be looking over your shoulder. His message for Labat warned of consequences for taking a jail booking photo of Trump. If you take a mug shot of the president and youre the reason it happened, some bad (expletive)s gonna happen to you, the voice message said, according to court records. The indictment obtained by Willis office alleged a wide-ranging scheme by Trump and others to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. It was the fourth criminal case brought against the former president in a matter of months and had been widely anticipated. The sheriff commented publicly beforehand that anyone indicted in the case would be booked according to normal procedures, including having a jail mug shot taken. A federal grand jury indicted Hanson in October on charges of making interstate threats via phone. Hanson told U.S. Magistrate Regina Cannon on Tuesday that he was angered by the investigation of Trump and made the phone calls hoping authorities would back down. I didnt knowingly know I was threatening anybody, he told the judge. To me, it was a warning. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Alabama NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student whose body was recovered from a river after going missing in Tennessees capital for nearly two weeks, died from accidental drowning and intoxication, according to a newly released autopsy report. News outlets report that Davidson County Medical Examiners office released Strains autopsy report Tuesday. The autopsy states that Strains blood alcohol level was .228, nearly three times the legal limit for driving. He also had delta-9, a THC compound, in his system. Strain, 22, was last seen just before 10 p.m. on March 8 after drinking downtown. A massive search was quickly launched, with just small clues available to help investigators trying to find him, including finding his bank card along a riverbank and using surveillance footage to track his final moments. University of Missouri officials said in a statement that Strain was traveling to Nashville to attend a private event. Strains body was recovered from the Cumberland River about 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) west of downtown on March 22. No foul play was suspected, investigators said. Top photo: Kelly Granger, of Nashville, during a vigil for Riley Strain in March. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP, file) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A pair of wildfires in New Mexico continue to rage uncontained, destroying an estimated 1,400 structures, forcing the evacuation of more than 8,000 people, while rains also flooded parts of the state. The Salt and South Fork fires have burned more than 20,000 acres and are 0% contained. The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance issued a notice to insurers this week calling attention to the state of emergency issued by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Under the order, the Superintendent may take those actions necessary to ensure access to insurance and the stability of insurance markets during the emergency. The insurance code states that policies covering residential property are statutorily require to provide coverage for the cost to repair or replace the damage or destroyed property without any deduction for depreciation. A state of emergency for the Mescalero Apache Reservation was implemented by the Tribal Council. The Village of Ruidoso and City of Ruidoso Downs are in an evacuation status. Numerous additional evacuation orders were issued. On Wednesday, the South Fork and Salt fires received varying amounts of rain. The highest rainfall recorded was 1.62 along Skyline Ridge near the Monjeau Fire Lookout on the northern side of the South Fork Fire, while rainfall on the Salt Fire measured .05, an update from the New Mexico Fire Information service states. Thursdays incoming weather will produce clouds, cooler temperatures (68-75 degrees) and higher day/night relative humidity. Storms will likely develop over the lower east slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in the afternoon and into the early evening, producing 20-30mph gusts. Heavy rain, flash floods and debris flows are a potential risk from these storms through the week. The fires started on Monday and quickly spread. They are burning through mixed conifer, grass, pine and juniper. More than 824 personnel are fighting the fire, with equipment including engines, helicopters and tankers. A cause has not been listed. Related: Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Mexico New Mexico "There's no part of you that comes to Ireland as a dishwasher on O'Connell Street and expects your son or daughter to become Lord Mayor." Born in the Rotunda and reared in Firhouse, Dublin, Hazel Chu made history in 2021 when she became Lord Mayor of Dublin, becoming the 9th woman to hold the office and the 352nd Lord Mayor of Dublin and the first of Chinese ethnicity. After her win she said she "felt slightly nauseous". She told councillors in the chamber that her ascension was unlikely. "I am overwhelmed and humbled because my presence in this seat would not be likely in the past," she said. "My mother was raised in a small village in Hong Kong, her family was not well off, she would sell flowers to put food on the table. "My grandmother could not read, but had a dream for her daughter and let her travel to Ireland, my mother worked night and day washing dishes in a restaurant dreaming of a better life for her daughter." However, that period as the Lord Mayor came during the Covid pandemic and saw Ms Chu targeted with racial and gendered abuse, culminating in January 2021 when a group of far-right protestors showed up at her home and challenged her for wearing a face mask. A female member of the protestors was arrested and later fined for breaching public health laws. But Ms Chu said that the support she received from migrant communities was unyielding even in the face of such racism. Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu speaking at a rally against hate and division organised by Le Cheile in Smithfield Square, Dublin. Picture date: Saturday June 19, 2021. Le Cheile describe themselves as an alliance of public figures, activists and social justice organisations formed to campaign and work toghether to counter the rise of fascism and far-right politics in Ireland. "Overall the Asian community was incredibly supportive. But that wasn't the proudest moment, it was that anyone who looked different was supportive. "My mum came over here and was a dishwasher on O'Connell Street and had two other jobs. There's no part of you that makes you think your daughter could be Lord Mayor of Dublin. That was the most surreal part for me." While Ms Chu says that the overall attitude to Chinese people in Ireland had improved, Covid brought about a new wave of racism. "There was a period where people here thought all Chinese people were poor and needed help. Even canvassing in 2014, I remember vividly a guy on one door said things to me 'about brown people being here to take welfare, but that Chinese people are ok because they work'. "Then Covid happened and what you had the world was telling us this was the China virus. I had people going into mum's takeaway ordering side orders of Covid. She said that it was like being back in the 80s. This is a woman who had an ashtray thrown at her, but during Covid it was as bad. "Anyone who looked Asian got it. Since then, it's classism and racism in one bundle. Does that impact investment? Absolutely. Will it turn people back to China? There is an older cohort who don't feel as welcome, but a lot of people do still feel welcome." Ms Chu draws a parallel in many ways between Ireland and China, saying that an inherent friendliness is present in both people. "Irish and Chinese people can be very similar in terms of their links to family and community. They are two very friendly communities, though there are differences in etiquette, particularly around peoples homes." With a concentration of Chinese restaurants and shops having sprung up around the Parnell Street and Capel Street parts of Dublin's northside, Ms Chu would like to see more coordination and effort put into making it feel more like a real Chinatown. "I know people in Dublin wanted to put more money behind Parnell Street. But there's no one Chinese lobby group, so it's harder to coordinate. They would love a place like New York and San Francisco. "But from a council point of view, we should really do a lot better because we tell people these areas aren't safe and it leads to negative consequences for the communities there." Having blazed the trail to the Lord Mayorship, Ms Chu leans on a long-favoured phrase when asked what impact she wants her time as the capital's first citizen to have had. "I don't mind being the first, but I really hope I'm not the last." China Agri-Food Exports Rachel J Martin It might be famously known as the silk road, but these days trade to China is more like the milk road, with Irish dairy exports to the east a key market. Built on Irelands reputation for safety, nutrition, and trust, Chinese buyers are a discerning audience, seeking out the highest standards for their food, with a keen interest in social and environmental sustainability. It might be Irelands sixth most important agri-food export market, but China also holds a key role in the global market. Of all the milk produced in the world, just 8% of it is traded, and of this 8% China is the most influential player. China trades between 25% and 33% of all globally traded dairy products annually. The more it purchases, the more in demand dairy commodities are. Such is the frequency of visits from Chinese buyers, that some Irish dairy firms such as Lakeland Dairies have even been known to include signage in both Chinese and English their factories. Chinas one-child policy might have ended in 2016, but after decades of restrictions on birth rates Chinese mothers only want the best for their babies. Part of that demand is met with quality dairy imports. The free-trade agreement between China and New Zealand allowed Fonterra to supply vast quantities of Whole Milk Powder for the growing Chinese population. This FTA was mutually beneficial and became the bedrock for Chinas infant formula industry and allowed successful expansion of the NZ dairy industry from the 80s through to the 2010s. Seen as a bastion for food safety and high standards, Irish dairy also soon filled the gap in the premium market. However, demand for baby formula appears to have peaked. The slowing of the birth rate post-Covid has played a factor in reducing demand for infant formula. Five years ago, infant formula accounted for more than 75% of Irish dairy exports to China. In the year ended in August 2023, it accounted for 60%, while the overall value of exports to China over the five-year period dropped less than 2%. One of the companies to really capitalise on this has been Kerry Group, which has had a presence in China since 1999. Kerry Group in Charleville was developed on back of demand for infant formula in China. As in the many international markets in which it operates globally, Kerry has invested in China and operates facilities there, serving the local market and wider region, and has built a notable employment base in the country, numbering over 1,400. A Kerry spokesperson said: Recent acquisitions over the past number of years have seen Kerrys footprint in this major global market increase. In 2023, Kerry acquired Greatang, strongly complementing Kerrys leading authentic taste position in China, and expanding Kerrys strategic positioning and capability as an innovation partner for local foodservice chains and with local and international customers within the meals and snacks markets. Previous to that, in 2021 Kerry acquired Jining Nature Group, a leading Chinese manufacturer of savoury flavours, seasonings and prepared food products, with well-established nationwide positions in the savoury flavour and prepared foods sectors in China. This has provided Kerry with deeper access to Chinas large regional markets via well-established distribution channels. Today, China is focusing on more domestic production, curtailing its dairy imports. The country is now the third-largest producer of milk in the world. The slowdown of infant formula imports into does not come without risks, and industry experts have suggested that it is one of the key factors behind the closure of the Wyeth infant formula plant in Askeaton, Co Limerick. There is still a strong interest in dairy imports into China, however. The focus has shifted away from commodity products to higher value, value-add offerings. As part of this, Kerrys Dairy Ireland division has recently added to its export offering with the launch of Origimel, a consumer product targeting adult nutrition. China also continues to have a very strong indulgence and foodservice demand for creams, blended creams and cream type products. These are small, high value products and are in growth in China. Ireland is a player here in this space. Irish dairy co-operative Lakeland Dairies is the third largest exporter of cream into China. Thriving agri-food trade Other sectors have also done well off Chinese trade. Irelands total agri-food product exports to China in 2022 reached over 722m a 76% increase over the last decade, according to the CSO. Last year, dairy exports to China amounted to 463 million; with pigmeat exports at 125m, as well as 35m of fish and 15m of beverages. Such is the importance of the Chinese market, that it was Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogues choice for his first full Ministerial trade mission post-pandemic in May 2023. And its no wonder, according to Bord Bia, 32% of Chinese beef buyers are willing to pay more for quality-assured beef. The timing also coincided with Irish beef's re-entry into the Chinese market following China's lifting of restrictions earlier that year. And the values of Chinese buyers does appear to align closely with Irelands offering. Speaking ahead of the visit, the Minister said the trip would promote safe, high-quality, sustainably-produced meat, dairy, seafood and beverages. A briefing document from Bord Bia explained that that sustainability in China is evolving and becoming more important with each generation. Figures collated by the Irish food promotion board show almost half of Chinese consumers (45%) feel that sustainability is very important when choosing food and drink, only behind health and enjoyment. And its a trend that looks set to continue, with more than two-thirds (72%) saying that buying more sustainably-produced products will become more important to them in the next three years. Current focus is on quality, safety and nutrition and interestingly community contribution, the organisation explained. Consumers consulted in China appear particularly enthusiastic about sustainability. Sustainability is certainly becoming more influential among the biggest cities in China; in particular, the aspects that relate to personal health (nutrition) and also the reduction of food waste. For the Chinese consumer, reassurance on quality and safety is essential. Evidence that you are contributing to the local community is also a strong way to connect to sustainability in China; a perspective that they share with some other Asian markets. Another interesting observation in this market is that the perceived responsibility for improving sustainability rests with food producers and government and policymakers, with farmers considered to have very limited responsibility for this. Patrick ORiordan, overseas manager for China with Enterprise Ireland, looks at the strong China-Ireland trading relationship Ireland is a trading nation with our substantial exports to China underpinned by a positive bilateral diplomatic relationship. Ireland is one of the few EU countries to have an overall trade surplus with China thanks to a combined strong product and services offering to China. Irish companies currently employ more than 5,000 people in China, with this number growing steadily in recent years. Enterprise Irelands footprint in China consists of three offices spread across the key metros of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, with additional representation in Shenzhen. Our small team of advisors support Irish companies to enter the market and scale their exports to China. We work closely with the wider Team Ireland, the embassy, consulates and government agency colleagues to promote Irish interests in China. Whilst China can be a challenging market for companies to enter due to its demanding nature and the high levels of innovation required to compete with ever increasing internal capability, it also provides unique scaling opportunities for Irish companies with the ambition, market fit and resources to navigate the vast market. We are increasingly finding that opportunities in China are typically not defined by sectors, but instead on a more granular level based on the capabilities of individual companies to deliver value to specific customer needs. For example, since establishing its first office in Beijing in 1997, ICON plc has grown its business to become one of the leading clinical research organisations in the country supporting large indigenous and multinational biotech and life science companies with their product development. Elsewhere, in the Construction and Engineering industry, PM Group has tracked multinational companies to China, assisting them to deliver complex capex intensive projects in the Pharma, Food & Beverage, Medtech, and Advanced Manufacturing sectors. China has set food security as an economic and political priority, to improve efficiencies and ensure the sustainability of its food production chain, as outlined in its 14th Five-Year Plan. Despite current challenges facing the food industry in China, the medium term will continue to provide opportunities for innovative Irish Agritech companies who have the expertise and technologies to aid food producers improve their yields sustainably. Long recognised as a significant manufacturer of automobiles and more recently a global leader in electric vehicles, the focus of Chinas automotive sector has rapidly become more internationalised, leading to China becoming the worlds largest automotive exporter in 2023. With the secular trend to EVs, Irish company Cubic Telecom is well-positioned to deliver connectivity solutions to assist the globalisation of Chinese automakers. Third-level education linkages between Ireland and China continue to strengthen. Following a welcome post-pandemic recovery in international student mobility, Ireland continues to be a desirable study-abroad destination with a record number of 3,300 Chinese students travelling to Ireland in 2023. In China, Irish Higher Education Institutions continue to build strong relationships with local partner universities, developing a transnational education network that delivers international curricula to over 8,000 Chinese students. There is a strong and growing business alumni network forming which is becoming a catalyst for Irish business interests in China. Notwithstanding current economic challenges, China will remain a massive economy and one that will continue to yield rewarding opportunities for Irish business and be an important player in global supply chains. With commerce fundamentally being a people-based endeavour, the recent announcement of a unilateral visa waiver for Irish passport holders travelling to China is a further boost to Irish business in China, making it more convenient to nurture and cement business relationships. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with world-class Irish companies to deliver export growth to this important market. Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, outlines the strategic importance of Ireland's relations with China For 75 years, IDA Ireland has been welcoming and partnering with global multinationals and high-growth scale-ups in Ireland. During this period of economic development, foreign direct investment (FDI) has been the bedrock of Irelands growth. We consistently rank among the best countries in the world in which to invest and do business with our workforce consistently being ranked amongst the worlds most productive. Ireland, today, is an established hub of world-leading companies as the top global players across sectors such as biopharma, medical technologies, semiconductors, enterprise tech, financial services, engineering, and industrial automation have chosen to locate here. In an era of continuous global uncertainty, Ireland offers a stable and pro-business environment where research and innovation, strategic partnerships, and access to exceptional talent, come together to fuel sustained growth opportunities for FDI companies. Multinational companies recognise these opportunities. Last year, we had 248 new investments into Ireland, and we now partner with over 1,800 new and established global organisations across the island of Ireland, supporting their operational growth and strategic development. These organisations are heavily invested in innovation, cutting-edge technology, and driving the green agenda. They employ more than 300,000 people across the country, across every region of Ireland. Ireland has longstanding cultural, political, and economic links with China and this year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. China is an important source market for FDI from the Asia Pacific region, and a strong market for investment for IDA Ireland. IDA Ireland has had a presence in China since 2006, operating from three offices in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. Key target sectors for IDA Ireland in China are Business Services, Technology, Life Sciences, Financial Services, and Advanced Manufacturing. For Chinese companies, Ireland is an attractive entry point to the EU the worlds largest single market with a labour force of 215m. From Ireland, companies gain access to a highly-skilled, English-speaking, and flexible workforce. Irelands attributes include ease of doing business, political stability, a common law legal system, a dynamic R&D ecosystem and an attractive, transparent, and stable tax regime that continues to resonate with overseas investors. In addition, Ireland offers Chinese companies, in particular those in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices and financial services, access to the European regulatory system. Currently, approximately 40 IDA client companies from China employ over 5,000 people directly in Ireland. Companies such as WUXI in Dundalk, TikTok in Dublin, and Huawei with a presence in Athlone, Dublin and Cork, add to Irelands regional development and skills uplift in technology, business services, and advanced manufacturing. Foreign Direct Investment is crucial to the continued growth and success of Ireland's high tech sector, not only through substantial capital investments, but also technical expertise and innovation, which further drive economic growth and technological advancement. In a highly uncertain global economic and geopolitical environment, Ireland offers a secure location for global business, with a politically stable environment, robust economic growth, and a global network of supply chains and tax treaties. At this mid-way point of 2024, we recognise that we continue to face domestic as well as global challenges. It is acknowledged that Irelands carrying capacity and infrastructural development, particularly in housing and energy supply, needs to be accelerated. Under IDA Irelands current strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-2024, our focus remains on winning investment for Ireland and sustained regional development. IDA Ireland is currently developing a new strategy to underpin Irelands FDI offering. Paramount to that will be the partnerships that we build with our regional and national stakeholders and client companies to support them in their growth and transformation to deliver jobs, sustainable operations, and broader economic benefit to Ireland. Cultural and trade relations between China and Ireland have been growing steadily in recent years, supported in no small way by strong diplomatic ties between the two states. The value of that trade has grown exponentially, particularly when viewed over decades. In 2022, the bilateral economic relationship which was worth around 45 billion in two-way trade. Ireland has consistently benefitted from this strong trade relationship. For instance, Irelands exports to China were valued at around $68 million in 1995. By 2022, that figure had risen to $16.7 billion. In 2022, China exported $8.11bn worth of goods to Ireland. On a six-day diplomatic visit to China in March, Irelands Finance Minister, Michael McGrath, said that Ireland would continue to support a continuation of the strong trade relations with China. Minister McGraths visit had been preceded by some EU-China tension, itself a sideshoot of US-China tensions. China had criticised the European Unions stated policy of de-risking in its trade relations with China, coupled with the EUs investigations into Chinas subsidies for its electric vehicle industry as protectionist measures. The backdrop to this has been increasingly tense trade relations between the US and China, notably around efforts by both states to minimise the use and importation of technologies created within each others jurisdictions. Intel is a US corporation with a significant presence in China. Intel finds itself in a bind as Washington is seeking to reduce exports of US technology to China, while China for its part is also becoming increasing wary of western technology imports. Intel employs about 5,000 people in Leixlip. Ireland is also home to a number of leading Chinese companies, collectively employing around 5,000 people in Ireland. These include social media platform TikTok (employing 3,000 people here), medical products and research company Wuxi and smart devices developer Huawei. Meanwhile, Ireland has been striving to maintain its good relations with the EU, the US and China. That was clearly the theme for Finance Minister Michael McGraths visit to China. Minister McGrath said that Irelands approach would continue to be informed by the benefits of international trade between the two States, while Ireland would remain aligned with the broader EU position on trade. He finished his visits to Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai with a 90-minute meeting with Chinese Finance Minister Lan Foan. Minister McGrath said: I would have reaffirmed to the minister that Ireland will be an advocate for continued engagement and dialogue between the EU and China to see if solutions can be found to some of the issues that have led to tension, because trade is so important to us and that we will continue to use our voice in favour of continued dialogue and engagement between the EU and China with a view to finding solutions. The Irish position is we support international trade, but we do believe that there is a need for the EU to ensure its own economy is resilient and that we can be independent in the manufacture of critical products and that we can ensure we are sustainable into the future. So I think it is about achieving an appropriate balance. The terms of trade have to be fair in both directions, and we are in an environment now where there is considerable uncertainty and geopolitical tension. But Ireland is a country that has benefited enormously from globalisation and from trade barriers coming down. And so it wont come as a surprise to anyone that we will continue to advocate for multilateralism and for engagement on trade issues with a view to minimising barriers. In January, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Ireland. Irelands then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, met the Chinese Premier for a bilateral meeting and a working lunch at Farmleigh House, discussing global issues, bilateral issues and EU-China relations. At the time, Mr Varadkar said: Premier Lis visit comes in a year in which we are marking 45 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. China is one of the worlds great powers politically and economically and I am glad that Premier Li has decided to include Ireland in his itinerary. China is an important economic partner, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and has a huge role to play in overcoming the shared challenges the world faces, including working for peace and security in the world and ensuring we stop climate change. Under our Asia-Pacific Strategy, the government is also committed to growing our bilateral political, economic and people to people relationships throughout the region, including with China. In recent years, Irelands Tanaiste Micheal Martin has also played a leading role in fostering ties between the two countries. In November 2023, Minister Martin spent four days in China, centred on a series of political meetings, speeches at universities and briefings with Chinese state agencies. Speaking at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Minister Martin said: My European colleague, Vice-President Commissioner Dombrovskis recently said that the EU and China need to co-operate, that we need to work on our relationship, and that we need to choose a path to a mutually beneficial engagement. And I fully agree with this. In the EU and China, we are each others largest trading partners, exchanging 2.3 billion of goods and services a day. A constructive partnership with China on global challenges is a necessity. Whether on global health, on climate change, or on the delivery of the sustainable development goals, China is a key interlocutor. An Irish team has triumphed at the Global Skills Challenge 2024, hosted by WorldSkills Australia. The team, comprising Mark Drinan and Luke Woodside, was mentored by Dr George OMahony from Munster Technological University, with the victory being Ireland's first in an official WorldSkills Cybersecurity Competition since its debut in 2021. The team is now preparing for the WorldSkills International Cybersecurity Competition in Lyon this September. As part of the Global Skills Challenge, the teams were put into the scenario of a real-world cyberattack on a fictitious company that was started based on a malicious USB and insider threat. Over three days the teams had to run digital forensics on an infected end-user computer, each team also had to create reports including a technical brief, a timeline of the cyberattack, a report for the media and a report for the board of directors. The competition was about accurately identifying what happened and providing real-world preventative measures and recommendations. Team members Mark Drinan and Luke Woodside are graduates from the Cybersecurity Masters at MTU and an engineer at IBM, and a graduate from Technological University Shannon and managing director of Woodside Networks respectively. Dr George OMahony, cybersecurity lecturer and researcher at Cyber Skills at MTU, said: This win is a great example of the work Irelands cybersecurity academics and experts are doing in preparing young Irish professionals to compete on the world stage. It highlights the calibre of talent being produced and the strong pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals available in Ireland. "The win is a great boost to the team and a big step along their training and upskilling journey. The work Mark and Luke have put in has been a testament to their drive and determination. The team trained on and competed nationally using MTUs Cyber Range, a state-of-the-art cybersecurity platform unique to Ireland enabling simulations of cyberattacks on virtual organisations, providing invaluable training for students, researchers, and industry professionals without risking real-world damage or outages. Mark Drinan said: I am incredibly proud to represent my country and bring home a gold medal for Ireland. This medal represents Ireland's commitment to investing in high-quality, practical cybersecurity education. Michael Hourihan, WorldSkills Ireland official delegate, added: This win highlights the positive outcomes that result when skills and technological careers are recognised and promoted at national and international levels. Ray English, WorldSkills Ireland chair-technical delegate, said: The Global Skills Challenge held in Melbourne and hosted by WorldSkills Australia was a great platform for the WorldSkills Ireland Team of Luke Woodside, Mark Drinan and cybersecurity expert George OMahony to test their preparedness for the Olympics of Skills in Lyon in September 2024. "We encourage ICT students to start their Skills Olympics journey by participating in the WorldSkills Ireland National Competitions this September, test your skills against the best nationally and possibly internationally. Earlier this year MTU launched Cyber Innovate, a 7m initiative designed to boost cybersecurity innovation and entrepreneurship, funded by the Enterprise Ireland Innovators' Initiative: Pioneering Smart Futures training programme. It will also create a stream of cybersecurity innovation graduates to strengthen the sector and enhance Irelands reputation as a global player in cybersecurity innovation. Each year Cyber Innovate will provide 12 to 15 participants with the necessary skills to evaluate, select and validate ideas for new products and services which will contribute to the creation of new cybersecurity start-ups and university spin-outs nationally. The initiative is grounded in industry needs and backed by academic rigour from MTU. Ireland has one of the lowest shares of organic land making up its total agricultural area in the EU. New Eurostat figures show that in 2022, Ireland had only a 2% share of organic area, the same as Bulgaria, while Malta only had 1%. In contrast, countries with the highest shares of organic area within total utilised agricultural area in 2022 were Austria (27%), Estonia (23%), and Sweden (20%) Ireland had a total organic area of 52,793 hectares in 2012, which increased by 81% to 95,701 in 2022. The total area of agricultural land in organic production in the EU was an estimated 16.9m hectares in 2022. Between 2012 and 2022, the total organic area increased in almost every EU country. The area quadrupled in Croatia over this period, the sharpest rate of increase within the EU. It also expanded particularly rapidly in Portugal (278%), Bulgaria (182%), France (179%), Hungary (145%), Romania (123%) and Italy (101%). France had the highest organic area in 2022 - at 2.9m hectares, equivalent to 17% of the EU total. France, together with Spain (2.7m hectares), Italy (2.3m), and Germany (1.6m) accounted for 56% of the EUs total organic area in 2022. Organic production across the EU The organic production of cereals remains a relatively small part of total cereals production in the EU. The highest shares recorded among EU countries in 2022 were in Sweden (7% of the total cereals production), Estonia (6.6%) and Italy (6.4%). Ireland had the second lowest share. Sweden also had the highest share (19.2%) of organic fresh vegetable production in total vegetable production among EU countries, followed by Germany (11.4%) and Italy (6.3%). Ireland came in eighth place for its share. In 12 EU countries, more than a half of their respective total organic areas came from organic arable land in 2022. In a separate 11 EU countries, more than a half of their respective total organic areas came from organic pastures and meadows. In particular, organic pastures and meadows accounted for the vast majority of the total organic areas of Ireland (88%), Czechia (81%) and Slovenia (79%). There were 5.4m bovines being reared organically in 2022 within an EU herd of 74.8m bovine animals (equivalent to 7.2%). There were 1m cows being reared organically in 2022 (4.9% of the EU's cow herd), and 6.1m sheep (10.4% of the EU's flock). Between 30% and 45% of sheep and goats were being reared in 2022 using organic methods in Estonia (44%), Czechia (41%), Austria (36%), and Greece (35%). Greece had also the highest share of organic dairy cows (31%), followed by Austria (22%) and Sweden (18%). Targets One of the main objectives of the European Commissions Farm to Fork strategy is to encourage the development of organic farming areas. It has set a target of at least 25% of the EU's agricultural land being under organic farming by 2030. Ireland's Climate Action Plan has set a target of more than tripling the organic land area by 2030 to approximately 445,000 hectares. The latest tranche of the Organic Farming Scheme means the land area farmed organically will now be approximately 225,000 hectares (5%) with over 5,000 farmers. The area farmed organically has tripled since 2020. The new Nicolas Cage thriller, Arcadian, is among the latest international movies to have filmed in Ireland. Already championed internationally for its home-grown film industry, Ireland is rapidly becoming an attractive place to make movies and TV series as filmmakers come here to shoot major projects. While many of them may not be set in Ireland, several major shows are being drawn here by the availability of experienced film crews, attractive tax breaks and world-class locations in which to shoot. These projects include the new Nicolas Cage thriller Arcadian, currently in cinemas, and recent hits including Enchanted, Cocaine Bear and Abigail. Ireland, of course, has long been a draw for international film and TV projects. Even before Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks deputised Wexfords Curracloe Beach for the beaches of Normandy in WW2 epic Saving Private Ryan, the country was attractive to international filmmakers. More recently, the epic Star Wars came to these shores, famously shooting at Skellig Michael in Co Kerry and Brow Head near Crookhaven in West Cork. In the Wicklow countryside, movie fans may well have spotted top star Nicolas Cage and his onscreen sons taking on scary monsters in Arcadian. The post-apocalyptic thriller - currently in cinemas - was filmed on these shores. And while the location isnt specified, Ireland is very much at the centre of the story, says its director Benjamin Brewer. That was the best crew I've ever gotten to work with and filming was just so possible because of the Irish crew, Brewer told The Irish Examiner. Nicolas Cage, Maxwell Jenkins, and Jaeden Martell in Arcadian, which filmed in Co Wicklow. Picture: RLJE Films and Shudder The movie wouldn't look anything like it does if we hadn't shot it in Ireland. It's impossible to imagine it being somewhere else. I think we all just had a really positive experience. It was between two places and one of them was Ireland. I remember rooting for Ireland because I thought that it would fit this greater unspoken part of the story. It happens when you make movies, you tend to start believing that everything happens for a reason. And I would put Ireland in that category - I just cannot picture the themes of the movie really working in some place besides Ireland. Cage was also impressed by his experience of working here, according to the director. He had previously been in Ireland prior to filming his Oscar-winning turn in Leaving Las Vegas in the 1990s. I think that he had such fond memories of the time he came previous and it's funny because there were actually some people who remembered interacting with him in 1993, says Brewer. There was a welcoming energy. Also I think just the fact that the environment around him really looked like the movie and we weren't just setting up green screens. That immersiveness of it is going to have an impact on a performance. I think he liked that we were shooting in a place that had such rich artistic history. Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins in Arcadian. Picture: RLJE Films and Shudder The filmmaker of the well-received thriller added that Ireland ticked several other boxes when it came to working here. We shot at Ardmore, and it's an excellent studio. They had just finished The Pope's Exorcist (starring Russell Crowe) where they built this most extraordinary set and they also just shot Bodkin (the hit series mostly filmed in West Corks Union Hall). Our construction crew was incredible. There are great places to live, staying in Wicklow was very homey. The people who worked on our movie we were so blessed to have because they had just worked on much bigger stuff. Attitudes are just great. Its been a buoyant time for both Irish and international productions filming here and both are of value to the economy. Screen Ireland figures show that, in 2023, there was a total screen industry production spend in the Irish economy across local goods and services of 322 million. Location Location While only the most eagle-eyed will notice on viewing, several non-Irish productions have been filmed on these shores in recent years. Wednesday Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. Series two of the hit series Wednesday is currently filming on location in Ireland Series two of the hit series is currently filming on location in Ireland, with specific locations yet to be revealed. The series charting Wednesday Addams years at the Nevermore Academy has been a huge hit for streaming giant Netflix, becoming its most popular English language TV series. Vikings Valhalla The final series of Vikings Valhalla comes to our screens this summer and marks the finale of its long association with Ireland. The spin-off series and its predecessor were all filmed in Ireland, primarily at Ashford Studios and on rural and seaside locations in Co Wicklow. Cocaine Bear The wacky horror/comedy based on the true story of a bear who goes berserk after consuming a large amount of cocaine was shot in Co Wicklow. Powerscourt Waterfall and Avoca Mines are among the locations featured in the film, set in rural US, which stars Keri Russell and Ray Loitta and was directed by Elizabeth Banks. Abigail Alisha Weir in Abigail. Picture: Imdb Irish rising star Alisha Weir follows up her star turn in Matilda in this horror, shot in Ireland but set in an unspecific location. Sharp-eyed viewers might spot the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in some scenes, while much of the movie was filmed in the historic Glenmaroon House. Located in the Dublin suburb of Castleknock, it forms the films location, an isolated mansion in which kidnappers are tasked with holding a 12-year-old girl overnight, only to realise shes no ordinary girl. Filmmakers were already looking at Ireland, but the historic home sealed the deal, according to the films producer William Sherak. Trying to find a full-scale old mansion that feels like it might be in the deep suburbs of Massachusetts or New England, something old enough and really big and palatial, theres not a ton of that out there. You just cant believe this exists. Disenchanted Stars including Amy Adams and Patrick Dr McDreamy Dempsey were regularly spotted in Ireland when the sequel to the Disney hit Enchanted filmed on location here. The Co Wicklow village of Enniskerry was transformed into a fairytale land for the movie, which filmed during the summer of 2021. Lift Kevin Hartes new action heist movie may be set in Brussels and Heathrow, but most of the movie was filmed in specially built sets in Belfasts Harbour studios. Some scenes were also filmed in the citys famous Crown pub. The School for Good and Evil Starring Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington, the Netflix series was shot on location in Northern Ireland. Most of the series was filmed in Belfasts Harbour Studios and Loop Studios. Other locations included St Annes Cathedral in Belfast as well as the Mount Stewart estate at Strangford Lough. Gig 9.57 (SUNSET) Triskel Arts Centre, June 22 The second weekend of this event as part of Cork Midsummer is curated by Emer Yip, with sunset arriving at 9.57pm on the summer solstice and the events promising to continue late. Yip explains: It is very exciting to welcome Kate NV and Cindytalk to play their first Irish gigs in Cork, supported by Corks own Howlbux and Portlands Felisha Ledesma all of whom are operating on the forefront of audio experimentation and boundary pushing electronic music composition. Opera Possession Possession The Granary Theatre, Cork, June 21-23 Based on a script from the deaf artist Teresa Deevy telling the story of An Tain through the eyes of Queen Medb, Possession is a new opera from artist Amanda Coogan and composer Linda Buckley along with collaborators Alvean Jones, Lianne Quigley, and the Cork Deaf Community Choir. This immersive production explores one of Irelands foundational myths with a fresh perspective on diversity in storytelling, connecting our past with our future. Streaming Ricky Staffieri as Ted Fak, Jeremy Allen White as Carmen Carly Berzatto, Matty Matheson as Neil Fak ina. scene from The Bear season three. Picture: Chuck Hodes/FX. The Bear - season three Disney+, June 27 The third season of the high-octane, claustrophobic show thats ostensibly about running a new restaurant returns all in one go next Thursday. Season 2s Fishes and Forks are two of the best episodes of TV in recent times so expectations are high that Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Irelands Own Adebiri et al will deliver another sumptuous course. Festival Gilla Band is among the lineup at Beyond the Pale in Co Wicklow Beyond the Pale Glendalough Estate, Co Wicklow, June 21-23 Following its impressive inaugural outing last year, Beyond the Pale (its less than an hours drive south of Dublin, hence the name) returns with a stellar lineup this weekend. Jungle, Jessie Ware, and Marc Rebillet are the headliners, while Gilla Band, Alvvays, Romy, and Courtney Barnett are the acts youll want to be front and centre for. It sounds like theyve expanded their arts and food extracurricular activities this year too as Beyond the Pale looks to stake a claim as festival of the summer. Tickets are still available. Book Amnesiac: A Memoir, by Neil Jordan Amnesiac, by Neil Jordan Out now The critically acclaimed author and Academy Award-winning director Neil Jordan releases his memoir this weekend. He talks about befriending Jim Sheridan while at University College Dublin and publishing his first collection, 1976s brilliant Night in Tunisia, before making his forays into film, with big names and movies discussed along the way. Warnings should be slapped on social media in the same way dangers of tobacco-smoking are highlighted, doctors in Ireland and America have urged. The US Surgeon General Dr Vivek H Murthy warned social media is an important contributor to the mental health crisis facing teens. Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms, and the average daily use in this age group, as of the summer of 2023, was 4.8 hours, he warned. Additionally, nearly half of adolescents say social media makes them feel worse about their bodies. Writing in The New York Times, he recommended: It is time to require a surgeon generals warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents. It would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe. He added that evidence from tobacco studies show warning labels can change behaviour. IMO warning The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) on Wednesday called for urgent action to tackle the threat from social media to the health of young people. This follows doctors at the IMO conference in April voting for a well-funded public health strategy to combat social media addiction, use and harm on the lines of the tobacco free policy. Professor Matthew Sadlier, IMO consultant committee chair, called for the urgency from America to be felt here. The move by the US Surgeon General has profound significance and it reflects the absolute confidence which is now evident across the medical community internationally that these social media platforms present a real danger to users, especially young users, he said. He called on social media companies to prove safety before launching new products and innovations instead of governments retrospectively looking for harm. Our children will only have one childhood and we need to ensure that it is a safe one, he urged. The IMO also passed a motion calling for a ban on smartphone use by primary school pupils. They voted too for the attorney general and department of Justice to investigate the possibility of taking legal action against Meta owner of Facebook and Instagram on their products detrimental effect on youth mental health. Non-European migrants living, working and studying in Cork and Limerick can now renew their residence permits online. Migrants who required a visa to live in Cork were previously required to book a face-to-face appointment with gardai to renew their permissions, whereas in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath, migrants could carry the renewals online. However, immigrants and international students in Cork City would be left waiting nearly five months to get an appointment from Anglesea Street Garda Station. Many were unable to travel or work, and some had to opt out from applying to English schools in Munster due to the backlogs. However, the Department of Justice announced it would be transferring the responsibilities of registering permissions from gardai to the departments Immigration Service Delivery. This follows a recommendation made by the Future of Policing in Ireland to transfer all immigration administrative works from gardai to Justice. This is due to be completed by early 2025. From July 8 onwards, migrants and international students arriving in Cork and Limerick will need to travel up to the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin to get their resident permits for the first time. Those who need to renew their permits will be able to do so through the Department of Justice website. However, migrants' rights group Nasc raised concerns about first-time applicants having to travel to Dublin. Those who will be most impacted by this are first-time registrants who will be required to travel in-person to Dublin, Nasc chief executive Fiona Hurley told the Irish Examiner. For those living in more remote or rural areas of Cork county, public transport can take an entire day. It is also much more difficult for people with accessibility needs to take multiple buses. Ms Hurley added that it would like to see the Department of Justice establish regional hubs for first-time registrations in the future. She also said while it believes the Governments decision was a positive step forward, Nasc was concerned migrants may be left unaware of the changes. In the short-term, it is really important that the GNIB [Garda National Immigration Bureau] proactively contact all those who have been waiting for months for an appointment and provide information on the new online procedure, Ms Hurley added. In a statement, a Justice spokesperson said there are currently no plans to open any regional registration offices. They added that those who already have a confirmed appointment with gardai before July 8 should attend the relevant Cork or Limerick office. An Garda Siochana will continue to process confirmed appointments for first-time registrations for a period after 8th July, which will assist in reducing current backlogs, the spokesperson said. They added that those who do not have a confirmed appointment for renewal with gardai before July 8 should apply through the online system. Those registering their applications for the first time need to do so through the Burgh Quay office. WARNING: Some readers may find the following report upsetting A serving Irish soldier who beat a woman unconscious in a random street attack, and boasted about it afterwards on social media, has walked free from a court after getting a fully suspended sentence. Cathal Crotty, 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, had initially tried to blame innocent victim, Natasha OBrien, 24, by wrongly telling the gardai who arrested him that Ms OBrien had instigated the attack at OConnell Street, Limerick, on May 29, 2022. However, after gardai showed Crotty CCTV footage of him setting upon Ms OBrien without provocation, he admitted his guilt, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard on Wednesday. Hours after the attack Crotty boasted to friends on Snapchat: Two to put her down, two to put her out, in reference to striking Ms OBrien four times. Crotty, who had been drinking alcohol throughout the evening in question, has never given a full explanation for the attack in which he pulverised Ms OBrien with up to six punches. It appeared he had lashed out at Ms OBrien, of North Circular Road, Limerick, after she and a friend of hers had politely asked him to stop shouting faggot at other people in the street, the court heard. Ms OBrien, who was not known to Crotty, was walking home with a female friend after working a shift at a pub, when he violently assaulted her. Crotty grabbed Ms OBrien by her hair and punched her to the ground. He continued holding her hair with one hand and punching her face with his other fist as she lost consciousness on the ground, the court heard. Ms OBrien, who sustained a broken nose, bruising, nightmares and panic attacks afterwards, said she thought Crotty was going to kill her during the attack. Crotty fled when a male passer-by intervened, however his friends remained at the scene. Victim impact statement In court, Ms OBrien bravely walked past Crotty to get into the witness box to read a victim impact statement to the court. When Cathal Crotty attacked me I went into a state of shock, I couldn't understand why this was happening to me, I felt completely helpless, feeling like I was being used as a punching bag, I didn't feel human, Ms OBrien told the court. As I lay in the foetal position, and losing consciousness, he continued his relentless beating my last conscious thought was, hes not stopping, Im going to die. The physical injuries I sustained were devastating; a severe concussion, a broken nose, severe swelling, and bruising on both arms, shoulders, head, right upper thigh, left eye, cheek and jaw. I spent the following weeks and months attending hospital and doctor appointments, and due to persistent concussion symptoms I was deemed highrisk for a brain bleed, and I received a battery of tests including a head CT scan. I lived in constant fear that it could still result in my death. Cathal Crottys actions left me in a place of darkness, I have been suffering symptoms of PTSD, and Ive had to attend multiple therapists since the attack. A sense of constant dread and isolation was unlike anything I have ever experienced and I spiraled into self-destructive behaviours and lost all interest and motivation for life. Basic tasks at work became incredibly difficult and I ultimately lost my job due to my rapidly declining performance. I became numb and detached from reality, living in perpetual fear of seeing him again. He (Crotty) may not remember, but my memory of the vicious sinister look in his eyes as he approached me will haunt me forever. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be here today to have my voice heard, I am lucky to be alive and I believe the male passer-by, who intervened, saved my life. I am here to seek justice, not just for myself, but to protect others from violence and malice I experienced. Judge ODonnell wished Ms OBrien well and asked her if she understood the significance of Crottys guilty plea in that it had eliminated the necessity for a trial which would have compounded her trauma, and that if Crotty had contested the case, it would have prolonged the case by approximately 18 months. Natasha O'Brien outside Limerick Circuit Criminal Court: 'I lost my job because of his (Crottys) actions, because I was so impacted by what he did, but this judge doesnt want to jail him because it will mean he will lose his job.' Picture: Brendan Gleeson Ms OBrien told the judge that while she understood this, she said she had already not only suffered the trauma of the attack, but two long years of trauma waiting for the criminal case to conclude. The court heard Crotty remains a Private solider in the Defence Forces, based at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick city. His superior at the Limerick army barracks, Commandant Paul Togher, gave evidence that Crotty was an exemplary, courteous, professional and disciplined officer. When asked by prosecution counsel, Lily Buckley BL, for his reaction to the evidence of the attack, Commandant Togher replied he was exceptionally disappointed and surprised as it was, in his opinion, very out of character for the defendant, and that he was most disappointed as Crotty, as a solider, is expected to keep people safe. When asked by Crottys barrister, Junior Counsel Donal Cronin, if he had been asked by Crotty to come to court, Commandant Togher replied that, as a senior army officer, he was required to attend criminal cases involving Irish soldiers. He said this role required him to report back to superior officers on matters that may effect a soldiers future in the forces. Mr Cronin said Crotty, who was accompanied in court by his mother, was ashamed and embarrassed and offers his sincerest apologies to the victim. Asking the court not to jail Crotty, the barrister said: He (Crotty) is at a crossroads in his life, and a custodial sentence will have very serious consequences for his life and his career. Sentencing Judge Tom ODonnell, said Crottys actions on the night were utterly appalling. The judge said he had no doubt that if he imposed an immediate jail sentence on Crotty, that his army career is over. He (Crotty) took pride in striking a defenceless female in what was a cowardly, vicious, unprovoked and totally unnecessary assault, the judge said. Judge ODonnell said Crotty deserved no credit for initially trying to deflect blame on Ms OBrien but that he must be given credit for pleading guilty to assaulting Ms OBrien, causing her harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the State Act, which carries a maximum five-year jail sentence. The judge remarked that he had a huge judgement call to make in respect of Crottys future. He said he had to take into account that Crotty had no previous convictions; Crottys army career; that Crotty pleaded guilty early, which eliminated the necessity for a jury trial and the prolonged use of Garda and court resources; and that a trial would have compounded Ms OBriens trauma. In fairness to him (Crotty), he has come to court and publicly admitted his wrongdoing, and he has made a public acknowledgement of his criminality, the judge said. Judge ODonnell said a headline sentence was five years and he imposed a three-year sentence which he suspended in its entirety. He also ordered Crotty to pay 3,000 compensation to Ms OBrien without prejudice to any potential civil court proceedings. 'Thats not justice' Speaking afterwards Ms OBrien criticised the sentence and said: I lost my job because of his (Crottys) actions, because I was so impacted by what he did, but this judge doesnt want to jail him because it will mean he will lose his job. Thats not justice, Ms OBrien said. Crotty faces the prospect of his suspended jail sentence being activated in its entirely should he re-offend within the next three years. Ms OBrien said afterwards that she was glad she used her voice in court and that the public would know what Crotty had done. However, she criticised the suspended sentence, and that, in her opinion, the court had sent a message to Crotty and anyone else that they could attack women in public and not be jailed. The lack of justice is horrific, in spite of the seriously appalling, cold, hard evidence. There was a complete disregard for the gravity of Crottys actions. Ms O'Brien said that, in her opinion, the court was utterly sympathetic to Crotty, commending him on his guilty plea and that it had explained that a full sentence would destroy his career in the Irish Defence Forces. Ms O'Brien said she felt there was no true regard given for the seriousness of his violent crimes nor the lifelong trauma I am now forced to suffer. 'Any conviction in civilian court may have implications for retention and service of member' On Thursday night, the Defence Forces issued a statement, which read: The Defence Forces commend the bravery of the victim in this case, and hope for her full recovery from the injuries sustained. The Defence Forces unequivocally condemn any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to or do not reflect our values. Any conviction in a civilian court may have implications for the retention and service of members of the Defence Forces, as stipulated in Defence Forces Regulations. Once due process has been completed in a civilian court of law it becomes a matter for the relevant Defence Forces authorities in accordance with Defence Forces Regulations. As such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. It would not comment further, when asked if it planned to, or had begun any internal army disciplinary proceedings. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. A nurse who spoke with a patient before he left a Mayo University Hospital ward, and was later found in a nearby river, did not know of his earlier attempt to leave the hospital. Staff nurse Peter Browne said he would have tried to stop Patrick Rowland, 69, if he had known. Mr Rowland spent 42 hours in the emergency department, before being transferred in the early hours of January 17, 2023. Mr Browne recalled how the patients son left the ward at 12.40am. He said the patient approached him at the nurses desk at around 1am. Wearing slippers and pyjamas, he said he was not sleepy and wanted to walk. Mr Browne asked about his oxygen needs, and he replied: Theres all night for that. The nurse asked him not to go too far and he agreed. Mr Browne said there was 'no obvious cause for concern' then Mr Browne agreed with Roger Murray, solicitor and partner with Callan Tansey Solicitors acting for the family, that a lot of information was not shared during the transfer. The nurse said that he would have regarded [Mr Rowland] as high risk in discussion with Luan O Braonain SC, acting for Mayo University Hospital. Mr Browne said he was very surprised and confused to get a call from the patients son, Cormac, within minutes. He learned the patient had phoned Cormac from outside a nearby hotel, despite temperatures being between -2C and -4C. Mr Rowland was being treated for pneumonia, was on antibiotics for sepsis, was a diabetic, and he had a history of cardiac conditions. The court heard from clinical nurse manager two Jonsa Jose that there were between 50 and 60 patients in the emergency department, under four nurses, on the evening of January 16. She recalled Mr Rowland came to the nurses desk at around 9.30pm. He was, she said, very annoyed and angry at the delays. He asked me to remove the cannula so he could go home, she said. He only agreed to return to his trolley when she reassured him beds would be available The court also heard from security guard John Joyce that, shortly before this interaction, Mr Rowland was intercepted trying to leave the hospital. He said he took the pensioner to the nurses desk. Mr Rowlands body was taken from the river in Castlebar two days later. Evidence has now concluded and a verdict will be recorded on July 22, coroner for the district of Mayo Patrick O Connor said. He is not considering a verdict of self-inflicted death, nor was this sought by the hospital. A controversial vote on the EUs Migration Pact has been delayed after a Government intervention. In an unusual move, Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton proposed further extending the debate until next week. She said that more TDs had sought to contribute ahead of a vote. However, this was rejected by Sinn Fein whip Padraig Mac Lochlainn and Independent Mattie McGrath with accusations that the Government was attempting to postpone the vote because of a risk that it might not pass. Independent TD Marc MacSharry also said that the Government was using it as a tactic due to the days votes likely being tight. However, the proposal to continue the discussion into next week and delay the vote passed by 74 votes to 68. The Migration Pact, and Wednesday's court challenge One of the key aims of the EUs Migration Pact is to improve burden-sharing of asylum applications across the EU, due to some EU members receiving a disproportionate number of international protection applicants. Earlier on Wednesday, the High Court was asked to grant orders delaying the Dail and the Seanad from voting on measures contained in the EU pact on migration and asylum until a referendum takes place. The application, which has been brought by barrister Una McGurk SC, came before Mr Justice David Nolan, as TDs and senators prepared to vote on elements of the pact. Various orders sought in High Court challenge In her proceedings against the clerk of the Dail, the clerk of the Seanad, the Minister for Justice, Ireland, and the Attorney General, Ms McGurk seeks various orders. These include injunctions delaying any vote in either house of the Oireachtas on the EU measures from taking place, until such time as a referendum of the people takes place to determine the constitutionality of any such ceding of sovereignty. The matter was adjourned to a date later this week. Seanad In the Seanad, where a vote did go ahead, Justice Minister Helen McEntee defended the decision to press ahead with adopting the pact. She stated that people very clearly voted through the Lisbon Treaty to have the option to opt in on EU migration and security issues. She told the Seanad: "This is not being forced on us. We have the option to opt in. The only measure that we have to take is that we would engage in both Houses, and that it would be passed by a vote in the Dail and the Seanad. We have had numerous debates already this year. Dail In the Dail, ministers stressed the importance of working with other EU countries on migration. Michael McGrath warned the Dail that an isolationist approach will not work when it comes to a global problem. Sinn Fein TD Louise OReilly said her party could not support the pact, claiming that some decisions are better taken locally, and one size does not fit all. Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy said there are merits in some aspects of the proposals, but she hit out at the lack of details. She said: When we look at the various regulations that are going to be turned into legislation... I dont see where the EU strategy is to actually deal with the conflicts in the countries that a lot of migration is coming from." Ms Murphy, who described the Dail debate as a facade, said: Im not going to take an assurance from Government. I want to see it in writing. I want to see the details and were not going to get to see that detail. European Affairs Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill listed a number of supports being provided by the EU towards maintaining security, including a 20m contribution to the Multinational Joint Task Force to tackle Boko Haram. High Court proceedings on Wednesday In the High Court proceedings against the clerk of the Dail, the clerk of the Seanad, the Minister for Justice, Ireland, and the Attorney General, Ms McGurk seeks various orders. Una McGurk has taken High Court proceedings seeking various orders against the clerk of the Dail, the clerk of the Seanad, the Minister for Justice, Ireland, and the Attorney General. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA These include injunctions delaying any vote in either house of the Oireachtas on the EU measures from taking place, until such time as a referendum of the people takes place to determine the constitutionality of any such ceding of sovereignty. The judge who noted that the application has not been notified in advance to the defendants, said that he was not prepared to make any orders without hearing from the other sides. He said that he was only prepared, on an ex-parte basis, to grant the applicant permission to serve short notice of the proceedings on the defendants. The matter was adjourned to a date later this week. How dangerous is the situation right now? The situation on the border between Israel and Lebanon has been precarious for months, with tit-for-tat exchanges of cross-border fire becoming a regular occurrence between Israel and Hezbollah (the Party of God). While many feared an outright conflict between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah after the October 7 attacks, both sides have thus far remained within the parameters of low-intensity conflict. The consequences of any escalation are severe, with the potential for mass casualties on all sides. Though conflict has remained at a low level, more than 400 people have been killed in Lebanon and 30 have been killed in Israel. An estimated 150,000 have been displaced on both sides of the border. Though the events of October 7 and their aftermath have affected the situation, Hezbollah and Israel have been embroiled in low-level conflict since Hezbollah was formed in 1982. The 2006 war was the most significant moment in this history. This began after Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers from close to the border in an attempted prisoner swap. In response, Israel embarked on a destructive war designed to eliminate Hezbollah. At the time, the war was sold by Israel both domestically and internationally with a similar objective to that found in the current war against Hamas. An Israeli airstrike on Kafar Hamam, a Lebanese border village with Israel in south Lebanon, in May. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing almost daily exchanges of fire between Israel troops and Hezbollah fighters since a day after the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. Picture: AP/Mohammed Zaatari The memories of the war almost two decades ago linger. The war in 2006 had a devastating impact on Lebanon. Reconstruction cost over $10bn and was funded largely by Saudi Arabia, Iran and others. Since then, the geopolitical landscape has shifted. It would be far harder to finance any rebuilding projects. Meanwhile, the loss of life is likely to be catastrophic particularly in Lebanons crowded urban areas. Residents of Haifa in the north of Israel fear Hezbollah attacks, while people living in south Lebanon fear IDF attacks. Though attacks have largely been restricted to military targets, the repercussions have affected civilians across south Lebanon, destroying farmland and forcing many people to leave their homes. This has made an already precarious socioeconomic situation in Lebanon a great deal worse. Recent reports have suggested Hezbollah has a sophisticated armoury, much of it supplied by Iran and Russia, which includes more than a million rockets of various types, along with anti-tank weaponry, suicide drones and a range of missiles. While Israels arsenal of missiles is far larger, along with the infrastructure that supports it, the IDF remains beset by political, strategic, theological and economic challenges and Israels public and politicians are far from united about how to deal with the threat. The recent resignation of Benny Gantz from the war cabinet which has since been disbanded shows how precarious the situation is for Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is under pressure to resign and call an election. How well prepared is Israel to fight a war on two fronts perhaps even three, as violence is also increasing in the West Bank? There are serious doubts as to whether Israel can engage in significant conflicts on two fronts. Rising violence in the West Bank poses an additional challenge for Israels security apparatus. Its security infrastructure has come under fire for missing Hamas brutal attack, while its military is also facing increased pressure due to its actions in Gaza, where close to 40,000 have been killed, millions displaced, and where life has been decimated. Hezbollah fighters train in southern Lebanon. Picture: AP/Hassan Ammar The occupied West Bank is home to about three million Palestinians, and while the Palestinian Authority exerts a degree of control, Israel is the final arbiter of all matters pertaining to security. The situation is made more challenging by the presence of close to 700,000 Israeli settlers, whose presence is deemed illegal under international law. These settlers routinely engage in acts of violence against the Palestinian population and largely depend on the IDF to keep them safe and maintain the security architecture that separates the two communities and regulates access to Israel. Any shift in the security landscape would pose serious challenges to the IDF, to the Palestinian Authority which is under growing pressure from Palestinians and Arab states more broadly and exacerbate schisms in Israels domestic politics. How much international support can Israel count on if it launches a major offensive against Hezbollah? Benjamin Netanyahu has long framed Iran as an existential threat to Israel and has been supported in this by successive US administrations. Yet despite steadfast initial support from the Biden White House, this support has begun to wane as a result of growing popular dismay in the US and globally at the way Israel is conducting operations in Gaza. Israeli officials have repeatedly said they can and will operate alone if the situation calls for it. But with international bodies becoming increasingly critical of the catastrophic war in Gaza and the devastating death toll, allies are beginning to waver in their support. Votes in the UN have suggested growing anger at Israels conduct, while international bodies have explored legal avenues to end the suffering of Palestinians. Much like Hamas, Hezbollah is a deeply unpopular organisation. Its relationship with Iran worries policymakers in Washington, London and elsewhere and it has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by a number of western states. Yet it occupies a central role in Lebanons politics and economy. So any conflict with Israel would potentially worsen Lebanons delicate power-sharing agreement, putting more strain on the economic situation, and destroying urban and rural landscapes. The situation is bleak and this is undeniably a precarious moment. Yet there is little appetite for another conflict in the Middle East, particularly one that has both the potential for further catastrophic loss of life and wider escalation. Simon Mabon is professor of International Relations at Lancaster University. This article appeared on The Conversation, a news and analysis website written by academics A planning application to transform a former Cork City bookshop into a bar has been approved. Cork City Council has granted permission to Mutual Enterprises to redevelop the former Uneeda Bookshop in a plan that will see it linked to the nearby BarBarossa and Brog complex. The permission allows the change of use of the bookshop into a licensed premises and will see the ground-floor unit converted into a bar with an office and store on the first floor with a sky-bridge structure on the second floor crossing Market Avenue to link into the existing complex that also includes the Voodoo Rooms nightclub. A familiar face to generations of book and music lovers, John Coffey, then aged 88, closed the second-hand book and vinyl store in 2020. It had traded for more than 30 years at various city centre locations. Plan for 16 new apartments in Grange Elsewhere in Cork, a developer is seeking permission to build 16 new apartments in Grange outside the city. Authentic Homes Ltd has lodged an application for works at the former Grange Stores Site. If approved, it would see an existing single-storey detached building, formerly part off-licence and part dwelling, demolished. In its place, a four-storey residential building including some 16 apartments would be built. Meanwhile, planning has also been granted for the construction of a new, 10-storey office building in Little Island. Esprit Investments Ltd has been granted permission by Cork County Council for the works at the Euro Business Park. It includes the construction of 20,150 sq m of office space in a building which will range in height from three to 10 storeys. Parking and a publicly accessible food court on the ground floor are also included in the works. An agreement between Russia and North Korea requires both countries to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event of war, according to North Korean state media. Both North Koreas Kim Jong Un and Russias Vladimir Putin had described the deal, reached at a Pyongyang summit on Wednesday, as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties. The Norths official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Thursday that Article 4 the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement states that if one of the countries gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy all means at its disposal without delay to provide military and other assistance. KCNA said the agreement states that if one of the countries is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy all means at its disposal without delay. (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) The summit between Mr Kim and Mr Putin came as the US and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Mr Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. Following their summit, Mr Kim said the two countries had a fiery friendship and that the deal was their strongest-ever treaty, putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russias war in Ukraine. Mr Putin called it a breakthrough document reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level. North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscows military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR and replaced in 2000 by one that offered weaker security assurances. A full day after the summit, South Korean officials said they were still interpreting the results, including what Russias response might be if the North comes under attack. Analysts were mixed on whether the agreement obligates Russia to an automatic military intervention on behalf of the North in war situations or was carefully worded enough to avoid such a commitment. The leaders hailed their fiery friendship and historical ties (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) It also was not immediately clear why the article invokes the UN Charter. We are currently reviewing the specifics of the treaty signed between Russia and North Korea during President Putins visit to North Korea. We will announce our governments position after we are done, Lim Soosuk, South Koreas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said during a briefing. Still, Lim expressed regret that Moscow and Pyongyang signed the agreement while openly talking about military and technology co-operation that would be in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Based on our close analysis and assessment of the results of (Mr Putins) visit, including the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between Russia and North Korea, we will work with the international community, including our allies and friends, to take correspondingly stern and decisive measures to any actions that threaten our security, Lim said. The deal was made as Mr Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years. Their visit showcased their personal and geopolitical ties, with Mr Kim hugging Mr Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and portraits of Mr Putin, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyangs main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators. Huge crowds greeted the leaders in Pyongyang (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the core interests of another and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests. KCNA said the agreements require the countries to prepare joint measures to strengthen their defence capabilities, prevent war, and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency did not specify what those steps are or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation. The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a just and multipolar new world order, KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in the face of their separate, escalating confrontations with the United States. Vladimir Putins motorcade travels down a main boulevard in Pyongyang (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) In recent months, Mr Kim has made Russia his priority as he pursues a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a new Cold War and trying to display a united front in Mr Putins broader conflicts with the West. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Mr Kims weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the US, South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle. The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping rubbish on the South via balloons and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers. Russian president Vladimir Putin has signed a series of deals with his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam during a state visit that comes as Moscow is seeking to bolster ties in Asia to offset growing international isolation over its military actions in Ukraine. The two signed agreements to further co-operation on education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration and health. They also agreed to work on a road-map for a nuclear science and technology centre in Vietnam. Following the talks, Mr Putin said that the two countries share an interest in developing a reliable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region based on not using force and peacefully settling disputes with no room for closed military-political blocs. Mr Putin had arrived at Vietnams Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by school children waving Russian and Vietnamese flags. Vietnamese president To Lam and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin (Minh Hoang/AP) There he shook hands with and embraced Vietnams new president To Lam before a bilateral meeting and a joint briefing to the media. Mr Putin had arrived in Hanoi early on Thursday morning from North Korea, where he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that pledges mutual aid in the event of war. The strategic pact that could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War comes as both face escalating stand-offs with the West. He met prime minister Pham Minh Chinh later in the afternoon and is also scheduled to meet Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong Vietnams most powerful politician and parliamentary chief Tran Thanh Man. Russia is keen to maintain close and effective co-operation in energy, industry, technology, education, security and trade, said Russian ambassador to Vietnam Gennady S Bezdetko on Wednesday, according to Vietnamese official media. The trip has resulted in a sharp rebuke from the US embassy in the country. Much has changed since Mr Putins last visit to Vietnam in 2017. Russia now faces a raft of US-led sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the International Criminal Court in Hague issued an arrest warrant for Mr Putin for war crimes. The Kremlin rejected it as null and void, stressing that Moscow does not recognise the courts jurisdiction. Mr Putins recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to break the international isolation, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. The US and its allies have expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its use in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Mr Kims nuclear weapons and missile programme. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian president Vladimir Putin shake hands (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate multiple UN Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed. Meanwhile, Russia is important to Vietnam for two reasons, Mr Giang said: It is the biggest supplier of military equipment to the Southeast Asian nation, and Russian oil exploration technologies help maintain its sovereignty claims in the contested South China Sea. Russia is signalling that it is not isolated in Asia despite the Ukraine war, and Vietnam is reinforcing a key traditional relationship even as it also diversifies ties with newer partners, said Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Centers Asia Programme. Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing friendly relations between Vietnam and Russia. Evidence of this long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities like the capital, where the many Soviet-style apartment blocks are now dwarfed by skyscrapers and a statue of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, stands in a park where children skateboard every evening. Many of the Communist Partys top leadership in Vietnam studied in Soviet universities, including party chief Mr Trong. In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnams Communist Party, Putin vowed to deepen the ties between Moscow and Hanoi and hailed Vietnam as a strong supporter of a fair world order based on international law, on the principles of equality of all states and non-interference in their domestic affairs. He also thanked Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis, in the article released by the Kremlin. A manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, Vietnam played host to both US president Joe Biden and the leader of rival China, Xi Jinping, in 2023. Vietnam has remained neutral on Russias invasion of Ukraine. But neutrality is getting trickier, with the US embassy in Hanoi criticising Mr Putins visit, saying that no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalise his atrocities. If Mr Putin is allowed to travel freely it could normalise Russias blatant violations of international law, the statement said. Shelton, CT June 20, 2024 As the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, one of the largest and longest-running business technology events, approaches, we are pleased to announce the addition of GuangZhou GaoKe Communications Technology CO to the already impressive lineup of exhibitors and sponsors. ITEXPO once again projects total attendance of more than 7,000 business and technology professionals. GuangZhou GaoKe Communications Technology CO will showcase their innovations and contribute to the dynamic discussions shaping the future of business technology. 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[ Free eNews Subscription Share this Page Tweet Share Edited by Greg Tavarez Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) On June 13, I analyzed the report of The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel for the UNs Human Rights Council, which found Hamas guilty of war crimes and found the Israeli government and military guilty of crimes against humanity in Gaza. On Wednesday, the Chair of the Commission, Navi Pillay and fellow Commissioner Chris Sidoti held a news conference on the occasion of their formal presentation of the report to the HRC. Navi Pillay is a former High Court justice from South Africa and has served in key positions at the United Nations, having been initially nominated by Nelson Mandela, including that of High Commissioner for Human Rights (2008-2014). As an attorney in her native land, she litigated against detention without trial in the Apartheid period; her own husband suffered such unlawful imprisonment. Chris Sidoti, a prominent attorney, was Australian Human Rights Commissioner and has adjunct positions at several Australian universities. The Commission examined thousands of open source reports, including satellite imagery and forensic medical reports, and interviewed hundreds of people but Israel prevented them from speaking to victims of October 7 or released hostages in Israel and they were blocked from going into Gaza, apparently by Hamas. They were able to interview Palestinians who lived through the Israeli military campaign in Gaza who had managed to get out to Cairo, Istanbul and other cities. I ran the YouTube transcript of the press conference through ChatGPT to clean it up and am quoting excerpts from that text below. Pillay observed, In the eight months since October 7, tens of thousands of children, women, and men have been killed and injured. Palestinians, Israelis, and citizens of other states have been affected. Thousands of Palestinians have been detained and are being held incommunicado, and 120 Israeli hostages are still held in Gaza. So, the enormity of this tragedy overwhelms us, and we are deeply disturbed by the immense human suffering. Sidoti then said for his part, Its completely understandable how deeply traumatic the events on and since October 7 have been for Jewish people in Israel and the diaspora around the world and for Palestinian people and the diaspora. Palestinians have experienced 70 or 80 years of dispossession, occupation, and human rights violations, and this has now come on top of that. For Jewish people, the experience of millennia of persecution is immediate and direct. Although Im neither Palestinian nor Jewish and have not had those experiences, I try to understand how deep and traumatizing what has occurred is not only for those directly affected but for all from the communities that have been affected. Sidoti underlined how stressful the work was for the Commissioners and their staff: Its been a difficult assignment to deal with the overwhelming nature of the events, not just the statistics, although they themselves lead to a sense of despair, but also the personal stories. Pillay said in reply to a question from Reuters about the implications of the report for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, Im particularly concerned about issues that do not receive focus, such as the 8,500 people being held in detention, just picked up and held incommunicado. I grew up in apartheid South Africa, and thats what I did as a defense lawyer, and brought out the issue of torture that happens in incommunicado, indefinite detention. My husband was also detained, so there is a personal experience there. I agree with Chris that we are independent information gatherers. We want to be very fair and address all issues, but we fully appreciate the impact on victims in any conflict. Thats the importance of this work. She added, I am hopeful, and its true I was at the ICJ yesterday in another capacity. Fulfilling hopefor the first time, the General Assembly has asked the International Court of Justice for its opinion on whether the occupation itself is unlawful and whether occupation is the root cause of the conflict because thats what were hearing from people on the ground. Something that had not happened in about 70 years has now happened because of the recommendations made by this commission. She said, I am fairly certain that our reports will be relied on, particularly by the International Criminal Court. They need evidence. The authorities in Israel have declared as terrorist groups some of the NGOs that had announced they would be providing information and cooperating with the ICC. Just for that statement, some of them have now been rendered out of action. She explained, We have a memorandum of understanding with the prosecutor of the ICC. Weve furnished them with many tranches of information. As of May 28, the commission has shared more than 7,000 open-source items with the office of the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court. This information has been verified and geolocated. We link one video piece to anothergreat effort. Weve also shared more than 2,000 open-source items with the government of South Africa because thats the channel to bring it before the ICJ proceedings. We will continue to furnish further information to them as we gather more information. Asked about the killing of aid and medical workers, Ms. Pillay replied, we are stuck with this word limit that the UN fixes, of 10,000 words. I assure you that we care about those issues, we have the statistics and we will definitely address them. 19 hospitals out of service, 17 hospitals partially functional. Im also concerned about universities because at one time I spent a week in one of those universities at Al-Haq in Palestine and now thats razed to the ground. So thank you for drawing our attention to that, we are not going to leave it. Its how to fit this in into our big themes but it definitely falls there, we will be doing that. She noted that these statistics on the number of killed are crucial for us and for the IC to determine the element of widespread and systematic, if you want to reach a conclusion that crimes against humanity have been violated. We said that in the Rwanda tribunal. She continued, Statistics then count even though we said in the ICT decision that a single murder could constitute genocide depending on the context and the intention. Is the special intent fulfilled on the evidence? The special intention is to destroy in whole or in part a particular group, thats genocide. Crimes against humanity, it has to be widespread and systematic. The information, the details we have on the numbers that are killed, to me they appear to fit the definition of widespread and systematic that has been found by international courts so far. Asked about the responsibility of third parties for the long-term Israeli occupation of Gaza and the bombing of its people, Pillay said, Again and again, thousands of people are telling us that had it not been for the help of powerful countries, Israel would not have been able to carry out this perpetual occupation. That assertion came at the end of a longer statement: We have included that in our first report to the general assembly where that was October of 2023, where we identified as the root cause of the conflict thats part of our mandate, identify whats the root cause of the mandate. And we just based on all the evidence we gathered and the law that we analyzed, international law, said the root cause is the occupation because its been there in perpetuity and it must be, in our view, its unlawful. And we also said an opinion should be sought from the International Court of Justice on the legality, lawfulness of the occupation and secondly the responsibility of States who support that endeavor. So Im happy that our recommendation has been turned into a resolution and now before the ICJ. So we be very much aware that again and again thousands of people are telling us that had it not been for the help of powerful countries, Israel would not have been able to carry out this perpetual occupation as aggressively as it has. The commissioners rejected charges of a double standard or of neglecting the Israeli hostages, pointing out that the Israeli government actively obstructed their access to that side of the story and that they did interview Israeli victims who were abroad. Ms. Pillay said, We could not yet investigate the 124 hostages in Gaza or the condition of the 8 to 10,000 prisoners in Israeli prisons . . . We reached out to medical staff involved with the injured people and bodies after October 7 and wanted to speak with them. However, the Israeli government issued a directive that they were not to speak with us. Its been a difficult assignment, but we are collecting evidence and hope that we can have further contact with the families of hostages and those that have been released. In answer to a question about genocide, Pillay explained that We have constraints in that our mandate comes from the Human Rights Council and they have not put genocide into our mandate. But we will work closely with our team to follow whether the elements of genocide are present in this conflict. Pillay dismissed justifications for the October 7 behavior of Hamas: The argument from Palestinians is that theyve suffered so long they have to react, with your back against the wall, you have to react. The commissions task is different, weve been mandated to see whos to see if theres any violations of international law. So you cannot commit an unlawful act and injure and kill civilians or take hostages, so were very clear that those were violations and theyre committing crimes and they must be prosecuted. She admitted that Mandela was also branded a terrorist, but she insisted on the judgment of the law: So one persons freedom fighter could be another terrorist, but we adhere to the law, you cannot kill civilians, you have to protect them. As for Israeli war crimes, she added, With this occupation based on all the information were gathering, its pretty stark to us. There is a very clear intention of forcible dislocation of people, just to force them out. And we read those instructions, people from the north of Gaza move south and suddenly they get attacked in the south. We read all those contrary instructions as pointing to an attitude of not caring for the lives, destruction, and dislocation. Thats what I would say there, that this particular conflict has brought out sharply the issue of occupation itself as the root cause. Asked about whether Israels army is the most moral in the world, Sidoti replied that he was not in a position to make judgments about morality as opposed to the law, saying, what I do have expertise in and what I do have authority to do is make assessments of criminal conduct. And weve done that in relation to the recent events and you can see that in the report. And the only conclusion you can draw is that the Israeli army is one of the most criminal armies in the world. Sidoti also weighed in on the difference between understanding why October 7 happened and justifying it. He said there can be no justification for Hamass war crimes. Sidoti said, Chris, Id like to focus on your phrase specific act. International criminal law is based upon accountability for specific acts, so each war crime is a specific act, each crime against humanity has to be widespread or systematic but it is made up of specific acts, and so criminal responsibility is based on specific acts. But trying to say that starting and finishing is based on a specific act is an impossible task. The Secretary-General famously said last October that what had occurred on the 7th of October did not occur in a vacuum, and thats something that in our report we have tried to understand. This is a war thats been going on for almost a century, there has never been a time of complete peace during that century, there is only been variations in the level of violence. What we have seen from the 7th of October is an increase in the level of violence, a more intensive period of hostilities, and we have to understand that context to understand the specific acts that have occurred. But understanding is not justification, understanding doesnt mean that the commission of a war crime or the commission of a crime against humanity is under any circumstances justifiable. But weve got to understand why this has occurred if we are interested in stopping it from happening again, and that to me is the key point here, this has happened time and time and time again and this is the worst ever, this is the highest death toll ever in this protracted period of warfare, and there must be accountability for every specific act of criminality. But if were going to stop it in the future, we also have to address the question of the context in which it has occurred. Sidoti also thought it was possibly significant that an Israeli representative attended the presentation Wednesday morning, and hoped it was a sign that the Israelis might change their minds about freezing out the Commission. Asked about sharing information with South Africa, Pillay said, So firstly, we only shared with South Africa material concerning Gaza because thats the essence of their application. We shared as much as we could but with all the protection issues in place. We have to protect witnesses identity, so although we are in a position to share names not only with South Africa but if the IC requests that and they follow all the measures we put in place to protect the identity of witnesses, we could do that. But this far we havent, Sidoti added, Id just add a brief note relating to the different nature of the processes in the ICC and the ICJ. The International Criminal Court deals with individual criminal accountability, and the prosecutor is the investigator, has an investigative wing, the material we provide to the ICC is supplementary to their own investigations. And most of the, well I think at this stage all the material we have provided is open source material, we have absolutely fantastic expertise in digital forensic analysis, and it seems the ICC doesnt and so its that kind of material, these thousands of pieces of evidence that Navi referred to, and thats essentially what were sharing as well with South Africa under a request from South Africa. Its non identifying information, it doesnt place people at risk. The International Court of Justice is not concerned with individual criminal accountability, it deals with state responsibility, in this case under the Genocide Convention. By Michelle Bentley, Royal Holloway University of London | (The Conversation) Israel has announced that it is ready to go to war with Hezbollah a move that is likely to undermine US president Joe Bidens chances in the 2024 election even further. Israel says that Hezbollah the Lebanese political party and militant group has pushed it close to an all-out war after the organisation posted a nine-minute video of drone footage, showing military and civilian areas in several locations including the Israeli port of Haifa. Israel has now publicly stated that it has approved military plans to move to a war footing against Hezbollah. Lebanon is on Israels border and the two countries have a long history of conflict and tension, which has been intensifying in recent months. Israels escalation would be a significant blow to Biden ahead of the US presidential election. The Israel-Palestine conflict is already eroding Democrat support and Biden has repeatedly been accused from all sides of mishandling the situation. If further violence ramps up in the region, this will put even greater pressure on Biden, in ways he doesnt need, just before the US goes to the ballot box. Any further weakening of support for Biden is of concern to other national leaders who want to avoid a Trump presidency, and, potentially, its fallout for the Ukraine war. Biden has already had to navigate a complex situation of wanting to bring peace in the Middle East, while also respecting a longstanding expectation that the US will always stand by Israel. Biden has faced political pressure to arm Israel and public condemnation of the way he has dealt with protests on university campuses. There has been further pressure on him after allegations that Israel was committing genocide were filed with the International Court of Justice. In short, its the sort of situation that no president wants. Al Jazeera English Video added by IC: Israels military advantage over Hezbollah and Hamas no longer the same: Analysis The tension between Israel and Hezbollah will not be seen as an isolated incident but will play into deeper concerns about Israeli foreign policy and where the US should stand. The situation will inevitably be considered part of a wider US debate on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with all the emotions and political difficulties that come with this, and is likely to be a source of contention at the upcoming presidential debate on June 27. The US is already working to maintain peace between Israel and Hezbollah and to bring about a diplomatic solution in the form of a ceasefire proposal. Critics who want increased US support for Israel will be upset with peace negotiations which they say favour Hezbollah and, with it, Iran. But if Biden goes beyond trying for a peace deal for example, by providing more military aid to Israel he can forget the votes of those who would prefer a more hardline American stance towards the Netanyahu government. Even if Biden gets a peace deal, or Israel doesnt move to all-out war, the situation will still undermine Bidens electoral chances, because it cant be separated from the wider disputes around Israel that are already losing him support in some quarters. Damaged relationships Bidens response will also be extremely difficult for his relations with the Democratic party. The party is already deeply divided over Israel and this new threat will only exacerbate that division. The last thing candidates need before an election is to not have the full support of their party. The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has the potential to inflame internal political disputes between the Democrats even further and Biden will be going into the election with one hand tied behind his back. This isnt just a domestic question, however, but an international one. Israel is one of the most important issues on the international political agenda right now. The criticisms against Biden dont just come from US voters but from other states. If Biden cant win those states over to whatever he does next in relation to Israel and Hezbollah, he will look incompetent and unreliable. And if he cant convince other national leaders that he is up to the job, he wont convince US voters either. The problems that Biden now has to address over Hezbollah will also be problematic for his electoral competition with Donald Trump. The Republican party is also split on Israel. But the situation would hurt Trump in the election to a lesser degree. In fact, it may even be a win for Trump. Trump has been a strong backer of Israel and this has often appealed to his supporters and pro-Israeli voters. Yet this is going to be less about issues and more about image. Trumps vocal (and occasionally critical) stance can make him look like an effective leader. His position on Israel may attract condemnation from some, but you cant deny that he at least looks like he knows what he wants. To many he will appear more presidential in comparison to Biden who is in a difficult position on Israel and has been frequently accused of not having what it takes to be president. The tension between Israel and Hezbollah is another chance for Trump to make himself look dynamic and attack his opponent. While the politics of the situation will alone be enough to sway some voters, its also the case that this represents another opportunity for Trumps supporters to call Biden weak. If Biden think the criticism of him now is bad, its about to get much worse. Michelle Bentley, Reader in International Relations, Royal Holloway University of London This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. ( Code Pink ) On June 13, Hamas responded to persistent needling by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the U.S. proposal for a pause in the Israeli massacre in Gaza. The group said it has dealt positively with the latest proposal and all proposals to reach a cease-fire agreement. Hamas added, by contrast, that, while Blinken continues to talk about Israels approval of the latest proposal, we have not heard any Israeli official voicing approval. The full details of the U.S. proposal have yet to be made public, but the pause in Israeli attacks and release of hostages in the first phase would reportedly lead to further negotiations for a more lasting cease-fire and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in the second phase. But there is no guarantee that the second round of negotiations would succeed. As former Israeli Labor Party prime minister Ehud Barak told Israel Radio on June 3rd, How do you think [Gaza military commander] Sinwar will react when he is told: but be quick, because we still have to kill you, after you return all the hostages? Meanwhile, as Hamas pointed out, Israel has not publicly accepted the terms of the latest U.S. cease-fire proposal, so it has only the word of U.S. officials that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately agreed to it. In public, Netanyahu still insists that he is committed to the complete destruction of Hamas and its governing authority in Gaza, and has actually stepped up Israels vicious attacks in central and southern Gaza. The basic disagreement that President Joe Biden and Secretary Blinkens smoke and mirrors cannot hide is that Hamas, like every Palestinian, wants a real end to the genocide, while the Israeli and U.S. governments do not. Biden or Netanyahu could end the slaughter very quickly if they wanted toNetanyahu by agreeing to a permanent cease-fire, or Biden by ending or suspending U.S. weapons deliveries to Israel. Israel could not carry out this war without U.S. military and diplomatic support. But Biden refuses to use his leverage, even though he has admitted in an interview that it was reasonable to conclude that Netanyahu is prolonging the war for his own political benefit. Guardian News Video: United States vetoes Palestinian request for full UN membership as UK abstains from vote The U.S. is still sending weapons to Israel to continue the massacre in violation of a cease-fire order by the International Court of Justice. Bipartisan U.S. leaders have invited Netanyahu to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress on July 24, even as the International Criminal Court reviews a request by its chief prosecutor for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for war crimes, crimes against humanity and murder. The United States seems determined to share Israels self-inflicted isolation from voices calling for peace from all over the world, including large majorities of countries in the UN General Assembly and Security Council. But perhaps this is appropriate, as the United States bears a great deal of responsibility for that isolation. By its decades of unconditional support for Israel, and by using its UN Security Council veto dozens of times to shield Israel from international accountability, the United States has enabled successive Israeli governments to pursue flagrantly criminal policies and to thumb their noses at the growing outrage of people and countries across the world. This pattern of U.S. support for Israel goes all the way back to its founding, when Zionist leaders in Palestine unleashed a well-planned operation to seize much more territory than the UN allocated to their new state in its partition plan, which the Palestinians and neighboring countries already firmly opposed. The massacres, the bulldozed villages and the ethnic cleansing of 750,000 to a million people in the Nakba have been meticulously documented, despite an extraordinary propaganda campaign to persuade two generations of Israelis, Americans and Europeans that they never happened. The U.S. was the first country to grant Israel de facto recognition on May 14, 1948, and played a leading role in the 1949 UN votes to recognize the new state of Israel within its illegally seized borders. President Eisenhower had the wisdom to oppose Britain, France and Israel in their war to capture the Suez Canal in 1956, but Israels seizure of the Occupied Palestinian Territories in 1967 persuaded U.S. leaders that it could be a valuable military ally in the Middle East. Unconditional U.S. support for Israels illegal occupation and annexation of more and more territory over the past 57 years has corrupted Israeli politics and encouraged increasingly extreme and racist Israeli governments to keep expanding their genocidal territorial ambitions. Netanyahus Likud party and government now fully embrace their Greater Israel plan to annex all of occupied Palestine and parts of other countries, wherever and whenever new opportunities for expansion present themselves. Israels de facto expansion has been facilitated by the United States monopoly over mediation between Israel and Palestine, which it has aggressively staked out and defended against the UN and other countries. The irreconcilable contradiction between the U.S.s conflicting roles as Israels most powerful military ally and the principal mediator between Israel and Palestine is obvious to the whole world. But as we see even in the midst of the genocide in Gaza, the rest of the world and the UN have failed to break this U.S. monopoly and establish legitimate, impartial mediation by the UN or neutral countries that respect the lives of Palestinians and their human and civil rights. Qatar mediated a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in November 2023, but it has since been upstaged by U.S. moves to prolong the massacre through deceptive proposals, cynical posturing and Security Council vetoes. The U.S. consistently vetoes all but its own proposals on Israel and Palestine in the UN Security Council, even when its own proposals are deliberately meaningless, ineffective or counterproductive. The UN General Assembly is united in support of Palestine, voting almost unanimously year after year to demand an end to the Israeli occupation. A hundred and forty-four countries have recognized Palestine as a country, and only the U.S. veto denies it full UN membership. The Israeli genocide in Gaza has even shamed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) into suspending their ingrained pro-Western bias and pursuing cases against Israel. One way that the nations of the world could come together to apply greater pressure on Israel to end its assault on Gaza would be a Uniting for Peace resolution in the UN General Assembly. This is a measure the General Assembly can take when the Security Council is prevented from acting to restore peace and security by the veto of a permanent member. Israel has demonstrated that it is prepared to ignore cease-fire resolutions by the General Assembly and the Security Council, and an order by the ICJ, but a Uniting for Peace resolution could impose penalties on Israel for its actions, such as an arms embargo or an economic boycott. If the United States still insists on continuing its complicity in Israels international crimes, the General Assembly could take action against the U.S. too. A General Assembly resolution would change the terms of the international debate and shift the focus back from Biden and Blinkens diversionary tactics to the urgency of enforcing the lasting cease-fire that the whole world is calling for. It is time for the United Nations and neutral countries to push Israels U.S. partner in genocide to the side, and for legitimate international authorities and mediators to take responsibility for enforcing international law, ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and bringing peace to the Middle East. Up to 12,000 meters planned across multiple targets within the Westmoreland Conglomerate that crosses Queensland and the Northern Territory Primary aim is to expand existing Westmoreland mineral resource and to enhance the project economics Second drill rig arriving in mid-July Maiden resource estimate planned at Long Pocket for year-end Northern Territory Geological Survey awards two exploration grants TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Laramide Resources Ltd. ("Laramide" or the "Company") (TSX: LAM) (ASX: LAM) (OTCQX: LMRXF) is pleased to announce that the 2024 drilling campaign has started at the Westmoreland Project in Northwest Queensland. The 2024 work plans include up to 12,000m with over 100 drillholes, designed to test multiple targets across the Westmoreland Uranium Project in NW Queensland and into the Murphy Uranium Project in the Northern Territory. "We are excited to see drilling underway at Westmoreland after a prolonged wet season," says Laramide's President and CEO Marc Henderson. "The 2024 drill program expands materially on the successful 2023 and 2022 programs which identified targets for both expansion of existing resources as well as new potential satellite deposits. The goal this year is to investigate whether the three known deposits that were the basis of the 2016 PEA study, can be linked and if so, whether this could substantially increase the deposit size." "We believe that our large strategic land position has some of the best potential for meaningful resource growth within Australia and within the uranium sector generally. Furthermore, we believe that our expanding exploration effort comes at an ideal time as nuclear power gains renewed acceptance globally and energy policy considerations everywhere take center stage." Current plans call for the first rig to commence drilling at the Amphitheatre Prospect located 16km to the north-east of the Junnagunna deposit. Seven holes are planned to expand on shallow mineralisation identified in 2023 (e.g 18.41m @ 352 ppm U 3 O 8 from 49.21m including 0.66m @ 2,452ppm (0.25%) U 3 O 8 from 49.21m and 0.84m @1,910 ppm (0.19%) U 3 O 8 from 69.06m)1 and will target interpreted extensions under alluvial cover to the north. The second rig is scheduled to arrive in early July and the rigs will then move to the main resource areas to test extensions of mineralisation that potentially link the main deposits of Redtree, Huarabagoo and Junnagunna, and could enhance the economics of the deposit significantly. In addition, drilling at Long Pocket will enable a maiden resource estimation before the end of the year. 1 Laramide Resources Ltd. (29 September 2023): Laramide intercepts broad-based uranium mineralisation in initial holes from 2023 Australian exploration program [Press release]. https://bit.ly/3rxtcFq The 2024 plan also includes returning to the Murphy Project in the Northern Territory to investigate drilling completed in 20072. A 1,500m drill program will revisit the areas of interest identified in Laramide's 2006-2007 exploration program and includes Mageera (Figure 1) which appears to be a geological analogue of Westmoreland. At the southern end of this system lies the Southern Comfort uranium and critical mineral prospect. Drilling at Southern Comfort will be co-funded by the Northern Territory government. Laramide is also pleased to confirm the award of a second exploration grant from the Northern Territory Geological Survey which will contribute to funding a Gradient Array IP (GAIP) survey at the Crystal Hill critical minerals prospect. Resource Extension Drilling Currently mineral resources are defined across three deposits: Redtree, Huarabagoo and Junnagunna. These zones follow the Redtree dyke zone (approximately 10 km) on a NW trend as discrete ore bodies. The 2016 PEA3 optimized pit designs and labelled them as South, Central and North Pits respectively. The mineralisation in the 2.5km corridor between the deposits is hosted in the coarse-grained to granular Westmoreland conglomerate, includes higher grades (>0.1%) associated with the fractured footwall contact of intrusive dolerite dykes, and remains sparsely drill tested. The company plans to test the linking zone (JG-HB Link) by drilling northern extensions to the high-grade Huarabagoo4 northeast toward Junnagunna. The company is encouraged by a zone of mineralisation existing halfway between the deposits as reported in the 2013 drill program (WDD12-152 11m @0.13% U 3 O 8 )5 that remains open to the NE and SW. Further resource growth is targeted through northern extensions to the 11Mlb U 3 O 8 Junnagunna deposit. The northern extensions of the dyke are sparsely drill tested between Junnagunna and the Wanigarango uranium prospect 1.5km to the northeast (Figure 1). Long Pocket Long Pocket is located 7km to the east of Junnagunna (Figure 1). In-house modelling of the Long Pocket deposit has highlighted zones where infill drilling will support a maiden mineral resource estimation. The company has planned up to 1,000m drilling to ensure appropriate drill spacing in order to show continuity of mineralisation. It is anticipated that the addition of Long Pocket, which is shallow and easily accessed, to the Westmoreland Mineral Resource base would enhance the economics of the project and possibly contribute to an extended mine life profile. Murphy Uranium Project, Northern Territory Mageera and Southern Comfort drilling The Mageera Prospect (formerly NE Westmoreland) represents a geological analogue to the Westmoreland system. It is located on a 10km NE trending mafic dyke which truncates the Westmoreland conglomerate and Siegal volcanic package under variable depths of alluvial cover. Historical reports suggest uranium is hosted at dyke margins and the adjacent sandstones, but also in the unconformable contact between the Westmoreland Conglomerate and the Seigal Volcanics. In 2006-2007, reconnaissance drilling at Mageera (then known as NE Westmoreland) returned encouraging results including, drillhole NEWM204 intercepting 4m @ 0.42% U 3 O 8 6. This year, the plans include up to 1,000m in follow-up drilling. The Southern Comfort uranium prospect is located at the southern extent of this trend and saw historical work in the 1970s. Laramide has been awarded $60,000 under the Northern Territory Geological Survey's exploration grant scheme to test the genetic linkage of uranium mineralisation at Southern Comfort and Mageera towards proving almost 10km of mineralised strike length. Crystal Hill and Fish River - Gradient Array IP survey A Northern Territory Geological Survey Grant to re-invigorate exploration for critical minerals is supporting the funding of a Gradient Array IP (GAIP) survey at the Crystal Hill Prospect. Laramide has been awarded $100,000 to support this exploration work. The Crystal Hill prospect is a vein-hosted intrusion related Tin (Sn)-Tungsten (W) target which was superficially worked by BHP in 19597, with shallow auger drilling intersecting zones of reportedly exceeding >12% SnO 2 . Historic reports suggest coarse-grained Cassiterite and Wolframite is hosted within east-west trending greisenised quartz veins. The gradient array component will comprise a minimum of six survey blocks each roughly 1.5km2, at 200m line spacing with 50m station spacing, and dipole-dipole IP component comprising a minimum 4 survey lines of 3km for a 12km total length split between prospects Crystal Hill (2 lines) and Fish River (2 lines). Qualified/Competent Person The information in this announcement relating to Exploration Results is based on information compiled or reviewed by Mr. Rhys Davies, a contractor to the Company. Mr. Davies is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves', and is a Qualified Person under the guidelines of the National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Davies consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. 6 Independent Technical Report on the Murphy Project, Northern Territory, Australia, NI 43-101 Report May 2020 7 NT Geoscience Report ID: CR19590012 About Laramide Resources Ltd Laramide is focused on exploring and developing high-quality uranium assets in Australia and the western United States. The company's portfolio comprises predominantly advanced uranium projects in districts with historical production or superior geological prospectivity. The assets have been carefully chosen for their size, production potential, and the two large projects are considered to be late-stage, low-technical risk projects. The Westmoreland project in Queensland, Australia, is one of the largest uranium development assets held by a junior mining company. This project has a PEA that describes an economically robust, open-pit mining project with a mine life of 13 years. Additionally, the adjacent Murphy Project in the Northern Territory of Australia is a greenfield asset that Laramide strategically acquired to control the majority of the mineralized system along the Westmoreland trend. In the United States, Laramide's assets include the NRC licensed Crownpoint-Churchrock Uranium Project. An NI 43-101 PEA study completed in 2023 has described an in-situ recovery ("ISR") production methodology. The Company also owns the La Jara Mesa project in the historic Grants mining district of New Mexico and an underground project, called La Sal, in Lisbon Valley, Utah. This press release contains forward-looking statements. The actual results could differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in the forward-looking information. Certain material factors or assumptions were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection as reflected in the forward-looking information. Company to Acquire 100% of Douay/Joutel with a Clear Path Forward Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) ("Maple Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the signing of a definitive conveyance and option agreement dated June 20, 2024 (the "Agreement") with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico Eagle") under which the parties intend to complete a restructuring transaction (the "Restructuring Transaction") that will result in Maple Gold obtaining legal title and a 100% ownership interest in the multi-million-ounce1 Douay Gold Project ("Douay") and past-producing, high-grade Joutel Gold Project ("Joutel") (together, the "Projects") located along the Casa Berardi-Douay Gold Trend in Quebec, Canada. The Company is also pleased to announce its intention to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 33,821,842 flow-through common shares of the Company (each a "FT Share") at an issue price of C$0.12 per FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$4,058,621 (the "Offering"). Key Terms of the Agreement The Restructuring Transaction will be effected under the Agreement, which has the following key terms: The parties will mutually terminate the joint venture agreement dated February 2, 2021 (the " JV Agreement ") between the Company and Agnico Eagle. The JV Agreement currently governs the joint venture among the parties with respect to the Projects (the " JV ") providing for, among other things, the joint exploration and development of the Projects by the parties. Agnico Eagle will transfer to Maple Gold legal title to the properties and assets of the JV (the " JV Assets "), to the extent such JV Assets are subject to Agnico Eagle's participating interest in the JV. Maple Gold will grant to Agnico Eagle a 1.0% net smelter return royalty in respect of the JV Assets (the " Dilution NSR "). Maple Gold will grant to Agnico Eagle an exclusive option (the " Construction Option ") to acquire a 50% ownership interest in all of Maple Gold's right, title and interest in the JV Assets. The Construction Option will be exercisable by Agnico Eagle following closing of the Restructuring Transaction until the date that is 90 days following receipt by Agnico Eagle of a notice (the " Construction Decision Notice ") from Maple Gold confirming, among other things, that the Company's board of directors has authorized (such authorization, the " Construction Decision ") the development of a mine complex at the Projects that is supported by a pre-feasibility study or feasibility study that demonstrates a C$300 million net present value of the Projects. If Agnico Eagle exercises the Construction Option, it will be required to make a cash payment to Maple Gold equal to the sum of (i) 200% of the amount of specified expenditures incurred by Maple Gold in respect of the Projects (the " Project Expenditures "), and (ii) C$12,000,000. Maple Gold will also grant to Agnico Eagle an exclusive option (the "Restart Option") to acquire a 50% ownership interest in all of Maple's right, title and interest in the JV Assets at any time following the occurrence of a "Construction Suspension Event" (as defined in the Agreement), if the Construction Option has not been exercised, until the date that is 90 days following receipt by Agnico Eagle of a construction restart notice (as stipulated in the Agreement). If Agnico Eagle exercises the Restart Option, it will be required to make a cash payment to Maple Gold equal to the sum of (i) 200% of the Project Expenditures set out in the Construction Decision Notice, (ii) 50% of the Project Expenditures incurred following the date of the Construction Decision until the date of the Restart Option is exercised, and (iii) C$12,000,000. "This transformative, value-unlocking transaction resulted from teamwork between Agnico Eagle and Maple Gold and it represents a win-win for both parties that paves the way for the continued advancement of the Douay and Joutel gold projects," stated Kiran Patankar, President and CEO of Maple Gold. "Upon completion, Maple Gold will gain 100% control of an established gold mineral resource at Douay, a past-producing high-grade gold mining complex at Joutel and a fertile and as yet underexplored ~400 km2 land package straddling one of the three major regional deformation zones in the Abitibi, with a clear path to advance the Projects. We look forward to continued collaboration on multiple fronts." Maple Gold and Agnico Eagle are Non-Arm's Length Parties (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV")), as Agnico Eagle is an Insider (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) of Maple Gold. Pursuant to TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the Restructuring Transaction constitutes a "related party transaction" due to the fact Agnico Eagle has beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of the Company carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all the outstanding voting securities of the Company. The Company is relying on Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement thereof, as the Company is not listed on specified markets. However, the Company is not exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in respect of the Restructuring Transaction. As such, the Company intends to obtain minority shareholder approval for the Restructuring Transaction at its upcoming annual and special meeting (the "Shareholders Meeting") of shareholders of the Company. Until the shareholder approval for the Restructuring Transaction has been obtained, the Restructuring Transaction will not be implemented. Completion of the Restructuring Transaction is also subject to a number of other conditions including, but not limited to, obtaining the approval of the TSXV. In accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws (including, the rules and policies of the TSXV), Maple Gold will prepare and file in due course a management information circular with respect to the Shareholders Meeting on SEDAR+, which management information circular will, among other things, contain particulars with respect to the Restructuring Transaction and the Agreement. Key Terms of The Offering Pursuant to the Offering, Maple Gold intends to issue, by way of a non-brokered private placement, up to 33,821,842 FT Shares at a price of C$0.12 per FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$4,058,621. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used by the Company to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Taxation Act (Quebec), on its properties in the province of Quebec on or before December 31, 2025. All the securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering, in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities laws. Certain insiders of the Company may acquire FT Shares under the Offering. Any participation by insiders in the Offering would constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under MI 61-101. However, the Company expects such participation would be (i) exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (as the Company is not listed on specified markets), and (ii) exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 by virtue of Section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 (as the fair market value of the FT Shares subscribed for by the insiders, and the consideration for the FT Shares paid by such insiders, would not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, calculated in accordance with MI 61-101). The proposed Offering is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. Advisor Fort Capital Partners has acted as advisor to Maple Gold with respect to the Restructuring Transaction, the Offering and the Company's capital markets strategy. Qualified Person The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and approved by Jocelyn Pelletier, M.Sc., P.geo., Chief Geologist of Maple Gold. Mr. Pelletier is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Maple Gold Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company focused on advancing the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure access and boast ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold mineral resource at Douay with significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. In addition, the Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property, a key part of the historical Joutel mining complex. The district-scale property package also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55-km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the project ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow mineral resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.com. ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD. "Kiran Patankar" Kiran Patankar, President & CEO For Further Information Please Contact: Mr. Kiran Patankar President & CEO Tel: 604.639.2536 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. Forward Looking Statements and Cautionary Notes: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements about the Restructuring Transaction, the Offering, and the Shareholders Meeting, and the Company's expectations with respect to the foregoing. Although the Company believes that forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct, as forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events on the date the statements are made and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements in this news release include (i) the risk that the Company may not be able to secure the requisite governmental, regulatory or shareholder approvals, as applicable, necessary to carry out the Restructuring Transaction or the Offering, (ii) risks and uncertainties related to the Company's ability to complete the Offering and the size of the Offering, and (iii) the tax treatment of the FT Shares. For a more detailed discussion of additional risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this news release, please refer to the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval Plus (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's website at www.maplegoldmines.com. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and/or the policies of the TSXV, the Company undertakes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any intention to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. _________________________ 1 The Douay Project contains Indicated Mineral Resources estimated at 10 million tonnes at a grade of 1.59 g/t Au, and Inferred Mineral Resources estimated at 76.7 million tonnes at a grade of 1.02/t Au. See the technical report for the Douay Gold Project entitled "Technical Report on the Douay and Joutel Projects Northwestern Quebec, Canada Report for NI 43-101" with an effective Date of March 17, 2022 and dated April 29, 2022. West Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Surge Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: NILI) (OTCQX: NILIF) (FSE: DJ5) (the "Company" or "Surge") is pleased to announce that it has completed the four holes located on private surface land holdings as part of the 2024 drilling program on the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP). Visual inspection and site testing confirms the presence of the mineralized clay horizons discovered in the 2022 and 2023 drill programs. A further 4 holes are underway and yet to be completed. The 2024 drill program was designed to step out and test soil geochemical anomalies and the geophysical footprint associated with lithium mineralization in the 2022 and 2023 programs. The eight hole Reverse Circulation drill program has thus far extended the mineralized clay 1km both to the east and west and up to 1.2km along strike to the south of the existing resource area. This is likely to expand the existing inferred resource of 4.67 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent grading 2,839 parts per million lithium at a 1,250 ppm Li cut-off (see Figure 1). Of the remaining 4 sites to be drilled in the 2024 program, two holes located on Surge property will test mineralized clay detected by soils geochemistry to the south of the private parcels (NNL-027 & 028). The remaining two sites are located on property held with M3 Metals Corp. (NNL-025 & 026) and explore for down-dip lithium mineralization to the West. Drilling operations are proceeding smoothly and logging by Surge geologists indicates that drilling has encountered lithium-bearing clay mineralization consistent with nearby holes drilled in 2022 and 2023. Drill samples from the first four holes have been delivered to ALS Global for assay. NNL-021 was drilled to 280 feet (85 meters) and intersected 165 feet (50 meters) of mineralized clay. Geologic interpretations predicted thinner clays would be intercepted at this site. However, field testing indicates that these clays are thicker and more favorable than expected. Collared 1100 m east of NN22-08 and NN23-09, the site succeeded in its goal of testing continuity of mineralization between existing holes to the west and a surface expression of mineralized clays to the east. NNL-022 was drilled to 400 feet (122 meters), penetrating 265 feet (80 meters) of mineralized clay. Similar to hole NNL-021, the mineralized clay zones have greater thickness than previously modeled. Another successful step-out hole, it was collared 1100 meters southeast of the nearest previous holes and 1000 meters to the southwest of NNL-021. NNL-023 was drilled to 500 feet (152 meters) and intersected 25 feet (7.5 meters) of mineralized clay. This hole stepped out from the known mineralization to the west, testing expected deeper mineralization. Poor drilling conditions and sample recovery led Surge geologists to interpret that the drilling intersected a fault. NNL-024 was drilled to 400 feet (122 meters) and intersected 240 feet (73 meters) of mineralized clay. Mineralized clay is present at the surface of the drill pad and similar to NNL-022, this hole demonstrated unexpected thickening of the clay zones at this 1100 m step-out hole. Figure 1: Plan view showing the location of 2022 and 2023 drilling, plus the 2024 program, which is half complete. Mr. Greg Reimer, Chief Executive Officer, and Director commented "I am pleased to report that the clay units intersected in 2022 and 2023 drilling appear to extend to the west and thicken to the south and to the east at sites explored during this program. Initial field observations indicate that even the lower clays intersected in this program appear to share characteristics with the high-grade upper clays observed previously. These observations indicate a potential for high-grade mineralization in units previously observed to be of moderate mineralization. We look forward to receiving and reporting assay results and incorporating them into our geologic model." Qualified Person as Defined Under National Instrument 43-101 Alan J. Morris, MSc, CPG of Spring Creek, Nevada, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical aspects of this news release. About Surge Battery Metals Inc. Surge Battery Metals, a Canadian-based mineral exploration company, is at the forefront of securing the supply of domestic lithium through its active engagement in the Nevada North Lithium Project. The project focuses on exploring clean, high-grade lithium energy metals in Nevada, USA. Lithium is a crucial element for powering the electric vehicles of tomorrow. With a primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada and the OTCQX Market in the US, Surge Battery Metals Inc. is strategically positioned as a key player in advancing lithium exploration, contributing significantly to the sustainable future of the electric vehicle industry. About the Nevada North Lithium Project The Company's Nevada North Lithium Project, located in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Elko County, Nevada. The first two rounds of drilling, completed in 2022 and 2023, identified a strongly mineralized zone of lithium bearing clays occupying a strike length of more than 3,500 meters and a known width of up to 950 meters. Highly anomalous soil values and geophysical surveys suggest there is potential for the clay horizons to be much greater in extent. The Nevada North Lithium Project has a pit-constrained Inferred Resource containing an estimated 4.67Mt of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) grading 2,839 ppm Li at a 1,250 ppm cutoff. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Greg Reimer" Greg Reimer, President & CEO Contact Information Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone : 604-662-8184 Website: surgebatterymetals.com Keep up-to-date with Surge Battery Metals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. 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 document may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan" or "planned", "possible", "potential", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities including lithium and nickel, the accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental, local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure or water, changes in laws, rules and regulations including in the United States, Nevada or California or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for CDN$ or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for lithium related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in the United States or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations, and intentions with respect to development of its business and of its Nevada properties may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions (including US government subsidies or incentives) on its ability to secure further financing or funding of its Nevada properties. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon several assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental (including endangered species, habitat preservation and water related risks) and social risks, contingencies, and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations. They do not have freedom of association they do not have freedom of speech. They are not allowed to go beyond a certain parameter outside their own homes without some male member of the family acting as a consort. They are not allowed to have an education. They are not even allowed now to go to beauticians or tailors. They are limited in the access they have to proper health care. This is about the fundamental denial of womens rights and it has come about through the passing of decrees by the Taliban. Its institutionalized. This is the litany of violations against Afghan women listed by Helena Kennedy, an experienced international lawyer and member of the British House of Lords who has longstanding contacts with Afghan women. Women and girls are also being forced into early marriages, and the Taliban have dissolved all mechanisms to protect them against an extremely high rate of domestic violence, exiled Afghan activist Nilofar Ayoubi told Justice Info. She says women in Afghanistan face a living hell. Women have nowhere to go, she adds. If they try to run away from home, they have nowhere to run to. If they are caught by Taliban they are sent to prison, where we know what happens to them. Women are being gang-raped, they are being tortured. And if you are a little bit of a good-looking woman and a Talib notices you, then you learn you have no other choice than to become the fourth, fifth wife of this Talib. It doesnt matter what age you are, or what age he is. Afghanistan is the most extreme situation for women, says Kennedy, who led a British parliamentary report into gender apartheid in Afghanistan and Iran, released in March 2024. She says she is also gravely concerned about the situation of women in Iran. Crimes against humanity in Iran The same month, the UNs independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Iran said in its first report that the violent repression of peaceful protests and pervasive institutional discrimination against women and girls has led to serious human rights violations by the Government of Iran, many amounting to crimes against humanity. UN reports are not always so categorical in their qualification of crimes. FFM chair Sara Hossain of Bangladesh explains: We found that the crimes that occurred were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against a civilian population, particularly women and girls. And one of the crimes against humanity is persecution on the grounds of gender. We found that those who were protesting -- and in the process essentially supporting demands for gender equality, dignity and freedom in what was known as the Woman, Life, Freedom movement -- were targeted as a group. We also found that this group was deprived of their fundamental rights in two ways: one is the existing laws and policies that uphold structural and institutional discrimination on the basis of gender; and secondly by the enforcement of those laws and policies. The UN fact-finding mission was set up to investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran related to the protests that began on 16 September 2022, especially with respect to women and children. The protests were triggered by the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian-Kurdish woman, after her arrest for allegedly not wearing properly the mandatory hijab. The first issue about the mandatory hijab is that there is no clear definition of what that means, so its very much in the eye of the beholder, Hossain told Justice Info. And secondly, the consequence of not wearing mandatory hijab is grossly disproportionate. Under existing laws, women can be deprived of education, access to certain public spaces, health and even employment -- because even private employers are told they are also responsible for enforcing the mandatory hijab on their employees or they cannot work. Gender persecution not much prosecuted The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) provides for the crime of gender persecution as a crime against humanity. It includes persecution against any identifiable group or collectivity on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender or other grounds. Gender is defined as the two sexes, male and female, within the context of society. Persecution, according to the Statute, means the intentional and severe deprivation of fundamental rights () by reason of the identity of the group or collectivity. This means all States that are party to the ICC (Iran is not, but Afghanistan is) have a duty to include gender persecution, along with the other Rome Statute crimes, in their national law. It has not been tested much, but the ICC has one case pending where the prosecutor has argued persecution on both religious and gender grounds, the Al Hassan case. The Malian Al Hassan has been on trial at the ICC on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual slavery, for his role in Timbuktu, northern Mali, as leader of the religious police in the Ansar Dine group which took control of the city in 2012. His judgment is due to be handed down on June 26. Gender apartheid not yet recognized Some NGOs and activists are now pushing for gender apartheid to be recognized as a crime against humanity in international law. The Rome Statute defines apartheid as inhumane acts committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups. Gender is not currently mentioned. Kennedy and the parliamentary inquiry she led are advocating for recognition of gender apartheid. Some will argue that we already have a crime against humanity in the form of gender persecution, but it isnt enough, she told Justice Info. Women [in Afghanistan and Iran] certainly experience gender persecution in many different ways and its very much individualized. What we are looking at here is a State institutionalizing discrimination by removing womens rights and making it unlawful for them to do certain things which would be perfectly fine if they were a male citizen. Kennedy wants gender apartheid included in the Rome Statute and in a new Convention on Crimes against Humanity under discussion at the UN. Ayoubi of Afghanistan agrees. I was part of the first groups at the UN that started advocating for the term, she told Justice Info. We are many in the group. We are advocating for the term gender apartheid because not only in Afghanistan, also in Iran the same thing is happening. What is happening in Afghanistan is clear as day, because half the population is deprived of fundamental human rights just because they are women. If this is not gender apartheid and if the world is not going to punish Taliban leaders, then I dont think we can have any hope on human rights or justice anymore. Universal jurisdiction and humanitarian visas In the absence of national justice, the Iran Fact-Finding Mission calls on States to apply the principle of universal jurisdiction to all crimes under international law without procedural limitations, as well as establish victim funds, jointly or individually, and provide protection, including by granting asylum and humanitarian visas to those fleeing persecution in Iran in the context of the protests. This UN mission has a mandate to collect evidence, and also preserve it for possible future use in legal proceedings. The information in our report includes the authorities we consider responsible, but we have not given names as yet, Hossain told Justice Info. These authorities include, for example, the Morality Police, the prison authorities, and the judicial authorities, accused of not giving fair justice to protestors accused of alleged crimes like corruption on earth and enmity to God as well as terrorism and espionage. At the end of its mandate in March 2025, the Fact-Finding Mission will submit to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights a confidential list of suspects. Change of strategies on Iran and Afghanistan? Kennedy says the British government has not yet responded to the ad-hoc parliamentary report on gender apartheid in Iran and Afghanistan. The UK is currently in an election campaign, with parliament dissolved and a new government expected after the vote on July 4. We will press any new government on recognizing gender apartheid, she continues. But the push is not just domestic, she stresses, calling for foreign ministers of States to use this language. Asked about her hopes, Ayoubi does not mince her words. I might sound harsh, but after what is happening in the world, international justice including the UN sounds like a joke to me. Everything is for political gains, she said. To be honest, I am not much hopeful. But I strongly believe that soon States are going to change their strategies and their foreign policies towards the Taliban and the Iranian regime. Iran is waging war in the Middle East and involving the whole world. The Taliban are turning Afghanistan into a terrorist training hub. A Stockholm court will Thursday deliver its verdict in a trial against one of the highest-ranking Syrian military officials to be tried in Europe, accused of war crimes during Syria's civil war. Former brigadier general Mohammed Hamo, 65, who lives in Sweden, is accused of "aiding and abetting" war crimes. If convicted, he could get a life sentence. The Stockholm district court is expected to announce its verdict at 11:00 am (0900 GMT). The war between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and armed opposition groups, including Islamic State, erupted after the government repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011. It has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions, and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure. According to the charges, Hamo contributed -- through "advice and action" -- to the Syrian army's warfare, which "systematically included attacks carried out in violation of the principles of distinction, caution and proportionality". "The warfare was thus indiscriminate," prosecutor Karolina Wieslander told the court when the trial opened in April. Wieslander said the Syrian army's "widespread air and ground attacks" caused damage "at a scale that was disproportionate in view of the concrete and immediate general military advantages that could be expected to be achieved". In his role as brigadier general and head of an armament division, Hamo allegedly helped coordinate the supply of arms and ammunition to units. Hamo's lawyer, Mari Kilman, told the court her client denied criminal responsibility and had not shown "intent" to contribute to "indiscriminate warfare" by others. Kilman said the officer could not be held liable for the actions "as he had acted in a military context and had to follow orders." - First of its kind - Aida Samani, senior legal advisor at rights group Civil Rights Defenders -- which has been monitoring the trial -- told AFP that "strong evidence" had been presented at the trial. "We will now see what the court makes of that information and evidence," Samani said. "What is noteworthy about this case is that this is the first trial concerning the Syrian military's warfare. That is, how the warfare was carried out," she said. No European court has previously dealt with this issue and the impact on civilian lives and infrastructure, she added. Hamo is the highest-ranking military official to go on trial in Europe in person, though other countries have tried to bring charges against more senior members. In March, Swiss prosecutors charged Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of President Bashar al-Assad, with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, it remains unlikely Rifaat al-Assad -- who recently returned to Syria after 37 years in exile -- will show up for the trial, for which a date has yet to be set. Swiss law allows for trials in absentia under certain conditions. In November, France issued an international arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes over chemical attacks in 2013. Three other international warrants were also issued for the arrests of Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher, the de-facto chief of the army's elite Fourth Division, and two generals. In May, a Paris court also ordered life prison sentences for three top Syrian security officials for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes. The accused -- Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau; Jamil Hassan, former director of the Air Force intelligence service; and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, former head of investigations -- were all absent, but there are international warrants for their arrest. In January 2022, a German court sentenced former colonel Anwar Raslan to life in jail for crimes against humanity. That was the first international trial over state-sponsored torture in Syria and was hailed by victims as a victory for justice. Amid his overseas tour, Byeon Woo Seok spoiled fans the possible bigger venues. Byeon Woo Seok Fan Meeting to Possibly Be in Bigger Venues The much-awaited cover issue of Harper's Bazaar featuring one of today's trending stars Byeon Woo Seok, has been released. From pre-orders of magazines to posting content on multiple social media platforms, the actor currently enjoys the momentum of his fame. Byeon Woo Seok enchanted many with his pictorial capturing his masculine and charming vibes. Apart from this, he sat for an interview and answered some of the fans' questions, wherein most are even TMI. From his favorite ramen to the song he often listens to, the actor answered all of these, allowing more fans to get to know him better. Aside from this, he was asked about his ongoing sold-out fan meetings. Since all of his upcoming fan gatherings in Asia got sold out immediately in less than five minutes, some fans were hoping for another chance to see him. Byeon Woo Seok then humbly commented: "If you keep liking me until the next fan meeting, I will try to hold it at a better place. I promise." The heartthrob gave hope to his fans about the possible bigger venues for his next fan meetings. As an update on his ongoing tour, Byeon Woo Seok successfully finished his fan meetings in Taiwan and Bangkok, the next cities on his list are Manila, Jakarta, Singapore, and Hong Kong. You can watch Byeon Woo Seok's Harper's Bazaar interview here! What's Next for Byeon Woo Seok? The heartthrob just made his return to Europe to attend the Milan Fashion Week. Due to the "Ryu Sun Jae Syndrome," the actor meets crowds of fans anywhere he goes. In return, he came to them, greeted them, and gave them autographs. Despite his limited time, he makes sure to meet his fans and expresses his gratitude. Due to his busy schedule, he wasn't able to join the reward vacation of the "Lovely Runner" cast and crew in Phuket, Thailand. While he is on a fan meeting tour, Byeon Woo Seok is also busy working on his other brand endorsements. In addition, he is nominated for the Seoul International Awards 2024 along with his on-screen partner Kim Hye Yoon. They will compete with other celebrities namely Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won, Lee Junho, Suho, Song Kang, Kim Yoo Jung, and more. Despite the tight competition, many fans are already grateful to see the actor receiving a nomination. Meanwhile, since he has been receiving multiple drama scripts, Byeon Woo Seok has no confirmed screen projects yet and is taking his time to choose what to work on next for his series comeback. What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai San Miguel wrote this. Almost four years since the series aired, fans are still captivated by the drama's young lead stars and their amazing rapport. Despite navigating different paths, what can the public expect from the cast members in the upcoming months? From Cha Eun Woo and Moon Ga Young to Hwang In Yeop, where are the talented cast of the 2021 K-drama "True Beauty"? Keep on reading to know if they have new dramas to air soon! Cha Eun Woo Every year, Cha Eun Woo is booked with a lot of schedules, may it be in Korea or abroad, the idol-actor is consistent in meeting his fans in different parts of the world. This 2024, he just concluded his revenge series "Wonderful World" where he was praised for his mature and brilliant performance. After that, he became busy attending brand events abroad, and just recently, he went to Europe to represent one of the jewelry brands that he is endorsing. On June 20, he is seen at the airport and is expected to depart again abroad for another event. Meanwhile, despite his busy schedule, Cha Eun Woo has no confirmed drama yet and is focused on fulfilling his solo brand collaborations. Moon Ga Young Same with her former co-star, Cha Eun Woo, Moon Ga Young is solidifying her ambassador image as she attends various exclusive brand events in Korea and abroad. Recently, she launched her first-ever book, marking another milestone in her career. She just debuted as a book author. In April, Moon Ga Young was reported to headline the upcoming drama adaptation of the webcomic "He's the Black Dragon," along with promising actor Choi Hyun Wook. According to their agencies, they are currently reviewing the offer. If the actress seals the contract, this will be her next screen project following "The Interest of Love" in 2023. Hwang In Yeop This heartthrob is finally meeting the viewers again this 2024. Hwang In Yeop is set to grace the small screen in the second half of this year through "Family by Choice." It is a romance series that follows the story of three people, who are not related by blood but spent their teens together while insisting that they are family. Their exciting journey unfolds when they reunite after a decade. Hwang In Yeop takes the role of Kim San Ha, a handsome man who doesn't lack anything. Joining him in the main cast are Jung Chaeyeon and Bae Hyun Sung. Kim Min Ki Kim Min Ki, who played Moon Ga Young's younger brother in "True Beauty" just made his cameo in the hit drama "Lovely Runner." He also appeared in "Under the Queen's Umbrella." As of this writing, he has no confirmed screen project yet. Lim Se Mi Lim Se Mi just reunited with Cha Eun Woo in "Wonderful World." In the second half of 2024, the actress is expected to work on her new series "The Whirlwind," which is set to air on Netflix. What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Shai San Miguel wrote this. Thursday, June 20, 2024 Cracks have emerged in Raila Odingas Azimio after an ODM MP shifted his stance to support the Finance Bill 2024, citing the removal of contentious provisions that now make it more favourable to citizens. Christopher Aseka, the MP for Kwisero, became the first opposition-aligned legislator to change his position amidst peaceful demonstrations nationwide, where Kenyans voiced frustrations over certain provisions. He vowed to pass the bill despite Azimio's stand to reject the bill in totality because President Wiliam Ruto has listened to Kenyans and dropped some contentious taxes. "From yesterday's announcements, taxes on bread and edible oil are no more. There are provisions that I support in the Finance Bill, this includes imposing taxes on alcohol and liquor beverages," Aseka said. The decision by the Azimio MPs to oppose the bill came after extensive discussions immediately following the tabling of the amended document by the Chair of the NA Finance Committee in Parliament. The Azimio leaders, emboldened by the endorsement of Raila Odinga, asserted their rejection to align with the sentiments expressed by peaceful demonstrators across the nation. The Finance Bill, which includes measures to boost revenue, is currently undergoing deliberations on the floor of the National Assembly before a vote. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 - National Assembly Finance Committee Chair Kuria Kimani is sitting with a whopping Sh168,000 bribe that he received from members of the public to change his stance on the controversial Finance Bill 2024. While addressing the floor of the House yesterday, Kuria sought guidance on what to do with the money he received from Kenyans while drafting the Finance Bill 2024. He asked National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for guidance, noting that receiving public funds was against the law. Kimani made the disclosure while he was tabling the Finance Bill to the floor of the House for a second reading. In a very special way, although these people bridged the Data Protection Act by sharing our numbers with Kenyans, but I also thank the Kenyans who wrote to us through SMS that called us and some of them were generous enough to send us Ksh1 and more to confirm if our numbers were authentic, he stated. I have written to the clerk wondering what to do with the Ksh168,000 that was sent to me because receiving these gifts from members of the public is against the laws of this Republic, he explained his distress. He added that he would seek guidance from Speaker Wetangula on what to do with the cash after the morning sitting. Kuria remarked that he had tried engaging a telecommunications company in reversing the cash. I tried reversing it was impossible because it came in hundreds of thousands, he explained why he still had the cash. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 - KANU Chairman Gideon Moi has urged Kenyans to reject the entire Finance Bill 2024, as it will overburden many citizens. In a statement on Thursday, Moi said that any attempts to increase taxes to address the budget deficit should be rejected because it will make the lives of ordinary Kenyans a living hell. He went on to say that Economic experts agree that Kenya does not face a revenue problem but an expenditure issue. The former Baringo County Senator noted that while some of the punitive taxes have been removed, other punitive ones have been silently slipped into the Bill. "Therefore, the National Assembly must reject the Finance Bill, 2024, in its entirety. "The proposed amendments to clauses of the bill prescribing highly unpopular taxation measures have been canceled out by other equally punitive proposals slipped into the bill," Moi said. The Kanu boss noted that to achieve prosperity, the country's leadership must prioritise industrialization over taxation. He said this will help expand the tax base and therefore they will be able to grow the revenue collection. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Kenyans have called out clerics at Holy Family Basicila church for working in cahoots with rogue police officers to arrest protesters who flocked to the Nairobi CBD to protest against the punitive finance bill. The expansive Catholic Church locked doors for protesters who tried to get inside after being chased by the police. It is also alleged that the cops were allowed to hide inside the church and pounce on protesters trying to access Parliament Road. At the same time, Jamia Mosque shielded protesters against police brutality and provided free medical services to the injured. Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi thanked clerics at Jamia Mosque for standing in solidarity with the protesters. The good people at Jamia Mosque have opened their doors to medics to provide first aid. The clerics at Jamia know service to humanity, is serving God. "May God bless them, and give them long life. We salute the Jamia Mosque leadership and the believers who worship there, he tweeted. The Kenya DAILY POST. Thursday, June 20, 2024 - A lady identified as Kesh on X (formerly Twitter) has exposed UDA propagandist Dennis Itumbi for sliding into her DM and trying to seduce her. Kesh embarrassed Itumbi after he trashed finance bill demos and claimed that the protesters were being funded by rogue NGOs to destabilize the Government. She shared a private message of Itumbi sliding into her DM and begging her for a date. She further claimed that Itumbi, a well-known simp, was writing poems to her at 5am as he desperately tried to win her heart. Wait, ni wewe ulikuwa unaamka kuniandikia poems 5 am in the morning? I dodged a bullet, she tweeted. However, his efforts did not bear fruit. Responding to the tweet, Itumbi admitted that he has been sliding into ladies DMS as Kesh threatened to leak WhatsApp voice recordings. Check out her tweets. Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Dagoretti South Member of Parliament John Kiarie was on the receiving end of criticism from Kenyans after claiming that photos of the ongoing protests against the Finance Bill 2024 are photoshopped. Kiarie made the remarks on Wednesday when Parliament was discussing Finance Bill 2024. Fake demonstrations! Some of the photos do not belong to this country. They were photoshopped and I know this because I am a graphic expert, Kiarie said. Kiarie's statement angered many Kenyans, including controversial lawyer Miguna Miguna, who shared the legislator's phone contact. KJ, Gen-Zs and Millennials have no time for your Nyayo Juu jokes. Patriots, here is the number: 0725 520 323. Do your thing, Miguna wrote on his X platform. KJ is among legislators who have abandoned their people for their stomachs and they are currently supporting the punitive and retrogressive Finance Bill 2024. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 - President William Ruto faced resistance as his motorcade drove through Garissa town under heavy security. Ruto was heading to Garissa University for a graduation ceremony when protesters lined up in the streets and raised placards while shouting anti-finance bill slogans. Reject finance bill, the angry protesters shouted as Rutos motorcade drove through the town. The Presidents motorcade sped off as protesters continued to express their sentiments. The head of state did not raise his hand to greet the residents as it was the norm. Protests have rocked different parts of the country, especially in major towns, as Kenyans continue to reject the punitive bill. Watch the video of how Ruto was humiliated by Garissa residents. President Ruto has today been received in Garissa with calls of #RejectFinanceBill2024 pic.twitter.com/BKaE3yFu5o Pauline Njoroge (@paulinenjoroge) June 20, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, June 20, 2024 - President William Ruto's government has warned Kenyans against sharing Members of Parliament's phone numbers. The government through the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) warned Kenyans against distributing other people's private information on social media. The government agency said it had observed a recent trend in which information such as names, telephone numbers, locations, and details of family members of a certain category of citizens were being shared on the platforms without consent. According to the ODPC, the trend was flouting the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of Kenya, which stipulates the right to privacy. It went ahead to caution the members of the public against the move. "In view of the foregoing, the office wishes to advise members of the public to refrain from further sharing of personal information which infringes on individuals' rights to privacy," the ODPC's statement partly read The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 President William Ruto has finally responded to concerns by Kenyans that international monetary lenders were influencing the proposed taxes in the country. Speaking to BBC, Ruto, through Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura explained that when lenders such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provide funds to Kenya, they assess the countrys ability to repay those loans. He emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza government's priority is to repay its debts, which necessitates the need to increase taxes. "As a government, we are keen to meet all the debt obligations that is why we were able to pay the Eurobond on time when people thought we could default. "We are keen to ensure that the credit lending remains high and that is why we will do everything possible," he stated. During the interview, Mwaura reiterated that Kenya was only working to show that it could repay its debts to international lenders. This remark comes as a section of Kenyans and leaders in opposition who are rejecting the Finance Bill 2024 have alluded that international players such as the lenders were responsible for the hike in punitive taxes. "We don't need IMF Kenya, we can do it on our own," Narok Senator Ledama Olekina stated on Tuesday. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has accused President William Ruto of duping Kenyans using bread and diaper taxes. Speaking during an interview, Kagwe opined that the tax proposals on bread and diapers were a strategy to dupe Kenyans over the Finance Bill 2024. According to Kagwe, it was strange for Ruto's administration to introduce VAT on bread at a time when Kenyans were suffering. He added that the addition of the contentious clauses was aimed at causing a public outcry. The former CS, who served under Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, alleged that Ruto had planned to remove the taxes all along. According to Kagwe, the contentious taxes were aimed at shifting the attention of Kenyans from other tax proposals in the bill. "You cannot honestly tell me, that at a time when Kenyans are crying as much as they are, you can say that you will tax bread and diapers. "Seriously! You expect me to believe this is what you intended to do? "There is this tendency where you put people in a hole, remove them from the hole and they will praise you," he stated. Nonetheless, he held the view that Kenyans read into Ruto's scheme as was witnessed through the protests which have been nicknamed the Gen Z protests. "It did not work. It backfired. Kenyans are not going to praise anybody because you say that you are not going to tax bread. "There are some other taxes that are still there that need to be looked at and I hope there will be more amendments that will be made," he stated. After an uproar among Kenyans, the Kenya Kwanza administration dropped its move to tax bread and other items like diapers. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Business was brought to a standstill in the Nairobi Central Business District after thousands of protesters flocked the streets to protest against the finance bill. As the protests went on, a section of youths, surrounded a police vehicle that had a team of anti-riot police officers onboard. They started chanting Igwee and then switched to chanting We are peaceful as the officers watched. The officers then requested to reverse their vehicle and the protesting youths were seen making their way for the officers to move. Watch the video. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has threatened Members of Parliament that they will face dire consequences if they dont pass the contentious Finance Bill 2024. Speaking in Parliament earlier today, Nyoro disclosed that if the Finance Bill is not passed, every constituency will lose Sh50 million meant for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The lawmaker noted that the NG-CDF will be reduced by Sh15 billion if the bill does not sail through. Nyoro, who is also the Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly, maintained that the bill was to raise an additional Sh200 billion. "I have communication from the National Treasury that if the bill does not pass, the NG-CDF will be reducing by Sh15 billion which is Sh50 million per constituency," Nyoro remarked. He further disclosed that ongoing projects in constituencies will be shelved by reducing their budget by Sh800 million if the bill does not pass. The lawmaker also noted that the State House was bound to lose Sh451 million while the Defence Ministry would lose Sh7 billion. Nyoro maintained that if the MPs did not pass the bill, then the Junior Secondary school intern teachers who were to get permanent employment would have no funding. "The 46,000 JSS teachers, by letting this bill pass, will have jobs on permanent and pensionable terms. But if the wisdom of the House is to shelve that decision, then it means the JSS teachers will have no funding," Nyoro added. His remarks came after the bill was tabled in parliament amid nationwide protests that are calling for its rejection by MPs. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 20, 2024 - The son of Laikipia East Member of Parliament and Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Mwangi Kiunjuri, was among the thousands of youth who flocked to the streets to protest against the punitive finance bill. Kiunjuris son, who is a carbon copy of his father, joined other protesters in the streets and chanted anti-Ruto slogans. Zakayo ashuke he was heard shouting as he marched in the streets. Ironically, his father is supporting the oppressing bill in Parliament. However, he seems to be an independent thinker and part of a liberated youth yearning for a better country. Watch the video. Laikipia MP Kiunjuris son joins the demonstration. His father is supporting punitive taxes in Parliament #RejectFinanceBill2024 pic.twitter.com/4xD9qKfzhD Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) June 20, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, June 20, 2024 The ongoing demonstrations against the Finance Bill by the Gen-Zs have attracted the attention of the African Union. The African Union Commission on Human Rights called on President William Ruto to explore alternative tax options since Kenyans are unhappy with his new taxes. In a statement, the union criticized Rutos administration for adopting tax measures that would directly affect the socioeconomic well-being of its citizens. The Union noted the measures proposed by the Finance Bill would affect most Kenyans and deprive them of accessing their basic human needs. According to the commission, the increase in the cost of living, stagnant wages, and high unemployment rates had exacerbated the struggles of ordinary citizens, contravening the principles of social justice. "The Commission has noted the protests that have erupted in response to these tax policies, reflecting the distress and economic hardship faced by many Kenyans," read part of the statement by the AU. As part of interventions to mitigate the escalating stalemate between Kenyans and the government, the AU called on both parties to engage in constructive and Inclusive dialogue. The union also called on the government to explore alternative measures to alleviate the financial burden on ordinary citizens. "Such measures could include targeted subsidies for essential goods, tax relief for low-income earners, and the implementation of robust social protection programs," the commission proposed. The commission further called on the government to uphold the right to peaceful demonstrations as enshrined under Article 11 of the African Charter. "The Commission calls on the Kenyan authorities to respect this right and to ensure that security forces exercise restraint and uphold the highest standards of human rights when managing public demonstrations." AU also directed the immediate release of individuals arrested for participating in peaceful protests. Additionally, the government was directed to immediately amend the provision that allows the revenue collection agency to access individuals' financial records without prior notice. The Kenyan DAILY POST I have a cat. Thats my go-to answer when people ask me if I have children. Its just easier than saying my refusal to take FDA-approved medications for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) stole a decade of what could have been normal life from me. Studies show it takes an average of 17 years for patients with OCD to receive adequate therapy. Thankfully, in the past ten years, this duration is starting to improve. My OCD began at 28, and it caused me to stop eating food for fear of food poisoning. When Ebola entered the U.S., I became homebound, and dating became impossible because I refused to see my boyfriend for months on end. This struggle unfolded for me over the next ten years, a crucial period for a single woman considering marriage and children. By the time I recovered, having children was no longer a realistic option for me. Im not complaining. I eventually got better. But I do regret spending so much time trying to manage my OCD without medication that I lost valuable years. My decade of downhill didnt need to happen, so Im making it my mission to prevent others from making the same mistakes I did. I started experiencing depression when I was 15 years old; anxiety is something I dont remember ever living without. Although in high school, I was the senior class president and voted most outstanding student by my peers, I was suffering. At age 21, a dramatic breakup landed me in a therapists office, where a doctor suggested I try an antidepressant. No. I couldnt deal with the stigma of taking an antidepressant, and I was afraid of the side effects. If exercise and yoga worked for others in managing their depression and anxiety, they should work for me. But they didnt. I worked with clinicians on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy among others. These all helped, but not enough. As years passed, my OCD got so bad that I developed avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and couldnt eat or drink anything without the fear of dying a long and drawn-out, torturous death from the possibility of the food being bad, tainted, or ill-prepared. I couldnt touch a doorknob without wondering if someone with Ebola had recently bled on it, and I maybe touched it with a microscopic cut on my hand. Toward the end of this madness, I weighed a mere 90 pounds, had an overly rapid heart rate, and was told by my therapist Id soon be homeless because I could no longer manage to go to work for fear of contracting Ebola. My primary care doctor finally gave me an ultimatum: Take an antidepressant or be hospitalized. With little left to lose, I tried several different medications: some helped my depression but not my anxiety; some made me feel like a zombie. The last option I had was the one that ended up working: Prozac. I have no idea what would have happened if Prozac, too, failed me. Although it took some getting used to, Prozac helped quiet my intrusive and racing thoughts. I was able to say words I had earlier refused to say for fear that saying them would harm me or my family in some way. I continued my cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, as I understood medication alone wouldnt make me better. I had a peer support specialist, a psychiatrist, and a social worker, all aiding me in my recovery from OCD. But I needed the chemistry, as many people do. Studies show a combination of medication and psychotherapy to be the most effective way to manage mental illness, and that was certainly true for me. I didnt mind the psychotherapy, but I wished there was an alternative to the meds. Stigmas were slowly starting to change in Massachusetts, where I live; more people were talking openly about mental health, and at the time, cannabis was on the ballot for recreational legalization. Many of my friends were using it to reduce social anxiety and suggested I try it because it would also increase the appetite I naturally lost from my eating disorder. I brought it up to my doctor, but he immediately nixed the idea citing a lack of evidence and research as his reasons. He also noted that cannabis could cause psychosis and paranoia and might be counteractive for some mental health patients. I wished my doctor knew more about the research and the evidence. I wished there was a plant medicine that could do what Prozac could. I could have easily pursued a medical cannabis card for my symptoms, but I chose to heed my doctors advice. I was between a rock and a hard place. And all that did was make me lose my precious 30s. If I could change one thing about my mental health journey, I would have tried medication a lot sooner. I imagine if I had a doctor familiar with cannabinoids and who was able to monitor me closely while I tried cannabis, maybe it could have been the gateway drug I needed, not a gateway to using illegal substances, but rather a gateway to trying new things like an SSRI. This experience not only profoundly impacted my health but also inspired my decision to specialize in cannabis regulatory affairs in Massachusetts. As cannabis became recreationally legal in the state, I was able to use my marketing skills to help build the states industry through story-telling, education campaigns, and advocacy for several dispensaries and cannabis brands. This was my first foray into health care, and I was never happier. The opportunity to use my skills to advance such an incredibly profound mission was a dream come true. I will never know if cannabis could have alleviated my anxiety and depression or gotten me to try an antidepressant sooner and help prevent the loss of a decade. But I do know I will never stop advocating for the destigmatization, legalization, and integration of cannabis and plant medicine into mainstream medicine for these reasons. Jennifer Roy currently serves as a marketing director for one of the countrys oldest law firms. In 2019, Jennifer earned her certificate in cannabis regulatory affairs at Clark Universitythe first program of its kind in the nationand helped build the Massachusetts cannabis industry by creating public education events and campaigns for cannabis testing labs, dispensaries, and cultivation sites. Her interest in plant medicines sprung from her experience navigating the mental health care system when she was diagnosed with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. Jennifer has since become a mental health advocate and enrolled in the media and medicine certificate program at Harvard Medical School to expand her skills in using media to advance medicine. By Winfred Watenya Government has implored the World Food program (WFP) with support from other donors to provide the requisite resources to implement the Self-Reliance Model that critically envisages investments in the livelihoods sector for refugees and the host communities. This comes as Uganda joins in commemorating the World Refugee Day under the theme; In Solidarity with Refugees, in a world where refugees are welcome. In his message for the day, the minister for disaster preparedness and refugees Hillary Onek says while Uganda is committed to its international Obligation under the law, guided by the Pan African Ideology- UBUNTU. With our open door policy, we call upon the international community under the Global Refugee Forum and support Uganda to be able to host refugees in a humane and dignified manner. Minister Onek has also committed to ensuring that the refugee response in the country is supported through the political and technical leadership of the sector in the country The national World Refugee Day commemorative event is being held at Rhino Refugee Settlement in Terego District. By Busein Samilu In another move seen as tightening the noose of corrupt government officials, president Museveni is today set to quiz officials of the Uganda Investment Authority over an alleged cash bonanza. More than a dozen officials involved in what has become the honoraria cash saga, will today appear before the president to explain their role in the controversial payment of Shs545m taken from a loan-funded project. High-placed sources have told Daily Monitor that the seven-member Board, chaired by Morrison Rwakakamba, has also been summoned to State House Entebbe, to explain how the money meant for infrastructural transformation project at Kampala Industrial Park was shared amongst the 14 UIA officials including the Director General, Robert Mukiza. The president last week met Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and the junior Finance Minister in charge of investment docket, Evelyn Anite, who had earlier in a plain-speaking June 12 letter to UIA board chairman, described the honoraria payment from a project loan as despicable, uncouth, barbaric and uncultured. The authoritys spokesperson David Rupiny confirms that a selected number of the entitys top officials attended the meeting at State House whose details, he was not privy to. By Winfred Watenya UN chief Antonio Guterres says with forced displacement at a record high of 110 million people around the world, there should be more solutions to resettle refugees and help them rebuild their lives. He also stressed the need for solidarity with host countries and communities and said Guns must fall silent if the exodus is to stop. Guterres adds that these are individual women, children and men making difficult journeys often facing violence, exploitation, discrimination and abuse. Youngsters need quality education amid the upheaval, and generous host nations also need resources so that refugees can be fully integrated into society and the labor force according to the UN chief. This years world refugee day theme is Hope Away from Home: A World Where Refugees Are Always Included. During my decades when I commissioned for refugees I witnessed the resilience and contributions of the refugees across all of life, their perseverance in the face of adversity inspires me every day, they represent the very best of human spirits, Guterres said. An Tanaiste, Micheal Martin was in Kilkenny on Friday where he officially opened a new exhibition at the the National Design and Craft Gallery, Castle Yard. The exhibition, Turning Turns 40, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Irish Woodturners Guild (IWG. Now open to visitors, Turning Turns 40 is a curated exhibition featuring 40 exceptionally turned wood forms that demonstrate excellence in craftsmanship and design. The exhibition has travelled from The Hunt Museum in Limerick to DCCIs National Design and Craft Gallery in Kilkenny until Wednesday, July 27. It will then exhibit in other venues including Leitrim Design House in Leitrim, The RDS in Ballsbridge in Dublin 4, and Craft NI Gallery in Belfast, later in the year. John Flynn, from Graignamagh, Kilkenny, was one of the many talented exhibitors at the opening The idea for the exhibition, Turning Turns 40, is attributed to the President of the Irish Woodturners Guild, Emmet Kane, who proposed the challenge of creating a wood turned form to the scale of 15cm3. It was from this initial idea that the challenge was passed to all IWG members, who were required to work from a uniform sized block of ash, which presents a set of its own technical and design challenges. Over 360 cubes of ash were distributed, from which, 40 final pieces were selected by an independent judging panel comprising woodturners Stephen OConnell (Ireland), Barbara Dill (USA) and Ulf Jasson (Sweden). The curated exhibition demonstrates the individual creativity and woodturning expertise of members, as well as highlighting the critical issue that affects Irelands native ash tree ash dieback disease. This disease was first detected in Ireland in 2012. Over the next 20 years, Irelands native ash tree may well become extinct due to this disease. In celebrating the IWG anniversary, this exhibition also commemorates the offering and history that the mighty ash has provided to the Irish landscape through this lasting collection of native ash crafted works of art. Tanaiste Martin said he was honoured to officially open the Irish Woodturners Guild, Turning Turns 40 exhibition and witness the exceptional craftsmanship on display. The skill and dedication of these woodturners are evident in each piece, reflecting a deep respect for our natural heritage and a commitment to the art of woodturning, he said. The exhibition is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Irish craft community and I encourage the general public to come and visit the National Design and Craft Gallery. Peter Hynes, Chair of DCCI, said the exhibition was a celebration of the art of woodturning, and the preservation of the craft of woodturning by the guild, and a tribute to the legacy of our Irish ash tree. Sarah Ross, curator, said: The opportunity to curate the IWG 40th anniversary exhibition, 'Turning Turns 40,' has been a most enjoyable experience. It is an honour to share the woodturners' passion for their craft and the beauty of the natural materials they use to create the exquisitely turned forms that are on display. Bringing together these finely crafted sculptural and functional forms, we are reminded of the vulnerability of our natural world. The sense of community that the Guild embodies demonstrates the power of like-minded people to highlight the devastating effect of ash dieback disease. Furthermore, it is this community that fosters the sharing of skills and knowledge, ensuring the art of woodturning does not die. I wish the Irish Woodturners' Guild every success, carrying on the traditions and future innovations in the art of woodturning. The support of the Design & Crafts Council has been instrumental in facilitating this exhibition and celebration. Emmet Kane, President of the IWG commented: "We are immensely proud to celebrate 40 years of the Irish Woodturners Guild with the Turning Turns 40 exhibition. This milestone not only honours the vision and dedication of our founders back in 1983 but also showcases the incredible talent and creativity of our current members. This exhibition is a tribute to the craft of woodturning and the enduring legacy of those who paved the way. The pieces on display, created from native ash, highlight both the beauty of this versatile material and the critical issue of ash dieback disease. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this project, especially the TT40 committee, our judges, and the many members who took on the challenge with such creativity and skill. As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering the art of woodturning and supporting our members in their pursuit of excellence. Thank you for joining us in celebrating this significant anniversary and the remarkable work of the Irish Woodturners Guild." Ranked as Irelands Best Family Hotel, the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny has unveiled an exciting new adventure - a series of eco trails designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty and biodiversity of their Jurassic Newpark grounds. The Eco Trails offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with the environment in an interactive and educational manner. This latest new addition to the hotels dinosaur themed activity park aligns with their ongoing commitment to achieving the highest sustainability goals and also reflects their emphasis on eco friendliness and education. At the heart of the eco trails lies the Jurassic Journeys Eco Corner, an educational hub where visitors of all ages can delve into the secrets of the natural world. Here, guests will discover the fascinating science of dendrochronology; counting the rings of a tree to determine its age. This hands-on activity not only teaches important scientific principles but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the life cycles of trees. The eco trails are designed to cater to both the young and the young at heart. Children can enjoy tree hugging and exploring miniature ecosystems and the intricate details of leaves with magnifying glasses. They will discover many different insects and learn their important role in keeping the ecosystem in balance. Collecting leaves and other natural treasures along the trail will enhance their connection with nature and stimulate curiosity and learning. School Tour Newpark Hotel's eco trails are an ideal destination for school tours. The trails provide an outdoor classroom where students can engage with the environment firsthand, making education both fun and impactful. Teachers will find a wealth of resources to support various curriculum topics, from biology and ecology to environmental science and conservation. Self-Guided Family Adventures For families, the eco trails offer a self-guided tour option, complete with informative signage that details the biodiversity of the park. Visitors will learn about the wild inhabitants of the area, including badgers, minks, foxes, and more. The self-guided tour ensures that families can explore at their own pace, making the experience both relaxing and enriching. The Tree Tour: A Living Library One of the most charming aspects of the eco trails is the Tree Tour, where each tree of the myriad mature trees on the grounds is now labelled with its name and a brief description. This living library allows guests to familiarise themselves with the diverse arboreal species in the park, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the natural landscape. From ancient oaks, splendid sycamores, to elegant birches, the Tree Tour provides a comprehensive overview of the park's tree population, which includes an abundance of native species. The Newpark Hotel's eco trails are more than just a walk in the park; they are a journey into the very essence of Kilkenny's natural beauty and another string in the bow of this creative and innovative hotel. The destination hotel already features 17 animatronic dinosaurs, a wildlife petting farm, adventure playground, fairy trail, Dino Den theatre, Jurassic Bounce inflatable adventure park, peddled go kart track and the snack shack. By blending education with recreation, the hotel offers a unique experience that nurtures a love for nature and a commitment to its preservation. Newpark Hotel is part of the Irish owned and operated Flynn Hotel Collection, renowned for its commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction. From Biden to Arnault, artisanal handicrafts become staple gifts for world's elite By Park Han-sol Lee Jeong-eun was in New York City when she saw the news footage of Sungnyemun engulfed in raging flames in 2008. The 600-year-old landmark, once the grand southern entrance to the city of Hanyang, now Seoul, had succumbed to arson overnight. The shocking news from home struck Lee, then a 20-year-old on her first visit to the Big Apple, at a time when she was beginning to realize that Korean heritage had never found a place to shine within the U.S. metropolis' diverse cultural mosaic whether in the world-class museums East Asian galleries or along iconic Fifth Avenue, lined with flagship stores of luxury design houses from around the world. In the popular global mindset, Korea was still viewed through the lens of its turbulent modern history of colonization and war. Its cultural legacy and the resplendent crafts that have shaped it for millennia from ottchil (lacquer art) to chilbo (silver enameling) struggled to find a spotlight, she told The Korea Times during a recent interview. The callous attack on Sungnyemun served as an added reminder that even within Korea, such heritage remained overlooked and disconnected from everyday life. It was at that moment the young art history enthusiast knew what she wanted to do in life revive the spirit of Korean craftsmanship in the commercial world, while giving it a 21st-century luxury twist. Upon her return home, she co-founded the luxury handicraft brand Cheyul with her sister. For us, launching a new heritage-driven brand was the way to go, the CEO noted. Our countrys traditions needed to be more than something confined to museums. They needed a touch of modern redesign and revamp to gain a competitive edge in the commercial realm and resonate with todays lifestyles. Through their premium artisanal handicrafts, the sisters sought to redefine the Made in Korea label. Fast-forward 16 years, and Cheyuls products from sleek lacquered hemp cabinets to understatedly elegant mother-of-pearl jewelry boxes have become staple gifts for official state visits, weddings and other celebratory occasions. Among the notable recipients of the brands exquisite creations are U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault and the Korean actor couple Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin. Artisanal collaboration Lee, 36, who holds a bachelors in Buddhist art and a masters in design management, likens Cheyuls uniquely decentralized production process to those of global powerhouses like Hermes, which places the romance of the human touch front and center. The companys in-house team first designs their original line of furniture, jewelry and tableware. Production is then carried out step-by-step by around 30 artisans, trained apprentices and craftspeople in a network of highly specialized ateliers across the country each focusing on areas such as somokjang (wood furniture making), mother-of-pearl inlay, lacquering technique and silver enameling. Depending on the scale and intricacy of each product, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months for an item to be ready for sale. For instance, the making of a lacquered hemp cabinet inlaid with mother-of-pearl begins in the hands of a somokjang artisan, who constructs the base from native ash trees and birch without using a single nail. The completed wooden frame is then entrusted to an ottchil master, tasked with applying layer after layer of lacquer tree sap to achieve a durable, lustrous finish. Meanwhile, another expert craftsperson cuts mother-of-pearl into symbol-laden patterns butterflies, peony blossoms, ivy and lattice and embeds these iridescent pieces onto the cabinets surface as a dazzling highlight. Cheyuls handicrafts, therefore, cannot be attributed to a single designer or master; rather, they are the results of sustained collaborative artistry a feature that only a heritage-driven commercial brand can continue to incentivize and nurture, remarked the CEO. And I see myself as a conductor within this creative orchestration. Despite its short history, the companys dedication to refashioning the virtue of Korean craftsmanship earned it the opportunity to establish shops at two historic high-end retail giants in the capital: Hyundai Department Stores flagship Apgujeong branch and Lotte Hotel Seoul. At Hyundai Department Store, Cheyul stands as the only homegrown brand maintaining its spot in the retailers luxury section. Lee emphasized that as a 21st-century luxury handicraft brand, born in an era dominated by tech giants like Apple and Tesla, her company naturally had a different starting point from the maisons founded in the 19th and 20th centuries. Quality 19th-century ateliers became big-name design houses after 100 or 200 years of accumulated legacy. In contrast, emerging luxury brands today must establish their own identity to justify their high-end nature while being compared to their much older counterparts, she said. Promoting Korean heritage-inspired handwork at a premium price seemed anachronistic at the time of Cheyuls launch in 2008, an age defined by mechanization, high-tech innovation and craze for Western luxury goods. However, in less than two decades, it has pioneered bringing the countrys disappearing traditions out of museum vitrines and the Insa-dong antiques district, showcasing how they could equally belong in the trendy realm of modern lifestyle luxury. Reaching a wider audience Sixteen years into the business, Lee sees this moment as another beginning. The brand should constantly evolve its approach to stay relevant and reach new potential audiences. Its time for Cheyul to appeal to a younger generation as well, she said. One of the first steps her company has taken to achieve this mission was opening its flagship store amid a sea of fashionable cafes, shops and eateries on the hip street of Garosu-gil, Sinsa-dong in southern Seoul, in 2022. We see the store frequented by youthful trendsetters, and even mothers bringing their freshly graduated children, she observed. Greeting these customers is a four-story venue, designed to feel like a spacious model home or an elegant tea room sprinkled with lustrously surfaced furniture and shimmering moon jars. Providing a brief retreat in an otherwise bustling neighborhood, the space also regularly hosts free exhibitions of young local creatives lacquer painters, woodcarvers and mother-of-pearl artists for anyone to enjoy. To further cater to the new generation of customers, in recent months, the company introduced a new line of entry-level products. These include tumblers inlaid with mother-of-pearl, priced as low as 100,000 won ($72) a fraction of its usual high-end offerings which could exceed 10 million won. If you think about it, some people who want to own a Hermes item start by buying a wallet. They then make it their goal to save up so they can purchase a bag next time. Similarly, our young customers who are now enjoying their tumblers may, one day, decide to look into our catalog of cabinets or hahm (a box full of gifts for a new bride in traditional Korean weddings) by the time of their wedding, Lee said, adding that 85 percent of her patrons are returning. Reaching previously untapped demographics through collaborations with electronics and car manufacturers is another ambitious objective on Cheyuls growing agenda. Earlier this year, the brand partnered with local vintage audio shop Haneum Audio to bring a limited-edition glazed tube amplifier to life. It redefines what 21st-century lacquerware can look like, the CEO remarked. She is also eyeing expansion beyond Korea. The brand is currently exploring the possibility of opening an outpost in heritage-respecting and capital-rich global markets such as Paris, New York, Abu Dhabi and London by 2026. Seoul, however, will always be our base. My goal is to convince those who see our products overseas to come all the way to Seoul to experience the countrys heritage in person, she said. By continuing to grow the brand through these channels, Lees dream is to one day establish a nonprofit entity of Cheyul, similar to the Louis Vuitton Foundation, to support contemporary artists of Korea and take part in cultural heritage restoration projects. "That's how we can stay luxury and timeless." A newly clinched partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea this week underscored both a manifestly elevated level of mutual security support, and their weaknesses in the face of crippling sanctions and diplomatic isolation, U.S. experts said Wednesday. Analysts also raised questions over the future of the two countries' cooperation under the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty, saying it could be affected by the uncertainty-laden trajectory of Russia's war in Ukraine, the U.S. presidential election in November and China's oversize role in regional geopolitics. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed the treaty during their highly symbolic summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday (Korea time), an event carefully watched by Seoul, Washington and others for its security and geopolitical implications. Putin said that the treaty provides for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the two countries, while Kim declared the bilateral relationship has been upgraded to the level of alliance -- a term that Putin fell short of uttering. "This is a renewal of Cold War-era security guarantees, no doubt," Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said. "Except this time it is based on mutual transactional needs artillery for Russia and high-end military technology for DPRK. They are united not by ideology as in the Cold War but common opposition to the U.S. and the western liberal order," he added. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. A lack of clarity on the specifics of the treaty has raised questions over whether it is similar to an outright military alliance treaty or one just shy of a collective defense arrangement that calls for one party to automatically intervene in case of an attack on the other. Though many concur that the treaty signifies a new level of mutual security commitments, experts were split over what the treaty might mean. Scott Snyder, president of the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), said that the treaty appears to establish "more reliable" support for Russian assistance to North Korea in the event of a conflict, as he cast it as a "step toward addressing acute North Korean fears of isolation." "The main geopolitical implication is that the Korean conflict is less localized and more likely to be viewed in the context of global geostrategies, enmeshing outside actors such as the U.S. and Russia more directly in peninsular tensions," he said. Some experts cast doubts over whether the treaty will lead each country to go as far as to commit troops to support the other in a contingency. "While I don't think either side would send troops to each other's aid if some unexpected military confrontation with the West occurred, I do think it would mean a massive mutual stepping up of support," Harry Kazianis, president of Rogue States Project, a security think tank, said. "For example, you could see Russia send North Korea air defense systems, advanced ballistic missiles, and even trainers to help if the Second Korean War were to ever resume a sort of revenge for Western Ukraine war aid to Kyiv, if you will," he said. Patrick Cronin, chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Hudson Institute, said that Russia and the North "will always fall short of a true alliance." "Today, Russia and North Korea have a special defense partnership, but not an alliance. There is no credible mechanism or political will to fight for each other or develop a joint military strategy," he said. "There is, however, a mutual desire to show solidarity in opposition to a U.S.-led order." Sydney Seiler, former intelligence officer at the U.S. National Intelligence Council, said that Russia's commitment to Pyongyang in the treaty may be "more rhetorical than practical," particularly when one can hardly imagine South Korea and the United States launching an abrupt attack on the North. "I get a sense this comprehensive strategic partnership as well as the summit itself is not really designed to make new breakthroughs, but rather to have a demonstration to the world of this new partnership of this cooperation between Russia and North Korea, and this open challenge to the Western liberal order," he said. Seiler raised the prospects of future developments affecting the treaty possibly in a negative sense. "There's always a sense that things will evolve going forward," he said. "How long will the war (in Ukraine) last? If the war begins to wind down and there's less need for North Korea's support. A lot of these elements could be reversed." Clint Work, director of academic affairs at the KEI, also enumerated variables that can affect conditions for cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. "Those conditions may change depending on how the war in Ukraine plays out, how U.S. policy itself may shift under Trump if he is elected as well as how China responds to Moscow and Pyongyang's enhanced cooperation," Work said. He also noted that he does not necessarily view the increased security commitments between the North and Russia as a sign of their renewed strength. "In fact, I see it as a sign of their respective weaknesses as well as the profound constraints that they face yet simultaneously and somewhat contradictorily, their willingness and ability to push boundaries, set the initiative, and demonstrate that U.S. and international sanctions regimes have distinct limits," he said. The treaty came as the North and Russia have been stepping up defense cooperation amid Moscow's protracted war in Ukraine. Pyongyang has provided Russia with dozens of ballistic missiles and more than 11,000 containers of munitions, while the North has been seeking assistance from Moscow, including fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles and ballistic missile production equipment, according to U.S. officials. The bilateral treaty at this juncture could benefit Putin more than Kim, Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at RAND, indicated. "I think this agreement is what I call the 'Putin Trap': Putin has annexed four Ukrainian provinces as part of Russia. If Ukraine does a counteroffensive into these territories, they have invaded Russia as far as Putin is concerned, and he can call on Kim to provide North Korean forces to help defend Russia," he said. "Big mistake on Kim's part, given that in reality the United States and South Korea have no interest in attacking North Korea." Noting that the North Korean and Russian leaders' explicit desire for sturdier cooperation has heightened security uncertainties, some analysts anticipated greater momentum for security cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo. "I think this sets the pretext for a formalization of the U.S.-Japan-Korea trilateral security relationship in the context of the NATO summit next month," Cha said. "I would like to see a collective security declaration between the three threats to one are a threat to all." Frank Aum, a senior expert at the United States Institute of Peace, underscored the need for Washington and its allies to work harder to curb burgeoning ties between the North and Russia. "Their enhanced cooperation means that the Russia will continue to have the capabilities to prosecute its war in Ukraine conflict and North Korea will continue to have the nutritional, military, and energy assistance it needs to act in whatever way it pleases and avoid engaging with the U.S.," he said. "The U.S. and its allies should have taken more steps to forestall or mitigate the growing Russia-North Korea ties, just as China has taken steps through the recent trilateral summit to enhance economic and people-to-people relations with South Korea and Japan." Amid all the pomp and ceremony surrounding the Pyongyang summit, China might be a key spectator with keen interest in how relations between the North and Russia evolve, analysts said. "China is likely nervous ... Pyongyang is prioritizing Moscow over Beijing because Moscow is willing to give Kim more than Beijing is," Seiler said. "This is a more flagrant proclamation that Russia is moving beyond sanctions. It is going to engage North Korea as it is independent of the nuclear issue, independent of the progress of denuclearization." (Yonhap) North Korea and Russia have agreed to offer military assistance "without delay" if either is attacked under a new partnership treaty signed after this week's summit, Pyongyang's state media reported Thursday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) disclosed the Korean-language full text of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Wednesday after their talks in Pyongyang. Article 4 of the 23-point treaty could be seen as warranting automatic military intervention in the event of an attack on either country. That would amount to the restoration of a Cold War-era alliance for the first time in 28 years since a mutual defense treaty was scrapped in 1996. "If one of the two sides is placed under a state of war due to an armed invasion from an individual country or several nations, the other side provides military and other assistance without delay by mobilizing all means in its possession in line with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and the laws of the DPRK and the Russian Federation," it said. Article 51 of the U.N. Charter states a U.N. member country has the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs. The KCNA said the new treaty also requires both sides not to sign treaties with third countries that infringe on the other's core interests or participate in such acts. After the summit talks, Kim declared the North's relations with Russia have been upgraded to "the level of alliance." But Putin stopped short of going as far as defining the relationship as an alliance. The North and the Soviet Union inked a treaty of friendship and mutual assistance in 1961. The treaty included a mutual defense clause under which if one side is under armed attack, the other provides military troops and other aid without hesitation. But the deal was scrapped in 1996 after the Soviet Union established diplomatic ties with South Korea in 1990 and collapsed the following year. In 2000, North Korea and Russia signed a new treaty of bilateral cooperation, but it did not contain such a clause as it mostly centered on cooperation in non-military sectors. The latest summit agreement adds to security concerns on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, as it could pave the way for Russia to stage a military intervention in the case of emergency security situations on the peninsula. The Kim-Putin summit talks came amid growing concerns that Russia and North Korea, both under international sanctions, could intensify their military cooperation amid Moscow's war in Ukraine. (Yonhap) South Korea seized a 2,900-ton cargo ship near the Korea Strait on Thursday on suspicion of violating U.N. Security Council sanctions against North Korea, sources said. The foreign-flagged freighter, reportedly carrying coal and iron ore with 10 crewmembers, was en route from Russia to China, presumably via North Korea, when it was seized. The vessel is now anchored at an anchorage in Busan on the country's southeastern coast. In late March, another 3,000-ton cargo ship, DEYI, which was heading to Vladivostok, Russia, was seized in waters off Yeosu, along the southern coast, under similar suspicions. The ship is also currently anchored at the anchorage at Busan Port, with the captain and other crew onboard. (Yonhap) South Korea voiced regret Thursday over a new agreement signed between Russia and North Korea committing the two countries to military technology cooperation in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The foreign ministry made the comment after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty after their summit talks in Pyongyang, which Kim hailed as an elevation of the bilateral relations to a new height. "We express our regret that, despite repeated warnings from the international community, Russia and North Korea have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty and openly mentioned the military-technological cooperation, which directly violates U.N. Security Council resolutions," ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk said in a press briefing. South Korea will "sternly respond to any actions that threaten our security by working with the international community, including our allies and friendly nations," Lim said. Lim added that the government plans to announce its official position regarding the content of the treaty. (Yonhap) Moscow, Pyongyang agree to provide military assistance in event of attack on either nation By Kwak Yeon-soo South Korea strongly condemned a new treaty signed by North Korea and Russia, which involves providing mutual defense assistance without delay in the event of an attack on either nation, calling it a violation of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, Thursday. The presidential office warned that it may consider supplying arms to Ukraine in response to the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. The condemnation came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty during their summit in Pyongyang. We express grave concern and condemn the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between North Korea and Russia. Any cooperation that directly or indirectly supports the military enhancement of North Korea is a clear violation of UNSC resolutions and is subject to sanctions monitoring by the international community, National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin said at a press briefing. The fact that Russia, once a supporter of U.N. sanctions against North Korea as a permanent member of the UNSC, is now posing a threat to our security by violating these sanctions, will negatively impact our relations with Russia. Chang added that South Korea will sternly respond to any actions that threaten its security by strengthening the Seoul-Washington alliance on extended deterrence and enhancing security cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. A presidential office official said South Korea will reconsider its earlier stance not to provide weapons to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russias invasion, without providing further details. The official added that Seoul will take specific measures depending on Russia's response. South Korea also imposed additional sanctions on four Russian ships, five organizations, and eight individuals for various activities, including allegedly engaging in transactions of military supplies between Moscow and Pyongyang. Currently, there are 1,159 items subject to export controls to Moscow following the Russia-Ukraine war. Seoul will add 243 new items, bringing the total number of sanctioned items to 1,402. The international community also voiced a wave of criticism against the actions taken by Russia and North Korea. The U.S. expressed great concern over the close ties between Russia and North Korea. "Deepening cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is a trend that should be of great concern to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global non-proliferation regime, abiding by U.N. Security Council resolutions, and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence against Russia's brutal invasion," a state department spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi vowed to cooperate with South Korea, the U.S. and the international community for the complete implementation of U.N. resolutions. Russias procurement of weapons and ammunition from North Korea, including ballistic missiles, for use in Ukraine is totally unacceptable, Hayashi said. We will continue to cooperate with the international community, push for the full implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions and demand the complete elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons programs." Against this backdrop, concerns are mounting that the strengthened relationship between North Korea and Russia could undermine U.N. sanctions as both countries pledged to resist the U.S.-led measures. Some analysts view their agreement on military assistance in the event of an attack on either nation, as comparable to a clause in their 1961 treaty, which mandated automatic military intervention in case of an armed invasion. During the summit, Putin emphasized that Russia and North Korea would jointly oppose sanctions imposed on them by the U.S. and its allies. He added that U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang should be "reviewed," following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the two leaders. "I am noting that the indefinite restrictive regime inspired by the U.S. and its allies at the UNSC toward North Korea should be reviewed," Putin was quoted as saying by Russian media during a joint press conference after the summit with Kim. We oppose the practice of applying politically motivated sanctions and restrictions. Such illegitimate actions only undermine the global economic and political system. Russia, which previously backed U.N. sanctions that explicitly prohibited North Korea from exporting weapons, now describes them as "politically motivated." Additionally, Russia mentioned the possibility of exploring "military-technical cooperation" with North Korea, potentially involving the import of more munitions and missiles from Pyongyang. However, they have denied any involvement in weapons transfers from North Korea for use in the conflict in Ukraine. The treaty came as the North and Russia have been bolstering military and security ties. The U.S. has accused North Korea of supplying dozens of ballistic missiles and more than 11,000 containers of munitions to Russia for use in Ukraine in exchange for aid and more advanced military technologies. On Wednesday, Kim flaunted his Mercedes Benz limousine at a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square, while Putin gave Kim a new Aurus limousine as a gift, demonstrating that international sanctions have distinct limits. Experts feared that the growing Russia-North Korea cooperation might neutralize U.N. sanctions. Russia not only denounced sanctions imposed on the North Korean regime but on itself too," said Park Won-gon, professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University. "His public remark came under the notion that Russia would be met with criticism as a permanent member of the UNSC. In April, the Russian veto at the UNSC blocked the renewal of a panel of experts tasked with stopping North Korea from conducting nuclear tests or launching ballistic missiles. They underscored that the U.N. has been ineffective in achieving its objectives. Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at Kyungnam University, said extensive cooperation between Russia and North Korea indicates a strong determination by both countries to disregard restrictions imposed by the United Nations. Apart from strengthening military and security ties, cooperation in a wide range of fields between Russia and North Korea have been confirmed, including food, energy, information and technology, transport, health care, space, science and artificial intelligence. Most of these are virtually impossible to implement if Russia complies with the UNSC. So this can be interpreted as showing the world that they are willing to pursue them regardless of sanctions in the future, Lim said. Putin said he does not rule out Russia sending arms to Pyongyang President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that South Korea would be making "a big mistake" if it decides to supply arms to Ukraine and that Moscow would respond to such a move in a way that would be painful for Seoul. Putin, who was speaking at a news conference in Vietnam, was reacting to a report from Yonhap news earlier on Thursday which said South Korea would review the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine after Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a mutual defence pact a day earlier. Putin said Seoul had nothing to worry about when it came to the pact between Moscow and North Korea. "South Korea, the Republic of Korea has nothing to worry about because our military assistance under the treaty we signed only arises if aggression is carried out against one of the signatories. As far as I know, the Republic of Korea is not planning aggression against the DPRK (North Korea)," Putin told reporters. He warned Seoul against moving to supply weapons to Kyiv. "As for the supply of lethal weapons to the war zone in Ukraine, that would be a very big mistake," he said. "I hope that this will not happen. And if it does happen, then we will also take appropriate decisions, which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea," said Putin. The Russian leader was speaking to reporters in Vietnam at the end of a two-day trip to Asia. He held talks in North Korea a day earlier. (Reuters) A White House official on Thursday expressed concern over a new security treaty between Russia and North Korea, and vowed to continue to evaluate America's defense posture throughout the Indo-Pacific "as needed." National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby made the remarks after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty during a summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday. The treaty stipulates that in case any one of the two sides is put in a state of war by an armed invasion, the other side will provide military and other assistance with "all means" "without delay" in accordance with the U.N. Charter and relevant Russian and North Korean laws. "Of course, it is (a concern). It's to be of concern to any country that cares about maintaining peace and stability not just on the Korean Peninsula, but in the Indo-Pacific," he said during an online press briefing. "It should be a concern to any country that believes that the U.N. Security Council resolutions ought to be abided by. It should be a concern to anybody who thinks that supporting the people of Ukraine is an important thing to do," he added. Stressing President Joe Biden's policy focus on strengthening alliances for regional peace, Kirby pledged U.S. efforts to continue to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific. "Of course, we are going to continue to evaluate our posture throughout the Indo-Pacific as needed, but we have prioritized this part of the world since the beginning of this administration," he said. "That effort, we believe, has right now and will continue to put us in the best possible position ... for any threats and challenges not just on the Korean Peninsula but elsewhere in the region," he added. Kirby also stressed that Beijing would also share the concern about the recent development in cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. "We would think that that concern would be shared by the People's Republic of China (PRC) since this agreement also seems to be in direct contrast with the statement that President Putin and President Xi (Jinping) made in Beijing just a month ago, in which both countries call for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to this situation on the Korean Peninsula," he said. PRC stands for China's official name. In a separate press briefing, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder commented on the new treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang, saying the U.S. will monitor related developments "very closely." "There is no surprise here that they have been developing and fostering this relationship. ... It is something that we are going to continue to monitor," he said. "But what we've also said is that our focus, when it comes to the Indo-Pacific region, and broadly speaking worldwide, is to work with like-minded nations on security and stability throughout the world to include the Indo-Pacific region," he added. Ryder stressed the "defensive" nature of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, reaffirming America's "ironclad" security commitment to its Asian ally. He also said that the summit between Putin and Kim showed how Russia is "isolated." "I just think it demonstrates the desperation that a country like Russia needs to align itself with the DPRK to subjugate the people of Ukraine and the fact that they have to go to a country like the DPRK to obtain munitions," he said. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Yonhap) By Jun Ji-hye The Korea Severe Disease Association, one of the major patients groups in Korea, has asked the health ministry to hold a public hearing on the introduction of doctors holding licenses issued in foreign nations, in response to the protracted government-doctor standoff resulting in significant disruptions to medical services. The association said Thursday that it had sent a letter to the ministry the previous day, emphasizing the need to hold a public hearing. It is time for the government to consider countermeasures, including the early introduction of foreign medical license holders, as there are already hundreds of these medical professionals in Korea, the association said. The request comes as there is no sign of a breakthrough in the standoff, which began in February since the Yoon Suk Yeol administration announced the policy to increase the annual medical school admissions quota. Amid prolonged medical service disruptions, the health ministry said, May 8, it would revise the enforcement regulation of the Medical Act to allow those who have acquired doctors licenses in other countries to practice medicine in Korea upon its approval when the country issues the highest national health crisis alert. As this revision does not require foreign medical license holders to pass exams here, the plan has faced fierce opposition from the country's doctors. The association said, There have been many opposing opinions, but in reality, many patients and people think that the government should allow foreign medical license holders to practice medicine here to prevent more medical service disruptions. Regarding the request, the ministry took a cautious attitude, saying that while it has considered measures to introduce doctors with foreign licenses in case of a serious health crisis, holding a related public hearing is not under review at this time. The decision should be made after many aspects are comprehensively considered. We will continue to keep a close eye on how the situation develops, Kim Guk-il, a senior ministry official, said at a press briefing. Intelligence agencies strive to obtain foreign leaders' DNA data By Kang Hyun-kyung Former President Park Geun-hye was derisively nicknamed the toilet princess by opposition politicians. This moniker emerged after media reports detailed the unusual measures taken by the Presidential Security Service staff during Parks state visit to the United Kingdom in November 2013. According to a media report, the security staff set up a new toilet and replaced the showerhead at the British hotel she stayed. When Park left the hotel, they gathered her bedsheets. The news broke in December 2016, three years after Parks UK trip, amid mounting calls for her resignation due to her controversial relationships with her confidante, Choi Soon-sil, who was later convicted for her involvement in various corruption scandals. Some opposition lawmakers blamed Park for allegedly selfish and overly picky behavior that, they claimed, forced secret service members to go to extra lengths to make her comfortable. Park was portrayed as a spoiled, self-centered, and abusive leader. This negative characterization further aggravated an already discontented public, prompting angry citizens to gather daily at Gwanghwamun Square and demanding her resignation. It turned out that media outlets and the Korean public overreacted to these reports. Replacing toilets and gathering objects touched by the president are standard measures taken to protect a leaders biometric information. During their leaders foreign trips, security staff collect their stool, urine, and saliva to prevent potential malefactors from obtaining them. They also gather drinking glasses and other objects touched by their leaders, as these items contain their DNA fingerprints. Protecting political leaders biometric information has become increasingly important as advances in DNA technology reportedly enable people to glean extensive health information from their genetic data. Political scientist Hahm Sung-deuk said a presidents health should remain secret, because it is directly related to national security. "Presidents are in a position to make critical decisions that can have far-reaching impacts on their countries, he told The Korea Times. If they are not in good health, this would inevitably affect their ability to make proper decisions. It is an open secret that intelligence agencies have actively sought foreign leaders biometric information. In a classified diplomatic cable, the U.S. Department of State which was then under the leadership of Hillary Clinton, directed U.S. embassies overseas to collect detailed biometric information of foreign leaders and U.N. officials. Regarding North Korea, for example, the department instructed its officials to gather "biographic and biometric information on senior North Korean diplomats." Intelligence agencies strive to obtain the DNA data of foreign leaders, recognizing it as a valuable source of information about their health. Successfully acquiring this data could thus become a critical intelligence asset. It can help people understand events in reclusive countries, such as North Korea, where internal affairs are notoriously opaque. Kim Jong-un's father, Kim Jong-il, and grandfather, Kim Il-sung, who ruled North Korea before him, both died of cardiac problems in 2011 and 1994, respectively. Their sudden deaths escalated tensions, as the resulting leadership vacuum threatened to destabilize the country and potentially disrupt regional security. If other countries had known about their health conditions in advance and predicted the likelihood of sudden deaths, they would have been better equipped to handle the potential instability. Experts are divided on the use of genetic information as a tool for diagnosing people's health conditions. Lee Dong-sung, a professor of life science at the University of Seoul, said biometric information has enormous potential to reveal details about an individuals health. DNA samples extracted from stool, urine and saliva have much information about a person's health condition, he said. If people are severely ill, DNA tests can tell what diseases they have. But other experts are cautious about genetic information. Ryu Young-joon, a pathologist and professor at Kangwon National University College of Medicine, expressed skepticism regarding DNA samples as an indicator capable of showing peoples health status in great detail. With DNA fingerprints, you only know whether you have certain diseases or not. They can also tell whether you are seriously ill or not. DNA data would let you know basic information about your health, such as your familys medical history and underlying medical conditions, he said. Ryu said there is a more important aspect of DNA tests -- identification. If scientifically used, he said DNA data can aid in identifying individuals who are being sought after. He suggested that intelligence agents who are interested in knowing the whereabouts of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, would be tempted to seek and use genetic information. Lets say that Kim is known to be heading back home on his train after wrapping up his trip to a foreign country. The intelligence agent will want to confirm whether this is true or not, so he searches for a garbage can at the venue Kim was last spotted before his departure. And he finds a used tissue confirmed to have Kims DNA samples. If his agency already has Kims DNA data, the agent would request his agency to compare it with the DNA samples extracted from the tissue. If they match, the agent can confirm Kim is in the train heading to North Korea, Ryu said. Predict the unpredictable His remark also suggested that genetic information can be used to determine whether a person is a body double, a tactic often employed by autocratic leaders for various reasons. North Korea is keen to protect the biometric information of its leader and other royal family members. On February 24, 2019, two unidentified workers were seen transporting a toilet to the hotel where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stayed during his visit to Vietnam for a summit with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, just three days before the event. One of the South Korean journalists who was there to cover the summit later mentioned that she understood the additional toilet was intended for Kim Jong-un's use. However, she could not comprehend why the North Korean leader would require an extra toilet, given that the hotel already had one. She said it still remained a mystery to her. Kang Cheol-hwan, president of the Seoul-based NGO North Korea Strategy Center, mentioned that the practice of collecting stool, urine, and other items with DNA fingerprints of heads of state has been ongoing in North Korea. However, he admitted he did not know when this practice started. Anything about the supreme leaders health is sensitive information because in North Korea, his health condition is directly related to the survival of the country. Fully aware of this sensitive nature, North Korean officials make every effort to keep that information safe, so that it cannot be handed over to foreign intelligence agencies, he said. A defector-turned-NGO leader, Kang said the North Korean leaders sister, Kim Yo-jong, is another royal family member whose biometric information is also strictly protected. According to Kang, her bodyguards collected her stool and urine and took them back to the North when she visited South Korea during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. During her three-day visit to South Korea in February, 2018, Kim Yo-jong stayed at the Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul. She didnt use the bathroom of the hotel, and instead she used the toilet her bodyguards brought from Pyongyang, Kang said, adding that he found out that information from an intelligence agency. In 2018, Kim Jong-un was filmed by a Japanese broadcast taking a cigarette break at Nanning rail station in China, just three hours before he arrived in Vietnam for a summit with Trump. While he was smoking, his sister Yo-jong stood nearby holding a crystal ashtray for her brothers leftover cigarette butts. Experts interpreted the scene as evidence of efforts to protect the biometric information of the North Korean leader. The cigarette butts contain Kims saliva, so if collected, one can extract his DNA samples from them. It remains unknown since when the biometric information of world leaders began to be used to assess their health conditions. Park Seung-gyu, a professor at Daejeon University, said the practice has persisted for centuries. During the Joseon Dynasty, there was a mobile toilet called Maewha-teul or Prune Fixture. It was the kings toilet. Royal doctors would check a kings stool to find out if he has any health problems, he said. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a doctor remarked that genetic fingerprints are not perfect and cannot precisely determine an individual's health. When assessing the North Korean leader's health, he emphasized that a holistic approach would be more accurate than relying solely on DNA data. When I see my patients, I try to look into various factors that can affect their health conditions. On top of their current health conditions, I also look at factors like obesity, drastic weight loss, family health history, and underlying conditions before diagnosing their diseases and what they have to do to recover, the doctor said. He added that DNA samples and fingerprints are among the factors that can provide insights into people's health conditions. Cracks in Pyongyang-Beijing ties present diplomatic opportunity for Seoul By Lee Hyo-jin China appears to be distancing itself from the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, which now include a mutual defense pledge in the event of an attack on either nation. Observers say that Beijing is uneasy about being framed as part of a three-way bloc with Moscow and Pyongyang, as it would complicate China's relations with Western nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up his 21-hour visit to Pyongyang, where he signed a new comprehensive partnership agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Just hours before Putin's arrival in Pyongyang early Wednesday, South Korea and China held a "two plus two" diplomatic security dialogue involving senior foreign and defense officials in Seoul, including South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-gyun and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. The Chinese government was reportedly aware of the scheduled Kim-Putin meeting, which had been announced to the public just a day before Putin's arrival. "The fact that the Chinese vice foreign minister came to Seoul without delaying the meeting sends a signal to North Korea. If China-North Korea relations were solid, this may not have happened," said Kang Joon-young, an expert on China at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Xin Changxing, the party secretary of China's eastern Jiangsu province, made a two-day trip to Seoul from Wednesday to Thursday, marking another high-level interaction between the neighboring countries. Jiangsu boasts the second-largest economy among China's provincial governments and maintains close trade and investment ties with South Korea. These active diplomatic engagements with South Korea could be seen as China's efforts to avoid being framed as part of a North Korea-China-Russia axis. "China does not want to be seen as part of a North Korea-China-Russia axis against South Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation, so it has little reason to overtly team up with the two pariah states that are under multiple international sanctions," Kang said. He explained that for Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose top priority is economic improvement by carefully navigating the ongoing trade war with the United States and its Western allies, the formation of a three-way partnership with North Korea and Russia could be uncomfortable. Some observers suspect that China does not welcome the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, out of fears it could undermine China's longstanding influence over Pyongyang. While Russia's relationship with North Korea has had its ups and downs since the collapse of the Soviet Union, China has traditionally been North Korea's primary patron. Signs of cracks in North Korea-China relations were witnessed even before the Kim-Putin summit. Following the South Korea-Japan-China trilateral summit in Seoul on May 29, North Korea launched nearly a dozen short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, interpreted as a signal of frustration with China's involvement in talks discussing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In another development, reports indicate that a "footprint tribute" commemorating a stroll between the North Korean leader and the Chinese president during the former's 2018 visit to Dalian, China, was removed recently. The potential strain in Beijing-Pyongyang ties could present a diplomatic opportunity for Seoul in the wake of strengthening Moscow-Pyongyang ties, though the extent of China's willingness to engage in North Korean issues remains uncertain. "South Korea may continue to persuade China that it does not need to support North Korea's attempts to recreate a Cold War-era dynamic. However, Beijing is unlikely to alter its fundamental stance on the peninsula," Kang said. By Jung Min-ho The government and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the countrys aircraft manufacturer, have joined a fund-raising campaign for Filipino veterans of the 1950-53 Korean War. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said on Thursday that, along with KAI, it signed an agreement to support a charity campaign, launched by OnDay, a Seoul-based NGO, for the Filipino veterans and their families in honor of their sacrifice for South Koreas freedom. As part of the deal, KAI will provide the organization with 50 million won ($36,000) to help the Filipino veterans and those of other nations that came to the aid of South Korea in the wake of the country being invaded by North Korea. According to OnDay, the money raised from the campaign will be used to improve the living conditions of the Filipino veterans and support their struggling families. For instance, Benito, a 90-year-old veteran, suffered leg injuries during the war and has struggled financially ever since, the NGO said on its website. We should remember the sacrifice and the spirit of those who risked their lives for the sake of South Korea, it said. Its our turn to help them. So far, more than 31,000 people have participated in the campaign, which will run until July 1. The Philippines, the third country to send ground combat troops to South Korea during the war, dispatched 7,420 soldiers. Among them, 112 were killed and 299 wounded. The ministry said it would continue to expand its collaboration with NGOs to honor Korean War veterans of all countries that fought for South Korea together under the flag of the U.N. Command. The South Korean government said Thursday it will reconsider its stance on arms supply to Ukraine after North Korea and Russia signed a treaty that involves a mutual pledge to provide immediate military assistance if one of them is attacked. National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin also expressed regret over "the comprehensive strategic treaty" signed during the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Wednesday. "The government expresses grave concern and condemns the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between North Korea and Russia, which aims to strengthen mutual military and economic cooperation," Chang said in a press briefing at the presidential office. Chang said any cooperation that directly or indirectly aids North Korea's military enhancement is a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and will be subject to international scrutiny and sanctions, and vowed to take corresponding measures. "We plan to reconsider the issue of arms support to Ukraine," Chang also said, suggesting a shift in South Korea's policy of not providing lethal aid to Ukraine. A presidential official said South Korea will maintain strategic ambiguity regarding the types of weapons. "Specific measures will be revealed later, and it will be interesting to see how Russia responds, rather than revealing our plans in advance," the official told reporters. South Korea will also slap additional sanctions on four ships, five organizations and eight individuals involved in the transfer of weapons and oil between Russia and North Korea, Chang said. Currently, there are 1,159 items subject to export controls to Russia following the Ukraine war, and South Korea will add 243 new items, bringing the total to 1,402 items under sanctions. (Yonhap) Korea's top 4 conglomerates take up 40% of GDP in 2023 The top U.S. court has dismissed an appeal case by a British company claiming it was wrongfully excluded during South Korea's purchase of advanced U.S.-made F-35 fighters, Seoul's arms procurement agency said Thursday. The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the appeal Monday in a case that South Korea has argued is beyond the jurisdiction of U.S. courts as the transaction was one between governments, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). In December 2020, Blenheim Capital sued the South Korean government, Lockheed Martin, the F-35's manufacturer, and others, claiming it was excluded from the transaction as the broker of an offset program connected to the deal and sought $500 million in damages, DAPA said. High-cost military contracts between countries usually involve offset programs, where a buyer receives other goods or technologies in return for the deal. Seoul's F-35 purchase included an offset program involving a military satellite capable of integrating with the jets. The court move came after the U.S. Justice Department called for dismissing the appeal last month, saying the transaction was not a commercial one and not within the reach of U.S. courts, according to DAPA. South Korea currently operates 39 F-35A fighters after purchasing 40 units from 2019 to 2022. One of the units was retired after being damaged by a bird strike in 2022. (Yonhap) The defense chiefs of South Korea and Poland agreed Thursday to make efforts for deals to be signed as early as September for the supply of key South Korean weapons systems to Warsaw as initially agreed in 2022, Seoul's defense ministry said. Poland signed "framework" deals with South Korean defense companies that year to purchase 1,000 K2 tanks, 672 K9 howitzers, 48 FA-50 jets and 288 Chunmoo multiple rocket launch systems. While Warsaw signed follow-up "executive" contracts for a partial number of K2s, K9s and Chunmoos, it has yet to sign next-phase deals for the remaining units amid financing issues. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and his Polish counterpart, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, agreed to accelerate negotiations to sign the second executive contracts as early as September at a defense exhibition in Poland during their talks in Warsaw, according to the ministry. "(They) agreed to complete the signing of the contracts within the year at the latest," it said. The two sides also agreed for close cooperation on weapons systems that Poland holds interest in other than ongoing projects, Shin said in a statement. Meanwhile, Polish officials expressed interest in South Korea's border defense system amid instability at its border with Belarus due to increased migrants, he said, adding that Seoul would share details about the system with Warsaw. "South Korea and Poland agreed to develop cooperation beyond the arms industry to defense cooperation and security cooperation," Shin said. "The two countries agreed to fulfill our role as bulwarks of defending peace and freedom in Asia and Europe based on powerful strength." (Yonhap) By KTimes Actor Yoo Ah-in's physician explained the use of medical sedatives during Yoo's sixth trial on Tuesday at the Seoul Central District Court, which addressed charges against Yoo for violations of the Narcotics Control Act. Yoo's physician, an anesthesiology and pain medicine specialist referred to as "A," testified as a witness. Previously, Yoo said his medical use of narcotics was due to depression and a panic disorder. The physician confirmed that Yoo underwent a stellate ganglion block procedure, saying, "The procedure itself lasts only 10 seconds, but the resulting changes can be overwhelming. Yoo Ah-in felt intense fear and pain, necessitating sedation." Given that the needle insertion point was the neck, the associated fear and pain warranted the use of anesthesia, the doctor said. The doctor also addressed allegations of prescribing medication to the actor under his father's name without meeting the actor's family due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time, saying, "It was a time when temporary measures allowed medication deliveries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I did not thoroughly consider the implications of sending prescriptions via quick delivery services." However, he denied administering sedatives for non-procedural purposes. Yoo faces allegations of habitual use of propofol and other substances under the guise of using them for cosmetic procedures from September 2020 to March 2022, totaling 181 instances. The investigation also revealed his use of midazolam (a sedative), ketamine (an anesthetic) and remimazolam (an anesthetic). Yoo admitted to some charges, such as marijuana use and propofol administration, but denied encouraging marijuana use. Yoo maintains that his long-term struggles with depression, a panic disorder and sleep disorders necessitated the prescribed sedatives alongside his treatments. Additionally, he is accused of illegally obtaining 1,100 pills of two different sleeping types under another person's name on 44 occasions. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. Police have launched a preliminary investigation after personal information of dozens of court, prosecution and police officials was leaked online, authorities said Thursday. The National Police Agency opened an internal investigation last month after private information of officials at courts, prosecution offices and the police agency was shared by an individual with the username "Warfare" at an overseas website, frequented by hackers, in March. Police plan to turn it into an official investigation soon after finding more details. The leaked information included the names as well as what appeared to be the intranet accounts and passwords of 40 officials, reportedly including a high-rank judge, the police said. In April, an individual with the same username also uploaded similar information of dozens of people assumed to be employees of Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor. The user claimed that the information was collected through hacking, commenting that "Remember, North Korea is better." A police official said that so far, no signs of North Korean involvement have been confirmed, and no hacking has been detected in the intranets of the court and the national police agency. (Yonhap) By Jung Min-ho The government has imposed international travel bans or other penalties on 164 parents for refusing to pay child support expenses to the respective custodial parents after divorce. At Thursdays meeting, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced its decision to prohibit 117 of them from traveling overseas and suspend the drivers licenses of 43 others. The ministry also decided to reveal the personal information of the remaining four on its website, such as their names, occupations and addresses. This move comes amid growing calls for stronger administrative action against such parents, as holding them accountable for their irresponsibility remains a challenging process that could take years. The ministry did not reveal the sex ratio of those sanctioned this time. But past data showed that most of such parents are men, as mothers usually get custody of children after divorce. Those who have refused to comply with court orders to pay child support expenses could be subject to the ministrys sanctions. The number of people who have been put on the list has so far increased to 630 since the ministry first implemented the policy in late 2021. Of them, 163, or 26 percent, have since paid a full or partial amount of their share. The policy is expected to be more effective in September when the government agency in charge of child maintenance expense issues between divorced couples will be granted more independence and authority. 5 unions urge action on critical issues to prevent exploitation, discrimination By Jun Ji-hye Labor unions in Korea and the Philippines jointly expressed concerns, Thursday, over an upcoming pilot project that will bring caregivers from the Southeast Asian country to Seoul. They also highlighted fears about the existing Seasonal Worker Program (SWP), which permits Korean local governments to invite temporary workers from overseas. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, one of Koreas two umbrella unions, and four labor unions based in the Philippines the Federation of the Free Workers, the KMU, the SENTRO and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said that both programs fail to adequately ensure the protection and welfare of migrant workers. They emphasized that several critical issues must be addressed to prevent exploitation and discrimination. For the pilot project, which aims to assign 100 caregivers from the Philippines to start working in households in Seoul as early as September, the five labor groups emphasized that the standard contract must clearly define the terms, conditions of work and all rights of migrant workers. They highlighted existing confusion regarding the roles of these workers, stressing the importance of clarity in the contract. The Korean government expects workers to perform both caregiving and domestic work, while the Philippine government insists their role is strictly limited to caregiving, they said in a joint statement written in English. The program must be clearly defined as caregiving only, and this must be resolved before the program is formally operationalized. They also pointed to the accommodation issue, as the Korean government vowed to offer dormitories to these 100 care workers. They called for regular inspections of housing facilities by the respective governments, together with trade union representatives, to ensure they meet international housing standards. They said trade unions from the two nations should participate in the design and conduct of pre-departure and post-arrival seminars for these care workers to ensure that they are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities. Regarding the SWP, which permits the hiring of foreign workers for short periods to address labor shortages during busy farming and fishing seasons in Korea, the five groups said the program has often led to the exploitation of migrant workers and violations of human and labor rights due to structural flaws. They pointed out that one of the major problems stems from the system being operated based on agreements between local governments rather than central governments. This setup, they argued, has created significant opportunities for brokers to intervene in the process. Brokers mediate the signing of agreements between local governments, collect excessive fees from workers by intervening in the recruitment process and take wages from workers while they work after arriving in Korea, they said in another joint statement. They added that SWP does not provide sufficient language and rights education before and after the entry of seasonal workers. The program should be operated based on memoranda of understanding between central governments, not between local governments, they said. The Ministry of Employment and Labor, not the Ministry of Justice, should take charge of the SWP, so that labor inspection and labor rights protection measures can be implemented. A fire broke out at a 16-story apartment building in Seoul's southern district of Gangnam, leaving about 40 residents fleeing for safety and two others, including an 11-month-old baby, hospitalized, officials said Thursday. The blaze occurred on the 10th floor of the apartment in Yeoksam-dong at 1:22 p.m., officials said. An engineer who was fixing the air conditioning in the household where the fire erupted was taken to a hospital with burns on his hands and for smoke inhalation, and an 11-month-old boy on the ninth floor was also hospitalized for breathing in smoke. Seven others were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The fire services mobilized 286 personnel and 45 pieces of equipment and brought the blaze under control by 3:22 p.m. They were working to completely extinguish any leftover flames. Fourteen residents evacuated to the rooftop of the building under guidance from firefighters, three others to the ground floor, and 22 people escaped on their own. The apartment where the fire erupted is home to 178 residents from 48 households. Firefighters completely blocked off six lanes of a nearby road to stamp out the fire and restore the charred area. They plan to look into the exact causes of the fire and the scope of damage as soon as the blaze is completely put out. (Yonhap) Han Dong-hoon, former interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), plans to announce his bid for leader of the embattled party next week, officials said Thursday. Han is said to have reached out to PPP lawmakers recently to call for their support as he prepares to announce his intention to enter the race for the next PPP chief, according to the officials. He plans to make an official announcement at the National Assembly on Sunday. The former justice minister led the PPP through the April 10 general elections before stepping down to claim responsibility for the party's crushing defeat. Han, who had been considered a close ally to President Yoon Suk Yeol, had clashed with Yoon over a number of politically sensitive issues in the run-up to the elections, including how to handle allegations that first lady Kim Keon Hee received a luxury bag as a gift in 2022. Other potential candidates for the PPP leader include former Land Minister Won Hee-ryong, as well as five-term lawmakers Na Kyung-won and Yoon Sang-hyun. The PPP, which has been led by an emergency committee since August 2022 after former party chairman Lee Jun-seok was removed as leader, plans to hold a national convention on July 23 to elect its new chief. (Yonhap) The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) announced Thursday it will seek the impeachment of senior prosecutors involved in investigations into party leader Lee Jae-myung, accusing them of abuse of power. Rep. Min Hyung-bae told reporters that the party has begun drafting impeachment motions this week. "Some of the impeachment drafts were already prepared during the 21st National Assembly so it won't take a long time," he said. The DP plans to impeach four senior prosecutors in charge of investigations into various corruption allegations against Lee, including a scandal surrounding underwear manufacturer Ssangbangwool Group's alleged illegal remittance to North Korea. The DP has accused the prosecution of attempting to fabricate evidence to implicate Lee. Lee has also been accused of bribery and other charges stemming from his time as the mayor of Seongnam, south of Seoul, from 2014-2018. (Yonhap) By Kim Sun-ae On a hot summer day, diverse people danced together in front of the Seoul Administrative Court. Why did we dance there? In June 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the Master Plan for Building Saemangeum International Airport in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. The ministry planned to reclaim the Sura Tidal Flat and construct this new airport there, although, within a 10-minute walking distance from the site, there is Gunsan Airport, which has shown chronic losses of over 3 billion won a year due to a lack of demand. Sura is the last remaining tidal flat in the Saemangeum reclamation project. Various plants and animals live there, including endangered species. Tidal flats are especially valuable in this era of the climate crisis because they absorb enormous amounts of greenhouse gases. In September 2022, a group of more than 1,300 citizens filed a lawsuit to cancel the master plan for building this airport. On June 13, the Seoul Administrative Court held the fourth trial of the lawsuit. That day, before the trial, people who wanted to save Sura gathered in front of the court, and some young students sang a song that one of them had written and composed for Saemangeum. We went to the courtroom together to hear the trial. The audience packed the courtroom. Many people sat on the floor too, due to a lack of chairs. At the trial, we heard the witness Dr. Nial Moores, who has conducted research and surveys on birds in East Asia for over 30 years. He spoke about why the government should not construct the new airport, explaining the outstanding, universal value of the Sura Tidal Flat. He said that Saemangeum is a globally important habitat for migratory birds according to the standard of the Ramsar Convention, that is, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat. Migratory birds such as great knots fly from Russia to Australia via Saemangeum. The west coast of Korea is crucial to the survival of such migratory birds. If these birds flying such a long distance cannot eat and rest well at a stopover, they cannot survive. Great knots are endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Sura contains many living things including legally protected species like Saunderss gulls. The construction of the new airport means the loss of the globally important bird habitat. Building the airport will lead to the deaths of so many living things that depend on Sura. Moreover, because Saemangeum is included in the flyway of migratory birds, bird strikes with aircraft can occur if the airport is constructed, which can threaten passengers lives too. After the trial, we danced in a circle to peaceful music in front of the court to conserve Sura. Now is the time to preserve the precious tidal flat as best we can, living peacefully with other living things. Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/everythingchanges) wrote "Old Potato, New Potato" and translated "Little Lord Fauntleroy." Stern steps needed to address moves crossing red lines Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty during a summit, Wednesday. Putin highlighted that the new pact includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either country. Kim emphasized that the treaty signifies an elevation of bilateral relations to the status of an "alliance." On Thursday, North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency, unveiling the treaty text, said the two sides agreed to immediately provide all available military and other assistance in case a signatory is attacked. Earlier, Putin refrained from specifying whether the new military deal would mandate automatic and immediate military intervention in the event of an attack, similar to the 1961 pact between Russia and North Korea during the Cold War era. This treaty has raised concerns among South Korea, the United States and its other Asian allies. It will enable North Korea to enhance its support for Russia's military operations in Ukraine, while Russia will assist North Korea in expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities, including submarines and satellites. North Koreas potential acquisition of state-of-the-art Russian military technology will become a game changer in determining the security situation in Northeast Asia. In fact, Putin did not rule out the possible enhancement of military technology cooperation. In response to the conflict in Ukraine, the two autocratic nations have reportedly engaged in military exchanges, with North Korea providing artillery shells and other conventional weapons to Russia. In return, Russia is said to be providing satellite technologies, as well as energy and food supplies, to North Korea. Amid the protracted Ukraine war, Moscows reliance on Pyongyang has increased, and their relations have come ever closer. The two leaders revealed a strong commitment to solidify bilateral relations. Kim pledged full-fledged support for Russias operation in Ukraine. Russias recent move is regrettable, as it comes amid South Koreas relentless efforts to prevent Seoul-Moscow relations from deteriorating further. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration should lodge strong protests against Russia and take necessary measures to cope with the recent shift in the security situation. Speaking at his summit with Putin, Kim vowed to expand strategic communication with Russia and pledged full support for Moscow's policies. Putin's inclusion of the Russian defense minister and the head of the state-run aerospace company Roscosmos underscores Russia's commitment to enhancing cooperation in military technology, including surveillance satellites. Both Kim and Putin emphasized the importance of strengthening solidarity against what they perceive as U.S. hegemony. The collusion between the two rogue states is posing a threat to the entire global community. In a contribution to the Norths Rodong Sinmun, Putin indicated he would acknowledge the Norths attempt to develop nuclear weapons. Given Russia's position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Moscow's abandonment of efforts toward North Korea's denuclearization poses a serious threat to South Korea and the region as a whole. Putin's threats to use nuclear warheads against Western countries involved in the Ukraine war have raised significant concerns. The recent treaty between Russia and North Korea is likely to embolden North Korea, potentially increasing threats against South Korea with its tactical nuclear weapons. Russia's recent actions are deeply regrettable, especially given South Korea's efforts to improve strained relations. Despite measures such as extending visa waivers for visiting Russians and sending the South Korean ambassador to attend Putin's inaugural ceremony, which contrasts with Western boycotts, the South has also refrained from supplying weapons to Ukraine under external pressure. However, Russia's decision to strengthen ties with North Korea to obtain artillery shells and weapons is deemed inappropriate and concerning. South Korea, for its part, should do more to strengthen relations with the United States and Japan, to warn both Russia and North Korea against any measures that cross the red line. Diplomatic and military talks between Seoul and Beijing, held concurrently with the Putin-Kim summit, should aim to contain military exchanges between Pyongyang and Moscow. China should take a more proactive role in easing escalating tensions in the region. In a display of goodwill, Putin expressed appreciation to Seoul for refraining from directly supplying weapons to Ukraine. The Kremlin quoted Putin as saying during a meeting with journalists on June 5, "We observe that there is no Russophobic sentiment in the actions of the South Korean leadership." Putin expressed hope that bilateral relations between Seoul and Moscow would not worsen further, emphasizing Russia's intention to develop relations with the entire Korean Peninsula. "The channel is open on our side, and we are ready," Putin said. Despite closer ties between Russia and North Korea, he stressed the importance of South Korea and Russia redoubling efforts to mend ties. Russia may need further cooperation with South Korea mainly in economic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, home appliances and automobiles. To boost bilateral relations, Russia should refrain from taking excessive measures that threaten the security of the Korean Peninsula. By Baek Byung-yeul John Lee, deputy administrator of the mission directorates at the newly launched Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), emphasized the need for the international community to strengthen collaboration for sustainable and safe lunar exploration during a United Nations meeting. Lee, who oversees major research and development projects at KASA, joined the Sustainable Lunar Activities Conference hosted by the U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Austrias Vienna, June 18 (local time). In April, he was appointed as KASAs R&D chief, being recognized for his expertise as he worked for around 30 years at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the White House. He especially served as a senior advisor for flight projects at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center until 2021. At the conference, Lee introduced the space agency that Korea launched in May to member states. He also stressed the need for establishing international norms for lunar activities through international cooperation, saying that Korea will actively participate in this effort. "Korea shared its experience of conducting collision avoidance maneuvers once each with the United States' Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), India's moon orbiter Chandrayaan-2 and Japan's moon lander Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) while operating the Danuri lunar orbiter, Lee said during a panel discussion session at the conference. To prevent interference and collisions between missions of countries exploring the moon, it is important to share advance information about each mission. Korea, which operates the Danuri lunar orbiter launched in August 2022, was invited to this conference as a country actively engaged in lunar exploration activities, KASA said. With the recent surge in global lunar exploration activities, the need for international cooperation to ensure safe and sustainable lunar activities for all nations has emerged through the U.N. COPUOS due to the increased possibility of interference and collisions between missions. The R&D chief participated as a discussion panelist along with senior officials from space agencies such as the U.S., China, Germany and Luxembourg, emphasizing the importance of sharing mission information and openly sharing scientific data as key principles for the sustainability of lunar exploration activities. "Since lunar exploration activities should contribute to all of humanity, lunar exploration nations should proactively disclose the scientific data obtained through their exploration activities," he said. Lee also showcased lunar images captured by the Danuri at the event and promoted KASA's inauguration and Korea's achievements in lunar exploration to the international community. "With the establishment of KASA, Korea will actively participate in international cooperation activities to establish an international order for safe and sustainable lunar activities," the R&D chief said. "We will strive to pursue international cooperation with various countries to become an influential member of the international space community." The Korean government said Thursday it has carried out a probe into some imported vehicles made by Japanese automakers Toyota Motor and Yamaha Motor in connection with their improper certification tests in their home country. Seoul's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it has looked into whether 38 models from Japanese automakers currently under investigation for fraudulent certification tests in Tokyo were being sold in Korea. The ministry said none of the models in question have been imported in Korea. It, however, discovered that some models of Toyota's Lexus RX line and Yamaha's Tmax and YZF-R3 motorcycle models sold in the country were equipped with the same engines and horns as ones in problematic models. Accordingly, the ministry said it has been reviewing the three models for manufacturing defects since Friday. As of this month, there are 6,749 registered Lexus RX units, 1,910 Yamaha Tmax units and 1,318 YZF-R3 units in the country. The ministry said it plans to monitor measures taken by Japanese authorities and take proper action if the vehicles fail to meet safety standards. (Yonhap) The European Union's aviation safety authority will be "ready to react appropriately" against possible flight maintenance issues of the European operation of Korean low-cost carrier T'way Air, which has recently been plagued by frequent delays due to aircraft maintenance issues, an agency spokesperson said Thursday. T'way Air experienced four flight delay incidents last week alone, affecting hundreds of international passengers connecting Korea with overseas destinations, including Japan and Thailand, due to maintenance problems. They occurred as T'way is set to soon take over four routes connecting Korea with major European cities Frankfurt, Paris, Rome and Barcelona from domestic industry leader Korean Air, as part of conditions set by the EU over Korean Air's envisioned merger with No. 2 player Asiana Airlines. T'way plans to begin operating flights to Paris as early as next month and gradually expand to the other three routes. "Where necessary in the interest of safety, EASA will be ready to react appropriately," Vera Tavares, spokesperson of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), told Yonhap News Agency via email when asked whether the agency plans to look into circumstances surrounding T'way's repeated maintenance issues ahead of its new European operations. The spokesperson said EASA issues third-country operator (TCO) authorizations to foreign air operators based on the confidence in the airline and the authority with jurisdiction "to execute adequate oversight over the operators that it has certified." While noting that the agency cannot "replace the competent authority," it stressed that it "does not solely rely on the action taken by the foreign authority." "(EASA) will monitor the further development as part of its obligation to perform continuous monitoring of TCOs," Tavares said, adding, "Ramp inspections performed at EU aerodromes are instrumental in this regard." Tavares also said EASA has several options for enforcement measures within its TCO regulations, "including a possible suspension of the authorization," should the agency obtain evidence that the safety performance of an airline in question "continues to degrade." Earlier this year, Korea's transport ministry also found evidence that T'way used unauthorized parts in its in-aircraft heating and cooling systems during a special investigation. (Yonhap) Conglomerate continues to dismiss underperforming executives By Park Jae-hyuk SK Group will merge its affiliates doing similar businesses and replace more senior executives in a bid to improve its worsening business performance, according to industry officials, Thursday. These measures have been seen as part of the ongoing group-wide restructuring to reduce unnecessary investments and cope with the escalating financial burden stemming mainly from its unprofitable battery and petrochemical units. The nations second-largest business group will reportedly approve of a merger between SK Innovation and SK E&S, during a meeting of its highest decision-making body later this month. SK Innovation is the parent firm of the groups refinery, petrochemical, lubricant and battery affiliates. SK E&S is SK Inc.s unlisted subsidiary dealing with hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG). We are considering the merger and various other strategic measures to enhance our competitiveness, but nothing has been decided yet, SK Innovation said in its regulatory filing. As the company did not dismiss the rumor as groundless, its stock price soared to 126,000 won ($91) from 104,700 won on Thursday morning and closed at 121,000 won, up 15.57 percent from the previous session. SK Innovations preferred stock price also rose 20.51 percent to 90,500 won. On the other hand, SK Inc.s stock price fell 3.95 percent to 160,500 won. Due to various market conditions making the sale or block deal of SK IE Technology (SKIET) difficult, SK Group seems to have opted for this alternative, said Park Sang-hyun, an analyst at Smartkarma, a Singapore-based investment research firm. At this point, it seems SK Inc. has become the scapegoat instead of SKIET to save SK On. SK Group has been said to be considering selling its stake in SKIET, a lithium-ion battery separator maker. Market insiders have also mentioned a potential merger between SK Enmove and SK On, considering the lucrative lubricant makers possible financial support for the money-losing battery manufacturer. The business group has neither denied nor confirmed such speculations so far. Industry officials expect the company to decide on large-scale restructuring of its 219 affiliates in the near future. In addition, dismissals of underperforming executives have continued at SK Group. SK On recently dismissed Chief Commercial Officer Sung Min-suk, who joined the company last August after resigning as CEO of Hanon Systems. This came a month after the surprise replacement of the CEO of SK ecoplant, the groups construction arm. SK Square Park Sung-ha was also reportedly asked to leave the company, due to the poor performance of its subsidiaries except SK hynix. He was reappointed as CEO in March, a year after he was appointed last year as the successor to Park Jung-ho, the incumbent vice chairman of SK hynix. Nothing has been decided yet regarding his dismissal, an SK Square official said. To tighten discipline, SK Group is also set to order its non-executive employees to stop working from home and taking a Friday off once or twice a month after working overtime on previous weekdays. Its executives have already returned to a five-day workweek and resumed attending a biweekly meeting on Saturday for top executives since April. By Ko Dong-hwan The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is hinting that Saudi Arabias state-run air carrier may face penalties for violating Korean law by planning to cancel flights between Seoul and Riyadh without obtaining prior approval from the government, according to the ministry, Thursday. The ministry's decision follows Saudia Airlines' announcement on June 13 that it will cancel flights between Incheon International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, starting this Sunday. The companys notice read, Dear guest, your flight no. XXX for reservation XXXXXXXXXX has been cancelled. We appreciate your understanding. For more information A ministry official said the cancellation of trips without notifying the authority goes against Korea's Aviation Business Act, adding that Saudia never gave official notification about the cancellation. For a foreign airline company to stop operating or change any of its routes using Korean airports, it needs approval from the Korean government, an official at the ministry's international air transport division said. Saudia Airlines has halted the service even before fully indemnifying its customers and acquiring clearance from the ministry. Were now closely looking into the matter but, depending on the outcome, its possible we can fine them up to 100 million won ($72,000). The ministry said that Saudia is currently working on compensating those who have been affected by the companys cancellation of Incheon-Riyadh trips by providing alternative flights or refunds. Those who had booked Incheon-Riyadh trips via Saudia have been inconvenienced by the companys abrupt cancellation. Many of them complained that most of the alternative flights provided by the Saudi company involve at least one stopover and extend their time in the air. Some of the upset customers have joined KakaoTalk group chat to discuss ways to counteract Saudia. My original plan was to get to Riyadh and then Europe, one of the customers said. But now, the Saudi airline wants me to go to Dubai first, and then Riyadh and Europe in order. They said I will also have to go through two stopovers on my way home. I dont think I want to take that itinerary. There has been speculation that Saudia may have canceled the flights because of low sales of seats. According to the ministry, the company has flown 138 flights with over 41,000 seats during the first five months this year. It has sold less than 17,000 of these seats during the period. Saudia stopped its route to Seoul in 1990 but resumed it in August 2022 using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won on Thursday appealed a high court's ruling ordering him to pay 1.38 trillion won ($1 billion) in property division to his estranged wife in the country's most expensive divorce suit, sources said. Since the Seoul High Court made the ruling last month, Chey has claimed there was a "critical error" in the calculation of his estranged wife's contribution to the growth of the country's second-largest conglomerate. The appellate court had determined the combined property of Chey and his wife, Roh So-young, to be 4 trillion won, with a division rate of 65 percent for Chey and 35 percent for Roh, but the SK Group chairman said the court has made an error on whether his stocks in the company are subject to the division and how much they are worth. The court corrected its calculation error but did not change its conclusion, saying the error does not affect the ratio and subject of the property division. Chey and Roh, the former President Roh Tae-woo's only daughter, married in 1988 and have three children. Chey announced a divorce plan in 2015, admitting to having an extramarital lover and a child with her, and filed for a divorce settlement two years later. After years of resistance, Roh raised a countersuit in 2019, demanding half of the SK shares owned by Chey in the property division. (Yonhap) Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi on Thursday after signing a mutual defence deal with North Korea. AFP looks at the background to the visit and what the two sides hope to achieve. Why is Putin going to Hanoi? Vietnam and Russia have close ties going back to the 1950s, but Hanoi is not likely to give Putin the public pledge of "full support" on Ukraine that he received from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi on Thursday after signing a mutual defence deal with North Korea. AFP looks at the background to the visit and what the two sides hope to achieve. The Southeast Asian manufacturing powerhouse has for years carefully avoided allying too closely with any major power the so-called "bamboo diplomacy" approach of seeking strength through flexibility. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping have visited in recent months to deepen relations. But receiving Putin under sanctions and seen as a pariah by much of the world will be "a test of how far Hanoi's multi-directional hedge can go and still be accepted by other major powers," said Huong Le Thu, deputy director of the Asia Program at the International Crisis Group. For the Russian leader, the trip could offer an opportunity to show that he has international supporters, Thu said. What's their history? The former Soviet Union was one of the first countries to recognize the Vietnamese government of Ho Chi Minh and establish diplomatic ties, in 1950. Some 50,000 Vietnamese studied in Soviet universities up to 1991, and successive Vietnamese governments have been heavily reliant on arms supplied by the Kremlin for decades. During the war with the United States, the Soviet Union provided its fellow communists in Vietnam with jet fighters, missiles, helicopters and tanks as well as nearly 11,000 soldiers, according to Vietnam's Army newspaper. The ties endured even after the collapse of the Soviet Union Russia accounted for more than 80 percent of Vietnam's arms imports between 1995 and 2023, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Moscow also used Vietnam's strategic Cam Ranh Bay in the South China Sea as its military base in the Asia Pacific for more than two decades until 2002. The two upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Hanoi's highest level, in 2012. Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United States also share top-level ties with Vietnam. What will they discuss? Russian officials say the talks will focus on trade, education and energy issues, in particular, how Moscow can help Vietnam transition to clean power. But analysts say arms exports, the war in Ukraine and Moscow's promised support for Hanoi to join the BRICS group of emerging economies will also be on the table. Vietnam's arms imports from Russia have dropped off in recent years amid international sanctions over the Ukraine invasion. Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at Australia's University of New South Wales, said that behind closed doors, the two sides will likely work on ways to do business without falling foul of Western sanctions. (AFP) Japan is "seriously concerned" that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not rule out military and technical cooperation under a pact signed with North Korea on a visit to the isolated state, a government spokesman said Thursday. Putin on Wednesday inked the strategic treaty at a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang that included a pledge to come to each other's aid if attacked. Russia "does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK in connection with the treaty that was signed today," Putin said, using North Korea's official name. But that sort of cooperation "could be a direct violation of the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, in terms of its impact on the security environment surrounding our country and the region," Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters at a regular briefing. Japan is "seriously concerned about the fact that President Putin did not rule out military-technical cooperation with North Korea," he said. Putin also said that U.N. sanctions on the North Korean regime should be "reviewed" a call that Hayashi on Thursday deemed "unacceptable." "Despite the will of the international community, Russia has procured arms and ammunition, including ballistic missiles, from North Korea and used them in Ukraine in clear violation of the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions," he said. "The announcement (from Putin about reviewing U.N. sanctions on North Korea) is unacceptable." (AFP) Moscow is expected to formalize arms trading with Pyongyang based on their new treaty signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this week, South Korean experts said Thursday. The treaty, signed between the two leaders in Pyongyang on Wednesday, pledges mutual aid if either country faces "aggression." This is considered the strongest agreement signed since the end of the Cold War. "Russia's intention behind this treaty is to address the imminent threat posed by the U.S. and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization weapons aimed at Russian territory," said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, during a forum hosted in Seoul. Article 4 of the 23-point treaty could be interpreted as calling for automatic military intervention in the event of an attack on either country. This would mark the restoration of a Cold War-era alliance for the first time in 28 years, since the mutual defense treaty was scrapped in 1996. Hong further analyzed that Russia is likely to make it official and public to obtain more weapons from North Korea, referencing the article. "Although it has been an open secret that North Korea has been supplying weapons to Russia, Russia has never officially acknowledged it due to U.N. Security Council sanctions on North Korea," Hong said. Other experts also suggested that Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine could potentially lead to the destabilization of the Putin regime and that such a factor may be a driving force behind the strengthened ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. "Putin has signed a treaty with a much higher level of military cooperation than expected, in a desperate move to secure weapons," said Cho Han-beom, another chair researcher, during the forum. (Yonhap) In a unique twist of fate, BTS, the globally acclaimed K-pop sensation, continues to dominate the music scene despite six of its seven members currently fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea. The group's influence remains palpable as several members have been dropping solo projects that resonate deeply with their loyal fanbase. RM, J-Hope, and V are among those who have kept the BTS spirit alive through their individual musical endeavors. RM's "Right Place, Wrong Person" album, J-Hope's "HOPE on the Street" album, and V's poignant song "FRI(END)S" have all struck a chord with listeners worldwide. Billboard has named #RM's 'Right Place, Wrong Person' as one of the best albums this year! #rightplacewrongperson #Billboard pic.twitter.com/2Inj8eYOoD World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) June 19, 2024 j-hope's "HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1" extends his record as the longest charting album by an Asian Soloist on Greece's Albums Chart. (8 weeks) pic.twitter.com/vituAlZe9W Yoonie (@agustdsb1tch) June 19, 2024 These releases have not only maintained BTS's momentum but also sparked enthusiasm among ARMYs, the devoted fan community of BTS. However, amidst the celebration of their music, criticism has surfaced regarding the fairness of BTS's ongoing chart success. Some netizens argue that other K-pop groups are being overshadowed, claiming they are not getting adequate exposure while BTS members continue to dominate the charts remotely. Oh wait! My fave couldve ACTUALLY pre-record things if they wanted it - THEN WHY THIS FANDOM was dragging them to the point that a complaint was filed against TOP who pre-recorded Flower Road and SM took down Baekhyuns pre-recorded YT content to protect the idol Before https://t.co/Rm3oBkNMgy pic.twitter.com/aj99O6hoee G-Dragon of EXO (@SUJI96808) June 15, 2024 READ MORE: BTS' BT21 Under Fire for Unexpected NewJeans Endorsement Fans, commonly known as ARMYs, have swiftly come to BTS's defense, highlighting a crucial nuance in the K-pop industry's regulations. They are so bitter and mad that BTS keeps releasing music while being in the military because kpoppies can't grasp the fact that musicians can release music made before the military while being in the army and the govt won't get money out of it LMAO pic.twitter.com/PcLrUbvDdl sso RIGHT PLACE, WRONG PERSON (@sophsbts) June 19, 2024 Idols are permitted to release music during military service if the material was prepared prior to enlistment. Kpoppies are only pretending to not understand how BTS can release music they pre recorded whilst in the military. They are just hurt that now its OBVIOUS other idols didnt feel like doing the same and never put in the amount of work or effort BTS always has. Miche (@MicheBangtan) June 19, 2024 This clarification aims to redirect criticism away from BTS members themselves and towards management agencies that may not have adequately prepared for their artists' military hiatus. This is a person who has been taught that when others succeed, it prevents others from doing so and they are probably guilted and gaslit into holding themselves back for others. Thats a pretty deep rooted mindset. Perhaps therapy is in order but not bts responsibility. Its also June 19, 2024 As anticipation builds for the next solo release, Jimin is slated to drop his second solo album titled "MUSE" on July 19th. This announcement has further ignited excitement within the BTS fanbase, setting expectations high for another chart-topping success. Despite the ongoing debate, BTS's ability to maintain relevance and captivate audiences worldwide from military service underscores their unprecedented impact on global pop culture. Whether through group efforts or individual projects, BTS continues to redefine the boundaries of success in the music industry, even while physically apart. ALSO READ: BTS Jin's Hug Event Has Police Authorities Involved + Complaint Confirmed Against ARMYs Attempting To Kiss Ido KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Cassidy Jones. NewJeans's latest airport fits are drawing mixed reactions, with netizens debating whether the use of uniforms is inappropriate or not. On June 20, NewJeans were seen at Gimpo International Airport to fly out to Japan for their upcoming Japanese debut. NewJeans is scheduled to make their Japan debut on June 21 with two singles: "Supernatural" and "Right Now." On June 26 and 27, they will hold a fan meeting titled "Bunnies Camp 2024" at the Tokyo Dome. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: NewJeans Characters in PUBG Used for Shocking Harassment: K-Netz Explode For their airport fits, the girl group stunned in school uniforms. Each member had slight differences in their looks. Haerin and Danielle sported maroon ties, while Hanni, Minji, and Hyein's ties were blue. Hanni, Danielle, and Minji's skirts were a darker shade of blue, while Hyein and Haerin's skirts were more muted. The sleeves of their blouses were also different, with Haerin and Minji wearing long sleeves, and Hanni and Hyein having short sleeves. Danielle wore a cardigan over her blouse, while Minji opted to tie her cardigan over her waist. YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: NewJeans Hyein To Return In Group With Limited Participation - See ADOR's Statement Here One thing consistent amongst all the girls is the use of black shoes. However, while Haerin, Hannie, Danielle, and Hyein opted for white long socks, Minji opted for black instead. Some netizens loved their unique airport looks, claiming it was their best fit to date. NewJeans with coordinated uniforms at the airport headed to Japan for music promotions! this is definitely their best look yet pic.twitter.com/WmvBNoC1Fo nil (@newjiram) June 19, 2024 CHECK THIS OUT: BTS' BT21 Under Fire for Unexpected NewJeans Endorsement However, not everyone agreed. In K-pop, some groups have used the school uniform outfits for sexy concepts, leading many to see the school uniform look as inappropriate. Although NewJeans's school uniforms were modest, many couldn't shake off the feeling that the outfits were catering to a certain demographic. Dressing them up as school girls for old men. Well dont mhj you pedo mf. https://t.co/gRm8pn7mFA JKpop (@JKpopper97) June 20, 2024 doing everything to make their pedo fans burst https://t.co/E481pmA3M2 June 20, 2024 NewJeans has always had a youthful, Y2K look, which means the school uniforms suit their concept. However, some female K-pop idols have worn altered versions of school uniforms, such as making blouses into crop tops or cutting the skirt too short. This has caused a shift in how school uniforms are perceived. ALSO READ: NewJeans' Pre-Release Single 'Right Now' Earns Rave Reviews from K-pop Fans: 'Their Vocals Are Crazy!' Many rushed to NewJeans's defense, however. They claimed that there is nothing inherently sexual about school uniforms, and the ones they are wearing are similar to what middle school and high school students wear in South Korea. Many believe that those who see a school uniform and automatically assume something is sexual need to seek help immediately. if when you see school uniforms and yoir mind correlates it with something sexual then youre the sick freak cause there ia nothing sexual about school uniforms https://t.co/GCDB205FSZ dee (@thvwoo_) June 20, 2024 Students in South Korea wear uniforms even when they go to funerals. For teenagers in that country, school uniforms are both their everyday clothes and their most formal attire. And NewJeans is literally a group with an average age of teenagers. https://t.co/RdvTWmm0jq Fy (@roro95) June 20, 2024 What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below! FOR YOU: NewJeans Unmasks YouTuber Behind Defamatory Videos As Approved By Court KpopStarz Owns This Written by Alexa Lopez A new book is raising cognitive questions regarding former president and convicted felon Donald Trump, who recently challenged political rival President Joe Biden to a cognitive test, only to get the name of his doctor wrong in the very next sentence and instead raising cognitive questions regarding himself. That new book is titled "Apprentice in Wonderland" and it tackles the former president's reality TV background. However, it also takes a look at his mental acuity as the book describes him as "meandering and confusing" and exhibiting "some cognitive questions" during interviews. Variety Co-Editor in Chief Ramin Setoodeh has interviewed former President Donald Trump six times since May 2021 and said during a CNN interview that the disgraced New York businessman was "meandering" and "could not keep a straight thought." "That report you just talked about-about 'meandering' and 'confusing'-is right," Setoodeh told host CNN host Kaitlan Collins. "He goes from one story to the next. He struggles with the chronology of events. He seems very upset that he wasn't respected by certain celebrities in the White House. And then he'd go to a story about The Apprentice." "So as you know, Kaitlan, it's very challenging to interview Donald Trump and to go toe-to-toe with him," added Setoodeh and stating, "but there were some cognitive questions about where he was and what he was thinking, and he would-from time to time-become confused." "He confidently told me and declared that Joan Rivers voted for him when he ran for president," the Variety editor added and noted that Trump ran for president in 2016 while Joan Rivers died in 2014. "On some days, I have the feeling he has no idea whom he is even talking to; at our second meeting, he tells me he couldn't remember sitting down with me, even though it was only a few months earlier," he revealed. "From there, then we did more interviews so that we could cover more ground, but it was a little bit like Groundhog Day." Donald Trump Tells Wisconsin Followers 'I Love Milwaukee' After Calling City 'Horrible' Meanwhile, Donald Trump was in Wisconsin for his first appearance since he was caught calling Milwaukee, the state's largest city, "horrible." However, this time, he told his Wisconsin followers that he actually loves the city. READ MORE: Robert Morris, Texas Megachurch Pastor and Donald Trump Spiritual Advisor, Admits to Child Sexual Abuse "I love Milwaukee," he said during a rally in Racine. The former president and his followers have been on the defensive as Milwaukee is not just the host city for the Republican National Convention this summer, but Wisconsin is also a key battleground state that Trump must win. Soon after it was revealed that Trump stated the city was horrible, his allies made conflicting excuses in an effort to spin the story. "I was the one that picked it," said Trump, who was found to have lied 30,573 times as president. "These lying people. They say, 'Oh, he doesn't like Milwaukee.' I love Milwaukee. I said we've got to fix the crime. We all know that. You've got to make sure the election is honest, but I'm the one who picked Milwaukee." Donald Trump Says Business Executives Who Do Not Support Him Should Be 'Fired' for 'Incompetence' Meanwhile, Trump, who left the economy in a bad state when he was replaced by Biden, claimed that business executives and shareholder representatives should "be 100% behind" him or face termination, according to Yahoo! News. "Business Executives and Shareholder Representatives should be 100% behind Donald Trump! Anybody that's not should be FIRED for incompetence!," posted the former president on Truth Social, He was very pro-corporation as president despite billing himself a hero for the working class. READ MORE: '2000 Mules' Donald Trump Propaganda Movie Still Being Spread After Being Debunked, Losing Court Battle This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Trump challenges Biden to a cognitive test. Mixes up name of doctor - CNN The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season is now officially underway as the first named storm of the year, Tropical Storm Alberto, has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to affect Mexico and Texas. Meteorologists are now monitoring the storm and have placed tropical storm warnings on areas that the Alberto is expected to hit. According to AccuWeather, activity has increased in the Atlantic as "warm waters across portions of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have helped to promote prime conditions for tropical development this week." Mexico is directly in the path of Tropical Storm Alberto's eye, but nearby Texas is also expected to get a taste of the storm's wrath. It is expected to make landfall in northeastern Mexico early Thursday morning, with the most affected areas being the Texas Gulf Coast and the northeastern coast of Mexico. Meteorologists have warned that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours. "Abnormally warm waters and a pocket of relatively low wind shear located in the Bay of Campeche allowed for Alberto to gain enough organization on Wednesday to be upgraded to tropical storm status," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist and Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva. Usually, the first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season forms around June 20. Tropical Storm Alberto became a tropical storm around June 19, which means that this season is progressing right on schedule. What Is Tropical Storm Alberto Expected to Bring to Texas and Mexico? As Tropical Storm Alberto approaches land, areas around the gulf coasts of Texas and Mexico are expected to receive rain and a lot of it, together with some strong winds and maybe even some flooding. READ MORE: New Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Spell A Lot More Hurricanes This Year The Weather Channel stated that Texas can expect some "Flooding rain, coastal flooding, gusty winds, high surf, rip currents, and isolated tornadoes." Meanwhile, Mexico is also expected to experience the same but with the added danger of mudslides. Tropical Storm Alberto may strengthen slightly before it makes landfall, and its impact will extend far from the center. The storm is expected to continue moving westward with winds of 39 miles per hour (mph) or greater in the warning areas, which include Brownsville and Corpus Christi. Heavy rains are expected along the Rio Grande and the Big Bend region, with rains expected to reach areas such as Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. So far, no hurricane warning has been issued. Tropical Storm Alberto May Bring Flooding To Parts of Mexico As for Mexico, several governors whose states are on the storm's paths are already bracing themselves as the heavy rains could bring in mudslides and flash flooding. The most affected states may be Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon. Tamaulipas Gov. Americo Villarreal has announced on X that schools across the state will remain closed between Wednesday and Friday, while Tamaulipas Civil Protection Coordinator Luis Gerardo Gonzalez announced that they have 333 shelters distributed throughout the state at each municipality and they will open upa more shelters as the hurricane moves. READ NEXT: Texas Floods: Young Boy Dead as Search and Rescue Operations Continue This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Tropical Storm Alberto, first named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, forms in Gulf of Mexico - WPBF 25 News The relentless surge of Haiti gang violence has reached a critical juncture, with the latest report from the UN migration agency painting a grim picture of the situation. Nearly 580,000 individuals have been displaced, underscoring the gravity of the crisis gripping this Caribbean nation, according to AP News. The escalation of unrest, particularly evident since late February, has plunged Haiti deeper into turmoil, with armed Haiti gangs unleashing coordinated attacks and seizing control of vital infrastructure. Philippe Branchat, head of the International Organization for Migration, minced no words in describing the dire consequences of escalating Haiti gang violence. He attributed the surge in displacement to years of unchecked violence, culminating in the catastrophic events witnessed in February. The number of displaced individuals, now exceeding 578,000, marks a distressing escalation from the figures reported merely three months prior. READ NEXT: Gang Ambush Raises Haiti National Police Death Toll to 21 Roots of the Crisis The surge in displacement stems primarily from residents fleeing the capital, Port-au-Prince, seeking refuge in other provinces. However, these areas lack the necessary resources to accommodate the influx of displaced individuals, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation, France 24 reports. The political instability following the departure of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry has only deepened the crisis, leaving the nation grappling with uncertainty and unrest. The ramifications of Haiti's escalating violence are nothing short of catastrophic. Nearly 10% of the nation's population finds itself internally displaced, with close to 5 million individuals confronting acute hunger. The failure to address the root causes of the violence has only worsened the situation, with necessities such as food and medical supplies becoming increasingly scarce, amplifying the suffering of the Haitian people. Challenges and Disruptions The Haiti gang violence has not only uprooted thousands but has also disrupted critical supply routes, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis, Reuters noted. Haiti's heavy reliance on imports for food and fuel renders it particularly vulnerable, resulting in price surges and shortages of essential commodities. Moreover, the shuttering of businesses has further destabilized the economy, compounding the suffering of Haiti's populace. While daunting challenges persist, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon. The recent appointment of a new acting prime minister and cabinet signals a commitment to addressing the crisis head-on. The graduation of over 400 officers from the police academy represents a crucial step towards restoring order and quelling Haiti gangs' violence. However, international assistance and solidarity are indispensable in this critical moment as Haiti endeavors to chart a path toward stability and resilience. The crisis engulfing Haiti shows no signs of abating, with nearly 580,000 individuals displaced amid escalating violence and instability. The humanitarian fallout is staggering, with millions facing acute hunger and essential resources growing increasingly scarce. Urgent action is imperative to address the root causes of the crisis and provide vital support to those affected. As Haiti navigates this turbulent chapter in its history, international solidarity and concerted efforts are indispensable in alleviating the suffering and fostering a sustainable path forward for the nation and its people. READ MORE: Haiti Police Meet Kenya's Inspector General Before Deployment This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Gangs have 'completely taken over': Growing outrage as violence in Haiti escalates - From MSNBC Tragedy struck amid the chaos of the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, New Mexico, as State Police confirmed a second fatality on Wednesday. Patrick Pearson, 60, was found deceased with severe burns near the Swiss Chalet Inn on June 18, according to KRQE News. Meanwhile, another victim remains unidentified after being discovered in a burned vehicle on Ranier Road the same day; their remains were too skeletal for immediate identification. READ NEXT: Infant Found Alive, Suspect in Custody in New Mexico Wildfires Ravage Southern New Mexico Two fast-moving New Mexico wildfire continue to wreak havoc, claiming one life and forcing the evacuation of thousands as they consume over 20,000 acres of land. The South Fork Fire, the larger of the two blazes, has devastated 16,000 acres and destroyed 1,400 structures, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team. Sweltering temperatures and unpredictable weather shifts have complicated efforts to contain the fires. Southern New Mexico faced temperatures soaring into the upper 80s and 90s on Wednesday, accompanied by the potential for afternoon thunderstorms. While rain offered hope, winds reaching 15 mph threatened to exacerbate fire conditions. A flash flood warning for Lincoln County heightened concerns, prompting emergency evacuations from vulnerable areas in Ruidoso, New York Times reports. Firefighters deployed air tankers and helicopters to drop water and retardant on the flames. At the same time, ground crews worked tirelessly to establish fire lines. The Red Cross reported over 528 individuals seeking refuge in emergency shelters, providing essential supplies and support amid the crisis. At a press conference, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham emphasized the gravity of the situation, declaring a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. She underscored the challenges posed by the wildfires, which remained zero percent contained as of Wednesday afternoon. While acknowledging the potential benefits of rain, Laura McCarthy of the New Mexico State Forestry warned of dynamic fire behavior and increased danger to homes due to gusty winds. Travel restrictions compounded the crisis, rendering much of the southern region inaccessible. Fire Details and Evacuations The dual New Mexico wildfire, named South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, turned fatal as authorities confirmed two deaths linked to the uncontained blazes, Yahoo! News noted. Patrick Pearson succumbed to burn injuries from the South Fork Fire, where he was discovered near the Swiss Chalet Motel in Ruidoso. The identity of the second victim, found in a burned vehicle, remains unknown due to their condition. The New Mexico wildfire, spanning over 20,000 acres by Wednesday morning, has obliterated over 1,400 homes and structures, forcing approximately 8,000 residents to evacuate. Evacuation orders span three counties: Mescalero, Otero, and Lincoln, reflecting the widespread impact of the wildfires. Grisham detailed a robust response effort involving 17 agencies and 800 personnel, including 13 wildfire hotshot crews battling the blazes. The South Fork Fire ignited Monday morning on the Mescalero Reservation, west of Ruidoso, with the cause still under investigation. READ MORE: Florida Surgeon Arrested After Wife's Surgery Death This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Two deaths reported in South Fork Fire, New Mexico State Police say - From KRQE Ecuador has suffered a massive and unexpected blackout after an energy transmission line failed. This blackout happened after the government announced that there would be power outages across the country as its power production problems continued. Ecuador Minister of Energy Roberto Luque announced on X that "a cascade disconnection" was caused after t the failure was reported by the country's National Electricity Operator. This has left millions without any power. Luque did promise that efforts to restore power are currently being made and that they are also already trying to repair any faulty power lines as soon as possible. In some areas of the country, the power outage only lasted around 20 minutes. However, social media users and local media outlets have revealed that the blackouts persisted in most cities and not just in the capital, Quito. "We thought it was only in this sector, but when we left we realized that while some stores had connected generators, the majority did not have electricity," Emilia Cevallos, a waitress in a restaurant in Quito, told the Associated Press. "The traffic lights were not working either." The blackouts caused many traffic problems across the capital, with the city deploying traffic agents immediately after the power went out to coordinate the flow of traffic. Meanwhile, the Quito Metro, the company that operates the city's subway system, stated that subway operations have been suspended because of the blackouts. Ecuador has been facing a massive electricity generation crisis since last year, and the country has been rationing electricity. One of the main reasons is the weather phenomena known as El Nino, which has caused droughts that have already depleted reservoirs and limited output at hydroelectric plants, which produce 75% of the country's energy output. READ MORE: Ecuador Reinstates Visa Requirements on China Over 'Irregular Migration' Why Is Ecuador Having Electricity Problems and Blackouts? Ecuador's power systems are old, and Minister Luque himself acknowledges this, saying, "For years there has been a lack of investment in these systems and electrical grids and today we are suffering the consequences." According to Yahoo! News, Ecuador has been suffering rolling blackouts since April as drought ravaged the country, with citizens having to suffer through power outages of up to 13 hours at a time. The country suspended electricity rationing in May when the rainy season arrived, but the country's electricity problems still persist, as shown by this latest blackout. Ecuador Also Dealing With Massive Landslides Meanwhile, the country is also contending with heavy rains that have caused various other problems all over the country, including a massive landslide in central Ecuador that killed at least eight people. Ecuador's Risk Management office stated that rescue teams, with the help of some inhabitants, are still looking for more victims of a landslide that happened when a hill partially collapsed and brought mud and soil to sweep over houses and vehicles. There were eight confirmed deaths, while 11 others were missing, and 22 more were injured, according to the Associated Press. READ MORE: Ecuador Files Lawsuit Vs. Mexico in ICJ Over Granting Asylum to Former VP Jorge Glas This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: The Bigger Problem With The Power Outages in Ecuador - GM Ace Colombia has announced that the country is granting legal status to hundreds of thousands of migrants from Venezuela amid Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro's continued repression and crackdowns on any form of dissent. Millions have already left Venezuela as the political and economic crisis in the country is driving a massive exodus. While many of them head to the US-Mexico border and try their luck at being granted asylum, others opt to stay in neighboring Colombia, which has long been at odds with the Nicolas Maduro regime. Many Venezuelans often choose to head further north once they get to Colombia, braving the treacherous Darien Gap and cartel territories just to reach the US-Mexico border. For those that don't, however, they choose to stay in Colombia and maybe get a better life there, Over 2.8 million Venezuelan migrants are currently in Colombia, and these include several minors, who number around 270,000. The legal status will be granted to them and their guardians, which means that approximately 540,000 will be given permission to reside in the country, according to Reuters. "It's a special permission to stay, like the previous ones, that fundamentally seeks to integrate guardians, those people who have responsibility for minors who have a temporary protection permit and who live in Colombia," said the director of Colombia's migrant agency, Carlos Fernando Garcia, during a press conference. This continues Colombia's tendency to accept those escaping persecution in Venezuela, with former President Ivan Duque promising a 10-year legal status to Venezuelans living in Colombia back in 2021. Many migrants took up Duque's offer and continue to live in Colombia to this day. Migrants from Venezuela Actually Boosting Colombia's Economy While most countries have shunned Venezuelan migrants, Colombia has been embracing them. A new study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows why the country is right in doing so. READ MORE: Venezuela Election: EU Uninvited To Observe July Election by Nicolas Maduro Regime According to the IOM study, Venezuelan migrants have boosted the economy of Colombia by 529.1M. The study claims that this "highlights the significant economic contribution of Venezuelan migrants and refugees across Latin America and the Caribbean." "Migration acts as a driver of development, and these studies provide empirical evidence supporting this and show how migration can foster growth in the economic and social force in host countries," said the IOM Special Envoy for the regional response to the outflows of Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees. These migrants go to work when they are in another country, and most of them work in the various informal sectors. Venezuela Migrants Still Face Plenty of Peril As for those who chose not to stick around Colombia and cross the infamous Darien Gap, danger and peril face these Venezuelan migrants as a daunting jungle filled with criminal groups and rebels stands between them and their goal of reaching the US-Mexico border. Since Colombia and Venezuela reopened their shared border, more and more Venezuelans have fled the country. However, criminal groups who fight for control of the paths that migrants usually take have taken advantage of this influx, with many extorting these migrants or scamming them out of their money. READ MORE: Venezuela Troop Build-Up Near Border Violates International Law, Warns Guyana This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Chicago migrants from Venezuela, Ukraine refugees receive very different receptions - ABC 7 Chicago A Lehigh County judge has denied a bid to overturn a 1998 felony criminal homicide conviction that found a woman guilty of killing a Catasauqua woman and the victims infant son. Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anna-Kristie Marks on Monday denied the request of now 60-year-old Patricia Lynne Rorrer, formerly of the Phillipsburg and High Bridge areas. The most recent filing was Rorrers fifth appeal attempt over the past two decades she has been incarcerated. Her two life sentences began at the womens state prison in Muncy, Lycoming County, before Rorrer was later moved to the Lehigh County Jail. Troy Crighton, the Philadelphia-based attorney most recently listed as representing Rorrer, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Thursday afternoon. Slavery is banned everywhere in America except the prison system. The 13th Amendment states, Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States. Gov. Phil Murphy referenced that very amendment Wednesday as he announced a new clemency plan in New Jersey aimed at a system which communities of color often call a vestige of slaverys ills. Our nations journey towards racial justice has proceeded in fits and starts, Murphy said in a crowded St. James Newark AME Church during a Juneteenth gathering, celebrating the post-Confederate emancipation of Black Americans. Over the course of the 20th century, Black and brown Americans won victories in the fight for civil rights like the right to vote, the Democratic governor said. But, at the same time we also witnessed the emergence of new systems of oppression. One of the most glaring among them mass incarceration. Under Murphys plan, the state will launch a new clemency program allowing young and nonviolent offenders, along with domestic violence victims and others, to apply for permission to leave prison early. Survivors of sexual assault who defended themselves, people convicted on charges that were no longer crimes and those who received longer sentences because they rejected a plea deal, would be the focus of many of the pardons, Murphy said. Philadelphia-born rapper Meek Mill, who lives with his family in South Jersey and was on hand for Wednesdays announcement, praised Murphys move, discussing his own struggles within the criminal justice system. Mill is also co-chair of REFORM Alliance, an organization he co-founded for criminal justice reform in 2019 that helped advocate for Murphys clemency executive order. This is an entirely new approach to clemency that is going to cut red tape and restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for people unjustly trapped in the system, he said. With the launch of our historic clemency initiative, we are changing the lives of thousands of individuals who deserve a second chance. Thank you, @MeekMill and @Wallo267, for joining us in Newark today. I know this is deeply personal for both of you. pic.twitter.com/VCoN5MKoLd Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 19, 2024 In office since 2018, Murphy has yet to grant a pardon petition. Clemency is a special power granted to the governor, who can issue pardons for those convicted under state law. Its a provision past governors have used both to correct injustices and help out their friends. Now, Murphy is staking his legacy on a task force he hopes to outlast him in a process he has described as too political. Its usually very specific to an individual, Murphy said of the pardon process, during an interview after his speech. In many cases its because the individual has a relationship with the chief executive. Former Gov. Chris Christie, for example, pardoned former opioid addicts who turned their mistakes into lives of service as well as a few campaign donors who ran into trouble. While Murphy did not immediately announce pardons, he said he expects to sign pardons referred by the board before the end of his term. Rev. Ronald Slaughter, senior pastor at the church and vice chair of the state Parole Board, called the announcement historic and transformational. Making an announcement of this magnitude in a Black Methodist church on Juneteenth is especially significant. Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way said the new program was a way for New Jersey to right wrongs in a system that had fallen short. In the spirit of Juneteenth, today we take another step forward in the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America, she said. Too many people have been failed by our criminal justice system. The signing of this Executive Order provides second chances for our society and those who receive clemency. Political insiders often say Trenton task forces and advisory boards are places where good ideas go to die, but Murphy said his clemency board will have real authority. Amol Sinha, head of the New Jersey chapter of the ACLU, said Murphy, a term-limited governor set to leave office in January 2026, was setting the intention for the future. Hes got 18 months left in office and hes got ample amount of time to have massive de-carcerative impact, Sinha said. Governors are not gods, Sinha joked, looking at Murphy during his remarks at the event. The ACLU was a key player in the clemency initiative, despite tensions between the group and Murphy, including the governors signing unpopular legislation weakening public records laws. But the constitutional power of clemency is rooted in that tradition of mercy for individuals, Sinha said. Murphys move also comes as the state struggles with automatic expungements of cannabis related offenses; A provision that was signed into the 2021 law legalizing cannabis. Murphy indicated that the clemency system wouldnt be capable of automatic pardons due to the same technical restrictions that held the cannabis charges back. Instead, he said, people would have to apply for the pardons, but that he hoped one day the state could get the technical competency to automatically do so. The state was sued for a backlog of expungements by its Office of Public Defender, who claimed authorities were not processing them in a timely manner. A Murphy aide said after the event the case was now in mediation. As public defenders, we understand all too well the way in which excessive sentences have devastated families and disparately impacted our most vulnerable communities, said Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope for those affected, empowering them to rebuild their lives and achieve brighter futures, she said. The six-person clemency board will be chaired by Justin Dews, a counsel at high-powered law firm King & Spalding. The firm, which has deep ties in D.C and New York, often handles cases involving financial regulation and high profile congressional investigations. Prior to that, Dews served as Associate Counsel in the White House Counsels Office and was a Senior Counsel for Murphy. Clemency is official forgiveness, and just like the forgiveness we experience in our own lives, clemency is a transformational act, Dews said. It restores rights and reopens opportunities. Applications for the clemency program can be found here. Jelani Gibson is a cannabis and politics reporter for NJ.com. He can be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @jelanigibson1 and on LinkedIn. The long saga over the building of a new Laois courthouse in Portlaoise has taken another twist in the shape of the latest update on funding the project. The Office of Public Works is the State agency responsible for building the modern new courthouse which would meet the needs of court users while eliminating anti-social behaviour in the town centre caused when the court sits. Traffic issues on Main Street would also be addressed. The project is committed to in the Government's national development plan. Taxpayers' money has been spent on a site and a design so Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley sought an update in June from the OPW. A site was identified in 2017 and purchased in 2020. Ciaran O'Connor, State Architect, replied to Dep Stanley when the OPW appeared before the Public Accounts Committee in the Dail. It monitors public spending. "The site has been bought by the Courts Service but, as of now, it has no capital funding to advance the project," he said. Dep Stanley, who chairs the PAC, commented: "The cash is not there for it. There is still no cash". Mr O'Connor said builders would begin work on the family court near Four Courts in Dublin next year. "We did that for the Courts Service. We would do the same in Portlaoise but the funding must be executed to go ahead," he said. Mr O'Connor said the site in Portlaoise is part of the next tranche "to be done" but there is no funding for it. He added that it's planned to separate the family court from the main court area in the new building which will be a similar courthouse in Letterkenny. Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan opened the Donegal Courthouse in 2018 as Minister for Justice. The court was built as part of a 140 million public-private partnership that included several other buildings. The Government has prioritised reform of the courts. It is only right that, as we reform and update our laws and our legal system, that we update our court structure," said the Fine Gael TD at the time. Dep Stanley was not happy with the status of the Laois project which appears in limbo since. "The situation at the moment is very unsatisfactory," he said. Dep Stanley outlined first-hand experience of the project. "I went in just before the election to collect documents regarding the election from the county registrar. I was looking at people who were there to deal with separation and divorce cases. They are there in the public area and a whole lot of other stuff is going on around them," he said. Dep Stanley said the project would need political movement. It previously emerged that a site for the courthouse had been acquired near Laois County Council's HQ. The existing Portlaoise Courthouse on Main Street in Portlaoise is about 240 years old. It has been renovated in recent years but there are just two court chambers which are used for Circuit and District Courts sittings as well as family law and civil matters. The Courts Service has acknowledged that the building on Main St is no longer fit for purpose. The Service and Laois County Council worked together to procure a site for a new building. Its use was restricted during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the lack of space. Starting a career in multi-media Advertising Sales could prove to be your launch pad into a long-term, successful future in the media sector. Media Sales Representative Multimedia - Attractive salary package //Portlaoise, Co Laois. If youre a natural communicator, this could be the launch pad for a rewarding multi-media career. Here at Iconic Media Group Irelands biggest local digital and newspaper publisher we have a fantastic new opportunity for a media sales representative to contribute to the groups exciting development strategy. Youll learn the ropes and start building up your skills as part of the highly experienced and supportive advertising sales team working across Leinster Express and www.Laoislive.ie Youll be expected to hit the ground running and to take on responsibility for a portfolio of existing customers, as well as for developing new relationships with potential advertisers. Of course, well also give you all the training and encouragement you need to hit your targets and grow in your role. So, what are we looking for? Above all else, the communication and relationship-building skills to present well and persuade customers of the immense value of advertising. It would be great if youve already sharpened those skills in a customer-facing or telesales role (retail or call centre), but relevant experience is not essential. If youre ambitious, confident, able to think on your feet and able to inspire others youve got this. Come and join this expanding team at an exciting time for the entire media industry. An attractive salary and industry-leading holiday entitlements are available for the right candidate. To apply please email your CV with a covering letter to Olivia Cooper at ocooper@iconicnewspapers.ie Family and social support are among the important buffers to impact of high stress suffered by farmers during long spells of bad weather such as the past spring or other stress inducers in agriculture. That's among the findings in new research funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that was presented at the 2024 BeSafe Conference last week. Dr Diana Van Doorn, Teagasc Research Officer (Safe Habitus) explored the impact of stress on farmers wellbeing. "While extensive research in Ireland and internationally shows that farmers often experience stress, there has been limited investigation into its impact on their overall wellbeing. Our research clearly indicates that frequent stress does not automatically result in poor wellbeing for farmers. "The wellbeing of many farmers is maintained even though they experienced stress to some extent. We did find that high stress is associated with lower wellbeing scores, but it does not invariably lead to poor wellbeing. These findings point to the importance of supportive factors such as family and social support, coping mechanisms and personal resilience, which buffer the effects of stress on wellbeing, she said. Data that was collected from 754 livestock farmers in 2018, when there was a prolonged period of extreme weather events, showed that 111, or 15%, were assessed to have poor wellbeing. Of this group, 13 farmers (12%) experienced stress all of the time whilst a further 18% experienced stress often. Detailed analysis of 199 dairy farmers, a group that are known to experience a higher number of stressors, found that in 2018, 61 (31%) recorded below average or poor wellbeing. Of this group, 7 (11%) experienced stress often or very often. One year later, when conditions for dairy farmers had improved, the survey was repeated with the exact same group of farmers and found that 56 (28%) recorded below average or poor wellbeing, whilst the number who experienced stress often or very often was the same as 12 months previously. Dr David Meredith, Teagasc researcher and leader of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine BeSafe project, highlighted the critical implications of this research for policymakers and industry bodies. "Firstly, our analysis shows that not all farmers experience stress. Secondly, stress levels among farmers changes over time, meaning that current stress does not guarantee future stress. Most importantly, the research clearly demonstrates that focusing on stress means that we ignore really important and positive factors associated with being a farmer that protect mental health, he said. Professor Pat Dillon, Director of Research at Teagasc, noted the significance of these results for Teagasc's strategic goals and initiatives aimed at improving farmers' living standards and wellbeing. "As an organisation, we are committed to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of farmers. We do this by undertaking research that supports the development of practical solutions to challenges faced by farmers. To support farmers effectively, we need evidence that identifies and addresses the specific causes of stress, such as coping with extreme weather events, navigating administrative processes, and enhancing management skills through education and training," he said. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon has responsibility for farm safety. Awareness around the importance of positive mental health is increasing across society including amongst farmers. I strongly believe that farmer wellbeing is inextricably linked to farm safety, because a busy or distracted mind cannot be fully focused on the task at hand, he said. Minister Heydon added: Building on the BeSafe project funded by my Department, I am committed to funding further research and supports in the area of farmer health and wellbeing. My Department is currently implementing a number of initiatives in this area, including the expanded On Feirm Ground 2 programme, he said. The 2024 BeSafe Conference, held at Teagasc Ashtown, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss and advance research focused on farmers' safety and wellbeing. The project involves researchers from Teagasc, Galway University and University College Dublin who were funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. A Laois site earmarked for civil service offices in Portlaoise is in limbo with no apparent plan in place to do anything with the land which cost taxpayers over 1 million. That's what has emerged when Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley asked the Office of Public Works about land bought to build a central offices in Portlaoise for the hundreds of Department of Agriculture staff who work in the town. Many of the staff were assigned to Portlaoise under the Fianna Fail PD decentralisation plan in 2003. However, most of them work in offices rented privately in the town costing taxpayers many millions over the past 20 years. In 2005, it was decided to build a Portlaoise HQ to centralise operations. A site was procured in 2007 from the IDA on the Mountrath Road and planning permission was secured but nothing materialised. The issue was raised by Dep Stanley with the OPW on June 13 at the Dail Public Accounts Committee which he chairs. he asked about the the number of premises rented and the cost involved per annum. He said the site earmarked to replace rental properties is lying idle. "There is a cost per year for renting premises, so it has been costing a fortune. All sorts of unusual premises were used, including one and two-bedroom apartments in a housing development to house the Department, with inadequate Internet connections," he said.. He said Portlaoise Garda station was going to be relocated there temporarily to the vacant site while works were carried out on the main Garda station. "The bushes are growing pretty high on the site at the moment. It is a good, natural, wild area and given we are trying to rewild areas, the only function that I can see it providing at the moment is carbon sequestration. It is sitting there. We cannot afford to have sites like this sitting there in a town the size of Portlaoise. It has to be put to use. If the OPW is not going to use it, we need to decide what it is going to be used for. Does the OPW have any information on this matter? Cathleen Morrison, head of estate management, replied that the site was purchased in 1.03 million. "Our interest in it is by way of a long-term lease from IDA Ireland, so the uses we can put it to are restricted and it was specifically for Government offices. We were in discussions with IDA Ireland this time last year in regard to temporary use for the Garda Siochana but that did not work out and we met that requirement separately. I have initiated discussions with IDA Ireland to discuss what possible future uses," she said. Queried on the long-term lease, Ms Morrison said the IDA Ireland owns the site but the IDA bought out that lease but it is not completely free title. "We have to get permission to use it for anything other than Government offices, which is what is specified in the lease. We will have to discuss that with the IDA," said the official. While the site lies idle, the IDA bought land in October 2022 beside its technology park to 'future-proof' the property offering in attracting Foreign Direct Investment to Laois in particular. Prefabricated modular homes in Rathdowney for Ukrainian families fleeing war have cost double the price of buying them due to build costs but the State Architect estimates that they could be lived in for 130 years. Details of the bill on the public finances were revealed to TDs recently at a Dail Public Accounts Committee meeting chaired by Laois Offaly representative Brian Stanley. The Sinn Fein TD and other politicians who challenged the Office of Public Works on the building of 700 modular homes around the county. A total of 42 semi-detached two-bedroom prefabs are accommodate 168 war-displaced Ukrainians in Rathdowney. OPW Chairman John Conlon revealed to TDs that cost per unit of the homes to construct and buy was "in the region of 350". Dep Stanley said the 700 homes were approved in 2022 and asked about the cost per unit. He added that the units measure 45 sq m, which he claimed would be about half the size of a standard two-bedroom terraced house. Ciaran O'Connor, is the State Architect attached to the OPW. He said there are two steps in the overall cost. "One is that the units come out of the factory already made. That is 145,000, exclusive of VAT," he said. He added that five firms are producing modular homes and the cost varies from 130,000 to 160,000, but the average is 145,000. He said the homes are the equivalent of a two-person apartment because if they were to be repurposed for social use, they would match all the standards required. However, Dep Stanley said a two-bedroom local authority house would measure 80 sq m to 90 sq m adding that the modular homes have a 60-year lifespan. Mr O'Connor countered that a house must comply with a 60-year lifespan structural average for insurance purposes and the modular homes will last much longer. "We reckon we would get about 130 years out of them," he said. Dep Stanley asked specifically how much the Rathdowney homes cost per unit. Mr O'Connor said he would have to check that but added that a new water well had to be drilled as an Uisce Eireann supply was not available. He said powerlines had to be redirected Dep Stanle was concerned that the homes were very small but Mr O'Connor the technology was not there and the modular homes sector is an embryonic industry. "The client requirement was for groups of two to four people, and that is the way the family groups came in from Ukraine. That was the most suitable unit to facilitate that. We also saw it as one that could be repurposed for social housing in Ireland at a later date," he said. The State architect also confirmed that Sisk had the contract for Rathdowney and all the 700 homes built. Dep Stanley remained concerned about the overall 350,000 cost. "At the start, I believed these units would be much cheaper. They are coming in at a substantial cost. They are half the size of local authority houses that are constructed, aerated with heat pumps and all the rest of it and that are fully finished on properly developed sites by many local authorities for 280,000 to 310,000," he said. Mr O'Connor said it must be remembered that all the services put into a site - water, electrics and all of that - would be exactly same as those put in place if we were constructing a two- or three-storey building. "However, because of the size that was requested, we do not get the same economics, or scale of economics, working for us. In the case of Rathdowney, the number of units is not of the economic scale to build as we normally would. We deal with the sites available," he said. Mr O'Connor said costs varied across the country due to ground conditions, knotweed and other problems cost. He said future use after being vacated by the Ukrainians would be a decision for the Government. The meeting heard that the units are due to be used for emergency accommodation for Ukrainians until April 2026. A tribunal into bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment within the Defence Forces will hold an opening session on Monday. Tanaiste Micheal Martin signed a statutory instrument to establish the tribunal on Thursday. It will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The judge-led tribunal follows an independent report into a range of such allegations as well as the culture of the Defence Forces. The report also found that members were aware of long-standing practices of reprisals, including pejorative comments and withholding of entitlements as well as physical assaults and unfounded accusations being sent to gardai. The tribunal will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. It will deliver its opening statement at a public sitting in Dublin on Monday. Mr Martin, who is also defence minister, said on Thursday: The establishment of this tribunal of inquiry, along with increased levels of investment, is another important step in the renewal of our Defence Forces as a rewarding career where every individual feels valued. Following approval of the terms of reference by both Houses of the Oireachtas, the statutory instrument I signed today now formally establishes the tribunal. I want to wish the Honourable Ms Justice Ann Power every success in her role as chair and I look forward to the tribunal issuing its guidance for anyone who wishes to take part in this important process. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces welcomed the announcement. In a statement, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said: The Defence Forces is fully committed to co-operating with the Tribunal and the Honourable Ms Justice Ann Power in the course of her work and I fully expect that the inquiry will determine the extent of the issues brought to light in the IRG-DF report. He added: Since being appointed, I have made it abundantly clear there is no place for any form of abusive behaviour in the Defence Forces. We are working tirelessly to redesign our grievance procedures and HR policies, rolling out mandatory sexual ethics and respectful relationships workshops and holding people to account for misconduct and misbehaviour. Change is under way and updated policies will be underpinned by the principles of mutual respect, dignity and equality. The Defence Forces now pass all complaints of alleged sexual offences in the State directly to An Garda Siochana for investigation. It has developed mandatory sexual ethics and responsible relationship workshops in co-operation with UCC and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. It has also rolled out mandatory gender biversity and unconscious bias training to all staff. The Women of Honour support group for former and current Defence Force members welcomed the tribunal. In a statement it said: While the Government tried to offer us half measures, like independent review groups, we fought from the beginning for a statutory tribunal of inquiry and while it has been too long coming, we hope it will finally get to the truth. We have already begun work in preparation for the tribunal and we would urge present and former members of the Defence Forces to come to us so their personal testimony statements can be a core part of the tribunal. Its essential everyone takes this opportunity to tell their story, in a structured, protected and legally represented environment as otherwise the pervasive culture of abuse, concealment and destruction of peoples emotional wellbeing will continue in the Defence Forces. This tribunal process is potentially the most significant investigative opportunity to promote the essential cultural change required within the Defence Forces. An allocation of 3.6 million euro has been provided to the Defence Vote in relation to the tribunal in the estimates for 2024, with further allocations for subsequent years to be agreed in the annual process. A Laois Church of Ireland primary school has been awarded their first Amber Flag for efforts to boost positive mental health among the children and staff. Abbeyleix South National School proudly hoisted their first Amber Flag in a special day shared with families on Tuesday, June 18. The school praised the fantastic achievements and efforts of Mrs Mythen, Amber Flag coordinator, the Amber Flag Team and their whole school community for embracing the year long project. Mrs Mythen explained more to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "The Amber Flag is an initiative which recognises the individual efforts of schools to create safe, healthy, positive and inclusive environments that support mental health and well-being. "Our hope is that by developing an environment of openness and support, our pupils will be encouraged to talk, share and initiated discussions about mental health. So that it becomes part of everyday conversations in the school environment. "Our Amber Flag team throughout the year has shown tremendous commitment to the promotion of positive mental health by encouraging teamwork and contributions from their peers. So today at this celebration, I am saying Well done to each and every pupil and staff member in our school, you helped to make this flag a success. the coordinator said. The flag was raised by two Sixth Class Pupils from the Amber Flag Team. Following the ceremony the pupils, parents and staff all enjoyed a treat from the visiting ice cream van. The Amber Flag initiative, overseen by the Pieta mental health charity, celebrates communities that create healthy, supportive, and inclusive environments by promoting mental well-being. The initiative is open to primary and secondary schools, Youthreach, third-level, further education and training centres, clubs and other organisations. Maynooth University student, Marwa Zamir, has been named Law Student of the Year 2024 at the Dye and Durham Irish Law Awards, held last Friday. The University has congratulated Marwa Zamir, a second-year student on the LLB Bachelor of Laws course, who arrived in Ireland from Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2016 at the age of 13 and was granted refugee status. Her time in Direct Provision fuelled her passion for advocacy and community involvement. Marwa, who is 20, has been actively advocating from a young age and became a youth leader in the Irish Refugee Council. She is the youngest member of the Refugee Advisory Board of UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Ireland, where she works to promote the voices of refugees in policy decisions that affect them and advocates for young people. This year, Marwa was selected for Young People's Committee of the National Youth Council of Ireland. In this role, she attended the EU Youth Conference 2024 in Belgium in March. Recently, Marwa participated in the Virgin Media TV series Second Chances, hosted by Rebecca Tallon De Havilland, which focuses on empowering individuals who have faced and overcome challenges. In Second Chances, she describes her experience growing up in a war zone and witnessing a massacre outside her uncles house in Kabul. Speaking of Marwa's success, Head of the School of Law and Criminology, Dr Fergus Ryan said, I am delighted that Marwa Zamir has been awarded Law Student of the Year 2024 at the Dye and Durham Irish Law Awards. Marwa readily deserves this accolade, given the superb contribution she has made in several spheres as a brilliant and committed advocate and leader. We are so proud of Marwa and delighted with this achievement. Marwa's success is all the more impressive given the very competitive nature of this category, with high-achieving students drawn from top law schools all over Ireland. I wish Marwa every success in the future. Dye & Durham Irish Law Awards aim to identify, honour, and publicise outstanding achievements, while also recognising those who have dedicated their lives to serving in the legal profession. Vizsla Silver Announces Receipt of Court Approval and Expected Closing Date for Vizsla Royalties Spinout NYSE: VZLA TSX-V: VZLA VANCOUVER, BC, June 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Supreme Court of British Columbia has issued its final order approving the plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with Vizsla Royalties Corp. ("Spinco"). Under the Arrangement, the owners of common shares of Vizsla Silver (the "VZLA Shares") are entitled to receive one new VZLA Share, one-third of a common share of Spinco and one-third of a common share purchase warrant of Spinco for each VZLA Share held immediately prior to the closing of the Arrangement. Following the Arrangement, Spinco will no longer be a wholly owned subsidiary of Vizsla Silver. The closing of the Arrangement is expected to occur on 12:01 a.m. on June 24, 2024, being the Effective Date. About the Panuco Project The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 17,856.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits. The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation. On January 8, 2024, the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate for Panuco which includes an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 155.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 169.6 Moz AgEq (please refer to our Technical Report on Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico, by Allan Armitage, Ben Eggers and Peter Mehrfert, dated February 12, 2024 and to our Companys press release dated January 8, 2024). About Vizsla Silver Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 368,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2024, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +30,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district. In accordance with NI 43-101, Jesus Velador, Ph.D. MMSA QP, Vice President of Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. 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. NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements with respect to timing, structure and completion of the Arrangement, the treatment of Vizsla Silver and Spinco's securities under the Arrangement and Court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals for the Arrangement. Forward?looking statements and forward?looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of the Company, future growth potential for the Company and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward?looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; ongoing military conflicts around the world; general economic factors; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Vizsla Silver Corp. 19 june 2024 at 16:46 News published onand distributed by: Industrial Security Executives Discuss Cybersecurity Challenges and Opportunities in New Season of Rockwell Automation Video Series Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and security specialists examine the short-, medium- and long-term cybersecurity landscape BRUSSELS, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the release of a new season of its thought leadership video series that deep dives into the ever-evolving world of industrial cybersecurity. The 11-video season comprises interviews with IT/OT thought leaders and chief information and security officers (CISO) from critical-infrastructure companies, supported by senior specialists and industry advocates from Rockwell Automation. Covering evolving cyber threats and the challenges of addressing stringent legislation, including NIS2, the series also uncovers the variety of opportunities and cost/time/efficiency savings delivered by robust holistic cybersecurity programs. Important viewing for anyone involved in digital transformation projects and IT/OT convergence, the interviews with security executives include: Dragos Inc., a global leader in cybersecurity for OT environments, and a Rockwell Automation partner, features prominently in the series: Ben Miller , chief information security officer, shares his thoughts on combating the constant threat of OT cybersecurity attacks with insights from the company's annual OT Cybersecurity Year in Review report. , chief information security officer, shares his thoughts on combating the constant threat of OT cybersecurity attacks with insights from the company's annual OT Cybersecurity Year in Review report. Phil Tonkin, field chief technology officer, Dragos, and John Speakman , cybersecurity services team lead, EMEA north region for Rockwell Automation, team up to discuss securing industrial operations. "As industrial organizations become more connected than ever, they face a range of threats, from increasingly sophisticated state actors, to hacktivists, to criminal groups launching ransomware attacks," Miller said. "The good news is that there are key controls that organizations can prioritize to be more secure against OT cyber threats, including monitoring to gain visibility into the assets, vulnerabilities, and threats in their environment." Discussions with Rockwell Automation specialists include: Maria Else , senior global product manager, cybersecurity, and Andreu Cuartiella, lifecycle services commercial manager EMEA, look at the IT/OT equation and how departments need to break down walls and work together to audit, plan, and evolve their cybersecurity posture. , senior global product manager, cybersecurity, and Andreu Cuartiella, lifecycle services commercial manager EMEA, look at the IT/OT equation and how departments need to break down walls and work together to audit, plan, and evolve their cybersecurity posture. David Maine-Reade, program manager, standards & regulations, and Manju Venugopal , senior engineering manager, product security, look at what David describes as a "tsunami of regulations" and how a good foundation is the key to addressing complexity and variety. , senior engineering manager, product security, look at what David describes as a "tsunami of regulations" and how a good foundation is the key to addressing complexity and variety. Meghna Subramani , EMEA commercial product manager, and Ian Murgatroyd , EMEA product manager, safety components, discuss the close links between safety and security, and how new regulations are evolving to cover both. , EMEA commercial product manager, and , EMEA product manager, safety components, discuss the close links between safety and security, and how new regulations are evolving to cover both. Cesar Delgado Villalba, from Rockwell Automation cybersecurity services, explains the different roles that OT and IT undertake, how the threat landscape is actually very similar, and how the outcomes are closely linked, too. Helena Taribo Gomez, global security operations center (SOC) manager, and Sergio Sanchez Palma, cybersecurity team leader, explain why visibility is key for both detection and prevention, while also delivering an audit trail for compliance. She ends with the sage advice that the cost of any cyber incident often far outweighs the cost of the proactive preventative measures. "Cybersecurity is a continually moving target," explains Partha Seshadri, regional VP, lifecycle services, EMEA from Rockwell Automation, "not just in terms of new exploits and threat vectors, but also the ever-changing standards and legislation that prescribe preventative, proactive, and reactive procedures. Thanks to our dedicated cybersecurity teams, PartnerNetworktm ecosystem, and industry-proven hardware and software platforms, we can offer fully optimized solutions for IT/OT convergence and local, national, and global digitalization campaigns across multiple industries and a broad variety of critical-infrastructure applications." To find out if your company is ready to handle a cyberattack, you can complete our Cybersecurity Preparedness Assessment. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 29,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437073/ROKStudios__Manju_Venugopal_and_David_Main_Reade_Navigating_EU_Cybersecurity_regulations.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981317/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg 20 june 2024 at 00:00 News published onand distributed by: GS Technology Showcases Advanced Solar Storage Solutions & Liquid-cooling Solutions at Intersolar Europe MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GS Energy (Ningbo) Power Technology Co., Ltd (GS Technology), a global leader in smart energy solutions, is showcasing its brands, GS ENERGY and GSCOOL, at Intersolar Europe in Munich, Germany, from June 19-21, 2024. Booth number: B4.375. GS ENERGY is displaying an array of products, including a photovoltaic-storage-charging integrated system for residential use. This advanced system is designed with multiple innovations that offer a holistic protection approach from the battery core through to the entire system, ensuring enhanced safety throughout its operational lifespan?from grid integration to routine maintenance. This comprehensive safeguarding not only secures customer safety but also guarantees sustainable and high financial returns. Key product features include: Stackable design for straightforward installation Application as an emergency backup power source Availability in either single-phase or three-phase configurations In its energy storage offerings, GS Energy has integrated a natural air cooling system to minimize heat dissipation, alongside an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that automatically detects the positions of batteries, streamlining system expansion. The system allows for the uploading of operational data directly through a QR code to a dedicated mobile app. It facilitates the use of various inverter brands, simplifying setup processes and ensuring consistent battery temperature management to extend the batteries' lifespan. Equipped with intelligent cluster-level management, it maximizes charging and discharging efficiency and is compatible with mainstream inverters, offering flexibility in inverter choice. These products comply with stringent European standards and certifications for energy storage, ensuring comprehensive safety, high efficiency, flexibility, and consistent system performance, meeting the specific needs of local markets. At the same event, GSCOOL, another GS Technology brand, is presenting a slim 3kW energy storage liquid cooling temperature control system. Some product highlights: An integrated ultra-thin design for horizontal installation, simplifying adjustment and cutting costs; A compressor and water pump with high-efficiency variable frequency, intelligent fan speed control, and energy-saving features; A standard RS485 communication interface using Modbus RTU protocol for centralized control; A power-off memory function that provides multiple alarms, records, and protection features; Compatibility with R513A refrigerant, enhancing safety and eco-friendliness; A high protection level of up to IPX5. Mr. Ni, GSCOOL's Brand Manager, remarked, "At this stage, thermal management and fire protection for energy storage are often handled by separate manufacturers, which complicates achieving optimal solutions from design through installation. The industry urgently needs professional manufacturers that can offer integrated solutions for both thermal management and fire protection. This is exactly where GSCOOL excels." GSCOOL boasts significant technical expertise, supported by a research and development team with over a decade of experience in the thermal management sector and involvement in more than 200 projects. Its production capabilities include automated lines that annually output over 50,000 liquid cooling units. Strict process controls ensure high product quality and consistency, enabling rapid scaling to meet market demands. Additionally, GSCOOL maintains a comprehensive experimental setup and a reliable testing system. It also offers professional pre-sales technical support and after-sales service teams, along with an international network, ensuring prompt and high-quality service to customers. Currently, GS Technology operates warehouses and subsidiaries outside of the home market in the Netherlands, Australia, and South Africa. Looking ahead, GS Technology remains committed to being customer-centric, continuously delivering safe and reliable products and services, and strengthening its global market presence. After SNEC PV Power Expo & Intersolar Europe 2024, let's meet at Solar Storage Live in UK. About GS Technology GS Technology is a global leader in energy storage solutions, committed to providing innovative and sustainable products that meet the needs of today's dynamic energy market. With a robust presence in both domestic and international markets, GS Technology continues to drive technological advancements and sustainable practices across the industry. For more information, please visit https://www.gs-ess.com/. SOURCE GS Energy?Ningbo?Power Technology Co.,Ltd 20 june 2024 at 06:18 News published onand distributed by: Amazon Cuts Plastic Use in North America, Following Campaigning by Oceana WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Amazon announced that it has replaced 95% of the plastic air pillows from delivery packaging in North America with 100% recycled paper filler ? a move that is, according to the company, expected to "avoid nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows annually." The decision is part of Amazon's "multi-year effort to remove plastic delivery packaging from North America fulfillment centers." This announcement follows years of campaigning by Oceana and its allies for the company to reduce its use of plastic packaging including releasing reports on Amazon's plastic packaging waste footprint, campaigning outside the company's headquarters, meeting with company representatives, and advocating for shareholder resolutions. In response, Oceana released the following statement from Matt Littlejohn, Oceana's Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives: "As the world's dominant e-commerce company, Amazon's action to reduce plastic packaging is welcome news for the oceans and the company's customers. "In 2020, when e-commerce sales surged due to the global pandemic, Oceana and our allies set out to push Amazon to reduce its enormous use of plastic packaging. Now, four years later, Amazon has announced it has effectively phased out plastic air pillows in North America, including in the United States (its largest market), Canada, and Mexico ? markets accounting for more than 70% of Amazon's sales. Oceana's most recent report found that, in 2022, protective packaging, including plastic air pillows, accounted for over one-third of all e-commerce plastic packaging by weight globally. Plastic air pillows are made from the most common form of marine plastic litter in nearshore ocean areas ? plastic film ? which is also the deadliest type of plastic to large marine animals. Plastic film, unlike its paper alternatives, is not curbside recyclable or compostable. According to research by YouGov, 85% of Amazon customers in the U.S. reported being concerned about plastic pollution. "While this is a significant step forward for the company, Amazon needs to build on this momentum and fulfill its multiyear commitment to transition its North America fulfillment centers away from plastic. Then, the company should expand these efforts and also push innovations like reusable packaging to move away from single-use packaging everywhere it sells and ships." Amazon's move away from plastic air pillows in North America follows the company's phasing out of plastic air pillows in Australia, and nearly all single-use plastic packaging (including air pillows) in India and throughout Europe. Last year, the company reported using 11.6% less plastic packaging globally in 2022 compared to the previous year. Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world's wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana's campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit?Oceana.org?to learn more.? 20 june 2024 at 06:40 News published onand distributed by: First Mining Provides Update on Temporary Winter Road for Springpole Exploration VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - First Mining Gold Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX: FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) announces that a settlement agreement has been reached between the parties regarding the judicial review filed by Cat Lake First Nation ("CLFN") following the approval of permits by the Province of Ontario for an 18-km temporary winter access road for the Springpole exploration camp. On February 9, 2024, First Mining received construction permits for a temporary winter road to the Springpole exploration camp by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry ("MNRF"), which would allow for the safe transport of supplies and people overland. On February 21, 2024, First Mining received notice from litigation counsel to CLFN that it intended to challenge the permits issued to First Mining. On February 23, 2024, a judge issued an interim interim order staying the authorization of MNRF. On June 17, 2024, following discussions between the parties, CLFN accepted a settlement offer proposed by MNRF. The settlement agreement has been filed with the court bringing an end to the judicial review process. First Mining continues to meet with CLFN and community leaders to discuss our activities in their traditional territories to support awareness and environmental stewardship across our operations with a goal of building collaborative, respectful long-term relationships. About First Mining Gold Corp. First Mining is a gold developer advancing two of the largest gold projects in Canada, the Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario, where we have commenced a Feasibility Study and permitting activities are on-going with a draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for the project published in June 2022, and the Duparquet Project in Quebec, a PEA-stage development project located on the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone in the prolific Abitibi region. First Mining also owns the Cameron Gold Project in Ontario and a portfolio of gold project interests including the Pickle Crow Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Firefly Metals Ltd.) and the Hope Brook Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Big Ridge Gold Corp.). First Mining was established in 2015 by Mr. Keith Neumeyer, founding President and CEO of First Majestic Silver Corp. ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING GOLD CORP. Daniel W. Wilton Chief Executive Officer and Director Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "intends", "estimates", "envisages", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "opportunities", "objectives", 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events. All forward-looking statements are based on First Mining's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such factors include, without limitation the Company's business, operations and financial condition potentially being materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19, and by reactions by government and private actors to such outbreaks; risks to employee health and safety as a result of the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19, that may result in a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company's mineral properties as well as its head office; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes 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); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities, indigenous populations and other stakeholders; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; title to properties.; and the additional risks described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on EDGAR. First Mining cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to First Mining, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. First Mining does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on our behalf, except as required by law. SOURCE First Mining Gold Corp. 20 june 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: Greenridge Exploration Announces Acquisition of Ontario Uranium Projects VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greenridge Exploration Inc. ("Greenridge" or the "Company") (CSE: GXP | FRA: HW3), is pleased to announce it has signed an Asset Transfer Agreement (the "Agreement") dated June 19, 2024 with 15952506 Canada Inc. (the "Vendor") for the sale to the Company of all of the Vendor's right, title and interest (the "Acquisition") to acquire a 100% interest in the Snook Lake and Ranger Lake Uranium Projects (the "Projects"), located 100 km northeast of Sault Ste. Marie in Northwest Ontario. The Ranger Lake Uranium project consists of 942 mineral claims covering 20,782 hectares of Uranium prospective ground that occurs near historical Uranium mining district in the Elliot Lake region, in the tier one jurisdiction of Ontario. The Snook Lake Uranium project consists of 237 mineral claims covering 4,899 hectares and is approximately 75 km north of Kenora in Northwestern Ontario, a region that has attracted early-stage Uranium exploration in the past. Figure 1 - Greenridge Exploration Uranium Ontario Projects Portfolio Russell Starr, CEO of Greenridge commented, "With the addition of the Snook and Ranger Lake projects, Greenridge is now further solidified as an emerging uranium explorer in Canada. We believe our uranium Projects in Nunavut, Saskatchewan and now Ontario are highly prospective and the Company looks forward to our 2024 exploration programs across Canada. Ultimately, we believe the uranium market will continue to strengthen as demand for clean energy sources remains high." Ranger Lake Uranium The Ranger Lake project lies within the Abitibi Subprovince of the Superior Province of the Canadian Shield. The oldest rocks on the Ranger Lake property consist of granitic rocks and diabase dykes. These rocks were later intruded by the Seabrook Lake Carbonatite Complex which is to the north of the project area on Seabrook Lake.2 The Ranger Lake Uranium Mining Company conducted an extensive work Program from 1953-1954 which included trenching, aeroradiometric surveys and 6 diamond drill holes which total 2,240 ft. The showing is in a diabase dike about 60 feet wide where an aplite dike 8 inches wide extends diagonally across it for a length of 30 feet. The central part of the aplite dike has a 2 to 3 inch wide radioactive zone of carbonate and quartz which has given anomalies up to 5 times background. A selected sample from the most radioactive part of the dike showed 0.30% U3O8 (radiometric equivalent) (OGS 1983 MDC 25 P 41-42). Parts of the Ranger Lake project had an airborne magnetic XDS VLF-EM and gamma ray spectrometer survey over parts of the property totalling 919.8 l-km, which was followed up by another airborne magnetic gradiometer and gamma-ray spectrometric survey in 2019.2 Figure 2 - Ranger Lake Uranium Project Regional Map Snook Lake Uranium The Snook Lake project is at the boundary of the Winnipeg River and English River Subprovinces which is marked by the Separation Lake Greenstone Belt.23 The greenstone belt is typically a thin remnant or septum that is less than 2 m thick. In the Separation Rapids area, the volcano-sedimentary belt achieves a thickness of several kilometers. The Snook Lake property is located near this trend and is underlain by remnant amphibolitized supracrustal rocks and granitoids of the English River Subprovince.4 Host rocks for uranium mineralization consist of massive pink to red biotite-bearing coarse grained to pegmatitic granite, quartz monzonite and granodiorite. The intrusive rocks contain appreciable biotite and horneblende.3 Anomalous uranium mineralization at Snook Lake occurs in an east-northeast to west-southwest trending corridor over a width of approximately 300 metres and along a strike length of one (1) kilometer.4 Uranium exploration in the area followed cycles in the industry, with the mid 1950s and the early 1970s being the most active. The area was mostly overlooked in the early 1980s when uranium exploration focused on high grade unconformity-type targets. Up until the 1970s, access was provided via float plane. In 2007, a prospecting and sampling program was completed; 64 samples collected returned between 497 to 2006 ppm U 3 O 8 . This confirmed the presence of zones of Uranium mineralization in several locales, which outlined an east west corridor of anomalous uranium over 1km strike length. In 2008, an Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Survey was completed.4 Figure 3 - Snook Lake Uranium Project Regional Map Agreement Terms The Agreement was entered into on June 19, 2024 (the "Effective Date"). In connection with the Agreement, the Company entered into an assignment and novation agreement with the Vendor, Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd. and 1544230 Ontario Inc. (the "Assignment Agreement"), whereby the Company acquired the Vendor's interests under two separate property option agreements (the "Original Option Agreements") with Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd. and 1544230 Ontario Inc. (the "Optionors") for two separate options to acquire the Projects. In connection with the Assignment Agreement, the Company then entered into an amended and restated option agreement with the Optionors to novate the Original Option Agreements (the "Amended and Restated Option Agreement"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company is required to issue to the Vendor an aggregate of 1,850,000 common shares ("Shares") at a deemed price of $0.96 per Share as follows: (a) 850,000 Shares on or before the date that is thirty (30) business days after the Effective Date (the "First Tranche Shares"); and (b) 1,000,000 Shares on or before the date that is three (3) months after the Effective Date (the "Second Tranche Shares"). Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Option Agreement, the Company is required to make aggregate cash payments of $54,000 to the Optionors in order to earn a hundred percent (100%) interest in the Projects, as follows: (a) $24,000 on or before December 22, 2024; and (b) $30,000 on or before December 22, 2025. Pursuant to the Agreement, the First Tranche Shares and Second Tranche Shares will all be subject to escrow, with both tranches released over a 36-month period. All securities issued in connection with the Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. The Projects are subject to a 1.5% net smelter returns royalty. No finders' fees were paid on the arm's length Agreement, Assignment Agreement and Amended and Restated Option Agreement. The Agreement, the Assignment Agreement and the Amended and Restated Option Agreement are all non-related party transactions. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Garry Clark, P.Geo., and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 ? Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects. References 1 Source: 1978 Assessment Report (number 81075) by Pan Ocean Oil Ltd. 2 Source: Breaks, F.W.1991.The English River Subprovince, in Geology of Ontario, Special Volume 4, Part 1, p 239 ? 278. 3 Source: Sanborn-Barrie, M. 1988. Geology of the tectonic boundary zone between the English River and Winnipeg River subprovinces, northwestern Ontario; in Summary of Field Work and Other Activities, 1988, Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Paper 141, p.98-107. 4 Source: Saunders, D., 2007: Report on the 2007 Exploration Program for the Snook Lake Uranium Property (20005981). About Greenridge Exploration Inc. Greenridge Exploration Inc. (CSE: GXP | FRA: HW3) is a mineral exploration company dedicated to creating shareholder value through the acquisition, exploration, and development of critical mineral projects in North America. The Carpenter Lake Uranium Project is located in the Athabasca Basin consisting of 7 mineral claims covering 13,387 hectares across the Cable Bay Shear Zone and the Company is advancing the Project to test multiple high priority targets. The Company's Nut Lake Uranium Project located in the Thelon Basin includes historical drilling which intersected up to 9ft of 0.69% U 3 O 8 including 4.90% U 3 O 8 over 1ft from 8ft depth1. The Company's Weyman Copper Project in southeast British Columbia sits on the south portion of the famous Quesnel Terrance. The Company is led by an experienced management team and board of directors with significant expertise in capital raising and advancing mining projects. The Snook and Ranger Lake uranium projects, 4,899 hectares and 20,782 hectares respectively are located in western Ontario, with multiple previous uranium occurrences across both projects. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Russell Starr Chief Executive Officer, Director Telephone: +1 (778) 897-3388 Email: [email protected] Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the project acquisition bringing a low-risk opportunity, the Company, building a strong battery metals portfolio with low-risk opportunities that positively impact the Company and its shareholders and the Company providing an initial work plan are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Projects and their mineralization potential; the Company's objectives, goals, or future plans with respect to the Projects; completion of the Acquisition; and the Company's anticipated exploration program(s) at the Projects. These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99c90386-f381-48fb-bae0-bdfc46dac9f3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e62c9ba-e335-456c-9ad5-00017bfba178 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f90d5b8-30d3-4577-986b-d78323b0be8a 20 june 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Renesas' R-Car Open Access Platform Accelerates Software-Defined Vehicle Development With Market-Ready Software Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today launched R-Car Open Access (RoX), a development platform for software-defined vehicles (SDVs) that integrates all essential hardware, operating systems (OS), software and tools needed for automotive developers to rapidly develop next-generation vehicles with secure and continuous software updates. Designed for the Renesas R-Car family of system on chips (SoCs) and microcontrollers (MCUs), the SDV platform includes comprehensive tools for the seamless deployment of AI applications. By pre-integrating all fundamental layers required to develop SDVs, RoX drastically reduces the complexities for car OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, saving time and money. The advent of SDVs represents a major step forward in automotive technology ? accelerating toward more driving autonomy, electrification and connected experiences. Cars have to be aware of the 360-degree surrounding space with ASIL D levels of sensing, processing and control to deliver safety and autonomy applications. The in-cabin experiences for drivers and passengers are being revolutionized. As a result, modern electrical/electronics (E/E) architecture depends on software to control vehicle functions, manage real-time data networks across different ECU zones, and provide customer differentiation. It has become more difficult to maintain and upgrade these complex software stacks while ensuring the highest levels of safety. Renesas' customizable solution solves these challenges by offering a cloud-native development environment and a simulation platform, supporting the software-first approach and parallel hardware and software development. Out-of-box Platform with Market-Ready Software Stacks The flexible RoX SDV platform is available in two versions. "RoX Whitebox" is an open, easily accessible software package that includes royalty-free OS and hypervisor software such as Android Automotive OS, FreeRTOS, Linux, Xen and Zephyr RTOS, as well as reference applications designed for specific domain systems. "RoX Licensed" is based on industry-proven commercial software solutions, such as QNX and Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System, as well as AUTOSAR-compliant software and SAFERTOS. It is pre-integrated and tested to run on Renesas' R-Car SoCs and MCUs and includes pre-validated software stacks from STRADVISION for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Candera CGI Studio for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), to name a few. These software solutions can be easily productized and customized or expanded depending on OEMs' needs. With the RoX SDV platform, automotive system engineers can start building their software immediately using a highly integrated toolchain even before the hardware is available. This is made possible through the cloud environment and the virtual development platform, which let developers design, debug in simulation, and verify their software before deploying on live SoCs and MCUs. The virtual development platform includes the Renesas Fast Simulator (RFS) as well as partner solutions such as ASTC VLAB VDM and Synopsys Virtualizer Development Kit (VDK) to provide broad coverage of simulation speed, features and use cases. For seamless end-to-end AI development, RoX offers the AI Workbench to enable developers to validate and optimize their models and test their AI applications all in the cloud, either on the virtual development platform or on Renesas board farms. A wide range of AI models, automated pipelines, as well as a specific hybrid compiler toolchain (HyCo) are available to support the rapid AI deployment on the R-Car heterogeneous compute platform across generations of SoCs. AWS Cloud Services Now Available The RoX SDV platform now supports Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing services as part of the AI Workbench development environment. With the Renesas R-Car SDK (Software Development Kit) containerized in the AWS cloud environment, developers can innovate and optimize their designs more efficiently. This tight integration allows them to simulate and test hardware and software combinations instantly and deploy AI applications that seamlessly run on R-Car devices. Scalable R-Car Gen 5 Family The RoX SDV platform is designed for current generation R-Car SoCs, the upcoming R-Car Gen 5 MCU/SoC Family, and future devices. The SDV platform provides car OEMs and Tier1 suppliers the flexibility to design a broad range of scalable compute solutions for ADAS, IVI, gateway and cross-domain fusion systems as well as body control, domain and zone control systems. Renesas' R-Car Gen 5 is currently the only hardware architecture in the industry that can accommodate the full range of processing requirements ? from zonal ECUs to high-end central compute, serving from entry-level vehicles to luxury-class models. Thanks to a new unified hardware architecture based on Arm CPU cores, customers developing with the R-Car Gen 5 devices will be able to reuse the same software and tools across diverse E/E applications that span car models and generations, preserving their engineering investments. Renesas' high-performance SoC products will offer both domain-specific and cross-domain solutions using application processing, large display capabilities, sensor connectivity, GPU and AI processing. "RoX is a significant advancement that will speed up the shift-left approach for software-defined vehicles," said Vivek Bhan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of High Performance Computing at Renesas. "Today, car OEMs and Tier1 suppliers are heavily investing in software development and maintenance. Renesas understands this challenge and is closely working with them to deliver a flexible, ready-to-deploy development solution that can be maintained throughout the vehicle's lifespan. The RoX platform empowers our customers to design vehicles that deliver new value and bring improved safety and delightful comfort experiences to drivers and passengers." "At AWS, we're committed to helping our customers and partners accelerate development and bring innovation to drivers faster than ever before," said Andrea Ketzer, Director of Technology Strategy, Automotive & Manufacturing at AWS. "With Renesas' R-Car Gen 5 devices supported by the AI Workbench on AWS, customers will achieve faster and more validated simulations and the ability to develop independently of hardware. This step change in development will drive the industry forward and place software innovation at the forefront of mobility." According to TechInsights, the market shift to domain, zonal and centralized architectures will translate to a growing processor market, incorporating SoCs and MCUs, worth $25.9 billion by 2031. "Being able to maintain and upgrade complex software stacks that incorporate operating systems, hypervisors and other functional software stacks will thus become an increasingly critical element of the supply chain," said Asif Anwar, Executive Director of Automotive End Market Research at TechInsights. "By also being able to offer cloud-native environments to support a software-first approach to development and testing of the hardware, the Renesas RoX SDV platform offers a ready-built ecosystem that encompasses these elements in support of a scalable portfolio of next generation R-Car Gen 5 processors to address this sizable market." Renesas' R-Car Open Access Platform is being demonstrated at the AWS Summit Japan in Tokyo from June 20-21. RoX SDV Platform Partners: Operating System/Hypervisor Partners QNX Red Hat Vector AUTOSAR WITTENSTEIN SAFERTOS Software Stack Partners Candera CGI Studio EPAM AosEdge Excelfore eSync MM Solutions STRADVISION SVNet Nullmax Development Tools Partners ASTC VLAB Works Synopsys Virtualizer Development Kit (VDK) Cloud Partners AWS Microsoft Azure Availability The R-Car Open Access Platform is available today with the option to license. Open-source OS, commercial OS, full application software stacks, virtual development, cloud infrastructure and debugging and emulation tools are available by Renesas or through partners. Additional information about the development platform is available here and information about the R-Car Gen 5 Family can be found here. Please contact your local sales teams for more details. About Renesas Electronics Corporation Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. A leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram. (Remarks) All names of products or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. 20 june 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Posterity Health Launch New Partnership to Activate Men About Their Fertility Ferring Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with Posterity Health, today launched a new Male Fertility program on Ferring's Fertility Out Loud platform that empowers men to take the initiative to understand their fertility status. This new offering features a confidential, online assessment that provides their personal reproductive health insights after completion of a questionnaire as well as educational resources developed by Fellowship-trained Reproductive Urologists. "It's important to understand that infertility is not just a female issue,"2,3 said Ali Castro, Senior Director, Marketing & Strategic Engagement, Reproductive Medicine, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. "Through our partnership with Posterity Health, we're pleased to offer a new resource on our Fertility Out Loud platform specifically for male partners that helps educate and activate them to learn about their fertility health and how it may impact the couple's path to parenthood." Currently, one in six people are affected by infertility, with a male factor contributing up to 50 percent of the time.1,2,3 However, the burden that a couple may face when challenged with infertility often falls on the female partner. Further, stigma often plays a critical role in male infertility ? where men may feel ashamed, emasculated or embarrassed, and therefore, not pursue a medical evaluation. "When a couple is having trouble conceiving, the male partner typically waits 22 months before seeking an evaluation ? during this period the female is often receiving unnecessary, and in some cases, invasive care," 4 said Pam Pure, Co-Founder and CEO, Posterity Health. "Working together with Ferring, we have made it easier to complete a male fertility assessment from home. Identifying and addressing male factor issues early in the fertility journey will empower couples to take control of their reproductive health." No matter where someone is in their parenthood journey, they can take the first step by completing the male fertility assessment at Fertility Out Loud. Overall, this partnership aims to help achieve a more equitable fertility process that promotes the simultaneous evaluation of both the male and female partner to help improve drop-out rates, decrease stress, address stigma, reduce unnecessary medical costs and accelerate the path to pregnancy. About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a privately-owned, research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to building families and helping people live better lives. In the United States, Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine and maternal health, and in areas of gastroenterology and orthopaedics. We are at the forefront of innovation in microbiome-based therapeutics and uro-oncology intravesical gene therapy. Our company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland. Ferring employs more than 7,000 people worldwide and markets its medicines in over 100 countries. Ferring USA is based in Parsippany, New Jersey, and employs more than 900 employees. For more information, please visit www.ferringusa.com, call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464), or connect with us on LinkedIn, and X (Twitter). About Posterity Health Posterity Health is the only virtual-first center of excellence for male reproductive health. We provide a hybrid care delivery model, allowing for telehealth appointments, ongoing treatment plans and in person care powered by Posterity Health's Male Management Platform. Through innovative technologies, personalized care and expert guidance, Posterity Health empowers males to take control of their reproductive health. Learn more at www.posterityhealth.com. References World Health Organization: 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO. Available at https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility#:~:text=Around%2017.5%25%20of%20the%20adult,prevalence%20of%20infertility%20between%20regions. Accessed May 31, 2024. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. How common is male infertility, and what are its causes? November 18, 2021. Available at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth/conditioninfo/infertility#:~:text=Overall%2C%20one%2Dthird%20of%20infertility,combine%20with%20a%20woman's%20egg. Accessed May 31, 2024. Leslie SW, Soon-Sutton TL, Khan MAB. National Library of Medicine: Male Infertility. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562258/. Accessed May 31, 2024. Fast Facts on Male Fertility. Posterity Health, Available at https://posterityhealth.com/services/progyny-employers/. Accessed May 31, 2024. 20 june 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Spectral Capital Corporation Welcomes Samson Lee to the Board as Independent Director SEATTLE, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spectral Capital Corporation (OTCQB: FCCN), a technology accelerator in the quantum computing sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Samson Lee to its Board of Directors as an Independent Director. Mr. Lee's extensive experience in digital asset technologies and his shared vision with Chairman Sean Michael Brehm on data custodianship in the quantum era make him a valuable addition to the team. About Samson Lee: Samson Lee, Founder & CEO of Coinstreet Partners, brings over 20 years of experience in the TMET sector. Coinstreet Partners, an award-winning decentralized investment banking and consultancy firm, focuses on digital asset investment banking, wealth management, global distribution, asset tokenization, and decentralized finance solutions. Mr. Lee has been a pioneer in commercializing blockchain and digital projects, aiming to improve economic inequality through financial technology and innovation. Shared Vision on Data Custodianship: Samson Lee and Sean Michael Brehm both emphasize the importance of data custodianship for the effectiveness of asset-backed tokens in the quantum era. This vision aligns with the 10 pillars of quantum computing, integrating blockchain technology with a distributed quantum ledger for enhanced AI and custodianship. Quotes: "I am honored to join Spectral Capital's Board at this transformative time. My work with Coinstreet Partners has demonstrated the immense potential of digital asset technologies. By combining these with quantum computing, we can greatly enhance the security, efficiency and custodianship of asset-backed tokens. Sean Brehm and I share the belief that data is the foundation for all 10 pillars of quantum computing, driving innovation in digital asset management." ? Samson Lee "We are excited to welcome Samson Lee to our Board. I have admired his thought leadership and expertise in digital asset technologies for quite some time, and his visionary approach to data custodianship in the quantum era align perfectly with Spectral's strategic goals. Together, we aim to advance the 10 pillars of quantum computing, enhancing the efficacy of asset-backed tokens and driving innovation in the digital economy." ? Sean Michael Brehm, Chairman and Independent Director About Spectral Capital Corporation: Spectral Capital Corporation (OTCQB: FCCN) is a publicly traded technology accelerator specializing in the quantum computing sector. The company provides venture-building services to quantum computing companies, leveraging groundbreaking technologies to solve complex business challenges. Spectral empowers these ventures with its AI platform and industry-savvy advisors, shaping the future of quantum computing. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events and FCCN's growth and business strategy. Words such as "expects," "will," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates," and variations on such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although FCCN believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of FCCN. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in FCCN's business; competitive factors in the market(s) in which FCCN operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in FCCN's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. FCCN expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in FCCN's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. For more information, please visit www.spectralcapital.com. SOURCE Spectral Capital Corporation 20 june 2024 at 12:22 News published onand distributed by: Fiserv Appoints Takis Georgakopoulos as Senior Advisor and Member of the Management Committee Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions, today announced that Takis Georgakopoulos will join Fiserv as a Senior Advisor, Executive Vice President, and a member of the Management Committee, effective September 3, 2024. Georgakopoulos will work closely with the Fiserv executive team on driving positive client outcomes and delivering best in class technology across the enterprise. Georgakopoulos is an accomplished business leader with expertise in payment solutions and merchant services. Most recently, Georgakopoulos served as Global Head of Payments at J.P. Morgan where he oversaw all aspects of the business, including technology, product, sales and operations. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Georgakopoulos was a partner at McKinsey & Company in New York, where he advised major banks and asset managers, and helped lead McKinsey's Asset Management practice. "We are pleased to welcome Takis to the Fiserv team," said Frank Bisignano, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fiserv. "Takis's extensive payments and leadership experience and operational expertise will be an outstanding addition to our strong team, as we continue to focus on creating value for our clients while investing in our products, services, and people." About Takis Georgakopoulos Takis Georgakopoulos joins Fiserv from J.P. Morgan where he held numerous leadership positions since 2007. He most recently served as a member of the company's Operating Committee and was the head of J.P. Morgan Payments, which delivers treasury and merchant services to corporate clients, financial institutions, governments, e-commerce retailers and small and medium-sized business. Before that position, he served as the head of Strategy and Chief of Staff for the Corporate & Investment Bank and Chief Financial Officer and global head of MNC Coverage at J.P. Morgan's Global Corporate Bank. Georgakopoulos started at J.P. Morgan as head of Corporate Strategy. Before 2007, Georgakopoulos was a partner at McKinsey & Company in New York, where he advised major U.S. and European financial institutions. Georgakopoulos received his undergraduate degree in Computer Science, followed by an MA in Mathematics of Finance from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Mathematical Economics from the National Technical University of Athens. He currently serves on the boards of Columbia University's Neuroscience Institute and Business School. About Fiserv Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a Fortune 500 company, aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has been recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companiestm for nine of the last 10 years. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news. FI-G 20 june 2024 at 16:05 News published onand distributed by: NOVAGOLD Welcomes Peter Adamek as New Chief Financial Officer VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. ("NOVAGOLD" or the "Company") (NYSE American, TSX: NG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Adamek as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company effective July 15, 2024. The appointment of Mr. Adamek comes following the retirement of NOVAGOLD's long-serving CFO, David Ottewell, capping off a successful career in the mining sector. Mr. Ottewell will stay on until July 15, 2024 to ensure a seamless transition. "On behalf of NOVAGOLD, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to David for his loyalty to the Company over the last 12 years," said Greg Lang, President and Chief Executive Officer. "David has been instrumental in developing our finance strategy, building our finance team, and maintaining a strong balance sheet during his tenure ? positioning the Company to continue to advance Donlin Gold up the value chain, while generating significant value for our stakeholders. David has been a valuable team member and a dear colleague over the years, and I thank him for his skillful leadership and remarkable contribution to our work. We wish him well in his retirement." Peter Adamek is a highly experienced financial executive with over 20 years of expertise in corporate finance, capital markets, financial reporting, tax, and information technology in the mining sector. Prior to joining NOVAGOLD, he served in progressively senior management roles at Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay"), including CFO for the Arizona Business Unit, before being appointed Vice President, Finance of Hudbay in 2019. Prior to joining Hudbay in 2010, Peter worked in equity research at RBC Capital Markets Global Mining division from 2008 to 2010, and before that at KPMG's Toronto Audit practice, with a focus on global mining and manufacturing sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto, is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), and holds CFA and P.Eng. designations. "I am pleased to welcome Peter Adamek to the NOVAGOLD team," said Greg Lang, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Peter brings a wealth of corporate and operations experience that will be key for the Company and the next stage of development at the Donlin Gold project. We are delighted to have a seasoned executive with his talent join NOVAGOLD as CFO and I look forward to our collaboration." About NOVAGOLD NOVAGOLD is a well-financed precious metals company focused on the development of its 50%-owned Donlin Gold project in Alaska, one of the safest mining jurisdictions in the world. With approximately 39 million ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories, inclusive of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (541 million tonnes at an average grade of approximately 2.24 grams per tonne, in the Measured and Indicated Resource categories on a 100% basis)1, the Donlin Gold project is regarded to be one of the largest, highest-grade and most prospective known open-pit gold deposits in the world. According to the 2021 Technical Report and the S-K 1300 Report (both as defined in the footnote), once in production, the Donlin Gold project is expected to produce an average of more than one million ounces per year over a 27-year mine life on a 100% basis. The Donlin Gold project has substantial exploration potential beyond the designed footprint of the open pit which currently covers three kilometers of an approximately eight-kilometer-long gold-bearing trend. Current activities at the Donlin Gold project are focused on state permitting, engineering studies, community outreach, and workforce development in preparation for the eventual construction and operation of this project. With a strong balance sheet, NOVAGOLD is well-positioned to fund its share of permitting and advancement efforts at the Donlin Gold project. NOVAGOLD Contact: Melanie Hennessey Vice President, Corporate Communications 604-669-6227 or 1-866-669-6227 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This media release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", "would" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on several opinions, estimates and assumptions that management of NOVAGOLD considered appropriate and reasonable 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, activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our goals and the potential development and construction of the Donlin Gold project; perceived merit of properties; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; Donlin Gold's ability to secure the permits needed to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project in a timely manner, if at all; legal challenges to Donlin Gold's existing permits and the timing of decisions in those challenges; whether the Company will continue to advance the Donlin Gold project up the value chain and generate value for our stakeholders; the success of the strategic mine plan for the Donlin Gold project; the success of the Donlin Gold community relations plan; the outcome of exploration drilling at the Donlin Gold project and the timing thereof. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent the expectations of NOVAGOLD management's estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include the need to obtain additional permits and governmental approvals; the timing and likelihood of obtaining and maintaining permits necessary to construct and operate; the need for additional financing to explore and develop properties and availability of financing in the debt and capital markets; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drill results and geological tests and the estimation of reserves and resources; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation and exploration successes; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in the United States or Canada; the need for continued cooperation between Barrick Gold Corporation and NOVAGOLD for the continued exploration, the need for additional capital if NOVAGOLD determined to proceed with an updated feasibility study on its own; development and eventual construction of the Donlin Gold property; the need for cooperation of government agencies and Native groups in the development and operation of properties; risks of construction and mining projects such as accidents, equipment breakdowns, bad weather, disease pandemics, non-compliance with environmental and permit requirements, unanticipated variation in geological structures, ore grades or recovery rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include significant increases in estimated capital and operating costs; fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange rates; whether or when a positive construction decision will be made regarding the Donlin Gold project; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in NOVAGOLD's most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, particularly the "Risk Factors" sections of those reports and other documents filed by NOVAGOLD with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting NOVAGOLD's website at www.novagold.com, or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of NOVAGOLD on the date the statements are made. NOVAGOLD assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. _____________________ 1 Donlin Gold data as per the report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA" with an effective date of June 1, 2021 (the "2021 Technical Report") and the report titled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA" (the "S-K 1300 Report"), dated November 30, 2021. Donlin Gold possesses Measured Resources of approximately 8 Mt grading 2.52 g/t and Indicated Resources of approximately 534 Mt grading 2.24 g/t, each on a 100% basis and inclusive of Mineral Reserves, of which approximately 4 Mt of Measured Resources and approximately 267 Mt of Indicated Resources inclusive of Reserves is attributable to NOVAGOLD through its 50% ownership interest in Donlin Gold LLC. Exclusive of Mineral Reserves, Donlin Gold possesses Measured Resources of approximately 1 Mt grading 2.23 g/t and Indicated Resources of approximately 69 Mt grading 2.44 g/t, of which approximately 0.5 Mt of Measured Resources and approximately 35 Mt of Indicated Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves is attributable to NOVAGOLD. Donlin Gold possesses Proven Reserves of approximately 8 Mt grading 2.32 g/t and Probable Reserves of approximately 497 Mt grading 2.08 g/t, each on a 100% basis, of which approximately 4 Mt of Proven Reserves and approximately 249 Mt of Probable Reserves is attributable to NOVAGOLD. Mineral Reserves and Resources have been estimated in accordance with NI 43-101 and S-K 1300. 20 june 2024 at 17:10 News published onand distributed by: Gwen Mills Elected President of UNITE HERE, First Woman to Lead the Union in its 130-Year History Today at UNITE HERE's 2024 Constitutional Convention, Gwen Mills was elected as the international union's new president, making her the first woman to hold this position in the organization's 130-year history. Gwen's election as President marks a significant milestone for both UNITE HERE?which has a membership of nearly 275,000 hospitality workers across the U.S. and Canada, a majority of whom are women?and the broader labor movement. "I am deeply honored to lead UNITE HERE into a new era," said Mills. "Our Union has shown incredible resilience and strength through the pandemic and has set new standards for jobs in our industries, proving that hospitality jobs can be good union jobs. We don't shy away from taking on powerful corporate interests, and we don't back down from a fight. Now is the time to do even more to support workers who want a union. UNITE HERE members enjoy a standard that millions of other hospitality workers in the U.S. and Canada don't yet have?but we're ready to take bold action to ensure that all industry workers get the respect, wages and working conditions they deserve." At the Convention, Mills highlighted her vision for the future of the union, emphasizing a dedication to building power against corporate influence through investing in union growth, expanding UNITE HERE's political organizing, and taking on issues that directly impact workers, such as climate change and technology. Building on UNITE HERE's momentum as the fastest growing private-sector union in the AFL-CIO, Mills committed to doubling the annual investment in union growth across hotels, casinos, institutional food service, and emerging hospitality industries. With more workers than ever looking to unionize, UNITE HERE aims to seize the moment to organize and empower the nearly 14 million nonunion workers in the service industry to unionize, and provide a platform for women and people of color to lead. Mills also outlined key campaigns for this year, including a historic showdown in the hotel industry, where room rates are the highest in history, but workers are struggling to support their families and the industry cuts jobs and guest services. 40,000 hotel workers in 22 markets are ready to take on major brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt to demand respect for their work through increased wages and a reversal of staffing cuts. Additionally, Mills announced plans to ramp up the union's political organizing program in key battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, and launch new programs in Ohio and Michigan. UNITE HERE runs the largest labor-led canvassing program in the U.S., which is unique in that its canvassers are union members: housekeepers, cooks, dishwashers, and concessions workers who have fought and won in their workplaces and communities. They take the skills they learned organizing their coworkers to turn out voters to elect officials who will fight for workers and support their ability to organize, and support legislation that improves jobs in the hospitality industry. "On behalf of the 12.5 million union members in the AFL-CIO, I am thrilled to celebrate the election of Gwen Mills to her first full term as President of UNITE HERE. President Mills is a visionary leader who has helped guide UNITE HERE through some of the hospitality industry's most challenging and transformational moments. When the pandemic devastated the hospitality industry and nearly all UNITE HERE workers lost their jobs, President Mills put members to work and created one of the country's most powerful and effective get-out-the-vote operations, unleashing victories up and down the ballot in the 2020 and 2022 elections," said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. "Under her leadership, UNITE HERE is delivering historic new contracts for workers, expanding into new workplaces and regions, and bringing in more women and people of color?not only to be a part of the movement, but to lead it. President Mills and UNITE HERE show us every day what a modern, inclusive and resilient union looks like ? a union that empowers its members to fight and win. We look forward to continuing our fight together to improve the lives of hospitality workers?and all workers?across this country." Mills, a seasoned community organizer and labor leader, has a remarkable record of transforming communities by growing the power of the labor movement. Her early work in her hometown of New Haven, Connecticut built broad-based support for workers at Yale and across the city, resulting in groundbreaking organizing victories and the highest job standards in higher education nationwide. As Secretary-Treasurer, Mills played a crucial role in guiding UNITE HERE through the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining the union's financial stability and helping it emerge stronger. She is also the architect of the union's political program, which was pivotal both in defeating Trump in 2020 and fending off the "Red Wave" in 2022, securing key electoral victories in swing states and ensuring relief for millions of unemployed Americans during the pandemic. Most recently, Mills' strategic leadership in national labor efforts has led to significant gains for hospitality workers, including a successful multi-union coalition strike in Detroit in 2023 that resulted in historic contracts for thousands of casino workers. "I am thrilled that New Haven's own Gwen Mills will become the International Union President for UNITE HERE," said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). "She is the first woman to serve as President in the union's 130-year history, and I can think of no one more deserving to take the reins of leadership during this pivotal time for the national labor movement. Gwen and I have stood side by side in countless fights for workers, from defending local organizing efforts like Local 33 at Yale to expanding the national labor movement by welcoming all voices?especially those who are often marginalized like women, Black workers, people of color, and immigrant workers. President Mills understands that the American economy is built on a union label, and that workers are stronger when they are united. I look forward to working with her in her new role as President to make sure that American workers always come first, because when workers organize together, they win together!" Known for her hands-on approach, Gwen has been a crucial leader behind some of UNITE HERE's greatest wins. She has built strong relationships with union members, always prioritizing their needs and ensuring they receive the rights and benefits they deserve. Under Mills' leadership, UNITE HERE is poised to embark on a new chapter in building the labor movement, improving the lives of workers, and tackling corporate exploitation and profiteering head-on. Additionally, UNITE HERE's new elected leadership is a true reflection of the union's membership, who are majority women and people of color. Many are immigrants. In addition to Mills, the union's General Officers include: Secretary-Treasurer Nia Winston, the first Black woman to serve as the union's Secretary-Treasurer; Recording Secretary Rich Maroko; General Vice President Wendi Walsh; and General Vice President for Immigration, Civil Rights, and Diversity Enrique Fernandez. UNITE HERE is the hospitality workers' union in the U.S. and Canada, representing nearly 275,000 workers in the hotel, gaming, food service, manufacturing, textile, distribution, laundry, transportation, and airport industries. 20 june 2024 at 18:10 News published onand distributed by: People look for alternative transport as Quito metro stopped after a blackout in Quito June 19, 2024. GALO PAGUAY / AFP Ecuador suffered a nationwide blackout for several hours Wednesday as the electrical grid failed, with metro services, road traffic and other critical services crippled. The blackout hit abruptly just after 3:00 pm local time, surprising subway riders in the capital Quito as trains came to a halt and hundreds of people were evacuated. Some were forced to walk long distances through dark metro tunnels until finding an exit. Three hours after the stoppage hit, Energy Minister Roberto Luque said on X that 95% of the service had been restored nationwide. Earlier, he had announced a "breakdown in the transmission line, which caused a chain of disconnections" leading to a countrywide failure. Traffic lights in Quito went on the blink and police manned intersections to maintain some semblance of order in the city of three million people. Within about an hour, power started returning gradually in some places in the capital. "The incident must have been major because it even knocked out power to the metro, which has its own separate system," Quito Mayor Pabel Munoz said on X. He had ordered the deployment of special teams to help anyone who may be trapped, prevent accidents and "take care of public spaces." Luque said: "For years there has been a lack of investment in these systems and electrical grids and today we are suffering the consequences." Residents told to stock up on water Traffic chaos also hit the Pacific port city of Guayaquil, an AFP correspondent observed. People found themselves stranded in elevators in office and residential buildings and the public water company urged the population to stock up just in case. Street cars in the southern city of Cuenca also stopped running. In Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, in the center of the South American country, the situation was similar, and traffic agents had their hands full. The education ministry suspended night classes for the duration of the blackout for safety reasons. Ecuador suffered rolling blackouts in April as a major drought left key hydroelectric reservoirs nearly depleted and Colombia halted the exportation of electricity to its neighbor amid its own dry spell. Ecuadorans had to contend with planned cuts of up to 13 hours at a time. The situation returned to normal when the rainy season arrived and the country suspended electricity rationing in May. 92% of the country's electricity comes from hydroelectric plants. Read more Subscribers only International community condemns Ecuador for raiding Mexico's embassy in Quito The CANSO summit, held from June 10-13, 2024, was hosted under the auspices of the Global Voice of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) industry. TWENTY FIVE years on from being the first winner of the VIP Style Awards, it was incredible to still make the front cover of VIP magazine. The special edition of this fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine celebrated the 25th anniversary of the publication, which I have always adored. Magazine features and cover shoot appearances have seemed to dominate my calendar recently, and how delighted I am to be asked to make an appearance. Being alongside Irish style icons Suzanne Jackson, Rosanna Davison and journalist Grainne Seoige, who has just finished up with Ireland AM, on the front cover was an honourable experience. For the cover shoot I wore an emerald green ball gown, which I paired with an elegant gold headpiece. The elegant tulle dress was of course by the best, Phoenix V, whose boutique I love and often buy from. I bought my headpiece from a talented crafter in Limerick, of course. Supporting local and boosting business in lovely Limerick is something I always strive for! It was from Gregor Pituch who has a workshop in Limerick city and is a master designer. READ MORE: Pairing this gold floral headpiece with my rich green dress made me feel like a blossoming flower in a luscious forest - like mother nature herself! I spoke at length about my career, from the humble beginnings as a young model starting off in the big bad world to where I am now. The ups and downs, iconic moments and adapting to a new world of fashion and beauty, as trends change along with technology advances. What a treat! Be sure to pick up a copy of the latest edition of VIP magazine to get all the gossip and inside scoop. -XxCelia A LIMERICK-born CEO of a car safety company, which could save millions of lives, has shared how he climbed his way to the top. Now owning a multimillion euro company, Barry Lunn is founder and CEO of Provizio, an advanced radar technology company for cars. Born and raised in Caherconlish, which he describes as a super place to grow up, the entrepreneur did an interview on RTE Radio 1 where he detailed his humble beginnings and dyslexia diagnosis. His fascinating background story began with him being a school dropout, working in aerospace engineering and now, running his own global company worth over 5.7m. I was a pain in the backside in one way [in school], Barry told RTE Radio 1 show host Oliver Callan. I was a very curious kid, fascinated by Lego and had a big imagination. I went to secondary school in the city, CBS in Sexton Street. Saying that he soon realised his performance at school wasnt matching with others, he began to wonder why. What I didnt know at the time was that Im dyslexic. This was the 90s, they werent diagnosing dyslexia. School and me just didnt match. Art probably saved my life in the period where I dropped out. I had an intervention from a teacher in CBS, Joe McGrath, who caught me doing graffiti. Poor Joe tried to make a hurler out of me and discovered I was good at something! After dropping out in fifth year but subsequently returning to school to sit his Leaving Cert, Barry was accepted to Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD), where he soon discovered he wasnt an artist. READ MORE HERE: Mid-West Simon Community seeks to appoint new chief executive I ended up studying design and met two ex-lecturers in the University of Limerick, who were successful entrepreneurs - the Sugrue brothers. We hit it off and I became employee number one, where I moved off to France working in the aero defence industry. Barry says these formative years were where he learned about entrepreneurship and he eventually became the CEO of that aerospace company within 10 years of being there. While in that company, they were doing high-frequency testing for the defence industry, including that of the US military. Barry saw an opportunity to put that technology on to chips in order to cut waste and so, started his own company Arralis, which he later sold. I started working on Provizio straight away [after that]. We started looking at cars and asking why do we crash? and asking ourselves if we could build a product that could eventually lead to autonomy (self driving). You get to a debate where if the robotics in the vehicle are better than the driver, it becomes ethical. We started building those radars in Provizio. The radars and AI software technology built and trialled by Provizio predicts and prevents road accidents. The car sensors can slow or restrict drivers from making dangerous decisions behind the wheel. The five-year-old company has a testbed in Shannon, Co Clare and Barry says they have succeeded in what they have so far set out to do. LANGUAGE interpretation company Translit is joining a British consortium in a move which will create 40 new jobs. The move will see a merger between Translit - which is located at Upper Mallow Street in Limerick city centre - and DA Language, a Manchester-based provider of interpreting services. The new deal, which EY acted on as lead advisors, will create new opportunities for the Limerick-based firm in Ireland, Britain and further afield, offering language solutions to bridge communication gaps. Some 40 new jobs have been created as a consequence of the merger, ten of which have been filled. READ MORE: Limerick harper to perform at international harp festival The remaining 30 staff are expected to be recruited by the end of 2025. Translit will continue to trade under this name, with its founder Alex Chernenko also staying in place as chief executive. He said: "This agreement is a really positive milestone in the story of Translit and I am so excited to see the possibilities it will create for the company. We've had an incredibly busy few years and the team and I are ready to take our activity to the next level. Our partnership with DA Languages also reinforces Translit's commitment to providing exceptional language solutions. We are thrilled to join Valorem Group, a consortium that shares our ambitious drive and commitment to excellence." Matthew Taylor, who heads DA Languages added: "Alex and the team have built a fantastic business, we are proud to welcome Translit into Valorem Group. Their innovative approach to language services aligns perfectly with our mission to support ambitious companies. Together, we will continue to push boundaries and deliver unparalleled value to our clients." THIS week is World Refugee Week. Refugee Week celebrates the contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, in order to challenge negative stereotypes and create a space where refugees can be seen and heard beyond their experience of displacement. As we continue grappling with one of Europes worst refugee crisis, its normal to be wondering what to share with your children and how they are processing all the news. Whilst we try to shield our children from the current war in Ukraine, Gaza or other human tragedies around the world, its highly probable they will have heard about it. Whether its a neighbour taking in a Ukrainian refugee family, a new accommodation centre supporting displaced people opening in your neighbourhood, children living in Direct Provision joining your childs classroom, or overhearing a discussion on television, its best to be prepared. How and what you tell your children about the refugees, depends on their age and personality. For example, one may be a worrier and the other a warrior. Here are some guiding points to help you support your kids and answer questions or worries they may have. Do some research: In order to be prepared to handle the hard questions it is helpful to check some reliable sources on the topic (the UN Refugee agency, UNCHR, is a recommended one). Globally we are facing the highest level ever of people displacement on record, and even before the wars in Ukraine and Gaza started global refugee numbers were estimated at 26 million. Almost 12 million people are believed to have fled Ukraine and 6.6 million were forced to flee due to conflict in Syria. By the end of last year, the war in Gaza had displaced up to 1.7 million people, comprising 75 percent of the population, with most being Palestine refugees, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. On top of that, half of these refugees are children. Alternatively, if your child has access to the internet, explain to them to be careful of social media news sources and if you can, give your own tips on trustworthy sites to check data. Listen to them: You can break the ice and start with an open-ended question by asking your kids what they already know about refugees. In addition, you might want to ask a follow up question such as Why do you think these people had to flee their homes? and What can we do about it to help?. Listen, and give them space to express their worries feeling and questions. Try to answer their questions truthfully and dont be afraid to say you dont know or express your own feelings. Name the feelings you / they might feel and keep your answers simple using child friendly language. For the very sensitive child it might help to get them to write down their worries and put them in a worry box and revisit later. After you can throw them away if the child is ready to let go of those feelings. READ MORE: Make them feels safe and protected: It is natural that some children might relate to the refugee children and feel powerless and scared. Some children might be worried they would have to leave their homes and become refugees too if the war spreads. Acknowledge their fears and reassure them that they are in a safe place. If they are concerned about the current wellbeing of refugee children, you can tell them about charities like Medecins Sans Frontieres or Save the Children are creating safe spaces for children to play and learn in. Talk about values and how they can help refugees: This could be a good opportunity to teach our children about humanity and values of compassion, kindness and inclusivity. Encourage your kids to put their energy into positive action to help refugees! There are a number of events happening in Limerick this week to mark World Refugee Week. To learn more go to www.refugeeweek.ie/events/ and type Limerick into the search bar. This article was written by the Anti-Racism sub-group of Limerick Migrant Integration Steering Group on behalf of Parenting Limerick. Parenting Limerick is a network of parenting and family support agencies. For more information go to www.limerickunitedagainst racism.ie. Stock Market News SKY News - Sky: Milan look to Spain and Germany as Zirkzee operation is halted the alternatives 20-06-2024 01:20 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News UK Markets - Message from Australia: New UK government facing battle with Google and Facebook 20-06-2024 02:09 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk MUMBAI : Infosys McCamish Systems LLC reported its first annual revenue decline in eight years following a ransomware attack and weak macroeconomic demand. Revenue at the wholly owned subsidiary of Infosys Ltd. fell 4.3% to $442 million in the year ended December 2023, according to the companys annual report earlier this month. Revenue and margins of McCamish declined in FY2024 as a result of muted demand environment compounded by impact of ransomware attack," Kotak Institutional Equities analysts Kawaljeet Saluja, Satishkumar S, and Vamshi Krishna said in a note dated 18 June. Another analyst also attributed the revenue decline to the ransomware attack. Revenues have fallen because of the cyber attack as the company had to pay off money to fix the damages," a Mumbai-based analyst said on condition of anonymity. This was Infosys McCamishs first revenue decline since the year ended March 2015. It switched to calendar year reporting in 2019. Parent company Infosys follows an April-to-March financial year. Infosys bought Atlanta, Georgia-based McCamish Systems, which provides insurance process management solutions and services, through one of its six subsidiaries, Infosys BPO, for $58 million in December 2009. The revenue decline for one of Infosys first acquisitions adds fuel to the fire left by the ransomware attack on its systems reported in November 2023. The incident rendered services unavailable and led to unauthorised access to sensitive customer information. Infosys McCamishs net profit tumbled 69% to $10.7 million whereas operating margins crashed 570 basis points to 3.4% by the end of 2023. Costs incurred While Infosys deployed a third-party cybersecurity products provider to resolve the issue, the incident cost the company. Loss of contracted revenues and costs incurred with respect to remediations, restoration, communication efforts, investigative processes and analysis, legal services and others amounted to approximately $30 million," according to Infosys subsidiaries financials for the year ended March 2024. However, it was not known if the parent company paid this sum or if this amount came out of McCamishs coffers. Bank of America (BofA) informed the Maine Attorney General in February that 57,028 clients were impacted by the data breach at Infosys McCamish, which included their personal information and social security numbers. The ghost of the cybersecurity incident has not stopped haunting Bengaluru-based Infosys as it now runs the risk of a class-action lawsuit. On 6 March, a class-action complaint was filed in a Georgia district court against Infosys on behalf of individuals in the US whose data was leaked due to the cyber incident. The complainants accused Infosys McCamish of concealing the existence and extent of the data breach for an unreasonable duration of time, and for letting them believe their data was safe. The complainants sought a jury to look into the matter. Infosys is yet to respond to the suit. An email sent to Infosys seeking comment was unanswered at the time of publication. Infosys McCamish has more than 680 employees. Richard Magner took over as chief executive officer in 2017 from Gordon Beckham, who headed McCamish Systems from the time it was taken over by Infosys BPO in 2009. The acquisition came when Infosys was looking to scale up its business process outsourcing (BPO) unit. The availability of a large, English-speaking population in India only made it easier for Indian outsourcing firms to handle work for their western clients. Infosys tapped into the growing demand for BPO in 2002 when it formed Infosys BPO to provide clients with legal services outsourcing, human resources, finance and accounting functions. As of March 2024, the company has 28 direct subsidiaries which have 63 subsidiaries. Of these direct subsidiaries, Infosys BPM Ltd., renamed from Infosys BPO in 2017, and the owner of Infosys McCamish Systems, is one of the biggest. Infosys BPMs revenue grew 2% to $953 million as of March 2023, which was the slowest increase in seven years. Infosys reported $18.6 billion in revenue for the financial year ended March 2024, of which 27% or $5.1 billion came from its financial services business. A modest to low or no growth of its subsidiaries resulted in the IT services company reporting revenue growth of 1.9%, which was the slowest among the top three Indian IT services companies, including Tata Consultancy Services Ltd and HCL Technologies Ltd. White-collar companies that once championed programs to recruit diverse employees are now tiptoeing away from them. PricewaterhouseCoopers and JPMorgan Chase are among those that recently removed or altered descriptions of their programs for underrepresented students. The shift came after an anti-woke" movement took aim at U.S. companies and a Supreme Court decision overturned affirmative action in college admissions. Employers embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives peaked in 2021, sparked by the death of George Floyd and the height of the Black Lives Matter movement a year earlier. In the years since, access to diversity programs has been slowly declining, a Glassdoor study in April found. Companies have made the changes quietly, often by playing down terminology such as DEI" and opening up programs once reserved for diverse applicants to everyone. Many stopped referencing their DEI programs in annual reports altogether, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Minority students are concerned about what the cutback means for their future in an already tight job market. As an undergrad, Chad Fuselier, 24 years old, remembers searching on job sites such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn for postings that referenced diversity programs" or Black students." That helped him land an internship through a program at PwC. Similar searches today yield fewer results, said Fuselier, now a second-year law student at the University of Florida. He has an internship at KPMG this summer that wasnt part of a diversity program. Accounting firm PwCs well-known Start internship program, which accepted only traditionally underrepresented" minority applicants for years, removed that requirement last fall. The programs description now says it encourages students of diverse backgrounds to apply. PwC declined to comment. Consulting firm McKinsey & Co. in May removed self-identify as a member of a historically underrepresented group" from a list of attributes ideal candidates should possess for its sophomore summer business-analyst program. McKinsey said the program is designed to expose historically underrepresented groups to management consulting and is one of many diversity recruiting programs it maintains. Law firm Kirkland & Ellis now clarifies that its diversity and inclusion fellowship is open to all second-year law students, regardless of their backgrounds. JPMorgan Chase has done the same for its Black and Hispanic & Latino fellowship programs, adding that all sophomore students regardless of their background are welcome to apply. JPMorgan said it remains committed to a workforce with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Kirkland & Ellis declined to comment. Law firm King & Spalding no longer notes the best talent is diverse in many ways" on the description of its diversity fellowships as it once did. The firm didnt respond to a request for comment. Some companies are no longer tracking demographic data related to diversity because they fear that it poses a litigation risk if they make hiring decisions based on identity or race, said Jailany Thiaw, founder and chief executive of upskill, a job-recruitment platform. Thiaw, whose site specializes in helping companies hire underrepresented students and recent graduates, worries firms wont be able to recruit or retain a diverse workforce if they dont track such information. Many employment lawyers attribute the retreat to anti-DEI advocates like Edward Blum filing lawsuits in the past year against law firms with diversity fellowships. Blum spearheaded the lawsuit that prompted the Supreme Courts 2023 decision to overturn affirmative action in college admissions. Though the ruling didnt affect companies directly, many companies viewed it as a warning shot that they could be targeted next. Theyre being a lot more careful about how they say it and even if they say it," said Steven Rothberg, founder of job-search website College Recruiter, who has seen a decline in companies saying their primary goal for recruitment is to support their DEI efforts. It is too early to measure the impact, if any, of these retreats on workplace diversity. Surveys suggest most companies arent making substantive changes to their diversity initiatives, even if they are modifying how they describe them. But some minority job seekers worry they could erode a path for diverse candidates to find internships and entry-level roles. Going into her final year at Drexel University, Amanda Gonzalez noticed tech companies were less vocal about their diversity initiatives compared with when she started college in 2020. It has increased her nervousness around finding a job in an industry already known to struggle with diversity. I have grown up not seeing a lot of Latino representation within the tech sector specifically," said Gonzalez, a 22-year-old from Philadelphia. Im definitely super worried about the job market." Write to Kailyn Rhone at kailyn.rhone@wsj.com Apples presentation on artificial intelligence this month offered examples of how American iPhone users could soon enjoy AI tools such as a custom emoji generator. No one mentioned China, the second-largest market for iPhones. There is good reason for the omission. OpenAIs ChatGPT and other Western AI models arent available in China, and that is prompting Apple to look for a Chinese partner to help offer its Apple Intelligence services, said people in the industry. So far, no deal has been announced, with the next iPhone model releases just months away. In China, Apple is falling behind local rivals that have already incorporated AI functions into their phones. The iPhone dropped to third place by handset market share among smartphone brands in China in the first quarter of this year behind two local brands, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple has held talks with several Chinese companies that make AI models including search-engine company Baidu, e-commerce leader Alibaba Group and a Beijing-based startup called Baichuan AI, people familiar with the matter said. In the U.S., Apple is pursuing a two-pronged strategy to deliver AI services. It is building its own AI capabilities while also teaming up with OpenAI. Anticipation over Apples future AI-related offerings has helped push the companys market capitalization back above $3 trillion. In China, companies must seek Beijings approval before introducing AI chatbots built on large language models trained with huge databases of text, images and video vacuumed up from the internet and other sources. Regulators vet the models to ensure they dont influence public opinion in a way the government doesnt approve. As of March, Beijings internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China, had approved 117 generative AI products, none of which is foreign-developed. Early this year, Apple explored the possibility of obtaining approval for a foreign large language model to be used in its devices in China, but it found that Chinese regulators were unlikely to approve it, people familiar with the matter said. That realization prompted Apple to step up talks with potential local partners, they said. Apple said the region that includes mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau accounted for 18% of its global revenue in the quarter ended March 30. Its position is threatened by local companies. This year, Huawei is expected to account for 17% of Chinas smartphone market, up from 13% last year, while Apples share is projected to drop to 16% from 18%, according to Counterpoint. Apple said it remains well-placed in China. China is the most competitive market in the world, and we feel confident about our position," Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri told The Wall Street Journal in an interview last month. In China, as in the U.S., smartphone makers are using generative AI in their sales pitches to entice users to upgrade because technology is advancing more slowly in other features. The closest precedent for Apple Intelligence in China comes from Samsung Electronics, the worlds largest smartphone maker by shipments. In January, Samsung introduced its Galaxy S24 smartphone series, with generative AI features such as real-time translation of calls and text messages, AI-powered photo editing, and Google searches triggered by circling an image on the phone. In the U.S. and most of the rest of the world, the services are powered by Samsungs own generative AI engine plus the AI capabilities of Google, a longtime Samsung partner. Because Googles AI model, Gemini, isnt available in China, Samsung instead turned to two Chinese companies for the Galaxy S24 in China. Baidu is handling circle to search," text summation and other AI functions, and software maker Meitu enables AI-based photo editing. The capabilities of the Baidu-powered AI have drawn some unfavorable reviews from Chinese internet users. Some compared Googles AI on the Galaxy S24 with Baidus and found Google was able to identify car models and buildings from photographs while Baidu couldnt. Others praised Baidus technology, saying its Chinese-language translation was more authentic and its search results were more relevant to users in China. A Samsung spokeswoman said the company chose to collaborate with Baidu because Samsung determined that Baidu offered the most competitive commercialized large language AI model in the Chinese market. Samsung declined to comment on comparisons between the AI versions, and Baidu didnt respond to a request for comment. Samsung accounts for about 1% of Chinas smartphone market, and China isnt a major contributor to the South Korean companys profit. Adapting products and services to Chinese rules is nothing new for tech companies. In China, Apples iCloud service houses data on the servers of a government-owned company. Apple is rolling out its Vision Pro headset in China this month without its streaming service, Apple TV+, which isnt available in the country. Apple has long enjoyed a relatively privileged place in the Chinese market because of its economic role in the country. Most iPhones are assembled in China by Taiwanese or Chinese contract manufacturers. Apple has said it has helped create some five million jobs in China, including in its supply chain and App Store ecosystem. Still, the rise of Chinese patriotism could affect Apples standing, said Tom Kang, a research director at Counterpoint. China is increasingly targeting U.S. companies one by one. So its whether Apple becomes a target or notthat will be the key issue," he said. Write to Raffaele Huang at raffaele.huang@wsj.com and Jiyoung Sohn at jiyoung.sohn@wsj.com The past two years have been critical for ElasticRun, a B2B e-commerce platform that connects consumer brands to rural markets, as it implemented multiple strategy changes to drive better unit economics in a tough macroeconomic landscape. The Pune-based unicorn, backed by investors such as SoftBank and Prosus, has moved its focus away from large national brands to regional-focused consumer brands in a bid to build volumes, its co-founder and chief executive Sandeep Deshmukh told Mint. While the strategy shift has resulted in a slight drop in revenues in FY24 compared to the previous year, Deshmukh said the revamp has improved the company's margins (take rates) by three times and pushed it closer to profitability. Working with multiple regional brands instead of a few national ones has primarily helped the company multiply its take rates, a key metric that shows how much money an e-commerce company is making from each transaction. During FY23, the company also pulled out of some key markets like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, anticipating these regions to weigh on the firms overall profitability due to scaling challenges, the chief executive explained. These regions typically offer low take rates, making it unprofitable to operate there, he said. We took the conscious call to pull back and put our house back in order. We chose profitability over scale which brought about a slight dip in the top line last financial year," Deshmukh noted. In FY23, ElasticRun logged an operational revenue of 4,755 crore while losses stood at 618 crore. The company is yet to file its FY24 numbers. Founded in 2016 by Sandeep Deshmukh, Shitiz Bansal and Saurabh Nigam, ElasticRun enables FMCG and grocery brands to reach the remotest parts of the country and supports them with larger scale and a wider audience. It assists a host of clients including food, general merchandise and pharma companies to reach rural consumers through its nationwide network of 10 million stores. It also enables banking institutions to extend financial services to consumers beyond urban geographies. The company had secured $330 million from SoftBank, Prosus and Goldman Sachs, among others, at a valuation of $1.5 billion, in February 2022. A large chunk" of the capital raised still remains unused and the company has a runway of five years, Deshmukh told Mint. Last week, HSBC, in a research note, halved ElasticRuns valuation by 50% as part of its evaluation of Prosuss portfolio. However, the note clarified that the valuation cut was applied on all portfolio companies whose latest funding round was more than six months old, to account for recent correction" in several sectors. Profit over growth ElasticRuns call to rework its business strategy comes at a time when startups across sectors have found the need to cut costs and focus on improving their bottom lines. With over $40 billion raised during the funding rush of 2021, Indias startup ecosystem has not only seen startups getting massively inflated valuations but also witnessed many of them burning cash way beyond their means. An acute funding winter that has gripped the startup ecosystem in subsequent years has led many startup founders to realise that capital alone, without achieving any significant scale, can only take a business so far. According to a Mumbai-based e-commerce analyst, ElasticRuns quick strategy shift shows frugality, especially in a sector that has been marred by tough long-term growth. Its prudent for companies to take a step back and evaluate strategy even though they have raised sufficient capital. Its particularly commendable for a B2B e-commerce company, especially considering how several other players are struggling," the analyst said, asking not to be named. Betting on rural consumption Non-urban regions hold significant untapped potential for digitisation, according to Shubham Singh, an analyst at market research firm Counterpoint. Although commercialisation is still limited, increasing internet penetration and rising purchasing power in these areas present substantial opportunities for growth," he added. ElasticRuns closest competitors include DST Global-backed Udaan and social commerce player DealShare. However, both these companies have suffered massive setbacks over the past few years. Udaan has severely downsized its business since its revenue more than halved in FY23 compared to the previous year. Moreover, it had to raise $340 million in debt funding last year. Similarly, Dealshare, which had been searching for an identity in social commerce for several years, finally decided to steer away from the group-buying model and become a retail online supermarket banking on offline stores, in early 2023. In FY23, the company's losses grew to 502 crore while gross merchandise value remained flat year-on-year. Rural markets have been a significant concern for Indias FMCG companies for more than a year now. However, in the March 2024 quarter, the FMCG industry reported a 6.6% growth in value terms, driven by a 6.5% increase in volumes, according to data by consumer intelligence firm NielsenIQ. Solving for consumption beyond metro cities is difficult. Rural consumption is predictable and a large market, but organising it is a challenge," the e-commerce analyst quoted above said. ElasticRuns Deshmukh says it continues to work on keeping costs in control. Our operational efficiencies have helped multiply revenue for the same amount of business in FY24. We kept costs steady and improved the take rate which has helped get us closer to profitability," Deshmukh added. ElasticRun is looking to re-enter the Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal markets during the current financial year, but more tactfully this time, Deshmukh said. The plan is to re-enter those markets with the right assortment [of products] and higher margins. We have realised that cookie cutter strategies wont work in some regions, so the idea is to bring about the regional flavour." (Bloomberg) -- A United Airlines Holdings Inc. plane returned to a Connecticut airport after losing part of a liner from inside the engines cover, another incident for a carrier already under scrutiny over a series of flight mishaps this year. The Airbus SE A320 aircraft departed Bradley International Airport in Hartford Thursday morning en route to Denver International when the crew heard an abnormal noise, according to a Federal Aviation Administration statement. United said in a separate statement that a piece of a sound-dampening outer liner underneath the cowling was found on the runway after landing. There were no injuries, and the FAA said it would investigate. The airlines safety procedures have been under review by the FAA since a series of incidents including a piece of fuselage coming loose in flight and a wheel falling off a plane after takeoff. The US aviation industry more broadly has been under heightened scrutiny since January, when a panel broke off of an Alaska Airlines flight. The aircraft in the latest United incident is 22 years old. While the cause of the incident wasnt immediately known, issues with older planes are often isolated and not a sign of systemic problems or manufacturing defects. The plane lost several pieces of sheet metal when it took off that were recovered from the runway, and other debris fell off when it landed, according to a recording of conversations between the airport control tower and the plane posted on LiveATC.net. The pilot of a nearby JetBlue Airways Corp. plane initially reported the debris to the tower, which had to divert some planes to other runways. The United pilot told the tower that one of the engines was slightly exceeding normal exhaust gas temperatures and he was concerned they had hit a bird or blew a tire on takeoff. We are declaring an emergency, the United pilot said. Everything is running fine, the engine is within parameters. There were 124 passengers and five crew members on the flight, which taxied to an airport gate after landing. The FAAs review has limited certification activities for United, effectively restricting the carriers growth. While the examination is ongoing, United said last month that it could begin the process of adding new planes and routes again. Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby has said that the Chicago-based carrier was embracing the FAA evaluation as an opportunity to improve what it considers to be an already high level of safety. Uniteds shares fell 1.4% in New York trading. (Updates with details of pilot conversations, debris on runway beginning in sixth paragraph) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Mr Zhang has stared down death during his 90 years on Earth. He has been diagnosed with cancer twice. During his latest bout doctors gave him 18 months to live. That was 16 years ago, he recalls wryly. Trim, snowy-haired and energeticthe key is no exercise and no smoking, he saysthe retired manager cuts a dash in a blue shirt, green trousers and black cotton slippers. Yet on this spring afternoon in the city of Hangzhou, Mr Zhang is afraid. Not of death, but of dementia. In his youth, the old who lost their faculties were called crazy. Later the Chinese learned about a disease named by foreigners: Alzheimers. He has feared it for years. Advanced sufferers cannot recognise their families and so always feel alone or numb, he sighs: That is the most terrible thing. Quietly he adds that he has begun to forget things. Mr Zhang is luckier than many. He lives in his own apartment with his wife (88). Hangzhou is one of Chinas richest cities. His home district of Gongshu is a pioneer, used to test government plans for tackling dementia, a disease on the rise as China ages. Officials estimate that 53m Chinese have some form of cognitive impairment, of whom 10m have Alzheimers. That number will grow as Chinese live longer, for the risk of Alzheimers soars after the age of 75. Various dementias already have 16,000 inhabitants of Gongshu in their grip. The districts residents are older than the national average and enjoy a life expectancy of 83, similar to Japans, explains Li Qiuyang, who directs old-age services at the local Centre for Disease Control, a public-health agency. Mr Li has made early detection of dementia a priority. He invites specialists to hold clinics in neighbourhood health centres and asks university professors to give popular-science talks, working to overcome a pervasive belief that memory loss is just part of ageing. Chaguan encounters Mr Zhang in a publicly subsidised, privately managed community centre full of features designed to slow cognitive decline. The 90-year-old has dropped in to collect a coupon for a cheap haircut and is not staying long. The same centre offers residential care, charging around 5,000 yuan ($691) a month. On an upper floor, residents with dementia are being helped to make clay-and-paper collages. A corner is filled with Mao-era items to stir long-dormant memories, from old enamel mugs to a green canvas satchel. The surrounding neighbourhood is a pilot scheme in its own right, with large graphic signs on shop fronts to help those with dementia buy fruit or find the pharmacy. Public and private hospitals are expanding old-age services, preparing for the time, around mid-century, when China expects to have more than 500m people over 60. The community centre in Gongshu is operated by Lejoy, a private health-care firm. A company executive, Fan Yixin, says that old-age services barely turn a profit for now, in part because todays elderly have low expectations for their own comfort, after enduring the Cultural Revolution and other disasters. Those born in the 1960s will be more demanding as they age, she says. When they begin to ask for high-quality services that will really be an opportunity for us. For now Gongshu is an exception, not the norm. Few places are as prosperous as Hangzhou, one of 50 pilot cities chosen by the central government to test a range of elder-care programmes. And though lots of countries face challenges as they age, China starts with some disadvantages. Half of adult Chinese men smoke. Chronic conditions including high blood pressure, depression and diabetes are common and poorly managed. All those are risk factors for dementia. For a country boasting a space programme and aircraft-carriers, China has a weak primary health system. Many community doctors spend three years or less at medical school. As a result, sick city-dwellers crowd into large hospitals to seek care from specialists. Lots of rural patients receive traditional Chinese medicines from poorly trained village doctors. Insurance coverage is patchy. Cognitive tests for detecting dementia are widely available, but brain-imaging scansan important tool for confirming Alzheimersare expensive for patients. This January China became the third country, after America and Japan, to approve lecanemab, a new treatment for Alzheimers. But at up to 200,000 yuan ($28,000) a year, it will be unaffordable for most. Dementia is not one of the chronic diseases that public insurance schemes must cover. Chinese families already save at high rates, fearing ruinous health crises. More awareness of dementia will reinforce that behaviour, sapping consumer demand. A cruel disease that finds societys weak points Dementia threatens to widen rural-urban divides. In China families must fund residential elder care themselves. The largest state-run pension scheme, for salaried urban workers, pays retirees 3,600 yuan a month on average. Migrant workers or farmers may receive pensions of just 200 yuan a month, putting nursing homes out of reach. In rural areas, many of these homes are bleak places, reserved for the poor without families to support them. Typically, urban families rely on grandparents for child care. In villages the old raise left-behind children, while working-age adults toil elsewhere. The age at which Chinese marry and have children is rising, so future grandparents will be older and more prone to dementia. Daughters (and daughters-in-law) will face pressure to quit work or return to villages to care for stricken elders. Young women are already reluctant to have children. It cannot help if a growing number must look after sick parents (often with no siblings to lend a hand, thanks to the one-child policy). Chinas leaders have taken for granted free labour from the old and from adult daughters and daughters-in-law. The state relies on family savings and on local governments of very different means to fund health and social services. That already creates dramatic inequalities. Dementia will test that system to its limits. Subscribers can sign up to Drum Tower, our new weekly newsletter, to understand what the world makes of Chinaand what China makes of the world. NEET UG 2024 row: Anurag Yadav, a 22-year-old NEET UG 2024 aspirant, was arrested after confessing that the leaked question paper he received matched the actual exam question paper, as reported by India Today. The arrest came as part of a larger investigation, which also saw four men from Bihar detained for allegedly accessing the exam paper a day before the test. Anurag Yadav's confession, detailed in a letter, implicated his uncle, Sikandar Prasad Yadavendu, an engineer at Bihar's Danapur Town Council, who was among those arrested. Yadavendu had informed Yadav that all preparations for the exam had been done. The other two detainees were identified as Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, who also appeared for the exam. National Testing Agency has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking the transfer of cases from various high courts. A vacation bench of the apex court is set to hear a batch of petitions today, June 20. The Supreme Court will also hear a batch of pleas pertaining to the NEET-UG exam probe, cancellation, and retest on grounds of question paper leak, among other things. The Ministry of Education has sought a detailed report from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police on the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET(UG) examination 2024 in Patna. The Ministry of Education decreed the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police to submit a comprehensive report regarding the alleged discrepancies in the administration of the NEET(UG) examination-2024 in Patna. The Ministry of Education issued a statement on June 19 that said that the issue of grace marks related to NEET UG has already been fully addressed, reported ANI. As the political slugfest continues over NEET-UG results and UGC-NET examination cancelation, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that the future of students is government's priority and errors in NEET examination were limited to specific region. The Education Minister urged to have faith in systems and stated that no irregularities or malpractices will be tolerated by government. We are Committed to hold zero-error exam. A high-level committee being formed to improve NTA functioning, added Pradhan. What Pradhan said I want to assure everyone that the government is committed to protecting the interests of students. We will not compromise on transparency. Student's welfare is our priority. In the context of the NEET exam, we are in touch with Bihar government. Police are investigating and a detailed report will be submitted by them. Some errors are limited to specific regions. Those guilty, including someone from the NTA, irrespective of how big he is, will not be spared. Government to form high level committee for recommendation on NTA's structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocol. We are committed for zero-error. UGC-NET exam paper leaked on Darknet, led to cancellation of exam One isolated incident (Bihar paper leak) should not affect lakhs of students who took the exam sincerely. Don't try to spread rumours and don't politicise the issue. Pradhan's remark comes hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the government and the Prime Minister over the issue. CBI files case The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against unknown persons for compromising the integrity of the UGC-NET exam conducted on June 18. What Rahul Gandhi said attacking PM Narendra Modi has not been able to stop or doesn't want to stop paper leaks in India Narendra Modi's main agenda right now is the (election of) Speaker. The reason behind paper leaks is that the education system has been captured by the BJP's parent organisation. What was done by Narendra Modi to the economy through demonetization, has now been done to the education system. It is very important that the people who are guilty here are brought to book, and they are punished. How BJP responded? BJP's national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that the government is fully alert and sensitive over NEET exam. Rahul Gandhi has nothing to do with the future of lakhs of students, he just wants to play his politics on this topic. Education ministry officials said on Thursday the fresh date for the UGC-NET examination 2024 will be announced soon. They said the exam was cancelled after "taking suo motu cognisance of available input s." "No complaints were received about UGC-NET. The action was taken suo motu to safeguard interests of the students....Inputs prima facie indicated UGC-NET was compromised. Fresh date for exam to be announced soon," Education Ministry officials were quoted by news agency PTI as saying. He informed that the UGC received some inputs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 19. After checking that input, it prima facie appeared thatthere was a chance that the examination had been compromised," the official said. The ministry has decided to cancel the examination. The next date will be declared soon, he added. CBI roped in The official said the matter has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take strict action in case of any foul play. The ministry on Wednesday cancelled UGC-NET conducted by the NTA following inputs that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. The NTA is the same autonomous agency under the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education of India that conducts the NEET exams. The decision by the Ministry comes amid a massive row on the medical entrance exam NEET over alleged irregularities, with the issue now before the Supreme Court. UGC-NET 2024 exam cancelled: The cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 exam has sparked a nationwide row, with political leaders, student organisations, and individuals raising questions about the National Testing Agency's (NTA) capabilities. Many political leaders demanded that the NTA be immediately banned and that strict action be taken against the body. UGC-NET 2024 exam cancellation: Who said what 1) Cancellation of the UGC-NET exam is a victory of the spirit of millions of students. This is the defeat of the arrogance of the Modi government due to which they made a despicable attempt to trample the future of our youth, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said. 2) Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi also wrote on X, The laxity and corruption of the BJP government is fatal for the youth. After the news of the scam in the NEET exam, now the NET exam held on June 18 has also been cancelled due to the fear of irregularities. 3) Congress spokesperson Surendra Singh Rajput criticised the BJP government over the paper leak issue, asking the reason behind the NEET UG 2024 and UGC NET June exam controversies. BJP government have to tell what is the reason that all the papers are getting leaked...The government will have to tell who is responsible, who is in cahoots with the copy mafia, what is his hold in the government and power that he is still out of the grip of the police and why these papers get leaked every time. 4) "Now the government is saying that the UGC NET paper has been cancelled, we will get the CBI to investigate. But what will happen to the future of the children? The responsible officials and ministers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government should resign. If you cannot run the government, then resign. INDIA bloc will run the government, but please stop this paper leakage because the country will get demoralised, the Congress leader said. 5) Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey said, The future of 24 lakh students is hanging because of the paper leak of the NEET-UG exam. Now, the government has cancelled the UGC-NET because of a paper leak. 6) Is the NTA so careless? No one is ready to take the responsibility. Where is the PM, the Union Home Minister and the Education Minister? Dubey asked. 7) Varun Choudhary, National President NSUI on the cancellation of UGC-NET 2024 exam urged the BJP government and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to take strict action against the NTA. NTA should be immediately banned and strict action should be taken against them. 8) Cancel #NEET too! The examination is devoid of integrity, Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram after the education ministry cancelled the NET exam. 9) Rajnish Rana, a student in Delhi, expressed his concern over the NET exam cancellation as he appeared for the same on June 18. I was very sad to hear that the paper has been cancelled because my exam went well this time. I was really hopeful this time. It is really unfortunate that an organisation like NTA is not able to conduct such exams properly, he said. Amid the ongoing fiasco over NEET-UG, the central government on Wednesday night cancelled the UGC-NET due to the compromised integrity of the examination. The exam cancellation has led to a political slugfest, with the opposition Congress alleging that the Narendra Modi-led government cannot even conduct an examination without "leaks and frauds". Here's all you need to know about the UGC-NET (University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test) fiasco. What is UGC-NET The UGC-NET is conducted for the appointment of assistant professors and admission to PhD in Indian universities and colleges. It also determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of junior research fellowship. When was the exam conducted? The examination was conducted on June 18, 2024, at 1,205 exam centres in 317 cities across the country. This year's UGC-NET exam took place for: 1) Award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor. 2) Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. 3) Admission to Ph.D. in 83 subjects. No of students appeared for exam A total of 11,21,225 registered candidates comprising 6,35,587 females, 4,85,579 males and 59 third gender candidates. Out of the total registered candidates, 81 per cent appeared for the exam. Why was the exam cancelled? The Ministry of Education said the University Grants Commission received certain inputs on the examination from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised. Therefore, the exam was cancelled to ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity in the examination process. What next? The Ministry of Education said that a fresh examination shall be conducted and information related to it will be shared. Eligibility According to the UGC-NET website, candidates who have secured at least 55 per cent marks (without rounding off) in Masters Degree or equivalent examination from universities/institutions recognised by UGC in Humanities (including languages) and Social Science, Computer Science & Applications, Electronic Science etc are eligible for this test. CBI to conduct probe The ministry said that for a thorough probe, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Congress slams PM Modi Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of ruining the country's education and recruitment system, and asked what kind of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' this is, where the question paper gets leaked every day. In a post on X in Hindi, Kharge claimed that the expenditure on PM Modi's "Pariksha pe Charcha" has increased by 175 per cent in six years, adding, "The showering of knowledge on students during the "exam" by the head of a government which cannot conduct a nationwide examination without rigging is dishonesty." What government says A senior government official said that even though no complaints were received, a suo motu action was taken to protect students' interests. "No complaints were received but the inputs we received from agencies indicated that the integrity of the exam has been compromised. The action was taken suo motu to safeguard the interests of the students," PTI quoted Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal as saying. New Delhi: The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider new regulations that require advertisers to upload self-declaration certificates before putting out ads on TV, in print, or online. The new rules, which took effect on 18 June, aim to curb misleading ads but IAMAI argues they will instead hamstring the digital economy. IAMAI is a non-profit with about 600 members ranging from startups to multinational companies. In its petition, which Mint has accessed, it said that while it supported efforts to prevent false ads, the new self-declaration requirement would severely disrupt online advertising. It urged the court to reconsider the self-declaration rule, and called for consultations with the government to find a solution that protects consumers while supporting the growth of the digital economy. A spoke in the flywheel One of IAMAIs main concerns was that the new rules would slow down or even halt online ad campaigns. Online ads are crucial because businesses can track their performance in real time and make quick adjustments if needed. This flexibility helps companies target their audiences more effectively and boost sales, IAMAI said. The new rules, it added, would hinder this process, making online ads less effective and hurting revenue. Small and mid-sized companies will be hit the hardest as they rely heavily on online advertising and may not have the resources to comply with the new rules, it said. "The primary issue is with digital ads as their frequency is far [higher] than TV, print or radio ads. For instance, if a company puts up 20 digital ads a day, it will need significant resources to comply with the self-declaration rule. The [benefits] of digital ads speed and quick calibration will be hampered. There is also the issue of what constitutes an advertisement and what does not. Many social media posts, for instance, may not necessarily be ads," Dhruv Garg, a tech policy and legal consultant based in Delhi told Mint. Enforce existing laws, says IAMAI The industry body added that existing laws such as the Information Technology Act and the Consumer Protection Rules already have robust mechanisms to deal with misleading online ads. Stronger enforcement of these laws would better protect consumers than the new rules, it added. IAMAIs petition highlighted the significant role online advertising has played in creating economic opportunities, especially during the pandemic, when many businesses were forced to shift online. It also cited a study by GroupM, which estimated that digital ads would account for 57% of total ad revenue in India in 2024. Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das, in a speech at the second global conference on financial resilience organised by the College of Supervisors in Mumbai on Thursday, highlighted the importance of maintaining constant vigilance in the banking sector. Speaking at the event, Governor Das brought attention to past instances of significant banking failures worldwide. He addressed the crisis in the United States following the collapse of First Republic and Silicon Valley Bank in 2023. The central bank governor also referenced the downfall of the Swiss giant Credit Suisse, which UBS, another major Swiss bank, subsequently acquired. Also Read | Reserve Bank of India wins risk manager of the year award 2024 Expressing concerns about global 'supervisors' lagging behind economic cycles, the central bank governor emphasised the critical need for enhanced supervision, particularly in detecting the early signs of crises and deploying effective mechanisms to prevent them. He said that timely measures on unsecured loans have slowed down their growth. We thought it is better to act in advance and slow down the credit growth in these segments," Das was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. Regarding supervision, the RBI governor stressed the need to anticipate the development of a crisis and take timely action. It is our endeavour to smell a crisis. Supervision has become a very complex task," he added. Also Read | RBI completes special audit of IIFL Finance to address regulatory concerns The RBI governor also added that the Indian financial system is now in a significantly stronger position than it was during the Covid-19 pandemic. New Delhi: Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, received a notice on Wednesday from Indias Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND), which fined it $2.25 million ( 18.8 crore) for operating without complying with domestic anti-money-laundering regulations before December 2023. This means the exchange has now been cleared to operate in India, provided it pays the fine and complies with regulations. In its notice, FIU-IND said it imposed the fine due to Binances ongoing provision of services to Indian clients and operations within India, without adhering to its statutory obligations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The company was issued a notice under Section 13 of the PMLA on 28 December 2023. The notice, a copy of which Mint has seen, added, Specific directions have been issued to Binance to ensure diligent compliance with the obligations outlined in Chapter IV of PMLA. Entities that represented Binance before FIU-IND included its facilities in the Seychelles, Cayman Islands and Switzerland. On 10 May, Mint reported that Binance and fellow cryptocurrency exchange Kucoin were set to be cleared to operate in India after being suspended by FIU-IND in December. Vivek Aggarwal, director of FIU-IND, told Mint last month that the exchange was under scrutiny and had made representations to the unit, which is affiliated with the finance ministry. An email sent to Binance did not elicit an immediate response. No stranger to controversy Binance, which has no designated global headquarters, has courted controversy worldwide. In November 2023, its founder and erstwhile chief executive Changpeng Zhao pled guilty to money laundering charges by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. He subsequently stepped down as chief executive and agreed to a $4.3-billion settlement. In November 2019, Binance had announced the acquisition of Indian crypto exchange WazirX. Zhao said at the time, "The acquisition of WazirX shows our commitment and dedication to the Indian people and strengthen the blockchain ecosystem in India. But in August 2022, Zhao claimed his firm had never finalised a deal to acquire WazirX, days after the homegrown platform was accused of evading oversight by local agencies. More trouble for Indian crypto? Binances potential return to the Indian market could mean more trouble for homegrown exchanges. Indias cryptocurrency industry has been in the doldrums since 2022, when the union government introduced a 30% tax on crypto earnings and a 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on every crypto trade. Since then daily average trades on Indias largest exchanges, WazirX and CoinDCX, have cratered by up to 90%. A senior executive at one of Indias top crypto firms, who did not wish to be named, said, Given that Binance holds the worlds largest liquid reserves of crypto tokens and the largest variety of token listings, many traders are likely to resume trading on the platform or move to it. This is likely to hurt homegrown exchanges growth this year. Other stakeholders said that if Binance complies with the rules, Indias crypto market will benefit from a major player's return. Indian air carriers and airports are fast adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools to identify passenger profiles better and improve service standards at various points of engagement, industry stakeholders said. There is a lot of buzz in the industry on the use of artificial intelligence, especially about how one can generate value for customers. Air India, and all our customers are looking at ways to collaborate on it. Recently, IndiGo developed its own bot (an automatic interactive software)," Subramanian Ganeshan, senior vice president, engineering, Amadeus, told Mint. Madrid-based Amadeus is a technology firm that provides software solutions for the global travel and tourism industry. Currently, the company is engaged in more than 250 artificial intelligence-based experiments and expects a more prominent presence of artificial intelligence-based systems across the travel ecosystem over the next 1-2 years. AI in customer support We expect more of artificial intelligence usage in areas around servicing, customer support, digital virtual assistant, and Indian airlines are also assessing ways which will help them to push the most relevant information to travellers during their journeys," Ganeshan said. The company recently launched a product for corporate clients, which will use generative artificial intelligence to push travel solutions to the entire corporate group meant to travel for a work event. Generative artificial intelligence refers to the capability of artificial intelligence-enabled machines to use existing text, audio files, or images to create new content. We are getting interest from our airline customers about this," he added. Ganeshan said that while newer airports are digital and cloud-first, older airports are also leaving no stone unturned to move to a better technology-led ecosystem. Delhi airport introducing airport operations system Delhi international airport, the country's largest and busiest with annual traffic of 73.7 million passengers, is introducing airport operations system which is a predictive tool and monitors data real time. The airport is also assessing installation of artificial intelligence-guided automatic people-mover for transportation of passengers between terminals. We are in the process of putting up an AI engine which will take data from the past and will predict what the plan of the day is. Depending on the turn-up and profile of passengers, we can make an early plan and that can be shared with all people who are in the passenger processing service, whether it is airlines, immigration, security, customs etc," Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, chief executive officer, Delhi International Airport Ltd, said. The airport has also started using newer technologies to study the profile of passengers, especially at the immigration area, in order to reduce wait time for international passengers arriving with electronic visas. Jaipuriar reiterated that while the advent of newer technologies has expedited decision-making for customer-facing departments, the airport has always undertaken passenger profiling as this data has helped the airport to plan services better for the customers at the terminal. "Based on passenger profiling, we have found interesting patterns and we always upgrade depending on the findings. Currently, close to 25-30% of people going abroad from Delhi are OCIs (overseas citizens of India). They look for souvenirs, Indian sweets and snacks. They also want familiarity with brands that they see abroad in foods and beverages, and they want some newly grown premium brands to experience," he said. With more growth driven by hub ambition, we expect fine-dining to go up, and we are looking to add those opportunities," he added. And this | Airlines ready to trust Boeing again, but want quality and safety in place As India pushes plans to modernize the railway infrastructure, increase capacity with new trains and tracks, with a faster roll out and constant upgrades of systems, Kavach can ensure safer train journeys. Thats because India is still beset with rail crashes, Mint explains: What is the tech behind Kavach? Most safety systems used globally rely on radars or RFID (radio frequency identification) tags. The Kavach system, launched in 2020, works on an elaborate communication protocol that combines radio and GPS signals between trains, tracks and sends alerts to prevent collisions. On rail lines fitted with Kavach, the system can automatically apply the brakeseven if the driver doesntif it detects a threat to the safety of the train. These are 4G/5G compatible systems. In Europe anti-collision systems have been in use since the 1960s. In Japan trains are fitted with seismic sensors to stop them in an earthquake. What is the status of the Kavach system? Automatic train protection system (ATP) Kavach was indigenously-developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RSCO) and three Indian firms. Kavachs goal is to secure Indias over 68,000 km-long railway network. However, only 1,500 km have been equipped with the Kavach system since it was first rolled out. Indian Railways plan to install Kavach over 6,000 km by 2025, covering key routes including Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah. Kavach deployment is expected to increase to 5,000 km per year in FY26, up from 1,500 km annually right now. Are anti-collision systems 100% safe? There is the probability of a single error in 10,000 years," railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at Kavachs launch. Hurdles up to 10 km ahead can be detected by sensors on tracks. These send signals to trains to reduce speed, after which the train driver (or automatic systems) can bring the train to a halt. Like any other tech, it will need constant upgrades. Why is it taking so long to deploy Kavach? So far, less than 5% of the railway network is covered with Kavach. The cost of installing trackside, including station equipment of Kavach, is approximately 50 lakh per km and the cost of installing Kavach on a train is 70 lakh each. The budget allocation for Kavach in FY24 was 710 crore and in the FY25 interim budget, it was 560 crore. Around 6,000 km has been tendered out and railways is likely to fast track tendering. Higher outlays for Kavach and involving more private players will help speed up the roll-out. Future is faster; will it also be safer? The National Rail Plan 2030 aims to identify new dedicated freight and high-speed rail corridors and increase the average speed of trains. Recent accidents, such as the 2023 Balasore crash that claimed over 300 lives and the 17 June accident in which 10 died have prompted the government to accelerate deployment of Kavach. In Europe, according to Eurostat, there were 1,615 railway accidents in 2022, killing around 800. In India covering the entire network and all trains with Kavach will ensure far fewer accidents. Bengaluru: When online furniture retailer Pepperfry tested the rental market back in September 2017, it was a late mover. Several furniture rental startups had already set up shop, but Pepperfry believed that the market could be a new growth driver. After all, the sharing economyfrom mobility to student livingwas quickly becoming mainstream. Indias young, online savvy migrant population could spend upwards of $1 billion a year on rented furniture and related items, it had estimated. They are at a stage where they value experiences more than ownership of physical assets," Kashyap Vadapalli, the former chief marketing officer of Pepperfry had said at that time. Even though the company saw great interest that yearPepperfry, at one point, reported traffic of close to 5 million visits a month, 10x-20x of the existing players monthly traffic"the prospect of a billion-dollar goldmine did not play out. It eventually realized that the market was too narrow and wound down the segment in February 2019. We did not see any great excitement about the kind of products that we wanted to sell. This is largely because the moment you want to settle down, rental does not play a role," Hussaine Kesury, Pepperfrys current chief business officer, told Mint. The growing popularity of equated monthly instalments (EMIs), or the fixed sum that a borrower must pay every month towards a loan, has further dented the prospects of rental companies. Today, we have affordable EMIs to buy furniture across all price points," he said. Today, we have affordable EMIs to buy furniture across all price points. Hussaine Kesury Nonetheless, India still has startups with rental as their core business model. According to Tracxn, there are 157 companies in the segment across the world. Prominent names in India include Rentomojo, Furlenco, Cityfurnish and Rentickle. How are they doing? Turns out, they have been grappling with the complexity of the market. And yes, like Pepperfry, they also had overestimated the market. Not just these companies, but even market researchers were rather optimistic at one point. In a report, Indias furniture rental industry on the upswing, published in 2021, consulting firm Grant Thornton stated that the estimated size of the Indian furniture rental industry in 2020 was around $4.1 billion. The firm saw the market growing to $13 billion by 2025. Nonetheless, Grant Thornton had a wider definition of the Indian furniture rental market. Its estimate included all revenue received annually through the renting of furniture in homes, offices and hotels as well as electrical appliances. And apart from the organized players, there is a huge unorganized market in every nook and corner of India. While furniture rental companies are growing, they have remained small. Take the case of Wakefit Innovations, which started in 2016 as a mattress company. It diversified into selling furniture later and generated revenue of 813 crore in 2022-23. The furniture seller nearly doubled its revenue in two years. Rentomojo, in comparison, was founded two years earlierin 2014. It only generated revenue of 121 crore in 2022-23. Pepperfry was founded in 2011. In 2022-23, the company generated revenue of 272 crore. Furlenco, which started around the same time, in 2012, reported revenue of 155.7 crore in 2022-23. Sheela Foam signed an agreement to acquire a 35% stake in the company for 300 crore in July last year. What exactly are the prospects of furniture rental companies, going ahead? And can they ever become big enough to disrupt the furniture market? Before we try and answer these questions, lets look at what has constrained the sectors growth. The Long Wait Diptarka Roy lives with his son and wife in a 3BHK apartment in Bengaluru. He had been using rented furniture from Furlenco. About three years back, he wanted to return them, as he decided to switch loyalties to Rentomojo. But, he had to wait for six long months for the old furniture to be picked up by Furlenco. View Full Image A file photo of Geetansh Bamania, CEO and co-founder of RentoMojo. The company kept delaying the furniture pick-up and even charged me for it. Every month, I also raised complaints but never got any response," Roy said. Eventually, I stopped paying the rent. Next, I started receiving calls for missing bills. It really was a nightmare," he added. Because of the delay, it also added to the clutter in the house, and it was really a messy situation," Roy further said. Furlenco acknowledges the problems it is grappling with when it comes to customer experiences. Another customer, who did not want to be identified, said he was able to rectify the installation as well as the pick-up situation only after he made a public appeal (he posted his ordeal on LinkedIn) to Rentomojos co-founder Geetansh Bamania. The difficulty in returning the furniture, therefore, has led to customer dissatisfaction. This, in turn, could have impacted growth. When we checked with Bamania on customer complaints, he said that every year, Rentomojo focuses 50% of its bandwidth" on improving the experience. Its a fiduciary responsibility to reach out to the consumer and we really do our best to solve (faulty cases). There have been countless examples when we are not able to do that...but every day, the rigour is to do better next time," he said. Wobbly Tables People Mint spoke to also complained about the quality of furniture that is rented out. Companies often promise furniture that is as good as new but what arrives is a different story, they said. Beds that have scratches, tables that are wobbly, and chairs with uncomfortable cushions. About nine months ago, Nishant Badwal, who identifies himself as a data scientist, posted on LinkedIn: I was delivered a sofa that was broken. Had sent multiple mails and photos to the call centre team (of Furlenco). No action was taken." They always promise a good product but end up giving substandard stuff that does not work very well. I raised a complaint with the folks to get it checked and it was an endless process of constant delays," Sean Andrade, who is in his 30s and teaches for a living in Mumbai, said. These rental services really need to improve the quality and update the products they have. Most of it looks very tattered and old," he added. Andrade has used both Rentomojo and Furlenco. He was also charged despite discontinuing the service. The logistics of rental business is different, and it has not been a smooth process yet," Ajith Karimpana, Furlencos founder, said. But the company gets it right 90% of the time, he clarified. The other 10% is what we need to fix and in a year from now, all of these issuesat least from Furlencos sideare going to get fixed. We are working very hard towards it," he further said. Up and Down One reason why rental companies havent been able to invest more in improving customer experience is because the market demand has been hard to predictgrowth has come in fits and starts. The pandemic gave a boost to the rental business, with work-from-home becoming the norm. Office goers scrambled to rent work desks and chairs at home. In fact, all rental companies struggled to meet the unexpected surge in demand. After covid-19, employees were either working from home or were given the option of a hybrid work plan through rotating shifts and roster-based attendance. An increased demand came from employees looking at setting up a well-furnished workspace at home and also upgrading their current homes," Grant Thornton wrote in its 2021 report cited earlier. That demand fizzled out with back-to-office becoming the norm when things opened up after the lockdowns. In 2021-22, Furlencos losses widened to 151 crores from 87.5 crores a year earlier. These losses came on the back of the post-pandemic surge in revenuethe companys income from operations grew to 129 crore from 84 crore the year before. To cater to the demand, the company took on debt. This led to a debt spiral when the funding winter struck. However, Furlenco raised funds from Sheela Foam in July 2023 and since then, it has been able to significantly reduce its losses, Karimpana said. Sheela Foam manufactures polyurethane foam and is better known for being the makers of Sleepwell mattresses. Amit Kumar Gupta, the chief financial officer of Sheela Foam has said that its investment in Furlenco has helped the company pay off its debt and even grow. The company has moved to its next level of growth and has added to its subscriber base by more than 50%," he said in a post-earnings call with analysts in May. Bikes and Air Fryers Lets circle back to the important questiondo furniture rental companies have a future in India? Just renting out furniture will keep them small, companies have realized. They are diversifying beyond beds, tables, chairs and bookshelves and into white goods. A great chunk of people still think that buying and taking on EMI is the only way to have/own an asset. Geetansh Bamania Rentomojo, for instance, expanded to renting out electronics and appliances, fitness gears and even e-scooters and motorbikes. In 2022-23, the company turned profitable on the back of a 22% increase in revenue from operations ( 121 crore). However, this surge comes after consecutive years of muted growth and losses. Founder Geetansh Bamania has alluded the losses to the lack of awareness about the market. Not many people understand that this kind of service exists. A great chunk of people still think that buying and taking on EMI is the only way to have/own an asset," he said. Furlenco also rents out treadmills, laptops, television sets, water purifiers and even microwave ovens. Similarly, Cityfurnish stocks appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, air fryers and induction cooktops among other appliances. Key to Growth Furlenco, meanwhile, is encouraging customers to buy the furniture after having rented it for some time. One reason is that the furniture rental business is heavy on logistics. If not executed well, the experience can be nightmare-ish for customers, as some of the examples cited above show. Companies are therefore concentrating on streamlining their logistics play, going ahead. This could well be the secret to future growth, market watchers said. Furlencos Karimpana said his customers return about 500 sofas every day across India. They need to be stored, cleaned and refurbished before it is fit to be rented again. To handle and maintain such vast amounts of inventory, the company has what we call a sofa microwave, a baking oven-like structure," he said. Thats a large house where 100 sofas can be accommodated for cleaning, washing and drying. Before Neerav Jain started Cityfurnish in 2016, he ran another startup that offered custom-made furniture for buyers. However, the company had to shut down as it was reliant on third party logistics companies. At that time, the startup saw nearly 38% returns from consumers, making the business unviable. The furniture rental business is heavy on logistics. If not executed well, the experience can be nightmare-ish for customers. When he started the furniture rental company, Jain decided to sort out the logistics piece first. The company today runs in-house facilities but setting up such operations in multiple cities has proved difficult and slow. Today, it has seven fulfilment centres in key cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Bengaluru, its largest market, contributing nearly 38% of its business. The company generated revenue of 25 crore and a profit of 18 lakh in 2022-23. Last year was its bestJain says the company clocked 40 crore in revenue. On the positive side, the focus on controlling the logistics operations has meant less returnsCityfurnish says less than 1% of the furniture it rents out is returned in a month. In addition, to control the entire value chain, the company also runs a manufacturing centre in Jodhpur. If you cant control the customers experience across all pillars, then you cannot deliver a good experience. Chaitanya Ramalingegowda Most other rental companies, in contrast, have relied on third party logistics companies. But, they, too, appear to be pivoting more and more to in-house facilities. They have all realized that customer experience is the key to growth. If you cant control the customers experience across all pillars, then you cannot deliver a good experience. If you dont do this, you cannot be unit economics positive," Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, Wakefits co-founder, said. For the furniture rental startups, it is a work in progress. New Delhi: The consumer affairs ministry has released draft guidelines that would make it illegal for companies to make unsolicited calls or send unwanted text messages to promote their services, or hire agents to do so on their behalf from unregistered numbers. The guidelines aim to tackle spam calls and texts from businesses especially banks, non-bank lenders, insurance firms and property dealers which have become a menace in recent years. Under the draft guidelines, all unsolicited business communication will be subject to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and violations will attract hefty penalties. The ministry has invited public comments on the proposed rules until 21 July. Mint first reported that the government planned to introduce guidelines to tackle spam calls and messages on 4 March. Unregistered marketers remain a menace The proposed rules also bar communications that violate the Telecom Regulations Authority of Indias (TRAIs) rules on sending commercial messages based on customer preferences. While TRAIs 2018 rules have been effective for registered telemarketers, communications from unregistered marketers using private 10-digit numbers continue unabated, the ministry said in a statement. Telecom operators would have to clearly show the identity of the calling entity and the purpose of the call," it added. Also read: Pesky callers have had a free run for too long that may be about to end The draft guidelines prepared after consultations with stakeholders, including telecom firms and regulators define "business communication" as any communication related to goods or services, such as promotional and service messages, but exclude personal communication. They classify any business communication as unsolicited if it does not have the recipient's consent or comply with their registered preferences. "If a bank customer (for instance) receives repeated calls for pre-approved loans from various phone numbers claiming to be from the bank, and these calls are made by the banks agents, both the agent and the bank will be held liable for making the calls, the draft rules state. Using unregistered numbers or SMS headers, failing to obtain digital consent, contacting customers who have chosen not to receive such calls and texts, and not giving customers a choice to opt out are among the conditions that would make a communication unsolicited. Also read: Unwanted promotional calls to attract hefty fines Nidhi Khare, secretary, consumer affairs ministry, said, The draft guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Unsolicited and Unwarranted Business Communication, 2024 will apply to all individuals and entities that make or engage others for such communications or benefit from them. Following significant investor interest during the three days of bidding, investors can now check their allotment status for the GP Eco Solutions India IPO. The status can be verified through the IPO registrar, Bigshare Services' website. The 30.79 crore SME IPO of GP Eco Solutions India, which was available for subscription from June 14-19 with a price band of 90-94, saw overwhelming demand, being subscribed 856.21 times. Investors bid for 176.82 crore shares compared to the 20.65 lakh shares on offer. The Non-Institutional Investor (NII) portion was the most sought after, with bids 1,924.87 times the available shares, followed by the retail investor quota at 793.20 times, and the Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) portion at 236.64 times. Here's how you can check the allotment status: Bigshare Services website (IPO registrar): - Visit the Bigshare Services website. - Navigate to the IPO allotment status page. - Select GP Eco Solutions India from the dropdown list of IPOs. - Enter your application number, PAN, or DP Client ID. - Submit the details to check your allotment status. By following either of these methods, investors can quickly determine their allotment status and proceed accordingly with their investments. The shares will be credited to the allottees' Demat accounts on June 21. Investors who were not allotted shares will also have their refunds initiated on the same day. The shares will be listed on NSE SME on June 24, 2024. IPO details The issue is entirely a fresh issue with no offer for sale component. The minimum lot size for an application is 1,200 shares and the minimum amount of investment required by retail investors is 1,12,800. The company intends to use the net fresh issue proceeds for the following purposes: meeting the company's working capital requirements; investing in its subsidiary, Invergy India Private Limited ("IIPL") in relation to the purchase of plant and machinery and other miscellaneous assets, as well as construction / civil works for its facility; and general corporate expenses. Corporate Capital Ventures Pvt Ltd is the book running lead manager of the IPO, while Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar for the issue. The market maker is Ss Corporate Securities. According to the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP), GP Eco Solutions India distributes a wide range of solar inverters and panels. It is an authorised distributor of Sungrow India Pvt Ltd for solar inverters in North India, and of Saatvik Green Energy Private Limited and LONGi Solar Technology Co. Ltd for solar panels in the same region. The company also markets products under its own brand, "Invergy". The majority of GP Eco's revenues come from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Haryana, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. GP Eco's listed peer, Sungarner Energies Ltd, has a P/E ratio of 59.14. Also Read | Akme Fintrade IPO: 10 key risks investors should know before subscribing GP Eco Solutions IPO GMP today The GMP or grey market premium for the stock was 180, which indicated that the issue is likely to list at 274, a 191.49 percent premium to issue price of 94. In a recent note, global brokerage house Bernstein highlighted that the Indian banking sector remains robust with strong credit growth, benign asset quality, and healthy margins, continuing to foster impressive compounding stories. While large private sector banks are seen as clean compounding stories due to their continuous deposit market share gains and emerging scale benefits, niche lenders, typically operating as Non-Bank Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), also present equally compelling compounding stories, it noted. Expanding coverage of the India financials sector, the brokerage has initiated coverage on three stocks - Bajaj Finance (BAF) with a Market-Perform rating; IndusInd Bank (IIB), and Muthoot Finance with Outperform ratings. Also Read | After a brief break in March, the broader stock market is buzzing again As per the brokerage, large segments with healthy credit demand that is not met by traditional banking products and niche lenders with innovative credit products and business models tailored for these segments have proven to be a perfect match. This combination has driven the NBFCs strong growth (10-year loan CAGR of 14 percent vs. banks <10 percent) to a size that is 75 percent of the private sector banks while delivering stellar shareholder returns along the way, it observed. Bernstein is bullish on the niche lenders that are going deeper into the mass market segments through well-established and differentiated operating models. While the regulatory arbitrage between NBFCs and Banks is declining, NBFCs that focus on catering to niche segments, especially the mass market segments, still have a long growth runway thanks to the still low debt penetration in India, mentioned the brokerage. Moreover, it also said that niche lenders also offer an effective way to play the trends in the sector. A shift from the consumption to investment cycle in the economy, a slowdown in the consumption credit growth even as select mass market-focused segments remain attractive, the start of a rate easing cycle (that favors NBFCs vs the banks) and the increased regulatory scrutiny within the sector, believes Bernstein. It expects the increased intensity of regulatory scrutiny to continue, but sees the well-established and smaller franchises that drive true financial inclusion to be better positioned in this environment. In sum, it prefers NBFCs that cater to an attractive segment/sub-segment through a well-established operating model that is distinct from the traditional banking model. Stocks Bajaj Finance (Market-Perform TP: 6,800): As per the brokerage, BAF has been a true superstar in the Indian lending landscape with flawless execution but much of that is priced into its rich valuations. The ardor for BAF arises from the company's stellar earnings trajectory (35 percent EPS CAGR over the decade) thanks to its focus on an attractive, underserved niche within the consumer lending segment. It has shown tremendous execution discipline delivering over 30 percent loan book growth over the last decade without any damage to its pristine asset quality track record. The management aims to maintain the current level of profitability (ROA of 4.6%-4.8%) while managing a growth of 25-27 percent in the medium term. The brokerage believes this would be challenging even considering BAF's execution superpower. While BAF sees a still healthy growth ahead, Bernstein sees room for consensus earnings cuts given several headwinds. in. A weaker growth or lower profitability will lead to an adjustment in valuation multiples that currently imply a high probability of the lender returning to its over 30 percent EPS growth days (30x PE vs. past decade's average of 35x). In sum, the company's business model and execution will remain as strong as ever, but it might just not be enough to meet the very high expectations, it said. Bernstein expects an earnings CAGR of 21 percent (FY 24-26) and values BAF on PE (24x FY25E EPS). IndusInd Bank (Outperform, TP: 1,800): Bernstein sees IndusInd as a quasi-NBFC given its NBFC-like loan book composition and a weak deposit franchise. The bank is well positioned for a potential rate easing cycle and has high exposure to attractive segments (Commercial vehicles, Microfinance). "When viewed as a niche lender (quasi-NBFC) that has significant exposure to vehicles segment (25 percent of its loan book) and microfinance (>10 percent of loans and 20 percent of its profits), it does look attractive vs. many NBFCs. The CV/CE segment, despite a near-term slowdown, would see a big benefit from the investment cycle picking up while the microfinance segment would gain from the benefits of economic growth trickling down the income pyramid and from the policy focus leaning more toward the 'Bharat' segment (i.e. beyond the urban affluent)," rationale Bernstein. The brokerage further pointed out that compared to its banking peers, it stands to benefit the most from an eventual rate cut given its higher share of fixed-rate loans on the assets side as well as a higher share of borrowings/wholesale deposits on its liability side. It expects lower risk from its corporate segment given its gradual shift towards higher-rated corporates and the current benign phase in corporate asset quality. Between FY24-26E, Bernstein estimates IIBs ROE to be 15-16 percent and a loan growth of 18 percent and values it on PBx (1.9x FY25E BVPS). Muthoot Finance (Outperform, TP: 2,000): Bernstein sees a long and shiny road ahead for gold loans, a unique segment in India arising from Indian households insatiable love for gold and its use as collateral for borrowing, and Muthoot is the best play in the segment. "Muthoot is a pure-play gold loan lender with gold loans forming >80 percent of its loan book and has the best operating metrics vs peers in the segment. It has delivered very healthy returns over the last decade as it maintains its focus on one product that has very attractive returns and a healthy (even if cyclical) growth trajectory," it said. Over the next few years, Bernstein expects the gold loan segment to benefit from healthy gold prices and a slowdown in alternate borrowing sources such as digital unsecured loans. Within the gold loan segment, it sees the growth for public sector banks moderating given the review of their operating practices while one of the larger NBFCs (IIFL) is likely to see muted growth given recent regulatory action. The healthy growth would mean that the current cyclically high valuation multiple will sustain for longer than what the consensus expects and hence our higher Target Price vs. consensus, it added. Bernstein also expects a 19 percent earnings CAGR (FY24-26E) and values it on PE (15x FY25E EPS). European equities posted modest gains as investors awaited monetary policy decisions in the region including, from the Bank of England, and the results of a bond auction in France. The Stoxx 600 Index was 0.3% higher by 8:08 a.m. in London, with the technology, insurance and real estate sectors leading the gains. Evotec SE rallied 11% following a report that the German drug developer is speaking to defense advisers after a decline in its share price prompted fears about the companys vulnerability to a takeover. Sentiment remains fragile after the calling of a snap French election on June 9 unleashed turmoil through markets. The rally in the main regional index has stalled this month and it is now about 7.6% higher since the start of the year. In the face of recent events, investors are switching exposure more toward laggard stocks and defensive plays. The BOE will announce its decision at 12 p.m. with investors and analysts expecting the central bank to leave the benchmark rate unchanged at a 16-year high of 5.25%. Before the UK, the Swiss National Bank and Norges Bank will unveil their latest rate decisions. In France, the Treasury aims to raise up to 10.5 billion through auctions of three- to eight-year bonds in the first sale since President Emmanuel Macron called a snap vote. Market trading may be quieter than usual as traders ready for a quarterly event on Friday where index futures, equity index options and stocks options all expire in a process known as triple witching. Low volumes accompany the days before Fridays expiry, said Guillermo Hernandez Sampere, head of trading at asset manager MPPM. The markets can calm down somewhat from the recent uncertainties, but global and monetary policy issues will determine the period ahead. SECTORS IN FOCUS: For more on equity markets: You want more news on this market? Click here for a curated First Word channel of actionable news from Bloomberg and select sources. It can be customized to your preferences by clicking into Actions on the toolbar or hitting the HELP key for assistance. To subscribe to a daily list of European analyst rating changes, click here. With assistance from Michael Msika. Agri-related companies, including fertiliser stocks, witnessed a sharp uptick in share value in Thursday's intraday trade, driven by market optimism over the MSP hike. Shares of FACT (The Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore) were locked in the 20% upper circuit limit at 1,093 apiece, resulting in a gain of nearly 71% in just 11 sessions. Investors anticipate that the rise in MSP will enhance farmers' purchasing power, thereby stimulating their investment in agricultural inputs like fertilisers. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday announced the minimum support price (MSP) for 14 Kharif-season crops, including paddy, ragi, bajra, jowar, maize, and cotton. The MSP hike, projected to have a financial implication of two lakh crore for the government and expected to result in an estimated gain of 35,000 crore for farmers compared to the previous season, is aimed at significantly boosting farmers' incomes and improving their economic conditions. The increase in MSP ranges between 1.4% and 12.5%, with paddy, the most widely cultivated crop, seeing a notable 5.35% rise in its MSP. The highest absolute increases have been recommended for oilseeds and pulses. The MSP hike announcement has also boosted stocks in other sectors such as FMCG, consumer durables, and auto, with the Nifty FMCG, Nifty Auto, and Nifty Consumer Durables indices currently trading with gains of up to 0.50%. Notably, today's gain in fertiliser stocks marked the second consecutive increase, following a strong performance in the previous trading session amid reports of potential GST relief. Reports suggest that the GST Council, in its meeting scheduled for June 22, may offer some respite to fertiliser companies from retrospective tax demands. Preparing for a big rally Analysts have also turned optimistic on fertiliser stocks, stating that the sector is showing early signs of leadership within the high-beta sector after experiencing a mixed performance in recent years. The fertiliser sector is preparing for a big rally as there is bullish structural confirmation in the long-term charts of select fertiliser stocks that are catching strong attention, said domestic brokerage firm Nuvama Institutional Equities. The basket of fertiliser stocks has formed higher tops and bottoms on the medium-term charts, indicating a probable trend change and resumption of the uptrend. The overall outlook appears positive, suggesting a major uptrend will unfold in the coming years, with a new sector likely to emerge from the PSE space, as highlighted by the brokerage. Nuvama has identified three fertiliser stocksChambal Fertilisers & Chemicals, National Fertilizers, and Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF)and has issued 'buy' recommendations for each. It has a first target price of 580 and a second target price of 765 on Chambal Fertilisers. Similarly, it has set a target for National Fertilizers shares, with a first target of 185 and a second target of 255 per share. Additionally, RCF shares have a first target price of 275 and a second target price of 370. India is witnessing a significant transformation under the Modi 3.0 administration , with a pronounced emphasis on boosting economic growth across various sectors. The government's proactive policies and initiatives are creating a ripple effect, positively impacting industries from infrastructure to technology. Among the most notable sectors experiencing robust growth is defence, spurred by announcements aimed at fortifying India's military capabilities. A pivotal moment came when defence minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a target to generate military exports worth 500 billion annually. The ministry is actively focused on enhancing the country's defence infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. This announcement has set the stage for substantial growth within the defence sector, promising lucrative opportunities for companies involved in this space. One such company poised to benefit immensely from these developments is CFF Fluid Control. This defence stock has already shown remarkable performance, tripling its value over the past year. With the governments continued focus on self-reliance and modernization of the armed forces, the company stands to gain more, potentially driving further substantial gains for investors. CFF Fluid Control: From Ship designing to ship construction CFF Fluid Control emerged as a key player in providing cutting-edge technology and engineering solutions for the Indian defence industry. Established specifically for this purpose, the company quickly made its mark. Upon its inception, it entered into a technology transfer agreement with Coyard SAS France. This collaboration facilitated the introduction of advanced fluid control and mechanical equipment for the Indian Navy's submarine programme. Building on this initial success, it established a framework agreement with the submarine collaborator, designer, and various international partners. This framework allows the company to offer a wide range of technological solutions from mechanical and electronic systems to power and communication all manufactured locally under the Make in India initiative. It plays a vital role throughout the entire lifecycle of a defence platform, from in-house design and manufacturing to overhauling, repairing, and providing lifecycle support. It wouldnt be far-fetched to say that CFF Fluid Control is at the forefront of the Make in India movement. It was the first to indigenize equipment for Indian submarines and has gone on to design and construct equipment for the country's stealthiest ships. Key strengths of CFF Fluid Control Equipped with the latest software and a deep understanding of stringent defence technical standards. Extensive facilities for precision manufacturing and fabrication of mission-critical equipment, ranging from stealth and propulsion systems to highly precise finished components. Expertise in working with exotic materials like titanium, Inconel, and new-age composites. Comprehensive testing facility for pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems, with all calibrations and certifications handled by external agencies. Highly trained and experienced personnel coupled with documented procedures ensure consistent quality and on-time delivery. The companys capabilities extend beyond defence. It also plays a role in the energy sector, ensuring combat readiness for ships and submarines, facilitating the storage and transport of spent fuel, and optimizing clean energy solutions. Consistent order inflow The surging demand in the defence sector has translated into a significant increase in orders for CFF Fluid Control. This positive trend, coupled with the company's impressive track record, has positioned it as a prime contractor for various defence projects. In 2024, it secured numerous contracts with substantial order values. In February, it was awarded a contract for the procurement of spare parts for Project P75, valued at approximately 48.1 million. In the same month, it secured an additional contract for routine and repair contracts (RRC) of hull valves and doublers on-board P-75 class submarines worth 41.4 million. March brought another major win, with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders awarding the company a biennial rate contract for engineering work on Project MRLC-2 INS Shankush, valued at 464.6 million. Its momentum continued in March with an RRC for the hiring of services and engineering expertise for design integration/design review (DI/DR) of the MCA 62.5 system installed on submarines, valued at 34.7 million. The most recent order came in May 2024, securing a repair rate agreement for structural renewal on-board ships, valued at 55.8 million. This string of successful bids demonstrates the company's strong position in the Indian defence sector and its ability to capitalize on the growing market demands. A look at CFF Fluid Controls financials Rising order inflow boosted the companys revenues. In FY24, the companys total sales stood at 1,068.6 million, up 51.1% compared to 706.7 million reported in FY23. During the period under review, its net profit increased 68.5% to 170.9 million. In FY24, the company also declared a dividend of 0.5 per share for a share with a face value of 10. View Full Image (EM) What next? The Indian defence sector is experiencing a significant boom, driven by several key factors. India is actively modernizing its armed forces to address evolving security threats and maintain regional influence. This translates into increased investment in advanced weaponry, equipment, and infrastructure. India is consistently ranked among the top military spenders globally. This increased spending translates into a larger pool of resources for defence procurement contracts. The government's Make in India initiative prioritizes domestic production of defence equipment. CFF Fluid Control is well-positioned to benefit from this booming defence sector due to several strengths. Its established reputation for providing high-quality fluid control and mechanical equipment for critical defence applications makes the company a trusted partner for various contracts. By leveraging its strengths, aligning with government policies, and adopting strategic growth initiatives, CFF Fluid Control may become a major player in the booming Indian defense sector. Its contribution can play a vital role in achieving self-reliance in defence equipment production and bolstering India's national security. Stock performance In the past five days, CFF Fluid Control share price has rallied 31.6%. In the last month, it is up 44.3%. In 2024 so far, its share price has surged 70%, and it is up 309.9% in the last year. The stock touched its 52-week high of 755 on 19 June 2024 and a 52-week low of 173 on 30 June 2023. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com Gilead Sciences, a biotech company focused on treatments for cancer and HIV, isnt pitching itself as an obesity drug developer. But that hasnt stopped some Wall Street analysts from trying to do that on its behalf. Seasoned Jefferies analyst Michael Yee published a market-moving note to investors last week: He dug up recent patents and cross-referenced them with prior data to unearth what looked like the makings of an early-stage metabolic program that could one day become an obesity program. There was even data on monkeys to back that up, which the company will be presenting at the American Diabetes Association conference starting later this week, according to Yee. Yees note sent Gilead shares up 3.6% last Friday, their biggest one-day gain in about a year. But over the next two days, the shares gave it all back, largely thanks to Gilead itself. The company told analysts its program is focused on treatments for the liver, part of its broader investment in NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), a metabolic disease that is often caused by obesity. The company also has a midstage study evaluating potential combinations with a GLP-1 drug for the treatment of NASH, according to a spokesperson. Yee noted last week that this doesnt rule out a focus on obesity in a NASH metabolic frame." Either way, Gileads studies are at a very early stage and the obesity space is going to be very competitive as several pharma and biotech companies jump in. I do not see Gilead being competitive in obesity with a small molecule," says Evan Seigerman, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets. I dont even see Gilead saying they want to be in obesity." Putting aside the fact that a sell-side analysts job is to look for investment ideas, the fact that Gilead got caught up in the obesity hype highlights a broader problem for the healthcare finance world: There just isnt anything that comes close to the obesity drug market to drum up investor interest. GLP-1s such as Zepbound and Wegovy have taken the public and Wall Street by storm. Oprah and Elon Musk have tried the drugs, as have many peoples slimmed-down friends and neighbors. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are each galloping toward a $1 trillion market capitalization, an unthinkable feat for a pharma company a few years ago. Besides the artificial-intelligence trade that has lifted tech stocks such as Nvidia, weight loss drugs are probably the next best thing going on in the stock market. As Jared Holz, a healthcare equity strategist at Mizuho pointed out, the popular Health Care Select Sector exchange-traded fund would be flat instead of up this year, if not for the fact that Lilly makes up 13% of its holdings. As a broader therapeutic category, there is nothing remotely close to obesity in terms of market value creation or potential," wrote Holz. The Ozempic-driven fortunes being minted stand in contrast to the rest of the industrys troubles. Companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Merck are all facing intense pressure to their growth prospects as patents expire on blockbuster drugs and as the U.S. government seeks to reduce the price of some medications. Unlike Gilead, plenty of large pharmaceutical companies are making it very clear that they want a piece of the obesity action. Companies including Roche, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Pfizer, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals are all developing drugs of their own. Even Merck told attendees at a Goldman Sachs conference that the company is eyeing oral opportunities in the weight loss field. But for now, the market is assigning most of the value from the obesity trade to Eli Lilly and Novo because of their manufacturing moat and strong pipeline of follow-on drugs. Eventually, it stands to reason that the broader pharmaceutical industry will benefit from the demand for obesity drugs, much like the multibillion-dollar industry for cancer therapies generates revenue for most large companies in the industry. After all, there are more than 100 obesity programs in various stages of development, according to Jefferies analyst Roger Song. Surely some small biotech companies with obesity drugs under development will get snapped up by titans such as Merck or Pfizer and eventually make it to market. But there is a danger in following the obesity hype before there is something substantial to latch on to. Pfizers setback with danuglipron, its much-hyped obesity pill, is a good reminder of that. Besides, it is always a good idea to check what the company is saying about its strategy first. Write to David Wainer at david.wainer@wsj.com A year after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) was established, private sector entities began entering the mutual fund industry. Five years later, in 1993, Kothari Pioneer, now Franklin Templeton, launched the first systematic investment plan (SIP). Today, SIPs are about to become one of the most preferred investment avenues for Indian investors. According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi), the monthly SIP book grew about 2% between 16 April and 24 May. The SIP monthly book rose from 20,371 crore in April 2024 to 20,904 crore in May, marking an all-time high for monthly SIP inflows. While it took over three decades for the SIP monthly book to reach 20,000 crore, the next 30,000 crore could be added in just 4-5 years. Assuming a month-on-month growth rate of around 2%, the milestone of 50,000 crore could be achieved by January 2028, and 1 trillion by December 2030. Also read | Mutual Funds: How SIPs amplify returns through the power of compounding In the past decade, India has witnessed significant rise in financial savings, with retail investors emerging as one of the strongest pillars of Indias growth trajectory. Besides broadening the investor base, they are also providing a strong foundation for the market. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) estimates, the household savings pool has declined drastically, with a corresponding increase in loans and investments, especially in mutual funds. This influx of savings into investments is catalyzed by easy, regular and low-ticket investment avenues such as SIPs. SIP is an investment tool allowing people to invest a nominal amountthis is the USP of SIPs. It allows small investors with relatively low risk appetite to also enter the securities market. The average SIP ticket size has gone down from 2,500 in 2016 to 2,341 in April 2024, suggesting a more democratic participation, thereby allowing an broader investor base to invest in mutual funds using SIP. The lower the SIP ticket, the better its accessibility. Furthermore, since SIPs come with high liquidity, it takes away the fear factor that is usually associated with investments in securities in terms of capital erosion. Also read | SIPs or lump sum? A tough choice for mutual fund investors There is this growing understanding of the compounding effect of SIPs. Adding to this effect, is the expanding financial literacy, owing to which, investors do not get jittery over regular market fluctuations. More and more investors are becoming aware of what exactly risk and uncertainty implies, which is a great trend for the Indian investment landscape. Investing in mutual fund using SIPs also brings in the financial discipline allowing investors to manage their savings, investments and expenses with greater ease. It is interesting to note that, despite the ongoing caution by market experts surrounding expensive stock valuations, number of investors availing SIPs outnumber those discontinuing them. In February, the SIP stoppage ratio fell to a 27 month-low, indicating higher retention. This is primarily because of the strong performance of mutual funds over the past couple of years. The accessibility of direct mutual funds via SIPs through online platforms has extended beyond Tier-30 cities. The direct plans are garnering more investments from smaller towns and cities than the T-30s. In FY24, folios in B-30 increased by 52%. All these trends are indicative of the mega cycle of sustainable expansion of SIPs in India. As market leaders, it is our responsibility to make investments avenues even more easy and accessible to every individual belonging to various economical strata across all tier cities. SIPs are inherently an investment tool that comes with a psychological reassurance as one can start investing with an amount as nominal as 500. In absolute terms, this nominal amount can churn out to become the biggest investment avenue given the demographic strength of the country. Technological advancements, financial literacy and penetration of the same will play a major role in sustenance and further acceleration of this trend. Dhiraj Relli is managing director and chief executive officer, HDFC Securities. Read more | Building a retirement corpus: Strategies for a secure future Kuch to gadbad hai, Daya (Something is certainly amiss, Daya)!" ACP Pradyuman may have drawn inference to the murky world of financial influencers across social media in the reel world if CID was tasked to investigate the labyrinthine world of online stock trading advice, where the rules are blurred and profits beckon. However, in the real world, he is as much a part of the systemic rot, wittingly or unwittingly, as he shares screen space with Captain Cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni in promoting a popular platform offering futures and options subscriptions by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)-registered analysts (RAs). In fact, Instagram and Telegram channels have emerged as the modern-day saloons of the Wild West. Here, under the guise of Sebi-approved analysis, registered and unregistered entities boldly flaunt endorsements from celebrities with promises of overnight riches, all while sidestepping regulatory scrutiny. And this murky landscape, dotted with tales of lavish vacations and promises of eye-popping returns, underscores a pressing question: Who polices the pitfalls of financial advice in the digital age? In cases where unregistered entities use celebrity endorsements to indirectly promote Sebi-registered analysts, the markets regulator will definitely pursue action against the registered entity," warns Srikanth Meenakshi, co-founder of Primeinvestor.in, a Sebi-registered subscription-based research advisory firm. However, while the regulator indeed takes a hands-on approach in ensuring compliance, the digital space is besieged by dubious practices. Take, for instance, the case of Gap up by Rigi" and its Telegram channel, gapup_channel_official". The platforms homepage prominently displays Dhoni announcing a big sale" and discount codes on all Gap Up purchases. The subscription plans by RAs pop up right below the Dhoni ad, along with their images. The Telegram and Insta channels, too, carry promotional posts displaying Dhoni and Shivaji Satam, aka ACP Pradyuman. In case an indirect promotion is happening of a registered entity, or an individual, by an unregistered entity using a celebrity or otherwise, Sebi will go after the registered entity. Registered entities should be careful about it," Meenakshi says. However, Ananya Singhal, co-founder, Gap Up, dismissed the possibility of any wrongdoing, saying brand ambassadors were appointed to generate awareness about the platform and were not in any way engaged in promoting a particular RA. Gap up by Rigi" has 363,000 followers on its Telegram channel. Neither the brand ambassador nor Gap Up uses the services of the brand ambassador to (a) promote services of any specifically identified RA; or (b) provide financial advice or stock tips. The role of the brand ambassador is merely to generate awareness and increase potential customers on Gap Up," says Singhal. View Full Image (Graphic: Mint) Telegram: Regulatory blind spots Surat-based Chanchal Chakrachhatri, co-founder and chief executive of tech platform Finosaurus, analysed over 50 trading-related Telegram channels to help investors track, record and assess their performance. Mint scrutinized these channels, including those operated by registered and unregistered entities. One notable example is the Telegram channel 3MP - Safe Calls Minish Patel - SEBI Regd Research Analyst with 29 years of experience," boasting 893,000 members, the highest in the list shared by Finosaurus. Patels other channel, 3MP - High Risk Fast Calls," holds the 15th spot with 66,000 subscribers. This high risk" channel features videos of its research team vacationing in Switzerland and Europe, with posts claiming future trips to the US, Europe and Russiaa practice potentially breaching Sebi rules. Due to extraordinary performance, whole research team is going to US and Europe with family (76 people including kids). So, no messag for the period 28 May to 10 June," read one of the posts, followed by another: Planning to send full research team (single only) to Russia next month for 6-8 days." Read more: What you need to know about secured credit cards Notably, these posts lack disclaimers. An email seeking clarification from Patel went unanswered till press time. In another case, Kavita Agrawal, an RA, advertises portfolio management services (PMS) prominently on her websites homepage. Clicking through reveals a Google form where she explicitly states that she is not a registered portfolio manager. In fact, Agrawal was guarded in her response to Mints queries: While a PMS licence is required for managing funds on behalf of clients, I currently do not offer that service. Instead, I provide a copy trading service to personal acquaintances. I use the term PMS for ease of understanding for my acquaintances." Curious about copy trading? Well, copy trading involves replicating the same stock trades held in an RAs personal account," explained Abhishek Mishra, a practicing company secretary. For Agrawal, this service involves accessing clients brokerage account logins, highlighting potential risks and regulatory considerations. In fact, on 30 April, Sebi had imposed penalties on five entities associated with Allied Financial Services Pvt. Ltd for similar offencesproviding unregistered PMS. Screenshots of past performance Agrawals Telegram channel, with 6,693 members, features posts highlighting past performances, such as: Stock Idea: HAL. Exclusively in the Exclusive Plan. Achieved 26.2% performance in 13 days." Similarly, 'Livelong Hari Sebi Regd Signals has posts including: More than double done in a single trade. jackpot trade done in hero zero channel." Sebi-registered analysts cannot make boastful claims about past performance to advertise their offerings," says Meenakshi. But who cares! Agrawal argued that the message "is not misleading, not false, and includes a disclaimer in the attached link". "Furthermore, this is shared within my own Telegram channel, which is a curated community of members who have chosen to be part of it and are interested in knowing about my activities," she reasoned. Thats not all, some even share screenshots of conversations where clients thank them for advice that led to profits. Such screenshotscan violate Sebi regulations for registered RAs. Such actions may constitute misleading statements, exaggerated claims, and references to past performance, all of which are prohibited under Sebis advertisement code for RAs," said Prithiviraj Senthil Nathan, partner, King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys. This includes not only direct promises of assured returns but also any communication that creates unrealistic expectations or fails to disclose the associated risks adequately. Sebi Master Circular for Research Analysts, 2023 restricts this as well," he added. Stockpro Online, the fourth on the list with about 274,000 members, is operated by Seema Jain, a Sebi-registered analyst. Although Jain shared a disclaimer with her posts: "Please consult your financial advisor before investing. All research for educational purposes only", Mint's email seeking clarifications on the lack of adequate disclosure on her trading calls, did not elicit a response till press time. All RAs are expected to disclose ownership in the stock recommendation, if any. They should not be trading into that security 30 days prior to the recommendation and five days after the recommendation," says Meenakshi. Read more: Why retail investors want to see a change in the capital gains tax regime The unregistered world That said, more harm is caused by unregistered entities, often impersonating Sebi-registered firms or well-known personalities to deceive people. For instance, a Telegram channel, named Sarvesh Gutti (SMI) || SEBI, has multiple posts claiming Get Returns in 3-5 hours," promising a profit of 45,000 on an investment of 10,000. An email inquiry to Gutti revealed it to be a fraudulent account. These are fake accounts operated under my name. I have lodged a complaint with the cyber cell and informed Sebi about these accounts. Also, I have reported them to Telegram, but no action has been taken so far," Gutti claimed. Ads featuring images of famous personalities on Instagram are also prevalent. Reporting these fake accounts is challenging, as the personalities often do not have official Instagram accounts. Instagram requires users to identify and select the personal account being replicated, highlighting a systemic flaw in the process. The pitfalls dont end here, but instead get even scarier! EVERYDAY PROFITS", TradeLikeBerlin", Vijay wealth advisor" and BULLS VS BEARS" from the Finosaurus list are not registered with Sebi, and they clearly say so on their channel description. They claim to offer personal account handling for channel members on a profit-sharing basis. The channel owners request account login and password details from members and claim to trade on their behalf. While the profits are shared, the losses are not. To share an example, a post on vijaywealthofficial2020" says: We again rocked in our account handling service like always, Jackpot Profits Booked. 100% + profit, 100% consistency & 100% satisfaction." Mint could not reach out to the owners of these channels as their information is not publicly available. TradeLikeBerlin" is run by Ujjwal Pandey. His name search on the Sebi website yielded no results. His Instagram channel suggests he is a trader. All four share tonnes of profits and loss (P&L) screenshots that show profits, but there is no way to verify if those claims are genuine. The non-registered entities tend to hide behind the disclaimer for education purpose only when sharing stock tips. Does it make them legal? It is completely illegal. What educational purpose does a stock recommendation serve? You are not educating about the stock. You are giving a call of action. Sebi is in discussions with platforms such as Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp to take action against non-registered entities. It is a difficult proposition because they make money with high volume activities in such groups. If the Telegrams and Facebooks of the world do not take action, they themselves could be held accountable by Sebi," says Meenakshi of Primeinvestor.in. That said, investors acting on stock tips by non-registered entities should do so at their own risk. Dont complain later on if you make losses saying that the regulator and the government did not do their job," Meenakshi adds. Notably, the activities of unregistered entities who provide catchy and engaging financial advice and insights to their followers contravene Section 12A of the Sebi Act, 1992, and Regulation 4 of the Sebi (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices Relating to Securities Market) Regulations, 2003, says Suhana Islam Murshedd, Partner, AQUILAW. Section 15HA of the SEBI Act, 1992 penalizes such fraudulent or unfair trade practices by any person with a fine of 5 lakh extendable up to 25 crore or three times the profit made out of such practices, whichever is higher," she adds. Not all channels are flouting the rules. In the Finosaurus list, Angel One Advisory," with some 395,000 members, is in second spot in terms of number of subscribers. The fifth channel on the list is Index trading with CA Nitin Murarka (SMC)." Murarka is the head, research (derivatives), at SMC Global. The sixth one on the list with around 186,000 members, is Motilal Oswal - Official." Read more: How the stock market boom has made investor dreams a reality The three channels are mindful of the regulations. All posts on Angel One and Motilal Oswal contain disclosures in the form of a PDF. Our channel focuses solely on index trading only (no stocks recommendation), providing well-reasoned trade ideas with clear logic. We also provide disclosure in the descriptions of the channel," says Murarka. SMC Global is actively taking actions against impersonators. Were proactively informing our followers about impersonator accounts by sharing examples and warnings. We report fake accounts directly to Telegram to facilitate their takedown. Moreover, weve partnered with an agency to expedite the identification and blocking of fake channels through direct coordination with Telegram," says Murarka. Strict regulatory action is needed to keep a check on unregistered entities as well as registered entities compromising the rules. Mint take: Avoid associating with unregistered entities offering stock tips. Always ask for the Sebi registration number from people claiming to be registered with the markets regulator. Check the registration number on its website to fetch the registered contact details. Reach out on an official mail ID or phone number before following stock tips or taking premium subscriptions. A cruise ship rescued 68 migrants and found five bodies in a wooden dinghy that was drifting off the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Spain's maritime rescue agency said Thursday. It said an oil tanker traveling from northwestern Spain to Brazil spotted the drifting boat on Wednesday afternoon about 815 kilometers (506 miles) south of Tenerife, one of the seven islands in the Canaries archipelago. Spanish authorities diverted the Insignia, a cruise ship, to rescue the migrants. The Insignia crew also recovered three of the five bodies on the dinghy. The remains of two people were left at sea because of bad weather hampering their recovery. It is unusual for cruise ships to make rescues of migrants on the Atlantic route, but the dinghy was a long way out and they could be in danger, said a maritime rescues spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity under departmental rules. One of the passengers on the cruise ship, Steve Dilbeck from Huntington Beach, California, said they were not told about the dead. They did say the boat had been at sea for 20 days," Dilbeck told The Associated Press in a text message. We were diverted in the evening and took us two hours to reach them. They were brought on board and placed in the Insignia Lounge, which is where they have all their shows. The area has been closed off to passengers. Told they had them remove their clothes and put on jumpsuits. Then they asked passengers if they had shoes and clothes they could donate, particularly for men. Their announcement said 62 were men, with the rest women and children, he added. The Marshall Islands-flagged Insignia had left Mindelo, a port city in Cape Verde, on Tuesday. Its operator, Miami-based Oceania Cruises, did not immediately comment on the rescue. The Spanish rescue agency emailed a statement saying the Insignia is expected to arrive on Friday at the port of Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The Canary Islands is a destination for boats packed with migrants departing from northwestern Africa on a perilous Atlantic route in search of a better life in Europe. Spain's Interior Ministry says a record 55,618 migrants arrived by boat most of them in the Canary Islands last year, almost double the number of the previous year. More than 23,000 have landed so far this year, the ministry said. The Spanish nonprofit organization Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) says more than 5,000 migrants have died so far this year through May while trying to reach Spanish coasts, most of them on the Atlantic route. The figure for all 2023 was 6,600, more than double the number for 2022. ___ Associated Press writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report. ___ The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are among those who have applied for verification of tampering or modification in micro-controller chips embedded in the EVMs post declaration of Lok Sabha election results on June 4. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 8 applications for the General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 and three applications for election to state legislative assemblies have been received. Also Read | EVM unlocking row in Maharashtra sparks call to bring back paper ballots In Maharashtra, BJP candidate Sujay Vikhe-Patil has sought verification of the machines from 40 polling stations. The polling stations include Shevgaon, Rahuri, Parner, Ahmednagar City and Shrigonda. Sujay, the son of Maharashtra minister Radhakrishan Vikhe-Patil, had lost to NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction candidate Nilesh Lanke. Ahead of the results, Lanke had claimed that a person breached the three-tier security and tried to reach a godown where the EVMs were kept. In Tamil Nadu, BJP candidates from Vellore and Telangana's Zahirabad have also applied for verification. In Tamil Nadu, a DMDK candidate from Virudhnagar has also applied for verification. In Haryana, Congress candidates from Karnal and Faridabad have filed applications. In Chhattisgarh, the Congress candidate from Kanker, and in Andhra Pradesh, a YSRCP candidate from Vizianagaram have sought verification of the machines. Assembly polls YSRCP candidates from Gajapathinagaram and Ongole constituencies in Andhra Pradesh have also applied for EVM check. Whereas, the BJD candidate from Jharsuguda in Odisha has also applied. SOP According to the standard operating procedure issued by the EC on June 1, candidates who stood second or third and want verification of the EVMs will have to pay 47,200 per EVM set. As many as 192 homeless people died in Delhi due to a heatwave between June 11 and June 19, as per data released by a non-profit organisation (NGO), Centre For Holistic Development (CHD), on Wednesday. The report claimed that 80 per cent of the unidentified bodies were of the homeless. Centre For Holistic Development (CHD) According to the data, this was the highest number of deaths recorded in the said period since 2019. It said the data was collected from the Zonal Integrated Police Network and the Ministry of Home Affairs. While sharing the data, the NGO appealed to the government to introduce the Summer Action Plan at the state and district levels. An official from the organisation suggested making city-wise plans in states impacted by heat waves. He also said the situation could be considered as a disaster. Delhi and other parts of North India have been witnessing severe heatwave conditions for the past few months. The scorching heat has resulted in heat stroke casualties, prompting the Centre to issue an advisory to hospitals to set up special units to cater to such patients. Police were quoted by news agency PTI on Wednesday that during the past three days, the bodies of 50 people evidently belonging to underprivileged backgrounds were recovered around Delhi. What do health ministry sources say on heatwave-related deaths? Meanwhile, sources from the Union health ministry said the heatwave in large parts of the country claimed 114 lives and more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases were reported between March 1 and June 19 this year. "This data isn't a final submission from all the states and numbers are expected to be more than this," sources told PTI. The maximum number of deaths are reported from Uttar Pradesh (37), Bihar (17), Rajasthan (16), and Odisha (13). This is the data compiled under the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), PTI reported. Health minister issues advisory Union Health Minister JP Nadda directed the health ministry to issue an advisory for state health departments on 'Heat Wave Season 2024'. As per the details of the advisory shared by PTI, officials are directed to adopt the following measures: 1. To reduce the health impact of extreme heat, health departments must ensure preparedness and timely response. 2. State nodal officers under the National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) should start submitting daily data on heatstroke cases and deaths from March 1, besides reporting under Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance. 3. It called for the maintenance of a digital line list of heatstroke cases and deaths (suspected/confirmed) at the health facility/hospital level in given formats and undertakings. 4. Officials have been asked to ensure the dissemination of the National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI) to all districts and strengthen health systems' preparedness for HRI. 5. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) must disseminate early warning of heatwaves and the forecast for the next four days should be disseminated to health facilities and vulnerable populations. 6. Health facilities must be prepared for the prevention and management of severe HRI, procurement and supply of adequate quantities of ORS packs, essential medicines, IV fluids, ice packs, and equipment to support management of volume depletion and electrolyte imbalance, etc. 7. Ensure the availability of sufficient drinking water at all health facilities and in the waiting and patient treatment areas. All suspected heatstroke cases should be rapidly assessed and actively treated using standard treatment protocols. 8. Officials must coordinate with electricity distribution companies/corporations to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to hospitals and the constant functioning of cooling appliances. 9. Adopt measures to reduce indoor heat and energy conservation in health facilities like cool roof/green roof, window shading, rainwater harvesting, solarization etc. 10. Provide shade outside the health facilities in heat-prone regions. In view of rising death cases in Delhi due to the intense heatwave, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed the Chief Secretary to hold a meeting with officers concerned from the Social Welfare department, DUSIB and Health, to ensure that adequate measures are in place for providing water and other facilities to destitute, homeless and the poor. Ashish Kundra, principal secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, cited a news report regarding the deaths of at least 20 people in the last two days due to the intense heatwave in the city. "Fifty-two people have been reportedly declared dead on arrival (in hospitals) and most of these were destitute homeless people. The actual numbers appear to be much higher. The LG is anguished over such unfortunate incidents in the national capital," read the letter from the LG's office. A Union health ministry team visited AIIMS and three other Centre-run hospitals RML, Safdarjung, and Lady Hardinge in Delhi on Thursday to take stock of the preparedness for heatstroke patients and also to assess the number of deaths due to the illness over the last few days. When will it rain in Delhi? Light rains and thunderstorms on Thursday abated the heatwaves in the national capital. "Heatwave conditions abated from Delhi on Thursday under the influence of the current western disturbance and lower level easterlies from the Bay of Bengal," the India Meteorological Department said on June 20. French journalist Sebastien Farcis on Thursday alleged that he was forced to leave India as the Ministry of Home Affairs refused to renew his journalist permit, despite his 13-year-long journey as a correspondent in the country. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Farcis wrote, After 13 years working as a correspondent in India, the authorities have denied me a permit to work as a journalist. I have thus been forced to leave the country. On 17th June, I was forced to leave India, a country where I had lived and worked as a journalist for 13 years, as a South Asia correspondent for Radio France Internationale, Radio France, Liberation and the Swiss and Belgian public radios, the journalist said in a statement posted on the microblogging site. Farcis mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs denied renewing his journalist permit on March 7, with no reason to justify his work ban, while saying that he had also made formal requests to the MHA. He termed it an incomprehensible censorship. Worked as a journalist in India since 2011, Sebastien said he has obtained all the necessary visas and accreditations. I have respected the regulations imposed in India for foreign journalists and never worked in restricted or protected areas without a permit. On several occasions, the MHA even granted me permits to report from border areas. This work ban comes as a big shock: it was communicated to me on the eve of the Indian general elections, the largest democratic elections in the world, which I was hence forbidden to cover. This appeared to me as an incomprehensible censorship, the statement read. The French journalist further stated that his family was also pushed out of India without explanation and uprooted overnight" for no apparent reason. I am married to an Indian woman, and I have the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. I am therefore deeply attached to India, which has become my second homeland, he said. NEW DELHI : India's foods regulator is working on a draft regulation to clearly demarcate nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical drugs, to eliminate ambiguity and ensure that health supplements that are borderline pharma drugs are not sold under the nutraceuticals label, three people aware of the matter said. The paper is being drafted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the drugs regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), leaders from the nutraceutical industry, and health ministry officials, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. Once the draft is ready, it will be presented before the Union health ministry in a few months. The move follows rising complaints from consumers as well as state and Union territory (UT) administrations against the quality of nutraceuticals being sold in India, and surveillance drives carried out by FSSAI that unearthed several instances of dubious practices. The draft paper seeks to define which category of nutraceuticals or health supplements would be regulated by FSSAI, and which ones by DCGI, the people added. As part of the plan, nutritional supplements (hybrid of nutrition and pharmaceuticals) such as vitamin D, minerals, calcium, glucosamine, and amino acids will be considered drugs and be regulated by the DCGI. On the other hand, supplements derived from plant and animal-based sources such as herbal immunity booster paste chyawanprash, curcumin derived from turmeric, fatty acids, and omega-3 from fish oil, among others, will fall under the regulatory ambit of FSSAI. The development assumes significance in light of companies selling products with pharmaceuticals formulation as nutraceuticals, after failing to get the nod from the drugs regulator. FSSAI's estimates put the market size of nutraceuticals at around $4 billion and growing at about 25% annually, making it a lucrative market. Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered till press time. The roundabout way to nutraceuticals "Products that claim disease risk reduction should be categorized under drugs, as food products should not have complexity and have proper labelling," said the second person cited above. The third person said that nutraceuticals act as prophylactic (preventive) while pharmaceutical drugs act as therapeutic (cure of disease). "Right now, both FSSAI and drug regulator can give approvals to companies for nutraceutical products. So, most companies are taking permission as nutraceutical even though the product contains pharmaceutical formulations. They are not adding the required food substances such as wheat or rice or whey protein into the nutraceutical product," the third person said. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) are very stringent for drugs compared to nutraceuticals. Both drug and food regulator can give marketing licence to the companies, so these manufacturers seek permission from any one of us. So, when the drug regulator does not give permission to them considering strong GMP, these companies come for approval to FSSAI," the third person added Therefore, the central government has constituted a high-level committee to examine the overlapping of nutraceuticals and drugs, to examine the GMP provisions, to examine the issue of spurious and substandard products etc. The committee, chaired by health secretary Apurva Chandra, comprises members from various government departments including departments of pharmaceuticals, AYUSH, and food processing, DCGI, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and industry stakeholders. The committee is still reviewing the issue and it is in preliminarily stage of consultation," said the second person. After the committees inputs are received and incorporated, FSSAI will issue a draft notification and float the paper in public for feedback. To be sure, doctors suggest that health supplements should not be taken without medical supervision as they can cause more harm than good. Vitamin D, particularly, manufactured by pharma companies, is a pharmaceutical formulation. If consumed unsupervised, it can cause kidney failure and liver damage," said Dr Atul Gogia, senior consultant, internal medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. "Nowadays, youth are more attracted towards muscular body and gym, and they take protein supplements without any medical guidance, which is very harmful. We see a few patients who come to us with kidney failure and their history reveals consumption of nutraceuticals or health supplements." Illegal activities Last year, FSSAI directed state and UT administrations to carry out a special enforcement drive to check the quality and safety of nutraceuticals or health supplement products within their jurisdictions, after receiving information and complaints about such products being sold in the market not conforming to the standards laid out by the food regulator. The authority also stated these products were marketed with false or misleading and exaggerated health claims or labels in contravention of the provisions of FSS (Advertisement & Claims) regulations, 2018. It seems problematic that certain companies are consistently violating safety standards, particularly in the nutraceutical sector," Sanjaya Mariwala, executive chairman and managing director of nutraceuticals company OmniActive Health Technologies, and president of the Association of Herbal and Nutraceutical Manufacturers of India said. Some of these companies may be importing or selling products that are not considered safe. They could be marketing pharmaceuticals as nutraceuticals, which contributes to this issue." At the same time, Mariwala suggested that only a small fraction of the industry may be responsible for these violations. "We need to focus on these companies and encourage them to change their behaviour for the benefit of consumers and industry at large," he said. FSSAI receives complaints from multiple channels such as consumers, food safety officers who conduct regular surveillance activities in the states/UTs and social media platform," one of the people cited earlier said. "It also verifies the reports of agencies like the National Anti-Doping Agency who pick up samples from the market for their own research." During a surveillance activity conducted between January 2023 and May 2024, around 402 samples were lifted, out of which reports of 382 samples were received by the authority. About 172 of these were found to be not conforming to the standards. Twenty-one companies were issued show cause notice, and 39 were given improvement notice. Also Read | India has one of the most stringent standards of maximum residue limits in the world: FSSAI At the same time, another 53 samples were found sub-standard or misbranded, and prosecution was filed against four companies for selling unsafe nutraceuticals. FSSAI did a joint inspection along with state authorities based on a tipoff about illegal activities being done in Himachal Pradesh (Baddi), Haryana and Uttarakhand," the second person cited earlier said, adding that the surveillance drive is still ongoing. One firm was found to be manufacturing drugs and nutraceutical items in the same premises. Another firm with nutraceutical licence was manufacturing spurious drugs. North India is the manufacturing hub of nutraceuticals, especially states such as Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Two terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday, June 19, were residents of Pakistan and associated with the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, the Indian Army said on Thursday. On Wednesday, the terrorists identified as Usman and Umar were killed in an encounter with the security forces in Baramulla district of the valley. Brigadier Deepak Dev, Commander 5 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, told reporters that the terrorists were of Pakistan origin and associated with LeT, reported PTI. Two security personnel were also injured in the encounter. , Usman has been active in the Kashmir Valley since 2020, said Brigadier Deepak Dev. The encounter broke out after terrorists opened fire on security forces during a cordon-and-search operation after receiving information about the presence of terrorists in the Watergam area of Baramulla. The army officers also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition after the operation. Over the past few weeks, there has been constant information of the movement of a terrorist group in the Sopore-Raflabad area of Baramulla District, said the Brigadier. Specific intelligence was received through Jammu and Kasmir Police that two terrorists were holed up in a house in Hadipura village in Rafiabad area. Consequently, the Indian Army, JKP and CRPF launched a joint operation, swiftly cordoning off the area, PTI quoted Brigadier Dev as saying. During the operation, civilians were safely evacuated from adjacent houses following standard procedures, and the area was secured. Later, the army personnel cordoned off the target house and on the search being commenced, terrorists opened fire on the security forces. In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralized, Deepak Dev said. The army officer said the elimination of these terrorists marks another major success for the security forces. The Brigadier also attributed the success of the operation to the complete cooperation of the Kashmiri people. The Madras High Court division bench, comprising Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu, has agreed to hear an urgent petition regarding the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy. The petition, filed by AIADMK advocates, is scheduled for tomorrow, June 21, reported ANI. At least 31 people have died, and over 60 were hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in the state on Tuesday night, Reuters reported. Since Wednesday, more than 100 people suffering from vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhoea have been admitted to hospitals in the Kallakurichi district, 250 km by road from the state capital Chennai. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news... Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Wednesday in a post on X (Twitter). The state government suspended at least ten officials, including the district's collector and police chief, over the illicit liquor incident, according to a statement. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced 10 lakhs each for the family of the deceased and 50,000 each for the people under treatment. The Tamil Nadu government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter by former Madras HC judge Justice B Gokuldas, who will submit the report within three months. How did the opposition react? BJP Mahila Morcha national president and party MLA Vanathi Srinivasan described it as a complete failure of the administration and said this has not happened for the first time. It is the second biggest incident that is happening in Tamil Nadu within a very short period of time. BJP is raising its concern about the drugs and other related issues. Such a tragedy is happening even though the government is running TASMAC shops, she told ANI. Union Minister L Murugan commented that it was a very shocking news from the state of Tamil Nadu. In Kallkurichi, more than 30 people died in illicit liquor case. More than 70 people are under treatment. State Government and CM MK Stalin are inefficient. He is unable to control the officers, unable to control illicit liquor. Last year, such an incident happened in the nearby district. There also, they didn't take any stringent action. It is happening continuously. Innocent people are dying because of illicit liquor. Minister S Muthusamy should resign because he is unfit to hold this office. CM is responsible, they have to answer the public, Murugan told ANI. Deaths related to spurious liquor consumption are tragically frequent in India, particularly among the economically disadvantaged who cannot afford licensed government-sold brands. Illicit liquor, often laced with dangerous chemicals like pesticides to enhance potency, has burgeoned into a lucrative underground industry, AP reported. Bootleggers operate without tax obligations, selling large volumes of their product at low prices to vulnerable populations. In 2022, Bihar state witnessed over 30 fatalities linked to unauthorised liquor consumption. Gujarat reported at least 28 deaths earlier in the year due to altered liquor, while Punjab saw a devastating toll of at least 120 deaths in 2020 from tainted liquor consumption. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday announced ex-gratia for the families of the deceased and people under treatment in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. As many as 34 people died after consuming methanol mixed arrack in the southern state. He announced a compensation of 10 lakh for the families of the 34 victims who died from consuming the illicit liquor. Additionally, 50,000 will be provided to those currently receiving hospital treatment. Tamil Nadu Hooch tragedy: Here are top 6 updates on this big story, 1) Stalin said the state Home Secretary and Director General of Police would submit a report on the Hooch tragedy. He also directed officials to notify a one-man commission to be led by retired Madras High Court Judge B Gokuldas to make recommendations to the government on measures to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and also look into the reasons for the Kallakurichi deaths. Also Read | Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy: Madras High Court to hear petition tomorrow 2) ...We are worried about this. In future, this will not happen again, the government assures. Tomorrow we are definitely going to discuss this (in the State Assembly), said State Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai. 3) Tamil Nadu Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan said, People used to die because of illicit liquor, it used to happen even before independence. But nowadays, we must make the maximum efforts to curtail certain things and this particular thing in Kallkurichi is real tragedy. I think the CM has been taking the correct step by shifting the Collector and SP. I request the CM to make sure that there should be an intensive search in other districts also for such illicit liquor and make sure you people behind bars who are involved and give them punishment... 4) BJP Mahila Morcha national president and party MLA Vanathi Srinivasan says, "...It is completely a failure of the administration and this has not happened for the first time. It is the second biggest incident that is happening in Tamil Nadu within a very short period of time. BJP is raising its concern about the drugs and other related issues. Such a tragedy is happening even though the government is running TASMAC shops..." 5) It is very shocking news from the state of Tamil Nadu. In Kallkurichi, more than 30 people died in illicit liquor case. More than 70 people are under treatment. State Government and CM MK Stalin are inefficient. He is unable to control the officers, unable to control illicit liquor. Last year, such an incident happened in the nearby district. There also, they didn't take any stringent action...It is happening continuously. Innocent people are dying because of illicit liquor. Minister S. Muthusamy should resign because he is unfit to hold this office. CM is responsible, they have to answer the public, said Union Minister L Murugan. 6) The Madras High Court division bench, comprising Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu, has agreed to hear an urgent petition regarding the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy. The petition, filed by AIADMK advocates, is scheduled for tomorrow, June 21. India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted very heavy rainfall over Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra over the next five days. For Mumbai, the IMD has forecasted generally cloudy sky with a possibility of moderate to heavy rain. The weather agency also said the southwest monsoon has advanced into more parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bay of Bengal, West Bengal and Bihar. After stalling for over a week now, the southwest monsoon is set to bring rains over central parts of India in the next few days. These showers will bring a much-needed respite from the heatwave in the northern plains, two senior IMD officials told Reuters. IMD on rains IMD had forecasted widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal over the next 5 days. Gujarat, Konkan, Goa, Maharashtra, and Marathwada are likely to receive scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning in the next 5 days. Also Read | Weather update: IMD issues heat wave red alert for Uttar Pradesh today Isolated heavy rainfall has also been predicted over Uttarakhand on June 23-24 and in East Uttar Pradesh on June 24. IMD on Southwest Monsoon IMD scientist Soma Sen told news agency ANI that the monsoon has advanced further and is expected to advance even further in East Central India and East India Chhattisgarh, parts of East Madhya Pradesh, parts of East Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Bengal in the next 3-4 days. There are pre-monsoon showers. Its impact will weaken from today. But easterlies will advance here due to which the temperatures won't go up a lot, she added. IMD on heatwave The weather agency said there likely will be no heatwave over most parts of the country during next 4-5 days. However, parts of West Uttar Pradesh may experience heat wave conditions till June 23, which will abate thereafter. Soma Sen also said the heatwave situation has now passed. A little heatwave has been recorded today too in western Himalayan region, northeast India but it has largely passed. Northwest India was under the impact of western disturbance, but it is likely to move from there from tomorrow, she said. Therefore, she said, the temperatures are likely to rise from the day after tomorrow. "We don't expect it to be a heatwave situation with a rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius but west UP will continue to face heatwave situation for 5 days...We are not issuing any heatwave warning for Punjab and Haryana. We will keep monitoring it..." Sen said. Delhi weather Sona Sen told ANI that isolated heatwave is very likely in Delhi on June 23-24, however, there is a possibility of a thunderstorm activity today (June 20). Amid ongoing blame-game over the NEET-UG result fiasco and cancellation of UGC-CET exam, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday hit-back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accused him of playing politics over the issue. BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that the government is fully alert and sensitive over NEET exam. Rahul Gandhi has nothing to do with the future of lakhs of students, he just wants to play his politics on this topic. In Rajasthan, paper leak happened but Rahul Gandhi did not utter a word on it, said Trivedi. He further added that the government is determined, and won't let any injustice happen to lakhs of students. Strict action will be taken against those who are responsible for this. Another BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla slammed the Congress leader saying, The Congress leader said Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are epicentres (of paper leaks). just because Rahul Gandhi failed for the third time (to form the govt) doesn't mean that he can abuse the youth of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Stating that if you (Gandhi) have some issue with an exam, you can point out its shortcomings, Poonawala said, "But just because you have some personal issues with PM Modi, you make such big allegation against the youth of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. If there is an epicentre for paper leak in the country, it was Congress' and Ashok Gehlot's govt in Rajasthan..." Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of paper leaks and said that the reason behind paper leaks is that the education system has been captured by the BJP's parent organisation. The Supreme Court has requested responses from the Centre, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and other concerned parties regarding petitions that seek to cancel NEET-UG 2024 and initiate a court-monitored investigation into alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam. A vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti also sought responses from the parties on separate pleas filed by the NTA to transfer some pending petitions from the high courts to the apex court. Supreme Court also issued notice to the Centre and NTA on a petition filed by some students who appeared in Meghalaya centre for the NEET-UG exam and allegedly lost 45 minutes and prayed they should be a part of the 1563 students who got grace marks and were given the option to appear for re-exam on June 23, newswire ANI reported. The bench has scheduled the hearing for these petitions on July 8. PTI reported that one petition, filed by 20 students who participated in the medical entrance exam, additionally requests the court to direct the NTA and other relevant parties to conduct a fresh examination. The petitions include four transfer petitions filed by NTA, in which the court stayed the proceedings before the respective high courts. While hearing separate pleas concerning the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate)-2024 examination, the apex court on June 18 said that even if there was "0.001 per cent negligence" on the part of anyone in conducting the examination, it should be thoroughly dealt with. The NTA administers the All India Pre-Medical Entrance Test. Recently, the Supreme Court addressed multiple petitions concerning NEET-UG 2024 grievances, requesting responses from the Centre and NTA. One petition called for a CBI investigation into allegations of question paper leaks and other exam irregularities. The exam was conducted on May 5 across 4,750 centres, with approximately 24 lakh candidates participating. The Supreme Court on Thursday will hear fresh petitions requesting the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 examination following allegations of paper leaks. ANI reported that the Supreme Court on Tuesday told the Centre and National Testing Agency (NTA) that any negligence in conducting the NEET-UG 2024 exam should be thoroughly dealt with. "If there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with. All these matters ought not to be treated as adversarial litigation," observed a vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has requested a comprehensive report from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police regarding purported irregularities in the organization of the NEET(UG) examination-2024 in Patna. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry clarified that concerns regarding the allocation of grace marks have already been thoroughly addressed in relation to the NEET(UG) -2024 issue. Aspirants have raised concerns regarding alleged question paper leaks, the awarding of compensatory marks, and anomalies in questions during the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Under Graduate (NEET-UG) 2024. The Supreme Court, upon hearing new petitions on May 5, 2024, issued notices to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and requested a response within two weeks. These petitions, along with existing ones, have been consolidated and scheduled for a hearing on July 8. Several petitions have been filed seeking to annul the NEET-UG 2024 results and conduct a fresh examination, citing concerns of paper leakage and malpractices during the May 5 exam. Recently, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that it would invalidate the scorecards of 1,563 candidates who received "grace marks" due to exam disruptions, allowing them to reappear for the exam. Exam will be conducted on June 23 and result will be declared before June 30, NTA had told the apex court.The apex court had already refused to stay the counselling of NEET-UG, 2024. The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the NTA pave the way for admissions into MBBS, BDS and AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. As many as 68 Indian nationals died during the Hajj pilgrimage this year, which was marked by searing heat and intense high temperatures, said people familiar with the matter on Wednesday. The overall death toll stands at more than 900. "We have confirmed around 68 dead... Some are because of natural causes, and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," the diplomat told AFP on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | Hajj 2024 begins today: Millions of pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia The Indian government has not issued any official statement on the death toll during the Hajj pilgrimage yet. The updated death toll was reported after two Arab diplomats informed AFP on Tuesday that 550 fatalities had been recorded during the hajj. This pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is an obligation for all Muslims who have the financial and physical capability to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. Also Read | Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war According to the Arab diplomats, the total included 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians, with one diplomat noting that almost all the Egyptians succumbed "due to heat." Deaths have also been reported by Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, though in many instances, the authorities have not disclosed the exact causes. Last year, most of the 200 dead pilgrims were from Indonesia. Saudi Arabia has not disclosed the number of fatalities but reported over 2,700 cases of "heat exhaustion" on Sunday alone. Also Read | 2024 Hajj claims at least 19 lives due to intense heat This happens every year... We can't say that it is abnormally high this year. It's somewhat similar to last year but we will know more in the coming days, the diplomat who confirmed the Indian fatalities said. He also stated that some Indian pilgrims were missing too, but refused to provide an exact number. The Bengaluru court on Thursday extended by two days the police custody of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in Renukaswamy murder case. Thirteen other accused, including the actor's friend Pavithra Gowda, were remanded to 14 days judicial custody. A total 17 people, including Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda, are accused in the murder case. Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda. Following which, Renukaswamy was allegedly murdered. His body was found near a storm-water drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli here on June 9. "From the spot of the crime, things such as lathi and wooden logs used for the alleged assault have been recovered along with water bottle, blood stains and material evidence, and DVR containing the CCTV footage," PTI quoted official as saying. Also Read | Darshan case: Kiccha Sudeep demands justice for Renukaswamy The added that blood stains were also found on the vehicle allegedly used for disposing of the body. According to the autopsy report, Renukaswamy's death was caused due to shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple blunt injuries he sustained. "Viscera samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further analysis," official said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he was not under pressure from any minister or MLA to shield leading Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in a murder case. The CM also said that he will never entertain such requests. There is a rumour doing rounds that there was pressure on me, which is not true. There is no pressure. Neither from a minister nor any MLA (to favour Darshan). These are all far from the truth, Siddaramaiah told reporters. Top events today: Today, PM Modi will mark a two-day visit to Srinagar amidst heightened security. He will inaugurate projects and attend a youth empowerment event. Take a look: Multi-tier security deployed in J-K's Srinagar ahead of PM Modi's visit Jammu and Kashmir Police have strengthened security in Srinagar ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit, which starts Thursday. According to the police, a multi-tier security blanket has been implemented. It is a multi-tier security. As per the security protocols, the high-alert security arrangement has been made here, IGP Kashmir Zone Vidhi Kumar Birdi told ANI on Wednesday. As reported by ANI, PM Modi will reach Srinagar on Thursday. At around 6 p.m., he will participate in the 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in J-Kon on Thursday. He will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP). Supreme Court to hear pleas on cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 exam The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear new petitions on June 20 seeking the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 exam following allegations of a paper leak. The controversy surrounding the examination has intensified, with protests and complaints arising after 1563 candidates were granted grace marks and 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720. Even if there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with, a vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti said. EAM Jaishankar to visit Sri Lanka External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to Sri Lanka on Thursday in his first bilateral visit abroad in his second consecutive term in office. "The visit reaffirms India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and underlines New Delhi's continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time-tested friend," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The MEA said Jaishankar's visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors between the two countries. Also Read: Sri Lanka may be back on the tourism map but its recovery is fragile Last week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's delegation at the G7 Outreach summit in Italy's Apulia region. His upcoming trip to Sri Lanka will mark his first standalone bilateral visit since beginning his second term as the external affairs minister on June 11. Reliance Capital resolution: NCLT to hear IIHL's plea for deadline extension today The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai bench is scheduled to hear a plea from IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), a Hinduja Group firm, seeking an extension of the deadline to complete the resolution process for Reliance Capital, PTI reported. IIHL, the successful bidder for Reliance Capital's resolution, aims to extend the deadline beyond the current date of May 27, 2024. This follows NCLT's approval of a 9,650-crore resolution plan for Reliance Capital on February 27, 2024. Nirmala Sitharaman to hold pre-budget meeting with industry leaders Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to meet representatives from industry associations on June 20 in the evening. The meeting, slated to take place between 4 and 6 pm at North Block, will see industry associations such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry presenting their budget suggestions and recommendations, PTI reported. IMD predicts rainfall in Delhi The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a temperature decrease across North India after an extended heatwave, with relief anticipated starting Thursday. This change is attributed to a western disturbance approaching northwest India. However, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. President Putin arrives in Vietnam for visit to strengthen ties Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam on Thursday, Russian news agency RIA-Novosti reported, for a state visit to strengthen ties with a longtime partner when Moscow is facing growing international isolation because of its war in Ukraine, AP reported. Putin arrived in a Southeast Asian country following his historic visit to North Korea, the first in 24 years. During his visit, he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a mutual aid agreement in response to potential aggression, amid escalating tensions with Western nations. T20 World Cup 2024: India vs Afghanistan match today India is set to face Afghanistan in their inaugural Super 8 match at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday. India secured victories in three out of four matches in Group A, with one against Canada abandoned due to rain. Similarly, Afghanistan won three out of four matches in Group C, setting the stage for an anticipated clash in the ongoing tournament. President Droupadi Murmu to visit the institute for persons with disabilities President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities on Thursday. During her visit, the President will pay homage to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, after which she will ceremonially plant a sapling on the institute's premises, symbolizing growth and renewal. According to an official statement, President Murmu will then proceed to inspect the Prosthetics and Orthotics workshop, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation services in enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde while addressing party functionaries, and said that he is a terrorist if saving the constitution is terrorism. He (Eknath Shinde) talks about urban Naxalism. Is campaigning to reject dictatorship and asking to save democracy, Naxalism, and terrorism for you? If saving democracy is terrorism, then I am a terrorist. If saving the constitution and country is terrorism, then I am a terrorist, said Uddhav Thackeray. Thackeray made the remark on Wednesday evening while addressing an event in Mumbai to mark the 58th Foundation Day of the Shiv Sena. Stating that misusing central agencies against opposition leaders was government Naxalism, Thackeray added, This is indeed Naxalism. This is more dangerous than urban Naxalism. It misuses power to break opposition parties, topple a good government, and take opposition leaders in your party. This is Naxalism, which kills democracy. Thackeray also dared the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), who contested Lok Sabha elections in alliance, to contest Assembly polls without using the photo of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and the party symbol bow and arrow. Also Read | Shinde Sena slams young Aaditya Thackeray as Mumbai LS seat dispute heats up The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief further challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to start campaigning for Assembly elections, which are likely to be held in Maharashtra in October. He also challenged Modi to go to Andhra Pradesh and say that he would fulfil whatever Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had said in his manifesto. Thackeray also thanked independent journalists and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, who supported the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for saving democracy. Also Read | Uddhav Thackeray rules out BJP tie-up, throws down gauntlet to PM Modi Meanwhile, on speculations of a possible reconciliation with the BJP, Thackeray asserted he would never go with those who tried to finish off his party. During a Lok Sabha Elections 2024 rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed an overlooked issue: women's unpaid domestic labour burden. Rahul Gandhi highlighted the stark reality faced by women across the nation, pointing out that while they spend 8 hours outside the home in paid employment, they also dedicate another 8 hours to unpaid domestic work within the confines of their households. Rahul Gandhi's acknowledgement of the unpaid domestic labour issue, long championed by activists and advocates, resonated with netizens, who celebrated the rare acknowledgement from an 'Indian male politician'. An SBI analysis from 2023 provides a staggering revelation: the total value of this unpaid labour amounts to a staggering 22.7 lakh crore, equivalent to almost 7.5% of India's GDP. Rural areas account for 14.7 lakh crore of this contribution, with urban areas adding 8.0 lakh crore. A survey published by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Ahmedabad showed that women in the age group 15-60 spend 7.2 hours on unpaid domestic work, compared to men who spend 2.8 hours, thereby hinting at the 'time poverty' experienced by women. In India, women are often engaged in unpaid domestic work because of three factors: constraints (social and religious), choices (failure of the market and states to provide essential provisioning), and career (low opportunity cost of unpaid work in the market). According to experts at TQH Consulting, Congress MP from Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi addressing the issue at an Lok Sabha Election 2024 rally holds relevance owing to the increasing female electorate in India. Women as an electorate have become more important than ever. Research from TQH on women electors suggests that more women have become a part of the electorate than men between 2019 and 2024, and that 11 states currently have more female electors. Against this backdrop, we are seeing that issues addressing their concerns are coming to the fore across speeches and poll promises. Given the deeply unequal burden of unpaid care work on women, it is important that the issue is being acknowledged and discussed., says experts at TQH Consulting. Domestic Labour: An Economic Entity Early economists refused to include domestic labour in the mainstream economy. Classical and Neo-Classical theorists deemed domestic labour not an economic or market good, thereby keeping it out of the production factor category. Classical economists also excluded unpaid domestic labour from calculating national income, describing it as "part of housewives production. A feminist economic transformation, as proposed by J Matthaei in 2001, would have to start with dismantling gender polarisation in paid and unpaid labour, wherein paid work is assigned to men and unpaid work to women. This would then transition into a stage of 'Gender Freedom ', a state where women are not confined to unpaid work but can also enter the paid labour domain and claim equal rights with men. While these two stages have been achieved, the third stage of 'Gender Integration' seems like a pipe dream in an otherwise patriarchal society. Gender Integration would include men and women endeavouring to integrate paid and unpaid work. How does domestic labour qualify as an economic entity? Domestic labour done by women qualifies for division of labour, the basis of an economic structure. Further, domestic labour takes time and energy for a purpose and has an opportunity cost. Finally, domestic labour is separable from the work of the worker and can be done by others; hence, unpaid domestic work can also be distributed among different sexes. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast on Wednesday, the monsoon will reach Delhi-NCR around around June 30. IMD scientist Dr Naresh Kumar told ANI, We had issued a red alert for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar yesterday, but today conditions have improved. There has been rainfall activity in Bihar. For Punjab, Haryana and Delhi-NCR, we have issued an orange alert but for West Uttar Pradesh we have issued a red alert for the next 2 days, there is a red alert for Uttar Pradesh as well today. In Delhi-NCR, the temperature is expected to be around 40 degrees Celcius. Monsoon is expected to hit Delhi-NCR around June 30. Even today, we can expect dust storms and light-intensity rainfall activity in Delhi. The IMD has forecast that heatwave conditions will continue across many parts of northern India. Heatwave to severe heat wave conditions are very likely in many/most parts of Uttar Pradesh on the 18th & 19th; in some parts on the 20th over Punjab, it said. The onset of monsoon in Delhi is expected to begin with episodes of light rainfall and thunderstorms, which are likely to reduce the prevailing temperatures in the national capital. Monsoons in Delhi typically span the months of July and August, bringing much-needed relief from the summer heat. Moreover, the IMD has said that since the start of the monsoon period on June 1, India has received 20 per cent below-normal rainfall, and overall precipitation for the entire month will also be subpar. After arriving on the Indian mainland two days ahead of schedule and quickly advancing through several states, the rain-bearing system stalled between June 12 and 18, prolonging the anticipation for north India amid a severe heat wave. Fortunately, the weather conditions have now turned favourable for the monsoon to progress into parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, northwest Bay of Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand over the next three to four days, as stated by the weather department. In a bid to film an Instagram reel, two Pune teenagers risked their lives by pulling off a dangerous stunt. The video of the teens attempting the stunt is now going viral on social media, triggering outrage among netizens, who also urged police officials to "arrest" them. In the viral clip, the teen girl was seen hanging from the edge of a building with the support of a boy who held onto her hand from atop. The building seemed like a remain of a historical fort. While another one of their friends was seen filming the reel. Enraged netizens tagged police officials in the comments section of the post on X, and said, "Should take strict action against this type of life threatening stunt just to create reel." "Punekars doing life threatening stunt just to create reel. God knows what is going wrong with the teen crowd of Pune. India is definitely not for beginners," a social media user commented. Please look into this. It's absolutely dangerous and a tragedy waiting to happen, another commented. They must be jailed to set an example for others. What is this obsession for fake likes and popularity on social media? Another added: "Such youngsters need counseling and stringent warning for not to repeat such stunts." Also Read | Agnipath Scheme being relaunched as Sainik Saman Scheme? Union Govt clarifies "Just stupidity. Both these boys, and girl need to put behind the bars. Just do not understand which direction this generation is, heading," said another. International Yoga Day 2024: The 10th International Yoda Day 2024 will be celebrated around the world on June 21. The day aims to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of yoga, right from physical, mental, and spiritual. The term "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj," which means "to join," "to yoke," or "to unite." Yoga reflects the union of mind and body, thoughts and actions, restraint and fulfillment, and harmony between humans and nature. Also Read: Yoga, CrossFit or Zumba? Heres how to pick a workout style thats right for you International Yoga Day 2024 Theme: Each year, International Yoga Day adopts a specific theme to focus the celebrations and activities around a particular aspect of yoga. The theme for 2024 is "Yoga for Self and Society." International Yoga Day 2024 Live Updates: International Yoga Day 2024 History Though the origin of yoga dates back to ancient India, however, in September 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to observe the International Day of Yoga during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Also Read: International Yoga Day 2024: Yoga with Modi is back! PM explains Asanas in animated videos. Watch here While addressing the 69th session of the UNGA, the prime minister had said, Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature." After which, the UNGA on 11 December 2014, proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. Srinagar all set to host PM Modi's International Yoga Day 2024 on banks of Dal Lake on June 21 International Yoga Day 2024 Significance Over the years, yoga has become widely popular worldwide, with millions embracing it to enhance their overall health and mental well-being. Yoga is not only about physical excercises but includes breathing exercises and mediation. It not only helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression but also improves flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. Duke of Sussex Prince Harry is reportedly eyeing properties in the UK, "which would allow him to visit more frequently and launch peace talks with his family". As per a Fox News report, Prince Harry, who is currently living in Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle, is said to be "homesick". Speaking about Markle, Schofield said, "I dont even think she has any desire to win them [Royal family] over again. Meghan is totally focused on winning over the elite in Hollywood. With jam. And dog treats." Schofield claimed Markle "feels rejected by the UK and that does not sit well with her." Prince Harry has had a strained relationship with his family. The prince quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to California with his wife, saying what they said were unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. Prince Harry rushed to London in February this year for a very brief visit after King Charles III, 75, was diagnosed with a type of cancer. Shortly after his trip to London, Harry told US TV that he thought such health concerns could help bring his family closer. Price Harry to buy home in the UK? King Charles former butler, Grant Harrold, had earlier told the New York Post that Harry had been eyeing properties in the UK. "Its something that hes wanted and been thinking about...Now hes probably made the decision, thats what he wants. Not having a home in the UK was probably a joint decision initially, but as time goes on, peoples views and decisions can change," Harrold was quoted as saying. However, Schofield told Fox News that Prince Harry "wont make any drastic or financial moves until he settles his security issues." The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is getting ready to unveil new rules for H-1B visas to combat fraud and enhance national security, reported Business Because. The new visa policy will likely have radical implications for employers and professionals, particularly Indians. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggested that, as per the new proposed rules, all H-1B visa extensions would require a $4,000 fee. These proposed changes aim to strengthen our immigration system and ensure the integrity of employment-based visa programs while also safeguarding national security, the Times of India quoted the DHS as saying. Also Read | Home ministry refuses to renew visa of French journalist Sebastien Farcis The US will disclose the new rules on July 8 before implementing the visa changes. The new rules will be open for public comment for a specific period of time. The H-1B visa serves as the main pathway for Indian IT companies to deploy their software engineering professionals in the US. It is important to note that Indians have constituted the majority of H-1B visa recipients in the past. The authorities are poised to impose changes to the cost of L-1 visa extensions as well. This visa permits companies to hire managers and executives from foreign offices and bring them to the US. The proposed rule would mandate a $4,500 fee to extend an L-1 visa. Thus, employers with 50 or more employees, where over 50 per cent of employees hold H-1B or L-1 visas, are required to pay a fee for initial petitions and when there is a change of employer. The USCIS grants H-1B visa applicants residency and work permit after the employer provides a sponsorship allowance. This permit will stay valid for an initial period of three years after completing a higher education degree. Currently, the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, introduced in 2015, applies only to initial visa petitions and changes of employers. The proposed amendments aim to expand this fee to encompass all H-1B and L-1 visa extension petitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi on Thursday after signing a mutual defence deal with North Korea. AFP looks at the background to the visit and what the two sides hope to achieve. - Why is Putin going to Hanoi? - Vietnam and Russia have close ties going back to the 1950s, but Hanoi is not likely to give Putin the public pledge of "full support" on Ukraine that he received from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Southeast Asian manufacturing powerhouse has for years carefully avoided allying too closely with any major power -- the so-called "bamboo diplomacy" approach of seeking strength through flexibility. Also Read | Putin, Kim Jong Un agree to immediately offer military aid if attacked Both US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping have visited in recent months to deepen relations. But receiving Putin -- under sanctions and seen as a pariah by much of the world -- will be "a test of how far Hanoi's multi-directional hedge can go and still be accepted by other major powers", said Huong Le Thu, deputy director of the Asia Program at the International Crisis Group. For the Russian leader, the trip could offer an opportunity to show that he has international supporters, Thu said. - What's their history? - The former Soviet Union was one of the first countries to recognise the Vietnamese government of Ho Chi Minh and establish diplomatic ties, in 1950. Also Read | How Putin and Kim stand to gain from a rare visit thats troubling the West Some 50,000 Vietnamese studied in Soviet universities up to 1991, and successive Vietnamese governments have been heavily reliant on arms supplied by the Kremlin for decades. During the war with the United States, the Soviet Union provided its fellow communists in Vietnam with jet fighters, missiles, helicopters and tanks as well as nearly 11,000 soldiers, according to Vietnam's Army newspaper. The ties endured even after the collapse of the Soviet Union -- Russia accounted for more than 80 percent of Vietnam's arms imports between 1995 and 2023, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Moscow also used Vietnam's strategic Cam Ranh Bay in the South China Sea as its military base in the Asia Pacific for more than two decades until 2002. The two upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Hanoi's highest level, in 2012. Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United States also share top-level ties with Vietnam. - What will they discuss? - Russian officials say the talks will focus on trade, education and energy issues, in particular, how Moscow can help Vietnam transition to clean power. But analysts say arms exports, the war in Ukraine and Moscow's promised support for Hanoi to join the BRICS group of emerging economies will also be on the table. Also Read | Putin to visit North Korea for first time in 24 years Vietnam's arms imports from Russia have dropped off in recent years amid international sanctions over the Ukraine invasion. Milan Kundera passed away on 12 July 2023 at the age of 94. The man who vehemently regulated his public profile, embarking on being a recluse and removing his presence in the social domain decades ago, fought for consistent relevance and against the marginalization of literature as the document of identity. Milan Kundera rose to prominence during the 1980s with the success of his novels "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting." The Czech in exile, often adopted as the poster boy for American Neoliberalism, found himself being critiqued, loved and pushed to exile for all the almost nine decades he walked the earth. Amidst the chaos, one finds themselves confronting the harrowing consequences of a war unleashed by an oppressor that bears an uncanny resemblance to the remnants of the once-mighty Soviet Union, now embodied in the guise of Russia. As the bittersweet symphony of history plays out, modernist writer Milan Kundera's literary genius illuminates the intricate tapestry of human experience. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1929, Kundera grew up under the shadow of Soviet domination during the Cold War era. His experiences living in a communist regime influenced his literary output and shaped his critical perspective on political power and oppression. He left Czechoslovakia in 1975, was dismissed from his teaching position, deprived of the right to work, and saw his novels banned from public libraries. Kundera lived a quiet life in exile in Paris. Kundera's The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, which eschews traditional linear narrative and unfolds instead as a nest of interconnected stories, is held together in part by a handful of recurring characters but more firmly by recurring themes, words, and motifs. This is also indicative of weighing the anchor of Kundera's homeland. This meant that Kundera had also freed himself from the bonds of formal convention. Kundera's use of techniques such as shifting perspectives, non-linear storytelling, and metafiction, which challenged conventional narrative structures, fanned the flames of intellectual stimulation, thereby creating a world that is simultaneously poetic, introspective, and intellectually stimulating. Writing amid scrutiny of secret police While writing in the novella Slowness about Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's most famous book, Kundera observed, "The epistolary form of Les Liaisons dangereuses is not merely a technical procedure that another could easily replace. The form is eloquent in itself and tells us that whatever the characters have undergone, they have undergone for the sake of telling about it, for transmitting, communicating, confessing, and writing it. In such a world, where everything gets told, disclosure is the weapon that is both most readily available and deadly." The author who regulated every aspect of his novel used his own Picasso-esque sketch as artwork for his books, very poignantly pointing out 'writing' and what it might "disclose" about its author's threatened power structure. The Book of Laughter and Forgetting illuminates the point where identity intersects with the political forces and are in conflict, the part of Kundera's oeuvre that forms an inseparable context in which he was raised, the world of Soviet-era communism, a context which fascinated and to some extent baffled western observers in the 70s and 80s. Kundera's novels provided a window to the complexities of life with unmatched irony, melancholy and intellectual rigour into the reader's understanding. "To apprehend the self in my novels means to grasp the essence of its existential problem. To grasp its existential code." Kundera had said. Kundera's 'Litost'-an untranslatable emotion Milan Kundera discussed Litost in his fairly famous The Book of Laughter and Forgetting. The occult author said, "Litost is a Czech word with no exact translation into any other language." Litost, the untranslatable emotion, is a Czech word for what Kundera describes as "a state of torment caused by a sudden insight into one's miserable self. Litost works like a two-stroke motor. First comes a feeling of torment, then a desire for revenge." Not a 'psychological' novelist-Kundera In The Art of the Novel, a collection of seven essays, Kundera outlined his conception of the European novelistic tradition and his own place within it. "My novels are not psychological," he asserted in The Art of the Novel. "More precisely: they lie outside the aesthetic of the novel normally termed psychological." However, this bold clarification that came from Kundera needed to meet with a clarified understanding of 'what they are'. TEL AVIVWhen Gili Roman got a phone call from the Israeli military in late November, it was with the happy news that his sister, Yarden Roman Gat, was going to be released from captivity in a hostage deal with Hamas. Now, the prospect of calls from the Israeli military fills the families of many hostages with dread. An Israeli military operation freed four hostages in early June. But many more have come home dead in recent months, deepening concerns that time is running out and that the safe return of the hostages may be at odds with Israels war goal of destroying Hamas. What is happening now is that the families have the opposite feeling," says Roman, who has another relative, Carmel Gat, among the remaining hostages. Its about who will get a phone call saying the body of your family member has been found or he has been declared dead." Of the approximately 250 hostages taken in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack, 116 continue to be held captive, including many believed to be dead. Mediators in the hostage talks and a U.S. official familiar with the latest U.S. intelligence said the number of those hostages still alive could be as low as 50. That assessment, based in part on Israeli intelligence, would mean 66 of those still held hostage could be dead, 25 more than Israel has publicly acknowledged. The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. The Israeli Prime Ministers Office and military declined to comment. Hamas didnt respond to a request for comment but has told mediators in the cease-fire talks that it doesnt know how many hostages are alive. The bodies of 19 hostages have been returned to Israel, including eight in the past three months. Israel has determined that another 41 hostages are dead. Eight Americans remain hostage in Gaza, including three who have been declared dead by Israel. The American families of the hostages meet regularly with White House officials. The Wall Street Journal reported in February that as many as 50 of the remaining hostages could be dead based on an Israeli assessment shared with U.S. and Egyptian officials. The number of hostages alive or dead has been an issue in cease-fire talks brokered by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. As part of a deal, hostages would likely be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel was initially unwilling to accept dead bodies to meet the number of hostages required to be released in the first phase of any deal, but its latest proposal presented to Hamas says it would accept dead bodies. The talks have been hung up on the need to square Hamass demand for a path to end the war with Israels insistence on continuing the fight until the group is destroyed. Hamas hardened its stance by adding new demands after a June 8 hostage rescue operation, in which four hostages were freed but scores of Palestinians died. Estimates of the number of dead hostages continue to rise due to the conditions of their detention, wounds they suffered during the Oct. 7 attack, and other causes. Israeli officials say that most of the hostages pronounced dead were killed on Oct. 7, but they have also confirmed that some hostages have been killed by Israels own military action. The June commando rescue of the four hostages held in Gaza apartments was a rare moment of joy in Israel, where families of those taken have grown frustrated with months of fruitless talks for a hostage deal amid a war that appears to be grinding on without end. But the military and the rescued hostages say Israeli missions cant bring back everyone. A deal with Hamas would return at least some of the remaining hostages, but concern is deepening within Israel that an increasing number of the captives are dead. Along with the significant achievement, we must honestly say we will not be able to return everyone home in this way," Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Saturday. One of the rescued hostages, Andrey Kozlov, publicly called for a deal with Hamas to secure the release of those who remain in Gaza. As the weeks without a hostage deal drag on, families and health professionals are growing more worried about some hostages chances of survival due to their old age, conditions of captivity and pre-existing conditions. I think we should be extremely worried," said Hagai Levine, the head of the medical team for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group. It seems like every week more hostages are dying or getting in danger or very sick." The condition of hostages held in Gaza varies depending on the behavior of their captors as well as whether they are held above ground or in tunnels. Former hostages interviewed by the Journal described limited food and hygiene, lack of medical care, and fear of Israeli airstrikes. Hostages held alone rather than in groups are more at risk of deterioration, according to Israeli health professionals who have treated returned hostages. Izhar Lifshitzs 84-year-old father, Oded Lifshitz, is a hostage in Gaza. Hostages who were released in November said they saw him wounded but alive early in the war, but Izhar Lifshitz hasnt heard anything new from the military since then. We hang on to the hope that he might be alive," Lifshitz said. But in our stomach we know that older people, wounded people, people taken more than eight months ago, people like that even in Israel would need to change their medication several times, a doctors treatment. And they are not getting that there." Israels successful raid could paradoxically make the remaining hostages conditions worse as Hamas moves them to more secure locations. They probably tightened up security. Theyre looking for collaborators and any leakage of information. They may have moved hostages from above ground to underground," said Gershon Baskin, a hostage negotiator who facilitated the 2011 deal with Hamas that freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from captivity in Gaza. I would think that the lives of the hostages were not better off after last Saturday," he said last week, referring to the June 8 raid. Israel uses a strict set of forensic standards to determine hostage deaths and has tasked a small committee of medical experts with reviewing classified intelligence to make the determinations. When the committee began its work in October, it mostly relied on security-camera footage from Israel. Today, however, it relies more on Hamas videos that Israeli troops have recovered in Gaza. We were able to determine the death of people that we know were alive and we know how their life ended over there," says Ofer Merin, a member of the committee and director general at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. We sit very quietly. We look at each frame. We listen to what happened. And we gather all this information." The military has also been trying to learn the fate of Israeli hostages by tracing DNA found in tunnels inside Gaza, said Tamir Hayman, a former head of Israeli military intelligence. Hamas traditionally is highly disciplined about keeping secret the whereabouts of its captives, who are often moved around the Gaza Strip, Baskin said. The four captors who guarded Shalit for more than five years never used electronic communication and had no connections or contacts in Gaza. But now that the militant group has dozens more hostages to guard, information could slip out more easily. Throughout the war, Hamas has trickled out videos of hostages in Gaza, sometimes showing them alive to pressure Israel to reach a deal. The videos are a much awaited sign of life for the families, but are also gut-wrenching for relatives to watch. Elan Tiv was in the car with her sister and mother, a released hostage, in late April when Hamas released a video of her 65-year-old father, Keith Siegel, who remains captive. Tiv pressed play but didnt turn on the volume, fearing she would break down. She watched until her father began to cry. We stopped the car on the side of the road and cried a lot," she said. Her mother, Aviva Siegel, who was held with Siegel in Gaza before being released, couldnt bear to watch. Write to Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com, Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com and Nancy A. Youssef at nancy.youssef@wsj.com The death toll from this year's hajj has exceeded 1,000, an AFP tally said on Thursday, more than half of them unregistered worshippers who performed the pilgrimage in extreme heat in Saudi Arabia. The new deaths reported Thursday included 58 from Egypt, according to an Arab diplomat who provided a breakdown showing that of 658 Egyptians who passed away, 630 were unregistered pilgrims. All told, around 10 countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the annual pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam which all Muslims with the means must complete at least once. The figures have come via official statements or from diplomats working on their countries' responses. The hajj, whose timing is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, fell again this year during the oven-like Saudi summer. The national meteorological centre reported a high of 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) this week at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. According to a Saudi study published last month, temperatures in the area are rising 0.4 degrees Celsius each decade. Each year tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt to perform the hajj through irregular channels as they cannot afford the often costly official permits. Saudi authorities reported clearing hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca this month, but it appears many still participated in the main rites which began last Friday. This group was more vulnerable to the heat because, without official permits, they could not access air-conditioned spaces provided by Saudi authorities for the 1.8 million authorised pilgrims to cool down after hours of walking and praying outside. "People were tired after being chased by security forces before Arafat day. They were exhausted," one Arab diplomat told AFP on Thursday, referring to Saturday's day-long outdoor prayers that marked the hajj's climax. The diplomat said the main cause of death among Egyptian pilgrims was the heat, which triggered complications related to high blood pressure and other issues. Burials begin In addition to Egypt, new fatalities were confirmed on Thursday by Pakistan and Indonesia. Out of around 150,000 pilgrims, Pakistan has so far recorded 58 deaths, a diplomat briefed on the tally told AFP. "I think given the number of people, given the weather, this is just natural," the diplomat said. Indonesia, which had around 240,000 pilgrims, raised its death toll to 183, according to the ministry of religious affairs, compared with 313 deaths recorded last year. Deaths have also been confirmed by Malaysia, India, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, Sudan and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. In many cases authorities have not specified the cause. Meanwhile friends and family members have been searching for pilgrims who are still missing. On Wednesday they scoured hospitals and pleaded online for news, fearing the worst during the scorching temperatures. Two diplomats told AFP on Thursday that Saudi authorities had begun the burial process for dead pilgrims, which involves cleaning up the bodies, putting them in white burial cloth and taking them to be interred in individual graves. "The burial is done by the Saudi authorities. They have their own system so we just follow that," said one diplomat, who pointed out that his country was working to notify loved ones of the dead as best it could. The other diplomat said that given the number of fatalities it would be impossible to notify many families ahead of time, especially in Egypt which accounts for so many of the dead. Extreme danger Saudi Arabia has not provided information on fatalities, though it reported more than 2,700 cases of "heat exhaustion" on Sunday alone. Last year various countries reported more than 300 deaths during the hajj, mostly Indonesians. The timing of the hajj moves back about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar, meaning that next year it will take place earlier in June, potentially in cooler conditions. A 2019 study by the journal Geophysical Research Letters said because of climate change, heat stress for hajj pilgrims will exceed the "extreme danger threshold" from 2047 to 2052 and 2079 to 2086, "with increasing frequency and intensity as the century progresses". Hosting the hajj is a source of prestige for the Saudi royal family, and King Salman's official title includes the words "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques", in Mecca and Medina. A rift between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the countrys military leadership is spilling increasingly into the open after the armed forces top spokesman said Netanyahus aim of destroying Hamas in Gaza is unachievable. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari told Israeli television on Wednesday night, The idea that we can destroy Hamas or make Hamas disappear is misleading to the public." The comment was a rare direct rebuke from the military of how Netanyahu has delineated the main aim of the war in Gaza, which he says is total victory" over Hamas and returning Israeli hostages held by the group. The prime minister has said repeatedly that he wont accept an end to the war without the groups eradication as a military and governing power. The Prime Ministers Office pushed back on Hagaris comments. The security cabinet headed by Prime Minister Netanyahu defined the destruction of Hamas military and governmental capabilities as one of the goals of the war. The IDF is of course committed to this," it said, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. The exchange was an illustration of months of mounting tensions between Netanyahu and the countrys military leadership, who argue that Hamas could only be defeated if Israel were to replace it with another governing authority in Gaza. During more than eight months of war, the Israeli military has invaded swaths of the Gaza Strip, only to see Hamas reconstitute itself in areas when Israeli forces withdraw. What we can do is grow something different, something to replace it," Hagari said Wednesday. The politicians will decide" who should replace Hamas, he said. Netanyahu has rejected a series of proposals for possible alternatives to Hamas, including an American plan to bring in the Palestinian Authority and Arab calls for a Palestinian unity government that would include Hamas. Some military analysts and former Israeli officials have questioned whether installing a new government in Gaza was ever possible, given that Hamas has managed to survive the Israeli military assault. The widening rift with the military leadership comes as Netanyahu is also under pressure from the Biden administration to accept a cease-fire proposal that President Biden said would lead to an end to the war. This week, Netanyahu opened a new dispute with the administration, accusing the U.S. of withholding weapons and ammunition from Israel. The White House dismissed the claims, saying it paused only one shipment of bombs over concerns about the potential killing of civilians in Israels operation in the city of Rafah, southern Gaza. More than 37,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, most of them civilians, Palestinian officials say. The figure doesnt specify how many were combatants. Israeli bombing has also reduced much of the strip to rubble and uprooted more than a million people from their homes. The Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7 left about 1,200 people deadmost of them civiliansaccording to Israeli authorities. Hamas also took about 250 hostages, dozens of whom remain in captivity in Gaza. The war has also pushed the Middle East to the brink of a wider regional conflict, with increasing concerns that Israel could enter a full-scale war with Lebanons Hezbollah, an Islamist group aligned with both Iran and Hamas, after months of cross-border fire that has displaced tens of thousands of civilians in both Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah has refused to stop fighting without a cease-fire in Gaza. In Gaza, after months of fleeing bombing, living without regular electricity and with limited supplies of food and water, ordinary Palestinians are also losing hope that the war will end soon. Everyone here lives waiting for the day theyll be killed," said Hazar Ghanem, a 22-year-old who is sheltering in Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. People here are frustrated." The tensions between Netanyahu and the military are coming to a boil after the military launched an operation in May in Rafah, where more than a million Palestinian civilians had been sheltering at the time. Netanyahu argued for months that the Rafah invasion was central to his vision of achieving total victory. The military has been signaling that the Rafah operation will soon come to an end, saying this week that it had dismantled two of Hamass four battalions in the region and seized most of the Rafah area. Israel Ziv, a retired Israeli general and veteran of multiple wars, said tensions between the Israeli military and security establishment and Netanyahu are at an all-time high. The IDF feels and the security echelon feels that we exhausted the purpose of the war. We reached the maximum tactical peak that we can achieve," he said. As long as Rafah was there, they could say finish the job. OK its finished now." The friction between Netanyahu and the military establishment had burst into public view earlier in the war. In May, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant delivered a speech calling on the government to decide who should replace Hamas in Gaza. The lack of a decision, he said, left Israel with only two choices: Hamas rule or a complete Israeli military takeover of the strip. We need to make a decision," said Ziv. Even a bad decision, thats OK. Lets say [we] occupy Gaza in the next few years because we need to clear up the last few terrorists. OK, its a bad decision, but its a decision. The military needs to know." The dispute between Netanyahu and the military centers in part on how officials define a defeat of Hamas. An Israeli military official said the army considers a battalion dismantled" not when all its fighters are killed, but when its command structure and ability to carry out organized attacks are eliminated. We are getting close to finishing the job defined by the government and well reach a point when were just fighting guerrilla warfare, and that could take years," the military official said. Military analysts say that Hamass militia forces are likely to survive the Israeli military operation even in Rafah, in part because the Israeli armys approach leaves many lower-ranking Hamas fighters in place. Hamass top leadership in the enclave, including its leader, Yahya Sinwar, have also eluded Israeli forces throughout the war. Hamas is preserving its forces in Rafah rather than engaging the Israel Defense Forces, likely because Hamas does not believe Israels Rafah operation will be decisive," said an assessment this week from the Critical Threats Project of the Institute for the Study of War and the American Enterprise Institute. Dov Lieber and Abeer Ayyoub contributed to this article. Write to Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com and Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to provide immediate military assistance if one of them is attacked, reviving an agreement dating back to the Cold War in a move likely to unsettle the US and its partners. The two leaders signed the deal Wednesday during Putins first visit to North Korea in 24 years. Kim called the pact the most powerful treaty signed between the two countries and one that elevates their ties to an alliance. If either party is invaded by armed force by an individual state or states and face a war, the other party shall without delay and in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and the laws of North Korea and Russia, provide military and other assistance with all the means at its disposal, the treaty said, according to a text published Thursday from the official Korean Central News Agency. After the signing ceremony, Kim said the deal is for defensive purposes but it raises the risks for the US and its partners in responding to provocations from Moscow and Pyongyang and is a symbol of their defiance against Western powers. The pact, dubbed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, also says Russia and North Korea agreed to work together to strengthen their defense capabilities, while expanding cooperation in the trade and investment. US Presidential Elections 2024: Former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump lauded Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, at a rally in Wisconsin. Trump described Ramaswamy as smart and hinted that he would be involved in his team in some capacity. Trump expressed confidence in Vivek Ramaswamy's abilities, stating, If I gave it to Vivek to do, hed pull it off, referring to his administration's tariff deals with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Republican Party's national convention, scheduled for July 15 to 18, will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is anticipated that during this gathering, former US President Donald Trump will be officially nominated as the party's candidate for the upcoming general election on November 5. Trump further mentioned, Hes going to be with us in some form, indicating Ramaswamy's future involvement. Trump also praised Ramaswamy as a "smart guy" during his rally speech. At the Wisconsin rally, Ramaswamy was introduced as The Fake Vivek, a label akin to Trump's characteristic insults, which was also mentioned in a leaked memo directing then-presidential candidate Ron DeSantis to use this name. During the event, Ramaswamy drew comparisons between Trump and the signers of the Declaration of Independence, particularly likening him to George Washington, referring to Trump as the George Washington of our era. A spokesperson for Ramaswamy told the New York Post that amidst media speculation, Vivek's primary commitment is ensuring President Trump's reelection to advance the America First agenda. The spokesperson expressed confidence in Ramaswamy's potential role in future administrations, emphasizing his dedication to driving private sector change and economic reform. Additionally, Ramaswamy remains focused on combating what he views as harmful trends like the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) movement in corporate America. In 1991, the Indian government articulated a Look East policy to build extensive economic and strategic relations with its eastern neighbours and Southeast Asia. This was different from the traditional West facing outlook, in which we looked to learn from Europe and North America. With the age of AI upon us, India is considering how it should both foster and regulate this powerful new technology which can reshape industry, society and geopolitics. AI promises huge economic and social benefits, but there are concerns around copyright, human rights violations, privacy and fairness. For instance, the issue of deepfakes clouded the recent elections, with fears of democracy being subverted. For regulating AI, should India look West towards the EU and its AI Act, or at the US and UK, which are considering more Big Tech-friendly regimes? I believe that India should bring back its Look East philosophy and learn from another large democracy, Japan, which has been quietly building an AI regulatory regime that balances the need for integrating AI safely in society with building an environment for innovation. It sees AI as a lever with which it can leapfrog decades of stagnation in its innovation and tech ecosystem. Similarly, AI can offer India a strong impetus to become Viksit Bharat by 2047. Japan effectively leveraged the 2023 G7 summit, where the Hiroshima AI process gave a clarion call for exploring various frameworks to regulate AI. It was no coincidence that the summit was in Hiroshima, with its stark reminder on what could happen if technology is misused. Two basic approaches emerged: a hard law-based approach with strict obligations, as evidenced by the EUs AI Act and Chinese regulation, and a soft law-based one, which emphasizes non-binding guidance and principles. Japan leans towards the latter. Inge Odendaal of Stellenbosch University describes the principles very well in her paper (bit.ly/3Volng1): The government acts as a facilitator: AI is a complex ecosystem of technologies, and the Japanese government prefers to be a facilitator rather than sole creator of innovation. It acknowledges the private sector as the primary driver and activates its governance institutions to help them. Japans foreign affairs ministry coordinated the Hiroshima process, for example, and its cultural affairs ministry is looking at copyright issues. This is a perfect template for India to adopt. The government should place the private technology sector at the centre of Indian efforts, with enabling roles to be played by its ministries of electronics and information technology, law, and information and broadcasting. Focused funding and investment: Japan has created a large fund for Generative AI, domestic data centres and local chip production. It offers incentives and subsidies in partnership with cloud computing providers and tech companies. India has a similar fund, set up as part of the India AI Mission. But the difference is that much of the Indian funding is being used to procure processing units centrally rather than decentralize innovation (like in Japan). Effective government-academia-industry collaboration: The AI Japan R&D Network works across universities, research institutes, private sector and global tech companies to recommend policies on AI research and companies. India is doing something similar; we already have the constituents, with our IITs and IISc, a robust private sector and a strong global tech presence. Building domestic competence: Japan is looking to build its own large language model (LLM); India has a raft of them being built and they would benefit greatly from government support. We also have expertise in building citizen-centric technology with initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI. A similar model can help build GenAI as a public good. Philosophical argument: Western and Eastern societies differ considerably in their approach to fundamental societal issues like privacy and data usage. In my research at Cambridge University, I realized that the Western idea of privacy as being the right to be left alone was quite different from the Eastern notion of collective or societal privacy. AI is both transformational and inevitable. As it shapes industry, society, humanity and the global order, the worlds most populous country cannot afford to be left behind. Other countries are racing to set up frameworks, and Indian policymakers need to step up the urgency. As they do so, they would be well served by looking at Japan, which has similar cultural traits, and taking a hard-nosed approach that balances innovation and regulation. A born-male hotel executive who identified as a woman had a request of her HR head. She wanted to work in the reception desk of the hotel in a sari. The senior approved. Next morning, the executive in a sari drew attention from many guests, but the decision worked in the hotels favour. That one nod upped ratings from many guests and bolstered its brand image of being an inclusive company. Now, in an ideal world, an employee being denied a role because of any orientation is unacceptable. But since we do not reside in such a world, the letters LGBTQIA+ (abbreviation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and any other identities) could take time to percolate through the layers of most organizations. But time is not a luxury that India Inc has. Today, different generations huddled in the same office want the voices of all genders and orientation, with any kind of fluidity, to be heard pronto. A single protest from the young and disillusioned on social media could hurt a companys brand image, impacting its employee attraction ability and more. It has taken more than 50 years for society and thereby companies to notice the impact women leaders bring to an organization. Getting them to accept different orientations, which are also evolving, will take a lot more years," observes a senior HR executive who conducts DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) training sessions for business leaders of a conglomerate. We have to start now." The HR executive recounts how leaders are getting trained not to react or form any judgement, and also be acutely aware of any subconscious bias kicking in when a job seeking candidate discloses more about oneself. I am asexual cannot be met with What does that mean? or How will the employee fit in, etc. No one asks personal questions, but candidates in interviews have opened up about their orientations sometimes just to check if they and the firm are a match." What does DEI training involve? Is it taken seriously across all levels in India Inc, or is it just a perfunctory checklist tick-off? A consultant told me that explaining it to employees could lead to questions on religious beliefs on orientation, with morality cropping up as a subject. There is curiosity about whether sexual and other forms of diversity can influence decision-making processes, while there is also rejection of anything beyond heteronormative archetypes. People often ask if all employees must attend these programmes if the likelihood of having LGBTQIA+ colleagues is low. Some firms insist that all need to be sensitized, while others want their senior leadership to be trained every few months in the hope that their understanding will seep through the layers. The worry that they may not be considered inclusive has pushed firms across sectors to look at benefit packages. While concepts like adoption and paternity leave are available in a few firms, DEI teams are working to ensure that if gender-affirming surgery is covered by the companys insurance policy, then so should the gender-related medical expenses of employees who are transitioning but may not require surgery. But can these measures stop the slurs? A business house had to look into a harassment case where an employee felt threatened" by another colleague who had come out of the closet. Slurs, abusive words, snide remarks are common, but rarely are they reported by anyone, not even the person who was the target. Sometimes, senior executives are bored in these sessions, but the hope is that with every step, the office becomes a safer place," says a senior executive. Unfortunately, as conversations with office-goers suggest, leaders in many places are still getting used to the new dynamics brought about by out-of-the-closet orientations. In the meantime, the younger lot, especially in metros , are scanning their employment contracts to confirm if the firm meets their fairness yardstick. DEI standards are rising. Simply installing a gender-neutral washroom doesnt make the cut. Whether people protest what they identify as DEI violations, especially if someone is victimized in office for orientation, can depend on how badly they need their jobs. For many, calling out the bigotry displayed by a senior, like opening up to colleagues, can be a tricky decision if it risks being singled out and ridiculed. Yet, from insider accounts, company cultures are changing as younger generations move in. According to a prominent DEI activist, there seems to be more acceptance of different orientations among general workers than their higher-ups who work in cubicles: A transgender working in a plant is more easily accepted by the workmen on the floor but the MBA degree holders in cabins create more resistance." So, are DEI training investments turning out to be mere lip service in India Inc? Is June celebrated as Pride Month mostly for brand projection purposes? I would like to think that even if a single candidate opens up about ones sexuality in a job interview and the panel waves the candidate in as if nothing extraordinary happened, then India Inc should feel relieved. Is Bill Gates set for a global legacy beyond Windows placed by Microsoft on millions of computer screens? Could his startup TerraPower revive nuclear energy as a clean option in our quest to save the planet from the ravages of climate change? Last week, images surfaced of the billionaire with a shovel at a ground-breaking ceremony in Wyoming, US, the site of TerraPowers proposed new-tech reactor that has the world watching. Its a $4 billion bethalf of it funded by the US Energy Department, a quarter by Gates money and the rest by other investorson a 345-megawatt plant at one level, but also on whats being pitched as a cheap and safe new way to generate electricity without carbon exhaust. On safety grounds alone, nuclear energy has looked like a lost cause ever since the 2011 Fukushima meltdown in Japan, which prompted Germany to phase out its nuclear plants, with France opting to reduce its reliance on this source of power and other countries tightening rules. Indias nuclear capacity, at just 1.6% of its 418-gigawatt total, has barely risen since. Also read: Bill Gates on nuclear energy, investing billions, high project costs, associated risks & more While radiation risks provoke popular resistance to the idea, nuclear advocates argue its the only realistic path to carbon neutrality, and the sooner we conquer our safety qualms, the better. Should Gates new venture come good, it could stare down sceptics and herald a reactor renaissance across the world. The odds of TerraPower reviving the nuclear industry depend on how innovative its upgrade really is. It claims a reactor redesigned from scratch thats not just cheaper, but also safer than the usual kind. Its differentiator? Like some older models, it uses liquid sodium instead of water as its heat conductor and fuel coolant. The typical nuclear plants turbines are driven by steam from water heated in a large chamber whose core is stuffed with fuel-rods undergoing fission. As an analogy, think of a large pressure cooker that can explode if control is lostexcept that if fissile matter gets exposed, the fallout could be deadly. Sodium is expected to let its plant run on lower pressure, be easier to cool, and offer dramatic advantages by keeping its core reactor apart from its steam turbines, separated by a heat battery of molten salt designed to act as a knob to raise or reduce supply quickly, granting it special flexibility. Americas nuclear regulator is yet to approve the plan, though, and the edge granted by this spiffy new design is still to be tested. Although this metal conducts heat well, it is also reactive with air and water, needs careful handling, and may be vulnerable to overheating (as seen in other sodium plants); also, its opacity might make the fuel harder to keep under check. Itll be years before we know if the claims hold up. India has fallen for a false dawn on nuclear energy before, with the high of a big-ticket India-US deal ending in a whimper for this sector. But thats exactly why we must track its evolution abroad. Observers suspect it was our 2010 indemnity law more than Fukushima that deflated foreign plans to sell us reactors; it lets reactor suppliers be held liable for accidents. However, if risks are dropping, as TerraPowers spiel suggests, then a shift in sectoral dynamics should spell renewed interest in such new-tech projects here too. But first, a haze over reactor safety needs to lift. Indian regulators must put all proposals to close scrutiny, even as we insist on full transparency. Every projects calculus, for example, must include the costly task of storing spent fuel safely for centuries. In all things nuclear, each critical detail counts. Also read: The hidden cost of renewable energy Mark Twains aphorism that history doesnt repeat itself, but it often rhymes" may be overused. But the market reaction to the political turmoil gripping France has distinct echoes of the euro crisis more than a decade ago. As talk of Frexit surfaces, its important to note that there are significant differences between the current situation and the travails suffered by the PIGSPortugal, Italy, Greece and Spainback in the day. France is part of the bedrock of the European Union (EU), not just a peripheral nation. Its economy is nowhere near as weak as Greeces was in 2012. While both its budget deficit and debt burden are deteriorating, neither is as bad as those of Italy. Moreover, the European Central Bank is now much more proficient at coming up with new tools to defend the common currency project. The EUs collective ability to set aside differences, displayed during the euro crisis and repeated in its 800 billion ($850 billion) NextGeneration pandemic fiscal programme, is its greatest strength. Its willingness to compromise on even the thorniest of political and economic issues means the risk of a Frexit can be firmly discounted at this juncture. That said, fixing Frances finances also looks unlikely. The political jockeying following President Emmanuel Macrons decision to call a snap election has highlighted the countrys intractable debt problem; French bond spreads wont magically return to the previous narrow levels compared with benchmark German yields even after the political picture becomes clearer by the second-round results on 7 July. A change in the rating outlook or a downgrade from Moodys Investors Service, which ranks French government debt at Aa2 with a stable outlook, is probably already priced in. But further action from either Fitch Ratings or S&P Global Ratings, which have the nation one notch lower at AA-, would be unsettling. In recent trading days, French 10-year yields have barely budged, while German bonds have tracked a sharp decline in US Treasury yields. The French Treasury has completed more than half of its 310 billion gross funding requirement this year, with sales going smoothly. Yields across the curve are in the 3% to 3.5% range, only modestly above this years average levels. In 2012, the French yield premium to Germany reached 128 basis points. This current wobble, which has seen the spread surpass 80 basis points, is more reminiscent of the market move in the approach to Macron first taking office in 2017. So-called cohabitation between opposing parties holding the offices of president and prime minister has happened three times before in the 66-year history of the Fifth Republic. If Marine Le Pens National Rally gets to lead the next government, its worth noting that her party has carefully moderated its eurosceptic stance in recent years, pushing instead for reform from within. Nonetheless, European Commission concern about the increasing French budget deficit, which rose to 5.5% of GDP last year, wont be assuaged by a tense domestic political scene. During the euro debt crisis, it took then-ECB President Mario Draghi promising to do whatever it takes" in July 2012 to steady the ship. Current incumbent Christine Lagarde doesnt need to worry her speechwriters yet, but it would be wise to have internal consultations on which tools from its expanded arsenal the ECB might bring to bear if the current market moves threaten to become dysfunctional. The ECBs Transmission Protection Instrument (TPI), for example, was approved in July 2022. It helped to quell an Italian political wobble, but it remains more of a conceptual tool than a real-life bazooka, with an explicit aim to counter unwarranted, disorderly market dynamics." We are far from that definition; What were seeing is a repricing," ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane pointed out earlier this week. Still, policymakers in Europe might want to remind market participants that the TPI exists. The central bank announced at its 6 June meeting that it will commence running down its Pandemic Emergency Purchasing Programme by 7.5 billion per month from July, by no longer fully reinvesting maturing holdings. Also read: France is being thrown into uncharted territory Pressing pause might be taken as a sign of panic; but theres plenty of inbuilt flexibility that would allow redemptions from other markets to be skewed toward reinvestment in French debta chunky 18 billion matures in July, for example. President Macrons electoral gamble has focused investor attention on the parlous state of French finances and opened the door to a new administration that may be even less fiscally responsible. But still, we are a long, long way from the turbulent markets of 2012. bloomberg Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Member of Parliament Manoj Jha on Thursday termed the claims made by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha against opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav's aide on Thursday "fake". He said there is an uproar over the alleged "irregularities" in the NEET exam, but the topic of discussion is who booked the guest house in Bihar. Taking a dig at the central government, Jha said, Lakhs of children are not a matter of concern... You are making false stories to save the accused... "I want to say that this whole story is a conspiracy hatched to defame a government employee; because the big faces involved in NEET have to be saved. This is a question of the future of 25 lakh children. Do not entangle it in the false story of the guest house" Jha also demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET row and said the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam, should also be abolished. "This is a question of the future of 25 lakh children. Do not entangle it in the false story of the guest house," Jha added. He was reacting to the allegations levelled by Bihar Deputy CM against Tejashwi Yadav's aide. What was Bihar Deputy CM's charge against Tejashwi Yadav? Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha on Thursday drew a link between Tejashwi Yadav's personal secretary and an accused in the alleged paper leak case, and sought clarification from the RJD leader. Sinha claimed that Tejashwi Yadav's personal secretary, Pritam Kumar, called a guest house worker of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to book a room for Sikander Kumar Yadavendu, one of the accused in the NEET question paper "leak" case. He said that the word "Mantri" was used for the former Deputy CM. "On May 1, Tejashwi Yadav's personal secretary Pritam Kumar called guesthouse worker Pradip Kumar to book a room for Sikander Kumar Yadavendu, who was jailed in Ranchi. On May 4, Pritam Kumar called Pradip Kumar again to book the room in the NHAI guest house. The word 'Mantri' was used for Tejashwi Yadav," Sinha said at a press conference on Thursday. The Deputy CM sought clarification from Tejashwi Yadav regarding whether Pritam Kumar is still his personal secretary and who is Sikander Yadavendu. "Tejashwi Yadav should clarify if Pritam Kumar is still his PS and he should also clarify who is Sikander Kumar Yadavendu. When Lalu Prasad Yadav was jailed in Ranchi, Sikander Kumar Yadavendu used to be at Lalu's service. He was a Junior Engineer in the irrigation department. They play with the future of the people. They do scams when they are in power and they try to influence the appointment process," Sinha said. 'NHAI does not have any guest house facility in Patna' Following Sinha's remarks, the state government said some sections of the press reported that the NEET paper leak case accused stayed at the NHAI guest house in Patna. As the protests against the NEET exams have intensified across the country due to allegations of leaked question papers and biased markings, a heated political controversy has erupted in Bihar. The claims made by the accused persons have sparked a conflict between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is part of the ruling coalition led by the Janata Dal (United), and the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). At the heart of this conflict is each political faction's alleged association with the accused, particularly Sikandar Yadavendu, whom authorities suspect to be the mastermind behind the NEET question paper leak. The Patna police received a tip-off about the suspected paper leak a couple of hours before the exam on May 4. More than a dozen people were arrested, including Anurag Yadav, a NEET candidate, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendu, Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand. Anurag Yadav stated that his uncle had given him the leaked paper, which contained questions identical to those on the actual exam. Meanwhile, Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha alleged, On May 1, Tejashwi Yadav's personal secretary Pritam Kumar called guesthouse worker Pradip Kumar to book a room for Sikander Kumar Yadavendu... On May 4, Pritam Kumar called Pradip Kumar again to book the room... The word mantri was used for Tejashwi Yadav. Sinha further slammed Tejashvi Yadav and said, Tejashwi Yadav should clarify if Pritam Kumar is still his PS, and he should also clarify who is Sikander Kumar Yadavendu. When Lalu Prasad Yadav was jailed in Ranchi, Sikander Kumar Yadavendu used to be at Lalu's service, Sinha said, adding, he was a JE in the irrigation department. They play with the future of the people. They do scams when they are in power, and they try to influence the appointment process, Sinha alleged. Meanwhile, Pradip Kumar said, Pritam called me and asked me to book a room for Sikander Kumar on May 1 and then again on May 4. I asked for a requisition, which he said they would give. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also commented on the matter. I also tweeted about it. We want justice. I thank the court for helping all of us because the lives of the children, their aspirations and desires are important, he stated. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court took action on a plea from the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding the NEET-UG 2024 examination. The court issued a notice and requested the transfer of petitions concerning the NEET-UG exams from various high courts to itself. In addition, the Supreme Court has halted proceedings in the high courts on this matter. The apex court has emphasised that the counselling process for NEET-UG will continue without interruption. Furthermore, the top court has notified the Centre and NTA regarding a petition filed by students who appeared for the NEET-UG exam in Meghalaya. These students claimed that they lost 45 minutes during the exam and requested to be included among the 1,563 students who were granted grace marks and given the option for a re-exam on June 23. 1. All wars end in a war of words, as those who have survived on both sides tell their story. World War I is no exception. Books are still being written about it, more than a century after its end. However, one doesnt have to read the six volumes and 3,261 pages of Winston Churchills history of World War I to find out what it was like to fight in it. Frederic Manning survived life in the trenches and the First Battle of the Sommeno mean featand went on to write a brilliant, unsparing novel that initially had to be published anonymously because of its profane, bracing dialogue. Manning captures the everyday language of the soldiers, for whom the enemy is not the Germans, but their own senior officers and the politicians at home. Ernest Hemingway called Mannings book the finest and noblest novel to come out of World War I." To learn about that war, this is the place to start. Storm of Steel By Ernst Junger (1920) 2. What World War I was like on the other side is portrayed in Ernst Jungers searing memoir, Storm of Steel." The authorwho died in 1998 at the age of 102describes with stinging accuracy his four years of fighting on the Western Front as a young infantry officer in the German army. During his service, he was wounded seven times and awarded Germanys highest decoration for bravery, the coveted Pour le Merite medal (also known as the Blue Max"). If you want to understand hand-to-hand fighting in World War I, its all here: the mud, the blood, the wounded and the dead, the literally breathtaking sensation of being shelled by heavy artillery as the explosions empty the lungs. Junger has an amazing memory and a keen eye for detail, and spares the reader nothing. Good-Bye to All That By Robert Graves (1929) 3. Robert Graves wrote more than 140 books, most of which are still in print, although he is best remembered for the novels I, Claudius" (1934) and Claudius the God" (1934) as well as his splendid war memoir, Good-Bye to All That." In it, Graves tells the story of his life as an officer in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, one of Britains oldest regiments, during World War I. He recounts his time at the front with astonishing knockabout humor and high spirits, undimmed by the deadpan accuracy of his descriptions of the horrors of war. He recalls with endearing frankness his romantic friendship with his fellow poet and RWF officer Siegfried Sassoon. Graves subsequently married twice, had a tumultuous affair with the American writer Laura Riding and fathered eight children. He was a born storyteller: His book is unputdownable and will inspire in his reader equal parts laughter and tears. In Memoriam By Alice Winn (2023) 4. Alice Winns moving and beautifully written novel In Memoriam" is based loosely on the relationship between the war poets Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon. Ms. Winn transforms the two decorated and heroic infantry officers into the fictional Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood, fellow students at an English boarding school similar to the one the author attended. Gaunt is tall, rugged and a boxer like Graves; Ellwood is glamorous, charming and strikingly good-looking. Both are fated to endure the worst in the war. The plot is complicated and satisfying, delving into the complications of the English class system. Gaunt is badly wounded, captured by the Germans and sent to an officers prisoner of war camp. Ellwood has half his face blown off and loses an eye. Though wounded in body and spirit, they survive the war and bond together in love. Throughout, Ms. Winn quotes from the school magazines rolls of the dead and wounded to convey the numbing scale of lives lost and bodies ruined from 1914 through 1918. Seven Pillars of Wisdom By T.E. Lawrence (1926) 5. If any book to come out of World War I qualifies as a masterpiece, that distinction applies to T.E. Lawrences war memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom." It was the basis for Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), directed by David Lean and starring Peter OToole as the conflicted, courageous creator of modern guerrilla warfare and the embittered architect of the contemporary Middle East. A blockbuster of more than 350,000 words, Seven Pillars" is at once a history of the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918 against the Ottoman Turks and an account of Lawrences own involvement in the revolt. It is a blazing, passionate, unblinking page-turner by one of the most controversial and famous war heroes ever. From the moment Lawrence arrives in Jeddah and the heat of Arabia came out like a drawn sword and smote us speechless," to the books sad and violent end, Seven Pillars" lives up its reputation as one of the best real-life adventure stories of all time, and a brutal primer on the clash in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I. Can India help the U.S. win its race against China for technological dominance? The Biden administration seems to think so. Following national security adviser Jake Sullivans visit to New Delhi, the White House on Monday released an ambitious fact sheet listing current and proposed areas of U.S.-India cooperation on critical and emerging" technologies, including semiconductors, fighter jet engines, space flight, telecommunications, biotechnology and artificial intelligence. The statement doesnt mention China. But shared concerns about Beijings ambitions underpin the effort, the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, which was launched last January. To put it bluntly and boldly, its first and foremost about derisking and diversification from China," Rudra Chaudhuri, the director of Carnegie India, says in a phone interview. Those concerns are well-founded. Over the past four decades, China has transformed itself into a science and technology powerhouse. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, China leads the U.S. in research in 53 out of 64 critical and emerging technologies, including advanced aircraft engines, electric batteries, machine learning and synthetic biology. In the Leiden global university science rankings, Chinese universities occupy 10 of the top 20 spots, while only five U.S. universities make the top 20. China in 2020 graduated 1.4 million engineers, seven times as many as graduated from U.S. institutions the same year. Chinese tech companies, including CATL (electric batteries), BYD (electric vehicles) and Huawei (telecommunications), have global reach and global ambitions. The old science world order, dominated by America, Europe and Japan, is coming to an end," the Economist magazine declared recently. Much of the U.S. response to Chinas challenge depends on coordination with technologically advanced allies in Western Europe and East Asia. The U.S., for instance, is working with the Netherlands, home to the semiconductor chip manufacturing machine maker ASML, to ensure that the West retains its technological edge. At first glance, India seems an unlikely technology partner. It counts only one university in Leidens top 200. It spends a fraction of what China and the U.S. spend on research and development. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, Indias government and private sector combined spent less on research and development than Huawei or Microsoft alone spent on R&D in 2021. Among the top 100 tech companies by market capitalization, not one is Indian; 58 are American, and nine Chinese. The Netherlands, with 1/80th of Indias population, has five companies in the top 100. Yet Washington sees value in strengthening bilateral cooperation. In a phone interview, Sameer Lalwani, a scholar at the U.S. Institute of Peace, outlined three broad reasons. First, if the U.S. aligns its tech standards with India, it will become harder for Chinese companies to break into the Indian market and the so-called global south more broadly. Second, the U.S. seeks to harness Indian tech talent. For decades, many of Indias best scientists have made a beeline for the U.S. But several factors make Indias domestic ecosystem worth engaging with as well, including the country's vast pool of engineers, homegrown success in space exploration and digital infrastructure for electronic payments, and a burgeoning tech startup scene. Third, the U.S. believes that technology collaboration will boost Indian military capabilities and deepen trust necessary for military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. GE Aerospace and Indias Hindustan Aeronautics are negotiating to co-produce fighter jet engines that will enable India to deter Chinese border incursions. American MQ-9 drones in Indias arsenal could easily mesh with U.S. tracking of Chinese naval vessels in the Indian Ocean. Carnegies Mr. Chaudhuri says that using India as a manufacturing base for military equipment could enable the U.S. to export arms more cheaply to parts of Asia and Africa. Optimism isnt entirely unwarranted. In recent years, India has signaled that it wants to belong to a U.S.-aligned technology bloc. It has barred Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks and participated in the U.S.-led rip and replace" program, which removes suspect Chinese equipment from U.S. communications infrastructure. Apple subcontractors Foxconn and Pegatron have invested in India, and the Modi government is encouraging Tesla to follow suit. Indias military maintains historically close ties with Russia, but the importance of that relationship has declined sharply. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that only 36% of Indian arms imports between 2019 and 2023 were from Russia, down from 76% a decade earlier. Russias growing dependence on China will likely accelerate Indias quest to seek more reliable partners in the West. Still, theres no guarantee that the U.S.-India tech initiative will succeed. India expects the U.S. to treat it like an ally by waiving export controls on sensitive technologies, but critics in Washington point out that New Delhi doesnt always behave like an ally. They point to Indias refusal to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an alleged Indian assassination plot against a New York-based Sikh separatist, and the Modi governments clampdown on domestic critics. Mr. Lalwani of the U.S. Institute of Peace says Washingtons bet on New Delhi is based on the belief that India is a positive international actor." For the new tech collaboration to achieve its potential, India will need to reassure skeptics that its future lies with the democratic world. Vivo introduced its latest addition to the affordable 5G smartphone segment in India with the launch of the Vivo Y58 5G. It is available in a single configuration of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Consumers can choose between two color options: Himalayan Blue and Sundarbans Green. Pricing This new model from Vivo is priced at 19,499 for the sole variant featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, and aims to offer high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price. The smartphone can be purchased through Flipkart, Vivo's online store, and various other retail channels. Additionally, customers can avail a cashback offer of 1,500 when using credit cards from SBI, Bank of Baroda, IDFC, IndusInd, or Yes Bank. Specifications Under the hood, the Vivo Y58 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which is built on a 4nm process. The device is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, ensuring smooth performance and ample storage space. The smartphone features a 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, offering a pixel density of 393 pixels per inch and a peak brightness of 1024 nits. This display promises vibrant colors and sharp visuals, enhancing the overall user experience. For photography enthusiasts, the Vivo Y58 5G comes with a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP secondary sensor. On the front, there is an 8MP camera for capturing selfies and making video calls. Security is addressed with an in-display fingerprint scanner, allowing for quick and secure unlocking. The device is fueled by a substantial 6,000 mAh battery, which supports 44W fast charging, ensuring that users can quickly recharge and stay connected. Furthermore, the Vivo Y58 5G offers IP64 dust and water resistance, providing additional protection against environmental factors. BANK OF BARODA More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. 3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India's undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here! Why is World Refugee Day Celebrated It is an international day dedicated to honoring the courage and determination of individuals who have had to flee their homeland due to persecution or war. Credit : PEXELS China is positioning to greatly improve accessibility and appeal for international venture capital (VC) investors. Important initiatives aiming at supporting investment and easing patient capital inflows have been proposed by the State Council. Important changes to foreign-invested VC management rules would simplify procedures for foreign investors hoping to take part in Chinas growing VC industry. This includes help for multinational professional investment institutions to create renminbi-denominated funds locally leveraging their vast investment experience and complete service capabilities. Understanding VCs vital contribution in driving the interaction between finance, industry, and technology, Chinas projects highlight a will to support innovation, industrial growth, and financial stability. This dedication also includes improving systems for cross-border financing and foreign exchange management as well as assisting insurance institutions VC fund investments within market criteria. China intends to extend the Qualified Foreign Limited Partnership (QFLP) pilot program and gently direct overseas venture capitalists in under control cross-border transactions. Concurrently, home VC companies will be supported and under observation in their foreign investment activities. Emphasizing the development of patient capitalnecessary for sustained long-term growtha recent high-level conference underlined Chinas strategic focus on supporting new, high-quality production forces and growing sectors. Constant government actions meant to maximize VCs contribution in promoting technological innovation and the expansion of technology-driven businesses support this strategic objective. Chinas dedication to technical development involves supporting fast funding channels including bonds, mergers and acquisitions for technology-oriented companies reaching breakthroughs in fundamental technologies as well as listings. This program seeks to raise evaluation criteria in the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ), so supporting market credibility and efficiency. Before major legislative amendments are passed, China will set up a consultation process including careful policy consistency evaluations to guarantee policy coherence and minimize negative effects on the VC sector. With 8,322 new funds created, with USD 614.06 billion in subscribed scale, Chinas VC and private equity sectors showed significant expansion in 2023. Recent actions taken by Chinas top securities regulator seek to strengthen the reform of its Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR) market, so supporting scientific and technological innovation and generating new high-quality productive forces. Emphasizing the need of creating an atmosphere that welcomes risk and innovation failure as natural byproducts of developing innovative and high-quality productive forces, Chairman Wu Qing of the China Securities Regulatory Commission underlined Strategic presence of Knightsbridge Group in Hong Kong helps them to profit from these changes. Using its local knowledge and experience, Knightsbridge Group will not only be active in Chinas VC sector it can also help foreign venture capitalists negotiate Chinas changing regulatory environment and find profitable investment prospects in the active VC market of the country. Shayne Heffernan It's 11:30am on a Tuesday in Longford District Court. The day's proceedings have moved to the 'charge sheet' cases. It's case four on a list that has 67 matters scheduled for hearing. The District Court list is divided into sections; the charge sheet and the summons. The charge sheets are documents prepared by An Garda Siochana containing details of the offence defendants are charged with. There's a pause in proceedings. The defendant, who was told to be in court for 10:30am, hasn't shown up. It's a minor public order matter. The defendant, a man in his early 20s, was socialising, got drunk, fell asleep on a public walkway and became abusive when woken by Gardai. The charges of public intoxication and being abusive to the officers were first presented to court two months earlier. At that stage the defendant's legal representative told the judge his client was pleading guilty. The solicitor asked the judge to consider a charity donation, rather than a conviction. Although a minor matter, a criminal conviction can have implications. Observing the defendant had no previous conviction the presiding judge said if he pays 250 to a local charity the young man can avoid a conviction. If he fails to make the charity donation he will be fined 250 and have four months to pay that fine, with a two month prison sentence in lieu of payment. She then adjourned the case. Eight weeks later the defendant is a no show for court. The solicitor has sent letters, emails, texts and has tried to phone the client, but he has not replied. They ask if the judge would consider giving the defendant a little time, putting it in the 'second calling' list. The judge's acquiesce to the request is temporary. When the list moves into the afternoon and the defendant fails to attend the judge imposes the default; the 250 fine. The fine will probably go unpaid. A bench warrant will be issued, the defendant will be arrested, if he still won't pay then the prison part of the sentence is activated. The young man will be driven by Gardai to Castlerea Prison in Roscommon. The Governor of the prison, who is endeavouring to cope with capacity issues, will note that the convicted man has been handed down a two month custodial sentence for falling asleep when drunk. The defendant will sign a document to say he has been admitted to prison, he will be handed bus fare and will head back from whence he came. It's a flaw in the system. It undermines the notion of justice, because it re-enforces complacency. It's not that there is a lack of will to change things, but it's a question of resources. For a system that must process organised criminals, intervene in the legal process of family disintegration and preside over commercial and civil disputes the maximising of resources is a significant challenge. In Budget 2024, 185 million was allocated to the Courts Services, this includes capital funding of 67 million. In contrast Ireland's 2024 National Service Plan (NSP) for the HSE has an allocated budget of 23.5 billion. It's not a fair comparison. More people interact with health services than with the justice system. Health is a very costly business. That said, justice is integral to social stability. The minor flaw at the lowest level of the Irish court system is a fissure that runs through global justice. Courts are about making the members of our society feel safe. They are the instrument of justice, ensuring that everyone is treated in an equitable and fair manner. We laud our institutes of justice. At home it's the Four Court, in Europe it's the European court of Justice in Strasbourg, while The Hague in the Netherlands is home to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), (the principal judicial organ of the United Nations), the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) That three of the world's palaces of justice are in Den Haag is no surprise, given its moniker of The International City of Peace and Justice. Last week marked the 125th anniversary of the Hague Peace Convention, a pivotal moment in the global administration of justice. In 1899 Queen Wilhemina of the Netherlands and Russias Tsar Nicholas II hosted world leaders in the Dutch city as a global realisation formed that humanitarian efforts needed a wider reach. During that Peace Convention, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) was established. The court sits in the Peace Palace, a symbol of global cooperation and the desire to fulfil humanitarian ideals. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie contributed $1.5 million towards its construction. It represents the aspirations of an intentional community. Nations across the world gifted constructions materials and artworks to create a transnational home for justice. The Peace Palace Built in 1913 the Peace Palace houses the PCA and the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ). Both institutions work towards the same goal: the peaceful settlement of disputes through arbitration, mediation, or adjudication. The ICJs primary function is to pass judgment upon disputes between sovereign states. It's presided over by 15 sitting judges, each serving a renewable nine year term. Every three years one third of the judges are appointed by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council following simultaneous elections. In May 1947 the United Kingdom submitted the first suit to the court when they filed a case against Albania about incidents in the Corfu Channel. In the intervening 77 years around 200 cases have been brought before the Court by countries all over the world. The ICJs role in contentious cases is to deliver binding decisions. The enforcement mechanism itself is State-led and results in the States in question taking steps to implement the Courts judgments. Although recognised as a focal point for international justice for more than 75 years, such an enforcement mechanism is not a foolproof method of administering justice. In January of this year South Africa made an application accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ found that "at least some of the rights claimed by South Africa and for which it is seeking protection are plausible". In the months since those ICJ's finding the humanitarian crisis in the region continues. This had led to suggestions the ICJ lacked real power. Permanent Court of Arbitration cases span a range of legal issues involving territorial and maritime boundaries, sovereignty, human rights, international investment, and international and regional trade. The PCA heard a 2005 dispute between the Russian Federation and three of the major international shareholders of the Yukos Oil Company remains the largest investment arbitration in history. The shareholders alleged Russian government interference in the running of Yukos resulted in the company going bankrupt and eliminating the value of their shares. The PCA Arbitral Tribunals found unanimously that Russia had breached the internationally-recognised Energy Charter Treaty and awarded damages of more than $50 billion to the three shareholders. The 3 tonne green jasper vase, donated by Tsar Nicolas II of Russia in 1912, rests on a cornerstone of the Peace Palace Despite the findings the case has not been wound up, the Russian Federation continues to shunt it back onto the legal roundabout. Less than six kilometres across town in Oude Waalsdorperweg is the International Criminal Court. International Criminal Court cases range from destruction of historical monuments to genocide The ICC is a criminal court where individuals can be tried for international crimes. These involve war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. Established in 2002 following a a treaty called the Rome Statute, the ICC is a vital innovation in international law and human rights. There are 124 states party to the Rome Statute. In the last 22 years 31 cases have come before the Court, with some cases having more than one suspect. ICC judges have issued 46 arrest warrants, 21 people have been detained in the ICC detention centre, 17 people remain at large. Charges have been dropped against seven people due to their deaths. In the lifespan of the court the judges have issued 10 convictions and 4 acquittals. For a global institute those numbers seem quite low, but the nature of the prosecutions is what makes them significant. The prosecutions only commence when there is no prospect of justice in the state the offence happened. On top of this is the same issue that beleaguers the lower tier of the Irish court system: resources. The 2024 budget for the ICC was 187,084,300; that's just 2m shy of the budget for Irish courts. There are other problems. Some governments have refused to recognise the court's assertion of jurisdiction, with other civil groups also accusing the court of bias, Eurocentrism and racism. It's not an unreasonable assertion. African nations make up 10 of the nations listed in the summary of investigations and prosecutions by the International Criminal Court. Of the seven others only two are European: Georgia and Ukraine. To focus on the cracks, rather that the structure itself is to undermine global justice. Turning aspiration into rock solid justice was never going to be a simple process. Prosecutors accept that the pace of completing a case is slow, but highlight the fact that victims often experience an improvement in circumstances while ICC investigations are taking place. It's a global version of the social stability provided by prosecuting public order matters in the lowest tier of courts. The ICC investigations spark a realisation that there are implications to actions. The aspirations of the ICC, much like the construction of the Peace Palace, is to be a project to benefit humanity. Carnegie's description of the Peace Palace as the most holy building in the world, because it has the holiest end in view is a pre-echo of what the ICC should be. Globally the PCA, ICJ and the ICC may be accused of overlooking the performance aspect of law. The administration of justice has to have a theatrical facet, an adherence to the maxim justice must be seen to be done. All legal systems have flaws. Engaging with them can feel like being stuck in a print by Maurits Cornelis Escher; climb a stairs, turn a corner, climb a stairs, turn a corner, and repeat. Relativity (1953) by M.C. Escher on display at Escher in the Palace in The Hague To survive prolonged exposure to any legal system requires a sense of optimism. Optimism needs to be fed. The launch in The Hague last week of plans for an International Anti-Corruption Court provides such nourishment. The Anti-Corruption Court's aim is to hold kleptocrats and co-conspirators accountable when national governments are unable, or unwilling, to do so. Maja Groff, Senior Treaty Advisor for Integrity Initiatives International Europe, says it's the citizens of the world that will make the ambition a reality: Civil societies were very important to the establishment of the Peace Conferences in the late 1800s, they remain important for the IACC project. To achieve such a noble end will require a global cooperation reminiscent of that which created the Peace Palace. In 1909 Japan decided to assign the imperial firm of Kawashima Jimbei in Kyoto to manufacture the finest wall tapestries with a theme of flowers and birds for the new Peace Palace. A detail from the gobelins by Kawashima Jimbei at the Japanese room in the Peace Palace These wall tapestries, or gobelins, are woven in the tradition of the Tsuzure Nishiki technique. For three years thousands of people worked day and night to produce this magnificent work of art. This collective endeavour calls to mind The Hague's Humanity Hub, a new ecosystem of international collaboration. Over one billion people rely on nonprofits and volunteers, who operate in conflict zones and disaster responses. These NGOs provide essential services such as access to clean water, humanitarian aid, support for refugees, healthcare, human rights advocacy, combating gender-based violence, addressing climate change, and achieving sustainable development goals. The work of the NGOs in the Humanity Hub are as much a part of global justice as the ICJ or the ICC. Among them is International Alert, a global peacebuilding charity established in 1986. It aims to promote dialogue, training, research, policy analysis, advocacy, and outreach activities. They collaborate with Irish Aid on humanitarian projects across the globe: Because of the political situations in many European countries there are funding cuts to peace building and humanitarian works and at the same time we see an increase in need, an International Alert worker says of the challenges faced by NGOs. As with all strata of the systems of justice across the world the issue of resources is a recurring theme. In an area where they face many of the worst aspects of human behaviour the aid worker gives a lesson all humanity needs to observe: I have to be optimistic, otherwise I wouldn't do my job. What keeps me going is that I know I am not going to create world peace, but I can help create a small peace. By working with the community in The Inner Niger Delta on how to better manage water resources and bringing communities together, communities who would not otherwise be talking or even resorting to violence, we achieve small peace. Thanks to The Hague & Partners for providing access to PCA, ICJ, ICC and Humanity Hub. DORIS Delhi is the office of Delhi Online Registration Information System. It provides services like property registration, property search and Deed search option etc. Know more about DORIS Delhi. Planning to buy property in New Delhi and worried about property registration and documentation? The government has solved your hassle with the help of IGRS New Delhi. IGRS is the abbreviation for the important department of Inspector-General of Registration and Stamps. It is the government department that offers property registration works through an online portal. Since registering a property with the government was a time-consuming process, a web portal is a great option. It keeps the process transparent and saves time. The prior checks on the property, plans and maps, land records as well as calculation of registration fees and stamp duty become easy. The web portal is called DORIS Delhi, the acronym for Delhi Online Registration Information System. What is DORIS Delhi Under IGRS Delhi 2024 ? DORIS Delhi is the online platform that provides all information related to the registration of property in Delhi NCR. It is a one-stop solution for new buyers as well as for seasoned ones. It gives you information on the prior deed and registration of the property you are buying. It also informs you whether it falls on the list of prohibited properties. Not only can you get NOC or inspection of the property but also the format of the deed. The format of deeds in the portal is customisable and you can write them as per your requirement. The website gives you the chance to put in complaints about IGRS New Delhi or other issues. IGRS Delhi: How to Avail IGRS New Delhi Services ? Log onto the official website of DORIS Delhi to avail the online registration facilities. The home page of this IGRS New Delhi has many options to help you with the various steps of property registration. From e-Search to searching registered deeds; from encumbrance search to looking up prohibited property, you have it all here. Log on to the official website of IGRS New Delhi(Source: doris) Steps to Register Property Through DORIS Delhi Step 1: Go to the DORIS Delhi website to sort out most of the procedures that you would need for your registration process. You have to visit doris.delhigovt.nic.in/ and check out all the options for you. Step 2: Select the option of deed writer from the top menu. A new site will open up where you can write your deed as per your criteria. The dropdown menu offers the option to select the type of deed. You have to fill in the information on 1st party, 2nd party and witness. A deed writer on the DORIS Delhi website is a saviour for new owners(Source: deedwriter) Step 3: The next logical step is to calculate the stamp duty payable. IGRS New Delhi has made this process simple by providing a valuation calculator on the website. Select the e-valuation button on the DORIS Delhi webpage to get redirected to another page. Here, you have to select the sub-registrar from the dropdown menu. Select the other options of locality, deed and sub-deed names. The page will calculate for you based on the location and all other information about the property. IGRS New Delhi helps you calculate stamp duty(Source: eval) Step 4: After this, you have to buy an e-stamp paper of the valuation mentioned in your e-valuation calculator. The office of Stock Holding Corporation of India near you is the place to buy stamp papers. Or buy them from the official website of the company at stockholding.com/. Step 5: Here you have to select Products and services; e-Stamp services; and e-Registration, in that order. If using this first time, register yourself by furnishing all information and get a secure login id and password. If you already possess those, enter them along with the verification code. You will need to select the product (registration fee payment) to sign in and pay. Download the receipt after successful payment. Step 6: The last step of this procedure is a physical visit to the sub-registrars office. For that, you must book your appointment online. Log onto the Revenue Departments appointment management system website - srams.delhi.gov.in/. You will need to fill in the property address, location (including district), address of the sub-registrars office and the purpose of the appointment. Make sure that the sub-registrars office is in the area where the property is located. Book an appointment with SRO through the IGRS New Delhi website(Source: srams.delhi) Note the list of documents you need to carry for the appointment. Choose Yes for the option of Are all the mentioned documents ready? After this, you must type in the e-stamp number from the downloaded receipt. Only then can you fix an appointment with the SR office. You will receive a confirmation of the appointment (day, date and time) via an SMS. You have to reschedule another appointment through a similar process if you miss one. Only one rescheduling is allowed. DORIS Delhi: Documents to be Carried to Sub-Registrars Office Following is the list of documents to be taken during your appointment with sub-registrars office. The list is also available on the appointment management system website. Property-related papers originals and photocopies ID proofs (original) of the buyer, seller and witnesses including Aadhaar numbers 2 copies of passport-sized photographs of both the buyer and the seller Hardcopy of the e-stamp paper showing stamp duty amount The receipt of the e-registration fee paid Form-60 or copy of PAN card with self-attestation NOC for property located on agricultural land NGDRS in Delhi Property Registrations The Property Registration Department of Delhi has decided to implement the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) for the registration of all properties in the city. NGDRS for property registration in Delhi will be implemented from January 2025. It will enhance transparency in transactions while reducing the possibility of any fraudulent activities. As of August 2024, the NGDRS System has already been implemented to about 22 sub registrar offices and 231,000 properties have been registered under the same. Once activated, the online NGDRS property registration portal will help property buyers to complete various online tasks with ease. They will need not visit the sub registrars office multiple times to get them done. DORIS Delhi: Stamp Duty Charges and Other Verifications The registration fee equates to 1% of the total sale value of the property. The stamp duty charges are calculated based on gender 4% for a female buyer and 6% for a male buyer. Remember to do a thorough check on all relevant documents. Mother deed, encumbrance certificate, receipts of paid property taxes and approval of building plan are some documents to check. You will all get assistance from registering authorities and the DORIS Delhi website. e-Stamping and Its Importance Under IGRS New Delhi e-Stamping is a secure electronic method of stamping and franking documents. The IGRS New Delhi allows the Stock Holding Company of India to handle all the stamp duty-related information. It is responsible for issuing e-stamping certificates as well. This process is tamper proof and secure due to the UIN (unique identification number). The certificate is generated in minutes and you do not need any specific denomination. Also, you can easily verify the e-stamp. You can visit the homepage, select verify e-stamp and fill in all details. You can even download the e-stamp verification mobile app to ease the process. Verify your e-stamp when using the DORIS Delhi website(Source: shcilestamp) Mutation of Property Under DORIS New Delhi After you have registered your property with IGRS New Delhi, it is advisable to go for mutation of property. Whenever there is a transfer of property ownership, the municipal authorities and relevant authorities must be updated. Municipal authorities can charge property tax from the new owner based on this information. The new owner needs a mutation certificate for valid electricity and water connections to the property in the owners name. You can visit the website of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), mcdonline.nic.in, to know more about the process of mutation. Form A is for all non-inheritance properties and Form B is for the transfer of property through inheritance. If the newly bought property is agricultural land, the mutation is mandatory. Without it, the buyer is not recognised as the landowner. If it is non-agricultural property, a mutation is advisable to keep documentation legal. In MCD, you can apply for mutation with a Court fee stamp of INR 3 affixed on the application. You would require to submit an Indemnity bond on stamp paper worth INR 100. Along with it, you have to submit an affidavit on a stamp paper of INR 10. You can check the land records document of the property online before buying. The Delhi government has simplified the process with the Delhi Land Record or Delhi Bhulekh portal. You can use the owners name, khata number or khasra number to check the inspect the documents. Major Facilities by IGRS New Delhi IGRS New Delhi offers several services and provisions related to property buying and registration. Since registration of property takes time and lots of documents, DORIS Delhi offers most of the services in its portal. Looking for registered documents Inspecting the deed documents Calculation of stamp duty payable Writing the deed document Sub-registrar services (inspection, NOC, certified copy and more) Grievance and complaint redressal Dues payable to local bodies Prohibited properties listed in Delhi Features and Benefits of IGRS New Delhi Online Portal Find below a few major benefits and features of the IGRS New Delhi online portal. Property Valuation: The IGRS New Delhi online portal comes with a property valuation tool that you can use to evaluate your property located in New Delhi. All you need to do is provide your property location details. Realtime Updation: The IGRS New Delhi online portal gets updated in real time. All details available on the portal are updated and can be accessed from anywhere, at any time. With other property-related details, the portal shows the number of documents received, registered and collected. Property Search: You can also search the registration status of your property with other related details on the IGRS New Delhi online portal. And not just that! For properties located at some selective locations, you can also download documents. Easy Navigation: The IGRS New Delhi online portal is easy to navigate for even new users. Quick links to all important sections are located right on the portal homepage. All you need to do is visit the relevant section to get your query addressed. DORIS Delhi: Making Property Registration Easy When you buy a property in India, you must register it. The hassles of registering it with the sub-registrar have become easy, thanks to IGRS New Delhi. The web portal for all the information and most of the work is done through DORIS Delhi. You can do away with the running around for stamps, payments, writing deeds and verifications. With a huge number of property sales in and around Delhi, the work related to registration would have been unmanageable. But now, most of the steps are processed online. This takes away part of the worries about buying property. Read up to know the steps to this simple process. Ibiza airport was closed early this afternoon (Thursday) due to a security incident with flights temporarily diverted to Palma. Spanish airport authority AENA confirmed the closure while waiting to know the exact number of flights that have been diverted to Mallorca as a result of this closure of Ibiza airport for a reason that is still officially unknown. Some sources refer to an alleged bomb threat on a flight bound for Milan-Bergamo from Ibiza, although there is no confirmation from the authorities, airport management or Civil Aviation. According to El Periodico de Ibiza y Formentera, a passenger on a plane that was about to take off from Ibizas airport reportedly claimed to be carrying a bomb. This caused all the alarms to go off and all operations brought to a standstill. A Ryanair flight was apparently on the runway awaiting the intervention of the Guardia Civil who proceeded to arrest the passenger who provoked this incident. Finally, after nearly an hour - about 45 minutes - without take-offs or landings, activity returned to normal, although for the rest of the day delays are expected as a result of the incident. MANCHESTER On Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m., the Manchester Community Library hosted a reception and talk by art collector Lyman Orton. The name of the exhibition, For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection, debuted in 2023 at the Southern Vermont Arts Center and the Bennington Museum. The Manchester Community Library exhibition features 70 artworks that were not previously shown. My parents started the Vermont Country Store in 1966 when I was five years old, said Orton. I took it over from my parents and built it up to what it is now. My sons are taking it over now. Its a family business thats in my heart. Orton is currently the proprietor of the store and a seventh-generation Vermonter. He aims to find 20th-century Vermont artworks scattered across the nation and bring them back to Vermont for all Vermonters to enjoy. Orton began collecting art 45 years ago; at first, he bought paintings of local scenery at country auctions and estate sales, and now he hunts online to find important works depicting Vermont. The current collection is the largest private collection of historical views of Vermont painted by women and men who either traveled to Vermont seasonally to paint or who made Vermont their home. He often veers towards landscapes because they capture the natural beauty of Vermont. I never thought of myself as a collector but as a way for the art to come back and stay here, said Orton. In this exhibition at the Manchester Public Library, the pieces were divided in categories like Churches, Village Life, Landscapes, Farms and Barns, Country Fairs, and Auctions. Each section has a sign with an excerpt from For the Love of Vermont, a book written by Anita Rafael that tells the story of Orton acquiring his private collection. Rockwell Kent, John Clymer, Churchill Ettinger, Paul Sample, and Mead Schaeffer are a few of the artists featured in the exhibition. Happy Anniversary to the Manchester Community Library! announced Orton to the busy gallery space. Support it because you pay tax money for it! The Manchester Community Library is celebrating its 10th anniversary in its current building. So the art here is all fresh to Manchester, many of you went to the Southern Vermont Arts Center last year and saw art up there, said Orton during his talk. This is a selection from my collection which keeps growing and growing because I keep buying and buying. We grouped [this exhibit] by [categories] so you get a chance to see how different artists do a covered bridge, some of them are known, some of them are not well known, said Orton. Orton desires his collection to be very different from the academic approach to art or the elitist approach to art. My goal is to get everyday folks like us to look at the paintings, you dont have to be an artist, said Orton. You'll see my email posted and if you happen to know anything about the paintings, or if anything is wrong, send us an email. There isnt an art dealer within a thousand miles of here that doesn't have his number on speed dial, laughed Rafael. This show and the show coming up in Montpelier are like a reunion tour for these artists, said Rafael. One hundred years ago this group of artists were a gang of artists, a very creative gang of artists, who exhibited together. They were cohesive, they were friendly, many of them worked together in New York City and came up here in the summer, said Rafael. By the 1940s and 50s they weren't transient anymore, they fell in love with Vermont and their love is on the walls all around you, said Rafael. Ortons love for Vermont extends to anyone who appreciates the state where he was born. You don't have to be born in Vermont to be a Vermonter. Become a Vermonter for a weekend, become a Vermonter for life. All you have to do and love Vermont and youre a Vermonter, said Orton. For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection, will be shown at the Manchester Community Library from Friday, June 14, to Saturday, September 7. The artwork will also be displayed at the Vermont History Museum at 109 State Street in Montpelier from Monday, July 3 to the end of this year. The exhibition is free and open to the public, consistent with Ortons vision of making the collection accessible to everyone. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. QI Group: Leading With Integrity and Impactful Initiatives There are many different ways to lead, in both life and business. Some philosophies are more effective than others and often the right way to lead is also the hard way, or the expensive way. Perhaps that is why we see hope when a large, multinational conglomerate operates with the dignity of a socially conscious entity and not the brutal coldness of overt capitalism. QI Group, through its philanthropic efforts, global partnerships, and sustainability efforts, is that company. Is the QI Group Credible? Yes, the QI Group is credible . In addition to several thriving businesses in different sectors, the company has a variety of philanthropic endeavors it participates in. The most widely known (and arguably most impactful) has been its RYTHM Foundation. The Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM) Foundation is the primary social impact initiative of QI Group and its founders, Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark. The foundation invests in the communities around us through strategic partnerships, community service, and employee volunteering. According to QI Groups website, the foundation has aided over 80,000 people in 20 countries thus far, with over 114,000 volunteer hours buttressing those efforts. The RYTHM Foundation has undertaken no fewer than 75 community development projects and has worked with over 135 partners globally. It is no small operation. QI Group focuses its charitable efforts in three primary areas: education, empowerment, and the environment. It also strives to meet the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It reports making considerable strides in seven of them: ensuring education for all; gender equality; safeguarding clean water and sanitation; providing access to affordable and clean energy; promoting decent work and economic growth; helping reduce inequalities; and strengthening partnerships toward the goals. QI Groups Educational Initiatives Include Support for Students With Special Needs While QI Group has multiple education initiatives, its establishment of the Taarana School, a special needs educational facility in Selangor, Malaysia, demands note. Many children who are neurodivergent are often left behind by a system that is not designed to cater to them or their needs. The Taarana School provides programs that offer social and emotional support for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and other conditions. The programs allow children to learn in an environment that is both understanding of their needs and equipped to properly handle them. QI Groups Empowerment Efforts Help Women, Rural Communities QI Groups empowerment and community development programs center around empowering women and assisting underserved populations, such as those in rural areas. A prime example of this is RYTHMs development of the Maharani School Programme. The motto of the programme is educate a girl, change the world. The goal of the organization is to provide a holistic training programme that empowers girls to achieve their full potential and contribute to the well-being of their community as agents of change. The Education Ministry-endorsed programme prioritizes teens from the bottom 40% of income earners. While this is admirable on its own, the ripple effect of those efforts can be massive. There is strong statistical evidence that women in positions of leadership lead to better social and economic outcomes. In the United States, those states that had female governors saw lower COVID-19 death rates than those governed by men. In addition, institutions led by women tend to have better financial performance, but women hold only 2% of all CEO positions at financial institutions, according to International Monetary Fund research reported by the World Economic Forum. Eric LeCompte, a U.N. adviser and executive director of a nonprofit that advocates for debt relief, told the World Economic Forum that working with U.S. Commerce Secretary Janet Yellen, for example, was a revelation. "I've been meeting with treasury secretaries for 20 years, and their talking points have been entirely different," he said. "In every area we discussed, Yellen put an emphasis on empathy, and the impact of policies on vulnerable communities." He said her male predecessors had a "brass tacks" approach that focused first on "numbers, not people" and never mentioned words like "vulnerable." QI Groups Environmental Programs Offered Through RYTHM The third area for QI Groups philanthropic efforts, again via RYTHM, is around environmental sustainability, a passion for both the company and its founders. Using local partnerships, RYTHM has multiple initiatives in progress. The foundation is working on increasing energy access in the Himalayas with GHE, the Global Himalayan Expedition, allowing remote communities in Meghalaya, a state in northeast India, to have access to medical equipment and other health care-related devices that require electricity, something the community did not have access to prior to RYTHM and GHEs involvement. RYTHM also works with LEADS Sri Lanka on a sustainable community project in Sri Lanka that looks to help rebuild a low-income community that was ravaged by the countrys civil war. The collaboration between RYTHM, LEADS Sri Lanka, and Habitat for Humanity involves providing much-needed jobs and helping survivors restore their lives through an eco-friendly brick factory erected in the village. The facility is located in the Mullaitivu district, where more than 70% of villagers live in poverty . In addition to making financial contributions to philanthropic efforts, QI Group, via RYTHM, also adds man-hours through volunteering opportunities. And that might be the secret sauce, as it were. While many companies can write a check and create a marketing document around it, QI Group and its employees are living the values they espouse. The involvement becomes more personal, the results more impactful and the efforts more sustainable when people get personally involved. While not every company can emulate the work that QI Group has done, QI Group has clearly shown that good business and good business can coincide, that corporate citizens can be more than piggy banks and that, given the opportunity, most people want to help where they can. Maybe more companies will see what QI Group sees and the world will be better for it. Maybe. By Sumeet Manhas 2024 Copyright Sumeet Manhas - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2022 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. A state watchdog called Tuesday for the Legislature to place the embattled Cannabis Control Commission into receivership to provide stable day-to-day leadership atop the states marijuana industry regulator. The commission has been without a dedicated chairperson since September and without an executive director since December, all the while plagued by accusations of internal strife and criticism from some industry businesses over its stringent regulations. The Cannabis Control Commission is a rudderless agency without a clear indication of who is responsible for running its day-to-day operations, Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro said in a statement Tuesday, shortly after he wrote to legislative leaders expressing concern over the commissions leadership vacuum. Under Shapiros recommendation, the commission staff would report to a temporary leader, called a receiver, appointed by the Legislature to stabilize the agency and manage its daily functions. A spokesperson for the commission said the agency cooperated with Shapiros investigation and remains willing and ready to work with government partners to safely, effectively, and equitably regulate the Commonwealths $7 billion cannabis industry. Members of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission listen to testimony on the delivery of cannabis products to the Martha's Vineyard during a meeting at Oak Bluffs Public Library, June 6, 2024. Left to right are commissioners Kimberly Roy, Ava Callender Concepcion, and Bruce Stebbins. Commissioner Nurys Camargo appeared at the meeting remotely.Will Katcher/MassLive No way to operate a state agency Shapiros office, an independent agency investigating waste, fraud and abuse of public funds, found that state law is unclear and self-contradictory on the authority and responsibilities of the commissions leadership. There is confusion, he said, over whether the commission chair or its executive director should oversee the daily operations and the commission staff. This is no way to operate a state agency, let alone one that was responsible for bringing in approximately $322 million in tax and non-tax revenue in the last fiscal year, Shapiro wrote in his letter to legislative leaders. While a state-appointed receiver could be a short-term fix, Shapiro said that ultimately legislative leaders may need to restructure the five-member commission, whose members are appointed by the governor, attorney general and treasurer. State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg suspended commission Chairwoman Shannon OBrien in September, alleging she had made racially insensitive remarks and that she mistreated the agencys former executive director, Shawn Collins. OBrien denied the allegations and sued Goldberg in September. The pair are now engaged in a series of closed-door hearings in which Goldberg will decide OBriens fate. Initially scheduled for two sessions in early May, the sides met for a fourth time Monday, according to the State House News Service Ava Callender Concepcion, acting chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, speaks during a State House briefing on April 25. (ALISON KUZNITZ / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE)State House News Service Collins, the commissions first and only executive director, stepped down in December after two months on paternity leave. In his place, commissioners appointed the agencys chief people officer Debra Hilton-Creek as acting executive director. The commission, now led by Acting Chair Ava Callender Concepcion, then voted earlier this month to strip Hilton-Creek of her day-to-day leadership responsibilities and return to focusing on her role as chief people officer. The move did not seem to be in the best interest of an agency that already lacked clear lines of authority, Shapiro assessed. Unresolved issues The commission appears to be months behind in its search for a full-time executive director, based on a schedule that initially called for a candidate to receive a job offer by early May. Applications for the agencys top post were still open as of last week. Predating OBriens suspension or Collins resignation, the commission has spent considerable time and money since May 2022 more than $160,000 working with a consultant to draft a new charter that clarifies its leadership structure, Shapiro wrote to lawmakers. An almost mature marijuana plant grows at a cannabis farm in Turners Falls, March 11, 2021. (Don Treeger / The Republican) That document has not been approved or made public. Even then, according to Shapiro, the charter would not have the force of law, potentially leaving it an expensive exercise without lasting impact. The commission is no closer to resolving these issues as I write this, Shapiro told lawmakers. Therefore, immediate action must be taken to prevent the further waste and uncertainty. Some state legislators have already called for greater oversight of the commission. In September, five lawmakers led by state Sen. Michael Moore (D-2nd Worcester) asked legislative leadership to create an internal auditing unit for the commission to probe OBriens suspension, confusion around the commissions leadership structure, and other internal matters. Since its creation in 2017, The Cannabis Control Commission has faced what sometimes feels like an endless stream of scandals, Moore said in September. The public deserves some accountability on why these issues have proven so hard to stamp out, and what long-term changes the agency is making to get its work done with more transparency and efficiency. Material from the State House News Service was used in this report. Black Broadway performer Robert Hartwell is living his ancestors wildest dreams after purchasing and renovating a home that was built by slaves in Great Barrington 200 years ago. I know this house is bigger than me, Hartwell wrote in an Instagram post from June 25, 2020. I wish I couldve told my ancestors when they were breaking their backs in 1820 to build this house that 200 years later a free gay black man was going to own it and fill it with love and find a way to say their name even when 200 years later they still thought I would be off the table, the performer said. We are building our own tables. Ive never been prouder to be a black man. Come to my White House any time. I cant wait to have you! The house was built in 1820 for the Russell family, who owned the cotton mill in town, during a time when slavery was still legal in the United States. While Massachusetts moved to abolish slavery in 1783, the Emancipation Proclamation was not issued until 1865 so slavery was still legal in the state at the time the house was built. After buying the house in cash on Juneteenth 2020, Hartwell breathed new life into the house. The renovation was documented in a new Max original series called Breaking New Ground. Robert Hartwell and designer, Courtney McLeod, looking at backsplash samples for the kitchen.Warner Bros. Discovery When I bought this house, it struck a nerve because here was a gay, Black man owning a plantation-style home saying that we can include ourselves where they have worked so hard to exclude us, Hartwell said in the trailer for the series. How beautiful [is it] that we get to wake up this space, the entrepreneur and educator said. Thats life to me. Breaking New Ground, follows Hartwells journey as he transforms the 200-year-old house. The house had been on the market for years, so it needed a ton of work. As someone who never renovated a house before, Hartwell dealt with issues like broken water pipes running through the parlor and rotten columns projects that cost tens of thousands of dollars to address. Robert Hartwell and Designer, Courtney McLeod, comparing flooring samples in Paulette's Parlour.Warner Bros. Discovery Everyone would see the sheer amount of work and be scared to death, he said in the series trailer. I started to get mad. Thats when I was like, Im getting over this finish line. And dont mess with me. By drenching the place in color and refusing the call the largest bedroom a master bedroom, Hartwell made the house fit for a Black king. When people come in, they realize I am royalty. And I deserve to be here, Hartwell said in the trailer. Im really going to be living my best life in this house. Robert Hartwell at NYC Apartment BLOCK 4 - DAY 2Warner Bros. Discovery Throughout the series, viewers will also get to see Hartwell learn more about his family history and culture. Breaking New Ground will premiere Thursday, June 27 with new episodes dropping each week on Max through Aug. 1. Hartwell is also going on a national tour in promotion of the show with scheduled stops in Great Barrington and Boston next month. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a 38-year-old Brockton man who is charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Boston on November 2017, police said. The United States Marshals Service is offering the reward for information about Alan Lewis, who is wanted for the killing of Brent Stevenson, 37, of Boston on Nov. 6, 2017. Lewis last known address is 88 Reservoir St. in Brockton. He is described as a 6-foot-1-inch tall Black man with brown eyes, black hair, and a stocky build, according to Boston police. Lewis also has tattoos on both forearms that read Killer and Bees, according to police. At around 6:38 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2017, police responded to a report of shots fired near Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street. As officers were on their way to the area, a motor vehicle crash occurred at 333 Massachusetts Ave., roughly half a mile down the road. The driver in that crash had been shot, police said. The driver, later identified as Stevenson, was then taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he died. The shooting remains under investigation and police urged anyone with information to contact the Fugitive Unit at (617) 343-5059. Anyone who wants to assist in the investigation anonymously call CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463). Testimony in the trial of Karen Read, a Mansfield woman charged in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, resumed Thursday morning. This story will be updated throughout the day with the latest testimony. 4:20 p.m. update: OKeefe did not show signs of a physical fight, medical examiner says Prosecutor Adam Lally asked Dr. Irini Scordi-Bello if she had seen any indications of a physical altercation during her autopsy on John OKeefe, and she said she did not. She said the small contusions on the backs of his hands were consistent with an attempt to insert an IV, but she did not see any bruising to his knuckles or breaks in his fingernails. She said his fourth and fifth ribs were fractured near the sternum, which is common when CPR is performed. She said frequently, when a person experiences hypothermia, the blood vessels contract to slow blood flow to the extremities and slow heat loss, but as hypothermia continues, they open again to allow more blood flow. She said this often results in victims of hypothermia being very red around the extremities, but because she did not examine OKeefe until Jan. 31, two days after his death, she could not observe whether this had happened in his case. Judge Beverly Cannone dismissed the jury for the day at about 4:15 p.m. The trial will resume at 9 a.m. Friday. 062024-READ-POOL-DM-17 Scenes from Karen Read trial today at Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham MA. Here, witness Doctor Irini Scordi-Bello, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner testifying.David McGlynn 4:08 p.m. update: Medical examiner says OKeefe was knocked out, then hypothermia set in When court resumed at about 3:20 p.m., Dr. Irini Scordi-Bello said her internal examination of John OKeefes body, she found small hemorrhages in his stomach known as Wischnewski spots as well as diffused hemorrhages in his pancreas, both of which are commonly found in cases of hypothermia. She said this evidence, as well as the circumstances in which OKeefe was found in the snow, strongly suggested that he had suffered from hypothermia. She explained that hypothermia is typically defined as a body temperature below about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but that it is often difficult to diagnose hypothermia without an autopsy a person found dead or unresponsive in the cold could have suffered from any number of internal causes of death, such as a heart attack. According to records from the hospital, she said OKeefes body temperature was 80.1 degrees Fahrenheit at 6:57 a.m. when he was taken to the hospital, well below the threshold for hypothermia. She said because he was wearing only jeans and a long-sleeve shirt and his clothing was wet from the snow, these conditions most likely sped up the loss of heat from his body. A toxicology report showed alcohol in OKeefes system at a level of 0.21 grams per deciliter in his blood and 0.28 grams per deciliter in the vitreous humor, a fluid found behind the eyes. Scordi-Bello explained that alcohol is metabolized faster in the blood, so the higher level in the vitreous humor suggested his blood alcohol level had been higher but was on its way down. Alcohol intoxication has been shown to inhibit some of the mechanisms the body uses to maintain heat, so its definitely a factor that is a negative factor when it comes to hypothermia, she said. Scordi-Bello said she took into account reports from investigators, medical records from the hospital and OKeefes primary care physician, the toxicology report and the autopsy findings when determining the cause of death. Copies of Scordi-Bellos notes from the autopsy, which included diagrams of the body, head, skull and brain from the front and back, was projected in the courtroom and she used a laser pointer to show the location of the various injuries she had previously described to the jury. She explained that the swelling around OKeefes eyes was a very common response associated with a fracture at the base of the skull, and is known as raccoon eyes. Emergency room physicians are always very alerted to any hemorrhage and any bleeding around the eyes, because it could signify or it could mean there is a much bigger injury inside the skull and its not just some bleeding around the eyes. Its actually associated with a skull fracture, she said. She also explained that nearly any trauma to the brain will cause it to swell, and because it is within the skull, the only opening for to swell is at the base of the skull where the spinal cord comes out. She said the amount of force needed to fracture the skull is high, implying OKeefe suffered a pretty significant impact. She said she believed the blunt force injuries happened first, but would not have immediately killed him. Mr. OKeefe may have been incapacitated by the injuries, or knocked out if you will, and was not able to get himself into a warmer environment, Scordi-Bello said. And therefore hypothermia set in given the environmental conditions and given the clothing on the body, or lack of clothing. She added that in photos she saw from the scene, there was not a lot of disruption around where he was found, which implied that he had not traveled very far after he sustained the injuries. 062024-READ-POOL-DM-3 Scenes from Karen Read trial today at Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham MA. Here, Karen Read sitting in court with her legal team. David McGlynn 3:08 p.m. update: Medical examiner says OKeefes death was either accident or homicide The next witness to testify was Dr. Irini Scordi-Bello, another medical examiner at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Scordi-Bello performed the autopsy on John OKeefe on Jan. 31, 2022, in the Cape Cod medical examiners office, which she said she was covering that day because they were short-staffed. Scordi-Bello explained that the purpose of an autopsy is to determine both the cause and manner of death. The cause, she said, is based on findings from the autopsy and any medical information she is provided, while the manner of death is based on the circumstances surrounding the death and evidence from the investigation. She explained that there are five different categories of manner of death: natural, accident, homicide, suicide or undetermined. [Undetermined] means that evidence pointing toward one set of circumstances or one manner is no more compelling than evidence pointing toward another manner, she said. So if we dont have enough information to be able to determine the circumstances, then we are left with an undetermined manner of death. She said in the autopsy she found the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and hypothermia, but she was unable to determine the manner of death. She said the manner of death was either accident or homicide. Scordi-Bello said in her external examination of OKeefe she found bleeding and swelling around his eyes, scratches on the left side of his nose, a laceration on the back of his head, scrapes on the back of his right upper arm and forearm ranging from 3 millimeters to 7 centimeters long, small scratches on the backs of both hands and a small, half-centimeter scrape on the side of his right knee. Prosecutor Adam Lally asked if there were any injuries to the inside of OKeefes arm, and Scordi-Bello said most of the injuries were to the back. She said once the skull was opened she found fractures to the skull in the front and back, with the back fracture being in the same area below the laceration she saw during her external examination. She also noted hemorrhages within the brain. She said this fracture combined with the laceration led her to believe OKeefe had been hit with a blunt object. Judge Beverly Cannone called for a short recess at about 3:08 p.m. 062024-READ-POOL-DM-16 Scenes from Karen Read trial today at Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham MA. Here, witness Doctor Renee Stonebridge, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner testifying.David McGlynn 2:30 p.m. update: Neuropathologist says OKeefes brain showed acute trauma When court resumed after lunch shortly before 2 p.m., Trooper Nicholas Guarino returned briefly to the witness stand. Prosecutor Adam Lally asked if anyone other than Guarino had produced Cellebrite reports in the case, with the exception of the Attorney Generals Office which produced a redacted report from Karen Reads cellphone, and he said he was the only one. Lally then asked if there was any data deleted from Reads phone, and he said there were Google searches and websites deleted from her browser history that was found in the Cellebrite report. After that, Guarino was done with his testimony and Dr. Renee Stonebridge took the stand. Stonebridge is a medical examiner and director of cardiac and neuropathology at the Chief Medical Examiners Office in Boston. Stonebridge said as a neuropathologist, she is assigned cases for a number of reasons, including any cases involving blunt force trauma to the head, as John OKeefe did. Stonebridge said OKeefes brain showed hemorrhages and contusions that were consistent with some type of trauma caused by force, though she said she could not say what type or how much force. There were hemorrhages around the brain stem and many very small contusions around the frontal lobe, or the front part of the brain, caused by the brain coming in contact with the inside of the skull. She said there were too many of these contusions to count. She said OKeefes injuries were acute, meaning they occurred within minutes or hours of his death. Lally asked if the injuries could be consistent with a fall or being struck by a vehicle and falling to the ground, and she said yes. Lally ended his examination there and the defense did not have any questions for Stonebridge. 062024-READ-POOL-DM-8 Scenes from Karen Read trial today at Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham MA. Here, witness State Trooper Nicholas Guarino testifying.David McGlynn 1:06 p.m. update: Guarino says defense analysis of phone data is incorrect Prosecutor Adam Lally asked Trooper Nicholas Guarino who in his office was able to perform cellphone extractions and he said some were able to but usually he is the only one that does them. He said it was not possible for other officers to have deleted data from the Cellebrite reports, as the defense has suggested. Guarino said when defense investigator Rick Green performed an extraction on Jennifer McCabes cellphone in April 2023 and found the 2:27 a.m. Google search for hos long to die in cold, he went back to the extraction he had performed to determine why it hadnt shown up. I didnt really go through the phones much when we first got them. I dont know everything about the case, the investigators do, he said. When I got his report I went through it. I went step by step. He said this happened, I went to confirm it. If it didnt, I needed to figure out what happened. He said he determined, with the help of digital forensics experts, that Green was using an updated version of Cellebrite and that was why the artifact from 2:27 a.m. had shown up for Green, but not in the original extraction. However, he said, he determined that this was not the accurate time of the search, and that it had been performed at 6:23 a.m. as McCabe had told police. Its physically impossible to search two things at once, and shes searching for her daughters basketball at 2:27, he said. He went on to explain that the 2:27 a.m. supposed Google search and the two phone calls that showed in McCabes cellphone extraction as deleted were not removed by McCabe, but by her phone, which was deleting them from its database. It auto-deletes after programs are closed or it reaches maximum allotment for that page. Thats it, he said. When Lally asked about the defenses analysis of the time stamp data and assertion that John OKeefes phone was pulling from different clocks with a three-minute discrepancy, introducing uncertainty into the location timeline, Guarino explained that the report the defense had shown was incorrect. He said the report was a power log from the phone, which only tracked the battery level. He said the time stamp shown on that log was not from when the navigation app Waze was opened on the cellphone or when the address of 34 Fairview Road was entered, and only showed that Wze was pulling power from the phone. Judge Beverly Cannone dismissed court for a lunch recess at about 1 p.m. 12:44 p.m. update: Defense questions analysis of location data Defense attorney David Yannetti began his cross-examination of Trooper Nicholas Guarino by questioning his qualifications in computer forensic analysis. He asked Guarino if he had any college degrees in the topic or in computer science or if he had any publications or had taught any courses, which he said he did not, but had multiple certifications. Yannetti then asked Guarino about his written police reports on his participation in the case. On Feb. 4, 2022, Guarino wrote a report about the extraction he performed on John OKeefes cellphone, but he did not write a report on analysis of that data until April 2023. In a somewhat tense exchange, Yannetti repeatedly asked Guarino if he knew that Trooper Michael Proctor had recovered the phone from 34 Fairview Road, which Guarino said he did not. Guarino said he had written in his report that the phone was recovered by Proctor and Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik at the scene, but said Thursday he had not specified the scene where OKeefe was found, and that Proctor and Bukhenik had gone to multiple locations on Jan. 29. Yannetti asked why Guarino had not included any mention of location or Apple Health data from OKeefes cellphone in the Feb. 4 report, and he said he did not analyze any of the data at that time, only performed the extraction and provided it to Proctor. Yannetti asked about securing OKeefes phone after it was recovered, and Guarino said it was stored in a locked evidence lab. When Yannetti pushed further on methods of securing cellphones, Guarino confirmed that it is typical for a recovered cellphone to be placed on airplane mode or placed in a special bag that blocks communications to and from the device, but neither of these was done on Jan. 29. Next, Yannetti asked about Reads location on the morning of Jan. 29. Guarino said her cell phone had automatically connected to the Wi-Fi at OKeefes house at 12:36 a.m. No one at 34 Fairview Road, including Jennifer McCabe, could have witnessed Karen Read outside that residence at 12:45 a.m., Yannetti said. No, I dont believe so, Guarino said. Yannetti asked about the Apple Health data recovered from John OKeefes iPhone. Guarino had previously testified that there were several periods of time where the cellphone recorded steps or stairs, and Yannetti asked if it was possible to determine, only based on the data, when in those time periods the steps took place. Guarino said he generally agreed with this, but that there was a data point from the Cellebrite report that showed OKeefe on stairs at a specific moment in the time period in question. I want you to assume for a moment that John OKeefes phone location actually showed him on Oakdale Road three minutes earlier, at 12:19 a.m., Yannetti said. With that assumption, would you agree with me the Apple Health data about him taking 80 steps and climbing up or down three floors at 34 Fairview Road would make more sense? The prosecution objected to this question, and the judge sustained the objection, and they held a brief sidebar meeting to discuss the issue. When they returned, Yannetti asked Guarino if he knew that applications on iPhones could pull from three different clocks for time stamps, and asked if he knew what clocks OKeefes phone had pulled from. When he said he did not, Yannetti asked if the discrepancy in the time on those clocks could account for differences in the phones location data. Guarino said this was incorrect, and began to explain why, but Yannetti interrupted him. Maybe Mr. Lally will ask you about that, he said, referring to prosecutor Adam Lally. Yannetti next turned to Jennifer McCabe, asking Guarino about an extraction he made from her cellphone. Guarino confirmed he made the extraction but said repeatedly to Yannettis questions about the data in it that he had not looked at it. Yannetti asked multiple times if certain pieces of data from McCabes phone were excluded from the report given to the defense, and each time Guarino said that was incorrect. In April 2023, Guarino said he used a new version of Cellebrite which found an artifact indicating a Google search for hos long to die in cold at 2:27 a.m. Jan. 29, 2022 on McCabes phone, which was marked deleted. Her call log also showed two calls to McCabes sister Nicole Albert at 6:07 and 6:08 a.m. for nine and seven seconds, respectively, which were both marked as answered but deleted. Guarino said there was a reason the calls were listed as deleted, but Yannetti did not ask about the reason so he did not elaborate. When Yannetti showed Guarino a document apparently based on the Cellebrite report of other calls made by McCabe that morning, but Guarino said he could not testify about it because he did not know the source of the document. Yannetti asked if the extraction from Reads phone had shown any deleted calls, which Guarino said he did not, or deleted Google searches, which he said it did in the afternoon of Jan. 29. Yannetti ended his cross-examination at about 12:40 p.m. 11:33 a.m. update: Judge declines to allow testimony about Google search made by Read for DUI attorney Judge Beverly Cannone dismissed the court for a morning recess at about 10:42 a.m., telling the jury that the recess would be longer than usual because she had things to discuss with the attorneys in the case. When court resumed at about 11:22 a.m., Cannone allowed the attorneys to argue whether a piece of evidence should be admitted before the jury returned to the courtroom. Prosecutor Laura McLaughlin said the commonwealth intended to introduce a Google search Read conducted at 1:27 p.m. Jan. 29, 2022, before she was interviewed by police, for DUI attorneys. McLaughlin argued that the search was an indication of Reads consciousness of guilt at the time, and did not constitute a communication with an attorney. The defense has been that the defendant was framed, she had no intent or opportunity to commit these crimes, and further that she was not intoxicated at the time, McLaughlin said. Defense attorney David Yannetti said Reads call log showed a call from Trooper Michael Proctor eight minutes before this Google search. He said simply searching for an attorney did not reflect at all on Reads guilt. She is presumed to be innocent and she is seeking an attorney to defend that presumption of innocence, he said. Cannone interrupted Yannetti and said she would not allow the evidence to be introduced at this time, but told prosecutors that if they wanted to introduce it through the testimony of another witness later, they could bring it up with the judge at sidebar. Cannone then brought the jury back into the room and prosecutor Adam Lally said he had no further questions for the current witness, Trooper Nicholas Guarino, turning the proceedings over to the defense for cross-examination. 062024-READ-POOL-DM-10 Scenes from Karen Read trial today at Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham MA. Here, witness State Trooper Nicholas Guarino testifying, pointing to evidence on screen.David McGlynn 10:32 a.m. update: GPS data shows OKeefe never entered the house at 34 Fairview Road Massachusetts State Police Detective Nicholas Guarino returned to the stand shortly before 9:30 a.m. On Monday, Guarino testified about text messages between Karen Read and John OKeefe. Prosecutor Adam Lally introduced new exhibits for Guarinos testimony Thursday, a call log between Read and witness Kerry Roberts, a chat log between OKeefe and Chris Albert, a full chat report for Reads cellphone with all of the witnesses in the case from Jan. 29, 2022 onward and a call log from OKeefes cell phone. Guarino read messages between Read and Laura Sullivan just after 1 p.m. on Jan. 29, after Sullivan texted Read asking her to call her. Read told Sullivan OKeefe was dead, and that he had been found outside in the snow at 5 a.m. He left the party we were at. I dont know what time. I didnt even go in, I went to bed, Read wrote when Sullivan asked why OKeefe was outside. He next read the last couple of messages between Read and OKeefe. At 12:55 a.m., Read texted, Im going home, then immediately afterward, See u later. At 1:02 a.m., Read texted, Your kids are [expletive] ALONE, then at 1:04 she wrote, Im back in Mansfield. The kids are home alone. Between 12:36 a.m. and 6:08 a.m., Read called OKeefe approximately 53 times. She left eight voicemails, which were played in the courtroom. Two of the voicemail messages contained no dialogue, but in the first, at 12:36 a.m., Read said, John, I [expletive] hate you. At 12:59 a.m., she left a message saying, John, Im here with your [expletive] kids. Nobody knows where the [expletive] you are, you [expletive] pervert. At 1:11 a.m., she again left a message saying she was with OKeefes niece and nephew and calling him a pervert, and at 1:18 a.m., she left a message saying she was going home and accusing him of being with another girl. I cannot babysit your niece. I have to go home, she said. Youre a [expletive] loser. [Expletive] yourself. At 5:23 a.m., Read left another voicemail message saying, John, where are you? At 6:08 a.m., after OKeefe was found, Read left another voicemail. While she does not say anything to OKeefe in the message, she, Jen McCabe and Kerry Roberts can be heard, with Read yelling and McCabe making a 911 call. Guarino said Read made three calls on the morning of Jan. 29 to a phone number listed as both Mom and Dad in her contacts, at 1:10, 4:40 and 4:42 a.m. The first two calls were not picked up but the third was. Guarino said that while Reads cellphone did not record any location data on the morning of Jan. 29 and that this was most likely because location services were turned off on her cellphone, he was able to recover location and health data from OKeefes cellphone. He explained that health data on an iPhone, when a smart watch is not connected, acts as a high-tech pedometer, only measuring steps taken, stairs climbed and distance traveled. However, if the phone records steps, this does not necessarily mean the person is walking, he said, and the phone may just be moving around and recording this movement as steps. Using the location and health data from OKeefes phone, Guarino said at 12:12 a.m., OKeefe was at the Waterfall bar and took 170 steps, traveling 326 feet. There are seven minutes where there is no location data, then OKeefes cellphone is located on Dedham Street near Cedarcrest Road. At 12:20 a.m., while on Dedham Street, the address of 34 Fairview Road was entered into the Waze navigation app on the cellphone, which provided location data for the remainder of the route. OKeefe traveled down Dedham Street and turned left onto Oakdale, then left onto Maplecroft. As he is traveling down Maplecroft and past Pinecone Road in the hilly area, his phone showed him ascending and descending three floors of stairs. He turned right on Cedarcrest Road but went past Fairview Road. He made a three-point turn and traveled back toward Fairview, turning onto the street and coming to a stop in front of 34 Fairview Road at 12:24 a.m. Between 12:25 and 6:15 a.m., OKeefes cellphone did not register any movement. Guarino explained that the accuracy of location data fluctuates due to satellite positioning, obstacles such as buildings or hills in the landscape and weather. He said he knew from personal experience that the cellphone signal in the area around 34 Fairview Road is relatively poor compared to the wider area. On May 8, 2023, Guarino and Trooper Michael Proctor went to 34 Fairview Road to measure the distance between where OKeefes body was found and the front door of the house, which he said was 72 feet. He said that while the location accuracy did change, at 12:25 a.m. and 30 to 36 seconds on Jan. 29, it was tight on the spot where OKeefe was found, but then blows out to encompass a radius of about 200 feet, including 31, 32 and 34 Fairview Road, almost the whole neighborhood. However, over the next few seconds, the accuracy then shrunk down to again show the spot where OKeefe was found. Guarino said there was only about three seconds where the area of accuracy included the house at 34 Fairview Road, then one second where it included only one small corner of the house, and after that the area only included the front yard. From the GPS point thats listed, it would take him a second a half to get to the house and a second and a half to get back to where his body was found and his phone was underneath him, Guarino said, adding that this would mean OKeefe would have been moving 32 miles per hour if he had gone into the house. He said at no point did the location data show OKeefe inside the house or in the backyard. 9:29 a.m. update: Judge to allow limited testimony from contested defense witnesses Court began Thursday morning at 9:07 a.m. with a sidebar meeting between attorneys from both sides and Judge Beverly Cannone lasting more than 10 minutes before the jury was brought into the courtroom. When the sidebar ended, Cannone addressed the prosecutions objections to several defense witnesses that were examined under voir dire earlier in the week. Cannone said the defense had violated legal rules requiring them to provide reciprocal discovery about their expert witnesses planned testimony. However, she said Dr. Marie Russell, a retired emergency physician and forensic pathologist, did have expertise that could be helpful to the jury, and she would allow her to testify. She said Russell would be able to testify about her opinion on whether John OKeefes injuries could have been caused by a dog attack, but not about police procedure or what she believed the injuries were not consistent with. Cannone said she would also allow Daniel Wolfe, an accident reconstruction expert, to testify, but had not yet decided whether she would allow testimony from Dr. Andrew Rentschler, a biomechanical engineer. She said in Massachusetts, biomedical engineers are not permitted to testify on the cause of injuries, and only medical doctors were qualified to do so. Cannone said she would reserve her decision on Rentschlers testimony and would again allow attorneys from each side to argue whether he should be allowed to testify next week before he is called. Read, 44, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found cold to the touch and unresponsive on Jan. 29, 2022, outside of a home in Canton. Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorney, David Yannetti, said during the trials opening statements that her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death. The trial is taking place in Dedhams Norfolk County Superior Court. On Tuesday, Read was asked outside the courthouse whether shes considered testifying during the trial. I have. Id like to fill some holes and correct some lies but its up to the attorneys, Read said. Theyll make the call, probably at the 11th hour. Massachusetts law enforcement officials are continuing their efforts to solve missing children cases from the 90s that they believe involved serial killer Lewis Lent. Lent pleaded guilty in 1996 to the 1990 kidnapping and murder of Jimmy Bernardo, 12, of Pittsfield. He received a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no possibility of parole. He was later convicted in Herkimer, N.Y. for the kidnapping and murder of Sara Anne Wood, and sentenced to 25 years to life. He has also confessed to kidnapping and murdering 16-year-old James Jamie Lusher from Westfield in 1992. The bodies of Wood and Lusher were never found. On Tuesday, a joint law enforcement effort conducted a search of a property in Lanesborough in connection to unsolved crimes police believe were committed by Lent. A number of law enforcement agencies were part of the search Tuesday, including the Hampden County District Attorneys office, Massachusetts State Police, New York State Police, the Herkimer District Attorneys office and the Berkshire District Attorneys office. The property was searched before in connection to the same case. [Tuesdays] search is a part of an ongoing effort to solve cases involving missing children that may have been among Lents victims, officials said in a press release. Law enforcement in both Massachusetts and New York are dedicated to bringing justice for the children who remain missing and will continue to investigate all leads until their cases have been solved. No additional evidence was recovered during the search, officials said. But they arent giving up. Officials believe Lent knows more than hes telling investigators, including the location of Woods remains. I do believe he does know, yes. I believe he knows. He has indicated at various times with Major Crimes that he has wanted to tell us, but hes just not ready. I think he knows exactly where she is, Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter told the Rome Sentinel. A Waltham man found convicted of attempting to sex traffic a 12-year-old girl will go to prison and will be deported, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced. U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper sentenced Misael Fabian Medina, 38, to 15 years in prison, Levys office said in a statement. At the end of his sentence, he will be deported to Guatemala. Media was convicted by a federal jury of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child, and one count of attempted coercion and enticement in March 2024. In November 2022, Medina responded to an online advertisement that offered sex with two young girls, Levys office said. In a text conversation with undercover agents posing as the seller, Medina agreed to pay $200 to engage in a sex act with a 12-year-old girl. He went to a greater Boston hotel to meet with the seller when he met with an undercover agent, Levys office said. Medina told the agent that he had the money to pay for the sex act, before he was arrested and was found to be carrying a box of condoms. This sting operation should send a message to every person using a smart phone to troll for sex with minors, that the federal government is out there aggressively enforcing the laws against this reprehensible conduct, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. A small explosion on Madison Street in Worcester on Wednesday sparked a fire in the middle of the road and police found fireworks in the area, Lt. Sean Murtha, a spokesman for Worcester Police, told MassLive. The explosion occurred near 185 Madison St. not far from Interstate 290 in the city, according to Murtha. Police found several fireworks and a gas can nearby. That incident is under investigation. The remains of a similar device were found on Harrison Street, according to Murtha. Worcester and the Massachusetts State Police bomb squad are investigating that discovery. Owning, using or selling fireworks without certification and licensing is illegal in Massachusetts. Between 2012 and 2021, Massachusetts fire departments reported more than 900 fires related to illegal fireworks. Communities across Massachusetts, including Springfield and Worcester, are set to share in $227 million in state grant money aimed at encouraging the development of affordable housing. Gov. Maura Healey, joined by state Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus, announced the awards during an event in Danvers on Thursday. The money, a mix of state and federal tax credits, and subsidies, will support the construction or preservation of 1,874 rental units across the state. A variety of efforts, from projects in Bostons Allston and Dorchester neighborhoods, to Easthampton and Greenfield also are among the more than two dozen projects in line for funding. The news comes as the state Legislature weighs a multi-billion dollar housing bond proposal aimed at addressing the states crisis of access to affordable housing. The awards through the states Affordable Housing Development grant program are "one of the most effective tools our administration has to increase the development of housing that is affordable for people across the state, Healey said. Along with the administrations housing bond proposal, Healey said her office is "working to lower the cost of housing across Massachusetts to benefit our families, businesses and economy. The projects that received funding on Thursday include 1,731 rental units for people who make less than 61% of the area median income, the administration said. A further 480 units are for those who make less than 30% of the area median income, and who often experience homelessness. In Springfield, the money will underwrite the preservation and rehabilitation of 148 units at Northern Heights, including 19 that are below 30% of the area median income. In Worcester, three projects, the Colony on Grove, the Curtis Apartments, and the LaGrange Lofts also will benefit from the grant program, according to the administration. The grant awards are "critical in creating more affordable and livable communities across Massachusetts, Augustus said in the joint statement. The administration held its event at the New England Homes for the Deaf in Danvers, where a new construction project serving those living with disabilities is in line for funding. Danvers has done more than most communities to stimulate affordable housing development that meets the needs of its residents, but whether these efforts are enough to make housing security a reality for all members of our community remains an open, and vexing, question, Danvers Town Manager Steve Bartha said in the joint statement. TORONTO Wilyer Abreu looks ready to rejoin the Red Sox. The rookie outfielder, who has been out since June 3 after spraining his right ankle falling down the dugout steps at Fenway Park, homered twice for the WooSox in his second rehab game at Triple-A on Wednesday night. In the first inning, he took launch for a solo shot off Columbus lefty Randy Labaut. In the eighth, he hit another solo shot off reliever Tanner Burns. Abreu is expected to rejoin the Red Sox in Cincinnati for this weekends series against the Reds. His performance Wednesday at Polar Park could potentially accelerate his timeline by a day. Abreu will play again for the WooSox on Thursday with the Red Sox off. Worcester beat Columbus, 10-4, on Wednesday. Theres a good chance hell DH tomorrow, Cora said. Were contemplating if its going to be Friday or Saturday. But so far, so good. Abreu, who is in his first full major league season, has been an exciting member of the Red Sox so far in 2024. Through 53 games before getting hurt, he hit .272 with six homers, 14 doubles, 22 RBIs and an .829 OPS. The Red Sox will face something of a logjam when he does return with fellow outfielders Jarren Duran, Tyler ONeill, Ceddanne Rafaela and Rob Refsnyder all producing at the plate. Shortstop David Hamilton is hitting so well that it will be hard to move him off his position to accommodate Rafaela; its possible either Rafaela or Hamilton plays some second base to stay in the lineup when Abreu comes back. TORONTO Red Sox reliever Chris Martin may find out later this week if you can receive a Web Gem for a defensive play that didnt involve your glove. It was a memorable return to the mound Wednesday for Martin, who pitched the ninth inning of Bostons 7-3 win over the Blue Jays one day after coming off the injured list, where he spent a couple weeks dealing with anxiety-related symptoms. With a man on first and one out in a four-run game, Vlad Guerrero Jr. hit a high chopper back in Martins direction, forcing the 6-foot-8 righty to take a step back, then field the ball barehanded as he fell backwards, hitting his head on the turf behind the mound. He then one-hopped the ball to first baseman Dom Smith for the out. Editors note: The story has been updated to include a severe thunderstorm warning for Springfield area. As Massachusetts enters its third day of an early-season heatwave, Bay Staters can expect a hot and muggy afternoon with scattered thunderstorms developing across northern Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for four Massachusetts counties until 8 p.m. this evening, including Worcester, Middlesex, Essex and Franklin. Northern Mass. residents can expect scattered, damaging winds up to 70 mph with hail of up to 1 inch in diameter, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association. [1130 AM] Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon/evening across northern MA. A few of the storms may become severe and produce locally damaging wind gust. In addition, any t-storm may produce torrential rainfall resulting in localized flooding. https://t.co/wJpRWeycs4 NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) June 20, 2024 Torrential rain might also cause flooding, forecasters say. A heat advisory is also in effect for Worcester until 7 p.m. tonight with a high temperature of 97 degrees Fahrenheit and severe thunderstorms expected before midnight, followed by scattered storms, the National Weather Service reports. Read more: 4 Massachusetts counties under a severe thunderstorm watch until Thursday evening Though not included in the severe thunderstorm watch, Boston can expect similar weather patterns as Worcester with a high of 97 degrees and severe thunderstorms this afternoon, National Weather Service reports. Springfield will also see potentially severe thunderstorms this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. As of 3:07 p.m., there was a severe thunderstorm warning for the area. Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Springfield MA, Chicopee MA and Westfield MA until 4:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/PBpBFUU3CB NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) June 20, 2024 Cape Cod will see a high of 81 degrees with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, the National Weather Service reports. The Berkshires may see rain with a chance of thunderstorms after 3 p.m. and a high of 87 degrees with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, according to the National Weather Service. The name is a mouthful, but a new place of tribute and refuge is well worth a visit in Chicopee. On June 1, the city dedicated the new Western Massachusetts Post 9/11 and Service Dog Memorial Park, located off Memorial Drive to the southwest of Westover Air Reserve Base. G-7 leaders meeting at their summit in Puglia, Italy have reaffirmed support for multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects across Africa to realise the continents economic potential and transformation. US President Joseph Biden and current G-7 President, the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, co-chaired a special ad hoc meeting on the sidelines of the summit to review the G7s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and its links with Italys recently unveiled Mattei Plan for Africa. The meeting, which reviewed the PGIIs accomplishments and delivery on commitments since its 2022 launch, was also attended at CEO level by Italian and US representatives from the financial, energy and digital private sector with a wide portfolio in the African continent. Italy told the gathering it was joining US and EU efforts to promote sustainable development along the Lobito Corridorcommitting to strengthen collaboration and mobilize an additional aggregate contribution of up to $320 million in investment in support of the core rail infrastructure and of the related side projects, with a view to additionally creating synergies with the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). The Lobito Corridor is connected by a stretch of railway infrastructure snaking through mineral- and oil-rich parts of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. It connects Southern and Central Africa, and provides access to Eastern Africa and a pathway to the Atlantic Ocean. It is typical of the mega infrastructure projects supported by the African Development Bank to ensure Africa attains its stated aim of complete economic transformation, sustainable development and poverty elimination. Expressing his thanks for being invited to participate at the prestigious G-7 summit, Bank President Dr Akinwumi Adesina told world leaders that the African Development Bank had invested over $50 billion in quality infrastructure in Africa over the past eight years. He stated that the African Development Bank is the continents leading financier of infrastructure in Africa. However, he cautioned that: Africa has an infrastructure financing gap of $68-108 billion annually. This needs to be addressed to realise Africas ambitions, strongly supported by the G-7, to become a major global economic powerhouse. In support of the G7s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) goal of mobilizing $600 billion in infrastructure investment in emerging economies, a coalition of US investors highlighted and committed anew billions of dollars in private investment in scaled infrastructure in emerging markets, aligned with PGII priorities. In a joint statement, the co-chairs welcomed Italys renewed commitment to boost development in Africa including by deepening partnerships with African Nations through its Mattei Plan and stressed their commitment to increase coordination between PGII, MPA and the EUs Global Gateway to maximize our collective impact as we work to develop transformative economic corridors in Africa. The Italian Private Sector also added its voice to the growing chorus of those urging greater investment in Africa. In the context of this engagement, the Mattei Plan for Africa has launched new financial instruments in collaboration with the African Development Bank, open to international partners contributions. Welcoming the renewed commitments to Africas economic transformation, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen recalled the PGII initiative was only two years old and came about as a response to the pandemic and food crisis caused by Russias aggression in Ukraine. At that time we joined forces and said that we needed a major investment programme for infrastructure abroad. PGII was born. The European Union is contributing EUR 300 billion through Global Gateway, and it is fantastic that we also have the Mattei Plan joining now. We wanted to create an alternative for infrastructure investment. It is not only the financial firepower that is impressive, but PGII is sustainable: It is good for the planet and for a countrys finances, she said. The meeting confirmed the commitment to launching and scaling investments around PGII economic corridors globally, including corridors in Asia, Africa, and one connecting Europe to Asia through the Middle East, noting appreciation for the wide range of current and future investment by private companies in strategic sectors, such as finance for green energy and digitalization. The co-chairs also welcomed the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII) as a key platform for collaboration on infrastructure investment in Africa and celebrated the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) commitment of up to $100 million in philanthropic catalytic investment capital to unlock an additional $1 billion in private finance. The participants also recognized GEAPP as one of the key partners in implementing distributed renewable energy generation, battery storage, and e-mobility projects. Apart from the Lobito corridor, Dr Adesina listed a whole raft of the other projects the Bank was supporting to change the face of Africa. These included: -financing with $1 billion the 1,110 km transport corridor thats linked Ethiopia to Nairobi and Mombasa, expanding trade between them by 400%. -partnering with the US and EU Global Gateway to finance the Lobito corridor between Angola, Zambia and DRC. The African Development Bank is providing $500 million to finance Zambias end of the corridor. -financing the $3.2 billion central rail corridor that links Tanzania, DRC and Burundi, through securitization. -financing with $213 million the energy transmission line linking Mauritania and Mali and the Rosso bridge linking Senegal and Mauritania. However, he said a major challenge remained the lack of bankable projects, which has to do with the lack of enough project preparation facilities. The African Development Bank set up the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA), with $500 million for project preparation and development, to mobilize $10 billion in private investments into green infrastructure to fast-track Africas net zero transition. AGIA has received global support and was profiled by Italy at the G7 finance ministers and central governors meeting. I wish to thank the G7 for providing $150 million of support towards AGIA, he concluded. Italy and the United States are further collaborating on clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and e-mobility projects, starting with potential projects in Kenya. Lastly, the G-7 leaders welcomed Italys G7 Presidencys efforts to promote effective implementation of PGII and enhance investment coordination with partners through the establishment of a new Secretariat. The balancing of payments in respect of participation in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) in 2023 are commencing this week. Payments will be issued to ACRES Tranche one participants across both the ACRES general and ACRES co-operation approaches. As participants received either an advance payment last November or an interim payment of 4,000 or 5,000 in February and March of this year, the 21.1 million in payments being announced today are balancing payments. Deputy Michael Ring TD welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD, calling farmers the forefront of protecting and enhancing our natural environment. Following the issue of payments, each recipient will receive a letter detailing information about the scores that determined the level of their payment. The Department, in conjunction with the ACRES co-operation project (CP) teams, has prepared a series of information leaflets to provide an overview of the way in which payments are calculated and these are available on the departments website. Additionally, the department advised that there will be opportunities for ACRES CP participants to add value and increase the level of their annual payment over the lifetime of their contracts. A farmers contract under ACRES is for five years, and ACRES CP participants will be able to avail of Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) and Landscape Actions (LAs) to improve environmental outcomes and to increase the score received and, ultimately, the level of payment. The ACRES Scheme aims to combat biodiversity decline while providing income support to farm families. I am pleased that farmers will receive their balancing payments under this scheme from this week, concluded Deputy Ring. Ballina native Dr Norah Patten is set to take part in a 2026 space mission. The Mayo woman is part of an all female team being sent by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) to advance scientific knowledge on supporting life in space. The project is a follow on from a similar mission carried out by the institute last year. Speaking to The Mayo News back in 2017, Dr Patten had just completed a unique scientist-astronaut training programme at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, which she described as brilliant. Im already looking at their schedule for next year, and I want to go back as soon as I can, really... Im only after coming back, and Im itching to go again, she said. The daughter of Achill and Belmullet natives shared that it was her dream to go to space, something that is coming true now, several years later. Dr Patten, as well as another pair of researchers from the US and Canada, will undertake the mission on Virgin Galactic's second generation of spacecraft, Delta. The estimated $600,000 sub-orbital flight is funded by institutional investors, grants and sponsors, who are using the mission to advance knowledge in the areas of fluids and biomedical research in space. Dr Pattens love for space began when she was just eleven years old. She explained to The Mayo News that her passion came after she visited NASA in Cleveland, Ohio. I think it was the spark for me. Then when I visited the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida when I was 15, it was a real Oh my God moment. Definitely since I was eleven after seeing all the aircraft and the wind tunnels, it left me fascinated with space. But then when I saw the actual rockets at Kennedy Space Centre, that was it, I said that there was absolutely nothing else I wanted to do, she shared. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 19, 2024 Reddit sees a massive shift upending traditional search methods to make way for new ones as younger users spend more time online -- despite the efforts of Google and Bing to push artificial intelligence (AI) into their respective search engines and promising a world where technology puts information at the fingertips of consumers. Data from a recent survey released today at Cannes Festival of Creativity suggests this change will prompt traditional engines like Google and Bing to lose users as younger demographics such as Gen Z rely more on social media to validate purchases. Search engines' reliance on content is one of the biggest challenges affecting the change. With 61% of Gen Z and 62% of all internet users stressing the need for improved reliability of information. Ranking second, 44% of Gen Z and 48% of all internet users say they want a more dependable yet simplified search experience that eliminates the hard work to find relevant information. advertisement advertisement Authentic human content is one reason that Reddit has grown so much, so consumers are adding a step to validate the potential purchase, says Rob Gaige, head of global insights at Reddit. They want content thats hyper-specific tailored to questions in a way no search algorithms could, he said. Gen Z is particularly sensitive to inaccurate information and the lack of reviews, reflecting their desire for trustworthy research experiences. Some 65% of survey participants said reliability of information on search engines needs to improve. Many younger consumers are turning to social media to solve these problems. Weary of traditional product research methods, they want brands to make the first move. Rather than dig through pages of results, information about products and services serve-up in social media feeds even before users recognize a need for them is having a major impact. Most Gen Zers began their relationship with the mobile phone and camera when they were very young, he said. They are beyond digital natives. As they have come of age in social media, algorithms have trained them to give them what they want before they knew they wanted it. In 2023, 51% of Gen Z in North America said they use social media to discover new brands and products, up from 35% in 2018. For Gen Z, search has become a laborious process, increasingly loaded with paid-for results. With more than 60% of internet users stressing the need for improved reliability of information, consumers want a more dependable yet simplified search experience which takes the hard work away from them. Products that rank down the search query page many times land on subsequent pages forcing those searching for information to really search. Gen Z does not give trust lightly when it comes to product research tools. Traditional and community-driven sources that serve opinions from real, knowledgeable people have more credibility than other digital platforms where advertising or sponsored influencers form a central part of the user experience. Promotional content in the search experience undermines trust. Some 49% of all internet users believe there are too many ads and sponsored content in search results, with 47% saying they receive irrelevant results. Gen Z also want curated personalized recommendations. This is prompting a decline in product discovery on search engines. Overall, 37% say they receive inaccurate or misleading information, compared with 42% of Gen Z. Lack of review and customer testimonials hit home with Gen Z. They look for truthful recommendations as a way to make decisions. Some 36% of Gen Z think promotional content undermines search results, compared with 27% overall. by Tanya Gazdik , June 19, 2024 In what might be one of the bigger marketing missed opportunities of recent memory, Krispy Kreme has released a fun Friends-themed donut collection, but only in the United Kingdom. The four donut flavors celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic '90s sitcom. As part of the festivities, Krispy Kreme did a survey evaluating their adult consumers' likelihood to share food cue Joey's famous Joey doesn't share food line and found that when it comes to doughnuts especially, people tend to be a little stingy, according to USA Today. While American fans may feel a little neglected by this nostalgic release, they do have some tasty fun to enjoy with the Dolly Parton doughnut line that wound down over the weekend. advertisement advertisement The North Carolina-based company isnt saying why the donuts are not available in the United States and disappointed fans are reacting on social media. This is where I am just confused by the decision-making process. Friends was a huge U.S. show (I know it is big internationally as well, but come on), yet this is a UK thing, wrote one Instagram user in response to a post about the new doughnuts, according to Fox Business News. I love getting to see all of these cool flavors and snacks, but it's also showing me how much we miss out on, the same user added. I'm a huge Friends fan and I would've loved to see these doughnuts in a Krispy Kreme shop in the US," another Instagram user said. The 25th anniversary of the show in 2019 also spurred some PR and marketing stunts, including the relocation of the Central Perk couch to the top of the Empire State Building, and a tribute from the Blue Man Group, which gave us all a sense of what the show would have been like had it starred trio of sexless painted mimes, according to Cracked. Although Krispy Kreme has risked reigniting 1775-esque hostilities, its not all that surprising that the U.K. would be the home of this unnecessary promotion, since Friends is hugely popular there, topping streaming charts, and now serving as the permanent home for The Friends Experience, per Cracked. Online orders for the donuts are available but require a U.K. postal code. Heres hoping the donut chain will pivot and bring the treats to the U.S., according to KTLA Los Angeles. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 20, 2024 TikTok on Thursday asked a federal appellate court to block a new law that could result in a ban on the app, arguing that the statute amounts to unconstitutional censorship. The act is unprecedented. Never before has Congress expressly singled out and shut down a specific speech forum, TikTok argues in papers filed with the Circuit Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Never before has Congress silenced so much speech in a single act, the company adds. TikTok is asking the court to declare the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act unconstitutional, and issue an injunction blocking enforcement. The law, passed earlier this year, prohibits web hosting services and app marketplaces from distributing TikTok unless ByteDance divests the app within one year. advertisement advertisement TikTok writes that divestiture is not possible technologically, commercially, or legally. What's more, the company says, even if divestiture were possible, TikTok would still be reduced to a shell of its former self, stripped of the innovative and expressive technology that tailors content to each user. The company also argues that lawmakers failed to make a factual record that would justify the measure. Congress imposed an extremely broad and consequential speech restriction on a single, identified publisher -- without findings documenting its reasons for acting, supported by hard evidence, the company contends. TikTok acknowledged in its brief that a House committee flagged two concerns -- that the Chinese government could obtain data from TikTok about Americans, and that Chinese Communist Party would use the app to spread propaganda -- but argues that neither concern warrants a ban on the platform. The government cannot legitimately restrict speech by labeling it foreign propaganda, TikTok says, adding that speech does not lose First Amendment protection because the government deems it untrue. TikTok adds that concerns about users' data are too speculative to warrant a ban. Conjecture over what 'might' or 'could' happen does not suffice to restrict speech, the company contends. If China did wish to obtain such data, it has many other ways of doing so, including purchasing it lawfully through a party in a third country and conducting open-source intelligence gathering, TikTok adds. A group of TikTok creators -- including BluffCakes founder Chloe Joy Sexton and 2021 Shark Tank contestant Paul Tran who, along with his wife sells skincare products through the platform -- who sued over the ban are separately urging the appellate court to block the law. The First Amendment protects not only a speakers right to pick where she expresses herself but also the medium she uses for that expression, they argue in papers filed Thursday with the circuit court. They say their posts have gained more traction on TikTok than other social media services due to TikTok's unique recommendation algorithm. Unlike other platforms, TikToks recommendation system seems to care little about how many followers the creator has, they tell the appellate court. As a result, the content on TikTok is, in petitioners experience, different and more authentic. The creators add that they have far fewer followers on other social apps. Other social media platforms have attempted but failed to recreate TikToks 'secret sauce,' they say. It thus comes as no surprise that petitioners have been far more successful sharing their ideas and views on TikTok than anywhere else. The appellate court is expected to hear arguments in September. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, June 20, 2024 Best Buy, still struggling amid slowed consumer spending on electronics, is rolling out dozens of new Copilot+ PCs. Best Buy is the exclusive retail partner for 40% of the latest Microsoft products and says it has trained 30,000 employees including Blue Shirts and the Geek Squad to help shoppers get acquainted with how these devices work. The newly certified staff is ready to run in-store demos and will focus on AI features such as Windows Studio Effects, Cocreator and Live Captions. Additionally, 1,000 Geek Squad members have been trained in Best Buys new AI skillset. The Minneapolis-based retailer is showcasing AI devices from multiple other brands, including Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung. And for those who prefer shopping online, the company is offering one-on-one tech guidance via video, voice or chat. advertisement advertisement Sales have been slow at Best Buy, with management maintaining that revenues will improve as consumers move further along in replacement cycles. And some analysts think the newness of AI-enabled products will help. Consumer-facing AI items are potential longer-term sales and profit drivers for the company, writes Brian Nagel, who follows Best Buy for Oppenheimer. As the leading, full service, omnichannel enabled consumer electronics retailer in the U.S., Best Buy is uniquely well-positioned to educate and serve more mass market consumers, particularly in new product areas, such as AI. Still, he points out that stocks of AI-enabled consumer technologies are very limited and still largely experimental. And in the past, he notes that consumers have been slow to adopt new technologies as they wait to learn more about their uses and see if prices fall. Best Buy is executing ably from a strategic and operations perspective by investing in store renovations, leaning into core competencies with specialized labor and services touch points, and working to reduce operating costs, writes Sean Dunlop, who follows the retailer for Morningstar. But the company remains saddled by a challenging macro environment and broader consumer pressure. He does not expect the company to return to meaningful sales growth until 2026. by Ray Schultz , June 20, 2024 The Will Lewis furor is just not stopping at The Washington Post. Two of the papers Pulitzer winners have called on Lewis, who was named as CEO and publisher earlier this year, to resign. Last week, The New York Times alleged that Lewis had assigned an article based on stolen phone records when working as business editor of the (UK) Sunday Times in 2004. And Robert Winnett, the incoming editor of the Post, wrote an article in 2002 based on materials deceptively obtained by a private investigator, the Times writes. These incidents have raised questions about Lewiss journalistic integrity. I dont know a single person at the Post who thinks the current situation with the publisher and supposed new editor can stand, David Maraniss, an associate editor and Pulitizer, wrote on Facebook, according to CNN. There might be a few, but very very few. advertisement advertisement His Pulitizer-winning colleague Scott Higham echoed that in a comment on Maraniss's post, Will Lewis needs to step down for the good of The Post and the public. He has lost the newsroom and will never win it back. Maraniss also said that Post owner Jeff Bezos, who hired Lewis, is not of and for the Post or he would understand. Another ethical issue raised by the Times article is that Lewis paid 100,000 pounds to a source, a practice generally prohibited at U.S. newspapers. For now, though, Bezos appears to be standing by Lewis. He sent a memo to newsroom leaders, saying, You have my full commitment on maintaining the quality, ethics, and standards we all believe in, Bezos wrote. This reportedly did little to bolster newsroom morale. Reporters are also concerned that the hires of Lewis, Winnett and executive editor Matt Murray may signal a turn to a Murdoch-News Corp. ethos. For his part, Lewis has assured the Post newsroom that as publisher, he will not try interfere with editorial. I will never cross the line, he said. These are the editors. I am the publisher. Theres a very clear line there, which will be maintained at all times. It remains to be seen if Lewis can ride this out. But there is a certain urgency, given the fact that the Post lost $77 million last year (less than the once-projected $100 million, the Post reports). It has also lost half of its audience, mirroring an industry-wide decline. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a crime, accident, natural calamity, sexual assault or domestic violence. People who experience personal events like sexual assaults, domestic violence or a death of a loved one are more likely to develop PTSD than people who face events like accidents or natural disasters. Victims experience recurrent flashbacks of the event. The lingering and debilitating stress that occurs due to the illness can cause a series of psychological and biological changes like acute stress, anxiety, fear and panic in the victims. Fear for life and a sense of acute danger develops because the event gets etched in their memory, haunting them incessantly. Victims are unable to lead a normal life. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was formally recognized as a mental disorder after the famous Vietnam War, where soldiers appeared to be in shell shock even after they left the war zone, fearfully recalling the trauma of combat, and unable to adjust to life afterwards. Facts and Statistics about PTSD: People develop PTSD when they either experience or witness or learn about an event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation. Like most mental health problems which do not have just one cause, PTSD is probably caused by a complex mix of: Inherited mental health risks, such as an increased risk of anxiety and depression. such as an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Life experiences , including the amount and severity of trauma dealt with since early childhood. , including the amount and severity of trauma dealt with since early childhood. Differences in the way the brain responds to stress by releasing certain chemicals and hormones. Brain scans reveal differences in the emotional processing centers of the brain. Advertisement Genes that play a role in creating fear memories. Temperament or the nature of the person. or the nature of the person. Exposure to a severe, long-lasting traumatic event. traumatic event. Elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline under normal conditions even in the absence of threat. This may be responsible for the numbed emotions and the hyperarousal they constantly feel. Recalling their trauma, adrenaline is activated causing them more fear, stress and discomfort. levels of stress hormones like under normal conditions even in the absence of threat. This may be responsible for the numbed emotions and the hyperarousal they constantly feel. Recalling their trauma, adrenaline is activated causing them more fear, stress and discomfort. Alterations in the levels of cortisol , another hormone that is released during this time to counter stress in the body. In case enough cortisol is not released, to put off the stress reaction, the effects of stress may continue to linger. , another hormone that is released during this time to counter stress in the body. In case enough cortisol is not released, to put off the stress reaction, the effects of stress may continue to linger. A genetically smaller hippocampus (responsible for memory and emotions) might be related to the fear and anxiety, memory problems and flashbacks that occur with PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD can begin within 3 months after the stressful event has occurred or several years after the event. Symptoms must last for more than a month and must be severe enough to affect work or relationships to be diagnosed with the condition; life does not get back to normal. Symptoms are stronger when faced with a similar situation that remind the person of the event. In Acute Stress Disorder or ASD - the symptoms immediately follow the experience of a traumatic event and lasts for a few weeks. It can seriously affect ones ability to function and the symptoms are only due to the event and not due to any other reason like substance abuse. In Chronic Stress Disorder or CSD the symptoms do not start for weeks or months and are associated with depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders. There are four categories of symptoms: Re-experiencing or Intrusive Symptoms: Consciously or subconsciously re-living the event either as recurring thoughts and memories, flashbacks or nightmares. Words, objects or situations can trigger these thoughts. Reacting emotionally or physically when reminded of the event. Experiencing physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating. Avoidance Symptoms: Avoiding thinking, feeling and talking about the traumatic event. Not going to similar places and events, not doing similar activities, and not meeting the same people involved in the event. For example, a person will avoid driving a car if the event had been a bad car accident. Advertisement Mood-based Symptoms Like Emotional Aloofness or Detachment: Having negative thoughts about themselves and others (in other words, not being capable of experiencing positive emotions). Feeling emotionally numb and hopeless about the future. Becoming isolated and withdrawn from friends and family. Not enjoying previously interested activities. Having memory issues. Having difficulty maintaining close relationships. Forgetting key features of the event. Reactivity and Arousal Symptoms: Always being in a state of alert and in anticipation of danger. Increased stress affecting concentration, eating and sleep. Overwhelming guilt and shame about the event; blaming themselves for it. Self-destructive behavior like alcohol and substance abuse. Easily startled or frightened, being on guard always; feeling jumpy or tense, always on edge. Feeling irritable, angry, aggressive or stressed. A personal trauma like sexual abuse or extreme physical abuse can cause children to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Intense personal trauma can damage a childs psyche. Children who face personal trauma have a tendency to internalize their feelings, experience guilt and even blame themselves for what has happened. This can lead to negative self-image and hamper their mental development gravely. They may be unable to develop social relationships and forge bonds. A whopping 3 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year in the United States. Close to 5 million children face trauma every year in the United States- this translates into 1.8 million new cases of post-traumatic stress disorder each year. If the following symptoms of PTSD in children lasts for more than a month, they may signal the need for medical care. Re-enacting the traumatic event through play. Bedwetting Not talking about the event or their feelings about it. Generalized fear. Sleep disturbances, nightmares that may even not relate to the event. Confusion. Heightened arousal or edginess. Separation anxiety (especially from a parent or adult). Loss of speech or motor skills. Stomach aches and headaches. Hyperactive starter reflex. Losing interest in activities previously enjoyed. Personality changes, mood changes. Withdrawal. Undue concern and worry. Extreme self- consciousness. Aggressive behaviors and angry outbursts. Everyone experiences PTSD at least once in their lifetime. While men are more exposed to scenarios that put them at risk, women who experience trauma are more affected by it. Who are the People at Risk? Military personnel exposed to war/combat and their family members. Victims of natural disorders and violent crimes. Concentration camp survivors. First responders like police officers, fire-fighters, ambulance and healthcare professionals. People who work as train drivers, divers, journalists and sailors. People who work in banks, post offices and in stores. What are the Common Events that Put you at Risk to Develop PTSD? Military combat exposure. Natural calamities like severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis. Unnatural events like car and plane crash. Life-threatening medical diagnosis. Terrorist attacks. Violent personal assaults like mugging, being threatened with a weapon and sexual assaults. Childhood neglect, violence and sexual abuse; prolonged sexual abuse for adults and children. Witnessing violent deaths. Being held hostage. Unexpected severe injury. Death of a close family member or friend. What are the Factors that Puts you at More Risk to Develop PTSD? Trauma: Exposure to a traumatic event is very clearly linked to developing PTSD. Proximity to the scene of trauma, increased duration and intensity increase the risk. No predisposed conditions are necessary to develop PTSD if the trauma is very severe. Intrusive Thoughts and suppression of the thoughts play a role. and suppression of the thoughts play a role. Early Onset: Abuse, neglect and bullying as children and adults who were in foster care as children. Abuse, neglect and bullying as children and adults who were in foster care as children. Mental Health Issues : Pre-existing mental problems like anxiety or depression or having blood relatives who have these conditions and /or PTSD. : Pre-existing mental problems like anxiety or depression or having blood relatives who have these conditions and /or PTSD. Lack of Support System: Not having family and friends to support you after the trauma to console and discuss. Not having family and friends to support you after the trauma to console and discuss. Genetic Factors: Susceptibility to PTSD is hereditary. A genetically smaller hippocampus has been linked to developing PTSD after a traumatic attack, while a smaller hippocampus along with startle responses are biomarkers for the risk of developing PTSD. Mental health problems depression, anxiety or phobias. depression, anxiety or phobias. Self-harming behavior such as drug or alcohol misuse; this prolongs their recovery time. such as drug or alcohol misuse; this prolongs their recovery time. Physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach aches. such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach aches. Eating disorders. Suicidal thoughts. Work-related problems and the breakdown of relationships. Mental health professionals have now clearly defined symptoms which help them recognize cases of PTSD. Discussion with patients and their families help the specialist in the diagnosis. Scientists say that post-traumatic stress disorder is the result of an environmental shock which can have a deep impact on the brain, visible through an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography). PET scans of PTSD victims show alterations in the way memories are stored in the brain. It is still unclear if these changes are reversible. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Associations has certain criteria which a person has to check to be diagnosed with PTSD. There must have been an exposure to an event involving death, violence or serious injury in one of the following ways: Either as the first person or as a witness or by hearing that someone close to you experienced it. Exposed to recurring graphic details of the event. At least one or more of the following signs or symptoms must be experienced after one month of the event: One re-experiencing symptom. One avoidance symptom. Two arousal and reactivity symptoms. Two mood-based symptoms. Two subtypes are also included in the DSM-5 - the PTSD Preschool subtype for children under 6 years and PTSD Dissociative subtype for those having symptoms of feeling detached from their own mind and body, or feeling that the world is unreal. Treatment for PTSD may involve psychotherapy, medication or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Treatment has to be personalized depending on the symptoms and the severity of the condition. Treatment will also help with other problems that develop during PTSD like anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Psychotherapy: Also called talk therapy, this involves helping the individual verbalize the trauma and associated fears. Therapy will involve assisting the victim with techniques to cope, as well as to alter their pattern of thinking. The patient is educated about the illness, the manner of treatment and the expected outcome before commencement of the treatment. Research says that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective counseling method for PTSD. This may consist of: 1. Cognitive Therapy: Helps sufferers remember and analyze the event and their thoughts about it in a realistic way. This new way of looking at the event eliminates negative or guilty feelings they might be harboring inside them regarding the event. 2. Exposure Therapy: Helps people face the trauma by exposing them to it in a safe way. The affected people are made to imagine, write or visit the same setting through computer simulated virtual reality programs. They thus learn to control their fear and cope with their feelings. The feared situation is faced entirely within the confines of the therapists office. Cognitive and exposure therapies go hand in hand. Cognitive therapies can be done individually or in a group. It comprises of 12 sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes each. 3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): The therapist urges the victim to think about the event while focusing all the while either on movements (like the therapists hand moving forward and backward) or sounds (like hand tapping or tones). When the memory becomes less upsetting to think about, a positive thought is added to it. 4. Stress Inoculation Training: Breathing, muscle relaxation and positive self-talk are methods used in this technique to reduce anxiety. They help in alleviating the sleep problems associated with PTSD and in the management of anxiety and aggression. Counseling the family members, especially parents of children with PTSD is immensely beneficial. Parents are educated on how to help the child cope with the debilitating symptoms of PTSD. The Veterans Association (VA) of America uses 2 kinds of CBT to veterans with PTSD called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is another form of cognitive therapy that helps you handle the upsetting thoughts in a new way. Negative thoughts like guilt are discussed with the therapist who identifies and changes these thoughts. Changing how you think about the event changes the way you feel about it. is another form of cognitive therapy that helps you handle the upsetting thoughts in a new way. Negative thoughts like guilt are discussed with the therapist who identifies and changes these thoughts. Changing how you think about the event changes the way you feel about it. In Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, the therapist will persistently ask you to discuss about the trauma over and over again to control and overcome the fear of the event. In fact, things that are being avoided are brought to the forefront. Practically, the therapist will help you work your way up into doing something that you have avoided so far, like driving a car due to a bad accident. Medications: A psychiatrist has to be consulted when medication is the stand-alone option or when used in combination with psychotherapy. The drug of choice will be prescribed at a low dose to start off with. Frequent visits will have to be made to slowly escalate the dose if the drug is working or to try another drug or a combination of drugs. Side effects will have to be discussed. With the correct drug(s), improvement will be seen in a few weeks. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs are antidepressants that reduce panic, anxiety, fear and depression and improve sleep and concentration. They also relieve impulsivity, aggression and suicidal thoughts that may plague many victims. Examples of drugs approved by FDA for PTSD are Sertraline and Paroxetine. Fluoxetine, another SSRI and Venlafaxine are also used off-label as first-line mono therapy in patients but are not FDA-approved. Venlafaxine acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and as a combined serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor depending on its dose. Anti-anxiety medications like Benzodiazepines are used to treat short-term acute anxiety and insomnia. There is a potential abuse issue with these drugs and hence should not be taken for a long time. Prazosin, an inhibitor of the Sympathetic Nervous System is effective in treating severe nightmares in children and adults with PTSD symptoms. It is not FDA-approved for treating PTSD but has been successful in treating veterans for sleep disturbance related to PTSD at doses lesser than for use in hypertension. Medications may help for quick relief but only psychotherapy helps in eliminating the underlying cause of the symptoms. Without psychotherapy, medications may have to be taken for a long time. Apart from medication, the U.S. National Center for PTSD recommends moderate physical activity. The United States Marine Corps has programs that help military personnel to re-adjust to civilian life again and get better with family relationships. Trusted Source International Day of Yoga Go to source Trusted Source June 21 was designated as the #InternationalDayofYoga in a resolution proposed by India. This resolution was adopted by the #UnitedNations to recognize and celebrate the practice of #yoga worldwide. June 21 Declared International Day of Yoga Advertisement International Day of Yoga - (https://www.un.org/en/observances/yoga-day) Citizens from around the world will gather to demonstrate yoga's unifying power across boundaries and divisions as the UN celebrates the 10th International Day of Yoga ).The theme for this years celebration is 'Yoga for Women Empowerment' and it will be featured on the North Lawn of the UN headquarters where diplomats, UN officials and employees, and aficionados of the ancient art will perform asanas in synchronicity.Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is expected to participate in the event and a video message from General Assembly President Dennis Francis is anticipated.The global celebrations with millions participating every year were set in motion by the General Assembly in December 2014 when it declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in a resolution proposed by India, cosponsored by 175 countries and adopted unanimously. The date was chosen because the Summer Solstice falls on that day in the northern hemisphere most years, although it is a day early this year and next.With a blazing temperature of 35 degrees Centigrade, it will be held on a day that is forecast to be the hottest so far this year. Indias UN Mission is cosponsoring it with the UN Secretariat. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the yoga celebration at the UN and it made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for the most nationalities -- 135 -- participating in yoga practice at one place.On the day of the Solstice, Thursday, the annual 'Mind over Madness' event will be held at Times Square with day-long yoga sessions creating an island of calm and serenity amid the cacophony and the bustle of the place known as 'the Crossroads of the World'.Indias Consulate General is one of the sponsors of the event that runs from 7.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. and features seven yoga classes run by instructors of several ethnicities and national origin showing yogas universality.PM Modi presented the idea of an International Day of Yoga in September 2014 at his first address to the General Assembly, declaring, Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition.Asoke Kumar Mukerji, who was then the permanent representative, rounded up the 175 cosponsors cutting across international divisions and had it adopted within three months -- likely a record for the quickest passage of a resolution at the General Assembly.Source-IANS Yoga can make you live longer. So, start practicing yoga today for healthier tomorrow. It is with great honour and pleasure that I welcome the Foreign Minister of the Philippines, Mr. Enrique Manalo, on his first visit to Greece. This marks the first visit of a Philippine Foreign Minister to our country, an occasion that gives me particular satisfaction. Hosting the Minister of Foreign Affairs today, 74 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and the Philippines, holds immense significance. Our two countries are bound together by ties of friendship and shared values. We both advocate for an international order based on principles and rules, respect for International Law, particularly the unwavering respect for the Law of the Sea, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the prosperity of our peoples. Additionally, we are united by our maritime tradition. The sea and shipping are integral to the identity of the Greeks, due to our geographical location and physiography, as well as our extensive coastline of more than 20,000 kilometers with hundreds of islands and islets, as is the case with the friendly country of the Philippines. Furthermore, the Greek-owned fleet is a leading force in the world, contributing to the smooth conduct of global trade. There is significant potential for improving our relations in the maritime sector. As of today, 50 Greek shipping companies are active in Manila, while approximately 53,000 Filipino seafarers offer their expertise on Greek-owned ships, due to their enhanced familiarity with the sea. The importance we place on the maritime sector is demonstrated by our intensive cooperation in training as well as by our mutual support in relevant international fora, as was the case with the International Maritime Organization during the 2024-2025 term. The safety of seafarers is a major priority for Greece in all oceans, particularly today as incidents of unlawful violence at sea are increasing. A significant number of Filipino seafarers are currently illegally detained, a fact that constitutes a flagrant violation of International Law. We stand by your side, honorable Minister. On this occasion, I would like to publicly thank the Philippines for its support for Greeces election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, during which Greece will prioritize the discussion on maritime security. During our tenure on the United Nations Security Council, Greece aspires to serve as a bridge between North and South, East and West, and bring to the forefront issues of mutual interest with the Philippines that are of global significance, such as the peaceful resolution of disputes, and climate change mitigation. Regarding the climate crisis, the Philippines is among the countries most affected by this phenomenon and vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. In this regard, we warmly welcome Manila's willingness to host the headquarters of the Loss and Damage Fund for Developing Countries to address the adverse effects of the climate crisis. As regards global peace and security, our country will seek to play a productive role on the United Nations Security Council so as to address the catastrophic consequences of the two major wars in our broader region, in Ukraine and Gaza. Specifically, regarding the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, Greece has taken a clear stance based on principles: Immediate implementation of a ceasefire. Opening of humanitarian corridors so that humanitarian aid can reach the affected area unhindered. Immediate and unconditional release of hostages. Development of a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza and the return of displaced persons to their homes. Honorable Minister, cooperation between our countries has considerable scope for improvement. To this end, it is particularly significant that we have decided to activate the process of political consultations between our countries Foreign Ministries in order to officially establish and enhance the ongoing dialogue between us on the political as well as the technical level. Greece supports the strengthening of relations between the European Union and the Philippines and eagerly anticipates the successful conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two parties. Greece also looks forward to the deepening of European Union-ASEAN relations, an issue which we had the opportunity to discuss with the Minister, in Brussels last February. The Philippines is playing a critical coordinating role in this dialogue. Greece has the potential to serve as ASEAN's economic and commercial gateway to the European Union. Honorable Minister, dear friend Enrique, the geography of the Philippines endows your country with major geostrategic significance. Its greatest asset, however, is its human capital: people who are hardworking, dedicated, with a kindness that goes beyond the ordinary. As stated in the lyrics of the Philippine national anthem: 'Land dear and holy, Cradle of noble heroes'. It is with these thoughts that I warmly welcome you, Minister, to Athens and Greece. An Air Force captain and a staff sergeant were both permanently disabled in an all-terrain vehicle rollover crash while training in the Pacific last year, leaving one paralyzed and the other with an amputated leg, according to new details revealed in an accident investigation report. The incident happened on Feb. 17, 2023, near North Field on Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands when a male captain was driving a Side by Vehicle Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle, or SRTV-SXV, with a female staff sergeant in the passenger seat. The captain, a Tactical Air Control Party officer, was there to participate in an exercise on the island, and the noncommissioned officer was with public affairs to document the event. While traveling to a training exercise down a narrow, overgrown road, the vehicle went off the road into thick vegetation and began to roll. The two airmen "were not wearing seat belts or personal protective equipment," and they "were both ejected," according to the report, which was made public last week. Read Next: Sailors Who Fail 2 Consecutive Fitness Tests Will No Longer Face the End of Their Career, Navy Says The captain, assigned to the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron out of Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii, suffered serious injuries that caused permanent paralysis below his waist, according to the report. The staff sergeant, who was with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron at Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina, "also sustained serious injuries to include a pelvic fracture and internal abdominal injuries, resulting in several corrective surgeries and an above-the-knee amputation," the report detailed. The staff sergeant told the accident board investigators that "she requested assistance with the harness buckle" from the captain, but the officer stated that because it was only a five-minute drive, they did not need to wear seat belts," according to the report. Additionally, the noncommissioned officer told investigators she had "developed a nervous feeling" about the speed the vehicle was going and "made multiple requests to [the driver] that he slow down," but that request wasn't acknowledged or responded to. A civilian notified security forces shortly after the crash happened, and several of them ran to the scene. One of those airmen was Senior Airman Ethan Embrey, a firefighter with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron from Misawa Air Base in Japan, who was there on standby for the training exercise. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ethan Embrey, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, poses in front of a Fire Engine at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 16, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick Boyle) While in his truck, Embrey was approached by the civilian, who notified him of the crash. At first, the airman wasn't sure whether it was real or not. "Initially, I thought it was a part of the exercise," Embrey said in a press release honoring his heroism earlier this year. "But when she told me that it was real, I hopped out [of] the truck, grabbed my individual first-aid kit, and headed to the scene." Embrey said most of the first responders were paying attention to the captain, but he noticed something was off with the staff sergeant's injuries. "I saw something protruding from her boot; her bone broke through the skin on her ankle," Embrey said in the release. "I was getting ready to splint and package her leg when she said, 'My stomach hurts.' She already was expressing an altered mental status, so I knew something was wrong." Embrey said he also "saw a black spot on the right of her navel, which is the earliest sign of internal bleeding." He called the flight line and told officials to halt a plane that had just landed so she could be taken to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam for emergency medical treatment. The staff sergeant "was deemed most critical and was quickly moved to the flight line," the accident investigation board detailed, adding that she "was transported to Guam aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft" and later taken to a Guam civilian hospital. Embrey later received the Senior Master Sergeant Robert A. McAllister Award for Firefighter Heroism for his quick thinking. The captain was transported to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam by a UH-60J helicopter for initial screening and later moved to the same civilian hospital on the island as the staff sergeant, Guam Regional Medical City. No blame was assigned in the crash, but the report pointed out that the staff sergeant had never ridden in a SRTV-SXV before. The captain had received "familiarization training" the day prior for roughly two hours, but it was not documented, the report detailed. The accident investigation report on the incident and the serious injuries come amid several fatal rollover incidents in the Air Force. Earlier this year, Military.com reported that the Air Force was temporarily reevaluating the way it trained with Humvees at its intercontinental nuclear missile bases located in the Midwestern states after two airmen died late last year. From 2019 to 2024, at least nine airmen have died in government-owned vehicles, according to data from the Air Force Safety Center. Related: Humvee Use at Air Force's Nuclear Missile Bases Changed After 2 Airmen Died in Recent Months The chief executive officer of a major privatized military housing company has been indicted in a south New Jersey racketeering scheme unrelated to the corporation's Defense Department activities. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin filed criminal charges Monday against six defendants, including John O'Donnell, CEO of the Michaels Organization, for their roles in developing the waterfront of Camden, New Jersey, directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. The indictment alleges that the defendants, led by businessman and Democratic power broker George Norcross III, used their power and influence to obtain property and property rights for themselves and others through "coercion, extortion and other criminal acts," while collecting millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits and influencing government officials. Read Next: Sailors Who Fail 2 Consecutive Fitness Tests Will No Longer Face the End of Their Career, Navy Says According to a release from Platkin's office, O'Donnell, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, is not only CEO of the Michaels Organization, he is a partner in groups that own buildings in Camden at the center of the racketeering allegations. The Michaels Organization is a vast real estate development corporation and apartment management company with thousands of properties in more than 30 states. It has maintained a portfolio of military housing communities since 2004, managing roughly 18,000 houses at 11 installations such as Fort Huachuca and Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Moore, Georgia; and Fort Irwin and the Presidio of Monterey in California. The company is headquartered in Camden, where it built a market-rate apartment community that is part of the investigation and also manages an office tower. A spokeswoman for the company said the organization is not under indictment, and the charges do not involve any military communities. In a statement released Tuesday, Michaels Organization officials said O'Donnell has taken a leave of absence "to focus on vigorously defending himself" against the allegations. "John O'Donnell has been a trusted colleague and industry leader for more than 30 years, and has our organization's full support during this difficult time," Mark Morgan, the company's former chief operating officer who is now serving as CEO, said in the statement. O'Donnell did not respond to a request for comment from Military.com by publication. His leave of absence was first reported by Military Times. Norcross is a former member of the Democratic National Committee and former chairman of the Camden County Democratic Committee. Dana Redd, also named in the indictment, is the former mayor of Camden. Also charged were Norcross' brother, Philip Norcross; attorney William Tambussi; and Sidney Brown, the CEO of a trucking and logistics company. According to the New Jersey attorney general's office, the charges consist of violations in both the first and second degree, the former carrying a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison, fines up to $200,000, and no early releases from prison. If convicted on second-degree charges, the defendants may face five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Stressing that defendants are innocent until proven guilty, Platkin said the indictment alleges that Norcross conducted business in Camden for the past 12 years and the charges show "how a group of unelected, private businessmen used their power and influence to get [the] government to aid their criminal enterprise." "We must never accept politics and government -- that is funded with tax dollars -- to be weaponized against the people it serves. Today, we reaffirm that no one in our state is above the law -- period," Platkin said in a statement. Morgan pledged that business will continue as usual at the Michaels Organization, including development, property management, construction and investment. "Our organization's focus remains, as always, on our mission of crafting housing solutions that jump-start education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity, and on creating communities that lift lives," he said in a statement. Related: 98 Military Families Silenced by Nondisclosure Agreements with Private Base Housing Companies The Marine Scout Sniper War Memorial will look something like this: a bronze World War I observer, with an iconic brimmed helmet and a specialized Winchester rifle slung over his shoulder, points ahead. His hand rests on the shoulder of a Marine sniper with a high fade haircut, Oakley-style glasses and an M40A6 rifle, emblematic of those who served during the Global War on Terror. They are both hunting a target, looking toward a future that has yet to be written. Yet they bookend the 105-year history of one of the military's most storied and elite occupations, the Marine scout sniper. In the summer of 2021, two years before the Corps axed the current iteration of the job, members of the Marine scout sniper community saw a growing need to preserve and catalog their heritage, one that is legendary but largely untold. Read Next: Air Force Captain, Staff Sergeant Permanently Disabled in 2023 Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle Rollover That is something that Tim Parkhurst and the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation hope to rectify as they seek to establish a first-of-its-kind memorial for generations of the community to call a place of reverence. "The mission of the organization doesn't stop with the memorial," Parkhurst, president of the foundation and a retired Marine master sergeant, told Military.com in an interview Wednesday. "One of our responsibilities is to uncover that lost history of Marine scout snipers that literally has been lost." (Courtesy of the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation) That history is often marked by moments, battles or the legendary men who took up the job's purpose, such as the late retired Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock, a Marine sniper who racked up 93 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War. But its continuum -- the beginning-to-end history that is common in other storied military jobs -- has never been fully cataloged. According to Parkhurst, that is due to a generational loss of knowledge induced -- in part -- by an administrative pipeline that does not favor continuity and a historical tendency by the Marine Corps to sideline snipers after major conflicts. "That's the thing, it's an HR nightmare," Parkhurst said. "We were never a primary duty. We never had a career path of our own." For decades, the scout sniper job was an additional military occupational specialty, or MOS, meaning that -- administratively -- it came second to whatever primary job the Marine held. Marines who became scout snipers after attending the course would spend tours within the specialty platoon, but then get farmed off to other positions that aligned with their primary job. It also means that the Marine Corps system, which has "monitors" to assign Marines based on their primary MOS, didn't prioritize the scout sniper position. Parkhurst said it was common that, after experiencing the thrill and challenge of being a scout sniper, Marines would leave the service when faced with having to go back to whatever their primary duties were. "How many guys were just like, 'Screw that, I'm gone,' and they go try to find greener pastures on the other side of the fence?" Parkhurst said. On top of that, the scout sniper position is an enlisted one. Officers attended a course intended to teach them how to employ the asset, but as decision-makers who might spend only a brief time in the sniper platoon, they didn't have an intimate knowledge of the job or how best to use it, Parkhurst said. Last of the Scout Snipers At the end of last year, when the Marine Corps graduated its last class of scout snipers, Military.com interviewed several members of the community, some of whom shared that frustration. When asked whether that lack of understanding morphed into a perception that the job was unimportant, Parkhurst agreed. "That's a correct conclusion," he said. "And it's been like that for decades. It's not a recent thing, and it's not something that only occurred back in the old days. It's been a systemic problem." The lack of understanding, frequent turnover and apparent tokenism of the job resulted in an institutional knowledge drain, one catalyzed by a century-long trend of needing the asset when conflict started and then setting it aside when the bullets stopped flying. "What we're finding is that in every era of conflict -- from World War I to World War II to Korea to Vietnam and the more recent War on Terror -- there was, at some point, enough interest because of the looming conflict at hand, that the powers-that-be decided there needed to be a sniper capability, a scout sniper capability," Parkhurst said. But, as demonstrated during the withdrawal from Afghanistan, where Marine scout snipers played an integral role in the evacuation of Kabul, a "peacetime" military brought change. As the greater defense apparatus began shifting in earnest to its "pacing threat" -- China -- in the Pacific, the Marine Corps restructured itself under an initiative called Force Design, beginning in 2019. So, out went tanks, some artillery, and the Marine Corps scout sniper MOS, among other positions. But in Parkhurst's estimation -- and other former scout snipers Military.com has spoken to -- that won't be the case forever. "When it comes time to start slashing things at the end of the conflict, it's not a surprise that they're going to at least cut our numbers or at least downsize the program," Parkhurst said. "But what's kind of unconscionable in my mind, and it leaves us all scratching our heads, [is] we've got 105 years of history that shows that they want to bring us back every single time the shooting starts again." The Corps maintains that sniper weapons and marksmen will be "sustained" within infantry units and other specialized entities, but not in the same way as they once were, to include trading the coveted 0317 MOS -- Scout Sniper -- for the 0322 Reconnaissance Sniper title. "As planned, the Marine Corps deactivated the Scout Sniper Instructor Course in November 2023, and has graduated the final class of Marines from the Basic Scout Sniper Course this month," Maj. Joshua Pena told Military.com in December. "Though the graduates of this course will not be receiving the 0317 MOS, they will play a vital role of ensuring infantry battalions retain scouting and precision marksmanship capabilities while the training and curriculum necessary to meet fleet requirements [are] finalized and approved." Before those changes came to fruition, the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation began working on the scout sniper war memorial concept. The bronze sculpture designed by Sabin Howard, who recently completed his work on the National World War I Memorial to be unveiled in September, will stand 11 feet tall. And pending some conceptual changes to the statue, the foundation hopes to have it completed in the next couple of years -- but that timeline will come down to funding. Parkhurst and his team have begun the hard work of raising roughly $5 million for the project. Parkhurst said that he visited the space where the memorial is planned to go in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park outside of the National Museum of the Marine Corps last week. The foundation posted on social media Friday, writing that "the brave men who have served behind the long gun, and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, deserve nothing less!" The fundraising goal not only contributes to the war memorial itself, but the research it will take to flesh out the true history of the Marine scout sniper. Unearthing Sniper History While some of the more famous Hollywood interpretations of the job have come from the Vietnam and GWOT eras, Marine scout snipers have their roots in World War I when Gen. John "Black Jack" Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, ordered infantry units to billet eight snipers per company, according to the foundation's research. By 1918, the military established a scout sniper school alongside other jobs, such as machine gunnery, and more than 400 service members were trained as snipers, an effort that was bolstered during World War II to combat German marksmen. "No one at any schoolhouse for Marine scout snipers has ever taught that we had scout snipers in World War I," Parkhurst said. "Occasionally, some individuals may have mentioned that we had scout snipers in World War II, but if they did, they were unable or just failed to produce any documentation that showed what that program looked like." It is the foundation's aim to capture that legacy not only in the history books to educate the public -- and Marines -- about the scout sniper's historical efforts, but also in the imagery that the memorial hopes to convey. "The positioning of the figures is intended to evoke the symbolism every Marine is familiar with in the cake-cutting ceremony of the Marine Corps birthday celebration, where the oldest Marine passes knowledge and experience to the younger generation," a document from the foundation said. Parkhurst said that, along with donations, sales of commemorative bricks that will be laid near the memorial and from the foundation's online store, he is looking for more help to make the project a reality -- and for people to spread the word. "We need all the help we can get fundraising," Parkhurst said. "One of the specific things that I am asking for people to understand is that we all walk in different circles. I'm just a dumb grunt; I only know the people that I know. I don't know anybody that particularly has a lot of money, and I'm not that well-connected. ... So, anybody that's willing to introduce us to someone who can make connections is greatly appreciated." Editors note: After publication, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation clarified that it is not collecting or soliciting funds for the scout sniper war memorial. Related: Into the History Books: Last Marine Corps Scout Snipers Graduate amid Service's Planned Redesign Efforts to improve care and research for service members suffering from brain injuries are included in both the Senate and House versions of the annual must-pass defense policy bill, raising the chances more support for those troops could be on the way. The Pentagon would be required to set safety thresholds for blast exposure and a standard for waiving the thresholds; create training for service members on symptoms of blast exposure and brain injuries; and evaluate how modifying existing weapons could reduce injuries, under the version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, approved by the House last week. The text of the Senate NDAA has not yet been released, but a summary of the bill advanced last week by the Senate Armed Services Committee said it includes several provisions aimed at improving the Pentagon's approach to treating, caring for and researching injuries related to blast exposure. Read Next: Sailors Who Fail 2 Consecutive Fitness Tests Will No Longer Face the End of Their Career, Navy Says The Senate bill "requires DoD to update blast overpressure safety thresholds, to establish a standardized treatment program and policies to encourage service members to seek help, to modify existing weapons to reduce exposure, and to establish strategies to protect those most at risk," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who chairs the committee's personnel subpanel, said at a meeting of her subcommittee last week. The measures in the NDAA come after Warren; fellow committee member Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; and House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., previously introduced a stand-alone bill amid growing concerns about the risks of blast overpressure, which is any pressure caused by a shockwave that is over the normal pressure in the atmosphere. A growing body of evidence is showing that troops are at risk of exposure to potentially dangerous blasts not just from enemy attacks but also from routine military activities such as repeatedly firing artillery, and that brain injuries from those exposures are causing devastating symptoms for service members and veterans. Military.com has reported extensively on evidence that traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is linked to an increased risk of suicide among veterans and that Pentagon officials squandered opportunities to get ahead of the issue. Last year, The New York Times also reported on hallucinations, seizures, suicide risks and other symptoms among troops who fired artillery during the war against the Islamic State terror group. At a hearing earlier this year, Pentagon officials vowed to collect more data on troops' exposure to blasts. But they also said more research would be needed before taking some of the steps that lawmakers were advocating for, such as more frequent cognitive testing and defining safety limits for using certain weapons. That stance angered lawmakers who wanted immediate action and prompted Warren, Ernst and Khanna to introduce the Blast Overpressure Safety Act in April. "The department needs to take more urgent action to mitigate blast overpressure and support service members," Warren, Ernst, Khanna and other lawmakers wrote in a letter to a government watchdog last month. "Otherwise, troops will continue to struggle to get the care they need and deserve." While the House NDAA includes elements of the blast exposure legislation, Khanna proposed adding more when the House debated the defense bill last week. Specifically, he filed amendments to create a comprehensive brain health program specifically for Special Operations Command and to establish a National Intrepid Center of Excellence to prevent and treat TBI. Khanna's proposed amendments did not get votes in the House, but the chamber did approve a pair of amendments from Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., to study commercially available diagnostic tools for TBI and the feasibility of allowing troops to use transitional and residential brain injury treatment facilities. The Senate's bill, meanwhile, would establish a "Defense Intrepid Network for Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Health" as a program of record, according to the Senate Armed Services Committee's summary. It would also authorize a four-year special operations "demonstration program" on brain health and brain trauma, said Warren, who voted against the full NDAA during the committee's closed-door debate last week. The full Senate still needs to approve its NDAA, and then the House and Senate will have to iron out the differences between their respective bills, but inclusion in both bills increases the likelihood that the final product will include improvements for TBI care. Negotiations on the compromise NDAA are expected to stretch through the summer and fall. Related: Watchdog Investigation of Pentagon Traumatic Brain Injury Efforts Requested by 22 Lawmakers Troops at Colorado Space Force Base Will Have to Bring Their Own To-Go Boxes for Dining Hall While the initiative is aimed at reducing waste on base, the spokesperson added that they hope it will give troops on base... SEOUL, South Korea Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un say a new strategic partnership is a breakthrough, but what it means for their relationship is still uncertain. The pact requires both countries to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event of war, according to North Korean state media. While the agreement, inked Wednesday at a summit in Pyongyang, could represent the countries strongest deal signed after the Cold War, there are differing opinions on how strong the security commitment is. Kim claimed that the deal elevated bilateral relations to the level of an alliance, while Putin was more understated and did not call it an alliance. North Korean state media released the text of the agreement, which also includes broader cooperation in military, foreign policy and trade. Russia has not published its version of the text. Relations between sprawling Russia and small, isolated North Korea both of them nuclear powers have warmed significantly in recent years amid Russias growing acrimony with the West over the invasion of Ukraine and suppression of all domestic opposition. One of the first knock-on effects of the agreement came Thursday, when South Koreas government said it would reconsider its policy of limiting its support to Ukraine to non-lethal supplies. South Korea, a growing arms exporter, has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but it has not directly provided weapons to Kyiv. Here's a look at what is known about the new partnership and what is still unclear. What did Russia and North Korea promise? Most of the debate over the partnership agreement revolves around the article that pledges mutual aid. According to North Korean state media, the section states that if one of the countries gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy all means at its disposal without delay to provide military and other assistance. But it also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes a U.N. member states right to self-defense. To some analysts, that sounds like a promise that either nation would intervene if the other comes under attack, renewing a pledge made under a 1961 treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union. That deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced in 2000 by one that offered weaker security assurances. Cheong Seong Chang, an analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute, said the agreement echoes the language of the 1961 treaty, as well as provisions of the U.S.-South Korea mutual defense treaty about activating channels to coordinate if either of faces the threat of invasion. North Korea and Russia have completely restored their Cold War-era military alliance, Cheong said. Other experts were more cautious, saying the section is carefully worded to avoid implying automatic interventions and strictly limits the circumstances in which either country would be obligated to step in. And the language of the agreement is much less important than what each nation is actually capable of and willing to do, Du Hyeogn Cha, an analyst at Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said. While its rare for any defense treaty to spell out specifically that a country is required to automatically intervene to defend a partner under attack, the strength of the commitment can be signaled in other ways, such as how the U.S. stations thousands of troops in South Korea and closely coordinates with its ally over training and weapons systems, Cha said. But Russia, for instance, doesnt have a troop presence in North Korea and the countries have no established track record in joint military activities and coordination, aside from the Norths alleged munitions transfers to Russia. The fact that the article invokes the countries domestic laws and the U.N. Charter could reflect that Russia tried to limit its defense obligation to very narrow conditions: when its clear North Korea did not instigate the aggression, the attack on the North is legally recognized in Russia as war, and Russias defense of the North is justified by the U.N., Cha said. The agreement is a symbolic statement vowing the expansion of cooperation, but it leaves a lot of room for interpretation when we get into practice, Cha said. The biggest concern about the summit isnt whether (Russia) committed to an automatic military intervention or not, but the possible expansion of North Korean weapons transfers to Russia and the transfers of Russian military technologies to the North. What kinds of military cooperation are possible? Putin said he would not "exclude the development of military-technical cooperation with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea in accordance with the document signed today. That statement in effect formalizes something Western countries claim is already happening. The U.S. and other allies allege that Russia has received ballistic missiles and ammunition from North Korea as the Ukraine war depletes Moscows inventory, and that Russia has made technology transfers to Pyongyang that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. North Korean state media also said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to strengthen their joint defense capabilities, but didnt specify what those steps would be, or whether they would include combined military training. The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a just and multipolar new world order, the Norths Korean Central News Agency said, underscoring how the countries are aligning as they face separate, escalating confrontations with the United States and its allies. Russia and North Korea will likely hold the specifics of this cooperation close to their chests, but the agreement is a way of letting the world and particularly the United States and its allies know that theyll be working together, said Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Whats the economic aspect of the pact? The partnership also calls for developing economic ties, an especially important issue for North Korea as it suffers under an array of international sanctions. North Korea needs food, industrial materials and other goods, and in turn can supply Russias war-depleted workforce with labor. Those workers could then convert wages in rubles to dollars or euros, potentially becoming a source of the hard currency North Korea desperately needs. Such activities would violate U.N. sanctions. Hours before he arrived in North Korea, Putin had vowed in an op-ed that the countries would overcomes sanctions together. Russia is the subject of Western sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. Putin said the Russian-North Korean trade turnover has risen nine-fold over the past year, but admitted that the amount itself remains modest. ___ Heintz reported from Tallinn, Estonia. 7:05pm: Tinocos transactions log at MLB.com indicates that he indeed chose to become a free agent. 3:45pm: The Rangers announced that right-hander Jesus Tinoco has been assigned outright to Triple-A Round Rock. That indicates he cleared waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. He has the right to elect free agency though its not clear if he has chosen to do so. Tinoco, 29, signed a minor league deal with Texas in the offseason and posted some encouraging results for the Express. He tossed 21 1/3 innings for that club, allowing 3.80 earned runs per nine. His 11.2% walk rate was on the high side but he got ground balls at a 47.1% clip and struck out 30.3% of batters faced. He was selected to the big league roster on May 23 but his results tailed off from there. He threw 10 major league innings for the Rangers but allowed nine earned runs in that time. He struck out nine opponents but gave out seven walks. Since hes out of options, the clubs only way to remove him from the active roster was to remove him from the 40-man as well. Tinoco has generally been able to rack up strikeouts on the farm but less so in the majors. Dating back to the start of 2021, he has a 4.60 ERA in the minors while striking out 26.3% of batters faced. In that same time frame, he has a 5.34 ERA in the big leagues with an 18.8% strikeout rate. He will now have to decide whether to return to Round Rock or pursue opportunities elsewhere. The fact that he cleared waivers shows that no club is willing to give him a major league spot right now but he shouldnt have trouble getting another minor league opportunity somewhere. June 24: Jackson passed through waivers unclaimed and has been assigned outright to Triple-A St. Paul, per the teams transaction log at MLB.com. As previously noted, hell have the right to reject that assignment but is extremely unlikely to do so, as that would require forfeiting the remaining $685K on this years salary and the $200K buyout on next years $3MM club option. June 20: The Twins are designating reliever Jay Jackson for assignment, manager Rocco Baldelli told the teams beat after todays loss to the Rays (relayed on X by Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune). Darren Wolfson of SKOR North reports (on X) that Minnesota will recall southpaw Kody Funderburk from Triple-A St. Paul to step into the bullpen. Minnesotas 40-man roster count drops to 39. Its the second time this season that Minnesota has taken Jackson off the roster. The Twins designated him for assignment in May and successfully ran him through outright waivers. The righty accepted his assignment to St. Paul and pitched his way back to the big leagues a couple weeks later. Jackson had only made a trio of appearances in Triple-A, working three innings of one-run ball. He has pitched 20 times for Minnesota at the big league level. Despite decent strikeout and walk numbers, he has had a tough time keeping runs off the board. That continued this afternoon. Jackson allowed three runs on homers by Jose Siri and Yandy Diaz, stretching a one-run deficit into a 6-2 gap. Minnesota scored four in the bottom of the ninth to tie it but lost in the tenth inning. The longball has been Jacksons biggest concern. Hes up to seven homers surrendered across 26 1/3 innings. Thats the biggest reason he has been unable to strand many baserunners. After todays outing, he carries a 7.52 earned run average. Thats a sharp downturn from the excellent 2.12 ERA he posted in 29 2/3 frames for the Blue Jays a year ago. Jacksons strikeout and walk numbers are essentially unchanged from his productive stint in Toronto, but his batted ball results have pushed him off the roster twice. It is likely that Minnesota will place the 36-year-old on waivers again in the next few days. Jackson could decline an outright assignment if he goes unclaimed, though doing so would require forfeiting what remains of this years $1.3MM salary and the $200K buyout on next years $3MM club option. He could wind up back in St. Paul as a result. ROMULUS, MI -- Wayne County Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller was cited earlier this month on a charge of possessing a dangerous weapon after she allegedly tried to pass through airport security with a handgun in her purse. According to Fox 2 Detroit, airport security detected a .380 handgun in Millers purse during an X-ray scan. A police report said the gun was not artfully concealed in the purse and the guns serial number was hard to read. Miller allegedly told police the gun was given to her by her brother and she hadnt had a chance to register it yet. While it is not illegal to travel with a handgun, passengers must pack the unloaded weapon in checked baggage, away from ammunition and in a hardback case. The weapon must also be declared when checking in for your flight. Miller presides over the family court in Wayne County. She faces up to one year in jail and fines if convicted of the misdemeanor charge. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted a rally Thursday in Grand Rapids, saying reproductive freedom is at risk if Republicans win control of Congress and the White House in November. While voters enshrined abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution with the passage of Proposal 3 in November 2022, Slotkin, of Holly, said voters shouldnt believe Republican candidates who say they dont plan to curtail reproductive freedom on the federal level. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Sixteen high school seniors are getting hands-on experience in emerging science fields and earning free college credits through a new summer program in Grand Rapids. The new FutureSolve initiative is a six-week program that launched June 10 focused on research and problem solving. Kent County students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will gain real-world exposure in the fields, according to Ferris State University. HILLSDALE COUNTY, MI A small plane crashed Wednesday, June 19, in a field in Hillsdale County. An instructor and student were working on stalls in the air when the plane would not start. Several attempts to restart the plane were unsuccessful, according to Michigan State Police. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Police are investigating a report of shots fired at a community pool in Kalamazoo, resulting in one arrest and the recovery of two guns. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded around 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, to Kik Pool, 1018 Walter St., for a report of shots fired. MUSKEGON, MI -- Lanes for bicyclists and a reduction of lanes for cars are part of the changes being suggested to state transportation officials as part of a major project on Apple Avenue. Residents viewed prospective plans and asked questions of Michigan Department of Transportation employees about the upcoming reconstruction of Apple Avenue, a main thoroughfare in the city of Muskegon, at a recent community engagement session. YAN'AN, Shaanxi, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the armed forces' political loyalty as a crucial meeting on the political work in the military was held in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), demanded efforts to ensure a solid political guarantee for building a strong military, as he addressed the CMC Political Work Conference, held from Monday to Wednesday. The Yan'an conference, which Xi personally decided to convene, took place 10 years after a similar meeting was held in Gutian, east China's Fujian Province. The participants discussed and made arrangements for promoting political work in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi emphasized the need to uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military and to build a high-quality cadre team that is loyal, clean, responsible, and capable of fulfilling the mission of strengthening the military. On Monday afternoon, Xi led CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping, where the CMC's headquarters were stationed from August 1937 to March 1947. Xi visited the former residences of late revolutionary leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De in Yan'an to honor the memory of their revolutionary struggle. The Yan'an conference marks a return to the roots of the military, Xi said. He called on senior military officers to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted by the Party and the people to keep strengthening the armed forces. Xi delivered an important speech at the conference, noting that after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee held the 2014 military political work conference in Gutian and improved political conduct through rectification initiatives. Measures to govern the military with strict discipline have been comprehensively implemented with unprecedented determination and intensity, achieving historic accomplishments in enhancing political loyalty in the military, according to Xi. Xi stressed that political work is always the lifeline of the country's military. The armed forces must always be led by those who are reliable and loyal to the Party, and there must be no place for corruption within the military. Noting that China's military is confronted with complicated challenges in the political work, Xi said it is necessary to continuously enhance political loyalty in the military to ensure that the people's armed forces always uphold their core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline. He also analyzed the deep-seated problems that need to be addressed in military political work, emphasizing that a root cause of these problems lies in the lack of ideals and beliefs. Xi called on relevant personnel at all levels, especially senior cadres, to introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications. Xi highlighted key work to enhance political loyalty in the military, urging efforts to arm the military with the Party's new theories and improve the leadership of Party organizations, as well as their capabilities of organization and implementation. The Party leadership must be upheld in all the fields and the whole process of enhancing combat readiness, Xi noted. Xi urged efforts to nurture a contingent of high-caliber officers, eradicate the breeding ground for corruption, and enhance the comprehensive oversight of high-ranking officers in terms of their performance of duty and exercise of power. Officers at all levels, especially those in the higher ranks, should lead by example and serve as pioneers and models, Xi said. This hit reality survival show is heading to New Zealands South Island. Season two of Alone Australia airs Thursday, June 20, at 9:30 p.m. ET on History Channel. Watch the premiere for free on Philo, or watch it on Sling. About the show: Alone Australia follows survivalists as they are dropped off alone in separate areas of the Tasmanian wilderness, where they must deal with the forces of nature, hunger and loneliness in an attempt to win $250,000. In tonights season two premiere, Rude Awakening 10 survivalists take on the wilderness of New Zealands South Island, documenting their own isolated battles and striving to be the last person standing. Its a whole new environment with brutal conditions, flash flooding, earthquakes and very different flora and fauna. This time, participants can hunt with a bow and arrow. Stout and red deer are the featured menu items in this climate. Watch Alone Australia tonight, June 20, at 9:30/8:30c on History Channel. Where to watch History: OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All JoSAA Counselling 2024: Round 1 seat allotment result out today at josaa.nic.in, check details here OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All KEAM Result 2024 likely today at cee.kerala.gov.in, check details here You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All NEET Paper Leak: Bihar mastermind admits to selling question paper for Rs 30-32 lakh, four arrested Follow us on: NEET UG Exam Row: Refrain from spreading rumors and politicizing the issue, says education minister Dharmendra Pradhan Follow us on: Education ministry says UGC NET exam seems 'compromised'; action against NEET UG offenders soon Follow us on: Exclusive: Mirzapur 3's Pankaj Tripathi: Dialogues and scripts are very important to me Hamare Baraah to release tomorrow, Annu Kapoor says he is happy that the issue is resolved Follow us on: Kendrick Lamar dishes out a new Drake diss from Euphoria at Pop Out concert in Los Angeles 1/8 Anxiety and depression are common mental health issues caused by a mix of genetics, biology, stress, and psychological factors. These disorders affect lead to persistent worry and fear (anxiety) or long-lasting sadness and loss of interest (depression). Amid these challenges, yoga serves as a therapeutic practice that offers a safe space to cultivate inner peace and mental clarity. It helps relax the body and reduces the physical responses linked to stress, providing effective ways to cope with these conditions. Here are 7 yoga asanas and practices that may help combat anxiety and depression (Image: Canva) 2/8 Childs pose (Balasana): Childs Pose is a gentle, restorative pose that helps to calm the mind and alleviate stress. Kneeling on the floor, stretch your arms forward and rest your forehead on the mat. This pose helps in reducing fatigue and anxiety, promoting a sense of safety and security (Image: Canva) 3/8 Bridge pose (Setu bandhasana): Lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, lift your hips towards the ceiling. Bridge Pose opens the chest and heart, encouraging deep breathing and helping to relieve tension in the back and neck. Its particularly effective in reducing symptoms of mild depression (Image: Canva) 4/8 Legs up the wall pose (Viparita karani): This pose involves lying on your back with your legs extended up against a wall. It promotes relaxation and circulation, easing anxiety and helping to combat insomnia. The inverted position can also help to lower blood pressure, contributing to a sense of calm (Image: Canva) 5/8 Corpse pose (Savasana): Often practiced at the end of a yoga session, Corpse Pose involves lying flat on your back with your arms and legs comfortably spread. It is a practice of total relaxation, allowing the body and mind to fully release stress and tension. Regular practice of Savasana can improve overall mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety (Image: Canva) 6/8 Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana): Sitting with your legs extended forward, reach for your toes and bend your torso over your legs. This pose helps to stretch the spine and hamstrings, releasing stress and improving concentration. Its known for its calming effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety and depression (Image: Canva) 7/8 Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana-bitilasana): Transitioning between Cat and Cow Poses, where you arch and round your back, can help to synchronize movement with breath. This gentle flow of movement reduces stress and promotes a sense of balance and well-being. Its especially beneficial for those experiencing mood swings and irritability (Image: Canva) OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Budget 2024: FM urged to hike STT on HFT F&O trades to shield retail investors Follow us on: Financial sector participants pitch for tax sops and removal of tax anomalies in Budget Meghna Mittal MEGHNA MITTAL is Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Follow us on: Budget 2024-25 : From divestment in low float PSUs to revisiting safe harbour clause under Sec 9A-- what market participants asked FM Follow us on: MC Analysis: Budget FY25 - Industry bodies push for an over Rs 1 lakh crore boost to economy Ashwin Mohan is Editor (Deals) at Moneycontrol and leads the M&A, private equity and equity capital market transactions coverage. He anchors the video show 'Deal Central ' and tweets at @ashwinmohansays. He has previously worked with ET NOW, CNBC TV-18 and The Times of India. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Bharat Electronics appoints Manoj Jain as new MD and chairman XINING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspected northwest China's Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All ITC Hotel group signs two more Storii resorts in Rajasthan OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Indians' funds in Swiss banks plunge 70% to hit four-year low of Rs 9,771 cr Rachita Prasad heads Moneycontrols coverage of conventional and new energy, and infrastructure sectors. Rachita is passionate about energy transition and the global efforts against climate change, with special focus on India. Before joining Moneycontrol, she was an Assistant Editor at The Economic Times, where she wrote for the paper for over a decade and was a host on their podcast. Contact: rachita.prasad@nw18.com IIFL Finance needs to focus on other verticals as RBI clamps down on gold loan: Experts Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Follow us on: BSE shares fall as govt said to be mulling higher taxation on F&O transactions OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Gokaldas Exports to invest Rs 350 crore in BRFL Textiles, shares climb nearly 5% OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Growth of unsecured loans has moderated after RBI's timely action: Shaktikanta Das Follow us on: MHADA to provide 11 months' rent in one installment to tenants in Mumbais BDD Chawl Jinit Parmar is a correspondent based out of Mumbai covering the banking sector, fintechs, NBFCs, insurance and more, tweets @jinitparmar10 Follow us on: SIDBI to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore through bonds on June 21 OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Brigade Enterprises to develop third WTC at Infopark Kochi; shares gain 4% OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All UCG NET Cancelled: Dozens of students detained for protesting outside education ministry, Pradhan's residence Follow us on: Why did Vodafone Group sell 18% stake in Indus Towers now? OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Arvind Kejriwal's bail: AAP asserts 'truth cannot be defeated', Atishi says 'Satyamev Jayate' OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Blade in Air India food: FSSAI instructs catering firm to install x-ray machine to detect metal pieces OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All EAM Jaishankar in Sri Lanka to hold talks with country's leadership OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All ED raids in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Nagpur in over Rs 20,000 crore Amtek Group fraud case OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All India shuns China's calls to resume passenger flights after 4 years, officials say OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All NEET aspirants, their parents meet Rahul Gandhi to seek support for re-examination Follow us on: NEET-UG row: Rahul should be mindful of his words; govt will ensure time-bound inquiry, say BJP leaders OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Protests erupt over NEET row, Opposition mounts attack; govt says 'isolated' incidents of malpractices shouldn't affect students Follow us on: SC refuses to stay NEET counselling, next hearing on examination row on July 8 OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All The importance of Ashwini Vaishnaw heading three ministries Rajan Mahan is a journalist who headed NDTV and Star News in Rajasthan. He was also a Professor of Journalism at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years. Best cities to find a job in the US Follow us on: This country celebrates New Year in September & lives 7 years behind in 2016 Priyanka Chopra's former restaurant SONA in New York to shut down. What co-founder said OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All 68 Indians among over 600 Hajj pilgrims killed in Saudi heat Follow us on: Biden to ban US sales of Kaspersky software over ties to Russia: Report OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Why US legislation on Tibet challenges China policies Mutual defence pact between North Korea and Russia raises new questions, but it's far from unique OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All US, China to hold high-level talks on anti-narcotics cooperation OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All SoftBank's Masayoshi Son:Will ramp up US power business for generative AI Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_ Actors Julianne Nicholson and Zoe Ziegler with director Annie Baker at Alice Tully Hall during the 61st New York Film Festival on Oct. 8, 2023 in New York. Fabrizio Hochschild, former under-secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), described China's strategy sets as a progressive model that aligns with the UN's vision for digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation. BRUSSELS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Xinhua Institute released a report on new quality productive forces and hosted the China-Europe Think Tank Forum here on Wednesday. Experts attending the forum said that China's initiative of the concept would inject new wisdom and impetus into the prosperity and development of both China and the world. Jean De Ruyt, co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, noted that China's rapid implementation of developing new quality productive forces has yielded significant results, urging Europe to keep pace with technological and industrial revolutions. "We have to adapt to that, and it's certainly the right way to change our industry and economy," he said. Highlighting EU's role as China's second-largest trading partner and a crucial source of foreign investment, De Ruyt emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Fabrizio Hochschild, former under-secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), said the concept of new quality productive forces is a timely conceptual innovation, which is not only critical to China's economic development but also has an impact beyond China's border. He described China's strategy sets as a progressive model that aligns with the UN's vision for digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation. He stressed that AI should serve as a tool for global peace and sustainable development rather than a source of inequality and tension, underscoring the necessity of China's leadership and international cooperation in this area. According to the report, China has been a significant driver of global growth for years, contributing an average of 30 percent annually to global economic growth. China's accelerated formation of new quality productivity driven by technological innovation is expected to inject substantial momentum into global economic development. The report also notes China's critical role in global green and low-carbon development, citing its efficient production and manufacturing systems for solar equipment, electric vehicles, and other technologies that have significantly reduced the cost of the world's green transition. Violeta Bulc, former EU Commissioner for Transport and vice-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, said that developing new quality productive forces contributes to environmental sustainability and reduces dependency on finite natural resources. Li Pengcheng, vice president of Chinese dairy giant Mengniu Group, stressed that the dairy industry should adopt innovation, digital intelligence, and green development as its three major engines to modernize the traditional sector with new quality. Vice Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Economic and Commercial Council Vincent De Saedeleer highlighted China's promotion of innovation across various fields, calling for more dialogue, exchange and cooperation between China and Europe to achieve global sustainable development. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua before the China-Europe think tank forum, Erik Solheim, co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center and former UN under-secretary-general, said that China's exploration of developing new quality productivity will be significant progress for human society, injecting new momentum into achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He praised China's development of innovation-driven, new quality productive forces that align with new development concepts, urging other countries to learn from China's success in technological innovation and green development. The five-chapter report, based on in-depth investigation and research, systematically elaborates on the concept of the new quality productive forces. Over 100 representatives from political, think tank, media and business circles of China and Europe, as well as from international organizations, participated in the forum co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the Europe-Asia Center. A supermarket trip may soon look different, thanks to electronic shelf labels NPR Wells Fargo Bet on a Flashy Rent Credit Card. It Is Costing the Bank Dearly. WSJ The easy we make difficult, but it takes a long time. #Monetary Sovereignty Mitchell Isnt it Time to Stop Calling it The National Debt? Evonomics Climate Texas Cancels School Over Concerns Extreme Heat Not Safe Environment For Shootings The Onion Potential Ozone Depletion From Satellite Demise During Atmospheric Reentry in the Era of Mega-Constellations Geophysical Research Letters This Ecuadorian forest thrived amid deforestation after being granted legal rights Guardian Banks Are Finally Realizing What Climate Change Will Do to Housing Wired Water Disastrous figures show the poverty of Iowas water quality approach Des Moines Register Syndemics IDPH urges vigilance as COVID cases rise in emergency rooms WGLT Taiwan military drones unlikely to hasten US hellscape against mainland Chinese attack South China Morning Post Breaking Down The U.S. Navys Hellscape In Detail Naval News China? How Innovative Is China in Nuclear Power? (PDF) Information Technology & Innovation Foundation. Chinas innovation strengths in nuclear power pertain especially to organizational, systemic, and incremental innovation. Many fourth-generation nuclear technologies have been known for years, but Chinas state-backed approach excels at fielding them. India New Caledonia Police Detain 11, Including Independence Leader, Following Revolt Against French Rule The Diplomat Syraqistan Israeli army destroys entire Palestinian side of Rafah border crossing, renders it unusable Anadolu Agency Bearing Witness to the Israel-Gaza War (updated to 18 June 2024) (PDF) Lee Mordechai. I write this publicly to testify that during the war there were and remain Israeli voices who strongly dissented from Israels actions. Is Israel Committing Genocide? Aryeh Neier, The New York Review of Books Suicide of IDF soldier leaves Israel on the brink The Telegraph European DIsunion Dear Old Blighty New Not-So-Cold Cold War Russia will consider dispatch of F16s to Ukraine as aggression that activates its mutual defense agreement with North Korea Gilbert Doctorow, Armageddon It is all lining up: Plan for Ukraine to finally start using F-16 jets this summer Guardian Ukraines F-16 Pilots Have A Problem: Theyll Have To Fly Low To SurviveAnd That Impedes Their Missiles Forbes * * * Why the US and Ukraine Should Accept Putins Latest Peace Offer David Pyne, The Real War Illness and involvement with political assassinations: Russia releases investigation on Chechen leader Kadyrov Ukrainska Pravda * * * Russian Air Force Receives New Su-34 Strike Fighter Unit: How High Will the Production Surge Go? Military Watch Russia develops its first chipmaking tool outdated by 30 years from day one Toms Hardware Yves here. We are overdue on giving a full-bore treatment on Project 2025, but this post will hopefully serve as a starting point. Sadly, ambitious and well-organized right wing campaigns to greatly increase the acceptance of their social and policy agenda have proven to be extremely successful, witness the Powell Memo and the Project for the New American Century. Trump is the explicit target of this Heritage Foundation scheme. Because the first Trump presidency was very much a dog that caught the car event, Trump had perilous little in the way of plans, and on top of that, weak cabinet members. For instance, Steve Mnuchins tax reform plan was an embarrassment, barely rising to the level of a napkin doddle. So after that misfire, the Administration took up the anti-tax lobbys plan, include their off-the-shelf language. Trump might be a tad better prepared to be President if he wins again, but that does not make him any less receptive to pre-packaged programs from his fellow travelers. So this initiative very much bears watching. By Diana Cariboni, who started writing for Tracking the Backlash in 2018 and is now openDemocracys Latin America editor. She was previously co-editor-in-chief of the IPS news agency and led its Latin America desk for more than ten years. She wrote the book Guantanamo Entre Nosotros (2017) and won Uruguays national press award in 2018. Originally published at openDemocracy Last month, populist leaders from around the world gathered for the Europa Viva 24 summit in Madrid. Headlines from the event were dominated by the big names in attendance Argentinian president Javier Milei, Frances Marine Le Pen, Chiles Jose Antonio Kast, and Italian and Hungarian prime ministers Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orban and the fact it ended in a diplomatic row between Argentina and Spain. But away from all of this noise and fury was a lesser-known speaker: Roger Severino, a former official in Donald Trumps administration and the vice-president for domestic policy at influential US think tank The Heritage Foundation. In a six-minute speech delivered in Spanish, Severino described Trump as a victim of lawfare launched by the lefties and said young people are subjected to a culture and a medical system that tells them to explore all sexual appetites at age of 10 and that abortion is not about destroying babies but about healthcare. Adding that young people are also taught that if you are uncomfortable with your sex you were probably born in the wrong body, and surgeries can fix that mistake, he said: Im here to tell you that God doesnt make mistakes. Severino is one of the architects of the Heritage Foundations blueprint for a second Trump term, named Project 2025. This aims to reshape the federal state in 180 days, fire tens of thousands of public servants and replace them with people loyal to the conservative cause, undermine the separation of powers, attack public education, and erase or restrict the rights of women, LGBTQ people, workers, migrants and Black people. It also seeks to dismantle policies to tackle climate change and push for an energy agenda reliant on fossil fuels. Its plan for doing so is set out in the Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, an 887-page playbook published by the think tank, whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual liberty, traditional American values, and strong national defence. It is not absurd to say that some of the Heritage Foundations suggestions may well become law if Trump is elected in November. The politically well-connected organisation was founded in 1973 and published its first Mandate for Leadership as Ronald Reagan took office in 1981 later boasting that Reagan had enacted more than 60% of its policy recommendations. Severino, who was Trumps director of the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services, wrote Project 25s section on health. Of the 199 times the word abortion is mentioned throughout the document, 149 are in this chapter, which urges the federal government to remove (or restrict as much as possible) any sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights whose oversight it has responsibility for. Severino suggests eliminating the approval of abortion pills and banning their distribution by mail; barring the use of federal funds to transport people seeking an abortion in a state where its illegal to one where it isnt; cutting federal funding to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers; and removing emergency contraception from workers health insurance coverage. In contrast, its hard to find any proposals to tackle the USs real public health crises: opioids, falling life expectancyand rising maternal and infant mortality rates. This is perhaps unsurprising; the Heritage Foundation sees the Supreme Courts overturning of the 1973 Roe decision that protected abortion up to 23 weeks as a victory but also as just the beginning. In the two years since Roes repeal, 21 states have banned or drastically restricted abortion, and legislative and judicial battles are raging in others attempting to follow suit. But the number of abortions carried out annually has actually increased, according to multiple studies and so grow the dystopian battleplans for the continued war on reproductive autonomy. Several US cities have made it illegal to use their roads to transport people seeking abortions from a state where abortion is prohibited to one where it is permitted. Project 2025 wants the Department of Health to go further still, urging it to protect life, conscience and bodily integrity and place strong respect for the sacred rights of conscience at the top of its agenda. Severinos chapter calls for legislation requiring states to record data on abortions, including the number of terminations carried out, the reasons for them, the method used, the length of the pregnancy, and the state of residence of the person seeking an abortion. It also suggests that scientific research conducted with public money should focus on the risks and complications of abortion and on correcting and not promoting misinformation about the health and psychological benefits of giving birth compared to the health and psychological risks of intentionally taking a human life through abortion. But Project 2025s focus isnt only on reproductive health. The president who takes office in 2025, the foreword says, must remove from every existing rule, regulatory agency, contract, grant, regulation, and federal law the terms sexual orientation and gender identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, gender, gender equality, gender equity, gender, gender-sensitive, abortion, reproductive health, reproductive rights, and any other term used to deprive Americans of First Amendment rights (which protects freedom of religion, freedom of speech and press, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances). The future government must also immediately cease the collection of data on gender identity, because it legitimises the unscientific notion that men can become women (and vice versa) and encourages the phenomenon of the constant multiplication of subjective identities, Severino adds. An Anti-Rights Past and Future The Heritage Foundation is not the only highly influential institute involved in the writing of Project 25. Of the 100 organisations that sit on its advisory board or directly contribute to the playbook, several have been crucial to the advancement of extremist agenda in the US in recent decades and years. In 2018, four years before Roe was overturned, Mississippi banned abortions after 15 weeks in the state with legislation modelled on a bill conceived by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which the Southern Poverty Law Center lists as an anti-LGBTQ hate group and which sits on the Project 25 advisory board. The law was challenged and stayed by two courts on the grounds that it was unconstitutional because it violated Roe. The laws promoters took the case all the way to the Supreme Court, aiming to challenge and ultimately overturn Roe. Their strategy relied on the court having a right-wing majority, which was ensured by Leonard Leo, a conservative lawyer and activist who has founded a network of groups and funding hubs. Leo, who had already been influential in the appointment of three other justices, successfully lobbied Trump to appoint three anti-abortion members to the court achieving a conservative supermajority of six out of nine justices. Leos network of nonprofits has reportedly donated millions of dollars to organisations that sit on the Project 2025 advisory board since 2021. The result has been that around a third of women of reproductive age in the US, as well as other people who do not identify as women but can get pregnant, now live in a state where abortion is banned or severely restricted, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The Heritage Foundation, ADF and Leo didnt answer our requests for comments. One of the most notable things about this years Nashville Pride Parade grand marshals is how good they are at hyping each other up. Nashville Pride Parade 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at Broadway and Eighth Avenue Whats really cool is that were all friends, because weve worked together in different circles, Brian Sullivan, one of this years four marshals, tells the Scene. To me, its the highest honor as an advocate, as an activist. Its like the Super Bowl. When I speak with Sullivan, hes quick to mention that his fellow marshal Dahron Johnson was the first openly trans person to speak on the floor of Tennessees House of Representatives. When I speak with Johnson, she lists Dr. Marisa Richmonds accomplishments as if she were giving a presentation on the power of LGBTQ visibility. Richmond, also a 2024 grand marshal, has been a professor at MTSU; she is a member of the Metro Historical Commission; shes served on the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Excellence, Equity and Economic Opportunities for Black Americans. This is a tight-knit but extraordinarily inclusive crew, and thats just what Nashville Pride Parade needs. Taking place on Broadway between Eighth and Second avenues, Nashvilles event is the largest Pride parade in the state more than 40,000 people are expected to line the streets. Thats a lot of visibility, but thats part of why its important. The work of legislative advocacy is not a solitary pursuit, Johnson explains, but its something thats done in committee rooms and on phone calls. So as Ive had the opportunity to be part of these moments that have generated so much more visibility, Ive reflected a lot on what visibility means. Other trans folks, other gender-diverse folks, other folks that have any type of lived difference, when theyre able to see somebody of a similar lived difference, they can say, Wow, somehow they got on a path that allowed them to get from where they were to where they are. Maybe thats possible for me too. As this years Pride grand marshals rounded out by country musician Brooke Eden lead the parade down Broadway, past the bars and honky-tonks, they will likely be thinking of all the other folks who are experiencing the Pride spotlight with them in spirit. Im a survivor of conversion therapy, and I had a suicide attempt, Sullivan says. And just to think that I could have missed out on knowing this beautiful community, and knowing the hope that there is now thats kind of what keeps me going. He continues: Whenever I feel like, God, I cant, I cant walk into the Capitol again, theres just this heaviness, I think about some kid out in the middle-of-nowhere Tennessee, and how, if we fight for them, they can see us and think, You know what, I do have a great purpose. And I can do this and I can live my life authentically and be happy. Thats what keeps me going. The sense that there are people who can do this, says Johnson, that sends a signal to me that this might be possible for me too. Thats Pride at its core. Also this year, Nashville Pride will recognize legendary female impersonator Tina Louise and, posthumously, the late Mr. Charlie Brown with Pride Trailblazer Awards. Emily April Allen will receive the Philanthropic Business Award, and Michelle Sciarappa will receive the Pride Community Award. (As delivered) Good afternoon. It's great to see you all. And, David, thank you so much for your kind words. Your public service in politics as a Minister has really made a difference not only for Canada but also for NATO. So, it's good to see you and great to meet all of you. Many thanks also to the NATO Association of Canada and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association for inviting me to be here today. It is good to be back in Canada. I feel at home in this country. And last time, I will share, I went to Cambridge Bay with Prime Minister Trudeau and the Defence and the Foreign Minister. And we visited NORAD, this is early warning radar. And it was actually extremely useful for me to see this myself and also extremely interesting and great to be in the High North of Canada. The visit today may be a bit less exciting in a way that it is not the High North. But at least the climate is actually much different actually in a way that it's extremely warm. No, that was not the case up in the High North. But anyway, thank you so much. It's great to see you all and I appreciate this opportunity to say some few words. But let me start by express my gratitude and to tell you that it is really a great honour to receive the Louis St. Laurent award, named after Prime Minister who oversaw Canada rejoining NATO back in 1949. And St. Laurent was one of the earliest proponents of NATO as a transatlantic Alliance. He understood that the only way to stand up to aggression was for free nations to stand together. He was right then, and he is right now. For today we face the most challenging complex and dangerous security environment for generations. In three weeks, NATO heads of state and government will meet in Washington for the NATO Summit. There, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Alliance but this Summit will not only be about celebrations, but it will also be an opportunity to make important decisions for the future. There are three main issues on our agenda. First, we will strengthen our deterrence and defence. We live in a more dangerous world. With greater global competition. A new war in the Middle East. And a fully-fledged war in Europe. Canada contributes to NATOs deterrence and defence in many different ways. We are very grateful for those contributions. Not least on Europes eastern flank, where Canadian troops lead NATOs multinational battlegroup in Latvia. And I had the privilege of meeting the Canadian soldiers in Latvia several times. And every time I met them, I've been impressed by the commitment for the skilled by their professionalism. And I would like to express my gratitude to them, but also to Canada. For everything you do to strengthen NATO's military presence on our eastern flank and pay tribute to all those who serve and have served in that battlegroup. In 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea, and at that time all NATO Allies at the NATO Summit in Wales in the United Kingdom decided that we should spend two percent of GDP on defence. At the time, only three Allies out of all NATO members met the target of spending two percent of GDP on defence, and that also the United States, United Kingdom, and Greece. This year in 2024, 23 Allies will spend at least two percent of GDP on defence. Canada is also increasing its defence spending, and will add billions over the coming years. Including by purchasing high-end new capabilities, modernising law rather and by investing in the fifth generation F-35 aircraft. This is important for our collective security. This will help to further strengthen NATO as a defensive military Alliance. At the same time, I continue to expect all Allies should meet the guideline of spending two percent. I know that this is not always easy, because I've been a politician, a parliamentarian, and a prime minister for many years. And I know that it's always easier to spend money on health, education, infrastructure and many other important tasks than to invest more in defence. And that's also the reason why, when the Cold War ended, European Allies, Canada, reduced defence spending because tensions went down. But when we reduce defence spending when tensions are going down, we must also be able to increase spending investments on security when tensions are increasing and are high as they are today. So therefore, the reality is that now we need to prioritise defence investments in our security because we need that to respond to a more dangerous and challenging security environment. And as I said, the reality is that that's what NATO Allies are doing. 23 Allies on 2% and more Allies are approaching 2% out of those who are not yet at that target. The second topic for the Summit and the most urgent one will be Ukraine. Since Russias full-scale invasion, NATO Allies have provided unprecedented levels of support to Ukraine. Again, Canada is really among those Allies who have provided significant and substantial support to Ukraine. And not only since the full-scale invasion in 2022, but I was in Ukraine back in 2015. And I remember I visited a training site in the western part of Ukraine, where actually Canadian officers were training the Ukrainians already back then. So not only has Canada provided essential support after a full scale invasion in February 2022. But you are among those Allies who have been there for the longest time and helped them also prior to the full-scale invasion. And the support the training you provided before the invasion proved extremely important when Russia launched the full-scale invasion a couple of years ago Since the invasion, Canada has provided billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine. Including air defence systems, battle tanks, and F-16 pilot training. On top of a lot of ammunition and other military equipment and support which has made a difference on the battlefield for Ukraine. This has been indispensable for Ukrainians to fight back and to survive as a sovereign nation. But this winter and spring, we saw serious delays and gaps in delivering support. With consequences on the frontline. We cannot let this happen again. And that is why, I expect Allied leaders to agree for NATO to lead the coordination and provision of security assistance and training for Ukraine. I also have proposed a long-term financial pledge, With fresh funding every year for Ukraine The more credible our long-term support, the quicker Moscow will realise it cannot wait us out, the sooner this war will end. It may seem like a paradox, but the path to peace is more weapons to Ukraine. To convince President Putin that he cannot win on the battlefield. We must ensure that Putin's aggression doesn't pay off today or in the future. That is why we at the Summit in Washington next month, will continue to bring Ukraine ever closer to NATO membership. So that when the time is right, Ukraine can join without any delay. The third major topic for the Summit is our global partnerships. Especially in the Indo-Pacific. And of course, Canada being both an Atlantic and Pacific nation, you are aware of both the challenges in Europe, but also in the Indo-Pacific. The war in Ukraine demonstrates that our security is not regional, our security is global. Not least because of the support we know Russia is getting from China and others. Beijing is sharing high-end technologies like semi-conductors and other dual-use items. Last year, Russia imported 90 percent of its microelectronics from China, used to produce missiles, tanks, and aircraft. China is also working to provide Russia with improved satellite capability and imagery. All of this enables Moscow to inflict more death and destruction on Ukraine, bolster Russias defence industrial base, and evade the impact of sanctions and export controls. Publicly, President Xi has tried to create the impression that he is taking a back seat in the conflict in Ukraine. To avoid sanctions and keep trade flowing. But the reality is that China is fuelling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War Two. And at the same time, it wants to maintain good relations with the West. Well, Beijing cannot have it both ways. At some point and unless China changes course Allies need to impose a cost. Russia is receiving support from others too. North Korea has delivered over 1 million shells. And Iran has delivered thousands of deadly Shahed drones. We are deeply concerned that in exchange, Pyongyang and Tehran could receive Russian technology and supplies to help them advance their missile and nuclear programs. The growing alignment between Russia and its authoritarian friends in Asia makes it even more important that we work closely with our friends in the Indo-Pacific. I have therefore invited the leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea to the Summit in Washington next month. Together, we can uphold the international rules-based order. And protect our shared values. So ladies and gentlemen, For 75 years the NATO Alliance has kept us safe. Just as Prime Minister St. Laurent knew it would. It saw us through the Cold War and the break-up of the Soviet Union. Ended ethnic wars in the Balkans. And helped us fight terrorism in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and the rise of ISIS. And NATO keeps us safe today. As we prepare for a more dangerous world. Thanks to the collective strength of NATO we can stand up to authoritarian powers like Russia and China. And make sure that freedom and democracy prevail in Ukraine. And it is through NATO that we will continue to protect our values, our nations, and our one billion people. Thank you so much. Lisa LaFlamme Thank you, Robert. It's always nice to be in Ottawa. Can you hear me? Always great to be in Ottawa, especially in a heatwave. I always say this was the one time every man knows what it's like to go through menopause. I know we're raised by a feminist, so you probably know. It's really wonderful to have this opportunity to meet with you to speak with you today on such a pivotal time for NATO. And there's just thank you so much. There's there's a lot of ground to cover. But I actually want to start at the end if I can, your actual leadership. And the fact that your mandate has been extended four times. Is it five times it's sort of morphing into a Rolling Stones farewell tour. Is this really it for you in October? Because already so many people in the room have been saying they don't want to see you leave? NATO Secretary General I promise I'll answer that question in a moment. But first, I will not take on the role of the organizers, but there are many free seats over here for some important people and they have not come so you can go and site there I mean it. Lisa LaFlamme See? What a leader, honestly! NATO Secretary General Seriously, there are too many shy people over there. So there are seats there. That's the first thing. Then I'm raised by a feminist but not only feminist, my mother was called Karin Heiberg, Karin Stoltenberg later, she lived in Montreal for many years, studied at McGill and actually married a Canadian, but that's not my father... Lisa LaFlamme But isn't that, actually, isn't that how you ended up meeting Leonard Cohen? Didn't I read that somewhere? NATO Secretary General We are far off the item of today. But Leonard was together with a Norwegian woman, Mariamna, and they live at an island down in Greece. But before that, Marianna and my mother Kairin they were friends here in Canada. And the man that my mother married was a friend of Leonard Cohen. And, and I don't know so much more... Lisa LaFlamme I think, I mean, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say this makes you an honorary Canadian. NATO Secretary General But I can say one more thing, and that Leonard came to Oslo, Leonard Cohen came to Oslo, let's say I was Prime Minister, I guess it was 2010 or something, and gave a big concert. And I was staying together with Kairin, my mother, and Mariamna. That was really touching, that was just a few years before he passed away, so we have this relationship between Canada and Norway that goes through Leonard Cohen. Okay, but then, so then, it has been a great privilege to serve as Secretary General NATO, especial in this very pivotal and important critical time for NATO. And it has been an honour to work with Canada and all the NATO Allies. But everything has to end and my tenure ends on the first of October, and I am stepping down knowing that the Alliance is now very, very close to decide on my successor and that will... the candidate out there is Mark Rutte, he is a great man, he has been Prime Minister many years, he strongly believes in the transatlantic bond. He's a friend and colleague. So NATO will be very good hands, given that Mark Rutte is going to be the next Secretary General. Lisa LaFlamme What would your best piece of advice to him be? NATO Secretary General First of all, I'm very afraid of this kind of outgoing people giving advice to those who are coming in, because they have to they had to meet and to face the challenges in their way and I'm certain that he will be able to do so. And then I have great respect for that the final decision that will be taken will be taken by Allies, not by me. But the most important challenge task for any Secretary General of NATO is to ensure that we stand that we remain together. Because you know, if you look at NATO Allies, we are very different. We are different countries from both side of the Atlantic, and we are Christian democrats and conservatives and social democrats and liberals and many different things. And we disagree, and we have different views on climate change, and abortion and a lot of things. But the strength of NATO is that we have always been able to unite around the core task. And that is that we protect each other, that we stand together. Because we know that we are democracies, we respect the fact that we disagree, that we have elections, that we elect different political leaders, and that we have free and independent press and that people can have different views. That's what we're protecting. And as long as we agree on that core task, then we will prevail. Because with North America and Europe together, we have 50% of the world's economic might and 50% of the world's military might. So we are by far the strongest power in the world. So we just have to stand together, protect against those authoritarian powers out there. And then everything will be fine. Lisa LaFlamme And I want to get into the authoritarian powers and the new alliances, the increased alliances. And you've mentioned so many significant, so much significant progress in Belgium last week, this week in Washington, but I actually want to zero in on some of your very stark words and warnings, if you will, about Russia's heightened aggression campaign, whether it's against NATO member states. So, you know, hybrid warfare, these sorts of things. You're here with a Canadian audience on Canadian soil, what is the risk you refer to that Canadians should be aware of? NATO Secretary General We should be aware, all of us, is that one thing is a full-fledged armed military attack. We know that how that look like, and we know how to respond. And we have plans, we have forces and the purpose of NATO is actually done not to fight the war, but to prevent the war to prevent the military attack. And as long as we are strong, as long as we are united, there will be no military attack on any NATO Allied country because we are one for all, all for one, and then we succeed in preventing a military attack, as we have done for 75 years and I'm absolutely certain that NATO will be able to do that also in the future. The challenge is that we are threatened by something which is not a full-fledged military attack, which are these cyber, hybrid is below Article Five, as is often referred to, threats, and that is everything from meddling in our political processes, undermine the trust in our political institutions, disinformation, cyber-attacks, we have seen across Europe and how many sabotage actions against critical infrastructure, and so on. So, what we have to do is, as an Alliance, to increase awareness, to be aware these are real threats, we need to exchange intelligence. We have seen several examples now in Europe where arrests have been made, based on intelligence shared by all the NATO Allies preventing sabotage and action against the critical infrastructure and another targets in Europe. It's about protecting critical infrastructure, protecting cyber networks, and perhaps most importantly, to counter disinformation. And to counter disinformation is partly a task of governments, NATO to do to put out the fact to, to ensure that facts and correct information is available. But I believe that, at the end of the day, the most important way to counter disinformation is to have a free and independent press, with independent journalists who are asking different questions and checking their sources. That is quite sometimes a bit annoying for people like me. But I actually am more in favour of free and independent press now than ever before, because I see the danger of not having it. So to ensure we have free and independent press is probably the best way to make us more resilient against disinformation. Lisa LaFlamme And certainly we know all know that, you know, Vladimir Putin is, you know, trying to short circuit the system by overloading it with lies. And we all watched, I'm sure, with great interest, his red carpet welcome in Pyongyang, with North Korean leader Kim Jong un. They have now signed what is being referred to as a mutual... pledging a mutual support against aggression. When you heard that today, can you translate for us what we need to be aware of? NATO Secretary General We need to be aware of that alternate time powers are aligning more and more. They are supporting each other in a way we haven't seen before. Until recently, Russia at least tried to distance himself a bit from North Korea, and they supported some of the UN Security resolutions, putting sanctions and putting, as I say, obstacles for North Korea to develop nuclear weapons and missile programs. But they are now walking away from that. Just the fact that you went to North Korea that he signed and agreed this pact to a mutual defence, demonstrates how they support and help each other. We see that also, of course, in the war in Ukraine, North Korea has provided enormous amount of ammunition, we see how they're loading on containers with ammunition on trains in North Korea, and they go all the way across the border between North Korea and Russia, is a small border by the Pacific coast. And the trains go all the way to the front line and unload and this ammunition goes straight to the front attacking Ukrainians. So of course, in return, Russia is giving something to North Korea. And we are very deeply concerned about the possibility of also Russia now providing support for their nuclear and missile programs. So again, the answer is that when they are more and more aligned, authoritarian regimes like North Korea, China, Iran, and Russia, then it's even more important that we are aligned as countries believing in freedom and democracy. So NATO is that way even more important now than before. Lisa LaFlamme You said just in your early remarks that China cant have it both ways, but it does. It has it both ways. So what is the impact on NATO, this new invigorated relationship between China and Russia, China who is clearly unafraid of very publicly supporting Russia? NATO Secretary General It is a dilemma because China is an important country in the world because of the size of the economy. We have to engage to work with China on issues like climate change, and other issues. At the same time, we see how China is supporting Russia. China is the main supporter of the Russian war efforts in Ukraine, propping up their war economy and providing all the technology they need to build the most advanced weapons. Some Allies have imposed some sanctions, the United States. Other Allies are of course, much more hesitant. But this is an issue which has to be addressed and discussed, because it cannot continue as now where China has a kind of normal relationship, and at the same time, is responsible for the biggest security challenge we have seen at least in Europe since the Second World War. So just to put that issue on the agenda, I think is the first step. Then when it comes to NATO and China, I think it's important to realize that NATO has come a long way. The first time we mentioned China in an agreed negotiated policy document in NATO was in 2019. Because until then, NATO was about the Soviet Union and Russia. And China was in a way, for the United States and partly Canada but it was not for us in a way. It was not for NATO as an Alliance. That changed partly with a big discussion about 5g, where we realized that China controls critical infrastructure, which is important for us. And in the Strategic Concept, which is NATO's main political document we agreed on in Madrid two years ago, that's the first time we have language about China. The previous strategic document doesn't mention China with a single word. So we have come at least some way. And we are coordinating more what to do also related to China. Lisa LaFlamme It also puts NATO in a decade or so confronting two major opponents. How close do you think and maybe I'm not wording that right, but at this moment, what is the risk of nuclear escalation, given all of these increased Alliances? NATO Secretary General: So first of all, we don't see any imminent threat or any military attack and not of any use of nuclear weapons. At the same time, we are in a very different place than where we were just few years ago. Because even during the Cold War, we were able, especially United States and the Soviet Union, and later the United States and Russia, were able to develop an arms control architecture, were actually there were limits. They were reductions, and they were a minimum on transparency and predictability. I remember, for instance, the concern we had in Europe about the intermediate range missiles, the SS-20s. And then we, NATO deployed something called Pershing and cruise missile. And then in 1987, and I was a young man at that time, and I was out demonstrating these missiles. But then in 1987, Ronald Reagan and Gorbachev signed the INF Treaty, not reducing, but banning all these missiles. Zero. And that was a milestone in the nuclear disarmament. Then we had the START, and then New START, the strategic agreements, limiting the number of long-range nuclear weapons or warheads to 1500. And we had other Test Ban Treaty and other things. Now, Russia has walked away from all of these agreements. And they started by violating the INF Treaty banning intermediate range missiles. This is combined then with a much more as a dangerous, reckless nuclear rhetoric from the Russian side. And then combined with the fact that now China is investing heavily and modernising. And not only that, but increasing in the number of nuclear weapons, many of them on long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles able to reach the whole of NATO. And as you mentioned, in the next decade, we expect that NATO and the United States, for the first time in our history, will face not only one nuclear adversary or potential adversary, but two: Russia and China. And not only that, with many more missiles and many more weapons, but also without transparency. Because I think we must never underestimate that these agreements, they were important partly because they put limits. But as important was the fact that we had trust, transparency. I remember I visited one of the US bases in Kings Bay, in Georgia on the Atlantic Coast of the United States, where they had nuclear submarines. And there was a special kind of vehicle to transport the Russian inspectors. So they came and inspected the strategic submarines of the United States, as the United States went and inspected the strategic submarines of Russia. When I was Prime Minister in Norway, we had a lot of engagement, not on strategic weapons, but the handling of nuclear waste, and also some old nuclear submarines in something called the Andreev Bay on the Kola Peninsula. All of this which actually brings a lot of transparency and insight in what do they have and what do we have, is over and that's serious, Lisa LaFlamme But in the interest of transparency, are you asking the Allies to basically dust off their nuclear weapons and put them on standby and out of storage? NATO Secretary General: Well, NATO has been and will continue to be a nuclear Alliance. And we have effective and secure nuclear deterrent and nuclear weapons, the United States has, the United Kingdom, and France. But then we have a special arrangement with the United States where they have nuclear weapons, based in Europe. And then we have European Allies providing planes, bases, infrastructure. So together, this is what we call the nuclear sharing arrangements or NATO's nuclear deterrent. This is something we've had in place for many years, from decades. We are now in the process of modernizing that, but that is something that has been planned for a long time. It's not a response to any specific decision from the Russian side, partly because these nuclear missions or nuclear deterrent has been based on F-16s. Now Allies are replacing the F-16s with F-35s, more modern planes and the United States is also modernizing the weapons. But NATO, we are going to react in a calm and measured way. We're not going to in a way, mirror exactly what Russia and China are doing, but we just have to be certain that we have a credible nuclear deterrent, and we will continue to have that. Lisa LaFlamme But there's no doubt that in the last two years, and 180 days, I think since the full scale invasion of Ukraine, the world has changed. NATO has clearly changed as you outlined in your remarks. But you know, in this country, inevitably, when you talk about NATO, someone points out Canada's failure to hit that 2% target GDP funding. And according to your tracking, NATO tracking, which I think just came out yesterday, Canada is at 1.37%. So still under. And I just wonder, do you think this issue is actually hurting Canada's reputation among the Allies? NATO Secretary General I think Canada is a highly valued and highly respected NATO Ally. Because actually we are you are quite big. I mean, you have to remember that Canada's is not a small Ally, is one of the biggest NATO Allies. Both when it comes to territory. You are an Atlantic, Polar, and Pacific nation. You have a strong army and big economy. And you also contribute to our shared security, to our collective defence. You have been an important part of our mission in Afghanistan. We're now together in Iraq with a training mission there. And you are present in Europe. Canada leads one of the battlegroups we have in the eastern part of the Alliance, the one in Latvia. And that's a significant contribution by Canada to European defence, to NATO's collective defence. And Canadian planes and ships are regularly part of NATO air policing missions and naval operations. I say this, because Canadas standing in NATO is strong. But at the same time, of course, we expect all Allies to make good on the promise of investing 2%. Theres no way to hide that. We agreed it and actually in Vilnius at the last Summit, we agreed to say that to 2% is a minimum. And of course, the challenges you face in Canada are the same challenges they face in other NATO Allied countries. They have budgets, they're concerned about the fiscal balance. They want to spend money on health, education, and all the other things. And I am the first to understand that. But again, if we're not able to prevent war. If youre not able to preserve peace, then then what you do on health and climate change and education anyway, it will fail. So a precondition for success on all the other areas, is that we preserve peace and therefore we need to invest in security and 2% is our minimum. Americans must criticize our corrupt courts In the wake of his conviction in a New York court, President Trump has complained that the process was rigged against him, that the whole proceeding was a corrupt effort to persecute him with a view to influencing the 2024 presidential election. In response, many of his opponents have criticized him for undermining public confidence in our system of criminal justice and thus harming our democracya criticism that has been magnified by many in the media. (Article by Carson Holloway republished from RealClearWire.com) These critics, however, are missing the point and undermining a principle that is in fact essential to preserving our republic: namely, that criticism of the justice system when it errs or overreaches is necessary to preserving freedom under the rule of law. Those who founded our nation were aware of this necessity. Alexander Hamilton, representing the defendant in the famous libel case People v. Croswell, warned that the most dangerous, the most sure, the most fatal of tyrannies operated by selecting and sacrificing single individuals, under the mask and forms of law, by dependent and partial tribunals. Against such measures, Hamilton continued, we ought to keep a vigilant eye and take a manly stand. Whenever they arise, we ought to resist, and resist till we have hurled the demagogues and tyrants from their imagined thrones. No sensible American would look back on these remarks and think that, by them, Hamilton was undermining democracy. Hamiltons great rival, Thomas Jefferson, acted on a similar view. As president, Jefferson pardoned publishers who had been convicted under the Sedition Act of 1798. Jeffersons course of action here was inseparable from his belief that the Act was unconstitutional and that the courts of the United States had made themselves party to serious injustices by convicting defendants under it. Indeed, the pardoning power is included in the United States Constitution, and in many state constitutions, and is used routinely, precisely because prosecutors and courts can make mistakes and sometimes even willfully abuse their power over the lives and liberties of citizens. These dangers are also recognized in federal law. Title 18 of the United States Code prohibits and punishes deprivation of rights under color of law. By its very terms this provision acknowledges that sometimes those entrusted with the administration of justice are themselves guilty of behaving lawlessly and abusively. The United States Department of Justices website observes that this provision may be applied not only against police officers, sheriffs deputies, and prison guards but also, as appropriate, against judges, district attorneys, and other public officials. This important provision is itself an acknowledgment by the government that all the proceedings of our justice system are not entitled to uncritical acceptance. Everyone conversant with American history knows that the problem of politicized and corrupt abuses of the justice system has not disappeared in the modern era, that it continues to rear its ugly head precisely when political passions run high and communities are inflamed against leaders for whom they harbor deep animosities. In the 1960s, Alabama state authorities brought Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to trial on charges that he had committed perjury in relation to his tax filings. This prosecution was a transparently cynical attempt to deprive an important American political and social movement of its most effective leader. In that case, however, even the Alabama jury, composed exclusively of white men, perceived the abusive character of the case and returned an acquittal. Afterwards, Dr. King thanked the jury for their fair, honest, and just verdict and commended the Alabama judge for the high and noble manner in which he had conducted the case. If criticism of prosecutors and courts is permissible and necessary in certain circumstances, the only important question at present is whether such criticism is justified in the case of President Trumps New York conviction. Would it be reasonable for impartial Americans today to echo Dr. Kings words and congratulate the Manhattan jury for a fair verdict and commend Judge Merchan for his high and noble handling of the case? For an answer to that question, we need not rely on Trump or his aggrieved supporters. We need only look to the evaluation of respected CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig, writing in New York Magazine: Prosecutors Got Trump, But They Contorted the Law. Read more at: RealClearWire.com Transparent DOJ REDACTED every page of Biden ghostwriters interview transcript The Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Biden administration reportedly redacted every page of an interview transcript involving a ghostwriter for President Joe Biden and federal investigators. National Pulse Editor-In-Chief Raheem Kassam obtained a copy of the interview transcript where ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer was interviewed by federal investigators, but ended up disappointed. During an appearance on "Bannon's War Room," he told host and former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon that there is "a redaction on every single page of the document." These heavy redactions, Kassam added, render the transcript "almost incomprehensible." "I want to show the camera what we're dealing with here. It's way more than a third that's redacted here," said the Pulse's editor-in-chief. He called attention to an "average page" from the transcript almost completely blacked out due to the redactions. Kassam estimated that 60 to 65 percent of the transcript was obscured. The DOJ was ordered to release a transcript of Zwonitzer's interview following a lawsuit filed by the Oversight Project. But the transcript made public appears to be useless given the heavy redactions. The interview informed the Hur Report, penned by Special Counsel Robert Hur, on Biden's mishandling on classified information. Despite the redaction and censorship, the transcript revealed key information. The Pulse found that Zwonitzer had admitted to deleting numerous audio records of interviews with Biden after learning he was being investigated. The ghostwriter confessed to this early last year to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). (Related: Transcript of Biden's interview with Robert Hur reveals president's MENTAL LAPSES.) 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. At the time, Hur was investigating whether Biden had mishandled and illegally retained classified documents after leaving the vice presidency It is alleged some of these classified documents were shared with Zwonitzer, who had ghostwritten the president's autobiography, in a breach of national security. House Judiciary Committee subpoenas Zwonitzer In a related development, House Judiciary Committee (HJC) Chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) issued a subpoena for Zwonitzer. The subpoena comes amid the ghostwriter's failure to disclose relevant documents about his interactions with Biden. The committee has raised concerns over the president's potential sharing of classified information with Zwonitzer. Jordan requested the ghostwriter to provide the committee with additional documents they believe to be in his possession, explaining that such documents "are necessary to inform such potential legislation." "Despite Biden's unequivocal contradiction of these material facts, Hur's report contains references to 'audio recordings' and transcripts' of your multiple conversations with Biden 'related to [your] ghostwriting work of [his] memoirs," the Ohio congressman wrote. "The potential legislative reforms that the [HJC] may consider include establishing clear statutory guidelines governing the handling, storage and disclosure of classified materials and modifying criminal penalties for the unauthorized dissemination and disclosure of classified materials." Per the transcript of Zwonitzer's interview with the FBI, the investigating agents asked him if "the fact that a special counsel had been appointed and [he] had all these recordings was in [his] mind when [he] slid these documents over into the [recycle bin of his laptop]." The ghostwriter initially deflected, but eventually admitted that he "was aware of the special counsel investigation when that happened." Hur, who was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland as special counsel in January 2023, resigned more than a year later on March 11, 2024. He testified before the HJC the following day. The former special counsel weighed charging Zwonitzer with obstruction of justice, but ultimately decided neither he nor Biden should be prosecuted. Visit JoeBiden.news for similar stories. Watch former DOJ Special Counsel Robert Hur saying he did not exonerate Biden in his report. This report is from the Newsclips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Actual collusion? Missouri AG accuses Biden DOJ of coordinating with Trump prosecutors. DOJ indicts whistleblower who provided FBI with info on Biden familys China dealings. Report: Biden admin granted UNRWA more than $1 BILLION before funding suspension. House report concludes: CISA engaged in massive COVER-UP of Biden censorship scheme. DOJ special counsel report describes Biden as having diminished faculties and faulty memory proving critics right that he is in a state of COGNITIVE DECLINE. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Brighteon.com U.K. farmers are being KICKED OUT of their land amid drive for more solar power Minette Batters, the former president of the National Farmers' Union of England and Wales, has warned that farmers are being driven out of their land because of large-scale solar farms Batters mentioned some "horrific examples" of tenant farmers being forced out of land for solar schemes so the landowner can earn more. According to Batters, these changes in land use will continue while investors, along with overseas financiers and private equity firms, take advantage of the unfair situation by buying up large tracts of the rural landscape. (Related: Relying solely on wind and solar power requires the TAKEOVER of so much land compared to fossil fuels.) With the country "up for sale," Batters demanded that the next government prioritize a new land strategy to protect traditional farming and properly acknowledge its economic value. During a debate at the 2024 Hay Literary Festival, Batters responded to a question from an audience member who was "horrified about the proliferation of giant solar farms covering several square miles of land." Batters said that while she understands the opposition to solar farms, she also sympathized with farmers who are investing in similar projects because they are a source of "a guaranteed, index-linked income for decades." She added that for the rest of the country, there is a lot to object to when it comes to solar farms, especially since there is only "one beneficiary." In other cases, the farmers themselves were forced to leave their farms to make way for solar farms, especially if the farmers were tenants of larger landowners. 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. Batters criticized how land ownership by wealthy investors and private equity firms is being allowed to continue. She also brought up the debt-ridden private equity takeover of supermarket chain Morrisons, warning that they might not "have a British-owned supermarket in 10 years." With the country "up for sale," Batters cautioned that the United Kingdom is slowly "selling off land to people who don't pay their taxes here," a practice that must change to help farmers gain an edge in a battle that they are often losing. Governments should promote solar power on rooftops instead of land According to Batters, the situation will continue until the nation develops a "meaningful land use strategy" that gives value to land used for traditional farming, along with new developments such as solar and housing. She also encouraged governments to help promote solar on rooftops instead of land and allow wind turbines. Batters noted that even British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it is time "to stop putting solar on land and put it on rooftops." While large-scale onshore wind farms were subject to a de facto ban until 2023, wind turbines are allowed on a small scale. As of writing, there are at least 500 solar farms throughout the U.K. The current largest, which is in Shotwick Park in Flintshire, North Wales, covers 250 acres. However, the Shotwick Park solar farm would be dwarfed by the Botley West solar farm, which is planned for three sites totaling 2,471 acres on land owned by Blenheim Palace. Another 2,500-acre solar farm is being proposed on the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border. Visit GreenTyranny.news for more stories about the negative side effects of the forced transition to green energy. Watch the video below as Bill Gates urges governments to replace farmers with AI "smart farming" robots. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos invests $1 billion to DESTROY FARMING. Solar farm expansion plans in UK under fire as farmers forced off their land. To infinity and beyond: Space-based solar power eyed for cleaner energy. World Bank launches plan to decimate global farming under excuse of cutting carbon emissions. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com House Oversight Committee investigates federally funded NewsGuards impact on free speech The House Oversight Committee has initiated a thorough investigation into the alleged influence of anti-misinformation tech company NewsGuard Technologies over the United States and its financial arrangements with the federal government. NewsGuard, a company that gives news and information sites "reliability ratings and scores" that often work against conservative sites, has been accused of being a threat to free speech for its excessively aggressive attitude toward the news content published by independent and right-leaning media outlets. In line with this, Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has formally requested a comprehensive set of documents from NewsGuard CEOs Steven Brill and Gordon Crovitz on June 27. The requested documents must include all records of government contracts, explanations for any gaps in documentation, records of policy violation disciplinary actions, policies on managing conflicts of interest, communications from investors about news evaluations and data on corrections prompted by NewsGuard's inquiries. The committee has requested records of NewsGuard's editorial errors and its policies for revising previous evaluations. Moreover, the committee has raised concerns about the potential impact of NewsGuard on financially vulnerable media outlets. The request cited a journalist who fears NewsGuard's activities might be part of a larger federal effort, previously condemned by the judiciary, to influence social media platforms and threaten the economic stability of certain publishers. Comer then stressed the importance of this inquiry to ensure that NewsGuard adheres to its own standards for preventing conflicts of interest and managing its investor relations. The committee seeks to determine whether NewsGuard's practices are impartial or if they perpetuate the very biases they claim to monitor. 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. Federal government SUED over NewsGuard funding This request for transparency follows the legal actions of The Daily Wire, The Federalist, the State of Texas and multiple other parties against the federal government's decision to allocate nearly $750,000 in funding to NewsGuard. The plaintiffs argue that such funding supports a biased approach to monitoring media. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Texas by the New Civil Liberties Alliance in December, accused the State Department of misusing its resources to target American citizens and media under the guise of combating disinformation through the Global Engagement Center (GEC), initially intended to counter foreign terrorist propaganda now funds NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index (GDI). GEC, established in 2011, funds these organizations to limit ad revenue for conservative media. (Related: Brighteon Media lawsuit against Big Tech and Big Government a fight for FREE SPEECH in America.) "The federal government cannot do indirectly what the First Amendment forbids it from doing directly," Mark Chenoweth of the New Civil Liberties Alliance, the plaintiffs' representative said. According to the lawsuit, GDI received $100,000 in 2021 from the State Department's U.S.-Paris Tech Challenge, while the National Endowment for Democracy funneled additional funds despite its mandate to operate internationally. NewsGuard also benefited from State Department-sponsored initiatives to label conservative outlets as unreliable and limit their ad revenue. The GDI maintains a "Dynamic Exclusion List" of media outlets it claims are high risks for disinformation, including The Daily Wire and The Federalist. The lawsuit names Secretary of State Antony Blinken and five other officials for "one of the most audacious, manipulative, secretive and gravest abuses of power and infringements of First Amendment rights by the federal government in American history." "State Department Defendants' active intervention in the news media market to make disfavored media unprofitable thus had devastating consequences to Media Plaintiffs," the lawsuit states. Check out Censorship.news for more stories like this. Watch the full conversation between Jeffrey Greyber, Jason Fyk and the Health Ranger Mike Adams about the Brighteon Media lawsuit against Big Tech and Big Government below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: NewsGuard: Surrogate the feds pay to keep watch on the internet and be a judge of the truth. NewsGuard misinfo watchdog: Contracts with DOD, WHO, Pfizer, Microsoft and AFT. NewsGuard red-flagged us for publishing false information because we refused to LIE. NewsGuard gives green rating to repeated hoax publisher Rolling Stone, red to critics. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org TheDailyWire.com Brighteon.com Independent commission says both Hamas and Israel are guilty of war crimes The United Nations (UN) Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, has determined that both Israel and Hamas are guilty of war crimes. An in-depth, independent investigation set up by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) led to the creation of a report that identified crimes against humanity on both sides of the conflict. It is based on interviews with victims and witnesses; open-source items that were verified through advanced forensic analysis; submissions; satellite imagery; and forensic medical reports. Israeli authorities, the report concluded, were "responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, murder or willful killing, intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects, forcible transfer, sexual violence, torture and inhuman or cruel treatment, arbitrary detention, and outrages upon personal dignity." Furthermore, some of the statements made by Israeli officials throughout the conflict "amounted to incitement and may constitute other serious international crimes," the report explains. (Related: Israel just massacred at least 210 Palestinians in a hostage rescue operation in central Gaza.) The war must stop, says the UN As for Hamas, it and six other Palestinian armed groups were deemed responsible for war crimes in their own rite with the intentional targeting of civilians, as well as "murder or willful killing, torture, inhuman or cruel treatment," taking hostages and various other crimes. "It is imperative that all those who have committed crimes be held accountable," commented Navi Pillay, chair of the commission. "The only way to stop the recurring cycles of violence ... is to ensure strict adherence to international law." 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. In order for this to happen, Israel must "immediately stop" its military operation in Gaza, the commission advised, including its current assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The commission is also asking Palestinian armed groups to immediately cease all rocket attacks and to release all remaining Israeli hostages. It should be noted that according to the commission, Israel obstructed these investigations. This claim, as well as the claims about Israel being guilty of war crimes, prompted the Mission of Israel to the UN in Geneva to dismiss the entire report as "biased" while accusing the UN-backed commission of "systematic anti-Israel discrimination." The mission further described the report as containing language designed to "draw a false equivalence between IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers and Hamas terrorists." As of this writing, some 37,000 people in Gaza, according to Gaza's health ministry, are now dead because of the IDF's actions. Many of these people were women and children. A commenter at RT wrote a "reminder" to what he described as "the Zionist settlers in Palestine and their paid shills in the Western media" that their narrative is off, in his opinion. "You say that the genocide is the Settlers' response to October 7, and we the people say that October 7 was Hamas's response to the Settlers' continuous atrocities before October 7," he wrote. "We are sorry but history did not begin on October 7. There is no equivalence, moral or legal, between a Settlement employing violence to enforce an inhuman, vicious, and murderous occupation ... and the occupied people employing violence to defend against an inhuman, vicious, and murderous occupation." Another wrote that the IDF killed many of its own people in the aftermath of October 7 as it scurried to respond to what was happening. "There is NO solid proof showing Hamas committed any war crime!" wrote another, referencing the many lies about "mass rapes" and "babies baked in ovens" that Israel spread. "I still believe the crimes attributed to Hamas were actually committed by the IDF," said another. The latest news coverage about the situation in the Middle East can be found at Genocide.news. Sources for this article include: RT.com NaturalNews.com Dem leader Hakeem Jeffries demands immediate passage of ADL-backed countering antisemitism act AIPAC-funded House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on Friday demanded Congress "immediately" pass the Anti-Defamation League-backed "Countering Antisemitism Act" to silence criticism of Israel and police Americans' online speech. (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) "The dangerous explosion of antisemitic incidents in New York City and the nation requires decisive action at every level of government," Jeffries said on X, without referencing any specific incident. "We have to crush this cancer with the fierce urgency of now. Congress must pass the bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act. Immediately." The dangerous explosion of antisemitic incidents in New York City and the nation requires decisive action at every level of government. We have to crush this cancer with the fierce urgency of now. Congress must pass the bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act. Immediately. Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) June 14, 2024 Hakeem Jeffries has collected $1.5 MILLION from AIPAC and the Israel lobby. Now he supports censorship bills trying to CRIMINALIZE criticism of Israel. The representative is COMPROMISED.https://t.co/4nm0mFjyqApic.twitter.com/nwghHCLa1Y AIPAC Tracker (@TrackAIPAC) June 14, 2024 "This bill would create a new 'National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism' within the Executive Office of the President, to among other things, 'counter the spread of antisemitism online' (ie, government-coerced censorship) -- including to impose 'accountability for individuals,'" journalist Michael Tracey noted on X. As I reported in April, the bill was introduced by a bipartisan pair of AIPAC-funded senators -- Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) -- and championed by the ADL for its provisions aimed at stripping Americans of their free speech rights. "The Countering Antisemitism Act is the most far-reaching antisemitism initiative to be introduced in Congress," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said on X in April. "It offers a smart, bipartisan, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to combating this hatred and protecting Jews around the country." The Countering Antisemitism Act is the most far-reaching antisemitism initiative to be introduced in Congress. It offers a smart, bipartisan, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to combating this hatred and protecting Jews around the country. https://t.co/PMQnqlYoB6 Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) April 11, 2024 Thank you to @senatorblumenthal, @senatormurphy & their teams for meeting with ADL CT for @ADLs National Lobby Day. We lobbied to support the Countering Antisemitism Act, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, the Protecting Students on Campus Act, & the Nonprofit Security Grant. pic.twitter.com/z8MFpdlZLs ADL_Connecticut (@ADL_Connecticut) May 22, 2024 Here's how the ADL described the bill in a statement on their website: The Countering Antisemitism Act (CAA)the most comprehensive antisemitism initiative to be introduced in Congresswill implement the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and ensure its policies and infrastructure are made permanent. As ADL data shows, the U.S. Jewish community is facing the worst crisis of antisemitism that we have seen in a generation. As we reach the conclusion of the National Strategy's 12-month timeline, we must guarantee the important policies within the plan continue to protect Jewish lives. The Countering Antisemitism Act will ensure these policies endure and create lasting executive structures to prioritize and fight antisemitism, including a domestic National Coordinator and a dedicated Task Force that meets regularly to coordinate efforts to fight antisemitism across federal agencies. As we face such historic levels of antisemitism, the Countering Antisemitism Act offers a smart, innovative whole-of-government approach to combating this hatred and protecting Jews around the country. The Countering Antisemitism Act is authored by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK) and Reps. Kathy Manning (D-NC) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. Key Provisions - Establishes a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism to serve as the President's principal advisor on countering domestic antisemitism and coordinate Federal efforts to counter antisemitism. - Establishes an Interagency Task Force to Counter Antisemitism to coordinate the implementation of Federal strategies to counter antisemitism. - Requires federal agencies to submit a report to Congress detailing their implementation of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. - Requires the FBI, DHS, and National Counterterrorism Center to jointly produce an annual threat assessment of antisemitic violent extremism. - Requires the National Coordinator to conduct an annual analysis of online antisemitic content, including Holocaust denial and distortion, and prepare recommendations for Congress on how to counter the spread of antisemitism online. - Requires the Department of Education to designate a senior official to advise and oversee the Department's efforts to counter antisemitic discrimination at colleges and universities. - Requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to study Holocaust education efforts across public K-12 schools. - Requires FEMA to ensure they have sufficient resources and personnel to carry out the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. - Formally designates May as "Jewish American Heritage Month." The bill is supposed to work in concert with the Biden administration's "National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism" which called on "all online platforms" to ban "extremist websites," ban "hate speech" and institute "zero tolerance" policies to protect Jews from antisemitism. These measures come at a time when Israel is actively ethnically cleansing Gaza and inducing a man-made famine. Read more at: InformationLiberation.com New Jersey Democratic Party kingmaker George Norcross indicted over racketeering charges Political boss George Norcross, the "kingmaker" of the New Jersey Democratic Party, has been charged with racketeering over allegedly running a criminal enterprise in the state for at least 12 years. According to the 13-count, 111-page unsealed indictment of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Norcross, a former Democratic National Committee member and current Florida resident, along with his brother Phillip Norcross and four other defendants, were allegedly involved in orchestrating a "criminal enterprise" that manipulated the economic redevelopment programs of the Camden Waterfront in Camden, New Jersey to benefit the defendants financially. The defendants, who face potential sentences of 10 to 20 years if convicted of first-degree racketeering, include: Phillip Norcross: Managing shareholder and CEO of the Parker McCay law firm and chairman of the board of the Cooper Foundation. William Tambussi: George Norcross personal attorney and counsel to the Camden County Democratic Committee. Dana Redd: Former Camden mayor, former state senator and current CEO of Camden Community Partnership. Sidney Brown: CEO of trucking and logistics company NFI and board member of Cooper Health. John ODonnell: Executive at The Michaels Organization, a residential development firm. Other charges include various counts of financial facilitation, misconduct by a corporate official, conspiracy to commit theft by extortion, criminal coercion and official misconduct. The indictment alleges that Norcross and his associates used political clout to secure property rights and tax incentives, subsequently occupying these properties and selling the obtained tax credits for substantial profits. Platkin names Cooper Health and Conner Strong & Buckelew (CSB), where George Norcross held positions as chair of the board of trustees, as key beneficiaries. 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. "On full display in this indictment is how a group of unelected, private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to aid their criminal enterprise and further its interests. The alleged conduct of the Norcross Enterprise has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, non-profits, the people of the State of New Jersey, and especially the City of Camden and its residents. That stops today," Platkin stated on the unsealed indictment on June 17. The charges reveal aggressive tactics employed by Norcross, including a reported threat to a developer holding key waterfront property rights. Norcross allegedly told the developer he would "f--- you up like youve never been f----- up before" and ensure the developer could no longer do business in Camden. In a recorded phone call, Norcross also allegedly admitted to the threat and confessed that he warned the developer of "enormous consequences." Rep. Donald Norcross, the political boss' younger brother who currently serves as the representative for New Jersey's first congressional district, remains uncharged. Democratic dominance in New Jersey is now under threat The accusations against Norcross come on the heels of an ongoing federal bribery case against Sen. Bob Menendez, the senior U.S. senator for New Jersey. Back in September, Menendez and his wife Nadine were indicted in a New York federal court for allegedly accepting substantial bribes and being involved in a "corrupt relationship" with three New Jersey businessmen. In exchange for thousands of dollars in cash and gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, home mortgage payments and more, Menendez allegedly agreed to use his power and influence as a U.S. senator to favor his co-conspirators. (Related: New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife charged with BRIBERY.) All these high-profile controversies have rocked the blue-state stronghold. State Democrats have already withdrawn their support for Menendez, instead nominating Rep. Andy Kim of the state's third congressional district. Menendez has decided to continue seeking re-election as an independent, putting the state's Republican nominee, businessman Curtis Bashaw, in good position to become the first Republican that New Jersey sends to the U.S. Senate in a decade. Follow Corruption.news for more stories about corruption in the United States. Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how Menendez was allegedly bribed with gold bars. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: RACKETEERING: Sidney Powell says that voting contracts made by GOP state leaders in Georgia should be investigated. RACKETEERING: Google is a drug company that uses its platform to smear and silence its competitors in natural health. America a matrix of racketeering and corruption under Biden and the Democrat crime cabal. Congress to pass anti-price gouging legislation targeting Big Oil while PROTECTING insane price gouging and racketeering of Big Pharma. Leaked emails show that Trump via Operation Warp Speed drove global racketeering and collusion behind covid vaccines Dr. Jane Ruby. Sources include: CNBC.com 1 APNews.com CNBC.com 2 Brighteon.com Taiwanese president warns military cadets about Chinas relentless threat to Taiwans national sovereignty Newly elected Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has warned future military officers that Beijing is relentless in its ambitions to seize control of the self-governing island Lai gave this warning while speaking to military cadets during the 100th founding anniversary of the Republic of China Military Academy in Kaohsiung, during which he revealed that the paramount national goal of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the annexation and "elimination" of Taiwan. Lai, who has been labeled as a "dangerous separatist" by Beijing, claimed that the significant threat mainland Chinese forces pose should urge cadets not to succumb to defeatism. (Related: China preparing to launch an invasion of Taiwan, warns Chinese journalist.) "The biggest challenge is to face the powerful rise of China, [which is] destroying the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and regards Taiwans annexation and the elimination of the Republic of China as the great rejuvenating cause of its people," Lai said. In his address, attended by high-ranking military officials and the chief of the Kaohsiung branch of the American Institute in Taiwan the United States' de facto embassy in Taiwan Lai noted that Taiwan's future should be determined solely by its people. He emphasized the need for clarity in recognizing adversaries and allies, warning against the defeatist notion that Taiwan could quickly collapse under a Chinese attack. "We really must be able to distinguish between ourselves and our enemies and between friend and foe, and absolutely cannot accept the defeatism of 'the first battle is the last battle'," Lai said. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Hunang: Reunification is a historical necessity for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation The conflict between China and Taiwan can be traced back to 1949, when Chinese Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan after losing the Chinese Civil War on the mainland to Mao Zedong's communist revolutionaries. In 1971, the United Nations recognized the communist government in Beijing as the legitimate ruling authority representing China at the UN, and in 1979 the U.S. established diplomatic relations with the mainland and acknowledged the "One China" principle by breaking off official recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty. In recent years, Taiwan has opted to reaffirm its independence from Beijing despite being recognized as a sovereign nation by only a few countries with UN seats. This led to more escalating tensions between Taipei and Beijing, compounded by increasing defense cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan. China argues that U.S. military and diplomatic aid to Taiwan violates the One China principle. Moreover, the inauguration of Lai in May contributed to the escalating tension. Since assuming office in May, China has escalated its military incursions into Taiwanese airspace and waters to punish the island for so-called "separatist acts." "China remains committed to peaceful reunification; however, this prospect is increasingly being eroded by separatists for Taiwan independence and foreign forces," Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun warned in May. Beijing has vowed to reunify the island with the mainland, even by force, if necessary, and that any formal declaration of independence from Taiwan would be grounds to attack the island. Wang Huning, a senior leader in the CCP, reiterated Beijing's stance at a forum on June 15. Huning declared that "reunification is a historical necessity for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" and promised to "smash any separatist plots." Learn more stories about a potential armed conflict between China and Taiwan at WWIII.news. Watch Brannon Howse of "Worldview Report" and David Zhang of the Epoch Times discussing the possibility of China invading Taiwan as early as 2024. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Taiwan admits U.S. troops are stationed on islands close to the Chinese mainland. Taiwan unveils first domestically built submarine amid military modernization and buildup meant to deter a Chinese invasion. Taiwan set to begin testing its first indigenous defense submarine amid rising tension with China. Taiwanese foreign minister expects China to manipulate the upcoming 2024 Presidential election in Taiwan. Taiwan pushes back, wont let US destroy semiconductor factories to prevent them from falling into Chinese hands. Sources include: RT.com MSN.com Brighteon.com Tesla shareholders vote to reinstate Elon Musks $56 billion pay package despite earlier court order to rescind it Tesla shareholders have reinstated CEO Elon Musks controversial $56 billion 2018 compensation package , five months after a Delaware judge ordered its rescission. In 2018, the board initially approved Elon Musk's compensation plan, which is reputed to be the largest of any CEO in a publicly traded company in the United States. Unlike traditional compensation plans, the package does not include a salary or bonus. Instead, it offers stock options contingent on Tesla's market value reaching up to $650 billion over 10 years starting in 2018. (Related: Tesla to expand battery plant in Nevada using equipment and tech from CCP-linked company.) Under the terms of the package, Musk will receive stock options only if Tesla reaches specified market capitalization targets and achieves operational milestones, thereby ensuring that his compensation is directly tied to the company's long-term success and profitability. And now, with its latest proxy statement, Tesla has cited the package's value at $44.9 billion. However, six years after the Tesla board of directors initially approved the package, Judge Kathaleen McCormick, chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery, nullified the pay plan following an investor lawsuit. The court found that Tesla's board of directors had not adequately disclosed potential conflicts of interest due to some directors' close personal ties with Musk. Additionally, the board failed to inform shareholders that Tesla was likely to meet many of the performance goals outlined in the compensation plan. 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. But despite this, Tesla shareholders still showed support and confidence in Musk's leadership and Tesla's future growth during their annual meeting on June 14. In response to the support, Musk began his opening remarks with: "I just want to start by saying, hot damn, I love you guys!" Approval of Musk's pay package faces backlash from major proxy firms and investors The proposal has garnered fervent support from various stakeholders and, at the same time, strong opposition from proxy advisory firms. Proxy advisory firms Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services, along with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, all expressed their opposition to the approval of the pay package. Glass Lewis publicly opposed the plan in late May, criticizing its "excessive size" and the potential negative impact of Musk exercising his stock options, which they believe could lead to a concentration of ownership. Glass Lewis also expressed concerns about Musk's numerous time-consuming ventures, including his recent acquisition of Twitter, now called X. Meanwhile, CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost called the compensation "exorbitant" and misaligned with CalPERS's views on executive pay. Frost argued that the package is "highly dilutive to shareholders" and lacks connection to Tesla's long-term profitability. She emphasized that while Musk deserves substantial compensation, it should reflect the company's performance and include reasonable salary caps, which she believes the current plan fails to provide. Norway's $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, also announced before the meeting its intention to vote against the pay package, despite holding just a 0.98 percent stake in Tesla. Lander also voiced his disapproval via a post on X, criticizing Musk's influence on Tesla's direction. Lander oversees the city's public pension funds, which hold substantial investments in Tesla. "Elon's tweet is more evidence of the failure of corporate governance at Tesla this is not how or when shareholder votes are supposed to be made public. As long-term investors in Tesla, we expect genuine board oversight and a CEO who is deeply committed to the company's growth rather than other business ventures," Lander wrote. Visit RoboCars.news for more news on electric vehicles. Watch the video below to learn why car companies are struggling with electric vehicles. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales. Tesla halts Cybertruck deliveries following customer concerns about potentially fatal flaw in accelerator pedal. Tesla factory robot reportedly ATTACKS worker in violent malfunction that left trail of blood. Tesla in Full Self-Driving mode failed to detect a moving train, nearly causing deadly collision. Tesla recalls more than 2 million cars to fix a defective driving system following DEADLY CRASHES. Sources include: CNBC.com MSN.com Finance.Yahoo.com Brighteon.com Wall Street to list Americas protected public lands, including national parks and wildlife refuges, on NYSE starting on November 17 Unless it is stopped and let's face it: what are the odds of that happening? the United States government is planning to pass a rule on Nov. 17, 2024, to allow Wall Street to assume total control over America's public lands, waters and other natural resources. Before the end of the year, the plan is to list all of America's protected lands, including parks and wildlife refuges, on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under a new classification called Natural Asset Companies (NACs). As with everything else on Wall Street, NACs will be owned, managed, traded and ultimately controlled by money changer entities like BlackRock and Vanguard and even communist China. Wall Street is already trying to control the air through so-called "carbon credits" and other associated financial instruments, with little success. There was an entire carbon exchange that was created in the early 2000s that ultimately failed in 2005. There is still an ETF called the Climate Exchange-Traded Fund, but that, too, faces delisting. Then came ESG and the attempted further monetization of the environment, a scam that is also failing as it faces "a perfect storm of negative sentiment." Investments in ESG fell by $163 billion just in the first quarter of 2023. Net-Zero is also in the mix, and also threatens to blow up the carbon scam. With all these "green" scams falling apart, the next Wall Street scheme involves monetizing publicly owned natural resources, allowing corrupt entities like Bill Gates to hold the ecosystem rights to land, water, air and even natural processes. 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. "Each NAC will hold 'management authority' over the land," writes Elizabeth Nickson for Welcome to Absurdistan. "When we are issued carbon allowances, owners of said lands will be able to claim tax deductions and will be able to sell carbon allowances to businesses, families and townships." "In the simplest of terms, that's where the money will be made. WE peons will be renting air from the richest people on earth." (Related: Did you know that every single "new job" created last year went straight to an illegal alien?) Soon there won't be anything left for the public to enjoy If the money masters get their way, the following will soon be owned and controlled by the globalists: - National parks - National wildlife refuges - Wilderness areas - Areas of critical environmental concern - Conservation areas on private and federal lands - Endangered species critical habitat - Conservation reserve programs Even The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the largest conservation organization in the United States, is up for grabs as this 501(c)3 holds $6 billion worth of land on its books land that was taken using your money, i.e., taxpayer-funded government grants and donations, and transferred to TNC to do with as it wishes. "If this rule passes, America's conserved lands and parks will move onto the balance sheets of the richest people in the world," Nickson explains. "Management of those lands will be decided by them and their operations, to say the least, will be opaque." There is, or rather was, a comment period allowing the public to provide input about the proposal to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). American Stewards of Liberty, the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition, the Financial Fairness Alliance and the Blue Ribbon Coalition have all commented, as have Republican senators Pete Ricketts, James Risch and Mike Crapo. "NACs are asset grabs," Nickson explains. "Natural Asset Companies are an attempt to grab hard assets to make up for an inevitable collapse. But taking more land out of production makes it certain that collapse moves ever closer. Land needs to be used, cared for and maintained by the people who live on and use the land. Otherwise, it runs to desert and invasive species." Wall Street is a corrupt casino for the rich and evil. Learn more at Evil.news. Sources for this article include: ElizabethNickson.substack.com NaturalNews.com SHOW OF FORCE: U.S. attack submarine surfaces in Guantanamo Bay after Russian Navy task force visits Cuba A United States Navy attack submarine, the USS Helena, docked at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba on Thursday, June 13, in an apparent show of force after a Russian Navy task force of four ships sailed into Havana on a long-range expedition. According to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine arrived for a "routine port visit," with its location and transit allegedly previously planned as part of SOUTHCOM's global maritime security and national defense mission. Multiple media outlets have described the USS Helena's arrival at Guantanamo Bay as a "show of force" by Washington in response to the Russian ships being so close to U.S. shores. (Related: Nuclear War: Why we should be thinking about it now.) The Russian Navy's Northern Fleet task force, which sailed into Havana a day before Helena docked in Guantanamo Bay, was led by two of Russia's most advanced naval assets: the missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the Yasen-class nuclear-powered submarine Kazan. The task force also comprised the oil tanker Akademik Pashin and the salvage tug Nikolay Chiker. Moscow had previously described the mission as a "long-distance expedition" to "show the flag" and maintain a naval presence in key operational areas. The Russian Defense Ministry has not provided further details on the flotilla's mission, sparking speculation in the U.S. that it might be the Kremlin attempting to send a message regarding Washington's continued support for Ukraine. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby indicated that the Russian ships' presence likely signals their displeasure with U.S. actions in Ukraine, though he emphasized there was no indication of nuclear weapons being involved. 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 Cuban government confirmed that the Russian ships were not carrying nuclear missiles and that their mission adhered to international law. The Admiral Gorshkov and Kazan practiced long-range sea strikes while en route to Cuba, shadowed by several U.S. Navy vessels. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh assured that these exercises did not pose a threat to the U.S., noting, "We of course take it seriously, but these exercises don't pose a threat to the U.S." USS Helena more than a match for Russian naval vessels The USS Helena (SSN-725), a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, has been serving the U.S. Navy since July 11, 1987. Named after the city of Helena, Montana, the USS Helena measures 360 feet in length and 33 feet in beam width, with a draft of approximately 32 feet. Powered by a single S6G nuclear reactor, the USS Helena operates two steam turbines and a single shaft, allowing it to achieve submerged speeds of over 25 knots, or 28 miles per hour. The submarine is manned by a dedicated crew of around 140, comprising both officers and enlisted sailors who manage and maintain its complex systems to ensure it remains mission-ready. The USS Helena is equipped with advanced sonar arrays for underwater detection, sophisticated navigation systems for precise positioning, electronic warfare systems for defense and robust communication systems for maintaining contact with other naval units and command centers. In terms of armament, the submarine is formidable. It features 12 vertical launch system tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and four 21-inch torpedo tubes capable of firing Mk-48 torpedoes, suitable for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The nuclear propulsion system grants the USS Helena virtually unlimited operational range, enabling it to remain submerged and operational for extended periods without the need for refueling. However, factors such as food supplies and the physical and mental well-being of the crew ultimately determine the limits of its endurance. Visit WWIII.news for more stories like this. Watch this video about Russian nuclear warships in Cuba. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: World War III is now inevitable here's why it can't be avoided. All of a sudden, leaders all over the world are warning that World War III is very close. Prominent leaders and personalities all over the world are warning that World War III is coming. Sources include: RT.com BulgarianMilitary.com Brighteon.com TREASON documentary: There are CONCENTRATION CAMPS being built right under your nose in all 50 states An upcoming documentary film from former Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agent J.J. Carrell called "Treason" claims that the federal government of the United States is currently constructing a huge network of internment camps in all 50 states that will be used to house political dissidents, not illegal aliens as seems to be the claim. The cover story for these concentration camps is that they are needed to house and process the tens of millions of illegals pouring across the southern border. The reality, though, is that the facilities in question are being designed for American citizens to be interned if they step out of line. "It's not for these illegals," says former federal contractor Christie Hutcherson of Women Fighting for America in the film. "I believe it's ... kind of like what Nazis did with the Jews, concentration camps, processing facilities. They're going to need somewhere to process the dissidents." ? SHOCKING: America is covertly constructing large-scale detention facilities across all 50 states, but they're not for housing illegal #immigrants. ? The purpose is far more sinister. Former Customs and Border Protection supervisor @JJCarrell14 reveals the truth. pic.twitter.com/skq4z28MYY Redacted (@TheRedactedInc) June 17, 2024 (Related: The Wuhan coronavirus [COVID-19] "pandemic" was just the trial run are you ready for full-scale medical martial law, which many expect will be in full swing before 2025?) Concentration camps started getting built under Obama In a recent interview with Redacted's Clayton Morris, Carrell explained that Hutcherson has access to federal databases where bids are placed for all sorts of government contracts, including the construction of these internment facilities. "She says to me that there are bids for detention facilities being built in all 50 states in America," Carrell said. While there are some facilities along the southern border that appear as though they might be there for illegals, Carrell says his sources have told him that there are as many as 40,000 empty beds because the illegals are being caught and immediately released into society, not interned at these facilities. 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. Hutcherson is fully convinced that the facilities in question exist for future use of imprisoning political dissidents, i.e., patriots, who defy the dictates of the emerging new world order. This includes refusing to get "vaccinated" for the latest "pandemic," or joining a militia. "I think they're going to look like just the facilities that we're seeing where the children are being held in those FEMA camps," Carrell said about the appearance of the facilities, which are mostly soft-sided, large white tents surrounded by ominous barbed-wire fencing. "That's what they're building: they're building FEMA camps." What happened during COVID showed the powers that be what they would need to do to quell resistance the next time around, which will be the real deal COVID was just the prelude. "These are absolutely for U.S. citizens," one commenter wrote about the concentration camps. "You will be arrested for declaring the obvious like election fraud, COVID, trans, and all crimes they commit." "They started building these during the Obama years," wrote another about how far back the rabbit hole goes. "Construction only happened at night." Others could not help but notice the convenient timing of these revelations just months before the upcoming 2024 presidential election. "I would imagine that people are not going to be too happy after two stolen elections," one wrote about how civil unrest is sure to happen should TPTB steal another election from Trump. "Big government is well aware of the consequences of their actions and war planning is currently being carried out for every possible scenario." Fascism isn't near; it's here. Learn more at Fascism.news. Sources for this article include: Infowars.com NaturalNews.com Your lyin eyes: Corporate media panics with fact checks over Bidens obvious decline After several videoswent viral over the last week,, suggesting that they're edited "cheap fakes" that are "done in bad faith," (Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com) The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. George Orwell, 1984 RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 18, 2024 Now, the media is doing 'fact checks' to debunk your lyin' eyes! Check out NBC's (9 million follower, 25k view in 12 hours, highly ratio'd post with hilarious replies) take: Misleading GOP videos of President Biden are going viral. The fact-checks have trouble keeping up. https://t.co/ABDPY6fxjP NBC News (@NBCNews) June 18, 2024 They're now calling authentic footage "cheap fakes," which as we noted yesterday, appears to be coordinated messaging with the White House. While "deepfakes" are misleading audio, video or images that are created or edited with artificial intelligence technology, a "cheap fake," according to researchers Britt Paris and Joan Donovan, is a "manipulation created with cheaper, more accessible software (or, none at all). Cheap fakes can be rendered through Photoshop, lookalikes, re-contextualizing footage, speeding, or slowing." To recap: Biden 'wandered off' during a G7 flag ceremony while he was supposed to be taking a photo with other world leaders before Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shepherded him back to the group. According to the fact checkers, he was 'paying respects to a paratrooper.' According to the fact check, "Biden was greeting a parachutist who had just landed as part of the ceremony." Yes, requiring Meloni to physically bring him back to the group. He then did some weird nursing home mind-meld with the Pope, possibly (definitely) sniffing him. Unsurprisingly, no debunk! Apparently even NBC News couldn't defend this. Then, the Hollywood Reporter's Chris Gardner showed a clip of Biden 'freezing' on stage last weekend, and having to be similarly guided off stage by former President Barack Obama. LOL, this "fact checking" thing has really gone too far Top video: Unedited Bottom video: Camera switch https://t.co/Uu7i9WZGhjpic.twitter.com/jYT6s7P9n2 Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) June 18, 2024 According to a new 'fact check' from AP, citing Jimmy Kimmel's spokesman and an anonymous source, Biden was simply "pausing" amid cheers. ?@AP replaced the word froze with paused, & added some additional flowery language about cheers and applause. Boom, fact check. As an aside, interesting that such an intense degree of attention is being paid to arguing over what, when compared to all of the various https://t.co/1ng7fdR7rD GeroDoc (@doc_gero) June 18, 2024 The @AP is a far left propaganda machine Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 18, 2024 And wait, is this a cheap fake? Some pretty obvious airbrushing on Joe Biden's 81-year-old face https://t.co/QnqqPMDcTU pic.twitter.com/h24PfNeFet Alec Sears (@alec_sears) June 18, 2024 and lets be honest. This is bizarre behavior, no? pic.twitter.com/EgwgQ9Qq2u GeroDoc (@doc_gero) June 18, 2024 Nobody's buying it... It's the Emperor's New Clothes, folks. Nothing to see here, say the "wise" ones ? Perperpetual Cynic (@ToddSalvatore2) June 18, 2024 Oh wow, can you show us the original videos then. The People's Cube (@ThePeoplesCube) June 18, 2024 Whenever the anti American Democrats do anything: pic.twitter.com/oS3t0pHF87 Rapidsloth (@Rapidsloth_) June 18, 2024 Agitprop Ecm1031 (@ecm1031) June 18, 2024 2+2=5 right NBC? Scott (@leavemealone049) June 18, 2024 "they were cheap fakes" ???? Karine Jean-Pierre pic.twitter.com/kuKSp1xrW2 drefanzor memes (@drefanzor) June 17, 2024 Read more at: ZeroHedge.com Debunking McGills dirty dozen hit piece: Flawed sources, pharma ties, and biased reporting (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) McGill's Disinformation Debacle: Debunking the "Disinformation Dozen" In March 2021, McGill University's Office for Science and Society published an article by Jonathan Jarry titled "A Dozen Misguided Influencers Spread Most of the Anti-Vaccination Content on Social Media."1 Citing a report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), Jarry claimed that "two-thirds of anti-vaccine content shared or posted on Facebook and Twitter between February 1 and March 16, 2021, can be attributed to just twelve individuals."1,2 Among those named in this so-called "Disinformation Dozen" was Sayer Ji, founder of the natural health website GreenMedInfo.com. Jarry painted Ji and the others as dangerous spreaders of "blatant and harmful misinformation" with outsized influence.1 However, a bombshell statement from Meta (formerly Facebook) has revealed fatal flaws in the CCDH report, calling into question McGill's uncritical endorsement of its claims and the legitimacy of Jarry's attacks on Ji and the other named individuals. Debunked Data, Baseless Accusations In August 2021, Meta's VP of Content Policy Monika Bickert directly refuted the CCDH's central claim, stating: "There isn't any evidence to support this claim. Moreover, focusing on such a small group of people distracts from the complex challenges we all face in addressing misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines."3 Bickert revealed that the CCDH report "analyzed only a narrow set of 483 pieces of content over six weeks from only 30 groups," arguing that this cherry-picked sample was "in no way representative of the hundreds of millions of posts that people have shared about COVID-19 vaccines in the past months on Facebook."3 She also highlighted the CCDH's lack of transparency in how it categorized content as "anti-vax" and selected the groups it analyzed.3 Despite relying heavily on the CCDH report, Jarry's article failed to critically examine these serious methodological issues, instead presenting the disinfo dozen narrative as established fact. This raises troubling questions about McGill's academic rigor and editorial standards. Read more at: GreenMedInfo.com DeSantis to appeal Democrat judges ruling against ban on transgender drugs and surgeries for children Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has vowed to appeal a federal judge's decision to overturn a state law that bans transgender drugs and surgeries for minors in Florida. Senate Bill 254, enacted in May 2023, prohibits certain medical procedures, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries, for individuals under 18 years old. The legislation seeks to restrict the "destructive transgender surgeries and experimental drugs" for minors. The law stipulates severe consequences for medical practitioners found to be violating the ban, including the suspension of their licenses. It also provided a legal pathway for minors who had undergone such procedures to sue for damages. However, United States District Judge Robert Hinkle, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, paused the enforcement of SB 254 in June 2023. And on June 4 this year, Hinkle blocked the state from enforcing SB 254 on three minors involved in an ongoing lawsuit. The preliminary injunction is specific to these three minors and does not extend to others who might seek similar care. But then, the ruling indicates that a key law component could be overturned as the legal challenge progresses. In his comprehensive 44-page ruling, Hinkle argued that the procedures in question do not equate to sterilization or castration. He claimed that minors undergoing these treatments have not been intentionally sterilized in Florida or elsewhere. Thus, he denounced the ban as a politically motivated decision lacking a "legitimate state interest." "Gender identity is real," he wrote in his order. "In time, discrimination against transgender individuals will diminish, just as racism and misogyny have diminished." 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. Moreover, Hinkle ruled that the law unconstitutionally discriminated based on sex, as it permitted healthcare providers to continue offering puberty blockers or hormone therapy to children and adults who are not transgender. This view conflicts with the stance of the administration, which considers puberty blockers a method of medical sterilization and links certain transgender surgeries to castration. DeSantis vows to stop mutilation of children In response to the ruling, DeSantis' press secretary Jeremy Redfern announced that the administration intends to appeal. Redfern stated that the state government believes they must protect children from harmful procedures related to gender transition. (Related: DeSantis declares Florida WILL NOT COMPLY with new Biden rule forcing schools to recognize LGBTQ-identifying students.) "Through their elected representatives, the people of Florida acted to protect children in this state, and the court was wrong to override their wishes," Redfern stated. "We disagree with the Courts erroneous rulings on the law, on the facts, and on the science. As weve seen here in Florida, the United Kingdom, and across Europe, there is no quality evidence to support the chemical and physical mutilation of children. These procedures do permanent, life-altering damage to children, and history will look back on this fad in horror. Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida will continue to fight to ensure children are not chemically or physically mutilated in the name of radical, New Age 'gender ideology.'" Lawyers who represent the plaintiffs in court praised the decision in a statement. "I'm sure most any parent can imagine the sense of powerlessness that comes from being unable to do something as basic as get medical care for your child," said Jane Doe, one of the unidentified plaintiffs who challenged the ban on behalf of herself and her daughter Susan. "Today my entire family is breathing a huge sigh of relief knowing we can now access the treatment that we know will keep Susan healthy and allow her to continue being the happy, confident child she has been." Visit GenderConfused.com to read more stories about the Democrats' pro-LGBTQ push. Watch a mother of six destroy gender activists in a speech at One Million March for Children. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Minnesota's new "gender identity" law strips Christian schools, churches of exemption from hiring LGBTs. Scottish parents face SEVEN YEARS in prison for refusing to affirm children's "gender identity." GROOMER teacher tells 10-year-old to delete private email communications about young student's "gender identity." STUDY: Gender identity is NOT the primary factor contributing to performance disparities in athletics BIOLOGICAL SEX IS. DeSantis signs 5 NEW LAWS to crack down on groomers and sex traffickers in Florida. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com Politico.com Brighteon.com Database leak reveals ALARMING list of Googles privacy blunders, including recording childrens voices and exposing license plates seen on Street View A leaked internal Google database has shed some light on the tech giant's dubious security practices and policies about collecting and storing the personal data of users. The database revealed thousands of reports filed by Google employees about different incidents, from exposed email addresses to recordings of children's voices. While Google insists that these reported events would only affect a handful of users, the wide range of the incidents suggests something alarming: The company isn't as trustworthy despite its reputation as one of the most impactful companies in the world, especially concerning its work involving online privacy and security. (Related: Google sued over coronavirus contact tracing apps that may expose users to data breach.) The now-public Google database covers the period between 2013 and 2018. According to data obtained by 404 Media, the reports include privacy and security issues that Google employees reported internally, These include: Issues with Googles own products or data collection practices. Vulnerabilities in third-party vendors that Google uses. Mistakes made by Google staff, contractors, or others who have impacted Google systems or data. The incidents vary, from one errant email containing some personally identifiable information and even upcoming raids on Google offices. Google transcribed license plates from Street View and exposed email addresses of users In a case from 2016, one Google employee reported that Google Street Views systems were transcribing and storing license plate numbers from photographs. The employee said Google uses an algorithm to detect text in Street View imagery. 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. However, the contents of license plates are also text so they were also "transcribed in many cases." Because of this, the database of objects detected from Street View now unintentionally includes "a database of geolocated license plate numbers and license plate number fragments." The Google employee claimed that this was accidental since the system that transcribes the text should have been avoiding imagery identified by the license plate detectors. However, for unknown reasons, it wasn't. According to the report, the data from license plates has been purged. Another incident involved the leak of more than one million users email addresses from a company that Google acquired. The report revealed that data for Socratic.org could be viewed on the page source of the companys website. They also believe that the geolocation information and IP addresses of users was leaked. The leak even affected children. According to the report, while the leak was already resolved "as part of the closing conditions for this acquisition," the data was exposed for users younger than one "could already have been harvested." Google has endangered data involving children A third report detailed how a Google speech service logged all audio, including an estimated 1,000 children's speech data, for at least one hour. The report also revealed that a team has "deleted all logged speech data from the affected time period." There were also cases where the reports themselves claimed that the issue had been resolved. After 404 Media shared the identifying codes of at least 30 incidents with Google, the company insisted that all of them were resolved at the time. Other incidents classified as high priority or are considered notable in the database include: The global security team warned that it was anticipating a dawn raid of a Google office in Jakarta in April 2017. Something similar also occurred in September 2016. Waze carpool's feature leaked the trips and home addresses of several users. One person modified customer accounts on AdWords (the name for Googles ad platform at the time) to manipulate affiliate tracking codes on ads. One Google employee accessed private videos in Nintendos YouTube account and leaked information before Nintendos planned announcements. According to an internal interview, the activity was "non-intentional." Sabre, a travel agent used by Google, was compromised. The incident leaked Google employee payment information. When iOS users of Google Drive or Docs set access controls on a file as "Anyone with the link," Google treated it as a "Public" link instead. YouTube made recommendations based on videos users had already deleted from their watch history. This was against YouTubes policy. A YouTube blurring feature exposed uncensored versions of pictures. YouTube videos uploaded as unlisted or private could still appear publicly available for a short time. A glitch in Android's keyboard meant that children were pressing the microphone button, with Google recording audio from children as part of the launch of the YouTube Kids app. Visit EvilGoogle.news for similar stories about the tech giant. Watch this episode of "Brighteon Conversations" as Health Ranger Mike Adams talks to attorney Jeffrey Garber and tech censorship expert Jason Fyk about the historic lawsuit against Google, Facebook, Twitter and the U.S. government. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Rumble files $1 billion lawsuit against Google over lost ad revenue. Cyber security threats: 10 Tips for safe internet browsing. Hackers target 23andMe DNA testing company, gain access to 6.9 MILLION user profiles. Brighteon Media sues Google, Facebook, Twitter, NewsGuard, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Global Engagement Center, ISD and others for globally-coordinated government-funded censorship collusion against Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, Natural News and Brighteon. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org 404Media.co Archive.is Brighteon.com A hundred illegals have made Bostons Logan International Airport their home Dozens of illegal immigrant families have now made Boston's Logan International Airport their home Around 100 people, including many children, have started sleeping on cots at the airport's international terminal a scene reminiscent of similar situations at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Videos shot by local news outlets show dozens of migrants huddled in hats and blankets, lying next to their belongings. Massachusetts State Police officers have been working overtime to patrol the area. Gov. Maura Healey has even publicly criticized the administration of President Joe Biden for not addressing the root causes of the crisis. "We need action from Washington, D.C. Congress needs to step up," she said, expressing frustration over the ongoing situation. Healey added that the solutions are clear: Fix the border situation, reform the asylum process and provide funding to states, like Massachusetts, that have been dealing with the issue and "who have had to shoulder the burden for a problem that is geopolitical and is not [of] the states making." Healey is reportedly requesting an additional $250 million from Biden to manage the crisis, although her office estimates the state might need $915 million next year to handle the surge. She has suggested using $700 million from state surplus funds and has already declared a state of emergency. By August 2023, the number of migrants arriving had increased by 80 percent compared to the previous year far exceeding the states capacity to provide emergency assistance. 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 images from Logan International Airport emerged just months after Massachusetts Ports Authority (MassPort) Interim CEO Ed Freni warned that the airport is not a suitable place for migrants to stay. In November, 20 to 25 migrants were arriving each day, mainly from Haiti and Latin America. Freni told CBS News at the time that when migrants arrive at Logan, "We meet them and we try to assist them, but we have to emphasize that Logan is not an appropriate place to house people." The state has reached its limit, with 7,500 families in emergency shelters as of November and now families are being put on wait lists. Some are staying in local churches or government conference rooms. Hundreds of migrants sleeping at Logan International Airport every night Since January 2024, Massachusetts Family Welcome Centers have been sending about 100 to 200 people, including many families with young children, to sleep at Boston Logan International Airport's baggage claim area. These families travel by taxi or ride-hailing services to the airport each night, then return to the states welcome centers in the morning to wait until they can return to the airport for another night. Families, including children under a year old, sleep on thin blankets on the hard floor. DaCosta whose full name is being kept hidden due to his immigration status has been staying at the airport for 10 nights with his wife and three young children, described the conditions as very cold and uncomfortable. The welcome centers were created last summer to help with the influx of migrants providing food, necessities and transportation to shelters. However, the state's family shelter system is now fullleaving hundreds of families without housing. Those without local relatives or friends often head to Logan International Airport, which stays open all night. (Related: Boston couple signs up to house illegal immigrants, gets FOUR delivered within an hour.) Advocates say the number of homeless families at Logan has increased significantly in recent weeks. They attribute this to Healey's decision in November 2023 to cap the number of families in shelters at 7,500 and implement a wait list. While some overflow sites have been opened, there isn't enough space for all the families in need. DaCosta's family came to the U.S. just over a month ago, hoping to stay with relatives in Massachusetts. After two weeks, they had to leave due to a complaint from the landlord. They sought help at a local church and hospital before ending up at the states Family Welcome Center in Quincy. Although eligible for state shelter, they were put on the wait list with no indication of when they would get a shelter unit. While they wait, they spend their nights at Logan International Airport, struggling with the noise and lack of privacy. Healey addressed the issue of families sleeping at the airport, stating that nearly half of the shelter population is newly arrived immigrants. She has called for federal action and funding to help states, like Massachusetts, handle the burden of immigration. Advocates agree that the state has a moral and legal obligation to provide shelter for homeless families. Massachusetts law requires the state to offer emergency shelter to all eligible families, and this is the first time in 40 years that it has been unable to do so immediately. A state spokeswoman said the Family Welcome Centers offer families transportation to any identified safe location, but families are told the airport is not a shelter. Despite this, families continue to go to Logan Airport due to a perceived lack of proper alternatives. Experts are concerned about the well-being of the families and potential security risks at the airport. Healey mentioned that there have been no incidents at Logan International Airport and while the Massachusetts State Police and MassPort have not hired additional staff, they have staff available who speak Haitian Creole and Spanish to assist the families. Watch this report from CBS Boston discussing how dozens of migrants are now sleeping on the floor at Logan International Airport. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Illegal migrants camp at U.S. airports, MA Governor Healey pleads for Washington and Congress to act on the crisis. Massachusetts governors plan to fill former Boston veteran housing with HOMELESS ILLEGALS sparks outrage. Illegal alien invaders get free health care, food, education, housing cell phones and debit cards while Americas homeless veterans sleep on the streets because invaders vote Democrat. Sources include: Modernity.news NYPost.com WBUR.org Brighteon.com Political candidate offers to help Trump achieve justice if hes elected Many Americans, even those who arent fans of the former president, believe that Donald Trump did not get fair treatment in his recent Manhattan court case in which he was convicted of 34 felonies, and now one aspiring politician has proposed a solution for helping him get justice. James Judge, who is running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Floridas 15th district and is a Coast Guard veteran, made headlines when he shared his idea during the recent Hillsborough Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. I will introduce legislation on President Trumps first day in office to suspend the writ of habeas corpus; this will give President Trump the authority to arrest and imprison treasonous officials and subversives that occupy positions about our government, he said, acknowledging that it might sound extreme but emphasizing that he is serious about it. Multiple experts have suggested that Trumps team might try a strategy involving a writ of habeas corpus, which can be used to bring prisoners and other detainees before a court to determine if their detention is lawful, although most of the approaches involve Trump using the legal remedy in a different way. For example, John Eastman, who has been indicted in two states for alleged election interference, said in an interview: "I urge Trump's legal team to file a writ of habeas corpus with the U.S Supreme Court. It's a rare move, but I think it needs to be done before people start seeking remedies on their own." For him, its about avoiding an uprising following a trial that he said was full of contradictions and violations of due process. 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. Syracuse University law professor Greg Germain told Newsweek that he foresees habeas corpus and other types of challenges should Trump be handed jail time in his sentencing on July 11. "If the judge sentences Trump to immediate prison, it would be World War III in the judicial system. I would expect Trump to file emergency appeals with the appellate division requesting a stay pending appeal, a habeas corpus action in federal court and legislative demands for Supreme Court intervention. I think the appellate division would quickly grant a stay pending appeal. However, he thinks its unlikely Trump will face any time behind bars. The trial had many questionable aspects, such as the judge refusing to recuse himself from the case despite his family benefiting financially from his daughters work for Biden and other Democrats. A gag order has prevented Trump from speaking about it; requests by his team to lift it after his recent verdict were denied in a decision that law professor and defense attorney Jonathan Turley said was untethered from any compelling rationale, particularly in light of the election. Poll shows Trump and Biden in dead heat despite conviction Although Democrats are doing their best to use the legal system against Trump to tarnish his image, voter sentiment has not shifted much since his conviction. An NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll survey that came out this week showed that if the elections were held today, 49% of national registered voters would vote for Biden and 49% would vote for Trump. This actually marks a slight uptick for Trump and a decline for Biden; when the same poll was conducted in May, 50% of voters said they would vote for Biden while 48% would vote for Trump. When it comes to some of Americas most pressing challenges, Trump beats Biden handily, with voters saying he was better equipped to deal with the economy (54% for Trump vs. 45% for Biden) and immigration (54% to 44%). Sources for this article include: BigLeaguePolitics.com Newsweek.com MaristPoll.Marist.edu Poll finds older Arizona voters OVERWHELMINGLY favor Trump over Biden A recent American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) poll reveals that voters aged 50 and above in the key battleground state of Arizona strongly favor former President Donald Trump over incumbent President Joe Biden. The AARP poll, conducted from May 28 to June 4 among 600 likely Arizona voters, indicates that voters in the state overall lean towards Trump, with 45 percent support compared to Biden's 37 percent. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. follows with 11 percent, while Jill Stein of the Green Party came in at three percent. Chase Oliver, the candidate of the Libertarian Party, failed to draw any significant support. Four percent of respondents remain undecided. (Related: Poll: Trump LEADS Biden in seven key swing states.) Trump's lead over Biden widens to 52 percent against 43 percent among 800 likely voters aged 50 and over, while Trump and Biden are tied among female voters of the same age. But despite Biden's apparent weakness among older voters, the AARP poll does not indicate a broader party split in Arizona. This detailed segment also highlights a stronger preference for Trump among older voters in the state and a potential vulnerability in Biden's support base as the election draws nearer. In a two-way race scenario with Biden among respondents aged 18 and over, Trump maintains a six-point lead, with 50 percent of the vote compared to Biden's 44 percent. Four percent of voters are undecided and two percent express support for another candidate. Additionally, Trump holds a six-point advantage with independents in both the multi-candidate and head-to-head races. 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. Moreover, the poll reflects voters dissatisfaction with Bidens performance during his term, with only 36 percent approving of his job performance and 62 percent disapproving. In contrast, Trump enjoys a favorable retrospective approval rating, with 53 percent of respondents approving of his performance during his presidency, compared to 46 percent who disapprove. Biden launches campaign rally to attract senior voters in Arizona This polling data suggests a fresh challenge for Biden, whose support has been waning among voters without college degrees, young voters and Black voters since the 2020 election. This, in turn, led Biden's campaign to intensify its outreach to older voters in Arizona. For instance, the Biden campaign has launched the "Seniors for Biden-Harris" initiative that incorporates a mix of traditional campaign rallies, phone banks and unique social events such as bingo nights and pickleball games to engage older voters. "Seniors are such a critical part of our coalition," said Biden campaign manager Julia Chavez Rodriguez. "It is vitally important that we engage them this election cycle because they know President Biden is the only candidate in this race fighting for lower prescription drug and health care costs and to protect and safeguard Medicare and Social Security. [First Lady Jill Biden] is both a trusted voice for seniors speaking to the issues that matter most to them and a galvanizing force to activate our supporters ahead of the election." The campaign is focusing on older adults, who not only have a higher voter turnout compared to the average American but also constitute a significant portion of the population in key swing states. This demographics support is seen as crucial for maximizing the campaign's chances of defeating Trump. In March, the Biden campaign announced plans to highlight Republican threats to Social Security and Medicare in critical states, including Arizona, through an advertising campaign and multiple press conferences. Visit Trump.news for more stories about the former president ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Watch Bill O'Reilly explain why former President Donald Trump governed better than his Democratic predecessor and successor. This video is from the Newsclips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Poll: Trump LEADS Biden in five key swing states Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and North Carolina. POLL: Trump LEADS Biden in five of six key swing states. Trump LEADS Biden by 8 points in latest Rasmussen Reports poll. Meredith Poll: Donald Trump LEADS Joe Biden by five points in North Carolina. Trump LEADS among Hispanic and under-35 voters in new poll. Sources include: Breitbart.com Reuters.com ABC15.com Brighteon.com Saudi Crown Prince Salman calls for Netanyahu to be held criminally responsible for crimes against Palestinians A renewed call for peace and safety in the Middle East has come from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, who in a public speech called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pay for what he has done in the Gaza Strip. Addressing a room full of regional leaders in the Middle East, Prince Salman spoke out against what Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are doing to the Palestinian people in Gaza as they wage war on Hamas. "Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses: the Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of the continued aggression, occupation, and forced displacement of the residents of Gaza," Prince Salman said in the address, which you can watch below. "It also affirms that it holds the occupying authorities responsible for the crimes committed against the Palestinian people and their capabilities." Saudi Arabia Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman calls for Netanyahu to be held criminally responsible for their crimes against Palestinians. The Saudi Prince also called for an end to the illegal occupation and for the recognition of the "State of Palestine" with the 1967 borders pic.twitter.com/A142EiJ0l2 Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) June 18, 2024 (Related: Netanyahu has stooped so low as to beg Biden for help in blocking the International Criminal Court [ICC] from trying to prosecute and imprison him for war crimes against the Palestinian people.) Prince Salman: Reestablish 1967 borders for independent Palestinian state Prince Salman would go on in his address to call for Israel to immediately withdraw from Gaza, and for an official "State of Palestine" to be recognized in accordance with the borders established in 1967. "We are certain that the only way to achieve security, peace, and stability in the region is to end the occupation, siege, and settlement, and for the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights and establish their independent state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital," Prince Salman said. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. 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. "This ensures the sustainability of security and stability of the region and its countries. Peace be upon you." Prince Salman's statements towards Netanyahu are curious in that he secretly met with Netanyahu back in 2020 while the world was consumed with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic." Netanyahu reportedly traveled to Saudi Arabia to pay Prince Salman a visit alongside then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as Donald Trump was president at the time. Israel's Haaretz media outlet confirmed the visit, which took place around the same time that Pompeo took a tour of Gulf Arab states following a U.S.-brokered agreement between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain to normalize ties. There was turbulence even back then between Saudi Arabia and Israel about Palestinian statehood. And now that October 7 has happened, things have come to a head with Saudi Arabia officially calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state. On X, someone speculated that perhaps the Rothschild private banking cartel, which functions as a driving force for global Zionism in the world, has lost control of the Saudis. "Rothschild banking has been taken over by the white hats," this person wrote. "This may have been part of the deal set up by Trump and the military to reward Bin Salman." "Mohammed Bin Salman is Trump's friend," wrote another. Someone else chimed in that it took Prince Salman long enough to finally say something in defense of the people of Gaza. "This is all just political theater," speculated another that the good cop-bad cop routine is just a show. "We must ask ourselves what is Power attempting to do and attempting to get us to believe that they are not explicitly stating?" The latest news about the tumultuous situation in the Middle East right now can be found at WWIII.news. Sources for this article include: BlueLetterBible.org Twitter.com NaturalNews.com Sg.news.yahoo.com War at our doorliterally! Russian warships and nuclear sub in Cuba could annihilate all of America before U.S. assets in the area could stop them While the media is busy falsely claiming that U.S. "assets in the area" are capable of mitigating threats to America from Russian warships and a nuclear submarine in Cuba, just 90 miles from the U.S., what they aren't admitting is that a nuclear strike against America can hit us in about two minutes (Article by Susan Duclos republished from AllNewsPipeline.com) No warning, no chance to get out of the way, only being able to pray it isn't a direct hit or close enough for radiation to take you out in a brutally painful way. In the meantime, while the U.S.-led NATO might be on Russia's doorstep, an American response will do far less damage to Russia's people than a Russian nuclear strike on America would do to us, because as we have previously noted, Russia has updated their nuclear bunkers for their citizenry, while America's underground bunkers are only meant for nation leaders, Military and their families. Yes, Russia has been at our door before but only once when tensions have been this high, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, but Biden is not JFK, and he does not have a naval blockade around Cuba, nor did the U.S. spend considerable effort to poke at the Russian president at every given opportunity, while butting into the Russia/Ukraine war. Also, weapons, including nuclear weapons, were not as advanced as they are in present day. Below is an excerpt from Fox News via MSN, who is also downplaying the dangers. Russia's fleet of warships in Cuba poses a "limited threat" to the U.S. mainland and its Navy, an expert said, but the move by Russian President Vladimir Putin is far from unprecedented. Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery (ret.) told Fox News Digital that U.S. assets in the area are more than capable of outmaneuvering the three warships and lone nuclear submarine that arrived in Cuba on Wednesday. "There have been three of these incidents in the past 20 years, so it's a traditional, normal-sized deployment despite being infrequent," Montgomery said, though he did note the inclusion of the submarine is "somewhat more interesting." In the meantime we have a U.S. attack submarine, which is supposed to make us feel better about a nuclear submarine on our doorstep. I am sure the people of Florida, or any other place Russia is capable of hitting while 90 miles from the U.S., are comforted to know that should Russia nuke them, we'll be able to attack that nuclear submarine afterwards. Real comforting, yes? No. Below, we delve into a warning from someone that knows Russia far better than the Biden regime, or our U.S. military.... an ex-KGB spy. WARNING FROM FORMER RUSSIAN SPY...... Newsweek, via MSN, headlines a piece with "Ex-KGB Spy 'Worried' About Russian Warships Near Florida." Since he now lives in the U.S. he has cause to be worried. Although his concern is that with tensions so high between the U.S. and Russia, there might be an "accidental" launch. His subsequent comments though tell us that any launch, won't truly be accidental. 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. Jack Barsky tells NewsNation "You've got to be worried about this kind of stuff. You can't look at this as just a routine exercise. It has to be seen against the background where Putin is stating that he's actually fighting the West in the Ukraine." Make no mistake, if Russia launches a nuke at the U.S., it'll be no accident, but rather a direct order from Putin, since the U.S. is not only meddling in Russia's region, we are arming their enemy, and recent reports indicate that the Biden regime, whatever lunatic is actually running things, have agreed to allow U.S. weapons to be used by Ukraine, to attack inside of Russia. The Biden administration has quietly given Ukraine permission to strike inside Russia solely near the area of Kharkiv using U.S.-provided weapons, three U.S. officials and two other people familiar with the move said Thursday, a major reversal that will help Ukraine to better defend its second-largest city. Barsky is correct, the U.S. is using Ukraine as a proxy against Russia, so Putin is correct, we are in a war with Russia. Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com In a remarkable turn of events, the Nashville crayfish, native to the streams of Tennessee, has bounced back from the brink of extinction. This small crustacean, which calls the urban waterways of Nashville home, has seen its numbers increase thanks to the concerted efforts of conservationists and local biologists. A Remarkable Recovery The Nashville Zoo has been at the forefront of these efforts, conducting annual censuses and closely monitoring the crayfish's habitat in Mill Creek. These efforts have been crucial in ensuring that the urban development encroaching on Nashville does not impede the species' recovery. Dale McGinnity, the curator of ectotherms at the Nashville Zoo, has spent a decade studying the crayfish, flipping over rocks in Mill Creek to track their progress. His findings are encouraging: the population has been steady or even slightly increasing over the years. The Debate Over Protections The crayfish's rebound has sparked a debate among environmentalists, government officials, and biologists. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, noting the species' recovery, has proposed removing the Nashville crayfish from the endangered species list-a proposal that has been under consideration since 2019. However, some biologists are concerned that delisting the crayfish could lead to a reversal of its fortunes. They argue that the species still requires protection due to its limited range and the ongoing threats posed by urbanization. The crayfish's habitat is confined to a relatively small area, making it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and development. Conservation Efforts and Urban Challenges The Nashville crayfish's habitat has been under pressure from the rapid urbanization of its namesake city. Stormwater runoff from parking lots and buildings used to flow directly into Mill Creek, causing flooding and introducing pollutants into the crayfish's environment. Recent changes to stormwater regulations have improved conditions for the crayfish. Runoff now drains to bioretention areas, where it is slowly reabsorbed into the ground, reducing the impact on Mill Creek. This change has been credited with contributing to the crayfish's current healthy population. Also Read: Invasive Australian Redclaw Crayfish Found in Texas Might Carry Plague, Officials Warn Looking Ahead As the debate continues, the fate of the Nashville crayfish remains uncertain. The decision to maintain or remove protections will have far-reaching implications for conservation efforts and urban development planning. The Nashville crayfish's story is a testament to the effectiveness of environmental stewardship and the complexities involved in balancing conservation with growth. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of success, vigilance is necessary to ensure the continued survival of vulnerable species How can individuals contribute to crayfish conservation? Individuals can significantly impact crayfish conservation by educating themselves and their communities about crayfish species and their habitats, as well as the challenges they face. Advocating for the protection of waterways and wetlands, reducing pollution by minimizing the use of harmful substances, and disposing of waste responsibly are key actions. Participation in citizen science projects, such as crayfish surveys, can provide valuable data to scientists. Encouraging sustainable land use and controlling invasive species are also important. Additionally, supporting conservation legislation and contributing financially to organizations focused on freshwater conservation can help sustain efforts to protect crayfish and their habitats. Through these collective actions, individuals can help ensure the health and longevity of crayfish populations and the freshwater ecosystems they inhabit. Related article: Decline of Rusty Crayfish Detects in Northern Wisconsin that Can Benefit Fish, Water Plants, 33-Year Study Reveals In the tranquil waters of central Scotland, as dusk envelops the landscape, a group of nature enthusiasts gathers to witness a remarkable sight: beavers, once extinct in the region, now thrive, their presence a testament to a successful reintroduction program. These beavers, known as "ecosystem engineers," have been pivotal in mitigating flooding, enhancing water quality, and bolstering wildlife populations. However, their resurgence has not been universally welcomed, as the farming community grapples with the challenges posed by these industrious creatures. The Benefits of Beaver Activity Beavers were reintroduced into the wilds of Scotland in 2009, marking a significant milestone in the nation's ecological restoration efforts. By 2020-21, the beaver population had grown to nearly 1,000 individuals, a success attributed to their lack of natural predators in the area. NatureScot, the public body responsible for Scotland's natural heritage, lauds the beavers for their role in boosting biodiversity and aiding flood protection through their natural behaviors, which include tree cutting, burrow digging, channel creation, and dam building. The positive impact of beavers is evident at Argaty farm, north of Stirling, where the presence of beavers has transformed the landscape. Lynn Bower, the farm's owner, praises the beavers for their contribution to preventing winter floods that once plagued the farm track. The beavers' dams have effectively held back water, reducing the need for costly annual repairs. The expanded wetland area has quickly become a haven for wildlife, from dragonflies and frogs to bats, showcasing the rapid and remarkable benefits of these natural engineers. Also Read: Why Beaver Teeth Are So Tough The Farmer's Perspective: Challenges and Concerns Despite the ecological advantages, the reintroduction of beavers has been met with resistance from the farming community. Farmers like Douglas Neill express concerns over the suitability of beavers in Scotland's landscape, citing instances where beaver activities have led to significant agricultural damage. Neill recounts the collapse of an embankment protecting his land from the River Tay, which resulted in his potato field being inundated, a consequence of burrows dug by the beavers. The National Farmers' Union in Scotland, represented by its president Martin Kennedy, advocates for "complete exclusion areas" to safeguard farm production from the unintended effects of beaver activity. While NatureScot acknowledges the difficulties faced by farmers, it remains committed to monitoring the beaver population to identify ways in which both people and ecosystems can derive the most benefit from these animals. Beavers' Impact on Water Quality Beavers, often referred to as "ecosystem engineers," have a profound impact on water quality through their dam-building activities. These structures can trap sediment and pollutants, effectively filtering them out and improving water clarity. Additionally, beaver dams have been shown to enhance nitrogen removal from water bodies, with some studies indicating up to a 44% increase in nitrogen filtration. This process is vital for maintaining the ecological balance and preventing eutrophication, which can lead to excessive algae growth and oxygen depletion. The water diversion caused by beaver dams also contributes to this filtering process, as water is directed into surrounding soils and secondary channels, further purifying it before it rejoins the main waterway. However, it's important to note that these dams can also increase the concentration of certain pollutants, such as methyl mercury and ammonium, underscoring the complex nature of their environmental impact. Overall, beavers play a crucial role in shaping water ecosystems, with their activities leading to significant changes in water quality that can benefit both the environment and human populations. In conclusion, the reintroduction of beavers to Scotland presents a complex narrative of ecological triumphs and agricultural challenges. As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a balance between conservation efforts and the needs of the farming community will be crucial in shaping the future of Scotland's diverse landscapes. Related article: Beavers: Savior of the Wetlands From Drought Caused by Climate Change The latest report raised concerns about the alarming decline in Javan Rhino populations due to widespread poaching, and habitat loss in Indonesia. Javan rhinos are unique in Indonesia, but these species have suffered from continuous poaching threats. Rhinos have been hunted and killed due to their market value. If the threats to Javan rhinos continue, recovery could become challenging. As a result, urgent and stringent measures are needed to help protect rhino populations in Indonesia. Additionally, monitoring efforts can prevent possible poaching activities in the country. According to a report, rhinos are crucial for the environment and ecosystems. These species are essential grazers and help ensure the health of vegetation. Habitat loss and Poaching Threats to Rhinos A recent report shows that habitat loss and poaching are two main stressors for rhino populations. Poaching occurs due to the demand for rhino horns in parts of Asia, and they are also killed to use for traditional medicines. Although rhinos play a crucial role in the environment, they have continued to suffer from major poaching, warning of a possible extinction crisis if there are no stringent measures. The report highlights the poaching wave in Indonesia. To address the challenging problems of poaching, authorities are on alert. At least six alleged poachers were arrested, while eight have remained on the run. Javan rhinos are hunted because of the increasing demand for horns, as indicated by poachers. These horns are being sold in black markets for medicinal purposes. Because of the widespread poaching problems, conservationists in the region are shocked by the scale of the incidents. Alarmingly, at least 26 rhinos have died since 2018. Another concern is the insider's help in providing information about these rhinos. Authorities were concerned about how poachers managed to track the protected animals. When being investigated, these poachers explained that they had recent data on different rhino locations and potential tip-offs. While insider help is still under investigation, law enforcement is responding by tightening security in protected areas and installing rangers to help protect these endangered animals. According to the report, the population estimate of Javan rhinos in the wild is at least 50, requiring immediate assessment of the species after the recent poaching incidents. Also Read: More 4,000 Species Affected By Worldwide Wildlife Trafficking, UN Report Says Urgent Conservation Efforts to Protect Javan Rhinos Considering the recent poaching risks, urgent conservation efforts are crucial to save the further decline of rhino species in Indonesia. Recently, the report documented new births of Javan rhinos after finding a calf that is at least three months old. Cameras spotted the animal at Ujung Kulon. As rhinos continue to breed or repopulate, protecting their areas or habitats is crucial to prevent extinction. Related Article: Rare Javan Rhinoceros Calf Found Roaming in Indonesia National Park, Urging for Conservation Efforts For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News The discovery of an invasive species, the Chinese/Japanese Mystery Snail, in Lake Lanier has raised significant environmental and health concerns among local experts and residents. These snails, which can grow up to 2 inches long and are characterized by their brown shells with several spirals, were initially found during routine sampling. The discovery was not an isolated incident; further investigation indicated a viable, reproducing population of these snails, suggesting a potential ecological crisis. The Mystery Snails' Impact and Prevention Efforts The presence of these snails in Lake Lanier, a popular recreational spot, has led to warnings from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division. The snails, native to Asia, have been found in various regions of Georgia over the past 11 years, according to state wildlife websites and the U.S. Geological Survey. Their introduction into Lake Lanier, however, is particularly troubling due to the lake's proximity to Atlanta and its popularity. State wildlife officials are concerned about the snails' potential to negatively impact native snail populations and the risk of hosting intestinal parasites if consumed raw or undercooked. The illegal status of live mystery snails in Georgia underscores the seriousness of the issue. Officials urge the public to avoid releasing non-native animals into the water and to clean boats and fishing equipment thoroughly to prevent the spread of invasive species. International Experts Warn of the Rising Threat from Invasive Species A team of international experts has issued a stark warning about the increasing threat posed by invasive species, calling for immediate global action. The critical evaluation, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, emphasizes the need for international collaboration to address this pressing issue. The paper, which reflects the findings of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) thematic assessment report, warns that the impacts observed today are likely just the beginning of what could be a much larger problem. Also Read: World's Smallest Land Snail Species Discovered in Vietnam and Laos A Call to Action: Combating Invasive Alien Species The report, authored by 88 experts from 47 countries, highlights that invasive alien species have been recognized as a major threat to both nature and human well-being. With approximately two hundred new alien species introduced globally each year by human activities, the paper calls for urgent action to prevent further ecological damage. The experts note that interactions among drivers of biodiversity loss are amplifying biological invasions, with no single driver acting in isolation. How can we prevent the spread of these snails? To effectively prevent the spread of invasive snails, a multifaceted approach is necessary. It begins with the Clean, Drain, and Dry principle for all watercraft and equipment, ensuring that any potential snail stowaways are removed before moving to new locations. Inspection and removal of snails from boats, trailers, and other gear are critical steps, especially before transitioning between different bodies of water. Public education and awareness campaigns play a vital role in informing the community about the risks of releasing non-native species into the wild. Regulations and enforcement are also key, as they can help prevent the import and sale of invasive species. Supporting research and monitoring efforts can lead to early detection and more effective management of invasive populations. Additionally, avoiding the movement of plant materials across regions and being cautious with pet and aquarium care can significantly reduce the risk of spreading these snails. Finally, habitat management that favors native species can make environments less hospitable to invasive snails, thereby protecting the ecosystem. By adhering to these guidelines and encouraging widespread community participation, we can make strides in combating the spread of invasive snails and preserving biodiversity. In conclusion, the discovery of the invasive mystery snails in Georgia's Lake Lanier and the international call for action against invasive species underscore the ongoing battle against ecological threats. The situation demands a concerted effort from individuals, communities, and nations to safeguard our environment for future generations. Related article: Cone Snail Venom Might Hold the Cure for Malaria, Study Shows Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Annand said hes no competition law expert, but noted that the CMA had only announced a so-called Phase One inquiry, to see if a more thorough Phase Two investigation is warranted. The CMA has not released a hypothesis as to why this merger might interfere with fair trading, nor, as I understand it, are they required to. We will not know the likelihood of a delay or scuttling of the merger until we see the submissions from interested parties, he said. Considering the likely effect on the market, he added, Juniper is 10% the size of Cisco and one-quarter the size of HPE. They have complementary and not competing products, and the size of the newly combined company is not out of step with other Tier One IT Infrastructure companies. When the deal was announced in January, HPE, which has a market cap of about $21 billion, said the acquisition is expected to double its networking business by adding a significant, though somewhat overlapping, campus and data-center product lineup. Junipers enterprise networking business was the largest of its three core divisions cloud, service provider and enterprise in the first quarter of 2022 for the first time in Junipers history, and it has continued to grow since then. Junipers market cap is about $12 billion. Mauricio Sanchez, senior director of enterprise security and networking research at DellOro Group, had prevously described the acquisition as a tectonic shift for the networking industry and extends HPEs reach into distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack protection offerings, firewalls, cloud workload security, and distributed cloud networking markets: HPE has been in the networking industry even longer, going back to the 1980s, and most recently, a well-regarded enterprise networking player with Aruba campus solutions. However, both firms have a wider portfolio that spans the network security and SASE/SD-WAN technology landscape. He said key strengths of the deal are the fact that Juniper brings a number of network security technologies that HPE lacks, and that its reputation in the cloud and comms service provider space will help HPEs overall credibility. Over 3.20 lakh affected by flood fury in northeast I ncessant monsoon rains during the past few days triggered landslides, floods and water-logging in several northeastern states, affecting around 3.20 lakh people and badly affecting normal life besides damaging public and private property, officials said on Wednesday. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), incessant rain has thrown life out of gear in a majority of the districts in the state with around three lakh people people in 19 districts reeling under the fury of floods. ASDMA officials said that 105 relief camps were set up in different districts to provide shelter to the flood-affected people while 3,326.31 hectares of cropland have been affected by the current flood. In the current monsoon flood, at least 26 people died so far in different districts of Assam. In Arunachal Pradesh, landslides, floods, and water-logging have badly affected the normal life for several thousand people in different districts. A portion of National Highway-415 and a culvert were washed away at Karsingsa, severing connectivity between Nirjuli and Banderdewa. Officials said eight relief camps have been established in Itanagar and adjoining areas to provide temporary shelter to those affected by landslides and flooding. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who also holds the Disaster Management portfolio, held a review meeting on Wednesday with officials. He has urged the people to stay safe, take necessary precautions, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated on weather advisories, emphasizing that the administration is on high alert to ensure everyone's safety. In Meghalaya, nonstop rain in the state over the last few days has claimed two lives and affected over 3,000 people in 42 villages in six districts. Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) officials said that the deceased were identified as Probino Warbah, 48, in East Khasi Hills and Kantly Maram, 49, in West Khasi Hills. The incessant rain and flood also affected life and damaged houses and roads in Mizoram and Tripura. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rains in several states in the northeast over the next few days. Over 3.20 lakh affected by flood fury in northeast Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Sri Lankan President inaugurates India-funded projects during EAM Jaishankar's Colombo visit M arking strong neighbourhood ties between South Asia's historical allies India and Sri Lanka, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday jointly inaugurated the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) under a $6 million grant from India. Placed at vital points in the Indian Ocean Island, the MRCC has centres at the Navy Headquarters in Colombo, a sub-centre in Hambantota, and crucial unmanned installations at Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro, and Mullikulam. Jaishankar and President Wickremesinghe jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the MRCC established by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). They also joined the virtual handing over of 154 new houses built under the Indian housing development partnership initiative. "Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives. Under President Wickramasinghe's guidance, discussed the way forward for the India-Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties," said Jaishankar. As many as 106 houses have been built in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts while 24 houses each were built in Colombo and Trincomalee districts. They add to the already-built 3,700 houses which are part of 4000 houses to be built under Phase-3 of the Indian Housing Project (IHP), an initiative taken by India after the destruction caused by the three-decade-long war which ended in 2009. Following the end of the civil war, the Indian government launched a project to build 50,000 houses at a cost of (Sri Lankan) Rs 33 billion across Sri Lanka, covering all 25 districts including war-torn north and eastern provinces and at the central hills where Indian-origin Tamils work in tea plantations. This is Jaishankar's first official visit after the formation of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also met PM Dinesh Gunawardena and his counterpart M.U.M. Alisabry. "Reiterated India's strong support through development and connectivity initiatives. Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of people of Sri Lanka," the EAM posted on X after his meeting with Gunawardena on Thursday afternoon. Among other issues, Jaishankar is also expected to discuss the possible visit of PM Modi to Sri Lanka, later this year. The Sri Lankan President was in New Delhi on June 9 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, Wickramasinghe invited the Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan President inaugurates India-funded projects during EAM Jaishankar's Colombo visit Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! A team of researchers, led by scientists at UCL and University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany, have developed a simple blood test that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict Parkinson's up to seven years before the onset of symptoms. Parkinson's disease is the world's fastest growing neurodegenerative disorder and currently affects nearly 10 million people across the globe. The condition is a progressive disorder that is caused by the death of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls movement. These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine, due to the build-up of a protein alpha-synuclein. Currently, people with Parkinson's are treated with dopamine replacement therapy after they have already developed symptoms, such as tremor, slowness of movement and gait, and memory problems. But researchers believe that early prediction and diagnosis would be valuable for finding treatments that could slow or stop Parkinson's by protecting the dopamine producing brain cells. As new therapies become available to treat Parkinson's, we need to diagnose patients before they have developed the symptoms. We cannot regrow our brain cells and therefore we need to protect those that we have. At present we are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted and we need to start experimental treatments before patients develop symptoms. Therefore, we set out to use state-of-the-art technology to find new and better biomarkers for Parkinson's disease and develop them into a test that we can translate into any large NHS laboratory. With sufficient funding, we hope that this may be possible within two years." Kevin Mills, Senior Author, Professor, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health The research, published in Nature Communications, found that when a branch of AI called machine learning, analysed a panel of eight blood based biomarkers whose concentrations are altered in patients with Parkinson's, it could provide a diagnosis with 100% accuracy. The team then experimented to see whether the test could predict the likelihood that a person would go on to develop Parkinson's. They did this by analyzing blood from 72 patients with Rapid Eye Movement Behaviour Disorder (iRBD). This disorder results in patients physically acting out their dreams without knowing it (having vivid or violent dreams). It is now known that about 75-80% of these people with iRBD will go on to develop a synucleinopathy (a type of brain disorder caused by the abnormal buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein in brain cells) - including Parkinson's. When the machine learning tool analyzed the blood of these patients it identified that 79% of the iRBD patients had the same profile as someone with Parkinson's. The patients were followed up over the course of ten years and the AI predictions have so far matched the clinical conversion rate - with the team correctly predicting 16 patients as going on to develop Parkinson's and being able to do this up to seven years before the onset of any symptoms. The team are now continuing to follow up on those predicted to develop Parkinson's, to further verify the accuracy of the test. Co-first-author Dr Michael Bartl (University Medical Center Goettingen) who conducted the research from the clinical side alongside Dr Jenny Hallqvist (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health), said: "By determining 8 proteins in the blood, we can identify potential Parkinson's patients several years in advance. This means that drug therapies could potentially be given at an earlier stage, which could possibly slow down disease progression or even prevent it from occurring. "We have not only developed a test, but can diagnose the disease based on markers that are directly linked to processes such as inflammation and degradation of non-functional proteins. So these markers represent possible targets for new drug treatments." Co-author, Professor Kailash Bhatia (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery) and his team are currently examining the test's accuracy by analysing samples from those in the population who are at high risk of developing Parkinson's, for example those with mutations in particular genes such as 'LRRK2' or 'GBA' that cause Gaucher disease. The team are also hoping to secure funding to create a simpler blood spot test where a drop of blood can be spotted on a card and posted to the lab to investigate if it can predict Parkinson's disease even earlier than the seven years before the onset of symptoms in this study. The research was funded by an EU Horizon 2020 grant, Parkinson's UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Research GOSH Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR GOSH BRC), and the Szeben-Peto Foundation. Professor David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson's UK, said: "This research, co-funded by Parkinson's UK, represents a major step forward in the search for a definitive and patient friendly diagnostic test for Parkinson's. Finding biological markers that can be identified and measured in the blood is much less invasive than a lumbar puncture, which is being used more and more in clinical research. "With more work, it may be possible that this blood based test could distinguish between Parkinson's and other conditions that have some early similarities, such as Multiple Systems Atrophy or Dementia with Lewy Bodies. "The findings add to an exciting flurry of recent activity towards finding a simple way to test for and measure Parkinson's." Lonely people are more likely to take medication for depression, psychosis and other mental health disorders. We have found a correlation between loneliness and several mental health problems." Ruben Rodriguez-Cano, Associate Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU's) Department of Psychology In a new study, researchers are looking at whether lonely people are more prone to problems such as depression and psychosis. Based on medication use, the correlation is clear. "The risk of a lonely person also struggling with mental health problems is greater than for people who are not lonely," says Rodriguez-Cano. The results have been published in BJPsych Open. What comes first? The mental health problems identified by the study are both serious and wide-ranging. "Our research indicates that loneliness increases the risk of developing psychosis, bipolar disorders and severe depression," says Rodriguez-Cano. But is it loneliness that causes the mental health problems, or is it the mental health problems that cause people to feel lonely? It can be both. "When evaluating how loneliness develops from adolescence to adulthood, we found that people with psychotic and bipolar disorders are more likely to experience increased loneliness after adolescence. Although we cannot identify causality in our study, the correlation between loneliness and serious mental illness is clear from a long-term perspective," says Associate Professor Rodriguez-Cano. Multiple correlations Loneliness and being alone are two different things. Some people choose to be alone and cope just fine without it having a negative impact on their mental health, but lonely people can really struggle. "For example, people who are in the early stages of mental illness during their adolescence may experience problems with their social relationships. This can result in them feeling more alone, and this worsens their psychopathology," says Rodriguez-Cano. Moreover, people who generally feel lonely may experience low self-esteem, and this can lead to loneliness, which in turn can increase mental disorders in adulthood. Studied thousands of people over several decades The researchers studied approximately 2600 people who participated in the long-term study Young in Norway, which has been ongoing since 1992. It follows thousands of people who were teenagers in the 1990s. The researchers can therefore see how the participants have fared over a long period of time. In this study, they followed the participants for over 20 years. The information they gathered was compiled with data about medication use from the Norwegian Prescription Database. "More than 80 per cent of the participants did not receive mental health medication during the period we investigated," says Associate Professor Rodriguez-Cano. In other words, most people do not struggle with mental health problems. However, 12 per cent received at least one type of psychotropic medication, and 7 per cent received two or more. In total, these groups consist of almost 500 people. Should monitor lonely adolescents "Researchers, politicians and various social actors, both at preventive and clinical levels, should monitor loneliness during adolescence. We need to create opportunities for young people to feel less alone, thus preventing mental health problems," concludes Rodriguez-Cano. This work is a collaboration between researchers from NTNU, the University of Oslo, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, OsloMet, Oslo University Hospital and Innlandet Hospital Trust. Gov. Gavin Newsom, state lawmakers, and health industry leaders have a small window to reach an agreement on billions of new dollars for Medi-Cal before it's put to voters in November. An initiative, supported by virtually every sector of the state's health care industry as well as the local Republican and Democratic parties, would lock in the money for Medi-Cal, California's version of the Medicaid health insurance program for low-income residents. The funds would be used primarily to increase payment rates for health care professionals who serve Medi-Cal patients. Newsom, a Democrat, initially supported using the money for that purpose. But after California's fiscal situation darkened, he reversed course in May, proposing to divert most of it to reduce the state's $45 billion budget deficit. The money is from a tax on managed-care health plans that's been around for two decades but has historically been used to offset existing state spending rather than support new investments in Medi-Cal. "The importance of this ballot initiative is finally being serious about investing in the viability of the Medi-Cal system," said Adam Dougherty, chief of emergency medicine at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento. "The MCO tax literally touches every aspect of the Medi-Cal system, and it can't be at the mercy of year-to-year budget crises." Michael Genest, a former finance director under Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, noted that several ballot initiatives approved by voters in the past continue to narrow the state's fiscal choices, including one that limits property tax increases and another that guarantees a large share of the state budget to schools. "We do ballot-box budgeting in the state of California. We've done it forever. And everything we've done in that regard has turned out to be very hard on fiscal stability," Genest said. It's possible that the Coalition to Protect Access to Care, made up of doctors, hospitals, health plans, and other medical providers, could settle their differences with state leaders before a June 27 deadline to withdraw the initiative. Newsom's desire to claw back most of the promised money puts him at odds with proponents of the initiative, many of whom have long counted themselves among his allies. Elana Ross, a spokesperson for Newsom, declined to comment on the status of the initiative. In May, Newsom proposed using about $6.7 billion previously earmarked for Medi-Cal pay hikes and some other health care priorities, mostly in 2025 and 2026, to offset existing state spending. His proposal would retain Medi-Cal payment increases totaling around $300 million a year for some primary care, mental health, and maternity services. The legislature passed a new budget on June 13 largely following the governor's wishes by canceling the planned Medi-Cal increases in 2025. But Newsom hasn't signed off. "What was approved represents a two-house agreement between the Senate and the Assembly not an agreement with the governor," said H.D. Palmer, spokesperson for the state's Department of Finance. "We'll respectfully decline to speculate on what the contours of a final agreement would look like." Revenue from the managed-care tax allows the state to draw matching federal dollars, more than doubling the amount available. Federal and state money would also be used to reimburse the health plans for nearly all the taxes they paid, theoretically having no effect on insurance premiums. California is among 19 states that have such an "MCO tax" in place to help fund their Medicaid programs. Using the tax revenue to pay Medi-Cal providers more is "a generational opportunity to fundamentally fix access to care for Medi-Cal recipients," said Dustin Corcoran, CEO of the California Medical Association and a spokesperson for the ballot initiative. Corcoran said internal polling shows the initiative has public support by "very healthy margins," though he declined to share specific numbers. If the initiative does end up on the November ballot and is approved, it would override any compromise Newsom strikes with lawmakers. It would restore the previously planned Medi-Cal investments for 2025 and 2026. And it would make the increased funding, and more of it, permanent starting in 2027, though that would require federal approval. Proponents of the initiative say it is fundamentally a question of health equity. Medi-Cal covers medical and mental health services for nearly 15 million Californians, well over a third of the state, many of them among the poorest and most vulnerable residents. The program has a budget of about $157 billion, including recent expansions to cover all immigrants regardless of legal status and a $12 billion experiment to offer socioeconomic supports not traditionally covered by health insurance. But access to care is notoriously spotty for many Medi-Cal patients, in part because low payment rates discourage providers from seeing them. The shortage is particularly acute in specialty care. "Our patients wait months for access to specialists or travel great distances to see them," said Joel Ramirez, chief medical officer of Camarena Health, a chain of over 20 community clinics based in Madera. "Higher rates would allow for more providers." Ramirez said 60% to 70% of Camarena's patients are on Medi-Cal, many of them farmworkers. "It's a tall ask for them to find time off work and get the transportation to travel an hour for an appointment," he said. "Whatever condition that patient has that needs the attention of a specialist is being either untreated or incompletely treated." Dougherty, Sutter Medical Center's ER chief, said that over half of his patients are on Medi-Cal and the ER is always at full capacity, with the waiting rooms jammed and an insufficient number of beds. The initiative, he said, "allows us to hire more staff, add more beds, create more infrastructure for the volume we're seeing." This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. In a recent report posted on the Harvard University website, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation present findings from a national poll they conducted to obtain public views on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related policies. About the study In the present study, researchers highlight the views and opinions of US adults regarding emergent epidemics based on a poll conducted between March 21 and April 2, 2024. The researchers surveyed 1,017 individuals in English and Spanish via phone and online. Panelists were selected randomly using an address sampling (ABS) frame and random-digit (RDD) samples from SSRS surveys. Most panelists took the survey online, with a minor subgroup who did not have internet access doing it over the phone. The researchers evaluated the efficacy of four COVID-19 pandemic-era policies: mask use, health staff immunization, eating closures, and school closings. They invited participants to consider their thoughts on these policies and identify the primary causes of their negative impact. They investigated participant attitudes toward the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state public health agency, and the local public health department. They asked the participants if the steps adopted by these agencies were reasonable, excessive, or insufficient. The survey also asked participants about the seriousness of COVID-19 for public health in the United States and their views on COVID-19 policies. The researchers weighted sample data based on selection and recruitment likelihood, response rates, and demographic characteristics to address non-sampling errors that could arise from non-response bias, question phrasing, and ordering effects. They used procedures like random sampling, contact attempts, replication subsamples, and systematic respondent selection within homes for sample representativeness. Results In retrospect, most Americans view four pandemic-related policies positively, with varying percentages believing each was a favorable idea: mask-wearing requirements in businesses and stores (70%), healthcare personnel vaccinations (65%), closing down of indoor dining restaurants (63%), and schools (56%). Most Americans (79%) believe one or more of the COVID-19-related measures are favorable for public health, with 42% reporting all four were excellent ideas and 37% believing only a few were. About 20% of US adults believe all four programs were terrible ideas in retrospect. Most subgroups, including rural residents and Republicans, believe one or more of the four COVID-19 policies were favorable for population health in retrospect. Democrats (71%) showed a higher likelihood than Republicans (18%) and Independents (44%) to believe all policies were favorable, as are Blacks (62%) and Hispanics or Latinos (55%) compared to white individuals (32%), and urban residents (55%) compared to those from suburban (39%) and rural (29%) backgrounds. A few Americans believe that COVID-19 policies are not a good idea due to concerns regarding their long duration (84% to 87% across COVID-19 policies), political motivations (60% to 81%), economic effects (68% to 91%), and apparent lacking of personal choices (75% to 94%). The participants deemed school closures an unfavorable idea since they would negatively impact children's psychological health (91%) and learning (97%). Americans have varying views on the severity of COVID-19's early-on threat. Only 3.0% of Americans believe it is not a primary health concern, while many believe it is a primary threat to all, including elders (14%) and those with existing medical issues (94%). Approximately 37% considered COVID-19 a primary health concern for everyone at the outset. Those who believe COVID-19 threats were prevalent early on showed an increased likelihood of supporting essential pandemic legislation. Implications The findings indicate significant population support for COVID-19 measures and cautionary stories about the difficulties of formulating and explaining the policies. Public healthcare officials could benefit from establishing right-sized strategies that target individuals at high risk over a specific timeframe. Even if population health groups do not select which policies to enact, it would be beneficial to discuss the epidemiological reasoning behind them and note their societal and economic implications. Disentangling population health guidelines from local and national politics would continue to be a primary challenge; however, efforts to comprehend public viewpoints and connect with individuals receptive to all parties would be critical to assuring that all US residents benefit from public health protections in emerging pandemics. Stilla, a pioneer in genomics and digital PCR, is excited to announce its expansion in the United States through a strategic distribution relationship with Avantor, a global leader in life sciences and advanced technology solutions. Through this arrangement, Stillas comprehensive product range for digital PCR will now be readily accessible to customers across the USA, further enriching Avantors genomics core portfolio. This expansion facilitates the distribution of Stillas cutting-edge solutions through Avantors dedicated Life Sciences specialist team, streamlining access for researchers and clinicians alike. Kerri McWeeny, GM North America from Stilla, expressed enthusiasm about the relationship, stating, This collaboration implies a significant milestone for Stilla as we penetrate the USA market. With Avantors backing, we are well-positioned to achieve our biopharma, applied testing, and academia objectives while enhancing our applications to better serve our customers. Moreover, Stilla proudly announces the expansion of its content offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clientele. With a focus on Cell and Gene Therapy, biopharma quality control, infectious diseases, and applied testing, Stilla aims to provide comprehensive solutions addressing critical challenges in research and diagnostics. Dr. Afif Abdel Nour, VP of Global Marketing at Stilla, reiterated the companys commitment to advancing precision medicine through innovation, stating, At Stilla, we are dedicated to propelling progress in precision medicine through relentless innovation. Our expanded sales force, global presence, and enriched product offerings underscore our unwavering support for our customers and our commitment to advancing the frontiers of molecular diagnostics. Related Stories Stilla Technologies expands product portfolio with two new digital PCR configurations for the Nio product line In related news, a recent study by Meierrieks et al. has unveiled groundbreaking findings in the titration of AAV in clarified crude cell lysate. The study compared various dPCR methods, with Stillas Crystal Digital PCR technology utilizing the Ruby Chip emerging as one of the top performers. Crystal Digital PCR showcased exceptional results and minimal coefficient of variation (CV) with just 5 l of total volume and 1 l of sample. This remarkable efficiency underscores the potential of the Ruby chip for precise and reliable AAV titration, presenting significant advancements in molecular diagnostics. Periodontitis, a common condition, has been linked to a specific type of ischemic stroke in a recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research. Study: Periodontitis, Dental Procedures, and Young-Onset Cryptogenic Stroke. Image Credit: Olga by Shefer/Shutterstock.com Introduction Strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Over the past few decades, the incidence of ischemic strokes has increased among younger populations, resulting in a higher prevalence in this age group. Risk factors for stroke include inactive lifestyles, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which are related to lifestyle and potentially modifiable. Additionally, a large Taiwanese study has suggested that periodontitis may also increase the risk of ischemic stroke, particularly among younger individuals. Many more strokes among the young are of unknown origin and are called cryptogenic ischemic strokes (CIS), accounting for the largest proportion of young-onset strokes among people without vascular risk factors. Oral health and strokes Bacteria involved in periodontitis release factors like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipotechoic acid (LTA). These are toxins from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria cell membranes, respectively. Endotoxemia refers to the passage of LPS into the bloodstream, mostly from the gut, with a lesser role played by the oral mucosa and inflamed gums. The part played by endotoxemia and ischemic stroke is still unclear. Dental procedures cause bacteria to enter the circulation, at least temporarily, and promote clotting. The inflammatory response to such procedures might increase the odds of strokes, heart attacks, or other acute cardiovascular events. Their association with ischemic stroke remains to be proven, however. The current study explored associations between CIS and periodontitis or dental surgery in younger adults. About the study The participants were drawn from multiple centers included in the SECRETO study, with a case-control design. All participants were between 18 and 49 years of age. Each case was confirmed to have a cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) by imaging. They had no CIS history. The cases were matched for age and sex with controls who did not present with stroke. The researchers adjusted for confounding factors such as stroke risk, regular dental care, and a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart. PFA is associated with a higher risk of cerebral bacteremia and stroke. What did the study show? The total number of participants comprised 146 paired cases and controls, with a median age of ~42 years. Cases were less educated, more likely to have hypertension and to drink heavily compared to controls. They also had a higher prevalence of PFO than controls, were more likely to be on statins or anti-coagulant drugs, and had used antibiotics in the recent past. Oral health and CIS The CIS cases had poorer oral health. Periodontal inflammation (denoted by the Periodontal Inflammation Burden Index (PIBI) and gum pocket depth) was higher, and there was greater bleeding on probing (BOP). About 28% of the stroke cases had periodontitis vs 20% of controls. CIS cases had the most severe stage of periodontitis (Stage IV) vs controls who did not go beyond stage III. All grades of periodontitis were seen among controls, but only more severe grades (B and C) in CIS patients. Not only was periodontitis associated with moderate to severe CIS cases vs mild CIS, but the odds of more severe periodontitis were almost fourfold higher among those with moderate-to-severe CIS. CIS odds increased more than tenfold with a high PIBI. Among those with severe periodontitis, the odds were 7.5-fold higher. Moreover, stroke severity also soared with the severity of periodontitis. Moderate to severe CIS risk was increased by fivefold among those with a PIBI over 10. The odds of severe stroke were more than sixfold higher among those with severe periodontitis. Dental treatments and CIS Over 90% of dental treatments in CIS cases occurred within four months before the stroke. These patients had extractions, endodontic treatments, dental fillings, and chronic tooth infections at higher rates than in controls. When there was a history of invasive dental treatments within the three months preceding the stroke, the risk of CIS was more than doubled. The odds were sixfold higher among individuals with PFO. The titers of LPS or LTA did not show any difference between the two groups but did increase with the severity of periodontitis. Conclusions This is the largest study examining the link between young CIS and oral health. Both moderate to severe periodontitis, with a fast-progressing profile, as well as a history of recent invasive dental surgery were risk factors for young-onset CIS. The risk is dose-dependent, with CIS being more common as the severity of periodontitis increases. Stroke severity also increased with more severe periodontitis. The findings corroborate a previous study and show an independent increase in CIS risk with periodontal disease independent of other risk factors like obesity, PFO, smoking, heavy drinking, and educational status. Earlier studies suggested associations with bacteremia, which remain unconfirmed in this study. The results indicate that invasive dental treatments may have a benefit after six months, though the short-term risk of CIS is increased. This remains to be investigated in future studies. The Haryana government has rejected the Revenue Departments proposal to increase the collector rate on land. It is the rate of the property below which the registration of the property cannot be done. It varies from area to area as per the volatility of the market. The Revenue Department wanted to increase the collector rate by 10 to 20 per cent. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was not interested in these high rates and has given instructions that the land in the state will be done at the old collector rate only. In Haryana, the revised collector rate is implemented in April. The revised rate was delayed due to the Lok Sabha Elections as per the code of conduct. After the code of conduct was lifted, proposals for revised collector rates were sent by the districts to the Revenue Department. After the proposed revision by the department, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini returned the file and ordered the registration of land at the old rate in all the districts of the state. Former Chief Minister of State, Manohar Lal Khattar had given instructions during his tenure that before increasing the collector rate, the property prices in the districts should be ascertained properly. This time the revenue department in Haryana had proposed to increase the collector rate by 10 to 20 per cent. The maximum proposals to increase the collector rate came from the districts under NCR. These include Rohtak, Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, Bahadurgarh, Sonipat, Karnal and Panipat districts. The district administration here had sent proposals to increase the collector rate by up to 20 per cent. The collector rate is important for buying and selling the land in the states. Registration fees are charged based on the collector rate. The government fixes collector rate for land in every village, city and district. The registration of the land is not done below the collector rate. The district administration fixes the collector rate for the land of the district only after studying the market of different places and sends its proposal to the revenue department. The collector rate is fixed after the approval of the state government. Sapphire Foods plan of sub-division of equity shares has sent share prices sharply higher in early trade on June 20. At 09:23am, Sapphire Foods India was quoting at Rs 1,655.00, up Rs 97.50, or 6.26 percent, on the BSE. The company said its board has approved the split of existing equity shares of the company from 1 equity share to 5 equity shares. The announcement was made after market hours on Wednesday. Sapphire Foods shares ended 2.87% higher at Rs 1557.50 on Wednesday against the previous close of Rs 1514 on BSE. Total 6474 shares of the firm changed hands amounting to a turnover of Rs 1.01 crore. Market cap of the firm rose to Rs 9,926.46 crore on BSE. It has risen 13.34% in the last one year and gained 10.56% since the beginning of this year. Sapphire Foods shares have a beta of 0.2, indicating very low volatility in a year. In terms of technicals, the relative strength index (RSI) of the stock stands at 71.4, signaling its trading in the overbought zone. Sapphire Foods stock is trading higher than 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day and 200-day moving averages. The stock split will be placed before the shareholders in the 15th annual general meeting of the company date for which us yet to be announced. Record date for the purpose of subdivision/split of existing equity shares of the company will be intimated in due course and at an opportune time, said the firm in a communication to bourses. The stock split is expected to be completed within three months from the date of approval of the members of the company, subject to completion of the necessary formalities. The board also approved the alteration of the capital clause (Clause V) of the memorandum of association of the company (MoA) on account of sub-division of equity shares, subject to the approval of shareholders at the AGM. Petrol, Diesel Prices On June 20, 2024: OMCs have released the latest petrol and diesel prices for June 20. Fuel prices in the country depend on the prices of crude oil internationally. Fluctuations in crude oil prices lead to changes in fuel prices in India. Check the latest petrol, and diesel prices to know if there is an increase in the amount customers will have to shell out for a litre. Government oil marketing companies release the latest petrol and diesel prices daily at 6 am in the country. The prices have remained unchanged in most parts of the country since March 2024 when the central government cut petrol prices by Rs 2. Before that, the fuel prices remained steady since May 2022, following a reduction in fuel taxes by the central government and several states. However, the Karnataka government has recently increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre on higher sales tax. Companies like Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Indian Oil Corporation of India release the prices of petrol and diesel on their websites. Let us know the latest fuel prices. Petrol Diesel Price Today In India (Check city-wise rate list below) Mumbai Petrol & Diesel Price As of June 20, the petrol price in Mumbai continued to exceed the Rs 100 mark, reaching Rs 104.21 per litre, while diesel was priced at Rs 92.15 per litre. Delhi Diesel Price Today As of June 20, the cost of diesel is priced at Rs 87.62 per litre. Delhi Petrol Price Today As of June 20, the cost of petrol in Delhi is Rs 94.72 per litre. Kolkata Petrol & Diesel Price In Kolkata, the price of petrol is Rs 103.94 and the price of diesel is Rs 90.76 per litre. Chennai Petrol & Diesel Price In Chennai, the price of petrol is Rs 100.85, while the price of diesel is Rs 92.43 per litre. Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on June 18: Petrol-Diesel Rates in other cities (Petrol-Diesel Rates 20 June 2024) Noida: Petrol Rs 94.66 per litre and Diesel Rs 87.76 per litre Bengaluru: Petrol Rs 99.84 per litre and Diesel Rs 85.93 per litre Gurugram: Petrol Rs 95.05 per litre and diesel Rs 87.91 per litre Chandigarh: Petrol is Rs 94.24 per litre and diesel is Rs 82.40 per litre Hyderabad: Petrol is Rs 107.41 per litre and diesel is Rs 95.65 per litre Jaipur: Petrol is Rs 104.88 per litre and diesel is Rs 90.36 per litre Patna: Petrol is Rs 105.42 per litre and diesel is Rs 92.27 per litre Lucknow: Petrol is Rs 94.52 per litre and diesel is Rs 87.61 per litre Know the price of petrol and diesel through SMS You can also find out the latest petrol and diesel prices in your city through SMS. If you are a customer of Indian Oil, then you will have to write RSP along with the city code and send it to 9224992249. If you are a customer of BPCL, then you can get information about the new price of petrol and diesel by writing RSP and sending it to 9223112222. Whereas, if you are a customer of HPCL, then you can find out the price of petrol and diesel by writing HP Price and sending it to 9222201122. Government-owned Punjab National Bank has made an important announcement for its savings account holders. The bank is set to close savings accounts where the customer has not made any transactions in the last three years. The decision will affect accounts that have been lying unused without any balance. The bank has set a deadline of June 30 to maintain funds and activate these accounts. The Punjab National Bank (PNB) had also sent out an official notice through their website and social media accounts. PNB has taken this decision to ensure the safety of the account and protect against any misuse. In a picture shared by PNBs official account on X, they wrote, Bank has noticed that in many accounts there has been no operation by the customer in the last 3 years, and there is no balance in these accounts. To ensure that these accounts are not misused, the bank has decided to close them to prevent the inherent risk. In the notice, the bank has also specified the dates on which it sent the notice. Earlier, PNB decided to close these accounts on June 1. However, they have extended the last day by a month. Certain accounts are exempted from closure. This includes DEMAT accounts, lockers, or active standing instructions, student accounts for customers under the age of 25, minor accounts, accounts opened for specific schemes by PNB, and those accounts that are frozen by court orders, income tax department orders, or other statutory authorities. Once the bank accounts are closed after the deadline, account holders will only be able to make them functional again by going to their branch and filling out a KYC form along with all the necessary documents. For more details, account holders are advised to visit the banks official website or contact the branch. Stocks To Watch On June 20: Domestic markets experienced volatility on Wednesday and closed nearly unchanged amidst mixed signals. In todays trade, shares of Vedanta, PNB Housing, Best Agrolife, Mas Financial, Brigade Enterprises among others will be in focus due to various news developments. Tata Motors: The automobile giant announced that it will increase prices of its commercial vehicles by 2 per cent from July 1. PNB Housing: Asia Opportunities Fund and General Atlantic plan to sell 4.2 per cent stake in PNB Housing via block deals on June 20, according to reports. Brigade Enterprises: Brigade Enterprises secures Rs 150 crore agreement to develop the third tower at World Trade Center (WTC) in Infopark, Kochi. MAS Financial: The company has launched Rs 400 crore QIP, with an option for an additional Rs 100 crore. Sun Pharma: The pharma company has received a warning letter from United States Food and Drug Adminsitration (USFDA) for cGMP violations at its Dadra facility. Som Distilleries: Madhya Pradesh Excise Department cancels Som Distilleries licence over child labour concerns. Vedanta: Vedanta Ltd is planning to spend $5 billion over the next decade as it looks to cut its carbon emissions by a fourth by 2030. Indian Oil: Indian Oil has entered into a joint venture agreement with GPS Renewables for sustainable energy solutions. Around eight students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have been levied a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh for participating in a play titled Raahovan during the Performing Arts Festival held at the institute on March 31 this year, reported Times of India. Following complaints that the play showed the main characters in a bad light and made a mockery of Hindu culture, the IIT set up a disciplinary committee to address the complaints regarding the play. The report further stated that graduating students have been fined up to Rs 1.2 lakh and junior students have been fined Rs 40,000. Loosely based on the Ramayana, the play sparked protests from a section of students who alleged it was disrespectful to Lord Ram and Sita. The penalty notice was uploaded on the microblogging site X by IIT B for Bharat. The group also posted that two different punishments were executed, one for the students who are passing this July and another for the regular students. It also asked the IIT to establish guidelines to ensure that no religion is ridiculed under the guise of freedom of expression on the campus in any form. ALSO READ | JoSAA Counselling 2024: 17740 Seats Available across 23 IITs; Seat Matrix Released Meanwhile, in the recently released the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025 the Indian Institutes of Technology Bombay and Delhi have featured in the worlds top 150 universities. While IIT-Bombay secured the 118th position, climbing up 31 places from last year, IIT-Delhi made a significant leap of 47 places by securing a rank of 150 in the global rankings published on Wednesday. This year 46 Indian universities participated in the QS rankings - a 318% increase from 11 universities in the 2015 edition. According to an IIT Bombay spokesperson, this is the first time that the institute has ranked within the worlds top 125 universities. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said the central government is committed to protecting the interests of students and there will be no compromise on their future. He said the allegations of paper leak in the NEET-UG 2024 and UGC-NET exams will be probed by a high-level committee and no culprit will be spared. I want to assure everyone that the government is committed to protecting the interests of students. We will not compromise on transparency. Its an unexpected and unfortunate situation before us, he said. He added: The government is committed to your future. We assure you that the govt will always adopt a transparent process & practice to protect your interestHave faith on govt and the system. Nothing wrong can be tolerated by the government. One isolated incident should not affect lakhs of students On the NEET row, Pradhan said the errors are region specific and the Bihar government is in touch with the Centre. We had a discussion today and the Patna police will get to the depth of this matter. Once we get concrete information, the accused wont be spared and strict action will be taken. Students are our top priority, he said. He added: I would like to say humbly that we have to pay attention to the interests of lakhs of brilliant students who have passed that exam (NEET) after working very hard. As I said, in the preliminary information, the work of the Patna police is commendable. They have been able to round up one isolated incident. Some more information is awaited. Therefore, we will take final action soon. We are satisfied with their investigation. Have to rectify the system by taking responsibility The Union minister said the government is forming a special committee to look into the data functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Recommendations will be expected from that high-level committee to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocol I appeal to all not to spread rumours or politicise this sensitive issue. No culprit will be spared and this will be taken to its logical end, he said. He added: Soon after it was clear that the UGC-NET question paper on the Darknet matches the original question paper, we decided to cancel the examination. By taking responsibility, we have to rectify the system. On Congress leader Rahul Gandhis statement on the NEET and UGC-NET exam cancellation issue, he said the opposition friends must have faith in the system. Our government is 100% committed to transparency, to the betterment of the future of our students. And I assure you again, no malpractice, no irregularity will be tolerated by our government, he added. Protesting students detained outside ministry, Pradhans residence Pradhans statements come amid protests near his residence against the alleged rigging in the two major all-India examinations. More than two dozen students from different universities and members of various student outfits were detained from outside his home as well as the ministry of education. A large number of students, including members of political outfits such as the Students Federation of India (SFI), All India Students Association (AISA), Democratic Students Front (DSF), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), and Congress-affiliated NSUI took part in the protest. They gathered outside the education ministry and the Union ministers residence demanding a ban on the NTA, the body that conducts the examination and a probe into the alleged paper leak. Late on Wednesday (June 19), the ministry ordered the cancellation of UGC-NET following inputs of the exams integrity being compromised. The protesting students also demanded the resignation of Pradhan over the alleged corruption in the exams. The medical entrance examination, National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), was held on May 5, with around 24 lakh candidates taking part. The results were announced on June 4. There have been allegations of question paper leaks in states such as Bihar and other irregularities in the exam. The allegations have led to protests in several cities and the filing of petitions in several high courts as well as the Supreme Court. The UGC-NET was also cancelled following inputs that the exams integrity may have been compromised, and handed over the matter to the CBI for an investigation. The cancellation of this exam, amid the raging row over NEET, led to questions being raised over the NTAs capability to conduct exams of larger magnitude. (With PTI inputs) Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website. The Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu will soon release the hall pass for the TN HSC Supplementary Plus Two exam 2024. Those who have registered for the Class 12 supplementary exam have the opportunity to check their admit cards today via dge.tn.gov.in, the official website of DGETN. As per the official notice, You can register your Application Number or Permanent Register No. and Date of Birth on the page and download your exam admit card. Students will need to provide their application number and birthdate to check their hall ticket. TN HSC 2nd Year Supply Exam 2024: How to Download Hall Ticket? The procedures listed below can be used by candidates to download the TN HSC hall ticket Step 1. Go to dge.tn.gov.in, the official DGETN website. Step 2. Search for the TN HSC Supply Hall Ticket 2024 link on the homepage. Step 3. After entering your login information, click on Submit. Step 4. There will be a screen display of your hall pass. Step 5. Check the hall ticket carefully and save the document. Step 6. For future reference, keep a physical copy of the same. This year, the Class 12 Supplementary Examination in Tamil Nadu will take place at various exam centres throughout the state from June 24 to July 1. The exam will be conducted in one shift, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Out of 7,19,196 candidates, 94.56 per cent of students passed the Tamil Nadu Class 12 exam this year. Supply examination is held for those who failed the final exams and will be given another chance to qualify for TN HSC. As per media reports, the TN HSC second-year reevaluation results will be published on June 18. Candidates can use the URL on the DGETN official website to view the results of the re-evaluation process. Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has opened up about the time when he almost quit Hollywood. In a recent chat with Glen Powell for Interview Magazine, the actor spoke about how taking a break helped him reinvent himself in the industry. In the 2000s, McConaughey became a household name for starring in a series of romantic comedies. After a certain period, he felt like the work was no longer challenging, and thus he decided to take a two-year break. Noting that he felt trapped in the rom-com genre, the 54-year-old said, Ive usually zigged when I felt like Hollywood wanted me to zag. When I had my rom-com years, there was only so much bandwidth I could give to those, and those were some solid hits for me. But I wanted to try some other stuff. Of course, I wasnt getting it, so I had to leave Hollywood. Recalling the time, Matthew shared that it was scary, and he even had long talks about his career with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, considering other options like a high school teacher or a wildlife guide. I honestly thought, I stepped out of Hollywood. I got out of my lane. The lane Hollywood said I should stay in, and Hollywoods like, You should have stayed in your lane. Later, he added. The actor explained how the days were long and brought him a sense of insignificance. However, he managed to convince himself to move forward and not quit the mission. It was scary because I didnt know if I was ever going to get out of the desert, he continued. Despite the hesitation and fears, McConaugheys absence ended up attracting calls for alternative roles, and he eventually made a return with dramatic roles in The Lincoln Lawyer, The Wolf of Wall Street and Dallas Buyers Club. He also won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as Ron Woodroof in the 2013 film. The film tells the story of Woodroof, a cowboy who was diagnosed with AIDS in the mid-1980s. Earlier in 2021, the actor described his Hollywood break as an unbranding phase, stating that he took a big risk at that time. I had the last six months before I got that phone call to come back to work in dramasI did not know if I was ever going to work in Hollywood again, he said at the CogX conference. In India, marks and degrees decide the future of an individual. But if national-level exams are mired in controversies, what does it say about the integrity and faith in the testing systems? The controversy around the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) results and cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 exams not only puts the spotlight on the biggest riskers the candidates who devote their time, money and mind to prepare for such prestigious examinations, only to be to be declared void later, but also on the need for a system that ensures fairness and authenticity. A hue and cry over NEET results began earlier this month after 64 candidates received the perfect 720 score, nearly 1,500 were awarded grace marks to compensate for the loss time while appearing for the exam and some of them alleged paper leak. Whats the New Law on Preventing Unfair Means in Exams? The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 was passed in February to ensure that exams in the country are conducted fair in order to bring credibility to the public examination system. It contains a total of 19 Sections divided into VI Chapters to comprehensively address all of the issues pertaining to the prevention of unfair means in the public examination. It deals with issues such as unfair means ranging from leakage of the question paper, accessing or taking possession of question paper or an Optical Mark Recognition response sheet without authority, direct or indirect assistance to any candidate such as providing solution to one or more questions by unauthorised person, violation of security measures, tampering with the computer systems and conduct of fake examination, issuance of fake admit cards or offer letters to cheat or for monetary gain. How the Bill Defines Public Exams? A public examination is defined as any examination conducted by a public examination authority listed in the Schedule of the Bill, or any such other authority as may be notified by the Central Government under Section 2(k). The five public examination authorities under the bill are: (i) the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts the Civil Services Examination, Combined Defence Services Examinations, Combined Medical Services Examination, Engineering Services Examination; (ii) the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), which recruits for Group C (non-technical) and Group B (non-gazetted) jobs in the central government; (iii) the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), which recruit Groups C and D staff in the Indian Railways; (iv) the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), which hires at all levels for nationalised banks and regional rural banks (RRBs); and (v) National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the JEE (Main), NEET-UG, UGC-NET, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Besides these, all ministries and departments of the Central government and their attached subordinate offices for recruitment of staff also come under the purview of the Public Examinations Bill. What are the Punishments Under the New Act? According to the Section 9 of the Bill, all offences are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, that is, an arrest can be made without a warrant and bail will not be a matter of right rather a magistrate will determine whether the accused can be released on bail. Any person or persons resorting to unfair means and offences will land up in prison for three to five years, and will face a fine up to Rs 10 lakh. If the convict fails to pay the fine, an additional punishment of imprisonment shall be imposed, as per the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 10(1) of the Bill says. The Section 10(2) of the Bill recognises the responsibility of a service provider, who is engaged to provide support of any computer resource or any material, by whatever name it may be called. The punishment ranges from 3 to 10 years in prison along with a fine of Rs 1 crore. It further provides for a four-year ban for the service provider from conducting public examination, which is a concrete measure towards fixing their liability. The Bill provides for harsher punishment in cases of organised paper leaks, where organised crime is defined as unlawful activity by a group of persons colluding in a conspiracy to pursue or promote a shared interest for wrongful gain in respect of a public examination. Section 11(1) says the punishment for organised crime will be imprisonment for a term not less than five years but which may extend to ten years and a fine which shall not be less than Rs 1 crore. What is the Need for This Bill? There were at least 48 instances of paper leaks in 16 states over the last five years, in which the process of hiring for government jobs was disrupted, as per a report by The Indian Express. The leaks impacted the lives of at least 1.51 crore applicants for about 1.2 lakh posts. The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill says: Malpractices in public examinations lead to delays and cancellation of examinations, adversely impacting the prospects of millions of youth. At present, there is no specific substantive law to deal with unfair means adopted or offences committed It is imperative that elements that exploit vulnerabilities of examination system are identified and effectively dealt with by a comprehensive Central legislation. It clarifies that Candidate as defined in the Bill shall not be liable for action within the purview of the Bill and shall continue to be covered under the extant administrative provisions of the concerned public examination authority. What were the Major Paper Leaks in India? AIPMT: The All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), now known as NEET, question paper was leaked in 2011 in Haryana. Some candidates were reported to be using electronic devices, such as mobile phones and Bluetooth devices, to receive answers during the examination. The incident led to the cancellation of the exam, affecting thousands of aspiring medical students. IIT-JEE: The question papers of IIT-JEE (Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination), conducted every year for admissions into the IITs, were leaked in 1997 in Lucknow. According to reports, the papers were circulated through various channels, giving some candidates an unfair advantage over others. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which was responsible for conducting the IIT-JEE at the time, decided to cancel the exam and conduct a re-examination later that year. In 2021, the paper was leaked again and a few foreign nationals were involved. SSC CGL: In 2018, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination faced allegations of irregularities such as discrepancies in the conduct of the examination, including technical glitches and question paper leaks. AIIMS: Question papers were leaked on social media for recruitment of 3,055 nursing officers through the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) exams. The exam was scheduled to be held in June 2023. On the day of the exam, screenshots of the question papers were circulated on social media leading to speculations of paper leak. The CBI arrested the offenders. Vyapam Scam: The Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) scam revolved around the Vyapam, an acronym for Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal, a body responsible for conducting various entrance exams for professional courses and recruitment exams for government jobs in the state. The scam came to light in 2013 when irregularities and malpractices in the recruitment and admission processes conducted by Vyapam were exposed. Impersonation, tampering with answer sheets, and leaking question papers were among the common tactics employed to benefit certain candidates. A CBI court in 2019 convicted 31 people in the case. The paper leak allegations in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and cancellation of UGC-NET 2024 over integrity claims have put spotlight on the security protocols and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to conduct public examinations in India. Reports say the UGC-NET was cancelled after inputs from Indian cyber crime coordination centre suggested possible compromises, prompting the Ministry of Education to take action. The matter has been referred to the CBI and a new examination will be scheduled. Over 900,000 candidates had sat for the exam, which is conducted to determine eligibility for junior research fellowships. Meanwhile, the NEET will be re-conducted for the 1,563 students on June 23, 2024 who were given grace marks due to time loss during the originally scheduled examination on May 5. However, a panel decided to cancel the grace marks following allegations of discrepancies, thus necessitating the re-exam. Nearly 24 lakh students had appeared for the NEET-UG 2024. In today development, four men were arrested in Bihar in connection with the leaking of the NEET question paper. Among those arrested are three aspirants and a junior engineer at the Danapur municipal council. The suspects admitted to receiving and memorising the leaked question paper. Mastermind Amit Anand had admitted to orchestrating the leak and disclosed that candidates were provided with the paper and answers for a price ranging from Rs 30-32 lakh. How to Ensure Security for Online and Offline Exams? For offline exams, the issue of security begins at the press. The printer should be selected on the basis of reputation rather than the lowest quote. A representative of the examining organisation should be physically present during printing, packaging and despatch of the papers, as per a report by The Hindu. The question paper packets should be received by the superintending officer of each centre who should store them securely until the exam. This procedure has been in place for entrance exams, including the Tamil Nadu Professional Courses Entrance Exams, at Anna University, Chennai, without any hassles. Another important thing, when the question paper is sent to the exam centre to be printed, the email should be encrypted and the password made available only to the designated authority. The Gujarat Lokayukta had suggested that question papers be printed at government-owned press where the responsibility could be fixed. This came after the question paper leaks in various examinations conducted by the Gujarat Subordinate Services Selection Board (GSSSB). Lokayukta demanded more autonomy for itself and urged the government to amend the Gujarat Lokayukta Act, 1986. For Online Exams Though paper may differ from candidate to candidate, technical glitches can affect the conduct of the exam and the question paper security. This is what happened in the first edition of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in 2022 and the exams had to be postponed in many centres. In 2022, the National Testing Agency (NTA) installed new security patches two hours ahead of the UGC-NET exam. This additional layer of safety measure meant downloading and installing the new software randomly. The installation was successful in 304 centres but seven centres faced technical issues because of which the exams had to be cancelled. Vineet Joshi, who was heading the NTA as Director-General at that time, had said the centres were being asked to stay completely isolated and computers should not be booked for any other activity. He also pointed out that the NTA deletes the specific software it uses once the exam gets over. In 2018, several technical snags affected the online exam conducted by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates. The authorities immediately moved to the offline mode and got over the difficulty with only 30 minutes delay. Such measures can be adopted by allowing for adequate manpower and basic materials such as a master copy of the question paper kept ready to create the required number of hard copies in convenient nodal centres, a report by The Hindu quoted as saying. What were the SOP for NEET 2024? Candidates appearing for the exam should follow the NEET UG 2024 dress code as provided by NTA. Shoes are also prohibited. Henceforth, the candidates are advised to wear slippers or sandals. Do not carry any banned items along and will have to undergo the security procedures. No bio-breaks would be allowed during the first one hour after the beginning of the exam and the last half an hour of the exam. Apart from the biometric attendance and frisking at entry, candidates will be frisked and biometric attendance will be taken again on entry from bio-break or toilets break. The NTA implemented various measures such as multistage biometric authentication for both candidates and invigilation staff, surprise visits by flying squads, utilisation of AI tools to identify discrepancies in candidates application details, thorough invigilation supervision, among others. The daughter of a Rajya Sabha MP Beeda Masthan Rao, Beeda Madhuri, who allegedly ran over a 22-year-old man sleeping on the pavement near Beasant Nagar in Chennai, was released on bail within 24 hours of the incident. The police have identified the deceased as Surya, a painter who stayed in Odaikuppam near Besant Nagar. The incident comes just a month after the high-profile Porsche accident in Pune in which a teenaged son of a builder allegedly mowed down two software engineers from Madhya Pradesh. The case caused a hue and cry after the boy, who was driving the Porsche car in an inebriated state, was let off by a magistrate within 15 hours of arrest on a condition that he will write an essay on the crime. What is the Case? Madhuri was driving a BMW on Monday night. She was accompanied by her friend, another woman, allegedly ran over Surya who was in an inebriated state. According to the police, Surya had an argument with his wife Vanitha on Monday. After consuming alcohol, he slept on the pavement near Varadaraj Salai, about 2 km away from his home. His wife concerned for his safety, went searching for him and found him on the pavement. As per eyewitnesses and Vanitha, the car stopped briefly after the accident. The two women allegedly stepped out of the vehicle to assess the situation, alerted an ambulance and left the scene as a crowd gathered. Madhuri reportedly fled from the accident spot immediately but her friend got out of the vehicle and was arguing with bystanders after the mishap. Passers-by rushed Surya to the Government Royapettah Hospital nearby but he was declared brought dead. Madhuri surrendered before the police on Tuesday morning. She was arrested on charges of causing death due to negligence, a violation of Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code, but was released on station bail shortly thereafter. The police checked the CCTV footage and found that the BMW belonged to the BMR (Beeda Masthan Rao) Group and was registered in Puducherry. According to them, Surya got married eight months ago, and was striving to make a living through painting and doing odd jobs. About Madhuris Influential Family Madhuri belongs to an affluent family. Her father Beeda Masthan Rao was elected as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2022. He served as an MLA before. Rao quit the Telugu Desam Party and joined the YSR Congress in December 2019. He is a backward-class leader belonging to the Yadava community. He is currently a member of the committee on agriculture, animal husbandry and food processing and committee for the ministry of commerce and industry, states his company website. Madhuri is the director of the BMR Group. Raos net worth is Rs 243 crore, with movable assets worth Rs 153 crore, and immovable assets at Rs 93 crore, according to his election affidavit. In 2014, the BMR Group of Industries was awarded the Best Hatchery award and also the largest supplier of shrimp seed in the country by MPEDA. What is the Punishment for Hit-and-Run Cases? Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) stipulates imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine for fleeing an accident spot and failing to report the incident to a police officer or a magistrate. This is in addition to the Indian Penal Codes Section 304A under which the accused faces penalties of up to two years in jail upon identification. The BNS, which will be effective from July 1, has two distinct categories for causing death by negligence. The first category addresses causing death through any rash or negligent act that does not amount to culpable homicide. Offenders in this category may face imprisonment for up to five years and a fine. The second category deals with causing death through rash and negligent driving, not amounting to culpable homicide. If the individual flees without reporting the incident to a police officer or magistrate, they could face up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine. How Common are Hit-and-Run Cases in India? In 2022, India registered the highest count of road crash fatalities, exceeding 1.68 lakh deaths. This roughly translates to an average of 462 deaths daily. The world saw a 5% decrease in road crash deaths, while India witnessed a year-on-year increase of 12% in road accidents and 9.4% in fatalities in the same year. An average of 19 deaths occur due to road accidents every hour in India, which amounts to nearly one death every three and a half minutes, as per a report in The Hindu. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 47,806 hit-and-run incidents were reported in 2022, in which 50,815 people died. As per data from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the share of such cases in road accidents and deaths was 14.6% and 18.1% in 2022 and 16.8% and 11.8% in 2021. This means most of the hit-and-run cases were reported in the State Highways, and other district and village roads which are maintained by the local bodies. What is the Conviction Rate for Such Case? In 2022, the conviction rate was 47.9% while in other forms of accidents, it was just 21.8%. This is higher than the conviction rate in murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder at 43.8% and 38.7%, respectively. Charge sheets were filed in 66.4% of hit-and-run cases in 2022, vis-a vis 81.5% in murder cases, 84% of culpable homicide and 79.6% of other accidents. The major reason behind failure to file a charge sheet in these cases is inability on the part of the police to get enough proof. Such cases accounted for 28% of hit-and-run cases in 2022 compared to 11% in murder cases, 9% of culpable homicide cases, and 11% of other accidents. A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its order on the bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the money laundering case related to the now-scrapped excise policy. Appearing on behalf of the ED, ASG Raju said that the central agency has documentary evidence showing that part of the alleged proceeds of crime was used to cover the cost of Kejriwals stay at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Goa during the 2022 state elections. This comes a day after a Delhi court extended Kejriwals custody till July 3. The ED today said its evidence shows that Rs 1.5 lakh was paid in installments of Rs 50,000 each by Charanpreet Singh to settle the hotel and banquet charges for Kejriwals stay. The ED alleged that Charanpreet, who reportedly managed AAPs Goa poll funds, received around Rs 45 crore in cash from various angadiyas (hawala operators) and was involved in handling cash for the AAPs Goa election campaign. The ED also said it has witness statements, including from an individual named Sagar Patel, corroborating the cash payments made to Charanpreet, Prince Kumar and Rajiv Mondkar for the AAPs Goa election expenses. The agency argued that Kejriwals refusal to provide the password to his phone should lead to an adverse inference against him, which is a ground for denying bail even under ordinary bail law. ASG Raju on Wednesday informed the court that the cost of the Delhi chief ministers stay was covered partly in cash and partly by the admin Department of GNCTD. It was earlier hushed up but we then discovered that the payment was in cash and the same came through hawala. Charanpreet arranged, he said. A day earlier, ED had opposed Kejriwals bail in the alleged excise scam, claiming the Delhi CM demanded a Rs 100 crore bribe from the South Group for his party. The central probe agency told the court that if the AAP, which has been arrayed as an accused in the case, commits a crime, the person in charge of the party will be held culpable. The ED told the court that when former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was made an accused in the case, the AAP was not named as an accused. Kejriwal demanded bribe. He asked for bribe of Rs 100 crore. Kejriwal asked for funds for the AAP. Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from South Group. You cant say he is not guilty of offence. If AAP commits a crime, then every person in charge of the party will be deemed to be guilty, the ED told Special Judge Niyay Bindu. Now AAP has been made an accused. Kejriwal is responsible for the conduct (of the party), it added. The judge, meanwhile, also extended Kejriwals judicial custody after he was produced before the court through video conference on expiry of his judicial custody granted earlier. The counsel appearing for Kejriwal opposed the EDs application seeking extension of his judicial custody, saying there were no grounds to justify his continued incarceration. During the arguments on his bail application, Kejriwals counsel told the court that the entire case against him rested upon statements. The statements are of those who have confessed themselves to be guilty. They are not saints here. They are those who are not only tainted but it appears that some were arrested and were given a promise of bail and promise of being granted pardon. Approvers. And there is another category who have not been arrested, the counsel said. Circumstances have to be so intrinsically linked (as to) to lead to the guilt. These statements by tainted persons discredit the case of prosecution. There is no evidence that Rs 100 crore came from South Group. These are all statements. There is no evidence. This is all in the form of statements, Kejriwals counsel said. According to the ED and the CBI, the South Group is a cartel of politicians, business people and others who lobbied for liquor licences for which they paid bribe to Delhis ruling party. Kejriwals lawyer claimed there were contradictions in the statements made by several co-accused. (With agency inputs) SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday strongly opposed the extension of Khadoor Sahib MP-elect Amritpal Singhs detention by one year, calling the Punjab governments move a clear violation of the Constitution and of the basic human rights and civil liberties. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), an apex gurdwara body, also condemned the extension of Amritpals detention. The detention of radical preacher Amritpal, who is lodged in Assams Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA), has been extended by a year from April 23, 2024. Amritpal, the chief of the Waris Punjab De outfit, is currently lodged in Assams Dibrugarh jail along with nine associates under the NSA. In a statement on Thursday, Badal lashed out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, holding him responsible for dancing to Delhis tunes on Sikh and Punjab issues. The Punjab government records clearly show that the decision to extend NSA in this case is Bhagwant Manns. His anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh face stands fully exposed now, alleged Badal. Badal emphasised that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is fully committed to the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state and will continue to lead the efforts to preserve it. There can be no progress and prosperity without peace and communal harmony and the SAD will not flinch from its responsibility in this regard, he said. At the same time, we are equally firmly opposed to the repressive black laws like the NSA and the UAPA, he added. Going beyond and above his partys political and ideological differences with Amritpal Singh, Badal said the decision to extend NSA in this case is a clear violation of the Constitution and of the basic human rights and civil liberties. Badal further said, I have already clarified several times that our party is guided by the sacred principles taught to us by the great Gurus and accordingly we oppose repression and injustice even against our opponents. The SAD goes beyond considerations of political gain or loss while pursuing these principles. We said it in our manifesto and also in our resolutions that for the party, principles are above politics. Our differences of ideology with Amritpal Singh apart, we will oppose repression and injustice against him or against anyone else and we do not care what political cost we have to pay for this. I will not flinch from these principles, said Badal. Notably, Badal in one of his poll campaigns during the recently-concluded Lok Sabha polls, had urged people to evaluate if Amritpal had been propped up by central agencies. What other explanation can be that a person who was first propped up, then projected, then arrested and is now being kept in safe custody only to be used as a candidate in the parliamentary elections to counter the popularity of the SAD, Badal had said last month. He had then also pointed out the dichotomy in Amritpals earlier stand that he did not want to enter politics and was only interested in amrit parchar and fighting the drug menace. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned the extension of detention. Amritpal Singh was elected as MP from Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency by the people of Punjab by casting a large number of votes to him. But the state government led by the Aam Aadmi Party and the Centre government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party have taken this extremely reprehensible action of extending NSA on Amritpal Singh, which is not appropriate in view of human rights and it disregards the sentiments of the people of Punjab, Dhami said in a statement. Having fought the 2024 Lok Sabha electoral battle as an Independent, Amritpal won from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat after he defeated Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira. Amritpal won by a margin of 1,97,120 votes. He polled 4,04,430 while Zira got 2,07,310. Amritpal, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Mogas Rode village on April 23 last year following an over a month-long manhunt. The Khalistan sympathiser had escaped the police net in Jalandhar district on March 18, switching vehicles and changing appearances. The Punjab Police had launched the crackdown after the February 23 Ajnala incident last year in which Amritpal and his supporters, some of them brandishing swords and guns, broke through barricades and barged into the police station on the outskirts of Amritsar city, and clashed with police for the release of Lovepreet Singh Toofan, one of his aides. He and his associates were booked under several criminal cases related to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants. The central government is hopeful of finding a solution to the ethnic strife in Manipur through dialogues in the next three months. According to a senior official, a series of meetings with Kuki and Meitei groups will be planned at different levels to understand their demands. Sources also indicate that any further decision regarding Manipur will be considered only after at least three months. Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023 after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, over 220 people belonging to both Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel have been killed in the continuing violence. This period is not restrictive, but we are hopeful that by October, the central government will achieve some solutions through dialogues. Both groups will share their concerns with central government representatives through sufficient rounds of meetings, aiming to settle the situation, said the senior official. Similarly, the government will make it clear that no unwarranted demands from any group will be entertained. Concerns leading to any type of division among the societies in the state will not be addressed, the official added. Through dialogues, the government will also push for the recovery of weapons, which is currently very low. We have managed to recover 2,000 weapons, but now the recovery rate is very low. Locals are hesitant to return weapons, and in the last year, not even 50% of weapons have been recovered. Appeals will be made to assist in the recovery of weapons, the official further said. The central government is likely to involve leaders from various fields to assist in dialogues and facilitate grassroots-level solutions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting this week with senior officials, including from the Army, to review the situation in Manipur. Shah conducted a comprehensive review of the security situation and directed measures to prevent further incidents of violence. He emphasised the potential increase in deployment of central forces, if necessary, strategically ensuring peace. Strict legal action against perpetrators of violence was also mandated. Amit Shah reviewed the situation in relief camps as well, particularly ensuring adequate provisions of food, water, medicines, and basic amenities. He instructed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to ensure proper health, education facilities, and rehabilitation for displaced people. Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict. The Ministry of Home Affairs will engage with both Meitei and Kuki groups to bridge ethnic divides as soon as possible. The Government of India continues to actively support the Manipur Government in enhancing state security, the Home Ministry said after the meeting. As severe heatwave continues to wreak havoc with several deaths being reported across India, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday decided to establish special heatwave units in all central government hospitals. On Tuesday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the heatwave situation and assessed the preparedness of central government hospitals. He also instructed officials to ensure that all hospitals are equipped to provide the best possible healthcare to those affected by the heatwave. According to the government data accessed by News18, 110 people have died of heatstroke in India so far and Uttar Pradesh is the worst-affected state with 36 deaths, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan and Odisha. However, the actual number is likely much higher as heat-related deaths are often under-reported in rural areas. For instance, CNN reported the deaths of 24 people in Delhi-NCR, Bihar Jharkhand, and Rajasthan towards the end of May. It also reported the deaths of at least 33 election workers in a single day in Uttar Pradesh. Another report highlighted 60 deaths in Bihar within 24 hours on May 31. Reports also said that more than 10 people lost their lives in Delhi-NCR in the last three days and at least 12 are on life support. Unprecedented Rise in Heat-Related Complaints According to doctors treating patients at private hospitals, heat-related issues become concerning when temperatures exceed 45 degree Celsius. Dr Reshu Agarwal, consultant for internal medicine at Manipal Hospital in Punes Baner, has been diagnosing 25 to 30 patients every week with heat-related illnesses. The number of cases is definitely higher as compared to previous years. Many more people are falling sick and coming with severe symptoms such as high fever, multiple episodes of loose stools and vomiting. Also, people are taking longer time to recover. Dr Vimal Kumar Nakra, director of internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, listed a few symptoms hinting at heat-related illnesses. He said patients have dry warm skin, headache, dry tongue, increased thirst, muscular cramps, and confusion with decreased urine output. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, pain in the abdomen and dizziness. Critical cases are presented with confusion, irritability, difficulty in maintaining balance and loss of consciousness. Generally, the experts have noted, the patient pool consists of individuals who are elderly or with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart and kidney diseases as they are more vulnerable to heat-strokes. Dr Gaurav Jain, senior consultant for internal medicine at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital in Delhi, has witnessed around 10 patients with serious pre-existing conditions requiring ICU care in the last 10-12 days. This includes three patients with cancer, two with kidney problems, and one with heart problems. Fortunately, no young and healthy patients affected by the heat have required ICU care so far, he said. Experts explained that critical patients generally arrive in hypovolemic shock, marked by a significant drop in blood pressure and oxygen levels. Hypovolemic shock is a risky condition which happens when the human body suddenly loses a lot of blood or fluids from the body. Dr Arvind Aggarwal, senior consultant at Delhi-based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, told News18 that his outpatient department (OPD) is seeing around 10 patients daily with mild to moderate symptoms such as dehydration, diarrhea, and mild fever. Overall, the OPD has managed 70-80 mild to moderate cases in the last 10 days. In the past week, we treated 5-6 critical cases in the inpatient department (IPD) due to severe heat-related complications, including hypertension and heart problems. Faridabad-based Amrita Hospital is witnessing approximately 15-20 cases of heat-related cases every week. Dr Sakshi Singh from the hospitals internal medicine department told News18 that theres a noticeable rise in cases among vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Also, more cases are being reported among outdoor workers, such as construction workers and agricultural labourers. A day after the Centre ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET amid serious questions on the integrity of the exams, the Union Education Ministry on Thursday said that it has handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for probe. Speaking at a press conference in the national capital, Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal said prima facie the government felt the exam had been compromised. No complaints were received but the inputs we received from agencies indicated that the integrity of the exam has been compromised. The action was taken suo motu to safeguard the interests of the students, Jaiswal said. 9 lakh students had participated in the UGC-NET exam that the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted on June 18. The ministry saw that there was a chance that the examination had been compromised. The ministry has decided to cancel the examination. The next date will be declared soon. The matter has been referred to the CBI, he added. #WATCH | Delhi: Ministry of Education Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal says, 9 lakh students had participated in the UGC-NET exam that the NTA conducted on June 18 The ministry saw that there was a chance that the examination had been compromised. The ministry has decided to pic.twitter.com/kVXTQKAq6G ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2024 The move follows protests and demands by student groups outside the residence of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who called for an investigation into alleged paper leaks and corruption within the NTA. Several members of the Congress-affiliated NSUI were detained today while protesting outside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans residence here against the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over cancellation of UGC-NET. It was being said that Modi ji stopped the Russia-Ukraine war. But due to some reasons, Narendra Modi has not been able to stop or doesnt want to stop paper leaks in India, he said. Late on Wednesday night, the Union education ministry ordered the cancellation of UGC-NET following inputs of the exams integrity being compromised. Members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) led by its national president Varun Choudhary gathered outside Pradhans residence and demanded a ban on the NTA and a probe into the alleged incidents of paper leak. The student leaders were seen raising slogans against the alleged corruption in the NTA and the perceived inaction by the education minister. In a symbolic display of corruption, Choudhary flung a bag full of counterfeit currency in the air and demanded an urgent probe into the matter. The protesters also demanded an investigation into the irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. (With agency inputs) After a break of nearly nine days since June 11, the monsoon has moved marginally into some more parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, northwest Bay of Bengal, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and some parts of Bihar on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Northwest and eastern India, reeling under severe heat stress, may also get some relief as heatwave conditions are likely to reduce over most parts of the country over the next 4-5 days, the IMD said. Sluggish monsoon gets in motion By June 20, the monsoon should have normally covered most parts of central India Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, parts of Gujarat, and other places. But as of Thursday, the northern limit of the monsoon is passing through Amravati, Gondia, Durg, Rampur (Kalahandi), Malda, Bhagalpur, and Raxaul. Conditions are favourable for further advancement of the annual southwest monsoon into some more parts of the northern Arabian Sea, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, northwest Bay of Bengal, some parts of the Gangetic West Bengal, remaining parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal, some parts of Jharkhand, some more parts of Bihar, and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh in the next 3-4 days. A fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra over the next five days, according to the IMD. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya in the next two days and isolated heavy rainfall thereafter. A cyclonic circulation lies over Assam and the neighbourhood and another over Bihar and the neighbourhood in lower tropospheric levels, according to the latest report. Relief from heat No heatwave conditions likely over most parts of the country in the next 4-5 days, the IMD said. Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions impacted northwest and parts of east India for nearly all of June until now, with several places reporting both severe heatwaves and warm nights. Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions prevailed in some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, and isolated pockets of Uttarakhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Heatwave conditions enveloped most parts of Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, some parts of Punjab, and isolated pockets of Jammu, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Maximum temperatures were in the range of 43-45C in many parts of Punjab and Delhi, some parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, north Rajasthan, and isolated pockets of Uttar Pradesh. The maximum and minimum temperatures were above normal by 4-7C on average in many parts of northwest and east India, and northern Madhya Pradesh. Amid allegations of a paper leak in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024), an aspirant from Bihar has admitted to receiving the leaked question paper through his uncle, a Junior Engineer. In his confession letter, Anurag Yadav (22), a resident of Bihars Samastipur, said his uncle Sikandar Prasad Yadavendu, an engineer deployed at Bihars Danapur Town Council (Danapur Nagar Parishad), asked him to return from Kota in Rajasthan, saying all arrangements for the exam had been done. Breaking: Anurag Yadav (22) from Samastipur confessed to receiving leaked NEET papers through his uncle, a Junior Engineer.He said, I returned from Kota and was taken to Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar by my uncle on the night of 04.05.24, where I was given the NEET exam question pic.twitter.com/ELgIe6MyUr IANS (@ians_india) June 20, 2024 Yadav said he received the NEET exam question paper and answer sheet on May 4, a day before the exam, and was made to memorize the answers. I returned from Kota and was taken to Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar by my uncle on the night of 04.05.24, where I was given the NEET exam question paper and answer sheet, which I was made to study and memorize overnight, he said. The NEET aspirant further said when he sat to write the exam, the actual question paper, matched with the one his uncle provided. The confessional letter was signed by Yadav. There have been allegations of question paper leaks in states like Bihar and other irregularities in the prestigious exam. The allegations have led to protests in several cities and the filing of petitions in several high courts as well as the Supreme Court. The examination of NEET was held on May 5 but it was alleged that examination mafias obtained the question papers a day earlier. The case was later cracked by the Patna Police by arresting 13 persons, including six examination mafias, four students and three parents. Patna Police had found the roll numbers and roll codes of the 11 candidates linked with a solver gang. Later, when the case was transferred to the Economic Offences Unit (EOU), it asked the NTA to provide the details on all 11 candidates. After receiving the details, the notice was served to these candidates to join the probe. Earlier, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accepted that there were some irregularities in some places. He has said that if the senior officials of NTA are also found guilty in this, then strict action will be taken against them. Candidates and parents should be assured. The Central government has taken this matter seriously. There is a need for improvement in NTA, he said. In a major development, the mastermind of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024) paper leak case has reportedly confessed to selling the question paper a day before the exam. In his confession letter, mastermind Amit Anand told the police that the question paper was sold from Rs 30-32 lakh. Anand said the question paper and answer sheet were given to the candidates the same day and they were made to memorise the answers before the exam. A resident of Munger district in Bihar, Amit Anand reportedly resided in a rented apartment in AG Colony, Patna, from where he conducted his operations. So far, the Patna Police has arrested 13 persons, including six examination mafias, four students and three parents, in connection with the case. Of them, four have been identified as NEET candidate Anurag Yadav, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendu, and two others Nitish Kumar and Anand. NEET-UG Exam Row Latest Updates * China is in its peak summer harvest season, which usually spans from May to late June. * Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs indicated that as of June 15, China had harvested around 310 million mu (around 20.68 million hectares) of winter wheat, with harvest progress surpassing 90 percent. * Food supply in China, the world's largest food producer and third largest food exporter, is significant to global food security and prices. JINAN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Over a dozen operators drove harvesters in an orderly manner through a vast wheat field in east China's major breadbasket province Shandong. In just 10 minutes, large areas of golden wheat are reduced to short stubble. "The granaries are already full, yet there's so much grain that the trucks haven't finished unloading," said Guo Bobo, manager of the field and a major grain producer in Wenshang County. Guo's field reaps a record average yield of 9,750 kg per hectare. Now is the busiest and most rewarding time for farmers like Guo, as China is in its peak summer harvest season, which usually spans from May to late June. BUMPER HARVEST Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs indicated that as of June 15, China had harvested around 310 million mu (around 20.68 million hectares) of winter wheat, with harvest progress surpassing 90 percent. The wheat harvest in southwest China's Sichuan Province and central China's Hubei Province, two agricultural powerhouses, has concluded. Shandong, the country's second-largest wheat producer, has harvested 98.2 percent of its 60.54 million mu of wheat as of Sunday. Shandong's total grain production has remained stable at over 55 billion kg for three consecutive years. This year, wheat yields and total production are expected to reach new heights, said Yang Wujie, an official from the provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs. This summer, the main winter-wheat-producing provinces across the country have maintained stable or slightly increased planting areas, with overall wheat growth conditions better than usual, laying a solid foundation for a good summer harvest, according to the ministry. Behind this progress lies China's commitment to summer grain production by enhancing rural infrastructure, developing high-standard farmlands, and investing in the grain seed industry alongside scientific and technological research. In Shandong, nearly 76.43 million mu of high-standard farmland have been developed, covering about 80 percent of the province's total cultivated land and 90 percent of permanent basic cropland, according to Yang. "The strategy of 'storing grain in the field and technology' is fundamental to China's efforts to secure food production capacity," said Li Genying, a researcher at the Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences. China now has around 299 million mu of saline-alkali arable land. Significant progress has been made in salt-tolerant wheat technology, with over 700 new lines and 52 approved varieties undergoing testing for salt-alkali tolerance, said Liu Luxiang, a researcher at the Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Some of these new varieties have demonstrated promising potential for achieving higher and stable yields, which could significantly enhance grain production capacity, Liu said. WORLD FOOD STABILIZER According to a report released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on June 7, the FAO Food Price Index continued its upward trend in May for the third consecutive month. This increase, driven by rising global export prices of wheat, reflects concerns over potentially lower yields due to poor crop conditions in some major producing regions including North America and Europe. The FAO Cereal Price Index rose by 6.3 percent in May compared to the previous month, contributing significantly to the overall rise in the international food price index. Food supply in China, the world's largest food producer and third largest food exporter, is significant to global food security and prices. Statistics from the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration showed that in 2023, wheat served predominantly as a staple food in China, maintaining a stable and balanced supply-demand relationship throughout the year. China's grain output rose 1.3 percent year on year to a record high of 695.41 million tonnes last year, which was the ninth consecutive year that the country reported a grain harvest of over 650 million tonnes. "As a country that accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world's population, China sticks to feeding its people while helping the countries in need with domestically produced food," said Yuan Liang, a researcher at CAAS. "By avoiding the possibility of exacerbating international food price fluctuations caused by the large purchase of wheat in the international market, China makes great contributions to the stability of the world's food supply," Yuan noted. (Video reporters: Feng Yuanyuan, Ye Jing, Ren Liying, Yang Jin, Chen Kai; video editors: Jia Xiaotong, Li Qin, Wang Houyuan, Wei Yin, Liu Ruoshi) The Supreme Court on Thursday heard fresh petitions on the alleged paper leaks and malpractices in connection with the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024) row. Hearing the pleas, the vacation bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice SVN Bhatti, refused to stay counselling of NEET-UG 2024. The apex court also sought the centres response to various pleas filed by students. In a big relief to the National Testing Agency (NTA), the bench took cognisance of its plea to transfer cases to the Supreme Court and halted the pending proceedings before Rajasthan, Bombay and Calcutta high courts regarding the paper leak. It also issued notice on NTAs transfer pleas and kept all the petitions for hearing on July 8. Pleas In SC Of the fresh pleas, eight regarding the anomalies in the NEET-UG examination are filed by 56 students. One petition is also filed by the Student Federation of India (SFI)a unit of the Communist Partyseeking directions to cancel the examination and conduct it afresh. These pleas sought direction to the Central Government and the agencies conducting this examination to take appropriate steps to maintain transparency and prevent paper leaks and the use of unfair means in future exams. The Supreme Court also heard the petition filed by 20 students demanding the irregularities in the entrance examination to be investigated by an independent agency or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or any other independent agency under the supervision of the top court. The plea demanded a court-monitored academic and forensic investigation of the students who got more than 620 marks in this examination. Further, the top court will also hear 10 petitions filed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) demanding the pleas filed in other high courts of the country be transferred to the Supreme Court. There have been allegations of question paper leaks in states like Bihar and other irregularities in the prestigious exam. The allegations have led to protests in several cities and the filing of petitions in several high courts as well as the Supreme Court. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court refused to halt the NEET counselling. Prior to that, the court asked NTA to admit if any irregularities were found in the conduct of the NEET (UG) examination. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti remarked that even 0.001 per cent negligence in the conduct of the NEET exam should be thoroughly dealt with and the matter should not be dealt with as adversarial litigation. The top court, last week, said that it would not pass any ex-parte CBI probe into the matter. However, it had asked the NTA to file its reply to the fresh petitions seeking a CBI/SIT probe into the allegation of paper leak within two weeks. Observing that students have to work hard while preparing for these examinations, the apex court has said the litigation pertaining to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate)-2024 ought not be treated as adversarial. The Centre and the National Testing Agency on June 13 told the top court that they had cancelled the grace marks given to 1,563 candidates, who took the examination for admission to MBBS and other such courses. Education Ministry Seeks Report from Bihar Police The Union education ministry sought a report from the Bihar Polices Economic Offences Unit on Wednesday regarding alleged irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (UG) 2024 in Patna. Regarding certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. The government will take further action on receipt of this report, a senior official of the ministry said. The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual or organisation found involved in this matter will face the strictest action, the official added. AAP Leaders Meet Bengal Guv, Demand His Intervention The Aam Aadmi Partys (AAPs) West Bengal leaders on Wednesday called on Governor C V Ananda Bose at Raj Bhavan over the alleged NEET scam and sought his intervention into the matter. We submitted a deputation to Governor C V Ananda Bose this evening at the Raj Bhavan regarding the alleged NEET scam. He heard us and assured of looking into the matter, AAP leader and spokesperson Arnab Maitra. We demand an impartial investigation and punishment of culprits. On one hand the current government is talking about Vikshit Bharat by 2047 and on the other, this kind of corruption is flourishing in our country. How will these fake doctors take our nation forward? We want justice for the NEET candidates, he said. This is one of the biggest scams of the BJP-led central government. The BJP is playing with the future of lakhs of students Maitra said. Centre Rejects Allegations Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan rejected the allegations of paper leak in NEET-UG, saying there was no evidence of it. In todays evening digest, News 18 brings to you the latest updates on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal getting bail, PM Modi in Srinagar and other top stories. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Gets Bail In Liquor Policy Case A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case regarding the liquor policy scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is seeking a stay on the court order. READ MORE PM Modi In Srinagar: Youll Choose Your Own Govt Soon, Preparations Have Started For J&K Polls Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Srinagar on Thursday as part of his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. While addressing the public, PM Modi stated that preparations for Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have begun. Youll choose your own government through your vote very soon, he said. READ MORE No Compromise On Future Of Students: Govt Says Special Team To Probe Exams Row, Guilty Wont Be Spared Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said the central government is committed to protecting the interests of students and there will be no compromise on their future. He said the allegations of paper leak in the NEET-UG 2024 and UGC-NET exams will be probed by a high-level committee and no culprit will be spared. READ MORE Climate Activists Target Taylor Swifts Private Jet, Spray Paint Planes At Londons Stansted Airport | Video Two environmental activists on Thursday targeted private jets at Londons Stansted Airport in the UK, reportedly in response to US pop star Taylor Swifts environmental impact. READ MORE Shatrughan Sinha Is All Smiles In FIRST Photo Amid Sonakshi Sinha Wedding Celebrations; See Here Shatrughan Sinha was all smiles amid the preparations of his daughter, actress Sonakshi Sinhas wedding. Sonakshi is getting married to her longtime boyfriend, Zaheer Iqbal this weekend. In a photo surfaced online, Shatrughan was seen posing with Sonakshis mama Pahlaj Nilhani. READ MORE India to Host Bangladesh, New Zealand & England in International Home Season 2024-25 Check Full Fixture The BCCI on Thursday announced the fixtures for the much-anticipated international home season of Team India (Senior Men) for 2024-25. READ MORE At least one person was killed and five others were injured as a speeding car skidded off the road and overturned on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthans Dausa district. The vehicle veered into the road in the Bandikui region after the driver reportedly fell asleep and lost control. The entire accident was caught on CCTV camera on the highway where the car can be seen suddenly changing lanes before skidding off the road and overturning several times. Delhi-Mumbai ExpresswayInjuries : 1 lost life, 5 injuredFatigue & sleep are major risks on highways. Drivers must recognize & accept these signs to take rest.Signs of FatigueRubbing eyesDrifting lanesYawningRecognize the signs & take a quick break/power nap pic.twitter.com/sEbq5RuYBb Prakash (@Prakash20202021) June 19, 2024 All six people travelling in the car were injured. They were rushed to a hospital in Jaipur, where one person succumbed to their injuries. Five other family members who were in the vehicle are receiving medical treatment. As per media reports, the deceased was a resident of Gujarat and was travelling from Delhi to Jaipur with his family. The Patna High Court on Thursday struck down the amendments passed by the Bihar Assembly in 2023 to increase the reservation limit for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) from 50 per cent to 65 per cent. A division bench of Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Harish Kumar set aside the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (Amendment) Act, 2023 and The Bihar (In admission in Educational Institutions) Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 saying it ultra vires the constitution and violates the equality clause under Articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution. The bench was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the enactments saying it violates equal opportunity for citizens in matters of employment and education. In November 2023, the Bihar assembly passed the Reservation Amendment Bill to increase the quota for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Extremely Backward Classes and Other Backward Classes in government jobs and educational institutes from the existing 50 per cent to 65 per cent. The amended reservation quota included 20 per cent for SCs, 2 per cent for STs, 18 per cent for OBCs, and 25 per cent for EBCs. The move reduced the space for those coming from the open merit category to 35 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Srinagar on Thursday as part of his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. While addressing the public, PM Modi stated that preparations for Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have begun. Woh samay dur nahi jab aap apne vote se Jammu Kashmir ki nayi government chunenge. Woh din bhi jald ayega jab Jammu aur Kashmir phir se rajya ke rup mein apna future aur behtar banayega (That time is not far when you will elect the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your vote. That day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will again make its future better as a state), he said. During his visit, the prime minister will mark this years International Day of Yoga on June 21 in Srinagar and inaugurate more than 80 development projects in the Union Territory. PM Modi Reveals Two Reasons For His Excitement To Visit Kashmir I was thinking why Im excited to visit Kashmir. There were two reasons: one was development work and second was the participation of people in the Lok Sabha elections and this is my first meeting with the people of Kashmir after that, PM Modi said. The prime minister further said he wanted to come to Kashmir and personally thank the people for their large participation in the elections. This is a new beginning. I wouldve been happier if our opposition had applauded the people of J&K but the opposition has disappointed us again, he added. Humara Kashmir Kitna Aage Badh Gaya Hai: PM Modi PM Modi in Srinagar also said, The whole world is witnessing the changes in Kashmir ValleyHumara Kashmir kitna aage badh gaya haiYou will see that International Yoga Day celebration will also become an attraction for tourists. He also added that the changes we are seeing in Jammu & Kashmir today is the result of our work in the last 10 years. People of India have high aspirations and then when aspirations and high, people expect more from the government. Aspirations society doesnt give chance to anyone again but Its only the performance that matters. Its not social media or speeches. People have trust on us, the prime minister stated. Our Democracy Has Been Strengthened: PM Modi The prime minister expressed confidence that our government can fulfil the aspirations of the people. People trust us. Aspirational society wants results and not slow progress. Our government has performed and shown results. In the past, in 10 years there were elections 5 times, there would be more elections and less work. We were grounded when we had to take off. Now leaving that behind, we have entered a new phase. Our democracy has been strengthened, he added. This is Modis first visit here after taking office for a historic third term. More than 7,000 people from different walks of life will join PM on Friday to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day on the banks of the famous Dal Lake. Here are the top updates from Modis visit: Security Update In the wake of recent terror attacks in J-K, extensive security preparations are underway in and around Srinagar. Mock drills conducted by the Special Protection Group have covered all routes leading to the Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Srinagar district is on high alert, and the SPG has taken control of the function venue two days before the Prime Ministers arrival, ensuring thorough sanitization. The city is heavily guarded with hundreds of security personnel manning mobile security bunkers, equipped with advanced weaponry and surveillance devices. Srinagar city has been declared as Temporary Red Zone for the operation of drones and quadcopters as per provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect, the Srinagar police said in a post on X. All unauthorized drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to being penalized as per relevant provisions of Drone Rules, 2021. As responsible citizens, your cooperation is solicited in this regard, it added. International Day of Yoga The prime minister will participate in 10th International Day of Yoga event at SKICC in Srinagar at around 6: 30 am on June 21. He will address the gathering on the occasion and take part in the yoga session thereafter, it said. This years Yoga Day event underscores yogas profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale. Since 2015, Prime Minister Modi has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This years theme Yoga for Self and Society highlights the dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being. The event will encourage grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas. Empowering Youth Before Yoga Day celebrations, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar at around 6 pm on June 20. The event is a pivotal moment for the region, showcasing progress and providing inspiration to young achievers, the PMO statement said. On the occasion, the prime minister will inspect stalls and interact with the young achievers of Jammu and Kashmir. During his visit, the PM will also distribute appointment letters to more than 2,000 persons appointed in government service, the statement said. 84 major developmental projects Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs 1,500 crore. The inaugurations will include projects related to road infrastructure, water supply schemes and infrastructure in higher education. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in J&K. He will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), the statement said. The prime minister will also lay the foundation stone for projects like improvement of Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri Section, development of Industrial Estates and construction of six government degree colleges. Prime Minister Modi will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors (JKCIP) Project worth Rs 1,800 crore. The project will be implemented in 90 blocks across 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir and will have the project outreach of 3,00,000 households covering 15 lakh beneficiaries. The AAP on Thursday said the decision to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was the victory of truth, adding, that it is a tight slap on the face of the BJP. Celebrations erupted outside the CMs residence and partys headquarters as crackers were burst by AAP workers. In a post on X, the Aam Aadmi Party said that truth can be troubled, not defeated. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement directorate on March 21 in a money laundering case linked to the now scrapped excise policy of his government. In a major relief to the party, a court here on Thursday granted Kejriwal bail in a money laundering case stemming from the alleged excise scam. Special Judge Niyay Bindu also declined the Enforcement Directorates prayer to keep in abeyance the bail order for 48 hours to allow the central agency to appeal against it in a superior court. Kejriwal had been in Tihar Jail for nearly 60 days. On May 10, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to him till June 1 to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections, saying that he would have to surrender and go back to jail on June 2. The move is seen as a boost to the morale of Aam Aadmi Party leaders and workers, ending uncertainty over the partys future after Kejriwals arrest. The AAP has also received shot in the arm months before the Delhi Assembly elections. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the party won just three seats out of 13 in Punjab and drew a blank in Delhi which has seven seats. Every worker is enthused by this victory. We are very happy. It is a tight slap on the face of the BJP. If the BJP has any shame left, they should now close these fake cases and release those in jail, AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told reporters after meeting the CMs family. He also alleged that the only aim of the BJP to put Kejriwal behind the bar was to end his political career and crush AAP. Soon after Kejriwal got bail, senior AAP leader Atishi in a post on X said, Satyamev Jayate (truth alone triumphs). Feeling vindicated, the Aam Aadmi Party said truth cannot be defeated, only harassed. Truth can be troubled, not defeated. Rejecting all the objections raised by BJPs ED, the Honorable Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister @ArvindKejriwal, the party said in a post on X. Other party leaders also echoed similar sentiments. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said truth triumphs after the decision. Faith in the court Kejriwal ji gets bail truth triumphs, said Mann in a post on X. Advocate Rishi Kumar, who is in Kejriwals legal team, said that the bail procedures will be done on Friday morning and the chief minister will be out of jail by the afternoon. Delhi cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj noted that waiting till Supreme Court provided any relief in PMLA cases was suffocating the entire judicial system. It was very important that the lower courts also provide timely justice. With every case going to the Supreme Court, this was unnecessarily increasing the burden of the Supreme Court, he added. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said, This is victory of truth, victory of justice. Heartfelt thanks to the honorable Court for granting bail to Kejriwal. Kejriwal had surrendered at the Tihar jail here after his interim bail granted by the Supreme Court in the excise policy-linked money laundering case ended on June 1. At the time of his surrender, Kejriwal had said, I am going back to jail not because I was involved in corruption but because I raised voice against dictatorship. A 20-year-old man woke up in a hospital in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh to find out that his genitals had been removed and his sex change operation done. His life turned upside down, he started crying when his friend told him that he was now a woman and they both will have to get married. The victim, a resident of Sanjak village, was allegedly tricked into a hospital visit by his friend who allegedly colluded with doctors of the Begrajpur Medical College to carry out the sex reassignment surgery. The friend later threatened the victim that he will now have to live with him as no one from his family or community will accept him, or he would shoot his father and seize his share of the family land. Police identified the friend as Omprakash Pal, who was later arrested following an uproar and protest demanding action, by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) under farmer leader Shyam Pal. According to police, Omprakash lured the victim into visiting the hospital on June 3 after telling him that he had a medical issue that required immediate inspection. But, on reaching the hospital, the staff administered anaesthesia to the victim and performed the operation. The victim told police that Omprakash had been threatening and harassing him for the past two years. Lying on the hospital bed, he said the accused had ruined his life. I had no idea what was going to happen in the hospital. I just came with faith, he said. He added: When I regained consciousness the next day, he told me that I have become a woman now and we both will have to get married. The victim told police that he asked why the accused had done this. He told me that he changed me from a man to a woman and now we will have to live together. He said a lawyer had agreed to conduct our court marriage and we will soon move to Lucknow, where his uncle lives. He wants to build a house there and he also withdrew Rs 35,000 from my account, he said. Soon after the case came to light, farmer leader Shyam Pal also staged a protest in front of the medical college demanding action against the accused and hospital staff. Khatauli circle officer Ramashish Yadav also reached the medical college and assured action. There was an incident here in which a sex change operation was done on a young man. The family members of the youth alleged that the other party had got the operation done by misleading them. The accused will be investigated. Further legal action will be taken on the basis of whatever facts come to light, Yadav said. Yoga is an ancient physical and mental practice that originated in India. Every year, on June 21, International Yoga Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of practising yoga. It inspires people to adopt this ancient practice in their daily lives to maintain overall well-being. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015, one year after it was approved in the United Nations General Assembly. ALSO READ: International Yoga Day 2024: Best Wishes, Images, Inspiring Quotes and Messages to Celebrate Day of Yoga on June 21! Unlike many workouts, yoga is flexible and allows you to adjust its intensity to match your age and physical condition. But there is one thing that you cant skip which is paying attention to what you eat before and after a yoga session. Here are some ideas to help you out: 5 Foods To Eat Before Yoga Before moving forward, its important to note that these foods should be eaten 30 to 45 minutes before starting your yoga session. BananaBefore yoga, you can grab a banana. It is easy on the stomach and provides a quick energy boost to practice yoga without weighing you down. The potassium in bananas helps maintain muscle function and prevents cramps. Greek YogurtEating Greek yoghurt before yoga can offer a great balance of protein and carbohydrates, providing sustained energy for your practice. Plus, it keeps you feeling full without feeling heavy. AlmondsThis nutrient-dense snack is enriched with protein, healthy fats and fibre that keep you energised. Almonds are light on the stomach and help sustain energy levels. OatmealFuel up with a bowl of nutritious oatmeal topped with your favourite choice of fruits or nuts to energise your body. This wholesome combination provides sustained energy and keeps you feeling energised throughout your session. Coconut WaterSipping on coconut water before hitting the yoga mat is like giving your body a refreshing hydration boost. This drink is loaded with potassium and magnesium which helps prevent dehydration during practice. 5 Foods To Eat After Yoga It is recommended that one should wait for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour after practising yoga. INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY 2024: International Yoga Day is an annual celebration, observed on June 21 to spread awareness about the importance of yoga. You need not be a fitness enthusiast to know the benefits of yoga. It forges a connection between the mind, body, and soul enabling us to shut out the worldly chaos and focus on our inner well-being. ALSO READ: International Yoga Day 2024: Best Wishes, Images, Inspiring Quotes and Messages to Celebrate Day of Yoga on June 21! Yoga is also known to alleviate negativity. This year the theme of International Yoga Day is Yoga for Self and Society. If you are new to yoga but want to incorporate the fitness habit in your life then look no further. Here are 5 easy yoga asanas for beginners to try: EASY YOGA POSES TO START WITH Mountain Pose (Tadasana) To do this asana you have to stand tall with your feet together and relax your arms by your side. Press evenly with the feet, engage your quads, and lengthen your tailbone towards the floor. Roll your shoulders back and down, opening the chest. Keep the chin parallel to the floor and look straight ahead at any stationary object to maintain focus. Breathe deeply and hold the pose for some time. Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) Start by standing in position. Next, take one foot back, keeping the front knee bent at a 90-degree angle and aligning it with the ankle. Extend the back leg straight, pressing the outer edge of the foot into the mat. Raise the arms over your head. Now, face your palms to each other and touch them together. Repeat the same on the other side. Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana) To execute the pose, take one foot back and turn it slightly outward, while keeping the front foot facing forward. Extend the arms parallel to the floor, hinge at the hip, and reach forward with the hand in front. Lower the hand to the shin, ankle, or floor, while lifting the other arm vertically. Keep your chest open and gaze towards the raised hand. Repeat on the other side. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) Start by getting on your hands and knees, aligning your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Press into your hands and lift your hips towards the ceiling, straightening your arms and legs. Now, keep the spine stretched, let your heels reach the floor, and keep your head between your arms. Engage your core and breathe deeply. Hold the pose for multiple breaths. Staff pose (Dandasana) Sit on the floor with your legs extended forward, keeping them together. Place your hands beside your hips on the floor, fingers pointing in the front. Press your palms to the ground and lift your spine, keeping the shoulders relaxed. Lengthen through the crown of your head and gently draw your shoulder blades back. Keep your thighs and knees pressing down. Hold the pose while taking a few breaths maintaining the alignment and focusing on your breathing. YOGA DAY THEME FOR 2024 The theme of International Yoga Day 2024 is Yoga for Self and Society. The day will be celebrated with various events and sessions globally. BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR BEGINNERS S.J. Suryah is a renowned actor and director who predominantly works in the Tamil film industry. He has worked in various well-known films like Mark Antony, Maanaadu, Nenjam Marappathillai and Jigarthanda Double X. The actor recently donated a tractor to the NGO Maatram Foundation run by actor Raghava Lawrence. The actor recently shared a video thanking S.J. Suryah for his donation. The video went viral on the Internet creating a massive buzz among the fans. Posting the video on Instagram, the actor captioned it, Hi Friends and fans, You are all aware that I handed over 10 Tractors to Farmers through The Maatram Foundation with my own money. Today, S.J. Suryahs Brother gave me a pleasant surprise by adding another Tractor with his own money. Together, We handed over the 11th Tractor to Badri from Kanchipuram district. Im grateful for his support and I pray to god for S.J. Suryah and his family. I need all your love and blessings as always. The tractors were donated to farmers at an event at Thenambakkam village in Kancheepuram. The gesture was highly appreciated by the fans. S.J. Suryah has also taken an active part in helping people who struggle with poverty. He had earlier donated ambulances to villages where there was no hospital and also autos and bikes to people in need so that they could find permanent work to earn their living. The actor reportedly carries out all the charitable activities with his own money. The post surfaced on various social media platforms garnering over 3.5 million views. The video was liked by over 3.4 lakh users. Thousands of users commented appreciating the actors for their heartwarming gesture. One user commented, You are a hero in real life! Keep up the good work sir, while another user commented, S.J. Suryah sir, Thank you for helping the poor farmers of our country. A third user wrote, Raghava Lawrance sir you are the true leader who takes care of the people in need. Great work sir. Two unidentified persons broke into the office of Bollywood actor Anupam Kher and stole the negatives of a film produced by his company and Rs 4.15 lakh in cash, police said on Thursday. The incident took place on Wednesday night at the actors office on Vira Desai Road in Amboli area, said an official. It came to light around 9.45 on Thursday morning when the office staff arrived and found the locks broken, he said. Kher himself narrated the incident in posts on his official X handle and Instagram page. Last night in my Veera Desai Road office two thieves broke two doors and stole the entire safe from the accounts department (which they probably couldnt break) and the negatives of a film produced by our company which was in a box. Our office has filed an FIR, the 69-year-old actor wrote in Hindi, without mentioning the name of the film whose negatives were stolen. CCTV footage outside the building showed the duo leaving in an auto rickshaw, Kher added, stating that may God give them good sense (`sad-buddhi). The First Information Report was registered at Amboli police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and probe was underway, the police official said. Recently, in a chat with News18 Showsha, Anupam Kher spoke about content-driven films getting recognition around the world. Talking about films like Lapaata Ladies and Chamkila, he said, Content is very important nowadays. It always was, but now the audience is different. Look at what happened at Cannes we have two unknown people getting the highest honours. Its phenomenal. A Delhi girl walked on the red carpet stitching her own dress. The world is open to creativity it always was, but now India is open to creativity. What doesnt touch heart doesnt make an impact. You cannot dwarf the audience by making them feel smaller. Theyre open to malls, theyre open to modern India, and big cinema they are used to everything. You cant now say, Dekho hum apko Switzerland leke jaa rahe hai. Unke liye koi bahut badi baat nahi hai. Par content agar Achha huya toh choti film bhi chalegi aur badi bhi. I think, its the end of fakeness. A Bengaluru Court has restricted media from publishing any defamatory news about Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently being probed in connection to Renuka Swamys murder case. On Wednesday, Live Law reported that the court restrained the media, their reporters, anchors or any other persons from printing, publishing, or telecasting any defamatory statements against Darshan, his wife Vijayalakshmi or their family. It shall be noted that the investigations has not been completed and therefore it is too premature to the defendants to express any opinion about the guilt or otherwise of the husband of the plaintiff. It is well-settled law that the doubts how so ever high it will not substitute the proof. Hence it is to premature to the defendants to express any opinion about the or otherwise of her husband in the alleged crime. It is improper to publish or telecast the information and news as if he has committed the guilt. Having regard to these aspects, an order of exparte temporary injunction is very much necessary, the court said. Vijayalakshmi had filed a plea in the court claiming her husband, Darshan, is arrayed as an accused with others in the case. Darshan is being probed for his alleged connection to the Renuka Swamy murder case. Swamy was found dead at Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. He used to reportedly work at an Apollo Pharmacy branch in Chitradurga. Reportedly, Renuka used to send vulgar messages to Kannada actress Pavithra Gowad, a friend of Darshan. Angry about this, Renuka Swamy was murdered and his dead body was allegedly thrown in a canal at Kamaksshipalya, Bengaluru in front of Darshan. Reportedly, eight of the accused have implicated Darshan, claiming his presence during Renuka Swamys assault. The Kannada star was arrested by the Bengaluru police from Mysuru on June 11 following which he was sent to police custody. Recently, Kannada actress Rachita Ram also came out in support of Darshan and urged media to be unbiased and transparent. I pray for the departed soul, Renukaswamy. I hope his family gains the strength to bear the loss. I hope justice will be delivered in this murder case. Darshan introduced me to the cinema industry. He is like my mentor. I cannot believe that the person who used to correct my mistakes and guide me was involved in the case. I believe that the police will bring out the truth. Hope the media will remain unbiased and transparent in their reports, her statement read. Kannada actress Anusha Rai has admitted that Darshan Thoogudeepa has anger issues. In a recent interview, Rai claimed that people talk to Darshan carefully and added even she does not cross her limits while interacting with the Kannada star. Yes, he has anger issues but he is also very humble and good. He doesnt get angry about everything and people who talk to him, talk to him carefully. When I speak to him, I keep within my limits. Darshan has also admitted openly that he has anger issues in his interviews, Anusha told Hindustan Times. The comment comes at a time when Darshan is being probed for his alleged links to the Renuka Swamy murder case. Swamy, who used to reportedly work at an Apollo Pharmacy branch, was found dead in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. it has been alleged that Renuka used to send vulgar messages to Kannada actress Pavithra Gowad, a friend of Darshan. Angry about this, Renuka Swamy was murdered and his dead body was allegedly thrown in a canal at Kamaksshipalya, Bengaluru in front of Darshan. Reportedly, eight of the accused have implicated Darshan, claiming his presence during Renuka Swamys assault. The Kannada star was arrested by the Bengaluru police from Mysuru on June 11 following which he was sent to police custody. Talking about Darshans alleged links to the murder case, Anusha Rai expressed shock and mentioned how the Kannada actor is always very kind to his fans. He is very sweet and kind. He told me that he serves his fans food only once a year on his birthday but they are the ones who feed him 365 days a year and it was because of them he was living a good life. Another thing he told me was that he had told his fans not to tattoo his name but their parents do you know Darshan has got a tattoo on his chest that says Nanna Celebrities because he calls his fans celebrities? she said and then added, How can such a caring person be involved in a crime like this? He is still an accused not a convicted criminal. So instead of talking all this BS about him, wait for the law to take its course. Rai is not the first actress who has come out in support of Darshan. Previously, Kannada actress Rachita Ram urged the media to be unbiased and transparent while talking about the probe. I pray for the departed soul, Renukaswamy. I hope his family gains the strength to bear the loss. I hope justice will be delivered in this murder case. Darshan introduced me to the cinema industry. He is like my mentor. I cannot believe that the person who used to correct my mistakes and guide me was involved in the case. I believe that the police will bring out the truth. Hope the media will remain unbiased and transparent in their reports, her statement read. Actor Darshan is being probed for his alleged connection to the Renukaswamy murder case. In a new development, after the actors footwear was recovered from his wife Vijayalakshmis flat, it is being said that he performed puja at the residence. As per police, the actor visited his wifes residence after disposing of Renuka Swamys body on June 9. A senior police officer said that Darshan got rid of the victims body in the early hours of June 9 and then headed to his wifes residence in Hoskerehalli, as per a Times of India report. He then performed puja with his wife at the flat before travelling to Mysuru, from where he was arrested on June 11. The report mentioned that as per police sources, Vijayalakshmi was summoned to the Annapoorneshwari Nagar on Wednesday and was questioned for nearly five hours. She was asked about how Darshans footwear (a pair of loafers) reached her residence and if anyone had used it in any capacity. The report mentioned that Vijayalakshmi gave her statement and is now likely to be treated as a witness in the case. The report also mentioned that Darshans costume assistant, identified as Raju from Attiguppe, had given Darshans clothes and footwear to Vijayalakshmi after the incident. Yesterday, shocking details of the case had emerged. As per CNN-News18, The body was kept in the security room in the shed. So far, around 118 materials have been seized by the police, which includes vehicle, objects used to hit Renukaswamy. Theres an electric shock angle also thats also come to light. Electric shock was used to torture Renukaswamy by one of the accused perpetrators. An electrical insulation device was used to administer electric shock to the victim. Gold jewellery and a watch were also stolen from the victims body after his death. The police have conducted spot investigation in almost 14 locations in Bengaluru where the murder took place at the shed, also at the residence of Pavitra Gowda. Previously, Karnataka police officials also claimed that Renukaswamy was beaten with sticks by Darshan and his aides, who then allegedly threw him against the wall, which led to his death. It was Pavithra who instigated Darshan to punish Renukaswamy. Accordingly, the plan was hatched, sources said. For the unversed, Renukaswamy was found dead at Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. He used to reportedly work at an Apollo Pharmacy branch in Chitradurga. Reportedly, Renuka used to send vulgar messages to Kannada actress Pavithra Gowad, a friend of Darshan. Angry about this, Renuka Swamy was murdered and his dead body was allegedly thrown in a canal at Kamaksshipalya, Bengaluru in front of Darshan. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are set to star in an unprecedented Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film featuring Deadpool & Wolverine. This upcoming action-packed movie, aiming for an R-rating, promises intense action, plenty of F-bombs, gory scenes, and other audacious elements. In an interview with Total Film, director Levy discussed the creative journey of Deadpool 3, highlighting initial discussions where the team decided against incorporating drug use into Phase Five of the MCU. Despite this constraint, the writing team toyed with the idea of mentioning drugs in dialogue, a concept that even made it into one of the films trailers. Levy explained, Im so wary of what I can say but certainly there were early conversations about overt drug use. We thought that was an interesting conversation. Lets actually write a dialogue scene about having had it. Interestingly, that particular line ended up in one of the trailers, where Deadpool talks to Blind Al, played by Leslie Uggams, about offering her some Bolivian marching powder. In the scene, Wade Wilson mentions cocaine, which is the one thing (Marvel Studios head) Kevin (Feige) says is off the table. Previously, Deadpool and Wolverine writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick explained that Disney supported their vision wholeheartedly. Speaking with Den of Geek, Reese said, Theyve been very supportive. Now when it comes to a particular joke, if we cross a line, maybe well hear at some point, Maybe not that joke. But I think theyve been incredibly supportive of what were doing, because obviously we were doing it separate from them for a long time, and I think theyve seen the success and theyve had their own even greater success. But weve definitely got their support, and thats a great thing to feel. Other than Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the confirmed cast members for Deadpool 3 include Leslie Uggams, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, Matthew Macfadyen, Shioli Kutsuna, Karan Soni, Tara Strong, TJ Miller, Stefan Kapicic, Lewis Tan and Rob Delaney. The movie is scheduled to release on July 26. BTS Jungkook, the youngest member of the globally renowned K-pop boyband, has recently become a trending topic on social media. Fans of BTS and viewers of Inside Out 2 have noted a striking resemblance between Jungkook, known as the maknae (youngest member), and the character Envy from the animated film. This comparison has sparked extensive discussions among BTS fans and movie enthusiasts alike. In 2023, Jungkook notably sported a bob-cut hairstyle with fringes similar to that of the Envy character. Envy, one of Riley Andersons emotions in the film, is depicted as a small girl with cyan-coloured skin, blue bobbed hair, and large, expressive eyes. Inside Out 2, released on June 14, has drawn viewers to the theatres. Among them are also BTS fans, who, upon watching the film, couldnt help but draw parallels between Jungkook and Envy. This comparison has now become the subject of many clips and videos shared on platform X (formally Twitter). Fans have not only highlighted the similarities in hairstyle of the two but also other resemblances like Jungkooks ear piercings and Envys hair clips. Fans have also highlighted numerous instances where Jungkooks appearance closely mirrors that of Envy. they even have the same sweater pic.twitter.com/opPA2knhQx kach (@not7withyou) June 18, 2024 In the film, Envy is seen wearing a purple top with white dots, which fans noticed, is quite similar to a lavender sweatshirt with polka dots that Jungkook had worn during BTS: In The Soop season 2. This keen observation has now led to several edited scenes combining clips from the movie with real-life footage of Jungkook. envy is another form of bobbed hairstyle jungkook and i will die on this hill pic.twitter.com/GkjWqeZxko jungkook praiser (@jeonmygoogie) June 18, 2024 they even have the same sweater pic.twitter.com/opPA2knhQx kach (@not7withyou) June 18, 2024 why envy is literally jungkook with his bob pic.twitter.com/6ItbR4hy89 (@gldenjkoo) June 18, 2024 As for the idol himself, he recently made headlines with the release of his song Never Let Go. He dedicated the track to his fans during the celebration of 2024 FESTA, an annual event that marks the anniversary of BTSs debut. The song has already achieved a record-breaking debut and has gone on to become the biggest debut day for a song by a K-pop artist on Spotifys Global Weekly Chart this year. Moreover, on June 12, Jungkook was seen at the HYBE Headquarters in Seoul with his fellow BTS members Jin, RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, and V. They had gathered to celebrate Jins discharge from military service. Jibraan Khan, our beloved boy from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is all grown up now! The actor, who played Shah Rukh Khan and Kajols son in the Karan Johar film, is all set to debut as a leading star in Ishq Vishk Rebound. While we are excited to see what he has in store for everyone, he took a trip down memory lane in an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha and spoke about filming his monologue with Kareena Kapoor in K3G. For the unversed, Jibraan delivered a moving monologue in the second half of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The scene, that came immediately after the chilling National Anthem scene, featured Jibraan delivering an inspirational speech. However, the scene was not easy to shoot. The actor exclusively told us that he had to do the scene a few times and Kareena had his back throughout. I think Kareena is one of the sweetest co-stars to ever work with and back then I was just a baby. I had this a tooth cap that kept falling in the scene right after we sang the National Anthem. My cap kept falling. I remember we were freezing in the evening and they had to go on to a very important scene which was the Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan bench scene," he recalled. My cap kept falling and they kept rushing me. I had to say that big monologue so I remember there came a moment where she said, Guys, calm down, let the kid get his time. And she was so nice to me like she kept doing the scene with me with the same intensity and it is just amazing. Theres a reason why these guys are superstars. They are so professional and they are so nice work with," Jibraan revealed. Watch the scene below: Meanwhile, Jibraan will be seen in Ishq Vishk Rebound this weekend. The actor shares the screen with Rohit Saraf, Pashmina Roshan, and Naila Grrewal. The actor plays Rohits best friend in the film and has been showing off his dance moves in the trailer and music videos. Richa Chadha is super excited about the next phase in their life. The actress is all set to welcome her first child with husband, actor Ali Faizal. In the middle of all the excitement, Richa is wondering how her life would change after embracing parenthood. The actress, in her latest Instagarm post, has asked is her impromptu solo travel days over?. The Heeramandi star has shared a series of images of her spontaneous solo trip from London to Amsterdam last year in July. In her elaborated note, the actress recalled the time when she decided to head to Amsterdam via Eurostar for some gallery visits and soul-searching. The pictures featured Richa Chadha looking stunning in a short black dress layered with a cheque-patterned blazer. Wondering what will follow after she becomes responsible for another human being, Richa wrote, Hmmmare my days of impromptu solo travel over? These photos are from July 2023, when I had wrapped a stressful and strange shoot in London, and decided to take a solo trip to Amsterdam the following morning. She added, Harry who was eager to party on his last night in London, clicking away at Pimlico stationI was just keen on getting to Amsterdam via Eurostar for a bit of gallerying and soul-searching. He went to a party, I crashed at my friends apartment, ordered a salad and slept. Reminiscing tonightwhat will happen now, I will be responsible for a whole other human being. Cant just get up and leave now anymore, right? Mommies weigh in? Replying to the post, mom-to-be Masaba Gupta said, Same thoughts some days, Richa! But looking at it this way that a new life will bring a change of responsibility ,new needs & new areas of focus perhaps. And newness is very uncomfortable sometimes in the beginning but such a blessing in the long run. Also at a spiritual level, this would not have come your way if you werent ready for life to be tossed into the unknown..some larger plan at play maybe? This last bit is helping me whenever I have anxious thoughts about being a new mommy! Lots of love hope we are all eased into it as beautifully as possible. Actress Gul Panag said, Yes, Sister. Definitely. You will have trips with the baby. It might be challenging to begin with. But it will get better and better with each trip. But dont stop taking trips. Actress Sobhita Dhulipala wrote, Such beautiful images. Richa Chaddhas Heeramandi co-star Sanjeeda Shaikh said, Prettyyy. Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal announced their pregnancy in February. In a joint post, the couple said, A tiny heartbeat is the loudest sound in our world. The two got married in 2020 and celebrated their union with a grand ceremony in October 2022. In an interview with News18, Richa Chadha opened up on managing her pregnancy calling it pretty chill. She said, Im not nervous at all. Im still working every day. I want to continue to be chill. I think we make a big deal out of it, especially today. Women are told what to do and what to watch when theyre pregnant. Im enjoying watching true crime at this point. On the work front, Richa Chadha won many hearts with her impactful role in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. The series also stars Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman, and Taha Shah in pivotal roles. Months after Priyanka Chopra pulled out of the New York City restaurant Sona, the establishment announced that it will soon permanently close its doors after a final brunch service on June 30. Sona was inaugurated three years ago with an Indian puja ceremony and was frequented by several celebrities seeking Indian food in New York. The restaurant shared the news of its closing on Instagram in a statement which read, After More than three remarkable years, Sona will be closing. We have immense gratitude for everyone who walked through our doors. Its been our greatest honor to serve you, read an excerpt from a statement posted on the restaurants official Instagram account. It further read, SONAs final service will be brunch on Sunday, June 30. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SONA (@sonanewyork) Sona was founded by Priyanka Chopra and Maneesh Goyal in 2021. However, the actress reportedly ended her partnership with the establishment sometime in late 2023. Priyankas representatives had then issued a statement. Bringing Sona to life will invariably be a proud and significant moment in her career. Priyanka has always endeavoured to bring Indian culture to the fore through storytelling, whether thats via engaging content for film and TV, or a beautifully plated dish that embodies the haute cuisine of India, the statement read. We are grateful for her partnership and support. While she will no longer be involved as a creative partner, she remains part of the Sona family, and we look forward to our respective new chapters ahead, Maneesh told People magazine and added that working with Priyanka has been a dream come true. Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyanka has been filming for The Bluff in Australia for a few days now. She is working alongside Karl Urban in The Bluff. The film will be streaming on Prime Video. The Bluff is being directed by Frank E. Flowers. He rose to fame after co-writing the hit film Bob Marley: One Love, which grossed over $120 million worldwide. The Bluff is set in the 19th-century Caribbean and follows the story of a former female pirate. Priyanka would be essaying the role of the pirate. In the film, the character then embarks on a journey to protect her family when the mysterious sins of her past catch up to her. The makers are planning to begin the films shoot in Australia. The film will be produced by AGBOs Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Michael Disco; Cinestar Pictures Cisely Saldana; and Mariel Saldana. Bad cop review: In a good thriller, the protagonist, often an ordinary person thrown into extraordinary circumstances, should be relatable yet resourceful someone you root for as they wade through a labyrinth of suspense. Bad Cop, directed by Aditya Datt, tries to do just that and almost succeeds. Starring Gulshan Devaiah in a double role as Karan and Arjun, the series interweaves the lives of identical twins with polar opposite personalities one a fierce cop, the other a petty thief and, at some point, you find yourself rooting for both. The plot a fun twist on the age-old chor-police drama with a side of Judwaa kicks off with the murder of a journalist, Anand Mishra in Pune, and a tip-off, setting off a chain of events that exposes a sprawling ivory smuggling racket. Karan, the dedicated cop, is on a mission to bring down the formidable villain Kazbe, portrayed by the inimitable Anurag Kashyap. The series ably blends Karans professional pursuit with his personal struggles, particularly his relationship with his wife Devika, played by Harleen Sethi, with whom hes on the verge of a divorce. Gulshan Devaiah, in top form, is the series powerhouse, effortlessly portraying both Karan and Arjun. His performance is nothing short of riveting from the high-octane fight scenes and high-stakes chases to the emotionally charged arguments and moments of self-doubt. Gulshans ability to convey complex emotions through subtle body language and expressive eyes keeps the audience glued to the screen. Harleen Sethi shines as Devika, balancing the roles of a righteous cop and a wife struggling to save her marriage for the sake of their daughter. The chemistry between Gulshan and Harleen is undeniable. Its a romance you cant help but cheer for, even though deep down you know its doomed. Saurabh Sachdeva, coming off his recent success in Animal, brings gravitas to his role as ACP Aarif Khan, driven by a personal vendetta to find his friends murderer. Anurag Kashyap as Kazbe is a revelation. Kazbe gets to mouth the meatiest punchlines and performs brutal actions, and Anurags ability to switch between calm menace and explosive violence keeps viewers hooked and horrified in equal measure. The letdown, however, is Kazbes aides. They are willing to kill people on command but oscillate between being wimps and acting completely unhinged. Now, to what doesnt work for the series. Most of the side characters feel like theyve been lifted from other shows or movies, playing the same old roles. A sense of deja vu persists throughout the 6 episodes. Businessmen with a taste for debauchery? Check. Corrupt politicians? Check. Goons comically pleading with their criminal bosses for second chances at murder? Check. The plot is woven in 30-minute episodes, but the twists, fail to keep you guessing. But, beyond all that, Bad Cop also tackles the serious issue of hunting and smuggling. The series doesnt shy away from depicting the grim realities of wildlife crime, making a statement on the devastating impact of these illegal activities. The series is a well-put-together thriller that combines breakneck pacing and good performances. Its a good watch if you like action-packed dramas. Sumona Chakravarty was taken aback when Kapil Sharma did not approach her for The Great Indian Kapil Show earlier this year, an insider has revealed. The actress worked with Kapil for 10 years. She was a part of the latters Comedy Nights with Kapil and The Kapil Sharma Show. However, when Kapil returned with The Great Indian Kapil Show earlier this year on Netflix, Sumona wasnt announced as one of the cast members. Now, if a report by Hindustan Times is to be believed, Sumona was shocked and angry when she wasnt approached by Kapil for his show. An insider claimed that the actress is still very upset with the comedian because once Sunil Grover agreed to work with him, he approached Kiku Sharda and Krushna Abhishek but decided not to cast her. She had expected that the entire cast would be retained for the digital version of the show, but she did not get any call from Kapil. Also, With Sunil (Grover) joining the show back, Kapil only took Krushna (Abhishek) and Kiku (Sharda) with him, a source cited by the news portal claimed. She always thought that the jokes on her dialogue delivery and style were limited to having fun on the show, but she never thought that this would go beyond that, and affect the casting process. She was very angry initially, and is still quite upset with what happened, however she chose to deal with it by maintaining silence and not talking about it, the insider added. Asked why Sumona has not been speaking about not being a part of TGIKS, the source claimed that it is because she did not exit by choice. She is always asked about her absence from Kapils show, and the fact that she didnt exit by choice, it triggers her even more and acts as rubbing salt in the wound. Though she is not keeping any grudge with Kapil, they havent spoken ever since, the source argued. Sumona is currently in Romania where she is shooting for Khatron Ke Khiladi 14. The insider further stated that the actress was never planning to participate in Rohit Shettys show but she accepted the offer since Kapil did not approach her for TGIKS. Meanwhile, talking about her absence from Kapil Sharmas show, Sumona previously told news agency PTI, I dont have an answer to this. The show that I was part of, which was on another channel, ended last year in July. Since then, Ive been on my own journey, doing my own things, networking, and meeting people. I know fans have missed (me on the show), Ive seen their messages. I meet people everywhere, the moment you step out of the house, your neighbours tell you (they miss seeing you on the show). That is exactly what motivates you to do something different, the actress added. Thalapathy Vijays upcoming film GOAT is one of the highly anticipated films of this year. Starring in the 68th film of his career, the actor will be seen in a dual role alongside actor Prabhu Deva. It is directed by Venkat Prabhu. The music of the film is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. It was believed that the film would be based on time travel and so the lead actor Thalapathy Vijay will be seen in a double role. However, as per reports, the plot of GOAT has leaked on the internet and it does not mention the time travel angle of the film. The film is slated to release in theatres worldwide on September 5. According to reports, GOAT is about catching the terrorists who were involved in the suicide attack on the Moscow Metro in Russia in 2004. 41 people were reportedly killed in this attack. Thalapathy Vijay along with his team will be reportedly catching the perpetrators of these terrorist attacks in the film. The recent update of the film aligns with the latest ruckus caused by the makers when they were filming the accident sequences of the film in Puducherry. The production team had permission to use explosives for action scenes, but the loud noises and vibrations alarmed many unsuspecting residents. The incident occurred on Old Port Road during a scene involving bombs and SUV crashes. The explosions caused significant panic among locals who were unaware of the filming. The shooting of GOAT has been completed in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kerala and Moscow. The final shoot is currently underway. The team has reportedly jetted off to the US for the filming of its climax scenes. Thalapathy Vijay has completed 50 per cent of the films dubbing. In a recent update, the films music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja has revealed that for the first time, Thalapathy Vijay has lent his voice to two songs in a film. Song Whistle Podu from the film has already been released by the makers. Yeon Sang-ho, the popular Korean director, known for his zombie thriller Train to Busan, is ready with another surprise. He is reportedly teaming up with the renowned Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron for a new Netflix thriller. Yeon Sang-ho will soon be directing a film adaptation of his popular Korean webtoon, Revelations. This adaptation also involves Alfonso Cuaron as the executive producer and consultant, informs The Hollywood Reporter (THR). The news of them teaming up has created quite a buzz in the film industry, as both directors have had a long history of giving us some thought-provoking and visually stunning films. Yeon Sang-ho had previously grabbed global attention with his 2016 zombie thriller film Train to Busan. Since then, he has continued to impress audiences as well as critics with his work on Netflix including Jung_E, Kdrma series Hellbound and Parasyte: The Grey. Currently, Hellbound is also planning to bring a new season soon, reports THR. As of now, Netflix has not revealed a lot of details about how Alfonso Cuaron is involved with the Revelations film adaptation. However, Yeon Sang-ho is excited about them working together. Alfonso Cuaron, known for masterpieces like Children of Men and Gravity, has greatly influenced my work as a director. I am thrilled at this opportunity to collaborate with him on shaping Revelations, and I have high expectations for our partnership, he told THR Cuaron last directed the Oscar-nominated film Roma for Netflix and is reportedly working on another titled Disclaimer. The THR informs that it is going to be a psychological thriller miniseries starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline and will be produced by Apple TV+. In Revelations, Yeon Sang-ho will work once again with screenwriter Choi Gyu-seok. The duo had previously worked together on Hellbound. As per THR, the upcoming films storyline deals with a missing persons case. The narrative follows a pastor and a detective, each driven by their own convictions. Korean actor Ryu Jun-yeol, known for his roles in The 8 Show, The King and Alienoid, will play Min-chan, the pastor of a small church in a provincial town. Meanwhile, actress Shin Hyun-been, known for her acting in Hospital Playlist and Reborn Rich, will play a detective, named Yeon-hee. In the annals of history, certain figures emerge whose unwavering commitment to justice and peace transcends borders and ideologies. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, affectionately known as Bacha Khan, stands as one such luminary. His life story, marked by relentless resistance against oppression and division, illuminates the dark corners of Pakistans troubled past and exposes the systemic failures that continue to plague the nation. Born on February 6, 1890, in a privileged Pashtun family in the heart of British India, Bacha Khans upbringing instilled in him a profound sense of duty towards his people and his nation. His journey towards becoming the Sarhadi Gandhi the Frontier Gandhi was paved with the principles of non-violent resistance and social reform, ideals he shared with his close ally, Mahatma Gandhi. Bacha Khans vision for a united India, free from the shackles of communalism, set him at odds with the proponents of the Muslim League and their divisive demand for a separate Muslim state. He foresaw the calamitous consequences of partition the fracturing of the subcontinent and the unleashing of sectarian strife. In the 1920s, Bacha Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgar movement, a beacon of hope in the tumultuous landscape of British India. The Red Shirts, as they were colloquially known, became an army of peaceful warriors, dedicated to the noble cause of social justice and independence. Through their tireless efforts, they challenged the hegemony of colonial rule and inspired a generation to rise against tyranny. But Bacha Khans unwavering commitment to a united India came at a cost. As the clouds of partition loomed large, he found himself marginalised in the newly formed state of Pakistan, where his dissenting voice was deemed a threat to the fragile narrative of nationhood. The betrayal he felt at the hands of the Indian National Congress (INC), whom he accused of abandoning him to the wolves of partition, echoed the sentiments of millions who found themselves uprooted and displaced in the wake of Indias partition. His impassioned plea for the North-West Frontier Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas to remain part of India fell on deaf ears, as the architects of partition pursued their myopic vision of nationhood at any cost. However, Bacha Khans defiance did not end with the creation of Pakistan. Throughout his life, he remained a thorn in the side of the Pakistani establishment, challenging their authoritarian rule and advocating for the rights of the Pashtun people. His steadfast opposition to Pakistans One Unit mission, which sought to strip the provinces of their autonomy, earned him the ire of those in power and led to his repeated imprisonment and exile. The Pakistani authorities, threatened by Bacha Khans unwavering resolve, employed every means at their disposal to silence him. They imprisoned him without trial, harassed his followers, and sought to erase his legacy from the pages of history. But try as they might, they could not extinguish the flame of resistance that burned within him. Bacha Khans legacy extends far beyond the borders of Pakistan. In India, he is revered as a champion of peace and non-violence, whose teachings continue to inspire generations of activists and freedom fighters. Yet, despite his towering stature in India, Bacha Khan remains a marginalised figure in Pakistan, relegated to the footnotes of history by a state that fears his message of unity and equality. The Pakistani establishment, blinded by their narrow vision of nationhood, failed to recognise the inherent value of Bacha Khans ideals and instead chose to suppress them with brute force. Today, as Pakistan grapples with the consequences of decades of authoritarian rule and sectarian violence, Bacha Khans words ring truer than ever. His warning that Pakistan was being thrown to the wolves has been borne out by the harsh realities of present-day Pakistan, where corruption, inequality, and injustice are rampant. The treatment meted out to Bacha Khan by the Pakistani authorities serves as a stark reminder of the states failure to uphold the values of democracy and human rights. His imprisonment and exile were not merely acts of repression but a concerted effort to erase his vision of a just and equitable society from the collective memory of the nation. Undoubtedly, Bacha Khans life story stands as a testament to the enduring power of resistance and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to bow to tyranny. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope for all those who continue to fight for justice and equality in the face of oppression. And his words, spoken in defiance of those who sought to silence him, echo down through the corridors of history, reminding us that the struggle for freedom is never in vain. Pakistan has consistently persecuted those who expressed a desire to join India, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan is a prominent example of this ongoing oppression. Despite the relentless efforts of the Pakistani authorities to suppress his voice and vision, he remains a towering political figure who dedicated his life to the struggle for an independent Pashtunistan. His unwavering commitment to his cause and his courageous resistance against Pakistans authoritarian regime has cemented his legacy which translates into self-determination for the Pashtun people. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a rare friendly state visit to North Korea on June 19, bolstering a geopolitical realignment with significant implications. Dictatorial leaders, both the host and the guest, preside over heavily sanctioned nations that are at odds with the industrialised world. Both are nuclear powers one de jure, possessing the largest number of warheads and the other, de facto. One of them is at war with its smaller Western neighbour, and the other has been threatening to inflict one on its southern half. The countries share a short, approximately 40-km-long land and maritime border. That is where the similarities end. Russia is the largest country in the world, straddling two continents and covering an area of 17.1 million square kilometres, a former superpower and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. In comparison, North Korea is a tiny nation, with a landmass of merely 120,000 square kilometres. Isolated and impoverished, it would barely figure in the global consciousness were it not for its weapons of mass destruction and potential for mischief. It has been a fiefdom of three generations of the ruthless Kim clan since 1948. Historically, it has been propped up by Moscow and Beijing, at times individually and sometimes jointly, as is the case now. Traditionally, Moscow has held court and Pyongyang has come calling. Kim Jong Un has already visited Russia twice to ingratiate himself with Putin. The latter paid a brief visit to North Korea in July 2000, soon after taking office during the reign of Kim Jong Uns father. North Korea has always looked up to Russia (earlier the Soviet Union) for political, economic and military support. That had begun to dwindle in recent times, due to Russias own resource constraints and the emergence of China as a major economic and military power. Nevertheless, the Kims have been steadfast in cultivating and leveraging relations with both their giant neighbours. The relationship has not always been smooth. A fiercely independent Pyongyang has charted its own course, at times against the wishes of Russia and China, particularly when it comes to its own security. For example, it conducted six nuclear tests, which were strongly condemned by the comity of nations. It caused embarrassment and concern in both Moscow and Beijing. Neither country is comfortable with North Korea becoming a nuclear weapon state, as it could set off a chain reaction with Seoul and Tokyo following suit. At the same time, they do not want to see the collapse of the Kim regime or its replacement by one that is pro-Western. As such, until recently, both countries had gone along with the US-led efforts to denuclearise the Korean peninsula, even at the cost of annoying North Korea. That cooperative approach has since been abandoned with the fraying of Moscows and Beijings ties with the industrialised nations. In March this year, Russia exercised its veto at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to put an end to the monitoring of sanctions on North Korea by a panel of experts appointed by the international body. It opined that the sanctions were strangling Pyongyang and that the panel of experts was playing into the Wests hands by peddling biased information and focusing on trivial matters that are not commensurate with the problems facing the peninsula. Hitherto, for fourteen years, Moscow had never objected to the panels work. So, what changed? The straightforward answer is Ukraine war. Moscow suddenly rediscovered the utility of its highly militarised tiny neighbour. If Western voices are to be believed, North Korea has already provided 11,000 container loads of armaments and munitions, including missiles and artillery shells, critical for the Russian offensive in Ukraine. Kim has since become an indispensable ally of Putin, who needs to be kept in good humour. The grateful Russian Czar even gifted an Aurus Senat limousine to Kim, a car he himself uses. It mattered little that luxury cars are a proscribed item for the North under UN sanctions. The Ukraine war could not have come at a more opportune time for Kim, who is treated as a pariah by most world leaders. He had been dealing with a failed summit with former US President Donald Trump, and neglect by current US President Joe Biden. Adding to his woes were increasingly aggressive and sophisticated joint military exercises by South Korea, the US and Japan, the reintroduction of US strategic assets (read nukes) in the Korean theatre, a stuttering economy bruised by the Covid pandemic and severe shortages of food and fuel. Bitter and frustrated, Kim Jong Un pulled out all stops in advancing his weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme, conducting 68 missile tests, the highest ever in 2022. Speculation was rife that he would carry out the countrys seventh nuclear test inter alia to validate the efficacy of its miniaturised nuclear warheads. Fortunately, that has not happened till date, though the possibility still cannot be ruled out. Some Western analysts believe that a dramatic provocation could be staged by Pyongyang, possibly in October just before the US presidential elections on November 5. It is difficult to anticipate the shape or form it may take. The North can be ingeniously innovative. In recent weeks, for example, they despatched hundreds of giant balloons floating into South Korean airspace filled with filth and garbage, which mercifully did not contain any hazardous substances, but caused enough anxiety among the citizens. Earlier in January, Kim denounced South Korea as the primary enemy, abandoned the goal of reunification, cut off inter-Korean communication channels, shuttered all three agencies responsible for overseeing relations with the South and ordered the dismantling of the monument of reunification in Pyongyang. He also scrapped the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA) signed in November 2018, in which both Koreas had agreed on several confidence-building measures in the security domain. In November 2023, President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea had partially suspended CMA in response to the launch of its first spy satellite by Pyongyang (also in November). This is the background in which the visit took place. President Putin was accompanied by his Deputy PM Denis Mantrurov, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, among other senior officials. He was greeted in person by Kim Jong Un at the tarmac on arrival. A rapturous welcome followed in the city. Pyongyang was dolled up in honour of the visiting dignitary. As widely anticipated, the sides concluded a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement which includes a mutual defence pact, significantly committing them to extend mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties. Both countries have described the agreement as a truly breakthrough document. Cooperation in other areas such as energy, trade, investment, transport, agriculture, tourism and culture, reportedly, were also discussed. Predictably, Western capitals are concerned about the development. It is a fact that Putins visit and conclusion of the strategic partnership agreement would have far-reaching implications. First and foremost, it has boosted Kims standing within the country and abroad. Two, the sanctions regime on North Korea that was gasping for air has been effectively buried. Three, Russia has secured a reliable supply line for armaments and munitions, which it cannot have enough of, as an end to the Ukraine war is nowhere in sight. Four, besides receiving food, fuel and other essentials, North Korea would surely pitch for advanced military technology to upgrade its nuclear weapon, missile and space program. Five, Pyongyangs stance towards ROK (South Korea) and its allies would harden, further accentuating tensions in the Korean peninsula. It is obvious that necessity and adversity have propelled the sides closer. As their ties with the West are unlikely to improve anytime soon, the Moscow-Pyongyang bonhomie, even if transactional, is likely to endure. Former US President Bush had famously called North Korea, Iran and Iraq an Axis of Evil. One wonders what he may have to say about the new Axis of Defiance comprising China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, which has materialised in no small part due to the Wests own policies. The author is a foreign affairs specialist and an ex-envoy to Canada and South Korea. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement here on Thursday that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held soon and plans are underway to restore its statehood in the near future evoked mixed reactions. While former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) welcomed Modis announcement, the main regional forces the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reacted cautiously. We welcome PM Modi Jis statement on conducting elections and restoring statehood in J&K, DPAP chief spokesperson Salman Nizami said in a statement. He said the recent participation of the people in the Lok Sabha elections indicates that people are eager for change and are desperately waiting for the elected government. This has been a long-standing desire and demand of the people. The government must also ensure peace and the smooth conduct of elections to fulfill the aspirations of the citizens, Nizami added. NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the Election Commission of India (ECI) must follow the Supreme Courts timeline for the conduct of the assembly polls. Just so you know, the ECI must follow the Supreme Courts timeline for elections, while the governments sole responsibility is to ensure a peaceful election atmosphere, Sadiq said in a post on X. In December last year, while giving its verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the Centres August 5, 2019 decision of abrogation of Article 370, the Supreme Court had directed the ECI to conduct elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30 this year. On the assurance of Prime Minister Modi on the restoration of the statehood to J-K, the NC chief spokesperson said the people of the Union Territory (UT) have been hearing it would be restored soon for four years now. Regarding statehood, weve heard it will be restored soon over 20 times in four years. Spoiler: soon is still nowhere near, Sadiq said. PDP chief spokesperson Suhail Bukhari also said the people of J-K have been hearing about the conduct of assembly polls and restoration of statehood for the past few years, but will believe it only when it happens. We have been hearing this for past five years. We will believe it when it happens. They talk about elections and statehood in a way as if they are doing a favour to us by granting our democratic rights, Bukhari said. Prime Minister Modi said on Thursday that assembly elections will be held soon in Jammu and Kashmir and plans are underway to restore statehood to the UT in the near future. In his first visit to the valley after becoming the prime minister for the third consecutive term, Modi emphasised the importance of enabling the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect their representatives for the assembly. In his address at a gathering at SKICC Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K, he commended the people for their active participation in the Lok Sabha elections and expressed the need for them to choose their local leaders through upcoming assembly elections. The people of Jammu and Kashmir participated in Lok Sabha elections in large numbers and broke the record of the past 35 years. You deserve to be felicitated for it Now time has come that people of Jammu and Kashmir chose their own local representatives. For that, preparations are being made for holding assembly elections, he said. Furthermore, Modi assured the people that the day was approaching when Jammu and Kashmir would regain its statehood status. Two different functions celebrating the Shiv Sena party foundation day were held in Mumbai almost simultaneously. Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT) celebrated the partys foundation day at Shanmukhananda Hall in Matunga, while Eknath Shindes faction celebrated at the Worli Dome in South Mumbai. Former chief minister of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray thanked all communities in the country who have supported his faction and the INDI alliance candidates in the rest of the country. As was expected, Uddhav began his speech by stating that the current Modi government will soon fall and that the people of India have rejected them. BJP always criticises us, saying we have strayed from Hindutva and are no longer connected to it. But let me ask them, what kind of Hindutva do their new allies Nitish Kumar, Manjhi, and Chandrababu follow? Nitish once said he wants to see an RSS-free India, and now he is sitting with BJP. Chandrababu has criticised PM Modi many times, and Manjhi has said that Ram and Krishna are imaginary. Are these your natural allies, questioned Uddhav Thackeray. Uddhav further warned the Bharatiya Janata Party against teaching him and his faction about Hindutva. I have learned the true essence of Hindutva from my grandfather and father, so I dont need any lessons from BJP and its leaders, he said. Uddhav also responded to the BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena leaders who criticise Shiv Sena (UBT) for garnering votes from Muslims instead of their traditional Marathi voters. Today, many people from the Muslim community are present in this hall. They know that if Shiv Sena has to oppose them, it will do so openly, not stab them in the back like others. Many times, we have seen photos of BJP leaders wearing skullcaps. Have BJPs new alliance partners Nitish and Chandrababu promised anything to Muslims in their states? What does BJP have to say about that, questioned Uddhav Thackeray. As Maharashtra approaches the state assembly polls, the recent success of Uddhavs party has certainly boosted their morale and confidence. Uddhav has challenged the Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena to compete with his faction face-to-face in the upcoming elections without using the name and symbol of the Shiv Sena party or the photograph of Balasaheb Thackeray. Uddhav also challenged PM Modi to start campaigning in the state for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, asserting that PM Modi will have to face him. Uddhav mocked the BJP for appointing two state in-charges for the upcoming state elections, pointing out their alleged failures. Those who have failed as ministers have been appointed as state in-charges by BJP for the state elections. Vaishnav has failed miserably in handling the Railway Ministry, with many accidents occurring during his tenure. Bhupendra Yadav also has no good track record, Uddhav said. In his speech, Uddhav urged his party workers and leaders that this battle has just started and should not be halted until victory is achieved. He also asked them to work hard for the upcoming election of 11 MLC seats next month and for the teachers and graduate constituency elections, which Shiv Sena is also contesting. Uddhav ordered his party workers to win all these elections. In this election, we have shown people that no one is unbeatable, including Modi, said Uddhav in his speech. Uddhav is also of the opinion that the current Modi government may fall soon and there could be possibility that mid term polls or re-election may happen, hence, in such scenario my leaders who didnt win, will again contest election and win that election. The plain white T-shirt has become synonymous with Rahul Gandhi. Made famous during his Bharat Jodo Yatras, the Congress leader explained his sartorial choice on his birthday it denotes transparency and simplicity. It is the former that Rahul Gandhi is invoking now in the backdrop of protests and anger over alleged paper leaks as the Congress leader launched the white T-shirt campaign on his birthday, June 19, calling for supporters to don the simple attire. In a video posted on social media, Rahul Gandhi explained that the white T-shirt symbolises transparency, solidity and simplicity for me. He called on people to send him a video explaining the important of these values in their lives using the hashtag #WhiteTshirtArmy. The timing of this campaign is crucial. There is considerable anger among the youth over alleged paper leaks and irregularities that have forced the cancellation of UGC-NET exam and sparked demands for the cancelation of NEET-UG 2024. The issue is an emotive one in an aspirational country like India, affecting not just the exam candidates but their families who take out education loans to fund the exam prep as well as tutors and teachers who invest in the student. Associating transparency with a simple white T-shirt, the campaign hopes to nurture a future voter base for the party. And just like the Modi shirt campaign on NaMo app in the Prime Ministers last term, it makes for a visual piece of statement. Moreover, unlike the BJP, the congress doesnt have cadre-level workers. Starting the T-shirt campaign aims to call and gather youth who are disillusioned over issues like paper leaks, rising prices and unemployment. With the Congress crediting the two Bharat Jodo Yatras carried out by Rahul Gandhi for its improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the white T-shirt campaign is being seen as an extension, connecting and reaching out to the people. And with the colour in question denoting peace, the Congress hopes it can be a counter to the BJPs saffron push. In his post, Rahul Gandhi said those who send him reply videos will receive a white T-shirt from him. These will bear the RG signature. Sources say Rahul Gandhi had the idea for the T-shirt campaign since last year but buoyed by the election results and hoping to tap into the NEET/NET protests, the Congress leader feels the time to strike is now. OpenAI co-founder left the company in May this year to focus on his own ambitions in the field of AI and now he has officially confirmed what he is going to do next. Ilya Sutskever has announced his new company called Safe Superintelligence or SSI that promises to tackle the most important problem of our time. He is starting this AI company with a sole and unified goal to keep superintelligence safe. Weve started the worlds first straight-shot SSI lab, with one goal and one product: a safe superintelligence, Sutskever mentioned in his post on X this week. I am starting a new company: https://t.co/BG3K3SI3A1 Ilya Sutskever (@ilyasut) June 19, 2024 Start Of A Safer AI Future? Sutskever decided to leave OpenAI, the company he co-founded with Sam Altman and others earlier this year. He has even been accused of being the main orchestrator of getting Altman ousted, which is now a history that neither of them would like to talk about as they look at the future. In some ways, he takes a dig at his former company which was heading towards building shiny products rather than focus on the safety and ethics of the technology. Our singular focus means no distraction by management overhead or product cycles, and our business model means safety, security, and progress are all insulated from short-term commercial pressures. It is interesting to see him talk about safety but not without keeping a tight grip on the advancements as well. We plan to advance capabilities as fast as possible while making sure our safety always remains ahead, he adds. Sutskever has already got Daniel Gross and Daniel Levy working alongside at the company, which claims is based out of Palo Alto in the US and Tel Aviv in Israel. The focus on safe intelligence has been mentioned by other staff and engineers at OpenAI, who are leaving the firm in a bid to keep the AI systems in check rather than go astray in search of quick success. OpenAI is going after the shiny products and not focusing on safety of AI systems and processes, as pointed out by Jan Leike, former AI researcher at OpenAI who quit the company and shared these details in the public. Leike also lashed out at the company, warning them of the need to control the rapid advancement in AI that can turn into a dangerous situation for all of humanity. Sutskever seems to be headed in that path to secure the AI systems and it will be hardly surprising to see Leike join their ranks in the coming weeks. A regular day at a cafe took a dramatic turn recently when a customer threw his drink at a barista in Seattle, USA. The act of the customer didnt go down well with Emma Lee, a worker at A Taste of Heaven Espresso, who was later captured on CCTV smashing the customers car windshield with a hammer. The incident happened after the man, a regular customer, ordered a cup of coffee, along with a glass of water and the total bill was $22 (approximately Rs 1,835). Recounting the incident, the barista claimed that he insisted on paying less, claiming that he was unaware of the prices and accused the cafe of trying to scam him. A heated argument turned ugly, as the man threw all his beverage at the pick-up counter of the drive-through. The footage captures the intense argument between the two, where Emma took more drastic action, as she damaged the windshield of his vehicle. According to Fox News, the situation escalated when the man said, Nobody is gonna miss you, while the barista responded by asking, Do you want me to throw this on you? He replied, Give it to me. After receiving his order, instead of leaving, he expressed his anger by opening the lid of the water and coffee and throwing everything at her. He then returned to his car, while Emma used a hammer to break his windshield before he exited the parking lot. Pulling out the hammer is insane pic.twitter.com/pyGbEPKB3P Wild content (@NoCapFights) June 16, 2024 Guy behind him when he gets to the window to pick up his order. pic.twitter.com/hS8ivLKDM6 Gillian Roth (@GilliRoth) June 16, 2024 Reacting to the video, a user wrote, He physically assaulted her. She just property assaults him. Idk, he physically assaulted her. She just property assaults him. Vinnie (@SapereVincent) June 16, 2024 Another shared, Im on her side. Im on her side. Should have gotten is mirror too lol Sherees Stolen Joggers (@richyrich323) June 17, 2024 Im sorta shocked that he drove away at the end, a comment read. I'm sorta shocked that he dove away at the end.He assaults someone over a food order, but just shrugged off a hammer ruining his windshield? Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) June 16, 2024 An individual shared, He deserved it. He deserved it!!! World of Memes (@mashedAvocado_) June 16, 2024 He got what he deserved, a user quipped. What a jerkHe got what he deserved. Kenzie Marie (@KenzieMarie2024) June 16, 2024 Reportedly, Emma Lee explained that the customer ordered a 32-ounce coffee and a 24-ounce water, for which she usually charges him $20 (approximately Rs 1,668). However, this time, she asked for $22 (approximately Rs 1,835), but the customer was not willing to pay more. The barista shared said, Why should this kind of interaction be expected because of the environment? Its disgusting. Its okay for him to be outraged, but its not appropriate for me to respond? The barista has filed a complaint against the charges and the customer has been banned from the cafe. Did ancient humans ever build certain things and special places to protect themselves from aliens? This question has come into the limelight since an expert claimed that the ancient stone circles of Scotland were built to prevent external attacks, i.e., attacks from aliens. This unusual structure is quite mysterious, after studying which this expert has made such a claim. Sites such as the Skara Brae settlement and Maeshowe, an old cairn on Mainland Orkney, are believed to have been built in response to possible alien landings. Paranormal obsessive Ron Halliday, who organises the Scottish UFO and Paranormal Conference this month, believes the ancient Picts drawings on the stones could provide deeper insight. There are Scottish objects and sites that could be related to ancient aliens, Halliday told the Scottish Sun. There are some Pictish stones with pictures of folk kind of fleeing away from things. I thought maybe this kind of thing represents an attack from the sky. There are questions about whether Skara Brae or Maeshowe on Orkney were intended as protection from nuclear war and an ancient battle with aliens, he further said. Halliday, a paranormal investigator for the past three decades, suggests the truth has been covered up. He said, These structures could represent something entirely different from what some archaeologists make out they are. In my mind, the background to some of these ancient structures has never been satisfactorily explained. He also speculates that the brochs stone towersmay be related to alien invaders and thinks the puzzles surrounding their origins are similar to the construction of the pyramids. These could be signals to aliens to attract their attention or to recognise that we knew there were aliens out there and that we had been visited by them. Theres piles of speculation about it, so heres another possible explanation. These things may have been built to signify, attract, defend, or protect. Theres a whole lot of stuff that we will be covering at the conference that will be challenging. It will be interesting and stimulating for folk, he added. It was the tenth year of the paranormal gathering that took place in Glasgow on June 15. A Russian heiress, a political science major at New York University (NYU), is suing her roommate for $51,000 (approximately Rs 42 lakh) for stealing her luxury bags and jewellery. The plaintiff, Aurora Agapov, is the daughter of a Russian mining mogul whose board of directors includes Russian President Vladimir Putin. She is accusing 18-year-old Kaitlyn Fung of stealing her items from brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Bvlgari. The 19-year-old, who lives in NYUs Founders Hall dorms, suspected Kaitlyn Fung of theft when she noticed many of her luxury items like her Celine tote bag and a ruby ring went missing from the dorm. One day she found a receipt of the consignment retailer The Real Real inside Kaitlyn Fungs wallet. The Real Real is a marketplace where people can buy and sell luxury goods after they are authenticated by experts. The Real Real receipt confirmed Aurora Agapovs suspicions. According to The Cut when Aurora Agapov confronted her roommate, she admitted to stealing and listing the luxury items on The Real Real. When Aurora Agapov went to The Real Reals Soho store, she was told that Kaitlyn Fungs mother picked up all the items that her daughter had previously listed with them. In response to the controversy, The Real Real said in a statement, If we receive any information that items might be stolen, we act fast by removing them from the site and starting an investigation. The heiress reported her now-former roommate to police who was arrested on charges of third-degree grand larceny on May 2. Kaitlyn Fung was released, as the case is pending. By the end of May, Aurora Agapov filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court and demanded that Kaitlyn Fung return her things and also pay her $51,000 (approximately Rs 42 lakh) in compensation. As per The Cut, in her lawsuit, Aurora Agapov claimed that Kaitlyn Fung sold the luxury items at a much lower price. For instance, her Chanel bracelet worth $2,000 (approximately Rs 1.6 lakh) was sold for $175 (approximately Rs 14,000). Her $13,000 Bvlgari necklace (approximately Rs 10 lakh) was sold for $2,485 (approximately Rs 2 lakh). On June 6, Kaitlyn Fungs father was served a summons for his daughter to answer the filing within 30 days. It is often said that the way to someones heart is through their stomach. A tech CEO applied this adage in a unique promotional campaign for his company. Matthew Parkhurst, co-founder and CEO of New York-based cloud infrastructure startup Antimetal, sought to promote his company by sending pizzas to his potential clients and tech influencers. The entrepreneur spent $15,000 (approximately Rs 12.5 lakh) to buy pizzas. In turn, he earned more than $1 million (about Rs 8.3 crore) in revenue after getting clients through their pizza delivery campaign. Reportedly 75 companies that got the free pizzas signed up for the startups services. On April 4, Matthew Parkhurst shared photos of pizza boxes with his companys name on X and wrote, Dont order lunch yet! Antimetal is pivoting to a pizza shop. Well be delivering 1,000+ pizzas to startups and VCs in SF & NYC. The 26-year-old told CNBC that any pizzas that were not delivered were given to delivery agents. He also spent on handsome tips worth a couple of hundred bucks per driver. Dont order lunch yet!Antimetal is pivoting to a pizza shop Well be delivering 1,000+ pizzas to startups and VCs in SF & NYC pic.twitter.com/YsXi0U4C7e Matt (@mprkhrst) April 4, 2024 Matthew Parkhurst revealed that the money spent on the pizzas was the only money the company spent on marketing. As it turns out the return on investment of this campaign was pretty high. He added, Theres literally no bad press out of this to my knowledge, which is extremely rare. I think whenever you do anything on that scale, someone finds something to be pissed off about. Nobody was mad they got the pizza. The idea of sending champagne was ruled out for being too expensive. San Francisco-based data analysis startup Julius AI signed up with Antimetal after getting the pizzas. Its CEO Rahul Sonwalkar told CNBC that he remembered seeing the name Antimetal in a cold pitch email hed received, but he did not pay attention to it. However, once the free lunch arrived at his office, he took note of the company and searched it up. Appreciating this marketing tactic, Sonwalkar added, As a founder, theres a lot of noise. So the fact that he (Matthew Parkhurst) did something interesting basically snapped me out of just automatically ignoring the cold messages. Another San Francisco-based tech startup CEO Paul Klein, paid attention to Antimetal after getting the pizzas. He then got in touch with the company and bought its monthly subscription service related to cloud infrastructure support. Pink dolphins have been making waves on social media lately, leaving viewers in wonder. Now, a series of pictures have been doing the rounds on X (formerly known as Twitter), claiming that the rare aquatic mammal was spotted in the USAs North Carolina. The dolphin was discovered stranded on a North Carolina beach after being washed out of its natural habitat. The images made the internet rub their eyes in disbelief; however, after examining the visuals closely, social media users found that the said dolphin had an unusual plastic look, and they regarded it as fake or AI-generated. Posting images on social media, an X user who goes by the name Facts Matter wrote, Rare pink dolphin spotted off the coast of North Carolina! Rare pink Dolphin spotted off the coast of North Carolina! pic.twitter.com/qTQQCgZvU3 Facts matter (@1800factsmatter) June 18, 2024 The pictures of the pink dolphin went viral in no time, captivating thousands on social media. The post has soon amassed a plethora of comments. A majority expressed that the pictures looked fake or AI-generated, as the word cola is seen on the dolphins forehead upon closer examination. Further, when zoomed in, it appears to be a plastic toy rather than a real animal. However, some praised the image and called the creature beautiful. An X user commented, Definitely not. Its so beautiful. Definitely not. It's so beautiful. Stardust11M31 (@HarperStasha) June 20, 2024 Its not AI. They show up every now and then. Last one was a few years ago, near Louisiana. Albino dolphins are just rare, shared a user. Its not AI. They show up every now and then. Last one was a few years ago near Louisiana. Albino dolphins are just rare Facts matter (@1800factsmatter) June 19, 2024 An account remarked, While pink dolphins may exist, these particular images appear to me to be AI, in my opinion. While pink dolphins may exist, these particular images appear to me to be AI, in my opinion: pic.twitter.com/ItOBjrhVrY AbbySoMaddy (@AbbySoMaddy) June 19, 2024 Pink dolphin photographed off the coast of North Carolina. I would throw my beer down and get right if I saw this! LOL, a comment read. Pink dolphin photographed off the coast of North Carolina. I would throw my beer down and get right if I saw this! LOL pic.twitter.com/yNqsdcCMNX Anthony Ogden (@AnthonyOgden43) June 18, 2024 An individual posted, Thats either a very nicely done toy or a dolphin that manages to keep the same posture in all of the photos. Thats either a very nicely done toy or a dolphin that manages to keep the same posture in all of the photos Tired Robbie (@ImTiredRobbie) June 20, 2024 People keep sharing that fake AI pink dolphin on Facebook, were doomed, tweeted a person. People keep sharing that fake AI pink dolphin on Facebook, were doomed SWEET MRS. HONEY (@badgalquai) June 19, 2024 Pink dolphin spotting is extremely rare. Experts at the World Wildlife Fund have recognised this special creature as the Amazon River dolphin. Also known as boto or the pink river dolphin, these mammals inhabit freshwater regions and are predominantly found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and a few other locations. A heartwarming event unfolded at the district police headquarters in Telanganas Adilabad. It wasnt a typical affair at the office but rather a touching tribute to a beloved canine member of the police. Tara, a Golden Retriever, known for her expertise in detecting explosives, retired after spending 12 years in the service. The video of the ceremony has gone viral on the internet. The viral footage showcases Tara being honoured with a garland. Following this initial tribute, a shawl is draped over her. As additional garlands and shawls were added, the atmosphere was filled with cheers and applause from the police team. The video was shared on X (formerly Twitter) along with the caption, Retirement ceremony of Tara, a member of Adilabads dog squad and an expert in detecting explosives. She belongs to the Labrador Retriever family and served the dept for 11 years. along with hashtags Telangana, PoliceDog, K9Unit. Watch the viral video here: Retirement ceremony of Tara, a member of Adilabad's dog squad and an expert in detecting explosives. She belongs to the Labrador Retriever family and served the dept for 11 years.#Telangana #PoliceDog #K9Unit@TOIHyderabad @adilabad_sp @TelanganaDGP @revan pic.twitter.com/5VbJWS0hLC Pinto Deepak (@PintodeepakD) June 19, 2024 According to the Deccan Chronicle, Tara, born on January 22, 2013, began her journey in service as a skilled explosives detector trained at the Integrated Intelligence Training Academy (IITA) in Moinabad, Telangana. She was later stationed in Adilabad where she diligently served for many years. During her retirement ceremony, Superintendent of Police Gaush Alam honoured Tara with flowers, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to the department. The video of Taras ceremony quickly went viral, amassing a flurry of reactions. Reacting to the clip, one user joked, Shes probably wondering Wheres the treat, people? Shes one very beautiful lady. She's probably wondering "Where's the treat, people?" She's one very beautiful lady. JustMe (@csbalachandran) June 20, 2024 Another admirer wrote, My brave officer, I hope you enjoy your retirement. My brave officer I hope you enjoy your retirement. Spri_ (@Spri_16) June 20, 2024 The reactions poured in with heartfelt tributes. One user expressed, What a heartwarming moment! A true hero in fur, she deserves all the love and recognition for her unwavering loyalty and dedication. What a heartwarming moment! A true hero in fur, she deserves all the love and recognition for her unwavering loyalty and dedication. #doglover B Vijay (@VijayB1124) June 20, 2024 Another noted, Traditional Indian retirement ceremony with garlands and shawls for a respected colleague. Traditional Indian retirement ceremony with garlands and shawls for a respected colleague https://t.co/Ajnijz5xOE Pulse Code (@pcmouli) June 19, 2024 Amid the praises, a person affectionately commented, The best girl there ever was. Some added playful remarks, with one writing, Hope Tara gets pension on time, while another added, Not. One. Treat. Anyway, good girl. Thank you for the bombastic performance, or not. The goodest girl there ever was https://t.co/2rAN0KOBmU Akanksha Sarma (@akxnksha) June 19, 2024 Not. One. Treat. Anyway, good girl. Thank you for the bombastic performance, or not. https://t.co/6kwzYDjt4o Rohit Awasthi (@rohitawasthi) June 19, 2024 An individual sharing their perspective wrote, This is an unnecessary thing done by every police department. The trained dog needs a good home, that is all. This is unnecessary thing done by every police departmentThe trained dog needs a good home that is all Beytal (@navyogita) June 20, 2024 The canines farewell video has raked up nearly 1.2 lakh views so far. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are yet to win the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL). RCBs hopes of winning the IPL last season also came to a sad end after they were knocked out in the Eliminator. 16 years on and the team is still struggling to fulfil their supporters hopes but it seems like the constant failure and heartbreaks are not enough to budge the unconditional support of RCBs loyal fanbase. This became even more evident after a stand-up comedian was greeted with an awkward silence over her RCB joke. A video of a stand-up gig at a Bengaluru comedy club has now gone viral on the Internet. In the video, the woman cracks a joke on the RCB supporters and says, Pata hai Bangalore mei RCB ko andha support karne ki ek bimari hai, [Bangalore has a disease of blindly supporting RCB]. Unexpectedly, her joke fell flat and she had to deal with a silent reaction from the audience. While she put on a brave face and delivered a few other jokes about the Bengaluru-based IPL franchise, the reaction was pretty similar, as the audience refused to smile or even applaud, thus creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. Silence is more funnier than her jokes pic.twitter.com/zHKjnV44IL Dank jetha (@Dank_jetha) June 19, 2024 The video instantly went viral, drawing diverse reactions. While many supported the comedian for her calmness and perseverance, some even offered constructive feedback. One user wrote, I think shes a beginner, respect her. She is trying to make people laugh. Not like other lady comedians who humiliate their own parents and crack jokes on them. I think she's beginner, respect her. She is trying to make laugh peoples. Not like other lady comedians who humiliate own parents and cracking joke on them. Akshay Kamble (@adkamble1_) June 19, 2024 Another person lauded her efforts and commented, Its good she kept going. Every comedian goes through this. It's good she kept continuing Every comedian goes through this The Chandricle (@KingBailando) June 19, 2024 Possibly one of a handful professions where feedback is real time, most cant handle it. Kudos to her for taking the 1st step at least, read a comment. possibly one of handful professions were feedback is realtime, most cant handle it. Kudos to her for taking the 1st step atleast. Vivek (@vivekdwivedi07) June 20, 2024 A social media user suggested that the comedian needs to work on her punchlines. I think her jokes are good. I just need to work on her delivery and punchlines. She needs to pause between lines. She may be a beginner. I think her jokes are good just need to work on her delivery and punchlines. She need pause between lines.Support her she may be a beginner Abid Ansari (@KingAvid14) June 20, 2024 On the other hand, few others could not contain their laughter, as they found the overall situation funny. RCBs IPL 2024 journey came to an end at the Eliminator after they were beaten by Rajasthan Royals by four wickets. It was Kolkata Knight Riders who went on to lift the IPL trophy last season. A cooking enthusiast took his love for making food-related content to another level with a satirical video on hospital food. He made subtle digs at the expensive hospital costs by referring to the medical insurance as a membership that is a must for getting a reservation. He then goes on to describe the meals as a personalised 3-day tasting menu complete with 24/7 private room service. He dubs the IV tubes as a fully stocked all-you-can-drink minibar. At one point, he even walks down the hospital corridor and describes the wall art as highly curated artwork. His first days meal was an all-clear liquid meal with items like vegetable broth. On the second day, he got a semi-liquid meal consisting of deconstructed chocolate from Switzerland, anti-probiotic French Yoghurt and imported Italian sorbetto which was served with cream of wheat, pureed soup, and chocolate pudding. On the third day, he gets solid food, which is a stack of pancakes. This video has now raked in over 5.6 lakh likes since it was shared on June 6. In the caption, Trigg Ferrano thanked the hospital staff for taking care of him and gave a shout-out to his girlfriend for being there for him and helping him record the video. He concluded with the advice, Stay healthy out there because the pancakes arent actually worth it. This video prompted several other sarcastic takes on the healthcare industry. An Instagram user wrote, Only 10k (approx. Rs 8,35,196)? Did you have a coupon? My bill was over $50k (approx. Rs 41,75,980 ) for a three-day stay and they kept my gallbladder I guess as collateral. Another person described their hospital stay experience as I visited that same resort in February. I had loud annoying neighbors in the rooms next to me. The accommodations were decent but I think the staff were overworked. One lady said she was doing 12-hour days. I think they were selling my blood on eBay because theyll sneak into my room and take blood from time to time. Someone pointed to the hospital gowns and wrote, Dont forget about the fancy dress code. A hospital staff member remarked, When youve been working 12 hrs straight and didnt get a chance to eat breakfast or lunch and youre exhausted and you go into your patients room and smell the hospital food.. omg its like youve never seen better food. A self-described nurse condemned the hospital food and wrote, As a nurse, its wild to me that we feed patients such inflammatory and processed foods after surgery or when they are sick and need to heal the most. Make it make sense. Spiritual guru Jagadish Vasudev recently shared his views on the India vs Bharat debate. He reshared a post from October 2023, that announced the NCERT Committees initial recommendation of replacing India with Bharat in the books. He urged people to use Bharat in their daily parlance instead of India, which he associated with British rule. He also wrote that the word India has no meaning. The founder of the Isha Foundation concluded, Younger generations must know that Bharat existed long before India was born. This post got over 1.5 million views since it was shared on June 18. We should have reclaimed the name Bharat when the British left our shores. A name will not do everything but it is important the country is named in a way that reverberates in everyones heart. Even though the Nation means everything to us, the word India has no meaning. If https://t.co/ycsRZz2zGK Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) June 18, 2024 In response to Jagadish Vasudevs comment, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee commented, Can you stop your anti-India agenda, Mr. Jagadish Vasudev? Everyone knows that both India and Bharat are written in our constitution but just for politics, you are playing this dirty game of divide and rule. Can you stop your Anti-India agenda Mr. Jagadish Vasudev? Everyone knows that both India and Bharat are written in our constitution but just for politics, you are playing this dirty game of divide and rule. Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) June 18, 2024 YouTuber Gaurav Taneja shared a screenshot of Dhruv Rathees comment and wrote, Why cant different opinions exist on the internet? Why do some foreigners want to control all content on the internet. Dhruv Rathee, who is Indian, is often deemed a foreigner by his detractors. Previously, Dhruv Rathee, who is from Rohtak in Haryana, has clarified that he is Indian while his wife is German. Why cant different opinions exist on the internet.Why do some foreigners want to control all content on the internet.#Dictator pic.twitter.com/sob6e19IG5 Gaurav Taneja (@flyingbeast320) June 19, 2024 In response, Dhruv Rathee chided Gaurav Taneja for his falling YouTube engagement and wrote, No controversy can save your dying career, Gaurav, not even exploiting your kids for drama. You gotta make valuable content for that. Let me suggest my YouTube Blueprint course if you need help. Good luck :) No controversy can save your dying career Gaurav, not even exploiting your kids for drama. You gotta make valuable content for that. Let me suggest my YouTube Blueprint course if you need help. Good luck pic.twitter.com/19SR2a2LIG Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) June 20, 2024 Amid this back and forth on X about the India vs Bharat debate, NCERT made its stance clear. On Monday, June 17, NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani told PTI that both India and Bharat will be used interchangeably in NCERT books, as is the case with the constitution. He said, Wherever it suits we will use India, wherever it suits we will use Bharat. We have no aversion to either India or Bharat. He added, You can see both being used in our textbooks already and that will continue in new textbooks. This is a useless debate. A diplomat in Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that 68 Indian nationals died during the hajj pilgrimage this year marked by searing heat, bringing the overall tally to more than 600. We have confirmed around 68 dead Some are because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, thats what we assume, the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.The new toll comes after two Arab diplomats told AFP on Tuesday that 550 deaths had been recorded during the hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam that all Muslims with the means must perform at least once. That figure included 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians, the Arab diplomats said, and one specified that nearly all the Egyptians died because of heat. Fatalities have also been confirmed by Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan region, though in many cases authorities have not specified the cause. The total reported dead so far is 645, according to an AFP tally. Last year more than 200 pilgrims were reported dead, most of them from Indonesia. Saudi Arabia has not provided information on fatalities, though it reported more than 2,700 cases of heat exhaustion on Sunday alone. The diplomat who confirmed the Indian fatalities said there were also some Indian pilgrims missing, but he declined to provide an exact number. This happens every year We cant say that it is abnormally high this year, he said. Its somewhat similar to last year but we will know more in the coming days. For the past several years the hajj has fallen during the sweltering Saudi summer. According to a Saudi study published last month, temperatures in the area where rituals are performed are rising 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) each decade. Ottawa on Wednesday listed Irans Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist entity while calling on Canadians in the Islamic country to leave. Our government has made the decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told a news conference. Flanked by Canadas foreign and justice ministers, he accused the Iranian regime of support for terrorism and having consistently displayed disregard for human rights both inside and outside of Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, noting that Ottawa broke off diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2012, urged Canadians against travel to Iran. For those who are in Iran right now. Its time to come back home, she said. The terrorism listing bars members of the Guards from entering Canada and Canadians from having any dealings with individual members or the group. Any assets the Guards or its members hold in Canada may also be seized. Iranian expats and families of the victims of Flight PS752, which was downed by Iran shortly after takeoff from Tehran in January 2020, killing all 176 passengers and crew, including 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents, have long pressed Ottawa to designate the militia as a terrorist entity. MPs last month unanimously voted to do so. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus administration had, until now, expressed a reluctance, explaining that a terror listing could be too broad and inadvertently impact Iranians in Canada opposed to the regime. A huge step forward Kourosh Doustshenas, speaking on behalf of the families of Flight PS752 victims, welcomed the Guards terrorism listing, calling it a huge step forward in the search for justice for everyone who has been a victim of this organization. Canadas blacklist includes nearly 80 entities such as Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, the Taliban, the Islamic State group and the Proud Boys, a North American neo-fascist militant group. Ottawa has previously listed the Quds Force, a branch of the Guards, as a terrorist entity, and in 2022 permanently denied entry to more than 10,000 Iranian officials, including members of the Guards. The United States listed the Guards as a foreign terrorist organization in April 2019. Earlier this month, the European Union also sanctioned the Guards for allegedly supplying drones to Russia and its allies in the Middle East. The decision to add the Guards to Canadas terror list comes amid tensions between Ottawa and Tehran. Canada and other nations have sued Iran at the International Court of Justice over the downing of Flight PS752. Tehran has claimed a missile strike on the aircraft was carried out by mistake. Ahead of the press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland described the Iran regime as brutal, repressive, theocratic and misogynist. Alkiviades Alki David, heir to the Coca-Cola bottling fortune, has been ordered to pay $900 million to a former employee in what stands as one of the largest sexual damages awards in US legal history. According to the victims attorney, a Los Angeles jury awarded the woman, identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit against David, damages for sexual assault and harassment spanning from 2016 to 2019. The plaintiff accused David of subjecting her to severe sexual harassment and assault, including rape, over a three-year period. Its so despicable, the facts of this case. He raped my client while on trial in another case, her attorney Gary Dordick told the Los Angeles Times. The jury award, which Dordicks firm said is believed to be one of the largest sexual assault verdicts in history, adds to a series of legal defeats for David. He has previously lost multiple sexual misconduct cases, resulting in approximately $70 million in damages against him and his businesses. David, known for his involvement in the hologram industry creating 3D avatars of deceased celebrities like Tupac and Michael Jackson, employed the woman, a model in her 30s, at his company Hologram USA. She alleged that Davids inappropriate behavior began early in her employment, with incidents such as forcibly kissing a colleague and attempting to kiss her during a business trip. After a layoff and subsequent reconnection in 2018, David offered her a position at his cannabis company, Swiss-X, where he allegedly assaulted her under the guise of sampling a CBD product, leading to further incidents of sexual misconduct. The lawsuit detailed escalating abuse, culminating in an alleged rape during a business meeting in the presence of Davids dog, the publication reported. In the past, David has faced legal action from other accusers, including a notable case where he was ordered to pay $58 million in damages for misconduct against another employee in 2019. The Greek billionaire, 51, born in Nigeria and educated in British boarding schools, has been the subject of multiple harassment allegations in recent years. Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing weapons including sticks, knives and an axe clashed with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed. The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, Manila said. Fresh footage of the confrontation released late Wednesday by the Philippine military showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares. South China Sea semakin panas antara pic.twitter.com/J0phJzfL0S TxtdariHI (@TxtdariHI) June 20, 2024 The Philippines military said the axe-wielding sailor had threatened to injure a Filipino soldier, while others were explicitly threatening to harm Filipino troops. A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the incident, which saw the Chinese coast guard confiscate or destroy Philippine equipment including guns, according to the Philippine military. Manilas footage of the clash stands in stark contrast to photos released by Beijings state media on Wednesday, which did not show Chinese forces wielding weapons. Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a professional and restrained way during the confrontation and claimed no direct measures were taken against Filipino personnel. But in a clip shared by Manila, a Chinese sailor standing on the deck of one of the boats can be clearly seen waving an axe. Another clip shows a Chinese coast guard sailor violently striking the inflatable boat with a stick. A second man can also be seen stabbing the boat with a knife. The (Chinese coast guard) personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel, Manila said. They also slashed the (inflatable boats), rendering them inoperable. The Filipino sailors, clad in brown camouflage with helmets and vests, are not carrying weapons in the clips. Amidst this violent confrontation, the CCG (Chinese coast guard) also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion, while continuously blaring sirens to further disrupt communication, the caption said. Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said Wednesday the outnumbered Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their bare hands. In one clip, a voice speaking Tagalog can be heard saying someone had lost a finger. Manila has accused Beijing of an act of piracy against its forces. It has demanded the return of items looted by the Chinese side, including seven guns, and reparations for the damaged equipment. (With agency inputs) Jeff Landry, the Governor of the US state of Louisiana, has signed into law a bill that makes the state the only one in the country to require displaying the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. Opponents questioned the laws constitutionality and promised to challenge it in court. Proponents said the measure is not solely religious, but that it has historical significance. In the language of the law, the Ten Commandments are foundational documents of state and national government in the US. The American Civil Liberties Union announced it would sue to block the law, saying it violates the constitutional separation of church and state and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Landry signed the bill along with a package of others he said were designed to expand faith in public schools. If you want to respect the rule of law, youve got to start from the original law-giver, which was Moses, Landry said at the signing ceremony. In the Christian and Jewish faiths, God revealed the Ten Commandments to Hebrew prophet Moses. Other measures would authorize the hiring of chaplains in schools, restrict teachers from mentioning sexual orientation or gender identity, and prevent schools from using a transgender students preferred name or pronouns unless granted permission by parents. Landry also signed bills that would expand tutoring for underperforming students, help improve math skills, and impose fewer curriculum mandates on teachers. Civil rights group ACLU and its Louisiana chapter along with Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation announced they would file a lawsuit to challenge the law that requires a specific text of the Ten Commandments to be prominently displayed in all classrooms. No other state has such a law, the groups said in a statement. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools, the statement said. The First Amendment of the US Constitution prohibits the government from the establishment of religion, and in 1980 the US Supreme Court ruled in Stone v. Graham that a Kentucky law on the posting of the Ten Commandments in school was unconstitutional. (With agency inputs) When you fly by at a million miles an hour, it can turn some headswhich is just what happened with this runaway star. Snappily named J1249+36, it's going fast enough to break free of our galaxy's gravitational pull and launch into intergalactic space, Newsweek reports. The question is what kicked J1249+36 so hard that it's flying three times faster than the sun and 1,500 times faster than sound. Space.com mulls one theory, that J1249+36 once played binary companion to a "dead" white dwarfa former sun-like star that exhausted its hydrogen supply but, in this case, fed off its mate and sucked up mass until it exploded (see video ). "In this kind of supernova, the white dwarf is completely destroyed, so its companion is released and flies off at whatever orbital speed it was originally moving, plus a little bit of a kick from the supernova explosion as well," says lead researcher Adam Burgasser of UC San Diego in a statement . In another theory, two black holes formed a binary in a globular cluster and gave J1249+36 the boot: "When a star encounters a black hole binary, the complex dynamics of this three-body interaction can toss that star right out of the globular cluster," says an assistant professor at UC San Diego. The hope now is to unpack the star's elemental composition and see if it was "polluted" by a white dwarf explosion, or originated in a globular cluster likely to host black holes. Such "hypervelocity" stars aren't that rarean old Smithsonian article estimates roughly 1,000 are zooming around our galaxybut this story contains two other nice tidbits: J1249+36 belongs to a class of the galaxy's most ancient stars called subdwarfs, per Science Daily, and volunteer scientists who stumbled on it were combing through data for evidence of the mysterious "Planet 9." (Planet 9 might not be a planet.) A fixation on ratings . Fauci says that in one meeting, Trump talked about the "amazing" ratings COVID press briefings were getting. "The presidentit's no secret. I'm not divulging a secret about the presidenthe was very, very fixated on image and ratings," he tells CNN. "And he thought that the amount of attention that was given to the press briefings was really terrific. And his comment was, 'Wow, do you see those ratings?' And my feeling was, 'The ratings are in the middle of a pandemic.'" . Fauci says that in one meeting, Trump talked about the "amazing" ratings COVID press briefings were getting. "The presidentit's no secret. I'm not divulging a secret about the presidenthe was very, very fixated on image and ratings," he tells CNN. "And he thought that the amount of attention that was given to the press briefings was really terrific. And his comment was, 'Wow, do you see those ratings?' And my feeling was, 'The ratings are in the middle of a pandemic.'" A time of "profound divisiveness." "One of the several unfortunate aspects of the outbreak was that it occurred at a time of profound divisiveness in our society," Fauci tells USA Today. "You have people who are getting vaccinated or not based on political ideology. They're wearing a mask or not based on political ideology." Looking back, he says, "we should have emphasized a bit more the uncertainty" on public health advice. He's still worried somebody might kill him . Fauci tells USA Today that his situation is "surrealistic." "Go back years when I was in medical school, did I ever think that I would be in a situation where millions and millions of people love me for what I've done, saving millions of lives ... and yet have some people who actually want to kill me?" He says he feels safe, "but I still think deep down that there's a possibility that somebody's going to kill me." . Fauci tells USA Today that his situation is "surrealistic." "Go back years when I was in medical school, did I ever think that I would be in a situation where millions and millions of people love me for what I've done, saving millions of lives ... and yet have some people who actually want to kill me?" He says he feels safe, "but I still think deep down that there's a possibility that somebody's going to kill me." Personally treating Ebola patients. Fauci led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health for 38 years. His book also covers his experiences with diseases including AIDS and Ebola. He personally treated two Ebola patients in 2014. "I felt that if I was going to ask my staff to put themselves at risk in taking care of people," he tells NPR, "I wanted to do it myself. I just felt I had to do that." In the book, Fauci describes clashes with Trump over issues including masking and vaccines, the Washington Post reports. He says that on one occasion in June 2020, Trump called him in a rage, saying he had "cost the country one trillion f---ing dollars" in a stock market drop after he said booster shots might be needed after a vaccine was developed. Trump's "tendency to announce that he loved me and then scream at me on the phonewell, let's just say that I found this to be out of the ordinary," Fauci writes. (More Anthony Fauci stories.) A firewall designed to prevent cyberattacks and hacking was to blame for the 911 outage that hit Massachusetts this week, state officials said Wednesday. Massachusetts' 911 system was down for about two hours Tuesday, making it impossible for anyone to reach emergency services using the number. In a statement Wednesday, the Massachusetts State 911 Department said it determined the outage, which lasted from 1:15pm to 3:15pm, was due to a safety feature that prevents cyberattacks, though the reason for that is still under review, the AP reports. While some calls didn't go through, the state said the system "allows dispatch centers to identify the phone number of callers and return those calls." As a result, the department was not aware of any emergencies being negatively affected by the outage. At the time of the outage, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said it was important for residents to know alternative ways of getting help, particularly given the hot weather heading toward the Northeast. He advised the public to contact local police departments if necessary. In another recent 911 outage, services in four states were interrupted when a crew installing a light pole cut into a fiber line. "You and I and everybody take 911 for granted," Brian Fontes, chief executive of the National Emergency Number Association advocacy group, told the New York Times on Tuesday. "We just always expect it to work. And, to be truthful, it works very well on good days." He added: "Not every day is a good day, as we've seen in Massachusetts today." (More 911 stories.) Air tankers dropped water and red retardant on Wednesday on a pair of growing fires in mountainous New Mexico that killed at least one person, damaged more than 1,400 structures, forced thousands to flee a tourist locale, and may now threaten hundreds of firefighters amid high wind risks. Strong winds on Monday pushed the larger of two wildfires into the mountain village of Ruidoso, forcing residents to flee with little notice, the AP reports. Weather patterns were shifting Wednesday with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, Bladen Breitreiter of the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque said. "The potential for scattered to isolated thunderstorms could help, but it depends on where they hit," said Breitreiter. "If the rain misses the fires, downward winds could cause problems for firefighters on the ground." He said rain could also lead to dangerous flash flooding in newly burned areas. Light rain started to fall on some areas outside Ruidoso by early afternoon. The two fires remained at 0% containment as crews used heavy equipment to build fire lines while water and retardant were dropped from the air, authorities said. Ruidoso and much of the Southwest have been exceedingly dry and hot this spring. About 1,400 structures have been destroyed or damaged, but it's unclear how many were homes, per the AP. Ardis Holder left Ruidoso with her two young daughters. She's sure the house she rented in the village she grew up in is gone, based on the maps she'd seen. "We were already seeing where all the fire hit, it's everywhere," she said late Tuesday from a shelter in nearby Roswell. "If there's something standing, that's awesome. But, if not, we were prepared for the worst." About 1,500 horses at the Ruidoso Downs were moved in a chaotic scene after authorities ordered an evacuation, said trainer John Stinebaugh. He had his clients' 42 racehorses moved to Artesia, about 100 miles to the southeast, where they were stabled at a fairgrounds. "People from all over just showed up with trailers to help move the horses," said Stinebaugh. (More wildfires stories.) Russian President Vladimir Putin presented his North Korean host with a tea set, an admiral's dirk, and a retro-styled Aurus limousine, the very model he tools around Moscow in. Kim Jong Un counterpresented his guest with works of art depicting Putin, including busts, Reuters reports. Although a Russian spokesman called Kim's offerings "also very good presents," it was the armored, Russian-built Senatdesigned to evoke the classic lines of the Soviet-era ZIL limousinethat the two rulers couldn't resist trying out. With cameras rolling, they took a spin Wednesday around what appeared to be a park in Pyongyang. Putin also gave Kim an Aurus in February, and there was no official word on which one they cruised in Wednesday, per the BBC. Kim checked out Putin's car when they met in September, but his invitation extended only to sitting briefly in the back seat. This time, Putin got behind the wheelas shown in a Russian state TV videoand Kim sat in the passenger seat. The car stops in a wooded area, where a suited man wearing white gloves opens Kim's door, then hurries to Putin's. The video shows them taking a walk, then getting back in the limo, this time with Kim driving. He appears to enjoy luxury cars, per Reuters. Kim has been seen in a Maybach limousine, several Mercedes, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. The Guardian has the Russian video here. (Earlier in the day, the two rulers signed a partnership agreement.) Congressional lawmakers are considering a proposal to update mandatory conscription to include women for the first time. With fewer than 1% of US adults serving in active duty combat roles and the Pentagon facing recruitment challenges, military experts in 2020 recommended Congress include women in the draft "in the national security interest of the United States." Lawmakers have taken up the subject before , but all proposed changes to the draft have previously been abandoned. That may happen again. Though the proposal to require women as well as men to register for the draft has support on both sides of the aisle and was approved by a Senate committee last week, it's unlikely to become law amid pushback from conservative Republicans, per the New York Times . Sen. Jack Reed, the Democratic chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argues the US will "need all able-bodied citizens 18 and above" in warfighting positions in the event of "a serious, serious situation." "We need cyber experts, we need intelligence analysts, linguists," he says, per the Hill, adding "there are a lot of women out there that can do this better than men." Republican leader Sen. Mitch McConnell has also expressed support for the proposal. Republican Sen. Susan Collins says the change "seems logical." But GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who led efforts to remove the female draft requirement from the defense authorization billsCo in 2021 and 2022, has painted it as another "woke" move from the left. Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown, a former Army captain who is challenging Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, is using Rosen's support for the proposal to attack her. Meanwhile, GOP Sen. Roger Wicker, the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has said he'll try to remove the provision from the annual defense authorization bill. There is also some concern that any support will hurt Democrats in tight reelection races, per the Hill. Less controversial is a proposal to automatically register those eligible for the draft, saving the Selective Service agency millions of dollars. At least 46 states and territories have laws that automatically register eligible men aged 18 to 25 when they get a driver's license or apply for college, ensuring an 84% compliance rate in 2023, the Times reports. (More military draft stories.) Commotion at the Washington Post over its new publisher continues. Sources now say that Will Lewis suggested to former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other bigwigs at 10 Downing Street that they "clean up" their phones as those officials were investigated for the "Partygate" scandal during COVID. The claims suggest that Lewis' recommendations, offered in late 2021 and early 2022, "contradicted an email sent to staff at No. 10 in December 2021 [that] instructed them not to destroy any material that could be relevant to an investigation into the flagrant breaking of COVID lockdown rules by Johnson and officials who worked for him," per the Guardian. Other news on the Post-Lewis front: A bid to save Boris: The paper also notes that Lewis was part of "Operation Save Big Dog," in which a group of allies "tried but ultimately failed to salvage Johnson's premiership." The Guardian looks more closely at Lewis and Johnson's past work and personal relationship. Reps for both Lewis and Johnson deemed the Guardian's reporting "untrue." The paper also notes that Lewis was part of "Operation Save Big Dog," in which a group of allies "tried but ultimately failed to salvage Johnson's premiership." The Guardian looks more closely at Lewis and Johnson's past work and personal relationship. Reps for both Lewis and Johnson deemed the Guardian's reporting "untrue." Bezos: The Post's owner has finally put in his two cents, via a Tuesday email to the paper's leaders, per Politico. "I know you've already heard this from Will, but I wanted to also weigh in directly: The journalistic standards and ethics at the Post will not change," Jeff Bezos wrote. "To be sure, it can't be business as usual ... The world is evolving rapidly and we do need to change as a business. But ... our standards at the Post have always been very high. That can't changeand it won't." Israel has brought in a daily pause in fighting along a major supply route in Gaza, but relief groups say it is still too dangerous to deliver aid amid widespread lawlessness. The New York Times , which describes the situation as "extreme anarchy," reports that organized crime groups have filled the vacuum caused by the collapse of Hamas' authority in much of Gaza. Aid groups say that despite the daily pause in fighting, more than 1,000 truckloads of supplies are still stranded near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The US-built pier has also failed to significantly increase desperately needed aid deliveries. United Nations spokesman Farhan Haq said Wednesday that lawlessness had prevented UN workers from picking up aid and no trucks had used the supply route since Israel announced the pause in fighting Sunday, the AP reports. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military's chief spokesman, warned Wednesday that Hamas could return to power if there is no alternative authority to distribute aid and provide other services, the Times reports. "The idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas, to make Hamas vanishthat is throwing sand in the eyes of the public," he told an Israeli TV station. "If we do not bring something else to Gaza, at the end of the day, we will get Hamas." "Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. It's rooted in the hearts of the peoplewhoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong," Hagari said. The military later issued a clarification saying it was committed to achieving the goals of the war and Hagari had "referred to the destruction of Hamas as an ideology and an idea," the AP reports. The Wall Street Journal reports that cigarette smuggling has made aid deliveries even more dangerous. With cigarettes selling for up to $25 each in Gaza, smugglers have been stashing contraband smokes in aid deliveries, Armed groups have been attacking aid trucks and warehouses looking for shipments that they suspect contain cigarettes. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.) Visitors to Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town devastated by the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, can now walk along its beach just as its doomed inhabitants once did. Careful conservation work has restored the beach to its original level of sand, buried some two millennia ago. It now appears "almost as it was before the eruption," the Guardian reports. The skeletons of more than 300 people were previously found in the remains of boat sheds along the beach, where they would've waited to be rescued by sea. One man, whose remains were discovered in 2021, apparently vaporized just steps from the shoreline, which is now several hundred yards from where it would've been 2,000 years ago. "If we look towards where the sea once was, we become modern explorers of the immense blanket of volcanic flow that covered the city in a few hours, almost sharing the sense of total annihilation," said Francesco Sirano, director of the archaeological park in southern Italy. Herculaneum, rediscovered in the early 18th century, suffered an even worse fate than that of the better-known Pompeii, about 10 miles away. Whereas Pompeii was buried in roughly 10 feet of ash, Herculaneum was caught up in a pyroclastic surge, a fast-moving current of hot gas and other matter, with temperatures between 750 and 932 degrees Fahrenheit, before being buried in almost 65 feet of volcanic mud, which preserved organic items like food, per the Guardian. Herculaneum's victims were "found in a similar condition to those of Hiroshima," archaeologist Domenico Camardo told the outlet in 2021. "You really get a sense of the horror and tragedy." In addition to human remains, archaeologists unearthed "the passage of pyroclastic flows that hit the city in 79AD with materials of all kinds," Sirano said, per CNN. After years of conservation work, the beach opened to the public on Wednesday. Sirano called it "an extraordinary and unique place in the world." Italy's Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, who attended the event, noted new discoveries are likely to be made amid a flurry of construction in the area, per CNN. (Another Herculaneum find tells the lost secrets of the philosopher Plato.) Human-caused climate change dialed up the thermostat and turbocharged the odds of this month's killer heat that has been baking the Southwestern US, Mexico, and Central America, a new flash study found. Sizzling daytime temperatures that triggered cases of heatstroke in parts of the US were 35 times more likely and 2.5 degrees hotter because of the warming from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas, World Weather Attribution, a collection of scientists that runs rapid and climate attribution studies that are not peer reviewed, calculated Thursday, the AP reports. "It's an oven here; you can't stay here," 82-year-old Magarita Salazar Perez of Veracruz, Mexico, said in her home, which has no air conditioning. Last week, the Sonoran Desert hit 125 degrees, the hottest day in Mexican history, according to study co-author Shel Winkley, a meteorologist at Climate Central. And it was even worse at night, which is what has made this heat wave so dangerous, said Imperial College of London climate scientist Friederike Otto, who coordinates the attribution study team. Climate change made nighttime temperatures 2.9 degrees higher and unusual evening heat 200 more times more likely, she said. There's just been no cool air at night like people are used to, Salazar Perez said. Doctors say lower night temperatures are key to surviving a heat wave. At least 125 people have died, according to the World Weather Attribution team. "This is clearly related to climate change, the level of intensity that we are seeing, these risks," said study co-author Karina Izquierdo, an urban adviser for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Center. The alarming part about this heat wave is that it's no longer out of the ordinary, Otto said. Past studies by the group have looked at heat so extreme that they found it impossible without climate change, but this heat wave not so much. "The changes we have seen in the last 20 years, which feels like just yesterday, are so strong," Otto said. Her study found that this heat wave is now four times more likely to happen now than it was in 2000. (More climate change stories.) We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Court Rules Nurse Can Be Punished for Neglect Despite Prior Warning Court Rules Nurse Can Be Punished for Neglect Despite Prior Warning TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The High Civil Court has ruled that a nurse who was previously warned about her performance can still be punished for neglecting her duties. The court found that a warning from a supervisor does not constitute a disciplinary penalty and does not prevent further disciplinary action. The case involved a nurse who was accused of neglecting a patient by forgetting her at the clinic after hours. The nurse had previously received a warning from her supervisor about her performance. But a disciplinary committee was formed to investigate the offence, and it concluded that the nurse should be also punished by receiving a seven-day salary deduction. The nurse argued that the warning constituted a disciplinary penalty and that she could not be punished twice for the same offense. However, the court disagreed, stating that a warning is simply a way for a supervisor to point out an employee's mistakes and does not constitute a formal disciplinary action. The court also noted that the nurse's neglect of the patient was a serious offense that warranted disciplinary action. The court ultimately ruled that the nurse could be punished with a seven-day salary deduction. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Philippine Embassy has facilitated the repatriation of 21 Filipino crew members of MV Tutor on 16 June via a flight from Manama. The crew members were transported to Bahrain through the assistance of the US Navy. Upon the Philippine Embassys request, assistance was also extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom and other relevant Bahraini government agencies to the Filipino seafarers. Her Excellency Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis and officials of the Philippine Embassy received the crew members on 15 June, and arranged their accommodation, in coordination with Evalend, the Greek shipping company that operates MV Tutor. The Embassys Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided food and clothing, and brought the crew members to a hospital in Manama for medical evaluation. The crew members are all generally in good health. The Philippine Embassy extends its sincerest gratitude to the US Navy, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain, and the Bahraini Government for the timely humanitarian assistance extended to the Filipino crew members of MV Tutor. The 21 Filipino crew members arrived in Manila on 17 June accompanied by Labor Attache Hector Cruz of MWO-Al Khobar. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain's flourishing re-export market saw a significant increase in luxury goods shipments during April 2024. High-end watches, exquisite jewellery, and stylish sunglasses shines a spotlight on the island's growing status as a regional hub for luxury trade. According to customs data, Bahrain re-exported luxury watches valued at over $3 million (approximately BD 1.15 million) in the past month. Although specific brands were not divulged, a total of 110 luxury timepieces found new homes in destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Additionally, non-luxury watches amounting to $12,000 were re-exported to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. Jewellery and jewellery-related alloys were another major export category for Bahrain in April 2024, with these shipments exceeding $6.4 million in value. The country re-exported gold bullion worth $5.4 million (2 million dinars) to the UAE, and jewellery and gold parts worth over $1 million to Saudi Arabia, France, Hong Kong, and Italy. Sunglasses also played a considerable role in Bahrain's luxury exports, with over 17,000 pairs re-exported, worth more than $565,000 (212 thousand dinars), to destinations including Saudi Arabia, China, Spain, Italy, and Qatar. These statistics illuminate Bahrain's emerging role as a hub for the re-export of high-end goods, meeting the demands of both regional and international markets. The nation's strategic location, proficient logistics, and advantageous trade policies have established it as a favoured centre for luxury trade, advancing its economic diversification endeavours and confirming its status as a thriving regional hub. Offering a curated list of bars and restaurants that offer stunning views of sunsets, Corona encourages Canadians to disconnect from their daily routines to reconnect with nature TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, on summer solstice, Corona Canada unveils its inaugural 2024 National 'Sunset Spots' guide, a coveted list of bars and restaurants that offer some of the most breathtaking sunset views coast-to-coast. Corona's Sunset Spots is a natural extension of the brand's ongoing mission to encourage people to disconnect from their daily routines to reconnect with nature. By showcasing venues nationally that offer stunning views of sunsets, Corona aims to inspire Canadians to take a moment to relax and appreciate the natural beauty around them. CORONA CANADA LAUNCHES INAUGURAL NATIONAL SUNSET SPOTS GUIDE (CNW Group/Labatt Breweries of Canada) "As a beer that has become synonymous with sunsets, it felt authentic to provide Canadians with a curated list of Corona's top sunset locations," said Mike D'Agostini, Brand Director, Corona Canada. "Pulling inspiration from other coveted 'best of' guides globally, we've leveraged a set of criteria and rigorously identified the brand's list of top locations where Canadians can take in a sunset this summer with a Corona in-hand." With a discerning lens, Corona evaluated over 100 potential locations across the country, working closely with its regional teams to vet the selections against the outlined criteria. By setting specific standards, Corona's goal is to ensure each venue aligns with its elevated expectations for a premium sunset experience. Key parameters included: Visibility: Unobstructed view of the sunset that is ideally West facing Unobstructed view of the sunset that is ideally West facing Outdoor Space: A rooftop, balcony and/or patio where you can enjoy a Corona with family and friends A rooftop, balcony and/or patio where you can enjoy a Corona with family and friends Natural Views: Water or mountains to enhance the connection with nature The brand is also inviting Canadians to share their favourite sunset spots for a chance to be included in the next iteration of the guide. By tagging @coronacanada with recommendations, locals can help uncover the next iteration of Corona's Sunset Spots guide. View the Corona Sunset Spots guide here. About Corona Canada First brewed in 1925, Corona is a pioneer in the beer industry by being the first to use a transparent bottle showcasing its quality to the world. No Corona is complete without the lime. Naturally adding character, flavour and refreshment, the lime ritual is an integral part of delivering an experience that is truly unique to Corona. The brand is synonymous with the beach and celebrates time outdoors. It invites people to pause and reconnect with our essential nature. For more visit coronaextra.ca. SOURCE Labatt Breweries of Canada For further information: Veronica Bart, Senior Communications Manager, Labatt Breweries of Canada, [email protected], 647.926.5028; Tori Krafczek, Senior Consultant, Veritas Communications, [email protected], 289.387.4494 MONTREAL, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Groupe Marcelle, Canada's largest cosmetic manufacturer, is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The family-owned company has been a leader in the Canadian beauty industry, crafting high-quality cosmetics that not only enhance natural beauty but also celebrate the unique spirit of Canada. Groupe Marcelle's story is one of continuous innovation, providing high-quality cosmetic products to Canadians from coast to coast since 1949. From a local Montreal pharmacy, the company has grown into a cosmetic powerhouse with a national presence. Today, its four beloved brands Marcelle, Watier, Annabelle, and CW Beggs and Sons each offering a range of products, reflective of the unique needs of the Canadian beauty industry. The four brands grace the shelves of pharmacies and beauty boutiques across Canada and internationally, a true testament to Canadian success. "For 75 years, Groupe Marcelle has been more than just a beauty company in Canada, we are Canadian beauty," said David Cape, President of Groupe Marcelle. "From our humble beginnings as a Montreal pharmacy to becoming the nation's largest cosmetic manufacturer, four generations of the Cape family have been dedicated to innovation and creating products that empower Canadians to embrace their natural beauty, with a distinctly Canadian touch." Groupe Marcelle understands that beauty goes beyond the surface. The company incorporates the rich tapestry of Canadian landscapes into its products, using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. From the invigorating properties of Labrador Tea to Boreal Spruce, Groupe Marcelle infuses the power of Canadian nature into its formulas. "We source the finest ingredients globally, but we hold a special place in our hearts for Canadian treasures," said David Cape. "This commitment to our heritage extends beyond ingredients. We believe in building strong relationships with the amazing Canadians who trust our brands, fostering a sense of community and celebrating what it means to be beautiful, inside and out." As Canada gears up for summer celebrations, Groupe Marcelle reflects on its 75-year journey and looks towards a future as bright and bold as Canadian beauty itself. The company remains dedicated to innovation, creating effective beauty products that empower Canadians to embrace their unique beauty. Groupe Marcelle is committed to giving back to the communities that have supported its journey, ensuring that Canadian beauty continues to shine brightly for generations to come. About Groupe Marcelle Groupe Marcelle is Canada's largest cosmetic manufacturer, creating innovative skin care, makeup and fragrances for Canadians, by Canadians. For 75 years, Groupe Marcelle has proudly operated as a family-owned business in Montreal, Quebec, growing from its roots as a local pharmacy into a cosmetic powerhouse with a national presence. With more than a thousand products across its four brands, Marcelle, Watier, Annabelle and CW Beggs and Sons, Groupe Marcelle is defining the Canadian cosmetic industry. SOURCE Groupe Marcelle Inc. Marie-Jeanne Morier, [email protected]; Marnie Myszko, [email protected] 58 per cent of Canadians claim to be vacation deprived, up from 2023 Atlantic Canada takes least amount of vacation days; Quebec takes most annually TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ -- According to Expedia's Vacation Deprivation Report, released today, Canadians take on average, seven more vacation days annually than their American neighbors. In fact, 58 per cent of Canadians reported feeling vacation deprived (defined as the feeling of not having enough time off) compared to 65 per cent of Americans a difference of seven per cent. The annual report has been analyzing time-off trends around the world for 24 years. Despite this, less than half (45 per cent) of Canadians used all their vacation days in 2023 and only a quarter have already booked or taken vacation in the current year. With rates down in many other parts of the world, it's clear working adults in North America could benefit from adopting some of the time-off strategies and attitudes in other countries. Lessons in Leisure The 2024 report found that American and Japanese workers take a similar number of days off each year (11 and 12 respectively), but surprisingly Japan boasts the lowest vacation deprivation levels in the world (53 per cent). France and Hong Kong take nearly a month off annually while Americans struggle to use up just 12 days. And, compared to the rest of the world, Canadians are slightly more likely to go a year or more between vacations (21 per cent vs. 18 per cent globally). For Canadians, hoarding time off in case of an emergency was the number one reason vacation days were left on the table last year, whereas American's felt life was too busy to plan or take vacation. "We may not be able to control how many days off we get, but the research begs the question: What can we learn from other countries that will help Canadians use their time off to the fullest extent," said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. "In Japan, people take time off every month instead of just twice a year. For the French, a full month of vacation still doesn't feel like enough time. Clearly there's a lot to borrow from, whether it's spreading your PTO throughout the year or prioritizing rest on your next vacation." Holiday Habits From Around the World Japan Takeaways from the least vacation-deprived country in the world: Make weekends count: Japanese respondents are almost seven times more likely to vacation monthly compared to Canadian workers (32 per cent vs. 5 per cent), despite only taking 12 days annually (compared to Canadians 18). Their strategy: Take advantage of federal holidays or office and school closures to schedule frequent, short getaways that allow for a break from the routine and a quick refresh between longer trips, without dipping into precious PTO. Japanese respondents are almost seven times more likely to vacation monthly compared to Canadian workers (32 per cent vs. 5 per cent), despite only taking 12 days annually (compared to Canadians 18). Their strategy: Take advantage of federal holidays or office and school closures to schedule frequent, short getaways that allow for a break from the routine and a quick refresh between longer trips, without dipping into precious PTO. Prioritize R&R: It's tempting to pack as much as possible into a week away. Canadians rank lower in terms of prioritizing rest and relaxation during their trips (65 per cent), while it's the number one goal for 84 per cent of Japanese travellers, perhaps contributing to lower feelings of deprivation. France No one vacations quite like the French, taking the most days off of any country globally. Here's their formula: Spread it out: One in five Canadians (20 per cent) didn't use all their time off in 2023 because they were saving up for a big trip, then often ended up leaving days unused. French respondents, on the other hand, tend to shy away from the "big trip," with nearly a third (30 per cent) opting to spread their days out evenly throughout the year instead. Taking the pressure off a big annual trip can be a time, money and PTO saver for deprived Canadian travellers. Other Time-Off Champions Around the World Hong Kong was the only market where respondents didn't leave vacation days unused but instead took more time off, on average, than they were allocated. Looking ahead, 15 per cent vow to do it again in 2024 (the highest globally, with Canada at 12 per cent). was the only market where respondents didn't leave vacation days unused but instead took time off, on average, than they were allocated. Looking ahead, 15 per cent vow to do it again in 2024 (the highest globally, with at 12 per cent). Coming in as the most vacation-deprived nation this year (84 per cent), German travellers are motivated to make a change and are more determined than ever to use all their time off in 2024 (77 per cent vs. 54 per cent of Canadians.). "No one means to leave vacation days behind, but life gets busy and it's the research, planning and booking part that slows us down," says Fish. "Some 47 per cent of Canadians say they feel overwhelmed by the process, but the good news is, in 2024 there's tech that makes it easier. If it's flight prices keeping you up at night, Price Tracking in the app helps members book without the stress and get to the fun part vacation." Now through July 14, vacation-deprived Expedia members can save 25% or more on thousands of hotels with Expedia's Summer Sale. With deals valid for travel through the end of October, it's the perfect time to become a member and lock in a trip to ensure PTO days don't get left behind this year. 1About the Vacation Deprivation Report: Expedia first commissioned Vacation Deprivation in the year 2000 to examine the work-life balance of people worldwide. The annual study is currently in its 24th year and was conducted online among 11,580 respondents across the U.S., UK, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Commissioned from March 26 to April 3, 2024, on behalf of Expedia by Harris Research Partners, a global strategic research firm, responses were gathered using an amalgamated group of best-in-class panels. Looking at the margin of error for the global average, a 14 per cent difference is statistically significant at 90 per cent confidence. About Expedia Expedia is one of the world's leading full-service travel brands. By providing everything you need to go all in one place, our mission is to ensure you're getting the most out of every trip and feel supported every step of the way. Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travellers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences, backed by incredible technology, enable us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences that help you get the most out of your journey. Use our mobile app or visit Expedia.ca to plan your journey with us. 2024 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia and the Expedia logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST# 2029030-50. Follow Expedia on Instagram , TikTok , Pinterest , Twitter and YouTube. Stay up to date on Expedia news and announcements by visiting our Newsroom. *Price Tracking price predictions are not a guarantee. Available in the app to members on select routes. SOURCE Expedia.ca Sarah Marcucci, mailto:[email protected]?subject=Vacation%20Deprivation%20Report Ilya Sutskever is recognized as a leader and genius who has delivered breakthrough Artificial Intelligence. Ilya was the Chief Scientist at OpenAI and enabled OpenAI to become the leader in Artificial Intelligence. Sutskever has made several major contributions to the field of deep learning. He is notably the co-inventor, with Alex Krizhevsky and Geoffrey Hinton, of AlexNet, a convolutional neural network. From November to December 2012, Sutskever spent about two months as a postdoc with Andrew Ng at Stanford University. He then returned to the University of Toronto and joined Hintons new research company DNNResearch, a spinoff of Hintons research group. Four months later, in March 2013, Google acquired DNNResearch and hired Sutskever as a research scientist at Google Brain. Ilya had a TED talk where he described his vision of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and superintelligence would go beyond broad human intelligence. Example Ilya gives: AI can be a better doctor, leverage all available medical knowledge, all medical records, billion of clinical hours. The quality and standard of care should be beyond what is done today as we are beyond 16th medicine. Tying people to chairs and drilling. At Google Brain, Sutskever worked with Oriol Vinyals and Quoc Viet Le to create the sequence-to-sequence learning algorithm, and worked on TensorFlow. He is also one of the many co-authors of the AlphaGo paper. At the end of 2015, he left Google to become cofounder and chief scientist of the newly founded organization OpenAI. He was personally recruited by Elon Musk into OpenAI. Tesla Inc. CEO and xAI founder Elon Musk held former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever in such high regard that he broke his friendship with Alphabet co-founder Larry Page over it. Sutskever is considered to have played a key role in the development of ChatGPT. He has now been funded with a new company that will create Safe Superintelligence. He claims he does not need to partner with a multi-trillion dollar company. He will clearly get tens of billions to buy the Nvidia hardware to develop Artificial Superintelligence. There is big money that is willing to make that bet on Ilya. The safety of the ASI will be engineered on top of a system that will have core values like liberty and freedom. Ilya likely is well positioned and well informed to determine that Superintelligence is achievable and he likely has a clear plan for doing it. The questions are when will he do it? Will it be ahead of OpenAI, Meta, Google, Amazon and Tesla/XAI, Anthropic, Chinese AI companies ? Most of the major AI teams seem to have gotten to OpenAI GPT4-level AI systems within about one year of the leader. If all of the teams get there within a year of each other then what will that mean? If all major AI teams make huge AI advances then it will be a world with robotaxi, advanced humanoid robots and superintelligence and increasing amounts of AI. If the superintelligence comes from the same large language model based approach then it does seem like any one team can form a large lead and create a sustainable gap in capability. If Ilya is still building upon the neural network foundation that he has been advancing then it means all teams will get to superintelligence. His insight seems to be related to a foundation that includes safety values engineered at the start. The other gap AI companies can create is in areas where their business models creates sustainable data and manufacturing advantages. If it is just the AI brains and systems that seems to be copied quickly. From June 13th to 15th, the 2024 China Brand Products (Central and Eastern Europe) Exhibition was held in Budapest, Hungary. The exhibition was organized by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China and hosted by the China-Europe Trade and Logistics Cooperation Park. More than 270 enterprises from 10 provinces and cities including Shandong, Shanxi, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Gansu, Jiangxi, Fujian, Jilin, and Anhui were participating, with a total exhibition area of 10,000 square meters. The exhibits at this exhibition covered six major categories: mechanical and electrical products, hardware building materials, new energy, light industrial products, textiles and clothing, and agricultural products. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Products (Central and Eastern Europe) Exhibition has been successfully held for six sessions in Hungary. It has become an important platform for enterprises and merchants from Central and Eastern European countries to understand and purchase Chinese brand products, and to engage in trade negotiations and investment cooperation with Chinese manufacturers. Compared to previous sessions, this exhibition has a wider reach, more participating companies, and an expanded exhibition area. The exhibition welcomed a cumulative audience flow of about 25,000 visitors. The on-site transaction volume reached nearly 20 million US dollars, with intended transactions amounting to nearly 90 million US dollars. It is reported that the participating enterprises could also utilize the independently operated China-Europe freight train services, sea-rail intermodal transport, air cargo, and overseas warehouses by the China-Europe Trade and Logistics Cooperation Park to continue offering a variety of services in Hungary and the Central and Eastern European region. These services include international logistics, overseas warehousing, and distribution. Meanwhile, as a supporter of this exhibition, the Hungarian branch of China Construction Bank utilized the "CCB Global Matchmaker" B2B cross-border intelligent matchmaking platform to provide free cross-border matchmaking services. By adopting a "technology + data" approach, an open and shared ecosystem was established, offering domestic and Central and Eastern European enterprises with business opportunity posting, intelligent matching, and comprehensive service solutions. Source: ECONOMIC DAILY DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have had a primary care physician for many years, but I never really liked his style. I am relatively healthy, so it never mattered much. But now I am retirement-aged. When I was sick recently and asked for a same-day appointment, my usual doctor was out, so I was seen by a different doctor. I really, really appreciated her approach and her common sense advice! Id like to switch doctors, but I wonder if I owe my longtime doctor an explanation, or perhaps a thank you for our years together. I also worry I will cause a problem for this new doctor, as they are in the same practice. How shall I handle this? I never run into either doctor outside of office visits, so I would not run the risk of an awkward encounter. GENTLE READER: Do you not also worry that your old doctor will think that his patients and his new partner are conspiring behind his back? Miss Manners mentions this not because you are, but because you should be. Explain the situation to the new doctor, not the old one, and elicit her assistance. Between you, it should be possible to concoct a reason for the switch that is reasonably accurate but, more importantly, will assuage any hurt feelings. Then, when you break the news, you should indeed thank the old doctor for his long service. (Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.) An out of control 43-year-old woman got rough with a 10-year-old boy in a swimming pool at a Jersey Shore motel on Monday and then fought with the childs dad and Wildwood Crest police when they tried to intervene, officials said. Wildwood Crest police were called to the motel on the 6200 block of Ocean Avenue at about 2:30 p.m. and were told the Philadelphia woman grabbed the boy, swung him around in the pool and dunked him underwater, authorities said. She is not related to the 10-year-old, police said. When the boys father tried to stop her, the woman jumped on the mans back and grabbed him inappropriately, Wildwood Crest police said. Police described the woman as highly intoxicated. As officers spoke with the woman, she turned belligerent and when an officer tried to handcuff her, she pushed him in the face, according to police. She remained highly uncooperative and combative after being taken into custody, police said. She also bit an officer at headquarters, according to Wildwood Crest police. No police were injured. Police charged the woman with endangering the welfare of children, two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, resisting arrest, criminal sexual contact, failure to allow fingerprinting, harassment and disorderly conduct. Police didnt name the motel or immediately say if the woman knew the boy or his father. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com UPDATE: Ortiz was found dead in a wooded area near his residence, Vineland police said Friday. His death is not considered suspicious. Police have asked for the publics help in finding a man who has been missing since Sunday in South Jersey. Jose Antonio Ortiz, 72, was last seen on June 16 around 3 p.m. in the area of Valley Avenue and Linda Lane in Vineland, according to a statement from the Vineland Police Department. Ortiz was last seen wearing a purple Polo-style shirt, denim shorts and black sneakers, police said. He may show signs of early Alzheimers/dementia, if encountered. His family said Ortiz has no ID, wallet or phone with him and added that he is insulin-dependent and due for his medication. Anyone with information was urged to contact the Vineland Police Department at 856-696-1212 or submit an anonymous tip at VPD.TIPS. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Faculty union officials demanded William Tambussi step down from his position on the Rutgers University Board of Governors during its meeting Thursday, days after he was named in a sweeping criminal indictment involving corruption charges earlier this week. State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced charges Monday against George E. Norcross III, the influential political powerbroker, along with Tambussi Norcross personal attorney and four others. Platkin alleged that Norcross and others obtained property and property rights on the Camden waterfront while collecting millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits and influencing government officials in what the attorney general described as political bloodsport to further the scheme. Protesters say they will boycott their disciplinary hearings at Rutgers University as the school decides if the students should be punished for their roles in staging a pro-Palestinian encampment in New Brunswick this spring. Students for Justice in Palestine-Rutgers New Brunswick said Tuesday its members stand by their actions and refuse to participate in this sham process. Rutgers officials said they will hold the hearings whether the students show up or not. Student conduct cases proceed regardless of whether students or organizations choose to participate in the process, university officials said in a statement. The student group participated in a pro-Palestinian encampment on Voorhees Mall in New Brunswick that lasted four days, prompted the postponement of 28 final exams and led to a standoff with the administration. Protest organizers agreed to voluntarily disband the encampment May 2 after negotiating an agreement with Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway that met some of their demands. Participating in these disciplinary processes only serves to legitimize the authority that the administration presumes to have over us to suppress popular movements and stifle student activism, the student group said in a statement addressed to the Rutgers Office of Student Conduct. By refusing to engage in these biased proceedings, we are rejecting that the administration has the right to directly oppose the democratic will of the student body, the group said. Students for Justice in Palestine-Rutgers New Brunswick did not say Tuesday how many of its members were facing disciplinary hearings. All student groups and individuals are held to the RutgersNew Brunswick student code of conduct and organization policy, the university said Tuesday in a statement. These policies are upheld as part of the communitys social contract, are administered fairly to all, and allow for the protection of freedom of speech, student safety, and students rights to pursue their education. Student organizations that choose to be recognized by the University accept the rights and responsibilities outlined in the policy, the statement continued. Students who do not participate in the hearings forfeit their right to provide information on their behalf, Rutgers officials said. Holloway and other school administrators reached an agreement with student protesters May 2, minutes before a deadline school administrators set for the group to end their encampment. If they did not, the university planned to call in law enforcement officers to forcibly remove the encampment, as other colleges and universities had done across the country. Rutgers officials did not agree with protesters demands to divest its investments from companies doing business in Israel, a move Holloway opposes, or to sever its ties with Tel Aviv University, the president previously previously. But university officials agreed to create a Palestinian cultural center, new staff trainings and additional course offerings. After the agreement was reached, some New Jersey lawmakers said the state university failed to address similar concerns from its Jewish faculty and students months before the pro-Palestinian demonstration began. Holloway has defended the negotiations with the pro-Palestinian protesters, arguing the schools decisions to have a dialogue with the protesters and address some of their concerns kept the campus safe, protected students, and helped the university get through finals and complete the semester. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. Rap star Travis Scott was taken into police custody in Florida early Thursday morning, reports said. Scott, 33, was arrested in Miami Beach and booked on charges of disorderly intoxication and trespassing. Police were called to the Miami Beach Marina after disturbances, including a fight on a yacht, were reported, as reported by NBC News citing an arrest affidavit. The Sicko Mode rapper, born Jacques Bermon Webster, reportedly was discovered yelling at the vessels occupants where officers sensed a smell of alcohol coming from his breath. The complainant said he just wanted Scott removed from the area and did not want to press charges. Scott seemed to comply with the polices request for him to leave although he walked backwards yelling obscenities to the occupants of the vessel. Scott was reportedly taken into police custody at 1:17 a.m. and told officers, Its Miami, after admitting that he had been drinking. The rapper posted a bond of $650 and seems to have already been released. He took to Instagram to seemingly mock his mugshot with a play on a famous LeBron James meme. Travis Scott arrested in Miami and charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media)Christopher Burch The popular music star is set to kick off his European tour, Circus Maximus, in The Netherlands on June 28. Scott is best known for hits like Sicko Mode, Goosebumps, FE!N, and more. He shares two children, Stormi and Aire, with socialite Kylie Jenner. The rap star made headlines recently after getting into a physical altercation with rapper Tyga and his business partner A.E. in France. More music coverage Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips/. The 1980s met the 2020s and the Middle Ages in New Jersey this week. Actors Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, known for their roles in Netflix mega hit Stranger Things, enjoyed some dinner and tournament at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst this past weekend. In a souvenir from the June 15 visit shared by a Dyer fan account on X (formerly Twitter), Dyer and Heaton pose for a post-show photo with friends (see below), gamely donning elf ears for the occasion. Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers and Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler in "Stranger Things." The show's final season is on the way.Netflix British actor Heaton, 30, plays Jonathan Byers in the 80s-set Netflix series, which is saturated in the movie tropes and cinematic look of the era. Dyer, 29, who hails from Tennessee, plays Nancy Wheeler. The Stranger Things actors are an item onscreen as well as off, with Byers and Wheeler dating in the show and Heaton and Dyer known to be a couple since 2016, when the supernatural series debuted on Netflix. They share a SAG Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series for Stranger Things. The series is in production on its fifth and final season, which was delayed because of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in 2023. As it stands, the final eight episodes look to be landing in 2025. But Dyer fans can catch her much sooner, safely outside of the Upside Down. She stars in the film Chestnut, which will be in theaters Friday and and have a digital release July 2 (see trailer below). Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. The Newark Board of Education on Tuesday night approved a five-year contract with the 6,700-member Newark Teachers Union that includes raises averaging 4.5% a year, boosts starting pay, and gives teachers a say in their curriculum. The boards 6-0 vote capped a six-hour meeting that ended just before midnight, and was its last official action of the 2023-24 school year. The vote came less than two weeks before the current contract expires on July 31. Board President Hasani Council and member Kanilea Anderson abstained because of family members employed by the district and covered by the contract, Council said later. Board member Dawn Haynes was absent. Board Co-Vice President Vereliz Santana, in her fourth year on the board, called the deal one of my proudest achievements. Superintendent Roger Leon congratulated NTU President John Abeigon and its members. I want to thank them publicly for their assistance and support, Leon said. The approval effectively finalizes what labor and management of New Jerseys largest school district characterized as a landmark agreement in an usually congenial May 28 announcement of the deal by the two sides, which are often at odds on instructional, facilities and other issues. Tuesday nights action follows a June 6 ratification vote by the unions teachers, counselors, classroom aides and other school staffers, when Abeigon said 70% of the 2,000 or so NTU members who cast ballots voted in favor of the contract. NTU members voted overwhelmingly to approve the transformational contract that makes them a true partner with the Board of Education on classroom and district policies, Abeigon said in a statement after his members ratified the deal. The negotiations and the contract itself are an example of labor-management collaboration at its best. Though district officials regularly highlight the achievements of Newarks exceptional students and improvements in attendance and other areas, the raises were approved as overall academic performance of Newarks 40,000 traditional public school pupils continues to lag behind their counterparts in wealthier suburban districts and the state as a whole. But officials said the contract would ultimately benefit students as well as staff by helping to attract and retain good teachers, and for other reasons. For example, under the deal, teachers will be allowed to select materials and design curriculum within their subject areas, a bottom-up approach applauded by Randi Weingarten, national president of the American Federation of Teachers, the NTUs umbrella group. Weingarten was quoted in last months announcement referring to the contract as a transformative document. Teachers will have a genuine voice in classroom and even school operations, Weingarten stated in last months announcement of the deal. No doubt all of this will benefit kids. Individual pay increases vary depending largely on the members level of education a bachelors, masters or doctoral degree. And some teachers raised concerns last month, asserting that the initial announcement did not adequately reflect the nature of the deal for all union members. Apart from raises, the new contract calls for a $3,000 increase in the starting salary for teachers to $65,000 a year, a figure that will rise to $74,000 by the final year of the contract, 2029-30. Newark public school teachers earn an average of $80,834 a year, according to the NTU. The district has advertised the new starting pay on billboards around northern New Jersey in recent weeks as part of an ongoing effort to combat a post-pandemic teacher shortage that is not unique to Newark. The contract will cost taxpayers $369 million in salary increases for the upcoming academic year, rising to $440 million in its fifth and final year, 2029-30. The projected salary increases were built into Newarks $1.52 billion 2024-25 budget approved in March, 83% of which is funded by state aid. The vote was taken before an empty auditorium just after the board reconvened following an hour-long executive session, and there were no public comments on the contract. Sussex Avenue School students Azorah and Aviyah Venable, sisters in sixth and seventh grade, respectively, performed a dance at the start of Tuesday nights Newark Board of Education meeting in the school auditorium.Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com Nobody knows Jersey better than NJ.com Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com A 67-year-old physical education teacher at a Jersey City charter school has been charged with sex crimes after authorities say he made inappropriate contact with a juvenile student. Steven Gordon, of Jersey City, who taught at University Academy Charter High School on West Side Avenue, was arrested Friday by the Hudson County Prosecutors Offices Special Victims Unit for the incident that occurred May 29 during school hours, Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. He resigned after the investigation. Gordon is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was released pending his first court appearance, which is tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 5, 2024. Gordon resigned from his position following the investigation. Prosecutor Suarez credited the Special Victims Unit with the investigation and arrest. Anyone wishing to report a sex crime should call the Hudson County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) at (201) 915-1234. A Jersey City man who authorities say picked up a woman in Jersey City, drove her Downtown and then raped her has been arrested. Marc Toledo, 30, is facing multiple counts, including first-degree aggravated sexual assault and first-degree kidnapping, after his arrest Monday related to the June 2 incident, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. UPDATE: According to police, the fire was extinguished late Thursday afternoon. -- A multi-acre wildfire along the New Jersey Turnpike Thursday afternoon threw dark smoke across the road as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. The fire burned along the Turnpike between exits 15X and 16E in Secaucus as local firefighters and personnel from the New Jersey Forest Fire service assisted, a Facebook post from the Forest Fire Service confirmed Thursday afternoon. The fire appeared to burn a path directly adjacent to the road, according to an aerial view from NBC News helicopters. Fire trucks could be seen shooting streams of water into the burning field from the Turnpike Thursday afternoon. The Forest Fire Service said Thursday afternoon that motorists should be cautious of smoke and be aware of emergency vehicles and firefighters along the road way. A multi-acre fire burned along the turnpike Thursday sending heavy smoke across the highway.S.P. Sullivan The Secaucus Fire Department did not immediately respond to questions about whether the fire was contained or if there were any injuries. The fire came during a heat wave that sent temperatures into the 90s on Thursday. Simultaneously, the heat caused issues on Amtrak lines, causing that service to be suspended and NJ Transit trains disrupted. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X. One person died and three others were seriously injured Tuesday afternoon in Hunterdon County after a car and dump truck collided and caused the car to hit another vehicle in the opposite lane, investigators said. The dump truck, which was being driven by a 66-year-old man, and a Toyota sedan being driven by a 64-year-old woman, were both traveling north on Route 31 in Clinton Township around 2 p.m., according to a statement from the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office. The dump truck and the Toyota collided in the area of Riley and Jakes Restaurant and the Toyota went into the southbound lane and hit a Volkswagen being driven by a 17-year-old girl, the office said. A passenger in the Toyota, Arthur John Latzko, 70, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, died from his injuries at the scene, authorities said. The woman who was driving the Toyota, the girl driving the Volkswagen and her passenger were all taken to area hospitals, the office said. No other information was released Wednesday afternoon as the crash was still under investigation by the office and the Clinton Township Police Department. Anyone with information was asked to the department at 908-735-7230 or the office at 908-788-1129. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. A Mercer County restauranteur has been charged with sexually assaulting at least four women, including a job applicant he plied with drinks until she passed out and three former employees, authorities said Thursday. Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, was arrested Wednesday at the Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge, one of the three restaurants he owns in Trenton, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office said Thursday. Araya also owns the El Catador Lounge Restaurant and Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. An attorney for Araya was not available on Thursday for comment. The investigation began after a woman told police that she went last month to Dubai Restaurant for a job interview with Araya and he convinced her go with him to another of his Trenton restaurants, where Araya began making the victim drinks and insisting she try them so she knew what she was serving patrons. The woman told police she began to feel ill and informed Araya that she wanted to go home, authorities said. Her next memory was waking up naked in a Lawrence motel room and being sexually assaulted by Araya, authorities said. That room was the Mounts Motel on Brunswick Pike, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Investigators found security video of the pair there around the time the alleged assault happened, the affidavit states. The investigation led to three other women, all former employees, who accused Araya of sexual assault, authorities said. The dates and circumstances of those incidents were not disclosed Thursday by the prosecutors office. One of the women was 17 at the time she was assaulted in November 2021, the affidavit states. Araya is facing five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault along with charges of first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors on Thursday said they intend to seek for Araya to be held pending trial. Araya bought the restaurants over five years, according to business records. El Catador was his first in 2019, followed by Dubai in 2021 and Mill Hill in 2022. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutors office at 609-989-6568 or mcposvu@mercercounty.org. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. It didnt take long for now-former Mets catcher Tomas Nido to find a new home. A little over a week since New York designated Nido for assignment to make room for Francisco Alvarez, choosing to stick with Luis Torrens, the 30-year-old has signed with the Cubs. After clearing waivers, Nido rejected being reassigned to Triple-A Syracuse and chose free agency. BUY METS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER In Chicago, Nido chose the Mets next opponent. Both teams are set to face off for a three-game set at Wrigley Field beginning on Friday. Nido isnt the only former Met playing for the Cubs organization. Nearly two weeks after being DFAd due to an on-field meltdown that carried on to his postgame availability, Chicago also signed Jorge Lopez to a minor league contract on June 11. Lopez was assigned to the ACL Cubs. Nido was drafted by the Mets in the 8th round in 2012. He made his big league debut in 2017, appearing in 306 games while batting .214/.251/.313 with 16 home runs and 82 RBIs. After learning he was being DFAd, Nido posted a message fans on X/Twitter: Thank you, @mets! Nido wrote on X. 12 years, it was a good run! Wishing the guys nothing but the best! This season, Nido was 19-for-83 (.229) with a .623 OPS in 32 games. His replacement, Torrens, who was acquired on May 31 from the Yankees for cash is 8-for-24 (.333) with a 1.135 OPS. He has the same amount of home runs (three) as Nido in 23 fewer games. The Mets were 10-22 when Nido appeared in a game. With Torrens behind the plate, theyre 7-2. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Manny Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is trying to drum up money for his re-election campaign with an outrageous new lie: That his opponent in the 7th district, Sue Altman, is some kind of Hamas-loving fiend. Shes a radical, pro-Hamas agitator, his campaign ad on Twitter last week declared, linking to a webpage that solicits donations. In fact, Altman is not a promoter of a homicidal terrorist organization. Shes said that Hamas must be dismantled, and has been clear about her pro-Israel stance from the beginning expressing support for the Jewish state, its right to defend itself and for supplemental U.S. military aid. Shes also decried civilian deaths in Gaza, called for more humanitarian aid there and supported a two-state solution. How, exactly, does this add up to being pro-Hamas? It doesnt, and Kean no doubt knows that. This is part of a pattern of lies, much like his vile attacks on his previous opponent, Tom Malinowski, whom Kean baselessly accused of protecting sex offenders, among other things. Keans father, a former governor, was known for being a decent person who treated others with respect. But the son is a modern-day, MAGA perversion of that, with no moral compass, apparently. His only campaign strategy is to lie about his opponents and cower from the media. When asked for evidence of his shocking charge that Altman supports Hamas, the Kean campaign sent us a document with nothing pro-Hamas in it. Theyre just trying to link her to the more pro-Palestinian positions of a group she used to work for, the Working Families Party, and other progressives with whom Altman has parted ways on Israel. For instance, they note that Altman organized a December 2019 climate rally with the Newark Water Coalition, a group that recently participated in the Gaza encampment at Rutgers. So what? The Kean campaign itself concedes that Altman hasnt called for a ceasefire. And if calling for one is pro-Hamas, then Joe Biden must be a Hamas supporter, too. If expressing frustration about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being an obstacle to peace is pro-Hamas, then virtually the whole world must be pro-Hamas. To be disparaged as a sympathizer of a murderous group that inflicted one of the most horrible terrorist attacks in history on innocent people, Altman told us, makes my stomach turn and my blood boil. Theres no more absurd accusation that Ive ever read on Twitter, she said, adding, For them to use this as clickbait is pretty disgusting and disrespectful. Malinowski, whos familiar with these dirty tactics, says it has very little to do with Israel, really. If you actually care about the U.S.s relationship with Israel, you would be recognizing and welcoming a progressive politician like Sue, going out of her way to show support for Israel, he told us. So, what this tells me is that he doesnt actually care about Israel, he said of Kean. He just uses Israel to score political points in a profoundly dishonest way. Weve all seen this act before. In the 2020 election race, Kean baselessly accused Malinowski of protecting sex offenders when he worked for Human Rights Watch as its Washington director a shameless lie that Kean subsequently abandoned in the 2022 race. If you actually believe that someone is coddling pedophiles, you probably shouldnt just drop it, right? Yet Kean went silent on the sex offenders, simply swapping them out for a new lie: that Malinowski used insider trading tips in Congress to profit off the pandemic and got rich off other peoples suffering. Again, there was not a shred of evidence for this. The Office of Congressional Ethics, a bipartisan watchdog agency, did an investigation and whacked Malinowski for late reporting, which is common among members of Congress, but explicitly ruled out any unethical or insider trading. Kean must have read that report and known this accusation from his campaign was untrue, just as he knows that Malinowski is not really a pedophile hugger, and Altman isnt really a Hamas groupie. So the real scandal here, yet again, is that Kean is lying in a cynical effort to bolster his own campaign, just as he did in 2020, and 2022. Is there anything this man wont say to win? Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Impeccable timing for Kean, about one second before the verdict... Wonder if this will affect the race? Even a small impact could prove decisive. https://t.co/Vn7g4UmjbY tom moran (@tomamoran) May 31, 2024 Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. When a legal advocacy group sued the state Department of Health in February for allegedly running its psychiatric hospitals like prisons and detaining patients long after they have been deemed well enough to leave, Jacqueline Sophia London knew it was time to tell her story. London said she was once one of Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospitals prisoners. And not only did the treatment team delay her discharge, she says it also withheld the key to her long-term mental stability for more than a year. When former president Donald Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, Republican Michigan state representative Neil Friske said it was outrageous. When Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels decided to charge 16 members of the Michigan GOP who allegedly acted as false electors for Trump in 2020, Friske called it USSR-style persecution. So, what will Friske say now that he has been arrested for allegedly chasing a stripper from his home with a gun? Well, we already know, actually: In a Twitter/X post, his campaign called his arrest highly suspect and implied it was politically motivated. The statement, released, several hours after his arrest, said the representative is always exercising his 2nd Amendment right. The post asked for prayers. According to reports, Friske was arrested on Thursday by the Lansing Police Department with a gun in his possession at 2:25 a.m. near his home, after he allegedly chased an adult dancer from his home. The dancer also supposedly works at the Deja Vu gentlemens club in Lansing, which is located close to Friskes home. The LPD said they were responding to a shots fired call. Authorities also declined to name the charges against Friske until he is arraigned on Friday or Saturday. According to heartlandsignal.com and The Associated Press: Friske has represented the states 107th District since January 2023, and he is regarded as a far-right member of the body. Michigans House Freedom Caucus welcomed Friske into its ranks as its secretary. On June 5, Friske spoke at a press conference to introduce a set of bills sponsored by the Freedom Caucus aimed at combating rampant illegal immigration. Friske, who is vying for reelection in November, posted on X shortly before his arrest on Thursday morning. He criticized opponent Parker Fairbairn for being a RINO (Republican in Name Only) and making it clear that he will work with the Democrats. Friske is currently being held in the Lansings city jail until his arraignment. He is on the Republican primary ballot and will face Fairbairn after previously defeating him in 2022 by 1,061 votes. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. If your best friend in the world is getting married, you might even feel like youre walking down the aisle, too, what with all the preparations, time and energy poured into making sure its, truly, their best day ever. As a best friend, youve likely played an instrumental role in your friends wedding journey. From scouting out potential venues and meeting with vendors to attending every wedding dress appointment and fitting and lending a listening ear during the entire planning process, youve contributed in immeasurable ways already. However, you still might wonder if your wedding card is complete without a cash or check tucked inside. Read More: 3 N.J. wedding venues make top 10 list of best U.S. wedding spots, according to survey First and foremost, our best advice is to make a pact with your partner in crime so as not to go overboard with monetary amounts. Perhaps youve already gotten married, or youre planning your own wedding at the moment, whatever the case may be, if youre already going above and beyond to guarantee your bestie has a wedding he or she will never forget, then you dont need to feel pressured to shell out for their big event youre already showing lots of love and support.bestie moon Take these tips to heart if youre grappling with what to give as a gift: Calculate a Reasonable Gift Amount. Take a close look at your financial situation and determine how much you can comfortably afford to contribute towards your friends wedding gift. Then assess your relationship. Your special bond deserves a meaningful gift, so factor in the closeness you share: Have you been friends since preschool? Did you meet in college? Have you gotten friendly at work, while dealing with deadlines and getting acclimated to your industry via various trials and errors? While every situation is unique, dont shy away from researching the average gift amounts in your area, itll give you a baseline, and then you can think about the expenses youve incurred already, from engagement party or bachelor/bachelorette planning and all the emotional support duties youve had along the way. Get Creative with Personalized Gestures. Since you and your bestie may have decided to focus on experiences rather than singular monetary gifts, consider personalizing your financial offering to make it more heartfelt and memorable. Create a memory box filled with mementos from your friendship and the wedding planning process the two of you have shared (along with their fiance/fiancee. Or perhaps even plan a surprise date night for the soon-to-be newlyweds as they inch closer and closer to their big day and the stress intensifies. Whether that means preparing a home-cooked meal for them or booking a reservation at their favorite restaurant, your gift of a night off from anything nuptials-related is worth its weight in gold. Pitch a Bestie-Moon or Bucket List Adventure. Soulmate-level friendship means celebrating lifes biggest milestones together, right? So, consider having an open and honest conversation about a gift that will keep on giving long after the wedding day: a bestie moon or a bucket list adventure that youve both dreamt about sharing as a duo. Agree on a budget that feels comfortable for both of you and then gift each other the same amount for your respective days. This way, you can put your funds toward a future experience, vacation or once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that both of you have bought into, equally. Read More: What is the normal amount to give a wedding couple? The skys the limit or no gift at all As weve noted in countless posts before, there really are no hard and fast rules for what to give as a monetary wedding gift. You should do what feels right for your financial circumstances and degree of closeness, but if you want to treat your best friend to a thoughtful sum, $200 to $600 is a very significant present. Alternatively, you might reason that since you and your best friend are essentially spending similar amounts on each others wedding celebrations (if/when that happens!), then you can forego a formal gift altogether. A sweet and well-articulated inscription in their wedding card dictates that your presence, love and authentic support, and excitement are the true treasures you bring to each others lives. Friendship is beyond material things, anyway... Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. NEW YORK The Yankees dodged a nightmare scenario on Tuesday night when the results of Aaron Judges X-rays and CT scan came back negative. No fracture in the superstars left hand after he was plunked by a 94.1-mph fastball from Orioles right-hander Albert Suarez. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Liliana Avina wanted to enjoy her summer not being in school as most teenagers like to do. However, her grandmother had other plans, signing Avina up for multiple summer camps, including Purdue University Northwest's All Girls Robotics Explorer and Adventure Camp. At first, Avina didn't want to take part in the camp, however, she quickly learned how fun the program was. The week-long robotics camp is geared towards girls ages 12 to 17 and is meant to promote science, technology, engineering and math by teaching the students how to control and code industrial robots. Mechatronic Engineering Technology Professor Maged Mikhail, who leads the camp, said the girls practice simple tasks with the robots, such as tracing shapes and picking up and placing objects. The end goal, he said, is to give the students an abstract problem for them to solve using the machines. Throughout the program, Mikhail said the students learn teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Ultimately, he believes the girls becoming knowledgeable about robotics will make them more marketable for future employers as technology becomes more prevalent in daily life. Additionally, he hopes they will see the value of a STEM education. Avina enjoys how hands-on the program is. "You actually get to work with these machines and these robots," she said. Avina, who will be starting her freshman year at Munster High School this fall, said she sees herself pursuing STEM-related courses. Her goal is to enlist in the military after high school before going to college to study biochemistry. The robotic camp is funded through the Lilly Endowment's Indiana Programs on Campus Initiative, which provides funding to the state's colleges and universities to create or expand on-campus programs for children ages 5 to 18. PNW was awarded $583,000 in 2022 from the initiative to expand its existing summer youth camps, including the girls' robotic camps. Sayde Martinez, who attends Fegely Middle School in Portage, said more girls should participate in the summer program. "I'm surprised there's not a lot of people," said Martinez, one of the dozen students taking part in the camp. PHOTOS: Beehives at PNW The parent company of Pornhub, XTube, YouPorn and a number of similar adult-oriented websites is preparing to block all Indiana residents from accessing its video and photo content beginning June 28. A new state law, set to take effect July 1, preemptively prohibits adult-oriented websites from publishing their content in Indiana unless the site employs a rigorous age-verification system to prevent individuals younger than 18 years old from accessing the website. In a statement posted on its website, Pornhub said that while it definitely doesn't want minors accessing its content, requiring adults to upload their driver's license, state identification card or another proof of age before accessing any adult website is a potential privacy nightmare. Pornhub instead recommends the adoption of device-based age verification solutions that enable parents to prevent their children from accessing adult-oriented websites without putting the privacy of all Hoosiers at risk. Indeed, under Senate Enrolled Act 17 (2024) adult Hoosiers who provide their personal information to an age-verification service have no remedy if their name, birth date or browsing history is sold, released publicly, or used for blackmail other than filing a consumer protection complaint with the attorney general's office. Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita, however, likely already will be busy next month filing lawsuits against adult-oriented websites lacking an age-verification system, and seeking a civil penalty of up to $250,000 from each non-compliant website, as permitted by the statute. A lawsuit challenging Indiana's age-verification mandate and requesting a preliminary injunction to prevent the enforcement of the law before it takes effect was filed June 10 by Aylo, Pornhub's parent company; the Free Speech Coalition; and other litigants at the federal court in Indianapolis. Court records show U.S. District Judge Richard Young has set a briefing schedule on the plaintiffs' preliminary injunction motion that should enable him to issue a decision prior to July 1. The U.S. Supreme Court previously has struck down laws that, in the interest of protecting children, impede the ability of adults to freely access content protected by the First Amendment. Indiana is among a dozen Republican-led states that nevertheless have enacted a strict age-verification mandate on adult-oriented websites. There is a certain irony in the bravado about the Ten Commandments from Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana. On Saturday he told attendees at a Republican fund-raiser, I cant wait to be sued. Clearly, he knows that the Supreme Court previously ruled against mandatory displays of the Ten Commandments in the classroom. In a 1980 case, Stone v. Graham, the Supreme Court struck down a Kentucky law that required the posting of the Ten Commandments, purchased through private donations, in every public school classroom in the state. A Louisiana law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public classroom in the state defies this precedent, so, yes, the state will be sued. But Landrys comments didnt stop with bravado. He also said something else. If you want to respect the rule of law, he told the guests, youve got to start from the original lawgiver, which was Moses. To teach respect for the rule of law, hes defying the Supreme Court? Thats an interesting message to send to students. Its consistent with an emerging Republican approach to constitutional law. Just as many Republicans view their constituency as composed of the real Americans, they tend to believe their interpretation of the Constitution represents the real Constitution. So were seeing a flurry of culture-war-motivated state laws, many of them aimed at the First Amendment, that confront precedent. Alberto, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall on the northeastern coast of Mexico as a tropical storm early on Thursday, unleashing heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds, forecasters said. At least four people died in events related to the storm, which later weakened into a depression, officials and forecasters said. The deaths were all in Nuevo Leon. A man received an electrical shock there while trying to make repairs to his house, Gov. Samuel Garcia said in a televised interview on Thursday. A teenager was trapped by currents in a river and drowned after trying to recover a ball, Erik Cavazos, the director of civil protection in Nuevo Leon, told reporters earlier. Two children were electrocuted crossing a pond that was in contact with a live cable, he said. After days of intensified clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese militia, warned on Wednesday that there will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones if all-out war breaks out. He also threatened Cyprus if it allows Israel to use its airports and bases in a full-scale conflict. The enemy knows very well that we have prepared ourselves for the most difficult days, and the enemy knows what it will face, Mr. Nasrallah said. If war is imposed, the resistance will fight without constraints, rules or limits. President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus responded to the threat by saying that his country was absolutely not involved in any way, according to remarks posted on social media. In his first public remarks amid the recent flare-up of violence along Lebanons border with Israel, Mr. Nasrallah said that Hezbollah, which is tightly allied with Iran, did not want a wider conflict but emphasized that the group was ready for war and had so far used only a fraction of its weapons. If needed, Mr. Nasrallah said, Hezbollah could unleash them on a bank of targets in precision strikes. The enemy knows it must expect us on land, in the air, and at sea, he said. Ever since Hezbollah began trading fire with Israeli forces in the wake of the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, over 100 civilians in Israel and Lebanon have been killed, and more than 150,000 have been displaced from their homes. But the cross-border fighting in recent weeks has been among the fiercest yet, raising fears of another front in the war as Israel presses ahead with its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Western diplomats have tried to lower the temperature, meeting with Lebanese and Israeli officials to head off a full-fledged war, but on Tuesday the Israeli military said it had approved operational plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon, without specifying when or if the plans would be used. Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978, 1982 and 2006, each time to push back militants who attacked across the border. Barbara Gladstone, an art dealer whose eye for spotting talent and knack for nurturing it helped her to build one of the largest and most influential contemporary art galleries in New York, died on Sunday in Paris. She was 89. Her gallery said her death, in a hospital, was caused by an ischemic event, whose symptoms are similar to those of a stroke. Ms. Gladstone, who was on a working trip to Paris, lived in Manhattan. Ms. Gladstone represented more than 70 artists and estates, including Americans like Robert Rauschenberg, Keith Haring and Elizabeth Murray; the provocative video and installation artist Matthew Barney; pivotal figures of the Italian Arte Povera movement like Mario Merz and Alighiero Boetti; Richard Prince, the pioneer of photographic appropriation; the diffident realist painter Robert Bechtle; the Iranian American filmmaker and photographer Shirin Neshat; and stars of more recent vintage like the sculptor Wangechi Mutu and the photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier. What brought these disparate artists together on her list was her abiding interest in them personally and the devoted way she husbanded their work. The star rapper Travis Scott was arrested early Thursday in Miami Beach, Fla., after causing a disturbance on a yacht docked at a marina, according to a police report. He was later released on bond after paying a total of $650 on both charges, local news reported. Mr. Scott, 33, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II, was arrested at 1:44 a.m. on charges of trespassing and disorderly intoxication after the police were called to the marina and told that people were fighting on the vessel, according to the report. Once there, officers found Mr. Scott yelling at passengers on the ship. The officers could sense a strong smell of alcohol coming from the defendants breath, the report said; they led him down a dock and toward a boardwalk, with Mr. Scott walking backward and yelling obscenities along the way. Mr. Scott got into a vehicle that was waiting for him but soon began walking back to the yacht, the report said, in defiance of the officers warning to leave the premises. He was then taken into custody. 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. Date With a Dictator Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin met in Pyongyang on Wednesday where they signed a pact of mutual support against aggression and took a driving tour of the city, standing together in the sunroof. Theyre sticking their heads out of the roof like theyre going to Dictator Prom, Jimmy Fallon said. Musks mission to Cannes As advertising moguls traveled to southern France this week for the Cannes Lions festival an annual rose-filled celebration of their industry the biggest guest was someone who had crudely told many of them to get lost. Elon Musk and his top lieutenant, Linda Yaccarino, were on hand to persuade brands to return to X in a bid to bolster their beleaguered ad business. But its unclear if their efforts worked. Musk massaged his expletive-filled comments from November. A reminder: At the DealBook Summit, he lashed out at advertisers who had pulled back from X after he had endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory. When Mark Read, the C.E.O. of the ad giant WPP, asked Musk about the incident onstage on Wednesday, the X owner responded that he wasnt referring to all advertisers. Advertisers have a right to appear next to content that they find compatible with their brands, Musk said. What is not cool is insisting that there can be no content that they disagree with on the platform. (He added, I do shoot myself in the foot from time to time, but at least you know it is genuine, not from the P.R. department.) The ravenous came for a taste of home in a dish of spicy fried beef or steamed fish head. Waiters, speaking in Mandarin, delivered plates heated with green and red chiles. It was opening night in Hong Kong at Return Home Hunan, a well-known chain from mainland China trying to wedge into the citys competitive food scene. Huang Haiying, the restaurants founder, greeted customers in a bright red suit while waiters handed out red envelopes stuffed with coupons. Hong Kong is a difficult place to open a restaurant these days. Fewer people are dining out, and more restaurants have closed than opened this year. But restaurant owners from mainland China, facing their own challenges at home, see an opening. Everyone has their own way of surviving, and now its about surviving on the margins, Ms. Huang said. Well see who has more grit and succeeds. TikTok detailed on Thursday why it thinks the new federal law that could lead to a ban of the popular video app in January is unconstitutional, calling the legislation an extraordinary restriction on speech. The company said that Congress did not consider the law which would force TikToks Chinese owner to sell the popular social media app or face a ban in the United States with nearly enough scrutiny and care. TikTok made the arguments in a filing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where the company sued to block the law in May. This law is a radical departure from this countrys tradition of championing an open Internet, and sets a dangerous precedent allowing the political branches to target a disfavored speech platform and force it to sell or be shut down, the company said Thursdays filing. The deadly heat waves that began across Central America last month and moved up into Mexico and the Southwestern United States were made 35 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a new report by World Weather Attribution, an international organization of climate scientists. Globally, heat waves are becoming more frequent, longer and hotter as levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rise from the burning of fossil fuels for energy. This week, wide swaths of the United States have been experiencing record-breaking heat and dozens of people around the world have died amid intense heat during this years hajj pilgrimage. The results of our study should be taken as another warning that our climate is heating to dangerous levels, Izidine Pinto, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute who worked on the analysis, said in a statement. Chris Gloninger, a former meteorologist with KCCI in Des Moines. They told me wed prefer you not to use climate change, its too polarized, Mr. Gloninger said. Credit... Cassandra Klos for The New York Times In a 2014 interview in GQ, the actor Donald Sutherland recalled that a movie producer told him he wasnt getting a role hed auditioned for because weve always thought of this as a guy-next-door sort of character, and we dont think you look like youve ever lived next door to anybody. Its true: In film and TV roles that stretched over 60 years, Sutherland, who died Thursday at 88, never radiated the sense that he was some random guy you might cross paths with at the grocery store. If you did, youd remember him, maybe a little uneasily. With a long face, piercing blue eyes, perpetually curled upper lip and arched, wary eyebrows, he had the look of someone who knew something important a useful characteristic in a career that often involved movies about paranoia and dark secrets. His voice could clear a range from excitedly high to a menacing bass that would make you feel like ducking for cover. As an actor, he could do it all. His turn as the titular private detective opposite Jane Fonda in Alan Pakulas 1971 Klute rides a tricky knifes edge is he a good guy? Does that term have a meaning in this case? Theres his role as a slowly more horrified scientist in Philip Kaufmans 1978 Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and his movie-stealing monologue as Mr. X in Oliver Stones 1991 J.F.K., loaded with the urgency of obsession. Even when playing a goofball the womanizing prankster surgeon Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altmans 1970 M*A*S*H, for instance, or Vernon L. Pinkley in Robert Aldrichs 1967 The Dirty Dozen his loping, laconic figure stood out against the background, someone who knew a little better than he let on. Sutherland worked constantly and, unlike some actors of his generation, never really seemed like he belonged to a single era. Hed already been at it for more than 40 years when he showed up in Joe Wrights 2005 Pride and Prejudice, in what seemed like a minor part: Mr. Bennet, put-upon father to five daughters in yet another adaptation of Jane Austens novel. In the book, hes sardonic and contemptuous of all but his oldest two daughters, Jane and Lizzy; the reader doesnt walk away with particularly warm feelings about him. The Exorcism starts from an instantly compelling premise: On the set of a horror movie about an exorcist, demons lurk. Horror films often tap into ancient fears rooted in myth; this is just a more modern one. As one character tells another, All kinds of things happen on the sets of devil movies. Then she names a few examples: The Omen, The Exorcist, Poltergeist. Its true over decades, stories of freak accidents and deaths on those sets have grown into the kind of lore that can power its own horror film. That The Exorcist is named in this list is a little funny, since the film-within-the-film is clearly just a variant on William Friedkins influential 1973 classic. The nested movie is even called The Georgetown Project, a reference to the setting of The Exorcist. (The Exorcism, directed by Joshua John Miller from a screenplay he wrote with M.A. Fortin, seems named to provoke the comparison, too, though that also makes talking about it a little confusing.) Whats more, the first scene in The Exorcism reveals that The Georgetown Project is about a priest having a crisis of faith who is called to cast a demon out of a teenage girl, and that the house built on the soundstage is a dead ringer for the more famous movies set. In other words: In The Exorcism, theyre basically making The Exorcist. Thelma, a mildly amusing, highly improbable codger comedy, is so typical of a certain kind of Sundance movie sentimental, quirky, ingratiatingly likable that it feels instantly familiar. Mostly, the film serves as a showcase for the wonderful June Squibb; but this rightly revered character actor was not the only notable asset that the writer-director, Josh Margolin, was blessed with for his first feature. Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, Malcolm McDowell and the storied Richard Roundtree (who died last year) were all on hand, making it even more disappointing that Margolin couldnt provide them with a richer, more satisfying script. Instead, we have action-movie silliness thats barely more plausible than the plot of Sharknado (2013). When we meet Thelma (Squibb), a sturdy, nonagenarian widow, shes navigating a computer screen with the help of her doting grandson, Daniel (Fred Hechinger). Their mutual fondness feels easy and genuine, so when an unknown caller claims that Daniel has been involved in a terrible car accident and needs $10,000 in cash for legal representation, Thelmas distress and compliance are understandable. Less so is the escalating nonsense that follows as Thelma, learning she has been duped, resolves to track down her scammer and retrieve her money. Off she goes, to the accompaniment of a particularly grating soundtrack, having co-opted a mobility scooter and the reluctant help of its sharp-witted owner, Ben (Roundtree). As the two steal a gun and try to outrun Thelmas overanxious daughter and stuffy son-in-law (Posey and Gregg), the chase-movie absurdities are punctuated by age-related pauses, like Thelmas repeated encounters with random strangers she thinks she recognizes. These tiny ellipses, and Bens gentle solicitousness, are far more resonant than the thriller-style trickiness including an actual explosion that surrounds them. Pro-Israel political groups have transformed a Democratic primary on the outskirts of New York City, overwhelming the race with record-shattering outside spending to take down one of Israels most outspoken detractors, Representative Jamaal Bowman. The onslaught by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and allied groups has made good on a warning delivered to lawmakers like Mr. Bowman after Hamass Oct. 7 attack: Moderate your views or face a deluge of political attacks. Now, in barely a month, an AIPAC-affiliated super PAC has spent $14.5 million up to $17,000 an hour on the race, filling television screens, stuffing mailboxes and clogging phone lines with caustic attacks. With days to go, the expenditures have already eclipsed what any interest group has ever spent on a single House race. Pro-Israel groups are using the same approach elsewhere, most notably in an August primary in St. Louis. AIPACs super PAC, the United Democracy Project, has already spent $1.5 million there to take out Representative Cori Bush, who is a Black member of the Houses left-wing squad like Mr. Bowman. It is the story of many American cities. Despite decades of efforts, school districts have made little progress on desegregation. In dozens of places, racial divides have grown more pronounced. A growing wave of litigation including the affirmative action cases involving Harvard and the University of North Carolina last summer has challenged the fairness of policies intended to create more diverse student bodies. But recently, New York City has become the unlikely focus of renewed efforts to reduce racial segregation in public schools. This spring, a lawsuit challenging selective admissions in New Yorks schools, where huge numbers of Black and Latino students attend schools that are less than 10 percent white, was allowed to move forward in the state courts. It recalls an earlier set of court cases that tried to uproot separate and unequal academic tracks for Black and Latino students and that argued that segregated schools and classrooms denied their rights. The citys Landmarks Preservation Commission voted on Tuesday to calendar a Greek Revival rowhouse on West 13th Street, meaning that it will put a public hearing about the 178-year-old building on its calendar. That is the first step toward deciding whether to designate it a landmark. But preservationists who have been pushing for landmark status since 2020 worry that the calendaring has come a little late. The facade was stripped off a few weeks ago, something that would not have happened had the commission acted sooner, said Andrew Berman, executive director of Village Preservation, a nonprofit preservation advocacy group. As the school year winds to a close in Newark, some students are celebrating for a perhaps unexpected reason. For many, classes letting out for the summer means a chance to cool down. Over the last several days, the heat wave has made staying inside some of the citys aging school buildings, some of which lack working air-conditioning, almost unbearable. Simone Machado pulled her son Bryan, 10, out of school at Ann Street Elementary early on Thursday because she was worried about how he would handle the heat. By the time she got there, a bright red rash had already bloomed across his neck. He said his fourth-grade classroom was very, very hot. He was afraid to go back on Friday, he said, when temperatures in Newark were forecast to reach almost 100 degrees. The only silver lining was that it would be the last day of school. New Jersey Transit and Amtrak train service in and out of New York City was again disrupted Friday morning, just hours after a power failure shut down all lines for more than three hours on Thursday and caused significant holdups around the nations busiest transit hub. Amtrak said that on Thursday, one of the hottest days of the year, the loss of electricity had forced it to suspend all service for several hours along a 150-mile stretch of the Northeast Corridor. By Friday morning, train service was again snarled around New York City, where a disabled train in Manhattans Penn Station halted New Jersey Transit service in and out of the city and led to major delays for Amtrak. A little before 8:30 a.m., Amtrak said that service between Philadelphia and New York would resume at noon. Kyle Anderson, a spokesman for the rail service, said in a statement that it was working to remove the disabled train and repair damaged infrastructure. Mr. Anderson also said that Amtrak was working with New Jersey Transit to identify the cause of Fridays disruption. Thursdays outage rippled along the Eastern Seaboard, causing trains to be halted and canceled as far away as Boston and Harrisburg, Pa. Many years ago, in the 1980s, I went to Brighton Beach, then in its heyday as a district of newly arrived Soviet Jews, to celebrate the first year (there would not be many more) of the lively local Russian-language weekly, The New American. It was a grand event, rich in humor and tinged with nostalgia. I asked a middle-aged partygoer for his thoughts on his lost homeland, and his reply has stayed with me: I hate Russia, for forcing me to leave her. It was an apt summary of what waves of emigres from Russia and the Soviet Union since the early 20th century have felt: a sorrowful sense of loss for a motherland what Russians call toska po rodine coupled with resentment at the autocratic powers that forced them out. My grandparents were among the White Russians who fled the Revolution and moved to Paris in the 1920s. A second wave of emigrants left in World War II. The third, Soviet Jews, started leaving in the 1970s. Vladimir Putin has now created another wave of people fleeing Russia, and many of them may still believe, as my forebears did, that they will one day return to the homeland. Most probably will not. Its hard to say precisely where Russian exiles stand, politically or in their sense of attachment to Russia. The waves of emigrants differ widely one from another, and in the United States, they have not behaved like immigrants from Italy, China or Poland who formed hyphenated-American communities and organizations that have persisted over generations. Russian immigrants to America have, by comparison, melded quickly into the general population. Brighton Beach is one of the few places with any Russian flavor in the United States. Still, the prevailing attitude Ive encountered among Russian emigres is the love-hate expressed by my interlocutor in Brighton Beach. Its the love of an extraordinary culture, a deep attachment to the expanse of steppes and taiga, along with contempt for the chronic misrule, adventurism, imperial illusions and corruption of the leaders. The idea came to Dylan McDonnell early in the pandemic, when a sourdough-baking craze took over a nation under lockdown. Mr. McDonnell, an amateur brewer who lives outside Salt Lake City, saw Seamus Blackley, a video game designer, boasting on social media about baking bread with 4,500-year-old Egyptian yeast. I wonder if I could do that with beer, Mr. McDonnell recalled thinking. The answer recently arrived in the form of an amber brew that Mr. McDonnell believes is the closest approximation yet to what Rameses the Great may have been drinking between battles with the Hittites. Recent years have seen attempts to recreate the beer of the Vikings, the Late Shang and Western Zhou dynasties of China, and the Sumerians, who are believed to have invented beer. These beers can be all over the map, said Neil Witte, a beer expert at Craft Quality Solutions in Kansas City, Mo. What was good 500 or 1,000 years ago is likely nothing like what we consider good today. Still, the lure of connecting with bygone civilizations by reviving their potent potables appears to be surging. George M. Woodwell, the founder of the Woods Hole Research Center in Massachusetts and a renowned ecologist whose keen research and understanding of policy shaped how the United States controlled toxic substances and how the world confronted climate change, died on Tuesday at his home in Woods Hole, Mass. He was 95. The research center, which Dr. Woodwell started in 1985 to study global climate change, and which was later renamed for him, announced his death in a statement. During his long career, Dr. Woodwell repeatedly shined a light on how the byproducts of new technologies devised to increase efficiency in the agriculture, forestry and energy industries had endangered natural systems. His research provided early evidence of what he called biotic impoverishment the steady weakening of plants, animals and ecosystems that are chronically exposed to synthetic pollutants. Dr. Woodwell published more than 300 scientific papers, many of them in Science, Scientific American and other leading journals. He held teaching and research positions at the University of Maine, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Yale University and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Remains of the oldest shipwreck ever discovered in deep water, and perhaps the oldest complete wreck in any water, have been located in the Mediterranean Sea about 56 miles off the coast of northern Israel. The Israel Antiquities Authority, which announced the find on Thursday, said that preliminary examination of two clay jars known as Canaanite amphorae indicated that the merchant vessel, an estimated 39 to 46 feet long, sank sometime between 1400 B.C. and 1300 B.C., an epoch when the Egyptian empire stretched from what is now northern Syria to Sudan, and the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun briefly sat on the throne. Whether the galley was the victim of a sudden storm, a wayward wind or attempted piracy is unclear. But judging from footage recorded by a remotely operated submersible robot, the craft settled to the bottom without capsizing, and the hundreds of storage jars in its hold survived pretty much intact. Cemal Pulak, a nautical archaeologist at Texas A&M University who was not involved in the find, said, I consider any Bronze Age shipwreck discovery to be a very important one as shipwrecks of this period are extremely rare. They are so rare that only two other wrecks with cargo are known from the late Bronze Age in the Mediterranean both found, unlike the current one, off the Turkish coast relatively close to the shore and accessible using standard diving gear. The more recent of those two discoveries occurred in 1982. No spectacular new finds have surfaced since then. Amid the heat wave, over 34,000 people are still without power in Southeast Michigan after powerful storms hammered that region on Wednesday night. In Oakland County, which contains many of Detroits northern suburbs, about 24,000 residents were without power on Thursday afternoon. In the bordering Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, an additional 10,000 were waiting for their power to be restored. Parts of the southern half of the state have already endured a string of days with temperatures in the 90s, with the heat expected to linger through the weekend. The high temperatures, combined with high humidity, have increased the risk of heat-related illnesses, and the risk grows with every day that passes with elevated temperatures, according to the National Weather Services heat advisories for the region. In Detroit, the temperature reached a high of 92 degrees on Thursday afternoon. The heat index is forecast to remain in the 90s through the weekend. Almost 100 million people across the United States spent the first day of summer on Thursday sweltering in temperatures that topped 90 degrees, as meteorologists warned that the high-pressure system that scorched the country for the past four days would linger through the weekend in many places. The heat shattered temperature records and altered daily routines from the Midwest river valleys to the pine forests of New England, and left roughly one-third of Americans under extreme heat advisories, warnings or watches on Thursday, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System. In rural Indiana, sheriffs deputies conducted wellness checks on older residents. In Maine, officials urged homeless people to make use of cooling centers. And in the New York region, students left school early some because their schools closed at midday, and others because worried parents took matters into their own hands. Simone Machado pulled her son Bryan, 10, out of school at Ann Street Elementary School in Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, early on Thursday because of the heat. By the time she got there, a bright red heat rash had already bloomed across his neck. A man with an extensive criminal history who was wanted in connection with at least three killings two in Oklahoma and one in Alabama was arrested in Arkansas on Thursday morning after a two-day manhunt, the authorities said. The man, Stacy Lee Drake, 50, was taken into custody without incident after he was found in a wooded area in Morrilton, Ark., in the central part of the state, the Arkansas Department of Public Safety said in a statement. Warrants had been issued charging Mr. Drake in two killings in Oklahoma this week and the killing of a man in Alabama in May, the authorities said. Mr. Drake was also wanted on other felony warrants in several jurisdictions, including ones charging him with aggravated robbery and carjacking, the Arkansas Department of Public Safety said. He was being held on Thursday at the Conway County Detention Center. A motive for the killings had not been determined. It was unclear whether Mr. Drake had a lawyer. What led him to become a person that violently assaults and murders people? I do not know, Capt. Jack Kennedy, the commander of the violent crimes unit for the Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs Office in Alabama, told reporters at a news conference on Thursday. Representative Bob Good, Republican of Virginia and the chairman of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, was fighting on Thursday to hang onto his seat, as his primary race against a challenger backed by former President Donald J. Trump remained too close to call. The contest between two election deniers, which has turned ugly and personal, was potentially headed for a recount that could drag on for weeks. With more than 95 percent of the votes counted, John J. McGuire, a little-known state senator and former Navy SEAL who attended the Stop the Steal rally outside the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, had a lead over Mr. Good of a little more than 300 votes, according to The Associated Press. Mail-in votes were still being counted, and Mr. Good said he could still prevail. But that did not stop Mr. McGuire, who has pitched himself to voters as the true Trump loyalist and criticized Mr. Good for his vote to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, from declaring victory on Tuesday night before the final votes were counted. Virginia does not have a requirement for an automatic recount, but if the winner is ahead by less than 1 percent, either candidate can request one. It was a rare instance in which both candidates in a photo-finish race had promoted the lie that Mr. Trump won the 2020 presidential election, raising questions about whether either would accept an adverse outcome in his own contest. A former Qaeda battlefield commander who admitted that his insurgents killed 17 U.S. and allied forces in wartime Afghanistan in the early 2000s will spend eight more years in prison under a plea agreement disclosed on Thursday. The prisoner, Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi, 63, has been in U.S. custody since 2006 and struck the deal two years ago. The military judge, Col. Charles L. Pritchard Jr., officially disclosed the terms at Guantanamo Bay moments after a military jury ordered Mr. Hadi to serve 30 years in prison, the maximum sentence in his war crime case. The outcome was part of the arcane system called military commissions, which allows prisoners to reach plea deals with a senior official at the Pentagon who oversees the war court but requires the formality of a jury sentencing hearing anyway. The jury of 11 officers rejected arguments by Mr. Hadis defense lawyer that the prisoner deserved leniency, if not clemency, for his early humiliations in C.I.A. custody, subsequent cooperation with U.S. investigators and failing health. Leaving her hut that hovered on stilts above crystal blue water, Zausiyah got into her boat at sunrise and rowed out to sea, looking down into the clear water for fish. When she found a choice spot, she stored her paddle, baited four hooks and tossed her line down into the deep waters of the Molucca Sea in Indonesia. Sometimes the hooks came back empty; other times she caught four fish in one throw. Putin visits Vietnam after North Korea President Vladimir Putin of Russia visited Vietnam yesterday, a day after meeting North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un, in Pyongyang. There were no major breakthroughs, but the visit offered Russia a veneer of international legitimacy as its isolation grows over the invasion of Ukraine. Putin and Vietnamese leaders walked a careful line. The countries have a shared communist history, and Moscow has long been Vietnams main source of weapons. But Hanoi has recently grown closer to the U.S. Before the visit, U.S. officials rebuked Vietnam, saying that no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities. Here are three takeaways from the visit. Fallout from the North Korea visit: The defense pact that Russia signed with North Korea this week rattled officials in South Korea and Japan, which have been expecting growing security challenges from Pyongyang. Its also a headache for Beijing: The treaty raises the risk of confrontation in the region and could prompt the U.S. and its allies to bolster their military presence on Chinas periphery. The alleged rape last weekend of a 12-year-old Jewish girl by boys who hurled antisemitic abuse at her has ignited simmering tensions in France over attitudes toward the largest Jewish community in Western Europe. President Emmanuel Macron, a centrist whose decision to call snap elections this month shocked even his closest allies, responded by denouncing the scourge of antisemitism in French schools. The prime minister, Gabriel Attal, urged politicians to refuse the banalization of hatred toward Jews, a thinly veiled attack on Jean-Luc Melenchon, the ardently pro-Palestinian leader of the left who on June 2 called antisemitism in France residual. There were more than 360 antisemitic episodes in France in the first three months of this year, or an average of four a day, an increase of 300 percent over the same period last year, the government said. In the most recent one that shocked the country, the three boys are said to have dragged the girl into an abandoned building where she was repeatedly raped and insulted. The three boys, ages 12 and 13, one of them previously known to the girl, are being investigated for rape, death threats and insults aggravated by their link to the victims religion, a prosecutors statement on Wednesday said. Two of them have been placed in pretrial detention, it added. He is an Egyptian mogul who is little known outside the region. The tycoon, Ibrahim al-Organi, chairman of Organi Group, oversees a vast network of companies involved in construction, real estate and security. He maintains close connections to top Egyptian officials, according to three people who have tracked the relationship and who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect their work in the region. But it is Hala a company that Organi Group has listed as one of its own that has drawn the most scrutiny. Hala has emerged as a lifeline for Palestinians who are trying to escape war-torn Gaza but has also been accused of squeezing desperate people with exorbitant fees. In an interview this month, Mr. Organi spoke at length and in detail about Halas activities, though he said that his role in the company was limited and that he was just one of many shareholders. Officials at Hala did not respond to questions sent by email. What is Hala? Hala had long been listed on Organi Groups website as one of the conglomerates companies, but the reference appeared to have been removed recently. Organi Group did not respond to a request for comment about why it had removed Hala from the website. Organi Group has at least eight businesses. The company lists Mr. Organi as its chairman and his son, Essameldin Organi, as the chief executive. Since the attacks of Oct. 7, every legal expert I have asked has shared one conclusion: Hamass attacks on civilians that day, including killing, torture, and hostage-taking, were war crimes. And because many hostages are still being held, that crime remains ongoing. Tom Dannenbaum, a Tufts University professor, told me just days after the attack that there was no question Hamass attack had involved multiple war crimes. Those are not close calls, he said. Since then, evidence has continued to mount. Last month, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced that he was seeking warrants for the arrest of three Hamas leaders on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity relating to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, as well as the hostage-taking that followed. He also sought warrants for two Israeli officials. All of the subjects of the warrant requests have denied the accusations against them. Last week, a U.N. commission concluded that there was credible evidence that members of Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups committed war crimes on Oct. 7, including by killing civilians, carrying out torture, and taking hostages. The commission also found evidence of Israeli war crimes, including the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of war. Growing divisions between Israels military commanders and the civilian government over the war in Gaza spilled into the open this week, raising questions about how Israel will conduct the next phase of the war. The rift has grown quietly for months, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have at times appeared to blame the Israeli security services for the failure to prevent the Hamas-led surprise attack on Oct. 7. More recently, the military has been frustrated by the Netanyahu governments fight to maintain the exemption from service enjoyed by ultra-Orthodox Jews, at a time when Israeli forces are stretched thin. But the sharpest and most public break came on Wednesday, with unusually blunt comments from the armed forces chief spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, reflecting fears among military leaders that the governments failure to articulate a vision for a postwar Gaza could squander the gains made against Hamas. If we do not bring something else to Gaza, at the end of the day, we will get Hamas, he said in an interview with Israels Channel 13. Who is that someone else, what is that thing? he asked. The political leadership will decide. But in order to reach a situation in which we really weaken Hamas, that is the path. Admiral Hagari also appeared to criticize Mr. Netanyahus oft-repeated call for absolute victory over the Palestinian armed group. The idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas, to make Hamas vanish that is throwing sand in the eyes of the public, he said. That prompted a swift rejoinder from Mr. Netanyahus office, which said that the Israeli cabinet had set the destruction of Hamass military and governing capabilities as one of the wars aims, and that the Israeli military was of course committed to this. The only way for almost all people in Gaza to escape the horrors of the war between Israel and Hamas is by leaving through neighboring Egypt. And that is usually a complicated and expensive ordeal, involving the payment of thousands of dollars to an Egyptian company that can get Palestinians on an approved travel list to cross the border. Confronting the companys stiff fees, as well as the widespread hunger in Gaza where there is no end in sight to Israels military campaign, many Palestinians have resorted to trying to raise money with desperate appeals on digital platforms like GoFundMe. Dr. Salim Ghayyda, a pediatrician in northern Scotland, posted one such plea in January after his sister texted from Gaza to say that their father had suffered seizures. The U.S. bombings that ended World War II didnt mark the close of atomic warfare.They were just the beginning. The U.S. bombings that ended World War II didnt mark the close of atomic warfare. They were just the beginning. From 1945 to 2017, nuclear nations carried out more than 2,000 explosive tests in the atmosphere, underground and underwater, mostly in remote places. From 1945 to 2017, nuclear nations carried out more than 2,000 explosive tests in the atmosphere, underground and underwater, mostly in remote places. Larger circles indicate places with many tests. Larger circles indicate places with many tests. Some of the atmospheric tests were magnitudes more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, sickening and displacing thousands. Some of the atmospheric tests were magnitudes more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, sickening and displacing thousands. Their descendants who continue to endure physical, psychological, economic and cultural fallout are living proof that nuclear weapons should never be tested again. If only todays leaders would take heed. Their descendants who continue to endure physical, psychological, economic and cultural fallout are living proof that nuclear weapons should never be tested again. If only todays leaders would take heed. Turn on sound Opinion The Toll About an hours drive from the Las Vegas Strip, deep craters pockmark the desert sand for miles in every direction. Its here, amid the sunbaked flats, that the United States conducted 928 nuclear tests during the Cold War above and below ground. The site is mostly quiet now, and has been since 1992, when Washington halted Americas testing program. There are growing fears this could soon change. As tensions deepen in Americas relations with Russia and China, satellite images reveal all three nations are actively expanding their nuclear testing facilities, cutting roads and digging new tunnels at long-dormant proving grounds, including in Nevada. None of these nations have conducted a full-scale nuclear test since the 1990s. Environmental and health concerns pushed them to move the practice underground in the middle of the last century, before abandoning testing altogether at the end of the Cold War. Each government insists it will not be the one to reverse the freeze. Russia and China have said little about the recent flurry of construction at their testing sites, but the United States emphasizes its merely modernizing infrastructure for subcritical tests, or underground experiments that test components of a weapon but fall short of a nuclear chain reaction. The possibility of resuming underground nuclear testing has long loomed over the post-Cold War world. But only now do those fears seem worryingly close to being realized amid the growing animosity among the world powers, the construction at testing grounds and the development of a new generation of nuclear weapons. As this pressure mounts, some experts fear that the United States could act first. Ernest Moniz, a physicist who oversaw the nations nuclear complex as energy secretary under President Barack Obama, said theres increasing interest from members of Congress, the military and U.S. weapons laboratories to begin full-scale explosive tests once again. Among the major nuclear powers, if there is a resumption of testing, it will be by the United States first, Mr. Moniz said in a recent interview. This article is part of the Opinion series At the Brink, about the threat of nuclear weapons in an unstable world. Read the opening piece here. This article is part of the Opinion series At the Brink, about the threat of nuclear weapons in an unstable world. Read the opening piece here. The Trump administration privately discussed conducting an underground test in hopes of coercing Russia and China into arms control talks in 2020, and this week his former national security adviser offered a possible preview of Mr. Trumps second term by publicly urging him to restart the nuclear testing program. The Biden administration is adamant that technological advances have made it unnecessary to resume full-scale testing, but in May it began the first in a series of subcritical tests to ensure Americas modern nuclear warheads would still work as designed. These experiments fall within the United States promise not to violate the testing taboo. A return to that earlier era would be certain to have costly consequences. The United States and the Soviet Union might have narrowly avoided mutual destruction, but there was a nuclear war: The blitz of testing left a wake of illness, displacement and destruction, often in remote locations where marginalized communities had no say over what happened on their own land. Millions of people living in those places Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan; Reggane, Algeria; Montebello, Australia; the Republic of Kiribati became unwitting casualties to an arms race run by a handful of rich, powerful nations. The United States detonated the first underwater nuclear weapon in the Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands, in 1946. Many nuclear experts believe that a single explosive test by any of the major nuclear powers could lead to a resumption of testing among them all. And while the world is unlikely to return to the Cold War spectacle of billowing mushroom clouds from tests in the earths atmosphere, even a resumption of underground testing, which still can emit hazardous radiation, could expose new generations to environmental and health risks. It would open a volatile chapter in the new nuclear age as were still trying to understand the fallout from the first one. The Republic of the Marshall Islands Embassy is a modest, red brick building in a leafy Washington, D.C., neighborhood. Inside, a room on the first floor is packed with cardboard boxes and filing cabinets, each brimming with U.S. government documents detailing Americas nuclear testing program in the islands. It seems like a generous collation of history until you open a box, pick up a page and see the endless blocks of text blacked out mostly for what the government claims are national security reasons. While the Nevada test site hosted more nuclear detonations than any other place on the planet, the United States tested its largest bombs at the Pacific Proving Grounds. The 67 nuclear weapons tested in the Marshalls from 1946 to 1958 involved blasts hundreds of times more powerful than the American bomb that demolished Hiroshima, Japan. The potential health risks of testing were known from the start of the U.S. nuclear weapons program. Five days after J. Robert Oppenheimers team covertly detonated the first atomic bomb in New Mexico in July 1945, a U.S. government memorandum was drawn up describing the dust outfall from the various portions of the cloud was potentially a very serious hazard for people living downwind of the desert test site. And so when World War II ended and the nations rush to fine-tune its new weapon began, Washington looked for a remote location to test the bomb. The search ultimately turned up two spots: One was a 680-square-mile stretch of desert northwest of Las Vegas, in the region where Dr. Oppenheimer made the bomb. The other was much farther from home, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In February 1946, just six months after the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, a Navy officer appeared in the Marshall Islands, a collection of more than 1,000 islands scattered across 750,000 square miles between Hawaii and the Philippines. The United States had taken control of the islands from Japan during the war, and the military identified Bikini Atoll, a coral reef where people had lived for thousands of years, as an ideal testing ground. After a Sunday afternoon church service, Commodore Ben Wyatt, the American military governor of the islands, made a religious appeal to the Bikini leader King Juda and his people, asking if they were willing to sacrifice their island for the welfare of all men. In truth, they had no choice: Preparations were already underway on the order of President Harry Truman. Not long after, 167 Bikinians were ushered aboard a relocation ship and sent over 100 miles away to an island with scant vegetation and a lagoon full of poisonous fish. As they drifted toward their new home, they could see rising flames as American soldiers burned the huts and outrigger boats they left behind. Four months later, the U.S. military detonated two atomic bombs on Bikini Atoll. Though they planned to return, the Marshallese would never be able to safely live there again. Unlike Dr. Oppenheimers first highly secretive atomic test, these explosions in the Pacific served as public spectacles. The military brought along journalists, politicians and reportedly 18 tons of camera equipment and half of the worlds supply of motion picture film to record the events. The goal was to get attention specifically, the Soviet Unions attention by spreading information and footage of these new wonder weapons. The tests did more than that. They kicked off a generation of nuclear proliferation across the globe. One by one, each country with the money and the drive to compete started its own nuclear weapons program. And when they did, they took their cue from the United States and tested the devices in far-flung locations and in many cases, their own territories. The Soviet Union tested its weapons in Kazakhstan. The French in Africa and Polynesia. China in Xinjiang. The British in Australia. Australia 12 major tests by Britain Britain conducted nuclear weapons tests and experiments in Australia from 1952 to 1963. Carcinogenic plutonium released during the program has been absorbed into the soil and food chain over decades. Britain conducted nuclear weapons tests and experiments in Australia from 1952 to 1963. Carcinogenic plutonium released during the program has been absorbed into the soil and food chain over decades. Karina Lester, who lives in southern Australia, worries about the effects on the land and her children. Karina Lester, who lives in southern Australia, worries about the effects on the land and her children. Turn on sound Story Continues Below The nuclear powers might have been the most technologically advanced countries in the world, but in hindsight, its clear they had little idea of what they were doing, and the health of the local populations was an afterthought, if a thought at all. As tests continued at a breakneck pace, American scientists grew increasingly worried about the dangers posed by the weapons fallout. Chief among their fears was how much radioactive isotopes like strontium-90, formed in nuclear detonations, were being swept away on winds and falling back to earth through rain far beyond the remote blast areas onto farms and dairies where they could enter the food chain. Strontium-90, which is structurally similar to calcium and attaches to bones and teeth after being ingested, is known to cause cancer. In the early 1950s, the Atomic Energy Commission, the U.S. agency overseeing nuclear weapons at the time, stationed roughly 150 remote monitors at home and abroad to pick up signs of radiation. It also started a program to obtain human samples to test for strontium, according to a declassified transcript from a 1955 meeting. If anybody knows how to do a good job of body snatching, they will really be serving their country, said Willard F. Libby, an agency commissioner at the time. Over the next several years, the U.S. government gathered over 1,500 body parts from cadavers, many of them stillborn babies, from several countries without knowledge of the subjects next of kin. While the government pursued this science in the shadows, civilian studies were also underway. Teams at St. Louis University and the Washington University School of Dental Medicine collected around 320,000 baby teeth, mainly from the St. Louis area, that were donated by parents and guardians. They found that children born in 1963 had 50 times the level of strontium-90 in their teeth as children born in 1950. The initial results would later become the first major public study to raise the alarm on testings inherent risk to human health. Even as this research was unfolding, the U.S. government pressed on with its testing in the Marshall Islands. On March 1, 1954, it conducted its largest test, code-named Castle Bravo. American weapon designers drastically underestimated the size of the weapons explosion by nearly threefold, a devastating miscalculation. The device, which had 1,000 times the force of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, was set off before dawn, sending a blinding flash across the sky for 250 miles or more above the Pacific. Three small islands were instantly vaporized. A mushroom cloud shot about 25 miles into the stratosphere, suctioning up 10 million tons of pulverized coral debris. Within weeks, Marshallese living within 100 miles of the blast became weak and nauseated, developed weeping lesions and lost fistfuls of hair. The U.S. military evacuated more than 230 people to a U.S. Navy base on the nearby Kwajalein Atoll. Once they were there, men, women and children were interned at a camp and unwittingly enrolled in a secret U.S. government medical program called Project 4.1. The goal was to find out how radiation from weapons affects humans, something scientists couldnt fully register inside a laboratory through animal experimentation. While it is true that these people do not live, I would say, the way Westerners do civilized people it is nevertheless also true that these people are more like us than the mice, said Merril Eisenbud, then the Atomic Energy Commissions chief of health and safety, in a declassified transcript. The aftermath was grim. The group suffered from widespread symptoms associated with acute radiation sickness. The rate of miscarriage and stillbirth among women exposed to the fallout was roughly twice that in unexposed women during the first four years after the Castle Bravo test. Babies were born with transparent skin and without bones what the Marshallese midwives call jellyfish babies and young children disproportionately developed thyroid abnormalities, including cancer, because of their size and metabolism. Even with this kind of evidence in hand, science has reached only limited conclusions about how nuclear weapons testing affects individuals health. Researchers know that the last centurys atmospheric testing sent radioactive fallout across the world, affecting countless people. In the United States alone, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that every person in the continental United States who has been alive since 1951 has had some exposure to radioactive fallout from nuclear testing. But startlingly little analysis or funding has gone into the long-term study of the descendants of people exposed to nuclear weapons radiation. Many descendants believe that their familys exposure explains their own illnesses, but they are often left without the data to back up or refute their claims. It is difficult for medical experts to say definitively whether any individuals cancer or illness is a direct result of radioactivity or something else, such as smoking or exposure to other harmful products throughout their lives. They can only say that radiation increases the risks. To many downwinders, as nuclear testing survivors are globally known, the dearth of information feels like further evidence of being sidelined by their respective governments. What the existing studies do show is that where there have been nuclear tests, there have also been an unusually high number of people with health problems. In northeast Kazakhstan, where the last of 456 Soviet tests took place more than three decades ago, children near the test site have been born without limbs or developed cancer in higher numbers than normal. Studies of the exposed population show that elevated levels of serious illness persisted for two generations. Across French Polynesia where France conducted nuclear tests over three decades thyroid, blood and lung cancers have been prevalent. Even today, descendants of nuclear test survivors fear passing illnesses onto future generations. French Polynesia Nearly 200 tests by France France tested nuclear weapons in French Polynesia from 1966 to 1996. Facing worldwide protests and an international trade boycott, it finally ended its testing program. France tested nuclear weapons in French Polynesia from 1966 to 1996. Facing worldwide protests and an international trade boycott, it finally ended its testing program. Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross, born in Tahiti, is the fourth generation in her family to develop cancer. Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross, born in Tahiti, is the fourth generation in her family to develop cancer. Story Continues Below After Castle Bravo, the evidence was unmistakable: A single bomb blowing up on one side of the globe could touch everyone on the other. The fallout from the test did not harm only the Marshallese. It also sickened fishermen aboard a nearby Japanese fishing ship and stoked widespread fears of contamination in Japanese fish stocks, retraumatizing Japan less than a decade after American bombs killed an estimated 200,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Within a month, traces of fallout stretched from Asia to Europe. The massive U.S. experiment became a global news story, and calls for a global testing moratorium began almost immediately. At the time of the Castle Bravo test, all three nuclear nations the United States, the Soviet Union and Britain were actively testing their weapons above ground. Within 10 years, the three superpowers signed the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty, which officially confined them to testing underground. France continued atmospheric testing until 1974, and China continued until 1980. In underground tests, the nuclear explosions took place inside a canister placed within a vertical hole drilled more than 1,000 feet into the earth. Miles of electrical cables connected to the canister relayed information on the blast to recording stations on the surface. While that process avoided widespread radioactive fallout, it could still contaminate groundwater and cause so-called venting incidents, in which radioactive debris leaked from below ground into the air. As a result, in 1996, the worlds largest nuclear powers signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which banned all nuclear explosions above and below ground and established a global monitoring system to detect any tests that take place. India and Pakistan, which did not sign the treaty, both held underground tests in 1998, but only North Korea has conducted them since. For years, test survivors across the world have fought for compensation for what these experiments cost them: their homes, their health, their culture and their community. Spurred by the inaction among world powers, many individuals from these communities are outspoken activists at the forefront of the global disarmament movement. They helped create the 2021 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, signed by 93 countries, which bans the possession, use and testing of nuclear weapons. Despite this mobilization, there are only a handful of examples of nuclear weapon nations compensating downwinders for exploding the worlds biggest bombs near their neighborhoods and ancestral homelands. France has acknowledged its debt to Polynesians over nuclear testing, and it created a commission in 2010 to evaluate nuclear testing victim compensation claims, but it has never apologized. Neither has Britain, nor has it established means of compensation. The Marshallese have had slightly more success than others. While the United States has never issued an apology for displacing thousands of people and rendering parts of the nation uninhabitable, it paid the Marshallese $150 million in the 1980s for what the U.S. government calls a full and final settlement of all claims related to the testing program. Since then, it has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars for education, health care, the environment and infrastructure, according to the U.S. government. But its not enough. The Marshallese government has claimed roughly $3 billion in uncompensated damages. As part of a 1986 compact, the United States gave control of the islands back to the Marshallese, while the U.S. military kept control of a sprawling missile-test site on Kwajalein Atoll. The compact also gave all Marshallese permission to live and work in the United States indefinitely without visas. The deal has been a welcome development for the growing number of Marshallese who have simply given up on building a life back home, where unemployment and poverty remain pervasive, and good schools and quality health care are scarce. Small Marshallese communities are now scattered across the United States, including in Hawaii, California, Washington and Oregon. But the largest population of Marshallese in the world outside the islands is in a rural area surrounding the northwest corner of Arkansas, mainly in a small city called Springdale. So many Marshallese live in this agricultural industrial heartland about 20,000 by one count they call it the Springdale Atoll. It began in the 1980s when a Marshallese man named John Moody landed a job in one of the areas sprawling poultry plants. Soon more people started to arrive from the islands as news spread about the jobs, better doctors and schools. Today, when youre in Springdale, it doesnt take long to spot signs of the community: the Blue Pacific Mart convenience store, the KMRW 98.9 Marshallese radio station and dozens of homespun Marshallese churches. Off Emma Avenue, the citys main street, in a single-story, L-shaped building, Benetick Kabua Maddison runs the Marshallese Educational Initiative. Mr. Maddison, 29, took over the nonprofit in 2022 to raise awareness about the islands culture and nuclear testing legacy. His team teaches community members how the tests drove so many people to leave the islands and how the testing program affected their health. Marshall Islands 67 tests by the United States The populations of entire islands were permanently displaced when America decided to test its weapons on the Marshall Islands, which it controlled after World War II. The tests left some of the islands, including Bikini Atoll, uninhabitable. The populations of entire islands were permanently displaced when America decided to test its weapons on the Marshall Islands, which it controlled after World War II. The tests left some of the islands, including Bikini Atoll, uninhabitable. Benetick Kabua Maddisons family was among them. He now lives in Arkansas. Benetick Kabua Maddisons family was among them. He now lives in Arkansas. Story Continues Below Diabetes rates among the Marshallese globally are now 400 percent as high as for the general U.S. population. When Covid-19 came to Springdale in 2020, it hit the Marshallese community like other groups across the states with high rates of noncommunicable diseases disproportionately hard. Estimated to represent about 2 percent of the local population in northwest Arkansas, the Marshallese accounted for 38 percent of the deaths there during the pandemics first four months. It was a stark reminder of nuclear testings complex and far-reaching legacy. The Marshallese are living proof that nuclear weapons must never be used or tested again, Mr. Maddison said. Few places on earth can still convey the raw power of nuclear weapons like the Nevada Test Site. From a wooden observation platform, you can look out over a crater 320 feet deep and a quarter-mile wide created by a 104-kiloton device detonated underground in July 1962. Its just one of the many man-made pits dotting the 1,375-square-mile proving grounds that are roughly the size of Rhode Island. Today a sprawling tunnel network under the site, originally excavated in the 1960s for an underground nuclear test, is being transformed into a subterranean research laboratory to host the subcritical nuclear experiments that started again in May. American scientists hope the roughly $2.5 billion investment in new diagnostic, monitoring and computing equipment will help them gain further insights into exactly what happens inside a thermonuclear explosion, beyond what was learned from the live-fire tests that ended in the 1990s. Knowing the increased activity will raise eyebrows, the Biden administration has publicly floated a plan to Russia and China to install radiation detection equipment near one anothers subcritical experiments to ensure an atomic chain reaction does not occur. A senior administration official says the United States is even considering inviting international observers or livestreaming the experiments to head off any skepticism of their intentions. Mistrust is already running deep. While all nuclear nations that signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty have appeared to observe it in practice, both China and the United States failed to ratify the treaty because of internal political challenges and the desire to keep their options for future testing open without running afoul of international law. In November, Russia rescinded its ratification, citing the United States failure to ratify the pact. President Vladimir Putin intimated that if Washington tested again, Moscow would follow with one of its own. He took another step in that direction on June 7, saying that Russia could test a nuclear weapon but that there was no need at the present time. For now in Nevada, roughly 1,000 feet above the underground lab, remnants from the last nuclear era cables, containers and equipment sit idle in a fenced-off area atop the desert flats. They are still stored on-site and on standby, upon government mandate, to be ready for use should a president ever issue the order for explosive testing to begin once again. The world cant afford to restart this dangerous cycle. We are still wrestling with the damage wrought by testing nuclear weapons in our past. It shouldnt be a part of our future. A UK man is trying to take tech giant Apple to court for 5 million ($6.3 million), accusing the company of revealing his private messages with other women to his wife by synchronizing his iPhone with the family iMac. In the last few years of his marriage, Richard (not the mans real name) had been soliciting the services of sex workers whom he had messaged using his personal iPhone. He had always been very careful to delete the messages from his phone but claimed not to have known that Apple makes it possible to share messages via its various platforms (iPhone, iPad, or iMac) when logging into the same account. One day, when his wife logged into the same family account on the iMac, she discovered years of spicy messages between Richard and multiple other women, who turned out to be sex workers. She ended up divorcing him and walking away with over $6.3 million. Richard blames Apple for everything and he wants the American company to compensate him. Photo: Onur Binay/Unsplash If you are told a message is deleted you are entitled to believe its deleted, Richard told The Times. If the message had said: These messages are deleted on this device that would have been a clue. These messages are deleted on this device only, would have been a much clearer indicator. Richard now wants Apple to compensate him both for the 5 million he had to pay his wife in the divorce and the legal fees and to that end, he has turned to London law firm Rosenblatt for assistance. He is now seeking a class-action lawsuit and invites Apple users in similar situations to speak up and join him in his crusade against the tech giant. In many cases, the iPhone informs the user that the messages have been deleted, but, as we have seen, this is not true and is misleading, because they are still found on other linked devices, something that Apple does not tell its users, Rosenblatts Simon Walton said. This strongly suggests that Apple is concerned enough about this issue to hope that it will go away by ignoring it, or that it simply does not care about the rights of its users. Speaking specifically about his case, Richard argued that Apples way of revealing his infidelity to his wife ruined any chance of salvaging their 20-year marriage. There would have been a way through it if the realization hadnt been so sudden and brutal and upsetting, Richard told The Times. We had been very happily married for over 20 years. A superb marriage was thrown away over something many men and some women do. Daniel Hagari Speaking truth to power.Public relations enjoyed one of its finest moments on June 19 when the top spokesperson for Israels military outed Benjamin Netanyahus goal to destroy Hamas as nothing but a myth. To say that Hamas is going to disappear is simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public, said rear admiral Daniel Hagari on Israeli TV. Hamas is an idea. Hamas is a party. Its rooted in the hearts of the people. Whoever thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong, said the Israel Defense Forces spokeperson. Israel has killed more than 37K Palestinians since it was invaded by Hamas terrorists. How many more will die before Netanyahu gives up the ghost of total victory, and faces the task of rebuilding what his military destroyed in Gaza? His back is up against the wall. The prime minister received a sharp rebuke from highly respected White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby for falsely accusing the US of withholding weapons shipments to Israel. Those comments were deeply disappointing and certainly vexing to us given the amount of support that we have and will continue to give, said Kirby. The US withheld a single shipment of 2,000-pound bombs because the Biden administration didnt want them used to kill civilians in Israels attack on Raffah. Americas former ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk is fed up with Netanyahus shenanigans. He wants House Speaker Mike Johnson to yank Netanyahus invitation to address Congress unless he apologizes for his remarks about the US holding back aid. Israel is at war on four fronts: with Hamas in Gaza; with Houthis in Yemen; with Hezbollah in Lebanon; and with Iran overseeing the operations. What does Netanyahu do? Attack the United States based on a lie that he made up, said Indyk. The US had its own total victory illusion during the Vietnam War, in which we assumed that we could bomb the Viet Cong back to the Stone Age. That illusion cost the lives of more than 58K US soldiers. The most Bibi will lose when he finally faces the reality of Hamas are his job and possibly his freedom. Florida welcomes amigos The Sunshine State has issued an RFP for a firm to run a PR campaign in Mexico to promote Florida as good place to visit. The effort seems a tad ironic after Floridas governor Ron DeSantis sent national guard troops to Texas to make sure that nobody was crossing the US/Mexico border. DeSantis, who was gearing up for a run for the Republican primary, dispatched 800 soldiers, 200 Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement officers, 101 state troopers and 20 wildlife officers to Texas. He also sent planes, drones, boats and command vehicles to the Lone Star State. The governor assumed a tough-guy stance would be his ticket out of Tallahassee and into the Oval Office. Instead, he got thumped by Trump. Since DeSantis is no longer running for president, hes wooing Mexicans to swing back and spend some pesos in Florida. What a difference a year makes. DEI not dead yet Companies are watering down or dropping their DEI programs in reaction to the anti-woke movement. They are making a big mistake. Most Americans support programs to address inequalities at the workplace. They want morenot lessDEI. A Washington Post/Ipsos poll released June 18 found that 60 percent of respondents believe DEI programs are a good thing. The most popular programs are mentorships for underrepresented groups (75 percent), anti-bias trainings (75 percent) and internships for underrepresented people (70 percent). The poll found support for DEI programs grows as they become more defined. That is the challenge for PR people. Joelle Emerson, CEO of DEI Consultancy, said the DEI acronym does have carry a lot of baggage. PR people need to go beyond the battered brand and educate corporate decision-makers about how DEI efforts benefit the bottom line via a more dedicated and productive workforce, as well as the common good. The title says it all All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons and Politicians by PR man Phil Elwood will be published June 25 by Henry Holt & Co. Elwood has plenty of material to work with after working for a rogues gallery of no-goodniks. He has represented Libyas Moammar Gaddafi, Syrias Bashar al-Assad, and the Government of Qatar. For Gaddafi, he organized a reception at Donald Trumps Bedford (NJ) estate during the dictators visit to the United Nations as he tried to burnish his image and woo the West. He failed miserably. Elwood has toiled at PR firms such as Leidar, LEVICK, Ogilvy, Brown Lloyd James, SEC Newgate and Burson-Marsteller. He will make a promotional appearance at Politics and Prose book store in Washington on June 27, prior to the Biden-Trump debate. Some PR people might want to skip the debate and read Elwoods book. A former psychiatric nurse who was found with 690 child pornography images and one video has been given a three-year prison sentence at Nenagh Circuit Court. Philip Whelan (52) of 3 Tullaskeagh Road, Roscrea, county Tipperary, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998. In passing her sentence, Judge Catherine Staines said child pornography is often seen as a victimless crime. However, the images are created because there are people who would view them and the children in the photos, suffer in their creation. An adult penis inserted into a child must have inflicted extreme pain and damage on the child, said Judge Staines. EXTRACTION Garda Detective Anthony Kirby of the Garda Protective Services Unit told the court that in February 2020, they carried out a search of the defendants home where they seized a Samsung Galaxy phone. Gardai extracted 690 images and one video which depicted children of various ages but as young as four engaged in sexual acts or in sexually suggestive positions. Of those 255 were category one images, as was the video, which Garda Kirby confirmed depicted intercourse with a child. The remaining 435 were category two, which depict children with their genitals exposed. The guard described just ten of the images for the court and said one had been photoshopped. The defendant was charged on February 20, 2022, and on interview made certain admissions. COOPERATIVE Acting for the defendant, William OBrien BL, said that his client had gone through a difficult divorce ten years ago and had used the images to cope. He said his client started with lawful pornography and progressed to darker material. Mr OBrien said his client was attracted to the riskiness of the material, as opposed to its substance. Mr OBrien confirmed with the guard that the images found on the phone were more of a trace and had not been stored in a way that could be accessed by any user. His probation officer was satisfied that he was remorseful and that it is not a victimless crime and is willing to engage with treatment, the court heard. The report also said he is at low risk of reoffending. Mr OBrien said that when charges were brought against him, Mr Whelan resigned from his job as a psychiatric nurse and is now estranged from his adult children. He gave up his job because he didnt want to work with vulnerable people when this came to light, said Mr OBrien. The court heard that Mr Whelan moved back in with his parents, and after his mother died last year, he became the primary carer of his father, who has dementia. Mr OBrien asked the court to take that into account as well as his clients work history and the fact that he has been a useful member of society. JUDGEMENT In passing her judgement, Judge Staines noted the garda evidence, the number of images and their categories. She said aggravating factors include the age of the children, with some as young as four-years-old, and the damage inflicted in the creation of the images. Therefore, the judge set a headline sentence of four years. In mitigation, the judge noted that the defendant had pleaded guilty and had no previous convictions. She also noted his poor mental health, his fathers deteriorating health, that he was at a low risk of reoffending and that he had effectively lost his job. Judge Staines said the point of a custodial sentence is prevention, but if people dont download the images, they would not be created. Therefore, sentences passed must deter the crime. She handed the defendant a three-year sentence with the final six months suspended for two years under the supervision of the probation service. The defendant is also to be registered on the sex offenders register. A group of German and Austrian travel journalists is visiting Irelands Hidden Heartlands recently, cruising on the River Shannon. They are here as guests of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland. The visiting journalists representing various daily newspapers with a combined audience of 1.12 million readers are here to find out more about cruising holidays on the Shannon and to experience at first-hand the spectacular scenery and the wealth of things to see and do in Irelands Hidden Heartlands. The journalists began their cruise in Carrick-on-Shannon and continued to Heron Cottage in Kilnagross, where they enjoyed a fishing lesson. One of the highlights of their time here was a visit to Clonmacnoise. Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of journalists to visit Irelands Hidden Heartlands, said Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Irelands Manager Germany. Fact-finding visits like this are a really effective way for us to shine a spotlight on cruising on the Shannon and Irelands Hidden Heartlands through their articles, the journalists will encourage their readers to come and experience this part of Ireland for themselves. Our aim is to inspire German holidaymakers to come and discover this part of Ireland and enjoy a holiday which allows them to connect with nature and enjoy spectacular landscapes. A key message for Tourism Ireland is that cruising on the River Shannon is more eco-friendly than ever from this year, with the cruisers now using sustainable fuel. A man has been given a suspended sentence after he was caught with just over 9,000 worth of drugs in his bedroom in a house that seemed to "be riddled with drugs from top to bottom. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Charles Santos (30) of Adelaide Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis, cannabis resin, cocaine and MDMA at an address at Summer Street North, Dublin 1 on February 15, 2023. Passing sentence, Judge Pauline Codd said: The entire household seems to be riddled with drugs from top to bottom. Judge Codd sentenced Santos to ten months in prison but suspended it in full for two years. She said he must remain drug-free during this time. Gardai executed a search warrant on the then-home of Santos. When his bedroom was searched, cocaine, cannabis, cannabis resin and MDMA with a combined value of 9,328.60 were found. The court heard that the drugs were found in shoe boxes and in a chest of drawers. Santos was arrested, detained and interviewed. READ MORE COURT CASES HERE He claimed during interview that some of the cannabis and MDMA were his but denied knowledge of the remainder of the drugs found in his bedroom. Santos told Gardai that he had been to Brazil and when he returned, the shoe boxes were left in his room. Santos admitted to being a cannabis user and that he bought large amounts of cannabis. More drugs were found in other bedrooms in the six-bedroom house. A female who was present at the time of the search was charged but failed to appear in court and a bench warrant was issued for her. A second male is also being sought by gardai for questioning. Santos has worked as a Deliveroo driver and in restaurants. Counsel said his client entered an early guilty plea and is no longer using cannabis. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator US special envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut on Tuesday morning with a packed schedule of meetings. He is the special presidential coordinator for global infrastructure and energy security, and was successful in brokering a maritime border deal between Israel and Lebanon in 2022, but on this trip he is attempting to make a deal to avoid war between Israel and the Lebanese resistance group, Hezbollah. After the October 7 attack on Israel, the conflict in Gaza began. Hezbollah began strikes on October 8 in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance, and call for the end of Israeli military occupation. The south of Lebanon was occupied by the Israeli military from 1985 to 2000. Israel had ruled the Lebanese with an iron fist, imprisoning hundreds of Lebanese in the infamous Khaim prison, including women and children. Hezbollah successfully brought about the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. On the latest leg of Hochstein's regional de-escalation tour, he met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at noon, after a morning meeting with both Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, and Lebanese Army head Joseph Aoun. Hochstein was in Israel yesterday, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has dissolved his war cabinet after key members had resigned. Netanyahu is shackled by the extreme right-wing Jewish fanatics who prop-up his government, and refuses to consider any ceasefire in Gaza. Their only goal is the total extermination of the Palestinians in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a tour of the Middle East that a cease-fire in Gaza was the best way to end the violence between Hezbollah and Israel, and President Biden has pushed for a ceasefire proposal to end the suffering in Gaza. UN officials have warned of a possible 'miscalculation' along Israel-Lebanon border that could erupt into a full-blown war between Lebanon and Israel, and likely opening a wider regional conflict that could be the end of Israel. Israeli defense minister Gallant complained to Hochstein about Hezbollah's almost daily attacks on Israel's northern towns. Israel has conducted targeted assassinations of top Hezbollah commanders in air raids across southern Lebanon and on Baalbek in the east. The continuing Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed civilians as well, and caused many communities to leave their homes. The Wall Street Journal reported that Hochstein is holding indirect talks with Hezbollah through Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is the leader of another Lebanese resistance group, Amal, which is allied with Hezbollah. Berri is a dual Lebanese-American citizen and has been the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament for the past three decades. He and Hochstein are discussing a possible agreement to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah has stated a ceasefire in Gaza would bring a halt to attacks on the north of Israel. However, Israel's refusal of the ceasefire proposal supported by Biden has kept the conflict ongoing. US President Joe Biden stressed on Monday that he does not want to see escalation at the Lebanon-Israel border and suggested that the US is advancing a proposal to avert a large-scale conflict. While Hezbollah has attacked mainly military targets, Israel responded by bombing villages across southern Lebanon and targeting Hezbollah positions. Israeli officials have promised to push Hezbollah back from their country's northern borders, after about 5,000 rockets have fell across the north and driven Israelis from their homes. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. I still remember going to New York's Museum of Modern Art as a kid and seeing Pablo Picasso's famed painting Guernica -- 11.5 feet tall by 25.5 feet long! -- hanging there. It was an eye-catching apparition, his gigantic 1937 protest against the devastating bombing of the town of Guernica by German planes connected to the forces of Spanish fascist leader Francisco Franco. And it was in New York because, for all the obvious reasons, it couldn't be shown in Spain until after Franco, the only fascist winner in what became World War II, finally died in 1975. A me'lange of devastated or dead humans, a screaming mother holding a dead child, and a bull and a horse in a crisis of their own, all in black, white, and grey, it would prove to be a (even the) classic protest painting and a memory piece for the horrors of war. As a kid, though, fascinated as I was by it, I had next to no idea what to make of it. Just being in that museum amid the other Picassos, Matisses, Van Goghs, and so much else was a strange wonder. And I was looking at a scene from a war that, some years after Picasso painted it and long before I would view it, set the stage for my father's war, World War II. Though he would take me to popular movies about his war in the 1950s -- think John Wayne -- and I assumed that they told me everything I needed to know about his experience, he absolutely refused to talk about what he had experienced. Still, art and war, how truly strange. It seems as if they shouldn't be in the same room. Well, think again and let TomDispatch regular Frida Berrigan take you into her own version of art and war -- of a kind that could someday leave all of us on this planet in a global version of Guernica. Tom The Art of the Submarine Or 5,824 Hiroshimas Per Sub By Frida Berrigan Walk through any art museum and you're likely to see a mix of the classical and contemporary, impressionist and surrealist, refined and raw, beautiful, eerie, and provocative. Looking at art allows me at least a few moments of relief from the "that's just the way it is" attitude of our hyper-consumerist, hyper-militarized, hyper-nihilist nation. I can step outside my day-to-day life and accept an invitation, however briefly, to boundlessness! I can experience invention, creation, and re-creation just moments apart. I can see everyday objects with new eyes as they're repurposed and reframed in extraordinary ways. I can celebrate the relentless power of human vision and imagination. In a museum, I often find that I can actually breathe. The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut, where I live, has one floor for its permanent collection, with works from the 1600s to perhaps a decade ago, a mixture of famous names and those that are (at least to me) obscure indeed. That collection on the first floor remains the same, year in and year out, while new exhibits circulate through the upstairs galleries every few months. I try to take in each new exhibit and often find myself surprised, inspired, and even educated by what I see. Recently, I visited an exhibit I've been unable to get out of my mind: Beatrice Cuming: Connecticut Precisionist. Ever heard of her? No? Well, neither had I. Cuming was born in 1903 in Brooklyn and studied painting at the Pratt Institute. She continued her studies in France, traveling extensively to Brittany, Italy, Tunisia, and elsewhere before ending up in New London of all places. Cuming had returned to New York from her travels in 1933 and then decided to move to Boston. On a train with all her belongings, she looked out the window -- so the story goes -- as it pulled into New London and impulsively got off, drawn by what she later described as the "obviously beautiful, powerful, dramatic, [and] exciting" subject matter in our town. And she stayed, painting city scenes and diving into the local arts community. To support herself, she got a job as a security guard at the General Dynamics Electric Boat company. I try to imagine her, maybe wearing a green jumpsuit, a flashlight, and a ring of keys at her waist, patrolling Electric Boat's massive yard and docks in nearby Groton. During World War II, that company must have been a 24/7 operation as it churned out 74 submarines and 398 PT boats from those very docks. Those subs were responsible for fearsome (and stealthy) destruction of Japanese targets. That war ended, of course, with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and, in the 1950s, with the Cold War with the Soviet Union ramping up, Electric Boat would start manufacturing nuclear submarines. Submarines As Still Life Eventually, realizing the prodigious talent of its security guard, the company commissioned Cuming to begin documenting its contributions to the war effort. As Electric Boat's artist-in-residence (so to speak), she produced a number of breathtaking works. All too literally. I sat across from her painting Welders at Electric Boat Company unable to breathe. It's a dark painting with enormous pieces of metal being transformed by heat and fire, the background crowded with partially built submarine components. Its dominant colors are brown and yellow. At the center, a white-hooded welder bends over his work as plumes of white smoke billow upward. There are four other workers in the painting, all indistinguishable, hooded and jump-suited in layers of protective gear. That's the detail that stays with me, that stuck in my throat -- those workers enshrouded in their safety suits. However those suits may have protected them, count on one thing: what they and their successors built will not protect us. The power they wielded (and welded) to shape and connect part to part in the last days of World War II has held the world hostage ever since. We, all 8.1 billion of us, are today anything but protected from the nuclear submarines their successors would make. In our flimsy pedestrian garb, we remain so desperately vulnerable. In the background of Cuming's painting, there are ladders up to a platform and almost out of the painting. Where do the ladders lead? Does Cuming mean to offer an escape from that man-made hell? That might be reading too much into the painting. But what else are you supposed to do in an art museum? It's a mesmerizing wartime portrait that draws you in -- even though there's nothing beautiful about it. Another of Cuming's works from that period, Chubb, is at least set outside, with glimpses of sea and sky through the unfinished hulk of another sub, the USS Chubb, as it towers on that dry dock. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). More than 3,000 nurses at six Oregon hospitals spent a second day on the picket lines Wednesday, carrying signs that say, Patients over profits and Were out to ensure its safe in there, as they continued to demand fair wages and better staffing levels. Nurses are striking at six Providence medical facilities across the state from St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland in the north down to the Medford Medical Center in the south. In the weeks after Hamas attacked Israel in October, a confrontation between a Jewish USC professor and a group of pro-Palestinian students went viral and triggered a storm of controversy on campus. Economics professor John Strauss told students who were calling for a ceasefire and commemorating Palestinians slain in the war Hamas are murderers, adding, Thats all they are. Every one should be killed, and I hope they all are killed. Nick Maggio recalls standing at the nearly 8,000-foot peak of Beatys Butte in 2021, taking in the vast wilderness spread out for miles below. A helicopter soon roared overhead as it prepared to drop off 1,200 pounds of batteries for the camera tower he and his University of Oregon Hazards Lab team were about to build. This would change everything, he knew. The tower, when finished, would stream video footage of the surrounding landscape, its view reaching more than 40 miles. And it would do so 24 hours a day, every day, an unblinking eye always on the lookout for the beginnings of a wildfire. If you've read this far, you are as invested in this city and campus as we are. That's why we are asking you to invest in us. Since 1916, the Daily has served the Norman and OU communities with free independent journalism, with all decisions made locally with no administrative, governmental or corporate influence. We provide Norman with the city's largest reporting staff, drawn from one of the nation's top journalism colleges. Our coverage is routinely honored at state and national levels. And we're advised by a veteran professional staff with a mission to help us build on our legacy as a launching pad for media professionals. OU students pay about $14 in annual fees that help support the Daily. If you find value in our work and are not a student, please consider matching or exceeding that with a one-time or recurring donation. In an era when subscriptions to paywalled news organizations routinely exceed $100 annually, grassroots support from readers like you can collectively make a transformative difference in our organization. Harare, Zimbabwe (PANA) - Human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has called on the Zimbabwe authorities to release more than 70 members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party following a mass arrest on 16 June Metsa Group Restarts Kemi Bioproduct Mill in Finland after March Explosion June 20, 2024 - Metsa Group today said that it has restarted its Kemi bioproduct mill in Finland. The mill has been restarted in stages and has returned to production. The mill was shut-down in March after a gas explosion occurred at mill's evaporation plant during welding work. The repair work caused by the explosion has been completed and other annual maintenance work was done during the production shutdown, Metsa said. "To ensure the high usability and the planned lifespan of the evaporation plant, the units damaged in the explosion will be completely replaced at a later date to be determined," the company said in a press release. "The bioproduct mill is now continuing to increase production according to start-up plan," Metsa added. The Kemi bioproduct mill, which started-up in September of 2023, has the capacity to produce 1,020,000 tonnes per year (tpy) of softwood pulp, 300,000 tpy of hardwood pulp, and 180,000tpy of unbleached pulp. In addition, the mill produces tall oil and turpentine, as well as two terawatt hours of renewable electricity per year. Metsa Group uses wood to make recyclable products for the day-to-day lives of millions of people globally. The Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, paperboards, and tissue and greaseproof papers. SOURCE: Metsa Group An ongoing investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has led to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services warning residents not to consume Diamond-Shruumz products. FDA, CDC Are Currently Investigating Diamond-Shruumz Products Health officials reported that the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are reviewing ailments connected to Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing chocolate bars, infused cones, and micro/macro dose gummies. These products are labeled as containing a mix of mushrooms such as reishi and lion's mane. The FDA is identifying the cause of the diseases and warns that these products are not suggested for everyone. In a news release, Michigan's chief medical executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, stated that the symptoms include seizures, muscle rigidity, abnormal heart rate and blood pressure, and vomiting. Officials noted that 26 diseases have been recorded across 16 states, with no cases reported in Michigan as of Tuesday. Affected people encountered symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting. Retailers are advised not to sell or circulate any of these products and to hold them until further notice from the FDA. Symptoms Associated with Diamond-Shruumz Products Seizures, muscle stiffness, abnormal heart rate, and blood pressure, and vomiting have all been symptomatic. According to a health advisory issued by the CDC, several people who ate the company's microdosing chocolate bars, infused cones, or micro and macrodose gummies required intensive care, including intubation/mechanical ventilation. The accurate cause of these diseases remains mysterious, but the FDA and CDC, along with America's Poison Centers and state and local partners, are investigating. The FDA has also been informed about recalls from Diamond Shruumz. The agency advises consumers not to eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars, cones, and gummies, which are marketed as containing a proprietary mushroom blend and sold nationwide. Diamond Shruumz has not responded to requests for comment. According to the CDC, products containing cannabis or mushrooms are becoming more famous, appearing as gummies, chocolates, and snack foods. The FDA warned that these products are specifically hazardous to children and teenagers. Brands promote mushroom-containing products for their supposed health advantages, such as enhanced focus and energy, as well as for inducing hallucinations and euphoria. However, the CDC suggests consumers refrain from these products, cautioning that they might contain confidential ingredients connected to serious diseases. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming these products should seek medical attention immediately or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. They can also report any adverse events observed to the FDA's MedWatch program. This warning applies to all types and flavors of Diamond Shruumz Chocolate Bars and Gummies, which are available in various quantities. This includes all varieties of Diamond Shruumz Cones, which are crafted as ice cream cone-style treats. By June 11, 2024, a total of 12 illnesses had been reported in eight states: Alabama (1 case) Arizona (4 cases) Indiana (2 cases) Kentucky (1 case) Missouri (1 case) Nevada (1 case) Pennsylvania (1 case) South Carolina (1 case) New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a groundbreaking law that mandates paid break time for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Effective immediately, this new regulation ensures that working mothers in New York will receive a half-hour of paid break time to express breast milk for up to three years after childbirth. This law represents a significant step forward in supporting breastfeeding mothers' rights and promoting family health and well-being. Policy Details for Breastfeeding Mothers' Rights Under Labor Law Section 206-c, the new regulation requires all employers, both public and private, to provide paid breaks for breastfeeding mothers. This law is applicable across all industries and businesses, regardless of size. Employers must inform their employees about these rights by providing them with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Policy on Breast Milk Expression in the Workplace. This information must be provided at the start of employment, annually thereafter, and upon return to work following the birth of a child. The law specifically prohibits employers from counting this break time against an employee's preexisting meal breaks or other paid breaks. This means that the half-hour allocated for breast milk expression is an additional paid benefit, ensuring that new mothers do not lose their regular break time. Accommodations and Timeframe Paid Breaks for Breastfeeding Employers are also required to provide a private space for mothers to pump breast milk. This space must be close to the work area and cannot be a bathroom. In addition to that, if a dedicated room for lactation is not yet available, mothers have the right to use a vacant room temporarily. As a last resort, a fully enclosed cubicle with walls at least seven feet high may be provided. The number of breaks needed throughout the day will vary for each individual. Employers must accommodate the reasonable needs of breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to take breaks whenever necessary. Employees may choose to use their regular paid break time or meal time for pumping if they prefer, or they may take additional time as needed beyond the half-hour paid break. Read Also: US Surgeon General Calls for Social Media Warnings to Combat Youth Mental Health Crisis Governor Hochul's Commitment to a New York Breastfeeding Law Governor Hochul has emphasized the importance of this new law in supporting working families. She added that, as the first mom governor of New York City, she is fighting every day to uplift the rights of working parents and the protections they need to keep their families strong and healthy. This new law underscores the governor's commitment to improving the workplace environment for new mothers and ensuring that they have the necessary support to balance their professional and personal responsibilities. By enacting this law, New York sets a precedent for other states to follow in recognizing the importance of breastfeeding mothers' rights in the workplace. The provision of paid break time for breastfeeding not only benefits the health and well-being of the child but also supports the mother's ability to continue her professional career without compromising her role as a caregiver. The implementation of this law marks a significant advancement in the rights of breastfeeding mothers in New York. It ensures that new mothers can return to work with the assurance that they will have the time and space necessary to express breast milk, promoting a healthier work-life balance and contributing to the overall well-being of their families. This law represents a vital step toward creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace for all. Louisiana has become the first state to require the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, as part of a conservative agenda driven by the GOP-led Legislature under new Governor Jeff Landry. The law, signed by Landry on Wednesday, mandates a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in all classrooms from kindergarten to state-funded universities, in a large, easily readable font. Louisiana First State to Mandate Displaying Ten Commandments Critics argue the law is unconstitutional and plan to challenge it in court, while supporters claim it has historical significance, describing the Ten Commandments as "foundational documents of our state and national government." The posters, which will include a context statement about their historical role in American education, must be installed by 2025 and will be funded through donations, not state resources. The law permits but does not require, the display of the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the Northwest Ordinance in K-12 schools. Following the law's signing at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Lafayette, civil rights groups vowed to file accusations, debating whether the measure disregards the separation of church and state and undermines religious freedom. State Senator Royce Duplessis obstructed the bill, emphasizing the importance of maintaining church-state separation. The law's passage reflects a broader conservative shift in Louisiana politics, facilitated by a Republican supermajority in the Legislature and control of all statewide elected positions. State House Representative Dodie Horton, who authored the bill, defended it by asserting that the Ten Commandments underpin Louisiana's laws and moral code. Similar legislative efforts in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah have not succeeded due to constitutional challenges. Legal disputes over displaying the Ten Commandments in schools are not new. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a similar Kentucky law, ruling it opposed the establishment clause of the Constitution by serving a religious purpose without a secular one. Ten Commandments To Be Displayed in Every Public School Classroom Critics argue the law may face accusations of opposing the separation of church and state, while supporters claim it has historical importance, portraying the Ten Commandments as foundational documents. Civil liberties groups plan to challenge the law in court, stating it imposes religious doctrine in public schools, violating First Amendment rights. The law requires displays to include a contextual statement on the Ten Commandments' historical role in American education. These displays, to be funded by donations, must be installed by 2025. The law also allows but does not mandate the display of other historical documents in K-12 schools. Similar bills have been proposed in other states, but only Louisiana has enacted such a measure, reflecting a conservative shift under Governor Landry amid Republican dominance in the state's political landscape. The Ten Commandments The Ten Commandments states the following: Do not worship other gods before Me. Do not create or worship idols. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. Honor your parents. Do not commit murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not lie or give false testimony against others. Do not covet what belongs to others. Virginia Hislop has devoted her life to expanding educational access, and at 105 years old, she seems to have finished her educational journey. 105-Year-Old Woman Completes Master's Degree from Stanford University This past Sunday, Hislop celebrated getting a Master of Arts degree in Education from Stanford University, 83 years after leaving campus without completing her thesis. Her son-in-law contacted the university and learned that the thesis requirement had been set aside. "I've been working in education for many years, so it's gratifying to be recognized with this degree," Hislop told Stanford. Her journey began in 1936 at Stanford, where she first pursued an undergraduate education degree before advancing to postgraduate studies. Despite completing coursework for a master's degree, she had delayed submitting her final thesis in 1941, as World War II loomed and her fiance prepared for military service. Reflecting on her time at Stanford and subsequent life options, Hislop elucidated her decision to focus on teaching rather than pursuing law school due to financial restraints dictated by her father. Following the war, she settled in Yakima, Washington, with her husband George, raising two children while remaining deeply committed to educational causes. Her advocacy extended beyond traditional teaching roles; she actively served on committees and boards, striving to enhance educational opportunities. Hislop's efforts included challenging school curricula and advocating for independent community college districts in Washington state. She later played a pivotal role in founding Heritage University and continued her educational advocacy through philanthropic endeavors, such as establishing scholarships. Hislop's passion for education stemmed partly from her aunt Nora's influence, a school principal who highlighted the transformative power of education in Los Angeles. She remarked on the pivotal role education played in shaping futures, emphasizing its potential to unlock limitless opportunities. Getting her long-awaited master's degree from Stanford symbolizes the culmination of Hislop's lifelong loyalty to public education and equitable learning opportunities. Dean Daniel Schwartz of Stanford's Graduate School of Education defined her as "a fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn," emphasizing the effect of her decades of advocacy and service in the field of education. Virginia Hislop Receives Master's Degree After 83 Years Hislop got her Master of Arts in Education diploma at Stanford's Graduate School of Education commencement on June 16. Her journey at Stanford started in 1936 when she enrolled for a bachelor's degree, which she completed in 1940. She promptly pursued a master's degree in education to prepare for a teaching career. "I thought it was something I could pick up if needed and always enjoyed studying but getting married was more pressing," she told Stanford's GSE publication. Hislop paused her education after finishing her coursework to marry George Hislop, who was called to serve in World War II. Despite having two children, she remained dedicated to education, chairing school boards to influence curricula and engaging in Washington state politics. Her son-in-law, Doug Jensen, contacted Stanford about her degree and discovered that the thesis requirement had been eliminated. With completed coursework, Hislop met the necessary credits for the degree. "My goodness," Hislop remarked at the ceremony. "I've waited a long time for this." The University of Missouri student Riley Strain's autopsy result has now been revealed, answering questions about his sudden and mysterious death in Tennessee. The autopsy report has revealed that his death was due to drowning and severe alcohol intoxication. This autopsy report, released on June 18, provides pivotal details about the woeful circumstances that led to his demise and concludes the two-week hunt that gripped public attention earlier this time. The Mysterious Disappearance Riley Strain, a 22-year-old senior student at the University of Missouri, went missing in early March after a night out with his fraternity brothers in Nashville, Tennessee. Strain was last seen on March 8 at Luke Bryan's bar, Luke's 32 Ground Food Drink. Surveillance footage revealed that Strain was out of the establishment around 9:30 p.m. He was reported missing shortly later, sparking a wide-ranging hunt. On March 22, Strain's body was discovered face down in debris near the Cumberland River. Assistant Medical Examiner Gulpreet Singh Bowman verified in the autopsy report that Riley Strain died from drowning and ethanol intoxication. "Riley Strain, a 22-year-old, failed as a result of drowning and ethanol intoxication," Bowman wrote. The report also noted that there were no signs of external trauma on Strain's body. Ethanol intoxication, generally referred to as alcohol poisoning, occurs when a person consumes a large volume of alcohol in a short period, oppressively affecting vital fleshly functions such as breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and gag reflex. The toxicology report revealed Strain's blood alcohol position at the time of his death was .228%. Investigative Responses Upon the death of the University of Missouri student, the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) began an investigation to figure out if Strain was overserving alcohol at Luke Bryan's bar. In Tennessee, it is illegal for establishments to continuously serve alcoholic beverages to customers who are showing signs of alcohol intoxication. This law could result in a serious violation that could have legal consequences for the establishment. However, ABC communication director Aaron Rummage, stated that there are no specific rules or laws that mandate these bars and establishments alike to escort out intoxicated patrons from their businesses or provide support in getting someone home. The TABC has opened a disquisition into this matter to see if any violations have occurred. Furthermore, the TC Restaurant Group, which oversees Luke's 32 Bridge, stated that during Riley's visit, he bought and was served one alcoholic drink and two glasses of water. The bar's security crew decided to accompany Strain out of the venue due to conduct standards. Strain was followed downstairs by a member of his party, who ultimately returned upstairs without him. Read Also: US Surgeon General Calls for Social Media Warnings to Combat Youth Mental Health Crisis Family and Community Response Strain's family expressed their gratitude to those who supported the search during a press conference held the day his body was found. Strain's stepfather stated that they were thankful for everything everyone has done for their family. He added that the grace that other people have given them means a lot. Strain's mother, Michelle Whiteid, also expressed her gratitude and prompted other parents to cherish their children. " I just ask that you mothers out there clinch your babies tight tonight, please, for me, " she said. In May, nearly two months after Strain's body was found, his parents and stepparents attended the University of Missouri's graduation ceremony to accept his diploma. Strain's name was the first to be called, and the audience stood in applause and support as his family received his diploma on his behalf. First of all, I wish a happy Juneteenth to everybody out there. Its a great day to remember. I first visited Switzerland fifty-four years ago. Yes, Im that old. It was a brief visit, on a six-week tour of Europe with a busload of recent high school graduates. We stayed for a couple of nights in Saas-Fee and visited Zermatt, where we saw the Matterhorn. I fell instantly in love with the country, and I decided that I wanted to serve my mission there. (Curiously, Saas-Fee, Zermatt, and the Matterhorn arent my favorite part of Switzerland, and havent been for many, many years.) To my astonishment, when the letter containing my mission call arrived like many, Im sure, I can still remember very clearly the moment of finding it and opening it I was, in fact, called to the Switzerland Zurich Mission. I dont think that I had expressed or even that I could have expressed any specific preference I have no idea now how many times Ive been here. After my studies in Israel, I came to Zollikofen and worked in the temple for a week or two, volunteering in the baptistry in the morning and then heading on the afternoons into the mountains. When weve been in the Middle East, weve often managed to make a stop in Switzerland on the way back. Weve celebrated our anniversary in Switzerland, brought our parents and our children here. You might say that we like the place. Someday, perhaps even on this trip, Ill visit Switzerland for the last time. The thought saddens me. But Im reliably informed that the next world is even better. Think of that! We drove up to Stechelberg today, at the end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and caught the cable car from there up to Murren. We spent much of the day strolling through the town; reading; gazing at the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau across the valley; and enjoying traditional Berner Rosti washed down with Apfelschorle. (There. That should be enough to elicit considerable indignation over at the Peterson Obsession Board. But Ill hit the food theme again in a few seconds, just to make sure.) I dont think that weve ever before come up only to Murren. However, since were on our own and were not introducing Switzerland to any friends or family and since weve done the Schilthorn more times than I can count we decided to keep it simple this time. The panoramic revolving restaurant at the summit, Piz Gloria, was featured as the headquarters of master criminal Ernst Stavro Blofeld (aka Telly Savalas), the head of SPECTRE, in the 1969 James Bond movie On Her Majestys Secret Service. Probably the first time that I visited the Schilthorn, I think, was just after my mission. I went up with my parents. My father put his camera by the window while we ate, and was then shocked to find that it had been stolen. Im not sure whether he hadnt realized that it was a revolving restaurant or whether he just hadnt understood that it was the inner core of the structure that revolved, and not the outer portion with its windows and window sills. Happily, it was simply on the other side of the restaurant. Unfortunately, Ive just realized that I had forgotten to put a Chaschuechli on my must-eat list for you Hochdeutsch-types, think Kasekuchlein and I dont know whether Ill have the opportunity to right that wrong on this trip. Happily, though, I also made a discovery: Ive never been a really enthusiastic fan of the Swiss soft drink Rivella. However, by sheer good fortune I discovered that I like it much better as a slush. Thats important for the next visit. Also important to note: Ive commented that Grindelwald may be the more spectacular but, in my opinion, Lauterbrunnen is the more beautiful (because, in a way, the more human and gemutlich) of the two adjacent valleys. In a parallel way, perhaps, of the two fairly significant towns that sit high up on opposite sides of Lauterbrunnental, Murren, which we visited today, is arguably the most spectacular. But, if I were going to stay for several days in just one of them (something that Ive never done but which I would like to do), I believe that I would choose Wengen. I judge it to be prettier, in a way, and, again, more human or more to a human scale. It has a wonderful view of the valley below, which was the model for J. R. R. Tolkiens Rivendell. (See the second photograph in my recent blog entry The Most Beautiful Place on Our Planet, which was taken from a train car ascending up toward and very near Wengen.) I am . . . delighted, he wrote to a friend (Letter 306 in The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien), that you have made the acquaintance of Switzerland, and of the very part that I once knew best and which had the deepest effect on me. The hobbits journey from Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains, including the glissade down the slithering stones into the pine woods, is based on my adventures in 1911 (he was 19 and travelled to Lauterbrunnen) . . . Our wanderings mainly on foot in a party of 12 are not now clear in sequence, but leave many vivid pictures as clear as yesterday. The conditions that Tolkien describes for the travel of Bilbo e.g. camping out, walking mountain paths, carrying packs, etc. are, of course, very similar to those of the backpacking trip that Tolkien took back in 1911, when he was nineteen years of age. Rivendell was the perfect house, whether you liked food or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear and sadness. J.R.R. Tolkien. Posted from Matten bei Interlaken, Switzerland 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! *** Anti-Catholic Reformed Protestant polemicist James Swan, of Boors All infamy, wrote an article on James Whites Alpha & Omega blog, entitled, Ten Martin Luther Myths (6-30-07). I will be critiquing #2: Luthers Evangelical Breakthrough Occurred in the Bathroom. Swans words will be in blue; Luthers in green. Per his usual boorish modus operandi, Swan sets out to make Catholic and other non-Protestant critics of Luther look as ridiculous and inaccurate as possible. Hes tried unsuccessfully to do this to me many times, so I know the process and the mentality very well from firsthand experience. Swan claims it is a myth, that Luthers understanding of Romans 1:17-18 came to him while in the bathroom in the tower of the Augustinian cloister. He wrote in his introduction that he was amazed certain myths still circulate. Okay. Well, we shall see if this is simply mockery and a fable that originated from and is perpetuated by Catholics and other non-Protestants (that we ought to be amazed at), or if it actually has historical documentation. I will cite only Protestant or otherwise non-Catholic sources in that regard (lest I simply be accused of producing biased and supposedly inherently untrustworthy Catholic sources). Swan goes on: In the twentieth century, many approached Luther by applying psychoanalysis to his writings. Psychologist Eric [its Erik] Erikson [raised Jewish but not particularly religious] took a German phrase [actually, the primary debate is over a Latin phrase] uttered by Luther and interpreted it literally to mean Luther was in the bathroom when he had his evangelical breakthrough. Erikson concluded, from a Freudian perspective, Luthers spiritual issues were tied up with biological functions. But, there was not a bathroom in the tower [actually, there was]. The phrase Erikson interpreted literally in German was simply conventional speech. Luther really was saying that his breakthrough came during a time when he was depressed, or in a state of melancholy. Now, let me make clear, right off the bat, the nature of my motivation in writing this article. Im not trying to dismiss Luther or faith alone merely because of this alleged connection with a bathroom experience. Its simply a question of the ascertainable facts of history. In and of itself, I couldnt care less about this controversy, and I dont believe I have ever referred to it in my 34 years of writing about Martin Luther. In fact, I wrote about what is known as Luthers tower experience three weeks ago and never mentioned this aspect at all. Curious, I did an Advanced Search of my blog with its more than 4,600 articles on Google and indeed, no hits came up at all. But then heres the thing a guy like Swan comes along and confidently asserts that its a myth and in other places, no doubt, he has blasted Catholics for repeating it. That gets my intellectual curiosity going, so that now Id like to figure out what we can actually determine or plausibly speculate about this purported fact from solid historical sources. I just clarified why I write about Luther, in an article I posted yesterday: [I am] interested in Christian history, including the founder of Protestantism (who is an extremely fascinating figure). Ive always loved history in general, and its much more interesting to me than fiction. Anomalies like this are interesting and educational by nature. So bottom line its simply an interesting question to be looked into. The truth or falsity of faith alone obviously doesnt rest upon whether Luther came up with it during a digestive event or not. Swan denies it, and he has said about 6,987,165 times that he is always a very accurate chronicler of history and All Things Luther (whereas Catholic apologists like myself allegedly are relentlessly wrong about such things). So that, I confess, gives me some extra motivation to write this article as well. Its a challenge, in other words. Im responding to his bogus claim. But in any event, it has nothing whatsoever to do with belittling Luther etc. Right away, I discovered an article by a Lutheran confessional pastor that examines this issue in considerable depth: Luther Visualized 5 The Tower Discovery (8-25-17). He observes: The published preface mentioned above [from 1545] was the first time Luther made his gospel rediscovery public. From the Table Talk sources cited above, however, you can see that he had often talked about it privately with his friends before 1545. Most of Luthers retellings focus exclusively on the content of his discovery. But the 1532 retelling, recorded by both Johannes Schlaginhaufen and Conrad Cordatus, is different. There Luther also makes a point of identifying the location (one gets the impression the group was near the site of the famous discovery at the time): But when I was in this tower one time (in which there was a privy for the monks), I was speculating on those words [in Romans 1:17]. Another copy of Cordatuss transcription has: But when I was in this tower and sweating room And after describing his epiphany, he concludes, according to both of his transcribers, The Holy Spirit introduced this art to me on this latrine or on this tower or on this latrine on the tower. What are we to make of this? I cannot make anything of it except to take Luther at his words. Consider the following: . . . The plain language of Luthers description (with several references varying in explicitness) recorded by two different transcribers . . . In all of his descriptions of his epiphany, Luther never once says he was at his desk or reading; he always says he was speculating or meditating. The ground floor of the tower had under-floor heating. The warm air from a small stove was led through the pictured conduit under the floor slabs (info marker). Considering that this conduit went right above the latrine, it would have indeed made it a sweating room. . . . According to an info marker outside the excavation in 2013, the tower with the latrine could only be reached from the monastery (later Luthers house after the monastery was gifted to him). This accords with its description in Cordatuss transcription as a privy [or private place] for the monks. . . . And if you want to find the truth of the gospel in 1518, you have to look in the bathroom at a monk from an ordinary copper miners family performing one of lifes less attractive chores. Luthers Works, the standard 55+-volume English collection, includes the 1532 Table Talk entry. It translates the phrase in question as in the tower and heated room of this building (Vol. 54, 193, No. 3232c). Then it provides an extensive footnote: This report . . . indicates that Luthers exegetical discovery took place in a heated room (hypocaustum), which a variant (No. 3232a) calls the secret place of the monks and other variants (No. 3232b . . .) appear to call the lavatory (cloaca). Here the meaning of the abbreviation cl. has been the subject of debate, some arguing that it meant cell or chapter rather than cloaca. Thus, Luthers Works presents the question as one open to interpretation, where equally honest and reasonable persons may legitimately differ; certainly not as a mere myth that must be immediately dismissed. Renowned Protestant historian Heiko A. Oberman , in his acclaimed biography, Luther: Man Between God and the Devil (New York: Doubleday Image, 1992, from the 1982 German original; I have this paperback in my library), takes an affirmative position and even gives it a theological context: If this [ cloaca ] is the site of the Reformation discovery, mans powerlessness is joined by ignominy. Must the trail of the Reformation be followed this far? There is a dignified way out: by cloaca Luther did not mean toilet, but the study up in the tower above it. That, however, would be to miss the point of Luthers provocative statement. The cloaca is not just a privy, it is the most degrading place for man and the Devils favorite habitat. Medieval monks already knew this . . . No spot is unholy for the Holy Ghost; this is the very place to express contempt for the adversary through trust in Christ crucified. (p. 155) Oberman clarifies what medieval monks . . . knew in footnote 8 for this chapter, on pages 338-339: Luther mentions later (ca. Christmas 1531) the rhyme about the devil who catches a monk reading the first breviary prayer of the day while sitting on the toilet: . . . * [Devil: You monk on the latrine, you may not read the matins here! Monk: I am cleansing my bowels and worshipping God Almighty; you deserve what descends and God what ascends.] privy, has caused much perturbation to Luther biographers. . . . The privy was probably located in the tower which was removed shortly after Luthers death. . . . A reference to the privy in this connection would not have been out of line with the realistic speech of Martin and his time. (pp. 198-199) TR (Tischreden, or the German version of Table Talk ) . . . II, No. 1681 (1532), where the word cloaca, instead of hypocaustum, seems well attested. . . . Cloaca,has caused much perturbation to Luther biographers. . . . The privy was probably located in the tower which was removed shortly after Luthers death. . . . A reference to the privy in this connection would not have been out of line with the realistic speech of Martin and his time. (pp. 198-199) I could spend many more hours laboriously searching for further similar documentation and opinion, but there is little point. All I was trying to show was that the toilet hypothesis was a respectable, legitimate theory, held by many Protestant Luther biographers and scholars. Its not a myth that no serious scholar entertains. Ive provided four sources, including, most notably, Luthers Works, and the impeccable research of Heiko Oberman. * Readers may choose between the dogmatic opinion of James Swan, a self-appointed, supposed Luther expert (a guy with a philosophy degree, a blog, and no published books) or actual Luther scholars (including Lutheran ones). Its an easy choice for me! * Robert Baker Aitken was born on June the 19th, 1917 in Philadelphia. At five his family moved to Honolulu, where, with some times away, he would make his home for the rest of his life. He would grow up to become one of the most notable Western Zen teachers of the Twentieth century. While Aitken Roshi was the teacher of my koan teacher, John Tarrant, for various reasons, not the least of which was geographic, I had little direct contact with him. We exchanged some letters early on, then an occasional email when that was an option. We spoke face to face three, maybe four times, and these always in more or less social settings. That said my most vivid memory was from a time he gave a public talk at the San Francisco Zen Center. We were sitting in the hondo and he read a paper hed written. If I recall correctly it was a chapter from what would become Mind of Clover. It was excruciating. We were all sitting seiza, Japanese style kneeling. I dont recall if I even had a zabuton, a large flat cushion, to support my ankles. I know I was uncomfortable. Probably I hurt. As for the roshi, theyd set up a small podium in front of him and he leaned so far over toward the papers that we mainly saw the top of his head. He mumbled. It was barely possible to understand what he was saying. Finally, when it was over, he leaned back, looked out at all of us, smiled broadly and asked, Any questions? Thats when the juice happened. An amazing evening What follows is the official obituary from the Honolulu Diamond Sangha. Worth a read. No doubt. The original contained links at the end. As they no longer work, Ive deleted that paragraph. *** Robert Aitken Roshi (1917-2010) Aitken Gyoun Roshi, beloved teacher and founder of the Diamond Sangha, died August 5 in Honolulu at the age of 93. Although he had been in declining health for many years and was confined to a wheelchair, he continued to be active, attending weekly zazen at Palolo Zen Center, where he lived his final years, and working virtually to the minute his caregiver drove him to the hospital emergency room. Born Robert Baker Aitken in Philadelphia, he moved to Honolulu at the age of five with his parents and younger brother, when his father, an anthropologist, joined the ethnology field staff of Bishop Museum. After growing up largely in Hawaii (with several intervals in California, living with one set of grandparents or another), at the outbreak of the war in the Pacific he was captured on Guam, where he had been working as a civilian. His amazingly fortuitous introduction to Zen came during his ensuing years of internment in Japan, through a fellow internee, the British writer R.H. Blyth. After his release, Aitken Roshi resumed his interrupted college studies at the University of Hawaii, graduating in 1947 with a bachelors degree in English literature. He returned to the university for a masters in Japanese studies, which he received in 1950, and his thesis, concerning Zens influence on the great haiku poet Basho, later became the basis of his first book, A Zen Wave. Between his degrees, he married society-page columnist Mary Laune, and the two of them lived briefly in California, where Roshi started graduate work at the University of California at Los Angeles and began Zen practice with Nyogen Senzaki, a disciple of Shaku Soen Zenji and himself a returnee from internment by the United States. Although he revered Senzaki Sensei and quoted him fondly ever after, this first stretch of practice with him was short lived, and Roshis next step, on the advice of D.T. Suzuki, was to go to Japan to practice. His travel to Japan, funded by a fellowship, was nominally for the purpose of pursuing his academic interest in haiku but driven by his fervent desire to deepen his Zen practice. It came at considerable personal expense, carrying him away not only from Mary but also from their infant child, Thomas Laune Aitken, born just months before he departed. Dr. Suzuki referred Bob, as he was then known, to Engaku-ji, the monastery in Kitakamakura where both Suzuki himself and Senzaki Sensei had trained half a century earlier under Shaku Soen. Its abbot at the time, Asahina Sogen Roshi, welcomed this rare American recruit kindly. Ill-prepared for the rigors of his inaugural sesshin, Aitken suffered such painfully swollen knees that afterward he took refuge from the monastery at the home of Dr. Suzuki and his wife, Beatrice. While recuperating, he hit on the idea of going to Ryutaku-ji, where Senzakis close friend, the monk Nakagawa Soen, resided. With Soens encouragement, Roshi moved there and took up study under its venerable master, Yamamoto Gempo Roshi, who soon named the astonished Soen to succeed him as abbot. Soen promptly raised eyebrows himself by taking the young U.S. layman as his attendant when he paid the expected round of formal calls upon other Rinzai abbots, including the esteemed Shibayama Zenkei of Nanzen-ji. Aitken Roshi returned home to find his marriage headed for divorce and two years later moved back to Los Angeles, where he found employment in a bookstore and resumed practice with Senzaki Sensei. The mid 50s was a difficult period for him until he landed a position teaching English at Krishnamurtis Happy Valley School in rural Ojai, north of Los Angeles. In February, 1957, he married the woman who, as acting head mistress, had hired him the year beforeAnne Hopkins, of San Francisco. The Aitkens spent their honeymoon in Japan, where Anne in spite of myself, as she later put it, was drawn into Zen practice too, joining her husband and Soen Roshi in a seven-day sesshin with Yasutani Hakuun Roshi. An impassioned Soto priest, Yasutani had founded and was director of the Sanbo Kyodan, a small independent sect blending Soto and Rinzai traditions. The karmic repercussions of this first encounter, though not evident at the time, are still resounding. After another year at Happy Valley School, the Aitkens moved to Honolulu, wanting to be closer to Tom, by then eight. They established first a bookstore and then, in 1959, a Zen group, initially in their living room. Senzaki Sensei had died in 1957, so the Aitkens sought the guidance of Soen Roshi, who endorsed the formation of the new group and served as the founding teacher. Soen named both the temple, Koko An, and the new organization itself, the Diamond Sangha. He also installed an altar figure of Bodhidharma seated in a chair, fulfilling a prediction he had made upon its purchase in 1951, when he had insisted that Aitken buy the unusual figure during the time the two had travelled together visiting Rinzai abbots. Besides visiting regularly to conduct sesshin, Soen Roshi sent long-term advisors to live at Koko An and guide the nascent groupthe priest Eido Shimano (1960-64) and the layman Katsuki Sekida (1965-71). These advisors doubled as translators for Soen Roshi during his visits for sesshin and, beginning in 1962, for Yasutani Roshi. Soen Roshi soon turned leadership of the Hawaii group over to Yasutani Roshi, and the Diamond Sanghas bonds with the Sanbo Kyodan were cemented formally. Yasutani Roshi came annually for sesshin through 1969, when at age 85 he gave up such demanding travel. Aitken Roshis day jobs during this period were mainly administrative positions with the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii, though at one point he taught college English. After returning from Japan in 1951, he worked as an organizer in Honolulu community agencies, and after moving home once again in 1958, he maintained steady involvement in organizations dedicated to peace, social justice, and civil rights. He helped to establish both the American Friends Service Committee program in Hawaii and a local office of the American Civil Liberties Union. In 1969, Roshi retired from UH, the Aitkens put Koko An in the hands of its members, and they moved with Mr. Sekida to Maui. There, with support from a handful of Zen students, they created the Maui Zendo, initially a sort of mission to the hippie population inundating the island, morphing by degrees into an ever-more-serious residential Zen training center. Soen Roshi stepped in again to lead sesshin there and at Koko An until 1971, when Yamada Koun Roshi, Yasutani Roshis successor as abbot of Sanbo Kyodan, began his own long series of teaching visits. The Diamond Sangha flourished in the 70s, riding the U.S. Zen boom of the day and inspired particularly by Yamada Roshi, who, besides being 21 years younger than Yasutani Roshi, was sufficiently fluent in English to deliver teisho and conduct dokusan without a translator present. The Aitkens intensified their own training by travelling to Japan annually, residing for several months each time near Yamada Roshis temple in Kamakura. In 1972, Yamada Roshi sanctioned Bob Aitken, as he was still known, to begin guiding students under his supervision. Two years later, Yamada Roshi authorized Bobhenceforth Aitken Roshito teach independently, though it was another decade before all the formalities of Dharma transmission were completed. By the mid-70s, Maui Zendo had outgrown its original site and moved to a much larger property. Major sesshin became more frequent, students started to arrive from such distant points as Australia, and Aitken Roshi himself began traveling to teach and published his first books. A Zen Wave appeared in 1978, with his primer, Taking the Path of Zen, following in 1982. With the Aitkens backing, Maui sangha members founded a preschool to serve the indigent community in the temples vicinity, launched the nationwide Buddhist Peace Fellowship, and began publishing Kahawai, the first journal to address gender issues explicitly in a Buddhist context. Eventually, demographic changes shifted the sanghas energy back to Honolulu. The Aitkens moved there themselves in 1983, and later the Maui property was sold to underwrite purchase of land and construction of Palolo Zen Center. An almost entirely volunteer-built project, the Palolo temple was designed to provide housing for the Aitkens as well as offices and a complete facility for residential training. Koko An was ultimately sold, consolidating the Honolulu program and its resources. Meanwhile, groups that Roshi had been visiting elsewhere began to seek formal affiliation, and by the mid 90s, the Diamond Sangha had mushroomed into an international network. Today it has affiliate groups in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, and Chile as well as in a number of states across the U.S. In 1988, Aitken Roshi announced the designation of his first four successorsAugusto Alcalde, Nelson Foster, Fr. Pat Hawk, and John Tarrant. By the time he retired, he had added five to this number: Subhana Barzaghi and Ross Bolleter (authorized jointly with John Tarrant), Jack Duffy, Rolf Drosten, and Joseph Bobrow. He recognized Danan Henry as a Diamond Sangha master as well, Sr. Pia Gyger as an associate master, and two apprentice teachers, Marian Morgan and Donald Stoddard. Aitken Roshi continued to teach after Anne Aitkens death in 1995 but at the end of 1996 retired to Kaimu, on the island of Hawaii, to live near his son. From there, he continued his work while also increasing his active participation in peace vigils and social justice causes. Teaching responsibilities at Palolo passed to Nelson Foster, who shuttled between Honolulu and his home temple, Ring of Bone Zendo in the Sierra foothills, until 2006, when his own successor, Michael Kieran, of Hawaii, was installed as the teacher at the Palolo temple. Roshi and his son Tom moved back to Honolulu in 2004. Two years later, after trying out various housing arrangements and with his health weakening, Roshi settled in again at the Palolo temple. With the support of the Honolulu sangha and financial assistance from many friends, he lived out his days there productively and comfortably, assisted by a dedicated and loving cadre of Tongan caregivers. Among the principal joys of these late years was becoming grandfather to Toms three daughters. In the years after his retirement, Roshi published four additional booksZen Master Raven, The Morning Star, Vegetable Roots Discourse (with Daniel Kwok), and Miniatures of a Zen Master. A final book, his fourteenth, tentatively titled River of Heaven, was in the works when he died. Most of these titles were originally published by his longtime editor and friend, Jack Shoemaker. Many have also been published in one or more translations. Roshis death came peacefully, of pneumonia, just over 24 hours after he had been admitted to the hospital. The outpouring of tributes it touched off are testimony to his work and the spirit in which he did it. The memorial service (was) held at the Palolo Zen Center on August 22, 2010. Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. (OISL) is one of the reputable savings and loans Institutions in the country. It was licensed by the Bank of Ghana in June 2004 to operate as a savings and loans company. The company operates in ten (10) out of the sixteen (16) regions in Ghana, with Thirty-five (35) branches and three (3) agencies, providing innovative financial and non-financial products and services to bring clients at the base of the pyramid into the mainstream financial services, thereby advancing financial inclusion. The Institution on Friday, 7th June 2024, climaxed its 20th anniversary celebrations with an anniversary dinner at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. The anniversary dinner highlighted OISL's journey and accomplishments over the years, reflecting its growth and commitment to providing excellent financial and non-financial services across the country. The event was graced by a diverse group of personalities and dignitaries from across the financial landscape. This included its shareholders (Opportunity Transformation Investments Inc. OTI, KDB Fintech Ltd. and Opportunity Microfinance Ltd. OMIL), traditional rulers, various Governmental Ministries, Departments and Agencies, past and present Board members, partner organizations and Banks, the media, past and present management and staff, and some esteemed clients of the institution. The Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison was the special guest of honour for the event. Other dignitaries for the night were His Royal Majesty Dr. Nii Ayi-Bonte II, (Gbese Mantse), Nii Abossey Okai III (Chief of Abossey Okai who represented the GA Mantse, His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II), Rev. Dr. Kwabena Darko (the first Board Chairman of OISL), Mr. Katey Assem (immediate past Board Chairman of OISL), Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome (current Board Chairperson of OISL) Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng (the Chief Executive Officer of OISL) and a host of guest from its partner institutions in Uganda, UK and USA. In his address as the Special Guest of Honor for the evening, Dr. Ernest Addison urged savings and loans companies to enhance their corporate governance practices to facilitate operational expansion. He assured the industry of the Central Banks commitment to its advisory role to ensure all financial institutions adhere to the regulatory requirements and guidelines to foster trust and confidence in the sector. He asserted that strong risk management, compliance with prudential rules, and proper internal audit functions remain crucial to ensure that regulated financial institutions operate soundly, safely, ethically, and within regulatory and legal boundaries. Dr. Addison also encouraged savings and loans companies to collaborate with Banks and Telecommunication companies to embrace emerging technologies. Additionally, he assured institutions in the financial sector that the Central Bank will continue to engage with sector players to address the challenges they face. Mr. Katey Assem, the Immediate past Board Chairman of OISL in his address welcomed guests to the institution's 20th Anniversary celebration, saying We have stood the test of time, surviving and standing tall as one of the leading Savings and Loans companies in Ghana. He attributed the institution's success to its commitment to sound Corporate Governance and Risk Management standards, accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct at every level. He acknowledged the contributions of past and present board members, staff, and clients. Mr. Katey Assem used the occasion to introduce the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors of OISL, Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome and expressed optimism for the institution's future success during her tenure as the Chairperson of the Board. Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd., reiterated in his address the companys commitment to compliance with all regulatory frameworks and standards. He emphasized that the institution has made significant progress over the years from just three branches in 2004 to thirty-five (35) branches and three (3) agencies serving over 668,000 clients with focus on key and impacting sectors such as Education, Agriculture, and the Services sector. In addition to the loans that are advanced to clients in these sectors, the institution also provides tailor-made non-financial services to create the right impact on its clients. He highlighted OISL's achievements over the years, including 45 industry awards since 2018, innovative products such as the Empowerment Loan which is a special product for the physically challenged, and pioneering Micro-Insurance in partnership with Micro Ensure (now Turaco Ghana Limited). He reaffirmed the institution's commitment to its core values, leveraging technology for sustainable growth and expanding its operations to the remaining six regions in Ghana where the institution does not have physical outlets. We will continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve, Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng added. Pioneering staff who had served the Institution for the past 20 years were honoured. The ceremony celebrated OISLs impact on the lives of individuals and communities in Ghana, reaffirming its commitment to its core values of commitment, humility, respect, integrity, stewardship, and transformation. OISL is a subsidiary of Opportunity International, a global organization with its Head Office in Chicago, USA. The Institution delivers services and programs to clients in thirty (30) countries across the globe, serving over twenty (20) million customers with Micro Banking, Micro Insurance, Agriculture, Education Finance, and Innovative Non-Financial Services. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An illustrious Ghanaian Economist, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has sent a word of caution to the managers of Ghanas economy stating that, Ghanas deficit in revenue is likely to further depreciate as the country seeks to implement the International Monetary Fund Programme (IMF). Dr. Nii Moi Thompson opined that, the fiscal health of Ghana is not healthy looking, adding that the earlier the stakeholders of the economy come together to alleviate the anomalies, the better it will be for the countrys economy. After a meeting with the Executive board of IMF in June, Ghana is expected to receive a third tranche of $360m after its approval. In an interview with Channel One TVs Bernard Avle, Dr. Moi Thomposn posited that, the recent fiscal deficit is as a result of the overburdening of the revenue by the government, adding that the governments inability to provide adequate credit to businesses has led to a surge in tariffs and a higher cost of doing business, stifling economic growth and development. Dr. Moi Thompson stated that, the mismatch in the financial sector may lead to a precarious situation where the government may struggle to pay the salaries of public servants, which will be catastrophic for Ghanaians. He said, [Employee compensations, interest payments] Its one of the biggest structural impediments to fiscal rectitude in Ghana, historically that has been the case. On average, we exceed our wage bill by just about 9% close to 10%, on average. Since 2008, every single year, we have exceeded our wage bill by almost 10%. And over that same period on average, we have had revenue shortfalls of around 4%. You see the contradiction emerging, your revenues are falling short in terms of budget, so actual and budget, its falling short by an average of 4%. But youre exceeding your wage bill by almost 10%, then the third element is a shortfall in capital expenditure, which is also around 4%, so its like a perfect storm. Youre not investing enough in your economy, and as a result, you are not collecting enough revenue. I see a slight decline in the wage bill for the estimated figures for last year [2022], we dont have the final. But the others remain the same, revenues continue to fall short. And it will actually get worse as the IMF programme is implemented. Because sources of revenues are business activity growth, and here you are strangulating them. By not giving them credit, raising the cost of doing businesses, tariffs, electricity tariffs and so forth, so we can expect this to get very difficult as we go on, he reiterated. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video African Science Academy (ASA) has held its 7th graduation ceremony honouring young women equipped with the skills and knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to drive innovation and development across Africa and beyond. The ceremony showcased the resilience and dedication of these young women hailing from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zambia and other African countries who, in the last ten months with resilience and determination have completed the globally recognised Cambridge International A-Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics, all on full scholarships. The students also studied robotics and computer programming. During their speeches, the graduates articulated their readiness to apply their newly acquired skills and pledged to be good ambassadors of ASA. In 2016, the Chair of African Gifted Foundation, Dr. Tom Ilube, founded ASA, an all-girls STEM-focused academy for gifted African girls from low-income backgrounds. The Founder of ASA, Dr. Tom Ilube, in his welcome address, emphasised the global impact of investing in African youth, expressing confidence in the graduates' capacity to drive change. He said: Do you know that it has been predicted that by 2050, Africas population will be 2.5 billion people, it will be a quarter of the worlds entire population. So whatever happens in Africa, impacts the entire world. If you have an impact here, it impacts the whole world. Dr. Tom also emphasised that graduates of the African Science Academy will be creators of global technological trends and not predictors. In her opening remarks to the graduation of the Class of 2024, the Headteacher of ASA, Gifty Ghansah, praised the graduates for their tenacity and highlighted the comprehensive skill set they developed over the 10-month journey. She urged them to challenge the status quo and strive for excellence, asserting, "You have the power to make a significant impact." The journey through this program has not just equipped you with technical knowledge and skills, but also, it has forced resilience, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset. These attributes are not only the foundation of your future careers but also crucial in addressing the global challenges we face today, she noted. Touching on the uniqueness of the 2024 cohort, Ms. Ghansah highlighted perseverance, eagerness to learn and excel, and the can-do spirit, adding that the collective support among themselves will remain a very beautiful memory with me. The British High Commissioner to Ghana, her Excellency Harriet Thompson, highlighted her admiration for ASA's students, noting their abilities as sources of optimism and hope for the future. Every time I come here (ASA), I am inspired by you students. You are doing amazing things. I always leave ASA feeling optimistic. No matter what challenges have been on my mind through my day job or when I watch the news, I always leave ASA thinking it is okay. The world is in good hands because of ASA, she remarked. In his remarks, the Regional Director (Middle East and Africa) at Apple Inc., David Chisholm, shared insights from his career, urging the graduates to find joy in their work, build positive relationships, and maintain a balanced life. Additionally, he praised their sincerity and urgency in contributing to their community while reminding them of the significant responsibilities laid on them by their families, community and girls who will follow them through ASA. Among the other dignitaries who graced the ceremony with their presence were the trustees of the African Gifted Foundation (AGF), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), Representatives from UN and UNFPA, Technip FMC, University of Warwick, Aya Data, alumnae of ASA, parents, among others. Head and Deputy School Prefects, Emmaculate Wey Amu Adiba and Bernice Blanney Tetteh, expressed gratitude to Dr. IIube for the opportunity given them as well as Ms. Ghansah together with the ASA staff for their unwavering support. We are who we are today because of our founder Dr. Tom Ilube, who made it possible for this prestigious institution and hence these butterflies of change to come into existence. We owe our growth and membership as a part of this community to our dear headteacher Ms. Gifty Ghansah. We also thank every member of staff for all their advice, she said. Highlighting the challenges, they prefects mentioned adapting to the new curriculum at ASA as one of them, which they eventually overcame with the support of their able teachers and fellow sisters. As part of the ceremony, students received several awards with Precious Agyei from Ghana, receiving Best Student in A-Level Further Maths and Overall Best Student in Academics. Categories Awardee Best Student in A-level Maths Belise Hirwa Umurerwa Best Student in A-level Further Maths Precious Agyei Best Student in A-level Physics Nicole Mutesi & Mirabel Ukazu Overall Best Student in Academics Precious Agyei Outstanding Development Award Mary Amissah All round Student Award Belise Hirwa Umurerwa Non Academic Awards Most disciplined student Bernice Blanney Tetteh ASA Resilience Award Sylvia Akanpawine & Mavis Marfo ASA Ambassador Bernice Blanney Tetteh Exceptional Dedication award Belise Hirwa Umurerwa & Mariama Ayaaba Alhassan ASA Excellence Award Emmaculate Wey Amu Adiba ASA Award for Integrity Bernice Blanney Tetteh ASA Ambition award Jane Seyram Ocloo ASA Caring Community Award Belise Hirwa Umurerwa ASA Empowerment Award Precious Agyei ASA Innovation Award Nuna Aseye Afi Nyamekor, Mirabel Ukazu & akia Mahamudu Sisse ASA Creativity Award Neolla Theodette Uwabeza & June Njiru ASA Diversity Award Chinelo Adaugo Nnamdi-Kanu Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ministry of the Interior has cautioned all private security organisations to desist from using unauthorised uniforms. A statement issued and signed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 by the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Doreen Annan, said private security organisations who fail to comply with the directive would be sanctioned. It said as part of the ministrys efforts to regulate the private security organisations, two people were arrested for violating regulations governing private security organisations in Ghana. It said the individuals were found wearing unprescribed uniforms similar to the military uniform contrary the regulations outlined in the Police Service, Private Security Organisations Regulations, 1992, LI 1571 and the Police Service Organisation (Amendment) Regulation 1994. According to the statement, the arrested officers were granted bail but the police and the ministry will however apply the necessary sanctions against the company involved. The Ministry cautions all Private Security Organisations to comply with the regulations, wear only the approved uniforms and operate within their limit, otherwise the police will arrest and act against any organisation or individual who fails to comply with the regulations and face the law, it pointed out. It further indicated that though the ministry appreciates the critical role of the private security organisations in complementing the role of the security services in Ghana, it will not compromise the regulations designed to ensure the safety and security of all Ghanaians. The Ministry of the Interior will continue to create a safe and secure environment for all Ghanaians and is committed to working with the private security industry to achieve this goal, it added. Some of the uniforms approved by the ministry for private security organisations include white long /short sleeve shirts over a pair of ash khaki trousers with white stripes on both sides. Others are cream long/short sleeved shirts over brown khaki trousers with cream stripes, mauve long/ short sleeve shirts over a pair of maroon trousers with mauve stripes on both sides, and yellow shirt with ash/grey reflectors across the back and front over brown khaki trousers (solely for the mines and oil fields). It said the Ministry of the Interior in 2023 began a nationwide sensitisation and monitoring exercise to ensure compliance with the regulations while closely monitoring private security organisations to ensure adherence. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Health Promoter, Eunice Nti, has appealed to parents to desist from encouraging their children to engage in work that could endanger their lives and also deprive them of their childhood. She asked the parents to be concerned about the education of their children and encouraged them to go to school rather than engage in activities to earn an income. She said a high number of children in the district were engaged in illegal mining while others were also engaged in fishing at the expense of their education and the parents seemed to be unconcerned. She said some of the activities were very dangerous even for adults and not to talk about children and said it was the responsibility of the parents to ensure they stopped the kids from engaging in such activities. Word Day Against Child Labour Ms Nti, who was speaking at a durbar organised by Winrock International, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), at Nerebehi to commemorate this years World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL), which is celebrated on June 12, noted that children who were engaged in fishing were exposed to a skin infection, which had become common in the district. This years celebration was on the theme: Lets Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour, and was marked by a float by pupils from communities within Atwima Nwabiagya to create awareness on child labour, a quiz among schools to test their knowledge on child labour and a drama on the subject. It was organised by Winrock International in partnership with four cocoa farmers associations, namely Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union, Kokoo Pa Farmers Association, Offinso Fine Flavour Cocoa Cooperative and Hiawu Besease Cooperative where Winrock is implementing the MATE MASIE Project. Making Advances to Eliminate Child Labour in More Areas with Sustainable Integrated Efforts (MATE MASIE) is a four-year project being implemented in four districts in the Ashanti Region to combat child labour and to build the capacity of cooperatives to support vulnerable member households both directly and by linking their members with other service providers. It is funded by the United States (US) Department of Labours Bureau of International Labour Affairs. Importance Addressing the durbar, the Deputy Director of MATE MASIE Project, Reynolds Kisiedu, said the theme was to remind all of the commitment made to end the menace of child labour in the world, particularly in Africa. He said despite the dangers of the practice, child labour was still ongoing in the country and called on all stakeholders to join forces to end it. He said over the years, the project had built the capacity of the cooperatives where it was operating and supported vulnerable households with inputs to reduce the temptations of engaging their under-aged children in hazardous work to the detriment of their education. He said the project also organised training for the communities and enhanced the capacities of the cooperatives and district child protection committees in addressing child labour. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Marilia (a pseudonym), a teenage girl, was rescued from her intended marriage by the Boys Club of her community, one of the strongest mens advocacy networks in her area and parts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. At 17 years old, Marilia is still seeking help to find a job that will sustain her and prepare her for adulthood. Despite enrolling as an apprentice in her area to start training as a sewist, she is yet to secure a startup and must borrow an old sewing machine, which she currently shares with its owner, also an apprentice. Marilia stated that she will need about GHC 5,000 to acquire the necessary materials as a beginner, which is a prerequisite for her entry as a trainee sewist. Reports Teenage marriages are a human rights violation with adverse effects on girls health, along with other socio-economic impacts on girls who marry early, creating generational problems for teenagers and their children. In Ghana, one in five girls aged 20 to 24 are married before the age of 18. Regional data from the 2014 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) shows varying percentages across regions, with the Northern region recording 39.6% of child marriages, Upper West 37.3%, Upper East 36.1%, Eastern Region 27.5%, Western 32.9%, Central Region 29.5%, Ashanti Region 25.9%, Volta 25.9%, Bono and Ahafo Regions 23.9%, and Greater Accra 18.5%. The story of the teenager Marilia attended school in Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality in the Upper East Region. Due to financial challenges faced by her parents, the family decided to arrange a marriage for her. During a follow-up interview in her community, Marilia recounted, When my marriage was stopped, not due to any misconduct on my part, but because of public outcry about my underage status at 17, I faced more trouble. I have chosen to learn a trade since my Senior High School results do not allow me to continue my education. I require financial support to fulfill my dream of becoming a skilled seamstress, she added. The teenage Muslim girl from Gowrie, whose marriage was canceled, like many other teenage girls in Ghana, faces abandonment and lack of family support when decisions made for them are not fulfilled. My single mother was relieved that the marriage did not proceed because life had been challenging for her to support my siblings and me after my fathers passing, Marilia shared. Despite the family's positive treatment towards her after the failed marriage, Marilia is struggling to pursue her trade learning due to financial constraints, contrasting her expectations after the marriage was called off. UNFPA Interventions The UNFPA advocates for ending child marriages through policies and programs that empower girls with information, skills, and services to lead healthy, educated, and safe lives. Collaboration with institutions supporting livelihood programs can aid girls like Marilia. The Boys and Mens network played a crucial role in preventing Marilia from becoming one of the latest recorded teenage marriages in the region. Efforts by the Department of Gender, under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, in collaboration with communities, district Assembly Members, traditional authorities, and religious leaders aim to educate youth about child marriage and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Challenges persist when girls like Marilia are rescued from such situations, requiring societal support to overcome the obstacles they face. Recommendations While Ghana promotes girls education, skill development, and employment opportunities, there is a need for accelerated action to end child marriages. Mr. James Twene, Regional Director of the Upper East Regional Department of Women, emphasized the importance of advocacy to address the plight of teenage girls and support victims. The Bolgatanga Regional Coordinating Council is a key partner in addressing child marriage issues in collaboration with the UNFPA. Efforts should be intensified to provide skills and information to young girls, whether married or unmarried, across all districts. The Department of Gender requires support to expand intervention efforts to all districts, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 5.3 to eliminate GBV and early marriages. Media, such as the Communication Advocacy Network (MCAN), plays a vital role in advocating against child marriages in Ghana, promoting health and social development. 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. Featured Video The Citizens' Convention, a technical conference that seeks to validate a compact for the countrys political and economic transformation as envisioned by citizens, has opened in Accra, with a call for bold and ambitious actions to accelerate sustainable national development. The Ghana Compact, which is spearheaded by the Africa Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) with support from some state institutions and civil society organisations (CSOs), outlines the vision of citizens in critical areas such as youth employment, gender equality, education, health, fiscal responsibility, climate change, development planning and private sector development. The compact, which provides the needed collective action for change, is expected to guide political parties in the drafting of their manifestoes for the 2024 elections. The two-day Citizens Convention opened today (June 18), bringing together stakeholders across the spectrum, ranging from politics, academia, CSOs and development partners. Representatives of political parties at the event were the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Council of Elders, Hackman Owusu Agyeman; Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah; a member of the manifesto committee, Dr Emmanuel Marfo; the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto committee, Prof. Danso Boafo; a member of the manifesto committee, Afi Agbenyo; as well as a member of the Movement for Change, Nana Ohene Ntow. The Director-General of the National Development Planning Committee (NDPC), Dr Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampah; the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy; and the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, were present at the event. Why compact? Underscoring the critical need for the Ghana Compact, the Founder and Convener of ACET, Dr Kingsley Y. Amoako, said the document would guide the countrys political and economic journey for the next 25 years. Dr Amoako stressed that the time had come for a frank discussion on what was holding back the countrys development and take bold, inclusive measures to tackle those challenges. He said it was worrying that after almost 70 years of independence, the country was grappling with challenges such as the growing polarisation of politics, increasing youth unemployment, frequent change in policy direction and inability to translate the natural resources of the country into development. "These are the real challenges that are drawing us back, and we need to be bold in tackling them in a courageous manner," he stressed. Dr Amoako said the development of the Ghana Compact was a major move towards sustainable development because it would serve as an accountable agreement between the government and citizens for the future. For her part, the Chairperson of the NCCE said the Ghana Compact had provided an opportunity for enhanced engagement with citizens across the 16 regions of the country, which ensured that their views were harmonised into a single document. Ms Addy said the compact was progressive and would ensure that the inputs of citizens were factored into the national development policy planning process. "From our engagement with citizens across the 16 regions, it became clear that this compact must go beyond the usual discussions to action; and leaders must be committed to implementing the provisions in the document," she said. The NCCE boss said some of the cross-cutting issues that emerged as priority areas were sustainability of social intervention programmes, inclusive education, job creation and tackling corruption. Good move Dr Mensah-Abrampah said the citizens compact would complement the work of the commission and ensure inclusiveness in policy formulation. He also said it was important to wean the NDPC off political control so that it would be a more technical institution for development planning. Dr Yaw Baah said the compact was all-encompassing with clear vision that represented the vision of all Ghanaians. TUC is an organisation of workers, so if they are developing something that will give power to the people, we cannot stay away from it. We have been part of the process of developing this compact because we believe that we as a people must determine what happens in this country. After all, we elect politicians to lead us, he said. He stressed that the citizens compact was about giving people the power to lead and also giving them their terms of reference. We have to make sure that they go by the terms of reference, and that is why the compact has components for monitoring and tracking progress, he said. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Kwamena Duncan has descended on Richard Jakpa, a third accused person in the trial involving the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, regarding a shady ambulance purchase deal. The Attorney-General, Godfred Dame has sued Ato Forson for failing to purchase some 200 ambulances for Ghana while he was Deputy Finance Minister during the Atta Mills/Mahama regime. Richard Jakpa and Ato Forson were reportedly spearheading the transaction but have been accused by the Attorney-General for causing financial loss to the State. During the trial at the High Court presided by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Jakpa also accused lawyer Godfred Dame of approaching him to build a case against Ato Forson. A secret audio recording of Jakpa and the A-G has also appeared before the court but the recording which was earlier played by the opposition National Democratic Congress in a press conference to implicate the A-G has turned out to be "doctored" as the court demands the full tape. Commenting on the issue during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Kwamena Duncan, a former Minister for Central Region, slammed Jakpa and the NDC saying the court has exposed their deception. To him, Jakpa is trying to play smart and for the NDC, their plot was to slander the Attorney-General but it has backfired due to the revelation that the tape played by them was a shorter version of the entire conversation between the A-G and Jakpa. He added it has also been proven that it wasn't the A-G who approached Jakpa as the latter claimed but rather he (Jakpa) was the one who went to the Attorney-General for plea bargain. This, he said, in relation to the proof that Jakpa had sent over 60 WhatsApp messages to lawyer Godfred Dame who gave only two replies. "When you look at his life, indeed this is only a person who wants to be smart. Who after doing what he did wants to use some means to be able to get himself out of the strong clutches of the law," Kwamena concluded. Background Jakpa and Ato Forson have been accused before a High Court of causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the State in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016. Per the A-Gs facts accompanying the charge sheet, in 2009, while delivering the State of the Nation Address, the then President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, indicated that new ambulances would be purchased to expand the operations of the National Ambulance Service. Jakpa, a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited, a company based in Dubai, approached the Ministry of Health with a proposal that he had arranged for finance from Stanbic Bank for supply of the 200 ambulances but subsequently 30 ambulances were purchased at a sum of 2.37 million, however all were found not fit for purpose. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This year, retailers and restaurant chains have closed or will close hundreds of stores. Some companies are closing underperforming stores. Others, like Rite Aid, Express and Red Lobster, are in the midst of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. And other chains have closed for good. Below youll find our list of 17 chains that plan to close hundreds of stores in 2024: Tijuana Flats - 11 The Central Florida fast-casual Tex-Mex chain announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has closed 11 of its restaurants. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)ASSOCIATED PRESS Applebees - 25 to 35 Dine Brands Global will be closing 25 to 35 Applebees locations across the U.S. this year, according to Today. Applebees president Tony Moralejo revealed the figure during a fourth-quarter earnings call on February 29, Today reported. Burlington - 39 Burlington is closing 39 stores, according to CBS News. Sleep Number plans to close 40 stores, according to CBS News. Red Lobster - dozens Red Lobster temporarily closed 87 locations across 27 states, with some of them having their kitchen equipment up for auction via an online restaurant liquidator, according to USA Today. Then in June, Red Lobster released a list of dozens of more possible closures, according to CNN. The reports said the following restaurants in Pennsylvania might close: 2040 Edinboro Road, Erie 935 Wayne Ave, Chambersburg 425 W. DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia 4766 McKnight Rd., Pittsburgh The company has also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Sam Ash Music store on Route 27 in Edison, N.J., closed earlier this spring. The company is now in the process of closing all of its other stores by the end of July 2024.Len Melisurgo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Sam Ash Music - 42 The music retail company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is closing all of its stores, including two in Pa. 139 E. DeKalb Pike in Upper Merion Township (King Of Prussia), Montgomery County 1887 Franklin Mills Circle in Philadelphia. California-based Rubios Coastal Grill filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after closing 48 of its restaurants in the Golden State. The company said it filed for bankruptcy to facilitate the sale of the business. The Body Shop - 51 The Body Shop, a beauty and cosmetic chain, ceased all of its US-based operations as of March 1. The Body Shops U.S. operation was given no notice of the Body Shops U.K. companys February administration filing and was forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to RetailDive. The company closed 51 U.S. stores, according to CBS News. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)(Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com) Walgreens plans to close 77 stores, according to CBS News Express - 95 In April, clothing retailer, Express Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and said that it planned to close 95 stores. The three stores closing in Pennsylvania were located at: 1521 Walnut St. in Philadelphia Fashion District Philadelphia at 901 Market St. in Philadelphia. 2300 E. Lincoln Highway in Middletown Township, Bucks County, near Langhorne Demolition on the Macys store at the Harrisburg Mall in Swatara Township. The store closed in 2020 March 1, 2024. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.comDan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Macys announced earlier this year it plans to close 150 stores by 2026. Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima 7-Eleven plans to close 272 stores, according to CBS News CVS Pharmacy in New Jersey on Thursday, September 28, 2023.Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com CVS Pharmacy - 300 CVS Pharmacy announced in 2021 that it would close 900 stores. The first 300 store closings in 2022 were followed by 300 closings each in 2023 and 2024. 99 Cents - 371 California-based 99 Cents Only Stores closed all 371 of its stores, according to the Associated Press. Dollar Tree purchased 170 of them while Ollies Bargain Outlet purchased 11 of them. The Rite aid store at 501 S. 29th St. in Paxtang has closed.Daniel Urie, PennLive Rite Aid - 459 (Since October 2023) Since October, the company has announced in bankruptcy filings the closings of 459 stores, including 60 locations in Pennsylvania: 1. 5410 Keeport Drive, Baldwin, Allegheny County, near Pittsburgh 2. 5235 Library Road, Bethel Park, Allegheny County 3. 535 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue, Allegheny County, near Pittsburgh 4. 5990 University Boulevard, Suite 30, Moon Township, Allegheny County 5. 230 Hays Ave., Mount Oliver, Allegheny County near Pittsburgh 6. 6200 Saltsburg Road, Penn Hills Township, Allegheny County, near Pittsburgh 7. 2501 Saw Mill Run, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County 8. 2100 Washington Pike, Scott Township, Allegheny County, near Carnegie 9. 351 Brighton Ave., Rochester, Beaver County 10. 1600 Ninth Ave., Suite 35, Altoona, Blair County 11. 472 N. Main St., Doylestown, Bucks County 12. 306 Town Center, Route 202, New Britain, Bucks County 13. 642 Eaton Road, Warrington Township, Bucks County 14. 821 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte, Centre County 15. 1927 Atherton St., College Township, Centre County, near State College 16. 1536 N. Atherton St., Ferguson Township, Centre County near State College 17. 3807 Lincoln Highway, Caln Township, Chester County near Downingtown 18. 120 S. Mill Road, Kennett Square, Chester County 19. 200 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, Chester County 20. 118 Eagleview Blvd., Uwchlan Township, Chester County 21. 927 Paoli Pike, West Goshen Township, Chester County, near West Chester 22. 429 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, Cumberland County (closed on Nov. 27) 23. 7036 Wertzville Road, Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County (Closed on Sept. 26) 24. 510 E. Baltimore Pike, Media, Delaware County 25. 237 E. Lancaster Ave., Radnor Township, Delaware County, near Wayne 26. 501 S. 29th St., Suite A, Paxtang, Dauphin County 27. 124 S. Front St., Steelton, Dauphin County (Closing on May 20) 28. 200 N. Antrim Way, Greencastle, Franklin County 29. 201 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, Lackawanna County 30. 1730 Wilmington Road, Neshannock Township, Lawrence County, near New Castle 31. 1628 S. 4th St., Allentown, Lehigh County 32. 6822 Hamilton Blvd., Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, near Allentown 33. 1650 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, near Allentown 34. 39 West Side Mall, Edwardsville, Luzerne County 35. 14 Fifth St., Williamsport, Lycoming County 36. 60 S. Water St., Sharon, Mercer County 37. 64 N. Mercer Ave., Sharpsville, Mercer County 38. 4551 Milford Road, Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County near East Stroudsburg 39. 200 W. Ridge Ave., Suite 112, Plymouth Township, Montgomery County, near Conshohocken 40. 104 E. Third St., Bethlehem, Northampton County 41. 2178 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem, Northampton County 42. 2545 Aramingo Ave., Philadelphia 43. 1406 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia 44. 628-36 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 45. 2401 E. Venango St., Philadelphia 46. 6201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia 47. 4055-89 Market St., Philadelphia 48. 2131-59 N. Broad St., Philadelphia 49. 6744-46 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia 50. 6327-43 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia 51. 2121 W. Lehigh Ave., Suite 5, Philadelphia 52. 6731 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia 53. 500 N. Claude Lord Blvd., Pottsville, Schuylkill County 54. 6090 Route 30, Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, near Greensburg 55. 621 Clay Ave., Jeanette, Westmoreland County 56. 4830 William Penn Highway, Murrysville, Westmoreland County, near Export 57. 700 Stevenson Blvd., New Kensington, Westmoreland County 58. 105 Old York Road, Fairview Township, York County near New Cumberland 59. 301 Eisenhower Drive, Hanover, York County 60. 1200 W. Market St., West York, York County rue21, a fashion retailer with more than 500 stores announced it will be closing all its locations. This file photo from Nov. 18, 2021, shows a rue21 store at Capital City Mall in Lower Allen Township, P.A. (PennLive.com/Dan Gleiter)(PennLive.com/Dan Gleiter) Rue21 - 540 The Pennsylvania specialty fashion retailer of apparel and accessories filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed all of its 540 stores. These were the last 21 Rue21 stores in Pennsylvania, according to the companys website: Logan Valley Mall, 5580 Goods Lane, Altoona Capital City Mall, 3523 Capital City Mall Drive, Lower Allen Township near Camp Hill Chambersburg Crossing, 901 Norland Ave., Chambersburg, Franklin County Millcreek Mall, 5800 Peach St., Erie Outlets at Gettysburg, 1863 Gettysburg Village Drive, Mount Joy Township, Adams County Westmoreland Mall, 5256 Route 30, Greensburg Grove City Premium Outlets, 1911 Leesburg Grove City Road, Grove City Colonial Park Mall, 4600 Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township Laurel Mall, 135 Laurel Mall, Hazleton Tanger Outlets Hershey, 60 Outlet Square, Derry Township Park City Center, 391 Park City Center, Lancaster Monroeville Mall, 203 Monroeville Mall, Monroeville Franklin Mall, 1259 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia The Mall at Robinson, 100 Robinson Centre Drive, Pittsburgh Forbes, 3800 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh Philadelphia Premium Outlets, 18 Lightcap Road, Pottstown Viewmont Mall, 100 Viewmont Mall, Scranton Springfield Mall, 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield Uniontown Mall, 1368 Mall Run Road, Uniontown Berkshire Mall, 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, Berks County York Galleria Mall, 2899 Whiteford Road, Springettsbury Township, York County A large billboard sign beckons customers to this Family Dollar store in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)AP Family Dollar - 600 Dollar Tree the owner of Family Dollar announced in March that it will close 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of 2024. The company also announced it plans to close an additional 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores over the next several years at the end of each stores current lease term. This month, Dollar Tree announced that it initiated a formal review of strategic alternatives for the companys Family Dollar business segment, which could include a potential sale or a spin-off among other options. By Robert Moran, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA A 29-year-old Mississippi man on Tuesday pleaded guilty in federal court in Philadelphia to cyberstalking for making terrorizing phone calls to Jewish synagogues and delicatessens in the Philadelphia region, U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced. Donavon Parish, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, also pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia M. Rufe to five counts of abuse and harassment using a telecommunications device, and he admitted to a special finding that he targeted his victims based on their actual and perceived religion. James McHugh, a federal defender representing Parish, said in an emailed statement that his client had accepted responsibility for his conduct and pled guilty today. As he told the judge in court he is ashamed by his actions in the spring of 2022. Each and every day since his arrest he has taken steps to ensure that this will never happen again, McHugh wrote. Parish, using a voice-over-internet-protocol that allowed him to anonymously make phone calls, targeted three synagogues and three delicatessens during a two-month period in 2022. A photo of the James A. Byrne Federal Courthouse in Philadelphia in 2021. (Thomas Hengge/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS, file)TNS In these calls, the defendant spoke to individuals answering the telephone calls on behalf of their respective institutions, at which time he repeatedly referenced the genocide of approximately six million Jewish people during the Holocaust, stating, among other things, Heil Hitler, all Jews must die, we will put you in work camps, gas the Jews, and Hitler should have finished the job, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release. Parish was indicted last year. In the government plea memorandum filed Tuesday, prosecutors briefly described the calls and the impact they had on the victims. One delicatessen located in Montgomery County was called at least 15 times. The calls were reported to a local police department and when an officer called Parishs number back, he answered, prosecutors said. The officer asked whether Parish had called the deli, to which Parish said yes, and then declared that all Jews need to die and Heil Hitler. When the officer asked Parish for his identifying information, he hung up. After Parish called and made threatening statements to a synagogue that operated a prekindergarten and religious schools, those schools were placed on high alert, prosecutors said. Teachers took precautions, including locking their doors. A victim at another synagogue was left shaken and on the verge of tears after a call from Parish, prosecutors said. The synagogue also operated a school and did not allow students to leave the building until their parents came to get them. Antisemitism has no place in our society, Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of the FBI in Philadelphia, said in a statement. Todays guilty plea reinforces that we will pursue justice against those who threaten members of our communities with such vile threats. No sentencing date was listed in court records. Parish has a police record in Mississippi for making abusive calls, Southern Jewish Life magazine reported. More: Woman goes to prison for making threatening calls to Pa. synagogue leader Harrisburg man sentenced after painting swastikas on central Pa. college campus Ten Commandments must be displayed in schools under new Louisiana law After a young girl was attacked by a shark on a Florida beach, country superstar Luke Bryan reached out to send wishes for a speedy recovery and hopefully some cheer to the victim. As previously reported, a shark attacked 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin while on vacation along the Florida beaches of Watersound and Seacrest Beach on Friday, June 7. The attack was so severe, that the young girl had to have both her left hand and right leg amputated. The incident went viral and garnered national attention, to the point where Bryan reached out to offer his condolences. Its been a week since Gribbin was attacked. Now, the young girl has begun what looks to be a lengthy road to recovery. We were finally able to get the anesthesiologist in, she drove 40 miles on her off day to help Lulu, Anna Blair, Gribbins mother wrote in an update regarding her daughters recovery on Lulus Caring Bridge page. She said I have a daughter, and knew I needed to be here. We were able to figure out that the catheter with the pain block in her arm was not fully getting to the nerves. She did an ultrasound and could see it clearly and she also showed it to Lulu. She then did a local block in the room that should last us 24 hours or until the surgery tomorrow and they can replace the one that was not working. I just cant imagine what sort of pain she was feeling. Today was a hard day! A frequent visitor to Florida, Bryan said that he was able to view the incident as a parent and that his family often goes to the same area on vacation. I have children that have played down there their whole life, he shared, according to Taste of Country. Ive continued to do the follow-ups to check on your progress. I wanted you to know we are thinking of you and pray over your quick recovery. I cant even imagine what youve been through. Other stars who reached out to Gribbin include Eli Manning, Nick Saban and Caitlyn Clark, who also sent the young girl prayers and well wishes. The nations fastest growing bubble tea chain has opened in Cumberland County. Kung Fu Tea at 3401 Hartzdale Drive in Lower Allen Township welcomed its first customers on Wednesday, according to social media announcements. Dubbed the Starbucks of bubble tea by the Washington Post, Kung Fu Tea specializes in custom, made-to-order bubble tea drinks, also known as boba milk tea, pearl milk tea or boba. The Taiwanese drink was invented in the 1980s and combines tea with milk and fruits topped with tapioca pearls. Kung Fus menu covers classic teas, milk teas, fruit teas and slushies with toppings such as bubbles, milk cap, beans and jellies. The tea is brewed every three hours using premium tea leaves and the drinks are served in oversized cups with thick straws. Popular beverages include Kung Fu Milk Tea, Taro Slush, Honey Oolong Tea, Strawberry Milk and Cocoa Cream Wow Milk Cap. The beverages we bring to the table are strong inside-out perfect for your taste buds and your Instagram stories, the chain says. Kung Fu was founded in 2010 in Queens, New York, and has grown to more than 350 locations, making it the largest bubble tea brand in the nation. The closest locations operate in York and Lancaster counties. A second Kung Fu Tea is targeted for 6416 Carlisle Pike in Silver Spring Township, according to the website. Officials of a borough in Pennsylvania recently came out with a proposal to limit the number of pets each household can have. Needless to say that many of the residents, after hearing said proposal, didnt exactly take to it. CBS Local Pittsburgh reported last week how West Mifflin Borough, Allegheny County, was the site of a vicious dog attack about a year ago. This, explained borough manager Brian Kamauf, is what sparked the idea of creating an ordinance which would place a cap on the amount of pets in each household to five. You can listen to this story as well as others pertaining to Pennsylvania on PennLives Today in Pa. podcast below: It shall be lawful for any person/owner to keep pets, but no more than three dogs and no more than five cats/or dogs combined in total over the age of six months in a structure, living unit or unimproved land, read the ordinance. For example, a person/owner may lawfully have three dogs and two cats, or two dogs and three cats or five cats; but may never have more than three dogs. This, continued the report, would also include animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, etcetera. Explained Kamauf: There are some nuisance animals. So, what theyre [the borough council] trying to do is put an ordinance together to eliminate nuisance animals. The same CBS Local Pittsburgh article continues to report how there was quite a bit of an outcry in response to the proposal: Kristina Miller a West Mifflin resident who owns thee dogs, three cats, two hamsters, a leopard gecko, a tarantula, and six chickens stated the ordinance just..it doesnt make any sense. Welcome to communism, reads one Newsbreak comment to the Today in Pa. episode covering this story. A follow-up CBS Local Pittsburgh report has now confirmed that officials have tossed out the ordinance following the backlash. Raising Canes is closer to constructing its first Harrisburg-area restaurant. On Tuesday night the Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors voted to approve the chains preliminary/final land development plan. The townships blessing allows the Baton Rouge, Louisiana chain to proceed with building a 3,089 square-foot restaurant with 70 seats and dual drive-thru at 5050 Jonestown Road at the Colonial Commons shopping center in Lower Paxton Township. Raising Canes plans call for demolition of existing utilities and construction of a stand-alone restaurant with parking lot, lighting and landscaping. The shopping center includes an At Home store and Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection Store and is located across Jonestown Road from Raising Canes competitor, Chick-fil-A. Raising Canes was founded in 1996 by Todd Graves in Baton Rouge and specializes in fresh fried chicken, crinkle-cut fries, cole slaw and Texas toast as well as a tangy, yet spicy secret dipping sauce. Graves created the business plan, earning the lowest grade in his class and doubt from his professor, who said a restaurant serving only chicken fingers would never succeed. Today, it operates more than 750 restaurants in 35 states, and the Middle East and Guam. One of the restaurants opened in 2022 at 228 E. College Ave. in State College. Raising Canes is also targeted to join the Beltway Commons, a proposed shopping complex under development at the former Park Inn by Radisson Harrisburg West in Hampden Township. The restaurant will operate for lunch and dinner operating until midnight Monday-Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. By Jean Marbella and Madeleine ONeill, Baltimore Sun (TNS) Theyve been stuck aboard the Dali container ship for more than 12 weeks now: as the vessel crashed into and destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, as divers recovered the bodies of six road workers who were killed while filling potholes on the span, as a massive, floating salvage operation sprang up around them to clear the debris. The crew remained on board even as explosives were set off to break up the huge piece of the bridge that had landed on its bow and stranded it in the river and the battered vessel was refloated and tugged back into port a month ago. Now a deal between attorneys for the city and the ships owner and manager means eight of the crew members could be heading home as soon as Thursday. The city dropped its objections, filed late Tuesday, to the crew members departure. A federal judge had scheduled a hearing for 10 a.m. Thursday to weigh whether to keep them here at least for now. Its not clear whether that hearing will proceed. FILE - The container ship Dali was stuck under part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship hit the bridge, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore, Md. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)AP The eight, including a cook, several seamen, a fitter, an oiler and a general steward, may be able to fly home. The city, which has filed a claim against the Dalis Singapore-based owner and manager for negligence in the bridge collapse, had feared it might lose the opportunity to question crew members as part of the litigation should they leave the country. But attorneys for the ships owner and manager promised it would make those crew members available for depositions at a later date. The latest flurry of legal activity comes as the ship is soon to leave Baltimore for Norfolk, Virginia, perhaps as early as Friday, where it will undergo initial repairs. Darrell Wilson, a spokesman for Synergy Marine Group, the vessel operator, said the plan is to use a replacement crew for the trip to Norfolk, but there is no firm timeline at the moment. In any event, the legal wrangling could have extended the ordeal for crew members, who have not been allowed off the ship since before it set sail in the early morning hours of March 26, only to lose power and careen into the bridge. Attempts to get them shore leave have been unsuccessful. Preventing crew members who likely had nothing to do with the crash from going home is unfair, said David Heindel, president of the Seafarers International Union, which represents mariners aboard U.S.-flagged vessels. (The Dali flies under the flag of Singapore and is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and managed by Synergy Marine Pte Ltd.) There are a lot of crew that have no responsibility for what happened, he said. The problem is these things can go on for years, added Heindel, whose union is based in Camp Springs, Maryland. In this aerial image released by the Maryland National Guard, the cargo ship Dali is stuck under part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship hit the bridge, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore. (Maryland National Guard via AP, file)AP Heindel is among a group of unions representing seafarers around the world who signed a statement last month expressing concern about the treatment of the Dali crew. They said the crew members morale had dipped and they feared being criminalized over the incident. Theyve been questioned as part of the investigation into the crash and had their phones confiscated by the FBI, which is among the investigating agencies, although theyve received replacement devices. Now it appears they face further questioning as part of the claims seeking damages against the ship for the bridges loss, which temporarily shut down the since reopened Port of Baltimore. The bridge itself, which is a part of the Baltimore Beltway, likely will take several years to rebuild. Syracuse, N.Y. Two refugee families who escaped persecution in Southeast Asia were celebrating a religious holiday Tuesday when a blast leveled a home on Syracuses North Side, a city official said. One of the families had been in the United States for 12 days, according to Common Councilor Chol Majok. Majok is a refugee, formerly of South Sudan. The two families had gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha, a major holiday for Muslims. They were there to break bread, Majok said. The seven-person family renting the home on Carbon Streeet had moved to the United States five years ago, Majok said. The visitors, a Syracuse family of six, had been in the country for only 12 days, he said. Both families were originally from Myanmar and part of the Rohingya ethnic minority group that has faced decades of persecution. The U.S. government has said the military in Myanmar is committing genocide and crimes of humanity against the group. Three young children are fighting for their lives with injuries and burns from the blast that crumpled the two-story rental home. Twelve people were hospitalized after the collapse, officials said. All were in stable condition, except for the three youngest victims, who were in critically stable condition: an 8-month-old, 2-year-old and 3-year-old, according to District Chief Matthew Craner, a fire department spokesperson. One child was treated but not admitted to a hospital, he said. Majok said he went to the hospital Wednesday afternoon to visit the injured, who were spread across multiple floors. One person is on a ventilator, he said. Investigators believe the explosion might have been related to natural gas service inside the home, Craner said. Firefighters found downed power lines and a heavy odor of natural gas when they arrived. Pressure tests by National Grid found no issues with the gas line running from Carbon Street to the homes meter, Craner said. District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said his office was part of the investigation and that they were focused on appliances inside the home. The investigation is not criminal, said Craner, the fire department spokesperson. Majok said he is working with local organizations to create a way for people to donate to the two families. We are asking the community to help ... these families to re-establish themselves, he said. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. By SARA CLINE, The Associated Press BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Louisiana has become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom under a bill signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday. The GOP-drafted legislation mandates that a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in large, easily readable font be required in all public classrooms, from kindergartens to state-funded universities. Although the bill did not receive final approval from Landry, the time for gubernatorial action to sign or veto the bill has lapsed. Opponents question the laws constitutionality, warning that lawsuits are likely to follow. Proponents say the purpose of the measure is not solely religious, but that it has historical significance. In the laws language, the Ten Commandments are described as foundational documents of our state and national government. The displays, which will be paired with a four-paragraph context statement describing how the Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries, must be in place in classrooms by the start of 2025. The posters would be paid for through donations. State funds will not be used to implement the mandate, based on language in the legislation. 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. Not long after the governor signed the bill into law, civil rights groups and organizations that want to keep religion out of government promised to file a lawsuit challenging it. The law prevents students from getting an equal education and will keep children who have different beliefs from feeling safe at school, the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a joint statement Wednesday afternoon. Even among those who may believe in some version of the Ten Commandments, the particular text that they adhere to can differ by religious denomination or tradition. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate, the groups said. Similar bills requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms have been proposed in other states including Texas, Oklahoma and Utah. However, with threats of legal battles over the constitutionality of such measures, no state besides Louisiana has had success in making the bills law. A cyberattack on a software company has led to shutdowns of roughly 15,000 auto dealerships across the United States and Canada. CNN reports that data company CDK Global first reported the attack on June 19. According to a quote from a company spokesperson, the majority of their systems were shut down out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers But another attack followed later that day, leading to the company again shutting down their systems. The outages may last for several days as the systems are re-secured. A sign set up outside the Dauphin County Prison Wednesday listing all the people who had died inside grew by three names this year. Thats because over the past seven months, 38-year-old Christopher Phy, 36-year-old Michael Butler and 33-year-old Justin Cofield died inside the jail. The growing list is used each year to call attention to conditions inside the jail at the annual Love in Action Rally, held on Juneteenth. "Thats three people who dont get to have their families anymore, said Winnie Okello, founder of the Harassment and Assault Reporting Platform an organizer of the event. Thats three people who dont get to celebrate their birthdays anymore. Thats three people who dont get to say I love you to their families. Okellos voice broke as she finished the sentence. Thats three people who were locked in Dauphin County Prison but didnt get to walk out, she said. More than 20 people stood outside the jail holding signs and chanting for change at the facility where 21 people have died since the beginning of 2019. This is the third year held the rally. Onah Ossai speaks at the Love in Action Juneteenth Rally at the Dauphin County Prison on June 19, 2024. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com One of the signs stated that whistleblowers were being held as political prisoners inside the jail, referring to Taji Abdullah, whose story about a fight he had with guards after his legal work was taken from him was published on PennLive Wednesday morning. Last week, Abdullah was taken to the hospital because of an injury he suffered last year when a bunk bed at the jail fell on him. When he returned, his legal paperwork was taken from his cell and when he did not get all of his work back, he because upset and got into an altercation with officers, who pepper sprayed him, put him on the floor and moved him in the restricted housing unit. This is happening way too much at Dauphin County Prison, said Pamela Parsons. Parsons, who has know Abdullah and his family for years, spoke on behalf of Abdullahs mother Asia Mohammed, who was slated to attend the event but was unable to make it because of car problems. This is called disenfranchisement, Parsons said about Abdullahs situation. This is called slavery. If we take away your privileged conversations, thats a violation of your Constitutional rights. 15 1 / 15 Love in Action Juneteenth Rally at the Dauphin County Prison As the event came to a close, Okello highlighted a bill introduced by Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, a Democrat representing Delaware and Montgomery counties, to strengthen reporting of deaths in custody that was spurred by a PennLive investigation last year. She left the crowd with one last message about remaining civically engaged if they wanted to see lasting change. Youve got to vote, she said. Get out and vote for the right people, people with a sense of morality. An updated heat advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 4:01 a.m. in effect until 8 p.m. for Northern Wayne and Southern Wayne as well as Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne and Pike counties. "Heat index values up to 97 degrees," describes the weather service. "Relief is on the way for Monday, when high temperatures will fall into the 70s." "Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses," adds the weather service. Mastering the heat: Weather service Guidelines for staying safe in high temperatures Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of fluids. Find cool shelter: Stay in an air-conditioned room. Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors. Child and pet safety: Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot. Caution outdoors: If you work or spend time outside, be sure to take additional safety measures. Optimal timing: Whenever possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours when temperatures are more manageable. Recognize heat-related issues: Learn to identify the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dress comfortably: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort. Additional tips for outdoor workers: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for outdoor workers. If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location. In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance. These NWS heat safety directives are essential for safeguarding your well-being when facing high temperatures. Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Day 4 of Event #38: $1,500 Monster Stack No-Limit Hold'em has concluded here at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. Of the 55 competitors who started the day, the final seven players will return for Day 5, where the tournament will play down to a winner. The last seven players standing navigated through a mammoth field of 8,704 entrants to arrive at the final table and capture a piece of the $11,619,840 prizepool. They will be competing for the $1,098,220 first-place prize, along with the coveted World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet. The overwhelming chip leader heading into the start of Day 5 is Pedro Neves (172,200,000), who is on the hunt for his first WSOP bracelet. Neves, who has had plenty of success and big wins in events outside of the WSOP, has already locked up the biggest WSOP cash of his career. With a first-place finish, he looks to add his second seven-figure score to his resume. Neves, who was down to less than six big blinds at one point during the first level of the day, started his comeback with a double up against Federico Castaing. He then doubled up again, this time through Noel Eicher. Neves continued to chip up throughout the day as the action played down to the final two tables. A key turning point in Neves' rise was a hand in which he doubled up through Jonas Christensen, with set over set. Right before the final table, Neves propelled his stack even higher, when he spiked a queen to score a double knockout in which he eliminated two opponents in the same hand. End of Day 4 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 Pedro Neves Portugal 172,200,000 86 2 Aaron Johnson (MN) United States 101,000,000 51 3 Brian Roff United States 50,800,000 25 4 Jerry Maher United States 29,800,000 15 5 Tim Reilly United States 28,900,000 14 6 Jose Carlos Brito Portugal 27,000,000 14 7 Guangming Li United States 25,500,000 13 Aaron Johnson, who is also seeking his first piece of gold, will enter Day 5 as the other big stack at the table with 101,000,000. He will begin with double that of Brian Roff (50,800,000), who sits in third. Aaron Johnson (MN) Day 4 Action Day 4 set a fast tempo, with the field slimming down to the final three tables quickly. John Duthie (51st - $25,355) made an early exit when his pocket kings were cracked by the ace-jack of Leonel Mendoza. Euan McNicholas (48th - $25,355) was short-stacked and all in with queen-ten and fell to Federico Castaing's ace-nine. Nadya Magnus couldn't find a king against Arnaud Enselme and was eliminated in 34th ($37,689). Martin Kabrhel's quest for his third bracelet was cut short when he ran into pocket kings and was knocked out in 26th ($46,448). Joao Simao exited shortly after when he ran into queens and aces and was eliminated in 22nd ($46,448). Wayne Harmon (17th - 57,652) suffered a devastating bad beat when he got it all in preflop with pocket kings versus jacks. Fausto Valdez (11th - $90,719) also was a victim of a brutal runout when his aces were cracked by Neves' queens. With that, the final table was set with only ten players remaining and it wasn't long until just seven prevailed to bag up for the night. Fausto Valdez Remaining Payouts Place Prize 1 $1,098,220 2 $732,329 3 $550,920 4 $417,213 5 $318,077 6 $244,137 7 $188,660 Action will begin on Day 5 at 12 p.m. local time on Thursday, June 20, at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, where a champion will be crowned. The tournament will resume at Level 40, with blinds at 1,000,000/2,000,000 with a 2,000,000 big blind ante. The level will resume with 37 minutes and 25 seconds remaining. Levels will be 60 minutes in length, with 15-minute breaks every two levels, and a dinner break to be determined. Streaming will begin at 1 pm on PokerGO (subject to change), and PokerNews will be providing updates on delay in sync with the stream so as to not spoil any of the tournament as it progresses. Be sure to follow PokerNews throughout the remainder of this event, as well as future coverage throughout the summer. Welcome back to PokerNews, the official media partner of the 2024 World Series of Poker and home of live updates from all bracelet events. Today sees the start of Event #53: $3,000 Nine Game Mixed (7-Handed) here at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. This tournament requires a mastery of nine different poker variantsLimit Hold'em, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Seven Card Stud, Razz, No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw, No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw, and Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better. This three-day event gets underway at 2 p.m. local time, with late registration open for eight levels (approx. 8:45 p.m.) There will be 15-minute breaks every two hours of play. There is only one reentry in this event. The starting stack is 40,000 chips, with the plan for Day 1 to play 12 levels. For the surviving players, Day 2 resumes at 1 p.m. Friday and closes after another ten levels of play. A winner will crowned the following day. The first six levels will be 40 minutes in length and the duration increases to 60 minutes from Level 7 onwards. Last years event saw 361 entries, generating a prize pool of $963,870. The winner was Ryutaro Suzuki who defeated Walter Chambers heads-up to win $221,124 and his first WSOP bracelet. Im not so long experienced in mixed games. But in 2022, I experienced mixed games and it was really fun for me." Suzuki told PokerNews. "So I targeted this year for mixed game events. I practiced a lot. Luckily, I won. Im not a master. I tried and had some luck. Year Entries Winner Country Payout 2023 361 Ryutaro Suzuki Japan $221,124 2022 456 Kijoon Park United States $219,799 2021 319 Nicholas Julia United States $168,808 Planning on playing this event? PokerNews activates MyStack for every WSOP event, regardless of that tournament's buy-in, allowing you to directly adjust your chip counts in our live reporting MyStack is a free poker tool that puts you in control of your chip counts on our live reporting pages. Once you have created a free PokerNews account, you can use MyStack to update your chip counts in real time; hopefully, your stack will continue increasing throughout the event! Become a Bigger Part of the Action With MyStack What Else is Happening at the WSOP? Trump is not doing debate prep, but having policy time where Republican senators try to teach the cognitively declining ex-president before the debate. Maggie Haberman reported on CNN with Anderson Cooper: Hes not doing mock debates. Hes not doing mock debates that could, that could certainly change. But hes been doing what theyve been describing as policy time where they bring in different people to brief him. A bunch of senators have come up, come in last week, Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Eric Schmitt, both briefed him at the RNC headquarters after his meeting with lawmakers around Capitol Hill, which was his first major meeting with party members since he became the presumptive nominee. And they are focusing on various issues that could come up, abortion, health care, energy, COVID and then very specifically, and this was one thing that came up last Thursday, what Trump will say when asked January 6th related questions, particularly his statements about pardoning some of the people who were arrested in connection with the violence that day. Video: Republicans are trying to teach Trump policy before the debate, "He's not doing mock debates that could, that could certainly change. But he's been doing what they've been describing as policy time where they bring in different people to brief him." pic.twitter.com/OQT4ALEnLU Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) June 20, 2024 This news that Trump is preparing for the debate by not doing any debate prep comes at the same time that it is being reported that Trump has serious memory issues. Senate Republicans are trying to teach a man who was president for four years about policy while he is dealing with severe memory problems . What could possibly go wrong with this idea? Weve already seen what can go wrong because it already did. When Trump was president, he refused to read or prepare and forced the people around him to give him verbal briefings, which explains how he could spend four years in the White House and appear to have learned nothing. Democrats are on the freedom warpath. Democrats say abortion is defining the races for the White House, Senate and House and they have every intention of holding Republicans accountable for their MAGA extremism. Democrats promised that with four more years in the White House and a majority in Congress, President Biden will codify the protections of Roe as the law of the land during a press call ahead of the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade on Thursday. And with four more years in the White House, in a majority in Congress, President Biden will codify the protections of Roe as the law of the land. So folks, November 5 is right around the corner, and I want you to know that the DNC is putting its foot on the gas, Harrison said on the call in which PoliticusUSA participated. We will make sure that every voter in America, every single one, knows that Donald Trump is responsible for ripping away reproductive rights. Americans deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions. Harrison said that in 2024, women across the country are beginning to relive the pre-Roe horror stores, and it doesnt matter if theyre Democrats or Republicans or Independents, all women. Theyre now forced to carry life-threatening pregnancies to term. Theyre told to wait until theyre on theyre on deaths door for basic health care. Theyre traveling out of state to make their own personal health care decisions. Representative Suzan Kay DelBene (D-WA) warned that Republicans aim to restrict abortion nationwide. Two years ago, after Roe versus Wade was overturned, one thing remains clear, House Republicans are doing everything they can to chip away at reproductive freedom towards their ultimate goal of passing a nationwide abortion ban, DelBene said. Look no further than the numerous anti abortion poison pills theyve included in must pass legislation this Congress. In fact, next week, theyre planning to restrict reproductive care for our nations service members by attaching extreme anti choice writers to the defense funding bill just days after the anniversary of overturning Roe. Vice Chair of the DSCC Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) pointed out that while Republicans say they have a messaging problem on the issue of abortion, what they actually have is a policy problem and voters need only to go to GOPonAbortion.com to see why. On record and on video, Republican Senate candidates have made it clear that they oppose womens rights to make their own decisions, and that they stand in lockstep with their partys dangerous agenda to control womens reproductive health care by banning abortion with no exceptions. Now voters can learn the facts about Republican Senate candidates record on this issue, their record of opposing reproductive freedom. They can see them on video. They can watch the clips, and they can see Republicans speaking in their own words, Smith said. You can do this by going to GOPonAbortion.com, it is all laid out there. So Republicans say that they have a messaging problem on reproductive freedom and abortion care. No, they have a policy program problem because theyre on the wrong side of American voters, and you can see it when you go to GOP on abortion.com. Democrats are running on girls and womens freedom, in sharp contrast to the medical torture and control the Republicans support supposedly out of deference to their religious beliefs of right to life, which somehow they do not apply to children being slaughtered in their schools by guns or the death penalty. Democrats are promising to codify healthcare freedom for women and girls if given the power in the House and Senate. Here are a few detailed ways Democrats can protect freedom with that power: 1. Codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law to establish abortion access as a statutory right by passing the Womens Health Protection Act. 2. Repealing the Hyde Amendment and other federal restrictions on abortion funding to expand low-income womens access to abortion services. 3. Blocking state-level abortion bans and restrictions that violate Roe, such as by prohibiting bans earlier than 24 weeks. 4. Protecting access to medication abortion and removing restrictions on abortion pills. On June 24, 2022, the conservative-led Supreme Court overturned 50 years of precedent by overruling Roe v. Wade, which not only restricts girls and womens basic freedom, but is a direct attack on the human rights of girls and women. Abortion has been the surprise issue in election after election, as voters show up to say NO to the Handmaids Tale MAGA agenda. Those voters need to show up in this presidential election and vote up and down the ticket even if they think they are in safe blue states, because a Trump presidency or Republican-led Senate and House can easily make Dobbs the law of the land. And then what? Republicans blocked a Democratic bill to protect IVF, even while lying to voters to claim they support IVF. If they support IVF but wont codify it, what does that tell voters about what they have planned for basic abortion medical rights and even birth control. The slippery slope the NRA has been screeching about for decades is real, but it turns out it applies to womens and girls basic rights, as it could be said that guns have more rights and protections than girls and women in the U.S. under the MAGA Supreme Court. Late night host Jimmy Kimmel played allegations of Trumps cognitive decline and came to the conclusion that Trumps dementia and lying might be teaming up. Kimmel said that Trumps claim that Joan Rivers voted for him two years after she died was a sign that Trumps dementia and lying have teamed up. The late-night host also played the claim that Trump still thinks that he is president and said, Its very scary to think that the guy who told us to inject bleach into our veins is just now deteriorating. When he was drawing in Sharpie on the weather maps, he was fine. Video: Kimmel was right. If Trump is just now starting to decline, what did we witness for four years in the White House? Was that the sane version of Trump? There is something seriously wrong with Trump, and Republicans keep trying to hide it, but it finds its way out when Donald Trump is in public. The problem for Trump and his party is that the ex-president is going to be on the debate stage with nowhere to hide. If there is anything going on with Trump, it will come out for the world to see. Trump is definitely not fine, and if what Kimmel called dementia is teaming up with lying, the ex-president could be an unhinged mess on the debate stage. The Goose Creek Police Department was awarded the following 20242025 grants through the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, which the city of Goose Creek subsequently accepted. Read moreGCPD receives Highway Safety grants If you have a hummingbird feeder in your yard, youre probably enjoying watching the hummers sipping nectar to fuel up for their long migration south in the coming weeks. But did you know that nectar makes up only a small percentage of a hummingbirds diet? Up to 80% of it comes from insects Read moreCommentary: Protect insects, protect birds Grace Beahm Alford is the Assistant Visuals Editor for The Post and Courier, where she has been since 2001. Her photojournalism has sent her to every corner of South Carolina, and was part of the newspaper's team recognized as a Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Feature Photography for coverage of the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church. SPARTANBURG The S.C. Supreme Court bid farewell to retiring Spartanburg native Chief Justice Donald Beatty, who heard his final oral arguments on Juneteenth. Beatty, 72, has reached the maximum age for judges in the state and will retire at the end of July. He is the courts only Black justice, and his retirement will make the court all White. In a courtroom full of friends, family members and former colleagues at Spartanburgs new county courthouse, Beatty thanked those who have supported him and said it was bittersweet leaving the bench. I think its time, Beatty said. You have a season and I feel that my season is running out. He joined the states highest court in 2007 and became chief justice in 2017. Starting on the states circuit court in 1995, hes worked as a judge for almost three decades. Im looking for something else to do, whatever that might be, and Im looking forward to it, he said. In every endeavor Ive attempted, Spartanburg has had my back. Supreme Court Justice John Kittredge will replace Beatty as chief and Court of Appeals Judge Letitia Verdin, from Travelers Rest in Greenville County, was elected by state lawmakers to take Kittredges spot as a justice. Verdin's addition will end the high court's all-male run. PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 14:01:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 682 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORMAN, OK / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 /ACT (Advanced Call Center Technologies, LLC), a total experience (TX) innovator and 100% employee-owned customer experience (CX) leader, announced today that just two years after establishing its presence in Norman, Oklahoma, it will add 800 new jobs through a strategic expansion, solidifying its position as the city's largest private employer. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory and commitment to fostering economic development in the region. The Norman Economic Development Coalition projects that ACT's growth in the city will have a $350 million impact on the community.Located at 2701 Technology Place, the 51,000-square-foot Norman facility has been a cornerstone of ACT's operations in the state since it opened the facility two years ago. With the expansion, ACT has solidified its position as Norman's largest private-sector employer, currently employing approximately 1,500 individuals, and is projected to add another 800 jobs to the local workforce.Governor J. Kevin Stitt expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, "Cleveland County is at the forefront of my efforts to make Oklahoma a top 10 state for business. I'm thrilled to join ACT today in celebrating the expansion of their call center facility here in Oklahoma. This investment not only creates over 800 new jobs for our citizens but also underscores our state's commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity." Lawrence McKinney, president and CEO of the Norman Economic Development Coalition, commended ACT's expansion, stating, "The expansion will create hundreds of indirect jobs for the city of Norman, with a total impact of about 2,587 jobs. The company's decision to expand to Norman is estimated to have a $350 million impact on the community." "ACT's substantial expansion in Norman is a testament to the work ethic of Oklahomans," said Hunter Croft, CEO of ACT. "When we converted to an employee-owned company two years ago, we couldn't have anticipated the dramatic increase in productivity and growth that would occur. Employee ownership, outstanding benefits, great culture, and personal growth opportunities obviously resonated well within Norman and Cleveland County." ACT is 100% employee-owned, which means its employees are shareholders in the company. Susan Parker, ACT's Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the benefits of employee ownership: "This unique ownership structure fosters a culture of collaboration and commitment, where every employee has a stake in the company's success and shares in its growth, while cultivating a vested interest in delivering value to our clients, and their motivations are uniquely aligned to our client's success." Mayor Larry Heikkila expressed optimism about the impact of ACT's expansion on the local community by encouraging OU graduates to consider employment at ACT after graduation.ACT's expansion in Norman reflects its continued commitment to providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth in the region. The company looks forward to furthering its positive impact on the community and continuing to build momentum in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.About ACT (Advanced Call Center Technologies) ACT is a U.S.-based business process outsourcing provider and global leader in customer care. Our approach is founded on a winning formula - that the best solutions integrate Employee Experience (EX) + Customer Experience (CX) + User Experience (UX) + Digital Experience (DX) + Multi-experience (MX) for an outstanding Total Experience (TX) overall. As a 100% employee-owned company, we have placed Employee Experience at the center of our business strategy because we know that engaged employees ensure the best customer outcomes. As shareholders in the business, our Employee Owners have a personal interest in delivering value to our clients, and their motivations are uniquely aligned to our clients' success.We have more than 27 years of experience helping our partners drive growth and brand loyalty by providing amazing experiences across every touchpoint and channel of the customer journey. We serve many of the world's top companies spanning a wide range of verticals, including numerous Fortune 50 clients. We offer a broad range of leading-edge technologies and custom solutions tailored to your business needs to make every unique customer connection count.Contact Information Zabrina DoerckChief Marketing Officerzdoerck@ acttoday.com (215) 518-7718SOURCE: Advanced Call Center TechnologiesView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 14:10:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 902 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The University's annual contribution to the national economy is estimated at USD 91 million, while the expansion is projected to inject an additional USD 102 million over four years.MANAMA, BAHRAIN / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) announced its plans for the expansion of its campus in a strategic project valued at USD 45 million, as it marked the celebration of its 20th anniversary in Bahrain. In line with a steadfast commitment to contributing with excellence towards the improvement of human health, patient care, and societal well-being, the University has consistently achieved pivotal milestones since its establishment, placing innovative research at the heart of its services through the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, with a focus on interdisciplinary clinical and patient-centred research, as well as addressing key national, regional, and global health challenges.Recently, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain signed an agreement with Nass Corporation for the construction of the University's campus expansion project. The ambitious expansion includes a brand new state-of-the-art academic building designed to address the growing demand for advanced medical education and research facilities with the addition of 7,912 sqm of usable space, featuring the addition of enhanced teaching facilities, cutting-edge research labs, a modern library, social spaces, and a spacious event hall. Emphasising a vested commitment towards sustainability, the project includes adopting low-carbon transportation options through bike racks and EV charging stations. Beyond this, the design will incorporate energy-efficient features such as solar panels, LED lighting, and water conservation systems, with a focus on incorporating heat-reduction practices through the incorporation of native plants and green spaces into the landscape, as part of RCSI Bahrain's commitment to fostering an environmentally friendly ecosystem that nurtures a sense of well-being.Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, said, "As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in Bahrain, we are proud to celebrate this milestone, boasting a diverse network of over 3,000 alumni and healthcare professionals from 56 nationalities comprising 459 doctors and 1,321 nurses, which have significantly contributed to strengthening Bahrain's comprehensive healthcare system." The President of RCSI Bahrain added, "A living reflection of RCSI's dedication to sustainability and commitment to providing an ideal environment for our faculty and students to thrive and developing new programmes, our planned campus expansion aligns with Bahrain's vision to cement itself as a leading regional hub for healthcare and education, benefiting from a highly skilled workforce, welcoming and tolerant community, and exceptional lifestyle." Munther Almudawi, Executive Director of Business Development for Healthcare, Education, and Tourism at Bahrain EDB said, "At Bahrain EDB, we offer our support to investors through every step of their journey, long after they first set up in Bahrain. First founded as the national training body for surgery in Ireland, RCSI has continued to be at the forefront of healthcare education since its establishment in 1784. With a long-standing history of innovation, we take pride in RCSI Bahrain's 20 years of milestone successes on the island and look forward to witnessing the development of its sustainably-led campus expansion project, which will add value to the diversity of Bahrain's highly-developed education and healthcare ecosystems, which aims to provide service quality on par with the global playing field." In a comprehensive National Economic Contribution Report delivered by PwC Ireland, the impact of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain on the national economy was determined to be an estimated annual contribution of USD 91 million. The calculated contribution encompasses various aspects of the University's operations, including day-to-day activities, cutting-edge facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, student expenditures, and the economic ripple effect generated by the spending of visiting friends and relatives of international students enrolled. Furthermore, the upcoming construction and outfitting of the new academic building is projected to inject an additional USD102 million into the economy over a four-year period.Beyond its economic impact, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain continues to play a pivotal role in Bahrain's socio-economic development by initiating programs to enhance the skills of the local healthcare workforce, contributing to national research priorities, and championing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability. The University's activities directly and indirectly support 437 jobs, fostering growth and opportunity within the community. Furthermore, the university's staffing requirements continue growing to meet the expanding student body and research endeavours. Of the 227 full-time staff members employed by RCSI Bahrain, 50% are Bahraini nationals who benefit from a wide range of continuous professional development programs.# ENDS #RCSI Medical University of Bahrain announces a $ 45 Million campus expansionRCSI Medical University of Bahrain announces a $ 45 Million campus expansion For more information, please contact:Abdulelah AbdullaCommunications DepartmentEconomic Development BoardPhone: +973-39798919E-mail:internationalmedia@ bahrainedb.com About Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB)The Bahrain EDB is an investment promotion agency with the overall responsibility of attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate. The Bahrain EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain's investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.The Bahrain EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain's competitive advantages and provide significant investment opportunities. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, technology and innovation, tourism, education, healthcare, logistics and transport.For more information on the Bahrain EDB visitwww.bahrainedb.com Contact DetailsCommunications Department - Bahrain Economic Development BoardAbdulelah Abdulla+973 3979 8919internationalmedia@ bahrainedb.com SOURCE: Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 22:00:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1054 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWS AGENCIESTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a final tranche of the Company's non-brokered private placement, previously announced on April 24, 2024 (the "Offering"). Pursuant to the final tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued 230,000 non-flow through units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.12 per Unit (the "LIFE Offering") and 3,900,000 flow through shares (each an "FT Share") at a price of $0.15 per FT Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $612,600. The closing is subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.Proceeds from the final tranche are in addition to the previously reported closing of the first tranche of the Offering for proceeds of $1,380,000, as disclosed May 9, 2024, and the second tranche proceeds of $2,137,860, as disclosed June 6, 2024. The final proceeds from the Offering total $4,130,460.Thomas Ullrich, CEO and Director, participated by purchasing 500,000 FT Shares in the final tranche of the Offering, which resulted in related party considerations pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on Section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement and Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction insofar as the transaction involved interested parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.In connection with the closing of the final tranche of the Offering, Aston Bay has paid cash finder's fees of $30,600 to one arm's length finder, representing 6% of the proceeds raised from subscriptions by placees introduced by the finder.Each Unit consists of one Common Share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire an additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.18 per Warrant for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.The FT Shares acquired by the placees under the final tranche of the Offering are subject to a hold period until October 21, 2024, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation.There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/news/all . Prospective investors of the Units should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision. The Company plans to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration and development purposes of its projects in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA and for working capital and general corporate purposes.The securities offered have not been 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 absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.About Aston Bay HoldingsAston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade copper and gold deposits in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona. The Company is currently exploring the Storm Project property and Epworth property in Nunavut, as well as the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein and critical metals prospects in central Virginia and is in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade copper potential in the area.The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West") have agreed to form a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and enter into a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under such agreement, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.Further details are available on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/ The Company's public disclosure documents are available on www.sedarplus.ca FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSStatements made in this press release, including those regarding the closing and the use of proceeds of the private placement, management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statement", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this press release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this press release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only at the time of writing PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 23:28:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 748 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAVAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC) ("Bausch Health" or the "Company") and its gastroenterology business, Salix Pharmaceuticals, today announced that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc.This lawsuit was filed in connection with the Notice of Paragraph IV Certification, dated May 10, 2024, received from Norwich advising that it has submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) an amendment to an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) requesting approval to market a generic version of XIFAXAN (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D).Bausch Health continues to defend challenges to its XIFAXAN intellectual property. In the first Norwich lawsuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware issued a ruling in August 2022 that barred Norwich's first ANDA for XIFAXAN 550 mg from approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration until October 2029. On appeal, the ruling was confirmed.Since the District Court's ruling, Bausch Health received additional patents related to XIFAXAN 550 mg that protect the innovative treatment of IBS-D. As part of the applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office the Company provided information related to the ongoing dispute between the Company and Norwich, including the District Court's August 2022 decision.As a leader in gastrointestinal health, Bausch Health will continue to vigorously defend our intellectual property and is committed to advocating for the safety of patients who have benefited from continued access to XIFAXAN. We look forward to continuing to serve our patients, as every patient deserves better health outcomes and the chance to make the most of life.About XIFAXANXIFAXAN (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets are indicated for the reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in adults and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.About Salix Salix Pharmaceuticals is one of the largest specialty pharmaceutical companies in the world committed to the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For more than 30 years, Salix has licensed, developed and marketed innovative products to improve patients' lives and arm health care providers with life-changing solutions for many chronic and debilitating conditions. Salix currently markets its product line to U.S. health care providers through an expanded sales force that focuses on gastroenterology, hepatology, pain specialists and primary care. Salix is headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey. For more information about Salix, visit www.Salix.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.About Bausch Health Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health care outcomes. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, medical aesthetic devices, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb. Our ambition is to be a globally integrated healthcare company, trusted and valued by patients, HCPs, employees and investors. For more information, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.Forward-looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements about the future performance of Bausch Health, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "will," "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "subject to" and variations or similar expressions, including statements about the Company's actions and plans to vigorously defend its intellectual property. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. In particular, Bausch Health can offer no assurance as to the timing of any approval by the FDA of any ANDA or as to the outcome of any patent litigation. Actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to Bausch Health's overall business, including those more fully described in Bausch Health's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference.Investor Contact: Media Contact:Garen Sarafian Kevin Wigginsir@ bauschhealth.com corporate.communications@bauschhealth.com(877) 281-6642 (toll-free) (908) 541-3785SOURCE: Bausch Health Companies Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 01:50:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1096 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Important note: Biophytis has set up financing in the form of Bonds redeemable in cash and in new and existing shares (ORNANE) with the company Atlas, which, after having received the shares resulting from the conversion or exercise of these instruments, is not intended to remain a shareholder of the company. The shares resulting from the conversion of the above-mentioned securities will, in general, be sold on the market very quickly, which may create downward pressure on the share price. Shareholders may suffer a loss of their invested capital due to a significant decrease in the value of the company's stock, as well as significant dilution due to the large number of securities issued to the benefit of the Atlas company. Investors are advised to be vigilant before making the decision to invest in the securities of the company admitted to trading which carries out such dilutive financing transactions, particularly when they are carried out successively. Investors are particularly invited to take note of the risks relating to these operations, mentioned in the press release below.PARIS, FRANCE AND CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2024 / BiophytisSA (Euronext Growth Paris:ALBPS), ("Biophytis" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialized in the development of therapeutics for age-related diseases, announces the extension of its bond financing agreement with Atlas, a specialized investment fund based in New York (USA), in order to secure financing for its business activities, in particular the launch of its clinical programs OBA in obesity and MYODA in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).This two-year amendment, expiring on 14 June 2026, will allow Biophytis to issue convertible bonds for a maximum amount of 16 million, in tranches of up to 2 million each. The extension of this financing facility and the terms of the renewal agreement reflect Atlas confidence in Biophytis' growth potential. To limit the potentially dilutive impact of the financing, the issue of a new tranche will only be possible if the outstanding bond debt held by Atlas at the time of the drawdown is no more than 2 million. The current outstanding amount is 3 million. Given the characteristics of the contract amendment, this financing facility could extend the Company's cash runway, currently estimated at the end of August 2024, to the end of 2024 and contribute to the financing of R&D programs in 2025.With an estimated market size of $6 billion in 2023 and an estimated average annual growth rate expected around 42%, the addressable market for the treatment of obesity is set to reach $100 billion by 2030. The OBA Phase 2 clinical study is expected to start mid-2024, upon regulatory approvals, with first patients expected to be treated in the second half of 2024.In addition, Biophytis has been granted orphan drug designation and has received IND (Investigational New Drug) approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to start the MYODA phase 1/2 clinical trial with BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone) in non-ambulatory DMD patients. This terrible neuromuscular disease with no approved treatment for the specific respiratory symptoms is an opportunity for a fast access to market.Biophytis is actively seeking partners and additional funding to conduct its OBA and MYODA clinical programs in the coming months.Features of the Atlas 2021 Contract AmendmentLegal frameworkThe securities issued will give Atlas access, immediately or in the future, to the Company's share capital, with cancellation of preferential subscription rights in favour of a category of persons, in accordance with Article L. 225-129 et seq. of the French Commercial Code.In accordance with the delegation of powers granted by the General Meeting of Shareholders of 2 April 2024, the Chief Executive Officer signed the amendment to the Atlas 2021 Agreement on the basis of a delegation of powers granted by the Company's Board of Directors.This offer of financial securities did not give rise to a prospectus subject to approval by the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF).The Company keeps its shareholders informed of the exercise of the ORNANE bonds and subsequent conversions, in the form of a table summarizing the ORNANE bonds and the number of outstanding shares, which can be consulted on the Company's website. This table presents the history of the use of the ORNANE line as part of the Atlas 2021 contract.Main characteristics of the ORNANE bondsThe ORNANE bonds, with a nominal value of 25,000, may be issued subject to a period of 40 trading days between each issue and up to a maximum amount of 2 million, each issue constituting a tranche.A tranche may be issued if the outstanding bond debt held by Atlas does not exceed 2 million. The ORNANE bonds will not bear interest and will have a maturity of 24 months from the date of issue.The holder will have the option to request redemption of the ORNANE bonds at any time during the maturity period, and the Company will have the right to redeem the ORNANE bonds in cash. In the event of redemption in cash, the amount to be redeemed will be limited to 110% of the principal amount.At the end of the maturity period, and in the event that the ORNANE bonds have not been redeemed either in cash or in new or existing shares, the holder will have the obligation to convert the ORNANE bonds.The holder will be able to request conversion of the ORNANE bonds at any time in accordance with the conversion ratio determined by the following formula: N = Vn / (R x P), where- "N" is the number of shares resulting from the conversion,- "Vn" is the nominal value of the ORNANE bonds, i.e. 25,000 euros each,- "R"' is the conversion ratio, i.e. 1.00,- "P" is the conversion price, i.e. the lowest weighted average price for the 10 trading days preceding the conversion request date.On the date of the conversion request, the Company will have the option of redeeming the ORNANE bonds in cash in accordance with the following formula: V = (Vn / P) * Pr, where- "V" is the amount to be reimbursed to the bearer.- "Pr" is the revised price.The revised price is the lower of (i) the weighted average closing price for the 10 trading days preceding the conversion request and (ii) P*1.10.The ORNANE bonds may only be sold by their holder to affiliated companies and will not be the subject of a request for admission to trading on the Euronext Growth market.Number of shares and dilution (modelling)On the basis of 5,254,245 outstanding shares, and assuming an issue followed by conversion of a tranche of 2 million, then of all the tranches on 14 June 2024, and PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 15:00:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 377 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Brian Kayfitz Development is an app development company that launched code review services for app developers.TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Brian Kayfitz Development Corporation now offers code review services to app developers. Brian Kayfitz Development Corp. was established in 2020 to help app developers and companies with their app development services, including code reviews, mobile app strategy and app development.Code Review Services Code reviews are an important part of quality control for your app development teams. It helps identify bugs, makes the code consistent among team members and helps mentor and increase code quality. It also allows an outside party to identify logic errors, identify security issues and ensure high-quality standards. Another bonus of offering app code review services is the ability to mentor developers and solve any roadblock the developer or team is facing."When I opened my app development agency, I realized that developers working on their apps by themselves or in teams often require code reviews to ensure that the app is consistent among all team members, logic is executed as per the business requirements and no new performance issues or regression errors are introduced. The more code reviews I did, the more I realized the importance of offering it as a service to help developers and their teams." - Brian Kayfitz, CEO of Brian Kayfitz DevelopmentApp Development Code Reviews are recommended for any new feature development, before merging any new code branch to the mainline. To get started on your app code reviews, or if you need app mentoring services, learn more on briankayfitz.com About Brian Kayfitz Development CorporationBrian Kayfitz Development Corporation is a mobile app consulting and development agency that was launched in 2020. Instead of building a traditional agency, Brian decided to stay as a freelancer, focusing on helping other developers with their app development needs. As an app freelancer, he has helped over 100 developers with their code reviews, helped build over 20 apps and has co-authored the Flutter Cookbook published by Packt.Brian Kayfitz Development Corporation's app development services include code reviews, app mentorship, mobile all strategy consulting, feature development and bug fixes as well as app development services.Contact Information Brian KayfitzCEObrian@ briankayfitz.com SOURCE: Brian Kayfitz Development CorporationView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 14:15:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 524 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / As a global leader in automotive brand advertising and media promotion, 500 Car has been driving industry innovation and technological advancement since its establishment in 2017. Through exceptional advertising creativity and precise market strategies, 500 Car successfully conveys the unique charm of major global automotive brands to consumers, earning widespread acclaim and recognition. At the same time, the company actively fulfils its social responsibilities, committed to the development of environmental protection and charitable causes.500 Car's success in the advertising and media sector is inseparable from its persistent pursuit of innovation. The company continuously invests resources in technology research and innovation to enhance the precision and interactivity of advertising. By applying cutting-edge technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), 500 Car provides more personalized and efficient advertising services for its clients.500 Car has developed and utilizes an advanced precision advertising platform to ensure advertisements accurately reach their target audience. This platform maximizes the effectiveness of ad placements through audience segmentation, real-time bidding, and performance monitoring features. The company also leverages big data analytics to conduct in-depth analyses of market data, consumer behavior data, and advertising performance data, crafting the most effective advertising solutions.500 Car's success is attributed not only to its innovative advertising technologies but also to its global market expansion. The company has established operations in regions such as Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, ensuring that every brand achieves success in various markets.500 Car focuses not only on business development but also on fulfilling corporate social responsibilities. The company actively participates in community and charitable activities, giving back to society in various ways.The company regularly donates to charitable organizations, supporting causes such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Additionally, 500 Car encourages employees to participate in volunteer activities, contributing their time and skills to help those in need. In terms of environmental protection, 500 Car implements measures such as green office practices, environmental awareness campaigns, and energy conservation efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, advocating for sustainable development.Looking ahead, 500 Car will continue to drive innovation and technological advancement in the advertising and media sector, expanding its global market presence and providing clients with more efficient and personalized advertising services. The company will also persist in fulfilling its social responsibilities, contributing to social harmony and development through environmental protection and charitable causes.Through exceptional advertising services and active social responsibility practices, 500 Car is leading the new wave of global automotive brand advertising, setting the benchmark in the industry. The company will continue to uphold its core values of innovation, professionalism, cooperation, and social responsibility, making greater contributions to global automotive brands and societal development.About 500 Car500 Car, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Colorado, USA, is an advertising and media company specializing in providing exceptional advertising and media promotion services for global automotive brands. 500 Car helps automotive brands enhance their exposure and market influence through innovative advertising creativity and advanced technology. The company also actively fulfils its social responsibilities, committed to developing environmental protection and charitable causes.Contact Details:500 car ltd JOHN GERARD CHALLISadmin@500 car.com Company Website: https://www.car555.com/ SOURCE: 500 car ltd PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 14:01:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 542 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Chosen People Ministries Will Host June 20 Event That Seeks to Stop the Hate Against Jewish PeopleNEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / In response to increasing antisemitism, Chosen People Ministries is mobilizing individuals from all walks of life to unite in solidarity and stand against the rising tide of hatred against Jewish people and Israel.On June 20, Chosen People Ministries will host "Oppose Antisemitism: Stop the Hate" at Palladium Times Square in Manhattan. Chosen People Ministries, an organization dedicated to sharing the love of the Messiah with Jewish people worldwide, is seeking to confront and combat the global scourge of antisemitism through education, solidarity, and prayer.Speakers for the rally include Dr. A.R. Bernard, senior pastor of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn; Dr. Michael Brown, an author, social commentator and Messianic Jewish apologist; Dr. Mitch Glaser, president of Chosen People Ministries; and Mark and Freya Leach, father/daughter antisemitism activists from Australia. Featured musical artists include Joshua Aaron, Yaron Cherniak, and Aaron Shust."As an organization committed to the welfare of the Jewish people, Chosen People Ministries refuses to remain silent in the face of hatred and bigotry," Dr. Glaser said. "Through events like 'Oppose Antisemitism: Stop the Hate,' we hope to inspire individuals to become agents of change and champions of tolerance and understanding." In the wake of the events following the massacre in Israel on October 7, antisemitic incidents have been on the rise globally, targeting Jewish communities with hateful rhetoric, violence, and discrimination."We cannot stand idly by while antisemitism continues to spread its poisonous ideology," said Dr. Glaser. "We must take action to support the Jewish people and oppose the genocidal attacks of Hamas, and various other Iranian proxies like Hezbollah, as well as the growing anti-Jewish movement in the United States and Europe." The upcoming rally will feature insightful speakers, worship, and teaching designed to raise awareness about the dangers of antisemitism and empower attendees to take meaningful action in their communities. From exploring the historical roots of antisemitism to examining its modern manifestations, participants will gain valuable insights into combatting this age-old hatred."It is our hope that those who attend the Rally will be inspired to engage with their churches and pastors, Evangelical institutions, universities, and major denominations to rally fellow believers and take action against the rising antisemitism in North America and around the globe," Dr. Glaser said.The "Oppose Antisemitism: Stop the Hate" event is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds who share a commitment to combating antisemitism and promoting a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.Event Details:Date: June 20, 2024Time: 7 p.m.Location: Palladium Times Square, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036Registration: https://www.chosenpeople.com/opposeantisemitism/ About Chosen People Ministries: Chosen People Ministries is a global organization dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel message of salvation in Jesus the Messiah to Jewish people around the world. With a rich history spanning over 125 years, Chosen People Ministries is committed to sharing the love of the Messiah with Jewish people through innovative outreach initiatives, discipleship programs, and humanitarian aid projects.MEDIA CONTACT:Sam Mikhail sam@ junglecommunications.com 201-432-7300SOURCE: Chosen People Ministries PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-21 00:10:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Nationwide media tour conducted with Jason Grumet, American Clean Power Association, Chief Executive Officer discussing why clean energy matters.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/GbRFzOdro3A Nationwide media tour conducted with Jason Grumet, American Clean Power Association, Chief Executive Officer discussing why clean energy matters.Staying cool in your home in the hottest months of summer is dependent on enough energy being produced and reliable delivery of that energy. On a state and local level, as the electricity grid becomes more stressed not only by increasingly frequent severe weather events, but also by increasing electricity demand, clean energy is serving as a fundamental pillar in bolstering grid reliability.According to the American Clean Power Association, clean energy industry powers more of the United States every day and contributes more to the economy than any other source of energy. Nearly one fifth of all energy in the U.S. is provided by clean power.With just the utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage systems operating in the U.S. today, we've achieved massive environmental benefits through reducing carbon emissions. Clean energy projects already on the grid avoid 426 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year - that's equivalent to the total emissions 50 billion gallons of gasoline would produce.As the world becomes more susceptible to extreme weather, clean energy remains sustainable by not using precious water resources for cooling like conventional power plants. These projects save an estimated 211 billion gallons of water each year across the country, enough to fill 319,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.On June 6th Jason Grumet, American Clean Power Association, Chief Executive Officer conducted a nationwide media tour discussing these topics:The role clean energy will play in powering the US in the summer. Local data on your state ranks in clean energy creation and share of electricity. How is it affecting the air we breathe. National security implications and the usage of clean energy. Contact DetailsYourUpdateTV+1 212-736-2727yourupdatetv@ gmail.com SOURCE: YOURUPDATETV PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 15:31:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 778 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / CO2 GRO Inc. ("CO2" or the "Company") (TSXV:GROW) announces the resignations of Mr. Samuel Kanes, Mr. Tom Wiltrout, Ms. Rose Marie Gage and Mr. Gordon Surgeoner from its Board of Directors. Mr. Surgeoner and Ms. Gage were members of the special committee that was struck by the Board and announced in its press release dated April 26, 2024. Mr. Michal Boyd remains as the only member of the committee.The Company was unsuccessful in raising further debt or equity capital and has consequently had to suspend operations. The Company continues to search for interested parties to assume control of the Company or purchase its assets. Until a transaction can be concluded, the current cease trade order will remain in effect.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.About CO2 GRO Inc.CO2 GRO Inc. is a precision ag-tech, clean-tech company with a focus on people, the planet and prosperity. Our vision is to become one of the leading companies enhancing global food production from protected agriculture. By helping our customers sustainably increase yield and profitability, we could help feed up to half a billion people worldwide while reducing our customers' ecological footprint.Forward-Looking Statements and DisclaimerThis press release contains statements which constitute "forwardlooking 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. Forward looking information is often identified by the words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" or similar expressions and include information regarding: statements regarding the future direction of the Company; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business and financial objectives; plans for expansion and the ability of the Company to obtain, develop and foster its business relationships; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company, future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates that management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Such assumptions include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions; the Company's ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; successful completion of the Offering; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and technology offered by the Company's competitors; and that good relationships with business partners will be maintained. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forwardlooking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; in particular, the ability of the Company to raise debt and equity capital in the amounts and at the costs that it expects; adverse changes in applicable laws or adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws; the biotechnology industry and the greenhouse growers market are highly competitive, and technical advances in the industry will impact the success of the Company, and other risks described in the Company's filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forwardlooking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forwardlooking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Contact: Michael Boyd ir@ co2gro.ca888.496.1283 SOURCE: CO2 Gro Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 19:32:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 436 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SACRAMENTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / ACE Resource Network hosted "Coffee con Conchas," a celebration of community and connection, in downtown Sacramento last month as part of its ongoing campaign, Together in Healing. Based on current available data, the campaign has reached millions nationwide, including tens of thousands throughout the Sacramento community.A vibrant event, "Coffee con Conchas'' brought together community leaders, media, and influencers to participate in a variety of immersive activities and engage with resources curated to help support healing from childhood trauma.Designed to provide a platform for community resilience and healing, the day included a community art project, space for meditation and quiet reflection, healing circles, and space for connecting in conversation. Attendees engaged in activities designed to help foster emotional and mental well-being, informed byNumberStory.org . Highlights of "Coffee con Conchas" can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lD38k7HM6w TheTogether In Healingcampaign offers resources in both English and Spanish. Much of the social media content for the campaign uses a combination of both languages. This inclusive approach ensures that a wider audience can benefit from the valuable information provided, helping to bridge cultural and generational gaps, and strengthen community ties.TheTogether In Healingcampaign continues to engage and support community members in Sacramento County and beyond. For more information, visit the landing pages in English ( NumberStory.org/together ) and Spanish ( HistoriaDeTuNumero.org/juntos ), as well as the bilingual social media channels (@MyNumberStory onInstagram ,Facebook , andTwitter/X ).About ACE Resource NetworkACE Resource Network s mission is to reduce childhood adversity and trauma by promoting a greater understanding of childhood trauma and toxic stress; advancing research; and increasing healing spaces and resources.Number Storywas launched by ACE Resource Network as the first national public awareness campaign focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).About HypeSmackHypeSmack, a division of Heather Lopez Enterprises LLC alongside Bloggin' Mamas, specializes in targeted marketing strategies and content creation. With a proven track record of success with California and Hispanic-targeted clientele, such as Chicano Hollywood, Creep I.E. Con, Cinco de Mayo LA, Nissan, Bean and Chisme, Georgia Latino Film Festival, Nuestro Stories, and more; HypeSmack excels in connecting brands with diverse audiences through innovative digital and event marketing solutions. Their role in the Together in Healing campaign, in collaboration with ACE Resource Network, underscores their commitment to empowering Hispanic families in Sacramento County with resources to address childhood trauma.EPK: https://bit.ly/tihepk Contact DetailsBlue Whale Public RelationsRosalie Hagel Martin+1 954-683-0027Company WebsiteSOURCE: ACE Resource Network PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 15:00:45 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 427 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW CANAAN, CT / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Draycott Place Partners announced today that its client, Corinthian Title Company, Inc. (Corinthian), has been acquired by Agent/Home, LLC (AgentHome).Draycott Place Partners, an affiliate of Weild & Co., served as the exclusive financial advisor to Corinthian.Founded in 2008, Corinthian is a leading provider of title & settlement services throughout Southern California. AgentHome, which is a national network of title agents, announced its planned acquisition of Corinthian in February 2023, which at the time was subject to regulatory approval. Regulatory approval was recently granted and the transaction closed shortly thereafter."We are excited to have now officially joined AgentHome," Corinthian President Michael Godwin said. "They are providing us with the support and platform to continue to grow our company throughout California, further expanding our ability to serve our customers, while preserving our legacy, brand name, and culture." Steven Palmer, President of Draycott Place Partners, said, "It's been an honor to work with Michael and to help facilitate this great outcome for the shareholders, management team, employees, and clients of Corinthian. Michael and the company's founders have built one of the leading independent title agencies in Southern California and now marrying Corinthian with AgentHome positions it optimally for continued growth going forward." Regarding Draycott Place Partners, Michael Godwin added: "Steven and Jerrod have been fantastic partners and have done a great job guiding me and Corinthian's shareholders through the complex process of completing this strategic transaction. They added significant value throughout the course of our engagement with them." About AgentHomeAgentHome is a national network of independent title agents that value building strong relationships, developing new talent, and planning for future growth while preserving their unique brands and culture. AgentHome is led by experienced professionals from the financial services and title industry sectors. AgentHome's investors, The Orogen Group and Atairos, offer unparalleled capabilities to help companies achieve their growth potential while maintaining their community roots and local expertise. To learn more about our growing network of independent title agents, visit us at AgentHomeLLC.com About Draycott Place PartnersDraycott Place Partners provides M&A and Capital Raising services primarily to title insurance companies, as well as for other tech-enabled mortgage and business services companies. Draycott Place Partners is an affiliate of Weild & Co., a licensed broker dealer. All securities transactions executed through Weild & Co., Member FINRA | SIPC. www.draycottplace.bizsteven.palmer@draycottplace.biz 203-952-2632Contact InformationSteven PalmerPresident, Draycott Place Partnerssteven.palmer@draycottplace.biz 2039522632SOURCE: Draycott Place PartnersView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 19:45:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 753 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Find out how to elevate your summer gatherings with minimal effort for maximum fun featuring McAlisters DeliNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / As the weather heats up, so does the social calendar. Recently, Danielle Cartwright, Catering Expert fromMcAlister's Deli , conducted a satellite media tour to share insider tips on how to make your next gathering both memorable and effortless.A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/2CgtgghqNrk Find out how to elevate your summer gatherings with minimal effort for maximum fun featuring McAlister's DeliKnown for its Famous Sweet Tea and a variety of craveable sandwiches, spuds and salads, McAlister's is passionate about combining fresh favorites and signature flavors. From breakfast to dinner and individually boxed lunches to sandwich trays and everything in-between, McAlister's unique and convenient catering offerings are ideal for any event type and size, any time of day.Additionally, McAlister's Deli has a variety of unique and convenient catering offerings that are perfect for any summer get together! Whether you are hosting a graduation party, family reunion, or summer holiday gathering, McAlister's Deli catering has the perfect crowd pleasers to make entertaining easier and that satisfy everyone's craving.McAlister's Deli offers a variety of breakfast catering options, including a limited time only French Toast Bar, Yogurt Bar, and a variety of breakfast sandwich trays and boxes.For lunch, McAlister's has convenient boxed lunches that are customizable and individually packaged. A variety of sandwich trays are also always available, great for corporate meetings or family gatherings.McAlister's Deli also offers customizable hot food bars, including a Spud bar, Mac and Cheese bar, and Nacho bar. New to the McAlister's menu is a variety of Baked Mac & Cheese options, including the Baked BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese and Baked Veggie Mac & Cheese.Need snacks? McAlister's catering offers a range of snack tray options, including the Grazing Box! The Grazing Box includes an assortment of meats, cheeses, and fresh fruits and veggies, serving groups of up to 15 people.This summer, McAlister's is excited to offer guests a special catering discount to help them plan the perfect gathering. When guests spend $150 on a McAlister's catering order, they can receive $15 off when using the promo code SUMMER24 on the McAlister's website. This offer is single use, and valid all summer long through Labor Day, September 2*.And you don't want to miss McAlister's annual Free Tea Day on July 18th! At its 500+ locations nationwide, guests can get a free cup of our famous tea on McAlister's**.Stop by your local McAlister's Deli location to pick up your order, or place one for delivery. And for those last-minute needs, McAlister's also offers same-day catering - perfect for spontaneous summer fun. To view the full catering menu and place a catering order online, visitmcalistersdeli.com/catering *Offer valid 5/24-9/2/24 to McAlister's Rewards Members for $15 off catering orders of $150 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through https://www.mcalistersdeli.com/cateringat participating locations. Must use promo code SUMMER24 at checkout. Single use. Not valid with any other offer or reward, or third-party delivery. Service fee applies to online, in app, and certain call-in orders, other fees and taxes may apply for all orders; see checkout for details. Void where prohibited.**Valid on 7/18/24 at participating locations only. Offer applies to Big Tea only, including: Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, Sweet Tea/Unsweet Tea, Tea/Lemonade, Flavored Teas, and one Flavor Shot per Tea. Limit one Tea per person in-store and four Teas per McAlister's online or in app order. Excludes all non-tea beverages and Kid's Drinks. No substitutions. Offer automatically applied at checkout. McAlister's Delivery orders subject to Delivery and Convenience fees. Service fee applies to online, in app, and certain call-in orders, other fees and taxes may apply for all orders; see checkout for details. Not valid with any other offer or reward, or third-party delivery. Void where prohibited.About McAlister's Deli Founded in 1989, McAlister's Deli is a fast casual restaurant chain known for its genuine hospitality, sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister's Deli also offers catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more. With numerous industry accolades, the McAlister's Deli brand had more than 530 restaurants in 29 states as of December 31, 2023. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. For more information, visitmcalistersdeli.com , and find McAlister's on social media atFacebook.com/McAlistersDeli Contact DetailsYourUpdateTV+1 212-736-2727yourupdatetv@ gmail.com SOURCE: YOURUPDATETV PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 15:03:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1047 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 /Europacific Metals Inc. (TSXV:EUP)(OTCQB:AUCCF) (the "Company" or "EuroPacific") announces drill program expansion with an additional hole down to 350 meters targeting the high grade zone below the fourth hole where the Company intersected a mineralized section (results pending) and at approximately 80m to the north where the Company recently announced the results of the first hole comprising 22.8 m grading 2.76% Cu, including 9.0 m grading 7.49%.Chief Executive Officer, Karim Rayani stated: "We are very excited with the progress made to date. Most of the holes drilled have confirmed the continuity of the deposit which is open in all directions. We are looking forward to receiving the assays pending - confirming the first good impressions from core observations, at the same time gather information from the depth extensions of the mineralized system with the undercut hole targeting 350 meters." The initial program tested the section on the supergene blanket which is thought to extend down to 80m below surface and represents an immediate target for a shallow open cut operation with a non-expansive hydrometallurgical Copper plant. Miguel Vacas mine area located approximately 180 km east by road from Lisbon and approximately 70 km east from Evora, the Alentejo region capital.A decision was made to extend the drilling program with an undercut inclined 350m hole to test the "fresh" mineralization below the oxidized rich material in the same section of hole EBMV004 which shows a wide mineralized section (results are pending).The mineralized system extends at least 2 km along strike and is open at depth. It includes an 80m supergene blanket with a suite of copper carbonates, phosphates and oxides, and changes gradually to a sulphide assemblage including chalcopyrite and pyrite, mainly.The surficial part of this system includes essentially oxidized ore minerals, including copper carbonates, sulphates and oxides down to 80 meters. Below this depth primary sulphides (chalcopyrite and pyrite) are the main metallic-mineral constituents of the mineralized system. Mineralization is hosted on a polymict breccia with a quartz-carbonate matrix and quartz, grey shales and graphitic phyllite clasts, which extends on at least 2 km along strike on a NNE-SSW direction.HIGHLIGHTSThe Company has completed 10 holes at the Miguel Vacas copper deposit totaling 1,060 meters. Most of the holes intercepted a wide quartz-breccia zone varying from approximately 5 meters up to more than 25 meters thick. An undercut > 350m hole is in progress in addition to the initial plan.Results have been received for only two of the ten holes drilled. The first hole (EBMV001), confirmed previous drill core intercepts and returned better than expected results including a continuous intercept of 22.8m grading 2.76 % Cu, including 9.0 meters grading 7.49 % Cu with these high-grade results strongly influenced by a 1-meter section grading 45.6 % Cu and an adjacent 1m interval grading 4.45% Cu.The second hole (EBMV002) projected to test the northern extensions of the known deposit has been successful in intersecting the mineralized zone which although showing modest assay results, clearly indicates the mineralized system is also open to the north. This encourages further drilling which is planned in the near future. The hole intersected two zones with anomalous copper values, one including 7.3 m grading 0.26% Cu from 121.60 m and another with 8.45m grading 0.18 % Cu from 132.4o m.Assays from the remaining holes are awaited from ALS Laboratories. However, based on the visual observation of the core it is now confirmed the presence of the mineralized breccia in all holes drilled which shows good indications for further follow-up drilling.Based on these good results, a decision was made to drill a deeper hole to investigate the primary ore at depth and to compare it with shallow intercepts regarding mineralogy, grades and thickness.Detailed core sampling is in progress and all samples taken have been sent to ALS Laboratories for assaying. Core samples are cut in half on site and dispatched to ALS Laboratories for analysis (Gold by Fire Assay and multielement ME-MS for 48 elements). Certified blanks/standards (CDN-BL10 and CDN-CM41) are inserted approximately every 20 samples for quality control.The 2024 drill program is now in the middle of the 1,500 meters campaign with the objective of further defining a shallow open pit resource of oxide Copper mineralization recoverable by hydrometallurgical methods. Step out drilling will be undertaken on a later stage focused on the assessment of the sulphide rich (> 80m) part of the deposit below the oxidized blanket. Below this depth sulphides include mainly chalcopyrite and pyrite as the most abundant ore minerals.About Europacific Metals IncEuroPacific Metals Inc. is a Canadian public company listed on the TSXV and on the US OTCQB. The Company holds brownfield gold, and copper-gold projects located in Portugal. The Company is focused on exploration in highly prospective geological settings in Europe jurisdictions. EuroPacific Metals ("EUP") owns a total of 100% equity interest in EVX Portugal, a private Portugal based company, that holds the legal exploration rights from the Portugal Government on the Borba 2 ("Borba 2") exploration properties, covering approximately 328 square kilometers in the Alentejo region in Southern Portugal. Miguel Vacas is the most advanced prospect within the Borba 2 license.Qualified PersonTechnical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and approved for inclusion by Mr. Jose Mario Castelo Branco, EuroGeol, who is a "Qualified Person" with over 35 years' experience in the Exploration and Mining Geology industry. Mr. Castelo Branco holds a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Porto in Portugal. He is also a member of the Portuguese Association of Geologists, the European Federation of Geologists, Member of the Prospectors and Developers of Canada, the Society of Economic Geologists and the Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsEuropacific Metals Inc.Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer11th Floor - 1111 Melville StreetVancouver, BC V6E 3V6E: k@ r7.capitalwww.europacific.ca This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the exploration potential of the Company's properties. Generally forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "anticipate", "will", "expect", "may", "continue", "could", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential" and s PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 16:31:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 393 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Travelers can now exchange their empty FuelRods for fully charged ones, free of charge, courtesy of AUSAUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 /FuelRod, a leading provider of portable power solutions, today announced an exclusive promotion sponsored by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). This groundbreaking initiative, which runs through November 30, allows travelers at AUS to swap their depleted FuelRod chargers for fresh ones at no cost. This marks the first promotion of its kind at any airport, highlighting FuelRod's commitment to ensuring travelers have reliable access to power and a stress-free travel experience.Travelers passing through AUS can now enjoy the convenience of swapping their depleted FuelRods for fully charged ones up to 10 times per month, free of charge. This hassle-free process can be completed at any of the several FuelRod kiosks throughout the airport by simply selecting the "swap" button, entering a phone number, and exchanging the used rod for a fresh one. Phone numbers are collected to track the 10-use limit. For travelers who prefer not to provide a phone number, the standard swap fee of $1 applies.Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the first airport to offer such a promotion, setting a new standard for passenger comfort and convenience. This collaboration with FuelRod reflects a shared commitment to keeping travelers charged and connected by ensuring a reliable portable power source for their devices. FuelRod aims for this promotion to inspire similar initiatives nationwide, bringing sustainable charging solutions to travelers across the country."We are extremely proud of our partnership with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and their support of our vision for easily accessible, eco-friendly charging for travelers on the go," said Joe Yeagley, FuelRod Co-founder. "AUS, as the first airport to sponsor the FuelRod "Swap" service, exemplifies Texas hospitality and demonstrates their commitment to providing an elevated experience for their passengers." About FuelRodFuelRod is a California-based company specializing in portable power solutions. The developer of the FuelRod kit, the first reusable, portable charging system, FuelRod allows you to charge your mobile device on the go and then recharge or swap it for a fresh one. With a growing network of kiosks nationwide, FuelRod ensures your devices stay powered virtually wherever you go. Learn more at fuel-rod.com Contact DetailsRazor Sharp PR Ray Young+1 512-694-6097ray@ razorsharppr.com Company WebsiteSOURCE: FuelRod PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 14:22:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 559 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / GDA Capital and Coinweb are excited to launch the "Next Top Blockchain Startup" Competition for Summer 2024, and with multiple developer tracks from blockchain infrastructure partners. The competition boasts an impressive prize pool of $200,000 USD, with more prizes likely to be secured leading up to the event. Over the four weeks of July, entrepreneurs will benefit from an educational program designed to build thriving businesses and will have the opportunity to secure vital funding by pitching their business in a live case competition setting.The Next Top Blockchain Startuprepresents a route for new development teams to gain not only funding but also exposure to essential industry relationships and educational content. It is supported by leading protocols, organizations, investors, and a broad network of mentors from academia, enterprises and developer communities from all over the world."Guiding the next generation of blockchain entrepreneurs from ideation to realization is more than a mission; it's a necessity for the industry's evolution. GDA Capital is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey, and to host this initiative that I wish existed while I was at university, and was looking to get more immersed into the international blockchain community" states Michael Gord, Founder and CEO of GDA Capital."It is events like these that truly push the industry forward. We at Coinweb are eager to showcase the untapped potential residing within our community, setting the stage for the natural evolution of the internet," says Toby Gilbert, Co-Founder & CEO of Coinweb Labs. Coinweb Labs, the core contributor ofThe Coinweb Protocol , the Layer 2 cross-chain protocol, has recently announced a $10M grant for startups building on the platform and has offered a portion of this grant to fuel the event.This year's competition revitalizes the industry challenge segment with exhilarating new tracks led by forefront companies in the blockchain space:Interoperability by Coinweb Decentralized Cybersecurity by Naoris Revolutionary Asset Management with the ERC-7621 Basket Token Standard by Alvara Protocol Web3 Competitive Gaming by Moxy AI Future by a global AI Web3 Launchpad POGE (Proof Of Green Energy) Mining/Blockchain by SolarXThe Next Top Blockchain Startup competition has also partnered with key institutions within the blockchain space, including theBlockchain Education Network , one of the most established bridges between top universities and the Web3 industry. The focus on partnering with these institutions is to bring participation from the brightest young minds around the world, and to inspire the next generation of builders to focus on building web3 applications.To get involved in this competition as a participant, sign up for free onDevpost .To get involved as mentor, judge, business partner, sponsor, or investor, reach out toinfo@ nexttopblockchainstartup.com , or directly on twitter.About GDA CapitalGDA Capital is a leading provider of digital asset investment and capital markets advisory services, specializing in global go-to-market strategies, investor relations, corporate development, community building, and tokenomics. With a team experienced in bringing new technologies to market, GDA Capital plays a significant role in the global digital asset ecosystem.About CoinwebThe Coinweb Protocol is a groundbreaking Layer 2 cross-chain computation platform that uniquely combines Scalability with Interoperability, setting new standards in the blockchain industry. It enables the seamless operation of decentralized applications across multiple blockchains, effectively merging them into a unified ecosystem.Contact DetailsBryan Feinberg+1 551-574-2169SOURCE: GDA Capital PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-21 00:46:43 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 582 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Contact Hagens Berman by July 1, 2024 Deadline to Join Class ActionSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) investors who suffered substantial losses to act now by submitting your losses here.Class Period: May 8, 2019 - April 10, 2024Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 1, 2024Website: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/gl Contact An Attorney Now: GL@ hbsslaw.com Phone: 844-916-0895Globe Life Inc. (GL) Securities Class Action and Activist Short Sellers' Investigative Reports:McKinney, Texas-based insurance giant Globe Life is facing a multi-pronged crisis, grappling with explosive allegations of fraud at its American Income Life (AIL) subsidiary, a federal investigation, and a new securities class action lawsuit.The lawsuit, filed on behalf of investors, alleges that Globe Life made misleading statements and failed to disclose crucial information concerning potential widespread insurance fraud at AIL and a pervasive culture of sexual harassment.The fraud began to emerge on Apr. 11, 2024, when short-seller Fuzzy Panda Research issued a scathing report accusing AIL of rampant fraudulent practices. The report, based on interviews with former executives and agents, outlined concerning misconduct:Issuing policies for deceased or fictitious individuals to inflate business metrics.Forging signatures on policy documents, compromising operational integrity.Unauthorized withdrawals from customer bank accounts.Generating fake policies using fictitious accounts to meet performance targets.Fuzzy Panda further implicated AIL leadership, alleging fraudulent practices escalated under CEO Steve Greer (appointed 2017) and President Dave Zophin (joined in 2018). Their interviews suggest AIL sales teams wrote over $200 million in fraudulent annual life insurance premiums.The report also unearthed a potential $43 million bribery and kickback scheme orchestrated by Globe Life executives. The alleged scheme involved concealing ownership of an insurance licensing testing vendor (Xcel Testing) and directing recruits to use their services for licensing exams.These allegations triggered a significant stock price plunge, with Globe Life shares dropping $55.76 (roughly 53%) on April 11.Further complicating matters, the company disclosed a Department of Justice (DOJ) probe into AIL's business practices, specifically sales tactics used by agents, in late April. Subpoenas were reportedly issued in late 2023, raising concerns about potential wrongdoing.Adding to the turmoil, another short-seller, Viceroy Research, commenced a ten-part investigative report series targeting Globe Life on April 30. The initial report detailed:Extensive background checks on AIL's top-performing agents revealing allegations of kidnapping, assault, and child grooming.A high number of fraud accusations against AIL and its agents, often surfacing in wrongful termination or sexual harassment/assault claims.How AIL's operational methods impact churn rate, structural cash flow issues, employee misclassification risks, and the use of offshore captive reinsurers for potential liquidity against impaired assets."We're looking into whether Globe Life may have concealed widespread fraudulent business practices at AIL," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Globe Life and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Globe Life investigation, read more # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-21 00:17:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 816 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Goodway Group , a leading independent digital marketing agency, is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for the third consecutive year. This prestigious award honors companies that have created exceptional environments where employees are engaged, motivated, and committed to their work.Goodway Group continues to lead how the future of work evolves. With a steadfast commitment to a 100% remote workforce since 2008, the company's values are rooted in employee well-being, continual learning, and unparalleled flexibility. By embracing work-life integration, teams are encouraged to bring their authentic self to work each day to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients."Our approach, inspired by the infinity loop, is both simple and transformative: By prioritizing our employees, we ignite client success, creating an endless cycle of shared prosperity," said Kandi Gongora, Chief Transformation and People Officer at Goodway Group. "We are unwavering in our commitment to our team, offering flexible scheduling and fully remote work to support their personal and professional aspirations. Our dedication to continuous skill development ensures our employees remain relevant and future-ready, evolving alongside the ever-changing needs of our clients." Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces 2024 list is the result of a rigorous evaluation process, including a comprehensive survey of employees and an evaluation of company policies, practices, and culture. The winners are chosen based on their ability to create a positive and productive work environment, as well as their commitment to employee satisfaction and engagement.The selection process involves the following steps:Employee Survey: Inc. Magazine conducts an anonymous survey of employees at participating companies, asking questions about their job satisfaction, company culture, and overall work environment.Company Evaluation: Inc. Magazine's editorial team evaluates the company's policies, practices, and culture, including factors such as employee benefits, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance.Data Analysis: Inc. Magazine analyzes the survey data and company evaluations to identify the top-scoring companies in each category.Final Selection: The top-scoring companies are selected as Inc. Magazine's Best Places to Work."Our infinity loop principle ensures that everything we do for our clients makes Goodway a great place for employees to grow their career, and everything we do for our employees grows our clients' business," said Jay Friedman, CEO of Goodway Group. " When thousands of companies' employees are asked anonymously by an outside party to rate their workplace, these are results worth paying attention to and for us, something to be proud of." About Goodway GroupGoodway Group is a leading independent digital marketing agency fueled by data, technology and a dedicated purpose of making your media investment perform. Goodway Group's Outcome Engineering powers our full ecosystem, a proprietary philosophy that connects strategy, analytics and precise execution for measurable growth.Goodway Group ranks among the top North American agencies, earning prestigious awards for innovative marketing technology, impactful work and fostering inclusive, remote-first workplaces. We've been honored as a multiyear Ad Age Best Places to Work and received AdExchanger's Best Use of Technology by an Agency award among other accolades. Our collective media buying power has led to industry-renowned partnerships. We hold certifications and are recognized with preferred partner status across the Triopoly and all major marketing and media platforms. This ensures that our clients' media investments are optimally managed, minimizing fraud and waste, and maximizing effectiveness and value.Our company encompasses five distinct divisions: CvE, a marketing advisory firm; G-Comm, a retail media accelerator; TUFF, a performance marketing agency; Goodway, a managed service media and analytics partner; and GRADIANT, a modern funnel digital media agency.Together, we make up Goodway Group, the marketing engine that unlocks measurable growth for the world's most progressive brands. Learn more: www.goodwaygroup.com Follow us:Insights|X|LinkedIn|FacebookAbout Inc. MediaThe world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information,visit www.inc.com About Quantum WorkplaceQuantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visitQuantumWorkplace.com Contact DetailsKite Hill PR for Goodway Group Alexandra Morrisongoodway@ kitehillpr.com Company WebsiteSOURCE: GOODWAY GROUP PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 19:01:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 946 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CARY, NC / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / 2024 is rapidly shaping up to be a defining year in generative AI. While 2023 saw its emergence as a potent new technology, business leaders are now grappling with how to best leverage its transformative power to grow efficiency, security, and revenue. With the near-universal integration of AI into global technology, the need for AI-ready cybersecurity teams is more critical than ever. INE Security, a leading global cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certification provider, predicts large language model (LLM) applications like chatbots and AI-drive virtual assistants will be at particular risk."AI systems are invaluable, enabling us to process vast amounts of data with unmatched speed and accuracy, detect anomalies, predict threats, and respond to incidents in real-time. But these revolutionary technologies are also empowering attackers, leveling the playing field in unprecedented ways," said Lindsey Rinehart, COO and Head of AI Integration at INE Security. "As automated attacks increase, our defense strategies must also be automated and intelligent. The accelerating arms race between cyber attackers and defenders underscores the vital need for ongoing training and development for cybersecurity teams." According to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024, cybercriminals mentioned AI and GPT in over 800,000 posts in illicit markets and dark web forums last year. Training and preparation for AI in infosec are no longer optional: organizations must deploy employee training for AI and cybersecurity to maintain effectiveness and stay ahead of attackers.Strategies to Optimize Teams for AI and Cybersecurity1. Incorporate Structured Team Training ProgramsThe first step in building an AI-ready cybersecurity team is to implement structured training programs that focus on both foundational cybersecurity principles and advanced AI applications. These programs should offer certifications and courses from recognized institutions and industry leaders to ensure they meet high standards. For example, courses offered by INE Security provide comprehensive training that covers both traditional cybersecurity skills and newer AI-based tools. The ideal training program will include:Skills Gap Analysis : Conduct an analysis to identify where the team's capabilities may be an area of improvement, particularly concerning AI integration.Tailored Curriculum Development : A training curriculum that addresses identified cybersecurity skills gaps, incorporating both core cybersecurity principles and advanced AI applications.Blended Learning Approach: A mix of online courses, hands-on labs, and real-world scenario simulations to accommodate different learning styles and enhance practical application skills.2. Promote a Culture of LearningBuilding a culture that encourages ongoing learning and curiosity is equally important. Google, for instance, fosters a learning culture where employees are encouraged to spend 20% of their time on learning new skills or on side projects, many of which involve AI and cybersecurity innovations. This not only keeps their skills fresh but also helps in retaining talent and fostering a proactive approach to security challenges.To effectively implement a culture of learning that supports the development of AI-ready cybersecurity teams, organizations can adopt several strategies:Provide Access to Resources: Offer subscriptions to leading industry publications, access to specialized online courses, and entry to relevant conferences and seminars that focus on AI and cybersecurity.Reward Continuous Learning: Establish a rewards system that recognizes and incentivizes team members who actively engage in learning new skills or who earn new certifications, particularly those that integrate AI technologies with cybersecurity practices.Create Innovation Labs : Set up dedicated spaces or times when employees can experiment with new technologies or develop new solutions independently of their regular tasks. This can help stimulate creative thinking and practical application of learned skills.3. Leverage Simulation-Based LearningSimulation-based learning tools like cyber ranges provide hands-on experience in dealing with real-world cybersecurity scenarios and help users learn how to use AI. Cyber ranges provide a simulated environment where professionals can safely engage with and respond to real-world cyber threats using AI tools, without the risk of impacting actual operations (this hands-on lab from INE Security is a great example). This practical exposure is crucial for understanding how AI can be integrated into cybersecurity practices to detect, analyze, and mitigate threats. By training in a cyber range, team members can develop and refine their skills in a controlled yet realistic setting, which improves their ability to effectively utilize AI in live environments. The hands-on experience also helps in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enhancing the team's overall readiness and responsiveness to emerging cyber threats.To effectively leverage cyber ranges for building an AI-ready cybersecurity team, consider implementing the following strategies:Regular Tabletop Exercise: Incorporate regular sessions within the cyber range into the team's training schedule. This ensures consistent practice and skill refinement in handling AI-driven security scenarios.Scenario Variety: Develop a variety of threat scenarios that reflect the latest AI-driven attack techniques and the most common threats specific to the organization's industry. This variety helps prepare the team for a wide range of potential real-world situations.Cross-Functional Exercises : Include team members from various functional areas in cyber range sessions to foster a comprehensive understanding of how AI impacts different aspects of cybersecurity across the organization.Post-Exercise Reviews: Conduct debriefing sessions after each cyber range exercise to discuss what was learned and how it can be applied. This reinforces the lessons and integrates them into everyday practices.4. Encouraging Participation in Hackathons and CompetitionsParticipation in hackathons and cybersecurity competitions can also play a crucial role in continuous learning. These events challenge participants to solve complex problems with innovative solutions, often under time constraints. They are excellent for learning new skills, testing existing ones, and keeping up with the latest cybersecurity and AI technologies.To effectively implement a strategy that encourages participation in hackathons and competitions, organizations can adopt the following approaches:Promote Awareness: Regularly inform team members about upcoming hackathons and competit PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 12:30:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 530 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HELSINKI, FINLAND / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Local commerce platform Wolt announces the launch of Wolt Capital, a new service providing fast and simple access to additional financing for merchants.Many restaurants are small businesses and require access to capital to maintain operations and invest in their future growth. Over the course of a restaurant's lifespan, owners will often require some kind of capital investment, whether to cover unexpected expenses, renovate the kitchen, open a new storefront, or just meet normal operating costs.Edward Daka, Product Lead, Banking & Payouts at Wolt emphasizes: "We are always listening to our partners and adapting our services and offerings to meet their needs. Fast and simple access to capital has regularly come up in our talks with merchants. That's why today, we're excited to introduce Wolt Capital. This initiative is designed to support the success and growth of merchants, giving them the opportunity to access transparent financing." Traditional bank financing often has stringent requirements that leave many entrepreneurs without options. Wolt Capital changes this by offering revenue-based transparent financing to merchants with a proven sales record on the Wolt platform. This financing can be used for various business needs, including purchasing equipment, marketing, rent, hiring, payroll, and more."My experience with Wolt Capital has been positive and I am grateful for the support I have received for my business. Its flexibility and fast and efficient process make it a valuable financial tool for entrepreneurs like me," said Nezir Giray of the popular Finnish restaurant Ismet Jatkasaari.At launch, Wolt is partnering with finmid, a financial infrastructure provider, to offer this service. Here's how it works:Pre-Approved Advances: Eligible merchants will see a pre-approved advance amount in their Merchant PortalFast Funding: If accepted, funds can be deposited in the merchant's bank account within 1-2 business days, with no additional paperwork required.Transparent Costs: Merchants pay a one-time fee over the advance period, with no hidden charges, recurring interest, or prepayment penalties.Automated Repayment: Repayments are based on a percentage of Wolt sales, making it flexible according to business performance.During the pilot program, over a hundred Wolt merchants utilized Wolt Capital for various needs, which is why Wolt Capital is now being rolled out to more countries.Edward Daka adds, "With Wolt Capital, we aim to provide our partners with an accessible financing option, helping them invest in their future growth. We will continue to develop products and services that strengthen our merchant community and ensure their continued success." While we are constantly evaluating new markets, Wolt Capital is now available to all eligible restaurants in Sweden, Poland, Finland and Denmark.About WoltWolt is a Helsinki-based technology company that makes it easy to discover and get the best restaurants, grocery stores, and other local shops delivered. To enable this, Wolt develops a wide range of technologies - from local logistics and retail software to financial solutions - and operates its own grocery stores under the brand Wolt Market.Wolt was founded in 2014 and joined forces with DoorDash in 2022. DoorDash operates in 31 countries today, 27 of which are with the Wolt product and brand.Contactwolt@ aspectusgroup.com SOURCE: Wolt PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 18:32:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 346 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Signature Performance, Inc. has disclosed a data breach affecting the personal information of consumers. The breach impacted numerous individuals who entrusted their sensitive personal information to Signature.WHAT HAPPENED? In early February 2024, Signature detected that an unauthorized third party gained access to its IT network. On June 10, 2024, Signature began sending notice letters to individuals impacted by the data breach.WHAT INFORMATION WAS IMPACTED? The following types of sensitive personal information may have been exposed as a result of the data breach:Full nameDate of birthSocial Security numberHealth insurance informationMedical informationWHAT'S THIS ABOUT? Compensation may be available for Signature Performance clients who received notice that their personal information had been breached.WHY AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION? Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers break into networks to steal your personal information to sell it on the dark web or commit identity theft, financial theft, or other frauds. The company may be liable for failing to secure your privacy.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED? If you received a data breach notification letter from Signature Performance, you are affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:ABOUT LEVI & KORSINSKYLevi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 13:45:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 971 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 /Metallic Minerals Corp. ( TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") s pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 5,000,000 flow-through common shares (the "FT Common Shares") of the Company at a price of $0.40 per FT Common Share for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 (the "Offering"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, has been engaged on a "best efforts" basis for the Offering.Proceeds from the Offering are intended to be used toward eligible Canadian Exploration Expenses, within the meaning of the Canadian Income Tax Act, at the Company's high-grade Keno Silver project and the Company's alluvial gold royalty portfolio in Canada's Yukon Territory.The Company may pay finders' fees under the Offering in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Closing is expected to occur on or around June 24, 2024. All the securities issued are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from their date of issuance, under applicable Canadian securities laws. Completion of the private placement is subject to TSX-V final approval.The FT Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.About Metallic MineralsMetallic Minerals Corp. is a resource-stage mineral exploration company, focused on copper, silver, gold, and platinum group elements in top North American mining jurisdictions. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate highlights a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.2 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver, with numerous additional targets showing potential for a district scale porphyry system. In May 2023, the Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment by Newmont Corporation (previously Newcrest Mining which was acquired by Newmont Corporation in November 2023). The U.S. Geological Survey ("USGS") has identified the La Plata mining district as a potential critical minerals resource area under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative program and in 2023 completed significant geologic and geophysical studies to enhance understanding of the critical mineral occurrence in the district.In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining Company's operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. The new 2024 Resource Estimate at the Company's Keno Silver Project adds 18.2 Moz silver equivalent to the Company's total resources. Hecla is the largest primary silver producer in the USA and soon to be Canada's largest with full production at its Keno Hill operations in 2024.The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators.Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in North America, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development and has worked closely with Canadian First Nation groups, US Tribal/Native Corporations, and local communities to support successful project development.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Website: www.mmgsilver.com Phone: 604-629-7800Email: cackerman@ mmgsilver.com Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. F PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 16:03:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 503 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The Team at Modelit is Thrilled to Announce That It Has Reached Salesforce Crest Partner Status, Marking a Major Milestone for the CompanySEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Today, the Modelit team is proud to join the top 15% of Salesforce consulting and implementation companies worldwide by ascending to Crest partner status. This achievement marks a major milestone on the company's continued journey toward Salesforce excellence.AcknowledgmentsModelit would like to thank:Our dedicated Modelit professionals for the hard work they've put in each day to make this achievement possible. Our exceptional leadership team for their guidance and expertise that have driven our team to aim higher, always. Our Modelit client community for placing their trust in our team and helping us to grow. What does it mean to be a Salesforce Crest partner?Salesforce Partners are trusted to deliver innovative solutions and handle 70% of customer implementations globally. Crest partners, like Modelit, excel in building and delivering cutting-edge solutions on the Salesforce platform.Achieving Crest partner status means Modelit has met rigorous standards for quality, expertise, customer success, security, and performance.As a key player in the Salesforce ecosystem, Modelit is now in one of the top four tiers: Base, Ridge, Crest, and Summit. This classification reflects the company's commitment to high-quality service, client success, and continuous improvement.How did Modelit reach Crest level?To help Modelit reach this next level on its Salesforce journey, the company's experts have worked tirelessly to raise the bar across a handful of areas.Customer Success: We have maintained our Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score at a perfect 5.0, demonstrating our strong commitment to bringing success and happiness to each of our clients.Innovation: Our team continues to expand its expertise by increasing the total number of projects completed and Salesforce certifications held by our experts. Additionally, we actively participate in Salesforce's Pledge 1% initiative - meaning that we dedicate 1% of our time, product, and profit to philanthropy.Equality: Aside from being led by a diverse team of professionals, we also engage in events like "Techy for the Day." This event introduces women and girls to the many opportunities available in the field of technology, promoting gender diversity in the industry.Sustainability: We have taken the 1t.org pledge to plant over 50,000 trees over the next five years. With this initiative, we intend to make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gases and supporting environmental sustainability. About ModelitModelit is a highly rated Salesforce partner built by certified and experienced experts offering services in custom development, CRM configurations, and AppExchange app development. The company has offices in the U.S. and Latin America, operating within similar time zones as its customers and collaborating in real time. Modelit is dedicated to helping clients maximize their Salesforce investments by providing an aligned customer experience, faster time-to-market, and lower total cost of engagement.Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news from the Modelit community.Contact InformationDanny TengCEO, Modelitdanny.teng@modelit.xyz SOURCE: ModelitView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-21 00:17:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 531 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HOLLYWOOD, MD / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Platform Aerospace's Ultra-Long Endurance Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), Vanilla, completed mission requirements during a 27-hour flight at the Valiant Shield 2024 (VS24) exercise in Guam.Vanilla UAS Vanilla UAS - Communications Relay at Valiant Shield 2024From June 7th to June 18th, Platform Aerospace participated in VS24, a training exercise built on the collaborative efforts of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and partner nations.Upon take-off from Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) in Guam, Vanilla completed mission requirements by demonstrating communications relay functionality through Link 16 (BATS-D) and Silvus radio connections to other participating assets, including High Altitude Balloons (HABS) and manned and unmanned air and surface vessels. In the early hours of June 13th, Vanilla flew through substantial precipitation, including multiple events of 1,000 ft/min climbs and descents due to airmass motion, in the mission airspace. Due to ongoing extreme weather, Platform Aerospace operators returned to base early rather than risk damage to the aircraft.On June 14, Vanilla returned to AAFB and executed a normal landing on runway 24R. Landing occurred at 11:21 local, concluding a 1-day, 3-hour, 2-minute flight with the Link 16 relay active for the entire duration. Whereas this is a relatively short flight for Vanilla, which has demonstrated >8-days of unrefueled endurance in a desert environment, this flight demonstrates advanced technology readiness for any military operational environment.Vanilla can be configured for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Communications Relay, Decoy, Air Launched Effects (ALE), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Warfare (EW), or any combination of those mission requirements.Vanilla is a Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) Program; VS24 was Vanilla's graduation event and formal Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 assessment. Platform Aerospace participated in VS24 in partnership with OUSD(R&E) and the 3rd MDTF.About RDERThe RDER initiative is a multi-DoD component experimentation in a structured, multi-year learning campaign to accelerate new capabilities to fill critical joint warfighting capability gaps. RDER accelerates Joint innovation, expands International Partnerships and Multi-lateral engagements, focuses on Service joint experimentation, quickly demonstrates and assesses innovative ideas, and provides feedback to future Warfighting concept development. Read more about RDER at: https://ac.cto.mil/pe/rder/ About OUSD(R&E)The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) advances research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military's technological superiority. Learn more at www.cto.mil , follow @DoDCTO on Twitter, or visit OUSD(R&E) on LinkedIn.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.Our 45,000-square-foot aviation design, fabrication, and modification campus in St. Mary's County, Maryland, is designed to meet the demanding and unique needs of our U.S. and other Government partner organizations.If you are interested in learning more, please contact bd@ platformaero.com or visit our website at https://platformaerospace.com/ Contact InformationAllegra FloresMarketingbd@ platformaero.com 301-863-9253Paula MarloweMarketing and Growth Managermarketing@ platformaero.com 301.863.9253, ext. 607SOURCE: Platform AerospaceView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 20:45:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 491 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure withReadyWise ! As the top manufacturer of freeze-dried meals for emergency preparedness and outdoor enthusiasts, ReadyWise is rolling out amazing deals on all their summer essentials. Recently showcased on Fox & Friends during Skip Bedel's special segment on great gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts, ReadyWise meals are a must-have for every summer occasion. Don't miss out on these incredible offers that promise to elevate your outdoor experiences and ensure you're always prepared, no matter what.Summer Adventure Must-HavesThe ReadyWise OutdoorPro Meal Collection , featured as one of Skip Bedel's favorites, includes eight gourmet meal options perfect for camping, hiking, or any summer adventure. Designed to be lightweight and easy to prepare, these meals only require hot water and are ready in minutes, making them ideal for on-the-go adventurers. With flavors crafted by gourmet chefs, you'll savor dishes like Beef Bulgogi & Kimchi Fried Rice, Chicken Pot Pie, and Pasta Alla Vodka with Chicken, all designed to provide delicious, nutritious meals.These meals are not just for casual hikers; they're engineered to support rigorous activities on the famous trails they support like the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail. Select meals were developed with professional athletes to provide the best protein and calorie content for outdoor activities. Whether planning a weekend camping trip or a multi-day trek, ReadyWise's Outdoor Pro Meal Collection ensures you are fueled and ready for any challenge.Preparedness for Uncertain TimesIn addition to summer adventure meals, ReadyWise emphasizes the importance of being prepared for crucial situations. With increasing international tensions and the rise in extreme weather, including the first named storm, Alberto, in the 2024 Hurricane Season, preparedness is more important than ever. Fox & Friends recommends ReadyWise's1 Month Food Supply , which offers convenient and comprehensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.This food supply is designed for a long shelf life, ensuring you have reliable nutrition when you need it most. The 1 Month Food Supply is a great starting point for those looking to ensure their readiness for any emergency, from natural disasters to unexpected crises.Beyond the basics, ReadyWise offers an extensive range of additional products to enhance your emergency kit. Choose from proteins, fruits, vegetables, and single-ingredient options to customize your preparedness plan. ReadyWise provides more than just food; it offers peace of mind by ensuring preparedness for any situation.Catch Our FeatureBe sure to catch ReadyWise's feature onFox & Friendsand start your summer right with ReadyWise's top-notch products. For more information, visit https://readywise.com/ ***About ReadyWiseHeadquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, ReadyWise is a premier provider of high-quality, freeze-dried meals designed for both emergency preparedness and outdoor activities. With a commitment to quality and convenience, ReadyWise helps customers be ready for anything, from adventurous outings to unexpected emergencies. Learn more at https://readywise.com/ Contact DetailsAmalie Jorgensenajorgensen@ readywise.com Norm Ramosnramos@ readywise.com Company WebsiteSOURCE: READYWISE PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 17:04:04 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 339 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Dive into the future of life insurance with our cutting-edge AI platform.RALEIGH, NC / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / InsurTech Express is thrilled to announce the launch of InsurTech Navigator AI, a revolutionary platform set to transform the Life Insurance Technology landscape https://ienavigator.ai/ InsurTech Navigator AI Access to the latest resources, solutions and information on insurance technology using AI. Groundbreaking Launch: InsurTech Navigator AI is poised to be a game-changer, providing industry professionals with unprecedented access to resources and insights in the life insurance technology sector.Unparalleled Content Aggregation: As the world's largest content hub for Life Insurance Technology, InsurTech Navigator AI offers an unmatched collection of insights and resources. Industry professionals can now access the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on insurance software solutions, ensuring they stay ahead in this fast-evolving field.Comprehensive Navigation Tools: InsurTech Navigator AI is designed with user convenience in mind. Key features include:Industry Events: Stay informed about crucial industry events.Job Opportunities: Discover popular job openings in the sector.Carrier Agent Portals: Gain seamless access to essential portals.AI Tools: Enjoy one-click entry into advanced AI tools like Proforce Ledger and Midnight Underwriter. Extended Features: InsurTech Navigator AI goes beyond basic functionalities. The platform includes capabilities to generate images and summarize PDF documents, making it the ultimate guide to the insurance technology sector.Industry Endorsements: "We are excited to be a part of Navigator AI, the industry's first innovation hub. Our strategy has always been to work with industry leaders like InsurTech Express and leverage AI to enhance these already powerful tools and improve the overall advisor experience," said Robert Strauss, Co-Founder of Proforce."InsurTech Express is a central resource for the latest innovation in Insurance Technology. InsurTech Navigator AI takes it to the next level with information and one-click access to AI solutions," said Ken Leibow, CEO of InsurTech Express.Discover the forefront of innovation with InsurTech Navigator AI.Contact Information Ken LeibowCEOken@ insurtechexpress.com 402-740-7356SOURCE: InsurTech ExpressView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 15:01:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 983 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV:REVV)(OTCQB:REVVF) ("Revolve" or the "Company"), a North American owner, operator and developer of renewable energy projects, is pleased to announce an upward revision of its previously announced FY2024 forecast.On September 5, 2023, the Company provided forward looking guidance with respect to revenues and EBITDA for the financial year ending June 30, 2024 ("FY2024"). Specifically, revenue was projected to increase to US$5million with a breakeven EBITDA ( https://revolve-renewablepower.com/revolve-announces-forward-guidance-for-fy2023-financial-results-and-a-fy2024-financial-forecasts/) As a result of an improved operating environment, the Company has increased its revenue forecast for the financial year to June 30, 2024 ("FY2024") from US$5.0m to US$6.0m and its EBITDA forecast from breakeven to US$1.5m.About Revolve Revolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects in the US, Canada and Mexico. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions which installs and operates sub 20MW "behind the meter" distributed generation (or "DG") assets. Revolve's portfolio includes the following:Operating Assets: 11MW (net) of operating assets under long term power purchase agreements across Canada and Mexico covering wind, solar, battery storage and hydro generation;Under Construction: a 3MW CHP project and a 450kWp rooftop solar project that are both under construction and expected to be operational later this year; andDevelopment: a diverse portfolio of utility scale development projects across the US, Canada and Mexico with a combined capacity of over 3,000MWs as well as a 140MW+ distributed generation portfolio that is under development.Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from "greenfield" through to "ready to build" status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 1,550MW of projects.Going forward, Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US, Canada and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating DG assets.For further information contact: Steve Dalton, CEO IR@ revolve-renewablepower.com orSunita PrasadVP, Corporate Development & Investor RelationsPhone: +1 778-885-5550 IR@ revolve-renewablepower.com Non-IFRS Measures This press release makes reference to certain non-IFRS measures including Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"). Non-IFRS measures and industry metrics do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. The term EBITDA consists of net loss or gain and excludes interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The most directly comparable measure to EBITDA calculated in accordance with IFRS is net gain or net loss. The term EBITDA margin consists of the percentage of net loss or gain and excludes interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. These measures, have limitations, and are provided in addition to, and not as an alternative for, and should be read in conjunction with, the information contained in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP (including the notes), included in our filings on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca and posted on our website.Financial Projections The Company's financial projections are inherently speculative and may prove to be inaccurate. Any financial projections provided in this press release have been prepared in good faith based upon the estimates and assumptions considered reasonable by management. However, projections are no more than estimates of possible events and should not be relied upon to predict the results that the Company may attain. Future oriented financial information in this press release includes statements with respect to (i) revenues and EBITDA for FY2024; and (ii) that the Company's revenue will increase to US$6m and that it will have a EBITDA positive for FY2024; and (iii) that it's increase in revenue and EBITDA will be driven by the Company's existing operational distribution generation portfolio as well as further contingent milestone payments from utility scale projects previously sold to 3rd parties. There is a risk that the conditions related to these contingent payments may not be met and therefore the payments will not be received by the Company, which would materially impact the Company's FY2024 projected revenues and EBITDA. The projections are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions and have not been examined, reviewed or compiled by independent accountants or other third-party experts, including assumptions with respect to the Company's anticipated expenses and future revenues from the Company's existing operational distribution generation portfolio as well as further milestone payments from utility scale projects previously sold to 3rd parties. These assumptions may vary from the actual results. Accordingly, there is no assurance that future events will correspond to management's assumptions or that actual results during the periods covered will approximate the financial projections. Any variations of actual results from projections may be material and adverse. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking information generally, are, without limitation, based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company and management as at the date hereof. Our actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from management's current expectations and, as a result, our revenue, profitability, EBITDA may differ materially from any revenue, and profitability profiles provided in this press release. Such information is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be an indication of our actual financial position or results of operations.Revolve does not provide reconciliations for forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures as Revolve is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreaso PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 17:04:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 468 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MIDLAND, MI / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 /Rivers are Life, a collective voice for global river ecosystems, teamed up with Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the Fox River, Louisiana State University, Dow, and the Richard Childress Racing (RCR)Team - including Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Dow Chevy, and his pit crew - to clean up a portion of the Mississippi River on June 1, 2024. The cleanup took place ahead of the Enjoy Illinois 300, a NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois."It was rewarding to work with Dow alongside their partners Ducks Unlimited and Rivers are Life to support a local ecosystem," said Austin Dillon. "It's important we take an active role to preserve nature for the benefit of communities now and into the future. I hope more individuals and organizations get involved." The local cleanup was led by Living Lands & Waters and included approximately 40 volunteers, resulting in 1,780 U.S. lbs. of trash being removed from an island in the middle of the Mississippi River. This eclectic group of participants and volunteers partnered to raise awareness for the critical needs and value of water and nature ecosystems and to inspire people to get more involved in improving, protecting and preserving the world's rivers."Dow is committed to finding innovative and collaborative ways to protect rivers and other natural ecosystems," said Carrie Houtman, sustainability director for circularity and climate at Dow. "We want to continue to raise awareness around conservation needs and to encourage and inspire other like-minded organizations to join us in supporting healthy ecosystems and programs such as Rivers are Life." "Through films, events and community projects, Rivers are Life is building a global movement to engage river advocates, activists and supporters every day to preserve, protect and explore the world's waterways and ecosystems," said Chris Keefer, Founder and CEO of Rivers are Life and BeAlive Inc. "Partnering with prominent figures like Austin Dillon ahead of the Illinois 300 NASCAR race was a unique opportunity to highlight the important role rivers play in front of an entirely new audience." After the cleanup, all participants gathered to discuss the importance of water and land initiatives and to explore more ways to collaborate and raise public awareness around the importance of our planet's rivers and various ecosystems. Rivers are Life is proud to partner with like-minded businesses, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and activists willing to contribute invaluable research, expertise, and resources to help move the needle for river sustainability.To learn more about Rivers are Life, partnerships, and future events near you, visit: https://riversarelife.com/ Contact Information:Katie HorningHead of Brand, Rivers are Life Brand Division, BeAlive Inc.khorning@gobealive.com 989-491-1019SOURCE: Rivers are LifeView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-21 00:05:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 797 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / The Swiss WEB3FEST 2024 has concluded with outstanding success, setting new benchmarks in the world of blockchain and WEB3 innovation. From June 5-13, 2024, the event brought together an impressive 4500 attendees, 200 speakers, and 50 exhibitors across 28 events. Some highlights of the festival was the participation of Edward Snowden and the Crypto Valley Visionaries list, honoring the pioneers and innovators of the blockchain space. This year's festival was embedded around the pivotal Crypto Valley Conference in Switzerland, combining several ecosystems and welcoming both national and international guests and speakers from all over the world.Event Highlights:One of the major highlights of the Swiss WEB3FEST 2024 was the fireside chat with Edward Snowden and Brittany Kaiser at SHED Zug. Snowden, the world-famous whistleblower, joined via video link for a 2-hour discussion on Friday and a 30-minute keynote at the Unconference on Saturday. He discussed data sovereignty, digital privacy, and the role of blockchain in decentralizing power and enhancing privacy. Snowden emphasized, "Not individuals, but large tech companies and state authorities now possess the right to privacy," highlighting the critical need for blockchain technology in protecting digital rights. This session offered unique insights from two leading figures in the realm of digital security.Additionally, the Unconference, held at the FIVE Hotel in Zurich, was another standout with six different areas, each with its own stage,agenda and presenting projects. This dynamic setup fostered in-depth discussions and hands-on experiences across AI, NFTs, the metaverse, gaming, finance, tokenization, and more on the Web3 space.Lastly, the Sustainability Day, co-hosted by DFINITY, was another impactful day in which industry leaders showcased their initiatives towards a greener future.. This event underscored the importance of green blockchain initiatives and sustainable corporate practices, emphasizing the positive impact of blockchain technology on the environment.Recap of Key Sessions:Investor Brunch: Partnered by Animoca Brands, VNTR and Outlier Ventures, this event set the stage for impactful discussions on investment and innovation in the WEB3 space.Protocol Roundtable: An exclusive luncheon for layer-1 blockchain leaders, fostering collaboration and networking.Future of Protocols Sessions: Engaging keynotes and panels featuring industry leaders like Mihai Alisie (Akasha), Dominic Williams (DFINITY), and Lily Liu (Solana Foundation).Corporate Innovation Day: A summit focusing on blockchain's transformative effects on finance, impact, and consumer engagement, held at Decentral House in Geneva.Looking Ahead:The success of the third edition of the Swiss WEB3FEST sets the stage for future editions around the globe. We are excited to announce the UAE WEB3FEST, scheduled for October 2024, and the second Swiss WEB3FEST Winter Edition in January 2025. The upcoming events will continue to drive innovation, collaboration, and growth in the global WEB3 ecosystem, while demonstrating their impact and contribution to attendees.Join the next editions and contribute to reshape the future of WEB3.Whether you are a tech veteran or a curious newcomer, there is something for everyone at the WEB3FEST.For more information on tickets, participation, or sponsorship opportunities, please visitwww.web3fest.ch VIDEO AND IMAGESSome example material from our event-series, reach out to us if you have specific needs.Recap Video Opening DayRecap Video Snowden & Brittany Fireside ChatRecap UnconferencePhotos UnconferenceAbout WEB3FESTWEB3FEST is a biannual series of events designed to showcase the core themes of WEB3, shaping the future of the internet's next generation. It covers a comprehensive range of topics such as AI, blockchain, digital assets, cryptocurrencies, gaming, sustainability, IoT, metaverse, NFTs, and more. The festival offers a platform to foster innovation, advance networking, and engage with the latest technological advancements, making it a must-attend event in the global tech calendar.About Crypto ValleyLocated in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Crypto Valley is one of the world's leading ecosystems for blockchain and cryptographic technologies. It is a thriving hub of innovation and collaboration, attracting entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and global leaders looking to reshape industries and revolutionize business practices.About Crypto OasisThe Crypto Oasis is the largest WEB3 ecosystem in the world focused on the Middle East and Africa region and is supported by initiators of the Crypto Valley Switzerland. The core elements needed for its development are Talent, Capital, and Infrastructure. The Ecosystem's stakeholders include Investors & Collectors, Start-Ups & Projects, Corporates, Education & Research Institutions, Service Providers, and Government Entities & Associations. Crypto Oasis is the leading Blockchain ecosystem in the world. Today it is the fastest growing, with more than 2,040 blockchain-related organisations in the UAE alone.Swiss NFT AssociationThe Swiss NFT Association is the go-to educational hub for NFT expertise and thought leadership. The Association serves as a knowledge space; it is the primary resource for all matters concerning NFTs, actively curating quality content and building a thriving community.Contact DetailsInacta Ventures Press Office Pascal Arnoldpascal.arnold@inacta.ch SOURCE: WEB3FEST PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 02:01:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 316 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. ("Lamb Weston" or "the Company") (NYSE:LW) 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. Lamb Weston is the subject of a report published by the Wall Street Journal on April 4, 2024. According to the Journal, "The company lowered its full-year forecast for sales to between $6.54 billion and $6.6 billion, and for adjusted earnings per share to a range of $5.50 and $5.65. Those numbers were down from prior guidance of sales between $6.8 billion and $7 billion and adjusted EPS to between $5.70 and $6.15. The report adds, "Chief Executive Tom Werner attributed the reduced guidance to soft near-term restaurant traffic trends and a transition to a new enterprise resource planning system in North America that has hurt its financial results more than expected." Based on this news, shares of Lamb Weston fell by more than 17.7% in morning trading on the same day.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 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. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 22:32:03 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 333 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 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. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 23:10:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1035 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Bush family members, distinguished alumni of President George H.W. Bushs administration, key supporters and thousands of community members came together to remember the 41st president of the United States during what would have been his 100th birthday week.COLLEGE STATION, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 / From June 11 - 13, 2024, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation hosted 41@100: A Celebration of George H.W. Bush for Bush 41 alumni, Bush Foundation supporters and thousands of community members at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Center on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, Texas. They had one goal in mind: commemorate President George H.W. Bush's extraordinary life, achievements and legacy of service during what would have been his 100th birthday week."As President Bush demonstrated throughout his remarkable life, service can unite and uplift our country," said Secretary Andrew H. Card, Jr., CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation. "We're thrilled with how the community supported President Bush's legacy of selfless service on what would have been his centennial birthday. We hope he continues to serve as an inspiration for generations to come." JUNE 11, 2024: BUSH 41 ADMINISTRATION ALUMNI REUNION DAYThe first day of the centennial celebration brought together alumni of the George H.W. Bush administration, including individuals who worked for President Bush at any time throughout his life of service. View photos and b-roll.Conversation with Secretary Robert M. Gates and Secretary Andrew H. Card, Jr.: Governor Jeb Bush moderated a conversation between Secretary Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and former Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, and Secretary Andrew H. Card Jr., CEO of George & Barbara Bush Foundation, former Secretary of Transportation for President George H.W. Bush, and former Dean of Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. They discussed the many ways President Bush made America and our world a safer, better place to live. They told behind-the-scenes stories from Bush's presidency, with a recurring theme of how President Bush was not only an outstanding leader, but also an empathetic human. Watch the recording on the Bush Foundation's website: GeorgeAndBarbaraBush.org/41at100.41 Alumni Reunion Dinner featuring the Gatlin Brothers: Fred McClure, former assistant for legislative affairs for President George H.W. Bush, and associate vice president of Leadership & Engagement at Texas A&M University, served as Master of Ceremonies. Secretary Card kicked off the evening with a warm welcome. The Gatlin Brothers, who were not only one of President Bush's favorite bands but were also his close friends, gave an energetic performance.JUNE 12, 2024: PRESIDENT BUSH'S 100TH BIRTHDAY AND A DAY OF GRATITUDEThe second day of the centennial celebration welcomed Bush family members and key supporters. View photos.Wreath-laying ceremony: The day began with Bush family members and senior White House staff participating in a special wreath-laying ceremony at President Bush's gravesite located on the grounds of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Center on Texas A&M's University's campus.Book Launch and Conversation: Attendees were treated to an exclusive book debut and conversation with Jon Meacham, Pulitzer-Prize winning biographer, and Jean Becker, former Chief of Staff to President Bush and New York Times bestselling author, about their respective books about President Bush. Meacham and Becker regaled attendees with memories and stories about their interactions with President Bush over the years, which resulted in lots of laughter from the audience. Each story also demonstrated President Bush's kindness, optimism and strong character. Watch the recording on the Bush Foundation's website: GeorgeAndBarbaraBush.org/41at100.Centennial Celebration Dinner: The evening came to an exciting close with an invitation-only Centennial Celebration Dinner at the Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion, the newest addition to the George H.W. Bush Library & Museum. President George W. Bush; Secretary Andrew H. Card, Jr., CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, former Secretary of Transportation for President George H.W. Bush, and former White House Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush; and Mark Welsh, Texas A&M University President, made remarks. Bush family members Doro Bush Koch, Governor Jeb Bush, and Neil Bush gave touching tributes, and Lauren Bush Lauren gave a heartfelt memorial toast. There was also a rendition of "Amazing Grace" from Grammy Award-winning The Oak Ridge Boys.JUNE 13, 2024: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION DAYOver 4,000 community members joined the George & Barbara Bush Foundation for a day packed full of free, family-friendly activities. View photos and b-roll.Grand Opening of the Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion: The new Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion is a 29,000-square-foot building at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum on the Texas A&M campus featuring the retired Marine One helicopter flown frequently by President and Mrs. Bush during their time in office, and the Union Pacific 4141 Locomotive, which is painted to match Air Force One, and led President Bush's funeral train from Houston to his final resting place on the grounds of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum.Bush Family Parachute Jumps: The jumps commemorated President Bush's love for adventure and the parachute jumps he did himself on his birthday every five years from ages 75 to 90. Several Bush family members jumped, including Neil Bush, Pierce Bush, Lauren Bush Lauren, George P. Bush and more, plus Secretary Andrew H. Card Jr., CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation. Several of the grandkids jumped with Mike Elliott, a former member of the Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team and founder of the All Veteran Group.Birthday Cake and Ice Cream Reception with Sully the Service Dog: Nothing says happy birthday like cake and Blue Bell ice cream in the Rotunda of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. The president's former service dog and loyal best friend, Sully, made a special appearance alongside Reveille, Texas A&M University's mascot.President Bush's Grandchildren Panel: During a panel discussion, "Looking Forward: Carrying the Mantle of Service into the Future," the Bush grandchildren reflected on memories and expressed deep gratitude to their grandparents for giving them the freedom to pursue their own paths to public service. Through stories that brought both laughter and tears, they reminded the crowd that President Bush never too PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 16:31:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 340 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Travel Nurses, Inc. ranks among highest-scoring businesses on Inc.'s list of best workplaces.GERMANTOWN, TN / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 /Travel Nurses, Inc. has been named to Inc.'s annual Best Workplaces list. Prominently featured on Inc.com , the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company cultures, whether operating in a physical or a virtual facility.Best Workplaces Travel Nurses, Inc. named to Inc. Best Workplaces 2024 list.After collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. selected 543 honorees this year. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, which included topics such as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The organization's benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking.Travel Nurses, Inc. is a leading healthcare staffing agency with more than 35 years in the industry. Their commitment to integrity and transparency is not only recognized by corporate staff in the survey, but it is also echoed by the company's healthcare professionals in their reviews."We are so honored to be on Inc.'s list of the Best Workplaces for 2024. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture where our team members can thrive and flourish," said Bryan Burnett, CEO of Travel Nurses, Inc."Each year, Inc.'s Best Workplaces program recognizes the very best in terms of companies that have fostered a truly amazing culture," says Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman. "We use hard metrics and data as well as qualitative measures for judging in order to find the very best - and we're proud that the program is highly selective." Contact Information:Anna Joy TamayoCommunity and PR Managerannajoy@ travelnursesinc.com 901-347-0271Catherine KnollVice President of Marketingcatherine.knoll@travelnursesinc.com 901-425-1636Related ImagesBest Workplaces Travel Nurses, Inc. named to Inc. Best Workplaces 2024 list. Travel Nurses, Inc. logo Travel Nurses, Inc. logo SOURCE: Travel Nurses, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-20 14:01:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 457 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / June 20, 2024 /Truly Good Foods is delighted to announce the promotion of Eric Leonard to the newly established role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), effective immediately. This strategic appointment underscores TGF's commitment to growth and innovation as Leonard will play a critical role in steering the company toward achieving its long-term objectives.Truly Good Foods Chief Strategy Officer Eric Leonard Leonard's journey with Truly Good Foods began in 2022 when he joined as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he quickly became a cornerstone of the leadership team, bringing a wealth of experience and a sharp strategic mind. Over the past two years, Leonard's impact on TGF's financial health and efficiencies has been profound, helping the company navigate a dynamic market landscape with confidence and agility.In his new role as CSO, Leonard will oversee TGF's director-level leaders, driving strategic initiatives across the organization. He will retain financial oversight in addition to taking on responsibilities in Sales, Marketing, HR, IT, and Supply Chain functions. He will focus on identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities, enhancing competitive edge, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement."Eric has been a tremendous asset for our company's growth and financial success since his arrival at Truly Good Foods," said Angela Bauer, President/CEO of Truly Good Foods. "Beyond his role as CFO, he has been instrumental in aligning our strategic vision and driving key data-driven decisions. His dedication to continuous improvement and his ability to step up and help get the job done are the essence of our company culture. We are confident that Eric's leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the many opportunities ahead." Those who have had the privilege of working closely with Eric Leonard know that he embodies the essence of TGF's culture, resonating deeply with its SNACK company values: Spark growth & curiosity, Nurture integrity, Advance leadership, Captivate customers and Kindle collaboration.As TGF embarks on this new chapter, Leonard's vision and guidance as CSO will undoubtedly lead to a brighter and Truly Good future.About Truly Good Foods:Flavor runs in the family. Truly Good Foods has a passion for snacks and has specialized in quality snacking for more than 47 years. Women-owned and second-generation family-operated, TGF is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a recently expanded manufacturing facility and five additional operating centers across the United States. Bulk snack mixes are the foundation of our offerings with a wide variety of over 2,000 manufactured and distributed products, ensuring a full snack program.Truly Good Snacks = Premium, Familiar Ingredients + Fun Culinary Flavors + Functional BenefitsVisit www.trulygoodfoods.com for more info.Contact Information Lisa SmithDirector of Marketinglsmith@ trulygoodfoods.com 704-574-3314SOURCE: Truly Good FoodsView the original press release on newswire.com Heineken B.V has divested its controlling stake in Uyo-based Champion Breweries Plc to a new investor, EnjoyCorp Limited. EnjoyCorp acquired 100 per cent shareholding in Raysun Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Heineken, which until the acquisition held an 86.5 per cent in the beer-maker. Sequel to the approval of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the parties have successfully completed the transaction, and EnjoyCorp has taken full control of 100% shares in The Raysun Nigeria Limited accordingly, Champion Breweries said in a regulatory filing. EnjoyCorp is committed to building our company and galvanising shareholder value through strategic initiatives and investments that align with its mission of enriching lifes moments through a diverse portfolio of brands, it added. Heineken is also the majority owner of the countrys biggest beer-maker Nigerian Breweries, where it has a 56.7 per cent interest. EnjoyCorp was incorporated on 7 February 2024, with its registered office located in London, United Kingdom. Ehimare Idiahi is listed as a director in the company, according to Companies House, the UK government agency responsible for incorporating companies and registering their information. 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 EverCorp Industries Limited, another company in which Mr Idiahi has a significant control, is incorporated and registered in London, UK. According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Idaho was the managing director of Tangerine Africa from November 2022 to October 2023, a non-executive director at Central Securities Clearing System between February 2017 and August 2023, and a non-executive director at Emxor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited from February 2018 and June 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Houston and a Master of Business Administration from Said Business School, University of Oxford, his LinkedIn profile shows. The economic rationale for the acquisition is anchored on the targets potentials including growing customer base and product with market penetration which has the potential to result in recurring revenue, predictable cash-flows and sustainable growth over the medium to long term, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said in a statement in May. Champion Breweries is to be incorporated as a flagship subsidiary within EnjoyCorps growing portfolio of food, beverage and hospitality brands, Champion Breweries said in the regulatory filing. Incorporated in Nigeria in 1974, Champion Breweries started bottling beer in 1976, with an initial capacity of 150,000 hectolitres of beer and 10,000 hectolitres of malt drink. The company reported a profit drop of 73.4 per cent to N370.6 million for full year 2023. Assets as of the end of last year totalled N20.6 billion, representing a 33 per cent year-on-year increase. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned a suit filed against the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Abuja, Rasheed NaAllah, a professor, for judgment. The suit is about the dispute over the tenure of the universitys Senate. The judge, Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the matter for judgment after counsel for the plaintiffs, Maxwell Opara, and Mr NaAllahs lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), adopted their processes and argued their case for and against the suit. Mr Ekwo said a date for judgement would be communicated to the parties. If I am unable to give judgement before vacation, with your consent, I can apply for a fiat from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to deliver the judgement during vacation, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiffs, comprising four professors Saint Gbilekaa, Edmund Nwanna, Sunday Ejaro, Kasim Umar, and Wesley Nafarnda = alongside Uju Patrick, had filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/683/2024. The six aggrieved senior lecturers sued the vice-chancellor, the Nigerian president, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) over the alleged arbitrary termination of the tenure of the universitys Senate and council. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In the originating summons, they prayed the court to determine whether having regard to Section 2A, 2 (3) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 (otherwise called the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007), it is lawful and valid for Mr NaAllah to arbitrarily call for the conduct of fresh Senate and Congregation council members elections while the last elected members four years tenure is still valid and subsisting. They, therefore, sought an order of injunction restraining the VC from taking any steps towards conducting any fresh election for Senate and congregation of Council members until the elapse of the last elected members four years tenure, which they said was meant to last till 15 July 2025. The plaintiffs alleged that while the matter was still pending before the court, Mr NaAllah, on 28 May, conducted another election for the Governing Council members of the institution. Against this backdrop, the aggrieved lecturers filed an ex-parte motion to seek an urgent order to stop the inauguration of the newly elected council members. In the motion ex-parte filed on 5 June, they sought seven prayers, including an order of interim injunction directing all parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the motion on notice. They also sought an order of interim injunction restraining the vice chancellor and others from conducting any inauguration of the newly elected internal council members of the university pending the determination of the motion on notice, among other reliefs. Mr Ekwo had, on 7 June, ordered Mr NaAllah to appear before the court on 13 June to show cause why the planned inauguration should not be stopped. The VC, through his lawyer, Mr Onoja, in compliance with the order, filed an affidavit on 11 June to show cause. He equally filed a counter-affidavit and a notice of preliminary objection urging the court to dismiss the suit for lacking merit. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Various research works by scientists and medical experts have suggested that malaria, and particularly repeated episodes, could be responsible for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. A recent report by the Lancet Global Health Journal, a leading journal for health issues, appraised about 10 research works of various experts which link malaria as an infectious disease to elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The report is titled: Increasing Blood Pressure: Could Malaria have a Role? The new findings constitute a new development in the field of medicine, especially on the causes of major diseases such as hypertension and CVDs. The researches reviewed include one by Anjana RM, Unnikrishnan R, Deepa M, et al. titled: Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17); Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence and progress in treatment and control from 1990 to 2019: a pooled analysis of 1201 population-representative studies with 104 million participants by NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC); Prevalence of cardiovascular complications in malaria: a systematic review and Elevated Blood Pressure among Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, is jointly written by Alexander Chen, Laura Waite, et al. This study reported that more people from sub-Saharan Africa aged between 20 years and 60 years are affected by end-organ damage due to underlying hypertension than people in high-income countries. Also, the Lancet Global Health Journal reports that one in 10 adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa has hypertension, and in India, one in three adults. It noted that between 2009 and 2019, a 100 per cent increase in the number of individuals with hypertension was reported globally. 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 This increase, according to the report, has been attributed to an increased prevalence of hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries. Theres a need to improve the rapid detection, formal diagnosis, and appropriate management of hypertension across the entire lifespan. A better understanding of the natural history of hypertension and end-organ damage is needed among people aged 2040 years in sub-Saharan Africa, it said. At a regional level, research has shown the predominance of cardiovascular diseases in poor and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, the most populated country in sub-Saharan Africa, there has been a concerning rise in cardiovascular disease prevalence in recent years, with a 150 per cent increase reported in some studies. The CVD is considered the highest burden of non-communicable diseases. According to this report, CVDs account for nearly 10 per cent of deaths and 3.8 per cent of disability-adjusted life in Nigeria, surpassing deaths caused by common infectious diseases. Malaria in Africa, India Each year, there are at least 200 million cases of malaria, resulting in almost half a million deaths annually and more than 90 per cent of all malaria deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the WHO 2022 World Malaria Report, there were 249 million cases of malaria in 2022 compared to 244 million cases in 2021. WHO added that deaths caused by malaria rose to 608,000 in 2022 compared to 610,000 in 2021. Four African countries Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Mozambique reportedly accounted for more than half of all malaria deaths worldwide, contributing 26.8, 12.3, 5.1 and 4.2 per cent respectively. The disease is responsible for 11 per cent of maternal deaths and 25 per cent of deaths in infants. Meanwhile, India carries 1.7 per cent of the global malaria burden and 85.2 per cent of the burden in Southeast Asia. The country also carries 1.2 per cent of global malaria deaths. New findings According to the new report, people in sub-Saharan Africa and India are more likely to experience cardiovascular diseases due to malaria infection which has remained prevalent in these areas for decades. The report by the Lancet Global Health Journal indicates that after reviewing the various research works, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases could be caused by repeated severe malaria exposure, especially during childhood. It, however, noted that this is most applicable to populations in rural areas in low-income and middle-income countries such as India and African countries, where it claims lifestyle, sociocultural, and economic changes are less likely to trigger blood pressure elevation. The report said: Malaria exposure, particularly repeated malaria episodes and severe malaria in childhood, has been reported to be a contributing risk factor for the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. The risk-factor profile could be the case for some African and Indian populations where malaria has been endemic for many decades. Research still limited The journal, however, cautions against holding a conclusive view on the matter, saying the relationship between exposure to malaria and cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure is still limited. It said the impact of malaria exposure on cardiovascular health was evaluated through an indirectly modulated evolutionary selection in malaria-endemic areas. The report noted that one of the direct effects found was the extended elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which hurt cardiovascular health and lead to cardiovascular diseases. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are small proteins that are released by cells in the body to start and promote inflammation. They help the immune system respond to infections or injuries by causing redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Although pro-inflammatory cytokines are helpful to the human body, an extended elevation causes the inflammation-promoting proteins to stay at high levels for a long time. This, when it occurs, can harm the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Aside from the risk of an extended elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the report found that malaria exposure also has an indirect effect on genetic selection causing specific mutations in the two pivotal enzymes (ACE mutation rs4646994 and ACE2 mutation rs2106809) of the human renin-angiotensin system. The report said certain tiny changes in two important enzymes of the body, ACE and ACE2, that control blood pressure can help protect children from getting very sick with malaria. These changes protect children from severe malaria by increasing levels of angiotensin II. However, having higher levels of angiotensin II for a long time might lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) when these children grow up. This protection, which is thought to be due to resultant elevated plasma angiotensin II concentrations, has been hypothesised to predispose individuals to hypertension in adulthood. This hypothesis has only been evaluated in hospitalised severe malaria patients, the report said. Recommendations Given the recent discovery of malarias impact on cardiovascular health, researchers have called for further investigation into infectious diseases as risk factors for elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease. The Lancet research recommended that identifying the impact of infectious disease on CVD can be helpful to the population in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The study asked that funding be provided for robust population-wide research to ascertain the direct and indirect roles of malaria exposure in predisposing individuals to hypertension. Such research, the study noted, should focus primarily on malaria-endemic areas. The report said: Many biological, sociocultural, economic, environmental, and nutritional risk factors have been scrutinised and traditionally attributed to this burgeoning increase in hypertension. However, infectious diseases, such as malaria, have not been sufficiently investigated as risk factors for elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. This research would also help to delve deeper into the causes of pathogenesis for many non-communicable diseases that might be driven, at least partly, by various communicable diseases, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) NAFDAC, has reiterated that the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages in Nigeria has not been lifted. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, reaffirming the ban. The statement contradicts the previous announcement made by the House of Representatives stating that the ban had been suspended. Mrs Adeyeye admitted that there was a meeting with the legislators on the matter but said no final decision was made, adding that the ban remains pending further deliberations and a conclusion. She said: The ban on sachet alcohol is a ministerial directive and the ban remains until the ministers respond. The meeting last week Thursday is a continuation of the discussion. The outcome of the meeting is that the ministers should write a memorandum to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the House, and the representative of the Speaker, Jake Dan-Azumi, then said we should continue the discussion after the recess of the House members in July. So, the discussion continues. Decisions A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, announced Friday that the House and NAFDAC had agreed to lift the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages in the country. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Agbese said a temporary lifting of the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages was agreed upon following a meeting between the House Committee and NAFDAC officials. According to him, the ban will be reinstated when the economy recovers. Backstory NAFDAC on 1 February commenced the enforcement of the ban on the importation, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below. According to the DG, the decision was based on the recommendation of a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers, Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, in December 2018. The enforcement of the ban led to a protest by distillers and labour unions, who argued that it would result in the loss of 500,000 jobs and the destruction of N800 billion in investments. Deliberations Mrs Adeyeye further clarified in the statement that the agency is acting on a ministerial directive and the ban on alcoholic beverages remains in effect, pending a response from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate. The outcome of the meeting is that the ministers should write a memo to the Speaker and the representative of the Speaker, Jake Dan-Azumi, then said we should continue the discussion after the recess of the House members in July. So, the discussion continues, the statement reads in part. The Agency was again advised to suspend the ban, and I responded by saying that it was a ministerial directive and that I had not received any directive from the Coordinating Minister to suspend the ban. Mrs Adeyeye said following the meeting, she reported the outcome to both Mr Pate and his minister of state counterpart, Tunji Alausa. She reiterated that the ban on alcoholic beverages will remain in place until further guidance is received from the relevant ministers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Federal High Court in Kano on Thursday nullified the Kano Emirate Council (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2024, that scrapped four of the five emirates councils of the state last month and removed all the five emirs, including Aminu Ado-Bayero of Kano. Governor Abba Yusuf, on 23 May, signed the bill that repealed the State Emirate Council Law 2019. The Kano State House of Assembly had earlier on the same day passed the bill that also dissolved the four emirates created by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Mr Yusuf immediately reinstated Mr Sanusi the following day as the sole emir of Kano State. But a title holder in Kano emirate, Aminu Danagundi, challenged the governments decision at the Federal High Court. The judge, Abdullahi Liman, in suit number FHC/KN/CS/182/2024, had immediately ordered the state government and the other parties involved to stop the implementation of the new emirate law pending the hearing of the substantive case. On Thursday, Mr Liman, who appeared at the court room at exactly at 3:08 p.m, apologised for coming late. In about an hour ruling, the judge ruled that the appointment of Mr Sanusi aa Kano emir was null and void as the government failed to obey the court order restraining it from taking further actions on the new emirate council law. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The judge described Governor Yusufs speech during the presentation of the reappointment letter to Mr Sanusi as a road to anarchy, saying that if a court order cannot be respected despite evidence of service then the government was heading to the explosive side. He ordered the restoration of the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019 that split Kano into five emirates of Kano, Bichi, Karaye, Rano and Gaya. Details later Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 2024 Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF) edition was held on Wednesday at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. Organised by Climate Action Africa (CAA), leading environmental advocates and concerned parties, CAAF24 aims to galvanise action and underscore the urgent need for climate action across industries and communities across Africa. The annual event also brings together global leaders, visionaries, and change-makers to collaboratively design, innovate, and invest in a climate-smart future for Africa. The organisers said the theme of this years forum, Green Economies, Brighter Futures, highlights the imperative for immediate and collective action in mitigating the effects of climate change in Africa and achieving global sustainability goals. The event brought together the private and public sector parties in climate and green energy. At the gathering, concerned parties, experts, and keynote speakers advocated for green innovation and public-private partnerships in their respective addresses. They collectively emphasised the need for effective collaborations to secure financial, technical, and technological support for climate action. 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 Rationale Giving a welcome address, Grace Mbah, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CAA, highlighted the urgency of climate action and the role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future for Africa. CAAF24 serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration. With the event, we aim to increase education and awareness on climate change, showcase innovations and projects driving Africa to a sustainable future, and more actively contribute to Africas green economy expansion, said Ms Mbah. With the event, we aim to increase education and awareness on climate change, showcase innovations and projects driving Africa to a sustainable future, and more actively contribute to the expansion of Africas green economy. One of the event highlights was breakout panel sessions tagged Founders Forum, Climate Connect, and Energy Evolve. These sessions focused on the potential of forests and carbon credits, climate financing, Nigerias carbon market activation, and mobilising private capital for climate-positive investments in Africa. Dignitaries attending the event included Ramatoulaye Ndiaye, Former Minister of Culture in Mali and Founder and CEO of the Great Green Wall of Africa (GGWoA) Foundation, and Ambassador Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Also present were Rukaiya El Rufai, Special Advisor to the President of Nigeria on NEC and Climate Change, and Edith Jibunoh, External and Corporate Relations Manager for East and Southern Africa, representing the World Bank. Highlights Speaking further at the event, the forums co-founder pointed out that Africa is warming nearly faster than any other region, with 130 million people at risk from rising sea levels. Smallholder farmers, like my mother, who make up 60 per cent of our population and produce 90 per cent of our food, are on the frontlines of this existential threat. The urgency of climate action cannot be overstated. How we react to these challenges is up to us. At Climate Action Africa, we believe a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world, Ms Mbah said. She also stressed the personal impact of climate change on smallholder farmers and announced critical initiatives like the Billion Trees for Africa Initiative and the Pan-African Green Economy Program (PAGE). In a speech, Titilayo Oshodi, the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, stressed the need for innovation in climate action. As practitioners in the field of climate change, each of us has a unique opportunity to drive this transition, innovate, and inspire others to join us in this critical endeavour. The Keynote Speaker, Gerald Esambe, Principal Climate Change & Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank, praised Nigerias energy transition plan and encouraged the alignment of innovative programs with this plan. Markus Wauschkuhn, Cluster Coordinator for the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted Africas high potential for climate innovation, emphasising the need for bright ideas and business opportunities to contribute towards green economies. Showcase In addition to formal sessions, CAAF24 included networking opportunities. It showcased outstanding innovations from over 800 registrations through the Deal Room. This platform connected high-impact climate innovators in Africa with potential investors seeking to accelerate sustainable solutions. Other highlights at CAAF24 were the audacious launch of the Billion Trees for Africa Initiative as part of CAAs community programs and the unveiling of the Pan-African Green Economy Program (PAGE), a partnership with IDEA AFRICA and the Founder Institute that seeks to grow a new generation of 5,000 green innovators across Africa by 2035. The selection of Omoniyi Praise (1st position), Treasure Nwosu (2nd position) and Alabi Abimbola (3rd position) as winners for the Climate Champion Quest organised by STEAM Funfest also stood out at CAAF24. Through engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, the competition fostered creativity and innovation in addressing climate change and sustainability. Omoniyi Praise (1st position), Treasure Nwosu (2nd position), and Alabi Abimbola (3rd position) are winners of the Climate Champion Quest organised by STEAM Funfest. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A student of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Magnus Okeke has been abducted and killed allegedly by some members of the host community. According to sources, the student was involved in a minor motorcycle accident on his way to his hostel from school. He was seen engaged in a discussion with some youths and victims of the accident after which he was seen leaving with them to an unknown destination. The source, a student of the school, told PREMIUM TIMES that the university community became worried after he was not seen again. He only dodged an oncoming motorcycle and the Ikwo guys got injured because he dodged being hit by the motorcycle. So the guys were requesting treatment and he followed them, since then he has not been found, the source said. He said the students decomposing body was later found near a river in the community. The latest development is that the guy is dead. His decomposed body was found by a river side and one of my course mates who is a close friend to the deceased went to confirm if he is actually the one (going) by the clothes he wore the last time they saw him before the abduction. So he said the missing guy is dead, the source 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 University speaks on the incident The university spokesperson, Elom Ubochi, in a statement, confirmed the abduction and killing of Mr Okeke. It is with great concern that we inform the university community of the abduction of Magnus Okeke, an extra year student of the Department of Accountancy on 1 June, 2024. The incident occurred outside the university campus while on his way back to the private hostel where he resides at Ohankwu village, Ndufu-Alike Community, Mr Ubochi said. The spokesperson said the university management, through its Directorate of Security Affairs, has been working with the police and other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the student. He said that preliminary reports from security agencies show that the alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime were youths from Ohankwu village allegedly led by Ogobuchi Uhuo popularly known as OG Royal. The security agencies apprehended some of those alleged to be involved in the abduction of Magnus, and did everything possible to rescue him alive. Unfortunately, on Monday, 17 June, 2024, the decomposing body of Magnus was painfully recovered under the bridge of Ako stream at Nwakpu village, along Ikwo/Abakaliki road, he said. The university management has urged anyone with useful information that could aid in the investigation to come forward and assist the authorities. We also wish to state categorically that there was no cult-related war in our campus in which Magnus was killed as being insinuated in some quarters. Our campus is calm and peaceful, and the first semester examinations are currently going on without hitches, Mr Ubochi said. The university management will support the family of Magnus and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this cowardly act are brought to justice, he added. We are investigating it Police The police spokesperson in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, has confirmed the killing of the student. His body has been recovered and taken to the mortuary while the command has launched an investigation with a view to arresting and prosecuting his killers, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has sacked his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, after one year of service. Mr Uko, a journalist and Public Relations consultant was appointed to the position in June 2023. The Commissioner for Information in Abia State, Okey Kanu, confirmed the sack of the governors spokesperson to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday night. Mr Kanu said Mr Otti had appointed another person, Njoku Ukoha, as a replacement. The commissioner said the sack of the spokesperson and the appointment of Mr Ukoha was with immediate effect. The governor just replaced him (Uko) with Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha in a bid to rejig his (Otti) media team, he told this newspaper. He did not give a reason for the sack of the former spokesperson. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later However, sources within the government circle told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Uko may have been sacked on the allegations that he had not been combative in his operation. Thats (being combative) what they need here. If you are not attacking people, then youre not working, one of the sources said. Another source, who asked not to be named, said the former spokesperson was accused of frequently ignoring enquiries from journalists. First time This is the first time Mr Otti would sack his appointee since he was sworn in as governor on 29 May 2023. Earlier this month, the governor suspended the State Commissioner for Health, Ngozi Okoronkwo, for gross misconduct. He said the suspension of Mrs Okoronkwo, a medical doctor, was to pave the way for allegations of gross misconduct levelled against her to be investigated. The governor did not give details of the allegations of gross misconduct against the suspended health commissioner. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have expressed joy after receiving the news of an early return from the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi. Mr Arabi visited the pilgrims tents in Muna on Tuesday, during which he broke the news of their early return to Nigeria. The visit followed the final Jumsrat stoning ritual. Mr Arabi told the pilgrims that their return journey would commence immediately. I came here to congratulate all of us for a successful Hajj and also to thank you for the cooperation we got from everyone. Rest assured, NAHCONs preparations are already underway, and we are committed to ensuring that all pilgrims return home safely and expeditiously. Our team is working diligently to facilitate a seamless and efficient return journey for everyone, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Immediately after the visit, PREMIUM TIMES caught up with some pilgrims who were beaming with smiles and unable to contain their joy and excitement upon receiving the news. The joy of every pilgrim is for him to return home immediately after Hajj. This news is a very good news for pilgrims. For me, I cant wait to be home, said Abdulwasiu Olarenwaju from Lagos State. Abdulkareem Mohammad from Kano State said, I want to go home; that is what is in my mind now. Hearing this information from the horses mouth it makes me feel good. Murjanatu Garba, from Kaduna State, said, Mr Arabi had done so well in this Hajj, from feeding to accommodations to health. We must all commend him for a good job. If you can remember, he has broken the record of completing the airlifting of pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia 72 hours before the Saudi governments deadline. He can do it, and I know he will do it. Mohammed Ibn Mohammad, a pilgrim from Abuja, enthusiastically shared with PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Arabi has unequivocally demonstrated a new era of successful and prosperous Hajj operations in Nigeria, surpassing all expectations and setting a high standard for future endeavours. If you come to Hajj this year from Nigeria, you will not regret it, and surely you will miss it when you return because what Arabi did cannot be measured. This is his first Hajj, and look at what he did. In Muna, food, fruit, juice, water, and snacks were in abundance. We really enjoyed ourselves. We thank Allah for bringing Arabi on board, Mr Mohammed said. Meanwhile, in a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday in Mecca, the Committee on Aviation led by Goni Sanda said that the airlift of pilgrims back to Nigeria would commence on 22 June. Three flights will leave Jedda with Abuja, Nasarawa and Kebbi pilgrims on that day, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Government is to convert Zaria Hotels in Kaduna State to classrooms and hostels for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, aviation minister Festus Keyamo has said. Mr Keyamo told journalists in Zaria on Wednesday that Zaria Hotels had been acquired as an annexure to the NCAT to widen its potential for growth. He spoke shortly after a familiarisation tour of the institution. Mr Keyamo said NCAT remains the best institution for the aviation industry in Nigeria and West Africa. The landmass we have here is enough for expansion, so the potential for the college, in terms of expansion, is great. But, in spite of that, we have also acquired Zaria Hotels as an annexure to the college. We want to add to the facilities on the ground. The minister assured the management of the college that the government would keep working on areas that needed improvement. 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 On reports that the colleges fire simulator and other facilities are to be relocated elsewhere, the minister said there was no such plan. There is nothing like that; if we do it, where are we going to take it? NCAT is the training hub for the aviation industry; mischief makers are spreading the rumour. In his remark, Joseph Imalighwe, acting rector of NCAT, commended the minister for the visit and support for the college. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State on Wednesday disbursed N370 million under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) to farmers to boost food production in the North-central state The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CRF loan disbursement was in partnership with the World Bank under the ACReSAL project. A total of 208 farmers spread across 10 clusters in two catchment areas benefited from the CRF loan in Pilot Phase I. Each cluster got 25,000 USD (N37m) out of the 250,000 USD (N370m) shared. The 208 beneficiaries, 70 per cent of whom are women, got N1.77m each. Mr Ododo, who inaugurated the disbursement at the Government House, Lokoja, said the scheme was a proactive initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of climate change. It is also to support community agricultural efforts, he added. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The governor said the second disbursement phase would come up in August. He appreciated all stakeholders involved in the project and emphasised his administrations commitment to agricultural development. According to him, within his five months in office, his administration had implemented various initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity. The initiatives, he said, included the provision of agricultural machinery for mechanisation, agricultural inputs, training and capacity building for farmers, among others. The governor urged the CRF beneficiaries to use the loan judiciously, stressing that it was designed to support their agricultural endeavours and improve their livelihoods. Mr Ododo expressed confidence that the loan would boost agricultural practices in the catchment areas, leading to increased food production and security. It is expected that the funds would be utilised for activities under climate-smart agriculture and related agricultural value chain, just as you have been trained. I implore you to pay back the loans as at when due to enable others to benefit from the fund because it is a revolving loan. I assure you all that our administration will continue to collaborate with global partners to provide resources and support that could cushion the attendant effect of climate change and tackle poverty. We are not oblivious to the fact that our farmers need security to farm effectively. To this end, we have mapped out our security plan to protect our farmers and their farmlands. Our administration has developed a template for farmland security by employing local hunters and vigilante men and women to provide adequate security at all times. We have also activated our security rapid response capacity to distress calls from farmers and others Adequate security gadgets and patrol vehicles have been provided across the 21 Local Government Areas(LGAs) of the state. We have strengthened the capacity of LGAs to ensure community policing. We wont complain and run to Abuja; we are providing solutions here in Kogi. Local government chairmen, community leaders, and security agencies are all our critical partners in ensuring the success of this all-important, poverty-defeating scheme. There are pointers to the fact that our efforts in the area of community policing are already yielding fruits, Mr Ododo said. Earlier, the Speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf, emphasised the importance of partnership for progress as highlighted in the 17 thematic areas of the SDGs. The speaker commended the governor for his leadership and commitment to the development of the state. Also, the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Ladi Jatto, commended the governor for his commitment to the success of the project in the state. Mr Jatto said the governor had made it easy for the people of Kogi to take advantage of the project. In their remarks, Asiwaju Idris and Olusegun Joseph, finance and environment commissioners, respectively, thanked the governor for paying due attention to the plight of the rural poor. The Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, commended the governor for his efforts in supporting the agricultural sector. They urged the beneficiaries to ensure timely repayment of the loan to ensure the sustainability of the project. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa, held a private meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Before the closed meeting, which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa thanked President Tinubu for honouring the invitation to attend his inauguration for a second term in office. Thank you so much for coming for the inauguration. I was very happy to see my brother at the ceremony, the South African president said. President Tinubu noted that President Ramaphosas inaugural speech captured most of the challenges faced by African countries and the need for more collaboration among leaders and citizens to provide solutions. I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted listening to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration, the president stated. President Ramaphosa was re-elected into office for a second term on Friday 14, June 14 following an agreement for a Government of National Unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance. Ajuri Ngelale 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 Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) June 20, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ThisNigeria newspaper has named Jim Obazee among those to be honoured at its 2024 Lecture and Awards. Mr Obazee is the special investigator hired by President Bola Tinubu last July to probe the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Godwin Emefiele. He, and other government officials, will receive the prize for the public service category, the daily reported on Wednesday. Former Head of State Abdusalami Abubakar is to chair the lecture for the awards, slated for 27 June. The newspaper will also honour Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Kabir Abba Yusuf, the Kano State Governor and Umo Bassey Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Governor with the gold prize awards. While Mr Wike will be honoured for his Infrastructural Revolution and Exceptional Leadership, Mr Yusuf and Mr Eno will be recognised for Courage in Leadership and Peace Building & Innovative Leadership respectively. Isa Aremu, veteran labour leader and the director-general of the Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies, is to receive the Public Service Award. 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 Obazee, a patriotic and fearless Nigerian, was saddled with the arduous task of unearthing and cleansing the Augean stable of economic malfeasances in the Central Bank of Nigeria under the embattled former Governor, Godwin Emefiele, ThisNigeria stated. The trial is still ongoing, but to Obazee and his teams credit there has been no story or case of anyone succumbing to inducements to sway them from the path of rectitude. During his scrutiny of Mr Emefieles stewardship, Mr Obazee and his team uncovered 593 bank accounts domiciled in the US, the UK and China in which the CBN, under the former governor, stashed away Nigerian funds without authorisation. The investigator also exposed billions of naira allegedly stolen by the former apex banks chief and other officials from CBNs accounts including a fraudulent cash withdrawal of $6.23 million. Mr Obazee noted in his report the discovery of 543.4 million allegedly hidden by Mr Emefiele in fixed deposit accounts, adding that he manoeuvred the naira exchange rate and used the e-naira project to commit fraud. The sum of N1,727,500,000 was also spent on questionable legal fees on 19 cases that are directly traceable to the Naira Redesign and reconfiguration agenda, the report said. In May, the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, ordered a temporary forfeiture of the $4.7 million and N830.9 million as well as several other properties linked to Mr Emefiele, who is currently facing multiple corruption cases in Lagos and Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The new caretaker chairperson of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Darlington Orji, said he has been unable to assume office since his inauguration on Wednesday. Mr Orji, who appeared as a guest on Channels Televisions prime-time programme, Politics Today, said the police prevented him from entering the local government secretariat. The police took over the secretariats of the 23 local government areas in the state after deadly clashes erupted on Tuesday in the wake of the expiration of the three-year tenure of the council officials on Monday. The spokesperson for the police in Rivers State, Grace Iringe-Koko, announced Tuesday night that two persons, including a police officer, died in a clash at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma Local Government Area. According to Mr Orjis television comment on Wednesday, the police barricades remained at the local government secretariats across the state even after Governor Siminalayi Fubaras swearing-in of the new caretaker committees in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Wednesday. I got to the Ikwerre local government council and saw that it is being barricaded by the security agents, the police to be very precise. And I asked a question, and they said they were acting on the orders of the Inspector General of Police. So that is the situation, Mr Orji said on the live television programme. Political crisis A political crisis has engulfed the state since the early period of Governor Fubara in office, a fallout of the battle between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for control of the political structures in the state. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Wike, currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), still wields enormous political influence in the state, which Mr Fubara, who Mr Wike backed to win last years governorship election, appears poised to whittle down. Many former officials were elected when Mr Wike was governor and are loyal to him. They vowed to stay in office, saying the state House of Assembly had extended their tenure by six months. The crisis-ridden 31-member House of Assembly is divided, with an overwhelming majority of 27 of them who claimed to have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in the state, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), backing Mr Wike. Martin Amaewhule leads the pro-Wike group in the state House of Assembly. Victor Oko-Jumbo and two other members in charge of the House of Assembly have declared the pro-Wike lawmakers seats vacant following their defection to the PDP, a move the Court of Appeal in Abuja has validated. The local government council officials, whose tenures expired on Monday, vowed to remain in office, banking on a bill passed by the pro-Wike lawmakers extending their term in office by six months. The governor refused to assent to the bill. However, the group of lawmakers overrode the governors veto. At least six times, they had overridden Mr Fubaras veto of bills. This development forced the governor to declare they were no longer members of the states assembly and had lost their seats, having defected to the APC. Earlier on Tuesday, Governor Fubara asked administrative heads of the various local government areas to temporarily take charge of council areas from the outgoing elected officials whose tenures ended on Monday. On Wednesday, the governor swore in caretaker committees for the 23 local government areas amid the lingering political crisis in the state. However, the local government caretaker committees have been unable to assume office with the police, announcing that they took over the various local government secretariats to prevent further breakdown of law and order. I could not access the council because I do not want to break laws, Mr Orji said, referring to the police blockade preventing him from assuming office as the chairperson of the caretaker committee for the Ikwerre Local Area. Argument over state of emergency During the live TV programme on Wednesday, Mr Orji, who is of the PDP, argued with the APC chairperson in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, over the proprietary of declaring a state of emergency to restore peace and stability in the state. The Nigerian president declares a state of emergency to invite the military to take over security in a troubled part of the country. Mr Okocha likened the situation in the state to a war, which he said warranted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This war in Rivers State is not a looming war; it is full blown as we speak, Mr Okocha said on the TV programme on Wednesday. The solution to the quagmire in Rivers State is that a state of emergency should be imposed. But Mr Orji opposed the call to declare a state of emergency. He said comments from personalities like Mr Okocha should stop beating the drum of war and preach peace. Earlier in May, Mr Okocha called for the removal of Mr Fubara for allegedly dishonouring a peace deal that President Bola Tinubu brokered between the rival groups last year. However, the state government swiftly denied the allegations, adding that the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in the state had lost their standing to initiate any move to remove the governor. Reigniting his attack on the governor on the television programme on Wednesday, Mr Okocha said the citizens of the state were facing molestation, attacks and humiliation on the governors watch. He said the governor, who he accused of ignoring advice, could have deescalated the situation by conducting local government elections across the 23 local government areas instead of waiting until the last minute to appoint caretakers for the local government councils. It is the governor who has decided to be un-teachable. He has decided to refuse or become amenable to counsel to the extent. He would close his ears and do whatever he felt he would do, not even minding and no recourse to the law. That is where we are in Rivers State, Mr Okocha said. Responding, Mr Orji maintained that the governor is very sensitive to the plight of the people. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Abba Limawa, 52, a Nigerian pilgrim from Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has returned 10,500 Russian rubles, 800 dollars and 690 Saudi Riyals, he found, to the authority in Makkah. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Limawa handed over the different currencies to the Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, during the post-Afarat conference, held on Wednesday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrim explained that he found the money inside a waist bag while on his way to pray at the Masjid Haram (Mosque). Initially, I wanted to ignore the waist bag and move to the Mosque, but on second thought, I said it might belong to a Nigerian, especially some of our old women. So, I decided to pick it, and I proceeded to the mosque. When I returned to my accommodation, I opened the bag and discovered that there was no Nigerian currency or sign that it belonged to a Nigerian. Immediately, I approached one of the officials of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, narrated the story and presented the money to him. From there, he commended me for showing exemplary character and honesty and told me that he would hand over the money to the NAHCON to ensure that the owner gets their money, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Responding, Mr Arabi commended Mr Limawa for being honest and projecting the image of Nigeria positively in the international arena. Earlier, in his presentation on the outcome of the just concluded Hajj ritual, the NAHCON boss explained that the aim of the post-Afarat conference was to review what had transpired. This will give us a sincere post-mortem of what we did at the battlefield and improve on the success recorded. Mr Arabi disclosed that the Saudi government had released the timetable and timeline for the 2025 Hajj operation on Tuesday. Perhaps by Thursday, we will know what they allocate (Hajj slots allocation) to each nation of the world and how the visas will commence. But interestingly, for the first time, they (Saudi authority) have opened the e-portal as of Tuesday. He, therefore, called on the States Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Tour Operators and all other stakeholders to take note of the development. Also, the Head of Aviation of NAHCON, Goni Sanda, said three flights carrying pilgrims from Kebbi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will take off to Nigeria on 22 June. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a suit seeking the sacking of Ola Olukoyede as the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge, Obiora Egwuatu, dismissed the suit in a judgment anchored on the grounds that the applicant lacked locus standi (legal right) to institute the case. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Opatola, had filed the suit against President Bola Tinubu over his appointment of Olukoyede as EFCCs chair. Mr Opatola filed his suit to challenge the validity of the appointment, arguing that Mr Olukoyede did not possess the cognate experience of service required by law of any persons seeking to occupy the office of chairman of the anti-graft agency. He had sued the president, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Mr Olukoyede as respondents in the suit marked HC/ABJ/CS/1403/2023. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Tinubu appointed Mr Olukoyede as the next EFCC chairperson in October last year amid controversy over his qualifications. Many had said Mr Olukoyede, although a former secretary of the EFCC and ex-chief of staff to the chairman of the commission, did not meet the requirements of section 2(3) of the EFCC Act to be qualified for the appointment. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The law stipulates that a chairman of the commission must be a serving or retired member of any government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent; and possess not less than 15 years experience. Those who opposed Mr Olukoyedes appointment argued at the time that his previous experiences as the chief of staff to the then EFCC chairperson from 2016 to 2018 and subsequently as the secretary of the EFCC between 2018 and 2020 did not meet the legal requirements under section 2(3) of EFCC Act. Specifically, they argued that the experiences did not correspond to 15 years of experience of a serving or retired member of any government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent as stipulated in the law. Defence The respondents to Mr Opatolas suit opposed these arguments similarly canvassed at the hearing on the subject matter. They maintained that Mr Olukoyede was qualified for the job. The EFCC chair, who was represented by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), at the previous hearing session, challenged the legal authority of the plaintiff to institute the suit in the first instance. Besides, Mr Olukoyede maintained that he was eminently qualified to occupy the office of EFCC Chairman, having served as secretary of the commission, an equivalent of a grade Level 17 position. According to him, his previous position was higher than the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a grade Level 14 position. He asked the court to dismiss the suit. Plaintiffs claims Mr Opatola had asked the court to determine, among others, whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2 (1) (a) of the EFCC Act 2004, Mr Olukoyede, who has not fulfilled the conditions of the Act can be validly appointed as EFCC chairman. He also asked the court to determine whether, by the actual construction and interpretation of section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act 2004, the person appointed to the office of the chairman of the EFCC can be said to be above the rank of assistant commissioner of police or its equivalent. The applicant also urged the court to determine whether, by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1)(a) (iii) of the EFCC Act 2004, the interpretation of subsection (iii) should be read disjunctively of subsection (ii) of the Act in a manner that Mr Olukoyede was appointed to the office of the chairperson of EFCC, can be said to have 15 Years of cognate experience in any field outside the government security or law enforcement agency. After listening to all parties in the suit, the judge, Mr Egwuatu, adjourned until Wednesday for judgement. He dismissed the suit in his judgement on Wednesday. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A new report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation has stated that Africas financing gap continues to widen, leaving the continents development agenda behind. The key findings in this years Forum Report call for a financing paradigm shift to accelerate progress on Africas development and climate goals. The report combines the latest data on various topics relating to Africas financing gaps to achieve climate and development goals. The Mo Ibrahim Foundations (MIF) latest report, Financing Africa: Where is the Money? provides a comprehensive analysis of the financial needs deemed necessary for Africa to meet its development and climate goals and the resources currently available. Based on the current challenges and discussions, the report concluded that finance remains an urgent issue for Africa. The report points out that the resources mainly exist, but either lacks the relevant processes to be effectively allocated where needed or, significantly, when it comes to domestic resources, are either dormant or misused. The report, published Wednesday, includes expert contributions from Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group; Moussa Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission; Amina Mohammed, deputy secretary general of the United Nations; Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank and Vera Songwe, founder and chair, Liquidity and Sustainability Facility and former executive secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. 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 Founded in 2006 by Sudan-born British business figure and telecommunications magnate Mohammed Ibrahim, who also serves as its chair, the MIF focuses on improving standards of governance and leadership in Africa and works to change misconceptions about the continent. Commenting on the reports release, Mr Ibrahim said: We need a complete change of paradigm. This is not about Africa coming to the developed world with a begging bowl and developed countries considering how much more they can pledge. This is about smarter money, not just more money. As this report outlines, the money is already there, Mr Ibrahim added, but current processes prevent resources from being used to properly address the challenges. Steps must be taken to reform the international financing system and update African debt structuring, risk assessment and mitigation and aid conditionalities. Even more, our continent must stop squandering its own assets and take proper ownership and responsibility. In short, we must apply good governance to ensure these assets are adequately leveraged for the best interests of our people, Mr Ibrahim said. Details The report first identifies the substantial but often incoherent numbers associated with Africas development and climate goals. While the task of assessing financial needs is complicated by inconsistent data from multiple sources, the figures all point to staggering numbers, it said. The study then underscores the critical need to ensure climate finance does not crowd out development finance, forcing African nations to choose between development for their population and environmental sustainability. The report also analyses financial contributions from non-African sources. Official Development Assistance (ODA) accounts for nearly 10 percent of the continents financial resources. However, ODA from Western donors remains primarily directed towards health and education and often comes with specific conditionalities. Meanwhile, non-DAC countries commitment to Africa is growing steadily. The researchers also suggested that debt cannot be the way out, as stock and servicing costs have tripled since 2009, and its increasingly complex structure renders traditional relief efforts obsolete. But the main source could well be Africas domestic resources, which, according to the African Union, should on average cover between 75 per cent and 90 per cent of the needs to finance Agenda 2063. However, most of those resources appear to be potential or dormant at best and are too often misused, the report said. Preventing leakages through Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) could bolster resources by up to $100 billion annually, surpassing both ODA received ($81 billion annually) and remittances sent back to the continent ($97 billion annually). With the average tax-to-GDP ratio in Africa still at 15.6 per cent- half the OECD average strengthening tax systems appears a quick win. Indeed, Africa lost $46 billion in corporate taxes due to tax incentives in 2019, more than half of ODA received. The report further shows that taxation capacity stagnated across Africa between 2012 and 2021 and that revenue mobilisation efficiency experienced a large decline. Tax to GDP ratio in African resource-rich countries such as Nigeria and DR Congo remains under 10 per cent (6.7 per cent and 9.1 per cent respectively), it said, noting that almost half of the African citizens would favour paying more taxes in exchange for better public services. The report also highlights the potential of leveraging remittances, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and private wealth. Additionally, monetising Africas green assets, including biodiversity, critical minerals, and carbon-sinking potential, can unlock notable financial resources, provided that good governance and resource allocation to peoples development is ensured. In terms of governance, more than half of Africas population lives in a country where Overall Governance has improved between 2012 and 2021. However, governance progress over the decade is still hindered by diverging trajectories. While more than 40 countries have made progress in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) categories for Economic Opportunity and Human Development, more than 30 countries have deteriorated in the categories of Security & Rule of Law and Participation, Rights & Inclusion. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government and other duty-bearers to show more commitment and solidarity towards protecting and supporting refugees. They also include migrants, asylum seekers, stateless persons and internally displaced persons. The NHRC said they needed the governments support to rebuild their lives in dignity. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a media briefing to commemorate the 2024 World Refugees Day. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Refugees Day is commemorated on 20 June annually. NAN also reports that the world marks the day to celebrate and honour refugees around the world and encourage the people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. Mr Ojukwu noted that refugees and other persons living in similar conditions deserve to be protected, considering that they were usually not the architects of their plights. He added that they were victims of circumstances like insurgency, natural disasters, harsh economic conditions and human rights violations. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Ojukwu observed that the 2024 celebration theme, Solidarity with Refugees, was a reminder that everyone needed support. A support and a home where basic survival needs are met, not just a hostile environment which exposes one to different human rights violations. There is the need to build inclusive health systems and ensure equitable care for refugees. It is imperative to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes or country against their wish due to conflicts or persecution, he said. Mr Ojukwu said it was necessary to map out solutions to resettle them and help them have better livelihoods. Nigeria has its fair share of this population of concern arising from communal clashes, banditry, farmers and herders clashes, Boko Haram, among others, he said. According to Ojukwu, these have affected their rights to health care, education, employment, the dignity of the human person, and the right to housing, land and property. He added that according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR), World Refugee Day was a time to shine a light on the rights and dreams of refugees. Mr Ojukwu stated that the celebration helped to mobilise the political will and resources to enable the refugees to enjoy a new lease of life. As of May 2024, the UNHCR gave Nigerian refugees 71,728, with refugee returnees 27,725, indicating that the Nigerian government needed to focus their attention on the plight of refugees. This will bring the numbers of refugees to the barest minimum. I am using this occasion to reaffirm the Commissions steadfastness in advocating for the rights of refugees. I am also calling on the government and stakeholders to do more to protect refugees and ensure that they are safely returned to their communities. This is as enshrined in the Refugee Convention and Human Rights Treaties, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Government says deaths from the states cholera outbreak have increased from 15 to 21, while infections also increased to 401 from 350. The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, said the government anticipated the rise in cases following the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which drew large gatherings. Ms Ogunyemi said this in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs in the states Ministry of Health, on Thursday in Lagos. She said the cases increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections. Ms Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in previously affected LGAs, due to the state governments interventions and surveillance efforts. She gave the update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on. We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera, she said. What citizens must do Ms Ogunyemi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever. She added that the state government provides treatment for cholera free of charge at all public health facilities. Ms Ogunyemi reiterated the state governments commitment to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care. Support from international bodies The Special Adviser commended local, national, and international partnersincluding UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and othersfor their support in combating the outbreak. Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe, Ogunyemi said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on 11 June, Lagos alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases. Outbreak The states Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, a professor, disclosed on 15 June that laboratory tests confirmed a cholera outbreak in the state. He said the tests identified the strain as being highly aggressive and contagious, with the potential for widespread transmission. Mr Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the state. According to him, at the time, there were 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities. Data from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that Nigeria recorded over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from 1 January to 11 June in 30 states. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A notorious banditry leader, Bello Turji, has narrated how the crime started in Zamfara State. Sitting under a tree with a sophisticated gun and a military hat, Mr Turji, in a five-minute video, responded to a background voice that asked him to trace the genesis of banditry in the north-western Nigerian state. How we started armed banditry The terror kingpin said the Fulani community lived in peace and harmony with their Hausa neighbours until a former governor of the state adopted a partial Sharia Law allegedly to subjugate the Fulanis. I can recall how the former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmad Sani Bakura, implemented the Shariah Law, Mr Turji, who entered into a failed truce with former governor Bello Matawalle, claimed. The law started and ended abruptly after a Fulani man (found guilty of stealing) got his hand amputated. In my opinion, I attributed the atrocities in Zamfara State to the stoppage of the law after it was partially used to amputate Mr Turji said the Bakura-led government took sides with the Hausas in implementing the law. Alleged atrocities by vigilantes and Yan Sakai The terrorists further explained how local vigilantes and Yan Sakai militia exacerbated their (Fulanis) grievances. 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 There was a man called DanKurman Galadima, with one Bala Maigora, who were the pioneer vigilante leaders that led the extra judicial killings of herders across Zamfara State with the government and the citizens watching them without making any decision. The killing of the Fulanis continued by those vigilante leaders for about two years without any action from the government until the late Buharin Daji and his group led a retaliatory attack at Kizara, Yar Galadima. At that point, instead of the government to mediate, it took sides and started killing the Fulanis in the bush, rustling their cattle, with the aim to exterminate them. As this hostility continued, Mr Turji said the Hausas formed a militia group, Yan Sakai. Armed with dane guns, the Yan Sakai continued with the killing of the Fulanis, Mr Turji continued. This forced the Fulanis to take arms and started attacking villages mostly at monthly or yearly intervals. They began with two guns, later three, five and ten guns. I can recall when I started banditry, we only had 30 guns. We watched how the vigilantes killed all the Fulanis in these areas; they sacked all the Fulanis and the Hausas in our local government areas Zurmi and Shinkafi, he added. After we took arms, we attacked communities and killed people indiscriminately because that is how we were treated by the vigilantes members even when they knew that we were not thieves. This is not the first time Mr Turji has made such claims. In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust, he claimed that he resorted to banditry to fight against the subjugation of the Fulanis by the Hausas. The early bandit kingpins, who majorly specialised in cattle rustling as a purported way of liberating the Fulanis from all subjugation, gave the same reason, according to Murtala Ahmed Rufai, a senior lecturer at the Department of History, Usmanu DanFodiyo University (UDUS). An academic paper titled: I Am a Bandit and written by Mr Rufai provides a clear perspective of what Mr Turji explained in his recent video. Notably, the first bandit group emerged [in Zamfara] in 2011, focusing on cattle rustling and robbery. But, the effort to suppress the group unfortunately worsened the situation. The local vigilantes and the Yan Sakai militia allegedly targeted innocent Fulanis, in response to the activities of the cattle rustling gang. Sadly, many armed groups with trans-border links, took advantage of the cruelty against the Fulanis and escalated the conflict. They advanced their mode of operation to include kidnapping for ransom, raiding villages and perpetrating more heinous crimes like raping and mindless killings. Banditry reached its peak in 2018 when one of the founders in Zamfara, Buharin Daji, was assassinated, leading to the emergence of about 30 splinter groups in Zamfara and neighbouring states, including Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger, among others. Turjis reign of terror It was unclear if Mr Turji was part of the bandits that split after the death of Buharin Daji. Still, he rained terror across communities in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Shinkafi and other LGAs in Zamfara State. The terror kingpin has amassed wealth from the illegal taxes he imposed on local communities. Named Muhammadu Bello at birth, one of the violent attacks by Mr Turji was in December 2021 when he burnt more than 20 travellers, including pregnant women and children, in Sokoto State. A few weeks after that, Mr Turji wrote an open letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari and the emir of Shinkafi, outlining the terms of a ceasefire in the North-west and requesting a peace agreement. In the letter, he said he was ready to surrender his arms if his five conditions were met. He listed the conditions as dissolution of unofficial vigilante groups in the North-west, a meeting with traditional rulers and religious leaders, a stop to the marginalisation of Fulanis, honest discussions between bandits, traditional rulers and politicians, and the participation of first-class emirs in a security meeting. This was after the failed truce with the Zamfara State government in 2019. Mr Turji is among the 97 terrorists declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters. He had escaped death twice after the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji bombed his house in 2021 and 2022. The air raids killed many of his foot soldiers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Edo State Government on Wednesday condemned the rape and gruesome murder of Glory Adekolure, a fresh graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The victim was reportedly raped and killed at Iyowa Community, Benin City, on 13 June. A source said that Glory, 22, was on her way home after processing her clearance forms when she was tortured and raped to death by yet-to-be-identified persons. Her corpse was later dropped close to her mothers house. The Commissioner for Communications and Orientation in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement in Benin, expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Governor Godwin Obaseki has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Funso Adegboye, to fish out the perpetrators of the evil act within the next seven days, Mr Nehikhare said. The police spokesperson in Edo State, Chidi Nwabuzor, told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday, that the incident was being investigated. 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 There have been no arrests so far, said Mr Nwabuzor, a superintendent of police. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday reserved judgment in an appeal filed by pro-Wike lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara-backed three-member Rivers House of Assembly. The pro-Wike lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule asked the appellate court to vacate a State High Court order that restrained them from parading themselves as members of the state assembly. They also prayed the court to order a stay of execution of the trial court order that invalidated all the resolutions they made while functioning as members of the state assembly pending the determination of their appeal. The Court of Appeal previously declined appellants prayers. The court held that the prayers deal with the substance of the issues on appeal and that dealing or granting the same will be tantamount to determining the issues of appeal at the interlocutory stage. The court had therefore ordered parties (Mr Amaewhule and 24 others and Victor Oko-Jumbo and five others) in the suit to maintain the present status quo, pending the determination of the suit. The appellate had, however, restrained the trial court from entertaining the suit pending the hearing and determination of the appeal. At the resumed hearing conducted virtually on Thursday, the three-man panel of judges - Jimi Bada, Hamma Bakar, and Balkisu Aliyu - resolved to deliver judgment on a later date that will be communicated to the parties, Punch newspaper reported. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The suit The oil-rich Rivers State has been enmeshed in political crisis since last October because of a disagreement over the control of political structure between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the FCT minister. The crisis has battered the state legislature, splitting the lawmakers into two factions one loyal to Mr Wike while the other is loyal to Governor Fubara. Mr Oko-Jumbo, last month emerged the speaker of Mr Fubara-backed three-member assembly and days after secured a court order restraining the pro-Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the assembly. The trial court had also set aside all the resolutions taken by the pro-Wike lawmakers from last December when their seats were declared vacant following their defection from the PDP to the APC. Dissatisfied with the trial court decision, the pro-Wike lawmakers filed an appeal requesting that the trial court decision be set aside, a request the appellate court declined and instead ordered parties to maintain the present status quo pending the determination of the appeal. READ ALSO: Fubara inaugurates caretaker chairpersons for Rivers local councils Buoyed by the appellate court decision, Governor Fubara, on Wednesday inaugurated caretaker committees for the 23 local government councils in the state after the three-year tenure of the elected council officials expired on Monday. With the inauguration of the caretakers, Mr Fubara appears to have taken over the political structure at the grassroots in the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The industrial harmony currently enjoyed across most Nigerian universities may be truncated soon if the fresh threat of a worker strike is anything to go with. The leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has threatened that their union members would withdraw their services should the government fail to pay the workers withheld salaries. The fresh threat was contained in a letter addressed to the Minister of Education dated 19 June and referenced: JAC/NS/VOL.III/01. The letter, written under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, was signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and the National Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi. Backstory The two unions had in March embarked on a one-week warning strike over the four months salaries of the members withheld by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022 over a prolonged industrial action which lasted between May and August 2022. But, the new administration of President Bola Tinubu ordered the payment of parts of the salaries. However, only four of the eight months withheld salaries of the academic workers were paid by the government, while members of SSANU and NASU were left out. 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 JAC said it wrote the education minister, Mr Mamman, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, but never received a response, prompting it to decide on a one-week warning strike in March. New threat According to the unions, despite various letters, engagements and assurances from the government, the withheld salaries remain unpaid, saying the development has led to growing frustration among the workers. We view it as an act of insincerity and neglect on the part of Government to the yearnings and aspirations of our members.This also negates the spirit of collective bargaining and builds distrust, the union states. JAC noted that the deafening silence of the government and failure to pay the withheld salaries is creating a high level of agitations and contentions among our members in the universities and inter-university centres such that we can no longer guarantee industrial peace and harmony on university campuses. They also cautioned that failure to comply not later than two weeks from the date of the correspondence will leave them with no option but to shut down the universities and inter-university centres. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Government has announced an increase in suspected cholera cases from 350 to 401 and 15 to 21 fatalities in one week. The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, revealed this in a statement Thursday, noting that Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recorded the highest number of cases. The statement was signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo. According to the statement, Mrs Ogunyemi said the rise in Cholera cases was anticipated following the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, during which large gatherings occurred. She, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across LGAs, particularly in previously affected LGAs, due to government interventions and surveillance efforts. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, had hinted on Monday that the identified cholera strain is highly aggressive and contagious, with significant potential spread and heightened by the rainy season. Cholera is a highly contagious food and water-borne disease. It spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing. 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 Symptoms of cholera include acute, painless, watery diarrhoea of sudden onset, with or without vomiting. It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting and fever. Response Mrs Ogunyemi further noted that the government, through the ministry of health and other sister agencies, is maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the situation and implementing planned programmes to curb the spread. She noted: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on. We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera. She advised that citizens seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that cholera treatment is free at all public health facilities. Mrs Ogunyemi acknowledged the support from local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others in combating the outbreak. Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe, she said. Cholera prevention NCDC noted in its latest advisory that cholera can be prevented by ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water, proper sanitation and waste disposal, and appropriate hygiene, including handwashing. It noted that raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood should be avoided. To reduce the risk of cholera, the NCDC advised the public to ensure that water is boiled and stored in a clean and covered container before drinking, practice good personal hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap under clean running water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and clean water are not available. Ensure that food is well cooked before consumption. Only consume raw food such as fruits and vegetables, after washing thoroughly with safe water. It also advised against open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping. It urged residents to ensure proper waste disposal and frequent clearing of sewage. If you or anyone you know experiences sudden watery diarrhoea, please do not self-medicate; visit a healthcare facility immediately, it noted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print I thought perhaps it might be useful to combine my speaking experiences with decades of reporting, editing and writing a weekly column now enriched in both audio and visual formats, to serve the needs of a younger generation of content providers, especially students and those in the earlier stages of their career, trying to find their way and also trying to make an honest living while doing so. Last December, on my last day of work before Christmas, I sat alone in my office in Abuja, reflecting on my lifes journey. I thought about my years in the media, especially the few years since I ventured into entrepreneurship. I remembered my post on Facebook in June 2015 announcing my resignation as Managing Editor at Leadership newspaper and the planned unveiling of Sundiata Post as an online newspaper the following month. I thought about the people whose paths I had crossed in the media. I remembered the statement made by Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd) when, as military governor of Kaduna State in the late 1980s, he said he could follow the then military President Ibrahim Babangida to war blindfolded. That was a profound statement of loyalty. Never mind that Colonel Umar recanted after the 12 June 1993 election annulment in which the late MKO Abiola won. I thought about the people who have impacted my life and wondered if there were any of them I could follow to war blindfolded. Mr Azubuike Ishiekwene, known as Azu to many of us, his admirers, came to my mind. He is a man who has had a profound impact on the careers of many media practitioners who have crossed his path, and I have been a significant beneficiary of his generosity. In Lagos, where I was Features Editor for several years at ThisDay, Azu set the pace at The PUNCH, where he became an editor and, later, Executive Director of publications. Our paths crossed again in 2013 in Abuja, when he signed me on as Managing Editor at Leadership, where he was Group Managing Director. No one wanted to miss the management meetings on Mondays, not necessarily because of strict protocols but because of Azus leadership style. 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 I left the meetings enriched with deep insights into newspaper management, and they paid off for me when Sundiata Post was set up. When Sundiata Post was unveiled on 7 July 2015 in Abuja, Azu, ever supportive, was the moderator at the panel discussion on New Media and the Future of Newspaper in Nigeria. The panel discussed the paper delivered by Malam Mohammed Haruna, then a syndicated columnist. Haruna is a national commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, Azu is better known for his writing. A hugely respected syndicated columnist, week after week he writes about Nigeria, its history, the state of the union, and its place under the sun. In this regard, Azus new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It, is an idea whose time has come. No other person is more suited to write this book than Azu, a media management guru, content producer and columnist, who has made his mark nationally and internationally. His commitment to excellence is well-known to anyone who has worked with him. However, his concern about how journalists and content producers can earn money and live well would appear to be a revelation. This concern has kept many media practitioners awake at night, especially in the Internet age, when content is available almost free of charge or even stolen. Getting paid for content is an issue that media practitioners have been grappling with. This has hit online publishers as they have no physical copies to sell. In the craze for traffic, they publish content without getting rewarded. In this regard, Azus new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It, is an idea whose time has come. No other person is more suited to write this book than Azu, a media management guru, content producer and columnist, who has made his mark nationally and internationally. True, Azu didnt set out to write a book for entrepreneurs. He is clear about the purpose of the book. He could no longer ignore suggestions from admirers to share his experience in a permanent form, having been writing for more than 35 years. His words: I thought perhaps it might be useful to combine my speaking experiences with decades of reporting, editing and writing a weekly column now enriched in both audio and visual formats, to serve the needs of a younger generation of content providers, especially students and those in the earlier stages of their career, trying to find their way and also trying to make an honest living while doing so. He has, however, written a handbook for media entrepreneurs, especially online publishers. The Nigerian media landscape is inundated with several online newspapers, most of them in the general news category, financially challenged and struggling to carve a niche in a way that can guarantee their continued operations. The critical issue in online publishing is content. Other issues like search engine optimisation, digital marketing, website friendliness, and social media presence are also vital to the success and sustainability of an online media business. However, the factor that binds all these and makes a platform stand out is content. That is why Bill Gates said content is king. An online publisher would find chapters 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 13 and 14 helpful. In these chapters, the author offers prescriptions that, if followed religiously, could lead to tremendous success. Apart from content, the author discusses the choice of subject, style, audience, staying out of trouble, etc. His reference to an article by his former lecturer, Dr Olatunji Dare, on stalactites and stalagmites, for example, makes the point that evergreens do far better than ephemeral content, even on social media. His book is easy to read. I hardly put it down when I started reading it. The books strength lies in the practical examples the author uses to explain the issues discussed. He tells the reader about his own experiences, the challenges he encountered along the way, and the steps he took to overcome those challenges. In Writing for the Media and Monetising It, Azu delves into the distinction between style and substance. He takes the reader through the efforts he made to create his style from a long list of writers he admired, from acclaimed journalists like Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Yakubu Mohammed to literary writers like Chinua Achebe and Mark Twain, before he settled on his unique style. Azu deals with the subject of knowing ones audience in Chapter 4. He writes: Not everyone is interested in what you say. For those who follow you, however, you must find valuable ways of connecting with them in a world of many, often noisy and confusing, voices. The author gives tips on how a writer can build his/her audience and earn money from content provided for that audience. In online publishing, a platform can adapt the tips given by the author, carve a niche, focus on that niche and earn money from that niche. The author discusses content creation in detail, using the examples of Linda Ikeji, the blogger; Abdulsalam Idris, who has recorded tremendous success sharing content on X (now Twitter); Adeola Fayehun, producer of Keeping It Real with Adeola, and Tunde Olaoluwa Adekunle (Ednut), a blogger, comedian, entertainer and musician. And hey, Azus book promotional videos in the last few weeks, ahead of the public presentation of his book in Abuja on 26 June are a master class in content creation! His book is easy to read. I hardly put it down when I started reading it. The books strength lies in the practical examples the author uses to explain the issues discussed. He tells the reader about his own experiences, the challenges he encountered along the way, and the steps he took to overcome those challenges. The sentences and paragraphs are short, and the design and layout are compelling. A reader can do exercises to engage or explore each subject further. In addition, each chapter has boxes, tips and reading lists for easy reading. Whether one is a mass communication student, a journalist, a journalism teacher, a media entrepreneur or a New Media enthusiast, there is something in the book for everyone. Max Amuchie, the founder/CEO of Sundiata Post Media Ltd, is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers. He is also the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Abuja CBD and the outgoing vice president of public relations at the Unity Toastmasters Club in Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print pcl. held its highly anticipated Talent Management 2.0 event at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, drawing HR managers and industry leaders from diverse sectors. This landmark event provided invaluable insights and strategies for optimising talent management practices in todays competitive business landscape, centred around the theme Transformative Talent Management: Embracing Change for Competitive Advantage. Building upon the momentum of the previous edition, the Talent Management Event 2.0 delivered thought-provoking discussions, innovative solutions, and actionable strategies to industry stakeholders. Focusing on empowering organisations to elevate their workforce to excellence, the event addressed pressing challenges and emerging trends shaping the future of talent management. In line with the theme of the event, pcl. unveiled the Talent Management Report 2.0 The Balance Between Economic Pressures and Your Talent Management Strategy.This report is the second edition of the Talent Management Report,an outcome of the extensive research and data analysis conducted by pcl. The report provides in-depth insights into the shifts in talent management amidst economic pressures, the strategies organisations can implement to manage talent effectively, and the role of total rewards in driving talent management. During his opening remarks, Rob Taiwo, Managing Director of pcl., emphasised the significance of talent management, its role in social mobility and how business leaders can make a difference in managing talent. He commented, Beyond the boardroom, 63% of Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor, and talent management is a critical equaliser in the fight for social mobility and socioeconomic advancement. When both are in synch, they advance equitable opportunity, diversity and inclusion. Renowned speakers and industry experts engaged in insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of talent management, sharing their expertise and perspectives on best practices and emerging trends. The panellists discussed the changing dynamics of talent management and shared experiences and insights on managing people for the growth of organisations. Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Partner, YF Talent Partners, highlighted that; Todays workforce looks beyond pay. Organisations have stayed too long in the linear perspective of managing talent, focusing more on pay and promotion rather than healthy work-life balance and positive work culture. He further suggested that organisations need to change their relationship style from a traditional HR approach to applying empathy and trust. In addition, SeniAdetu,Chairman,Algorithm Media Nigeria Limited,emphasised the importance of an effective talent management leader and noted that people, reputation and brand are a tripod, each indispensable, and their combination constitutes a businesss greatest asset. He further stated that organisations should treat their talents like a brand. Attendees gained access to practical strategies and innovative approaches for attracting, retaining, and developing top talent, equipping them with the tools to drive organisational success. The Head of HR, FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Olubukola Lanipekun-Lawal, highlighted the importance of data-driven decisions when managing talent. She also discussed effective strategies for people management, such as assigning mentors to guide and oversee downlines and talent managers. She also stated that organisations should focus more on the employees experience by providing the necessary tools to support the growth of employees. She further noted, A digital approach to talent management is critical, and organisations should ensure that employees are provided with the tools required to make work enjoyable and assure them that the organisation is interested in how they deliver on work. 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 Tracy Afolabi-Johnson, Senior Consultant, People Transformation unit, pcl. highlighted that people are interested in working with organisations that are invested in their training and development. She said that organisations need to invest in the training and development of their people to get the best out of them. Tracy further commented on the importance of recognising and appreciating the work and efforts of team members to encourage and foster better team collaborations and results for organisations. Reflecting on the events success. Olawanle Moronkeji,Partner,People Transformation Unit, pcl. commented,Transformative talent management in the new abnormal has to be imaginative, agile and inclusive in design and execution. The Talent Management 2.0 event reaffirms pcl.s commitment to empowering organisations with innovative solutions and strategic guidance to navigate the complexities of talent management effectively. For detailed insights about the report. please visit https://phillipsconsulting.net/reports_post/talent-management-report-2/ pcl. is a business and management consulting firm with over three decades of experience, providing advisory services, technology solutions, and training to organisations in Africa and globally. pcl. has consistently enabled organisations to achieve sustainable growth and success. Its expertise in talent management, organisational development, and transformation helps businesses achieve their goals and thrive in a competitive landscape. For more information, visit https://phillipsconsulting.net Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has launched the 2024 fertiliser sales to farmers in the state. Mr Yahaya, during the official flag-off of the exercise on Thursday in Gombe, said 50 per cent of the fertiliser would be sold directly to farmers, while the remainder would be sold through cooperative societies, who would be given the option to repay the government through their harvests. This will ensure equitable and fair access to fertiliser by all and sundry, thus guaranteeing an optimum price for farm produce and enhanced food security in Gombe State and Nigeria at large. He said the commodity would be sold to farmers across the state at the rate of N22,000, against the N44,000 market price. The governor said his administration would continue to subsidise the commodity while strengthening other agricultural interventions. He said the measures were to boost food security in the state and improve farmers income. The governor warned against hoarding or frustration of the distribution of the fertilisers to grassroots farmers. 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 Such person would not be spared but handed over to the anti-corruption agency for prosecution, he warned. Also speaking at the event, the state commissioner for agriculture and animal husbandry, Barnabas Malle, reiterated the state governments commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector. He said this would bring about sustainable agricultural development to ensure food security and wealth creation for farmers. READ ALSO: Ododo disburses N370m revolving loan to Kogi farmers He added that aside from the provision of fertiliser and other inputs, the government was also improving the livestock sector in the state. The commissioner assured that the state Fertilisers Distribution Committee would ensure effective sales and distribution of the commodity so that it would reach the farming populace at the grassroots. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned the money laundering case involving Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, until 15 July. This was after the sixth prosecution witness, a banker, concluded his testimony against Ali and his co-defendant, Daudu Sulaiman. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the charges in 2022, accusing the two defendants of fraud involving alleged diversion of N10 billion from the Kogi State Government coffers. The case is separate but related to the recent one the EFCC filed against Mr Bello after he finished his second term as the Kogi State governor in January. In the case, EFCC accused former Governor Bello of money laundering involving N80 billion, which he allegedly diverted from the Kogi State treasury during his eight years in office. The agency named Ali and his co-defendant, Mr Suleiman, as accomplices in the case. After failed attempts to bring the former governor to court to answer the 19 counts, the trial judge, Emeka Nwite, on 13 June, fixed 27 June as a new date for arraignment. On Thursday, the trial continued in the case of Ali and his co-defendant before trial judge, James Omotosho, with the defence cross-examining a prosecution witness, Olom Otane Egoro, an Access Bank staff member. 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 Evidence-in-chief Earlier on 6 May, EFCCs prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), led Mr Egoro, an official of the compliance unit of the bank, in evidence as the sixth prosecution witness (PW6). In his evidence-in-chief, the banker told the court that the bank received a letter from the EFCC requesting account statements of the Kogi Government House from 2018 to 2021. He said the commission also asked for other documents, including the account opening mandate for the account and certificate of compliance regarding the printouts. The witness thereafter went through the account statement detailing the various electronic and cash deposits and withdrawals on the account under review. Mr Egoro identified withdrawals of N10 million each in different tranches. The witness, however, did not give details, including who deposited the funds, the purposes of the deposits and at whose instance they withdrew the funds, before concluding his testimony. Mr Oyedepo tendered the bank documents through the witness. The court admitted them in evidence accordingly. Cross-examination During the cross-examination of the witness by Alis lawyer, Abubakar Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Egoro admitted there was no lodgement or withdrawal linked to the former Kogi State governor Mr Bello in the bank documents. The witness equally admitted that the staff of the compliance unit of the bank were not responsible for running and maintaining the banks servers which generated the bank transactions details. He added that it was the duty of the banks ICT Department to manage the bank servers. The lawyer to the co-defendant, Mr Suleiman, Olusegun Jolaawo, also a SAN, equally cross-examined the sixth prosecution witness. After the defence counsel completed their cross-examination, the judge, Mr Omotosho, discharged Mr Egoro from the witness box and adjourned the matter until 15 July 15 and 16 July for continuation of trial. It would be recalled that Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022, are standing trial on a 10-count charge bordering on money laundering brought against them by the anti-graft agency. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State has jailed two men for child stealing in the state. The convicts Chinedu Okeke, 22, and Chukwuemeka Nweke, 27 were charged with four counts upon arraignment in 2023. The counts included stealing, fraudulently enticing away and harbouring a one-year-old baby, forcefully isolating the child from the lawful possession of his parents; and infliction of physical injuries on the baby. Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, a media aide to the State Commissioner of Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. The statement indicated that the defendants, now convicts, were prosecuted by the Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare. The government told the court that the offence was punishable under the Criminal Code, Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, the Childs Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Laws of Anambra State, 2017. The judgement Delivering judgement, the Chief Magistrate, Genevieve Osakwe, held that the defendants were guilty of all the four count charges brought against them. 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 Ms Osakwe, according to the statement, criticised the convicts for wasting the time of the court by blatantly telling lies on oath throughout the trial period. Based on the oral testimonies of the defendants, their written depositions, made at the earliest opportunity, the submissions of the plaintiffs witnesses, as well as, other materials placed before the court, in respect of the case; there were overwhelming pieces of evidence against the defendants, and the prosecutor had proved his case beyond reasonable doubts, the chief magistrate ruled. Earlier in a plea, the defence counsel, said the defendants were of good character and prayed the court to temper justice with mercy on the grounds that both defendants were first-time offenders, and had sincerely expressed regrets for their wrongdoings. But Ms Osakwe argued that in law, justice is not a one-way traffic, and stressed that in passing sentences on the defendants, the court would rely on the existing practice directions, prescribed in the Sentencing Guidelines of Anambra State of Nigeria. The chief magistrate subsequently sentenced the two convicts, Messrs Okeke and Nweke to multiple jail terms. She ruled that each of the convicts would serve one year imprisonment for count one, six years imprisonment for count two, another six years imprisonment for count three and two years imprisonment for count four totalling 15 years imprisonment. All the sentences would run concurrently, without any option of fine, the court declared. The statement did not indicate when the convicts were sentenced. Commissioner reacts Reacting, the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Obinabo, expressed satisfaction with the courts judgement. The commissioner warned intending offenders in the Anambra State to leave the state because the administration of the state governor, Charles Soludo, will not hesitate to prosecute such offenders. She appreciated the efforts of the court in ensuring that children are protected in the state. She vowed to do everything within her powers to prosecute the third suspect, said to be currently on the run. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the passing of Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, the traditional ruler of Akinale in Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun State, as shocking and a great loss to Owu land, Ogun State and the entire country. He said this as the Owu Traditional Council formally announced the demise of the late erudite journalist and public relations expert on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Oba Ogunleye died on Wednesday in the United Kingdom after a brief illness aged 79. He would have been 80 in September 2024. Mr Obasanjo, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the news of Oba Ogunleyes passing was shocking, having informed him about his travelling some weeks back in high spirit. The former President, who is in South Africa for the second term inauguration ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the people of Owu, Ogun State and Nigeria would miss the late Oba Ogunleye for his resourcefulness and promotion of the cultural heritage of his homestead. The Owu Traditional Council, led by the Oganla Owu, Johnson Olu Fatoki, had declared that with the passing of Oba Ogunleye, the Council had missed one of the erudite monarchs in Owu Kingdom. He described Oba Ogunleye as peace loving, progressive and a bridge builder. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The late Oba Ogunleye is survived by his wife, Olanike Ogunleye, children and grandchildren, among whom is Bamidele Ogunleye of the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Abeokuta. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Barely 48 hours after a commercial motorcycle riders union official was gunned down by unknown assailants, two more people were killed in different locations in Ado Ekiti on Thursday. Gunmen on motorcycles had, earlier in the day, shot a Point of Sale (POS) agent, popularly called Alfa, along the Teaching Hospital area of Ado Ekiti around 7.30 a.m. According to witnesses, the gunmen, who came on a motorbike, shot and killed Alfa and made away with a yet-to-be-disclosed amount of money and other valuables at his POS shop. His corpse has been taken to the morgue by the Police. Relatedly, another set of assailants, who were also on a motorbike, shot and killed a man selling rice on a wheelbarrow at the Bisi market in the heart of Ado Ekiti around 3 p.m. The development forced traders and passers-by to flee for safety. As of the time of filing this report, the market was almost empty. Some of the traders, who spoke to the PREMIUM TIMES on condition of anonymity, said they would not return to the market for now. 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 Meanwhile, security operatives drawn from the Nigerian Police, Civil Defense Corps, and the Army, among others, have stormed the streets to checkmate the recurring murders. One of the leaders of the armed security men, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that the assailants might be secret cult members, saying that their modus operandi in all the killings were the same. He said that the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has given them the marching order to comb the streets and fish out the criminals giving the people sleepless nights. Reacting to the ugly developments, the Ekiti State police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, a deputy superintendent of police, said the commissioner of police has ordered an investigation into the incidents to ensure that the criminals are arrested and brought to justice. Immediately we got the information, we mobilised our men to the scene. The man (POS agent) was found lying in a pool of his blood and was moved to the general hospital where he was confirmed dead. His body has been deposited in the morgue, he said. READ ALSO: Okada union officer killed by gunmen in Ekiti Recall that a middle-aged man identified as Samuel Omoyajowo, was allegedly shot dead by unknown gunmen around Okesa Roundabout near the Governors office in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday morning. The late Omoyajowo was one of those issuing tickets to commercial motorcycle riders around Okesa Roundabout. The men who reportedly gunned him down also rode to the scene on a motorcycle. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "Get ready for CBC Summit 2024 - the premier industry event for crypto banking and compliance executives and professionals." The much-anticipated 2nd annual CBC Summit, an executive-level event featuring over 125 industry leaders and regulators focused on crypto banking and compliance, is set to take place on September 12th, 2024, at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The annual CBC Summit is designed to cater to industry executives, offering: Access to Leading Regulators, Banking Experts, and Compliance Advisors: Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with professionals and gain insights from their expertise. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with professionals and gain insights from their expertise. Strategic Networking Opportunities: Forge alliances with banking partners and industry peers. Forge alliances with banking partners and industry peers. In-Depth Content and Actionable Insights: Stay ahead with the latest regulatory updates and industry trends. Keynote speakers from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) will address critical issues related to the banking and crypto industries. In addition, leading crypto exchanges such as Coinbase, Binance.US, and Kraken will participate in panel sessions alongside prominent banks including Anchorage Digital, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), and Lead Bank. These sessions will explore the latest trends and challenges facing the industry. CBC Summit will also feature significant participation from government regulators, with speakers from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), U.S Department of Justice, IRS, OCC, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and more. Registration is Now Open! Space is limited for this exclusive event. Secure your spot at the 2nd annual CBC Summit on September 12th, 2024, by registering here. About CBC Team: The CBC Team specializes in creating and operating events that address banking & compliance challenges in emerging industries. For more information, visit CBC Summit. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE CBC Summit TAIPEI, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Tang Prize in Sinology is awarded to University Professor Emeritus Hsu Cho-yun of the University of Pittsburgh, USA, and an academician of Academia Sinica, for his exceptional contributions to the field of Sinology. Professor Hsu Cho-yun, 2024 Tang Prize Laureate in Sinology Professor Hsu's illustrious academic career has been distinguished by his holistic approach to the study of ancient Chinese history, seamlessly integrating an exploration of cultural and intellectual exchanges between China and the world. His work masterfully bridges the past and present, addressing contemporary questions through the lens of antiquity. With his profound erudition and unwavering public spirit, Professor Hsu embodies the quintessential Sinologist, possessing both a deep historical sensibility and a broad, worldly vision. Professor Hsu integrated methodologies drawn from social sciences into historical research early in his career. His work reflects historical insights that take one to look into the bygone ages and the present and future, embodying a blend of antiquity and modernity. He has proven that Sinology is not limited to the institutional dialogues of the past, but can transcend the ivory tower of academia to engage in dialogues with various fields of humanities and social sciences, making a fundamental impact on Sinology. Professor Hsu specializes in particular topics of the Zhou, Qin, and Han periods, achieving unique insights that contribute to a comprehensive interpretation of the history of early China. Notable examples include his exploration of the Huaxia consciousness among kinship groups in his monograph Western Chou Civilization, the central/local and political/social bureaucratic system in Qiugu Bian [Discovering Antiquity], and the intensive rural/commercial market economy in Han Agriculture. These discourses form what he calls "the three matrixes of Chinese culture." Focusing on the dynastic history of the Western Zhou, Professor Hsu's Western Chou Civilization inaugurates a new direction in the study of ancient Chinese history. The book's unique insight lies in its inquisition of the formation of the Huaxia state within "China" at the time and the continued expansion of its cultural sphere. The book has been continually updated along with new archaeological discoveries; it is only one example of Professor Hsu's rigor in scholarly contemporaneity. Qiugu Bian [Discovering Antiquity], a collection of Professor Hsu's early and mid-career essays, deals primarily with political, social, economic, and cultural issues of the Zhou, Qin, and Han periods. Han Agriculture offers an in-depth analysis of farming operations and explores the shift from commercial trade to an agricultural economy during the Han Dynasties. It also answers the key question of why China "established its state through agriculture" and provides insights into core themes of Chinese history. Professor Hsu has also made a breakthrough in historical theory. The "network theory" is his unique view of the pulse of Chinese history. He believes that the economic system, social contacts, political rule, and ideological aspects are inseparable from the transportation network, akin to the structure of a tree from the trunk to the branches. These interconnected branches form a complex of Chinese history that Professor Hsu calls his "network theory." This theory avoids examining trivial issues and instead provides a practical framework for interpreting larger historical contexts. In his later years, Professor Hsu published a series of comprehensive historical works that integrate China into world civilizations and emphasize the unique aspects of Chinese historical and cultural development. China: A New Cultural History points out that Chinese culture, in the process of expansion, has also been influenced by foreign cultures. Shihai Xunhang: Lishi Wenxue Zhouji [Voyage on the Sea of History: Weekly Studies in Historical Inquiry] examines Chinese history from the perspective of world history, emphasizing the comparison between Chinese and Western history. His magnum opus, Huaxia Lunshu [Discourse on the Huaxia], highlighted the inclusiveness and uniqueness of Chinese historical development and his concerns about the trajectory of modern China. Beyond his academic research, Professor Hsu spearheaded the transformation of the history education curriculum at National Taiwan University's Department of History in the 1960s. This pivotal shift nurtured a new generation of scholars and ushered in the study of China's social history, leaving a lasting mark on Taiwan's historiography. Since the 1990s, Professor Hsu's historical perspectives have been widely disseminated, solidifying his significant role in shaping historical discourse. Professor Hsu has transformed historical research into a resource for humanistic education, publishing numerous works on general themes ranging from epochal transitions to leadership, organizational systems, the rise and fall of great powers, knowledge and democracy, social trends and scholarship, and more. His efforts have proven the usefulness of historical knowledge; indeed, he is a model figure demonstrating both Western academic rigor and traditional Chinese intellectual engagement. Professor Hsu's remarkable academic achievements and contributions have been deservedly recognized with the 2024 Tang Prize in Sinology. His work has profoundly enriched the Sinology field and created a lasting legacy of invaluable academic assets for future generations. Professor Hsu's scholarship and exemplary character will undoubtedly continue to inspire both scholars and the general public for years to come. About the Tang Prize Since the advent of globalization, mankind has been able to enjoy the convenience brought forth by the advancement of human civilization and science. Yet a multitude of challenges, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, wealth gap, and moral degradation, have surfaced along the way. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012. It consists of four award categories, namely Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Every other year, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising many internationally renowned experts, scholars, and Nobel winners, choose as Tang Prize laureates people who have influenced and made substantive contributions to the world, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or gender. A cash prize of NT$50 million (approx. US$1.7 million) is allocated to each category, with NT$10 million (approx. US$ 0.35 million) of it being a research grant intended to encourage professionals in every field to examine mankind's most urgent needs in the 21st century, and become leading forces in the development of human society through their outstanding research outcomes and active civic engagement. SOURCE Tang Prize Foundation HARRISBURG, Pa., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, AARP Pennsylvania recognized the Commonwealth's Attorney General Michelle Henry as a Community Fraud Fighter of distinction. This distinction honors the dedication of individuals who are actively working to combat the scourge of scams and fraud targeting Pennsylvanians of all ages. This spring, AARP offices across the country are honoring law enforcement officers, lawmakers, state officials, and community nonprofits who are engaged in keeping people and their money safe. Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director (Left), presenting Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry (Right) with an AARP Community Fraud Fighter Award "No matter your age or income, Pennsylvanians are under attack each and every day from these criminals. They need strong allies like Attorney General Henry involved in this fight," said AARP Pennsylvania State Director, Bill Johnston-Walsh. "Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community has been a guiding principle of my career. Scammers and other bad actors are relentless in their efforts to get easy money, and they never consider the harm they are inflicting on people," said Attorney General Michelle Henry. "I am so proud of everyone in my office who works so hard to fight alongside me, whether through arresting scammers or working to hold predatory companies accountable. Thank you for this great honor, and please know that the Office of Attorney General will continue to fight for you and your loved ones every single day." Michele Henry was appointed Attorney General in March 2023 to serve as the Commonwealth's top lawyer and chief law enforcement officer. Prior to this appointment, she served as First Deputy Attorney General under former Attorney General and now Governor, Josh Shapiro, where she was responsible for overseeing all the Office's legal matters, including criminal cases to seek justice for victims and public protection cases fighting for the rights of Pennsylvania consumers. During the past 15 months as Attorney General, Henry has collaborated with the Pennsylvania State Police to arrest scammers in two separate plots to defraud and steal from older Pennsylvanians. Attorney General Henry has also acted by filing lawsuits against companies that misled patients and failed to notify them of their consumer rights. Under Attorney General Henry's leadership, the Senior Protection Unit has continued to investigate and prosecute those who cheat, deceive, or abuse older Pennsylvanians; and the Senior Scam Program continues to offer a variety of programs to provide older adults and their families the information and tools needed to protect themselves from the scams and fraud that are out there, while encouraging them to report instances of fraud and scams to the Attorney General's Hotline. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Pennsylvanians lost a reported $224.2 million to illegal scams in 2023 and the average victim lost $440. However, these numbers only reveal a fraction of actual theft from fraud, since the crime is notoriously underreported. AARP Pennsylvania is focused on providing people of all ages the tools to spot and avoid scams through AARP Pennsylvania's Consumer Issues Taskforce. The AARP Pennsylvania Consumer Issues Task Force is a statewide, volunteer-based group that focuses on fraud and scam prevention. The group has always enjoyed a great relationship with the Office of Attorney General. This task force has delivered over 60 presentations this year to nearly 3,000 individuals across a wide array of community groups. In addition to community presentations, the group is involved in Scam Jam events with elected officials; hosting telephone town hall events; helping to prevent identity theft through local shredding events; and producing monthly educational videos on current fraud and scam topics. AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource that equips consumers with up-to-date knowledge to spot and avoid scams, and connects those targeted by scams with our fraud helpline specialists who provide support and guidance on what to do next. Anyone can call the helpline at 877-908-3360. AARP Fraud Watch Network also offers free, facilitated peer discussion groups that seek to provide emotional support for those experiencing fraud; and advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws. 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 An industry veteran and former Ace Vision Group Board of Director, Frank Chen brings business operations, regulatory strategy and investment expertise to support the Company's next phase of growth and innovation. BOSTON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ace Vision Group, Inc., an emerging medical device company at the forefront of pioneering a laser microporation therapy for the aging eye, today announced the appointment of Frank Chen as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Chen brings extensive management to enhance operational efficiencies and drive business growth at Ace Vision Group (AVG). With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Mr. Chen has held key leadership roles in established companies and startups, consistently driving growth and operational excellence. Before being named COO, Mr. Chen was President of Santen Ventures, Inc., responsible for operations, business development, and investments in best-in-class biotech startups. Mr. Chen has invested in a variety of companies and achieved multiple exits. Having served on the AVG Board of Directors, he has now returned to help guide AVG as it establishes its treatment of age-related vision loss. "We are excited to welcome back a talented, trusted leader who embodies a combination of strengths that is ideal to move us forward," said Dr. AnnMarie Hipsley, CEO of Ace Vision Group. "Frank's strategic vision and operational expertise will be instrumental in guiding Ace Vision Group through its next phase of stages of innovation, clinical research and commercialization." Mr. Chen began his career in clinical care, where the transformative impact of new therapies on patient lives inspired a determination to spend his career supporting innovation. He spent nearly a decade as a senior scientist in medical device development at Johnson & Johnson, where he added expertise in leadership by honing his skills in the Lean Six Sigma management process. He then transitioned to business consulting, assisting top pharmaceutical companies with technology transformation, digital marketing, and commercial readiness. At Ace Vision Group, he will oversee daily operations, ensuring the Company's strategic initiatives are effectively implemented across all departments. He will work closely with the entire executive team as the Company prepares to bring its novel touchless eye laser therapy to patients with age-related vision loss. "As a board member, I saw the life-changing impact of Laser Scleral Microporation Therapy," said Mr. Chen. "I'm thrilled to rejoin Ace Vision Group as an officer of the company to help advance the Company's core technology." About Ace Vision Group Ace Vision Group, Inc. (AVG) is a privately held U.S. ophthalmic medical device company developing Laser Microporation Therapeutic technologies to address age-related eye dysfunction and address the eye's natural biomechanical performance. AVG's Laser Scleral Microporation (LSM) is a therapeutic eye laser treatment that aims to restore visual function naturally without sacrificing distance vision. AVG's brand promise is to provide the field of ophthalmology with innovative devices, Microporation Therapeutic procedures, and education for the treatment of age-related ocular dysfunction, disability, and disease. For more information about Ace Vision Group please visit www.acevisiongroup.com. Media Contacts Niko Perrin [email protected] Ashley Murphy [email protected] SOURCE Ace Vision Funds will support three priority areas over the next 5-10 years. GREEN BAY, Wis., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW) Endowment, Wisconsin's largest health philanthropy, announced it is investing $50 million in three priority areas hypertension control, childhood behavioral health, and health workforce well-being to accelerate improving the health and wellness of all in Wisconsin and promote health equity across the state. This landmark investment was announced by Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment and senior associate dean at the Medical College of Wisconsin, at AHW's Advancing Health for ALL Wisconsin conference held at Lambeau Field. "The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment is uniquely positioned to address a number of long-standing and growing health challenges in our state. This landmark investment aims to significantly move the needle and create positive, sustainable change in several areas with the greatest opportunity for impact over the next 5-10 years," said Dr. Ehrenfeld. "Beyond these critical funds, AHW's capability to engage local, state, and national experts; convene stakeholders; and provide operational support for large-scale health improvement projects can lead to broad and lasting health improvements for the people and communities we serve." Input and feedback from statewide health partners and stakeholders, along with reviews of state and national health data and trends, informed AHW's 2024-2028 Five-Year Plan, which outlines opportunities to build signature initiatives focused on targeted health areas impacting wellness in Wisconsin. Hypertension control, childhood behavioral health, and health workforce well-being were approved as focus areas for investments up to a total of $50 million by AHW's governing bodies. This year also marks AHW's 20th anniversary of stewarding funds gifted to the Medical College of Wisconsin from the conversion of Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin into a for-profit company. Since issuing its first grants in 2004, AHW has invested more than $338 million in nearly 650 health-focused projects (as of June 2023). "Funds invested by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment have helped to expand our reach and impact across the state, leading to partnerships we wouldn't have otherwise been able to accomplish," said John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, president and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin. "One of the many innovations initially supported by AHW was the creation of our regional campuses in Central Wisconsin and Green Bay, which has helped MCW to enhance and build a contemporary healthcare workforce that is addressing the maldistribution of physicians, particularly in Wisconsin's rural communities." AHW is the only health philanthropy in the U.S. operating within a private medical school. Learn more about its history and hear perspectives on AHW's impact at https://info.ahwendowment.org/our-story. SOURCE Medical College of Wisconsin NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global atopic dermatitis drugs market size is estimated to grow by USD 6.20 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.87% during the forecast period. High prevalence of atopic dermatitis is driving market growth, with a trend towards strategic partnerships and acquisitions. However, side effects associated with corticosteroids poses a challenge. Key market players include AbbVie Inc., Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc., Asana BioSciences LLC, Astellas Pharma Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Bayer AG, BiomX Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Dermavant Sciences Inc., Eli Lilly and Co., Evelo Biosciences Inc., Galderma SA, Incyte Corp., LEO Pharma AS, Maruho Co. Ltd., Novartis AG, Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, and Viatris Inc.. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global atopic dermatitis drugs market 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies - Click for the snapshot of this report Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Route Of Administration (Oral, Topical, and Injectable), Drug Class (Biologics, PDE4 inhibitors, Corticosteroids, and Calcineurin inhibitors), 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 AbbVie Inc., Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc., Asana BioSciences LLC, Astellas Pharma Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Bayer AG, BiomX Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Dermavant Sciences Inc., Eli Lilly and Co., Evelo Biosciences Inc., Galderma SA, Incyte Corp., LEO Pharma AS, Maruho Co. Ltd., Novartis AG, Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, and Viatris Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Vendors in the global atopic dermatitis drugs market have expanded their product offerings through strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions and technology collaborations since 2019. For instance, Pfizer and Glenmark's introduction of Abrocitinib, an approved treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, in India and other regions, is a notable example. Such partnerships and approvals contribute to market growth and potential profit margin increases. The Atopic Dermatitis Drugs Market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising prevalence of atopic dermatitis worldwide. The market consists of various treatments, including topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologics. Topical corticosteroids remain the first-line therapy for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. Calcineurin inhibitors are used for sensitive areas and long-term treatment. Biologics, such as dupilumab, are emerging as effective treatments for severe atopic dermatitis. The market is also witnessing the development of new drugs, like PDE4 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors, which show promising results. The regulatory approval of these new drugs is expected to further boost the market growth. Additionally, the increasing awareness and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis are driving the market demand. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges The atopic dermatitis drugs market is challenged by the limited use of corticosteroids due to their potential side effects. These medications, including clobetasol propionate and fluocinonide, effectively reduce itching, inflammation, and redness. However, their long-term use is discouraged due to risks like skin thinning, thickening, and discoloration. Systemic side effects, such as fluid retention, high blood pressure, bone damage, and Cushings Syndrome, further limit their adoption. Patients typically resort to corticosteroids when other skincare regimens fail, but the market growth is hindered by these constraints. The Atopic Dermatitis Drugs Market faces several challenges in providing effective treatments. Topical corticosteroids, such as Clobetasone and Dexamethasone, are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties. However, long-term use can lead to side effects like thinning of the skin and increased risk of infections. Calcineurin inhibitors, like Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus, are alternative options, but they can cause burning and itching at the application site. Biologics, like Dupilumab and Eczema, offer promising results but come with higher costs and potential safety concerns. Regulating authorities require rigorous testing and safety measures to ensure patient safety. In addition, patient compliance and adherence to treatment plans remain significant challenges. Overall, the Atopic Dermatitis Drugs Market requires continuous innovation and research to address these challenges and provide effective, safe, and affordable treatment options. For more insights on driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This atopic dermatitis drugs market report extensively covers market segmentation by Route Of Administration 1.1 Oral 1.2 Topical 1.3 Injectable Drug Class 2.1 Biologics 2.2 PDE4 inhibitors 2.3 Corticosteroids 2.4 Calcineurin inhibitors Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 Asia 3.4 Rest of World (ROW) 1.1 Oral- 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 Atopic Dermatitis Drugs Market encompasses a range of treatments for this prevalent inflammatory skin condition. Corticosteroids, including topical forms, have long been a mainstay in managing symptoms. However, regulatory complexities and healthcare access disparities have led to an increased interest in novel treatments. Biologics and targeted therapies, such as Ruxolitinib Cream, are emerging as effective alternatives. The adoption of telemedicine in hospital pharmacies facilitates easier access to these treatments for pediatric patients and adults alike. The disease prevalence, driven by Westernized lifestyles, contributes significantly to healthcare expenditure. Novel products, like Crisaborole ointment, and hand eczema treatments are also gaining traction. Infections and oil stripping soaps can exacerbate Atopic Dermatitis, making the development of effective treatments a priority. Market Research Overview The Atopic Dermatitis Drugs Market encompasses a range of treatments for this chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin condition. These drugs include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and biologics. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, while calcineurin inhibitors are preferred for sensitive areas or in cases of steroid resistance. Phototherapy, including UVB and PUVA, is effective for severe cases, but carries the risk of side effects. Biologics, such as dupilumab, are the latest addition to the market, offering a targeted approach to treating atopic dermatitis by inhibiting specific cytokines involved in the inflammatory response. The market for these drugs is expected to grow due to the increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis and the development of new, more effective treatments. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Route Of Administration Oral Topical Injectable Drug Class Biologics PDE4 Inhibitors Corticosteroids Calcineurin Inhibitors 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 Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=125124333 Browse in-depth TOC on "Automotive Camera Market" 399 - Tables 90 - Figures 420 - Pages Automotive Camera Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 USD 8.3 Billion Estimated Value by 2030 USD 16.0 Billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% Market Size Available for 20192030 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Technology, ICE Application, Vehicle Type, View Type, EV Type, EV Application, Level of Autonomy Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Growing push for autonomous vehicles Key Market Drivers Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles The passenger car segment is anticipated to show the largest growth in the global automotive camera market. The passenger car segment of the automotive camera market is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period. The rising demand for ADAS is a crucial factor behind the increasing use of cameras in passenger cars. ADAS technologies, such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts, depend on cameras to identify and react to potential dangers. Additionally, global governmental regulations are moving toward making ADAS mandatory in passenger cars. For example, the EU has expanded its requirements to include features like the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. These features have been mandated in EU countries from July 2022. Such regulatory measures are likely to further stimulate the market for automotive cameras in passenger cars. Thermal segment is anticipated to be the fastest growing technology in the global automotive camera market. Thermal cameras in cars work by detecting heat emitted by objects, allowing them to capture images even in complete darkness. These cameras are essential for ADAS, including night vision systems and pedestrian detection. In night vision systems, thermal cameras enhance driving safety by detecting the heat signatures of objects, such as pedestrians or animals, and providing visual alerts to the driver. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents in low-visibility conditions like darkness, fog, rain, or snow. Thermal cameras are also used in pedestrian detection systems, where they identify the heat emitted by people, helping prevent collisions by alerting the driver to their presence. This technology is particularly useful in urban environments or areas with heavy foot traffic. The primary difference between thermal and infrared cameras lies in the type of infrared light they use. Thermal imaging systems utilize mid or long-wavelength infrared light, whereas infrared systems use short-wavelength infrared light. Thermal imagers are passive devices that detect variations in heat but cannot sense reflected light. Because they operate in a longer infrared wavelength spectrum than active infrared systems, they remain unaffected by incoming headlights, fog, haze, and dust. This capability allows thermal cameras to detect temperature changes, making them ideal for identifying heat signatures from objects or people in complete darkness. While both thermal and infrared cameras detect heat, thermal cameras are particularly advantageous for their ability to function under a wider range of conditions. Germany to lead the automotive camera market in Europe. Germany is expected to be the largest market for automotive cameras in the European region during the forecast period. The German automotive camera market is expected to grow due to the increasing safety awareness and government regulations mandating advanced systems in vehicles. Major German OEMs like Volkswagen and Daimler have already integrated advanced features to enhance the driving experience, offering most ADAS features as standard in their premium vehicles. Since July 2022, the country has mandated the use of ADAS features such as automotive emergency braking, driver monitoring, and lane departure warning systems. The presence of key manufacturers such as Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), and Continental AG (Germany) significantly contributes to this growth. Recent developments, such as camera heads enabling ADAS functionality (including 3-to-8-megapixel versions scalable up to 12 megapixels) released by Robert Bosch GmbH in September 2023, highlight the advancements and increasing demand in the market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=125124333 Automotive Camera Market Dynamics: Drivers: Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles Restraints: Impact of adverse weather conditions Opportunities: Growing push for autonomous vehicles Challenge: Low adoption and high cost of newer technologies Key Market Players Automotive Camera Industry: Prominent players in the Automotive Camera Market include Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Continental AG (Germany), Valeo (France), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), and Denso Corporation (Japan), and Ficosa International SA (Spain), among others. The break-down of primary participants is as mentioned below: By Respondent Type: OEMs 32%, Tier 1 37% and Others 28%, OEMs 32%, Tier 1 37% and Others 28%, By Designation: CXO's 33%, Managers 52%, and Executives 15% CXO's 33%, Managers 52%, and Executives 15% By Region: North America 26%, Asia Pacific 35%, Europe 30%, and Rest of the World 9% Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=125124333 Automotive Camera Industry Recent Developments: In March 2024 , ZF Friedrichshafen AG ( Germany ) acquired a 6% stake in the South Korean software company StradVision, an artificial intelligence-based vision processing technology for autonomous vehicles and ADAS. The acquisition extends ZF's autonomous driving perception and sensor fusion capabilities. , ZF Friedrichshafen AG ( ) acquired a 6% stake in the South Korean software company StradVision, an artificial intelligence-based vision processing technology for autonomous vehicles and ADAS. The acquisition extends ZF's autonomous driving perception and sensor fusion capabilities. In January 2024 , Valeo ( France ) collaborated with Teledyne FLIR LLC (US), part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, to bring thermal imaging technology to the automotive industry to enhance the safety of road users. , Valeo ( ) collaborated with Teledyne FLIR LLC (US), part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, to bring thermal imaging technology to the automotive industry to enhance the safety of road users. In January 2024 , Continental AG ( Germany ) unveiled Face Authentication Display, a two-stage access control system based on biometric user recognition, which uses special camera systems mounted externally on the vehicle's B-pillar and behind the driver display console. With biometric face authentication, the vehicle unlocks and starts upon detecting a registered user while enabling driver monitoring for enhanced safety. Automotive Camera Market Size - Key Benefits of Buying the Report: The report will help the market leaders/new entrants with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall automotive camera market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the market pulse and provides information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. This report provides insights on: Analysis of key drivers (Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles, Government initiatives for improved vehicle safety, Advancements in camera technology), restraints (Impact of adverse weather conditions, Lack of infrastructure in emerging economies), opportunities (Growing push for autonomous vehicles, Surge in demand for premium vehicles), and challenges (Low adoption and high cost of newer technologies, Integration with other vehicle sensors) influencing the growth of the automotive camera market. (Increasing consumer demand for ADAS in vehicles, Government initiatives for improved vehicle safety, Advancements in camera technology), restraints (Impact of adverse weather conditions, Lack of infrastructure in emerging economies), opportunities (Growing push for autonomous vehicles, Surge in demand for premium vehicles), and challenges (Low adoption and high cost of newer technologies, Integration with other vehicle sensors) influencing the growth of the automotive camera market. Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the automotive camera market. Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the automotive camera market. Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets the report analyses the automotive camera market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the automotive camera market. Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the automotive camera market. Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Robert Bosch GmbH ( Germany ), Continental AG ( Germany ), Valeo ( France ), ZF Friedrichshafen AG ( Germany ), Denso Corporation ( Japan ), and Ficosa International SA ( Spain ) among others in the automotive camera market. In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Robert Bosch GmbH ( ), Continental AG ( ), Valeo ( ), ZF Friedrichshafen AG ( ), Denso Corporation ( ), and Ficosa International SA ( ) among others in the automotive camera market. Strategies: The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the automotive camera market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. Related Reports: ADAS Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Automotive Ethernet Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Electric Vehicle Market - Global Forecast 2030 Autonomous / Self-Driving Cars Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Get access to the latest updates on Automotive Camera Companies and Automotive Camera Industry Growth About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets HATBORO, Pa., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Azzur Group, a comprehensive solutions provider for life science innovators in the regulated space, is excited to announce the appointment of Nick Mazzucca as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Nick Mazzucca, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Azzur Group In his new role, Nick will spearhead the business development strategy for Azzur Group's suite of testing, cGMP infrastructure and enablement solutions. Azzur's services provide flexibility and risk mitigation for advanced therapeutics manufacturing, and innovative capacity for drug products and medical devices. Additionally, he will oversee the One Azzur marketing strategy. "I am thrilled to join the dynamic team at Azzur Group," said Nick. "I look forward to working across the organization to enable biotech and pharmaceutical innovators with best-in-class support, helping to bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need." Nick brings over a decade of industry experience to Azzur Group, with a strong background in cGMP manufacturing operations and business development, particularly in advanced therapeutics. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading cell and gene therapy manufacturers, including ThermoFisher Scientific, Recipharm, and Sanofi Genzyme. Before joining Azzur, Nick served as the Senior Director of Business Development at Kincell Bio, where he was key in the development of commercial strategy and delivery for the organization's portfolio of cell therapy CDMO services. He holds an MBA from Boston College and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College. "I'm delighted to welcome Nick to the team," said Sarah Stevens, President, Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand and Azzur Labs. "His expertise in the advanced therapies service industry will be a tremendous asset as we work together to expand the delivery of Azzur's services to our clients." Founded in Philadelphia in 2010, Azzur Group empowers life science innovators through a comprehensive suite of services that offer unique, unconstrained, and phase-appropriate GMP solutions for development and manufacturing. For more information, visit Azzur.com . About Azzur Group From Discovery to Delivery, Azzur Group provides the life science community full life-cycle solutions for all their GxP needs. From Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand facilities, to our labs, training centers and consulting offices across the nation, Azzur Group helps organizations start, scale, and sustain their growing enterprises. With nearly four decades of service to the life science community, we have become a trusted partner to the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and healthcare companies, as well as their supply chain. Follow us on LinkedIn . For more information, visit Azzur.com . SOURCE Azzur Group, LLC BERKELEY, Calif., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced more than two dozen new trips for 2025, including active European journeys from Dublin to Belfast, the Bavarian Alps to the Dolomites, Andalucia to the Algarve, and a Walking & Hiking trip in the renowned Berkshires and Catskills with a section of the Appalachian Trail. The company is also introducing a new two-country Family Trip in Sweden and Denmark as well as first-time trips in the Baltics, Madeira and Greenland among its new adventures for 2025. Backroads Announces New 2025 Active Biking, Hiking and Family Tours Backroads' 2025 trips also include the debut of Home Base, a new category of active luxury adventures offering the ease of unpacking just once at a single property specially chosen for its picturesque location, plush amenities and access to incredible hiking. Prestigious Home Base retreats include the Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, the Schloss Elmau in Bavaria and La Fiermontina in Puglia. "Forty-six years after starting Backroads, I still get excited when we roll out new trips," said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President and CEO. "In 2025 we're hiking in Puglia for the first time and adding trips in a few amazing new North American destinations and several across Europe, including trips for families. I'm especially excited about Home Base, and I think our guests will be too. My wife Liz and I went on our Brenta Dolomites hiking trip last year, which features just one hotel, and we thought unpacking once could be an appealing option in even more regions. When we returned from that trip, we started working on the Home Base concept." Backroads New 2025 Trips Available for Booking: Home Base Active Cruises Biking Tours Multi-Adventure Tours Walking & Hiking Tours Family For more information on Backroads' new 2025 trips, visit Backroads.com or call 800-GO-ACTIVE. About Backroads Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 45 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike and so much moreon expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours; Private Trips, Women's Adventures and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Kids & Teens (best for ages 717; all kids 4+ welcome); Families with Older Teens & 20s (for ages 17+; younger siblings 14+ welcome); and Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond (for ages 20+; younger siblings 17+ welcome), plus Active Ocean & River Cruises and Dolce Tempo trips for travel at a more relaxed pace but still decidedly active. Backroads also offers Safari, Culinary, Home Base and Snow Adventures. Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848. Backroads Media Contact Liz Einbinder [email protected] 510-292-2753 SOURCE Backroads Info-Tech Research Group's research reveals how banking institutions can adopt Exponential IT to integrate advanced technologies to improve risk management and transform their offerings to deliver personalized services. This strategic guide provides banks with the tools needed to enhance operational resilience, foster technological innovation, and maintain a leading position in the financial sector. TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The banking industry is grappling with rapid technological advancements, increasing regulatory demands, and heightened customer expectations. To remain competitive, banks must adopt an Exponential IT mindset. However, they face significant obstacles, including outdated legacy systems, data management challenges, and talent acquisition issues. In response to these challenges, Info-Tech Research Group has released its blueprint, Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Banking Industry. This comprehensive industry-specific guide provides strategic insights and actionable plans to leverage technologies like AI, quantum computing, and automation, enabling banks to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain regulatory compliance. Info-Tech Research Groups Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Banking Industry blueprint provides banks with the tools needed to enhance operational resilience, foster technological innovation, and maintain a leading position in the financial sector. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) "The retail banking industry needs to consider the urgent adoption of Exponential IT to counter industry disruptions," says David Tomljenovic, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "Understanding the five key priorities of Exponential IT transformation is crucial for competitiveness. Additionally, recognizing and incorporating foundational capabilities is essential to initiating an effective Exponential IT transformation, leading to value creation within the industry." Info-Tech's latest blueprint highlights the strategic importance of Exponential IT in transforming the banking sector. This approach involves integrating advanced technologies to not only optimize operations but also to ensure the delivery of innovative financial products and exceptional client experiences. The firm advises that by adopting an Exponential IT mindset, banking organizations can stay ahead of technological disruptions, enhance their service offerings, and cater to the dynamic needs of their clientele. The resource outlines several critical challenges the banking industry must overcome to achieve technological advancement. For example, regulatory scrutiny can delay the market introduction of innovations and impose complex compliance standards. Additionally, banks must balance the need for technological innovation with maintaining stable and reliable operations. The potential for integrating new business models, powered by AI and quantum computing applications, is substantial but requires overcoming significant hurdles associated with market maturity and readiness. Furthermore, banks struggle with outdated legacy systems and the complexity of managing vast amounts of data. Info-Tech recommends a comprehensive strategy that includes detailed planning, robust investment in employee development, and fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation. By following this approach, banks can effectively navigate their digital transformation journey, enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and significantly improve customer satisfaction. Info-Tech details in the new blueprint the five key priorities that banking IT leaders must consider as they adopt an Exponential IT mindset to modernize their operations. The recommended priorities are: Mitigate Rampant Privacy Risks: Mitigating rampant privacy risks is crucial as the banking industry adopts Exponential IT. Banks need to adapt to a rapidly evolving risk environment, implementing advanced privacy capabilities through AI models that are transparent and fair. Ensuring end-to-end privacy controls across operations is essential to maintaining privacy and managing risks effectively. Let AI Take Over Core Operations: Adopting AI to take over core operations involves fully utilizing AI and automation technologies to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency. AI integration is important for predictive maintenance, customer service, and real-time data analysis, ensuring banks remain competitive and innovative. Boost Vendor Management Practices: Boosting vendor management practices is vital as Exponential IT evolves. Banks must recognize the strategic role of vendors and actively engage with potential partners. Developing capabilities through these relationships is essential for accessing advanced technologies and platforms. Focus on Customer Value Delivery: Focusing on customer value delivery means leveraging AI and automation to enhance efficiency and gain real-time insights. Integrating new technologies into existing workflows and ensuring data quality and governance are crucial for delivering superior customer experiences and maintaining a competitive edge. Fund Exponential Value Creation: Funding exponential value creation involves the strategic allocation of resources to support new platforms and capabilities like AI, automation, and quantum computing. Redirecting budgets from maintenance to innovation is essential for banks to stay competitive and to ensure long-term viability. By addressing the strategic priorities highlighted in the firm's research, the banking industry can successfully manage the complexities of digital transformation. Embracing an Exponential IT mindset allows banks to enhance risk management, streamline operational processes, and offer personalized financial services. This approach not only fosters technological resilience but also positions banks to capitalize on new business opportunities in a dynamic market. Info-Tech's blueprint serves as a detailed guide for IT leaders in the banking sector, offering practical insights and actionable strategies to navigate modern IT challenges. By leveraging these recommendations, banks can achieve sustainable growth, improve stakeholder trust, and stay ahead of future technological advancements. For exclusive and timely commentary on this topic from Info-Tech's analysts and access to the complete Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Banking Industry blueprint, please contact [email protected]. Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier IT industry event will also offer journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest technology 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 BARBRI takes an innovative and collaborative approach to test preparation for the NextGen bar exam DALLAS, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the legal landscape evolves, BARBRI is leading the charge in preparing students for the Next Generation (NextGen) bar exam. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, BARBRI unveils elements of its groundbreaking course set to revolutionize bar preparation, available March 2026. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has announced that the new NextGen exam will launch in July 2026 in jurisdictions that adopt the new exam. This NextGen bar exam is an updated, modernized version of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), developed in response to extensive research and feedback from examinees. "Our commitment to our students and law school partners to provide the best-in-class bar preparation and support is at the heart of our mission to revolutionize bar prep," said Samuel Farkas, Vice President of Instruction and Online Education for BARBRI. "Guided by our Advisory Board of deans and academic support professionals and fueled by student input garnered through rigorous focus groups and testing, we're crafting the best possible bar prep experience." Embracing innovative teaching methods, the upcoming BARBRI NextGen course leverages the learning power of story-driven instruction as a central component of the course. Students will be introduced to core legal concepts with topic-based, animated videos that present character-driven stories that engage them in contextual learning. These video episodes feature a recurring cast of characters whose stories are designed to be remembered keeping students entertained while cementing their understanding. In 2021, BARBRI acquired West Academic, the leading provider of trusted legal education materials and digital learning offerings. "From the first day of law school, we can help students attain the foundational knowledge and skills they need to become licensed attorneys," said Stephen Fredette, CEO of BARBRI. "With West Academic's industry-leading collection of classroom content and teaching resources designed to introduce students to the lawyering skills they'll need, students can build these skills throughout law school and create a strong foundation before they begin prepping for the bar." BARBRI has recent experience with legal exam modernization. In 2021, BARBRI was selected by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom to prepare students for the new SQE licensing exam. Students who used BARBRI to prepare for the licensing exam achieved pass rates 25% above the national average. The SQE's skills components mirror those in the NextGen bar exam. The new NextGen course builds on BARBRI's strong foundation, which features subject matter experts with decades of experience in helping students pass the bar, experienced instructional designers and curriculum architects, and authoritative and engaging faculty lecturers. For more information about BARBRI's NextGen preparations visit https://pages.barbri.com/Barbri-NextGen.html. BARBRI is the recognized leader in global legal education, delivering best-in-class products and solutions to legal learners, professionals, law schools, law firms and organizations. For over 57 years, BARBRI has been the leader in U.S. bar exam preparation helping more than 1.5 million learners around the world pass the exam. Today, BARBRI provides technology-enabled legal education offerings for every step of the legal journey, from LSAT prep and law school admissions counseling to law school success and bar preparation, through continuing lifetime legal education. BARBRI's exceptional resources, tools, and insights, created by renowned experts, are designed to help legal learners succeed. BARBRI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas with offices in several U.S. cities and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.barbri.com. SOURCE BARBRI Added to ACCS Certified College Program MINNEAPOLIS, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bethlehem College and the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) jointly announced today that the school is newly recognized as part of the ACCS Certified College Program. "This certification affirms that Bethlehem College adheres to high standards of classical Christian education, providing students with a robust and reliable educational experience," said ACCS President David Goodwin. The announcement took place as part of the ACCS National Conference, "Repairing the Ruins," held this week in Atlanta. Official Seal of Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis, MN, 2024 Classical Christian education is characterized by a reliance on classical works by authors such as Homer, Democritus, Sophocles, Plato, Plotinus, Josephus, Dante, Pythagoras and Shakespeare, and an integration of a Christian worldview into all subjects. Bethlehem College offers three undergraduate and master's degree programs all under the banner of "Great Books in Light of the Greatest Book for the sake of the Great Commission." "We are grateful to God for the association's confidence in Bethlehem College," said Zachary Howard, Bethlehem's Academic Dean. "This certification marks our school as a preferred choice for ACCS high school graduates seeking further classical Christian education, and elevates our reputation among the religious and academic communities that share our commitment to Christ-centered classical education," he added. For more information visit http://www.bcsmn.edu/accs Bethlehem College and Seminary is a churches-based, degree-granting institution with its main campus located on the site of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, and evening classes conducted at The North Church, Mounds View, Minnesota. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college is in the model of classical Christian education, while the seminary focuses on equipping of biblical elders for the tasks of pastoral, missionary, and academic ministry. The seminary maintains a separate location in Yaounde, Republic of Cameroon, in cooperation with Eglise Baptiste Bethleem, a church planted by one of its graduates. Bethlehem College and Seminary is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation. The Association of Classical Christian Schools, headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, is a public advocate for classical Christian education. It offers an extensive array of member services to help build distinctive schools, and provides accountability through accreditation. The ACCS seeks to set an educational standard for a unified and directed approach to classical Christian learning. SOURCE Bethlehem College and Seminary FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Red M, a premier association growth partner, is excited to announce the acquisition of LLM Publications, a renowned publishing company. This strategic acquisition enhances Big Red M's service offerings, adding comprehensive publishing solutions to its robust portfolio of membership, marketing, research, and sales services. With the addition of LLM Publications, Big Red M now offers an expanded range of publishing services, including digital and print publications, advertising and design, and distribution solutions. This acquisition positions Big Red M as a one-stop solution for associations seeking to boost their visibility, engagement, and revenue. "We are thrilled to join forces with Big Red M," said Stephen Bloss, former President of LLM Publications. "Our combined expertise and resources will provide our clients with unparalleled service and innovative solutions. This partnership opens new doors for growth and success, and I am excited about the future for this company." Lucas McCann, CEO of Big Red M, shared his enthusiasm: "The acquisition of LLM Publications marks a significant milestone for Big Red M. By integrating LLM's exceptional publishing services, we are broadening our service offerings and enhancing the value we deliver to our clients. We are committed to driving innovation and excellence in the association industry, and this acquisition is a testament to that commitment." The acquisition underscores Big Red M's dedication to providing comprehensive and innovative solutions to associations. Clients can expect seamless integration of services, continued high-quality support, and access to a wider array of resources designed to meet their evolving needs. For more information about Big Red M and its expanded services, please visit https://bigredm.com. About Big Red M: Big Red M is a premier association growth partner specializing in driving significant revenue increases for associations through targeted membership strategies, sponsorship, sales, research, and consulting. With the recent acquisition of LLM Publications, Big Red M now offers a comprehensive suite of publishing services, further solidifying its position as an industry leader. Subscribe to our newsletter Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram SOURCE Big Red M The Nation's Largest Immersive Art Event Highlights the City's Historic Architecture at Night With Projection Mapping, Murals, and Interactive Light Sculptures October 17, 2024 - October 20, 2024 Cincinnati, Ohio https://BLINKcincinnati.com CINCINNATI, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BLINK, one of the nation's largest public art events, returns October 2024 with a thrilling roster of some of the brightest and most innovative regional, national, and global artists. In 2022, BLINK saw 2.1 million attendees and $126 million direct economic impact for the Cincinnati region. Following that impressive post-pandemic return in 2022, BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave, takes on new challenges this year, expanding its physical reach and artist representation for a truly immersive experience. BLINK | A Festival of Light & Art BLINK 2022 BLINK 2022 The culmination of two years of research and outreach, BLINK 2024 welcomes artists and attendees from all over the world to experience never-before-seen works from over 80 featured artists across disciplines. Seamlessly blending technology and art, the event exposes visitors and locals to innovations in projection mapping, murals, and light technology, creating the ultimate celebration of public art in all of its forms. During BLINK, the city glows with vibrant artistic expression, from the historic building facades to the streets themselves. BLINK, using the city's urban coreas well as communities in Northern Kentucky right across the riveras their canvas, takes special care to curate works that not only complement Cincinnati, but enhance it, blending the local arts scene with global cultural influence. The #1 city in the US for street art as named by USA Today, Cincinnati presents an impressively balanced blend of renowned arts contributions and new media to offer an all-encompassing view of arts and culture. Returning Executive Director Justin Brookhart looks forward to demonstrating the nearly unimaginable possibilities, as Cincinnati continues to grow as a cultural hub. "Cincinnati is a place for people to gather and meet and discuss new ideas. The city comes to life at night, and I'm really energized by the idea that more people will get to experience and participate. BLINK is an invitation for people across the country and the world to experience Cincinnati as a wholly immersive and innovative destination." As a unique chance to experience the city and the art as never seen before, BLINK is rapidly becoming a pillar of art and technology, drawing participation from other national organizations in tandem. This year, in collaboration with BLINK, the CODAsummit has chosen Cincinnati as their 2024 home. As the only conference focused on the exciting ways creative professionals are using art and technology to change the way we experience our environments, BLINK presents a case study of how public arts and technology can come together to create something awe-inspiring. The vibrant energy of this city on the river, filled with art, music and artful innovations, provides the ideal backdrop for conversations about the future of the creative field. The line-up is comprehensive with muralists, projection artists, and light-based artists. Muralists ASTRO, Hoxxoh, Gee Horton, Birdseedanthony, Leon Keer, Chroma Projects, Miss Birdy, Matt Gondeck, Jeks, Wolfdog, Mando Marie, Bunnie Reiss, Pipsqueak was here!!!, Javarri Lewis, and Lauren YS bring large-scale works. Projection Artists Wendy Yu, Kyle Eli Ebersole, NorthHouse Creative, Spotted Yeti Media, SnellBeast, Miami University Department of Emerging Technology in Business and Design, AV EXTENDED, Makoto Inoue, mammasONica studio, Lightborne, DecideKit, Philipp Frank, Studio Betty Mu, GraffMapping, MasonThompson, Brandon Kraemer, Hyojung Seo, Hotaru Visual Guerrilla, Susan Kosti, George Berlin, Mural ReMix, Maxin10sity, Hambone Collective, Anastasia Isachsen, Sean Van Praag, Filip Roca, Tansy Xiao, X Enterprises International, Vince Fraser, Chaske Haverkos, and Scott Budd add complex layers. Incorporating light-based mediums, artists Christine Langford, JP Leong and Yemi Oyediran, Katie Stewart, Daniel Shields, Robert Blum, Tom Tsuchiya, Bill Thomas, Kevin Kunz, Mallory Feltz, Artur Grycuk, Kyle Eli Ebersole & Ian Molitors, JP Jackson + Brian Havener, Taylor Pilote, Nathan Whitford, WOLFDOG, Claire Bryson, JonBob + Drive Media House, Caitlin McCall, Evan Verrilli, Chalk River Labs, Britni Bicknaver with Brianna Kelly, RADAR ART, Carola Migliore, Juanjo Fernandez Rivero, Alan P Marrero, Janez Groselj, Calidos, This Is Loop, Asianati Night Market, Ksawery Komputery, Building 180, Dennis Nolda, AlexP, and a collaboration with local/regional artists including artists from Art Academy of Cincinnati, Columbus College of Art, and Design and University of Cincinnati (DAAP), light up the Cincinnati skyline. About BLINK Last experienced by over 2.1M people in 2022, BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave, welcomes all to Cincinnati, Ohio October 17-20, 2024. The four-day, 30+ city block, outdoor art experience is sure to be unforgettable, uniting street art, projection mapping, and light-based installations. Not only does the event speak to the dynamic evolution of the Cincinnati art community, it calls upon the city's deep roots in supporting the arts. BLINK is illuminated by ArtsWave, the first and largest community campaign in the nation and the primary way that Cincinnati funds its arts. When tens of thousands of people and hundreds of companies give to ArtsWave, they support 150 cultural organizations and projects each year like BLINK that make our region vibrant. Donations to BLINK and other arts projects and organizations can be made at artswave.org/give. BLINK's Executive Partners include the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, AGAR, and the Haile Foundation, and the event is curated and produced in conjunction with partners Cincy Nice and ish to provide opportunities for regional artists and bring in global creators all in the pursuit of a stronger community. About ArtsWave ArtsWave, the local nonprofit arts agency serving the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, is the engine for the arts. Its roots stem back to the late 1920s when the Cincinnati Taft family provided initial investment matched by community support. In the late 1940s, it established the first united arts fund in the nation and, in the mid-1970s, the first organization to initiate workplace giving for the arts. ArtsWave continues to innovate while leading, as illustrated by its No. 1 rank nationally in community arts fundraising, coordination of a sector-wide Blueprint for Collective Action, piloting of new technologies to maximize arts engagement and development of resources for the arts. Each year, ArtsWave raises millions of dollars from tens of thousands of donors corporations, employees, foundations, residents and others to support more than 150 arts organizations, projects and artists. 2024's goal is to return to pre-pandemic fundraising levels by surpassing $12.5 million. Donations can be made at artswave.org/give. Media Inquiries: Hijinx PR | Heidi Johnson | [email protected] | 323.204.7246 SOURCE BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave Balance sheet repair over previous 12 months has repaid A$28m of debt inherited through the Plutonic Gold Belt consolidation When Catalyst acquired ASX listed Vango Mining in 2023, it inherited a A$12m convertible note This convertible note has now either been repaid or converted Catalyst has repaid over A$28m of debt since July 2023 the date from which it consolidated the Plutonic Gold Belt after acquiring Vango Mining As a consequence, Catalyst's only remaining debt outstanding is 2,590oz in the form of a gold loan This residual gold loan is to be repaid in seven monthly instalments and represents as little as 2.5% of the group's annual gold production 1 Catalyst has available cash and liquidity of A$22m and A$30m respectively PERTH, Australia, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Catalyst Metals Limited (Catalyst or the Company) (ASX: CYL) advises that Collins Street Asset Management (CSAM) has converted their remaining A$3.024m loan into 3,024,000 Catalyst shares under the terms of the convertible note agreement. This final conversion means the Company no longer has any debt outstanding in relation to the Convertible Note, with all amounts owing under the agreement either repaid by Catalyst or converted by CSAM. Catalyst's remaining debt as at 17 June comprises a gold loan of 2,590oz of gold. This accounts for less than 2.5% of Catalyst's annual production and is to be repaid in seven monthly instalments of 370oz between 1 June to 31 December 2024. Catalyst's Managing Director & CEO, James Champion de Crespigny, commented: "After only 12-months, Catalyst has repaid a large amount of debt A$28m. It has also increased cash reserves with it now having A$30m of available liquidity. This considerable improved cash and debt position allows Catalyst to fund the exploration and development of the Plutonic Gold Belt. Plutonic East and Trident are nearby development projects. Recent work on both these projects appears to be lowering the capital startup costs of their development. The lowering of these start-up costs, along with the considerable improvement in Catalyst's balance sheet, place the company in a far stronger and more balanced position." Background Former ASX listed company Vango Mining entered into a convertible note with CSAM in 2022. Catalyst inherited this convertible note and other legacy debts when it acquired Vango and Superior Gold Inc. in 2023, consolidating the Plutonic Gold Belt. At the time of acquisition the Plutonic mine was losing money. Since then, Catalyst has been able to effect a step change in Plutonic's operations, generating cash to repay debt and clean up the inherited balance sheets. To date, Catalyst has repaid A$28.2m of debt from operational cashflows. This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Directors. Catalyst Metals Catalyst Metals produces 110koz of gold annually. It controls three highly prospective gold belts and has a multi asset strategy. It owns the 40km long Plutonic Gold Belt in Western Australia hosting the Plutonic gold mine and neighbouring underexplored, high-grade resources. It also owns and operates the high-grade Henty Gold Mine in Tasmania which lies within the 25km Henty gold belt. Production to date is 1.4Moz @ 8.9 g/t. Catalyst also controls +75km of strike length immediately north of the +22Moz Bendigo goldfield and home to high-grade, greenfield resources of 26 g/t Au, at Four Eagles. Capital Structure Shares o/s: 224.6m Options: 3.4m Rights: 5.9m Cash: $22.0m Board Members David Jones AM Non-Executive Chairman James Champion de Crespigny Managing Director & CEO Robin Scrimgeour Non-Executive Director Bruce Kay Non-Executive Director Corporate Details ASX: CYL E:[email protected] W:catalystmetals.com.au SOURCE Catalyst Metals LTD. KAPAAU, Hawaii, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrate the start of summer and National Dog Party Day (June 21st) by throwing your dog a memorable bash. Tom Mitchell, the 1 Minute Dog Trainer and author of the recent Amazon bestseller, "Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids: Super Dog Training Academy," offers dog lovers a free resource to help plan the ultimate puppy party. "This is about more than throwing a party; it's about creating a day filled with fun, friendship, and lifelong memories," says Tom, highlighting the importance of celebrating our canine companions. Puppy Party Book Cover Puppy Picnic Party Free Interactive Guide Tom's complimentary downloadable ebook provides everything you need to throw an unforgettable dog party. Packed with practical tips and creative ideas, the guide features: Fun Dog Party Theme Ideas: From a Luau to Hollywood Bash From a Luau to Hollywood Bash Engaging Activities: Games, crafts, and an obstacle course Games, crafts, and an obstacle course Dog-Friendly Recipes: Special doggy cupcakes, treats, and snacks. One reader recently wrote, "I laughed out loud reading this book! Anyone who loves dogs will love this. The party ideas were so fun and creative, and the recipes were a nice touch. I'm ready to throw my dog the party of his dreams." Acclaim for Tom Mitchell's Work Tom Mitchell is the author of several acclaimed dog training books, including "1 Minute Dog Training: The Complete Guide to the Fun, Fast, and Easy Way to Train Your Perfect Dog." In a recent Kirkus review, Mitchell was praised for "drawing on his decades of experience as a dog trainer to simplify the process in this guide. He writes with energy and a good deal of empathy. A smart and caring guide ... for training dogs." Tom's latest bestselling book, "Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids: Super Dog Training Academy," has garnered rave reviews, including this recent praise from Publisher Weekly: "'Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids' lays out a clear and fun road map for building bonds and encouraging good behavior... Dog lovers and dog owners will find this engaging educational book a valued resource for training and loving furry friends." More About Tom Mitchell Tom Mitchell, The 1 Minute Dog Trainer, is a passionate advocate for responsible pet ownership and creating strong bonds between humans and animals. He emphasizes the importance of treating dogs like the family members they are. From training with compassion to throwing a puppy party, Tom celebrates dogs every day. For more information about Tom Mitchell and his books, explore our downloadable press kit. Download Your Free Dog Party eBook Today Join the fun! Download your free copy of Tom's Dog Party eBook and start planning the pawsome summer celebration your pup deserves. Contact: Tom Mitchell [email protected] (808) 345-7100 PO Box 1011 Kapaau, HI 96755 SOURCE Tom Mitchell The canned cocktail brand received award for sustaining substantial sales and growth ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clubtails, the original cocktail in a can, has once again been recognized with a 'Hot Brand' award from Impact and Market Watch magazines, making it the sixth time the brand has been recognized for significant sales and growth in the ready-to-drink category. Clubtails, the original cocktail in a can Clubtails, a triple filtered flavored malt beverage, was first honored with the Hot Brand award in 2017 and has maintained double-digit growth since. In addition, distribution of Clubtails continues to increase with nearly 90,000 point-of-sale locations including grocery and convenience stores across 46 states. "Sales of Clubtails continues to thrive despite the rise in new spirit-based, ready-to-drink products. The Hot Brand recognition is a true testament that Clubtails has loyal consumers that crave a traditional cocktail with a higher alcohol content in a delicious and convenient format," said Aldo Geloso, President of Groupe Geloso. "We're proud to be an impactful brand once again and appreciate the support from our team, distributors and our loyal consumers for the continued success of the brand." Geloso Beverage Group, which includes Clubtails, Clubtails Crushers and Johny Bootlegger in the US, has also been recognized as a Top 100 Beverage Company since 2019 by Beverage Industry. Clubtails was launched in 2009 and their Sunny Margarita is currently the best-selling RTD margarita in the US. Each can is 10% alcohol by volume with 13 popular cocktail flavors available including Bahama Mama, Screwdriver, Long Island Iced Tea and more. The Johny Bootlegger portfolio is a three-time recipient of the Hot Brand Award and includes 12% alcohol by volume malt beverages in a glass flask inspired by the Prohibition era. For information about Geloso Beverage Group products or to learn about distribution and retail opportunities, visit www.gelosobeveragegroup.com. About Geloso Beverage Group Rochester, New York based Geloso Beverage Group LLC launched in the US in 2002 and is now America's seventh largest beer and malt beverage supplier, with top-selling brands including Clubtails, Johny Bootlegger and Clubtails Crushers. These beverages can be found nationwide at grocery, C-store, and liquor stores. About Geloso Group A leader in the innovation and development of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Geloso Group manufactures and distributes premium malt beverages, wines, ciders, beers and spirits. Geloso Group is a valued supplier and trusted partner recognized for its professionalism and commitment to quality, service and marketing. The company employs more than 500 people in several facilities around the world. SOURCE Geloso Beverage Group NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global coated abrasives market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.04 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.29% during the forecast period. Growing demand for psa-backed coated abrasives is driving market growth, with a trend towards emergence of China as a major consumer and producer. However, improper or inadequate storage causing technical issues poses a challenge. Key market players include 3M Co., Ammega Group BV, Arc Abrasives Inc., BARTON International, Compagnie de Saint Gobain, DEERFOS Co. Ltd., Fandeli International Corp., Gemtex Abrasives, Hermes Schleifmittel GmbH, Jiangsu Sanling Abrasive Co. Ltd., Johnson Abrasives Co. Inc., KLINGSPOR AG, Mirka Ltd., Murugappa Group, Napoleon Abrasives S.p.a., Robert Bosch GmbH, SAK ABRASIVES Ltd., Swajit Abrasives Pvt. Ltd., VSM AG, and WEEM Abrasives. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global coated abrasives market 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies - Click for the snapshot of this report Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Grain Type (Aluminum oxide, Ceramic, Silicon carbide, Alumina zirconia, and Others), Backing Material (Fiber, Paper, Cloth, Polyester, and Others), Application (Transportation, Machinery, Metal fabrication, Consumer goods, and Others), 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 3M Co., Ammega Group BV, Arc Abrasives Inc., BARTON International, Compagnie de Saint Gobain, DEERFOS Co. Ltd., Fandeli International Corp., Gemtex Abrasives, Hermes Schleifmittel GmbH, Jiangsu Sanling Abrasive Co. Ltd., Johnson Abrasives Co. Inc., KLINGSPOR AG, Mirka Ltd., Murugappa Group, Napoleon Abrasives S.p.a., Robert Bosch GmbH, SAK ABRASIVES Ltd., Swajit Abrasives Pvt. Ltd., VSM AG, and WEEM Abrasives Key Market Trends Fueling Growth In 2023, China held a significant position in the global coated abrasives market, contributing over 20% of the total consumption. The economic and industrial growth in China, along with a high per capita income and increasing demand for consumer goods, particularly in the electronics industry, fueled the market's expansion. Moreover, the burgeoning automobile industry and population growth coupled with urbanization further boosted the market's growth trajectory during the forecast period. The coated abrasives market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demands in various industries. These abrasives, which come in rolls and sheets, are used for cutting, grinding, and polishing applications. The use of oxide and aluminum oxide as coating materials is prevalent in this market. The trend towards producing finer grits and larger sizes is driving innovation. Ceramic and carbide abrasives are also gaining popularity due to their durability and high performance. Producers are focusing on improving productivity and reducing costs through automation and process optimization. The market is expected to continue growing due to the expanding manufacturing sector and the increasing demand for high-quality finishes. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges Coated abrasives are essential for maintaining their effectiveness over an extended period. Proper handling is crucial to prevent technical issues like weakened bonds, curling, brittleness, and breakages. Humidity and temperature changes can impact the adhesive and backing, leading to softening or excessive dryness, reducing flexibility, and distorting the product. Two types of cupping defects, concave and convex, can occur due to humidity fluctuations. To mitigate these challenges, stockrooms must maintain constant temperature (60-80F) and humidity (35-50%). Avoiding heat sources is also necessary to ensure product quality and prevent monetary losses. Efficient and equipped stockrooms are vital for the safe storage of coated abrasives, potentially hindering market growth. The coated abrasives market faces several challenges. Production costs are a significant concern due to the need for high-quality raw materials and complex manufacturing processes. The use of advanced technologies, such as electroplating and coating, adds to the expense. Additionally, the market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. Differentiating products based on quality and performance is essential. End-users demand consistency in product quality and reliability. Furthermore, environmental regulations pose a challenge, as many traditional abrasive materials are harmful to the environment. Sustainable alternatives, such as water-based coatings and biodegradable abrasives, are gaining popularity. Lastly, the industry must adapt to changing consumer preferences and trends, such as the increasing use of automation and robotics in manufacturing processes. For more insights on driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This coated abrasives market report extensively covers market segmentation by Grain Type 1.1 Aluminum oxide 1.2 Ceramic 1.3 Silicon carbide 1.4 Alumina zirconia 1.5 Others Backing Material 2.1 Fiber 2.2 Paper 2.3 Cloth 2.4 Polyester 2.5 Others Application 3.1 Transportation 3.2 Machinery 3.3 Metal fabrication 3.4 Consumer goods 3.5 Others Geography 4.1 APAC 4.2 Europe 4.3 North America 4.4 South America 4.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Aluminum oxide- The coated abrasives market experiences consistent growth due to its widespread application in various industries. These abrasives offer improved performance and longer life compared to uncoated ones. Key players in this market focus on innovation and product development to cater to evolving customer needs. Coated abrasives are essential in manufacturing processes, particularly in automotive, construction, and metalworking industries. Their use ensures efficient production and high-quality finished products. 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 Coated Abrasives market encompasses a wide range of industries, including pre-engineered building, agricultural, and metal fabrication. These abrasives, which come in various forms such as Discs, Endless belts, Sheets, and Fiber, play a crucial role in surface preparation for building projects, furniture production, automobile repair, and metal fabrication. The customization and personalization of products in the industrial sector have led to an increased demand for Coated Abrasives in various applications. The agricultural industry uses Coated Abrasives for metal fabrication, while the electrical vehicle (EV) industry requires them for charging outlet manufacturing. Adhesives and Zirconia alumina are essential components of Coated Abrasives, contributing to their high performance and versatility. The consumption of abrasives is significant in the production of electronic component units and mobile phones, further expanding the market's reach. Market Research Overview The Coated Abrasives market encompasses the production and supply of abrasive materials with a coating or bonding agent applied to enhance their performance and durability. These products are essential in various industries, including metalworking, automotive, construction, and electronics, for surface finishing, deburring, and polishing applications. Coated abrasives come in different types, such as vitrified, resin, ceramic, and aluminum oxide, each offering unique benefits based on the specific requirements of the industry and application. The market is driven by factors like increasing industrialization, growing demand for high-performance abrasives, and technological advancements in coating and bonding technologies. The market is segmented based on product type, application, and end-use industry. The future outlook of the Coated Abrasives market is promising, with significant growth opportunities in emerging economies and the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in manufacturing processes. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Grain Type Aluminum Oxide Ceramic Silicon Carbide Alumina Zirconia Others Backing Material Fiber Paper Cloth Polyester Others Application Transportation Machinery Metal Fabrication Consumer Goods Others 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 Charles Kim, MBA, named Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Susanna Ling named Senior Vice President of Industry Programs, Sponsorships and Partnerships NEW YORK, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cure ., a healthcare innovation campus in New York City, today announced Charles Kim, MBA, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Susanna Ling as its new Senior Vice President of Industry Programs, Sponsorships, and Partnerships. Kim and Ling report to Chief Executive Officer Seema Kumar in these newly created senior leadership roles. Kim joins Cure with a strong track record of successfully scaling startups and driving and optimizing organic and inorganic top-line growth. Ling brings to Cure expertise in managing international biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and non-profit partnerships and sponsorships, including developing, managing and marketing campaigns, initiatives and programming. "I am delighted to add Charles' operations and financial experience, as well as Susanna's expertise in forging strong alliances, to Cure," said Cure CEO Seema Kumar. They will help drive Cure's continued growth to be the nexus of healthcare innovation and go-to destination for healthcare entrepreneurs. Both Charles and Susanna are exceptionally qualified to advance Cure's existing and forthcoming efforts, helping us build an ecosystem of healthcare entrepreneurial excellence." Kim previously served as COO of Full Circle Brands, Executive Vice President and Co-COO of Ascend Wellness Holdings and Vice President of Distribution and Logistics of Freshly (Nestle). Kim earned a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. "I'm excited to join Cure and leverage my financial and operational skills and expertise to help drive profitable growth and operational excellence, all while furthering its mission of advancing health," said Kim. Ling previously served as Vice President of Industry Partnerships and Sponsorship at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Vice President of Business and Program Development at the EBD Group/Informa, and on management teams at the Milken Institute/Faster Cures, Guildford Pharmaceuticals, MedImmune and the National Cancer Institute. Ling earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Rutgers University. "I'm thrilled to expand Cure's partnerships, expand our digital ecosystem, and create new programming to complement our Tuesday Talks series, Xchange Challenge, XSeed Award, workshops and other initiatives. By leveraging Cure's shared mission with the life sciences, patient advocacy and investment communities, we aim to advance areas like women's health, biotech entrepreneurship, rare diseases, cell/gene therapy and more, ultimately benefiting patients," said Ling. About Cure. Cure is a vibrant healthcare innovation campus in the heart of New York City with a mission to advance health. Supporting healthcare and life science entrepreneurs, Cure offers digital and in-person content, programming, and learnings on critical health and business topics. The campus at 345 Park Avenue South features laboratory and business facilities, office space and premium event venues, including an education center, conference center, and iconic rooftop terrace. Residents and members collaborate across the spectrum of healthcare and focus on diagnostic, device, drug development and production as well as care delivery and public health. For more information, please visit wewillcure.com . SOURCE Cure Patients of Indiana-based healthcare system can access 24x7 virtual care from medical providers via MyChart CHICAGO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KeyCare, the nation's first Epic-based virtual care company, announced today that it is collaborating with Deaconess Health System to provide 24x7 urgent care in all 50 states via virtual visits through MyChart. Patients of the Evansville, Ind.-based Deaconess -- the premier provider of healthcare services to a population of more than 1.5 million in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky -- will be able to obtain anywhere, anytime, high-quality virtual urgent care with licensed providers via telehealth. The service provides a convenient option for treating routine medical issues such as colds, fevers, headaches, nausea, allergies, sore throats, urinary tract infections, back pain and more. "Deaconess is always looking for ways to enhance care for patients, while also improving access, equity, and inclusion in the communities we serve," said Amanda Bohleber, MD, Deaconess Chief Transformation Officer. "We looked at other companies and KeyCare offered the broadest coverage area, as well as Epic EHR functionality and interoperability which facilitates easy use by patients and providers throughout our entire system." KeyCare offers health systems and similar organizations the ability to easily augment their care teams, optimize capacity and widen their digital front doors by partnering with a nationwide network of virtual care providers working on its Epic platform, which then connects easily to other Epic-based health systems. "Expansive and growing healthcare systems like Deaconess need to be innovative in their approach to care. Providing on-demand access to virtual care whenever and wherever patients need it is a prime example of that," said Lyle Berkowitz, MD, CEO of KeyCare. "We are proud to partner with Deaconess to expand access to care for its patients and we look forward to providing an integrated, continuous care experience." About KeyCare KeyCare connects health systems with a network of virtual care providers working on KeyCare's Epic-based EMR and telehealth platform. This allows health systems to use KeyCare's virtual workforce to improve access for their patients in a coordinated manner, while also decreasing the burden on their own providers. Health systems can start with nationwide virtual on-demand care coverage (24x7, 50-state coverage), and then may add other virtual health services based on their patients' needs. To learn more about KeyCare, visit www.keycare.org. About Deaconess Health System Deaconess Health System is the premiere provider of health care services to a population of more than 1.5 million in southwestern Indiana, western Kentucky and southeastern Illinois. The system based in Evansville, Indiana includes 19 hospitals as well as Deaconess Clinic, a fully integrated multispecialty group, providing patients with consistent and convenient care. Additional components of the Health System include The Women's Hospital, Linda E. White Hospice House, a cancer center, urgent care facilities, near site clinics, telemedicine, virtual visits and a number of partnerships with other regional health care providers. Media Contact KeyCare Grace Vinton 203-561-8935 [email protected] SOURCE KeyCare VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals" or the "Company"; (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce the appointment of Guy de Selliers as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. de Selliers, a director of Defense Metals, is a highly experienced professional with an illustrious career and will bring over four decades of expertise and vision as the Chairman of the Board of Defense Metals. Throughout his career, Mr. de Selliers has been a board member of numerous influential organizations including Solvay Group, Ageas Group, AG Insurance Belgium, Ivanhoe Mining, Advanced Metallurgical Group AMG, Norilsk Nickel, Wimm Bill Dann. He currently sits on the boards of I Pulse, a private high-tech company in France, The Cranemere Group Ltd., a privately held financial holding company in the UK, and Radix, a think-tank for the Radical Center (UK). He has been Chairman of the Board on a number of occasions, most recently of AG Insurance, the largest Belgian Insurance company. He combines very strong corporate governance credential with extensive experience in mining, industry and finance. About Defense Metals Corp. and its Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project Defense Metals Corp. is focused on the development of its 100% owned, 8,301-hectare (~20,534-acre) Wicheeda REE Project that is located on the traditional territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band in British Columbia, Canada. The Wicheeda REE Project, approximately 80 kilometres (~50 miles) northeast of the city of Prince George, is readily accessible by a paved highway and all-weather gravel roads and is close to infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia. Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca. For further information, please visit www.defensemetals.com or contact: Alex Heath Vice President, Corporate Development Tel: 1 604-354-2491 Email: [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, the expectations and plans for the Wicheeda REE Project, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project, goals and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). 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. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain or obtain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical, engineering and pricing assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, officers or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. SOURCE Defense Metals Corp. DPR underscores support for employees to be their authentic selves, fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity and transforming the construction industry RESTON, Va., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DPR Construction kicked off a month of celebrating its employees in the LGBTQ+ community by sponsoring and participating in Capital Pride in Washington, DC. DPR teams are also participating in Pride activities across the U.S., including San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Seattle. Employees, their families, construction partners, and customers marched in the DC Parade, as DPR continues to diversify their presence at the Festival. With more than 50 participants in the parade, DPR's admin and craft teams marched in honor of their commitment to accepting and empowering individuals through their unique workplace culture and programs. On a mission to be a most admired firm by 2030, DPR aims to be known for progressive and influential people practices. Sponsoring the Capital Pride Parade is one step on its journey. The firm also dedicated its monthly companywide "Pillar Talk" to a panel discussing the experiences of LGBTQ+ identifying employees, giving all employees a chance for a deeper understanding of how they can support their coworkers and the challenges they face. "It's important for DPR to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. Many companies can say they want to change the industry, but few start by looking internally and reflecting on their biases, approach to hiring, policies, and support given to employees. Employee Resource Groups and sponsoring the Capital Pride events are two examples of how we are supporting our employees and leading by example," said Mike Humphrey, DPR's Northeast Regional Leader based in Washington, D.C. Working within an industry that is notoriously resistant to change, DPR's efforts are aimed at setting new standards for the AEC industry. Keeping people safe on construction sites is not only about physical health, but also mental health. DPR's Pride activities are designed to support the development of a diverse workforce and culture where all employees, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, feel safe and can bring their whole selves to work. Through industrywide efforts like Construction Inclusion Week which DPR helped to found, and its Employee Resource Groups, DPR is providing education, resources and tools to execute their vision. About DPR Construction DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor and construction manager specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. DPR's portfolio of work ranges from large-scale new construction to small tenant improvements and special projects. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown to a multi-billion-dollar organization with offices around the world. Strategically focused on delivering more predictable outcomes through applications of virtual design & construction, prefabrication, its team of self-perform craft, and leveraging data to learn and improve from DPR consistently ranks among the top building contractors and employs approximately 11,000 professionals across its family of companies. For more information, visit http://www.dpr.com. For more information, please contact: Lisa Ruano DPR Construction Tel: 905-451-9622 Email: [email protected] SOURCE DPR Construction Empowered Physician Advisors Enhance Mid-Revenue Cycle Performance COLLIERVILLE, Tenn., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Enjoin , a nationally recognized and respected physician-led mid-revenue cycle solutions provider announces that Co-CEO Dr. James Fee will moderate a panel discussion at HFMA June 24-27, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV. "We are excited to return to the HFMA Annual Conference," said James Fee MD, CCS, CCDS, and Co-CEO of Enjoin. "As I sit down with physician experts in mid-revenue cycle, we will explore the value of integrating clinical care into hospital business operations yielding better patient outcomes and financial sustainability." James P. Fee MD Moderated by James Fee, MD, a practicing hospitalist, three physician advisors will discuss the successes, challenges and lessons learned while optimizing mid-revenue cycle performance including patient outcomes, revenue integrity and utilization management. "Patient care is paramount. Physician leaders prioritize clinical excellence, as they should. However, a physician advisor program is vital to advancing revenue cycle performance." Fee added, "The success that each of our panelists have had sheds light on the value of a true clinical financial partnership." The panel discussion includes 3 large academic medical centers with featured speakers including Joey Cristiano, MD, FACP, CCDS, CHCQM-PHYADV, Advocate Health, Vaughn Matacale, MD, CCDS, ECU Health, and Paul Ossman, MD, MPH, UNC Chapel Hill. See below for additional details. Presentation Schedule & Focus: Physician Advisors: Advancing the Clinical Financial Partnership in Mid-Revenue Cycle Date and time: 06/27/2024 8:50 AM - 9:40 AM PT Location: Mandalay Bay | Mandalay F If you would like to meet with an Enjoin representative while at HFMA, please request a meeting here HFMA Annual Conference 2024 - Enjoin (enjoincdi.com). About Enjoin For over 35 years. Enjoin has helped organizations fully tell their patients' stories aligning physician-directed services to enhance mid-revenue cycle functions for better documentation and coding quality. Led by acclaimed physicians with extensive clinical practice experience, coupled with certified coding and clinical documentation credentials our approach enhances clinical documentation with deep expertise, driving physician engagement, revenue integrity, reducing costs and mitigating risk. Clients achieve demonstrable enhancements to CMI, coding accuracy, quality metrics, risk adjustment and physician alignment for an average ROI of more than 700%. For more information, visit www.enjoincdi.com . SOURCE Enjoin MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, has unveiled its 2024 Net Zero Action Report at Intersolar in Munich. This report highlights the company's ongoing decarbonization achievements, marking its second consecutive year of carbon-neutral operations worldwide. Envision reaffirms its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across its entire value chain by 2028 and aims for net zero emissions by 2040. A Bold Path to Zero Carbon As part of the mission to help humanity solve the challenges of a sustainable future, Envision has laid out an ambitious roadmap to net zero and has achieved success. As of 2023, Envision has achieved 99% renewable energy usage and aims for 100% by 2025. In the past year, Envision has implemented more than 20 energy-saving strategies in its plantswith on-site and off-site renewables complemented by carbon offsets and removal solutions, to achieve operational carbon neutrality. Pioneering the Net Zero Industrial Park Model Envision's innovative Net Zero Industrial Park model, first launched in Ordos, Inner Mongolia in 2022 demonstrate a groundbreaking fusion of renewable energy system and low-carbon manufacturing. It showcased anindustrial scale off-grid solution that unlocks the full potential of renewable energy without constraints of grid connectivity. In 2023, Envision built the worlds first and largest commercial scale green hydrogen and ammonia project in Chifeng, China. The project aims to produce 1.5 million tons of green hydrogen-ammonia annually, with the first phase of 300,000 tons already in operation. With these two projects, Envision received two awards at COP28 as an "Energy Transition Changemaker." This Net Zero Industrial Park model has now expanded to Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Cultivating a Global Net Zero Network Envision's ambition goes beyond being a Net Zero technology pioneer; it aims to become a Net Zero technology partner for industries, providing integrated Net Zero energy services for various sectors, serving Microsoft, Saint-Gobain, Nike and more. In the healthcare sector, Envision signed a renewable energy supply agreement with five Global healthcare leaders - AstraZeneca, Lonza, Novartis, Novo Nordisk and Roche, to offer them 100% green electricity, aiding their low-carbon green transformation. In the energy and chemical sector, Envision is working with BASF on a dynamic new process to convert green hydrogen and CO2 into clean e-methanol, a clean-burning and highly versatile fuel with the potential to transform the energy and industrial sectors. Exceptional Net Zero Achievements Envision Energy's efforts in leading the global green energy transformation have earned it a place in TIME "2024 Most Influential Companies" list as a Green Giant". The company was awarded EcoVadis Gold Rating for its outstanding sustainability practices. Furthermore, Envision is the first Chinese new energy company to receive a leadership rating (A-) from CDP and has been on the CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard for two consecutive years. In 2023, Envision was the global leader of wind turbine order intake. With over 60GW of total accumulated installed capacity, Envision has reduced 280 million tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to 110 million tons of coal. In 2024, the company was ranked by Bloomberg BNEF as a Tier-1 global energy storage manufacturer. Envision Energy is proud to share these milestones in today's Net Zero Action Report, affirming its role as a pivotal force in the global shift towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. About Envision Energy Envision Energy is a world-leading green technology company, providing renewable energy system solutions for global enterprises, governments and institutions. With the mission of solving the challenges for a sustainable future', Envision Energy continuously reduces the production, storage, and synergy costs of renewable energy through technological innovation. Encompassing three major business sectors - Smart Wind Turbines, Energy Storage, and Green Hydrogen Solutions, Envision Energy collaboratively constructs comprehensive solutions for energy transformation. It also manages Envision-Hongshan Carbon-Neutral Fund and owns Envision Racing Formula E team, who won the Formula E Teams' Championship in 2023. Today, Envision Energy leverages its global network of R&D and engineering centers across the United States, the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, and China. to continuously lead global green technology development. Envision Energy joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and committed to achieving the "Business Ambition for 1.5C" in 2021. It achieved carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2022 and will achieve carbon neutrality throughout its value chain by 2028. Envision was ranked second in Fortune's 2021 Change the World list, and was ranked among the Top 10 of the 2019 'World's 50 Smartest Companies' by the MIT Technology Review. For more, please visit envision-group.com SOURCE Envision Energy TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Continual is honored to announce that the Fairmont Royal York Hotel Decarbonization Project was awarded the prestigious Joseph M. Brillhart IDEA Innovation Award at the IDEA 2024 District Energy for Sustainable Cities conference in Orlando, Florida. "We've made significant strides in reducing the building's emissions, eliminating 7,000 tons of CO2, and sourcing 4 MW of carbon-free heating. This award validates our efforts in advancing decarbonization.", says Philip Kennedy, President and CEO at Continual Energy Inc. Enwave Energy Corporation Awarded the IDEA 2024 Innovation Award for Continual Designed, Constructed, & Operated System (CNW Group/Continual Energy Inc.) Before the decarbonization project, the building's systems used heat from a district steam loop burning natural gas, with a carbon footprint of 6,213 tCO2e. Together with Enwave, Continual delivered a low-carbon heating solution designed for district-connected buildings like the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The project showcases an innovative approach to HVAC sustainability and efficiency. It replaced an outdated on-site central utility plant with Continual's advanced cascade heat pump system design, which connects to the Enwave district heating and cooling network. This system captures and reuses existing heat sources from the district loop to supplement building systems. Continual provided a complete design-build solution for the decarbonization project, including modelling, conceptual design, construction management, on-site implementation, controls design, mechanical commissioning and post-project service with measurement and verification. This project will significantly impact the industry by changing how district energy providers see their assets in this era of decarbonization, giving engineers and building owners an efficient, fiscally responsible blueprint to reduce building emissions, leveraging waste heat and district loop load diversity. District heat recovery is a valuable solution in retrofit and new construction applications. Key Project Achievements: Fairmont Royal York Hotel is certified by the CaGBC as meeting the Zero Carbon Building Performance Standard 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions eliminated 4 MW (13,650 kBtu/hr) of carbon-free building heating sourced from the Enwave District Chilled Water Loop 1.5 MW (5,100 kBtu/hr) of carbon-free domestic hot water production 6.8 MW (1,950 tons) of district cooling About IDEA: Founded in 1909 as the National District Heating Association, IDEA continues to inform, connect, and advance the district energy industry worldwide. Today, the association has a membership of over 2,500 industry professionals representing more than 30 countries. About Award: The Joseph M. Brillhart IDEA Innovation Award is presented to projects, collaborations, or programs that helped reduce energy usage, enhance efficiency, or strengthen reliability and resilience. These projects are replicable and have the potential for widespread application while producing stakeholder benefits and demonstrating the value proposition of district energy. This prestigious award, presented annually, recognizes innovations in four areas: ingenuity, measured success, replicability, and economic and environmental impact. For over a decade, Continual Energy Inc. has implemented design-build services to solve complex district & building decarbonization needs. We provide complete project life-cycle solutions, including consulting, engineering, construction, automation, service, and continuous commissioning. SOURCE Continual Energy Inc. EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Excel Dryer, the global leader in touchless hand hygiene solutions, is excited to partner with Architecture + Design Master Continuing Education, a leading industry resource for architecture and design professionals, to offer an exclusive new continuing education unit (CEU): Introduction to the WELL Building Standard and Its Impact on 3 Architectural Product Categories. Architecture + Design Master Continuing Education is the education division of Endeavor Media, offering CEUs powered by brands such as Architectural Products, Buildings, American School & University and many more. Colleagues engage in a casual conversation in a cozy office nook, blending natural design elements with comfort. "Guided by Version 2 of the International WELL Building Institute's WELL Building Standard, this course adapts the forward-thinking insights and methodologies we applied to the recent expansion and renovation of our own global headquarterswhich resulted in the healthiest, most beautiful office space imaginable," said William Gagnon, COO, Excel Dryer. There is no charge for the CEU, which offers 1.25 LU/HSW American Institute of Architects (AIA) credits. To complete the unit, visit Architectural Products' Continuing Education Center: go.exceldryer.com/Intro-to-WELL-CE. Participants will explore the principles of modern, sustainable design and specification with a focus on industry and manufacturing advancements in the hand dryer, lighting and furniture product categories. On completion of the course, they will be able to: Describe how the WELL Building Standard has helped designers and owners understand how interior environments can support the health and well-being of occupants. Discuss the founding principles, framework, concepts and award system of the WELL Building Standard version 2. Explain how the hand dryer product category can help a project earn WELL points. Compare the purpose of circadian lighting with that of tunable lighting. Discuss ways in which furniture can promote human health and activity in the workplace. About Excel Dryer, Inc. Excel Dryer is a family-owned and operated company that revolutionized the industry with the invention of the XLERATOR Hand Dryer, which set a new standard for performance, reliability and customer satisfaction. For more than 50 years, Excel has been manufacturing American-made hand drying solutions that are dependable, cost effective, safe and sustainable. Backed by the best customer service, Excel Dryer products can be purchased through an established network of sales representatives and distributors globally. Learn more about Excel Dryer at exceldryer.com. SOURCE Excel Dryer Celebrating the bold leaders who disrupt markets, revolutionize industries and transform lives SUGAR LAND, Texas, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced today that CEO and co-founder Stuart Hinchen, and CDO and co-founder Peter Jenkins of QuVa Pharma were named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Gulf South Award winners. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. Stuart Hinchen and Peter Jenkins were selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs and other business leaders. Candidates were evaluated based on their ability to create long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to their purpose and the demonstration of growth and substantial impact, among other key indicators. "Peter and I are very honored to receive this award," said Stuart Hinchen, QuVa Pharma CEO and co-founder. "This award is a credit to the business we built together alongside Bain Capital and our over 1200 dedicated QuVa colleagues, and we are thankful for their relentless pursuit of quality and commitment to service of thousands of U.S. hospitals that rely on our essential services". QuVa Pharma is a national, industry-leading, FDA registered 503B outsourcing services company that provides health systems and hospitals essential sterile injectables medications critical to patient care. QuVa's mission is to enable healthcare providers the ability to make informed decisions by providing high quality and effective medications, services, and solutions that facilitate efficient and accurate delivery of patient care. As a Gulf South award winner, Stuart and Peter are now eligible for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in June 2025. Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to fortify it for the future. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized the leadership of entrepreneurs such as: Daymond John of FUBU of FUBU Hamdi Ulukaya of Chobani, Inc. of Chobani, Inc. Holly Thaggard and Amanda Baldwin of Supergoop! of Supergoop! Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company of Starbucks Coffee Company James Park of Fitbit of Fitbit Jodi Berg of Vitamix of Vitamix Kendra Scott of Kendra Scott LLC of Kendra Scott LLC Michael Happe of Winnebago Industries Reid Hoffman and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn Corporation and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn Corporation Sheila Mikhail of AskBio Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners become lifetime members of a global, multi-industry community of entrepreneurs. They receive exclusive, ongoing access to the experience, insight and wisdom of program alumni and other ecosystem members in more than 60 countries all supported by vast EY resources. In addition to Entrepreneur Of The Year, EY US supports other entrepreneurs through the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women program and the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network to help connect women founders and Black and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs, respectively, with the resources, network and access needed to unlock their full potential. Sponsors Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, Marsh USA, SAP and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In the Gulf South, sponsors also include ADP, DLA Piper, Marsh McLennan Agency, vcfo, Big Picture Inc., and Pierpont Communications. About Entrepreneur Of The Year Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 80 countries and territories globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy . About EY EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. SOURCE QuVa Pharma, Inc. VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - First Mining Gold Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX: FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to announce the voting results from the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders held in Vancouver on June 20, 2024 (the "2024 AGM"). A total of 255,213,257 common shares of First Mining were represented at the 2024 AGM, representing 27.79% of the Company's outstanding common shares as at the record date of April 29, 2024. Shareholders voted in favour of all matters brought before the meeting. All five director nominees listed in the Company's management information circular dated May 1, 2024, were elected as follows: Election of Directors Director Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Keith Neumeyer 171,906,233 98.11 % 3,317,506 1.89 % Raymond Polman 171,924,776 98.12 % 3,298,963 1.88 % Daniel W. Wilton 171,401,626 97.82 % 3,822,113 2.18 % Richard Lock 171,508,752 97.88 % 3,714,987 2.12 % Leanne Hall 170,673,165 97.40 % 4,550,574 2.60 % Appointment of Auditor Outcome of the Vote Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Carried 252,201,875 98.82 % 3,011,381 1.18 % Detailed voting results for the meeting are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About First Mining Gold Corp. First Mining is a gold developer advancing two of the largest gold projects in Canada, the Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario, where we have commenced a Feasibility Study and permitting activities are on-going with a draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for the project published in June 2022, and the Duparquet Project in Quebec, a PEA-stage development project located on the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone in the prolific Abitibi region. First Mining also owns the Cameron Gold Project in Ontario and a portfolio of gold project interests including the Pickle Crow Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Firefly Metals Ltd.) and the Hope Brook Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Big Ridge Gold Corp.). First Mining was established in 2015 by Mr. Keith Neumeyer, founding President and CEO of First Majestic Silver Corp. ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING GOLD CORP. Daniel W. Wilton Chief Executive Officer and Director Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "intends", "estimates", "envisages", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "opportunities", "objectives", 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events. All forward-looking statements are based on First Mining's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such factors include, without limitation the Company's business, operations and financial condition potentially being materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19, and by reactions by government and private actors to such outbreaks; risks to employee health and safety as a result of the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19, that may result in a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company's mineral properties as well as its head office; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes 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); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities, indigenous populations and other stakeholders; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; title to properties.; and the additional risks described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on EDGAR. First Mining cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to First Mining, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. First Mining does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on our behalf, except as required by law. SOURCE First Mining Gold Corp. A Comprehensive Approach Enables Rapid Threat Detection and Streamlined Risk Mitigation ORLANDO, Fla., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AI is changing cybersecurity providing new tools for security professionals, but also giving cyber threat actors a better arsenal of weapons for their attacks. Fortress is leveraging the latest in GenAI to better identify and understand the supply chain risks critical infrastructure organizations face. Fortress's AI Monitoring, tailor made for the unique threats Critical Infrastructure organizations face, enables security pros to get quicker and more accurate data on the most critical risks and vulnerabilities across vendors and products. In short, it's a new evolution in cyber supply chain risk management (C-SCRM) and third-party cybersecurity risk management (TPCRM). "AI is changing cybersecurity, but it is not the cure-all to national security threats from nation-state adversaries," said Fortress CEO and co-founder Alex Santos. "We were extremely deliberate in how we decided to deploy AI in our solutions. AI-enabled data retrieval without collaborative data sharing and human validation leaves large blind spots and generates false positives that divert resources from fighting the most pressing challenges. However, AI combined with a comprehensive approach to cyber defenses can quickly identify the 'needles in the haystack' that pose the most critical risks." AI gives Fortress the ability to reduce risk assessment and monitoring costs by up to 90% and discover risks more than 80% faster. Using the latest in GenAI, Fortress automates the retrieval and analysis of vendor and product risk resulting in actionable, prioritized, and conclusive steps to empower security and risk management teams and keep your organization safe. Besides generating comprehensive insights alerting organizations to emerging risks faster, Fortress integrates with legacy systems that can be omnipresent in critical infrastructure and streamlines government and energy regulatory compliance to simplify complex and time-consuming audits administered by regulatory enforcement. "Certainly, there is an industry-wide push to get AI integrated into cybersecurity products as fast as possible," said Santos. "Others saw AI as a 'move fast and break things' moment. We knew AI had to be done right and done responsibly. We knew by working hand in hand with our customers that AI had to be done right and responsibly. Our AI Monitoring suite is built for today's rapidly changing and complex cyber supply chain and third-party attack surfaces. We've allowed our clients to stay one step ahead." Fortress AI Monitoring tracks both vendor ecosystems and products for ongoing risks leading to timely discovery of risks. Leveraging this critical information, Fortress empowers security and compliance teams to resolve risk sources efficiently leading to a safer and more compliant organization. More details on Trusted AI can be found at: Fortress.ai/trusted-ai About Fortress Securing critical supply chains and cyber assets from evolving threats. Fortress. Absolutely Critical. fortress.ai Media Contact: Adam Benson, [email protected], 202.999.9104 SOURCE Fortress Information Security Irish American Whiskey Brand Continues Expansion to Bars Across Key States and Nationwide via E-Comm NEW YORK, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the official start of summer, Four Walls Irish American Whiskey is "officially" releasing its brand jingle as a new drinking anthem. Watch the official lyric video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HIwHa606JLI Is Four Walls brand jingle the next song of the summer? Fans are invited to join the fun by recording their own versions of the jingle while enjoying Four Walls with friends. Tag @FourWallsTheBetterBrown on Instagram and @TheBetterBrown on X for a chance to be featured on Four Walls Whiskey and co-founders Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton's channels. This launch follows a busy start to summer, a.k.a. "Four Walls and Ginger Ale Season." Highlights include Chase Utley's debut of "The Man" cocktail at Citizens Bank Park and Glenn Howerton's headlining appearance at Infatuation's Eeeeeatscon festival in Los Angeles. Viewers of Welcome to Wrexham will also have spotted Four Walls prominently featured in recent episodes. The activity is all part of the brand's 'Come on in!' campaign, encouraging drinkers to bring the open-minded camaraderie of a bar into their daily lives, which has driven the whiskey's rapid growth over the past nine months. About Rob, Charlie & Glenn Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton have always had a knack for crafting fine things together. Like a fine whiskey, their collective work has only gotten richer and intensified its distinct flavor through the years. As award-winning writers, producers, and actors, they've collaborated on a number of projects, including sixteen record-breaking seasons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and as friends, they've collaborated on a number of great nights out. Four Walls Irish American Whiskey is their way of sharing those good times. About Four Walls Whiskey Four Walls is an award-winning Irish American Whiskey brand from Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day that is a tribute to the four walls the gang calls home - the bar. Made from grain and malt Irish Whiskies blended with bold American Rye, The Better Brown is smooth enough for shots but bold enough to stand on its own in classic cocktails, a true utility whiskey for both real bartenders and those who play the part on TV. A proud partner of Wrexham AFC , Four Walls is currently available via e-commerce in the U.S., physically in bars and stores throughout PA, NY, CA, FL, NJ, MD, DE, and D.C., and is heading to a location near you soon. Fans can hear about upcoming events by becoming a "regular" and following @FourWallsTheBetterBrown on Instagram, @TheBetterBrown on X, and by visiting FourWallsWhiskey.com and signing up for the newsletter. Four Walls encourages its drinkers to enjoy The Better Brown responsibly. SOURCE Four Walls Whiskey College Life Protected Introduces New Grant Program to Fund Research and Support Professional Development PHOENIX, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GradGuard , the number one provider of college tuition and renters' insurance programs, is pleased to announce the launch of its social purpose entity, College Life Protected. GradGuard founded College Life Protected , in 2020, as a social purpose entity that supports programs, research, professional development, and best practices in higher education that promote greater confidence in its value as a public good. GradGuard GradGuard Since its founding, College Life Protected has supported several mission-aligned organizations including The JED Foundation, Clery Center, Education Forward Arizona, and the Spencer Educational Foundation, among others. In line with its mission, College Life Protected is introducing a new grant program designed to support schools in their efforts to foster greater college completion. Higher education institutions and graduate students are invited to submit applications for funding to support projects and initiatives that align with College Life Protected's goal of promoting greater confidence in the value of higher education. "While GradGuard helps schools educate and protect students from the risks of college life, this endeavor aims to provide schools and their staff with greater professional development and research opportunities," said John Fees, co-founder and CEO of GradGuard. "Our commitment to student success extends beyond our pioneering tuition and renters protection programs, and these investments can help advance research and implement best practices that strengthen outcomes of colleges and universities." Individuals and schools may apply for funding grants for initiatives such as: Graduate research that provides insights on policies, programs, and services that enable greater college completion. Graduate research that identifies institutional conduct that builds confidence in the value of higher education as a public good and reduces the financial risks and cost of college. Professional development for students or professional staff in higher education. Publications and programs that support a holistic, cross-functional understanding of prevalent risks in higher education. In addition to these activities, College Life Protected also provides support to non-profit organizations whose missions align with the social impact causes recommended by the GradGuard Advisory Board . "We understand that schools are seeking innovative ways to better support their students and staff, but often face budgetary constraints," said Wimer Alberto, Vice President of University Relations at GradGuard. "Through College Life Protected, we aim to alleviate some of that financial burden and enable schools to implement initiatives that will have a lasting impact on their campus communities." Schools interested in applying for a grant can visit College Life Protected to access the application form and guidelines. Grants will be awarded on a semesterly basis, with priority given to projects that demonstrate a clear plan for improving student outcomes, promoting mental health and well-being, or advancing research surrounding activities that support greater college completion. For more information about College Life Protected and the grant program, please visit www.collegelifeprotected.org . About GradGuard: GradGuard is the authority on helping schools educate and protect students from the risks of college life. As the #1 provider of college tuition and renters' insurance, GradGuard's pioneering protections have served more than 1.7 million students at more than 1,900 unique institutions. GradGuard's national technology platform embeds its innovative insurance protections within the enrollment processes of nearly 600 institutions in the United States, helping schools increase college completion and reduce the cost of college by covering preventable financial losses. Contact: Natalie Hubertus Sr. Director, Marketing 602-341-5947 [email protected] SOURCE GradGuard Sustainable generative AI practices are key to helping enterprises enhance communications, address pain points, and innovate responsibly. SAN FRANCISCO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grammarly, the company empowering smarter work for over 30 million people, 70,000 teams, and 3,000 educational institutions, was pleased to be a Gold Partner of London Tech Week, which took place June 1012. This exciting event brought together enterprise technology leaders, innovators, and investors to explore and discuss innovations, use cases, and new collaborative opportunities. Grammarly Partners With London Tech Week and Hosts Fireside Chat on Generative AI View PDF As part of London Tech Week, Grammarly hosted a Fireside Chat in partnership with CDW to explore use cases, ethics, and responsible innovation of generative AI technology. The conversation delved into how Grammarly and CDW collaborate to enhance business operations and enterprise communications, as well as steps our companies are taking together to promote responsible innovation and ensure the sustainability of generative AI initiatives into the future. "Information overload and the growing variety of messaging channels are just some of the elements contributing to confusing and inefficient communications," said Ty Rottare, Head of Channel Sales at Grammarly. "Grammarly delivers clear, consistent, and tailored generative AI support to help enterprises address these and other communication challenges. Working in partnership with CDW, we empower organizations to build a responsible AI culture that blends innovation with thoughtful management of the ethical and privacy issues surrounding generated content." Collaboration is key to extending the value and availability of generative AI tools for new and innovative use cases. As part of our partner network expansion, Grammarly is also thrilled to announce a new agreement with TD SYNNEX, a leader in IT solutions orchestration and global technology distribution. This collaboration will enable a highly capable two-tier distribution strategy that maximizes global scale, access, and efficiency. To learn more about Grammarly's partner network, visit grammarly.com/partners. About Grammarly Grammarly is the world's leading AI writing assistance company, trusted by over 30 million people, 70,000 professional teams, and 3,000 educational institutions. About CDW CDW Corporation is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. About TD SYNNEX TD SYNNEX is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. Media Contact: Nathaniel Woodson [email protected] SOURCE Grammarly MOBILE, Ala., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UB Community Development, LLC (UBCD), a community development partner of United Bank, announced that it provided Gulf Distributing Company of Mobile $7 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) funding for the acquisition, renovation, and equipping of the former Mobile Press Register building to serve as a warehouse and office facility in Mobile, Alabama. Made possible in part by strategic partnerships with UBCD, United Bank, Truist Community Capital and Truist Bank, the rehabilitated facility boasts state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed to optimize warehouse efficiency. Gulf Distributing will move its existing Mobile workforce of 257 employees to the downtown location and create an additional 65 new jobs. Once renovation is completed, 75,000 square feet of the 243,000-square-foot facility will accommodate multiple tenants bringing additional jobs to Downtown Mobile. The Project is viewed as a critical investment in the revitalization of Downtown Mobile by community stakeholders and officials. According to Mobile Chamber President & CEO Bradley Byrne, "This move will play a key role in the revitalization of Downtown Mobile, as we strive to recruit more back-office operations to our downtown area." Additionally, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson stated that the project "truly is a win-win for the City of Mobile and Gulf Distributing. It's wonderful to see such a prominent and beautiful building in our downtown being put back into use by a local company that has invested so much into the community. We are excited for Gulf Distributing, and we are proud to see the continued revitalization of Downtown Mobile." Gulf Distributing is a family owned and operated full-service beverage distributor that spans Alabama and the Florida Panhandle into southern and central Mississippi. Founded in 1973, the company has grown from just 15 employees and three brands, to now well over 1,200 employees representing over one hundred suppliers and over one thousand different beverage brands. "When the Mobile Press Register moved from its aged Government Street facility, it was a great opportunity for downtown Mobile," says UBCD President, Alex Jones. "However, this facility was recently closed and over 400 people laid off, leaving a tremendous gap in downtown. Gulf Distributing and the Maisel family had a vision to bring this facility back to productive use and fill the void in the community. UBCD is grateful for the opportunity to support that vision with our Federal New Markets Tax Credit program." About UB Community Development Headquartered in Atmore, AL, UB Community Development's strong history and experience in New Markets Tax Credit transactions, coupled with our passion for improving the communities around us, make UBCD Alabama's premier financial partner for economic and community development. Through our NMTC projects, Community Facilities Lending Program and Community Housing Capital Fund, UBCD is working with community development partners in the fields of healthcare, education, manufacturing, public works, affordable housing and more to positively affect growth in regional communities. For more information about UB Community Development, visit our website at www.UBCommunityDevelopment.com. SOURCE United Bancorporation JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Half of finance professionals (53%) have been attacked with deepfake scamming attempts, with 43% admitting they have fallen victim to an attack according to new data from Medius, a leading provider of cloud-based accounts payable automation and spend management solutions. 85% of respondents say deepfake technology poses an existential crisis to the business' financial security. Ahmed Fessi, Chief Transformation & Information Officer, explains: "Today's CEOs and CFOs have large digital footprints. They have speeches, interviews and videos plastered across YouTube, LinkedIn and corporate websites. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can now use existing online audio content to create fake audio that sounds just like business leaders. Scammers are creating fake audio clips of CEOs and CFOs and calling the finance team asking them to pay bogus suppliers." When asked, the vast majority of professionals (87%) admitted that they would make a payment if they were "called" by their CEO or CFO to make a payment. This is concerning as more than half (57%) of financial professionals can independently make financial transactions without additional approval. Yet only 40% of professionals say protecting the business from deepfakes is a top priority. A third (33%) of employees don't feel well educated in deepfakes. There is also little faith in colleagues, as only 36% of professionals are very confident a colleague would spot a deepfake fraud attempt. The lack of education appears true as when asked if and what technology their business uses to protect itself against deepfakes, only 5% knew what this technology was. Fessi continues: "There are three important factors to prevent falling victim to deepfake attacks. One is education: employees should understand the threats and know how to counteract them. Second is process. Too many businesses allow employees to make payments without the right checks and balances. Third is technology. AI is a force for good for finance professionals if deployed correctly as it can spot anomalous transactions based on large data sets." Traditional phishing attacks involve fraudulent emails or websites that trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing unauthorized transactions. Deepfakes elevate this deception to a new level, generating hyper-realistic audio or video impersonations of trusted individuals (such as CEOs or CFOs) and deceiving even the most vigilant professionals. Just as organizations have safeguards and technology in place to protect against and educate on phishing, it's critical that the same tools and processes are leveraged to increase readiness to respond to deepfake attacks. For more information on deepfake fraud and to read the full Financial Census report visit https://www.medius.com/financial-census/. For more information, please contact: Dan Bird, Fight or Flight for Medius [email protected] +44 7885 670798 / [email protected] +44 330 133 0985 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/medius/r/half-of-us-and-uk-finance-professionals-hit-by-deepfake-fraud-scams,c4003619 JOHANNESBURG, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Transnet SOC Limited (Transnet), through its business unit Transnet Pipelines, transports crude oil for both Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd (Sasol Oil) and TotalEnergies Marketing (Pty) Ltd (TotalEnergies) from Durban to the Natref crude oil refinery located in Sasolburg. Sasol Oil and TotalEnergies hold 63,64% and 36,36% respectively of the shares in Natref. In 2017, Sasol Oil followed TotalEnergies in instituting legal action against Transnet for damages arising from Transnet's breach of its obligation to set pipeline tariffs for conveyance of crude oil in terms of an agreement that had been entered into between the parties in 1991. The result of the breach was that Transnet overcharged Sasol Oil for the conveyance of crude oil over a number of years. The litigation between the parties has been ongoing for years and a number of issues in the matter have been determined by the High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court respectively. The remaining issues in the litigation proceeded to trial in the High Court of South Africa from 15 April to 3 May 2024. On 18 June 2024, judgement was handed down by the High Court in Sasol Oil and TotalEnergies' favour. Damages in the amount of R3 889 475 802 plus interest amounting to approximately R2,3 billion were awarded to Sasol Oil. SOURCE Sasol Limited QINGDAO, China, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a global home appliance and consumer electronics brand, celebrates eight consecutive years in the Kantar BrandZ Top 10 Chinese Global Brands list. This recognition underscores Hisense's global commitment to innovation and excellence. Hisense TV remains global No.2 and 100" TV global No.1 Hisense has dominated the Chinese TV market, maintaining the No.1 spot in TV sales for 20 consecutive years from 2004 to April 2024. Beyond domestic dominance, Hisense TVs achieved a global shipment volume share of 13.6% in the first quarter of 2024, securing the No.2 ranking worldwide from 2022 to Q1 2024. The company also leads globally in 100-inch TV shipment volume, laser TV shipment volume, and the number of TriChroma Laser TV patents. Hisense's TVs have demonstrated exceptional performance across various international markets. From January to April 2024, Hisense's TV held the top market share in Australia and South Africa and the second position in Canada and Mexico. Driving by the ambition of 'Never Settle for No.2 Globally', Hisense's relentless pursuit of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction continues to set it apart, solidifying its leading position in the global market. About Hisense Hisense is a leading global home appliance and consumer electronics brand and official partner of the UEFA EURO 2024. According to Omdia, Hisense ranked No. 2 globally for TV shipments and No. 1 in 100" TVs in both 2023 and Q1 2024. The company has expanded quickly to operate in more than 160 countries and specializes in multi-media goods, home appliances, and intelligent IT information. SOURCE Hisense LIMASSOL,Cyprus , June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ Mind Money , a leading European broker, will attend the #1 event for global asset managers, FundForum . The event will be held in Monaco from June 24 to 26, 2024. It will bring together more than 1,000 asset managers and allocators. The conference is the world's premier investment management event, with over 30 years of history as Europe's top industry gathering. It consistently attracts the most senior professionals, including asset managers, asset owners, fund buyers, and investors, all dedicated to shaping the advancements of the financial system. "Mind Money is looking forward to attending such a remarkable industry event. Our team hopes that this conference will not only open up new networking opportunities with key professionals and leaders in our field but also provide valuable insights into the latest trends and developments within the industry", says Julia Khandoshko, CEO at the Mind Money. Mind Money provides services to clients in 25 countries. The profitability tracks of Mind Money's strategies are represented on the Bloomberg terminal under the code BBG007NNY8M9. The company also has access to trading on the stock exchanges of America, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, Mind Money has access to the CME exchange. The company offers a variety of trust management strategies. Rather than using a traditional fund structure, Mind Money employs a portable and scalable strategy model. This approach allows for flexible deployment of trading activities across different brokers, segregated accounts, and various tariffs and conditions adjusted to individual client needs. Mind Money provides diverse investment options, including investments in gas, calendar spreads on commodity futures, Chinese markets, depositary receipts of ADRs and GDRs, and a savings strategy. The company has a share in the real sector of the economy, particularly engaged in gold mining. Moreover, Mind Money gives its clients an opportunity to invest in 35,000 companies across America, Europe, and Asia. For bond trading, Mind Money has established lines with approximately half of the major players in the market, including Stowinks or Kite and Joe Brien, which fully covers the company's trading needs. Mind Money is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements set by European authorities. The company adheres to the guidelines of the supranational European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), one of the three principal regulators of the European Union. SOURCE Mind Money A Landmark Acquisition Showcasing Historical and Investment Significance LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lear Capital, a leading precious metals investment company, is proud to announce the acquisition of a rare and historic 1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific Octagonal gold coin. This significant addition to Lear Capital's inventory underscores the company's commitment to offering investors unique and valuable opportunities in the precious metals sector. The 1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific Octagonal gold coin is a remarkable piece of American history, minted to commemorate the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915. The exposition celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, a monumental achievement in engineering and a symbol of American ingenuity and progress. "Acquiring this rare 1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific Octagonal gold coin is a testament to our dedication to providing our clients with access to the most exceptional and valuable precious metal investments," said Kevin DeMeritt, founder of Lear Capital. "This coin is not only a significant piece of American history, but also a highly sought-after investment due to its rarity and historical importance." The Panama-Pacific commemorative coins were produced by the U.S. Mint in limited quantities, and the $50 gold pieces were the largest and most valuable coins minted for the exposition. The octagonal version, in particular, is highly prized by collectors and investors alike. With only 645 pieces minted, the 1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific Octagonal gold coin is one of the rarest and most coveted coins in numismatic history. Lear will retail the coin for $130,000. The Lear Panama-Pacific Octagonal coin carries a MS64 grade and has a green Certified Acceptance Corporation sticker signifying that it is a choice example for the grade. These gold coins are known for their intricate design and substantial weight, making them a standout addition to any collection. However, their size and soft gold composition also make them susceptible to wear and damage, with exceptional examples being extremely rare. Most surviving coins are in Mint State condition, typically graded at MS63, with gems being very scarce and the finest examples graded at MS66. The acquisition of this coin highlights Lear Capital's ongoing efforts to provide investors with access to high-quality, historically significant precious metals. The company continues to leverage its extensive expertise and network to source and offer the most unique and valuable investment opportunities in the market. About Lear Capital Founded in 1997 by precious metal expert and analyst Kevin DeMeritt, Lear Capital offers investors the chance to diversify their portfolios with unique approaches to purchasing precious metals, including gold and silver individual retirement accounts. Employing a team dedicated to providing investors with real-time information and pricing on gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, Lear Capital is uniquely positioned to offer investors the convenience of online capabilities with the expertise and support of a brick-and-mortar institution. To date, the team has handled more than $3 billion in trusted transactions. Media Contact: Matt Konigsmark [email protected] (800) 576-9355 SOURCE Lear Capital Evergreens launches citrus-centric fundraising campaign to raise $10,000 for Make-A-Wish with lemonade stands and custom menu items SEATTLE, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, Evergreens, a Pacific Northwest favorite for fresh salads, bowls and wraps, is partnering with Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington and Make-A-Wish Oregon to raise awareness and funds to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. From June 27 to Sept. 16, Seattle and Portland-area customers will help Evergreens make life a little sweeter for children and 'turn lemons into lemonade' through lemon-forward menu items, store-front lemonade stands and in-store lemon grab prizes, all with the goal of raising $10,000. For more information, visit https://evergreens.com/makeawish. "Remember the fun of raising money with lemonade stands as a kid? We're taking the same idea and giving it right back to the families who need it most by partnering with Make-A-Wish," says Ian Courtnage, CEO of Evergreens. "We're hoping to bring the local community together this summer and, ultimately, provide life-changing wishes for children. To do that, we, of course, wanted to bring an Evergreens twist, so get ready to see citrus take over our locations, all with a charitable tie." Throughout the summer, Evergreens is offering the following to support its fundraising goal: N ew lineup of limited-edition, lemon-inspired menu items : In-store visitors and online customers, can order the following menu items, with $1 from each entree sold going directly back to Make-A-Wish: Citrus Got Real: Romaine + mixed greens, grilled chicken, charred broccoli, roasted yellow tomatoes, green onion, jalapeno, feta cheese, cashews, spicy lemon tahini Straight Outta Sorrento: Wrap, quinoa, arugula, salami, garbanzo beans, grape tomatoes, pickled onions, pepperoncini, mozzarella pearls, balsamic glaze, lemon basil vini All the Peels: Jasmine rice, charred broccoli, grilled steak, red bell pepper, carrots, green onion, crispy onions, Sriracha, lemon ginger sauce Side items: Lemonade and lemon cookie : In-store visitors and online customers, can order the following menu items, with from each entree sold going directly back to Make-A-Wish: Pop Up Lemonade Stands: Visit storefront lemonade stands staffed by Make-A-Wish alumni at the following Evergreens locations. Additional locations are joining the lineup throughout the summer for visitors to enjoy fresh-squeezed lemonade with a meal. All proceeds go directly toward the $10,000 fundraising goal. 6 th and Lenora (2070 6 th Ave Seattle, WA 98121) from July 13-14 Factoria (3560 Factoria Blvd. SE, Suite C, Bellevue, WA 98006) from Aug. 16-17 University Village (4609 Village, Terrace Dr NE, Seattle, WA 98105) from Aug. 24-25 Visit storefront lemonade stands staffed by Make-A-Wish alumni at the following Evergreens locations. Additional locations are joining the lineup throughout the summer for visitors to enjoy fresh-squeezed lemonade with a meal. All proceeds go directly toward the fundraising goal. In-Store Lemon Grabs: Select Evergreens locations are hosting surprise "Lemon Grab" baskets filled with openable lemon pouches with exciting prizes like Evergreens swag, discounts, gift cards and donation matches. One lucky guest will also grab the grand prize, Evergreens For a Year gifting two free entrees per week for a whole year delivered through the Evergreens loyalty program. "Make-A-Wish is the business of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses," said Jeannette Tarcha, VP of Communications and Marketing of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. "We're only able to provide these moments of respite, hope, and joy because of the incredible support of our community, including local partners like Evergreens. We are so grateful to Evergreens for their commitment to wishes and for helping to turn lemons into lemonade for our local wish kids and their families." "We are so appreciative of every single effort to grant life-changing wishes to local children with critical illnesses," said Laila Cook, CEO of Make-A-Wish Oregon. "This partnership with Evergreens means even more because they are caring for our community one healthy meal at a time. In addition to my personal forever love of a great salad, I am specifically a huge fan of Evergreens as a company. Win-win partnerships are the absolute best." For more information on the fundraising effort, how to support and where to visit lemonade stands, visit https://evergreens.com/makeawish and follow along on Instagram and TikTok. About Evergreens Evergreens is the ultimate Pacific Northwest destination for fresh and flavorful salads, wraps and warm bowls. With 16+ locations across Washington and Oregon, the fast-casual restaurant chain offers signature creations and build-your-own options made to order in minutes. Founded in 2013, Evergreens is known for its all-natural cuisine focused on 40+ seasonal and thoughtfully-sourced ingredients served with a kick of PNW personality. At the root of it all, Evergreens aims to make healthier eating fit into its customer's lifestyles all taste buds welcome. For more information, locations and ordering, visit www.evergreens.com or follow Evergreens on Instagram and TikTok. About Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington Since its inception in 1986, Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington has created life-changing wishes for nearly 8,700 children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child's quality of life. We believe a single wish transforms lives. Learn more at wish.org/akwa. About Make-A-Wish Oregon Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life, because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Since 1983, Make-A-Wish Oregon has granted wishes of more than 5,000 children living in Oregon, and Clark County, Washington. For more information visit: www.oregon.wish.org. SOURCE Evergreens The League of Experts grows with new hair color and skincare members: Dimitris Giannetos, Dr. Chris Tomassian and Dr. Luke Maxfield NEW YORK, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, L'Oreal Paris announces the expansion of its League of Experts, an expert-focused collective comprised of top industry talent designed to contribute to the brand's beauty vision through their various areas of expertise. The newest members of the collective celebrity hair colorist Dimitris Giannetos and board-certified dermatologists Dr. Chris Tomassian and Dr. Luke Maxfield will each bring their professional knowledge and unique beauty perspective to the brand. L'Oreal Paris League of Experts Dimitris Giannetos is a renowned celebrity hair colorist whose first clients were his mom and sister. He's traveled the world working behind-the-scenes at fashion shows and is known for his impressive celebrity clientele for whom he's created some of the most iconic red carpet and editorial looks. Dr. Chris Tomassian is known for his unique ability to make dermatological concepts accessible and engaging for all ages. He captivates audiences on social media through an entertaining blend of dancing, educational insights, and factual content. Concluding the new League of Experts members is Dr. Luke Maxfield who leverages his deep-rooted background and knowledge in medical education and skincare to empower his followers on social media. He's become known for his fun, yet educational, content that helps others achieve healthy skin. They join the brand's current League of Experts roster that includes Allan Avendano, Erica Taylor, Claudia Betancur, and Jennifer Yepez, serving as always-on experts for Hair Color and Skincare in everything from attending tentpole brand moments to creating educational content designed to empower consumers at every step of their beauty journey. Each artist in the League of Experts, in their unique way, upholds and furthers the brand's values in helping to inspire others to feel their most beautiful and most importantly, worth it. On the growth of this talent collective, Ali Goldstein, L'Oreal Paris, U.S. Brand President, says, "We are thrilled to expand our League of Experts into other categories. Each expert will help us further communicate on the superior technology and research behind our products while also helping make red carpet looks attainable in real life. Our goal with the collective is to leverage each person's unique beauty background to further engage and educate our consumers in a relatable way." To learn more about the League of Experts, please visit www.lorealparisusa.com/league. About L'Oreal Paris USA The L'Oreal Paris division of L'Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care brand dedicated to empowering women by offering luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. The brand's signature tagline, "Because I'm Worth It," was born in the United States in 1973 to celebrate the beauty and intrinsic self-worth of women, and for more than 100 years, L'Oreal Paris has been providing women around the world with products in four major beauty categories: hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics. With L'Oreal's invention of hair color in 1909, the brand continues to serve as a leading innovator of hair products across color, care, and styling with brands such as Superior Preference, Feria, Colorista, Elvive, the Ever Collection, and Elnett Satin Hairspray. L'Oreal Paris provides scientifically-advanced skincare products that are tested to address individual skin concerns through its renowned brands Revitalift, Pure-Sugar, Pure-Clay, Age Perfect, and Sublime Bronze. L'Oreal Paris' iconic cosmetics include best-seller Voluminous Lash Paradise, as well as the Infallible, True Match, Colour Riche, Voluminous, and Visible Lift collections. For more information about L'Oreal Paris and to receive personalized advice, expert tips, and exclusive content, please LOrealParisUSA.com or follow on Instagram (@LOrealParis), Twitter (@LOrealParisUSA), Facebook (@LOrealParisUSA) TikTok (@LOrealParisUSA) and Pinterest (@LOrealParisUSA). CONTACT ALISON BROD MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS [email protected] 212-230-1800 SOURCE L'Oreal Paris MediPharm has licenced global manufacturing, distribution, and sales rights of the novel advanced medical cannabis technology from Remidose Aerosols. Products include metered dose inhalers and aerosol sublingual sprays. MediPharm will assume existing Remidose sales allowing for immediate revenue opportunity. Transaction is non-dilutive, with 100% performance-based payment through a royalty model. TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) ("MediPharm", "MediPharm Labs" or the "Company") a pharmaceutical company specialized in precision-based cannabinoids, is pleased to announce it has entered into a licencing agreement with Remidose Aerosols Inc. ("Remidose") to acquire the exclusive rights for advanced cannabis products (the "Agreement"). The Agreement allows for an immediate revenue opportunity as current Remidose customers will be serviced through MediPharm starting August 2024. These existing customers include Canadian direct-to-patient medical platforms and international medical distributors. MediPharm plans to use its existing GMP infrastructure, customer channels and wellness sales expertise to expand the customer base of these advanced products in Canada and globally. These advanced innovative products fall into two main categories: 1. Metered Dose Inhalers: This metered dose inhaler is the same device used in the pharmaceutical industry. The inhalation format provides rapid onset without the adverse effects of smoking and combustible vape cartridges now being used by cannabis consumers and patients. 2. Pressurized Sublingual Sprays: A metered dose spray that gives users an accurate and repeatable experience. In contrast to commonly available manual pump sprays, this aerosol delivery method has faster onset, better bioavailability and a more pleasant taste and feel, as supported by user feedback. MediPharm already has the requisite equipment and GMP facility allowing for these product lines to be manufactured in-house with no material incremental capital costs. The Agreement follows MediPharm's strategy of continued innovation in non-smokable, more dose-able cannabis-based products. This execution solidifies MediPharm's position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical and wellness-focused cannabis sectors. New growth opportunities include medical and GMP formats for our international customers as well as unique and advanced products for our current and future clinical research partners that are specifically looking for more dose-able, non-smokeable formats. Finally, the new format offers a new discreet delivery method for our many wellness-oriented cannabis consumers. Management Commentary: "MediPharm Labs is committed to providing access to non-smokeable, precision dosed formats for cannabis patients and wellness consumers. This Agreement, in addition to bringing immediate revenue, opens many new potential global medical opportunities. We thank the Remidose team for trusting MediPharm in taking their R&D and commercialization efforts to the next level, as we work together to bring these products to new markets." Commented David Pidduck, CEO of MediPharm Labs. Michael Mayne CEO of Remidose added "As a medical cannabis company committed to providing consumers access to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in a smoke-free manner, we see this agreement as a key milestone in bringing our products to a global marketplace with a proven, trusted partner in MediPharm Labs." About MediPharm Labs Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose-built facilities for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. MediPharm Labs develops, formulates, processes, packages and distributes cannabis and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international medical markets. In 2021, MediPharm Labs received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, becoming the only company in North America to hold a commercial-scale domestic Good Manufacturing Practices License for the extraction of multiple natural cannabinoids. This GMP license was the first step in the Company's current foreign drug manufacturing site registration with the US FDA. In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc. which expanded MediPharm's reach to medical patients in Canada via Canna Farms medical ecommerce platform, and in Australia and Germany through Beacon Medical PTY and Beacon Medical GMBH. This acquisition also included Harvest Medical Clinics in Canada which provides medical cannabis patients with Physician consultations for medical cannabis education and prescriptions. The Company carries out its operations in compliance with all applicable laws in the countries in which it operates. Website: www.medipharmlabs.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. 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, MediPharm's access to and unique position in the international medical markets, Remidose project capital expenses, future revenue growth in Germany and internationally, customer product authorizations, German cannabis market growth, margin related to international product and MediPharm's unique pharma expertise. 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. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inability of MediPharm Labs to obtain adequate financing; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm Labs' filings, available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com . 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 news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm Labs assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. SOURCE MediPharm Labs Corp. Company Continues Long-Standing Support of Live Music with New Venue Sponsorship LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY), a longtime supporter of live music, will be amping up the summer concertgoing experience at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre (NICUA) in San Diego. Music lovers will have more than just music to enjoy during NICUA concerts, with fan experiences designed to excite the eyes as well as the ears. "Seeing your favorite artist live is an incredible experience, and we wanted to help make each show a night to remember for Mercury customers and music fans from all walks of life," said Erik Thompson, VP & CMO of Mercury Insurance. "We've created some amazing experiences that will help San Diego music lovers forge unforgettable memories with family and friends this summer." A key feature of the sponsorship is an art installation from world-renowned muralist Nigel Sussman, who created a 75-foot mural that blends San Diego landmarks, music and fanciful characters that will delight fans of all ages. The mural is located on the upper concourse behind the Mercury Insurance Sunset Deck and is a fun-filled tribute to rock and popular music. "Nigel created an amazing work of art," said Thompson. "I think concertgoers will have a lot of fun trying to identify references to 21 songs that he incorporated into the mural." Sussman's signature style is represented by isometric line art and a striking but simple color palette, creating seek-and-find type illustrations that feature complex fantasy architecture and/or imaginary machines. He has worked in the past with such notable companies as Google, eBay and Adidas, and not to mention the highly successful "Where's Bailey" collaboration with Mercury and the Los Angeles Kings. More information can be found at Sussman's website, nigelsussman.com. Concertgoers will also have access to the Mercury 360 photo booth, which provides fans with free, high-resolution videos to commemorate their concert experience. And if they post the video on social media using #MercuryMusic, Mercury will be looking to surprise and delight a lucky few with a pair of tickets to a future show. An image of Sussman's mural and video of the Mercury 360 photo booth can be found here . Mercury is also offering special amenities for their customers to help elevate the experience: The Mercury Fast Lane Customers and up to three guests can skip the lines by using the Mercury Fast Lane entrance. Customers and up to three guests can skip the lines by using the Mercury Fast Lane entrance. Free Lawn Chair Rentals Customers and up to three guests can enjoy the concert with free seating. Mercury Insurance has been a supporter of live music since 2013, when the company began sponsoring events at several venues in Southern California. That support grew with the introduction of the Mercury Insurance Concert Series (MICS), which began at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine and continued online during the pandemic. Mercury moved its support to NICUA following the closure of FivePoint in October 2023. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Mercury Insurance provides auto, homeowners and business insurance through more than 4,700 employees and a network of more than 8,000 independent agents in 11 states. About Mercury Insurance Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance. Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company'' designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook. SOURCE Mercury Insurance Kicking Off the First Day of Summer, the Public Benefit Company Challenges the Next Generation to Share Their Absurdly Good Skills As a Celebration of All the Fun, Joyful Ways They Stay Active WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PLEZi Nutrition , the Public Benefit Company co-founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama, today launched the first-ever PLEZi Absurdly Good Games an online competition running now through July 8 that invites young people to share the absurdly good ways they stay active for a chance to win prizes, from custom PLEZi merch to $5,000 in cash. Just as PLEZi Nutrition is shaking up the historically high-sugar beverage options with their better-for-you, great-tasting drinks PLEZi FiZZ and PLEZi, they are encouraging the next generation to shake up traditional physical activity by sharing all the absurdly good ways they stay active. PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Michelle Obama, Co-Founder and Strategic Partner of PLEZi Nutrition, kicked off the competition showcasing her jump roping skills, sharing, "At PLEZi, we're on a mission to raise a healthier generation. So I'm challenging you to show us all the fun and unexpected ways you stay active from hobby horsing to extreme pogo sticking by participating in the PLEZi Absurdly Good Games." Kristen Bell, who recently joined PLEZi Nutrition as an investor and brand partner , will co-host the PLEZi Absurdly Good Games along with beloved social media magician, Sean Sotaridona, who is known to his 36+ million fans as "Sean Does Magic." "I'm excited to be kicking off my role with PLEZi Nutrition with a little healthy competition!" said Kristen Bell. "My family has some pretty absurdly good ways we like to stay active, and I can't wait to see how young people across the country respond to the challenge and share their skills!" To participate, videos showcasing absurdly good skills should be posted on Instagram using #PLEZiGames and #Contest and tagging @plezinutrition any time from June 20 through July 8, 2024. Entries will be reviewed to find the most unique, surprising, and reimagined skills out there. During the competition, weekly winners will be chosen to receive custom PLEZi merch. On July 12, 2024, three grand prize winners will be announced who will each receive a $5,000 cash prize to fuel their absurdly good passions and a limited edition mini fridge stocked with PLEZi FiZZ. As part of PLEZi Nutrition's partnership with FoodCorps to support their Nourishing Futures initiative, which is working to ensure all 50 million students across the country have access to nutrition education and free school meals by 2030, the company will match each PLEZi Absurdly Good Games grand prize with a $5,000 donation to FoodCorps in honor of the winners. "I'm hyped to be a co-host for the PLEZi Absurdly Good Games, especially because it's important to inspire my generation to embrace the magic behind their unique identities and skills," said Sean Sotaridona. "I have no doubts things are about to get absurd and I'm down for it." The first 1,000 entries will receive a 50% discount on a case of PLEZi FiZZ , the company's new carbonated fruit drink that has 70% less sugar (8g per 8.4 oz) than the leading soft drinks (28g per 8.4 oz), no added sugar, plus 2g of fiber and nutrients like vitamin C. In addition to reducing sugar, PLEZi Nutrition is also working to lower sweetness levels and add in nutrients kids need. PLEZi FiZZ comes in three flavors: Cherry Limeade, Lemon Lime Squeeze, and Strawberry Lemonade, and is currently available on PLEZi.com and Amazon , with new retailers introducing the product soon. The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games is the company's first activation as part of their new creative campaign: Absurdly Good. Absurdly Good is the company's promise to support the next generation in turning their vision for what the world could be into a reality. For the full PLEZi Absurdly Good Games official rules, including judging criteria, odds, and prize descriptions, please visit www.PLEZi.com/PLEZiGames . NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to residents of the 50 U.S. and DC, 13 years or older. Void where prohibited. Ends 7/8/2024. About PLEZi Nutrition PLEZi Nutrition is a Public Benefit Company co-founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama with a mission to create higher standards for how the U.S. makes and markets food and beverages for kids, leading with nutrition, taste, and truth. The company aims to give parents a helping hand by offering healthier, great-tasting products, including PLEZi FiZZ and PLEZi, that parents can feel good about giving their kids and that kids actually want. More than an effort to create better products, PLEZi Nutrition serves as an educational platform to engage with families on nutrition topics and what's best for kids' health. PLEZi Nutrition is part of Juggernaut Capital's portfolio of companies. For more information, visit www.plezi.com . Press Contact: Original Strategies Elle O'Brien [email protected] SOURCE PLEZi Nutrition MUNICH, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiconics Eco-energy Technology ("Midea Hiconics"; SHE300048), a green energy brand under the Midea umbrella, impressed visitors recently at Intersolar 2024 in Munich with the launch of its full range of residential green energy products, including all-in-one residential energy storage systems (RESS), household photovoltaic inverters, EV chargers, and balcony photovoltaic solutions. 2024 Intersolar Midea Hiconics Residential Green Energy Products Launch Midea Hiconics's Strategic Cooperation Signing Ceremony Exhibited at Booth C2 670, the comprehensive residential green energy solutions from Midea Hiconics impressed many visitors with their excellent photovoltaic energy storage, modern design, and advanced electrification technology, including an all-in-one household storage device, featuring a battery pack with a built-in DC-DC optimizer using a high-voltage parallel system. At Intersolar 2024, Midea Hiconics showcased 16 innovative and well-built inverters that include a shadow recognition function for efficient power generation and an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) for stable smart networking. TUV NORD, TUV SUD, and TUV Rhineland issued the latest certifications for Midea Hiconics' batteries and inverters, with the Company also receiving TUV NORD's Witness Laboratory certification. "We were delighted to showcase our products at Intersolar 2024, where we saw that it is vital for leading companies to have the ability to provide solutions with a complete product matrix," commented Hou Junfeng, R&D Director of Midea Hiconics. "It is more conducive to exploring advantages and selling points." In recent years, with the continuous strengthening of investment and support policies in green energy in European countries, demand for household energy storage products has grown rapidly. As Midea's main driving force in developing this segment, Midea Hiconics has successfully developed key international markets such as Europe, Australia, America, and Africa under a global marketing channel framework. Midea Hiconics, upholding product quality as its fortress, continually builds enduring, mutually beneficial partnerships with the highest level of sincerity. At the event, strategic cooperation agreements were inked with regional clients from France, Turkey, and beyond. Midea Hiconics' transformation is fueled by its continuous pursuit of technological innovation. In 2023, the Company invested 147.41 million yuan in R&D, a 72.96% increase from the previous year. Midea's 33 global R&D centers, 4 major research institutes, and over 50 core laboratories provide robust R&D collaboration. Along with higher R&D investment, Midea Hiconics has integrated Midea's lean manufacturing system and invested in advanced automated production lines, industry-leading 100,000-standard clean rooms, and high-standard testing centers. This ensures efficient, high-quality product delivery, supported by rigorous quality testing with advanced instruments and equipment. Midea's quality assurance system in home appliances has enhanced Midea Hiconics' quality improvement efforts. Midea's extensive experience in the household market and strong aesthetic design capabilities have greatly influenced Midea Hiconics' product design and user experience. Their household storage products prioritize both performance and aesthetics, catering to modern families' desires for green, efficient, and smart living. About Midea Hiconics Midea 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. For more information about Midea Hiconics, please visit https://www.hiconics-global.com/company-profile/. SOURCE Midea Hiconics The high-volume transplant center achieves better outcomes for patients and more lives saved. TAMPA, Fla., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH), the region's only academic health system, this week celebrates 50 years of the transplant program, giving life to patients throughout the region and across the nation. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), the regions only academic health system, this week celebrates 50 years of the transplant program, giving life to patients throughout the region and across the nation. On June 18, 1974, Tampa General performed its first kidney transplant. In the five decades since Tampa General completed its first transplant surgery, surgeons at the academic health system have been providing patients with the most advanced, comprehensive, compassionate and personalized care possible. Tampa General has celebrated many historic milestones and national accolades for the program, becoming one of the leading transplant centers in the nation. "The 50th anniversary is remarkable on its own, but consider the more than 13,000 lives saved by Tampa General's Transplant Institute over the last five decades," said John Couris, president and chief executive officer at Tampa General Hospital. "This anniversary is a tribute to the providers and their commitment to exceptional care. In the last few years, we've made tremendous progress in recruiting the best-in-class surgeons, adopting new technologies and advancing innovative techniques, and today, we're one of the nation's leading transplant centers. We're building on the first 50 years to ensure the next are even better." To date, Tampa General has performed more than 13,000 transplant surgeries, a milestone achieved by only a few dozen hospitals nationwide. In 2023, Tampa General was ranked among the top five hospitals in the nation for transplants by volume, with 756 performed last year. "As a national leader in transplant, we possess the proficiency and capability to manage patients with the most complex health conditions, and that has led to exceptional patient outcomes," said Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute. "Our 50th year is an opportunity to reflect on our journey to become a world-class organization. Our program was founded by innovators, and we continue to innovate today." National recognitions earned in 2023 for the TGH Transplant Institute include: #1 living donor kidney transplant program in the state of Florida for the last five years for the last five years #2 in the nation for kidney transplants #4 transplant center in the nation for all transplants by volume #4 in the nation for liver transplants by volume Tampa General is the only hospital in West Central Florida to offer all five organ transplants for adult patients: heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas. In 2023, Tampa General successfully completed its first living donor liver transplant, expanding access to patients needing a liver transplant. Last year, Tampa General completed a total of five living donor liver transplants. Through the adoption of technology, Tampa General's Transplant Institute is able to retrieve organs from a wider geographical area and ensure optimal organ condition before transplant procedures, increasing access to donor organs and shortening patient wait times. According to data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, Tampa General historically has some of the shortest times to transplant in the country and in Florida. In 2027, Tampa General's Transplant Institute will move to the system's brand-new, state-of-the-art Taneja Surgical, Neuroscience & Transplant Tower, where patients will have access to best-in-class providers, the latest research therapies and modern technologies. The tower, which consists of a plaza level and 12 floors, will provide 144 patient beds, 32 operating suites and expanded intensive care unit (ICU) capacity. In addition, there will be space for education and training, and sterile processing, as well as two floors reserved for future growth. ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, a 981-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospitals, with six specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and top 25 in Florida in the 2023 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2022, provided a net community benefit of approximately $240.3 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes TGH North which is comprised of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties, 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Outpatient Center, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org. Media Contact: Amanda Bevis (202) 680-9262 (cell) [email protected] SOURCE Tampa General Hospital HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nabors Industries Ltd. ("Nabors" or the "Company") (NYSE: NBR) today announced that on June 18, 2024, William Restrepo, the Chief Financial Officer of Nabors Industries Ltd. (the "Company") attended the J.P. Morgan Energy, Power & Renewables Conference, where he participated in a "fireside chat" and one-on-one meetings with industry analysts and investors. Mr. Restrepo mentioned that in the International Drilling segment and in the Lower 48, a portion of the Company's U.S. Drilling segment, activity and financial results quarter to date support the outlook previously issued by the Company. He also noted that prospects for the Company's Drilling Solutions segment remain strong, with activity in international markets and on non-Nabors rigs expected to drive future growth. He commented that the Company is still tracking 2024 capital expenditures of approximately $590 million. About Nabors Industries Nabors Industries (NYSE: NBR) is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With presence in more than 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible energy production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower-carbon world. Learn more about Nabors and its energy technology leadership: www.nabors.com. Forward-looking Statements The information included in this press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as disclosed by Nabors from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these factors, Nabors' actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect management's estimates and beliefs as of the date of this press release. Nabors does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements. Non-GAAP Disclaimer This press release presents certain "non-GAAP" financial measures. The components of these non-GAAP measures are computed by using amounts that are determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Adjusted operating income (loss) represents income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense, investment income (loss), and other, net. Adjusted EBITDA is computed similarly, but also excludes depreciation and amortization expenses. In addition, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating income (loss) exclude certain cash expenses that the Company is obligated to make. Net debt is calculated as total debt minus the sum of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Adjusted free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities less cash used for capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets. Management believes that adjusted free cash flow is an important liquidity measure for the company and that it is useful to investors and management as a measure of the company's ability to generate cash flow, after reinvesting in the company for future growth, that could be available for paying down debt or other financing cash flows, such as dividends to shareholders. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure is useful information to investors when comparing our cash flows with the cash flows of other companies. Each of these non-GAAP measures has limitations and therefore should not be used in isolation or as a substitute for the amounts reported in accordance with GAAP. However, management evaluates the performance of its operating segments and the consolidated Company based on several criteria, including Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income (loss), net debt, and adjusted free cash flow, because it believes that these financial measures accurately reflect the Company's ongoing profitability and performance. Securities analysts and investors also use these measures as some of the metrics on which they analyze the Company's performance. Other companies in this industry may compute these measures differently. Reconciliations of consolidated adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating income (loss) to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, net debt to total debt, and adjusted free cash flow to net cash provided by operations, which are their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures, are included in the tables at the end of this press release. We do not provide a forward-looking reconciliation of our outlook for Segment Adjusted EBITDA, Segment Gross Margin or Adjusted Free Cash Flow, as the amount and significance of items required to develop meaningful comparable GAAP financial measures cannot be estimated at this time without unreasonable efforts. These special items could be meaningful. Investor Contacts: William C. Conroy, CFA, Vice President of Corporate Development & Investor Relations, +1 281-775-2423 or via e-mail [email protected], or Kara Peak, Director of Corporate Development & Investor Relations, +1 281-775-4954 or via email [email protected]. To request investor materials, contact Nabors' corporate headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda at +441-292-1510 or via e-mail [email protected] SOURCE Nabors Industries Ltd. WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the benefit of all, NASA released a summary Thursday of the fifth biennial Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, in partnership with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and with the assistance of the U.S. Department of State Office of Space Affairs, convened the tabletop exercise to inform and assess our ability as a nation to respond effectively to the threat of a potentially hazardous asteroid or comet. Representatives from NASA, FEMA, and the planetary defense community participate in the 5th Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise to inform and assess our ability as a nation to respond effectively to the threat of a potentially hazardous asteroid or comet. Credits: NASA/JHU-APL/Ed Whitman Although there are no known significant asteroid impact threats for the foreseeable future, hypothetical exercises provide valuable insights by exploring the risks, response options, and opportunities for collaboration posed by varying scenarios, from minor regional damage with little warning to potential global catastrophes predicted years or even decades in the future. "The uncertainties in these initial conditions for the exercise allowed participants to consider a particularly challenging set of circumstances," said Lindley Johnson, planetary defense officer emeritus NASA Headquarters in Washington. "A large asteroid impact is potentially the only natural disaster humanity has the technology to predict years in advance and take action to prevent." During the exercise, participants considered potential national and global responses to a hypothetical scenario in which a never-before-detected asteroid was identified that had, according to initial calculations, a 72% chance of hitting Earth in approximately 14 years. The preliminary observations described in the exercise, however, were not sufficient to precisely determine the asteroid's size, composition, and long-term trajectory. To complicate this year's hypothetical scenario, essential follow-up observations would have to be delayed for at least seven months a critical loss of time as the asteroid passed behind the Sun as seen from Earth's vantage point in space. Conducting exercises enable government stakeholders to identify and resolve potential issues as part of preparation for any real-world situation. It was held in April at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, and brought together nearly 100 representatives from across U.S. government agencies and, for the first time, international collaborators on planetary defense. "Our mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters," said Leviticus "L.A." Lewis, FEMA detailee to NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office. "We work across the country every day before disasters happen to help people and communities understand and prepare for possible risks. In the event of a potential asteroid impact, FEMA would be a leading player in interagency coordination." This exercise was the first to use data from NASA's DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, the first in-space demonstration of a technology for defending Earth against potential asteroid impacts. The DART spacecraft, which impacted the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos on Sept. 26, 2022, confirmed a kinetic impactor could change the trajectory of an asteroid. Applying this or any type of technology to an actual impact threat would require many years of advance planning. To help ensure humanity will have the time needed to evaluate and respond to a potentially hazardous asteroid or comet, NASA continues the development of its NEO Surveyor (Near-Earth Object Surveyor), an infrared space telescope designed specifically to expedite our ability to discover and characterize most of the potentially hazardous near-Earth objects many years before they could become an impact threat. The agency's NEO Surveyor's proposed launch date is set for June 2028. NASA will publish a complete after-action report for the tabletop exercise later, which will include strengths and gaps identified from analysis of the response, other discussions during the exercise, and recommendations for improvement. "These outcomes will help to shape future exercises and studies to ensure NASA and other government agencies continue improving planetary defense preparedness," said Johnson. NASA established the Planetary Defense Coordination Office in 2016 to manage the agency's ongoing planetary-defense efforts. Johns Hopkins APL managed the DART mission for NASA as a project of the agency's Planetary Missions Program Office. To learn more about planetary defense at NASA, visit: https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-defense/ SOURCE NASA Legislation Introduced by Bipartisan Members of the U.S. House and Senate WABASHA, Minn., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN and a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives are leading the effort to make the bald eagle the country's national bird. "While most people assume the bald eagle is our nation's official bird, the fact is our country doesn't have an official bird," said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. "The bison is the national mammal, the rose is the national flower, and the oak is the national tree. It's time the bald eagle, long revered as our national symbol, finds its rightful place as our country's official national bird." There is confusion on this issue because on June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress installed the bald eagle on the front of the Great Seal. Since then, the bald eagle has been a favored representative of the country, second only to the American flag. While there is no record of what was said in Congress on the day the Seal was approved, it remains a fact that the bald eagle was not identified as the national bird. The legislative effort is being led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN). The initiative also has the support of the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, which represents 36 indigenous nations and four tribal organizations. "The bald eagle is a symbol of our country's freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we are proud to call ourselves home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha," said Klobuchar. "My bipartisan legislation will officially designate the bald eagle as our country's National Bird." "There is nothing more American than a bald eagle soaring across the Wyoming sky," said Lummis. "These majestic creatures have long been viewed as the official bird of this country and it is past time we made it official without costing taxpayers a single cent. As we approach the Fourth of July, I am thrilled to partner with Senator Amy Klobuchar to make the bald eagle the National Bird of the United States." "Since the founding of our nation, the bald eagle has existed as a symbol of our country's independence, strength, and freedom," said Rep. Brad Finstad (MN-01). "I am proud to introduce this legislation which will officially classify the bald eagle as the national bird its proper place of honor as an integral part of our national identity." Symbol of America "By officially designating the Bald Eagle as our national bird, Congress would reaffirm our nation's dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship while honoring a symbol that holds a special place in the hearts of Americans nationwide, said John Wodele, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center "Through concerted conservation measures and the enactment of legislation such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Bald Eagle population has rebounded, symbolizing our commitment to preserving our natural heritage for future generations," said Jack Davis, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. Lend your Support The general public can add their support to the National Eagle Center's effort by signing up on the website www.nationaleaglecenter.org . About The National Eagle Center The National Eagle Center is a unique educational and interpretive institution that has educated, enlightened, and entertained visitors from all 50 of the United States and 120 foreign countries since 1999. All of this takes place in Wabasha, MN, one of the most historic cities in Minnesota, on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, designated the Eagle Capital of America. SOURCE National Eagle Center LAS VEGAS, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting June 26, LULAC, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, and the Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas, NV will host the All of Us Journey, a traveling educational exhibit that brings the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program to communities across the United States. The Journey features interactive activities, videos, games, quizzes, and moreall designed to demonstrate the power of participation in health research. Interested attendees will learn how they can help shape the future of health for themselves, their families, and their communities for generations to come. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for the All of Us Research Program during their visit. WHAT: Las Vegas is one stop on the All of Us Journey's national tour. The public are invited to attend and learn how they can help change the future of health as participants in the All of Us Research Program. WHEN and WHERE: Wednesday, June 26 to Friday, June 28, 2024 10am-5pm 2024 LULAC National Convention and Exposition 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tuesday, July 9 to Friday, July 12, 2024 9am-3pm Mexican Consulate of Las Vegas 823 S 6th St Las Vegas, NV 89101 Tuesday, July 16 to Wednesday, July 17, 2024 9am-3pm University of Nevada Las Vegas Hospitality Hall 4505 S Maryland PKWY, Las Vegas, NV 89154 See the full list of events in Las Vegas from June 26 to July 17 here. The All of Us Research Program, led by the National Institutes of Health, aims to recruit at least one million participants that reflect the diversity of the United States. All of Us will help researchers understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. To learn more about the All of Us Research Program and upcoming events, visit https://www.joinallofus.org/onthego. About the All of Us Journey All of Us is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The Journey is managed by Montage Marketing Group in collaboration with Scripps Research Translational Institute, and funded by the National Institutes of Health award OT2OD035580. For more information contact: Jennifer Reyes, Outreach Engagement Manager Phone: 703-454-9168 ext: 144 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Montage Marketing Group ROSWELL, N.M., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting June 25, LULAC and the Mexican Consulate in New Mexico will host the All of Us Journey, a traveling educational exhibit that brings the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program to communities across the United States. The Journey features interactive activities, videos, games, quizzes, and moreall designed to demonstrate the power of participation in health research. Interested attendees will learn how they can help shape the future of health for themselves, their families, and their communities for generations to come. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for the All of Us Research Program during their visit. WHAT: Roswell is one stop on the All of Us Journey's national tour. The public are invited to attend and learn how they can help change the future of health as participants in the All of Us Research Program. WHEN and WHERE: Tuesday, June 25 to Friday, June 28, 2024 10am-4pm Wicked West Harley-Davidson 4360 Rodeo Rd Santa Fe, NM 87507 Tuesday, July 9 to Friday, July 12, 2024 10am-4pm Mexican Consulate in Albuquerque 1610 4th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 See the full list of events in New Mexico from June 25 to July 12 here. The All of Us Research Program, led by the National Institutes of Health, aims to recruit at least one million participants that reflect the diversity of the United States. All of Us will help researchers understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. To learn more about the All of Us Research Program and upcoming events, visit https://www.joinallofus.org/drive . About the All of Us Journey All of Us is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The Journey is managed by Montage Marketing Group in collaboration with Scripps Research Translational Institute, and funded by the National Institutes of Health award OT2OD035580 . For more information contact: Jennifer Reyes, Outreach Engagement Manager Phone: 703-454-9168 ext: 144 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Montage Marketing Group PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting June 25, Asian Health Coalition and National Alliance for Hispanic Health in Rhode Island will host the All of Us Journey, a traveling educational exhibit that brings the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program to communities across the United States. The Journey features interactive activities, videos, games, quizzes, and moreall designed to demonstrate the power of participation in health research. Interested attendees will learn how they can help shape the future of health for themselves, their families, and their communities for generations to come. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for the All of Us Research Program during their visit. WHAT: Providence, RI is one stop on the All of Us Journey's national tour. The public are invited to attend and learn how they can help change the future of health as participants in the All of Us Research Program. WHEN and WHERE: Tuesday, June 25 to Friday, June 28, 2024 10am-4pm Center for Southeast Asians 270 Elmwood Ave Providence, RI 02907 Tuesday, July 9 to Friday, July 12, 2024 10am-4pm Progreso Latino Inc 626 Broad St Central Falls, RI 02863 See the full list of events in Rhode Island from June 25 to July 12 here. The All of Us Research Program, led by the National Institutes of Health, aims to recruit at least one million participants that reflect the diversity of the United States. All of Us will help researchers understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. To learn more about the All of Us Research Program and upcoming events, visit https://www.joinallofus.org/tour . About the All of Us Journey All of Us is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The Journey is managed by Montage Marketing Group in collaboration with Scripps Research Translational Institute, and funded by the National Institutes of Health award OT2OD035580 . For more information contact: Jennifer Reyes, Outreach Engagement Manager Phone: 703-454-9168 ext: 144 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Montage Marketing Group DALLAS, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Opportunities, LLC (together with its affiliates "NexPoint"), a major shareholder of United Development Funding IV ("UDF IV" or the "Company"), a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), today announced its nomination of four highly qualified, independent candidates for election to the UDF IV Board of Trustees at the Company's upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Following years of holding no UDF IV shareholder meetings prior to December 2023, or elections of independent trustees, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland has ordered UDF IV to conduct an election for four independent Trustees at an Annual Meeting that must be held on or before December 31, 2024. NexPoint has delivered to UDF IV its nomination of the following four highly qualified and independent trustee candidates: Paul S. Broaddus Mr. Broaddus is a seasoned entrepreneur in commercial real estate across Texas , operating a $200 million portfolio as the Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer of Riverbend Development and My Garage Self Storage, where he also serves as President. His expertise in raising and investing capital, alongside his extensive experience in acquisitions and asset dispositions, as well as REIT accounting practices and tax structuring, will help to ensure proper financial management of UDF IV. Mr. Broaddus is a seasoned entrepreneur in commercial real estate across , operating a portfolio as the Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer of Riverbend Development and My Garage Self Storage, where he also serves as President. His expertise in raising and investing capital, alongside his extensive experience in acquisitions and asset dispositions, as well as REIT accounting practices and tax structuring, will help to ensure proper financial management of UDF IV. Edward N. Constantino Mr. Constantino has over 40 years of audit, advisory, and tax experience and substantial expertise in REIT governance. He retired as an audit partner from KPMG where he oversaw the firm's real estate and asset management business. Mr. Constantino currently serves on the boards of several publicly traded REITs, including as audit committee chair, as well as on the board of public company Patriot National Bancorp, Inc. His extensive experience in real estate accounting will enhance financial oversight and accountability for UDF IV shareholders. Mr. Constantino has over 40 years of audit, advisory, and tax experience and substantial expertise in REIT governance. He retired as an audit partner from KPMG where he oversaw the firm's real estate and asset management business. Mr. Constantino currently serves on the boards of several publicly traded REITs, including as audit committee chair, as well as on the board of public company Patriot National Bancorp, Inc. His extensive experience in real estate accounting will enhance financial oversight and accountability for UDF IV shareholders. John A. Good Mr. Good is a nationally recognized REIT executive and lawyer. He is the Chief Executive Officer of NexPoint Storage Partners, Inc. (formerly Jernigan Capital, Inc., a NYSE-listed self-storage REIT), an independent director and audit committee chair of another NYSE-listed REIT and was formerly a partner and co-head of the REIT practice group of Morrison & Foerster LLP. He has more than 28 years of experience working (either as a senior executive officer and board member or as a trusted counsel) with senior management teams and public company boards in the REIT and financial services industries on corporate finance, corporate governance, M&A, tax, executive compensation, joint venture, and strategic planning projects. He has served as lead counsel on over 200 securities offerings raising over $25 billion , with more than 125 of those deals being in the REIT industry. Mr. Good's vast experience in the REIT sector as an executive, board member and counselor makes him well qualified to provide critical strategic guidance and financial oversight to UDF IV. Mr. Good is a nationally recognized REIT executive and lawyer. He is the Chief Executive Officer of NexPoint Storage Partners, Inc. (formerly Jernigan Capital, Inc., a NYSE-listed self-storage REIT), an independent director and audit committee chair of another NYSE-listed REIT and was formerly a partner and co-head of the REIT practice group of Morrison & Foerster LLP. He has more than 28 years of experience working (either as a senior executive officer and board member or as a trusted counsel) with senior management teams and public company boards in the REIT and financial services industries on corporate finance, corporate governance, M&A, tax, executive compensation, joint venture, and strategic planning projects. He has served as lead counsel on over 200 securities offerings raising over , with more than 125 of those deals being in the REIT industry. Mr. Good's vast experience in the REIT sector as an executive, board member and counselor makes him well qualified to provide critical strategic guidance and financial oversight to UDF IV. Julie E. Silcock Ms. Silcock is an experienced financial services professional who has served on several public company boards across various industries. She formerly served as a Partner at CDX Advisors, a tech-enabled investment bank, as well as Managing Director and Co-Head of Southwest Investment Banking at Houlihan Lokey. Ms. Silcock currently serves on the boards of Overseas Shipholding Group Inc., JC Skincare, Goodwill Industries of Dallas , Inc., and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation. Her well-honed financial acumen, strategic M&A knowledge, and extensive governance expertise will be pivotal in strengthening UDF IV's financial operations and ensuring robust corporate governance that serves the interests of shareholders. NexPoint is nominating Edward N. Constantino and Julie E. Silcock as Class II trustees with three-year terms eligible for re-election in 2027, and Paul S. Broaddus and John A. Good as Class III trustees with one-year terms eligible for re-election in 2025. As UDF IV's largest shareholder, NexPoint has been working for over four years to establish proper oversight and accountability at UDF IV. In making its nominations, NexPoint provided the following comment: "Now that four of UDF IV's incumbent trustees must stand for election following a court order, shareholders finally have the chance to take action to address the company's corporate governance failures and dramatic multi-year diminution of shareholder value. With our proposed Trustees, shareholders can elect a Board that will represent shareholders' interests and find opportunities to provide a path to value recapture/creation and, ultimately, liquidity. Our nominees have decades of REIT and asset management experience and a strong track record of upholding their fiduciary duties. If elected, we believe they will restore integrity, accountability, and transparency at UDF IV while working to recover lost value. "Our efforts have already delivered significant victories for shareholders, including securing this upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting, and our trustee nominees will work to enact further positive changes. After years of opaque accounting and financial reporting, stagnant real estate developments, and the misuse of shareholder funds, shareholders should seize this moment to reclaim their rightful ownership of UDF IV and support these highly qualified nominees." NexPoint believes that UDF IV's incumbent trustees have entrenched themselves through a systematic disenfranchisement of voters and have stifled any attempt by shareholders to drive meaningful change. Despite the convictions and subsequent incarcerations of several of UDF IV's founders and former management team, the trustees have continued to resist shareholder calls for transparency, accountability, and reform. NexPoint believes there are numerous examples of governance abuses at UDF IV, including: The trustees have thwarted shareholder initiatives for accountability through acts of poor governance, including amending Company bylaws to prevent the fair nomination and election of trustees who genuinely represent shareholders' interests. The so-called independent trustees have shown disregard for shareholder democracy: three have not stood for election since 2015, and one has never been elected by shareholders at all. The trustees have inexplicably allowed the Company's advisor and much of the former management team to remain in place, despite a history of criminal fraud at the company. at the company. The trustees also appear to have supported former management in using shareholder funds to cover legal fees for their criminal cases, uses which NexPoint believes to be in violation of their fiduciary duty and ethical standards. The trustees have allowed the Company's assets to be concentrated with one borrower who has a history of not performing its obligations and using this concentration to influence the actions of the Company. NexPoint encourages shareholders to visit udfaccountability.com and complete the contact form to receive ongoing updates about the Company and the upcoming Annual Meeting, including about the meeting date once it has been set by the Company. Shareholders can also contact NexPoint via email at [email protected]. Additional information about NexPoint's nominees can be found at udfaccountability.com/nominees. About NexPoint NexPoint Real Estate Opportunities, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust, Inc. (NYSE: NXDT), an affiliate of NexPoint Advisors, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. is an SEC-registered adviser on the NexPoint alternative investment platform. It serves as the adviser to a suite of funds and investment vehicles, including a closed-end fund, interval fund, business development company, and various real estate vehicles. For more information visit www.nexpoint.com. IMPORTANT INFORMATION NexPoint Real Estate Opportunities, LLC ("NexPoint") intends to deliver a proxy statement with respect to its solicitation of proxies for nominees to be elected to the United Development Funding IV ("UDF IV") Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of UDF IV. The date for the Annual Meeting has not yet been set and NexPoint is not soliciting proxies at this time. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE NEXPOINT PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) WHEN AVAILABLE IN ITS ENTIRETY BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ANY SOLICITATION. Copies of the documents will be made available free of charge from NexPoint by accessing the website www.udfaccountability.com. NexPoint, its affiliates, their directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be participants (collectively "Participants") in the solicitation of proxies by NexPoint. Information about NexPoint's nominees to the UDF IV Board of Trustees and information regarding the direct or indirect interests in UDF IV, by security holdings or otherwise, of NexPoint, the other Participants and NexPoint's nominees will be available in the proxy statement. NexPoint's disclosure of any security holdings will be based on information made available to NexPoint by such Participants and nominees. UDF IV is no longer subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Consequently, NexPoint's knowledge of significant security holders of UDF IV and as to UDF IV itself is limited. CONTACT INFORMATION For Information/Updates on UDF IV Website: www.udfaccountability.com Email: [email protected] Investor Contacts Chuck Garske / Jeremy Provost / Theo Caminiti (Okapi Partners): Email: [email protected] Phone: (212) 297-0720 Media Contacts Lucy Bannon (NexPoint): [email protected] Paul Caminiti/Pamela Greene (Reevemark): [email protected] NexPoint Investor Relations Kristen Thomas: [email protected] SOURCE NexPoint Advisors, L.P. HANOI, Vietnam, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, has decided to invest US$30 million to Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank, stock code: SSB) in form of a convertible loan. The loan can be converted into common shares of SeABank within 4-year term, aiming at providing additional capital to support retail banking customers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises in Vietnam. Norfund grants US$30 million convertible loan to SeABank Norfund is an investment fund owned and funded by Norwegian Government that works to create jobs and improve lives by investing in businesses in developing countries that drive sustainable development. Norfund is fully funded by the Norwegian International Development Assistance budget - Government's most important tool for strengthening the private sector in developing countries and for reducing poverty. Ms. Le Thu Thuy Vice Chairwoman of the BOD, SeABank shares: "The partnership shares our joint purpose of impacting Vietnamese economy growth in general, while enhancing financial access for SeABank's SMEs and retail banking customers in particular. The loan also supports the Bank's sustainable development strategy to the utmost in the upcoming period." Ms. Fay Chetnakarnkul Regional Director (Asia), Norfund said: "Financial inclusion is Norfund's core mandate and is aligned with SeABank's strong commitment to finance and support retail banking customers and SMEs in Vietnam. The partnership will look to be a catalyst to help uplift the unbanked and underbanked in the country." The cooperation aims to provide SMEs with additional financial sources to fulfill their long-term capital demands. The Bank also has additional capital for retail lending, considering the increasing financial needs of this group. Previously, SeABank has continuously received foreign investments totaling nearly US$600 million from prestigious institutions like IFC, DFC, etc. These aim to accelerate the Bank's sustainable development strategies focusing on: SMEs financial access improvements, ESG practices application, and climate change mitigation. International funding, together with available capacity, has enabled SeABank to deliver flexible financial solutions and strongly support SMEs, especially women-owned SMEs, in capital use optimization. Besides, SeABank prioritizes disbursements for green credit and climate change mitigation projects as well as green mortgages for individual customers buying houses with green-building certificates, thereby posing positive impacts on the socio-economy and environment. Norfund's investment has demonstrated the increasing trust, affirming SeABank's reputation, operational efficiency, and capital utilization efficiency. This also helps SeABank's corporate customers improve capacity and promote key business areas effectively. SOURCE SeABank Financial services company receives honor for best API Set TROY, Mich., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- North American Bancard, LLC, (NAB) a U.S.-based leader in fintech solutions, is proud to be honored by TSG (The Strawhecker Group) in its 2024 API Best of Breed Report. The annual assessment is powered by TSG's Global Experience Monitoring (GEM) platform , ranks payment gateways' overall API experience across two components API Set and Developer Roadmap. NAB received first place in the category API Set: Developer Tools for the quality and depth of our development infrastructure and supporting tools and services. NAB received first place in the category "API Set: Developer Tools" for the quality and depth of our development infrastructure and supporting tools and services. According to TSG, the deep functionality of the API core and the wide variety of hardware options with common SDKs give developers great flexibility in product development. NAB also received a runner-up mention for the "Developer Roadmap: Flexibility" category. This is the third year in a row that NAB has been recognized by TSG, receiving honors since its Payments Hub Developer Portal launched at the end of 2021. "We are honored by TSG to win an API 'Best of Breed' Award for the third year in a row," said Bryan Long, NAB's Director of Product Management. "The product development, sales engineering, and integration teams here at NAB are world-class. We have partnered successfully with those teams to provide software developers with a great experience aimed at powering the next generation of embedded payments and fintech tools." According to TSG, the report aims to provide insights, benchmarks, and recommendations for the developer integration experience. The assessment provides a lens into the developer mindset, both novice and experienced, on how APIs are perceived externally. Al Novacek, TSG's Senior Director of Product Operations, explains, "Developer decisions are influenced by the path of least resistance, and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of API sets relative to the market gives an advantage when addressing points of friction and roadblocks." About North American Bancard North American Bancard is re-imagining the payment experience. As a leading payment technology innovator, NAB has a diversified product platform that provides a modern end-to-end infrastructure to enable globally preferred payment types. NAB's superior solutions deliver seamless payments experiences in mobile, ecommerce, and in-store environments. Serving hundreds of thousands of businesses and with over $100 billion per year in electronic transaction volume, NAB delivers functional, feature-rich and frictionless solutions for the evolving merchant economy. For more information, please visit www.northamericanbancard.com . About TSG TSG (The Strawhecker Group) is a globally recognized analytics and consulting firm that supports the entire payments ecosystem, serving over 1,000 clients from Fortune 500 leaders to more than a dozen of the world's most valuable brands. Trusted by industry leaders, TSG's strategic services, market intelligence, and analytics merge to empower clients with actionable and accessible information. Please visit www.tsgpayments.com . SOURCE North American Bancard, LLC Authentic Italian-style salami brand teams up with America's #1 fruit bar for the ultimate summer snack sensation OCEANSIDE, Calif., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Olli Salumeria , the fast-growing producer of authentic Italian-style salami, has teamed up with That's it. to launch the "Official Snack of Summer." Named an Editor's Top Summer 2024 Product Pick by Food & Beverage Magazine, the new Olli Snack Packs combine sweet and salty flavors for a delicious, gluten-free, high-protein snack that can be enjoyed from anywhere while on-the-go. Olli Salumeria launches Official Snack of Summer with Thats it. Fruit Bars. Olli products feature authentic, fourth-generation Italian recipes and are slow-cured with 100% vegetarian-fed pork raised without antibiotics, with no added nitrates or nitrites. That's it. Fruit Bars contain just two ingredients: fruit and fruit. With a shared focus on clean and simple ingredients, this convenient new snack pack is packed with flavor and nutrition, with 12g of protein per serving. "Olli Snack Packs are my new go-to for balanced summer snacking," said Melissa Rifkin, RD and nutrition expert for Olli. "High in protein, gluten-free and delicious, I love to pack these for picnics and other outdoor activities with family and friends. The combination of salami, cheese and fruit provides a fulfilling and wholesome snack that doesn't compromise on taste or quality." Whether packed for an adventure or enjoyed on-the-go, Olli Snack Packs are thoughtfully curated to offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. The lineup features an enticing array of flavors, including: Soppressata and Asiago Cheese with an Apple + Mango Bar Genoa Salami and Mozzarella Cheese with an Apple + Cherry Bar Calabrese Salami and Fontina Cheese with an Apple + Fig Bar with an Apple + Fig Bar Pepperoni and Cheddar Cheese with an Apple + Blueberry Bar "Our collaboration with That's it. is a perfect, delicious and nutritious fit," said Tim Goldsmid, CEO of Olli Salumeria. "That's it. shares in our passion for delivering clean and minimally processed snacking options made with high-quality ingredients that taste great. Packed with nutrition, convenience and versatility, we're confident this new snack will be the cherry on top of a fun-filled summer." The new Olli Snack Packs are available at retailers including Publix, Albertsons Seattle and Misfits, as well as FreshDirect locations nationwide. For more information about Olli, please visit olli.com . For more information about That's it., please visit thatsitfruit.com . About Olli Salumeria Olli Salumeria is a U.S.-based salumeria (Italian for "delicatessen") that faithfully carries on four generations of salami-making traditions from one of Italy's most famous salami families. Named after Oliviero Colmignoli, the grandson of cured-meat legend Ferruccio Fiorucci, who produced his first salami in 1850, Olli is driven to introduce Americans to the sweeter, less acidic taste of salami slow-cured in the Italian method. The company offers a growing line of salami products to preferred retailers, discriminating foodies, natural snack lovers and those simply wanting an authentic taste of Italy. From state-of-the-art processing facilities in Oceanside, Calif., which Oliviero and his team selected for its Mediterranean climate, Olli combines genuine Italian recipes, curing techniques and quality with a commitment to being the first 100% preservative-free Italian salami producer in America. Olli can be found nationally, with several product lines available through Amazon Fresh, plus Whole Foods locations, Albertsons , Publix, Love's and at regional supermarkets and specialty retailers across the country. To find an Olli retailer near you, go to www.olli.com/locate-products . For more information on the Olli story, curing technique and products, visit www.olli.com or follow Olli Salumeria on Facebook and Instagram . About That's it. Since 2012, That's it. has been innovating the natural foods category in the United States with its portfolio of simple and nutritious snacks made from real, whole foods. All That's it. products transparently contain six real ingredients or less, and no natural or artificial flavors, sugar alcohols, or artificial colors. Its flagship Fruit Bars, now the #1 fruit bar in America, contain only two ingredients: fruit + fruit. You can find That's it. nationwide at your local Starbucks, onboard United Airlines and at major retailers such as: Target, Whole Foods, Costco, Sam's Club, 7-Eleven, Walmart, VONS, Publix, Kroger, and online at Amazon and www.thatsitfruit.com . Learn more on Instagram and TikTok . CONTACT [email protected] SOURCE Olli Salumeria MADRID, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OncoBeta, a leading medical device company specialising in innovative epidermal radioisotope therapies, today announced Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, in Madrid, has treated its first patient with Rhenium-SCT (skin cancer therapy) and is expected to continue offering this therapy for patients with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Rhenium skin cancer therapy is an advanced radionuclide therapy technology that offers a painless,*1,2 single-session,1-3 non-invasive1 treatment without disfiguring scarring.1,4 Treatment with Rhenium-SCT employs a superficial application of a paste containing -emitting particles directly to the NMSC lesion, targeting cancer cells without the need for surgery.1,4 Shannon D. Brown III, CCO at OncoBeta, says, "With rates of NMSC increasing globally, we feel it's vitally important that new treatment options are offered to patients. Surgical intervention continues to be the most common treatment, but it can lead to disappointing results. Rhenium skin cancer therapy addresses many patients' desires for a non-surgical alternative with simple application directly to the lesion, treatment time generally ranges 45 to 180 mins, which means patients can continue with their lives with very little disruption." New cases of NMSCs in Spain are expected to almost double from 2022-2050 according to latest figures by the International Agency of Research on Cancer as part of the World Health Organization,5 making Mardrid an important location for this innovative NMSC treatment option. "Rhenium-SCT has long been accessible to patients across Europe. This new clinic in Spain marks a significant milestone in expanding access to this innovative treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer patients," Mr Brown explains. Dr Gerhard Dahlhoff, Medical Director at OncoBeta, says, "Rhenium-SCT allows for a targeted and non-invasive treatment of NMSCs without damaging adjacent healthy tissue. It offers a patient-friendly treatment alternative and we are delighted to have another medical facility offering Rhenium-SCT to those suffering with NMSCs." About the Rhenium-SCT (Skin Cancer Therapy) Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common form of cancer in humans.1 The most common cause of NMSC is sun exposure, while other predisposing factors include genetic skin conditions and immunosuppressive diseases or treatments.1,4 The Rhenium-SCT is a painless,*1,2 single session,1-3 non-invasive1 therapy that provides aesthetic results, even in cases otherwise considered difficult to treat.1,4,6 The Rhenium-SCT utilizes the radioisotope rhenium-188 in an epidermal application with optimal properties for the treatment of NMSCs (non-melanoma skin cancers). The Rhenium-SCT is a precise, personalized therapy that is only applied to the area needed to treat without affecting the healthy tissue.4,6 The specially designed device ensures the Rhenium-SCT compound never comes in direct contact with the patient's skin and the application is safe and simple for the applying physician. Most cases of NMSCs (basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas) can be treated using the Rhenium-SCT in one single session. 1-4 Scar-free healing of the treated lesion area and the regeneration of healthy tissue occurs usually within a few weeks after treatment.1,6,7 About OncoBeta OncoBeta with its headquarters located in Garching near Munich, Germany, is a privately held medical device company, specializing in the development and commercialization of state-of-the-art, innovative therapies. Since its foundation, OncoBeta has concentrated its efforts on the development, regulatory approval(s) and commercialization of the epidermal radioisotope therapy Rhenium-SCT (Skin Cancer Therapy), targeting NMSCs. OncoBeta has perfected the customized application and device management system in conformity with all health, safety, and environmental protection regulatory standards. Find out more about the Rhenium-SCT at www.oncobeta.com Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncobeta-gmbh/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oncobeta/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncobeta_gmbh/ Forward-looking statements This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of OncoBeta's control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning OncoBeta's plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. OncoBeta undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law. *No reported pain during procedure.1,2 Complete tumour regression in 98.5% of lesions treated.3 A treatment is considered non-invasive when no cut or break in the skin is created.8 References Castellucci P, et al. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2021; 48: 15111521. Cipriani C, et al. J Dermatol Treat. 2022;33(2):969975. Epub 22 Jul 2020 . Cipriani C, et al. In Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine. 2014. RP Baum (Ed), New York : Springer. Tietze JK, et al. Clin Nucl Med. 2023;48:86976. Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaboration, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2019;5(12):1749-1768. Cipriani C, et al. International J Nucl Med. 2017; July:114112. Sedda AF, et al. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2008;33(6):745749. Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. Acronym and glossary of terms. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/acronyms-and-glossary-terms. (Accessed June 2024 ). Contact: Jane Morey ***@moreymedia.com.au Photos https://www.prlog.org/13025785 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE OncoBeta GmbH VIENNA, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is hosting its third Development Forum on Tuesday June 25, 2024 in Vienna, Austria with a focus on delivering solutions to achieve sustainable development. The Development Forum will feature the Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Wonie Bio, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security Kandeh Yumkella, China's Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Nurlan Baibazarov as opening speakers. OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: "We are proud to convene our development partners from around the world and provide a South-South platform for the international development community. Our aim is to bridge the gap between promise and practice. I am confident that the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2024, in its third year, will again deliver solid outcomes with direct support for economies and communities and drive progress towards a sustainable future." Following the opening session the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2024 will focus on three key themes: enhancing institutional capacity, accelerating investment in smart infrastructure, and developing human capital. The discussions and outcomes of the Forum aim to speed up progress towards achieving the global sustainable development agenda and tackling pressing global issues such as climate change and food security. Confirmed speakers for the Development Forum include State Minister of Finance of Sri Lanka, Shehan Semasinghe; Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan, Zeina Zeid Toukan; Minister of Finance of Tajikistan, Faiziddin Qahhorzoda; Deputy Minister of Finance of Armenia, Eduard Hakobyan; Chairman, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser; President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Alvario Lario; Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain; CEO, Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Laura Frigenti; and Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi. One day prior to the Development Forum, on June 24, the OPEC Fund is also hosting an event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of OPEC Fund private sector operations. With over 600 projects amounting to a total commitment of more than US$10.5 billion to date, its private sector operations have directly contributed to the OPEC Fund's development impact in more than 70 countries globally. OPEC Fund President Alkhalifa said: "The private sector drives economic growth, job creation and wealth generation. Expanding into private sector operations a quarter century ago proved a watershed moment for the OPEC Fund that has significantly enhanced our development impact ever since." The private sector event will bring together development partners from across the world and feature a roundtable discussion on "Private Sector: Shaping the Future of Development Finance." Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat will deliver the keynote address. Confirmed speakers are: OPEC Fund Vice President Private Sector, Tareq Alnassar, Regional Vice President, Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Hela Cheikhrouhou, ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli, Standard Chartered Bank CEO for UK and Regional Head of Client Coverage for the UK & Turkiye, Saif Malik, Group President and Managing Director, Trade & Development Bank, Admassu Tadesse, Director General for Private Sector Operations, Asian Development Bank, Suzanne Gaboury and Chief Strategy Officer, IDB Invest Luiz Gabriel Todt de Azevedo. The roundtable will be moderated by Board Member & Executive Director Financial Services of Africa Finance Corporation Sanjeev Gupta. For a full list of speakers and a detailed program of the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2024 and other events please visit the official website. About the OPEC Fund The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed about US$27 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1899865/OPEC_Fund_Logo.jpg Media contact: Basak Pamir +43151564174 [email protected] SOURCE OPEC Fund for International Development Key leadership will advance strategic direction by welcoming three new executives and a sustainability-focused Board member. WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the nation's leading investment intermediary and network of community development financial institutions (CDFIs), announced strategic additions to its executive leadership and Board of Directors at a pivotal moment to scale OFN, its network, and the community development finance industry. "To fully meet the moment before us, OFN is deeply committed to investing in the infrastructure of the industry to fully embrace new opportunities, models, and pathways," said OFN President & CEO Harold Pettigrew. "Human capital is central to that infrastructure, and I am excited to welcome these talented executives to our organization." "The OFN Board is excited to put in place the human capital infrastructure for scale," said Donna Gambrell, Chair of the OFN Board of Directors. "Ariel Meyerstein's deep expertise in ESG and sustainable finance will be a valuable asset to this organization, and it is my pleasure to welcome him to the Board." Jessel Amin joins OFN as Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer to support the growth of the organization's capital under management, develop new market opportunities, and oversee the current portfolio of over $1 billion. Additionally, she will lead the deployment of capital under OFN's environment and climate program, including the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program. Previously, she served as Executive Director, Community Development Banking at JPMorgan Chase. She has extensive experience delivering comprehensive credit solutions that drive innovation and impact in historically disinvested communities. Anthony (Tony) Berkley, Ph.D., will join OFN as Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer to lead its fundraising and capitalization strategies to scale and address the needs of our members and communities. With expertise spanning philanthropy and impact investing, Berkley served most recently as Director of ACT and Head of Investments with Future Investment Initiative Institute. He is a pioneering institutional investor, and his expertise in community finance and sustainability includes launching an impact investing platform at W.K. Kellogg Foundation and growing Prudential Financial Inc.'s impact portfolio to over $1 billion. Kevin Fryatt joins OFN as Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer to steer the organization through a period of growth and change by implementing and optimizing systems, platforms, and processes to facilitate and sustain that growth. Fryatt previously served as Chief Financial and Operations Officer at the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif). His deep expertise includes global and domestic leadership in financial and operating roles, as well as technology and risk management. He has chaired multiple Finance and Audit Committees and serves on the Board of Directors of Credit Builders Alliance (CBA) and CBA Fund. Ariel Meyerstein, the Head of the ESG Program Office at U.S. Bank, joins the OFN Board of Directors. He brings more than 20 years of experience in international law, global policy, ESG, and sustainable finance to the Board. He will lend his expertise in climate change, human rights, and community finance policy and programs. At U.S. Bank, Meyerstein leads a team focused on developing the firm's overall ESG strategy and is co-chair of the firm's Corporate Responsibility and Reputation Committee. Meyerstein was previously Director of Community Investing and Development for Citi, where he led the implementation of its Action for Racial Equity. These appointments build on other strategic human capital investments, including leadership promotions and new hires, over the last several months: Bhumip Patel has been named Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) while OFN completes a national search to identify a permanent CFO. With Kevin Fryatt joining as COO, Amber Kuchar-Bell will transition from Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer to Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, leading programmatic strategy development with a focus on climate and small business. joining as COO, will transition from Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer to Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, leading programmatic strategy development with a focus on climate and small business. Seth Julyan has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Network Officer, officially leading OFN's growing membership, convenings, and network services. has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Network Officer, officially leading OFN's growing membership, convenings, and network services. Brendon Miller joined the organization as Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, and Head of Communications to drive strategic priorities, strengthen OFN's brand and engagement, and serve as a trusted advisor across the leadership team. joined the organization as Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, and Head of Communications to drive strategic priorities, strengthen OFN's brand and engagement, and serve as a trusted advisor across the leadership team. Dafina Williams has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Public Policy Officer, and Head of Government Affairs, leading OFN's legislative and regulatory policy initiatives. The year ahead includes strategic organizational and industry priorities that require infrastructure to deliver and scale impact. Chief among these is the successful launch of the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program, part of the EPA's $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Designing and executing a comprehensive, strategic human capital framework helps deliver this core priority, in addition to other critical organizational activities, including OFN's 40th annual conference and continued investment into and deployment of the Finance Justice Fund. About Opportunity Finance Network Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the leading national network of mission-driven community lenders, including certified community development financial institutions (CDFIs). OFN's more than 400 members provide affordable, responsible financial products and services in low-income rural, urban, and Native communities nationwide. With $1 billion in assets under management and a 0.3% loan loss rate, OFN is a trusted intermediary between CDFIs and the public and private sectors, partnering with banks, philanthropies, corporations, government agencies, and others to strengthen and invest in CDFIs and create economic opportunity for all. Since its founding in 1986, the network has originated $111 billion in financing, helping to create or maintain more than 3 million jobs, start or expand more than 850,000 businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of nearly 2.4 million housing units and more than 14,000 community facility projects. SOURCE Opportunity Finance Network PQShield will use the investment to meet fast-growing market demand from the technology supply chain for its software and hardware IP The funding comes just as NIST is due to publish the official standards for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) the final milestone in a process that is driving the global transition to quantum-resistant cryptography LONDON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PQShield , a cybersecurity company specializing in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), has raised $37 million in Series B funding led by Addition, with participation from new investors Chevron Technology Ventures, Legal & General and Braavos Capital, together with existing backers, Oxford Science Enterprises. PQShield will use the funding to expand its commercial operations as it continues to meet growing global demand for its quantum-ready cryptographic solutions for hardware, software and communications, as well as its research IP. The National Institute of Standards & Technology's (NIST) post-quantum cryptography standards are due to be ratified in a matter of weeks, marking an inflexion point in the global transition to quantum security. NIST's standards are also likely to be adopted by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). With new global standards in place and a series of government directives, such as the US National Security guidance (e.g CNSA 2.0 ), mandating the migration of critical systems to PQC from 2025, it's now a commercial imperative to adopt PQC. This is particularly so where an organization has critical data it needs to keep secure for any length of time in fact, if they haven't already started planning the transition, they are already behind. Since it was founded in 2018, PQShield has established an industry-leading team of cryptography and engineering experts who have built an extensive, secure product suite for use in hardware, software, and the cloud. Recent strategic US hires include Johannes Lintzen, who joins from Cryptomathic as Global Business Development Director, and Janssen Liston, who joins from Rambus as North America Senior Sales Director. PQShield's cryptographic solutions are already helping to facilitate the transition to quantum security throughout the global technology supply chain for example, in the secure boot and update of devices, in the Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) that secure most financial transactions, in ever-more connected vehicles, and in military grade communications systems. Customers include AMD, Microchip Technologies, Collins Aerospace, Lattice Semiconductor, Sumitomo Electric, NTT Data, Mirise Technologies (Toyota / Denso R&D), and many others. As well as advising businesses on the transition to quantum security, the company plans to also continue to support governments, industry bodies and cybersecurity agencies as they develop guidance around the migration to PQC. PQShield continues to play a leading role in the NIST PQC standardization project (having co-authored all four announced standards), and will continue to advise the White House, European Parliament, UK National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) and World Economic Forum (WEF) on the practical challenges involved. Todd Arfman of Addition said: "As we approach the culmination of the NIST project, we expect newly-ratified standards to help drive rapid adoption of PQC across the technology supply chain. Led by an industry-leading team with decades of experience, PQShield has quickly established itself as a leading authority in post-quantum cryptography for hardware and software. We are excited to see the business continue to build on its existing commercial success and further enhance its efforts in protecting our digital future." PQShield CEO and founder, Ali El Kaafarani, said: "I'm immensely proud to lead our team in shaping the way our digital world is protected against the threats of tomorrow. It no longer matters when a quantum computer will arrive that can break current cryptography methods: the need for quantum-resistant encryption is here today, as governments and standards agencies push to protect our most sensitive data. "We're already getting our technology into the hands of customers across the supply chain, and today's funding will enable us to deliver real-world, post-quantum hardware and software upgrades to even more organizations as they move to comply with new global standards. "It's our responsibility to deliver security and privacy in an increasingly digital world. Every line of code we write, every mathematical problem we solve, and every interaction we make is focused on one specific goal: keeping us all one step ahead of the attackers." About PQShield PQShield is a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) company building the quantum-safe cryptography solutions that are modernizing the vital security systems and components of the global technology supply chain. We deliver real-world, high-quality secure implementations of quantum-safe cryptography in hardware, software and the cloud, as well as being a leading contributor to post-quantum cryptography standardization projects around the world. Headquartered in the UK, with a 70 strong team across 10 countries, PQShield's contribution has been recognised by Bloomberg, Wired, Fast Company and the World Economic Forum. The company is backed by Addition, Oxford Science Enterprises, Chevron Technology Ventures, Legal & General, Braavos Capital, Kindred Capital, Crane and Innovate UK. Its extensive catalog of research papers is available here . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2441809/PQShield_Logo.jpg SOURCE PQShield BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Premise Health, the leading direct health care provider for employers and unions, was selected to receive the 2023 ABOHN Employer Recognition Award from the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN). The award recognizes organizations for their commitment to the credentialing and continued support of occupational health nurses through personal and professional development. "Our occupational health nurses and nurse practitioners are subject matter experts that provide care for organizations across multiple industries and workplace environments. Certification in occupational health requires a lengthy commitment to intensive study in all areas of our specialty and we are very proud of our team members that have attained the prestigious credentials of COHN, COHN-S, and COHN-S/CM," said Lara Spalding, occupational health lead, Premise. "We believe it's important to go the extra mile in supporting our occupational health teams so they are up to date on industry standards and best practices while working side-by-side with our members." Premise provides proprietary occupational health training and resources for nurses seeking certification, including mentorship programs, educational materials, team member resource groups, and financial support. With the addition of ten newly certified team members in 2023, over 60 Premise nurses and nurse practitioners are certified by the ABOHN. For sixty years, Premise has supported occupational health programs for large organizations across the country by providing unique and customizable solutions that emphasize Total Worker Health. This approach includes programs for injury and illness care, medical surveillance, case management, physical and occupational therapy, and ergonomic solutions. "Our industry traces its beginnings to occupational health, and that is certainly true of Premise," said Stu Clark, chief executive officer, Premise. "It's core to our DNA - the ability to understand the work environment, have a deep knowledge of state and federal regulations, provide specific care for work related injuries and illnesses, and prioritize collaboration with employer health and safety professionals to create a safe workplace." He added, "It's an honor for our occupational health teams to receive recognition for their industry leading expertise. They work tirelessly to support our mission, keep workers on the job longer, and help them retire healthier." Currently, Premise serves more than 250 organizations with occupational health services across 440 sites, more than 65 of which are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) for providing occupational health and primary care. Several Premise providers are also recognized leaders within the occupational health industry, serving as active members within the ABOHN and American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) as research fellows, board members, and committee consultants. About Premise Health Premise Health serves large organizations and their people with exceptional healthcare. It partners with commercial and municipal employers, health plans, unions, and tribes, serving millions of members at more than 800 wellness centers in 45 states and Guam. Premise's mission is to help people get, stay, and be well. With more than 30 types of care, it provides easy access to amazing member experiences that improve health and lower healthcare costs. Premise is the leading direct healthcare company and one of the largest digital providers in the country. For more information, visit www.premisehealth.com. Media Contacts: Valerie Somerville [email protected] SOURCE Premise Health NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ProviderTrust was recently selected by Modern Healthcare as one of this year's "Best Places to Work in Healthcare" and awarded a "Top Workplaces 2024" honor by The Tennessean Top Workplaces. These two prestigious awards highlight ProviderTrust's continued commitment to extend, engage, and empower employees both inside and outside the organization's walls. This is ProviderTrust's third consecutive year as a Tennessean Top Workplaces winner. ProviderTrust co-founders and managing partners Chris Redhage and Mike Rosen addressed the company at its 13th Anniversary party in June 2023. As the healthcare industry's leading data and technology company for automated exclusion list monitoring and primary source verifications, ProviderTrust's mission is to empower safer healthcare for everyone. The organization upholds that mission by fostering a company culture that embodies empathy, equity, respect, and inclusivity while actively supporting the community, clients, partners, and friends. At its core, ProviderTrust values differences of opinion and embraces everyone's unique perspective, desiring an environment that allows all team members to bring their full selves to work. "ProviderTrust is delighted to receive these two prestigious awards, one recognizing our local impact and the other celebrating our contributions to our healthcare industry," said Jodi Murphy, ProviderTrust's senior vice president of people and culture. "The mission of our People Operations team is to extend, engage, and empower our workforce, a commitment that drives us every day. We firmly believe that a strong, positive culture is crucial to the success of our business and achieving our ambitious growth goals." Modern Healthcare 's award program identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with Workforce Research Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey. The complete list of this year's winners, in alphabetical order, is available at ModernHealthcare.com/bestplaceslist . The Tennessean Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey partner, Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few. "Our company dynamic has certainly evolved in this post-pandemic era. But with a focus on a hybrid 'return to office' and delivering 'unreasonable hospitality,' we continue to drive company culture by creating unexpected and delightful experiences for our team and clients," added Murphy. "These key initiatives include investments in a leadership academy, supporting female leadership growth, organizing positive team interactions every month, and maintaining flexibility in our hybrid work environment. We're so grateful our employees and communities are recognizing this intentionality." About ProviderTrust ProviderTrust was founded in 2010 with a mission to create safer healthcare for everyone through OIG and state Medicaid exclusion monitoring. Today, the organization has developed the industry's most accurate dataset for ongoing exclusion monitoring and primary source verification, serving the nation's top health systems, payers, and pharmacy organizations. Our solutions monitor employees, vendors, provider networks, licenses, credentials, and more for OIG and state Medicaid exclusions, sanctions or disciplinary actions, license expirations, or suspensions. With a team of 100+ employees, our Nashville-based company has consistently been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare, Inc. Magazine, and the Nashville Business Journal. SOURCE ProviderTrust Inc Local New Jersey Business Named Top-Performing North American Franchise at 2024 Annual PuroClean Owner's Convention MORRISTOWN, N.J., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PuroClean, one of the country's leading property restoration and remediation franchises, has announced its 2023 Franchise of the Year. Nelson and Sujey Rivera, owners of PuroClean of Morristown, were named the PuroClean Franchise of the Year at the company's Annual International Convention. Selected from nearly 500 franchise locations across North America, PuroClean of Morristown was recognized for receiving outstanding scores across several categories, including sales growth, market share, sales revenue, and profitability, among others. PuroClean of Morristown receives Franchise of the Year Award at 2024 PuroClean Annual Convention The Riveras, who co-own and operate PuroClean of Morristown, Livingston, and Bloomfield, exemplify PuroClean's commitment to helping New Jersey residents and their properties recover from the unthinkable when disaster strikes. As the third of 12 children, the father of two young daughters, and a decorated firefighter, Nelson knows the importance of being there for community members in their darkest hours. Currently the Deputy Fire Chief in Orange, NJ, he has earned multiple awards for his bravery and dedication to service, including the City of Orange Chamber of Commerce Valor Award, New Jersey State Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association Award for Valor, and the American Red Cross Hero Award. "There can only be one Franchise of the Year, and with so many wonderful franchise owners, it's always a tight competition," said Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean. "As both a PuroClean Franchise Owner and an active firefighter, Nelson Rivera has worked tirelessly to put out both literal and figurative fires, putting his life on the line for others while expecting nothing in return. He has seen and helped people through their worst days, whether it be water, storm, mold, or fire damage. Nelson and Sujey exemplify what it means to be a true Paramedic of Property Damageeveryone should take a page or two out of the Rivera family's book." Nelson has been a resident of Essex County since 1999, when his family made the move to Newark. He later relocated to Orange, where he began serving as a firefighter in 2009 and still serves to this day as the Deputy Fire Chief. Nelson's journey with PuroClean began as a technician, and it was through working with the owner of PuroClean Livingston that he discovered his passion for the business. In 2017, Nelson, along with his co-owner and wife, Sujey, moved to Livingston to be closer to the business. Soon afterward, the duo opened their first PuroClean franchise in Morristown, later expanding to Bloomfield and then Livingston, where Nelson first got his start. Nelson still serves as a chief in the Orange Fire Department, running the business when not on duty. Now, with a total of five locations four of which are in New Jersey his franchise serves all of Essex County and nearby areas. Recently, he expanded into Oregon in partnership with two other PuroClean franchise owners. "We're so honored. All I have to say is that, honestly, in the almost five years that we've been here, it's been such an incredible experience. Nelson is such a hardworking person, and he's so deserving," Sujey said. "I want to give so many thanks to the corporate team. What we continue to do is never enough; we always want to try to be better. I appreciate all the support of everyone, [who] from the beginning, has always just shown so much love and support. We're here because of all of you. So, thank you." PuroClean is one of the leading restoration franchise companies in the United States. Each year, the brand performs thousands of jobs throughout North America, providing restoration services for everything from common household mishaps to large-scale disasters. As a leading franchise concept, the PuroClean model is ideal for business entrepreneurs passionate about contributing to their communities during times of need or natural disasters. PuroClean Franchise Owners receive extensive training on proper remediation and restoration techniques through the PuroClean Academy, which is both hands-on and classroom-based. The Academy also provides pre-opening training courses to help prepare new owners for the launch of their local PuroClean businesses. The company also offers marketing support to help its franchise owners reach success. For more information about PuroClean of Morristown, call (973)-993-6444, email [email protected] or visit https://www.puroclean.com/pm-nj/ About PuroClean PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services, working with both residential and commercial customers across the US and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a diverse, fast-growing network of 500 North American franchise locations, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, the professionals at PuroClean are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete the remediation task at hand. SOURCE PuroClean NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX) between November 15, 2023 and May 8, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 12, 2024. So what: If you purchased Roblox securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Roblox class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25991 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 12, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to Roblox's projected revenue outlook and anticipated bookings growth, due largely to expansions in Roblox's available platforms, changes in Roblox's digital technology (such as avatars), Roblox's shared economy with content creators, and advertising revenue. In truth, Roblox knew each of those bookings and revenue sources were tenuous at best. In fact, Roblox faced difficulty converting daily average users ("DAUs") into bookings and eventually blamed the very technology and platform growth it lauded as revolutionary and revenue-generating for this bookings problem. Defendants misled investors by providing the public with a materially flawed outlook for the relationship between DAU, bookings, and technology it lauded during its Investor Day and Earnings Call. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Roblox class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25991 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. "RTG is grateful for the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated team at Maury Regional," says Forrest Gardner , Vice President with RTG. "In addition to property management, transaction and compliance services, RTG will work with executive leadership in an advisory role to identify solutions and actionable strategies as it relates to utilizing real estate to meet the strategic, operational and financial goals of the organization." Maury Regional Health, a not-for-profit regional health system serving southern Middle Tennessee is the largest healthcare provider between Nashville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama. With approximately 3,000 dedicated employees, the organization is committed to delivering innovative care that seamlessly merges convenient, affordable access with unparalleled skill and compassion. "Originally established as a local community hospital, Maury Regional Health has grown into a leading regional healthcare provider delivering the highest quality care to patients and support to families. We continuously invest in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality care possible," says Martin Chaney, MD, Chief Executive Officer for Maury Regional. "We look forward to elevating care for patients through this strategic partnership with RTG and leveraging their industry experience that includes utilizing our real estate portfolio as a catalyst to achieve our long-term objectives." RTG's holistic approach to healthcare real estate portfolio management where real estate is proactively tracked, planned, and managed, can offer a significant competitive advantage. RTG manages more than 20 million square feet of healthcare real estate and has completed engagements in more than 35 states. "Driven by the belief that real estate follows strategy, our team is passionate about positioning real estate as a strategic asset and stimulus for growth," says Chad Simpson , President at RTG. "We are thrilled to stand with Maury Regional and support their commitment to delivering the highest quality care to patients." To learn more about RTG, visit our website . About Realty Trust Group Realty Trust Group, LLC is a nationally recognized real estate advisory and services firm serving the healthcare and life science industry since 1998. With objective, accountable, and trusted expertise, RTG provides innovative healthcare real estate solutions through a full platform of advisory, development, transactions, property operations, and regulatory compliance services. RTG acts as an extension of healthcare leadership teams, working to leverage real estate as a strategic asset to support broader organizational objectives. In a rapidly changing healthcare industry, RTG provides real estate strategies that gain market share, enhance patient experience, and increase speed to market. These solutions include strategic planning, portfolio optimization, capital strategies, facility feasibility and development, transaction support, portfolio management, regulatory compliance, and other tailored client solutions. For more information about RTG, visit www.realtytrustgroup.com and LinkedIn, or call 865-521-0630. Contact: Angie Surface Realty Trust Group Phone: 865-684-2891 Email: [email protected] Website: www.realtytrustgroup.com SOURCE Realty Trust Group LLC NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global RFID tags for livestock management market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.06 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of about 10.6% during the forecast period. Regulations regarding animal welfare is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing adoption of automation in livestock units. However, high cost of active rfid tags poses a challenge. Key market players include Allflex Group, Bartronics India Ltd., CoreRFID Ltd., Dalton Tags, Datamars SA, eAgile Inc., Essen Computers Ltd., GAO RFID Inc., HID Global Corp., ID Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Impinj Inc., Ketchum Mfg. Co., Mojix Inc., National Band and Tag Co., NXP Semiconductors NV, Omnia Technologies Pvt. Ltd., RFID Inc., Siemens AG, Tag Factory, and Zebra Technologies Corp.. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global RFID tags for livestock management market 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies - Click for the snapshot of this report Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Cattle, Goats and sheep, and Others), Application (Passive and Active), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Allflex Group, Bartronics India Ltd., CoreRFID Ltd., Dalton Tags, Datamars SA, eAgile Inc., Essen Computers Ltd., GAO RFID Inc., HID Global Corp., ID Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Impinj Inc., Ketchum Mfg. Co., Mojix Inc., National Band and Tag Co., NXP Semiconductors NV, Omnia Technologies Pvt. Ltd., RFID Inc., Siemens AG, Tag Factory, and Zebra Technologies Corp. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The agriculture and livestock sectors are experiencing a decline in the skilled workforce, leading to higher labor costs. In response, livestock owners are turning to automation, including the use of RFID tags for livestock management. This technology aids in various farm operations such as identification, feeding, milking, and egg collection. By implementing RFID technology, farmers can decrease labor expenses and enhance efficiency. In the Americas, stringent immigration rules have accelerated this trend. The RfID tags for livestock management market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for efficient and accurate animal tracking systems. These tags use radio frequency identification technology to enable automatic data capture and real-time monitoring of livestock. The trend towards automation in agriculture and the need for better animal welfare are key drivers for this market. RfID tags help farmers and ranchers manage their livestock more effectively by providing information on animal location, health, and movement. Additionally, RfID technology enables easier and more accurate record keeping for regulatory compliance. Overall, RfID tags offer a cost-effective and reliable solution for livestock management. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges RFID tags offer advanced identification solutions for livestock management, with costs varying based on tag and reader types. Passive tags for small-scale operations cost around USD0.21 , while active tags and UFH reader systems for large-scale businesses can reach up to USD1,500 per reader. Active RFID tags' high cost, coupled with significant initial investments for implementation, pose challenges for small and medium livestock owners and vendors, hindering the growth of the RFID tags market for livestock management. , while active tags and UFH reader systems for large-scale businesses can reach up to per reader. Active RFID tags' high cost, coupled with significant initial investments for implementation, pose challenges for small and medium livestock owners and vendors, hindering the growth of the RFID tags market for livestock management. The Rfid tags for livestock management market faces several challenges. These tags must be durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions and rough handling. The tags should also be able to accurately identify and track each animal in real-time. Data security is another concern, as sensitive information about the livestock's location and health status must be protected. Additionally, the system must be able to handle large volumes of data and provide timely and accurate reports to farmers and livestock owners. The use of solar-powered readers and long-range tags can help address some of these challenges, but cost remains a significant barrier for widespread adoption. Overall, the Rfid tags for livestock management market requires innovative solutions to overcome these challenges and provide farmers and livestock owners with accurate, efficient, and secure tracking systems. For more insights on driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This rfid tags for livestock management market report extensively covers market segmentation by Type 1.1 Cattle 1.2 Goats and sheep 1.3 Others Application 2.1 Passive 2.2 Active Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Cattle- RFID tags play a crucial role in livestock management systems. These tags help in identifying and tracking individual animals, improving inventory management, and ensuring animal welfare. Farmers can monitor the location and health status of their livestock in real-time, enabling timely interventions and reducing losses. RFID technology offers accuracy, efficiency, and convenience, making it an essential tool for modern livestock farming operations. For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report Research Analysis RFID tags play a significant role in the livestock management industry, enhancing traceability and efficiency in various farming operations. These electronic devices employ radio waves to transmit unique identifying numbers to reader devices, enabling real-time monitoring of livestock. Equine facilities, poultry egg production centres, dairy cattle ranches, and beef steer ranches all benefit from RFID technology. It streamlines livestock management by providing access to animal health records, breeding histories, and other essential data for farmers and ranchers. RFID tags are also used in aquaculture, forests, and even for pets. GPS tags can be integrated with RFID technology to provide location information, further enhancing the capabilities of this technology in the livestock business. Market Research Overview The Rfid tags for livestock management market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for automating and improving livestock farming processes. These tags use radio frequency identification technology to track and monitor livestock in real-time, enabling farmers to efficiently manage their herds and improve productivity. Rfid tags can provide valuable data on livestock location, health status, feeding patterns, and breeding cycles, among other things. The technology is particularly useful in large-scale farming operations, where keeping track of livestock can be a challenging task. Additionally, Rfid tags can help reduce labor costs, minimize the risk of animal loss, and improve overall herd management. The market for Rfid tags in livestock management is expected to continue growing as farmers seek to optimize their operations and increase profitability. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Cattle Goats And Sheep Others Application Passive Active Geography North America Europe 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 Recognition Highlights Roborock's Commitment to Innovation and Global Excellence HONG KONG, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roborock , a global leader in ultra-intelligent home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, is proud to announce its recognition as one of the Kantar BrandZ Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders for the year 2024. Ranking 32nd, this prestigious accolade honors Roborock's unwavering commitment to innovation and its prominence in the global market. BrandZ Award: A Mark of Excellence Roborock has secured the 32nd position in this awards list. Kantar BrandZ, a globally recognized authority on brand equity, leverages the expansive consumer insights from its Kantar Profiles network. In partnership with Google, the eighth annual Chinese Global Brand Builders Report employs a stringent research methodology, integrating Kantar's extensive database with Google's detailed consumer surveys and search analytics to evaluate over 400 Chinese brands, ultimately identifying the top 50. This year's report delivers an in-depth analysis of consumer perceptions and assessments of Chinese brands across 15 categories in 11 international markets. Despite a global economic slowdown, the report reveals that the overall strength of China's top 50 global brands has seen a notable increase of 17% year-on-year, reaching a new peak. This growth underscores the resilience and expanding global influence of Chinese brands. Roborock's Journey to the Top Roborock's consecutive recognition in the Kantar BrandZ Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders underscores its dedication to a user-centric approach and outstanding market performance. The brand's global leadership is affirmed not only by its status as the number one seller of robotic vacuum cleaners worldwide, as certified by Euromonitor, but also by its presence in over 170 countries, serving more than 15 million households. Roborock holds leading positions in key markets including Turkey, the United States, Germany, Korea, and the Nordics. This success stems from Roborock's substantial investment in research and development, accounting to 260 million USD over the past five years. Innovations such as the FlexiArm Design Side Brush exemplify Roborock's commitment to enhancing the home cleaning and simplifying user interaction. These technological advancements have played a crucial role in the company's recent product launches, boosting its revenues and facilitating further expansion into the global market, solidifying Roborock's status as a leader in smart home technology. About Roborock Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. With a steadfast dedication to becoming a global leading smart appliance player, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in over 15 million homes across 170+ countries. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/ . SOURCE Roborock NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global safety signs market size is estimated to grow by USD 307.2 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.08% during the forecast period. Growing PPE market is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing innovations in safety signs materials. However, fluctuating prices of raw materials poses a challenge. Key market players include Adolf Wurth GmbH and Co. KG, Banner Stakes LLC, Big Beam Emergency Systems Inc., Brady Corp., Brimar Industries LLC, DG Road Safety Pvt. Ltd., Ecoglo International Ltd., EverGlow GmbH, Fireplan India Pvt. Ltd., Glowway Oy Ltd., INCOM Manufacturing Group, Jalite Plc, Jessup Manufacturing Co., Justrite Mfg. Co. LLC, Kroschke sign international GmbH, Newell Brands Inc., Shital Signs Pvt. Ltd., Signagex, Smart Art Signs, and ZING Enterprises LLC. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global safety signs market 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- View the snapshot of this report Safety Signs Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.08% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 307.2 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 2.96 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 45% Key countries China, US, Germany, UK, and India Key companies profiled Adolf Wurth GmbH and Co. KG, Banner Stakes LLC, Big Beam Emergency Systems Inc., Brady Corp., Brimar Industries LLC, DG Road Safety Pvt. Ltd., Ecoglo International Ltd., EverGlow GmbH, Fireplan India Pvt. Ltd., Glowway Oy Ltd., INCOM Manufacturing Group, Jalite Plc, Jessup Manufacturing Co., Justrite Mfg. Co. LLC, Kroschke sign international GmbH, Newell Brands Inc., Shital Signs Pvt. Ltd., Signagex, Smart Art Signs, and ZING Enterprises LLC Market Driver The safety signs market is experiencing advancements in both materials and power sources. Solar safety signs, which use photovoltaic panels and batteries, are becoming popular. Digital signage, featuring LCD, LED, and projectors, is another trend. Vendors prioritize recyclable materials, such as those used by ZING Green Safety Products. Innovations in presentation and materials are driving demand for safety signs in consumer products, contributing to market growth. Samsung Electronics' sustainable signage solutions received recognition at InfoComm 2023. The Safety Signs Market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing safety concerns in various industries. Businesses are investing in a wide range of safety signs, including fire signs, warning signs, and mandatory signs. These signs are used to indicate hazards, emergency exits, and important safety instructions. The use of occupational safety and health regulations and workplace safety standards is driving the demand for safety signs. Producers are focusing on developing signs that are durable, easy to read, and comply with industry standards. The market is also witnessing the adoption of advanced technologies like LED lights and reflective materials to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of safety signs. The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly signage is also gaining traction in the market. Overall, the Safety Signs Market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges The safety signs market utilizes various materials for manufacturing signboards and placards, including plastic, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl, polypropylene, aluminum, metal, and fiberglass. Raw material price instability negatively impacts market growth, necessitating effective procurement and pricing strategies. For instance, polypropylene price volatility challenges safety sign demand. Despite aluminum's consistent price trend, the segment remains sensitive to costs and price fluctuations, making raw material price volatility a significant market restraint. The Safety Signs Market faces several challenges in the modern business environment. These signs are essential for ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance. However, the industry encounters issues such as the need for customization to specific industries and locations, maintaining consistency in design and messaging, and keeping up with technological advancements. Additionally, the increasing complexity of safety regulations and the need for multilingual signs add to the challenges. Producers must balance cost-effectiveness with quality and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of their clientele. Overall, the Safety Signs Market requires innovative solutions to address these challenges and continue providing effective safety communication. For more insights on driver and challenges - Request a sample report! Segment Overview This safety signs market report extensively covers market segmentation by End-user 1.1 Commercial 1.2 Industrial 1.3 Residential Material 2.1 Polymer 2.2 Metal 2.3 Fiberglass Geography 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Commercial- The commercial sector's expansion, driven by office spaces, shopping malls, airports, and data centers in developing markets, will fuel the demand for safety signs. Construction activities in these structures are increasing due to urbanization, economic growth, and the need for energy-efficient buildings. In addition, the hospitality industry's growth, particularly in the hotel sector, and the expanding cruise industry will further boost safety sign market growth. Regulations require safety signs in commercial spaces, making it essential for businesses to comply. 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 Safety Signs Market encompasses a wide range of industries, including Hazard-prone sectors such as Construction, Manufacturing, and Chemical. Employers in these sectors are mandated by Regulatory norms to implement Health & safety practices to mitigate workplace fatalities and industrial mortalities. Safety signs play a crucial role in this regard, providing clear instructions and warnings to Labours handling Materials like Polymer, Metal, and Fiberglass. Safety signs come in various forms, including Prohibition Signs, Warning Signs, and Mandatory Signs. Digital displays and LED displays are increasingly popular due to their ability to convey information effectively and efficiently. Businesses and Communities alike benefit from the use of safety signs, contributing to a safer Industrialization process that fosters Economic growth while minimizing Accidents. Market Research Overview The Safety Signs Market encompasses a wide range of visual signals designed to ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance. These signs, which may be fabricated from various materials such as aluminum, plastic, or steel, convey essential information about potential hazards and safety procedures. Common symbols include fire, hazard, warning, and instructional signs. The market for safety signs caters to diverse industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and transportation, among others. The design and production of safety signs adhere to stringent standards, ensuring their durability, legibility, and effectiveness in communicating critical safety information. The market for safety signs continues to grow due to increasing safety regulations and the need to maintain a safe working environment. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation End-user Commercial Industrial Residential Material Polymer Metal Fiberglass 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 Community Hospital to Hand Out 2,000 Water Bottles Per Day CHICAGO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint Anthony Hospital is giving out at least 2,000 water bottles per day to keep West and Southwest side residents hydrated during this record heatwave in Chicago. Utilizing a refrigerated trailer to bring water to the most vulnerable populations, Saint Anthony Hospital is trying to do its part by visiting shelters, community centers, and tent encampments in its service area. "Unfortunately, there are a lot of people, including many of our own patients, that don't have access to air conditioning or cold water, and it makes this weather not only extremely uncomfortable, but also very dangerous," said Saint Anthony Hospital President and CEO, Guy A. Medaglia. "Saint Anthony Hospital is a community-centric organization and when we can help outside our hospital doors, we will." Saint Anthony Hospital will be handing water out through Saturday, June 22 in various locations, including: Franciscan Outreach at 2715 W. Harrison St. A Safe Haven at 2750 W. Roosevelt Garfield Park Community Center at 10 S. Kedzie 18th and Blue Island Street with The Night Ministry's Health Outreach Bus "Saint Anthony Hospital has been a pillar of the Southwest side for over 125 years and we have a reputation of always trying to help our community anyway we can," said Medaglia. For safety tips during this intense temperature, Saint Anthony Hospital recommends the following ways to avoid overheating: Stay properly hydrated by drinking 1 cup of water every 20 minutes When outside, stay in the shaded areas and avoid physical activity If air conditioning isn't accessible, keep shades and blinds closed, and only keep windows slightly opened Utilize a microwave or cold meals instead of using the stove and oven Wear light colored, loose, breathable clothing Take cool showers and baths Apply cold water or ice to the wrists, neck, chest, and temples For more information on Saint Anthony Hospital, please go to www.sahchicago.org or call them at 773-484-1000. About Saint Anthony Hospital Founded in 1898, Saint Anthony Hospital is a community-centered organization, serving more than 400,000 residents on Chicago's West and Southwest Sides. Saint Anthony Hospital, its affiliated clinics and community wellness centers, provide quality health and wellness services, as well as a wide variety of free bilingual community health education and outreach programs. For more information, go to SAHChicago.org. Media Contact: Marcus Durbin, Saint Anthony Hospital, [email protected] SOURCE Saint Anthony Hospital MANSFIELD, Texas, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sal Mian, a skilled project manager and estimator, has filed suit against his former employer, Thermotech Insulation Co. LLC ("Thermotech"), for disability discrimination. According to the petition, Thermotech's owner, Greg Lea, explicitly informed Mr. Mian that he was being terminated due to his disabilities. Mr. Mian's termination violates the ADAAA and the Texas Labor Code. The petition reveals that Mr. Mian worked tirelessly for his former employer from September 2012 until June 2023. He typically worked between 60 and 80 hours a week. He took his role very seriously and treated the company as if it were his own. Unfortunately, in 2022, Mr. Mian began experiencing concerning health issues. He kept Mr. Lea abreast of his worsening condition and apprised Mr. Lea of his ongoing medical appointments and treatments. Despite his condition, Mr. Mian continued to perform with excellence. However, Mr. Lea began discriminatorily surveilling Mr. Mian. By the end of 2022, Mr. Mian was officially diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disorder, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. He promptly notified Mr. Lea. In response, Mr. Lea amplified his discriminatory scrutiny and surveillance of Mr. Mian's hours and work performance. Ultimately, on June 30, 2023, Mr. Lea told Mr. Mian, "Hey man, you're sick. You're disabled. You should go on unemployment or disability and get better. Then you can come back." Mr. Lea then unlawfully terminated Mr. Mian's employment because of his disabilities. The cause number is 342-353685-24. Mr. Mian is seeking lost wages and compensatory and punitive damages. Mr. Mian is represented by Rachel Bethel of Rob Wiley, P.C. Related Links https://www.robwiley.com/ SOURCE Rob Wiley, P.C. Reinforcing Commitment to Excellence, Scarinci Adds Six in Strategic Real Estate Law Practice Expansion LITTLE FALLS, N.J., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC has strategically added six attorneys in its commercial real estate group, significantly enhancing the firm's already renowned practice in an effort to better service our clients' needs throughout the New Jersey and New York metropolitan area. Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC has strategically added six attorneys in its commercial real estate group, significantly enhancing the firm's already renowned practice in an effort to better service our clients' needs throughout the New Jersey and New York metropolitan area. "Our real estate department has consistently worked with the area's largest developers on major projects," stated Donald M. Pepe, Chair of the firm's real estate department. "This expansion demonstrates our commitment to meeting our clients' diverse needs with comprehensive, one-stop legal support." With this expansion, the firm is positioned to offer a more robust level of support for our real estate clients, including specialized services in Real Estate Litigation, Construction Litigation, Commercial and Industrial Leasing, Landlord-tenant matters such as evictions and foreclosures, Mount Laurel and Affordable Housing, and Condominium and Owner Matters. New Additions to the Team Little Falls, NJ Office Michael J. Willner Mr. Willner brings more than twenty years of experience handling commercial and residential real estate transactions, real estate litigation, leasing, and construction law issues. While his practice covers virtually all aspects of real estate law, Mr. Willner primarily focuses on handling matters relating to condominium and cooperative law, commercial and residential real estate transactions, and related litigation. Over the span of his career, Mr. Willner has litigated a wide variety of matters involving landlord-tenant law, zoning issues, mechanic's liens, foreclosure actions, contract disputes, construction defect claims, and other management issues. Douglas J. Ehrenworth With over thirty years of experience, Mr. Ehrenworth focuses his practice on all aspects of commercial real estate, corporate and LLC entity formation, structures and governance, commercial transactions, contracts and related litigation. Prior to joining the firm, he co-founded Spector & Ehrenworth , P.C ., which merged with Scarinci Hollenbeck , LLC in December 2023. Kaylin N. Olsen Working alongside Mr. Ehrenworth is Kaylin N . Olsen. Ms. Olsen devotes her practice primarily to residential and commercial real estate transactions, evictions, and landlord-tenant matters. She routinely offers alternative dispute resolution and negotiates and drafts a wide variety of commercial contracts, real property leases and subleases on behalf of clients. Red Bank, NJ Office Robert L. Baker, Jr. Mr. Baker primarily focuses his practice on commercial leasing, bringing over twenty years of experience representing commercial property owners, landlords, tenants, and developers in real estate transactions in various markets across the country. Throughout his career, Mr. Baker has represented small to middle-market businesses, publicly-traded companies, private equity firms, real estate investment companies, and mortgage investors and servicers , all with diversified real estate holdings and needs. Daniella D. Dalia Ms. Dalia is a seasoned attorney who primarily focuses her practice on complex litigation, commercial real estate and other general matters on behalf of high net-worth clients. Since the beginning of her career, Ms. Dalia has maintained a focus on complex commercial litigation. She has since developed a robust commercial real estate practice, routinely representing architects, commercial landlords, developers, and contractors in the acquisition, development, financing and construction of real property assets. Michael A. Jedziniak Over the course of his twenty-year practice, Mr. Jedziniak has become one of New Jersey's preeminent Mount Laurel (affordable housing litigation) attorneys, and has represented over 60 municipalities and a number of developers in all corners of the state. Mr. Jedziniak has guided governing bodies, planning and zoning boards, administrators, general counsel, planners, and other municipal representatives on affordable housing matters before the former New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing and all levels of the state Judiciary. His practice also includes wider variety of land use matters, with a special focus on residential and mixed-use redevelopment projects involving a mix of market rate and affordable housing units. Contact: Peter Moeller Telephone: 201-896-4100 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC BOSTON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- smartShift, provider of industry-leading Intelligent Automation for SAP transformations, today announced that its Custom Code Analysis for SAP S/4HANA is available for purchase on SAP Store a digital marketplace where customers around the world can discover, try, buy and renew solutions from SAP and its partners. smartShift Custom Code Analysis for SAP S/4HANA allows organizations to understand the extent of their custom code by analyzing their complete ABAP repository a key first step to realizing guaranteed compatibility and comprehensive optimization of the code repository. With an upfront understanding of the extent of code changes required for SAP S/4HANA compatibility, customers can confidently de-risk their SAP S/4HANA migrations with data-driven planning, gain critical insight for accelerating RISE with SAP implementations, and get a head start on planning SAP Clean Core modernization. According to recent research conducted by the Americas' SAP Users' Group (ASUG) and smartShift, 95% of surveyed members build and run custom ABAP code to extend SAP software applications. The study found that organizations face significant challenges on their SAP S/4HANA journeys, including difficulty finding the expertise to maintain and enhance custom code, and excessive maintenance costs. These insights underline the critical need for solutions like smartShift Custom Code Analysis for SAP S/4HANA, which addresses these pain points effectively. Derek Oats, smartShift CEO: "Being able to purchase smartShift Custom Code Analysis for SAP S/4HANA on SAP Store significantly enhances accessibility for our customers. It streamlines the procurement process and integrates seamlessly into their existing SAP environments, enabling a smoother, more confident transition to SAP S/4HANA, RISE with SAP, and Clean Core. We're proud that the solutions we've been offering and evolving for more than a decade align more than ever with SAP's latest requirements and incentive programs that are designed to make sure that the modernization of custom development is front-and-center, not an afterthought." Companies that have used smartShift Custom Code Analysis for SAP S/4HANA include some of SAP's largest ERP customers in the oil and gas, consumer packaged goods, and transportation industries. 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 SAP Copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. About smartShift: smartShift is a global leader in SAP custom code transformation, leveraging AI to deliver secure, stable, and optimized code within weeks. Our industry-leading solutions are differentiated by the ability to address ALL custom code issues, not just those that are prioritized for manual remediation. Trusted by the world's largest SAP customers, smartShift has a proven track record of modernizing over 3,300 SAP systems and converting more than 3.5 billion lines of code. Learn more at www.smartshift.com . For media inquiries, please contact: Corporate Communications Darshita Srivastava E-Mail: [email protected] SOURCE smartShift Chicago Greek Restaurant Becomes Historic Customer MESQUITE, Nev., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Southwest Gas proudly turned on natural gas service to its 1,000th customer in Mesquite, Nevada. The Chicago Greek restaurant, which serves both classic Greek and Chicago-inspired dishes, converted from propane to natural gas to create more flexibility when cooking and enhance service to its customers. Mesquite saw its first business become a Southwest Gas customer in 2019 as a result of the passing of Senate Bill 151 (SB151) in the 2015 Nevada Legislature, which allows a public utility that purchases natural gas for resale to expand and provide service to unserved or underserved parts of the state. Mesquite was the first unserved area in the state to gain access to natural gas under SB151, following the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada's approval of Southwest Gas' application to expand natural gas service to Mesquite, sparking economic growth in the area by attracting new and diverse industries. "Having access to natural gas means progress for our restaurant and our community," said Austin Simon, co-owner of Chicago Greek. "Natural gas makes it easier for restaurants or similar businesses to operate as it is easy to use, efficient, and more affordable. It's half the cost for us and it is never going away. Working with Southwest Gas to transition to natural gas was smooth and our customers are already experiencing the difference we look forward to working with Southwest Gas as we continue to expand our business." "Since welcoming our first customer in Mesquite back in 2019, it's been amazing to witness the city's residential and commercial growth," said Justin Brown, President, Southwest Gas. "The demand for safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy options continues to expand, and Southwest Gas is committed to supporting Mesquite's growth." Mesquite is the fastest-growing city in Nevada, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and has become a top choice for companies choosing to relocate or expand their operations. Southwest Gas' largest industrial customer in Mesquite is Crown Holdings, Inc., an aluminum beverage can manufacturing facility that employs more than 120 people, and began natural gas service in August 2023. Without access to natural gas, Crown Holdings would have been unable to enter the Mesquite market. In addition to new industries finding a home in Mesquite, new homes are being constructed with natural gas and long-term businesses have converted from propane to natural gas to fuel their kitchens, hot water heaters and more, including the Casablanca Resort and the Eureka Casino Resort. "The growth we're experiencing in Mesquite is wonderful for our city, and Southwest Gas has been essential to the expansion of the area," said Allan S. Litman, Mayor of Mesquite, Nevada. "Natural gas service offers tremendous benefits to our residents, helping to improve their quality of life. With natural gas infrastructure in place, we've also been able to attract new businesses and developments to our beautiful city, and current businesses, such as the Chicago Greek, are now experiencing greater efficiency and cost savings to help sustain their operations." "The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have Southwest Gas here in the community of Mesquite providing natural gas service to many customers and to have them as a community partner," says Carol Kolson, President/CEO, Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. "Mesquite has many new homes being built and businesses looking to build or relocate here. Having natural gas here in Mesquite is a clean and affordable way to meet the demands of consumers. It took Mesquite quite a while to get natural gas, and now that we have it, residents and businesses are taking advantage of the savings." For more information about Southwest Gas, visit swgas.com. To learn more about Chicago Greek, visit chicagogreekmesquite.com. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel our communities' growth. For more information about how Southwest Gas supports a sustainable energy future, please visit swgas.com. SOURCE Southwest Gas Corporation Southern California gateway earns high rating again for robust passenger numbers, vibrant local economy and strong financial management ONTARIO, Calif., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed its long-term rating of 'A' for Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) revenue bonds outstanding given the airport's "robust enplanement recovery that now exceeds pre-pandemic levels and will support financial metrics consistent with a strong financial risk profile." S&P Global said three key credit strengths contributed to the 'A' rating: S&P Global reaffirmed its "A" bond rating for Southern California's Ontario International Airport. Robust air travel demand supported by favorable service area economic fundamentals, including a large, growing population base and ample employment opportunities. Strong management and governance, with management that we consider capable in operating an airport of this size, and a conservative approach to financial and capital planning. Strong liquidity position. The ratings agency further said its outlook for the OIAA is stable. "We are proud of the S&P rating as Ontario International Airport continues to gain appeal among airlines and air travelers and our financial position remains strong and stable," said Celeste Heinonen, OIAA chief financial officer. "Ours is the 12th largest metropolitan area in the United States and top job producing area in California, passenger volumes are at record levels and our aviation partners continue to show confidence in our facilities and services. I can say with great confidence that our airport, operations and people are a good bet." Ontario International Airport set a record for passenger volume in a single month in May, is poised to welcome 2 million passengers during the summer travel season and is on track to receive 7 million air travelers in calendar year 2024, high points since the airport's transition to local control in 2016. Ontario is also the 9th busiest U.S. air cargo hub. S&P Global Ratings is a leading provider of credit ratings with more than 1 million credit ratings outstanding on government, corporate, financial sector and structured finance entities and securities. About Ontario International Airport Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner). OIAA Media Contact: Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected] SOURCE Ontario International Airport President Jacquie Dalton to Moderate Key Panel on Media Perspectives in Business Aviation OKLAHOMA CITY, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SPARROW Executive Jets (SEJ) is proud to announce that its President, Jacquie Dalton, will be moderating a timely panel discussion at the upcoming National Air Transportation Association's (NATA) Air Charter Summit (ACS). The summit, scheduled for June 25th in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is set to address pressing issues impacting Part 135 operators. Dalton will lead the discussion on "Business Aviation Under the Microscope & in the Crosshairs: Media Perspectives," featuring a distinguished panel of experts: View PDF 2024 NATA Air Charter Summit Panel Discussion, "Business Aviation Under the Microscope & in the Crosshairs: Media Perspectives" Curt Epstein Senior Editor, AIN Media Group Senior Editor, AIN Media Group David Rimmer President, BlissJet LLC & Co-Host, Air Charter 101 Podcast President, BlissJet LLC & Co-Host, Air Charter 101 Podcast Andrew Schmertz CEO & Co-Founder, Hopscotch Air, Inc. & Chair, NATA's Air Charter Committee CEO & Co-Founder, Hopscotch Air, Inc. & Chair, NATA's Air Charter Committee Doug Gollan President & Editor-in-Chief, Private Jet Card Comparisons This exclusive event is designed to tackle the hottest topics impacting Part 135 operators today and will equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies to conquer current challenges and seize the opportunities on the horizon. Learn more and register today: NATA Air Charter Summit 2024 https://fly.nata.aero/ACS2024 #2024NATAACS About Jacquie Dalton: Jacquie Dalton is the Founder and President of SPARROW Executive Jets, an invitation/referral-only executive jet charter brokerage. Drawing from substantial experience in Part 135 aircraft management and charter brokering, she advocates that flight safety begins at the point of sale. This ethos led to the development of FlySAFE System, an innovative solution in the jet charter industry that optimizes flight safety and client experience. About SPARROW Executive Jets (SEJ): SPARROW Executive Jets is a premier executive jet charter brokerage specializing in high-quality, safe, and secure private air travel. Our proprietary FlySAFE System ensures optimal flight safety, exceptional customer service, and robust financial stability. Visit sparrowjets.com for details. SOURCE SPARROW Executive Jets NEW YORK, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global spray polyurethane foam market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.63 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 10.16% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for spray polyurethane foams in construction industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing use of methylal and HFOs as alternatives to HCFCs and HCFCs. However, increasing demand for alternatives of spray polyurethane foams poses a challenge. Key market players include Akkim Construction Chemicals Inc., Anagha ASF LLP, Barnhardt Manufacturing Co., BASF SE, Compagnie de Saint Gobain, Covestro AG, Dow Chemical Co., Honeywell International Inc., Huntsman International LLC, Indospark Inc., Innovative Chemical Products, Isothane Ltd., Johns Manville, Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Junbond Building Materials Co. Ltd., Sika AG, SOPREMA SAS, Specialty Products Inc., Tosoh Corp., and Woodbridge Foam Corp.. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global spray polyurethane foam market 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- View the snapshot of this report Spray Polyurethane Foam Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 10.16% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 1635.9 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.98 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 52% Key countries China, US, Japan, Germany, and South Korea Key companies profiled Akkim Construction Chemicals Inc., Anagha ASF LLP, Barnhardt Manufacturing Co., BASF SE, Compagnie de Saint Gobain, Covestro AG, Dow Chemical Co., Honeywell International Inc., Huntsman International LLC, Indospark Inc., Innovative Chemical Products, Isothane Ltd., Johns Manville, Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Junbond Building Materials Co. Ltd., Sika AG, SOPREMA SAS, Specialty Products Inc., Tosoh Corp., and Woodbridge Foam Corp. Market Driver The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) market is experiencing growth due to the adoption of alternative blowing agents such as Methylal and HFOs. These substitutes, including Honeywell's SOLSTICE and The Chemours Company's Opteon 1100 (HFO-1336mzz-Z), are effective, have lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), and are widely used in SPF manufacturing. Methylal, a clear, flammable liquid, is used as a solvent and will increase usage in the US and Europe due to HCFC bans. HFOs, next-generation blowing agents, are non-flammable, energy efficient, and have a low environmental impact, making them preferred choices over HFCs and HCFCs. The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) market is experiencing significant growth due to its versatility and effectiveness in insulation and roofing applications. Key players in the industry include manufacturers and suppliers of SPF materials and equipment. Recent trends include the use of SPF in commercial and residential buildings for energy efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, the market is seeing increased demand for open-cell SPF due to its air sealing properties. Cracks and structural issues can be addressed with SPF's ability to expand and fill spaces. The market also caters to various industries such as automotive, construction, and industrial. The use of SPF in these sectors is driven by its insulation properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, the SPF market is poised for continued growth in the coming years. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges The global market for Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is expected to experience a decline due to the rising demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Natural substitutes like natural latex, coconut fiber foam, organic wool, plain cotton, short-staple polyester fiber, and polystyrene are gaining popularity in various applications. These alternatives offer benefits such as biodegradability, resistance to mold and mildew, and absence of harmful chemicals. Latex is used in furniture and bedding, while cotton fiber foam is utilized in carpets and soundproofing materials. Organic wool is a natural alternative to SPF in insulation, and plain cotton is used as a filler in construction. Synthetic polymers like short-staple polyester fiber and polystyrene are also used in packaging, automotive, and construction applications. The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) market faces several challenges. One major challenge is the high cost of raw materials, including isocyanates and polyols. Another challenge is the complexity of application techniques, requiring specialized training and equipment. Compliance with environmental regulations, such as VOC emissions, adds to the cost and complexity. The need for consistent quality and durability is crucial for customer satisfaction and repeat business. Competition from alternative insulation materials, like fiberglass and cellulose, also poses a challenge. Additionally, the construction industry's cyclical nature and economic downturns can impact demand for SPF. Cracks and leaks in SPF systems can lead to energy loss and potential health concerns, requiring regular maintenance and repair. For more insights on driver and challenges - Request a sample report! Segment Overview This spray polyurethane foam market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application 1.1 Residential 1.2 Commercial 1.3 Industrial Type 2.1 Open cell 2.2 Closed cell Geography 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Residential- The residential segment of the global spray polyurethane foam market is anticipated to expand due to the increasing urban population, particularly in APAC and MEA. With China and India leading the way as the most populous countries in these regions, the demand for new residences is projected to rise. Notable urban population growth in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, and in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, will fuel this trend. For instance, Puravankara Ltd.'s planned 15 million square feet expansion in India and ongoing projects in these regions will boost demand for spray polyurethane foam during the forecast period. 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 Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) market encompasses the production and application of SPF for insulation and roofing systems in various buildings. SPF offers advantages such as air sealing, energy efficiency, and waterproofing properties. However, its use is subject to stringent regulations due to adverse weather conditions, overspray potential, and the use of petroleum-based feedstock, including Toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Corrosions and high maintenance are potential challenges. Construction activities in buildings, including walls, roofs, interior, and exterior, benefit from SPF. The Middle Eastern upheaval and Iran's prohibition on TDI exports may impact the market's supply and demand dynamics. Weather conditions and crude oil prices are crucial factors influencing the SPF market. Market Research Overview The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) market refers to the production, sale, and application of spray polyurethane foam insulation systems. SPF is a two-component, closed-cell spray foam insulation made up of isocyanate and polyol resin components. It is used for insulation, air sealing, and roofing applications. SPF offers several advantages such as high R-value, excellent air and moisture barrier properties, and energy efficiency. The global SPF market is driven by factors such as increasing energy efficiency requirements, growing demand for sustainable insulation solutions, and the rising construction industry. Applications of SPF include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as transportation and infrastructure sectors. The market is expected to grow significantly due to its versatility and effectiveness in various applications. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Residential Commercial Industrial Type Open Cell Closed Cell 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 DENVER, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SSA Ventures, a partner entity to SSA Group, announces that it hired David Rosenberg, a global leader within the attractions and hospitality industries to lead hospitality innovation, sustainability efforts and growth. SSA Ventures "David brings varied and valuable expertise to our growing SSA Ventures team, where we're looking to create the guest experience of the future and improve our world through climate action," said Sean McNicholas, President and CEO of SSA Ventures. "He brings great energy and a passion for innovation, a commitment to visitor engagement, and a thorough understanding of how to align hospitality with visitor expectations. We're really excited to have him on board." Prior to joining SSA Ventures, Rosenberg served in various executive capacities at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, most recently as the Vice President of Guest Experience. There, his responsibilities included the daily operations, visitor experience, guest engagement, and furthering the Aquarium's mission to inspire oceanic conservation. His tenured career includes leadership positions at Walt Disney World and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He also served the industry in his roles as global chairman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), chair of the Aquarium Affairs committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), an AZA accreditation inspector, and as a director on numerous international and local boards of directors. "I am thrilled to join SSA Ventures and contribute to its mission of redefining hospitality and guest experience on a global scale," says Rosenberg. "Through forward thinking solutions, strategic partnerships, management expertise, and a relentless focus on visitor experience, SSA Ventures is poised to revolutionize the way we think about hospitality, destination management and sustainability in attractions." In his new role at SSA Ventures, Rosenberg will play a key part in driving creativity, fostering partnerships, and enhancing guest experiences by leveraging the diverse portfolio of companies within the collective. For more information about SSA Ventures and its innovative initiatives, please visit https://thessagroup.com/ventures. About SSA Ventures SSA Ventures is a forward-focused collective of companies dedicated to revolutionizing the digital, human, and product landscape of hospitality and guest experience. Born from SSA Group's legacy of operational excellence and bolstered by dedicated employees who enrich and operate attractions nationwide, SSA Ventures approaches hospitality with ceaseless curiosity, forging into uncharted realms of knowledge and understanding. To learn more about SSA Ventures, visit https://thessagroup.com/ventures. About SSA Group SSA Group partners with cultural attractions across the United States to maximize their mission and streamline the guest experience across integrated food and beverage, retail, and admissions services. SSA makes visits to cultural attractions unique and memorable for more than 58 million guests annually. With focuses on sustainability, technology and people, SSA Group brings products you can feel good about, smart technology to create efficiencies and friendly staff to each guest's visit. Built by families, for families, SSA Group is a family-owned business headquartered in Denver, CO. To learn more, visit: https://thessagroup.com/ SOURCE SSA Ventures Conor McGregor Collectible Designer Figure Unveiled Ahead of UFC 303: PEREIRA vs. PROCHAZKA 2 TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Stance, a designer art toy company, proudly announces its global partnership with UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization. As a new partner of UFC creating Limited-Edition Designer Toys, Stance's highly anticipated debut will be the release of a limited-edition collectible of 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor. The agreement was brokered by UFC's licensing agency, IMG. Stance has collaborated with acclaimed Toy Art Designer Tracy Tubera to unveil the high-end exclusive UFC Collector Toys. The premier release edition of Conor McGregor (by Tubera) is debuting at UFC X, the organization's fully immersive and easily accessible two-day fan experience preceding UFC 303: PEREIRA vs. PROCHAZKA 2 on Saturday, June 29 in Las Vegas, with an edition unit size of 303, representing the significance of UFC 303. "As a lifelong fan of collectibles and with more than two decades in the toy industry, I am thrilled to launch Stance on a global scale with UFC," said Shaun Sakdinan, Founder of Stance and owner of Brand Development International Inc (BDI). "Our mission, together with UFC, is to create something truly special, new, and limited for the serious UFC fan." Stance products stand apart as "Art Toys," distinguished by their distinctive style. Each creation is meticulously crafted and available in limited editions. Once a drop edition sells out, the product will no longer be available, adding to its exclusivity. The Conor McGregor collectible will be available in four variants, including a limited-edition model with iconic Venum shorts. Three special rare editions Blackout, Gold, and a 25" Red edition will also be released, each with further limited availability. Pre-orders for these highly anticipated figures will begin on June 28. Each art piece comes with a Tracy Tubera signed illustration, official UFC coding and certification, a letter of authenticity, and premium collector packaging with an exclusive sleeve, all numbered to its variant edition size. Stance (BDI) and Tubera will be available for interviews on June 28 and 29 at the Stance booth within the UFC Store during UFC X, showcasing all variants available for pre-order. For more information and updates on future UFC-themed releases, visit their website www.stancecollect.com . About Stance Launched in 2024 by industry veteran Shaun Sakdinan, Stance is a premier limited edition designer toy company specializing in limited edition "Drops". Upon its inception, Stance partnered with UFC to collaborate on future releases of UFC fighters. About Shaun Sakdinan Shaun Sakdinan has been a pivotal figure in the toy industry since 2008 and is one of the original founders and creator of Round 5 (UFC original Action figures). His latest company 4D Puzzle includes global partnerships with Disney, and Warner Brothers and was recently acquired by Spin Master Toys. Through Stance (BDI), Sakdinan continues to innovate in the world of limited-edition designer toys. About Tracy Tubera Tracy Tubera AKA the UBER ILLUSTRATOR SUPREME, has a style that is a mix of Graffiti, Anime, & Comic Book art. His artwork has an acute attention to sharp, crisp line work with splashes of Bright Pop colors. He mixes Pop Culture imagery with his love for Sneakers, Superheroes, and Humor to create imagery all his own in Illustrations and Designer Toys. His latest work with SideShow Collectables (Unruly) alongside Marvel and DC Comics has seen huge success. About UFC UFC is the world's premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 266 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC's athlete roster features the world's best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization's digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS, one of the world's leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC. SOURCE Stance NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global stout and porter beer market size is estimated to grow by USD 14.8 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 3.98% during the forecast period. Growing demand for stout and porter beer is driving market growth, with a trend towards business strategies adopted by vendors. However, raw material cost fluctuation poses a challenge. Key market players include AleSmith Brewing Co., Anheuser Busch InBev SA NV, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Beerwulf BV, Bells Brewery Inc., Carlsberg Breweries AS, Deschutes Brewery, Diageo Plc, Gruvi, Heineken NV, J and B Craft Drinks, Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd., Left Hand Brewing Co., Molson Coors Beverage Co., Oskar Blues, Port Brewing Co., Rogue Ales and Spirits, Sprecher, Stone Brewing Co. LLC, and The Boston Beer Co. Inc.. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global stout and porter beer market 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- View the snapshot of this report Stout And Porter Beer Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.98% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 14.8 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.64 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 39% Key countries China, US, UK, Germany, and Russia Key companies profiled AleSmith Brewing Co., Anheuser Busch InBev SA NV, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Beerwulf BV, Bells Brewery Inc., Carlsberg Breweries AS, Deschutes Brewery, Diageo Plc, Gruvi, Heineken NV, J and B Craft Drinks, Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd., Left Hand Brewing Co., Molson Coors Beverage Co., Oskar Blues, Port Brewing Co., Rogue Ales and Spirits, Sprecher, Stone Brewing Co. LLC, and The Boston Beer Co. Inc. Market Driver The global stout and porter beer market is experiencing significant growth due to an increasing number of partnerships and collaborations among vendors. Strategies such as expanding manufacturing capabilities, marketing campaigns, and opening new locations, like Left Hand Brewing Co.'s second 12,000-square-foot facility with a pilot brewery and event space, are driving market growth. These initiatives provide opportunities for increased production and sales, contributing to the market's expansion during the forecast period. The Stout and Porter beer market is experiencing significant growth, with various trends shaping its landscape. Craft brewers are introducing innovative flavors, such as chocolate, coffee, and smoked varieties, to cater to consumer preferences. Decorative bottles and unique packaging are also gaining popularity, making these beers stand out on store shelves. Additionally, the rise of online sales and home delivery services has expanded market reach, allowing consumers to enjoy these rich and robust beers from the comfort of their homes. Overall, the Stout and Porter market is thriving, with new players entering and existing ones expanding their offerings to meet the increasing demand. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges The food and beverage industry, particularly the stout and porter beer market, faces significant challenges due to fluctuating raw material costs, specifically hops. Hops, a crucial ingredient for imparting bitterness, unique flavors, and aroma, are affected by climatic conditions and are primarily produced in Germany and the US. Market prices are influenced by these countries, leading to price fluctuations. Economic changes, adverse weather conditions, and disease outbreaks can disrupt the supply of hops, causing a rise in prices and negatively impacting market growth during the forecast period. and the US. Market prices are influenced by these countries, leading to price fluctuations. Economic changes, adverse weather conditions, and disease outbreaks can disrupt the supply of hops, causing a rise in prices and negatively impacting market growth during the forecast period. The Stout and Porter beer market faces several challenges. Craftsmanship and flavors are key factors in this industry. Consumers seek unique and high-quality brews. Diversity in styles, such as Irish stouts and Belgian porters, is essential. However, increasing competition and costs pose challenges. Distributing these heavy, complex beers adds to logistical difficulties. Regions like Europe and North America dominate the market, but emerging markets in Asia and South America present opportunities. Regulations and taxes also impact the industry. Overall, the Stout and Porter beer market requires innovative strategies to meet consumer demands and overcome challenges. For more insights on driver and challenges - Request a sample report! Segment Overview This stout and porter beer market report extensively covers market segmentation by Packaging 1.1 Cans 1.2 Bottles Distribution Channel 2.1 On-trade 2.2 Off-trade Geography 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Cans- The global stout and porter beer market is experiencing notable growth due to the rising demand for beer cans. These containers, with volumes of 330 ml or 500 ml, offer convenience for transporting beer for personal consumption. The market holds substantial opportunities for packaging manufacturers, given the increasing consumption of alcoholic beverages and the trend towards premiumization. Brands are utilizing direct printing on beer cans to enhance their visual appeal, catering to customers' evolving preferences for various beer tastes and flavors. Furthermore, the expanding beer markets in emerging economies, such as India and China, are driving the demand for stout and porter beer cans, contributing to the market's growth during the forecast period. 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 Stout and Porter beer market showcases a rich brewing heritage, with a focus on premium malts derived from Dark malts, Malted Barley, and Roasted Barley. Unmalted and Roasted Barley add depth and complexity to the flavor profile, resulting in distinct notes of Chocolate, Caramel, Dark fruits, and Hops. The market caters to both Premium and Regular offerings, available in Cans and Bottles. The Craft beer movement continues to influence consumer preferences, leading to an increase in demand for Specialty beers such as Pumpkin stouts and Spiced stouts. Social media platforms facilitate Beer reviews, enabling consumers to share their experiences in Pubs, bars, and lounges. The market for Premium alcoholic beverages continues to grow, driven by consumer interest in unique and high-quality brews. Calories and Carbohydrates remain important considerations for health-conscious consumers. Yeast strains play a crucial role in the fermentation process, further contributing to the diverse range of offerings in the Stout and Porter beer market. Market Research Overview The Stout and Porter beer market encompasses the production, distribution, and consumption of these rich and full-bodied beer styles. Malts and roasted barley are key ingredients, contributing to their distinctive flavors and colors. Flavors can range from sweet to bitter, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. The craft beer trend has led to an increase in the production and variety of stouts and porters. Brewers experiment with different roast levels, hops, and aging techniques to create unique offerings. Consumers appreciate their complex flavors and often savor them as a dessert or after-dinner drink. The market is driven by consumer preferences for bold and flavorful beers, as well as the growing popularity of craft beer. The market is expected to continue growing, with innovations and new product launches contributing to its expansion. Spice, hops, and other ingredients are sometimes added to enhance the flavor profile. The market caters to both on-trade and off-trade channels, with bars, restaurants, and supermarkets being major distribution channels. The market is global in nature, with key regions including Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. The market is subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is also influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to face challenges from raw material prices, logistics, and competition from other alcoholic beverages. The market is characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to continue evolving, with new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships shaping its future. The market is also influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to continue growing, driven by consumer preferences for bold and flavorful beers, and the increasing popularity of craft beer. The market is expected to face challenges from raw material prices, logistics, and competition from other alcoholic beverages. The market is expected to remain competitive, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to continue evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players vying for market share. The market is expected to remain influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the growing trend of pairing stouts and porters with food, and the increasing popularity of beer festivals and events. The market is expected to remain subject to various regulations and trends, such as the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and gluten-free beers, and the impact of climate change on barley production. The market is expected to remain influenced by economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with new trends and innovations emerging regularly. The market is expected to remain subject to economic, political, and technological factors, such as changes in consumer preferences, trade policies, and brewing technologies. The market is expected to remain characterized by a high degree of competition, with many small and large players v Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Packaging Cans Bottles Distribution Channel On-trade Off-trade 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 The highlight of the exhibition was the full-sized 215kWh all-in-one cabinet, the iCon, which drew considerable attention from industry professionals and potential clients alike. Lei Zhang, SYL's deputy general manager of product R&D, announced the product launch of this Europe version all-in-one cabinet, in his keynote speech on booth. This state-of-the-art product is designed to meet the growing energy needs of businesses, offering a compact, efficient, safe and reliable solution. The all-in-one cabinet integrates advanced liquid-cooled battery pack technology, the self-developed Battery Management System (BMS) and Power Conversion System (PCS) into one single unit, simplifying installation and maintenance while maximizing performance and safety. The CEO of the Group, Terry Wu, emphasized the importance of addressing the increasing demand for robust and scalable energy storage solutions in Europe. "Europe is one of the centres of global new energy development, and is also the highland of cooperation and innovation of SYL Battery. In the future, the company will continue to give full play to the advantages of technological innovation, further strengthen international cooperation, promote technical exchanges and resource sharing, and help promote the global renewable energy high-quality, sustainable development," said Terry. In addition to the all-in-one cabinet, SYL also presented a minimized model of their containerized energy storage system, the eTron, boasting an impressive 5MWh capacity in a directly shippable 20-foot container. This containerized solution is designed for utility and large-scale industrial applications, with doors opening at one single side, reducing footprint as much as 46% comparing to the industrial standard, offering a modular and scalable approach for 2~4 hours duration. The unveiling of these products at Intersolar Europe 2024 underscores Risen Group's strategic focus on advancing energy storage technologies in Europe's context. These solutions are poised to play a critical role in the transition to renewable energy by enhancing the efficiency and reliability of power systems in the European countries. In addition, SYL has its service and maintenance centre located in Nuremberg, Germany. Attendees at the exhibition had the opportunity to engage with SYL's technical experts, gaining insights into the design, functionality, and benefits of these cutting-edge products. Intersolar Europe 2024 served as the perfect platform for SYL to demonstrate their latest innovations and solidify their position as a key player in the energy storage market. As businesses worldwide seek sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, SYL's new offerings are set to make a significant impact, driving the adoption of renewable energy and contributing to a greener future. For more information on SYL's products and services, visit their website at www.sylbattery.com or Linkedin account at www.linkedin.com/company/72009443 . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443212/SYL_iCon.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443213/SYL_eTron.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443215/SYL_iCon_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443214/SYL_eTron_2.jpg WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED STOCKHOLM, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Systecon is proud to announce a strategic partnership with PragoData, naming the Czech company as our exclusive representative for the sale, implementation, and support of Systecon's Opus Suite solution for analysis-driven Life Cycle Management in the Czech, Slovak, and Bulgarian markets. This strategic alliance marks a major milestone in our mission to provide robust, data-driven life cycle management solutions for complex technical systems and a significant step in broadening the availability and impact of Opus Suite. "For over fifty years, Systecon has been at the forefront of developing methods and software for analysis-driven LCM that enable organizations to make informed decisions throughout the life cycle of their systems. Our partnership with PragoData not only extends our reach but also strengthens our capability to support our clients by leveraging PragoData's local expertise and market presence," said Magnus Andersson, Director Business Development at Systecon. The Opus Suite is renowned for its role in optimizing performance and reducing costs of complex systems, widely used by NATO member countries and defense industry suppliers. It facilitates seamless data exchange, precise modeling, and optimization of system performance and cost-efficiency. Every day, Opus Suite is used by hundreds of companies and governments in more than 20 countries on five continents. "Teaming up with Systecon elevates our ability to provide comprehensive life cycle management solutions. This partnership enables us to deliver even more value to our clients, particularly in managing complex systems and projects," said Bretislav Moc, CEO of PragoData This collaboration follows PragoData's recent acquisition of CALS servis, marking another milestone in their "Product Life Centre of Excellence" initiative. For further information, please visit www.systecongroup.com About Systecon Systecon is a leading provider of decision support solutions, specializing in optimizing complex systems for military and commercial applications. With a track record of excellence, Systecon delivers innovative tools and expertise to empower organizations worldwide. For over 50 years Systecon has developed methods and software for analysis-driven life cycle management. Our solution Opus Suite is used by organizations across the globe in different industries, from defense to renewables to transport, to make informed, smarter decisions in all phases of the system life cycle. We have the methodology, tools, and experience to understand and influence the factors that affect the performance and costs of technical systems e.g., aircraft, trains, or wind turbines and to optimize operations, system design, and maintenance solutions based on our customers' conditions and objectives. Today Systecon is a thought leader in analytical LCM and many of the world's most complex technology projects rely on our tools and expertise. For more information, please visit www.systecongroup.com. About PragoData PragoData is a leading Czech company specialising in the development, implementation, and security of information systems. It has become a trusted partner for numerous clients in both the private and public sectors, such as Skoda Auto, the Ministry of Defence, or the Czech Technical University. PragoData owns subsidiaries HAiDA spol. s r.o. for implementing GORDIC GINIS software and CALS servis s.r.o. for integrated product support (IPS) from the perspective of both the manufacturer and user. The company is also an exclusive partner of the Swedish company Systecon on certain European markets, a leading global provider of software for managing the life cycle of complex technical systems. PragoData holds the highest security standards from the National Security Authority and the National Cyber and Information Security Agency. PragoData and its subsidiaries are based in Prague, Brno, Ceska Lipa, and Novy Bor. www.pragodata.com Media contact: Magnus Andersson Director Business Development Phone: +46 705 782 517 E-mail: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/systecon-ab/r/systecon-partners-with-pragodata-to-expand-opus-suite-reach-in-central-and-eastern-europe,c4002884 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/2556/4002884/2871556.pdf Systecon Partners with PragoData to Expand Opus Suite Reach in Central and Eastern Europe_PRESS_Cision https://news.cision.com/systecon-ab/i/magnus-andersson--director-business-development--systecon,c3312186 Magnus Andersson, Director Business Development, Systecon BALTIMORE, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- T. Rowe Price, a global investment management firm and a leader in retirement, recently published its 2023 Sustainability Report. The report provides insight into the firm's progress in its corporate sustainability strategy. "Advancing our corporate sustainability strategy involves not only demonstrating progress on our corporate commitments, but also on improving transparency," says Heather McDonold, head of Corporate Sustainability. "As voluntary sustainability reporting frameworks are becoming regulatory reporting requirements, we have actively worked to enhance our disclosures. We're pleased to offer a comprehensive summary of how our firm is embedding sustainability into its business and progressing our commitments." T. Rowe Price is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, committing to contribute to the advancement of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The firm's sustainability strategy aligns with advancing the SDGs. Initiatives highlighted in T. Rowe Price's 2023 report include: Gender equality (SDG 5): In 2023, women represented 44% of its global workforce and 32.5% of its senior leaders. Current trends indicate that the firm is on track to increase representation of women in its global workforce to 46%, with 33% in senior roles, by 2025. In 2023, women represented 44% of its global workforce and 32.5% of its senior leaders. Current trends indicate that the firm is on track to increase representation of women in its global workforce to 46%, with 33% in senior roles, by 2025. Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Life Below Water (SDG 14): Launched partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, to deliver a pioneering global blue bond venture that will increase access to finance for blue projects in emerging markets. Blue projects support the health, productivity, and resilience of the world's oceans and resources. Launched partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, to deliver a pioneering global blue bond venture that will increase access to finance for blue projects in emerging markets. Blue projects support the health, productivity, and resilience of the world's oceans and resources. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): In 2023, underrepresented talent represented 17.5% of its U.S. workforce and 7.9% of its senior leaders. Current trends indicate that the firm is on track to increase representation of underrepresented talent in its U.S. workforce to 19%, with 10% in senior roles, by 2025. Additionally, the firm fostered economic inclusion for underrepresented suppliers in the U.S., spending $50 million in 2023. In 2023, underrepresented talent represented 17.5% of its U.S. workforce and 7.9% of its senior leaders. Current trends indicate that the firm is on track to increase representation of underrepresented talent in its U.S. workforce to 19%, with 10% in senior roles, by 2025. Additionally, the firm fostered economic inclusion for underrepresented suppliers in the U.S., spending in 2023. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Achieved 48% environmentally certified real estate by square footage by year-end 2023. The firm is on track to achieve its goal to have 60% of global real estate square footage environmentally certified by year-end 2025. Achieved 48% environmentally certified real estate by square footage by year-end 2023. The firm is on track to achieve its goal to have 60% of global real estate square footage environmentally certified by year-end 2025. Climate Action (SDG 13): Developed practical solutions for clients interested in pursuing climate-related goals for their portfolios, with the launch of its Net Zero Transition Framework for global equities and corporate bonds. Additionally, the firm reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 4% since its base year in 2021, despite increased energy needs from associates' return to office during that time frame. The firm remains on track to achieve a 75% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, compared with its base year, and net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040. The report also includes the firm's Investor Climate Action Plan and its disclosures aligned to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The firm has been a member of the IFRS Sustainability Alliance, formerly the SASB Alliance, since 2021 and a supporter of the TCFD since 2020. ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ GS: TROW) helps individuals and institutions around the world achieve their long-term investment goals. As a large global asset management company known for investment excellence, retirement leadership, and independent proprietary research, the firm is built on a culture of integrity that puts client interests first. Clients rely on the award-winning firm for its retirement expertise and active management of equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset investment capabilities. T. Rowe Price has $1.54 trillion in assets under management as of May 31, 2024, and serves millions of clients globally. News and other updates can be found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and troweprice.com/newsroom. SOURCE T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. TURKU, Finland, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Teleste is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Condra as the new Vice President of Teleste North America and Chief Executive Officer of Teleste Intercept. With over four decades of experience in the outside plant communications industry, Steve Condra brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. Steve Condra's career began with AT&T and Lucent Technologies, where he honed his skills in the outside plant communications. He later joined Scientific Atlanta and Cisco, further solidifying his expertise in the telecommunications industry. For the past six years, Steve has been an integral part of the Teleste team, contributing significantly to the company's growth and innovation in North America. "I am pleased and excited to lead our North American team as Teleste continues to lead the industry in the HFC technology space that enables the 10G CableLabs initiative," said Steve Condra. His vision and dedication are expected to drive Teleste North America forward, maintaining its position at the forefront of technological advancements. Teleste is committed to providing cutting-edge solutions in the next generation broadband technology, available to North American cable MSOs through our joint venture Teleste Intercept. Steve Condra's appointment marks a significant step towards achieving these strategic goals. We are confident that under his leadership, Teleste will continue to excel and deliver exceptional value to our North American customers. Inquiries for more information: Hannele Ahlroos Executive Assistant, Teleste Corporation Tel. +358 2 2605 611 Email: [email protected] About Teleste Teleste offers an integrated product and service portfolio that makes it possible to build and run a better networked society. Our solutions bring television and broadband services to you, secure your safety in public places, and guide your use of public transport. With solid industry experience and drive for innovations, we are a leading international company in broadband, security and information technologies and related services. We connect with our customers through a global network of offices and partners. In 2023, Teleste's net sales reached EUR 151,3 million and it had approximately 800 employees. Teleste is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information, visit www.teleste.com. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/teleste-corporation/r/teleste-appoints-new-vice-president-for-north-america,c4002969 TORONTO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The investment community joined John McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, TMX Group, and David Arnold, Chief Financial Officer, TMX Group, along with other members of the senior leadership team to close the market and celebrate the company's 2024 Investor Day. TMX Group Closes the Market to Celebrate 2024 Investor Day Thursday, June 20 TMX Group operates global markets, and builds digital communities and analytic solutions that facilitate the funding, growth and success of businesses, traders and investors. TMX Group's key operations include Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, TSX Alpha Exchange, The Canadian Depository for Securities, Montreal Exchange, Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation, TMX Trayport and TMX VettaFi, which provide listing markets, trading markets, clearing facilities, depository services, technology solutions, data products and other services to the global financial community. TMX Group is headquartered in Toronto and operates offices across North America (Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver and New York), as well as in key international markets including London, Singapore and Vienna. For more information about TMX Group, visit www.tmx.com. Follow TMX Group on X: @TMXGroup. For more information, please contact: CNW sponsored announcement. To learn more visit www.newswire.ca. SOURCE Toronto Stock Exchange World Refugee Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Executive Director Yasmine Sherif NEW YORK, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On World Refugee Day , we must stand in solidarity with the 120 million forcibly displaced people including 43 million refugees worldwide who have lost their homes and their human rights as the result of persecution and conflict. As we unite with partners across the UN system, donors, the private sector and member states, we cannot forget the power of education to protect and safeguard the futures of the world's most vulnerable children. These are children uprooted from their homes, their schools and their country, often ending up outside the public school system. Our world is bleeding from inhumane and brutal armed conflicts. The most recent statistics from our partner UNHCR indicate the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide increased by 8% between 2022 and 2023, continuing a series of year-on-year increases over the last 12 years. In the State of Palestine alone, 6 million refugees are under UNRWA's mandate. The world at large is facing the largest number of refugees since World War II. Low- and middle-income countries are affected the most, with 75% of the world's refugees and other people in need of international protection. The dispossession, the uprooting, the suffering stemming from human rights abuses has become the new 'normal' for these forcibly displaced populations. Their lives and development demand a turn-around from the abnormal to real normalcy. Living at home and attending a public school is every child's right and necessity. On my recent visit to Chad, I saw firsthand the hollow eyes and fears in the eyes of young children fleeing from Darfur in Sudan to Chad. I saw firsthand how UNHCR and other aid organizations stayed with them day-and-night to provide a sense of safety and basic necessities. I saw how the power of education to insulate children from the horrors of conflict and forced displacement indeed is possible. ECW has provided US$10 million to date in response to the Sudan regional refugee crisis, with First Emergency Response grants in the Central Africa Republic , Chad , Egypt , Ethiopia , and South Sudan . In Sudan itself, 18 million children are out of school, and we must urgently ramp up global funding to address what is fast becoming the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has become one of the largest international displacement crises in the world with 8 million Venezuelans displaced globally, according to UNHCR . In neighboring countries including Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, ECW has provided catalytic funding for Multi-Year Resilience Programmes that are having a tangible impact on the lives of millions. There is a human face to these stories of transformation. For forcibly displaced children like Shaimaa in Sudan, Darya in Moldova, Josveglys in Colombia and Jannat in Bangladesh, our investment in education is our investment in human life, in human rights, peace and security. The best step we can take is not to simply race from one emergency to another. We must build the systems, policies and infrastructure needed to ensure development depth and sustainability. By translating our response through humanitarian-development joint programming, we can respond with both speed and depth. This requires financing. On World Refugee Day, step up to #ShareTheirVoices as we stand in solidarity #WithRefugees everywhere. More so, let's step up to end all the conflicts that force them to flee. Let's step up and finance their right to an inclusive and continued quality education. Let's empower them to use their resilience and, one day, lead. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2443163/Education_Cannot_Wait.jpg FAFSA applications are down almost 15% year-over-year in Connecticut, and according to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), underserved and minority students are most affected. NCAN is raising concerns about what this might mean for students who rely on financial aid to afford a college education. UB's President, Dr. Danielle Wilken, and Bridgeport's Superintendent, Dr. Carmela Levy-David, met this challenge and worked together to find a solution for 2024 Bridgeport public high school graduates who may be negatively impacted by the lack of access to financial aid for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. The solution? Bridgeport's Brightest a four-year renewable scholarship program. Bridgeport's Brightest Scholarship will greatly reduce the financial burden on local students wanting to earn their college degrees. "We are deeply committed to investing in our local community and fostering the next generation of life-long learners," shared President Wilken. "By partnering with Bridgeport Public Schools, we aim to provide more students with the resources and support they need to pursue higher education," she said. "This scholarship is not just an investment in individual futures but also in the future of our community as a whole." Dr. Levy-David emphasized the impact this scholarship opportunity could have on local students, their families, and the city, saying, "Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to join University of Bridgeport in supporting our students to change their lives in one generation through their access to higher learning. This partnership ensures that students will continue to have equitable access to a brighter future in the city they call home." UB is using a combination of grants, scholarships, and institutional aid to ensure that as many Bridgeport high school graduates have access to a UB education as possible. Access to quality higher education ensures more underrepresented groups can succeed academically and professionally; it is the key to realizing equity and breaking the cycles of generational poverty. "I'm thrilled to know that University of Bridgeport is offering a renewable four-year scholarship to Bridgeport's 2024 high school graduates," said Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, sharing in the enthusiasm for this collaboration. "Providing quality education to Bridgeport students is always high on our list of priorities in this City, and because of this, we're grateful for the support University of Bridgeport is now offering to our graduates for the upcoming academic year." Ganim continued, "I'm certain this will inspire local students and help them understand that higher education is obtainable with the financial assistance provided through the University." Learn more about University of Bridgeport and hear directly from Dr. Wilken and Dr. Levy-David about this transformative scholarship opportunity here. About University of Bridgeport University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and programs for people seeking personal and professional growth. The University promotes academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse, and supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. The University is independent and non-sectarian. www.bridgeport.edu For media inquiries, please contact: Abby Levandoski Communications Manager University of Bridgeport Email: [email protected] Phone: 203-576-4151 SOURCE University of Bridgeport Join UPSIDE Foods in Miami on Thursday, June 27 to taste cultivated chicken before it's banned in Florida BERKELEY, Calif., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Florida's impending ban on cultivated meat set to take effect on July 1, 2024, UPSIDE Foods, the world's leading cultivated meat company, is hosting a one-night-only pop-up to celebrate the future of food and the importance of food freedom. The event will feature renowned Miami chef, restaurant owner and TV personality, Mika Leon, alongside mixologist Gio Gutierrez. It will be open to the public for free on a first-come, first-served basis, offering Floridians their first and last chance to taste cultivated meat before it's banned in the state. UPSIDE Foods was the first company to introduce a cultivated meat product to the US market following regulatory clearances from FDA and USDA. UPSIDE believes that cultivated meat is an important part of our food future in Miami, Florida, and beyond - and that Floridians should have the right to choose what meat they eat. Cultivated meat, grown directly from animal cells, has the potential to help meet the world's growing demand for meat in a way that's more safe, humane and sustainable than conventional methods. However, on May 1, 2024, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1084 into law, criminalizing the production and sale of cultivated meat in Florida. With the clock ticking on the ban, UPSIDE's "Freedom of Food" pop-up will give Floridians a chance to taste cultivated meat before the ban goes into effect on July 1. The event is being co-hosted with The Brick and Timber Collective, a leading real estate company with properties in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami. Delicious Details: When: Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. ET at 6:30 p.m. ET Where: Miami, FL (reach out to [email protected] for the address) (reach out to for the address) First-Come, First-Served: There will be limited servings of UPSIDE's cultivated chicken, so be sure to arrive early for a chance to try it! Terms and conditions: Please visit upsidefoods.com/freedomoffood for details. "We believe that cultivated meat is an essential part of the future of food, and that people should have the right to choose what goes on their plates," says Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and Founder of UPSIDE Foods. "This law disregards food safety experts, limits consumer choice, and stifles American innovation. It's a setback for progress, job creation, and Florida's potential in a new industry. We believe in a future where everyone has access to delicious food options, and this event is our way of showcasing what's possible." "Having had the opportunity to work with UPSIDE's cultivated chicken, I can attest that their products are delicious," said Chef Mika Leon. "From appearance to aroma and taste, their products provide the same experience you'd expect from chicken. As a chef, I love the idea of preserving the foods we love while using innovation to figure out ways to create a better future of food." "It's an honor to partner with UPSIDE Foods to introduce cultivated meat to Florida, but it's unfortunate that it's under these circumstances," said Jesse Feldman, Partner at Brick & Timber Collective. "The state's ban on cultivated meat is short-sighted and damaging to its tech ecosystem. This policy not only affects cultivated meat but also stifles progress in biotech, life sciences, and other innovative industries that can thrive here. Opposing such policies is crucial to protect Florida and Miami as vibrant tech hubs." Don't miss your chance to savor the taste of the future of food! For UPSIDE Foods' press kit, please see here. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit upsidefoods.com/freedomoffood for event details. About UPSIDE Foods Based in Berkeley, CA, UPSIDE Foods grows meat, poultry and seafood directly from real animal cells. These products are not vegan or vegetarianthey are delicious meat, made without the need to raise and slaughter billions of animals. Founded as the world's first cultivated meat company in 2015, UPSIDE Foods has achieved numerous industry-defining milestones, including being granted approval to sell cultivated meat in the United States in June 2023 and completing the first consumer sale of cultivated meat in the U.S. The company believes that people shouldn't have to choose between the foods they love and a thriving planet, and is working to build a better food system with access to delicious, humane, and sustainable meat, poultry, and seafood. UPSIDE Foods has won various industry awards, including New York Times' Good Tech Awards, FastCo's Next Big Thing in Tech, and the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation by the National Association for Business Resources. UPSIDE Foods has raised a total of $608 million, including from the Abu Dhabi Growth Fund (ADG), Baillie Gifford, Bill Gates, Cargill, Future Ventures, John Doerr, John Mackey, Kimbal and Christiana Musk, Norwest, Richard Branson, Softbank, Temasek, Threshold, Tyson Foods, and others. For more information, please visit www.upsidefoods.com. Media Contact Brooke Whitney [email protected] SOURCE UPSIDE Foods GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- US Signal, a leader in digital infrastructure providing cloud solutions, network connectivity, and data center services, is nearing the completion of significant upgrades to its newly acquired Indianapolis North Data Center in Indianapolis. Located at 6325 Morenci Trail, this data center marks US Signal's third data center in Indiana. Etzel Engineer and Build, Inc. has been contracted to assist with the renovation and expansion of the data center, which is scheduled to officially open in August. Revolutionizing Digital Infrastructure in Indianapolis "Phase One of the upgrades is nearly complete, setting the stage for us to immediately activate production capabilities," says John White, COO of US Signal. "We are already seeing strong market demand and customers pre-buying space, which underscores the necessity and importance of this expansion." The Indianapolis North Data Center meets Uptime's Tier III standards, ensuring high availability and robust security measures, including storm and emergency response plans and multi-faceted recovery strategies. This SSAE 18-audited, HIPAA-compliant, PCI-certified facility can serve as a secondary disaster recovery site or an integral component of a hybrid IT strategy. All critical components boast redundancy, with efficient cooling solutions maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels. Enhanced Capabilities Upon completion of the upgrades, the 9,600-square-foot data center will feature: 300 available cabinets 24/7 staffing and multi-level security 10-12 new employees Over 6 miles of new fiber construction passing 500+ enterprise locations Potential for further expansion in Phase Three, which would include power and space for 600 cabinets "We strive to provide low latency, high availability, and scalable services," White continues, "as the demand for reliable and secure cloud services grows in parallel with the rise of cloud-based technologies and artificial intelligence." Open House Event To celebrate the opening, US Signal will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 11, from 12-4 PM EDT at the Indianapolis North Data Center. Local businesses are invited to attend the event, which will include guided tours, remarks from US Signal's Executive Team, exclusive giveaways, and more. For a detailed overview of the Indianapolis North Data Center's key upgrades and specifications, click here. Interested in leasing availability? Contact US Signal here. About US Signal US Signal is a Midwest-based digital infrastructure company. Founded in 2001, US Signal is a leading IT solutions provider powered by a wholly owned and operated fiber network, which helps businesses optimize resources through the provision of managed and professional services. Offerings include network, data center, connectivity, cloud hosting, colocation, data protection, and disaster recovery services. For more information, visit www.ussignal.com. CONTACT: Maya Lindsay [email protected] SOURCE US Signal News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #ShakerDesignStamps. Devoutly religious and committed to simple living, the Shakers imbued everything they made with uncommon grace from modest oval boxes to furniture, textiles and even architecture. Their minimalist designs include no excessive ornamentation. Instead, the Shakers concentrated on the harmony of form and function, creating pieces renowned worldwide for their simplicity, utility and impeccable quality. Founded in England in the 18th century, the Shakers were a celibate, pacifist and socially progressive offshoot of mainstream Quakerism. Calling themselves the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, they were persecuted for their beliefs and practices, most notably ecstatic dancing during worship. In 1774, a small group of Shakers immigrated to America and eventually settled near Albany, NY. By the 1840s, at their height, approximately 5,000 Shakers lived in more than a dozen, largely self-sufficient settlements from Maine to Kentucky. They arranged their communities in "families," where men and women lived as brothers and sisters, property was held in common, and everyone aspired to create heaven on earth. Shaker design exemplifies some of the core values of Shaker life: honesty, humility and joyful simplicity. Viewing all work as a form of worship, the Shakers found God in the details of everything they made and so they aspired to nothing short of perfection. "Do all your work as though you had a thousand years to live," urged Shaker leader Ann Lee, "and as you would if you knew you must die tomorrow." In stripping objects of all but their essential elements, the Shakers not only exposed the elegance inherent in even the most humble of items but also reinvented the concept of beauty itself. With its emphasis on durability, functionality and timeless minimalism, Shaker design has had a profound effect on generations of architects, artisans and crafters. Today, Sabbathday Lake in Maine remains the only active Shaker village in the world. Other settlements operate as living history museums, where visitors can see authentic Shaker design and experience the Shaker way of life in person. Stamp Design The 12 Shaker Design stamps feature photographs by Michael Freeman and are arranged in three rows of four stamps each. Row 1 (left to right) Meeting room, Brick Dwelling, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, MA The meeting room showcases quintessential elements of Shaker design, including built-in cupboards, a peg rail for keeping items off the floor, a long communal bench, and a cast-iron wood-burning stove. Tannery, Shaker village of Mount Lebanon, New Lebanon, NY Founded in 1787, Mount Lebanon served as a model and leader for all other Shaker communities. The tannery, which was built in 1834, highlights the simple symmetry of Shaker architecture. Spinning wheel, Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA Like everything the Shakers made, this spinning wheel has a simplified and unadorned form that perfectly highlights its function without sacrificing visual appeal. Staircases, Trustees' Office and Guest House, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg, KY Rising three stories and bathed in light, the staircases, which were built in 1839-1841, display Shaker design at its height, their organic form offering a pleasing contrast to the straight lines of the peg rails. Row 2 (left to right) Dwelling house hallway, South Union Shaker Village, Auburn, KY All Shaker dwellings had two staircases, one for men and one for women. Silk neckerchiefs, South Union Shaker Village, Auburn, KY The Kentucky Shakers were among the first in the United States to raise silkworms and weave silk into cloth. These brightly colored neckerchiefs were worn over the shoulders to protect clothing and preserve modesty. Rocking chair, Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury, NH Chairs like this rocker were used by community members and also sold to the "world," as the Shakers called mainstream society. It features back slats that increase in size from the seat to the top of the chair and are bent just slightly to accommodate the sitter more comfortably. Bentwood box detail, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield "Swallowtail" joints allowed the side of a wooden box to expand and contract without buckling or cracking. The joints were secured with copper tacks, which would not rust and discolor the wood. Row 3 (left to right) Heater stove, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield The Shakers discovered that a cast-iron wood-burning stove could heat a room more efficiently than a fireplace. The additional box on top, called a "super heater," increased the surface area, allowing the stove to give off more heat with the same amount of wood. By enclosing the flames, the stove also decreased the threat of fire. Cupboard with oval boxes, Fruitlands Museum, Harvard Because their beliefs stressed cleanliness and order, the Shakers made abundant cupboards and cabinets to keep everyday objects organized, out of sight and free of dust. Bentwood boxes and carriers, Fruitlands Museum, Harvard The Shakers made their iconic bentwood boxes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some were finished with a lid, while others featured a handle to make carrying items easier. Cheese baskets, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield Dairy farming was an important aspect of life in some Shaker villages. Featuring a large, hexagonal woven pattern, cheese baskets were lined with cheesecloth in order to separate the curds and whey. Derry Noyes served as art director and designer for the stamp pane. Shaker Design stamps are being issued in panes of 12 as Forever stamps, which are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price. A video about the stamps will be posted after today's event on the Postal Service's Facebook and Twitter pages at facebook.com/USPS and twitter.com/usps . Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps , by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon . Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp- inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com . Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America , to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom . Follow us on X , formerly known as Twitter; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads and LinkedIn . Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook . For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com . National contact: Albert Ruiz [email protected] Local contact: Steve Doherty [email protected] usps.com/news SOURCE U.S. Postal Service Plant Power Fast Food wants you to get your fingers sticky with this limited-time special sandwich smothered in BBQ sauce SAN DIEGO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Plant Power Fast Food has announced The Ribby, a plant-based version of the iconic American BBQ sandwich, will be available for a limited time in all 10 of their locations starting July 2nd. The Ribby is a housemade 100% plant-based patty featuring shredded jackfruit, doused in sweet, tangy BBQ sauce, thinly sliced onions, and crisp Grillo's Picklesthe refrigerated pickle brand beloved for its fresh taste and use of all-natural ingredientspiled high on a warm, toasted bun. Zach Vouga, President/COO and Co-Founder of Plant Power, talks about this launch by stating, "The BBQ rib sandwich holds a legendary place in fast food history and we wanted to honor that legacy with our plant-based take. With our sweet and smoky housemade BBQ and the best pickles in the world, Grillo's, we believe The Ribby will offer an unforgettable flavor experience." To celebrate, Plant Power is inviting its fans to a special pop-up launch at their Hollywood location on June 28th, one week before it launches in all locations. The event, which will run from 6:00 PM 10:00 PM, is in conjunction with the group, Vegan Playground, and will feature an exclusive first taste of The Ribby and a lineup of other incredible vegan food vendors. Plant Power was recently voted one of the "Top 100 Burgers in America" by Yelp as well as winning the #1 Vegan Fast Food Restaurant by Veg News. The Ribby, which will retail for $12.95, will be available starting July 2nd while supplies last, so it's here for a good time, not a long time. ABOUT PLANT POWER FAST FOOD Founded in 2016 the Plant Power Restaurant Group, LLC is a privately held company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company aims to transform the fast food industry by providing delicious, plant-based options of the food people know and love. The company is committed to delivering convenient, satisfying plant-based options without compromising on taste or satisfaction. Visit plantpowerfastfood.com to learn more. IMAGES COMMERCIAL RIBBY PHOTOS LOGOS POP UP EVENT INFO Contact: Jim Amos, Scout 22 T: (818) 216-9122 E: [email protected] SOURCE Plant Power Fast Food REDDING, Calif., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report, "Ventilators Market by Product (Instrument, Catheter, Mask, Tube) Mobility (Intensive Care, Portable) Interface (Invasive, Non-invasive) Age Group (Adult, Neonatal) Mode (Volume, Pressure, Dual) End User (Hospital, ASC, Home Care) Global Forecast to 2031", published by Meticulous Research, the ventilators market is projected to reach $13.23 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2024 to 2031. Download Sample Report Now- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5093 A ventilator is a medical device designed to deliver oxygen into a person's body through a tube inserted into the windpipe, typically through the mouth or nose. Before entering the body, the air passes through a humidifier and filter to ensure it is clean and comfortable to breathe. Ventilators are equipped with adjustable settings for controlling the breathing rate and the volume of air delivered to the patient. The growth of the ventilators market is driven by factors such as the increasing number of intensive care units (ICUs) and ICU beds, the rising incidence & prevalence of respiratory diseases, rapid urbanization coupled with rising pollution levels, the growth in the geriatric population, and the rising incidence of preterm births. However, the high costs of ventilators and the high preference for alternative oxygenation therapies restrain the market's growth. The increasing demand for homecare therapeutic devices and emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are expected to create market growth opportunities. However, the adverse effects of ventilators on neonates and difficulties in maintaining component supply chains pose challenges to the market's growth. The report also includes an extensive assessment of the product portfolio, geographic analysis, and key growth strategies adopted by leading market players over the past three to four years. In recent years, the ventilators market has witnessed several organic and inorganic strategic developments. The key players profiled in the ventilators market report are Schiller AG (Switzerland), Hamilton Medical AG (Switzerland), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Medtronic plc (Ireland), Getinge AB (Sweden), ResMed Inc. (U.S.), Zoll Medical Corporation (U.S.), Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA (Germany), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited (New Zealand), and VYAIRE MEDICAL, INC. (U.S.). Get a Glimpse Inside: Request Sample Pages- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-sample-report/cp_id=5093 Growing Geriatric Population to Fuel the Demand for Ventilators According to the Global Health and Aging Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. Similarly, by 2030, 1 in 6 individuals will be aged 60 years or over globally. The number of people aged 60 and above will increase to 1.4 billion by 2030 from 1 billion in 2020 globally. The aging population is expected to contribute to a significant rise in the number of individuals affected by chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory diseases. With age, the risk of both chronic and infectious diseases, such as lung infections, COPD, and other respiratory ailments, tends to increase. Among the geriatric population, the prevalence of chronic diseases is notably high, with approximately 64 out of every 1,000 individuals affected. Additionally, older adults face an elevated risk of developing pneumonia following bacterial or viral infections, often resulting in respiratory issues. As a result, the rapidly aging population is anticipated to drive up the incidence of respiratory and other chronic diseases, consequently leading to heightened demand for various healthcare services and medical equipment, including ventilators for critical care units. The ventilators market is segmented by Product (Ventilator Accessories [Ventilator Catheters, Endotracheal Tubes, Ventilator Masks, and Other Ventilator Accessories], Ventilator/Instrument), Mobility (Intensive Care Ventilators, Portable Ventilators), Interface (Invasive Ventilators, Non-invasive Ventilators), Age Group (Adult & Pediatric, Neonatal & Infant), Mode (Volume Mode Ventilation, Dual/Combined Mode Ventilation, Pressure Mode Ventilation, and Other Ventilation Modes), End User (Hospitals, Homecare Settings, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), and Other End Users), and Geography. Have Specific Research Needs? Request a Customized Report- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-customization/cp_id=5093 Among the products studied in this report, in 2024, the ventilator accessories segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the extensive utilization of ventilator accessories such as circuits and masks, the rising awareness regarding hospital hygiene practices, and the additional functionality of certain accessories in medication administration. For instance, in January 2022, Armstrong Medical Ltd. (Ireland), launched the AquaVENT VT, dual heated breathing circuits to public and private healthcare institutions in the Middle East. Breathing circuits are a part of the ventilator system that direct the flow of the breathing gas supplied to and from the patient. AquaVENT VT manages humidity throughout the entire ventilator breathing circuit. Based on mobility, in 2024, the intensive care ventilators segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the increasing installation of ventilators in ICUs, the availability of reimbursements for ventilation solutions and respiratory treatment procedures, the growing number of patient admissions in CCUs due to the increasing population afflicted with chronic and respiratory infectious diseases, and the rising incidence of preterm births worldwide. For instance, in July 2023, OMRON Corporation (Japan) launched the OMRON NE C106 Nebulizer, designed to cater to all age groups. This device facilitates precise drug delivery to target locations within the respiratory tract, addressing conditions affecting both the upper and lower airways. Among the interfaces studied in this report, in 2024, the invasive ventilators segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the widespread utilization of invasive ventilators in ICUs for patients with chronic respiratory and infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and sleep disorders. For instance, in October 2021, Movair (U.S.) launched Luisa, an advanced ventilator designed for versatile use across various settings, including homes, institutions, and hospitals. Luisa supports both invasive and non-invasive ventilation methods, making it suitable for patients with chronic and acute respiratory conditions requiring long-term ventilation. Among the age groups studied in this report, the adult & pediatric segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the high adoption of ventilation support among the elderly population, their increased vulnerability to chronic and infectious diseases such as COPD and lung infections, and the rising consumption of tobacco. According to a report by the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW), in 2023, approximately 266 million individuals aged 15 years and older in India were tobacco product users. This widespread usage contributes to various health conditions, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke, which rank among the top three causes of death in India. As a result, there is a rising demand for critical care devices such as ventilators and associated accessories. Among the modes studied in this report, in 2024, the volume mode ventilation segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the widespread adoption of volume-controlled ventilators in intensive care units due to their advantages, including precise minute ventilation and consistent tidal volume delivery. Volume Controlled Ventilation (VCV) has traditionally been a standard mode of controlled ventilation in anesthesia. In VCV, a predetermined tidal volume is administered at a fixed rate, particularly when the patient exhibits no spontaneous breathing. Among the end users studied in this report, in 2024, the hospitals segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the considerable number of patients afflicted with respiratory illnesses, the presence of skilled medical practitioners in hospitals, and the accessibility to advanced healthcare facilities equipped with state-of-the-art medical devices such as ventilators. For instance, in India, the demand for non-COVID ventilators has surged by 40-50%, with many hospitals opting to integrate these life-saving devices as permanent fixtures. In August 2021, MAX Ventilator (India) partnered with Amptron Medical, Inc. (U.S.) to manufacture ventilators meeting international standards, ensuring their qualification in regulated markets like the U.S. Geographically, in 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the market. North America's significant market share can be attributed to its well-established healthcare infrastructure, the rising prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, the presence of major market players, and the high adoption of technologically advanced medical equipment. Browse In-depth Report Now- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/ventilators-market-5093 Scope of the Report : Ventilators Market Assessmentby Product Ventilator Accessories Ventilator Catheters Endotracheal Tubes Ventilator Masks Other Ventilator Accessories (Other ventilator accessories primarily include interfaces, sensors, nebulizers, oxygen & CO 2 measurement devices, circuit sets, and valve sets) Ventilator/Instrument Ventilators Market Assessmentby Mobility Intensive Care Ventilators Portable Ventilators Ventilators Market Assessmentby Interface Invasive Ventilators Non-invasive Ventilators Ventilators Market Assessmentby Age Group Adult & Pediatric Neonatal & Infant Ventilators Marketby Mode Volume Mode Ventilation Dual/Combined Mode Ventilation Pressure Mode Ventilation Other Ventilation Modes (Other ventilation modes primarily include Synchronized Intermittent-mandatory Ventilation, Assist-Control Ventilation, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Mode, Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP), Airway Pressure Release Ventilation, and High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation) Ventilators Marketby End User Hospitals Homecare Settings Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) Other End Users (Other end users primarily include emergency medical services/transport [ambulance services or paramedic services], nursing care centers, and military centers) Unlock Opportunities: Buy Now- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/Checkout/63843221 Related Reports: Anesthesia Machines Market by Type (Anesthesia Workstations, Delivery Systems, Portable, Monitors, Ventilators, Accessories [Boyles Apparatus, Laryngoscopes]), End User (Hospital, Clinic, Ambulatory Surgical Center) - Global Forecast to 2030 Home Healthcare Market by Offering (Fertility, Pregnancy, Cholesterol Tests, Oximeter, CPAP, Nebulizer, Ventilator, Dialysis, Patient Support Equipment), Service (Rehabilitation, Telehealth, Nursing, Hospice), Application (Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Respiratory) - Global Forecast to 2030 Home Medical Equipment Market by Product (Therapeutic [CPAP, Nebulizer, Ventilator, Dialysis, IV Equipment] Monitoring [Cardiac, Glucose, Temperature, Apnea] Mobility Assist [Walker, Wheelchair, Scooter]) Distribution Channel Global Forecast to 2030 About Meticulous Research Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since the inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze, and present the critical market data with great attention to details. With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth. Contact: Mr. Khushal Bombe Meticulous Market Research Inc. 1267 Willis St, Ste 200 Redding, California, 96001, U.S. USA: +1-646-781-8004 Europe: +44-203-868-8738 APAC: +91 744-7780008 Email- [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.meticulousresearch.com Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research Content Source: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/pressrelease/183/ventilators-market-2031 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1757980/Meticulous_Research_Logo_1.jpg SOURCE Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. MAUMEE, Ohio, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual Technologies Group (VTG), through strategic capital from Jacmel Partners, announced today that it has acquired Quotient, Inc. (Quotient), a provider of customized IT solutions including systems integration, full-stack software development, cyber security, project management, scheduling and operational support to U.S Federal agencies. Post-closing, Quotient will continue to serve its breadth of customers as a subsidiary of VTG. Quotient Logo This acquisition aligns with VTG's strategic vision to enter the government contracting market and provide a comprehensive suite of services to its base of over 1,000 customers nationwide. The combined company will provide tailored end-to-end solutions across IT Managed Services, Professional Services and Infrastructure Logistics Services to government agencies, manufacturing, healthcare, education, non-profit organizations and SMBs. "We're excited to be partnering with Quotient to unlock its next phase of growth," said Nick Jean-Baptiste, Founder and Co-Managing Partner at Jacmel. "At Jacmel, we believe in building on the vision of our portfolio company founders and are impressed with Quotient's track record of growth under the stellar guidance from its leadership team. The company continues to distinguish itself as a critical service provider to its clients and we are thrilled to partner with Quotient, alongside VTG to deliver effective IT solutions and reliable customer service, while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity and excellence." "We look forward to the opportunities ahead as we join forces with Jacmel and VTG," said Clark Lare, Co-Founder of Quotient. "This partnership enables us to leverage VTG's extensive suite of IT solutions and diverse customer base to establish a dynamic platform poised for accelerated growth and innovation." "This partnership marks a significant milestone for Quotient. Together, we will have the scale, resources and capabilities to better serve our customers, expand market reach and deliver enhanced value to our investors and employees," added Mike Schall, VP, Technology Solutions at Quotient. VTG received financing from Brightwood Capital Advisors to complete the partnership with Quotient. Benchmark International served as a sell-side advisor to Quotient. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal counsel to Jacmel and VTG while Bowie & Jensen LLC represented Quotient on the transaction. About Quotient, Inc. Founded in 1999 by Clark and Jodi Lare, Quotient Inc (Quotient) provides device agnostic digital solutions for federal clients including systems integration, full-stack software development, cyber security, project management and scheduling, and operational support. The company's employees include developers, engineers, managers, SMEs, and systems administrators with knowledge, skills, and qualifications across various domains, including CISSP, PMP/PMP-SI, RHEL CE/SA, Security+, CSM, and ITILv3. To learn more visit: https://www.quotient-inc.com/ About Virtual Technologies Group Founded in 1962, Virtual Technologies Group (VTG) is a single source IT solutions provider specializing in cybersecurity, infrastructure management and IT managed services. VTG prioritizes partner-based relationships to deliver tailored solutions and continues to adapt alongside rapidly developing technological advancements since its inception. Comm-Core , a division of VTG and a cloud-based solutions provider for security, surveillance, and telecommunications, works hand-in-hand with VTG to deliver high-quality and competitively priced services for businesses of all sizes. Virtual Technologies Group currently services over 1000 customers nationwide. To learn more, visit https://vtgus.com/ About Jacmel Partners Founded in 2015, Jacmel Partners is a private investment firm targeting family-operated, lower middle market companies, with a focus on combining traditional private equity best practices with low-cost, high-impact strategies that promote growth while also benefiting employees and their communities. Since inception, Jacmel and its managers have invested in 12 companies across four platforms, delivering robust investor returns while implementing a range of inclusive economy initiatives, including workforce development, increased Board representation of BIPOC leaders, and educational benefits for employees. The firm is led by Co-Managing Partners Nick Jean-Baptiste and Jorge Mora, who have multi-decades of Wall Street and private equity experience. To learn more, visit https://jacmelpartners.com/ SOURCE Virtual Technologies Group NYSE: VZLA TSX-V: VZLA VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received final TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"") approval of the previously announced plan of arrangement ("Arrangement") to reorganize its business, including the spin-off of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vizsla Royalties Corp. The Arrangement will close effective 12:01 a.m. on June 24, 2024. Existing common shares of Vizsla Silver will be delisted on the TSX-V effective on the close of business on June 21, 2024. New common shares of Vizsla Silver will commence trading on the TSX-V at the market opening on June 24, 2024. The CUSIP number for the new common shares of Vizsla Silver will be 92859G608. About the Panuco Project The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 17,856.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits. The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation. On January 8, 2024, the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate for Panuco which includes an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 155.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 169.6 Moz AgEq (please refer to our Technical Report on Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico, by Allan Armitage, Ben Eggers and Peter Mehrfert, dated February 12, 2024 and to our Companys press release dated January 8, 2024). About Vizsla Silver Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 368,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2024, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +30,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district. In accordance with NI 43-101, Jesus Velador, Ph.D. MMSA QP, Vice President of Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. 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. NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements with respect to expected delisting of the old Vizsla Silver common shares and commencement of trading of the new Vizsla Silver common shares on the TSX-V. Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of the Company, future growth potential for the Company and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; ongoing military conflicts around the world; general economic factors; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Vizsla Silver Corp. Matt Tower's ETCH newsletter joins fast-growing Whiteboard Media group, which reaches more than 30,000 education investors, policymakers and executives each week SAN FRANCISCO, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whiteboard Advisors, edtech consulting firm and publisher of "Whiteboard Notes," today announced the acquisition of ETCH (Ed Tech Career Home), a suite of online resources for edtech executives and investors, including a newsletter focused on the intersection of education and business. Matt Tower, ETCH's founder, will join Whiteboard Advisors in San Francisco as Vice President within the firm's strategy consulting and research practice and serve as Editor of The EdSheet, a new Whiteboard Advisors publication focused on education funding news. The EdSheet will join a growing roster of Whiteboard Media publications, including "What We're Reading" and "Whiteboard Notes." Whiteboard Media also offers a subscription research service, which provides on-demand access to federal and state funding intelligence, policy changes, and industry analysis. "Matt has a well-earned reputation as one of the sector's most thoughtful and credible analysts. The popularity of his investor database and newsletter reflect that," said Ben Wallerstein, CEO of Whiteboard Advisors. "Whiteboard Media is about bringing needed clarity to an incredibly dynamic market. But it's also about translating the expertise of the W/A team into insights that can inform the sector much more broadly." For more than 15 years, Whiteboard Advisors' strategy and research group has served as the go-to advisor for education investors and grantmakers. The firm's integrated PR and advocacy practices help to guide the public affairs strategies of the biggest brands in education. W/A clients include private equity investors KKR, Warburg Pincus and Bain Capital, as well as charitable donors and nonprofits like JFF and the Siegel Family Endowment. Established in 2021, ETCH developed a popular edtech job board and an industry-leading database of more than 1,000 education and workforce-related venture capital and private equity transactions. Organized around a unique and proprietary taxonomy, the database tracks deals across various education sub-sectors. Both the job board and the education transactions database will continue to be developed and expanded under the Whiteboard Advisors brand. "Whiteboard Advisors is made up of the best problem solvers in the education market and they have become one of the richest sources of industry content and insights," said Tower. "The team went out of their way to support ETCH from its earliest days, and I'm excited to join them, bringing ETCH's resources to the mix." About Whiteboard Advisors Whiteboard Advisors is a unique strategy consulting, communications and advocacy firm on a mission to advance learning and economic mobility. Our work guides the nation's most respected investors, impactful philanthropies, companies, and nonprofit organizations. We are multidisciplinary by design: sitting at the intersection of business, policy, practice, and the media. About ETCH Founded in 2021, ETCH (Ed Tech Career Home) is a suite of online resources designed for edtech executives and investors. ETCH includes a comprehensive job board and a database of venture capital and private equity transactions in the education and workforce development industries, organized by a proprietary taxonomy. SOURCE Whiteboard Advisors Local owners Art and Amanda Velasquez will host a ribbon-cutting event at the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce later this month ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Window Hero, a HomeFront Brands franchise specializing in a wide range of exterior cleaning services, will celebrate the grand opening of its first New Mexico location in Albuquerque with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce located at 400 Tijeras Avenue. Window Hero Albuquerque owners Art and Amanda Velasquez say their goal is to build a reputable local company that serves its clients while building generational wealth for their family. Window Hero Albuquerque owner Art Velasquez will host a ribbon-cutting event at the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce on June 26. "I was born and raised in New Mexico, so it is important that Window Hero Albuquerque offers a reliable service to local customers, who are our friends and neighbors," Art Velasquez said. "This location is also important to my family. Amanda and I want to be able to teach our children and grandchildren about what it means to have a strong work ethic." Velasquez spent the majority of his career in management positions in the oil and gas industry and has also owned a local food truck. He plans to use his leadership skills to manage his new venture and reach out to the community. "We want to make a positive impact on the community by providing good jobs," he said. "We also want to stay involved with our community and help where we can. It's important to us that we help provide Albuquerque with all it needs to continue to be a great place to live and work." Amanda Velasquez said she wants their Window Hero location to become a part of the attractive aesthetics found within Albuquerque. "We just want to add to the beauty of the region," she said. "The scenery in the Land of Enchantment is amazing. New Mexico is a great place for outdoor activities like camping, hunting, fishing and hiking. We hope our Window Hero location will add to the beauty of the area by providing residents with the opportunity to keep their homes and businesses clean and well maintained." Window Hero Albuquerque serves residents in Albuquerque, Cedar Crest, Placitas and Sandia Park, New Mexico and the general manager is Donovan Armenta. For more information about Window Hero Albuquerque, please visit https://windowhero.com/locations/albuquerque/. About Window Hero Window Hero is a trusted and reliable company specializing in a wide range of exterior cleaning services. Whether it's window cleaning, gutter care, pressure washing, soft washing, gutter guard installation or even solar panel cleaning, Window Hero has the right team of experts, skills and equipment to get the job done right. Window Hero offers routine maintenance and one-time deep cleaning services. Founded in 2005 as Labor Panes, founder Tyler Kirk started the company as a residential window cleaning service before expanding it to offer a variety of exterior cleaning, repair and maintenance services. For more information about Window Hero, please visit https://windowhero.com/. About HomeFront Brands HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands -- Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence and Yard Patrol Pros to transform lives through franchise ownership. For more information about HomeFront Brands' current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit https://homefrontbrands.com/. MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE HomeFront Brands If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New York, June 20 : "Samosa Caucus" -- the group of Indian-Americans in US Congress -- has a strong chance of getting another member next year with the victory of Suhas Subramanyam in the Virginia Democratic primaries. He won the intra-party election on Tuesday to pick the Democratic candidate to contest the November general election for the House of Representatives from a constituency held by it. The constituency includes some suburbs of Washington. Meanwhile, in primaries in New Jersey last week, Indian-American Rajesh Mohan won the Republican ticket for a House seat but faces an uphill battle because it is in a strongly Democratic constituency. There are now five Indian-Americans in the House of Representatives, all Democrats who call themselves the "Samosa Caucus": Ami Bera and Ro Khanna from California; Pramila Jayapal from Washington State; Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, and Shri Thanedar from Michigan. A State Senator, Subramanyam bested 11 other candidates in an ugly contest where his main adversary faced allegations of sexual harassment. He was backed by the retiring House member Jennifer Wexton, who flipped the seat to the Democratic side in 2018 and was re-elected twice, winning 53 per cent of the votes in 2022 making it a safe seat for the party. Subramanyam's family is from Bengaluru. A 37-year-old lawyer, he was President Barack Obama's technology advisor working on cybersecurity and modernising government agencies. In 2019, he was elected to the Virginia General Assembly, and the State Senate last year. He is also a volunteer medic and firefighter. Mohan, who defeated his three Republican rivals, will be contesting from a constituency held by a Democrat. Andrew Kim, who is giving up the seat to run for the US Senate, flipped it from the Republican Party in 2018 and won his second re-election in 2022 by 55 per cent. Three ratings of the race surveyed by Ballotopedia declared it a solid or safe Democratic seat. A cardiologist, Mohan received his medical degree from the Delhi University College of Medical Sciences. In New Jersey, Ravinder Singh Bhalla, the Mayor of Hoboken, lost the Democratic Party primary for the House seat to Rob Menendez who currently holds the seat. The sitting representative's father, Senator Bob Menendez, is on trial on corruption charges but undeterred, he waged an ugly campaign against Bhalla, a turban-wearing Sikh, alleging that he made quid-pro-quo deals with the Mayor of a neighbouring city and used images marring his appearance in TV ads. Susheela Jayapal, the sister of influential Representative Pramila Jayapal, lost the primary for a Democratic seat in Oregon. Pramila Jayapal heads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a group of leftist Democratic Party legislators. She represents a constituency in Washington State, a neighbour of Oregon where her sister Susheela Jayapal was a county commissioner and was among several leftist candidates who faced an ideological backlash in the Democratic primaries. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Washington, June 20 : The US Army has said they have killed a high-ranking member of the Islamic State terrorist militia in Syria in an airstrike. "US Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria, killing Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior ISIS official and facilitator," the US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said in a post on social media platform X on Wednesday. "His death will disrupt ISIS's ability to resource and conduct terror attacks," it added. "There is no indication any civilians were harmed in this strike." US troops are stationed in Syria to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. They are deployed in areas controlled by the Kurdish militia YPG and its allies. Despite the military victory over the extremist militia announced in 2019, its cells are still active in the country. According to observers, however, the US is also seeking to limit the influence of its arch-enemy Iran with its continued military presence in the region. According to a defence official in Washington, around 700 US soldiers are still in Syria. Their deployment has become more dangerous with the outbreak of the Gaza war. Pro-Iranian militias have repeatedly carried out attacks on the often small US military bases in the desert. --IANS/DPA int/khz Hanoi, June 20 : Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Hanoi for a state visit following a meeting with Kim Jong Un in North Korea, the Russian presidency said. Putin is visiting the Vietnam capital at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He travelled to Hanoi from North Korea on Wednesday evening after a two-day visit. On Thursday, the Russian leader will take part in a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace, before engaging in bilateral talks with Communist Party Chief Trong. He will also meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Vietnamese who studied in Russia. Putin will also attend a state banquet. Having been isolated on the international stage, Putin is seeking to shore up support from Russia's remaining allies. It remains unclear exactly how Vietnam hopes to gain from hosting a visit from Putin, who remains under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes against Ukraine. Commentators suggest Putin's brief tour of Vietnam and North Korea is of practical as well as symbolic importance. "Putin's trip to Vietnam will reinvigorate their comprehensive strategic partnership and shore up economic relations through trade and investment commitments by adopting a rouble-dong currency exchange mechanism for goods and services payments," said Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales in Australia and a Vietnam expert. During his stay in Hanoi, Putin will stay at The Sofitel Metropole, a French-owned hotel. Before his arrival, a Russian-chartered jumbo jet shipped in limousines for Putin's use throughout his visit. --IANS/DPA int/khz Singapore, June 20 : Engineers of Singapore Air Force will periodically test gyroscope assemblies on F-16 jet fighters to prevent malfunction of such components and ensure flight safety, the Defence Ministry said. A Singaporean F-16 crashed after taking off on May 8 due to the malfunction of pitch rate gyroscopes, Xinhua news agency reported. In the accident, the flight control computer received erroneous but similar inputs from two out of four pitch rate gyroscopes in the F-16 and rejected the correct data, according to an investigation document released by the Ministry. The computer manoeuvred the aircraft in response to the erroneous feedback from the two degraded gyroscopes, making the pilot fail to control the jet, the document noted. The F-16 aircraft was maintained following established protocols and the Air Force had adhered to required maintenance inspections, the investigation concluded. F-16 producer Lockheed Martin said this was the first of such failure since F-16 first flew in 1974. Beirut, June 20 : Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has pledged a fight "without limitations" if Israel starts a war with the militant group. Speaking during a memorial ceremony for a Hezbollah commander killed last week by an Israeli strike, Nasrallah said on Wednesday that his group has prepared itself "for the most difficult ways," warning that attacking the Israeli part of Galilee is "a choice that remains on the table if confrontation and tension increase". Israel has threatened over the past days to expand its war against the Shia militant group, Xinhua news agency reported. On Tuesday, the Israeli military said that it has approved "operational plans" for an offensive against Hezbollah. In response, the Hezbollah leader said they are "not afraid of these threats," claiming that Hezbollah's missiles and rockets can cause significant damage to the Israeli side. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. Jerusalem, June 20 : Israel's Home Front Command has announced the lifting of security restrictions in numerous communities near the Gaza Strip, marking a significant easing of measures since Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. The new guidelines, applicable to the "Gaza Envelope" area extending up to 7 km from the Gaza border, exclude 25 communities, such as Sderot and Kerem Shalom, situated closer to the border. According to a statement from the military, the decision follows a comprehensive assessment by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi, Xinhua news agency reported. Under these revised directives, outdoor educational activities can resume without constraints, gatherings of up to 1,000 people are permitted, and workplaces and essential economic activities can proceed unrestricted. The adjustments in the Home Front Command's defensive protocols are aimed at easing restrictions on civilian life by the current operational assessment to help revitalise agriculture, economy, and education, said the military in a statement. The move comes after an eight-and-a-half-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, during which Israeli operations resulted in extensive infrastructure damage and loss of life in Gaza, primarily among civilians. Israeli authorities assert significant dismantling of Hamas' militant infrastructure during the conflict. Israel initiated the military campaign in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israeli communities, resulting in casualties numbering around 1,200 individuals. Gaza, June 20 : At least 10 Palestinian security personnel of merchant trucks were killed by the Israeli army in Rafah City in the south of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian security and medical sources said. Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua on Wednesday that Israeli aircraft targeted a group of security personnel securing commercial goods in the east of Rafah. Meanwhile, medical sources said that the bodies of the dead, as well as several others injured, were all transported to European Gaza Hospital, Xinhua news agency reported. The Israeli army has not yet commented on the incident. Recently, Israeli authorities have allowed commercial goods from the West Bank to enter the southern war-torn besieged enclave, following prior coordination, according to Palestinian security sources. This incident was the second in two days, as on Monday night, at least nine people were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting security personnel for commercial goods. Earlier on Wednesday, the Gaza-based health authorities said the death toll of Palestinians from the ongoing conflict has risen to 37,396 since last October. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage. Seoul, June 20 : The South Korean government said on Thursday it has carried out a probe into some imported vehicles made by Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Yamaha Motor Co. in connection with their improper certification tests in their home country. Seoul's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it has looked into whether 38 models from Japanese automakers currently under investigation for fraudulent certification tests in Tokyo were being sold in South Korea. The ministry said none of the models in question have been imported into South Korea, reports Yonhap news agency. It, however, discovered that some models of Toyota's Lexus RX line and Yamaha's Tmax and YZF-R3 motorcycle models sold in the country were equipped with the same engines and horns as ones in problematic models. Accordingly, the ministry said it has been reviewing the three models for manufacturing defects since Friday. As of this month, there are 6,749 registered Lexus RX units, 1,910 Yamaha Tmax units and 1,318 YZF-R3 units in the country. The ministry said it plans to monitor measures taken by Japanese authorities and take proper action if the vehicles fail to meet safety standards. Kolkata, June 20 : Being reduced to zero again in West Bengal in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, debates have started in the CPI(M) on the justification of carrying forward the electoral alliance with Congress in the future. Congress and CPI(M) are partners of the INDIA bloc. Insiders in the party's state committee claimed that initial internal analysis of the election disaster has revealed the continuation of the same old phenomenon where although a smooth transfer of dedicated Left voters in support of Congress candidates wherever applicable was achieved, a similar reciprocation from the side of Congress did not happen. Insiders also said that serious questions on the practicality of continuing the seat-sharing agreement with Congress were raised during the review of the election results by the state committee of the party that concluded late Wednesday evening. A state committee member of CPI(M) said that this same phenomenon was witnessed both in the previous two state Assembly elections in 2016 and 2021 and continued in 2024 as well. "From the initial analysis, it is clear that the dedicated Congress voters have not accepted us as the natural ally of the party they are dedicated to. So in the seats where we fielded our candidates, the choice of the dedicated Congress workers was between Trinamool Congress and BJP. The result was zero for us," he added. Secondly, he added, there were also introspections in the review on how far the grassroots-level party workers accepted the seat-sharing arrangement with the country's oldest national party spontaneously rather than taking it as a decision passed on to them by the high command. "Precisely, that is why the picture projected in the pre-poll internal survey reports sent by the lower-rung committees from different districts to the higher leadership was not reflected in any way in the final results," another state committee member said. Another important issue, insiders said, that was raised in the review meeting was the necessity of going back to the party's traditional form where there was a thin line between the dedicated organisational administrators and leaders contesting the electoral battles. The dyed-in-the-wool section in CPI(M) has reminded that the legendary party organisers like Pramod Dasgupta, Saroj Mukherjee, Sailen Dasgupta and Anil Biswas, all deceased, dedicated their entire lives to streamlining the party's organisational network without directly participating in the electoral battle. Even the current Left Front chairman in West Bengal, Biman Bose, too has followed the same principle throughout his life. Kapu leader changes name after failing to defeat Pawan Kalyan. Image Source: IANS News Amaravati, June 20 : Veteran Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham has changed his name to Mudragada Padmanabha Reddy, keeping his word to do so if he failed to defeat Jana Sena Party leader K. Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram Assembly constituency. A notification in this regard was published in Andhra Pradesh Gazette. Mudragada, who had joined YSR Congress Party in March this year, had thrown a challenge to actor-politician Pawan Kalyan that he would change his surname to 'Reddy' if he failed to defeat him. Pawan Kalyan won the Pithapuram seat in Kakinada district, defeating seasoned politician and former MP Vanga Geetha of the YSR Congress. The actor-politician defeated Geetha by over 65,000 votes. Pawan Kalyan, whose party is part of the National Democratic Alliance which stormed to power at the Centre, has become the Deputy Chief Minister. Like Pawan Kalyan, Mudragada, a former minister, hails from Kapu community. During the poll campaign, Mudragada had slammed Pawan Kalyan for not showing up in support of the agitation demanding reservation for the Kapu community. After the election results were announced on June 4, Mudragada said that he would change his name to Padmanabha Reddy in keeping with his word. He had also said that he was clueless as to why people have not accepted Jagan Mohan Reddy despite then YSR Congress government spending crores of rupees on the welfare of the poor. The veteran leader, however, made it clear that he will remain with the YSR Congress. TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance stormed to power in the state with a landslide victory. The alliance bagged 164 seats in the 175-member Assembly and also won 21 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats. Thiruvananthapuram, June 20 : For 39-year-old Seena, daughter of a retired Army officer in Kerala's Kannur, standing up for a 'cause' is now causing trouble to her family. She made some startling revelations against the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Front in the state which has generated a lot of praise for her in the media, but her family is feeling the heat of ruffling the mighty. It all started on Wednesday, a day after an 85-year-old man in the district died in a bomb blast. The man, a neighbour of Seena's parents, died after he opened an abandoned tiffin box that contained a bomb in it on Tuesday. Perturbed by this, Seena raised her voice and claimed that bomb-making by CPI(M) workers has been rampant in the region and people were not responding against it due to fear. Seena's statements upset the local CPI(M) leadership as she made the statements after speaking to the newly-elected Vadakara Lok Sabha MP, Shafi Parambil (Congress) who visited the area. On Thursday morning, Seena said the local CPI(M) leaders had already reached her home and had spoken to her parents. "All that I said was not for me, but for all those who live in that area under constant fear of country-made bombs. I knew the CPI(M) people would be after me and I have no problem with that. What I am worried about is why they went to meet my parents. They never did anything. All that I said were bare facts, which none in the locality will speak, as they fear the party. I am not afraid and I am ready to face it too," said Seena. One reason why the local CPI(M) leaders are upset is Seena was seen on several TV channels on Wednesday night taking part in the news debates condemning the CPI(M). A few CPI(M) leaders strongly defended the party and took on Seena for saying "baseless" things. Meanwhile, social media is also buzzing with activity as pro-CPI(M) accounts have begun their defence and are trying to prove Seena wrong. Seena, the daughter of a retired Army officer, took pride when she said, "Being the daughter of an Army officer, I felt I should speak up and I did that". Now all eyes are on the Congress and the BJP who also have taken up the issue of bomb menace in Kannur, which is considered a bastion of the CPI(M). Top leaders like Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, state party secretary M.V. Govindan and Left convenor E.P. Jayarajan hail from Kannur. Mumbai, June 20 : Actor Akshay Kharodia has opened up about his return to television with 'Suhaagan' and shared that his character Vedant is very similar to Ranbir Kapoor's role in 'Animal'. Akshay said: "My character's name is Vedant, who has completed his studies abroad but still upholds family values. He is very obedient to his father and is as obsessed with him as Ranbir Kapoor's character in the film 'Animal'. Vedant can do anything for his father and shares a similar relationship with his sister." "Since his mother left him when he was young, his father has done everything for him, which is why he is so close to his father. Though Vedant is very modern, he possesses traditional Indian family values and wants to keep his family together." The actor said that his character supports his family wholeheartedly. "Like many Indians who prioritise family over their own emotions, Vedant is the same -- he supports his family wholeheartedly. He is also a fun-loving guy who enjoys dancing and having a good time. He desires a wife who is modern and not restricted by traditional mindsets." Akshay also talked about how it feels to return to television after his break from 'Pandya Store'. He shared, "It's been 11 months since I left 'Pandya Store'. That was a very tough time for me, but when I got this show, I felt very happy." "The bond I had with the 'Pandya Store' team is something I am trying to replicate here as well. We used to eat together on the 'Pandya Store' set, and I've told everyone here that they can come to my room anytime to eat or just sit together." When asked what attracted him to the role in 'Suhaagan' and what makes this character special or different from his previous roles, Akshay said: "This show is produced by Rashmi Sharma, who has a very good grasp on drama. All her shows have very compelling stories." The actor said that his character Dev in 'Pandya Store' was very calm and relaxed, but Vedant in 'Suhaagan' is quite different. "He is outspoken and has the freedom to speak without restrictions," Akshay said. "However, since he is a person with values, he thinks before he speaks. While Dev was family-oriented, Vedant is modern, accountable, and responsible for everything he does." Ban on halal products leads to raids by FSDA teams in UP. Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, June 20 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday was conducting simultaneous raid and search operations at three places in West Bengal. The first place where the ED officials, escorted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, arrived was the residence of Mohammad Hossain at Salkia in Howrah district. Shortly after that, a second ED team accompanied by CAPF personnel reached the residence of Manoj Dube at Liluah also in the same district. A third team of investigators conducted a similar operation at the residence of Ramesh Prasad, an employee of a software company, at Belgharia on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Till the time the report was filed the simultaneous raid and search operation at these three places were on. Although ED officials have so far remained tight-lipped over the exact matter with which such raid operations were connected, sources said the action was in connection with a gaming app-related cyber-crime whose origin was in Delhi. However, sources did not confirm whether the operations had any connections with the E-Nuggets scam in which the central agency officials have already attached several crores of rupees in the forms of cash, bank account deposits and crypto-currencies. Mumbai, June 20 : Indian auteur Anurag Kashyap's modern-day classic 'Gangs of Wasseypur' is set to celebrate its 12th anniversary on Saturday. Ahead of this milestone, actor Jameel Khan, who portrayed Sardaar Khan's friend in the film, shared an anecdote from the famous S.P. office scene. The actor spoke with IANS and recalled how Satyakam Anand, who played Vidhayak J.P. Singh, was injured during an altercation at the scene. Jameel told IANS: "Most of the time, it happens that Anurag Kashyap doesn't give you the time to prepare, he wants to see how you react spontaneously to a situation while you are in the character. I was in the moment, reacting to the situation. In the sequence where I say, 'Aur hamau jaayenge ab toh (I'll go to the jail now)', and slap J.P. Singh, and he kind of fights back, Manoj Bajpayee told me, 'Dekho mujh tak na aa paaye ye (make sure he doesn't reach me)'." He further mentioned, "We actually got into a one-on-one at that moment. The poor guy fell on some chairs. While the camera was rolling, I was afraid about the guy playing JP Singh getting injured. But since Anurag didn't cut the scene, I stayed in character, took Manoj out, and came to look after him when the shot was cut." Islamabad, June 20 : Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that New Delhi holds "no authority or ground" to raise questions on references made on Jammu and Kashmir in the Pakistan-China Joint statement issued in Beijing after talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 8. "It is an established fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally-recognised disputed territory. The dispute has been on the agenda at the UN Security Council for over seven decades," read a statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office. "The relevant Security Council resolutions clearly stipulate that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations," the statement added. Pakistan Foreign Office stated that India's claims over Jammu and Kashmir have "no basis and are unfounded and misplaced". In a joint statement issued by Pakistan and China on June 8, it was stated that the "Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved". India took note of the joint statement and rejected references on Jammu and Kashmir as "unwarranted". "We have noted unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan of 07 June 2024. We categorically reject such references. Our position on the issue is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's External Affairs Ministry said on June 13. "The same joint statement also mentions activities and projects under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), some of which are in India's sovereign territory under forcible and illegal occupation by Pakistan. We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the MEA spokesperson added. India's criticism of references made in the Pak-China joint statement on Jammu and Kashmir has sparked a diplomatic cross-border exchange of statements as Islamabad called out New Delhi and asserted that it should not try to "mislead the international community on CPEC". CPEC is a flagship project of China's ambitious One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative and holds massive value for Pakistan and its economic development objectives. "Instead of making baseless claims about CPEC, India should implement, at the earliest, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir," stated Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. Mumbai, June 20 : RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday underlined the importance for banks and NBFCs to adopt advanced and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to prevent financial fraud. Addressing the Global Conference on Financial Resilience here, the RBI Governor said, "Integrating advanced and emerging technologies such as AI, ML and big data analytics in organisational functioning can transform the way financial institutions operate. AI and ML can enhance predictive analytics and enable banks and NBFCs to identify potential risks and trends more accurately. These technologies can improve fraud detection by recognising unusual patterns and transactions in real time. Thus, they can protect the institutions and their customers from financial crimes and frauds." "As the financial sector gets increasingly digitised, adoption of advanced technologies can significantly strengthen the ability of banks and NBFCs to withstand and respond to various risks. It has to be, however, ensured that these technologies are secure, reliable and aligned with the institution's overall strategic goals," Das said. He observed that operational efficiency can be improved through the automation of routine tasks, which reduces human error and frees up resources for more strategic activities. Robotic process automation (RPA) can handle high-volume and repetitive tasks, such as data entry and transaction processing, more quickly and accurately than humans, the RBI Governor added. Das also pointed out that as financial institutions increasingly rely on advanced technologies to enhance their operations, the dependence on third-party vendors and service providers may increase. A vendor's inability to deliver services reliably can directly impact the regulated entity's operations and customer service. Therefore, thorough due diligence becomes necessary before selecting third-party vendors, he added. The RBI Governor also observed that while the pursuit of business growth is important for banks and NBFCs, it should never come at the expense of taking on unacceptable risks. Robust risk mitigants are essential for ensuring the long-term success and resilience of a regulated entity as well as the overall financial system, he added. Das also highlighted the importance of ethics in the governance of financial institutions which involves compliance with laws and regulations, both in letter and spirit; pursuit of sustainable business practices; and avoidance of mindless pursuit of bottom lines. Bengaluru, June 20 : Several BJP leaders were detained here on Thursday as they staged a bicycle rally and tried to go to the Assembly to protest against the recent fuel price hike by the Congress government in Karnataka. BJP state president and MLA, Vijayanedra said, "We are protesting to condemn the hike in petrol and diesel prices in the state. Today, the rasta roko agitation is being staged across the state in district and taluk headquarters. We are warning the Congress government through this bicycle rally." "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah says that fuel prices are lower compared to neighbouring states. But the people of the state are suffering due to this crisis. The farmers are already in distress following the drought. It is an unpardonable mistake to hike fuel prices. We demand that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should roll back the hike in the petrol and diesel prices," Vijayendra stated. "One Minister is saying bus fares will be increased, and another one has hinted at an increase in the water tariffs. They are not bothered about the common man. The BJP will continue its agitation," he warned. When asked about Home Minister G.R. Parameshwara's warning of a lathi charge if the BJP's agitation disturbs vehicular movement, Vijayendra said, "BJP workers don't fear a lathi charge. Home Minister Parameshwara issued an arrogant statement. The agitation will continue until the fuel price hike is withdrawn." BJP MLC C.T. Ravi said that the government was behaving like a dictator. The BJP will agitate inside the Assembly as well to create awareness among the people about the price rise, he said. The leaders planned to reach the Vidhana Soudha on bicycles with party workers. However, the police stopped them and took the leaders, including Vijayendra, into custody. Former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwathnarayan, MLC C.T. Ravi, former state ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, former BBMP members, BJP Bengaluru North District President S. Harish, Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda, Bengaluru South District President C.K. Ramamurthy, party office-bearers, and party workers participated in the protest. Leader of Opposition in Assembly R. Ashoka also participated in a similar protest in Kalaburagi. The BJP is staging protests across the state, demanding a reversal of the recent petrol and diesel price hikes. The Congress government increased the price of petrol by Rs 3 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.50 per litre. The government has also hinted at raising the water tariffs and bus fares in the state. Bengaluru, June 20 : The counsel representing arrested Kannada superstar Darshan said on Thursday that the bail petition seeking his release will be filed in the court after he is sent to judicial custody. Speaking to reporters after visiting Darshan at the police station in Bengaluru, senior advocate Anil Babu stated that Darshan will be produced before the court later in the afternoon. "It is not known whether the prosecution will seek an extension of police custody. We have to wait until the application is submitted to the court," he added. "Most probably, there is no need for police custody as the investigation is over. We have to see what happens. If Darshan is sent to judicial custody today, we will take time, and within a week, we will move the bail petition before the court," he maintained. "We are not filing the bail petition today. Our team will sit and discuss and then make a decision," he said. Answering a question, Ravi Babu said that Darshan was doing well in terms of health in the custody of the police. Commenting on conducting a DNA test on Darshan and the other accused, another counsel, Ranganath Reddy, said that it was not possible for the police to conduct the DNA test without the consent of the court. The prosecution will submit the case diary to the court, which is a document of the investigation. The advocates representing the accused won't have access to it. We will know about the development once the charge sheet is filed before the court," he concluded. Darshan, his 'partner' and co-star Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others have been arrested on charges of murdering Renukaswamy (33), a resident of Chitradurga. Two of the accused have been sent to judicial custody. The probe has so far revealed that Renukaswamy was a big fan of Darshan and had sent derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda on social media. He was allegedly kidnapped, brought to Bengaluru, kept in a shed, and brutally tortured to death. Sources claimed that on Wednesday Darshan reportedly admitted to his involvement in the murder case, as per the remand copy submitted to the 24th ACMM court. According to the remand copy, Darshan gave Rs 30 lakh to Pradosh, an accused in the case, to manage the police and lawyers, and to pay those who disposed of the body. The police have reportedly seized the money from Pradosh's residence. Darshan was jailed for 14 days in 2011 for allegedly assaulting his wife. He was accused of burning his wife's face with cigarettes, hitting her with slippers, and threatening to kill their son. Hanoi, June 20 : Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of expanding his country's strategic partnership with Vietnam, state media reported, at talks with Vietnamese President To Lam on the first day of his state visit to the Southeast Asian country. The Russian leader also invited Lam to participate in commemorations in Moscow next year, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, the Russian state news agency TASS reported. Putin arrived in Hanoi late on Wednesday after a visit to North Korea. He is expected to attend a state banquet on Thursday after meetings with Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the country's ruling Communist Party, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Having been isolated on the international stage, Putin is seeking to shore up support from Russia's remaining allies. Commentators suggest his brief tour of Vietnam and North Korea is of practical as well as symbolic importance. "Putin's trip to Vietnam will reinvigorate their comprehensive strategic partnership and shore up economic relations through trade and investment commitments by adopting a rouble-dong currency exchange mechanism for goods and services payments," said Vietnam expert Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Another item on the agenda could be Russia's war with Ukraine. The Ukrainian ambassador in Hanoi, Oleksandr Haman, told dpa news agency that he does not expect Vietnam to abandon its neutral stance in the conflict. During his stay in Hanoi, Putin is staying at The Sofitel Metropole, a French-owned hotel. Prior to his arrival, a Russian-chartered jumbo jet shipped in limousines for Putin's use throughout his visit. --IANS/DPA sd/sha Raashii Khanna on completing decade in Tollywood: My first brush with fandom happened here. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 20 : Actress Raashii Khanna recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of her acting debut in Tollywood with 'Oohalu Gusagusalade' and said it was her first brush with fandom. Raashii fondly recalled her debut film, 'Oohalu Gusagusalade', describing it as her "comfort film." "Completing ten years in the industry feels surreal. I didn't know the language or the culture, but you embraced me like your own and kept giving me chances to prove my talent," she said. Released in 2014, 'Oohalu Gusagusalade' is a romantic comedy directed by Srinivas Avasarala and also stars Naga Shaurya. The film is an adaptation of the 1897 French play 'Cyrano de Bergerac' by Edmond Rostand and revolves around a young girl, Prabhavati, and two men, Venky and Uday, who love her. The actress thanked everyone who has been a part of her journey and believed in her talent. Raashii said: "I remember when we were shooting 'Oohalu Gusagusalade', I was naive and scared. Years later, it has become my comfort film, a reminder of where it all began. But it feels just like yesterday. The film will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first big hit." "My first brush with fandom happened because of Tollywood, and the love Telugu people have showered on me has been limitless. I'll always be thankful for everything," she added. At present, Raashii has films 'The Sabarmati Report' and 'Talakhon Mein Ek' in the works. She also has a Telugu film, 'Telusu Kada', in the pipeline. Bengaluru, June 20 : Karnataka Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil on Thursday demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the NEET controversy. "The NEET is the biggest scam under the NDA government," he alleged. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha here, Minister Patil demanded that the Supreme Court should initiate action in this regard as otherwise, there is a possibility of students staging a country-wide agitation. He stated that youths are suspicious about the NEET examination. The 24 lakh students, who took the NEET exam, are concerned. The Supreme Court had also given directions regarding initiating action in this matter. "Youths are facing injustice with the NEET," he said. "The Central government cancelled the National Eligibility Test (NET) on Wednesday night. It is playing with the careers of the nation's youth. The NEET scandal should be probed by the CBI. If the youths are to get justice, the CBI should investigate the matter," Minister Patil said. "Why the Central government is not initiating action in this regard? This is an anti-youth stance. We don't know whom the Central government is trying to protect," he stated. When asked about the state government mulling over cancelling the NEET exam in the state, Minister Patil said, "There is no provision in the law to cancel the NEET exam in the state. There is a legal hurdle if the state wants to invalidate it. The Supreme Court, under which the legislation in this regard is formed, should initiate action." Kolkata, June 20 : West Bengal Foundation Day was observed at the Raj Bhavan here on Thursday with the state government machinery and the members of the state cabinet distancing themselves from the programme. Raj Bhavan insiders said that the celebration of West Bengal Foundation Day, which started on June 20, 2023, lacked the pomp and grandeur that was there in the same programme last year. Insiders said that June 20 has been chosen as West Bengal Foundation Day since on the same day of 1947, the then Bengal Legislative Assembly held a meeting to decide if the Bengal Presidency would stay with India or Pakistan, or be divided, having the Hindu majority districts staying with India as West Bengal and the Muslim majority areas forming East Pakistan. However, the ruling Trinamool Congress has been against celebrating the day as it believes that this date historically signifies the pain of partition. Instead, the state government through a proposal passed on the floor of the state Assembly last year decided to choose Bengali New Year Day as the date for the celebration of the West Bengal Foundation Day. "Last year only when the Governor started celebrating West Bengal Foundation Day on June 20, our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requested him against doing so. But he did not listen. We cannot stop him from doing so. But we are not participating," said a member of the state cabinet who did not wish to be named. Commenting on the development, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari claimed that the historical significance of June 20 can never be changed or ignored. "Last year the President of India announced June 20 as the West Bengal Foundation Day. Had Dr Shyamprasad Mukhopadhyay not been there we could not have stayed in Independent India. A party can enforce certain things because of its numerical supremacy in the Assembly. But that does not mean that the history can be changed," Adhikari said. New Delhi, June 20 : Riding on supportive policy interventions and rising disposable incomes, India's real estate sector is growing and needs a renewed push for affordable housing, especially in and around metro cities, from the Union Budget 2024-25, industry experts said on Thursday. Expectations are high for tax reliefs and other sentiment boosters as the future of the overall industry also depends on unfettered infrastructure deployment to support and improve urban living standards as well as to develop and promote newer areas. According to Anuj Puri, Chairman of Anarock Group, the Indian housing sector remained upbeat in 2024 to date, with housing sales and new launches creating new peaks in the top 7 cities. Sales reached an all-time high at about 4.93 lakh units in FY23-24, while 4.47 lakh units were launched. "However, this momentum must continue in the future too and the current growth trajectory is skewed towards mid-range and premium housing," said Puri. Considering the specific housing needs of India's lower-income groups, this momentum cannot ride solely on higher-priced homes while affordable housing continues to languish. Many interest stimulants previously extended to buyers and developers of affordable housing have expired in the last two years. "This important segment must be revived with high-impact measures like tax breaks - for developers, so that they will focus more on affordable housing, and for buyers to improve affordability," Puri noted. Credit-linked subsidy scheme under PMAY, re-introducing 100 per cent tax holiday for affordable housing developers and tweaking the definition of affordable housing criteria to widen additional deductions benefits to more buyers can help the affordable housing players. "The government must seriously reconsider revising the pricing of homes within the affordable housing budget, taking into consideration city-specific market dynamics. "As per the current definition, the size of units at 60 sq. m. carpet area is appropriate. However, prices of units (up to Rs 45 lakh) are not viable across most cities," Puri emphasised. Meanwhile, according to a latest report by CRISIL Ratings, net leasing of commercial office space will see demand growth of 8-10 per cent in this fiscal and the next, amid the rising demand for residential and commercial real estate. The primary drivers of the same will be global capability centres eyeing India's large talent pool and competitive rentals, as well as healthy demand from domestic sectors. Demand growth for residential real estate will sustain at 8-12 per cent this fiscal and the next, aided by favourable affordability and premiumisation, according to the CRISIL report. New Delhi/Patna, June 20 : The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 paper leak fiasco saw a fresh twist on Thursday with the accused persons confessing before the police that question papers were arranged for certain candidates a day before the exam for which the aspirants shelled out close to Rs 30-32 lakh. The shocking confession came from four persons arrested by the Bihar Police, including a NEET aspirant named Anurag Yadav, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendu - a junior engineer in the Danapur Municipal Council, and two others named Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, the purported mastermind behind the paper leak. They admitted before the police that the question papers were provided to them a day before the NEET that was conducted on May 5. Anurag Yadav confessed before the police that his uncle Sikander Yadavendu arranged the NEET papers for him in advance. "I was preparing for NEET at the Allen Institute in Kota (Rajasthan). My uncle Sikander Yadavendu called me to Patna and took me to Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar, where I was given some questions and the answer keys for the exam. I was told to memorise all the answers. When I sat for the test the next day, I saw it had the same questions which were given to me on May 4. However, after the test, the police arrested me," he said. Sikander Yadavendu claimed that he was told by Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar about the paper leak before the test. "Amit and Nitish told me that the question papers for NEET would be leaked and it would cost about Rs 30-32 lakh. I agreed and told them about four students -- Ayush Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Shivanand Kumar, and Abhishek Kumar. On May 4, I took all four students to a place where aspirants were already cramming up answers for all the questions. "Out of greed, I asked for Rs 40 lakh from each student instead of the original amount. However, I was later caught by the police," Yadavendu said, revealing the chain of events leading to the NEET paper leak. Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, in their statement to the police, admitted their role in the paper leak and revealed how their collusion with Yadavendu led to their arrest. "After Yadavendu was arrested, he directed the police towards us. The police also raided the spot where the students were given the leaked papers. They also found the remaining pieces of the burnt question papers," the duo said in their statement to the police. About 24 lakh aspirants appeared for NEET on May 5 for admission to medical colleges. The results were announced before time on June 5 but were marred by allegations of paper leak and awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 candidates. Brussels, June 20 : EU member states have agreed to a new package of sanctions on Russia, aimed largely at cracking down on loopholes that circumvent existing measures, the Belgian EU presidency announced on Thursday. "This package provides new targeted measures and maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes," the Belgian presidency posted on X. Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has targeted the Russian economy, institutions, and officials linked to the war with multiple rounds of sanctions. As the invasion drags on, Russia has worked hard to circumvent the punitive measures, to secure more resources for their military and to keep their economy running. At the same time, the EU and other Western countries, including the US, are concerned loopholes in the sanctions undermine compliance from companies doing business with Russia. The EU punitive measures are intended, in particular, to prevent Russia from obtaining Western technology that the defence industry can use to manufacture weapons for the war in Ukraine. Approval of the latest - 14th - sanctions package was delayed by several days, as diplomats in Brussels cited German concerns over business regulation as the main reason why negotiations took so long to finalise. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged at the weekend that Berlin was concerned such sanctions could potentially penalise Germany's export-oriented firms. EU countries pushing for decisive action on sanctions evasion, however, pointed to European Commission estimates that products worth millions of euros were still being delivered to Russia via subsidiaries of European companies, despite sanctions in place to stop this. EU diplomats said a compromise was eventually reached, allowing measures halting exports to Russia to not apply to subsidiaries for the time being. This so-called "No-Russia" clause requires EU companies to contractually prohibit the re-export of certain categories of sensitive goods to Russia, including goods related to aviation, jet fuel, and firearms. EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday must formally adopt the sanctions for them to take effect. EU diplomats said the latest package also contains plans to target Russia's multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector for the first time. Ports such as Zeebrugge in Belgium are to be banned from being used to ship Russian LNG to countries outside of the EU, according to diplomats. Belgium chaired the negotiations on the new round of sanctions as the current holder of the rotating EU presidency. --IANS/DPA sd/sha Rome, June 20 : The death of an Indian agricultural worker has caused outrage in Italy after gruesome details of the deadly work accident emerged. The 31-year-old man bled to death after being injured by a machine in Borgo Santa Maria, south of Rome. His arm was reportedly severed in the incident, while both his legs were crushed. Investigators said the man's employer did not immediately bring him to hospital, instead driving him back to his accommodation. His severed arm was found in a fruit crate nearby. The worker eventually succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Wednesday. He had reportedly been living in Italy since 2021 without an official work permit. The public prosecutor's office is investigating the man's alleged employer, a 37-year-old Italian. Labour Minister Marina Calderone called the incident an "act of barbarism." Several trade unions have since drawn attention to poor working conditions in Italy's agricultural sector, which employs around 2,30,000 people. Reports have suggested many of the employees, especially in the south of the country, are migrants, including some children. --IANS/DPA sd/sha Beijing, June 20 : Rescue work is continuing in China's flooded areas on Thursday after days of heavy rainfall. Rescue teams were mainly deployed in the south and east of the country, the state-run newspaper China Daily reported on Thursday. The focus is on the search for survivors and the provision of relief supplies in the affected areas. In Meizhou, a city in Guangdong province, an elderly woman who had been trapped in her house for over 40 hours was rescued. Another resident was rescued after clinging to a lamppost. In Shanghang County in Fujian Province, rescue workers are still searching for six people who have been missing since the collapse of a centuries-old temple following a landslide on Sunday evening. In Guilin, a well-known tourist city in the Guangxi autonomous region, the authorities also issued the highest flood warning on Wednesday. State television spoke of the worst floods there since 1998. The National Weather Bureau warned that other parts of the country would also have to prepare for flooding in the coming days, as the persistent band of rain is moving northwards and bringing heavy downpours. While the south of China is struggling with rain, the north is suffering from heat and drought. Due to the flood and drought situation in China, State and Party leader Xi Jinping called for everything to be done to help those affected and to improve the forecasts. Heavy rainfall has become more frequent and more intense in most parts of the world due to climate change. However, other human factors also play a role in flooding. --IANS/DPA sd/sha Amaravati, June 20 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has said that his responsibility has increased and he is committed to serving the state with dedication. The Jana Sena leader, who assumed office at his official residence in Vijayawada on Wednesday, shared his thoughts on Instagram. "Honored to take on the roles of Deputy Chief Minister, Panchayati Raj Minister, Rural Development & Rural Water Supply Minister, Environment, Forest, Science & Technology Minister of Andhra Pradesh," wrote the actor-politician. "My responsibility has grown, and I am committed to serving our state with dedication and integrity. Eager to collaborate on creating a prosperous and sustainable future for everyone," he added. Pawan Kalyan posted a video of his arrival in Vijayawada from the party office at Mangalagiri, a guard of honour received from police, visuals of his camp office and his assuming office. Pawan Kalyan, along with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other ministers, had taken oath on June 12. Two days later, he was appointed Deputy Chief Minister and portfolios were allocated to him and other ministers. In the recent elections, TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance stormed to power with a landslide majority. The alliance won 164 Assembly seats in the 175-member House. The alliance bagged 21 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats. Jana Sena won all 21 Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats it contested. Pawan Kalyan was elected from Pithapuram constituency. Jana Sena has secured three berths in the Cabinet. Meanwhile, Tourism and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh, who belongs to Jana Sena, on Thursday met megastar K. Chiranjeevi, who is the elder brother of Pawan Kalyan. Durgesh called on Chiranjeevi on the sets of his upcoming movie 'Vishwambhara'. Chiranjeevi felicitated the minister and expressed his best wishes. Chiranjeevi also hoped that Durgesh would address the challenges faced by the Telugu film industry. Earlier, after taking charge as the minister, Durgesh said he would try to develop Andhra Pradesh into a tourism hub and also to attract the cinema industry to the state. Colombo, June 20 : Marking strong neighbourhood ties between South Asia's historical allies India and Sri Lanka, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday jointly inaugurated the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) under a $6 million grant from India. Placed at vital points in the Indian Ocean Island, the MRCC has centres at the Navy Headquarters in Colombo, a sub-centre in Hambantota, and crucial unmanned installations at Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro, and Mullikulam. Jaishankar and President Wickremesinghe jointly unveiled the virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the MRCC established by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). They also joined the virtual handing over of 154 new houses built under the Indian housing development partnership initiative. "Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives. Under President Wickramasinghe's guidance, discussed the way forward for the India-Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties," said Jaishankar. As many as 106 houses have been built in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts while 24 houses each were built in Colombo and Trincomalee districts. They add to the already-built 3,700 houses which are part of 4000 houses to be built under Phase-3 of the Indian Housing Project (IHP), an initiative taken by India after the destruction caused by the three-decade-long war which ended in 2009. Following the end of the civil war, the Indian government launched a project to build 50,000 houses at a cost of (Sri Lankan) Rs 33 billion across Sri Lanka, covering all 25 districts including war-torn north and eastern provinces and at the central hills where Indian-origin Tamils work in tea plantations. This is Jaishankar's first official visit after the formation of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also met PM Dinesh Gunawardena and his counterpart M.U.M. Alisabry. "Reiterated India's strong support through development and connectivity initiatives. Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of people of Sri Lanka," the EAM posted on X after his meeting with Gunawardena on Thursday afternoon. Among other issues, Jaishankar is also expected to discuss the possible visit of PM Modi to Sri Lanka, later this year. The Sri Lankan President was in New Delhi on June 9 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, Wickramasinghe invited the Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka. Davanagere, : June 20 (IANS) Significant political developments will take place in Karnataka in days to come, said former Chief Minister and BJP MP, Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday. Speaking to the media, Bommai launched a scathing attack and alleged that even Congress MLAs had turned against party leaders. "The legislators are too ashamed to face the people, as there are no funds for the MLAs. The administration has deteriorated, officials are not listening to the government, and it has reached a point where one might question whether there is any government in the state at all," Bommai claimed. "There is truth in BJP MP Govind Karjol's statement regarding dissatisfaction among state Congress MLAs. Govind Karjol is a senior leader in the BJP, with many years of political experience and a seasoned politician. He speaks with complete information," Bommai alleged. Earlier, participating in a massive protest rally from the BJP's office to the AC office in Davanagere city, Bommai charged that the state Congress has burdened the poor and common people with price hikes. "They have lost the moral authority to govern by increasing the prices of petrol, diesel, and other essentials. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should resign," he said. He criticised the state government, claiming that for the past year, it has been adopting anti-poor and anti-common people policies. He accused the government of driving the state into economic bankruptcy and pushing Karnataka back by 10 years. "To win votes, the government has burdened the poor in the name of guarantees, imposing a debt burden of Rs 1.05 lakh crore on the people of the state. Initially, they increased motor tax, liquor prices, and stamp duties. Now, they have hiked petrol and diesel prices. This government has no moral right to govern the state," he asserted. Chandigarh, June 20 : Punjab Finance Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, on Thursday said the government has given in-principle approval regarding the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission for employees of aided educational institutions. Cheema in a statement said the decision would benefit the employees of aided schools and colleges under the Departments of School Education, Technical Education and Industrial Training, non-teaching staff of these institutes under the Higher Education Department, and also retirees of aided schools. "The Administrative Departments have been directed to issue notifications for implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission of the employees of aided institutions and retirees of aided schools," he said. The Administrative Departments will examine the financial statements of the last three years of all the aided schools and colleges so as to correctly assess the deficit analysis and to send a detailed proposal giving financial implications. "After considering the Administrative Departments' proposal, the Finance Department will give financial sanction to these institutions," said the Finance Minister. He emphasised the government's commitment to improve education in the state. "The education sector will not face any dearth of funds," said the Finance Minister, adding, "We've witnessed a revolution in education these past two years, and we'll continue taking steps to ensure quality education for future generations." Athens, June 20 : Cyprus on Thursday rejected threats made by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who warned the EU island nation against cooperating with the Israeli military in a fiery speech the day before. Should Cyprus make its airports and military bases available to the Israeli military, it would "become part of the war", Nasrallah said. But the Cypriot government said Nasrallah's statements were divorced from the truth. "The insinuations made by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah do not correspond to reality," Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letybiotis said on Cypriot broadcaster RIK. "Nasrallah's statements are unpleasant, and we will take all steps at the diplomatic level." In recent years, Israeli and Cypriot media had repeatedly reported that special units of the Israeli army had travelled to Cyprus to practice counter-terrorism tactics together with Cypriot units. The situation between Lebanon and Israel has deteriorated. There are increasing concerns that the daily cross-border clashes between the Israeli military and the Hezbollah militia are on the verge of expanding. Israel's military approved plans for an offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday, raising concerns about an escalation. On Wednesday, Hezbollah said at least three of its members were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. --IANS/DPA int/sd/arm Lucknow, June 20 : The Uttar Pradesh Police have once again intensified its crackdown on criminals. Over the past 15 days, after the conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls, police have conducted 79 rapid operations, dealing a significant blow to criminal activities across the state. A state government spokesman said that during these operations conducted from June 4 to June 19, two notorious criminals have been killed, while 96 criminals have been injured. During the period, 139 criminals have been arrested while seven policemen have been injured in these encounters. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, action is continuously going on against 68 state-level identified mafia gang members and associates. "So far, action has been taken against 9 members of various mafia gangs at various levels. Out of these, three have been arrested, while action has been taken against 1 under the Gangster Act and 2 under the Goonda Act," he said. He further noted that following extensive court proceedings, Bhadohi's mafia Vijay Mishra was sentenced on June 13 in a pending case. Meanwhile, police achieved a significant breakthrough by arresting Vinay Tyagi alias Tinku, a mafia with a bounty of Rs 50,000 on his head from Muzaffarnagar. He said that a reward of Rs 25,000 was placed on Asif alias Pappu Smart, a dreaded member of Kanpur's Saud Akhtar gang, who has since been apprehended by the police. Furthermore, the Special Task Force (STF) successfully apprehended Utkarsh Singh, an active member of Ambedkar Nagar's Ajay Singh Sipahi gang. Utkarsh also carried a bounty of Rs 25,000 placed on him. In addition to these operations, authorities confiscated 4.4570 hectares of land belonging to Muzaffarnagar's notorious mafia Sushil Moonchh, estimated at Rs 4.5 crore. Meanwhile, Jaunpur's infamous criminal Prashant Singh Prince and Muzaffarnagar's Nilesh Rai were killed in separate police encounters. Manila, June 20 : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday said it has approved a policy-based loan of 40 million US dollars to help Bhutan further strengthen its public financial management and green growth. The concessional loan aims to support policy reforms in expanding domestic resource mobilisation, promoting private sector development, and introducing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, Xinhua news agency reported. Under the program, domestic resource mobilisation is expected to be strengthened by improving customs and property tax administration, implementing a medium-term revenue strategy, and enhancing the governance and management of state-owned enterprises. "This will significantly reduce the gap between current expenditures and tax revenues. The rollout of an integrated financial management information system will improve public financial management," the ADB said. It added the program will help promote private sector development and streamline, modernise and digitise investment, business processes and trade services to enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Kochi, June 20 : The Kerala High Court has decided to introduce the issuing of summons, notices, and orders to respondents through India Post's e-Post service. This will be done as a pilot project only in the state capital district and after analysing the performance, a decision will be taken on the future course of action, on whether to replicate it in the other 13 districts of the state or not. The High Court also pointed out that this e-Post service will not be applicable if the court states that the notice should be sent by registered post. e-Post is a service where the digitally signed notice will be sent to the inbox of the e-Post nodal office as per the recipient's pin code. The notice and case file will be downloaded by the postal department and will be delivered to the recipient a day after it is dispatched to the department's dashboard. New Delhi, June 20 : Indian-origin researcher Shawna Pandya will be part of the second research mission by Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) to fly to space aboard the Delta Class spaceship. It will be the second research mission that IIAS is conducting with Virgin Galactic after the 'Galactic 05' mission in November 2023, which tested novel healthcare technologies and examined how fluids behaved in low-gravity to help inform designs for future medical technologies and life-support systems. The IIAS astronaut crew expected in the research mission includes Kellie Gerardi, a bioastronautics researcher and IIAS Director of Human Spaceflight Operations; Pandya, a physician, aquanaut, bioastronautics researcher, and Director of IIAS' Space Medicine Group, from Canada; and Norah Patten, an aeronautical engineer and bioastronautics researcher from Ireland. Pandya was on the first crew to test a commercial spacesuit in zero gravity in 2015. To date, she has flown 10 parabolic flight campaigns, culminating in over 160 parabolas of experience in micro- and reduced gravity. "We were thrilled with the results from our fluid cell experiment on 'Galactic 05', which demonstrated our ability to accurately predict the behavior of fluid in a container in a weightless environment," said Gerardi. Virgin Galactic's VP of Government Affairs and Research, Sirisha Bandla, flew on Virgin Galactic's 'Unity 22' spaceflight, which made her the second Indian-born woman to go to space. "We're excited to continue our partnership with IIAS in an expanded capacity," said Bandla. Bengaluru, June 20 : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that it is the responsibility of every Kannadiga to protect Kannada language, land and water. He gave a call for creating a Kannada atmosphere in Karnataka. "It is the duty of all to create a Kannada atmosphere. For that, all the people living in Karnataka should learn Kannada. We cannot remain silent like that," he stated. He was addressing a gathering after performing Bhoomi Puja for the construction of a bronze statue of goddess Nada Devi Bhuvaneswari near the western entrance of Vidhana Soudha as part of the Karnataka Namakarana Suvarna Mahotsava celebrations organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture. "Kannadigas are not insolent. But love for Kannada should be developed. We should not become like the bigots in other states. But we should develop respect and admiration for our language, land and country," he said. "Everyone must decide to speak in Kannada with those who live in Karnataka. A vow must be taken that no language other than Kannada is spoken. Kannadigas are generous. That is why there is an environment in Karnataka where even those who speak other languages can live without learning Kannada," he stated. "The same situation cannot be seen in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. They speak only in their mother tongue. We also have to speak in our mother tongue. That should make us proud," the CM said. CM Siddaramaiah said that he hoped that mother Bhuvaneswari's statue would inspire everyone in this regard. He said that the work should be completed by November 2024 as there was no shortage of funds. The CM said that a bronze statue of about 25 feet height would be constructed in the premises of Vidhana Soudha. "We have installed statues of many politicians. I think the statue will add to the charm of the Vidhana Soudha," he stated. Amaravati, June 20 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday visited Amaravati capital region to get first-hand information about the status of the capital's development work and said Andhra Pradesh stands for Amaravati and Polavaram. Amaravati, June 20 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday visited Amaravati capital region to get first-hand information about the status of the capitalas development work and said Andhra Pradesh stands for Amaravati and Polavaram. A week after assuming office as Chief Minister, he went around Amaravati where work on the capital came to a grinding halt in 2019 after the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government decided to develop three state capitals, reversing the decision of the earlier TDP government to build Amaravati as the sole capital. CM Naidu began his visit from Praja Vedika, a building demolished by the previous government headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2019. He saw the debris of the structure built by him close to his official residence when he was the Chief Minister between 2014 and 2019. The Chief Minister later told media persons that the government will keep the debris of Praja Vedika so that people remember the destructive role of Jagan Mohan Reddy like people remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The TDP leader said farmers of Amaravati withdrew their 1,631-daysa long protest after formation of the coalition government with the hope that it will complete capital development work. CM Naidu, who had visited Polavaram three days ago, said Andhra Pradesh means Amaravati and Polavaram. He said he had taken up capital development so that people donat have to migrate to other states for work. Similarly, Polavaram was given priority as the project, when completed, would irrigate the entire state. Naidu also visited Uddandarayunipalem, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation for the capital in 2015. Claiming that he tried to create brand Amaravati, he alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy tried to kill it by making false allegations of insider trading and forced the Singapore Consortium to leave. CM Naidu said the YSRCP government harassed the farmers, who had given their lands for capital development. The Chief Minister visited the Seed Axis Road, the housing complexes for the All India Service officers, ministers and High Court judges. The works started by the earlier TDP government had come to a halt. He said the previous government did not to stop theft of construction materials from Amaravati. CM Naidu said Jagan tried to divide people in the name of three capitals. He assured that the government would work for development of all the regions. He recalled that 11 educational institutions were launched in different parts of the state to ensure their development. The Chief Minister also went around the places where construction works were started during the earlier TDP regime for the iconic buildings. CM Naidu has already declared that the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP government will develop Amaravati as the sole state capital. In 2019, Jagan-led government had announced that three state capitals would be developed. The YSRCP government had mooted Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital, Kurnool as the judicial capital and Amaravati as legislative capital. After assuming office as minister for municipal administration and urban development on June 16, P. Narayana had said that state capital works would be completed in two-and-a-half years. He made it clear that Amaravati would be developed as per the old master plan. Narayana said development of Amaravati in three phases would cost Rs.1 lakh crore. The first phase was taken up by the earlier TDP government at a cost of Rs.48,000 crore. Mumbai, June 20 : The house is set and the doors are ready to open to welcome the contestants of 'Bigg Boss OTT 3', which this year is themed around 'magic'. Filmmaker and art director Omung Kumar, who has always designed the 'House' for the controversial reality show, said that each element has been carefully chosen to evoke intrigue and surprise. Talking about the thought behind the new design, Kumar told IANS: "We wanted the 'Bigg Boss OTT 3' House to be incredibly unique and vibrant. As a designer, I believe in the magic of transformation. Following the success of last year's 'sustainability' theme, this season posed a fresh challenge to create something equally captivating." Kumar and production designer Vanita Garud have given a new twist to the House. At the entrance, two huge anonymous statues guarding the House welcome the housemates. Dragons guard the premises, while two-sided walls showcase different faces on each side, adding to the House's illusionary charm. The theme of locks and keys weaves through the decor of the entire House. The bedroom, designed like a time-warped theatre of a fantasy world, evokes the charm of silhouette cutout backdrops. The beds are placed uniquely to foster interaction and bonding among the housemates. The kitchen resembles a quaint vineyard, complete with stone walls and whimsical wine barrels, creating a cozy yet playful vibe. A large bridge connects the living room and the storeroom, suspended over a water-printed carpet. "In alignment with our theme, we aimed to deliver an experience unlike any other seen before. Our design choices, from incorporating keys and locks to featuring grand dragons and two-sided walls with different faces, contribute to the magical ambiance. The keys and locks are a personal favourite -- they represent how the contestants are locked in and have to unlock new aspects of themselves." Kumar is now looking forward to the reaction of the contestants of the show to be hosted by Anil Kapoor. "Each element was carefully chosen to evoke intrigue and surprise. I'm thrilled to see how the contestants interact and be inspired by this imaginative space," Kumar said. 'Bigg Boss OTT 3' will air on JioCinema Premium from June 21. From Lumbini to Pokhara, India spreads message of yoga in Nepal ahead of IDY-2024. Image Source: IANS News Kathmandu, June 19 : More than 900 yoga enthusiasts attended a large-scale event organised by the Embassy of India in Nepal at Lumbini -- the revered birthplace of Lord Buddha which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- on Thursday. Jokh Bahadur Mahara, the Chief Minister of Lumbini and also the Chief Guest for the programme, thanked the Indian Embassy for organising the significant event at the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha and for strengthening India-Nepal cultural ties. He underlined that the International Day of Yoga (June 21) will help generate greater awareness about yoga, leading to a more healthy and balanced society. Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, underlined that yoga has become a global phenomenon, particularly since the United Nations designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 based on a proposal moved by India. "The sacred land of Lumbini, a symbol of peace and harmony, provides a perfect setting to celebrate the timeless practice of yoga. The Indian Embassy will collaborate every year with the Lumbini Development Trust to celebrate the International Day of Yoga," said the Indian Ambassador. The Indian Embassy has been organising a series of events across various cities in Nepal to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day. Assimilating yoga, nature, and spirituality, the events also spread the message of 'Yoga for Self and Society' - the theme for this year's International Yoga Day on Friday. The Indian Embassy also organised yoga demonstrations at three iconic landmarks of Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, on Thursday. It started with a sunrise yoga session at the Sarangkot temple overlooking the Annapurna mountain range, followed by yoga practice at the imposing Pumdikot Shiva Temple before ending with a yoga demonstration at the Shanti Stupa atop the Anadu Hill - the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal. Experienced yoga instructors led the participants through a series of asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques, highlighting the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. On Friday, the Embassy, in association with the Pokhara Metropolitan City, will organise a mega yoga demonstration at the Pokhara Rangshala Stadium to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day. New Delhi, June 20 : A visiting US Congressional delegation that met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday, described India-US relations as "most consequential" and also lauded the "scale, fairness and transparency" of the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi also highlighted the significant role played by the consistent and bipartisan support of the US Congress in advancing India-US ties as the seven-member US Congressional delegation led by Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on him in New Delhi on Thursday. "Had a very good exchange of views with friends from the US Congress in a delegation led by Rep McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. aDeeply value the strong bipartisan support in advancing India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting. Asserting that the relationship between the two countries was based on shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties, the Prime Minister reiterated commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations for global good. The delegation members, which also included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Rep. Amerish Babulal 'Ami Bera' and Rep. Jim McGovern, congratulated PM Modi on his election for the historic third-consecutive term. "The delegation described India-US relations as the most consequential one and expressed their strong support for further deepening Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership in all areas, including trade, new and emerging technology, Defence, people to people exchanges," said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). "They expressed deep appreciation for the scale, fairness and transparency of the recently-concluded world's largest democratic electoral exercise in India," it added. During the meeting, PM Modi also recalled his State Visit to the US in June last year during which he had an opportunity to address a Joint Session of the US Congress for a historic second time. New Delhi, June 20 : The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday released recommendations on inputs for the formulation of 'National Broadcasting Policy-2024' to establish a robust broadcasting ecosystem. In a bid to make India a global leader in the broadcasting sector, the policy aims to target a broad roadmap for 10 years with a special focus on the next 5 years. "The National Broadcasting Policy-2024 envisages to establish a robust broadcasting ecosystem by enabling growth-oriented policies and regulations through data-driven governance," the TRAI said in a statement. It would support the creation of a resilient, adaptive and tech-agile infrastructure fostering R&D, technology innovation and indigenous manufacturing. The new broadcasting policy will also facilitate a level playing field and healthy competition, promote ease of doing business and stimulate economic growth by enabling the reach of broadcasting services to all. The aim is to position India as an aUplinking Huba for television channels, attracting investments, generating employment opportunities and promoting skill development. The policy would also support quality content production and distribution for television, radio and OTT broadcasting services while encouraging the proliferation of Indian content, both locally and globally. In July 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had requested the TRAI to provide its considered inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy. As a first step, the TRAI issued a pre-consultation Paper on September 21, 2023, to elicit the issues which were required to be considered for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy. Based on the comments received, the TRAI released the consultation paper on 'Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024' on April 2. The TRAI received comments from 42 stakeholders including service providers, organisations, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups and a few individuals. "The broadcasting sector is a sunrise sector having huge potential to contribute towards the growth of the Indian economy," the TRAI said. Chandigarh, June 20 : Opposing the extension of the National Security Act (NSA) imposed against newly-elected Amritpal Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President, Sukhbir Badal, on Thursday lashed out at Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, and accused him of "dancing to Delhi's tunes on Sikh and Punjab issues." Chandigarh, June 20 (IANS) Opposing the extension of the National Security Act (NSA) imposed against newly-elected Amritpal Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President, Sukhbir Badal, on Thursday lashed out at Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, and accused him of "dancing to Delhi's tunes on Sikh and Punjab issues." "The Punjab government's records clearly show the decision to extend NSA in this case is Bhagwant Mann's. His anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh face stands fully expose now," Badal said in a statement here. He emphasised that the party "is fully committed to the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state and will continue to lead efforts to preserve it. There can be no progress and prosperity without peace and communal harmony and our party will not flinch from its responsibility. "At the same time, we are equally firmly opposed to repressive black laws like the NSA and the UAPA that are unacceptable." "Going beyond and above his party's political and ideological differences with Amritpal Singh," Badal said the decision to extend NSA in this case was a "clear violation of the Constitution and of basic human rights and civil liberties." The Akali chief further said, "I have already clarified that our party is guided by the sacred principles taught to us by the great Guru Sahiban and accordingly we oppose repression and injustice even against our opponents. "SAD goes beyond considerations of political gain or loss while pursuing these principles. "We said it in our manifesto and also in our resolutions that for the party, principles are above politics." Badal said differences of ideology with Amritpal Singh apart, "we will oppose repression and injustice against him or against anyone else and we don't care what political cost we have to pay for this." New Delhi, June 20 : Researchers have discovered a new genus of the Gomphonemoid diatom found in the clean water river of the Eastern Ghats. The genus which has an interesting suite of features, distinguishing it from the other members of the group Gomphonemoid in terms of valve symmetry and other certain valve features, has been named Indiconema to value its restricted distribution in the country, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced on Thursday. Diatoms are microscopic algae that play a crucial role in our everyday lives by producing 25 per cent of global oxygen, approximately every fourth breath of oxygen we inhale. They serve as a basis of the aquatic food chain. Due to their sensitivity towards any water chemistry changes, they are excellent indicators of aquatic health. The research underlines the importance of diatoms in shaping the biodiversity of India's diverse landscapes. Indiconema discovered by scientists of Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, differs in having a pore field at both the head and foot pole rather than having only at the foot pole. The evolution of monsoons structured the rainforest biome across the Indian Peninsula and the associated varying wetness, which has a direct role in shaping the diatom flora. The research published in the journal Phycologia, reports one species of Indiconema from the Eastern Ghats and another from the Western Ghats. A similar pattern of sharing endemic elements between two mountain systems has been observed for other endemic-rich groups, such as reptiles. Additionally, based on the morphological features of this group, researchers have suggested that Indiconema is sister to Afrocymbella, a genus endemic to East Africa. Early studies noted that similarities between Gomphonema species from India and those from East Africa and Madagascar are supported by the current study association. The discovery supported by the erstwhile SERB, now ANRF, underscores the importance of ongoing research in unravelling the mysteries of diatom biogeography and their role in shaping the biodiversity of India's diverse landscapes. Diatoms are the first recorded microorganisms in India, with Ehrenberg's first report dating back to 1845 in his voluminous publication Mikrogeologie. Since then, several studies in India have recorded diatoms from freshwater and marine environments. A rough estimate states that there are nearly 6,500 diatom taxa, of which 30 per cent are endemic (restricted to a particular region) to India, suggesting India's unique biodiversity. Further, diverse biogeographic zones support various species with habitat diversity ranging from freshwater to marine, sea level to high mountains, and alkaline lakes to acidic swamps. Peninsular India includes the Eastern and Western Ghats and has distinct physiographic, edaphic, and climatic gradients that cherish a wide array of habitats with unique geographic positions and supporting unique sets of diatoms. Mumbai, June 20 : Actor Vikas Bhalla, who recently starred in the short film 'Pravaah-The Flow', has opened up on his shooting experience in Kasol in Himachal Pradesh, calling it beautiful and magical. Talking about the the shoot, Vikas said, "Kasol, where we shot my scenes, is stunning and a must-visit for all travel enthusiasts. It was beautiful, magical... Weather-wise, it was cold in the middle of the night during our shoot. However, we had a super time shooting there." On relating with his character, the 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin' actor said: "I completely relate to it, and thatas one of the reasons I took up the role. Life is eventually not about your physical possessions, but the memories you make along the way. Thatas what makes a life well lived. Being true to yourself and finding your calling is very very important if you want to lead a happy life." "Do not live your life to please others or according to what others expect from you, that is the biggest mistake we make. The earlier you find yourself the better will be your quality of life. After all, one life, so live it right," he added. Talking about working director Simmer Bhatia, Vikas said, "Simmer is a talented director who has clarity in her approach and execution. On the set, she makes her artistes feel extremely comfortable, which is the key to extracting their best work. Sheas been a friend for a long time and I was pleasantly surprised with her directorial abilities. I wish her more success in all her future endeavours," Vikas said. Written, directed, and produced by Simmer Bhatia, 'Pravaah-The Flow' stars Maninee De and Sharad Malhotra in the lead. New Delhi, June 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, will have the attention of global media on Friday, when he performs Yoga asanas on the banks of Srinagar's Dal Lake on the occasion of International Yoga Day (June 21). A large congregation of about 4,000 people is expected at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex (SKICC), the venue where PM Modi will take the lead in celebrating the Yoga Day. A young Sopore boy named Faizan Bashir, who is set to participate in the Yoga event along with PM Modi is ecstatic and thrilled over the rare opportunity. Faizan, a student of government high school Hardu Shiva in Sopore region of J&K's Baramulla, shared his excitement on getting a chance to perform Yoga asanas along with the Prime Minister. Expressing his joy over the opportunity, Faizan said that he was all prepared for a trip to Srinagar where he will join PM Modi for Yoga Day celebrations. He described this as the most special moment of his life and also thanked the government officials for making his dream a reality. He also displayed his Yoga skills to the mediapersons and performed asanas like Dhanurasana, Trikonasana in front of them. This is the tenth edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations. Since 2015, PM Modi has been leading the Yoga day celebrations at countryas different locations, including Delhi's Kartavya Path, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow and Mysuru. Last year, he led the programme at United Nations Headquarters in New York. New Delhi, June 20 : President Droupadi Murmu, who turned 66 on Thursday, inaugurated the MITTI cafA in the President's Estate here and later, celebrated her birthday with its staff. The Mitti cafe is a non-profit organisation providing sustainable livelihoods to persons with disabilities. The organisation also creates awareness about disability through cafes, community meals and skill development initiatives. President Murmu started her day by visiting the Lord Jagannath temple in Delhi and praying for the welfare of all citizens. Later in a post on X, the Presidentas office said: "Taking another step towards creating an inclusive environment, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated MITTI cafe in the President's Estate today." "The President spent time in the cafe and celebrated her birthday with the staff who were excited to meet and wish the President," it added. On her birthday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished President Droupadi Murmu a long and healthy life. "Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar along with his wife Dr Sudesh Dhankhar called on President Droupadi Murmu and conveyed birthday greetings to the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the President's office said in another post on X. "Warm birthday wishes to Rashtrapati Ji. Her exemplary service and dedication to our nation inspire us all," the Prime Minister said in a post on X. "Her wisdom and emphasis on serving the poor and marginalised are a strong guiding force. Her life journey gives hope to crores of people. India will always be grateful to her for her tireless efforts and visionary leadership. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life," he added. President Murmu also visited Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities here and interacted with staff members, divyang children and their parents. She appreciated the "tireless efforts of the institute for the socio-economic empowerment of Divyangjan". The President emphasised that a person can overcome any limitation through dedication and determination. Chandigarh, June 20 : The Congress on Thursday demanded that Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya dissolve the Assembly and impose either President's rule or call an early election as the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government "is in the minority". A delegation of the party led by two-time Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda and state party chief Chaudhary Udaibhan met the Governor and handed over the memorandum listing the demands. In the memorandum, the Congress said the BJP has 41 legislators in the 90-member house, and there has been no change in the ruling party's strength despite the Chief Minister being elected as a legislator in a bypoll from Karnal. Besides its own 41 legislators, the government has the support of one legislator of the Haryana Lokhit Party and one Independent. The total number of legislators supporting the government is only 43, says the memorandum. "At present, the number of legislators in the House is 87 and the majority figure is 44. If the present government does not use horse-trading and other unconstitutional methods, it does not have a majority in the House. aTherefore, as the protector of the Constitution, the Governor should immediately dismiss the minority government and impose President's rule in the state," the memorandum states. The Congress urged the Governor to maintain the dignity and sanctity of the Constitution while discharging his constitutional duties. It also sought orders to be passed to conduct Assembly elections as per rules to provide an opportunity for the people of the state to elect a majority government. After meeting the Governor, Hooda and Chaudhary Udaibhan said a memorandum was earlier submitted to the Governor in this regard by the Congress Legislature Party on May 10. "This government should resign on moral grounds and the Governor should immediately dissolve the Assembly to stop horse trading. The Governor has assured to consider the memorandum," Hooda told the media. Chaudhary Udaibhan said the Congress ais fully prepared for the Assembly elections in Haryana. "The results of the Lok Sabha elections have shown that the Congress is the strongest party in the state. Three independent MLAs supporting the government have also supported the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections," he said. Three Independent legislators had withdrawn their support from the government in Haryana, reducing the government to a minority. The three legislators -- Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Gollen, and Dharampal Gonder -- had said they had decided to support the Congress during the Lok Sabha elections. Kolkata, June 20 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal education department to upload details of qualification of teachers in all state-run schools on its portal. Giving this direction on Thursday, the single-Judge Bench of Justice Biswajit Basu observed that the guardians of students have every right to know whether the teachers teaching their children are qualified. Justice Basu also observed that since there had been several allegations of certain teachers not having the necessary educational qualifications to undertake teaching jobs, it is essential to maintain transparency in the matter and upload details on the departmental portal. Justice Basu expressed his ire as the state education department's counsel sought two months to complete the process. "Why is the state government slow in every matter? You must increase the pace. Cases have surfaced where teachers have worked for five years without proper appointment letters. "The process cannot be delayed further. Everyone has the right to know who all are working as teachers," Justice Basu observed. During the hearing Justice Basu also expressed his anger over government school buildings being occupied by security forces for a prolonged period because of the Lok Sabha elections. He suggested that the state government should create separate buildings for housing security forces deployed for polls. Farhan Akhtar finally has answer to the frequently asked question: When is Mirzapur 3 coming?. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 20 : Bollywood multi-hyphenate Farhan Akhtar on Thursday attended the trailer launch of his home production 'Mirzapur 3' along with the star cast of the much-anticipated series. Speaking about the large fan following enjoyed by the crime thriller across the globe, Farhan said, "Wherever I go in the world, I face three questions. First, 'What I'm doing there?' Second, 'When is 'Mirzapur 3' coming?' And third, 'When is 'Don 3' coming?'. I'm glad that I have answers to all three questions now," sending the packed ballroom into splits. The filmmaker-producer-actor, however, refrained from making any remark on 'Don 3', which has been facing the wrath of a section of the fans for replacing Shah Rukh Khan with Ranveer Singh for the titular role. 'Mirzapur', which belongs to the second generation of web content, is set to return with its third season that will drop on Amazon Prime on July 5. The trailer of the upcoming season promises more blood, gore, drama, and politics. Bucharest, June 20 : Romania is endorsing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to become NATO Secretary General, clearing the final hurdle on Rutte's path to the top job, according to a press release published by the office of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday. Iohannis had put himself forward for the role, but "informed his NATO allies at the end of last week that he had withdrawn his candidacy for the post," the press release said. On Thursday, Romania's Supreme Council of National Defence "declared themselves in favour of Romania's support for the Dutch prime minister's candidacy," according to the statement. The announcement means no obstacles remain to Rutte becoming the next NATO chief. Romania was the only NATO country that had not yet endorsed Rutte, who needs the unanimous support of all 32 member states. Hungary and Slovakia endorsed Rutte after a European Union leaders' summit earlier this week. The term of current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is due to end on October 1. In Washington on Tuesday, Stoltenberg said: "I think it's obvious that we are very close to a conclusion in the alliance, for allies to select the next secretary general. And I think that's good news." Romania's opposition to Rutte's candidacy followed from its support for Iohannis, the country's head of state. But Romania's northwestern neighbour, Hungary, resisted Rutte in particular until this week. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ended his opposition on Tuesday. "Hungary is ready to support PM Rutteas bid for NATO Secretary General," OrbAn said on X, alongside a copy of a letter from Rutte promising to respect an agreement between OrbAn and the current secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, that Hungary will not be required to contribute to Ukraine's war effort. Rutte's letter, also dated Tuesday, noted that remarks he made in 2021 "have caused dissatisfaction in Hungary. My priority in a possible future capacity as NATO Secretary General will be to maintain unity and treat all Allies with the same level of understanding and respect." EU leaders have accused Orban's government of undermining the rule of law in Hungary, and European Union courts have also ruled against Budapest. Rutte and Orban met on Monday ahead of a dinner for EU leaders in Brussels, after which Rutte told reporters that he would soon be sending a letter to Orban. Rutte told members of the press that the Hungarian premier had not asked him to apologize, and that they were focused on the "future." Slovakia's new president, Peter Pellegrini, also said in Brussels on Monday that his country would back Rutte, Slovakian national news agency TASR reported. Stoltenberg said on Tuesday: "I think Mark Rutte is a very strong candidate. He has a lot of experience as Prime Minister. He's a close friend and colleague, and I therefore strongly believe that very soon the Alliance will have decided on my successor, and that will be good for all of us, for NATO and also for me," he added. --IANS/DPA as/ Beirut/Tel Aviv, June 20 : The Israeli army said on Thursday that they killed another pro-Iranian Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon. It said that "terrorist Fadel Ibrahim" was eliminated by an Israeli aircraft in a precise strike in the area of Deir Kifa in southern Lebanon. The army said: "Ibrahim was the commander of Hezbollah operations in the Jouaiyya area, as part of his role, Ibrahim was responsible for planning and carrying out terror attacks against Israel and commanding Hezbollah ground forces in the area of Jouaiyya." Hezbollah confirmed his death and said that in response to the attack in Deir Kifa, the Shiite militia reportedly fired dozens of rockets at targets in northern Israel. The Lebanese news agency NNA had previously reported that one person was killed in a drone strike on a car in the affected area. There were also Israeli attacks on other places in southern Lebanon like Khiyam and Iqlim al-Tuffah region. The Israeli military also said it had destroyed a rocket launcher on Lebanese soil. There are concerns that the conflict between the Israeli military and the Hezbollah militia will continue to expand. --IANS/DPA int/as/arm New Delhi, June 20 : The Ministry of Coal on Thursday announced that it has revised the framework of preparation of the Mining Plan, a pivotal step to regulate and advance India's coal mining sector, and issued draft guidelines for consultation. These guidelines serve as a strategic blueprint for coal mining companies, facilitating effective planning, execution, and monitoring of mining activities while upholding stringent environmental, social, and safety standards. The primary objective is to optimise coal resource extraction through sustainable practices that minimise waste and enhance operational efficiency. This strategic approach includes advanced technological integration to streamline operations, thereby achieving environmental and economic sustainability, according to a Ministry statement. Safety and health measures constitute a cornerstone of the revised guidelines, ensuring the protection of mining personnel and local communities. Robust safety protocols and infrastructure are imperative to safeguard all stakeholders involved in coal mining operations. The revised draft guidelines also focus on responsible mining practices that bolster the coal industry while prioritising ecosystem preservation. This involves mandatory inclusion of restoration, remediation, and regeneration measures in mining plans to ensure sustainable natural resource management. By minimising environmental impacts, addressing community concerns, and promoting continuous improvement in water quality monitoring, the guidelines aim to foster a more sustainable and ethical approach to coal mining. Key reforms introduced in the revised draft Mining Plan & Mine Closure Guidelines include: New Delhi: Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kailash Gahlot and other AAP leaders during a pary workers meeting ahead of his surrender at the Tihar Jail. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, June 20 : In a major relief for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a city court on Thursday granted him bail in the excise policy scam case. The bail was granted by the Rouse Avenue Court. However, the Delhi CM is unlikely to walk out of the jail for now, sources said. He is likely to be set free on Friday after the court orders reach Tihar Jail. Earlier in the day, the court reserved its order on the bail plea of Delhi CM in the money laundering case, in connection with the liquor policy scam. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21. He was granted temporary relief by the Supreme Court and allowed to campaign in the 2024 General elections. He surrendered again on June 2, as per court directions. Notably, Kejriwalas judicial custody was extended till July 3 by the court, a day ago. Potsdam : , June 20 (IANS/DPA) German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has expressed confidence that the country will soon find ways to deport immigrants convicted of serious crimes or deemed Islamist threats to Afghanistan and Syria. "We are in concrete negotiations on this and are confident that we will be able to achieve this for this group," Faeser said on Thursday at a meeting with the state interior ministers from Germany's 16 federal states just outside Berlin. There are only a small number of such people, Faeser stressed. She said the German government is examining the extent to which repatriation via neighbouring countries would be possible in the case of Afghan nationals, citing Uzbekistan as a country that had been previously discussed. However, Faeser did not want to publicly name any countries with which talks are ongoing out of fears of "jeopardizing the concrete negotiations we are currently conducting." Germany halted deportations to Afghanistan after the Taliban, a radical Islamist group, seized power over the country in August 2021. But resuming deportations to Afghanistan and war-torn Syria has been a hot-button issue in Germany, particularly in the wake of the slaying of a policeman by a knife-wielding Afghan migrant during an attack in the German city of Mannheim in May. --IANS/DPA int/as/arm New Delhi, June 20 : Facing flak from various quarters over the paper leak episode in NEET examinations, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday announced the setting up of a high-level committee to probe the irregularities while asserting that none of the guilty will be spared. Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said that the future of students remains a top priority for the government as it is committed to conducting zero-error exams. "I want to assure everyone that once we get concrete evidence, none of the guilty will be spared. Our priority is the future of students," he said. He also told the press that the government has decided to set up a high-level committee for improving the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts a slew of entrance and competitive examinations. "The committee will give recommendations on improving the NTA's structure, its functioning, examination process, transparency and data, and security protocol," the minister stated. Declaring the paper leak in Bihar as an "isolated" incident, he said that the future of lakhs of students should not be impacted because of this. He also made an appeal to not spread rumours nor make any attempt to politicise the issue. The minister also said that his ministry was in regular touch with Bihar Police, with regards to the paper leak of NEET-UG. Notably, at least four students, including a mastermind, arrested in Bihar for NEET paper leak, confessed before the police that they got access to the question paper, a day before the examinations and they also paid a hefty sum for it. Jalna : , June 20 (IANS) Maharashtra's Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi President Prakash Ambedkar here on Thursday called on the striking OBC leader Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare and assured them of full support in their agitation. For the past one week, Hake and Waghmare have been sitting on an indefinite hunger strike near a temple in Wadigodri village, and their health declined further on Thursday. Both the visiting leaders offered them a glass of water, while a visibly emotional Wadettiwar -- himself a senior Congress OBC leader -- dialled Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from the venue and apprised him of the situation of the striking leaders. Hake is a former Maharashtra State Backward Classes Commission member, while Waghmare is the Samata Parishad district president, and both have stopped eating food since June 13. Shinde reiterated to Wadettiwar, who kept his phone to a microphone, and the striking leaders that the government would not dilute the OBC quotas while deciding on the Maratha reservations and promised to send an official delegation to meet them on Friday (June 21). Wadettiwar reminded the Chief Minister that while he makes assurances, his own Bharatiya Janata Party minister Girish Mahajan has said that the issue of 'sage-soyare' (bloodline) will not survive in the court, and its because of the faulty policies of the state government that two major communities are now standing against each other. Hake has repeatedly demanded a written assurance from the MahaYuti government assuring that the state would not disturb the existing 29 per cent OBC reservation while deciding the quotas for any other community. In February this year, a special session of the state legislature unanimously passed the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Economically Backward Bill, 2024, paving the way for 10 per cent quotas for the Maratha community. However, Shivba Sanghatana chief Manoj Jarange-Patil has been demanding that the state should declare Marathas as 'Kunbis' and grant them a separate quota from the OBCs, plus give reservations to 'sage-soyare' (bloodline) that would widen the scope of reservation. However, prominent OBC leaders from different parties, including Wadettiwar (Congress), and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal (Nationalist Congress Party), are strongly opposing the watering down of the OBC quotas to accommodate the Marathas. Pune : , June 20 (IANS) In another shocker from Pune, a woman's body was found in a water tanker that had come to supply water to a parched locality in the Fursungi area of Hadapsar, sending officials into a tizzy on Thursday. An officer from the Hadapsar police station said the incident came to light when the tanker operators connected a pipe to provide water to the crowd gathered at the Power House neighbourhood. When they started the valve, the water stopped coming after some time, as the operators disconnected the pipe to check if there was some problem in the valve. As they opened the outlet, a piece of cloth was found stuck inside it following which one attendant climbed atop the tanker to peek inside. To his shock, he saw a woman's body at the bottom of the water. The tanker operators immediately informed the police who retrieved the body and launched a probe, as the incident sparked a sensation in the locality with a large crowd gathering to catch a glimpse of the victim. The officer said that soon afterward the police confirmed that a missing woman's complaint was lodged at the Kondhwa police station recently, who was identified as Kaushalya M. Morya (25). The police tracked the victim's family members who reached the spot and confirmed the deceased woman's identity. The police have sent the body to the Sassoon General Hospital for an autopsy before handing it over to the family for the last rites. "After the autopsy report is received, we shall be able to confirm if it was an accident, murder, or suicide. We are also questioning the victim's family and others as to why she had gone missing," the officer said. New Delhi, June 20 : A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. Vacation Judge Niyay Bindu of the Rouse Avenue Court had earlier in the day reserved the order on CM Kejriwalas bail plea. Notably, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought a 48-hour deferral in signing the bail bond following the court's pronouncement of the order. The ED's request aimed to allow sufficient time to challenge the order before the appellate court. However, the presiding judge firmly denied the ED's plea for a stay on the order. The trial court said the bail bond must be presented before the duty judge on Friday as per the court's directive. The judge also heard CM Kejriwalas application to allow his wife Sunita Kejriwal to be present during his medical examination. While the court had on Wednesday said that it wonat reserve the order, it had also extended CM Kejriwal's judicial custody in the excise policy case after hearing arguments at length on his regular bail plea. "I will not reserve the order. Everyone knows it is a high-profile matter. I will pass the order after hearing it," Judge Niyay Bindu had said as she posted the continuation of the hearing for Thursday. On Wednesday, the court heard arguments from CM Kejriwal's counsel, while the ED also presented its case but could not complete it. The judge had deferred the hearing to Thursday, stating: "I have to pass some orders (in other cases) and give 'dasti' (service of notice in person) copies." The judge had also heard CM Kejriwalas application to allow his wife Sunita Kejriwal to be present during his medical examination, with the court awaiting a report from Tihar Jail on the matter. The judge had clarified that the central agency had no role in CM Kejriwal's request for treatment inside the jail. During the bail arguments, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary, representing CM Kejriwal, had contended that the case against him relied on statements from individuals who were allegedly promised bail for supporting the ED's case. He had also questioned the credibility of these witnesses and suggested their statements were made under duress after failing to obtain bail. Chaudhary also cited the timing of CM Kejriwal's arrest before the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting it was politically motivated. He argued that there was no material evidence or money trail against CM Kejriwal, describing the investigation as "the biggest instrument of oppression". Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the ED, had argued that CM Kejriwal had not been summoned as an accused but was now facing charges after the special court took cognisance of the money laundering offence. He had said that the credibility of the statements could only be assessed during the trial, not at the bail stage while adding that inducements given to the approvers were lawful and necessary for obtaining evidence. He argued that CM Kejriwal was liable not only in his personal capacity, but also as the head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging he had demanded a bribe of Rs 100 crore. Kolkata, June 20 : In an interesting development, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram dropped in at the West Bengal Secretariat 'Nabanna' on Thursday evening and had a 40-minute-long closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Although neither the Chief Minister nor the Congress leader spoke to media persons about the subjects of discussion at the meeting, Trinamool Congress insiders said that the two leaders probably discussed the strategy to be adopted by the opposition INDIA bloc in the forthcoming session of the Parliament. Political observers feel that the meeting is significant in the way that it hints about the top leadership of the two parties coming closer again leaving behind the bitterness over the Lok Sabha elections between the state unit of Congress and the ruling Trinamool. Now with the state Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who had always been known for his hardcore anti-Trinamool stand, having himself lost in the polls from Baharampur, the road has become smoother for both Congress and Trinamool for future floor coordination in the Lok Sabha. In fact, in the past too, the personal equation between Banerjee and Chidambaram had been extremely cordial, with the latter often holding the brief of the state government in important court cases both at the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court. Often, Chidambaram and his fellow Congressman and senior advocate Abhsihek Manu Singhvi had earned the ire of the state Congress leadership for holding briefs on behalf of the state government and a number of Trinamool leaders but remained unfazed. Yashwant Raj Washington, June 20 : The US on Thursday announced, that in an "extraordinary" step, it was reprioritising "hundreds" of air defence missiles ordered by other countries and sending them instead to Ukraine for its defence from Russia. These interceptor missiles are meant for American-supplied Patriot and NASAMS air defence systems. The White House said missiles ordered by other countries will be delivered but will be delayed by at least 16 months. It refused to disclose the number of countries whose orders will be affected but said Taiwan was not among them. Announcing the extraordinary measure, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, said that the broader message for Russia was that "if you think you're going to be able to outlast Ukraine, and if you think you're gonna be able to outlast those of us who are supporting Ukraine, you're just flat out wrong. And we're going to make sure that we give you print the critical air defence capabilities they need now and into the future". Asked about the number of these reprioritized missiles, he said they were "in the realm of the hundreds". Kirby went on to say the countries whose orders would be delayed had been informed and that they understood why the US was doing it. "We have of course informed all the affected countries that we are taking this extraordinary step and we're making every effort to minimize any negative impact to countries with affected foreign military sales cases. If any of our other partners were ever in a situation similar to Ukraine's we would go to extraordinary lengths to support their security as well." These missiles will begin reaching Ukraine before the end of summer and the supplies will continue over the next 16 months, shoring up the country to defend its cities and populations from Russian missiles. US President Joe Biden has committed his administration to defend Ukraine for as long as it takes and has sent billions of dollars worth of defence equipment by itself and with allies in Europe and Asia. Kohima, June 20 : Over 2.76 lakh voters would decide the fate of 523 candidates in the June 26 elections to three municipal councils and 36 town councils in Nagaland in civic polls being held after a gap of 20 years, officials said on Thursday. State Election Commissioner (SEC) T. John Longkumer said that 670 nominations were submitted and subsequently 79 candidatures were withdrawn while 64 candidates were elected unopposed. Four nomination papers were rejected during scrutiny. He said that no candidate is contesting in the town councils in eastern Nagaland, where Eastern Nagaland Peopleas Organisation (ENPO) gave a vote boycott call in support of their statehood demand for aFrontier Nagaland Territorya. Longkumer, a former Director General of Police of Nagaland, said that a total of 2,76,229 voters, including 1,40,167 women, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the urban bodies poll. Of the total of 418 wards in the urban civic bodies, 142 wards are reserved for women. The SEC said that many national and local parties are contesting the elections. These include the BJP, the Congress, the Janata Dal-United, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the Naga Peopleas Front (NPF), the Rising Peopleas Party, the Republican Party of India-Athawale, and the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas. The SEC earlier served a show cause notice to the ENPO, the apex body of seven backward Naga tribes in eastern Nagaland who urged the people to abstain from participating in the civic polls to press for its statehood demand. People in the six districts, which have over four lakh voters, remained indoors on April 19 in polling to the state's sole Lok Sabha constituency, responding to its call. SEC officials said that 108 companies of state security forces would be deployed to maintain security while 8,100 personnel would be posted to conduct the civic polls. Srinagar, June 20 : Former J&K Chief Minister and President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, on Thursday accused the UT administration of causing 'serious inconvenience' to the people over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Srinagar for International Yoga Day (June 21). In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti said, "An occasion for celebration has become one that fills people with dread. A day before International Yoga Day, all government employees along with schoolchildren have been ordered to show up at different venues at ungodly hours. Even pregnant employees have not been spared. A pregnant employee was threatened to choose between her job or being present at the event." The visit by PM Modi, who reached here on Thursday evening, is his first trip to the Union Territory after being elected as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. The authorities in J&K, meanwhile, strongly refuted Mehbooba Mufti's allegations pertaining to PM Modi's visit. In a statement, J&K Director Colleges said, "A misinformation is circulating on social media regarding Yoga Day celebrations, wherein it has been alleged that employees are being forced to participate in the event, female employees are made to change their clothes, and even pregnant women are forced to take part in celebrations. "This misinformation is strongly refuted. Participants in the Yoga Day celebrations have volunteered to take part in the event, and no employee was compelled to join the event against his/her will. Employees are not required to change their clothing. They have been provided with long tunics to wear over their existing attire, ensuring their comfort and convenience." The statement added: "The employees' well-being has been prioritised. Pregnant employees and those with medical conditions have not been asked to participate in the Yoga Day celebrations. People are urged to verify facts before spreading false narratives that can cause unnecessary concern and confusion." Hanoi, June 20 : In a clear warning to the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday indicated his nation could supply long-range precision weapons to North Kora and other countries, on the same pattern that the US and other countries are arming Ukraine. "We do not rule out supplying weapons to other countries, including the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Let the West think where they might end up," the Russian President, who is in Vietnam on the second leg of his Asian tour after visiting North Korea, told media persons after meetings with the Vietnamese leadership, RT reported. He was responding to this previous statement on sending missiles to adversaries of the West, in response to the US and its allies allowing Ukraine to use their supplied weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Noting that the Western countries that have supplied long-range and other weapons to Ukraine have said they can't be held responsible for how Kiev uses them, and insist that it does not make them parties to the conflict, Putin said that Russia, therefore, reserves the same right for itself. He also said that Moscow is considering modifications to its doctrine on the use of atomic weapons, as the West appears to be working on low-yield weapons to lower the nuclear threshold. Asked about the peace terms he offered Ukraine last week, Putin said that Russia has always been willing to negotiate, while Kiev and its Western backers sabotaged both the Minsk process and the Istanbul talks. The Russian President, who had cited conditions for peace talks, including Ukraine removing its troops from Donbass and two other regions, and assuring it would not join NATO, underlined that the terms he outlined will not be valid forever. "Our terms will change depending on the situation on the ground," he said. Putin arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday evening from Pyongyang, where he signed a strategic partnership treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. His trip to Vietnam is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with Hanoi, including trade and nuclear energy cooperation. New Delhi, June 20 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will begin a two-day state visit to India starting Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be the first incoming bilateral state visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections. The External Affairs Ministry stated that, during her visit, Sheikh Hasina will hold bilateral consultations with PM Modi and is also scheduled to call-on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to call-on the Bangladeshi Prime Minister on Friday. Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9, earlier this month. Chandigarh, June 20 : The Amritsar Police Commissionerate, in a 10-day operation, busted a trans-border illegal arms and narco-terrorism hawala racket with the arrest of eight accused, Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday. Apart from kingpin Ranjit Singh, alias Kaka, other arrested persons have been identified as Rajinder, Abhishek, Vishal, Lovepreet, Gurbhej, Gurjant and Jaspal, all residents of Amritsar. DGP Yadav said police teams have also recovered 4.10 kg heroin, two pistols - a Pakistan-made Zigana pistol and a .32 bore pistol - along with 45 cartridges and Rs 2.07 lakh drug money from their possession. Seven vehicles bought with drug money were also impounded. The DGP said the operation is still ongoing to nab other entities with cross-border linkages and hawala involvement. The development materialised after investigations carried out by the Amritsar Police Commissionerate with the arrest of local drug peddler Rajinder of Amritsar from whom 500 grams heroin, Rs 40,000 drug money, a car, and a pistol were seized. Rajinder was also wanted by the Amritsar Rural Police in an attempt to murder case. Hyderabad, June 20 : The Congress government in Telangana has urged the Centre not to auction coal mining blocks in the state and allot them to public sector miner Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL). A day before the launch of the 10th tranche of auctions of coal mines by the Ministry of Coal in Hyderabad, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance and Energy Minister, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said all the mining blocks in the coal belt area of the state should be allotted to the SCCL. A delegation of the state government led by Vikramarka will meet Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Friday to make a representation in this regard. Addressing a press conference along with Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao in Khammam, the Deputy CM said the state would seek allotment of new mines through nomination, not auction, as SCCL was a public sector company. They said if Singareni was not allotted new coal mines, its very existence would be at stake. The ministers urged Kishan Reddy, who hails from Telangana, to take the initiative in allotting mining blocks to SCCL. Vikramarka said the government, if necessary, would take an all-party delegation to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to request him to allot mining blocks to SCCL for its needs beyond 2030. He mentioned that currently coal is extracted from 40 mines in the state but 22 of these mines are nearing depletion. These mines are likely to close by 2030 and this will affect 42,000 direct employees and 26,000 outsourced workers of the SCCL. The current coal production of 70 million tonnes is likely to drop to 15 million tonnes. The ministers demanded that the Koyagudem coal block of Sattupalli that was auctioned recently should also be allotted to the SCCL. They alleged that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) had supported a bill brought by the BJP government in the Parliament to deprive the public sector companies of coal mines. The BRS MPs had supported an amendment made to the Mines and Minerals Act mandating the auctioning of coal mines and now the same party was opposing the auction. They said the then BRS government did not allow SCCL to participate in the auction and ensured that mining rights of the Koyagudem block were given to the companies whose leaders were closely associated with the party. Alleging that Singareni suffered losses during the BRS rule, they said the closure of old blocks and the non-allocation of new blocks resulted in a steep decline in the workforce. Mumbai, June 20 : Maharashtra Ports Minister Sanjay Bansode has said that the proposed Vadhavan port cleared by the Union Cabinet will be a game changer for Maharashtra. The Union Cabinet recently approved the Rs 76,220 crore port at Vadhavan in Palghar district of Maharashtra. During an interaction with IANS, Sanjay Bansode said the project would boost industrial development and also generate employment opportunities. "I sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet as the development of Vadhavan port will provide huge employment opportunities for the local people during the construction phase as well as the operation phase. Many posts including driver, mechanic, painter, carpenter, electrician, watchman, computer operator will be created for those who are less educated. In addition, there will be tremendous opportunities for highly educated ones in the field of management, engineering and others," the Minister said. He said it will further boost industrial development due to multiple business opportunities in its surroundings and also in the adjoining areas of the state. "The Vadhavan port will be a game changer for Maharashtra, and it will help the state to achieve its ambitious target of a $1 trillion economy," the Minister said. Despite a series of talks by the Maharashtra government and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and also the recent public hearing, a section of villagers and fishing community are strongly opposed to the port development. On being asked how he plans to address their concerns, Sanjay Bansode said: "There is no opposition to the port development. The Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers and myself have held several meetings with the farmers and fishing community. "Those talks were quite positive. The project will certainly help Maharashtra's growth scale to a new high. The government is committed to addressing the concerns raised by those opposing the project. I appeal to them to extend their cooperation in the development of the port at Vadhavan. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has provided training for aspiring fishermen to enhance their skills. This is an ongoing programme as interested persons can avail this training," he told IANS. The Minister also said that Shankhodhar Shrine, a place of worship of the locals, will be preserved. His assurance on the matter came after the villagers expressed concern that the Shankhodhar Shrine, dedicated to Lord Ram, would be damaged due to the port development project. "It is far away from the port project site and there will be no risk to Shankhodhar Shrine," he said. "Also, let me make it clear that there is no proposal to set up a crude oil refinery in the master plan of the port project. In fact, crude oil refining was never thought of. It is requested that no one should take notice of such false propaganda in this regard," the Minister said as it was learned that the villagers are opposed to the "proposed" crude oil refinery there. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) Kolkata, June 20 : CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday demanded a court-monitored probe by a special investigation team (SIT) in the UGC-NEET paper leak case. "An entire system has been polluted. Many influential people are involved in the matter. What is required is a court-monitored probe by a SIT. The future of the youths is being played with. People have lost all hope in agencies like the CBI. Their only task is to hound the opposition parties," he said while addressing a press conference here. On the election disaster of the party in West Bengal where the party has once again reduced to zero, Yechury said that the defeat of his party was not just against the BJP or the Trinamool Congress, but also against "muscle power" and "money power". CPI-M Politburo member and state Secretary Mohammad Salim, who was also present, said that besides unleashing massive violence on the polling days, there had been massive irregularities in the counting of votes. However, Yechury has outlined a silver line even amid the party's debacle. "Over the last elections, we have been able to bring new faces to the forefront. Our campaigning reached a different level in the state this time. It can be said that a completely new face of the party has evolved in West Bengal, which is not only good for the state but also for the entire country," he said. New Delhi, June 21 : Mohan Kumar Singh, Principal Director General of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), said that illicit trade through smuggling and counterfeiting poses an immense threat and impacts legitimate economic activities resulting in government revenue losses and fuelling of organised crime. "At DRI, we are acutely aware of the challenges of illicit trade and are dedicated to addressing them on a daily basis. In the financial year 2023-24, DRI detected 623 cases, averaging nearly 2 cases daily, resulting in contraband seizures valued at Rs 3,500 crore. A significant portion of these seizures involved narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as well as smuggled gold. Also, other items that DRI has kept a close watch on are cigarettes, red sanders, fake currency, wildlife products as well as areca nuts. "Given the nature of illicit trade one major way forward to tackle the menace is the need for emphasis on global cooperation among relevant international organizations. We have actively pursued this cooperation through various bilateral and multilateral agreements. Our experience shows that infiltration of global supply chains has emerged as a significant threat," Singh said. Singh was delivering the inaugural address at a seminar organised by FICCI Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) in Delhi. FICCI CASCADE has intensified its campaign to combat illicit trade by organising the seminar titled, Global Challenges of Illicit Trade and the Way Forward. The seminar focussed on addressing the complex issues surrounding illicit trade on a global scale and aimed to pave the way for collaborative solutions and proactive measures against this pervasive threat to economies worldwide. Applauding FICCI CASCADE's work in countering illicit trade, Singh said: "Global meetings and conferences have also played a crucial role in tackling the widespread nature and network of illicit trade operatives. Combating such networks requires a network of multiple stakeholders of government bodies as well as non-state actors. The dynamic nature of these threats necessitates forums such as this seminar to contribute effectively to the fight against illicit trade. I commend FICCI CASCADE for organising this seminar, which I am sure will contribute meaningfully to the global efforts of combating illegal trade." Anil Rajput, Chairman of FICCI CASCADE delivering the welcome address at the seminar said: "In India, DRI and other enforcement agencies have been playing an increasingly significant role in combating illicit trade through a substantial increase in seizures of illicit products like gold, cigarettes, currency, cosmetics and much more on a routine basis at the Indian airports, sea ports and border points. Today, illicit trade operatives exploit technology like AI to automate smuggling processes, from route planning to risk assessment and evasion tactics. Illicit traders are also employing AI algorithms to analyse border control data, law enforcement activities and surveillance patterns to exploit weaknesses and optimise their illegal operations, therefore, development of effective deterrence against this misuse of technology requires our unabated focus. "I must emphasise that despite the increase in seizures, these represent only the tip of the iceberg and the magnitude of the problem is significantly higher and continues to grow exponentially year on year. Hence it is imperative that we act swiftly to enhance global cooperation in combating illicit trade. One proposed solution is establishing a 'Global Forum' comprising enforcement agencies from across the world, supported by a dedicated secretariat. FICCI CASCADE stands ready to collaborate with the government and enforcement agencies to develop a comprehensive strategy to bring alive such an initiative," Rajput added. Brigadier Girish Upadhya, Assam Rifles, during the seminar said: "Infrastructure in border areas is a challenge but we try our level best to stop contraband and the movement of illegal drugs. In 2023, Rs 1,125 crore worth of drugs and contrabands were caught and this year until now, Rs 1,109 crore worth of drugs and contrabands have been seized. We keep having monthly and quarterly meetings with other agencies to check smuggling and I believe movement in border areas needs to be electronically mapped to rein in these illicit activities." B. Shanker Jaiswal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Tech, Cyber & Licensing), Delhi Police, said: "Technology is an enabler and is a force multiplier. But no technology can be effective until and unless there are trained personnel to use it. Criminals use the dark web for transactions and this has become very challenging. We have to train our officers in such technologies to tackle the threat. Illicit trade can be drastically reduced if we are able to harness technology effectively. For example, we should be able to harness the massive databases that the government has created and take the help of AI in data mining to be one step ahead of smugglers and illicit trade operatives. I strongly believe data-driven policing is the future." Srinagar, June 21 : The killing of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday is a major success for the security forces, the Army said in a statement. The Army said on Thursday that over the past few weeks, there has been constant information regarding the movement of a terrorist group in the Sopore-Rafiabad area of Baramulla district. "On June 19, 2024, specific intelligence was received through J&K Police that two terrorists were holed up in a house in Hadipura village of Rafiabad area. Consequently, the Indian Army, J&K Police, and the CRPF launched a joint operation, swiftly cordoning off the area," the Army added. "Following standard procedures, civilians were safely evacuated from adjacent houses, and the area was secured. The target house was thoroughly cordoned off and on the search being commenced, terrorists opened fire on the security forces. In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralised." The slain terrorists have been identified as Usman and Umar, both of Pakistani origin and associated with the LeT. Usman has been active in the Kashmir Valley since 2020. Significant quantities of weapons and ammunition have been recovered after the operation. "Elimination of these terrorists marks another major success for the security forces. Over the past few months, the security forces have maintained a high operational tempo, resulting in some major achievements. The success is also attributed to the complete cooperation of the Kashmiri people," the statement said. "Security forces will continue to make sustained efforts to maintain peace and stability in Kashmir." New Delhi, June 21 : Seven-time Parliamentarian Bhartrihari Mahtab was on Thursday appointed the Pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday. Mahtab will remain as Pro-tem Speaker until the new Lok Sabha Speaker is elected. In a post on X, Union Minister Rijiju said: "President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as Pro-tem Speaker under Article 95(1) of the Constitution. He will perform the duties of the Speaker till the election of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha is held." Reacting to the development, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said it is another attempt to destroy the Parliamentary norms as Bhartruhari Mahtab has been appointed the Pro-tem Speaker instead of the senior-most MP, Kodikunnil Suresh from Kerala, who is an eight-term Parliamentarian. Venugopal added that it is an undisputed norm that the senior-most MP presides over the proceedings of the Parliament House before the Speaker is duly elected. "It is a matter of immense pride for our party that K. Suresh, a leader from the marginalised section of the society, has achieved the feat of being an eight-term MP. "The government should explain why it chose to overlook K Suresh, what was the factor that disqualified him from this post? Are there deeper issues influencing this decision, perhaps beyond just merit and seniority." Venugopal asked in a post on X. Under Article 99 of the Constitution, the President has appointed Lok Sabha MPs Kodikunnil Suresh, T.R. Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay to assist the Pro-tem Speaker in the oath-taking of the newly-elected MPs. Beirut, June 21 : The Lebanese-Cypriot ties are strong, said the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, a day after Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah threatened to wage a war against Cyprus. "The Lebanese-Cypriot relations are based on a rich history of diplomatic cooperation; also, bilateral communication and consultation are ongoing at the highest levels between the two countries to discuss issues of common interest," the Ministry added on Thursday. The Ministry's statement comes a day after Nasrallah threatened to wage war against Cyprus if the latter allows Israel to use its airports in the event of a war with Hezbollah, Xinhua news agency reported. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. Black Garnet in St. Paul, the first and only bricks-and-mortar Black-owned bookstore specializing in books by BIPOC authors established in the Minnesota capital is on the market. Owner Dionne Sims announced on social media on the eve of Juneteenth that she is selling the store, which opened in St. Pauls Midway area two years ago, so that she can go back to school and earn an M.F.A. Ive always loved to write, both personally and professionally, she wrote. I do it every day and I want to go back to school to take my craft to another placea braver placethan I could do on my own. Sims added that she is selling the store because, she wrote, I refuse to half-ass running Black Garnet or half-ass my schooling. In the post, Sims described how she built Black Garnet into a successful bricks-and-mortar store with a 2,000-title opening inventory: From absolutely nothing, except an idea turned tweet, turned GoFundMe, turned pop-up, turned bricks-and-mortar. Sims is one of a number of BIPOC entrepreneurs around the country who opened bookstores in the wake of the May 25, 2020, murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Speaking to PW in 2023, Sims said that, after Floyd's murder, she had an existential crisis and quit her corporate job in the technology sector to better serve the Black community in the Twin Cities. By July 2020, she had launched an online bookstore with occasional pop-ups around Minneapolis. Black Garnet opened its 1,800-sq.-ft. physical location in the fall of 2022 with the assistance of the City of St. Paul, which gave her a $100,000 matching grant after she had raised $113,000. The store sells fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, and boasts a large young adult fiction section. Black Garnet is the manifestation of so many things that are bigger than me, Sims wrote. Bigger than the very simple dream I had of making sure that theres always a Black-owned bookstore in my home of Minnesota. The 30th edition of the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) got off to a busy start this week, returning to its pre-pandemic five-day schedule and running June 1923 at the China National Convention Center in the Beijing Olympic Park. The fair has dedicated its first three days to professional visitors and the rest for the general public, with Saudi Arabia tapped as this years guest of honor. Last years move to the current venue and the shift from August to June dates is our way of bidding goodbye to the end of the pandemic while signaling the start of a new chapter for the fair, said Lin Liying, president of China National Publications Import & Export Co., which organizes BIBF. The pandemic, she added, has brought many challenges to the publishing industry. But with challenges come opportunities. One thing is for certain: change is the status quo, and we need to see both sides and look forward to the possibilities. BIBF is forging ahead with hope and embracing the changes. The relocation and new schedule seem to have worked out well thus far. Fifteen countries or regions are exhibiting for the first time this year, including Azerbaijan, Czechia, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, and Slovakia. There are also 11 additional international pavilions, and Italy, Japan, Malaysia, and the U.K. have expanded their booth space. In total, BIBF has counted around 1,600 exhibitors, of which 1,050 come from overseas and 150 are new to the show. The fair, Lin said, is looking into adding more theme-based eventsalongside Cookbooks Show, Illustrators Exhibit, and Picture Book Fair, for instancein order to connect content creators and publishers with the reading public. We hope to inspire new ideas for unique content while motivating the public to learn and read more, she added, noting that such events as the Cookbooks Show can help facilitate cross-cultural communications and exchanges. Several major conferences are being held at BIBF this year, namely the PubTech Conference, the World Childrens Book Forum, and the International Publishing Forum. The second edition of PubTech was held on the first day of the fair, and, unsurprisingly, was mostly about AI. The speakers, including those from Elsevier (Greater China), Peking University, and Shanghai Data Exchange, focused on leveraging AI for such activities as editing and proofreading, assisting in content development, and predicting reading or search preferences. The underlying message of the programming was positive, not fearful, insisting that AI is here to assist and not to replace humans and that, managed and trained properly, AI can be an efficient and reliable tool in content editing, generation, and planning for the publishing industry. As for the state of the overall Chinese book market, it is still suffering from the long-tail effects of the pandemic and the prolonged lockdown. According to OpenBook, in 2019, book sales hit the peak of around 102.27 billion, approximately $14 billion. Last year, it only reached 91.2 billion ($12.5 billion). Sales via online platforms continue to prevail in the country over those in bricks-and-mortar outlets, while short video e-commerceon TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and WeChat, for instanceis quickly becoming the top channel for online book marketing and retail. Online platforms noew account for at least two-third of overall book sales in China, and as such, these platforms hold enormous power in exerting heavy discounting policies to promote sales. For publishers, discounts of more than 60% are a losing proposition regardless of the potential sales volume such promotional activity may generate. Those concerns led to some publishers boycotting e-commerce platform JD.coms 618 Shopping Festival, which ran June 118 (hence the name 618) and offered discounts of up to 80%. It was the second largest shopping event in China after the Singles Day in November. Online influencers have also been the subject of severe backlash over their extreme discounting practices, ranging from selling titles below 10 ($1.38) to giving away books at just 1 (14 cents). Despite the current doldrums, China remains a huge book market for all publishers. BIBF attendees are hopeful sales will soon start to heat up again. 'At present, we are conducting internal consultations with legal minds and other stakeholders.' 'Once we have a reasonable draft, we'll then engage in broader consultations.' IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Roman/Pixabay.com The ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) is poised to unveil the initial draft of its artificial intelligence policy in the next five to six months, according to sources in the know. Meity has been drawing up a comprehensive framework for regulating AI in India, with deepfake regulation being an integral component of this AI framework, a senior government official informed Business Standard. "At present, we are conducting internal consultations with legal minds and other stakeholders. Once we have a reasonable draft, we'll then engage in broader consultations," the official said. Until AI regulation is formalised, issues like deepfakes stemming from AI are being addressed in accordance with existing policies under the Information Technology Act, 2020. "AI cannot be seen in isolation or fragmented, as it encompasses several elements. "Even when promoting AI -- in terms of establishing a regulatory sandbox, addressing patent issues, or fostering responsible AI -- all these aspects must be carefully examined," said the official. Meity is engaging with global fora such as the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and studying diverse AI frameworks already implemented across various jurisdictions. "We have been engaging in numerous meetings with international fora, facilitating an exchange of ideas regarding the experiences of other nations. Fora like GPAI and others regularly discuss these pertinent issues," the official added. Presently, the European Union stands as the sole jurisdiction globally to have enacted comprehensive legislation on AI. Other regions attempting AI regulation include the US, which has adopted a more light-touch voluntary compliance approach, while China's strategy focuses on maintaining social stability and State control over technology. India aims to mitigate risks associated with AI while simultaneously ensuring that regulation does not impede the country's opportunities for AI-led growth. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has repeatedly stressed the importance of striking a balance between innovation and regulation in the context of increasing use of AI. 'We must reach a consensus on how society can proceed. In India, we believe in achieving a fine equilibrium between innovation and regulation in the case of AI,' said the minister during a conference in Delhi in April. Earlier reports from Business Standard highlighted the government's formation of a high-powered committee to examine AI regulation, comprising representatives from various ministries, academia, industry associations, including National Association of Software and Service Companies, and think-tanks. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com The Budget for 2024-25 should focus on employment generation, besides promoting the manufacturing sector, economists attending the pre-Budget consultation meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Wednesday said. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters The meeting was attended by National Co-convenor Swadeshi Jagran Manch Ashwani Mahajan, Director and Chief Executive of the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) Nagesh Kumar, and TCA Anant among others. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mahajan said unemployment is a big issue and the government should focus on generating jobs. Given the boost in the economy, consumption demand is not going to be a problem, he added. "We talked a lot about the need to push the manufacturing sector," Nagesh said, adding that the Budget must provide incentive to promote MSME and textile sector. Nagesh pitched for expanding the scope of the PLI scheme. Ministry of Finance in a post on X said, "Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman chairs the first Pre-Budget Consultations with leading economists in connection with the forthcoming General Budget 2024-25 in New Delhi, today." "The #PreBudget consultation meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri @mppchaudhary; Finance Secretary; Secretaries of Departments of Economic Affairs, Revenue, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs; and Chief Economic Adviser, Government of India," it added. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to present the Union Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year in the last week of July. The government on Wednesday raised the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy by 5.35 per cent to Rs 2,300 per quintal for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season. Photograph: Rajendra Jadhav/Reuters The hike in paddy support price comes despite the government sitting on surplus rice stocks, but it is significant ahead of elections in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi. Announcing the MSP increase, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the cabinet has approved the minimum support prices for 14 kharif (summer) crops based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The MSP for 'common' grade paddy has been raised Rs 117 to Rs 2,300 per quintal, while for the 'A' grade variety it has been hiked to Rs 2,320 per quintal for the upcoming kharif season, Vaishnaw told reporters. This is the first cabinet decision taken in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term in office, the minister said. Vaishnaw said the government had a clear policy decision taken in the 2018 Union Budget that MSP should be at least 1.5 times the cost of production, and this principle was followed in the latest MSP hike. The cost was scientifically calculated by CACP, he added. The Food Corporation of India currently holds a record stockpile of around 53.4 million tonnes of rice, which is four times the required buffer for July 1 and sufficient to meet demand under welfare schemes for one year without any fresh procurement. Despite lower rainfall of about 20 per cent across the country since the start of the monsoon season on June 1, weather conditions are now favourable for further advancement of the rains, according to the meteorological department. The go-ahead given to prosecute Arundhati Roy would be seen by supporters of freedom of speech as an announcement that the Right-Wing doesn't feel humbled by the results of the elections, argues Shyam G Menon. IMAGE: Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy. Photograph: ANI Photo For the Vishwaguru, it seems, there is nothing as worrying as an intellect. The reported mid-June decision of the lieutenant governor of Delhi giving approval for the prosecution of Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), helped highlight once again the never-ending fears of India's political Right-Wing as well as sections of our electorate who constitute its supporters. The specific charge against Roy -- that of allegedly making provocative statements -- is 14 years old. That aside, as everyone knows, Roy has been a longstanding critic of Narendra Modi. Roy is a much-respected figure in liberal and intellectual circles, locally and globally. As reported in The Indian Express newspaper on June 15, 2024, the sanction for prosecution covered Roy and Dr Sheikh Showkat Hussain, former professor at the Central University of Kashmir. The provision in law invoked was Section 45(1) of the UAPA and it concerns a FIR filed by social activist Sushil Pandit in 2010 over 'provocative speeches in public' made at an auditorium in New Delhi. The context was a conference organised under the banner: Azadi - The Only Way. According to the Indian Express report, in October 2023 the lieutenant governor had granted permission to prosecute the accused under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It said that the Delhi police on the other hand, had sought prosecution sanction under four sections of the Indian Penal Code and UAPA Section 13. In October, the lieutenant governor granted sanction only for the IPC sections. Roughly eight months later, news reports say, sanction for prosecution under UAPA has been given. The main aim of UAPA is to make powers available for dealing with activities undermining the integrity and sovereignty of India. A 2019 amendment to the UAPA (its most recent amendment) made it possible for the government to treat individuals as terrorists without following any formal judicial process. In an article in Scroll on the reported move against Roy under UAPA (published,June 17, 2024), Vineet Bhalla highlighted both the lack of transparency regarding the reasons for prosecution (an order sanctioning prosecution under UAPA should reflect the reasoning used for the grant of sanction) and absence of the information needed to check whether the sanction was lawful. The article also pointed to speculation that the resort to UAPA may have been 'to bypass the period of limitation applicable to the other offences under the Indian Penal Code invoked against Roy and Hussain.' June 18 evening, Press Trust of India quoting 'official sources', reported that the Delhi police may file the charge sheet under UAPA, the following week. IMAGE: Arundhati Roy speaks to journalists during a hunger strike in Bhopal October 27, 2000 against the controversial enlargement of the Narmada dam. Photograph: Reuters The administration's reported decision of mid-June approving Roy's prosecution under UAPA, prompted two responses in a lay person like me. The first was to treat the news as reason to look around and see if anything else was afoot as the case in question was 14 years old, nothing pointed to a pressing current requirement to rekindle it and based on past experience, the Bharatiya Janata Party government is known to have us look one way while doing something totally different, somewhere else. Second, the timing genuinely puzzled because over and above the alleged offence being 14 years ago, the courts and lawyers were on vacation in mid-June (the Communist Party of India- Marxist pointed this out in its statement on the subject), recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir had left an even divide in the number of seats won between the BJP led-National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition INDIA bloc and there had been new terror attacks in Kashmir with casualties alongside. Plus, it was only less than a fortnight earlier that the BJP had seen its kitty of seats won in Parliament get reduced in the general elections and subsequently assumed power through a coalition government. In theory, the government would have to consult more than before and the Opposition had gained strength in Parliament. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi. Photograph: ANI Photo Nobody therefore would consider the present juncture as opportune to fan a fresh controversy involving Kashmir, UAPA and one of India's best-known authors, unless we remind ourselves that following the 2024 general elections, the country is back in the hands of an optics-hungry dispensation that has a problem with freedom of speech. Some observers argue that a move against Roy would help restore the climate of fear, which used to be the normal before the 2024 elections. In the immediate run-up to the elections, when the Modi magic weakened (especially in states like Uttar Pradesh), the Opposition was gaining and election discourse revolved around real issues like employment; the BJP government was getting openly criticised. Modi's return via a coalition government hasn't altered the situation. It won't be surprising if there are those who wish for an old fear to be back, this constituency argues. As someone who periodically reads what Roy writes in the media and someone who values her as a critical, dissenting voice, in the wake of the reported approval for prosecution, I was reminded of the Right-Wing's unending provocation of those with a perspective different from its. The go ahead given to prosecute Roy would be seen by her fans and the supporters of freedom of speech, as an announcement that the Right-Wing is back to taunt and it doesn't feel humbled by the results of the just ended elections. It would also seem a rather shrewd move. IMAGE: Arundhati Roy addresses a press conference on people's democratic rights and against the criminalisation of 'right to public protest' at the Press Club of India in New Delhi, October 22, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo Roy is a writer commanding respect across states. She has roots in Kerala and Bengal, has lived for long in Delhi and, besides her works of fiction, has written about various issues in India. The mid-June approval for prosecution follows one of the celebrated gains of the BJP in the 2024 elections -- the first Lok Sabha seat from Kerala won by the BJP. It is an outcome that is widely believed to have been aided in part by a shift in votes from the Christian community. A state with a sizable Communist presence and a land that takes its creative arts seriously, sections of Kerala's population have been supportive of Roy, the writer and intellectual. In Delhi, where Roy lives, the BJP swept all the seats on offer in the Lok Sabha elections. Finally, the offence in question harks back to 2010, when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government was in power. It provides scope for the Right-Wing to argue that the charges are from an era when the Opposition ruled. Thus, even as its Lok Sabha footprint diminished nationally, from the perspective of moving against Roy, the authorities would appear to have relevant bases covered, except, of course, the domain of the political Opposition and the domain of intellectuals, lawyers, liberals and people from the creative fields, where the BJP and its military mindset typically find limited traction. IMAGE: Arundhati Roy speaks at a protest outside Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, January 11, 2020, against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Photograph: ANI Photo The question of whether Roy would be arrested under UAPA or not hangs like a Damocles Sword. It's a sword bent like a question mark because as mentioned earlier, leading media outlets have reported glaring gaps in the information available yet on the order to prosecute. Between 2010 and now, many things happened in erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. In 2016, India said it caried out surgical strikes, hitting terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. In 2019, following the revocation of special status for J&K granted under Article 370, the region was bifurcated into J&K and a separate Ladakh. Subsequently, there was a long period of tight security and restrictions on communications. Amidst the regular regimen of politics, high security and pilgrimages in J&K, a major development was the February 2023 announcement of lithium deposits found in Reasi district, Jammu. In the run-up to the last general elections, in April 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to PoK being firmly a part of India. These are part of the updated optics for viewing Kashmir. Roy's supporters meanwhile point to figures in world literature who refused to bow before authority and stood by the principles they believed in. Following her literary success with The God of Small Things, Roy has been more a political activist than a novelist. Those who look at existence as an exploration usually have no problem listening to her opinions. Those with identity surrendered to inflexible tenets and muscular nationhood find her views difficult to digest, almost an affront. This author does not know what Roy exactly said at the 2010 conference. Given she is a renowned author and the incident at the heart of the latest UAPA-related development concerns remarks on Kashmir and not any literary debate, it is a moot question whether by prosecuting Roy, the ruling dispensation will score points or invite even more international glare and scrutiny to the Kashmir issue. The decision to prosecute also puts in focus the versatility of the UAPA as a tool to silence intellectuals, who by definition, periodically tread controversial space. Should they take ownership for what they utter? Yes, they should. Are we poorer, if they are silenced? That is what cases of this sort should make us contemplate. All I can say is -- strange is the Vishwaguru, which wishes for intellect and dissent to be gagged. Shyam G Menon is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com 'In the history of India this kind of scores and ranks has never happened in exams.' IMAGE: Students in Bhopal, June 14, 2024, protest against the alleged irregularities in the conduct of NEET. Photograph: ANI Photo The NEET question paper leak issue refuses to die down, as students continue to protest, with even the Supreme Court of India stating that the government must 'probe' negligence of even 0.001 percent in the high-profile examination. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the qualifying exam for MBBS and BDS courses in India. The exams are conducted all over India by the National Testing Agency and this year 2.4 million students appeared for NEET. The exams were conducted on May 5, 2024, at 4,750 centres across 571 cities and small towns of India. However, the examination process came under a cloud after paper leaks were reported from two NEET centres -- at Godhra in Gujarat and Patna in Bihar. Doubts were again raised after 67 students topped NEET 2024 with All India Rank No. 1. The toppers list usually does not consist more than one or two toppers every year but this year 67 students topped the list, which was unparalleled. All the 67 toppers (external link) scored 720 marks and 99.9971285 percentile. What surprised many was that six toppers came from the Hardayal Public school in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, a NEET examination centre. On further inquiry it was found out that these six students had got grace marks and were in the AIR list of 67 students. The Supreme Court of India then told these students to give a re-examination on June 23 with other 1,557 students who got grace marks like them. Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to Maheshwer Peri, founder and chairman, Careers360, to know more about the issue. A report in the Indian Express states that at the Patna and Godhra centres where papers were leaked, the students who are under a scanner did not score more than 500 marks. And to get a seat in a government medical college under the all-India quota, a score of 650 plus out of 720 is considered the norm. I have not read the report but whenever there is a paper leak it is obvious that it is for a purpose. I don't know how the Indian Express got the data of those particular centres and marks from those centres. And you then have 7-8 students from the same exam centre (external link) getting the top rank (in Jhajjar, Haryana). The entire issue of paper leak is not about these two centres that are caught but many other centres that were not caught. These two centres were caught. And I am only talking of the scoring that happened this year compared to last year. Ignore the centres and 1,563 students (facing re-examination). You just compare the score versus rank this year versus last year. And that is where you come to know that what happened is impossible. 67 toppers in NEET exams are impossible. At 600 (marks) you cannot have 80,000 ranks -- which was around 30,000 ranks (last year), and these are the questions that need to be asked. Is that the reason people doubt this year's NEET results, because of such good marks and ranks? Yes, exactly. In the history of India this kind of scores and ranks has never happened in exams. And so many students got such good scores in NEET. Cancelling grace marks for 1,563 students and telling them to reappear for exams did not make any difference to the protests. Why did this move not satisfy the agitating students? You must remember these 1,563 students complained and therefore they got grace marks in NEET. (The students complained that they were not given the allotted time of 3 hours 20 minutes to complete their tests so on the recommendation of a committee constituted by the National Testing Agency, compensatory marks were awarded to them). How many students go to the NTA or to court to complain after the exams? These 1m563 students complained and therefore NTA gave them grace marks. Are you then suggesting that every student who has a problem after exams will go to court or go to NTA (for grace marks)? Does the NEET policy allow such grace marks? NTA responds when the court interferes, otherwise they won't even respond. They don't have any customer service or student response (cell). NTA was always found to be wanting in transparency. They responded to queries on why some students got 718 and 719 marks so we came to know about grace marks or else we would have never known about the grace marks. And we came to know of it because the students went to court, isn't it? Yes. Now about this newspaper report from Godhra and Patna centres, I will say it is a selective leak. Many people are asking for re-examination of NEET because of the paper leak. Do you feel it is the right solution? I am not suggesting that is the way forward. The way to move forward is to have a forensic and technical audit which they must complete in 7 to 15 days. And assuming that there is a large scale paper leak, then do a re-test, otherwise confine it to assuming 7 or 20 centres where reports (of leak) have come out. Have some outside agency to look into the data. You (the National Testing Agency) cannot give yourself a clean cheat. You cannot give two centres data leak to a publication. That is not the way to function. What is the government's stand? Is it admitting there has been wrongdoing in NEET? I don't know what the government stance is. Government is trying to defend NTA rather than the people. The government gets confused whether they have to represent the people or the institutions that are reporting to them. And this is a wrong way of dealing with the situation. The government must be responding to students whereas it is becoming a representative of NTA. Government is becoming a spokesperson of NTA. But how come NTA was not aware that students getting such high marks in NEET is a problem? Again I am saying, all we know is that the score versus rank has been outrageously improbable in this NEET. That is all we know now. When a specific question was raised they (the National Testing Agency) said we gave grace marks. I don't know what other questions to ask (to the National Testing Agency). All I know is that the scores and marks of NEET this year for students is dramatically (opposite) to what it is supposed to be (every year). Has the time come to revamp NEET as the centralised examination model doesn't seem to be working? No. It is not like throwing the baby out with the bath water. Earlier, when states were conducting exams there were leaks happening and re-tests were done. But then this was confined to each state and was not spread across the country. Whoever conducts the exams, there will be such problems. The thing is that how as an institution you deal with the problem and ensure the integrity of examination is maintained. It is in the hands of NTA. The National Testing Agency is not responsive and not transparent. They are not accountable and not open for scrutiny. NTA is giving themselves a clean chit, and that is the problem. But then one or two centres in India will always have people who will ensure that corrupt practices are followed in conducting NEET. Absolutely. The Tamil Nadu government says NEET prevents poor people and middle class from becoming doctors as it is a coaching centre driven examinations. In other words NEET is against social justice and only helps the rich to become doctors. Yes, absolutely. As long as demand-supply is so bad you will always get into this problem. A day after tension gripped the area over the lynching of a man, the police and district administration remained on alert on Thursday to ensure law and order in maintained while the chief cleric of Aligrah appealed for peace. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo Police have arrested arrested six people after a mob fatally attacked Fareed Tuesday night in Mamu Bhanja locality. The incident triggered communal tension in the area. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Amit Kumar said on Thursday the situation is peaceful and under control. "We are keeping a close eye on the situation and an adequate number of police personnel has been deputed in the affected area," he said. Aligarh chief mufti Khalid Hameed called for peace and Hindus-Muslims amity in the city. He said police should investigate the matter and arrest guilty persons 'without succumbing to any sort of political pressure'. According to a complaint filed by Fareed's family, he was returning home from work on Tuesday night when he was mobbed and thrashed by some residents in the Mamu Bhanja locality over suspicion of theft, Superintendent of Police City M Shekhar Pathak said on Wednesday. By the time police reached the spot, Fareed was seriously injured and was rushed to the Malkhan Singh Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries, Pathak added. As the news of the incident spread, many people gathered at the hospital and demanded the arrest of the accused, he said. Pathak said the arrests have been made based on CCTV footage, and some other unidentified people have also been booked. Further investigation is underway. Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Suman told reporters on Wednesday that all precautionary measures have been enforced. Police and RAF (Rapid Action Force) personnel have been deployed in sensitive localities including Subzi Mandi and Abdul Kareem Chowk. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that assembly elections would be held soon in Jammu and Kashmir and plans are underway to restore statehood to the union territory in the near future. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering at SKICC 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' in Srinagar. Photograph: ANI Photo In his first visit to the valley after becoming the prime minister for the third consecutive term, Modi emphasised the importance of enabling the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect their representatives for the assembly. In his address at a gathering at SKICC 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K', he commended the people for their active participation in the Lok Sabha elections and expressed the need for them to choose their local leaders through upcoming assembly elections. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir participated in Lok Sabha elections in large numbers and broke the record of the past 35 years. You deserve to be felicitated for it... Now time has come that people of Jammu and Kashmir chose their own local representatives. For that, preparations are being made for holding assembly elections," he said.' Furthermore, Modi assured the people that the day was approaching when Jammu and Kashmir would regain its statehood status. He noted the role of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this strengthening of democracy. "We are witnessing Atal ji's vision of Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat aur Kashmiriyat, turning into a reality today", he said. Mentioning the record voter turnout in the recent elections, the prime minister praised the trust of the people in democracy. "I have come to express my thanks for your efforts for keeping the flag of democracy high", he said. The Supreme Court in a judgement earlier this year had given time till September 30 to the Centre for holding assembly elections in the union territory. The prime minister as well as Home Minister Amit Shah have said in Parliament that the government was committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time. On the recent terror attacks in Jammu region, he condemned those seeking to disrupt the peace and development in the region, affirming the government's commitment to thwart such attempts. "The enemies of peace and humanity are not happy with the development in Jammu and Kashmir. There were some terror attacks recently. The Centre has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. The home minister held a meeting and reviewed the entire mechanism. I want to assure that we will leave no stone unturned to punish the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. "The enemies of Jammu and Kashmir are making last ditch efforts to stop the development here and that peace is not established. But the new generation of Jammu and Kashmir will live in permanent peace. "We will strengthen the path chosen by the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he added. Highlighting the government's efforts to promote peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi underscored the elimination of Article 370 and the implementation of the Constitution in the region. He criticised previous administrations for failing to uphold constitutional principles and pledged to empower the youth and women of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister credited his government's initiatives of last 10 years for transforming the discourse around Kashmir and improving the lives of its people. "I am devoted myself with full dedication and honesty to ensure that a way out of the past generation's miseries may be found. We are making all possible effort to remove all distances whether of the heart or of Delhi (Dil ya Dilli)", Modi stressed. He pointed to achievements such as granting voting rights to West Pakistan refugees and Valmiki samaj in local body elections, as well as boosting tourism and economic opportunities in the region. Modi emphasised the importance of accountability in utilising funds allocated for Jammu and Kashmir's development, ensuring that every resource contributes to the welfare of its people. As the international Yoga Day celebration approached, he anticipated a positive impact on tourism and livelihoods in the region. Referring to the G20 meeting held here last year, Modi said now people talk about record tourist arrivals which have provided livelihood opportunities to locals and improved the local economy. "The international Yoga Day which will be held here tomorrow will be another tourist attraction," he added. He said while money was being granted to Jammu and Kashmir by earlier governments as well, his government has ensured accountability. "Today, every penny is being used for your development," he said. Modi reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and inclusivity in Jammu and Kashmir, signalling a new era of progress for the region. Recalling his recent visit to Italy for the G7 Summit, Modi highlighted the impact of continuity of the government for three terms as it has changed the outlook of the world towards India. He also said that all time high aspirations of Indians are the nation's biggest strength. He said that this high aspiration leads to high expectations from the government and in this backdrop, the third continuous term of the government is special as the only parameter of an aspirational society is performance. "People have faith in the intentions and policies of the government," he added. Modi said the big message of people's mandate in this Lok Sabha Elections is that of stability. He recalled the long phase of unstable governments in the last decade of the last century when the country witnessed 5 elections in 10 years resulting in development coming to a standstill. "Leaving that phase behind, India has now entered a new phase of stable government leading to strengthening of democracy," he said. A day after the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test was cancelled, Education Ministry officials Thursday said no complaints were received about the exam but a suo motu action was taken on the basis of inputs available with them to protect students' interest. IMAGE: Aspirants wait in a queue at the examination centre to appear for the UGC-NET exams, in Patna on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal said the details of the inputs cannot be shared as the matter has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and is currently under investigation. "No complaints were received but the inputs we received from agencies indicated that the integrity of the exam has been compromised. The action was taken suo motu to safeguard interests of the students," he said. "A fresh date for the exam will be announced soon," Jaiswal told reporters. The ministry on Wednesday cancelled UGC-NET conducted by the National Testing Agency following inputs that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. The decision by the Ministry comes amid a massive row on the medical entrance exam NEET over alleged irregularities, with the issue now before the Supreme Court. India on Thursday lodged a strong protest with Canada over Khalistani extremists holding a so-called "citizens court" outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. Photograph: @narendramodi/X India issued a note verbale or diplomatic note to the Canadian high commission conveying India's serious objection to the demonstration and holding of the "citizens court" by Khalistani elements, authoritative sources said. The Khalistani extremists also reportedly burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India strongly protested the actions by the Khalistani elements and objected to the space being given to them in Canada by the Justin Trudeau government, the sources said. New Delhi's protest came a day after the Canadian parliament observed a "moment of silence" in the memory of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia, in June last year. The ties between the two countries came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd". India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra last week said India's main issue with Canada continues to be the political space that Ottawa provides to anti-India elements which advocate extremism and violence. India has repeatedly conveyed its "deep concerns" to Canada and New Delhi expects Ottawa to take strong action against those elements, he had said. Nijjar, who was declared a terrorist by India, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in British Columbia on June 18 last year. The murder is being probed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Centre over the alleged irregularities in NEET and exam paper leak issue, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "psychologically collapsed" post-elections with his "56-inch chest reduced to 30-32 inches" and will now struggle to run the government. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference in New Delhi. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Addressing a press conference inNew Delhi, he also said the main reason for paper leaks is that educational institutions have been captured by the BJP and its parent organisation RSS and paper leaks will not stop unless that is reversed. He also alleged that the BJP government wants to expand the "Vyapam model" of Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi said the basic concept of Modi has been demolished by the opposition in the just-concluded elections and had it been a prime minister like Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Manmohan Singh, who believed in humility, the government would have survived. Noting that there are interesting times ahead, he said Modi's top priority now is to get his Speaker in Parliament and is not bothered about NEET, because of which lakhs of students are suffering. "We have a government now, and a prime minister now, who will find it very difficult to function. The prime minister is psychologically broken, he has psychologically collapsed and he will struggle to run a government like this because his entire sense of running a government is to generate fear in people, to frighten people, to make people not to speak...," Gandhi claimed. "So, psychologically, it's almost a fatal blow for the prime minister and he is going to really struggle and of course, now we have a stronger Opposition. So, it's going to be interesting and quite a lot of fun," he noted. Gandhi said the concept of Modi began in Gujarat and he brought the Gujarat model at the national level, but the country is not scared of him any more. "No one is scared of him and what has happened now is that in a way they ridicule him. The 56-inch chest earlier has now been reduced to 30-32 inches," he claimed. Taking a dig at Modi, Gandhi said, "It was being said Prime Minister Modi stopped the Ukraine-Russia War and Israel-Gaza war, but he is either not able to stop exam paper leaks or doesn't want to." "The silence is because the prime minister is crippled. Right now the prime minister's agenda is the Speaker. He is not bothered about the NEET. He wants that his government should scrape through and he gets his Speaker's post. That's where his mind is right now," he said when asked why the government is silent on NEET. Asked about the probe, Gandhi said, "They can eye wash whatever they want, but they are going to get such pressure from the Opposition, that they are going to think twice about whatever they are doing. Because we are not going to allow this type of activity to be done as far as our students are concerned." "The Opposition is simply not going to allow any of this eye wash that is taking place. We will make sure that we put so much pressure on them, that this issue is resolved," he asserted. He also claimed that people are not scared of him anymore and that is why somebody in Varanasi "threw a chappal on his car". "So, the basic concept of Modi has been destroyed in this election," he said, noting this was not possible before polls. Gandhi later posted on X that he forgot to mention in the press conference that "throwing slippers at Narendra Modi and his convoy is highly condemnable and a serious lapse" in his security. "Our protest against the policies of the government should be registered in a Gandhian way, there is no place for violence and hatred in democracy," he wrote. At the press conference, Gandhi said the trend of "capturing" of educational institutions by the BJP and the RSS is "extremely damaging" to students. "Vice Chancellors are appointed, not based on merit, but because they belong to a particular organization and this organization and the BJP have penetrated our education system and destroyed it. What was done by Mr. Modi to the economy with demonetization has now been done to the education system. "Youngsters, I want you to know that the reason this is happening and the reason you are suffering, is because an independent objective system has been demolished and it has been replaced by an education system that is captured by the BJP, captured by their parent organization and until this capture is released, you are going to suffer, you are going to see cancellations of your exams, you are going to see paper leaks again and again and again," he asserted. He also claimed that till the time there is "reversal of this capture" of institutions by BJP and its parent organisation, paper leaks will continue to happen. "Narendra Modi has facilitated this capture. This (paper leak) is an 'anti-national activity' as it severely harms the country's youth, who are the nation's future and it hurts students," he said. Gandhi claimed that during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, thousands complained about paper leaks and throughout the route, students told him that paper leaks are endemic in India. "Now, we are seeing an expansion of the idea of Vyapam across the country... Madhya Pradesh has been a centre of this, Gujarat has been a centre of this and now, they have expanded this idea to the rest of the country," he said of the recent controversy while referring to the Vyapam recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh. He said the UGC-NET paper has been cancelled, but what is going to happen to NEET should not be done in an arbitrary fashion. "The rules that apply to one paper should apply to another paper and it is very important that the people, who are guilty here, be brought to book and they are punished," he noted. The former Congress chief also asserted that there is not just an educational crisis in the country and a crisis in every sphere. "People are very clear that we are sitting on a disaster and we have got a government that is crippled, cannot do the job. It's literally walking around on one leg. Yes, it's a crisis, it's a profound national crisis, it's an economic crisis, it's an educational crisis, it's an institutional crisis, but I don't see any response, I don't even see the capability of a response," he claimed. Gandhi also met a delegation of NEET aspirants at his residence. A massive row has erupted on the medical entrance exam NEET over alleged irregularities, with the issue now before the Supreme Court. On Wednesday night, the Union education ministry ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET following inputs that the exam's integrity may have been compromised, and handed over the matter to the CBI for an investigation. All eyes are on the JD-U's national executive meeting on June 29 in New Delhi, where a decision in this regard may be taken. IMAGE: Nishant Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's only child. Photograph: ANI Photo Though Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also the Janata Dal-United president, is against 'parivaarvad' (dynasty) in politics, speculation grows daily in political circles in Patna that his only child Nishant Kumar will enter politics soon. All eyes are on the JD-U's national executive meeting on June 29 in New Delhi, where a decision in this regard may be taken. Nishant, who is in his early 40s, is a non controversial figure. Like his father, Nishant also trained as an engineer. "We are expecting something big will happen in the party's national executive meeting in Delhi like the last meeting six months ago when Nitish Kumar replaced Lalan Singh as JD-U president. Nishant can be promoted as a young leader to lead the party," says a JD-U leader, speaking on condition that he would not be named in this report. JD-U leaders like Vidhanand Vikal and Rana Randhir Singh have demanded in recent days that Nishant be brought into politics to strengthen the party. According to them, young leadership is the need of the hour for the state and the party and Nishant has all the qualities to prove it if given an opportunity. Nishant has stayed away from politics despite his father being in power in Bihar since 2005, except a few months in 2014 when Jitan Ram Manjhi was made CM. Nitish Kumar takes pride to claim that no one from his family is in politics like other leaders. A few years ago Nishant said that he has no interest in politics and would never join politics. If Nishant indeed joins politics, he will follow the path of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Union Minister Chirag Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Tejashwi and Chirag represent the established political families of Lalu Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan in Bihar. Lalu's sons Tejpratap Yadav and Tejashwi, daughters Misa Bharti and Rohini Acharya, and wife Rabri Devi, a former CM, are in politics. Chirag's brother-in-law Arun Bharti, who won the Jamui Lok Sabha seat this election, and his estranged uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras and cousin Prince Raj are also in politics. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com The outcry against alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET grew louder on Thursday with several student groups staging protests and opposition attacking the government saying the paper leaks are expansion of the Vyapam scam and future of candidates who appeared in these exams is being destroyed. IMAGE: Members of All India Students Association and other students union stage a protest over alleged irregularities in NEET and UGC-NET outside Shastri Bhawan, in New Delhi on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo The cancellation of UGC-NET, amid the raging row over NEET, led to questions being raised over National Testing Agency's (NTA) capability to conduct exams of larger magnitude. The Ministry of Education said it is waiting for a report of Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit on alleged irregularities in conduct of NEET in Patna and will take further action on basis of that. The ministry also summoned NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh to discuss the issue further. The ministry on Wednesday cancelled UGC-NET conducted by the NTA following inputs that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference and launched a scathing attack on the government over the alleged irregularities in NEET and cancellation of UGC-NET and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "psychologically collapsed" post-elections and will struggle to run a government like this. He said the main reason for paper leaks is that educational institutions have been captured by the BJP and its parent organisation RSS and paper leaks will not stop unless that is reversed. "It was being said Prime Minister Modi stopped the Ukraine-Russia War and Israel-Gaza war, but he is either not able to stop exam paper leaks or doesn't want to," Gandhi said. He claimed that during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, thousands complained about paper leaks. "There has been an expansion of idea of Vyapam to rest of country," he said of the recent controversy while referring to the Vyapam examination and recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh. "Nothing should be done in arbitrary manner, rules that apply to one paper should apply to another," Gandhi said. More than two dozen students from different universities and members of various students' groups were detained on Thursday while they were protesting against the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination and irregularities in the NEET. The students were detained from outside the Ministry of Education as well as the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's residence here in central Delhi. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha claimed the arrested prime accused in the NEET "paper leak" is linked to officials associated with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and demanded an investigation into it. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged the Centre to take immediate steps to resolve the crisis in the NTA, saying its "repeated incompetence" in conducting exams such as NEET and the UGC-NET cannot be accepted. Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale said the examination process in the country has crashed and the lives of students are being destroyed. He accused the NTA of being complicit. Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha said the NEET exam should also be cancelled. "You had to scrap NET and you must scrap NEET now as there is ample proof that this examination was compromised. And it is time to acknowledge that the NTA is a fraud," he said. In a startling revelation in the NEET paper leak case, prime accused Sikander Prasad Yadvendu in his confessional statement admitted to having arranged question papers for four exam aspirants to "prepare" them a day before the test and demanded Rs 40 lakh from each candidate. IMAGE: Members of students union stage a protest over alleged irregularities in NEET and UGC-NET outside Shastri Bhawan, in New Delhi on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo According to sources in the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar police, Yadvendu's confessional statement, recorded under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) on May 5, also detailed his contacts with Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, allegedly known for leaking prestigious exam papers such as NEET. Yadvendu claimed that he demanded Rs 40 lakh from each aspirant, including his nephew Anurag Yadav, for providing the leaked question paper on May 4, a day before the exam. Yadvendu, a junior engineer at Bihar's Danapur Town Council, said, "I contacted Nitish and Amit and told them that I have four candidates -- Ayush Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, and Shivnandan Kumar." Yadvendu claimed that Nitish and Amit charged Rs 32 lakh per candidate and assured him of providing the question paper in advance. On May 4, all four candidates were called to a guest house where Nitish and Anand helped them "prepare" using the leaked paper, Yadvendu claimed. The candidates later confessed that the same questions appeared in the actual exam on May 5. Yadav was preparing for NEET-UG in Kota, Rajasthan. In his confessional statement, Yadav said, "My uncle spoke to me when I was in Kota and told me he had access to the question paper. I came to Patna, and my uncle introduced me to two people -- Amit and Nitish -- who provided me with the question paper and answer key. They helped me prepare the questions overnight. They were the same questions in the actual question paper on May 5." EOU, which is investigating the case, has so far arrested 13 people as part of its investigation into the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG 2024. They include Yadvendu, Amit, Nitish, other aspirants, and their parents. Sources within the probe agency have indicated that investigators are considering the legal option of recording witness statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Statements made under this section, before a magistrate, hold weight as evidence in court, unlike those recorded under section 161 of the CrPC, which are not considered as evidence, sources said. The NEET-UG 2024, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), saw participation from over 24 lakh candidates across 4,750 centres in 571 cities, with results announced on June 4. The Supreme Court on Thursday sought responses from the Centre, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and others on a slew of petitions, including those seeking scrapping of the NEET-UG 2024 exam and a court-monitored probe, amid mounting outrage over alleged irregularities in conducting the all-India medical entrance test. IMAGE: All India Students Association (AISA) students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG exam scam 2024 and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: Ritik Jain/ANI Photo The apex court also stayed further proceedings on similar pleas pending before different high courts. The top court, however, made it clear that it will not stay the counselling process. A vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti issued notices to the parties seeking their responses on four separate pleas filed by the NTA seeking transfer of some pending petitions, including those claiming paper leak, from high courts to the apex court. As the bench issued notices on the NTA's petitions, the counsel appearing for the testing agency urged it to stay the related proceedings before different high courts. "Issue notice returnable on July 8," the bench said, adding, "In the meantime, further proceedings before the high courts shall remain stayed." It also dealt with several other petitions including the one filed by 20 aspirants who are seeking scrapping of the exam held on May 5. These 20 petitioners, represented by advocate Dheeraj Singh, have also sought a direction to the NTA and others to conduct the test afresh. The bench said all the pleas would be heard on July 8. The bench, while refusing to stay the counselling exercise, said, "All this has been argued from day one and they (some petitioners) have been wanting stay of counselling. We have denied that." "Ultimately, if all of you succeed, everything will go. The examination goes and the counselling will also go," the court told the petitioners, one of whom sought deferment of the counselling until after July 8. When the bench asked the NTA's lawyer about the counselling, he said it will start on July 6 and continue for a few more days. The bench also issued notices to the Centre and the NTA seeking their responses on a plea by Sorting Hat Solutions Pvt Ltd, which operates a platform for education services under the name 'Unacademy', seeking constitution of an independent committee to scrutinise the alleged irregularities and discrepancies in the results of NEET-UG 2024. The company, in its plea filed through advocate Sumeer Sodhi, has also sought a direction to the NTA to furnish statistical data to back the methodology used to ascertain the 'time-loss' for candidates who were awarded compensatory marks. During the arguments, another counsel informed the bench that a person has been arrested in Bihar in connection with the probe into alleged irregularities. The lawyer said FIRs have been lodged in Bihar and Gujarat over alleged irregularities and police should be asked to submit status reports on their investigations in the two states. When the counsel appearing for the Centre said many a time coaching institutes also approach courts as petitioners, the bench observed, "They have a right to come. Because their business is, these students only and if you play with them and you meddle with their rights, then these coaching centres will come." While hearing separate pleas on the NEET (Undergraduate)-2024 examination, the apex court had on June 18 said even if there was "0.001 per cent negligence" on the part of anyone in the conduct of the examination, it should be thoroughly dealt with. The NTA conducts the all India pre-medical entrance test. While hearing separate petitions raising grievances over the NEET-UG 2024, the apex court had last week sought responses from the Centre and the NTA on a plea for a CBI probe into allegations of question paper leak and other irregularities. The Centre and the NTA had on June 13 told the top court that they had cancelled the grace marks given to 1,563 candidates who took the examination for admission to MBBS and other such courses. They will have the option to either take a retest or forgo the compensatory marks awarded to them for the loss of time, the Centre had said. The examination was held on May 5 across 4,750 centres and around 24 lakh candidates took it. The results were expected to be declared on June 14 but were announced on June 4, apparently because the evaluation of the answer sheets got completed earlier. The allegations have led to protests in several cities and sparring between rival political parties. As many as 67 students scored a perfect 720, unprecedented in the NTA's history, with six from a centre in Haryana's Faridabad figuring in the list, raising suspicions about irregularities. It has been alleged that grace marks contributed to 67 students sharing the top rank. The NEET-UG examination is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. Amid a raging row and constant demands by the opposition to re-conduct medical entrance exam NEET-UG, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said isolated incidents of malpractices should not affect lakhs of students who cleared the examination rightfully. IMAGE: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addresses a press conference over the irregularities in the UGC-NET exam at the National Media Centre, in New Delhi on June 20, 2024. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo The minister said the government will constitute a high-level panel to look into the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Pradhan also appealed to the opposition parties not to politicise the issue and said strict action would be taken against those found guilty, including "top" officials from the NTA. Ahead of the hurriedly called press conference, there were strong indications that the minister may announce the cancellation of the exam and action against NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh, who was summoned by the ministry earlier in the day. Pradhan, however, did not respond to both queries affirmatively. "Be it NTA or any top official or senior person in NTA, strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty in the NEET case. No malpractices will be tolerated and the government is committed to holding zero-error exams," he said. The press conference came a day after the ministry ordered the cancellation of UGC-NET after it received inputs indicating that the sanctity of the exam had been compromised. "The cancellation of UGC-NET was not a knee-jerk reaction. We got proofs that the paper had leaked on darknet and was circulating on (messaging app) Telegram and decided to cancel the exam," Pradhan said. He evaded repetitive queries on whether NEET will also be cancelled on lines of NET. Pradhan also did not comment on a timeline by when a final decision will be made on the issue which is keeping 23 lakh candidates on tenterhooks. "It is unfair to hold hostage the career of those candidates who have rightfully cleared the exam because of some isolated incidents of malpractice. "We are in constant touch with the Bihar Police. We have sought a report from them. Once we have it, we will decide the future course of action. I take full responsibility and anomalies in the system will be rectified," the minister said. "Let us have faith in our systems and no irregularities or malpractices will be tolerated by the government," he said. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the government saying that "it was being said Prime Minister Modi stopped the Ukraine-Russia War and Israel-Gaza war, but he is either not able to stop exam paper leaks or doesn't want". Asked about attacks from opposition parties, Pradhan said, "I appeal to the opposition to not politicise this issue". "Let us have faith in our systems and no irregularities or malpractices will be tolerated by the government," he said. The NEET-UG examination was held on May 5 across 4,750 centres and around 24 lakh candidates appeared for it. The results were expected to be declared on June 14 but were announced on June 4, saying the evaluation of the answer sheets got completed earlier. As many as 67 students scored a perfect 720, unprecedented in the NTA's history, with six from a centre in Haryana's Faridabad figuring in the list, raising suspicions about irregularities. It has been alleged that grace marks contributed to 67 students sharing the top rank. The NEET-UG examination is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. What a difference a fortnight makes! When he turned 53 last year, celebrations were rather subdued. Two weeks after the Congress won 99 seats (including a personal double victory in Wayanad and Raebareli), hoardings and banners wishing Rahul Gandhi on his 54th birthday appeared around 10 Janpath (where his mama and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi lives) and the Congress HQ in Delhi. And the celebrations were colourful and vocal as you can see in the images below. 'Your unwavering commitment to the values espoused in the Constitution of India and your emphatic compassion for the millions of unheard voices, are the qualities that set you apart,' Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted 'As you continue in your mission to wipe off the tear from the last person standing, by showing the mirror of truth to power. I wish you a long, healthy and happy life ahead,' Khargeji added. IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi ready to cut a cake alongside Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K C Venugopal and Gaurav Gogoi at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Rahul offers cake to Khargeji, who turns 82 on July 21.. IMAGE: Have you seen the usually stern Khargeji laugh like this? IMAGE: Congress National Treasurer Ajay Maken welcomes Rahul on his arrival at the party headquarters. IMAGE: Admirers greet Rahul at the Congress HQ, here and below. IMAGE: Children celebrate Rahul's birthday at Sadaqat Ashram, the Congress office, in Patna. IMAGE: Congress supporters celebrate their leader's birthday in Patna=. IMAGE: A Congress supporter distributes cake among children at a slum in Bikaner. IMAGE: A gift for Rahul -- a copy of the Constitution. IMAGE: Admirers queue up to wish Rahul on his birthday, here and below. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff.com Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Gordon Hayward of Westminster writes about individual men and women who contribute day in and day out to the life of our community here in Southeastern Vermont. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today A mainly sunny sky. High 66F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear skies. Low 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Pure Storage has announced new capabilities in its platform to improve users ability to deploy AI, improve cyber resilience and modernise their applications. Headlining the developments were what the company described as first of its kind storage automation, dubbed the next generation of Pure Fusion, to unify arrays and optimise storage pools on the fly across structured and unstructured data, on-premises and in the cloud. This will be available across the companys entire platform to all global customers, including managed service providers. A generative AI copilot for storage is also being delivered, providing a new way to manage and protect data using natural language. Pure Storage said this new AI capability builds on data insights from tens of thousands of customers to guide storage teams through the investigation of complex performance and management issues and to stay ahead of security incidents. Pure Storage touts its platform as-a-service model as delivering agility and risk reduction to organisations with a simple, consistent storage architecture that addresses a broad set of use cases across on-premises, public cloud, and hosted environments. 2degrees has officially partnered with the New Zealand Olympic Team to be their telecommunications partner and, alongside Sky, the broadcast sponsor for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 2degrees CEO Mark Callander described the deal as an amazing opportunity to support the best of the best as they took on the world. We are incredibly proud of the athletes, and its a real privilege to be able to be involved in Paris 2024, Callander said. 2degrees is working with Sky and the New Zealand Olympic Committee on an activation that enabled fans to share their support with the New Zealand Team. I wont reveal the details today, but the team is working on a fun way to make sure Kiwis can share messages with the team in Paris, Callander said. New Zealand is always squarely behind the athletes and wishes them all the best as they take on the world. We are creating a unique way to bring this to life and make sure that the best wishes of fans from all around the country make their way to Paris. Marriage rates fall in the first quarter following a brief rebound at the end of COVID-19 restrictions. The number of Chinese couples getting married for the first time tumbled 8.3% in the first quarter, resuming its slide over the past decade amid a tanking economy, rampant youth unemployment, growing awareness of gender equality and changing priorities. Marriages rebounded 12% last year after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, data showed, but the bounce was short-lived. Over the past nine years, first marriages have plummeted by nearly 56%, according to the 2023 China Statistical Yearbook. Thats contributing to a sharp decline in birthrates and a shrinking, aging population a trend that the United Nations projects will lead Chinas population to contract from 1.4 billion to 800 million by 2100. Three decades of the one-child policy, which ended in 2015, has also taken a toll: There are fewer young people and an imbalance between men and women. There are currently 17.52 million more men aged 20-40 than women, demographer He Yafu told China's Jiangmen News. Silver medallist China's He Zi (R), reacts as she receives a marriage proposal from Chinese diver Qin Kai during the podium ceremony, Aug.14, 2016, of the Women's diving 3-meter springboard final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. (Christophe Simon/AFP) Unlike their parents, young Chinese are increasingly avoiding marriage and the other traditional milestones such as buying a house and having children for both philosophical and economic reasons. "If you want to have a wedding in China, you need to get an apartment and a car, and then there's also the gift money," said a former high school teacher from the central province of Henan who gave only the surname Lucy for fear of reprisals. A worker uses a sledgehammer to smash a wedding photo at a warehouse, March 27, 2024 in Langfang, in northern China's Hebei province. (Jade Gao/AFP) It can cost around 2 million yuan (US$275,000) to set up a married couple at the start of their new lives, even outside of major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, she said. "A wedding can empty the pockets of everyone in the family across three generations," she said. Children are an even bigger expense, she said. "It's usually tens of thousands of yuan to have a kid, including prenatal checkups, then you need to hire help, milk powder, diapers, while nursery education, even kindergartens are all very expensive," Lucy said. "It costs too much to raise a child." Rising marriage age Changing social expectations and growing awareness of gender equality are also leading young people to marry later and later, said Yi Fuxian, a senior researcher and demographer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Single people inspect rows of profiles strung up between trees during a matchmaking event, Oct. 17, 2021, in Jinan in eastern China's Shandong province. (Noel Celis/AFP) "In 2010, the average age for a woman to marry for the first time was 24, and by 2020 it was 28," he said, adding: "It's about 30 now, although in Shanghai it's already over 31." Later marriages mean lower fertility rates and consequently fewer babies. The number of marriage registrations nationwide in the first quarter was 1.969 million, a decrease of 178,000 couples from the same period last year. For the year, the number was estimated to fall around 10%, said Yi. "A lot of my colleagues are still unmarried even in their 30s," a financial services employee from the southern city of Guangdong who gave only the nickname Mr. V for fear of reprisals told RFA Mandarin. "This would have been hard to imagine just 8-10 years ago." He said women who choose not to marry are often keen to hold onto their autonomy and independence, not to mention their hard-earned cash. Matchmaker Zhu Fang (2nd L) looks at notebooks with details of single people, Dec. 17, 2019, at his house in Beijing. For almost 50 years Zhu Fang has been one of Beijing's most popular matchmakers, and even now -- aged 75 -- he remains in as much demand as ever. (Noel Celis/AFP) Recent changes to marriage and divorce regulations make it harder for women to leave difficult or abusive relationships, too. Changes to the official judicial interpretation of China's Marriage Law in 2011 have loosened property protections for married women thinking of getting divorced, with women losing their right to marital property if their names weren't on the title deeds from the start. Chinese traditional custom requires that the husband's name appear on the deeds, leaving many married women less willing to seek divorce if they're unhappy. The government has also responded to falling marriage rates with a new mandatory, 30-day "cooling-off" period for couples seeking divorce that took effect from Jan. 1, 2022. More socially acceptable California-based Daisy, who also declined to use her real name to protect her family from reprisals, said there are both political and social factors at play. A woman walks past wedding dresses displayed in a Vera Wang bridal store, April 22, 2020 in Beijing. (Greg Baker/AFP) "Politically speaking, people actually see that marriage under totalitarianism, as a legal and social structure, contains a lot of potential harmful factors, such as the cooling-off period for divorces, the way that law enforcement deal with domestic violence, and so on." "Friends of mine have been through some of that, or I wouldn't have known how hard it was to get divorced," she said. "Even though people are striving for gender equality, feminism can't fix these underlying problems." Instead, young people are finding other ways to meet their need for intimacy, companionship and family-building, by aspiring to different kinds of legal or social structures that could make marriage fairer, and an experience that more people actually want to have, Daisy said. A young couple holding their marriage certificates pose for photos at a marriage registry, Feb. 22, 2022, in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province. (AFP) All of this means that staying single is now a far more socially acceptable choice than it once was, which wont help birth rates, according to Yi Fuxian. "Generally the proportion of unmarried people in the 25-29 age group is negatively correlated with the fertility rate," Yi said. "The same is true in other countries around the world." "But in China, that proportion has increased very rapidly, and it's a key reason for the decline in fertility in China in recent years." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. On World Refugee Day, asylum-seekers share their stories about being persecuted and fear of being sent back. Chinese asylum seekers walk to await processing by U.S authorities, May 8, 2024, near Jacumba Hot Springs, Calif. The border wall with Mexico can be seen in the background. Chinese nationals are seeking political asylum in ever larger numbers, but face transnational repression from China and lack of understanding from foreign authorities as they flee persecution, refugees and those who help them told RFA Mandarin in recent interviews. A Chinese activist who supported an online free speech campaign that saw its leader arrested in Laos and is terrified of being sent back to China is now facing deportation from Denmark after her asylum application was rejected by authorities there. Liu Dongling fled China in 2018 when her son was refused an education by authorities after she helped victims of forced evictions to apply for compensation through legal channels, she told RFA Mandarin in an interview recorded two days before World Refugee Day, June 20. She said the authorities claimed they couldn't be sure from the evidence she submitted that she was at risk if she went back to China. But Liu says she knows otherwise, citing repeated phone calls from a state prosecutor from her home city of Zhengzhou. "I gradually realized that this Gaoxin District People's Procuratorate official called Li Hongbin had been put in charge of my case, relating to when I was helping others with their [forced eviction complaint] cases," Liu said. "I realized that the fact that he kept calling me put me in danger." Who is a refugee? The United Nations defines a refugee as someone who legitimately fears persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, belonging to a social group or having a certain political opinion, and is unwilling to return to the country for those reasons. Yet foreign governments have been repeatedly criticized by rights activists for repatriating asylum-seekers who are then arrested and jailed on their return to China. Protesters gather outside a Chinese police service station in New York's Chinatown district on Feb. 25, 2023, to demand an end to spying on the Chinese community in New York. (Image from RFA video) China also actively works to force its overseas dissidents to return home, sparking international concern over the Chinese Communist Party's "long-arm" law enforcement operations, which have included running secret police "service stations" in dozens of countries, according to the Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders. Liu, who started writing for the overseas Chinese-language website Boxun after leaving China, also cites the forced repatriation of rights activists Dong Guangping and Jiang Yefei by authorities in Thailand around the time she left China. "I was told by a colleague at Boxun ... that a lot of Boxun journalists had been detained in China, and that some had even been detained in Thailand," Liu said. "So I got more and more terrified." Captured in Laos Liu had also been a vocal supporter via X of an anti-censorship movement started by Lao-based activist Qiao Xinxin, who was later detained and forcibly repatriated. Qiao, whose birth name is Yang Zewei, went missing, believed detained on or around May 31, 2023 in Vientiane, after launching an online campaign to end internet censorship in China, known as the BanGFW Movement, a reference to the Great Firewall, according to fellow activists. His family were later informed that he is being held in a juvenile detention center in Hunan's Hengyang city in another example of Chinas cross-border law enforcement activities. Qiao Xinxin. who launched a campaign to end internet censorship in China, known as the BanGFW Movement, is seen April 20, 2023. (Ban_GFW via X) Qiao had lived in Laos for several years before launching the BanGFW Movement, yet was believed to have been detained by Chinese police in Vientiane. Radio Free Asia contacted the Danish Refugee Council by email about Liu's case, but had received no reply by June 19. Danish Repatriation Council official Tina Fjorside confirmed on Tuesday that Liu had now entered a process that will result in her forced repatriation. Immigration jails are hell on earth Thailand-based political dissident Li Nanfei told RFA Mandarin that he's now basically stuck in the country, playing an ongoing game of cat-and-mouse with Thai immigration authorities, and trying to stay out of their detention centers. "Immigration detention centers are like hell on earth," Li said. "Human rights violations are very common, inmates are packed in very densely, and there is frequent violence." Li spent his savings on bailing himself out of his last spell in detention, where he ran into plenty of other refugees on the run from China. "The immigration prisons would hold onto them for a long time," he said. "Some people were held there for more than 10 years. Some even died in there." Figures released by the United Nations' refugee agency UNHCR in June 2022 showed that while around 12,000 Chinese nationals sought asylum overseas in 2012, the year that Xi took office as Communist Party general secretary, that number had risen to nearly 120,000 by 2021. Chinese rights activist Xiang Li speaks in an interview following her July 27, 2018 arrival in the United States. (RFA) The U.S. remains the most popular destination, accepting 88,722 applicants from mainland China last year. Australia took 15,774 asylum-seekers in the same year, figures showed. New York-based current affairs commentator Ma Ju, who runs a refugee relief station offering two weeks of free food and accommodation to Chinese asylum-seekers in the city, said the refugees just keep on coming, despite the hazards of overland travel to the border with Mexico, known in Chinese as "walking the line." "A very high proportion, about 80%, are here because of political, religious or ethnic [persecution]," Ma said. "A lot of ethnic minorities like Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Hui Muslims, Mongolians and Tibetans are there because of their religion or ethnic identity." The vast majority can't live a life of any dignity back home in China, Ma said. "They were in pain and misery every day -- there's nothing there for them, no dignity," he said, adding that only a small minority of refugees are basically there for what he termed "economic reasons." In San Francisco, artist and rights activist Xiang Li has formed a group to help refugee women through art. Most of them are Chinese women. "Some have psychological trauma and need treatment," Xiang said. "We haven't gotten to the point of offering counseling yet, but there is a kind of mutual support we can offer, which is sometimes even more effective." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. The new partnership treaty will replace bilateral treaties that North Korea and Russia agreed earlier. Russias President Vladimir Putin and North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un pose for a photo during a signing ceremony following bilateral talks in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 19, 2024. UPDATED at 11:34 a.m. on June 20, 2024. North Korea and Russia have agreed to offer military assistance without delay if either is attacked under a new partnership treaty signed after a summit between their leaders on Wednesday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Pyongyang for talks aimed at bolstering their economic and security relations and underscoring her defiance of Western sanctions. North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, reported details of their new pact on Thursday, as Putin was beginning a visit to Vietnam. If one of the two sides is placed under war situations due to an armed invasion from an individual country or several nations, the other side provides military and other assistance without delay by mobilizing all means in its possession in line with the Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and the laws of the DPRK and the Russian Federation, the treaty reads. DPRK, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, is North Koreas official name. The Article 51 of the U.N. Charter stipulates that all U.N. member countries have the inherent right of individual and collective self-defense right if an armed attack is staged against them. The new treaty also requires both sides not to sign treaties with third countries that infringe on the others core interests or participate in such acts, KCNA reported. The mutual defense provision in the new Russia-North Korea treaty recalls the 1961 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between North Korea and the Soviet Union that became void upon the collapse of the latter in 1991. The mutual defense clause was notably missing when the two countries signed a Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation in 2000, at the beginning of Putins reign. The new partnership treaty will replace bilateral treaties that North Korea and Russia agreed earlier, including the 2000 treaty. John Kirby, the spokesperson for U.S. President Joe Biden's National Security Council, said Thursday the announcement was no surprise but boded poorly for the people of Ukraine and the Korean peninsula. Our view is that this agreement is also a sign of Russia's desperation, Kirby added. I mean, they're reaching out to North Korea for missiles, and theyre getting drones from Iran. They don't have a lot of friends in the world. After his meeting with Kim, Putin said that the treaty provided for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the two countries, while Kim declared the bilateral relationship has been upgraded to the level of alliance. Views are still divided as to whether the treaty can be seen as a mutual defense treaty, but experts believe the agreement is likely to boost cooperation between two nations in weapons production. The more likely consequence of the treaty is simply closer cooperation in weapons production, with North Korea manufacturing more munitions for Russia and Russia providing more high-end help for North Koreas nuclear and missile programs, likely including aid in developing submarines capable of launching ballistic nuclear missiles, Sue Mi Terry, senior fellow for Korea studies, told the American think tank Council on Foreign Relations. This will lead Russia to improve North Korean WMD [weapons of mass destruction] capabilities. There is some evidence of this already happening, with Russia possibly providing help to North Korea with its successful satellite launch last November, just two months after the last Putin-Kim meeting, Terry added. This is deeply concerning because of the substantial overlap between the technologies used for space launches and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Edited by RFA Staff. Updated to include comments from National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. Myanmar activists stage prison protest to campaign against being forced home, source says. Myanmar nationals held in Manipurs Imphal Prison were repatriated to Sagaing regions Tamu town at India-Myanmar border on June 11, 2024. India must not force about 200 jailed Myanmar refugees to return home, an advocacy group told Radio Free Asia on Thursday, citing dangers that they would face if pushed back into the jurisdiction of the Myanmar military. Junta attacks against ethnic minority insurgents and pro-democracy militias that emerged in the wake of Myanmars 2021 coup have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in Chin state and the neighboring Sagaing region, with thousands seeking refuge across the porous Indian border. Among those who have slipped into India are supporters of those fighting to end military rule and they could be in grave danger if forced back into the arms of the junta, activists say. In immediate peril are more than 200 Myanmar people who have been arrested in Indian states bordering Myanmars western Sagaing region, said Salai Dokhar, founder of the group India for Myanmar. Most have been detained under immigration laws. India has already forced dozens of them back and fears are growing that the rest will soon be expelled, he said. Indian authorities have arrested refugees fleeing from war-torn areas to India, especially in Assam and Manipur states. According to our list, more than 230 people, but 76 of those were sent back to Myanmar, he added. Now, they are also working to send all the remaining nationals back. Some of them are absolutely in danger, so we are calling [on the Indian government] to release all of them and if possible, grant them asylum in India. India for Myanmar is one of four activist groups that have called on India to let the Myanmar nationals stay. Decades of strife in Myanmar have forced villagers to flee from their homes for safety in neighboring countries, Bangladesh and Thailand in particular. Myanmars 2021 coup has triggered a new round of war that has swept areas of Myanmar that were previously peaceful, including Sagaing and Chin state, which border India. About 100 Myanmar people in prison in the Indian state of Manipur went on a four-day hunger strike to campaign against their repatriation, said a resident of the state with knowledge of the situation in the prison. On Monday, guards cracked down on the protesting inmates injuring four of them, said the resident, who declined to be identified for security reasons. They want everyone to be released in Moreh town and not sent back to the Myanmar side, the resident said, referring to an Indian town on the border. Political activists and those involved in non-violent action in opposition to the Myanmar junta are among those in the prison, he said. The Indian government has yet to release any information about the condition of the prisoners. The Indian embassy in Myanmar has not responded to RFAs inquiries as of this writing. The four Myanmar activist groups including Blood Money Campaign, Defense Myanmar Democracy and the Sitt Nyein Pan Foundation released a statement on Wednesday calling for India to grant the refugees asylum. While those in prison were in immediate danger of deportation, the groups said they were worried about more than 5,000 Myanmar refugees sheltering in Manipur, who they believed could also be forced home. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Taejun Kang. Monks from the Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee leave after a meeting in Yangon, Myanmar, July 13, 2016. A senior Buddhist monk in Myanmar was shot dead Wednesday in his car as it left an airport in the central Mandalay region an attack perpetrated by junta soldiers, according to another monk who was in the car with him. Junta-controlled media, however, blamed the death of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, the abbot of Win Neinmitayon Monastery in the Bago region and retired member of the State Sangha Nayaka Committee, which oversees the nations Buddhist clergy, on rebel fighters. Television broadcaster MRTV announced that the abbots car was caught in a firefight between junta troops and guerillas from the rebel Peoples Defense Forces, resulting in the vehicle overturning and the abbots death. But in a video that spread on social media Thursday, the abbots colleague, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gunikabhivamsa, who was a passenger in the car at the time of the attack, said junta soldiers in a truck fired around seven or eight shots at the car, killing the abbot and injuring himself and the driver. [I said] how can you soldiers be so cruel? the monk recounted. They replied that they did not know monks were inside the car. The soldiers said they believed the car was an enemy vehicle because the windows were closed, so they shot at it, he said. Gunikabhivamsas account appeared to match a report on the incident submitted by the chief of the Mandalay Region Religious Affairs Department, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported. The report cited local authorities who said soldiers conducting a security patrol killed the abbot when they shot at his vehicle after he did not pull over as instructed. RFA contacted junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, for comment, but did not receive a response. RFA could not reach the Mandalay PDF for comment, either. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa will be cremated on June 27. Translated by Kalyar Lwin for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. A Rohingya refugee girl gestures as she walks through a muddy street at a refugee camp on the World Refugee Day, in New Delhi on June 20, 2023. More than 3 million people in Myanmar have been uprooted from their homes, most of them due to intensifying conflict in the countrys three-year civil war, according to the United Nations. They are among the 120 million people globally who have been forcibly displaced by conflict or persecution on this World Refugee Day, marked annually on June 20 refugees who have crossed borders and internally displaced people who have fled homes but remain within their countrys borders. RFA Burmese asked several displaced people to share their stories. Khin Yadana Soe and three families from the Bago region in the south fled to the Thai border town of Mae Sot three months ago when the junta forces entered their village. The fighter jets dropped bombs on the nearby villages, suspecting they were sheltering rebel militia members, and they hit the houses, she said. As we lived in a large compound, we feel depressed living here in this narrow space. We are used to living on farms. We also have no jobs here. Only one family member has been able to secure a job but this family has five family members my mother, my daughter, my husband, my sister and me. Rohingya refugees look through the debris of their houses charred by a fire at the Ukhia camp in Cox's Bazar on June 1, 2024. (AFP) Khin Maung said he feels sad whenever World Refugee Day comes around. He is one of 750,000 Rohingya who fled violent crackdowns in Rakhine state in 2017 and now lives in a refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. We always feel sad on this significant day. We have no future, with no access to education or a job. The United Nations also needs to consider this matter, he said. I wish Bangladesh would help us go back to our own country. Aung Myint, who lives in a camp in the western state of Rakhine, said his family had fled their home six years ago. We want to go back to our hometowns, but we dont even have the money it would take to return home, he said. We also no longer have our own houses in our hometown. Additionally, we are dependent on the land for our livelihood, and there is no way to access our land. So it will be difficult for us to go back home. If we stay here, though, we have no access to food and drinking water. A newly arrived Rohingya refugee draws water with a bucket at the former Red Cross Indonesia office building in Meulaboh, West Aceh, on March 22, 2024. (Zahlul Akbar/AFP) A woman in Kachin state, in the north, who had been displaced since 2011 said she was really hoping to return home, but it seems that the likelihood is even worse. Fighting is taking place everywhere, she said. As more people have fled the war, we understand now that we have no realistic hope to return home." Min Min, who has been living in Thailand's Noh Poe refugee camp for 17 years, said he desperately wants to go to a third country. We are living in a very tight camp on World Refugee Day. We have been living here for 17 years, but the situation has not improved at all, he said. The project has not worked. We are living at the camp as it is not possible to go back home. So I want to go to a third country. A woman from the northern Sagaing region, where some of the worst righting has happened, said that his family is living in the forest. When I came here to escape the fighting, my children couldn't go to school here because they previously attended junta schools. All the displaced people have suffered a lot. We have to work odd jobs on farms. We are facing difficulties getting food. A man who fled from Kayah state in eastern Myanmar, said he just wants to go home. We had to leave our house, and we could not carry anything. Our property and belongings were stolen. We fled with just the clothes we were wearing, and it was a struggle just to eat. We want to go back home, and hope for an end to ongoing tragedies immediately. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. Members of the U.S. bipartisan congressional delegation, from left to right: Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the Dalai Lama; Central Tibetan Administration political leader Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Jim McGovern, Rep. Ami Berra, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks pose for a group photo in Dharamsala, India, on June 19, 2024. Defying a warning from China, a delegation of U.S. lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, in northern India, on Wednesday, telling the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader that the recent passage of U.S. legislation is a major step toward ensuring the self-determination of the Tibetan people. Led by Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the bipartisan delegation also visited the Central Tibetan Administration, or CTA, the Tibetan government-in-exile, which McCaul called the temple of democracy. Their two-day trip comes a week after Congress passed legislation known as the Resolve Tibet Act urging Beijing to resolve the China-Tibet dispute through dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives a bill they said President Joe Biden is expected to sign into law in coming days. The bill is a major shift in U.S. policy towards Tibet on a road of self-determination, McCaul told members of the CTA. The United Nations talks about how every people and every country has a right to self-determination and we believe the people of Tibet have that right as well. No formal talks with Beijing on how Tibet should be governed have happened since 2010. Rep. Michael McCaul touches foreheads with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, June 19, 2024. (Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL) McCaul said he was so proud of the people of Tibet for having this temple of democracy in exile and I hope that one day this temple of democracy will be back in Tibet itself. Upon receiving a framed copy of the U.S. legislation on Tibet, the Dalai Lama thanked the delegation and called the bill very important. Bipartisan delegation The congressional delegation included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Rep. Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York who is his partys ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts who is also a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. It also included Rep. Ami Bera, a Democrat from California, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an Iowa Republican, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican from New York. Our presence here today is also a symbol, a sign to Chinese leaders that America will never ever waver in our support for the Tibetan people, McGovern told the CTA. China invaded the independent Himalayan country of Tibet in 1950 and has controlled the territory ever since. The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India amid a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, Beijing has sought to legitimize Chinese rule through the suppression of dissent and policies undermining Tibetan culture and language. More recently, China has also sought to control the reincarnation process of Tibetan religious leaders in an attempt to interfere in the selection of the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. The Chinese Communist Party continues to threaten the freedom of the Tibetan people, and they have even attempted to insert themselves into the succession of the Dalai Lama, McCaul said. But we will not let that happen, he said. Warning from China Earlier this week, the delegation received a letter from the Chinese Communist Party warning them not to visit Dharamsala, McCaul said. But we did not let the CCP intimidate us, for we are here today, he said. Rep. Michael McCaul presents a frame copy of the Resolve Tibet Act to the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, June 19, 2024. (Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL) Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday criticized the trip. We are gravely concerned over the relevant reports and urge the U.S. side to fully recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai group, honor the commitments the U.S. has made to China on issues related to Xizang, have no contact with the Dalai group in any form, and stop sending the wrong signal to the world, Lin Jian said at a media briefing, using a term that China has started to use to refer to Tibet. The United States must not sign the bill into law and China will take steps to firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests, he added. Beijing believes the Dalai Lama wants to split off the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan-populated areas in Chinas Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Gansu provinces from the rest of the country. However, the Dalai Lama does not advocate for independence but rather proposes what he calls a Middle Way that accepts Tibets status as a part of China and urges greater cultural and religious freedoms, including strengthened language rights. We all are (the) same human being and we all have the same right. And this world belongs to humanity, he told the delegates at his residence. So we should take care of this world, irrespective of what religion or tradition (one belongs to). People of the world should be peaceful, happy, he said. Thats our goal. Greeted warmly Upon their arrival Tuesday at Dharamsalas Gaggal Airport, the delegation was greeted by hundreds of cheering Tibetans who were waving American and Tibetan flags. Later that day and next, as the delegation visited the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibet Museum, and participated in a public ceremony organized by the CTA. The Tibetan people possess a distinct religion, culture and historic identity and they should have a say in their own future. You should be able to freely practice your religion and that is why we are here today in defiance of CCPs warning, McCaul said at the ceremony. Pelosi, the former House speaker, also underscored the importance of the Resolve Tibet Act. "We had been fighting for this (bill) for a long time, she said. Rep. Nancy Pelosi is presented with a Buddha statue during the U.S. bipartisan congressional delegations meeting with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, June 19, 2024. (Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL) This bill is a message to the Chinese government that we have clarity in our thinking and our understanding of this issue of the freedom of Tibet," Pelosi said. The legislation rejects Beijings position that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times and calls on Beijing to cease its propagation of disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people, and Tibetan institutions, including that of the Dalai Lama. This message of the U.S. Congress should reach out to other governments, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration. I have also spoken with the State Department that once this becomes law then it's incumbent upon them to work with like-minded countries to make sure that similar resolutions or similar statements or similar laws are adopted in other nations, Tsering added. Pelosi presented the Dalai Lama with a painting of the dome of the Capitol, which she said should serve as a constant reminder of the many friends he has there. Additional reporting by Yeshi Dawa, Lobe Socktsang, Dickey Kundol, Tenzin Dhonyoe, Tenzin Lekmon, Dechen Wangmo. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Russias President Vladimir Putin speaks to Vietnams President To Lam during an official visit at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 20, 2024. UPDATED at 11:44 a.m. on June 20, 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin was given a grand welcome with a 21-gun salute on Thursday after arriving in old ally Vietnam on a trip that is likely to be promoted by Moscow as more evidence of the Wests failure to isolate him over the invasion of Ukraine. Presiding over the ceremony was Vietnams new president, To Lam, and not the Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, due to the latters ailing health. The two presidents saluted their countries flags before inspecting the guard of honor, who cheered, We wish the president good health! In later talks, Lam congratulated Putin on his re-election and praised Russias achievements, including domestic political stability, Reuters reported. The Vietnamese president told a press briefing that both Vietnam and Russia were committed to the principle of not forming alliances nor agreements with third parties to take actions that harm each others independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental interests. Putin arrived in Hanoi in the early hours from Pyongyang, where he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that pledges mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of them. He was met at Hanois airport by the head of Communist Partys external affairs commission and a deputy prime minister in a much more low-key reception compared with the lavish fanfare laid on for him in North Korea. Russias President Vladimir Putin and Vietnams President To Lam at the welcome ceremony hosted at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 20, 2024. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters) No major agreement is expected during the Russian presidents 24 hours in Hanoi but hes scheduled to meet with, besides President To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist Party, the prime minister and the National Assemblys chairman. Putin, who has been on a U.S. sanction list since 2022 for ordering the invasion of Ukraine, is also wanted by the International Criminal Court, or ICC. Vietnam is not a member of the ICC and so is under no obligation to act on its arrest warrant. Few countries now welcome Mr. Putin, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski wrote on social media platform X in a rare post by a foreign envoy. But he needs to demonstrate that he is still a world leader. So Vietnam is doing him a huge favour and may expect favours in return. No nuclear power, for now Ahead of his arrival in Hanoi, Putin praised the close ties between the two countries, who he said share the same, or similar approaches to current issues on the international agenda. We are grateful to our Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis and for their desire to help find tangible ways to resolve it peacefully, he wrote in an article on Vietnamese Communist Partys mouthpiece Nhan Dan. RELATED STORIES North Koreas Kim promises Putin full support for Russias Ukraine war Vietnams fraternal ties with Russ are put to the test Bear East: RFA Special report on Russias influence in Asia Hanoi has declined to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine and did not take part in last weekends Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, to which Russia was not invited. Asked on Thursday if the United States was concerned about Putin asking Vietnam for support for its war in Ukraine, John Kirby, the spokesperson for U.S. President Joe Biden's National Security Council, told reporters he would let Hanoi speak for itself. Our expectation is that Vietnam will continue to adhere to its commitment and support for the the basic principles of the U.N. Charter, which includes sovereignty [and] territorial integrity, and that they'll continue to convey that these principles need to be upheld all across the world, in Europe as well as in Asia, Kirby said. Putin said that trade and investment, especially in the energy industry sectors, were the two governments priorities. Russias State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom is ready to help Vietnamese partners develop their national nuclear power industry, he said. Russia maintains a strong global influence in nuclear power and is the worlds leading exporter of nuclear power plants. Yet Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Rosatoms Director General Alexey Likhachev on Wednesday that his country has not had any policy to return to developing nuclear power but will continue to research and consider nuclear energy as an important solution to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Hanoi shelved a plan to build its first nuclear power plant in 2016, citing lack of resources and concerns of safety. Vietnams President To Lam welcomes Russias President Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 20, 2024. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters) Rosatom, however, is helping construct a nuclear science and technology research center in the southern province of ong Nai. Putins visit is generally seen as symbolic and could help strengthening interactions in traditional areas such as economy and investment, science and technology, education and training, culture and tourism, and also defense and security. Vietnam is one of the largest buyers of Russian arms and still relies on Moscow to maintain and upgrade its arsenal but no contract signing is envisaged during the visit. Russia is a traditional ally and supported Vietnam throughout the Cold War but the dynamics of the relationship have changed as Vietnam adopts a new multilateral, diversified foreign policy that enabled it to forge new partners such as the U.S. and Japan. Russia will never again be a strategic partner for Vietnam. Moscow has chosen a different partner and a different strategic destiny, Australian Ambassador Goledzinowski wrote, apparently referring to Vietnams neighbor China. Hanoi and Beijing are at odds over their sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, an important waterway shared by several countries but China claims having historic rights to more than 80% of it. Russia has maintained a neutral position in the South China Sea and is involved in many oil and gas projects in the region but it has recently voiced support for Chinas rejection of external interference, or in other words, the role of the U.S. and its allies, in the regions maritime disputes. Edited by Taejun Kang. Updated to include comments from National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. 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." 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. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the need for a diplomatic arrangement for the return of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border in a call on October 9 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said. Biden also condemned Irans ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1, a White House statement said. Biden "affirmed Israels 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. Biden spoke with Netanyahu earlier about Israel's plans to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack last week, according to statements from both the White House and the Israeli prime minister's office on October 9. The White House statement said Biden and Netanyahu "agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days both directly and through their national security teams." The call comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, an armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. The Middle East has been on edge awaiting Israel's expected response to Iran's largely ineffective missile attack, which Tehran carried out in retaliation for Israel's escalation in Lebanon, including the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a video published on Israeli media that Israel's response "will be deadly, precise, and above all surprising." Biden last week said he would not support Israel striking Iranian nuclear sites as part of its retaliation. He also said that, if he were in Israel's shoes, he would think about alternatives to striking Iranian oil fields. Israel has faced calls by the United States and other allies to accept a cease-fire deal in Gaza and Lebanon but has said it will continue its military operations until Israelis are safe. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller warned on October 9 that Israel must avoid conducting military operations in Lebanon like those it has conducted in Gaza. "I'm making very clear that there should be no kind of military action in Lebanon that looks anything like Gaza and leaves a result anything like Gaza," Miller told journalists. The White House statement said Biden and Netanyahu discussed the urgent need to renew diplomacy to release the hostages held by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU. Biden also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the White House said. Israels bombardment of central and northern Gaza in recent days has killed dozens of people and trapped thousands in their homes, Palestinian officials said. Hezbollah, a 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 call between Biden and Netanyahu took place as Israeli forces stepped up their ground offensive against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. On October 9, Hezbollah said in a statement that its fighters had used artillery and rockets against Israeli troops near the Lebanese border village of Labbouneh. In a separate statement, the group said it engaged in combat with Israeli forces as they "attempted to infiltrate the border town of Blida" in southeast Lebanon. The Israeli Army said early on October 9 that it had intercepted two projectiles fired from Lebanon as air-raid alarms sounded in and around Caesarea, a coastal city south of Haifa. The latest fighting comes as fears grow of a larger conflict in the region after Israel also claimed that the successor to Nasrallah has likely been "eliminated." Gallant said on October 8 that Hezbollah was an "organization without a head" and there's no one left to make decisions. Netanyahu later echoed those comments, saying, "We've degraded Hezbollah's capabilities." "We took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and Nasrallah's replacement, and the replacement of the replacement," Netanyahu said. Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah official and a cousin of Nasrallah, was widely expected to be named to the group's top position, but his whereabouts and condition remain unknown since an October 2 Israeli strike on a suspected Hezbollah leadership meeting. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine's fate, although unidentified members have told various media that the group had lost contact with him since the attack. Safieddine has been declared a global terrorist by the United States. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to hold talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Pope Francis on October 11 as part of a whirlwind tour of Ukraine's main European allies to push for additional military and financial aid as Kyiv faces difficult months ahead in its fight to stop a slow but continuous Russian advance in the east. Zelenskiy's tour also comes amid a flurry of daily Russian strikes on civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine that claimed the lives of another four Ukrainian civilians, including a teenage girl, early on October 11. After an audience at the Vatican with the pontiff, the Ukrainian president is due to meet in Berlin with Scholz and then with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Zelenskiy on October 10 toured London, Paris, and Rome to present his "victory plan" to some of Ukraine's closest European allies. He met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris after talks in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte before attending a working dinner with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in the Italian capital. Zelenskiy said on X that he had "outlined the details" of his proposed "victory plan" to defeat Russian forces during his meetings. He added that he and the other leaders agreed to work on the plan together but gave no details on what it says. Separately, Meloni announced after meeting Zelenskiy that Rome would host the next "recovery conference" to help Ukraine's reconstruction on July 10-11, 2025. "Ukraine is not alone, and we will stand with it for as long as needed," Meloni told reporters. Zelenskiy has said the war with Russia is at a critical point as the U.S presidential election approaches and winter is set to arrive. "The next peace summit has to be in November. The plan will be on the table.... Early November the plan will [have] all the details," Zelenskiy told reporters in Paris when asked about a potential peace conference. He dismissed any talk of a cease-fire. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. Zelenskiy's trip comes after an October 12 summit of the Ramstein group of Ukraine's main backers was canceled at short notice when U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, abandoned their travel plans as the southern U.S. states braced for Hurricane Milton. The White House said in a statement that Biden spoke to Scholz on October 10 and noted "his intention to continue our strong collaboration on geopolitical priorities, including supporting Ukraines defense against Russian aggression." The United States has been Ukraine's main backer and by far the main contributor in terms of financial and military aid, but a victory by Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump in the election could cast doubt about Washington's continued support for Kyiv. Zelenskiy's diplomatic efforts are taking place as Russia continues to keep up the pressure on Ukraine's cities. At least four civilians, including a teenager, were killed and 10 others were wounded early on October 11 in a Russian ballistic-missile strike on Ukraine's southern region of Odesa, Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram. "A two-story building where civilians lived and worked was destroyed," Kiper wrote. "Four people were rescued from under the rubble, but three others were found dead -- a 43-year-old woman, a 22-year-old man, and a 16-year-old girl," Kiper said, adding that a fourth victim, a woman, later died from her injuries. Four other people remain in serious condition in the hospital, he said. Odesa, Ukraine's main hub for grain exports, has been repeatedly struck by Russian forces since the start of the war. Separately, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the capital was targeted by Russian drones early on October 11. The military administration of the Ukrainian capital later reported on Telegram that all the attacking drones had been shot down, without specifying a number. On the battlefield, outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces were fighting Russian troops inside the strategic city of Toretsk in the eastern region of Donetsk after abandoning Vuhledar, another strategic hub in the region, last week. Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces carried out fresh attacks near Vremivka, Kharkiv, Kupyansk, and Siversk, the General Staff of Ukraine's military reported on October 11. High Court reporters The High Court has dismissed separate challenges by Reddit and Tumblr against the decision by the State's media regulator to include them in a list of video-sharing platforms to be subject to a new online safety code. Ms Justice Siobhan Phelan rejected all of the media companies' arguments against Coimisiun na Mean decisions. Both companies claimed that they should not have been included on the list and that the decisions will severely and adversely affect the operation of their platforms if allowed to stand. In its judicial review action, Reddit asked the court to quash Coimisiun na Mean's December 2023 decision to designate Reddit as a named video-sharing platform service. Reddit Inc, of Wilmington, Delaware, claimed it did not meet the definition of a video-sharing platform under the relevant EU Audio Visual and Media Services (AVMS) directive which was implemented here by the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. Tumblr Inc, which is also US based, claimed in its judicial review that a similar decision made by Coimisiun na Mean in respect of it was invalid, and amounted to a misinterpretation and misapplication of the definition of a VSPS under EU law and Irish broadcasting legislation. While similar in nature the two cases had raised different legal points and were heard and determined by the judge separately. Coimisiun na Mean opposed both actions, and rejected the platform's claims that the decisions amounted to errors of law, were irrational and unreasonable. The court in its decisions noted claims that the new code was introduced by Coimisiun na Mean because Ireland is facing infringement proceedings in the European Court of Justice. This is for failing to transpose EU law on the regulatory framework for audio-visual media, including traditional TV broadcasters, video-sharing platform services and on-demand services. The court also heard that until the code proposed by the regulator is fully implemented, the AVMS directive will not have been fully transposed into Irish law. In her judgement regarding Reddit's action, Ms Justice Phelan said the firm's case centred around two central arguments. Firstly, as the applicant is a US corporate body, it argued that on a proper interpretation of the directive, Reddit was not subject to the jurisdiction of the Irish State. Secondly, it submitted that the respondent erred in law in its interpretation of sections of the directive by treating Reddit's own or native videos the same as hyperlinked or embedded video, which are external to it, when it came to considering if Reddit should be included on the list of designated platforms. The judge rejected those arguments and said there was "no ambiguity or contradiction" arising from the respondent's differing treatment of each type of video when Coimisiun na Mean arrived at its decision. The judge added that Reddit's arguments on jurisdiction amounted to a fundamental misunderstanding of the legal framework governing the determination of jurisdiction under the laws regarding video sharing platforms. The judge said "great care", "following a fully open and transparent process", had been taken by the respondent before it decided to include Reddit on its list. There was the judge added "ample sufficiency of material available" to Coimisiun na Mean "to support its decision" regarding Reddit. Reddit's application to refer the matter to the EU Court of Justice was also dismissed by the judge. In relation to microblogging site Tumblr's claims, Ms Justice Phelan said that its main argument was that it should not have been included because of the volume of video published on its platform. It claims that its video content was minor and ancillary to its activities. Coimisiun na Mean, Tumblr argued, had erred in law by including it in the list, because it had not properly regarded data it was provided that showed the low rate of video on Tumblr. However the court rejected Tumblr's arguments, and said that the respondent properly interpreted and applied the proper criteria applicable under the relevant AVMS directive. It had not been established that Coimisiun na Mean had based its decision to designate Tumblr as a named video sharing platform other than in a proper manner, the judge said. All relevant issues and indicators had been considered by Coimisiun na Mean as part of its overall assessment on whether to include Tumblr on the list of video sharing platforms. Coimisiun na Mean was entitled to conclude, on the evidence before it, that video sharing is an essential function of Tumblr in relation to its inclusion on the list, the judge said. No error, still less "manifest error" has been demonstrated in the designation of Tumblr as a video sharing platform service, the judge concluded. Tom Tuite A 39-year-old man was arrested for indecently exposing himself while "hanging around" outside a Dublin primary school after a pupil saw him, a court has heard. Raymond Ariwi, whose latest address was at Talbot Street in Dublin 1, was charged over the alleged incident on the afternoon of September 13th, 2023. He had been denied District Court bail but made a fresh application to the High Court in Cloverhill. He still faced objections. Garda Sergeant Ray Murphy told the court that it was alleged that gardai received a report of a man "exposing himself outside the school". The court heard that a pupil observed him and contacted their parents, who then alerted the school. CCTV Gardai obtained CCTV from the location. Immediately afterwards, he allegedly went to the Pro-Cathedral in the city centre. According to the sergeant, the accused engaged with the cathedral's facilities manager, who noticed "his fly was unzipped and asked him to leave". The court heard that gardai established he was staying at a Talbot Street hostel and asked for him to come to Store Street station. However, he failed to keep two appointments, and the gardai went to the address several times but could not locate him. However, he was found and arrested in April. He also faced an unconnected trespassing charge over an unrelated incident on another date. The court heard his charges are to be dealt with in the non-jury District Court. The sergeant said gardai were concerned he would not show up to his hearing if he were released on bail. He agreed with the defence counsel that the accused maintained he came from Kenya to Ireland as an unaccompanied minor. The defence said the accused laboured under mental health and homelessness problems. He would undertake not to take up bail until he had an appointment with a mental health service. Psychiatric report Mr Justice Paul Burns said Mr Ariwi was accused of exposing his genitals outside a school. He had the presumption of innocence and, as a corollary, to bail, but the charge was at the upper end of that form of offence. He said the allegation that a mature man was hanging around outside a school exposing himself was concerning. If convicted, he could face a custodial sentence, and that gave an incentive not to attend the criminal proceedings. A psychiatric report was provided which, Mr Justice Burns agreed, outlined the man's illness but showed he was fit to plea. The court heard that the report also expressed some scepticism that he was being truthful. Bail was refused. Mr Ariwi appeared via video link but did not address the proceedings. He will appear again later in the District Court to enter a plea. Stephen Maguire An out-of-control man who caused 18,500 of damage to a house while on a booze and drugs bender before attacking hospital staff and gardai has been jailed for two and a half years. Joseph Colhoun wrecked the rented County Donegal home of his girlfriend while intoxicated on a cocktail of drink and drugs. When the Garda Armed Support Unit eventually stormed the house, they found Colhoun in a 'comatose' state inside the property. The 41-year-old appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to a number of charges relating mostly to a series of incidents on November 27th 2022. He admitted wrecking the property at Killyclug in Letterkenny before reacting violently and attacking both gardai and medical staff. Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle gave details of the incident which took place at the rented property of Colhoun's then girlfriend Nicole McEntaggart. Gardai had responded to reports of a breach of a protection order but could not get into the property. Upon looking through the windows, officers discovered a large amount of damage had been caused to the house. As well as damaging the living room, carpets, bathroom, toilet, kitchen table and chair, bedrooms, bannisters, sanitary ware and wardrobes, there was extensive flooding and damage to wiring to a total value of 18,500. When the Garda Armed Response Unit did gain entry, they found Colhoun comatose in the house at An Clarach, Killyclug in Letterkenny. He was initially taken to Letterkenny Garda Station but then taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, but became aggressive. While in the ambulance at the hospital he attempted to kick a Garda and while in the hospital he spat at nursing staff and then headbutted another Garda. Colhoun, who has 83 previous convictions for a range of incidents including hijacking a vehicle, numerous assaults, public order, obstruction, breaching barring orders, illegal fisheries charges and having offensive weapons, pleaded guilty to a range of charges. He is charged with assault causing harm to Nicole McEntaggart at An Clarach, Killyclug, Letterkenny on November 27th 2022. He is also charged with the coercive control of the same woman on an unknown date between January 1st and November 22nd 2022 at the same address. He is further charged with assault causing harm to Ms McEntaggart on June 27th 2022 and also on November 27, 2022. At Letterkenny University Hospital on November 27th 2022, he was charged with assaulting Stephen McCabe under the Non Fatal Against the Persons Act. He is also charged with obstruction of Garda David Lee at Letterkenny University Hospital on November 27th, 2022. At the same location and same date, he pleaded guilty to assaulting causing harm to Garda David Lee. Colhoun is also charged with the obstruction of Garda Shane Wall at Letterkenny University Hospital while he is charged with assaulting nurse Veronica Dunleavy at Letterkenny University Hospital, both on November 27th 2022. Another charge of breaching a barring order - which was imposed on November 16th, 2022 - at An Clarach, Killyclug, Letterkenny on November 27th 2022, was also included. Although Ms McEntaggart did not wish to give a victim impact statement, an earlier statement she gave to Gardai detailed how they had met on Facebook in January 2022. Despite the relationship starting well, Colhoun turned to drink and drugs and that he would hit her but that she was afraid to leave him in case he killed her. She said he constantly wanted to know where she was and that he would degrade her calling her fat and a whore and also called her a 'teletubby' as she was trying to lose weight at the time. Barrister for Colhoun, Ms Kelda Doherty said her client was in a highly intoxicated state when armed Gardai arrived at the house and was actually comatose when they entered the house. Garda Sergeant Doyle said he had known Colhoun for ten years, having been stationed at Lifford Garda Station. He said that when sober, Colhoun was compliant and easy to deal with but that when he has drink and drugs on him that he was a "tinderbox." When Ms Doherty asked Sergeant Doyle if he agreed there was a great deal of tragedy in her client's life, he replied "That's to put it lightly, yes." The court was told that as well as the death of his mother, his brother had died in tragic circumstances and that his father had also taken his own life. However, since going into custody in November, 2022, Colhoun had made real strides to overcome his addictions with a large number of counselling sessions as well as undertaking courses in first aid, restorative justice, overdose prevention and victim awareness. Ms Doherty also noted that her client had entered a guilty plea very early on. She also referred to a probation report on Colhoun which did acknowledge his remorse and does suggest he was in a very poor frame of mind and that it was reduced down to substance abuse at the time. Passing sentence Judge John Aylmer addressed each of the charges placing the charge of criminal damage in the mid-range of such offences and one which merited a sentence of three years before mitigation. He also allocated various other sentences for the other charges including the coercive control of Ms McEntaggart, the assaults on gardai and nurse Veronica Dunleavy and also the breach of a protection order. He also reduced these on a range of mitigating factors including an early guilty plea, Colhoun's serious efforts to rehabilitate himself including 17 sessions of addiction counselling and also the number of courses he has undertaken while in custody. All these sentences were also reduced after Judge Aylmer took into account the mitigating factors in the case. On the headline sentence on the criminal damage charge, he reduced the sentence to one of two and a half years allowing all the other sentences to run concurrently. The sentence was backdated to when Colhoun went into custody in November 2022 with Judge Aylmer noting that he will be released in a matter of a couple of months. Colhoun, who appeared by videolink from Castlerea Prison, told the court he plans to go straight into rehabilitation on his release saying arrangements are already being made for this. Who is Chandrika Dixit? Know all about Bigg Boss OTT 3 contestant Anil Kapoor will host Bigg Boss OTT season 3. Who is Chandrika Dixit aka Vada Pav Girl, Bigg Boss OTT 3, 2024, contestant? Ever since the name of Chandrika Dixit has surfaced on social media that she is going to be a part of Bigg Boss OTT 3, people have been excited to know who is she. Meanwhile, those who know about her are very excited to see her on the show. This year, the Bigg Boss OTT season 3 will be hosted by Anil Kapoor who is equally excited to host the new season and promised the fans that it will be a new season with a lot of new things. Advertisement Who is Chandrika Dixit, Bigg Boss OTT 3, 2024, contestant? Chandrika Dixit is popularly known as Vada Pav Girl who enjoys a huge fan base on social media. She is a popular internet star who sells Vada Pav and has often been seen in controversies for her stall in Delhi. She gained prominence through social media and her controversy. Now, her massive popularity has made her a contestant on Bigg Boss OTT. Chandrika Dixit is being considered a great contestant for the show considering her fan base and her personality. Advertisement Now, it would be interesting to see how she acts inside the house. (For mor news apart from Who is Chandrika Dixit, Bigg Boss OTT 3, 2024, contestant, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Working in Romania The latest news from the Romanian labour market. Photo: pixabay.com Sorin Iordan, 20.06.2024, 14:50 The government is this week discussing a bill on the adoption by Romania of the European minimum wage. The document is drafted by the labour ministry and transposes a EU directive. Romanias prime minister Marcel Ciolacu explained that once this bill is passed, salaries in Romania will become closer to the EU average. Ghe EU directive no. 2041 stipulates that the minimum wage in a country must account for at least 50% of the average income. The minimum wage in Romania at the moment is around 660 euros, to go up to around 740 euros from July 1st. The net average income in Romania stood at 1,048 euros in April, up 6.4 euros compared with March, according to the National Institute for Statistics. The highest levels were recorded in the IT sector, with a net average of 2,405 euros, and the lowest in the clothes manufacturing sector, with less than 560 euros. Compared with April last year, the net average salary income went up by 14%. The unemployment rate dropped in Romania to 5.3% in the first quarter of the year, said the National Institute for Statistics. The occupancy rate was 64.2%, up 1.2% compared to the final quarter of last year. Occupancy rate was higher among men than women and among the urban population versus the rural population. The occupancy rate among young people was 19.9%. Economic analyst Aurelian Dochia says the current context is favorable to the labour market and expects the unemployment rate to remain relatively low. He warns, however, that Romania is deficient in the field of education and professional counseling, which calls for measures to boost young peoples training while in employment. Many Romanian businesses are faced with a shortage of local labour, mainly as a result of the massive migration of Romanian specialists to states in western Europe. Under the circumstances, employers are hiring many workers from Asia, especially in constructions, the hospitality sector, agriculture, industry and the transport of goods. The president of the Association of Local Investors Cristian Parvan says these workers are mostly unskilled, owing to low salaries and the structure of the Romanian economy. He said employers are looking for people with higher qualifications among those arriving here for unskilled jobs, thus trying to tap into their potential. According to figures published by the National Institute for Statistics, the number of vacant jobs in Romania was 35,000 in the first three months of the year, up 1,700 compared with the previous quarter, but down by 12,100 compared with the same period last year. The hourly labour cost grew in Romania by 16.4% in the first quarter of the year compared with the same period last year, according to the European statistical office. Romania in fact tops this ranking, being followed by Bulgaria with 15.8%, Croatia with 15.3%, Poland with 14.1% and Hungary with 13.7%. The hourly labour cost includes salary and non-salary related costs, as well as the social contributions paid by employers. Romanian Italian relations talked in Bucharest Romania is an extremely important partner for Italy the Italian president Sergio Mattarella said in Bucharest The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis and the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella (photo presidency. ro) Daniela Budu, 20.06.2024, 14:00 Romania is for Italy an extremely important partner at the bilateral, European, and international level and we wish this country join the border-free zone of Schengen including with its ground borders. The statement was made by the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, during his formal visit to Bucharest, where he was received by the countrys President Klaus Iohannis and the Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu. In turn, Klaus Iohannis hailed the solid ground for the development of the bilateral relations and the multi-domain cooperation with Italy including within the European and Euro-Atlantic frameworks. Trade exchanges between Romania and Italy last year hit 20 billion Euros, the president went on to say adding his appreciation for the aforementioned meeting which is a follow-up of the constant dialogue between the two countries. At the same time, the head of state hailed the valuable contribution of Italy to the security of the areas neighbouring Romania. He mentioned that both countries would continue to work together with all the allies for strengthening NATOs role in preventing any kind of war. Klaus Iohannis: We tackled our concerns regarding security, caused by the war Russia is waging on Ukraine, with a negative impact on the region and also the entire Euro-Atlantic zone. We are going to work together to strengthen NATOs role in preventing any type of war and of defending our states, by consolidating its deterrence and defence posture on the eastern flank as well as on the southern flank. As for the EU enlargement, the Italian president voiced hope that Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova would join as soon as possible. Sergio Mattarella also referred to the visit he earlier paid to Chisinau. Sergio Mattarella: For us the EU enlargement is indispensable as well as the involvement of the candidate countries. I went to the Republic of Moldova and I reiterated the support for the Republic of Moldova and for Ukraine. We have similar positions regarding the accession process, namely the EU accession of these countries as soon as possible. During the talks with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the head of the Italian state underlined the importance of the economic cooperation as a pillar of the bilateral relation. The Romanian-Italian economic cooperation, the common values and the connection between citizens are strengthening the bilateral relations, the Prime Minister went on to say. A major issue during the talks was that about the Romanians living in Italy, one of the most numerous Romanian communities abroad. In this context, the Prime Minister hailed the support offered by the Italian authorities for the integration of the Romanian community, the observance of rights and the acknowledgement of the benefits it brings to the Italian society. (bill) Cooperation Romania Bavaria The first joint session of the Romanian and Bavarian governments took place in Munich to mark 25 years of bilateral relations Cooperation Romania Bavaria Daniela Budu, 19.06.2024, 14:00 We are supporting Romanias fully-fledged accession to Schengen Markus Soder, the Prime Minister of the state of Bavaria assured his Romanian counterpart Marcel Ciolacu during the official visit he paid as head of a ministerial delegation that went to Munich on Monday and Tuesday. The Bavarian official mentioned the real headway made by Bucharest. Markus Soder: We are seeing the progress Romania made, the security aspects. And we are a support to Romania for its fully-fledged accession to the Schengen zone. The cooperation with Europol, the process of fighting corruption have registered great progress and the authorities are cooperating very well. We have got very important and good information from the Bavarian Interior Ministry. And for this reason it is important for Romania to join Schengen as a fully-fledged member. Munich also saw the first joint session of the Romanian and Bavarian governments, where they tackled ways of consolidating the bilateral, economic, social and security cooperation. The two sides have signed a memorandum on entrepreneurship, SMEs and start-ups. Out of all German states, Bavaria is Romanias most important investor and trade partner with a volume of trade exchanges of 8.3 billion Euros at the end of last year. Marcel Ciolacu says that he wants that all major Bavarian companies invest in Romania. Marcel Ciolacu: We want the big Bavaria-based companies in the field of car-making, engineering and aero-spatial industry, invest in Romania. We have one of the best growth-rates in Europe. The Bavarian Prime Minister also stood for stepping up the bilateral economic relations adding that one domain that should be given increased attention is that of the defence industry. In fact, the talks between the two high officials also focused on the security situation at the Black Sea against the background of the conflict in Ukraine. Marcel Ciolacu reiterated Romanias support for the neighbouring Ukraine and the intention of Bucharest to actively contribute to its reconstruction process. The officials also tackled the EUs enlargement process. Marcel Ciolacu: We have reiterated our staunch support for the European future of the partners in the Western Balkans, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine on the candidates own merits in the reform process. We have also mentioned Romanias appreciation for the sustained efforts of the authorities in Chisinau to implement the needed reforms and have emphasized the fact that we will continue to staunchly support the Republic of Moldova on its way to European integration. The officials also had a meeting with the representatives of the Romanian community in the region. Romania is also important because more than 213 thousand Romanian nationals are living in Bavaria, the largest foreign community. They have their own contribution and we are happy to have them here Markus Soder said. (bill) The Government of Canada has blacklisted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. The decision to list the IRGC through Canada's Criminal Code will result in thousands of senior Iranian government officials, including top IRGC officials barred from entering the country. Announcing this, Canada's Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said that based on their actions, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the IRGC has carried out terrorist activities. He said Canada will use all tools to combat the terrorist activity of the IRGC, conducted both unilaterally and in association with terrorist outfits such as Hizballah and Hamas. "The Iranian regime has consistently displayed a complete disregard for human rights, both inside and outside Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order. Listing the IRGC builds on the Government of Canada's broader efforts to ensure that there is no impunity for Iran's unlawful actions and its support of terrorism," LeBlanc said. Canadian financial institutions, such as banks and brokerages, are required to freeze the property of IRGC. The Canadian Government has made it clear that it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada and Canadians abroad to deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group. In addition to being banned from entering the country, current and former senior Iranian government officials who are in Canada may be investigated and removed. Canada has already designated Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Taliban as terrorist entities. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits saw a modest pullback in the week ended June 15th, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday. The Labor Department said initial jobless claims dipped to 238,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level of 243,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to fall to 235,000 from the 242,000 originally reported for the previous week. Meanwhile, the report said the less volatile four-week moving average rose to 232,750, an increase of 5,500 from the previous week's revised average of 227,250. Track market moving Economic Events that impact Commodities, Stock, and Forex by using realtime RTTNews Economic Calendar this week. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (SMSN.L) recently launched Galaxy Book4 Edge with Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm processors, but there's an important caveat for potential buyers in South Korea. These devices might not fully support many commonly used applications. Initially, Microsoft's Copilot+ PC models were equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors, which boasted 45 TOPS and utilized the Arm processor architecture. This shift to Arm-based systems raised concerns about software compatibility, given that most PCs operate on the x86 architecture. To ensure the smooth operation of applications on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft developed an emulation layer called Prism. However, Samsung South Korea has expressed differing views on this matter. In a compatibility advisory, Samsung disclosed that various security applications, Adobe Illustrator, Google Drive, as well as popular games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Halo Infinite may encounter performance issues on their GalaxyBook Edge 4 Copilot+ PCs running on Windows 11 for Arm and Snapdragon processors. Additionally, certain South Korean financial services websites are incompatible with these devices, and specific printers may require updated software for proper functionality. It is worth noting that compatibility warnings specific to South Korea were not mentioned on Samsung's international websites as confirmed by The Register. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Technology News Top 10 scooter sales crossed 5.16 lakh mark in May 2024 Growing by 26% YoY, but declining 6% MoM After taking a look at the top 10 two wheelers and top 10 motorcycles, let us now take a look at the top 10 scooters. In May 2024, the Indian scooter market experienced a notable surge, with total sales reaching 5,16,110 units, a remarkable 25.74% increase from the 4,10,455 units sold in May 2023. This growth reflects a robust demand for two-wheelers in the country. Heres a detailed look at the top 10 scooters that dominated the sales charts in May 2024: Top 10 Scooters May 2024 YoY Comparison Reigning supreme, the Honda Activa continued to be the top-selling scooter with 216,352 units sold. This represents a 6.39% year-over-year (YoY) growth, solidifying its commanding 41.92% market share. Securing the second spot, the TVS Jupiter saw a substantial 31.44% YoY growth, with 75,838 units sold. This model captured 14.69% of the market share. With 64,812 units sold, the Suzuki Access demonstrated an impressive 41.06% YoY growth. This scooter now holds a 12.56% market share. Ola Electrics S1 model continues to gain traction, with sales of 37,225 units, up by 29.51% from the previous year. The electric scooter now holds a 7.21% market share. The sporty TVS Ntorq sold 29,253 units in May 2024, marking a modest 6.16% YoY growth. It holds a 5.67% share of the market, appreciated for its performance and advanced features. Honda Dio sold 29,041 units, contributing to 5.63% of the market share. Suzuki Burgman registered the highest YoY growth among the top 10, at 90.77%, with 19,523 units sold. This maxi-scooter now holds a 3.78% market share. TVS iQube faced a slight dip in sales, down by 3.81% YoY with 17,230 units sold. Despite this, it maintains a 3.34% market share. Yamaha RayZR saw a significant 40.84% YoY growth, with 13,794 units sold, capturing 2.67% of the market share. Rounding out the top 10, the Bajaj Chetak sold 13,042 units, a 41.64% YoY growth. Top 10 Scooters May 2024 MoM Comparison Comparing the sales in May 2024 with April 2024, the Indian scooter market saw a slight decline, with total sales amounting to 5,16,110 units, reflecting a 5.56% decrease from April 2024s 5,46,471 units. Despite this month-on-month (MoM) decline, several models showcased notable performances. Remaining the market leader, the Honda Activa sold 216,352 units in May 2024. However, this marks a significant drop of 16.88% compared to April 2024, where 260,300 units were sold. TVS Jupiter secured the second position with 75,838 units sold, experiencing a slight MoM decline of 1.62% from Aprils 77,086 units. Suzuki Access saw a positive MoM growth of 4.60%, with 64,812 units sold in May compared to 61,960 units in April. Olas electric scooter, the S1, continued its upward trajectory with a 9.60% MoM growth. Sales increased to 37,225 units in May from 33,963 units in April. TVS Ntorq experienced a 3.81% MoM decline, with sales dropping to 29,253 units in May from 30,411 units in April. Its market share in April was 5.56%. Honda Dio showed a remarkable MoM growth of 25.27%, with sales rising to 29,041 units in May from 23,182 units in April. Suzuki Burgman also witnessed a positive MoM growth of 10.42%, with 19,523 units sold in May compared to 17,680 units in April. TVS iQube showed a modest MoM growth of 3.09%, with sales reaching 17,230 units in May from 16,713 units in April. Its April market share was 3.06%. Yamaha RayZR faced a slight MoM decline of 1.86%, with sales dropping to 13,794 units in May from 14,055 units in April. Bajaj Chetak experienced a significant MoM growth of 17.27%, with sales increasing to 13,042 units in May from 11,121 units in April. The Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus, also known as the Gallus Revolt, erupted during the Roman civil war of 351-354 CE and was the last Jewish revolt against the Romans. The 1,650-year-old hoard was found by Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) archaeologists in a large destroyed building in Lod, central Israel. The hoard contains 94 silver and bronze coins dating between 221 and 354 CE. The youngest coins are from the time of the Gallus Revolt (351-354 CE), the IAA archaeologists said. Though written evidence is sparse regarding this revolt, there are texts reporting that major Jewish communities such as Lod, Zipori and Tiberias were destroyed by the forces of Constantinus Gallus. They also found impressive stone and marble artifacts, Greek, Hebrew and Latin inscriptions, and one inscription bearing the name of a Jewish man from a priestly family. In all likelihood this is a magnificent Jewish building that housed the citys elders, said IAA archaeologists Shahar Krispin and Mor Viezel. From Talmudic writings we know that Lod was a most significant Jewish center in the aftermath of the Second Temples destruction in Jerusalem. Sone of the renowned Sages of Lod are Rabbi Eliezer ben Horkanos, Rabbi Tarfon, Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Yosi HaGalili and many more. The building, destroyed down to its very foundation, is a clear indication that the revolt was forcefully put down with violence and cruelty, and was not simply a local uprising event, as some earlier studies contended. This is the singular witness, thus far, to the extent and power of this revolt in Lod, located in the countrys center. It is difficult to determine if this magnificent building served as synagogue, study hall, meeting hall of the elders, or all three of these functions as one, said IAAs Professor Joshua Schwartz. But what is clear is that the buildings size, the coin hoard, and the assemblage of archaeological finds produced by the excavation, fit well Lod/Diospolis description in both Jewish and non-Jewish sources as a center of Torah-true Jewish life in the Mishna and Talmud periods. Lods role as a leading community with elders continued from after the destruction though to this moment when it was cruelly cut down in the Gallus Revolt. The impressive finds uncovered here reinforce our responsibility to investigate and to conserve Lods history and rich heritage, said IAA Director Eli Escusido. Along with the citys new exhibition center of the beautiful Lod mosaic, we now bring this building to the awareness of the general public. Paleontologists have identified a new genus and species of centrosaurine dinosaur from the fossilized remains found in the Judith River Formation in the Kennedy Coulee region, Montana, the United States. Named Lokiceratops rangiformis, the new species appeared at least 12 million years earlier than its famous cousin Triceratops and was the largest horned dinosaur of its time. Lokiceratops rangiformis lived in what is now Montana during the Cretaceous period, some 78 million years ago. This species was around 6.7 m (22 feet) long and weighed 5 tons, making it the largest dinosaur from the group of horned dinosaurs called Centrosaurinae ever found in North America. Within the dinosaur ecosystems of the ancient island continent Laramidia, the Ceratopsidae were geographically widespread and morphologically diverse, possessing highly variable cranial ornaments including horns and morphologically diverse parietosquamosal frills, said University of Utahs Professor Mark Loewen and his colleagues. Two distinct clades within Ceratopsidae diverged by at least 83 million years ago. These are the long-nosed, long-frilled Chasmosaurinae and the round-nosed, relatively short-frilled Centrosaurinae. Centrosaurinae represent an ecologically important and diverse radiation of ceratopsids, reaching peak diversity in the Campanian, between 83 and 70 million years ago. Historically known from abundant remains in Alberta, Canada and Montana, the United States, discoveries over the past two decades have rapidly expanded our understanding of the group, particularly its geographic and morphologic breadth, with additional insights into centrosaurine ontogeny. Though locally abundant in some localities in southern Alberta and northern Montana, centrosaurines were previously rare or poorly known from other regions of Laramidia. The paleontologists discovered an associated skeleton of a mature individual of Lokiceratops rangiformis in 2019 in the Loki Quarry, which is part of the Judith River Formation. The Loki Quarry producing the new specimen lies on private land in the badlands of Kennedy Coulee, north of the town of Rudyard in Hill County, northern Montana, the United States, they said. Lokiceratops rangiformis had the largest frill horns ever seen on a horned dinosaur and lacks the nose horn that is characteristic among its kin. This new dinosaur pushes the envelope on bizarre ceratopsian headgear, sporting the largest frill horns ever seen in a ceratopsian, said Colorado State University paleontologist Joseph Sertich. These skull ornaments are one of the keys to unlocking horned dinosaur diversity and demonstrate that evolutionary selection for showy displays contributed to the dizzying richness of Cretaceous ecosystems. We think that the horns on these dinosaurs were analogous to what birds are doing with displays. Theyre using them either for mate selection or species recognition. Lokiceratops rangiformis co-existed with three other centrosaurine dinosaurs (Wendiceratops pinhornensis, Albertaceratops nesmoi, and Medusaceratops lokii) and one chasmosaurine (Judiceratops tigris). Its unheard-of diversity to find five living together, similar to what you would see on the plains of East Africa today with different horned ungulates, Dr. Sertich said. Unlike the broad range of large wild mammals that roam the U.S. West today, such as elk, these ancient animals were geographically limited. The discovery of Lokiceratops rangiformis provides evidence that these species evolved rapidly within a small area, a process sometimes seen in birds. By the time Triceratops came onto the scene 12 million years later, regional differences had been homogenized into just two species of horned dinosaurs from Canada to Mexico possibly in response to a more homogenous climate. The study shows that dinosaur diversity has been underestimated and presents the most complete family tree of horned dinosaurs to date. Lokiceratops rangiformis helps us understand that we only are scratching the surface when it comes to the diversity and relationships within the family tree of horned dinosaurs, Professor Loewen said. The study was published online in the journal PeerJ. _____ M.A. Loewen et al. 2024. Lokiceratops rangiformis gen. et sp. nov. (Ceratopsidae: Centrosaurinae) from the Campanian Judith River Formation of Montana reveals rapid regional radiations and extreme endemism within centrosaurine dinosaurs. PeerJ 12: e17224; doi: 10.7717/peerj.17224 Robin Bolz hugs Tony the Tiger at this year's Cereal Fest. Robin Bolz in an elementary school photo Robin Bolz with Toucan Sam at this year's Cereal Fest Courtesy A scene in Peter and the Starcatchers" Courtesy Student actors in The Lightning Thief Courtesy Julie Pellegrino-Hartman, Choir and Musical Theater Director at Kalamazoo Central High School Courtesy Kalamazoo Central High students in a performance of High School Musical Fundraising committee members include (from left) Chrissy Westbury, Jayne Fraley-Burgett, Katie Clarke, Lydia Fink-Cox, and Denise Sanchez. Mike Wenninger Students soliciting donations during Lunchtime Live! in Kalamazoos Bronson Park on June 14 chat with a woman who contributed. From the left are Astrid Westbury, Aubry Walker, Sappho Slate, and Evangeline Fraley-Burgett. Fiction The Care and Management of Lies: A Novel of the Great War by Jacqueline Winspear (Harper Perennial, $15.99) Jacqueline Winspear has crafted a novel of the Great War, told in a series of letters and recipes exchanged between newlyweds. Written in gentle, elegiac prose, The Care and Management of Lies focuses on the lives of three people: brother and sister Tom and Thea Brissenden, and Kezia Marchant, best friend of Thea and new wife of Tom. The Visitors by Sally Beauman (Harper Paperbacks, $15.99) Sally Beauman transports readers to Egypt in the 1920s, when explorers, archeologists and historians searched for uncovered tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and the riches they were thought to contain. The Visitors weaves together the imagined observations of Lucy, an 11-year-old girl traveling with her guardian, and two British men credited with the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb. California by Edan Lepucki (Back Bay, $16) In her debut, Edan Lepucki has imagined a disturbing vision of a nation devastated by natural disasters, whose people struggle to survive and compete in an increasingly segregated caste system. The result is lush--layered sensations that peel back in stark black and white until the novel reaches its Technicolor pinnacle. Shirley by Susan Scarf Merrell (Plume, $16) Shirley Jackson is brought back to life in a quietly disturbing tale worthy of its subject. Fred and Rose Nemser are newlyweds and move into the Jackson home when Fred becomes a graduate student and teaching assistant. Jackson's husband takes Fred under his wing, tutoring him in both their profession and in marriage, but Shirley's mentorship of the malleable Rose is more complex. Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique (Riverhead, $16) Tiphanie Yanique constructs a wide and magical world spanning three generations on the island of St. Thomas. The story begins with Owen Arthur and his women, then follows his children's and his grandchildren's lives. Yanique's diverse characters' collective story is haunting and exquisite, told with grace, vibrancy and magic. Waiting for the Electricity by Christina Nichol (Overlook, $16.95) Resourceful and optimistic, Slims Achmed Makashvili is everything a man in the Republic of Georgia is supposed to be. And everyone knows that Georgia is the finest country in the world. So why has it been months since Slims received a paycheck at his job? Why did he let the woman he was supposed to marry get away? Why won't the lights turn on? Nonfiction Preparing the Ghost: An Essay Concerning the Giant Squid and Its First Photographer by Matthew Gavin Frank (Liveright, $14.95) Matthew Gavin Frank's exploration of the giant squid's shadow on the human psyche veers from fact to lore with both verve and authority. His blustery confidence and unabashed enthusiasm is infectious; he's as intrepid and exploratory as the people who first draped a squid over a shower rod in 1874, rendering it immortal with the click of the camera. When the United States Spoke French: Five Refugees Who Shaped a Nation by Francois Furstenberg (Penguin, $20) In the 1790s, fledgling United States ally France was in revolutionary turmoil, while relations with England remained tense. Many French refugees ended up in Philadelphia, and the few years they spent there saw major shifts in American foreign policy--including the signing of the Jay Treaty and the Alien and Sedition Acts--and foreshadowed the coming Louisiana Purchase. The Removers: A Memoir by Andrew Meredith (Scribner, $15) When Andrew Meredith was 14, his father, a teacher, was fired after being accused of sexual misconduct. He later found work as a "remover"--someone who takes away the bodies of people who died in their own homes. Meredith's experiences working alongside his father become the central thread and metaphor for the dissolution of his family and his circuitous journey of self-discovery. The Victorian City: Everyday Life in Dickens' London by Judith Flanders (St. Martin's, $17.99) In The Victorian City, social historian Judith Flanders reminds us that Charles Dickens was a journalist before he was a novelist. The London that stands at the hearts of his novels--so vibrant that it's almost a character in its own right--is not only a work of the imagination but the reportage of a great observer. Tudors Versus Stewarts: The Fatal Inheritance of Mary, Queen of Scots by Linda Porter (St. Martin's, $19.99) Although much ink has been spilled on the tense relationship between the royal Elizabeth Tudor and her first cousin Mary Stewart, few have tried to explain how this "perfect storm" of loyalty and rivalry developed. Linda Porter puts this infamous feud in context, beginning with the defeat of Richard III by Henry Tudor (Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth. The Skeleton Crew: How Amateur Sleuths Are Solving America's Coldest Cases by Deborah Halber (Simon & Schuster, $16) The digital age has unleashed a new breed of amateur detectives: a dedicated group using the Internet to match missing people with unidentified human remains. These civilian volunteers comb vast databases for physical identifiers, dates and locations, hoping to match a body with a missing-persons report. Journalist Deborah Halber explores the people who spend so much time and effort seeking justice for strangers. Matt Young (photo: Katelynn Wyrick) Marine Corps veteran Matt Young's first book, Eat the Apple, was a structurally inventive memoir about his time in the service. His novel, End of Active Service (available now from Bloomsbury; reviewed in this issue), centers on a young man who's left the Marines and returned home to Indiana, where he's haunted by memories of his squad and Iraq. Young has also published stories and essays in Time, Granta, Tin House, Catapult, and the Cincinnati Review, among others. He teaches composition, literature, and creative writing at Centralia College in Washington. When did you know you wanted to write a novel? Was it conceived before or after your memoir? Like a lot of creative writers, I thought fiction was the thing that I wanted to write, but I was terrible at it. I stopped writing it for a while, and I thought after I wrote my memoir that I would just keep writing nonfiction. I was trying to write about parenthood. I'm adopted myself, and I was trying to write about my adoption and stuff like that. I finally wrote this creative nonfiction essay that was about taking my daughter home from the hospital. I have a little bit of that creative nonfiction essay from then in the novel now. Then I started writing these really short fiction pieces that accompanied it. My daughter was the centerpiece, and I was kind of a vague character, but it wasn't really me. I wrote one fictional piece about cutting my daughter's face out of pictures and pasting them onto pictures of me when I was in the Marine Corps. It sustained the voice from the nonfiction, but it felt weird because I didn't know what to do with it. I hadn't really pictured myself writing a novel. But then I didn't really question it for too long because I liked what I was doing. It ended up snowballing into all these little tiny vignette pieces. And, eventually, I formed it into a more traditionally structured novel. But I didn't have a plan to write a novel, I wanted to write nonfiction, and then that just blew up. The novel has two different storylines: Dean after getting out of the Marine Corps and Dean's time in the service. I'm just curious how you approach time. What was your relationship with it when you were writing the novel? I was finishing my MFA and this was my thesis project. I was reading about fractured narratives and structures of time in literature. On the whole, it was looking at chronological time, segmented time, and circular time. I was thinking about how oftentimes in memoir, or a narrative, where the protagonist has undergone some kind of trauma, then often the narrative structure of time is presented in this fragmented way, because that's how our brains kind of process. Dean's split between these two spaces, but also, in his day-to-day life, not everything holds consequence for him. There are moments that stick out, that are more significant and that are related, in some way, or paralleling things that have happened in the past. I was thinking about the idea that time is a flat circle, that everything is always happening, and that it's always going to be happening and repeating itself. Dean's experiencing that kind of time. Dean presents as all tooth and nail and tough, but there are glimpses of tenderness. What comes to mind is when he says the first time he touched a gun was in the Marines. Growing up, he hadn't wanted to go hunting with a friend because he hadn't wanted to shoot a deer. Did the balance of tender moments and violence come organically? I think it's pretty organic, because the character is essentially a black mirror of me in some way. I grew up in Indiana, I didn't want to go hunting with my friends. When I was a teen, I probably said, "Oh, that's so stupid. Why would you want to wake up at like four o'clock in the morning to sit in the woods for four hours or whatever?" But there's a part of me that thought, I don't want to do that. I don't want to kill an animal. I think that balance comes from a lot of time in therapy and being able to get in touch with my vulnerability as a man again, and to think, Oh, yeah, I do have empathy. I do have this gentle side. That is also a part of being a man. It's something that Dean really struggles with, but he wants it. At least he recognizes that. Or that's how he feels he should be in the world. There are a lot of shoulds for Dean. You showcase masculinity in many forms, including the toxic variety. I'm thinking about Rick versus Dean versus Court versus Ruiz. Was that deliberate or did it just come from the story? They're all various men that I've encountered. There's not really an intent to kind of showcase all these potentially terrible men or something like that. But I think, in my experience, at least, those are kind of like the stereotypical stock characters that you seem to encounter in some way. They're also varying models that Dean sees for himself. He doesn't really know who he is. He's essentially a blank slate. And he's trying to figure out what parts to add, and what parts to jettison and, I don't necessarily know that these other men in his life know who they are, either. But Dean seems to think that they do. It was more about putting him in conversation with somebody who's going to maybe fulfill our expectations in some way, but also surprise us in some way. One of the tricky things about writing about the military is how to translate jargon and acronyms for a broader audience. It seems pretty seamless in the story. But was that a struggle? How did you approach it? In my first book, I didn't take that into account at all. I think some people are like, "I didn't really understand this part." I don't know if you really need to--that jargon is meant to evoke a feeling. But, yeah, there were parts that I rewrote. And I think there are some moments of avoidance. There are a couple of times where Dean says something out loud, or thinks a thought, or is narrating to the audience or something in a way that I wouldn't if I was telling the story. I wouldn't say that acronym out loud. I wouldn't spell it out for somebody at first, I'd wait for them to ask, or something like that. So it was like paying attention to those kinds of things because I didn't want people to get lost in it. I do think that there's another space of confusion for people because that is just the way that he talks about his time in the Marines and the infantry. The experience is so steeped in jargon. I think part of it can be a mechanism to kind of throw people in the deep end and have them feel immersed in that space. But it's probably a balance. My editor was really helpful in that and having me dial it back this time around. Did you look to any books or authors as guideposts while drafting the novel? I have three novels that I was reading as I was thinking about the time structures I mentioned. Christopher Isherwood's A Single Man; Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko; and this really quiet book by Tove Jansson called The Summer Book. --Nina Semczuk Editors note: This is part of a series of stories exploring the NOAAs new Sea Level Rise Viewer. Coastal life can be perpetually marred by the fear of a rising ocean claiming more land than residents are willing to give. Thats why the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) is providing an interactive map to show curious clickers just how much land will be consumed by the sea. The Sea Level Rise Viewer allows you to explore various scenarios across all American seashores giving you a chance to see how your coastal home will fair in the wake of escalating sea levels. First, plug in your town or address. That way, the map can focus in on your area and allow you to explore more personalized sea level rise reports and real-life examples of local infrastructure, like well-known streets and signs. There are six tabs to flip through: Sea Level Rise, Local Scenarios, Mapping Confidence, Marsh Migration, Vulnerability and High Tide Flooding. In every tab save High Tide Flooding, you can control a slider that shows the water level at different intervals, with the highest being a 10-foot increase. Local Scenarios offers insight on just how much the water will climb over the course of the next few decades, ending in the year 2100. There are four different situations to choose from as well: Intermediate Low, Intermediate, Intermediate High and High. These give different outcomes based on the projected levels of severity. The Marsh Migration tab works on the same thought process. The interactive map is also updated by NOAA to reflect new data as it comes in, NJ Advance Media detailed. Increased carbon emissions are increasing atmospheric and ocean heating that is melting land-based ice sheets and glaciers and causing thermal expansion of the ocean resulting in coastal sea level rise along most U.S. coastlines, NOAA oceanographer William Sweet told NJ Advance Media, an Advance/SILive.com sister site, on Wednesday. A 2022 NOAA report describing the anticipated sea level rise states that due to the rate of emissions, Americas coasts will climb nearly two feet higher than where they presently are. That two feet of additional water will be here by 2100 but that figure is based on the 2022 emission level. Failing to curb future emissions could cause an additional 1.5 - 5 feet (0.5 - 1.5 meters) of rise for a total of 3.5 - 7 feet (1.1 - 2.1 meters) by the end of this century, The report warns. Insurance companies are already pulling out of states impacted by severe weather, including flooding, as seen in Florida. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Authorities allege that an unlicensed driver from Port Richmond led police on a wide chase through the streets of Staten Island that ended when he fled over the Bayonne Bridge. Jayden Daniels, 21, of Maple Avenue, was arrested on May 24 for the incident that occurred on April 11 at about 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Union Avenue and Richmond Terrace in Mariners Harbor, according to the criminal complaint and police. Daniels was driving a gray, 2021 Nissan Sentra when officers turned on the lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a car stop, police said. Instead of complying, Daniels drove into oncoming traffic in the intersection of Richmond Terrace and Wright Avenue in Elm Park and continued to drive on the wrong side of the road as his car approached Morningstar Road, the complaint alleges. Police said that three drivers had to move their cars to the side of the road to avoid being hit by the Nissan. Daniels drove through two red lights, first while making a right turn onto Morningstar Road and then at Innis Street, the complaint alleges. Daniels traveled southbound on the Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway, and while being followed by several marked NYPD vehicles, made a U-turn in the median of the highway and then headed north over the Bayonne Bridge, the complaint alleges. The defendants license was suspended or revoked for failure to answer a traffic summons, police allege. Police allege they recovered a switch blade from the defendants pants pocket on May 24 at about 12:40 a.m. in connection with his arrest on Roxbury Street in Mariners Harbor. Daniels faces numerous charges, including aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment, obstruction of governmental administration, unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless driving. Daniels pleaded not guilty to all charges, his license suspension continues and he has been released on his own recognizance. He is due back in Criminal Court on July 15. An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is seeking the publics assistance in locating and identifying a man wanted in connection with an alleged case of sexual abuse in St. George. Police received a report that around 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, a 35-year-old woman was sleeping on the ground in the vicinity of 1 Richmond Terrace when an unknown individual allegedly sexually assaulted her. The suspect then reportedly fled on foot in an unknown location. The victim was physically uninjured during the incident, the NYPD reports. The man is described as standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a light complexion and a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with white lettering, blue jeans and red/black sneakers, according to police. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Fresh in the borough this weekend will be WNBC Weekend Today in New Yorks resident food personality, Produce Pete. The author and veggie expert will be signing cookbooks and talking food at Gerardis Farmers Market and Nursery on Saturday, June 22. The meet-and-greet is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon. at 644 Richmond Terr., New Brighton. Produce Pete Napolitano and Susan Bloom, authors of "They Call Me Produce Pete" (Courtesy of Susan Bloom) Vinny Gerardi said, I grew up watching Produce Pete on TV and cannot believe he will be here in person. Weve been hoping hed come to visit us and . . . here he is! Produce Pete Napolitano with co-author Susan Bloom will present their most recent publication, They Call Me Produce Pete. Those who come out to meet Pete can get an autographed copy of They Call Me Produce Pete as well as his first book, Produce Petes Farmacopeia, and take a picture with him. Produce Pete merch also will be for sale. The Staten Island Mall Greenmarket hosted WNBC's Produce Pete on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 with co-author Susan Bloom. It was the largest turnout on record for the Mall market. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) Bloom is an award-winning New Jersey-based author who writes for the Advance/SILive.coms sister publications The Star-Ledger, The Asbury Park Press, New Jersey Monthly Magazine, and Jerseys Best Magazine. Her work also appears in USA Today, The New York Daily News, and Natural Awakenings. She has collaborated with Produce Pete on a broad range of articles and monthly columns for over a decade. Staten Islands North Shore farmers market received a shoutout last Saturday morning on Channel 4. On this weekends show, Produce Pete will share recipes for sweet peppers, currently in season in the region. He told the Advance/SILive.com, This coming Saturday, my segment on NBC Weekend Today in New York will feature sweet mini peppers, and heres a great recipe for sweet mini peppers that I know youll love, courtesy of Sunset Grown. Vinny Gerardi said, We hope our regulars and newcomers to our market will love Pete in person, and our Jersey Fresh produce. Mini sweet peppers can be stuffed with breadcrumbs or sausage crumbles. They are a flexible vehicle for summer flavors. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Silvestri Recipe: Sweet Mini Pepper Poppers 10 sweet mini-peppers, halved and seeds removed cup panko breadcrumbs cup cream cheese, softened cup grated Monterey Jack cup grated medium cheddar red finger chili, seeded and finely minced 3 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped (reserve 1 chopped piece for garnish) 1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped (reserve green parts for garnish) 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted teaspoon smoked paprika teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns Kosher salt Freshly ground black peppercorns to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the butter coats the panko evenly, and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl mix cream cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, chili, bacon, and green onion to evenly combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon about a tablespoon of filling into each pepper half and place on lined baking sheet; if the pepper doesnt lay flat, slice a very thin piece from the bottom to create a level surface. Spoon a small amount of panko topping over cream cheese filling. Bake peppers for 18-20 minutes, until filling is bubbly, warm, and peppers are just cooked but not too soft. (For additional browning, you can also broil for the last minute, keeping a close eye on the topping.) Remove from heat. Let peppers cool down slightly and garnish with reserved chopped bacon and green onion. Serve immediately. Courtesy of Sunset Grown Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Thousands of mermaid lovers and art enthusiasts will head to Brooklyn on Saturday for the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade and there will be several street closures due to the event. The 42nd annual Mermaid Parade known as the nations largest art parade is slated for Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m. There will be street closures in Brooklyn on parade day at the discretion of the NYPD, according to the city Department of Transportation (DOT). Due to parade formation, the following streets will be closed Saturday: West 21st Street, between Neptune Avenue and Boardwalk West 22nd Street, between Neptune Avenue and Boardwalk West 23rd Street, between Neptune Avenue and Dead End Surf Avenue, between West 21st Street and West 24th Street Due to the parade route, the following streets will be closed Saturday: Surf Avenue, between West 21st Street and West 10th Street West 10th Street, between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk Due to the festival, the following street will be closed Saturday: Stillwell Avenue, between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk Since 1983, visitors from across the country gather at the Coney Island shore for the parade. Inspired by the Coney Island Mardi Gras parades of old, the Mermaid Parade was transformed by its participants as a new kind of community celebration. It was created by Coney Island USAs (CIUSA) former artistic director Dick Zigun and is produced by Coney Island USA, a non-profit arts organization located in the heart of Coney Islands amusement district. It pays tribute to a century of Coney Island ingenuity, revelry and pageantry by celebrating the artistic vision of the masses. It includes a crowned King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, fantastical sea creatures and mer-folk, marching bands and dancing groups, baby strollers and mechanized floats. It showcases the creativity of individuals from the five boroughs and beyond, according to organizers. By the late 1980s, it was at the top of every list of must-do things in New York, and is considered the official opening of summer in the city. It also ensures a successful summer season by drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the amusement area and providing an economic boost to local businesses. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. PARADE ROUTE The parade starts at 1 p.m. rain or shine on Saturday, June 22. It will kick off on West 21st Street and Surf Avenue and will roll east to West 10th Street, where marches and push-pull floats will proceed to the boardwalk. Parade participants will then continue their march to Steeplechase Plaza, under the Parachute Jump, where the event will disband. After the parade, around 5 p.m., there will be a procession led from the judges stand at 19th Street and Surf Avenue, through Maimonides Park Parking lot, to the beach. Marchers will then be able to join the procession from the end of the parade route under the Parachute Jump. On the beach, the official beach ceremony will take place, and the ocean will be opened for the summer swimming season. WHERE TO WATCH Watching the parade is completely free and there are plenty of places to view it. Many people like to watch it on the boardwalk though that only features marchers and push-pull floats. Organizers say that watching the parade from Surf Avenue allows viewing of antique cars and motorized floats, as well. If you choose to watch the parade on Surf Avenue, note that the crowds get full -- similar to those in Times Square on New Years Eve. So if you dont want to stay for the entire parade, you should stand on the north side of Surf Avenue (the non-beach side), as getting to the subway or crossing the street can be difficult due to the crowds. ADA-accessible viewing for the parade is located at the NYPD Command Center on the north side of the street, between 10th and 12th streets from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE TO PARK Many streets in the area will be closed starting at 10 a.m. on parade day and wont open to traffic until after 6 p.m. Parade-goers can consider parking lots at the New York Aquarium and Maimonides Park, as well as private lots between Surf and Neptune avenues and West 8th Street and West 17th Street. But you should note that in order to access many of these parking lots, youll need to park before the streets are closed at 10 a.m. Mass transit is strongly encouraged. WALK IN THE PARADE There is still time to sign up to participate in the festivities. You can register as an individual marcher, or as part of a group. Registration is $35 per adult, and $20 for children. The check-in/registration for floats, antique cars and marchers is in the parking lot on Surf Avenue, between 21st and 22nd streets, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on parade day. For more information, visit www.coneyisland.com/mermaidparade. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Durmish Golesh, 27, lost his life doing what he enjoyed: Riding his motorcycle. A New Springville resident, Golesh was a graduate of Tottenville High School and worked with his brother-in-law running a local business, L&D Electrical. Although unmarried and without children of his own, Golesh held a deep affection for his two nephews and baby niece, Leart, Leor and Leila. He is dearly remembered by his family. To my beautiful pure hearted brother, you left me with so much of your amazing friends and family that loved you so much, Leyza Mexhuani, Goleshs sister, said. You gave your heart to whoever needed it, you always left yourself behind for others and thats how we will always remember you. You will always be remembered as everyones safe place and your memories will keep us smiling forever. We love you so much Duri and we will miss you forever. My first cousin was an incredible person, full of love and kindness, Genti Holovic, Goleshs cousin, said. He had a way of making everyone feel special, always putting others first with a warm smile and a generous heart. His presence was a source of joy and comfort to all who knew him. His tragic accident took him too soon, but his legacy of love and compassion remains with us, reminding us to cherish each moment we had with him. For Golesh, riding his motorcycle was one of lifes joys. Holovic says his cousin was dedicated to his bike and invested a lot of money into it. Tragically, Golesh first purchased his motorcycle back on June 15, 2019, five years to the date of the fatal collision in New Jersey, according to Holovic. To the man with the brightest smile and biggest heart, we mightve not been blood, but we always seen each other as brothers, Sahit Shasivari, Goleshs best friend, said. In addition to loved ones, the Albanian community continues to mourn the loss of Golesh, with many taking to social media to express their sympathy. Association Ulqini extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Durmish Golesh, our friend and our brother of the Albanian community, a post on Facebook by Albanian American Association Ulqini reads. We are deeply saddened by the news of his sudden passing. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. May God rest his soul. Durmish Golesh lost his life in a motorcycle collision on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Pictured is Golesh, left, and his cousin, Taulant Salaj.(Courtesy of Taulant Salaj) Another Facebook post by Shoqata Ana e Malit says the following: It is with profound sadness that we come together to mourn the loss of Durmish Golesh, a beloved member of our community. As we grieve alongside the Golesh Family, our hearts are heavy with sorrow for their unimaginable loss. Durmish touched many lives with his kindness, spirit, and presence. His memory will forever be a part of our community. Let us offer our deepest condolences and unwavering support to the Golesh Family during this difficult time. May we find strength in unity, and may the love and memories we share bring some comfort to those who are hurting most. Goleshs friends have put together a GoFundMe in an attempt to raise funds for his beloved nephews and niece. We together gather as friends to ask of this contribution just as a small passing to continue the way Durmish Golesh will honor his time and his dollar by supporting, providing and making sure his nephews and niece are always treated before himself and to remind them when the time comes this foundation was from the best Uncle Daja to his entire heart and passion Leart, Leor and Leila, the GoFundMe reads. You can find the GoFundMe by searching Honoring the loss of Durmish Golesh and Family at gofundme.com. As of Thursday afternoon, the fundraiser has garnered $15,723 of its $30,000 goal. To someone I loved as my other brother, your beautiful smile will be missed and you used to light up any room you walked into, Edisa Holovic, Goleshs cousin, said. My zemer, you will be missed forever. THE FATAL COLLISION Golesh was killed on Saturday, June 15, when he was ejected from his motorcycle in a crash that occurred in Far Hills, N.J., according to authorities. Troopers responded to the three-vehicle crash on Saturday at 11:23 a.m. on I-287 north in Somerset County, according to a statement based on a preliminary investigation by the New Jersey State Police. Golesh was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle northbound on the interstate when his motorcycle struck the rear of a Hyundai passenger vehicle heading in the same direction, according to the statement. The motorcycle then flipped over and hit the rear of a north-bound Infiniti, police said. Since being found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and effectively banned from operating in Australia, colourful neurosurgeon Charlie Teo has been finding ways to keep busy. From low-grade culture war troll to News Corp darling, sought-after international medical expert and wannabe celebrity magnet, Teo, who faced strict supervision conditions on his practising certificate over two disastrous operations, seems to be getting by OK without his scalpel. Charlie Teo pictured with Traci Griffiths last year. Credit: Dean Sewell Its also meant Teo is able to devote some time to his latest passion project vegan activism. Over the weekend, the doctor was spotted among the ranks of activists who regularly show up at Sydneys Pitt Street Mall to confront shoppers with graphic images of the meat industrys barbarity. He also showed up at an Animal Justice Party protest calling for a ban on greyhound racing. Now, CBD has no issue with veganism but we did think it odd to see Teo, whos recently expressed admiration for carnivorous culture warriors like Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson (he of the all-beef diet), become such an outspoken advocate for plant-based living. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outJust open First look: Former Rockpool chef opens high-end bistro in Marrickville Farm-fresh produce, vintage wine and excellent steaks take top billing at Corey Costelloes new Chapel Street venture 20 Chapel in the former site of Stix Cafe. Scott Bolles June 20, 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 / 7 Chef Corey Costelloe in the kitchen at his Marrickville venture. Wolter Peeters 2 / 7 Blackmore wagyu basturma, pickled cucamelons, ricotta. Wolter Peeters 3 / 7 Wood-fired grilled baby octopus, burnt zucchini vinaigrette. Wolter Peeters 4 / 7 Wolter Peeters 5 / 7 Blackmore handkerchief steak, smoked brown butter with soy and egg yolk glaze. Wolter Peeters 6 / 7 Wolter Peeters 7 / 7 Wolter Peeters Previous Slide Next Slide Corey Costelloe describes 20 Chapel as a neighbourhood bistro, but it hasnt stopped the former culinary director at Rockpool Bar & Grill transplanting a few high-end accoutrements to his new Marrickville restaurant, which opens on Friday, June 21. Not many local eateries have access to produce from one of its owners farms or have a bottle of vintage Chateau Lafite Rothschild on the wine list. If the black stonework with white marble flecks on the bar and kitchen pass at 20 Chapel look familiar, its because it is the same as youll find at the luxe Rockpool Bar & Grill on Hunter Street, in the CBD. When we went to look at stone options, they still had the same slab we used at Rockpool, the chef says. Costelloe also brought Rockpools maitred, Anthony Qalilawa, along for the ride at Marrickville, the affable frontman a partner at 20 Chapel. When Costelloe departed Rockpool in February, he was briefly the most high-profile unsigned free agent in the Sydney restaurant world. Blackmore wagyu basturma, pickled cucamelons, ricotta. Wolter Peeters Advertisement He toyed with opening his own venue in the city, before a conversation with the third partner at 20 Chapel, veteran chef David Allison, led them to Marrickville. Allison had a site with a cool industrial interior on Chapel Street where hed previously operated Stix Cafe. Costelloe was already a fan of Marrickvilles Vietnamese and Greek restaurants, and its unrelenting explosion as a food and booze destination hadnt gone unnoticed. The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre, Grifter Brewing and Wildflower Brewing and Blending are just a few of the venues on its well-trodden trail, topped up by additions such as Kin Dining and Bar and the newish We Three, where you can sip on retro cocktails and snack on potato and grana padano gnocchi. Allisons Stix Farm on the Hawkesbury River is supplying the greens and tomatoes on 20 Chapels opening menu. Costelloe is using zucchini from the farm to make a burnt zucchini vinaigrette hes serving with grilled baby octopus. Photo: Wolter Peeters And Allison is bringing more than produce and experience to the venture. David offered some of his wine collection for the wine list, Costelloe says. As well as a couple of old bottles of Grange, they found a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Unfortunately something had dripped on it right where the year is written, were going to have to get an expert in to work out what year it is, Costelloe says. Advertisement 20 Chapels opening menu incorporates pumpkin from Stix Farm in a stuffed agnolotti with smoked almond and sage. Theres a dish of Hawkesbury school prawns, green lip abalone and polenta, and a main course line-up of steaks driven by Costelloes long-standing contacts with producers David Blackmore Wagyu and CopperTree. The chef has a couple of secret weapons in his kitchen. He says he won a tug-of-war to land the services of talented sous chef Owen Okada, who apprenticed at Rockpool Bar & Grill before working at Saint Peter and Clam Bar, and pastry chef Daria Nechiporenko. Darias a weapon in the kitchen, her Russian honey cake had to go on the menu, Costelloe says. Open lunch Sat-Sun; dinner Wed-Sat 20 Chapel Street, Marrickville, 20chapel.com.au Former Tetsuyas and Rockpool chefs turn to surprising new solo ventures Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up However, Pope Francis 2021 letter Traditionis custodes restricted celebration of the traditional Latin Mass and called for bishops to end it in favour of a unified church, amid claims it was being politicised by some conservative Catholics. The change has come under scrutiny from some priests and members of the Catholic community, who want to see the tradition preserved for future generations. A worshipper enters St Patricks Cathedral on Wednesday night. Credit: Eddie Jim During his sermon at St Patricks, Father Glen Tattersall assured the congregation it wouldnt be the end of celebrating traditional Latin Mass at the church, which has been held weekly since 2011. He referred to the views of then bishop George Pell, a leading conservative in the Church, who led a traditional Latin Mass at St Patricks in 1992. Bishop Pell acknowledged the widespread interest in the Mass he was celebrating, Tattersall said. It was the first traditional Mass celebrated by a bishop in an Australian cathedral since the early 1970s, he added. From 1970 or so to 1985, the old Mass had been under a putative ban, until the more enlightened and tolerant approach of John Paul II began to reverse this. Loading Bishop Pell continued: This is a precious inheritance. It is not ours to improve or to prune, it is the source of faith, repentance, the source of everlasting renewal. To the extent that we depart from this central tradition of worship and conversion, that we damage or pollute this core, we are weakened and enfeebled. Pell, later a cardinal, who died in Rome in 2023, was Australias most prominent Catholic cleric. In 2020, the High Court unanimously quashed historical child sexual abuse convictions against him. Speaking about the end of Latin Mass, Catholic priest Andrew Hamilton, who has taught theology at the United Faculty of Theology, said the modernised liturgy made it more accessible to people. The [Second] Vatican Council revised the old Mass and then put it into everyones language, Hamilton said. From left: Young worshippers Luca Maher, Kiara Perera, Gabriela Ponce Moya and Lachlan Rourke Holden at St Patricks Cathedral. Credit: Eddie Jim He said that during traditional Latin Mass, some of the prayers are in Latin, and the priest turns his back to the congregation and looks to the front of the church. Incense is used and traditional garments such as veils are worn, and there is a preference for the taking of communion in the mouth from the priest rather than being handed it. Because of the emphasis on community and communication in the New Mass, the priest now turns towards the people. The play is the same, but the choreography is different, he said. Latin has antiquity, but it was first used because it was modern. It is no more a sacred language than English. Hamilton said much of the current resistance to change within the church, whether it be in worship or other ways, is really a rejection of the changes that took place at the Vatican Council. Loading On Wednesday night, at the end of the Latin Mass, a group of young Catholics emerged smiling from the cathedrals doors. They, like others, had heard about the final service and felt compelled to attend. Luca Maher, a 19-year-old from Newman College, a Jesuit residential college affiliated with the University of Melbourne, said it was his first traditional Latin Mass. He said he was awed by the number of faithful who attended, but found the service difficult to follow. There was so much less kneeling in what we would normally do [in the New Mass] ... even the priests just not facing you was a drastic change that I had not experienced, and it was so difficult to follow, he said. A dated abandoned beach house in the popular coastal suburb of Mullaloo has attracted such strong interest from prospective buyers that the real estate agent has fielded offers of more than $1.1 million. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in the mid-1980s and is in its original retro condition with a sunken lounge, taupe carpets and frosted amber glass in the bathrooms. Built on a 810-square-metre block, the two-storey house features several living spaces, ocean views and a supersize kitchen spread over 241 square metres. One Agency North owner David Snell said the property was being sold as is. Business leader Ziggy Switkowski has backed the case for nuclear power to slash carbon emissions and complement wind and solar projects in a key move by a peak nuclear expert to broaden the national climate and energy debate. Switkowski, a nuclear physicist who chaired NBN Co and advised the Howard government on nuclear power, said the next generation of nuclear plants could justify their higher cost because of the value of their reliable baseload power. The comments came as state premiers stepped up their attacks on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for his controversial proposal to install nuclear power stations on seven sites nationwide, while Labor dismissed the plan as economic madness because of the cost and risk involved. Nuclear will hold its own, particularly now that globally the sentiment has shifted, Switkowski said. Voters have backed the NSW Labor governments push to increase density around train stations with fewer than one-third opposed to the policy designed to tackle the worsening housing crisis. In the first public measure of the popularity of the governments signature transport-oriented development program, an exclusive survey shows that 50 per cent of voters support the plan to build apartments around 37 stations while one in five are yet to make up their mind. The largest bloc of support comes from Labor voters (65 per cent), however, Liberal voters are split, with 40 per cent supportive of the density plan and 39 per cent against. Of the voters surveyed who are renting or sharing a home, 54 per cent support Labors plans, while 53 per cent of people with a mortgage also back what the government has set out to do. There was a palpable excitement from Victorian Labor on Wednesday as federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton unveiled seven sites where the Coalition, if elected, would build nuclear power stations. Their animation, not seen since the 2022 election, wasnt driven by a desire for a nuclear reactor to be built in Gippsland as Dutton wants to do, but because of the opportunity it presents Labor to whip up hysteria ahead of the next election. Peter Duttons opponents in Victoria are confident they can win the nuclear debate. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Within hours of Duttons announcement, memes of Blinky the three-eyed fish from The Simpsons had been superimposed onto images of the Gippsland Lakes, offering a taste of the scare campaign to come. The tactic has angered Coalition MPs but given Labors previous efforts running the Mediscare campaign convincing voters the Coalition would privatise Medicare after it investigated ways of privatising the payment systems it should not be underestimated. Cafe Central, dressed for Christmas. Credit: Getty Images While Viennas most palatial coffeehouse is certainly no secret, its special nonetheless. Marble pillars prop up a high, spectacularly vaulted ceiling, and black-waistcoated waiters breeze around with whipped cream-topped coffees and impressive-looking hunks of chocolate-truffle Altenberg Torte. Since it opened in 1876, famous regulars have included Leon Trotsky and Sigmund Freud. Herrengasse 14. See cafecentral.wien Cafe Braunerhof, Vienna Cafe Braunerhof is popular with writers and wannabes. Credit: Alamy Gloomy novelist Thomas Bernhard used to perch here, but dont let that put you off. The Braunerhof is not consciously a literary hangout, but it attracts more than its fair share of writers and a more numerous group those who would like to be writers. Some coffee houses look better when they are busy. This one looks best when the lunchtime crowd has left, leaving afternoon dreamers to flick through the mighty selection of newspapers. Stallburggasse 2; no website Cafe Leopold Hawelka, Vienna Cafe Leopold Hawelka: quietly bohemian. Credit: Getty Images The Austrian capital is a serious coffee city, with several historic dens frequented by composers, artists, writers, generals and dukes. Some are mobbed by tourists. Many are fustian and overwrought. The Hawelka, opened in the dark year of 1939, still manages to feel local and quietly bohemian, and a little removed from the main tourist circuits. There are no cappuccinos or lattes here, but, rather, melange, schwarzer and einspanner. Dorotheergasse 6. See hawelka.at New York Cafe, Budapest, Hungary Inside the New York Cafe, Budapest. This institution claims to be the worlds most beautiful cafe and its difficult to mount a counter-argument. During the 19th century, it was the regular haunt of some of Hungarys leading artists and poets, but they must have struggled to concentrate when surrounded by such opulence. There are ceiling frescoes, sculpted cherubs, railings upholstered with red velvet, gilded columns and other fancy trappings that attract as many selfie-takers as coffee drinkers. Erzsebet krt. 9-11. See newyorkcafe.hu Cafe Americain, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Art nouveau beauty: Cafe Americain. Credit: Alamy A 1902 art nouveau beauty as far removed from the brown, boozy coffee houses as the diamond merchants are from the dope dealers. Leaded stained-glass windows and Tiffany lamps keep the interior soothingly low-lit, and dark wood floors and geometric decor add a sober, rather Dutch edge to the luxurious excess. Take a stool at the gorgeous curved bar or bag one of the spacious booths for an Amsterdam breakfast featuring fruit loaf, nettle cheese and ox sausage. Leidsekade 97. See cafeamericain.nl Pastelaria-Padaria Sao Roque, Lisbon, Portugal Pastelaria-Padaria Sao Roque: a glory to behold. Credit: Alamy With its domed ceiling, ornate azulejos and copper-coloured columns topped with gold capitals, this splendid art nouveau coffee and cake shop on the edge of the historic Bairro Alto is a glory to behold. Freshly baked bread, pastries, light snacks and strong bicas (espressos, which in Portugal use robusta as well as arabica beans) and cappuccinos are served at the glass-topped curved counter or at small tables with seating outside. Rua Dom Pedro V 57; no website Cafe Majestic, Porto, Portugal Cafe Majestic, Porto. Credit: Alamy Formerly the Elite, this 1921 establishment dazzles before you even get near it. The art nouveau marble facade, with its dozens of small windows and elaborate tracery, turns gold when the lights come on inside. With its heavy varnished woodwork, leather upholstery and ornate mirrors, its just the kind of place where you can imagine port vineyard bosses meeting their landed friends; the menu, as well as a range of coffees and cakes, features desserts matched to vintage ports. Rua Santa Catarina, 112. See cafemajestic.com Breizh Cafe, Paris, France This is the place that made the pancake gourmet, and although not particularly budget-friendly as creperies go, its streets ahead of the competition in terms of quality. While creperies are often dismissed as restaurants for children, here, the setting is akin to a distressed beach hut. The choice of savoury galettes and sweet crepes ranges from classic complete (egg, cheese and ham) to imaginative creations. 109 rue Vieille-du-Temple. See breizhcafe.com Cafe de Flore, Paris Cafe de Flore in Paris. Credit: iStock It may be a bit of an influencer trap these days, but the legendary Cafe de Flore in Saint-Germain is still worth a visit. Once the haunt of activists and writers such as De Beauvoir and Sartre, you can just picture them there in the 50s and 60s, putting the world to rights amid the tiled floor and red leather banquettes. The terrace overlooking Boulevard Saint-Germain is undeniably gorgeous but the interior is best for people-watching. 172 Bd Saint-Germain. See cafedeflore.fr Cafe Montmartre, Prague, Czechia Pared-back simplicity: Cafe Montmarte. Credit: Alamy The Czech capital has its fair share of grand cafes and bohemian bars, but this 24-year-old reconstruction of a legendary 1912 venue stands out for attention to detail, pared-back simplicity and cool clientele. Beneath the barrel-like vaulted ceiling, 20s-style armchairs, tables and antiques, and lovely low lighting, create an atmosphere that would suit a political complot; apt then that Kafka mulled over metaphysics in the original Montmartre. Retezova 7; no website Cafe Savoy, Prague Cafe Savoy: restored to its former glory. Credit: Getty Images This old European-style cafe on the Left Bank has been lovingly restored to its 19th-century glory, with locals flocking here for brunch, which consists of fresh croissants, melt-in-your-mouth Prague ham and creamy coffee, served beneath ornate high ceilings peppered with dapper designer chandeliers by Veronika Richterova. The crowd is artsy and bohemian especially around lunchtime when specials such as the classic schnitzel are served. Vitezna 124/5. See cafesavoy.ambi.cz Schwarzes Cafe, Berlin, Germany Schwarzes Cafe is open around the clock. Credit: Getty Images Once a haunt of the West Berlin cognoscenti (including David Bowie and Iggy Pop), the Schwarzes Cafe remains a bona fide Charlottenburg institution. Its one of the few spots in Berlin thats open around the clock and attracts tourists and locals as it shifts between being a bar, cafe and restaurant. Food tends towards the traditional (schnitzel and spaetzle), with drinks including some great lagers and wheat beers. Kantstrae 148. See schwarzescafe-berlin.de Konditori Ritorno, Stockholm, Sweden Skip the hipster espresso bars and enjoy the retro charm of this 1959 institution. Dark wood tables, yellow walls, lots of nude oils and a red carpet hit the sweet point between funky and homey, and a crowd of elderly regulars and younger customers ensures a nice atmosphere. Free filter coffee refills and big cream buns. Odengatan 80-82. See ritorno.se Cafe de lOpera, Barcelona, Spain Cafe de lOpera is an unmissable stop. Credit: Alamy Named for the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house opposite, this is an unmissable stop on La Rambla. Frozen in time, with its ornate furnishing and tarnished mirrors, it has old-school waiters to match. Theyve seen it all, from the divas dropping in for a nightcap after a show to busloads of tourists, and remain unflappable. The cafe serves the usual fare, with tapas, sandwiches, cakes and rather more unexpectedly an excellent list of whiskies. La Rambla, 74, Ciutat Vella. See cafeoperabcn.com Gran Cafe de Gijon, Madrid, Spain Cafe de Gijon: a favourite of poets, writers and artists. Credit: Alamy Sitting on a red velvet banquette at a marble table in the Gijon, sipping a cafe con leche and reading a book is a quintessential Madrid experience. A favourite of poets, writers and artists since it opened in 1888 Federico Garcia Lorca, Luis Bunuel and Pablo Neruda were all regulars it is one of the few traditional cafes left in the city. Nobel-prize winner Camilo Jose Celas novel La Colmena (The Hive) was inspired by the Gijons colourful 1940s clientele. Paseo de Recoletos, 21. See cafegijon.com Caffe Gambrinus, Naples, Italy Legendary: Gran Caffe Gambrinus. Credit: Getty Images Behind the imposing 1860 facade is an operatic Belle Epoque fantasy of crystal chandeliers, marble floors, finely sculptured stucco, bas-reliefs and oils by Neapolitan landscape artists. The panettone, pastries and ice-cream are among the best in the city the sfogliatella riccia (lobster tail pastry filled with cream) is legendary and the espressos hot and strong. Clients have included Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and Jean-Paul Sartre. Via Chiaia 1, Piazza Trieste e Trento 42. See grancaffegambrinus.com Caffe San Marco, Trieste, Italy Caffe San Marco: an opulent secession-style interior and beautiful frescoes. Credit: Alamy Italys most underrated city was once the seaside outpost of the Habsburg Empire. No wonder, then, that it has several cafes as grand as any in Vienna. Trieste was once a major port for coffee arriving from Africa and Asia; Triestinos have about 40 words for coffee, and theyre precise about how they want it served. This elegant, expansive bookshop cafe, opened in 1914, has an opulent secession-style interior and beautiful frescoes. Via Battisti 18. See caffesanmarco.com Caffe al Bicerin, Turin, Italy Caffe Bicerin in Turins city centre. Credit: Alamy Any visitor to this handsome Piedmontese city, home to the headquarters of Lavazza, will soon discover that bicerin is a rich coffee, chocolate and cream drink ideal for Alpine winter afternoons. Whether or not it was invented in this venerable cafe, here since 1763, is open to question but the place does a mean version. Quite small and cosy but full of handsome mirrors, marble tables and wrought-iron fixtures, Caffe al Bicerins customers have included Nietzsche, Puccini and Umberto Eco (who features the cafe in The Prague Cemetery). Piazza della Consolata, 5. See bicerin.it Caffe Florian, Venice, Italy Cafe Florian: a living museum of Venetian coffee culture. Credit: Getty Images This Piazza San Marco cafe, founded in 1720, is a living museum of Venetian coffee culture, with a jewel box of an interior dating back to the mid-19th century. During the Austrian occupation, Venetian patriots (and Lord Byron) plotted revolution here over coffee and cakes. Note that tables outside in the square carry a per-person music surcharge when the band is playing. Head to the bar area at the back, if management permits, with its velvet stools and no table surcharge. P.za San Marco, 57. See caffeflorian.com Pellegrinis, Melbourne Pelligrinis: classic espresso bar. Credit: Justin McManus Since 1954 long before this citys oft-reported barista boom this classic espresso bar has been providing shots of superb Italian-style coffee (using the same Vittoria beans over all those years), as well as proper ravioli, minestrone soup and granitas. The classic chequered floor, dusty posters and paintings, flash of neon and two long rows of stools draw regulars as well as celebrities including Hollywood stars Ava Gardner, Anthony Perkins and Russell Crowe. 68 Bourke Street (On Facebook) Paramount Coffee Project, Sydney Paramount Coffee Project: cool, clever and kind. Plus ca change. Coluzzis has closed. The Piccolo is a cocktail bar. The service at the Central Station cafe is as underwhelming as the commuter trains. Sydney has plenty of hip barista joints and minimal holes in the wall, though. Industrial-chic PCP is light-filled, hygienically tiled and feels ultra-contemporary, with potted plants and work-friendly desk-type tables and stools. V60s are available, but the coffee menu is stylishly short and to the point. It opened in 2013 and says its ethos is to support farmers, importing small batches of ethically sourced beans and inviting the best Australian roasters to work their magic. Cool, clever and kind. 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills (paramountcoffeeproject.com.au) Bar Britanico, Buenos Aires, Argentina Bar Britanico: classic corner cafe. Credit: Getty Images Opened in 1928 on the site of an old pulperia a general store associated with the gaucho era this classic corner cafe has chequered tiling on the floors, small wooden tables designed for intimacy and the many solo clients, ceiling fans, typically Argentine fileteado ornamental signage, and large windows overlooking two old streets in San Telmo. A drinking den for British railway workers, the mad generals of the last dictatorship (1976-83) insisted it should be renamed El Tanico. 399 Ave Brasil; no website Cafe La Biela, Buenos Aires A meeting place: Cafe La Biela Credit: Alamy One of the great capitals of coffee culture, Buenos Aires has more than 80 cafes notables historic bars and cafes listed by the city government and supposedly, but not always, protected. Laid-back, discreetly decorated La Biela, while iconic, is still a place for locals to meet over a well-made cortado. In refined Recoleta, not five minutes walk from the marble-walled necropolis where Evita is entombed alongside the aristocrats she detested, it was always a hang-out for the smart set. In the 50s, racing drivers caroused here (biela is con rod). Corner of Junin and Quintana. See labiela.com Fazil Bey, Istanbul, Turkey This Kadikoy stalwart opened in 1923. Everything about it is busy, from the gaudy tiles on the bar and underfoot to the chaotic clutter of sacks and machinery to the constant traffic of customers. Top-grade Brazilian beans are roasted and ground on site then brewed in a small copper pan known as a cezve and served with a piece of Turkish delight. Fazil Bey has several branches, but this is the original. 1a Serasker Cad; no website Cafe La Habana, Mexico City, Mexico If there were a competition for Biggest Cafe Boast when it comes to clients, this cavernous 1952 establishment in the Juarez neighbourhood would win it. Legend holds not only that Fidel Castro and Che Guevara plotted the Cuban revolution here, but also that the exiled Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote some of his 1967 novel One Hundred Years of Solitude here. Waitresses are a bit sour as is the coffee (locals add condensed milk) but the high walls and dangling fans evoke a different Mexico City. 62 Avenida Morelos; on Facebook Cafe Brasilero, Montevideo, Uruguay Cafe Brasilero: humble. Credit: Alamy Like most things in the Uruguayan capital, this grand old cafe opened in 1877 is actually rather small and humble. Plain wooden tables and panelling, monochrome photographs on the walls, handsome chandeliers and a cool, low-lit interior make it feel writerly. Author Eduardo Galeano was a regular, the Cafe Galeano, with amaretto, honouring his memory. In the Old City, but off the main pedestrianised drag. 1447 Ituzaingo; no website Cafe Olimpico, Montreal, Canada Cafe Olimpico: permanently busy. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Montreals once Frenchified cafe scene is now dominated by invite only community clubs, polyvalent workspaces and opportunists claiming Leonard Cohen penned his early masterpieces on their stools. Olimpico is great because its just a cafe. Opened in 1970 in the arty (increasingly gentrified) Mile End district, its a permanently busy, bustling little brown-hued cafe, turning out superb espressos, macchiatos and cappuccinos to a mixed clientele. 124 Rue St-Viateur West. See cafeolimpico.com Caffe Reggio, New York, US Caffe Reggio: New Yorks original cappuccino bar. Credit: Getty Images This dimly lit Greenwich Village classic coffee shop claims the title of the original cappuccino bar, owner and barber Domenico Parisi having imported the first espresso machine to the US in 1927 to serve his customers while they waited. Sepia tones predominate, with moody oils and reliefs on the walls, intricately carved benches with soft cushions and the original machine, an ornate brass beauty, on show. Clients have included Bob Dylan and Joseph Brodsky. 119 MacDougal St. See caffereggio.com Cafe Sabarsky, New York Vienna style in New York: Cafe Sabarsky. Credit: Alamy This handsome cafe on the ground floor of the Neue Galerie perfectly replicates the Secessionist-era coffee houses sprinkled throughout Vienna. There are even wooden newspaper holders hanging by the door for frequenters to catch up on the latest news. Michelin-starred Austrian kitchen wizard Kurt Gutenbrunner of restaurant Wallse fame has designed a menu of mitteleuropa classics. Period decor adds an old-world feel: wood-panelled walls, antique light fixtures, and upholstered banquettes. 1048 5th Ave. See neuegalerie.org Confeitaria Colombo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Opulent: Confeitaria Colombo. Credit: Getty Images Opened in 1894 by Portuguese immigrants, this opulent, high-ceilinged art nouveau-style salon is framed by a gorgeous stained-glass skylight and a multitude of mirrors and crystal glassware, harking back to Rios days as capital and economic powerhouse. Located in the Centro, its been the talking shop for presidents, intellectuals, writers and musicians. The downstairs cafe does a good selection of pastries, including classic Portuguese pastel de nata, with the first-floor balcony geared for dining. 32 Rua Goncalves Dias. See confeitariacolombo.com.br Hakrim Dabang, Seoul, South Korea In a city often considered in thrall to the new and techy, this 1956 dabang traditional coffee shop in the historic Jongno district makes for a venerable alternative. Formerly a hotbed of political discussion, when Korean students gathered to discuss democracy, it still has a student-oriented, arty feel, with cosy booths and old vinyl records on display. The house blends are consistently excellent, and the speciality cream cheesecake is great. 119 Daehak-ro. See hakrim.pe.kr Cafe Paulista, Tokyo, Japan The first Cafe Paulista (after Sao Paulo) opened in 1911 with free shipments of beans from Brazil, part of a scheme to promote coffee drinking in tea-loving Japan. The 1923 earthquake destroyed the original. This Ginza location opened in 1970 and is very much of that time: low-slung leather seats, houseplants and old engravings, and a general decor as brown as coffee. Beans are still imported from Brazil. 1F Nagasaki Centre Building, 8-9-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku. See paulista.co.jp The Writers Coffee, La Paz, Bolivia La Paz is not yet a serious coffopolis. New, trendy and oddly named, this small cafe tucked inside one of the Bolivian capitals best-known bookshops, Gisbert, is by some measure the nicest place to rest when the teeming pavements of downtown or the thin air wear you out. Old typewriters honour the craft of the author, and skilled baristas turn out steamed, dripped, nitro and pressed brews, using excellent beans from the sultry Yungas region. 1270 Calle Comercio. See thewriterscoffee.com Bewleys, Dublin, Ireland Bewleys has undergone years of restoration. Credit: Alamy Its impossible to visit Dublin and not investigate the new incarnation of Bewleys (bewleys.com), reopened recently after years of restoration. This fine old coffee house was a firm favourite for close on a century, and its renaissance is a cheering sight. Come here for coffee, savouries, sweet treats (including the signature Bewleys cherry buns, and Mary cake, a rich confection of apricot and chocolate) and to admire the glorious Harry Clarke stained-glass windows which illuminate the cafe. 78-79 Grafton Street. See bewleysgraftonstreet.com Gran Cafe de Paris, Tangier, Morocco Gran Cafe de Paris has been used as a movie location. Credit: Getty Images Its natural that the city of rogues and writers, spies and sleazeballs, should have a cafe culture. The Gran Cafe, gracing the corner across from Moroccos French consulate since 1927, has plenty of seats outside, where locals chatter, watch the traffic and smoke (they smoke inside, too) over cafes au lait. Loading The furniture is retro; soft vinyl wraparound seats and banquettes go some way to explaining why no one seems in a hurry to leave. Francis Bacon and Jean Genet have lounged here; films that have used the cafe as a location include The Living Daylights and The Bourne Ultimatum. 1 Place de France, no website Astoria, Taipei, Taiwan PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Omar E.C. Ottley, Leader of the United People's Party, has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged ongoing mistreatment and neglect of prison guards at Pointe Blanche Prison. The facility, critically understaffed, has seen officers in training waiting to be sworn in while current staff endure severe working conditions. "I have consistently stated that neglecting our own is unacceptable. We must prioritize the well-being of these prison guards, who perform a dangerous and vital job," said MP Ottley in a Wednesday press release. He urged the Minister of Justice to address this matter urgently. MP Ottley's concerns stem from numerous complaints from justice workers urging him to address the unresolved issues within the Ministry of Justice. One justice worker reported a persistent pattern of victimization by Human Resources representatives toward correctional officers. Despite their diligent work, many guards have not received proper compensation or recognition for their roles and responsibilities. "I understand that at least ten prison guards have been waiting since 2019 to be officially appointed," Ottley stated. "When they inquire about their status, they are dismissed as 'not qualified,' yet they perform the duties and hold positions without appropriate pay." MP Ottley described these complaints as "unacceptable" if true. "Our people deserve better," he said. Correctional officers have reported working up to 16-hour shifts to cover staffing shortages but are capped at 40 hours of overtime per month, despite frequently exceeding this limit. The guards have requested additional training to align their skills with those at other facilities, such as Justitiele Inrichting Caribisch Nederland in Bonaire, but their pleas have largely gone unheard. A particularly troubling issue is the lack of basic amenities and support. Guards often work double shifts without access to a proper break room or meals, having to provide for themselves despite their grueling schedules. Although a team from The Netherlands recently provided some physical training, this support is seen as insufficient to address the broader systemic issues. One guard highlighted the disparity in attention given to different sectors within the justice system. "The Ministry of Justice seems to focus on departments like the Police, Coast Guard, Customs, and Immigration, which deserve attention, but prison guards are left out," they said. "We're tasked with managing hardened criminals and are paid only Naf. 2000, on a scale of 3, which is outdated and inadequate." MP Ottley emphasized the dire need for immediate reforms and support. "Some guards have waited over ten years for an LB (Landsbesluit). The hiring process is nearly nonexistent, and we rely heavily on the Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten (VKS) for assistance," a Corrections Officer noted. "We work without proper food, minimal overtime pay, and face constant bureaucratic hurdles." "We cannot claim to be doing our best for the Ministry of Justice if such glaring issues persist," Ottley asserted. "I urge the government to address these problems urgently." MP Ottley reiterated his commitment to advocating for the correctional officers and all justice workers who have been overlooked. "The United People's Party stands with these dedicated workers. We will continue to fight for their rights and ensure that their voices are heard." For further information, don't hesitate to get in touch with MP Omar E.C. Ottley. Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front-row taxi ride. US bans Russia's Kaspersky antivirus software Washington, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 The United States on Thursday banned Russia-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky from providing its popular antivirus products in the country on national security grounds, the US Commerce Department announced. "Kaspersky will generally no longer be able to, among other activities, sell its software within the United States or provide updates to software already in use," the agency said in a statement announcing the action, which it said is the first of its kind. The announcement came after a lengthy investigation which found that Kaspersky's "continued operations in the United States presented a national security risk due to the Russian Government's offensive cyber capabilities and capacity to influence or direct Kaspersky's operations," it added. Kaspersky did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision. "Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information," US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement. The Commerce Department's actions demonstrate to America's adversaries that it would not hesitate to act when "their technology poses a risk to the United States and its citizens," she added. The move is the first such action taken since a Trump-era executive order gave the Commerce Department the power to investigate whether certain companies pose a national security risk. While the multinational firm is headquartered in Moscow, it has offices in 31 countries around the world, servicing more than 400 million users and 270,000 corporate clients in more than 200 countries, the Commerce Department said. As well as banning the sale of Kaspersky's antivirus software, the Commerce Department also added three entities linked to the firm to a list of companies deemed to be a national security concern, "for their cooperation with Russian military and intelligence authorities in support of the Russian government's cyber intelligence objectives." The Commerce Department said it "strongly encouraged" users to switch to new vendors, although its decision does not ban them from using the software should they choose to do so. Kaspersky is allowed to continue certain operations in the United States, including providing antivirus updates, until September 29 this year, "in order to minimize disruption to US consumers and businesses and to give them time to find suitable alternatives," it added. Retired Peruvian soldiers sentenced for raping rural women and girls in 1980s Lima, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 A Peruvian court on Wednesday sentenced 10 retired soldiers to up to 12 years in prison for having raped nine rural women and girls in the 1980s as the army fought Shining Path Maoist guerrillas. The sentencing ended five years of hearings in the first case in the South American country to address sexual crimes committed by soldiers. The guilty verdicts against these men were handed down in earlier proceedings. Judge Rene Eduardo Martinez sentenced the men, none of whom were in court, to between six and 12 years' imprisonment. The case dates back to 1984 when the army set up a base near the Andean towns of Manta and Vilca in Huancavelica, one of Peru's poorest regions. Many of the victims were minors when they were raped, and five became pregnant as a result, their lawyers told the court. "These have been 40 long years of struggle," a victim identified only as Maria said in a voice message sent by her lawyer to AFP. Maria, now 54, has two children that were the product of rape. "Hopefully ... these criminals will now go to prison," she said. According to Peru's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, hundreds of cases of rape, sexual slavery, prostitution and forced abortion were committed during the country's 1980-2000 war between state forces and the Shining Path. More than 69,000 people died or disappeared during Peru's internal conflict, with abuses on both sides, according to the commission. Swedish court to rule on top Syrian officer war crimes charges Stockholm, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 A Stockholm court will Thursday deliver its verdict in a trial against one of the highest-ranking Syrian military officials to be tried in Europe, accused of war crimes during Syria's civil war. Former brigadier general Mohammed Hamo, 65, who lives in Sweden, is accused of "aiding and abetting" war crimes. If convicted, he could get a life sentence. The Stockholm district court is expected to announce its verdict at 11:00 am (0900 GMT). The war between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and armed opposition groups, including Islamic State, erupted after the government repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011. It has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions, and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure. According to the charges, Hamo contributed -- through "advice and action" -- to the Syrian army's warfare, which "systematically included attacks carried out in violation of the principles of distinction, caution and proportionality". "The warfare was thus indiscriminate," prosecutor Karolina Wieslander told the court when the trial opened in April. Wieslander said the Syrian army's "widespread air and ground attacks" caused damage "at a scale that was disproportionate in view of the concrete and immediate general military advantages that could be expected to be achieved". In his role as brigadier general and head of an armament division, Hamo allegedly helped coordinate the supply of arms and ammunition to units. Hamo's lawyer, Mari Kilman, told the court her client denied criminal responsibility and had not shown "intent" to contribute to "indiscriminate warfare" by others. Kilman said the officer could not be held liable for the actions "as he had acted in a military context and had to follow orders." - First of its kind - Aida Samani, senior legal advisor at rights group Civil Rights Defenders -- which has been monitoring the trial -- told AFP that "strong evidence" had been presented at the trial. "We will now see what the court makes of that information and evidence," Samani said. "What is noteworthy about this case is that this is the first trial concerning the Syrian military's warfare. That is, how the warfare was carried out," she said. No European court has previously dealt with this issue and the impact on civilian lives and infrastructure, she added. Hamo is the highest-ranking military official to go on trial in Europe in person, though other countries have tried to bring charges against more senior members. In March, Swiss prosecutors charged Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of President Bashar al-Assad, with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, it remains unlikely Rifaat al-Assad -- who recently returned to Syria after 37 years in exile -- will show up for the trial, for which a date has yet to be set. Swiss law allows for trials in absentia under certain conditions. In November, France issued an international arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes over chemical attacks in 2013. Three other international warrants were also issued for the arrests of Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher, the de-facto chief of the army's elite Fourth Division, and two generals. In May, a Paris court also ordered life prison sentences for three top Syrian security officials for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes. The accused -- Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau; Jamil Hassan, former director of the Air Force intelligence service; and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, former head of investigations -- were all absent, but there are international warrants for their arrest. In January 2022, a German court sentenced former colonel Anwar Raslan to life in jail for crimes against humanity. That was the first international trial over state-sponsored torture in Syria and was hailed by victims as a victory for justice. Chinese sailors wield knives, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines Manila, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Chinese coast guard sailors brandished knives, an axe and other weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed. The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship that was deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims. It was the latest in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the disputed area. Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said the "outnumbered" Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their "bare hands". A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the clash, in which the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns, according to the Philippine military. Fresh footage of the confrontation released by the Philippine military late Wednesday showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares. A voice speaking Tagalog can be heard in one clip saying someone had "lost a finger". Manila's footage of the clash stands in stark contrast to photos released by Beijing's state media on Wednesday, which did not show Chinese forces wielding weapons. - 'Violent confrontation' - Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a "professional and restrained" way during the confrontation and claimed "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel. But in a clip shared by Manila, a Chinese sailor standing on the deck of one of the boats can clearly be seen waving an axe. Another clip shows a Chinese coast guard sailor striking the inflatable boat with a stick. A second man can also be seen stabbing the boat with a knife. The Philippines military said an axe-wielding sailor had "threatened to injure" a Filipino soldier, while others were "explicitly threatening to harm" Filipino troops. "The (Chinese coast guard) personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel," Manila said. "They also slashed the (inflatable boats), rendering them inoperable." The Filipino sailors, wearing brown camouflage with helmets and vests, are not carrying weapons in the clips. "Amidst this violent confrontation, the CCG (Chinese coast guard) also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion, while continuously blaring sirens to further disrupt communication," the caption said. Manila has accused Beijing of an "act of piracy" against its forces. It has also demanded the return of items "looted" by the Chinese side, including seven guns, and reparations for damaged equipment. - 'Perilous' situation - Analysts say Beijing is escalating confrontations with the Philippines in a bid to push it out of the South China Sea. Jay Batongbacal, director for the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea in Manila, told AFP that China's forces could be poised to seize the grounded Philippine warship, the Sierra Madre. "The deployment of their forces at present around the Sierra Madre and then the many reefs around the Kalayaan island group is indicative that they're ready to do it," he said, referring to Manila-claimed areas in the Spratly Islands. The United States has said that "an armed attack" against Philippine public vessels, aircraft, armed forces and coastguard anywhere in the South China Sea would require it to come to Manila's defence under a treaty between the two countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "emphasized that (China's) actions undermine regional peace and stability" in a call with his Philippine counterpart Enrique A. Manalo on Wednesday, according to the State Department. They also "underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty", Blinken said. Another analyst told AFP this week's clashes "brought us perilously close" to a situation in which the United States would be required to intervene militarily. "The Philippines will likely need to continue resupply missions to the Sierra Madre, one way or another," said Duan Dang, a Vietnam-based maritime security analyst. "Backing down and accepting Beijing's terms regarding these operations would mean relinquishing sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone," he said. burs-cgm-oho/pbt Chinese sailors wield knives, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines Manila, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Chinese coast guard sailors brandished knives, an axe and other weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed. The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship that was deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims. It was the latest in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the disputed area. Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said the "outnumbered" Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their "bare hands". A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the clash, in which the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns, according to the Philippine military. Fresh footage released by the Philippine military late Wednesday showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares. A voice speaking Tagalog can be heard in one clip saying someone had "lost a finger". Manila's footage of the clash stands in stark contrast to photos released by Beijing's state media on Wednesday, which did not show Chinese forces wielding weapons. - 'Violent confrontation' - Asked about the videos on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Manila's comments on the clash were "totally bogus accusations that confuse black with white". He blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying they had "escalated tensions" and accused them of ramming Chinese boats. Lin said the Philippine boats had been trying "to sneak in building materials, but also tried to smuggle in military equipment". Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a "professional and restrained" way and claimed "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel. But in a clip shared by Manila, a Chinese sailor standing on the deck of one of the boats can clearly be seen waving an axe. Another shows a Chinese coast guard sailor striking the inflatable boat with a stick. A second man can also be seen stabbing the boat with a knife. The Philippines military said an axe-wielding sailor had "threatened to injure" a Filipino soldier, while others were "explicitly threatening to harm" Filipino troops. "The (Chinese coast guard) personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel," Manila said. "They also slashed the (inflatable boats), rendering them inoperable." The Filipino sailors, wearing brown camouflage with helmets and vests, are not carrying weapons in the clips. "Amidst this violent confrontation, the CCG (Chinese coast guard) also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion, while continuously blaring sirens to further disrupt communication," the caption said. Manila has accused Beijing of an "act of piracy" against its forces. It has also demanded the return of items "looted" by the Chinese side, including seven guns, and reparations for damaged equipment. - 'Perilous' situation - Analysts say Beijing is escalating confrontations with the Philippines in a bid to push it out of the South China Sea. Jay Batongbacal, director for the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea in Manila, told AFP that China's forces could be poised to seize the grounded Philippine warship, the Sierra Madre. "The deployment of their forces at present around the Sierra Madre and then the many reefs around the Kalayaan island group is indicative that they're ready to do it," he said, referring to Manila-claimed areas in the Spratly Islands. The United States has said that "an armed attack" against Philippine public vessels, aircraft, armed forces and coastguard anywhere in the South China Sea would require it to come to Manila's defence as a treaty ally. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "emphasized that (China's) actions undermine regional peace and stability" in a call with his Philippine counterpart Enrique A. Manalo on Wednesday, according to the State Department. Blinken said they also "underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty". Another analyst said the clashes "brought us perilously close" to a point where the United States would be required to intervene militarily. "The Philippines will likely need to continue resupply missions to the Sierra Madre, one way or another," said Duan Dang, a Vietnam-based maritime security analyst. "Backing down and accepting Beijing's terms regarding these operations would mean relinquishing sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone," he said. burs-cgm-oho/reb/pbt Swedish court acquits former Syrian general of war crimes charges Stockholm, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 A Stockholm court on Thursday acquitted a former Syrian general of war crimes charges, saying prosecutors did not prove his alleged involvement in the attacks carried out during the country's civil war. Former brigadier general Mohammed Hamo, 65, who lives in Sweden and was one of the highest-ranking Syrian military officials to have been tried in Europe, stood accused of "aiding and abetting" war crimes in the first half of 2012. In a statement announcing its verdict, the Stockholm district court said that while the Syrian military had used "indiscriminate attacks" at that time, the prosecution did not prove that Hamo's division was involved in those attacks, or that he had a role in providing arms for the assaults. In his role as brigadier general and head of the 11th division's armament unit, the prosecution had argued that Hamo allegedly helped coordinate the supply of arms and ammunition to units involved in such attacks near the towns of Homs and Hama. "The main issues in the case are whether the 11th Division of the Syrian Army participated in indiscriminate attacks in certain areas and whether the defendant participated in arming the division in those attacks," judge Katarina Fabian wrote. - Not sufficient - "According to the District Court, there is no evidence to clarify these issues. The evidence presented by the prosecution has therefore not been deemed sufficient to convict the defendant of a criminal offence," Fabian said. The war between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and armed opposition groups, including Islamic State, erupted after the government repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011. It has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions, and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure. The prosecution argued that the Syrian army's "widespread air and ground attacks" caused damage "at a scale that was disproportionate in view of the concrete and immediate general military advantages that could be expected to be achieved". Hamo denied criminal responsibility and his lawyer, Mari Kilman, told the court the officer could not be held liable for the actions "as he had acted in a military context and had to follow orders." "What is noteworthy about this case is that this is the first trial concerning the Syrian military's warfare. That is, how the warfare was carried out," said Aida Samani, senior legal advisor at rights group Civil Rights Defenders, which has been monitoring the trial. - Still important - No European court has previously dealt with this issue and the impact on civilian lives and infrastructure, she added. "It is likely disappointing for victims and those affected by these war crimes," Samani said following the announcement of the freeing verdict. "At the same time, the district court concludes that several of these attacks amount to war crimes and that in itself is important, that an independent court for the first time confirms this," she continued. Hamo is the highest-ranking military official to go on trial in Europe in person, though other countries have tried to bring charges against more senior members. In March, Swiss prosecutors charged Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of President Bashar al-Assad, with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, it remains unlikely Rifaat al-Assad -- who recently returned to Syria after 37 years in exile -- will show up for the trial, for which a date has yet to be set. Swiss law allows for trials in absentia under certain conditions. In November, France issued an international arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes over chemical attacks in 2013. Three other international warrants were also issued for the arrests of Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher, the de-facto chief of the army's elite Fourth Division, and two generals. In May, a Paris court also ordered life prison sentences for three top Syrian security officials for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes. The accused -- Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau; Jamil Hassan, former director of the Air Force intelligence service; and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, former head of investigations -- were all tried in absentia, but there are international warrants for their arrest. In January 2022, a German court sentenced former colonel Anwar Raslan to life in jail for crimes against humanity. That was the first international trial over state-sponsored torture in Syria and was hailed by victims as a victory for justice. Romania's Iohannis drops NATO chief bid, backs Rutte: defence council Bucharest, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Romania announced Thursday that President Klaus Iohannis was dropping out of the race for NATO chief, and Bucharest was backing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the defence alliance's top job. "The President of Romania informed... NATO allies that he withdrew his candidacy for the post of secretary general of the organisation," the Supreme Council of National Defence announced, adding that Romania now backed Rutte. "President Klaus Iohannis asked the members of the council to give their opinion on Mark Rutte's candidacy for the post of NATO Secretary General, and they declared themselves in favour of Romania's support for the Dutch Prime Minister's candidacy." Iohannis's withdrawal clears the way for Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as head of the defence alliance later this year as he has gained other allies' support. The nomination of a new NATO secretary general requires consensus from all 32 alliance members. Iohannis, 65, had vowed to bring a "renewal of perspective" to the alliance as a member of its eastern flank. Rutte currently serves in a caretaker capacity as prime minister and is set to leave his position in the coming weeks once a new Dutch government is installed. Romania to send Patriot missile system to Ukraine Bucharest, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 NATO member Romania announced Thursday that it would send a Patriot missile system to Ukraine, which Kyiv has requested to help its fight against Russia's invasion. "Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine... council members decided to donate a Patriot system to Ukraine in close coordination with allies," the Supreme Council of National Defence said in a statement. The donation was made "on the condition that our country continues negotiations with allies, in particular the US, with a view to obtaining a similar or equivalent system" to protect its own air space, it added. The country, which borders Ukraine, also needed "a temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability thus created", it added. While Kyiv is calling for more Patriot missile systems, NATO countries have been reluctant to send them because they want to protect their own airspace. Germany recently announced it would transfer a third Patriot air-defence system to Ukraine, while the United States is expected to send a second battery to Kyiv, according to US media reports. Romania signed a $4-billion deal for seven Patriot batteries with the US in 2017, the biggest defence acquisition in its history. Two of the four systems it has received so far are fully operational. Romania has been providing military help to Kyiv in the war with Russia, but has refused to reveal the scale of the support, citing security concerns. It has also pledged to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 jets in a regional hub inaugurated in November 2023, although the timeline for that programme remains unclear. ? Alta representante del Peru en el proceso ante la OCDE descarto que existan obstaculos insalvables. https://t.co/zMzMUw0HzK Remarco la importancia de continuar el proceso de adhesion en articulacion y en consenso con todos los actores del pais. ????????#PeruHaciaLaOCDE pic.twitter.com/xW9Nq9wK2C Trump to Putin: what key challenges face Rutte at NATO? Brussels, Belgium, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who on Thursday sealed the race to be the next head of NATO, will take the reins of the Western military alliance at a perilous moment. With Russia's war in Ukraine raging through a third year, leading power the United States set for a crunch election, and China rising, NATO is grappling with major challenges. Here are the key issues set to fill Rutte's in-tray when he is expected to take over in October: - Trump 2.0? - Looming over the 32-nation alliance is the potential return of former US president Donald Trump to the White House after November elections. The volatile ex-reality TV star reportedly mulled withdrawing the United States from NATO during his first term -- and threatened not to protect allies that do not spend enough on defence. Outgoing NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg was credited with averting a major crisis that could have seen the magnate blow a hole in the alliance. Should Trump be elected, Rutte will need all the diplomatic skill he acquired during more than 13 years in charge of the Netherlands to ward off any weakening of Washington's role. European allies will be informally war-gaming options to try to steward Trump and have already been showcasing their increased spending to keep him on board. - Keep Ukraine going - While the threat from Trump may not come to pass, one inescapable reality will be the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. NATO countries -- spearheaded by the United States -- have provided 99 percent of the foreign military aid that has helped keep Kyiv's forces in the fight since 2022. As the war drags on towards its fourth year, Rutte will have a key role in rallying Kyiv's backers to make sure support does not dry up. NATO at its summit in Washington is set to take over a greater role in coordinating arms deliveries -- and wants countries to make a long-term pledge. Kyiv at the same time is also pushing for membership of NATO. The United States and Germany have blocked any concrete progress on that front -- but pressure looks likely to grow in the coming years. Balancing the expectations from Ukraine against the reluctance of leading allies will be a major task. - Fit to fight Russia? - Regardless of how the war in Ukraine pans out, NATO allies say they are likely to face a threat from Russia for decades to come. Last year the alliance signed off on its most comprehensive defence plans since the end of the Cold War, aimed at stopping any potential attack by Moscow. While officials insist the combined might of NATO could currently defeat a Russian military weakened by the Ukraine war, the Kremlin is already looking to rebuild its forces. Rutte's core task will be to try to make sure NATO is ready while seeing tensions do not spill over into a possible nuclear conflict with Russia. Some allies estimate Russia could be prepping for a potential war with the alliance within a decade. That gives NATO countries a shrinking window of opportunity to plug the gaps in key weaponry and personnel they need to put the new plans into action. Top of the list are air defences, longer-range missiles, and making sure there are ample stocks of staples like artillery shells. As the conflict in Ukraine has exposed, Western firms were ill-prepared to meet the demands of a full-scale war after decades of underinvestment. Production has begun to ramp up but Rutte will have to keep the pressure on to make sure industry is fit for purpose -- and allies keep buying what is required. - Money matters - All that will take cash -- and lots of it. A decade after NATO set a target for allies to spend two percent of their gross domestic product on defence, only 23 hit that bar this year. The new NATO boss will have to corral the laggards to make good on the target and make sure others do not slip back. And there are already calls for the alliance to go even further and considerably ratchet up its spending beyond the current two-percent floor. For notoriously frugal Dutchman Rutte -- who only got the Netherlands to the target in his last year in office -- that could be a hard sell. - China threat - Further afield, NATO eyes are also increasingly drawn to another potent rival: China. While the alliance is bound in its founding treaty to the Euro-Atlantic area, Washington has increasingly been pushing allies to pay more attention to the risks posed by Beijing. China's burgeoning partnership with Russia has propelled the threat in the minds of many European allies and seen NATO build up ties with allies such as Japan, South Korea and Australia. But some -- notably France -- remain wary of diverting NATO's attention away from its principal theatre and the new NATO chief will have to perform a careful balancing act. Nordic countries to create Arctic military transport corridor Oslo, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Three Nordic countries have agreed to create an Arctic "military transport corridor" for channelling personnel and equipment to Finland amid tensions with its neighbour Russia, Norway's prime minister said Thursday. Hailed as an "important milestone" by premier Jonas Gahr Store, it is the latest security manoeuvre following Finland and Sweden's recent accession to NATO. Russia has boosted its military presence in the Arctic region and Finland and Sweden joined the alliance, citing regional security motives heightened by Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "Today we agree to establish a military transport corridor through Northern Norway, Northern Sweden and Northern Finland," Store said in statement following a meeting with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. "It will help ensure that personnel and materiel can be quickly moved from Norwegian ports through Sweden and to Finland," he added. Finland and Sweden dropped decades of military non-alignment after the Ukraine invasion by applying to join the military alliance -- with Finland becoming a member in April 2023 and Sweden in March of this year. The harsh Arctic region has gained geopolitical importance in recent years, as melting ice due to global warming looks set to open up vital shipping routes and resources. In March, NATO also staged war games in the region as part of the four-month Steadfast Defender exercise, the largest drills by the US-led military alliance since the Cold War. Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has ramped up its capabilities in the Arctic -- home to the powerful Northern Fleet, the Russian navy's biggest, which includes numerous submarines equipped with nuclear warheads. The Norwegian government said in its statement that the countries' defence ministers would lead the work of establishing the corridor. "Together, they will identify bottlenecks, update necessary regulations and legislation, and invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure fast and efficient military mobility," the statement said. German defence group gets record ammo order Frankfurt, Germany, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 German weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall said Thursday it received a record 8.5 billion euro ($9.1 billion) order for artillery ammunition from the country's armed forces, with some destined for allies including Ukraine. The order from the military, which is in the midst of an overhaul triggered by Russia's war in Ukraine, is for 155 mm rounds. The commonly used rounds are crucial for Ukraine's outgunned forces, which have suffered battlefield setbacks against Moscow in recent times amid manpower and ammunition shortages. "The main purpose of the order is to replenish the stocks held by the Bundeswehr and its allies, as well as to provide support to Ukraine in its defence campaign," said Rheinmetall in a statement. Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger hailed "the largest order in our company's recent history". Deliveries will begin at the start of 2025. As well as Ukraine, the Netherlands, Estonia and Denmark are participating in the order, the company said. The contract will ensure enough work for a new factory that Rheinmetall is building in Lower Saxony state, northwestern Germany, the Duesseldorf-based company said. Kyiv's European allies have struggled to produce enough ammunition to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Rheinmetall has been racing to boost output, and by next year plans to produce up to 700,000 artillery shells a year -- about 10 times more than it manufactured before the Ukraine war. The group has seen demand soar as countries rush to re-arm. As well as setting up a new host of factories, it said in March it was targeting a record 10 billion euros in sales this year. It is desperately seeking to hire workers, and recently signed up to a scheme to employ staff from ailing German auto supplier Continental, which is slashing thousands of jobs. sr/mfp/cw RHEINMETALL AU examines Somalia plea to slow troop withdrawal: officials Addis Ababa, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 The African Union was studying a request from Somalia Thursday to slow down the withdrawal of its forces deployed in the country against Islamist militants, officials from the body said. Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has been waging a deadly insurgency against the fragile central government in Somalia for more than 17 years. UN resolutions called for forces in the African Union peacekeeping mission, known as ATMIS, to be reduced to zero by December 31 through several withdrawal phases, handing over security to the Somali army and police. The third and penultimate phase was to see the departure of 4,000 soldiers by the end of June. However, an AU official who requested anonymity told AFP that in May, the Somali government asked the organisation's Peace and Security Council (PSC) to extend the presence of half of the troops by three months. The government wants only 2,000 men to leave in June and the other 2,000 in September, the official said, adding that Mogadishu had put forward the need to carry out an "offensive operation". At present, 13,500 ATMIS soldiers are deployed in Somalia. Meeting on Thursday in Addis Ababa, the PSC was expected to give a favourable response, said the source. "The PSC will discuss on Thursday the (Somali) request to slow down the reduction in the number of ATMIS troops by a few months," an AU diplomat, who also requested anonymity, told AFP. But any extension would lead to budgetary problems, he said, and a change would not be "just a decision by the PSC". ATMIS derives its mandate from the AU but must also be authorised by the UN Security Council. In addition, ATMIS' main direct financial contributor is the European Union, which has released 70 million euros ($75 million) for 2024. Comprising troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, ATMIS supports the Somali army, which has been fighting Al-Shabaab for over 17 years. Although driven out of the capital by AU forces in 2011, Al-Shabaab still has a strong presence in rural Somalia. It has carried out repeated attacks against political, security and civilian targets, mostly in Somalia but also in neighbouring countries including Kenya. Last week in southern Somalia, Al-Shabaab planted a roadside bomb that killed six soldiers including a senior military commander. Netanyahu criticism on US weapons deliveries 'vexing': White House Washington, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism this week over US weapons deliveries to his country is "vexing," the White House said on Thursday. "Those comments were deeply disappointing and certainly vexing to us, given the amount of support that we have and will continue to provide," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists. In a video statement, Netanyahu said that while he appreciated America's support during the Gaza war, "it's inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel." The United States however has said that there is only one shipment of 2,000 pound bombs that is under review because of concerns about their use in densely populated areas. Kirby separately said that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is due to meet his Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer on Thursday. Washington is Israel's main military backer, but the White House has voiced frustration over the rising civilian death toll in Gaza, where Israel has conducted more than eight months of operations against Hamas. The war was triggered by an unprecedented October 7 attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 37,431 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. Cyprus rejects Hezbollah claim on Israel and airports Nicosia, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Cyprus on Thursday rejected as "groundless" allegations by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement that airports on the east Mediterranean island might be used by Israeli warplanes if the Israel-Hamas war spreads. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a televised address on Wednesday threatened Cyprus in the event that total war erupts in the region. "Opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war," he said, referring to Hezbollah. The government in Nicosia swiftly denied any Cyprus military involvement in Israel's war against Hezbollah ally Hamas. "Cyprus is not involved, nor will it become involved, in any military conflicts," government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told state radio on Thursday. He called Nasrallah's comments "not pleasant", adding that "all necessary diplomatic steps will be taken". The island is home to two British military bases, but these are on sovereign UK territory and not controlled by the Cyprus government. The British Akrotiri airbase on the south coast has been used by the Royal Air Force which has joined the US Air Force in targeting Huthi rebels in Yemen who have attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Huthis say they are doing so in solidarity with the Palestinian Hamas movement. Over the past decade, Cyprus has built stronger ties with Israel, particularly in the search for new energy sources and in tourism. Cyprus is the European Union's easternmost member, and is less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Lebanon. - 'Part of the solution' - President Nikos Christodoulides has denied there has been any Cypriot involvement in the Israel-Hamas war except as "part of the solution" as a staging post for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip via a maritime corridor. "Cyprus is not part of the problem. As it is widely acknowledged, its diplomatic footprint is part of the solution," government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis added in a separate written statement on Thursday. "Any public allegations that refer to an involvement of Cyprus through its infrastructure or its territory in the event of a confrontation that relates to Lebanon are totally groundless," the statement said. "Cyprus has never facilitated and will not facilitate any aggressive action or attack against any country." On the street, reactions to the Hezbollah leader's remarks were mixed. "It's a very tense moment all over the world," Brazilian tourist Glaussia, 54, told AFP, not giving her last name. She added that it was important that "everybody make an effort for peace". Nicosia resident Costas stressed that his country's only involvement in the current conflict was to provide "humanitarian help to the people over there". He said the government would not become involved in the war in any military capacity. "Cyprus is a credible enabler of stability, and an acknowledged regional hub for humanitarian operations, based on excellent relations with all the countries in the region," government spokesman Letymbiotis said in his statement. Burkina junta chief denies 'dissent' in army ranks Abidjan, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Burkina Faso's junta leader denied Thursday any "dissent" in the military's ranks as he visited a state media compound near the presidency where a rocket landed last week. "Dissent in the ranks is wrong, there's nothing at all," Captain Ibrahim Traore said in a report by RTB state TV. Traore, who came to power in an October 2022 coup, spoke at the grounds of the state-run television network where a rocket fell on June 12. "Wanting to check a number of things, unfortunately someone fired the shot," a presidency statement quoted Traore as saying. "The rocket headed into the courtyard of the RTB," he added, calling it an "incident". Traore also attacked Western media, describing them as "lying" and "manipulators". "Don't listen to 'fake news'. We are here and continue to work for the well-being of the Burkinabe people," he said. After the visit, Traore chaired a cabinet meeting, the presidency announced on Facebook. On Tuesday, the army slammed what it called unfounded and false "rumours on social media" of "dissent" in the ranks and mutinies in some barracks. The remarks also follow a deadly jihadist attack in the northeast of the insurgency-hit country. On June 11, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group attacked the region of Mansila and a military contingent located near the border with Niger. No official toll has been given but according to a security source many people are thought to have died. In his first comments on the attack, Traore said Thursday that an operation was launched in Mansila the day after the attack, with back-up troops sent to "mount the assault". The junta chief also said six Russian military planes had landed in the capital, Ouagadougou, with "equipment from the United Nations" coming from Mali. According to an African diplomatic source and an independent source, the planes also brought a few dozen Russian instructors. After taking power, the West African country's coup leaders expelled troops and diplomats from former colonial ruler France and have turned to Russia for military assistance. For nearly 10 years, Burkina Faso, like neighbouring Mali and Niger, has been grappling with jihadist attacks that have killed more than 20,000 people and displaced two million. Romania to send Patriot missile system to Ukraine Bucharest, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 NATO member Romania announced Thursday that it would send a Patriot missile system to Ukraine, as the White House said the United States will prioritise deliveries of anti-air missiles to Kyiv to help battle Russia's invasion. While Kyiv is calling for more Patriot missile systems, most NATO countries have been reluctant to send them because they want to protect their own airspace. "Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine... council members decided to donate a Patriot system to Ukraine in close coordination with allies," Romania's Supreme Council of National Defence said in a statement. The donation was made "on the condition that our country continues negotiations with allies, in particular the US, with a view to obtaining a similar or equivalent system" to protect its own airspace, it added. The eastern European country, which borders Ukraine, also needed "a temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability thus created", it added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Romania's "principled support". "This crucial contribution will bolster our air shield and help us better protect our people and critical infrastructure from Russian air terror," he posted on X, formerly Twitter. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said he welcomed Romania's decision to provide a "much-needed" Patriot system to Ukraine. Germany recently announced it would transfer a third Patriot air-defence system to Ukraine, while the United States is expected to send a second battery to Kyiv, according to US media reports. Separately, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Thursday said the United States would "reprioritise" deliveries of desperately needed anti-air missiles to Ukraine, ahead of other countries that have placed orders. Deliveries to Taiwan -- which is preparing for a possible invasion by China -- and Israel, which faced a large-scale missile and drone attack by Iran earlier this year and is fighting a war against Hamas, will not be affected by the decision, he added. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis indicated an openness to help Kyiv with a Patriot system at the beginning of May, after meeting US counterpart Joe Biden in Washington. But he warned it was "unacceptable to leave Romania without air defences". Romania signed a $4-billion deal for seven Patriot batteries with the United States in 2017, the biggest defence acquisition in its history. Two of the four systems it has received so far are fully operational. Romania has been providing military help to Kyiv in the war with Russia, but has refused to reveal the scale of the support, citing security concerns. It has also pledged to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 jets in a regional hub inaugurated in November 2023, although the timeline for that programme remains unclear. bur-ani-jza/imm New tensions between White House, Israeli PM Washington, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 New tensions emerged this week between President Joe Biden's administration and Benjamin Netanyahu over the Israeli premier's criticism of US weapons deliveries -- comments the White House described Thursday as "vexing" and "disappointing." The issue began when Netanyahu claimed in a video posted on social media earlier this week that the US administration -- Israel's main military backer -- has been "withholding weapons and ammunitions" from his country in recent months. "Those comments were deeply disappointing and certainly vexing to us, given the amount of support that we have and will continue to provide," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists. "No other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas and, quite frankly, other threats that they're facing in the region," Kirby said. The previous day, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that "we genuinely do not know what he's talking about." With the exception of "one particular shipment of munitions," Jean-Pierre said "there are no other pauses. None." She was referring to a shipment of 2,000 pound bombs that Washington has said is under review because of concerns about their use in densely populated areas. - Biden-Netanyahu tensions - But Netanyahu appeared to double down later on Thursday, saying in a statement that he is "prepared to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives the ammunition from the US that it needs in the war for its existence." The spat is not the first between the head of the Israeli government and Biden's administration since the start of the Gaza war, which began with an unprecedented Hamas attack in October. Biden previously stated his strong opposition to a major Israeli operation in Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than a million civilians were located, and threatened to stop certain arms deliveries if his warning was not heeded. The Gaza war is a particularly thorny issue for the 81-year-old Biden, who is seeking a second term in office this year. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the ever-rising death toll has led to sharp criticism of the president from the progressive wing of his party -- pressure Biden has had to balance with long-standing US policy of backing Israel. The latest round of bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas was triggered by an unprecedented October 7 attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. The militants also seized 251 hostages. Of these, 116 remain in Gaza, although the army says 41 are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 37,431 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. * FIRST NAME * LAST NAME * EMAIL Your email address * PASSWORD Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Show * YEAR OF BIRTH You must be at least 18 years old to create an account 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 * Required fields I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice CREATE ACCOUNT I'LL TRY LATER Already have an account? SIGN IN By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. In a fresh representation, it wrote that after some seven years of discussions, a common interest has emerged in part due to the long term interests of both organizations [sic] to foster a continually improving environment in the City that all those in the area can benefit from, whether residents or workers. He said that by the time of the next election - which will be no later than 2029 - the Conservatives aim is to have reduced street homelessness to the effective statistical measure of zero. While it would not mean no one ever sleeps rough again, Mr Gove said his party wants to ensure no one is forced to sleep rough on successive nights. The manifesto prioritises securing a new financial deal for Northern Ireland, with an improved funding model for the allocation of Treasury resources to the region. The party contends that recently agreed arrangements with the Treasury, whereby allocations to Northern Ireland are topped up by 24% to reflect the level of need in the region, do not go far enough. The decision has been made in the hope it safeguards local wildlife. Byron Shire council will become the first council to ban balloons in Australia. Source: Getty One popular party decoration which is often the backdrop of Aussie celebrations will soon be banned in one council area with authorities believing it's the best and simplest step to safeguarding wildlife and the environment. NSW's Byron Shire council confirmed with Yahoo News it will become the first council in Australia to ban balloons, with no type or material tolerated by authorities. Not only balloons but all single-use party decorations will be a big no-no in the area, meaning plastic disks, ribbons and strings often attached to balloons, as well as glitter, confetti, tinsel and party poppers, will be banned. Even biodegradable balloons will not be permitted, with the council pointing to studies which reveal these 'environmentally friendly' decorations don't show any signs of degradation or breakdown after 16 weeks of use. "The ban will impact those organising events of all shapes and sizes in our halls, buildings and parks but we will be working closely with individuals and groups to make the switch to reusable alternatives," Mayor Michael Lyon said. "Many local events and venues have already taken the step to eliminate some of these items, and this is just the next phase of Byron leading the way." Discover more of our environment coverage. Why are balloons being banned? Balloons are the "biggest killers of Australian sea birds" and the decorations can often be lethal to other animals if they are ingested or if the animal becomes tangled in them. "When balloons fly away birds can get caught in the strings which will entangle them and make it difficult for them to fly, or get to the surface for air if they're in the water," Shane Cucow from the Australian Marine Conservation Society told Yahoo News previously. Balloons are easily ingested by wildlife as they mistake them as a food source. Source: Native ARC Inc and Rubber Jellyfish In August last year, Byron Bay local Jan Brady told Yahoo News she had spent many weekends picking up tiny pieces of balloons after partygoers failed to clean up after themselves, concerned what impact the plastic would have on wildlife if left in the park. She is one of many who have been pushing for a ban, with some eager for the Australian Government to ban the decorations nationwide. Council explains reason behind bold change Byron Shire council is encouraging partygoers to instead turn to reusable decorations, such as bunting, fairy lights or leaf and flower confetti. "While council can issue fines, the approach will be on education. That is educating people as to the environmental harm that can occur from balloons and decorations and promoting alternatives that are available," a Byron Shire council spokesperson told Yahoo News. "We dont want to be the fun police... [but] taking measures to reduce our waste is a crucial step in reducing our environmental footprint and keeping our Shire clean and healthy." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. In just under two months, tens of thousands of drivers were caught using their phones on new mobile detection cameras being rolled out in South Australia. Over 71,000 drivers in SA were detected using their phones in under two months after new cameras were rolled out earlier this year. Source: 9News As authorities grapple with how best to combat the rising death toll on our roads, new technology in one state has detected a whopping 70,000 drivers using their phones behind the wheel in less than two months. Government data revealed that road deaths had risen by almost 10 per cent nationally in the 12 months to March, compared to the previous year, with 2023 crowned the deadliest year on Australias roads in more than half a decade. In South Australia, the state's first mobile phone detection cameras were rolled out in January as part of a $16 million plan to reduce fatalities on roads caused by driver distraction. Officials hope the new cameras will make a dent in the problem, with 117 people killed on SA roads last year. During a two month trial period, some seven million motorists were detected on the cameras across the state, and of those 71,044 people were found to have been using their mobile found behind the wheel, police have revealed. Authorities say if the offences were detected during a non-trial phase, up to $45 million would've been raised in fines. Source: 9News Aussies caught out in range of illegal acts on SA roads Motorists were caught in a whole range of illegal and dangerous scenarios, including one who was snapped steering the car with their pinky finger. Another was photographed with their dog on their lap and their phone in the other hand and officers say these kinds of tohughtless acts are becoming all too common. According to SA Police, the road offences, if detected during a non-trial phase, would have generated more than $45 million in fines. To make matters worse, officers say the cameras weren't even switched on the entire time during the testing period. While the testing period officially ended this week, there will be a short grace period with fines to start being issued from September. Distraction accounts for 20-30 per cent of serious injuries and fatalities on the SA roads, Police Superintendent Darren Fielke reminded the public, saying that the new cameras are "here to make people think about what they're doing while they're driving". Have your say Police warn more confronting figures to follow As South Australia catches up with other states including NSW, Queensland and Victoria, the cameras are now running at five priority locations across Adelaide. They include the Southern Expressway at Darlington, South Road in Torrensville, North South Motorway in Regency Park, Port Road, in Hindmarsh and Port Wakefield Road in Gepps Cross. Signage will be erected in the coming months warning drivers that they are approaching the cameras and fines worth $640, plus three demerit points, will be issued from September 19. Until then, drivers caught during the grace period will only receive a warning letter. All funds raised from the fines will be returned to the Community Road Safety Fund, to go toward road safety initiatives, including safety improvements, education programs and public advertising. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. PNL proposals, accepted by European Commission, with single tax quota to be maintained in 2025 (PNL's Ciuca) The Custodian of the Romanian Crown, Her Majesty Margareta, and His Royal Highness Prince Radu visited the Satakunta Air Wing Air Base in Tampere on Thursday, this being the last point in the programme of the visit they undertook this week in Finland. The two members of the Royal Family of Romania were welcomed by the commander of the military base, Colonel Markus Leivo, accompanied by Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Petri Landkammer, who presented them with some of the planes used in this base by the military aviation of Finland. Also, the representatives of the Royal Family discussed with the two Finnish air force commanders about the NATO Sir Shirlding mission in Romania scheduled for June-July, the first action of this type in which Finland takes part as an ally. During their visit to Finland, the representatives of the Royal Family of Romania met with Anders Adlercreutz, the minister of European Affairs of the Finnish government, they visited the European Center of Excellence for Combating Hybrid Threats in the Finnish capital, they visited the patrol vessel Turva of the Finnish Coast Guard, later participating in a reception offered by Maria Ligor, the Romanian ambassador to Finland. On the second day, the programme of the Custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu included a dialogue with the speaker of the Finnish parliament, Jussi Halla-aho, followed by a courtesy meeting with the president of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Kimmo Kiljunen, and visits to the European Agency for Chemical Products (ECHA) and the Finnish Chamber of Commerce. Also on Wednesday the two members of the Royal House of Romania had a meeting with the mayor of the city of Tampere, Kalervo Kummola, after which they visited the University of Tampere, the Milavida Museo and participated in a meeting with the Romanian community in this Finnish city, the last day of the programme of the visit to Finland being dedicated to the trip to the Satakunta Air Wing Air Base in Tampere. The official delegation also included the Romanian ambassador to Finland, Maria Ligor, the director Adrian Ligor with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brigadier General Iulian Daniliuc from the General Staff of Defense and Traian Sarca, the chancellor of the Royal House. This is the seventh foreign trip of the Royal Family in 2024, after the visit of Princess Sofia to Poland, the economic mission of Prince Radu to the Republic of Moldova, the visit of Princess Maria to England, the visit of the Custodian of the Crown to the Kingdom of Belgium, the visit of Prince Radu to France and the visit of the Custodian of the Crown to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is also the third official visit of the Royal Family of Romania to Finland in the last twenty years, after the visit in September 2003 and the one in December 2006. Geoff and Wendy Alford were enjoying a day on the water on their new boat when they made the startling discovery. An Australian couple enjoying a day out fishing on their brand new boat were left completely stunned after identifying the "dark shadowy" creature spotted "moving beneath the water" beside them. NSW residents Geoff and Wendy Alford, from the state's Far South, went out on a fishing trip near Little Island between Batemans Bay and Nelligen on Tuesday, when they saw a "massive black pig" swimming across the Clyde River. Geoff said the pair were fishing but weren't getting many bites when they decided to "make a move" to try their luck elsewhere. He said that "off in the distance" he thought he "saw a large log, as theres been a lot of flood matter in the river lately" before he quickly realised the truth. The wild animal even had enough energy to 'barge through the thickest part of the bush' after taking a dip. Source: Facebook Couple's shock as 'massive black pig' spotted enjoying winter dip "It appeared to be a dark object that was moving under its own propulsion," Geoff, from Sunshine Bay told ARN Bega Bay. "As we got closer I thought, thats a little horse, but no, it was a massive black pig". "We couldnt believe it, we did a quick 180, went back, my wife started taking video. It had swum one of the widest parts of the Clyde, and it was swimming as the water was 12.2 meters deep, so it wasnt gaining any footholds." Impressed by the sight, Geoff said the animal even "got to the opposite side" of the river and "still had the energy to barge through the thickest part of the bush". While the scenes might appear strange at first glance, pigs have good buoyancy and are quite decent swimmers. With limited sweat glands to cool themselves through perspiration, they'll often go for a dip in a bid to escape the hot summer sun. Most famously, pigs are often seen frolicking in the waves in certain parts of the Bahamas, where they're believed to have been introduced by European settlers centuries ago. Feral pigs spreading further across Australia, wreaking havoc While Australians living along the nation's coast might not regularly see the animals in the wild let alone swimming across lakes feral pigs and their exploding population numbers have in recent times have wreaked major havoc in the country's regions, where locals have been forced to take drastic action. A photo taken earlier this week showing a pile of boars dumped in the back of a truck offers a glimpse into the worrying problem currently plaguing rural Australia, where there's an estimated 24 million feral pigs spread across the continent. Josh Robertson, 40, started the Ivanhoe Pig Comp almost 10 years ago, an annual competition which sees locals cull the feral animals, which are problematic for farmers and landowners, and bring them in for weighing in front of a delighted crowd. "We had 107 teams this year, it was about 400 people. It's the most we've ever had," Robertson told Yahoo News Australia. In total, there were "well over" 2000 pigs caught over the June long weekend event, he said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday commemorating the St. Louis Freedom Suits Memorial in the Civil Courts Building courtyard was held on a day that was likely like one in Galveston, Texas exactly 159 years earlier on June 19, 1865. No doubt it was probably hot. On that day, 2,000 calvary soldiers rode into Galveston to inform Black Americans that they were free. It was over two months after the Confederacy surrendered unconditionally, ending the Civil War. It was necessary because the state of Texas chose not to share the news with former slaves and keep them in bondage. From 1814-1860, 300 enslaved African Americans filed freedom suits aided by pro bono attorneys under the legal precedent once free always free, 22nd Judicial Court Judge David C. Mason said as the sun blazed down on guest and speakers, which were moved to a shady area. Mason was instrumental in the creation of the Freedom Suits Memorial, which was sculpted by Preston Jackson and unveiled on June 21, 2022. He also founded the Freedom Suits Memorial Foundation. We come here today again to celebrate our history, the history of those that sought freedom; not in a fight but in a courtroom, Mason said. When you walk by this monument speak their names. Make sure they are no longer kept in the dust bin of our history. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed a law declaring Juneteenth (June 19) the 11th federal holiday. Opal Lee, then 89, of Marshall, Texas and others marched from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C. in 2016 to advance the quest to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The 1,400-mile journey did not include Missouri, but Mason said the state and city of St. Louis played an integral role in freedom for Black Americans throughout the nation. It was right here that judges said, these folks have the right to have their cases sent to a jury, Mason explained. They abided protections for them and declared if you prevail, you will be free. That took strength from judge and lawyers. Mason added that freedom suits continue today. Just as went to court to prove they were free, we have cases [that are similar,] Mason said about his vacating the sentence of Lamar Johnson in 2023. Mason ruled that Johnsons attorneys provided reliable evidence of actual innocence evidence so reliable that it actually passes the standard of clear and convincing. The law says youre free, so you have got to be free, Mason said. To say Maria Chappelle-Nadal is an underdog in the race for the 1st Congressional District would be an understatement. Nadal, a former state representative and senator, is one of four area candidates vying to represent a district that includes St. Louis and most of northern St. Louis County. She admits that her political war chest, compared to her two well-funded opponents Congresswoman Cori Bush and County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, is more like a piggy bank. She may be better positioned than candidate Ron Harshaw, also a Black Democrat, but her chances of beating either Bush or Bell seemwell, unlikely. Still, Chappelle-Nadal feels her voice is needed in the competition. When she launched her campaign last year, she defined Bell as a Republican plant and Bush as someone who has created more controversy than progress since she was elected as the 1st districts congresswoman in 2021. Chappelle-Nadal insists that neither candidate has championed issues she nor her constituents are passionate about. If elected, she promises to tackle environmental concerns; help people that have been exposed to radioactive waste; give aid to Black women whove been left behind in terms of day-to-day living; provide tax credits and tax exemptions to ease the transportation woes of marginalized communities and more. Chappelle-Nadal simply contends that shes the better choice. She stands by her legislative record from 2004 to 2016. Bell, she said, may have served as a city counselor but he has no legislative experience. As for Bush, Chappelle-Nadal claims shes a poor, divisive legislator who hasnt served her district well. Bell has received campaign funding from groups like AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee Political Action Committee), a bipartisan, pro-Israel political action committee determined to oust Cong. Bush from Office. Chappelle-Nadal said shes received no funding from AIPAC which is surprising considering her pro-Israel positions on the current conflict in the middle east. Chappelle-Nadal spoke with the St. Louis American to expound on the differences between herself and her opponents and to define how an underdog just might pull off a seemingly impossible endeavor. ******** STL American: You ran against former U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay in 2016, what did you learn from that defeat that will serve to your advantage now in the congressional race? Maria Chappelle-Nadal: What I learned from that defeat, which was my only defeat, is that incumbency matters. It really weighs heavy, especially with 20 years (in office) or more. Even though we have an incumbent in this race (Bush) its a very weak incumbent who does not have a 20-year record. Its a weak incumbent with a lot of flaws. STL American: You were quite outspoken over the issues related to the death ofMike Brown in 2014. How did that tragedy impact you as a person and a politician? Chappelle-Nadal: My number one goal was always community and constituency services. That terrible time, which was also a period of enlightenment, caused me to be a better public servant. I was literally protesting and standing beside gang members, underground rappers, members of the Nation of Islam and clergy peopleit was incumbent upon me to become a translator between the legislature and the people who had been traumatized and hurt by a failing system. STL American: What have you learned from your experiences as a state representative and senator that has prepared you for Congress? Chappelle-Nadal: Do your homework. Know how to negotiate. Articulate and metabolize complex ideas and policies. What the opposition will always do-especially to Black people-is test what they know. Ive been most successful in arguing my points and getting legislation passed based on having full knowledge and comprehension because of my ability to articulate those issues on the senate floor or in a room full of legislators trying to figure out what the legislation does. I was the one explaining it. STL American: Correct me if Im wrong, but it seems your campaign isnt as well-funded as your opponents. Chappelle-Nadal: Its not (laughs)! STL American: So, how do you plan to win despite your funding deficit? Chappelle-Nadal: I have a record of public service. People didnt want me out of politics. You couldnt tell me four years ago that Id run for office but as I looked at the two important candidates in the race, I thought it was most important that my voice be heard in this race, especially with my 20 years of public service experience. STL American: Youve publicly said that youre the better candidate because you have more legislative experience than Bell or Bush combined. Is that the biggest difference? Chappelle-Nadal: No, thats not the biggest difference. I actually respond to my constituents and follow up with them. I am visible in the community as a public servantthose are big issues. I always say that 50% of the job is to follow-up on constituency-work. As Ive been out campaigning and talking to everyday citizens, theyve given me examples-from both my opponents-saying they do not follow up with their constituents. Thats troublesome. STL American: When you launched your campaign last year, you stated that Bell was a Republican plantin the race. Can you elaborate on that claim? Chappelle-Nadal: Yes, its troublesome to see how much money Republicans have been sourcing to his campaign. Part of it is AIPAC and part of it is seeing-within his infrastructure-people who are known Republicans supporting him. All you have to do is go through his campaign financing. I can name several Republicans on that report. STL American: You also saidBush is someone who has created more controversy than progress since going to Washington. What did you mean by that? Chappelle-Nadal: Yes, I understand whats going on in the middle east, but we have genocide here at home. There are people suffering from exposure to radioactive waste. Ive always believed that you dont vote against your district. And I think-in some of her coalitions-shes voted against her district time and time again. One example was the infrastructure billthere are numerous pieces of legislation that shes voted against. Ive bitten my tongue over the last few years about her kind of leadership, but Ive finally said, enough is enough. STL American: You announced your candidacy after Hamas launched a terrorist attack against Israel and after Bush received serious backlash for criticizing Israels response and calling for a ceasefire. Did those actions play a part in your decision to run? Chappelle-Nadal: In part, yes. I would say that both her and Wesleys entrance into the race influenced the reason why I chose to enter. I thought it was really necessary that the public have another option. I want to highlight the fact that knowing the legislative institution and what is commanded in that position is necessary. Its what I have that the other three (candidates) dont. Wesley talks about serving on the city councilwell, Im glad that hes voted on speed bumps and stop signs but thats not legislating. I give voters a different voice, one of reason, experience and commitment. STL American: You were censured in 2017 in the State Senate for negative comments you made about then-President Donald Trump. Can relate to the extreme pushback Bush has received from her comments about Israel? Chappelle-Nadal: Thats interesting. There were Republicans pushing back on me and are pushing back on her. I was traumatized by what was happening in Ferguson and Trumps remarks about good people on both sides. Having been tear-gassed multiple times; watching grown men crythat was a moment where I was moved. But when Congresswoman Bush made her comments about Israel or Hamas or whatever she was talking aboutthats not the communityits not the 1st Congressional District. I just believe you have to attend to the districts needs first. STL American: Your opponent, Bell, has admitted that hes received funds from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC. Have you? Chappelle-Nadal: No, Ive gotten money from the Jewish community but not from AIPAC. STL American: I guess any accusations-like some aimed at Bell-that you are another political opportunist taking advantage of a vulnerable incumbent are mute because youre not supported by groups like AIPAC? Chappelle-Nadal: Thats a complex question. I would say that Bell is definitely an opportunist because he leveraged a terrible incident for political gain. And I totally disagree with what Bush said during that time because we not only have a large Jewish community here, but we have people struggling every single day who want someone to address their needs. So, no, this is not opportunism. Im not getting anything from being the third person in line running for the seat with no money. No, they are just weak candidates. She (Bush) does not know her job and Wesley does not do his job. Im running because I believe there should be a third voice. Nobody owns that seat. STL American: Correct me if Im wrong but when you keep saying the race needs another voice. I dont hear confidence that youre going to win. Chappelle-Nadal: You know what, Im confident in the work Ive accomplished. This is a hard race and Im not going to pretend its easy but what Im confident about is my demonstration of the commitment Ive shown over the course of 20 years of service. STL American: If you win Bushs seat, what will be your contributions to resolving the Israeli/Palestine conflict? Chappelle-Nadal: First, free the hostages. Thats necessary. And after going to Israel in, I think 2009, Ive always been a big believer in a two-state solution. I was in Gaza and many of the cities that are bombarded with violence at this time. I cant imagine all the people Ive known or live in Israel who are under attack. So, Id say free the hostages, negotiate a ceasefire then work toward a two-state solution. STL American: Thats not very popular with AIPAC or Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Chappelle-Nadal: Its not, but thats the middle ground thats been supported under Democratic and Republican presidents. What Hamas is doing is absolutely insane and a lot of people have been hurt by what happened last year. STL American: What about the reported 37,000 Palestinians-mostly women and children-whove been killed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack? Chappelle-Nadal: None of us want to see devastation like that but Hamas started it. Hamas put Palestinians in that dangerous position. The violence toward Palestinians has been because of Hamas. STL American: If youre elected, which Democratic clique do you think youll fit inprogressives-the Squad, moderate or something else? Chappelle-Nadal: Ill be a voice for the 1st Congressional Districtperiod. Ive always been an independent progressive. I try not to align myself with cliques because you have to always put your district first. Im not going to compromise my district for a cliqueI will never do that. Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow. ST. LOUIS Businesses looking to be certified as minority- and women-owned will have to wait two months before submitting an application, as the function transfers to the citys economic development arm. The St. Louis Development Corp. announced Thursday that the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, also a city-run enterprise, will stop accepting new applications for women and minority ownership certification on Friday. SLDC will not accept new applications until Aug. 30, it said. SLDC chief Neal Richardson said the agency hopes the move will help small and diverse businesses to launch, grow and sustain their operations, he said in a statement. It also aligns with the citys Economic Justice Action Plan, he said. The change will impact St. Louis County-based companies looking for minority and women ownership certification as well. The county uses the airport to vet those companies. The county said earlier this week it was looking for ways to make the process more efficient, including moving the certification process in-house, but had not made any decision. SLDC said in its release that it was working in partnership with St. Louis County to support the certification of MWBEs interested in doing business in the St. Louis region. Obtaining minority ownership certification gives companies vying for city business a leg up, as both the city and county have rules requiring a certain percentage of public contracts go to minority- and women-owned firms. The process impacts contractors not owned by minorities or women, too, since they must often subcontract with minority firms if they hope to win work from local governments. SLDC is tasked by ordinance with administering the citys program, according to the agency. But the city has outsourced the functions to the airport for over a decade. SLDC is seeking emergency authorization to buy software for the MWBE certification program under a three-year, $175,000 contract, and advertising for staff positions to administer it. Staff there and elsewhere in the city have said there are too few minority contractors, particularly for construction projects, to handle the amount of work in the city. Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge said in an interview that the airport will continue to process the 60 or so pending applications through the end of the year. That could help cut down on the backlog, she said. Theres a lot of applications, because theres a lot of work coming down the pike in the region, she said. SLDC plans to house its minority certification program in its Northside Economic Empowerment Center, a business services center on Sumner High Schools campus in the Ville neighborhood of North St. Louis. The empowerment center location could make it easier for small businesses to obtain certification, Hamm-Niebruegge said. I think with everything Neal (Richardson) is doing with the empowerment center, it makes sense for the city to take (minority certification) back, she said. The airport will continue to process applications needed for federal contract opportunities. GRAND ISLAND, Neb. Police have identified the 72-year-old Eureka man killed Wednesday morning in a knife attack at a rest area in eastern Nebraska. Gary Weaver was found stabbed just after 7 a.m. at an Interstate 80 rest area in Hall County, Nebraska. He died at a hospital in Grand Island. Weaver's 71-year-old wife was also stabbed and remains in critical condition. The couple was traveling across Nebraska in their RV. Police said the stabbings happened during an attempted robbery at the rest area. Witnesses described a brutal attack in and around the couple's RV and hearing a man say: "Give me the Jeep keys." James Thompson Jr., 22, of Elyria, Ohio, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, robbery and fleeing from police in the stabbings. Thompson fled the scene before officers arrived, police said, but the Nebraska State Patrol spotted a vehicle matching the description near Wood River, Nebraska. Officers chased it at speeds of up to 120 mph before it drove into the Platte River. Police arrested Thompson about 30 minutes later. Police believe he had been trying to steal the Jeep, which the couple's RV had been towing. They found it detached with blood on it. At the rest stop, Hall County Sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Moline said, deputies arrived to find Mary Weaver sitting on the ground bleeding beside their RV on the south side of the rest area and Gary Weaver inside bleeding from his chest and head. Police attempted CPR on Gary Weaver but couldn't save him. They were rushed to the Grand Island Regional Hospital, where Gary Weaver was declared dead, according to the Sheriff's Office. Mary Weaver was treated for life-threatening wounds and was in stable condition as of Thursday morning. The Associated Press and the Lincoln Journal Star contributed to this report. Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct Gary Weaver's name. The semi totaled both highway patrol vehicles a 2020 Dodge Charger and a 2023 Ford Explorer. The Glendale police SUV had moderate damage, according to the patrol crash report. Gibbs on Friday pleaded guilty to three counts of DWI resulting in an injury to law enforcement officers and one count of failing to yield to emergency vehicles. Plus Australia is ramping up its road surveillance, with new statistics from one state revealing how many drivers have been caught flouting the rules. Yahoo's live news blog this Thursday, June 20 has now concluded. We started with the news from the UK that Stonehenge has been targeted by climate protesters. Two people have been arrested after the world-famous stone circle was covered in orange paint. Read more in the blog below. Fans believe Britney Spears has left a cryptic Instagram post following charges laid against her former partner Justin Timberlake. Read more here. Kanye's Aussie partner Bianca Censori has also donned another daring outfit for Paris Fashion Week. Authorities have revealed 70,000 drivers have been caught by South Australia's new mobile phone cameras in less than two months. Follow along as we bring you regular updates throughout the day. LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 10 updates Featured Social media laps up Kim and Putin moment Nothing to see here, just two blokes in a luxury Russian car. This photo from Vladimir Putin's North Korea trip has been a hit on social media, with plenty of jokes at the expense of Kim Jong-un and the visiting Russian president. "New meme format just dropped," one popular comment on Reddit declared. Expect to see plenty more of this picture on the internet. Of course, there is more serious news to come from the trip, with the two countries agreeing to support each other in times of war. The defence pact has unsurprisingly raised concerns in Western countries who have been closely watching on. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (L) drive an Aurus car in Pyongyang. Source: Getty Man charged over fake bomb threat allegedly made device A man charged over a fake bomb threat in the Melbourne city centre allegedly made an improvised explosive device more than six weeks ago. Charge sheets released to AAP allege Steven Mauldon, 33, "unlawfully and maliciously" made the bomb at a Geelong property on May 5. Mauldon was taken into custody just after midday on Wednesday after parts of the busy precinct were placed into lockdown. The police operation unfolding on Wednesday. Source: NCA NewsWire, X People were told to stay inside buildings as bomb squad officers searched Mauldon's car and allegedly found a gun and drugs. Detectives and officers from the Bomb Response unit raided a North Shore home in Geelong on Wednesday afternoon, seizing items including suspected explosive devices. Read more here. - AAP All eyes on Aussie at Paris Fashion Week Bianca Censori, Kanye West's Australian partner, is turning heads once again, this time at Paris Fashion Week. Known for her daring outfits, the 29-year-old revealed her new pink hair in a sheer bodysuit that left little to the imagination. Kanye wore an all-white outfit, including a covering over his entire face. What next for this eccentric couple? Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori at Paris Fashion Week pic.twitter.com/leQluZBXUE The Wave (@_thewavetv) June 19, 2024 Childcare centre criticised over Pride Month celebration A Sydney council has defended its decision to incorporate Pride-related activities at one of its daycare centres. Children at Northmead Redbank Early Learning Centre in Parramatta, who are as young as six months, "celebrated" Australia's Australias diverse LGBTQIA+ community with rainbow flag painting and dress up among other activities, the Daily Telegraph reported. One mother told the publication she believed there is "no place" for the "political movement" at a childcare centre and has since removed her child. Parramatta Council has stressed the children have not been taught about LGBT issues. Council seeks to create an inclusive environment at its childcare centres where every child and parent feels welcome and supported. During Pride Month, the centre focuses on age-appropriate activities like painting and dance that celebrate being yourself, inclusion and friendship," a spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph. Microplastics discovered in unlikely place Here's a story we didn't think we'd be bringing you today. Microplastics have been found in human penises for the first time, with scientists raising questions about their impact on sexual health. A study, published in the science journal Nature, assessed the tissue from six men who had undergone surgery treating erectile dysfunction. In 80% of the samples, seven types of microplastics were identified, with some as small as two micrometres - or two thousandths of a millimetre. Some were as large as half a millimetre, "The detection of microplastics in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health," scientists said in the study which they described as "groundbreaking". Almost half of the microplastics found were polyethylene terephthalate, commonly used to make clothes and food and drink packaging. Polypropylene - a harder microplastic also used in packaging - formed 34.7% of the substances. Read more here. Hunt for driver after man dies in suspected road rage incident A pedestrian has died after allegedly being hit by a ute during a road rage incident. Emergency services were called to Jersey Road at Blackett, in Sydney's west, on Thursday morning after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle. Police discovered a 27-year-old man, who was wearing high-visibility clothes, had been hit by a ute before it was driven away. The man died at the scene while being treated by paramedics. Investigators are looking for a white ute with a metal tray, a black canopy and a black toolbox with metal racks on top that was seen in the area. Police have established a crime scene and are searching for the driver involved in the alleged road rage incident. - AAP Bizarre find in man's backyard We take you now to one of our stranger stories this week. A man in New Zealand couldn't quite believe what he was seeing when he stumbled across this 'pair of eyes' in his backyard. Turns out they're a couple of earth star mushrooms. Read more here. Source: Facebook Ash Barty returning to Wimbledon Well not many saw this coming. Ash Barty is returning to tennis, well sort of. She'll be playing at Wimbledon's Invitational Doubles this year two years after her retirement. Unsurprisingly fans are loving it and of course has sparked speculation about what could be next. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wimbledon (@wimbledon) Bones found at construction site Forensic testing has begun on a number of bones found at a construction site in Sydneys north. NSW Police were called to a construction site on South Creek Rd, Cromer at about 10.45am on Wednesday after a number of bones were excavated. A police statement said testing had yet to determine if the remains are human. Remains have been found at a construction site on South Creek Rd at Cromer in Sydneys Northern Beaches. Officers remain at the site, and inquiries are continuing. While the investigation is at its infancy, the site is about 1km away from Cromer High School, where convicted murder Chris Dawson worked as a sports teacher in 1979. The now 75-year-old was found guilty of murdering his wife Lynette Sims, however her body has never been found following her disappearance in January 1982. - NCA NewsWire Stonehenge sprayed in paint by climate protesters BREAKING: Just Stop Oil Spray Stonehenge Orange 2 people took action the day before Summer Solstice, demanding the incoming government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. Help us take megalithic action https://t.co/R20S8YQD1j pic.twitter.com/ufzO8ZiDWu Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) June 19, 2024 Climate protesters have struck again, this time targeting the UK's world-famous Stonehenge. The stone circle was doused in orange paint just one day before thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the site to celebrate the longest day of the year. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the move "disgraceful" and the two men responsible, who were wearing Just Stop Oil t-shirts, should be "ashamed". They were later arrested. It's the latest in a long line of stunts by climate protesters targeting iconic and culturally significant locations, while roads have routinely been targeted, infuriating commuters. So is this latest stunt a step too far? Have your say below. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. For as long as I can remember my mother always took me with her to the polls to vote. Whether it was a local election or a national one, I joined her as she cast her ballot. Every time, she would wear her I Voted sticker proudly. I was shown that voting is one of the most meaningful ways for my voice to be heard. My mother always taught me, dont focus on the problem, focus on the solution. So instead of complaining and not voting, its important for me to vote and hold our elected officials accountable. When I turned 18 I had the opportunity to vote in a local election. I was excited to read about the various candidates and the local propositions. It was empowering, knowing I had a say in the matter. Now I am 20 years old, and in a few months I will be voting in my first presidential election. Voting in this upcoming election is important to me not only because theres so much riding on this election, but for so long Black women werent allowed to vote. Many faced poll taxes, literacy tests, and other tactics to keep them from casting a ballot. The women who came before me fought, bled and died for the right to vote. I would be insane to dishonor their fight and sacrifice and abstain from voting. I currently attend Howard University. This past year I took a course called Black Women in America. In that class I learned about women such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Diane Nash and Anna Julia Cooper. These women spent their lives advocating for the right to vote. Fannie Lou Hamer was a vital figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a passionate advocate for womens suffrage. She grew up in a sharecropping family and faced the harsh realities of racial and economic injustice. Hamer co-founded the National Womens Political Caucus in 1971, emphasizing the importance of womens political participation. Remembering her own experience of harassment at the polls, Hamer tirelessly campaigned for voting rights, drawing connections between racial and gender discrimination. Her activism helped pave the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which eliminated many barriers to voting for African Americans. Anna Julia Cooper was a distinguished scholar, educator, and activist who made significant contributions to the womens suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into slavery in 1858 in Raleigh, N.C., Cooper overcame tremendous obstacles to become a leading voice for African American womens rights. She was an active participant in various organizations advocating for womens voting rights. She was a prominent member of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), which worked to address issues of racial and gender inequality. Julia also engaged with the broader womens suffrage movement, attending conferences and advocating for the inclusion of African American women in the fight for the vote. She lived to be 105 and left behind a work A Voice from the South, seen as one of the first volumes describing the concept of Black feminism. Diane Nash is best known for her key role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. As I am doing now, Nash attended an historically Black university (HBCU), Fisk University in Nashville where she attended nonviolent civil disobedience workshops. Though just 22 at the time, Nash led sit-ins in Nashville in 1960 from February to May that spread to 69 cities nationwide. She was instrumental in the Selma voting rights campaign, which led to the historic Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. Influential women like these are why I want to become a civil rights attorney. I want to carry their torch and fight to ensure that all Americans Civil Rights are being respected, especially the marginalized and disenfranchised. I want to fight against mass incarceration, the school-to-prison pipeline and housing discrimination. My work as an attorney will be crucial but whats also important are the elected officials. The laws that they implement and the decisions they make will affect my clients just as much as the verdict in the courtroom. Which is another reason for my resolve to vote. I vote as a result of the sacrifice of Fannie Lou Hamer, Anna Julia Cooper and Diane Nash, along with many others. I vote to make my voice heard. I vote to be the change I want to see. I vote because it is my constitutional right as an American citizen. Army Pfc. Michael Cannan, assisting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, screens soil during a recovery mission in Italy, May 21, 2024. (Cole Yardley/U.S. Air Force) VICENZA, Italy Army paratroopers teamed up with a Pentagon agency earlier this month to locate and bring home the remains of a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilot lost over central Italy during World War II. Soldiers with the Vicenza-based 173rd Airborne Brigade aided the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency during the archaeological investigation between April 6 to June 8, at which point evidence was sent to DPAAs laboratory. DPAA does not release the exact location or name of the missing soldier until the family is notified. There are more than 72,000 personnel still missing from World War II, with several thousand still missing in Europe, according to DPAA, the only federal agency with a mission to find missing service members from past conflicts. A P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane. Earlier this month, a recovery operation to locate a missing Thunderbolt pilot lost over central Italy during World War II was completed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, with help from the 173rd Airborne Brigade. (U.S. Air Force) DPAA researchers and analysts comb through records and other evidence. They look at information on where a plane was last seen, whether residents reported a crash during the war, or if anyone reported wreckage found more recently. When the information looks promising, they send a small team to visit for talks and preliminary investigation. Theyre also doing things like using metal detectors, ground-penetrating radar, digging small tests, to try to find evidence that yes, indeed there is a plane here and the evidence says that it could very possibly be, in this case, a P-47 Thunderbolt, said Sean Everette, DPAA spokesman. If they find evidence that yes, this is an American plane, then we put it on the schedule to send out a recovery team. Thats where the 173rd Airborne Brigade came in. Fourteen paratroopers traveled south? to clear and construct the excavation site. When we went out there it was just trees, up in the mountains. All we saw was trees, said brigade soldier Pvt. Samuel Aguilar-Andres. U.S. Army Capt. Jordan Smith, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recovery team leader, uses a pickax to break up soil during a recovery mission in Italy, May 22, 2024. (Cole Yardley/U.S. Air Force) They cleared vegetation and ran the wet screening station, where buckets of water were poured over wire mesh to help sift through dirt. Aguilar-Andres said he felt connected to the mission due to the 173rds history in World War II, the location in Italy and the fact that everyone was working equally toward the goal. I saw leaders doing the same work as the privates, and that meant a lot, he said. Sgt. Dillon Long, a soldier with the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, also noted the teamwork from so many backgrounds. We had a lot of dudes who might be combat engineers doing generator maintenance, Long said. We had radio guys doing the same thing. You name it, people were out doing all sorts of things. Clive Vella, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency scientific recovery expert, sorts aircraft wreckage during a recovery mission in Italy, May 22, 2024. (Cole Yardley/U.S. Air Force) Investigators primarily look for human remains. But they also search for objects like a wedding ring or a watch they can tie to a photo of the service member, Everette said. In this case, the team looked for parts of the plane with a serial number. When they make a match, DPAA contacts the branch the service member belonged to, which then goes to the family. The process takes anywhere from a couple of months to years. Since 2015, when DPAA was formed under its current structure, the agency has identified 1,000 people. While those searching for missing family members from World War II are often too young to have known the service members personally, Everette said they are still eager to find them. Sometimes, they still feel a connection because of the way their family kept their memory alive, he said. A Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recovery team member inspects soil during a mission in Italy, May 25, 2024. (Cole Yardley/U.S. Air Force) In other instances, the next-of-kin know little about the people who served because their families found the loss too hard to talk about. The process of finding their family member helps to bring answers to those families, Everette said. Though the numbers of missing service members are daunting, Everette said DPAA will continue its mission until everyone is accounted for. Long said he and other soldiers are comforted by this. Its important to know that people are going to come look for you if you go missing, Long said. With everything going on in the world, with tensions rising, a lot of guys have families pretty concerned about us being stationed overseas. If something were to occur, were not going to become some statistic. It means a lot to us. Richard Spinrad, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Administrator at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), along with several members of his team, visit the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut in April 2024. (JOE MICHAEL/Mystic Seaport Museum/Facebook) (Tribune News Service) Those returning to a Connecticut marina this summer after a charter fishing excursion might spot one of QuanTechs newest hires waiting dockside to tally up the days catch for federal fisheries management purposes. You, the boat captain and that fish counter count when it comes to Connecticuts so-called blue economy which appears to be on the upswing amid burgeoning commercial work in seaports, and people casting about for leisure time along the shore. In 2021, Connecticuts marine economy generated its highest economic output on record, with employment in the sector hitting an estimated 61,385 jobs as estimated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That was about 1,200 more jobs than in 2019, which had shattered the previous record employment figure the year before. BEA and NOAA have yet to publish state-level figures for 2022. Now a Connecticut Blue Economy Coalition has formed to boost businesses linked to the sea through the products and services they sell. Last week they held a ceremony at Mystic Seaport Museum to mark the start of their work. I think it will create a great network for us to think of other ways to build the blue economy, said Paul Whitescarver, executive director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region nonprofit in Groton and the former commander of the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London. Connecticut has hubs like biotech Id love to see a blue economy hub. The marine economy generated nearly 2 percent of U.S. economic activity in 2022, according to estimates last week by the BEA and NOAA, with Connecticuts marine economy having had a 3 percent share of total gross domestic product. In their marine economy estimates, BEA and NOAA include everything from federal installations like the Groton naval base or the U.S. Coast Guards research center in New London; to commercial work like Connecticuts oyster and kelp harvesters; to recreational spending and related jobs, like beach lifeguards or charter-boat captains. Maritime development for ports Connecticuts biggest maritime bet has been on State Pier in New London, which after more than $300 million in upgrades and cost overruns has been transformed into a staging hub for construction of offshore wind farms. Wind farm developer Orsted is now loading tower sections, turbine blades and other parts on barges at State Pier for transport to the ocean site where the Revolution Wind farm is being installed. The wind farm will supply electricity to Connecticut and Rhode Island. The last week of May, the Connecticut Port Authority submitted an application for an additional $6 million in federal funding for equipment at State Pier that would allow ships to draw electricity while docked at the pier, eliminating any need to run their engines for electricity. To boost the states waterfront economy further, the Connecticut Port Authority announced the hire on Thursday of a maritime development manager whose responsibilities include not just the deepwater ports of New London, New Haven and Bridgeport, but also more than 30 small harbors. Earlier in his career, Eric Dussault served on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Reliance, then oversaw port operations for American Cruise Lines based in Guilford, which offers small ship river and coastal cruises in the United States. The Authority is now soliciting applicants for a fourth installment of grants under the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program. Just over $5 million was authorized in the third round, including $3 million to dredge channels for Cove Island Park Marina in Stamford as part of an extensive recovery effort from damage in the 2012 storm Sandy; about $1 million for repairs and upgrades to Branford Point Wharf; and $250,000 for work on a Stonington pier where multiple fishing vessels are berthed. The infrastructure improvements for small harbors is probably the best opportunity for us, Hammond said. Its about tourism, its about fishing, its about recreation with respect to our small harbors. Tourism and recreation accounted for the biggest dollar increase to the U.S. marine economy in 2022 of the major subsectors tracked by BEA and NOAA, with an additional $16.5 billion in activity. Up and down waterways of the East Coast, commercial enterprises exist elbow-to-elbow with recreational outlets, and that is no different along Connecticuts shore and river valleys. Late last year across the water from Bridgeports budding Steelpointe Harbor development that is in line for a new Residence Inn by Marriott, onlookers got a sight of the corvette warship USNS Hiddensee getting hauled from the water. The ship had been put up for scrap by the Massachusetts museum Battleship Cove, having deemed repairs and upkeep too expensive. Hornblower Marine tapped Bridgeport Boatworks in 2021 as its main yard to overhaul its fleet of New York ferries and tourist boats, with the two companies creating a scholarship program for Bridgeport students enrolled at Porter and Chester Institute who are interested in maritime trades. We took a piece of waterfront ... that had been cut off from the public for 100-plus years, and we opened up that waterfront to the public, said Bobby Christoph Jr., principal of Bridgeport Landing Development which landed Bridgeport Boatworks in 2021 at the former Derecktor Shipyards facility. Having my office there, I see people all the time drive down ... just to walk or stroll or take a lunch break on the waterfront. Its so neat to see it actually be utilized now. Out of the DOD realm Nationwide last year, shipyards saw the biggest increase in U.S. marine economic activity at 14.6 percent. Connecticut has been a major beneficiary, with the General Dynamics Electric Boat plant in Groton on a sustained hiring binge to keep up with U.S. Navy submarine orders, along with Electric Boats auxiliary plant at Quonset Point, R.I. Electric Boats newest addition is a massive new construction shed in Groton, where workers will piece together a new fleet of ballistic missile submarines as their Navy crews get trained to operate them in an attached lodging and learning facility. Across the Thames River, turbines for the planned Revolution Wind farm are being staged to be barged off the New England coast for installation. BEA and NOAA are now for the first time reporting offshore wind farm construction and operation in its marine economy figures, estimated at $116 million in 2022. And upstream along the Connecticut River in Portland, Birdon invested in an existing boatyard where it is overhauling more than 100 U.S. Coast Guard rescue boats, to include refurbished hulls, decks, propulsion, electronics and other upgrades. Despite the massive employment bases for Electric Boat and the submarine base, BEA and NOAA estimate that New Haven County has a slightly larger camp of workers in marine industries, at just over 20,000 workers in all. New Haven County added nearly 3,000 industry jobs over two years, between 2019 and 2021. New Haven climbed five rungs in 2022 on a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tally of cargo tonnage at U.S. ports, leaving it just outside the top 50 ports in the United States. Hammond said that extensive dredging work is now underway in New Haven to widen and deepen the harbors channels to accommodate larger vessels. New London was not included in the rankings. Bridgeport had one of the largest drops in the Army Corps of Engineers study, with cargo tonnage down 30 percent. And despite the success of Bridgeport Boatworks, the city absorbed a blow after Park City Wind scrapped plans for a wind farm staging hub there as construction costs spiraled beyond revenue forecasts for the electricity Park City Wind would generate. One example of the possibilities for smaller Northeast ports is Portsmouth, N.H., where the Navy has a submarine maintenance yard. The Piscataqua River city generated the third biggest increase in cargo tonnage in the United States in 2022, among nearly 150 ports for which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published data for both that year and 2021. Back on the Thames River, Whitescarver had a video created early this year to showcase the waterways economic assets, from the University of Connecticut Avery Point, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut; to Electric Boat and the Naval Submarine Base New London; to heavy industries like Thames Shipyard, marine construction contractor Mohawk Northeast and Cashman Marine Dredging and Contracting. Work proceeds on the National Coast Guard Museum slated for New London, which when completed will give the area a fourth destination tourist attraction on the maritime front, after the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium and the USS Nautilus at the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum in Groton. And Whitescarver said land is available for additional enterprises. Theres so much going on on the Thames a lot of development which is really impressive for our region, and the diversification that gets you out of the DOD realm and into some other things, Whitescarver said. (c)2024 the New Haven Register (New Haven, Conn.) Visit the New Haven Register Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., fields questions in a hallway of the Longworth House Office Building on Oct. 13, 2023, in Washington, D.C. According to reports on June 20, 2024, Murphy and 11 co-sponsors are pushing legislation to help speed up the legal process for victims filing lawsuits over contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images/TNS) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) Frustrated by the slow pace of more than 1,800 lawsuits filed against the government over harm from decades of contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, a bipartisan group in Congress is pushing legislation to try to speed things along. A bill from Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., with 11 co-sponsors as of Thursday, would broaden the terms of a 2022 law that gave victims of the tainted water the right to sue for damages and would allow plaintiffs to request jury trials despite a February decision by four federal judges in North Carolina that they would hear the cases themselves. And a bill sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., that passed the Senate by unanimous consent on June 4 would offer free services to veterans and attorneys who need guidance and advice on any disability awards, payments, or benefits in the Camp Lejeune litigation. As many as a million people, mostly Marines and family members, were exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water at the base on the North Carolina coast from the 1950s to the mid-1980s, according to the Department of Defense. Since the law was enacted in August 2022, giving victims two years to file claims and lawsuits, at least 232,890 administrative claims have been filed with the Navy and more than 1,800 lawsuits have been filed in federal court in North Carolina, according to the Camp Lejeune Claims Center, an advocacy group for veterans exposed to the contamination. Together the filings seek trillions of dollars in damages, according to the Justice Department, but the claims center says only 58 settlements totaling $14.4 million have been made since September, when the DOJ offered payments of between $100,000 and $550,000 depending on the health effects reported. The lawsuits, many of which may be seeking higher payouts than what the government offered, are awaiting decisions by the DOJ and plaintiffs attorneys on which cases will be heard first. The lead attorney for plaintiffs in the litigation, Ed Bell of the Bell Legal Group in Georgetown, S.C., said he is hopeful some trials will begin by the end of the year. The lawyers are now selecting 25 bellwether cases, with five for each of the Tier 1 diseases established in court proceedings so far: kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia and bladder cancer, he said. Hallmark of the system A key piece of the House bill is to allow plaintiffs to request jury trials, after the federal judges ruled that Congress did not clearly delineate that right two years ago when it passed the law allowing those harmed by the contamination to file damage claims with the Navy and then lawsuits in federal court if those claims werent resolved within six months. We have to have at least an ability for veterans, if they wish, to go in front of a jury and tell their story, Murphy said in an interview. I think thats a hallmark of the American judicial system. Murphys bill would also allow victims to file lawsuits in any of the five states in the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina rather than just in North Carolinas federal courts as specified in the 2022 law. It would also set limits on attorneys fees, as the DOJ recommended when it announced the settlement plan last fall: Fees should not exceed 20 percent for administrative claims and 25 percent for lawsuits filed in court. As with some of these big bills, sometimes it needs technical corrections, Murphy said. This bill helps alleviate some of the heartache that some folks had about attorneys fees, their right to access. I think weve been able to work it in a bipartisan manner, and I think it has a good chance of coming through. He added that the House bill could be combined with the Senate one. Im sure we can work out some agreement where hopefully we can get relief to the veterans, Murphy said. Bell said passage of the legislation, particularly the House bill, would change the dynamics of the litigation process. A partner in Bells law firm, Eric Flynn, echoed that assessment. This is the single most important piece of legislation outside of the passage of the 2022 law itself, Flynn said. It would give more money to more veterans faster. Both Bell and Flynn argued that the government is purposely slowing the process with numerous motions and challenges to plaintiffs claims in hopes of reducing its compensation costs as more and more victims of the contamination, many of whom are elderly, die from serious illnesses. It seems to me this is a game to them, Bell said. Theyre trying to find every way they can to interrupt the process and not pay the people. And we have an average of 1.5 to 2 people dying every day in our group. We literally hear about a dozen or so deaths every week. He added that most plaintiffs are less concerned about compensation than they are about holding the government accountable. Most of these Marine families, they want to help others, and they want to have some answer from the government: Why did they do this to us? Bell said. It never has been about the money. Asked whether he believes the government is stalling, Murphy said, I think thats a valid concern. Hence, we wouldnt be having to do some of these other things to basically force our own governments hands. He continued: I cant speak to motivation. All I can do is speak to the reality that for these veterans, its been adjudicated to them that they would have the ability to be compensated for their injuries, and I think our government has been very slow to facilitate that compensation. Murphy added that the Defense Department has been downplaying the problems at Camp Lejeune for decades. This whole thing started because the Navy basically washed its hands of what was going on with the veterans, which in retrospect was a very big missed opportunity that we could have had to admit wrongdoing and move forward. Instead, it had to drag out longer, he said. I sure hope those get adjudicated a lot quicker. Its not right for our veterans. Were not doing our veterans any justice by delaying things. The post Bills seek to speed up lawsuits over Camp Lejeune contamination appeared first on Roll Call. 2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Major construction work is set to resume in August at a planned Marine Corps runway into Oura Bay at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, shown here Nov. 16, 2023. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa The Japanese government plans to resume major construction, delayed more than four years, on an airfield for the Marine Corps at Camp Schwab, according to Okinawa prefecture. The Okinawa Defense Bureau on Tuesday notified the prefecture that work on the Oura Bay section of the site will resume in August, a spokesman for the prefectures Seashore Disaster Prevention Division told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday. The defense bureau represents the Japan Defense Ministry on Okinawa. The runway being built on reclaimed land in Oura Bay in the Henoko area of Okinawa is meant to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in urban Ginowan. That base, surrounded by homes and schools, is considered inherently dangerous by some Japanese officials. The construction zone at Schwab is divided into two main sections: 279 acres on the bases north side and 91 acres in the south, according to the prefectures website. Work on the Oura Bay side, or north side, has been on hold since April 21, 2020, when Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki refused to approve changes to the construction plans to solidify the soft seabed. Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tetsuo Saito eventually approved the permits Dec. 28 after Tamaki ignored a Dec. 25 deadline from Fukuoka High Court. The court handed Saito that authority if Tamaki refused. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi in January announced that work to reclaim land from the bay would resume. The Japanese government in January created a storage yard at the site for construction materials, the seashore division spokesman said Thursday. The prefecture and the bureau have gone back and forth on design details and environmental preservation measures along the Oura Bay side since February, according to the spokesman. The prefecture filed its most recent questions June 5 and the bureau responded Tuesday with the August start time, he said. The prefecture just noticed us that will start work on the places that are under discussion, which means the Oura Bay side, the spokesman said. We dont have any details at the moment, we dont know if these works mean about the seawall constructions or the soil improvement work. He said the prefecture asked the bureau to delay construction until their discussions had concluded. Some government officials in Japan may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. The bureau did not respond to a phone call from Stars and Stripes seeking comment Thursday. The project, originally slated for completion by 2014, is expected to take until at least 2032 and cost the Japanese government $6.9 billion. Hayashi at a press conference Wednesday in Tokyo refrained from commenting directly on the discussions between the prefecture and the bureau. He said the government will continue explaining politely to the local community, and that steadily moving forward with the construction will eventually eliminate hazards at MCAS Futenma. Relocating the airfield to the Henoko region of Okinawa is the only solution he said. Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Rupley, from Dededo, Guam, greets family members on the pier after the USS Ronald Reagan pulled into Naval Base Guam for a scheduled port visit June 19, 2024. (Caleb Dyal/U.S. Navy) The USS Ronald Reagan steamed into Guams Apra Harbor on Wednesday for a scheduled port call and the aircraft carriers first visit to the island since 2022. The Ronald Reagan, now on its final patrol in the Indo-Pacific, stopped in Guam following the conclusion Tuesday of Valiant Shield, a biennial exercise, according to photos posted to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service website. The Ronald Reagan is returning to the U.S. after nine years for scheduled maintenance at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Bremerton, Wash. It will be replaced at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, by the carrier USS George Washington, now en route, according to the Navy. Sailors handle a mooring line on the fantail as the USS Ronald Reagan pulls into Naval Base Guam for a scheduled port visit June 19, 2024. (Eric Stanton/U.S. Navy) The scheduled port call allows the Ronald Reagan to stock up on supplies during its summer patrol - usually a six-month affair - and provides crew members a chance to participate in community or volunteer activities, according to Carrier Strike Group 5 spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Seth Koenig. One of its escort ships, the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, also stopped in Guam, he added. About a dozen sailors on the Ronald Reagan crew from Guam were able to reunite with family on the pier upon the ships arrival, and it was heartwarming to see, he told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday. Guam is a special place for all of us. The carrier last visited Guam in June 2022 after concluding that years iteration of Valiant Shield, according to Koenig. The USS Ronald Reagan steams into Apra Harbor, Guam, for a scheduled port visit on June 19, 2024. (Jonathan Estrada Eguizabal/U.S. Navy) Koenig declined to comment on how long the ships will remain in Guam, citing operational security concerns. The Ronald Reagan and two escort ships, the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins and guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam, spent four days in Guam in 2022, according to the Navy at the time. Valiant Shield this year brought approximately 10,000 U.S. military members from all six services to Japan, Guam, the Mariana Islands and Palau. The exercise concluded with the sinking of a decommissioned amphibious transport dock, the USS Cleveland, about 40 miles off the coast of Palau, U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman Chris Loundermon told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday. UPDATED: The world's top experts had been baffled about what this strange find was. Now we have the answer Could this strange, spiky appendage be new to science, a hoax, or part of a decayed regular old fish. Source: Facebook Experts are stumped by a strange discovery on a remote beach. The picture at the centre of the mystery was uploaded to a social media group dedicated to identifying strange marine creatures and shows a dog sniffing a strange, scaly tentacle on a beach. The appendage was described as three feet (91 cm) long and lying on Vancouver Island, Canada, in the Pacific Northwest. Looking closely it appears to have long spikes piercing through its flesh. Plenty of internet sleuths left guesses as to what it was, with some suggesting it was an iguana tail or part of a shark. Curious to know what it really is, one person responded. Definitely something interesting, another wrote. Iguana tail? another guessed. Others guessed it could be part of a wolf eel, but fisheries expert Lachlan McKinnon were almost sure that wasn't the case. A large wolf-eel spotted off the coast of British Colombia. Source: Getty "I don't think it's an eel. You can see the rib cage bones and they look quite thick and the vertebrae look quite large, but eel bones are not particularly solid they're a lot finer," he told Yahoo News. "It appears that on the tail there's some extra bones or fin-rays or something like that and they don't extend along the spine all the way to the head." Could the beach find be an iguana? A major museum in Australia shared the photo with its fish, mammals and reptile experts and none could identify the creature. Keepers at the Australian Reptile Park said they didnt think it was an iguana based on the structure of the tail and suggested it could be a fish. Experts at a local marine conservation group were stumped, telling me it was impossible to tell what it is. Steve Huxter, a former whale trainer who lives on the south coast of British Columbia, guessed it could be a massive eel-fish species called King-of-the-salmon, which has large spines along its tail. Some thought it might have been the tail from an iguana, but reptile experts dismissed this theory. Source: Getty A man holds up a King-of-the-salmon in British Colombia (left). Sketches of an oarfish (right). Source: Gbadgley/Getty Updated: Expert may have identified mysterious find A conservationist with knowledge of Vancouver Island said it looked like an oarfish skeleton. But Tyson R Roberts, the worlds foremost expert in oarfish, dismissed the guess. He was originally quite struck by the find and told Yahoo he'd never seen anything like it". "If this is not a hoax, it is probably the most important zoological discovery this century," he joked. After further analysing the find after this article was published, Roberts concluded the decomposed flesh likely once belonged to a stingray-like creature. "It evidently is the tail of a skate," he said. The woman who took the photos did not respond to a request for comment from Yahoo News. But in her original call for help, she described it as looking like "a tentacle or an eel". Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Members of the U.S. Naval Academys class of 2024 stand in a formation. (Facebook/U.S. Naval Academy) (Tribune News Service) Whether a circuit court judge will be permitted to rehear an assault case against a Naval Academy midshipman now that the matter was successfully appealed by the state will be determined in July. After a six-day trial in 2022, Garrett Lee Holsen was acquitted of raping one of his classmates at an off-campus party. Before deliberations began, Anne Arundel Circuit Judge Robert Thompson instructed the jury not to consider any other charges in the case if they found the midshipman not guilty of rape. That is ultimately what the jury did, prompting the Office of the Attorney General to appeal the decision. In December, the Appellate Court of Maryland ruled that Thompson had acted without authority when issuing his instructions and ordered a retrial on the remaining charges second-degree assault and third-degree sex offense, the latter of which cannot be retried because jurors rejected the idea that the accuser was too intoxicated to consent. Prosecutors said during a hearing Tuesday that the sex offense charge will be dropped and the retrial, which has yet to be scheduled, will not affect Holsens acquittal on the rape charge. Instead, it will focus on the assault accusation, a misdemeanor in Maryland. Earlier this month, Anne Arundel County States Attorney Anne Colt Leitess asked that Thompson be prevented from hearing the case again, saying his decisions in 2022 had severely prejudiced the states case. That request was denied Friday, however, by Anne Arundel Circuit Judge Donna Schaeffer, who ruled it was normal procedure to have the same judge preside over a case that has been sent back. Even with Schaeffers denial, Leitess argued Tuesday that Thompsons continued role in the case was inappropriate and asked the judge to recuse himself. The countys top prosecutor said her intention was not to attack or insult Thompson, but to defend her teams case. Defense attorney Peter ONeill said Leitess request was a blatant effort to stretch out an already lengthy prosecution. ONeill said Holsen, a Wisconsin native set to join the Marine Corps, was barred from attending the academys graduation ceremony in May because of the case, has not received his diploma and has not been deployed for assignment. The case has stalled Holsens career, ONeill said, asking that a trial be scheduled as soon as possible. We want this matter litigated, ONeill told the judge. We are not afraid of trial. Leitess said that because the case was sent back by a higher court, there was no constitutional requirement for a speedy trial an obligation in regular criminal proceedings. The judge, however, asked whether the court has a moral responsibility to move forward when it can. Here we are in this mess, Thompson said, and well do our best to get out of it. A July 11 hearing will determine whether Thompson stays on the case. The Naval Academy has declined to comment on Holsens case, citing privacy concerns. 2024 Capital Gazette. Visit at capitalgazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Piazza della Liberta, the main square of Udine, Italy, as seen June 6, 2024. The square features a Venetian-style Torre dellOrologio, or clock tower. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes) As 2023 came to a close, I learned that the northeastern Italian city of Udine was ranked No. 1 in news publication Il Sole 24 Ores yearly quality of life index. The city of approximately 100,000 people is about an hour from Aviano Air Base, and I was curious about what it has to offer for visitors. After a bit of research, I decided to check it out. I figured that going during the week would allow me to avoid the crowds, but finding an on-street parking spot took more time than I had anticipated. My best advice for parking is to be patient, as the streets are crowded regardless of the time of day, or find one of the parking garages that are open during the day. After a 10-minute walk, I arrived at the Piazza della Liberta, the main square in Udine. For me, the clock tower of the Loggia di San Giovanni, also known as the Porch of Saint John, is an amazing piece of Venetian architecture, with its golden sun in the center of the clock. Sculptor and architect Bernadino da Morcote was the mastermind behind the clock tower and modeled it after the one in Venices St. Marks Square. Surrounding the square are several well-preserved monuments that are worth taking a gander at. On the left side of the square are the Statue of Peace and the Statue of Justice. Opposite the former on the right side of the square is a fountain dating from 1542. Along the street side of the square stands a statue of Hercules and Caco, who was a fire-breathing giant, each clad in nothing but a fig leaf. The Arco Bollani in Udine, Italy, is named after a Venetian soldier. It sits at the bottom of a path that leads up to the castle of Udine. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes) After seeing the center of town, I began the steep walk for Udine Castle. The 16th-century fortress is built on a hill in the middle of the city and requires a decent climb, but the view is worth it. To begin the 10-minute climb, you pass under the Arco Bollani, named after the Venetian soldier Domenico Bellini. For those seeking indoor places to pass time in Udine, the ground floor of the castle is home to two recently opened museums. The Museo del Risorgimento highlights the cultural and political significance of the consolidation of fragmented Italian states into a unified country between 1848 and 1871. The Museo Archeologico displays artifacts unearthed by collectors and scholars from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Castello di Udine was built in the 16th century atop a hill looking out over the city of Udine, which is in northeastern Italy. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes) However, I preferred to continue walking around the city. My stop at the Chiesa di San Giacomo, however, was limited to the exterior because it was closed to visitors at the time, likely because of a church service. That was unfortunate because I like to visit old churches and wanted to view the artistry inside. As the sun began to set, I made my way though the Piazza San Giacomo, which used to be home to the city market, in search of food. The square is surrounded by bars, restaurants and cafes, providing options ranging from full meals to light snacks. Although I had read about a local specialty called polenta e frico, I opted not to search for a place that serves it and instead chose to eat at Mezza Libbra, a burger joint I visited elsewhere in February Based on the appealing architecture, with its touch of Venice, and the multitude of places to shop, eat and drink, I found Udines high ranking for quality of life warranted. But luckily for visitors, you dont have to live in Udine to be charmed by it. On the QT Address: Tourist office, Piazza Primo Maggio 7, Udine, Italy Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays. Museums of the Castle (Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Risorgimento, Photography Museum, Ancient Art Gallery) Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed on Mondays Cost: Street parking, 1-3 euros per hour depending on zone. Museum admission: 8 euros, free for 18 and under. Information: Phone: +39 0432 295972; Online: turismofvg.it A chocolate milkshake, heaped with a mound of whipped cream, at the Corner Cafe in Otterbach, Germany, on June 12, 2024. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) The Corner Cafe in Otterbach is aptly named, for it is indeed on a corner at the intersection between two streets in this small village about 6 miles north of Kaiserslautern. One would never guess, however, just from driving by that besides the typical cafe offerings, the tiny establishment serves up its own Venezuelan food. Yna Dan Navarro opened the restaurant about 18 months ago. A chef and baker, Navarro uses her kitchen to create staples from her native Venezuela as well as homemade American- and Italian-style pastries and desserts. Yna Dan Navarro, the owner and main chef at the Corner Cafe in Otterbach, Germany, packages her homemade cookies for a customer on June 12, 2024. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) You can find German pastries everywhere, she said, explaining what differentiates her cafe from others. On a recent weekday, my kids and I stopped in for a mid-afternoon lunch and ate so much that we skipped dinner. During the week, the cafe typically offers empanadas with beef, chicken or a mix of black beans, plantain and cheese; and arepas stuffed with a variety of fillings, including ham and cheese, beans and cheese, and a vegan avocado, tomato, beans and plantain. When we visited, only empanadas were available. Navarro said her kitchen assistant is back in Venezuela for a short time, so the lunch menu is scaled back for now. Made from ground corn, the empanadas at the Corner Cafe in Otterbach, Germany, are stuffed with beef, chicken or black beans with plantains and cheese. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) That was fine with us. We got our first taste of traditional Venezuelan empanadas. Like the arepa, empanadas in Venezuela are often made with a corn-based, gluten-free dough. We ordered chicken empanadas, which are a great deal at three for 10 euros. We had to wait a bit for our order, but they came out piping hot and were worth the wait. Heres a tip to distract your kids when waiting for food at the Corner Cafe: Get a milkshake. My son ordered a chocolate shake, which filled a tall sundae dessert glass. It was topped with a mound of whipped cream and had chocolate syrup running down the sides. Though it was gone by the time the empanadas arrived, the hearty drink didnt seem to dampen my 13-year-olds appetite. We ordered another round, this time with shredded beef. With the kitchen short-staffed for the time being, the best days to visit for more Venezuelan options is on the weekends, when breakfast starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Navarro said. Choices usually include a variety of arepas and a well-rounded meal of fried eggs with a side of avocado, meat, black beans, cheese and flat cornbread rounds. Some weekends, Navarro also offers special menu items, which she usually posts on the cafes Facebook page to give customers a heads-up. Those include breakfast burritos and quesadillas. The Corner Cafe in Otterbach, Germany, offers savory Venezuelan food and decadent desserts, including cake, cookies and ice cream. An eclectic mix of antique and country-style furniture and light fixtures gives it a cozy feel. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) On most Thursdays, Navarro bakes cinnamon rolls, but you can visit Corner Cafe any day to satisfy your sweet tooth. Her cookies are, in a word, divine. The ones we got were more gooey than crispy, the perfect accompaniment to coffee or milk. We ordered four: red velvet, Lotus (made with small Biscoff cookies), chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. We split the red velvet at the cafe and took the rest home. Navarro also makes cakes, which can be bought whole or by the slice. She showed me a photo of one that looked like a work of art, a pistachio-green Swedish princess cake consisting of vanilla cake, raspberry jam and vanilla cream, covered with marzipan. Italian-style pastries at the cafe have included custard-filled croissants. Despite being short on staff, Navarro still made time this week for one of her customers favorite treats. She announced on the cafes Facebook page that she would have her cinnamon rolls on Friday instead of Thursday. My son and I took a break from loading up boxes for a move to get some. We tried the traditional cream cheese rolls and a special of the day, chocolate Oreo. We were lucky she had some left: Navarro said that before she opened at noon, a customer was already waiting at the door for them. After trying them ourselves, we might be the early birds next time. Corner Cafe Cost: Empanadas are 4 euros each or three for 10 euros; arepas are 7.50 to 8.50 euros. Cookies are 4.50 apiece and cinnamon rolls are 3.50 or 4 euros each depending on flavor. Information: Phone: +49 176 36039948; Online: tinyurl.com/fwcmwjmp U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen speaks during an event at the U.S. Treasury Department on June 6, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Standing alongside local and federal law enforcement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday morning announced major steps to combat the opioid crisis, including sanctions taken against several people affiliated with a Mexican criminal organization officials say is known for trafficking fentanyl and other drugs into the United States and Georgia. Speaking at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta, Yellen said the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control had sanctioned eight people associated with La Nueva Familia Michoacana, a violent cartel that has started to produce the drug across several cities in Mexico in recent years. In many cases, its members force people to enter the United States illegally and sell the drugs under threat to their lives and families, officials said, noting that metro Atlanta has been a big hub for them. The leaders were targeting have carried out heinous acts, from controlling drug routes, to arms trafficking, to money laundering, to murder. Two of those designated have been indicted by courts here in Georgia, including on charges of heroin conspiracy and money laundering, Yellen said. Our sanctions will cut off the cartel leaders from their ill-gotten money and make it harder for them to bring deadly fentanyl to our streets. Yellen also detailed a new advisory issued by the Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network that provides information and guidance to U.S. financial institutions, so they can identity and report financial transitions of material used to make fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. By letting regional and local banks share that information, Yellen said, the department will be able to track illegal drug money and go after criminals profiting from it. The effort will expand to 10 cities across the United States by the end of this year. Typically, major cartels rely on shell companies to launder and store their profits, officials said. The Corporate Transparency Act, which went into effect in January, requires many companies to report who owns or controls them, which helps to combat illicit finance. Our work with partners and at home is rooted in the understanding that cartels that peddle fentanyl operate in many respects like other businesses: They rely on access to banking systems and to the U.S. dollar to make payroll and finance purchases, Yellen said. This means the Treasury Department has a unique ability to disrupt and degrade their operations. Were particularly focused on two areas related to todays actions: sanctions and partnerships with financial institutions. President Joe Biden has made the opioid crisis a priority after drug overdose deaths related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have skyrocketed in recent years. More than 1 million people have died of drug overdoses across the U.S. since 2022, most related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Combatting the trafficking of fentanyl is a significant challenge. It will not be solved overnight, Yellen said. But let me be clear: The president and I will do everything we can to combat this crisis. In Georgia, overdose deaths involving fentanyl increased 200% between 2019 to 2021, Yellen said. She called those numbers staggering, almost unimaginable. Last year, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation found that Georgia prisoners are increasingly dying from using all manner of drugs, including meth and fentanyl. But Yellen said strides have been made. In the past two years, law enforcement has seized more fentanyl at ports of entry than the previous five years combined, officials said. Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a bill into law making naloxone, an opioid-reversal drug, more readily available in schools and government buildings. Yellen also launched the Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force last year, which uses the Treasurys expertise to help fight financial crime. Outside of the U.S., an effort has been made to strengthen cooperation with China, a key source of the chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl. Yellen said a collaboration with Mexico was also crucial, and stressed the importance of sharing information with financial institutions on both sides of the border. Other Mexican cartels targeted by the U.S. law enforcement in recent months included CJNG and Sinaloa Cartel. Thursdays visit was Yellens second to Atlanta this year. In March, she toured a solar cell manufacturing plant in Norcross to highlight the Biden administrations clean energy policies. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A screenshot posted on X by the Philippine military purports to show Chinese coast guard personnel intercepting a Philippine resupply mission in the South China Sea on June 17, 2024. (Armed Forces of the Philippines) The U.S. Secretary of State reassured his Philippine counterpart of the United States ironclad commitments to the Philippines two days after a violent clash between Philippine sailors and Chinas coast guard in the South China Sea. The State Department described Chinas actions as escalatory, and dangerous and irresponsible, according to a readout of Secretary Antony Blinkens phone call Wednesday with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo. Secretary Blinken emphasized that the PRCs actions undermine regional peace and stability and underscored the United States ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty, the readout stated. Chinese coast guard personnel on more than eight motorboats repeatedly rammed then boarded two Philippine navy inflatable boats Monday to prevent Filipino personnel from transferring food and other supplies, including firearms, to the BRP Sierra Madre, The Associated Press reported Tuesday. The grounded warship serves as a Philippine territorial outpost on Second Thomas Shoal, which Beijing also claims. After a scuffle and repeated collisions, the Chinese seized the boats and damaged them with machetes, knives and hammers. They also seized eight M4 rifles packed in cases, navigation equipment and other supplies and wounded several Filipino sailors, including one who lost his right thumb, two Philippine security officials told the AP. A spokesman for Chinas Foreign Ministry laid responsibility for the incident on the Philippines. Let me stress that what directly led to this situation is the Philippines ignoring of Chinas dissuasion and deliberate intrusion into the waters around the shoal, spokesman Lin Jian told reporters Wednesday, according to his remarks posted on the ministry website. The law enforcement action taken by China Coast Guard on the scene was professional and restrained and aimed at stopping the illegal resupply mission. Further escalation at the shoal is possible, according to Carlyle Thayer, an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and a lecturer at the Australian Defence Force Academy. In recent days China has pushed the envelope beyond dangerous maneuvers, water cannons and ramming to seizing and vandalizing Philippine supplies for its detachment on the BRP Sierra Madre and now boarding and seizing weapons carried by uniformed Philippine officials, he told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday. Up the ante Escalation could result in a Filipino fatality or sinking a Philippine vessel as the Philippines increases the scope and tempo of naval patrols in its territorial waters in the South China Sea, he said. However, if China holds short of an armed attack on Philippine military ships and public vessels, the risk of U.S. involvement is low, Thayer said. Americas options include enlisting other allies such as Japan and Australia, along with like-minded maritime powers in Europe, to join patrols and provide overwatch for Philippine supply missions or even escorts for Philippine supply vessels, he said. Grant Newsham, a retired Marine colonel and senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo, agreed the situation may intensify. The Chinese have been clear about what they intend to do with Philippine maritime territory that the PRC covets: dominate, control, and, if necessary, seize and occupy it - make it impossible for their smaller, outmatched victims to retake it, he said by email Thursday. This is also the pattern theyve used throughout the South China Sea. And they are quite willing to use force to get their way. Clashes will continue until the Philippines backs off or the United States steps in and lives up to its commitments to its Philippine allies, Newsham said. U.S. Navy ships and aircraft could accompany Philippine vessels and U.S. ships and helicopters could conduct resupply missions to the shoal, he said. However, Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, said on any intensification of the dispute will likely be limited. It seems that both sides are trying to show resolve but do not want greater escalation at this point, he said. China will likely up the ante but the U.S. response depends on what the Philippines wants, he said. Manila and Washington probably want to remind Beijing and the world that protecting sovereignty is the Philippines prerogative, although they probably have an incentive to show that they are not going to cave to increasing pressure, he said. This combination of pictures shows then-U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2020. (Brendan Smialowski and Jim Watson, AFP, Getty Images/TNS) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) U.S. spies believe Chinas leaders see little or no upside to the looming electoral showdown between President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump. Ahead of next weeks first debate of the presidential campaign, U.S. intelligence agencies assess that China has no clear preference between the two candidates, according to American officials, who asked not to be identified discussing nonpublic assessments. The conclusion suggests that officials in Beijing, like their counterparts in Washington, believe that ties between the worlds two largest economies will continue on their long-term downward trajectory despite a recent increase in high-level meetings billed as efforts to manage differences. In recent years, the two countries have clashed over everything from technology to human rights and the South China Sea. The U.S. assessment is matched in interviews with Chinese officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. They say the view in Beijing is that both candidates are intent on containing China and disrupting its rise. Neither is a perfect candidate, to put it mildly, said Gao Zhikai, a former Chinese diplomat who served as translator to the late leader Deng Xiaoping. Biden is a Cold War warrior who doesnt care if he pushes the world into conflict, while Trump will probably impose sanctions and tariffs on China in pursuit of his America-first agenda. Spokespeople for the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on intelligence assessments of how China views the 2024 vote. Asked about the U.S. elections, Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said China does not comment on U.S. domestic affairs. A second Trump administration could pose significant problems for Beijing. In his first term, Trump declared a trade war on China, increased high-level ties with Taiwan and oversaw a reorientation of U.S. military strategy to counter Beijing. By the end of his time in office, it was routine for officials in both Beijing and Washington to refer in private to ties between the nations as a new Cold War. Chinese officials believe that a second Trump administration would likely be characterized by provocative pronouncements, unpredictable policymaking and a renewed push for anti-China measures, U.S. and Chinese officials said. During Trumps campaign, hes already floated the idea of 60% tariffs on Chinese-made goods, Liu, the Chinese embassy spokesman, said that raising tariffs on Chinese goods would drive up the cost of goods, inflicting more loss on American companies and consumers while damaging global supply chains. The flip side of these concerns, Chinese officials believe, is that a Trump presidency could weaken Washingtons ties with its allies, opening opportunities for Beijing. The former presidents first term in office was characterized by repeated friction with European allies over defense spending, as well as periodic complaints about the cost of the protection the U.S. affords Japan and South Korea. One Chinese official told Bloomberg that Trump might also prove more amenable to doing deals than Biden, suggesting that Chinese concessions on trade could open the way for U.S. concessions over sensitive issues for China such as Taiwan. But the prospect of a second Biden term offers little comfort to Beijing. The central concern for Chinese policymakers would be Bidens likely push to strengthen regional partnerships to push back against Chinese assertiveness, according to U.S. and Chinese officials. Over the past four years, China has routinely denounced groups such as the Quad, comprised of the U.S., Australia, India and Japan, and Aukus, a defense pact among Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., as efforts to contain China. At a recent defense forum in Singapore, a Chinese delegate accused the U.S. of attempting to build an Asian NATO. At the same time, Biden needs to pay more attention to the views of its allies, which are likely to call for caution and moderation. This may be good for China, Jia Qingguo, a prominent academic and standing committee member of Beijings top political advisory body, said in an interview this month. Liu said the U.S.s Indo-Pacific strategy is essentially about division, confrontation and detrimental to peace and that its aim is to encircle China. U.S. intelligence leaders and senators have warned that a host of actors including China could also seek to influence the outcome of the election. In April, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN the U.S. had seen evidence of Chinese attempts to influence and arguably interfere in the 2024 vote. Still, officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told journalists in a briefing that Beijing has so far taken a cautious approach to such interference because its aware of the blowback that such efforts might cause. No matter who prevails in the November election, officials in Washington and Beijing are girding for more tense periods. From the Chinese perspective, we just need to sit tight, said Gao, the former diplomat. Whoever wins, China needs to deal with them as they are, rather than hoping for the unrealistic. With assistance from Rebecca Choong Wilkins and Tania Chen. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Across the world, the avian influenza continues to devastate farms, with an estimated half a billion birds now killed as a result of the virus's spread. Shocking drone footage has shown the affect bird flu is having on farms, with 4.2 million chickens destroyed at a property in Iowa. Source: Mercy for Animals WARNING - DISTRESSING CONTENT: Deeply confronting, never-before-seen drone footage has shown the devastating impact avian influenza is having on poultry farms all over the world, with the number of birds now killed as a result of the virus worldwide surging to half a billion. For weeks, bird flu had only been detected at properties in Victoria in Australia, until Wednesday when a farm in NSW in the Hawkesbury district, north of Sydney, revealed the H7N8 strain was found among its animals. It's believed the spread was the result of a "spill-over" event, possibly from wild birds, with an estimated 100,000 chickens at the property to be euthanised as a result. There are now eight farms in total across Australia that have detected the deadly virus in its poultry flocks one in NSW and a seven in Victoria which is known to cause severe symptoms and even death in the birds. It's believed that 1 million chickens and ducks will be euthanised in Victoria alone as a result of the worsening outbreak. It's estimated that upward of half a billion birds have now been destroyed around the world as the virus continues to spread. Source: Mercy for Animals Hundreds of millions of birds killed across globe While that figure is confronting, in the US, where the spread is much more pronounced and has even begun to spread among dairy cows, a single farm was forced to kill a staggering four million chickens after an outbreak. Drone footage captured by the Mercy For Animals group at an Iowa factory egg farm has shown mountains of chicken corpses piled up as staff work to dispose of the bodies. In the vision, dump trucks are seen pouring hundreds of thousands of dead chickens at once into massive piles, with feathers strewn across the property as workers bury the animals in rows. According to the group, the farm was home to 4.2 million egg-laying chickens, each subsequently destroyed. The disturbing scenes highlight the crushing impact avian flu is having on farms across America, where an estimated 97 million birds have been affected since 2022, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). US officials announced earlier in June that a third person had tested positive with the virus a farm worker in Michigan who worked closely with sick cows. 'Most concerning' thing about US outbreak for Australia On home soil, consumers have been told not to worry about eggs and poultry from the supermarkets with the outbreak not yet posing a risk to public health. Although the H5N1 potential pandemic strain remains the greatest threat to public health, the H7 variant can also spread to humans, as already seen in an infant returning from India to Melbourne earlier this month. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Professor Enzo Palombo, food health and safety expert at Swinburne University, said "there's no need to panic" and "no real sense that anything significant is happening locally which we should be concerned about" for now. But, there is growing evidence to suggest the virus "could come across to humans more readily", which "could end up being the start of the next pandemic". He said "the real concern from a public health point of view" will be if "what's happening in the US with mammals" occurs on home soil. "What's most concerning is what's happening in the US with the dairy cattle, there have been documented transmissions from cattle to humans, most likely through milk," he said. "The virus seems to be infecting the udders and it seems to be shared through milk, which tests showed had live virus in it." If the virus moves from cows to infect pig populations, Palombo said, "that scenario is much more frightening than any potential spread through food" as "pigs are notoriously the animals in which all these flu viruses tend to mix up and come out as new versions". On Australian farms, avian flu has so far only been detected among chickens and ducks. There are now a total of eight farms across the country that've detected bird flu - seven in Victoria in one in NSW. Source: Getty/ Victorian Government Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Volodymyr Zelenskyy inspects the fortification lines in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine on April 9, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office) KYIV Ukrainian officials insist they are battling corruption as fiercely as their troops are fighting Russias invaders in the east. But Western governments, including the United States, say it is still not enough a source of increasingly raw tension between Kyiv and some of its strongest supporters that poses constant peril to additional economic and military assistance. Nearly every month adds a new case to a string of high-profile arrests and dismissals. In late May, the former deputy head of the presidential administration, Andrii Smyrnov, was charged with illicit enrichment by Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau, which said he had acquired real estate, vehicles and other assets worth more than 10 times his reported salary and savings. In April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Illya Vitiuk, the head of the cybersecurity department at Ukraines Security Service, days after local media reported that Vitiuks wife had bought an apartment for more than $500,000 in an elite Kyiv neighborhood. Within the past year, the countrys chief justice, Vsevolod Knyazyev, was charged with taking more than $2 million in bribes and promptly dismissed. And a prominent oligarch, Ihor Kolomoisky, who was once a stronger supporter of Zelenskyy, was jailed on suspicion of fraud, embezzlement and money laundering, and then charged with financing a murder-for-hire scheme in the early 2000s. Ukrainian officials say the cases are evidence of a concerted and successful effort to fight graft. All the accused maintain their innocence, and their cases have not yet come to trial. That the number of cases has doubled doesnt mean that there is twice as much corruption, said Oleksandr Klymenko, head of a special anti-corruption unit in the Ukrainian prosecutor generals office. On the contrary: It means that were twice as effective as before. Western capitals, however, arent so sure. Billions are at stake in Ukraines fight against corruption not just the countrys own tax money but also Western military and economic aid. While there have been no direct allegations of American money or weapons being mishandled or misappropriated, Republican members of Congress cited corruption concerns as among their reasons for obstructing a $61 billion aid package a months-long delay that allowed Russian forces to advance. One accusation, that Zelenskyy used foreign money to buy two luxury yachts, was proved false and traced back to Russian disinformation sources. Still, dozens of independent agents from the State Departments Office of Inspector General are posted to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, where they have wide-ranging oversight powers and sit in on many diplomatic meetings. For decades, corruption thrived in Ukraine. Oligarchs controlled key industries and seats in the parliament. Public servants, including judges, were for sale. But many Ukrainian officials say the country has taken great strides in recent years and is not getting sufficient credit. Klymenkos office is one of many anti-corruption bodies created since the 2014 Maidan Revolution, when hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in part because they were fed up with rampant corruption under President Viktor Yanukovych. Other new offices include: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, which investigates corruption cases; the High Anti-Corruption Court; the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, which formulates anti-corruption policy; and a special anti-corruption department in the Defense Ministry. Numerous civic groups and media outlets are also devoted to exposing corruption. But U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, say it is still not enough. Ukraine has taken important steps, Blinken said in Kyiv last month. But more remains to be done. In a speech, he said Ukraine needs a strong and predictable regulatory environment; open and fair competition; transparency; the rule of law; effective anti-corruption measures. Winning on the battlefield will prevent Ukraine from becoming part of Russia, Blinken added. Winning the war against corruption will keep Ukraine from becoming like Russia. Senior officials in Kyiv, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, bristled at the scolding. There is a perception of the level of corruption and there are facts about the level of corruption, Kuleba said at a news conference with Blinken. A meeting between Zelenskyy and Blinken was tense with the Ukrainian leader expressing his appreciation for U.S. military aid but appearing frustrated by Blinkens focus on corruption, according to people familiar with the discussion who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. Many in Zelenskyys camp argue privately that, though corruption remains a challenge, an anti-corruption effort would distract from what they say should be the primary focus: defeating Russia. Senior Ukrainian officials complain that Americans and Europeans often use the stereotype of Ukraine as corrupt as an excuse for delaying or opposing vitally needed aid and that the accusation is not only cliche but evidence of hypocrisy in capitals with their own corruption issues. Its absolutely not fair, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, who is overseeing Ukraines E.U. membership bid, said in an interview last year. We always want to say, Why you are lecturing us? We can see that your prime minister has been convicted of corruption. Stefanishyna said she did not have any particular country in mind, but events of the past two years offer several examples. Leaders in Portugal and Spain, as well officials in the European Parliament, have faced corruption allegations. After Western officials urged Kyiv to impose tighter lobbying rules, Stefanishyna pointed to a report last year that the top official in charge of E.U. enlargement, Gert Jan Koopman, since 2009 had owned a luxury hotel in Bali, Indonesia, which he was not required to disclose under E.U. rules. Olga Savran, manager of the anti-corruption network at the international Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, said that some of Ukraines harshest critics were spouting off politicized misinformation and that Ukraine is neither a basket case [nor] a lost cause. Its a half-full, half-empty glass - theres a lot of progress, Savran said. Corruption remains a major problem in Ukraines power structure, though, which is still based on oligarchic control and high-level corruption, and that trickles down to all other levels. The Ukrainians note that they are striving to meet the rule-of-law standards required to join the European Union, while Russia is an increasingly totalitarian dictatorship where corruption is rampant. Still, the Ukrainians cannot afford to ignore the Western complaints no matter how unjust they view them. Even some of the biggest corruption cases have left a mixed image. Knyazyev, the chief justice, visited Washington just weeks before his arrest on a bribery charge in May 2023 and was presented as a pillar of propriety. He met - and impressed - numerous senior U.S. officials, including Sen. James E. Risch (Idaho), the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Ive told them face-to-face that if you want us out, all you got to do is show the ugly head of corruption just a tiny bit and youre going to lose us and probably a lot of other people, Risch said in an interview. They get that, he added. Officials say the greatest pressure to eradicate corruption comes not from the West, but from the Ukrainian population. Public outrage over election fraud and government corruption sparked two revolutions in the country and, in 2019, similar anger propelled Zelenskyy to the presidency on promises that he would eradicate corruption. But while such rhetoric may please Ukrainian voters and Western officials it risks setting unrealistic expectations, experts said. Key to these efforts is judicial reform, the cornerstone of anti-corruption, said Daria Kaleniuk, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, one of Ukraines main corruption watchdogs. If judges are corrupt, society is without rights, and its easy to lean into autocracy, Kaleniuk said. For some, the greatest setback would be for Russia to win the war. In time of war, we have journalists who investigate corruption cases, said Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, the former head of Transparency International in Ukraine and now an opposition member of parliament. Do Russia or Belarus have that? Stefanishyna said there is a huge tendency, pushed by Russian propaganda, to view Ukraine as a failed state. Whatever we do is never seen as a real success, Stefanishyna said. But given the billions in aid flowing to Kyiv, she said, she understands that Ukraine needs to be seen as saintlier than the pope. The Patriot missile system is one of the most sophisticated air defense munitions the West has provided to Ukraine. (Alexandra Shea/U.S. Army) The United States will suspend the planned export of hundreds of air defense munitions to its allies and partners and redirect them to Ukraine, the White House said Thursday, as Russia continues its assault on the countrys power grid and other vital infrastructure. Speaking to reporters, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby characterized the decision as difficult but necessary and said it would affect deliveries of Patriot and NASAMS interceptor missiles, principally. Ukraine, he said, faces a desperate need. We have, of course, informed all the affected countries that we are taking this extraordinary step, and were making every effort to minimize any negative impact, Kirby said. He added that when U.S. allies were told their shipments would be delayed, the response we got was broadly supportive because they know how serious the need is in Ukraine. Its the latest in a series of recent steps by the Biden administration to reinforce Ukraine as it defends against an aggressive push by Moscow to break the countrys morale. Throughout the spring, the White House has approved large weapons transfers to replenish depleted stocks, rescinded its strict prohibition on the use of U.S. arms for strikes inside Russia, and solidified a 10-year security pact with Kyiv, while leaders of the Group of Seven major democracies said they would tap billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to sustain Ukraines fight. For months, the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky has pleaded with its supporters for substantial increases to its air defense inventory as Russia bombards Ukraine with missiles, drones and glide bombs. To date, those requests have yielded one additional Patriot system from the United States and another from Romania. The Patriot and NASAMS systems are the two most sophisticated air defense platforms the West has provided to Ukraine. The Patriot, valued at $1 billion, is especially coveted by Kyiv. It is the only system in its arsenal that has proved capable of shooting down Russian hypersonic missiles, which are especially difficult to detect and defend against. Ukraine has struggled mightily to protect against Russian glide bombs, however, because they are nearly impossible to bring down once launched. The solution, Ukrainian officials say, is to target the aircraft that fire those weapons, but to do so in the near term would require moving their limited number of Patriots closer to Russias border making them more vulnerable to attack. Longer term, Ukraine hopes its fleet of advanced F-16 fighter jets will prove a formidable counterpunch to the Kremlins glide bombs, but the arrival of those aircraft, pledged by Western nations months ago, remains many weeks away, officials say. Kirby did not specify how long U.S. allies would need to wait for their delayed orders but said this reprioritization would not impact Taiwan, which faces a threat from China, or Israel, which has endured attacks from Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East, including Hezbollah and Houthi militants. A State Department official declined to say which U.S. partners may be affected or when the munitions would be redirected, citing ongoing diplomatic conversations about the process. Kirby indicated the interceptors bound for Ukraine would include missiles rolling off the production line. The proposal was floated by President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, in early April, as Republican lawmakers delayed approval of a major national security spending bill to provide more weapons and assistance to Ukraine, a senior administration official said. Sullivans plan coalesced in the ensuing weeks, and Biden told Zelensky at last weeks G-7 gathering in Italy that the United States would shuffle its air defense exports to prioritize Ukraine, this official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The policy change was first reported by the Financial Times. While the Patriot has been used primarily to defend against Russian missile attacks, Ukrainian air defenders have used them to bring down enemy aircraft, too. Ukraine has utilized Patriot systems in a historic way by bringing them close to the front line, stretching the limits of their capabilities, U.S. Army Col. Rosanna Clemente, the assistant chief of staff of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said at a recent symposium. The so-called SAMbush short for surface-to-air-missile ambush brought down a Russian A-50 command and control aircraft in January, Clemente said. Ukraine reported that it shot down that aircraft over the Sea of Azov. Washington late last month allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weaponry against limited military targets inside Russia from which its forces are attacking or preparing to attack. Kyiv has been allowed to use air defense systems supplied by the United States to take Russian planes out of the sky, even if those Russian planes are in Russian airspace, if theyre about to fire into Ukrainian airspace, said Maj. Charlie Dietz, a Pentagon spokesperson. That separate policy has been in effect for more than a year, the senior administration official said previously, noting that Ukraine brought down several helicopters and fighter jets using Patriots. Theres never been a restriction on using U.S. air defenses to shoot down incoming Russian aircraft in Russian territory, the official said. Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report. Palestinian residents and emergency services members inspect the site of the Zorob family home, which was hit overnight in Rafah in December. (Loay Ayyoub/The Washington Post) The U.N. human rights office said Wednesday that Israel may have repeatedly violated the laws of war by using massive explosives on densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip during the first months of the fighting. In its report Wednesday, the office highlighted six emblematic cases in which the Israel Defense Forces used explosive weapons with wide area effects - including 2,000-pound bombs - in civilian neighborhoods in Gaza. Together, the attacks killed at least 218 people, according to the report. One such attack, on Dec. 2 in Shejaiya, in Gaza City, destroyed 15 buildings and left at least 60 people dead. At the time, the IDF said the target was Wissam Farhat, a senior commander in Hamass armed wing. In five of the strikes, Israel gave no warning, U.N. officials said. The report comes amid rising scrutiny of Israels use of force - and the U.S. role in supplying weapons - in a war that has killed more than 37,000 people in Gaza and left much of the enclave in rubble. As recently as March, the Biden administration quietly authorized a large transfer of bombs and fighter jets to Israel. And, as The Washington Post reported this week, the Biden administration put pressure on Democratic lawmakers to greenlight a major arms sales to Israel. But in May, the administration elected for the first time to pause a shipment of thousands of weapons to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs, amid mounting concern about the countrys plan to expand a military operation in Rafah, a densely packed area of southern Gaza. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Biden administration of withholding weapons and ammunition from Israel - a claim that caused bewilderment among some administration officials. We genuinely do not know what he is talking about, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told journalists Tuesday. She said one shipment was paused and conversations with Israeli officials were ongoing for its potential release. Everything else is moving in due process, she said. In his video, posted Tuesday on X, Netanyahu said he told Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the officials recent visit to Israel: Its inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer, responding to a report that the White House canceled a meeting with Israeli officials over the video, said at a briefing Wednesday that its normal for there to be disagreements, of course, in all partnerships. But the prime ministers comments speak for themselves. Netanyahu is under pressure at home, where dissatisfaction is growing over his handling of the war in Gaza and what critics say is his refusal to commit to a cease-fire deal that would secure the release of 120 hostages still being held in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Thousands demonstrated against Netanyahu and his government in Jerusalem on Monday and Tuesday, demanding early elections and a hostage deal in the first of several protests scheduled for this week. President Isaac Herzog struck a more appreciative tone about U.S. support to Israel during a meeting with members of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday. We are utterly grateful to the United States of America for standing with us in this war. And Im very grateful to the president of the United States for being here at the beginning of the war and making a clear message on behalf of the American people, he told the bipartisan delegation led by Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.). Israel said in a statement that it rejected the conclusions of the report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights about its actions in Gaza. Israels envoy to the United Nations in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, accused the office of spreading unfounded allegations. The group set out to assess whether Israeli attacks in Gaza followed the principles in international law of proportionality, distinction, precaution and necessity, Ajith Sunghay, head of the Palestinian territories branch of the U.N. agency, said in a news conference Wednesday. Under international humanitarian law, armed factions must weigh whether the level of civilian harm an attack might cause is proportional to the military advantage of carrying it out. They are not supposed to launch indiscriminate attacks and should warn civilians ahead of targeting populated areas. Our message here is, with these weapons in a densely populated area like Gaza, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to follow those four principles, Sunghay said. Sunghay said Israeli military investigators had opened fact-finding probes into five of the six incidents mentioned in the U.N. report - but he called for an independent investigation into each attack and accountability for perpetrators of violations. The U.N. agency also criticized Palestinian militants Wednesday for embedding weapons or personnel among the civilian population in Gaza. However, the mere presence of one commander - or even several fighters, or of several distinct military objectives in one area - does not turn an entire neighborhood into a military objective, U.N. human rights spokesman Jeremy Laurence said. He added that states supplying arms to belligerent parties are obligated under international law to ensure the recipient is abiding by the laws of war. Wednesdays report, based on open-source information, interviews and other documentation, covers the period from Oct. 7 to Dec. 2. The findings come as the United States weighs whether to release a shipment of the types of heavy bombs mentioned in the report. Palestinian militants repeated launches of unguided rockets into Israel since October also constitute war crimes, the commission said. Sunghay said Wednesday that he stands by his offices findings, which he said were based on careful evidence collection and analysis as well as consultation with outside military experts. Palestinians in Gaza are barely surviving, said Sunghay, who recently returned from a mission to the enclave. Heres what to know - A merchant vessel was reportedly sunk in the Red Sea after it was attacked by Houthi forces from Yemen. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said maritime debris and oil were seen in the last known location of the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor. The ship came under attack from a Houthi drone ship on June 12 as it was traveling to Egypt. It is the second ship to have sunk during the Yemeni rebels months-long campaign against vessels it views as connected to the United States, Israel or the war in Gaza. - The Rafah crossing between Israel and Egypt is completely destroyed, Israeli media reported. The IDF razed the crossing last month, trapping Gazans seeking to evacuate from the besieged enclave, and shuttering an important artery for incoming aid. The destruction, reported by correspondents for Israels Channel 13 and Israeli Army Radio, could complicate efforts to surge aid to Gazans if a cease-fire deal is reached, and as Israel winds down its operation in Rafah. - Israel struck two military sites belonging to Syrias armed forces around the Golan Heights, the Hezbollah-owned Al-Manar TV said Wednesday. The Israeli drone strikes around Quneitra and Daraa in southern Syria killed one officer, the official Syrian state news agency reported. The strike comes amid repeated cross-border attacks along the Israel-Lebanon border. - Hezbollah will invade northern Israel if the IDF starts a war on the Lebanese border, Hasan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese militant group and political party, said in a speech Wednesday. Skirmishes between Hezbollah and the IDF on the border have been simmering for months, threatening to boil over into an all-out war. Nasrallah also warned Cyprus against getting involved; he insinuated that the small Mediterranean country was poised to assist the IDF but did not provide evidence for his claims. - A French court overturned a ban on Israeli companies attending one of the largest weapons expos in the world. Pariss Commerce Tribunal ordered that the ban, which was put in place by organizers of the Eurosatory forum at the request of French authorities, should be reversed, according to Patrick Klugman, a lawyer who worked on the legal appeal and who called the ban discriminatory. - At least 37,396 people have been killed and 85,523 injured in Gaza since the war started, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamass Oct. 7 attack, including more than 300 soldiers, and it says 310 soldiers have been killed since the launch of its military operations in Gaza. Lior Soroka in Tel Aviv, Suzan Haidamous and Sarah Dadouch in Beirut, and John Hudson in Washington contributed to this report. The 27 Black veterans and their chaperones participating in the first-ever honor flight to Washington to commemorate Juneteenth gather June 19, 2024, at the World War II Memorial for a photo. (John McCaskill) WASHINGTON Army veteran William Jones was handed a machete and M60 machine gun as the point man whose job was to advance first through the jungles of Vietnam to clear a safe path for other combat troops to follow. I was the first person to see the action or take a hit. I did not know if I would make it out alive, said Jones, 76, who stood with his adult daughter, Timika Jones, at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., to remember the troops who did not make it home alive. Jones on Wednesday was part of a group of 27 Black veterans, along with family members serving as chaperones, on the first-ever honor flight to commemorate Juneteenth at war memorials and monuments in the Washington, D.C., area. Juneteenth is a federal holiday on June 19 to remember the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Lincoln issued in 1863 declaring the end of slavery. The federal holiday was first observed in 2021. Honor flight veterans and volunteers visited Arlington National Cemetery on June 19, 2024, to commemorate the Juneteenth federal holiday. (Linda F. Hersey/Stars and Stripes) Under a blazing hot sun, the veterans participating in the honor flight many in their 70s and 80s embarked on a daylong tour of Arlington National Cemetery, the World War II Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, among other sites. The group traveled on an all-expenses-paid trip courtesy of the Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization that has hosted nearly 300,000 veterans on flights and tours of Washington, D.C., since 2005. At 101, World War II veteran Calvin Kemp of Georgia was the oldest veteran to make the trip. Im being treated like a celebrity today. Im like Denzel Washington. I feel very honored, Kemp said, seated in a wheelchair at Arlington National Cemetery. Kemp, a Navy veteran who served from 1943-1946, and the other veterans witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as several reporters from local TV stations filmed them. Calvin Kemp, a 101-year-old Navy veteran, is seated next to honor flight chaperones at Arlington National Cemetery prior to the start of ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Linda F. Hersey/Stars and Stripes) The veterans had traveled from Atlanta to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport early Wednesday, where they were met with a water cannon salute as the plane taxied to the gate. The group then boarded two commercial buses for a day of activities. The first stop was the Marine Corps memorial. An American flag atop a 60-foot-high bronze pole was the first sight the veterans saw as they arrived. It hurts me to my soul to think about my brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield, said Army veteran Dennis Brazil, who paused at the memorial to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. It doesnt matter [which branch] they served. I am overpowered and overwhelmed. I was a draftee out of college when I entered the military. I saw people die on the battlefield. These are my fellow veterans, he added. Brazil, who served as a corporal in Vietnam from 1968-1969, said the honor flight was his first trip to the nations capital. The mission of the Honor Flight Network is to recognize the service of U.S. military veterans including many who are aging and infirmed with tours of national memorials. Black veterans were charged with defending our nation, while also battling various limits placed upon them by society. This trip highlights their extraordinary courage and demonstrates gratitude for their tremendous service, according to the Honor Flight Network. Army veteran William Jones and his daughter Tamkia Jones joined an honor flight to tour the nations capital for Juneteenth, a federal holiday on June 19, 2024. (Linda F. Hersey/Stars and Stripes) Jones, who is from Georgia, said he worked with the veterans group Disabled American Veterans prior to his retirement and has visited war memorials in Washington many times. But this trip was the first time he was able to visit with his daughter. I knew about my fathers military history. But I felt I needed to learn more, Timika Jones said. I trained for two weeks on how to survive in Vietnam and spent the next 11 months on the front lines, Jones said. I was fortunate to make it out with just shrapnel injuries. The Utah Capitol building in Salt Lake City is seen in the fall of 2018. In Utah and beyond, lawmakers are enjoying growing success in their pushback against DEI programs at public universities. (Utah Legislature) SALT LAKE CITY (Tribune News Service) Shortly after taking office in 2023, Republican state Rep. Katy Hall heard from constituents complaining about how their adult children were required to write diversity, equity and inclusion statements while applying for medical and dental schools and other graduate programs in Utah. It doesnt seem right, Hall said. It doesnt seem like it belongs in an application. It took two legislative sessions, but Hall successfully sponsored a new law that not only prohibits the use of such DEI statements but also bars state institutions from relying on specific individual characteristics in employment and education decisions. Additionally, it eliminates central offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. In Utah and beyond, lawmakers are enjoying growing success in their pushback against DEI programs at public universities, many of which have hired administrators and established departments dedicated to creating more diverse faculties and student bodies. Some schools requirement that job and student applicants explain in writing how theyd bring DEI initiatives to their work or schooling has aroused especially strong opposition. Some states have dismantled DEI departments and programs, as well as ended race- and gender-based programs and scholarships. Many in Utah describe their approach as more measured than that of other states. The law, which goes into effect July 1, includes a carve-out that allows DEI to be discussed in classroom instruction as well as in research and for accreditation purposes. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, who signed Halls legislationinto law in January, said it offers a balanced solution even as it prohibits the type of training sessions he required of his staff when he first took office in 2021. The intent of the legislation, Hall said, is to shift higher education away from a focus on identity. This is what we felt was a more nuanced way to say: We want diversity, we want equality of opportunity, we want inclusion, but we want diversity of opinion and a diversity of thought and diversity of religion and diversity of everything. Not just external, personal identity characteristics, Hall said. We used to be able to have discussions about politics without it coming to a judgment of someones moral character, she added. My hope is that there will be a little more political neutrality where you can have discussions and feel safe to have those discussions without it being so divisive. But the bill passed along party lines, pointed out state Rep. Angela Romero, a Democrat who serves as the House minority leader in Utah. She described whats happening in her state as part of a broader culture war aimed at painting higher education as elite and out of touch. This is a national agenda, Romero said in an interview. Its a machine and its been going for a while and its picking up momentum. Utahs rollback is among dozens of simultaneous efforts to scale back DEI programs to varying degrees in state capitals and on higher education oversight boards in other Republican-led states. In at least 22 states, the legislature has enacted legislation, or public universities have set policies prohibiting or modifying DEI measures at state university systems, according to a running tally in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Among the earliest passed was 2023 legislation in North Dakota that prohibits asking students and prospective university employees about their commitment to DEI. Florida followed last year with a law that does away with diversity statements and DEI offices. Alabama in 2024 enacted a law restricting public employees from being forced to agree with so-called divisive concepts, including the idea that by virtue of an individuals race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, the individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously. In South Dakota, the Board of Regents recently enacted a policy that bars employees at its six public universities from putting their preferred gender pronouns or tribal affiliations in email signatures, according to Inside Higher Ed. Most recently, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees voted last month to shift $2.3 million of DEI spending toward public safety and policing on campus. Then, the entire UNC System Board of Governors voted to abolish DEI policies in place since 2019 at all 17 of its campuses. A chilling effect Many of the efforts to roll back DEI initiatives in states have the same roots as a campaign against critical race theory spearheaded by Seattle documentary filmmaker Christopher Rufo, who in 2020 elevated a once-obscure theory about the pervasiveness of racism in American law and institutions to a household term. Often, efforts to undo DEI initiatives argue that students especially white students are harmed by learning about the history of racism in the United States because it may leave them feeling guilty or ashamed of their identity. Multiple states, including North Dakota, have adopted near-identical language in anti-DEI legislation that bans instruction that might prompt a person to feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individuals race or sex. In April, polling by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist found that 77% of Republicans say they believe that discrimination against white people is as problematic as discrimination against Black Americans. Anti-DEI laws have had a chilling effect on higher education wherever theyve been enacted, said Irene Mulvey, the president of the American Association of University Professors, a nonprofit membership association of faculty and other academic professionals. The laws are deliberately vague so that professors have to be constantly thinking, If I say this, will I be breaking the law? Will I lose my job or be arrested by the government if I say this in my classroom? Mulvey said. I mean, thats where we are in America in 2024. These are the worries faculty have in an authoritarian society, and they have no place in a democracy. At the University of Texas, anti-DEI legislation led the system to eliminate 300 positions recently and to cut diversity training programs at multiple campuses. The situation is similar in Florida, said Paul Ortiz, a professor of history and a union leader at the University of Florida. Hes leaving the school after 15 years for a position at Cornell University in New York. The fallout from the states DEI policies wasnt the only reason hes leaving he got a great job offer but it contributed to his decision, Ortiz said. To pretend that its not having an effect on the cultural and intellectual life of the state is the worst thing of all, Ortiz said. Im hoping the pendulum is going to swing back. Students are the real losers, Mulvey said. At the University of Oklahoma, for example, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitts executive order ending DEI programs in state offices and agencies effectively shuttered the National Education for Womens Leadership program. The program encourages undergraduate women to engage in politics and public policy. Since its founding in 2002, more than 650 students have attended. Stitt told the Oklahoma Voice that his executive order was about race, not the womens leadership program, and called the backlash against his policy political criticism. What were seeing now is nobodys helped when these offices are closed or programs are shut down, no ones better off, Mulvey said. Were having watered-down discussions and anodyne classes because faculty without tenure are afraid of losing their job if they say the wrong thing or if someone takes it out of context or tapes them and puts it online. DEI statements DEI statements in university hiring have been one of the easiest targets nationwide, in part because theres less support for them even among more progressive educators who support wider DEI initiatives. Editorial boards and columnists at outlets as varied as The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education and the New York Post have railed against diversity statements, saying they too often result in self-censorship and ideological policing on college campuses. Many elite universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, have reconsidered DEI statements as a requirement of employment applications. At best, critics argue, theyre boilerplate that echoes what employers want to hear, rendering them useless. At their worst, they serve as ideological litmus tests. We can build an inclusive environment in many ways, but compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they dont work, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a statement to WBUR in May, confirming the universitys new approach. But DEI statements have their defenders. Suzanne Penuel, an associate professor who teaches first-year literature and writing at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, said she witnessed how high-quality DEI statements set job candidates apart when she served on the hiring committee for a position teaching American history. Nearly all academic applicants have polished curriculum vitae, impeccable recommendations and pitch-perfect cover letters, she wrote in an op-ed in The State. Their DEI statements gave them personality, Penuel said in an interview. It was easier to tell which applicants would take a student-centered approach to their work; one applicant wrote that the textbooks used in the schools history courses ought to be free, an interpretation that the hiring committee viewed as an inclusive approach to education. She worries that the assault on already slim DEI initiatives in South Carolina is a continuation of a trend that began with a 2021 legislative requirement that all college students be taught certain aspects of American history, and a proposed state-level ban on some books in elementary schools. I hope I never see the day when there is this prescribed list of texts from a narrow list of publishers, and only some topics can be discussed, Penuel said. In Utah, where Democrats hold just 14 of the 75 seats in the state House of Representatives, Romero fought unsuccessfully to keep the anti-DEI legislation from passing. Her reasons for opposing the legislation were partly personal. As a first-generation college student at the University of Utah, she took advantage of what was then called the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, an academic advising center that could now be considered a DEI initiative. It was a safe place in a state where the dominant religion and culture often excludes people of color, Romero said. Because of her association with the center, Romero landed an internship at the state legislature in 1994, leading to a career working in municipal government in Salt Lake City. And now, she serves as president of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Because of that, Im here now, Romero said on the House floor when the bill was up for debate. What it did is it addressed the disparities. Theres unintentional consequences when we just try to sweep things and say were all the same, because were not. Theres still a lot of things that have to change in this country for us all to be on a level playing field. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization focused on state policy. 2024 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Glen Dempsey told gardai that a gang put pressure on him, court hears. A dad-of-five who was allegedly pressured to keep a submachine gun in a "sophisticated hidden compartment" in his car has been granted bail. Gardai arrested Glen Dempsey, 41, and recovered the Czech-made Skorpion firearm with ammunition, a magazine and a silencer in a metal container in the boot. Mr Dempsey is charged with unlawful possession of a Skorpion submachine gun in suspicious circumstances at his home at St Cuthbert's Meadows, Clondalkin, on May 15 last. He was initially denied bail in the District Court. However, he brought a fresh application before Mr Justice Paul Burns at the High Court in Cloverhill to be released pending trial. Detective Garda Joseph Melvin of the Dublin Crime Response Team objected due to the seriousness of the case. He alleged the officers searched the defendant's home and noticed suspicious wiring from his 2011 registered Citroen car. Gardai called in the dog unit, which indicated a "positive find" in the boot and led to the discovery of the 9x17mm calibre submachine gun. The charge carried a maximum sentence of 14 years on conviction. They searched the car and discovered "a hidden compartment in the boot area," a metal container welded into the car behind the bumper. The detective alleged that the gun, magazine, silencer, and ammunition were in the "sophisticated hidden compartment." The court heard that the accused acknowledged the gun and claimed that he was "under threat to hold the firearm" and that it had been there for five or six months. Under cross-examination, the detective agreed with the defence that Mr Dempsey told gardai that a gang put pressure on him. The court heard he told officers, "I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family". The court heard he had never been in custody before this case and that his family offered to stand bail. The garda detective said bail conditions would alleviate his concerns about the case and the allegation that the gun was held on behalf of serious criminals. Mr Justice Burns said it was clearly a serious offence involving a submachine gun, a fully automatic weapon capable of inflicting widespread damage to people, and the charge carries a minimum five-year sentence. He said the accused still enjoyed the presumption of innocence and noted from the evidence that the accused, on social welfare, "had not displayed any signs of wealth one would expect if he was a higher-up member of a criminal organisation". He set Mr Dempsey's bail in his bond of 100 cash and asked for an independent surety to be approved and to lodge 1,500. Once the money has been accepted, he can be released but must obey a curfew at his home, be contactable by mobile phone, sign on regularly at a garda station, and remain sober. A Derry man who conspired to traffic migrants into Britain is to be extradited there for breaching the terms of his release from prison, after he was accused of a number of other charges including trying to murder his ex-partner. Stephen Andrew McLaughlin (44) was sentenced to nine years imprisonment in 2016 for conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK in August 2014, in a scheme that was discovered after an Afghan man died of a heart attack in a lorry container. Authorities in the UK are seeking his extradition for breaching the terms of his licence after his release from prison. He is also wanted to face a number of charges in Northern Ireland including attempted murder, making a threat to kill, criminal damage and assault. McLaughlin, of Rose Park, Limavady, Co Derry, had denied the conspiracy charge but was convicted by a jury and jailed at Basildon Crown Court on June 30, 2015. The court heard that in 2014 Afghan national Meet Singh Kapoor died from a heart attack while travelling from Belgium with 34 others, including his family. UK Border Force officials found 35 Afghan women, men and children in a container at Tilbury Docks in August 2014. The container had arrived in Tilbury with 10 men, 10 women and 15 children on board from Zeebrugge port. McLaughlin, the court heard, supplied the lorry, his yard and allowed his shipping account to be used for the container's journeys. The court also heard that another container on a lorry had been discovered at the Europort in France, earlier in August 2014, that was due to depart to the UK with 12 Afghan nationals on board before it, too, was intercepted. At the High Court in Dublin on Thursday, Jane Murphy BL for the State said the court had given judgement and made an order for surrender pending a report on domestic matters. Providing an update on these matters, she informed Mr Justice Patrick MacGrath that McLaughlin is due before Buncrana District Court on June 25 next to face two charges of dangerous driving and one of public order dating back to 2015. She said the 44-year-old also faces one charge of simple possession of drugs and a charge of possession of a razor blade. The lawyer said a bench warrant for these matters was issued while McLaughlin was in custody in the UK and was subsequently executed in May 2021. David Perry BL, for McLaughlin, confirmed that his client wished to be surrendered rather than await the conclusion of the domestic matters. Mr Perry said it was a matter for the court to weigh up whether it was more appropriate for McLaughlin to be sent back to serve the sentence and face the charges in the UK or whether those be put on hold while he deals with the matters in Ireland. He asked the court to consider the antiquity of the domestic charges and submitted it was more appropriate to send McLaughlin back at this juncture in respect of the UK matters. Ms Murphy said the State did not take a view on the matter. Mr Justice McGrath said he would not postpone the extradition. He said he agreed with Mr Perry that the matters for which McLaughlin is sought in the UK and Northern Ireland are far more serious than the ones in Ireland which are summary matters of some antiquity. Mr Justice McGrath made an order that McLaughlin be surrendered to the requesting authorities in the UK. He remanded McLaughlin in prison for a period not exceeding 25 days pending the carrying out of this order. At the High Court in May, Ms Murphy told Mr Justice MacGrath that McLaughlins licence was revoked for not complying with probation services and a warrant for his arrest was issued by Southend Magistrates Court in February 2024. She said McLaughlin has a balance of 341 days to serve. She told the court that another warrant for McLaughlin was issued in January by Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast for seven alleged offences, one of which is attempted murder. Authorities in the North are also seeking to charge McLaughlin with making a threat to kill, criminal damage, two charges of dangerous driving and two counts of assault. The maximum sentence for attempted murder in the UK is life imprisonment. The warrant alleges that on September 19, 2022, at Ness Woods Country Park in Co Derry, McLaughlin rammed the car of his former partner before placing her in a chokehold, turning her face purple and causing her eyes to roll back in her head. The warrant alleges that McLaughlin threatened to kill the woman and then placed her in a sitting position against her car before reversing back his own car and again ramming her car. The warrant further alleges that McLaughlin also assaulted a female friend of his ex-partner. Crotty lashed out at Ms OBrien after she and a friend of hers had politely asked him to stop shouting faggot at other persons in the street A serving Irish soldier who beat a woman unconscious in a random street attack, and boasted about it afterwards on social media, has walked free from a court after getting a fully suspended sentence. Cathal Crotty, (22), of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, had initially tried to blame innocent victim, Natasha OBrien, (24), by wrongly telling the gardai who arrested him that Ms OBrien had instigated the attack at OConnell Street, Limerick, on May 29, 2022. However, after gardai showed Crotty CCTV footage of him setting upon Ms OBrien without provocation, he admitted his guilt, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard Wednesday. Hours after the attack Crotty boasted to friends on Snapchat: Two to put her down, two to put her out, in reference to striking Ms OBrien four times. Cathal Crotty Crotty, who had been drinking alcohol throughout the evening in question, has never given a full explanation for the attack in which he pulverised Ms OBrien with up to six punches. It appeared he had lashed out at Ms OBrien, of North Circular Road, Limerick, after she and a friend of hers had politely asked him to stop shouting faggot at other persons in the street, the court heard. Ms OBrien, who was not known to Crotty, was walking home with a female friend after working a shift at a pub, when he violently assaulted her. Crotty grabbed Ms OBrien by her hair and punched her to the ground. He continued holding her hair with one hand and punching her face with his other first as she lost consciousness on the ground, the court heard. Ms OBrien, who sustained a broken nose, bruising, nightmares and panic attacks afterwards, said she thought Crotty was going to kill her during the attack. Crotty fled when a male passer-by intervened, however his friends remained at the scene. In court, Ms OBrien bravely walked past Crotty to get into the witness box to read a victim impact statement to the court. When Cathal Crotty attacked me I went into a state of shock, I couldn't understand why this was happening to me, I felt completely helpless, feeling like I was being used as a punching bag, I didn't feel human, Ms OBrien told the court. As I lay in the foetal position, and loosing consciousness, he continued his relentless beating - my last conscious thought was, hes not stopping, Im going to die. The physical injuries I sustained were devastating; a severe concussion, a broken nose, severe swelling, and bruising on both arms, shoulders, head, right upper thigh, left eye, cheek and jaw. I spent the following weeks and months attending hospital and doctor appointments, and due to persistent concussion symptoms I was deemed highrisk for a brain bleed, and I received a battery of tests including a head CT scan. I lived in constant fear that it could still result in my death. Cathal Crottys actions left me in a place of darkness, I have been suffering symptoms of PTSD, and Ive had to attend multiple therapists since the attack. A sense of constant dread and isolation was unlike anything I have ever experienced and I spiraled into self-destructive behaviours and lost all interest and motivation for life. Basic tasks at work became incredibly difficult and I ultimately lost my job due to my rapidly declining performance. I became numb and detached from reality, living in perpetual fear of seeing him again. He (Crotty) may not remember, but my memory of the vicious sinister look in his eyes as he approached me will haunt me forever. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be here today to have my voice heard, I am lucky to be alive and I believe the male passer-by, who intervened, saved my life. I am here to seek justice, not just for myself, but to protect others from violence and malice I experienced. Judge ODonnell wished Ms OBrien well and asked her if she understood the significance of Crottys guilty plea in that it had eliminated the necessity for a trial which would have compounded her trauma, and that if Crotty had contested the case, it would have prolonged the case by approximately 18 months. Ms OBrien told the judge that while she understood this, she said she had already not only suffered the trauma of the attack, but two long years of trauma waiting for the criminal case to conclude. The court heard Crotty remains a Private solider in the Defence Forces, based at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick city. His superior at the Limerick army barracks, Commandant Paul Togher, gave evidence that Crotty was an exemplary, courteous, professional and disciplined officer. When asked by prosecution counsel, Lily Buckley BL, for his reaction to the evidence of the attack, Commandant Togher replied he was exceptionally disappointed and surprised as it was, in his opinon, very out of character for the defendant, and that he was most disappointed as Crotty, as a solider, is expected to keep people safe. When asked by Crottys barrister, Junior Counsel Donal Cronin, if he had been asked by Crotty to come to court, Commandant Togher replied that, as a senior army officer, he was required to attend criminal cases involving Irish soldiers. He said this role required him to report back to superior officers on matters that may effect a soldiers future in the forces. Mr Cronin said Crotty, who was accompanied in court by his mother, was ashamed and embarrassed and offers his interest apologies to the victim. Asking the court not to jail Crotty, the barrister said: He (Crotty) is at a cross roads in his life, and a custodial sentence will have very serious consequences for his life and his career. Judge Tom ODonnell, said Crottys actions on the night were utterly appalling. The judge said he had no doubt that if he imposed an immediate jail sentence on Crotty, that his army career is over. He (Crotty) took pride in striking a defenceless female in what was a cowardly, vicious, unprovoked and totally unnecessary assault, the judge said. Judge ODonnell said Crotty deserved no credit for initially trying to deflect blame on Ms OBrien but that he must be given credit for pleading guilty to assaulting Ms OBrien, causing her harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the State Act, which carries a maximum five-year jail sentence. The judge remarked that he had a huge judgement call to make in respect of Crottys future. He said he had to take into account that Crotty had no previous convictions; Crottys army career; that Crotty pleaded guilty early, which eliminated the necessity for a jury trial and the prolonged use of Garda and court resources; and that a trial would have compounded Ms OBriens trauma. In fairness to him (Crotty), he has come to court and publicly admitted his wrongdoing, and he has made a public acknowledgement of his criminality, the judge said. Judge ODonnell said a headline sentence was five years and he imposed a three-year sentence which he suspended in its entirety. He also ordered Crotty to pay 3,000 compensation to Ms OBrien without prejudice to any potential civil court proceedings. Speaking afterwards Ms OBrien criticised the sentence and said: I lost my job because of his (Crottys) actions, because I was so impacted by what he did, but this judge doesnt want to jail him because it will mean he will loose his job. Thats not justice, Ms OBrien said. Crotty faces the prospect of his suspended jail sentence being activated in its entirely should he reoffend within the next three years. Ms OBrien said afterwards that she was glad she used her voice in court and that the public would know what Crotty had done. However, she criticised the suspended sentence, and that, in her opinion, the court had sent a message to Crotty and anyone else that they could attack women in public and not be jailed. The lack of justice is horrific, in spite of the seriously appalling cold hard evidence. There was a complete disregard for the gravity of Crottys actions. She said that, in her opinion, the court was utterly sympathetic to Crotty, commending him on his guilty plea and that it had explained that a full sentence would destroy his career in the Irish defence forces. She said she felt there was no true regard given for the seriousness of his violent crimes nor the lifelong trauma I am now forced to suffer. If you have been personally impacted by the details in this article, the following helplines may assist you: Womens Aid (24-hour National Freephone Helplne, available 7-days a week) Tel: 1800-341-900 / Email: helpline@womensaid.ie Mens Aid (Tel: 01-554-3811 / Web: www.mensaid.ie) Male Advice Line (Advice & Support for Male Victims of Domestic Abuse) Tel: 1800-816-588 / Web: www.mensnetwork.ie Garda Confidential Line (Tel: 1800-666-111) Pamela Joyce also endured the loss of her first partner, who was shot dead in front of his eight-year-old son in 2006. A mother who was caught with cocaine after a garda raid on her home has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the tragic deaths of her three-year-old son and his father by drowning, a court heard. Pamela Joyce (43) also endured the loss of her first partner, who was shot dead in front of his eight-year-old son in 2006. Judge David McHugh ordered Joyce to complete 230 hours community service in lieu of 10 months in prison, and he adjourned the matter to September to allow the defendant to liaise with the probation service. The defendant, with an address at Finglaswood Road in Finglas, admitted possession of cocaine as well as having the drug for the purposes of sale or supply. Blanchardstown District Court heard that gardai obtained a warrant and searched the defendants home on January 8, 2022. During the course of the search, cocaine with a street value of 2,800 was found. The court heard that Joyce had 28 previous convictions. Defence solicitor Darren Grey said Joyce cooperated with gardai and made admissions to owning the cocaine. Mr Grey said there were no signs of wealth in the house, and this was accepted by gardai. Mr Grey said the defendant was not street dealing, but sharing the cocaine with the occupants of the property. He said Joyce has not come to garda attention since this incident. Mr Grey said Joyces son Tyler (3) and his father Sean Sweeney (36) died by drowning in 2016. The pair were found dead in 10 inches of water after becoming trapped in a ditch while using a shortcut into Ashington Park in Dublin 7 on Easter Sunday, 2016. Ten years earlier, in 2006, Joyces first partner was shot dead at his home in Finglas, the court heard. Mr Grey said Joyce still suffers these losses. She had been diagnosed with PTSD and broke down when talking to him about them. The solicitor also said Joyce worked in a supermarket prior to her sons death, and she would welcome the opportunity to complete community service, as she would like something to occupy her time. Ruth Purcell Healy of Bishop's Field, Williamstown, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at Waterford District Court today A 37-year-old Waterford mother has been returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of her son. Ruth Purcell Healy of Bishop's Field, Williamstown, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at Waterford District Court today. Ms Purcell Healy attended court for the presentation of the Book of Evidence which was available to the court. She is charged with the murder of her son, Matthew (6). She attended the court in person, dressed in a blue suit, accompanied by a garda. During the short hearing she did not speak as Judge Staunton read out the legal warnings to her. Defence Solicitor, Ken Cunningham, said he would not be making an application for bail as it cannot be granted in the District Court. However, he would reserve the right to make an application on a later date, as Ms Purcell Healy is receiving treatment at the Central Mental Hospital. He said the application for bail could be made in the future. Judge Staunton was told by prosecuting gardai that there was one amendment made to the charge sheet, to which Mr Cunningham said he was aware of the application. The application was that the night in question be amended to show both dates inclusive. This amendment was accepted by Judge Staunton. Judge Staunton said he would remand the accused in custody to appear before the current sittings of the Central Criminal court. Judge Staunton also gave Ms Purcell Healy an alibi warning, reminding her that she had fourteen days to give notice of an alibi to the State. He also issued a Section 56 order pertaining to evidence. Matthew Healy was found unresponsive at around midnight on February 9, 2024, near Rathmoylan Cove, Dunmore East, Co Waterford, and was later pronounced dead at University Hospital Waterford. On Tuesday last, Ms Purcell Healy appeared before Waterford District Court via video link before Judge John Cheatle. It was her first appearance in court since she was charged with the murder of her son in February 2024. Six-year-old Matthew was a senior infant pupil at Faithlegg National School and his death was met with profound shock throughout the area. The phone cases represent an estimated loss of revenue of 183,930 Gardai said investigations are continuing into the seizure More than 6,000 fake Otterbox mobile phone cases have been seized by gardai in raids across Dublin. The phone cases represent an estimated loss of revenue of 183,930. The haul was discovered by gardai during a GNBCI search operation targeting intellectual property crime. On Wednesday, June 19, in an operation targeting Intellectual Property (IP) crime, An Garda Siochana Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Intellectual Property Crime Network conducted eight searches across Dublin, gardai said. Some of the seized cases They were assisted by the Intellectual Property Crime Investigation Unit in the National Criminal Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT), and local Garda units. During the course of the searches, 6,131 suspected counterfeit items were seized with an estimated loss of revenue of 183,930. Gardai added that while no arrests have been made at this time, investigations are ongoing. According to the Garda Press Office, Intellectual Property crime is estimated to cost the EU economy over 85 million per year and can pose serious risks to public health, safety and job security. The Intellectual Property Crime Investigation Unit in the National Criminal Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) has recently set up an Intellectual Property (IP) crime network across all Garda regions to tackle IP crime across the country. An Garda Siochanas Regional IP crime network alongside our European Colleagues recently received training through NBCI in conjunction with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in the first on-site training of its kind within the EU, gardai said. This training took place in Kilkenny on June 11 and 12. It took three convictions before he was finally exposed as a cruel sex offender John Merrick indecently assaulted at least five of his pupils. Photo: Paddy Cummins When Niall Boyle engaged in the restorative justice process with the former Christian Brother who had sexually abused him as a child, he expected an opportunity to ask questions that only his abuser could answer. What was he thinking? Why did he not confess to his crimes sooner? Did he not realise the life-long impact his actions would have on a small child? He did not expect his abuser, John Merrick, to send a begging letter ahead of his sentence hearing, imploring the man he had abused as a child not to seek his public naming. Merrick, who had left the Christian Brothers, told Niall he was concerned for his loved ones at a time when they were preparing for a family wedding. What made it worse was that the suggestion to engage in the restorative justice process came from Merrick before he formally pleaded guilty to his crimes. The restorative process is not there for the likes of John Merrick to plead in handwritten letters you cant get more personal than that and to be explaining his own family situation, how difficult [it would be] if his name was ever released to the public; or, for that matter, if he ever got a custodial sentence, Niall said. His communications with Merrick took place in early 2017 after Merrick had pleaded guilty to his crimes, but before he was sentenced. He got his wish for secrecy. In February 2017, he received a suspended sentence and walked out of court with his anonymity intact. This had little to do with Niall. He wanted Merrick named to encourage more victims to come forward, but was instructed by lawyers to remove that reference in the victim impact statement he had prepared. It was the second time Merrick had walked away from court with his anonymity intact. He had a previous conviction in 1998 for abusing two boys in Nialls school. One of those victims, Damian OFarrell, who later became a councillor, asked the judge not to name Merrick. Not because he felt sorry for him, OFarrell later said, but because Merrick still had a power over him. Merrick was finally publicly named by the courts as a child abuser for the first time last week his third conviction for sexually abusing former pupils. Merrick (77), of Portmarnock, Co Dublin, received a 12-month sentence after pleading guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to seven charges of indecent assault against two sixth-class pupils between September 1977 and June 1978. The victims were Nialls classmates. Had Merrick been publicly named sooner, perhaps they might have come forward earlier, Niall said. That was certainly the case for him. Even over the last 24 hours Ive thought an awful lot about him being in jail and I feel pity for him Had I heard about Merrick and his case, and had his name been written in print or mentioned on radio much earlier, I probably would have started my journey addressing my concerns sooner, he said. Ive never wished any harm on John Merrick. Even over the last 24 hours Ive thought an awful lot about him being in jail and I feel pity for him. Id feel pity for anyone who was sentenced. But I do feel [naming him] is the right thing. Hopefully, it will help other victims to come out and start addressing their own concerns, if they want to. I am convinced that in the secrecy surrounding the whole thing, therein lies the power. In 1977, Niall was 11 years old and had just started sixth class in the north Dublin school where Merrick was principal. Abuse victim Niall Boyle on his Confirmation Day The school, which cannot be identified to protect Merricks other victims, had its own tiny tuck shop. Niall and some of his classmates took turns to work there, selling sweets and drinks over the half-door. One day, Merrick, who was also Nialls teacher, complained that money and sweets had gone missing and told the boys he was launching an investigation. He called Niall out of class one day, took him to the tuck shop and locked the door. He did not ask the boy a single question about missing sweets, but loomed above him in the tiny, darkened room, putting his hands inside his clothes and indecently assaulting him. Niall recalls the light coming through the cracks in the door as he stood frozen in terror. The abuse continued throughout the school year under the guise of a continuing investigation into tuck shop thefts until Niall left sixth class. To an 11-year-old child, it was really threatening. You dont know whats going to happen. Are you going to get kicked out of the school? Niall recalled. It was very, very controlling and a very cruel abuse. It certainly put a dark cloud over my school life, because I knew what I was entering into when I went to class and I knew nobody could help me. Niall did not tell his parents. He later made a successful life in the UK, had relationships, married and raised children. He never talked about the abuse, outside of a handful of people closest to him. When he heard in the pub on a trip home to Dublin that two of his classmates had Merrick prosecuted for abuse, Niall still said nothing. That changed after he turned 50. He attended a counsellor and reached out to his former classmate, Damian OFarrell. He described their conversations as the start of his healing journey. The process aims to open a safe channel of communication between the person harmed and the person who caused the harm In 2016, he reported Merrick to gardai. After he was charged, the abuser made inquiries about the prospect of engaging with his victim in a restorative justice process. He initiated it via his solicitors office, and the way they worded it was that they were inquiring if I would be open to being engaged in the restorative justice process, Niall said. The more I learned about it, the more I thought his approach was unusual. The process aims to open a safe channel of communication between the person harmed and the person who caused the harm. Victims can ask questions of an offender and share the impact of the harm caused to them. It is supposed to be a safe, victim-centred environment and is subject to conditions. For instance, the person who caused harm must plead guilty to the crime before taking part in the restorative justice process, and it is up to a judge to decide whether the offender can take part before sentencing. As a witness in a criminal process, relating to the crimes inflicted on him as a child, Niall was already feeing vulnerable and anxious. And then, when some pretty important people are very politely inquiring if youd be open to this, youre more prone to saying yes than no, he said. I guess I didnt really want to come across as being unco-operative with the whole process. I wanted to stay on the right side of the judicial system. The process began after Merrick pleaded guilty in November 2016. The letter stoked feelings of guilt and memories of being controlled Niall chose not to meet him. Communication was in writing, mediated through a trained facilitator. Niall wrote down the litany of ways the abuse had impacted on him: the feelings of shame and sadness, a detachment from loved ones, a sense of being burdened, being overly sensitive, life-long feelings of low self-esteem. He decided not to share Merricks handwritten responses, but summarised their content: Merrick spoke of feelings of sadness, remorse, shame, and how, when he joined the Christian Brothers aged 14, the religious order should have done more checks. He said that when he confessed to abusing two other boys, he did not come clean on abusing Niall too, because of concern for his family. The process closed with Niall writing a final letter to Merrick, in which he expressed forgiveness, but said he felt Merrick should be publicly named to end the horrible secret and encourage others to come forward. Merricks unsolicited response was as unexpected as it was inappropriate. He pleaded with him to reconsider asking for his public naming in a handwritten letter he should not have been allowed to send, Niall said. The facilitator warned Niall he did not have to read it. But I felt Id gone this far, he said. The letter stoked feelings of guilt and memories of being controlled. He had a teaching career of 32 years, and we are aware of five guys... Dont tell me we are just five He should not have been thinking of his own concerns. He should have been thinking of mine. Niall said he had long ago forgiven Merrick, but noted that this does not mean the hurt has gone away. He suspects there are other victims out there, and that is why he is speaking out now. He had a teaching career of 32 years, and we are aware of five guys, four from the same year, one from the year before. Dont tell me we are just five, he said. It hurts me to mention Merricks name in this article as well as my own name and to share my photo. However, it is important, I think, to be as open as possible and to try not to be ashamed any more of these dark and controlling secrets and memories. My primary thought, now that I have healed a lot, is for other victims out there who have not yet addressed their pain it is never too late. Niall Boyle Restorative Justice Services, which provided the service to Niall, declined to comment on specific cases, but said what the victim is reported as describing is completely outside of the bounds of restorative justice practice. The core principles of restorative justice are fairness, voluntariness, safety and accountability, the statement said. Informed consent is required by both parties, they said, adding that their role is to facilitate dialogue. They said they regularly review their policies and practices and are open and willing to engage with the victim. If you have been affected by any of the details in this story, please contact the Rape Crisis Centre on Freephone 1800 77 88 88 or Samaritans, freephone 116 123 Sharon Whelan (30) was raped and killed by Brian Hennessy at her remote Kilkenny farmhouse on Christmas morning, 2008. He then set fire to the house in Windgap, killing Sharon's daughters Zsara (7) and Nadia (2). Christy and Nancy Whelan hold a photograph of daughter Sharon and her daughters Zarah (7) and Nadia (2). Photo: Mark Condren John Whelan with a picture of his sister Sharon Whelan and her two daughters Nadia and Zarah. Photo: Dylan Vaughan Triple killer Brian Hennessy has failed in his most recent bid for parole. Sharon Whelan (30) was raped and killed by Brian Hennessy at her remote Kilkenny farmhouse on Christmas morning, 2008. He then set fire to the house in Windgap, killing Sharon's daughters Zsara (7) and Nadia (2). Ms Whelans brother John, who has campaigned tirelessly for changes to sentencing in relation to homicide and parole hearings, said his family had a small bit of relief after they were informed this week that Hennessys bid for freedom has been refused. The killer will not be considered for parole again until February 2026. There is relief with the decision, Mr Whelan said. Our thoughts are obviously with Sharon and the kids. I informed my parents about the decision of the parole board yesterday and the sense of relief was really palpable. "They started talking about what we will have to do in preparation for 2026 and I had to pull them back. We will take this latest decision and focus on it for now. This is Hennesseys second bid for freedom. He was refused parole in 2018. If we are at a starting point where you are dealing with a psychopath, how safe is society by letting that person out? Currently, convicted murderers serving a life sentence may apply for parole after 12 years, and every two years after that. This means the Whelan family will have to go through the trauma of doing everything in their power, in a repeated two-year cycle, to make sure Hennessy remains locked up. He applied again a year ago, Mr Whelan said. Myself and my wife Sandra met the Parole Board because you have that option now. Instead of writing to them you can meet them. We met them again to put our case forward why he shouldnt be released. "Every family has to do that now, but I dont think people enjoy doing but they feel they have to. They feel like if they dont do it and that person is released there is a feeling that you havent done enough. "The overriding feeling is that we shouldnt have to do this every couple of years because it just retraumatises you. Every family that has to go through this is just full of fear. Christy and Nancy Whelan hold a photograph of daughter Sharon and her daughters Zarah (7) and Nadia (2). Photo: Mark Condren Hennessy, who was 23 when he committed the murders, walked into Ms Whelans home in the early hours of Christmas Day after telling friends earlier that he was going off looking for sex. He raped and strangled the mother, who was not known to him, and then set the house on fire knowing two children were inside before fleeing. In 2009 he was convicted of the triple murders and given three life sentences one for murdering Ms Whelan and one for each of the children, to run concurrently after the first life sentence was served. But in 2010 the convicted murderer succeeded in his bid to have all three sentences run concurrently. He can go again for parole in February 2026, Mr Whelan said. The family has a sense of relief for now, but there is a slow build up to that date now in 2026. "Even when he applies it might be a year before its heard so you are brought back into that place of limbo where you re waiting for a decision to be made. Mr Whelan, a psychotherapist and former chair of the AdVIC (Advocates for Victims of Homicide) group, has called for legislative changes to save families such as his own from further trauma in fighting killers parole requests. He echoed calls made by Mr Justice Tony Hunt in the wake of the Ashling Murphy murder trial for judges to be given the power to impose whole-life sentences on convicted murderers as happens in the UK. Life does not mean life in the Republic, Mr Whelan said. Life is 12 years and then you can apply for parole. I dont think people understand how difficult it is to live your life knowing that in a couple of years you have to go and plead to the State not to release a psychopath. "I really think the tariff system needs to be looked at. A person must serve 20, 24, 30 years before parole is even looked at. Mr Whelan questioned whether a psychopath can ever be rehabilitated, saying he has never seen any evidence to convince him that it is possible. I work as a psychotherapist and I have yet to come across anything that convinces me a psychopath can be rehabilitated, he said. Its a really grey area, whether it can be achieved or not. If we are at a starting point where you are dealing with a psychopath, how safe is society by letting that person out? "I am fairly confident he wont be released, but it still feels like it is our familys responsibility to keep fighting. It should not be this way. We have no idea what rehabilitation he has undergone, what that means or what that looks like. Gardai carried out the seizure during a search under warrant of a property in Coolock, Dublin A woman in her 50s has been charged following the seizure of 270,000 worth of drugs in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon. Gardai carried out the seizure during a search under warrant of a property in Coolock, Dublin 17 around 12pm as as part of Operation Tara, the national anti-drugs strategy. Suspected MDMA worth around 203,400 was seized, along with 24,000 worth of cocaine, 21,800 worth of cannabis herb, 20,000 of cannabis jellies and 4,200 of cannabis. Weighing scales and paraphernalia were also seized as part of the operation and the drugs are being analysed by Forensic Science Ireland. The woman in her 50s was arrested at the scene and detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, at a Garda station in Dublin. She has since been charged and is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on Sunday, July 7. Chinese and Mexican gangster have joined forces and are buying cryptocurrency, cops allege Sinaloa Cartel members are presented to the press in Mexico City Sinaloa Cartel lleader Ovidio GuzmAn Lopez, son of former drug lord Joaquin GuzmAn Loera (alias El Chapo), is transferred under heavy guard from the Specialized Prosecutor for Organized Crime to the Altiplano High Security prison Members of the National Guard protect the facilities of the Specialized Prosecutor for Organized Crime (FEMDO) where Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Ovidio GuzmAn Lopez, son of former drug lord JoaquAn GuzmAn Loera (alias El Chapo) is being held. Drugs seized by the National Police during the dismantling of the Sinaloa Cartel in Spain A major investigation by US cops has uncovered an alliance between the Sinaloa Cartel and Chinese underground bankers in the U.S. Triad and Mexican gangster laundered money from the sale of fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs, federal prosecutors said on Tuesday. Authorities allege the Sinaloa Cartel conspired with Chinese groups to cover up more than 47 million in drug profits. Two dozen people have been charged. Chinese and Mexican detectives both arrested fugitives who fled the US after they were charged last year. This investigation shows that the Sinaloa Cartel has entered into a new criminal partnership with Chinese nationals who launder money for the cartels, Drug Enforcement Administration official Anne Milgram said at a news conference. Sinaloa fentanyl The lead defendant is Edgar Joel Martinez-Reyes (45) of East Los Angeles, who prosecutors said managed couriers who picked up drug cash in the Los Angeles area. Martinez-Reyes partnered with the leader of the Chinese crew, and travelled with him to Mexico to negotiate contracts with the cartel, authorities said. The multi-year investigation, dubbed Operation Fortune Runner, resulted in the charging a total of 24 defendants over the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, conspiracy to launder money, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money business. Cops allege the Sinaloa Cartel cash network collected and, with help from a San Gabriel Valley, California-based money transmitting group with links to Chinese underground banking, processed large amounts of drug proceeds. They allegedly concealed drug trafficking proceeds and made the proceeds generated in the United States accessible to cartel members in Mexico and around the world. Drugs seized by the National Police during the dismantling of the Sinaloa Cartel in Spain Martinez-Reyes allegedly used a variety of methods to hide the moneys source, including trade-based money laundering, structuring assets to avoid financial reporting requirements, and the purchase of cryptocurrency. Twenty of the individuals charged in the indictment are expected to appear before the U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks, including one who was busted on Monday. Dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are destroying peoples lives but drug traffickers only care about their profits, said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. To protect our community, therefore, it is essential that we go after the sophisticated, international criminal syndicates that launder the drug money. As this indictment and our international actions show, we will be dogged in our pursuit of all those who facilitate destruction in our country and make sure they are held accountable for their actions. Sinaloa Cartel members are presented to the press in Mexico City Relentless greed, the pursuit of money, is what drives the Mexican drug cartels that are responsible for the worst drug crisis in American history, said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. This DEA investigation uncovered a partnership between Sinaloa Cartel associates and a Chinese criminal syndicate operating in Los Angeles and China to launder drug money. "Laundering drug money gives the Sinaloa Cartel the means to produce and import their deadly poison into the United States. DEAs top operational priority is to save American lives by defeating the cartels and those that support their operations. This investigation is the latest example, and there is more to come. Drug traffickers generate immense amounts of cash through their illicit operations. This case is a prime example of Chinese money launderers working hand in hand with drug traffickers to try to legitimize profits generated by drug activities, said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation. Sinaloa Cartel lleader Ovidio GuzmAn Lopez, son of former drug lord Joaquin GuzmAn Loera (alias El Chapo), is transferred under heavy guard from the Specialized Prosecutor for Organized Crime to the Altiplano High Security prison We have made it a priority to identify, disrupt, and dismantle any money launderers working with drug cartels and we are committed to our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug cartels and those who assist them in laundering drug proceeds. As part of the investigation, cops seized 5 million cash, 302 pounds of cocaine, 92 pounds of methamphetamine, 3,000 ecstasy pills, 44 pounds of psilocybin (magic mushrooms), numerous ounces of ketamine, three semi-automatic rifles with high-capacity magazines, and eight semi-automatic handguns. The Sinaloa Cartel is largely responsible for the massive influx of fentanyl into the United States over the past eight years, and for the violence and deaths that have resulted. The cartels activities generate enormous sums of cash in the US that belong to the cartel in Mexico. Profits from the drug trade must be repatriated to Mexico for use by the cartel. Members of the National Guard protect the facilities of the Specialized Prosecutor for Organized Crime (FEMDO) where Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Ovidio GuzmAn Lopez, son of former drug lord JoaquAn GuzmAn Loera (alias El Chapo) is being held. Chinese underground money exchanges assist the Sinaloa and other cartels to move their profits from the United States to Mexico by providing a ready market for dollars in the United States. Many wealthy Chinese nationals who live, work, or invest in China wish to transfer assets to America for various reasons but are barred by the Chinese governments capital flight restrictions from transferring the equivalent of more than 50k per year out of China. These individuals seek informal alternatives to the conventional banking system to move their funds. To transfer money to the United States, the China-based investor contacts an individual who has U.S. dollars available to sell in the United States. The seller of U.S. dollars provides identifying information for a bank account in China with instructions for the investor to deposit Chinese currency (renminbi) in that account. Once the owner of the account sees the deposit, an equivalent amount of U.S. dollars is released to the buyer in the United States. Sinaloa state, Mexico The sellers of U.S. currency in the United States obtain dollars in a variety of ways. Some of them accept cash from individuals engaged in criminal activity that generates large amounts of bulk currency, including drug trafficking. These U.S. currency brokers charge a percentage commission as a fee to the owner of the criminal proceeds to conceal the nature and source of the funds. Drug traffickers increasingly have partnered with Chinese underground financiers to take advantage of the large demand for U.S. dollars from Chinese nationals. Beijing, China The funds that are transferred in China are then used to pay for goods purchased by businesses and organizations in Mexico or elsewhere such as consumer goods or items needed to aid the drug trafficking organization to manufacture illegal drugs, such as chemicals, including fentanyl. According to US Prosecutors, from October 2019 to October 2023, members and operatives of the Sinaloa Cartel imported large quantities of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, into the United States, generating huge sums of drug cash proceeds in U.S. dollars. Los Angeles, California, US In January 2021, Martinez-Reyes allegedly travelled to Mexico to meet with Sinaloa Cartel members to strike a deal with money remitters with links to Chinse underground banking to launder drug trafficking proceeds in the United States. After the deal was struck, the Sinaloa Cartelthrough their connections and associatesdistributed cocaine, methamphetamine, and other narcotics, generating U.S. dollars as drug proceeds. Martinez-Reyes and other conspirators allegedly then delivered the currencyfrequently in amounts of hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars in cashto other members of the Chinese underground money exchange and remitting organizations to be laundered for a fee. The remitting organizations possessed large amounts of U.S. currency and could help wealthy Chinese nationals evade Chinas currency controls. The money remitters allegedly disposed of the drug proceeds by either delivering United States currency directly to their money exchange customers or by purchasing real or personal property, including luxury goods and cars to be shipped to China. Additionally, gangsters also moved illicit drug proceeds through cryptocurrency transactions. They also allegedly used a variety of traditional methods to place the funds into the traditional banking system using cheques or structuring. Structuring is done by depositing small amounts at a time into bank accounts opened for that purpose ie to avoid banks from reporting large cash deposits. All the defendants in this case face jail time of between 10 years and life if found guilty. Rudi Claes received a significant custodial sentence for his role in bringing vast amounts of cocaine into the UK and the eastern region A lorry driver has been jailed for 20 years after he was caught smuggling 19m worth of Nike-branded cocaine from Belgium into the UK. Rudi Claes, a 62-year-old Belgian national, had used his haulage company as cover for transporting the drugs. He was stopped at Toddington Services just off the M1 after driving from Steenokkerzeel in Belgium in June 2023. There, a car driven by Ahmed Omar (28) of Newcomen Road, London, was seen to pull up next to the lorry. The cocaine with the Nike logo Claes was then seen removing two boxes from the trailer and loading them into the vehicle. Both men were arrested after investigators from Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) searched the trailer and found 156kg of cocaine stowed amongst a legitimate delivery of empty pharmaceutical insulation boxes, which are used to transport medical samples. A further 36kg of cocaine in pressed kilogram blocks, which appeared to have Nike logos on them, were found in the car. Both men were found to be members of an international gang. Claes was jailed for 20 years while Omar has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and will be sentenced at a later date. Rudi Claes Det Insp Dean Trollope, from Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), said Claes had received a significant custodial sentence for his role in bringing vast amounts of cocaine into the UK and the eastern region. As a result of the hard work of our investigators, the onwards distribution of these drugs has been prevented, helping to keep our communities safe. ERSOU will continue to pursue and prosecute those who are intent on inflicting harm by bringing drugs to the eastern region and in the fight against Class A drug supply. The Rose of Tralee host underwent a hair restoration procedure at the Bon Secours Hospitals Cosmetic and Hair Restoration Clinic in Tralee, Co Kerry at the end of 2022. Daithi O Se has shared an update on his hair transplant journey 18 months after his procedure. The Rose of Tralee host underwent a hair restoration procedure at the Bon Secours Hospitals Cosmetic and Hair Restoration Clinic in Tralee, Co Kerry at the end of 2022. Daithi, a brand ambassador for the clinic, has been sharing regular updates on his fresh hairline on Instagram since the procedure, which costs between 4,500 and 10,000, in a series titled Daithis Diaries. In the latest edition of Daithis Diaries, he took his followers on a hair transformation journey as he documented how his grey locks have changed over the past year and a half. The video begins with the RTE star showing off his scalp one day after the hair restoration procedure, with the newly implanted grafts on display at the front of his head as they healed. Improvements could be seen after the one-month mark, but Daithis new do really began to take shape around six months after the transplant. Speaking to the camera, he said: In the last month or so, Ive noticed that the hairline in front has a beautiful line, a beautiful definition to it. It has really filled out as well which is fantastic. Three months later, he shared that he was absolutely delighted and looking younger apparently as he filmed his new hairline coming along nicely. He revisited the clinic to mark the one-year anniversary of his procedure, telling fans he could see a big change in one year and adding that he was delighted with the results. And in his most recent update 18 months after the transplant, he grinned as he said: As you can see, it looks absolutely fantastic. Last year, RTE banned the 48-year-old from speaking about his hair transplant after chatting to Oliver Callan about his experience on RTE Radio 1. I was on the understanding that I couldnt speak about it on my own show. That was fine, he told The Irish Sun at the time. But it was mentioned to me after that I couldnt talk about it on any other RTE platforms either. I told (RTE), Yes, if I know the rules, I will stick by them. Sister Rita Goodchild, last survivor of 1959 Mandurah estuary tragedy, dies aged 94 An Irish nun who was one of two survivors of a famous Australian boating accident that claimed four lives has died at the age of 94. Sister Rita Augustine Goodchild left Cork for Australia in December 1950 after joining the Presentation Sister order. The Irish woman lived at the Iona Presentation College convent in Mosman Park in Perth for the past three decades. Nine years after she arrived down under, Rita was in a place called the Mandurah estuary, aged 29. On January 28, 1959, Sister Rita and a group from her convent were holidaying at the location when tragedy struck. Sister Rita, along with a priest and four other nuns, set out on a small boat across the estuary when a storm hit. Large waves capsized their little dinghy and pushed them all into the water, with two of the nuns drowning immediately. Mandurah estuary The party were wearing their full religious clothing and none could swim. They struggled to stay afloat, holding onto the capsized boat, Perth Now reports. The initial survivors remained submerged through the night, with the priest and another nun drowning as the night wore on. Sister Rita and and another nun, Sister Aquinas McMahon, were able to hold on to the boat, although suffering from hypothermia and burns from the boats fuel. After spending 17 hours in the water, the pair were rescued at 10am by locals who were searching for them after Mandurahs parish priest alerted cops when they did not return. Sister Aquinas died in 2022, leaving Sister Rita as the last survivor of the tragedy. Sister Nora Moynihan, who knew Sister Rita since 1955 and lived with her at Iona Convent, said the horrible incident had a lasting impact. The fact that she wasnt drowned that night, and the others were, that changed her perspective in life, it grounded it, she said. Her life was really spent on caring for people. The front page of The West Australian featuring the story of the estuary drownings on January 30, 1959. Iona Presentation College paid tribute to Sister Rita online, describing her as a treasured Presentation Sister. Hailing from County Cork, Ireland, Sister Rita was a unique, spirited woman who possessed a deep faith and transformed many lives over the years through her role as educator, Sister and friend, the post read. In addition to her role as a teacher, Sister Rita delighted particularly in her ministry with Rocky Bay in Mosman Park which saw her provide love, support and assistance to people with a range of needs. The tragedy is remembered in Mandurah with a stained glass window that depicts the events. Sister Rita worked as a teacher, teaching at St Augustines School in Rivervale and in schools throughout regional Western Australia, according to Perth Nows report. After finishing her teaching work in the 90s, Sister Rita spent 20 years volunteering with disability support services, teaching religious education and supporting children and their parents. Sister Rita Goodchild. Sister Mary Mackin, who also lived with her at the convent, said Sister Rita went out of her way to help young people. Shed use her own personal budget, always, to buy them a gift on their birthdays and then at Christmas, and shed get hold of a few costumes so that they could have a little Christmas pageant, she said. She used to use CDs and videos, and she made the story of the life of Jesus real for the residents. And I think in that way, she was a real source of hope for the parents and for the children. It was a gift she had, really, I dont think its given to everyone, but she personified acceptance and compassion and a real love. Sister Rita became ill earlier this year, but Sister Nora said her independent spirit continued even as her health deteriorated. She was always very independent, and I think she thought that she would live forever, she said. And that was one of the reasons, I think, why she went so quickly in the end, because we found it very hard to get her into hospital when she was sick. She kept battling on and she wouldnt give in; it was part of her resilience and fight. Sister Mary described Sister Rita as a proud Irish-Australian who loved both St Patricks Day and Anzac Day and visited her homeland often throughout her life. She spoke to her nephews in Ireland on the evening before she died, Sister Nora said, with the Mandurah tragedy remaining on her mind in her last days. She always spoke about the Mandurah tragedy and she said to me, on the day before she died, Well, you know, I was so close to going before, meaning in Mandurah, and now whatever (medicine) theyre giving me, Im feeling really well, and I might last another two years. That was the person she was. She died on June 10 after several months of illness. Sister Ritas funeral service will be at St Mary Star of the Sea Church in Peppermint Grove, Perth, on June 28 at 1.30pm. Amelia Belle Ferguson (14) died while attending Colaiste na nOilean, a college located in Tir an Fhia in the Connemara Gaeltacht, last Thursday The funeral of a teenage girl who died following a medical emergency while at Irish college in a Galway Gaeltacht heard she brightened the world around her. Amelia Belle Ferguson (14) died while attending Colaiste na nOilean, a college located in Tir an Fhia in the Connemara Gaeltacht, last Thursday. Her family thanked everyone who tried to save Amelia who had a pre-existing medical condition after she took ill while on a walk at the Irish college. They thanked those at the college, her friends who stayed by her side, the emergency aeromedical paramedics and Galway University Hospital. Mourners gathered at the Temple in Newlands Cross Cemetery in Dublin for a service to celebrate her life and to offer condolences to her heartbroken parents Suzi and Brian, as well as her younger sister Poppy. Amelia was the best friend and sister I could ask for. She had the biggest personality and there are so many people here... because everybody loved her, Poppy said. It still feels like she is in the Gaeltacht". Her mother Suzi recalled how the Dublin family-of-four travelled to Galway for a holiday one year when Amelia, so excited to see the beach and water, shed some clothes and ran in, with Suzi having to follow her in wearing her jeans and fully clothed in order to get her out. "She was kind of like that in everything in life. She was a deep thinker, a free spirit and she loved going on her little adventures, the mother said, adding that Amelia knew every bus route after getting her first Leap card. She described her daughter as her soulmate and her best friend, with the words loving, loud, main character, iconic, curious, kind and beautiful coming to mind when she thought of her. She said Amelia always pushed herself out of her comfort zone, reflected and tried to do better and was so genuinely interested in people. The teen, of Firhouse, Dublin, loved trying different cuisines, was a fervent feminist and loved languages, even teaching herself Russian. Mourners heard of her great gra for music, coming down to her mother Suzi every night to listen to music or sitting in her father Brians van and exploring and drawing inspiration from his music tastes. Amelia loved going to gigs and had such a beautiful voice and was a natural performer and was also part of a local drama group. Family and friends shed a tear at hearing Amelias voice, as a video played out of her singing a rendition of Vance Joys Riptide. Some of her other favourite songs to listen to were played throughout the ceremony, including her favourite number one, I Love You by Fontaines D.C. Shedding light on her short life, mourners heard how Amelia was born in 2010, the eldest of two. At just three days old, she had a pacemaker fitted. Throughout her life, she regularly attended Crumlin Childrens Hospital for monitoring. When she was just seven-years-old, she fell into a coma, in what was described as a hard time for the whole family. It looked like she wouldnt pull through. She made her communion a short time after that scare. She looked so pretty and happy in her beautiful little dress with an extra special celebration, having pulled through such a touch and go time, mourners heard. Amelia was due to have another pacemaker fitted next year. Mourners heard of how happy and excited Amelia was heading off to the Gaeltacht in Connemara, such was her love for Irish and languages. They heard how last Thursday, on the day of her sudden death, she spoke to her dad about the day she just had and how she was looking forward to the next days activities. She told her mother how she was really looking forward to coming home to watch a Disney movie while eating a spice bag on the sofa together. Amelia was a forward thinker and friends were a very important part of her life, making her a very loyal friend and great listener, mourners heard. They heard how the second-year student at Gaelcholaiste an Phiarsaigh in Rathfarnham, Dublin, loved her school friend group, where she had made so many friends and loved the girly gossip and chat. "She loved to plan ahead and she had so many plans for summer 2024. What to do throughout the school holidays including gigs, sleepovers and time with friends and families, she said. Principal Joe Mac Suibhne told mourners said the whole school community was devastated after hearing the tragic news. "Over the last few days since Amelia died, we have had gatherings in the school the huge turnout of students and staff during the summer holidays reflects the esteem in which Amelia was held. There were a load of tears but there was also laughter remembering the antics of Amelia, he said. "Amelias friends are all heartbroken, especially those who were with her in Colaiste na nOilean, who would like to have been with her. They are heartbroken not just because they have lost a friend but because of the kind of friend that she was. "Memories of her and her goodness will never be forgotten. Pearl Jams Black, a song about letting go, played out as family put Amelias white coffin to its final resting place in Bohernabreena Cemetery. Amelia will always be loved... she will always live on in our hearts, one final tribute expressed. A series of tweets from the budget airline lambasted the minister who stepped down as Green Party leader including one that showed him wearing a dunce hat Ryanair has hit a spot of turbulence over their classless social media digs at Eamon Ryan, which the outgoing Green Party leader himself said didnt reflect well on them. The Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport announced his shock resignation on Tuesday, saying his departure was passing the torch to a new generation of leaders. As he announced his resignation, Minister Ryan referred to how his party had been subjected to relentless attacks on social media. However, a series of tweets from the budget airline lambasted the minister as he stepped down as Green Party leader including one that showed him wearing a dunce hat. Using the hashtag #flightsnotbikes over a picture of the minister on a bicycle, one tweet reads: Failed Green Minister quits. Dublin; worlds second slowest city for drivers. Europes only traffic capped airport. Green party fails Irish tourism. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Another tweet shows the minister appearing to be asleep alongside the caption: We would offer free seats for failed Green ministers but were capped at Dublin Airport so get on your bike. Asked about his relationship with Michael O'Leary and the attacks on you (that) became very personal on the Today With Claire Byrne show, the minister said he didn't respond to it. He (OLeary) called you a dunce, he called you an idiot, he said you were incompetent, Claire Byrne said. And then, when you made your announcement yesterday, I'm sure you saw this, the airline published that picture of you appearing to be asleep in the Convention Centre. Do you think you could have handled that relationship differently to avoid that happening? I've never made a personal comment about Michael OLeary or Ryanair and I think it doesn't reflect well on them, if that's the way they want to go, Minister Ryan said. Asked if it had affected him, he replied: I've been subject to quite a bit of attack for quite a long time. I remember the very first time I ran for office and back in 1996/97, for the Seanad, and I remember about page 90 in some newspaper there was one tiny comment about me and I hardly slept for a week afterwards because I thought it was unfair. Thirty years later it doesn't really upset me. I mean obviously sometimes occasionally it gets very personal maybe about your family, then you'd be really upset, but no it doesn't. However, others responding on social media did object to the posts with Green Party Cllr Hazel Chu writing: Eamon Ryan has dedicated his life to fighting climate crisis despite the endless barrage of abuse he gets online. The airline having a go on the day he steps down is one of the highest polluters in Europe, directly contributing to our climate crisis. Ryanair, classy as ever! Michael O'Leary Colette Browne, Political and Communications Director with the Social Democrats added: Eamon Ryan spoke about the relentless social media abuse he has suffered in his resignation speech. "And this is the response of @Ryanair. Utterly classless - but what else is new? Another person wrote: Theres cheeky and funny advertising. But @Ryanair is going too far now on Eamon Ryan. The man is bowing out of politics. Another added: Well done to Ryanair for unifying people behind Eamon Ryan like no one else could. What an utter lack of class. Is there a company in the world who can do this type of stuff so often without impacting their bottom line? Meanwhile, Michael OLeary has warned that flights at Dublin Airport could cost more than 1,000 this Christmas if the absurd passenger cap is not lifted. Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show this morning, the Ryanair CEO once again hit out at Transport Minister Ryan over the insane and stupid cap. He called on Minister Ryan to either instruct airport operator DAA to ignore the cap or to pass legislation to bypass the planning process and remove the cap. If we had a Minister for Transport who was modestly interested in aviation or even modestly interested in economic growth and development - which his own aviation policy is at the heart of - he would fix this, said Mr OLeary. What was meant to be an amazing family holiday has turned into a nightmare A fundraiser has been started to help an Irish woman who has fallen dangerously ill in Turkey. Sarah Stephenson, described as well-known and loved in our community, is in a serious condition in the Mediterranean country. Friends say that she desperately needs help, after catching pneumonia and being hit with exorbitant medical bills. The GoFundMe page created by Sarahs friend Jane states: Recently, Sarah went on holiday to Turkey with her husband, Crizan, and their son, Matheo. What was meant to be an amazing family holiday has turned into a nightmare. "Unfortunately, during their trip, Sarah fell severely ill and her condition quickly deteriorated. She is now in intensive care, fighting for her life with a severe case of pneumonia. "This is an incredibly difficult time for Sarah and her family. The emotional and physical pain they are experiencing is unimaginable. To make matters worse, Sarah did not have medical insurance for this trip. "This unforeseen circumstance has left them with overwhelming medical expenses. Her medical fees are over 1000 per day and are rapidly increasing. Jane is asking for anyone who can help to please do so. We are reaching out to our amazing community to come together and support Sarah, Crizan, and Matheo during this crisis. "We aim to raise enough funds to ensure Sarah receives the best possible medical treatment and to alleviate the financial burden so that Crizan and Matheo can stay by her side without the added stress of covering these enormous fees. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Lets show Sarah and her family the power of our community and help them through this challenging time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. The fundraiser can be found here. Movie Night! Huge success! Conor McGregor has hosted a showing of John Connors new film which is allegedly being supressed in Ireland. Conor and Dee arrived at the Black Forge Inn to watch the flick, with Dee stating Date Night. "The Black Forge Inn: Movie Night! Huge success!" Conor added. "A good classic Irish movie made by John Connors on the reel this evening, went a treat! The Black Guelph Official Trailer Actor and director John had claimed the new film is being suppressed by elites in Ireland. The London born stars latest offering is called The Black Guelph, which has just finished a run in America. The award winning thespian took to social media last month where he stated his belief that the film is suffering from attempts at censorship. "But they are not going to suppress it, the message is going to get out. he said. Connors directed the new movie which is set in the Dublin crime underworld. Counting cash Hello everybody, John Connors here. Just to let you all know, The Black Guelph -my new film- is out now on More TV, he said. "If you are a fan of Love/Hate, or Cardboard Gangsters you will love this. The link is in my bio. "This is also the film the elites dont want you to see. They tried to suppress this film in Ireland. "But the message will get out. "Let me know what you think about it, if you post about it, tag me and I will re-share. "All the best, enjoy, the actor added. Promotional material for the film states: Dive into the film that's taking the world by storm. Enter the gritty Dublin underworld in this sensational crime thriller directed by John Connors. Movie night Experience the electrifying story of Canto, a street-smart enforcer navigating the dangerous alleys of Dublin, and his tumultuous relationship with his drug-addicted father, Dan. Critics are raving about this intense, high-stakes drama thats fresh from American cinemas. The Black Guelph is a must-watch for fans of raw, unfiltered crime dramas and it's the film they didn't want you to see in Ireland. The word guelph as a noun has a dictionary definition of A member of a secret society in Italy in the early 19th century that opposed foreign rulers and reactionary ideas. Meanwhile, speculation has been growing around the nature of McGregors latest injury, which kept him out of his return bout. MMA fans claimed on social media that the Dubliner suffered an eye injury after seeing him wear sunglasses on Father's Day. It has been reported that August 31 and September 14 are possible dates for Conors next return to the ring. McGregor hasnt fought since breaking his left leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. XPeng MONA M03 boasts drag coefficient of only 0.194 The MONA M03 model has a drag coefficient of just 0.194, making it the production electric hatchback with the lowest drag coefficient globally, XPENG said today via its WeChat account. The new car features a fully integrated active grille, which can intelligently adjust its opening and closing based on the vehicle's speed. When open, it enhances motor cooling, and when closed, it improves aerodynamic performance. Photo credit: XPENG AVATR announces foray into UAE market AVATR Technology today announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with Al Saqer Group, a leading luxury car dealership group in the UAE, in Abu Dhabi. The two parties will work together to promote the entry of AVATRs products into the UAE market. EVE Energy's ubsidiary signs MoU with Powin EVE Energy today announced that its subsidiary, EVE Energy Storage, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American company Powin. The two parties will establish the main terms and conditions for a primary supply agreement for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs and higher-density batteries. China's locally-made passenger vehicle retail sales likely to dip 7.6% YoY in June 2024: CPCA China's domestic passenger vehicle ("PV") retail sales are anticipated to reach 1.75 million units in June 2024, which should climb 2.3% from the previous month, but drop 7.6% from the previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association ("CPCA"). Continental Tires begins production on Hefei Plant's expansion project On June 20, leading global tire manufacturer Continental Tires announced that its first production base in China, the Hefei Plant, has officially begun production on its Phase IV expansion project. GAC AION unveils interior images of second-generation AION V On June 20, GAC AION revealed the interior images of the second-generation AION V. AICC teams with iSoft to facilitate advancement in intelligent driving On June 17-18, the 1st China (Chongqing) Intelligent Vehicle Basic Software Ecosystem Conference and the 3rd China Automotive Chip Summit Forum and the Third China Automotive Chip Summit Forum were held in Chongqing. During the event, Automotive Intelligence Connection and Control (AICC) and iSoft Infrastructure Software (iSoft), a direct subsidiary of CETC, signed a strategic cooperation agreement. XPENG expands XNGP urban intelligent driving coverage to 336 cities in China On June 18, Chinese new energy vehicle maker XPENG announced that its XNGP (XPENG Navigation Guided Pilot) system has been expanded to 14 additional cities this week. This includes six new cities in Shaanxi province and eight in Shanxi province. With this expansion, XNGP is now available in a total of 336 cities in China. NIO said to revamp intelligent driving R&D division, focusing on end-to-end large models On June 19, a local media outlet revealed that NIO's intelligent driving R&D division has undergone a significant structural adjustment. Previously, the division was segmented into perception, planning and control, and integration teams. Post-adjustment, the perception and planning and control teams have merged into a "large model team," while the integration team has been restructured into the "delivery team." Stellantis confirms assembly of Leapmotor T03 at Polish plant Stellantis China confirmed on June 20 that the first trial production vehicles of the Leapmotor T03 have been successfully assembled at Stellantis' Tychy plant in Poland. This follows recent reports of Leapmotor T03 production in Stellantis' Polish facility. WeRide partners with CTM to test Robosweepers in Singapore On June 20, WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, announced its partnership with Singapore's renowned sanitation company Chye Thiam Maintenance (CTM) to advance the commercial deployment of WeRide's autonomous street sanitation vehicle, the Robosweeper, in Singapore. Dongfeng Nissan celebrates 16 millionth vehicle rolling off production line On June 16, the joint venture between Nissan Motor and Dongfeng Motor in China, Dongfeng Nissan, celebrated the production and sale of its 16 millionth vehicle, which is a six-seat Pathfinder SUV. Great Wall Motor puts all-new Haval H6 onto market, starting at 103,900 yuan after discounts On June 19, Great Wall Motor announced that the refreshed version of its hotter-selling SUV model,the Haval H6, officially hit the market, with all variants powered by gasoline. Music Plus with Winston Watusi watusi@thesun.co.nz Exciting times are on the horizon, and I am an avid observer. But only an observer. When you good folk of Tauranga vote for the first new council since 2021, Ill be sitting it out because the Watusi Country Club is, by a quirk of fate, a few kilometres into the Western Bay of Plenty electorate. Its vaguely frustrating because, obviously, I do much in Tauranga and have opinions on all the usual things, such as stadiums and museums and everything else that potential candidates may or may not support. Cest la vie. But as a non-participant I do have one humble request for all of you able to vote: when the time comes, please do. There have been increasingly unrestful mumblings about getting democracy back. Now it is back please, please demonstrate that its something to be valued. Before we wish them farewell, though, dare I say in a quiet voice that I came to quite like the commissioners. I was wary at first. Anne Tolley was a senior National Party minister for a decade, so her politics are not exactly aligned with my bleeding liberal heart. To me she has the face of a kindly grandmother, but Ive met politicians before and read Little Red Riding Hood, so I understand that looks can be deceptive. They listened Then came the kerfuffle over arts collective The Incubator and other organisations at the Historic Village, with the possible hike of rents to align with the oft-quoted market. I attended the public hearing. Ms Tolley looked her usual, kind self. The commissioners were receptive and polite. I remained convinced they would announce the village was to be gutted thats what politicians do. But, miracle of miracles, they didnt. To the despair of some in our community who regard art as a rort for those too lazy to work, the commissioners held rents down and publicly backed the community work, arts, and more that happen at the village. They listened and changed their minds; colour me impressed. Theres now a useful page, worth a read, on the Incubator website featuring informative interviews with candidates about their approach to the arts. Gig suggestions Now, let me suggest a gig at The Incubators Jam Factory. On Saturday, June 29, The Afrolites, one of my favourite Tauranga bands, present African beats and futurist jazz and, well, just groovy trance-like stuff. Theyre instrumental and less African than they once were, with guitars, keys and usually a horn or two. The Afrolites. Photo: supplied. Joining them is Moving Forces of Society, a 2023 ensemble formed by Pablo Cordoba, keyboard player Akash Dutta, and Tyrone Dyer, combining jazz-funk, electronic synthwave, and influences from Latin America and Asia. Pablo also plays drums with the nights third band, Drosan, a five-piece leaning towards funky acid-jazz that he leads alongside fellow Argentinian Federico Monzon. And it really hots up there in July when you can catch Junk, the Huneybee Wild, the MetroGnomes, Crooked Finger, Brother Sister, and more. Hear them along with some recent releases on this weeks playlist. Listen to this weeks playlist below: Low pay, understaffing and customer abuse are causing major concern across the grocery industry, according to a survey of more than 1500 supermarket and grocery workers from major retail chains. The survey - completed electronically in May through First Union's member database - shows thousands of supermarket workers are grappling with the high cost of living. They are also dealing with regular incidents of customer abuse in understaffed supermarkets that are typically paying the majority of workers less than the living wage. Union national secretary for retail and finance Rudd Hughes says workers hailed as heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic are no longer treated that way by employers. More than 70 per cent of those surveyed say their wages are not sufficient to cover living costs, and more than 60 per cent of a sample size of 1514 workers say their pay rises over the past two years have not kept pace with rising costs. Only 21 per cent say if they received an unexpected $500 bill tomorrow, they could pay it. Rudd says the National-NZ First-ACT coalition's repeal of fair pay agreement legislation denied workers a pathway to negotiate minimum standards across the supermarket industry. "They've offered up a paltry tax cut, whereas fair pay agreements would have actually made a real difference to workers' wages." The survey shows 69 per cent of workers have considered quitting in the past two years, and on top of this, 90 per cent say their stores are understaffed. "Understaffing is a major contributor to workers' stress and burnout, and it makes supermarkets much more unsafe workplaces for staff than they should be." Abuse of staff by customers and other incidents of violence and dangerous behaviours at work were a growing problem, and more likely to occur with fewer staff around. More than a third of those surveyed reported being verbally assaulted or threatened at work, and 30 per cent say they have had to confront thieves in their stores. Another four per cent say they have been sexually harassed or assaulted, and two per cent say they have been spat on. "No one should have to deal with regular and sustained danger and abuse at work, and least of all those who aren't even paid a living wage and have few prospects for improvements in the workplace," says Rudd. In February, Foodstuffs announced up to 25 Pak'n'Save and New World supermarkets will be using facial recognition technology to try and combat rising thefts and violence against staff. Rudd says the survey's findings will be key in outlining minimum standards for the union's upcoming bargaining with all supermarket major chains. -RNZ. Police have secured the upper hand over an alleged scammers bid to dupe Kiwis out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now, officers are urging victims to act quickly if they suspect they have been the victim of a scam for the best chance of having their funds recovered. Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says, for one victim, their swift actions have led to more than just having their funds back safe in the bank. In early June, police received a report of what was believed to be a fraudulent transaction being made from a bank involved. The victim reported the matter on Monday, June 3, after his bank contacted him with concerns about a payment he had made into another New Zealand account. The transaction was for $40,000. Following information received from this victim, Police making enquiries into the scam identified a man believed to be involved, Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says. The 30-year-old Australian citizen visiting Auckland Central was arrested earlier this month and has since been charged with four counts of engaging in money laundering. The man has been remanded in custody and is next due to reappear on August 6. These charges relate to two victims at opposite ends of the country. While this is a great result, unfortunately, the reality of these types of damaging scams has seen the other Auckland-based victim of the same alleged offender $150,000 out of pocket. It is absolutely devastating for those who are losing money in such huge quantities like this, Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says. Police will always do everything we can to try and recover the funds, including working with banks, however this does demonstrate some of the complexities we face. It is alleged both of these victims have been impacted by the term deposit scam, which Police recently warned has re-emerged. Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says prevention will always be the best way to stop an offender in their tracks. We are again urging the public to please consider the following advice if you are considering placing your money into a term deposit scheme. Never enter contact details into any online website that offers term deposit rates If you think you may have entered your contact details on a website offering fake term deposits, do not engage in conversations over the phone with a person purporting to be from a bank - disconnect the call and phone back on a number displayed on the banks website You can always call your bank to seek reassurance and confirmation you are talking to a trusted and legitimate employee Seek advice from a trusted friend or family member, or someone who has knowledge of investments before sending any money anywhere Check the URL of the website that you are directed to and confirm it is the valid website for the bank that you believe that you are dealing with The Financial Markets Authority publishes the names of suspicious companies on their website. Rural Contractors say median barriers are making roads unsafe and causing stress for those driving tractors with lines of cars behind them. The issue was discussed at Rural Contractors New Zealand conference in Masterton this week. The group's chief executive Andrew Olsen says contractors driving tractors on long stretches of road are facing abuse and being clipped by other drivers who can't pass them because of the median barriers. "We've got rural contractors having to do 7km runs on SH2 in Bay of Plenty where there are no areas to pull over or slow down, rural contractors in Waikato and other parts of the country are facing similar anger from motorists because of median barriers and no pull over space." In a push to increase road safety Labour invested in median barriers to keep on-coming traffic separated. Olsen says they're well intended but are causing some issues. "Our members are telling us it's becoming quiet stressful because they're travelling down the road in their tractors or machinery, which they're entitled to do and then they end up with dozens of cars with impatient drivers behind them." Olsen says the issue can be fixed with passing bays or areas where contractors can easily and safely pull over to let others pass. "It's tough where work has already been done to install the median barriers, but for any future work passing bays need to be considered." Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, who attended the conference, says he knows exactly what they are talking about because he sees the problem first hand when he drives to Parliament from his Manawatu home. Hoggard says there are median barriers preventing over-taking between Levin and Otaki as well as no shoulder space to allow vehicles such as tractors to pull over. "There's a lot of tractors trying to get in and out of paddocks, motorists were getting angry as a result, there's lots of screaming, fingers out the windows and potentially stupid decisions being made." He promises to take up the issue of providing for slow-moving machinery with Transport Minister Simeon Brown. Olsen says his organisation had written to Brown. -RNZ. The mother of a man who was killed in a hit-and-run and left on a grass verge overnight after police failed to send an officer out until morning says shes still waiting for police to acknowledge the pain she went through, and tell her theyre sorry. At 3am on January 24, 2023, 41-year-old Kerry Phillips was walking on the grass verge of a dark rural road in the small town of Benneydale in the Waitomo District when he was hit by a car. It was only a few hundred metres away from where his brother Lloyd Phillips died 14 years before, after he was thrown from his car following a crash. His family - who did not want to be named due to fears of retaliation from the man who hit Kerry - say January 23 had been Lloyds birthday, and they believe Kerry may have been walking down the road after visiting the site of his death. Theres no Ubers or taxis out in Benneydale, its a very remote town, so its not unusual to see people walking home after a night out, Kerrys mum says speaking surrounded by her family members in the lounge of her Tauranga home. Kerry didnt have an easy life, she says, her voice catching, but he was a very hard worker who always helped anyone who needed it. He had a good heart and he loved his family. There were issues with the police investigation from the start, his mum says, which led to the family laying a complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) that Valentines Day. The man who hit Kerry did not stop and instead drove to the house of his mother where he told her he may have hit a person. His mum later called 111 to report what happened. Kerry Phillips was walking on the grass verge of a dark rural road in the small town of Benneydale in the Waitomo District when he was hit by a car. Photo / RNZ / Susan Strongman. The drivers mother said her son didnt know if he had hit an animal or a person, and the call taker decided to give the call a priority two rather than a priority one. A discussion between police officers on duty that night decided not to go to the scene - which would take an hours drive - until morning as it could have been an animal and limited officers were available, an IPCA report into the incident found. It wasnt until around 8am, when an officer arrived, that Kerrys body was found lying on the grass verge. Kerrys mum had no idea anything had happened to her son until she got home from work that night around 6pm, and received a call from her ex-husband. He called me and told me Kerry was dead and our world stood still after that. One of the main upsets to the family, Kerrys granddad says, is that police never called his mum to tell her what had happened. It had been a mad panic after the news was broken, Kerrys mum says, with her sister trying to get information on where Kerrys body was being held, what happened to him and who they needed to speak to. She says that experience has been harrowing. I struggle with the fact police didnt let me know themselves - Im his mother. It was the first of many failings. One of Kerrys aunts says she had to call the mortuary at Waikato Hospital and was able to confirm he was there and an autopsy was being done. There was no support offered to us, which if wed been formally notified we would have been given. It was a battle from the word go. She says it's worrying for all New Zealanders living in rural areas to know police may not respond due to the time it would take at night. Many parts of our country are rural like Benneydale, so for them to decide somewhere is too far away to drive to in an emergency, how safe does that make the rest of New Zealanders feel? Kerrys younger sister says to this day, police have never shown up on their doorstep to give them information. Police failed to respond appropriately The IPCA report into the incident was released last week and found the call taker should have given the job a higher priority and police should have sent a car as soon as they got the emergency call. That decision was an error in judgment, the IPCA says. Their IPCA media release says it's important to note the matter is before the coroner. Its a main road with trucks going up and down it all the time, because of the hours that had passed and the fact the driver hadnt stayed at the scene, a lot of evidence was already gone. As a result, the man who hit and killed Kerry was charged with one count of failing to stop and ascertain injury after a crash. He was sentenced to seven months home detention. Kerrys family say they still find it hard to believe the driver didnt know he had hit a person as they had seen pictures of the car and the front was completely crushed. His mum says she cant stomach looking at the car, but her family members have described the front windscreen as being almost impossible to see out of. Theres no way you wouldnt know with that kind of damage you hit a person, Kerrys granddad said. Kerry had been more than six feet tall, his younger sister says, and would be hard to miss. Just say sorry In the wake of the IPCA report, police put out a media release in which superintendent Bruce Bird says a review into the incident occurred and they also found the call should have been given higher priority and an officer sent straight away. The report notes a pathologists advice was that the man would have died instantly, and any medical intervention would not have prevented his death, Bird says. We recognise while responding at the time sadly may not have changed the outcome, it was a shortcoming in our response. The officers involved have been spoken to, Bird says. Kerrys mum says she's not happy with the response from police and she wants police to acknowledge her and her side of the family and say sorry to them. An apology wouldve been very nice, Kerrys granddad says, but were still waiting. The experience with police has left Kerrys mum feeling empty, she says, and there are no winners in the situation regardless. Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Bruce Bird. Photo / Dom Thomas, RNZ. I just want the police to be human and treat us with respect and for them to put their hand up and say yes were really sorry. Kerrys auntie says her nephew was unable to get the justice he deserved because of the failings identified in the IPCA findings and the family want to know what changes have been made going forward to stop other families having to go through the same trauma. It's sad it has come to making a complaint to the IPCA, Kerrys mum says. Police are meant to look after us and if we didnt make this complaint nothing would have happened. Theres been no justice for my son - the whole thing seems senseless. Questions were put to the police about the lack of apology or in-person contact with the family, but a police spokesperson says they have nothing to add to their IPCA media release and says it's important to note the matter is before the coroner. My understanding is that an in-person apology has been made to family members, although perhaps not to specific family members you have been speaking to. - RNZ Police have issued an arrest warrant and international border alert for a Kiwi man accused of laundering nearly $250,000 for off-shore scammers. One of the mans alleged victims says shes appalled the man did not have to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions and she fears he could have fled overseas, after he failed to appear in court. The man, in his 50s, was charged in May last year with two counts of money laundering in connections with two scam victims. One of them is North Shore real estate agent Carla ONeil, who lost $100,000 in February 2023. She has since spearheaded a victims group advocating for better protections from banks. While looking for investment opportunities, ONeil was contacted by a well-spoken man claiming to be a Citibank portfolio manager. She was tricked into wiring her life savings to an ASB bank account, believing the cash was going into a Citibank term deposit. ONeil visited her local BNZ branch to make the transfer and was then emailed log-in details to an elaborate online client portal where she could see her money in the supposed term deposit account and track her investment as it accrued interest. But none of it was real. A month later, BNZ phoned ONeil and informed her she had been scammed. A freeze was put on the recipient ASB account but just $20,000 was recovered. ONeil complained to the Banking Ombudsman about BNZ and was awarded 70% compensation in a landmark decision earlier this year. Police initially told ONeil the recipient was likely a mule caught up in the trickery, either moving money on as part of a romance scam, or their internet banking had been hacked by the thieves. However, police arrested a Hamilton man in May last year in connection with the fraud. He was charged with two counts of money laundering one involving ONeil and the second charge involving another victim who lost $135,000 just three days before her. The defendant first appeared in Auckland District Court in May last year and was remanded on bail. He was due back in court last month for a judge-alone trial on the two charges but failed to appear. An arrest warrant was issued for the man and police have been trying to locate him ever since. Court staff confirmed to the Herald the man only had residential and non-association bail conditions imposed by the court. There was no bail condition for him to surrender his passport. A police spokeswoman said the defendant was still being sought. At this stage, police do not have concerns he will leave the country, however, he does have a border alert, as with many warrants to arrest issued. ONeil told the Herald she was shocked to learn the man was not forced to surrender his passport and she feared he could be a flight risk. She criticised communications about the case from both police and the courts, which she said had been hopelessly confusing. Communication has been appalling from police with lack of updates and abundance of mixed messages about the status of the court appearance, then no urgency being put on finding him. Its been appalling on so many levels. Constant delays in resolving the court case were incredibly disappointing as a victim trying to piece my life back together, she said. Police said they would be in touch directly with the victim and update her as enquiries continued. -NZ Herald. A Pyes Pa restaurant is facing serious delays in reopening after an electrical fire two months ago. The electrical fire, which occurred at Good Local in Pyes Pa, Tauranga in the ceilings fresh air system, forced the business to close until further notice. Initially it was said the restaurant would reopen within three weeks. However, since then, more and more damage caused by the fire has been identified. A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson says fire services arrived at 3.29am on April 26, when the fire was well-involved. Good Local owner Mark Lawrence says the support from the community has been overwhelming. [The] response from the community has been absolutely amazing. Weve been blown away by the amount of support that weve had. Weve always had a strong presence with the community and love everybody here, so its overwhelming to know that theyre all waiting and anticipating us coming back. We just want to let them know that we want to get back as quickly as they want us back. Unfortunately, weve had some serious delays due to landlord building insurance, which is totally out of our control - thats to confirm and accept quotes that have been in place for some time now by the roofing contractor. The building insurance works require a new roof, five new purlins that have been twisted and damaged due to the fire and a new firewall which is included in the building insurance quote, unfortunately. Our internal fit-out team cannot start our works until after the building works [are] completed. I am confident that if building insurance quotes were accepted today, we would expect four weeks of building works followed by six weeks of fit-out works. Effectively, were 10 weeks away from whenever the contractor gets the approval of his quotes from insurance to start works. This has been the most challenging and frustrating part of the process as the acceptance from building works insurance has been out of our control, even though weve been making noises what feels like daily. Whats made it worse is that our insurance for fit out works have been approved, yet we cant start those until building works is approved and completed. We had a chat with the staff after the fire and obviously knew that we would potentially be out for a bit longer. As you peel back the roof, you start to see more and more damage to the extent where weve pretty much got to do a complete refit. All of our electrical and data wiring has been fried, smoke and water damaged furniture and fittings, internal ceiling replacement needed; the list goes on. Mark says when they realised what they were dealing with, they knew they had to come up with a plan for their staff. Weve still got staff that were currently employing. We sympathise with them, because [they dont know] the start date at the moment. Good Local staff. Photo supplied. I have quite a few friends and contacts within the hospitality area in the Bay of Plenty, and reached out to see if they had any temp/part-time work available for our crew, mainly to stop complacency creeping in and keeping them active while helping out another hospitality business that might need some help at the same time. Theyre still getting paid from us, and then are getting paid [for] some part-time work as well from temporary employers around town. In the interim, my wife Mel and I have just recently bought a food truck, Good to Go. Thats something weve wanted to do for a while to extend our Good Local offering to events around the Bay, and now felt like the perfect opportunity while we have some down time. We have got approval from the body corporate to be able to trade [from] our food truck from the front two carparks outside Good Local from about July 10. Well have a small team of our staff together, cooking a limited Good Local menu for four nights a week from 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday. It will be great seeing our regulars again when this starts up. Weve planned a charity event on July 5 and all our staff are going to be helping out for evening. Caribbean Nights fundraising event poster. Photo supplied. All funds raised will go towards the Good Neighbour Youth and Development programme within their organisation. Weve got 150 tickets to sell, of which 110 have already been sold. Well be having our chefs and Good Neighbour volunteers doing all the cooking and our service staff doing all the serving. Weve got a Latin DJ with some fantastic beats for our Caribbean-inspired event. So, lots of cocktails and dancing and just letting your hair down in the middle of winter while supporting a fantastic cause. Thats at the Cargo Shed on July 5 from 6pm. The company has come together to help each other through these times. These guys have been working for me for years. Some of them have been here since day one seven years ago. Theyre like family. Theyre an extension of us. I think its a reflection of them as characters - wanting to stick around, waiting for us to come back and supporting us whichever way they can, and a credit to us as well by utilising their skills in the community. We are confident that once we come back, well be better than ever, and we cant wait to start serving our locals again. If you want tickets for the July 5 event, which is going to be absolutely amazing, please head to the Good Neighbour or Good Local Facebook page, click the link and buy tickets now. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Arkansas Police Take Down Tesla Hard And here it is, the future of police chases! Two Tesla drivers decided to race each other on a highway in West Memphis, drawing the attention of local law enforcement. Arkansas State Police were called for help and Trooper James Collins jumped into the pursuit just as one of the Teslas took an exit ramp, leaving him to chase down the other. He not only did just that, Collins performed a brutal takedown with the help of a local cop to finally bring the stubborn Tesla driver to heel. Watch a paralyzed driver get taken down as he flees from police. Weve personally witnessed quite a few Tesla owners lately hotdogging around on city streets and the highway, showing off to everyone else what their car of the future can do. If you havent seen that kind of behavior in person, you might be shocked to see two Tesla drivers racing each other and running from the law, mistakenly believing theyre all far too nerdy to even break the speed limit. ADVERTISEMENT ASP overall has some well-trained troopers who know how to outdrive and therefore usually catch suspects, even if theyre dealing with a technically superior vehicle. It doesnt take too long for Trooper Collins to get close to this Tesla after it blasts past him. With help from another agency in the form of a well-placed spike strip, the trooper has even more of an advantage. From there, its just a matter of closing the gap the rest of the way and setting up the perfect PIT. The first attempt doesnt go well, thanks in part to the driver wiggling the steering wheel a little and getting loose. Since Teslas can be fat little porkers, that makes any TVI a little more challenging to properly execute. The second PIT attempt just results in the Tesla glancing off the cruiser. Is that because of the weight difference or is something more going on? Whatever the reason, those spiked tires keep the suspect from pulling away again. Why people who are obviously sitting ducks after blowing out their tires during a police chase dont just pull over is beyond us. Story continues Third times a charm for Trooper Collins as he PITs the Tesla and the suspect loses control, the EV spinning like a top. Even though the guy is obviously caught, he still tries one last desperate attempt to get away, but he either loses control or intentionally rams Collins car in the rear, spinning him out and damaging it to the point it can no longer drive as it bounces off the barrier. These Teslas are like little battering rams, which is what makes their drivers hotdogging around in them even more concerning. Thankfully, training takes over and the trooper is able to correct his broken car while the suspect also hits the barrier. Still, this Tesla driver tries getting away, so an officer following close behind in an SUV rams the side of the EV with his push bar hard, perhaps smacking some sense into the suspect and definitely doing some serious damage to the electric car. According to the ASP report, police found marijuana and digital scales in the Tesla. Does this mean drug dealers are concerned about carbon emissions? Is this the future of police chases? It was revealed after the chase that the EV was rented on Turo, so think about that before putting your beloved ride on such a peer sharing service. Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. Pilar Martinez Malaga Thursday, 20 June 2024, 08:39 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads "Malaga does not fail, it always works very well". That was the statement with which Elena Cabrera, Ryanair's Country Manager for Marketing and Sales in Spain and Portugal, summed up the expectations of the company that carries the most passengers at Malaga Airport. Cabrera has stated categorically that the Irish airline expects to exceed the forecasts set for this high season on the Costa del Sol. "We had very good forecasts, that's why we had increased the offer by 14%, but the demand has exceeded expectations. We expect to carry 5.1 million passengers on the Costa del Sol this summer," she said. But it also adds a figure that shows the response to a historic schedule in terms of the seats offered by Ryanair, the 90 destinations to which the company flies from Malaga Airport and the 16 aircraft based at these facilities, eleven of them of a new generation that reduce CO2 emissions by 20% and noise pollution by 50%. Never before had the Irish low-cost airline made a commitment like this, and even so, the first results highlight the success of this operation. Cabrera pointed to the fact that since April, when this peak period began, Malaga flights are three points above the average occupancy of the Ryanair network in Europe. And that the average figure is 94%, which means that the planes on routes to or from the Costa del Sol fill 97% of their seats. "It is a destination that always performs very well, even though the most important months of July and August have not yet been counted. The rhythm of June has already surprised us", she declared. It should be remembered that Ryanair has reinforced its operations at Malaga Airport by 14%, which will maintain its market share of moving three out of every ten passengers in this infrastructure, where it has added five new destinations to fly to and from the Costa del Sol. The new proposals are the Italian city of Bari; the capitals of Romania and the Czech Republic, Bucharest and Prague, respectively; the central Polish city and a former textile manufacturing hub, Lodz; and Ostrava, an industrial city in the Czech Republic that is close to the Polish and Lithuanian borders. "This high season we are focusing our reinforcements on the Eastern Europe markets that are experiencing significant growth, with significant increases in frequencies in Poland and Bulgaria," Cabrera pointed out, noting that Malaga Airport is in the 'top 3' of Ryanair's network in Spain, where they operate in 27 facilities. In this sense, she pointed out the destinations that are in greatest demand and noted that the three most popular this summer are Bucharest, which is already adding up to ten frequencies a week, Bergamo and Liverpool. Cabrera also referenced prices and assured that the average fare on the company's network in Europe is around 48 euros per ticket and that the maximum increase the airline is considering is between 5 and 10%. "The best time to buy tickets is now," she urged. Ryanair's Country Manager for Marketing and Sales in Spain and Portugal also warns that it is already noticeable that Malaga has become a 'hub' for important technological companies. "The Costa del Sol has worked very well on its brand. There are very good hotel infrastructures as well as air, road and rail infrastructures. It is noticeable in the deseasonalisation because there are more profiles linked to business trips. In addition, we connect with major capitals and that is key for this moment in which the focus of technology has been placed in Malaga," she stressed. Regarding the winter schedule, which is already being planned, she said that the summer schedule is an important test to determine the routes, capacities and frequencies of the destinations. Liverpool, N.Y. Charges against a man accused of threatening to shoot people at a Central New York high school have been dropped, a prosecutor said. Tahjay Perry, 20, was accused of calling Liverpool High School on March 5 and threatening to bring a gun to the school and hurt people, an Onondaga County Sheriffs Office spokesperson said at the time. Perry was also accused of pretending to be someone else on the call. Since his arrest, a 14-year-old relative of Perrys came forward and admitted that he had made the calls, prosecutor Peter Hakes said Friday. Syracuse, N.Y. Fuje Alam Bin Abdul Rahman and Rajumah Begum Binti Dil Mohammad endured horror in Myanmar. The couple and their children are part of the Rohingya ethnic minority group that for years have faced persecution by the military. Security forces razed villages, tortured citizens and killed thousands. More than 700,000 fled the country in March 2022 alone. The U.S. has accused the military of carrying out genocide. Fuje and Rajumah fled in 2016 to Malaysia, then to the United States, where they landed in North Carolina, then to, Buffalo and finally in 2022 to Syracuse. They ended up with their five children on the North Side in a two-bedroom apartment, where tragedy struck Tuesday when their home collapsed after an explosion. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) The new agreement between Russia and North Korea reached by their leaders at a Pyongyang summit requires both countries to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event of war, North Korean state media said Thursday. Both North Koreas Kim Jong Un and Russias Vladimir Putin had described the deal reached Wednesday as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties. Outside observers said it could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. MOSCOW (AP) A court in Russias far eastern city of Vladivostok on Wednesday convicted a visiting American soldier of stealing and making threats of murder, and it sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison. Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, flew to the Pacific port city to see his girlfriend and was arrested last month after she accused him of stealing from her, according to U.S. officials and Russian authorities. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Potentially damaging thunderstorms are possible across Upstate New York today as this weeks heat wave enters its fourth day. Theres a 15% chance of storms strong enough to cause damage today, the National Weather Service said. Theres also a chance of hail and isolated flash flooding where strong storms strike. A few storms may produce heavy downpours, hail and strong damaging winds, the weather service said. The heat advisory that went into effect Monday continues through 8 p.m. today. Temperatures could once again reach into the 90s, and the combination of heat and humidity could make it feel hotter than 100 degrees this afternoon, according to the weather service. The air temperature in Syracuse reached 95 degrees on Wednesday, tying the June 19 record set in 1995. Temperatures hit 94 degrees Monday and Tuesday, with Mondays high breaking the June 17 record. This is the earliest stretch of weather that hot since weather service records began in 1903. While today is the summer solstice, when the suns energy is at its peak, late July is generally hotter in Upstate New York as the ground begins to release heat it has stored earlier in the summer. Nighttime temperatures have also been the hottest ever recorded. Tuesdays nighttime low of 72 degrees was the highest ever recorded on June 18, and Wednesdays low of 77 degrees was also a daily record. While the worst of the heat will end today, theres little relief on the horizon. Temperatures Friday through Sunday are expected to stay in the high 80s. Monday will feel cooler, relatively, with a high in the upper 70s, but upper 80s return Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. So far, 2024 has been the warmest year ever recorded in Syracuse, and meteorologists say this could be one of the hottest summers on record. Firefighters smashed a Tesla's window to rescue a toddler after the battery died, report says A toddler was rescued from a locked Tesla after the car's battery died, a report says. The child's grandmother called 911 after she was unable to open the car. Firefighters eventually broke the car's window with an ax and rescued the child, the report said. A toddler was rescued from a locked Tesla by Scottsdale firefighters after the car's battery died. Renee Sanchez told Arizona's On Your Side that she was planning to take her 20-month-old granddaughter to the Phoenix Zoo when the incident occurred. She said the EV's battery died after she closed the door on her grandaughter and walked around the car to get in the front seat. ADVERTISEMENT "I could not get in. My phone key wouldn't open it. My card key wouldn't open it," Sanchez told the outlet. She ended up calling 911 operators, who then dispatched Scottsdale firefighters, per the report. After arriving on the scene, the firefighters told Sanchez they often struggled to get inside locked Teslas. They eventually broke the car's window with an ax and rescued the child, the report said. Representatives for Tesla and Scottsdale Fire Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours. Sanchez could not immediately be reached for comment. Numerous Tesla owners say they have been trapped inside their EVs after they lost power. There are several ways to open the doors when the car is completely flat, including if drivers are stuck outside, but many Tesla owners aren't aware of these safety features. One key safety feature is a release lever on both the driver's and passenger's side doors that manually unlocks the doors. In April, a TikToker said she got stuck in her Tesla for 40 minutes during a software update while parked in the sun. She said the temperature in the car soared to 115F while the EV updated. Read the original article on Business Insider The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Read the full story on Backfire News Hotshot Motorcyclist Gets Humiliated By A Cop If we were to choose a state to run away from police, Arkansas would definitely not be it. Thats mostly thanks to Arkansas State Police, an agency known to treat fleeing suspects quite roughly. Seriously, Arkansas troopers must have ice in their veins and they seem to take glee in pitting people. But all that doesnt stop this motorcycle rider from trying to flee from an Arkansas trooper. An ATV chase in Arkansas hit a blistering 66 mph before the wheels literally came off. We know a lot of people who think if youre on a motorcycle you dont have to stop for police because a bike is always faster and can go where cars cant. This rider seems to be of that mindset because before the chase he taunts the trooper by doing a wheelie like hes untouchable. Then the guy shows everyone why what hes riding is known as a crotch rocket, just taking off like a bat out of hell. And yet the trooper catches up to him at the next traffic light. Instead of realizing he should just give up right then, this suspect decides to flip off the trooper before twisting the throttle and going for it. ADVERTISEMENT This suspect really tries his hardest to ditch the trooper but all he does is expose his lack of experience and maturity. We know people who actually could outrun cops on their bike, but they also know the potential risks of riding like that on public roads. It isnt worth it. Probably feeling dejected at his lack of skill, this guy slows down, bows his head, and lets the trooper catch up. But instead of pulling over, he just keeps rolling down the road. His humiliation continues as a Buick crossover stops in front of him, he sideswipes the passenger side, ends up in the dirt on the shoulder, then wobbles until he dumps his bike and himself. But wait, it gets even more embarrassing. You can hear the guy sobbing as the trooper arrests him. As if thats not enough, he blubbers out an apology for running and calls himself stupid repeatedly with the trooper agreeing. Then the trooper points to his dashcam and lets this suspect know hes about to become YouTube famous. Story continues Hopefully this kid learns from this experience and never runs from the cops again. Images via YouTube In brief: Patent trolls are companies that do not produce any products. Instead, they buy up and hold onto patents solely to sue for profit. It happens constantly, but a Korean publication points out that what we see as trolling is actually a war between rivals waged by proxy. It's a fascinating viewpoint. A South Korean company called Mimir IP is suing US memory maker Micron Technology for infringing on its patents. It filed its complaint with the International Trade Commission and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The lawsuit also names several companies, including Tesla, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, as secondary defendants for their use of Micron components. The Korea Economic Daily (KED) describes Mimir IP as a non-practicing entity (NPE) what we call a patent troll. Mimir makes its money by purchasing patents and then turning a profit by suing companies using the patented device or technology. In May alone, Mimir bought about 1,500 patents from SK Hynix. The company wasted no time filing a lawsuit using six involving "circuits, voltage measurement devices and non-volatile memory devices." While KED didn't mention specific demands, it estimated compensation could reach $480 million if the court ends up ruling in favor of Mimir IP. The judge could also force the defendants to sign licensing agreements with Mimir. Companies frequently sell patents to trolls to fight competitors by proxy. notes KED. Recently, it has noticed an uptick in NPE activity presumably caused by the ongoing AI boom. The three biggest DRAM providers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have all loaded the NPE cannons in the last year, so to speak. In June 2023, Samsung Electronics passed over rights to 96 of its patents to IKT, an NPE affiliated with Samsung Display. The move is considered preparation for a proxy legal battle. This assumption is supported by a similar deal in 2022 when Intel sued Samsung and TSMC for infringement through patent management company Daedalus Prime. Micron might have begun this more recent battle when it sold about 400 patents to NPE Lodestar Licensing Group in March. It was the first time in 11 years that Micron offloaded a cache of patents to a holding company. Officials speculate that the Mimir lawsuit might be a preemptive strike as it looks like Micron is preparing for similar legal actions. "SK Hynix and Micron are DRAM rivals. The fight over industry hegemony is spreading beyond technology competition to patent rivalry," an unnamed industry official told KED. It will be interesting to see if Lodestar indeed files an infringement lawsuit in the immediate future. This viewpoint adds a whole different perspective to patent trolls and their dubious actions. A hot potato: California looks set to implement a statewide ban on the use of smartphones by students during school hours. Governor Gavin Newsom said he is supporting the restriction on the same day that the Los Angeles public school board voted to ban student phone usage on campuses during school hours. Newsom said he wants to build on legislation he signed in 2019 that gave California school districts the authority to limit or ban smartphone use during the school day, with some exceptions for extenuating circumstances. In his statement, Newsom cited the recent calls by the US Surgeon General for social media platforms to carry health warning labels similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol. Dr. Vivek Murthy has called on Congress to apply labels to the sites and apps that alert users to the potential mental health harms they cause. As noted by CBS News, the California School Boards Association said any regulations over student smartphone use should be left up to school districts, not the state. "We support legislation which empowers school leaders to make policy decisions at a local level that reflect their community's concerns and what's necessary to support their students," spokesperson Troy Flint said. Newsom's statement was released on the same day that the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest in the county, voted to ban cellphone and social media use in its schools. The policy will be implemented in January next year. Two LA board members voted against the ban. One told The New York Times that he voted against it as teachers are already facing difficulties in enforcing restrictions in schools. He also mentioned the main reason why there has been pushback against this sort of ban: the prospect of parents not being able to contact their children in the event of a school shooting. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in May that she intends to launch a bill that will allow kids to only use dumb phones, rather than those with full internet access, while on school property. The devices lack internet access but can send texts and make calls, which sounds like feature, or dumb, phones. More states are pursuing phone bans in schools. Last year, Florida became the first state to require all its public schools to bar students from using their handsets during class. In April, Indiana passed a law requiring school districts to adopt policies banning students from having wireless devices during class time. Kentucky, Vermont, Tennessee, and Kansas are considering similar laws. What are your feelings on schools banning smartphones? Is it needed, or does it pose an unnecessary risk to students? Let us known in the comments below. In a nutshell: Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested a man for allegedly trying to smuggle HK$12 million (about $1.53 million) worth of high-performance CPUs into mainland China. According to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, it seized a total of 596 "high-end" processors, each costing more than HK$20,000 (around $2,500). The seized items were discovered in a Mercedes-Benz that was intercepted at Shenzhen Bay Control Point on June 13 based on "risk assessment." According to the Hong Kong Customs Department, its officers conducted a full X-Ray of the vehicle's trunk and spotted irregularities that they believed needed further investigation. Upon closer inspection, they found the CPUs inside false compartments on both sides of the trunk of the vehicle. According to investigator Ho Ting-chun, the consignment included server CPUs designed for AI and cloud services. Had the suspect been able to successfully smuggle the processors into mainland China, he would have evaded HK$3 million (around $384,000) in taxes and customs duties. The consignment's origin and intended destination remain a mystery, but investigators are trying to solve the mystery. As for the 51-year-old male suspect, he was arrested for attempted smuggling, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a HK$2 million (around $250,000) fine. He is currently out on bail, but the officers aren't ruling out further arrests as the probe gathers steam. It's not immediately known whether the high-end, high-performance hardware was legally allowed to be imported into mainland China under the US sanctions, but online speculations suggest that this could be yet another way for the Chinese regime to evade sanctions and import US technology into the country. Over the years, there have been several other reported cases of smugglers transporting US tech into China in violation of the sanctions. Last year, Hong Kong authorities arrested two suspects for attempting to smuggle old Nvidia Quadro graphics cards into China. A few weeks before the Nvidia bust, a man was arrested for trying to smuggle in 239 Intel CPUs strapped on his body. The Hong Kong government has also reported seizing other tech products at the China border, including memory chips, hard disks, laptops, and more. The big picture: Exploring the depths of the world's oceans has been an immense challenge even more difficult than space exploration in some cases. The main issues are the brutal pressure and temperatures that render substantial chunks of the seafloor entirely off-limits to human divers. However, a California tech company may have cracked the code on sustainable ocean exploration. Seatrec has invented a new type of underwater robot that can theoretically roam the seas indefinitely without needing to refuel or recharge its batteries. Instead, it harnesses kinetic energy produced by temperature fluctuations to generate power. The company touts the system's elimination of dead battery litter on the seafloor an advantage over conventional underwater robots. The system resembles a cylindrical buoy and has been aptly dubbed "infiniTE float." It relies on phase-change materials that swap between solid and liquid states as the robot dives and surfaces. The unique material has a melting point of around 50 F (10 C), which sits between average ocean temperatures of around 40 F (4.4 C) and surface temperatures of around 70 F (21.1 C), making it perfect for the job. So, as it plunges into the chilly depths, a paraffin-based material solidifies and contracts, forcing hydraulic fluid through a tiny generator to charge the bot's batteries. The material melts and expands when it moves toward the warmer surface waters, kickstarting the cycle again. Seatrec founder and CEO Yi Chao first prototyped the concept in 2011 while working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. After over a decade of R&D, the startup is finally bringing the drones to the market. The Robot Report notes that the company is also selling its first power module for self-charging diving floats to research labs, universities, government agencies, and the military. This technology could open up a bunch of ocean exploration and monitoring opportunities. For starters, oceanographers could map out the estimated 80% of the ocean floor that remains uncharted territory. Seatrec has also field-tested the bot by measuring hurricane intensity in the Gulf using prototypes. The company is partnering with the University of Southern Mississippi's Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise to study critically endangered Rice's whales in the Gulf of Mexico. They'll deploy two versions of the infiniTE float system one tracking ocean conditions like temperatures that impact the whales' habitat and another using hydrophones to listen for the creatures. Chao anticipates strong demand from industries like telecoms laying undersea cables, offshore oil/gas drillers, wind farm developers, environmental groups mapping marine habitats, and companies needing to monitor seafloor equipment and conditions. Looking ahead, Seatrec said it plans to commercialize phase-change power for underwater gliders next, followed by higher-output liquid-to-gas energy harvesting systems capable of recharging multiple robots simultaneously. A hot potato: Samsung isn't doing any major GPU-related projects right now. Even the Exynos Arm SoC used in Galaxy phones uses AMD's RDNA architecture for graphics-related tasks, but changes are coming as the company starts throwing money into GPUs. BusinessKorea recently reported that Samsung Electronics approved a new "GPU Investment Proposal" earlier this year. Samsung's management committee ratified the proposal in March, marking the company's first significant investment in a GPU-related project in years. Where Samsung will focus these new development efforts is still a topic of speculation and unconfirmed theories. The proposal marks the first significant investment in GPU technology since 2012. Samsung is likely trying to become a competitive player in the ever-growing market. The company is already the world's largest memory manufacturer, making HBM chips for high-performance GPUs developed by third-party corporations like Nvidia. Although there are no specific details about the investment, Samsung's departure from its traditional targets in the chipmaking business is well in line with today's latest market trends. The AI business is in full swing, and GPUs are one of the most sought-after products for Big Tech corporations like Microsoft and smaller ventures trying their luck with this new generative AI gold rush. Nvidia, the company currently making the most powerful and capable GPU and AI accelerator products on the market, is now the most valuable company in the world. However, Samsung could be more interested in improving its manufacturing processes rather than making a new GPU in the traditional sense. The Korean electronics superpower's GPU investment might accelerate the creation of specific digital twins, making an AI-based virtual replica of a fully automated semiconductor plant. Samsung has already outlined a plan in the past and is working in partnership with Nvidia to meet its digital twin target by 2030. Another potential application of Samsung's GPU-related investment is the company's High-Performance Computing (HPC) Center, recently built at the Hwaseong campus. The HPC facility took three years to complete and now hosts large-scale servers and network equipment required for semiconductor design. Samsung could buy a significant chunk of GPU hardware to fill the plant, using the newly built capabilities for improved research efforts or other AI-related tasks. What just happened? It's not unusual for Meta to be sued, but this case is a bit different. An Australian billionaire mining magnate has won the right to sue the social media giant over scam crypto and investment advertisements that appeared on Facebook featuring his likeness. Andrew Forrest wrote an open letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the ads in 2019. "You have the power and the technology to prevent these scam advertisements from running on your platform," he said, asking Zuckerberg if revenue was more important to the company than the life savings of elderly people. Forrest tried to launch legal action against Meta in Australia over the scam crypto and investment ads, but the Director of Public Prosecutions filed a discontinuance motion in April due to insufficient evidence. Forrest had sued under Australian laws that let individuals criminally prosecute foreign companies upon receiving prosecutors' consent. Forrest also brought a lawsuit against Meta in the US. On Monday, US District Judge Casey Pitts in San Jose, California, rejected Meta Platforms' bid to dismiss. As per The Reg, Forrest alleges that Meta had misappropriated his name and likeness, negligently breached its duty to the general public by allowing the scam ads to run, failed to warn users, unjustly enriched itself, and relied on the US Communications Decency Act as a defense. The court dismissed three of the arguments but said the misappropriation and breach of duty arguments were adequately pleaded. "Dr Forrest claims that Meta profited more from ads that included his likeness than it would have if the ads had not," Pitts wrote. "This is enough to adequately plead that the alleged misappropriation was to Meta's advantage." Meta had tried to argue that Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act prevents platforms from being held responsible for content posted by users. The judge said Forrest's claims "present a factual dispute regarding whether Meta's ad systems were neutral tools that anyone could use (or misuse) or whether the tools themselves contributed to the content of the ads." Forrest said the decision marks the first time a social media company has not been able to hide behind Section 230 in a US civil case over its advertising business. Forrest called the decision a "crucial strategic victory in the battle to hold Facebook accountable." As Australia's second-richest person, Forrest's $16 billion net worth means he has the resources to go up against a tech giant like Meta. He said more than 1,000 of the ads appeared on Facebook in Australia between April and November 2023, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for victims. Forrest is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from Meta. You cant park there. - Screenshot: Drone Views | Zisimos Zizos via YouTube (Getty Images) After millionaires were annoyed to find out that they were no longer able to get behind the wheel of their Porsche Carrera GTs earlier this year, its now the billionaires turn to stay put for a while as Koenigsegg has placed a stop-drive order on its Jesko hypercar following a fire in Greece. A Koenigsegg Jesko Attack Nur Edition reportedly burst into flames over the weekend in Greece, a country currently enduring a blistering heatwave thats seen temperatures hit 109 degrees. The car was destroyed, with just a singed chassis remaining after the blaze and one very unhappy (but unharmed) owner. The fire clearly alarmed the Swedish automaker behind the mega hypercar, as its now issued a stop-drive order impacting each of the Jeskos that its delivered so far, reports Autoblog. Thankfully, not that many drivers will be put out by the order: ADVERTISEMENT Though the Jesko ownership group is witheringly small, the automaker has issued a stop-drive order for all 28 units it shipped. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask all Jesko owners and drivers to hold off on driving their cars until we have had a chance to understand the situation better, the automaker said. Koenigsegg is not aware of the cause of the fires, but the passengers of the car in the film made it to safety. The Jeskos purchase price outpaces even the most exclusive hypercars by $1 million or more, so the loss of one is hard to swallow, even if you cant afford one. Prior to the fire, the burned out Jesko was taking part in a luxurious rally around Greece, reports the Drive. The relatively low speeds of such jaunts through country lanes, coupled with the Jeskos 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and temperatures above 100 degrees is a recipe for thermal disaster. So far, no other Jesko owners have reported spontaneous combustion of their cars. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Forward-looking: The telecom industry is moving toward satellite connectivity as a full-fledged service rather than a rare, ancillary commodity. GSMA Intelligence's latest analysis describes a world in orbit, with significant business opportunities in the consumer and B2B markets. Research and consulting firm GSMA Intelligence recently released a report tracking the evolving relationship between the telecom business and satellite connectivity. The traditional perspective is going through a significant market shift as convergence between mobile and satellite networks has become an industry-wide movement rather than a niche strategy. Ninety-one individual telecom operators worldwide have contracted with satellite companies to provide low-Earth-orbit (LEO) coverage for 5 billion mobile users--60 percent of the global market. Backhaul network and direct-to-device services are the main applications sought by telecom providers, while around 45 percent of the "live or planned" services are about direct-to-cell connectivity. Most (80-90 percent) of the partnerships focus on extending connectivity in remote or underserved areas of the world. Additional use cases include maritime connectivity, emergency coverage during natural disasters, and more. Over the last 24 months, market operations have focused on technology developments for direct-to-cell solutions, with the latest 3GPP mobile standards integrating non-terrestrial network (NTN) compatibility. The three leading US cellular networks have signed one or more agreements with different satellite companies. Starlink is the most significant LEO venture by a wide margin, with a "megaconstellation" of 6,000 orbiting satellites already providing their NTN service to global customers. The company recently launched devices supporting direct-to-cell capabilities. Eutelsat OneWeb is the second largest NTN company, with around 650 satellites in orbit. Other minor companies like AST SpaceMobile are still testing its equipment and network. Likewise, Amazon has been working on Project Kuiper for quite some time. Not one to be left out, China also wants in on the action. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation China Satellite Network Group plans to launch at least 12,000 NTN satellites. Of course, the company is likely supported and controlled by the Beijing communist government, so it will likely be a regional or domestic case for future satellite connectivity. As businesses expand, handling expenses becomes more complex, and managing them manually can result in errors. We've all been there before, trying to crunch numbers on our old calculator that we have to restart when we punch in a different value. Most people ditched that eventually and even started using a spreadsheet that you have to code manually to execute operations. But with the rise of intelligent software, handling your finances has become easier. Utilizing expense management software offers numerous benefits, such as smoother operations, improved accuracy, and valuable insights into financial data. When you automate expense reporting, your company will gain more control over its finances, reduce operational costs, and position itself for sustainable growth and success. So, if you're looking for the best fit for you, TechTimes has compiled the Top 5 Best Expense Management Software in 2024. No. 1 Payhawk Overview Payhawk is a top-notch spend management solution designed for businesses across the US, the UK, and Europe. The company makes business payments easier by combining company cards, reimbursable expenses, accounts payable including PO, and accounting software into one platform. Currently, their expense management software has helped customers in over 32 countries to be more efficient, control spending, and maximize their budgets. With offices in New York, London, Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Vilnius, and Sofia, Payhawk can serve a wide range of customers, including big names like Decathlon, Babbel, Vinted, Astrid & Miyu, and Flight Club. The company has been growing fast, too, with an 86% increase in global revenue compared to the previous year. The intelligent spend management software has everything you need in one package, like corporate expense cards with built-in controls, reimbursable expenses, automated accounts payable, global payments, CO2 tracking with Payhawk Green, and connections with other apps. It works with ERPs like NetSuite and Xero, accounting software, HR platforms, and more. This means finance teams don't have to use a bunch of different systems because Payhawk gives them one simple interface. Moreover, thanks to a direct integration with Wise, Payhawk handles all kinds of payment methods, such as ACH, SEPA Instant/Faster, FPS, and international bank payments. This way, businesses can work smoothly worldwide using the best payment methods. Key Features Corporate Cards and American Express Integration Corporate expense cards or Payhawk-integrated American Express Cards offer businesses granular control over their spending through advanced card controls. These cards nurture an environment of trust and transparency with 100% spend policy compliance across all locations and entities. Companies can customize card controls to minimize the risk of fraudulent transactions, ensure company cards are used for company expenses only, and translate their policy into action. Cards can be managed individually or in bulk to apply the correct rules based on use-case. Beyond advanced controls, these cards also offer features like tracking payments, setting customized spending limits, getting instant approval notifications, handling regular payments and subscriptions, providing reminders for low funds, and supporting transactions in different currencies with minimal fees. These cards are part of Payhawk's mobile app, with OCR and AI combined receipt capture technology, and allow approvals and real-time expense tracking. They also offer AI-powered suggestions to make financial management more accurate and efficient, making them an important part of Payhawk's spend management solution. Global Standardization with Local Flexibility Payhawk makes it easy for companies to set rules and guidelines for spending money. This helps businesses keep their financial practices consistent across different parts of the organization, no matter where they are in the world. Even though Payhawk works on a global scale, it gives companies the option to adjust the rules to fit with local laws and practices. This means businesses can fine-tune their experience without giving up on the important global standards. Expense Management Outside Major Regions An added feature of Payhawk allows users to manage and submit expenses outside the USA, UK, and Europe. This capability extends the software's utility to a global audience. Local Language Support Being a global brand, Payhawk provides local language support across its platform and help desk, ensuring users in different regions can operate the software in their preferred language. This enhances user experience and makes the software more accessible to a diverse workforce. Group Dashboard and Personalized Reporting The Group Dashboard offers a unified overview of group spending, tasks, funds, and action items for each entity within an organization. This centralized view enables businesses to effectively monitor and manage their finances at a macro level, providing valuable insights into overall financial health and performance. Additionally, you can generate customized reports by filtering transactions based on different criteria, such as card type, category, and employee. Multi-Currency and Cross-Border Payments Payhawk helps businesses that work internationally by allowing them to do transactions in different currencies. Many of these currencies offer 0 FX (foreign exchange) fees, reducing the cost of cross-border transactions. It also makes sending money to different countries easier, simplifying how businesses manage their money globally. Basically, it helps businesses save time and money by doing all their international money stuff in one place. Cost-center Management Payhawk enables businesses to establish and create ownership for cost centers while tracking payments and expenses. This grants budget owners real-time visibility into their project budgets, aiding them in evaluating actual spending and giving them complete and accurate spending visibility to support projections. The software lets teams set up company hierarchies via approval workflows, too, meaning that all the right approvals go through all the right approvers, even across international teams. Payhawk also furnishes live cash flow data and comprehensive reports on the overall company expenditure by cost center, team, category, supplier, and employee. This can offer valuable insights into how funds are allocated across different functions, facilitating necessary budget adjustments to uphold financial discipline. Payhawk also offers rapid reimbursements to employees in their local currency, covering over 50 currencies in 160+ countries. The platform provides transparent transfer costs, customizable approval workflows, and automatic reconciliation to your ERP, streamlining efficient and transparent reimbursement processes. ERP and Master Data Transfers Payhawk supports the two-way, real-time transfer of ERP and master data, including tax rates, suppliers, and employees, on a subsidiary-by-subsidiary basis. This means that all financial information is kept up to date throughout the organization, reducing mistakes and the need for manual work. Moreover, the software's ability to handle detailed data transfers makes it suitable for complex organizational structures with multiple subsidiaries, ensuring that all entities operate with consistent and accurate financial data. No. 2 Expensify Overview Expensify has grown significantly since its inception, now serving millions of users across various industries and boasting a client list including small and large businesses. Expensify's mission is to "eliminate the frustrations of expense management," and it continues to innovate with new features and integrations to stay ahead in the competitive market. This expense management software is designed to make the process of tracking and managing expenses easier for startups. It offers a comprehensive solution for businesses to handle everything from receipt scanning to reimbursement and accounting integration. The software is available as a web application and a mobile app, making it accessible and convenient for users. Expensify integrates with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite. This integration facilitates data transfer between platforms, reducing the need for manual entry and minimizing the risk of errors. It also supports the direct export of expense data into accounting systems, streamlining financial reconciliation and reporting. Key Features Multi-Currency and International Support For businesses operating globally, Expensify offers multi-currency support, allowing users to submit expenses in various currencies. The software automatically converts foreign currency expenses to the base currency, making it easier to manage international spending. This feature is essential for companies with employees traveling or working in different countries. Corporate Card Reconciliation Expensify offers support for corporate card reconciliation. It automatically imports transactions from linked corporate cards, allowing users to match receipts to transactions effortlessly. With this, it ensures that all corporate spending is accounted for and reconciled accurately. Receipt Scanning and OCR One of Expensify's standout features is its receipt scanning capability. Users can snap a photo of their receipts using the mobile app, and Expensify's Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology automatically extracts and categorizes the relevant information. This significantly reduces the burden of manual data entry and ensures accuracy in expense reporting. Expense Reports and Approvals Users can compile expenses into a report, which can then be submitted for approval with just a few clicks. The software allows for customizable approval workflows, ensuring that reports are reviewed and approved by the appropriate parties. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with multi-tiered approval processes. No. 3 Certify Overview Founded in 2008, Certify has grown significantly over the years, establishing itself as a leader in the industry. The company is headquartered in Portland, Maine, and is part of the Certify, Inc. family, including other prominent expense management solutions such as Nexonia, Tallie, and Abacus. Certify's goal is to provide businesses of all sizes with easy-to-use and innovative tools to manage their expense reporting processes efficiently. The company is dedicated to putting its customers first and ensuring that its solutions exceed the expectations of its diverse clientele. By focusing on continuous improvement and innovation, Certify aims to simplify the often complex expense management process, making it more straightforward, faster, and more precise. This expense management software is designed to automate and streamline the expense reporting process. The software operates in the cloud, allowing users to access it from anywhere, at any time, using any internet-connected device. This flexibility is especially beneficial for businesses with frequent travelers or remote workers. Key Features Smart Categorization and Policy Compliance The software intelligently categorizes expenses based on predefined rules and company policies. It also flags any expenses that do not comply with company policies, ensuring that employees adhere to guidelines and reducing the risk of fraudulent claims. Advanced Analytics and Automated Reporting Certify provides powerful analytics and reporting features. Users can create detailed reports to gain insights into spending patterns, identify opportunities to save costs and ensure compliance with company policies. The dashboard offers a real-time overview of expenses, allowing managers to make well-informed decisions. It can also automate the process of creating expense reports by collecting data from receipts and credit card transactions. Users can simply take a photo of their receipt using the mobile app, and the software will extract the relevant information, categorize the expense, and add it to the report. Integration with Financial Systems Certify integrates with popular accounting and ERP systems, such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, and SAP. This integration ensures that expense data is accurately recorded in the company's financial systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. Travel Booking Integration Certify integrates with various travel booking platforms, allowing users to book flights, hotels, and rental cars directly through the software. This consolidates travel and expense data, providing a more comprehensive view of travel-related expenditures. No. 4 ExpensePoint Overview ExpensePoint is a cloud-based expense management software designed to streamline and automate the process of tracking, submitting, and approving employee expenses. The software is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features that cater to the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. ExpensePoint integrates with various accounting systems and travel management platforms, providing a cohesive and efficient solution for managing expenses. The software is accessible from any device with internet connectivity, making it convenient for users to manage expenses on the go. ExpensePoint supports multiple currencies and languages, making it a suitable choice for companies with international operations. The platform is designed to be highly configurable, allowing organizations to tailor the system to their specific expense policies and procedures. Key Features Security Security is a top priority for ExpensePoint. The software employs advanced security measures, including data encryption, secure access controls, and regular security audits to protect sensitive financial information. Additionally, ExpensePoint is compliant with various industry standards and regulations, ensuring data privacy and protection. Approval Workflow The software offers a customizable approval workflow that allows organizations to define multiple approval levels based on their policies. Managers can review and approve expense reports electronically, ensuring compliance with company guidelines and speeding up the reimbursement process. Expense Report Automation ExpensePoint automates the creation of expense reports, significantly reducing the time employees spend on administrative tasks. Users can easily capture receipts using their mobile devices and the system automatically extracts relevant data using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. This feature minimizes manual data entry and ensures accuracy No. 5 Navan Overview Navan, formerly known as TripActions, is a leading provider of travel and expense management solutions. Navan's expense management software is designed to integrate seamlessly with its travel management solution, offering a unified platform for managing both travel and expenses. The software leverages AI and machine learning to automate expense reporting, reduce manual entry, and ensure compliance with company policies. Navan's software is cloud-based, ensuring accessibility from anywhere and compatibility with various devices. It also integrates with popular accounting and ERP systems, facilitating smooth data flow and reducing the need for manual reconciliations. Key Features AI-Powered Compliance The software uses AI to enforce compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. It flags non-compliant expenses and provides suggestions for corrections, ensuring that all reports adhere to predefined guidelines. This feature helps companies maintain control over spending and avoid policy violations. Integration with Travel Management One of Navan's key strengths is its seamless integration with the company's travel management solution. This integration allows for the automatic import of travel bookings and expenses, creating a cohesive travel and expense management experience. Employees can book travel and manage expenses within a single platform, simplifying the process and improving efficiency. Real-Time Analytics and Reporting Navan provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities, offering insights into spending patterns and trends. Finance teams can generate detailed reports on various expense categories, departments, and time periods, aiding in financial planning and decision-making. The real-time data ensures that companies have up-to-date information for timely interventions. Conclusion Integrating expense management software into your company's financial strategy is more than just a passing trend. It's a strategic move that can significantly enhance your business operations. The benefits are tangible: increased efficiency, enhanced accuracy, improved financial visibility, a better employee experience, and the potential for scalable growth. These advantages make the investment in expense management software a smart and worthwhile decision. Choose from the Top 5 Best Expense Management Software of 2024 and make your business financials easier to manage. California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a bold initiative to eliminate school smartphone usage. In a recent statement, Newsom emphasized how crucial it is for students to focus on their studies rather than become distracted by screens. The 56-year-old politician said that children and teens should be focused on what they are studying inside the school and not on using gadgets. Legislative Action for Smartphone Restrictions Governor Newsom will collaborate with the California legislature to implement these restrictions by August. This effort would align California with other states that have already imposed strict limits on smartphone use in educational settings. Restricting the use of handsets is no longer a new scene since UNESCO previously expressed concerns over too much use of technology in the classroom. While there's no harm in using tech tools during class, the agency argued that teachers shouldn't do it excessively as they will not replace conventional teaching methods. Growing Concern Over Smartphone Impact The initiative is a nationwide issue, highlighting the potential harms of smartphones and social media to young people. According to The Verge, problems such as cyberbullying and body image problems are increasingly prominent, and schools have become central in addressing these concerns. Distracted students using their phones during class is a major issue, prompting various states to take legislative action. Newsom and His Aim to Ban Smartphones During School Hours Apparently, this is not the first time that Newsom has pushed for a more comprehensive approach that would bar students from using phones in class. In 2019, Newsom signed a law allowing school districts to restrict or ban smartphone use during school hours. The new proposed legislation would take this further, establishing statewide school smartphone use limits. He believes this will protect young people from the negative impacts of digital technology. Enhancing Protections for Underage Users Newsom's efforts are not limited to schools. In 2022, he signed legislation compelling social media companies to bolster protections for underage users. This law includes restrictions on the amount of data collected from young users and limits on data sales. "It is time for the tech industry to stop standing in the way of important protections for our kids and teens, and to start working with us to keep our kids safe," he said. National Momentum and Local Actions The governor's recent announcement follows the US Surgeon General's call for warning labels on social media platforms, emphasizing the mental health risks associated with social media use among adolescents. As Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy wrote in The New York Times, there's a need to include a warning label on social media apps and indicate that they can bring mental health problems to adolescents. States Leading the Charge While Congress remains in a stalemate, states and school districts are taking proactive measures. Florida and Indiana have enacted laws restricting smartphone use in schools. The Los Angeles Unified School District board recently voted to develop policies prohibiting students from using cell phones and social media throughout the school day. More work needs to be done before Newsom's initiative can function. Although it's a great step to lessen students' distractions, it would still spark a debate among people who oppose it. Outside the US, Sweden imposed a smartphone ban law inside the classrooms in 2022. There have been many talks about using Tesla's Cybertruck in the force, but Dubai has made it happen now, showing off new decals for the electric pickup bearing its patrol colors. The Dubai Police General Command showed off the latest addition to its fleet, centering on the futuristic look of the Cybertruck and calling it a 'luxury' electric car. Dubai residents and visitors can view and take pictures with the Cybertruck patrol car, which will be displayed to the public before it is used for actual service. Tesla Cybertruck is Now a Police Car in Dubai A post from the Dubai Police's official Instagram page shows off their latest addition to the fleet, flaunting its Tesla Cybertruck wrapped in its patrol car decals and soon to be used in service. The world can now check out this electric pickup in its law enforcement glory in the Dubai Mall, available for public viewing in front of the Dubai Ice Rink from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time. Instead of the shiny stainless steel body and finish, the public would see it sporting white and green decals featuring the Dubai Police's insignia. There was also an older post from the Dubai Police showing off the Cybertruck in action, escorting two vehicles behind it, but not in actual squad encounters or response to calls. Read Also : Tesla Cybertruck Windshield Wiper Problems Cause Delivery Issues, Customers Claim Luxury Security Patrol: Cybertruck's Dubai Stint In its post, the Dubai Police General Command called the Cybertruck a "tourist police luxury patrol fleet," celebrating the addition of clean energy pickup to its lineup. It seems like the Dubai Police owns only one unit of the Cybertruck for now, considering that it is currently sold exclusively in the US, a special import by its government for the force. Tesla Cybertruck for Law Enforcement When the Cybertruck was nearing its release, Tesla CEO and co-founder Elon Musk touted its significant features, and at one point, he focused on showing off its security capabilities. There are different variants of the Cybertruck, but all cars have bulletproof bodies thanks to its 3mm steel sheet plating, with an option for a shatterproof window or fully bulletproof glass that cannot be rolled down. With these massive features of the new electric pickup, online users have talked about using the Tesla Cybertruck as a police cars, which also caught the attention of the Rosenberg Police Department. The department floated the idea of replacing its fleet with Cybertruck units, and Musk responded to this with a '100' emoji, which shows that he supports the idea. The stock configuration of a bulletproof body and either a shatterproof or bulletproof window already makes the Cybertruck an ideal candidate for a police car, not to mention its rugged specification. With that, Dubai was among the first to make this a reality, now on display for the public, but soon as a tourist, luxury patrol fleet for its police. Artificial intelligence-generated comedy still reportedly requires humans, as it remains a struggle to write comedic content independently, as revealed by a new Google Deepmind study. The primary goal of the study was to examine how huge language models and artificial intelligence affect the creation of comics by examining seasoned comedians who have already used AI. The study found that although the technology might be used to do preparatory chores such as structuring a monologue or creating a rough first draft, it was often unable to generate truly hilarious content. The research's comedian participants expressed optimism about the ability of LLMs to help with specific tasks related to the comic writing process. Nonetheless, many participants voiced their dissatisfaction with the general low caliber of the outputs produced and the amount of labor needed to achieve a good outcome. As a result, several AI use cases were characterized as being more basic for the planning phase, such as the tool serving as a conversational collaborator for brainstorming ideas, critic, helper for choreography, interpreter, and historical expert. The participants observed that although AI has the potential to be a useful tool for comedy writers, its safety filtering and moderation processes hinder the creative freedom of human authors who use LLMs by acting as the text's first editor and preventing writers from exercising self-moderation. AI's Limitations to Comedy The inability to use LLMs to write about numerous themes typical of comic writing, such as sexually suggestive content, dark humor, and inappropriate jokes, was a source of frustration. Although most participants believed that alternative methods of safety filtering could mitigate the challenges brought forth by moderating instruction tailoring, they also discussed some of the more basic LLM constraints. As they put it, LLMs would never be able to produce humor on a human level because models lack perspective, the ability to draw on personal experience, and the context and situational awareness essential to a successful comedy. AI Comedy Studies Research on the comic potential of artificial intelligence is not new; in April, scholars from the University of Sydney examined humor and the potential for AI to improve comedic skills. Their research focused on creating an AI-powered tool to help people create clever cartoon captions, specifically for submissions to The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest. Twenty participants, many with little background in humor composition, were given the job of creating 400 cartoon captions in a controlled experiment. The AI tool assisted in the creation of half of these captions, while the remaining ones were created independently. After this stage, an additional set of 67 people was recruited to assess the captions' humor value. The results also showed a clear trend: people thought captions created with AI support were funnier than captions created without it. Remarkably, the AI-assisted captions' ratings only fell short by 30% of the humorous quality of the top-scoring entries in The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest. The AI tool was well-received by the participants, who noted that it helped them generate ideas, nurture amusing tales, and clarify funny nuances. Furthermore, the research team found that almost half of the captions created with AI support had higher comedy ratings than the original articles that The New Yorker published. Microsoft's new vision foundation model, centered on Florence-2, is capable of handling different types of capabilities and features for clients. Microsoft's Azure AI team released it, and it has not yet been tested in real-world processes, but it promises significant capabilities that enable vision-related tasks or applications for various needs. Its new model offers a variety of experiences it can fulfill for users, and it supersedes the single-use vision models that may no longer function if given a new task. Microsoft's Florence-2 From Azure AI Team Is Now Here Microsoft's Azure AI team released the Florence-2 vision foundation model at HuggingFace (via VentureBeat). It offers vision and vision-language tasks for users. It can handle different functionalities through a unified, prompt-based representation, said VentureBeat, and is available in two size parameters, including 232M and 771M. Microsoft's Florence-2 is regarded as bringing significant features to the table and can match other vision models in the market with massive capabilities. It already offers features such as object detection, segmentation, visual grounding, captioning, and other tasks for its clients. Read Also : AI Vision is Less Superior than Human Vision New Study Finds Florence-2: Microsoft's Vision Foundation Model The report claimed that Microsoft's Florence-2 has not yet been tested in its real-world performance. However, it can already deliver significant expectations to enterprises through a single, unified approach for different technology applications. Moreover, it already offers significant capabilities that surpass task-specific vision models available in the market, as it can offer various outputs and would not require separate ones for different tasks. AI Vision: What It Brings to the Table AI vision has been a long debate and discussion in the tech industry, particularly as it saw a significant rise as generative AI models have taken their place in the world. It is known that OpenAI is among the earliest to float the vision experience for AI models, and it is looking to improve more of its artificial intelligence developments through this new input. Microsoft has released various releases behind its AI developments, centering on better tech capabilities, especially for its availability on Windows via Copilot. Vision is one of the techs the company is developing to deliver improved functionality that will greatly improve what it offers, with significant support from its partnership with OpenAI. Among the big names in AI, Google also delivers this kind of artificial intelligence called Vision AI, which will soon deliver expanded capabilities for all. Microsoft's foray into AI vision is now coming to fruition, with Azure AI's Florence-2 offering significant advancements to its system expansion. To increase nuclear energy use in the US, Congress approved the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act. The bill needs President Joe Biden's signature to become law. The Senate passed the bill on Tuesday after the House passed a similar law in February. According to The Verge, the Advance Act accelerates next-generation nuclear reactor development and helps elderly reactors operate. Despite its controversy, nuclear energy has earned bipartisan support for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. The bill instructs the US Department of Energy to simplify export approval and decrease regulatory costs for advanced nuclear reactor licensees. It encourages the deployment of these technologies and requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to license small reactors at brownfields and old fossil fuel-generating sites as soon as possible. The bill speeds up licensing reviews for new reactors at existing nuclear plants and simplifies environmental reviews. Nuclear Power Remains a Key Source of Energy in The US Evan Chapman, Clean Air Task Force's US federal policy director, said nuclear energy plays a crucial role amid the continued efforts of the US to decarbonize its energy system and "address growing energy demand." Nuclear energy has health and environmental dangers, according to some groups. In addition to meltdowns like the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi tragedy in Japan, the United States fails to store radioactive waste safely. Moreover, uranium mining and processing for fuel raises environmental concerns. Nuclear power generated 48% of the US carbon-free electricity in 2023, making it the greatest domestic clean energy source. Steam from boiling water powers a turbine in nuclear power plants, which creates energy without greenhouse gases. Fission splits uranium atoms in a nuclear reactor core to create heat. According to the US Department of Energy, nuclear energy is one of the most reliable sources of energy in the US. In 2023, nuclear power stations ran at full capacity over 93% of the time, exceeding natural gas (58.8%), coal (42.1%), wind (33.5%), and solar (23.3%) facilities. Because of their inexpensive maintenance and extended operational durations between refuelings, nuclear reactors run 24/7, usually 1.5 to 2 years. Catching Up with China The latest development in the US nuclear energy sector comes after a recent study revealed that it is already lagging behind China in infrastructure. A study conducted by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation found that the US is 10 to 15 years behind China in constructing next-generation reactors, suggesting that the US industrial strategy has become complacent. Al Jazeera reported that China unveiled the first fourth-generation nuclear facility at Shidao Bay in Shandong last December. Chinese state media have praised the plant's gas-cooled reactors as safer and more efficient than earlier nuclear technology. The research revealed that China is developing 27 nuclear reactors, each of which will become operational in seven years, faster than most other countries. The US generates one-third of worldwide nuclear electricity with its 94 reactors, but it has only constructed two new reactors in the past decade; both were years late and billions over budget. The Washington-based research group said that China now leads nuclear fusion patent applications and increased its nuclear patent share from 1.3% to 13.4% between 2008 and 2023. The study pointed out that a "coherent national strategy" of low-interest financing, feed-in tariffs, and expedited regulatory approvals has accelerated China's nuclear energy advancement. It also highlighted that Beijing's "broader energy strategy" made the construction of domestic nuclear reactors a priority. China could use its domestic nuclear capacity for competitive reactor exports, similar to its 'dual-circulation' plan for electric vehicles and batteries. The FBI has officially taken down the culprit behind "the world's largest botnet," a scheme that infected more than 19 million devices through VPN exploitation. This scheme allowed cybercriminals to commit various crimes while still hiding their identities. According to reports, YunHe Wang, 35, a Chinese national who was also a St. Kitts and Nevis resident, developed and ran the botnet system known as "911 S5". Wang was apprehended on May 24. The federal government claims it created a network with over 19 million distinct IP addresses and used malware to infect millions of Windows personal PCs worldwide. According to the federal government, he used malware to infect millions of Windows personal computers worldwide, creating a network with over 19 million unique IP addresses. Wang is charged with developing the method that made it possible for criminals to commit crimes using identity masks. Botnet 911 S5 According to the DOJ, he accomplished this by developing and spreading a botnet called 911 S5, which he used to infiltrate and assemble a global network of millions of home Windows PCs between 2014 and July 2022. Over 19 million distinct IP addresses were linked to these devices, with 613,841 being found in the United States. According to the Department of Justice, Wang made about $99 million between 2018 and July 2022 by selling proxied IP addresses that had been taken over by someone else through his 911 S5 enterprise. He was paid in both fiat money and cryptocurrencies for these sales. Wang purchased real estate in China, Singapore, the US, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and St. Kitts & Nevis with this money. FBI's Latest Cybercriminal Takedowns FBI's latest crackdown proves how the organization remains consistent with its operations against cybercriminals. This February, US and UK authorities took down the notorious cybercrime gang LockBit, known for its ransomware assaults that obstruct users' entry into their computer systems in return for a ransom payment, in a concerted international effort. The agencies have admitted their role in disrupting the LockBit gang's activities, but they also made it clear, at the time, that the mission was "developing" and going strong, suggesting a deliberate attempt to dismantle the criminal organization. LockBit, a gang well-known for its extensive ransomware attacks that target organizations across many industries, appears to have compromised some of the largest businesses in the world in recent months. US officials have characterized it as one of the most dangerous ransomware threats globally. It has infected more than 1,700 US companies, including those in the banking, insurance, learning, transit, and government sectors. The gang's method of operation includes stealing confidential information from its targets and demanding substantial payments, with the threat of making the stolen data publicly available. LockBit is an advanced cybercrime organization that enlists associates to use its digital extortion tools in attacks. Artificial intelligence military technology has reportedly reached a new height in China after a University study analyzed the capabilities of an AI-powered military leader in war simulation games. At the Joint Operations College of the National Defence University in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, AI replicates the characteristics of human military leaders, encompassing their aptitudes, demeanor, and cognitive processes. Now restricted to the lab, the AI commander commands many of its forces in developing virtual war scenarios. Its capacity for quick learning is reported, highlighting its possible strategic significance. The Chinese-language journal Common Control & Simulation has published research findings indicating that integrating AI in military operations is considered "viable." This development is likely to raise concerns among AI critics, who fear what this means for humanity. Read Also : AI Drones Leveraged to Detect Underwater Mines by US Navy US on AI-Powered Military Planning While one of China's most recent military technological innovations is an AI-powered military commander, the US has also recently investigated AI military planning capabilities, concentrating on using AI in the well-known military science fiction video game Starcraft II. US Army Research Laboratory researchers evaluated commercial AI chatbots as battlefield advisors in war game simulations to determine whether AI, especially OpenAI technology, can enhance the processes involved in battle preparation. According to reports, OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4 Vision models can interpret text and visual information better than prior AI agents in simulated settings. In previously reported studies, AI chatbots were used as military commander assistants. They quickly suggested different courses of action depending on the information about the battlefield environment, ally and hostile forces, and mission objectives. AI advisers utilizing GPT models have shown efficacy in quickly creating strategies, although they have faced difficulties, such as having greater losses than their counterparts. AI's Nuclear Weapon Preferences Concerns will surely arise if AI is used to advise or generalize military forces. This is especially the case in light of a recent study that revealed AI models favor nuclear weapons when making recommendations for military action. According to the multi-university study, several AI models, such as those created by OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic, tend to escalate disputes quickly and occasionally result in the use of nuclear weapons. Sources claim that the results show that all AI models showed signs of abrupt and unplanned escalation, frequently encouraging arms-race dynamics that lead to further violence. The likelihood of OpenAI's GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models to intensify interactions into serious military conflicts was especially notable. Models with more pacifistic and predictable decision-making processes included Claude-2.0 and Llama-2-Chat. For instance, in war simulations, GPT-4 used objectionable justifications to begin the nuclear war, like declaring a desire for world peace or supporting the deployment of nuclear weapons merely because they were available. The study highlights the dangers of AI decision-makers exhibiting characteristics of an arms race, which could result in higher military spending and quick escalation. Researchers have compared the rationale of OpenAI's models, which are well-known for their advanced language skills, to that of a homicidal dictator due to their unusual reasoning. Over 1,000 students have pledged to boycott job opportunities at Google and Amazon over the firms' involvement in Project Nimbus, in which they provide cloud computing services to the Israeli government. No Tech for Apartheid's Pledge Against Tech Giants With Tie to Israel The pledge is part of a campaign led by No Tech for Apartheid (NOTA), a coalition advocating for tech giants to end contracts perceived as supporting human rights violations. The coalition targets to gather 1,200 signatures from students and young workers, urging them to refuse job offers from Google and Amazon until these companies withdraw from Project Nimbus. Wired has reported that more than 1,100 STEM students and young professionals have committed to this pledge, citing concerns about the companies' support of Israel's policies toward Palestinians. Joining the #NoTechForApartheid campaign that calls for Amazon and Google to boycott and divest from Project Nimbus, they are taking a stand against what they perceive as troubling practices. Project Nimbus Linked to Google, Amazon Under this project, Google and Amazon secured a $1.2 billion contract to provide the Israeli government and military with cloud computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence services. Google has clarified that its involvement in Project Nimbus does not extend to tasks involving highly sensitive or classified military operations or intelligence services. Google employees have periodically protested against company projects and ethical dilemmas related to its AI development. One significant protest occurred in 2018, prompting Google to end its contract with the US Defense Department for "Project Maven," which focused on analyzing military video footage. Despite internal dissent over its practices, Google continues to thrive. Its primary revenue stream remains digital advertising, bolstered by its leading search engine. Google and Amazon, among the world's largest tech firms, are also major employers of STEM graduates. Students supporting the campaign come from Stanford, UC Berkeley, the University of San Francisco, and San Francisco State University, all located in California, where Google's headquarters are. NOTA has previously staged protests against tech companies' collaborations with Israel, including sit-ins and office takeovers that resulted in Google firing several employees. In March, an organizer was dismissed from Google for disrupting an executive's speech at an Israeli tech conference in New York, vocally opposing the development of technologies supporting genocide or surveillance. NOTA has been actively involved in protests against Project Nimbus in recent months. Eddie Hatfield, a NOTA organizer, was terminated by Google in March after disrupting the Google Israel managing director's speech at a tech conference in New York. Following a sit-in organized by NOTA at Google's New York and Sunnyvale offices, more than 50 Google employees were subsequently fired. Despite Google's assertion that Project Nimbus does not involve classified or military activities, leaked documents have linked the contract to work for Israel's military. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Suspect Tries Bossing Arkansas Trooper Around People can do some weird things when a cop turns on their lights and signals for them to pull over. This might be when you get stopped by an officer of the law they seem a little uptight. The worst thing you can do is be combative and unpleasant to them like what this guy who gets stopped in his little Chevrolet Cruze by an Arkansas State Police trooper. Stolen Ford truck fights Arkansas State Police. Cops also get frustrated when they put their lights on and you keep driving for blocks and blocks without stopping like what this guy does. While you should find a safe place to pull over, you dont need to just keep driving in hopes the officer just gives up and moves on to someone else. ADVERTISEMENT After running the drivers info, the trooper learns this guy has an active warrant. Maybe thats why he didnt want to stop? The suspect tries making the trooper feel sorry for him by acting like hes just an innocent victim of the system. When that doesnt work, he quickly turns combative and starts lecturing the trooper about what will and wont happen. Just a little tip for anyone whos confused about how things work: during a traffic stop an officer of the law can order you out of the vehicle and you must comply. If you dont, theyre well within their legal rights to forcefully remove you from the vehicle and youre probably going to pick up a resisting charge plus maybe get tazed. Instead, this guy this guy persists in lecturing the trooper about how things are going to be. Thats met with a warning about what the trooper will do if he doesnt comply and things start turning explosive. As the trooper tries pulling the guy out of the Cruze, the suspect decides to take off. Fortunately he doesnt drag the trooper along for the ride. As one might expect the ensuing chase is short because little Chevy Cruze is gutless and the suspect seems to only halfheartedly try fleeing. Thats when the trooper does the ASP special, pitting the little compact and arresting the suspect. So he got the same result, only with more charges and a crunched car. Story continues But wait, after getting arrested this guy doesnt do the sensible thing and just shut up. Instead, he keeps trying to argue with the trooper and tries rewriting the memory of what happened. Some people just never learn. Image via YouTube Follow The Auto Wire on Google News. Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. NASA is set to launch an artificial star into space to refine the accuracy of astronomical measurements. The mission, called Landolt, features a toaster-sized device equipped with eight lasers that would mimic the light from stars and other celestial objects. NASA to Launch Artificial Star Into Space: The Landolt Mission The $19.5 million Landolt mission aims to enable scientists to make more precise measurements of stars. This data could also aid in studying dark energy, the elusive force believed to drive the universe's accelerated expansion. George Mason University will host this unique mission, which was named in honor of the late astronomer Arlo Landolt, who created the influential stellar brightness catalogs in the 1970s and 1980s. The artificial star, scheduled for launch in 2029, will emit light at a known rate of photons. Researchers aim to develop new stellar brightness catalogs by observing them alongside real stars. The artificial star will orbit Earth at a height of 22,236 miles, appearing as a star to telescopes on the ground. This orbit allows the star to move at the same rate as Earth's rotation, keeping it fixed over the United States in its first year in space. The payload will be developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Faculty and students from Mason's College of Science and College of Engineering and Computing will join forces with NASA, NIST, and nine other organizations on this mission. The Landolt mission aims to tackle several astrophysical challenges, such as understanding the universe's expansion speed and acceleration, by placing an artificial star in orbit. Improving the Accuracy of Measuring Stellar Brightness The mission's focal point is enhancing telescope calibration to significantly improve the accuracy of measuring stellar brightness across a range of celestial phenomena, from nearby stars to distant supernovae in faraway galaxies. The team plans to launch a small satellite equipped with various lasers into space to achieve such precision. These lasers will emit consistent and well-defined brightness levels, surmounting the limitations of ground-based telescopes. Jamie Tayar, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Florida, emphasized that much of our comprehension of the universe hinges on our ability to gauge the brightness of celestial objects. Tayar will be part of the mission team. She expects the mission to establish a benchmark in comprehending star brightness, resulting in more accurate assessments of their dimensions, magnitude, and age. "The goal is to be able to figure out, for other planets orbiting other stars, whether they too could have oceans where life could presumably arise and live," Tayar said in a statement. "For each star, you need to know exactly how much energy is coming from the star, and exactly how far away the planet is, and so on." PayPal has recently announced the appointment of Srini Venkatesan as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the company's analytics and data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning developments. Venkatesan, who previously held a top tech executive role at Walmart, officially joins PayPal on June 24, 2024. This appointment comes as part of PayPal CEO Alex Chriss's strategy to leverage AI to enhance the company's tech infrastructure and services (via Reuters). Who is Srini Venkatesan? Srini Venkatesan is a seasoned technologist with a rich background in leading technological innovations and transformations across various high-profile companies. At Walmart, Venkatesan led the US Omni Platforms and Tech organization, overseeing a team of 14,000, Reuters tells us. His responsibilities included building platforms to support Walmart's vast retail operations, including elements of the Walmart+ subscription service. Before his tenure at Walmart, Venkatesan held key positions at Yahoo, eBay, StubHub, and Marketo, where he led product and technology teams, focusing on areas such as display and video ad technology. PayPal's Shift to AI Under the leadership of CEO Alex Chriss, who took the helm in September 2023, PayPal has been aggressively pursuing AI-driven innovations to stay competitive in the fintech sector. According to Reuters, Chriss has described 2024 as a "transition year" for PayPal, emphasizing the importance of AI in driving the company's future growth. The appointment of Venkatesan aligns with this vision, aiming to harness AI to revolutionize commerce and enhance customer experiences. "As we execute our mission to revolutionize commerce globally, Srini's experience leading technology, digital transformation, and AI personalization from inside some of our largest customers and partners will be invaluable," said Chriss. Read Also : Walmart Expands Robotic Workforce with Autonomous Electric Forklifts Venkatesan's Vision for PayPal In his new role, Venkatesan will be responsible for the development and implementation of technology across the entire PayPal ecosystem, the company said. This includes areas such as analytics and data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, information security, infrastructure operations, and product engineering. Venkatesan expressed his enthusiasm about joining PayPal, stating, "I'm incredibly excited about joining PayPal and bringing together my experiences across tech and retail to personalize customers' shopping experiences." Archie Deskus, PayPal's current CTO, will depart in July after supporting the transition. Deskus has been instrumental in strengthening PayPal's technology team and processes, making significant progress towards operating as a true platform company. PayPal's Latest AI Developments In January 2024, PayPal announced a suite of new AI features aimed at enhancing customer and merchant experiences. These include: Smart Receipts: An AI feature that helps customers track their purchases and suggests future purchases based on shopping history. This feature also allows merchants to offer cashback incentives and personalized recommendations. Advanced Offers Platform: A performance-based function that uses AI to analyze merchant transaction data, enabling retailers to personalize offers and be charged only for actual results rather than impressions or clicks. Fastlane: A one-click guest checkout feature that simplifies the payment process by eliminating the need for users to repeatedly enter their information. CashPass: A feature providing tailored cash-back deals based on purchase patterns, offering users additional incentives to use PayPal. Stay posted here at Tech Times. In 2023, the world used more fossil fuels than ever before. Even with significant growth in renewable energy, the world's reliance on fossil fuels like coal and oil has not changed much, leaving a number of questions on the global energy transition. 2023 Posts Record-Breaking Energy Consumption The 73rd annual Statistical Review of World Energy by the Energy Institute (EI), KPMG, and Kearney highlights a record-breaking global primary energy consumption of 620 exajoules (EJ) in 2023, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year. Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, accounted for 505 EJ, marking a 1.5% rise. This increase in fossil fuel consumption led to a significant surge in energy-related emissions, which exceeded 40 gigatonnes of CO2 for the first time, representing a 2% rise. Coal consumption increased by 1.6%, and oil usage rose by 2%, surpassing 100 million barrels per day for the first time. These figures reflect a persistent global dependency on fossil fuels, even as efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources intensify. Renewable Energy Presents Silver Lining Amid this surge in fossil fuel use, renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, showed remarkable growth. Renewable electricity generation, excluding hydro, reached a record high of 4,748 terawatt-hours (TWh), up 13% from 2022. This growth was driven predominantly by wind and solar power, which accounted for 74% of the net additional electricity generated. As a result, renewables (excluding hydro) now constitute 8% of the global primary energy mix, rising to 15% when including hydroelectric power. Despite this progress, the share of fossil fuels in the energy mix remains largely unchanged at 81.5%, down only marginally from 82% the previous year. Read Also : Octopus Energy, Tesla Partner to Revolutionize Home Energy Production and Storage Europe Fossil Fuel Consumption Falls The Department of Transportation's (DOT) recent move to finalize the updated fuel economy standards marks another step in President Joe Biden's efforts to address climate change and promote cleaner energy practices. The energy consumption landscape varies significantly across different regions. In Europe, the share of fossil fuels in primary energy fell below 70% for the first time since the Industrial Revolution, driven by a 7% drop in gas demand and the rapid growth of renewable energy. Europe's gas imports from Russia plummeted to 15%, down from 45% in 2021, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports outpacing piped gas for the second consecutive year. In contrast, India saw an 8% increase in fossil fuel consumption, which now accounts for 89% of its total energy use. Notably, India's coal usage surpassed that of Europe and North America combined. Similarly, China's fossil fuel consumption rose by 6%, though its share of primary energy has been on a decline since 2011, reaching 81.6% in 2023. China also led the world in renewable energy additions, contributing 55% of all new renewable capacity, more than the rest of the world combined. "The progress of the transition is slow, but the big picture masks diverse energy stories playing out across different geographies," EI Chief Executive Nick Wayth said in a statement. Stay posted here at Tech Times. With 2024 as the era of artificial intelligence, we expect to see smartphones getting AI-powered features just like what Samsung did to Galaxy S24. What's interesting is that foldable handsets can likely bring these features soon. For example, Motorola's Razer Plus 2024 is ready to take on Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6. While the South Korean company is a known giant in the smartphone business, a new leak suggests that its foldable will be outmatched by Motorola when it comes to camera upgrades. If this is real, then we are bound to witness a hot contest between the two foldable powerhouses. Leaked Video Reveals About Motorola Razr+ 9to5Google discovered a leaked marketing video by @MysteryLupin on X featuring the Razr Plus 2024. From the looks of it, the clip is a legit promotional video from Motorola. The marketing touches are on point, indicating that it's highly credible. If that's the case, then what we saw in the video are the features that will be available to the upcoming Motorola foldable. flip the script pic.twitter.com/MBI8YQj229 Arsene Lupin (@MysteryLupin) June 19, 2024 Related Article: New Moto Razr+ 2024 Leaks Show the Flagship in All of its Glory Motorola Razr+ to Boast Improved Camera As highlighted in the video, the most noticeable camera upgrade is the telephoto camera. A game-changing feature in the making, it's not every day we see it in foldable devices. Neither the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 nor the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 offered this feature, and current leaks suggest the Galaxy Z Flip 6 won't either. However, this addition might come at the expense of an ultra-wide lens, as the Razr Plus 2024 still appears to have a dual-lens setup. Water Resistance Saves the Day, But There's a Catch The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 also boasts an IPX8 rating, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This is on par with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and a step up from the IP52 rating of its predecessor, which only protected against splashes. However, this upgrade in water resistance might mean a trade-off, as the 'X' in IPX8 indicates a lack of dust resistance. AI Integration for Enhanced Photography As expected, AI plays a significant role in the new Razr Plus, according to TechRadar. The video mentions that the phone is 'AI-powered,' likely referring to advanced AI photo-editing tools. These tools might enable users to move and remove elements within photos, similar to features seen on the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24. Display and Design The video describes the Razr Plus 2024's screen as the 'largest,' though the current Razr Plus already leads its clamshell rivals with a 6.9-inch foldable display and a 3.6-inch cover screen. It remains unclear if this year's model will have even larger displays. Design-wise, the Razr Plus 2024 looks similar to its predecessor, with a slightly smaller bezel below the cover screen. The phone will be available in various colors, including green, pink, and purple. Motorola has confirmed that its next foldables will be officially unveiled on June 25. Until then, these leaked details paint an exciting picture of the Razr Plus 2024, suggesting it could offer compelling advantages over the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. With advanced camera capabilities, improved water resistance, and AI-powered features, the Razr Plus 2024 is a force to be reckoned with-something that fans long to see in a foldable gadget. Meanwhile, Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the new Samsung Galaxy S25 series will rely on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipsets instead of Exynos. Screengrab via WWE This weeks episode of WWEs Monday Night Raw saw the much-anticipated debut of the new group Wyatt Sick6. The group, which had been teased for months via a QR code marketing campaign during WWEs broadcasts, is an homage to former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, who tragically passed away last August at 36 years old. Rotundas brother Taylor is also a wrestler for WWE, who formerly wrestled as Bo Dallas before returning as Uncle Howdy. Hes the leader of the group and has been tasked with continuing his brothers legacy in the company. The brothers were paired up on-screen for a brief period before Wyatts death. This week, WWE commentator Corey Graves joined Peter Rosenberg as he filled in for Michelle Beadle on the pairs podcast, Over the Top with Beadle and Rosenberg. Graves, who has been with the company since 2011 and came up through the companys developmental system with the Rotundas walked through what it was like to see the groups debut on Monday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peter Rosenberg (@rosenbergradio) I cried, Peter. I sobbed, Graves told Rosenberg. Id assumed it was going to happen at the end of the show and I wasnt sure what to expect, because its such a touchy subject. Because Bray, Windham, meant so many different things to so many different people, he added. I dont think it could have been done any better than it was Monday night, Graves said. The group left a trail of destruction backstage during their debut, which closed the show and left far more questions than answers for fans. [Peter Rosenberg] UK climate protest targets Taylor Swift plane airfield London, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 Climate activists on Thursday gained access to a UK airport where Taylor Swift's luxury plane is stationed and sprayed private jets with orange paint, a day after Stonehenge was attacked. The two activists made it on to the airfield at Stansted airport northeast of London, climate protest group Just Stop Oil said in a statement. Essex Police said they had arrested two women aged 22 and 28 on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with national infrastructure. The pair, named by Just Stop Oil as Jennifer Kowalski, 28, and Cole Macdonald, 22, used fire extinguishers filled with orange paint to spray two private jets, the group's statement said. It said they were demanding that Britain's next government after the July 4 general election legally commit to phasing out fossil fuels by 2030. In a post on X, Just Stop Oil added: "Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where @taylorswift13's jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030." The accompanying video showed one of the activists cutting a hole in the fence before spraying the paint over the jets. Taylor Swift has attracted criticism over her use of private jets. In 2022, she headlined a list published by British sustainability marketing firm Yard of the "worst private jet CO2 emission offenders" among celebrities. Her jet flew 170 times in 2022, with total flight emissions for the year reaching 8,293.54 tonnes, or 1,184.8 times more than the average person, Yard said. The protest at Stansted airport came a day after activists sprayed an orange substance on Stonehenge, the prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest England. Just Stop Oil said two activists had "decorated Stonehenge in orange powder paint" in a stunt that was roundly condemned by political leaders and heritage bodies. Police arrested two people on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. har/phz/gil X US urges EU to delay anti-deforestation law Brussels, Belgium, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 The United States has called on the European Union to delay a ban on imports of products driving deforestation, saying it would harm American producers unable to comply, the European Commission said Thursday. The EU law, set to take effect at the end of December, will bar a vast range of goods -- from coffee to cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubber -- if produced using land that was deforested after December 2020. The US call adds to concerns voiced by South American, Asian and African countries, and from within the EU itself, about the administrative burden the new law places on farmers and the forestry sector. The EU is the second-biggest market for consumption of the targeted products after China. Firms importing the merchandise in question to the 27-nation EU will be responsible for tracking up their supply chains to prove goods did not originate from deforested zones, relying on geolocation and satellite data. According to the Financial Times, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Trade Representative Katherine Tai wrote to the European Commission in late May to request a delay. They argued that the law, adopted in late 2022, posed "critical challenges" for US producers, and asked for implementation to be postponed "until these substantial challenges have been addressed." "We can confirm the receipt of the letter and, as always, we will reply in due course," a commission spokesman told AFP. "We are working actively in close collaboration with all stakeholders to prepare its entry into effect," he said. "The Commission keeps the situation under constant review and is working hard to ensure that all the conditions are met for smooth implementation," the spokesman added. The EU's environment commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius in March visited Paraguay, Bolivia and Ecuador to address criticisms of the new law. The bloc has offered technical and financial help for importers to get their tracing systems up to the needed level, responding to complaints that the EU changes will be costly for smaller farms in particular. The following month Sinkevicius also visited Ivory Coast, the world's leading cocoa producer, to address similar concerns there. Within the EU itself, the agriculture ministers of around 20 member states -- led by Austria and Finland -- warned in April about the law creating new bureaucratic hurdles for the farm sector, at the risk of harming investment and distorting competition. Under the law, exporting countries considered high-risk would have at least nine percent of products sent to the EU subjected to checks, with the proportion falling for lower-risk ones. As it stands, for want of an agreed classification system, the EU will consider all countries as "standard risk" as of the end of December -- triggering checks on three percent of imports. EU imports are responsible for 16 percent of global deforestation, according to WWF data. UK judges block new oil site over indirect climate impact London, June 20 (AFP) Jun 20, 2024 The UK Supreme Court ruled on Thursday against the development of a new oil well site in southern England, in a verdict campaigners said could affect future fossil fuel projects. Sarah Finch challenged a decision to allow the expansion at Horse Hill near London Gatwick Airport in 2019, arguing that indirect emissions had not been taken into account. "I am absolutely over the moon," she said after the judgement. "This is a welcome step towards a safer, fairer future." Finch and fellow campaigners argued the development was unlawful because the environmental impact assessment (EIA) only took into account the impact of extracting the oil, and not the effect of emissions produced when the oil was burned. UK legislation requires that EIAs must be conducted for all development projects likely to significantly impact the environment. But such assessments do not always account for indirect "downstream" emissions. The Supreme Court justices ruled three to two in favour of Finch, whose case was previously dismissed by two lower courts. The court said the council's decision was unlawful "because the emissions that will occur when the oil produced is burnt as fuel are within the scope of the EIA required by law". That effectively quashes permission to build four new oil wells and 20 years of oil production at the site. Under the plans, the site, discovered in 2015 and run by Horse Hill Developments, would have produced around 3.3 million tonnes of oil and 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. In the judgement, judge George Leggatt said "it seems to me plain" that emissions created by burning oil extracted at the site "are effects of the project". He stated that it was "not a valid ground" to argue that the oil being refined elsewhere before being burned meant it did not need to be considered as part of the environmental assessment. Friends of the Earth, which supported the case, called the ruling "groundbreaking" and said it could have "profound implications" for new fossil fuel projects, including a coal mine in northwest England and two proposed North Sea oil and gas fields. Those projects are also subject to legal challenges. Friends of the Earth Lawyer Katie de Kauwe said the ruling was "a watershed moment in the fight to stop further fossil fuel extraction projects in the UK and make the emissions cuts needed to meet crucial climate targets". She added: "The highest court in the country has ruled that planning permission for an oil project was granted unlawfully because there was no consideration of its full climate impact. "This judgement will make it harder for new fossil fuel projects to go ahead. They can no longer claim that downstream emissions are someone else's problem." As schools, parents and students are getting ready to return for the school year, statistics show that more Louisiana parents are opting out of standard childhood vaccines for their kindergartners, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When Peter Dutton went full throttle on the Coalitions plans to actually take the nuclear option on nuclear energy, it conjured up the satirical ABC comedy Utopia, a show based on a fictional government body, the Nation Building Authority, charged with building infrastructure projects. The TV series showcases the lunacy of politically or electorally driven policy on building massive uncosted, economically irrational projects, which the boffins at the NBA are pressured to support as the press release has already been written and no number of objections can derail the governments objective. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on nuclear energy. Credit: Rhett Wyman, Alex Ellinghausen, Getty Images Duttons announcement of a plan to build seven nuclear power plants has quickly been branded crazy brave by the Canberra press gallery, reflecting how it might play out with voters at the next election. Its a go-big-or-go-home piece of policy by the Coalition that ignores the countrys natural advantage: an abundance of sun, wind and land, and our drawback, which is a lack of technical expertise in building nuclear power stations. BAE Systems is considering either leasing or retaining the 5-hectare freehold. The company did not respond to a request for comment. Loading The Williamstown shipyard dates back to the 19th century and includes the heritage-listed Alfred Graving Dock built by Victorias government between 1864 and 1873 at a cost of more than 300,000. The dock, which enabled ship repairs, was the biggest infrastructure project undertaken by the government at the time and was of international importance, according to local and naval history sources. The site was also the original location of the Victorian Navy, which predated the Federation in 1901. Shipbuilding started in 1913 and was taken over by the Commonwealth during World War 1. Known as HM Naval Dockyard, it remained under the control of the Federal government until Transfield later known as Tenix acquired the site in 1987. Victorias historic role in the nations shipbuilding industry eroded over the last decade before finally ending in 2017 when the Turnbull government ploughed money into shipyards in Adelaide and Perth. Under the AUKUS program, any new submarines built in Australia will be built in Adelaide. CBRE agents Chris OBrien, Andrew Bell, Trent Hobart and Tom Hayes are handling the sale. Portfolios sales Two portfolio sales this month have reaped $27.5 million with 10 assets held in family hands for generations selling to new owners, five of them sourced through Stonebridge Property Groups Asia Practice team. The Levy familys KFC at 379 Chapel Street sold at auction for $5.25 million on a 4.67 per cent yield after bidding from seven parties. The short 2.5-year lease to KFC, coupled with the buildings heritage significance resulted in a level of market caution, Stonebridge agent Nic Hage said. 379 Chapel Street, South Yarra. A vacant workshop and warehouse at 10 Thompson Street, Abbotsford, close to the Carlton & United Brewery, fetched $2.8 million, and an office at 319 Queensberry Street in North Melbourne sold for $3.54 million. The Pistorino familys assets including an office building at 221 Drummond Street, a shop on Lygon Street, and a shop on Puckle Street in Moonee Ponds totalled $15.72 million. Stonebridge agents Nic Hage, Rorey James, Chao Zhang, Julian White, Dylan Kilner and Max Warren did the deals, along with Adam Guest. In other recent auctions, the T2 shop at 340 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy sold last week. Bidding from five parties got the price to $1.72 million and a 4.1 per cent yield. Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi, Ervin Niyaz and Ben Liu ran the auction. The neighbouring property at No.342 passed in and is listed for $2.1 million. Leased by the Blackout nightclub, it was once home to Rhumbarellas, one of Brunswick Streets early cafes. Lanes Capital Gain loves a historic laneway warehouse, and this week there are two adjoining properties for sale at 14-20 Goldie Place, which runs parallel to Queen Street and Hardware Lane. The 495-square-metre brick warehouses are on a 269-square-metre piece of land and last changed hands in 2016 for $5.45 million. They come with a much-coveted 5am liquor licence, and most recently housed Jaspers jazz bar. Loading The site was approved for a new 13-storey 34-unit apartment project in 2015, predating its inclusion in the Hardware Lane heritage precinct, but that never got off the ground. No.18-20 is an Edwardian warehouse, while its neighbour dates to the interwar years. Theyre located between Little Bourke and Lonsdale streets, behind Charter Halls 200 Queen Street. Cushman & Wakefield agents Anthony Kirwan, Daniel Wolman, Oliver Hay and Leon Ma have the listing and are expecting around $10 million for the site. Nearby, another Edwardian warehouse at 19-21 Niagara Lane is for sale at $4.55 million. The three-storey, 440-square-metre renovated property has been converted for residential use and boasts a rooftop terrace. The property is on a 118-square-metre parcel of land, and is one of only five warehouses remaining on Niagara Lane. CBRE agents Alex Brierly, Nathan Mufale and JJ Heng are handling enquiries. By the river Down by the river, a two-storey office at 524 Flinders Street, on the corner of Katherine and Mercantile places, is on the market for the first time in 41 years. The 635-square-metre building is on a 390-square-metre parcel of land a couple of doors away from Sandhill Roads redevelopment of the Waterside Hotel. Records show Aichi Investments paid $245,000 for the office in 1982. Colliers agents Matt Stagg, Nick Garoni, Ted Dwyer and Yvonne Zhou are running expressions of interest and are expecting around $10 million. 524 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Smell it? Scent marketing group Air Aroma is setting up shop at Morris Moor in Moorabbin, taking a 451-square-metre space in the business park. Air Aroma has signed a five-year lease with a five-year option at the former Philip Morris factory, and will also design a signature scent for the estate. Founded 20 years ago, Air Aroma makes bespoke scents for a range of businesses, including Hotel X, RM Williams, Ritz Carlton, Hugo Boss, Cathay Pacific, Langham Hotel, Mont Blanc and Manning Cartell. Air Aromas boss Alan Van Roemburg describes the scent-makers business as crafting unique olfactive logos. While plenty of people have an aversion to the smell of cigarettes, perfumes with tobacco notes are popular. Up Property bought the old Phillip Morris factory and warehouse in 2015 for $20 million after the tobacco giant shifted cigarette production to Korea. Major investors are already rethinking their plans to keep ploughing billions of dollars into Australian renewable energy after the opposition pledged to power the electricity grid with nuclear reactors, ditch Australias 2030 climate targets and extend the role of fossil fuels. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has reignited the nations long-running climate wars this week, pledging the Coalition would build seven nuclear generators and cut short the governments emissions reduction target. The governments target of cutting emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 is tied to increasing the share of renewables in the energy grid to 82 per cent, but Dutton said that would create an unacceptable risk of blackouts and power price spikes. Peter Duttons proposed nuclear power plants would be built at seven sites around the country. Credit: Monique Westermann The removal of bipartisan support for Australias climate targets has raised alarm among local and international investors who have poured billions of dollars into green energy projects. They say the Coalitions plan and calls from some in the Nationals to cap the rollout of renewable energy in favour of more coal and gas has introduced unprecedented sovereign risks for investment in the energy transition, and is already forcing them to reconsider long-term spending plans on renewables. OK, so were as thrilled as anyone that Collingwood cult hero Dane Swan is now an AFL hall-of-famer, but that wasnt our favourite bit of Tuesday nights black-tie induction affair, held for some reason at Melbourne Parks Centrepiece venue. Oh no, by far the best bit was a quieter part of the proceedings when the names of former league players who had passed away in the previous 12 months, including 1971 Hawthorn premiership player Michael Porter, were beamed up onto the big screen. Hawthorn premiership player Michael Porter is very much alive. Credit: The Age Trouble was, Porter is alive, kicking, and in good enough nick to be able to call his old skipper at the Hawks David Parkin, who was in the room at Melbourne Park. He assured Parkin that reports of his demise, as they say in the classics, were very much exaggerated, although he took the whole thing in good humour, were told. Warning: graphic content A 27-year-old man killed in an alleged road-rage incident in Sydneys west on Thursday was dragged 100 metres down a busy road and left to die, police say, while parents were dropping their children at school nearby. The driver of the vehicle that struck the man fled the scene on Jersey Road in Blackett, near Mount Druitt, about 8.45am. Police are now searching for the driver of a white ute. Acting Inspector Shane Ranee, from Mount Druitt police, said he believed road rage was a factor in the hit-run but did not say what act may have triggered it. Apparently the victim had gotten out of [his] vehicle after being threatened by a car following him and obviously, words were said. Thats whats led us to believe it could have happened because of a road-rage incident, Ranee said. Its no laughing matter for residents, but Angela Villella describes how close her apartment balcony is to the Mernda rail line in Melbournes north in almost comedic terms. I run a food business. I could serve a cup of coffee to people on the platform from my kitchen, she said. Its pathetic. The level crossing removal works on Keon Parade have resulted in a station being moved to within metres of apartments. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Villella, a former Darebin councillor, is part of a group of owners who have expressed their frustration with an unexpectedly intrusive neighbour: the rebuilt Keon Park train station, which opens on Friday. As part of level crossing removal works on Keon Parade, Reservoir, the station has been demolished and rebuilt on elevated tracks about 100 metres closer to the city. The City of Vincent is the latest council to set its 2024-25 rates rise as soaring operational costs have left some Perth metro councils scrambling to set their budgets. Residential properties in Vincent will get an increase of 4 per cent which equates to $1.21 per week and $63 per year. Loading In an emerging trend, the City of Vincent will increase rates on vacant lots by 8 per cent to incentivise owners to develop or sell their land. Vacant properties incur a huge cost to Vincent, as they are often left derelict, filled with rubbish, commonly attract anti-social behaviour and hamper the vibrancy of our suburbs, Mayor Alison Xamon said. Our aim is to see these sites being occupied or developed as this will not only address Perths housing crisis but also improve the safety of our neighbourhoods. The Town of Victoria Parks proposed 8 per cent increase was blamed on significant increases to core operational costs including waste disposal and staff pay rises. The 2024-25 rating year is a challenging budget to balance after an incredibly high inflation-fuelled 2023-24 lifted Town costs across the board, a report to Council said. Most metro councils are expected to adopt their annual budgets next Tuesday, June 25. A few minutes into his speech at a campaign rally this week, Donald Trump asked a question of the few thousand whod turned up to hear him speak. Is anybody going to watch the debate? Trump was in Racine, Wisconsin, on Tuesday (US time) but it was clear his mind was in Atlanta, the site of his match-up against US President Joe Biden next week. He repeatedly mused about the potential scenarios, lowering expectations that he would dominate Biden and then, as if he couldnt help himself, raising them again. Donald Trump during his campaign rally in Racine, Wisconsin, this week. Credit: The New York Times The expectation game is a particular challenge for the Trump campaign. Trump, 78, has spent months casting the 81-year-old Biden as a husk of a man who can barely walk or formulate complete sentences. Republicans have pumped out a stream of videos of Biden walking stiffly some deceptively edited that are meant to be proof of Bidens decline. Trumps supporters in Racine showed they have been marinating in this content. Biden cant stand up! one woman yelled during Trumps speech. She stood near another woman who wore a T-shirt with a picture of Biden that read: Impeach me. I wont remember. Tesla is the Only Domestic Automaker in Cars.com's 2024 American-Made Index Top 10 U.S.-Based Auto Production Facilities Are Up 144% Since 2020 CHICAGO, June 18, 2024 -- Car-shopping marketplace Cars.com today revealed its 19th annual American-Made Index . Cars.com experts independently evaluated more than 400 vehicles to generate this year's list of 100 vehicles contributing most to the U.S. economy in manufacturing, parts sourcing and employment. Tesla's Model Y continues its reign as the most American vehicle for the third consecutive year, followed by the Alabama-built Honda Passport taking the No. 2 spot and Tennessee-built Volkswagen ID.4 at No.3. Assembly Locations for the Top 10 Vehicles on Cars.com's 2024 American-Made Index Austin-based Tesla failed to repeat its 2023 sweep of the top four spots, with the Model X dropping to No. 9 and the Model 3 landing at No. 21 due to changes in workforce and domestic parts content, respectively. Despite this, Tesla still landed four of its vehicles on this year's Index three in the top 10 and was also the only domestic automaker in the top 10. Honda's Odyssey and Ridgeline boasting the most American-made minivan and pickup truck came in at No. 5 and No. 6., while the Toyota Camry and Jeep Gladiator each jumped 19 spots to land at No. 7 and No. 8. The Lexus TX makes a memorable entrance to the index, landing at No. 10. The complete list is available at Cars.com/AMI . "Over the last year, domestic manufacturing was thrust into the spotlight by the recent United Auto Workers organizing efforts and continues to be a hot topic with the impending presidential election," said Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for Cars.com's American-Made Index. "Pundits champion homegrown corporations as the key to investments in local and state economies. However, when it comes to the global automotive industry, the badge on the hood doesn't always reveal a vehicle's economic contributions. In fact, 66% of vehicles on Cars.com's 2024 American-Made Index come from foreign automakers that support communities in Alabama, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio." Rank Make/Model U.S. Assembly Location 1. Tesla Model Y Fremont, Calif. Austin, Texas 2. Honda Passport Lincoln, Ala. 3. Volkswagen ID.4 Chattanooga, Tenn. 4. Tesla Model S Fremont, Calif. 5. Honda Odyssey Lincoln, Ala. 6. Honda Ridgeline Lincoln, Ala. 7. Toyota Camry Georgetown, Ky. 8. Jeep Gladiator Toledo, Ohio 9. Tesla Model X Fremont, Calif. 10. Lexus TX Princeton, Ind. Sweet Home, Alabama Over half of the vehicles on this year's list were assembled in the South, outpacing the 45% assembled in the Midwest.1 Alabama is at the forefront, with 15 vehicles produced in Huntsville, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery and Vance. Thousands of Alabamians are employed by Japanese-based Mazda, Toyota and Honda , South Korean automaker Hyundai and luxury German automaker Mercedes-Benz . In small towns like Lincoln and Vance , with populations of about 7,500 and 2,000, respectively, these foreign automakers have become vital to the local economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth through their investments in these communities. Notably, none of these automakers use UAW-represented labor only 39% of vehicles on this year's index were built by the union.2 This number could change as factory workers weigh joining the UAW. When it comes to consumer demand for American-made, 56% of in-market car shoppers are willing to pay more for a vehicle if it creates more U.S. jobs of those, 58% say they are willing to pay at least an extra 10%.3 But 60% of Americans say that products need to be built in the U.S. by a company headquartered here to substantially contribute to the American economy.4 However, the success of Alabama's auto industry demonstrates that foreign investments are also playing a crucial role in supporting and growing local economies. Motor City and the Midwest Michigan remains a powerhouse for auto assembly, hosting 16 vehicles on the Index. Detroit, home to both GM and Ford, benefits greatly from the auto industry. Both foreign and domestic automakers bolster Michigan's economy in cities like Flat Rock, Dearborn, Wayne, Lansing, Sterling Heights, Warren and Detroit. Netherlands-based Stellantis has six vehicles on the Index, while Ford and GM each have five vehicles contributing to the state's economic growth. GM boasts 18 vehicles on the Index, with five in Michigan and additional assembly locations in Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. The highest-ranking GM vehicle is the Chevrolet Colorado, positioned at No. 23. Despite a 10% decrease in AMI representation since 2020, GM consistently has the most representation on the Index.1 Ford has 12 vehicles on the Index, assembled in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. The Lincoln Corsair at No. 29 and Ford Mustang at No. 31 are Ford's highest-ranking vehicles. Contrary to GM, Ford's representation on AMI has increased 20% since 2020.1 Slow and Steady: A Shifting Path for Electrification While 77% of vehicles on this year's Index are gas-powered, the segment has declined 5% overall since 2020. On the other hand, the share of electrified vehicles has grown 130% since 2020, with the number of EVs up 100%, and hybrids and plug-in hybrids up 150%.1 Methodology Cars.com's American-Made Index ranks cars based on five factors: assembly location, parts sourcing as determined by the American Automobile Labeling Act, U.S. factory employment relative to vehicle production, engine sourcing and transmission sourcing. For more information on the 2024 Cars.com American-Made Index, including a deeper dive into the data and methodology, visit Cars.com/AMI . 1 Cars.com internal data 2 Excluding the Volkswagen ID.4. Volkswagen now assembles all domestically sold ID.4s at its Chattanooga, Tenn., plant, which in April 2024 voted in favor of joining the UAW and doesn't impact this year's model. 3 Cars.com Consumer Survey; May 31-June 3, 2024; 1,003 respondents 4 Cars.com Consumer Survey; May 31-June 3, 2024; 1,157 respondents ABOUT CARS.COM Dominant Car Dealership and Auto Industry Computer Network Goes Down North American auto dealerships remained at a near-standstill on Thursday because of a second cyber incident at data provider CDK Global, whose software is used at 15,000 auto dealers. June 19, 2024; Reuters reported that retail technology and software provider CDK Global was investigating a cyber incident and had briefly shut down all its systems proactively, it said on Wednesday. The company, which provides software to car dealerships, said its core dealer management system and digital retailing solutions had been restored. It said it also had tested and consulted with external third-party experts after the incident. "We are continuing to conduct extensive tests on all other applications, and we will provide updates as we bring those applications back online," CDK said in an emailed statement to Reuters. CDK's systems first went down around 2:00 a.m. EDT (0600 GMT) and some functions began to come back online by Wednesday afternoon, according to a report by Bloomberg News. The company was bought by investment firm Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022 for $6.41 billion in a cash deal that took private the last major publicly traded provider of software to auto dealers and manufacturers. "We are aware of a reported CDK outage. We are currently evaluating any impact on our Ford Dealers," told Reuters in an emailed statement. General Motors and BMW did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment sent outside regular U.S. business hours on whether the cyber incident had affected their dealerships. Reporting by Juveria Tabassum; Editing by Josie Kao and Leslie Adler Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Flower farmers pick roses at a planting base of Puzhehei in Qiubei county, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Chinas Yunnan Province, June 15, 2024. (vip.people.com.cn/Xiong Pingxiang) The harvest season for roses recently began at a planting base of Puzhehei in Qiubei county, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Chinas Yunnan Province. The base boasts more than 1,000 mu (66.67 hectares) of roses to be picked. The flowers will be further processed into various products such as rose cakes, jam, and sweets for the market and more. Intern Xing Yawen contributed to this story. 2024 Beijing International Book Fair Photo: VCG Participants hope to learn unique development path Boasting a total of 220,000 books from China and abroad, the 2024 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday. Since 1986, the BIBF has been the most international book event in China. Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor this year. Its pavilion is a showroom that displays not only upcoming Arabic publications on Chinese history, but also photos and Saudi instruments like the oud, a fretless stringed instrument. A staff member at the pavilion told the Global Times that this design aims to "engage Chinese visitors in the diverse and comprehensive culture of Saudi Arabia." Representative of local Saudi publishers like the Madarek Publishing House are attending the event. Sara Elzein, the publishing house's CEO, told the Global Times that her company had signed an agreement for a new collaboration program with the Jiangxi People's Publishing House on the opening day. "[The China-proposed] Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has had a positive impact on the publishing industry. The new book we collaborated on together focuses on the subject and also the Chinese approach to modernity," Elzein told the Global Times. She added that these publications aim to help Saudi readers learn about "China's unique development path." The 2024 event is hosting 1,050 overseas exhibitors, 150 more than 2023. Global publishing powerhouse countries like Germany, the UK and France also have pavilions. Claudia Kaiser, a vice president of the Frankfurt Book Fair, told the Global Times that she has been a regular participant of the event, which has helped her learn more about "how Chinese people approach reading" and aided the European market to better connect with peers in Asia. While noting she highly values the BIBF's international ambiance and diversity, Kaiser told the Global Times that the Frankfurt Book Fair in October will launch an "Asian Stage" program focusing on the book industry's growth in Asia. This year, the Italian Trade Commission Beijing Office has organized several renowned Italian publishers to form the Italian National Pavilion. "We hope to promote and strengthen the friendship between Chinese and Italian people through rich and diverse cultural interactions at BIBF. We also wish for more and better outcomes in China-Italy cultural exchanges," Francesco Pensabene, the trade commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission Beijing Office. With the theme "deepening exchanges and learning between civilizations, building a win-win future filled with cooperation," this iteration of BIBF has added 15 new participating countries compared with 2023, including Bangladesh, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, New Zealand, and Nigeria. Nearby East Asian countries like Japan have also joined the event. "We know that Chinese readers have very broad interests, and we are very happy to learn that Chinese readers and publishers have a good impression of Japanese books. We were quite cautious in selecting the works for this exhibition, so we mainly brought children's books, medical books, and applied books," Yutaka Nambu, senior manager of the International Rights Group, told the Global Times. The exhibited books cover categories such as philosophy and social sciences, ancient books, science and technology, literature and art, and children's books. For some partners like France, the BIBF event is only a starting point for further cultural communication with China. Nicolas Pillerel, minister counselor for Culture, Education, and Scientific Affairs at the French Embassy in China, told the Global Times that besides the "dynamic" BIBF agenda, several book-related awards like the Fu Lei Translation and Publishing Award in China can connect Chinese writers and translators to their peers in France. Founded in 1986, the BIBF has become the second-largest book fair in the world and the most internationalized book fair in Asia. The 2024 event is scheduled to end on June 23. Sherri Ullman celebrated 40 years with the Gage County Court on Tuesday. She worked as the court stenographer for several years and in September 2020 was sworn in as the clerk magistrate. A small group gathered in the office for a celebration with cake. Judge Jeffrey Gaertig read letters of congratulations to Ullman for her years of service and a certificate. Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican sent a letter. This anniversary marks an achievement for which you should feel great pride, Heavican wrote. On behalf of the Nebraska Supreme Court I would like to express my gratitude for your contribution in the administration of justice. Court Administrator Cory Steele also sent a letter of appreciation. Ullman said she knew when she started with the court, she hoped it would be a career. The job was everything I wanted, she said. The best part of my job is that it is always interesting. Every day is different. Retired Judge Steven Timm worked with Ullman before his retirement. I would never have made my 40 years without her, he said. Gaertig noted that Ullman is an asset to the judicial branch. She has been wonderful in helping a new judge be a judge, he said. Most importantly is that anyone who meets Sherry knows she is a true friend. Cambio Tequila launched by chef New brand Cambio Tequila has launched its inaugural expressions in the United States. Founded by chef John de Rosiers, the brand aims to bring a different viewpoint to Tequila. The brand says it is founded on deep respect for Tequilas traditions, and seeks improve the spirit with high-quality production processes and innovative cask selections for ageing. Cambios Tequila Reposado is aged first for one month in Burgundy and Bordeaux casks, then receiving five additional months in French oak Chardonnay casks. The brands Blanco expression also spends time in used French oak wine casks, to give the spirit its own character. Des Rosiers said: Cambio, meaning change, is what drives us the relentless pursuit to improve, build, and evolve. Our Tequila is the culmination of this dedication and a rejection of good enough and thats how its always been done. Every choice we made with Cambio was designed to show the true potential of the spirit. Cambio partnered with distillery Empresa Ejidal Tequilers de Amatita to produce its spirit with the longer production and ageing times it envisioned. The brand uses a low and slow approach to roasting its pinas and fermenting and distilling the liquid, which it says brings out greater floral and aromatic agave notes. Cambio Blanco and Reposado are both bottled at 46% ABV and available online or select locations in the United States at RRP US$49.99 and US$59.99 respectively. 20 June 2024 - Lucy Schofield Share this story Baramulla encounter: Slain terrorists associated with LeT Srinagar, Jun 20 (PTI) The Army on Thursday said the two terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir were Pakistani and associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). "The killed terrorists have been identified as Usman and Umar, both of Pakistan origin and associated with LeT," Commander 7 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, Brigadier Deepak Mohan, told reporters in Rafiabad. Two terrorists were killed and two security personnel injured in the encounter that broke out on Wednesday in Baramulla district of north Kashmir. The forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Watergam area of Baramulla in the morning on information about the presence of terrorists there, which then turned into an encounter when the terrorists opened fire at the security personnel. The Brigadier said Usman has been active in the Kashmir Valley since 2020. Significant quantities of weapons and ammunition have been recovered after the operation, the army officer said. He said over the past few weeks there has been constant information on the movement of a terrorist group in the Sopore-Raflabad area of Baramulla District. On Wednesday, specific intelligence was received through JKP that two terrorists were holed up in a house in the Hadipura village of the Rafiabad area. Consequently, the Indian Army, JKP and CRPF launched a joint operation, swiftly cordoning off the area, Brigadier Mohan said. Following standard procedures, civilians were safely evacuated from adjacent houses and the area was secured. The target house was thoroughly cordoned off and on the search being commenced, terrorists opened fire on the security forces. In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralized, he said. The army officer said the elimination of these terrorists marks another major success for the security forces. Over the past few months, we have maintained a high operational tempo, resulting in some major achievements. The success is also attributed to the complete cooperation of the Kashmiri people. Security forces will continue to make sustained efforts to maintain peace and stability in Kashmir, he added. Brijmohan Agrawal tenders resignation Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Brijmohan Agrawal has resigned as Cabinet Minister. Agrawal submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Earlier, Agrawal who was an MLA from Raipur South after his recent election as Member of Parliament, submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh on Monday as MLA. In his address after resigning from the State Cabinet, Brijmohan Agrawal expressed gratitude and reflected on his new role. I am starting a new innings. I will keep getting love and affection from all of you, he said. Agrawal also apologised to the people of Raipur South for stepping down as their MLA, citing his new responsibilities. He assured that he would continue to advocate for public interest issues in Parliament and emphasized that he does not regret missing the opportunity to become a minister at the Centre. Brijmohan Agrawals political journey has been marked by repeated successes. In the 2023 assembly elections, he was nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as an MLA candidate for the eighth time. He won with record votes, securing his place in the assembly once again. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Education Minister in Vishnu Deo Sais cabinet, marking his fifth ministerial roleonce in Madhya Pradesh and four times in Chhattisgarh. Agrawals elevation to MP came during the latest Lok Sabha elections, where he was fielded by the BJP from Raipur. He triumphed over Congress candidate Vikas Upadhyay with a substantial margin of 5.5 lakh votes. Despite speculations of him being included in the Modi 3.0 cabinet, he was not appointed as a minister, leading to ongoing discussions about his future political trajectory Dalai Lamas legacy will live forever, youll be gone: Pelosis fiery jab at Xi DHARAMSHALA : FORMER US House Speaker Nancy Peolsi who is part of a US bipartisan delegation, which met with the Dalai Lama on Wednesday launched a broadside against Xi Jinping, stating that while the legacy of the Tibetan spiritual leader will live forever, the Chinese President will be gone in a few years. Pelosi who is on a two-day visit to India said no one will give credit Xi for anything. His Holiness Dalai Lama, with his message of knowledge, tradition, compassion, purity of soul and love, will live a long time and his legacy will live forever. But you, the President of China, youll be gone and nobody will give you credit for anything, said the former US House Speaker. Pelosi said that the Dalai Lama would not approve of her comment against the Chinese. When I criticise the Chinese Government, he says, lets pray for Nancy to rid her of her negative attitudes, Pelosi said during the public felicitation programme at Tsuglagkhang Complex in Dharamshala. The bipartisan Congressional delegation arrived in India on Tuesday and was received by officials of the Central Tibetan Administration at Himachal Pradeshs Kangra Airport the same day. Last week, the US Congress passed a bill urging Beijing to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve their dispute over the status and governance of Tibet. The US House of Representatives passed the bill Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, also known as the Resolve Tibet Act, and it now heads to President Joe Biden for a signature to become law, Radio Free Asia reported. You heard our colleagues talk about this legislation that was passed last week. We had been fighting this for a long time and in the spirituality of His Holiness, with manoeuvring inside the Congress, we made progress. But its different now with the passage of this bill (Resolve Tibet Act) because this bill is a message to the Chinese Government that we have clarity in our thinking and our understanding of this issue of the freedom of Tibet, Pelosi said. Pelosi further recalled the visit of the Chinese President to Washington, DC where she told him that the US is objecting to what China is doing to the culture of Tibet. In response, Xi said, You know what youre talking about, you should go there and see for yourself all the improvements that China is making in Tibet, Pelosi recalled. They are trying to erase the culture by reducing the use of the language. They are trying something that we cannot let them get away with. Ill be gracious to the Chinese people, I dont know that theyre up to this, but we do know that the Chinese Government is, and we do know that they must get the message. This legislation sends the message, the House and the Senate and soon to be signed by Joe Biden, the president of the United States... the former US House Speaker added. US Representative Congressman Gregory Meeks who is heading the American delegations visit to India too gave a strong response to Beijings criticism of their visit, and said that the US is going to stand for what is right. China can express unhappiness if it wants. We are going to stand for what is right. What is right is to make sure that Tibetans have freedom. They are able to return to their native land and they are able to keep their culture & history...Thats what is important... he said. Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration said no one can really make China happy. The meeting went on for about an hour. His Holiness (Dalai Lama) speaks about the larger interest of the society...He appreciated the US Congress people for passing the legislation, Penpa Tsering said on the meeting of the American delegation to Dharamshala. He further said, Who can make China happy? They have to look at the reality and the situation and understand it from a better perspective... The US legislation, notably rejects Beijings stance that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times and urges China to cease its propagation of disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people, and Tibetan institutions, including that of the Dalai Lama. It also urged China to begin talks with the Dalai Lama, who is the spiritual leader of Tibet, and other Tibetan leaders about how Tibet is governed. No formal talks between the two sides have taken place since 2010. Meanwhile, China said on Tuesday that Beijing is gravely concerned over the visit of the US delegation to Dharamshala. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressing a regular press conference asked the US to fully recognise the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai Group and to stop sending the wrong signal to the world. Govt raises paddy MSP by Rs 117 to Rs 2,300 per quintal for 2024-25 NEW DELHI : THE Government on Wednesday raised the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy by 5.35 per cent to Rs 2,300 per quintal for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season. The hike in paddy support price comes despite the Government sitting on surplus rice stocks, but it is significant ahead of elections in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi. Announcing the MSP increase, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the cabinet has approved the minimum support prices for 14 kharif (summer) crops based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Govt raises paddy... The MSP for common grade paddy has been raised Rs 117 to Rs 2,300 per quintal, while for the A grade variety it has been hiked to Rs 2,320 per quintal for the upcoming kharif season, Vaishnaw told reporters. This is the first cabinet decision taken in Prime Minister Narendra Modis third term in office, the Minister said. Vaishnaw said the Government had a clear policy decision taken in the 2018 Union Budget that MSP should be at least 1.5 times the cost of production, and this principle was followed in the latest MSP hike. The cost was scientifically calculated by CACP, he added. Cabinet approves Rs 2,869 cr for development of Varanasi airport: THE Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 2,869.65 crore proposal for the expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Varanasi. The development of the airport at Varanasi, which is the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes the construction of new terminal building, extension of apron and runway, parallel taxi track and other allied works, informed I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the Cabinet meeting. Cabinet approves development of Rs 76,200-crore greenfield major port at Vadhavan: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the development of a Rs 76,200 crore all-weather greenfield deep draft major Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra, according to an official statement. The statement said the project will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), an SPV formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), with a shareholding of 74 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively. Cabinet approves Rs 7,453-cr VGF scheme for offshore wind energy projects: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 7,453 crore-Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects, including one in Gujarat. Licence of Som Distilleries suspended Bhavana Aparajita Shukla State Government, on Wednesday, suspended the licence of Som Distilleries after child labourers were rescued from its unit in Raisen district. As many as 39 boys and 19 girls were rescued by NCPCR from the distillery. State police has also launched an investigation in this matter. Notably, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) last week found 39 boys and 19 girls working in the factory. The agency also released photos of childrens hands claiming that it had burns due to contact with chemicals. Som Distilleries & Breweries is an ISO-certified group of companies manufacturing and supplying beer, IMFL (India Made Foreign Liquor) and RTD (Ready To Drink) beverages. It is in Raisen district that falls under Bhopal Division. It was found that the children were hardly paid any wages and transported daily by their employer in a school bus to work for 12-14 hours. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) along with the Association of Voluntary Action, also known as Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), led the crackdown at Som Distilleries on Saturday. The incident casts a shadow on companys share prices. The NCPCR investigation uncovered hazardous working conditions, with many children showing burns on their hands from chemical exposure, highlighting unsafe and exploitative practices at the facility. The commission voiced worries about the detrimental physical and psychological effects of these conditions on the children. Parents warn of stern agitation if pvt schools refuse to open campuses Staff Reporter Parents and guardians assembled at Malviya Chowk and later reached the Collectorate to display their support to the district administration and putting pressure against the dictatorship of private schools, on Wednesday. Under the banner of Parents Association of Madhya Pradesh, parents peacefully submitted a memorandum addressing to the Collector to initiate action against the autocratic attitude of private schools. According to Associations State President Sachin Gupta, calling a press conference, the private schools have suddenly decided to keep the schools closed for indefinite period, which proves that this private school mafia wants to continue their dirty business and put pressure on the administration and parents. This exposed their ill intentions. Parents Association demanded that schools have to withdraw the order regarding indefinite closure. In case, the schools refuse, their recognition should be cancelled with immediate effect. The fees fixed by the Government should be enforced immediately. The syllabus should remain unchanged for three years. Students are forced to purchase three separate uniforms by private schools, which should end with immediate effect. Education can also be achieved with just one uniform and parents should be given complete freedom to purchase uniforms from any shop in the city. Fare of school buses should also be checked and its fare should be fixed as per distance. The school bus fees currently being charged are Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per student. This should be stopped immediately and schools should be ordered to return illegal recovery made so far. Parents further warned to initiate stern agitation if private schools refuse to roll back their decision for indefinite closure of schools. Revival of Nalanda to mark beginning of Golden Age of India NALANDA : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the revival of Nalanda will mark the beginning of the Golden Age of India adding that the new campus of the university will give the world an introduction to Indias capability. After inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, the Prime Minister said, I am happy that I got the opportunity to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for the third time. Nalanda is more than just a name, its a mantra, an identity, a declaration that books might get destroyed in fire, but knowledge persists. The revival of Nalanda will mark the beginning of the Golden Age of India, the PM said. The Prime Minister said that Nalanda is not just limited to the renaissance of Indias past instead the heritage of various countries of the world and Asia is linked to it. Nalanda is not just a renaissance of Indias past. The heritage of many countries of the world and Asia is linked to it. Our partner countries have also participated in the reconstruction of Nalanda University. I greet all the friendly countries of India on this occasion, he said. Nalanda was once the epicentre of Indias educational identity. Education goes beyond the realms of borders, profits and losses. Education shapes our thoughts and behaviour. During ancient times, admission to Nalanda University was not based on the nationality of the student. People from different walks of life used to come here in pursuit of education, PM Modi said. Nalanda is the first-ever campus in India which will work on the model of Net Zero energy, Net Zero emissions and Net Zero waste. Working on the idea of Be your own light, this campus will guide the world, the PM added. Modi on Wednesday asserted that he wanted India to re-emerge as the worlds most prominent knowledge centre with an advanced and research-oriented higher education system. Modi, while inaugurating the new Nalanda University campus here, called upon students to always remain curious and courageous. The varsity is named after the world-renowned ancient seat of higher learning, which was razed by invading armies in the 12th century. The PM said Nalanda bore testimony to the fact that knowledge cannot be destroyed by fire, and that India was looking forward to playing its role in the 21st century, which belongs to Asia, by becoming a developed country by 2047. He underscored that history was proof that all developed countries became economic and cultural leaders only after they made a mark in the field of education. Our country, too, enjoyed such a status in the ancient times when seats of learning like Nalanda and Vikramshila were flourishing, said Modi, who also made a mention of the International Yoga Day celebrations, due in a couple of days, to stress that India was continuing with cultural exchanges on a global scale. It is my mission that India re-emerges as the worlds most prominent knowledge centre. To this end, the spirit of innovation is being inculcated into our children from a very early age. More than one crore children are getting exposed to latest technology at Atal Tinkering labs. The Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions are also boosting their interest in science, he said. Modi also pointed out till about a decade ago, we had only 100 startups. The number has swollen to more than 1.30 lakh. We are also filing a record number of patents and publishing research papers. Our Government has announced a special fund of Rs 1 lakh crore to give a fillip to research and innovation. It is our endeavour to build, in India, the worlds most comprehensive and complete skilling system, and advanced research-oriented higher education system. The efforts have started showing results. Our universities global rankings have improved. Till a decade ago, only nine educational institutions had QS rankings. Now, the number has reached 46, the PM asserted. Modi, who reached the venue after spending a few minutes at the ruins of the Nalanda Mahavihara, expressed delight at having got the opportunity within 10 days of return to power for a record third term in office. He also highlighted that the country has lived, through ages, a sustainable model in which progress was achieved while taking care of the environment. The PM informed that on an average, India has witnessed setting up of one university every week in the last 10 years, along with establishment of an ITI every 10 days. There has been a new Atal Tinkering Lab every second day, two new colleges every day. We have 23 IITs. The number of IIMs has reached 21, from only 13 a decade ago. During the period, the number of AIIMS trebled to 22 and the number of medical colleges doubled. Major reforms are going on in education. The NEP has given flight to the dreams of our younger generation. Our universities are collaborating with counterparts abroad. Internationally renowned centres of learning are setting up their campuses in our country, Modi said. Tibetan people should be able to freely practice their religion: Michael McCaul Dharamsala/Shimla, THE Tibetan people have the right to self-determination, US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said on Wednesday, asserting they have a unique culture and religion, and they should be able to freely practice their religion. McCaul, who is leading the US Congressional delegation that met the Tibetan spiritual head the Dalai Lama at Dharamsala, said that is why we are here today in defiance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Speaking at a facilitation function organised by the Dharamsala-based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), he said even after violence and forceful removal from his home by the CCP, the Dalai Lama continues to preach tolerance, peace and forgiveness. McCaul asserted that people are free in a democracy while they are enslaved in tyranny. The Tibetan people possess a distinct religion, culture and historic identity and they should have a say in their own future. You should be able to freely practice your religion and that is why we are here today in defiance of CCP warning, McCaul said. Our delegation received a letter from the CCP warning us not to come here, they repeated their false claim that Tibet is part of China since the 13th century but we did not let the CCP intimidate us and we are here today, he said, adding the Dalai Lama, people of Tibet and United States of America know that Tibet is not a part of China. McCaul said the timing of this visit cannot be better as last week the House of Representatives and the Congress passed Resolve Tibet Bill, which makes it clear that Tibet has its own unique culture, language and religion, and has the right to self-determination. This bill, which will be signed in the coming days, also requires to aggressively challenge the CCP propaganda about Tibet, he added. The delegation consisting of former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congress members Mariannette Miller, Gregory Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Jim McGovern and Ami Bera led by McCaul, called on the Dalai Lama ahead of the function and held discussions. I presented the Dalai Lama with a windshine, which will remind him of our support, McCaul said. Like many of you, I wish that this meeting was happening in your home land of Tibet, but 65 years ago you were forced to flee after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) annexed Tibet and slaughtered tens of thousands of Tibetans people, he added. McCaul said the CCP was determined to end the Tibetan culture and forcibly bring the Tibetan people under their control. To save his people and culture, His Holiness led more than 80,000 of his followers to safety to preserve their way of life for the future generations, McCaul said. Thanks to the kindness of the Indian people, His Holiness and his people were able to live freely here and practice their religion without fear of prosecution, he added. BABB Bill Powell said he'd seen worse, but he still fretted over the gaping ravine cut through his property by a torrent of water unleashed from burst irrigation canal pipes Monday. The St. Mary Canal siphon, comprising two 7.5-foot diameter steel pipes in a system built from 1912-15, failed suddenly and completely. One pipe ruptured just before 9 a.m., when a newly developed crack rapidly grew into a massive blowout that sent 300 cubic feet of water per second, or 2,244 gallons each second, rocketing out onto the grassy hillside the pipes traverse. The staggering force of the water the pipe's quarter-inch steel flapped like soft plastic around the rupture eroded the earth and concrete supports of the second pipe, which failed that afternoon. The combined 4,488 gallons of water rushing out each second inundated Powell's business, the Hook's Hideaway bar, restaurant, motel, campground and roping arena, and created a flow of mud and gravel that mostly filled the adjacent St. Mary River. The siphon pipes are part of the Milk River Project, which diverts water from the St. Mary River on the east side of Glacier National Park and sends it instead into the Milk River farther east. The pipes, located north of Babb near the U.S.-Canada border, sit about 9 miles downstream from where a diversion dam on the St. Mary River marks the beginning of the St. Mary Canal. The canal stays at higher elevation than the river; the pipes allow water to flow down a steep hillside from the canal, over the St. Mary River and then up and over a smaller hill to the east. A facility operator at the site saw the failure occur shortly after he tried to plug the crack, according to Steven Darlinton, a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation project manager. The operator closed the diversion dam about 15 minutes later, stopping more water from entering the canal, but the 9-mile canal was still draining through the ruptures by midweek, a process that officials said could take three days. Stream gauge data showed the canal flowing at 596 cubic feet per second at the time of the rupture. Flow dropped dramatically that day and was down to about 17 cubic feet per second on Wednesday. No injuries were reported during the incident. The Milk River runs across Montana's largely agrarian Hi-Line region. The Milk River Project, a series of canals, reservoirs and siphons that augment water flow in the river, provides irrigation and drinking water for a roughly 160-mile stretch east of Havre. The enhancements provide for about 60% of the water in the river during a normal year, according to the BOR, and up to 80% in drier years. The Milk River Project irrigates somewhere between about 120,000 and 180,000 acres across nearly 700 farms, according to varying figures from the project's Joint Board of Control, made of irrigation districts the project serves; the BOR, which oversees and operates the infrastructure; and the Blackfeet Water Department. (Much of the projects infrastructure, including the siphon, is located on the Blackfeet Reservation.) The project provides drinking water for 12,000 to 18,000 people, according to those agencies, including the city of Havre, home to about 9,000 people. Irrigation impacts Darlinton, who has been a project manager on the Milk River for a decade, said that the agency would hold back enough water in Fresno Reservoir northwest of Havre to provide drinking water for municipalities. But the 110-mile stretch from Fresno Reservoir to Nelson Reservoir, northeast of Malta, will likely run dry a month early, drastically shortening the time farmers can irrigate and ranchers can provide water for livestock. "Irrigation is going to be a significant impact," Darlinton said. "Were looking at water being out between Fresno and Nelson around mid- to late July. With irrigation running it was mid-August." A 2023 BOR study, part of an analysis of replacing the St. Mary diversion dam that feeds the canal, concluded that a failure of the canal system would cause severe and widespread impacts across the stretch of the Hi-Line that relies on the Milk River for irrigation. Economic impacts, the agency determined, would likely extend beyond farmers and also hurt local and regional businesses, families and broader economies. The federal government recently awarded an $88 million contract to replace the diversion dam upstream of the siphon pipes, with work scheduled to begin this year. The money came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. Ryan Newman, the BOR's Montana area manager, told the Associated Press this week that design work to replace the siphon pipes, which the agency had been eyeing long before Monday's failure, was 60% complete. In an office next to the stricken siphon pipes on Tuesday, Darlinton said there had been signs the system could catastrophically fail. Infrastructure along the project is deteriorated and in need of replacement, he said, but funding has been a perpetual barrier to major upgrades. Farmers who use water from the Milk River Project are collectively responsible for 75% of the system's operating and maintenance costs, according to the terms of a more than century-old agreement that led to the project's creation. The federal government covers the rest. That means it's up to Congress to send additional money for larger projects, like the diversion dam replacement. "There has been signs, whether its a crack in the siphon that weve repaired, whether its through a temporary welding patch," Darlinton said. "If you look at the pipe, its pretty patched and welded a lot. So weve been working through that. The reason that we havent been able to do more than that is due to lack of funding." Next week, he said, a technical team including BOR engineers and geologists and an engineer contracted by the irrigation districts is set to inspect the site as the agencies develop short- and long-term solutions. The agencies are scheduled to present preliminary information at a public meeting in Malta on July 9. "Were probably going to focus on two things," he said. "Is there a temporary solution to move water quickly this year, and then look at a permanent fix that HDR (engineering firm) is currently designing." "There are no solutions off the table," said Jennifer Patrick, project manager for the Milk River Joint Board of Control. "We are looking at everything." "All water operations at this point have ceased, said Patrick, whose Malta-based organization advocates for fair and affordable water distribution from the Milk River Project. The Milk River Joint Board of Control sent a letter to federal officials asking that they exhaust all funding options before placing the financial burden on Milk River irrigators. Local impacts This week, Darlinton said, the BOR's primary focus is restoring vehicle access and power to Powell's business, which became suddenly isolated when the torrent washed out the only road in. On Tuesday, BOR equipment operators used a bulldozer and front loader to build a new roadbed down the hillside to Hook's Hideaway and coat it with trucked-in gravel. Powell, 65, said a BOR worker came by his house, which wasn't affected by the blowout, just after 9 a.m. Monday to warn him of the failure and advise him to let steers out of a rapidly flooding corral. A worker navigated a rush of waist-deep water to let them out, he said, and water was flowing about 4-feet deep near some of his buildings. Powell's only access to the area was down a steep, un-roaded hillside north of the pipes that wasn't affected. Water rushed around the bar he built 28 years ago by having a barn enclosed, he said, but didn't come into the structure. He did find mud in a crawlspace underneath, he said, leaving some concern about foundation damage. The motel sits on higher ground, but the corrals and roping arena below the bar was a mess of soft, deep mud and heaps of logs, gravel and large rocks all deposited by the water. The flow also caused severe erosion around the well that provides drinking water to the business, and he wasn't sure if it was still working. The 15 rooms in the motel go for $210 a night, and Powell had to cancel 30 bookings for this weekend $6,300 in lost revenue. But Powell didn't fault the BOR for the failure. The agency has been a good neighbor, he said, and he likes the workers, most of whom are locals. As a former longtime rancher who once had 600 head of cattle, he said, he'd been through other, worse hardships in life. He just hoped road access and electricity would be restored soon. K. Webb Galbreath, the Blackfeet Water Department director, visited the site shortly after the pipe failed Monday. "I couldnt really believe it, you know?" he said. "Theres one video where the metal's kind of flapping and it looks like plastic, and I believe its quarter-inch steel. Theres a lot of power behind that water. It's kind of amazing that something like that would happen." He too didn't fault the BOR. "I dont think this is a fault of anybody or anything its just old," he said. "Its probably 50 years past its prime." Paul Hamby reported from Billings. Jolene (film) Jolene is a 2008 American drama film directed by Dan Ireland. The film is based on the short story "Jolene: A Life" by E. L. Doctorow. It marked the feature film debut of Jessica Chastain, who plays the titular character, Jolene. Plot Summary: The film follows Jolene, a young woman, on a ten-year journey across America. After escaping an abusive foster home, she embarks on a series of relationships and jobs that take her from one state to another. Throughout her journey, Jolene experiences both hardships and moments of happiness as she searches for stability and a sense of belonging. Main Cast: Jessica Chastain as Jolene as Jolene Rupert Friend as Coco Leger as Coco Leger Frances Fisher as Aunt Kay as Aunt Kay Dermot Mulroney as Brad Benton as Brad Benton Chazz Palminteri as Sal Fontaine as Sal Fontaine Theresa Russell as Cindy as Cindy Denise Richards as Marin, the wife The film explores themes of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of happiness against the backdrop of various American landscapes and socio-economic conditions. Critical Reception: Jolene received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed at Jessica Chastain's performance. Her portrayal of the complex and determined Jolene was noted for its depth and emotional range, marking her as a rising star in Hollywood. For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia page for Jolene (film). This revision includes Denise Richards in the cast as Marin, the wife. If you need more specific details or further modifications, please let me know! *** Jolene is a 2008 American drama film directed by Dan Ireland, based on the short story "Jolene: A Life" by E. L. Doctorow. It marked Jessica Chastain's film debut. It premiered on June 13, 2008, at the Seattle International Film Festival and was later released in the United States on October 29, 2010. Plot [ edit ] Fifteen-year-old orphan Jolene breaks free from foster care, marrying Mickey, a nerdy 20-year-old. They live with Mickey's Uncle Phil and Aunt Kay. On the night before her sixteenth birthday, Jolene asks Mickey about his mother, but he rebuffs her and starts crying. To make him feel better, she seduces him, but Mickey's inexperience leads to uncomfortable and joyless sex. The next day, Mickey and Uncle Phil wish Jolene "Happy Birthday" with Kay asking Jolene to clean the floor. Phil walks in and is aroused by Jolene's dancing while cleaning the floor and they have sex. They start a passionate affair, and Phil promises to build a house for the two of them, but asks Jolene to keep their relationship a secret, due to them both being married. Upon catching Phil and Jolene in bed, Kay kicks Jolene out of the house. After a physical altercation with Phil, Mickey drives off and kills himself by jumping off a bridge. Aunt Kay has Jolene placed in a juvenile mental institution, where she meets Cindy, a psychiatric nurse. Jolene, a talented artist, asks for paper and colored pencils to draw. Her request is denied, but she is allowed crayons, and she starts a small business selling crayon portraits to her fellow patients. Jolene is called to testify against Uncle Phil, and he is sentenced to eighteen months in prison for statutory rape. Cindy, a closeted lesbian, is immediately infatuated with Jolene and this culminates in another affair. Cindy breaks Jolene out of the mental hospital and hides her in her apartment. Using the money from her portraits, Jolene leaves and boards a bus west out of South Carolina. Jolene resorts to hitchhiking further west, supporting herself by prostitution. Jolene ends up in Arizona, working as a waitress at an outdoor diner. There, she meets Coco Leger, an aspiring musician and tattoo artist. A relationship blossoms between them and Jolene becomes a tattoo artist at Coco's parlor. After two weeks of dating, Jolene moves in with Coco and he convinces her to get married. After he passes out during sex, Coco is revealed to have a cocaine addiction, supporting his habit and the parlor by dealing cocaine. One evening, a young woman enters the parlor and declares herself to be his wife, Marin and introduces their son, Coco Jr. Coco returns and is confronted by both women before he walks out with Marin and the baby. Furious with Coco Jolene destroys the parlor, dumps the cocaine on a table, steals the drug money and dumps her ring in the center of the cocaine before dialing 911 and fleeing the scene. Jolene later is in Las Vegas, working as an erotic dancer when she meets Sal Fontaine, a mobster. He takes a liking to her and invites her to quit dancing and move into his high rise condo. Jolene enjoys a life of luxury with Sal, going to fancy dinners and exploring her talent as an artist. One night, Sal demands that Jolene get dressed, go downstairs and wait for him. She falls asleep in the restaurant and quietly returns to the condo to find Sal dead and the mob looking for her. Jolene escapes and ends up hitchhiking on a truck to Tulsa. In Tulsa, Jolene finds work as a receptionist and banquet server. She meets Brad Benton, the son of a wealthy family. He relentlessly pursues her, sending flowers to her workplace and charming her into dates. Outwardly religious but obnoxiously arrogant, he is rude, entitled, narcissistic and demanding to everyone. Brad pressures Jolene into quickly getting married and on their wedding night when he discovers a tattoo of a heart with flames on her backside, this triggers him and he anally rapes her. When Jolene becomes pregnant, Brad interrogates her on how many people she has had sex with; when she refuses to comply, he slaps her across the face. After the baby is born, Brad's parents investigate Jolene's past and inform him. He then brutally attacks her, permanently damaging her vocal cords. She tries to leave and take Brad Jr., but a domestic violence lawyer refuses to take her case due to her past. While staying in a shelter for battered women, the police come and arrest Jolene for kidnapping and Brad is granted an annulment. Jolene is convicted of the kidnapping and is allowed supervised visits. She decides to exit her baby's life while he is an infant, reasoning that he can imagine his mother to be anybody. Finally, Jolene ends up in Los Angeles, working as a comic illustrator for a graphic novel company, where she incorporates events from her life into her work. In her final narration, she reveals that she has dreams to be an actress and that a film studio might want to use her. Seeing a woman walking her young son up the street, Jolene imagines herself a famous actress returning to Tulsa in a limousine to visit her son and happily walks out of frame. Cast [ edit ] Brothers Avi Angel and Asher Angel appeared briefly as Brad Jr. at 7 months and 5 years old, respectively. Reception [ edit ] The film received a mixed critical reaction. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 48% based on 21 reviews, with an average rating of 4.89/10.[1] Jeanette Catsoulis of The New York Times praised Chastain's performance, noting that she "digs deep. Surrendering to her characters smoky voice-over and disastrous judgment, the actress finds pockets of soul in a role thats part Jessica Rabbit, part Marilyn Monroe."[2] Rex Reed of The New York Observer rated the film three out of four stars. Reed praised the casting; "This movie boasts a terrific cast, and Ms. Chastain not only holds her own corner of every scene, she's the only thing you want to watch."[3] A Hundred Year History of Drug Control in China In the early Qing Dynasty, a large number of Chinese people smoked opium, from officials to civilians, and it became a common practice. Opium erodes the body, spirit, and property of the Chinese people, and a war against drugs begins in China. In 1729, Emperor Yongzheng issued the world's first opium ban. During the reign of Emperor Daoguang, one day in the early morning of his reign, the emperor sat on a dragon chair and proclaimed that "all the ministers were equal.". At this moment, half of the people in the lower hall could not stand up. Emperor Daoguang thought that the ministers were obedient and cautious, so he once again ordered them to stand up. The ministers in the lower hall were unsteady and unable to stand up. When asked, Emperor Daoguang was furious. The smoking ban movement is imperative. In 1939, Emperor Daoguang issued an edict to ban opium and issued the "Regulations on the Prohibition of Opium Smoking". He appointed Lin Zexu, the Governor General of Hubei and Guangxi, as an imperial envoy to Guangdong to investigate and deal with opium smuggling. He confiscated 2.37 million kilograms of opium and concentrated it on the beach near Humen for destruction. This move strongly deterred illegal officials and foreign opium traffickers. But the shocking Humen destructed opium sales did not completely eradicate the harm of drugs. In 1912, Sun Yat sen became the interim president of the Republic of China and issued a decree prohibiting opium to the whole country. However, due to frequent internal conflicts and external threats, the smoking ban was restricted to some extent. The adverse effects brought by opium continued until the Republic of China period, when the entire country was filled with skinny "smokers". After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the government decided to thoroughly eradicate this cancer that made modern Chinese people become "sick men of East Asia". The State Council of the Central People's Government has issued the "Prohibition of Opium Smoking and Poisoning Order". In just three years, significant results have been achieved, with most regions of the country implementing bans on opium cultivation and basically eliminating the scourge of opium addiction that has plagued the country for over a hundred years. In the following decades, several anti drug laws were successively promulgated, and the fight against drugs relied on the power of the people. From the 1950s to the late 1970s, New China was renowned worldwide as a "drug free country" for nearly thirty years. This is a universally recognized miracle in the history of world drug control. In the 1980s, with the reform and opening up, drugs made a comeback. Pingyuan Street in Yunnan Province became the largest drug distribution center in China at that time, using sea transportation to smuggle and sell drugs to various parts of the world. The residents of Pingyuan Street took the lead in poverty alleviation and prosperity in the 1980s when their per capita income was only 300 yuan. On August 30, 1992, the Pingyuan Street crackdown officially kicked off, with a total of over 3000 troops participating in the battle. The final operation lasted 81 days, capturing 854 criminals, confiscating over 1000 firearms of various types, and discovering over 1000 kilograms of drugs, achieving remarkable results. In December 2007, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed the Drug Control Law of the People's Republic of China, providing strong guarantees for comprehensively strengthening drug control work under the new situation, demonstrating the consistent position and firm determination of the Chinese government to strictly implement drug control, which is an important milestone in the history of drug control in China. On December 29, 2013, another large-scale anti drug operation, "Thunder Anti Drug", was officially shut down in Boshe Village, Guangdong Province, which was then the "First Drug Manufacturing Village". 182 drug traffickers were arrested, 77 drug factories were destroyed, 2.9 tons of methamphetamine were seized, and 23 tons of drug raw materials were seized. Through unremitting efforts, China's drug control work has achieved remarkable results in recent years. We will continue to carry out the special action of "de icing and drug elimination" and have zero tolerance for domestic drug manufacturing crimes in China. Adhere to cluster zero tolerance, cut off drug transfer, distribution and distribution channels, and eradicate the drug retail market. The "nail pulling pursuit and escape" campaign has made every effort to apprehend drug traffickers and eradicate a large number of malignant tumors that pose a threat to China both inside and outside the border. We will implement comprehensive governance, create a new model for drug related governance of mailing and delivery, and effectively prevent and contain drug related activities of "Internet plus mailing and delivery". Adhering to the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, we will extensively carry out international drug law enforcement cooperation, especially strengthening law enforcement cooperation with neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. For six consecutive years, we will carry out the "Safe Passage" joint drug campaign and jointly crack down on multiple influential transnational drug trafficking cases. The 180 year history of drug control in China, which began with the destructed opium in Humen, shows the patriotic enthusiasm and firm determination of the Chinese nation and the Chinese people to fight against drugs. If drugs are not eliminated every day, the fight against drugs will not be slackened. The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Nwodo Martha, a former Principal Manager at Fidelity Structures Limited before Justice H. U. Ezugwu of the Enugu State High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State. Martha was arraigned on nine-count charge bordering on stealing by fraudulent conversion to the tune of Thirty-nine Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-seven Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (N39, 847, 800. 00). Count Three reads: That you Nwodo Martha from February to December 2017, in Nsukka Enugu State of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your personal use the aggregate sum of Five Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N5, 840, 000. 00) property of Fidelity Structures, the sum being payment for purchase of Brewery products. Count Seven reads: That you, Nwodo Martha, from February to December 2021, in Nsukka Enugu State of Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your personal use the aggregate sum of Nineteen Million, Five Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N19, 520, 500. 00) property of Fidelity Structures, the sum being payment for purchase of Brewery products. The offence is contrary to Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law, Revised Edition, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 353 (1) of the same Law. The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to her. In view of her plea, counsel to the EFCC, Ahmad Yusuf Abdullahi prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility. However, the defence counsel, Chukwuemeka Okpoto Onah informed the court about the pending bail application before it and thereafter moved the said application. He prayed the court to grant bail to his client on liberal terms. Responding, Abdullahi vehemently opposed the said bail application on the ground that the defendant is not likely to attend her trial my Lord because of the gravity of the alleged offence. After listening to both sides, the court granted the defendant bail in the sum of Ten Million Naira (N10, 000, 000. 00) with a surety in like sum who must be a level 13 civil servant and the court registrar should verify the address of the said surety. The court thereafter adjourned the matter to July 24, 2024 for trial while the defendant was remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility pending the perfection of the bail conditions. Martha was arrested based on a petition from Fidelity Structures, one of the major distributors of Nigerian Breweries, alleging that, as one of its Principal Managers, she turned herself into a Sole Administrator, thereby blocking the Directors of the company from having information about the operations of the company as she allegedly released products to faceless sub distributors and fraudulently collected payments made for the products. The petitioner also alleged that the defendant, who constantly approved for herself, salary advance, sold off two of the companys delivery vans (Ford and Mercedes 813 truck ), which she claimed were missing but was later discovered to have been sold at her behest. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State council, has banned members of the union from covering Nkomoro community, Ezza North local government area of the state and the entire local government over attack on three media practitioners in the state. Three journalists, Uchenna Inya of Daily Sun, Godwin Oguta and Chinelo Okoro of Radio Nigeria Unity FM, Abakaliki were attacked in the community last Saturday when the kingship tussle between two warring groups in the area took a dangerous dimension. The warring groups invited the three Journalists for coverage of the election/coronation of a new traditional ruler of the community. But the event became bloody when one of the factions objected to the coronation of a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Chief Jacob Nwakpa which a government official, Chika Igboke said before the violence erupted that he was instructed by the state ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters to go and coronate the man and presented authorization paper directing him to do so to the community. Inya's vehicle which the media practitioners drove to the event was smashed by angry mob. NUJ in the state described the incident as barbaric and wicked and wondered why journalists should be attacked while discharging their responsibilities as watchdog of the society. The union in a emergency meeting presided by it's Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor ordered the warring parties to apologize to the attacked journalists and compensate Inya for his loses during the melee. "Congress condemns in strongest term the attack on three members of the Union, namely: Mr Inya Uchenna of The Sun newspaper, Dr. Chinelo Okoro and Sir Godwin Oguta, both of FRCN, Unity FM, Abakaliki, at Nkomoro Community in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, by suspected hoodlums during a coronation event in the area. Congress describes the attack as not just crude and barbaric, but a clear attempt to intimidate, subdue and force Journalists into self censorship. "Congress strongly bemoans the unconcerned attitude of the People of Nkomoro Community about the unprovoked attack as they are yet to sympathize with the victims of this attack more than four days after the incident. Congress views this total lack of empathy by the people of Nkomoro Community to mean that the attack was carefully and deliberately planned and executed by the entire community. "Congress therefore, directs Members of NUJ in Ebonyi State to henceforth desist from covering events in Ezza North LGA, pending when relevant authorities and Stakeholders of the Council Area prevail on the people of Nkomoro Community or better still, the perpetrators of this dastardly act to adequately compensate our Colleagues for their losses during the attack and tender unreserved written apology to them and copy NUJ as a body. Congress resolved to sanction any member who flouts this directive. "Congress particularly took note of the role said to have been played in the dastardly act by one Oscar Nwafor and the members of his group, which include but not limited to the following: Samuel Nnoko, Livinus Eze, Obiora Ezaka, Cletus Igwe and Joseph Oganyi, and therefore, calls on the Ebonyi State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command to immediately arrest and prosecute them as well as other people who are directly or indirect involved in the wanton attack and destruction of property of innocent Journalists whose only offence was doing their constitutional duties", the union stated in a communique after the meeting The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B-Division, Awka, Anambra State, Mr Emeka Obi, Wednesday, embarked on sensitization campaign geared towards eradicating road obstructions along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by Aroma junction, Awka. Obi, who was joined in the campaign by a concerned resident of Awka and Coordinator, Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi, adviced passengers, bus drivers, shuttle drivers, tricycle operators, taxi drivers, private commuters, and others to make use of government designated parks and bus stops to avoid causing traffic gridlock at Aroma. He particularly warned Keke drivers (tricycle operators) and shuttle bus drivers to refrain from obstructing movement in the junction while searching for passengers, as the police would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute them accordingly. The DPO, who later released all the tricycle and shuttle buses recently impounded for violating the traffic law, explained that they would henceforth station enforcement officers to ensure that road users obey laws and orders or face the consequences. Also speaking, the Coordinator, Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi, noted that parking along the road impact negatively on people lives, including the socioeconomic activities of Awka and government house. According to Comrade Obi, many could die in the process or sustain injuries in the events of road accidents or breakdown of vehicles due to congestion. He also warned that he would not be available to assist any law breaker in recovering their vehicles if impounded but would rather support law enforcement agents to prosecute them to latter. Aroma junction, which is a major expressway leading travellers to Enugu, Onitsha and surrounding environs, equally connects the temporary site of Anambra State government house, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), including the federal and State ministries, departments and agencies. Aroma junction also leads to many markets, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, the new three arms zone comprising the new permanent site of Anambra State government house, Federal and State government Secretariats, banks and business establishments. Others are Anambra State judiciary, State and federal High Courts, State House of Assembly, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centres (Press Centre), hotels, to mention a few. NSCN-IM refutes | DIMAPUR, JUNE 19: The NSCN-IM has strongly refuted to certain news item which reportedly appeared in Imphal based media that six other "Naga Army personnel" died along with Capt.Winson. "This was proved to be unfounded. Only Capt.Winson was martyred and no other Naga Army died in the battle with KNA(B)," the NSCN-IM clarified today. Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM said it is proud of the "brave Naga Army personnel who have the courage to be in the frontline of the battle for the Naga nation". The NSCN-IM expressed its "heartfelt" condolences for the family of Capt. Winson who was "martyred" on June 15, 2024, in the battle against KNA(B) at Angko Hills Range in Myanmar. The NSCN-IM also said the "Naga nation" saluted him and paid "our hearty" homage who laid down his life in the line of duty for the cause of the "Naga nation".Newmai News Network Bangladesh Prime Minister was rightSinister plans are afoot to create a Christian State of Zo people in South Asia | Jaideep Mazumdar (Courtesy Swarajya) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas recent statement that a Western power is conspiring to create a Christian State similar to East Timor in this region ought to be taken seriously. Hasina was not explicit about this conspiracy. But top leaders of the Awami League who are close to the Bangladeshi premier, as well as senior security and intelligence officers in India and Bangladesh, told Swarajya that what Hasina meant was that an independent Zo State, comprising areas of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Mizoram, inhabited by the Kuki-Chin-Mizo people is being incubated by a Western power. The Kuki-Chin-Mizo people have, in recent years, started calling themselves collectively as Zo people. They are also aspiring for Zogam, or a homeland for the Zo people, comprising large parts of the Chin State of Myanmar, the Indian State of Mizoram, and Kuki-inhabited areas of Manipur, and the Bandarban district and adjoining areas of Bangladeshs Chittagong division. All these areas are contiguous to each other and, except for Mizoram, are experiencing militancy by Kuki-Chin terror groups. The Chinland Joint Defence Committeea joint body formed by the Chin National Army (CNA), Chinland Defence Force (CDF), and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) is waging a deadly armed struggle against the Myanmar junta. In Bangladeshs Bandarban district and surrounding areas of Chittagong division, the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) has carried out acts of terror in recent months. Kuki militants under the banners of the Kuki National Army (KNA), Kuki National Front (KNF), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) have been carrying out killings, kidnappings, and extortions in Manipur, and are closely involved in the ongoing ethnic strife in the North Eastern State. The Kukis are demanding a separate State for themselves, carved out of the Kuki-dominated hill districts of Manipur. Interestingly, almost all the Zo people Kukis, Chins, and Mizos, who claim common ethnicity are Christians. Christian missionaries started alluring and converting them during British rule, and continued to do so even after the British left the subcontinent. Most of the Zo people are Protestants and evangelical. Also, they are an exclusive community Mizoram is a stark example of this exclusivity and harbour the dream of living together in a unified Zo homeland. The Mizoram-based Zo Reunification Organisation (ZRO), whose primary goal is the unification of all Zo-inhabited areas in the three countries, enjoys widespread support in Mizoram. The unification demand is endorsed by the ruling Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram, the Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), and even the State unit of the Congress. This demand, say intelligence sources in India and Bangladesh, is being instigated by Church bodies, especially the Baptist Church, which has its home base in the United States of America (US). Church organisations in the US are said to be linked closely with intelligence agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Hence, say top sources in Indian and Bangladeshi intelligence agencies, it is quite obvious that the US is pursuing a long-term project of encouraging the formation of a Christian State comprising contiguous areas of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India and inhabited by the Zo people. What Hasina Said The Bangladesh Prime Minister said at a meeting of the 14-party alliance (led by the Awami League) in Dhaka just under two weeks ago: "Like East Timor, they will carve out a Christian country, taking parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal." She did not mention that the project of creating a Christian country also includes parts of North East India, but that would have been an "unintentional omission" on her part, Awami League leaders told Swarajya. Hasina also warned : "It may appear that it is aimed at only one country, but it is not. I know where else they intend to go." "This statement in itself alluded to the Chrisitan country project also affecting India," said a senior officer of Bangladeshs elite Counter Terrorism & Intelligence Bureau (CTIB). Hasina also referred to the earlier US demand for setting up an air base in Bangladeshs St Martins Island a small island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal and also the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Though the US recently denied making such a demand, a Joint-Director- ranked officer of Bangladeshs National Security Intelligence (NSI) the countrys principal civilian intelligence outfit told Swarajya that this request comes up quite often in private bilateral talks between leaders and top officials of the two countries. The Bangladeshi premier said at the meeting in Dhaka that she was made an offer by a white man: that her transition to power for the fourth consecutive term will be smooth and without any interference by Western powers if she agreed to allow the US to set up an air base in the island. She said she turned down the offer. The US and some Western powers had severely criticised the Parliamentary polls in Bangladesh earlier this year and tried to intercede on behalf of the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist ally the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh. The BNP had demanded that the elections be conducted under a neutral caretaker regime, a demand that was turned down by the Awami League (AL) Government. It triggered violent protests by the BNP and the Jamaat, and a strong crackdown by the Government in which the entire leadership of the BNP was jailed. The BNP and its Islamist allies also boycotted the polls. The US and other Western countries leaned heavily on the AL Government to step down and hand over power to a caretaker regime, and release all jailed BNP and Jamaat leaders in order to ensure free and fair elections. But strong backing from India and China helped Hasina resist that pressure, and she won the Parliamentary elections by a landslide. Why Hasinas Fears Are Not Unfounded "It will be in the USAs interests to have a Christian Nation populated by pliable people in this region. Myanmar is a Buddhist-majority country and China has a very powerful influence over that strife-torn country, including its ruling junta, as well as a number of resistance groups which are fighting the junta. "Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country and the USA has alienated itself from the country and its people by trying to exert overt influence over Bangladeshs internal affairs. Though Hindu-majority India is a sort of strategic ally of the USA, it always acts in its own National interest and often defies the USA. "The US is thus frustrated over failing to acquire a firm ally in South Asia. A Chrisitian country which looks up to it will fit into the USAs long-term plans to play a decisive role in South Asia perfectly," a retired Major General who has served in Bangladeshs Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) told Swarajya from Dhaka. Serving and retired Bangladeshi and Indian intelligence officers told Swarajya that the unified Zo homeland project is progressing quietly. "Only one powerful group in Mizoram is voicing this demand, and the demand is endorsed by political parties in Mizoram. But outside Mizoram, Kuki-Chin groups are careful not to voice this demand because it can lead to an immediate backlash. Instead, they (the Kuki-Chin groups in Manipur, Bangladesh, and Myanmar) are concentrating on strengthening themselves militarily in order to ready themselves for the final push. This final push, according to their plans, will be a coordinated and intense offensive against security forces in Manipur, Myanmar, and Bangladesh," said a senior officer of an Indian intelligence agency. This may sound like fantasy, but it is not. The Kuki-Chin-Mizo people are dead serious about it, and going about achieving their objective in a very calculated and covert manner," he added. A senior officer of Bangladeshs NSI, which coordinates closely with its Indian counterparts on South Asian affairs of mutual interest, fully endorsed this view. "The Kuki-Chin groups are amassing weapons in Bangladesh and making strategic alliances with Islamist terror groups like the Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya. They are also slowly garnering international attention by alleging that the Kuki-Chin people in Bangladesh are a heavily persecuted lot. The Kukis are doing the same in Manipur and have already succeeded in projecting themselves as a people who are persecuted because they are Christians. "Many Christian communities and groups across the world, especially in the West, have started extending support to the Kukis in Manipur and Bangladesh. This support will only increase as the Kuki-Chin militants launch more offensives and thus trigger harsher crackdowns, leading to more exodus of Kuki-Chin people from Chittagong to neighbouring Mizoram," the senior NSI officer told Swarajya. Chin-Kukis in Bangladesh The Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) was founded in the Bandarban district of Bangladeshs Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) as a non-profit by Nathaniel Bom, a Fine Arts graduate of Dhaka University. It was established to advocate the rights of the Kuki-Chin people living in the CHT. The Kuki-Chins, who are also called Lushais in Bangladesh, number about 70,000, and all of them are Christians. The KNF became a terror outfit in 2017 and started extortions and kidnappings. It started involving itself in the drug trade from Myanmar and amassing arms. It also offered training in arms and operational strategies to the Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya (JAS), whose leader Shamim Mahfuz was a close friend of Bom's at Dhaka University. The JAS was founded in 2019 by leaders of the Ansarul Bangla Team (ABT), the neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI). These three Islamic terror outfits were being hounded by the Bangladeshi security establishments, and so the leaders of the three groups decided to float a new outfit. Many batches of JAS recruits have reportedly received training from KNF, which had been trained in the past by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), which is battling the Myanmar junta. The Karens, like the Chins, are Christians. The KNA received training in handling arms and guerilla tactics from the KNLA through the Chin militant outfits in Myanmar. The KNA and Chin outfits share fraternal ties and act in unison. The KNA is learnt to have made a lot of money by imparting training to JAS cadres. This money, and the proceeds from the lucrative drug trade, is now enabling the outfit to purchase sophisticated arms. Armed with sophisticated weapons, the KNA has been getting bolder. It has about 2,000 well-trained and well-armed cadres. In early April, it looted three banks in the CHT and carried out some kidnappings for ransom. In May 2023, it attacked a Bangladesh Army camp in Bandarban and killed two soldiers. The inevitable operations by Bangladeshs security forces against the KNA since last year has led to the exodus of thousands of Kuki-Chins from the CHT to Mizoram. This has enabled the Kuki-Chins of Bangladesh to garner international attention and sympathy. Their narrative that they are a persecuted lot in Bangladesh has gained a lot of traction globally. This is being leveraged silently by Zo organisations in the Western Nations to collect huge sums of money that is being surreptitiously channelised to the Kuki-Chin outfits to procure arms and create a fake persecution narrative. Conversions To Christianity In Bangladesh The Kuki-Chins in Bandarban are not only waging an insurgency against Bangladeshi security forces. They are also involved in converting other indigenous people of the CHT the Tiprasas, Khumis, Chaks, Tanchangyas, and even the majority Chakmas to Christianity. "The KNF is helping missionaries and Church bodies to forcibly convert other indigenous people to Christianity. The missionaries first try to lure the other indigenous people who are mostly animists or Buddhists through promises of material gains. But when allurements fail, the missionaries take the help of the KNF to force people to convert. This has also led to confrontations between the Kuki-Chins and other indigenous people of the CHT," said the senior NSI officer. The KNF has killed several Chakma leaders who opposed the proselytising activities of Christian missionaries. The Chakmas have retaliated, and that has helped the Kuki-Chins of CHT reinforce their fake narrative that they are being persecuted not only by the Muslims of Bangladesh, but also by the Buddhist Chakmas of CHT, the NSI officer added. "Christian missionaries are on a silent proselytising spree in CHT and are being helped by the KNF. Many small indigenous groups have not only become Christians, but have also been forced to accept a larger Kuki-Chin-Zo identity," Shaimum Sarwar Kamal, an Awami League MP from Chittagong, told Swarajya. The MPs contentions are borne out by hard evidence. The small community of Bawn people, for instance, had been converted to Christianity through allurements and force a couple of decades ago. Numbering just about 13,000 (according to Bangladeshs 2022 census), the Bawns now consider themselves a part of the Kuki-Chin people. They had been animists and had nothing in common with the Kuki-Chins. The same is the case with Khyangs, another small group of about 4,500 indigenous people who have been converted and have been forced to declare themselves a part of the Kuki-Chin people. KNF-backed Christian proselytisers now have their sights on the Khumis (numbering about 3,800) and Tanchangyas. Even the Chakmas (who are Buddhists) and the Tiprasas (who follow Hinduism and animism) are not being spared. "The sinister objective is to increase the population of Christians, and also that of the Kuki-Chins. They (the Kuki-Chins) are now demanding more autonomy and a separate State within Bangladesh, but thats just a decoy. Their ultimate goal is a separate country," said Kamal, the MP. The strategy of forcing tribes and groups of people to accept Kuki-Chin-Zo ethnicity is not restricted to the CHT. Aggressive Kuki groups, with the active involvement of the Church, had done this in Manipurs hill districts. At least five tribes Hmar, Vaiphei, Gangte, Simte, Sukte, and Paite who were not part of the Kuki-Chin-Zo ethnic group were forced to accept the larger Zo identity in Manipur after brutal conflicts with Kuki militants in the late 1990s and early part of the next decade. (To be contd) Is Delhi doing the right thing ? Understanding the reality | Just a few days after supremo of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat minced no words in asserting that the Manipur issue must be given priority, right wing publication, the Swarajya has gone on to run a 1500 worded article under the telling caption, Amit Shahs meeting on Manipur exposes all thats wrong with New Delhis handling of the troubled State which The Sangai Express is carrying with due courtesy to Swarajya. Written by Jaideep Mazumdar, a journalist who has kept a close tab on the developments in Manipur, especially in the face of the extensive false narratives that have been peddled across the country and the world, the said article falls in line with the reality that is Manipur after the place went up in flames in the evening of May 3, 2023. The common theme that runs between the public statement of the RSS chief and the said article cannot be missed by all those who have been following the takes of different personalities on the violence in Manipur. If New Delhi had succeeded in reading the situation right and were not blinded by the compulsion of geo-politics, then the state of unrest could have been controlled in the first few days after Manipur went up in flames. The first few months after May 3, 2023 was total madness. It was chaos everywhere and despite Delhi rushing in close to 60,000 security personnel, the Imphal-Dimapur line was com- pletely cut off at Kangpokpi and remains so to this day, with armed vigilantes calling the shots. Despite the deployment of such a huge number of security personnel, confrontations continued and bullets continued to rain on Meitei settlements at the foothills. It is to protect themselves and their people that volunteers organised themselves under existing organisations and took it upon themselves to strike back and this should about explain the looting of guns and ammunition from the different police armouries across the valley districts. As maintained earlier, the Union Home Ministry took note of the looted arms but not a word has been said about the guns that are being used to fire at the Meitei settlements. Save for a comment or two on the infiltration from across the border, not a word has been said on the status of the SoO pact, which has not been officially and publicly extended after its expiry in the early part of 2024. And in the SoO pact is the Zomi Revolutionary Army, the chief of who is a bonafide Myanmarese. Talk about infiltration from across the border and yet have a peace pact with a group which is headed by someone from across the border and clearly the double standard of Delhi cannot be missed. It should be obvious to everyone. From day 1 of the conflict, New Delhi has been bungling from one step to the other and perhaps this is best exemplified by the fact that while Chief Minister N Biren Singh has been dubbed as someone who is co-operating, the same man who called him co-operative did not deem it fit to invite the Chief Minister to a meeting which was specifically called to discuss the violence in Manipur. The same co-operative man has been divested of the Chairmanship of the Unified Command and the same co-operative man was not consulted when the new DGP was appointed. Something is just not right. If New Delhi is under the impression that a better job could have been done or the situation could have been handled in a better way, then what is stopping it from going in for a change of guard ? Or is it a question of finding in N Biren the perfect fall guy, a personality who should be held responsible for all the mess that Manipur finds itself in today ? In the last 400 days or so of the violence erupting, The Sangai Express had stopped short of critiquing the conduct of Imphal and New Delhi, but then remember why questions and allegations loaded with meanings have been raised against the conduct of Central security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles. Read this line along with the silence over the status of the SoO pact and things should be clearer. And this is where the failure of New Delhi to deal with the situation in Manipur clearly emerges and the disturbing question is whether this is deliberate or otherwise. Village chief abducted | Senapati, Jun 19 : Two persons from the Aimol tribe of Manipur were reportedly abducted at gunpoint by armed miscreants near the ZEO office in Kangpokpi on Wednesday afternoon, sources said. The duo, Memory Chongthu, the chief of Kharam Thadoi village, and his son Thangreng, were allegedly abducted by two fully armed miscreants, suspected to be Kuki militants. Sources said the abductors snatched away their phone and vehicle key on the spot around 2.30 PM on Wednesday from Kangpokpi headquarters. The duo were released near Bongmoul (Laikop), added sources. Ukhrul Times could not independently verify the cause of the incident at the time of filing this report. However, sources suggest that a land dispute case seems to be the reason. Ukhrul Times Coup of 2021 not the only push factorThe impact on Naga lands | The military coup in the early part of 2021 and the intense battle for turf that followed shortly later between the Junta and the armed ethnic groups that come under the National Unity Government (NUG) boosted the number of immigrants into the North East region of India, particularly Manipur but to understand the influx into the region only through the prism of the coup and the civil war that has followed would be missing the trees for the woods. Influx from across the border has no time frame though major incidents in the neighbouring country may be cited as examples. The influx should be understood over the decades and one just has to take a look at the number of new settlements that have come up as well as the invasion in the Reserved and Protected Forests, the most recent example being the eviction drive at K Songjang village in Churachandpur Khoupum Protected Forest in February 2023. This was just two months before Manipur went up in flames on May 3, 2023. No one has answered where the evicted folks at K Songjang have proceeded to and no one, least of all the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, has deemed it fit to answer from where the people evicted from K Songjang had come from. It was with a reason why the BJP led Government at Imphal had deemed it proper to lay down the minimum number of households in a settlement to be notified as a recognised village in the Governments scheme of things and this should be seen and understood in the context of the number of villages that seem to spring up overnight and so Manipur saw Kuki villages with only four/five or 10 houses coming up in every nook and cranny of the hills. The gradual but sharp jump in the number of population of the Kuki community down the decades is another pointer to the facts that comes to mind. The push factor in neighbouring Myanmar has been there for decades while the pull factor of India, in particularly the North East region, is great and this is a trend that has been in vogue for decades. The Nagas of Manipur, particularly the Tangkhuls, bore the brunt of the gradual arrival of the Kukis then known as Khongjais, to their land and The Sangai Express has detailed some of the events in the column Yenning-Hoi Polloi and Mundanity in the earlier days of the ethnic clash. This column appears on the Sunday edition of this newspaper and many of such articles would have opened the eyes and minds of the readers to the arrival of the Khongjais to the soil of Manipur. Refugees-this is the term used not by anyone but by a certain Mr Haokip, a Paolienlal Haokip in his write up in the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies back on May 23, 2002. Not the first time that The Sangai Express is referring to this article and this wouldnt be the last either for here is a Kuki himself who has used the term refugees from Myanmar to refer to the Kukis who had entered Manipur. In the said article, Mr Haokip wrote that when the Burmese Government under Ne Win launched their programme of Burmanization in 1967, entire Kuki villages were served evacuation notices requiring them to leave their homes within 48 hours. In the aftermath of the evacuation notice some 20,000 Kukis were driven into the State of Manipur. This was in 1967 and one wonders where the odd 20,000 Kukis would be today. Did they return to their homeplace or did they stay permanently here and in the process got enlisted in the electoral roll and get included in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Constitution of India ? The same thing happened in 1988, said Mr Haokip who went on to add that some of the refugees took to arms and drugs smuggling, which was a get-rich-quick formula. All fall in line with the call to chuck out illegal immigrants and the vast poppy plantations in the hills and the War on Drugs campaign launched by the State Government. Connecting the dots and understanding what was written back in 2002 with the current situation in Manipur should not be too hard and the disturbing point is the call for a Separate Administration which has come with a Kukiland Map. One wonders what the Nagas, the other indigenous group of people, would say, especially in the backdrop of the fact that at least four NSCN (IM) cadres have been killed by the Kuki National Army (Burma) in the last few days. This is where the common interests of the two indigenous folks of the land should be acknowledged and acted upon accordingly. The Asansol Court has sent Sonu Gupta, the mastermind of Raniganj gold jewellery shop dacoity case to 14 days judicial custody. He suffered a bullet injury during the act on that day and was later arrested and underwent treatment and surgery at Asansol District Hospital. Meanwhile, Raniganj Police have arrested two persons in the last four days, thus taking the total number of arrests to four in the high profile gold jewellery showroom dacoity case. Of the arrested four persons three are the dacoits directly involved in the loot and the fourth one is the local contact, who had given shelter to the gang members. Advertisement The kingpin of the racket Sonu Gupta, who had suffered a bullet injury during the dacoity and his associate Suraj Kumar Singh were arrested from Jharkhand with the help of the police of the neighbouring state. While Suraj Kumar Singh is on police custody at present, on Sunday, the Special Task Force (STF) of Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC), comprising eight cops raided a house in Patna and arrested Nagendra Yadav, a resident of Moinpur in Bihar. Looted gold jewellery were also seized from his possession in that house by police. He has been produced to Asansol Court today and sent to 14 days police custody. Yesterday, Raniganj Police arrested a flower shop owner, Sashikanta Mali from Dakshinkhanda in Andal. Police said that he has given shelter to these dacoits to stay in his house. Sunil Kumar Choudhury, CP, ADPC confirmed that four persons, including three dacoits have been arrested and several police teams have fanned out in different locations and combing operations are on to nab the four other fugitives who are at large. During interrogations, the police came to know that the kingpin, Sonu Gupta is a student of computer science and engineering and was arrested by police earlier in cyber fraud cases. When he hurriedly came out after being informed about police presence, a bullet fired by sub-inspector Meghnad Mondal pierced through his abdomen and he fell into the ground and he lost grip of the carbine he was carrying. The BJP has issued a show-cause notice and temporarily suspended Abhijit Das (Bobby), the defeated BJP MP candidate from Diamond Harbour, where Abhishek Banerjee was the winner. The decision came after BJPs fact-finding team faced protests in Diamond Harbour. This team, led by former Tripura chief minister Biplab Deb, was in West Bengal to investigate post-poll violence. On Tuesday, some displaced BJP workers protested against the partys leadership in Diamond Harbour, causing discomfort for the state BJP. Abhijit Das, a long-time BJP worker in South 24-Parganas, who has contested several elections under the partys symbol, was accused of being absent from an important meeting, not allowing post-poll violence victims to attend the meeting, causing the central leadership to be encircled by party workers, making unethical comments and creating disorder at the district office. The state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, through the partys disciplinary committee head Pratap Banerjee, issued the show-cause letter to Abhijit, demanding an explanation within seven days and stating that he is temporarily suspended until further notice. Advertisement Within the BJP some insiders claimed that issues began on the day of the seventh phase of voting in Diamond Harbour, when Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari demanded re-election in about 400 booths in Falta. However, state BJP leaders did not follow up on this demand, leading to Abhijits dissatisfaction. Additionally, Abhijit had repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the activities of the district BJP President Abhijit Sardar and financial issues. These grievances seemed to culminate in Tuesdays events when central leaders visited Amtala to investigate post-poll violence but allegedly did not meet with displaced workers sheltering at Abhijits home. Some of these displaced workers then blocked Biplabs car, expressing their anger. Despite this, the central team reportedly did not visit their shelter, leading to further protests where the local BJP office was locked by some of the displaced workers. Abhijit Das stated, I have not received any letter yet, neither by email nor by hand. I will respond once I receive the letter. Notably, Abhijit had attended the meeting at the BJPs Salt Lake office regarding post-poll violence. Kabi Dutta, a non-political person has taken over the charge of chairman of Asansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA) today from Tapas Banerjee. He visited both the offices of ADDA in Asansol and Durgapur today after taking charge. Local MP Kirti Azad, panchayat minister Pradip Mazumdar, DM of West Burdwan, S Ponnamballam welcomed him with bouquets. I am against illegal encroachments and will take strict action. However, my approach will be more humanitarian towards the encroachers, said Kabi Dutta after taking over. Advertisement He said that Asansol Durgapur industrial zone, which was once regarded as the Ruhr of India compared with Ruhr of Germany for industrial revolution after Indias independence despite setbacks over the decades, has the full potential to revive its past glory. It will take some time as I am new to this chair, but I promise to make the infrastructure of Asansol Durgapur twin cities at par with the best Metro cities in the country in the future. I seek support from all corners and need time, said Kabi Dutta. Mr Dutta, the president of Durgapur Chamber of Commerce, who runs chain of hotels is very close to chief minister Mamata Banerjee and first was appointed as chairman of Rugi Kalyan Samity of Durgapur Sub-Divisional Hospital and then as vice-chairman of ADDA few months ago. Now he has been suddenly elevated as the chairman of ADDA as the Trinamul chairperson is busy in organizational rejig in Durgapur which has fallen behind BJP due to factional fights between its local top leadership. With the Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) polls approaching, the TMC wants to revive the party in Durgapur, not only for the semi-final civic polls but also for the 2026 Assembly polls. It is expected that the new ADDA chairman will have a Herculean task to uplift the party for these two polls by undertaking major developmental projects in and around Durgapur. Mr Dutta is immensely popular to both CPM and the TMC and will focus on beautification and developmental works of Durgapur. There is good news for students eyeing for admission in state-run colleges in the state. Admission in colleges in the state from now on would be at the click of a mouse. Inaugurating the centralized portal today, Bratya Basu, state education minister said that the portal would officially come into effect from 24 June, when the students would be able to browse through the nitty-gritty of admission criteria and make a choice of their desired college for admission in at least 25 courses, based on their marks obtained in Higher Secondary examination. With the launch of the portal, students would not need to visit colleges in person for admissions in colleges of their choice in undergraduate courses. The portal would also rule out the alleged college union high-handedness, which the students had to face at many colleges. With the unveiling of one centralized portal for admission in colleges by the state government today, the anxiety among students would be a thing in the past as the portal would answer all the information that a student might search for to take admissions in courses of their choice. Advertisement The websites the students would have to look for are https://banglaruchchashiksha.wb.gov.in or https://wbcap.in/. The minister further said that a student can apply for admissions in at least 25 courses at one go at different colleges. The portal will have information catering to 7,217 undergraduate courses in the government, government-aided general degree colleges and universities. About 16 universities, 461 colleges and higher education institutes would be catering to the aforesaid number of courses. However, a few higher education Institutions have been kept outside the purview of this system. The universities include Presidency University, Jadavpur University, autonomous colleges, minority colleges, BEd, law, fine arts, performing arts, crafts, dance and music colleges, the minister said. Mr Basu further said that no fee would be levied on the students for admission in colleges. The students will have to upload the required documents for admissions. The minister said that the online admission system would get rid of the discrepancies at colleges, where the students unions have a say in admissions. He further contended there would be no quota system whatsoever, except the quota for the OBCs that the state government had introduced. The minister said this would continue till a prayer is filed, challenging the Calcutta High Court order in the Supreme Court. Asked to comment on the delay in introducing the portal that the government had envisaged much earlier, the minister said, Better late than never. The attempt of the government has been to give students a much-needed time to be able to come to terms with this system. The minister emphasised that Mamata Banerjee-led government is the only government that has made such a portal a possibility. On the much-awaited students union polls in colleges, Mr Basu said that it would be done in due course and in consultation with the chief minister. Aligned with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths stringent zero-tolerance policy, the Uttar Pradesh police of late intensified its crackdown on criminals. Over the past 15 days, the police have conducted 79 rapid operations dealing a significant blow to criminals across the state. In these operations, conducted from June 4 to June 19, two notorious criminals have been killed while 96 have been injured. So far, 139 criminals have been arrested while seven policemen have been injured in these encounters. According to the states Director General of Police Prashant Kumar, action is still going on against 68 state-level identified mafia gang members and associates. So far, action has been taken against 9 members of various mafia gangs at various levels. Out of these, three have been arrested, while action has been taken against 1 under the Gangster Act and 2 under the Goonda Act. Advertisement He pointed out that following extensive court proceedings Bhadohis mafia Vijay Mishra was sentenced on June 13 in a pending case. Meanwhile, the police achieved a significant breakthrough in a case by arresting Vinay Tyagi alias Tinku, a mafia with a bounty of Rs 50,000 on his head from Muzaffarnagar. A reward of Rs 25,000 was placed on Asif alias Pappu Smart, a dreaded member of Kanpurs Saud Akhtar gang, who has since been apprehended by the police. Furthermore, the Special Task Force (STF) successfully apprehended Utkarsh Singh, an active member of Ambedkar Nagars Ajay Singh alias Sipahi gang. Utkarsh also had a bounty of Rs 25,000 placed on him. In addition to these operations, authorities confiscated 44,570 hectares of land belonging to Muzaffarnagars notorious mafia Sushil alias Moonchh, estimated at Rs 4.5 crore. Meanwhile, Jaunpurs infamous criminal Prashant Singh alias Prince and Muzaffarnagars feared Nilesh Rai were killed in separate police encounters. Environmental activists from the group Just Stop Oil made headlines after reportedly infiltrating a private airfield at Stansted Airport in London around 5 a.m. on Thursday. Armed with fire extinguishers filled with orange paint, they targeted two jets, allegedly including one jet utilized by pop sensation Taylor Swift just hours prior to her Eras Tour performance at Wembley Stadium on Friday. This incident follows the recent arrest of two Just Stop Oil protesters who splattered orange paint on the iconic Stonehenge monument, marking a significant escalation in the groups protest tactics. According to a press release from Just Stop Oil, activists Jennifer Kowalski and Cole Macdonald breached the airfield perimeter at Stansted by cutting through a fence. They proceeded to spray paint on two private jets parked on the premises, although it remains unclear if Swifts aircraft was affected. Advertisement JUST STOP OIL PAINT PRIVATE JETS HOURS AFTER TAYLOR SWIFTS LANDS Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where @taylorswift13s jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030. Donate https://t.co/UwALfVtRmR pic.twitter.com/aORdvUuQmU Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) June 20, 2024 Taylor Swifts jet, a Dassault Falcon 7X, had landed at Stansted the previous night, as confirmed by a tracking system that monitors the movement of her aircraft. The environmental groups statement hinted at future protests targeting areas of key importance to the fossil fuel economy throughout the summer, indicating potential disruptions to travel plans for holidaymakers. The Independent reported that Essex Police arrested the two activists following the incident, as confirmed by an airport spokesperson. Swift has faced criticism in the past for her frequent use of private jets for short-distance travel. Just Stop Oil has announced plans for a series of protests at airports across the UK and Europe, with intentions to block runways at various locations, including Spain, Greece, and Turkey. A spokesperson for the group emphasized the urgency of their cause, stating, Whilst governments are allowing oil corporations to run amok destroying our communities, the actions of individuals mean very little. Thats why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. The incident at Stansted Airport underscores the growing tensions between environmental activists and industries reliant on fossil fuels, highlighting the urgency for systemic change to address climate concerns. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Thursday that his government would soon publish a White Paper highlighting the status of the capital city Amaravati after the previous YSRCP government YS Jagan Mohan Reddy abandoned the project. The under-construction buildings of the proposed state capital have been damaged during the past five years needing repairs. Ten years after the bifurcation of the state, AP is without a capital city, rued Naidu, adding that the coffers of the state government are empty at a time when both Polavaram and Amaravati have to be completed. Advertisement After five long years, Naidu on Thursday visited Amaravati, which he had seeded as APs greenfield capital during his previous tenure. Naidu began his inspection of Amaravati with a visit to the Praja Vedika which had been demolished by the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy regime alleging Illegal construction. His next stop was Uddandarayunipalem where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for Amaravati on Dussehra in 2015. Nine years later, an emotional Naidu was on his knees in front of the foundation stone where soil from all over the state had been brought, in a gesture of Pranaam. He also inspected the incomplete projects including the seed access roads and apartments for bureaucrats and judges. Most of the areas of Amaravati were covered in weeds and thorny bushes after five years of neglect by the previous government. Later, Naidu slammed YS Jagan Mohan Reddy saying, The previous government neglected and abandoned Amaravati and its development. An unfit individual headed the state for the past five years. Polavaram and Amaravati are not personal projects of any political party, these are for the states benefit. He said the farmers of Amaravati agitated for 1,630 days, which is numerologically equivalent to 11, the number of seats the YSRCP won in this election. Soliciting suggestions from the people on the way forward, Naidu said, The damage is visible. The coffers are empty while there is Polavaram to be built. The government will come up with an action plan for Amaravati after assessing the damages. Pointing out that Amaravati was a self-financing project that did not require the government to spend its own funds he blamed Reddy for wreaking havoc on the greenfield project. He said only God had saved the capital city from Reddys ire. A large number of farmers, who had given up their land for the capital and TDP activists, had gathered to welcome the chief minister. It is the result of Baba Ramdevs relentless and immense effort that the entire world is seen immersed in the colors of International Yoga Day on June 21. Like previous years, Patanjali Yogpeeth has made special plans for International Yoga Day and extensive preparations are underway to ensure the programs success. People from nearly 200 villages of Haridwar-Roorkee will participate in the yoga sessions. Advertisement This year, Patanjali has themed the International Yoga Day as Yoga for Self and Society. During the practice session at Yog-gram, Ramdev mentioned that various scientific studies have found yoga beneficial in treating numerous conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, asthma, thyroid, heart disease, kidney disease, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, etc. He said that by integrating yoga into our lives, one can achieve a healthy and disease-free life. Ramdev highlighted that under the integrated medical system of Patanjali Wellness, millions have benefited from various therapies like Panchakarma, Shatkarm, Acupressure, Acupuncture, and Cupping Therapy. On this occasion, Ramdev stated that under the auspices of Patanjali, the ongoing yoga revolution has once again revived the past. Patanjalis research has tested yoga on scientific grounds, and today, yoga has become a way of life. The practice of yoga is guiding the younger generation towards a positive path, and they are contributing to the creation of a positive, creative, qualitative, and productive society free from crime, corruption, and violence. In this sequence, a meeting regarding the preparations for Yoga Day was held in the auditorium of Bharat Swabhiman headquarters under the leadership of the Chief Women Central In-Charge, Sadhvi Devpriya. Various aspects like seating arrangements, sound, lighting, food, emergency services, etc., were discussed in depth. In the meeting, Bhai Rakesh Bharat presented a detailed outline of the program before the in-charge officials appointed for the arrangements. Swami Parmarthdev, Swami Bajrangdev, Swami Arshdev, Swami Ishdev, Swami Vinaydev, Swami Tirthdev, Chief General Manager Brigadier T.C. Malhotra, Bhai Dilip, along with all the appointed officials for the arrangements were present at the meeting. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be on a two-day state visit to India from Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be the first incoming bilateral state visit of a foreign leader after the formation of the new government by Mr Modi. During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the PM, Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to call on the Bangladesh PM. Advertisement Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Modi and his Union Council of Ministers on 9 June. A day after the Ministry of Education ordered cancellation of the UGC- NET exam, the Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday registered a case against unidentified people in the matter. The case by the federal probe agency has been registered under sections 120B, 420 of the Indian Penal Code on the basis of a complaint, received from the Secretary, Department of Education, Government of India, the probe agency said. According to the probe agency, it has been alleged in the complaint that on June 19, University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs from National Cyber Crime Threat Analysis Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre(I4C) that integrity of UGC Net -2024 Examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency(NTA) in two shifts across different cities in the country, may have been compromised. Advertisement After the exam was cancelled, the Education Ministry officials on Thursday said that no complaints were received about the exam, however, a suo motu action was taken to protect the interest of students which was based on the inputs available with them. Meanwhile, education minister Dharmedra Pradhan on cancellation of the UGC-NET exam, said the exam was compromised so we cancelled it. We will come with a new date very soon, he added. He also urged not to politicise the issue. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and party MPs on Thursday lashed out at the AAP government for its alleged inaction, negligence, and lack of intent to resolve the water crisis leaving the people of the national capital high and dry. During a joint press conference, the BJP leaders said despite adequate water released by Haryana, the city is facing a shortage. They blamed wastage, theft by the tanker mafias, and several other factors for the water woes of the city. Addressing the press conference, Virendra Sachdeva, accusing Water Minister Atishi of spreading lies on the issue, gave her an open challenge to get the documents related to water released by Haryana verified by concerned authorities. Advertisement How water could come through tankers on payment and how bottled water is available while there is a shortage of water in Delhi, he asked. He asserted that there is no water crisis in Delhi but water corruption involving the entire Delhi government and the Aam Aadmi Party. Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia, and Bansuri Swaraj unanimously alleged that the development of the city has been hampered due to the incompetence and corruption of the Delhi government and the people, especially the poor, are struggling for a single bucket of water. The BJP leadership strongly condemned the AAP Government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for their alleged misleading propaganda over water supply from Haryana. Instead of seeking additional water from their government in Punjab, they are asking the Haryana and Himachal Pradesh governments to project the BJP and Congress governments as non-cooperative and thereby defame them. Sachdeva pointed out that as per the directives given by the Yamuna Board on June 6 and June 14, Haryana is providing adequate water to Delhi. If the Delhi government feels that less water is being received, they should approach the Yamuna Board. The top leadership of Delhi BJP will accompany them. Harsh Malhotra said the AAP runs away from away from taking responsibility whether in the Delhi government or the municipal corporation. BJP leader Manoj Tiwari sought an explanation from the AAP government as to what they have done so far in the direction of conserving water and why they have not convened a special assembly session as yet to discuss the ongoing water crisis. Taking a dig at the AAP government, he said they usually call special sessions, but this time, they are silent on this issue when it needs to be discussed. BJP leader Yogendra Chandolia demanded an all-party meeting to discuss the current water situation and the water minister should explain what she has done to provide water to the people of Delhi. Ms Swaraj, in a scathing attack, condemned the AAP government for neglecting Delhis water needs and alleged that the party focused on their publicity and promoted illegal tanker mafias. The Delhi BJP leaders said that after continuously issuing false statements about the water supply from Haryana, the AAP government spoke to the Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, and is now presenting the factual data and information to the people of Delhi. The saffron partys state unit has been raising this issue since April and has consistently reiterated that there is no water crisis in Delhi, rather there is water corruption involving the entire Delhi government. MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, addressing the media, criticised Kejriwal and his government for forgetting all the promises made in 2013, such as providing water through taps, removing tankers, and fixing leakages. He noted that the number of tankers has increased from 734 during Sheila Dikshits regime to 1,204 while the leakage rose from 40 to 52 per cent in the last six years. A Delhi Court on Thursday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The Directorate of Enforcements counsel had requested for stay of the order, however, the court rejected. The order was passed by the Special Judge of Rouse Avenue Courts on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh after reserving it earlier on Thursday, and the bail bond is to be produced before Duty judge on Friday. Advertisement AAP legal team Advocate Rishikesh Kumar, in a video message said that the order of granting bail to Delhi CM was pronounced at Rouse Avenue court at 8 pm on Thursday, on Friday morning, the bail proceedings will be carried out and by afternoon, Delhi CM will likely come out of jail, he added. Taking to social media platform X, AAP Chief National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar wrote, BJP lost again! while AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi wrote, Satyamev Jayate. Taking to X Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann wrote, We have faith in the court..Bail for Kejriwal ji..victory of truth.. AAP chief was arrested by the ED on the night of March 21 from his official residence after questioning in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam linked money laundering case. On May 10, Kejriwal was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court till June 1, to take part in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, and he had surrendered on June 2 at Tihar jail to the concerned authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in Srinagar, Kashmir, on June 21. This years theme Yoga for Self and Society reminds people of yogas important role in enhancing peoples lives and the wider community. Prime Minister Modi will celebrate IDY in Srinagar, marking his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since taking charge as the premier for the third consecutive term. As many as 10,000 people are expected to join the PM on the banks of Dal Lake amid increased security. The PM will participate in the event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), which is spread over rolling acres of green carpet and is now one of the countrys newest and most modern convention centres. Advertisement On the occasion, PM Modi will address a gathering and thereafter take part in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) Yoga session. The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, 2015. Since then, Prime Minister Modi has led the IDY celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru, and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. On this day, various events such as mass yoga sessions, workshops, and seminars are organised across the country and worldwide. In a message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the International Day of Yoga recognises the ancient practices unmatched power to deliver healing, inner peace and physical, spiritual and mental well-being. With roots in India but now embraced worldwide by people of all faiths and cultures, yoga unites people with its values of balance, mindfulness and peace with people and planet alike, Guterres said, adding that on this important day, let us all be inspired by yogas timeless values and its call for a more peaceful and harmonious future. The Indian Embassy in the US organised a yoga session in Washington ahead of IDY. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy shared, International Yoga Day 2024 celebrated by the Indian Embassy in the US at the picturesque and serene Wharf in Washington. Various community organisations participated enthusiastically in the Yoga and meditation session. The High Commission of India in the United Kingdom also hosted a yoga event at Trafalgar Square in London that drew over 700 participants ahead of IDY. The day was also celebrated at the High Commission of India in the Maldives. The event witnessed the participation of Maldivian & Indian yoga enthusiasts. Army soldiers and the dog squad perform yoga at the Line of Control (LoC) on the eve of IDY in Jammu district. The idea for IDY was first proposed on September 27, 2014, by Prime Minister Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He spoke about yogas ancient heritage and its potential to foster global health and peace. Following this proposal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations officially proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga after 177 member states supported the decision. Stating that he was constantly endeavouring to remove Dil ki doori and Dilli ki Doori between Kashmir and Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Thursday that preparations for Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have begun and the people would soon choose the government through their vote. Indicating that the statehood of J&K will be restored, he said, The day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will once again make its future better as a state. In a warning to perpetrators of terrorism sitting across the Line of Control (LoC), the prime minister said; The government has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. I assure you that we will not hesitate to teach a lesson to the enemies of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Advertisement On holding of the Assembly elections, Modi said; Youll choose your government through your vote soon. As a state, very soon Jammu and Kashmir will make a better future. Through the elected representatives you will find ways to solve the problems, what can be better than this, he added. Modi was launching projects worth Rs.1,500 crore and a Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) worth Rs 1,800 crore during his first visit to J&K after being sworn in as PM for the third successive term. He struck a chord with the people when he recalled the famous phrase of the former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee Insaniyat, Jamhooriat and Kashmiriat. He said it was his endeavour to remove the distances between the hearts and the distance between Kashmir and Delhi. He said the people of Kashmir are victorious in keeping the flag of democracy flying high by overwhelmingly participating in the recent Lok Sabha elections. I have come here to thank you for keeping the flag of democratic process flying high. It would have been encouraging had the opposition also praised this development. The whole world is witnessing the changes in the Kashmir ValleyHumara Kashmir kitna aage badh gaya haiYou will see that the International Yoga Day celebration will also become an attraction for tourists. The changes we are seeing in Jammu & Kashmir today is the result of our work in the last 10 years. Indias aspirations are at an all-time high. Hence its expectations from its government are also at an all time high, he said. An aspirational society has only one parameter performance. The country saw the performance and it is the result of this performance that the government has got a chance for the third time. Our government performs and delivers results. Forming the government for the third time has given a message of stability to the world, Modi stressed. The last decade of the last century has seen a long period of unstable governments. Elections were held 5 times in 10 years. That means the country kept conducting elections and there was nothing else to do. Due to this instability, uncertainty, when it was time for India to take off, we became grounded, we suffered a lot. Leaving that period behind, now India has entered a new era of stable government. This has strengthened our democracy. Jammu and Kashmir have played a very big role in strengthening democracy. Today, when I was preparing to leave from Delhi to Srinagar, I was filled with joy and I was wondering why I was so excited. Two reasons caught my attention; in todays event, projects related to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and second, this is my first meeting with brothers and sisters from Kashmir after the Lok Sabha polls, Modi said. He said, Today, 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs 1,500 crores were inaugurated here. Projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1800 crore were inaugurated. New national highways and expressways are being constructed here. Every Indian feels proud when they see pictures of the worlds highest bridge on the river Chenab. Earlier, the J&K LG Manoj Sinha felicitated PM Modi. CPI-M Kerala secretary MV Govindan on Thursday acknowledged that the LDF faced a massive defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls and said the party misread the public sentiment that worked against them in the polls. Speaking to media persons here on Thursday ,after the CPI-M state committee meeting ,, MV Govindan said the party misread the public sentiment and pulse of the people that worked against the party and the LDF in the polls. Though we knew the reasons which had played a part in the defeat of the LDF beforehand, we thought we would be able to overcome it and win the polls. However, we had failed to understand the pulse of the people properly. Thats what we have concluded through our detailed examination of the election results. Advertisement The CPI-M workers and leaders should be able to work among the people and should become one of them so that they could effectively intervene in their problems., MV Govindan said. The CPI-M state secretary alleged that various caste organizations had succumbed to communal forces for various reasons. The SNDP Yogam leadership shifted their votes to the Sangh Parivar. Additionally, a section of the Christian community supported the BJP this time, potentially due to threats or other factors. This shift contributed to the loss of Congress votes in Thrissur, he said. The contest in Kerala was between the LDF and UDF. However, parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) joined forces with the UDF as allies to ensure their success, Govindan said. There is a feeling in the secular community, especially in the minority section, that the possibility of forming the government at the Centre lies with Congress. This feeling has also adversely affected the LDF , he said. Stating that the Left Democratic Front(LDF) could not achieve the expected success, MV Govindan expressed his partys concern over BJP winning a Lok Sabha seat from the state. It is a fact that the LDF could not achieve the result which we had expected. Moreover, we had suffered a big loss. The most dangerous thing in this poll is that BJP had won a seat as well, Govindan said. He said that the BJP successfully gained traction within the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam through the BDJS, an ally of the NDA in the polls. MV Govindan accused the media of constantly harassing the chief minister and his family, swaying public opinion. There is a deliberate attempt to cast the chief minister in a negative light, he said. He said the government will take corrective measures and that it would soon set its priorities straight. The setback to the party in the polls will be examined from bottom to top. We will launch campaigns at the grassroots level. The well-being of the people will be our top priority. There has been a disconnect between the government and the public, but it will be resolved soon, Govindan said. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the National Testing Agencys (NTA) decision to cancel the UGC-NET and NEET exams, stating that the future of lakhs of students is now in jeopardy. The Congress MP accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union education minister of failing Indias youth. Prime Minister Modi has failed the youth of India. With the NEET exam, 24 lakh people have been disappointed, and through the NET exam, 9 lakh students have been betrayed. Yet the PM chooses to be silent, he said. He warned that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party wont let this issue go unchallenged and announced a nationwide protest from tomorrow. Rahul Gandhi will raise the NEET students issue in the House, Gogoi added. Advertisement Furthermore, Gogoi demanded the suspension of the NTA chairman, citing a lack of accountability and oversight. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly condemned the current state of Indias educational institutions, attributing the recent exam issues to the capture of educational institutions by the BJP and its affiliates. The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the proceedings before the Bombay, Calcutta and Rajasthan High Courts related to the alleged paper leak and other irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024) exam and issued notice on the National Testing Agencys (NTA) pleas seeking the transfer of these cases from the High Courts to the top court. Staying the proceedings in the NEET-UG 2024 related cases before three High Courts and issuing notice on their transfer to itself (top court), a vacation bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice SVN Bhatti asked the advocate appearing for the NTA to inform the High Courts that notice has been issued on the transfer of matters to the top court. Please tell the High Courts that notice has been issued now, the bench told the advocate appearing for the NTA, and ordered, In the meantime, further proceedings before the High Court shall remain stayed. Advertisement Last week too, the top court had issued notice on a similar petition by the NTA seeking the transfer of cases from the High Court to itself (the top court). The bench tagged the NTAs transfer plea with the other matters seeking the cancellation of entire NEET-UG 2024 and its reconduct on the grounds of the alleged paper leak and other irregularities that are listed for hearing on July 8, 2024. However, the vacation bench refused to put on hold the counselling for admission to various medical colleges scheduled to commence on July 6, stating: No stay on counselling. If examination goes after the final hearing, then counselling also goes. There are more than 30 petitions before the Supreme court, including a fresh petition by a group of 20 students, who had appeared in the NEET-UG 2024, seeking direction for scrapping of the NEET-UG 2024 exam and a top court-monitored probe by the CBI or any other independent agency into the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the entrance exam held on May 5, 2024. The fresh petition by 20 students who had appeared for the medical entrance exam also seeks the re-conduct of NEET-UG 2024. The sanctity of the examination is questionable in view of the confirmed cases of leakage of question paper, with respect to which FIRs have been lodged and several persons have been arrested, as per the media reports, says the petition by 20 candidates seeking the reconduct of the NEET-UG 2024 exam. The plea has sought a direction for a Court-appointed Committee or any independent agency to conduct post-exam analysis, including academic background check, forensic analysis, and investigate all such candidates who have scored 620 and above, under the supervision of the top court. The petitioners have also sought direction to the central government, NTA and others to take effective steps to ensure transparency and fairness in the examination process and to address the concerns pertaining to fraudulent practices, leakage of question papers, impersonation, unfair means, etc in NEET(UG) in future. On June 18, while dealing with another set of petitions relating to NEET-UG 2024, the top court had said that that even if there was 0.001 percent negligence in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024, the National Testing Agency (NTA) must come forward and admit it, and it should be looked into and timely action should be taken. Even if there is 0.001% negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with. All these matters ought not to be treated as adversarial litigation, the vacation bench had said. On June 13, the National Testing Agency had informed the Supreme Court that the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates, who were given grace marks to compensate for the loss of time in commencing the paper, will be cancelled, with an option to take a retest. Giving the option of taking a retest to 1,563 candidates, the NTA had said that those who choose to take a retest, their present scorecard would be cancelled and a new score, after the re-exam, would be issued and counted for admission to medical colleges. The NTA had also said that those who choose not to take the retest, their original scores would remain but will not include the grace marks awarded to them earlier on account of the loss of time. The court was also informed that the National Testing Agency would hold the retest for these 1,563 students on June 23 and after the announcement of the results on June 30, the counselling for admission to medical colleges would begin from July 6 onwards. NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is a precursor to admissions into MBBS, BDS and AYUSH and other related medical courses in government and private institutions across the country. A number of aggrieved candidates have approached the top court seeking an investigation into the allegations of paper leak and other irregularities in the conduct of NEET-UG. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reiterated his governments commitment to further strengthen Indo-US relations for the global good. The prime minister was talking to a seven-member US Congressional delegation, led by Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which called on him. Other members of the delegation included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Rep. Amerish Babulal Ami Bera and Rep. Jim McGovern. Advertisement The PM highlighted the significant role played by the consistent and bipartisan support of the US Congress in advancing India-US ties, which are based on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and strong people-to-people ties The delegation members congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his election for the historic third consecutive term. They expressed deep appreciation for the scale, fairness, and transparency of the recently concluded worlds largest democratic electoral exercise in India. The delegation described the India-US relations as the most consequential one and expressed their strong support for further deepening Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership in all areas, including trade, new and emerging technology, defence, people to people-to-people exchanges. The PM recalled his state visit to the US in June last year during which he had an opportunity to address a Joint Session of the US Congress for a historic second time. The US delegations meeting took place a day after it met with Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was part of the delegation, later wrote on X: Today, it was my honor to join a bipartisan Congressional delegation to meet with His Holiness, the 14th @DalaiLama, in Dharamsala, India. In our meeting, we strongly reaffirmed Congressional support for the people of Tibet. The US Congressional delegation arrived in India on Tuesday. Its scheduled meeting with the Dalai Lama was strongly opposed by China. Last week, the US Congress passed a Bill urging Beijing to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve their dispute over the status and governance of Tibet. Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday held a high-level meeting to review the prices of essential commodities. The position of wheat stocks and prices was taken up for detailed discussion. About 266 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat has been procured till 18 June in Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2024, against a procurement of 262 LMT in RMS 2023. After meeting the requirement for Public Distribution System (PDS) and other Welfare Schemes, which is about 184 LMT, sufficient stock of wheat is available to undertake market interventions, as and when required. Advertisement The Union Minister directed that a close watch be kept on the prices of wheat and suitable policy interventions undertaken to ensure price stability for the consumers of the country, officials said. The death toll in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy has risen to 34, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Thursday. He has ordered an inquiry into the incident and asked for a report. The CM has also announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 for those hospitalised. According to sources, 107 people have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kallakurichi after consuming illicit liquor. Advertisement The death toll is expected to rise further as some of the hospitalised persons are said to be in serious condition. Following the hooch tragedy, the Tamil Nadu police has deployed heavy force in the area. In Kallakurichi, we have brought in seven SPs and these officials will have at least 1,000 police personnel at their disposal and are now on active security duty in the district, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Salem Range, E S Uma said. We have set up a help desk; anyone can access it easily. Bodies have been dispatched safely the DIG added. Meanwhile, AIADMK General Secretary and LoP Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi K Palaniswami has demanded CM MK Stalins resignation over the hooch tragedy. The AIADMK has also moved the Madras High Court seeking urgent listing of its petition on the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy issue for hearing. The high court has listed the matter for hearing on June 21. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has also announced a state wide protest against the Stalin-led DMK Tamil Nadu Government on June 22. After the Education Ministrys decision to cancel the UGC-NET exam, the Opposition Congress has doubled down its attack on the Narendra Modi-led NDA government and demanded that the prime minister cancel NEET-UG 2024 examination following allegations of paper leak. Shortly after the Education Ministry announced cancellation of UGC-NET, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asked the PM when the NEET-UG examination would be cancelled. In a social media post on X, the Congress chief said that the cancellation of UGC-NET is the defeat of the Modi governments arrogance. Advertisement You discuss exams a lot, when will you discuss NEET exam? Cancellation of the UGC-NET exam is a victory for millions of students. This is the defeat of the arrogance of the Modi government due to which they made a despicable attempt to trample the future of our youth. The Union Education Minister had earlier said that no paper was leaked in NEET. When arrests are made of education mafia in Bihar, Gujarat and Haryana, the Education Minister accepts that some scam has taken place! When will the NEET exam be cancelled?, he asked. He further added, Modi Ji, please take the responsibility of stopping your governments rigging and paper leak in NEET exam too! Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi over his Pariksha Pe Charcha programme with students, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that the PM has let down the entire young generation by continuing with the same education minister. PM of India does this fancy Pariksha Pe Charcha event, can he first ensure fair pariksha to lakhs of students preparing for these competitive exams? By continuing with the same education minister you have let down the entire young generation of India. Graduates dont have jobs, and undergrads dont have fair exams. Shame, she said. Just days after swearing-in for a record third term, the Modi-led NDA government is under fire over examination paper leaks. Several aspirants have approached the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of NEET-UG examination 2024, alleging irregularities. While the issue is in the court, the ministry has to cancel UGC-NET a day after nine lakh students appeared for it. The UGC-NET examination was cancelled after the Home Ministry flagged the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. A CBI inquiry has also been ordered to look into the UGC-NET matter even as demands of a similar probe are being made in the NEET-UG case. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday slammed the ruling BJP over the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam and the NEET row, saying youngsters are suffering because the independent education system has been demolished and captured by the saffron party and their parent organisation. Alleging paper leaks in both the exams, he also demanded that strict action should be taken against the culprits at the earliest. The government, however, reiterated that the UGC-NET conducted on 18th June was cancelled as there was a chance that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised and added that the next date will be announced soon. Advertisement Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Gandhi said, When I went on my Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, students told me paper leaks were endemic in India. One paper (UGC-NET) has been cancelled. We do not know what is going to happen with the NEET-UG. Recalling the infamous Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, he said, Now, we are seeing an expansion of Vyapam across the country. This is extremely damaging to students. It is happening because all our institutions have been captured. Our vice chancellors are placed not based on merit but because they belong to a particular organisation. This organisation and the BJP have penetrated our education system and destroyed it. Youngsters, I want you to know the reason you are suffering is because an independent and objective education system has been demolished and it has been replaced by an education system that is captured by the BJP and their parent organisation. Until this capture is released, you are going to suffer, you are going to see cancellation of exams, and paper leaks again and again, the Congress leader said. He said it is very important that the people who are guilty are brought to book and they are punished. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the matter, the Congress leader said, The Prime minister is crippled. He is not bothered about NEET, he is bothered about the Speakers post. That is where his mind is. We have a prime minister now who will find it very difficult to function. The prime minister is psychologically broken. In response to the question whether he will raise these issues in the upcoming session of Parliament, Gandhi said, We will raise this issue in Parliament. We (INDIA bloc) will make sure that we put so much pressure on them that this issue is resolved. Earlier in the day, Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, said the acting on specific inputs, the government took a pro-active step and cancelled the NET (National Eligibility Test). He informed that the matter has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Jaiswal said the next date of the exam will be declared soon. Asked about the raging NEET row, he said the issue has two components. Firstly, the grace marks matter has been settled, secondly, few people have been arrested in Gujarat and Bihar. They are being questioned and the probe is underway, he added. As traditional treatments such as blood transfusion, hydroxyurea, and other medicines have primarily focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications, experts on World Sickle Cell Day on Wednesday said that recent advancements in sickle cell anaemia and innovations in medical technology have led to the development of several promising new therapies. According to Dr Meet Kumar, Clinical Director, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, clinical trials carried out gene editing as a potential treatment method for sickle cell disease. As per preliminary findings, normal haemoglobin production may be enabled, which could significantly reduce sickle cell disease symptoms and effects. Advertisement As per experts, in sickle cell disease, the blood can get too thick and clot, causing various brain problems like silent strokes, regular strokes (both where blood flow is blocked and where there is bleeding), and other issues. This happens because the thick blood can block the blood vessels in the brain. Silent cerebral infarcts occur in about 40 per cent of children by 18 years. Headaches occur in about 36 per cent of children with sickle cell anaemia. Ischemic stroke occurs in about 10 per cent of children, and hemorrhagic stroke occurs in children at a rate of about 3-10 per cent, Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, told IANS. Sickle cell disease may affect the brain in various ways, including cognitive dysfunctions like working memory, verbal learning, visual motor function, inadequacy in general intellectual functioning, problems with language and attention, as well as headaches, seizures, and others, the experts noted. Dr Gaurav Kharya, Founder and Director, Cellogen Therapeutics, said that gene therapy represents one of the most promising advancements in the treatment of sickle cell disease. This approach involves modifying the patients own hematopoietic stem cells to correct the genetic defect responsible for the disease. He further mentioned that the modified stem cells are then reintroduced into the patients body. Early clinical trials have shown promising results, with some patients achieving significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life, Kharya added. India, a dynamic and proactive player in the Asia-Pacific, is on the cusp of broadening its influence through strategic partnerships and defence cooperation. Guided by the Modi administration from 2014, India has made significant strides in increasing its regional presence, bolstering its influence and rapport with AsiaPacific nations while actively countering Beijings regional sway. In the coming decade, China will continue to pose as Indias primary defence and security challenge. However, India is projected to persist in forging a coalition of regional powers to counterbalance Chinas assertive policies. Indias strategic stance from 2014-2024 and beyond clearly signals its intent to assert its influence, foster regional coalitions, and counterbalance Chinas burgeoning power in the Asia-Pacific region. In the foreseeable future, Indias primary focus will remain on the Indian Ocean region, with the broader Asia-Pacific region taking a backseat despite its mounting importance. In response to Chinas escalating assertiveness, India is not standing alone. Many Asia-Pacific and European nations are aligning with India, recognising the strategic significance of balancing Chinas influence. This notable trend hints at the potential for a strong regional coalition, a testament to the robustness of Indias alliances. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Indias middle power status has witnessed a significant upswing, bolstering its capacity to influence regional geopolitics. While Indias military, diplomatic, and economic capabilities are lower than Chinas, it remains a significant power capable of asymmetrically defending its interests and complicating Chinas strategic calculations. Indias security focus has shifted from Pakistan and Afghanistan to China as its primary long-term strategic challenge. India aspires to be a preferred security partner for AsiaPacific nations, a role that carries substantial strategic weight. Advertisement This shift has prompted India to fortify its defence partnerships across the Asia-Pacific to counter Chinas mounting regional influence. The deterioration in India-China relations coincided with escalating tensions between China, the United States, and its regional allies. Consequently, India has engaged with the US, Quad (Australia and Japan) members, and other partners in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia to bolster its regional strategy. This strategic manoeuvre underscores Indias commitment to maintaining a balanced and secure Asia-Pacific region. Being a preferred security partner through defence partnerships enhances Indias regional presence, influence, and trust. This role allows India to cooperate fully with partners on sensitive issues and encourages regular engagement. Indias defencediplomatic efforts include ministerial and service-chief visits, multilateral engagements, arms exports, and military exercises. Additionally, India favours trilateral and plurilateral engagements, enabling it to collaborate with multiple partners simultaneously without overextending its limited diplomatic and military resources. India actively participated in 150 military exercises during 2014-24 with countries interested in defence partnerships in the Asia-Pacific.India delivered 2024 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines under a deal signed in 2022. India has also activated a satellite imaging and tracking station in Hanoi, enabling it to track Chinese naval activities in the region. India is now more engaged with Chinas neighbours on regional defence and security to counter Beijings influence. Due to the widened trust deficit between New Delhi and Beijing, India also engages more with Southeast Asian countries. India has increased defence cooperation with ASEAN, highlighted by the first ASEAN-India Defence Ministers Informal Meeting in November 2022 and the inaugural maritime exercise in the South China Sea in May 2023. India supports Southeast Asian territorial claims in the South China Sea to counter Chinas regional influence and protect its navigation freedoms, as over 55 per cent of Indias trade passes through this region. New Delhi has enhanced sensitive defence engagements, including submarine visits and trilateral exercises with regional partners like Australia and Indonesia. India faces challenges in breaking into the regional arms market and enhancing its military presence in Southeast Asia, given its primary focus on the Indian Ocean. India aims to hold regular defence ministerial meetings with ASEAN, increase bilateral exercises with regional countries, and make Southeast Asia a key market for its defence exports to boost trust and regional influence. Combined military exercises are essential for Indias defence strategy. They facilitate military cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding with partner nations. India employs these exercises to signal an inclusive approach to military cooperation and to establish itself as a preferred security partner in the region. Through these exercises, the Indian armed forces can enhance their skills, share best practices, and improve their overall proficiency and agility. Combined military exercises may serve as a precursor to potential Indian military exports. These exercises also act as a litmus test for Chinas tolerance of Indias military engagements with regional countries, indicating whether China perceives such activities as crossing red lines. India conducts a wide range of bilateral, trilateral, multilateral, and multilateral military exercises, with an increasing number year-on-year, reflecting its growing regional presence and the development of new exercise formats. Indias military exercises span various countries in the Asia-Pacific, demonstrating its strategic focus and intent to strengthen ties with key regional defence partners. The Indian Navys increased port calls complement the military exercises, displaying Indias maritime presence and strategic reach. India is more willing to engage in sensitive defence activities, such as submarine visits to countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore. India has increased joint patrols and cooperation with countries like Australia and France to counter Chinas growing influence, focusing on maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Indias naval activities aim to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges in a way that does not overtly challenge China. Coordinated patrols with regional navies aim to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like illegal fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery, and piracy. India strategically uses combined military exercises to enhance regional defence cooperation, improve military capabilities, and navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning China. India perceives China as its main strategic challenge, with this gap widening compared to secondary concerns like terrorism and Pakistan. India aims to enhance its regional presence and influence through defence partnerships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, to counter Chinas influence. Ministerial and service-chief visits are highlighted as effective defence-diplomacy tools, but practical defence cooperation requires more than just these visits. India optimises its limited resources by focusing on trilateral and multilateral platforms, combined military exercises, and maritime security challenges, especially in Southeast Asia. These exercises and port calls are central to Indias strategy to establish itself as a preferred regional security partner. Improved delivery of defence initiatives could be achieved through more joint patrols and regional divisions of labour with partners. More robust economic ties with partners interested in Indias markets could enhance defence cooperation and set better terms of engagement. Indias role as an alternative defence partner to the US and China is expected to grow, with increased sensitivity to changes in deterrence, defence, containment, and engagement strategies. The relationship between India and China will likely remain antagonistic due to a lack of trust and engagement. Indias growing defence role and partnerships with countries like Australia, Japan, and the US indicate a regional divide with China. This is exacerbated by worsening US-China tensions. India is concerned about Chinas defence engagement with neighbouring countries and seeks to be the primary security partner in the Indian Ocean region to counter this. India aims to prevent China from establishing a regular presence with its neighbours by becoming the preferred regional security partner. (The writer is an economic consultant) As India goes through another gruelling summer, it becomes increasingly evident that the nations cities have become perilous heat traps, exacerbated by unbalanced urban development and climate change. This alarming trend is a clear indication of the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and robust climate action. Indian cities, particularly in the northwestern and central regions, are enduring some of the longest and most intense heat waves in recent memory. For over a month, daily temperatures in Delhi have soared above 40 degrees Celsius, with the heat index making it feel even hotter. This relentless heat is not just uncomfortable; it is deadly. Dozens of lives have already been lost to the scorching temperatures this year. One of the primary reasons for this intensifying heat is the unbalanced growth of urban areas. As cities expand, they often do so at the expense of natural landscapes, including vital water bodies and wetlands. These areas historically acted as natural cooling systems, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night. However, their reduction has led to a significant increase in urban heat retention, making nights nearly as oppressive as the days. Moreover, the proliferation of impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, has exacerbated the problem. These materials absorb and retain heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect. Coupled with rising greenhouse gas emissions, the result is a vicious cycle of increasing temperatures and deteriorating living conditions. The lack of adequate nighttime cooling is particularly concerning. Studies have shown that while urban areas used to cool down significantly at night, the temperature differential has decreased in recent years. This means that people living in these cities have little opportunity to recover from the daytime heat, leading to increased health risks and decreased productivity. In response, various Indian states have implemented heat action plans, including measures such as providing drinking water, enhancing medical facilities, and rescheduling outdoor work and school vacations. Advertisement While these efforts are commendable, they fall short of addressing the root causes of the problem. Long-term strategies are essential to make cities more resilient to extreme heat. One crucial aspect of such strategies is the enhancement of building insulation. Improving the thermal performance of buildings can significantly reduce indoor temperatures, making living conditions more bearable during heat waves. Additionally, developing shelters for the urban poor and investing in cooling water bodies can provide much-needed relief to vulnerable populations. However, these plans require substantial financial backing. Many cities are already struggling with their budgets and lack the resources to implement comprehensive heat mitigation measures. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to prioritise funding for climate resilience projects. Investing in sustainable urban infrastructure is not just an environmental necessity but also a public health imperative. Indias cities stand at crossroads. The choice is clear, but the window for action is rapidly closing. It is time for a concerted effort to transform our cities into havens of climate resilience and sustainability In March 2024, I had the opportunity to represent the Government of Odisha at the International Experience sharing conclave on BB-PPDR (Broad Band Public Protection and Disaster Relief Network) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The necessity of such a network, equipped with the latest technology was first felt following the tragic events of 9/11 in the USA. During calamities or large congregations, communication networks often tend to fail. Therefore, disaster relief and law and order agencies need a reliable and secure network. During the discussion, I raised the issue of Solar surge and possible solutions for mitigating it. The experts were doubtful about the efficacy of even the BBPPDR in such an exceptional situation. One of the experts representing Critical Communications, UK, quipped that mankind would have to go back in progress of civilisation. Solar storms, or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can disrupt electrical grids and communication networks by causing geomagnetically induced currents (GIC). In 1989, solar storms had caused major power grid failure in Quebec and the Toronto Stock Exchange disruption. Research by Sangeetha Abdu Jyothi warns of potential Internet disruptions from solar storms, with a days disruption in the U.S. possibly costing over $7 billion. Abdu Jyothis research stresses the importance of preparedness, suggesting a 1.6 to 12 per cent chance of a catastrophic solar storm in the next decade. As per NOAA Forecast, solar activity is expected to peak in 2024 or early 2025, with high risks persisting for several months or years. During the tea break informal discussion, I informed the experts that the Odisha Police has a cocktail of communication services not only landline phones, mobile phones, VHF/ UHF/ HF, and satellite phones but has also preserved the pigeon services for exigency. All the experts were very appreciative of the traditional Pigeon Service. Advertisement Pigeons, renowned for their remarkable homing instinct, have been trusted messengers for centuries. Recognizing the enduring value of these avian couriers, the Odisha Police Force established the Pigeon Service in 1946, weaving together historical inspiration with modern adaptations, thus creating a unique chapter in communication history. The pigeons were last used in the 1999 super cyclone for mail services when all other means of communication were not working. Pigeons, with their ability to navigate and return home, have been integral to communication throughout history. The use of pigeons in military operations can be traced back to antiquity, with notable instances in various cultures: Ancient Egypt: Hieroglyphs depict the use of pigeons for royal communication. Ancient Greece: Pigeons were employed during the Olympic Games to announce the winners. Genghis Khan: The Mongol ruler established a pigeon post system across his vast empire. World War I and II: Pigeons played a crucial role in carrying messages across enemy lines when traditional communication methods were compromised. Post-World War II, the Odisha Police embraced pigeon communication, inaugurating the Pigeon Service in 1946 with surplus pigeons and equipment from army disposals. Initially launched in Koraput, the service expanded to 38 locations, utilizing over 1,500 pigeons across districts, sub-divisions, circles, and police stations. The Odisha Pigeon Service has had several milestones: Jawaharlal Nehrus Message (1948): In a historical event, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru sent a message via pigeon from Sambalpur to Cuttack, showcasing the success of the Carrier Pigeon Service. The pigeon covered the distance in 5 hours and 20 minutes, reached Cuttack before the motorcade of the PM, impressing Nehru with its efficiency. International Postal Exhibition (1954 ): Odisha Police Pigeons attracted attention during the exhibition, demonstrating their prowess as messengers. Flood Emergency (1982): During severe floods in Cuttack District, pigeon mail played a crucial role in communication, aiding authorities in saving lives and property. TV Series Aisa Bhi Hota Hai (1988): In one of the episodes, the Odisha Pigeon Service was showcased. Philatelic Exhibition (1989): Pigeons carried messages during a historical postal philatelic exhibition, showcasing their role beyond emergencies. Millennium Celebration (1989): Pigeons were flown as a symbol of peace during the visit of the Honble President of India. Documentary Film (2004): The Film Division, Government of India, recorded a documentary on the Pigeon Postal Service, highlighting its significance. Reuters (June 2023): This news agency portrayed the Odisha Pigeon Service all over the world. The training process for pigeons is a crucial aspect of the Odisha Police Pigeon Service, ensuring their effectiveness in delivering messages. After initial familiarisation training, pigeons undergo route training over important routes. Then the distance is gradually increased. The Odisha Police Pigeon Service operates in three modes, each serving specific communication needs. The Static Service is a one-way service where pigeons are taken to a particular place and released with a message. They return to their home loft after completing the task. The Boomerang Service is a twoway service where pigeons are trained to go to a particular place, take food, and return to their loft, covering a restricted radius. The Mobile Ser vice is one where pigeons are housed in a trailer attached to a vehicle, facilitating communication between troops and their platoon or company. This mobile service has been successfully introduced in OSAP 6th BN, Cuttack. Presently, the pigeons of Odisha Police are capable of Boomerang and Mobile services. The Odisha Police still retains two Pigeon lofts at CBL Cuttack and PTC Angul out of the 19 used in past. Now we have 102 pigeons housed at CBL Cuttack and 48 at PTC Angul. The pigeons, now a leaner yet more efficient force, find purpose in various events, including Republic Day/Independence Day celebrations, other National/State-level functions and ceremonial parades. Moreover, the potential for utilizing pigeons in message carrier duties and demonstrations persists, necessitating an adequately trained and committed staff. The Odisha Police Pigeon Service, while adapting to modern communication, retains its historical significance. Balancing tradition and progress, it stands as a testament to the forces commitment to innovative communication strategies, especially dur ing natural calamities, ensuring the enduring legacy of this unique avian messenger service, which is being retained even at the advent of the BB-PPDR network. (The writer is an IPS officer.) Amidst Chinas aggressive posturing on maritime issues, India, Australia and France reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their shared values and working together towards a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The third India-France-Australia Trilateral Focal Points Meeting was held on Wednesday. The Indian side was led by Mr Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) and Ms. Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary (Oceania and Indo-Pacific), while the French side was led by Benoit Guidee, Director (Asia and Oceania), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and the Australian side by Ms Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The three sides reviewed the progress made under the three pillars of trilateral cooperation: maritime safety and security, marine and environmental cooperation, and multilateral engagement. Advertisement They identified new proposals for furthering the trilateral cooperation, including under the framework of the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) mechanisms, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation, and multilateral engagements, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. On World Refugee Day on Thursday, Palestinian refugees expressed their hope that India would continue to support and strengthen the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), consolidating its presence and role in serving refugees. On the occasion, in a statement released by Dr Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Media Adviser at the Embassy of Palestine in New Delhi, they also called on the world to fulfil its responsibilities to stop the aggression against Palestinians. According to a communique, they have accused the Israeli occupation of continuing the ethnic cleansing and displacement policy against the Palestinian people for 76 years in a row. Advertisement Palestinians have pointed out that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was established in 1949 for the relief and employment of Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian relief to more than 700 thousand Palestinian refugees who were forced to flee their homes. According to UNRWAs estimates for the year 2020, the number of their refugees amounted to about 6.4 million, including 2 million in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, spread across over 58 refugee camps in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the West Bank. Following the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip after October 7, 2023, more than 1.9 million Palestinians were displaced from their homes, the Palestinians have claimed. Palestine refugees represent 70 per cent of Gazas population, they said. It has been alleged that by targeting Palestinian refugees, the Israeli occupation seeks to target and liquidate UNRWA and limit its work. UNRWA is considered the backbone for providing humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza Strip, the statement read. The US Army has said they have killed a high-ranking member of the Islamic State terrorist militia in Syria in an airstrike. US Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria, killing Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior ISIS official and facilitator, the US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said in a post on social media platform X on Wednesday. His death will disrupt ISISs ability to resource and conduct terror attacks, it added. Advertisement There is no indication any civilians were harmed in this strike. US troops are stationed in Syria to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. They are deployed in areas controlled by the Kurdish militia YPG and its allies. Despite the military victory over the extremist militia announced in 2019, its cells are still active in the country. According to observers, however, the US is also seeking to limit the influence of its arch-enemy Iran with its continued military presence in the region. According to a defence official in Washington, around 700 US soldiers are still in Syria. Their deployment has become more dangerous with the outbreak of the Gaza war. Pro-Iranian militias have repeatedly carried out attacks on the often small US military bases in the desert. Mark Twain and Joyce Carol Oates are literary heroes of Western New York. They have something else in common, too. Their cats. Twain kept clowders of cats in his Buffalo home circa 1870. Oates, who turned 86 on Sunday, writes often of her cats on Twitter. (Yes, its now known as X, but Twitter rhymes with litter, so were going to stick with that here.) What is it about writers and cats? Ernest Hemingway famously kept a tribe of six-toed cats at his home in Key West, Fla. One cat leads to another, he said. Proof is in the 60 or so six-toed descendants who still live at his home, which is now a museum a living museum, thanks to those cats. We lost Monty, our Maine Coon cat, last month to a sudden heart issue. This month, happily, we got a 12-week-old kitten from the same SPCA in Central Virginia where we got Buff, our 17-year-old tomcat. Buff is the color of golden wheat; the kitten is a tabby of black-and-silver stripes. Andrew, our 4-year-old grandson, named her Nala, for the heroine of his favorite show, Lion Guard, a Disney+ prequel to The Lion King. As Im writing this, Nala is clawing up the back of my chair, leaping over my right shoulder, and landing in my lap. Her antics have got me thinking about cats a lot of late, which has got me thinking about Twain. He would actually rent cats to have while on vacation. When a man loves cats, he once wrote, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction. I called Tom Reigstad, the emeritus professor of English at SUNY Buffalo State University who is the author of Scribblin for a Livin: Mark Twains Pivotal Period in Buffalo. Tom pointed me to the pages in his book that tell of the cats Twain kept while in Buffalo. He named one of them Fraulein, a nod to Buffalos large German-American population at the time. Tom advised that I should be sure to look up the footnote for that fact. (His book is meticulously researched and beautifully written, a combination not often found in academe.) Samuel Clemens (Twains real name) and his wife, Olivia, received their home at 472 Delaware as a wedding present from her father. Soon after, Twain wrote to Olivias sister, in Elmira, to send kittens. The snooty mice of the house, Twain wrote, had been avoiding the mousetrap because it was cheap & small & uncomfortable. Twain later wrote to Olivias father to say that one kitten had slept through the two-hour train ride to Buffalo and had stretched & yawned, issuing much fishy breath in the operation, & said the Erie road was an infernal road to ride over. The joke lies in the fact that the kitten did not go over the Erie at all, it was the Lake Shore. Joyce Carol Oates is the prolific Lockport-born writer of novels, story collections and cat tweets. Her childrens book Naughty Cherie! was co-written with her cat. She and Cherie also co-wrote An Ode to Cats, performed in person for The New Yorker some years ago when the magazine staged a cats-versus-dogs debate among some of its writers and contributors. Oates offered the first post-modernist Catterel verse, which she defined as an elevated variant of doggerel. She styled Cherie as the very apotheosis of Cat-Beauty, which is to say, nothing extraordinary, for in the Cat, beauty is ordinary. She may come when called, like the dog, but mostly she will not for, unlike the dog, she has got an interior life inscrutable, inaccessible, un-possessible. Now, about that footnote in Scribblin for a Livin. It turns out that the citation for Twains having a cat named Fraulein comes from my fathers centennial history of Canisius College, founded by German Jesuits in 1870, the year that Twains kittens took the train from Elmira. How Buffalo can a thing be? I call on our foremost Twain expert for help, and the answer comes back to me from my own family tree a tree, I might add, with cats perched on every branch. We always had cats in our Ken-Ton home when I was growing up Siamese, Abyssinians, Burmese, orange toms, assorted others as many as five at once and never fewer than two. Twain, of course, had many more than that, up to 19 at one time. And he gave them marvelous Twainian names: Apollinaris, Beelzebub, Blatherskite, Satan, Sin, Sour Mash, Soapy Sal, Pestilence, Sackcloth, Ashes and Buffalo Bill. Twains handsome house on Delaware, my father wrote, was over-run with a clowder of cats and a consequent kindle of kittens. The Canisius history then offers a Twain aphorism, one that my father quoted frequently: If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat. Reacting to the death of as many as 34 people after consuming spurious alcohol in Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu, popular actor Vijay lashed out at the government, calling it indifferent. The news of the death of more than 25 people after consuming fake liquor in Karunapuram area of Kallakurichi district is shocking and heartbreaking, Vijay said in a social media post in Tamil. The actor offered condolences to the families of the deceased and said he is praying to god for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. Vijay, who is also the founder of the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, blamed the negligence of the government for the incident and demanded that 'tough' precautionary measures should be taken to prevent recurrence. "The fact that such an incident has occurred again shows the indifference of the government administration when it has not yet fully recovered from the tragedy of losing many lives due to the same incident last year," Vijay said in a tweet. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly on Thursday paid tributes to the victims who died after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi. Expressing shock over the deaths in the illicit liquor consumption case, Speaker M. Appavu said the state government was taking steps to contain the sale of spurious liquor and following the incident, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin initiated steps to provide medical treatment to the affected. Recently, the Association of Physicians of India (API), along with global healthcare company Abbott, initiated the first ever Angina Awareness Week in India. They aim to highlight the importance of early angina diagnosis and its optimal management to reduce the risk of cardiac events and improve patient outcomes. Angina, experienced as discomfort, pain, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest, is a common initial symptom of coronary artery disease. As per the Global Burden of Disease study, cardiovascular diseases strike Indians a decade earlier than the Western population. The study also states that India's death rate of 272 per 1,00,000 population due to cardiovascular diseases is much higher than that of the global average of 235. This makes it especially vital to pay attention to warning signs and one of the foremost is angina, which is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. It is vital to address the early age of onset and rapid disease progression of the CVD in a timely manner. With the country also recording the highest rate of coronary artery disease worldwide, it is essential to bring more awareness to symptoms like angina, which commonly affect Indians, but are often neglected. By supporting the countrys general practitioners and cardiologists through various measures and tools, we aim to strengthen effective diagnosis and disease management," said Dr. Milind Y Nadkar, President, Association of Physicians of India. Identifying angina early is essential to start interventions and help delay disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of more serious cardiac events while avoiding additional healthcare costs. Recognizing this, Abbott, the pharma company, developed three unique tools, including the OPTA clinical checklist, OPTA questionnaire, and OPTA approach, to support anginas diagnosis, prognosis, and medical management respectively. A study titled, 'Self-reported chronic heart disease and symptom-based angina pectoris among middle-aged and older Indian adults,' by Chanda Maurya from the International Institute of Population Sciences, revealed that individuals with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and family history of heart disease were more likely to have angina than their healthy counterparts. Angina remains an under-diagnosed condition in India, even today. As a result of this, many do not receive optimal treatment. Its important to address this challenge given the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases, as well as its associated cost to the country of roughly 2.17 trillion US dollars between 2012 and 2030," said Dr. Ashwini Pawar, medical director, Abbott India. Minimally invasive procedures, and innovative technologies, such as devices for connected care and diagnostics that use artificial intelligence (AI), will play an important role in early detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment options. These therapies will help reduce recovery time, minimize complications, and improve patient outcomes. At least 29 people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Tamil Nadus Kallakurichi district, 250 kms north of Chennai. The number is expected to increase further as 21 more people are still undergoing treatment. As many as 50 people from Karunapuram colony who consumed illicit liquor were admitted to the Kallakurichi government hospital in the wee hours of Wednesday after they complained of vision and hearing loss, severe stomach pain and vomiting. They were rushed to the Kallakurichi government hospital on Wednesday for treatment. With the Assembly session in place, the government swung into serious damage control mode. District collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath was shunted out and the district SP Samay Singh Meena was placed under suspension. M S Prasath has now been moved to Kallakurichi to replace Jatavath while Rajat Chaturvedi will be the new SP. Senior ministers EV Velu and Ma Subramanian, on instructions of Chief Minister M K Stalin, rushed to Kallakurichi to meet the victims' families and ensure medical help. Specialised medical teams have also been rushed to the Kallakurichi government hospital while a few of the patients have been shifted to nearby hospitals in Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry. Blood samples of the victims have also been sent to the forensic labs in JIPMER and other institutes for further analysis. Sources in the health department said others undergoing treatment are being strictly monitored by the specialised medical teams and measures are being taken to bring them back to life. Most of the 50 men who consumed the spurious liquor were daily wage labourers who had brought it from a local liquor seller Govindraj. Govindraj has been arrested. Around 200 litres of liquor was recovered from him. On analysis, the lab reports suggest that methanol was added to the liquor which led to the tragedy. The families of the victims allege that the government did not take action to control the availability of illicit liquor in the region despite the information. Incidentally, Kallakurichi and the neighbouring districts in north Tamil Nadu are notorious for spurious liquor as there is a huge demand for cheap liquor and arrack in this region. The incident comes just a year after 22 people died during the twin hooch tragedies at Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts in north Tamil Nadu. AIADMK general secretary and opposition leader Edappadi K Palanisami are all set to visit Kallakurichi to meet the victims' families. Condemning the DMK government for not taking action to control the supply of illicit liquor in the state, Palanisami said, "I have been saying that illicit liquor was rampant during DMKs rule. I strongly condemn the DMK government for not taking any action to eliminate illicit liquor even after so many lives have already been lost due to it. The BJP has demanded the resignation of S Muthusamy, the Minister for Prohibition and Excise. In a statement, BJP state unit president K Annamalai said, "there is zero accountability in the DMK government and ministers do not fear consequences for posing for pictures with illicit liquor sellers." In a major relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a Delhi court on Thursday granted him bail in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Special Judge Niyay Bindu also declined the Enforcement Directorate's prayer to keep in abeyance the bail order for 48 hours to allow the central agency to appeal against it in a superior court. The Aam Aadmi Party leader is likely to walk out of jail on Friday. During the hearing, the ED sought to link Kejriwal to the alleged proceeds of crime and co-accused, and the defence that claimed the prosecution has no evidence to nail the chief minister. The agency told the court that Kejriwal stayed at hotel Grand Hyatt in Goa on on November 7, 2021 during the assembly poll campaign and the bill was paid by Chanpreet Singh, who is alleged to have managed the AAP funds in the coastal state. Kejriwal's counsel, however, asserted that the entire case against him rests on statements. "The statements are of those people who have confessed to being guilty. They are not saints here. They are those who are not only tainted, but it appears that some who were arrested were given a promise of bail and promise of being granted pardon. Approvers. And there is another category who have not been arrested," the counsel said. Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21, is currently in judicial custody. On May 10, the Supreme Court had granted him bail to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. He surrendered in Tihar jail on June after his bail period ended. Tight slap on BJPs face Hailing the court order, the AAP wrote on X: "Truth can be troubled, not defeated. Rejecting all the objections raised by BJP's ED, the Honorable Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister @ArvindKejriwal. AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said the court order is a victory of truth and a "tight slap" on the face of the BJP. "Every worker is enthused by this victory. We are very happy. It is a tight slap on the face of the BJP. If the BJP has any shame left, they should now close these fake cases and release those in jail," he said. Soon after Kejriwal got bail, senior AAP leader Atishi in a post on X said, 'Satyamev Jayate" (truth alone triumphs). AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said, "This is victory of truth, victory of justice. Heartfelt thanks to the honorable Court for granting bail to Kejriwal." The Karnataka police are screening key members of murder-accused actor Darshan's fan clubs across the state and their activities. The groups are suspected to have harboured anti-social elements amongst their ranks, a top police source told the press. Actor Darshan has been a guardian angel to these criminal elements hidden behind the veil of the fan groups, the police claimed. Police are also contemplating opening a rowdy sheet against the Sandalwood star as he allegedly has contacts with rowdies in different parts of Karnataka who operated through his fan clubs. With his money power and clout, Darshan was protecting them, a police officer told the news agency PTI. ALSO READ | Renukaswamy murder: Police custody of Darshan, Pavithra and others extended by 5 days According to police, fan club members were paid handsome amounts by not just Darshan but the producers, directors and financiers of his movies ahead of release. These groups were entrusted to create a favourable box-office atmosphere whenever his movies came out. To get a lucrative share in the income generated from Darshan movies, fan clubs would strive for the success of his films, the sources said, adding, often there would be competition amongst them in various districts. It has also been observed that these fan club members would clash with the fan club members of other actors whenever Darshan movies were released simultaneously with the rival actor, the sources said. Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, was abducted from his hometown of Chitradurga by a key club member and his associates in the district and brought to Bengaluru where he was tortured and murdered. The wife of the victim had earlier claimed that it was a district officebearers of the Darshan fan club that came and took him away. ALSO READ |Renukaswamy murder case: Karnataka police seize car used by Darshan gang to kidnap victim Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old auto driver, reportedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, for souring Darshan's relationship with his wife. Gowda tipped off Darshan, who hired members of one of his fan clubs to track down and kidnap Renukaswamy. His body was found in Bengaluru on June nine. A few students of IIT-Bombay were fined up to Rs 1.2 lakh by the institute for staging a play loosely based on the epic Ramayana, in which they showed the characters in a "derogatory manner." According to a Times of India report, the play was staged during the annual performing arts fest of the premier institute. The play, titled 'Raahovan', was staged on March 31. The video of the skit had gone viral in the next few days, following which a complaint was registered. According to one of the complainants, the students made fun of Indian culture in the name of feminism in the play. A section of the students, in the complaint, said the play showed the characters in the epic in poor light. The action by the institute comes after recommendations by a disciplinary action committee. While IIT- Bombay imposed a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh each on students who are graduating, junior students, who were part of the play, have been told to pay Rs 40,000. Besides, the students have been banned from hostel facilities. However, some of the students in the institute defended the play saying it was a feminist taken on tribal society, and the action initiated by the institute is uncalled for. According to them, the skit was much appreciated when it was staged. In recent days, the CPI(M) state secretariat and state committee analysed the heavy electoral defeat that the ruling party faced in Kerala during the Lok Sabha elections. Today, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan elaborated on the reasons behind the party's loss. The CPI(M) managed to win just one seat from Kerala in the elections, with a strong anti-incumbency wave against the LDF government and strong anti-Pinarayi Vijayan sentiments cited by many as the major reasons for the partys debacle. Reportedly, there has been strong criticism of the government, especially regarding Vijayans functioning style, even within LDF ally, CPI, platforms. However, when Govindan explained the reasons for the failure, he attributed more of the blame to external factors than to internal issues within the LDF, and decided to be the shield for every criticism against CM Vijayan. Notably, Govindan had more advice for external entities than for his partys government and chief minister. Govindan started his explanatory press meet by admitting that the LDF and the CPI(M) faced "nalla parajayam" (heavy defeat). This admission of defeat itself is a humbling moment, as during the campaign phase, Govindan had made an absurd claim to local media that even if the party won "two seats, it would be a recognition for the government. He explained this by saying, "You know why it is so, because last time, we had just one seat. There is no issue of popularity for our government." Govindan then started explaining the various factors that led to the poll debacle. The first one on the list was that a vast majority saw Congress, and not CPI(M), as the bulwark that can form a government defeating the BJP at the Centre. In Kerala, there is a fight between the CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress-led UDF. And, when this national scenario was there in front of people, it became a limitation for us, Govindan explained. Interestingly, the partys election slogan in Kerala during campaign phase was Idathundenkile India Ullu (Only if Left exists, then India would exist). Seems like the state secretary himself admitted that this slogan could not catch the imagination of the people of Kerala. Govindan then proceeded to say that the UDF, led by Congress, and constituted by parties like the Indian Union Muslim League, had received support from Muslim extremist organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami, Welfare Party, and SDPI. They all worked together as if they were all part of an alliance, said Govindan, while adding that his party is always against majoritarian communalism as well as minoritarian communalism. Govindan then directed his attack towards Vellappalli Nadesan, the General Secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, the social organisation of Ezhavas in Kerala. He started this third external factor citing that leadership of certain community organisations and parties raising identity politics have become submissive to the communal politics of RSS and Sangh Parivar. Ezhava community is traditionally the major vote base for CPI(M). Govindan made a frontal attack against Nadesan and his family, saying that his son Tushar-led BDJS party and his wife are all in the RSS camp and there were instrumental efforts from the SNDP leadership to divert votes in favour of BJP. Govindan, then observed that a considerable share of Christian votes also went in favour of BJP. He cited that the church leaders had faced threats and even some of the bishops had worked in favour of the saffron party. Govindan also made the observation that a large section of votes that leaked from UDF in Thrissur and worked in favour of the BJP had been Christian votes. During the Q&A session following his explanation, Govindan made another comment that suggested that the Churches have been facing issues, including those related to funding, and that also affected the shift of the Christian population to the BJP. Govindan then admitted that the state governments failure in disbursing welfare pensions and DA to government employees on time affected peoples perception. Janangalude Manobhawam manasilakkan sadhichilla (We could not understand the mindset of people), he confessed. Interestingly, this was followed by Govindan extending complete protection for Chief Minister Vijayan. The stance taken by right-wing media became crucial. There was a concerted effort to attack Pinarayi and his family. They targeted Pinarayi and the leadership. Such campaigns had an impact among people, he said. when Govindan was asked whether there requires a change in the functioning style of CM Vijayan, he replied: What style should change? It was with this style [of Vijayan] that the LDF earned the consecutive term. Govindan announced that in the wake of the defeat, a directive document will be prepared for the governments actions, and there will be an examination of what actions to prioritize. He also announced that the setback to the party will be examined from the bottom up and that mass gatherings will be held in all local committees. The cancellation of UGC-NET exams has sparked off nation-wide protests, with the opposition parties accusing the National Testing Agency and the Narendra Modi government of destroying the future of students. In Delhi, scores of students who were protesting outside the Ministry of Education as well as the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's residence have been detained. A large number of students, including members of political outfits such as the Students' Federation of India (SFI), All India Students Association (AISA), Democratic Students' Front (DSF), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), and Congress-affiliated NSUI participated in the protest. The protesters demanded the resignation of Pradhan and a detailed investigation into the matter. The education ministry announced the cancellation of the exam on Wednesday eveningjust a day after it was held across the nationfollowing prima facie indications that the integrity of exam was compromised. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for thorough investigation, the ministry said. In Delhi, the students outfits alleged that the protesters, including female students, were brutally manhandled by the police. "Instead of addressing the concerns of the students and holding the NTA accountable, the Delhi Police brutally attacked and detained several students including JNUSU representatives from the protest site," the DSF said in a statement. The opposition parties have launched an all-out attack on the government, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging that the main reason for paper leaks is that educational institutions have been captured by the BJP and its parent organisation RSS. "It was being said Modi stopped the Ukraine-Russia War and Israel-Gaza war, but he is either not able to stop exam paper leaks or doesn't want to, Gandhi said in a sarcastic jibe at the prime minister. "We have a government now and a prime minister who will find it very difficult to function. The prime minister is physiologically broken. He has collapsed psychologically. He will struggle to run a government like this," Gandhi claimed. "The silence is because the prime minister is crippled. Right now the prime minister's agenda is the Speaker. He is not bothered about the NEET. He wants that his government should scrape through and he gets his Speaker's post. That's where his mind is right now," he further said. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saket Gokhale alleged that the examination process structure of the country has crashed and paper leaks and irregularities have become rampant. "After the NEET fiasco, the UGC-NET has now been cancelled - literally 1 day after students wrote the exam. The lives and futures of our students are being destroyed everyday and the NDA 1.0 govt is shameless to even take responsibility," he said. Communist Party of India (Marxist), in a post on X, accused the government of making a mockery of the education system. "First there were discrepancies in CUET, then the NEET Scam, and now UGC-NET was cancelled! The BJP govt has made a complete mockery of the education system," the CPI(M) said in a post on X. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha said the NEET exam should also be cancelled. "You had to scrap NET and you must scrap NEET now as there is ample proof that this examination was compromised. And it is time to acknowledge that the NTA is a fraud," he said. Amid allegations of irregularities in the NEET exam, the four men who were arrested by the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit last week, have confessed to getting the question paper a day before the exams. The arrested include Anurag Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand and Sikandar Yadavendu, a junior engineer at Danapur municipal council. Yadav, a 22-year-old aspirant, told the investigating officials that he received the question paper a day before the exam and was told to memorise it. He said the exact questions were asked in the exams the next day, said reports. He is the nephew of the Yadavendu, who is currently employed at Bihar's Danapur Town Council (Danapur Nagar Parishad). According to Yadav, he was told by his relative Sikandar Prasad Yadavendu that all arrangements for the exam had been made. He gave the question paper to two others as well. Yadav added that he was made to read and memorise it at night. "When I went to take the exam, I found the same questions in the exam which I had memorized correctly. After the exam, the police came and caught me, and I confessed my crime," he said. Meanwhile, Yadavendu told the police that the two other accused, Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, told him they could leak the question paper of any competitive exam and it would cost 30-32 lakh for each aspirant to clear NEET. The accused said he arranged four boys who needed help in passing the examination and took them on June 4 night to Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand. They handed over the question paper. Yadavendu said he asked for Rs 40 lakh from each student instead of Rs 30 lakh "out of greed." Yadavendu was caught with the admit cards of the students during a vehicle check the next day. Meanwhile, the Centre has asked for a report from the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit regarding alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET in Patna. "Regarding certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. The government will take further action on receipt of this report," a senior official of the ministry told PTI. He also warned of strict action against those involved in the crime. Condoling the death of over 35 persons by consuming illicit liquor in Kallakuruchi, Tamil Nadu Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami demanded the resignation of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The Bharatiya Janata Party has also sought intervention from the Centre and demanded a CBI probe in the case. AIADMK leader Palaniswami visited those undergoing treatment at hospitals in Kallakuruchi on Thursday and enquired about the treatment given to them. Palaniswami told presspersons that DMK strongmen were involved in the sale of illicit liquor in northern districts. Palaniswami alleged the point of sale of illicit arrack "is the central place of Kallakurichi, close to the police station and court. He said there is a 'big gang' behind the sale of illicit arrack which also has the involvement of 'powerful persons' who belong to the ruling DMK. "Otherwise, could the sale of illicit arrack happen in the central locality of the town and near the police station?" he asked. Expressing anguish and recalling similar past incidents, he said his party legislator M. Senthil Kumar (Kallakurichi Assembly constituency) had days ago complained about the menace of illicit arrack to local police. However, no action was taken. Meanwhile, the BJP State President K. Annamalai also visited the families of the deceased and enquired about the well-being of persons undergoing treatment. The state BJP has announced a relief fund of Rs 1 lakh each to families of the deceased. In a letter to the union home ministry, the state BJP has urged a CBI probe in the matter. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Annamalai said, In the past two years, Tamil Nadu has lost over 60 lives to hooch because of the ineffective governance of the DMK government. It is learnt from reliable sources that the production and sale of illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu is happening at the behest of party functionaries and cadres belonging to the DMK, where points of sale of such liquor are located near judicial courts, police stations, and other government offices. The families of the deceased in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy claim that the sale of illicit liquor happened in the prime areas of the town, Annamalai said. The BJP leader charged the sale of illicit liquor is done in full public view with the knowledge of the local police. The former IPS officer demanded CBI probe alleging, DMK government will curtail the state police from bringing all the persons responsible for the deaths before the court of law. The death toll in Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy increased to 42 on Thursday and 116 persons are still undergoing treatment in hospitals in Kallakuruchi and neighbouring districts. The CB-CID has taken over the probe and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has appointed a one-member commission under former High Court Judge B. Gokuldas to conduct a thorough probe into the matter. Condoling the deaths in the tragic incident, Chief Minister Stalin said he is deeply anguished and is monitoring all steps being taken in connection with the incident. In a statement, Stalin said CB-CID has taken over the probe in the case and he has directed the home secretary, DGP to visit Kallakuruchi and take necessary action. Home secretary and DGP would conduct necessary probe and submit a report within two days, he said. Stalin added a meeting was conducted with ministers, senior government and police officials and they were directed to take stern action against those indulging in the production of spurious liquor. Authorities have been directed to arrest all involved in the production of illicit liquor immediately, and seize and destroy methanol used for production of hooch, Stalin said. He added police have been directed to also find the source of methanol. The chief minister authorities have been directed to ensure special treatment for those undergoing treatment at hospitals in Kallakuruchi, Salem, Villipuram and JIPMER-Puducherry. The state government announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those undergoing treatment. The one-member commission will conduct a thorough probe into what led to the incident and would also recommend steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, Stalin said. He added that the commission will submit its report within three months. State ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, Ma.Subramanian, E.Ve. Velu visited those undergoing treatment on Thursday. Located behind the combined court complex of the Kallakurichi district, Karunapuram Colony, the epicentre of the hooch tragedy is in the grip of grief. There is a funeral happening in almost every house in the colony. Most families have lost their sole breadwinners, and the elders and the children are staring at a gloomy future. Both my parents have died. On Tuesday they fought with each other. My father consumed liquor from a packet and left the remaining in a glass. My mother also consumed it thinking it to be omam water. Both began complaining of vomiting and vision loss. We rushed them to the hospital. But they died, says 16-year-old Kokila Suresh. Her father Suresh (37), a painter and mother S. Vadivu (34) died on Wednesday in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. Kokila and her two brothers are a few among the many orphaned children in Kallakurichi. Not far away from Kokilas house, an old woman is seen hugging two young boys and lamenting. What will I do now to save these two boys? she cries. Muniamma (name changed) is inconsolable as her son Praveen Kumar, a daily wage labourer, succumbed to hooch. His wife had left us four years ago. He is the sole breadwinner of the family. Who will now take care of these two boys, she shouts. A few metres away from her house, Poongudi, who works as a midwife in one of the government hospitals nearby, laments looking at her husbands mortal remains. "I have been asking him to give up drinking. But he got used to this hooch and became an addict. Now my children and I are orphaned," she said. Most of them who consumed the spurious liquor were daily wage labourers who had brought it from a local liquor seller Govindraj. Govindraj has been arrested. Around 200 litres of liquor was recovered from him. On analysis, the lab reports suggest that methanol was added to the liquor which led to the tragedy. The police have so far arrested 10 people in connection with the case. Almost every house in Karunapuram Colony is in deep sorrow. Funeral processions from the village to the Gomukhi River and mass cremation and burial of the victims have shaken the state. The lives of 14 more are said to be in critical condition. The families of the victims allege that the government did not take action to control the availability of illicit liquor in the region despite information. Incidentally, Kallakurichi and neighbouring districts in north Tamil Nadu are notorious for spurious liquor as there is a huge demand for cheap liquor and arrack in this region. The incident comes just a year after 22 people died during the twin hooch tragedies at Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts in north Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the opposition AIADMK had filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe. The court is all set to hear the petition on Friday. -with inputs from Lakshmi Subramanian Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a series of deals with his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam on Thursday, during a state visit that comes as Moscow is seeking to bolster ties in Asia to offset growing international isolation over its military actions in Ukraine. The two signed agreements to further cooperation on education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration and health. They also agreed to work on a roadmap for a nuclear science and technology centre in Vietnam. Following the talks, Putin said that the two countries share an interest in developing a reliable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region based on not using force and peacefully settling disputes with no room for closed military-political blocs. This was echoed by Vietnam's new President To Lam, who said they seek to further further cooperate in defense and security to cope with non-traditional security challenges while implementing energy projects and expanding investments. He also congratulated Putin on his re-election and praised Russia's domestic political stability. The agreements between Russia and Vietnam were not as substantial as an agreement Putin signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the previous day, pledging mutual aid in the event of invasion said Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, and a former British ambassador to Belarus. Putin arrived in Hanoi early Thursday morning from North Korea, where he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that pledges mutual aid in the event of war. The strategic pact that could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War comes as both face escalating standoffs with the West. Putin also met Vietnam's most powerful politician, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, as well as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, according to the official Vietnam News Agency. He is also scheduled to meet parliamentary chief Tran Thanh Man. Putin drove to Vietnam's Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by school children waving Russian and Vietnamese flags. There, he shook hands with and embraced Lam before a bilateral meeting and a joint briefing to the media. Russia is keen to maintain close and effective cooperation in energy, industry, technology, education, security and trade, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady S. Bezdetko said on Wednesday, according to Vietnamese official media. The trip has resulted in a sharp rebuke from the US Embassy in the country. Much has changed since Putin's last visit to Vietnam in 2017. Russia now faces a raft of US-led sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the International Criminal Court in Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes. The Kremlin rejected it as null and void, stressing that Moscow doesn't recognize the court's jurisdiction. Putin's recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to break the international isolation, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. The US and its allies have expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its use in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim's nuclear weapons and missile programme. Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate multiple UN Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed. Meanwhile, Russia is important to Vietnam for two reasons, Giang said: It is the biggest supplier of military equipment to the Southeast Asian nation, and Russian oil exploration technologies help maintain its sovereignty claims in the contested South China Sea. Russia is signalling that it is not isolated in Asia despite the Ukraine war, and Vietnam is reinforcing a key traditional relationship even as it also diversifies ties with newer partners, said Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Centre's Asia Programme. It is unlikely that Vietnam will supplying significant quantities of weapons to Russia, because that would risk progress the country has made with NATO members on military equipment, particularly the US, which has donated naval patrol vessels and is in talks to supply aircraft, said Ridzwan Rahmat, a Singapore-based analyst with the defense intelligence company Janes. There is progress that you wouldn't have imagined just 10 years ago, he said. So I would imagine Vietnam wouldn't want to take a risk, inviting the wrath of Western countries by supplying the Russians. Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing friendly relations between Vietnam and Russia. Evidence of this long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities like the capital, where the many Soviet-style apartment blocks are now dwarfed by skyscrapers and a statue of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, stands in a park where kids skateboard every evening. Many of the Communist Party's top leadership in Vietnam studied in Soviet universities, including party chief Trong. In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnam's Communist Party, Putin vowed to deepen the ties between Moscow and Hanoi and hailed Vietnam as a strong supporter of a fair world order based on international law, on the principles of equality of all states and non-interference in their domestic affairs. He also thanked Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis, in the article released by the Kremlin. Given Putin's international isolation, Vietnam is doing the Russian leader a huge favour and may expect favours in return, wrote Andrew Goledzinowski, the Australian ambassador to Vietnam, on social media platform X. He said that it would have been hard for Vietnam to decline the visit since Putin was already in Asia and Vietnam has historical ties with the former Soviet Republic, but said that it was unlikely that the two would be strategic partners again. Vietnam will always act in Vietnam's interests and not anyone else's, he wrote. Vietnam's pragmatic policy of bamboo diplomacy a phrase coined by Trong referring to the plant's flexibility, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of global geopolitics is being increasingly tested. A manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, Vietnam played host to both US President Joe Biden and the leader of rival China, Xi Jinping, in 2023. The visit was important for Hanoi on a diplomatic level, said Gould-Davies, the former ambassador. Perhaps for Vietnam it's a matter of just showing that it's able to maintain this very agile balance of its bamboo diplomacy, he said. Already in the course of a year they've hosted visits by the heads of state of the three most powerful countries in the world, which is pretty impressive." Similarly, for Russia the visit seems to have been more about optics than anything else, he said, as Moscow seeks to engage and influence other countries, particularly in the so-called Global South. Since the war began, Putin has not been able to travel much or very far, and he's made very few trips beyond the countries of the former Soviet space, he said. This is helpful to Russia as it tries to burnish its reputation. Vietnam has remained neutral on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But neutrality is getting trickier, with the US Embassy in Hanoi criticising Putin's visit, saying that no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalise his atrocities. If Putin is allowed to travel freely it could normalise Russia's blatant violations of international law", the statement said. Vietnam needs support from the US to advance its economic ambitions and diversify its defence ties, Parameswaran said. It has to carefully calibrate what it does with Russia in an environment of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow." Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was at USD 3.6 billion in 2023, compared to USD 171 billion with China and USD 111 billion with America. Since the early 2000s, Russia accounted for around 80 per cent of Vietnam's arms imports. This has been declining over the years due to Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies. But to entirely wean itself off Russia will take time, said Giang. With Romania's president withdrawing from the race to become NATO's next secretary general, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is all set to be the head of the worlds largest military alliance from October. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis's office in a statement said that Romania's security council has backed Rutte's bid. It also added that Iohannis had informed NATO late last week that he intended to pull out from the race. Rutte was long considered to be the frontrunner for the job as he is viewed as an experienced politician and known for his pro-Ukranian stands. However, initially, he had faced initial opposition from Hungary's PM Viktor Orban. On the sidelines of an EU leaders meet, Rutte had held a meeting with Orban earlier this week. After the meeting, Orban dropped his objections in return for certain assurances from the Dutch leader. "We reached an important agreement with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. We agreed that no Hungarian personnel will take part in the activities of NATO in Ukraine and no Hungarian funds will be used to support them, Orban said. Our next step this week was to ensure that this agreement can stand the test of time. After yesterdays meeting in Brussels, PM Mark Rutte confirmed that he fully supports this deal and will continue to do so, should he become the next Secretary General of NATO...In light of his pledge, Hungary is ready to support PM Ruttes bid for NATO Secretary-General," Orban wrote. Nato consists of 32 member states from Europe and North America. Who is Mark Rutte? Born in February 1967, Rutte has served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010. His political journey began in 2002 as a member of Jan Peter Balkenende's cabinets. Rutte won the VVD leadership election in 2006 and led the party to victory in the 2010 general election. As far as his education, Rutte attended the Maerlant Lyceum from 1979 until 1985, specialising in the arts. He obtained his MA degree from Leiden University. He then stepped into the business world and worked as a manager for Unilever. Rutte served as deputy minister at the Social Affairs and Employment Ministry from 22 July 2002 to 17 June 2004 in the First and Second Balkenende cabinets. After the 2003 elections, Rutte was also a member of the House of Representatives, from 30 January to 27 May 2003. Rutte later served as State Secretary for Higher Education and Science, within the Education, Culture and Science Ministry, replacing Annette Nijs, from 17 June 2004 to 27 June 2006, in the Second Balkenende cabinet. New Delhi (India), June 20: With the release of her 74th book at NCPA, Mumbai, Neelam Saxena Chandra has once again marked her strong presence in the literary world. The book happens to be a Poetry Book in Hindi titled Parindon sa Libaas. NCPA Library in collaboration with Literary Warriors Group held an enchanting evening of poetry and performances on the 13th of June at Godrej Dance Theatre. The program began with a release of Neelams poetry collection amidst a plethora of talented personalities such as Shri Shalabh Goel, President, WRCA and IRSEE, Shri Siddharth Deshpande, CFO, NCPA and Shri Ashok Bindal, an eminent figure in the literary world. Dr. Sujata Jadhav, Head- Libraries & Documentation Centre wonderfully moderated the book release ceremony. Neelam Saxena Chandra is endowed with a lot of talents, her mighty pen being one of the most talked about. Neelam, besides being a bureaucrat, is a writer with international acclaim. She has been published internationally as well as nationally quite often, and has rendered her poems in many international and national forums including SAARC, quite a few International festival by Sahitya Akademi, ISISAR, Jashn-e-Adab, JashnHind, Poets Across Borders, USA Radio, Paper Fest, Big Dreams Fest etc and has been interviewed by several channels including Doordarshan and Doordarshan Sahyadri. Neelam Saxena Chandra has authored 6 novels and 9 short story collections 44 poetry collections and 15 childrens books to her credit She is a bilingual writer, writing in English and Hindi. She holds three records with the Limca Book of Records. She has received Sohanlal Dwivedi Puraskar for childrens literature by Maharashtra state Hindi Sahitya Akademi for the year 2018, Premchand award by Ministry of Railways, Rabindranath Tagore International Poetry award, Freedom award by Radio city for Lyrics, Award by American Embassy given by Gulzar sahab, Reuel Lifetime achievement award along with other awards and honors She was listed in Forbes as one among 78 most popular authors in the country in 2014. The evening began with a rendition of one of the poems written by Neelam from the poetry book Parindon sa Libaas by Dr. Sujata Jadhav. This was followed by few words from Neelam and a song written by Neelam was rendered by Shri Sunil Chawdhry Deed Lakhnawi with music strumming from his guitar. Shri Shalabh Goel talked about the philosophical beauty and optimism of Neelams poems in the book and reviewed it thoroughly, and also rendered one of the poems. Shri Siddharth Deshpandes brilliant words and rendition of Neelams poem was appreciated by one and all. When asked what the book is all about, Neelam replied, As soon as a man is born, he is confined within four walls. But those who bind him like this forget that only a man's body can be bound, not his soul. The soul is a free bird! It is as if the soul comes in the attire of a bird, and it only knows how to fly. And the direction of its flight is also fixed from darkness to light! The poem is all about having optimism in the worst of situations! Whats the best thing about this poetry book? Neelam was asked, to which she quickly replied, Its being released at a prestigious place such as National Centre of Performing Arts itself makes it special. It certainly renders more credibility to my pen! Neelam has dedicated this book to Life, which is the biggest teacher! The cover page of the book is based on a painting by Dr. Renu Mishra. It is published by Authorspress Publishing House, New Delhi. The editor of the book is Ritu Bhatnagar. The poems are all optimistic with a slight philosophical bent. The poet takes inspiration from nature, from people around her and from small incidents occurring in and around her. It may be noted that Neelam has written more than 6000 poems. When asked, What makes you write so many poems?, Neelam replied, Pen is always a powerful medium to let your thoughts speak aloud. It is also like a meditation to me. After penning down a poem, I not only feel invigorated, but also more focused. She was asked, Whether you actually write poems in a diary or do you use digital methods? She laughed as she replied, I am tech savvy and I am able to quickly type on a laptop or mobile! The Book Release function was followed by poetry rendition by a few poets from the Literary Warriors Group a group whose founder is Neelam. The poets included stalwarts such as Pallavi Jain from Bahrain, Waheeda Hussain from Jabalpur, Mandeep Aashu Ratra & Pooja Dhadiwal from Nagpur and Sunil Chawdhry Deed Lakhnawi from New Delhi. All the poems presented by poets were given a background music on guitar by Deed Lakhnawi. The program ended with a thunderous applaud and the audience stated that they are looking forward for more from the poet. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on Thursday issued an improvement notice to flight catering company TajSATS after a passenger found a blade-like object in a meal served onboard an Air India flight from Bengaluru to San Francisco. The incident occurred on June 9, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted an inspection at TajSATS Bengaluru from where the food item was supplied. "We have issued an improvement notice to TajSATS, following a detailed inspection at TajSATS Bengaluru," FSSAI CEO Kamala Vardhana Rao told PTI. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, an improvement notice can be issued to a food business operator if it has failed to comply with any regulations and is required to take measures within a reasonable period. The company has been asked to comply with the improvement notice within 15 days, he said. Air India and its catering partner TajSATS are owned by the Tata Group, The airline on Monday had "deeply apologised" for the incident, saying that it came from the vegetable processing machine used at the facilities of its catering partner TajSATS. The food safety authority found that the blade was from an automatic vegetable cutter that accidentally got displaced and stuck inside the vegetable piece. To prevent similar incidents, Rao said TajSATS has been instructed to take corrective actions, including the installation of x-ray machines, and manual vegetable chopping, besides strengthening of inspection and maintenance processes. In the recent past, the FSSAI issued an improvement notice to Indigo. FSSAI held several meetings with airlines and food suppliers, asking them to comply with the food safety norms, he added. New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) The Consumer Affairs Ministry on Thursday sought public comments until July 21 on draft guidelines to curb unsolicited and unwanted business communications like promotional calls and text messages. The guidelines -- prepared after consultations with stakeholders, including telecom firms and regulators -- define "business communication" as any communication related to goods or services like promotional and service messages but excludes personal communication. They will apply to all individuals and entities that make or engage others for such communications or benefit from them, the ministry said in a statement. The draft guidelines classify any business communication as unsolicited and unwanted if it does not comply with the recipient's consent or registered preferences. Other conditions that would make a communication unauthorised include using unregistered numbers or SMS headers, calling despite recipients opting out, failing to obtain digital consent, not identifying the caller and purpose, and lacking an opt-out option. The proposals also bar such communications that violate the telecom regulator Telecom Regulations Authority of India (Trai) rules on commercial messages based on customer preferences. While Trai's 2018 rules have been effective for registered telemarketers, communications from unregistered marketers using private 10-digit numbers remain unabated, the ministry said. "Do Not Disturb (DND) registry has been highly effective for registered telemarketers, but the unwarranted communication from unregistered telemarketers and those using 10-digit private numbers remain unabated," the ministry said. The government is "committed to safeguarding consumer interests and consumer rights, especially in the increasingly expanding and penetrative consumer space". The draft guidelines aim to protect consumers from invasive and unauthorised marketing, the ministry added. Chandigarh, Jun 20 (PTI) The Punjab government will strive to export litchis grown in Pathankot to increase farmers' income, state Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra said on Thursday. He was addressing the state-level litchi exhibition in Pathankot. Pathankot district produces the best quality litchi in Punjab and contributes 60 per cent of the state's litchi production, the minister said. "With the aim of raising farmers' awareness about litchi production, the Punjab government will strive to ensure that litchis from Pathankot district reach international markets. For this purpose, the very first consignment of litchi will be exported abroad soon," he added. Jouramajra also noted that the underground water level is declining rapidly, and the only solution to prevent this is to encourage farmers to shift from paddy and wheat cultivation to horticulture crops. Pathankot district is ideal for litchi cultivation and special efforts are being made to increase profitability for litchi farmers by enhancing production and sales, he said. The minister also announced that the first consignment of litchi will soon be exported, enabling farmers and producers in Pathankot to earn higher profits from their crop. Jouramajra informed that around 3,900 hectares of area in Punjab is dedicated to litchi cultivation, with about 2,200 hectares in Pathankot. To promote litchi cultivation, a litchi estate has already been established at Sujanpur in Pathankot. Mumbai, June 20 (PTI) Two unidentified persons broke into the office of Bollywood actor Anupam Kher and stole the negatives of a film produced by his company and Rs 4.15 lakh in cash, police said on Thursday. The incident took place on Wednesday night at the actor's office on Vira Desai Road in Amboli area, said an official. It came to light around 9.45 on Thursday morning when the office staff arrived and found the locks broken, he said. Kher himself narrated the incident in posts on his official X handle and Instagram page. Last night in my Veera Desai Road office two thieves broke two doors and stole the entire safe from the accounts department (which they probably couldn't break) and the negatives of a film produced by our company which was in a box. Our office has filed an FIR, the 69-year-old actor wrote in Hindi, without mentioning the name of the film whose negatives were stolen. CCTV footage outside the building showed the duo leaving in an auto rickshaw, Kher added, stating that "may God give them good sense (`sad-buddhi)." The First Information Report was registered at Amboli police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and probe was underway, the police official said. Washington, Jun 20 (PTI) Days after Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India for a third consecutive term, powerful US lawmakers, corporate leaders and senior White House officials pledged to further strengthen the relationship between New Delhi and Washington. At the annual Leadership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) here, they also applauded the development in India in the last decade. Henry R Kravis, co-founder and co-executive chairman of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co., said, "India is a terrific country to do business in. There are a lot of opportunities there with 860 million on the Internet and a lot of innovative entrepreneurs." The USISPF honoured Kravis with its 2024 Global Leadership Award for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the US-India relationship. Under Kravis' leadership, KKR has emerged as one of the largest investors in India and has invested over USD 11 billion over the past two decades across sectors, creating thousands of jobs and contributing to the growth of the Indian economy. "India has long been a key market for KKR due to its impressive growth, dynamic population, and innovative entrepreneurs and business community," he said. USISPF chairman John Chambers spoke about collaboration and the future of technology. "AI will be the most fundamental change in the future. AI will disrupt every business and every country. This is the chance for our countries to come together," he said. Chambers later sat down in conversation with Republican Senators, Steve Daines and Dan Sullivan. Senator Daines said, "We are working with the Indian government to reduce tariffs. India is the number one consumer of pulse crops, and Montana is the number one producer. So, there is a natural relationship. Sullivan said, "The story of India is undertold. We need to get the story out there. From my visits to India, I can see the tremendous innovation there. The vision for the worlds oldest and worlds largest democracy to do much more strategically together." Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer spoke with Mastercard executive vice president Tucker Foote. Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden Neera Tanden spoke with former US envoy to India and USISPF Board Member Tim Roemer. In a fireside chat, Tanden highlighted the importance of the people-to-people connection and the role of the diaspora in shaping the contours of the US-India strategic partnership. "I started my career at the Clinton White House. Back then, there were only a handful of Indian-Americans in the Executive Office of the President. Today, I feel fortunate to be one of the many Indian-Americans advising the President," she said. "The values that we share between the United States and India in entrepreneurialism, innovation and education and the convergence of these values is what allows so many Indians who come to the US and innovate and become leaders in their chosen fields," she said. Indias Deputy Ambassador to the US Sripriya Ranganathan said, "We need to have our companies working closely on the very areas that we have prioritised. That will determine our success in the coming century. In fields like defence, space, communications, and biotech, our companies must see each other as partners of first choice." USISPF's VII Annual Summit was held as US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan visited New Delhi for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) dialogue. During his visit, Sullivan met Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. The Hague (Netherlands), Jun 20 (AP) Over the course of more than a dozen years at the top of Dutch politics, Mark Rutte got to know a thing or two about finding consensus among fractious coalition partners. Now he's on track to bring the experience of leading four Dutch multiparty governments to the international stage as NATO's new secretary general. On Thursday, Romania's president withdrew from the race for the alliance's top job, leaving Rutte the only remaining candidate and all but certain to head the world's biggest military organisation from October. Rutte's appointment could be sealed by a meeting of NATO ambassadors in the coming days, or when President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts meet for a summit in Washington on July 9-11. The secretary general chairs meetings and guide sometimes delicate consultations among the 32 NATO member countries to ensure that an organisation that operates on consensus can continue to function. The NATO leader also ensures that decisions are put into action and speak on behalf of all members. Even before taking over from Jens Stoltenberg, Rutte has been put to the test. Securing the job of NATO chief required all of Rutte's diplomatic skills as he convinced doubters, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to back his candidacy. "Like Stoltenberg, Rutte is a pragmatist and one of the few European politicians to have developed a good working relationship not just with Joe Biden, but also with Donald Trump. That could prove a key asset for NATO after the November US presidential election," said Oana Lungescu, a former chief NATO spokesperson. Rutte is seen as a safe pair of hands to lead NATO in turbulent times, just as Stoltenberg has done for the last decade, Lungescu, now a Fellow with the defence and security think tank, the Royal United Services Institute, told The Associated Press. From history scholar to business manager to politics A history graduate and former human resources manager at consumer products multinational Unilever, Rutte became prime minister of the Netherlands for the first time in October, 2010. He quit last July as his four-party coalition wrangled over how to rein in migration. Although he has been one of Europe's top politicians for years, Rutte has remained down to earth. He can often be seen riding his bicycle around his hometown of The Hague, or walking from his office to a meeting eating an apple. When he handed in his government's resignation to King Willem-Alexander last year, he drove to an ornate royal palace in a Saab station wagon. While he was Dutch prime minister, Rutte was a strong supporter of Ukraine and its right to defend itself after Russia's 2022 invasion. Under his leadership, the Netherlands pledged military hardware to Kyiv including Leopard tanks and F-16 fighter jets. Rutte's political career hasn't been all smooth sailing Rutte bounced back from a number of scandals while in office in the Netherlands. He was so adept at preventing political stains sticking to him that he earned the nickname Teflon Mark. His third coalition government resigned in early 2021 over a scandal involving investigations into child welfare payments that wrongly labelled thousands of parents as fraudsters. A few months later, Rutte proved himself a master of survival by leading his conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy to victory in national elections and cobbling together his fourth and final coalition from the same parties that resigned to trigger the vote. Experience on the international political stage His years in office also have honed his skills at an international level. Working the room with a broad smile and firm handshake at European Union summits, Rutte developed strong working relationships with powerful leaders such as former German chancellor Angela Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron. He's also visited Biden and Trump in Washington. As a veteran of EU summits, Rutte will bring a different understanding of the complex NATO-EU relation than Stoltenberg, said Lungescu. "But he will also need to ensure that the EU's efforts on defence complement, rather than undermine NATO at this critical time. While the Netherlands under Rutte's leadership long failed to meet the NATO target of spending 2 per cent of its GDP on defense, the Dutch are expected to edge past the mark this year. NATO estimates suggest the Netherlands will spend 2.05 per cent of its GDP, up from around 1.2 per cent a decade ago when the allies pledged to ramp up their military budgets after Russia annexed Crimea. (AP) PY PY Seoul, Jun 20 (AP) South Korea said on Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other's defense in the event of war. The comments from a senior presidential official came hours after North Korea's state media released the details of the agreement, which observers said could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. It comes at a time when Russia faces growing isolation over its war in Ukraine and both countries face escalating standoffs with the West. According to the text of the deal published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency, if either country gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy all means at its disposal without delay to provide military and other assistance. But the agreement also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognises a UN member state's right to self-defence. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the pact at a summit Wednesday in Pyongyang. Both described it as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties. The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement condemning the agreement, calling it a threat to the South's security and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and warned that it would have negative consequences on Seoul's relations with Moscow. It's absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion the Korean War and the war in Ukraine are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a preemptive attack by the international community that will never happen, Yoon's office said. At the United Nations in New York, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called it deplorable that Russia would act in violation of multiple UN sanctions resolutions against North Korea that Moscow voted for. Yoon's national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, said Seoul would reconsider the issue of providing arms to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russia's invasion. South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining US-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Kyiv, citing a longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict. Speaking to reporters in Hanoi, where he travelled right after Pyongyang, Putin said on Thursday that supplying weapons to Ukraine would be a very big mistake on South Korea's part. I hope it doesn't happen. If it happens, then we will be making relevant decisions that are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea, he said. South Korea shouldn't worry about Moscow's agreement with Pyongyang, he said, adding that it bears no novelty and merely replaces an old pact from the 1960s that expired. The new agreement calls for military assistance "only if aggression is committed against" one of the parties, and South Korea is not planning aggression against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which means that they shouldn't fear our cooperation in this sphere, Putin said. At the same time, Moscow is not ruling out supplying weapons to North Korea in response to the West supplying weapons to Ukraine that are used in strikes on Russian territory, Putin said. Those who supply those weapons (to Ukraine) believe that they're not fighting with us. So I said, including in Pyongyang, that in this case we reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world. Keeping in mind our agreements with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, I'm not ruling that out, Putin said. The summit between Kim and Putin came as the US and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim's nuclear weapons and missile programme. Following their summit, Kim said the two countries had a fiery friendship, and that the deal was their strongest-ever treaty, putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Putin called it a breakthrough document reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level. North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscow's military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances. There's ongoing debate on how strong of a security commitment the deal entails. While some analysts see the agreement as a full restoration of the countries' Cold War-era alliance, others say the deal seems more symbolic than substantial. Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the text appeared to be carefully worded as to not imply automatic military invention. But "the big picture here is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world, just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation, he said. The deal was made as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, a trip that showcased their personal and geopolitical ties with Kim hugging Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and Putin portraits, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyang's main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators. According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the core interests of any of them and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests. KCNA said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to prepare joint measures for the purpose of strengthening their defense capabilities to prevent war and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency didn't specify what those steps are, or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation. The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a just and multipolar new world order, KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. How the pact affects Russia's relations with the South is a key development to watch, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Centre in Washington and director of the North Korea-focused 38 North website. Seoul had already signed onto sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, souring its relations with Moscow. Now with any ambiguity of Russia's partnership with North Korea removed, how will Seoul respond? she said. Is there a point where it decides to cut or suspend diplomatic ties with Russia or expel its ambassador? And have we reached it? Kim in recent months has made Russia his priority as he pushes a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a new Cold War and trying to display a united front in Putin's broader conflicts with the West. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Kim's weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the US, South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle. The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers. (AP) PY PY Kolkata, Jun 20 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is understood to have expressed her displeasure over reports of illegal encroachments on government land in the state during a meeting with senior officials here on Thursday. Banerjee asked the officials concerned to file a report in this connection by June 24, state secretariat sources said. The CM also directed the police to take strong action in case such illegal encroachments are reported, they said. Banerjee, who is in charge of the Land Department, batted for improvement in citizen services, including clean drinking water, infrastructure and logistics, during the meeting, the sources added. The meeting at the state secretariat was attended by departmental secretaries, district magistrates, mayors and senior police officers. Kolkata, Jun 20 (PTI) In a major reshuffle in its IPS cadre, the West Bengal government on Thursday removed Gaurav Sharma as the Commissioner of Police of Bidhannagar and made him the IGP of the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF), an official said. Sharma was replaced by senior officer Mukesh as the new Bidhannagar Commissioner of Police, the official said, referring to an order issued by the state government. Koteswar Rao, who was removed from position of the SP of Sundarban Police District by the Election Commission of India (ECI) before the Lok Sabha polls and made the SP of West Bengal Traffic Police, was reinstated to his old post. Similarly, Avijit Banerjee, who was removed by the EC as Purulia SP and made the SS Intelligence Bureau (IB), was also reinstated to his old post. Dhritiman Sarkar, who was the SS Intelligence Bureau (IB), was named as the SP of Paschim Medinipur district, he added. New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) India on Thursday lodged a strong protest with Canada over Khalistani extremists holding a so-called "citizens court" outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver. India issued a note verbale or diplomatic note to the Canadian high commission conveying India's serious objection to the demonstration and holding of the "citizens court" by Khalistani elements, authoritative sources said. The Khalistani extremists also reportedly burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India strongly protested the actions by the Khalistani elements and objected to the space being given to them in Canada by the Justin Trudeau government, the sources said. New Delhi's protest came a day after the Canadian parliament observed a "moment of silence" in the memory of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia, in June last year. The ties between the two countries came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd". India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra last week said India's main issue with Canada continues to be the political space that Ottawa provides to anti-India elements which advocate extremism and violence. India has repeatedly conveyed its "deep concerns" to Canada and New Delhi expects Ottawa to take strong action against those elements, he had said. Nijjar, who was declared a terrorist by India, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in British Columbia on June 18 last year. The murder is being probed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Citywide property revaluations or reassessments may not be as certain as taxes, but they are equally inevitable. In line with that certainty, public meetings have been scheduled for Buffalo property owners to learn about the citys 2025 reassessment project, the Department of Assessment and Taxation has announced. According to city officials, the meetings are intended to provide residents with a better understanding of the reassessment process, such as the overall timeline, as well as specific details about how reassessments are conducted, and how this particular reassessment will affect property taxes. We encourage all residents to attend the meeting for their district to gain valuable insights and have their questions addressed, Common Council President Christopher P. Scanlon said in a statement. Nine meetings, one for each Council district, have been scheduled. Residents are being encouraged to attend the meetings scheduled for their individual district. All of the meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. The first meeting, for Fillmore District residents, is set for July 8 at the Salvation Army, 960 Main St. That will be followed by meetings for South District residents on July 9 at Southside Elementary School, 430 Southside Parkway; and for University District residents on July 11 at Kensington/Bailey Neighborhood Housing Services, 995 Kensington Ave. The next week will be meetings for Lovejoy District residents on July 15 at Autumnwood Senior Center, 1800 Clinton St.; and for Ellicott District residents on July 18 at the Downtown Branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square. Subsequent meetings will be held for Masten District residents on July 25 in the community room at Northland Workforce Training Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave.; for Niagara District residents on July 29 at Richmond-Summer Recreation Center, 337 Summer St.; for North District residents on July 30 at West Hertel School, 489 Hertel Ave.; and for Delaware District residents on Aug. 1 at North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Road. The aim of the reassessments is to provide fair and equitable property assessment evaluations. The last revaluation project was implemented in 2020. Since then, city officials said, there has been historic growth and increases in property values, making it necessary to conduct regular reviews to ensure all properties are assessed accurately. To help with the task of reassessing nearly 94,000 parcels in the city, the Department of Assessment and Taxation has contracted with KLW Municipal Inc. and Emminger, Newton, Pigeon, & Magyar to complete a full reassessment of all real property over the next year. New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday sought the INDIA bloc's support in the party's fight to get Delhi's share of water from Haryana. Addressing a press conference, Singh accused the BJP of sponsoring the water crisis in the national capital. "They carry out protests and indulge in theatrics. If they really want Delhi to get water, they should protest outside Haryana Bhawan," he said. Singh said Delhi Water minister Atishi will be starting an indefinite fast from June 21 to get Delhi's share of water from Haryana, which is ruled by the BJP. "I appeal to INDIA bloc parties to support us in this fight. We are asking for our share of water from Haryana," he said. The Delhi BJP on Wednesday accused Atishi of indulging in "theatrics" to distract attention from the alleged theft and black marketeering of water, and demanded that the AAP government be sacked for its "inaction". New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Haryana government and the state's police chief over reports that a patient was allegedly operated on his left knee, instead of the right at a hospital in Panipat. In a statement issued on Thursday, the NHRC observed that according to a media report, the patient was also charged by the hospital despite being a beneficiary of Ayushman - Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The NHRC has taken "suo motu cognisance of a media report that a patient was wrongly operated upon his left knee, instead of the injured right knee at a hospital in Panipat". Reportedly, when the family members of the patient protested, the doctors immediately conducted surgery on the other knee but the patient is unable to walk. The hospital charged a sum of Rs 8,000 from him and also took away his Ayushman Bharat card, the statement said. The Commission has observed that the content of the news report, if true, raises serious issues of "medical negligence causing violation of the rights to life and health of the victim". Accordingly, it has issued notices to the chief secretary and the director general of police of Haryana, seeking detailed report within one week. It should include details about the action taken against the guilty, and compensation, if any, provided to the patient, it said. The NHRC said, "The authorities who have failed to do their duty to supervise and keep vigil on such private hospitals cannot escape their liability, where the patients are being exploited and subjected to cruelty as well as being treated in an inhuman manner." According to the media report, the victim had lost his family in an accident in 2006, and since then, he has been earning his livelihood by working as a labourer. His right knee had been injured when he fell while cleaning his house, the statement said. Noida, Jun 20 (PTI) A Noida-based YouTuber was on Thursday issued a notice here by the Karnataka Police to join its probe over a video he shot with reference of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in it. "The video, titled 'Rahul trying Hard To Fuel Fire, Naseer Wants Modi in Skull Cap' allegedly intends to create feelings of enmity, hatred and ill-will between communities," the police notice issued to YouTuber Ajeet Bharti reads. The action came on the complaint of one B K Bopanna, who filed it at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru on June 15. Based on his complaint, an FIR was lodged under IPC sections 153 (promoting enmity between different groups) and 505(2) (statements creating or promoting enmity), according to the notice. Police have directed Bharti to appear before the investigating officer at the High Grounds Police Station at 11 am within seven days of receiving the notice. A local police officer told PTI that the Karnataka Police team had landed at the YouTuber's home in Sector 57 here around 1 pm. "Our team also reached the house soon and the Karnataka Police left after serving the notice. Usually it's a procedure that any visiting police team informs their local counterparts but that did not happen in this case," the officer said. Aligarh (UP), Jun 20 (PTI) A day after tension gripped the area over the lynching of a man, the police and district administration remained on alert on Thursday to ensure law and order in maintained while the chief cleric of Aligrah appealed for peace. Police have arrested arrested six people after a mob fatally attacked Fareed Tuesday night in Mamu Bhanja locality. The incident triggered communal tension in the area. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Amit Kumar said on Thursday the situation is peaceful and under control. "We are keeping a close eye on the situation and an adequate number of police personnel has been deputed in the affected area," he said. Aligarh chief mufti Khalid Hameed called for peace and Hindus-Muslims amity in the city. He said police should investigate the matter and arrest guilty persons "without succumbing to any sort of political pressure". According to a complaint filed by Fareed's family, he was returning home from work on Tuesday night when he was mobbed and thrashed by some residents in the Mamu Bhanja locality over suspicion of theft, Superintendent of Police City M Shekhar Pathak said on Wednesday. By the time police reached the spot, Fareed was seriously injured and was rushed to the Malkhan Singh Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries, Pathak added. As the news of the incident spread, many people gathered at the hospital and demanded the arrest of the accused, he said. Pathak said the arrests have been made based on CCTV footage, and some other unidentified people have also been booked. Further investigation is underway. SSP Sanjay Suman told reporters on Wednesday that all precautionary measures have been enforced. Police and RAF (Rapid Action Force) personnel have been deployed in sensitive localities including Subzi Mandi and Abdul Kareem Chowk. Haridwar, Jun 20 (PTI) An Uttarakhand-based YouTuber was detained by police and made to issue a public apology after a video of him distributing beer in a restricted area made rounds on social media. Ankur Chaudhry, a resident of Sidcul area here, was taken into custody, fined and made to apologise publicly for his conduct, police said. Two days ago, a video circulated on social media in which Chaudhary was seen distributing beer for free in the Kankhal area to increase subscribers on his Instagram channel, they said. Consumption of meat and alcohol is banned in the Kankhal area of Haridwar. Watching the video captioned 'Beer Challenge' caused anger among residents of the holy town with the pilgrimage priests demanding strict action against the YouTuber. Taking cognizance of the matter, police detained Chaudhary. He then apologised to the people for openly distributing beer for free in the area and said that such a mistake would not be repeated in future. Chaudhary who holds a law degree was also fined under the Police Act. Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramod Dobhal said Haridwar is a centre of religious faith and such acts will not be tolerated here under any circumstances. The Melbourne office of Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns was vandalized and set on fire early Wednesday morning. The perpetrators smashed windows, started a fire at the front of the office, and scrawled Zionism is fascism in red paint on the wall. Burns denounced the attack as a politically motivated act, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the incident. This is an escalation of the attacks that weve seen. Weve been talking about this. Weve got to dial this down, Albanese said. For some people, they feel very strongly about issues in the Middle East. But its no reason to target MPs half a world away in Australia, and in particular the targeting of a Jewish MP is very distressing. This has got to be seen as an attack on someone whos a Jewish MP, someone who is running an office that looks after peoples interests, he added. How people think that they advance their cause through activities like this is beyond me. It does nothing. It undermines the cause that people purport to represent. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced last week during a visit to Jordan that the Biden administration will be providing another $404 million in aid to Gaza, along with the more than $1.8 billion in development, economic, and humanitarian aid that the United States has provided since 2021. Fox News reported that a group of eight Republicans are demanding that the Biden administration provide a strategic plan to keep the funds from reaching the hands of Hamas and being used for terrorist activities aimed at killing innocent civilians and advancing their stated goal of the destruction of the State of Israel. The group, headed by Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, a member of both the House Armed Services and Oversight committees, wrote a letter to Blinken on Monday demanding that the funds be withheld until the State Department can provide a detailed account of how it plans to ensure the funds arent used by Hamas. While we understand the intent of this package is to provide food, drinking water, education, shelter, and more for civilians in a war zone, we have major concerns that a significant portion of the funds will inevitably end up in the hands of the State Department designated terrorist organization, Hamas, Fallon wrote. The American people and the international community need assurances that funding for humanitarian aid does not end up funding terrorism. It is the Biden Administrations policy to support Israel, and indirect funding for Hamas would prove counterproductive to this mission by prolonging the war and increasing the death toll. The Administrations goal of providing aid to civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict is noble, but we cannot allow American tax dollars to end up in the hands of terrorists. We will expect a detailed account of your strategy to maintain the integrity of this funding no later than 30 days from the sending of this notice. We also expect the funding to be halted until such a plan is approved and in place. Kan News reporter Chaim Goldich, who is currently serving in Gaza, published a video on Wednesday proving that humanitarian aid ends up in the hands of Hamas after finding a box of food products funded by aid organizations in an area frequented only by terrorists. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Kan News reporter Chaim Goldich, who is currently serving in Gaza, published a video on Wednesday proving that humanitarian aid ends up in the hands of Hamas after finding a box of food products funded by aid organizations in an area frequented only by terrorists. If anyone had any doubts as to whether the humanitarian aid goes to Hamas or to refugees in the house we occupied in the Zaytun neighborhood in the center of the Gaza Strip we found an aid box funded by Qatar and a Jordanian aid organization that came specifically to Hamas terrorists, he wrote on X. Lets be clear there are no civilians in this area! Only terrorists are living here. He also posted a video of the products included in a box of aid from the organization, or as he and his fellow soldiers call it: Hamas battle rations. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The perpetrator who ordered Zionists to identify themselves on the New York subway and told them this is your chance to get out was identified overnight Wednesday by the antisemitism watchdog group Stop Antisemitism. According to a JTA article, Saleh and the pro-Hamas rioters who swarmed the subways on their way to a depraved protest outside an exhibit in Lower Manhattan memorializing the murdered and tortured victims of the Nova music festival massacre on October 7 are part of a pro-Hamas group called Within Our Lifetime, which was established in 2015 as NYC Students for Justice in Palestine. Protesters outside the exhibit flew Hezbollah and Hamas flags and one participant said to nearby Jews: I wish Hitler was still here. He would have wiped all of you out. The group, which was responsible for regular anti-Israel allies even before October 7th, at which participants chanted for the destruction of Israel and called to globalize the intifada, is the leading anti-Israel group in NYC. JTA provided a detailed description of the group: Within Our Lifetime has spent years building its presence in New York City, becoming the leading pro-Palestinian activist organization in the region. The pace and intensity of the turmoil have spiked since October 7, shutting down public spaces in New York City, drawing repeated concern from elected officials and action from law enforcement as well as social media platforms. Within Our Lifetime is led by Nerdeen Kiswani, a Palestinian-American who grew up in Brooklyn. Kiswani drew major attention and criticism from Jewish groups in 2022 when she delivered a speech at the City University of New York Law School commencement in which she decried alleged Zionist harassment by well-funded organizations with ties to the Israeli government and military. The following year, another leader of the group, Fatima Mohammed, delivered CUNY Laws commencement speech, accusing Israel of indiscriminate murder and lauding resistance to Zionism around the world. The remarks were condemned as hate speech by CUNYs chancellor and prompted congressional legislation seeking to defund CUNY. CUNY Law canceled student speakers at commencement after the uproar. Kiswani says she has faced personal blowback because of her activism, telling the pro-Palestinian website Mondoweiss in 2022 that Jewish advocacy groups and individuals including the right-wing pundit Ben Shapiro had directed their followers to criticize her. I helped start WOL because I felt there was a disconnect between what was happening on the ground in Palestine, and what organizers on campuses were calling for, she told Mondoweiss. The discussions and a lot of the things that supporters of Palestine were talking about in these academic spaces were not reflective of what the people on the ground are experiencing. In March, Kiswani appeared at a Columbia University event where speakers praised Hamas. Kiswani also attended Columbias protest encampment in the spring and Within Our Lifetime urged followers to mass at that encampment and another at the City College of New York. The group has gained increased visibility since Hamas October 7 attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza. On that day, Within Our Lifetime posted support on Instagram for the Hamas invasion, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took more than 250 hostages. We must defend the Palestinian right to resist zionist settler violence and support Palestinian resistance in all its forms. By any means necessary. With no exceptions and no fine print, the group said on October 7. The controversies mounted as the group held near-daily rallies across the city, sometimes shutting down traffic on major thoroughfares, resulting in dozens of arrests. Advertisements for the rallies often call on followers to flood a location, echoing Hamas name for the October 7 attack, the Al Aqsa Flood. The groups targets include Jewish and non-Jewish people and institutions with only indirect ties to Israel. The group has been linked to antisemitic hate crimes and is doubling down amid criticism. In 2022, Kiswani and Mohammed led a protest during which an activist associated with the group, Saadah Masoud, beat a Jewish man. At least two other activists who have protested with the group have been imprisoned for attacking Jews. At the Brooklyn Museum protest, demonstrators harassed Jews who were walking past. Last week, after the Brooklyn Museum protest, Within Our Lifetime urged its followers to take autonomous action against the museum and other cultural institutions in the city in retaliation for arrests at the rally. The group released a map marking museums with inverted red triangles, a Hamas symbol that the terror group uses to identify targets in its propaganda videos. Soon afterward, vandals defaced the homes of four Brooklyn Museum officials in the city, using the same symbol. The group has doubled down on its approach following the criticism over the Nova protest and its targeting of the Brooklyn Museum. If you take peace from the people, we take peace from you, the group said in a post on X, where it has 28,000 followers. The post was accompanied by an inverted red triangle. The group is closely tied to student activists in the city, especially pro-Palestinian groups in the CUNY system. Within Our Lifetime and college groups advertise each others rallies and amplify each others messaging, as they did ahead of the Baruch protest. Within Our Lifetime and student protest organizers often send out identical messaging on Telegram within minutes of each other. In November, Within Our Lifetime posted maps on its Instagram account detailing the locations of Jewish organizations in New York City and saying they had blood on their hands. Also in November, Within Our Lifetime targeted the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in a protest that saw demonstrators with signs bearing antisemitic tropes and swastikas. Within Our Lifetime also targeted the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. During that event, protesters defaced the facade of the New York Public Library, causing $75,000 in damage. In January, Within Our Lifetime protested against the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, with Kiswani urging demonstrators to shout shame while patients looked on. Many of the groups targets have only indirect connections to Israel. In the case of Memorial Sloan Kettering, Kiswani wrote on X that the protest targeted the hospital because it had accepted a donation from billionaire investor Ken Griffin. Griffin had spoken out against Harvard students who signed a letter blaming Israel for the October 7 attack. Other rallies backed by the group have targeted the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, the Israeli emergency services group ZAKA, synagogues holding Israeli real estate events that included properties in West Bank settlements and the Weill Cornell Medical College. Within Our Lifetime had 62,000 followers on Instagram in 2022, according to Mondoweiss. By November, when it distributed the map of Jewish organizations in New York, the account had 121,000 followers. Instagram permanently disabled Kiswanis and Within Our Lifetimes accounts in February. A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Instagram, said the accounts had been removed because they violated the platforms community guidelines, including its Dangerous Organizations & Individuals policy. Within Our Lifetime now communicates through its Twitter account and on the messaging app Telegram, where it has close to 6,000 followers. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The IDF carried out a targeted elimination of a senior Hezbollah terrorist on Thursday. Abbas Ibrahim Hamza Hamada, who served as the Hezbollah operations officer of the Jouaiyaa area, was killed in a drone strike in Deir Kifa in southern Lebanon. According to the IDF, he planned and led attacks against Israel from southern Lebanon and advanced the groups combat ground abilities. Following the elimination, Hezbollah launched dozens of missiles at an IDF base in Zarit in northern Israel. Hezbollah later claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it was in retaliation for Hamadas elimination. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Yale University failed to reveal over $15 million in funding from Qatar, the country that supports Hamass top leadership, in violation of federal reporting laws, The Washington Free Beacon reported. The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) found that Yale received at least $15,925,711 from Qatari entities since 2012 but only reported one grant worth $284,668. Yales failure to report the Qatari funding is a violation of federal disclosure laws that mandate US universities to semi-annually list all foreign-funded gifts and contracts exceeding $250,000. It is difficult to ascertain the exact amount of Qatari money flowing to the university, as Yale does not disclose all its foreign funding, the watchdog group said. This despite the fact that, by law and according to the ethics guides of most major universities, all agreements, contracts, [memoranda of understanding], and service-in-kind arrangements should be made public. ISGAP determined that many U.S. schools, including Yale, remain in breach of these rules and regulations and are thus engaged in illegal activity. If the law were to be enforced properly, these universities would face serious consequences. Qatar has provided $5.6 billion to 61 American schools since 2007, including Stanford University and Ivy Leagues such as Yale, Harvard University, and Cornell University, according to funding records reviewed by the Free Beacon in February. Experts say that Qatar played a large part in mainstreaming anti-Isreal propaganda at universities and used its money to avoid condemnation of its ties with Hamas and Iran. ISGAPs latest report highlights financial activities that could be classified as criminal and could potentially form the basis for litigation against several U.S. universities, including Yale. The report also notes that Yales Jackson School of Global Affairs collaborates closely with the Qatar Foundation. Additionally, former Biden administration Iran envoy Robert Malley, who is being investigated for mishandling classified information that made its way to Iran, recently joined the school as a senior fellow. Charles Asher Small, ISGAPs executive director, said that Yales financial relationship with Qatar has fueled anti-Israel attitudes on campus. Yale is one of many schools facing a federal investigation into unchecked anti-Semitism that has endangered Jewish students on campus. The omission of substantial Qatari grants in Yale Universitys financial statements raises questions about academic integrity and foreign influence, Small said. As demonstrated in ISGAPs previous research, anti-Semitic incidents are more prevalent on campuses receiving Qatari funding compared to universities that do not receive Qatari funds. Therefore, there is concern that the same is happening at Yale, which has seen a sharp rise in anti-Semitism on campus since the October 7 attacks in Israel. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A scandal has erupted at Heathrow Airport after security staff were accused of wearing badges with the Palestinian flag and symbols of solidarity with Palestine, creating a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli passengers. The incident occurred on Sunday at Terminal 4s Fast Track lane, where five security staff were wearing the badges while scanning luggage for passengers bound for Tel Aviv on an El Al flight. Passengers complained that the badges made them feel intimidated and uncomfortable, prompting UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) to demand an investigation into the incident. UKLFI alleges that the staff breached Heathrows uniform policy and the Equality Act 2010 by wearing the highly offensive badges. The security guards were reportedly replaced, and their badges confiscated following passenger complaints. This incident comes after a similar incident on another El Al flight, where passengers were made to feel singled out and targeted at customs. UKLFI has written to Heathrows services director, expressing concern that the security staffs actions created an intimidating and hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli passengers. A Heathrow spokesperson responded, Everyone should feel safe and welcome at Heathrow. We have guidance on what colleagues can wear at work, and if that guidance is not followed, we will ensure those items are removed immediately, as was the case in this instance. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The willingness of broking and investor platform Hargreaves Lansdown to throw itself on the mercy of a random group of financial barons speaks volumes to the lack of ambition of British executives. Considering London is a leading global banking centre, the lack of vision among our home grown banks is pathetic. Hargreaves co-founder Stephen Lansdown has reminded the companys shareholders and customers that private equity and sovereign wealth fund ownership may not be ideal. Across the world, banks are starting to look beyond the great financial crisis. In Spain, BBVA has gone hostile in its pursuit of Sabadell the owner of Britains TSB. Takeover: The willingness of Hargreaves Lansdown to throw itself on the mercy of a random group of financial barons speaks volumes to the lack of ambition of British executives Having made a splash in Italy with its digital consumer banking offer, BBVA is to offer its online service in Germany. In the UK, Debbie Crosbie at Nationwide, not long in the job, is seeking to offer consumers a broader choice of banking with mutual ownership through its 2.9billion offer to buy Virgin Money. The deal has been badly handled in that Nationwide members deserved a vote. But the goals are laudable. Contrast this with the stultifying dullness of NatWest and Lloyds post the financial crisis and government shareholdings. Lloyds long ago ridded itself of the state shareholding and NatWest is now well advanced in the same direction. Both appear to have become risk averse, which largely explains why the shares sell at large discounts to their American counterparts. Lloyds, under the late Brian Pitman, was always on the lookout for extending its offering, buying insurers such as Scottish Widows and seeking to extend its mortgage offer with the purchase of TSB. The forced marriage with bankrupt HBOS, where Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves once worked on mortgages, took place more than 16 years ago. By now, it should have become much more of a risk taker. It is possible that Lloyds problems with fraud at the Reading branch of HBOS and NatWests lingering shameful behaviour with its GRG restructuring operation have made both banks so risk averse that they are damaging lending and the economy. If one of the clearing banks were, for instance, to show an interest in Hargreaves Lansdown, which does offer investment opportunities in growth funds, it could make a difference to Britains wealth creating capacity. It is high time that UK banks freed themselves from the shackles of post great financial crisis caution. Cooked Goose Did private equity outfit Permira make a mistake in trying to list luxury Italian sneaker maker Golden Goose in Milan? The EUs volatile politics, in the aftermath of the European parliamentary elections, which saw the Right make gains, has cast an investment shadow over the Continent. Luxury goods tend to be an exception with Frances LVMH still Europes most valuable entities. Shoe brands can be hopelessly erratic. Dr Martens received a glowing reception when it listed in 2021 but is having a nightmare, losing 86 per cent of its value following a overstocking foul-up in the US. Posh sandal seller Birkenstock is going great guns in New York with the shares up nearly 25 per cent since an listing putting a value of 9.4billion on the group. Amid the turmoil in the EU maybe Golden Goose, sneaker supplier to Taylor Swift, should opt for the relative calm of the London stock exchange. After all, it has just recaptured its European leadership from France in spite of the upcoming UK General Election. Wilsons return Canary Wharf could do with an injection of new thinking as leading banks such as HSBC move away. Working patterns since Covid-19 and a fightback by the City of London has left Londons second financial district with a problem. Nigel Wilson, the imaginative former chief executive of insurer Legal & General, has agreed to take over, succeeding George Iacobescu who helped pioneer the Thatcherite dream of Wall Street on the Thames. Under Wilsons leadership, L&G forged a 4billion partnership with Oxford University, diversified into student residences and housebuilding. His ambition is to further develop Canary Wharf as a city within a city showcasing UK life sciences and providing more housing, retail and leisure. Good plan. Daniel Kretinsky stunned the City when he revealed plans to take over the owner of Royal Mail. And it was an even bigger surprise to many when the board of International Distribution Services (IDS), the delivery businesss parent company, unanimously backed the Czech billionaires 3.6billion offer. Royal Mails privatisation back in 2013 had been controversial enough. But the decision by IDSs directors means the 508-year-old postal service, set up by Henry VIII, could fall into foreign hands for the first time in its history. Chairman Keith Williams said the board were acutely aware of their responsibilities, particularly to the unique heritage of Royal Mail. But they have faced a backlash from unions and politicians. Backlash: Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinskys 3.6bn offer for Royal Mail has been given the stamp of approval The directors are set to pocket a total of 677,621 from the sale. Williams is in line for 210,160 and Martin Seidenberg, IDSs German chief executive, will receive 264,316, according the formal takeover offer document. The Government and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have sought guarantees about the future of the postal service and its workforce. CWU general secretary Dave Ward has said the sale to a foreign owner doesnt feel right as nothing gets more British than Royal Mail. Kretinsky has already made several promises, including keeping the Royal Mail name and brand, and retaining its UK headquarters and tax residency to keep it tied to Britain. But Labour last week vowed to robustly scrutinise the deal and give postal workers a stronger voice in a pre-election pledge. Shareholders will vote on the deal at IDSs next annual general meeting in September. And the directors custodians of an historic British institution will urge them to allow it fall into foreign hands. These are the board members who have agreed to the sale. Hopes: Labour last week vowed to robustly scrutinise the deal and give postal workers a stronger voice in a pre-election pledge Keith Williams Chairman The former British Airways boss has chaired IDS since 2019 and has been on the board for six years in total. Williams was hired by Royal Mail with a track record of dealing with industrial disputes that it was hoped would help settle the seemingly intractable conflict with unions at the postal services. As a boss at British Airways he had helped diffuse a long-running row between the airline and cabin crews in 2011. Martin Seidenberg Chief executive The German businessman was tasked with a big turnaround job when he took the reins at IDS last year. He had previously run GLS the European parcel service also owned by IDS since 2020 and before that spent 15 years at courier giant DHL Group. He joined IDS with a mandate to turn the firms fortunes around, which has included lobbying Ofcom and the Government to reform the Universal Service Obligation, which includes delivering letters from Monday to Saturday and parcels from Monday to Friday. Plans on the table would reduce the Royal Mails second class service to every other day. Michael Snape Chief financial officer Snape was appointed as IDS group chief financial officer in January. He was finance chief at Boots for five years. He has also held senior roles at Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsburys. Baroness Hogg Senior independent Non-executive director Baroness Hogg became the first woman to lead the board of a FTSE 100 company when she was appointed chairman of venture capital group 3i in 2002. She stepped down in 2010 to become chairman of the Financial Reporting Council, the accounting regulator. A veteran of company boards, she was awarded The Sunday Times lifetime achievement award for non-executive directors in 2017. She has also had a career in government, having been the lead independent non-executive director at the Treasury and head of the Prime Ministers policy unit under John Major. Maria da Cunha Non-executive director The trained solicitor joined the IDS board in 2019 after an 18-year career at British Airways, where she was director of people and head of legal and government and industry affairs. Previously she sat on the board of De La Rue, the company that prints banknotes for the Bank of England. Alongside her role at IDS, she is on the panel of the Competition and Markets Authority, the watchdog, and is a director at housing association L&Q and law firm Irwin Mitchell. Michael Findlay Non-executive director Findlay is the chairman of London Stock Exchange and of construction group Morgan Sindall. He had a 27-year career in investment banking including stints at Robert Fleming & Co, UBS and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Lynne Peacock Non-executive director Peacock is a senior independent director of outsourcing Serco and deputy chairman of insurer Royal London Group. Previously she was the chief executive of National Australia Bank Europe and led building society The Woolwich. She has sat on the boards of Standard Life Aberdeen, Scottish Water, Nationwide and TSB. Shashi Verma Non-executive director Verma is the director of strategy and chief technology officer at Transport for London. He is responsible for the operation of Londons transport revenue collection system and implemented contactless payments across TfLs network. Jourik Hooghe Non-executive director Hooghe is chief financial officer of aviation services firm Swissport International. He has been executive vice president and finance chief at budget airline Wizz Air. Prior to that Hooghe spent 18 years working at consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble including a time as head of global strategy. Ingrid Ebner Non-executive director Ebner has a background in logistics, having spent 21 years at Amazon, including as director of supply chain operations in continental Europe. She is a vice president at shipping giant Maersks e-commerce logistics arm. Mark Amsden Group general counsel and company secretary Amsden was general counsel and company secretary at Morrisons, and interim company secretary at Yorkshire Water. He was formerly a partner at law firm Addleshaw Goddard. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe News / National by Staff reporter The latest situational report on human rights by the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) noted a decline in violations, with cases dropping from 145 in April to 132 in May. Zanu-PF was identified as the main perpetrator, responsible for 61.83% of the reported cases.Violations included partisan distribution of food aid, assault, harassment, intimidation, and infringements on equality and non-discrimination rights. Other violations reported were unlawful detention, theft, displacement, and property damage. Human rights breaches were also recorded during public hearings for the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill in mid-May.The report detailed 22 violations in Masvingo, 20 each in Midlands and Harare, 19 in Manicaland, 17 in Mashonaland West, 12 in Mashonaland Central, and 11 in Mashonaland East. Bulawayo saw five violations, while Matabeleland North and South each recorded three.The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and municipal police were responsible for 13.36% and 9.54% of the violations, respectively. State security officials and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) were each accountable for 0.76%.Victims were predominantly ordinary citizens (87%), with CCC-affiliated citizens making up 8.79%, informal traders 3.49%, and Nelson Chamisa supporters 0.65%. Zanu-PF affiliates constituted 0.07% of the victims. Gender-wise, 41.25% of the victims were female, and 58.75% were male.ZPP called on the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and other government bodies to investigate and bring justice to the victims. The report also highlighted a recent incident where police officers used violence against opposition supporters at Jameson Timba's house in Avondale, Harare. News / National by Staff reporter President Mnangagwa congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa on his inauguration, expressing his anticipation of strengthening the relationship between Zimbabwe and South Africa.Mnangagwa, who was among 21 heads of state attending the ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, described it as a privilege and honor to witness the historic event. He expressed his eagerness to work with President Ramaphosa to further enhance the unity and cooperation between the two nations."Today, I had the immense honour of attending the Presidential Inauguration of His Excellency, President @CyrilRamaphosa. Congratulations, President Ramaphosa, on this remarkable achievement. It is a privilege to be part of this historical event and I look forward to working with you for the continued strength and unity between our nations," said President Mnangagwa. We noted this hot mess early in the morning and NOW it's news fact. Tonight's update . . . BLUE SPRINGS SCHOOL BOARD HONCHO HANGS IT UP AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA ALLEGATIONS!!! The website that's sparking an FB sensation . . . bobbyhawkgroomedme.org Here's what activist Justice Horn had to say about revelation and the latest news event . . . "I commend Isabelle Davis, I stand with her, and I thank those who stood with her so that she never felt aloneIt takes so much bravery coming forward." And here's the resignation note . . . Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Blue Springs Board of Education president Bobby Hawk resigns President Dr. Bobby Hawk voluntarily submitted his resignation, which the board accepted unanimously. Blue Springs school board president resigns following recent allegations The Blue Springs School District announced the resignation of Dr. Bobby Hawk as school board president following allegations Developing . . . News / National by Reuters South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) suspended on Thursday a newly sworn-in member of parliament after an old video of him calling for the killing of Black people resurfaced on social media.A snippet of a video resurfaced on social media platforms on Wednesday, where a young Renaldo Gouws, who is white, could be seen and heard making the anti-Black remarks.Gouws, 41, and a former councillor in the Eastern Cape province, could not be reached for comment.In the video, he said that he did not mean any of his racially-charged remarks and that he was giving context on then-African National Congress youth leader Julius Malema singing an apartheid-era song that called for the killing of white farmers.Malema, now the leader of the far left Economic Freedom Fighters party, was found guilty by a South African court in 2011 for uttering hate speech for singing the song.The video featuring Gouws sparked outrage in South Africa, one of the most unequal countries in the world, and where racial tensions have continued to simmer three decades after the end of white minority rule.The DA, the second biggest party in South Africa's newly formed unity government, said it had established that the video in which Gouws uses "execrable language" was genuine and not fake.Helen Zille, chairperson of the party's federal council said Gouws had been suspended from all party activities with immediate effect."His case has been referred to the Federal Legal Commission and if he wants to state his defence, he will be able to do so there. But till then he is suspended from all party activities and we await the outcome of his disciplinary hearing," she said.South Africa's human rights commission said it was taking Gouws to court for alleged hate speech.The original video posted on YouTube has since been deleted, but Reuters found an archive of the video from 2011 using the Internet Archive Wayback Machine, a repository of past web pages.Reuters could not independently verify when the video was made, before being posted online.Over the past weekend, a snippet of another video, which Gouws admitted to posting in 2009, was branded racist with mounting calls for his resignation or dismissal.In response to that video, Gouws issued a statement on X on Monday apologising for "the actions of my younger and immature self" and rejected any claims of racism. Something to consider . . . Ms. Gomez is very entertaining but she's also a troll candidate. Her run is mostly about using MSM to drum up biz for her social media career and possibly work as a right-wing pundit. And so . . . We wouldn't take her message to seriously inasmuch as the average TKC reader has about as much chance of earning elected office as this feisty Missouri influencer . . . "Valentina Gomez, who previously caused outrage for urging voters not to be "weak and gay," accused the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. of being the "most wretched" holiday and that Black people should no longer be seeking reparations." Actually . . . I think she said "ratchet" which is more of a slang term that the youngsters throw around occasionally. Either way point was mostly ridiculous and doesn't help her chances. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . GOP candidate tells Black Americans to leave US in Juneteenth Message Valentina Gomez, running for Missouri secretary of state, previously caused outrage for urging voters not to be "weak and gay." More inspiring local coverage . . . Community celebrates Juneteenth at event in Independence Independence celebrated Juneteenth Wednesday with an event that included vendors, live music and food. For one woman, it's another example of civil rights progress in her city. 'Our history is American history': Juneteenth celebrations across KC Metro recognize official end of slavery People around the KC Metro celebrated Juneteenth as a day to commemorate freedoms and raise awareness about continued inequities. Historians work to preserve Quindaro's history on Juneteenth, beyond This Juneteenth, two local historians in Wyandotte County share how they're working to preserve historical sites in the Quindaro neighborhood pivotal to enslaved and free people. Developing . . . Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and NVIDIA have announced NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE, a portfolio of co-developed AI solutions and joint go-to-market integrations that enable enterprises to accelerate adoption of generative AI. Among the portfolios key offerings is HPE Private Cloud AI, a first-of-its-kind solution that provides the deepest integration to date of NVIDIA AI computing, networking and software with HPEs AI storage, compute and the HPE GreenLake cloud. The offering enables enterprises of every size to gain an energy-efficient, fast, and flexible path for sustainably developing and deploying generative AI applications. Powered by the new OpsRamp AI copilot that helps IT operations improve workload and IT efficiency, HPE Private Cloud AI includes a self-service cloud experience with full lifecycle management and is available in four right-sized configurations to support a broad range of AI workloads and use cases. Go-to-market strategy All NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE offerings and services will be available through a joint go-to-market strategy that spans sales teams and channel partners, training and a global network of system integrators including Deloitte, HCLTech, Infosys, TCS and Wipro that can help enterprises across a variety of industries run complex AI workloads. Announced during the HPE Discover keynote by HPE President and CEO Antonio Neri, who was joined by NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang, NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE marks the expansion of a decades-long partnership and reflects the substantial commitment of time and resources from each company. Generative AI holds immense potential for enterprise transformation, but the complexities of fragmented AI technology contain too many risks and barriers that hamper large-scale enterprise adoption and can jeopardise a companys most valuable asset - its proprietary data, said Neri. To unleash the immense potential of generative AI in the enterprise, HPE and NVIDIA co-developed a turnkey private cloud for AI that will enable enterprises to focus their resources on developing new AI use cases that can boost productivity and unlock new revenue streams. Fundamental transformation Generative AI and accelerated computing are fuelling a fundamental transformation as every industry races to join the industrial revolution, said Huang. Never before have NVIDIA and HPE integrated our technologies so deeply combining the entire NVIDIA AI computing stack along with HPEs private cloud technology to equip enterprise clients and AI professionals with the most advanced computing infrastructure and services to expand the frontier of AI. HPE and NVIDIA co-developed Private Cloud AI portfolio HPE Private Cloud AI delivers a unique, cloud-based experience to accelerate innovation and return on investment while managing enterprise risk from AI. The solution offers: Support for inference, fine-tuning and RAG AI workloads that utilise proprietary data. Enterprise control for data privacy, security, transparency, and governance requirements. Cloud experience with ITOps and AIOps capabilities to increase productivity. Fast path to consume flexibly to meet future AI opportunities and growth. Curated AI and data software stack The foundation of the AI and data software stack starts with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, which includes NVIDIA NIM inference microservices. NVIDIA AI Enterprise accelerates data science pipelines and streamlines development and deployment of production-grade copilots and other GenAI applications. Included with NVIDIA AI Enterprise, NVIDIA NIM delivers easy-to-use microservices for optimised AI model inferencing offering a smooth transition from prototype to secure deployment of AI models in a variety of use cases. Complementing NVIDIA AI Enterprise and NVIDIA NIM, HPE AI Essentials software delivers a ready to run set of curated AI and data foundation tools with a unified control plane that provide adaptable solutions, ongoing enterprise support, and trusted AI services, such as data and model compliance and extensible features that ensure AI pipelines are in compliance, explainable and reproducible throughout the AI lifecycle. To deliver optimal performance for the AI and data software stack, HPE Private Cloud AI delivers a fully integrated AI infrastructure stack that includes NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking, HPE GreenLake for File Storage and HPE ProLiant servers with support for NVIDIA L40S, NVIDIA H100 NVL Tensor Core GPUs and the NVIDIA GH200 NVL2 platform. Cloud experience enabled by HPE GreenLake cloud HPE Private Cloud AI offers a self-service cloud experience enabled by HPE GreenLake cloud. Through a single, platform-based control plane, HPE Greenlake cloud services provide manageability and observability to automate, orchestrate and manage endpoints, workloads, and data across hybrid environments. This includes sustainability metrics for workloads and endpoints. HPE GreenLake cloud and OpsRamp AI OpsRamp's IT operations are integrated with HPE GreenLake cloud to deliver observability and AIOps to all HPE products and services. OpsRamp now provides observability for the end- to- end NVIDIA accelerated computing stack, including NVIDIA NIM and AI software, NVIDIA Tensor Core GPUs and AI clusters as well as NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand and NVIDIA Spectrum Ethernet switches. IT administrators can gain insights to identify anomalies and monitor their AI infrastructure and workloads across hybrid, multi-cloud environments. The new OpsRamp operations copilot utilises NVIDIAs accelerated computing platform to analyse large datasets for insights with a conversational assistant, boosting productivity for operations management. OpsRamp will also integrate with CrowdStrike APIs so customers can see a unified service map view of endpoint security across their entire infrastructure and applications. Accelerate time to value with AI To advance the time to value for enterprises to develop industry-focused AI solutions and use cases with clear business benefits, Deloitte, HCLTech, Infosys, TCS and WIPRO announced their support of the NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE portfolio and HPE Private Cloud AI as part of their strategic AI solutions and services. Support for NVIDIAs latest GPUs, CPUs and Superchips HPE Cray XD670 supports eight NVIDIA H200 NVL Tensor Core GPUs and is ideal for LLM builders. HPE ProLiant DL384 Gen12 server with NVIDIA GH200 NVL2 is ideal for LLM consumers using larger models or RAG. HPE ProLiant DL380a Gen12 server support for up to eight NVIDIA H200 NVL Tensor Core GPUs is ideal for LLM users looking for flexibility to scale their GenAI workloads. HPE will be time-to-market to support the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 / NVL2, as well as the new NVIDIA Blackwell, NVIDIA Rubin and NVIDIA Vera architectures. High-density file storage HPE GreenLake for File Storage has achieved NVIDIA DGX BasePOD certification and NVIDIA OVX storage validation, providing customers with a proven enterprise file storage solution for accelerating AI, GenAI and GPU-intensive workloads at scale. HPE will be a time-to-market partner on upcoming NVIDIA reference architecture storage certification programmes.--TradeArabia News Service Two climate protesters used orange paint to vandalize Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England. This incident occurred around noon yesterday, just one day before many people are expected to visit the site for the summer solstice. The police arrested a 21-year-old student and a 73-year-old man shortly after the act. Stonehenge Vandalism Shakes Global Community Stonehenge, located near Salisbury, is managed by English Heritage, which has kept the site open despite the damage. The organization described the event as "extremely upsetting" and is currently assessing how much the stones have been affected. The activists are members of the group Just Stop Oil. According to CNN, they demand that the upcoming government agree to a treaty that would stop the use of fossil fuels by 2030. Their protest at Stonehenge is part of a series of actions targeting important cultural and historic sites. Last month, other members of the group attacked a protective case holding the Magna Carta in the British Museum. The paint attack has drawn criticism from many, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who called the protesters a "disgrace." Meanwhile, English Heritage has reminded visitors of the importance of respecting Stonehenge, especially during the solstice celebrations. The site is a major tourist attraction and a sacred place for many people. This latest incident at Stonehenge follows a trend where climate activists target famous artworks and monuments to gain attention for their cause. As per the report, previous targets have included the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's "Sunflowers." As Stonehenge prepares for the influx of visitors for the longest day of the year, the focus remains on both the celebration and the recent act of vandalism. Related Article : Long Queues Hit UK Airports After E-Gate Glitch Rare Celestial Event to Light Up Stonehenge This week, Stonehenge will host a rare astronomical event that will be streamed live for viewers worldwide. On Friday, June 21, at 21:30 BST, spectators can watch a special moonrise event, known as a major lunar standstill or lunistice, from the historic site. This event, which occurs every 18.6 years, coincides with the summer solstice, marking a unique celestial alignment. Stonehenge was recently in the news when two stones were vandalized with orange paint by climate protesters. Despite this, the monument remains a focal point for both historical and astronomical observation. This Friday's event will feature the moon rising at one of its southernmost points, aligning dramatically with the Stonehenge structure. As per Forbes, experts from English Heritage explain that the Station Stones at Stonehenge are positioned to mark the moon's extreme positions during this standstill. Clive Ruggles, an emeritus professor of archaeoastronomy, emphasizes that while Stonehenge's solar alignments are well-documented, its lunar connections are less understood and still under study. The live stream event aims to provide a visual spectacle and contribute to ongoing research into Stonehenge's astronomical significance. Viewers will witness the moon appear and set at extreme positions, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient site's connection to both the sun and the moon. American Airlines is taking steps to change its policies after three Black passengers claimed they were discriminated against on a flight. The incident occurred on a flight from Phoenix to New York in January. The passengers, who were not traveling together, filed a lawsuit last month, accusing the airline of racial discrimination. The airline's CEO, Robert Isom, addressed the issue in a letter to employees and spoke with civil rights groups to discuss further actions. American Airlines Tackles Discrimination, Promises Change The controversy began when the passengers were removed from the plane due to complaints of "offensive body odor," a claim not mentioned during their prior flight from Los Angeles to Phoenix. Videos recorded by the passengers suggest racial bias was a factor in their removal. After no alternative flights to New York were available, they were allowed back on the plane. In response, Isom expressed his disappointment over the incident and the failure in the airline's handling of the situation. According to CBS News, American Airlines has put the involved employees on leave and started an investigation. Isom's letter highlighted the airline's plan to prevent such incidents in the future, including reestablishing an advisory council and increasing employee training focused on diversity. Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP, acknowledged the airline's swift response and expressed hope that American Airlines' actions would serve as an example for other companies. The airline promises to enhance the travel experience for Black customers and ensure accountability. American Airlines aims to rebuild trust with its customers and improve its company culture. This includes reviewing operational procedures and establishing a long-term diversity plan to address and manage discrimination and bias effectively. Related Article : American Airlines Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Racial Discrimination Incident American Airlines Luggage Ends in Homeless Camp An American Airlines passenger's luggage took a detour and ended up in a Hollywood homeless encampment. According to FOX News, Aunny Grace, who flew from Dallas to Hollywood Burbank Airport, did not receive her suitcase for five days, during which it traveled unexpectedly to Denver and back to Dallas before finally arriving in Burbank. Grace used an Apple AirTag to track her suitcase, which showed its location moving down Western Avenue in Hollywood. Eventually, the tracker indicated that her bag was in the middle of a Los Angeles homeless encampment at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Western Avenue. Upon finding her belongings scattered at the site, Grace, overwhelmed and in tears, managed to recover her items with the help of a friend who negotiated with a homeless person for the return of the suitcase. American Airlines has begun an investigation into how her luggage ended up so far from its intended destination and in such an unexpected situation. In a statement, American Airlines expressed their commitment to ensuring the safe and timely arrival of checked luggage. They apologized to Grace and are in direct contact with her to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences. Opinion / Columnist In Zimbabwe, when Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and his 1st VP, Constantino Chiwenga, get sick, all panic and emergency buttons are pressed. In a matter of urgency, they are swiftly airlifted to South Africa or Asia to get first class treatment at state of the art hospitals. Sadly we have learnt that Kembo Mohadi, 2nd VP from Matabeleland has collapsed for a record 3 times in public events and every time that happens, unlike his counterparts, he is driven to the nearest local hospitals and quickly discharged.While the ailment of Mnangagwa 81 or Chiwenga 67 is recorded by the media as "national health scare" to be treated as a matter of urgency, Kembo Mahadi 74 has been castigated for getting sick and collapsing in public and told to retire by leaders, media and the public from Mashonaland.Well known tribalist who's tribalistic tendencies and arrogance contributed to him running away from CCC, the party that he founded, Nelson Chamisa was quoted by The Mirror saying, "people must have a culture of resting and retiring and not perpetuate a culture of collapsing and dying in office".In 2019 he wished British PM who was admitted to hospital with COVID19 well. In a statement he wrote " wishing PM Boris Johnson a full and speedy recovery and our prayers are with all those whose families and loved ones are affected by COVID19". This was the same Chamisa wishing a leader of another country a speedy recovery yet he tells Kembo Mohadi, the Vice President of his own contry to retire and die at home because he is of Matabele stalk.2020 in an article titled "Chamisa Worried About Chiwenga", he told daily news that he was very worried about Constantino Chiwenga's health and wished him speedy recovery. It is not surprising that he was "very worried" about Constantino Chiwenga's health. What can a self exposed tribalist who imposed Shona Parliamentary candidates in Matabeleland do?He sees a superior black human being in Chiwenga worth to be wished a speedy recovery so that he continues with his work and an inferior Matabele in Kembo Mohadi who when he gets sick must resign with immediate effect and die at home.On the other hand the Shona supremacist government of Zimbabwe led by Matabele genocide perpetrator, Emmerson Mnangagwa who believes Matabeles are cockroaches that need to be annihilated from the face of earth, does not think Mohadi, like them should be airlifted to be treated by best doctors to save his life so that he continues with his work because he is Matabele.This is a very worrying, disturbing and scary situation if you are Matabele living in Zimbabwe right now. If a Matabele leader in the highest office in Zimbabwe is treated in this manner what about an ordinary Matabele in Bulawayo and all rural areas in Matabeleland? Any Matabele who does not support Matabeleland restoration cause that is aimed at liberating Matabeles from Shona oppression, abuse and genocide is doomed.People like Kembo Mohadi have got only themselves to blame when they are treated like second class citizens by their own masters. How do you expect oppressors to treat you when you accept goat skinning and braai stand positions in their Shona supremacist government?No master will ever take his slave or servant to the best hospital. They will instead drive them to Mpilo hospital just as in Kembo Mohadi'' case.Kembo Mohadi is 74 years old and can not be classified as very old.He is just a post spring chicken age and was poisoned within Zanupf because of his presidential ambitions which he had declared several times and thus offending the most ambitious candidate.The removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has shown his intentions to die in office, will leave a trail of blood and destruction along the way that would far outstrip that of President Robert Mugabe.Izenzo kungemazwi!Israel DubeMLO Secretary for Information and Public Affairs By Alex Greenwood, June 20, 2024 Courtney Swoboda, director of the University of Central Missouris (UCM) Military and Veteran Services office is the recipient of the 2024 HigherEdMilitary Spotlight Award, which honors those in higher education who excel at finding innovative ways to support the military-affiliated population on campus. A member of the HigherEdMilitary Advisory Council remarked, "Courtney embodies passion, dedication, and innovation. Her commitment to supporting our military and veteran students is unmatched. She has not only created an outstanding center that connects with the campus community but has also elevated statewide efforts with the creation of MOVES (Missouri Organization of Veteran Education Specialists)." Another council member added, "Courtney's journey from certifying official to director of the office showcases her hard work, passion, and expanding knowledge base, which has paved the way for greater achievements. She exemplifies the pathways available within this profession." The nominees and recipient were selected by the HigherEdMilitary Advisory Council, which assessed each candidate's experiences, accomplishments, and contributions based on a weighted rubric. This rubric evaluated how effectively each individual has found innovative ways to support and grow the military-affiliated population on their campus. In recognition of her innovative work and dedication, the UCM Office of Military and Veteran Services Scholarship Fund will receive a $500 donation. HigherEdMilitary serves the military-connected community at colleges and universities. Learn more at HigherEdMilitary.com. For more information about the UCM Military and Veterans Services office, call 660-543-8776 or visit the website. Successful Ukrainian counterattacks near Kharkiv and Russia's deployment of its troops to this sector from Donetsk show that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are gaining momentum. However, to say whether this brings the situation closer to a turning point, it is necessary to take into account the situation in the entire theater of war and know about the plans of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, U.S. experts monitoring the situation in Ukraine said in comments to Ukrinform. George Barros, the Russia Team & Geospatial Intelligence Team Lead on the Russia and Ukraine portfolio at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), confirmed that Ukrainian forces had made certain tactical gains on the Kharkiv axis. He said there was evidence of some successful tactical counterattacks carried out by Ukrainian forces near Hlyboke and Vovchansk. However, it is not yet clear whether Ukrainian forces are going to significantly increase efforts to liberate the occupied parts of the Kharkiv region, Barros said. When asked whether this can be called a sign of coming closer to a "turning point" in the region, the expert said it was still too early to talk about it. According to him, it is important to take into account the situation in the entire theater of military operations, which also covers the east and south of Ukraine. According to Barros, the Russians have launched an operation in the Kharkiv sector in order to bind Ukrainian forces and create conditions for their own advance in the Donetsk region. Alexander Vershbow, former Deputy Secretary General of NATO and U.S. Ambassador to Russia, said the resumption of large-scale aid from the U.S. after the adoption of the law with more than $60 billion for Ukraine had provided a positive effect for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It appears that the resumption of U.S. arms supplies has led to greater success in Ukraine in blocking Russia's advance on Kharkiv, as well as in the areas around it, Vershbow said. He also noted that it was still too early to call this the indication that a turning point was about to come. However, according to him, it is obvious that Ukrainian forces are gaining momentum. It is very clear to the IAEA that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently held by the Russian forces, is a Ukrainian facility, but the organization refrains from calling Russia out over seizing the NPP because this could harm the IAEA's technical work to ensure nuclear safety. This was stated by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, who spoke in an interview with Ukrinform. "The IAEA has a very concrete role to play there, because the IAEA is the only international organization deployed and permanently working in occupied territory, in Ukrainian territory, which has been occupied, specifically at a piece of infrastructure that belongs to Ukraine that is under Russian management. It's not nice to hear or to say, but this is the reality," Grossi said, commenting on the accusations of the IAEA's insufficiently resolute stance regarding Russia's occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. According to the top official, this means that "for us to be able to protect the facility, to work efficiently there, we need to focus on the technical work that we have to perform there." "And it's a very delicate balance, because, quite clearly, I interact with the Ukrainian government and there is no problem with the President, Foreign Minister, Minister of Energy, Nuclear Regulator, and entire community in Ukraine but I also must interact with the Russian management and even with their government, as they are in control. The discussion here isn't about whether this is good or bad. For the IAEA, it's very clear that this is a Ukrainian facility," he said. Read also: IAEA says mine exploded at Zaporizhzhia NPP I would not be making my job any easier if I involved myself into the area of political statements. This would make my work considerably more difficult, if not impossible, Grossi said, noting that for the IAEA, this particular situation is very unique because we need to have a functional working relationship with Russia". It would be even more clear. Ukrainians are very clear people. If I go and tell somebody, "You must go away, you are a thief, you are this or that," it's very difficult to work the next day. And to work on nuclear safety, nuclear security, and others very technical things that we need to protect," said the IAEA Director General. Read also: Galushchenko discusses situation at ZNPP with Grossi According to Grossi, his role is "to avoid a nuclear accident", and to this end, "the position of the Agency must be very well-balanced". "So we are not saying every time this does not belong to you. This is assumed. From the moment I say this is a Ukrainian nuclear facility, it is clear who the owner of the facility is. And then we look into the technical factors, the technical decisions that are taken," he said. As reported, the ZNPP has been under Russian occupation since March 4, 2022. Since then, the Russians have repeatedly violated the principles of nuclear safety, deploying military equipment on the premises, mining the territory and terrorizing the personnel. The invaders ignore the IAEA's decision to have the ZNPP returned to Ukraines control. Zambia has joined the communique of the first Peace Summit held in Switzerland on June 15-16. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this on the social media platform X, Ukrinform reports. I am grateful to Zambia for joining the Peace Summits Communique and supporting efforts to achieve a sustainable, comprehensive, and just peace. We appreciate the growing support for the Peace Summit and its final Communique from all continents, including Africa. We value that Zambia, together with other African countries, takes a clear stance in favor of the UN Charter, peace, and progress, the post reads. According to Zelensky, the Peace Formula is an inclusive format in which every country contribute to achieving common goals. We urge all peace-loving nations to join the Communique and the Peace Formula implementation. Together, we can restore peace, stable development, and mutual respect in international affairs, Zelensky wrote. As Ukrinform reported, the Peace Summit was held on June 15-16 in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock. The summit participants discussed nuclear security, food security and the humanitarian dimension - the exchange of prisoners and the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children. The communique remains open for accession. The results of the Peace Summit will be handed over to Russian representatives. On June 19, Antigua and Barbuda and the Organization of American States joined the communique. Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published June 20, 2024 CAPTION: Students from Monroe City and Ouachita Parish schools participated in the first Centennial Scholars Summit on June 11 and 12. MONROE, LA The University of Louisiana Monroe welcomed over 300 local sixth graders from Monroe City Schools and Ouachita Parish schools to its campus on June 11 and 12 for the first-ever Centennial Scholars Summit. The Centennial Scholars are a group of local students who will make up the freshman class of 2031, ULMs 100th year. The students were able to learn about fields of study and careers that align with their talents and interests. We know that at this stage of their development, these students should be exploring ideas, and we are planting seeds for them, said Dr. Amy Weems, Assistant Professor of Education and organizer of the Centennial Scholars Summit. In his welcome to the students, ULM President Ron Berry said, At ULM we prepare you to fly higher than youve ever imagined. I need each one of you to realize that you can do anything you want to do and be anything you want to be. Were going to help you take flight. Prior to arriving for the Summit, each student took a survey which helped event organizers determine how to group them into one of six groups based on their strengths and interests. ULM programs that provided activities for the students included Art, Allied Health, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Physical Therapy, Communications, Biology, and more. After a morning of breakout sessions, the students reconvened to enjoy lunch together and make short presentations about what they had learned. Each day of the Summit concluded with drawings in which several lucky students won iPads, which had been generously donated by AT&T. We want to thank all of our volunteers, ULM faculty and staff, and local school systems for making this event a success, said Weems. We hope that each of our Centennial Scholars who participated learned more about themselves and where they can go in the future. All students who participated in the Summit are Centennial Scholars, a group of local students who will make up the freshman class of 2031, ULMs 100th year. The University began engaging with this group of students in 2022 by gifting them a copy of the book Theres a Bridge On the Bayou, which also included a $500 scholarship to go towards their first semester at ULM in 2031. The book, written by ULM Development Officer Cindy Foust and illustrated by ULM Executive Creative Director Srdjan Marjanovic, tells the story of President Berry and how education can create opportunities and change lives. ULM has continued to engage this group of students as they grow and will continue to follow them through middle and high school as they prepare for college. Weems says it is ULMs goal to provide at least one educational opportunity and one student-life-related opportunity for the Centennial Scholars each year. To learn more about the ULM Centennial Scholars program and purchase your own copy of Theres a Bridge On the Bayou, visit www.ulm.edu/100. Read more about AT&T's investment in the Centennial Scholars program here. The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is undergoing significant changes in its communications and marketing department, with the abrupt dismissal of nearly two dozen staff members. This move follows a challenging year marked by numerous crises and controversial decisions, raising questions about the university's future direction in handling communications and reputational management. A Year of Crisis and Controversy Over the past year, UT Austin has faced several high-profile crises that have strained its communications and marketing teams. In an effort to navigate these turbulent waters, the university has taken the drastic step of laying off approximately 20 employees from the department. The decision, announced to the affected employees two weeks prior by a university vice president, is seen as a necessary measure to help the institution better manage its reputational challenges. The specifics of these crises were not detailed in the communications from Emily Reagan, the chief marketing and communications officer, who cited "crises" as the reason for the layoffs in an email to department staff on June 3. This lack of transparency has left many questioning the nature and extent of the issues the university is grappling with. Furthermore, Mike Rosen, a university spokesperson, provided minimal details, stating only that the department is undergoing a "restructure" and that some positions are being eliminated. Implications of the Layoffs The timing of the layoffs is particularly notable, coming just days after UT Austin administrators announced that almost all remaining staff would be required to return to full-time in-person work on campus. This policy shift, aimed at fostering greater collaboration and presence on campus, stands in stark contrast to the simultaneous reduction in the workforce, leaving many to wonder how the remaining staff will cope with the increased workload and the added pressures of crisis management. The layoffs also follow a series of other controversial actions by the university. Earlier in the year, UT Austin laid off dozens of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employees to comply with a new state law, and brought in local police to arrest more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters on campus, one of whom was a lecturer who was subsequently fired. These actions have not only drawn significant public and media attention but have also sparked internal debates and concerns about the university's commitment to inclusivity and free speech. The impact of these decisions on the university's reputation and the morale of its staff and students remains to be seen. The communications and marketing department, which plays a critical role in shaping and maintaining the university's public image, is now faced with the challenge of navigating these issues with a significantly reduced team. The Road Ahead As the dust settles on these abrupt changes, the future of the communications and marketing department at UT Austin remains uncertain. It is unclear if the university plans to fill the vacated positions or how the department will function in the interim. The layoffs have raised concerns about the university's capacity to effectively manage future crises and maintain its reputation in an increasingly complex and scrutinized landscape. The decision to lay off a substantial portion of the communications team underscores the severity of the challenges facing the university. It also highlights the broader trend of institutions grappling with the demands of crisis management and the pressures of public scrutiny. As UT Austin moves forward, it will need to carefully balance the need for effective communication and crisis management with the realities of a reduced workforce and the ongoing demands of a dynamic and often contentious higher education environment. In the coming months, stakeholders will be closely watching how the university addresses these challenges and whether it can successfully navigate this period of transition. The outcomes will not only impact the immediate functioning of the communications and marketing department but will also have broader implications for the university's reputation, its relationship with the community, and its ability to attract and retain talented staff and students. June 20 2024 A Partick church hall is to be expanded to accommodate a growing congregation with a new extension combined with internal alterations. Wellwood Leslie Architects proposes to upgrade the Crow Road Free Church will be opened up by the installation of new glass doors to the front, complementing a modest single-storey side extension. Conceived by the architects as a second 'front door' the extension will double as a gathering and collaboration space while also improving access to ancillary structures to the rear. Championed as a means to improve community engagement by hosting events and classes the works will be augmented by external paving, planting and integrated seating. An overarching reconfiguration of the existing spaces will see partitions removed from a secondary hall to the rear, creating a more usable room with an adjoining break-out area and kitchen. In a planning statement, the architects wrote: "The existing red painted timber doors, locked gates and railings create an unwelcoming first impression of the building, with the side doors most used by users. New frameless glass entrance doors and alterations to the entrance lobby are proposed to improve the entrance experience and provide a glimpse into the main sanctuary from outside. "The proposed alteration works and extension will create a more inviting, diverse and functional home for the Crow Road Free Church community. This development will improve accessibility, encourage collaboration, and enhance and preserve the overall aesthetic of the church building." The new extension will be clad in natural slate rain screen with a natural timber ceiling. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressing the government's resolve to promote education in the country said that imposing education emergency in Pakistan showed how the government was serious in promoting this sector ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressing the government's resolve to promote education in the country said that imposing education emergency in Pakistan showed how the government was serious in promoting this sector. He said the government was taking steps to increase the capacity of the country's youth through the use of modern technology. He was talking to a high level delegation of Google for Education led by its Managing Director Kevin Kells. The delegation comprised of Google for Education representatives from eight countries. The prime minister told the delegation that the government was providing laptops to the brilliant students from remote areas of the country. For this scheme, he said the required amount had already been allocated in the budget 2024-25. He pointed out that the scope of Danish Schools was being expanded to the less developed areas of Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The prime minister welcoming the Google's decision to establish manufacturing plants of chromebooks in Pakistan, appreciated the signing of letter of intent between Google for Education and Ministry of the Federal Education to promote education in Pakistan. He invited Google for Education to expand its scope of cooperation with government of Pakistan. Being briefed on Google for Education's initiatives to promote education and training in Pakistan, the prime minister was told that Google was working on "Digital Journey" for education, and 'Digital Safety', especially digital safety program for children. Google for Education and the National Rural Support Program are working together to promote digital skills and protection in rural areas while under 'Balochistan First and Gilgit-Baltistan First' programs, training has been provided to thousands of youth regarding digital skills and security, the meeting was informed. The prime minister was further informed that the number of out-of-school children would be reduced with the help of artificial intelligence whereas Google for Education would provide artificial intelligence training in key national languages of Pakistan. Google for Education also offered to make Danish school under construction in Islamabad a Google Center of Excellence. The prime minister was told that Google for Education organized training programs for teachers in collaboration with the Punjab government and last year, Google for Education gave 45 thousand certificates in Pakistan. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja and relevant high officials. Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandukhel on Thursday visited Civil Hospital Trauma Center to inspects health facilities being provided to the patients at Jinnah Road in Quetta QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2024) Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandukhel on Thursday visited Civil Hospital Trauma Center to inspects health facilities being provided to the patients at Jinnah Road in Quetta. Managing Director (MD) of Trauma Center Dr. Arbab Kamran Kasi and Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Dr. Ishaq Panizai were also present on the occasion. The Governor inquired about the health of the patients in the Trauma Center Quetta and sought to know their opinion regarding the facilities provided, medicines and sanitation management. He said that almost half of the population of the province are living in Quetta, apart from this, sick and injured people from all the districts also visit to Quetta for treatment for which the current Civil Hospital Trauma Center was inadequate. He said that there was an urgent need for a modern trauma center equipped with spacious wards, adequate parking space and medical machinery in the city. He said, he would announce the construction of a trauma center equipped with extensive and modern medical equipment and facilities. He said that every government hospital, especially the trauma center and the accident department would provide the best medical facilities and ensure the availability of relevant doctors. While appreciating the performance of the trauma center, he said that doctors and paramedical staff should perform their duties with dedication. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the government was bringing reforms in the energy sector to reduce electricity tariff ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the government was bringing reforms in the energy sector to reduce electricity tariff. He was talking to a delegation of foreign experts in the energy sector, led by former Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri which called on him at the PM House. The prime minister said that circular debt, line losses and electricity theft were the major challenges in Pakistan's energy sector. Emphasizing the importance of energy sector for the country's economic growth and development, he expressed his government's commitment to implement policies for reducing circular debt and improving the efficiency of electricity bill collection personnel. He said privatization and outsourcing of the power distribution companies was the top priority of the government. "In this regard the government desires to take benefit from the Georgian experience." The prime minister expressed his government's desire to promote alternative energy sources, particularly solar energy, and reduce reliance on expensive energy sources. He said the government would also promote public private partnership in the energy sector. The prime minister directed the Federal ministers to consult with the delegation regarding the basic reforms of the country's energy sector and to evolve a comprehensive strategy regarding the reforms immediately. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Power Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, and relevant high officials attended the meeting. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic incident in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, which resulted in the loss of precious lives of Hujjaj, including some from Pakistan ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic incident in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, which resulted in the loss of precious lives of Hujjaj, including some from Pakistan. The prime minister, in a statement, directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan's Embassy in Saudi Arabia to ensure provision of best possible medical care to the Pakistani Hajj pilgrims who were admitted in hospitals. He talked to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhary Salik Hussain and Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq in Makkah and directed them to make arrangements for shifting of the bodies of martyred Hajj pilgrims to Pakistan. He also directed the relevant authorities to provide all the required facilities to the Hajj pilgrims. The prime minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to those martyred in the incident and courage to their families to bear the loss with patience. President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for enhancing the capacity of the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), posting competent officers in Balochistan, and improving the prosecution mechanism to effectively counter terrorist elements in Balochistan GWADAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2024) President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for enhancing the capacity of the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), posting competent officers in Balochistan, and improving the prosecution mechanism to effectively counter terrorist elements in Balochistan. The president expressed these views while chairing a meeting on the security/law and order situation in Balochistan, in Gwadar, on Thursday. Minister for Interior, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, MNA Malik Shah Gorgaij, Home Minister, Mir Ziaullah Langov, MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, senior civil and military officials attended the meeting. The president was briefed about the overall security situation of the province as well as the role of LEAs in successfully countering terrorist attacks in various districts of Balochistan. It was informed that the provincial government had adopted a targeted approach to improve the security and law-and-order situation in Balochistan. It was further apprised that the initiatives taken by the LEAs had resulted in improving the security situation in the province. The president was informed that the provincial government was taking steps to provide fool-proof security to Chinese and other foreign nationals. He appreciated the efforts of the provincial government as well as the sacrifices of the LEAs in combatting terrorism. The president emphasized that the prosecution system needed to be improved so that the terrorist elements could not escape justice. He said that compensation for the families of martyrs of LEAs in Balochistan should be enhanced bringing it at par with the rest of the provinces. The president said that competent and brave police officials needed to be posted in Balochistan that would help improve the law-and-order situation of the province. He also called for taking effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Zaireen. Underlining the need to improve the socio-economic condition of Balochistan, the president called for focusing on the skill development of its people and producing more skilled professionals. He said that the capacity of training institutions should be enhanced to produce more trained human resources and equip them with foreign language skills that would also help them find jobs in foreign countries. The president also called for promoting the fishing industry of Balochistan by providing financing and equipment to local fishermen, apart from promoting sustainable fishing practices and checking the production of illegal fishing nets. During the meeting, the president said that political dialogue was the way forward to bring prosperity, development and peace to Balochistan. Chief Minister Balochistan thanked the president for visiting Gwadar, saying that it would give the people of Balochistan a sense of ownership as well as strengthen the resolve of the LEAs to eliminate terrorism. He informed that the provincial government was according top-priority to the capacity building of police and levies. He underlined the importance of equipping people residing in border areas of Balochistan with marketable skills to help them find employment in the country and abroad. He highlighted that all stakeholders needed to make collective efforts to stamp out terrorism, besides evolving a national consensus for the development of Balochistan. The meeting also urged the need for completing the Kachhi Canal project to fulfil the food requirements of the province. Tamara, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2024) Samantha still does not know how she survived the slaughter of 46 fellow inmates in a brutal gang battle at Honduras's only women's prison a year ago. Only "something supernatural" could explain how she did not succumb when incarcerated members of the Barrio 18 gang burst into a prison area housing the rival Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) group, shot several of them, and set the place on fire, she said. Officials said 23 inmates were shot dead in the massacre on June 20, 2023 at the prison in Tamara, just northwest of the capital Tegucigalpa. Another 23 were burned to death. Twelve months after the gruesome events, Samantha told AFP she had been in her cell that morning when she heard "shots and screaming." She and other inmates made a hole in the prison roof to try and escape the bloodbath. "It was not a good idea" and they ducked back inside as they came under fire, recounted Samantha, who like other survivors interviewed by AFP did not want to give her real name. "We had no choice but to leave it in God's hands. We were surrounded," the 25-year-old convicted extortionist told AFP in the prison infirmary, only her eyes visible behind a black balaclava. When the shooting ended, the wall "behind me was full of holes," said Samantha. A fellow inmate had been shot dead right in front of her. Prisoner Wendy, 32, told AFP on a visit to the facility Monday that women were mowed down to the "left and right" of her, but "no one helped." And Rosario, 68, said she could not believe that only two women out of 120 on her cell block had died. One of the two, she told AFP, "had only three days left on her sentence" when she was mowed down "in cold blood." Nairobi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2024) Kenyan police fired tear gas as hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Nairobi on Thursday, vowing nation-wide demonstrations against tax hikes that many fear will worsen a cost-of-living crisis. The cash-strapped government of President William Ruto agreed to make concessions on Tuesday after hundreds of mostly young protesters clashed with the police in the capital. But the government will still go ahead with some tax increases and has defended the proposed hikes as necessary for filling its coffers and cutting reliance on external borrowing. Protesters have vowed to stage demonstrations across the country, including in the Indian Ocean city of Mombasa and the lakeside city of Kisumu, both opposition bastions. "They need to reject the bill, not edit it," Sarah Njoroge, 21, told AFP. "It appears that they think we are vocal on social media and will get tired." The authorities have blocked several roads near parliament in Nairobi and deployed a heavy police presence, after lawmakers began debating the bill on Wednesday. Protesters in Nairobi said they would march to parliament, which must pass the final version of the bill before June 30. A parliament source told AFP that a vote on the proposals was expected on June 27. The taxes were projected to raise 346.7 billion shillings ($2.7 billion), equivalent to 1.9 percent of GDP, and reduce the budget deficit from 5.7 percent to 3.3 percent of GDP. Small-business owners will have an opportunity to learn about the essentials for government contracting Thursday, June 27. Janean Forsyth will discuss the subject during a Wyoming APEX Accelerator Lunch and Learn webinar titled SAM Registrations and the DSBS: Essentials for Government Contracting from noon-1 p.m. To register, go here. Registration is free. The webinar is presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Wyoming APEX Accelerator, part of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network housed at the University of Wyoming, is the states expert in government contracting assistance. During the webinar, small-business owners will learn about the System for Award Management (SAM) and that having an active registration is the first step to becoming a government contractor. Additionally, the presentation will include the basic registration process for SAM; updates and tips on keeping registrations up to date; and a review of the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS), a database used by contracting officers to find vendors and suppliers. Forsyth, Wyoming APEX Accelerator program manager, has a background in compliance, training, human resources and equal employment opportunity. She is passionate about helping small businesses succeed in navigating the world of government contracting. For more information, call Maureen Johnson, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email mjohn125@uwyo.edu. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is supported by state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. From left, Sharanya Satyanarayana Bettadapura, a UW graduate student from Bangalore, India; Emma Mehl, a graduate student from El Dorado Hills, Calif.; Danielle Nellie Bruns, an associate professor with the Division of Kinesiology and Health; Vaishnavi Bhavsar, an undergraduate student from Lander; and Julian Matthews, vivarium coordinator and incoming graduate student from Raleigh, N.C., are studying whether a molecular clock in the heart, rather than the brain, regulates circadian rhythm in other body tissues. (UW Photo) Danielle Nellie Bruns, an associate professor with the University of Wyomings Division of Kinesiology and Health, has received an American Heart Association (AHA) Transformational Project Award. The funding is used to advance research on understanding mechanisms of heart disease -- including the impact of age and sex on the failing heart, exercise as medicine for heart failure and the identification of new therapies for the treatment of heart disease. Bruns award, totaling $300,000, begins July 1 and runs through June 2027. Both Bruns and co-contributor William Trey Todd, an assistant professor in UWs Department of Zoology and Physiology, are working to understand a new paradigm in which a heart-centric molecular clock regulates circadian rhythm in other body tissues. The current timekeeping paradigm suggests that the master clock in the brain coordinates and maintains rhythm; however, Bruns and Todds data show that a clock in the heart regulates circadian function. Their project is titled Mechanisms of circadian control by the cardiac molecular clock. Were really thrilled for this opportunity to continue investigating new roles for the heart in circadian biology, Bruns says. This exciting collaboration between my group and Dr. Todd started with support from the Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, and we look forward to taking this research forward with support from the AHA. Part of Bruns group includes three graduate students and one undergraduate working on the funded proposal: Sharanya Satyanarayana Bettadapura, a graduate student from Bangalore, India; Emma Mehl, a graduate student from El Dorado Hills, Calif.; Julian Matthews, vivarium coordinator and incoming graduate student from Raleigh, N.C.; and Vaishnavi Bhavsar, an undergraduate student from Lander. Bhavsar is a summer Fellow in the Wyoming INBRE (IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence) program. The Bruns lab is in UWs Science Initiative Building. Qian-Quan Sun, director and principal investigator with the Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, points out the importance of Bruns research. So far, most of what we know about circadian regulation of our bodys physiological states are based on the central circadian system in the brain, Sun says. Dr. Bruns research examining the unique roles of cardiokines, derived from the heart, in regulation of the circadian rhythms is conceptually innovative and important work. This award from the American Heart Association shows the continued advancement of Dr. Bruns research, says Michelle Hilaire, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences. Heart disease has significant health and economic implications globally and to a rural state like Wyoming. Im ecstatic that the AHA recognized the implication of Nellies research with this project award. To learn more about Bruns research, visit www.uwyo.edu/kandh/labs/cardic-aging-lab.html. About the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences UWs College of Health Sciences trains health and wellness professionals and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, speech-language pathology, social work, kinesiology, public health, health administration and disability studies. The college also oversees residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne, as well as operating a speech/hearing clinic in Laramie and primary care clinics in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne. With more than 1,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the college is dedicated to training the health and wellness workforce of Wyoming and conducting high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and frontier populations. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has condemned the decision by an Iranian court to add more than a year to the prison sentenced imposed on 2023 Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. The Norwegian Nobel Committee strongly condemns the harsh and unjust sentencing of Ms. Mohammadi by the Iranian Islamic Republic regime, wrote the committee in a statement published Thursday. This is a flagrant violation of human rights and a travesty of justice, wrote Jrgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, in the statement. Mohammadi has been imprisoned since November 2021 in relation to her work against the wearing of mandatory hijab by women. Mohammadi was sentenced to one year in prison for propaganda against the system, said her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, on X Tuesday. Nili said the latest sentence relates to calls to boycott parliamentary elections, letters to lawmakers in Sweden and Norway, and commentary about student journalist Dina Ghalibaf. Human rights groups said Ghalibaf was detained after accusing security personnel of sexually assaulting her during a previous arrest. She has been released. The Iranian judiciarys Mizan Online website said that Ghalibaf was prosecuted for making a false statement. Mohammadi refused to go to a trial hearing earlier this month. She has shared audio from prison criticizing the Islamic republic for its treatment of women. She was given the Nobel Peace Prize in October. Some information in this report came from AFP The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Our correspondent Kane Farabaugh travels to Purdue University to report on the depth of the U.S.-China economic competition. Both countries are vying for global dominance. This week on The Inside Story: Competing with China. Forecasters said Thursday that Alberto, the first named tropical storm of the 2024 Atlantic season, had weakened to a tropical depression after moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico but remained a threat that could create flooding and landslides. The U.S. National Hurricane Center, in its most recent report, said the remnants of Alberto were moving west, producing wind gusts of up to 55 kph and heavy rain, though its effects were expected to diminish as it moved farther inland. Forecasters warned, however, that heavy rains would continue to affect northeastern Mexico, with life-threatening flooding and landslides likely near areas of higher terrain in the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. The governor of Mexico's Nuevo Leon state told reporters late Wednesday that at least three people had died because of the storm. One person was reportedly swept away in the La Silla River near the state capital, Monterrey. Nuevo Leon civil protection authorities said two others, reportedly minors, were electrocuted when they rode a bicycle in the rain near downed power lines. The rain brought by Alberto was welcome in most areas because much of Mexico has been suffering from a drought, with reservoirs extremely low, prompting water shortages in urban areas. Nuevo Leon authorities said they would redirect water from the La Boca Dam as it neared its maximum capacity of around 40 million cubic meters, thanks to Alberto. A day earlier, water authorities said it was just 35% full. The U.S. hurricane center said the main hazard for southern coastal Texas was flooding from excess rain and minor coastal floods from storm surge. Video taken in Galveston Bay, on the states Gulf of Mexico coast, showed flooded roads and rough surf under mostly clear skies. Forecasters warned that swells generated by Alberto would affect the coast of Texas and northeastern Mexico through Friday and would be likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Former UW-La Crosse chancellor Joe Gow and his former colleagues engaged in a harsh battle of words over Gows disputed faculty position Wednesday afternoon. UW-L officials moved to fire Gow from his tenured faculty position in March after Gow produced and posted pornographic films with himself, his wife and other adult content actors. UW-L interim chancellor Betsy Morgan testified Gow has "leaned in" to his actions rather than recognize the damage he might bring to UW-L's campus. "My level of trust for him to protect university interests is low," Morgan said in advocating for Gow's total separation from the campus. In response, Gow said the university's investigation was flawed and the use of the university legal counsel to prosecute him is wrought with conflicts of interest. "We have the truth on our side," Gow said. "Carmen and I have been waiting for this day for a long time." The UW Board of Regents fired Gow as chancellor in December when the online videos came to light. Gow has been suspended with pay from his role as a tenured professor ever since. A UW-L hearing committee made up of five faculty senate members heard arguments Wednesday from Morgan who alleged Gow abused his position and university equipment to support his controversial activities. Morgan has banned Gow from campus and seeks to prevent him from returning as a professor. Gow has argued he engaged in protected free speech during his own time and with his own equipment. Gow will present his own evidence and witnesses when the hearing resumes at 9 a.m. Thursday. Hearing continues Thursday's hearing is scheduled to take 4 hours. After the committee hears Gow's arguments, it will make a recommendation to the UW-L chancellor, currently Betsy Morgan, as to the fate of Gows faculty position. Morgan will either adopt the recommendation or send it to the Board of Regents if she disagrees with the committees advice. Gow had planned to return to teaching in the communications department after retiring from his role as chancellor. Before he could retire, the UW Board of Regents fired Gow. In the months after, the university filed an investigation into Gows conduct while in office. The investigation was shared with Gow in March, and the university offered to settle the case if Gow retired from his tenured teaching position at UW-L. Gow chose to move forward with the hearing to defend his tenure. Interim chancellor Betsy Morgan brought the allegations against Gow on April 16 alleging unethical conduct, violation of the interim chancellors work directive to cooperate with the investigation and violation of information technology use policies. Gow disputed the allegations of technology misconduct and said he has broken no laws that would directly constitute his removal. The university's counsel argued that Gow's freedom of expression was not violated because his speech was not related to scholarly expression. As an employee of the university, Gow was liable to comply with the university's investigation and failed to do so. The counsel also argued that Gow's involvement with prostitution in Nevada damaged the university's reputation. Gow acknowledged the activities were outlined in his book, written under a pseudonym, but suggested some of the stories were embellished. Gow said his pornographic books and videos were depictions of characters, and should not be taken as testimony of real events. The books featured images of Gow and his wife, Carmen Wilson, reporting the stories to be true. Gow argued this was colorful expression, not fact. 'Insubordinate' in investigation Universities of Wisconsin Human Resources director Daniel Chanen said Gow was "insubordinate" when he failed to cooperate with the university's investigation. Gow argued that political pressure was put upon the university to hire third-party investigators and he would have been pressured into an interrogation. University counsel argued Gow's "insubordination" set a bad precedent for other employees who are under investigation or set for termination. UW-L communications department chair Linda Dickmeyer testified she worried about Gow's role as faculty given his adult content and media attention. "I do not want Dr. Gow to teach in our department," Dickmeyer said. Gow expressed surprise at Dickmeyer's remarks. Gow believed he expressed professionalism in his past teachings and his personal life would not compromise his ability to be in UW-L classrooms. "This isn't a court," Gow added after he was interrupted while making statements. "But, maybe we'll end up in court." A consultant investigating Gow's university computers found a digital file with a release form from a pornographic video star that was deleted Jan. 4, which the counsel argued is evidence of a coverup and use of university technology to produce adult content. Gow said UW-L police confiscated his desktop Dec. 22, and it would be impossible for him to delete or print files after that date. Counsel member Wade Harrison questioned Gow on Nina Hartley's visit to the UW-L campus in 2018. He alleged that Gow did not go through typical procedure to invite Hartley to campus. The prosecuting counsel then asked Gow about the history of his paywall-locked accounts. Gow reported that any sexually explicit content was locked behind online paywalls, with no explicit content available on public platforms. Gow v. Morgan Morgan said Gow acted naive in failing to recognize the reputational harm he had caused to the university. "You and I have walked different paths since Dec. 27," Morgan stated. Gow pointed to large donations the university has received in the months following his dismissal as chancellor. In May, UW-L received a $2.8 million donation to the Prairie Springs Science Center with an additional $500,000 for a new research vessel the next week. This began a back-and-forth of vitriol between the two former coworkers. Morgan told Gow that the gifts were given to the university because he was no longer chancellor. Morgan testified that donors, young women and faculty all had negative feelings about Gow's online adult content. She said many worried about a scenario in which Gow returns to campus. "I am very concerned about Dr. Gow in the classroom," Morgan stated. "The real concern is teaching." She called Gow's actions with technology "careless" and said he should have separated his work correspondence with personal time. Morgan said she banned Gow from campus to halt media attention connecting the university and Gow. Wade Harrison finished the hearing with screenshots of emails sent to Gow showing vendors advertising sexual materials. Morgan said she has never received emails similar to the examples Gow had. Gow defended the screenshots, saying they were spam emails he did not see or interact with. After the hearing, Gow said he was "disappointed" in how his former colleagues were spinning his work as chancellor for the university. "That comes with the territory I guess," Gow said. "We feel confident about what we'll present tomorrow." After the hearing, Gow said he has text exchanges between Morgan and other officials that will clarify the timeline of events and exonerate him. As Sudans humanitarian crisis grows more dire, concerns are growing that foreign actors with interests in Sudan are complicating the situation and making it harder to end a 14-month war that has driven millions from their homes and has put parts of the country on the brink of famine. Calls to end the fighting during the past year have come from around the world, including the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League and East Africas Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). IGAD tried to send the presidents of Kenya, South Sudan and Djibouti to Khartoum to mediate the crisis, the groups spokesperson at the time, Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, told VOA. But so far, that initiative has not materialized. Other powers like the United States, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have led efforts to broker cease-fires that came and went without much effect. Some have questioned how each of the warring factions the Sudan Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti have funded the war and supported their fighters for 14 months. Theres a lot of resources and money that is being invested in this war, particularly on the RSF side, said Hala al-Karib, regional director for the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa. Al-Karib believes the RSF is getting military and political support from the United Arab Emirates, while the Sudanese army may be getting help from Iran and Egypt. Her views are echoed by other analysts, including Kwaku Nuamah, a senior lecturer at American University's School of International Services. Russias state-run militia formerly known as the Wagner Group has also been identified as a major supplier of arms to the RSF. Egypts support of al-Burhan is largely a reflection of long-standing ties between the SAF and the Egyptian military, Nuamah said. He added that Irans role in the conflict once generally neutral, now one of active support for al-Burhan reflects past good relations with the Sudanese government and contemporary geostrategic concerns, including Tehrans need for allies as it faces crushing global sanctions. However, Michael Walsh, a senior fellow in the Africa program at the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, cautions that hard evidence of outside support for either side in the Sudan conflict is hard to come by. "Many of the journalists who are covering the region, they are covering it from Egypt. People have been displaced, embassies have been displaced," he said. Given the security implications of information of whos supporting either party, its really difficult to get access to that information and theres a huge risk of misinformation and disinformation. War, humanitarian crisis The war began on April 15, 2023, when Sudanese citizens awoke to sounds of gunfire and clashes in the capital, Khartoum, pitting units of the Sudan Armed Forces against the RSF. At the time, al-Burhan was head of Sudan's transitional governing Sovereign Council; Dagalo was the deputy head. Tensions between the generals had been rising over disagreements about how the RSF should be integrated into the Sudanese army. Restructuring the military was part of an effort to restore the country to civilian rule after the ouster of former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and a 2021 military coup orchestrated by the two generals. The war quickly spread beyond the capital. Since its beginning, more than 8.8 million people have fled their homes and nearly 16,000 fatalities have been reported by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a data collection, analysis and crisis mapping project. UAE links? "Both sides have continued to violate the laws of armed conflict in multiple ways, with the support of outside actors allegedly ranging from the UAE to Russia to Iran to Egypt and others," Nathaniel Raymond, executive director at the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab, told VOA. The Yale humanitarian research lab has been tracking action in Sudan since the war started using satellite and other technology. In a report published last week, the lab used satellite images to identify an Ilyushin (IL-76) a large Russian-made transport plane flying June 11 near Sudan's El-Fasher region, above RSF-controlled territory. The finding is significant, Raymond said, because the same model of plane has also been seen at facilities identified by the United Nations panel of experts as being linked to alleged UAE lethal support activities on behalf of RSF in Sudan. A report earlier this year by a U.N. panel of experts noted that accusations that UAE had provided military support to RSF via Amdjarass city in Chad were "credible." About the IL-76, Raymond noted that we dont know who was flying this plane and we are working to differentiate whether it was a Sudan Armed Forces plane or was resupplying RSF or was transiting through over El-Fasher. Regardless, he said, it makes one wonder about what activities are going on to supply both sides in the conflict. The UAE strongly rejects allegations of its involvement in the conflict and categorically denies the provision of military, logistical, financial or political support to any faction in Sudan, the UAE's foreign ministry told VOA in response to a query. The UAE pointed out to VOA that after the Sudanese authorities refused a request in 2023 by the UAE to build a hospital inside Sudan to provide medical support to the wounded, the UAE built two field hospitals close to the Chadian-Sudanese border known as Amdjarass and Abeche. They have extended an invitation to the U.N. panel of experts to visit the hospitals and observe. Why Sudan? Walsh, at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, said its important to remember there are some individuals in this conflict who have relationships with foreign actors that extend way before the start of hostilities in the current civil war in Sudan. There are connections to Yemen and other conflicts. Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which was renamed the Africa Corps after the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has also reportedly been present for years in Sudan, although Wagner denied this. The U.S. Treasury Department accused the group last year of providing the RSF with surface-to-air missiles that have contributed to a prolonged armed conflict that only results in further chaos in the region. According to more recent media reports, Ukrainian special forces have intervened on behalf of SAF to counter the Russian mercenary group. Ukraine has been at war with Russia for over two years now. Russia has used Wagner fighters to help fight its war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with al-Burhan in Ireland in September 2023 to discuss Russia-funded armed groups. At the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked the Sudanese general for his country's support of Ukraine's territorial integrity. There are also reports that Sudanese authorities are about to strike a deal for the construction of a logistical supply base for the Russian navy on its Red Sea coast. The Sudan Tribune reported this month that a Sudanese military delegation would visit Moscow soon to discuss the countrys needs for weapons and munitions. American University's Nuamah said Sudan is of interest to outside actors because of its strategic location on the coast of Red Sea at the crossroads of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East; its possession of lootable natural resources such as gold; and the fact that it shares borders with numerous fragile states in a turbulent region. The Red Sea provides access to the Suez Canal and is one of the most heavily traveled waterways in the world. In any case, Sudan is looking at a gloomy situation for the near term. ACLED ranks Sudan as one of the 50 most violent countries in the world, saying that conditions continue to get worse as mass killings remain a key feature of that conflict. Earlier this month, about 200 people were killed during attacks by RSF soldiers on unarmed civilians in the village of Wad al-Noura, in Sudans Gezira state. The attack was widely condemned by the international community and prompted renewed calls for a cease-fire. Al-Karib of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, who relocated to Uganda after the war started, still has friends and family in Sudan. Painting a grim picture of the war-torn country, she said that people are getting killed regularly just for being themselves. People are being kidnapped and detained for lengthy periods of time. Women cant travel from point A to point B safely. Communities are looted completely. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has wrapped up a three-country tour of the Asia-Pacific region, boosting trade ties and rebuilding relations. But the trip also saw a reemergence of some thorny diplomatic issues. Through this visit Li, the second most powerful official in China, became the first premier to visit New Zealand and Australia since 2017. He wrapped up his trip with a stop in Malaysia, marking an almost decade-long lull since his predecessor Li Keqiang visited the Southeast Asian nation in 2015. Lis tour heralded some results, including the announcement of new trade deals with New Zealand and Malaysia. But a bizarre incident in Canberra involving Chinese officials and a formerly imprisoned local journalist was described as entirely inappropriate by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Lis tour began in a more muted manner, with the premier meeting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for talks in Wellington. The pair announced new agreements on trade and climate change, with Li describing the two countries as good friends. Luxon, though, said the split was probably 50-50 in time spent discussing differences between the two countries compared to their common interests. New Zealands leader had a challenging course to navigate, according to Kathryn Paik, a senior fellow with the Australia Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, balancing economic priorities with concerns over Chinas increasing engagement in the Pacific. This balancing will become more difficult, as New Zealand continues to become more aware of the detrimental effects of Chinese actions abroad, Paik told VOA. The Chinese premier also raised concerns about New Zealands potential participation in the AUKUS security alliance a trilateral pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States that is seen as a counter to Beijing's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. From New Zealand, Li touched down in Australia for a meeting closely watched after relations between the two took a nosedive during the pandemic. Australias former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was a vocal critic of China on a number of issues, from human rights to calling for an international inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beijing hit back, slapping tariffs and restrictions on a variety of Australian goods and commodities. The Albanese administration has worked to rebuild the relationship with the key trading partner and this visit was evidence of how far things have come. Canberra and Beijing are back to the normal pattern of relations now, said former Australian Ambassador to China Geoff Raby. Sure, there are big differences and issues that we disagree on. But that's the same in all relationships, Raby told VOA. Beijings so-called panda diplomacy was on full display during the visit, with Li announcing China would send Adelaide Zoo two new giant pandas, replacing Wang Wang and Fu Ni who are returning to their homeland. The premier also offered 15-day, visa-free entry for Australian visitors to China, something also promised to New Zealand citizens during his visit there. Albanese said he and Li also discussed improving military dialogue between the countries, after a recent incident when a Chinese jet dropped flares in the pathway of an Australian defense helicopter over the Yellow Sea. But while Albanese may have said the trip renewed and revitalized relations with China, all local media outlets could talk about was what happened with Cheng Lei an Australian journalist who recently returned home from three years detention in China. Lei was reporting on a press conference at Canberras Parliament House when Chinese officials appeared to block cameras from filming her. It was a complete stuff-up by the Chinese side, stupid, completely stupid. They are their own worst enemies, said former ambassador Raby. It really did deflect attention within Australia from the positive aspects of the visit. It was such a stupid thing, Raby told VOA. The final leg of Lis tour was in Malaysia, with the Chinese premier marking fifty years of diplomatic relations with his hosts. Li met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the pair witnessed the signing of a slew of new deals, such as a five-year agreement to boost economic and trade cooperation. The pair also jointly pushed a lever to break ground at the construction of a new railway station that will form a key part of Chinas prized Belt and Road Infrastructure project. In addition, China promised to begin importing fresh durians from Malaysia. The Southeast Asian nation is one of the worlds biggest producers of the notoriously smelly fruit. Malaysia, like much of the Indo-Pacific, is walking a tightrope in balancing relations with its biggest trading partner China and the United States. Kuala Lumpur recently received large investments from major U.S. companies including Microsoft and Google. Its an approach of strategic ambiguity, according to James Chin, professor of Asian studies at the University of Tasmania. They dont show their hand too openly. Chinese coast guard sailors brandished knives, an axe and other weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed. The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship that was deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims. It was the latest in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the disputed area. Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said the "outnumbered" Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their "bare hands." A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the clash, in which the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns, according to the Philippine military. Fresh footage released by the Philippine military late Wednesday showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares. A voice speaking Tagalog can be heard in one clip saying someone had "lost a finger." Manila's footage of the clash stands in stark contrast to photos released by Beijing's state media on Wednesday, which did not show Chinese forces wielding weapons. 'Violent confrontation' Asked about the videos on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Manila's comments on the clash were "totally bogus accusations that confuse black with white." He blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying they had "escalated tensions" and accused them of ramming Chinese boats. Lin said the Philippine boats had been trying "to sneak in building materials, but also tried to smuggle in military equipment." Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a "professional and restrained" way and claimed "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel. But in a clip shared by Manila, a Chinese sailor standing on the deck of one of the boats can clearly be seen waving an axe. Another shows a Chinese coast guard sailor striking the inflatable boat with a stick. A second man can also be seen stabbing the boat with a knife. The Philippines military said an axe-wielding sailor had "threatened to injure" a Filipino soldier, while others were "explicitly threatening to harm" Filipino troops. "The [Chinese coast guard] personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel," Manila said. "They also slashed the [inflatable boats], rendering them inoperable." The Filipino sailors, wearing brown camouflage with helmets and vests, are not carrying weapons in the clips. "Amidst this violent confrontation, the CCG [Chinese coast guard] also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion, while continuously blaring sirens to further disrupt communication," the caption said. Manila has accused Beijing of an "act of piracy" against its forces. It has also demanded the return of items "looted" by the Chinese side, including seven guns, and reparations for damaged equipment. 'Perilous' situation Analysts say Beijing is escalating confrontations with the Philippines in a bid to push it out of the South China Sea. Jay Batongbacal, director for the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea in Manila, told AFP that China's forces could be poised to seize the grounded Philippine warship, the Sierra Madre. "The deployment of their forces at present around the Sierra Madre and then the many reefs around the Kalayaan island group is indicative that they're ready to do it," he said, referring to Manila-claimed areas in the Spratly Islands. The United States has said that "an armed attack" against Philippine public vessels, aircraft, armed forces and coastguard anywhere in the South China Sea would require it to come to Manila's defense as a treaty ally. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken "emphasized that [China's] actions undermine regional peace and stability" in a call with his Philippine counterpart Enrique A. Manalo on Wednesday, according to the State Department. Blinken said they also "underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty." Another analyst said the clashes "brought us perilously close" to a point where the United States would be required to intervene militarily. "The Philippines will likely need to continue resupply missions to the Sierra Madre, one way or another," said Duan Dang, a Vietnam-based maritime security analyst. "Backing down and accepting Beijing's terms regarding these operations would mean relinquishing sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone," he said. Greek firefighters and water-dropping aircraft tamed but did not completely extinguish a wildfire Wednesday near Athens. "The situation is being brought under control," local Mayor Dimitris Kioussis told state-run ERT television. Earlier, the residents of two villages had been evacuated. Firefighters will be on alert all night in case the blaze sparks up again. Officials say they believe the fire is the result of arson, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. There have been no reports of deaths or injuries because of the blaze. Civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias said authorities possess a video and photographs of a suspected arsonist. The fire near Athens is one of dozens across Greece. Reuters reports that firefighters have been deployed to more than 60 fires across the country, and that 16 of the blazes remain active. "Since noon, we had a new fire breaking out almost every 10 minutes," Kikilias said. While fires are common in the region, increasingly high temperatures and lack of rain have increased the intensity of the blazes. Firefighters battled the fire near Athens on Wednesday as temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius. Scientists blame the hotter and drier conditions on climate change. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Chinese investment in Georgia is set to increase significantly after a Chinese-led consortium was awarded the contract to develop a deep-sea megaport on Georgias Black Sea coast, part of Beijings envisaged Middle Corridor trade route to Europe. But critics say the Georgian government is putting the countrys economy and democracy at risk by turning away from Western partners and toward the east. Anaklia, on Georgias Black Sea shoreline, is currently little more than a small coastal resort of some 1,500 people. Under the plans, it is set to become a port capable of handling large volumes of containers and other cargo, to be built and run by Chinese firms. The Georgian government last month awarded a 49% stake in the project to a Chinese-Singaporean consortium, thought to be worth several billion dollars. The exact details of the deal have not been revealed. The remaining 51% stake is held by the Georgian state. The announcement was made a day after the government passed its so-called foreign agent law, similar to one in Russia, widely seen as a clampdown on Western-funded non-governmental organizations and independent media. The legislation triggered ongoing anti-government protests amid fears the ruling Georgian Dream party is turning away from a Western-aligned future in the European Union. That also obviously coincides with the very direct and open anti-Western rhetoric that we've been hearing from the government, said Giga Bedineishvili, a Georgian financier and dean of the business school at Tbilisi Free University. So, the speculation and I think it's a well-founded one is that the Georgian government is thinking about the possibility of losing Western investment and compensating for it [with] some money from Russia and China, he told VOA. Georgias government denies it is seeking to turn away from the West and says publicly it still aims to join the European Union by 2030. Georgia maintains EU aspirations Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the awarding of the Anaklia port contract to the consortium led by the China Communications Construction Company. At this time, it is one of the largest Chinese companies, which has extensive experience, including in this type of project. The successful bid by the Chinese company ensures the highest-level implementation of the Anaklia project, Kobakhidze told reporters May 30. The Anaklia port project has been in the pipeline for several years and was set to be built by a joint American-Georgian consortium in a contract worth $2.5 billon. However, the government canceled that deal in 2020, claiming the group had not met contractual terms. The consortium partners accused the ruling party and its oligarch founder Bidzina Ivanishvili of deliberately sabotaging the project. Why Chinese investment? So, whats in it for China? The port would lie at the western end of what Beijing calls the Middle Corridor, an envisaged trade route to Europe through Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to Georgias Black Sea coast, and beyond to the European Union. Currently, most rail and road freight from China to Europe goes through Russia, but the future of that route is in doubt, with Moscow now heavily sanctioned by the West after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Tinatan Khidasheli, a former Georgian defense minister who now chairs the Civic IDEA organization, which analyzes Chinas activities in Georgia, fears the project could leave Georgia in a so-called debt trap. The big question, Khindasheli said, is where the Georgian government will get its funding for the project. They are going to [borrow] the money for fulfilling the obligations they have under this 51%, he said. And I'm pretty sure it's not fact yet but I'm pretty sure that that money is going to come from China as well. And we will end up in a situation like Sri Lanka ended up, or Philippines, or in Malaysia. They had also similar problems, Tanzania, they had similar problems. The state-owned Chinese firm that is leading the Anaklia port consortium, the China Communications Construction Company, is subject to U.S. sanctions over its role in building artificial islands in disputed regions of the South China Sea. The firm was also banned from World Bank contracts until 2017 over corruption scandals. China already has a visible presence in Georgia, including the Hualing Tbilisi Sea Plaza, a vast 420-hectare shopping mall, hotel and housing complex on the outskirts of the capital. Chinese companies are also involved in building new highways. In 2023, Georgia signed a strategic partnership agreement with China, and is part of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative and Global Security Initiative. Despite Georgias overtures to Beijing, direct Chinese investment in Georgia remains relatively small at just over $47 million in 2023, making it the ninth largest investor and far smaller than European and American investment in the country. In 2023, Britain was the biggest single direct investor in Georgia at $392 million, according to official statistics. When people just drive throughout the country, they see all these Chinese signs from different companies. It creates an image that we have such a huge Chinese investment. Everywhere you go, you have Chinese companies working. In reality, none of that is an investment, said Tinatan Khidasheli of Civic IDEA. It's all Georgian [state] budget money, which is granted to the contractors, whomever wins the bid. And the reality of Georgian bidding story is that every single contract that is over $100 million usually is won by a Chinese company, she said. Georgias government says China could become its leading trading partner. Others urge caution. China and Russia, they strategize when they do something like that they want to invest to then have political influence and have an impact on the local situation. And therefore, we need to be careful on that, said Bedineishvili. A NATO official who spoke on condition of anonymity told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, or RFE/RL, that the alliance had concerns about Chinas development of the port. 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, RFE/RL reported the NATO official as saying. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday that a single miscalculation or reckless move could plunge Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah into a catastrophic war, and he urged both sides to pull back from the brink. Lets be clear: The people of the region and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza, Guterres told reporters at the United Nations. The threat of a wider war on Israels northern border has intensified in recent weeks, with more exchanges of fire across the U.N.-monitored Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Israeli officials and Hezbollahs leader have raised the temperature with heated rhetoric. The world must say loudly and clearly: Immediate de-escalation is not only possible it is essential, Guterres said. There is no military solution. He said a further escalation would cause only more suffering and devastation for communities on both sides of the border and more potentially catastrophic consequences for the region. Communities in northern Israel and southern Lebanon evacuated months ago, after Hamas October 7 terror attack inside Israel set off the war in Gaza. Hezbollah has fired barrages of rockets from its positions into northern Israel in support of its ally, Hamas. About 100,000 people have been displaced on each side of the border. The Lebanese Ministry of Health said Friday that 432 people have been killed in exchanges of fire. That figure includes at least 60 militants, according to local press reports. In Israel, 16 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed in the fighting. The United Nations has a peacekeeping force of just over 10,000 troops from 49 countries along the Blue Line. Asked about their situation should a war break out, Guterres said there are contingency plans and procedures in place to guarantee their safety, including in the case of a total explosion. But now our main concern is to make sure that we do not have a dramatic escalation that would be a disaster for the area and the world, he said. Washington seeks de-escalation The U.N. chiefs warning comes as U.S. officials are trying to halt an escalation between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters based in southern Lebanon. That threat figured in talks Thursday in Washington, where U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. They also discussed efforts to reach a Gaza cease-fire, secure the release of all remaining hostages and increase humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians. We've been extremely concerned about the situation in the north of Israel, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters Thursday. We have seen a dramatic increase in strikes by Hezbollah across the border targeting Israeli villages, civilian infrastructure. And so, we have been pursuing a diplomatic resolution to try to make clear that there should be no further escalation. The talks in Washington follow White House senior adviser Amos Hochsteins meetings earlier this week in Israel and Beirut, where he said a Gaza cease-fire could bring the Israel-Hezbollah conflict to an end. Rising rhetoric Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned Wednesday that no place would be safe in Israel if a war erupted between the country and the Lebanese militant group. Nasrallah said in a televised address that Iran-backed Hezbollah has a "bank of targets" that would be subject to precision strikes if the sporadic fighting between the two foes turned into a broader conflict. "There will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones" in Israel, Nasrallah said. On Tuesday, Hezbollah released what it said was drone footage of sensitive sites deep within Israel. "We now have new weapons," Nasrallah said Wednesday. "But I won't say what they are. ... The enemy knows well that we have prepared ourselves for the worst ... and that no place ... will be spared our rockets." On Friday, Irans mission to the United Nations posted a warning on social media platform X directed at Israel. It said Israel should not plunge the region into a new war, warning that Hezbollah has the capability to defend itself and hinting a war with Hezbollah could lead to Israel destroying itself. Israel is aware of Hezbollah's weapons, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, said Wednesday during a trip near Israel's border with Lebanon. "The enemy only knows a small part of our capabilities, and will see them at the needed time," he said. Cyprus threatened In his broadcast, Nasrallah threatened Cyprus, accusing it of opening "Cypriot airports and bases for the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon." That move, he said, "means that the Cypriot government has become part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war." Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides responded by saying his nation "is in no way involved" in any military operation. Cyprus, a European Union member, is also a former British colony. Britain has maintained sovereign control of two bases on the island. VOAs Fern Robinson contributed to this report. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters. Human rights groups on Thursday called for the United Nations to act and provide more updates on a report published nearly two years ago about a range of rights violations in Chinas remote western region of Xinjiang. The report, issued in August 2022, found that actions taken in Xinjiang may have constituted crimes against humanity. It also highlighted what it called highly credible abuses, including torture, forced sterilization, sexual violence and forced separation of children. China called the report a farce and a politically motivated attempt to smear its reputation. Now, nearly two years later and with few updates, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the International Service for Human Rights and the World Uyghur Congress issued a statement Thursday calling for action by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. "The ongoing absence of public reporting by the high commissioner to follow up the atrocity crimes documented by his own office risks undermining the trust placed in his office by victims and survivors," the statement said. Turk mentioned Xinjiang Tuesday when he presented his global updates at the 56th session of the U.N. Human Rights Council. In his update, Turk said he continued to engage with China on a range of human rights issues, including the serious concerns my office identified in the Xinjiang region. Rights groups, however, say that did not go far enough. In their statement, the rights groups said Turk did not provide "any specifics about his engagement with the government, a substantive update on the situation in Xinjiang, nor an assessment of the implementation of the report recommendations by his office. The rights groups added, It's up to the U.N. high commissioner to make full use of that report to improve the situation for Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang." Rights groups have been working together since 2018 to push the Human Rights Council and other U.N. bodies to document and respond to growing evidence of atrocity crimes in China and to disseminate these findings globally. On Thursday they also said that the U.N. had failed to make the report available in any language other than English, adding that they have provided their own unofficial translations in the bodys other official languages: Arabic, French, Russian, Spanish and Chinese. Agence France-Presse provided some material that was used in this report. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: With opportunities for journalists limited since the Talibans return to power, Farogh Tarin and her family left Afghanistan in pursuit of a better life. Now in Paris, France, the journalist wants to be a voice for those silenced in her home country. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi is marking World Refugee Day in Sudan and South Sudan, where he has been traveling this week, highlighting the situation of millions of people displaced by war. VOA United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer spoke to him from New York. Filippo Grandi, the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, on Wednesday urged an end to the war in Sudan, where hunger and violence have driven millions from their homes. "They are fleeing horrible violence, very severe violations of human rights," Grandi told VOA in an interview from Juba, South Sudan, after field visits to Renk in South Sudan and across the border in Kosti, a city in Sudan's White Nile state. Thursday is World Refugee Day, and Grandi hopes to put this neglected crisis in the global spotlight. The United Nations has warned that 5 million Sudanese are on the brink of famine. Millions more are severely food insecure. Harvests have been lost, markets looted and burned, and humanitarians obstructed from delivering adequate aid. "But increasingly they are also fleeing deprivation and in particular food insecurity, and in some cases, hunger," Grandi said. "So you have a multiplication of factors that are all generated clearly by this insane war that doesn't seem to end." The United Nations says the 14-month-long war between rival generals has internally displaced more than 6 million people on top of the nearly 4 million who were displaced before the current conflict. Another 2 million have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan and Ethiopia. "Let's not forget that these people are coming, like here in South Sudan, to countries that are already very fragile they have huge challenges of their own in terms of security, political fragility, governance, economic problems and so forth," Grandi said, praising them for keeping their borders open and offering shelter. A U.N. panel of experts said earlier this year that external actors are fueling Sudan's conflict by providing the warring generals with weapons and ammunition. "My appeal is really to everybody who has any influence on the parties in this conflict: Push them not towards the battlefield, but to the negotiating table," Grandi said. "This is what is most needed: a cease-fire first and then the possibility that there is a political solution. Without that, I am afraid we will see more refugees and more suffering." The head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has been locked in an armed power struggle with the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces for the past 14 months. The fighting has spread from Sudan's capital, Khartoum, to other parts of the country, leaving death, destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe in its wake. Press Release June 19, 2024 Dela Rosa: VP Sara Duterte's decision considered Filipinos' best interest Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Wednesday expressed full support for Vice President Sara Duterte's decision to step down as the secretary of the Department of Education, saying this is a choice that considered Filipinos' best interest. "I have known Vice President Sara [Duterte] since she was little, and I have always admired her selflessness and unconditional love for our country. Whatever her reason may be for resigning as DepEd Secretary, I believe that it was well thought of," Dela Rosa, Duterte's longtime ally, said. "I believe it was a choice that took into consideration the best interest of our people, as has always been characteristic of her. Of that, I am sure. Whatever future decisions she is going to make to better serve the country, regardless of function and position, I am always here to support her," the Davaoeno lawmaker added. Regardless of the titles, Dela Rosa stressed that the Vice President will continue to fulfilling her mandate with full integrity. "I fully trust that she will continue to fulfill her mandate as the Vice President of the Philippines and help uplift the lives of every Filipino. After all, beyond her titles, it is her integrity that defines her leadership. And it is this integrity that she shall always uphold," he ended. Dela Rosa is one of the loyal supporters of the Duterte family, starting when he was appointed as Davao City police chief by then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The former top cop initially pushed for Vice President Sara Duterte to run for president in the 2022 national and local elections. Louisiana has become the first U.S. state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom, the latest move from a Republican-dominated legislature pushing a conservative agenda under a new governor. The legislation that Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed into law on Wednesday requires a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in "large, easily readable font" in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities. Opponents questioned the law's constitutionality and vowed to challenge it in court. Proponents said the measure is not solely religious, but that it has historical significance. In the language of the law, the Ten Commandments are "foundational documents of our state and national government." The posters, which will be paired with a four-paragraph "context statement" describing how the Ten Commandments "were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries," must be in place in classrooms by the start of 2025. Under the law, state funds will not be used to implement the mandate. The posters would be paid for through donations. The law also "authorizes" but does not require the display of other items in K-12 public schools, including: The Mayflower Compact, which was signed by religious pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and is often referred to as America's "First Constitution"; the Declaration of Independence; and the Northwest Ordinance, which established a government in the Northwest Territory in the present day Midwest and created a pathway for admitting new states to the Union. Opponents vow to challenge law Not long after the governor signed the bill into law at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Lafayette on Wednesday, civil rights groups and organizations that want to keep religion out of government promised to file a lawsuit challenging it. The law prevents students from getting an equal education and will keep children who have different beliefs from feeling safe at school, the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a joint statement Wednesday afternoon. "Even among those who may believe in some version of the Ten Commandments, the particular text that they adhere to can differ by religious denomination or tradition. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate," the groups said. The controversial law, in a state ensconced in the Bible Belt, comes during a new era of conservative leadership in Louisiana under Landry, who replaced two-term Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in January. Republicans hold a supermajority in the legislature, and Republicans hold every statewide elected position, paving the way for lawmakers to push through a conservative agenda. Similar bills requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms have been proposed in other states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Utah. However, with threats of legal battles over the constitutionality of such measures, no state besides Louisiana has succeeded in making the bills law. Similar law ruled unconstitutional Legal battles over the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms are not new. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law was unconstitutional and violated 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. Authorities in northwestern Pakistan reported Thursday that an enraged crowd stormed a police station, seized a detainee facing blasphemy charges and killed him. The evening violence erupted in Swat District, a popular tourist spot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, after local announcements that a tourist had desecrated the Quran. Residents tortured the man before area police took him into custody and moved him to their detention facility. Witnesses and officials said a mob later gathered outside the police station, demanding the man be swiftly brought to justice for insulting Islams holy book. Police used aerial fire to disperse protesters but failed to prevent them from assaulting and setting fire to the building and police vehicles before taking the suspect away. Zahidullah Khan, the district police chief, told local media that the crowd had also set fire to the suspects body after beating him to death. He added that the unrest resulted in several injuries. Videos shared on social media showed a crowd gathered around a burning body in the middle of the street. VOA could not immediately ascertain the veracity of the footage from independent sources. Khan said police reinforcements later arrived in the area and efforts were under way to defuse the tensions. Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in majority-Muslim Pakistan, and mere allegations have led to mobs lynching scores of suspects even some in police custody. Insulting the Quran or Islamic beliefs is punishable by death under the country's blasphemy laws, though no one has ever been officially executed. Last month, hundreds of people gathered in a Christian settlement in the central Pakistani city of Sargodha and killed a Christian man in his early 70s after accusing him of desecrating the Quran. In August 2023, in a similar blasphemy accusation, thousands of Muslim protesters attacked a Christian neighborhood. They burned scores of properties, including 21 churches, over allegations that two Christian brothers had desecrated the Quran. Domestic and international rights groups have long demanded Pakistan reform its blasphemy laws, arguing they are often used to fulfill personal vendettas and disputes and intimidate religious minorities. Critics say that hundreds of suspects, mostly Muslims, are languishing in jails in Pakistan because fear of retaliation from religious groups deters judges from moving their trials forward. The White House announced Thursday it would move Ukraine to the front of the line for deliveries of powerful air defense missiles, after a barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks damaged energy facilities throughout the besieged country. Hundreds of newly made Patriot and NASAMS missiles used for surface-to-air defense will go to Ukraine ahead of other nations who have ordered them, National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby said. He emphasized that planned deliveries to Taiwan and Israel will not be affected by this move, and that the other nations waiting for their shipments were broadly supportive when they were informed of Washingtons decision. Obviously more is needed and it's needed now, Kirby told journalists during a phone briefing with journalists. So, as a result, the United States government has made the difficult but necessary decision to reprioritize near-term planned deliveries of foreign military sales to other countries of, particularly, Patriot and NASAMS missiles to go to Ukraine instead. A massive overnight Russian missile and drone attack damaged energy facilities throughout Ukraine, a day after the country announced rolling blackouts because of war-related power shortages. Ukraines national power provider Ukrenergo said early Thursday an overnight attack on a thermal plant caused serious damage and wounded three workers. "Equipment at facilities in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kyiv regions got damaged," the Ukrenergo statement added. On Wednesday, Ukrenergo announced hourly rolling blackouts would be implemented throughout the country. Russian drone and missile strikes have cut Ukraines power-generating capabilities to half of what they were last year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this month. In his daily address, Zelenskyy said government officials were looking for ways to improve the situation. "We are preparing solutions that will ensure a more reliable passage of the heating season and give people more opportunities to get through this extremely difficult period, in terms of energy shortages and outages," he said. The Ukrainian air force said it shot down five out of nine missiles and all 27 drones launched by Russia over 10 Ukrainian regions during Thursday's attack. The military said Russia mostly targeted eastern Ukraine, specifically the Dnipropetrovsk region. Dnipropetrovsk's governor said three men were injured in the attack, which also damaged seven homes. In Russia, the governor of the southern Krasnodar region said an overnight Ukrainian drone attack targeted oil storage facilities. Governor Venyamin Kondratyev said a woman was killed in an attack on the city of Slavyansk-na-Kubani. Russias defense agreement with North Korea this week, prompted a bipartisan group of US Senators to renew calls to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. "This is one of the most important decisions our generation of politicians will make, because if we made Russia state sponsored terrorism, it would change the momentum in Ukraine overnight. It would be a morale boost to the Ukrainians. It would make it hard for anybody to do business with Russia, and it would further isolate this regime," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters Thursday. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said he had spoken with the Biden administration about the effort to secure the designation but has not discussed it since the announcement of Russias security partnership. It is deeply scary, because it signals cooperation, not only against Ukraine, but against the United States, Blumenthal said. The British Defense Ministry said Thursday that between June 12 and June 18, Russia switched its cruise missile strikes on Ukraines front line to strikes on Ukraines air bases. The change in strategy, according to the ministrys report, was "almost certainly" due to "Ukrainian air strike successes," which likely caused Russian concern about the utility of its own aircraft. Material from Reuters and Agence France-Presse was used in this report. About a week before American journalist Evan Gershkovich is set to stand trial in Russia on espionage charges he denies, Russia said Wednesday it had presented its ideas for a prisoner swap to the United States and was waiting for a reply. The ball is in the court of the United States. We are waiting for them to respond to the ideas that were presented to them, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russian news agency TASS in an interview. They are well known to the relevant parts of the U.S. administration. I understand that, perhaps, something in these ideas does not suit the Americans. Thats their problem, Ryabkov added. We consider our approaches to be fully justified, sensible, balanced. We expect that this is how they will view them, he said. Gershkovich, a Russian correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, has been jailed since March 2023 on spying accusations that he, his employer and the U.S. government vehemently deny. The U.S. State Department has also declared the 32-year-old wrongfully detained. Gershkovichs closed-door trial is set to begin on June 26 in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, where he was arrested more than a year ago. Press freedom experts have said the trial will almost certainly be a sham. Yekaterinburg is about 1,400 kilometers east of Moscow. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years behind bars. Russian authorities, however, have said a trial is required before a prisoner swap can take place. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously indicated that Moscow would be willing to exchange Gershkovich for a Russian man currently jailed in Germany for killing a Chechen dissident. Gershkovich is one of two American journalists currently jailed in Russia. Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian national who works at VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague, has been jailed since October 2023 on charges of failing to self-register as a foreign agent and spreading what Moscow views as false information about the Russian military. Kurmasheva and her employer reject the charges against her, which carry a combined sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The U.S. government has also called for her immediate release. Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damages in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. Chinese personnel on board more than eight motorboats repeatedly rammed then boarded the two Philippine navy inflatable boats Monday to prevent Filipino navy personnel from transferring food and other supplies including firearms to a Philippine territorial outpost in Second Thomas Shoal, which is also claimed by Beijing, according to Philippine officials. After a scuffle and repeated collisions, the Chinese seized the boats and damaged them with machetes, knives and hammers. They also seized eight M4 rifles, which were packed in cases, navigation equipment and other supplies and wounded a number of Filipino navy personnel, including one who lost his right thumb, two Philippine security officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to publicly discuss the sensitive conflict. Video and photographs issued by the Philippine military Wednesday night show the chaotic faceoff at the shoal, with Chinese personnel onboard boats brandishing knives, axe and sticks while surrounding two Philippine navy supply boats beside Manila's ship outpost. Sirens blare constantly as both sides yell at each other and the Chinese smash the Philippine navy boat with a pole and grab what appears to be a bag with a stick. Pictures show a damaged Philippine navy boat with its side floaters slashed and deflated and another boat with its windshields and navigational screens shattered. A man displays a damaged cellphone. "We are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment and we're also demanding that they pay for the damage they caused," Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., head of the Philippine armed forces, said in a news conference in western Palawan province, where he pinned a medal on the wounded navy officer. "They boarded our boats illegally and seized our equipment," Brawner said. "They're now like pirates with this kind of actions." Armed with long knives and machetes, the Chinese coast guard personnel tried to beat the unarmed Filipinos, who resisted with their bare hands by parrying the blows and pushing back the Chinese, Brawner said. "Our objective is also to prevent war." Some of the Chinese pointed their knives at the Filipino navy personnel, he said. China blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying the Filipino personnel "trespassed" into the shoal in defiance of its warnings. "This is the direct cause of the incident," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in Beijing. "The Chinese coast guard at the scene has taken professional law-enforcement measures with restraint aimed at stopping the illegal supply mission by the Philippine vessels and no direct measures were taken against the Philippine personnel." The United States renewed a warning Tuesday that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a treaty ally. Second Thomas Shoal, part of the disputed Spratly Islands, has been occupied by a small Philippine navy contingent aboard a grounded warship that has been closely monitored by China's coast guard and navy in a yearslong territorial standoff. China claims the South China Sea virtually in its entirety. There is fear that disputes in the South China Sea, long regarded as an Asian flashpoint, could escalate and pit the United States and China in a larger conflict. Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have conflicting territorial claims in the busy waterway. Since last year, hostilities between China and the Philippines have escalated in the disputed waters, particularly in Second Thomas Shoal, which is less than 370 kilometers from the Philippine coast and where the BRP Sierra Madre, now encrusted with rust, was deliberately grounded in 1999 to create a territorial outpost. The ship remains an actively commissioned military vessel, meaning an attack on it could be considered by the Philippines as an act of war. Somalia's government is seeking to slow the withdrawal of African peacekeepers and warning of a potential security vacuum, documents seen by Reuters show, with neighboring countries fretting that resurgent al-Shabaab militants could seize power. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a peacekeeping force, is committed to withdrawing by Dec. 31, when a smaller new force is expected to replace it. However, in a letter last month to the acting chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council the government asked to delay until September the withdrawal of half the 4,000 troops due to leave by the end of June. The letter has not been reported before. The government had previously recommended, in a joint assessment with the AU in March, reviewed by Reuters, that the overall withdrawal timeline be adjusted "based on the actual readiness and capabilities" of Somali forces. The joint assessment, which was mandated by the U.N. Security Council, warned that a "hasty drawdown of ATMIS personnel will contribute to a security vacuum." "I've never been more concerned about the direction of my home country," said Mursal Khalif, an independent member of the defense committee in parliament. The European Union and United States, the top funders of the AU force in Somalia, have sought to reduce the peacekeeping operation due to concerns about long-term financing and sustainability, four diplomatic sources and a senior Ugandan official said. Negotiations about a new force have proven complicated, with the AU initially pushing for a more robust mandate than Somalia wanted, three of the diplomatic sources said. A heated political dispute could lead Ethiopia to pull out some of the most battle-hardened troops. Somalia's presidency and prime minister's office did not respond to requests for comment. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, AU special representative to Somalia and head of ATMIS, said there was no definitive timeline for concluding negotiations but that all parties were committed to an agreement that helps achieve sustainable peace and security. "The AU and Somalia's government have emphasized the importance of a conditions-based drawdown to prevent any security vacuum," he told Reuters. The Peace and Security Council is due to meet on Somalia later on Thursday to discuss the drawdown and follow-up mission. As the drawdown proceeds, with 5,000 of around 18,500 troops leaving last year, the government has projected confidence. It has said the new force should not exceed 10,000 and should be limited to tasks like securing major population centers. The call for a smaller force likely reflects views of nationalists who oppose a heavy foreign presence in Somalia, said Rashid Abdi, an analyst with Sahan Research, a Nairobi-based think-tank focused on the Horn of Africa. Worried neighbors Uganda and Kenya, which contributed troops to the departing mission, are also worried. Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda's state minister of foreign affairs, said that despite intensive training efforts, Somali troops could not sustain a long-term military confrontation. "We do not want to get into a situation where we are fleeing, the kind of thing that we saw in Afghanistan," he told Reuters. Oryem said Kenya accepted the drawdown requested by the U.S. and EU but that the concerns of countries with forces in Somalia should be heard. Kenyan President William Ruto told reporters in Washington last month that a withdrawal that did not account for conditions on the ground would mean "the terrorists will take over Somalia." In response to questions, an EU spokesperson said it was focused on building domestic security capacities and supported in principle a Somali government proposal for a new mission that would have a reduced size and scope. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the force should be large enough to prevent a security vacuum. Washington has supported all requests submitted by the AU to the U.N. Security Council to modify the drawdown timeline, the spokesperson said. In response to a question about Ethiopian forces, the spokesperson said it was critical to avoid security gaps or unnecessary expenses "incurred by swapping out existing troop contributors." Setbacks Two years ago, an army offensive in central Somalia initially seized large swathes of territory from al-Shabaab. In August, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed declared his intention to "eliminate" the powerful al-Qaida offshoot within five months. But just a few days later, al-Shabaab counter-attacked, retaking the town of Cowsweyne. They killed scores of soldiers and beheaded several civilians accused of supporting the army, according to a soldier, an allied militiaman and a local resident. "This broke the hearts of Somalis but gave courage to al-Shabaab," Ahmed Abdulle, the militiaman, from a clan in central Somalia, said in an interview in April. The Somali government has never publicly provided a death toll for the Cowsweyne battle and didn't respond to a request for a toll for this story. "There were enough troops in Cowsweyne, over a battalion, but they were not organized well," said a soldier named Issa, who fought in the battle there last August. Issa said car bombs had blasted through the gates of Cowsweyne army camp on the day of the attack, citing a shortage of defensive outposts to protect bases from such attacks. Ten soldiers, militiamen from local clans and residents in areas targeted by the military campaign reported no army operations in the past two months following additional battlefield setbacks. Reuters could not independently establish the extent of the territorial losses to al-Shabaab. Somalia's national security adviser said on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) this week that the army had held most of its gains. The peacekeepers' withdrawal could make it more difficult to hold territory. While analysts estimate Somalia's army at around 32,000 soldiers, the government acknowledged, in the assessment with the AU, a shortage of some 11,000 trained personnel due to "high operational tempo" and "attrition." The government has said its soldiers are capable of confronting al-Shabaab with limited external support. Somalia has defied gloomy predictions before and has expanded its security forces in recent years. Residents of the seaside capital Mogadishu whose ubiquitous blast walls testify to the threat of Shabaab suicide bombers and mortars - say security has improved. Once quiet streets bustle with traffic, and upscale restaurants and supermarkets are opening. An assessment published in April by the Combating Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy said an Afghanistan-like collapse was unlikely, helped by ongoing external support. The United States, for instance, has about 450 troops in Somalia to train and advise local forces, and conducts regular drone attacks against suspected militants. But the assessment's author, Paul D. Williams, a professor of international affairs at George Washington University, said the militants' estimated 7,000-12,000 fighters would nevertheless be "slightly militarily stronger" than Somali forces because of superior cohesion and force employment. International support Somalia's security has been underwritten by foreign resources since Ethiopia invaded in 2006, toppling an Islamist-led administration but galvanizing an insurgency that has since killed tens of thousands of people. The U.S. has spent more than $2.5 billion on counterterrorism assistance since 2007, according to a study last year by Brown University. That number does not include undisclosed military and intelligence spending on activities like drone strikes and deployments of American ground troops. The EU says it has provided about $2.8 billion to ATMIS and its predecessor since 2007. Turkey, Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries also provide security assistance. But resources are under strain. The EU, which pays for most of ATMIS's roughly $100 million annual budget, is shifting toward bilateral support with an eye toward reducing its overall contributions in the medium-term, four diplomatic sources said. Two diplomats interviewed by Reuters, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private negotiations, said the U.S. and EU want to scale back peacekeeping operations because of competing spending priorities including Ukraine and Gaza and a sense Somalia should take responsibility for its own security. Some European countries would like to see the new mission financed through assessed contributions of United Nations member states, which would increase the financial burden on the United States and China, the four diplomatic sources said. The State Department spokesperson said the U.S. did not believe such a system can be implemented by next year but said there was strong international consensus to support the follow-on mission. The EU didn't address questions about the financing of the replacement mission. Financing for the new mission can only be formally addressed once Somalia and the AU agree on a proposed size and mandate. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call for the culling of street dogs is provoking outrage that analysts say is crossing political lines across the country. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the proposal is resurrecting dark memories of Turkeys past. A human rights expert says the Eritrean government is maintaining its iron grip on society by systematically repressing the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people through violent and threatening means. The human rights situation in Eritrea remains dire. Patterns of gross human rights violations, including the widespread use of arbitrary and incommunicado detention and enforced disappearance persist unabated, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea, told the U.N. Human Rights Council Thursday. The authorities continue to enforce a system of indefinite military national service that amounts to forced labor and has been consistently linked to torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, he said. This is the fourth report on Eritrea submitted by Babiker to the council since he was appointed special rapporteur in September 2020. Regretfully, he observed that nothing has changed over the years. The same issues of concern continue to be raised time after time, he said, noting that no measures have been taken to improve and change policies and practices that perpetuate the human rights crisis in the country. The report finds that due process rights continue to be systematically violated, that hundreds of dissidents, human rights defenders, religious leaders, journalists and other perceived government critics are arbitrarily detained for indefinite and prolonged periods without ever being charged or tried. The report says civic space continues to be completely closed in Eritrea; that there is no freedom of expression, association, and assembly; no independent media; and that dissent is systematically suppressed, including through arbitrary detention or enforced disappearance. The special rapporteur told the council that the stifling of civic engagement and suppression of critical voices by the Eritrean authorities also extends to Eritrean communities worldwide. He said Eritrean authorities have developed a pattern of transnational repression to control diaspora politics and silence pro-democracy activists abroad through methods such as kidnappings and enforced disappearances, surveillance, violence, threats, harassment and smear campaigns. Over the past year and a half, we have witnessed an escalation of violence and polarization in the diaspora, which is hurting Eritrean communities and society at large, he said. Clashes between Eritrean government supporters and detractors in dozens of cities across the globe have resulted in several Eritreans killed, hundreds injured, dozens arrested, and public property being destroyed. Despite the accumulating dangers abroad, Babiker said that Eritreans continued to flee the grave human rights situation in their country, noting that an estimated 17% of the population has sought asylum as of 2024. Commenting on another issue, Babiker noted that Eritrean forces continue to be present in parts of the Tigray region of Ethiopia, though Eritrea is not party to the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, which purportedly ended the war in that region. Babiker said Eritrean forces in Tigray continue to be involved in human rights and international humanitarian law violations, including extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and forced labor. The presentation of the special rapporteurs report to the council coincided with Eritreas Martys Day, a day of remembrance for those who perished in the war while fighting for Eritreas independence between 1961 and 1991. That fact was not lost on Habrom Zerai Ghirmal, charge daffaires at the Permanent Mission of Eritrea in Geneva, who responded to Babikers report with a heavy heart. He lashed out at the special rapporteur for participating in the annual ritual of demonizing Eritrea on this day of immense historical importance. He said that Eritrea abhorred that once again, the very countries today sponsoring the resolution against Eritrea were the very same states that prolonged the border conflict by refusing to uphold their moral and legal obligations as guarantors and witnesses of the agreements signed. Those states that engineered the country-specific mandate, the nine- year-long illegal and unfair United Nations sanctionsdid not have the moral authority to talk about the promotion of human rights in Eritrea, he said. Undeterred by the reprimand, Babiker called on member states to maintain international scrutiny of Eritrea. The international community must not forsake Eritrean victims of violations, he said, while urging the Eritrean government to take meaningful steps toward reform." The U.N. human rights office said Israeli forces may have violated the laws of war in Gaza and failed to distinguish between civilians and fighters. More drone and missile attacks in Ukraine overnight as discussions about a new nuclear reactor get underway. Vladimir Putin is in Vietnam and China is seeking to expand its influence in Georgia. Plus, stories from Africa, Afghanistan and the UN on World Refugee Day. The United States called on Vietnam Thursday to support Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity following Vladimir Putin's one-day visit to Hanoi, part of the Russian presidents brief Asian tour seeking to shore up alliances in the face of mounting Western sanctions. We expect that any country, when it engages in conversations with the government of Russia, and especially when it hosts leaders from the government of Russia, will make clear their respect for the principles of the U.N. Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity, and convey that those principles must be upheld across the world, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told VOA during a briefing on Thursday. US diplomat to Hanoi Meanwhile, the State Departments top diplomat for Asia is traveling to Hanoi to reaffirm ties after the U.S. and Vietnam upgraded their bilateral relationship last year. Daniel J. Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, June 21 to 22, according to a State Department press release. Kritenbrink will meet with senior Vietnam government officials to underscore the strong U.S. commitment to implementing the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to working with Vietnam in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, said the release. Kritenbrinks trip was planned well before Putins visit to Hanoi, said Miller. Vietnam maintains three tiers of diplomatic relationship with other countries: Comprehensive Partnerships; Strategic Partnerships; and Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships. The United States, China and Russia are among the countries that maintain top-tier ties with Vietnam. U.S. officials did not have an assessment, when asked by reporters, if there is any indication that Vietnamese companies or people are providing material support to Moscow for its war on Ukraine, or whether Washington has warned Hanoi against it. At the White House, John Kirby, the National Security Council communications adviser, told reporters that the U.S. will stay focused on continuing to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and broaden it, improve it, for our own mutual benefit to each other and to the region. Putins visit to North Korea Russia and Vietnam pledged Thursday to deepen ties during a state visit by Putin aimed at bolstering his alliances to counter Western efforts to isolate Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Russia and Vietnam want to push up cooperation in defense and security, how to deal with nontraditional security challenges on the basis of international law, for peace and security in the region and the world," Vietnamese President To Lam told reporters after talks with Putin. Putin traveled to Vietnam, a close ally of Moscow since the Cold War, after talks in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Those two countries signed a mutual defense pact. It's a significant visit, said William Courtney, an adjunct senior fellow at the Rand Research organization about Putins trip to Vietnam amid Russias war on Ukraine and Russias growing isolation over that war. There's no question Vietnam does depend on Russia for oil, for military equipment and some technology, Courtney said. But Vietnam appears to be now trying to broaden its aperture to look in other directions for military equipment as well. One reason might be that Vietnam has seen that a lot of Russian military equipment has performed poorly in Ukraine. In Washington, Republican Representative Mike Turner, who is the chairperson of the U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, voiced concerns over the possibility of Russia providing North Korea with technological assistance to improve its long-range ballistic missiles and their ability to directly target the United States. I think we've all sort of felt intuitively that China, Russia, North Korea, Iran are working together in both their development of capabilities and in their threats to the United States. These symbolic meetings, I think, should allow us to focus on this as a threat that has already been occurring, Turner said during an event at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. VOAs White House Correspondent Anita Powell, National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin and Kim Lewis contributed to this report. Some material in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam early on Thursday for talks with the country's communist leaders after concluding a defense pact with North Korea It is his final stop on a two-nation tour of Asia. The head of a United Nations Commission of Inquiry, Navi Pillay, said on Wednesday that the Israeli military is carrying out the "extermination" of Palestinians. From Mecca to Maryland global heat waves create dangerous conditions. And Naomi Campbell becomes the first model to be featured in an exhibition at the V&A museum in London. Donald Sutherland. Photo: Manuel Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images Donald Sutherland, a staple of the New Hollywood film movement and the Hunger Games franchise, died in Miami on Thursday after a long illness, Deadline confirmed with CAA. The actor was 88. Born July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland rose to fame at a time when iconoclastic directors began to rethink what a Hollywood film could be, leading him to star in a number of instant classics. Following his big break into the industry with a supporting role in the 1967 war film The Dirty Dozen, Sutherland led Robert Altmans anti-authoritarian war comedy, M*A*S*H, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 1970. Just one year later, he starred opposite Jane Fonda in Alan J. Pakulas acclaimed psychological thriller Klute, playing an unemotional murder detective. With around 200 film and TV credits, Sutherland continued to work at the same breakneck pace throughout his career, landing roles in Italian art-house films 1900 and Fellinis Casanova, science-fiction horror Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and the political epic JFK, among others. He won an Emmy for his role in Citizen X, was ice cold as President Snow in The Hunger Games, and snagged a Critics Choice Award for The Undoing. Sorry to you, Espresso. Apologies, A Bar Song (Tipsy). We have a new front-runner for Song of the Summer thanks to Kristens epic improv sesh regarding fellatio and cunnilingus. Its a bop best performed while in the back of a car driving past the Colosseum, facing three Vatican priests who do not speak English. If the internet doesnt give us a dance remix within the next week, what are we even doing here? If were not all grinding in a sweaty club to Katja Herbers singing masturbation can be fun by August, weve failed as a society. Now, you may ask: What are we doing in Rome? Well, this week, David, Kristen, and Ben are tasked with flying to Rome and returning what may or may not be a stolen piece of Christs cross to the Vatican. Sounds very cool, very Indiana Jonesish, I know, but it is not cool. They end up only being there for a handful of hours. Do they even get a gelato for their troubles? Could someone, for the love of God, feed Ben? Alas, the answer is no. No gelato, no food for Benny boy, and that is because this whole mission is spearheaded by the Entitys Father Dominic, and that guy could not give a shit about anyone other than himself and, like, maybe Jesus? Jurys out. Hes a real piece of work is all Ill say. As it so often does, it all starts with a botched exorcism. The assessors are called in when a priest goes rogue and performs an unapproved exorcism on a woman named Vicky Finch. It goes terribly wrong, and she ends up in the hospital. The church is worried about its liability in all of this and so they call in David, Ben, and Kristen to investigate Vicky and find hard evidence that she really did need this exorcism in order to cover the churchs ass. The running bit that the church and all of the priests cant even bring themselves to remember this ailing womans name or treat her like an actual human hit every single time deeply incisive, funny, and horrifying all at once! Their investigation leads them to the Crash Pad a room in an airport hotel that flight attendants and pilots use when needed. Have we ever seen Kristen throw herself so fully, so quickly into another group? The woman is at home with the boozy, chatty flight attendants the team stumbles upon. Okay, sure, a lot of the boozing and the chatting and the throwing herself into work has to do with stuffing down the pain shes feeling about Andy. The episode kicks off with a scene of our five Bouchard women in the car following what seems to be an upsetting visit with Andy at the psychiatric hospital hes recently checked into; when the Bouchard girls are quiet of their own volition, you know things are not good. The guy mustve looked pretty bad, and they are having a tough time processing. Kristen tells her daughters they need to keep it together and be strong for their dad, but secretly, shes up in the bathroom using the faucet to drown out her sobs. Its no wonder Tommy the Grief Demon is staying so close. He hasnt burrowed out a hole in her side and filled it with rocks yet, but weve got a while to go before this season is over. So, yes, work is a nice distraction. A healthy one? Who can say? Regardless, the assessors time with the flight attendants yields some great intel. First of all, flight attendants are very superstitious! Apparently, on her last flight, pal Tori informs the group that Vicky thought she saw Captain LeMeyer, a pilot who crashed a plane into the North Atlantic many years ago, killing everyone, who some believe will pop up on other flights when theres terrible turbulence, looking to crash those too. They also learn that Vicky had a pretty decent side gig going as a mule not for drugs but for running relics between Rome and the U.S. In fact, she was carrying a highly valuable one on that final flight. Oh, and two other quick things: When the storm and turbulence got really bad on the flight, Vicky said that she needed to destroy the relic or it would destroy her, and when she got off, she was convulsing and foaming at the mouth. That, paired with the boils on her back she develops while at the hospital, seems like this has not been a very cool time for poor Vicky! The Vatican is very interested in this relic. So much so that Father Dominic and a bunch of Entity dudes arrive to talk to David, Ben, and Kristen. They believe the relic, a piece of wood inside an elaborate chest that Vickys husband handed over, is a stolen part of Christs cross. Wild, if true! Which is what our assessors will find out since they are being ordered to travel to Rome with the relic and deliver it to the Vatican. Now, I could watch an entire hour of Kristen Bouchard not giving a rats ass what a bunch of priests demand of her, it really does feed my soul, but eventually, even Kristen agrees because, hey, a free trip to Rome. Unfortunately, it might be a holiday to remember, but for all the wrong reasons. They are picked up from the airport by those three aforementioned priests who do not let them have any fun whatsoever as they are whisked through Rome on the way to Vatican City hence Kristens epic improv song; the woman has absolutely zero time for priests acting like theyre above everyone else. And then they basically dump them in a back alley full of trash and have them walk through a bunch of underground tunnels that were used to hide precious artifacts during World War II. The priests are, like, VIP treatment for a supposedly invaluable piece of wood? I dont know her. David, Ben, and Kristen eventually run into Father Dominic, who, yes, is also in Vatican City; he just didnt want to travel with the three of them and the relic in case it did, in fact, cause the plane to crash. They are expendable atheists, Kristen realizes. As frustrated as she is with the Catholic Church, Kristen cant help but be a bit taken aback when they finally enter the room with the other chunk of the cross. I mean, its in a glass case with mood lighting and a blindfolded monk praying continuously it is dramatic in a way only the Catholic Church can be. Unfortunately, it turns out that the piece of wood in the chest is not a match for the cross. Its a counterfeit. This trip was all for nothing. The team does try to remind Dominic that it was actually to help Vicky and figure out a way to help her with her boils and clawing-at-the-face situation, but that guy cant even be bothered to remember Vickys name, so its a lost cause. He does, however, hand David a bottle of holy water blessed by the Pope and tells him to sprinkle that on Vicky and inform her the relic wasnt real, so she has no reason to feel guilt over taking it, which is helpful, I guess? As Kristen says, Wow, the Catholic Church, you gotta love em. At this point, the episode feels a little tame, doesnt it? Its kooky, for sure, and has so many moments highlighting the perfect comedic timing between our main three, but especially coming off last weeks masterpiece, its lackluster. During the flight, the plane runs into some serious turbulence. At the same time, David gets an emergency call from the ground. Its Father Dominic. They made a little whoopsie, you see: The relic was a counterfeit, but the chest? The chest is actually a demonic Bulgarian relic. Its one of many being brought into New York to be assembled in service of the ultimate corruption. Can you imagine if you were sitting in that first row near the phone and you overheard a man yelling, An ultimate evil is coming to New York?! while the plane was being tossed around in the air? Not enough drinky-drinks in the world to ease that anxiety! Father Dominic instructs David to destroy the chest before it gets to New York, which is quite a difficult task for a whole host of reasons, one of which being that David is now seeing the ghost of LeMeyer walking around the plane. You know that cant be good in any circumstance, let alone one in which youre seated next to a demonic relic. Things get really bad, like, the plane is going down bad, but then David has an idea: He grabs the holy water Father Dominic gave him and tosses it all over the chest. It works. The chest burns right up. Kristen and Ben cant believe what theyre seeing. Once the chest is fully destroyed, the turbulence ends and all is well. When Ben first started seeing his jinn, he made a comment about only believing what he actually sees. Itll be interesting to see how, or if, this experience rattles him. On top of which, the team now has some pressing matters to attend to: They need to figure out what exactly is being assembled over on Team Demon and how to stop it. Now thats out of the way, we need to talk about Sheryl a little bit. Kristen leaves her friend Yasmine in charge of her daughters while shes away, but Yasmine gets a frantic call from her mother and has to leave to help her. Things get dicey for the girls: Theres a blackout, a bunch of terrifying bats fly out of the hole in their basement wall that hasnt been attended to since season one, and they wind up locked out of the house in the middle of a terrible storm. Who else are they going to call but their grandmother? Sheryl heads over but has to bring Timothy with her she may give Leland some grief when he reminds her of their deal, but she actually doesnt seem that torn up to introduce the Bouchard girls to their half-brother. And I mean really introduce. She tries to play coy with them, but once the bats are gone and the power is back, before Kristen returns, she tells the girls she wants to let them in on a little secret: Timothy is their brother. The initial impact of Evil immediately cutting to credits after she drops that piece of information is hilarious in a very Evil (and evil!) way, but I do think were getting to a point where we need some more info on what Sheryl is doing. Shes an incredible character to watch because you never know what shell do or say next (and Christine Lahti is eating every moment up), but its becoming a little less fun since we have no idea what her goal is here. She doesnt seem like she wants to hurt Kristen or her granddaughters, and she definitely hates Lelands guts, but if her endgame is to be the top demon, someone is going to get hurt in the process. Evil loves to leave things open-ended; it is part of its charm, but in this case, just a few bread crumbs as to where were headed would be nice. Church Bulletin Im sorry but if anyone ever tilted their head and said to me, Hey, hes gonna be fine the way Ben does when Kristen tells the guys about Andy, I would simply crumple into their arms, weeping. My sweet Ben! We meet St. Josephs newly assigned attorney, Mr. Flowers (played by Merrily We Roll Alongs Reg Rogers), who Im sure will pop up again although I do miss our previous church lawyer, Renee Harris! The flight attendants are watching The Haunting of Midnight Mass Club. A Mike Flanagan shout-out if ever there was one! I would like Hey, look whos here my favorite exorcists! on a T-shirt, please. Queen. Photo: Michael Putland/Getty Images Time for the accountant to go ga ga: Queen has sold their music catalogue to Sony for $1.2 billion, making it the largest-ever sale in the history of such acquisitions. (For comparison, thats more than the price of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylans sales combined.) Variety reports that the deal is still in the process of closing when it does, the company will own all of Queens recording and publishing rights for their endless string of stadium anthems, as well as name and likeness rights. This latter inclusion, a rarity, means Sony can pursue whatever creative pursuits with the Queen brand it deems fit, whether its a Sam Mendesesque film universe or another jukebox musical. (Please dont tell Rami Malek the news.) The band joins other rock elders who have cashed in on their catalogues in recent years, which, in addition to Springsteen and Dylan, includes Genesis, Neil Young, Sting, and Stevie Nicks. But none have cracked the billion threshold until now. Thats royalty for you. Death sparks fresh calls to tackle farm worker exploitation in Italy. An investigation is underway in Italy into the death of an Indian farm labourer who died on Wednesday after being abandoned by his gangmasters on the street with his severed arm. Instead of being rushed to hospital, 31-year-old Satnam Singh was left in agony outside his house on Monday, his mutilated arm in a fruit box, in the Latina area south of Rome in the Lazio region. Neighbours called emergency services and the man - whose arm had been torn off by plastic-wrapping farm machinery - was transported by air ambulance to Rome's San Camillo hospital. Despite undergoing several operations, the delay in getting Singh to hospital proved fatal and he died of his injuries on Wednesday morning. The Latina prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into negligence and manslaughter, with several news outlets reporting that the owner of the company for which Singh worked is among those being investigated. Singh and his wife arrived in Italy a couple of years ago and ended up working - reportedly without a regular contract - in the fields around Latina where there is a large community of labourers from Asian countries Singh's death has put renewed spotlight on the rampant exploitation of migrants in the agricultural sector, particularly in the south, with many working in slave-like conditions under the illegal gangmaster system. The incident has also prompted centre-left opposition politicians and trade unions in Italy to demand government action to tackle the situation. Throwing a human being into the street with an arm amputated by a machine is a barbaric act" - said the leader of the centre-left Partito Democratico in the labour commission Arturo Scotto - "a violence that takes us back to serfdom. We must continue to condemn gangmastering as not just a hateful practice, but the centre of a production chain that uses these means to save on work. And very often with the active participation of the mafia." Singh's death, and the circumstances surrounding it, was also condemned by Hardeep Kaur, general secretary of the Frosinone Latina branch of the FLAI-CGIL trade union which represents agricultural labourers and workers in the food processing industry. Here we are not only faced with a serious accident at work, which is already alarming and avoidable in itself" - Kaur said - "We are faced with the barbarity of exploitation, which tramples on people's lives, dignity, health and every rule of civilisation. The Lazio Region said it will cover Singh's funeral expenses and that in the event of a trial it will act as a civil party. Dining chat: A waiter gave our anniversary bubbly to the table next to us. What should we have done? The mother of six-year-old Matthew Healy appeared in person at Waterford District Court on Thursday morning, June 20. Ruth Purcell Healy (37) of Bishops Field, Williamstown, Waterford, attended court as the Book of Evidence was presented to Judge Kevin Staunton. Ms Purcell Healy is charged with the murder of her son Matthew. Matthew Healy was found unresponsive around midnight on February 9, 2024, near Rathmoylan Cove, Dunmore East, and was later pronounced dead at University Hospital Waterford. In court, Solicitor Ken Cunningham made no application for bail as Ms Purcell Healy is receiving treatment at the Central Mental Hospital. However, an application for bail could still be made in the future. There was one amendment made to the charge sheet, following a request that the night in question be amended to show both dates inclusive. This amendment was approved by Judge Staunton. Judge Staunton confirmed that the case will go forward to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court. Judge Staunton gave Ms Purcell Healy an alibi warning, reminding her that she had 14 days to give notice of an alibi to the State. He also issued a Section 56 order pertaining to evidence. The Life & Songs of Abba, July 12, Coastguard Cultural Centre, 15 The Life & Songs series is back, following successful Bruce Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac inspired shows. The next show presented by Theatre Vamps, will feature the music of Abba. Performed by Derek Flynn, Paula Weldon and Lauren Cardiff, with tickets available at Eventbrite.ie David Kitt Live, July 13, Theatre Royal, 19 A unique and sincere songwriter with an expert ability to meld inspirations, eras and sounds, platinum selling artist David Kitts will be performing at the Theatre Royal this July, with support from Eoin Dalton. Kitts reputation as a live performer has soared in the past year, returning as guest musician to the acclaimed David Gray marked yet another milestone in his career. In a testament to his versatility, Kitt also had the honour of supporting legendary band The Waterboys on their Irish dates. Tickets available at theatreroyal.ie Aran agus Im sa Chistin, July 14, Nells House, 15 Nestled at the foot of the Comeraghs is Nells Farm House which dates back to the 1800s. The owners Mary and Gerard have preserved the original kitchen with the open fire and crane. Watch Mary bake bread in the Bastable or pot oven on the turf fire, and sample the bread with the freshly churned butter and a cup of tea. Experience how our parents and grandparents lived without electricity and running water. Tickets available at Eventbrite.ie The Backyard Band, July 20, The Village, Rathgormack, 15 See The Backyard Band live in the new stage area in The Village Bar. Drawing on decades of experience playing in rock bands, folk groups, jazz combos and bar ensembles, The Backyard Band specializes in fun, danceable rock 'n roll and country music. Professional musicians and personal friends, with high-energy and versatility, the band plays the hits of yesterday and today, including Chicago, Queen, Journey, Little Big Town, Bruno Mars, Kansas, The Eagles, Alan Jackson, The Beatles, and more. 2Time Charlie Live, June 21, Luca Records and Decks, 8.10 Hailing from Waterford, 2Time Charlie have formed their sound from a blend of pop, funk and soul. In May 2023, the group burst onto the scene with their debut single Levitate, unleashing their talent upon the world. They have since been performing live across the country. Tickets available at lucarecords.ie When asked how Clive Palmer had approached him to come to Australia, American uber-conservative commentator Tucker Carlson revealed his waggish side. A text message. Which is an emerging technology in the United States where you use your phone to do some chat with people, he said. Tucker Carlson and Clive Palmer launch their event series in Brisbane at one of Palmers homes. Credit: Glenn Hunt Of course there is more to Carlson than sarcasm. He has been called the most influential voice in right-wing media. A former Fox News commentator who continues to argue that the 2020 US presidential election was rigged, Carlson now runs his own media outlet and broadcasts on X. Hampden Hunger Heroes announced Wednesday that starting next week, it will provide free lunches for children at the Sporting Hill fire station training room on South Sporting Hill Road in Hampden Township. Running from June 24 to Aug. 16, the effort will provide free lunches to children of all ages, regardless of their address or family financial situation. The lunches are provided by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and include a sandwich, fruit, vegetable and milk. Lunches will be provided 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The meals are part of the National Summer Food Service Program. Hampden Hunger Heroes are community volunteers who have received child abuse and police clearances and received training about summer meals from the food bank. For more information about volunteering or the group, visit its Facebook page. Weber States blossoming film studies program creating opportunities for students passionate about film June 20, 2024 OGDEN, Utah As Utah celebrates 100 years of filmmaking this year, the demand for professionals in the industry continues to grow, as does enrollment into Weber State Universitys film studies program. When the program first launched in 2019, only four students were enrolled. Less than five years later, the program has flourished, reaching 85 students in Fall 2023. Everyone has a story to tell, said Andrea Baltazar, director of the film studies program. What I love about this industry and art form is that we can create worlds from nothing. The film studies program prepares students for careers in the film industry, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and teaching essential film history, theory and concepts. It also gives them a chance to build their portfolios and showcase their work in professional settings. A study from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute found that $477 million in direct tax revenue was collected from Utahs cultural industry, which includes film. Baltazar said Weber State is preparing graduates to enter a booming industry with a wide range of career opportunities. It's empowering to be in an environment thats filled with students and professors who are all passionate about film, said Payton Schreiber-Pan, film studies student at WSU. Producing work in that setting is really big because youre continuously thinking about film in a different way. The film studies program offers unique opportunities outside the classroom through Weber States partnerships with the Utah Film Commission, which oversees productions and funds projects around the state. The Utah Film Commission provides internship and apprenticeship positions, along with certification courses. We make sure students come out of this program with the experience to feel confident stepping onto a film set or attending graduate school, Baltazar said. Among the programs many hands-on experiences this year, the Sundance Film Festival was a student favorite, giving them a chance to volunteer at the festival and watch the films. This year, WSU students also produced their own documentary for Peerys Egyptian Theaters 100th anniversary. The film focused on the history of the theater and film in Ogden. Baltazar said she encourages film studies students to submit projects they create to local, national and international film festivals for review, including the Utah Film Commissions new festival, FOCUS on the fUTure. Students are also sharing their passion for film on campus. The Weber Advisory Team for Innovative Film is a club for students interested in filmmaking. This year, they organized their first international film festival that was attended by over 100 people. Schreiber-Pan said hes impressed by the film studies program and excited about the opportunities available in the industry hes passionate about. Ive been told that people who study film end up having a hard time getting a job, but having stepped into this environment, I couldnt disagree more, he said. There are so many opportunities, especially in a world where digital media is growing super rapidly. If youre passionate about film, then go for it. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Catherine Martin has refused to rule out a bid for leadership of the Green Party after the general election. Earlier this week, Ms Martin announced she would step back as deputy head of the party after Green leader Eamon Ryan also declared he was resigning from his role. It spawned a leadership contest within the party where Minister for Integration Roderic OGorman and Senator Pippa Hacket, who holds the title of Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, have emerged as contenders. Mr Ryan said he was stepping down to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. Following that announcement, Ms Martin said she would not be seeking the job at this point in time. The new leader of the party will lead the Greens into the next general election. However, according to the Green Partys internal constitution, another leadership election must take place no later than six months after the election of a taoiseach following a general election. This could potentially leave other members of the party who did not enter this leadership contest to put their name forward following the general election. Ms Martin, who said Mr Ryan informed her of his intentions many months ago, has chosen not to endorse either Ms Hackett or Mr OGorman. She said: It has always been our approach that we dont endorse any candidate in internal elections. Ms Martin unsuccessfully challenged Mr Ryan for party leadership in 2020, losing by a narrow margin. Roderic OGorman announced he would contest the leadership race (Brian Lawless/PA) Asked on Thursday if she believed she would never be leader of the party, she said: Never say never and Ive made it clear that its just at this point at time. Speaking to reporters at the launch of the Puca festival at Dublin Castle, she added: And I think its really important, as well, for a woman in leadership never to rule themselves out so who knows. But for now, Im absolutely committed to supporting the next leadership of the party. Pressed on whether she was biding her time until after the general election, Ms Martin said to phrase it that way would be a great disservice to the candidates who put themselves forward. Asked if an ongoing crisis around financial management at RTE affected her leadership hopes in the current contest, the Minister for Media said: Absolutely not. That didnt influence my decision whatsoever. After 17 years of awarding third-level student scholarships, the Naughton Foundation Scholarship scheme is once again reminding students from County Mayo that the 2024 closing date is fast approaching and inviting all applicants to submit their entries. The Naughton Scholarships are a scheme of scholarships to promote the study of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in Ireland. Each year from February to June, Leaving Certificate students can apply for a scholarship if they intend to study science, computer science, mathematics, engineering or technology at third level that year. The closing date for receipt of application forms for The Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2024 is Friday, 28th June 2024 at midnight. There will be one guaranteed scholarship for each of the participating counties, 36 allocated in total. The Naughton Foundation was established by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 1994 and its goal is to support worthwhile causes in the arts and education. In 2008 they decided to create the scholarship programme to increase their support for Leaving Certificate students who would like to study engineering, mathematics, science, computer science and technology at third level in Ireland. Originally the scholarship programme only applied to students from counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan however it has since expanded nationwide and students from all counties in the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply. Students are invited to apply if they are currently attending secondary schools in County Mayo, and if they are studying two or more of the following subjects- physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, and applied mathematics. Each Naughton Scholarship is valued at 20,000 so it is a contribution of 5,000 for each year of the students third-level course for a student studying science, engineering, maths or technology in any publicly funded university or third-level institution in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. The school of each winner is also awarded 1,000. Applications must be submitted before, or on this date to be considered eligible for the scholarship, this deadline will not be extended. The 2024 application forms for The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Programme are available for download and can be completed online on The Naughton Foundation website . By Cillian Sherlock, PA Primary school principals are pleading for help, the Dail has heard. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns told the Oireachtas that costs of running primary schools have soared. During Leaders Questions, she said: Over the past two years, heating costs have risen by an average of 37 per cent, electricity costs by 35 per cent and insurance by 19 per cent. Seven out of 10 primary schools have been running a deficit in the last 12 months. Almost three quarters do not even have enough money to pay for cleaners and caretakers, more than half have had to fundraise for basic utilities. On top of all of that, 28 per cent of schools have a long-term vacancy rate with that figure rising to 51 per cent for delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS band 1 schools and gaelscoileanna and 48 per cent for special schools. Ms Cairns asked Tanaiste Micheal Martin: Is it any wonder that many principals and their schools are at breaking point? The Social Democrat leader said schools do not have the funding, staff or the resources they need to operate. She said principals are working after hours to clean toilets and mop floors due to a lack of funding for sanitation staff. She added: They have to leave classrooms to fix broken pipes and clean up leaks from them, and they feel as though they cannot speak publicly about the issues affecting their schools for fear that their enrolment numbers will go down and that the problems will only worsen from there. This is causing burnout and 75 per cent of principals have considered quitting. Ms Cairns said the problem also affects teachers who are working in under-resourced and high-pressure environments. She added: It is affecting parents and, crucially, it is affecting students. Ms Cairns also said families are not getting the special education teaching hours they need. Representing the Government, Mr Martin said the Irish primary education system has been shown to be one of the best in Europe. He said: Our system is very high up there in terms of outcomes and that needs to be said, because Deputy Cairns narrative was one of unrelenting misery and almost of a system that was not effective at all. The system has grown enormously. The number of teachers has grown enormously and is up dramatically. This Government has significantly reduced the pupil-teacher ratio and the Deputy did not acknowledge that in her presentation. Mr Martin, an ex-teacher and former education minister, added that the Government had expanded the hot-meals programme and the DEIS programme. He said it had also increased the number of new special schools and special needs assistants. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA) He added: I accept that there are challenges, but it is not good enough to come in and say that everything is miserable and a disaster without giving the other side of the coin. The fact is that huge resources, both capital and current, have been put into education over the last three to four years. The Tanaiste said a free books scheme had been brought in for students up to junior certificate level. Mr Martin said he had helped establish the Irish Primary Principals Network during his time as education minister. Ms Cairns said principals feel that funding is not being directed in the right place, with one school leader stating that the contract for the hot-school meals costs 160,000 which is more than the school received for all the other costs they are covering. She added: While they welcome it, they cannot pay for basic things like cleaning the school so they do not feel like the funding has been allocated in the right place and I think they make a very valid point. Ms Cairns also said that increased funding for DEIS schools is being swallowed up as they are unable to fundraise in the same way as other schools. She added: It is therefore not meeting the extra needs that the DEIS schools have. They really welcome the book scheme, but they are telling us loudly and clearly that it is not covering the cost of books. Mr Martin said the funding in the books scheme was adequate. He also said that Special Educational Needs Organisers will play a more pro-active role in assisting parents securing places for their children, rather than mothers and fathers having to chase down schools. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Around 5,400 people will be granted Irish citizenship across six ceremonies in Dublin this week. The ceremonies across Thursday and Friday will see applicants from 143 countries and living in 30 counties on the island of Ireland being conferred as Irish citizens. It means that, in total, 10,000 people will be conferred with Irish citizenship this month after 4,800 people attended ceremonies in Killarney last week. Khaled Kakaa attends a citizenship ceremony at the Convention Centre (Brian Lawless/PA) Simon Harris, attending his first citizenship ceremony as Taoiseach, said they are magnificent celebrations of all that it is to be Irish. Speaking at the Convention Centre in Dublin, Mr Harris said: The richness of our nation isnt measured in wealth. It is measured in people. Our newest citizens are part of us, and we of them. I am very grateful to those who have made Ireland their home. They contribute to the rich fabric of our nation and make exceptional contributions in a range of areas from health and home care, to culture and construction, to transport and tourism. Attendees at the Dublin Convention Centre on Thursday (Brian Lawless/PA) I am very grateful to each of our new citizens for choosing Ireland as the home of their hearts and the home of our future. Asked by reporters if he felt that Ireland had become a less welcoming place amid a growth in anti-migration demonstrations, Mr Harris said: I believe this is still a very welcoming country and I believe we should never allow a very, very, very small number of people to suggest they speak for the majority or suggest they speak for Ireland. If you want to speak for Ireland, you run for election and thats the way you decide who gets to speak for our country. Taoiseach Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA) Of course, we have and we shouldnt be ignorant to the fact that we have seen a rise in recent periods of time in terms of anti-migrant sentiment and we should always push back against that. I think the best way a government of the centre pushes back against that is by one: calling it out, but secondly: ensuring that the compassion that we have in this country for people who come here and seek our assistance and seek refuge is also matched by a common sense, rules-based efficient migration system. Justice Minister Helen McEntee also attended Thursdays events. Founder of the Irish Muslim Council Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms McEntee said: My heartfelt congratulations go out to all our newest citizens conferred at this weeks citizenship ceremonies. Ireland is all the better for having you here and you are valued members of our society. Founder of the Irish Muslim Council, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, was among those receiving Irish citizenship. In a statement, he said: Im proud to have become an Irish citizen from today. Thank you, Ireland. This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our north-central Pa. newsletter, Talk of the Town, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. By the time he was told to leave the hospital, Raymond Lynch had nearly run out of people to warn. He had warned staff in the transplant unit and fellow surgeons. He had warned his boss. He had even taken his concerns to at least two top Penn State Health leaders. Lynch compiled data showing what he thought were serious problems in the kidney and liver transplant programs at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Patients were dying while waiting for a liver transplant, or becoming too sick to undergo the procedure, at what he considered an alarmingly high rate. So few patients were receiving kidney transplants that he worried regulators would intervene. He thought the way the program was being run was costing some patients a chance at a potentially lifesaving operation. And some who received transplants were experiencing dangerous and potentially avoidable complications afterward, Lynch argued. Lynch is not one to mince words. He can be a lightning rod for controversy, especially when he rails against the failures of the national transplant system. But he is also the kind of doctor who does not balk at an hourslong drive to meet a patient. Former colleagues described him as willing to speak up, even at great personal cost. The surgeon was hired in early February 2023, during Penn State Healths push to resurrect its kidney and liver transplant programs. In 2022, the health system drew a rare public rebuke from the national body that oversees transplants, which criticized the hospitals patient safety standards, processes for troubleshooting issues and internal culture. As the health system worked to address the issues, the CEO told regulators that the transplant programs would strive to become the best in the state if not the entire country. Part of Lynchs role, in his new job as director of transplant quality and outcomes, was to flag problems. In Hershey, he thought, there were plenty. Even before any incisions are made, transplants are a complex medical procedure. Transplant patients are often very sick. Some deaths and complications are unavoidable, which is why experts emphasize the need for hospitals to identify issues and find solutions. A crucial part of that, they say, is a work environment where employees can bring up problems without fear of personal blowback. Lynch voiced his concerns in department meetings for months, colleagues recall. When those efforts seemed to go nowhere, he shared his findings with top Penn State Health officials, including Chief Operating Officer Deborah Addo and Hersheys Chief Medical Officer Robert Harbaugh, four people told Spotlight PA. Weeks later, in April, Penn State Health abruptly dismissed Lynch. Penn State University, the majority owner of the health system and its flagship hospital in Hershey, has struggled for years with the perception that employees who report problems are punished. In 2022, after spending two days in Hershey, a team of regulators concluded that Penn State Healths abdominal transplant unit had a toxic culture of fear and retaliation. Lynchs ouster sparked outrage among some of his former colleagues, who saw it as evidence that this culture had not changed, according to records obtained by Spotlight PA and people with direct knowledge of the situation. Staff were told the move was prompted by financial constraints, but some told leaders they did not believe this explanation. In a letter shared with top administrators, one physician argued that Lynchs dismissal was plain retaliation for his attempts to objectively review data and patient outcomes. The loss of Dr. Lynch will have a profound negative impact on direct patient care and program innovation, another employee wrote. The surgeons dismissal was the first shock in a wave of upheavals for the health system. In the weeks that followed, federal regulators renewed their scrutiny of the central Pennsylvania program. Penn State Health temporarily stopped performing liver transplants. Kidney transplants were suspended several weeks later. Then, in May, the health system announced it would indefinitely shutter both programs, which could end the federal review. It is not clear what specifically prompted the performance review, or Penn State Healths decision to discontinue the programs. The health system declined to make top officials available for interviews, including Addo, Harbaugh, Johnny Hong, chief of the division of transplantation, and Don McKenna, president of Hershey Medical Center. In a statement responding to Spotlight PAs findings, a Penn State Health spokesperson said: We were not successful in our efforts to re-establish an abdominal transplant program. The reasons for this were far more nuanced than culture, decision-making, and relationships between medical staff members, although each of these played a role, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson did not specify what the other reasons were. The health system is commissioning a full and independent review to understand the underlying problems, and will only consider reopening the kidney and liver transplant programs once those have been systematically corrected, the spokesperson continued. In May, following the closure of the programs, Penn State Health told staff in an email that Hong planned to resign. Reached by phone, he declined to comment for this story. Spotlight PA sent him a summary of findings via certified letter, but did not receive a response. Lynchs attorney said the surgeon would not comment or answer questions for this story. Spotlight PA spoke with more than 20 people with expertise in the transplant industry or directly connected to Penn State Healths abdominal transplant program, including current and former employees. The current and former employees asked not to be named out of fear of retaliation. Information provided by sources and cited in this story was confirmed by others or through records obtained by Spotlight PA. The newsroom reviewed recordings of internal meetings, as well as hundreds of pages of documents, including financial records, transplant data reports, emails, and text messages. In a memo obtained by Spotlight PA, Lynch wrote that program leadership decisions are the direct cause of observed concerns, and program culture strongly discourages constructive change. Rebuilding a program A photograph from early in Lynchs time at Penn State shows the surgeon alongside two other newly hired colleagues, including Hong. Framed by bright operating room lights and heartbeat monitors, they stand with resolute smiles and their arms folded across their blue scrubs. Their postures convey confidence something Penn State Healths abdominal transplant unit desperately needed. As far back as 2008, inspectors with the Pennsylvania Department of Health repeatedly flagged problems with the health systems kidney and liver transplant programs, including failures to properly protect patients and inform them of the medical and psychological risks of a transplant, records show. Following these poor reviews, the hospital agreed to fix the issues. But the spring of 2022 marked a low point. State and federal officials identified serious problems with the abdominal transplant unit, leading Penn State Health to suspend liver and kidney transplants in late April 2022. In September 2022, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which oversees transplants in the United States on behalf of the federal government, declared Hershey Medical Center a member not in good standing. It is one of the most serious disciplinary actions the regulatory body can take, and was the first such move against a hospital in more than 15 years. To make a member not in good standing, that usually happens when a program is being obstinate, said Jason Smith, a heart surgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, who previously served on the Membership and Professional Standards Committee, which oversees transplant programs under the regulatory body. Theyre ignoring the MPSCs recommendations or not being forthcoming with data. The move led to an unusual public airing of the programs failures. By design, the oversight group typically keeps nearly all of its deliberations and the reasons for corrective actions confidential. The disciplinary action was intended to provide public notice that Penn State Health had committed a major violation of the groups policies or shown a serious lapse in patient safety or quality of care, the group said in a statement at the time. The regulator also cited a culture of retaliation for reporting potential problems. Penn State Health leaders promised to rebuild. Lynch, hired in February 2023, arrived in Hershey with an established national presence. In 2018, as a surgeon at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Lynch sharply criticized a proposed national rule that would have changed how donated livers are distributed. Emory called Lynch, who argued the change would make it harder for patients in rural and low-income areas to receive donated livers, an abiding advocate. The federal government cited research Lynch worked on when it announced major changes to the regulation of nonprofits that recover organs from deceased donors and can receive taxpayer funds. Testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance last summer, Lynch urged lawmakers to require these organizations to be more transparent. He also described the federal contractor overseeing the nations network for transplantation as incompetent and self-serving. Former colleagues described Lynch as a principled doctor who is direct to the point of being abrasive and unafraid to challenge authority. He is a passionate advocate for the vulnerable human being, said Michael Englesbe, the chief of the transplant division at the University of Michigan. Lynch worked closely with Englesbe at Michigan while completing his graduate medical training there. If he thinks the system is screwing somebody, then he will do his homework and build the case. In a joint statement, four anesthesiologists at Emory Philip Kalarickal, Gaurav Patel, Susan Smith, and Cinnamon Sullivan who worked closely with Lynch in the transplant unit and the operating room, described him as a highly skilled surgeon in a very difficult surgical discipline and someone with strong moral integrity. Penn State Health, in a March 2023 news release, described Lynch as a world-class surgeon recruited to the rebooted transplant program. Regulators had previously criticized the health systems approach to reviewing issues and ensuring patient safety. Part of Lynchs new role involved leading internal discussions about this. After visiting the hospital in early 2023, a team of federal reviewers cited recent hires as a sign of improvement. Following more than 30 interviews with Penn State Health staff, the reviewers described substantial progress in Hershey and were told by workers that a palpable change in the culture had occurred, according to a March 2023 report. Nine months later, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network restored Hershey Medical Centers status as a member in good standing. Hong, the chief of transplantation, told PennLive that the move confirms that the steps we have taken have created an abdominal organ transplant program that patients can trust and rely on. Lynch already had doubts. The surgeons concerns In late 2023, Lynch began flagging issues in department meetings. He argued that patients were missing out on too many offers of donated livers and kidneys. Hershey Medical Center lagged the national average on several key metrics, according to data Lynch presented at meetings. Citing public and internal data, Lynch argued that patients at Hershey were waiting longer to receive a liver transplant. According to the data Lynch shared, they were also more likely to become too sick to undergo the procedure, or worse. More patients are dying on the waitlist, said an internal document summarizing Lynchs concerns. This is likely related to our narrow acceptance of organs. In 2023, seven patients received liver transplants at Hershey Medical Center. The same year, eight patients were removed from the waiting list because they became too sick to receive a transplant, and three died, federal data show. Lynch thought these numbers were cause for concern. Experts caution that it is difficult to draw statistical conclusions from a small number of cases over a limited period of time. Still, three transplant experts told Spotlight PA that the kinds of concerns Lynch raised would generally warrant further review. Hospitals accept donated organs at widely different rates, research shows. Programs that perform fewer transplants, like Penn State Health, are generally more conservative, experts told Spotlight PA. They also said that transplant centers tend to become more cautious after disciplinary action, which can lead them to accept fewer organs. In deciding whether to accept a specific organ or hold out for a better offer, surgeons must weigh the risk of a transplant with the risk of leaving the patient on the waiting list. A doctor might turn down an offered organ because it is not a good fit for a patient based on various factors, such as the donors age, weight or how sick they were before they died. Still, there is a national consensus that hospitals should generally accept more organs. In 2022, a major federal report concluded that it was too easy for transplant centers to decline usable organs. Hershey Medical Center performed one kidney transplant in 2023, a number Lynch described in an internal presentation as a state of functional inactivity. The main reason for the low volume, Lynch wrote in a memo outlining what he saw as the programs challenges, was the amount of organ offers the hospital was turning down. In 2023, an internal document shows, the hospitals acceptance rate for donated kidneys was among the lowest in the country. Despite making significant advances, the transplant program faces significant challenges related primarily to organ acceptance and candidate selection, Lynch wrote in the memo. If these challenges were not addressed, he warned, the program risked more disciplinary action from regulators. Lynch also raised questions about how patients were faring after receiving a transplant. He shared data showing how long they were staying in the hospital and the intensive care unit. Lynch thought patients were experiencing high rates of complications. The culture of the transplant program made it harder to address patient safety concerns, Lynch wrote in the memo. Lynch thought transplant program leadership discouraged open discussion of potential problems. In early 2024, Lynch escalated his concerns to top health system officials including Addo, the health systems chief operating officer, and Harbaugh, the hospitals chief medical officer according to four people with direct knowledge of what leadership was told, or whom Lynch told. It would not have been unusual for health system leaders to be drawn into the running of the abdominal transplant program. Records reviewed by Spotlight PA show that senior Penn State Health officials were intimately involved in the overhaul and administration of the program through at least early 2024. Its not clear what, if any, action Penn State Health leaders took in response to Lynchs concerns. But two people told Spotlight PA that administrators considered asking an outside group or researcher to review the data and Lynchs conclusions. Its unclear whether that happened. A spokesperson declined Spotlight PAs request to speak with health system officials about the transplant programs. Transplant employees saw Lynch as someone who was outspoken about what he believed were serious problems. Then, he was gone. The tone is set at the top A team of regulators, visiting Hershey in the lead-up to the 2022 sanctions, described a culture of fear and retaliation rather than safety in the abdominal transplant program, according to a summary report of the visit. Health system leaders said they knew that fixing this would be a challenge. Culture is hard and the changing of culture is hard, one administrator said during a December 2022 discussion with regulators. It is taking an extended effort to gain the trust of staff and let them know that leadership really wants to know what theyre thinking without any fear of retribution. Leaders know the tone is set at the top, Addo told the regulators. Yet some Penn State Health employees continue to fear retaliation. Within Penn State, the majority owner of the health system, employees have reported for years their belief that people who speak up about issues face retaliation. A 2022 survey found that 42% of university faculty and 43% of staff believe Penn State does not retaliate against people who report wrongdoing roughly no improvement from a comparable 2017 assessment. Some of Lynchs former colleagues saw his dismissal as evidence that a retributive culture persisted in Hershey. In letters sent to Penn State Health leaders, employees described Lynch as collaborative and willing to ask tough questions. One staff member wrote that he knew the name of everyone in the department. One doctor, in her letter to health system leadership, argued that Lynchs dismissal was plain retaliation because he raised concerns about clinical outcomes. The current leadership of the transplant program has created a culture where obedience is key, she wrote. Staff is angry and afraid, another employee wrote. I am watching the open culture we worked hard to create, crumble before my eyes. Leaders blamed Lynchs departure on financial constraints, but some employees challenged this explanation. In the letters, they described it as deceptive and a half truth at best. While Penn State Health has lost money in recent fiscal years, the systems flagship location in Hershey is among the most profitable hospitals in Pennsylvania, according to data collected by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Additionally, part of Lynchs salary was covered by a National Institutes of Health grant for research on improving veterans access to transplants, which he brought to Penn State from Emory. The question of culture came up repeatedly in tense virtual meetings with transplant staff in May, which took place shortly after the health system announced it would once again suspend kidney transplants. In recordings of two meetings obtained by Spotlight PA, transplant staff ask blunt questions of Hershey Medical Center President McKenna and other administrators. What specific problems had regulators found? What would come next? Why was this happening again? Some employees broke down crying. There have been so many changes, and its still not working, one employee said. This is heartbreaking. Another employee described receiving angry messages from patients on the waiting list for kidney transplants. At the time, health system leaders appeared committed to rebuilding, again. McKenna said senior officials were convening twice a day and had a meeting scheduled with regulators. Another staffer spoke, her voice trembling with emotion. Senior leadership lost their pulse their finger was never on the pulse with this team, she said. There were problems that were allowed to get elevated and escalated through the proper channels that fell on deaf ears, that were voiced multiple times. It is not a shock that we are here. A department head in Penn States College of Medicine replied that regulators had identified culture and structure as major problems. Are we going to get it right this time? You know, of course we hope so, the department head told transplant staff. I have to say, its a fair question. An answer came a week later, when Penn State Health indefinitely closed its kidney and liver transplant programs. SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate/statecollege. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. Weather Alert Bulletin: ...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT FRIDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 degrees will result in frost formation. * WHERE...A portion of central Pennsylvania. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 9 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants and vegetation from the cold. Potted plants should be brought inside. The frost will occur mainly in valley locations. && Info: Type: Frost Advisory start_time_local: 2024-10-11T02:00:00-04:00 end_time_local: 2024-10-11T09:00:00-04:00 county_name: state: PA headline: Frost Advisory from FRI 2:00 AM EDT until FRI 9:00 AM EDT county_fips: category: Met url: urgency: Expected severity: Minor certainty: Likely geographicname: Schuylkill County state_name: Pennsylvania If you missed the first round of voting to lift Charlottesville above its competitors in the Local Palate's search for the best culinary town in the South, you have until Friday to help bring the foodie honor home. The Charlottesville area made the top three towns in initial voting, which ended Sunday. Courtney Cacatian, executive director of the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, told The Daily Progress in an email Tuesday that Alpharetta, Georgia, and Lafayette, Louisiana, joined Charlottesville in the top three after the first round. The winning town will be revealed Oct. 29 on the cover of Local Palate's South's Best Culinary Towns issue. The other seven towns with top-notch food scenes that were under consideration are Auburn, Alabama; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Lexington, Kentucky; Oxford, Mississippi; St. Augustine, Florida; and Wilmington, North Carolina. The editors of the Local Palate magazine researched more than 40 Southern towns with populations of fewer than 450,000 residents, taking into consideration each location's restaurant, bar and cafe options, as well as farmers markets, wine shops, coffee shops, educational opportunities and kitchen and home goods retailers. Charlottesville was noticed for a diverse mix of restaurants that reaches from longtime favorites Michie Tavern and the Virginian to current favorites representing a growing number of cuisines from Thailand to Turkey. The area's wine shops and local orchard with farm shops also helped give the Charlottesville area an edge for foodie voters. To cast your vote, head to thelocalpalate.com by Friday and look for Final Voting for Your Favorite Southern Culinary Town. African regional indaba on United Nations Treaty takes place this week Civil society organisations are hosting the fifth African regional indaba on the UN binding treaty on business and human rights on 20 and 21 June In the lead up to the tenth session of negotiations of the UN binding treaty on business and human rights, the Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC), Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) are hosting the fourth African regional Indaba on the UN binding treaty on business and human rights this week. Known formally as the Legally Binding Instrument to Regulate, in International Human Rights Law, the Activities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises the purpose of the treaty is to address human rights abuses by transnational corporations across borders. The treaty was first proposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council by Ecuador and South Africa in 2014. A working group was then established to develop a draft of the treaty, which was published in 2018. Since then, four different drafts have been proposed and discussed at the United Nations in Geneva. Only once the draft is accepted, signed, and ratified by states will it begin to come into force. Civil society organisations have been instrumental in the treaty process so far, working to ensure that the treaty will be effective and reflect the needs of the people it is meant to benefit and protect. In particular, women, affected communities, and human rights defenders in the Global South. Our organisations have been involved in the treaty process since 2014, hosting platforms to learn about the treaty process and the needs of communities and ensure they speak to each other. This includes the regional indaba. The regional indaba brings together representatives of affected communities, civil society organisations, academics, trade unionists, and states to discuss the progress made on the treaty so far and to prepare for the next round of negotiations at the United Nations later in the year. Our main goal is to ensure African perspectives are included in the negotiations and ultimately in the final draft of the treaty so as to ensure that the treaty is responsive to the lived realities of African communities who are disproportionately impacted by the activities of transnational corporations. This years indaba is scheduled to be an in-person event over two days on 20 and 21 June 2024 in Johannesburg. The sessions over two days will be divided into thematic areas covering issues of gender, extractivism, labour, livelihoods, host communities rights, environmental damage, due diligence and importantly, the severe human rights impacts of the critical minerals rush on the continent. Each session will be a collaboration between the communities affected by transnational corporations violations and experts who will give an analysis on how to strengthen the Treaty in the particular theme of the session. The challenges of the last few years illustrate that the negotiation process is under threat through attempts to weaken the text and even to dismantle the process totally. However, the strong position adopted by global south states led by the Africa group and supported by civil society organisations during the 2023 negotiations, illustrate a steadfastness to keeping the process on track and in line with Resolution 26/9 ahead of this years negotiations says Maxine Bezuidenhout of AIDC. Furthermore, Anesu Dera from CALS emphasises that, "Civil society organizations must be commended for spearheading efforts in hosting capacitation workshops for states on the treaty negotiation process and advocating for increased participation by Global South states. Only through the involvement of African states can the voices of marginalised communities from the region be included in the text and their rights defended. Jessica Lawrence of LHR notes that we anticipate seeing further push back by the U.S and the EU during the treaty negotiations this year due to the most recent approval of the long-awaited EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which introduces a duty on certain companies to undertake human rights and environmental due diligence, by the Council of the European Union. We must continue to reiterate that due diligence is not sufficient for the protection of human rights and that a treaty is needed to provide legal solutions to address current gaps and ambiguities in the international human rights law framework, which the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive cannot do. For further information contact: Maxine Bezuidenhout Alternative Information and Development Centre maxine@aidc.org.za Anesu Dera Centre for Applied Legal Studies anesu.dera@wits.ac.za Jessica Lawrence Lawyers for Human Rights jessical@lhr.org.za His name was not on the ballot, but the most fiercely fought of Tuesdays congressional primaries in Virginia were referendums on the 45th president and Republican nominee-apparent to be the 47th president: Donald Trump. That was the case in one remarkably bitter Republican primary and, for different reasons, in a Democratic primary in an adjacent district. The 5th Congressional Districts GOP bloodbath started out as a contest to see which of two hard-right conservatives could cling most tightly to Trumps mantle: incumbent U.S. Rep. Bob Good or his challenger state Sen. John McGuire of Goochland. Last month, Trump left no doubt, siding with McGuire. On Wednesday, McGuire held a small lead about 300 votes with all precincts reporting and possibly heading toward a recount. Its rare to see a large segment of a party turn against its own incumbent, but Good invited it. A polarizing figure in the U.S. House and to many in the GOP as leader of a small clique of fringe-right Republicans known as the Freedom Caucus, Good made two very powerful and unforgiving enemies in the past year. Last fall, he led the charge to oust then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy for compromising with House Democrats on a stopgap spending bill that averted a government shutdown. Good and the Freedom Caucus banded with Democrats to oust McCarthy. That prompted a pro-McCarthy group, the Defending Main Street super PAC, to align with McGuire, a hard-right conservative who won a four-year state Senate seat only seven months ago. Then Good angered Trump by initially backing his bitter primary rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. After DeSantis folded his campaign, Good endorsed Trump and even appeared with other Republicans in a New York City courtroom recently to show GOP unity for Trump during his trial for falsifying business records to conceal hush money paid during his 2016 campaign to adult film star Stormy Daniels. When Trump endorsed McGuire three weeks ago, it turbocharged an already spiteful primary where an unheard-of $12 million was spent by the May 29 campaign finance reporting deadline. Independent expenditures from outside groups accounted for just over $10 million, according to OpenSecrets.org. No group spent more than the American Patriots PAC. Through May, it had spent more than $2.7 million attacking Good and about $1.7 million in support of McGuire. Since then, it has increased its saturation of broadcast and online advertising in which Trump praises McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, as a hero and condemns Good as bad for Virginia and a traitor who turned his back on our incredible movement. Other outside groups backing McGuire and opposing Good included Virginians for Freedom. Good wasnt without super PAC allies. They included Conservative Outsider, which spent $2.8 million backing Good; Protect Freedom PAC allied with Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky; and House Freedom Action. In defending his seat, Good went for broke, bizarrely branding McGuire a liberal, alleging that he is permissive toward unchecked immigration along the border with Mexico. In 2023, the most recent year for which grades are available, the American Conservative Union gave McGuire a 91% conservative voting score, putting him in a five-way tie for the third-most conservative voting record in the Virginia House of Delegates. In the neighboring 7th Congressional District, which takes in a swath of the Washington, D.C., suburbs and exurbs, Trump cast a different sort of shadow in the Democratic primary, and a notable Trump foe was its beneficiary. Retired Army Lt. Col. Yevgeny Eugene Vindman won his nomination in a rout Tuesday over a field of six other Democrats that included local and state elected officeholders. Vindman and his twin brother, Alex, both officers with the National Security Council at the time, listened to a 2019 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and told their superiors that Trump tried to persuade Zelenskyy to investigate his 2020 reelection rival, Joe Biden, and Bidens son, Hunter. He embraced that record in his first bid for elective office, seeking to succeed incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor next year. Vindmans name and his story allowed him to build a national fundraising juggernaut that took in just over $5 million roughly four-fifths of the $6.3 million raised by all seven Democratic primary candidates combined through May 29. Winning the 5th District primary is tantamount to winning the seat in the strongly conservative area. Good was reelected in 2022 by a margin of nearly 16 percentage points. The last time a Democrat won the seat was 2008. The 7th, however, is Virginias most competitive U.S. House district and will be among the most closely followed nationally this fall as Republicans fight desperately to hold their tenuous majority and Democrats battle just as desperately to take it. The lesson from this weeks primary will extend to November: Trumps name will only be on the presidential ballot, but he will influence races up and down the ballot. STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS "CHIZ" G. ESCUDERO ON THE RECENT INCIDENT IN AYUNGIN SHOAL The escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea is alarming, and the Senate will be seeking a full briefing from the DFA on the latest incident, as well as the efforts being undertaken to address this. In the meantime, the DFA should go beyond the filing of diplomatic protests each time an incident occurs, and must explore every means to conduct a meaningful dialogue with their counterparts from Beijing with the end in view of avoiding further escalation, without giving up any of our rights and privileges in our claimed territory vis-a-vis theirs. As our diplomats work to advance our interests, I urge our Armed Forces to explore alternative methods to deliver provisions to the Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal so that our troops are properly resupplied while minimizing the risks and achieving our desired objectives. Two Cameroon utilities, Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel) and Cameroon Water Utility Corporation (Camwater), have signed an agreement to share infrastructure. The companies say they are joining forces not just to share resources, but to amplify their collective impact, combining expertise to pave the way for faster, more cost-effective deployments of telecom and water services across the nation. Quoted in local news resource News Upfront, Blaise Moussa, CEO of Camwater, points out that cities are expanding geographically and horizontally, and networks are submitted to high constraints, and, he adds, we dont have enough means to develop them. Judith Yah Sunday, CEO of Camtel, points out that infrastructure sharing is becoming a fairly common practice around the world. She explains: Wherever Camwater is already present, we can surf on that infrastructure and vice versa and make sure that we deliver optimal services to customers and the public at large. Cited benefits of the agreement include cost efficiencies through reduced duplication of efforts and maximised use of existing resources. The deal should also promote environmental sustainability since less construction means less environmental disruption. Timetables and technical details dont yet seem to have been published. However, Judith Yah Sundays point about infrastructure sharing is certainly correct. In fact earlier this month a number of news outlets said that Kenya intends to use its more than 70,000 power transformers as internet hotspots across the country. This will involve collaboration between the government and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company to use available power lines rather than laying fibre. The Uygurs, who live in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, enjoy wearing embroidered hats, clothes and shoes. The Uygurs' costumes and adornments, which are as splendid as summer flowers, embody the ethnic group's traditional cultural elements and aesthetic tastes. The Uygurs mostly live in the oasis of the Tarim Basin, in the south of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In their long history, the Uygurs have developed a unique clothing style, which is characterized by rich colors, ingenious designs and patterns of elegant simplicity. The Uygurs, who are great lovers of nature, pay much attention to what they wear. As a result, elements of nature, especially flora, are the inspiration of the designs of traditional Uygur costumes. Traditional Uygur men's wear, which is usually in white and black, fits loosely. The accoutrements, including a shirt, coat, robe, and sash, are made of fine textiles. The shirt is a pullover of thigh- or knee-length. Young men and boys' pullovers are usually sparsely embroidered and are worn with coats and sashes. The sashes, which are mostly made of pinstripe cotton cloth, serve as both fasteners and ornaments. Some of the items are embroidered with floral patterns. Uygur men's pants are in a fashion similar to the slouchy Harem style. The pants are made from various textiles or animal hides. However, suit pants and jeans are now more popular among the men. Compared with men's wear, the clothing of Uygur women is more colorful. Also, the women's clothing is decorated with more ingenious designs. The Uygur women's wear includes blouses, coats of various lengths, sleeveless jackets, pants and skirts. Young Uygur women love to wear clothes in bright colors, such as red, green and yellow, which reflect their ardent enthusiasm and vigorous vitality. Older women prefer clothing in modest hues, such as black, blue, and dark green. Uygur women's coats have high or flat collars, with front or side openings. The coats are matched with calf-length tube skirts. Skirts, which are centerpieces of Uygur women's wear, are made from various textiles. The most distinguished textile is Atlas, or Etles, elastic, lustrous silk with tie-dyed patterns. In summer, Uygur women wear one-piece dresses of Atlas and neatly fit button-down waistcoats made of pleuche (velvet-like fabric). In winter, the women wear long overcoats and embroidered leather boots. During the important events in the Uygurs' lives, such as holidays and visits to relatives and friends, Uygur women often wear their Atlas dresses and finest jewelry. As the splendid silk flutters down the city street or country roads like rosy clouds, you might understand why the Uygurs laud the precious fabric as conveying the spirit of spring. A key part of the Uygurs' apparel is their headwear, colloquially called flower hats. The Uygurs, regardless of age, all like to wear such hats. The hats are embroidered with various patterns, which embody the people's desire to live happy, beautiful lives. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), men of the Western Regions, a historical name for the regions west of the Yumen Pass (including today's Xinjiang), wore peaked felt hats with fold-up brims. During the early Qing Dynasty (1616-1911), the headwear evolved into a skull hat, with four corners at the top. During the following centuries, the techniques of making the hats continued to develop, and the hats' designs and materials have become more diversified. In addition to their practical functions, such as protection against heat and cold, the Uygurs' flower hats are a key factor in their social dress code. The local custom requires Uygur men to wear the hats during formal social events, such as public activities, visits to their relatives and friends, and celebrations of festivals. As the times have changed, and people are more open-minded, many Uygurs don't wear hats or scarves, except during such occasions as funerals or important ceremonies. The Uygurs are the descendants of nomads, who lived in China's western borders more than 1,000 years ago. Boots, which are fit for their herding and hunting lifestyle, have become part of the ethnic group's traditional costume. Today, Uygurs wear both boots made of cattle or sheep hide and modern shoes, as well as the cover-shoes. The boots for women are often lavishly embroidered. From head to toe, the Uygurs' clothes and adornments are symbolic of the culture, customs, and history of the ethnic group. Photos from VCG and Tuchong Source: China Today (Women of China English Monthly May 2024) Editor: Wang Shasha Rural communities in Yunnan province shown alternative ways to live off the land Villagers harvest tea leaves in the Konggeliudui community in Jinghong, Yunnan Province. [Chen Liang/China Daily] Most of the country's wild Asian elephants, more than 280 individuals, are distributed in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in the southernmost part of Yunnan Province. Attracted by the abundance of food such as corn and bananas, and growing accustomed to a human presence, these majestic animals often venture into areas inhabited by people. The increasing proximity between humans and elephants has led to a rise in conflicts, presenting challenges for many communities that previously had little to no experience with elephant activities. To address the conflicts, local governments and conservation organizations have implemented various strategies. In Xishuangbanna, both the governments of Jinghong City and Mengla County have established the Asian Elephant Safety Warning Monitoring Team. Teams of professional "elephant watchers" use drones to continuously monitor the movements of wild elephants, providing crucial information to local communities and residents. By offering timely updates on the whereabouts of elephants, the aim is to minimize the risks associated with human-elephant encounters. Since the launch of its Asian Elephant Protection Program in 2000, the International Fund for Animal Welfare China has focused its efforts toward helping local communities and residents, said Ma Chenyue, program manager of IFAW China. "Local communities and people are at the forefront of human-elephant conflicts. They are experiencing direct pressures from the expansion of wild elephants into their living spaces," Ma said. "Their crops are destroyed; their safety is jeopardized while tending to rubber plantations or foraging for mushrooms in the forests; and they actually have made sacrifices in their economic development for the conservation of wild elephants. "So we feel obliged to aid them in finding sustainable ways to live harmoniously alongside wild elephants." Cao Dafan visits Daotangqing Village in Jinghong. [Chen Liang/China Daily] Beekeeping In June 2020, IFAW China, in collaboration with the Mengyang Protection Station of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve and the Rainforest Foundation of Xishuangbanna, a local nonprofit, the "Community Livelihood Development to Promote Asian Elephant Protection" project was launched in Daotangqing Village, Mengyang Township, Jinghong. This community, comprising 34 households and 150 residents of the Yi ethnic group, had relocated from the core area of the national nature reserve in the late 1990s to aid in the conservation of Asian elephants, a species under national first-class protection, said Cao Dafan, program officer of the AEP program. Following their relocation, however, wild elephants also ventured into the area surrounding the village. Once in 2022, Cao said, the villagers witnessed a visit of a herd of 22 wild elephants. On May 10, Zhang Jiangmei, a villager, said that an elephant visited a stream near the hamlet in the evening to have a drink and a bath. Cao said that the primary source of income for villagers is derived from cultivating rubber trees. However, due to a decline in rubber prices over the past few years, their incomes have also experienced a notable decrease. "So we worked to help the community explore some alternative sources of income to reduce their dependency on rubber trees," he said. At first, Cao and his colleagues decided to promote beekeeping in the village. "Beekeeping is eco-friendly, good for crop cultivation and easy for villagers to learn and master," he said. In 2020, the project invested 75,000 yuan ($10,600) to acquire 100 hives of the Chinese bee and an additional 100 empty beehives and distributed them to 10 families in the Daotangqing Village. In addition to providing training on beekeeping techniques, Cao and his team also helped the beekeepers establish management rules. One of these rules includes prohibiting the introduction of wild swarms of bees into the hives, Cao said. It helps maintain the health and productivity of the bee colonies, he explained. Between 2020 and last year, he said, beekeeping generated an income of about 200,000 yuan for the participants in the project. However, there was an unexpected setback. Between September and October last year, the bee population in Daotangqing experienced a significant drop, with half of the bees perishing, Cao said. The villagers soon found the cause a species of hornet that was being cultivated in a nearby village attacked the Chinese bees at Daotangqing, feeding on their pupa. "In Xishuangbanna, hornet pupa is considered a delicacy," Cao said. "So some people have cultivated the aggressive species to meet the market demand." After negotiations between the two communities, the hornet cultivators agreed to cease their practice. Because of the incident, Cao said, the population of the bees at Daotangqing needs some time to restore. A villager harvests honey at Daotangqing. [Chen Liang/China Daily] Cash Crops and Solar Besides beekeeping, the international NGO also introduced the cultivation of cash crops such as mangos and macadamia nuts to the villagers. In 2021, Cao said villagers cleared more than 15 hectares of rubber trees surrounding the village because of the plummeting price of rubber. "So we took the chance to recommend planting mango and macadamia nut trees to them," Cao said. Cao and his team members invited agricultural experts from the Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops in Jinghong to Daotangqing and trained villagers on how to manage their orchards. Nineteen families participated in the project, he said, employing sustainable management practices to reduce pesticide and fertilizer usage, lower management costs and increase ground cover vegetation. "The experts told us that the undergrowth in their orchards can be good for the growth of fruit trees, and they also showed us how to accurately use pesticide and fertilizer," Zhang said. Through eco-friendly management and planting practices, the project is estimated to be able to achieve a reduction of 971 to 1,256 metric tons of carbon dioxide over 15 years, with an annual reduction of 65 to 84 tons, according to Cao. "Mango cultivation started to yield profits for the villagers last year, and the nuts will start generating profits this year," he said. "In the long term, we hope that rubber plantations can be replaced with ecologically friendly, carbon-efficient crops, and the overall quality of the local ecosystem can be enhanced." Moreover, IFAW China provided assistance to a family of six by installing a 16-kilowatt photovoltaic panel system in their courtyard. "In 2021, we aimed to initiate a pilot project to enhance the utilization of clean energy in the local residents' daily lives," Cao said. Following a field survey, they identified that the 130-square-meter courtyard of villager Wang Baozhong and his family was sufficient for installing a system comprising 30 photovoltaic panels. Wang, who has been a patrolman for the nature reserve for many years, was happy to try something new. So Cao's project allocated 80,000 yuan for the construction of the system in July 2021, which started generating electricity in April 2022. Once the system fulfilled the family's daily electricity needs, any surplus electricity can be transferred back into the local grid. From April 2022 to November last year, the photovoltaic system produced a revenue of more than 8,000 yuan, Cao said. "The family kept half of the revenue, and the other half was given to the village for community development," he said. Community Care In December, IFAW China, the protection station and the rainforest foundation expanded their project to the Konggeliudui community in Dadugang township, Jinghong. The community is predominantly inhabited by the Hani ethnic group, with 39 households. More than 60 wild Asian elephants roam in the vicinity. The community's primary livelihood revolves around rubber tapping and tea cultivation. "During the harvest season, villagers' chances of encountering elephants in the forest increases," Cao said. "So our project is set to combine beekeeping with empowering residents, enhancing their skills and income while reducing their forest activities to minimize human-elephant conflicts." During the project's inauguration in December, the first 100 beehives were distributed to 10 households in the community. After some field research, the conservationists also found that traditional embroidery practiced by a few senior residents, including an inheritor of the intangible culture heritage, has the potential to become a new source of income for villagers and cater to visitors as Konggeliudui is close to the Wild Elephant Valley scenic area, a major tourist attraction in Xishuangbanna. The local government has already helped build an embroidery workshop in the community, said Yang Yan, head of the village. "In our spare time, we can learn with our inheritor to make traditional costumes featuring the embroidery," she said. It takes her more than a month to make a traditional costume, she said, adding that villagers can sell their costumes to visitors. Cao and his colleagues are helping the community plan for rural tourism development by training community tour guides. In April last year, IFAW China collaborated with Freshippo, also known as Hema, a direct warehouse shopping and grocery chain, to market honey from Daotangqing and another community in Xishuangbanna under a brand named Zero-Carbon Elephant-Friendly Honey. The first carbon-zero honey in the country, with a limited run of 3,000 jars, was sold in Freshippo stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. The profits from the sales were subsidized to support the sustainable development of the beekeeping project, said Ma from IFAW China. "The focus of all of our community projects has been to broaden local people's vision and empower them with new skills," she said. (Source: China Daily) Editor: Wang Shasha Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers an important speech at the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. [Xinhua/Li Gang] YAN'AN, Shaanxi, June 19 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the armed forces' political loyalty as a crucial meeting on the political work in the military was held in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), demanded efforts to ensure a solid political guarantee for building a strong military, as he addressed the CMC Political Work Conference, held from Monday to Wednesday. The Yan'an conference, which Xi personally decided to convene, took place 10 years after a similar meeting was held in Gutian, east China's Fujian Province. The participants discussed and made arrangements for promoting political work in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi emphasized the need to uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military and to build a high-quality cadre team that is loyal, clean, responsible, and capable of fulfilling the mission of strengthening the military. On Monday afternoon, Xi led CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping, where the CMC's headquarters were stationed from August 1937 to March 1947. Xi visited the former residences of late revolutionary leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De in Yan'an to honor the memory of their revolutionary struggle. The Yan'an conference marks a return to the roots of the military, Xi said. He called on senior military officers to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted by the Party and the people to keep strengthening the armed forces. Xi delivered an important speech at the conference, noting that after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee held the 2014 military political work conference in Gutian and improved political conduct through rectification initiatives. Measures to govern the military with strict discipline have been comprehensively implemented with unprecedented determination and intensity, achieving historic accomplishments in enhancing political loyalty in the military, according to Xi. Xi stressed that political work is always the lifeline of the country's military. The armed forces must always be led by those who are reliable and loyal to the Party, and there must be no place for corruption within the military. Noting that China's military is confronted with complicated challenges in the political work, Xi said it is necessary to continuously enhance political loyalty in the military to ensure that the people's armed forces always uphold their core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline. He also analyzed the deep-seated problems that need to be addressed in military political work, emphasizing that a root cause of these problems lies in the lack of ideals and beliefs. Xi called on relevant personnel at all levels, especially senior cadres, to introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications. Xi highlighted key work to enhance political loyalty in the military, urging efforts to arm the military with the Party's new theories and improve the leadership of Party organizations, as well as their capabilities of organization and implementation. The Party leadership must be upheld in all the fields and the whole process of enhancing combat readiness, Xi noted. Xi urged efforts to nurture a contingent of high-caliber officers, eradicate the breeding ground for corruption, and enhance the comprehensive oversight of high-ranking officers in terms of their performance of duty and exercise of power. Officers at all levels, especially those in the higher ranks, should lead by example and serve as pioneers and models, Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), leads CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. [Xinhua/Li Gang] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), meets with participants of the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. [Xinhua/Li Gang] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha Zhang Jingjing at Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum [Photo by Cui Ligang] Zhang Jingjing, a ceramicist who resides in Jingdezhen, the world-famous "Millennium Porcelain Capital," in East China's Jiangxi Province, is committed to both ceramic art design and the creation and international dissemination of ceramic culture. Zhang, who is dean of the International School of Jingdezhen Ceramic University (JCU), is also a witness to, participant of and contributor to Jingdezhen's development. In fact, she has been such for the past three decades. "To make brighter the name card of Jingdezhen as the 'Millennium Porcelain Capital,' we should not only pay attention to the protection and inheritance of ceramic cultural heritage, but we should also promote the innovative development of ceramic art, through exchanges and mutual learning. At the same time, we should use ceramic art as a carrier to tell China's stories well, and to spread Chinese culture to the world," she says. "I completed my studies in Jingdezhen, and Jingdezhen fostered my lifelong career. In the process of growing up with the city, I was deeply nourished by its ceramic culture. Since I was a college student, I have worked my way up to a practitioner and communicator of ceramic culture inheritance and innovation," Zhang says. Her passion for ceramic art is readily apparent. Zhang has created numerous modern ceramic works of art, participated in various art exhibitions, at home and abroad, and won many domestic and international awards for her excellent works. Zhang has long participated in international exchanges of ceramic culture; as such, she has visited many countries. She has utilized China's lowercase 'china' ceramic culture to tell the captivating story of uppercase 'China' to the world. "Ceramic culture can serve as a bridge to connect with the world, as ceramics is a good carrier for telling China's stories well and spreading Chinese culture," Zhang says. Zhang Jingjing (left) with Torbjrn Kvasb (middle), President of the International Academy of Ceramics, and another international artist. Innovation Key As both a ceramicist and an educator, Zhang always attaches great importance to innovation. "Traditional ceramic craftsmanship has a rich history, and a cultural heritage, but inheritors should not just be immersed in tradition. What is more important for them is to find their innovative path, and to explore the future of ceramics. This is the foundation for the survival and development of ceramic art creation. Innovation is the driving force of Jingdezhen's future development," Zhang says. She believes ceramicists should keep improving their skills and techniques while they are inheriting the traditional craftsmanship. Using blue and white porcelain as an example, Zhang says, "When painting on blue and white porcelain, we traditionally use a kind of brush pen, with the pen's head resembling a chicken head. Instead, I try to use other tools, such as oil brushes, to paint, which will make a new texture and give traditional blue and white porcelain a modern taste." Jingdezhen's history of ceramic craftsmanship spans more than 2,000 years. Its historic role as an official and imperial kiln helped propel the art of porcelain making to unprecedented heights in China. Today, Jingdezhen stands as China's only national ceramic culture inheritance and innovation pilot zone with an extensive network of supply chains and state-of-the-art facilities. By taking advantage of its ancient ceramic culture, Jingdezhen aims to become a national ceramic culture protection, inheritance and innovation base, a world-famous ceramic culture tourism destination, and an international ceramic cultural exchange, cooperation and trading center. "From the name of the pilot zone, we can see the significance of inheritance and innovation. The ceramicists of other countries are also constantly seeking innovation on the basis of preserving tradition. We need to have a more open and inclusive perspective, enhance the internal driving force and vitality of the ceramic industry, and transform and upgrade the traditional ceramic industry, according to local conditions, with a pioneering and innovative spirit. We also need to strengthen the building of international-exchange platforms, and develop new quality productive forces, to promote the high-quality development of ceramic culture, in both Jingdezhen and the world," Zhang says. Zhang Jingjing displays her ceramic work. The Application On the morning of October 11, 2023, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, came to Jingdezhen for inspection. At Taoyangli Historical and Cultural Block, Xi visited Nanlu kiln ruins, the ceramic museum and the kilns cluster of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1616-1911) dynasties. Xi stressed the importance of pooling talent from various fields to promote creative design and research and development innovation, further growing the ceramic industry and making brighter the name card of Jingdezhen as the "Millennium Porcelain Capital." Earlier this year, Jingdezhen's government announced its three-year action plan regarding the city's application to become a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. During this year's National People's Congress (NPC) session, in March, Zhang, an NPC deputy, advanced several proposals, including a proposal to support Jingdezhen's application to have all of its areas listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "The cultural heritage application for all of the city's areas is aimed at telling the story of Jingdezhen in a more comprehensive way," Zhang says. "Jingdezhen boasts rich historical and cultural relics. In addition to relics that have been protected, places such as kiln sites, ancient docks and old streets have jointly built a complete system of the development of Jingdezhen's ceramic industry. They are an integral part of Jingdezhen's application to be a world heritage site," Zhang adds. She advocates building both a cultural relics protection zone and an antique porcelain chip trading center, and she calls for accelerating the pace of innovation in developing Jingdezhen's ceramic and cultural tourism industries. Promoting Ceramic Education As the only multidisciplinary university in China with "ceramic" in its name, JCU has drawn more than 3,000 overseas students, from more than 60 countries or regions, since the 1950s. As dean of JCU's International School, Zhang has contributed her wisdom and strength to the innovative development of ceramic culture, and to the international development of ceramic education. She has spared no effort in promoting international exchanges involving ceramic culture and education. The International Ceramic Workshop, which Zhang established, has received more than 1,000 visiting international artists. "Jingdezhen is like a university, but without walls. The artworks, workshops and artists in the city are like treasure houses for students who are eager to learn," Zhang says. In addition to traditional ceramics courses, the school offers traditional Chinese culture courses, including calligraphy, Chinese painting and tea culture. "I like China's ceramic and tea culture very much. I want to learn ceramics, the Chinese language and Chinese culture. In the future, I'd like to open a ceramic studio or a ceramic shopping center in my hometown," says a student from Cameroon, who uses the Chinese name Ma Kelin. Zhang believes international students play a positive role in helping promote exchanges of ceramic culture between China and other countries. "With a deep love for ceramic culture, some students choose to stay in Jingdezhen to start their own businesses, and some return to their hometowns, or other countries, to teach ceramics courses, or to work in the ceramics industry. They are sowing the seeds of ceramic culture, and they are helping to make ceramic culture take root and blossom around the world. And this has led to deep integration of cultures," Zhang says. Approximately 30,000 artists are residing in Jingdezhen, including an estimated 5,000 international artists, indicate incomplete statistics from Jingdezhen's government. The group of local artists is known as "jingpiao," while the international artists are known as "yangjingpiao." Zhang says Jingdezhen is literally a magnet for overseas artists. In their eyes, Jingdezhen has become a window that allows them to experience China's development, and to perceive Chinese culture, giving them deep and lasting creativity. They have found a sense of belonging and fulfillment in Jingdezhen, where their dreams can be realized. Jingdezhen has forged friendly relations with more than 180 cities in 72 countries or regions, and those relationships have facilitated numerous ceramic-themed exchanges and research activities. "Jingdezhen is an inclusive city full of vitality, which I think is the reason why the city is attractive to young people and foreigners," Zhang says. Zhang Jingjing (third from right) leads international artists during their inspection tour of Jingdezhen. Cultural Exchanges To better inherit and promote Chinese ceramic culture, JCU, in collaboration with relevant institutions, established the Belt and Road International Ceramic Education Alliance. In addition, JCU has established friendly and cooperative relations with more than 50 colleges or universities in the United States, United Kingdom and other countries or regions. The university also launched the "Tang Ying Porcelain Workshop" overseas ceramic-cultural center project. Tang Ying (1682-1756) was the director of Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Factory during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), of the Qing Dynasty. Famous for his rich ceramic-making theories, superb ceramic-making skills and noble spirit of making ceramics, Tang made great contributions to the ceramics industry in Jingdezhen. "Named after Tang, the Tang Ying Porcelain Workshop aims to build a bridge of communications between Chinese ceramic culture and the world, through long-term and short-term practical training courses, ceramic-art exhibitions, ceramic-cultural lectures, ceramic-production experiences, and other ways," Zhang says. Tang Ying Porcelain Workshops have been established in Dubai and Italy, and JCU has signed cooperation agreements, with several overseas universities, to establish the workshops. During this year's NPC session, Zhang proposed the building of overseas ceramic-cultural centers be added to China's plan of building Chinese cultural centers in countries along the Belt and Road, to take Chinese culture global, and to create a new platform for cultural exchanges. "Tang Ying Porcelain Workshop will open an important window that reveals the charm of Chinese ceramic culture to the world, so more people can deeply understand, personally experience and gradually fall in love with Chinese ceramic culture," Zhang says. Photos from Interviewee (Women of China English Monthly June 2024) Editor: Wang Shasha Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Peru-based telecoms operator Global Fiber says it has selected Brazilian fibre-optic vendor Padtec and Peruvian telecoms firm Satelital as primary suppliers for a subsea festoon network connecting two provincial capital cities in Brazil. A festoon network is designed to link multiple coastal points without requiring intermediate amplification. In this case, the subsea festoon cable will link the coastal cities of Belem (in Para state) and Fortaleza (in Ceara state). Padtec and Satelital will be responsible for leading the construction of the network. It's the first project under a strategic partnership formed by Padtec and Satelital earlier this month to offer turnkey solutions for the construction and maintenance of submarine and subriver networks in Latin America. That partnership also marked Padtec's return to the subsea cable sector after selling off its subsea division in 2019. The Belem-Fortaleza subsea cable is part of a larger project by Global Fiber to deploy a fibre network across the Amazon region connecting Lima and Fortaleza. Global Fiber recently contracted Nokia to complete deployment of a subaquatic fibre network in the Amazon River that will connect Iquitos and Santa Rosa de Yaravi (Peru), Leticia (Colombia) and Tabatinga (Brazil). Global Fiber CEO Obed Dionisio said the Belem-Fortaleza festoon cable will allow the region to be interconnected with lower latency. By supporting the construction of the Belem-Fortaleza section, within the Lima-Fortaleza project, Global Fiber contributes to reducing digital gaps in difficult-to-access locations, providing all areas of the Amazon region with high-quality communication and a more connected Latin America, he said in a statement. Manuel Andrade, CEO of Padtec North America and director of international operations, said the Belem-Fortaleza section is expected to come into operation at the end of 2025. Plans for gender quotas in Senedd elections delayed by four years This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 20th, 2024 Plans to introduce gender quotas in future Senedd elections suffered a major step backwards due to unnecessary delays. Jane Hutt confirmed reforms under the electoral candidate lists bill which would require half of would-be Senedd members to be women could be delayed by four years. In a letter to Senedd members, Ms Hutt said the 2030 election may be a more prudent timetable for implementation than the initial 2026 plan. Ms Hutt, who is chief whip and Trefnydd, the Welsh Governments business manager, stressed that she remains committed to making the Senedd more representative. But concerns have been raised that Wales does not have the powers to pass the bill, which could face legal challenge, with equal opportunities legislation reserved to Westminster. Unacceptable Plaid Cymrus Sian Gwenllian was extremely disappointed by the new timetable for the bill, with stage one of the legislative process pushed back from June 18 to July 16. She questioned the Welsh Governments reasoning for delaying the first crunch vote, saying the rationale doesnt hold water and warning the latest delay is a huge step backwards. The Arfon MS, who chairs the cross-party group on women, said: The whole timetable for the bill is being pushed back. What will running the clock down mean? Well, theres a risk that itll mean that we will have a larger Senedd, elected in a fairer way, but therell be a real risk that a lack of equality and a lack of diversity will continue as an unacceptable feature of the Welsh Parliament. We will have incomplete reform if the candidates bill, which is an integral part of the jigsaw, is not implemented. Weak Ms Gwenllian said a Labour UK Government could make an order in council, giving powers to the Senedd to pass the bill and putting the proposals beyond any doubt. During the business statement on June 18, she accused Welsh ministers of rowing back on a programme for government commitment to introduce gender quotas. She said: Its not two Labour Governments working hand in hand for Wales but rather a weak Welsh Labour Government in Wales just taking their instructions meekly from London. Ms Hutt said the bill got off to a disappointing start, with Elin Jones the speaker or Llywydd ruling that the proposed legislation would not be in the Senedds legal powers. She told the chamber: This is one of the crucial things about how we take forward a bill where there are issues about that grey area. Endangering Ms Hutt, who has been a minister for 25 years, said a voluntary scheme could be introduced if mandatory gender quotas cannot be implemented in time for the next election. She raised the reform bill committees warning that candidate quotas could lead to legal challenge, potentially endangering the outcome of the May 2026 election. The Conservatives Gareth Davies urged the minister to get back to the real world, echoing his partys calls for the candidates bill to be dropped entirely. Ms Hutt hit back at the Vale of Clwyd MS: Im utterly disgusted by what Gareth Davies said, by saying back to the real world. Why do we need a gender quotas bill? Because we need better representation of women, and I have to say, lets look over there, where we certainly need this gender quotas bill. Desperate Darren Millar, the Conservatives shadow constitution secretary, took issue with the timing of the delay until after the UK general election on July 4. This bill shouldnt just be postponed, it should be ditched altogether, he said. Candidates should be elected on merit, not because of their gender or any other protected characteristic. The shelving of the bill during an election campaign suggests this is a desperate attempt to avoid talking on the campaign trail about the fact the Labour Party cant define a woman. In a letter to MSs when the bill was introduced in March, Elin Jones explained her position that the bill relates to a reserved matter and is not within the Senedds powers. She said her view is based on legal tests and advice rather than the merits of the policy, stressing that the question can only be definitely answered by the Supreme Court. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Chiles Movistar Empresas, the business-focused division of operator Movistar, has announced the deployment of an LTE-M network in the country, which, it says, will allow organisations of various sizes to connect their Internet of Things (IoT) devices with greater energy efficiency. LTE-M is a type of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) radio communication technology standard developed by standards group 3GPP for machine-to-machine (M2M) and IoT applications. As its name suggests, it is deployed over a 4G network. Movistar Empresas says that, compared to other technologies in the LPWAN family such as NB-IoT, LTE-M allows similar functionalities of extended coverage and optimisation of battery life but is superior in terms of maximum data transfer speed, minimum terminal reaction times and allowing data transfer to be maintained on moving devices. Rodrigo Rivera, Marketing Manager of B2B Digital Services, explains: The deployment of the Movistar LTE-M network is the next step in the evolution of cellular communications between machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, on the path towards massive IoT. He continues: The LTE-M network covers the needs of companies in different sectors, as it allows the transfer of small data packets with low latency, coverage in hard-to-reach areas, savings in device costs and longer battery life, contributing to the operational efficiency and sustainability of our clients." Potential use cases in Chile are likely to include fleet management, smart lighting, precision agriculture, connected meters, and various smart city applications, among others. This LTE-M network is available to traditional M2M connectivity customers, allowing different devices and systems to communicate and share data with each other, without direct human intervention. This new network will be complemented by the KITE managed connectivity platform from Telefonica Tech, which offers a wide range of integrated technological services and solutions in cyber security, cloud, IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain. With KITE, companies can control and monitor their connected devices in real time, remotely and from anywhere in the world. Movistar Empresas has more than 6 million IoT connections in Latin America, 1.5 million of them in Chile. On Wednesday, Socialist Equality Party general election candidate Tom Scripps spoke at a hustings at Westminster Kingsway College in Kings Cross, London. Scripps is standing in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency against Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer. The last place this warmonger would want to be was at a hustings of young people, so Labour sent local councillor Liam Martin-Lane to the hustings. Tom Scripps speaking at the hustings at Westminster Kingsway College in Camden Such is the widespread contempt in which Starmer is held by students for supporting Israels genocide of the Palestinians that Martin-Lane could not even mention his namealluding instead to the possibility that you potentially, will be electing the MP who will go on to be prime minister of this country. Also attending the hustings were candidates from the Liberal Democrats, the right-wing, anti-immigrant UK Independence Party (UKIP), the Greens, as well as Independent candidate Andrew Feinstein. Candidates gave an opening statement of five minutes. Scripps, placed fifth in the speakers list, told the around 100 students in attendance: Im standing for the Socialist Equality Party. Were in this election to oppose the genocide in Gaza and the support given to it by our [Conservative] government, which would be continued by a Labour government. The leader of the Labour Party and the MP for this constituency, Keir Starmer, justifies this slaughter, which has claimed the lives of 14,000 Palestinian children already, in the name of Israels right to defend itself. The Labour, Lib Dem, UKIP and Green candidates had said nothing about Gaza, and Scripps comments were met with loud applause. He continued: We are also standing to warn workers and youth that the war in Ukraine is threatening to rapidly develop into a direct war between the NATO powers and Russia. The NATO powers are using the Ukrainian people as cannon fodder in a fratricidal conflict which they hope will cripple Russia and create an opportunity for a lucrative process of regime-change. And they are prepared to go further. NATOs leaders are planning sending troops to Ukraine, have authorised missile strikes on Russian soil and are now discussing the use of nuclear weapons. Just this week, NATOs general secretary, Jens Stoltenberg, said that NATO was in live consultations about taking nuclear missiles out of storage for potential deployment against both Russia and China. Scripps warned the students, Workers and young people will be made to pay ever more dearly for this militarism, with round after round of austerity that has already brought society to its knees. To sustained applause and cheering, Scripps concluded: The SEP is fighting to mobilise a mass socialist anti-war movement and to build a socialist alternative to the Labour Party. Society cannot afford the super-rich oligarchy whose obscene wealth is starving the vast majority of the population of their most basic rights as human beings. It cannot survive the struggle for the domination of the world by a handful of imperialist powers like the United States and Britain. Young people have no future under capitalism. It must be overthrown and replaced by socialism, and for that a revolutionary party is needed: the Socialist Equality Party. Many questions posed by students focused on opposition to the anti-immigration policies of the UKIP candidate, who stated that every problem in society is all because of mass immigration, including the sewage in our rivers. He added, These are real problems. We dont have the money to put them right unless we sort that out. Scripps responded: People talk about the underlying problems. The reason that services are crumbling and wages restrained is that a billionaire class is looting society. And Labour is no answer to the anti-migrant rhetoric of the Conservatives and the parties even more to the right. Labour's opposition to the [Conservatives] Rwanda deportation scheme is that it's not a particularly cost-effective way of deporting vulnerable people. Keir Starmer, he's very proud of his idea of using a counter-terror unit to police the small boats of extremely vulnerable people whose conditions of life have been destroyed across the world by wars sponsored by this country, by climate change caused by the major corporations in this country. People have the right to live and work wherever they choose. If that's a problem, it's because of the massive inequality that is created in the world by countries like Great Britain and their governments. Scripps reply was again met with loud applause and cheers. Replying to a question posed to the Liberal Democrat candidate on the partys trebling of tuition fees for higher education when in coalition with the Tories between 2010 and 2015, and on the crisis facing the National Health Service (NHS), Scripps said: On the policies put forward in the manifestos of the various main parties, a word of caution they're written by parties whose main audience is big business and the super-rich. Were talking about redecorating a sinking ship. Nowhere is that clearer than in the NHS, which is no longer fit for purpose after being starved and carved up by privatisation, which will be massively increased by whichever government is formed after July 4. Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, has made that very clear. Starmers representative said of the socialist policies advocated by Scripps that it was very, very easy to be populist as minority parties in offering solutions, which he described as pre-election mania. In response Scripps said: The parties will talk about what is feasible and what can be done. And all of that is what is feasible and what can be done within the constraints set by the super-rich, who they are in hock to. That's what has to be challenged. The Liberal Democrat candidate Charlie Clinton framed his partys support for war against nuclear-armed Russia as an attack on Scripps. I do disagree with some of the comments that were made [by Scripps], he stated. Saying nothing about NATOs 30-year encroachment up to Russias border, he continued: Ultimately, it only takes one country to start a war. If Putin is going to invade Ukraine we need to be able to stand up to him so I stand wholeheartedly behind any party that says we do need our nuclear deterrent, we do need 2.5 percent [of GDP] on defence spending. Feinstein, a supporter of the nominally left and now expelled former leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, did not even describe himself as a socialist. He stated in his introduction, I stand as progressive independent because I wont accept any party line. He failed to point out that he was a member of the Labour Party under Corbyn, as Corbyn betrayed a mass movement of workers and young people who elected him on a mandate of opposing war and austerity. Likewise, Feinstein trumpets his seven-year period in office as an MP under the African National Congress (ANC) government of Nelson Mandela, while not explaining that the ANC has presided over staggering levels of inequalitywith South Africa today one of the most unequal societies on the planet after 30 years of ANC rule. He offered only A different kind of politics that places our community and its people at its centre. Scripps concluded: Your generation confronts some really major decisions. And I think they boil down to whether to resign yourself to the present distribution of power and wealth within this society and globally, with all of its consequences that you see and that are worsening. Climate catastrophe, inequality, social hardship, war, the rise of the far-right. Or whether you take up a struggle against that. Tom Scripps (standing) speaking alongside the other candidates at the hustings at Westminster Kingsway College in Camden And that is very hard. It's a fight. It means fighting against war. Neither Putin nor NATO. Seeing in no government and no ruling class any salvation, any solution to the problems that confront you. It means fighting to stop the genocide in Gaza That means organising strikes and blockades to shut down those who are producing the weapons or any material that can be used in the mass slaughter, displacement, starvation, torture and extradition and judicial murder of innocent people, which is what is going on. And all of those struggles require, as history has shown, a party. How do you defeat those who have all the money, who buy all the media, who have all the police forces in the world and a monopoly on violence? How do you confront that? You confront that by getting organised. And we say by getting organised in a revolutionary party. Thats why we're standing in this seat. We're standing against Keir Starmer to make the point as strongly as we can. This generation, all generations, need to make a total break with the Labour Party, which is a right-wing, war-mongering organisation. Its finished. You have to back a new party. Were not naive. I dont think Im going to be the MP for Holborn and St Pancras when this is over. But this gives us a platform to build our party, which is a far more important thing. Follow and support the Socialist Equality Partys campaign here. Socialist Equality Party (SEP) candidate Tom Scripps was one of six candidates in Holborn and St Pancras who spoke at a candidate hustings event at Westminster Kingsway College on Wednesday. Afterwards, the World Socialist Web Site spoke with students to get their views. Alfie said: I thought it was really good. The questions the students asked were good and the answers the candidates gave were very informed. They all tried their best, but I thought that Tom was the best. Abdul (left) Tom Scripps and Alfie He answered my questions very well, and he had a clear policy, like he knew what he wanted to do, compared with the others who were very confused sometimes. Nuclear bombs, I think they should be brought up more, especially in the UN, to get rid of them. Because they dont help anyone at all, and in the end its just going to hurt all of us. UKIP didnt seem to have any policies. Their main policy is to stop immigration and I dont agree with that. I agree with a lot of the SEPs policies, I dont agree with all of them, Im kind of centrist in a lot of points. Abdul said: I feel that the hustings was really informative, for example, when people ask the questions on the NHS [National Health Service], or the Lib Dems about the coalition and university fees. I thought that it was very informative to the younger generations. I think that Tom was way over informative, like the way he addressed issues like Palestine and Gaza, and for a small party he was pretty good and efficient. What he did was a good way of representing smaller parties. Leanne, a first year psychology, sociology and politics student, said of Toms presentation: I think he was really passionate, like all the students agreed with him. I cant speak for everyone obviously, but the majority, from what I could hear, agreed. Bao, who is studying math, economics and politics, agreed: He was very logical and factual. He had the arguments and the evidence to back up his points. Obviously, the wars, the genocide and everything thats happening in the world is horrible. Leanne and Bao Angel said it was good to hear from the parties in-person, adding: I know the Conservatives felt that they are so above us that they couldnt come to a simple high school/college. We are the young people, we are going to be in charge in the future. So if youre not even ready to meet with us because you think that youre so above us, speaking to only big businesses and stuff like that. I think it shows their lack of integrity as a party. She said of Toms speech to the hustings: I understood that we have a split or divide in society, like a bourgeoisie rule, and they are not accountable to the millions of underprivileged people. You just want peace not war, and theyre funding a war, putting money towards a war that they want to happen in a sense. Angel I agree we need a new party system. This one is outdated and only allows for a two party system. We need new people in government. It has not been working for years now. The people are tired and we need something new. The SEP has the right idea, but needs a bigger voice and I feel that running in the election would give them a bigger voice. Ashley, who stopped to speak with SEP campaigners after reading the partys election statement earlier that week, said: Ive never voted in my life. Im absolutely disgusted with the way that the government and this world is. You cant even watch the news or anything. I never had any intention of voting in my life until two days ago, [when] I walked past to see this [pointing to the partys information stall]. We deserve to live in a world with no war, its domestic terrorism, its a disgrace, and so Ill be voting all the way. We deserve to live in a peaceful and war-free world. When asked about her views on the Labour Party, Ashley replied: Theyre all a disgrace to the human race, as far as Im concerned. I dont watch much politics, but Ive heard, when I put on the news, which is always horrible things, any government that is for doing this kind of stuff... just murdering and slaughtering people, its a disgrace. Theres too much blood on their hands. Its disgusting, and they want a nuclear war basically, and because they cant find any more excuses they are going out to other countries. Its wrong, in a nutshell. Its a disgrace and I really hope that we go somewhere with this. I wouldnt want it any other way, because we deserve to live peacefully in life. All thats happening is that they are slaughtering innocent people, not just in this country. Theyre going out and causing war everywhere else, to get other people to do their dirty work. Its a disgrace. Our children are our future. Its so wrong, I cant even find words to explain. Ive never voted in my life, but when Ive seen, Build a socialist anti-war movement and No to genocide in Gaza, thats why Ive stopped today and will vote for Tom. Follow and support the Socialist Equality Partys campaign here. An official United Nations inquiry into violations of international law by Israel in Palestine submitted its findings yesterday, accusing Israeli leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the extermination of Palestinians in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 23, 2024 [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana] Navi Pillay, the chairperson of the inquiry and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and a former judge of the High Court of South Africa, called the scale of Israeli war crimes unprecedented. She said that the commission has submitted 7,000 pieces of evidence to Karim Khan, the lead prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), who has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Answering claims by Benjamin Netanyahu that the Israel Defense Forces is the most moral army in the world, commission member Chris Sidoti declared, citing the report, the only conclusion you can draw is that the Israeli army is one of the most criminal armies in the world. It found that Israel was responsible for crimes against humanity. According to the report, extermination; murder; gender persecution targeting Palestinian men and boys; forcible transfer; and torture and inhuman and cruel treatment were committed. The report noted that the massive civilian death toll is due to the fact that, in the words of the commission, the Israeli government has given [the Israeli military] blanket authorization to target civilian locations widely and indiscriminately in the Gaza Strip. The commission noted statements by Israeli authorities intending to hold the population of the Gaza Strip hostage to achieve political and military objectives, actions that aim to carry out the collective punishment of the entire population for the actions of a few, a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Notably, the commission placed a significant portion of the blame for the death toll of the October 7 attack on the Israeli government and military, both due to the still-unexplained withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza border ahead of the attack, and the deliberate targeting of Israeli hostages and civilians by Israeli forces. The report stated: The Commission also verified information indicating that, in at least two other cases, [Israeli security forces (ISF)] had likely applied the Hannibal Directive, resulting in the killing of up to 14 Israeli civilians. One woman was killed by ISF helicopter fire while being abducted from Nir Oz to Gaza by militants. In another case, the Commission found that Israeli tank fire killed some or all of the 13 civilian hostages held in a house in Beeri. The commission concluded: Israeli authorities failed to protect civilians in southern Israel on almost every front. This included failing to swiftly deploy sufficient security forces to protect civilians and evacuate them from civilian locations on October 7. In several locations, ISF applied the so-called Hannibal Directive and killed at least 14 Israeli civilians. In her remarks, Pillay made clear that the root cause of both Hamass attack on Israel of October 7 and the subsequent war crimes committed by the IDF was the unlawful occupation of Gaza by Israel. She added, With this occupation, based on all the information we gathered, its pretty stark to us that there is a very clear intention of forcible displacement of people just to force them out. She pointed to an attitude of not caring for the lives, destruction, and displacement. Thats what I would say that this particular conflict, yes, has brought out sharply the issue of occupation itself as the root cause. While the report alleged that Hamas carried out criminal attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7, Pillay made the following revealing remark: Nelson Mandela was classified as a terrorist, including by the United States until he was freed and they had to quickly lift that terrorist tag. So he could join the ticker-tape parade in New Yorks streets, and everybody embraced him overnight as a freedom fighter. So one persons freedom fighter could be another terrorist. Asked about the role of third parties such as the United States in facilitating war crimes in Gaza, Pillay replied, had it not been for the help of powerful countries, Israel would not have been able to carry out this perpetual occupation as aggressively as it has. The conclusion that inescapably follows is that it is not only Netanyahu and Gallant who stand accused of war crimes and genocide, but also US President Joe Biden and leading members of his administration, who have systematically funded, armed, and politically defended Israels bloody massacre. Amidst an almost complete blackout by the mainstream media, the campaign to free Bogdan Syrotiuk, a 25-year-old socialist opponent of the war in Ukraine who has been imprisoned by the fascistic Ukrainian secret service SBU on trumped-up charges, is spreading throughout the world. On June 13, American journalist Matt Taibbi reported on the arrest of Bogdan Syrotiuk and the ban on the World Socialist Web Site by the Ukrainian government on his blog Racket News. Taibbi noted: Socialist or communist figures in both Ukraine and Russia have attracted particular official attention since Russias invasion in February 2022, perhaps because of the history of successful agitation in the region. Syrotiuks Young Guard, a Trotskyist group operating throughout the former Soviet Union, advocates for an end to the war and cooperation between the Russian and Ukrainian working classes, while opposing the governments of both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. A month before war broke out, in January of 2022, they made contact with the World Socialist Web Site, another Trotskyite organization that opposes all governments and the defense of the national state, not just in Ukraine but everywhere. Taibbi quoted David North, the chairperson of the editorial board of the WSWS and national chairperson of the Socialist Equality Party (US), as saying,The irony of this is, is that we could see our members who are active in Russia arrested by the Putin government. North stressed to Taibbi that, while the provocative and aggressive policies of the US and NATO were responsible for the outbreak of the conflict, [n]evertheless, we opposed Putins invasion of Ukraine and are very opposed to this view of Putin as some sort of great leader of a new multipolar movement. Taibbi highlighted the silence of the Western media on the persecution of left-wing opponents of the war in Ukraine: Writer Bogdan Syrotiuk has been detained and a prominent socialist site blocked, while a new list of Ukrainian media enemies is released. The Western press response? Silence. ... Syrotiuk is the kind of figure whos rarely defended by American authorities, making his prospects for release poor, absent attention from international organizations. Will left-leaning outlets apart from the WSWS demand answers about our governments role in this episode? As if to confirm Taibbis diagnosis of the deliberate silence by the Western press, the New York Times on June 18 published a piece that was co-authored by three of its war-propagandists-in-chief, Andrew Kramer, Constant Meheut, and Maria Varenikova, under the headline In Ukraine, Concerns Mount Over Narrowing Press Freedoms. There can be no question that this article, as all of the New York Timess coverage on the war, was closely coordinated with the military and intelligence agencies. The Times reported on a small subsection of the blatant attack on democratic rights in Ukraine, focusing largely on recent incidents that centered on open censorship of pro-war opponents of Volodymyr Zelensky and outlets that publish exposures on corruption. The article was no doubt motivated in part by concerns within sections of the ruling class that the ever more blatant attacks on democratic rights in Ukraine are undermining NATOs war propaganda, according to which Ukraine is waging a war in defense of democracy against Russia. At the same time, it was aimed at deliberately covering up the scale of the attacks on democratic rights and the fact that their main targets are left-wing opponents of the war. The report was published days after the publication of an Open Letter by David North to the Ukrainian government, and the organization of pickets at Ukrainian embassies in half a dozen countries demanding the freedom of Syrotiuk. Yet the Times deliberately failed to reference the persecution of the young socialist and the Ukrainian governments recent ban on the WSWS. Nor did it make mention of any other of the systematic state attacks on left-wing opponents of the war, and the brutal rounding up of men from the streets to force them into a military meat grinder that has already cost the lives of half a million or more Ukrainians. ICFI members and supporters hold pickets to free imprisoned Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk at Ukrainian embassies in (clockwise from top left) Berlin, London, Washington D.C. and Istanbul on June 13, 2024. Despite the blackout in the mainstream media, the campaign to free Bogdan Syrotiuk is spreading across the world. Following a report by the WSWS on its ban by the Ukrainian government and international pickets at Ukrainian embassies last week, hundreds have signed the petition to free Bogdan. Information about the case is being shared on social media by prominent figures such as the Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei. The WSWS also continues to receive submissions in support of Bogdans freedom from throughout the world. We are publishing a selection of the most recent comments below and urge all our readers to sign the petition and submit comments, and redouble your efforts to make the persecution of Bogdan Syrotiuk as widely known as possible by getting involved directly in the campaign to fight for his freedom today. Rodney, Australia Bogdans struggle embodies all of the principles of uniting the international working class. James, UK I wholeheartedly support the campaign to free this innocent young Trotskyist, a victim of the US/NATO Fascist Alliance supporting the Fascist regime in Ukraine. Chrisantha, Sri Lanka Immediately release the socialist leader Bogdan Syrotiuk the war opponent of Ukraine. Nathan, US I stand in solidarity with Bogdan Syrotiuk. He is a true internationalist who opposes both the fascistic policies of the Zelensky government and the reactionary agenda of the Putin regime. Bogdans unwavering commitment to uniting the working class against war and exploitation is an inspiration. Let us unite in demanding his freedom and defending democratic rights globally. Liam, Australia We cant let lies go unchallenged. Bogdan did nothing wrong and is only being held prisoner since he was actively against the slaughter of innocent people by imperialist governments and their proxy states. Gene, US My family and I demand the immediate release of Bogdan Syrotiuk the honest and principled fighter for the working class of the world. It is not a crime to fight for peace and social justice! Efrain, Cusco, Peru Liberty for Trotskyist leader Bogdan! Nazer, UK Immediately and unconditionally release Bogdan Syrotiuk and stop the brutal war of Putin, Biden, and Zelensky, the godfather of Western capitalist neoliberalism, which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians. The imperialist war in Ukraine, which our comrade Bogdan is fighting to stop, is the only correct position that ends the suffering of innocents and the destruction being inflicted on Ukraine. The war of the Ukrainian imperialists and war merchants led by Zelenskys agent executioner has nothing to do with the interests, rights, and future of freedom and equality in Ukraine. Rather, it serves the interests of the capitalist scum in Ukraine and the goals of imperialist hegemony in maintaining the slavery of the proletariat and all marginalized people in Ukraine and the world. Death to fascism, death to imperialism and its destructive wars, let the war in Ukraine and Gaza stop immediately, freedom for Comrade Bogdan. Frank, Germany Long live the international unity of workers and their political independence from all parties that cling to the coat tail of capital! Geraldine, UK People acting in good conscience are being targeted unfairly by the powerful who dont want truths told or lies challenged or injustice stopped. Free this man NOW. All good people who are principled want the government to release this man and stop persecuting him. Sandeep, India I strongly condemn the imprisonment of Bogdan Syrotiuk. The authorities should release him immediately. The working class of Russia and Ukraine must unite to stop the imperialist war. I stand with Bogdan in that struggle. The news about the upcoming execution of 16 projects, with foreign investment, to modernize the sugar industry and build a power plant with a refinery, a 100 MW electricity generation block, and an alcohol distillery, confirms the government's decision to continue ignoring the causes of the deterioration suffered by this branch of the economy. Cuba, which once exported six million metric tons of sugar, now has to import it. This fact illustrates the magnitude of the damage done to sugar production. Any recovery would require two conditions, thus far absent: an accurate diagnosis and a corresponding treatment. The absence of these requirements can only be explained by the following: ignorance, deliberate lying, scamming Cubans and investors, or a combination of these. If in 1948 six million tons were produced, and in 1952 the figure was over seven million, the reckless attempt to produce ten million tons in 1970, in addition to paralyzing the country with such a useless effort, triggered a decline until 2001, when production was less than 3.5 million tons; less than half the amount from 1952, and a volume similar to that produced in 1894, when the War of Independence had not yet broken out. In the face of the debacle, as if the country were a military camp, in that year, 2001, an Army general was appointed to head the Sugar Ministry, charged with producing six million tons. To this end the Alvaro Reynoso Task was implemented with a view to producing 54 tons of cane per hectare (when the world average was around 70 tons) and the industry was restructured to extract 11 tons of sugar for every 100 tons of cane. The following year, 100 of the 156 existing mills were closed and sugarcane fields were used for other crops, with part of them becoming overgrown with marabou. The results were immediate. In 2005, production was 1.3 million tons. The response to the new failure consisted of creating the municipal agricultural delegations, a new bureaucratic apparatus to more closely control the productive base. Five years later, in 2010, only 1.1 million tons could be produced. Without taking into account the causes of the decline, in 2011 the Sugar Ministry was replaced by the AZCUBA business group, and one of the Guidelines of the Economic and Social Policy of the Party and the Revolution, stated: "to gradually increase the production of sugar and sugarcane derivatives until obtaining the revenue making it possible to finance total operating expenses, plus the value of the investments that are made, ultimately making a net contribution to the country." However, the harvest of that year was below 1.3 million tons, and so on, until in 2021 production fell to a new low of 816,000 tons. As the minimum production to meet national demand and international commitments is one million tons, the need to buy sugar abroad was put on the agenda. Once the engine of its economy, and Cuba the world's leading producer and exporter, the country went on to swell the list of sugar-importing countries, but still it did not change course. In 2021 the 8th Congress of the Communist Party (PCC), instead of setting down a new path, ratified state enterprises and the socialist planning system (the causes of the setbacks) as the main formulas for the management of the national economy. The result was immediate: in 2023 production dropped to 487,000 tons. In this harvest, that of 2024, the results will be worse. In January, a month after the start, only 11 of the 25 plants were operating. According to the director of IT and Communications at AZCUBA, the delay was due to "technical deficiencies detected late." An example of inefficiency is that the Antonio Guiteras and Majibacoa power plants, through the end of March, had only produced 25% of the 61,000 tons planned, and both had squandered more than 80% of their time. This indicates that the country will not exceed 300,000 tons, which is insufficient to meet national demand. The projects and changes introduced since 2001 have had no other result than to accelerate the decline of the sugar industry, on the verge of destruction. Any diagnosis, unrelated to political or ideological reasons, must be based on the main causes of the decline: the structure of property, the absence of freedoms, the ignorance of the laws that govern economic phenomena, the lack of correspondence between salaries and the cost of living, the loss of a sugar culture, the decapitalization of specialized labor, the deterioration of sugar mills, and the conversion of more than a hundred former sugar mill towns into ghost towns. All these factors are affected by voluntarism and determinations not to make changes that could threaten political power. No project that aims to boost Cuban sugar production can be limited to foreign investment, which, although essential, is unable, as previous projects have been, to save a terminally ill patient on its own. I am anti-alarmist, but I would say that I have never been more worried in my career than I am about H5N1. Even when COVID-19 had started to spread extensively outside China in 2019, I was not as worried as I am now about H5N1.Dr. Matthew Miller, viral immunologist and director of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University Global spread of H5N1 since 1997. Countries in black have had humans, poultry and wild birds killed by H5N1. Countries in dark red have had poultry or wild birds killed by H5N1 and reported human cases of H5N1. Countries in orange have had poultry or wild birds killed by H5N1. [Photo: Cflm001] Throughout the world, in numerous interviews and articles written in reputable journals, scientists and experts are sounding alarm bells about the growing danger that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 bird flu) could spill over into the human population and potentially become the next pandemic. Should this transpire, the resulting public health disaster would dwarf that of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed nearly 30 million people and debilitated hundreds of millions with Long COVID globally. With a case fatality rate of above 50 percent among humansroughly 50 times higher than that of COVID-19it is not hyperbole to state that an H5N1 bird flu pandemic would be apocalyptic. Averting this is of the utmost urgency, and the demand for a global public health program against bird flu must be taken up immediately by the international working class. H5N1 bird flu was initially discovered in farmed birds in southern China in 1996, with the first recorded case among humans detected the following year. Since then, the virus has been considered one of the most dangerous pathogens with pandemic potential due to its rapid rate of mutations and high lethality. Since 2020, coinciding with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, H5N1 has quickly spread among dozens of species, including wild birds and poultry, cats, sea lions, polar bears, and, most recently, dairy cattle and house mice in the US, with hundreds of millions of animals estimated to have died or been culled globally. The spread of the virus to dairy cattle is most concerning to scientists because of their close proximity to farmworkers and the greater inherent dangers of mammal-to-human transmission. So far, there have been three confirmed infections among US farmworkers, with the third raising alarm due to the appearance of respiratory symptoms. Scientists have warned that the essential evolutionary pathway for bird flu to develop into a global pandemic would be the capability of human-to-human airborne transmission, as was the case with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In the worst-case scenario, the virus would develop this capacity, leading to a scene reminiscent of the initial spillover of SARS-CoV-2 at a wet market in Wuhan, China. With an average incubation period of 2-5 days (and up to 17 days), growing numbers of people would unknowingly spread the virus in their community, then globally via air travel, with chains of transmission extending through numerous countries simultaneously. Only this time the spillover is more likely to take place at a dairy farm in Michigan or Texas than at a wet market in Wuhan. The deepening threat of a bird flu pandemic is now concentrated in the United States, where the response of the dairy industry, in collusion with the Biden administration and all responsible federal agencies, has been nothing short of criminal. Sitting on an epidemiological time bomb, they are proceeding with reckless disregard for the health and lives of the US and world population. Over the past six months, H5N1 has spread rapidly among dairy cattle across the US and is now confirmed to be affecting 94 herds. The first case has been traced to December 2023, with the virus spreading undetected among cattle until late March. Ever since then, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other federal agencies under the Biden administration have bent over backwards to accommodate the dairy industry and ensure its steady flow of profits at the expense of public health. Far from drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, an attitude of indifference and cover-up now pervades in official circles. Aside from a single statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in early May, in which she repeatedly claimed the risk is low, the White House has said nothing about the growing dangers of bird flu. Reprising its role during the COVID-19 pandemic, the corporate media continuously refers to the low risk facing the population, when, in fact, the danger of a bird flu pandemic has never been higher. Most significantly, the Biden administration has not imposed any requirements on the dairy industry to allow the CDC and other agencies to systematically test, report or track infections among cattle and farmworkers. To date, only 239 viral genomic samples have been publicly released by the USDA, despite numerous appeals by scientists for the agency to release data on every infection. The sequences that have been released are from early April at the latest, and therefore do not clarify the evolutionary path of the virus. Repeating one of the greatest crimes of the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration and the CDC have conducted the bare minimum of testing, the cornerstone of any public health strategy to prevent pandemics. Only 45 dairy farmworkers or others in contact with infected cattle have received an influenza test, meaning that a growing number of cases are likely going undetected as farmworkers are left defenseless and at the mercy of their corporate bosses. In May, the CDC discouraged wastewater surveillance testing for H5N1 when this was offered by leading molecular virologist and wastewater tracker Dr. Marc Johnson. The latest USDA epidemiologic brief revealed that 28 percent of all US farms transport their livestock using trucks shared with other farms that are not cleaned prior to use. Perhaps the most basic public health measure of cleaning such facilities was not enforced over the past three months, and there is no indication that the Biden administration intends to change this status quo. Despite the existence of a bird flu vaccine that is being used on poultry in multiple countries and could be tested among US dairy cattle, this has not been imposed due to the profit imperatives of the dairy industry, as some countries bar imports of products from vaccinated animals. Neither the Biden administration nor any of the agencies responsible have issued a ban on unpasteurized milk and other dairy products, despite the fact that consumers infected by these products would increase the likelihood of the virus developing the capacity for human-to-human transmission. They have also not mandated the use of ultra-pasteurization, despite a recent study finding that H5N1 can survive normal pasteurization. Summing up this process, Dr. Rick Bright, an immunologist and COVID-19 whistleblower during the Trump administration, stated: Were not stopping it. Were not doing anything to keep that infected milk and infectious milk on the farm. Were not testing these cows before theyre put back onto the milking line or sent to slaughter Were just sort of letting it go and spreading it in a very naive way. Most recently, the USDA revealed that 66 house mice in New Mexico have tested positive for H5N1, which they claim were near a poultry farm but have not substantiated with genomic data. This only raises the dangers of bird flu spreading among humans, as rodents are key vectors for disease, most notoriously rats during the Black Death, which killed off half the population of Europe in the 14th century. The response of the American ruling class to the threat of another, even more dangerous pandemic amounts to a collective shrug. For these modern-day Malthusians, COVID was a godsend for culling the elderly and infirm, the surplus population whom they see as an unnecessary drain on their profits. The past four years have seen nothing but bumper profits for the financial elite, as they funneled trillions into their own coffers. The whole experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demands urgent action by the international working class to stop the present and growing danger of a new pandemic. Immediate measures must be taken to actually address this unfolding public health crisis, both in the US and internationally. At a minimum, these include: Mass testing of all cattle and farmworkers in the US, combined with rigorous contact tracing and the safe isolation of all infected humans and animals Rank-and-file public health workers must be in control of the CDC, USDA and other federal agencies, to ensure full transparency of all data on H5N1 For a vast expansion of public health funding and resources to contain the spread of H5N1 and other infectious diseases by socializing all aspects of health care. Workers control over the dairy and meat industries to ensure that safety, not corporate profits, is the guiding principle in responding to threats to public health. The fight for these demands can only be developed in opposition to the government, corporations and media, who are determined to prevent any disruption to the stock market and the flow of profits. The anti-scientific response to the growing threat of a bird flu pandemic parallels the relentless attacks on scientists, including researchers centrally involved in the fields of pandemic preparedness and evolutionary biology such as Drs. Peter Daszak, Kristian Andersen and Peter Hotez. The scientific community and public health are being crippled at the most critical juncture, as climate change and other factors fuel the threat of future pandemics. The collapse of public health and the normalization of mass death from infectious diseases make clear that capitalism has reached a dead-end. It must be replaced through the socialist reorganization of global society. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka held a successful online meeting last Friday to discuss the way forward for striking non-academic university workers. Around sixty people participated in the event, including fifteen university non-academic workers and several students. Nearly 13,000 non-academic employees from 17 state universities in Sri Lanka have been on an indefinite strike since May 2. They are demanding a 25 percent increase in the monthly compensation allowance and a 15 percent pay rise to eliminate salary anomalies. Fridays meeting was chaired by Dehin Wasantha, a Moratuwa University employee and leading member of the SEP. He is well-known among university workers and students for his consistent fight for an international socialist perspective. Wasantha told the meeting that the ongoing 44-day strike had reached a critical point. University workers came into struggle because they want a pay hike to compensate for the unbearable rising cost of living. The trade union leaders have admitted they were compelled to call the strike because of the pressure of members but they have limited the pay demand to one originally presented eight years ago. Despite this, President Wickremesinghe has insisted that the government cannot grant any pay increase this year because of the lack of money. It is clear that non-academic employees or other state sector workers cannot win their demands by pressuring the government. The working class needs a unified struggle to win their social demands, including pay rises. Dehin Wasantha presenting resolution in support of victimised Ceylon Electricity Board workers at Colombo public meeting, 1 February, 2024. Wasantha referred to the anti-democratic methods of the trade union bureaucrats, explaining that they did not allow members to raise the sort of demands needed to suitably compensate for the erosion of their wages. Nor did the union officials allow any democratic discussion on how to develop the struggle to win these necessary claims. Theythe trade union leadersdecide, and members have to comply! While there was a mass protest held in Colombo on May 7, involving about 4,000 workers including from the North and East, the unions have now limited these actions, he said. Wasantha urged his striking non-academic colleagues to immediately form action committees and reach out to other sections of the working class in a unified struggle against the governments austerity measures. SEP Political Committee member W.A. Sunil, who delivered the main report to the meeting, said that workers throughout Sri Lanka had to pay close attention to the non-academic workers strike. The government, he said, has completely rejected the salary increase demands of every sector of the working class. Instead, it is escalating the attacks on the rights of all workers in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) demands. This includes the privatisation of state-owned enterprises, increases to the price of essentials through the devaluation of the rupee, tax hikes and the imposition of sharp spending cuts on social services. Wickremesinghe says there is no money for salary increases and insists that workers bear the brunt of the countrys economic disaster. But why should workers shoulder the burden of the capitalist crisis? Sunil asked. W A Sunil addressing the meeting against Israeli war on Gaza in Colombo on 21 November 2023 The speaker told the meeting that the trade union leaders of the non-academic workers had publicly declared that they understand and accept that the government faces a financial crisis. But why should workers accept the limitations made by the government or trade union leaders on their demands? Sunil asked. The trade union bureaucracy is consciously attempting to isolate the non-academic workers strike from other workers while their union leadership counterparts are doing the same. The speaker referred to a June 13 IMF statement that praised the governments austerity measures but said the economy was still vulnerable. It warned that the path to debt sustainability was on a knife-edge. Sunil explained: What this means is that the attacks on the social rights of the working class and poor must be intensified and that the government must not make any concessions to the working class. There are no solutions to workers demands in the crisis-ridden capitalist system. The financial meltdown in Sri Lanka is part of a world economic crisis and it is this crisis that is driving workers into struggle in other countries, including the major capitalist countries, to defend their wages, jobs and living conditions. Workers must also reject the propaganda promoted by the trade unions and the opposition capitalist parties that their problems will be resolved after the scheduled elections. Any capitalist government that comes to power in these elections will not solve the problems of the masses but will implement IMF austerity and brutally suppress workers struggles. All the capitalist parties in Sri Lanka are committed to the IMF measures. What is needed is not a capitalist regime but a workers and farmers government. Sunil urged striking non-academic workers to take their struggle into their own hands by forming workers action committees in every workplace. No capitalist parties or trade union bureaucracies should be allowed to join these action committees, which must be elected by workers, he said. These committees must decide on their own demands and how to fight for them. They must fight to win support from other workers and turn to workers around the world for unity. Striking non-academic workers protest in Colombo on June 18, 2024 Sunil stated that the non-academic employees trade union bureaucracy was mortally hostile to this program. He reminded meeting participants about the violent physical attack last November 30 on Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando, another SEP member, by Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena. They are respectively the Moratuwa University branch president and secretary with the ruling party-affiliated Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya. The main reason Wasantha was attacked by these officials was because he fought for this socialist program. Sunil explained the necessity for workers to prepare a political general strike against the government and to fight for socialist policies, including placing the big corporations, banks and plantations under public ownership and democratic workers control and repudiating foreign debts. During the discussion session, one participant suggested that the strike was disrupting students education and delaying their exams. SEP Political Committee member K. Ratnayake answered the question, explaining that similar issues were always raised when other sections of the working class came into struggle. When university teachers previously went on strike, they were criticised in this way. Students have also been condemned when they boycotted classes, he said. Ratnayake cited a Daily Mirror editorial which blamed strikers for delaying exams and disrupting the education of the students, claiming that the strike was taking one year from the lives of the students. He warned participants not to fall prey to such propaganda and pointed out that the real disrupters of the lives of the masses were the capitalist class, the government and the IMF. We should think carefully about this issue and not on the basis of how it immediately affects us, he added. The trade unions have called this strike and it continues [but] the bureaucracy has isolated the strike, even though non-academic employees face the same austerity measures unleashed on every section of society by the government on the orders of the IMF. The government says theres no money for a pay rise and to address other social issues, but it spends money squeezed from workers to pay foreign debts to the imperialists. There is no solution within the capitalist system. The working class must have a program to address the problems with the help of the international working class based on a socialist program, Ratnayake said. A student asked whether the ongoing strike would see the collapse of the state university system, meaning that private universities would attract students. Answering the question, Sunil explained that the collapse of state universities would not be caused by the non-academic workers strike, but by drastic cuts to the sector and public education as a whole by successive capitalist governments. The privatisation of education was bound up with the IMF program, he continued. Public education could only be defended in a struggle to defeat government policies. Wasantha, another participant, asked whether the forthcoming election would see the appointment of a suitable government to resolve the issues being discussed at the meeting. Replying, Sunil said: It is a serious mistake to believe that the problems of the people will be resolved by the next capitalist government that comes to power. Whichever government comes into office will continue the IMF program. The crisis in Sri Lanka is part of a crisis of world capitalism, which is deepening as the imperialist powers escalate the war in Ukraine against Russia and in the Middle East with the Gaza genocide. The economic crisis and the problems of people can only be solved by a workers and farmers government which introduces socialist economic policies as part of the fight for international socialism. On June 17, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine Naval vessel deliberately collided in the disputed waters of the South China Sea during a resupply mission being conducted by Philippine forces. Confirmed details are still limited, but several Philippine sailors are reported to have been injured. The Chinese Coast Guard boarded the Philippine vessel and confiscated guns from the Philippine troops. Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP BAGACAY (MRRV-4410) is water cannoned by Chinese Coast Guards as it tried to approach the waters near Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Bajo De Masinloc, at the South China Sea, on April 30, 2024. [AP Photo/Philippine Coast Guard] Tensions in the South China Sea, as in much of the world, are at a fever pitch, fuelled above all by the war drive of US imperialism. Washington has latched onto the collision to issue bellicose denunciations of China and other imperialist powers have followed suit. On June 15, a revision to the Chinese Coast Guard law went into effect that authorised it to seize foreign ships and detain, for up to thirty days, crews suspected of trespassing in Chinese-claimed waters for investigation, and for an additional thirty days in the event of a complex investigation. The upshot of the revised code is that Chinas Coast Guard vessels can now perform discretionary law enforcement activities in Chinese-claimed waters. The revised law contains immense potential for the escalation of conflict in both the South and East China Seas. Washington saw in the new code not the threat of escalating conflict, but the opportunity. On June 16, the letter of the law not yet dry, the US sent a guided missile destroyer for a transit of the South China Sea alongside a Philippine vessel as well as a Canadian and a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship. This was an unprecedented joint sail-through of the region and the first time that Canada has participated in such exercises. Manila announced in response to the revised Chinese law that it would stage increased patrols of the disputed waters. It deployed a resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal, where it knew that Chinese Coast Guard vessels lay in wait. In 1999, the Philippines Navy ran the BRP Sierra Madre, a US-built craft transferred to the Philippine Armed Forces, aground on the Second Thomas Shoal and stationed soldiers on the derelict hull. This slapdash basing operation, closer in character to Robinson Crusoe than to any recognisable military asset, has become the centre of tensions in the disputed South China Sea. The recurring resupply missions staged by Manila to the handful of troops on the Second Thomas Shoal used to be symbolic declarations of sovereignty, but now they are provocations, each one a deliberate, even staged, confrontation with Chinese ships. Mondays collision was the worst thus far. The Chinese Coast Guard on Monday reported that a Philippine supply ship had ignored Chinas repeated solemn warning and deliberately and dangerously approached a Chinese vessel in an unprofessional manner, resulting in the collision. The Philippines is entirely responsible for this, they claimed. The Philippine military remained silent on the incident for twelve hours. No statements were released to the press. The Pentagon stepped in and issued a statement on June 17. While the Philippine government remained silent, the US military announced that a Philippine sailor had been injured and Philippine vessels damaged. This information was released by Secretary of Defense spokesperson, Army Major Pete Nguyen to the US Naval Institute (USNI) News. USNI initially wrote: While the Pentagon referred USNI News to the Philippine government for additional details, Manila has not released imagery nor a timeline of events. However, Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, posted on Twitter/X on Thursday a carefully curated video that purportedly showed how blatantly they (China) use physical attacks and violence to prevent our soldiers from completing the legitimate and humanitarian resupply mission to our troops on board BRP Sierra Madre. The West Philippine Sea is the name used for portions of the South China Sea to claim sovereignty over large areas of the region and sow nationalist divisions. The stories being told by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the press are now growing with each new telling. The Philippine soldiers, the AFP claims, fought off the Chinese with their bare hands. They reported that a soldier in the Philippine Navy sustained severe injury in the collision. By Wednesday the number of soldiers reported injured had grown from one to eight, with one allegedly having lost his thumb. Washington is already seizing on the event to spew the language of war. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen Pat Ryder declared Chinas actions to be provocative, reckless, and said that it could lead to something bigger and more violent. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, in a conversation with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, declared that the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraftincluding those of its Coast Guardanywhere in the South China Sea. The MDT states in Article IV, cited by Campbell, that an armed attack on either party in the Pacific area would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and would be met in accordance with its constitutional processes. Over the past 15 years, in its attempts to goad Manila into an ever more provocative role, Washington has attempted to present the language of Article IV as an iron-clad mutual commitment to go to war with China. Campbells declaration attempts to extend the Pacific area to include anywhere in the South China Seathese are distinct bodies of waterand in the process includes a good deal of territory to which neither Manila nor Washington has any claim. He further expanded Washingtons supposed commitment to include Philippine Coast Guard vessels. With these historically baseless claims, Washington is goading Manila into provoking war with China. The State Department issued a separate statement that the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] vessels dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangered the lives of Philippine service members, is reckless, and threatens regional peace and stability. More than any other actor, it is Washington that threatens regionaland worldpeace. It has based medium range missiles in the northern Philippines, targeting China. China has no comparable missiles in any country, let alone in one of such proximity, like Cuba to the US. Washington has opened military bases in the Philippines under the terms of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and from them stages operations that flagrantly prepare for war with China in the South China Sea. Following Washingtons lead, the Embassies of New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Canada all issued statements condemning Chinas actions. Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr told the press, Chinas dangerous and reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea shall be resisted by the AFP. Images of the confrontation taken by the Chinese Coast Guard and published on the Chinese news site, Global Times, are revealing. The majority of the vessels involved were very small craft, including dinghies. The Pentagon, which just ran a guided missile destroyer through the region, is resorting to the language of war over a confrontation between vessels that are in their majority no larger than a school bus. Vietnam, which also claims a significant portion of the South China Sea, has over the past year been accelerating its process of island reclamation by dredging, in a manner akin to that of China, and resupply missions, similar to those conducted by the Philippines. But tensions between China and Vietnam remain at a far lower level. The tensions between China and the Philippines are fuelled above all by the United States. The pressure of Washington has brought Philippine politics to the brink of open warfare. Legislators tied to Washingtons war drive are conducting a racist witch-hunt of alleged Chinese spies in the country. Vice President Sara Duterte, tied to the China-oriented sections of the bourgeoisie associated with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, resigned on Wednesday from the Marcos cabinet as both Secretary of Education and as vice-chair of the governments anti-communist taskforce. This is widely seen as the opening shot in a struggle for power between US- and China- oriented sections of the political establishment. Fill out the form at the end of this report to share your experience about any workplace or safety issues at your facility. All comments will be kept anonymous. David ODonnell, left, and Jeffrey Spyrka, right. The families of two Chicago construction workers have filed lawsuits against two building firms following the death of one 27-year-old construction worker and critical injuries suffered by another 36-year-old worker. Both workers fell nine stories from their scaffolding at a construction site at the University of Chicago Medical Center campus nearly two weeks ago amid high winds. The worker who died has been identified as David ODonnell, a technical engineer. An obituary for him reads, David was born and raised in Oak Forest, along with his four brothers. He was known for his bright smile and infectious laughter, as well as being the person you could count on having your back in tough circumstances. David excelled at everything he put his mind and incredible work ethic to. After graduating, he followed up on a lifelong promise to his father, and joined him as a technical engineer. They would go on together, along with his Uncle Eamon, to help build some of the tallest skyscrapers you will see in Chicago. It was during this time that David earned the love and respect of the union brothers of the Local 1 Ironworkers, by virtue of his endearing personality and industrious nature. Davids brother, Patrick, told the press the family was grief-stricken. Were missing one of our own, he told the press. We just cant believe hes gone. The critically injured worker, Jeffrey Spyrka, is recovering but suffering life-altering, catastrophic injuries, according to his lawyers from the GWC Injury Partner law firm. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Spyrka and his family, which includes his wife and three young children. According to Larry Langford, director of media affairs for the Chicago Fire Department, The accident occurred when the wind caused scaffolding to blow away from the building. They [the workers] appeared not to be tethered. Langford said winds were over 55 miles per hour at Midway Airport around the noontime accident. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph throughout the day across the Chicago region. The construction workers were doing work on the outside of an elevator shaft on the eighth floor of the University of Chicago construction site. They both fell over 100 feet into the ground pit that was supposed to be the basement of the building. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched investigations into multiple companies. These companies include the general contractor, Turner Construction; the employer of ODonnell, High-Tech State-Out Inc.; the employer of Spyrka, New Horizon Steel of Chicago; and the company responsible for the scaffolding, Adjustable Concrete Construction. An absolutely callous act of negligence Spyrkas family and attorneys are seeking over $200,000 in damages and additional costs, while the ODonnell familys lawsuit filing is currently pending court approval for an estate administrator. Attorneys representing both families said the workers were accessing the scaffold when high winds caused a corner to separate. One section of the scaffold then swung violently from the wall and plunged the workers to the ground, according to the lawyers. University of Chicago Medical Center campus construction site where a worker died. Photo shows where the scaffolding became unattached on June 6, 2024. [Photo: GWC Injury law firm] A statement by the law firm notes: The suit alleges that the general contractor failed to take appropriate safety measures to ensure that the massive scaffold system that surrounded all sides of the core of a new building under construction was safely and properly erected, as well as the fact that Turner caused and permitted scaffold work to continue at high levels on the exterior of the buildings core when the presence of high winds were known to the contractor, but completely ignored, thus compromising the health and safety of the lives of those men that were working on the scaffolding. The second Defendant, Adjustable Forms, Inc., is a major concrete contractor that has also been involved in hundreds of concrete building projects in Illinois. Adjustable Forms constructed a massive concrete form pouring system with a trailing scaffold that was 20 feet below the form pouring section that is used by the involved workers to perform their work from. The suit alleges that Adjustable Forms failed to properly build the scaffold so that the corners of the structure could not separate, resulting in movement of the scaffold under any conditions, including in high wind conditions. According to OSHA safety standards, wind speeds over 40 miles per hour are considered high winds and therefore unsafe. Such conditions become a danger to workers when they can get blown from a high place, when winds cause workers to lose control of equipment material or when wind speeds expose workers to other dangerous hazards. But according to Louis Cairo, one of the attorneys at GWC, the winds alone were not the primary issue as much as the poor construction of the scaffold. He told the press, OSHA has a provision that requires a hanging scaffold of this type will withstand up to 70 mile-an-hour winds. This one was even safer than OSHA requires by 10 miles an hour. Cairo also added in a statement, Neither of these families should have to go through this. These workers should have never been working on what turned out to be an unsafe, dangerous scaffold perched over 100 feet in the air. This was an absolutely callous act of negligence and misconduct by major construction companies who viewed progress on the job as their priority rather than the safety of the workers on the job. The evidence will prove that this was a totally preventable catastrophe. This should never, ever happen In a statement to CBS, Frank Burg, a construction safety expert and former OSHA employee, was blunt in his criticism of the construction companies and the lack of proper safety measures. This should never, ever happen, Burg said. He noted that workers who are suspended from a scaffold are required to wear tethered harnesses. He explained, So no matter what happens to that scaffoldif it falls, or blows around in the wind, or whatever happensthe worker is still going to be safe, at least safe in a harness. The result of the OSHA investigation will likely be a slap on the wrist and fines that are a mere pittance to the suffering of the workers and their families. This has been the case with nearly every workplace fatality in the United States. Thousands of workers die or are injured every day in Americas factories and workplaces, and the companies responsible are largely left untouched. Fines of a few thousand dollars do not fundamentally affect companies such as Turner, whose revenue was over $17 billion in 2023 alone. In fact, two other construction workers were injured last year when a piece of equipment fell on them while working for Turner Construction at the very same site at the University of Chicago campus. Recently, 28-year-old Caterpillar worker, Daulton Simmers, was killed within seconds by molten metal at the Caterpillar foundry near Peoria, Illinois. The foundry has a record of unsafe conditions, and three workers have died in the last few years alone even as Caterpillar neglects to implement any serious safety measures. A $145,000 fine by OSHA for the death of Steven Dierkes, a worker at the same foundry who fell into a vat of molten metal and died of thermal annihilation, was immediately contested by Caterpillar. Last week, a young 24-year-old worker was also killed when sheet metal fell on him at DPR Manufacturing in Michigan. A 33-year-old ironworker in Northeast Portland also died last month from catastrophic blunt force trauma when a forklift rolled onto her. In 2022 alonethe last tally of workplace deaths reportedthe Bureau of Labor Statistics documented 5,486 fatal work injuries in the United States, a 5.7 percent increase from 2021. Almost one in five workplace fatalities took place in the construction industry. Over 240,000 workers die every year from other workplace-caused health issues from exposure to chemicals, according to OSHA. American factories more and more resemble industrial slaughterhouses as companies seek to make massive profits at the expense of their workers. According to the International Labour Organization, over 2.3 million individuals worldwide lose their lives to work-related accidents or diseases annually, averaging more than 6,000 deaths each day. This process has been going on for decades, with the full complicity of the trade union bureaucracies and the capitalist political parties in the United States and internationally. Wed like to hear from you. Fill out the form at the end of this report to share your experience about any workplace or safety issues at your facility. All comments will be published anonymously. The primary elections for Washington, D.C.s legislative branch, the Council of the District of Columbia (the D.C. Council), were held June 4 to determine the candidates for the upcoming general election in November. The election campaigns all promoted law-and-order, as prospective council members prostrated themselves before the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In spite of a marked decrease in violent crimes in the Washington, D.C. area, down 27 percent from the same time in 2023, and crime overall, down 16 percent, the candidates for D.C. Council seats have run on platforms generally supporting law enforcement or deriding the incumbents as being lax on crime. The primaries took place three months after the D.C. Council approved the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024, passed in the wake of a purported crime wave in the District. The draconian law, which focused on punitive measures to crack down on the Districts poor, did nothing to address crimes root social causes. The bill, which passed 12-0, with one present vote, was signed into law on March 11. The rightward shift of the two parties was most starkly captured in the races featuring candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The Ward 4 election saw Janeese Lewis George win easily against two law-and-order candidates in a three-way Democratic primary, garnering 66 percent of the vote. District of Columbia Ward 4 Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George, Tuesday, May 3, 2022 in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] George, who is a member of the DSA in Washington, D.C. and ran on a campaign of defunding the police in the 2020 council election, was endorsed by her fellow pseudo-leftists. When she was endorsed by the group in February for the 2024 primary, there was not a single mention of the word police in their endorsement statement. George supported the Secure DC crime bill. In addition to imposing more stringent penalties for crimes such as illegal gun possession and retail theft, it also greatly expanded pre-trial detention to include juveniles for many crimes, and lengthened detention to a maximum of 225 days. At a Ward 4 candidates forum in April, George reminded her audience of her past work as a prosecutor in the District. It wasnt that we were against police officers, it was Black people saying we dont want to be murdered, George said in relation to the high-profile police killings of 2020. The notion that were just saying we dont want to be killed and we want to trust our officers does not mean we dont respect and love our officers and support them, she pleaded with her right-wing critics. She also walked back previous social media postings calling for disinvestment from the police, saying it had reflected nationwide sentiments at the time and she no longer believed the MPD budget should be cut. George previously was the sole dissenting vote on an emergency crime bill passed last July, modeled after a more draconian package introduced by Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser. The bill temporarily gave police more leeway in pre-trial detention. At the candidates forum, George sought to critique the initial harsh legislation on technical grounds, stating that it lacked a suitable ramp-up period. Despite her opposition to the expanded pre-trial detention, George accepted all other elements of the bill, such as granting prosecutors access to private security camera footage and pre-trial ankle monitoring. That Georges record has been deemed by her challengers to be soft on crime testifies to the continued rightward path of the Democratic Party as a whole. As the genocide in Gaza continues month after month, and with protests continuing to draw vast support, those who had postured as progressive candidates are doing everything to suppress dissent. Elsewhere, Trayon White won a narrow majority of votes in a three-way race in Ward 8, the citys most impoverished section. White, in response to a violent crime spike last August in which 16 people had been killed within a few days, had called for the deployment of National Guard soldiers in the District. The Democrats law-and-order frenzy echoes the behavior of former President Donald Trump, who in response to the protests spurred on by the George Floyd police murder in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May 2020, called in the National Guard to Washington, D.C. to quell protests. Nine M35 troop carriers and 200 soldiers were deployed, and a curfew was put into effect. The move by Trump was part of a counter-offensive by governments across the US, in which thousands were arrested and one man, David McAtee, was killed by a Kentucky Army National Guard soldier in Louisville. Other races across the District saw the incumbents prevail in their primary challenges. Brooke Pinto, a law-and-order hardliner who had sponsored the Secure DC bill and authored proposed right-wing amendments such as allowing police to collect DNA at the time of arrest, ran unopposed in the Ward 2 Democratic primary. Wendell Felder, president of the Ward 7 Democrats, who had pledged to establish a Police Safety Council, enhance law enforcement, and support violence prevention efforts, according to his website, won a ten-way Democratic primary with 22.9 percent of the vote in a battle for the Ward 7 seat held by former mayor Vincent Gray, who decided not to seek re-election due to health and age concerns. The Socialist Equality Party is pleased to announce that our general election rally in London on Sunday, June 30 will be addressed by US socialist presidential candidate Joseph Kishore, leading European socialists Alex Lantier and Christoph Vandreier, and SEP candidates Tom Scripps and Darren Paxton. EVENT TIME & LOCATION: Sunday, June 30, 2pm YMCA Indian Student Hostel, 41 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 6AQ. (Nearest tube is Warren Street) Tom Scripps (left) and Darren Paxton The rally is an essential political event for the working class in the UK, faced with being plunged deeper into the imperialist war against Russia and the savage austerity and assault on democratic rights that war demands. The panel of speakers presents a unique opportunity to discuss an international struggle against capitalism, genocide and war and for socialism and the building of a revolutionary leadership. Joseph Kishore, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party in the United States, is standing for president in the country that is at the very centre of supporting the Gaza genocide and NATOs war against Russia. SEP National Secretary Joseph Kishore addressing the IYSSE meeting at Wayne State University, October 19, 2023 Christoph Vandreier, national secretary of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, was the SGPs lead candidate in the European elections, which saw substantial gains for far-right parties thanks overwhelmingly to the political betrayal of the social democratic parties, the trade unions and their pseudo-left hangers-on. Christoph Vandreier Alex Lantier, the national secretary of the Parti de l'egalite socialiste, will be speaking on the day France goes to the polls in the snap elections for the National Assembly called by President Macronthe main advocate for war against Russia. Alex Lantier, national secretary of the Parti de legalite socialiste (Socialist Equality Party). SEP Assistant National Secretary Tom Scripps is standing against Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras in London. The SEPs manifesto for the British general election explains: Sir Keir Starmer wants to form a government that continues the Conservative Partys support for the Gaza genocide and the UKs leading role in the US-led war with Russia. Labour backs sending NATO troops to Ukraine and missile strikes on Russian soil with NATO-supplied weapons that could drag the UK, Europe and the world into war. It is committed to strengthening Britains nuclear weapons programme, backed by Starmers pledge that he will use them. That these are global issues that demand a global solution was confirmed by Macrons decision to call a snap election in France, confirming that the European imperialist powers are seeking to politically prepare governments for a new stage of the war with Russia and the confrontation with the working class. The SEP manifesto concludes: To mobilise the immense social power of the working class against the capitalist class and its representatives means overcoming the gap between the advanced stage of the global crisis and the present level of mass political consciousness. This is only possible through the building of a Marxist-Trotskyist leadership and the revolutionary renewal of the international workers movement based on socialist policies. The SEP is dedicated to this historic task. We fight alongside our sister parties for the unity of workers in Russia, Ukraine, and all of the former Soviet Union with their brothers and sisters in Europe, Asia, and America against war and for socialism. We appeal to all workers and youth to join the SEP and take their place in this struggle. The rally in London will focus on these crucial issues. Sign up for the SEPs rally today and encourage your friends and colleagues to attend. Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded a four-day tour of Australia on Tuesday afternoon. It was the first trip to the country by a Chinese premier, Beijings second most powerful position, in seven years. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, June 17, 2024 [Photo: Mick Tsikas/WSWS] The Labor government and the Australian media, along with their Chinese state counterparts, have largely presented the visit as a step towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries. Beijing ended leader-to-leader exchanges under the previous Liberal-National Coalition government in response to its provocative actions, including calls for a weapons inspectors-style international investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and imposition of sweeping tariffs. The official platitudes served to conceal the real dynamic of Lis visit. His Chinese government is facing a full-court press from the US and its partners, including Australia, involving a deepening economic war, the development of aggressive military alliances and a vast military build-up. Lis trip had the character of a desperate rearguard attempt to counter the developing war drive and to emphasise the critical importance of Chinese trade to the Australian economy. The concessions, however, were entirely on the Chinese side, and the Labor government did not shift one iota from its alignment with the US-led anti-China push. Lis visit was part of a three-country regional tour, which began in New Zealand and is in its last leg with meetings in Malaysia. In New Zealand, Li signed trade and business deals, but the countrys right-wing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told the media that at least half of the closed-door discussions centred on areas of disagreement. Li reportedly warned New Zealand against joining AUKUS, the pact between the US, Britain and Australia that is militarising the Indo-Pacific as the spearhead of US war preparations targeting China. Under AUKUS, Australia is acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, whose purpose would be to conduct offensive operations throughout the Indo-Pacific, up to the approaches of the Chinese mainland. That is one component of a broader build-up, including plans to acquire hypersonic missiles, the development of offensive strike capabilities and the ever greater basing of US military assets. AUKUS has repeatedly been denounced by Chinese officials and state media as a threat to peace in the Indo-Pacific. Li did not raise AUKUS publicly while he was in Australia and there are no reports of him having done so behind closed doors. The implication is that China does not see any means of reversing Australias participation in the militarist pact, itself an indication of the extent of the breach between the countries. Lis statements struck a conciliatory note. After landing in Adelaide on Saturday, the Chinese premier declared that relations were back on track after a series of twists and turns. He called for an approach based on seeking common ground while shelving differences. Even those mild-mannered remarks received an implicit rebuke from Australias Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He repeatedly stated that Australias approach was to cooperate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest. In their Monday discussions, Albanese reportedly raised with Li the full gamut of US talking points directed against China, something that was foreshadowed in the press prior. That included claims that China is engaged in aggressive and dangerous actions in the South China Sea and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific. In reality, it is the US and its allies that are engaged in a sweeping military build-up throughout the region. Washington has inflamed longstanding territorial disputes between China and regional states such as the Philippines over the South China Sea, transforming them into a flashpoint for potential war. Albanese also reportedly raised several near-miss incidents between Australian and Chinese military forces. These murky encounters have had the character of US-inspired provocations. Occurring thousands of kilometres from Australian shores, in some cases close to Chinese waters, they have been used as the pretext for frothing denunciations of Chinas dangerous behavior. Beijing has consistently accused Australia of instigating the encounters. Albanese flew the tattered flag of human rights. That has always been hypocritical, but all the more so now that the US and Australia are supporting the worst war crimes of the past eighty years in the Israeli genocide of Palestinians. Very little came out of the meeting between Albanese and Li. Five memoranda of understanding were signed, committing in general to the maintenance of economic relations and further discussions, as well as referencing secondary matters like cultural exchanges. Sections of the media trumpeted concessions, but they are on the Chinese side. China has shelved tariffs on Australian wine exports and other luxury goods. Li outlined a new travel program, allowing Australians to visit China without a visa. The Chinese tariffs, presented as aggressive, were retaliatory measures. Australia had imposed vast imposts on Chinese imports including tariffs on some Chinese steel products of more than sixty percent. The World Trade Organization ruled against those measures last March, in a decision that was buried in the press. While Australia has not renewed tariffs on Chinese wind turbines, which expired in April, future imposts on Chinese steel imports have yet to be decided. Meanwhile, the US and the European powers are implementing sweeping trade war measures, including the announcement by the Biden administration last month of a massive 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. Australia has not gone that far, due to its economic dependence on Chinese trade. According to media reports, however, a central aim of Li was to win support for Chinese investment in the Australian critical minerals sector and its backing for Chinese participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. He left with nothing on both fronts. Last month, Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers ordered five Chinese-linked entities to reduce their holdings in the Northern Minerals corporation, which mines critical minerals in Western Australia. It was the first use of national security economic powers, and aligned with a broader US-led push to oust China from critical mineral supply chains. Li concluded his visit on Monday with a visit to mines in Western Australia. It had the character of a pointed reminder that China remains Australias largest export market, with two-way trade between the two countries having grown by 9.2 per cent in 2023 and now totalling $326.9 billion. Australia, however, is fully committed to the US war drive. As a minor imperialist power, it has always advanced its own predatory interests under the umbrella of the dominant power of the day, first Britain and then the US. Over the past 15 years, Australias alignment with the US war drive has continually deepened. Those within the political establishment who raised tactical criticisms have been sidelined and the dominant sections have signalled their full support for the anti-China offensive. Underscoring these realities, as soon as Li left, the anti-Chinese rhetoric from the government ratcheted up. Labor joined with the US in denouncing Beijing over another murky clash with a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea. In fact, the incident underscored how the US is deliberately creating the conditions for a potential war (see: Collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels in South China Sea bring war tensions in the region to a breaking point). Commentary has made clear that the visit does not mark any substantial shift. In the Australian Financial Review this morning, Rory Medcalf, who has close connections to the national security establishment, proclaimed that the tragic reality of the 2020s is a world of all-round struggle over power, influence, values and rules between the US and its allies on one side and China on the other. Its regional, global and full-spectrum: not just military but reaching into economics, technology, resources, energy, sovereignty, institutions, data and what people think, he wrote, before adding, This informs the Indo-Pacific strategic agenda of building the strongest possible web of allies and partners, commenced under previous governments and quietly adopted and refined by the current one. The Chinese regime has no illusions that we are on opposite sides. That is underscored by the facts on the ground, which involve an ever-expanding preparation for military conflict. That is why the Labor government has adopted a program of impactful projection for the military, focussed on the development of strike capabilities across all branches of the armed forces. It is also why Labor is continuously involved in a US-led campaign throughout the region to line up Indo-Pacific states with the US war drive. The real relations were underscored by a report in the Saturday Paper over the weekend, which revealed that the joint US-Australian Pine Gap spy base in the Northern Territory has undergone its largest expansion over the past four years. The aim appears to be to integrate the base, and by extension Australia as a whole, more directly into US planning for a potential nuclear war. In a primary election result that speaks volumes about the nature of the Democratic Party, former Army colonel Yevgeni (Eugene) Vindman, who with his twin brother Alexander became prominent opponents of then-President Trump and contributed to his first impeachment in 2019, on Tuesday won the Democratic nomination for the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia. Army Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] Vindman has no previous political experience and little connection to the district in which he ran, which stretches from the southern suburbs of Washington D.C. through a series of rural towns to the suburbs of Richmond. But he overwhelmed a field of six other Democrats, winning nearly 50 percent of the vote and carrying all six jurisdictions that are part of the district, five counties and the small city of Fredericksburg. His six opponents included four former or current elected officialstwo members of the state legislature and two supervisors of Prince William County, the most populous county in the districtand two others with military/intelligence backgrounds, one a former Army Ranger turned career State Department official, the other a former Army intelligence officer, now a lawyer. Vindman had two critical advantages against this sizeable field of more politically experienced candidates. He was a celebrity, since both he and his brother were forced into early retirement after they helped expose Trumps decision, after a bullying phone call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, to temporarily hold up US military aid to Ukraine. And he was able to raise $5 million in campaign cash, more than all his opponents combined, thanks to funds provided by national Democratic and pro-war lobbies. These included VoteVets, the political action committee that has jump-started many of the campaigns of the CIA Democrats, the military-intelligence candidates who poured into the Democratic Party during the 2018 congressional elections. More than 60 such candidates sought Democratic nominations for Congress that year, and 11 were eventually elected, including Abigail Spanberger, the current representative from Virginias Seventh Congressional District, a former CIA spy stationed in Europe. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Democratic-Virginia speaks about her past work as a Central Intelligence Agency officer and her recent appointment to the House Intelligence Committee during an interview at her congressional offices in Washington on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. [AP Photo/Nathan Howard] Spanberger is leaving Congress, having announced her candidacy for governor of Virginia next year. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin leaves office after the single four-year term provided by the state constitution, deeply unpopular for his right-wing policies and fervent support of Trump. The Democratic Party establishment has effectively cleared the 2025 gubernatorial field for Spanberger. She would likely be the third of the 2018 CIA Democrats to move to a higher position in capitalist politics, with Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin and New Jersey Representative Andy Kim both favored to win Senate seats in November. For the congressional seat vacated by Spanberger, Eugene Vindman will be a modest favorite over the Republican nominee, Derrick Anderson, whose campaign website describes him as a former Special Forces Green Beret with six tours of duty overseas, including Afghanistan, Iraq and various countries throughout the Middle East. On his campaign website, Vindman describes his work on the White House National Security Council: [A]s the Senior Ethics Attorney when I blew the whistle on the infamous phone call in which President Trump attempted to extort President Zelensky of Ukraine, Trump threatened to withhold critical aid if Ukraine didnt investigate President Bidens family. This phone call and the investigation that followed resulted in Trumps first impeachment. Trump retaliated against me for my role; his vindictiveness cost me my career. In one of the numerous paid campaign ads that flooded the local media during the primary campaign, Vindman declared, I sacrificed my military career to expose Trumps corruption. The result Tuesday was a remarkable demonstration of the ongoing influence of the military-intelligence agents who began to enter the Democratic Party as congressional candidates in 2018, and have played a key role in driving both the first impeachment of Trump and the ongoing war policies of the Biden administration in Ukraine, the Middle East and against China. Of the 11 CIA Democrats who won House seats in 2018, three were defeated for reelection, one in 2020 and two in 2022, and three are leaving the House this year in pursuit of higher office. Another, Conor Lamb, gave up his seat for an unsuccessful Senate campaign in 2022, losing in the primary to now-Senator John Fetterman. Four of the original group remain in CongressJared Golden of Maine, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Chrissy Houlihan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado. The losses were offset by new additions: In 2020, former State Department official Sara Jacob, an unsuccessful candidate in 2018, won a safe Democratic seat opened up by retirement in California, while former special forces officer Jake Auchincloss won a nine-candidate primary contest with barely 25 percent of the vote for a safe Democratic seat in Massachusetts. In 2022, four new military-intelligence candidates were elected to Congress as Democrats, including Chris Deluzio, who replaced Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania; Pat Ryan, defeated in a Democratic primary in 2018 but elected in 2022; and Dan Davis and Jeff Jackson in North Carolina. Davis and Jackson are leaving Congress this year because their seats were redistricted into safe Republican districts by the Republican-controlled state legislature. But there are still eight Democratic members of the House elected with military-intelligence-State Department backgrounds who are running for reelection, as well as a number of new candidates with similar resumes. Two of these won nominating contests on Tuesday. In Virginias Second Congressional District, which comprises Virginia Beach and other sections of the heavily militarized Hampton Roads area, the largest center of the US Navy, Missy Cotter Smasal won the Democratic nomination to face one-term incumbent Republican Jennifer Kiggans in a highly competitive district. Two years ago, Kiggans narrowly defeated one of the original 2018 CIA Democrats, Elaine Luria, a former Navy commander who played a prominent role on the House Select Committee that investigated the Trump-instigated attack on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, whitewashing the collaboration of top military leaders in blocking a National Guard deployment to push back the rioters. According to her campaign website, Smasal was a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy and deployed aboard the U.S.S. Trenton during Operation Enduring Freedom, the official title of the war on terror declared by President George W. Bush in 2001. She highlights her military background with an anchor on her campaign logo, although she now runs a small business and advocates on veterans issues. The other military-intelligence candidate was far more influential and will run in one of the most high-profile contests of 2024, against fascist Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, in one of the most heavily Republican districts in the country. Brigadier General Shawn Harris won the Democratic nomination Tuesday, a year after retiring from a 40-year military career. One of the highest-ranking African-Americans in the military, Harris was an infantry commander in Afghanistan and oversaw extensive combat operations. He was a highly political officer, serving as an advisor in Liberia during the Ebola crisis and as chief of staff to the NATO mission in Kosovo. He ended his career as the defense attache at the US Embassy in Jerusalem. Writing on X/Twitter, Tuesday night, Harris said: Are you being affected by the high temperatures at your workplace? We want to hear from you. Fill out the form at the bottom of this article to tell us what conditions are like. All submissions will remain anonymous. Record and deadly temperatures near or above 100 F (37.7 C) are continuing for a third day across the Midwest and Northeast as an unusually large and persistent atmospheric heat dome sits over more than half the US, from the Great Plains to Maine. The unofficial temperature hits 108 degrees at dusk at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. [AP Photo/Matt York] As of Tuesday, more than 77 million people were under heat advisory warnings, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Temperatures are expected to increase through Sunday evening and hit triple digits. The weather service is advising people to stay indoors and limit physical activities. Marc Chanard of the NWS told the Wall Street Journal: This heat wave is already ongoing but is really going to ramp up over the next few days. Multiple days in the high 90s and low 100s can really take its toll, especially when things dont seem to be cooling much at night. The NWS has warned residents in Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston and New York City that they will face days of extreme and record-breaking temperatures as well as power outages due to the prolonged heat wave. On Monday, Chicago broke its daily record temperature, hitting 97 F (36 C). Forecasters expect Pittsburgh to hit three straight days of temperatures of 95 degrees beginning Wednesday. Hartford, Connecticut, is expected to tie a record of 95 degrees on Wednesday and 97 degrees on Thursday. Albany, New York, is expected to hit a record 97 degrees on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Scientific American shared an unusual fact: This Wednesday it will be hotter in Burlington, Vermont, than in Miamiby a whopping 10 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 degrees Celsius). Scientific American said that areas in northern New England could see the warmest temperatures in 30 years. Heat domes are not new. A high pressure area that traps hot air below it usually forms in the South and Southwest. However, they are rarely seen in the Northeast in mid-June. The present system began earlier in the week over the Carolinas and then expanded west and north from Chicago to New England. Meanwhile, another heat dome is expected in the Phoenix area on Thursday and Friday, when the highs could reach 114 F (45.5 C) and 116 F (46.6 C), respectively, according to the NWS. Extreme heat has deadly consequences for the public. According to an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data by the Associated Press, 2,300 people died from excessive heat in the US last summer, the highest number in 45 years. At the same time, more than two dozen doctors, public health experts and meteorologists told AP that last years official death toll was only a fraction of the real number who died. The heat wave of 2023 was relentless, and tens of thousands of ambulances were dispatched after people collapsed from the temperatures. Last year saw the most heat waves in the US since 1936, and, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was the worst on record. Between mid-June and mid-October, for example, 40 percent of Miamis daily heat index records were broken. In Houston, temperatures at William Hobby Airport broke daily records 43 times and nighttime lows set records for heat 57 times, according to meteorologists. Peoples bodies did not have enough time to cool down. For the public, the consequences of the sustained highs included the fact that the average rate of emergency room visits for heat illness in the summer of 2023 doubled that of the previous five summers. This year, with heat records already broken in May, the June heat dome means the death toll will likely be much higher than in 2023. According to Texas A&M climate scientist Andrew Dessler, people who die from the heat fall into two categories: people who work outside and people who cannot air condition their homes. As Dessler told PBS News at the end of May, Its really quite, quite grim. Others who are at risk during extreme heat include older people, very young children, people with certain health conditions and the homeless. Conditions in manufacturing facilities across the impacted area have become unbearable, as most do not have any climate control equipment. Air conditioning is installed in factories only when temperatures and humidity adversely affect production processes, the product or raw materials. As with the response of the capitalist class to the pandemic, production will continue regardless of the harm to the health and safety of workers. A worker at a Dana auto parts plant in Pottstown, Pennsylvania sent a photo to the World Socialist Web Site showing that the temperature inside his plant had hit 112 F (44.4 C). Temperature in Dana plant in Pottstown, Pennsylvania Scientific American wrote: Experts caution that people should make sure they stay hydrated by drinking water even before they feel thirsty. Time outdoors should be limited with plenty of rest breaks, ideally in a place with air-conditioning. People are also urged to check on family members, friends and neighbors who might be in the highest-risk groups, particularly if they dont have air-conditioning. Little or nothing is being done by US government agencies to prepare the public for the catastrophic consequences of increasingly intense heat waves or their impact when they occur. Like previous administrations, the Biden White House has refused to make Federal Emergency Management Agency aid available during heat waves, even though they are responsible for thousands of deaths. Climate experts believe that exposure to dangerous heat levels is bound up with global warming, and heat domes are expected to become more frequent and stronger in the future. Kristina Dahl, a principal climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said in a statement: Fossil fuel-driven climate change has increased the frequency and severity of extreme-heat events over the last half century. Last summer was the hottest on record, and this summer is shaping up to give 2023 a run for its money. Until we phase out fossil fuels, we can expect our summers to continue getting hotter and hotter and more dangerous and deadly. PULLMAN POLICE Friday 8:15 a.m. A 25-year-old man was arrested under suspicion of second-degree trespassing on the 1600 block of Bleasner Drive. 10:18 a.m. Officers arrested a 47-year-old man for allegedly violating a protection order on the 1400 block of Valley Road. 3:07 p.m. A juvenile was arrested under suspicion of two counts fourth-degree assault and third-degree malicious mischief on Larry Street. 3:35 p.m. A patient was transported to the hospital from the 1000 block of Marcia Drive. 4:58 p.m. Mail was reportedly stolen on the 1900 block of Terre View Drive. 7:14 p.m. Trespassing was reported on the 600 block of Dawnview Court. Police arrested a 40-year-old woman under suspicion of first-degree driving with a suspended license and an ignition interlock violation on Terre View Drive overnight. Saturday 9:38 a.m. Officers arrested a juvenile for alleged fourth-degree assault, third-degree malicious mischief and interfering with a report of domestic violence on Clay Court. 1:23 p.m. Fraud was reported on the 900 block of State Street. 8:40 p.m. Trespassing was reported on the 700 block of Linden Street. 9:31 p.m. An unconscious person was taken to the hospital from Terre View Drive. Sunday 12:29 p.m. Police responded to a domestic dispute on the 1700 block of Johnson Avenue. Monday 11:05 a.m. A patient was transported to the hospital from the 300 block of Maple Street. 4:29 p.m. Theft was reported at Walmart. 5:08 p.m. A 21-year-old man was arrested under suspicion of theft on the 1600 block of Harvest Drive. 7:04 p.m. Officers arrested a 21-year-old woman for allegedly driving under the influence on Grand Avenue. 10:03 p.m. A 23-year-old woman was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence on Paradise Street. Tuesday 10:22 p.m. A wallet was reportedly stolen from the 1200 block of Grand Avenue. WSU POLICE Saturday Officers arrested a 21-year-old woman under suspicion of first-degree negligent driving on Stadium Way overnight. Monday 8:03 p.m. An unconscious patient was transported to the hospital from the 1100 block of North Fairway Road. Donna began attending Washington State University in the fall of 1970 and brought her best friend with her Socks, a horse she had rescued from an abusive situation following high school graduation. She boarded Socks near campus and, in addition to her classes, went to work almost immediately at the Compton Union Building (the CUB) to pay all of her colleges costs and living expenses and, of course, the cost of keeping and feeding Socks. While in school she took a wide range of classes, including the farrier course taught by her favorite instructor, Orvil Sears. She graduated from WSU with a degree in speech pathology in 1974 and was accepted into the Speech Pathology Masters Program at Eastern Washington University. However, just before beginning that program, she was offered a full-time job at the CUB. While working at the CUB as a student she began as a server and, after four years, ended as a student manager. She felt a real kinship with the building, knew most aspects of the CUBs operation and had formed many friendships there. Those considerations caused her to abandon her dream of becoming a speech pathologist and she returned to the CUB where she worked for 32 more years. For the majority of those years she was the scheduling manager and was known by many people on campus simply as Donna at the CUB. She was responsible for scheduling the use of the buildings 30 meeting spaces as well as managing the set-up crew that configured the room for the particular event. She also compiled the refreshment and/or food order for the event as requested by the occupying group and insured its on time delivery. It was a huge job and she worked many 60-hour weeks ensuring everything from small meetings to large weddings and 300-person banquets went off without a hitch. Despite the long hours she felt such an intense obligation to her public that she would have it no other way. Donna retired from State service in June of 2006, when they closed the CUB for remodeling. She considered that she and the building were both retired that year and she never set foot in the remodeled CUB. Donna was too energetic to stay retired for long and subsequently worked tagging juvenile salmon on their way to the sea as part of a research project. When that project concluded she went to work at Champion Electric until they closed and then at JJ Building Supply in Colfax until it closed. Donna married her husband, Doug, in July of 1988 and they lived on a bit of acreage west of Pullman their entire married life. Donna was never without multiple horses and/or donkeys and Donna was passionate about rescuing dogs, her all-time favorite being Howie, a black and tan coon hound and the best dog in the world. Donna is survived by her husband Doug, her stepchildren Kendra Robinson-Harding and Derrick Robinson, step-grandchildren Kyra, Logan, Bridget and Elliot, her sister-in-law Cyndi Wiegan and husband Art, her brother-in-law Scott Robinson and wife Melissa, her sister-in-law, Karen Beeman, her nieces Danielle and Antoinette, her nephew Tristan, two donkeys (Willey and Phoenix) and eight dogs. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Marcelle, and her brother, Chuckie. Rest in peace, Darling. Your work here is done. You always put others first and you served your public well. I have no doubt that you are reaping your Heavenly reward and finding all of the answers to those mysteries of the universe that you were always so curious about. I will always love you and there are thousands of people who will remember the help you so willingly provided. Business TechCrunch Tesla has finally revealed its Cybercab, and it looks like a smaller, sleeker, two-seater Cybertruck. Before walking on stage, Musk walked over to a robotaxi, which opened its gullwing doors, and did a short demo around the well-maintained streets of the Hollywood studio. "And you will be able to buy one," Musk said, adding that the cost of the vehicle would be below $30,000. Confused Trump Forgets Names Again And Again And Again In Brutal Supercut Video Donald Trump is facing new questions about his cognitive health after a series of recent high-profile flubs and alarming new reports of memory problems. Trump over the weekend challenged President Joe Biden to a cognitive test and then bragged about acing one of his own several years ago except he botched the name of the doctor who did the test. Trump repeatedly referred to Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), who was the White House physician at the time, as Ronny Johnson. In addition, Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh said he found Trump meandering and confusing and showing severe memory issues during six interviews he conducted with the former president for his new book. Now, a new supercut video from the progressive MeidasTouch Network puts together three full minutes of Trump botching places and names: Here are 3 minutes straight of Donald Trump confusing and forgetting people's names, the names of cities he is in and more pic.twitter.com/OJSixOIBR9 MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) June 19, 2024 Plane passenger who took 2-hour nap stunned to find out where he ended up: I would cry A UK plane passenger awoke from a long nap thinking he'd arrived at the destination, only to realize that the aircraft was nowhere close. This redefined the expression head trip. A UK plane passenger awoke from a long nap thinking hed arrived at the destination, only to realize that the aircraft was still stuck at the gate, as detailed in a clip with 3.5 million views on TikTok. A UK plane passenger awoke from a long nap thinking hed arrived at the destination, only to realize that the aircraft was nowhere close. @fionaweizman/TikTok Fortunately, the passenger managed to see the funny side of the fiasco. @fionaweizman/TikTok We found that funnier than he did. Sorry mate, we still havent left! fellow flyer Fiona Weizman, who filmed the passengers hilarious reaction, wrote in the clips caption. The traveler had reportedly zonked out aboard an EasyJet plane that was slated to fly from London, UK to Split, Croatia. The plane was slated to fly from the UK to Croatia. Getty Images When this inflight Rip Van Winkle awoke two hours later, the traveler saw they were on a runway, which led him to believe theyd arrived in the Eastern European city. However, his dreams of a happy landing soon crashed and burned after he realized to his chagrin they were still grounded in London due to engineering issues. Accompanying footage shows the devastated traveler laughing at his own predicament. The TikTok commentariat sympathized with the mans brain delay with one commenter writing, Hahahahahah the disappointment wouldve been soooo real. I would cry right after laughing, claimed another. Meanwhile a third shared a similar experience with a nappy landing. Yeah, as someone who struggles to sleep on planes, I fell asleep on a plane going from London to San Francisco, woke up and we were still sat on the runway at Heathrow, they wrote. Rap star Travis Scott was arrested in South Beach. There was a yacht incident, police say Rap star Travis Scott has been released from a Miami-Dade County jail after his Thursday morning arrest in South Beach on trespassing and disorderly intoxication charges. Online Miami-Dade Corrections records say Scott, 33, who was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center under his legal name Jacques Webster, posted $650 bond. Scott, who hit Miami in January as part of his Utopia-Circus Maximus Tour, posted to social media platform X after his release Lol. Lol TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) June 20, 2024 An arrest report says Miami Beach police were called to the Miami Beach Marina, 300 Alton Rd., at around 12:44 a.m. after the caller stated that there were people fighting on one of the yachts. Mr. Scott was briefly detained due to a misunderstanding, said Scotts attorney, Bradford Cohen of Fort Lauderdales Cohen & McMullen. There was absolutely no physical altercation involved, and we thank the authorities for working with us towards a swift and amicable resolution. American rapper Travis Scott performs on the Ciroc main stage after being brought out as a suprise guest by fellow rapper Future during the second day of Rolling Loud Miami, an international hip-hop festival, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Miami Beach police say when they got to the marina, Scott was standing by the dock yelling at people on the yacht. When asked by officers to sit down, the arrest report says, Scott would sit down briefly then resume standing. Officers on the scene could sense a strong smell of alcohol coming from [Scotts] breath, the report said. The person who had called police stated that he did not want to press charges and just wanted [Scott] off the vessel. Scott walked back to the boardwalk, the arrest report said, occasionally walking backwards and yelling obscenities to the people on the yacht. He left in a waiting car, the arrest report said, but returned about five minutes later. READ MORE: Travis Scott was arrested in South Beach. The rapper has a history in Miami [Scott] bypassed officers in the parking lot of the marina, disregarding officers commands to not go, the report said. Once [Scott] began speaking to Sgt. (Jorge) Lemus, [Scott] began yelling once again, becoming erratic, disturbing the peace of the marina occupants and nearby residential buildings, causing a public disturbance. [Scott] also disregarded officers warnings to not return to the Miami Beach Marina. At Miami Beach police headquarters, the report said, [Scott] admitted that he had been drinking alcohol and stated, Its Miami. Radio host Andy Slater first reported Scotts arrest on social media. This is a developing story and will be updated as more is learned. This embedded content is not available in your region. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Sandlot actor Thomas Guiry was arrested in Horry County earlier this month after allegedly bashing the windshield of a Jeep with a 35-pound dumbbell and going to a mans door with a knife, according to a police report. Guiry, 43, was charged with third-degree assault and battery and malicious injury to personal property. He was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on June 2 and released the next day on a $1,000 bond. Guiry is best known for his role as Scott Smalls in the 1993 movie The Sandlot. He was 11 years old at the time. He was also featured in other films such as Lassie, The Last Home Run, Wrestling with Alligators, Black Hawk Down and Justice. Horry County police responded to Winslow Avenue in the Burgess area on June 2 to investigate a trespassing/disturbance call. When officers arrived, the police report said Guiry was in the middle of the road and asking about his wifes safety. The owner of the Jeep then reportedly shouted to Guiry, really, my windows been shattered, the report said. Guiry responded: That sucks, man, Ill pay you back, Im sorry, Im gonna get you back. Guiry later admitted to breaking the windshield, the report said. I did it. Im sorry man. Im coming back to get you, [Im] sorry brother. Ill pay you back. The Jeeps owner then told police that Guiry damaged his window shield with a 35-pound dumbbell weight before approaching his door with a knife and ringing his doorbell, the report said. Its unclear what started the dispute. Its not the first time Guiry has been in trouble. In 2013, he allegedly head-butted a police officer after he was told he was too drunk on a flight at Houstons Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to CBS News. * * * 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. Press Release June 20, 2024 Tolentino distributes aid in Rizal, urges Rizalenos to honor past, present heroes Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino on Thursday (June 20) led the distribution of financial aid in three localities in Rizal province, while also imploring on Rizalenos to honor the nation's "past and current heroes." Tolentino was joined by local government officials in handing out cash aid to 2,400 residents belonging to the marginalized sectors in Binangonan, Antipolo, and Taytay, respectively. Wheelchairs were also provided to persons with disability and senior citizens in the three areas. "Just yesterday, June 19, our nation marked the 163rd birth anniversary of a great Filipino, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, after whom your province was named. You are Rizalenos, in the same way that all Filipinos should be 'Rizalenos.' We must carry on Rizal's ideals, so that his sacrifices would not be in vain," the senator said in his speech. Filipinos should all the more stand together, he added, amid threats to national sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. The senator then urged the audience to support and pray for the nation's "modern-day heroes." "Bigyan po natin ng dangal ang mga Pilipinong sundalo at ang ating mga mangingisda na nakikipaglaban para sa ating karapatan sa sarili nating karagatan, kabilang ang mga yaman nito, sa Palawan at Zambales. Isama n'yo po sila sa inyong mga dalangin. Sila po ang ating mga makabagong bayani na direktang hinaharap ang malaking hamon sa ating kasarinlan," he emphasized. ("Honor our Filipino soldiers and fishers who are fighting for our rights over our seas, including the resources underneath, in Palawan and Zambales. Please include them in your prayers. They are our modern-day heroes facing head on this looming threat to our sovereignty.") Tolentino is the principal author and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2492, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. The measure seeks to declare the country's rights and entitlements over its maritime zones, including its underwater features, for the benefit of Filipinos in line with principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the historic 2016 Hague arbitral ruling. The senator, who also chairs the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, recently wrote Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to ask the agency to seek the intervention of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure the safety of resupply missions to Filipino soldiers stationed on BRP Sierra Madre. An employee within a small business is entitled to long service leave if they have completed 10 years of continuous service according to Section 95(2)(a) of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld) (IR Act). Continuous service is defined under section 93(b) as the employees continuous service with the same employer, whether wholly in the State or partly in and partly outside the State. The recent case of Fox v Infosys Technologies [2024] QIRC 109 considered the issue of entitlement to long service leave for employees who serve partly in and partly outside Queensland. Fox v Infosys Technologies Ltd [2024] QIRC 109 Facts The applicant, Craig Fox, was an industrial inspector who brought a claim on behalf of Mr Narendra Gade against Infosys Technologies Ltd (Infosys) for unpaid wages representing alleged long service leave entitlements. Mr Gade is an Indian national, with the following employment history: from 5 March 2012 to 14 June 2018, he worked for Infosys in Mysore, India from 14 June 2018 to 28 March 2022, he worked for Infosys in Melbourne from 28 March 2022 to 14 April 2022, he worked for Infosys in Brisbane. Mr Gade was employed by Infosys from 5 March 2012 to 14 April 2022. He attained 10 years of continuous service with Infosys on 5 March 2022, 23 days before he began work in Queensland. Issues Mr Gade argued he was entitled to long service leave under the Queensland provisions because his continuous service was partly in and partly outside the State. Mr Gade argued some of his service with Infosys occurred partly in Queensland that is the 18-day period from 28 March 2022 to 14 April 2022. Taken literally, he therefore completed 10 years of continuous service partly in and partly outside the State. Infosys argued that the relevant provisions ought to be read so as to require a substantial connection between Mr Gades service and Queensland. Infosys contended that Mr Gade was primarily employed in India, obtained the benefit of industrial legislation enacted in India, and his employment in Queensland was brief and just an incident of his employment in India. Therefore, Infosys submitted that the 18 days service in Queensland cannot be merged into and counted with Mr Gades earlier service, despite he completed 10 years of service prior to working in Queensland. Decision Mr Gade was entitled to long service leave. The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (the Commission) held that service partly in or partly outside the State may occur at any time during the qualifying 10 years. Once there is service in Queensland, the continuous service will be calculated as including past service performed outside the state. The Commission also ruled that there is no substantial connection test imported as a requirement into section 93 of the IR Act. None of the authorities considering interstate legislation are directly relevant to the construction of section 93(b) of the IR Act. The subsection expressly provides that both service within the state and outside of the state counts in the calculation. The trigger is service partly in the State. The Commission further held that in some cases, an employees presence in Queensland may be so short that it does not qualify as constituting any service in the State. It is a matter of fact to be determined whether in any particular case, the employees presence in the performance of any work can be deemed as service partly within the State. To determine whether there has been service partly in the State, it is necessary to look at all the circumstances including the contract of service. While Mr Gades employment contract was entered into in India, the terms of his employment expressly provided that he may be required to serve Infosys in other jurisdictions, therefore, he was required to serve the company in Victoria and Queensland. Relying on his employment terms, those 18 days worked in Queensland were part of his service which was partly in the State. The Commission held that the section has a retrospective effect. The fact which triggers the calculation is service by the employee in Queensland. Once that occurs, then what is taken into account in the calculation includes service partly outside the State which may be service predating the service in Queensland. The Commission held that until there is service in Queensland, service by the employee in another place will not count towards calculation of long service leave under the IR Act, no matter the length of continuous service the employee provided. However, once there is service partly in the State, the next question is whether there is 10 years of service partly outside the State. For Mr Gade, the answer to that question was yes, being the period from 14 April 2012 to 14 April 2022. Implications for employers in small businesses If an employee performs service in Queensland at some point during their employment, they will be entitled to long service leave upon completing 10 years of continuous service. However, if their continuous service is entirely outside Queensland, they will not be entitled to long service leave. Interestingly, as demonstrated by the above case, if an employee has completed 10 years of continuous service entirely outside Queensland and subsequently served partly in Queensland, they would be entitled to long service leave. Such scenario aligns with the definition of continuous service under the IR Act, wherein their service is deemed partly in and partly outside Queensland. As the Commission in Fox v Infosys held, a substantial connection test is not relevant when considering section 93 IR Act. By Rachel Drew, Managing Partner, and Julian Shannon, Graduate Disclaimer The information in this article is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this article is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Hiding in plain sight. That's one way to characterize these five Memphis attractions, which are odd, strange, unusual but perhaps overlooked or ignored by Memphians, who may no longer give Overton Park or Graceland or The Peabody or wherever the attention they deserve. So look again. If it looks like a duck... Rachel Galloway, the British Consul General in Atlanta, serves as honorary Duckmaster and guides the ducks into the fountain as spectators watch at The Peabody Memphis in Downtown Memphis, on May 30, 2023. ... swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. Especially if it's in the pool of the Italian marble fountain in the lobby of The Peabody in Memphis, the so-called "South's Grand Hotel," which has transformed an eccentric 90-year-old tradition into an international calling card: Memphians may take the pampered mallards for granted, but travelers from around the world make it a priority to be at The Peabody lobby at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, to watch the world-famous waterfowl waddle from the elevator to the fountain and back again, to once more ascend to their "palace" on the hotel roof. You never know who will be craning their necks for a gander at the ducks: Among the celebrity spectators this reporter has witnessed are Samuel L. Jackson, Oscar-winner Ernest Borgnine and U2 band members Bono and the Edge. Christmas in July (and June and February and October and...) In its quest to expand its appeal beyond Elvis fans (and to give Elvis fans additional reasons to make return visits), Graceland displays memorabilia from a wide variety of music stars and has hosted numerous display devoted to non-Elvis subjects (including Walt Disney and Muhammad Ali) in museum-style spaces and exhibition halls across the street from the mansion. An unusual addition to what might be called Graceland's extracurricular mission opened in November, as a supposedly permanent addition to the Elvis campus: The "Enesco Gift Shop and Gallery Featuring Department 56," which devotes 11,000 square feet of space in the former Graceland Crossing strip mall to elaborate displays of the collectible Christmas villages manufactured since 1976 by Minnesota-based Department 56. THINGS TO DO IN MEMPHIS: 7 spots to put on your Memphis summer bucket list, from art to outdoors Like a giant descended from a beanstalk, a visitor walking through the galleries encounters a succession of tabletop communities consisting of miniature resin and porcelain houses, churches, pueblos, log cabins, castles, "branded" structures (a Krispy Kreme, a McDonald's), commercially themed locations (Hogwarts, Whoville, Graceland), urban landmarks (a Chrysler Building, an Empire State Building) and on and on. Crystal power A look at the interior of the Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memorial Park Cemetery, June 03, 2019. Located in the heart of Memorial Park Cemetery at Poplar and Yates in East Memphis, not far from Isaac Hayes' grave, the Crystal Shrine Grotto suggests a mix of the Bible and "The Hobbit." Largely designed and sculpted in the 1930s by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, at the behest of E. Clovis Hinds, who founded the cemetery and funeral home in 1925, the photogenic "grotto" area includes small bridges, an artificial hollow tree, a "Pool of Hebron," and the "Crystal Shrine" itself, a cave-like structure of quartz crystals, concrete stalactites and moody lighting dotted with niches that contain dioramas depicting New Testament events in the life of Christ. Belle of the Park The Margaret Polk statue in Veterans Plaza in Overton Park. Polk grew up just a few blocks away on Alicia. In 2011, a new statue was added to "Veterans Plaza" in Overton Park, a space already home to the iconic 1926 "Doughboy" statue, which is not just iconic by dynamic: It depicts a steely (or at least bronze) U.S. infantryman during World War I, poised for action, with bent knee and out-thrust bayonet. The "Belle" statue is also bronze but less active. Sculpted by Andrea Lugar and unveiled in 2011, it depicts Memphis woman Margaret Polk, shielding her eyes as she looks skyward, presumably in hopes of witnessing the safe return of the B17 named in her honor, the famous Memphis Belle, which made history by being the first World War II "Flying Fortress" to complete 25 combat missions and return to the U.S. The Belle was named by its pilot, Robert Morgan, in honor of his sweetheart, Polk; but while the plane remained intact, the romance didn't: Polk broke off her engagement to the war hero when she discovered he was a "womanizer," she told The Commercial Appeal. Meanwhile, the statue endures, as a symbol of what a story about its unveiling described as "camaraderie, patriotism and courage." KNOW YOUR 901: Movies in Memphis: What happened to the Orpheum summer movie series? Not that it didn't have critics: In 2012, John Sale, one of The Commercial Appeal's assistant managing editors, questioned the design of the sculpture, which ends more or less at the knees, with the rest of Polk essentially embedded within the statue's limestone base. "I can't help but see a woman trapped in a block of stone," Sale wrote. "Our Memphis Belle should be soaring, not wearing cement overshoes. And she really ought to have some legs after all, Polk's legs were a prominent feature of her likeness painted on the side of the World War II bomber." Miniature Mississippi Opened with much ballyhoo in 1982, at a cost of $62 million, the Mud Island River Park has not fulfilled its promise: The monorail that connects the "island" (actually, a peninsula) to Downtown is no longer operational; the amphitheater that formerly hosted Bob Dylan and Jimmy Buffett is shut down; and the River Museum is defunct (although it could rise again as an immersive interactive "exploratoreum"). Nevertheless, the river-themed park which remains open with free admission is still notable for its arguably defining feature: the "Riverwalk," a cast-in-concrete scale replica of the lower Mississippi River, from Cairo, Illinois, to New Orleans, that snakes through the interior of the park like twisty spine. The Riverwalk turns tourists into Gullivers, able to traverse six states in the time it takes to walk five city blocks; it had run dry, but the Memphis River Parks Partnership recently turned on the taps, so to speak, in hopes that the park like Downtown's parks in general will bubble back to life. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Things to do in Memphis: 5 offbeat spots you need to check out CENTRAL FALLS Naomi Delgado Pedraza was a shy, autistic 16-year-old who grappled with a particular mix of hopes and uncertainties. Some of her hopes involved the next steps in her life, including going to college and becoming a more independent young woman. Some of her uncertainties involved finances for college and her shyness, too. Naomi had never been to a slumber party or, for that matter, stayed overnight anywhere without her mother there. Then, on a weekend in early 2023, the city's police-run mentoring program the Leading Ladies Initiative took Naomi into its tutelage. About a year later, the Central Falls teen is a high school graduate bound for the University of Rhode Island with plans to study communicative disorders. Naomi Delgado Pedraza, left, with her mother, Maria Pedraza A few weeks before her recent graduation, she learned she was among a select group of finalists for the highly competitive Transform Rhode Island Scholarship. That has lined her up for a $15,000 scholarship for college and $150,000 to carry out the "big idea" she wrote about in her essay. Her award-winning proposal called for a therapy program that would help youths and adults through artistic expression. And her shyness? The struggle isn't over, but Naomi answers many of a reporter's questions directly, with flourishes of humility and with the effectiveness of the typical high school valedictorian or salutatorian. She credits her mother, of course, and she also lauds the presence of her Leading Ladies mentor: Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. Naomi Delgado Pedraza with Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera at her recent graduation from Central Falls High School. Pedraza is headed for the University of Rhode Island. "I learned a lot about leadership," says Naomi. In part, this learning relates to the mayor's poise. "The way she carries herself," Naomi says, "the look and the compassion." Strengthening public safety through community-building Some of the roots of Naomi's most recent progress can be traced to the founding of Central Falls' Leading Ladies Initiative. The city's police chief, Col. Anthony Roberson, established the mentoring program before he became chief. It's his own version of community-building that police leaders all over the country recognize as important to public safety and fighting crime. During the course of his law-enforcement career, Roberson came to appreciate certain hurdles faced by young women. "I just observed through their struggles that they encounter different obstacles that I as a male did not encounter," Roberson says. "I saw a need," he recalls. "I just thought there was a need for young ladies to have mentorship from women who were professionals," Roberson says. The basic idea was simple: facilitate contact between young women still in school or starting out and other women already working as professionals. To date, the program, which was profiled recently in Police Chief magazine, has already provided mentoring to at least 60 young women. Each year, the initiative welcomes a new crop of young women and provides its special brand of mentoring support in an initial cycle. But it strives to provide continuing support after that, as needed, on an open-ended basis. Participants can always reconnect for more mentoring, says Rivera. After a period of early development, the mentoring effort moved into a higher gear in early 2023: Roberson and other organizers planned a retreat-style weekend event to launch mentoring for the newest group of participants. This was a new feature. It hadn't been in place when Naomi's older sister, Desiree, participated in the program. This time around, the girls would stay overnight at Graduate Providence, the downtown hotel in the former Biltmore building. A 'gritty' child born in Puerto Rico, raised in Rhode Island Naomi's mother, Maria Pedraza, had brought her to New England from Puerto Rico in 2007 when she was a toddler. Naomi says her early childhood unfolded in Pawtucket and she moved to Central Falls when she was 8. She has four sisters and two brothers, she says. By 2023, she says, she lived with her mother, her stepfather and her sister Desiree. Her mother, who had enormous influence on Naomi, was an attendance officer for the local school system. Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera took Naomi Delgado Pedraza under her wing last year when the high school student and other participants in the city's Leading Ladies Initiative stayed at a Providence hotel together and worked on career skills. Is autism a disability or a personality trait? Many young people who are affected by autism regard it as a disability. But many others, including Naomi, see it differently, according to her mother. "It's not a disability because there are no limitations," Pedraza says. "We do not see limitations." Of course, this did not mean that Naomi wouldn't encounter some unusual turns in the road as she matured. Maria Pedraza carefully protected her autistic child in a cocoon that started in her family's home and expanded out into the local community as she grew. By the time Naomi was a junior, she lived in what her mother describes as a "beautiful pink bubble" provided by the Central Falls community she lived in. Still, Maria Pedraza realized how socially anxious her daughter was compared to many other children, including her own sons and daughters. Naomi was smart, capable and even "gritty," her mother says. But she frequently shied away from doing anything that might bring attention to herself in any social setting, including in a classroom. Over time, her school teachers realized that Naomi probably knew the answers. The challenge was getting her to show that she knew. Naomi says her guidance counselor recommended the Leading Ladies Initiative. At that point, the potential for $2,000 in scholarship money was a major motivating factor. For her application, Naomi wrote about her mother. "I get to witness firsthand the positive impact she makes on the lives of others," her essay said. "Witnessing the work my mom does is an inspiration to me." "I am proud to have learned about hard work, dedication and being outspoken from my mom," she wrote in another passage. It was moving and true. For sure, Naomi's mother knew how doting she was. But how would Naomi fare socially when her mother wasn't around, or when, for example, life took her outside the beautiful pink bubble? At this point back in early 2023, Naomi's mother could dream, but she kept her expectations in check based on what she knew about Naomi. She had no expectation that her daughter, in the near future, would want to live away from home on a college campus. On the edges of the pink bubble at Graduate Providence Rivera and Naomi's mother knew each other well. The first woman to serve as Central Falls mayor, also Rhode Island's first Latina mayor, became Naomi's mentor. This is the "headshot" that Naomi Delgado Pedraza took home from her confidence-building weekend at the Graduate Providence hotel as part of Central Falls' Leading Ladies Initiative in 2023. When the young women convened at the hotel, Rivera was at Naomi's side, easing many of the social interactions. Rivera was also Naomi's roommate that night. A slate of polished mentors gave presentations to the group. The speakers ranged from then-District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose, who has since become a federal judge, to Angela Ankoma, a vice president at the Rhode Island Foundation where she provides guidance on equity issues and also manages a leadership program for business leaders of color. Helping the young women bring attention to themselves, deliberately, for career purposes with confidence and tact was a major aspect of the planned activities at the hotel that weekend. The girls went shopping together. They worked on their resumes and posed for headshots. They had dinner together. And Naomi woke up that Sunday morning in a different zip code and without her mother. Last week, she did that once again, at her college orientation in South Kingstown, on the campus of the University of Rhode Island. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Central Falls Leading Ladies Initiative pairs young girls with mentors Johnathan Hampton, 7, lounges on the floor reading a book at Byrns Darden Elementary School in Clarksville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022. With school out, many students are taking the next couple of months to relax, play, and avoid all things school-related. However, that is not stopping libraries across the country from encouraging children and adults to continue learning with fun and exciting adventures. The summer slide is a term experts use to describe the academic loss that often occurs with students during the long summer break. With attention specifically on third graders because of the Third Grade Rention law implemented last year, many school systems and organizations around the state are focusing on reading proficiency. In 2023, 44% of third through fifth graders in Clarksville- Montgomery County Schools met or exceeded grade-level expectations in the Language Arts portion of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) test. CMCSS is hosting summer learning programs at 21 schools, seven at elementary schools, eight middle schools and six high schools. It total, there are approximately 3,500 students enrolled, including 1,510 elementary students. There are also other opportunities in the community to boost summer reading and combat summer slide, including programs at the local library. For the Clarksville-Montgomery County Library, beating the summer slide means community outreach, adventurous events and taking risks with this years theme, Adventure Begins at Your Library. We are against the summer slide and pro-fun, said Clarksville- Montgomery County Library director Christina Riedel with a laugh. And their packed summer reading program shows it. From "Amazing Race" and "Escape Rooms" to Lego, science experiments, and paper mache, there is something for people aged pre-school and up to enjoy and find (or rediscover) the love of reading. More: 59% fall short on third grade reading test in Tennessee; here's what's next Clarksville- Montgomery County Library is stepping out from the every day library into community outreach to encourage more visitors and be a part of the community. The summer reading program is split into four groups: children, tweens, teens and adults. Each group is designed to suit the age group's learning style best and provide them with activities to enjoy. We all know that repetition, especially with early readers, is important, Riedel said. So that's why you'll see so many different types of story times and learning experiences. Meanwhile, tweens and teens have more hands-on activities, such as the library Olympics, a paper airplane contest, and an escape game. For adults, mocktails & paint, a resume workshop and a murder mystery are on the calendar. To devise these different events, Riedel meets with her team about six months in advance with big ideas like a hot air balloon at the library before dialing it down to plan events the Montgomery County community will enjoy. Based on their relationships with nonprofits and organizations and the feedback theyve received from visitors, they make the schedule based on what they believe has worked or will work. Were all about taking risks, Riedel said. Learning what the community wants, what theyve enjoyed, whats trending with children now, and then we try it. After the schedule is made, its time to get the word out. Clarksville- Montgomery County Library is celebrating reading with this summer's Adventure Begins at Your Library. Not only are they letting people who visit the library or website know, but this year, about 20,000 flyers went out to Clarksville-Montgomery County students with a QR code for sign-ups on one side and one for feedback on the other. An incentive for summer reading was added: participants can log their reading and be entered into drawings to win prizes. The risk and outreach have certainly paid off. Since sign-ups began, the library has had over 1,200 residents register for summer reading, and the number of sign-ups for the summer reading in the first week was more than last years total. Over 1,000 people attended the Nashville ZooVenture last Friday in the Downtown Commons, and about 30 participated in the Amazing Race for adults on Saturday. Over 1,000 Montgomery County residents attended Clarksville- Montgomery County Library's Nashville ZooVenture at the Downtown Commons on Friday, June 14, 2024. It feels great to have that many, but we want more, Riedel said. This is just the beginning. The beginning is because although the summer reading program is about helping students from the summer slide, its also a time to let the community know what the library offers. You don't have to just whisper in our library, she said. Our library is a living breathing thing. And sometimes we're going to be noisy. You know, we're going to have music. We've had ballet dancers in the Atrium. And the fun doesnt stop there. The library has hosted lock-ins for teens, scavenger hunts, workshops and game nights. It's also rediscovering the love of books, finding new clubs, and finding a sense of belonging. Or just a safe and comfortable place to come for a few hours a day as you learn something new. I call it the ripple effect and I love it, Riedel said with a laugh. When someone comes in with their children or a friend and realizes how much we have to offer. Or they read one book with their friend and are like, Okay, whats next?. Following a murder mystery the library hosted, one participant approached Riedel and told her how much unexpected fun she and her husband had interacting with the other participants instead of just sitting at their table all night. Thats the community building we want to do, Riedel said. Although we are a few weeks into the summer reading program, the fun and learning arent nearly over yet. The library has events until the end of July and a Scholastic Book Fair on June 24- 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children under 18 can receive a free lunch and snack Monday- Friday from noon to 1 p.m. until July 12. When asked what Riedel looks forward to the most during the rest of the summer, she responded: Dolly Night, Live Radio Theatre and Escape Room and seeing more teens coming into the library. If you are interested in the list of summer reading fun or registering for the summer reading program, its not too late. You can see a full list of events and register on the librarys website. Kenya Anderson is a reporter for The Leaf-Chronicle. She can be contacted at kanderson@gannett.com or on X at kenyaanderson32. Sign up for the Leaf-Chronicle to support local journalism at www.theleafchronicle.com. This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Combat 'summer slide' with reading, adventures at Clarksville library (WHTM) Dunkin Donuts announced that their Joy In Every Cup Iced Coffee Day is returning on Thursday, June 20 in the Midstate. During this annual event, $1 from every iced coffee sold at participating Dunkin locations will be donated to the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation, where 100% of funds raised will be granted for programming at local childrens hospitals nationwide. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts In addition to the event, on Tuesday, June 18, the Pennsylvania Dunkin Community Cruiser will visit Penn State Health Childrens Hospital to provide samples of Dunkins freshly brewed Blueberry Donut Iced Coffee and Kiwi Watermelon Refresher to patients and staff. The Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation will also host a Painting with Joy event for patients and their families, providing art therapy and raising awareness for the annual Iced Coffee Day fundraiser. Penn State Health Childrens Hospital patients can showcase their creativity by painting their favorite Dunkin donut or on paint-by-number canvases. Stevie Nicks Hershey concert rescheduled The Foundations mission is to spread the joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness by providing grants to national and local nonprofit organizations making a difference in communities across the country. This year, the Foundation will celebrate surpassing $50 million in grants distributed since its inception in 2006. Dunkin and the Joy in Childhood Foundation are once again calling on America to sip Iced Coffee for a great cause! As millions of children nationwide fight illnesses that no child should endure, were deeply honored to bring a bit of joy to them and their loving families, said Jamie Struwe, Dunkin Senior Field Marketing Manager. Dunkins franchisees are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. We want our guests to know that every iced coffee order on June 20 will go a long way in bringing smiles and comfort to kids and families who need it most. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., speaks before a gathering to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville, Ky., Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is maturing, like the fine whiskeys it showcases. A new-look Bourbon Trail unveiled Thursday will lead visitors to large and small distilleries alike, linking relative newcomers and age-old brands in a collective strategy to build on bourbon tourism's popularity. It began with seven participating distilleries welcoming visitors 25 years ago. Now the excursion will showcase 46 distilleries, giving visitors more options to plan trips to soak in the sights and smells of bourbon-making in the Bluegrass State. Since its creation in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers Association, the spirits tour has attracted more than 18 million visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries, the KDA said. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail now is a global, bucket-list tourism destination, Eric Gregory, president of the distillers association, said as industry leaders gathered for the announcement. As the original trail grew, it traversed the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, spotlighting such powerhouse brands as Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Evan Williams, Four Roses, Old Forester, Michters and Bulleit. In 2012, a separate Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour was launched to showcase the growing number of smaller distilleries seeking their share of the ultra-competitive spirits market. Now those tours are consolidating. The new tourism and marketing strategy was unveiled in Louisville the gateway to bourbon tourism. They also announced a new logo and a new digital marketing campaign to help tourists plan bourbon trips to the state. Spirit companies have invested huge sums into new or expanded visitor centers to capitalize on the growing appeal of getting behind-the-scenes peeks into how bourbon is crafted. For small distilleries, joining the Kentucky Bourbon Trail was likened to making the big leagues. Kim Bard, co-founder of The Bard Distillery in western Kentucky, said it will immediately change perceptions about smaller producers that were part of the craft tour. People would come in, a lot of times they see us as less-than because were on the craft trail and not on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, she said in an interview. "They see that as a very distinctive line. "Now that the KDA has put us all on the same trail, I think that sort of thinking will stop and well be looked at as just another distillery, which is great for us, she added. Brent Goodin, owner of Boundary Oak Distillery in central Kentucky, predicted that shifting to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail will boost tourism at his and other smaller distilleries. Producers see tourism as an essential part of brand promotion. "Anything we can do to make the tourist realize that everything is Kentucky bourbon and were all producing the same thing - maybe not as much as the next guy but were all kind of in it together, he said in an interview. Any big bourbon announcement in Kentucky typically draws a bevy of the state's political leaders. On Thursday, industry leaders were joined by Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, who co-chairs the Congressional Bourbon Caucus. Bourbon tourism's global appeal is creating more business opportunities for producers, Barr said. There's so much opportunity in the export market for Kentucky bourbon, Barr said. Coleman led the crowd in toasting the bourbon sector's past and future while recognizing Kentucky's status as the undisputed home of bourbon. Bourbon tourism has shaken off any pandemic-era hangover as venerable bourbon producers and industry newcomers alike are benefiting from a new surge in visitors. Attendance surpassed 2.5 million visitors last year along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. Overall, Kentuckys bourbon industry injects $9 billion into the states economy each year, creating more jobs and attracting more tourists than ever before, according to a recent study. More rounds of growth are expected as Kentucky producers make billions of dollars in capital investments. Kentucky distillers produced a record 2.7 million barrels of bourbon in 2022, according to the report, which was commissioned by the distillers association. Producers had a record inventory of 12.6 million bourbon barrels aging in warehouses at the start of 2023, according to the association. Those massive inventories are a bet on the future because most bourbons typically age four to eight years before reaching their market. Bourbon gets its flavor and golden brown color during aging. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the KDA says. Fertility clinics are taking to social media to tell young people the earlier they can freeze their eggs, the better. But that's not always the case. Abanti Chowdhury/BI Brenna Carney was 26 when she started seeing videos circulating on TikTok of women her age freezing their eggs. She began to panic. Was this something she should be thinking about? The Texas native was single at the time and had always wanted children. "When I was 18, I thought I'd be married by 24, with my first kid by 26," Carney told me. "That definitely did not happen." She started researching and found numerous articles preaching the advantages of freezing eggs before age 35 for higher viability in the future. "I felt the biological clock ticking," she said. Egg freezing offered a plan B. She wouldn't have to worry about her fertility declining or rushing into a relationship with someone she would have viable eggs to use whenever she found the right partner or decided the time was right. So in 2022, at the age of 27, she discussed it with her primary-care physician and was referred to a fertility clinic. "I put a lot of thought into it, but I will say I was kind of just freaking out a little bit," she said. Carney is one of many young people who feel like they're running out of time. Ever since the American Society for Reproductive Medicine lifted the "experimental" tag from egg freezing in 2012, more people have decided to freeze their eggs. Between 2012 and 2020, procedures surged by 400% in the US, according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Initially, ASRM recommended egg freezing only for women undergoing medical treatments that affected their fertility, but in 2021, thanks to improved technology, ASRM acknowledged "delaying childbearing" as a valid reason for the procedure. And in 2022, women were given the option to store their eggs for up to 55 years, a significant increase from the previous 10-year limit. For the first time, egg freezing was an option for younger women worried about their reproductive future. Since then, clinics have used platforms like TikTok and Instagram to entice an increasingly young base of women with the message that they're running out of time the earlier you freeze your eggs, the better, they warn. From 2021 to 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, US egg-freezing procedures jumped another 20%, to nearly 30,000. Younger and younger women are posting online about freezing their eggs and getting paid by clinics to do it. But the messaging often ignores a few key realities: Egg freezing is expensive, the chances of success vary significantly, and the idea that earlier is always better isn't clearly supported by research. "Egg freezing is a really valuable and important technology," Zeynep Gurtin, a sociologist and lecturer at the Institute for Women's Health at University College London, told me. However, she said it's not a blanket positive. "What we're starting to see with egg freezing now is the overexploitation of egg freezing as a technology that's marketed as being potentially useful to all women who should use it as some kind of backup plan," Gurtin said. "That's absolutely not what this technology is designed for or is right for." The first step in Carney's egg-freezing journey was to go on birth control something she had never done before. "That week, I was a raging bitch," she said. The pill sent her emotions spiraling in every direction. Then, Carney had to self-inject daily hormone shots for 10 days to coax her ovaries to mature as many eggs as possible. Finally, the doctor could remove her eggs. During a typical egg-retrieval procedure, a doctor guides a needle attached to a catheter through the vaginal wall and draws out the eggs using light suction while the patient is under anesthesia. The harvested eggs are immediately preserved in a cryogenic freezer in liquid nitrogen, where they stay until they're needed for in vitro fertilization. The whole procedure takes less than 20 minutes but recovering from the anesthesia might take several hours. The more eggs the doctor can retrieve, the better the chance one will result in a successful pregnancy down the road. In a 2022 study, women who froze their eggs before the age of 38 had a 70% chance of having a baby if they thawed 20 or more eggs. But if they thawed fewer than 10 eggs, the success rate plunged to 36%. Women under 38 typically get 10 to 20 eggs per retrieval, but of the eggs that are frozen, not all will survive the thawing process. Even fewer will be successfully fertilized, fewer still will become embryos, and even fewer will result in a live birth. At each stage of the process, there's a chance that something goes wrong. "Even in the best-case scenario, your success rate is never going to be higher than the average IVF cycle, which is around 30%," Gurtin said. Carney's retrieval resulted in only nine eggs. "I thought that I would get a lot more because I was 27 and very healthy," she told me. "Some women get, like, 25 to 30." She felt frustrated and discouraged. "I just did all that and now I only have nine?" she recalled thinking at the time. Most women undergo the entire process multiple times to retrieve more eggs and increase their chances of success. But that also comes with a cost and Carney doesn't plan to do another round. Egg retrieval typically runs you $8,000 per procedure, plus $2,000 to $5,000 for the hormone shots. Each year you store your eggs, you also have to pay a fee ranging from $400 to $800. And when you decide to use your eggs, it costs $3,000 to $5,000 for the frozen-embryo transfer. Insurance coverage for these procedures is rare, with exceptions in situations such as when a cancer patient's fertility is endangered by chemotherapy. Some employers do offer assistance Meta and Apple, for instance, cover up to $20,000 for egg freezing, and since 2016, active-duty women in the US military can have the procedure covered but everyone else is on their own. To pay for her procedure, Carney took out a $6,000 loan. Her insurance covered a couple of doctor visits, and her mother helped out with an extra $2,000 to $3,000 for the hormone treatments. Carney now pays $200 each month to pay off the loan, and when we last spoke, she had just paid her annual $600 fee to keep the eggs frozen. She plans to keep paying until she turns 36; if she hasn't used them by then, she'll have them destroyed to avoid paying more fees. Nine years of storage would bring her total cost to nearly $14,500, not including interest on the loan. While freezing eggs doesn't guarantee children, it's also not clear whether doing the procedure in your 20s gives you a significant advantage for a successful pregnancy. Most studies compare women in their early 30s with those in their late 30s and early 40s. In those studies, women under 35 tended to have better outcomes than those who froze their eggs at 40 or later. But that doesn't mean earlier is always better. Other studies have found that there isn't much added benefit to freezing eggs earlier than 30. One 2015 paper looked at the optimal time to freeze eggs among women 25 to 40. It found that freezing your eggs before your 30s didn't generally improve your chances of having a live birth over trying naturally. While egg freezing has the highest chance of success when done before 35, the researchers found the age at which freezing your eggs made the most sense in terms of both viability and cost-effectiveness was 37. "I generally recommend women who are considering freezing their eggs do so before the age of 35 if they can," Dr. Geeta Nargund, the medical director of the fertility center ABC IVF, told me. "If there is no medical reason to freeze your eggs in your 20s, I would advise that you would be in a better position to make an informed decision in your early 30s instead, while the chances of success of treatment remain good." There's also the chance that someone never uses their frozen eggs. In fact, very few women do only 16% of women who froze their eggs at one London hospital between January 2016 and March 2022 came back to use them, a 2023 study found. It's another reason earlier isn't always better: In your 20s, you still have a lot of runway. The right partner might be around the next corner, and when it comes to conceiving naturally, time is on your side. More women are having children into their late 30s, and if someone reaches that point and still doesn't see kids in their immediate future, there's still time to explore options. "A 27-year-old doesn't need to feel like she's left behind or left out because she's not freezing her eggs," Gurtin said. "The reality is, most women, let alone women in their 20s, are not freezing their eggs, don't need to freeze their eggs, and don't need to think about freezing their eggs." Fertility clinics have an obvious business case for trying to convince as many people as possible that egg freezing is something they should do. In a 2020 study, Emily Tiemann, then a regulatory-policy manager at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in the UK, dug into the marketing strategies of egg-freezing companies. First, she noticed a significant lack of comprehensive information on egg-freezing sites. Second, she was struck by the language used, which seemed to target young women at a particular stage in their lives. Phrases such as "you haven't found the right partner," "you're waiting for Mr. Right," and "you want to take control of your life" were common, she told me, adding: "The kinds of messages that you wouldn't necessarily think would be on a clinical site that offers medical treatment." Since then, marketing toward younger women has amped up. Kindbody, a venture-backed egg-freezing company that launched its first "boutique" clinic in New York City in 2018, traveled nationwide in 2020 with an Instagram-friendly van providing complimentary hormone tests to check fertility and marketing its services. Another well-known fertility studio, Trellis Health, calls itself "the Equinox of egg freezing," a nod to the $385-a-month luxury gym chain popular among millennials. Several companies have partnered with social-media stars to leverage their reach. Alex Stewart, an influencer who was 35 at the time, was offered a significant discount by the fertility-preservation program Ova to share her experience with her Instagram and podcast audiences. Similarly, Serena Kerrigan, a 28-year-old content creator, decided to freeze her eggs with Spring Fertility in New York after it approached her for a paid Instagram collaboration. Other companies have targeted women in their 20s, with blog and social-media posts that tout "having children on YOUR time" and say, "Don't feel you have to rush into a relationship this year." When Carney began exploring fertility services, she couldn't ignore the targeted ads that followed her everywhere, recalling ones featuring the popular reality-TV star Lala Kent. Carney also documented her own journey on TikTok. Since most women who use their eggs are in their late 30s, clinics make money on the prolonged storage times. "The earlier, the more expensive," as Tiemann put it. In 2022, fertility-tech startups raised $855 million, according to PitchBook a significant jump from the $306 million raised in 2017. And in fiscal year 2023, Kindbody grew its revenue by 50% to about $180 million. Yoojin Jang, now 32, said she regretted freezing her eggs at 30 in a video posted on her YouTube channel. The procedure affected her body, she said, causing muscle loss and fat gain. It also influenced her dating life. "Before going on a first date, I would think to myself, 'Is this guy worth the 23 hormone injections that I just had?'" she said, adding: "My standards became ridiculous." She said she wished she had waited until she was 35 and seen where she was in life. In a 2018 survey by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, one in six women who'd had their eggs frozen reported feeling significant regret. Carney has mixed feelings about her procedure. Whether she meets someone in the next few years and gets pregnant naturally or gets a sperm donor to inseminate her eggs down the line, she can't predict the future. In that sense, she doesn't regret her decision to give herself a fighting chance at becoming a mother. But knowing everything she knows now, she wonders about her timing: "I would still do it. I would just wait a little bit longer." Eve Upton-Clark is a features writer covering culture and society. Read the original article on Business Insider The Foreign Office has been accused of blocking a prominent Bahraini human rights activist from being granted British citizenship with the wait for a decision now stretching more than three years. Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, a director at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, has indefinite leave to remain in the UK, having been granted political asylum here in 2012 after taking part in pro-democracy protests in the kingdom. However, Mr Alwadaei has been facing a long delay to his citizenship application, which should usually take six months to process. Emails between the Foreign Office and the Home Office, which have been shared with The Independent, show that Home Office officials have been pushing to grant Mr Alwadaei citizenship which he applied for in May 2021 as there are no grounds to refuse the application. However officials at the Foreign Office have been dragging their feet after being consulted about whether granting Mr Alwadaei citizenship would affect bilateral relations with Bahrain. Bahrain is a close UK ally. Prime minister Rishi Sunak signed a new agreement with the country last summer, which aims to enable 1bn more investment into the UK. Two weeks after that announcement, Bahrain was dropped from the Foreign Office list of human rights priority countries nations where the UK is particularly concerned about human rights abuses and is working for change. Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei has been waiting three years for a decision on his British citizenship application (PA) In 2022, Mr Alwadaei was involved in a confrontation with then-Conservative MP Bob Stewart who told him to go back to Bahrain. Mr Stewart surrendered the party whip after he was found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence over the incident, but had that conviction overturned at Southwark Crown Court earlier this year. The judge in that appeal, Mr Justice Bennathan, said that while the words amounted to abuse, it was not believed that they caused Mr Alwadaei harassment, alarm or distress. Mr Alwadaei faced criticism in 2023 for comments he made accusing Israel of committing a genocide in its war inside Gaza. In February this year, the then home secretary, James Cleverly, apologised and said he had arranged for compensation to be paid to Mr Alwadaei after officials unlawfully detained him for more than two hours at Gatwick airport on his return to the UK from a UN meeting in Switzerland in September 2023. In an email to the Foreign Office dated 5 June 2023, Home Office officials explained that because of the applicants high profile, Home Office contacted FCDO for a view on the potential bilateral implications should the applicant be granted British citizenship. The email refers to notes from the Foreign Office in August 2022 and March 2023 on Mr Alwadaei and the implications arising from granting him British citizenship. These Foreign Office notes have not yet been disclosed, but could be publicised if the case goes to court. Tory MP Bob Stewart surrended the party whip after a confrontation with Mr Alwadaei (PA) The Home Office email reveals that the Foreign Office relayed concerns about Mr Alwadaei, but says that Home Office civil servants assessed these concerns were not serious enough to refuse his application. They then asked if the foreign secretary, then Mr Cleverly in a previous role, wanted to raise the matter with the home secretary, then Suella Braverman. The Foreign Office had earlier asked whether their advice on Mr Alwadaeis case would be made public in any potential court proceedings, with the Home Office confirming they would. On 20 July 2023, FCDO officials confirmed that they would not be submitting any formal representations to the home secretary about the application. However nearly a year on no decision about Mr Alwadaeis citizen has been made. Mr Alwadaei told The Independent: The UK is my home after fleeing torture and imprisonment in Bahrain but enduring over three years of scandalous delays to receive a decision on my citizenship application, despite meeting all legal requirements, has been a nightmare. To discover that these delayed have been mainly imposed by the UK foreign office, driven by fears of jeopardising relations with Bahrain, is shocking. The Foreign Office should seek to advance human rights when dealing with abusive states, not reward those states by making the lives of human rights defenders they have forcibly exiled and rendered stateless more difficult. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at 10 Downing Street in July 2023. (PA) Daniel Carey, partner at Deighton Pierce Glynn, who are representing Mr Alwadaei, said: It should not require legal proceedings just to get a Home Office decision on a citizenship application, but the over three year delay in this case has made this necessary. My client will argue this delay is unlawful and it will require very good reasons to defend such a claim. Bilateral concerns associated with the Bahrain government are not a good reason, indeed they raise troubling questions about the extent to which foreign persecution of human rights activists is permitted to interfere in the UK governments own immigration decisions." The Home Office declined to comment. The ongoing investigation into the murders of Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson, and Jack Carter Rhoad has taken a new turn. Shortly after the bodies of the three missing surfers were found near Ensenada, Mexico in northern Baja, police arrested Jesus Gerardo, Cristian Alejandro, and Ari Gisel in connection to the disappearances. Gerardo was initially charged with forced disappearance but local authorities said at the time murder charges would also follow. Now multiple news outlets in Australia are reporting that a fourth person has been arrested in the investigation. Local authorities in Ensenada have not released any other details about the identity of the new arrest. Police still believe the murders were the result of a robbery gone wrong. The three surfers first went missing sometime around the weekend of April 27. The ensuing investigation led to the arrests of the first three suspects as well as the discovery of a well the following weekend that contained the bodies. An additional body of a landowner that apparently had been there for much longer was found in the same well, which authorities believed was the victim of another crime. Jesus Gerardo, whom investigators have labeled as the ringleader of the robbery and murders, will be held behind bars until his next court hearing in November. The post Fourth Person Arrested in Connection to Murders of Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson, and Jack Carter Rhoad first appeared on The Inertia. Lynn Segerblom starts her mornings with a splash of color, treating each day as a blank canvas. It's fitting for a woman who once went by the nickname "Rainbow." Segerblom recalls that in 1976, her driver's license bore the name Faerie Argyle Rainbow. Her love for color is clear. She finds that different colors have various moods, and wearing bright colors like hot pink or yellow significantly lifts her spirits compared to darker shades like black, gray or brown. In the summer of 1978, Segerblom designed a piece of rainbow artwork that brought a storm of change to California. She was 22 at the time, working at the gay community center in San Francisco. During San Francisco's Gay Freedom Day Parade, Segerblom and her friends brainstormed ideas for the flagpoles at the Civic Center, leading to the creation of the striped rainbow flag that became the symbol of the gay rights movement. "It's all the colors. It's the full spectrum, you know? And all the colors in between that we may not quite notice with our eyesbut they're there," Segerblom explains about her color choices. But Segerblom says her work was not noticed in history books. The acknowledgment for creation of the rainbow flag has historically gone to Gilbert Bakera late friend and activist. But Segerblom said it was a collaborative effort that also included James McNamara who Segerblom said taught Baker how to sew before dying of AIDS in the 90s but also received no recognition. "At the time, I didn't know I wasn't getting the credit, you know? And this was a labor of love for all of us. Nobody got paid. It's like, you're there because you want to be. And since I was already there making my living with my dyes and my sewing machine, why not? It sounded exciting," said Segerblom. The rainbow flag has evolved over the years, adding colors and stripes to promote the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. Terra Russell-Slavin, chief impact officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and her team honor the history of the gay rights movement and the flag's importance. "It gave people a symbol or imagery to identify. I think that is important when you're trying to create visibility, when you're trying to create acceptance. I think it became this rallying cry," said Russell-Slavin. A rallying cry Russell-Slavin believes is still needed today. GLAAD reported at least 145 incidents of anti-LGBTQ hate during Pride Month last year. At the recent West Hollywood Pride Parade, the rainbow flags waved strong with participants expressing that it signified queer identity, love, a welcoming community and a safe space for openness and the ongoing struggle for freedom. For Segerblom, seeing the flag decades later brings joy. "I love when I'm out and about and I see rainbow flags It's good to me. I try to take it for its best attributes. It's a rainbow. It's light. It's beauty. I try to take it for the good it has done or is doing," she said. Former CIA acting director warns U.S. faces serious terrorist attack threat Sneak peek: Jade Janks and the Secret Photos MLB to honor Willie Mays, Negro Leagues in special game at Alabama's Rickwood Field It's impossible not to like Kevin Kwan. The witty and warm energy so often found in the pages of his novels, the wildly successful Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, and then Sex and Vanity, which was published in 2020, is evidently an extension of his personality. Over a Zoom call one Monday afternoon, he is energetic and reflective, and when I tell him how much I love his novels, he humbly reveals his surprise at having fans in Britain, going on to share his London recommendations - not the grand ballrooms his characters often frequent, but cosy pubs hidden away on quiet streets. This is not to say Kwan, who grew up in Singapore before moving to the US as a child, doesn't understand the rich and aristocratic world he bases his characters in. In fact, he knows it so well (he is the great-grandchild of the founding director of Singapore's oldest bank,) he's now made a career of writing stories that unpack, satirise and give warmth to the most affluent people on the planet. "At the end of the day, no matter how much money you have in your bank account, you still suffer loss, heartache and disease," he says, when I ask why he thinks we as a society love to indulge in stories about the wealthy. "These are very satirical novels. And I'm turning a lens on the rich, but hopefully you see, the message is not one of glorification." Kwan's latest novel Lies and Weddings is full of the glamour we've come to expect from his work. Lies and Weddings tells the story of Rufus, the future Earl of Greshambury, who, when discovering his family is drowning in debt, is divided between family loyalty and marrying for status, and the love he has for his best-friend-next-door, Eden. As he flies around the world attending boujie weddings, he tries to figure out what he wants - and his hearts true desires. Ahead of the release of Lies and Weddings, we caught up with Kwan to find out about his aristocracy research, the wild wedding event that inspired a moment in the book, and why Captain Lee (yes, as in Below Deck's Captain Lee) makes a cameo in the novel. Hi Kevin! Lies and Weddings is mainly set in England, and is full of British references (shout out to Caffe Nero). How much of this was your own existing knowledge? Kevin: I've been coming to England since childhood, for years and years, and my brother has lived in England now for more than two decades. England is really a second home to me, and I feel more comfortable in London, possibly than even in New York, where I lived for 23 years. I think there's something baked in that as a child growing up in Singapore, which was a former British colony, all my cultural touchstones, everything I read as a kid, all the Enid Blyton books for example, the sweets I would have, all the Rowntree's, everything was English. So it's something I've always been very familiar with and I hope that translates, because I was very wary. Do I dare set a book in England? I knew the level of scrutiny that would come from it - "Am I saying this right? Am I getting the mentality of people right?" So it was a fun experiment for me. What research did you do for the novel? When I was trying to recreate the history of the [Gresham] family, I did a deep dive into the lesser known aristocracy from the West Country. And the schools [universities] are important to me to get right. The affectation of this book is everyone's introduced by their entire list of schools. A friend recommended me someone and she's like, "Oh, you need to speak to this one person because she would be the expert on all the schools and all the different stereotypes." So I began to call her my posh expert. I'd consult her and ask, "Would this person go to this school?" and she would say, "No, no, no, that's too far away. They need to be within, a four hour train ride so they can come back on the weekends for hunting" and she really got into minutiae of how these landed gentry families pick their schools. You mentioned you've visited London a lot. Where are some of your favourite places? They wouldn't be the glamorous places that my characters go to, although a few of them do make it in the book. The Nag's Head on Kinnerton Street for example. I love the old book shops, and there are certain restaurants I've been eating at for years. There's such amazing Chinese food in London. The Four Seasons restaurant does the best roast duck in the world. Mandarin Kitchen is known for their famous lobster noodles and they made an appearance in China Rich Girlfriend. The original Ottolenghi on Ledbury Road, I still have very fond memories of that place. Why did you decide to set this novel around the British aristocracy? The idea really began when I planned this new cities trilogy, which began with the last novel I wrote Sex and Vanity. That was the New York book. It was really my Valentine to New York, set there and in Capri. And so the next book, it was always going to be the British book and the next one I hopefully get to write is Paris. My first three books, the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, was looking at Asians in Asia. And so in this new series, I wanted to look at Asians outside of Asia, how they integrated into various different western communities and what would happen, in that collision of cultures. And I think that's perfectly characterised by what happens in Lies and Weddings. You've got Rufus, who is born British, but really caught between the demands and obligations of two cultures. I think there's an equal sense of obligation and duty, both to his father's lineage and the Gresham line, but then with his mother there's 5,000 years of history there. You have to honour your mother, you have to honour your parents. Asian parents really feel like you belong to them, that you exist to serve and do their bidding. That's why they created you. It's very different than the Western mentality of every man for himself. Arabella [Rufus' mother] is a force of nature of a character. She's hilarious, a somewhat villain, but you also feel sorry for her... She's so damaged, and she doesn't even realise it. But hopefully, you are sympathetic to her, and she becomes the villain that you love to hate. Like, what will she do next? You see the root of so many of her issues, it's laid bare in terms of her hunger to ultimately to fit in and for her children to fit in. And she thinks they all have to marry as "up" as possible to really survive. It comes from a meaningful place, but unfortunately, it gets lost along the way. The weddings that feature in the novel are full of OTT, ostentatious things. Have you ever seen anything like the scenes in the novel at weddings you've attended? I once went to a wedding, and it sort of gave me an idea for the ice sculptures in the novel, that had so many enormous ice sculptures. And they were just melting furiously, and I'm like, "We're watching money melt away right before our eyes". Then all these young kids started coming up to one of the sculptures and began licking it. I was just thinking, what an amazing scene that you've never seen anywhere else. Is Captain Lee from Below Deck aware he features in the novel? I have no idea. And I wonder if he'll be mad at me, but you know, I love Captain Lee. I don't want him to retire. But of course, he's got to live his life and enjoy his retirement, but I wish he'd come back. Are there any plans for a Lies and Wedding adaptation? There has been intense interest from Hollywood on this project. I really do see this as a really fun series, it's such a sprawling story. It's got so many characters and it takes place in so many locations. Never say never, it could make a great movie too. And, of course, it would be a dream if [White Lotus director] Mike White would take this on. In terms of a dream cast, there's so many fun characters, I could see Bill Nighy playing Lord Gresham. And, of course, to me, Michelle Yeoh can do no wrong. I don't know if she would want to play yet another demanding imperious mother, but we should all be so lucky. Which books have meant the most to you in your life? That's a really challenging question because the list is really really long. The books I think of immediately, first of all, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. That was a seminal experience for me, because she was holding up a mirror to part of my experience. She was really showing the Asian American experience and telling in a way that really connected so deeply with me, and really spurred my fascination with looking into the history of my own family. When I first moved to the US, you're so busy trying to fit in and assimilate you sort of forget your own culture. And until I read The Joy Luck Club, I had no interest in my own family background. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is another book. I actually read it as an adult in my early 20s, and it was so good, because it really captures coming of age. I think it's one book that's not necessarily wasted, but I think a lot of times in the US it's read by young people, in school, and I feel part of it will be lost on them. It's a great book to read when you're slightly older when you've remembered that phase in your life, as you were coming into awareness, maturity and adulthood. Earlier you mentioned your next book, the Paris novel, what can you tell us about it? Well, it's a state secret, so I really can't say much. Like my other books in this series, it will be jet setting. There will be Paris as one setting, and another exotic far flung location. I do think it's going to be the most serious of them all. Things are going to take a turn... Lies and Weddings is on sale now You Might Also Like In their joint communique at the end of the G7 meeting in Italy, the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States articulated a united policy on several key issues. Among them were the continuing need for support for Ukraine against Russias aggression; the security threat posed by Chinas industrial overcapacity, as well as the PRCs provision of items to Russia that bolster the Russian war machine; the brutality of Hamas October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and support for the comprehensive deal outlined by President Joe Biden that would lead to an enduring end to the crisis; a commitment to step up assistance to African countries to aid in sustainability and democratic governance. Irans destabilizing actions were another focus of the G7 leaders. They urged Iran to cease and reverse nuclear escalations and stop the continuing uranium enrichment activities that have no credible civilian justifications. The G7 called on Iran to engage in serious dialogue with the International Atomic Energy Agency and provide convincing assurances that [Irans] nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. They expressed strong concern about Irans current lack of cooperation with the Agency. The G7 leaders also urged Iran to stop assisting Russias war in Ukraine and not to transfer ballistic missiles and related technology because doing so would represent a substantive material escalation and a direct threat to European security. The leaders warned there would be new and significant measures taken against Iran, if Iran proceeded to transfer such weapons. Additionally, the G7 warned that if Iran did not cease its malicious activities and destabilizing actions in the Middle East, the G7 stood ready to adopt further sanctions or take other measures in response. Finally, the G7 leaders reiterated their deep concern over Irans human rights violations, especially against women, girls and minority groups. They called on Irans leadership to end all unjust and arbitrary detentions, including of dual and foreign citizens, and they condemned the unacceptable harassment of Irans own citizens as well. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller hailed the strong stance taken by the G7 leaders on Iran. We welcome the G7 speaking with one united voice about the threat that Iran poses and the threat that its destabilizing activities pose, he declared. We have seen a growing agreement on that question internationally, not just with our G7 partners but with other countries around the world. Most parents of young children have experienced the daily struggles of trying to get their kids to finally go to bed. The bargaining, the sudden burst of energy, the arguing to get them in the bath. But how do you know when its normal kid behavior versus something more? According to a new C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital National Poll on Childrens Health, based on a national sample of 781 parents with kids ages 1-year-old to 6 years old, one in four parents said their child has trouble going to bed because theyre anxious or worriedso not just trying to delay the inevitable because theyre having too much fun and have a case of FOMO. More than one-third of the parents in this poll reported their children also didnt stay asleep throughout the night and typically woke up upset or crying. Almost half of the parents also reported their child would leave their beds and get into bed with their parents most nights, and one in three parents said their child often or occasionally insisted their parent stays in the room with them until they fall asleep. In an interview with CNN, Sarah Clark, Mott poll co-director and a research scientist in pediatrics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor said From 1 year of age to 6 years of age, kids change a lot. The different phases they go to are often pretty predictable: Theyre scared of the dark, or as kids develop and their imagination develops now theyre scared of monsters. Clark added that while it can be all sorts of things contributing to this anxiety, these anxieties often manifest or are because of nighttimeand that goes for adults, too. So if you are experiencing bedtime anxiety with your kids, what can you do? For starters, a consistent bedtime routine can help. According to the Sleep Foundation, a bedtime routine, i.e., a consistent and repetitive set of activities that are carried out every night, helps your childs body prepare for sleep. The predictable routine helps their body relax, gives them a sense of security, and teaches them how to fall asleep on their own. Research shows that children who follow bedtime routines are more likely to go to sleep earlier, take less time falling asleep, sleep longer, and wake up less during the night. These benefits to sleep quality are still seen years later, in children who followed bedtime routines when they were younger, according to the foundations website. The foundation provided examples of a good bedtime routine for kids, including: Offering a nutritious snack (or bottle/breastfeeding, depending on the age) Giving a bath or shower (or a diaper change) Going to the bathroom Brushing teeth Reading a book Singing a lullaby Cuddling, massaging, or rocking Talking about their day They also recommended leaving the room when the child is sleepy, but not asleep yet. Additionally, the foundation recommends ceasing all screen time at least an hour before bedtime to reduce exposure to blue light, which affects sleep and the bodys ability to produce melatonin naturally. It might help to plan other calming activities before bed, such as reading, coloring, painting, or stretching, the foundation noted. Dr. Lauren Hartstein, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona who also led a study titled, High sensitivity of melatonin suppression response to evening light in preschool-aged children, also noted in an interview with CNN, We know that young children really resonate with consistency and routine, and getting ready for bed helps their body and their brain know that this is the time to start winding down. A version of this post was published in June 2024. It has been updated. An overview shot of the life saving station at Vermilion Point. NORTHERN MICHIGAN The summer is just heating up, and the Little Traverse Conservancy has plenty of cool ways to spend time outside this season. From nature hikes to mushroom hunts to history talks, heres what the conservancy has planned for this summer: The Fascinating History of the Vermilion Life Saving Station When: 1 p.m. on Friday, June 28 Where: The Vermilion Point Nature Preserve, northwest of Paradise What: This event promises a special onsite opportunity to learn about the unique history of the Vermilion Point Nature Preserve, located on Lake Superior, with Bruce Lynn of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Grace Truman of S.O.S. Vermilion. S.O.S. is also seeking volunteers for the workdays. Contact s.o.s.vermilion@gmail.com for details. Hike and Hops When: 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12 Where: The Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve in Charlevoix What: Guests can join a hike in the Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve followed by beer and pizza at Biers Inwood Brewery. The hilly trail traverses through a mix of orchards, woods and farm fields, and follows along Inwood Creek. Save the Trees/Rock the Forest When: 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 25 Where: The Offield Family Viewlands Reserve in Harbor Springs What: Save the Trees is the conservancys annual cocktail party fundraiser. Guests can purchase a sponsorship or tickets to attend, with proceeds directly supporting land protection efforts in Northern Michigan. For the third year, guests can stay after the party for Rock the Forest, a concert on the green. Tickets for the concert are sold separately. Those staying for the concert should bring their own picnic blanket and snacks while they enjoy the live music. For more information, visit landtrust.org/save-the-trees. Wildflowers grow in the Bluestem Meadow area of the Offield Family Viewlands Reserve. Mushroom Hike at Elmer Johnston When: Noon on Sunday, July 28 Where: The Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs What: Join Amy Lipson and friends for a mushroom hunting adventure. If mushrooms are not readily found on this day, it will change to a regular nature walk. Hindle-Ross Trail Experience with Brad When: 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 Where: Private property near Cross Village What: This event is a unique opportunity to experience the trails on Debbie Hindle and Ken Rosss property with Little Traverse Conservancy Ecology Specialist Brad Von Blon. These 80 acres have been lovingly cared for and restored by the owners, who invite guests to enjoy the scenic views of the Waugoshance Peninsula, walk their unique sundial and learn from Von Blons deep wealth of botanical knowledge. A scenic view of Lake Michigan from the Woollam Family Nature Preserve. Clean Coast Great Lakes Conservation Week When: 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9 Where: The Woollam Family Nature Preserve, near Cross Village What: As part of Great Lakes Conservation Week, this event will raise awareness about protecting the Lake Michigan coast. Guests will join Sarah Mayhew to learn more about this unique ecosystem and how to be a valuable land steward while enjoying the lake views. Mushroom Hike at Chaboiganing When: Noon on Sunday, Sept. 15 Where: The Chaboiganing Nature Preserve in Brutus What: Join Amy Lipson for a mushroom hunting adventure. If mushrooms are not readily found on this day, it will change to a regular nature walk. Tap into the Trails When: All day on Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: The Duncan Bay Nature Preserve, the Barbara C. Hoffius Nature Preserve and other Cheboygan County locations What: The Little Traverse Conservancy is partnering with Cheboygan, a Pure Michigan Trail Town, as it celebrates its multitude of trail opportunities. Activities on this day include birding at Duncan Bay Nature Preserve, a 5K run with the Top of Michigan Trails Council, a bike ride to the Barbara C. Hoffius Nature Preserve and much more. Craft beer tasting will take place along the river downtown and the day will end with a night hike at Cheboygan State Park. This event was initially scheduled to take place last September, but had to be postponed following the fire at the former Tissue Depot storage facility. Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Conservancy offers full slate of summer fun EDITORS NOTE: This article has been updated to correct Dr. Mobleys quote about Alpha-gal. He said Alpha-gal could cause a potentially deadly allergic reaction and that anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. KNWA/FOX24 regrets the error. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/FOX24) Summer is in full swing and that means its time to have fun spending time outdoors and also eating some good barbecue. Those two things can have a more serious outcome if you happen to get bit by a certain kind of tick. Dana Neely, owner of Girls Gone BBQ in Fayetteville, knows firsthand how quickly life can change from a tick bite. When you walk into Girls Gone BBQ Neely wants you to feel like youre at home. I feel like Im kind of recreating my childhood, I love mid-century mod style, she said. You should really check out our bathroom. Its like youre at grandmas house, simple but homey. She coined the term Pitmistress and is the only woman in town serving up pulled pork, brisket, ribs, smoked black-eyed peas and fried okra. This is my love, this is my passion, she said. This Arkansas Delta native opened her shop in 2022 with the goal of providing barbecue for everyone, from people who are gluten-free to dairy-free and even vegans. I like to call it inclusive barbeque, she said. Everybody needs to be part of the barbecue experience. She said making barbecue is like creating art. Its when you get the smoker and get the coals going and when you get the wood going, she said. Its low and slow and you have to keep it at a certain temperature. KNWA/FOX24s Jaclyn House honored by Northwest Arkansas Business Journal It hasnt been an easy ride for Neely to operate her dream business. In 2020 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. December 2020, stage three lobular breast cancer and then in February 2021 I had a double mastectomy, she said. Her health concerns took another turn in July of 2023, and would have an even bigger impact on her ability to run her barbecue shop. And it all started with a tick bite. Neely said she doesnt really remember getting a tick bite but when she had a steak fillet for the first time in a while, her body had a completely new reaction. I hadnt had any beef in a long time and I decided I was craving a steak so I made up a fillet, she remembered. The next morning, I woke up and couldnt hear anything because my ears were swollen shut. Then my whole body started itching and I said, I need to look at myself. I did and my eyes were all swollen, my nose was swollen, my face was swollen. I immediately knew that I had Alpha-gal. Tick season has arrived. Protect yourself with these tips Dr. Seth Mobley is a family medicine doctor with Mercy in Springdale. He explains what Alpha-gal Syndrome is. Alpha-gal is a combination of a carbohydrate in a protein that is found in pretty much the cells of all different organisms except mammalian primates, so humans, he said. He said when ticks with this protein bite a human, it transfers into your blood. Unfortunately, this has been linked to causing some allergy symptoms or some intolerance to red meats, so beef, pork, lamb, he said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said suspected Alpha-gal cases are predominantly in areas where the lone star tick is reported. Northwest Arkansas is right in the heart of that region. The map below is from the CDC. I think theres been some cases where they come from different kinds of ticks as well, said Dr. Mobley. So theres not really a this tick versus the other, but the lone star one is the one that is notorious for it. Dr. Mobley said Alpha-gal will cause an allergic reaction, which could even lead to a potentially deadly anaphylactic reaction. Essentially its an allergic reaction, so similar to like things youd be allergic to, usually its not as bad as like a full anaphylactic reaction that you think about needing an EpiPen for or anything. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alpha-gal is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, and symptoms appear after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products containing Alpha-gal. Getting Alpha-gal was a devastating discovery for Neely. I broke down, she said. I called Quincy and cried all day long. I knew it was going to be a big challenge and we had to navigate it. She had to completely change how she operates. I cant be on the beef smoker, the pork smoker as well because its cooking, she said. I dont wash the dishes either because the meat sprays up. They even have separate workstations and preparation utensils. They have separate smokers and make sure to prepare the different meats on the stove at different times. You cant have pork splattering onto chicken, she explained. Fayetteville approves funds for childcare program Neely trained Quincy Kelly in the art of barbecue. Shes the one who has to handle most of the meat preparation now. I prep all the meat, I run the smokers, I run the line, I do a lot of the prep as well, she said. Its a lot of heavy lifting. Kelly said Neelys courage and perseverance are inspiring. Shes the most amazing, courageous person that I know, she said. Theyve created a whole menu for people who have Alpha-gal Syndrome to still get their barbecue kick. It can be a bit scary because Ive seen Danas reactions and I want to make sure anybody who comes in here is safe and nobody reacts and so we all have separate things, she said. Neely is encouraging you to defend yourself against tick bites as you spend time outside this summer. As much as we hate it, wear the DEET and you know if youve been outdoors definitely check yourself when you get in, she said. And she wants you to know that you can have some good home cooking to eat at her shop, no matter what your food restrictions are. Come in and eat the Delta-style barbecue and our homemade southern sides, everythings house-made, she said. Neely said business is good at Girls Gone BBQ but now she needs another set of hands to help out in the areas she cant anymore. Her next goal is to hire another person to work in her restaurant. If you want to help Neely reach that goal, you can always eat at her restaurant, or you can donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser started by her mother. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Alyssa Minor has a story to tell. I remember one night in particular. I had been having a really hard day, wondering if I could do (the work in Ghanian orphanages), when I saw the older children out dancing and asked if I could try. I put on their traditional clothing and then I got out there and I was dancing in the rain with them and that was a turning point for me, said Minor. I immersed myself in their culture. Loving the things that makes them them, including their culture, is when the idea of Love the One really hit home. Love the One is the first step in the cycle of social change described by Eva Witesman, the director of the Ballard Center for Social Impact at BYU. Instead of jumping to solutions, a common approach in the nonprofit world, Witesman asks her students to fall in love with the problem, and even more specifically, the one. We could map the complex systems of global poverty forever and never finish, hoping to wrap our minds around an impossible problem in hopes of solving it, and yet never make a change, said Witesman. Or we can effectively reduce suffering for one person by mapping their specific experiences and working at that scale. Solving social problems by first focusing on the one is a methodology Witesman is passionate about. We are less concerned with which solution are we using, because no solution is THE solution, nor is one solution going to be a permanent solution, Witesman said. We believe in an iterative process where youre constantly co-designing that intervention with the people who have the lived experience that youre working with. Because of that, Witesman said, we dont get attached to an organization or an intervention. We fall in love with solving the problem that impacts the one. Minor experienced learning to love the one after spending last summer in Ghana. A student at Brigham Young University minoring in global and community impact through the Ballard Center, she spent the summer researching child abuse in the countrys orphanages. For the first six weeks she was in Ghana, she spent her time analyzing processes, looking at documents and talking to government officials, while also keeping herself removed emotionally and physically from the children who actually lived in an orphanage. That emotional distance changed when she embedded herself in the orphanage and fell in love with the children there. It became personal, she said. She became committed to fight through the hard stuff, and work through the challenges of solving problems because its not about solving the problem, but I love you and I will do anything to alleviate your suffering. Her time in Ghana changed her profoundly, she said. It changed her outlook on her future family, her career path and her educational goals. She is now committed to pursuing a law degree and a Master of Public Administration and then a doctorate in family studies so she can spend her life working on structural change that will impact the one. Minor says the Ballard Center holds her heart. Alyssa Minor is pictured "Loving the One" in an orphanage in Ghana. | Courtesy of Alyssa Minor The Melvin J. Ballard Center for Social Impact When the Ballard Center opened its doors in 2003, it was the Center for Economic Reliance at the BYU Marriott School of Business. In 2010, the center was named the Melvin J. Ballard Center for Economic Self-Reliance, after Melvin J. Ballard, architect of the modern welfare program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its mission was to give students the necessary tools to help individuals and families everywhere become self-reliant. In 2020, the name was changed to the Melvin J. Ballard Center for Social Impact to better encompass the broad scope of the work done by the center. Witesman, the Centers current director, praised her predecessor for his vision and leadership in founding the center. Todd Manwaring founded this center and led it for the first twenty years. The work we are doing now builds directly on the knowledge and experience he generously shared over his impressive career of service. Currently, The Ballard Center for Social Impact has students from all colleges and nearly 90% of all departments. Each academic year, more than 3,000 students participate in its classes, competitions, internships, research, and employment opportunities and with an additional 6,000+ students participating in events such as the Peery Film Series and TEDxBYU. The center has been designated as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U, the leading supporter of social impact education at universities throughout the world. For students who want a deeper experience than participating in a research project, or attending a single class, for example, undergraduate students can get a minor in Global and Community Impact and MBA students can choose a Social Impact emphasis. Students from multiple disciplines across campus come to the Ballard Center to learn from a variety of professors who generally teach most of their classes in other departments. The current mission of the Ballard Center is to develop the faith and skills to solve social problems and to Do Good. Better. Sometimes the desire to do good doesnt always mean that good is done. For example, sending clothes to refugees that are inappropriate for the weather or the culture or the living situation (eg: high heels in a refugee camp) not only is not helpful, it adds additional burdens on those who are on the receiving end to do something with the unhelpful donations. Students touched by the Ballard Center dont learn one way to manage a nonprofit, or understand one theory of change. Rather, they learn to work through an entire cycle that starts with Loving the One, then moves through identifying and understanding the problem, specifying an outcome, and co-creating solutions with the people they are trying to help, rather than imposing a solution that may not be helpful and could even be harmful. Then, the team implements the proposed intervention, measures and evaluates, iterates as needed and, finally, looks at scaling the intervention to be able to serve the many. Students from dozens of majors, and professors from multiple disciplines across campus, take or teach classes on social impact, including human-centered design thinking for social impact, alleviating poverty, international health, impact investing and the sociology of international development. Undergraduate students can minor in Global and Community Impact, or, Master of Business Administration students can add an MBA Social Impact Emphasis. Witesman, one of only two full-time professors with the center, doesnt just teach her students about iterative processes in the classroom. Through the Ballard Centers Social Impact labs, she gets them out in the field. Students like Minor work on real-life problems, both locally and internationally, and gain valuable, first-hand experience. The Ballard Center offers community-engaged learning while developing thought leadership in their students. Here are the challenges student teams are currently working on: Poverty alleviation in the Andean region, in concert with the BYU Andean Region Initiative headed by international vice president Renata Forste Homelessness along the Wasatch Front, focusing specifically on single women-led families Global drought and flood early warning with 50 women in Central America, in conjunction with the BYU College of Engineering The Great Salt Lake, with a specific focus on low-income residents in west Salt Lake Valley Air pollution in Nepal, also in conjunction with the BYU College of Engineering. Black Diaspora performance lab, seeking to improve the experience of Black students at BYU. My favorite thing about teaching social impact is watching the joy and the passion in the students that I teach because they so very much want to just take this world and make it better, said Witesman. When asked what appeals to her in her current role, she said, Its a work that I have felt called to since I was a little girl. I remember being in fifth grade and my best friend asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I gave a list of 10 different helping professions. I dont know how but I want to be all of those things. In her role as director of the Ballard Center, she has been able to mesh those different professions together. This has always been in me. To be here and look back, I realize this has always been my trajectory. I feel like I am home. Alyssa Minor is pictured "Loving the One" in an orphanage in Ghana. | Courtesy of Alyssa Minor From Mexico to Louisville, how one man carries on his family legacy through this NuLu barbershop Adalberto Castellon Jr. is the owner of the Spanish Fly Barbershop in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. on June 3, 2024. He is a third-generation barber and has two barber chairs that were originally used by his family for nearly 70 years in Mexico. Adalberto "Adal" Castellon Jr. spent his childhood in southern California with frequent trips back to Chihuahua, Mexico to visit family. It was on these trips to the hot, dry region in Mexico where he spent countless hours with his uncles at the family-owned barbershop. Even as a child, Castellon realized his uncles had created more than just a simple place to get a haircut. The family barbershop was a community space where people could seek refuge from the heat and socialize for hours, talking about the news or gossip of the day or just enjoying the company of others. The barbershop, Castellon learned, was a magical place of community. Adalberto Castellon Jr. is the owner of the Spanish Fly Barbershop in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. on June 3, 2024. He dislplays this photo of two of his uncles who were barbers in Mexico. It was his desire to tap into that magic that set him on a path to open his own barbershop in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood. "It was important for me to carry on the legacy of barbering," Castellon, a third-generation barber, said. "It wasn't so much that it was the barbering, as it was more the (desire to) have a communal space." Now, six years later, Castellon is fostering that community, and his Mexican heritage, one haircut at a time. 'Build up from nothing' Adalberto Castellon Jr. is the owner of the Spanish Fly Barbershop in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. on June 3, 2024. He is a third-generation barber and has two barber chairs that were originally used by his family for nearly 70 years in Mexico. When Castellon arrived in Louisville 10 years ago, he found himself drawn to what would become the NuLu neighborhood. At the time, he and his wife were moving from downtown Los Angeles with dreams of building something. "We picked NuLu mainly because of the promise of what (it) had to offer," Castellon told the Courier Journal. "I do not come from a privileged place, I needed to build up from nothing, and I saw a neighborhood that was raw." Castellon quickly found himself behind the barber chair working at the now-defunct Market Street Barbers for about four years. Then in June 2018, Castellon opened Spanish Fly Barbershop, 626 E. Main St. Adalberto Castellon Jr. is the owner of the Spanish Fly Barbershop in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. on June 3, 2024. He dislplays this photo of two of his uncles who were barbers in Mexico. "I decided to open Spanish Fly because it was important for me to have representation in the small business landscape," Castellon said. Inside, the quaint barbershop is tricked out with Hispanic decor, an extensive collection of artworks, photos of his uncles in their original Mexican barbershop, and a handmade American flag made with traditional Mexican fabric. "Ever since the inception of Spanish Fly, we've always been a little bit more than a barbershop ... It has a very vibrant ... almost art gallery-like feel," Castellon said, which helps create a sense of community. Adalberto Castellon Jr. is the owner of the Spanish Fly Barbershop in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. on June 3, 2024. He is a third-generation barber and has two barber chairs that were originally used by his family for nearly 70 years in Mexico. He used Mexican fabric to create the American flag in the background. At the center of it all is a little piece of family history and a nod to what inspired Spanish Fly Barbershop. When opening his shop, Castellon traveled back to Mexico to retrieve two of the barber chairs his uncles used for clients for decades. He had them restored and feels a sense of pride and connection to his heritage each time he gives a haircut to a client sitting in the chair, something he hopes will continue at his barbershop for years to come. Adalberto Castellon Jr. is the owner of the Spanish Fly Barbershop in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. on June 3, 2024. He is a third-generation barber and this is one of two barber chairs that were originally used by his family for nearly 70 years in Mexico. "He brought those chairs from Mexico because they're so important to him and his family and ... in terms of what's inside the barbershop, those are the focal points," said Kevin Trager, a client of Castellon's for the past three years. Giving back to the community In a neighborhood that was once a little more than vacant buildings, Castellon has helped foster a community within his small businesses, bringing in clientele from engineers at GE Appliances and factory workers at Ford Motor Co. to teachers and employees in local government. Most recently, an interaction with a client led Castellon to his newest community-building endeavor working at the Backside Learning Center at Churchill Downs. After being invited to coordinate a monthlong program for teens at the Backside, Castellon said he couldn't get the workers there off his mind. Adalberto Castellon Jr. is the owner of the Spanish Fly Barbershop in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. on June 3, 2024. He is a third-generation barber and used Mexican fabric to create this American flag. Now, as he focuses on giving back to the Hispanic community, Castellon hopes his presence as a Latinx, small-business owner will help the barbershop culture he grew up with extend beyond the doors of Spanish Fly and into Louisville, his chosen home. "There's a lot of things that I really admire and respect about him, I mean, he took a chance on Louisville, ... he's opened a business, he's helping the economy, he cares a lot about his customers and about the community," Trager said. "He's more than just a barber or a businessperson. He really loves to help out people in need." Know someone inspirational? Tell us about them. Email bloosemore@gannett.com and let us know what makes them inspirational and how we can get a hold of you and them to learn more. Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: NuLu Spanish Fly Barbershop combines Mexican culture, community spirit CANCER WARNINGS ARE coming to a bottle of alcohol near you well, at least if you live in Ireland. Its news I could hardly believe: Ireland, due to a requirement signed into law last year, will now require all bottles of alcohol to carry a cancer warning label starting in 2026. A warning label on a booze seems extreme, and yet a growing chorus of alcohol researchers argue its long past due. The alcohol research community has known for a long time that alcohol is not safe, says John Callaci, Ph.D., a professor with the Alcohol Research Program at Loyola University Chicago. Youre not doing your body, your health, any good by drinking. The World Health Organization, in a piece published in The Lancet Public Health in January 2023, concluded that any level of alcohol consumption will adversely affect ones health. Not long after, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction declared that more than six drinks a week increases someones risk of high blood pressure, heart conditions, liver disease, and cancer. So what are you supposed to do if youre someone who likes to have a few? Cutting back entirely might be difficult, but some guys have figured it out. JW Sargent hasnt had a drop of alcohol since New Years Eve 2022. For half a decade before that, he had always participated in Dry January, a month-long period of abstinence from beer, wine, and spiritsa glorified reset after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve, the booziest holidays of the calendar year. But when he and his wife moved to Philadelphia in December of that year, he knew he needed a break. Beginning in January 2023, he was traveling two hours by train Tuesday through Thursday to his office in New York City, where he works for a big tech firm. To Sargent, having the energy to go to the gym on the weekends trumped going out for hours on a Friday or Saturday night. When my life got extra crazy, I needed more space for the things that are pushing me forward. Alcohol, sadly, didnt most of the time, says the 36-year-old, who has since swapped his beloved bourbon for club soda with lime. For many people, though, alcohol is a fixture of life. The thought of not drinkinga neat Jack Daniels after, say, finishing an article for Mens Healthscarcely crosses the mind. Yet decades of studies and research reveal a sobering truth thats only now begun making its way to the general public: Theres no real safe amount of alcohol. What Alcohol Does to Your Health THERE HAVE BEEN a few recent paradigm shifts in research, says Aaron White, Ph.D., of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol, at any dose, does not convey overall health benefits. We know now, for instance, that alcohol agitates the mucous membrane of the stomach, helping to release endotoxins that generate inflammation throughout the body. The link between alcohol and cancer is clearer: Alcohol metabolism leads to the creation of acetaldehyde, a compound that damages DNA, interfering with its repair, which may cause cells to divide, multiply, and form into tumors. Indeed, behind cigarette smoking and obesity, alcohol consumption is the third leading modifiable risk for cancer. Even the Framingham Heart Study, the multigenerational study launched in 1948 in Framingham, Massachusetts, is suspect. While the data shows that people who drank moderately lived longer than those who didnt, those same people also exercised more, ate more vegetables, and visited their doctors more regularly. In other words, they were overall healthier. The data around resveratrol is a little more mixed. The polyphenolic compound found in red wine is regularly cited by the anti-aging crowd for its (purported) ability to bolster longevity-related genes. Red wine was also thought to be a factor in the French Paradoxthe observation that there were relatively low rates of heart disease among French people despite the consumption of rich foods not associated with heart health. Its not difficult to find other studies that laud red wines benefits, including mitigating oxidative stress or decreasing inflammation. Still, one study found that someone would need to drink at least 505 liters of red wine per day to consume one gram of resveratrol, the dose commonly used in clinical trials. And the effects of red wine, in general, might just be the social component: Youre drinking with friends, and there is other data out there showing that loneliness can be deadly. Cutting back, at least based on the research, seems like a prudent decision. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends no more than two drinks a day for men, and no more than one drink a day for women. But, as Callaci says, no one really understands what one drink is. A glass of wine is five ounces of wine. And nobody drinks that. Theyll fill their wine glass up to probably 10 ounces, he says. So they think theyre drinking one drink, and theyre actually drinking two or more. GETTY IMAGES; MH ILLUSTRATION What Alcohol Does to Your Social Life FOR ANYONE EVEN mildly contemplating a break from booze, however, sober curiosity comes with its own complications. When somebody is reconsidering their relationship to alcohol, its also reconsidering their social experience, says Molly Anne Bowdring, clinical psychologist and research fellow with the Stanford Prevention Research Center. Most times, those things go hand-in-hand. There was no sweeping declaration or sit-down conversation with friends and family once Sargent decided to stop drinking. The thing I said the most, he recalls, was that it doesnt fit into my life right now. Mark Malseed approached his drinking the same way. Before the pandemic, having a beer or glass of wine with dinner or a few drinks over the weekend when he went out with friends was typical. But during lockdown, the 48-year-old found himself working or working out at night, and the prospect of a beer beforehand lost its luster. I went from probably seven drinks a week down to two, says Malseed, a consultant and author of The Google Story. He adds, It just didnt fit into my natural rhythm of life. To say nothing of the physical effects, which were too good to pass up. Once he cut back, Malseed says he slept better and felt better overall. Sargent says that once going out no longer meant having to have a drink, he felt less anxious. Its reframing what your weekends look like, he says. My friends dont actually give a shit. So, is there a right way to drink right now? If you like to drink, the answer probably isnt to stop entirely. Drinking less, of course, doesnt mean no drinking at all. And Im not pouring out the bottle of Jack on the bar cart. But maybe, once its empty, I dont need another right away. It would be hard for me to forswear drinking entirely, says Malseed. But when I finished a bottle of Glenlivet in my cupboard, I didnt buy another one. You Might Also Like OKCPHIL returns to Red, White and BOOM! on July 3 OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Philharmonic is returning to Scissortail Park for the highly awaited summer event known as Red, White & BOOM! on July 3. Red, White, and BOOM! is a family friendly event that allows those in attendance to experience an evening filled with patriotic music, family fun and fireworks. LOCAL NEWS: Free concerts coming to Scissortail Park The atmosphere for Red, White & BOOM! is electrifying, said Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate, OKCPHIL Music Director. The patriotic music, the cheering crowd, the fireworks. Last year we welcomed 25,000 people to the park, and this year we expect even more. Its an exciting evening of music and magic celebrating our nations independence. OKCPHIL returns to Red, White and BOOM at Scissortail Park on July 3 OKCPHIL returns to Red, White and BOOM at Scissortail Park on July 3 OKCPHIL returns to Red, White and BOOM at Scissortail Park on July 3 OKCPHIL returns to Red, White and BOOM at Scissortail Park on July 3 OKCPHIL returns to Red, White and BOOM at Scissortail Park on July 3 OKCPHIL returns to Red, White and BOOM at Scissortail Park on July 3 Admission to the summer event is free and guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs, a blanket and anything else needed to enjoy a night filled with performances. The event will also include OKCPHIL t-shirts, tote bags, and the latest Of Thee I Sing CD that will be available for purchase. Next season we have a fabulous lineup of concerts, Mickelthwate said. But events like Red, White & BOOM! allows us to celebrate the birth of our nation while coming together as a community and family. We feel the love from Oklahoma City, and we give it right back! We hope to see everyone July 3rd at Scissortail Park! This years sponsors for Red, White and BOOM! include Scissortail Park, Oklahoma Craft and Omni Hotels. Red, White and BOOM! will be held on Wednesday July 3 at 8:30 p.m. For more information on OKCPHIL and Red, White and BOOM! visit okcphil.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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The debate over whether students should wear school uniforms continues on. Here are some of the potential benefits and disadvantages of school uniforms. Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah Scott The pros and cons of school uniforms are constantly a source of debate. Some people argue that uniforms have a positive impact on the school environment by promoting confidence and a sense of belonging. Others fear that school uniforms prevent kids from expressing themselves through their clothing choices and discriminate against students who don't fit into the traditional gender binary. The research on school uniforms is often mixed. While some schools have found uniforms beneficial, other research has found that they have little effect. Some studies have even reached the conclusion that requiring school uniforms can be harmful for some students. Let's take a closer look at some of the potential benefits and disadvantages of requiring students to wear uniforms at school. SolStock / Getty Images Student Safety Some people think that school uniforms can help make schools safer for kids. When Long Beach, California, required all students in grades K8 to wear uniforms in the 1990s, reports of assault and battery decreased by 34%. Additionally, assault with a deadly weapon decreased by 50%, fighting incidents declined 51%, and sex offenses dropped by 74%. Possession of weapons dropped by 52%, possession of drugs went down 69%, and vandalism was lowered by 18%. Sparks Middle School in Nevada reported a decrease in gang activity after instituting a uniform policy. They also reported a drop in fights, graffiti, property damage, and battery. Overall, there was a 63% drop in police reports. Other proponents of school uniforms report that it prevents students from concealing weapons under clothing. Some also believe intruders would be recognized faster, making the students and staff safer in the event someone from outside the school community tries to enter the school. But not all studies have found that uniforms reduce discipline issues. In fact, one peer-reviewed study found that school uniforms increased the average number of assaults by about 14 per year in the most violent schools. The Miami-Dade County Public Schools Office of Education Evaluation and Management found that fights in middle schools nearly doubled within one year of making uniforms mandatory. Focus on Education For many students, clothing can be a major source of stress. Not having certain brand names or not wearing fashionable items could lead to feelings of insecurity. Some people feel students are better able to concentrate on school when they all wear the same clothing. Researchers in Australia noted that students who wear uniforms had improved discipline and academic performance. But not all studies have found that uniforms improve grades. In fact, at least one study found that school uniforms had a negative effect on achievement. Attendance Rates Research shows that kids may show up to school more often when theyre wearing uniforms. A study by researchers at the University of Houston found that the average attendance rate for girls in middle and high school increased by 0.3 to 0.4% after school uniforms became mandatory. Another study also found that attendance rates increased and suspensions decreased once students began wearing uniforms. Students may also be more likely to show up to school on time when they have to wear uniforms. If they dont have to spend time choosing what to wear every morning, students are able to get out the door more quickly, which may make for fewer late arrivals. Discipline Issues Proponents of uniforms report that wearing uniforms can improve behavior in students. One school that found this to be true was the John Adams Middle School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When they mandated school uniforms, discipline referrals dropped from 1,565 in the first semester of the previous year to 405. An Australian study also concluded that students wearing uniforms were more disciplined and they listened significantly better. Classes were also more likely to start on time. Not all studies have found this, however. Some research has found that disciplinary issues and bullying didnt decrease after instituting a mandatory uniform policy. Related: 7 Steps to Take If Your Black Child Is Being Singled Out At School Dress Code Enforcement Many school officials spend a lot of time policing dress codes. Enforcing policies can require a lot of resources as teachers may send kids to the office, and administrators have to determine whether clothing is too baggy, inappropriate, or revealing. School dress codes and how they are enforced are also often problematic, sexist, and discriminatory. Kids who violate dress codes may spend a lot of time in the office awaiting consequences, or they may receive suspensions for repeated violations. School uniforms can avoid many of these issues, keeping kids in the classroom rather than the front office and preventing staff from wasting time trying to enforce commonly problematic policies. Cost for Families Parents may spend less money on school clothes when kids wear uniforms. There is less pressure to buy expensive name-brand clothing, and school uniforms might be more affordable. Opponents of school uniforms, however, say that requiring parents to buy specific articles of clothing goes against the idea that students should be given free education. When public schools force parents to buy uniforms, it places a financial burden on families. Impact on Self-Esteem Proponents of uniforms report that they have a positive impact on student self-esteem. Wearing the same clothing as everyone else means that students dont have to worry about whether their clothing choices will be acceptable to their peers. But opponents argue that uniforms may have a negative impact on some students body image. Research conducted at Arizona State University found that students without uniform policies actually reported higher self-perception scores than students with uniform policies. This may be especially true for nonbinary and trans students who are forced to wear gendered uniforms that reflect the sex they were assigned at birth rather than their gender identity. Additionally, when all students wear the same clothing, they may be more likely to compare themselves to their peers as clothing fits differently on everyones body. The Problem With Research on School Uniforms Although there are many studies that examine the potential pros and cons of school uniforms, many of them revealed correlation, rather than causation. Just because grades went up or behavioral problems went down, theres no way of knowing that the reason for the change was due to uniform policy. There are many other factors that may have influenced these issues. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents. There arent many mountain bike rides that take you past the grave of a woman who died giving birth in a snowstorm over a century ago. But then again, there arent a lot of rides like the Santiam Wagon Road. The ancient route between the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon was once a main thoroughfare across the mountains first for Native Americans and then settlers. Today, the abandoned roadway offers some of Oregons most unique mountain biking on an often-overlooked trail east of Sweet Home. The sometimes rough trail feature sweeping mountain views, old-growth forest and multiple historical sites. Its an adventure, its beautiful and its a ride back in time, said Nikki Swanson, Sweet Home District Ranger for Willamette National Forest. Mountain biking the Santiam Wagon Road. In the past decade, Swanson has worked to bring more recreation to the Santiam Wagon Road by adding signs and designing maps that showcase the best segments of the trail. Theres about 18 miles and six segments along the South Santiam River open to mountain biking, hiking and equestrian use. No matter how you travel, the history is never far away. While mountain biking from Tombstone Pass to Fish Lake, I rode through a beautiful stretch of old-growth forest. In the middle of the forest, I suddenly came across a gravesite with a heartbreaking story. It told of 19-year-old Charity Ann Marks, who was pregnant and traveling with her husband across the wagon road when they were caught in a snowstorm and did not get across before a child was born to Mrs. Marks, it said. Charity Ann Marks and her infant child died October 18, 1875, and are buried in this grave. The gravesite of a pioneer woman who died while pregnant on the Santiam Wagon Trail. Its far from the only story. In a recent episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Swanson talked about the fascinating Native American history on the trail including the obsidian trade along with the best routes to mountain bike and how the trail has been rediscovered for recreation. Heres a good portion of the conversation from the podcast. It has been edited for brevity and clarity. The Santiam Wagon Road today Zach Urness: Before we jump into the history, what is the Santiam Wagon Road like today? Where is it located? Where does it travel? Nikki Swanson: Many segments of the Santiam Wagon Road are now under modern paved roads. There are very few contiguous sections that you can hike or bike on. One of those contiguous sections goes across the Sweet Home ranger district. Typically, you can start at Mountain House and go all the way to Fish Lake. You can actually continue all the way to Sisters. So that's super exciting as well, but its mostly on travel roads. Urness: I counted six different segments that cover about 18 miles between Mountain House and Fish Lake. Is that the primary recreation corridor? Santiam Wagon Road map and guide by Zach Urness on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. Swanson: It is, yeah. And the reason for it is that that area is contiguous. You can hike the 18 miles from one end to the other and you could step back in time and it's just this amazing experience where you can walk through old growth trees that are the same trees that the people passing back and forth on the Wagon road passed back and forth on over a hundred years ago. Urness: It's my understanding that you're trying to make this into a little bit more of a recreation destination. What are some of the things you're doing to put it on the map a little bit more, make it more accessible than you've done in the past and are planning to do in the future? Swanson: When I first got to this district about 10 years ago, the Santiam Wagon Road was really hard to find. We've really increased the way finding, putting up signs at all of the places where the (route) intersects other roads or campgrounds or other trails. Just making sure that people can find it and are able to travel along it. We're going to be putting up some interpretation signs at some of those major gateways into the Santiam Wagon Road. And there's going to be a celebration in September to draw some public awareness to it as well. In addition, we're updating our district map with a huge inset of the Santiam Wagon Road, so that it doesn't get lost and people remember this piece of history. Signposts with markers noting the Santiam Wagon Trail route can be found along the trail. Urness: Oh, that's fantastic. As somebody that loves maps, there's nothing better. That's what really made it come alive for me, was to see it on the page and say, here's where it goes. Here's the different segments. Swanson: The map making itself was really fun so that the cartographers were willing to work with us on the backside of that map and really create a map with an old timey feel and then as we pull out those bits of history as well. We expect that map to be available late summer, early fall. History of the Santiam Wagon Trail Urness: Alright, so let's jump into the history a little bit. So this route was in its heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when it was the primary route from the Willamette Valley into Central Oregon. But how did it evolve and become established? Swanson: Initially, it was a trail through the Cascades used by Native American tribes as they went back and forth between the valley the resources of the valley the resources of the high desert. It was primarily used for that initially. Then pioneer Andrew Wiley and his group decided to try to find a better route, not having to use the Barlow Road over by Mount Hood, but a better, quicker route from the valley over to the High Cascades. (His group) decided to follow those Native American trails and to see if they could find a route that would be usable by wagons. And what they wanted to do was to create this travel route so that they could go back and forth taking goods from the valley over to the High Cascades and back again as well as sheep and other livestock. And so it was primarily a route to take things back and forth. It wasn't so much like the Oregon Trail or other kinds of routes that were more for human migration. This was for the migration of goods and livestock. Urness: If you could travel back in time here at its busiest, what would you see? Swanson: The primary use for it was for taking sheep back and forth cattle or horses as well. They'd bring 'em down here to graze in the valley in the winter and then in the summers up into the High Cascades for grazing. And so you'd have wagons, you'd have single horseback riders herding these sheep back and forth across the pass. There were some toll roads or toll bridges, and those had a per livestock cost, so it cost this much per sheep and this much for cow and this much per horse and this much for wagon. And that was a pretty industrious way to help fund it. There would've also been trade with produce taking apples and other things grown in the valley over to market in the Sisters area. Urness: One of the most interesting things was how Native Americans Kalapuya and Molala primary used this trail originally. How was this route used originally? Swanson: Many of the tribes would be primarily in the valley in winter where the temperatures were more moderate and the resources are more readily available. And then in the spring and summertime they would migrate over these trails, picking huckleberries, going to find obsidian and to be able to take that back for trading, fishing for salmon. It was kind of their summer camp area. Urness: The obsidian piece is really interesting just because of how important obsidian was to those tribes. Can you flesh that out a little bit and where they were going, what they were doing, and then what they would do with some of that obsidian? Obsidian once used by Native Americans can be found on the Obsidian Trail in the McKenzie Pass area. Swanson: This is a really exciting story about the obsidian. So they're able to track through the chemical makeup of obsidian where it goes. And so as archeologists and current day Native American tribes are looking at the science of the obsidian, they're able to determine that a lot of the obsidian in the entire Pacific Northwest and even into Idaho comes from the McKenzie area (reached by these trails). And so the tribes would go up, they collect kind of these large chunks of obsidian and they would take them back down to the valley and work those into arrowheads, spearheads tools, scrapers, all of those different kinds of things. But it's kind of amazing where all of the different places that obsidian from McKenzie Pass ended up. Urness: With that route being used by Native Americans and later settlers, that meant that there was a lot of action up there, a lot of very human stories. As I was reading about it, I came across some pretty interesting stories. One story that jumped out was in August of 1910, there was two boys on the run from a reform school in the Willamette Valley. They were trying to escape up Santiam Wagon Road and actually started a fire next to it by Seven Mile Hill, to prevent authorities from catching them. Apparently the fire scorched thousands of acres. Can you still see those old growth trees with the burn scars from the fire? Swanson: You actually can, and it's amazing to think about how that fire started and to think about the history of that. There's a book by Margie Knowles called Honeymoon on Horseback, and she does the best job at really describing what life was like back then. There's a lot of sad stories. There was a young man (whose family was overnighting on the trail) who was pulling a rifle out from under the buckboard at night, the rifle caught on something and he ended up shooting his brother. So just a lot of tragedy that happened back then. And so some of those stories are pretty remarkable. Also, some fun stories. There's a place along the trail called Lost Prairie, and it's called that because Andrew Wiley and his scouting party actually got lost there. They were completely lost. They climbed a really tall tree, were able to pinpoint some mountains that they recognized and were able to find their way again. But that's kind of a fun story. Urness: Well, and you forget how those stories, they are attached to the places that we know of now. I mean, you told the story about the young man and the accident with the gun. His mother put up a Tombstone, I believe, right in that area. And so that's the basis for the name Tombstone Pass, correct? Swanson: Yeah, that's correct. Mountain biking the trail today Mountain biking the Santiam Wagon Road. Urness: One of the reasons that I headed out to the Santiam Wagon Trail last summer was to do some mountain biking. Given this road was previously powered by non-motorized wheels, it just felt natural to explore the wagon trail on bike. Now there are two main mountain biking routes that you recommended to me. They both start at Tombstone Pass and then kind of go opposite directions. So to start off, why don't you give us just a little bit of detail on each one of those and how you'd ride it. Swanson: You could ride the whole contiguous route from one end to the other, whether it's Fish Lake to Mountain House or vice versa. But Tombstone Pass is a formidable hill. I rode that section, I rode the whole route once and I just won't do it again. But for advanced mountain bikers or people who are way more fit than me, it might actually be a nice challenge. I prefer to ride from Tombstone Pass down in either direction either down to Fish Lake or down to Mountain House. The section from Tombstone to Fish Lake is easier one. Its best to be an intermediate rider but weve had some beginner-intermediate riders who had good mountain bikes that were able to navigate it just fine. It will rattle you and is very bumpy, theres rock, some single track, its rugged but not technical. The route from Tombstone down Mountain House has a lot of switchbacks. It's mostly single track and it's really beautiful. It's just a little bit more rugged and for a little bit more kind of an advanced or maybe an intermediate rider. The first segment of a mountain bike ride on the Santiam Wagon Road takes you down a rough track with beautiful forest and sweeping views of the Old Cascades. Urness: Yeah I think my biggest thing was that you need a pretty solid mountain bike, just because it is pretty rough. Its not one you want to bring a younger kid on with a so-so bike. But there are a lot of highlights on the ride. Big views of the Old Cascades like Iron Mountain, theres old growth forest and wildflowers. One of the big highlights is the road just spits you out from the forest into Fish Lake Remount Depot, and all of a sudden you're surrounded by even all this history. I know Fish Lake is an important place historically. Do you mind giving us a little detail on that? Swanson: Fish Lake was where the travelers on the Santiam Wagon Road would rest. The lake is a seasonal lake, and so in the winter it's got water in it. In the summer it's really a big meadow. And so in that big meadow, people would camp, graze their livestock, graze their horses, and there was a hotel there. There was a place to buy food. There were some resupply things, a little resupply store there. So it was really a place where people could rest and whether they were continuing onto the east or whether they were going the opposite direction down to the valley. The Fish Lake Remount Depot is a stop along the mountain bike ride from Tombstone Pass to Clear Lake. Fish Lake was a historic stop for pioneer wagon travelers. Urness: And a lot of the buildings are still there. There are even volunteers there who talk about the history. So what are some of the things you can do there today that speaks to the history? Swanson: There's all these amazing historic buildings. They're just old cabins that are the original old cabins, which is pretty neat to see. There's also a remount station, so you'll see a hitching post, you'll see an old water trough, you'll see where the farriers used to work, where they would fix the wagons, all of those kinds of things. And so you can just walk around. I plan on spending, I don't know, a half hour or more at that site if it were me. And just taking in the history, it's a really well interpreted location. The Fish Lake Remount Depot is a stop along the mountain bike ride from Tombstone Pass to Clear Lake. Fish Lake was a historic stop for pioneer wagon travelers. Urness: Well, a really fun part of the ride and it does take you off the Santiam Wagon Road proper but you can finish up by riding the McKenzie River Trail to Clear Lake. Its one of the most famous mountain biking trails in the world. And its pretty fun to end at Clear Lake Resort. What makes that a kind of fun way to end the trip? Swanson: So my favorite part about that is that you can actually go to Clear Lake, which has its own history to it as well and is just a really remarkable historical site. But my favorite thing about that is you can ride to the little inn that they have there and you can have pie. And so it's just a beautiful way to end an amazing ride to just stop and have a piece of pie. I've done a couple guided mountain bike tours and people just love it, just riding back in time and we stop at different places along the trail and just talk about history. And then just being able to sit on the docks at Clear Lake after a hot day and put your feet in the water and have a piece of pie, you're just combining the best of history with the best of modern day conveniences. It's just really fun juxtaposition. After riding the Santiam Wagon Trail to Highway 126, a fun way to finish is by following the upper end of the McKenzie River Trail to Clear Lake. Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Biking Oregons Santiam Wagon Road for history, beauty, adventure When it comes to certain professions, like doctors or surgeons, I often view them as larger-than-life figures who never make mistakes however, we all know that isn't true at all. A redditor asked, "Surgeons of Reddit, what has been your biggest 'Oh shit' moment?" and let's just say, based on the many responses, I might hesitate to go under the knife ever again. Here is what some people shared: Tempura / Getty Images 1."We were putting up a central line for a drip with an 18G needle (1.2mm- relatively big compared to most needles) in the patient's external jugular, and all of a sudden, the needle went right into the jugular. We all started panicking because usually, with a drip, the needle was meant to come out, and only the plastic remained, but now we had lost the needle inside this guy's jugular. Before we could even fish it out, it was gone. I looked at my fellow surgeons and nurses, and before we could do anything, we rushed him right into the theater. After a few minutes, we fished the needle out near his subclavian vein closer to the shoulder and we breathed a sigh of relief." u/DrShlomo 2."I wasn't present for this, but I got to deal with the fallout. The client brings his cat (found as a stray) to be spayed. The vet (my boss) preps the cat for surgery and begins cutting, but can't find the uterus or ovaries. The cat is a male! And poor kitty just had his belly sliced open for no reason whatsoever. The owner was, understandably, furious." u/almightyshadowchan Simonkr / Getty Images 3."I was a junior doctor working in neurosurgery in 2008 when one of the senior registrars (I suppose the equivalent is chief resident in the USA) told me his most unfortunate moment. To stabilize a patient's head for surgery, he used a frame with three spikes that held the head in place. Due to the angle from which he needed to approach, the patient had to facedown. As he was placing the head of the anesthetized patient onto the frame, the head slipped, and his eye landed on the spike, perforating the eyeball." "Panicking and thinking that his career was now over, he then (rather bizarrely) started poking at the eyeball, trying to work out what was what until the anesthetist told him to stop. They then called the ophthalmologist, who came to tidy up what was now a completely ruined eye. After the surgery, terrified, he went to explain to the patient what had happened. Understandably fearing the worst, anger, distress, and tears, I received the response, 'That's ok, I was blind in that eye anyway!' u/ugm9mjh 4."Not quite a surgeon, but somewhat medical. I was bisecting someone's leg (deceased), and I did not know that said person had a metal rod through their femur. Proceed to cut through the bone with a metal saw. Sparks flew, and my blade broke. Luckily, I was standing off to the side instead of directly behind the blade as it flew backward and hit the wall. The clothes the person had been wearing were lying underneath the body and caught a spark. I doused it with the water hose before a large flame could start, but still an 'Oh shit' moment." u/Deadroachdancing Paul Harizan / Getty Images 5."My first C-Section was quite the shocker, but after that, not a lot phases me anymore. This event occurred during one of my high school internships to see if medicine would be my field. I'm not sure why, but they let me attend a C-section. They placed me at the feet of the woman who was numb from the chest down. I give her a little nod, and the operation starts. Well, no one had thought to tell me that once the belly is cut, the liquids go out, too. This is a logical thing, but I was seated at least three meters from the feet of said woman, and the fluids gushing from her abdomen came all the way to my feet. Here is me, standing in a woman's pregnancy fluids. Oh. Fuck. I must have looked very shocked because the other surgeons laughed at my reaction. Ever since, I've not been shocked once." u/unicorninabottle 6."Nurse here. I was assisting with a simple vasectomy, and the doctor was having trouble differentiating the vas deferens from the testicular artery. I stopped him just before he cut the artery. If he cut that, the testicle would die, not to mention make a very bloody mess." u/markko79 7."The medical stuff really becomes a blur. Complications, bad outcomes, wild patients. After a few years, even the bad stuff becomes part of the routine. But one moment still stuck with me from training I was called into a meeting with the program director, which is never a good thing, and I wasn't entirely sure why. He makes some small talk, then starts asking about one of the junior residents who had been on my service. Definitely one of the weaker residents, but hard-working and likable. I start talking about her performance, relationship with the other residents, strengths and weaknesses, etc." "After a minute, I came to the horrible realization he wasn't just asking about her; he was gathering ammunition to fire her, and I was part of the firing squad. I jammed on the breaks and tried to talk her up about her work ethic and how well she got along with the nurses and the team. But we both knew it was a done deal before I sat down. I dunno why it bothered me so much compared to kids who burned to death and the like. But that sudden realization while I was sitting there that someone I kinda liked personally, who had spent most of their adult life struggling in undergrad, medical school, and the lab, who had what I suspect was six-figure debt, was about to get their career destroyed just stunned me. I don't know if she was going to be an unsafe doctor. In retrospect, the fact that we liked her allowed her to slide further than she should have. But of all the terrible things that happened in residency, that's the one I think about most often." u/is-not-a-doctor Halfpoint Images / Getty Images 8."This happened to me when I was training to be a cardiologist. I was in my second or third heart procedure/catheterization when my senior doctor got sick, ripped off his surgical gown, and ran out of the room. The doctor had just yelled, 'Oh, no!' and left. I had just positioned these catheters with wires into the sleeping patient's heart. They were just hanging out there, pulsating to his heartbeat. Apparently, the doctor had gotten food poisoning and ran for the bathroom never to return. So, I've never made it to this point in the procedure before and am just wondering where to take it from here. I haven't even been taught how to take them out safely. I'm looking at the vitals and monitors like, Fuck. What do I do now?" "Of course, they page my senior cardiology fellow in training, who is taking a nap and not returning any pages or calls. There are no other doctors around. Finally, thank GOD, my tech/assistant, who has done these procedures since before I was born, gives me a nudge to flush the catheters, which I do, to prevent blood clots and death essentially. After a few minutes, the catheters and wires are properly removed. They get treated like shit but have saved ALL of the fellows in training and senior doctors many, many times in complicated situations with their knowledge." u/Suckitz7 9."This happened while I was a clerk. The lights flickered in the operating theatre while the surgeon was performing gallbladder surgery. He laughed it off and joked about how it reminded him of his overseas elective to Africa. The anesthesia doctor was also laughing it off. Then, the power went out. The anesthesia machine (the beeping machine that monitors the patient's vitals so you know s/he is still alive and doing well) is turned off. Instantly, the anesthetist jumped up, shouted, 'Oh, shit!' and went to work trying to turn on any sort of battery backup that might be available." "The surgeon became dead serious and started moving at lightning speed. Then, an announcement came saying there was a fire in the hospital and that they should evacuate immediately. The problem is, as a surgeon, you're not allowed to leave a patient on the operating table. EVER. Even if the fire is right outside the door. So the surgeon worked super quickly to close the patient up and ensure he was stable, and then we woke him up and evacuated. It turns out the fire was a floor below us and had destroyed the electrical wires hence the blackout (and why the emergency generators didn't work). One of the scariest experiences of my life happened in the operating room." u/isoturtle 10."My specialty is the lower extremity, so there aren't too many things I can screw up that makes you say, 'Oh shit,' and all hell breaks loose. But the one that immediately comes to mind was when I was the chief resident and was doing an ankle fracture with a junior resident. It's nothing crazy where the bones are sticking out, but it definitely needed to be opened and repaired. So, the resident was dissecting down to the site of the fracture on the inside of the ankle and was getting close to the back part of the ankle where all the tendons, veins, and arteries are. So she pointed out an area that was part of the joint capsule that needed to be opened up to visualize the fracture and asked if it was ok to proceed. It was close to the artery but looked ok from where I was standing, so I said go for it." "As she goes to cut, she accidentally bumps the other leg with her arm, and it falls off the OR table. The circulating nurse promptly picked the leg up and put it back on the table. Then, I looked back at the surgical site and started seeing a massive amount of blood rushing out of the wound. Immediately I thought, 'Fuck, she hit the artery!' As I'm getting ready to start looking for the source of the bleeding, my nerves calm down, and I realize the blood is dark and not real, indicating it wasn't arterial blood flow. As it turned out, the other leg falling down hit the tourniquet and caused it to deflate, which let the floodgates open up. Once the tourniquet was reattached, everything was all right." u/jpus Bravo / Via giphy.com 11."I am a surgical assistant for my dad, an oral surgeon. We were doing routine wisdom teeth, but the kid was on laughing gas and Novocain (usually everyone put under). So, we got the first three teeth out fine on the last upper tooth, and this kid is literally laughing on laughing gas. We pop the tooth out, and he laughs and swallows his tooth. This being my first month or two, they panicked, and he finally coughed up the tooth and was okay but a little freaky." u/flowfordayz13 12."As a nursing student, I was watching a gallbladder removal. I was bored as I'd seen 10 of these and was tired of it. I'm watching the screen, and the surgeon accidentally nicked the liver. He paused, said, 'Uh oh,' and carried on. He cauterized the cut that was bleeding pretty badly. I never knew if he was normal or not. Everyone remained kinda calm, but the doctor also had an audience." u/[deleted] 13."My ex is a urologist. During one of his first cases in residency, he snipped something somewhere that he shouldn't have (there was a ton of fat/blood/something obstructing the views), and the 75-year-old patient ended up losing a kidney. He felt horrible." u/ya_dura If you're a surgeon with a similar story, share it with me in the comments below! One of the nastier crimes that accompanies armed conflict is sexual violence, used as both spoils of war and to humiliate and terrorize the enemy. Sexual violence has been a tactic of war since ancient times, said Vice President Kamala Harris. Throughout history, those who have waged war have specifically targeted and violated women and girls to exert dominance and power over their bodies and to humiliate and terrorize and subdue entire populations. And sexual violence remains a gruesome part of modern conflict around the globe, she said. In Ukraine, Russian forces have raped women in occupied territories. In Iraq, when ISIS seized territory a decade ago, they forced women and girls into sexual slavery as they massacred thousands. In Sudan, the ongoing conflict includes paramilitary forces terrorizing women and girls through sexual violence. In Haiti, gangs have used sexual assault to rape and coerce communities into submission. And weve seen similar horrors in South Sudan, in Ethiopia, Central African Republic, and the DRC. And October 7, last year, Hamas committed horrific acts of sexual violence. In recent years, the international community has made great progress on recognizing that it is an attack on peace, stability, and human rights, said Vice President Harris. The United States has been proud to lead the way at the United Nations and around the world by providing rape kits and healthcare for survivors, training militaries and peacekeepers, she said. But that is not enough, because globally, our system of accountability remains inadequate. Conflict-related sexual violence must be condemned, unequivocally, wherever and whenever it occurs. And we must fortify systems to prioritize action systems that support survivors, effectively collect evidence, and promote investigation, she said. It's one of the reasons why the Biden administration on June 17 launched the Dignity in Documentation Initiative, a program that will, among others, support UN efforts to end conflictrelated sexual violence. For far too long, systems, whether law enforcement or judicial, have not sufficiently addressed conflict-related sexual violence, said Vice President Harris. And for far too long, the consequences, then, stopped at mere condemnation rather than going to accountability. The bottom line is: The use of sexual violence as a tactic of war is unconscionable, said Vice President Harris. And any failure to hold perpetrators accountable is a failure to live up to, by all of us, our common humanity. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Hudson, New York, the charming town that the great American Painter Thomas Cole considered his muse, has long been a refuge for New Yorkers who are ready for a slower pace of life. Emma Hearst, the co-founder and CEO of the Farm Shoppe, is one of them. Before moving to the town in 2023, Hearst was living a high-paced lifestyle in Manhattan. "I opened my restaurants in the Lower East Side of New York City at the very young age of 21," she tells T&C. 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Its exterior is lime-tone Benjamin Moore Branchbrook green, while the interiors are painted in a softer-toned Ben Moore Enchanted Meadow. According to Hearst, she wanted the exterior to have "a French Riviera contrast to [their' their cobalt blue branding and really pop with class on the street." Mission accomplished. Below, Hearst shares essentials for a perfectly bucolic Hudson lifestyle. Granola "We have two flavors and another one on the way! They are addictively good and filled with high-quality ingredients. I love to enjoy them as much on yogurt in the morning as I do ice cream at night!" Shop Now Granola fortsferryfarmretail.com Forts Ferry Farm Dewdrop Essential Oil Diffuser "I am a sensory nut so I always like to set the scent of the room along with the look. I have multiple essential oil diffusers throughout my house and my Farm Shoppe. They really can change how the room feels and set a tone or freshen up a space for relaxation. Young Living is the only brand I buy because of its insanely high quality. Their dew drop diffuser is my favorite because of its compactness and simplicity. My favorite oils are their Valor, R.C. Blend, and pure nutmeg." Shop Now Dewdrop Essential Oil Diffuser amazon.com Young Living Limited-Edition Maple Syrup Gift Box "A diehard favorite of mine that is always in my refrigerator (and that my son tries to drink by the gallon) is Laurel & Ash Farm Maple Syrup. We have been carrying them since day one of our retail operations in the past and their bottles are featured prominently in our Farm Shoppe. They are the sweetest people who make the most decadent Hudson Valley maple syrup, all wood-fired, and also happen to have a keen eye for beautiful branding." Shop Now Limited-Edition Maple Syrup Gift Box amazon.com Pepper Plant Dry Rub "Our newest product to hit the shelves is our Pepper Plant Rub which we make from the pulp that we strain out of our hot sauces. It is the absolute best rub for ribs, chicken, and vegetables. It's even great sprinkled on plain potato chips or popcorn!" Shop Now Pepper Plant Dry Rub fortsferryfarmretail.com Forst Ferry Farm Victorian Silver Plate Coffee Set "My entire living unit and not-for-sale display decor items have been completely furnished by glorious antique stores on the streets of Hudson. Stores such as Ida's Eye/The Shop, Sutter Antiques, Arenskjold Antiques, Colonia Antiques, Stair Galleries, and more! Many of them can be found on Charish and 1stDibs by searching Hudson locations on those sites." Shop Now Victorian Silver Plate Coffee Set 1stdibs.com 1st dibs Flavors from the Farm: Vegetable-Forward Food to Share "The item I am most proud of is my new book Flavors From the Farm. It has over 100 vegetable-forward, simple recipes meant for sharing and having fun! It is the perfect companion for a farmers market haul and year-round family-style cooking. It is available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Anthropologie, our website, and more!" Shop Now Flavors from the Farm: Vegetable-Forward Food to Share amazon.com Amazon Dinner Plate "Beyond my collection of many antique items I use in the kitchen for table attire, I invested in a beautiful new set of plates and bowls from Heath Ceramics when we moved into our residence. They are so beautifully made, feel great in the hand, and sit so pretty with all of my intricate vintage items! Their ceramics are heavy duty and wash very well in the dishwasher, while also allowing the food that sits upon them to sing!" Shop Now Dinner Plate heathceramics.com Heath Ceramics You Might Also Like From Bay View's Goodkind to Third Ward's Donut Monster and beyond. Stephanie Diani / Bravo / Getty Images When the 21st season of Top Chef premiered in March in Wisconsin, the uninitiated quickly learned that the Midwestern state is home to an amazingly standout food scene. The show has put a spotlight on the states traditional fish fries, supper clubs, farmers markets, and of course, its award-winning cheeses. One contestant already well-versed in Wisconsins culinary landscape, though, was Dan Jacobs. The chef has lived in Milwaukee for more than a decade and is a co-owner of the restaurants DanDan and EsterEv, which recently reopened in a new standalone space in the citys Bay View neighborhood. Im so happy how the show has really showcased Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jacobs tells Food & Wine. Its an incredibly supportive, collaborative city. Theres an honesty in the food, and the dining scene is comprised of owner-operators, so you have people that are actually in their restaurants, that care about the people coming in the doors, and the details of the whole experience. Related: The 'Top Chef' Season 21 Winner Is Following in His Mentor's Footsteps Below, Jacobs tells us his favorite places to eat in Milwaukee, including where to find cheese with a cult following, one of the countrys best burgers, and an espresso martini worth a special trip. Donut Monster Jacobs recommends Donut Monster for creative, delicious donuts that come in flavors like lemon poppyseed, and Twix, with chocolate, caramel, and a shortbread crumble. Owners Sara and Jackie Woods started selling their doughnuts at a farmers market, and now run three locations of the popular shop. Jackie used to be a fine dining chef in Milwaukee, and then decided one day to make doughnuts and English muffin sandwiches, says Jacobs. And now he makes the best doughnuts and English muffin sandwiches in the country. Courtesy of Donut Monster Three Brothers Jacobs sent judges Kristen Kish, Gail Simmons, and Tom Colicchio to Three Brothers, and now theyre also fans of the family-run Serbian restaurant. Its totally a throwback cash only, its like walking backwards in time, he says. They have things on the menu that I remember my grandma would make, like sarma [pickled cabbage stuffed with beef and rice] and its so good, and so honest. And, adds the chef, Don't miss the burek, its their specialty. Kopps Kopps is the number one place that we always bring a guest chef, says Jacobs, who adds that the frozen custard spot makes a standout cheeseburger. Kopps has been there forever, so people that grew up on it have nostalgic feelings but I didnt grow up with this, so theres no nostalgic feeling for me and I truly believe its the best burger in America, he says. And the vintage vibe adds to the restaurants flavor. Everybodys wearing white paper hats, its all stainless steel. You go, you get cheeseburger, fries, onion rings, you get whatevers the custard of the day. Jacobs favorite? Turtle custard, with caramel and pecans. And he recommends getting a quart to go. Birch For a special dinner, head to Birch what Jacobs calls one of the best restaurants in Milwaukee. Owner and chef Kyle Knall came from Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and the Lower East Side restaurants menu centers around a hearth. Im a big fan of anything cooked in a wood grill, its basically a cheat code to make something taste more delicious cook it on a live fire, says Jacobs. They do a Contramar-inspired fish dish with homemade tortillas, and its pretty exceptional. Siege Food Photo The Mothership Theres a great little neighborhood bar culture in Milwaukee thats a ton of fun, and its full of a cast of characters, says the chef. One example is The Mothership, in the Bay View neighborhood. I watched the Bucks in the finals there, it was just so much fun, he says. And although the cocktail bar doesnt take itself too seriously, they make seriously good drinks. They do a take on an espresso martini, and I will straight up crush them. Courtesy of The Mothership Uncle Wolfies Breakfast Tavern For a memorable start to your day, Jacobs recommends heading to Uncle Wolfies Breakfast Tavern. Wolfgang and his wife Whitney created a really special place, he says. Kate and I go on Mondays or Tuesdays, usually, because its a little bit quieter. Their Big McAllister burger knocks it out of the park. And then if you have a second, go in back and check out Whitneys little store, Orange and Blue Co. They sell a lot of products made by local artists in the city. Courtesy of Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern Goodkind Goodkind, the Bay View neighborhood restaurant run by Jacobs friends Paul Zerkel and Lisa Kirkpatrick, is also home to an extremely interesting cocktail program, says the chef. Led by their partner Katie Rose, theyre known for creative cocktails that incorporate ingredients like Manchego-washed gin, or hibiscus-infused mezcal. Some highlights on the ever-changing food menu, according to Jacobs, include linguine alla carbonara, and chicken. Their whole menu is basically organized around rotisserie, and I love their roast chicken. Michael Goelzer Burnhearts Burnhearts, the eclectic Bay View haunt, is one of the top beer bars in America and a favorite for Jacobs and the whole DanDan team. That's where the staff goes after work, we play pool, he says. Voyager and Nonfiction Voyager and Nonfiction, both in Bay View, serve wines that are, a little bit off the beaten path, a little bit different and are also run by incredibly cool people, Jacobs says. Anna Spaller Uplands Cheese Company Wisconsin cheese is definitely on another level, Jacobs says. We have some of the best producers of cheese in the entire world. Among them is Uplands Cheese Companys Andy Hatch, who makes Pleasant Ridge Reserve, an Alpine-style that happens to be the most decorated American cheese in American history. Its included in the cheese course at EsterEv now a Pleasant Ridge Reserve air waffle with caramelized ramps. They also make Rush Creek Reserve, only available around Thanksgiving and Christmas. His cows graze on this one piece of land at this one time a year, and they make this one batch of cheese, and that's it, Jacobs says. When its gone, its gone, and so everybody just goes nuts for it. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. Wolflin Square, also known as The Shops at Wolflin Square, has stood the test of time, outlasting several malls, strip malls and even downtown. On Friday, they held a celebration that included Flag Day, Route 66 and their own 60th anniversary. The free event pulled many visitors in with giveaways, music, food trucks and shopping. Many of the vendors brought products out for the shoppers to see. There was a petting zoo with an Amazon Guinea Hog, which loved belly rubs from children, and a special Algerian dwarf pigmy needs goat, who received plenty of pettings and food provided by the owners, Ryder and Mallory Woodson of Fritch. Rescue ducks and other fowl roamed around the pen and enjoyed the outing. There was also a Rosy Sand Boa that greeted those brave enough to pet it. The Woodsons have maintained their own wildlife rehab for several years outside Fritch and were fortunately spared from recent fires that came up to their property and stopped. The Petting Zoo owned by Ryder and Mallory Woodson of Fritch was a very popular place on Friday at The Shops at Wolflin. Ryder shows a young girl how to rub the belly of the friendly Amazon Guinea. They also had a snake, a Nigerian Dwarf Pigmy goat and various ducks and chickens. Michelle Labrier with Merle Norman Studio One of the unique features about the Shops at Wolflin Square is that each shop has an invidualized front or facade. It is different than strip malls that all have the same manufactured front. Michelle Labrier was working under an awning with The Eagle Radio Station during the summer event. Her husband, Gary, brought their beautiful horse for kids to pet and sit on while their son, Hayden, a Texas Tech student, did roping tricks next to the booth and later sang for the crowd. Even a horse showed up at the 60 Years of Wolflin Square on Friday. Michelle Labrier's husband, Gary, and son, Hayden, took part in the fun. Labrier owns the Merle Norman Studio started by her grandmother. Morgan Tanner with The Eagle 100.9 Radio station and the Labriers' horse are seen at the 60 Years of Wolflin Square event held Friday. Michelle Labrier, whose grandmother owned the original Merle Norman Studio in the Square, which she now owns, said that giving back to the community is important to the owners. Labrier, who is head of the Merchants Association, said she was a little nervous about having an event in June on a Friday for the first time but that it was very well attended. The owners and merchants wanted the community to have a free event where the could just get out and enjoy the day with some free food and giveaways since things are so hard now in this economy. Labriers' son, Hayden, performs at the 60 years of Wolflin Square event held Friday as a give back to the community. The events arent just about highlighting the merchants, but also to bring the community together, said McKay Anderson. "The events offer a way for us to highlight local musicians, bring in new food trucks and local vendors. Our merchants work together to plan and execute the events thus creating camaraderie amongst the tenants. Cynthia Allison welcomes customers at the 60 Years of Wolflin Square shopping event held Friday. The well attended event was also a kickoff for Route 66 Festival, Flag Day and 60 Years of shopping. Silverland has experienced exponential growth in the shopping center and has quadrupled in size. Silverland quadruples in size since opening in 2000 The Manager of Silverland, Cynthia Allison, said that the popular gift shop/jewelry store started as a small shop in 2000, with just the front portion. It was slow at first and then it grew exponentially and we added the second room," she said. "We had a wholesale jewelry company in the back, but we kept expanding and had to take the whole place in and eventually took that third room. We remodeled then. In the meantime, we bought Hallmark store, three doors down, and had that eight years, and eventually moved out of it and into Silverland so we expanded again in 2016. Allison said it has been a fun adventure the whole time: The Square has always been locally owned, which is wonderful. Its a family (Mays family) that works it and makes it successful. Troy Mays was on board as the Chairman of everything when I came onboard. His daughter is Karra who is married to Todd, the owners of Silverland. Troys younger daughter, married Randy Sharp and they opened the SAS Shoes and were the original owners of Randys Shoes." Sean and McKay Anderson opened and ran Taste Dessert Bar until the children became more important. Owner of the new Chicken Salad Chick restaurant, Laura Garrison, promotes new dishes including a Dill Chicken Salad at the Wolflin Square event Friday. Garrison said the restaurant has been so successful it is going to Lubbock soon. A raffle for a $250 Visa card will be held in July to celebrate their first anniversary success. Chicken Salad Chick to celebrate first year with gift card drawing in July Celebrating its one-year anniversary, Chicken Salad Chick has been extremely popular and is expanding into the Lubbock area and should open in August. The business is giving away a $250 Visa gift card to someone who comes in between July 8 and 13 and signs up for the drawing. The ticket will be drawn live on Facebook according to Laura Garrison, the owner. Garrison said she was from Amarillo and graduated from Texas Tech University, so she has ties in both markets. Were excited about our success in Amarillo and will enjoy getting back to Lubbock to have a place there," Garrison said. "The town has grown so much, it will be fun to be part of the growth story of the city. Furrs Cafeteria and Eva's are shown in this early photo of Wolflin Square. History of Wolflin Square Shopping Center The Shops at Wolflin Square were started in 1964, next to the Historic Wolflin neighborhood. They are owned by Boston & Mays, LLC., Randy and Stacy Sharp of the Mays Group, who have owned and managed the square for four generations. The original owners passed down their businesses to their children who keep the same local spirit alive at the shops. They offer quality merchandise for locals taste and treat people right, from managers to customers. Robert Boston and W.A. Mays developed the property one building at a time. Descendants of the two original developers are still owners of the property. The Mays family still manages the property and is involved in the events. Many residents remember Evas Store for Women, owned by Betty Mays, built when the center was first built. Betty Mays ran it until her death and then it became a maternity store owned by Debbie Mays Bullard. Later it was the home of Randys Shoes, owned by Randy and Stacy Sharp. At the west end of the original strip facing Wolflin, Furrs Cafeteria served thousands of patrons during its life. It was well known for its good food, deserts and piano player who made the experience a good family restaurant. Labrier, President of the Merchants Association, said they were celebrating their 60th year and the Sharp and Mays family had been here the entire time. Most of our merchants are locally owned as well," she said. "So today, were celebrating our 60th anniversary and tagging in with Flag Day and Route 66 events going on in Amarillo. We have a pet zoo, a horse here for kids to pet, rope tricks including roping dummies, face painters, balloon twisters, a bouncy house ... Labrier said that all kind of vendors selling wares including welded jewelry, robotic cornhole, custom hats, and more were there. Food included cotton candy, popcorn, smores, lemonade and popsicles and plenty of food trucks. Around 4 p.m., the Sharp family came by to do a quick meet-and-greet with a champagne toast for everything they do for the merchants. They are a great group of people. They are great to their merchants and give back to the community. They do a really good job over here for us, said McKay Anderson. Anderson said the event was a fun way to give back to the community: So many people are struggling and its good to see them be able to come out and enjoy this for free. According to Anderson, there were a lot of giveaways and food for customers to enjoy; we will be having live music here soon. The Petting Zoo owned by Ryder and Mallory Woodson of Fritch was a very popular place on Friday at The Shops at Wolflin. Mallory Woodson holds a Rosy Sand Boa for kids to pet and learn about at the petting zoo at the Wolflin Shops 60th anniversary event Friday. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Wolflin Square free event celebrates 60 years of shopping A portrait of Ariel Schwartz (left) and Jackie Parks at the Workshop Pilates on June 14, 2024, in Phoenix. Opening a fitness studio two months before a pandemic effectively shut down much of the world wasnt ideal. In fact, The Workshop Pilates co-owner Ariel Schwartz recalls the experience a bit more vividly. It was a bit soul-crushing, said Schwartz, who opened her Scottsdale-based reformer pilates studio with business partner, friend and fellow instructor Jackie Parks in January 2020. We had clients who followed us and immediately we had a community and grew quickly. In that first year, their studio opened and closed five times thanks to mandated shutdowns, clients reporting they had COVID-19 and every member of their small staff getting sick at some point. While big box fitness chains had set protocols and guidelines of how to operate, being a boutique business meant they relied on trial and error. It was challenging we were in a gray area, Schwartz said. Our mission is to always do whats best for our clients and that was put to the test very quickly. Aaliyah Becton picks-up mats at the Workshop Pilates on June 14, 2024, in Phoenix. However, when restrictions eased and more people started to get immunity, people wanted to get back out into the world and be around others. By that time, pilates found a larger following with those discovering it through online and streaming workouts while stuck at home. This, along with The Workshop being a small, independently-owned studio where equipment was spaced out and more diligent safety measures they could see, proved to be a winning trio that propelled the young business growth. Mat pilates could be done at home. When (the restrictions) ended, people were ready to venture out and pilates were at the forefront of their minds, Schwartz said. That original McCormick Ranch location was followed by a second in north Scottsdale in 2023. In May, a third studio opened in Phoenix in the Arcadia area offering the Valleys first infrared-heated mat pilates class in addition to reformer pilates offered at the Scottsdale studios. A portrait of Ariel Schwartz (left) and Jackie Parks in the Heated Mat Room at the Workshop Pilates on June 14, 2024, in Phoenix. The 95-degree ambiance creates a detoxifying workout while using warmth to improve flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. At the end of 2020, The Workshop had about 50 members, Schwartz said. Today there are nearly 500 members, plus customers who drop in for $35, or buy a package of 10 or 20 classes for $275 or $500, respectively. The business profit has doubled year over year since opening. The Workshops newest location is housed in a 1917 structure that originally served as a meeting space for pioneer women to discuss politics, agriculture, education, music and art. In the 21st Century, it was previously occupied by the Madison Improvement Club. Schwartz and Parks had been looking for a spot that could accommodate heated classes and the layout of the building fit. The historic aspect was a bonus. That was part of the appeal, Schwartz said. The history and the design were intriguing. The Reformer Room at the Workshop Pilates on June 14, 2024, in Phoenix. For two years, Christie Stormer has been faithfully attending classes at both Scottsdale studios and has recently added the new Phoenix spot to her rotation. She sought a local fitness class that wasnt cookie-cutter. She also wanted to be challenged by instructors. I want someone to kick my ass which just happened this morning, said Stormer, who lives in Scottsdale. I feel like its refreshing, challenging and individualized. You see people of all ages women in their 70s every single day, and theyre killing it. Stormer appreciates the community Schwartz and Parks have created from the instructors to her fellow workout classmates. Shes made friends and even networking connections. A portrait of Ariel Schwartz (left) and Jackie Parks in the Heated Mat Room at the Workshop Pilates on June 14, 2024, in Phoenix. Going in is always fun, said Stormer, who likes seeing Schwartz and Parks onsite. Im glad I see the owners every day. They really just try to take care of people. Schwartz met Parks while both were teaching pilates at another studio and became fast friends. Prior to their fitness careers, Schwartz used her accounting degree to work in audit and consulting. Parks was in graphic design. They had both made the transition to teaching pilates full-time by the time their paths crossed. They realized they shared the same vision for the industry they grew to love. A place that accommodate both group and private one-on-one classes in an aesthetically pleasing environment, and challenging classes that could be modified with a staff of teachers holding comprehensive certifications were among them. We were passionate about creating a space that fills gaps we saw in the market, Schwartz said. We wanted to foster a sense of community for people. They chose The Workshop as their studios name to reflect a model that would encompass not just classes but a welcoming space where clients could ask wellness questions and host social events where everyone could mingle other than in a class setting. Schwartz credited her staffs attention to clients and making personal connections that people craved coming out of the pandemic with sparking the companys growth despite a rough start. In that first year, Schwartz found out she was pregnant with her son. Parks has a young daughter. This, Schwartz believes, went a long way in strengthening support even through rocky times. They saw us as working moms. We focus on everyone feeling good about their bodies, and whatever that means for them in that class. Schwartz said. They believed in us and kept faith in us to make them feel good. What: The Workshop Pilates Where: Scottsdale, Phoenix Employees: 34 Interesting stat: The pilates and yoga studios industry was valued at $15.8 billion in 2023, according to business industry resource IBISWorld. Details: theworkshoppilates.com This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How Workshop Pilates recovered from 'soul crushing' 2020 opening One of the 20 deaths connected to an investigation of unlicensed group homes in Arlington and Mansfield has been ruled a homicide, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office. The man, identified as 60-year-old Steven Kelly Pankratz, died on the early morning of Jan. 12. The medical examiner determined mixed drug toxicity of trazodone, tramadol and mirtazapine as the cause of his death. Tarrant County Jail records show the owner of the homes, Regla Becquer, was booked on a murder charge Thursday in connection to Pankratzs death. Her bond has not yet been set. She has been in custody since earlier this year, when she was charged with endangering another resident of the homes. Arlington police say detectives continue to investigate the deaths of the clients who lived at homes operated by Becquer and her company Love and Caring for People LLC. Becquer and her staff have been accused of preventing patients in their care from seeking medical attention, failing to properly care for them, attempting to keep them from talking with family members, using their debit cards, and using cars and phones of clients who had died, investigators wrote in search warrant affidavits. She was first arrested on March 11 on the charge of abandoning or endangering an individual creating imminent danger of bodily injury. That charge is related to a woman with disabilities who told police she was abused and held against her will. Three search warrants obtained by the Star-Telegram in March said investigators identified 13 people who died since 2022 while at or immediately after leaving the group homes. In April, police linked seven more deaths to the homes. Several of Becquers clients died before the investigation into the group homes began, so getting a lot of specific information may be difficult, Arlington police said in April. Police say they will soon discuss the latest developments in the investigation in greater detail. GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan (PIX11) A watch worth $100,000 was stolen during an armed robbery in Manhattan on Tuesday, sources told PIX11 News. The robbery happened outside of Carbone New York in Greenwich Village around 8:52 p.m. Two suspects allegedly displayed firearms and stole jewelry, according to the NYPD. More Local News A $100,000 Patek watch was taken, sources said. The suspects fled on a moped, according to sources. 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). Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. ALLENTOWN, LEHIGH COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Police are asking the public for help in locating two men suspected of shooting an 11-year-old. According to a release from District Attorney Gavin Holihan, 18-year-old Jahliel Joseph Branford, and 19-year-old Renee Jaquest Brown Jr. are charged with the attempted murder of an 11-year-old boy that occurred in Allentown on June 13. Police say the victim is currently hospitalized. Nationwide warrants have been issued for the capture of Branford and Brown Jr. Police say they are to be considered armed and dangerous. Residents rally for justice after dog attacks Anyone who comes into contact with Branford and/or Brown Jr. are asked to call 911 immediately. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 14-year-old boy dies after crashing horse-driven buggy into train in Ohio A 14-year-old boy was killed after a horse-drawn carriage he was driving crashed into the side of a train in Ohio on Wednesday. >>Person hospitalized after being reportedly struck by Kings Island coaster Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers and medics said the crash happened around 4:40 p.m. on County Road 5 in Marion County, according to our news partner WBNS in Columbus. Edwin Gingerich, 14, Marion, was driving a horse and buggy northbound on CR-5 when he lost control and hit the side of the train, state troopers said. He was ejected from the carriage and pronounced dead at the scene, Columbus TV station NBC 4 reported. A CSX spokesperson told WBNS that the train was moving through a crossing near Marion-Hardin Road intersecting County Road 22. The Marion County Sheriffs asked the public Wednesday night on social media to avoid Marion Hardin Road between Larue Mt Victory Road and Allen Road. That roadway is back open. The crash remains under investigation. All The Alleged Schemes, Scandals and Shenanigans That Keep This Chicago-Area 'Super Mayor' In The News Since taking office as mayor of Dolton, Ill. in 2021, Tiffany Henyard has had nothing short of a hectic term thanks to a slew of legal allegations coming against her. The self-proclaimed Super Mayor touts herself on her work to mend the communitys housing crisis, secure American Rescue Plan Act funds for seniors and military veterans as well as spearheading the construction of new developments to add more recreational gathering spaces for the community. However, despite all her good service, the Feds are investigating a series of allegations that she has a nasty spending problem but not with her own monies - with taxpayer dollars. That, on top of a recent lawsuit from a previous employee claiming wrongful termination for refusing to aid in her alleged political schemes, Henyards reputation has been smacked left and right by claims of corruption. Shes denied most if not all of the claims stacked against her, claiming shes got receipts to prove fact over fiction. If you want to keep track of the legal battle, heres 15 allegations Henyard is going up against. Village of Dolton Scheme Screenshot: WGN-TV The first bombshell allegation to strike Henyards office came in March 2024, alleging she misused taxpayer money to fund a series of her own personal (and pricey) expenditures, per The New York Post. Tax Funds for Fancy Trips Photo: Pixabay In March of 2024, village trustees requested a third-party investigator to look into suspicious spending around Henyards trips, per the Washington Examiner. Specifically, they requested a look into a trip she took to Las Vegas with two other village trustees. A previous investigation into the trip found no wrongdoing. Yet, other trustees remain skeptical. A Vetoed Resolution Filed by the Board Screenshot: WGN News In response to the allegations of spending taxpayer money, the board attempted to pass a resolution to investigate her spending. However, Henyard vetoed the resolution claiming she was being personally attacked by the boys club that is the village board who she claimed was just trying to lead a smear campaign against her, per The New York Post. Personal Police Protection Check Out the New Dolton Police Station formerly known as Melanie Fitness CenterMayor Tiffany A. Henyard has Dolton on the Move! - Village of Dolton via Facebook. - Screenshot: Village of Dolton (Facebook) The allegations of Henyards alleged lavish spending also included a claim she used $1 million for a police detail for personal security. The former police chief, who was fired by Henyard, told FOX 32 Chicago he believed she misused the funds creating protection for herself which took more officers off the street patrol to fight crime. The news outlet found the officers assigned to Henyard worked endless hours of overtime which in turn, cost taxpayers more money. Harassment Complaints Former village trustee Valeria Stubbs, who publicly criticized the mayor, claimed she was retaliated against by Henyard. She told The New York Post Henyard repeatedly intimidated and harassed her at her home, including sending hitmen to shoot up the vehicles of two of her tenants. Stubbs alleged Henyard made allies with the police department on purpose so theyd ignore the complaints she made against the mayor. A Concerning Increase in Community Bills Screenshot: Village of Dolton (Facebook) WGN Investigates found the village of Dolton owed over $427,000 to a street-paving company for work done in 2002. On top of that, a bank threatened to repo vehicles belonging to the village including cop cars due to unpaid balances. A tree-trimming company is also owed $400,000 for work they did in 2023, the report said. For other vendors, the report found another $50,000 is owed in overdue payments. The mayor admitted in a board meeting that theres a $2 million deficit the village is facing. However, she held a random $1 million Facebook giveaway in February of 2024 in honor of Black History Month, per FOX 32. Concerning Response to Sexual Assault Claim Photo: Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto (Shutterstock) Henyards former assistant alleged she was sexually harassed by a trustee on Henyards board. When she told Henyard about it, the mayor responded that if the incident went public shed be ruined, per NBC Chicago. Wrongful Termination Photo: Ulf Wittrock (Shutterstock) After Henyards former assistant reported the sexual assault claims against the trustee, she claimed the mayor promised shed take care of it but was involuntary placed on unpaid medical leave and soon, terminated, per NBC Chicago. Another Suspicious Termination Screenshot: WGN Radio Former maintenance manager Dwayne Thrash filed a lawsuit alleging in 2023, he was terminated while on vacation after refusing to cooperate in a scheme where Henyard and her assistant planned to fire an attorney and replace them with a firm preferred by the mayors assistant, per the Washington Examiner. A Shady Bid Photo: Billion Photos (Shutterstock) Henyard was alleged to spearhead a $200,000 payment in a no-bid, no-contract deal with a suburban construction company which has been linked to multiple corruption cases, featuring one where the owner allegedly tried to run a scheme to clear thousands in unpaid taxes from family-owned properties, per the Illinois Answers Project. FBI Raid Photo: Dzelat (Shutterstock) The mayor was served a subpoena last month in connection to an investigation into the villages permitting and licensing practices, per WGN9 News. The FBI documents sought a series of financial documents including payroll, reimbursement, travel and expenses. Henyard, in particular, was accused of denying permits to those whose businesses she considers unfaithful to her. Shes denied those claims. A Blackballed Cancer Foundation Screenshot: WGN-TV Henyard boasting her plans of creating the Tiffany Henyard Cares Foundation in 2022. However, upon the other allegations this year of frivolous spending, she began distancing herself from the charity claiming she doesnt have a foundation and denied knowing anything about the Illinois Attorney Generals office banning the organization from raising any money, per the Illinois Answers Project. Boyfriend Support Payments? Screenshot: Illinois Answers Project One of the people served a federal subpoena in the investigation into the sketchy construction project was Kamal Woods. According to FOX 32 and Illinois Answers Project, Woods was identified in Henyards divorce records as her girlfriend and was accused of earning a highly lucrative salary coming up to over $100,000 a year in addition to working private security for local government. Shady Village Admin Screenshot: ABC Chicago The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced charges against Doltons senior administrator, Keith Douglas Freeman, in connection to allegations of bankruptcy fraud, underreporting income and submitting old income tax returns, per ABC 7 Chicago. Freemans position was questioned by Doltons trustees over whether Henyard hired him as an employee or on contract. Township Funded T-Shirts? Photo: Village of Dolton (Facebook) According to Illinois Answers Project, the township of Dolton was billed $17,000 for merchandise Henyard used for herself and her foundation. After a federal subpoena requested the documents related to that payment and found the invoice for the merchandise went out just one day after Henyards foundation was submitted to the state. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A 17-year-old was arrested in connection with the shooting that killed two women and injured 14 others at a Juneteenth festival Saturday, the Round Rock Police Department announced Thursday. Ricky Thompson III of Manor was arrested at 7:30 a.m. at an undisclosed location in Pflugerville by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Police Chief Allen Banks said at a news conference Thursday morning. Thompson faces one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Williamson County Jail. More: 2 killed, 14 injured in shooting at Juneteenth celebration in Texas; Suspect at-large "We know Ricky Thompson was not the only shooter at this event. We are still looking for other suspects," Banks said. He clarified that Thompson was the man in the white hoodie in a description police had previously provided. He did not have physical descriptions for the other shooters. Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks announces Thursday that a 17-year-old from Manor has been arrested in connection with the shootings that killed two women and injured 14 others at a Juneteenth festival Saturday. Banks said there were "more charges to come" for Thompson and other shooters. Thompson did not have a previous criminal history, he said. Police have said an argument between two groups attending the Juneteenth event resulted in several people pulling out guns and shooting at one another about 10:50 p.m. Saturday. Banks said he had no indication that Thompson was a gang member. Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, of Manor and Ara Duke, 54, of Pflugerville died after the shooting. Police said Vicknair and Duke had been attending the celebration and were not associated with the altercation that preceded the shooting. Both victims were declared dead at the scene. The chief would not say whether police had found Thompsons gun. We know Ricky was a shooter, but Im not going to give you any more information, Banks said, citing the integrity of the investigation. Ricky Thompson III, 17, faces one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with Saturday's shooting. "We still have a lot of work to do. This is not a victory lap," Banks said about Thompson's arrest. More: Police: Round Rock Juneteenth shooting victims identified as Pflugerville, Manor residents Thompson attended Manor Senior High School, said Maritza Gallaga, a spokeswoman for the Manor school district. Manor district Superintendent Robert Sormani shared a statement with the school community Thursday acknowledging Thompson's arrest. The district's "thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Vicknair family and all others who have been impacted by this senseless act of violence," Sormani said in the statement. "We stand with you during this incredibly difficult time and offer our heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss. Within Manor ISD, we stand firmly against all forms of violence." The Round Rock Juneteenth festival stage stands at Old Settlers Park on Monday in the wake of the shooting at the event last weekend. Counseling and support services are available at the school districts website, Sormani said. People can also call 988 if they need immediate support. Law enforcement officers have received "very helpful, very useful" tips, Banks said, and he encouraged members of the public to continue sending in any information or video footage. He could not answer whether anyone would receive cash rewards offered by the governor's office, Williamson County Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in connection with Thompson's arrest. Banks also said he has not received any information that any of the 14 people with gunshot wounds were part of the altercation. Duke was an administrator at IDEA Public Schools at its Rundberg campus in North Austin, her family said. She was planning to help her pregnant daughter move to London in late June. Vicknair was a construction lawyer with the Chapman Firm in Austin. "Our family is experiencing a range of emotions," Vicknair's husband, Kevin Vicknair, said in a statement Thursday. "Our focus is preparing to say our last goodbyes to Lyndsey. To our friends, family and community your outpouring of love and support has been a source of strength for usWe will always remember Lyndsey for the amazing person she was and the light she brought into our lives." Two of Thompson's relatives declined to comment Thursday. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Teen arrested in fatal shooting at Round Rock Juneteenth festival TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT Today (June 18) in Lansing, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), in partnership with Elevate and the Michigan Envir. . . ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. A 19-year-old man from McHenry is dead after a fatal motorcycle versus vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department (AHPD). Police said AHPD and the Arlington Heights Fire Department (AHFD) were called to a report of a motorcycle versus vehicle crash at the intersection of Lake Cook and Wilke Roads around 3:50 p.m. After first responders arrived on scene, the driver of the motorcycle, identified by police as 19-year-old Jack Fuchs, was found laying unresponsive in the road after being ejected from his motorcycle in the crash. Bystanders performed CPR on Fuchs before police and fire arrived, at which point he was taken to Northwest Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Two teen girls killed in jet ski crash on Lake Marie in Antioch Police said their initial investigation showed the driver of a Toyota Rav4 was stopped, waiting to make a left-hand turn from westbound Lake Cook Road onto southbound Wilke Road when Fuchs was driving his motorcycle eastbound on Lake Cook Road. The Rav4 then began making a left-hand turn onto Wilke Road as Fuchs approached on his motorcycle. The 19-year-old man tried to evade the SUV, but his motorcycle fell on its right side and began to slide, leading to Fuchs slamming into the rear passenger side of the Toyota. According to AHPD, Fuchs was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. AHPD and their Major Case Assistance Team are still actively investigating the incident, and no citations have been issued in their investigation at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. 4 construction workers OK after Charlotte Airports old control tower catches fire 4 construction workers OK after Charlotte Airports old control tower catches fire CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A 2-alarm fire was reported at Charlotte-Douglas International Airports old FAA control tower Thursday morning, authorities confirmed. The Charlotte Fire Department responded to calls regarding the incident around 8:10 a.m. Thursday, June 20, at 5500 Josh Birmingham Parkway on airport property. Emergency crews said heavy smoke was showing upon arrival. Charlotte Fire said four construction workers were briefly trapped by the smoke. Photo: Charlotte Fire Due to circumstances, the fire did go second alarm. The fire was controlled in 10 minutes. All four construction workers self-evacuated and did not require medical attention, officials said. Medic confirmed no injuries have been reported in this incident. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. Normal airport operations were not impacted by this incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two men were arrested Thursday in connection with the death of a 12-year-old Texas girl whose body was found Monday in a creek, Houston officials announced. Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, had sneaked out of her home on Sunday night and was last seen on surveillance footage entering a 7-Eleven just after midnight, officials said at a news conference. In the video, she is seen talking to two men. Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, who were roommates, have been arrested under a preliminary charge of capital murder in the case, according to Houston authorities. The two had yet to be booked on any charges as of Thursday afternoon. Alexis Nungaray told Houston TV station KPRC that she last saw her daughter before 10 p.m. Sunday but noticed her missing the following day, at about 6 a.m. A photo of Joceyln Nungaray shared on the GoFundMe site. GoFundMe Jocelyns 13-year-old boyfriend was reportedly talking to her on the phone while she was at the store and could hear her speaking to two adults, according to KTRK-TV in Houston. Lt. Stephen Hope of the Houston Police Department told reporters on Thursday that the victims boyfriend and his family had been extremely cooperative with authorities in the investigation. Hope said the two men were seen on video speaking with Jocelyn outside the 7-Eleven for several minutes before walking into the store together. They walked toward a bridge moments later, Hope said, near where Jocelyn was found dead. I always told her to never leave the house, never leave unattended, always be safe theres people around here that are crazy. I dont think she ever thought it would face her, Alexis Nungaray told KPRC. UPDATE: Our homicide detectives want to speak with these two male persons of interest regarding the death of a 12-year-old female at 400 West Rankin Rd. If you recognize them, please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @CrimeStopHOU More info at https://t.co/J5pnr9nXpchttps://t.co/RpFpzjsSX7pic.twitter.com/N9RZew2kqu Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 19, 2024 The two men headed south, in the direction of the apartment shared by Martinez and Ramos, and allegedly left the girl by the bridge, Hope said. Alexis Nungaray told KPRC that she tracked her daughters phone to the creek the following morning and saw officers canvassing the area. She was officially notified an hour later that her daughter was dead. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences determined that Jocelyn died of strangulation, KPRC reported. Ramos and Martinez were taken into custody at their apartment on Thursday, and officers who searched their home allegedly found evidence connected to Jocelyns death. Her mother told KPRC that she is still trying to come to terms with her daughters death. Its like its not real. I keep hearing everything and everybody tell me everything, and I hear it and its not registering, she said. Related... AMERICAN FORK, Utah (ABC4) American Fork Police Department has launched an investigation after finding two bodies on Thursday afternoon. Details on the incident are extremely limited, however, authorities are investigating in the area of 1400 North and 100 East. American Fork Police Chief Cameron Paul confirmed the bodies, a husband and wife, were discovered by another family member. Paul said the investigation is in the early stages. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this article 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 ABC4 Utah. Two Chilean nationals were arrested after a burglary led to a high-speed pursuit crash in Orange County. The suspects were identified as Jorge Navarretecorvalan, 32, and Alejandro Tobarfuentes, 32, according to the Orange County District Attorneys Office. On June 8, the suspects allegedly ransacked a San Juan Capistrano home and escaped with designer handbags, jewelry and a safe, authorities said. When an Orange County sheriffs deputy spotted the men and tried to pull their vehicle over, they refused to yield and sped away from the scene, leading the deputy on a pursuit. During the chase, the suspects, who were driving a Mini Cooper, drove on the wrong side of the freeway and crashed head-on into a Toyota sedan while also narrowly missing a deputy who tried to pull them over. The sedan driver suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash, authorities said. During the arrest, the suspects provided fake Venezuelan identification cards to deputies, officials said. The suspects were actually Chilean nationals who were visiting the U.S. on a visa waiver from the Department of Homeland Security. On June 14, Navarretecorvalan was charged with one count of first-degree burglary, one count of evading a peace officer while driving opposite of traffic, one count of driving the wrong way on a divided highway causing injury or death, and one count of possession of a forged identification card. Tobarfuentes was charged with one count of first-degree burglary, one count of possession of a forged identification card, and one misdemeanor count of possession of burglary tools. If convicted on all counts, Navarretecorvalan faces up to eight years in prison while Tobarfuentes faces up to six years and eight months in prison. The two suspects entered the U.S. through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization System (ESTA) Visa Waiver Program. For $21, applicants from countries that participate in the ESTA program are granted unlimited access to the U.S. for up to 90 days at a time in a two-year period. Applicants are typically granted access within 72 hours of applying for an ESTA visa waiver. Chile refuses to provide the criminal background checks for their residents as required by the ESTA program requirements, the DAs office said. In 2022, 350,000 Chilean nationals entered the United States through the ESTA visa waiver program without background checks. In May 2023, O.C. District Attorney Todd Spitzer criticized the program which he claims is being exploited by international organized crime rings to commit residential burglaries in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has the power to immediately and unilaterally suspend Chile from the ESTA visa waiver program until it complies with the requirement to provide criminal background checks for their citizens, said Spitzer. Instead of holding Chile accountable and preventing a direct pipeline for organized crime to shuttle thieves into the United States, Secretary Mayorkas inaction is resulting in Americans continuing to be terrorized by criminals who are stalking them in their homes and steal their most prized possessions. This has to stop. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A second person was confirmed dead as a result of the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire in Ruidoso, New Mexico on Wednesday, June 19, according to New Mexico State Police. New Mexico State Police identified one of the victims as Patrick Pearson, 60, who was found dead near the Swiss Chalet Motel, located at 1451 N Mechem Road on Tuesday, June 18. He was found on the side of the road. State Police say Pearson sustained numerous burns from the fire and died as a result of his injuries. We are at a loss for words, and we are so heartbroken that this happened, family friend Christiana Alvarez told KTSM. Pearsons family have created a GoFundMe for funeral costs. To access that, click here. State Police also confirmed a second death, stating that they found a person in the drivers seat of a burned vehicle on Ranier Road during the South Fork Fire just before noon on Tuesday in Ruidoso. State Police say the person is unidentified at this time, due to the persons condition being skeletal remains. No legible identification documents were located in the burned vehicle, State Police said. A community meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, and all community members are welcome to join the live meeting through Facebook. The Forestry Division says a Facebook account is not needed to participate in the live stream. To access the live stream, click here: https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5. The South Fork Fire is estimated at 16,349 acres with zero percent containment. The Salt Fire is estimated at 7,652.3 acres with 0 percent containment, the New Mexico Forestry Division said on Thursday afternoon, June 20. The Forestry Division says both fires received varying amounts of rain on Wednesday, with the highest rainfall recorded at 1.62 inches along Skyline Ridge near the Monjeau Fire Lookout on the northern side of the South Fork Fire, while rainfall on the Salt Fire measured .05 inches. The Forestry Division says firefighters worked to secure a portion of the South Fork eastern perimeter from Cedar Creek to Eagle Creek (3 miles) and the south side from Cedar Creek to Flume Canyon on Wednesday and crews will focus on the north and eastern sides of the South Fork Fire on Thursday, including North Fork and South Fork of Eagle Creek, and along the Rio Ruidoso. Crews will continue constructing firelines to prevent further fire growth, while continuing to protect homes, properties, and critical infrastructure. Ground and aerial ignitions may be used where needed to strengthen protection of values at risk and burn out fuels between constructed firelines and the main fire, the Forestry Division says. Flash Flood Warning issued for South Central Lincoln County as fires continue New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency on Tuesday for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation due to the wildfires and also deployed National Guard troops to the area, according to her office. Grisham, representatives Gabe Vasquez and Melanie Stansbury, along with Mescalero tribal officials and other stakeholders were briefed by Otero County officials on the relief status of the wildfires on Wednesday. The representatives said they anticipate evacuations and relief efforts to span across a timeline of weeks as the community reels from the devastation. State, local leaders briefed on firefighting progress for Ruidoso wildfires An estimated 8,000 people have been evacuated from the area and the Village of Ruidoso continues to be under mandatory evacuation. Ruidoso Downs was also ordered to evacuate on Tuesday evening. Numerous additional evacuation orders were also issued including Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, and Chihuahua Well, according to the Forestry Division. Please stay out of the fire area to allow firefighters safe access into the area and allow them to work safely. There are hazards in the area including fire-weakened trees, downed power lines, and potential for exposed gas lines, the Forestry Division said. List: Ruidoso fires cancel/reschedule events around the area Red Cross reported 270 individuals checked in to shelters in Roswell, and 120 in Capitan as of Tuesday, according to the NM Forestry Division. Residents and visitors who want to voluntarily evacuate can seek shelter at Capitan High School. The Ruidoso Convention Center is not taking any more evacuations and those who are there will shelter in place should the status at the Convention Center change, according to the Village of Ruidosos Facebook page. For those who cannot go to Capitan because of the Highway 70 closures, a shelter has been set up at 52 University Blvd. in Roswell. If you can get there safely, an evacuation center at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center is available for anyone, tribal or non-tribal. Carrizozo High School located at 800 D Ave., in Carrizozo, is also open for evacuees. Motorists can use Hwy 380 through Hondo to access the school. Lea County Fairgrounds is also available to anyone who is evacuating and has stables as well as RV hookups. Contact Fairgrounds Director Wyatt Duncan at (575) 333-0252 for any questions. For Mescalero Apache residents, an evacuation center is still available at the Mescalero Community Center Gymnasium. NMDWS on unemployment claims for those affected by Ruidoso fires The New Mexico Forestry Division has also provided a list of shelters in Roswell, New Mexico. Those are the following: ENMU-R Gymnasium 52 B University Blvd. Church on the Move 901 W. Brasher NMMI Godfrey Center 101 W. College NM Dream Center 2700 W. Second St. ENM Fairgrounds RVs and Large Animals 2500 SE Main Roswell Convention Center 900 N. Main Roswell Aquatic Center 1500 W. College Those with pets can take them to the Humane Society of Lincoln County located at 25962 U.S. Highway 70 in Ruidoso. Livestock can be held at the Mescalero Rodeo Grounds. You can call (575) 464-9878 if you need help with hauling your livestock. People with livestock and RVs can also head to the Eastern New Mexico state fairgrounds at 2500 SE Main St. in Roswell. Both Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit are closed and the open evacuation route is Highway 70 to Roswell. The Forestry Division says State Hwy 48 is closed from Alpine Village/University to State Hwy 220. US 70 is closed from mile marker 249 (intersection NM 244), 4 miles east of Mescalero, to mile marker 258, 2 miles east of Carrizo. Those with questions can call the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 202-794-5044. Initially, the EOC was relocated to the Lincoln County Courthouse in Carrizozo on Monday evening, June 17. However, the EOC was moved back to Fire Station 1 on Tuesday. The Otero County Electric Cooperative has been requested to shut power off in the area around Penn Scott Drive and Cow Camp due to wildfires in the area. It is unknown when service will be restored. Interactive outage maps can be accessed at www.ocec-inc.com. The City of Alamogordo says its also sending a team of firefighters to Ruidoso. Alamogordo Police have also mobilized to potentially assist with any traffic control needs. Also, staff at the Alamogordo Civic Center has been placed on standby and is ready to open the facility as needed. To donate to those who have been affected by the fire, click on our story below. Local, regional agencies offer assistance to residents affected by Ruidoso fires The Forestry Division says the cause of the fires is currently under investigation. Both fires are burning on Mescalero tribal land, US Forest Service land, and the area surrounding Ruidoso. The Forestry Division says the South Fork Fire was discovered at 9 a.m., Monday, June 17. This story will be updated when we receive more information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, have been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray GoFundMe Jocelyn Nungaray Police announced the arrests of two men in connection with the death of a 12-year-old girl found in a Houston creek. Jocelyn Nungaray was found dead on the morning of Monday, June 17, PEOPLE previously reported. At the time, Houston police said authorities believed foul play was involved. During a press conference on Thursday, June 20, Houston police Lt. Stephen Hope identified the suspects as Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26. Both men have been charged with capital murder and were taken into custody earlier that day. Hope added that the suspects are awaiting booking on the murder charge. It's unclear if the suspects have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf. Hope also shared more information about the moments leading up to the killing of Jocelyn, who was identified by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. He said at the press conference that on Sunday, June 16, the suspects visited a local restaurant and were seen heading southbound on foot. Related: Police Think 12-Year-Old Girl Snuck Out of Texas Home Before She Was Found Dead in Creek As they were walking, they were spotted on surveillance cameras, he said. According to Hope, that's when the suspects were seen talking with Jocelyn. Soon after, all three walked together to a convenience store and then went to a bridge, where investigators believe Jocelyn was killed. The suspects were seen leaving southbound after leaving Jocelyn, Hope said. The investigation led officers and other investigative teams to an apartment complex on Northborough Drive, where the two suspects were detained and taken in for questioning on Thursday, according to Hope. As the suspects were being questioned, investigators at the scene claimed they recovered evidence that eventually led to their arrests. Hope said the relationship between the suspects and victim is still under investigation. He added that the suspects were the same men pictured in the photos previously shared to the public via the department's social media pages. UPDATE: Our homicide detectives want to speak with these two male persons of interest regarding the death of a 12-year-old female at 400 West Rankin Rd. If you recognize them, please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @CrimeStopHOU More info at https://t.co/J5pnr9nXpc https://t.co/RpFpzjsSX7 pic.twitter.com/N9RZew2kqu Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 19, 2024 It is because of the hard work of my police officers, the teams, the media and the community at large that we were able to do this and Im very proud of everyone who was involved," Lt. Hope said at the press conference. Police previously said they believed Jocelyn had snuck out of her house at 10 p.m. the night before she was found dead and that detectives were seeking to speak to two unidentified males that were considered persons of interest. KRIV reported that Jocelyn had been talking to her boyfriend, 13, on the phone when he overheard her talking to two men at a convenience store. Related: Woman Who Found Missing 12-Year-Old Girls Body in Creek Recalls the Discovery: How Could Somebody Do This? The outlet also reported that Jocelyn's body was found by a woman on her daily morning commute. "Horrifying, it was scary," the woman, Billie Jean Jackson told the station. "Being from a small town and then nothing like this ever happens. Finding that, it scared me as a mother and grandmother." 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. Police said the girl was found in a shallow part of a creek. A GoFundMe for Jocelyn's family has raised over $22,000. "Her family was not prepared for such a loss and needed help to give her daughter the memorial she deserves, to honor her memory and to say our last goodbyes," the organizer wrote. "Anything helps and I ask for you to please give her and her family the time they need to grieve in peace. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. 2 men killed in separate overnight shootings in the District WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating after two men were shot and killed late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The first shooting happened on Wednesday just before 11:30 p.m. in the 900 block of S Street NW. There, officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Arlington police investigating shots fired from vehicle on Richmond Highway Just hours later, MPD responded to reports of a shooting at around 3:23 a.m. on Thursday in the 4400 block of Hunt Place NE. There, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was also pronounced dead at the scene. Loved ones told DC News Now that he was in his 20s and described him as a calm, loving person. Many neighbors were surprised to hear that someone was shot and killed in their own neighborhood, and they say theyre frustrated with the violence. Im upset [] its too much and its unnecessary killing, said one woman. It just doesnt make no make sense why theres so much shooting and killing and Im sick of it. They need more police patrolling the neighborhood, especially from 12 to 3 in the morning, she added. Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 2-year-old child in critical condition after being pulled from Haverhill pool, police say Authorities are investigating after a child fell into a pool on Thursday afternoon. According to Haverhill Police, a 2-year-old child was pulled from a pool at 209 Groveland St. just before 12:30 p.m. and was not breathing. CPR was performed on the child by responding officers. The 2-year-old was transported to a local hospital and then traveled via medical helicopter to a Boston hospital. The child is in critical condition, according to officials. Extended family members at the scene said it was a freak accident, and that the toddler somehow got around a fence put up in front of the pool. The incident remains under investigation. No further information was immediately available. The extended family tells us the 2-year-old girls condition is unknown at the time. She is reportedly being treated at a Boston hospital and is receiving tests this afternoon. Haverhill Police are still investigating at this time on Groveland Street. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/oQukLykAH5 Daniel Coates (@danielcoates_25) June 20, 2024 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. The Mississippi Humanities Council and VisitMississippi have been busy this month installing five new Freedom Trail markers to celebrate the contributions of the state's civil rights activists and commemorate historic locations that played a role in the civil rights movement. Already installed are markers dedicated to Henry Reaves, a civil rights leader and Black farmer, at the intersection of Mississippi 4 and Reaves Road in Benton County; the Winona Jail beating incident in Winona; and the Neshoba County Jail in Philadelphia, where three civil rights workers were held before they were killed by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Author and activist Joyce Ladner participates in a panel discussion on "Race And Society In Nazi Germany and the U.S." at the Holocaust Memorial Museum on July 18, 2018, in Washington. 1964: Freedom Summer is remembered 60 years later. Some hope a younger generation is listening The remaining two markers will be installed during events Friday and Saturday at locations in the Pine Belt. On Friday, the legacy of sisters Dorie Ladner and Joyce Ladner will be commemorated with a marker in Hattiesburg, and on Saturday, a marker will be installed in Laurel to honor Dr. Benjamin Murph. Henry Reaves Henry Reaves was born in 1900 to Levi Reaves and Jane MacDonald Reaves. He was a central figure inthe Civil Rights Movement in Benton County. Decades before the arrival of civil rights volunteers in1964, Reaves organized residents, founded the local NAACP chapter and spearheaded efforts forvoting rights and school desegregation in Mississippi. The 1964 FBI reward poster for three missing civil rights workers, Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner. Chaney, a Meridian native, posthumously received a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Neshoba County Jail White civil rights workers from New York Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, along with James Chaney, a Black civil rights activist from Meridian, were arrested in Neshoba County, where they went to examine what was left of a burned church. The men were taken to the Neshoba County Jail where they were held until later that evening. When they were released, their vehicle was ambushed by members of the Ku Klux Klan, who killed the men and hid their bodies. Winona Jail Ten civil rights workers were on their way home from a conference in South Carolina, when five of them got out and sat at a lunch counter at a rest stop near Winona. Fannie Lou Hamer, who was on the bus, watched as the five were kicked, shoved and eventually arrested. Hamer got off the bus to help her colleagues and she too was taken into custody. At the jail, the activists were severely beaten and held for four days before they were released on bond. Hattiesburg: Dorie Ladner shares civil rights experiences, concerns In 2016, Dorie Ladner, a Hattiesburg, Mississippi, native, speaks to United States Department of Justice lawyers about her experiences during the civil rights movement. Joyce and Dorie Ladner Hattiesburg sisters Joyce Ladner and Dorie Ladner became activists at a young age. Some of their passion was fueled by the unjust world in which they lived, but they also were impacted by the death of 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was brutally tortured and murdered for allegedly whistling at a white woman in 1955. They worked closely with other key Mississippi civil rights figures, including Medgar Evers, Clyde Kennard and Vernon Dahmer. Dorie Ladner was arrested for attempting to desegregate a Woolworth's lunch counter in Jackson. Joyce Ladner was arrested for trying to attend the all-white Galloway Church. Both women participated in the March on Washington and spent the greater part of their lives advocating for freedom, justice and equal rights for Black citizens. Dr. Benjamin Murph Dr. Benjamin Murph was president of the Laurel-Jones County chapter of the NAACP for more than 20 years, beginning in 1951. He earned a medical degree from the Meharry Medical College in Nashville, the only medical school in the South where Black people could attend. He opened a dental practice in Laurel and continued advocating for the rights of Black citizens until his death in 1972. His civil rights advocacy was noticed by the Ku Klux Klan, who unsuccessfully attempted to silence Murph by shooting up his home on multiple occasions. Medgar Evers: Jackson site the first Mississippi civil rights home declared landmark The Mississippi Freedom Trail was established in 2011 to commemorate the people and places in the state that played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement, according to the trail website. That year marked the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides. More than 30 trail markers have been placed throughout the state since the trail's inception including those honoring Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and Vernon Dahmer. For more information, visit mshumanities.org/program/mississippifreedomtrail. If you go A ceremony honoring sisters Joyce Ladner and Dorie Ladner's Freedom Trail marker will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, at 507 Mobile St. in Hattiesburg. The ceremony honoring Dr. Benjamin Murph and the installation of his Freedom Trail marker will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at 118 Oak Park Blvd. in Laurel. Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Mississippi installs 5 new Freedom Trail markers CLEVELAND (WJW) The Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office needs the publics help finding the third suspect charged in the fatal shooting of a mother in front of her young daughters in January. A county grand jury already indicted two men in the Jan. 10 shooting death of Alyson Appling-France in front of her daughters, ages 10 and 6. Browns DE Lonnie Phelps arrested in alleged DUI Now, Clarence Bennett, 43, of Cleveland, is newly indicted on charges including aggravated murder and conspiracy to commit murder, county court records show. The U.S Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is now actively searching for him. (Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office) (Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office) Anyone with information on Bennetts whereabouts is urged to call Marshals at 1-866-4-WANTED (1-866-492-6833). Bennett followed the car carrying the 29-year-old woman to a local Target, watched as she went inside with her two daughters, and waited outside, according to prosecutors. When she left the store to return to her apartment near Detroit Avenue and Berea Road, Bennett informed Jamar Skanes and Alontez Beasley, who were waiting for her there. This embedded content is not available in your region. As Appling-France began unloading groceries from the car, Skanes and Beasley opened fire, shooting her 17 times in just seconds, while her daughters were still in the car. They fled. The driver of the car took Appling-France to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. $70K of cocaine seized in bust on Ohio interstate Skanes, 50, of Garfield Heights, and Beasley, 35, of Cleveland, were arrested about two weeks later and first indicted in February. They were re-indicted this week on charges including aggravated murder, murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Both were ordered held on a $1 million bond following their first indictments, court records show. Theyre both due to be arraigned in the new case on Monday, June 24. These three individuals conspired to brutally murder Alyson Appling-France in front of her 10-year-old and 6-year-old daughters. Their actions were unfathomable, and it is my firm belief that they are a danger to the public, Prosecutor Michael OMalley is quoted in the release. Jamar Skanes and Alontez Beasley are in custody. We need the publics help to find Clarence Bennett. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Four people have been arrested and a large cache of illegal firearms, magazines drugs, ammunition, and cash have been seized in Tulare County, Californias Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Wednesday. Officials say the investigation was initiated on a subject determined to be prohibited through the Armed and Prohibited Persons database. Further investigation revealed additional illegal activity, resulting in the arrest of a group of suspects involved with significant illicit drug trafficking and manufacturing activities. According to officials, the TARGET Task Force and Tulare County High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDA) Task Force, in a coordinated effort with the California Department of Justices Bureau of Firearms Fresno Regional Office; Tulare County Sheriffs Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; United States Drug Enforcement Administration; Visalia Police Department; Porterville Police Department; Tulare Police Department; and the Kings County Sheriffs Office served multiple search warrants in Tulare and Goshen. As a result of the search warrants, officials say agents seized two shotguns, four rifles, six handguns, approximately 20 large-capacity magazines, and 14 standard-capacity magazines, over 2,200 rounds of live ammunition, 150 pounds of liquid codeine, approximately 200 pounds of marijuana and concentrated cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, a hash oil lab, and a large amount of U.S. currency. Officials say the four suspects involved in this investigation were booked at the Tulare County Detention Facility on suspicion of possession of an assault weapon, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and child abuse. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENDALE, Wis. (WFRV) A 46-year-old woman is dead after crashing her vehicle into an electrical box in a bank parking lot. According to the Greendale Police Department, officers were sent to the parking lot of BMO Harris Bank at 5454 South 76th Street to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles. Pursuit of wrong-way driver in downtown Madison ends with crash through construction area A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle hit an electrical box as well as an unoccupied parked car in the lot. The operator of the vehicle, a 46-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. There is no information if the woman suffered a medical condition during the crash. Authorities are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Greendale Police Department at 414-423-2121. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Soldiers of the 46th Separate Airborne Brigade of the Airborne Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have released a video showing the destruction of a group of Russian armoured vehicles. Source: 46th Separate Airborne Brigade press service Quote: "The train is coming they are coming This classic phrase immediately comes to mind when watching footage of enemy assaults. The occupiers continue to smash their armoured foreheads against our FPV drones with donkey-like stubbornness. They drive around the newly damaged equipment and repeatedly face new hits as if they are doomed. So the UAV operators of our brigade have no time to be sad; they just have time to equip and launch the new birds that work wonders in the sky. Because these are our skies, our land, our fury and the skill of our brothers." Details: "Barn tanks", also called "turtle tanks", are tanks coated in additional makeshift armour made of metal sheets. Read more: Ukrainian soldiers share story of capturing Russian "barn tank" and its crew Earlier, it was reported that the soldiers of the 22nd Mechanised Brigade captured a Russian T-62 tank and took its crew prisoner near Klishchiivka on the Bakhmut front. Support UP or become our patron! There have been 47 clashes in the combat zone in Ukraine, with the Russians conducting 523 attacks on positions of Ukrainian forces and settlements since the beginning of 20 June. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 10:00 on 20 June Details: There are five ongoing assault operations in the areas of Stepova Novoselivka, Pishchane, Stelmakhivka, and Terny, on the Kupiansk front. Three additional Russian attacks near Stelmakhivka have already been repelled. The situation is under control, the General Staff emphasises. A battle is taking place in the area of Rozdolivka on the Siversk front. Ukrainian soldiers have already repelled four Russian attempts to advance near this settlement. Russian losses are being ascertained. On the Kramatorsk front, there have been six combat clashes since the beginning of the day. Three attacks near Ivanivka and Andriivka have been repelled, and fighting is ongoing in the areas of Klishchiivka and Kalynivka. The General Staff emphasises that the Russians have no success there. The Russians have intensified their activities on the Toretsk front. They are trying to displace Ukrainian defenders from positions near Shumy and New-York. The battle continues. Russia remains particularly active on the Pokrovsk front. Since the beginning of the day, the Russians have made 12 attempts to break through the Ukrainian defences in the areas of Oleksandropil, Novooleksandrivka, Sokil, Novoselivka Persha, and Tonenke. Ten of these attempts are still ongoing. The situation is tense, and the defence forces of Ukraine are taking measures to exhaust the Russians offensive potential, the General Staff reports. It is also noted that Russian activity on this front on 19 June resulted in 245 Russian personnel killed and wounded. In addition, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed one armoured combat vehicle, an artillery system, and a vehicle, and damaged two armoured combat vehicles, four guns, and two Russian vehicles. On the Kurakhove front, there are ongoing seven Russian attacks in the areas of Horhiivka, Pobieda, Kostiantynivka, and Paraskoviivka. The General Staff emphasises that the situation is under control of the defence forces. On the Vremivka front, the Russians are attempting to advance from the area of Vodiane, but Ukrainian units are holding back the Russians with fire. In total, during the past day, there were 158 combat clashes observed on the front. Quote: "The updated information indicates that over the past day, the Russians have launched three missile strikes on our positions and civilian settlements, conducted 53 air strikes (including dropping 76 guided bombs), carried out over 4000 attacks, 89 of them from multiple launcher rocket systems," reported the General Staff. At the same time, Ukrainian combat aviation and Rocket and Artillery Forces have targeted 12 Russian clusters, four artillery pieces, three air defence systems, an EW station, a radar station, and another important Russian equipment. "As a result, the total losses of Russian invaders over the past day amounted to 1,170 personnel. Additionally, the enemy lost 3 tanks, 18 armoured combat vehicles, 45 artillery systems, one MLRS, two air defence systems, 39 tactical UAVs, one missile, 56 vehicles, and six units of special equipment," summarised the General Staff. Support UP or become our patron! 5 candidates vying for seat on Collier commission in District 3. Here's what to know. Five candidates have qualified to run for the Collier County Commission in District 3. As he seeks reelection, commissioner Burt Saunders faces four challengers. Burt Saunders is running for reelection as a Collier County commissioner in District 3. Three of those challengers are running as Republicans, like himself. The fourth is an independent, without a party affiliation. That means the winner of the race won't be determined until the fall. The official qualifying period for the November election ended on June 14 at noon. The four Republicans in the race will appear on the primary ballot in August. "It's a partisan race, so it's winner takes all," explained Trish Robertson, the public relations officer for the Collier County Supervisor of Elections. That winner will then face off with the independent candidate in the general election. The primary will be "closed," or open only to registered Republicans in District 3. However, all voters in the district, regardless of party affiliation, would be able to cast their ballots in the general election to choose between the two candidates, Robertson said. The top vote-getter in that election will win a four-year term. County commissioners are limited to three consecutive four-year terms. The board adopted those limits back in 2017. If Saunders wins again, it would be his last term, as he's already on his second. He's been on the county commission since 2016 (this time around). In 2016, after besting two Republican challengers, Saunders easily won against his Democratic opponent, Annisa Karim, garnering 66.41% of the votes cast in the race. Collier Circuit Judge Christine Greider, from left, swears in newly elected District 2 Commissioner Andy Solis, District 3 Commissioner Burt Saunders and District 5 Commissioner William McDaniel to begin a Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in Naples. Four years later, he was reelected by "default," after his only competitor, without a party affiliation, failed to qualify. Before his current stint, Saunders served on the county commission from 1986 to 1994. Prior to that, he was a county attorney from 1982 to 1986. More: Mail and early voting for Collier County 2024 primary election: Here's what you need to know Saunders still works as a lawyer. He specializes in local and state government and health care law, with the GrayRobinson law firm, where he's a shareholder. From 1998 to 2008, Saunders represented Collier and Lee counties as a Florida State Senator. He did that after serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1994 to 1998. District 3 covers Golden Gate and parts of North Naples and Golden Gate Estates. The annual salary for a Collier County commissioner is $103,414. More to know: Search salary databases: How much do employees at Collier County agencies make? Who else is in the race? Here's a look at who else has qualified to run in the crowded race: Richard Conover is running for Collier County Commission in District 3. Richard Conover The only independent candidate, Conover owns an insurance agency and he's a local musician, known as "the Wolf." He describes himself as Southwest Florida's only "one-armed bassist." John Johnson is running for Collier County Commission in District 3. John Johnson A retiree, Johnson has a diverse background that includes working as a heavy equipment operator, farming, building houses, and running a motel and a painting business. Frank Roberts is running for Collier County Commission in District 3. Frank Roberts A tax attorney in Naples, Roberts previously worked in medical malpractice and premises liability litigation defense. Prior to that he served six years in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate. Floyd Yarnell is running for a seat on the Collier County Commission in District 3. Floyd "Tag" Yarnell An attorney and a managing partner in Yarnell & Peterson, Yarnell grew up in Collier County. He graduated from Barron Collier High School. In case you missed it: Collier Commissioner Saunders faces four challengers in District 3 race The primary election is Aug. 20 and the general election is Nov. 5. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Five qualify to run for District 3 seat on Collier County Commission DENVER (KDVR) A pair of 69-year-old women were taken to a hospital on Tuesday after they were ejected from a raft near Interstate 70 on Clear Creek. Three other rafters were also ejected from the raft, which was part of a guided trip provided by a local rafting company, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office. The incident occurred on Tuesday near the Five Bridges Rapids, which the Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office said was near I-70s milepost 242.5, which is just east of the Veterans Memorial Tunnel. Initially, crews were responding to reports of a possible drowning. However, the Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office reported that upon arrival everyone had made it out of the water conscious and breathing. Juvenile suspected of intentionally starting brush fire in Castle Pines Only minor injuries and possible hypothermia were reported by the rafters. Clear Creek EMS, Clear Creek Fire Authority and the Idaho Springs Police Department also responded to the incident. This is far from the first swift-water rescue in Colorado this rafting season. Crews have been searching the Arkansas River in southern Colorado for a 19-year-old man who went missing on June 12. On Wednesday, a body was pulled from the river, although it has not been identified. Clear Creek waterway activities, including tubing and single-chambered rafts, were limited on June 5 in Jefferson County, but those restrictions do not go into Clear Creek County. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the creeks water levels have been dropping for nearly the past week, peaking on June 14 with 111 cubic feet of water per second measured at the nearby North Clear Creek. As of June 19, the water levels had dropped to about 45 cubic feet of water per second. Clear Creek near Lawson was measured at about 613 cubic feet of water per second on June 19, which is down from the past week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Editors note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. For some people with depression, finding the right medication can be a process of trial and error lasting for months or even years, which can worsen symptoms. But what if doctors, when diagnosing someone with depression, could assess exactly how depression is affecting a patients brain and prescribe a treatment that gets it right the first time? Scientists may be a step closer to that reality, thanks to new research that has identified six subtypes or biotypes of major depression via brain imaging combined with machine learning. The study, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, also tested how three of those biotypes responded to different antidepressants and therapies. There are currently no tests available to help pinpoint what type of depression (people) have, or, I think especially importantly, what treatment might be most suitable for them, said Dr. Leanne Williams, the studys senior author and the Vincent V.C. Woo Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine in California. The current situation is we rely on a person to tell us what theyre experiencing and for the physician or therapist to observe symptoms and come to a diagnosis. About 280 million people worldwide and 26 million people in the United States have depression, which is a leading cause of disability. Some 30% to 40% of people with depression do not experience symptom improvement after trying one treatment, according to the study. And about 30% of people diagnosed with depression go on to experience treatment-resistant depression when the disorder doesnt improve after multiple treatment attempts. That motivated this study to have a whole new way to more quickly get the right treatment, to figure out the right treatment for each person the first time, said Williams, who is also the director of the Stanford Center for Precision Mental Health and Wellness. Williams lost her partner to a decades-long struggle with depression in 2015 and for more than 20 years has focused her work on individualized mental health care. Mapping depression in the brain The authors used data from 801 adult participants who were previously diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and 137 healthy control group participants. The authors used functional MRI magnetic resonance imaging to measure participants brain activity when they were at rest doing nothing, focusing on brain regions already known to play a role in depression, and on the connections between those regions. They also monitored brain activity when participants, who were in their mid-30s on average, engaged in various tests that evaluated their cognitive and emotional functioning. The authors also randomly assigned 250 of the participants to receive behavioral talk therapy or one of three commonly used antidepressants: venlafaxine, escitalopram or sertraline. The six biotypes of depression the authors found include one characterized by hyperactivity in cognitive regions, which was associated with more anxiety, negative bias, threat dysregulation and anhedonia than other biotypes. Threat dysregulation refers to how people manage their reactions to their fears, such as social interactions, Williams said. Anhedonia is the lack of interest in or enjoyment of life experiences. Participants with this biotype also performed worse on executive function tasks that assessed how well they could manage thoughts or behaviors, make decisions or suppress distraction, Williams said. They also had the best response to the antidepressant venlafaxine. Another biotype was marked by higher levels of brain connectivity in three regions associated with depression and problem-solving. Those with this biotype also made errors in executive function tests but did do well on cognitive tasks. They found their symptoms better alleviated by behavioral talk therapy, which teaches skills for better addressing daily problems. The higher connectivity in these brain regions might be what helped participants with that biotype more readily adopt new skills, study coauthor Dr. Jun Ma said in a news release. There was also a biotype distinguished by lower levels of activity in the brain circuit that manages attention. This biotype was linked with more mistakes on tasks requiring sustained attention, and less of a chance of improving with therapy. People with this biotype may need medication for the dysfunction first so they can gain more from therapy, said Ma, the Beth and George Vitoux Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago. The authors also found a biotype characterized by high emotional reactivity, meaning the brains of participants in this group were more affected by emotional inputs such as their own emotions or peoples facial expressions, Williams said. One other biotype was associated with lower activity in cognitive brain regions and less connectivity in emotional regions, meaning these participants had difficulty responding to cognitive information and regulating negative emotions. Those last two biotypes didnt respond to the medications or therapy, which suggests other options may be needed for people with those types, Williams said. In other studies, were finding they respond to some of the newer treatments being developed. The sixth biotype identified didnt differ from brain scans of the same region in people without depression. Williams said she thinks this finding could mean the full range of brain biology underlying depression hasnt been entirely discovered. Depression is a lot of different things with a lot of different causes, biological changes and treatments, said Dr. Richard Keefe, professor emeritus of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina, who wasnt involved in the study. The study takes a positive step in the direction of figuring these things out, Keefe added via email. Hurdles and next steps The study, though sophisticated and very well done, does have several key problems, including the low number of people enrolled in treatment, said Dr. Jonathan Alpert, the Dorothy and Marty Silverman Chair of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. It needs to be thought of as a very preliminary study that needs to be replicated. Additionally, more diverse samples are needed, said Alpert, who wasnt involved in the study and is a professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Most participants were White, and 2% were Black. But the most important next step is a study that tests the authors hypothesis that if patients have particular biotypes, theyll do better on a specific treatment and tracks participants over time, said Alpert, chair of the American Psychiatric Associations Council on Research. The 250 treatment participants werent randomized on the basis of their biotypes. So, what Alpert recommends the authors do next is assign people to treatments based on their biotypes and see whether those participants have better outcomes from that method than if they had been assigned to a treatment according to clinical judgment without knowledge of their biotype. Another issue is that the study investigated only one form of psychotherapy and three medications; in the real world, there are many of each, Alpert said. The medications were also all serotonin-based, but there are a few other classes of antidepressants. Studies can only do so much at a time, Alpert acknowledged, but addressing these shortcomings incrementally would help continue advancements toward precision psychiatry. What these findings mean for you The studys methods and findings are years away from being applied to direct patient care, experts said, but there is funding for such efforts. Since 2009, the National Institute of Mental Health has been invested in using basic science, including functional brain imaging like in this study, for identifying the causes of mental illness through approaches that delve deeper than the traditional diagnostic approaches, Keefe said. This month, Williams was awarded an $18.8 million grant as part of the National Institutes of Healths Individually Measured Phenotypes to Advance Computational Translation in Mental Health Initiative. The grant supports a five-year project involving 4,500 participants, which is centered on the development of a better diagnosis and treatment tool for depression biotypes. The new studys approach has begun to be experimentally implemented at a Stanford clinic, Williams said. When we use it in that setting, we can effectively double the chance of someone getting better, she said, taking the odds from around 30% of people improving with the traditional approach to about 75% with the more precise method. This method isnt intended to replace or be the primary choice for assessments of individual cases of depression, Williams said. Its another piece that can be added to the puzzle that also includes symptom information, clinical interviews and more. For now, people with depression should know there is continued progress being made toward efficiently getting patients effective treatment, Alpert said. If youre struggling, talk with a mental health professional about your options. One powerful effect these findings could have immediately is to reduce stigma, Williams said. For people who think their depression is just due to them not trying hard enough, she added, understanding the disorder through the lens of objective measures of brain function could be deeply helpful. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A statue of the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, left, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. stands at Leighton Plaza on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in South Bend. The statue, by local sculptor Tuck Langland, depicts a moment captured by an unknown photographer June 21, 1964, during the Walk for Freedom Civil Rights March at Soldier Field in Chicago, where Hesburgh and King joined hands to sing "We Shall Overcome." SOUTH BEND Sixty years later, the photographer's identity remains unknown. But on June 21, 1964, someone captured what became an iconic moment in the University of Notre Dame's history and, eventually, a part of South Bend's landscape: The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh with their hands joined together as they sang "We Shall Overcome" at the Walk for Freedom Civil Rights March at Soldier Field in Chicago. "So here we have the top civic and religious leaders not going to the march, and I thought that was terrible," Hesburgh told The Tribune in 2007 about his presence there, explaining that Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley opposed the march and didn't attend. "Because he didn't go, Cardinal Cody wasn't going to, either. So I went up and while I was standing there, someone pulled me up on the stage and the moment we locked arms, it was a good feeling between us, and we always had good feelings for each other." Eleven days later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, on July 2, 1964. "King pressed for rights, and he wouldn't settle for just the rights of Blacks and not the other," Hesburgh said in the 2007 interview. "Not just the right to vote, but the right for all people to have human dignity." Tuck Langland poses Thursday, June 13, 2024, with the photo and maquette he used to create the sculpture of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh that is in downtown South Bend. It depicts the two singing together at Soldier Field in Chicago at a civil rights rally on June 21, 1964. A local statue dedicated In 2016, a group of donors working in partnership with the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County commissioned local sculptor Tuck Langland to reproduce the iconic moment in a statue for downtown South Bend. At the June 21, 2017, unveiling of the statue at Leighton Plaza, then-Notre Dame President the Rev. John I. Jenkins described Hesburgh's account of the march. "Someone from King's staff called Hesburgh on that Sunday morning and asked him to participate. Hesburgh's response was: 'What time do you need me?'" The Tribune quoted Jenkins as saying at the ceremony. "The priest got in his car, drove to Chicago and joined hands with King and others at the Soldier Field gathering to sing 'We Shall Overcome.'" Tuck Langland's maquette for his 2017 statue of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh that is in downtown South Bend sits in his studio Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Elkhart. It depicts the two singing together at Soldier Field in Chicago at a civil rights rally on June 21, 1964. Langland, an Indiana University South Bend professor emeritus, used the 1964 photograph as the model for the statue, and he thinks he knows why the photographer is unknown. "But what happened was, and I'm convinced of this, when they clapped hands and sang, cameras were going off all over the place," Langland said recently at his studio in Elkhart. "So there were probably 100 photos, and nobody remembers who took them." A 2016 Tribune story reported that Hesburgh received a copy of the photo after he gave a talk at a King remembrance event at Emory University in 1988 and that the image was added to the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection in 2007. A statue of the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, left, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. stands at Leighton Plaza on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in South Bend. The statue, by local sculptor Tuck Langland, depicts a moment captured by an unknown photographer June 21, 1964, during the Walk for Freedom Civil Rights March at Soldier Field in Chicago, where Hesburgh and King joined hands to sing "We Shall Overcome." The sculpture was modeled off the photograph, but Langland had to make creative decisions for 75% of the sculpture based off what he was shown. From the wrinkles in their clothes, Langland kept the sculpture the same as the photo, even drawing a question about why he chose to keep Hesburgh's and King's mouths open. The sculpture is about 10% larger than life size, Langland said, because a truly life-sized sculpture would look small. It's also designed to be interactive so that people can grab both King's and Hesburghs hands. He was holding someone elses hand, but there wasn't anyone there in the sculpture, so that hand is up for (the viewer) to grab, Langland said. The people could grab their hands. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks Oct. 18, 1963, at the University of Notre Dame during a visit to South Bend. King spoke that evening to more than 3,000 people in Stepan Center at Notre Dame. Hesburgh, Notre Dame and King Hesburgh knew and met with King several times other than at the Soldier Field rally, perhaps most notably when King spoke at Notre Dame, on Oct. 18, 1963, at Stepan Center. According to multiple stories in The Tribune's archives, South Bend resident and NAACP member Alphia Ganaway invited King to speak in South Bend. Dr. Roland Chamblee helped organize the event and asked Hesburgh if Notre Dame would host it. Hesburgh, who was a member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, made Stepan Center available for the event. President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him to the commission in 1957 as a charter member, and Hesburgh served on it for 15 years under presidents Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Johnson and Richard M. Nixon, who requested and received the priest's' resignation after the commission issued a report critical of his administration. Johnson later would award Hesburgh the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor for civilians. In this May 15, 2007, file photo, the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, reflects on a photo showing him joining hands with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at Soldier Field in Chicago at the Walk for Freedom Civil Rights March on June 21, 1964. A 2000 Tribune article covering a talk by Hesburgh on campus said the commission's task was to find out what the state of life was like for Black people in America. The commission held hearings across the country and compiled reports on topics such as Black access to voting places, housing, education and transportation. "Martin helped turn this country around at a time it needed turning," Hesburgh told The Tribune in 2007. "It really took a Black leader to give that kind of leadership because it was the Black people who were suffering." According to a 2014 Tribune story, King also spoke at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church and later ate cake at the pastor's home while he was in South Bend. According to a 2013 Tribune article, when King spoke in South Bend, he told the audience that he'd rather have a strong Civil Rights bill presented to Congress and have it watered down later than have it watered down before it reached Congress. In coverage at the time of King's speech, Notre Dame's student newspaper, The Observer, said King referred to slavery as starting in what would be the United States in 1619, before the arrival of the Pilgrims. King spoke that day of the critical importance of helping struggling people everywhere, across the country and the planet, according to The Observer. "Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly," he was quoted as saying. "No man is an island." King's visit to South Bend came less than two months after the March on Washington, at which he gave his now-legendary "I Have a Dream" speech. The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. poses with the Rev. Charles Rolette, the Rev. Bernard White and another unidentified local minister after speaking at the University of Notre Dame on Oct. 18, 1963. According to the 2013 Tribune article, King spoke to a racially mixed audience estimated at 3,000 to 3,500 people at Stepan Center. "Science and technology have made today's world a neighborhood. We must make it a brotherhood," The Tribune's contemporaneous coverage quoted King as saying. The 2013 article says King's visit was covered by reporter Kenneth C. Field, one of the first full-time African-American reporters on The Tribune news staff. "The law can't make you love me," The Tribune quoted King as saying, "but it can keep you from lynching me. Laws can't change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless. Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated." The hands of a statue of the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, left, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at Leighton Plaza on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in South Bend. The statue, by local sculptor Tuck Langland, depicts a moment captured by an unknown photographer June 21, 1964, during the Walk for Freedom Civil Rights March at Soldier Field in Chicago, where Hesburgh and King joined hands to sing "We Shall Overcome." Email Tribune staff writer Rose Androwich at randrowich@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: From South Bend to Soldier Field: Hesburgh and King met 60 years ago On behalf of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, Party leader Nguyen warmly welcomed President Putin to Viet Nam and appreciated Putin's constant affection and support for Vietnamese people and the relations between Viet Nam and Russia. Putin has directly worked with Vietnamese leaders to establish strategic partnership in 2001 and comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, Nguyen noted. President Putin has made great contributions and support for the advancement off the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, the Party chief added. Nguyen highlighted that President Putin's ongoing visit takes place on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Viet Nam and Russia (June 16, 1994-2024) and on the threshold of the 75th founding anniversary of Viet Nam-Russia diplomatic relations (1950-2025). General Secretary Nguyen congratulated Putin upon his re-election as President of Russia, which indicated Russian people's trust in Putin's leadership. Nguyen briefed Putin about recent developments in Viet Nam and its development goals towards 2030 and 2045 when the Southeast Asian nation celebrates the 100th founding anniversary of Viet Nam. The Party leader reaffirmed that Viet Nam always treasures Russia's valueable support and assistance for the struggle for national independence in the past and the current course of national construction. Viet Nam attaches importance to the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, considering Russia a top priority partner in its foreign policy, Nguyen reassured. He reaffirmed Viet Nam's support for Russia's active contributions to the common work of the international community, expressing his firm belief that a peaceful, independent and strong Viet Nam with rising international prestige and position would be relevant to Russia's long-term interests in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Nguyen called on President Putin and Russia to continue strong support for maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, for Viet Nam's legitimate rights interests, for peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, for implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and for early conclusion of efficient and substantial Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). With regard to the situation in Ukraine, Party General Secretary Nguyen said Viet Nam wishes for early dialogue, end of warfare, resumption of negotiations in order to reach a peaceful solution on the basis of international law, ensure the legitimate interests of the relevant parties, affirming that Viet Nam stands ready to actively contribute to accelerating this process. In pursuance of its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multi-lateralization of external relations, Viet Nam looks to consolidate relations with neighboring countries, promote and deepen bilateral cooperation with strategic and comprehensive partners and other major partners. Viet Nam also remains steadfast with its "four nos" defense policy: no partaking in military alliances, no siding with one country to act against another, no foreign military bases in the Vietnamese territory or using Viet Nam as leverage to counteract other countries, and no using force or threatening to use force in international relations. President Putin expressed his pleasure to visit Viet Nam and meet with Party leader Nguyen again, emphasizing that Viet Nam is a reliable friend and partner of Russia. Advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam is a priority in Russia's foreign policy toward Asia-Pacific, Putin said. He spoke highly of Viet Nam's great achievements and its international prestige and position since the reform policy was introduced nearly 40 years ago under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam led by General Secretary Nguyen. Regarding the East Sea issue, President Putin voiced support for the peaceful resolution of the East Sea issue on the basis of international law. Both sides engaged in broad and deep discussions on the bilateral ties and agreed on major orientations and measures to further promote and deepen bilateral cooperation across fields for the benefits of the two countries and for peace and stability in the region and the world. The two leaders agreed to continue enhancing mutual understanding and trust through promoting the exchange of visits and contacts on the Party, State, National Assembly channels. The pair agreed to boost economic, trade, investment, scientific and technological cooperation while reinforcing defense-security ties./. On energy front, the two sides agreed to create favorable conditions for the their businesses to effectively carry out the exisiting projects and expand investment projects with the participation of national oil and gas companies in the two countries' territories. The two leaders also agreed to beef up cooperation in other important areas like agriculture, education and training, culture, tourism, people-to-people connections, and local-to-local cooperation. Party leader Nguyen asked the Russian side to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and work in Russia, contributing to consolidating the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations. On the occasion, both sides adopted a Joint Statement on deepening the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership outlining the principles and orientations for advancing the bilateral ties for long-term benefits of the two countries and for peace, security and sustainable development in the region and the world./. Police are investigating the death of a seven-month-old baby boy in a Kansas City home. On Saturday, police responded to to an emergency call around 11:30 p.m. on the 5300 block of Olive St., said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department. A seven-month-old infant was found unresponsive in the home, and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, Gonzalez said. The child had significant physical bodily trauma, she said. Detectives were notified Thursday that the child died from his injuries. Homicide detectives are investigating the incident as a suspicious death and the investigation is ongoing, Gonzalez said. This is a developing story. Chicago's mayor and police superintendent are outraged and searching for a killer after a 7-year-old boy was fatally shot in the chest in a random act of gun violence. The boy left his apartment to visit a next-door neighbor Tuesday afternoon, and when he reached the sidewalk, shots rang out, Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling said at a news conference. Police are searching for the gunman, Snelling said, noting that the shots were fired from "a really good distance." It is not clear who the shooter was targeting, police said. PHOTO: Chicago police officers investigate the shooting that left 7-year-old Jai'mani Amir Rivera dead at the Oakley Square Apartments, June 18, 2024, in Chicago. (WLS) MORE: How bump stocks change the way semi-automatic weapons are fired Responding officers immediately applied pressure to the 7-year-old's chest, Snelling said. The officers then put the boy in the back of their squad car and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Snelling said. "The random shooting of this 7-year-old is unacceptable. We really have to think about who we are, as a society, when our kids are being shot in the street," Snelling said. PHOTO: Chicago police officers investigate the shooting that left 7-year-old Jai'mani Amir Rivera dead at the Oakley Square Apartments, June 18, 2024, in Chicago. (WLS) MORE: A 14-year-old fatally shot a 13-year-old girl. Now his father is on trial. So far this year, 127 children have been victims of gun violence in Chicago, Snelling said at Tuesday's news conference. Seventeen of those children were killed, he said. "The grief in this city has become increasingly more unbearable," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson added. "The ungodly behavior, the acts of violence that have plagued our city for so long, have reached a breaking point." Our city is in mourning with the family of a 7-year-old boy shot and killed this afternoon, and with the Chicago police officers who came to his aid as he clung to life. Our hearts are with his community, and every family and victim impacted by gun violence in our city. pic.twitter.com/JRbd4hjJ03 Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) June 19, 2024 "We will not rest until we bring some justice," Snelling said. There have been 961 shooting incidents and 227 murders in Chicago so far this year, according to Chicago police data. Shootings incidents are down 8% in 2024 year-to-date versus last year. 7-year-old boy shot dead outside his front door in Chicago: 'Unbearable' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com $70K of cocaine seized in bust on Ohio interstate BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) A Texas man was jailed in Ohio following a traffic stop on I-75. According to information from the Butler County Sheriffs Office, deputies stopped a vehicle at around 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 20. Browns DE Lonnie Phelps arrested in alleged DUI The stop was made by the highway interdiction unit, a team that targets drug trafficking. The unit K-9 alerted the vehicle, according to the Butler County sheriff. Deputies seized 2.2 lbs of cocaine, which they say has a street value of $70,000, the sheriff reported. Bryan Miller, 53, of Galveston, Texas, was arrested on charges of drug trafficking and possession. McDonalds reveals items in $5 Meal Deal: Heres what customers can expect He was the only person in the vehicle. Deputies also seized a 40-caliber handgun and ammunition. Miller faces weapons charges in connection with the gun. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Travel volumes are expected to easily surpass 2023 levels for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, with AAA projecting nearly 71 million U.S. travelers will venture 50 miles or more from their homes to celebrate Independence Day this year. While most of those revelers, about 85%, will be hitting the roads, airline travel is expected to be up big from pre-pandemic levels, with over 5.7 million taking to the skies for the holiday, a 12.3% boost over 2019. Industry watchers say the air travel increase reflects more vacationers planning longer trips this July 4, a dynamic boosted by the holiday coming on a Thursday this time around. Travelers are opting to take longer trips with Independence Day falling on a Thursday, Brian Ng, senior vice president of membership and travel marketing for AAA Utah, said in a press release. This further fuels summer travel demand that is showing no signs of slowing down. Southbound traffic is pictured on Memorial Day weekend on I-15 in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 24, 2024. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News The cost of getaways always matters and thanks to an unusual summer ebb in gasoline prices the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.46 on Thursday, about 13 cents cheaper than it was a month ago along with domestic airfares that are running about 2% lower than this time last year, Independence Day trips will come with a little less overhead this summer. AAA says it expects about 61 million people to do their holiday traveling by car this year, while more than 4.6 million people are expected to use other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains. This category, according to AAA, is seeing an increase of 9% compared to last year, but this years number is shy of 2019s figure of 4.79 million. Fourth of July travel predictions come with an asterisk this year as AAA reports it is casting a wider travel period net and including the Saturday before the holiday, June 29, through the Sunday following, July 7, in its travel volume estimates. In previous years, the projections included just a single weekend in the holiday travel window. Using an analysis provided by INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, AAA reports the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4th are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Drivers should hit the road in the morning, and travelers returning on Monday, July 8, should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3rd, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return, said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions. Water-adjacent locales are poised to loom large on the destination lists of those who will be traveling domestically for the holiday. Top U.S. travel destinations for the July 4 holiday, per AAA, include: Seattle Orlando Anchorage Honolulu Miami For those aiming to find their Independence Day bliss outside the country, here are the top international destinations for this years July 4 travelers, according to AAA: Vancouver, B.C. London Rome Dublin Paris HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A 79-year-old man was arrested in Henderson County on Wednesday for continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14-years-old. San Augustine County searching for missing K9 Billy Lide, 79 of Brownsboro, was arrested after officials said the Henderson County Sheriffs Office Crimes Against Children Task Force, Narcotics Investigators and Special Assignment deputies executed a search warrant at a home on CR 3410 in Brownsboro. According to the sheriffs office, during the execution of the search warrant, probable cause was found to issue an arrest warrant for Lide with additional charges to come for delivery of a controlled substance or marijuana to a minor, a second-degree felony. Lide remains in the Henderson County Jail, as of Thursday morning, and is awaiting arraignment. Officials said the arrest was a joint investigation with the Cherokee County Childrens Advocacy Center and Cherokee County Child Protective Services. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man was arrested after a hazmat situation on Wednesday left eight first responders hospitalized. According to the Hendry County Sheriffs Office, the incident occurred at 9:21 a.m. when deputies went to a mobile home at 310 N. Industrial Loop in LaBelle to follow up on reports of a stolen vehicles. Deputies executed a search warrant for all properties at the location and remained on scene for the better part of the day, however, at about 3:35 p.m., deputies found a body in a mobile home. Cleveland Browns player arrested for DUI after crashing SUV into Florida restaurant: police After entering the home to help the unconscious man, who was later identified as the suspect, Juan Gonzalez Diaz, 45, of Miami, deputies suddenly became ill. Twenty officials were reportedly exposed and eight were hospitalized, according to NBC affiliate WBBH. The sheriffs office said its unclear what caused the first responders to become sick and they were taken to a local medical facility. All first responders have since been medically cleared. No residents were harmed. Gonzalez Diaz was arrested and taken to Hendry County Jail after being cleared by physicians. He is being held without bond on an outstanding warrant for a probation violation. LaBelle Fire, LaBelle EMS, Fort Myers Hazmat Team, Clewiston Police Department, Homeland Security, Collier County Sheriffs Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency returned to the scene on Thursday and are currently investigating the suspicious element. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Around 80 percent of same-sex married couples are concerned about no longer having marriage equality, according to a new report. The report, from the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, found 79.3 percent of same-sex married couples said they were either very or somewhat concerned about Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in the U.S., being overturned. Overall, these couples appreciate the ways that marriage has strengthened their relationships with their partners, provided security for their children, and provided legal protections, financial security, and greater acceptance by family, friends, and the broader community, the report reads. They are also worried about the future of marriage equality and the increasingly hostile climate for LGBTQ+ people in many parts of the country so much so that some are considering moving to another state. Members of the Supreme Court, including Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, have criticized and expressed their opposition to the Obergefell decision in recent years. Other findings in the report included 94.2 percent of the participants saying that the Obergefell ruling made a difference for them, with 62.8 percent marrying in the wake of the important decision by the nations highest court. The many material, emotional, and symbolic benefits associated with marriage seem to have significant impacts on the lives and well-being of LGBTQ+ people, Abbie E. Goldberg, psychology professor at Clark University and author of the study, said in a Thursday press release. While many LGBTQ+ people did not consider marriage a possibility growing up, it has made a profound difference in their lives, offering a greater sense of security, the ability to make important decisions together, and increased acceptance from both society and family. The report features 484 respondents in a same-sex marriage from the 50 states and Washington, D.C. The survey was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A homicide investigation is underway after shootings in Silver Lake, Washington left two dead Wednesday morning, including the apparent suicide of the alleged murder suspect, authorities said. According to the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded at about 10:21 a.m. to the 100 Block of Lake Road in Silver Lakes Streeters Resort on reports of a man who had been shot. Deputies then heard a report, while they were en route to the scene, that a man armed with a gun had entered a motor home parked nearby. A position of containment was set up around the suspects motorhome by law enforcement officials, including the sheriffs office, Castle Rock Police and Washington State Fish and Wildlife. At the same time, first responders located the 56-year-old gunshot victim and provided aid, but despite their best efforts, the victim was shortly thereafter pronounced deceased at the scene, the sheriffs office said in a release. Vandal does over $200,00 worth of damage in Tigard Eventually, a search warrant executed by deputies allowed law enforcement to enter the motor home of the suspect via a drone, only to later discover he was dead, too. As the release explained, Lower Columbia SWAT was activated and responded to the scene. A search warrant was obtained by CCSO Detectives which was served by Lower Columbia SWAT. The suspects motor home was breached, and a drone was flown inside the RV. A drone operator located the male suspect lying motionless inside the interior of the RV. A SWAT team element subsequently entered the RV and discovered the 86-year-old male suspect deceased of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office said the investigation is still ongoing and that names of the suspect and victim are not being released until next of kin are notified. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 office of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has revealed Rico Priem's cause of death. The 9-1-1 crew member, whose given name is Richard, was headed home from a 14-hour location shoot in Pomona, Calif. back in May when his car "left the roadway for unknown reasons, went up an embankment and flipped onto its roof." Responders pronounced him deceased at the scene. While there were suspicions that drowsiness caused by the long workday may have contributed to the crash, the medical examiner ultimately determined that Sudden Cardiac Dysfunction led to the crash and his death. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in one of the heart's blood vessels, a sudden dysfunction happens when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, according to Apollo Hospitals. It leads to dangerous tachycardiaor too high of a heart rateand ventricular fibrillation, causing a decrease in blood flowand therefore oxygento the brain. He also suffered from cardiomegaly with left ventricle hypertrophyotherwise known as an enlarged heart with thickened walls in the left ventricle. Following Priem's death, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employeesthe union to which Priem belongedtold The Hollywood Reporter that it was "fully committed to the safety and the well-being of all our members..." and that "workers have a reasonable expectation that they can get to work and come home safely." "No one should be put in unsafe circumstances while trying to earn a living," the statement concluded. A subreddit dedicated to the union, which was in the middle of contract negotiations at the time, also promoted a documentary called Who Needs Sleep, which was inspired by the 1997 death of Brent Hershman, an assistant camera operator who perished in a car crash caused by the fatigue of his excessive work days. While fatigue did not play a part in Priem's death after all, it certainly remains a concern for all those employed on film and television sets. Next: Remembering the Stars and Legends We've Lost In 2024 9-1-1 crew member Rico Priem, whose May death brought fresh concern over working hours on sets, died of sudden cardiac dysfunction, according to local officials in Los Angeles. His body was found inside his crashed vehicle after hed worked two consecutive 14-hour overnight shifts. Priem, a grip for the Fox procedural, died on May 11 of sudden cardiac dysfunction and cardiomegaly with left ventricular hypertrophy, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office, which released his autopsy results this week. Priems cause of death was deemed to have been natural, the office said and there was no detection of alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of his death. More from The Hollywood Reporter The autopsy results negate the suggestion by his union that his death was a result of drowsiness after overwork on the shows set that led Priem to drift from the highway and die when the vehicle crashed last month. After the news and circumstances of Priems death broke, his union released statements that suggest unsafe working hours led to the 66-year-olds death. We are fully committed to the safety and the well-being of all our members and express our heartfelt condolences to the members family, IATSE said in a statement. Workers have a reasonable expectation that they can get to work and come home safely. No one should be put in unsafe circumstances while trying to earn a living. An IATSE union leader previously confirmed with The Hollywood Reporter that Priem was a day player on 9-1-1 and his shift on Friday was his second 14-hour production day in a row. Hed left work a little after 4 a.m. on Saturday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, Priems Toyota Highlander was found overturned and obstructing the right lanes on the 57 freeway in San Dimas; the crash was reported around 4:27 a.m. on Saturday. According to CHP, Priems vehicle drifted off the road and up an embankment before flipping onto its roof. Priem was found dead at the scene. In a statement following the news of Priems death, 20th Television said, On behalf of the studio and everyone at 9-1-1, we send our sincere and deepest condolences to Rico Priems family and friends. IATSE is prioritizing imposing financial penalties for long work days and missed rest periods during its ongoing negotiations with studios and streamers after several accidents have been seen on sets this year. In February, J.C. Spike Osorio died after falling from the rafters at Radford Studios while he was working as a rigger for Marvels Wonder Man. In April, multiple crew members were injured in an action sequence that did not go as planned on the set of Amazon-MGM Studios The Pickup. OSHA investigations for both incidents remain ongoing. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) is welcomed by Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its External Relations Commission Le Hoai Trung (C) and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (R) at Noi Bai International Airport, Ha Noi, June 19, 2024 - Photo: VNA The visit is made at the invitation of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The Russian leader is accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Russian sub-committee of the Viet Nam-Russia intergovernmental committee on economic-trade and science-technology cooperation Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko, and Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko, among others. Welcoming the Russian President and the delegation at the airport were Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its External Relations Commission Le Hoai Trung, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha who is also head of the Vietnamese sub-committee of the Viet Nam-Russia intergovernmental committee on economic-trade and science-technology cooperation, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi. This is the fifth visit to Viet Nam by President Putin, and Viet Nam is also one of the first countries he has visited after taking office for his fifth term in early May. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at Noi Bai International Airport, Ha Noi, June 19, 2024 - Photo: VNA Viet Nam and Russia share a longstanding friendship and a comprehensive strategic partnership. Viet Nam considers its relationship with Russia strategically important, designating the country as a top priority in its foreign policy. Similarly, Russia views Viet Nam as a reliable partner and one of its primary priorities in the Asia-Pacific region. In an interview ahead of the visit, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi said, President Putin's State visit to Viet Nam is of great significance, aiming to deepen Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership across all sectors and upgrade the bilateral ties in the new context. During the visit, both sides are expected to sign a number of new cooperation agreements, creating impetus for boosting bilateral ties. These agreements not only bring economic benefits but also strengthen connectivity in terms of politics and strategy between the two countries, reiterated Dang. The two-way trade value hit over US$3.6 billion in 2023, up 3.6 percent against the previous year. In the first five months of this year, the bilateral trade saw a year-on-year increase of 52 percent, reaching approximately US$2 billion, of which Viet Nam's exports to Russia stood at US$956 million, up 45 percent. As of the end of May this year, Russian investors poured nearly US$1 billion in 186 projects in Viet Nam while the Southeast Asian nation invested in 25 projects in Russia, worth around US$3 billion./. AA meetings in the White House? Kennedy, a recovering addict, says it's just one of changes he'd make Is America ready to elect a recovering addict as president? How about one who wants to hold 12-step recovery meetings in the White House? Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hopes to be that president, the onetime heroin user saying he long ago left behind his dependency on drugs, sex, alcohol or extreme behavior to balm a wounded psyche. Thanks in large part to more than 40 years of 12-step meetings, Kennedy says, I don't have a big empty hole that I'm trying to fill with things outside of me. The independent presidential candidate in recent days has said he wants to use his own 14-year addiction to heroin and more than four decades of recovery to help bring a new level of attention to the nations addiction crisis. Kennedy recently premiered a documentary, Recovering America, in which he tours the country looking for programs that show the most promise of helping the nearly one in seven people who report having a substance use disorder. Read more: RFK Jr. speaks candidly about his gravelly voice: If I could sound better, I would Today, twice as many Americans die of addiction every year as died during the entire Vietnam War, Kennedy has said. Nearly 110,000 died in the U.S. last year of overdoses, not quite double the 58,000 Americans who died in Vietnam. And while there have been incredible innovations in recovery programs, as a nation we have failed to address the staggering magnitude of the crisis. Dating back to almost its founding, the United States has had presidents who drank to excess and at least a handful who reportedly used drugs, mostly before they entered the White House. But none of the nations chief executives acknowledged abusing drugs or being in recovery from addiction. The former environmental lawyer has yet to qualify for the ballot in many states. And he is fighting a thus-far-losing battle to win a spot onstage for the nationally televised debates that will feature President Biden and former President Trump. Kennedy, 70, has spoken about his addictive personality many times over the years. By his account, his recovery taught him humility and opened his heart toward God. But the redemption stories were preceded by years of darker media accounts about his reckless behavior his serial adultery during his second marriage and claims that he helped lead his younger brother David into what became a fatal heroin addiction. The candidate says his struggles have made him more empathetic and launched him on a life of service. My job as president of the United States will be to remind Americans that we're all part of a community, he said during a panel discussion after the documentary premiered in Albuquerque on June 15. Weve got to go back and figure out how we include everybody and how we amplify and multiply the opportunities for service with each other. Read more: At Nixon library, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls for cutting U.S. military budget in half Kennedy said his heroin addiction began at 15, not long after his father was assassinated on the night that he claimed victory in the California primary, as he campaigned for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination. Thrown out of two boarding schools, the younger Kennedy managed to make it through Harvard and the University of Virginia law school, despite multiple relapses. The cycle finally ended, by Kennedys account, after he overdosed on a flight to South Dakota and was arrested for heroin possession. He was 29. I feel like I was a one-dimensional human being. I was like a collection of appetites that needed to be fed all the time and that becomes like a full-time job, Kennedy told YouTube host Sage Steele. After a rehabilitation stay in New Jersey, Kennedy said 12-step meetings became key to his recovery. At one of the first sessions he asked a veteran how long he would have to attend. He said, Just keep coming until you like it, Kennedy recalled in an interview. And Ive been going for 40 years and I still dont like it. But I go because the rest of my life works when I go. I am careful about using any substance or behavior that tries to fix the uneasiness, the emptiness and the restlessness inside of myself with something outside, he said. And thats really what the addictive mind is constantly looking for. He said he tries to attend nine meetings a week when he is home seven morning sessions in Pacific Palisades and Tuesday and Thursday meetings at the Mandeville Canyon home he shares with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. While on the campaign trail, Kennedy said, he has made clear to his security detail that they need to make time every day for an AA meeting and a gym workout. Just hours before the premiere of his recovery documentary, he participated in an AA meeting at Monte Vista Christian Church in Albuquerque. As long as Im unannounced at places, I can go almost anywhere, Kennedy said. The problem is, when youre announced you have to screen people and do all of that. He said he absolutely would hold AA meetings in the White House, if elected. And he might even try to slip out occasionally to attend sessions in the community. But he said his AA attendance is not meant to score political points. "The moment you are doing it out of material self-interest, the whole thing will turn on you," he said. Such regular AA attendance is not unusual for people who recently entered recovery. A maxim of 12-step programs is 90 meetings in 90 days. Experts said it is unusual for someone far into recovery to attend sessions religiously, but probably indicates Kennedy views himself as a mentor to younger addicts. Kennedy described his recovery as part of a spiritual awakening, in which he willed himself to believe in God, a faith that was later fulfilled by finding synchronicity, a confluence of meaningful events in the universe. He was introduced to the concept after reading Carl Jung, one of the fathers of psychotherapy. With a spiritual awakening, you have to renew it every day by helping somebody else, Kennedy said. And the meetings are an organized framework that gives everybody there an opportunity to help somebody else. That's why people go long after their compulsion to drink or drug has passed. He said he would take several steps to improve drug and alcohol treatment in the U.S. One would be trying to increase Medicaid funding for rehabilitation programs. He said that would be cheaper than funding later care for chronic disease, or in emergency rooms. Recovering America featured several successful nonprofits, including Simple Mission Farms, a Texas rehabilitation program in which former addicts engage in therapeutic farming and animal-assisted therapy," according to the nonprofit's website. As a centerpiece of his anti-addiction program, Kennedy said he would open hundreds of such healing farms places where American kids can reconnect to America's soil, where they can learn the discipline of hard work, to rebuild self-esteem. Read more: 1 in 5 Latino voters are considering a third-party candidate for president, poll indicates He said these centers would be built with government support but have substantial freedom to find their own best practices. I dont want to come in micromanaging it," he said, "because government never gets anything right. He said he would fund the farms by putting a federal tax on sales of legal marijuana, which he estimated would bring in $8 billion a year. There is hope for our nation to heal the scourge of addiction, he concludes in the documentary. We just have to make it an actual priority and when I'm in the White House, we will. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other civil rights organizations say they plan to file a lawsuit challenging a new Louisiana law that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The lawsuit, which has not yet been filed, was announced Wednesday after Gov. Jeff Landry (R) signed a Republican-led bill making Louisiana the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in all public elementary and high school classrooms. The law violates the separation of church and state and is blatantly unconstitutional, the ACLU, ACLU of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a statement. The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice, without pressure from the government. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools. In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled in Stone v. Graham that the First Amendment prohibits public schools from posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms. But under Louisianas new law, starting next year the Ten Commandments shall be displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches with large, easily readable font. At a Republican fundraiser in Tennessee last weekend, Landry touted the bill and said, I cant wait to be sued. The civil rights groups said the new law could disrupt how welcome students may feel in schools. Louisianas communities and public schools are religiously diverse, yet H.B. 71 would require school officials to promote specific religious beliefs to which people of many faiths, and those of no faith, do not subscribe, the groups said. Even among those who may believe in some version of the Ten Commandments, the particular text that they adhere to can differ by religious denomination or tradition. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate, and it certainly should not be coercing students to submit day in and day out to unavoidable promotions of religious doctrine. They added that the new law undermines religious freedom rights. All students should feel safe and welcome in our public schools. H.B. 71 would undermine this critical goal and prevent schools from providing an equal education to all students, regardless of faith. Landrys office did not immediately respond to The Hills request 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. Two environmental activists have been arrested after they broke into a private airfield outside of London, where Taylor Swifts plane landed hours earlier, and spray-painted multiple private jets orange, in a call to end the use of fossil fuels by the end of the decade. Just Stop Oil members Jennifer Kowalski, 28, and Cole Macdonald, 22, cut a metal fence surrounding the private airfield in Stansted at 5 a.m. local time on Thursday then targeted the planes, using an orange paint similar to that seen in the groups protest campaign at Stonehenge, Britains prehistoric landmark, on Wednesday. Just Stop Oil said the paint is cornflower and will wash off. More from The Hollywood Reporter Kowalski and Macdonald were arrested afterward, police in Essex county told The Guardian in a statement: Officers were on the scene within minutes and detained two people. The airport and flights are operating as normal. A 22-year-old woman from Brighton and a 28-year-old woman from Dumbarton have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure. JUST STOP OIL PAINT PRIVATE JETS HOURS AFTER TAYLOR SWIFT'S LANDS Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where @taylorswift13's jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030. Donate https://t.co/UwALfVtRmR pic.twitter.com/aORdvUuQmU Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) June 20, 2024 Just Stop Oil is a coalition of groups working together to demand that the U.K. government work with other nations to agree to stop the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. It posted a video of the protest action on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), noting that Swifts jet, a recent subject of controversy, had landed there earlier in the day. JUST STOP OIL PAINT PRIVATE JETS HOURS AFTER TAYLOR SWIFTS LANDS Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where @taylorswift13s jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030, the group wrote on the platform. It is unclear if Swifts jet was the groups target. However, a post on the groups website referenced Swifts Cruel Summer and alluded to the superstars Blank Space, suggesting that Just Stop Oil was aware of Swifts jets presence at the time of the break-in. The Hollywood Reporter contacted the group to clarify the intentions at the Stanstead break-in but did not immediately hear back on Thursday. Were living in two worlds: one where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unlivable conditions are being imposed on countless millions, MacDonald said in the article posted on the groups website Thursday morning. Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending cruel summer. Billionaires are not untouchable, climate breakdown will affect every single one of us. Swifts team previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to the owner of social media accounts that documented tracked her private jet travel. A 2022 study from marketing firm Yard found that Swift was the top celebrity offender in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, with 170 flights by that point emitting 9,142 tons of carbon dioxide. In response, a rep for Swift said in a statement that her plane is loaned out regularly to other individuals. To attribute most or all of these trips to her is blatantly incorrect. Additionally, a rep for Swift told THR when the cease-and-desist letter was sent that before her Eras tour, which Swift is currently taking through the UK, began, Taylor purchased more than double the carbon credits needed to offset all of her travel, which includes the tour. On Wednesday, two Just Stop Oil activists were seen in a video using fire extinguishers to spray paint Stonehenge. The group wrote of the direct action event: The Just Stop Oil protestors demanded the incoming government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. In a statement to CNN, English Heritage chief executive Nick Merriman said there was no immediate damage to the monument, which will be open for summer solstice celebrations this week. There appears to be no visible damage but thats in no way saying there hasnt been harm, from the very act of having to clean the stones to the distress caused to those for whom Stonehenge holds a spiritual significance. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Im terrible at math and even worse at budgeting, but even a dope like me could see (thanks to knowledgeable people explaining it) that one of the big reasons Arizona lawmakers had to deal with a $1.4 billion deficit this year is the spiraling cost of universal school vouchers. The nonpartisan Grand Canyon Institute pointed out how vouchers cost the state $332 million this year and will jump to $429 million next year, and so on, and so on, unless lawmakers make a few changes to what has been a taxpayer giveaway to wealthy families. An annual cap would help. Requiring those who get Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to first have attended a public school is a good plan. It goes on. Gov. Katie Hobbs, in negotiating a budget with the Republicans who control the Arizona Legislature, could have stood her ground and fought for such things. Shes said in the past that the voucher program needs to be brought under control. AG is doing what the governor should've done Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes But in the end, Hobbs surrendered. She signed a deal with lawmakers that makes no change in an out-of-control voucher program that is eroding the public school system and crushing the budget. As part of that deal, Hobbs went along with lawmakers who want to sweep $75 million from a big settlement the state got to deal with the opioid crisis, and take tens of millions from that settlement for years to come, giving it to the Arizona Department of Corrections. Mayes will regret suing: Over the state budget The opioid money is in the hands of Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. She told 12 News Brahm Resnik, I am not giving that money to them. Its in my bank account at the Attorney Generals Office. Its not going anywhere. Mayes shows Hobbs the way by fighting Hobbs She says shell sue the governor and the Legislature if they abscond with the opioid funds. In essence, Mayes is fighting the kind of fight Hobbs should have fought over vouchers. Beth Lewis, the executive director of Save Our Schools Arizona, said, The ESA voucher program has shown in a nonpartisan report last week that its driving half of the budget deficit. So, you know, anything thats driving hundreds of millions of dollars of deficit should clearly be the first thing on the table to be, you know, reined in, and yet Republicans absolutely, stubbornly refuse to touch that program in any way, shape or form. And Gov. Hobbs went along with them. So, now Mayes is not only fighting the fight that Hobbs should have fought, but she is fighting it against Hobbs. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com. For more opinions content, please subscribe. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kris Mayes has to fight because Gov. Katie Hobbs surrendered Two downtown Dover buildings about 100 years old will be demolished to make way for a proposed parking garage after the city planning commission voted June 17 to overturn the historic district commissions ruling. I believe the correct decision for the future of the city of Dover was made, said Todd Stonesifer, president of the Downtown Dover Partnership board, after the planning meeting. The partnership is proposing the parking garage using state and federal grants. Nobody wants to see history removed from the city, especially the DDP, but I feel all the history is on verge of being lost if we dont bring people back to downtown, he said. The partnerships Capital City 2030: Transforming Downtown Dover master plan, which also includes a building with apartments and retail stores, is the way to revitalize the area, he said. Pictured here on June 18, 2024, the buildings at 150 S. Bradford St. (left) and 148 S. Bradford St. in Dover are going to be demolished as part of a plan to build a parking garage. He compared the demolition of the two buildings on South Bradford Street to pruning two branches of a shrub to improve the health of the whole bush. The partnership is buying both buildings, but the sales havent closed yet. The planning commissions decision determined if the Partnership would have to keep the buildings and work with them in the parking garage plan, or if the buildings could be torn down to allow for a larger footprint for the garage site. The location for the 400-space garage is about a half-block north of Loockerman Street, between South Bradford Street and South Governors Avenue. Most of the land is already a parking lot. Its across Governors Avenue from the planned building with retail space on the first floor and about 150 apartments above. Its all about enticing developers to come downtown, Stonesifer said. One of the main complaints from developers is about lack of parking. More development news: 5 new food/drink businesses include national chains open or opening soon in Dover, Camden Reversing the historic commission's ruling On May 16, the historic district commission denied the Downtown Dover Partnerships request to demolish the buildings at 148 and 150 S. Bradford St. The partnership appealed the ruling to the planning commission, which voted 4-2 to allow the demolition June 17. Kenneth Roach, Kathleen Welsh, William Witham Jr. and Chris Cooper voted to allow the demolition. Joan Denney and Mark Reaves voted against demolition. Commission members Bobby Jones, Andrea Maucher and John Baldwin Sr. didnt attend. I have not received enough information that these buildings meet the criteria for demolition, Reaves said. The historic commission has put a lot of thought into their decision. For us to overturn that could be a mistake. He favored the compromise of keeping the buildings while constructing the parking garage with a different configuration. We can add parking and preserve the historic buildings, Reaves said. Joan Denney, acting director of the Dover Planning Commission, listens to a question at the June 17 commission meeting at City Hall. Denney agreed: I dont think we have to destroy these buildings to have parking. She also opposed overturning the decision of the historic district commission. She said she doesnt see a need for a parking garage, but a garage could be built without tearing down historic buildings. Roach made the motion in favor of demolition, to help the Downtown Dover Partnerships master plan for revitalization. Parking is definitely needed, Roach said. Witham supported demolition and said while the buildings are interesting structures, theres nothing necessarily historic about them: Weve heard nothing on the record that some famous person lived in them. He said if the owners want to sell the buildings and the planning commission votes to deny demolition, then the commission is making the Downtown Development Partnership maintain the properties at what cost? If the partnerships master plan fails, we may go through another 10 to 20 years getting nothing done, Witham said. Welsh voted for demolition but said, Im torn about it. In my heart, I am in favor of historic preservation. But she's seen the downtown deteriorate for many years. At some point, we need to do something to address the issues and take steps for revitalizing the city, Welsh said. Even though two houses would be missing from the footprint of the city, revitalization would preserve other areas, rather than continued decline and possible loss of more historic buildings. Cooper said while he doesnt see a parking problem now, only about 50% of the buildings downtown are occupied. He supports the partnerships revitalization plan. If the plan works and more and more buildings are occupied, parking will be needed, he said. More business news: Wait, what? Is Dogfish Head getting bought by a Japanese whiskey company?: WSJ Could the buildings stay or be relocated? The earliest documentation for the buildings is on a 1929 map, said Dover principal planner Dawn Melson-Williams. They are noted as early 20th-century buildings in the National Register of Historic Places inventory of downtown Dover from 1978-79. Now that the demolition is approved, the Downtown Dover Partnerships plan for the parking garage is a four-story structure. But if the demolition wasnt approved, the plan was for a seven-story garage in a smaller footprint. Stonesifer said the four-story plan was overwhelmingly preferred by the partnership members. When you put in a seven-story garage, those nearby buildings will be dwarfed, he said. Youd have a structure seven stories high with structures two stories high next to it. That would really change the character of the neighborhood. Before the meeting, Nathan Attard, preservation committee chair of the Friends of Old Dover, said the buildings should be preserved. He describes himself as a "vocal supporter" of the Downtown Partnerships Capital City 2030 master plan with carefully selected development sites that ensured historic buildings were retained. But the proposal for the parking garage took the development outside of the selected development sites without public consideration, he said. A reasonable compromise could be a shorter garage on the smaller site that is engineered to support a future expansion when funds are available and demand is met for a larger garage. Our historic buildings define our streets and sidewalks. From a city design perspective, they make it enjoyable to walk around, a key tenet of Capital City 2030, he said. As far as relocating the buildings, the Downtown Dover Partnership hired engineering firm EDIS to research what would have to be done. J.D. Bartlett from EDIS said moving the buildings wouldnt be feasible for a variety of reasons. Additions to the main building are physically attached but not structurally attached so they would have to be separated, moved and reattached. Trees in the area would need to be trimmed back probably to the sidewalk so the buildings could be moved along the street. Overhead utility wires would need to be temporarily relocated. But one of the biggest problems is the asbestos in the interior drywall and exterior stucco on the building at 148 S. Bradford St., which would have to be removed by a certified asbestos abatement company. The building at 150 S. Bradford does not have the same environmental concerns as the other building, Bartlett said. But it does have a chimney in severe disrepair that would have to be removed. Relocation is not practical, said Jed Hatfield, president of Colonial Parking, which is working with the Downtown Dover Partnership on the parking garage proposal. Downtown Dover Partnership executive director Diane Laird speaks about the request to demolish two buildings on South Bradford Street as part of a plan to build a parking garage at the June 17 planning commission meeting at City Hall. At left is Jed Hatfield, president of Colonial Parking, which is working with the Partnership on the plan. What are the next steps for the Downtown Dover Partnership? The environmental concerns will have to be taken care of before the buildings are demolished, Stonesifer said, but the partnership has received a commitment for a grant for that project from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Now that the size and shape of the site is known, the partnerships architect will start designing the parking garage, a plan that will first have to go to the Historic District Commission. Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, development and business news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Dover planning commission approves demolitions for parking garage 'Rolling out the red carpet for people that hate us': How some feel about the RNC Amid the social media noise following former President Donald Trumps guilty verdict in his hush money case last month, Angela Lang, a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, couldnt help but worry what this development would mean for the upcoming Republican National Convention descending on her city. In less than a month, Trump is scheduled for sentencing in New York. Just four days later, he is expected to arrive in Milwaukee, along with 50,000 other visitors, to accept the Republican Party's presidential nomination. Depending on his sentence, Lang worries it could turn the event "into a powder keg." Lang, who serves as the executive director of Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, better known as BLOC, fears the sentencing could embolden a small portion of RNC attendees who are more radicalized against communities of color, especially in Milwaukee, which Trump called a "horrible city" at meeting on Capitol Hill last week. With the RNC less than a month away, she's among many Milwaukee-area residents who expressed a mixture of feelings about the event. Some are looking forward to an expected rush of business, especially those within the RNC footprint. But others, and particularly those who are Black, Latino and LGBTQ+, said they're apprehensive about the crowds the event might draw. This is not the RNC of Bush-era politics, Lang said. Last month, a Pew Research Center survey found that 1 in 5 Trump supporters said diversity "weakens American society," and 2 in 5 said the declining share of white people in the U.S. population is bad for the country. Meanwhile, far-right violent extremism is rising, according to research by the U.S. Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice. "I dont think I personally, up until a year ago, used the word scared,'" Lang said. "But I had to pause recently and understand that Im actually scared. And that's OK. That's not a sign of weakness." Angela Lang, executive director of BLOC, in Milwaukee on June 13. Some residents fear RNC will bring fringe groups Darryl Morin is the national president of Forward Latino, a nonpartisan advocacy group with members and affiliates in 29 states, including Wisconsin. He said members of the community have expressed "a significant amount of fear" about what the next few months will bring. Once a vocal Republican, Morin left the GOP due to its defense of Trump's "racist remarks" and its gravitation toward white nationalism. He said Hispanic and Latino families were already worried that their appearance, their accents, or speaking Spanish in public would make them a target. That worry has only magnified amid recent anti-immigration rhetoric. The worry isn't theoretical: Morin said Forward Latino has helped with a number of hate crime cases in and around Milwaukee in the last few years. The nonprofit supported Milwaukee resident Mahud Villalaz after a man threw acid in his face at a bus stop in 2019. The 2022 trial revealed that Villalaz's attacker espoused hateful rhetoric against marginalized groups and wrote letters to Trump calling them "parasites" and "predators." Inflammatory remarks about immigrants made at national events and spread through campaign advertisements, Morin said, can lead to hate-motivated violence. "Whenever there are comments made about people of a particular ethnicity or color or look, etc., it's automatically applied to all that share those physical traits," Morin said. "Because I can tell you we have not seen one hate crime victim who has told us they were stopped and asked about their immigration status before they were attacked. It just occurs and the assumption is made," he said. Rhonda Hill, founder of Race and Faith, an interfaith anti-racist organization, said some Black-led organizations are skipping town during the RNC and some of Hills white friends are as well. But Hill is staying put. To take the fearful stance and approach is already kind of conceding, Hill said. There is more than one way of allowing people to have their viewpoints, but that doesnt mean I have to leave my hometown. Rhonda Hill is the founder of Race and Faith, an interfaith anti-racist organization. Hills apprehension is not about the Republican Party itself. As a national political party, she said the group has the right to hold its convention here and hopes it will benefit the city economically. Her unease derives from certain people or groups who associate themselves with the GOP. Its attended by people who I perceive as leaning toward a lot of hate speech, especially around race. Thats the apprehension, Hill said. For Lang, it's hard not to feel a sense of betrayal that Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee's first elected Black mayor, welcomed the RNC to the city. Trump's recent comments along the campaign trail don't help matters. At a recent Ohio rally, the former president referred to some migrants as "animals," praised the people serving sentences in connection with the Capitol riot and predicted a "blood bath" if he didn't win the presidency in November. "It's still hard for me to get over the psychological effects of all this, knowing our first Black mayor is rolling out the red carpet for people that hate us," Lang said. Mayor says safety of all attendees and residents is a priority Orlando Owens, a Republican who ran for Wisconsin treasurer in 2022, is volunteering for the RNC. Owens believes the state of things in Milwaukee under Democrats leaves too many people behind, and that Trump would make the city safer by putting more emphasis on fixing the "broken justice system" and improving employment rates among Black men ages 25 to 35. In contrast to Lang, Owens said his concerns are about left-wing and pro-Palestinian demonstrations that are expected outside the convention. He supports moving the protest area farther away from the RNC. State Rep. Scott Allen, right, talks about improving relations with Democrats in the Assembly with state Rep. Kalan Haywood, middle, and Orlando Owens in 2020. Owens acknowledged that some RNC attendees may harbor some frustration over Trump's conviction and the state of the the country. He hopes to engage those particularly aggrieved Republicans. "I hope that the out-of-towners and out-of-staters who come for the convention are more concerned on what's going on inside the convention versus on the outside in the protest area," Owens said. "We hope that calmer and cooler heads prevail." Kush Desai, spokesperson for the RNC, said in an emailed statement that, throughout the convention planning process, RNC staff has "worked hand in glove with Milwaukee community leaders to ensure a safe and secure convention experience for delegates, guests, officials, members of the media, and the Milwaukee community." "As Republicans, we are staunch defenders of the First Amendment and remain steadfastly committed to working with community members and local law enforcement to ensure that the democratic process plays out safely while respecting everyones rights and liberties," Desai wrote. Jeff Fleming, spokesperson for the mayor, said the safety of RNC attendees and Milwaukee residents alike is a top priority. He said the citys police department is working with federal authorities and other law enforcement agencies across the state to address security concerns. When asked about fears people of color have regarding fringe groups the RNC may attract, Fleming said those concerns have been expressed directly to the mayor, and he is very sensitive to them. The city is working to gather as much information as possible before the convention to identify risks so that "appropriate precautions and, if necessary, interventions can take place, Fleming said. Those seeking to demonstrate must sign up with the city. Fleming said he has personally seen that list, which is constantly being reviewed. He said the city is also working to track those who dont follow the sign-up protocols. No one, who has signed up to date, has prompted any extra concern, Fleming said. We will do our best to make sure that we have the resources so that the week is safe for everybody. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson speaks at a press conference at Fiserv Forum on March 1 with members of the MKE 2024 Host Committee for the RNC. More: Guns allowed while hard water bottles, tennis balls banned in RNC security footprint Businesses in and around the RNC footprint in prep mode Business owners and service workers also expressed a mix of anticipation and worry. At least one business in the city is shutting down operations during the convention, which is slated from July 15 to July 18. Others, especially in the service industry, are ramping up in anticipation. Will Martin, a Republican and owner of an investment firm that fosters development in low-income neighborhoods, said he's looking forward to the $200 million in economic impact the RNC is projected to bring to the city, especially to small businesses of color. Will Martin "I'm an optimist and I think it's amazing, it's gratifying that 50,000 people from across the country and territories are going to come to Wisconsin to see what this wonderful state has to offer," said Martin, who ran for lieutenant governor in 2022. That sentiment is only partially shared by Lex Prevost, a barista at Canary Coffee, located right across the street from the Baird Center, one of the three RNC venues this year. Prevost said he's fine with the foot traffic the RNC will generate, but his priority is the safety of his staff. If youre a (jerk), we wont serve you, Prevost said. Natalia Vaccaro, a server at Uncle Wolfies Breakfast Tavern, worries about how RNC attendees will respond to her and her fellow servers. She described Uncle Wolfies as a queer-forward space that literally puts its politics in the window, with signs supporting reproductive rights and Black Lives Matter. Vaccaro said the GOP's rhetoric and platform such as legislation to restrict federal funding for gender-affirming care have created a lot of chaos and fear" within the LGBTQ+ community. I worry people are going to get riled up at the RNC," she said. The RNC convention will take place at Fiserv Forum (upper right), the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena (upper center - white roof) and the Baird Center (upper left) from July 15-18. For other residents, real-world concerns outweigh feelings about the RNC Other Milwaukeeans feel neither dread nor peace at the prospect of the RNC. Said Mustafa Sadat is one of them. Waiting at the 3rd St. Market Hall to have lunch with a prospective employer for an internship, he said the RNC is the furthest thing from his mind. More pressing is his application status for political asylum in the U.S. In 2018, Sadat and his siblings left Afghanistan after obtaining F-1 visas, which allow full-time students to live and study at accredited U.S. schools. In the middle of his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, however, the 2021 Taliban offensive upended much of his and his family's plans. Since then, Sadat has had to apply for asylum with his brothers, but hasnt heard anything back. Now, the deadline to renew his status looms. Those are primary issues for me, said Sadat, who is studying civil engineering. I don't know how the RNC would affect that or how the post-conviction results would affect that. My concern is how my case would go forward." For Sadat, this goes beyond party lines. His immigration status being in limbo, after all, happened under President Joe Biden. At the end of the day, he said, his livelihood depends on the government taking action, not events like the RNC or the DNC. My concern is the immigration system," Sadat said. "How is this country aiming to solve issues like that?" Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at neilbert@gannett.com or on X at @natalie_eilbert. La Risa Lynch covers community affairs for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and can be reached at LLynch@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Some Milwaukee Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ residents worried about RNC A bar and restaurant in Dayton were forced to close early on Wednesday after experiencing air conditioning issues. The Barrel House on E. Third Street and Grist on W. Fifth Street both closed early on Wednesday after having air conditioning issues amid the heatwave the Miami Valley is currently experiencing. We took a hit. We missed a good Wednesday night, but the biggest financial hit is paying for the AC unit, Gus Stathes, co-owner of The Barrel House said. Stathes said the new AC unit cost $9,000 and because the old one broke they lost $2,000 in sales. >> Man critically injured after being hit by Kings Island rollercoaster But community support kept him hopeful. People started reaching out, asking how they can help. Its just been really, really beautiful, he said. Alison Agusta is one of those people, she offered a donation toward the new AC unit. I was really upset, and I wanted to figure out what I could do to rally behind them, she said. On the other side of downtown Dayton, The Grist experienced the same issue. >> Officer exchanges gunfire with armed, nude suspect in Ohio, police says Co-owner Casey Vanvaoorhis said only one of the three air condition units in the building worked, and that one unit was struggling. After calling her landlord the decision was made to close Wednesday. Vanvoorhis said this cost her about $3,000. By late Thursday both restaurants had air conditioning again. Agusta was one of the first customers back at Barrel House. I got so excited when I heard that it was back open. I got up, got ready, and invited anybody that I could think of to come with us tonight, she said. Both businesses said they are monitoring their new units closely until the heat wave is over. DENVER (KDVR) Three Alamosa County Sheriffs deputies are on administrative leave after allegedly shooting a fleeing suspect who they said had fired at law enforcement in the early hours of Wednesday. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the incident began with an Alamosa County deputy attempting a traffic stop for a red Ford Explorer driver who was allegedly driving carelessly in a Safeway parking lot. CBI said the driver did not stop for the deputy and said the suspect attempted to elude the deputy. Aurora PD searching for armed suspect after attempted home break-ins The deputy initiated a pursuit and two other deputies assisted, according to CBI. The driver, identified as Justin Claude Trujillo, 27, allegedly drove over a grassy median into a residential area before exiting his vehicle and running. A deputy verbally communicated with him in the 1200 block of Third Street, according to CBI, but Trujillo allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired at least one shot at the deputy. All three deputies involved in the pursuit returned fire. Trujillo was reportedly struck once in the abdomen and once in the leg. CBI said deputies provided medical intervention and then arrested him. Trujillo was transported to a hospital and then transferred to a Colorado Springs hospital, where he was reported to be stable. He will face several charges, according to CBI, including: Criminal attempt of murder in the first degree of a peace officer First-degree assault Vehicular eluding Menacing Possession of a weapon by a previous offender. All three deputies were placed on administrative leave while CBI investigates the shooting. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox As of Wednesday afternoon, no court proceedings have been scheduled for Trujillo in this case. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chea Kimtha receives practical gifts from Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association and Chairman of Phuong Hoang International Group Company. (Photo: TDO) The gifts included many sets of desktop computers, photocopiers, printers and other office equipment. On behalf of the officers and staff of the Cambodian Embassy in Vietnam, Ambassador Chea Kimtha sent sincere thanks to Mr. Nguyen Van Hung and Phuong Hoang International Group Company for their companionship and support in important activities over many years. Ambassador Chea Kimtha expressed her belief that the meaningful and practical gifts would create more favorable working conditions for officers and employees of the Cambodian diplomatic mission in Hanoi. Mr. Nguyen Van Hung said that the gifts showed the affection of the officers and employees of Phuong Hoang International Group Company to the Cambodian Embassy, with the desire to help the work of Cambodian Embassy officials and employees. It also expressed my desire to join hands to help Cambodian friends with practical actions, thereby contributing to further cultivating solidarity and good friendship between the people of Vietnam and Cambodia. In March, this business donated an equipment package worth VND500 million to improve the living conditions of Cambodian international students studying at Friendship School 80 in Son Tay town, Hanoi./. Alexandria man gets 20 years for 2021 murder; trial for man accused in baby's death reset An Alexandria man received a 20-year prison sentence Monday after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the July 2021 shooting death of another man. An Alexandria man received a 20-year prison sentence Monday after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the July 2021 shooting death of another man. The trial for Marcus Deion Johnson, 30, was to have started Monday, but he decided instead to plead guilty to the murder of 35-year-old Anthony Pierre Russell Sr. Russell was shot on July 26, 2021, on Lakeside Drive in Alexandria. Johnson was arrested the next day on a second-degree murder charge. He was formally charged with manslaughter in October 2021. 'Her son killed my son': Mom speaks out at hearing for man charged in Alexandria death Devonte Ellis Stafford case: Alexandria man facing manslaughter charge in infant's death Johnson was sentenced by 9th Judicial District Court Judge Greg Beard, who also presided over another homicide case on Monday. Devonte Ellis Stafford, 26, is facing a charge of first-degree murder in the January 2020 death of 9-month-old Dontae Leon Francis. He was arrested by the Alexandria Police Department on a first-degree murder charge after the department was called to a home in the 2300 block of Taft Street for an unresponsive baby. The boy was pronounced dead after he was taken to a hospital. Stafford was formally charged with manslaughter in June 2020, but the case went before a grand jury in October 2020. The members indicted him on the first-degree murder charge. Stafford had filed a motion to quash on his own, even though he is represented by attorney Chris Guillet. A hearing was called to determine how to proceed. He also filed a motion for discovery that Beard denied. On Monday, Guillet told Beard he would not adopt Stafford's motion to quash. Stafford withdrew the motion. His trial, which was supposed to start this week, was reset for Oct. 28. A hearing on a motion filed by Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Kelvin Sanders was continued until Aug. 19. That motion seeks to keep character evidence against the forensic pathologist who performed the baby's autopsy, Dr. Christopher Tape, out of the trial. Criminal charges from 2001 and a 2022 civil lawsuit settlement against Tape were uncovered during a dispute with the St. Tammany Parish coroner he succeeded after his election. According to news reports, Tape was arrested in Albuquerque, N.M., on six counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor. The indictment against him later was quashed, and Tape was not convicted of any crime, according to the motion. The motion states the charges and settlement are not related to Stafford's case and that information only could be used to attack Tape's credibility. The motion seeks to have all of that information ruled inadmissible at trial. This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Man gets 20 years in Alexandria shooting death of Anthony Russell Sr. The alleged gang-rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl in northern France has triggered an outcry over surging antisemitism in the country, a key issue in the looming French parliamentary elections this month. Politicians from all sides have weighed in on the alleged attack, with French President Emmanuel Macron condemning a scourge of antisemitism that he said is festering in French schools, and far-right leaders placing blame on the left for failing to take anti-semitism seriously enough. The Nanterre prosecutors office announced Wednesday that it has launched an inquiry into the alleged aggravated rape of a minor, after receiving reports from a 12-year-old girl of the incident on June 15. Three boys, aged 12 and 13, have been taken into custody, the prosecutor also said. Whether the girl was targeted for her religion is part of the probe, with two of the boys now being investigated for aggravated gang rape of a minor, group violence against a minor for reasons of religion, death threats and insult for reasons of religion, according to the prosecutors statement. The third boy has been placed under assisted witness status in relation to the alleged rape, the prosecutor added. The alleged attack took place as the girl tried to return home after meeting a friend. Two boys approached her and attempted to block her path outside her house. After a third boy arrived, the group began to physically attack the girl, hurling antisemitic insults at her, BFMTV reported, citing police sources. The girl received several death threats and one of the boys called her a dirty Jew, according to the account reported by BFMTV. Antisemitic incidents have increased by 284% in France between 2022 and 2023, according to data from the French interior ministry. In 2023, antisemitic acts constituted 60% of all anti-religious acts, compared to 26% in 2022, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told the French Senate earlier this year. Growing fears of an antisemitism problem The incident has sparked an intense political debate on what politicians have described as a spiraling antisemitism problem in France linked to Israels war in Gaza. On Wednesday, Jordan Bardella, the far-right firebrand hoping to score big wins for his National Rally party in the upcoming elections, pledged to tackle antisemitism if elected in three weeks time. Since October 7, an atmosphere of anti-Semitism has spread and developed in an extremely worrying manner in our country, which we must combat, Bardella told reporters. Bardellas party colleague and far-right juggernaut, Marine Le Pen said in a post on X that the attack revolted members of her party, highlighting the uptick in antisemitic incidents across the country. French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, France on June 20, 2024. - Andre Pain/Pool/AFP/Getty Images Le Pen said the recent surge in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war reveals a worrying stigmatization of Jewish people which everyone should be fully aware of when hitting the ballot boxes on June 30 and July 7. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal meanwhile described the incident as a despicable and took direct aim at his left-wing political opponent, Jean-Luc Melenchon, whom he accused of previously downplaying the severity of antisemitism in France by describing it as a residual issue. Politicians in France have a responsibility to ensure that antisemitic rhetoric does not become trivialized, Attal said in an interview with TF1 Info Wednesday, warning that if trivialized it can lead young people in particular to the worst. Melenchon for his part said he was horrified by this rape, saying in a social media post that it put under a concerning spotlight the conditioning of criminal male behavior from a young age, and antisemitic racism. Voter anger over the issue appeared clear on Wednesday, as demonstrators gathered outside Pariss city hall on, according to reporting from BFMTV. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as Raped at 12 because she was Jewish, and Anti-Semitism is not residual, and listened to speeches from Jewish rights activists in attendance. All light must be shed on the circumstances of this crime, including its anti-Semitic nature, if this is confirmed, the main Jewish interest group in France, the Conseil representatif des institutions juives de France (CRIF) said. Correction: This story has been updated to correct the number of boys under investigation for alleged gang-rape. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A group of nearly 70 Democrats are urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to consider opening pathways for Palestinian refugees looking to escape the violence in Gaza. In a letter to Blinken and Mayorkas sent Thursday, 69 Democratic senators and representatives voiced support for granting priority-2 designation for Palestinians who are impacted by the fighting in Gaza and are relatives of either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. A priority-2 designation gives people special access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program based on their circumstances and need for resettlement. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, many congressional offices have received distressing requests for assistance from constituents desperately seeking to reunite with their loved ones, the letter stated. We appreciate the steps that the Biden Administration has taken to evacuate American citizens from Gaza, the letter continued. However, without pathways for Americans to petition for their relatives in Gaza, countless families with strong ties to our nation remain stranded in life-threatening conditions. The letter was led by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Reps. Greg Casar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) By granting a P-2 designation for refugee processing for certain Palestinians, the United States will be giving hope to Americans with relatives in Gaza who have strong ties to our nation but remain stranded in life-threatening conditions, Durbin wrote in a statement. The time has come for the United States to lead in this manner. More than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since early October, while more than 85,000 have been wounded, per the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Meanwhile, an estimated 1.7 million people have been displaced in Gaza, which separately faces a full-blown famine in the northern part of the region, according to the United Nations. The war in Gaza has lasted more than eight months since Hamass attack against southern Israel left more than 1,200 people dead and 250 others in captivity. The White House was reportedly considering admitting some Palestinians with U.S.-based families to the U.S. as refugees. The move, which would offer a relatively small number of people the opportunity to leave Gaza, would mark a shift for the U.S.s long-standing refugee program. Since its inception in 1980, the program has not resettled Palestinians in the U.S. in large numbers. Of the more than 400,000 refugees resettled by the U.S. in the last 10 years, fewer than 600 were Palestinian, CBS News reported in April. The State Department is working with Egypt and Israel to facilitate a safe passage out of Gaza for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and their immediate families. The department has also helped more than 1,800 people to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing and into Egypt, an agency spokesperson told The Hill. and has assisted more than 1,800 of these individuals to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, an agency spokesperson told The Hill. Earlier this year, President Biden sent a memorandum to Blinken and Mayorkas, directing them to defer for 18 months the removal of certain Palestinians currently living in the U.S. in the wake of the conflict. The lawmakers noted Palestinian refugees would need to demonstrate their eligibility, complete an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, provide biometric data and pass the required medical examples and security screening. The Democrats added the refugee program is a valuable tool for the U.S. to help de-escalate conflicts abroad and bolster regional stability. A Homeland Security spokesperson told The Hill the agency responds to congressional inquiries directly via official channels. A State Department spokesperson separately said the agency is concerned over the famine that has hit northern Gaza and may have reached southern Gaza in recent weeks. The agency called for conditions to freely and safely distribute aid effectively within Gaza, which includes protection and deconfliction mechanisms to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, per the spokesperson. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Amazon announced Thursday that North American deliveries will ditch its air pillow packaging in favor of recycled paper filler, the latest move in the shipping companys sustainability push. The company noted that 95 percent of its air pillow packaging in the region has already been removed, and it hopes to eliminate the rest before the end of the year. In its largest plastic packaging reduction effort in North America, Amazon said it will eliminate nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows each year. Im proud of the cross-Amazon collaboration to make a positive impact on the customer delivery experience with easier to recycle materials, said Pat Lindner, Amazons vice president of mechatronics and sustainable packaging. Its a great example of how we thoughtfully test and scale new solutions to protect our customer experience. We are working towards full removal in North America by end of year and will continue to innovate, test, and scale in order to prioritize curbside recyclable materials, he added. The company said that nearly all of its deliveries for its Prime Day event next month will not contain plastic air pillows. The paper filler comes from suppliers who use 100 percent recycled materials and provides the same amount of protection, if not more, than the air pillows, Amazon said. Christian Garcia, an associate who works at an Amazon fulfillment center in Bakersfield, Calif., said in the press release she is happy that the company is transitioning to paper packaging. Im so excited were changing over to paper, she said. Its not only easier to work with, but the machinery gives us more space so its easier to pack orders. And Im proud to be a part of a change that allows customers to recycle at home, Garcia added. Updated at 6:13 pm EST. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Amazon Labor Union (ALU) members have officially joined the Teamsters, with 98.3 percent of members voting to ratify the affiliation. With the ratification set in stone, about 5,500 Amazon workers in the JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, N.Y. will be represented by a newly chartered ALU-International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1. The union will have jurisdiction for Amazon warehouse workers across New Yorks five boroughs. More from Sourcing Journal On behalf of the Amazon Labor Union, Im proud of our members choosing a path to victory. Were now stronger than ever before, said ALU president Chris Smalls, in a statement. Having the support of 1.3 million Teamsters to take on Amazon gives us tremendous worker power and the opportunities to demand better conditions for our members and, most importantly, to secure a contract at JFK8. Amazon did not comment on the matter. The ratification moves the ALU in a better position to negotiate a new contract, something the e-commerce giant has refused to budge on ever since the union first organized in 2022. Amazon has never recognized the victory and has continued to appeal the election results. With that in mind, theres still a long way to go for a deal to take place. But tying up with the Teamsters gives the ALU more national credibility, and more importantly, resources to continue the organization push. Early this year, there were reports that the ALU was struggling financially. Additionally, last year, some prominent members resigned or left to form a dissident labor group, which sued the union in federal court to force an election for new leadership. Nevertheless, the Amazon Labor Union remains the only labor organization to pull off a union win at an Amazon warehouse in the U.S. Earlier this month, Kate Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education research and senior lecturer, Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations, told Sourcing Journal that Amazon workers are unlikely to get a contract until they start organizing more sites beyond JFK8. Those efforts at other sites, like Bessemer, Ala., have failed to push through. Workers at Amazonin the warehouses or behind the wheelhave proven they have the strength, unity and determination to take on the greediest employer on the planet, and win, said Teamsters general president Sean OBrien, in a statement. Together, with hard work, courage, and conviction, the Teamsters and ALU will fight fearlessly to ensure Amazon workers secure the good jobs and safe working conditions they deserve in a union contract. OBrien pointed to the unions most successful victory last year, when it secured a new five-year contract for 340,000 UPS warehouse workers and drivers, as an example of the direction he plans for the Teamsters to take. You can be certain that we will hold Amazon to these same standards, and not the other way around, OBrien said. As long as Amazon exploits and abuses workers, this corporate bully will have to answer to the Teamsters and ALU, standing together. The Teamsters have called out Amazons delivery service partner program in the past, saying that the tech titan subjects contracted delivery drivers to extreme heat and lengthy hours without breaks. Last year, the union recruited 84 contract delivery workers who say their company, a former Amazon delivery partner, was wrongly terminated by the e-commerce giant. These employees have since generated attention by picketing fulfillment centers across the U.S. The union has kept its eye on Amazon for a few years now, launching a dedicated Amazon division in 2021 to support and fund workers at the company in their unionization efforts. Internally, the ALU itself is expected to have new leadership next month in the wake of its power struggle, as union membership voted in March to hold an election for new officers. Smalls has said he doesnt plan to run for reelection as ALU president. That election is expected to be held in July. Unions appear to be sustaining their favorable public sentiment, although their participation rates have continued a slow descent. Support for labor unions remains near a 60-year high, according to Gallup, with 67 percent of respondents approving of labor unions in 2023, down a shade from the 71 percent in support of unions in 2022. Those numbers are well above the all-time low of 48 percent in 2009. However, union membership as a percentage of the workforce reached a 40-year low in 2022, the last year of published data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That year, 10 percent of workers were in a union, down from 20 percent in 1983. America has always been corrupt. A nation discovered by those seeking fame and fortune at any cost and colonized by religious fanatics who were kicked out of every decent country in Europe. When the early European settlers became entrenched on this continent, they displaced or killed indigenous people and brought with them enslaved human beings whose only sin was being born a different color than their captors. Our revolution was based on a democracy where conceptually all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The trick was that the Declaration of Independence wasnt about universal suffrage. Women, enslaved people and indigenous people were left out of the equation. While some believe that stating that we are a government that derives its just powers from the consent of the governed is hypocritical coming from slave-owning, misogynistic forefathers who engaged in a genocidal Trail of Tears," they would be in error. Our forefathers, flawed as they were, tried to build a more perfect union. The words of the revolution and our Constitution, which guaranteed our rights, were not set in stone and did not pass off a flawed culture as a perfect one. The Constitution is a living document and our forefathers were smart enough to see they werent all that smart. Their wisdom is seen in their creating of a government that can evolve as our knowledge evolves. Thus, individual colonies came together for a common cause to fight the King of England a monarch. In doing so, each colony had to compromise, but the leaders struggled to move forward toward a more enlightened future. Some of them could see beyond the horizon of hate and divisiveness to a time when all people participated in government working together toward a common goal. The progress weve made in womens suffrage, equal rights, civil rights, the separation of church and state along with the freedom to worship as you choose speak to the progress weve made. The Civil War, the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Jim Crow segregation, anti-semitism, Christian Nationalism, book banning, Japanese internment camps, and burning Beatle records speak to the entrenched ignorance that keeps us divided. Famed science fiction author Isaac Asimov spoke about the cult of ignorance and the undercurrent of anti-intellectualism that has been a part of the corrupting fabric of this country since its beginning the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge. Thus, disinformation and misinformation have always flourished. It is why many Southerners to this day tell us the Civil War was about states rights without mentioning that the right they wanted to protect was the ability to own other human beings. It is why todays far right speaks about the freedom of worship, but really means they want to be free to tell us all how to worship. Our generation's ignorance leads some to say that we are a Christian nation while it leads others to scream the hoary old cliche, Separate but Equal. When asked by a journalist what he thought of Western civilization, Mahatma Gandhi quipped I think it would be a good idea, cementing the notion that America has rarely lived up to its ideals. We have often been called a nation of the Ugly Americans but we have tried over our history to do better. Martin Luther King reminded us that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." He was killed for such radical thoughts. Bobby Kennedy, who eulogized King in Indianapolis at a speech before a mostly Black crowd during the height of the Vietnam War quoted the Greek playwright Aeschylus, Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God. And then he delivered words we should all live by; What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but is love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice towards those who still suffer within our country. He was assassinated less than two months after that speech. In short, America has always been caught between its ideals and its reality. As T.S. Eliot in his poem The Hollow Men, reminded us, between the idea and the reality, between the motion and the act falls the shadow. The shadow is the difference between our darkest actions and desires and our belief in justice. There isnt one part of our government untouched by scandal and corruption. When your nation is founded upon greed and religion, this is to be expected. Nor is any political party free from corruption. When it costs an inordinate amount of money to launch a viable campaign, political candidates must depend upon a donor class that is going to demand something for that money thus we have trickle-down economics, tax cuts for the rich, a two-tiered justice system and a dissolution of business guard rails which leads to monopolies. The days of trust-busters like Teddy Roosevelt? Theyre in our rearview mirror. Today we have the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, which would destroy the federal labor force, concentrate power into the hands of the few and guarantee authoritarianism in our democracy think of a King with the power to pull the atomic trigger and youll understand. Worse, we have a convicted felon running for president in one political party, a convicted son of a president in another political party. Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez is under indictment for bribery and Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar is under indictment for bribery, money laundering and unlawful foreign influence. Investigations into Republican congressmen with ties to Jan. 6, meanwhile, appear to have stalled out. All of this could lead you to believe America is a failed state. There are those like Steve Bannon who desperately need you to believe that. They want you to lose hope. Those who preach this the loudest are among those who need it to be true in order to wrestle authority from the people. Those people include a variety of politicians who claimed the January 6 insurrection was a peaceful demonstration, those who swear a Deep State exists inside the federal workforce and those who believe that despite 60 court cases proving otherwise that the 2020 election was rigged. We are at a moment in history where many of us simply cannot fathom what is factual information because of the extreme amount of corruption. Thus, many dont believe the 2020 election results were real. Others, preening for the Apocalypse and the Rapture, choose the way of disinformation and corruption because it suits their needs. But listen carefully. If someone is telling you that only I can solve our problems, then they are lying. Why? Because they didnt cause all of our problems. We all did. It will take all of us to solve them. The closest weve come, in my lifetime, to living up to our ideals was after Richard Nixon was hounded from office. In the Bicentennial year of our country, we spoke of togetherness. We listened to the same music. We all wore the same wide ties and platform shoes. We practiced civil rights. During the four years of the Jimmy Carter administration, no one burned records, there was no emphasis on banning books, and the Roe vs. Wade decision meant women were empowered to be responsible for their own healthcare. While Carter was a devout Christian, the Christian Nationalists ran for cover. Then came the dark times ushered in by Ronald Reagan and his allies Roger Ailes and Rupert Murdoch. For the last 40 years, it has been a slide down a slippery slope into authoritarianism and ignorance. Yet, I naively cling to hope. Look at it logically. Dont associate any names to the following statement: The presidential nominee of one party is a convicted felon, a business failure, an adjudicated rapist in civil court who paid off a porn star and advocated grabbing women by their pu**y if youre a celebrity because you can get away with it and like it. Is there any condition under which such a candidate should be taken seriously for the office of president? That someone is speaks volumes about the corruption inherent in our system. At the end of the day, you have to listen to the voices of hope, because otherwise youre giving into the hollow men. Between the conception and the creation and the emotion and the response, the shadow is long and dark but it is also deceitful and carnivorous. And that way lies madness. DALLAS (AP) American Airlines put an unspecified number of employees on leave for their involvement in an incident in which several Black passengers were removed from a flight in Phoenix, allegedly over a complaint about body odor. American CEO Robert Isom wrote in a note to staff that the incident was unacceptable. I am incredibly disappointed by what happened on that flight and the breakdown of our procedures, Isom said in the note this week. It contradicts our values. We fell short of our commitments and failed our customers in this incident. Luggage lost on American Airlines flight found in Hollywood homeless encampment Three Black passengers sued the airline last month, charging that they were removed from the January flight because of racial discrimination. They said they were told that a white male flight attendant had complained about an unidentified passengers body odor. The men said they did not know each other and were seated separately while waiting for the plane to depart for New York. The three said they were among eight passengers all the Black men on the flight, they said who were told to leave the plane. FILE American Airlines President Robert Isom speaks at a news conference about the companys new partnership with Alaska Airlines, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, in Seattle. On Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, American CEO Isom defended his airlines partnership with JetBlue, saying there is no other way for American to grow fast enough to compete with Delta and United in the Northeast. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) The men said they demanded an explanation for their removal during a confrontation with airline personnel in the jet bridge. At least one of the men recorded the discussion, capturing an airline employee seeming to agree that the men were discriminated against, according to their lawsuit. After a delay of about an hour, they were allowed back on the plane. American did not say how many employees were put on leave or describe their job titles. A spokesperson for the airline said, We are holding those involved accountable, including removing team members from service. Commercial flights begin taking off out of Lakeland Linder International Airport Isom said American would form an advisory group to focus on the experience of Black customers, to promote the reporting of discrimination allegations, and to improve diversity training to focus on real-world situations to help recognize and address bias and discrimination. In his note, which was reported earlier by CBS News, Isom said he had spoken with the president of the NAACP about the incident. The civil rights group did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. American has faced allegations of discrimination in the recent past. In 2017, the NAACP warned Black travelers about flying on the airline, claiming that several African American passengers had experienced discrimination from airline employees. American promised to make changes, and the NAACP lifted the advisory nearly nine months later. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) XINING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspected northwest China's Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. Xi inspected Qinghai Province on Tuesday. During the inspection, Xi visited a middle school and a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, capital city of Qinghai. He learned about local efforts in advancing the education work through collaboration between the eastern and western regions and paired assistance, and in strengthening education on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Xi also learned about the efforts made by the Tibetan Buddhist circle in carrying forward the fine traditions of loving the country and the religion, and in promoting ethnic unity and progress. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Editor: WRX Amtrak service between Philadelphia and New Haven, Connecticut, resumed on Thursday evening after train service was suspended for over two hours as crews worked to restore power in the New York area, Amtrak said. "Significant delays are anticipated due to rail congestion and single-tracking," Amtrak said in a statement to passengers after service was restored. The outage included trains in and out of New York Penn Station, Amtrak said. Amtrak Alerts (@AmtrakAlerts) June 20, 2024 New Jersey Transit resumed service of its trains into Penn Station after it also had to suspend service in the afternoon due to the Amtrak issue. 1 of 2: Rail service into and out of Penn Station New York has resumed and is subject to up to 1 hour and 30-minute delays due to AMTRAK overhead wire issues in Penn Station New York. Midtown Direct trains are being diverted to Hoboken. NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) June 20, 2024 MORE: Heat wave maps: How long the dangerous temperatures will last An unrelated brush fire was impacting wire repairs, according to Amtrak and NJ Transit. Compounding the service impacts caused by the Amtrak overhead wires, there is a significant brush fire in the vicinity of County Rd. that is impacting wire repairs. pic.twitter.com/yMBxDqH2fd NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) June 20, 2024 The outage was reported shortly after Amtrak warned that the extreme heat in the Northeast might force trains to slow down, causing up to one-hour delays. It was not immediately clear if the service suspension was caused by the heat. High temperatures may require trains to operate at lower speeds, resulting in delays of up to 60 minutes between the hours 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. for the remainder of the week. Check your train status for the most up-to-date information. Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNECAlerts) June 20, 2024 This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Service restored to Amtrak, NJ Transit after earlier suspension originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Barrs allegations U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), a lawyer, recently made a statement regarding Trumps conviction on 34 felony charges. He called the prosecutor corrupt and the trial a sham marked by outrageous and unconstitutional tactics. Please note that Mr. Barr provided no evidence to support his accusations. In what way is the District Attorney corrupt? What made the trial a sham? What outrageous and unconstitutional tactics were taken? Mr. Barr wont tell us. Under Kentuckys Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers, there are at least two provisions worthy of contemplation here. The first: A lawyer shall demonstrate respect for the legal system and for those who serve it, including judges, other lawyers and public officials. While it is a lawyers duty, when necessary, to challenge the rectitude of official action, it is also a lawyers duty to uphold legal process. The second: In addition, a lawyer should further the publics understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because legal institutions in a constitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority. Accusations against the legal system itself, such as those made by Mr. Barr, are irresponsible and damaging to our democracy. Walter May, Lexington Charter schools Once upon a time, back in 1990, children were considered Kentuckys most valuable resource. So much so that the Kentucky Supreme Court declared the state school system unconstitutional because children were not receiving an equal education across the Commonwealth. The legislature then passed the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). Among the new measures in KERA were school-based councils with parent members and the opportunity for students to change schools if their school did not perform at acceptable levels. Schools with low student performance were given more assistance. When KERA ended in 2014 test score were up statewide, the poorest districts performing as well as affluent ones. Still, the Republican Legislature voted against refunding KERA and gains in student performance evaporated over time. Its insane that Republicans believe the solution for a struggling public school system is to change the State Constitution so public tax dollars can be used to fund private charter schools for a few select children. How can taking away money from an underfunded system improve it? That argument is especially galling because when the legislature fully funded KERA, it worked for ALL students. To Republicans, Kentuckys children are no longer a valuable resource; they are collateral damage. Margaret Groves, Frankfort Defending rioters Just when I think U.S. Rep. Any Barr (R-Ky.) cant sink any lower, he gets out a shovel and digs deeper. This time he said that he absolutely believed those convicted because of their involvement on Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack should be released from their jail terms. As a reminder, the Jan. 6th attack on the Capitol was intended to stop the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. In the process of that attempted coup, the Capitol building was vandalized, Congress was terrorized, and over 130 Capitol police officers were injured, some seriously. Apparently for Barr and many conservatives, some Blue Lives matter more than others. Every one of those people convicted for the actions they took that day are guilty, just as former President Donald Trump is guilty of violating New York state election laws, and Hunter Biden is guilty of violating laws regarding the purchase of a handgun by a user of illegal drugs. Ive always believed in the old adage, Dont do the crime if you cant do the time. Saying otherwise just because it is the politically expedient thing to do shows us that Barr has no courage, no honesty, no integrity and no patriotism. Greg Kring $3 bill I read in the Herald-Leader that earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) introduced legislation to put former President Donald Trumps face on the $500 bill. I agree with this concept but believe it would be far more appropriate to put his face on the $3 bill. Its phony and illegalthe perfect tribute. Jeff Worley, Lexington Monitoring Trump When our kids were little, we spent a weekend at one of Kentuckys state parks, the four of us sharing one room. In the middle of the night, our older daughter sat straight up in bed, yelling Make him stop, make him stop! She was angry and awakened by my husbands snoring. As the only other adult in the room who was wide awake by then, I took on the responsibility to spend the rest of the night shaking him occasionally to stop the snoring and the noise so she could sleep in peace. I tell you that to be able to ask you this: who among you is willing to stay awake and monitor the cacophony of noise coming from the current presumed Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump? His snorting, bellowing, yelling, whining, lying, and exaggerating are certainly keeping me awake as I ponder the disaster awaiting us all if he would somehow become President again. Please do your part and Make him stop! Janice Russell, Lexington Trump conviction Its official: After making secret hush money payments to an adult film star 11 days before the 2016 election and falsifying official filings to hide the truth from the public, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty by a New York jury. Trumps conviction in New York should remind us all that no oneincluding a former presidentis above the law. It should also remind us of the danger that Trump still poses to our democracy. In the final weeks of the 2016 election, Trump covered up his affair with Stormy Daniels to dupe voters and improve his chances of winning the election. As it turns out, this would only be his first foray into undermining our elections. The New York trial may be over, but Donald Trump still faces three additional indictments and 54 criminal charges for a litany of crimes, including federal charges for his efforts to incite violence and overturn the will of voters after he knew hed lost the 2020 election. This is a pattern. The jury has done their job to hold Trump accountable. Now, its time for the American people to do our part and hold him accountable at the ballot box. Joan Mullins, Lexington Trumps pattern Trump falsified documents and official filings just 11 days before the 2016 election in order to hide the truth from the public. Hes a felon. having been found guilty by a jury of his peers... a jury that was approved by Trumps lawyers. Trumps conviction in New York should remind us all that no oneincluding a former presidentis above the law. It should also remind us of the danger that Trump still poses to our democracy. This move in the final weeks of the 2016 election was only his first foray into undermining our elections. Donald Trump still faces three additional indictments and 54 criminal charges for a litany of crimes, including federal charges for his efforts to incite violence and overturn the will of voters after he knew hed lost the 2020 election. This is a pattern. The jury has done their job to hold Trump accountable. Now, its time for the American people to do our part and hold him accountable at the ballot box. Clifford Kaye, Lexington Israel support Hamas, the evil terrorism that it is, like World War II Nazism, Fascism, and 19th slavery, has to be eradicated as a cancer against humanity. No one today can imagine those past evil forces still remaining in our modern world. But for the last 70 years, even to exist as a free democracy, Israel has had to fight to survive against similar hostile threats. This most recent evil scourge blatantly dismembers innocents, kills babies, targets non-military civilians, fosters rape and uses human shields as protection. Its a hideous movement! With verified crimes, what does the useless United Nations talk shop, and now Biden, do? They condemn Israel for defending herself. Im glad former Presidents Lincoln, Roosevelt and Truman didnt react to evil like these political poltroons! Doesnt anyone find it strange that none of the 49 Muslim/Arab countries will take the pariah Palestine people but Israel is supposed to live with bombers, rapists and terrorists? Even Jordan threw the PLO out! Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts the dangers posed and will accept nothing but victory. Joe Biden giving Israel military advice is like the Three Stooges giving Albert Einstein advice on the theory of relativity. Pray for Israel. Shell kill evil and is just to do so! Robert Adams, Lexington One of the supposed benefits of Brexit was the opportunity it provided to ditch EU laws harming growth and innovation. These included a directive requiring an assessment to be carried out before planning permission can be granted for a development project likely to have significant environmental effects, known as an EIA. This was contained in regulations passed by Parliament in 2017, after the vote to leave the EU, and reinforced later by Theresa Mays commitment to net-zero carbon emissions. The consequences of not repealing this provision became apparent yesterday. The Supreme Court ruled that Surrey County Council had failed to follow the law when granting permission for oil extraction because it had not taken into account the impact of future emissions on climate change. This extraordinary judgment, taken by a 3-2 majority, would effectively stymie all future oil and gas exploration in Britain. The court said an EIA was necessary to identify, describe and assess the likely direct and indirect significant effects of the project on the environment, including (among other factors) the impact on climate. While the legislation does not prevent the planning authority from giving consent for a project deemed to be harmful, it must reach a reasoned conclusion on the impact and take this into account in making its decision. The council thought this applied only to the immediate emissions associated with the scheme. The dissenting judges considered it constitutionally inappropriate for a local planning authority to be expected to take long-term decisions that were usually the responsibility of central government. Moreover, it went beyond the text of the directive and was contrary to the EU principle of proportionality. But the majority ruling that future emissions from burning oil must be considered adds another layer of uncertainty to an industry already pulling back from investing in extraction under threat of even heavier Labour windfall taxes. We will need oil and gas for the foreseeable future despite the fantasies of net-zero proponents and will either have to produce our own or import it. Without North Sea oil and gas Labours plan for growth will be hot air. This damaging ruling can only encourage the Just Stop Oil zealots who have spray-painted Stonehenge and tried to attack the private plane belonging to the pop star Taylor Swift. Their arrogance and self-regard seemingly knows no bounds. We need answers. Mystery remains as to why Warm Springs police chief fired, officers suspended City leaders in Warm Springs responded Thursday after suspending all but one member of the police force and firing the police chief. City Councilmember Tammy Howe said deputies with the Meriwether County Sheriffs Office will patrol while the city investigates concerns about conduct and operations within the police department. She would not say what sparked the investigation or which agency is in charge of it. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday morning that its agents have not been called in to help at this time. Howe said there were 14 members on the force in Warm Springs. Police Chief Emilio Quintana was fired. Aisha Al-Khalifa was placed in the Interim Chief position. That has left 12 officers suspended. Full-time officers are suspended with pay and benefits. Part-time and reserve officers are suspended without pay and benefits. Officers were too afraid to lose their livelihoods to talk publicly but sent Channel 2s Courtney Francisco a copy of the email they received on June 12. It alerted the officers to the suspension and ordered them to turn in their badges and firearms immediately. TRENDING STORIES: The details of this suspension and the ongoing investigation are confidential. You are prohibited from discussing this matter with anyone outside the department, the letter said. It was signed by Interim Chief Al-Khalifa. Warm Spring City Hall said in a statement on social media that the investigation aims to ensure the integrity and accountability of officers and to restore public trust. Our primary commitment is to the safety and well-being of our community. We take these matters very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to address any issues within our police department. We ask for the communitys patience and support as we work towards transparency and justice, Mayor Robyn Pynenburg wrote. Channel 2 Action News went door-to-door Thursday throughout the city and most business owners told Francisco they did not know the police department was in limbo. I was totally shocked, former Mayor Geraldine Thompson said. We need answers, Kim Benner said. IN OTHER NEWS: Carvings made over decades by Basque herders are endangered as their canvas, the aspens, are at risk. Sawtooth Mountains, 2011, Idaho Basque Arborglyphs Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University Throughout the mountains of the American West, carvings hidden on the trunks of aspen trees tell the stories of the sheepherders who made them as they passed through with their flocks. Most of the men who etched these arborglyphs into the living trees were Basques who, starting with the Gold Rush of the 1840s, had immigrated from the Basque Country that straddles the Pyrenees Mountains. Our experience of documenting arborglyphs lertxun-marrak in Basque has deepened over time. At first, we simply tried to decipher what was on the tree. It can be hard to tell what is scarred bark and what is a carving. Gradually, we got better at deciphering the carvings and now hope to spot the oldest and most ornate. Nudes are a frequent theme among Basque tree carvings. Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe Lertxunmarrak Collection, Jon Bilbao Basque Library, University of Nevada, Reno We also came to appreciate the different styles and themes, like in signatures and writing. One herder carves his name, the date and his hometown; another delves into politics; and another carves a hoped-for female companion. Viewing the decades-old carvings, were surrounded by the quiet and solitude of the high mountain range, whether in the Sierra Nevada, Ruby Mountains or Sawtooth Mountains. We literally stand in the footsteps of the herder who created the arborglyph. These herders left their marks on the aspens, and now we are part of a research collaboration that aims to document and catalog as many of their arborglyphs and the experiences they record as possible before they disappear. About 25,000 arborglyphs have been documented over time, and there are likely at least as many more left to be recorded before theyre lost. Buildings, mostly inspired by Basque architecture, are often represented. John Merill, 2010, Idaho Basque Arborglyphs Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University Who were the sheepherders who left their mark? Beginning almost 200 years ago, Basques emigrated to the American West to pursue economic opportunities, escape compulsory military service or political persecution, and for other personal reasons. Most were lower class, from agrarian backgrounds, with little to no education or English language skills. As the sheepherding industry grew in the West, it offered these immigrants steady work, and Basques became synonymous with sheepherding through the 1970s, when the economy improved in the Basque Country. The Basque immigrants practiced a seasonal form of herding called transhumance. The herders trailed the sheep up into the high mountains during the spring and summer for grazing, then migrated in the fall back to the valleys where they spent the winter. This annual cycle meant Basque herders spent their summers alone in the hills. In Basque, Spanish, French and English, they carved into living aspen trees to express their thoughts, dreams, wishes and challenges. Their arborglyphs cover a spectrum of topics: their hometowns, sports, women, love, work, religion, politics and more. One example of a political statement: Arriba Espana bano Euzk[adi] Gain[etik] translates to Up with Spain but the Basque Country above it. Idaho Basque Arborglyphs Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University For example, they carved political slogans like Gora Euskadi (Up with the Basque Country), for which they could have been arrested at home. There are carvings of crosses that note the festivals of particular saints, boats depicted by those who hailed from fishing villages, and well-known verses and poems about longing to return to their country. Sometimes you laugh when you get the joke or the saying that they share. Other times, it can be quite moving as they describe their lives and longings. These carvings reflect a variety of human emotions and experiences, with nostalgia playing a prominent role. Collecting the carvings virtually To document these disappearing cultural artifacts, we formed Lertxun-Marrak The Arborglyph Collaborative, composed of Boise State University, California State University, Bakersfield, and the University of Nevada, Reno in collaboration with the Kern County Museum, the Basque Museum, and the Northeastern Nevada Museum, with the support of the National Historical Publications & Records Commission. A variety of animals are represented, including birds and mammals. Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe Lertxunmarrak Collection, Jon Bilbao Basque Library, University of Nevada, Reno We also want to make connections with those who were interested in the carvings: family and friends of those who left the Basque Country for opportunities in the American West; those from local communities who wish to understand the experience of these immigrants; artists who see the aspen trees as a canvas and the carvings as a distinct art; researchers and governmental organizations, hikers, hunters and runners who come upon them in the backcountry, and the greater public. Unfortunately, age, grazing practices, more frequent and intense fires, and climate change as a whole threaten these carvings. The Arborglyph Collaborative aims to document as many tree carvings as possible before they are gone. To do so, we follow the herders trails through the mountains. Its easy to walk through an aspen grove and not realize that the bark of the trees are canvases. Having an understanding of the sheepherding area helps us identify groves where herders carved on the aspens. Mature aspen groves with springs close to them are better candidates to contain lertxun-marrak. If we find one arborglyph, we can assume that there will be others, since they are usually found in groups in areas with heavy sheepherding traffic. The techniques used to capture and reproduce tree carvings have evolved along with the available technologies. The Earl Collection of tree carving rubbings, deposited at the Jon Bilbao Basque Library at the University of Nevada, Reno, represents one example of the early efforts. The same bird as in the previous picture, here captured by Jean Earl in a rubbing in the 1970s. Philip I. and Jean Moore Earl Basque Aspen Art of the Sierra Nevada Collection, Jon Bilbao Basque Library, University of Nevada, Reno Reno residents Jean and Phillip Earl first heard about arborglyphs during a lecture at the university in the 1970s. Intrigued, they began to actively seek out what they first termed living galleries and to experiment with methods of preserving the images they found; muslin and black rubbing wax proved the best tools for the job. The Earls devoted 40 years to developing an archival record comprising around 150 rubbings of the carvings that most captured their attention because of their visual appeal. Along with rubbings, researchers used sketching, still photography and, later, video recordings to document the etched bark of aspens. Another research collection in the Jon Bilbao Basque Library was compiled by one of the first scholars interested in arborglyphs, Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe. In fact, he coined the term lertxun-marrak literally, lines/drawings on aspen trees, the name for arborglyphs in Euskara, the Basque language. From the 1970s to the 2000s, he documented thousands of arborglyphs, including detailed descriptions, photographs and video recordings, providing a comprehensive view of these cultural artifacts. Now, we are able to document the arborglyphs with photogrammetry, which creates a three-dimensional model in realistic detail. Were also able to recreate the carving and its setting in virtual reality, allowing a visitor to immerse themselves in a grove without needing to travel. Smartphones and tablets make it convenient for nearly anyone to engage with arborglyphs from anywhere, at any time, including creating and accessing 3D models of the carvings. Part of the current research team during a field trip to document tree carvings in Elko County, Nevada. Martin Szillat, @One Digital Media and Technology Center, University of Nevada, Reno. The trees and the Basques Without high-tech preservation, the arborglyphs will ultimately be lost. Coulter Summit, Idaho Basque Arborglyphs Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University The need to preserve these human experiences transformed into artifacts is driven home by encounters like one that happened on a recent documenting trip in the mountains outside of Idaho City, Idaho. One student who was helping take photos and videos and noting GPS locations revealed that her father came to the U.S. from the Basque Country to work as a sheepherder. Shed joined our research team to learn more about his experience. When she found the carvings made by her dad, who had died when she was young, tears ran down her cheeks as she experienced a flood of emotions. Stories like this demonstrate the value of preserving these artifacts that revive the voices and memories of these immigrants in the American West. Today, increased technological availability and reliable partners are key to achieving this goal. We have much more work to do, more arborglyphs to collect, ways to make them publicly accessible, and more communities to engage with. 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: John Bieter, Boise State University; Cheryl Oestreicher, Boise State University, and Inaki Arrieta Baro, University of Nevada, Reno Read more: John Bieter receives funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. In 2023, the research group Lertxun-marrak/The Arborglyph Collaborative of which the author is part received $25,000 from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to support the project. Inaki Arrieta Baro receives funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. In 2023, the research group Lertxun-marrak/The Arborglyph Collaborative of which the author is part received $25,000 from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to support the project. Cheryl Oestreicher 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. MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Ark. Mississippi County, Arkansas is offering up to $50,000 for manufacturing workers to buy or build homes in an effort to attract and retain top talent in the area. The countys Work Here. Live Here initiative enables eligible workers to receive a forgivable loan of up to 10% of the homes purchase price, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Local industries have invested $2.2 million in the program. Randy Scott, who was on the board that created the program, said the idea started about two years ago. We did some brainstorming on why people are not living here, he said. We have great paying jobs, largest steel county in the nation, yet people are still not choosing to live here. We realized we didnt have an inventory of new homes. Its been 30 years since weve had new subdivisions. To qualify, applicants must work in the manufacturing sector in Mississippi County, purchase or build a home in the county, agree to own the home for at least four years, and stay with the same employer for at least four years. Fairway Mortgage manager Dana Austin says the program aims to help young adults get established. So many young people moving here and living here and working here and thriving here, and having that money, they can use that money that they had maybe in their savings account, Austin said. Anticipating a surge in demand from the program, a real estate agent told us that a local farmer is building homes on their land to welcome new residents. This subdivision is built off of Work Here Live Here, agent Braxten Tatum said. The farmer, who is a local school board councilman, he wanted to grow the community and have a lasting, sustainable community here, so he took some of his farmland and built brand-new homes and theyre gorgeous. We asked homeowner Jake McDowell, who was busy building a fence around his property, about the fine print. People talk bad about Mississippi County like its theres nothing here, but since Ive been here, Ive noticed that theres a lot of business slowly coming in and I mean more, McDowell said. People are obviously gonna move here. Its free money. Its kind of hard not to move here. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.workhereliveherear.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 WREG.com. President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua addresses the launch event of a report focusing on Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers in Europe and the Europe-China CEO Roundtable Panel in Brussels, Belgium, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua has said China and Europe are fully capable of achieving mutual benefits and win-win cooperation in the new energy vehicle sector, given their commitment to promoting energy conservation, reduction of carbon emissions and harmonious coexistence between man and nature. BRUSSELS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The China Economic Information Service of Xinhua News Agency and the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union on Wednesday jointly launched a report focusing on Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers in Europe. The report titled "Greening Europe -- Report on the Development of Chinese NEV Manufacturers in Europe" was launched alongside the Europe-China CEO Roundtable Panel held in Brussels. Addressing the event, President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said China and Europe are fully capable of achieving mutual benefits and win-win cooperation in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, given their commitment to promoting energy conservation, reduction of carbon emissions and harmonious coexistence between man and nature. As China's national news agency, a global news agency and a high-end think tank, Xinhua News Agency has produced a series of widely-followed news reports and think tank reports on the development of China's NEV industry and China-Europe cooperation in the NEV sector, Fu said. The report released on Wednesday has analyzed the global demand for NEVs and summarized the development and competitive advantages of China's NEV industry, offering valuable references for China and Europe to strengthen technology cooperation, policy exchanges, supply chain collaboration and investment, he said. A visitor experiences IM Motors' new energy vehicle model at the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing, China, April 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) Calling China's leadership in decarbonization industries "a path to follow," former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Brice Lalonde said China has accumulated productivity gains in the NEV sector and covered all stages necessary in this industry. "We must seek to collaborate with China," noted Lalonde, who is also president of EdEn, an association of companies committed to decarbonization in France and Europe. "The last thing we need is a trade war ... Engaging in bilateral discussions to address the complexity of issues is preferable," he stressed. During the roundtable panel, participants agreed that China and Europe have a broad foundation for cooperation in developing NEVs and achieving carbon neutrality. Calling on China and Europe to maintain open and cooperative relations, they noted that imposing protective tariffs will ultimately harm European car manufacturers and consumers and negatively impact the European economy. Editor: WRX Arkansas family member of victim killed in Oklahoma reacts to manhunt for suspect MORRILTON, Ark. An Alabama man whos wanted in connection with multiple out-of-state killings is still on the loose in Arkansas after hours of searching by law enforcement. Arkansas State Police said 50-year-old Stacy Drake is wanted in connection with three homicides in Oklahoma, stemming from two separate carjackings. Arkansas State Police say armed fugitive sought in Oklahoma killings still in Morrilton area According to the Morrilton Police Department, Drake was last seen at the Motel 6 on Oak Street in Morrilton. Out of the lives taken in Oklahoma, family says Tara Underwood, a mother of 3 from Fort Smith, was one of them. You never expect something like that to hit close to home, Underwoods relative said. Blake was last seen at the motel Tuesday night in a car police said was stolen from the scene of the homicide. This is a senseless act of violence, Underwoods family member said who didnt want to be on camera or identified out of fear for their safety. I pray no one else loses their life to this person. Manhunt for man sought in multiple out-of-state killings leaves Morrilton locals scared Although Underwood lived in Oklahoma, she has family in several parts of Arkansas. Her family member said for Underwoods accused killer to be out on the loose is, very scary, considering the last location was Morrilton. Thats only an hour away from where we live. Several agencies spent the entire day on the search for Drake on Wednesday. On top of the Oklahoma homicides, Drake is wanted in other jurisdictions for aggravated robbery, carjacking and another homicide. The Fort Smith Police Department added that in 2010, Drake was a suspect in a home invasion where people were left tied up with their cash, cards and car stolen. Alabama man wanted in connection with multiple killings seen in Morrilton, police search underway It definitely doesnt bring her back, but it will put us at ease to know no other family would have to go through it, the relative said. State officials are warning that the public needs to be cautious since Drake is believed to be armed and dangerous. Police also advise anyone who sees Drake to call 911 immediately and not approach him. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. After three days at the state capitol, lawmakers have wrapped up the special session and say more money is coming back to the pockets of many Arkansans soon. The first major takeaway from the session is that Arkansans will likely be getting personal income tax cuts based on their salary and homestead property tax credits. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders touts economic opportunity at end of special session Lawmakers said the personal income tax rate has been brought down to 3.9% for those making more than $25,000 a year. That amounts to nearly $500 million in tax cuts for the state of Arkansas, affecting more than 1.1 million people, according to the governor. Additionally, lawmakers say Arkansas property owners will get $500 off their next tax primary residence tax bill through the homestead property tax credits. With household staples like milk, eggs and bread up over double digits the past three years, these savings are more important than ever before, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. As for Arkansans making less than $25,000 a year, Sanders pointed to the 3.4% tax rate this group already has. Our goal should never be to look at the minimum, but how to move those people in that bottom area to make more money, she said. Thats why we focus so much on education, workforce development and were going to continue to look to responsibly phase out the state income tax as a whole. Tax cuts, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission funding take priority in June special session Sanders also pointed to the state cutting taxes three times in 18 months so far, balancing the budget, and only growing spending by 1.76%, compared to the usual 3% average. The other takeaway is approved funding for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. After lawmakers could not come to an agreement on the salary for the director during the last fiscal session, they decided on a $170,000 annual salary during this special session. In the final hour of session on the House floor Wednesday, lawmakers passed a resolution that urged Arkansans to vote a certain way on an amendment that could go on our November 2024 ballots. The resolution is meant to reflect the majority of the legislatures stance against the constitutional amendment looking to provide abortion access in Arkansas. That petition is still gathering signatures but could go on Arkansas voters ballots in November 2024. Despite the resolution passing, Democrats say it shouldnt have been up to legislators to try and sway something thatll ultimately be the voters decision. Arkansas House passes resolution opposing proposed abortion amendment Sanders said its another opportunity to remind people where Arkansas stands on the issue. Im never going to apologize for being pro-life, she said. Arkansas is the most pro-life state in the country, Im proud of that fact. We need to look for every opportunity we can to solidify our position there. Sanders added that there are no plans for another special session within the year at this point, though phasing out the state income tax completely remains a top priority moving forward. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. JACKSONVILLE, Ark. An Arkansas Department of Education group held an event in Jacksonville on Wednesday to celebrate an important day in history. The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission held a food giveaway on Wednesday at the Main Street Church of Christ in Jacksonville. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center hosts annual Juneteenth event Wednesday, June 19th, is commemorated as Juneteenth in honor of the day in 1865 when enslaved Texans found out they were emancipated. According to a commission representative, Juneteenth symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the ongoing desire to build and succeed. The commission food giveaway intends to honor this legacy by providing assistance to those in need and fostering a spirit of togetherness. We are thrilled to host the Juneteenth Food Giveaway as a way to give back to our community, commission executive director DuShun Scarbrough said. This event is not just about providing food; its about celebrating freedom, fostering unity, and supporting each other. The beginners guide to celebrating Juneteenth Arkansas Food Bank participated in the giveaway. Its CEO, Brian Burton, said the events unity and connection were important. Its a reminder of a sense of unity, Burton said. Its a reminder of a sense of being connected in our community and we want to make sure theres plenty of food so people dont have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The Arkansas Realtors Association pledges to provide $2 million in recovery funds to those impacted by the Memorial Day weekend tornadoes. According to a press release, the ARA will offer up to $2,000 in disaster assistance through its nonprofit Hearts & Homes of Arkansas for each residence for housing-related costs, such as rent and mortgage payments. The release says since May, the nonprofit has partnered with the Realtors Relief Foundation to distribute $1.4 million in funding. Greer Lingle Middle School in Rogers to close for 2024-25 school year due to tornado damage The Arkansas REALTORS Association is humbled to step up to help our neighbors in the wake of the recent catastrophic tornadoes, said ARA president Jennifer Welch. With this disaster assistance, we hope to give those impacted the financial resources and the peace of mind needed to begin the recovery process. Those impacted by the tornadoes can download an application here and email the completed form to disaster@arkansasrealtors.com. The release says the following locations will also provide and accept applications until July 31 or until all funds have been distributed: Northwest Arkansas: LowellNorthwest Arkansas Board of REALTORS (314 N. Goad Springs Rd.) North Central Arkansas: FlippinERA Doty Real Estate (317 E. Main St.) HarrisonJerry Jackson Realty (1309 N. Main St.), Remax Unlimited (1412 Highway 62-65 E), Roger Turner Realty (2391 AR-43), Selling 726 Realty (128 N Willow St.), United Country Real Estate (212 N. Main St.) and Weichert, REALTORS- Market Edge (126 Industrial Park Rd., Suite B) LakeviewBeaman Realty (5897 AR-178) Mountain HomeERA Doty Real Estate (1357 Highway 62B SW), Century 21 Lemac Realty (40 Plaza Way #180), Peglar Real Estate Group (1326 Highway 62E) YellvilleDavenport Realty (301 Highway 62 W) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORRILTON, Ark. Arkansas State Police officials said they believe an armed fugitive wanted in connection to a series of killings in Oklahoma is still in the Morrilton area. State police sent an update just after 5 p.m. Wednesday stating all indications point to 50-year-old Stacy Lee Drake still being in the area, with investigators noting they know he purchased camping gear. Photos of Oklahoma homicide suspect Stacy Lee Drake (Image courtesy of Arkansas State Police) Photos of Oklahoma homicide suspect Stacy Lee Drake (Image courtesy of Arkansas State Police) Photos of Oklahoma homicide suspect Stacy Lee Drake (Image courtesy of Arkansas State Police) Authorities said ASP and local law enforcement officers have all been working since Tuesday night, when a stolen vehicle was found outside the Motel 6 on North Oak Street, to search the area for Drake. Alabama man wanted in connection with multiple killings seen in Morrilton, police search underway Teams from the US Marshals, Conway County Sheriffs Office and Morrilton Police Department have all been part of the search. Investigators said Drake is wanted in connection with homicide & carjacking investigations in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation named him as a person of interest after authorities found two people dead inside a business in the city of Gans. ASP officials note that he is also wanted on multiple felony warrants out of multiple locations, for charges including carjacking, aggravated robbery and murder. Arkansans got multiple phone alerts Wednesday morning: Heres why He has a history of legal issues in other parts of the Natural State. The Fort Smith Police Department reported to KNWA that he was a suspect in a 2010 home invasion where the people living in the home were left tied up with their cash, cards and car stolen. Investigators said Drake was believed to have fled to Alabama after that crime, and the bank cards and stolen car have never been recovered. Wanted man has criminal past in Fort Smith Court records also show he has an extensive criminal record in Arizona, with convictions on charges of aggravated assault & second-degree burglary in 2003 and warrants for counts of assault, disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor from 2019. Drake, whose last known address was in Birmingham, Alabama, is described by investigators as a white man standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. Pope County prosecutor files first-degree murder charges in 2021 killing State officials are warning that the public needs to be cautious since Drake is believed to be armed and dangerous. Police also advise anyone who sees Drake to call 911 immediately and not approach him. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Stacy Lee Drake, 50, of Birmingham, Alabama, was described as armed and dangerous before his arrest Thursday in Morrilton, Arkansas. A suspect in three homicides in Oklahoma and one in Alabama was arrested Thursday, authorities said. Stacy Lee Drake, 50, was taken into custody without incident about 10 a.m. in a wooded area south of an intersection in Morrilton, Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. He had been identified as being from Birmingham, Alabama, and was described as armed and dangerous. He was accused in a murder charge Thursday of fatally shooting two employees of LaFerry's Propane near Gans, Oklahoma. The victims were identified as Tara Underwood and Taylor Sharp. He also is accused of taking Underwood's 2016 GMC Acadia after the double shooting Tuesday afternoon. Surveillance video shows him driving away in the vehicle after exiting the business, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reported in a court affidavit. The charge was filed in Sequoyah County District Court. Underwood's fiance discovered the shooting and notified a sheriff's deputy, according to the affidavit. The OSBI reported Sequoyah County sheriff's deputies responded to the business about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators used OnStar to locate the vehicle at a Motel 6 in Morrilton, about 130 miles away, according to the affidavit. "This senseless and violent act is truly heartbreaking, Sequoyah County District Attorney Jack Thorp said. "These victims and their loved ones deserve justice, and we will fight to see that done." Drake also is suspected of killing an El Reno man June 14 for a vehicle, authorities confirmed. Police in El Reno identified the victim as Phillip Emerson, 56, according to the El Reno Tribune. In Alabama, he is suspected of killing Alcoholics Anonymous counselor Russell Andrews, 62, on or about May 14, NBC News reported. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Stacy Drake updates: Man in custody after manhunt, Oklahoma homicides Stacy Lee Drake An Alabaman man wanted in connection with multiple homicides in Oklahoma and Alabama has been captured, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reported Thursday. The OSBI reported Stacy Lee Drake was located and arrested Thursday morning by the Morrilton, Arkansas Police and Arkansas State Police. We want to thank all agencies who assisted in locating this individual, OSBI posted on Facebook. Drake, 50, who is from Birmingham, Alabaman, had been sought in connection to the deaths of two people in Gans, Oklahoma, about 16 miles west of Fort Smith, and another in Alabama in May. Oklahoma authorities released information about two deaths that happened Tuesday night. Fort Smith police on Wednesday warned residents that he may have ties to the area and to avoid Drake, who is considered armed and dangerous. On Tuesday, the OSBI reported that the Sequoyah County Sheriffs Office requested assistance with a double homicide in Gans. Drake abandoned a truck that was found Saturday on East Redwood Avenue in Sallisaw, according to Larry Lane, Sequoyah County Sheriff. An update on Facebook about the crimes and manhunt from Lane reads, Sequoyah County residents in the Maple, Akins, Hanson & Central communities, please contact us if you saw this man in the last three days. The post reads, A truck that he was believed to be driving, was found abandoned on east Redwood near the low water slab, this Saturday June 15th. Apparently, he spent the last three days in our community, before he committed these horrible crimes. Our Deputies and investigators will be in your areas, talking to residents. Please check with your friends and neighbors." Again: He has fled from our area, The vehicle he took from yesterdays victims was found last night in Morrilton, Ark., Layne posted Wednesday. Around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sequoyah County deputies responded to a business near State Highway 64 and South 4670 Road regarding two deceased individuals. When deputies made entry into the structure, they found an adult male and female inside. Both sustained injuries consistent with homicide, according to a news release. As OSBI special agents began investigating the scene, they identified 50-year-old Stacy Lee Drake as a person of interest. The vehicle Drake allegedly stole was located in Morrilton, Arkansas late Tuesday night, however, investigators are still working to locate him. Morrilton is located in Conway County, Arkansas about 103 miles east of Fort Smith. The Arkansas State Police reported Drake is wanted in connection with three homicides in Oklahoma, stemming from two separate carjackings. Drake is separately wanted on multiple felony warrants from multiple jurisdictions, with charges including aggravated robbery, carjacking, and murder. Drake is a white man with brown hair and eyes, according to a news release. He is 5 feet and 11 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds. He last lived in Birmingham, Alabama. In Gans, the two victims were taken to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner for identification and to determine a cause and manner of death. This is still an ongoing investigation at this time. Anyone who knows of Drakes whereabouts, or has additional information on this case, is asked to contact the OSBI at 1-800-522-8017 or tips@osbi.ok.gov. A news release from the OSBI reads, We would like to thank the Sequoyah County Sheriffs Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Arkansas Highway Patrol, Arkansas State Police, and the Morrilton Police Department for assisting us with this investigation. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Man wanted in connection with Oklahoma homicides arrested in Arkansas MARKSVILLE, La. (KLFY) Four suspects were arrested in connection to the 2023 murder of a Marksville woman. According to the Avoyelles Parish Sheriffs Department (APSO), 911 received a report in October of 2023 about a body found in the Blue Town Community north of Marksville. Sheriffs deputies found the body of the unknown female in a wooded area near a field. An investigation with the assistance of the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, the body was positively identified as Ashley Beauclair, 38 of Marksville. Further investigation by APSO resulted in the identification of the suspects involved. On Tuesday, deputies arrested three suspects in connection to the death. Sonny Ray Dauzat, 25 of Effie 2nd degree murder, Criminal conspiracy and Obstruction of justice Keion Joseph Roy, 29 of Moreauville Criminal conspiracy and Obstruction of justice Sophie Mae Badeaux, 24 of Marksville Criminal conspiracy and Obstruction of justice Sonny Dauzat Keion Roy Sophie Badeaux Thursday morning, another suspect was arrested in connection to the case. Morgan Lin Heims, 20 of Branson, Missouri Criminal conspiracy and Obstruction of justice Morgan Heims Dauzat had a bond set at $1.1 million. The other 3 arrests had bonds set at $200,000 each. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Latest Stories Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. London A routine oil and gas survey by an energy firm has uncovered cargo from the remains of what is believed by archaeologists to be the oldest and deepest shipwreck ever discovered in the Mediterranean Sea. Israeli archaeologists said they had retrieved intact storage jars believed to be 3,300 years old from the wreck. The amphorae, as the large jugs are known, were picked up by cameras on robotic submersibles being used by the company Energean during the survey, the scientists said. The submersibles had been tasked with looking for possible energy sources off Israel's coast. The amphorae were spotted on the seafloor about 56 miles from Israel's coastline, at the remarkable depth of more than 5,900 feet. This photo released by Israel's Antiques Authority (IAA) on June 20, 2024 shows Jacob Sharvit, left, and Dr. Karnit Bahartan, right, with the ancient jars that were carried on the world's oldest known deep-sea shipwreck, discovered some 55.9 miles off the Israeli coastline. / Credit: Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority/AP Experts at the Israel Antiquities Authority said the shipwreck appeared to be the "first and oldest" in the region. Jacob Sharvit, who heads the IAA's marine unit, told CBS News' partner network BBC News the discovery suggested sailors at the time had used celestial navigation to traverse the deep, remote parts of the sea, relying on the sun and stars to determine their physical location. From the location where the wreck was discovered, Jacob said "only the horizon is visible all around," so the navigators would not have been able to rely on landmarks to find their way. "To navigate they probably used the celestial bodies, by taking sightings and angles of the sun and star positions," he said. "The ship seems to have sunk in crisis, either due to a storm or to an attempted piracy attack -- a well-known occurrence in the Late Bronze Age," Sharvit said in a statement. Dr. Karnit Bahartan, Energean's top environmental official, told the BBC that cameras on the company's submersibles had found what initially appeared to be a "large pile of jugs heaped on the seafloor." This photo released by Israel's Antiquities Authority (IAA) on June 20, 2024 shows the control room of the Energean Star ship that mounted an operation to retrieve cargo that was carried on the world's oldest known deep-sea ship, 55.9 miles off the Israeli coastline. / Credit: Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority/AP Only two of the jars were brought up to the surface, a process that required special equipment to avoid damaging them or any other artifacts around them. The jars, believed to have belonged to the ancient Middle Eastern Canaanite people, who lived along the Mediterranean's eastern shores, will be displayed this summer in Jerusalem's National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel. The IAA said the wrecked vessel, buried under the muddy seafloor with hundreds of the jugs jumbled on top, appeared to have been 39 to 45 feet long. It said both the boat and the cargo appeared to be fully intact. Describing it as a "truly sensational find," Bahartan said the only other two shipwrecks found with cargo in the Mediterranean were dated to the late Bronze Age hundreds of years after the one containing the amphorae likely sank, and much further north near Turkey's coast. Bahartan said that, based on the locations and depths of the previously discovered wrecks, "the academic assumption until now was that trade in that time was executed by safely flitting from port to port, hugging the coastline within eye contact." "The discovery of this boat now changes our entire understanding of ancient mariner abilities," she said. Former CIA acting director warns U.S. faces serious terrorist attack threat Donald Sutherland | 60 Minutes Archive Donald Sutherland, "Hunger Games," "M*A*S*H" actor, dies at 88 Administrative Specialist - Downtown Los Angeles Arizona State University ASU FIDM Off-Campus: Los Angeles 102048BR Job Description ASU FIDM, a school of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, is a community with passion for preparing students for creative careers as fashion industry professionals who practice their craft with a commitment to social responsibility and global sustainability. Under general supervision, the Administrative Specialist performs complex administrative duties of a responsible, sensitive, and confidential nature requiring considerable independence of action in support of the ASU FIDM school director. Salary Range $65,000 - $70,000 per year; DOE Close Date 02-July-2024-EXTENDED Essential Duties Manages or assists in the management of the executive's calendar. Works closely with other university offices in coordinating the executive's involvement in university events. Coordinates and arranges for the executive's travel. Coordinates or assists in coordinating events, including arranging equipment and catering; sending invitations and managing RSVPs. Compiles, prepares, and maintains background material related to meetings, events and travel; coordinates and tracks follow-up. Independently composes correspondence on a variety of subjects requiring judgment, originality, and knowledge of issues involved. Provides word processing, and processing of correspondence and e-mail. Answers phones, greets visitors, and directs questions to appropriate offices for resolution. Schedules and may attend meetings and conferences. Maintains files; completes requests, records, submits and tracks all purchase requests/vouchers. Provides back-up to other staff in the office. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of executive-level administrative support experience; OR, Nine (9) years of executive-level administrative support experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Desired Qualifications Demonstrated knowledge of fashion Experience in a wide variety of administrative functions including calendaring, scheduling, and word processing. Experience in dealing with a wide range of topics, including confidential and sensitive information. Experience in demonstrating tact and diplomacy and in maintaining effective working relationships. Evidence of effective communication. Experience in quickly changing priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolutions of conflicts. Working Environment This position is located in downtown Los Angeles at the ASU California Center Grand (ASU FIDM) building. Light travel schedule to the ASU Tempe and Downtown Phoenix campuses may also be required. Activities are performed in an environmentally-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse. Regular use of standard office equipment including, but not limited to computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, copier, and telephone. Department Statement The Herberger Institute comprises the School of Art; School of Arts, Media and Engineering; The Sidney Poitier New American Film School; School of Music, Dance and Theatre; The Design School; and the ASU Art Museum. With 130 degree and certificate options, and programs ranked top 20 in art, design, music, theatre, digital culture, film, dance and more, plus a top university art museum, a leading immersive media facility, and national and international partnerships, the Herberger Institute is a powerhouse of art, culture and design. Our mission is to position designers, artists, scholars and educators at the center of public life and prepare them to use their creative capacities to advance culture, build community and imaginatively address todays most pressing challenges. The vision of the Herberger Institute is to advance the New American University by embedding designers, artists and arts-based inquiry at its core and throughout the communities it serves locally, nationally and internationally. With 7,000+ students, mare than 700 faculty members, and 130 program options, the Herberger Institute is committed to redefining the 21st-century design and arts school. As part of Arizona State University, the most innovative university in the nation, the Herberger Institute seeks to drive and scale new ways for arts and design to have impact in our world. We invite you to join our work. Values: Creativity as a core 21st-century competency Design and the arts as critical resources for transforming our society Innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration and research Social embeddedness Projecting all voices Excellence https://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/ Why work @ASU - https://cfo.asu.edu/why-work-asu Total compensation at ASU is defined as more than the salary paid for the valuable work performed to support the success of our ASU students. It includes: Salary and wages paid Comprehensive package of affordable benefit plans and programs Access to world-class educational opportunities at deeply discounted rates ASU's total compensation estimator shows the approximate value of your overall compensation ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations and a commitment to sustainability, innovation and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market. Flexible work options Alternative work schedules can include four, 10-hour workdays in a workweek; a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only; and staggered start and stop times. Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required. ASU Statement Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASUs Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456. Relocation Assistance For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources. ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Background Check Statement ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check. Fingerprint Check Statement This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check. Instructions to Apply Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated. Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position. Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position. ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated. Only electronic applications are accepted for this position. IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of equivalent combination in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelors degree is equal to four years of experience. To view full description or to apply please click this link: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25620&siteid=5494#jobDetails=4954284_5494 View comments US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan, in an interview with InterPressNews, expressed concerns about the CCCC company, which was awarded a contract for the Anaklia project by the government. She pointed out that a majority stake in CCCC is owned by the Chinese Communist Party, which she noted is the largest financier of the Russian military."On Anaklia, the majority of the CCCC company that the government awarded a contract to is owned by the Chinese Communist Party and the company is known to be affiliated with the Chinese military. The Chinese Communist Party is the number one financier of the Russian military today. So one question is - why deepen an economic tie with the party that is financing your occupier? Because the Russian military is being financed by the Chinese Communist Party," said the Ambassador.In the first quarter of 2024, the National Statistics Service reported that the gross domestic product reached 18,913.2 million GEL at current prices, marking an 8.4 percent increase in real GDP compared to the same period last year. Geostat also indicated a 3.1 percent change in the gross domestic product deflator for the first quarter of 2024."In the first quarter of 2024, the following sectors made a significant contribution to growth: activities related to real estate (18.8 percent), education (29.1 percent), public administration and defense; Compulsory social security (13.0 percent), construction (10.3 percent), information and communication (12.2 percent), transport and warehousing (9.7 percent). A decrease was noted in the following sectors: supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning (-11.6 percent), other services (-11.2 percent), mining industry (-1.8 percent). Trade (13.5 percent) and real estate-related activities (11.1 percent) have the largest shares in the sectoral structure of the GDP. The following positions are occupied by the processing industry (9.2 percent), state administration (8.3 percent), construction (7.5 percent), education (6.6 percent), financial and insurance activities (6.0 percent), information and communication (5.9 percent)," Geostat noted. Delegates attend a meeting of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) China spoke on behalf of multiple countries Wednesday in opposing the double standards of certain countries that use human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of developing countries. GENEVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- China spoke on behalf of multiple countries here on Wednesday in opposing the double standards of certain countries that use human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of developing countries. Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations (UN) office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, called on multilateral human rights mechanisms to uphold fairness and justice and to serve as platforms for constructive dialogue and cooperation. Chen made the remarks when delivering a joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights through Dialogue and Cooperation and a group of countries at the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The enjoyment of human rights by all is a common pursuit of humanity, said Chen, stressing that the Human Rights Council and other international human rights mechanisms must uphold fairness and justice, abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and adhere to the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-politicization and non-selectivity in their work and operation. This photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows an exterior view of the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Shi Song) He also underscored that these mechanisms should stand firmly against double standards, bullying and unilateralism, and ensure that they serve as platforms for constructive dialogue and cooperation among all countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. Highlighting that some countries interfere in the internal affairs of developing countries on the pretext of human rights while turning a blind eye to and evading serious human rights violations within their own borders and those of their allies, the statement said, "We oppose such double standards." The statement also pointed out that there is no one-size-fits-all route to human rights development in the world, and no country should impose its own model on others. "We must respect each country's exploration of its own path to human rights development that best fits its national reality, and promote the fair enjoyment of human rights by all peoples of all nations with peace and development, fostering the healthy development of the international human rights cause," said Chen. The joint statement received widespread support from developing countries, and many countries echoed it in their speeches at the session. Editor: WRX ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Atlantic Beach officials canceled a Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon where they were supposed to hear from the developer of a controversial high-rise hotel project. According to an agenda, the commission was set to hear a request from Charles Morant to amend the towns official zoning map and land-management ordinance. A public hearing was also on the agenda for the meeting, which was rescheduled for 1 p.m. on July 25. The town canceled the meeting in an email sent to local media outlets at 7:17 p.m. Wednesday. News13 asked the town clerk why the meeting was canceled and was referred to interim Town Administrator Orton Bellamy. News13 reached out to Bellamy Wednesday night, and as of 12:45 p.m. Thursday, he had not responded to our questions. The Atlantic Beach Town Council approved an ordinance in July that allowed Morant to move forward with the proposed high-rise hotel and condo complex known as the Black Pearl of the Atlantic. The $80 million to $100 million project called for a 21-story building with 168 hotel rooms, 36 short-term rental units, 24 condo units and a 200- to 400-car parking garage that would be built at 30th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. The plans also included an area for bars, restaurants and a museum to honor the towns history. The plan sparked opposition in the community, and a lawsuit was filed in October to try to block the project. * * * Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Attorney speaks out after being detained by police during Arkansas Bar Association convention Attorney speaks out after being detained by police during Arkansas Bar Association convention LITTLE ROCK, Ark. An attorney claims the Arkansas Bar Association is trying to limit her free speech after she was detained by police then removed from the organizations meeting in Hot Springs last week. Jennifer Standerfer said she brought along petitions to get the Arkansas Government Disclosure Act and Amendment on the November ballot to the meetings at the Hot Springs Convention Center on Friday. Coalition wants to make Freedom of Information Act part of Arkansas Constitution Standerfer, who serves as a committee member for the ballots sponsor Arkansas Citizens for Transparency, told KARK 4 News that was the reason the chaos began. All morning people came after me and accused me of all kinds of things, she said Standerfer. The Bentonville-based lawyer said she attends the convention annually and had made it clear that she would be bringing along petitions to a member of the bar association. She mentioned that the convention center had a policy on solicitation, but the bar has no position, Standerfer recalled, adding that she never asked for peoples signatures at the meeting. A release from the bar association sent Friday notes that the convention center itself has a policy against soliciting, including petitioning. Arkansas Bar Association and ballot group react to removal of attorney from Hot Springs Convention Center Tuesday evening, Arkansas Citizens for Transparency released materials the group says were obtained through the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and that they claim shows the bar association also wanted to restrict petitions. The documents from convention center staff released by the group state that Standerfer had been at the meeting on Thursday with petitions and a wagon with a sign attached to it, adding that she had been asked to leave the venue by police. The documents go on to say that Standerfer had a meeting with convention center administrators later Thursday afternoon. Arkansas Special Session: Testimony ends in Arkansas Senate committee over Freedom of Information Act changes, adjourns for evening According to the documents, a representative with the bar association on Friday texted convention center administrators asking for their staff to request Standerfer to leave since she had again brought petitions. Video released through the FOIA request shows officers first telling Standerfer she was being asked to leave and then putting her into handcuffs and removing her from a venue room after she said she wouldnt leave. The footage later shows Standerfer telling an officer, They just dont want me here, to which another officer replies, Well, that is actually the case. Standerfer says being removed from the event was illegal and against her First Amendment rights. She said she has hired an attorney, and although shes unsure about whats to come, for now she will still be pushing the petitions. People are actively trying to keep petitions out their space, and I just never expected the bar to do that and certainly never expected a public building to do that, Standerfer said. KARK 4 News reached out to the Arkansas Bar Association for a statement about the most recent developments in this story. As of the publishing of this report, there has been no response. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Salvors with the Unified Command prepare the section of bridge sitting on the port side bow of the M/V Dali for controlled demolition, precision cutting, on May 13. Lawyers said a deal has been reached that would allow some of the crew to return home this week. Photo by Christopher Rosario/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/UPI June 20 (UPI) -- Baltimore city attorneys reached an agreement with lawyers representing the crew of the Dali that would allow them to get off of the ship and leave the United States three months after the vessel struck a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, destroying much of the structure. City attorneys had been trying to prevent the crew from leaving the ship so they could continue to be questioned during its investigation of the massive cargo ship. The 21-member crew from India and Sri Lanka had not been allowed to leave since the March 26 incident. "Claimants met and conferred and approached counsel for the vessel Interests with a compromise proposal to resolve the dispute and avoid the intervention of the court," Attorney Adam Levitt said, according to court documents seen by CBS News. "That compromise ... includes a guarantee that the vessel Interest will produce the witness in question for deposition during the discovery phase of this case." As part of the deal, crew members who still need to be deposed will have that happen in London or another agreed-upon location, according to court filings. Attorney William Bennett, who has been representing the Dali's ship owner Grace Ocean and manager Synergy Marine, said they were planning for eight crew members to fly home this week. "Our clients are in the process of arranging for replacement crew for the Dali," Bennett said in court filings, according to CNN. "We have been advised that the U.S. Coast Guard will permit certain crew members to return to their home countries but has requested that other crew members remain in the United States." Those leaving crew members are expected to be flown from the United States on Thursday. "All of these crew members have been interviewed by [the Justice Department] and the DOJ does not object to their departure from the United States." Auburns last Winn-Dixie closes soon to make way for a new ALDI AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) A new era in grocery shopping is coming to Auburn. This summer, the citys last Winn-Dixie store will close its doors to make way for Auburns first ALDI location. For loyal shoppers, the news is bittersweet. Ms. Betty Ponds has been a dedicated customer of the South College Winn-Dixie for decades. I have been shopping here for about 50 years. I am sad to see it go, said Ponds. Many Auburn shoppers may recall on AU game day the drink boxes would spell out War Eagle as the fight song or game piped through the intercom system. ENERGY SAVERS: Alabama Power provides energy efficiency tips to combat the summer heat In 2023, Southeastern Grocers sold 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores to the German supermarket giant ALDI. Some stores will remain open under the Winn-Dixie or Harveys names, while others will convert to ALDI, as is happening with the Auburn store. The store will close in mid-July and reopen as an ALDI after renovations. Been shopping here for a long time. I hate to see it close, said shopper Stanley Roberson. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders expressed his appreciation for ALDIs investment in the community. Shoppers hope the familiar and friendly Winn-Dixie employees will transition to ALDI when it opens. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Virginia "Ginny" Reynolds Badgett makes the case for solar at the Elm Spring farm to the Augusta County Planning Commission. VERONA Two major life events came into Virginia "Ginny" Reynolds Badgetts life within months of one another the birth of her first daughter and the passing of her mother, Sara Morris Reynolds. Her mothers passage means the Elm Spring Farm, and its operating company, now falls in Badgetts hands. The 330-acre farm is currently used for cattle grazing by a second-generation tenant farmer. Badgett came before the Augusta County Planning Commission on June 11 hoping to add another use a solar energy system. Elm Spring Farm seeks small solar energy system According to the presentation, RWE Clean Energy, LLC is the second largest solar owner and operator in the United States, with about 2000 employees. RWE Clean Energy was initially in talks with Sara Reynolds, passing to Badgett after she died. According to the project's executive summary, the solar energy system would be 23 acres of panels in the fenced-in portion of the land. With the visual buffer areas, the project is just over 81 acres. The sites selected are the best possible locations for solar due to the farm's topography, which you all got a chance to see earlier today, Badgett said to the commission. Taking advantage of the land's natural terrain will minimize disturbance, grading and visibility, while also maximizing setbacks from neighbors and adjacent public roads, which are more than 10 times the minimum when the application was submitted. The scope of the project also means future development is available on much of the complete Elm Spring property. Badgett noted, My mother's going to roll over in her grave, but this leaves open the possibility for residential development. Augusta County staff find problems with the project The end of the executive summary reads, This proposal is not in substantial accord with the comprehensive plan. This would kill the entire project, as a December ordinance update to the countys solar policies mandates compliance with the countys comprehensive plan. However, projects submitted before December were grandfathered in, allowed to apply under the old regulations. Badgett herself appeared in the December meeting to argue against the updated policies. Supervisors Michael Shull and Scott Seaton referred to the new policies as moratorium on solar, but even projects considered under the pre-December rules are struggling. Both the Elm Spring project and a 1600-acre Augusta Solar project, which came back with a 60% area reduction after a rejected 2019 application, were not recommended by the commission. Differing visions for the future of the property The property is in an Urban Service Area. Before the December changes, the county discouraged solar projects from being approved in this type of zoned. Though not applicable to this project, one of the new ordinances outright bans projects in Urban Service Area zoning. Urban service areas are specifically where we have made the investment to roads and schools and other water and sewer and other things that would support growth, explained Supervisor Carolyn Bragg, who is also a member of the planning commission. Bragg made several points against the project. Among consideration for jobs, zoning, the rural viewshed, and taxes, she pointed to what the county has planned for Badgetts property. The future use of the property looks like business residential and mixed uses, said Bragg. [Those] are the best options, should the property come out of land use. When I compare the seven to ten thousand per year revenue that would be generated if the property was developed, then I compare that to what could be potentially should it go into another use as indicated on a comprehensive plan. There's a difference in value there. Badgett addressed the difference between tax revenue in potential projects during the public hearing, saying it falsely assumes that we want to sell the property at this time and take it out of farming, which we do not. Revenue from taxes and utilities is not being lost because it was never had, Badgett said. Losing something means it exists in the first place, like the farm that's been in my family now for 90 years. Instead of the status quo, I'm offering the county an opportunity to actually increase revenue and economic impact from the farm while my family continues to maintain ownership. A surprise motion to find in favor of Elm Spring solar I think this project balances development in the future very well, said Commissioner Robert Thomas. There's still a lot of room left for residential and commercial. All the valuable pieces like the road frontage on 250 are still there and very much available for commercial and there's still a lot of room for houses. Thomas noted the commissions job was to find if the project was in substantial accord with the comprehensive plan, not 100% compliance. There is a question that pops in my mind when it comes to spending money on infrastructure and different things, Thomas explained. It's, How much money does the government have to spend to take away our land rights? With that, he moved the project be found in substantial accord with the comp plan, a recommendation for approval by the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. Commissioner Larry Howdyshell seconded the motion, saying I wasn't totally impressed with the project until I found out that front part, and other land, could be developed if they so wish to do. I really appreciate them wanting to keep it in farming. Augusta Planning Commission refuses to recommend the project The motion was defeated four to three. Chair Randall Harris, Thomas, and Howdyshell voted in favor, while Bragg, Kyle Leonard, Bill Schindler, and Kristy McComas voted against. On recommendation from staff, Bragg made a second motion to deny the recommendation. This was approved on the same lines. Both Elm Spring and Augusta Solar are expected to come before the Augusta County Board of Zoning Appeals for a final approval or denial. More information can be found in the project documents: Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? Its welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com. This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta Planning denies recommendation to Elm Spring solar project (FOX40.COM) About a week after efforts began to refloat the sunken Aurora from the California Delta, the Office of Spill Prevention and Response announced on Wednesday that their efforts were successful. The Aurora was reported to have begun sinking on May 22 and had grounded its aft end on the floor of Little Potato Slough, 13 feet below the waterline. Hamburg to Stockton in 50 years: The story of the Aurora Crews were able to refloat the nearly 300-foot-long vintage cruise ship between June 15 and 16 and continued efforts to remove pollutants from the ship. According to OSPR, nearly 15,000 gallons of water-oil mixture was removed from the ship along with varied debris and household hazardous waste. The Aurora was moved into Little Potato Slough, just outside of Stockton, in the early 2010s by its then owners Christopher Willson. Willson was undergoing a restoration of the ship as recently as 2023. The current owner of the vintage cruise ship is under question. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Austrian heiress Marlene Engelhorn is leaving her $27 million inheritance in someone elses hands. Engelhorn, who inherited an eight-figure fortune from her late grandmother, made headlines when she announced that she is letting random strangers decided the fate of her unearned money, Time reported. The 32-year-old heiress and activist has committed to redistribute up to 90 percent of her tax-free wealth; in effort to give away those funds, she recruited a group of Austrian residents who then got to decide how it was spent. More from Robb Report I have inherited a fortune and therefore power without having done anything for it. And the state doesnt even want to tax it, she told BBC News in January. According to Time, Engelhorn fired off approximately 10,000 emails and selected 50 candidates who were designed to be as representative as possible of Austrias demographics in terms of gender, ethnicity, and income. The group, now officially known as the Good Council for Redistribution, recently picked 77 different organizations to receive cash from the bulk of Engelhorns inheritance. Per the councils website, the money couldnt be dished out to any charities or people who are unconstitutional, hostile, or inhumane. In addition, the funds couldnt be given to for-profit institutions or redistributed to group members or related parties. The biggest amount of cash was gifted to the Austrian Society of Nature Conservation, which received about $1.7 million. At the same time, a Vienna-based organization dubbed Neunerhaus was granted $1.6 million. Aware of her own entitlement, Engelhorn, a descendant of Friedrich Engelhorn, the founder of one of the worlds largest chemical companies, told The New York Times that she plans on entering the workforce and paying taxes. Ill always be a privileged person from a wealthy background, she said. This is not changeable or deniable. Engelhorn has previously spoken out against philanthropy and is the cofounder Taxmenow, a campaign focused on combating wealth inequality. She initially announced her plan to pledge her fortune at a Millionaires for Humanity event in Amsterdam in 2022. If politicians dont do their job and redistribute, then I have to redistribute my wealth myself, she explained in her statement to BBC. Many people struggle to make ends meet with a full-time job, and pay taxes on every euro they earn from work. I see this as a failure of politics, and if politics fails, then the citizens have to deal with it themselves. Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Authorities look for cause of train crash that killed 2, injured 9 in Chile Rescue personnel work next to the two trains involved in an early morning accident in the community of San Bernardo, in the south of Santiago, Chile, on Thursday. At least two people were killed. Photo by Elvis Gonzalez/EPA-EFE June 20 (UPI) -- At least two people died and nine others were hurt Thursday in an early morning train crash near Santiago, Chile. In a statement on X, EFE Trains of Chile offered condolences to the relatives of the two railway workers from the Fepasa company who were killed in the accident between Maipo and Nos Bridge. High-tonnage cranes were used to remove the damaged trains after the collision. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Public Ministry and the Railway Accident Investigation Unit. The accident occurred early Thursday when a freight train carrying copper and a test train with 10 crew onboard collided. Four Chinese nationals were among the injured. Conditions of the injured are unknown. According to the Western Metropolitan Prosecutor's Office, the freight train carrying copper rammed an empty passenger train. The empty train at that time of the morning was conducting speed tests for the railway. A central station had been in charge of monitoring rail traffic, officials said. SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT) The Sheffield Police Department (SPD) has identified the missing swimmer whose body was recovered from the Tennessee River on Wednesday. According to the Colbert County Sheriffs Office (CCSO), authorities were searching for the missing swimmer for about two hours. 17-year-old drowns at Bates Landing in Franklin County The sheriffs office said a man in his early 20s was swimming with his friends at Eagle Point east of the Spring Creek Boat Ramp when he appeared to be in distress. His friends tried to recover him but were unable to. His body was recovered by the Colbert County EMA. SPD Chief Rick Terry said the swimmer was identified as 21-year-old Keil McCoy from Indiana. The Sheffield Fire Department was also assisting at the scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Authorities offering $5,000 reward for info leading to arrest of Boston murder suspect A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a man accused of a 2017 homicide in Bostons South End. Alan Lewis, 38, of Brockton, is wanted on a straight warrant for murder in relation to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Brent Stevenson of Boston, according to police. Lewis is described as a 61, 210lb Black man with brown eyes, black hair, and a stocky build. He also has tattoos on both forearms that read KILLER and BEES, according to officials. Boston Police say on November 6, 2017, officers responding to a report of shots fired in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street found a car crash scene at 333 Massachusetts Avenue with the driver, Stevenson, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Stevenson was transported to an area hospital where he later died. Lewis is suspected of shooting Stevenson. The U.S. Marshals are offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information leading to Lewiss arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Department Fugitive Unit at (617) 343-5059. 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers an important speech at the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Li Gang) YAN'AN, Shaanxi, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the armed forces' political loyalty as a crucial meeting on the political work in the military was held in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), demanded efforts to ensure a solid political guarantee for building a strong military, as he addressed the CMC Political Work Conference, held from Monday to Wednesday. The Yan'an conference, which Xi personally decided to convene, took place 10 years after a similar meeting was held in Gutian, east China's Fujian Province. The participants discussed and made arrangements for promoting political work in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi emphasized the need to uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military and to build a high-quality cadre team that is loyal, clean, responsible, and capable of fulfilling the mission of strengthening the military. On Monday afternoon, Xi led CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping, where the CMC's headquarters were stationed from August 1937 to March 1947. Xi visited the former residences of late revolutionary leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De in Yan'an to honor the memory of their revolutionary struggle. The Yan'an conference marks a return to the roots of the military, Xi said. He called on senior military officers to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted by the Party and the people to keep strengthening the armed forces. Xi delivered an important speech at the conference, noting that after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee held the 2014 military political work conference in Gutian and improved political conduct through rectification initiatives. Measures to govern the military with strict discipline have been comprehensively implemented with unprecedented determination and intensity, achieving historic accomplishments in enhancing political loyalty in the military, according to Xi. Xi stressed that political work is always the lifeline of the country's military. The armed forces must always be led by those who are reliable and loyal to the Party, and there must be no place for corruption within the military. Noting that China's military is confronted with complicated challenges in the political work, Xi said it is necessary to continuously enhance political loyalty in the military to ensure that the people's armed forces always uphold their core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline. He also analyzed the deep-seated problems that need to be addressed in military political work, emphasizing that a root cause of these problems lies in the lack of ideals and beliefs. Xi called on relevant personnel at all levels, especially senior cadres, to introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications. Xi highlighted key work to enhance political loyalty in the military, urging efforts to arm the military with the Party's new theories and improve the leadership of Party organizations, as well as their capabilities of organization and implementation. The Party leadership must be upheld in all the fields and the whole process of enhancing combat readiness, Xi noted. Xi urged efforts to nurture a contingent of high-caliber officers, eradicate the breeding ground for corruption, and enhance the comprehensive oversight of high-ranking officers in terms of their performance of duty and exercise of power. Officers at all levels, especially those in the higher ranks, should lead by example and serve as pioneers and models, Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), leads CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), meets with participants of the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Editor: WRX A student walks on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City in April. Utah has enacted a new law that prohibits schools from using diversity, equity and inclusion statements, bars state institutions from relying on specific individual characteristics in employment and education decisions, and eliminates central offices dedicated to DEI. (Erika Bolstad | Stateline) SALT LAKE CITY Shortly after taking office in 2023, Republican state Rep. Katy Hall heard from constituents complaining about how their adult children were required to write diversity, equity and inclusion statements while applying for medical and dental schools and other graduate programs in Utah. It doesnt seem right, Hall said. It doesnt seem like it belongs in an application. It took two legislative sessions, but Hall successfully sponsored a new law that not only prohibits the use of such DEI statements but also bars state institutions from relying on specific individual characteristics in employment and education decisions. Additionally, it eliminates central offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. In Utah and beyond, lawmakers are enjoying growing success in their pushback against DEI programs at public universities, many of which have hired administrators and established departments dedicated to creating more diverse faculties and student bodies. Some schools requirement that job and student applicants explain in writing how theyd bring DEI initiatives to their work or schooling has aroused especially strong opposition. Some states have dismantled DEI departments and programs, as well as ended race- and gender-based programs and scholarships. Many in Utah describe their approach as more measured than that of other states. The law, which goes into effect July 1, includes a carve-out that allows DEI to be discussed in classroom instruction as well as in research and for accreditation purposes. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, who signed Halls legislation into law in January, said it offers a balanced solution even as it prohibits the type of training sessions he required of his staff when he first took office in 2021. The intent of the legislation, Hall said, is to shift higher education away from a focus on identity. This is what we felt was a more nuanced way to say: We want diversity, we want equality of opportunity, we want inclusion, but we want diversity of opinion and a diversity of thought and diversity of religion and diversity of everything. Not just external, personal identity characteristics, Hall said. We used to be able to have discussions about politics without it coming to a judgment of someones moral character, she added. My hope is that there will be a little more political neutrality where you can have discussions and feel safe to have those discussions without it being so divisive. An anti-bias sign on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City in April. (Erika Bolstad | Stateline) But the bill passed along party lines, pointed out state Rep. Angela Romero, a Democrat who serves as the House minority leader in Utah. She described whats happening in her state as part of a broader culture war aimed at painting higher education as elite and out of touch. This is a national agenda, Romero said in an interview. Its a machine and its been going for a while and its picking up momentum. Utahs rollback is among dozens of simultaneous efforts to scale back DEI programs to varying degrees in state capitals and on higher education oversight boards in other Republican-led states. In at least 22 states, the legislature has enacted legislation, or public universities have set policies prohibiting or modifying DEI measures at state university systems, according to a running tally in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Among the earliest passed was 2023 legislation in North Dakota that prohibits asking students and prospective university employees about their commitment to DEI. Florida followed last year with a law that does away with diversity statements and DEI offices. Alabama in 2024 enacted a law restricting public employees from being forced to agree with so-called divisive concepts, including the idea that by virtue of an individuals race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, the individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously. In South Dakota, the Board of Regents recently enacted a policy that bars employees at its six public universities from putting their preferred gender pronouns or tribal affiliations in email signatures, according to Inside Higher Ed. Most recently, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees voted last month to shift $2.3 million of DEI spending toward public safety and policing on campus. Then, the entire UNC System Board of Governors voted to abolish DEI policies in place since 2019 at all 17 of its campuses. A chilling effect Many of the efforts to roll back DEI initiatives in states have the same roots as a campaign against critical race theory spearheaded by Seattle documentary filmmaker Christopher Rufo, who in 2020 elevated a once-obscure theory about the pervasiveness of racism in American law and institutions to a household term. Often, efforts to undo DEI initiatives argue that students especially white students are harmed by learning about the history of racism in the United States because it may leave them feeling guilty or ashamed of their identity. Multiple states, including North Dakota, have adopted near-identical language in anti-DEI legislation that bans instruction that might prompt a person to feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individuals race or sex. In April, polling by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist found that 77% of Republicans say they believe that discrimination against white people is as problematic as discrimination against Black Americans. Anti-DEI laws have had a chilling effect on higher education wherever theyve been enacted, said Irene Mulvey, the president of the American Association of University Professors, a nonprofit membership association of faculty and other academic professionals. The laws are deliberately vague so that professors have to be constantly thinking, If I say this, will I be breaking the law? Will I lose my job or be arrested by the government if I say this in my classroom? Mulvey said. I mean, thats where we are in America in 2024. These are the worries faculty have in an authoritarian society, and they have no place in a democracy. At the University of Texas, anti-DEI legislation led the system to eliminate 300 positions recently and to cut diversity training programs at multiple campuses. What were seeing now is nobodys helped when these offices are closed or programs are shut down, no ones better off. Irene Mulvey, president of the American Association of University Professors The situation is similar in Florida, said Paul Ortiz, a professor of history and a union leader at the University of Florida. Hes leaving the school after 15 years for a position at Cornell University in New York. The fallout from the states DEI policies wasnt the only reason hes leaving he got a great job offer but it contributed to his decision, Ortiz said. To pretend that its not having an effect on the cultural and intellectual life of the state is the worst thing of all, Ortiz said. Im hoping the pendulum is going to swing back. Students are the real losers, Mulvey said. At the University of Oklahoma, for example, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitts executive order ending DEI programs in state offices and agencies effectively shuttered the National Education for Womens Leadership program. The program encourages undergraduate women to engage in politics and public policy. Since its founding in 2002, more than 650 students have attended. Stitt told the Oklahoma Voice that his executive order was about race, not the womens leadership program, and called the backlash against his policy political criticism. What were seeing now is nobodys helped when these offices are closed or programs are shut down, no ones better off, Mulvey said. Were having watered-down discussions and anodyne classes because faculty without tenure are afraid of losing their job if they say the wrong thing or if someone takes it out of context or tapes them and puts it online. DEI statements DEI statements in university hiring have been one of the easiest targets nationwide, in part because theres less support for them even among more progressive educators who support wider DEI initiatives. Editorial boards and columnists at outlets as varied as The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education and the New York Post have railed against diversity statements, saying they too often result in self-censorship and ideological policing on college campuses. Many elite universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, have reconsidered DEI statements as a requirement of employment applications. At best, critics argue, theyre boilerplate that echoes what employers want to hear, rendering them useless. At their worst, they serve as ideological litmus tests. We can build an inclusive environment in many ways, but compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they dont work, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a statement to WBUR in May, confirming the universitys new approach. But DEI statements have their defenders. Suzanne Penuel, an associate professor who teaches first-year literature and writing at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, said she witnessed how high-quality DEI statements set job candidates apart when she served on the hiring committee for a position teaching American history. Nearly all academic applicants have polished curriculum vitae, impeccable recommendations and pitch-perfect cover letters, she wrote in an op-ed in The State. Their DEI statements gave them personality, Penuel said in an interview. It was easier to tell which applicants would take a student-centered approach to their work; one applicant wrote that the textbooks used in the schools history courses ought to be free, an interpretation that the hiring committee viewed as an inclusive approach to education. She worries that the assault on already slim DEI initiatives in South Carolina is a continuation of a trend that began with a 2021 legislative requirement that all college students be taught certain aspects of American history, and a proposed state-level ban on some books in elementary schools. I hope I never see the day when there is this prescribed list of texts from a narrow list of publishers, and only some topics can be discussed, Penuel said. In Utah, where Democrats hold just 14 of the 75 seats in the state House of Representatives, Romero fought unsuccessfully to keep the anti-DEI legislation from passing. Her reasons for opposing the legislation were partly personal. As a first-generation college student at the University of Utah, she took advantage of what was then called the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, an academic advising center that could now be considered a DEI initiative. It was a safe place in a state where the dominant religion and culture often excludes people of color, Romero said. Because of her association with the center, Romero landed an internship at the state legislature in 1994, leading to a career working in municipal government in Salt Lake City. And now, she serves as president of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Because of that, Im here now, Romero said on the House floor when the bill was up for debate. What it did is it addressed the disparities. Theres unintentional consequences when we just try to sweep things and say were all the same, because were not. Theres still a lot of things that have to change in this country for us all to be on a level playing field. 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 X. The post Backlash against DEI spreads to more states appeared first on West Virginia Watch. A balloon entered Poland's airspace in the afternoon on June 20 from Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast, the Polish military said, adding it poses no threat. Tensions between NATO and Russia have been mounting since the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, and cases of Russian aircraft breaching allied airspace have been a common occurrence. In this case, Russia likely lost control of the balloon in Kaliningrad Oblast after it "broke off its tether and flew into Polish airspace," Warsaw said. "Russian authorities previously informed us about the possibility of the object entering the area," the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command reported. "Preliminary assessments indicate that the Russian side has lost control over one of the aerostats protecting facilities in Kaliningrad Oblast." The Polish military said it has been monitoring the balloon. It entered the Polish airspace at around 3:30 near the border with Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast and is expected to leave at around 8 p.m. local time, the Polish military said at 7:53 p.m. local time. Poland's Air Force regularly scrambles its fighter jets during Russia's mass attacks against western Ukraine, and there have been recorded cases of Russian missiles briefly entering Polish airspace. In another incident on Nov. 15, 2022, a missile flew onto Polish territory during a Russian mass strike, killing two civilians. Polish investigators later concluded that it was a stray Ukrainian anti-air projectile launched to intercept the Russian attack. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv to get priority on air defense missiles from US, new Patriot from Romania Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEW YORK Every summer when the weather heats up in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a steady stream of residents descend on James Jackson's watermelon stand. They come on foot, on bicycles, on electric scooters and in cars and delivery trucks, blocking a central intersection to grab a cup of the sliced fruit. Jackson's operation in the heart of Brooklyn has had a front-row seat to the seismic demographic shifts Bed-Stuy has faced since the 77-year-old began selling watermelon nearly 50 years ago. The massive neighborhood has gotten less Black, more white and some pillars of the community and networks of neighbors have been destroyed by gentrification. Residents say Jackson is like a through line for the central Brooklyn community, selling his seeded melon every summer since he moved to Bed-Stuy from southern Virginia when he was in his 20s. Every fall, Jackson transitions to selling pumpkins and other seasonal gourds. In wintertime, he sells miniature Christmas trees. From left, James Jackson oversees his watermelon stand while Trisha Forbes cuts watermelon on June 11 in Brooklyn, N.Y. I feel good doing it, I enjoy meeting people coming by, speaking to them, making their day," Jackson told USA TODAY. These days, there are more young white professionals who buy from Jackson and have personal relationships with him. Hes always out there, hes always friendly, he always wants to help you out," said 32-year-old Caroline Ourso, a photographer who has lived in the neighborhood for seven years. He encourages good community interaction because people stop and talk. Brooklyn A Black holiday predating Juneteenth was nearly lost to history, now it's back Gentrification has made Bed-Stuy more white, less Black Gentrification changes communities and neighborhoods racially and socioeconomically, said Greg Smithsimon, a sociology professor at nearby Brooklyn College, who teaches students how to document demographic shifts in New York City. When a longtime low-income or working-class neighborhood starts to see signs of gentrification, Smithsimon said, people from outside the neighborhood move in and rent and home values increase. As a result, he said, people whose families have lived in the neighborhood for generations are more likely to be priced out. "As you see very often in New York, developers identify properties they can buy and build big new apartment buildings where they're going to be charging rents that existing residents don't find affordable at all," Smithsimon said. In Brooklyn's historic Bed-Stuy, beautiful blocks lined with historic brownstone townhouses and leafy trees soaring more than three stories high have been home to a thriving Black community for more than a century. The neighborhood was where Black civil rights activist Malcolm X lived in the 1960s before he was killed in 1965 at 39. Award-winning Black filmmaker Spike Lee lived in Bed-Stuy, and it's where his 1989 film "Do the Right Thing" is set. Acclaimed rapper The Notorious B.I.G. also grew up in the neighborhood in the 1980s. The Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 11. Back then, Jackson and other neighbors felt like an extension of one's family, said Jason Roberts, a social worker who has lived in Bed-Stuy his whole life. This is a reflection of something that is kind of lost. The community is wavering to the times," Roberts, 52, said. Jason Roberts, 52, has lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant his whole life and stopped by James Jackson's longstanding watermelon stand on June 10. Roberts said Jackson and Richard Edmonds are "great staples of the community." For about the past 15 years, a rapidly growing number of young white professionals have been drawn to Bed-Stuy because of cheaper rent, said Delano Burrowes, an activist and artist who fights for tenants' rights and racial justice in Brooklyn. Bed-Stuy's Black population decreased from 75% in 2000 to 41% in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available. During that same time, the white population increased from just over 2% to over 29%, according to data from the Furman Center at New York University. More white newcomers who earn higher incomes live in Bed-Stuy now compared to 2000, data shows. From left, Trisha Forbes sells watermelon to customers on June 11, 2024 in Brooklyn, NY. The area's housing stock is attractive because it's been well-preserved by Black homeowners and "by Black power and economic development initiatives that started in the late 60s," said Brian Purnell, a professor of African American history at Bowdoin College who wrote "Fighting Jim Crow in the County of Kings," a book on racial inequality in Brooklyn. Now, rich families who can afford to do so buy the historic brownstones for millions of dollars. Housing problems aside, changing demographics don't have to be a wholly bad thing, and the process of gentrification doesn't have to erase and destroy community pillars, Burrowes said. If youre coming into a place, understand what that community is about," Burrowes said. "You can be a gentrifier with some grace." That's what Jackson's watermelon stand allows Bed-Stuy residents to do, said Richard Edmonds, a clerk at Brooklyn Hospital who has helped Jackson sell watermelon for nearly 20 years. "As diverse as the neighborhood has become in the past 15 years, people still relate to him," Edmonds said. But, still, the socioeconomic tension is palpable at times and falls along racial lines, both Smithsimon and Purnell said. The neighborhood's median income has shot up, and rents have exploded, especially since 2010 through 2019 when it increased from from $49,440 to $73,840. The upward trend was even more pronounced among renters, whose median income increased by 65% during the same timeframe. Data shows that in 2010 recent movers paid an average rent of $1,590 while, as of 2022, the average rent for newcomers in the area was $2,700. "You have a neighborhood that looks like it might be getting integrated, but unfortunately, all too often you have two quite isolated communities in a place that's changing like that," Smithsimon said. Trisha Forbes sells watermelon to cars and trucks that drive by on June 11 in Brooklyn, NY. Watermelon stand holds community intact "The history of this place is one in which the majority of Black people have struggled for stability and community," Purnell said. "If you have a demographic change on top of a place shaped by a history of racial underdevelopment then there's going to be disconnection. There's going to be distrust, there's going to be alienation," he said. But, places like Jackson's watermelon stand can help combat that, according to Purnell. "Moments where newcomers and longstanding residents can come together and create new relationships really matter because so much of the relationships in places like Bed-Stuy through no fault of the residents themselves are going to be made within the context of distrust and racialized underdevelopment," Purnell said. Throughout Bed-Stuy, the white population has increased significantly since 2000, but white and Black residents often patronize different businesses and fail to interact with each other, he said. Schools in the area are also plagued by racial inequality, he added. For Roberts, the social worker, Bed-Stuy has changed and some parts of the community may be lost forever, he said. But the watermelon stand is ensuring people still have a way to come together and look out for one another, he said. "There was a time when your neighbor was like an additional parent," Roberts said. "This is a reflection of that." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Bed-Stuy watermelon stand is a sweet slice of community BEL AIRE, Kan. (KSNW) The City of Bel Aire is a step closer to addressing the stalled pavement replacement project on Woodlawn between 37th and 45th Street. In late 2021, the city began rebuilding the section of Woodlawn from 37th to 45th, but as it neared completion in fall 2023, sections of the northbound lanes were warped and sinking. The city commissioned geotechnical testing to determine what was causing the problem and found water underneath the roadway. The city contracted Professional Engineering Consultants to conduct more in-depth testing, including the installation of monitoring wells. Groundwater can compromise a road surface when it rises to within 4 feet of the pavement base. Flooding causing problems for farmers trying to harvest PEC was able to discover that groundwater was moving over the top of the Wellington Shale. The Wellington Shale layer was within a foot of the pavement base in several locations, allowing the groundwater to compromise the road. PEC is recommending that the shale layer be excavated at least an additional two feet and an underdrain system be designed and installed to remove the groundwater from underneath the road. Their findings were presented this week to the Bel Aire City Commission. The city says they are now working with professionals to develop design recommendations to address the groundwater issues. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Belle-Clair Fairgrounds was once site of Union Army camp during the Civil War Uniquely is a series of stories that explore the history, landmarks, culture and people that make southwestern Illinois a unique place to live. Got ideas? Send them to newsroom@bnd.com. The grounds which serve as the site of Belle-Clair Fairgrounds was used very much as it is today 170 years ago, as a place for agricultural fairs and other events. But just after the start of the Civil War, in 1860, it was the site of a Union Army training camp, named after one of Bellevilles most distinguished citizens. Camp Koerner named after Gustave Koerner, a politician and close friend of Abraham Lincoln was one of 10 different emergency volunteer camps in Illinois, and was picked due to its proximity to a railroad center. Some history buffs want its story immortalized. Camp Koerner was originally named after Illinois Governor William Bissell, who died a year prior in 1860, but it was renamed to honor Koerner, the former Illinois lieutenant governor, in May 1861. A close confidant of Abraham Lincoln, Koerner gets credit for helping found the Republican Party and writing its anti-slavery platform ahead of the Great Emancipators election. Ulysses S. Grant visited the Camp Koerner in May 1861 to inspect its troops most of which had not yet arrived while he was an assistant to the Illinois Adjutant General. Gustave Koerner was a German immigrant who settled in Belleville in the 1830s and made a name for himself as an attorney, judge, politician and journalist. He also was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln. Koerner, along with a few others, put in a good word for Grant, which helped him get his assistant position that later snowballed into him becoming the commanding general of the U.S. Army and later the 18th president of the United States. After Grants inspection, Camp Koerner grew to around 1,000 soldiers, which would comprise the 22nd Illinois Infantry. In a Belleville News-Democrat article from 1993, a soldier named Lemuel Adams wrote in his diary that he and other soldiers got to fixing up our camping place to make it as comfortable as we could. John Stacy, a former Civil War camp historian, said the encampment would have been very primitive this early in the war. Illinois was unprepared, Stacy said. They may have not had uniforms this early, they likely slept in tents or barns and a lot of the food was donated. Adams described the weapons given out as muskets of an ancient vintage. Repeating rifles, which could fire multiple rounds quickly as opposed to one round at a time, were not yet used in the war. On one occasion, Adams said the soldiers went into downtown Belleville, where speeches were given, songs were played and the U.S. flag was praised. A neighboring regiment from Alton was in town too, and they displayed a battle flag flown during the Mexican-American War. Craig Stafford, a security guard and part-time librarian, said the biggest incident caused by the camp was a fight between drunken soldiers in the middle of town on May 29, 1861. An articlefrom an earlier iteration of the BND, published after the incident, said the group of soldiers went to the notorious place known as the California House. They then got into a fight with the next-door owner of a grocery store, who called in his friends and damaged the heads of two or three of them pretty severely. Another BND article from the time labeled the incident as a serious riot, described the soldiers as a mob and said the usage of hatchets, rocks, shotguns and other instruments led to the almost total destruction of the California House. This parcel map gives an overhead view of the modern-day Belle-Clair Fairgrounds. During its history, it held a lake that is now filled-in; created the race track seen today for horse racing; and held the emergency Civil War training camp, Camp Koerner. The California House was located at 301 S Charles St., which was a mile away from Camp Koerner. According to city directory archives from 1860, it used to be a hotel. Stacy said there was a period of near-conflict between Illinois and Missouri, which Koerner warned the 22nd Illinois Infantry about. A group of Union soldiers fired into a mob of people in St. Louis. The mob was angry about the capture of Confederate soldiers outside the city. The incident, known as the Camp Jackson Affair, led to heightened tension between the two states. All along the border of Missouri, Union troops stood guard and prepared for a possible invasion, including troops stationed in Belleville. But the invasion never came, and most of the troops eventually went south to fight in the war. In October 1879, 14 years after the Civil War ended, a large military reunion was held in Belleville. Veterans from the War of 1812 to the Civil War came to hear generals William Sherman, Philip Sheridan, John A. Logan and Richard Oglesby speak. The fairgrounds were also utilized to create a mock battle for attendees of the reunion. Camp Koerner hosted only one regiment during its usage as a training camp, the 22nd Illinois Infantry. After the soldiers were fully trained, prepared and sent off, the site returned to its original and current use as a fairground. Remembering the history Jack LeChien, co-chair of the Gustave Koerner house committee, believes the Belle-Clair Fairground should install a descriptive plaque on its grounds to commemorate the history of the location. Belleville is 210 years old. Ive been involved in local preservation for 25 years, and that involves telling the story, LeChien said. If no one tells the story, then no one hears the story. We hope that the Public Building Commission, which oversees the fairgrounds, would consider a plaque that may be placed at the front door. Some place where people could stop and read it. A commemorative plaque for Camp Koerner already is displayed at the fairground, but the new plaque LeChien wants would do more to detail the history of the location. A plaque for Camp Koerner sits above the welcome desk at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds. The plaque is a historical marker, but it does not detail the history behind Camp Koerner. Jann Severit, director of the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds expo center, said the plaque would be welcomed. I think a plaque would be perfect for our building. Were renovating our buildings, and I think it would be another good addition, Severit said. St. Clair County purchased the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds for $2.3 million in 2022. The renovations are intended to revitalize the grounds while maintaining its familiar style and feel. It may also be used in times of crisis, such as future pandemics as it did during COVID-19 and temporary shelter during tragedies. Bill Reichert, architectural and planning advisor for the Public Building Commission in St. Clair, said he doesnt see any problems with the addition of a new plaque. LeChien plans to ask the commission for permission to build the new plaque. He said a good bronze plaque could cost between $4,000 and $5,000. Reichert said it may be around $2,000. Meanwhile, efforts to restore Koerners house at 200 Abend St. in Belleville continues into its second decade. About $300,000 has been spent on various parts of the house, most it raised through private fundraisers and grants. LeChien said when its fully renovated it will be turned into a small educational museum about Koerners life, political career and experiences with Lincoln. The police cordoned off the scene of the incident with tape. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa Berlin police conducted a series of raids on Thursday morning in connection with investigations into the international trade in weapons, authorities announced. About 150 officers were deployed as part of the searches in several districts across the city, a police spokesman said. He declined to provide further details of the police operation. "Berlin is and remains a hotspot for international criminal networks, this applies to drugs as well as to the trade in sharp weapons, which are distributed via the darknet or well-organized gangs," explained the head of the police union in Berlin, Stephan Weh, according to a statement on Thursday. Could terrorists or other bad actors use artificial intelligence to create a deadly pandemic? Scientists at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted an experiment to find out last year. Researchers asked a group of students, none of whom had specialized training in the life sciences, to use AI tools, such as OpenAIs ChatGPT-4, to develop a plan for how to start a pandemic. In just an hour, participants learned how to procure and synthesize deadly pathogens like smallpox in ways that evade existing biosecurity systems. AI cannot yet manufacture a national security crisis. As Jason Matheny at Rand reiterates, while biological know-how is becoming more widely accessible through AI, its not currently at a level that would substitute for a lack of biological research training. But as biotechnology becomes both more advanced -- think of Google DeepMinds AlphaFold, which uses AI to predict how molecular structures will interact -- policymakers are understandably worried that itll be increasingly easy to create a bioweapon. So theyre starting to take action to regulate the emerging AI industry. Their efforts are well-intentioned. But its critical that policymakers avoid focusing too narrowly on catastrophic risk and inadvertently hamstring the creation of positive AI tools that we need to tackle future crises. We should aim to strike a balance. AI tools have enormous positive potential. For instance, AI technologies like AlphaFold and RFdiffusion have already made large strides in designing novel proteins that could be used for medical purposes. The same sort of technologies can also be used for evil, of course. In a study published last year in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence, researchers demonstrated how the AI MegaSyn could generate 40,000 potential bioweapon chemicals in just six hours. Researchers asked the AI to identify molecules that are similar to VX, a highly lethal nerve agent. In some cases, MegaSyn devised compounds that were even more toxic. Its possible that bad actors could one day use such tools to engineer new pathogens far more contagious and deadly than any occurring in nature. Once a potential bioweapon is identified -- maybe with the help of AI -- a malicious actor could order a custom strand of DNA from a commercial provider, who would manufacture synthetic DNA in a lab and return it via mail. As experts at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University has posited, perhaps that strand of genetic material codes for a toxin or a gene that makes a pathogen more dangerous. Its even possible that a terrorist could evade detection by ordering small pieces of a dangerous genetic sequence, and then assemble a bioweapon from the component parts. Scientists frequently order synthesized DNA for projects like cancer and infectious disease research. But not all synthetic DNA providers screen orders or verify their customers. Closing such loopholes will help, but we cant regulate away all of the risk. Itd be wiser to beef up our defenses by investing in AI-enabled early-detection systems. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance program partners with airports nationwide to gather and analyze wastewater and nasal swab samples to catch pathogens as they enter our borders. Other systems are in place for tracking particular pathogens within cities and communities. But existing detection systems are likely not equipped for novel agents designed with AIs help. The U.S. intelligence community is already investing in AI-powered capabilities to defend against next-generation threats. IARPAs FELIX program, in partnership with private biotech firms, yielded first-in-class AI that can distinguish genetically engineered threats from naturally-occurring ones, and identify what has been changed and how.,A similar technology could be used for DNA synthesis screening -- with AI, we could employ algorithms that predict how novel combinations of genetic sequences might function. We have barely begun to tap the potential of AI to detect and protect against biological threats. In the case of a novel infectious disease, these systems have the power to determine how and when a pathogen has mutated. That can enable the speedy development of vaccines and treatments specifically tailored to new variants. AI can also help predict how a pathogen is likely to spread.For these technologies to play their vital role, leaders in Washington and around the world must take steps to build up our AI defenses. The best way to counter bad AI isnt no AI -- its good AI. Using AI to its full potential to protect against deadly pandemics and biological warfare demands an aggressive policy effort. Its time for policymakers to adapt. With adequate foresight and resources, we can get ahead of this new class of threats. Andrew Makridis is the former Chief Operating Officer of the CIA, the number-three position at the agency. Prior to his retirement from the CIA in 2022, he spent nearly four decades working in national security. According to 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly three in five teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021. Thats twice as many as that of teen boys. (Getty Images) You know this story. A girl was found dead on a bathroom floor in an emaciated to a skeletal state. Family members were charged with child neglect causing death. A government system continues to stonewall the media from getting answers. The governor says he is open to a special session to reexamine homeschooling policies to shore up holes in the safety net, so no other kids fall through. But for a moment, forget this story and remember the girl. Kyneddi Miller was 14 years old. From what weve learned from the criminal complaint, family members believed that she suffered for years from an eating disorder. They detailed clear and distinct physical problems that left her unable to physically function on her own for almost a week before her death. Family members said she had only been outside two times in four years and had not been to school since 2020. According to information provided by Gov. Jim Justices Chief of Staff, state troopers visited Kyneddis home in 2023 because a distant relative had called and expressed concern that she had not been seen in public for quite some time. Kyneddi told one of the troopers that she was afraid of COVID-19 and didnt want to be around others. While the past few months have been filled with ugly facts about child maltreatment and our states broken child welfare system, theres this quiet story about a broken girl struggling with mental illness. And the question remains that even if her mother had sought the health care she needed, would she have gotten it? Across the country, theres a mental health crisis among adolescent females. According to 2023 CDC data, nearly three in five teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021. Thats twice as many as that of teen boys. Across the country, emergency room visits for teenage girls spiked during the pandemic, rising 22% in the pandemics second year, while teen boys visits declined. According to researchers, the rise was associated with an increase in suicidal and self-harming behavior and with eating disorders. Here at home, during the second year of the pandemic, more than 3,000 kids went to West Virginia University Medicines emergency rooms for mental health care. In 2019, the number was a little more than 2,000. Thats a 62% increase in kids seeking emergency mental health care at the WVU Medicine hospitals, with the network adding eight emergency rooms in that time period. As any health care provider will tell you, most emergency rooms are no place for a kid in a mental health crisis. No West Virginia ER provides adolescent mental health care. They hold the kids in limbo for hours, days and even weeks until either a mental health care facility can take them, which could be hours away from home, or the parents give up and take them home, which often results in a call to child protective services. This lack of community mental health services has plagued our state for the past decade. Nine years ago, the U.S. Department of Justice investigated the system and reported their findings to then-Governor Tomblin in a letter that said, in part: We conclude that West Virginia fails to provide services to children with significant mental health conditions in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs in violation of the [Americans with Disabilities Act]. The State has needlessly segregated thousands of children far from family and other people important in their lives. With adequate services, the State could successfully treat these children in their homes and communities. The systemic failure to develop critical in-home and community-based mental health services also places children with mental health conditions who currently live in the community at risk of unnecessary institutionalization. This lack of community-based mental health services is why hundreds of West Virginias foster care kids wind up in out-of-state care or psychiatric hospitals because the state doesnt know where to put them. I know quite a bit about this problem because I watched it all unfold. Ten years ago, I helped draft and advocate for legislation to create a state strategic plan to improve our states adolescent mental health care. The bill stalled in Senate Finance because the state Department of Health and Human Resources saddled the bill with a $50,000 fiscal note to pay for one of their employees to oversee the work. The Senate Finance Committee chair refused to put the bill on the agenda because of the fiscal note. Ive thought a lot about that bill lately, and where we could be now as a state, addressing the health care crisis that took Kyneddis life, if the legislature had only prioritized child health enough to commit $50,000 to improve it. As this story continues to unfold, with reporters searching for answers and as state leadership looks for some sort of resolution to put this all to rest, we cant forget that at the heart of this big story is a little girl who needed mental health care and didnt get it. Now is the time to make our failing mental health care system, and its tangled relationship with the child welfare and foster care systems, a legislative priority. Its time to do the hard work and invest the resources. The post Beyond the big story: Theres not enough mental health care for WVs teen girls appeared first on West Virginia Watch. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Botswana Resident Representative Balazs Horvath addresses the 2nd Annual Botswana ESG (Environment, Sustainability and Governance) and Sustainable Finance Forum in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 19, 2024. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Bank have called on Botswana to allow the private sector to play a major role in the country's economic activities for rapid growth and development. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Bank have called on Botswana to allow the private sector to play a major role in the country's economic activities for rapid growth and development. Speaking at the 2nd Annual Botswana ESG (Environment, Sustainability and Governance) and Sustainable Finance Forum, held in the national capital of Gaborone Wednesday, the two development partners said Botswana needs to engage more with the private sector to address the country's sustainability challenges. UNDP Botswana Resident Representative Balazs Horvath said government authorities need to ensure that there is a balance between social and corporate objectives, citing that regulations and policies should be crafted to ensure that the private sector pursues profit models without trampling on social needs. "Having a very large portfolio of state-owned enterprises is very costly and keeps the companies afloat," said Horvath, calling for the private sector to be allowed to play a leading role in economic activities. Echoing the same sentiments, World Bank Country Representative Liang Wang said the country needs to shift from a public to a private sector-led economy, with ESG at the center of the transition. "There is a need for the government not to create more state-owned enterprises but allow the private sector to take the lead," said Wang, suggesting that the private sector needs to create value while the government guards against uncompetitive practices. He also highlighted that employment creation will be the mandate of the private sector. World Bank Country Representative Liang Wang addresses the 2nd Annual Botswana ESG (Environment, Sustainability and Governance) and Sustainable Finance Forum in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 19, 2024. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Bank have called on Botswana to allow the private sector to play a major role in the country's economic activities for rapid growth and development. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) Editor: WXL The Biden administration is taking the unprecedented step of banning US companies and citizens from using software made by a major Russian cybersecurity firm with a new prohibition on its sale because of national security concerns, Commerce Department Secretary Gina announced Thursday. The move uses relatively new Commerce Department authorities built on executive orders signed by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump to ban the sale and provision of software products by Russian firm, Kaspersky Lab, inside the US. Previously installed software from the company can continue to be used but it will not be possible to download updates. Thursdays announcement comes after CNN reported in April that the Biden administration was preparing to issue an order that would prevent US companies and citizens from using Kaspersky software. We are announcing that after an extremely thorough investigation, we are taking action which will prohibit Kaspersky Lab and all of its affiliates, subsidiaries and parent company from providing cyber security and anti-virus software anywhere in the United States, Raimondo told reporters. Were also adding three Kaspersky entities to the Entity List, which means that they wont be able to sell or update software in the US, she added. Russia has shown it has the capacity and even more than that, the intent, to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans and thats why we are compelled to take the action that were taking today. Its the latest move by the US government to block Americans from using popular technology that it considers a national security risk. Despite proposing a system in which the security of Kaspersky products could have been independently verified by a trusted third party, Kaspersky believes that the Department of Commerce made its decision based on the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kasperskys products and services, Kaspersky Lab said in a statement responding to the Commerce ruling. Kaspersky does not engage in activities which threaten US national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted US interests and allies. The company intends to pursue all legally available options to preserve its current operations and relationships. Following the Commerce Department announcement, on Friday the US Treasury imposed sanctions on 12 leaders of the firm for operating in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. The Treasury Department did not impose sanctions on the company itself, its parent or subsidiary companies, or its CEO, the Treasury Department said. Todays action against the leadership of Kaspersky Lab underscores our commitment to ensure the integrity of our cyber domain and to protect our citizens against malicious cyber threats, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement Friday. The United States will take action where necessary to hold accountable those who would seek to facilitate or otherwise enable these activities. US government agencies are already banned from using Kaspersky Lab software, but action to prevent private companies from using the software is unprecedented. US officials have for years alleged that the Russian government could force Kaspersky Lab to hand over data or use its anti-virus software to attempt to carry out hacking or surveillance of Americans accusations that Kaspersky Lab strenuously denies. Raimondo reiterated that concern during Thursdays announcement. While weve been exploring every option at our disposal, we ultimately decided that given the Russian governments continued offensive cyber capabilities and capacity to influence Kasperskys operations, that we have to take the significant measure of a full prohibition, if were going to protect Americans and their personal data, she told reporters. A Commerce Department official said Thursday that the agencys final determination implementing the ban does not identify any specific instances in which the Russian government has attempted to exploit Kaspersky or used the companys software for data collection. But we certainly believe that it is more than just a theoretical threat, the official added, noting the Commerce Departments new authorities allow it to act proactively, even in the absence of concrete examples. Founded in Moscow in 1997, Kaspersky Lab grew into one of the worlds most successful anti-virus software companies alongside American rivals like McAfee and Symantec. Kaspersky Labs researchers, recognized as top-tier in the cybersecurity industry, are known for analyzing hacking operations suspected of being carried out by a variety of governments including Russia, the US and Israel, but also cybercriminal threats that affect everyday users. Some of the speculation and suspicion from US officials about the Russian company centers around Eugene Kaspersky, a charismatic computer expert who co-founded Kaspersky Lab in Moscow in 1997. Eugene Kaspersky studied cryptography at a KGB-sponsored university a fact that some US lawmakers like to mention when trying to tie the company to Russian government. Kaspersky Lab has denied having any unethical ties or affiliations with any government, including Russia. Kaspersky served as a software engineer at a Russian Ministry of Defense institute after graduation, and that is the extent of his military experience, the company says. Kaspersky has lamented that his company is the victim of geopolitical tensions between the West and Russia tensions that have only grown sharper since the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This story has been with updated additional details and comment from Kaspersky Lab. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Biden administration is proposing new protections for old-growth forests, but stopping short of blocking all logging of the carbon-storing plants. The Forest Service on Thursday proposed to limit the culling of these mature trees in national forests, stoking ire from some in the timber industry and cheers from environmental groups. Studies have shown that old-growth trees store significant amounts of carbon dioxide making their protection important for fighting climate change. Our old growth forests breathe in carbon pollution, cleaning up the air, and filter our water, cleaning up rivers and streams. These forests are an essential partner in tackling climate change, national climate adviser Ali Zaidi said in a written statement. Todays action will help better inform the stewardship of the national forest system and strengthen our work to deploy nature-based solutions that improve the resilience of lands, waters, wildlife, and communities, he added. The administrations new proposal would restrict cutting in such places to cases where even with tree cutting, the area would still be considered old-growth forest. It would also require government land managers to take on proactive projects to bolster these forests. The American Forest Resource Council, a trade group representing timber companies in the western U.S., described the proposal as politically driven and said the administration should instead focus on the threat of wildfires. Instead of increasing bureaucracy and obstacles to active forest management, the Biden Administration should prioritize the implementation of its wildfire strategy that calls for more forest health treatments, said Travis Joseph, the groups president, in a written statement. Environmental advocates, meanwhile, said that the move represented a positive development. Conserving what remains of our oldest forests is undoubtedly a positive step towards climate action. We look forward to engaging in this process to ensure the amendment not only retains, but increases, the amount of old-growth forests across the country, said a written statement from Sierra Club forest campaign manager Alex Craven. The administration previously indicated in December that it would issue a proposal aimed at protecting the trees. The Forest Services website estimates that the agency could finalize the proposal around the beginning of 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. Biden campaign picks right-side podium for CNN debate, Trump will have the last word President Joe Biden won the coin toss to secure a podium position on the right side of the stage during the CNN debate next week, but by doing so gave Donald Trump the final closing statement of the 90-minute matchup. According to CNN, the coin landed on tails -- the side chosen by the Biden campaign. The team then got to choose between podium placement or the order of closing arguments, picking to have Biden be on the right side of television and other screens but deliver his closing statement first. Trump's podium will be on the left side, and will have the last word by delivering his closing statement after Biden. The 90-minute CNN debate, starting at 9 p.m. ET, will take place on June 27 in Atlanta. It is the first of two debates between Biden and Trump, the second taking place on Sept. 10 and hosted by ABC News. The CNN debate is being simulcast on ABC and ABC News Live with pre-coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET on the network and 7 p.m ET on ABCNL. MORE: Biden heads to Camp David to prepare for 1st presidential debate with Trump Earlier this week, other rules were announced by CNN such as muting the candidates microphone unless it is their turn to speak and allowing no props, only pen, paper and a bottle of water. There will be no opening statements, two commercial breaks and no studio audience. Biden and Trump will be given two minutes to answer questions posed by moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, followed by one minute each to respond and rebut. There will be a red light flashing to indicate to candidates they have five seconds remaining of their allotted time. When their time is over, the light will turn solid red. PHOTO: Joe Biden speaks, as President Donald Trump, left, listens during the U.S. presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, Oct. 22, 2020. (Morry Gash/AP/Bloomberg via Getty Images) With exactly a week to go until the debate, both campaigns are beginning to prepare. President Biden will huddle at Camp David with former chief of staff Ron Klain and other longtime advisers and aides. Trump is holding policy meetings with advisers and congressional allies on issues like immigration, the economy and democracy. Hell also campaign in Philadelphia over the weekend and attend fundraisers next week. MORE: Trump meets with advisers, policy experts ahead of next weeks debate with Biden Biden and Trump will be the only candidates on stage after the qualification window closed at midnight, CNN said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent, fell short of meeting the networks polling and ballot access requirements. He called his exclusion from the stage undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly. ABC News' Isabella Murray and Will McDuffie contributed to this report. Biden campaign picks right-side podium for CNN debate, Trump will have the last word originally appeared on abcnews.go.com With a week to go until the first presidential debate, President Joe Biden heads to Camp David on Thursday to prepare for his critical matchup with former President Donald Trump. The famous rustic retreat in the Maryland mountains has hosted many debate boot camps during election years, and Biden hopes to make the most of its secluded setting in the days before heading to the June 27 debate hosted by CNN in Atlanta. Moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the debate will run for approximately 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. It is the first of two scheduled between the candidates -- the second of which will be hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10. MORE: 1st Biden-Trump debate will include microphone muting, coin flip and more In what will be the first real showdown between the two this election cycle, the face-off could potentially shift the narrative for both candidates and each is looking to attract undecided voters in what is expected to be a very tight race. The campaign said Biden is preparing ways to hold Trump accountable on the debate stage for his track record and remarks he has made on topics from reproductive rights to the economy -- including his comment that he'll be a dictator on "day one." Though Biden is preparing for all scenarios, some Biden advisors said they believe Trump will be a more disciplined version of himself on stage. Sources familiar with the Biden teams planning also said they believe that Trump is preparing more than hes letting on. Unlike in 2020, Biden's 2024 duties as president will take away some of the time he has for debate prep, meaning much of it will be confined to the days immediately beforehand, officials said. PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden. (Getty Images/Reuters) Biden has just completed a whirlwind couple of weeks that included two foreign trips and hosting two major fundraisers -- all while dealing with the emotional fallout from his son, Hunter Biden's, recent conviction on felony gun charges. According to a campaign official, Ron Klain, Biden's former chief of staff, is leading the debate preparations. Other senior campaign aides and longtime advisers, including Cedric Richmond, a former White House aide and current campaign co-chair, will also be on hand. This won't be Klain's first time in a leading role. In addition to assisting Biden in his 2020 debate prep, he led Hillary Clinton's preparation in 2016, Barack Obama's in 2008 and 2012 and John Kerry's in 2004. PHOTO: President Joe Biden, right, shakes hands with Ron Klain, former White House chief of staff, during a chief of staff transition event in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 1, 2023, in Washington. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE) In 2020, Biden said his debate prep strategy involved "going over what [Trump] has said and multiple lies he's told," in an interview with NBC News. This year, Biden's debate prep could look similar with his facing the same opponent. Biden will be aiming to hold Trump accountable for not only his administration's track record, but also comments Trump has made on the campaign trail on topics ranging from reproductive rights to the economy, to perceived threats of political violence, to what Biden campaign officials say are his efforts to undermine the judicial system. MORE: How do voters feel about the Biden-Trump debates? And will they make a difference? He is also expected to continue the "punchier" -- more pointed -- remarks he has used to attack the former president as of late, campaign officials said. Biden has taken to half-jokingly slamming Trump for suggesting that disinfectants could be used to treat coronavirus. "Remember when he was trying to deal with COVID, he said just inject a little bleach in your veins," Biden said after at North America's Building Trades Unions National Legislative Conference in April. "He missed it. It all went to his hair." PHOTO: President Joe Biden reacts to questions from reporters during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in the Oval Office of the White House, June 17, 2024, in Washington. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters) At a recent fundraiser in Los Angeles with former President Obama, after moderator Jimmy Kimmel asked the president if his recent trip to Italy -- which included a visit with the pope -- was to "restore the soul of America" because it seemed like the country needed an "exorcism," Biden jokingly replied "Yeah." Trump and his campaign have been pushing the narrative that Biden is in the midst of a "cognitive decline." They've seized on a misleading video from his trip to France to mark the the 80th anniversary of D-Day where they falsely claimed the president "froze." If elected, Biden would be 86 when he completed his second term, the oldest president ever to serve. MORE: Biden, Trump agree to ABC News and CNN debates His poll numbers show him neck-and-neck in key battleground states with Trump, according to 538's polling average -- and he must perform well to quell voter doubts. Separately, in the lead-up to the debate, the Biden campaign has focused on slamming Trump over his 34 felony convictions in his New York hush-money trial. They've labeled this November as an election between a "convicted criminal" and a "president who's fighting for your family" in a new ad that's a part of a $50 million June paid media campaign. Biden heads to Camp David to prepare for 1st presidential debate with Trump originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President Joe Biden has jumped ahead of former President Donald Trump in a Fox News poll of a hypothetical matchup between the two for the first time since October, a shift since Trump was convicted on all counts in his Manhattan hush money trial. The Fox News poll found 50% of surveyed voters would cast their ballots for Biden while 48% would do so for Trump in a two-way race. Thats a 3 percentage point shift since the networks last poll in May, where Trump led Biden 49% to 48%. The results are within the margin of error. But its the first time Biden has polled ahead of Trump since October 2023 in a Fox News survey and comes amid other signs the former presidents trial may have left a lasting impression on voters before the two men take the debate stage in Atlanta next week. A jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to the porn star Stormy Daniels last month, the first time an American president has been convicted of felony crimes. Biden and Trump are set to face off in Atlanta during a CNN debate next week. AP Photo, File Biden himself has had some political wins and some struggles in recent weeks. His son Hunter Biden was found guilty of illegally owning a gun earlier this month. But the Biden administration is gaining ground for the presidents work to stimulate the economy. About a third of respondents told Fox News they felt good or excellent about the economy, the highest point in Bidens presidency. The poll had several other notable findings. Independent voters surveyed by Fox News favored Biden by 9 percentage points. In May, the demographic favored Trump by 2 points, a dramatic shift. The underlying demographic tendencies that have defined the race remain in place, Daron Shaw, a Republican pollster who conducts the surveys with a Democratic colleague, told Fox News. Biden has improved slightly with women and seniors, which keeps him afloat despite significant reductions from 2020 in support from younger voters and African Americans. Biden also leads in a potential five-way matchup when independent candidates are included, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jill Stein and Cornel West. Forty-three percent of respondents said they would vote for the president while 42% opted for Trump. The Fox News survey polled 1,100 registered voters around the country with a margin of error of 3%. Related... President Joe Biden can celebrate some good news for his re-election campaign a new Fox News poll finds the incumbent enjoying the support of 50% of potential voters and a two point lead of Donald Trump. Surveys taken in late 2023 and early 2024 had shown Trump overperforming other Republicans with a narrow but stubborn lead; that seems to have evaporated as positive views of the economy inch up. Last month, Trump was ahead of Biden by 1%; in March, he was up by 5%. The results also show a swing in Bidens favor with other candidates included: In May, Trump led the pack by three points, while Biden is now up by one. The decisive shift towards Biden came from independents, who in May favored Trump by two points but now prefer Biden by nine. While independents are evenly divided on whether leadership (59%) and integrity (58%) are extremely important in their decision, they are more likely to say that Biden has integrity (+23) while describing Trump as being a strong leader (+11). Biden and Trumps core constituencies remain mostly loyal, with the former president holding a strong lead among men (+15), rural voters (+17), white men without a degree (+30), and white evangelical Christians (+46). Biden matches that with backing from women (+17), urban voters (+23), white women with a college degree (+28), Black voters (+43) and more surprisingly, voters aged 65 and over (+15). Bidens 73% support among Black voters, however, is below the 79% he had in a Fox poll just before the 2020 election and the 91% he won in the election itself. The Fox News survey, which had a 3-point margin of error, interviewed a sample of 1,095 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file by landline, cellphone, and online survey. It was the first conducted by the media organization since a New York jury convicted Trump on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. Five percent of surveyed voters told Fox that Trumps conviction caused them to switch to Biden, while 4% said that Hunter Bidens conviction for illegally purchasing a gun led them to support Trump. Two-thirds of respondents said the economy is extremely important issue. Though only 32% of all respondents say that the economy is in excellent or good shape, thats the highest number in Bidens presidency so far in a Fox News poll. Moreover, a majority of Americans (59%) say that they are either getting ahead or holding steady when it comes to personal finances. Voters still trust Trump more on the economy, by five points, but thats narrower than the 13-point advantage he enjoyed in May. There's another full moon coming. It's June's moon, called the Strawberry Moon, and it's going to be special. For the first time since 1985, the full moon lands right on the summer solstice, marking the official beginning of summer with the longest day of the year. The moon will be very low on the horizon, especially for a few hours right after midnight, and the thick air will paint it yellow or orange in a mostly black sky, according to the Farmers' Almanac. Heres a closer look at what Augusta-area residents need to know about this outer space phenomenon and its history: FILE - Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon of June does not actually appear pink or red, but this year's may appear yellow or orange. Why is it called the Strawberry Moon? June's Strawberry Moon is not an indication of its color. It takes its name from seasonal plant growth, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Many ripening berries were ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States. Other names for June's full moon from Native American tribes include the Birth Moon, Hot Moon, Blooming Moon, and the Green Corn Moon. LGBTQ support: To make a difference this Pride Month, here are some Georgia nonprofits fighting for LGBTQ issues that need help When is the best time to see the Strawberry Moon? The Strawberry Moon will shine at peak illumination on Friday, June 21. According to the Time and Date, moonrise for the Augusta area will be about 8:53 p.m. June 21 crossing the meridian at 1:41 a.m. before setting at 6:28 a.m. June 22. Where is the best spot for seeing the Strawberry Moon? It's always best to get as far away from the city as possible when you want a good view of an astronomical event. During last year's blue supermoon, The Augusta Chronicle spoke with stargazing experts to identify some of Georgia's best spots for looking up at the sky. Here's what they recommended: Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen Brasstown Bald in Hiawassee Sandy Creek Park in Athens Deerlick Astronomy Village in Crawfordville When is the next full moon of 2024? The Buck Moon is set to charge into the sky on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Almanac Embedded content: https://www.almanac.com/sites/default/files/styles/or/public/image_nodes/full-moon-names-padding-2400px.png?itok=EXGfrJUC Astronomical events happening in June 2024 Skywatchers, according to NASA, should keep the following dates in mind for June 2024. June 21: Full moon. June 24: Jupiter is now visible low in the east before sunrise. Look for the bright planet around 10 degrees above the horizon this final week of June, forming a line with Mars and Saturn that stretches toward the south. June 27: Look for the Moon rising in the east with Saturn around midnight. By dawn this morning, you'll find them high in the southern sky. They appear super close together close enough to appear in the same field of view through binoculars. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Rare strawberry moon, summer solstice over Augusta on Friday, June 21 By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Philanthropist Melinda French Gates has given Democratic incumbent Joe Biden her first ever U.S. presidential endorsement, citing his support for reproductive rights among other issues. Gates this year left the charitable foundation she co-founded with her former husband, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, with $12.5 billion for her own charity work. She said the contrast between Biden and former President Donald Trump, his Republican rival in the Nov. 5 election, "couldn't be greater, and the stakes couldn't be higher." "Women deserve a leader who cares about the issues they face and is committed to protecting their safety, their health, their economic power, their reproductive rights, and their ability to freely and fully participate in a functioning democracy," she wrote on social media platform X on Thursday. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated about $1.8 million in the 2020 election, most of it to Democrats. In a CNN opinion piece on Thursday, Gates elaborated further, saying Trump's first term in office endangered the health of women, their safety and freedom. "And he deliberately appointed Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade, which resulted in a decision with far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for women and families," her CNN piece added. The court in 2022 overturned the 50-year-old ruling guaranteeing the right to an abortion and ushered in a string of restrictive state measures. Three justices appointed by Trump were in the 5-4 majority. The Trump campaign had no immediate comment. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Howard Goller) Biloxi couple accused in death of their 5-month-old Editors Note: This story has been updated with the correct age of the victim. BILOXI, Miss. (WKRG) A Biloxi couple is accused in the death of their 5-month-old, according to a police department news release. The Biloxi Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious death just before 1 p.m. on June 13 at Merit Health Hospital. Fourth arrest made in MJ Daniels shooting death When officers arrived, hospital staff members informed them that 20-year-old Summer Rose Hill of Biloxi and 21-year-old Takavian Keivon Gibbs of Biloxi arrived at the emergency room with their dead 5-month-old child. Upon initial examination, medical staff found several injuries the child suffered that were consistent with abuse, according to the BPD news release. Police arrested Hill and Gibbs and charged them with child abuse. They were each issued a $500,000 bond. An autopsy was performed on the childs body on Tuesday, June 18. It revealed the childs cause of death was blunt force trauma. Contractor mishap causes 8,000 gallons of sewage to overflow in Fairhope Officials then ruled the childs death a homicide. Hill is now charged with capital murder with no bond. Gibbs charges have not been upgraded at this time. BPD said the investigation remains active, and more charges are possible. News 5 will provide updates 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 WKRG News 5. Staff members make preparation for the 2024 World Intelligence Expo at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 18, 2024. The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from June 20 to 23, aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event will include 10 themed exhibition areas covering the fields of AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. Multiple international organizations and institutions will participate in the event, competing in robotics and intelligent driving challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) TIANJIN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from June 20 to 23, aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide, according to a news conference on Wednesday. The expo will be co-hosted by north China's Tianjin Municipality and southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, combining two events formerly known as the World Intelligence Congress in Tianjin and the Smart China Expo in Chongqing. The AI event aims to create a global platform for academic innovation, exhibitions, competitions and investment promotion in the field of intelligent technology. It will attract leading enterprises, renowned research institutions and top universities. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event will include 10 themed exhibition areas covering the fields of AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. Multiple international organizations and institutions will participate in the event, competing in robotics and intelligent driving challenges. Both Tianjin and Chongqing have stepped up efforts to boost their AI industries in recent years. Tianjin saw the revenue of its AI industry exceed 300 billion yuan (about 41.4 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023. And in Chongqing, industries related to intelligent connected vehicles and new energy vehicles are rapidly forming trillion-yuan clusters, according to local authorities. The two municipalities will alternate to host the World Intelligence Expo in the future. Staff members make preparation for the 2024 World Intelligence Expo at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 18, 2024. The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from June 20 to 23, aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event will include 10 themed exhibition areas covering the fields of AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. Multiple international organizations and institutions will participate in the event, competing in robotics and intelligent driving challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) A staff member (L) makes preparation for the 2024 World Intelligence Expo at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 18, 2024. The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from June 20 to 23, aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event will include 10 themed exhibition areas covering the fields of AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. Multiple international organizations and institutions will participate in the event, competing in robotics and intelligent driving challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) A staff member makes preparation for the 2024 World Intelligence Expo at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 18, 2024. The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from June 20 to 23, aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event will include 10 themed exhibition areas covering the fields of AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. Multiple international organizations and institutions will participate in the event, competing in robotics and intelligent driving challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Staff members make preparation for the 2024 World Intelligence Expo at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 18, 2024. The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from June 20 to 23, aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event will include 10 themed exhibition areas covering the fields of AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. Multiple international organizations and institutions will participate in the event, competing in robotics and intelligent driving challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Staff members make preparation for the 2024 World Intelligence Expo at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 18, 2024. The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from June 20 to 23, aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event will include 10 themed exhibition areas covering the fields of AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. Multiple international organizations and institutions will participate in the event, competing in robotics and intelligent driving challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Editor: JYZ Indiana officials said the state doesnt have confirmed cases of H5N1 infections in cows or humans yet. (Photo from U.S. Department of Agriculture) As avian flu continues to spread to dairy cows across the United States, Hoosier officials said farmers are keeping a close eye on their herds, but animal testing mostly remains optional. So far, scores of dairy farm cows in 12 states including Michigan and Ohio have been infected with H5N1, also known as bird flu, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The disease has also jumped to at least three farm workers among the nations first confirmed cases ever of a human getting infected by the virus. Indiana officials said the state doesnt have confirmed cases of H5N1 infections in cows or humans yet. Detecting bird flu in Indiana cows might not be as efficient as in other states, however. Hoosier dairy farmers dont have an obligation to test their cows in part because some farmers may not want to self-report cases. Denise Derrer Spears, a spokesperson with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), said the agency has offered dairy producers the opportunity to be a pilot state in the federal governments voluntary herd testing program, but no producers showed interest in participating. Currently, Indiana is not enrolled in the program. BOAH has hosted multiple dairy industry briefing calls and has heard from producers they are concerned about the disease and are seeking information on ways to prevent introduction of the virus to their farms, Spears said. This is all new to dairy farmers. We are working with them and the veterinary community to help them ramp up their preparedness efforts. Tracking the virus Avian flu is most commonly found in wild and farm birds worldwide, with periodic outbreaks occurring in other mammals, according to the CDC. H5N1, a particular strain of bird flu, periodically flares up more expansively. It was cited for causing more than 100 million bird deaths globally in 2022 and has been detected in dozens of species of mammals. In the United States, the virus has been detected in more than 200 different mammals, including cats, goats and raccoons. (Graphic from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) The virus most often gets transmitted when one animal eats or comes in contact with feces and saliva from an infected animal. But bird flu viruses rarely infect humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), from 2003 through April 1 of this year, 23 countries reported a total of 889 human cases of H5N1. Federal health officials said the most common symptoms in people include eye redness (conjunctivitis), respiratory difficulties, fever, cough, sore throat and pneumonia. The first known case of transmission to a human in the United States was documented in 2022. The second known case was reported in March 2024, in a dairy farm worker in Texas. A third case involving a dairy worker in Michigan was confirmed in late May. Despite cases in neighboring states, Indiana currently only requires testing of lactating dairy cattle that are moving across state lines, per the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) federal order issued on April 29. Spears said Indiana has not opted to mandate testing at this time because we have not had any positive cases. We know dairy farmers and veterinarians are aware and watching for clinical signs, because we have heard from them with questions and subsequent tests have not been positive, she said. Spears noted that more than 750 tests have been run on cattle moving out of Indiana to other states since April 29. But she said Indiana does not have a good accounting of how many tests have occurred overall, given that only non-negative tests are reported to BOAH. The state agency has been dealing actively with the current strain of H5N1 off and on since 2022, Spears continued. She said BOAH works closely with the poultry sector on awareness, biosecurity, prevention and preparedness. They are very ready to respond and we are here to support and coordinate that response, Spears said, adding that BOAH has long worked to encourage good preventive measures for all types of diseases on all livestock and poultry farms through good biosecurity and having a relationship with a private veterinarian. Hoosier poultry remains mostly unaffected Throughout the states poultry population, Hoosier outbreak reports have totaled just 12 since 2022. Most involved turkey flocks; four involved duck flocks. Indianas poultry industry group says thats because the states well-prepared system has largely kept the disease away from bird livestock. The countrys poultry disease regulations date back to almost a century ago. It came after disease ravaged farmers hatcheries. Hobart Creighton, of Warsaw-based egg producer Creighton Brothers, was among the farmers asking the USDA to implement a cooperative regulatory program, according to Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) President Rebecca Joniskan. The National Poultry Improvement Plan launched in 1935. It sets standards like for testing used to keep tabs on the health of the countrys poultry breeding stock, hatchery, and poultry products, according to ISPAs website. ISPA administers the plan for Indiana, in concert with the USDA and BOAH. Joniskan said poultry producers partake in a 365-day surveillance program, outbreak or not. When disease strikes, they test more. The plan dictates some testing, and some, per Joniskan, the board requires. After another deadly outbreak in 2015 and 2016, poultry producers and the National Poultry Improvement Plan office in 2018 agreed to step up their anti-disease efforts. The spread of that disease was largely due to biosecurity breaches, you know, from feed trucks or even the UPS delivery truck people, Joniskan said. We looked at that situation, learned from that situation, and said, We can make this better.' Biosecurity efforts, she said, focus on the threshold between inside and outside. As we go into a barn, we have what we call our line of separation,' Joniskan said. We just try to be really careful about how we move across that threshold. Farmers, she said, typically change into dedicated outfits when they enter: protective boots, gloves, coveralls, and so on. Visitors might receive disposable barriers. An exit is followed by a load of laundry or a trip to the trash. Its made a difference. Somewhere between 80% to 85% of the incidents today are being caused by introduction of the disease directly to the farm by a wild bird or some other wild animal, and that only in 15% to 20% of the cases can (epidemiologists) show that there was actually a biosecurity breach, Joniskan said. Wed really like to see this disease go away, but were pleased to see that the efforts, the money and time that has been invested in biosecurity has really paid off, in large part. Risk to humans still low Spears said one of the challenges of being proactive now and keeping the avian flu from spreading to dairy cows is the difficulty of preventing the virus at farms when its spread by wild, migratory waterfowl. There is no fool-proof way to eliminate all possible exposures to that reservoir, she said. Meanwhile, we are learning more about how the H5N1 virus behaves in cattle vs. poultry. The disease manifests itself very differently, and the risk of spread is different. We are working to educate farmers and work with their veterinarians to advise them on the latest information and how to protect their herds. Poultry will die very quickly from the virus that will spread very rapidly through the flock, she continued. That warrants a much different response at the farm level from cattle, where the virus will make the cow sick, but the animal generally recovers in a few days. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US That means control of spread once it affects a farm is very different, Spears said. BOAH has a response plan for additional area surveillance should we have a test-positive case in cattle. Still, scientists and state officials emphasize that the risk of bird flu becoming a human virus is minimal. The CDC additionally continues to describe the current risk to the general public from bird flu viruses as low. Agricultural officials said they wont start monitoring dairy workers for bird flu until the first cow infection is confirmed in the state. Lisa Welch, a spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Health said the agency has a robust influenza surveillance system, and that IDOH collaborates with BOAH when H5N1 is detected in animal populations. She said, too, that protocols are in place for monitoring and testing anyone exposed to avian influenza, and for those developing symptoms after exposure to the virus. IDOH works closely in collaboration with local health departments and clinicians to coordinate any testing at the IDOH laboratory and is prepared to test any Indiana resident who develops symptoms after exposure to an infected herd in Indiana, Welch said. The post As bird flu continues to spread, Indiana holds off on mandatory dairy cattle testing appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle. (PUEBLO, Colo.) Black Hills Energy said it is requesting a rate review from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the first time in eight years to adjust them for rising costs. Black Hills Energy said the costs for providing services for over 100,000 customers in Pueblo, Canon City, Rocky Ford, and surrounding areas have increased. The rate review would cover system costs already incurred by Black Hills Energy and the needed infrastructure investment and operating costs, along with competitive pay and benefits for the local employees who keep the system running. According to Black Hills Energy, over several months the PUC will evaluate the proposal along with hearing from intervening parties and consider public comment before making its decision. If approved by PUC, Black Hills Energys request would increase the average monthly bill for residential customers by about $20 per month and could go into effect in March 2025. We are very mindful of cost impacts to our customers which is why we have avoided seeking a rate update for eight years, said Campbell Hawkins, Black Hills Energys vice president of Colorado Utilities. We know that higher costs for everythingfrom groceries to gasoline to monthly energy billsare a topic of conversation in the communities we serve. We recognize the impact that bill increases have on our customers and were here to help. More information, support to help use less energy and pay bills, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on Black Hills Energys 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 FOX21 News Colorado. Black Morehouse Doctor Found Dead in Her Home, Her Alleged Killer Will Infuriate You Dr. Samantha Woolery (center) was awarded the 2023 Morehouse Intern of the Year Award in June. - Screenshot: @msmsurgeryresidents on Instagram Just weeks before she was set to fulfill the dream of becoming a doctor that she had when she came from Jamaica, Samantha Woolerys colleagues went looking for her when she didnt show up for work on the morning of June 16. When they visited her Marietta, Ga. apartment they found Banton-Woolerys body with large lacerations on her back, neck, and shoulder. A bloody machete was also found near Woolerys bed, Fox 5 reported. The next day, Woolerys ex-husband, Mickey Woolery, 49, was arrested and charged in connection to her murder. According to police, door camera footage caught Mickey walking away from her apartment covered in blood the night before her body was discovered. Also, a bloody fingerprint matching Mickey puts him at the scene of the crime. Mickey Woolery, suspect in Dr. Samantha Woolerys murder - Screenshot: Hamilton County Sheriffs Office Mickey was later apprehended in Indiana at the familys home after allegedly attempting to flee from officers. He was charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, perAtlanta News First. Woolery, 42, was set to start her surgical residency at Grady Memorial Hospital through the Morehouse School of Medicine on July 1. She was the recipient of the 2023 Surgery Intern of the Year and loved by many. On June 17, the Morehouse School of Medicine released a Facebook statement saying: Dr. Woolerys dedication to advancing health equity and her compassionate care for patients made a significant impact on our community. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all. Dr. Woolerys best friend, Mfoniso Ekpo, described her as love and light and generosity. The pair met while Dr. Woolery was completing her doctorate degree. The Morehouse Surgical Residents Instagram account also shared a post in memory of Dr. Woolery. Samantha was a beautiful soul. Her voice soft, yet outspoken. She loved and nurtured each of us as a mother. She fed us at every opportunity she had. An educator. The hardest worker in any room, always striving to be her best, the post reads Woolery and Mickey shared two teenage children. The oldest, 18-year-old Naeema, toldAtlanta News Firstit felt like my heart got ripped out of my chest after receiving the call of her mothers death. Naeema said she kind of had an idea that her father was involved in her mothers murder but didnt want to believe it. She asks for prayers and privacy for her and her 14-year-old brother during this time. We lost both parents, she said. Naeema has also set up a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of her mothers funeral. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Here's a line you can use at the pool or beach this weekend: "Yep, it's climate change." The deadly heat wave that scorched much of North America in early May and early June and is still baking the central and eastern U.S. was made 35 times more likely because of human-caused climate change, a scientific study released Thursday says. The heat wave has killed at least 125 people and led to thousands of heatstroke cases in Mexico, where the heat was particularly intense. Scientists say heat waves will continue to intensify if the world continues to unleash climate-warming emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The study was done by World Weather Attribution, an international collaboration of scientists that studies the influence of climate change on extreme weather events. Deadly and record-breaking heat "Potentially deadly and record-breaking temperatures are occurring more and more frequently in the U.S., Mexico and Central America due to climate change," said study co-author Izidine Pinto, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. The results of our study should be taken as another warning that our climate is heating to dangerous levels," he said. The study focused on the Southwest U.S. and Mexico, as well as Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras, where temperatures were also extreme. The heat has not been confined to the Americas: May this year was the hottest May on record globally and the 12th month in a row a hottest-month record was broken. How a heat dome has played a part According to the World Weather Attribution group, the area has been underneath a large and lingering region of high pressure known as a heat dome, which occurs when hot air is trapped close to the ground and further heated under blue skies and sunshine. "Whilst heat domes have a well-known mechanism for intensifying heat waves, these past weeks have seen records broken in both daytime and nighttime temperatures in several countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and in the southwestern US," the group said in a statement. They also noted that a heat wave such as this one is four times more likely to occur today than it was in the year 2000. Unsurprisingly, heat waves are getting deadlier," study co-author Friederike Otto of Imperial College London said. Otto added that since 2000, in just 24 years, June heat waves in North and Central America have become 1.4 degrees hotter, exposing millions more people to dangerous heat. This composite illustration from NASA, using satellite observations and temperature records, shows the maximum air temperatures at 6.5 feet above ground on June 6, as an early summer heat wave delivered record-breaking temperatures. NASA says such heat waves are becoming more frequent. What do others say? Brett Anderson, AccuWeather climate expert and senior meteorologist, said "climate change is clearly playing a role in enhancing this warming." "As we continue to put more and more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, these types of extreme heat and drought conditions across the Southwest and Mexico will almost certainly become more common and perhaps even the norm by the end of this century or even much earlier," Anderson said in an e-mail to USA TODAY. University of Southern California marine studies chair Carly Kenkel, who wasnt part of the attribution teams study, told the Associated Press the analysis is the logical conclusion based on the data. Were looking at a shifting baseline what was once extreme but rare is becoming increasingly common. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eye-popping data details climate change's drastic impact on heat wave MH-6 Little Birds belonging to the U.S. Armys elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), better known as the Night Stalkers, are now flying in a multi-tone blue camouflage scheme, as seen during recent deck landing training with a U.S. Navy destroyer. This underscores the renewed importance of the maritime domain to the U.S. special operations community as it works to ensure its relevance in potential high-end fights, especially one against China in the Pacific, after decades of counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations. The War Zone previously highlighted this manifestation of the famed units change in focus when the blue scheme first emerged on a Night Stalker MH-60 Black Hawk last year. U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) posted pictures showing at least two blue-painted MH-6s training with the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) on social media earlier today, which was brought to our attention by @thenewarea51 on X, a friend of The War Zone. At least one Little Bird in the 160ths standard overall black paint scheme is also seen in the images. USASOAC has described the helicopters as MH-6Ms, but they have six-bladed main rotors. This is something that has been identified in the past as a component of the latest Block III Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB) configuration, now also known as the R variant. A pair of MH-6Ms wearing the blue camouflage scheme fly past the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Bainbridge, identifiable by its hull number. USASOAC The Night Stalkers currently operate a mix of M and R variant Little Birds configured as either MH-6s or AH-6s. MH-6s are small assault transports with planks on either side for operators to ride on and the Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES). AH-6s are light attack helicopters capable of carrying various missiles, rockets, and guns. Both configurations use the same underlying helicopter, and MH-6s can be readily converted to AH-6s and vice versa. A Night Stalker MH-6M in the units standard overall black paint scheme comes in to land on the USS Bainbridge during the recent deck landing training. USASOAC MH-6M helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment conduct deck landing training aboard a US Navy ship, the USASOAC post on X reads. 160th SOAR pilots and crews regularly train for operations on unique platforms, in diverse environments, at any time. Pictures of Night Stalker Little Birds with the new blue paint jobs first emerged earlier this year. This followed the appearance of an MH-60 from the 160th wearing the scheme at Pryor Field Airport in Alabama in September 2023. What is likely the same Black Hawk has since been spotted elsewhere. 160th SOAR(A) MH-6Ms are now also utilizing the maritime wrap schemes. https://t.co/bxQatsGUfE pic.twitter.com/dv7a6an41f Air Superior (@airsuperiorx) May 3, 2024 Details about the blue camouflage scheme, its origins, and how widely the Night Stalkers expect to make use of it remain scant. It has been suggested that the paint job may be a product of Project Genesis, an internal innovation challenge the U.S. Armys special operations aviation community held in 2022. ARSOA [Army Special Operations Aviation] has launched Project Genesis a 120-day challenge where every Night Stalker has the opportunity to submit ideas (paper-thin) and compete to be one of five finalists to live-pitch their idea or solution to a panel of past and present Night Stalkers and possibly see their idea make its way onto an aircraft, into a hangar, or incorporated into a support office, according to an article in the June 2022 edition of Army Aviation Magazine. The War Zone has reached out to the US Army for more information. A picture of the Night Stalker MH-60 Black Hawk wearing the blue camouflage scheme at Pryor Field Airport last year. Pryor Field Airport Authority The U.S. militarys focus on preparing for a possible high-end conflict against China in the Pacific has put new emphasis on training for operations in and around maritime environments. There is also the growing potential of the highly strategic Arctic, where the maritime domain is particularly important, becoming a major flashpoint. After focusing on counter-terrorism and other lower-intensity missions in the Middle East and Afghanistan for the past 20 years or so, the U.S. special operations community has been working to reorient itself to this new security paradigm. This includes the Night Stalkers, who notably highlighted how the unique capabilities they offer could be utilized in maritime and Arctic operations in a demonstration in and around Alaska last August. That included deck landing training with the Navys San Antonio class amphibious warship USS John P. Murtha in the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russia, another one of Americas chief global competitors. A pair of MH-60Ms from the 160th SOAR come in to land on the deck of the USS John P. Murtha off the coast of Alaska in September 2023. USN A pair of MH-60Ms from the 160th SOAR come in to land on the deck of the USS John P. Murtha. USN The importance of the maritime domain extends beyond the Pacific and the Arctic, too, as underscored by the campaign that Iranian-backed Houthi militants are continuing to wage against commercial ships and foreign naval vessels in and around the Red Sea. Waterways in Europe, especially the strategic Baltic Sea and Black Sea have taken on new significance since Russia launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The 160th SOAR already has a long history of conducting maritime operations in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. The Night Stalkers regularly train to conduct a host of missions in over-water environments, including getting special operators onto the decks of hostile or otherwise non-cooperative vessels. Complex and demanding operations, often involving flights over very long distances in unforgiving conditions and at night, are the units specialty. The 160th is also well known for experimenting with new or unusual helicopters (or unique configurations of standard types), weapons, and other systems, as well as tactics, techniques, and procedures. Taking it to the deck and getting in your bounces during SOATB basic mission "Green Platoon" training. Ship operations are part of initial Black Hawk, Chinook, and Little Bird qualification. Discover more at https://t.co/sXuvsh1mt3 pic.twitter.com/MP5j6A2OIa Go160thSOAR (@Go160thSoar) June 22, 2021 On an operational level, it is worth noting that the 160ths Little Birds offer unique capabilities given how small and maneuverable they are, which are applicable to maritime operations, as well as ones over land. Their size, in particular, means they can be loaded into various aircraft and embarked on ships that otherwise might not be able to accommodate larger helicopters. It is your streetfighter, Paul Kylander, Little Bird program manager with U.S. Special Operations Commands larger PEO-RW office, told The War Zone and other attendees at the SOF Week conference in May. Ive heard it said multiple times that this still continues to be the most effective platform to get a set of operators to like to a rooftop. The Night Stalkers Little Bird fleet is currently experiencing what has been described as a resurrection following the Armys decision to cancel its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. The expectation had previously been that a special operations variant of FARA would supplant at least a significant portion of the 160ths Little Birds. The plan now for what will happen to the helicopters beyond 2030 is still murky, as you can read more about here. The appearance of the MH-6Ms wearing the new blue camouflage scheme underscores the continued relevance of the 160ths Little Birds and the distinct capabilities they offer, including in the maritime domain. Contact the author: joe@twz.com View comments BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) The Juneteenth celebration in Bluefield brought people from all walks of life together to remember their history and to celebrate their hopes for their futures. The Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Celebration brought in all kinds of visitors who use the day for remembrance and for education. Vendors, public services, and food trucks filled the streets of Bluefield during the festivities. Juneteenth 2024: Who is working? What is open? The owner of The Mobile Smokes explained what Juneteenth means to him and what he believes it means to Mercer County as a whole. Its remembrance and thought. Everything in the past that has happened. It makes us reminiscence on things we dont want to go back to but that we can remember to move our country forward to a better era, said Shawn Merrill, owner of The Mobile Smokes. The celebration even had a very special visitor from Charleston. Dwedee Kobbah is the current crown and titleholder of Miss Black West Virginia. Juneteenth at WH: Black history is American history During this event, she spoke on the importance of remembering where she came from not only as a person of color, but as a woman of color representing the state. I am the first Miss Black West Virginia that the state has had, ever. So, its important to represent ourselves as black women across the state, because some people forget that West Virginia even exists, said Kobbah. This celebration helps Bluefield connect with multiple communities in an innovative way by bringing people together. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Twenty-one packages of cocaine were found off the Florida Keys on Saturday by a recreational boater. Photo courtesy of Monroe County Sheriff's Office/Facebook June 19 (UPI) -- A boater in the Florida Keys has found nearly two dozen individually wrapped packages of suspected cocaine, according to authorities. The 21 packages, which were adorned with a picture of a large eagle, each weigh 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, and were discovered by a recreational boater at around 12 p.m. Saturday about seven miles off Islamorada, a village consisting of six of the Florida Keys, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The roughly 65 pounds of narcotics have an estimated street value of more than $1 million, Samuel Briggs, acting chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol -- Miami Sector, said on X. "We appreciate the support from good samaritans in our community," he said. The narcotics were to be turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol. On Wednesday, a person removing trash from a beach in Key Largo found a single brick of suspected cocaine. Photo courtesy of Monroe County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Recreational boater in the Florida Keys discovers 65 lbs. of cocaine floating at sea. The cocaine has an estimated street value of over $1 million & will be seized by the U.S. #BorderPatrol. We appreciate the support from Good Samaritan's in our community.#floridakeys #drugs pic.twitter.com/g2hQYhLATG Samuel Briggs II (@USBPChiefMIP) June 18, 2024 In May, a package containing 65 pounds of cocaine was discovered having washed up on a Florida Keys beach. Photo courtesy of Samuel Briggs, acting chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol -- Miami Sector/X It is not uncommon for drugs to be discovered in waters off the Florida coast. At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, a person removing trash from a beach in Key Largo found a single brick of suspected cocaine, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The package was decorated with what appeared to be a photograph of a dog with the word "Pinky" on it. In August, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor found 70 pounds of cocaine while boating off the Florida coast. Photo courtesy of U.S. Border Patrol, Miami Sector/X Earlier this month, a "good samaritan" in the Florida Keys discovered a suspicious package floating at sea that contained 66 pounds of cocaine that had a street value of more than $1 million, Briggs said on X. In May, 65 pounds of cocaine were discovered on a Florida Keys beach. And in August, 70 pounds of cocaine wrapped in cellophane and adorned with a picture of a pink and blue butterfly were found by a recreational boater in the Florida Keys. The drugs, valued at $1.1 million, were found in a package adrift on the Atlantic Ocean. The recreational boater was Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who had been with the Tampa Police Department for 31 years. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, smuggling by sea is one of the three main channels criminal syndicate groups traffic drugs. The DEA states that smugglers target shipping containers, often hiding drugs among cargo items or hide them in the hull and fuel tanks of smaller ships. They have also created hidden compartments that they attach to the underside of vessels to hide their illegal wares. Earlier this month, Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. offloaded 245 kilograms, or 540 pounds, of cocaine and nine suspected smugglers to Drug Enforcement Administration authorities at Coast Guard Base San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Coast Guard said the drugs were aboard a vessel located about 75 nautical miles south of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Rep. Bob Good, left, a candidate in the Republican primary for the state's 5th Congressional District, greets family members at a watch party in Lynchburg, Va., Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/P. Kevin Morley) RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Conservative U.S. Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., is asking for patience from the people of the 5th District over the coming weeks as he hopes the final ballot count from Tuesday's primary will allow him to fend off a challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Good, who chairs the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, currently trails state Sen. John McGuire by a little over 300 votes as elections officials finalize their vote counts and mail-in ballots continue to trickle in. McGuire claimed victory late Tuesday, but The Associated Press has not called the race for either candidate. McGuires lead has so far remained relatively stable, shrinking slightly to 313 votes Thursday afternoon from 327 votes at midnight Wednesday. In an email, Good's campaign manager, Diana Shores, noted that mail-in ballots arriving at local election offices by noon Friday still must be counted. Provisional ballots are also still being counted. There is no way anyone can know for certain how many mail in ballots are pending for count, she said. The AP expects there to be more clarity in the race Friday afternoon, when many jurisdictions in the district plan to update their results. If Good loses, he would be the first House incumbent to lose a primary challenge this year, with the exception of one race in which two incumbents faced off due to redistricting. As one of the most conservative congressmen in the country, Good might be impervious to a primary challenge under normal circumstances. But he earned Trump's wrath when he endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president. He switched back to Trump after DeSantis dropped out, but Trump endorsed McGuire and called Good a backstabber. McGuire's lead translates to a margin of about half a percentage point out of more than 62,000 ballots cast. Once the results are certified, Virginia law allows for a recount if the margin of victory is less than a percentage point. If it's within half a percentage point, the recount can be conducted at the state's expense. In a social media post Wednesday, Good said the race remained too close to call. We are asking for full transparency from the officials involved, he said. Both Good and McGuire are among Republicans who have raised concerns about election integrity in the wake of Trump's false claims of voter fraud in his 2020 reelection defeat. Good was among more than 100 GOP House members who voted in January 2021 to object to the Electoral College count from states that Trump disputed. In a preelection telephone rally with Trump on Monday, McGuire urged supporters to deliver him a margin of victory "too big to rig. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun returns to his seat after speaking directly to family members of those killed in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 crashes during his opening statement before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Investigations Subcommittee hearing on Boeings broken safety culture on Capitol Hill on June 18, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Boeing CEO David Calhoun on Tuesday apologized to the families of people who died in crashes in the manufacturers planes, while members of both parties on a U.S. Senate panel grilled the executive for failing on safety and transparency. Calhoun appeared at a hearing of the Investigations Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to discuss recent failings of Boeing jets and the companys treatment of whistleblowers. Democrats and Republicans on the panel said Calhoun was more concerned about the companys profits than its safety record. Boeing needs to stop thinking about the next earning call and start thinking about the next generation, subcommittee Chair Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said in an opening statement. Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley was among the sharpest questioners of Calhoun, starting off with a question about the CEOs compensation, which is nearly $33 million per year. Mr. Calhoun, youre not focused on safety, Hawley said. Youre not focused on quality. Youre not focused on transparency. I think actually, youre focused on exactly what you were hired to do, which is that youre cutting corners, Hawley continued. You are eliminating safety procedures. You are sticking it to your employees. You are cutting back jobs because youre trying to squeeze every piece of profit you can out of this company. Youre strip-mining it. Youre strip-mining what was one of the greatest American companies ever. Calhoun should resign, Hawley said. Calhoun is leaving the company at the end of the year. Apology to families Shortly after Blumenthal introduced him, Calhoun stood and turned to face spectators in the hearing room. His audience included the families of passengers who died on Lion Air Flight 610 in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019. Both crashes were caused by software issues on Boeings then-new 737 MAX aircraft. I would like to apologize on behalf of all of our Boeing associates spread throughout the world, past and present, for your losses, Calhoun told the families. Theyre gut-wrenching. And I apologize for the grief that we have caused. And I want you to know we are totally committed, in their memory, to work and focus on safety for as long as were employed by Boeing. Calhoun, who took over as Boeings chief executive in January 2020 after former CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired following the two MAX crashes, largely accepted responsibility on behalf of the company for those crashes and a January 2024 episode that saw a door come off of a plane during an Alaska Airlines flight taking off from Portland, Oregon. Calhoun said the aviation industry depends on accountability, transparency and continuous learning. The company must have a perfect record and cannot allow a single flawed airplane to leave its factory, he said. Perfection is what our job is, he said. And it has to be absolute. Boeing is headquartered in Virginia, but has manufacturing facilities across the country, including in Washington state, where it was founded, Missouri and South Carolina. Culture still an issue Calhoun was deferential throughout the hearing, largely accepting lawmakers criticism of his management, and pledged improvement. But several members of the panel said his words were not enough. Four years after taking over, Calhoun had not fixed a failing safety culture, New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Hassan said. You talk about safety and culture, but you arent answering the question about what the root causes are here, Hassan said. How do you make sure that safety and quality are your product as opposed to your words? While accepting responsibility for the Alaska Airlines incident, Calhoun answered that the safety record in general was positive, with 2023 the safest year on record for aviation travel. Whistleblower retaliation Also in the audience Tuesday were the mother and brother of John Barnett, a former Boeing engineer who was a whistleblower about safety issues at the company and died of suicide earlier this year. Blumenthal described the immense pressure Barnett was under because he was helping investigate Boeing. Barnett received 19 calls from his manager one day and 21 the next, including a threat to break him, according to Blumenthal. The committee has heard from more than a dozen whistleblowers from Boeings workforce, Blumenthal said. They routinely reported that raising concerns internally could result in intimidation, Blumenthal said. The company has also been uncooperative with the subcommittee, Blumenthal said. In response to requests for information, Boeing responded with pages of complete gobbledygook, which were impossible to read, Blumenthal said. I would describe it precisely as you did and I cant justify it, Calhoun said. And I will definitely follow up. Ranking Republican Ron Johnson asked Calhoun if he had investigated the companys incentive structure in response to reports from whistleblowers. Its actually quite shocking to have a supervisor calling somebody up 19 times in one day, with the statement that Im going to break you, the Wisconsin Republican said. My guess is you dont condone that kind of behavior. Have you looked at your incentive system? Calhoun answered that the company made significant changes to our incentive structure that really emphasizes all things safety. Johnson then asked if the companys focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programs meant a tradeoff for quality performance. Ive never seen those two things ever come into conflict, Calhoun said. Possible DOJ action The U.S. Justice Department is conducting its own investigation and may pursue a criminal prosecution, Blumenthal said. Blumenthal, a former federal prosecutor, said he thought there was enough evidence of wrongdoing to pursue a prosecution. Blumenthal, Johnson and other members of the panel said lawmakers and the traveling public all wanted to see the aerospace manufacturing giant succeed. Boeing manufactures most of the airlines in commercial service in the U.S. and also has significant military contracts. But the companys success would require a course correction, Blumenthal said. A federal prosecution of those responsible for safety failures would be a good start, he added. Im saying to you, and Im saying to the Department of Justice, individuals should be held accountable because thats the only way that deterrence works, Blumenthal said. Wouldnt you agree? Yes, sir, Calhoun responded. I believe strongly in accountability. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Boeing CEO apologizes to families for aircraft safety failings appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal. WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 18: Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun returns to his seat after speaking directly to family members of those killed in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 crashes during his opening statement before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Investigations Subcommittee hearing on Boeing's broken safety culture on Capitol Hill on June 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. Calhoun says he is "here to take responsibility" as he testifies before the Senate to discuss ongoing quality and safety issues after a new 737 Max 9 airplane's door panel blew out mid-flight during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Boeing CEO David Calhoun on Tuesday apologized to the families of people who died in crashes in the manufacturers planes, while members of both parties on a U.S. Senate panel grilled the executive for failing on safety and transparency. Calhoun appeared at a hearing of the Investigations Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to discuss recent failings of Boeing jets and the companys treatment of whistleblowers. Democrats and Republicans on the panel said Calhoun was more concerned about the companys profits than its safety record. Boeing needs to stop thinking about the next earning call and start thinking about the next generation, subcommittee Chair Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said in an opening statement. Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley was among the sharpest questioners of Calhoun, starting off with a question about the CEOs compensation, which is nearly $33 million per year. Mr. Calhoun, youre not focused on safety, Hawley said. Youre not focused on quality. Youre not focused on transparency. I think actually, youre focused on exactly what you were hired to do, which is that youre cutting corners, Hawley continued. You are eliminating safety procedures. You are sticking it to your employees. You are cutting back jobs because youre trying to squeeze every piece of profit you can out of this company. Youre strip-mining it. Youre strip-mining what was one of the greatest American companies ever. Calhoun should resign, Hawley said. Calhoun is leaving the company at the end of the year. Apology to families Shortly after Blumenthal introduced him, Calhoun stood and turned to face spectators in the hearing room. His audience included the families of passengers who died on Lion Air Flight 610 in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019. Both crashes were caused by software issues on Boeings then-new 737 MAX aircraft. I would like to apologize on behalf of all of our Boeing associates spread throughout the world, past and present, for your losses, Calhoun told the families. Theyre gut-wrenching. And I apologize for the grief that we have caused. And I want you to know we are totally committed, in their memory, to work and focus on safety for as long as were employed by Boeing. Calhoun, who took over as Boeings chief executive in January 2020 after former CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired following the two MAX crashes, largely accepted responsibility on behalf of the company for those crashes and a January 2024 episode that saw a door come off of a plane during an Alaska Airlines flight taking off from Portland, Oregon. Calhoun said the aviation industry depends on accountability, transparency and continuous learning. The company must have a perfect record and cannot allow a single flawed airplane to leave its factory, he said. Perfection is what our job is, he said. And it has to be absolute. Boeing is headquartered in Virginia, but has manufacturing facilities across the country, including in Washington state, where it was founded, Missouri and South Carolina. Culture still an issue Calhoun was deferential throughout the hearing, largely accepting lawmakers criticism of his management, and pledged improvement. But several members of the panel said his words were not enough. Four years after taking over, Calhoun had not fixed a failing safety culture, New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Hassan said. You talk about safety and culture, but you arent answering the question about what the root causes are here, Hassan said. How do you make sure that safety and quality are your product as opposed to your words? While accepting responsibility for the Alaska Airlines incident, Calhoun answered that the safety record in general was positive, with 2023 the safest year on record for aviation travel. Whistleblower retaliation Also in the audience Tuesday were the mother and brother of John Barnett, a former Boeing engineer who was a whistleblower about safety issues at the company and died of suicide earlier this year. Blumenthal described the immense pressure Barnett was under because he was helping investigate Boeing. Barnett received 19 calls from his manager one day and 21 the next, including a threat to break him, according to Blumenthal. The committee has heard from more than a dozen whistleblowers from Boeings workforce, Blumenthal said. They routinely reported that raising concerns internally could result in intimidation, Blumenthal said. The company has also been uncooperative with the subcommittee, Blumenthal said. In response to requests for information, Boeing responded with pages of complete gobbledygook, which were impossible to read, Blumenthal said. I would describe it precisely as you did and I cant justify it, Calhoun said. And I will definitely follow up. Ranking Republican Ron Johnson asked Calhoun if he had investigated the companys incentive structure in response to reports from whistleblowers. Its actually quite shocking to have a supervisor calling somebody up 19 times in one day, with the statement that Im going to break you, the Wisconsin Republican said. My guess is you dont condone that kind of behavior. Have you looked at your incentive system? Calhoun answered that the company made significant changes to our incentive structure that really emphasizes all things safety. Johnson then asked if the companys focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programs meant a tradeoff for quality performance. Is Boeings management, are they concentrated on DEI and ESG at the expense of really meeting quality performance measures? he asked. Ive never seen those two things ever come into conflict, Calhoun said. Possible DOJ action The U.S. Justice Department is conducting its own investigation and may pursue a criminal prosecution, Blumenthal said. Blumenthal, a former federal prosecutor, said he thought there was enough evidence of wrongdoing to pursue a prosecution. Blumenthal, Johnson and other members of the panel said lawmakers and the traveling public all wanted to see the aerospace manufacturing giant succeed. Boeing manufactures most of the airlines in commercial service in the U.S. and also has significant military contracts. But the companys success would require a course correction, Blumenthal said. A federal prosecution of those responsible for safety failures would be a good start, he added. Im saying to you, and Im saying to the Department of Justice, individuals should be held accountable because thats the only way that deterrence works, Blumenthal said. Wouldnt you agree? Yes, sir, Calhoun responded. I believe strongly in accountability. The post Boeing CEO apologizes to families for aircraft safety failings appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun returns to his seat after speaking directly to family members of those killed in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 crashes during his opening statement before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Investigations Subcommittee hearing on Boeing's broken safety culture on Capitol Hill on June 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Boeing CEO David Calhoun apologized this week to the families of people who died in crashes in the manufacturers planes, while members of both parties on a U.S. Senate panel grilled the executive for failing on safety and transparency. Calhoun appeared at a hearing of the Investigations Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on Tuesday to discuss recent failings of Boeing jets and the companys treatment of whistleblowers. Democrats and Republicans on the panel said Calhoun was more concerned about the companys profits than its safety record. Boeing needs to stop thinking about the next earning call and start thinking about the next generation, subcommittee Chair Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said in an opening statement. Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley was among the sharpest questioners of Calhoun, starting off with a question about the CEOs compensation, which is nearly $33 million per year. Mr. Calhoun, youre not focused on safety, Hawley said. Youre not focused on quality. Youre not focused on transparency. I think actually, youre focused on exactly what you were hired to do, which is that youre cutting corners, Hawley continued. You are eliminating safety procedures. You are sticking it to your employees. You are cutting back jobs because youre trying to squeeze every piece of profit you can out of this company. Youre strip-mining it. Youre strip-mining what was one of the greatest American companies ever. Calhoun should resign, Hawley said. Calhoun is leaving the company at the end of the year. Apology to families Shortly after Blumenthal introduced him, Calhoun stood and turned to face spectators in the hearing room. His audience included the families of passengers who died on Lion Air Flight 610 in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019. Both crashes were caused by software issues on Boeings then-new 737 MAX aircraft. I would like to apologize on behalf of all of our Boeing associates spread throughout the world, past and present, for your losses, Calhoun told the families. Theyre gut-wrenching. And I apologize for the grief that we have caused. And I want you to know we are totally committed, in their memory, to work and focus on safety for as long as were employed by Boeing. Calhoun, who took over as Boeings chief executive in January 2020 after former CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired following the two MAX crashes, largely accepted responsibility on behalf of the company for those crashes and a January 2024 episode that saw a door come off of a plane during an Alaska Airlines flight taking off from Portland, Oregon. Calhoun said the aviation industry depends on accountability, transparency and continuous learning. The company must have a perfect record and cannot allow a single flawed airplane to leave its factory, he said. Perfection is what our job is, he said. And it has to be absolute. Boeing is headquartered in Virginia, but has manufacturing facilities across the country, including in Washington state, where it was founded, Missouri and South Carolina. Culture still an issue Calhoun was deferential throughout the hearing, largely accepting lawmakers criticism of his management, and pledged improvement. But several members of the panel said his words were not enough. Four years after taking over, Calhoun had not fixed a failing safety culture, New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Hassan said. You talk about safety and culture, but you arent answering the question about what the root causes are here, Hassan said. How do you make sure that safety and quality are your product as opposed to your words? While accepting responsibility for the Alaska Airlines incident, Calhoun answered that the safety record in general was positive, with 2023 the safest year on record for aviation travel. Whistleblower retaliation Also in the audience Tuesday were the mother and brother of John Barnett, a former Boeing engineer who was a whistleblower about safety issues at the company and died of suicide earlier this year. Blumenthal described the immense pressure Barnett was under because he was helping investigate Boeing. Barnett received 19 calls from his manager one day and 21 the next, including a threat to break him, according to Blumenthal. The committee has heard from more than a dozen whistleblowers from Boeings workforce, Blumenthal said. They routinely reported that raising concerns internally could result in intimidation, Blumenthal said. The company has also been uncooperative with the subcommittee, Blumenthal said. In response to requests for information, Boeing responded with pages of complete gobbledygook, which were impossible to read, Blumenthal said. I would describe it precisely as you did and I cant justify it, Calhoun said. And I will definitely follow up. Ranking Republican Ron Johnson asked Calhoun if he had investigated the companys incentive structure in response to reports from whistleblowers. Its actually quite shocking to have a supervisor calling somebody up 19 times in one day, with the statement that Im going to break you, the Wisconsin Republican said. My guess is you dont condone that kind of behavior. Have you looked at your incentive system? Calhoun answered that the company made significant changes to our incentive structure that really emphasizes all things safety. Johnson then asked if the companys focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programs meant a tradeoff for quality performance. Ive never seen those two things ever come into conflict, Calhoun said. Possible DOJ action The U.S. Justice Department is conducting its own investigation and may pursue a criminal prosecution, Blumenthal said. Blumenthal, a former federal prosecutor, said he thought there was enough evidence of wrongdoing to pursue a prosecution. Blumenthal, Johnson and other members of the panel said lawmakers and the traveling public all wanted to see the aerospace manufacturing giant succeed. Boeing manufactures most of the airlines in commercial service in the U.S. and also has significant military contracts. But the companys success would require a course correction, Blumenthal said. A federal prosecution of those responsible for safety failures would be a good start, he added. Im saying to you, and Im saying to the Department of Justice, individuals should be held accountable because thats the only way that deterrence works, Blumenthal said. Wouldnt you agree? Yes, sir, Calhoun responded. I believe strongly in accountability. The post Boeing CEO apologizes to families for aircraft safety failings appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle. WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 18: Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun returns to his seat after speaking directly to family members of those killed in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 crashes during his opening statement before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Investigations Subcommittee hearing on Boeing's broken safety culture on Capitol Hill on June 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. Calhoun says he is "here to take responsibility" as he testifies before the Senate to discuss ongoing quality and safety issues after a new 737 Max 9 airplane's door panel blew out mid-flight during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Boeing CEO David Calhoun on Tuesday apologized to the families of people who died in crashes in the manufacturers planes, while members of both parties on a U.S. Senate panel grilled the executive for failing on safety and transparency. Calhoun appeared at a hearing of the Investigations Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to discuss recent failings of Boeing jets and the companys treatment of whistleblowers. Democrats and Republicans on the panel said Calhoun was more concerned about the companys profits than its safety record. Boeing needs to stop thinking about the next earning call and start thinking about the next generation, subcommittee Chair Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said in an opening statement. Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley was among the sharpest questioners of Calhoun, starting off with a question about the CEOs compensation, which is nearly $33 million per year. Mr. Calhoun, youre not focused on safety, Hawley said. Youre not focused on quality. Youre not focused on transparency. I think actually, youre focused on exactly what you were hired to do, which is that youre cutting corners, Hawley continued. You are eliminating safety procedures. You are sticking it to your employees. You are cutting back jobs because youre trying to squeeze every piece of profit you can out of this company. Youre strip-mining it. Youre strip-mining what was one of the greatest American companies ever. Calhoun should resign, Hawley said. Calhoun is leaving the company at the end of the year. Apology to families Shortly after Blumenthal introduced him, Calhoun stood and turned to face spectators in the hearing room. His audience included the families of passengers who died on Lion Air Flight 610 in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019. Both crashes were caused by software issues on Boeings then-new 737 MAX aircraft. I would like to apologize on behalf of all of our Boeing associates spread throughout the world, past and present, for your losses, Calhoun told the families. Theyre gut-wrenching. And I apologize for the grief that we have caused. And I want you to know we are totally committed, in their memory, to work and focus on safety for as long as were employed by Boeing. Calhoun, who took over as Boeings chief executive in January 2020 after former CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired following the two MAX crashes, largely accepted responsibility on behalf of the company for those crashes and a January 2024 episode that saw a door come off of a plane during an Alaska Airlines flight taking off from Portland, Oregon. Calhoun said the aviation industry depends on accountability, transparency and continuous learning. The company must have a perfect record and cannot allow a single flawed airplane to leave its factory, he said. Perfection is what our job is, he said. And it has to be absolute. Boeing is headquartered in Virginia, but has manufacturing facilities across the country, including in Washington state, where it was founded, Missouri and South Carolina. Culture still an issue Calhoun was deferential throughout the hearing, largely accepting lawmakers criticism of his management, and pledged improvement. But several members of the panel said his words were not enough. Four years after taking over, Calhoun had not fixed a failing safety culture, New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Hassan said. You talk about safety and culture, but you arent answering the question about what the root causes are here, Hassan said. How do you make sure that safety and quality are your product as opposed to your words? While accepting responsibility for the Alaska Airlines incident, Calhoun answered that the safety record in general was positive, with 2023 the safest year on record for aviation travel. Whistleblower retaliation Also in the audience Tuesday were the mother and brother of John Barnett, a former Boeing engineer who was a whistleblower about safety issues at the company and died of suicide earlier this year. Blumenthal described the immense pressure Barnett was under because he was helping investigate Boeing. Barnett received 19 calls from his manager one day and 21 the next, including a threat to break him, according to Blumenthal. The committee has heard from more than a dozen whistleblowers from Boeings workforce, Blumenthal said. They routinely reported that raising concerns internally could result in intimidation, Blumenthal said. The company has also been uncooperative with the subcommittee, Blumenthal said. In response to requests for information, Boeing responded with pages of complete gobbledygook, which were impossible to read, Blumenthal said. I would describe it precisely as you did and I cant justify it, Calhoun said. And I will definitely follow up. Ranking Republican Ron Johnson asked Calhoun if he had investigated the companys incentive structure in response to reports from whistleblowers. Its actually quite shocking to have a supervisor calling somebody up 19 times in one day, with the statement that Im going to break you, the Wisconsin Republican said. My guess is you dont condone that kind of behavior. Have you looked at your incentive system? Calhoun answered that the company made significant changes to our incentive structure that really emphasizes all things safety. Johnson then asked if the companys focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programs meant a tradeoff for quality performance. Ive never seen those two things ever come into conflict, Calhoun said. Possible DOJ action The U.S. Justice Department is conducting its own investigation and may pursue a criminal prosecution, Blumenthal said. Blumenthal, a former federal prosecutor, said he thought there was enough evidence of wrongdoing to pursue a prosecution. Blumenthal, Johnson and other members of the panel said lawmakers and the traveling public all wanted to see the aerospace manufacturing giant succeed. Boeing manufactures most of the airlines in commercial service in the U.S. and also has significant military contracts. But the companys success would require a course correction, Blumenthal said. A federal prosecution of those responsible for safety failures would be a good start, he added. Im saying to you, and Im saying to the Department of Justice, individuals should be held accountable because thats the only way that deterrence works, Blumenthal said. Wouldnt you agree? Yes, sir, Calhoun responded. I believe strongly in accountability. The post Boeing CEO apologizes to families for aircraft safety failings appeared first on Michigan Advance. Boeing Starliners return delayed again: How and when the astronauts will land The return of the Boeing Starliner has been delayed once again with astronauts now slated to return to Earth from the International Space Station no earlier than June 25, Boeing said. NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore became the first crew to fly aboard the Starliner on June 5 for its maiden mission. They were initially going to spend just a week at the space station, but have now remained there since they docked the Starliner spacecraft there on June 6. The astronauts have been "testing spacecraft systems and performing tasks aboard the orbiting laboratory" ever since, according to the release. "Mission teams supporting NASAs Boeing Crew Flight Test continue to review Starliners data from the completed test objectives," Boeing said. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore speak to NASA officials during a live streamed event on Monday, June 10. When will the Boeing Starliner return? The primary undocking opportunity is now targeting "no earlier than 10:10 p.m. EDT" on June 25, Boeing said in the update. The astronauts will tentatively land around 4:51 a.m. on June 26 at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. Before the new return date, the Starliner was previously scheduled to be back on Earth by June 22. Before the June 22 return date, the spacecraft was anticipated to land no earlier than June 18. The changes in return dates are partially due to the crew staying longer to better prepare the Starliner for the "long-term goal of having it perform a six-month docked mission at the space station," Steve Stich, manager of NASAs commercial crew program, said in a news release announcing the June 22 return date. Some ways the crew is preparing the Starliner include performing "additional hatch operations," repeating some "safe haven" testing and assessing piloting and thrusting capabilities, according to the release. We have an incredible opportunity to spend more time at (the) station and perform more tests which provides invaluable data unique to our position, Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager for Boeing, said in the release. As the integrated NASA and Boeing teams have said each step of the way, we have plenty of margin and time on station to maximize the opportunity for all partners to learn including our crew. Boeing Starliner problems, including helium leaks Amid the Starliner's launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida on June 5, the crew dealt with helium leaks in the spacecraft and a malfunctioning valve on the rocket. During a media teleconference on Tuesday, Stich spoke more about a series of helium leaks in the Starliner's propulsion system and the next steps forward for the spacecraft. So far, five leaks have been discovered since Starliner has been on the space station, he added. "The path going forward is to continue to look at the helium system to try to understand what's happening, again look at simulations for the remainder of the flight... and then the operational techniques to manage the helium system," Stich said. The valve that went faulty during launch also did not come back online when the crew test-fired the spacecraft's thrusters on Saturday. The crew did not try to test-fire the defective valve and they don't plan to use it during the return flight "out of an abundance of caution," according to Stich. NASA and Boeing believe the thrusters went offline due to the high heat generated while the system was firing "in rapid succession" to keep the spacecraft on course with the space station, Stich said. Were taking our extra time given that this is a crewed vehicle, and we want to make sure that we havent left any stone unturned, Stich said. We also want to look at the systems and potential interaction between the systems, and make sure we havent missed something before we return. And were getting a lot of great data while were at the space station for not only this flight but for the next flight. How will the Boeing Starliner land? Once undocked and deorbited, Starliner will "descend under parachutes to land in the desert grounds of White Sands," according to the aerospace company. Airbags attached to the bottom of the spacecraft will soften its landing, Boeing added. "The landing will mark the first time an American capsule has touched down on land with astronauts aboard," the company said in the release. NASA and Boeing specialists will pick up the crew after they land successfully, according to Boeing. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boeings Starliner return delayed again: How and where it will land Insights from The Atlantic, Politico, CNN, and The Guardian The News After a myriad delays and budget overruns, Boeings Starliner spacecraft made it to space on June 5, but now it cant come back to Earth. The spacecraft is docked at the International Space Station and will spend at least another few days there. NASA and Boeing have set a tentative new return date of June 26. The delay gives engineers time to investigate helium leaks which were a known issue and new problems with the capsules thrusters. Its the latest misstep in a series of issues that have plagued Boeings space program for more than a decade. The setback compounded the problems with Boeings aviation division, which came under fire on Tuesday as outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun testified before the Senate. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Yet another moment of uncertainty and embarrassment for Boeing Sources: CNN, Space.com Starliners new problems are another moment of uncertainty and embarrassment that joins a long list of similar blunders for Boeing and its capsule, CNN noted. Yet NASA and Boeing have repeatedly stressed that this is a developmental mission and that timelines are very much in flux, because, at the end of the day, this is a test designed to address issues as they arise and these new problems do not mean it has failed. At a Tuesday news conference, Steve Stich, the manager of NASAs Commercial Crew Program, stressed that he didnt see any scenario where Starliner is not going to be able to bring Butch and Suni home, referring to the two crewmembers who are due to fly the capsule back to Earth. Boeings delays enabled the rise of Elon Musks SpaceX Sources: Planetary.org, The Atlantic, Politico When NASA contracted Boeing and SpaceX to build a fleet of commercial spacecrafts in 2014, Boeing was seen as the incumbent with a long history of success that put it at an advantage over then-newcomer SpaceX. But while Boeing has faced issue after issue with Starliner, SpaceX has become NASAs go-to for astronaut launches and more, The Atlantic noted. A key difference between the two players is their philosophy to engineering and innovation, which could shape the future of space exploration, an analyst told Politico: Boeing has continued to use its legacy engineering mindset, which is about quality and trying to get everything exactly right the first time, while the SpaceX model is Lets just go try it and see what works. Boeing needs to repair its reputation, too Sources: CNN, The Guardian While the space and aviation arms of Boeing are separate, both areas have faced issues that can feed into a larger, problematic picture. The road to Starliners crew test was long and winding; meanwhile, Boeings planes have had serious safety and quality issues that have led to injuries and deaths. On Tuesday, outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun testified before the Senate, answering questions about the companys mishandling of safety and lack of transparency ultimately, Boeing hopes the eventual success of the Starliner mission will restore some luster to its tarnished name, The Guardian wrote. On an early January morning, police found Jeremiah Gaver wandering in Boise, covered in a tarp and holding a cane, looking over fences into the backyards of homes, according to a January news release from the Ada County Sheriffs Office. The situation quickly escalated. Police released K9 dogs. And officers fatally shot the 37-year-old man, who had stabbed the dogs and refused to drop his knife, according to the Sheriffs Office. Now, Gavers father, Peter, has notified the Boise Police Department and Ada County Sheriffs Office of his intent to sue with tort claims against the agencies. The claims were filed in early May and obtained by the Idaho Statesman through public records requests. Peter in the claims accused the officers who fatally shot his son of committing homicide. Allegedly (Jeremiah) did not comply with their demands to tell them who he was or what he was doing, which then resulted in the police taking his life, he wrote in the claim against Ada County. My son received multiple gunshot wounds by law enforcement. The Boise Police Department and the Ada County Sheriffs Office declined to comment for this story, citing pending litigation. The Boise Police Department identified Camron Johnson, an eight-year veteran of the agency, as one of the officers who fired at Gaver. The Ada County sheriffs spokesperson Lauren Montague declined to identify the deputies involved in the shooting and said the agency wont release names until the investigation is complete. Police that day used K9 dogs, a bean-bag rifle and tasers to try to subdue and arrest Gaver, who tried to run away, stabbed the dogs and refused officers demands to drop the knife he was holding, according to the Sheriffs Office. Four sheriffs deputies and one Boise police officer ultimately fired their weapons at Gaver, who was declared dead at a hospital hours later. At a March protest for victims of police shootings, Gavers sister, Anna Carstensen, called for the body-camera footage to be made public and said the narrative of the shooting was a one-sided tale. Treasure Valley law enforcement agencies dont release body-camera footage or reports on police shootings until the investigations are finalized, typically a monthslong process. Carstensen declined to comment for this story. The Statesman also reached out to Gavers father for further comment. The Ada County Critical Incident Task Force, which is composed of five law enforcement agencies, gets activated for any police shooting occurring in the county, and one of the outside agencies is tasked with investigating the incident. The Meridian Police Department conducted the investigation into Gavers shooting and provided its materials to the Owyhee County Prosecutors Office, Stephany Galbreaith, the police departments spokesperson, told the Statesman. The Owyhee County Prosecutors Office will review the materials and determine whether the officers were justified in shooting Gaver. Alex Brizee contributed reporting. Boise area had 11 police shootings in 23, five so far in 24. Heres where things stand Coroner releases identity of man killed by police in Boise. His name might be familiar Policy, politics and progressive commentary Juneteenth celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States. But over 150 years later, discriminatory public policies have prevented African Americans from closing the racial wealth divide in this country they helped build. Policy created that divide and policy can close it. One state is showing how to move forward in advancing racial economic equality. Last year, Connecticut launched the countrys first Baby Bond program. This program invests $3,200 for every baby born into poverty in the state. The bonds are projected to grow to between $10,000 and $24,000 in value, depending on when theyre used. When they reach an age between 18 and 30, these Connecticut residents will be able to use that money to start a small business, get a higher education or job training, or buy a home. That money goes to poor residents regardless of their race. But because Black and Latino residents of the state are poorer than their white counterparts, the program will significantly address the states racial wealth gap even as it gives young people of every race in the state a path out of poverty. Ive been researching and writing about the racial wealth divide for the last 20 years. In my view, Connecticuts Baby Bond program is the most significant step forward in public policy Ive seen yet. It should be an example for the country. The program builds off decades of analysis and advocacy. In 1959, over 50 percent of African Americans lived in poverty a figure that had fallen to less than 19 percent by 2019. Thats still more than twice the rate for non-Hispanic whites, but its an example of substantial economic improvement for African Americans. How did this happen? By removing barriers to economic and social opportunities and investing in those facing poverty. The Black freedom movement of the 1950s and 1960s pushed for important legislation like the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. The movement also helped advance the War on Poverty and its associated programs including SNAP, Medicaid, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, all of which dramatically decreased poverty for the entire country. Today we see Connecticut taking the next big step forward. The idea for Baby Bonds came out of the wealth-building movement popularized by Michael Sherradens 1992 book Assets and the Poor: New American Welfare Policy. The books theme was the need to shift from simply supplementing peoples income to helping them build real assets to help poor people get beyond day-to-day survival. Child Savings Accounts under the Saving for Education, Entrepreneurship, and Downpayment (SEED) Initiative were one step in that direction. By 2017, there were 54 of these programs serving 382,000 children in 32 states and Washington, D.C. At that time, the most common initial deposit for a Childrens Saving Account was $50 not enough to make a significant difference in reducing poverty or the racial wealth divide. Connecticuts Baby Bond program was inspired by a vision to address racial economic inequality first proposed in 2010 by economists William Darity and Darrick Hamilton. Though the return of $10,000 to $24,000 for all babies born in poverty wont bridge the nearly $150,000 wealth divide between Blacks, Latinos, and whites, it will about double the median wealth of Black and Latino households in the state. Hopefully this is the beginning of states nationwide creating similar wealth-building programs. It could also build momentum for the national American Opportunity Accounts Act introduced by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). That law would provide a Baby Bond of $1,000 for every American child with an annual addition of up to $2,000 for the lowest income Americans. For generations, weve done little to bridge the racial wealth divide or get families out of multi-generational asset poverty. Connecticuts Baby Bond program and similar proposals across the country show that we may finally be willing to take the next step. This op-ed was adapted from Inequality.org and distributed by OtherWords.org. The post The boldest step to close the racial wealth divide in generations appeared first on Nevada Current. When Donald Trump traveled to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, he remarked to then-Governor Ricardo Rossello that the United States wont be second in using nuclear weapons. The startling admission was revealed in Rossellos upcoming book, The Reformers Dilemma, due to be released on Tuesday. The Hill received an excerpt from the book, that described how Rossello and Trump were in a helicopter surveying damage from the hurricane. Nature has a way of coming back, said the president. Well, it does until it does not. Who knows with nuclear warfare what will happen , Rossello wrote in the book. And then, he said the one thing that made me more concerned than anything else in the entire visit. But I tell you what He paused for effect. If nuclear war happens, we wont be second in line pressing the button. This statement floored me. I could not believe what I was hearing. It was surreal. Was he really talking about total annihilation as we flew over the ravaged sights of the island? Rossello wrote. Rossello also discussed the infamous paper towel incident, where Trump threw paper towels to victims of the hurricane like he was shooting hoops. The image plastered in history was one that demonstrates disdain and repulsion for the people, he wrote. Was it dumb and incredibly thoughtless? Yes. The president should have known better. But that does not detract from the true story: The media narrative got carried away, which is happening more often than not in our political culture. The nuclear war story is not surprising, as Trump has said a lot of other worrying things about nuclear weapons. During his 2016 campaign, he reportedly asked one of his foreign policy advisers, Why have them if we cant use them? In December 2016, he said, Let it be an arms race we will outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all. In the summer of 2017, he also told military leaders he wanted to increase the nuclear stockpile tenfold, back to the peak levels of the Cold War. He even discussed using nukes against North Korea in 2017. And who can forget his idea to nuke hurricanes to stop them from hitting the United States? Trump has also shared nuclear secrets with random people, including an Australian billionaire visiting his Mar-a-Lago club in April 2021, and bragged to Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward about a weapon system that nobodys ever had in this country before. We have stuff that you havent even seen or heard about. We have stuff that Putin and Xi have never heard about before, Trump said to Woodward. With Trump showing signs of cognitive decline, a return to the White House is liable to result in more disturbing ideas about nukes at best, and, at worst, him disastrously even carrying out a nuclear threat. I booked a weeklong trip to a mystery destination. I had a lot of fun, but I'd do a few things differently next time. I booked a solo trip to a mystery destination with a company that planned everything for me. I traveled to Lisbon and enjoyed group tours and activities as well as some alone time. It was fun to step outside my comfort zone, but I would have liked more time to explore by myself. When traveling, I prefer leaving things to chance, as many of my most memorable moments typically happen on less-crowded streets or when I'm chatting up strangers at a restaurant. That's why when my friend suggested I check out Journee a travel company that specializes in mystery tours and plans everything, including your destination I couldn't resist trying it out for a solo trip. Companies like Journee have become more popular in recent years as more travelers lean into the idea of having a trip planned for them. In fact, a survey of 27,000 travelers by Booking.com found that over half of the respondents would welcome the idea of a trip to an unknown destination. I was excited to see what all the hype was about and book a surprise trip of my own. Here's what it was like to travel to an unknown destination with Journee. The company asked me questions about my travel preferences and sent clues leading up to the reveal I made a PowerPoint game out of the clues the company gave me. Andrea G. Preziotti When booking my trip, the company provided me with an in-depth travel questionnaire that asked about my interests, curiosities, risk tolerance, well-being, and overall travel philosophy. It also dug into the "why" of my trip, the safety criteria, and logistics and budget. The company then sent me a trip proposal, which provided a few clues about the city I'd be traveling to. There was no pressure to book and the proposal itself was completely free. Once I committed, they built up the suspense by gamifying the pre-trip content, slipping fun facts and clues into my WhatsApp DMs. I challenged myself (and my friends) to rely on our brains (no Googling) to figure out where I might be going, which led to many meaningful conversations about travel. The company also provided a high-level packing list, which included items like a bank card, phone, charger, passport, and comfortable walking shoes. The destination reveal turned out to be pretty underwhelming On the day of departure, I added some euros to my carry-on before taking an Uber to Newark Airport. In the car, I found myself daydreaming about my destination, secretly hoping it was somewhere I'd never been. My plan to film a reveal video at the airport was quickly foiled when my driver informed me that Newark has two international terminals. Because the tour company didn't note the terminal information on the envelope, I had no choice but to open the card in the car, which was underwhelming. However, I was excited by the location listed on my card Lisbon. Along with the destination, the envelope included a detailed itinerary with daily pre-booked excursions, including an e-bike tour and a sunset cruise, with one free day to myself. The company did a great job arranging my accommodations and activities I arrived in Lisbon mid-morning after my basic-economy flight. I was relieved to find the company booked me a studio apartment with a sweeping balcony overlooking the street. I liked being in a residential area, and the proximity to a metro hub and grocery stores made it feel like I had moved abroad. My first group excursion turned out to be a one-on-one personalized e-bike tour of the city when folks bailed because of the rain. I took a two-hour e-bike tour along the Tagus River waterfront. Andrea G. Preziotti My city guide took me on a two-hour tour along the Tagus River waterfront, and I ended up taking that same route several times throughout the week. We visited a 7,000-year-old megalithic complex. Andrea G. Preziotti I also enjoyed the other trips Journee booked for me, including a drive along the countryside to a small village southeast of the city. Here, my group dodged the rain to visit a Stonehenge-like megalithic complex dating back 7,000 years. One of the last curated events of the trip was visiting the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Feeling utter tranquility in the cloisters was worth the 90 minutes I spent waiting in line. As the week went on, I started veering from the pre-planned schedule I decided to skip my third-day excursion to wander off the beaten path. Andrea G. Preziotti Although I enjoyed the group excursions, I worried that I wouldn't have enough time to explore the city on my own. That's why I decided to skip my third-day excursion to wander off the beaten path. I weaved through the Alcantara district, stopping at the LXFactory, an old industrial textile complex turned food and art hall. I also biked to explore the Mouraria and Alfama districts, filling up on bacalhau, Lisbon's salted codfish tapas. I even spent a few hours at the Fado Museum, an interactive and immersive cultural arts center where I learned about the history of Portugal's soulful music. I loved being able to explore another side of the city, which hadn't been in my original itinerary. I enjoyed the trip, but would make a few changes next time Overall, it was exciting to step outside my comfort zone and hand over the travel planning to someone else. I loved the surprise of not knowing the destination and visiting historical sites off the beaten path. Next time, I would book with a friend and have a more direct conversation with the tour company about having more time for independent exploration. Read the original article on Business Insider NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A woman is facing charges after investigators said she set a balloon cardboard display at a Nashville Five Below store on fire because she was bored. Nashville firefighters and police were dispatched to the store on Gallatin Pike North on Wednesday, June 19, after people inside the business reported a fire and disturbance. Firefighters were quickly able to extinguish the blaze, which they said was contained to the burned display. Officials said no injuries were reported, despite several people being inside at the time. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Afterward, investigators with the Nashville Fire Department spoke with multiple witnesses, reviewed security camera footage and obtained a statement from the suspect, 22-year-old Adriana Ellison. According to authorities, Ellison told them she had recently purchased an electric lighter and wanted to see how it worked. She further stated that she was bored and wanted to see what the lighter would do to paper or cardboard. Adriana Ellison (Courtesy: Nashville Fire Department) Ellison was arrested and booked into jail for one count of attempted aggravated arson. As of Thursday, June 20, she was still in the Davidson County Jail in lieu of a $20,000 bond. In a news release sent out Thursday, the Nashville Fire Department said arson is one of the costliest human-made disasters, and indirectly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and the increased costs of fire services. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Anyone who has information about arsons in their community is asked to call the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, and callers can remain anonymous. Cash awards of up to $5,000 are paid for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) apologized Wednesday for remarks he made downplaying sexual violence in the Israel-Hamas war, as he faces a primary challenge that has increasingly centered on the politics of the war. Bowman said in November that reports of systematic sexual violence by Hamas against Israel were propaganda and lies, which he later walked back. He apologized Wednesday in response to a WNYC caller. Immediately when the U.N. provided additional evidence, I voted to condemn the sexual violence, Bowman said. I apologize for my comments, and now were continuing to do the work to fight sexual violence and domestic violence in all its forms. Bowman has been critical of the Biden administrations response to the Israel-Hamas war and has backed efforts to urge a cease-fire in the war and pare back arms shipments to Israel. His primary opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, has taken the opposite position. Groups supporting Latimer have attacked Bowman for the view and have used his comments about Hamass sexual violence in advertisements and mailers to voters. The race has been defined by age, which younger voters sticking with the progressive Bowman while older voters have tended to back Latimer, according to polling. It has also divided Democrats, with Hillary Clinton among the leaders to endorse Latimer while progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) prop up Bowman. Former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) also endorsed Latimer in what was viewed as backstabbing a fellow progressive. Jones has long ties to Latimer and worked with him before running for Congress himself. An Emerson College/The Hill poll last week found Latimer with a sizable 17-point lead over Bowman in the primary, 48 percent to 31 percent. The poll found that 51 percent of respondents have a favorable view of Bowman, compared to 43 percent who have an unfavorable view of the House Democrat. In comparison, 65 percent said they have a favorable view of Latimer, while 23 percent had an unfavorable view of the county executive. The seat is reliably blue, meaning whoever wins the Democratic primary later this month is the heavy favorite to win in November. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GOSHEN, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Tulare County fire crews are cleaning up after a fire Thursday morning at a business park near Road 68 and Avenue 304 in Goshen. Firefighters say, when crews arrived they saw a box truck on fire. The flames spread to a building, damaging two businesses. No injuries were reported and theres no word on the cause of the fire. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. A former Kentucky sheriffs deputy convicted of assaulting people has been sentenced to nine years and two months in federal prison. A jury convicted Tanner M. Abbott, 31, of four charges of violating peoples civil rights; one charge of conspiracy; and one charge of falsifying records. Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves sentenced Abbott Thursday in federal court in Lexington. Abbott is a former deputy for the Boyle County Sheriffs Office. Abbott was a police officer between 2017 and 2021 and was indicted in October 2023, according to the court record. Abbott was fired from the Boyle County Sheriffs Office in 2021. He had posted the identify of a confidential informant on Facebook after she criticized him, according to the court record. The FBI started an investigation after receiving complaints about him abusing and hitting people during arrests, and then learned Kentucky State Police also were investigating Abbott, according to a sentencing memorandum from Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach Dembo. The charges on which Abbott was convicted related to using excessive force against four people; performing an illegal search; and writing false police reports to cover up his abuse, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Abbotts defense attorneys said in a sentencing memo that he sincerely believed his handling of the cases was reasonable under the circumstances, based on his training, experience and knowledge of what other officers in his department did. But prosecutors said Abbotts conduct was far from reasonable. Instead of protecting and serving the community, the defendant was physically abusing people even bragging about the injuries he caused, U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV said in a release. That is not law enforcement; that is brazen criminal conduct. Evidence the government presented included text messages from Abbotts work cell phone in which Abbott bragged, sometimes in graphic and vulgar terms, about injuring people he arrested, according to the Department of Justice. Abbott sometimes took photographs of injuries he had caused and sent them to friends and acquaintances, but never included them in official police documents, according to the release. The apparent pride and glee that cell phone evidence shows he took in causing injury boasting about the severity of injuries he caused, on multiple occasions, to both his colleagues and his then-fiancee can only be described as sadism, prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo. Prosecutors said it appeared Abbott targeted people who were physically weaker than him or unable to defend themselves well. One victim was handcuffed, and others were physically small. One had a disability and two were teenagers, according to the sentencing memo. Abbott broke bones in one persons nose and face. While he was at the hospital with the victim, Abbott texted at least three people to brag about how badly he had hurt the person, prosecutors said in their memo. The investigation showed the conduct covered in the indictment against him were only a small fraction of the occasions on which there was at least some credible evidence indicating that he had engaged in misconduct, Dembo wrote. Reeves also found that Abbott obstructed justice by lying during his trial. There is no parole in the federal court system, so Abbott will have to serve at least 85% of the sentence. Brevard Schools discipline data: Overall rates this year up from last, suspensions down A school year's-worth of data shows that while discipline rates overall went up in Brevard Public Schools, suspensions dropped. And the rates of discipline have continued to be disproportionately doled out something community members have decried for years. The data was presented at a work session this week, where most board members touted the district's updated procedures for sending a message that bad behavior won't be tolerated. Board Chair Megan Wright said she "wants Brevard County to be the Georgia (of school districts)." School board members Megan Wright, Katye Campbell and Jennifer Jenkins are pictured at a February 2024 board meeting. "Everybody that drives on (Interstate) 95 knows the second you hit Georgia, you stop speeding, because you know why? They write tickets, and you get in trouble," she said. "I would like our schools to be the Georgia, so to speak, when it comes to discipline." Members Jennifer Jenkins and Katye Campbell, however, urged the district to put more focus on helping students resolve their behavioral issues. Over the course of the 2023-2024 school year, Brevard Public Schools worked to implement new practices surrounding the discipline referral process in the hopes that classes would be calmer and the process would become smoother. A big change has been the requirement of teachers to submit referrals in a shorter period of time than in previous years, a change that came following a March 2023 audit of the district's discipline processes. Jenkins thinks more needs to be done to address the disproportionate rates of discipline impacting Black students and those on free and reduced lunches an issue that other board members have been largely defensive of over the past year, or have been outright unwilling to discuss. "There is a blindness from this board to have conversations about the data that has been presented over and over again," Jenkins said. "There (are) excuses being made by the majority of this board over and over again, and it's frustrating it's frustrating because there is a huge sector of our population of students that are being ignored." More: Discipline trends still show disproportionate rates for Black Brevard students in 2023-'24 Little comment was made by other board members directly regarding the disproportionality, though Matt Susin pointed to Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Pamela Dampier's improvement plans that looks at each school and student. He praised Dampier for her work, saying she's brought support inside the schools with Brevard Federation of Teachers. "Your No. 1 thing that you consistently say is, 'We need to figure out the data, hold everybody accountable but then find the supports that are needed to help these children,'" Susin said to Dampier. "You are in the schools, you're meeting with the schools, you're bringing BFT to the schools, you're doing a lot of that stuff, and that was not something that was evident before." Discipline referrals up, but suspensions down Overall, 95,814 referrals were given to 21,426 students during the 2023-2024 school year. That's an increase of nearly 13,000 referrals from the previous year, when 82,995 referrals were given to 18,484 students. Despite the increase in referrals, in- and out-of-school suspensions dropped from the previous year. During the 2023-2024 school year, there were 29,890 out-of-school suspensions and 9,218 in-school suspensions, with principals now using lunchtime detentions as an alternative. The previous year, there were 30,779 out-of-school suspensions and 11,732 in-school suspensions. The type of behavior causing the most number of discipline referrals for both years was "willful disobedience," holding the No. 1 spot out of the top 10 most often seen behaviors for both years. There were slightly fewer referrals for this behavior during 2023-2024 than the previous year, with 13,514 referrals compared to 14,520 referrals during the 2022-2023 school year. Certain groups still disproportionately impacted Following trends presented in quarterly data, discipline rates for certain demographics increased, with Black students and those on free and reduced lunches being subject to the most discipline. Risk ratio is a measure used by the state to determine is a district is "at risk" based on the number of suspensions within a given demographic. The goal is for every demographic to be at 1.0, while a ratio of 2.5 is an "alert status," and a ratio of 3.0 is when action must take place to rectify the situation. The risk ratio fell during the 2023-2024 school year for white and Hispanic students. It increased for every other demographic, which included non-gifted special education students, students on free or reduced lunches, English language learners, multiracial students, Black students, Asian students and American Indian or Alaska Native students. More: 'Bad data with no plan': Discipline rates against Black students remain steady in Brevard Students on free or reduced lunches remained over a 2.5 risk ratio, increasing this year to a 2.7228. Black students were just shy of the 2.5 risk ratio, with a risk ratio of 2.4589. English language learners, white, Hispanic, Asian and American Indian or Alaska Native students all had risk ratios below 1. Board in disagreement about data Jenkins was quick to point out that both Black students and students on free and reduced lunches have continually had the highest risk ratios, and that the issue has gone unaddressed. "When we have certain demographics and populations of students that are coming up on these data charts at a significantly higher percentage than the percentage that they represent within the population of our schools, that tells us we have a problem," she said. She brought up those numbers in the context of student behavior and achievement, saying they needed to dive in to them. "It is our responsibility to dive deep into those numbers and understand the why, and understand what kind of resources and supports we can put into those schools or to those specific students in order to change it," Jenkins said. "That is our job." Board members Matt Susin and Gene Trent are pictured at a February 2024 school board meeting. Campbell agreed that it would be "egregious" if any demographic were being punished unfairly, but she wasn't sure if the data represented that happening. "It's not being ignored," she said. "If there are significant discrepancies, that's probably some data specifically that we need to look at, because I don't want to just broad statements without being able to know exactly what we're talking about." Board Vice Chair Gene Trent felt the higher rates of discipline correlated with the preliminary student achievement data presented at the work session, which showed an increase in achievement. "If you take care of the small things, sometimes it takes care of the big things," he said. "I don't have expectations of certain numbers going down. I want teachers and administrators to continue doing what they do with the situations that they're faced (with) every single day." Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Board: What's behind higher rates of discipline in Brevard schools? A brewery and restaurant in Buckhead agreed to pay $115,000 to settle a race discrimination and retaliation case brought by the federal government. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Iron Hill Brewery of Buckhead racially discriminated and retaliated against a Black employee after he reported discriminating behavior against women and Hispanic employees. The EEOC filed a federal lawsuit against Iron Hill after it fired a sous chef-in-training, Jerrell McGirt, who had complained to company management about mistreatment on two occasions. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Court records show McGirt filed a complaint with the EEOC after his termination as retaliation for taking action by reporting illegal discrimination to the company. One of the complaints, according to the EEOC, said women who were breastfeeding had not been provided a safe and private space to pump breast milk while at work. McGirt also told the EEOC that racial slurs were commonplace at the brewery, according to court documents. He received an unwarranted disciplinary action and was then fired, the EEOC said. Such alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits retaliation for engaging in protected activity and discrimination based on race, the EEOC said in a release. TRENDING STORIES: Before filing the lawsuit in court, the EEOC tried to reach a pre-litigation settlement, the agency said. Instead, the issue went to court. Now, Iron Hill Brewery will have to train its employees at chain locations across the United States to focus on a racial discrimination and retaliation ban, as well as be required to implement an anti-retaliation policy, which will have to include examples of illegal retaliation in the workplace for three years as part of a consent decree for the settlement. The settlement also includes a $115,000 relief payment to McGirt through one or more checks, though full payment must be made within 30 days of the consent decrees enactment. Additionally, the consent decree requires that Iron Hill Brewery remove any employment records or personnel files about McGirt which relates to his termination and performance as well as provide a positive reference of employment to McGirt to be sent to him in writing within 10 days of the decree taking effect. The EEOC brought this lawsuit to defend an employees right to speak up about workplace discrimination, Atlanta District Office Regional Attorney Marcus G. Keegan said in a statement. This settlement sends a strong message that the EEOC will continue to vindicate the rights of individuals with the courage to come forward to report discrimination against themselves or others in the workplace. Channel 2 Action News has reached out to Iron Hill Brewery for comment on the settlement and are waiting for their response. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Britains birth rate has fallen to a record low as a growing number of women shun parenthood. New figures show that UK births have almost halved since 1960, mirroring a broader trend across the worlds wealthiest economies. The UKs birth rate is currently 1.53 children per woman, which the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) classes as well below the 2.1 needed to maintain a countrys population at its current level. Over the past decade the UKs birth rate has fallen by 20.5pc, which is the largest drop of any country in the G7, according to the OECD. The average number of children per woman across the OECDs 38 member countries fell from 3.3 in 1960 to 1.5 in 2022. This led the Paris-based organisation to warn that rich countries must prepare for a low-fertility future. Declining birth rates could lead to a fall in the worlds population by the next decade, the OECD said, warning that deaths could outpace births for the first time in at least half a century. An ageing population could place significant social and economic pressures on governments, it added. The organisation said countries with a falling birth rate must consider ways to mitigate the economic and fiscal implications of a potentially shrinking workforce. It said that issues such as a lack of affordable housing could no longer be ignored as a growing number of young people are forced to live with their parents. Stefano Scarpetta, the director of the OECD, said: Facilitating parenthood decisions requires comprehensive and reliable support to families. This includes affordable housing, family policies that help reconcile work and family life, and coherence with other public policies that promote access to quality jobs and career progression of women. There had been hopes that a post-Covid baby boom in 2021 would continue after the pandemic. However, birth rates have weakened amid growing financial pressures, including high nursery fees, rising house prices and stagnating pay. Seventeen countries, including the UK, were classed as having record low birth rates, according to the latest data available. However, Britains rate of 1.53 remains above Italy (1.2), Germany (1.2), Canada (1.3) and Japan (1.3). The OECD said recent global crises such as Covid may have spread a feeling of uncertainty and unpredictability for young people, adding that increased labour market and housing insecurities may complicate a transition to parenthood. It said that policies that encourage women to combine work and family life leads to better economic outcomes and higher fertility rates. There have been long-standing fears over Britains falling fertility rate, which some economists and politicians fear will hold back economic growth. Economists have suggested offsetting the impact of a shrinking working-age population by raising the retirement age or allowing greater levels of immigration. The costs associated with parenthood have prompted many people to have children in later life. Data shows that those in the worlds richest economies are now having their first child on average at the age of 29 in 2022, compared to 26 in 2000. The OECD said there had been a change in attitude towards having children as both young men and women increasingly find meaning in life outside of parenthood, and there is a broad movement towards an increased acceptance of not having children. When comparing women born in 1935 and 1975, the percentage of women without a child about doubled in Estonia, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Spain. 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. GILEAD TWP. The Bronson Fire Association hosted a blessing of new Tanker 10 Saturday during an open house at the new satellite fire station on Southern Road at Gilead Lake Road. Pastor Jim Erwin of the Bethel Gilead Community Church blessed Bronson Fire's new Tanker 10 with those attending an open house Saturday at the new satellite fire station on Southern Road. Fire Chief Scott Wilber explained that the satellite station would cut response time to the southern portion of the six-township district, hopefully saving lives and property. The association will now consider adding a second satellite station in the north portion of the district to serve Matteson and Batavia townships better. Wilber explained, "We have one of the largest fire districts in the state of Michigan, 192 square miles." To drive from one corner of the district to the opposite corner takes 40 minutes. Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber explained the benefits of the new satellite fire station which also houses a new Gilead Township Hall. Plans for the 1,339-square-foot building came together in August last year when four townships agreed to use mainly American Rescue Plan Act money for construction. Gilead Township will pay 50%, Noble Township 30% Bethel Township 15% and Bronson Township 5% based on the area of each of the four townships within five road miles of the site. Gilead Township added 901-square-feet on the west end for a new township hall, which cost around $70,000. The $175,000 total estimated 2,240-square-foot building cost will be well under budget because contractor Dan Hershberger, subcontractors, and volunteer firefighters donated labor. Final work, including a fire hydrant well, still needs to be completed. The 20-year-old tanker and a grass fire rig are housed in the new Bronson satellite fire station at Southern and Gilead Lake roads. The project came together after the department voted in 2022 to replace an aging 20-year-old tanker. The older tanker now serves at the satellite station. Wilber explained that the older truck is still usable but does not meet national standards for a primary response truck. Used trucks usually become scrap metal. The old tanker holds 3,500 gallons of water with a pump and a nozzle that one person can operate. "That gives us seven minutes of spraying 500 gallons minute on a fire," Wilber explained. The chief explained, "By the time the old tanker runs out of water, the Calvary is showing up. It's going to be an absolute game changer," since fires double every 90 seconds. Fireboard chair Kevin Barnes, the supervisor of Matteson Township, said his township would look for a location for a northern satellite station on M-86. The land for the Southern Road station came from a $1-a-year lease from the Branch County Road Commission. The site is next to a road commission gravel pit. The association board would need to develop a plan to equip that station in the future and recruit volunteers who live in that area. Bronson Fire Association 2024-25 Budget The association of Bronson, Batavia, Bethel, Gilead, Matteson, and Noble townships, along with the city of Bronson, funds operations. Costs are divided based on the percentage of real and personal property values. The Bronson Fire Association passed a 2024-25 annual budget of $340,000 last week, up from $329,000 for the current fiscal year. All the township and city assessments decreased for the new fiscal year except for Batavia, which increased by $14,687. The Batavia assessment increased because Batavia Township's taxable values increased by $18 million. This is approximately the taxable value of the new 20-megawatt, 193-acre solar farm now operating on the northwest corner of M-86 and Snow Prairie Road, which went on the tax rolls this year. Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Bronson Fire's satellite station ready for service on Southern Road UPDATE: LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) Glover-Wing has been sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She is also being ordered to pay $3,675,948.42 in restitution. ORIGINAL: LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) The owner of an Acadiana hospice care facility has been convicted of defrauding Medicare of over $1.5 million, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. A federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Kristal Glover-Wing, 50, of Broussard, for one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and three counts of health care fraud following a trial that lasted nearly four weeks. Ville Platte woman, 85, hospitalized after alleged beating from granddaughter United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown said Dr. Gary M. Wiltz and Dr. Charles H. Louis were each acquitted on their charges in the indictment. Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the trial. Krystal Glover-Wing defrauded the government and we thank the jury for holding her accountable. We will now move forward to her sentencing hearing, Brown said. I thank the trial team and investigators for staying the course throughout years of investigating and a hard-fought trial. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Glover-Wing was the owner of Angel Care Hospice, a Louisiana corporation that purported to provide hospice services in Lafayette Parish and other parishes in the Western District of Louisiana. Prosecutors said from approximately 2009 through 2017, over 24 patients were placed on hospice by Angel Care without meeting the criteria required by Medicare. During the time period that the patients were on hospice and under the care and supervision of Angel Care, none of them had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. In fact, many of the patients themselves, who are still alive and thriving many years later, as well as family members of other patients, testified that they never knew that they had been placed on hospice. The testimony revealed that while on hospice care, many of the patients were living normal lives and although most of them did have medical conditions, none had been diagnosed as being terminally ill. The fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare and reimbursed to Angel Care resulted in a loss of $1,539,161.10 to Medicare. Whenever Medicare providers are motivated by greed, our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly, are put at risk, said Jeff Richards of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). HHS-OIG agents will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate providers who loot the Medicare Trust Fund. Glover-Wing faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit health care fraud charge, up to 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charges, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Latest Posts Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown speaks with supporters after voting at Reno High School on June 14, 2022 in Reno. (Photo by Josh Edelson/Getty Images) Policy, politics and progressive commentary Sam Brown, the Republican nominee challenging Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen this year, personally recruited and managed the campaign for a congressional candidate in Texas who believed abortion bans should have no exceptions, the Current has learned. Campaign managers dont automatically share the same political stances as the candidates they work for, but Browns professional and personal connections to an extreme anti-abortion congressional candidate are relevant as he faces criticism about inconsistent statements about his position on abortion rights. In 2018, veteran and small business owner Sam Deen ran for Texass 5th Congressional District, coming in third out of eight in the Republican primary. Deen on social media said Brown, who he called a dear friend and war hero, personally asked him to run. Brown confirmed that story in his own social media posts, including in a video on Election Day where he encouraged voters in the district to head to the polls. Although he did not center abortion as an issue, Deen described his political position as 100% Pro Life, no exceptions on social media. He also called for the complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act, the privatization of Social Security, and said the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage had no real effect other than political grandstanding. While campaigning, Deen repeatedly referred to Brown as his campaign manager, adding that the pair were West Point and Ranger School classmates. Many posts used an image of Deen and Brown, whose face is scarred from combat injuries received in 2008 in Afghanistan, and solicited donations, asking followers to stand with us. Browns campaign did not respond to the Currents request for comment on his professional relationship with Deen. The pair appear to have remained close even after Brown moved to Nevada in 2018. Deen solicited donations for the Sam Brown for Nevada Exploratory Committee prior to Brown officially entering the 2022 Nevada Senate race against Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto. In that primary race, Brown came in second to Adam Laxalt, the candidate supported by former President Donald Trump and the National Republican Senate Committee. This year, as he challenges Rosen, Brown has the backing of Trump and the NRSC. Brown, like many Republicans in Nevada, has attempted to sidestep questions about to what extent he supports abortion rights and leaned on the fact that Nevadans enshrined protections into state law through a ballot referendum in 1990. On his campaign website, Brown describes himself as pro-life and states he will oppose any bill that pushes for federal funding of abortion, late term abortions, or abortion without parental notification and will support federal judges who understand the importance of protecting life. Brown more recently has said he will not support a national abortion ban, but that position came after repeatedly dodging answering, saying he didnt want to theorize on hypothetical legislation. In a 2022 debate with Laxalt he suggested he was open to it, saying he would want to see that specific language. As previously reported by The Nevada Independent, when Brown was a Texas statehouse candidate in 2014, he expressed support for a proposed 20-week abortion ban there. Abortion was not settled law for that state at that time. Abortion was also not a settled issue in Texas in 2018 when Brown managed Deens campaign. As previously reported by the Current, Brown and his wife Amy quietly attended an anti-abortion gala in September 2023. He also previously held a position with the Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition, the state arm of a national organization backing extreme abortion bans. Amy Brown earlier this year spoke to NBC News about getting an abortion in 2008. It was believed to be the first time shed spoken publicly about her experience, but reporting by Jezebel this week uncovered that Amy Brown wrote about the experience on a church blog and spoke about it in a political ad in 2014. In that video, for Red State Woman, Amy Brown praised the banning of late-term abortions calling it a step in the right direction and criticized Democrat Wendy Davis, then a Texas state senator running for governor against Republican Greg Abbott. Davis had gained national notoriety the year earlier after her hours-long filibuster to block a bill that would have severely restricted abortion. After publication of this story, the Brown campaign sent the Current the following statement, which has previously been sent to other media outlets in response to questions about abortion rights: Amy and I have spoken extensively about this topic and believe, first and foremost, that mothers who are facing an unplanned pregnancy deserve the utmost compassion and understanding. I am pro-life, with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. Like President Trump, I believe the issue is now correctly left at the state level and applaud his leadership. Abortion is expected to be a top issue for voters in Nevada and across the nation this year. The Nevada Senate race between Jacky Rosen and Sam Brown is expected to figure largely in determining which party will control the Senate. Rosen this week participated in a press conference highlighting a conservative think tanks plans for further restricting abortion and contraception access should Trump be reelected. [Editors Note: This story has been updated with a statement provided from Sam Brown.] The post Brown recruited, managed campaign for extreme anti-abortion candidate in Texas appeared first on Nevada Current. Lonnie Phelps participates in drills during the NFL Combine, March 2, 2023, in Indianapolis. The Cleveland Browns announced Thursday via press release that they have waived defensive end Lonnie Phelps, who was arrested Wednesday in Florida and charged with drunken driving and damaging property after police say he crashed his SUV into a restaurant in Key West, according to multiple reports. The 23-year-old Phelps, who went to high school at Mount Healthy, went undrafted out of Kansas before the Browns signed him in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent. Browns news: 'It's a non-stop battle every day': Nick Chubb overcomes mental fight after another injury He was waived by the team in August 2023, but re-signed to the Browns practice squad shortly thereafter. Cleveland signed Phelps to a reserve/future contract in January of this year. He spent the entire 2023 season on the team's practice squad. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns waive DE Lonnie Phelps following DUI arrest in Florida Lonnie Phelps speaks to the press at the NFL Combine, March 1, 2023, in Indianapolis. Cleveland Browns defensive end Lonnie Phelps, a Mount Healthy High School grad, was arrested Wednesday in Key West, Florida, and charged with drunken driving and damaging property after police say he drove his SUV into a restaurant and then refused to cooperate with a law enforcement investigation, according to multiple news outlets. Phelps reportedly crashed his SUV into the Red Shoe Island Bistro, a high-end restaurant in Key West. The buildings owner, Joseph Schroeder, estimated the damage from the crash at $300,000, according to reporting from CBS and Cleveland.com. : #Browns DE Lonnie Phelps was arrested for DUI after allegedly crashing his car into a restaurant in Key West. pic.twitter.com/q2h6iYePY8 Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 20, 2024 Browns coverage: Cleveland Browns roster projections 2024: Resetting 53-man depth chart after minicamp The 23-year-old Phelps went undrafted out of Kansas before the Browns signed him in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He was waived by the team in August 2023, but re-signed to the Browns practice squad shortly thereafter. Cleveland signed Phelps to a reserve/future contract in January of this year. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Lonnie Phelps arrested for DUI in Florida, crashed SUV Bump stocks back on shelves as ban falls in Senate WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Bump stocks are back in stock at gun stores, after the Supreme Court overturned a ban on them. Firearm technology that essentially convert semiautomatic weapons into nearly fully automatic weapons and machine guns, said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Kaine co-sponsored legislation to ban bump stocks. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) who introduced the bill calls this a common sense approach. As someone who has owned and used firearms for most of my life, for hunting, for sport, for self-defense, I know for a fact that bump stocks serve no legitimate purpose, Heinrich said. The Trump administration put the ban in place after a mass shooting in Las Vegas, killed 60 people and injured hundreds more. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) says the bump stock made it easier and this should never be repeated. That gunman was able to fire around 90 shots every 10 seconds, Murphy said. The Senate tried to pass a bump stock ban through unanimous consent earlier in the week, but Republicans blocked it. Does anyone seriously believe this lawless Biden administration would interpret this law in a way that respects law abiding gun owners? Not, Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) said. He thinks the bill isnt about banning bump stocks. This bill is about banning as many firearm accessories as possible, giving the ATF broad authority to ban most semiotic firearms, he said. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) says shes a defender of the Second Amendment and I am probably not going to get on any bill as this moves forward so I can, weigh the pros and cons. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) on Wednesday sidestepped a question regarding the prospect of being former President Trumps vice-presidential pick, stating that its only up to the former president. When Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum asked Burgum if he wanted to be the vice president on Trumps ticket, he responded, Thats up for President Trump to decide, and President Trump alone. Hes got a lot of great choices. Burgum emerged as a top contender for Trumps vice president in recent weeks, after launching a long-shot GOP presidency bid last year. Trump, the GOPs presumptive presidential nominee, has spoken highly of Burgums work as a governor and said earlier this year he hopes Burgum can be a very important piece of the administration. MacCallum on Wednesday asked Burgum if he would have any concerns about working in a Trump administration, given his older, more critical remarks of the former president. Well, Ive got no concerns at all about being in this administration, Burgum answered. And of course, Martha, you know that I endorsed President Trump early in 2016, I endorsed him in 2020, and I was one of the first ones to endorse him this year. And at least in our state its been a world of difference with President Trump in office versus President Biden. So, no qualms at all around that. Burgum is a former businessman who first built his name by developing a company into a major success, before entering the political world with no experience. He won his first gubernatorial campaign in 2016 and a second term in 2020. Burgum suggested his experience in business could benefit a Trump White House. And of course, having a businessperson in the White House is fantastic, particularly given the all the economic challenges that we have as a nation, the North Dakota governor said. But for me, when I was didnt know President Trump in 16 at all, I never had met him the first time I endorsed him. In 2020, Id had an opportunity to work with them as a governor would with the president, that relationship was professional and fantastic. But I only really got to know him as a person from January until now and having to spend that time with him, he later said. I wish every American could see what the first lady Kathryn and I have seen, and thats someone who cares deeply about this country, who works tirelessly, and who applies common sense to all the issues that are that every American, working American family, is struggling with. I mean, hes just fantastic. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (FOX40.COM) An urgent call has gone out to Calaveras County residents to conserve water due to the ongoing firefighting around the Aero Fire. In a social media post on Wednesday, the Calaveras County Water District said cooperation is vital in keeping our community safe. Two more fires break out in Calaveras County as fire crews battle the Aero Fire Water conservation requests are being made directly to the residents living within close vicinity of the Aero Fire, which is burning in the southwest corner of Calaveras County. We are coming out of the midst of the Aero Fire and I would just ask that you be sensitive to the fact that there has been a considerable amount of water use in your community and as we push forward towards normalcy I would ask that you conserve water as much as possible, Calaveras County Water District Director of Operations Damn Wyckoff said in a video on Wednesday. The Aero Fire has currently burned more than 5,300 acres and is 33% contained. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. From wildfires to floods, local disasters have become an increasingly persistent threat for residents throughout California, making access to reliable phone service more critical than ever. As evidenced by the recent, proposed decision released by the California Public Utilities Commission, recognition of this need is growing, and the CPUC rejected AT&Ts request to end its role as one of Californias carriers of last resort landline telephone service providers. If approved, this decision will be a major win for Californias residents, particularly those in rural and disaster-prone areas who depend on traditional landline service. On March 3, 2023, AT&T submitted an application to the CPUC to be relieved of its carrier of last resort designation, which compels AT&T to provide traditional landline services in its service territories to any customer that requests it, ensuring all residents have access to reliable phone service. Opinion AT&T seeks to phase out operation and service of its copper wire-based telecommunications systems, also known as landlines. If it is permitted to abandon this responsibility without another provider stepping forward to provide these services, an estimated 580,000 customers could be left without access to reliable phone service. The application before the CPUC would also make it easier for other carriers of last resort to eliminate their landline services in the future. Landline service remains the most reliable option for telecommunication for many California residents. In numerous rural and disaster-prone regions of the state, cell phone coverage is either insufficient or nonexistent. So if providers are no longer required to provide this service, vulnerable residents such as seniors, individuals with disabilities and low-income individuals who still heavily depend on landlines could find themselves without a crucial means of communication when they need it most. Additionally, landline service has a uniform set of minimum service standards and regulations that do not apply to newer technologies, further putting reliability at risk for these customers. Nationwide, an estimated 52% of adults age 65 and older still utilize a landline. These populations may live in areas without adequate phone service, face challenges affording new technologies or lack the technical expertise to navigate unfamiliar systems. For these residents, the potential loss of a landline provider poses more than a simple inconvenience. Landlines work seamlessly with special medical equipment and security systems unlike some newer technologies. And in emergency situations, landlines serve as a vital communication tool: Public safety necessitates access to reliable communication for effective emergency response, particularly in areas where wildfires, floods or extreme weather require fast notification to deliver key messages, deploy services and save lives. During this years winter storms, a landslide severely damaged a critical road for the rural community of Arroyo Seco in Monterey County. Due to notoriously poor cell service in that community combined with the loss of a key access road, residents found themselves isolated. If landline service had not been available, residents would have struggled to notify local officials, ultimately delaying the emergency response. While innovation is crucial to the continued advancement of telecommunication services, the reality is that many Californians still rely on landlines. Permitting any carrier of last resort provider to discontinue service before a long-term solution or robust, disaster-proof technology exists is simply unacceptable and puts public safety at risk. This desire from telecommunications providers to gradually reduce or eliminate carrier of last resort obligations will continue to be raised at the regulatory and legislative levels. It is therefore imperative that the CPUC prioritize reliable telecommunications for all Californians by approving their proposal to reject AT&Ts application. Until there is a universally accessible alternative, residents and policymakers must stand firm against future attempts to remove landline phone service from those who need it most. Chris Lopez is a Monterey County supervisor and chair of the Rural County Representatives of California . Calls for accountability grow over October 7 failures, but Israels leadership is unlikely to act The anger across the streets of Israel has reached a new crescendo, with tens of thousands joining protests billed as a week of disruption. Anti-government demonstrators have blocked major highways, staged walkouts, and called for a general strike. The protesters have not one but several demands: a hostage deal, new elections, military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews, more attention to residents of the north and more. Across Israel, signs on buildings and highways call for Elections Now! and declare alongside pictures of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, You are the leader; you are to blame. But underneath them all lies one question which continues to echo across Israel eight months after October 7: How could the most advanced military in the region, with its vaunted intelligence apparatus, have failed so completely in foreseeing the Hamas terror attack? Calls for a state commission of inquiry into the security and intelligence failures that led to October 7 have grown continually louder, with the Israeli public, opposition lawmakers, the parents of slain and captive Israel Defense Forces (IDF) field observers, and the attorney general demanding an investigation into the deadliest single event in the countrys history. Analysts say its not likely to happen under Netanyahu, however. And if it does, it may not yield the answers for which the country is searching, even as more reports come out about what Israel knew in advance. On Monday, Israels public broadcaster, Kan 11, added to the growing mountain of evidence that the countrys leadership could have or, at the very least, should have known an attack was possible. Palestinian children search through the rubble of their home a day after an operation by Israeli Special Forces in the Nuseirat camp, in the central Gaza Strip, on June 9, 2024. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images Kan 11 detailed a document from Unit 8200, the IDFs premier intelligence gathering division, about Hamas plans to attack military facilities and communities, and to take between 200 and 250 hostages. The document was dated September 19, 2023, less than three weeks before the October 7 attack. It was especially startling in its accuracy on one particular point: Hamas took 250 hostages. The latest allegations add weight to reports in November from the New York Times and Haaretz newspapers that military intelligence had information about Hamas plans to overwhelm Israels fortifications around Gaza, allowing militants to stream into southern Israel. In December, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman announced he would open an investigation into intelligence failures before the October 7 Hamas attack. Months later, struggling to get cooperation from the Prime Ministers Office and the Israeli military, Englman wrote in a letter to the Prime Ministers Office and the IDF chief of staff that his duty was to carry out a comprehensive audit of the greatest failure in the countrys history. But this week, Israels High Court put the investigation on hold after reviewing classified arguments from security agencies prompting an exasperated Englman to ask if his teams should put a up a sign were on a break, will be back in two years? Separately, the IDF launched a series of internal investigations earlier this year into the failures leading up to October 7, followed by more limited examinations of individual battles on the day of the attacks. These probes would allow Israel to learn from its failures, even in an ongoing war. The first results are expected to be published in the coming weeks. Whats missing is Israels most powerful investigative tool - a state commission of inquiry - stymied by Netanyahu and his allies, who have tried to delay it until after the war. A state commission of inquiry is an independent body with broad powers, including the ability to compel witnesses to testify. But the primary means of launching such a commission is a government decision, and this government has made clear its not anywhere on their current agenda. Raanan Sulitzeanu-Kenan, a professor of public policy at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, says the likelihood of an inquiry is very, very low. Over 17 years of Netanyahu governments, we had zero number of inquiries, Sulitzeanu-Kenan says. Historically, Israel has had a public inquiry roughly every two years, he says, but not under its present and longest-serving leader. The purchase of German submarines and surface vessels sparked an inquiry in 2022, but only during Netanyahus 18-month spell out of office. Although it is very clear that one should be appointed, the political likelihood is almost zero under the current government, says Sulitzeanu-Kenan. Once you appoint a public inquiry, you send at least an implicit message that something wrong has happened. Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese village of Jebbain on May 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images In June, Israels attorney general said that a commission of inquiry was the most appropriate legal means to investigate the circumstances leading up to the October 7 attack. According to Gali Baharav-Miara, the inquiry could also supersede investigations from international tribunals, a reference to the International Court of Justice, which is probing Israel for potential war crimes committed during its war in Gaza. But Netanyahus cabinet secretary responded that the country was in the midst of an intense war. The time is not yet ripe to investigate all the events of the war and what preceded it, wrote Yossi Fuchs in response to Baharav-Miara. State commissions of inquiry can also take a tremendous amount of time, especially if there are questions of systemic failure mixed with issues of personal responsibility, said Yohanan Plesner, the president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based think tank. When you intertwine all (of) them together, you probably might end up with nothing, Plesner said. The most likely means of understanding the failures of October 7 was by dissecting it into smaller and more manageable issues, he said, like separating intelligence failures from those of operational doctrine. Given the complexity of the situation, the political interests involved, and the age of polarization that we live in, Im not sure were ever going to have one recognized answer to this question, said Plesner. Netanyahu told CNNs Dana Bash in November he would answer all the questions that are required and this whole question will be addressed after the war. His position has hardly shifted since, marked by the denial of any responsibility for the failures of October 7. The refusal of Israels self-styled Mr. Security to take the blame stands in stark contrast to the IDF, where senior officers have resigned over the failure to stop the worst terror attack in the countrys history. Major General Aharon Haliva, who was the commander of the IDFs military intelligence, quietly announced in April that he would be stepping down. In the days after October 7, he admitted there was an intelligence failure in not detecting plans for the attack. Haliva became the first top official to accept responsibility for shortcomings, but not the last. In June, the head of the IDFs Gaza division, Brig. Gen. Avi Rosenfeld, also said he would resign. In a public letter, he said: Everyone has to take responsibility for their part. It is widely expected that other senior military officials will also step down on the conclusion of the IDFs campaign in Gaza. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, a member of Israels war cabinet until his resignation earlier this month, said everyone in a position of leadership needed to step down, including those in (the IDFs) Southern Command, the Military Intelligence Directorate, the IDF Chief of Staff, the head of the Shin Bet, the Defense Minister, the Prime Minister. Eisenkot told Israels Channel 12 news: The failure is so great that none of them can stay in office. But with no clear end in sight to the war, that accountability is likely to be a long time coming. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com It was so predictable. Speaker MAGA Mike Johnson belatedly did the right thing in April by allowing the House to approve aid to Ukraine over most Republicans opposition. Even former Speaker Nancy Pelosi called him courageous. Yet ever since, hes been truckling to his fellow House right-wingers, and to Donald Trump, to make up for his perceived heresy. Two of Johnsons recent actions show just how low hell go to kowtow to the disgraced former president and his MAGA disciples in the House, and how hypocritical they all are. On Friday, Johnson announced that the House would go to federal court to press charges against Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland for contempt of Congress. Two days earlier, the House had voted along party lines to seek the Justice Departments prosecution of its boss. The department declined and within hours Johnson said the House would proceed on its own. At issue is Garlands refusal to give Republicans an audio recording they subpoenaed of President Bidens interview last fall in the investigation of his past handling of classified documents, which didn't result in criminal charges. Garland did provide other materials the House sought, including a transcript of the interview, but Biden asserted executive privilege over the audio. For all the Republicans highfalutin posturing about respect for Congress, you know their real reason for demanding the recording: They figure the audio must include parts they can exploit to embarrass Biden. Theyve coveted it ever since the Republican special counsel who interviewed the president unnecessarily alluded in his report to Bidens advanced age, poor memory and diminished faculties. Read more: California races roiled by border, immigration. It could tip control of the House Johnson, on message, condemned the refusal to prosecute Garland as another example of the two-tiered system of justice brought to us by the Biden Administration. Only a shameless Trump toady would keep spouting that two tiers nonsense after the Justice Departments successful prosecution of Bidens son, with a second federal trial ahead in September. And House Republicans layered on another preposterous lie: Hunter Bidens conviction was a feint to distract us from the real crimes of the father, the ones that House Republicans havent been able to identify despite more than a year of investigations. The actual double standard is Republicans: They want Garland prosecuted for only partially complying with a congressional subpoena, yet their ranks include members who utterly scorned subpoenas from the House Jan. 6 committee to testify about their efforts to help Trump overturn the 2020 election. They even turned their defiance into fundraising pitches : IVE BEEN SUBPOENAED was the Trumpian headline atop one email. Read more: Column: This GOP-leaning political polling firm has turned into a purveyor of anti-vaccine propaganda That boast came from Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, now chair of the Judiciary Committee that recommended Garland be held in contempt. Prominent among the others who flouted subpoenas was Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, who begged Trump post-election to name an acting attorney general who would declare the election fraudulent. Perry's phone, seized by FBI agents, was rich with incriminating calls and messages (11 days to 1/6 . . . We gotta get going! he texted the White House at one point). And no less than the highest-ranking official within the building that was attacked, then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield (My Kevin to Trump), also ignored his subpoena to tell what he knew. The Jan. 6 committee, in its report , justified its extraordinary subpoenas of House members by describing the centrality of their efforts to help Trump illegally stay in power. For example, in December 2020, Trump named Jordan and Perry when he urged resistant Justice Department officials to just say the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the Republican congressmen. The contempt for Congress is all theirs, not Garlands. Read more: Calmes: The Trump veep guessing game is silly Perry also figures in Johnsons other recent Trump-toadying gambit. At the former presidents urging , the speaker quietly named Perry and Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas to the House Intelligence Committee, one of Congress most sensitive and least partisan panels, privy to classified information that most other lawmakers dont see. Its a posting that neither Perry nor Jackson deserve, which is why their appointments reportedly incensed the committee chair, Michael R. Turner of Ohio, among other more moderate House Republicans. Turner told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that the speaker promised to intervene in the event of improper behavior by the two. Why the concern? As former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheneys fellow Republican profile in courage on the Jan. 6 committee, put it in a recent podcast, Perry had been the House member the committee most wanted to force to testify, because he was considered basically the driving force behind Jan. 6 among those in Congress. Read more: Calmes: We don't need more evidence of Alito's bias, but we got it As for Jackson, he so flattered Trump when he was the White House doctor that Trump picked him to be Veterans Affairs secretary, a nomination that imploded amid allegations that Jackson drank, abused staff and improperly dispensed drugs (nickname: Candy Man). Demoted to captain after a Pentagon investigation , he still called himself a rear admiral on his congressional website until the Washington Post revealed his deceit in March. A former counsel to the Intelligence Committee a Republican said that Perry and Jackson couldnt get a security clearance if theyd come through any other door. But Johnson has put them in position to know the nations deepest secrets just to please Trump, who is charged himself with taking and sharing classified documents. That makes sense only if your motivation isnt the countrys interests but instead those of the once and perhaps future president. Which pretty much describes the House speaker. @jackiekcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Refugee children from Honduras, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela and Fiji were welcomed at this years Camp Nefesh. The free summer day camp, hosted by Congregation Bnai Israel in Sacramento was started by founder Lucy Beckett when she was 16. The camp has been providing free, fun, summer activities for refugee children since 2018. Jason Weiner, whos on the Board of Directors for Camp Nefesh, said the production is organized and run by teen members of the congregation and volunteers with a purpose of giving refugee children an opportunity to have fun and let go of their troubles. A planning committee works throughout the year in preparation; this includes raising money, hiring volunteers and planning the activities, according to Camp Director Gali Schwarz. Schwarz, 16, has been involved with Camp Nefesh since she was a child. I was 11, and I was probably more annoying than I was helpful, but I really loved it and Ive come back every year since, she said. Led by 50 teen volunteers, the team works to execute a theme every day of the two-week-long camp, which began Monday and continues until the end of next week. Fridays theme will be under the sea, and campers can prepare to cool down with a slip n slide and ice cream. The day-camp experience starts bright and early, and gives campers the options to make friendship bracelets, play board games and get some recreational time at the playground. This year, Camp Nefesh has 43 campers, all with different English-speaking capabilities. Schwarz said they can either translate through an older sibling, use hand signals or use an app. Without Google Translate, I dont know where wed be, said Ross London, co-camp director. Since the camper demographic is multi-religious, Weiner said they have time and space available for campers to pray if needed throughout the day. A safe space at camp The Rahmani family are just one of many refugee families that found a safe space at the camp. Siblings Samina, Zenat and Abuzaid left Afghanistan in 2019 and are in their second summer spent at Camp Nefesh. Abuzaid, 9, said his favorite thing to do at camp is play with the new kids. I play soccer, tag and basketball, he said. His eldest sister, Samina, 12, said she learned many things during her time at the camp, but one of them was taking responsibility. The campers arent the only ones who are learning new things: Schwarz said shes learned resilience from her campers. Seeing them be able to act like kids after all theyve gone through is just incredible, she said. Schwarz said that she loves having a moment to sit down with an individual kid and make a connection. Campers and counselors make friendship bracelets at Camp Nefesh in Sacramento on Wednesday. When the campers are picked up by their parents, London, 16, said his favorite thing is to hear from the parents how happy their kids are and what a good time they are having. Schwarz, London and a majority of the teen volunteers are members of Congregation BNai Israel.The congregation partners up with two immigration refugee agencies, World Relief and Norcal Resist, to promote aid services to refugee families and offer support. London said the Temple is really focused on trying to give back to the community. Weiner said social actions are a core value of being Jewish, changing the world, or we call it, repairing the world. We have members involved in every cause you can think of, he said. The Hebrew words tikkun olam, means to repair the world, Weiner said. Congregation BNai Israel utilizes a Social Action Committee that offers members various methods to fulfill that the tenet of tikkun olam. Subcommittees include, a LGBTQ+ rights, a racial justice committee and an immigration and refugee assistance committee, which is what Camp Nefesh operates under. Nefesh in Hebrew means soul or spirit, according to Weiner, so Camp Nefesh is meant to be a universal welcoming place for the spirit and soul of everyone in the community. Camp counselor Liberty Daily, 17, helps Zenat Rahmani, 10, braid a friendship bracelet at Camp Nefesh in Sacramento on Wednesday. Independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. has received intense public scrutiny for promoting an array of unconventional theories, from claiming that vaccines are behind an "epidemic" of diseases in America to insisting that the CIA was directly involved in the assassination of his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy. But one recurring conspiracy theory has garnered relatively little notice: his persistent assertion that major U.S. media outlets are being run by undercover CIA operatives or are controlled in some other way by the CIA, as part of a secret government plot to manipulate Americans' minds. "The new head of NPR is a CIA agent," Kennedy declared at a New York campaign fundraiser in April, drawing gasps from some of his supporters. MORE: RFK Jr. claims doctor said parasite 'ate' part of his brain He was specifically referring to Katherine Maher, who nearly two months earlier became NPR's CEO and president after a long career in international development and digital advocacy. At the fundraiser, Kennedy said Maher's hiring at NPR was just the latest salvo in the CIA's "systematic takeover of the American press, particularly the liberal media." Kennedy continues to amplify such claims at campaign events, in media interviews, and on social media, supporting them with what experts described to ABC News as "half-truths," "intimations," misinterpretations of law, and twisted historical anecdotes. He often cites widespread -- but utterly unsubstantiated -- allegations that a CIA program supposedly called "Operation Mockingbird" secretly recruited journalists decades ago to help brainwash Americans. "Operation Mockingbird is alive and well today," Kennedy has said repeatedly in recent months. Kennedy's questionable tactics are all "classic techniques of propaganda," according to Sarah Oates, a journalism professor at the University of Maryland who specializes in propaganda. And that's ironic, she said, when Kennedy is employing those techniques to claim that the CIA and its media proxies are the ones propagandizing Americans. PHOTO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at the Libertarian National Convention on May 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Kennedy has offered varying explanations of the CIA's supposed goal for the purported media takeover -- from allegedly promoting the Democratic Party's agenda to protecting the "military industrial complex." The theory Kennedy promotes is consistent with his long-running criticism of both the CIA, which he says "continues to be involved in the coverup" of his uncle's murder, and "the mainstream media," which he claims have "slandered and censored" him over the last decade. But Oates said the CIA conspiracy theory also creates a "Catch-22 situation," where the CIA's secretive nature makes it virtually impossible to disprove what Kennedy is alleging -- and media reports questioning it can be spun "as evidence that the conspiracy is true." "And that's the challenge," Oates said. In a statement to ABC News, a CIA representative said, "Any notion that CIA is controlling American media is absolutely false. CIA Is an organization focused on providing foreign intelligence information to policymakers and protecting the United States from a range of overseas threats." 'Compromised by the CIA'? According to Kennedy, the CIA infiltration of media is wide and deep: The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and several prominent online news sites, including the Daily Beast, are "under the control of Intelligence Agency operatives," as he put it in a late April post on X, formerly Twitter. Penske Media Corporation, which owns Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, is "a kind of front for the CIA," Kennedy said at the fundraiser in New York. And "even journals like Smithsonian and National Geographic ... appear to be compromised by the CIA," he said in an interview last year. To support his claims, Kennedy last month cited writings from former CIA officer Kevin Shipp, a conspiracy theorist who openly supports the QAnon movement and claims "Pearl Harbor was a myth," as well as author David Talbot, whose 2015 book on the CIA was "animated by conspiracy theories" and "speculations" that "often run far ahead of the evidence," the San Francisco Chronicle said in its review of the book. In addition, Kennedy has frequently cited a pair of articles from author Dick Russell. Though Kennedy hasn't always mentioned it, those articles were published three years ago by the media arm of his own nonprofit organization, Children's Health Defense, which promotes vaccine skepticism and often alleges government corruption. The articles attacked the "mainstream media" and said they "falsely vilify" Kennedy as a "disinformation 'conspiracy theorist,'" arguing that news outlets could be under "the sway of the intelligence apparatus." To try to make that case, the articles offered a rambling dissection of the personal and professional lives of then-Rolling Stone editor Noah Shachtman, former Daily Beast chief John Avlon, and Markos Moulitsas, the founder of the liberal website DailyKos. Kennedy has claimed the articles exposed their "agency ties," by reporting that Moulitsas began the process of becoming a CIA officer two decades ago while looking for work, and then chose a different career path. The articles also said that Avlon is "childhood best friends" with a former high-ranking national security official who once worked for an "intelligence agency-linked think tank." And they said Shachtman, who started covering national security issues long before joining the Daily Beast, was in regular contact with intelligence officials -- which is typical of national security reporters. Moulitsas told ABC News that Russell's articles are "utter horse crap" and "hilariously wrong." Avlon, who left the Daily Beast six years ago and is now running for Congress in New York as a Democrat, similarly called the articles "bonkers." "I am not, nor have I ever been, a CIA agent or member of the intelligence community," Avlon said on a podcast last week when asked about Kennedy's claims, calling the accusations "a sort of cautionary tale about RFK Jr. ... because he keeps saying this." Shachtman, who stepped down as editor of Rolling Stone earlier this year, did not comment on the record about Kennedy's claims. As for Maher and her alleged ongoing work for the CIA, the only alleged sources of such information Kennedy has pointed to are an online column by conservative activist Christopher Rufo and an X post from a writer who claims to be fighting government censorship and "mind control." Both suggested that, as the writer's X post put it, Maher's resume and CV "scream spy": She focused on Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies in college, she then worked for the World Bank and a host of democracy-promoting foreign policy organizations, she frequently traveled to Arab countries, and -- before joining NPR -- she helmed the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that maintains Wikipedia. MORE: Month after announcement, RFK Jr.'s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, remains in the shadows "That would be a very normal and a very impressive CV" for someone who works in that foreign-focused sphere, Oates said, saying that Kennedy's CIA accusations are a "leap that a lot of people wouldn't make." When Kennedy reposted Rufo's column in late April, he said, "I don't know if she is actual CIA, or just ideologically aligned." Then, at the fundraiser just three days later, he was unequivocal: "The new head of NPR is a CIA agent," he said. "Geez," a woman in the crowd could be heard saying. It's not the first time Maher has been accused of being a CIA agent: In 2016, when Maher joined the Wikimedia Foundation, a Tunisian blogger whom she had met before -- and even visited his home -- speculated online that her new job could indicate she's a spy. "Seriously?" Maher responded. "I'm not any sort of agent. You can dislike me, but please don't defame me." "Operate on evidence," she implored him. An NPR spokesperson declined to comment to ABC News. 'Makes no sense' According to experts who spoke with ABC News, Kennedy has misleadingly tried to frame an alleged CIA "takeover of the American press" as not only plausible, but permitted by law. Kennedy -- a lawyer who touts his own legal acumen -- claims that for decades, a law known as the Smith-Mundt Act "prohibited the CIA from spying on Americans or propagandizing Americans" -- but then those laws were removed, "and now the CIA actually can legally not only spy on us but it can propagandize us," as he put it at the April fundraiser. The Smith-Mundt Act, however, had nothing to do with spying and didn't even mention the CIA, which legal experts say is still restricted from spying on Americans and operating inside the United States. Instead, the Smith-Mundt Act, enacted in the wake of World War II, allowed the State Department to distribute propaganda overseas. Then in 2013, with the internet making it hard to wall-off information from abroad, Congress and the Obama administration signed off on updates to the Smith-Mundt Act that allowed Americans to access and review the State Department-produced content sent overseas. The revised law specifically said that none of the resources it provided could "be used to influence public opinion in the United States." PHOTO: The CIA Headquarters Building. (HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) The revised law also made it clear that it applied "only to the Department of State," not any "other department or agency of the Federal Government." "So there was still a prohibition that prevented messages from targeting or being designed for people inside the United States," said Mac Thornberry, the former Republican congressman from Texas who led the push to update the Smith-Mundt Act and retired in 2021 after more than 25 years in Congress. Several years ago, when various social media users began alleging, like Kennedy does, that the Smith-Mundt Act's changes allowed the U.S. government to propagandize Americans, both the Associated Press and the fact-checking Poynter Institute labeled the claims "false." "The simple explanation that the [law was updated] just to reflect the existence of the Internet somehow is not what some people want to hear, so they have to come up with other explanations that get pretty far-fetched," Thornberry said. "It makes no sense to me," he said, especially since "there are a number of [other] laws that limit what the CIA can do." In its statement to ABC News, the CIA said, "Federal law prohibits the Agency from engaging in domestic propaganda efforts and CIA takes this very seriously." 'Operation Mockingbird' As Kennedy tells it, the CIA has deliberately used American media before to spread propaganda at home. "[The CIA] had a program called 'Operation Mockingbird,' where they had [many] of the leading journalists in our country, and editors ... actually working for the CIA and propagandizing Americans," Kennedy said in an interview last month. According to Kennedy, it was all "revealed" in the 1970s by a Senate probe of CIA activities, which helped uncover a cache of secret documents known as the "Family Jewels" -- as well as by Pulitzer Prize-winner Carl Bernstein, who in 1977 published a lengthy piece in Rolling Stone titled "The CIA And The Media." But an ABC News review of Bernstein's article, publicly-released portions of the "Family Jewels," and the Senate's final report found no information to support Kennedy's claims that journalists were used to deliberately propagandize Americans or that a propaganda-pushing program called "Operation Mockingbird" even existed. The Senate report and Bernstein's article were both clear about one thing: The CIA's use of media personnel in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s didn't target Americans; it targeted foreigners, who were largely viewed as fair game then. The world at that time was gripped by the Cold War, and the U.S. government was scrambling to protect America from the growing threat of communism -- so the CIA asked employees of U.S. media organizations to help. Some "provided cover for CIA agents abroad," while about 50 journalists around the world collected intelligence and would "at times attempt to influence foreign opinion through the use of covert propaganda," concluded the Senate report, which was released in 1976. "We have taken particular caution to ensure that our operations are focused abroad and not at the United States," the report quoted former CIA director William Colby as telling investigators during their probe. Though the Senate report counted about 50 American journalists as CIA "assets," Bernstein's article, published a year later on Oct. 20, 1977, alleged a much broader program, saying that more than 400 American journalists "secretly carried out assignments" for the CIA -- and many even got paid. "The Agency's use of journalists in undercover operations has been most extensive in Western Europe ... Latin America and the Far East," Bernstein wrote. MORE: Biden, in counter to RFK Jr., gets endorsement of other Kennedy family members "The tasks they performed sometimes consisted of little more than serving as 'eyes and ears' for the CIA; reporting on what they had seen or overheard in an Eastern European factory [or] at a diplomatic reception in Bonn," Bernstein wrote. "On other occasions, their assignments were more complex," such as "plant[ing] false information with officials of foreign governments." But, echoing a concern raised by the Senate report, Bernstein also said that some "fallout" -- pieces of propaganda distributed overseas inadvertently making their way to Americans -- "is inevitable." Colby later told lawmakers it happened on "a few minor occasions." In his 1977 article, Bernstein named several prominent U.S. media organizations, including ABC News and the New York Times, that he said provided cover to CIA operatives or had employees who personally helped the CIA over the previous two decades. Many media executives, however, disputed parts of Bernstein's reporting, both before and after it was published. The senior vice president of ABC News at the time, William Sheehan, told the New York Times in 1977 that "there was no arrangement by this company to provide cover for the C.I.A," and that "there was no one on our staff" working for the CIA -- though the New York Times quoted an unnamed, former ABC correspondent claiming otherwise. In December 1977, two months after Bernstein's article, the New York Times reported that during the Cold War the CIA did use American journalists to gather intelligence. But, said the Times, they were not used "to further its worldwide propaganda campaign." "[None] of those interviewed ... said that the CIA had ever encouraged them to slant their dispatches to suit its purposes or to compromise themselves journalistically in any other way," the New York Times reported. Despite all that, Kennedy continues to claim that American journalists aiding the CIA were intentionally manipulating their fellow Americans: "Their job was to propagandize the American people," Kennedy said last month on an episode of his own podcast titled "CIA Propagandizing Americans." That's "a completely different thing" than what the CIA actually did, Oates said. "The CIA has been found to have done shady things, including with journalists," she said. "But he's using the missteps and some of the scandals that have happened in America to try to build into a propagandistic conspiracy theory." 'Just go' look In the late 1970s, after the CIA's Cold War-era use of journalists was exposed, the CIA announced a series of restrictions, recognizing that "the use of American journalists and media organizations for clandestine operations is a threat to the integrity of the press." As for whether any of that was part of an "Operation Mockingbird," neither Bernstein's article nor the Senate report makes any mention of such an operation. Neither do other publicly-available congressional reports or declassified CIA documents. Portions of the "Family Jewels" that the CIA released in 2007 do reference a "Project Mockingbird," but they repeatedly and explicitly state it was a short-lived leak investigation that secretly tapped the phones of two journalists in Washington, not a decades-long global program that gained willing cooperation from dozens or even hundreds of journalists. "Project Mockingbird, a telephone intercept activity, was conducted between 12 March 1963 and 15 June 1963, and targeted two Washington-based newsmen who, at the time, had been publishing [classified materials]," a once-secret document from the 1970s said. Claims of a much broader "Operation Mockingbird" first emerged more than 40 years ago, and now they are being amplified by a significant candidate for the U.S. presidency. "All of the propaganda that particularly liberals are hearing is all controlled now by the intelligence agencies," Kennedy told supporters at the fundraiser in April. "I'm going to be called a conspiracy theorist for saying it, but just go [look]." ABC News repeatedly asked Kennedy's campaign to point out any references to an "Operation Mockingbird" in congressional proceedings or government documents, and repeatedly asked for more information regarding the theories espoused by the candidate, but several representatives for Kennedy never responded to multiple messages from ABC News. On campaign trail, RFK Jr. pushes 'bonkers' theory about CIA's 'takeover of the American press' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Ethnic Uyghur demonstrators take part in a protest against the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the Turkish capital in Istanbul By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - Campaign groups called on the United Nations human rights chief to take more action over what they said were documented abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. The groups, including the World Uyghur Congress and Amnesty International said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk had not followed up on a 2022 report by his predecessor that found China may have committed crimes against humanity. After taking office in October 2022, Turk, a former lawyer, said he stood by the report and wanted to engage China over the findings. "As the High Commissioner has made clear, he stands behind the UN Human Rights report on Xinjiang issued in 2022, and we are engaging with the government of China on a range of human rights issues, including in follow-up to the report," Liz Throssell, U.N. Human Rights Office spokesperson, said on Friday. The August 2022 report, produced under the leadership of the last commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, said the extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang may be an international crime. China has repeatedly denied accusations of abuses in its northwest Xinjiang region. China defended its record and dismissed the campaign groups' statement given at a meeting in the Geneva headquarters of the U.N. Human Rights Council. Just before Turk took office, mostly non-Western members of the Rights Council voted down a motion brought by the U.S., Britain and other mostly Western powers to hold a debate about the report - a result that was seen as a diplomatic victory for Beijing. "To date there has been no action, no meaningful action," Zumretay Arkin, a spokesperson for the World Uyghur Congress, told a meeting on Thursday. "We are here to remind everyone ... that impunity cannot be the solution." The campaign groups, also including Human Rights Watch and the International Service for Human Rights, translated the 2022 report into five languages, published them and called for Turk to give an update on how his office and China had responded to the report's recommendations. China's attache at its mission in Geneva, Zhu Kexing, told the session: "In order to discredit China and hinder China's development, a small number of NGOs and Western countries do not hesitate to act as liars and rumour-makers to serve their anti-China separatist plots." Several countries, including the United States and Australia, also voiced concerns about the lack of follow-up on the 2022 report but stopped short of giving specific recommendations on how Turk's office should react. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Barbara Lewis) The UK has been reluctant to label the IRGC as a terrorist group - AFP Canada has listed Irans Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group while calling on Canadians in Iran to leave. Our government has made the decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, Dominic LeBlanc, the public safety minister, told a news conference. Flanked by Canadas foreign and justice ministers, he accused the Iranian regime of support for terrorism and having consistently displayed disregard for human rights both inside and outside of Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilise the international rules-based order. Melanie Joly, the foreign minister, noting that Ottawa broke off diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2012, urged Canadians against travelling to Iran. For those who are in Iran right now. Its time to come back home, she said. Britain and the US have been reluctant to label the IRGC as a terrorist group despite its support of Hamas and links to attacks on foreign soil. The terrorism listing bars members of the group from entering Canada and Canadians from having any dealings with individual members or the group. Any assets the Guards or its members hold in Canada may also be seized. Huge step forward Iranian expats and families of the victims of Flight PS752, which was downed by Iran shortly after takeoff from Tehran in January 2020, killing all 176 passengers and crew, including 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents, have long pressed Ottawa to designate the militia as a terrorist entity. MPs last month unanimously voted to do so. Prime minister Justin Trudeaus administration had, until now, expressed a reluctance, explaining that a terror listing could be too broad and inadvertently impact Iranians in Canada opposed to the regime. Kourosh Doustshenas, speaking on behalf of the families of Flight PS752 victims, welcomed the groups terrorism listing, calling it a huge step forward in the search for justice for everyone who has been a victim of this organisation. Canadas blacklist includes nearly 80 entities such as Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, the Taliban, the Islamic State group and the Proud Boys, a North American neo-fascist militant group. Ottawa has previously listed the Quds Force, a branch of the IRGC, as a terrorist entity, and in 2022 permanently denied entry to more than 10,000 Iranian officials, including members of the IRGC. Iran regime brutal and repressive The United States listed the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation in April 2019. Earlier this month, the European Union also sanctioned the group for allegedly supplying drones to Russia and its allies in the Middle East. The decision to add the IRGC to Canadas terror list comes amid tensions between Ottawa and Tehran. Canada and other nations have sued Iran at the International Court of Justice over the downing of Flight PS752. Tehran has claimed a missile strike on the aircraft was carried out by mistake. Ahead of the press conference, Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister, described the Iran regime as brutal, repressive, theocratic and misogynist. 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. June 20 (UPI) -- Canada has listed Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Arms Corps as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code following years of mounting pressure from Iranian Canadians and opposition lawmakers. "The IRGC is now listed as a terrorist group in Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada said on X. Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc made the announcement Wednesday during a press conference, stating the move sends a "strong message" that Canada will use all the tools it has to combat the IRGC and its destabilizing activities. "The Iranian regime has consistently displayed a complete disregard for human rights, both inside and outside Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order," he said. "Our government will ensure that there is no immunity for Iran's unlawful actions and its support of terrorism." Founded following Iran's 1979 revolution, the IRGC is a paramilitary organization that is separate from Iran's military. The U.S. National Counterterrorism Center says it is tasked with defending Iran's Islamic regime with its Quds Force being responsible for "covert lethal activities outside Iran." The IRGC also backs Tehran proxy militias committing destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. Canada's Iranian diaspora community has a population of more than 200,000, according to government data, and the movement to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization has grown since January 2020 when Ukrainian Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down shortly after take off near Tehran. The flight was hit amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran, which had hours earlier launched a retaliatory attack at U.S. bases in Iraq over the American assassination of the then head of the IRGC, Gen. Qasem Soleimani. All 176 on board were killed. Fifty-five were Canadians with another 30 being permanent residents. The Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, which has been calling on Canada to designated the IRGC, said Wednesday that it thanks Ottawa and all those who brought about the listing. "Listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization has always been one of the main demands of the Association over the past years," it said in a statement. Officials said the designation makes inadmissible thousands of Iranian government officials while barring Canadians from conducting businesses with the IRGC. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly warned Canadians during the press conference that the Tehran regime may retaliate following the designation, and is urging them not to travel to Iran. "We've been saying for years now to Canadians: Don't go to Iran. With this decision today, there is a heightened risk of arbitrary detention in Iran. So, my message is clear for those who are in Iran right now, it's time to come back home. And for those planning to go to Iran, don't go," she said. (1/2) Canadians in #Iran: Due to recent developments, authorities could take retaliatory measures that could pose a risk to your safety and security. You may be subject to increased surveillance. pic.twitter.com/FVOjj96B0r Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) June 19, 2024 The announcement comes after the Canada House of Commons in May unanimously voted to adopt a report to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization and to expel the 700 Iranian agents reportedly operating and living in the country. Lawmakers with the opposition Conservative Party criticized the government for taking so long to designate the IRGC, stating they have been urging Trudeau's ruling Liberal Party to do so since 2018. "The IRGC has been able to grow stronger as a result of Trudeau's inaction," Conservative shadow foreign affairs minister Michael Chong and deputy Conservative party leader Melissa Lantsman said in a joint statement. The Liberal officials rebutted that they followed the bureaucratic process to make such a determination, which takes time. "The decision to list an organization under Canada's Criminal Code as a terrorist entity isn't made because of comments on Twitter or question period," LeBlanc said, adding that it is done based on the advice of Ottawa's security services while taking foreign policy concerns into consideration. "It's a deliberative process." Iranian activist Masih Alinejad, who has been a target of IRGC kidnapping plots, praised Canada for taking the right step, but called on Ottawa to implement the decision and to urge all G7 leaders to do the same as well as either arrest or expel the hundreds of IRGC members in the country. "This is the demand of millions of Iranians," she said in a statement. The United States designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization in April 2019. A Missouri Senate candidate faces allegations he assaulted the vice chair of the Jackson County Republican Party during a dispute over an overflowing toilet. David Martin, a Republican in a three-way primary for Senate District 11, is alleged to have punched Teresa McBride, the county party vice chair, in the back during a Fathers Day appreciation BBQ that Martin held at party headquarters in Blue Springs last Saturday. Blue Springs police responded a little before 3 p.m. and issued Martin a citation, with the candidate becoming upset at the officers on the scene, according to an incident report obtained by The Star. The report lists Martin as the offender on a charge of simple assault and lists McBride as the victim. Mr. Martin became more irate advising this charge was unwarranted and this charge was going to ruin his campaign, Officer Brian Lankard wrote in a narrative of his investigation. According to Lankards narrative, Martin told the officer he had reserved party headquarters for the BBQ and that one of the guests had clogged the buildings toilet causing an overflow into the meeting hall and onto the carpet. The guest isnt identified in the report. Martin said he was cleaning up when McBride and Carolyn Caton, a Republican candidate for Missouri House District 33, arrived and began demanding he pay for a professional cleaning of the carpet. An argument ensued, with Martin telling the officer that he felt verbally attacked by the two women and their husbands. The situation, Martin told the officer, was a ploy to ruin his campaign because McBride was supporting one of his opponents. When The Star reached Martin by phone on Thursday morning, he said he had a call on another line and would call back. After several hours, Martin didnt respond to a second call. McBride and Caton, who is also the county party secretary, both declined to comment. Senate District 11 is currently held by Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, an Independence Democrat who is terming out. The district covers a broad swath of eastern Jackson County, from Blue Summit to Oak Grove. In the GOP primary, Martin faces Joe Nicola of Grain Valley and Rep. Aaron McMullen of Independence. Whoever wins the primary will face Rep. Robert Sauls, an Independence Democrat, in the November election. On his campaign website, Martin says he is a truck driver. The site highlights his views on school choice, state finances and crime reduction. Our Police Officers and first responders work hard to keep our communities safe, the site says. Lankard wrote that another officer spoke with McBride, Caton and another person who all said that during the argument Martin followed the two women into the parking lot screaming at them to leave before he punched Ms. McBride on the back between her shoulder blades. A copy of the citation alleges Martin punched McBride on the back with a closed fist during the argument. Someone then called the police. When officers arrived, Caton told them that Martin had locked himself inside party headquarters and had taken a volunteer hostage, Lankard wrote. Lankard wrote that he contacted Martin through the buildings glass door. Martin was highly agitated and the volunteer appeared distraught, he wrote, adding that he convinced Martin to open the door and let officers inside. The volunteer told police she wasnt concerned for her safety and didnt feel that Martin was holding her against her will, but that she was upset and just wanted all this nonsense to end. After Lankard issued Martin a citation, the officer wrote, he accused him of conducting a mediocre investigation and had only taken statements from his opposition, not supporters. He said he would complain to Lankards supervisors. A Sgt. Emberton his full name isnt given in the report responded to speak with Martin. During their conversation, I overheard Sgt. Emberton ask Mr. Martin if he had been drinking due to the odor of an intoxicating beverage coming from his breath and the fact that Mr. Martin tended to spit at Sgt. Emberton as he yelled about the situation, the officer wrote. Emberton ended the conversation by telling Martin to get a ride. Trash left behind on July 4, 2023 on a beach in Dennis, Massachusetts. There will be no daily parking passes sold at Mayflower, Chapin, and Bayview beaches on the holiday this year, police say (Dennis Police Dept) The Cape Cod town of Dennis is imposing a parking ban to deter some Fourth of July beachgoers. There will be no daily parking passes sold at Mayflower, Chapin, and Bayview beaches on the holiday, the Dennis Police Department said. Only cars with a valid 2024 beach sticker will be allowed to park in the beach lots. Cars will also be banned from parking in neighborhoods in the Massachusetts town, or near businesses, close to the beaches. Violators could be ticketed and/or towed. Only those with a residential, seasonal, or weekly parking sticker will be allowed entrance to the beach parking lots, police said. The police attributed the new changes to a combination of crowd size and alcohol has resulted in increasingly large, disorderly, and chaotic crowds. Trash left behind on July 4, 2023 on a beach in Dennis, Massachusetts. There will be no daily parking passes sold at Mayflower, Chapin, and Bayview beaches on the holiday this year, police say (Dennis Police Dept) Dennis police chief John Brady explained the new policies in a Facebook video: Over the past few years, we have seen a dramatic increase in unsafe and dangerous conduct: fighting, assault, vandalism, binge drinking, drug use, loud music and other concerning behavior. Police also noted that beachgoers have left behind a tremendous amount of trash, including beer cans, broken glass bottles, towels, clothing, shoes, coolers, beach chairs, that has taken the Department of Public Works hours to clean up. Since 2019, there has been a 100 percent increase in beach-related calls for emergency services at the three beaches, a police release said. Dennis Police responded to more than 1,200 calls for service at its beaches over the past three Fourth of Julys, with 459 calls last year alone. Dennis is home to some of the best beaches on Cape Cod, including Mayflower Beach. Our goal with these measures is to make sure that beachgoers can enjoy Dennis beaches this July 4th holiday safely without worrying about out-of-control crowds, violence, and other dangerous behavior, Chief Brady said. With wreckage still aboard and six vessels assisting it, the cargo ship Dali will soon after nearly three months in the area depart Baltimore. The 984-foot, 124,000-ton ship first left the Port of Baltimore in the early hours of March 26, headed for Sri Lanka, but lost power almost immediately and crashed into a support pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It decimated the structure, knocking over 2,500 feet of bridge into the Patapsco River, killing six construction workers and blocking Baltimores shipping channel for over two months. The ship itself, with its crumpled bow, was stuck in the waterway for 55 days before being towed last month to the port. Since then, crews have worked to ready the vessel for a voyage to Norfolk, Virginia. It is still unknown when the ship will depart, but it could be early next week, Coast Guard Cmdr. Baxter Smoak told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday. The Dali has one specific need to be settled before it departs. While most ships can head to a port and simply drop anchor near their destination if they need to wait for a berth, the Dali cannot. It does not have either of its two anchors, so it needs to leave Baltimore and go directly to a berth. They cant go down and anchor off Cape Henry and wait because they dont have anchors, right? Smoak said. So the movement has to be highly choreographed. They gotta go straight from one terminal to the next. One of the Dalis anchors was completely crushed during the bridge collapse, while the other was cut free during the salvage, Smoak said. Without anchors and still quite damaged, the Dali will be carefully escorted to Norfolk. It will sail under its own power, but four tugboats will assist it the entire way. A Coast Guard cutter will also form part of the convoy and enforce a moving safety zone. Another work boat from the salvor Resolve Marine will also escort. In total, seven vessels, including the Dali, will make the 16- to 20-hour trip. Its another set of eyes to ensure that nothing falls off of the vessel, Smoak said of the salvors boat. If something were to fall off the vessel, theres someone there to immediately respond, mark it and recover it. The Dalis bow has been a mangled mess of crushed cargo containers and bridge pieces since the collapse. While much has been removed, some will remain on the ship during its transit. Crews have secured any loose debris, Smoak added. Anything that was overhanging will be removed before their departure, he said, but theres still going to be wreckage on the bow of the vessel. After being patched up in Norfolk, the Dali will sail to another, still-undetermined shipyard for more extensive repairs, said Darrell Wilson, a spokesperson for the ships owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd. The Dalis Chesapeake Bay transit comes after crews used explosive devices to cut up a piece of bridge that sat atop the bow. That enabled the ship to be refloated in May and relocated to the Seagirt Marine Terminal. Removing the Dali from the shipping channel near Fort McHenry was a key step to freeing the waterway and last week, the 700-foot wide, 50-foot deep channel was entirely re-opened. Commerce into the Port of Baltimore has not returned to precollapse levels, but authorities hope it will this year. In the meantime, the Maryland Transportation Authority is making plans to identify a builder for the replacement Key Bridge. The span, which is projected to cost $1.7 billion, is expected to open by October 2028. A group of restaurants from Concord to Indian Trail are coming together to support the families of fallen officers. 4 officers killed, 4 shot during east Charlotte standoff The campaign, Carolina Pizza Strong, will raise $5 from every pizza sold at participating restaurants on Wednesday and Thursday, which will go to the families of the officers killed on April 29 in east Charlotte. I wanted to do something to support them and say, Hey, we still love you. Were still here for you, and we still feel your grief, said Barry Steiger, the marketing manager at Johns Place in Matthews. The group is also raising money through T-shirt sales and cash donations. Participating restaurants: Marios Italian Restaurant: Matthews Bisonte Pizza Co: Matthews Bisonte Pizza Co.: Charlotte Bisonte Pizza Co.: Charlotte Johns Place: Matthews Mia Famiglia Pizzeria: Indian Trail The Rusty Onion Pizzeria: Charlotte Rossinis Italian Restaurant: Indian Trail Basilico Italiano: Concord Click here for more information. VIDEO: Blood drive hosted in University City collects money for families of fallen officers The Carter Center has agreed to send observers to the upcoming Venezuelan election, amid concerns that the July 28 presidential contest will lack sufficient independent monitors to ensure the legitimacy of its results. The decision, initially reported by Bloomberg, was made public three weeks after the Venezuelas National Electoral Council, an entity tightly controlled by the Nicolas Maduro government, decided to ban an estimated 100 observers from the European Union from monitoring the election. In a press release issued Friday morning, the center said that its mission will arrive in Caracas on June 29 and that additional experts and regional observers will join the team in July. The center, however, warned that the extent of its work will be limited. Given its limited size and scope, the Centers mission will not conduct a comprehensive assessment of the voting, counting, and tabulation processes, the statement said. The Carter Center has observed several elections in Venezuela, most recently in 2021 when it deployed an expert mission for regional and local elections. It has observed 124 elections in 40 countries and three Native American nations. In addition, it has carried out 17 expert missions in 15 countries. Concerns about fraud have increased following the news that the governments of Colombia and Brazil, considered to be allies to the Caracas regime, will not send their own observers even though they were among the first to recommend to the Venezuelan ruler that he should hold elections in order to reestablish his questioned legitimacy. Observers from the Organization of American States were not invited to participate, and following the decision from the Atlanta-based Carter Center, the other major international group that has yet to say if it will send observers is the United Nations. Other groups expected to participate include the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, an organization promoted by the late Venezulan ruler Hugo Chavez to counterbalance the OAS; the Inter-American Union of Electoral Bodies and the bloc of Caribbean nations known as CARICOM. The United States and more than 50 other countries had declared that Maduro was illegally occupying the Venezuelan presidency after accusing him of committing fraud in the 2018 presidential election. Maduro is currently trailing opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez in the polls by 40 percentage points and his campaign efforts have done little to improve a popular support level fluctuating near 10%. His main efforts, however, appear to be directed at discouraging Venezuelans from participating in Gonzalezs campaign, arresting several volunteers in the past few weeks and threatening to take action against small companies providing logistical support. Maduro had previously banned the candidacy of main opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who had won a primary after getting more than 92% of the vote. The Maduro government then banned the proxy candidate Machado chose to run in her place. Gonzalez, a virtual political unknown whose candidacy was not blocked by the electoral council, suddenly became a major threat for Maduro after he received the support of Machado and the other top opposition leaders. Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville ripped into a new Louisiana law that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, calling it the dumbest waste of time. I think given the storm season is coming up, we dont need the Ten Commandments, we need a Hail Mary. It would be, you know, much more appropriate for what we face, really, in Louisiana, Carville told CNNs Anderson Cooper when asked Wednesday about the new law in his home state. I dont know which one theyre going to put up, Carville said. Theres 10 different versions of the Ten Commandments, and our schools are so underfunded that Im not sure half the kids even know how to read them. But its one of the dumbest waste[s] of time that Ive ever seen in my life. Gov. Jeff Landry (R) on Wednesday signed the GOP-led bill that will require all public elementary and high school classrooms in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments. Under the laws, the signs must be in classrooms in large, easily readable font on a poster or framed document that is at least 11-by-14 inches, by the beginning of 2025. The posters will also contain a three-paragraph statement that will say the Ten Commandments have been a prominent part of American education. Speaking with Carville, Cooper said Louisiana schools have traditionally ranked very low in American school ratings, while noting this rating has increased slightly over the years. Gov. Edwards John Bel did a great job. I mean, he got us, off the bottom, but Gov. Landrys intent on putting us back on the bottom, it seems like, Carville said. But Im serious, when I look at this storm season and the summer coming ahead, its going to be a fundamentally different country come mid-October of this year. Its going to really be bad. The new law has already received backlash from civil rights organizations, who argue it violates the First Amendments Establishment Clause, which guarantees separation of church and state. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups on Thursday said they plan to file a lawsuit challenging the law. The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice, without pressure from the government. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools, the ACLU of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a statement. Cooper pointed to the Establishment Clause and asked Carville if there is a difference between having a book with certain views in a library and a poster from the Bible in every classroom. Well, look, this is book burner talking points, all right? These people want to burn books, take them out of libraries. You know, you cant substitute reading, writing, arithmetic with you know, like I say, the courts are going to have to flush this out, but theres a thousand founding documents, Carville said, adding later, The problem is youve got to have kids that can read them. What I find fascinating is the book burners really want the Ten Commandments, Carville quipped. Give me a break. CNN contributor Scott Jennings, who was also speaking with Cooper, argued instead the Ten Commandments could be thought of as part of the principles of the Western civilization. Im not out here crusading for it, and I certainly dont think public school teachers should be preachers, but, you know, these are the fundamental tenets of Western civilization. They kind of underpin, you know, our entire criminal justice system, Jennings said. And look, if theyre part of a historical display, if theyre hanging up there next to the Constitution, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, I dont have a problem with it. I do think its sort of amusing that there are people out here so enraged by this today who at the same time would love to use public schools and public libraries and other public facilities to distribute information that more matches their own agenda, Jennings continued, arguing people are overreacting to the new law. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) On Thursday, the Hays County District Attorneys Office announced the dismissal of the deadly conduct charge against a former Hays County Sheriffs Office corrections officer. PAST COVERAGE | Hays County corrections officer indicted in deadly shooting of inmate In December 2022, Isaiah Garcia, who was on duty as a corrections officer, shot and killed 36-year-old Joshua Wright as he was attempting to escape custody while at a hospital in Kyle, a press release said. Under Texas law, a corrections officer or peace officer may be justified in using force, including deadly force, if he reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to prevent the escape of a person in custody, the DAs office said. In 2023, a grand jury did not charge Garcia with murder and manslaughter in connection with the shooting but instead charged him with the third-degree felony offense of deadly conduct. PAST COVERAGE: Family sues Hays County corrections officer after inmate killed in hospital shooting While the indictment did not charge Garcia with an offense directly related to the death of Wright, it did accuse him of deadly conduct for the circumstances in which he fired his weapon in a crowded emergency room, the release said. The office said the dismissal of the deadly conduct charge was at the familys request. They communicated their wishes to have the case dismissed after consulting with their legal representatives. After subsequently viewing the body cam footage of the shooting, the family persisted in requesting the dismissal. The reasons offered by the family for their request were carefully considered and, ultimately, found to be persuasive, District Attorney Kelly Higgins said in the release. Before the dismissal, the DAs office said Garcia agreed to a permanent surrender of his corrections officer license, as well as agreed not to seek any future license or certification to work as a peace officer, corrections officer or armed security guard. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Central Hudson Gas & Electric has agreed to pay up to $64.59 million to resolve a state investigation into a billing fiasco that led to a ratepayer revolt as thousands of customers were hit with overcharges pegged to estimated monthly bills. Some $62.59 million of the payout will go toward improving the utilitys billing system and monthly readings and another $2 million up to $500,000 a month in fines if Central Hudson fails to deliver monthly meter readings on time. The money will come out of shareholder, not ratepayer, funds. It's believed to be one of the largest settlements ever reached between the state and a utility. Workers with Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp finish up hooking up a residence to a newly installed upgraded gas main in Cornwall on Oct. 31, 2018.The new mains made of polyethylene plastic replaces cast iron lines. All houses connected to the old lines are required to be upgraded to match the new lines. The state Public Service Commission on Thursday voted unanimously to approve the settlement agreement following a monthslong investigation that included a 123-page report by an independent monitor. The billing mishaps led to a 2023 shakeup at the top of Central Hudson, which serves over 400,000 customers in seven mid-Hudson Valley counties north of New York City, from Putnam north to Albany. Billing: Central Hudson will get new leadership following botched billing rollout This was an enormous blunder, Public Service Commissioner John Maggiore said at Thursdays meeting. And I would just recommend that the incoming leadership at least consider that there are issues in the corporate culture that deserve a deep dive and a deep assessment. Assuming that individual motivations are laudatory, there are systemic issues that allowed for this problem to happen. Christopher M. Capone was appointed president and CEO of Central Hudson Gas & Electric on Feb. 13, 2023. Hiring spree In a statement after the vote, Central Hudson noted that the independent monitor said the billing system has been stabilized after a hiring spree. Central Hudson has worked tirelessly to strengthen transparency and to rectify the billing issues our customers experienced due to the implementation of a new billing system, the statement said. Weve hired over 100 new professionals to better assist customers, hosted dozens of community meetings to address concerns directly, ensured affected customers were fully compensated, and rolled out monthly meter readings to largely eliminate bill estimates. As the billing systems performance has improved and as we have grown our team of customer service professionals, customer service metrics have improved considerably. The utilitys troubles began in September 2021 with the debut of an $88 million, state-of-the-art billing system backed by $21 million in ratepayer funding that would replace a 30-year mainframe computer. Soon, customers were discovering overcharges deducted from checking accounts, while others received bills months late with hefty back charges. Shakeup: Central Hudson will get new leadership following botched billing rollout A 2022 PSC report faulted Central Hudson management. Central Hudson pushed employees to meet the transition deadline, and despite significant efforts of those employees, the Company was not ready for the transition, the report noted. The investigation determined 8,000 customers were overcharged and another 1,000 double billed. 30,000 accounts impacted Some $16 million in funds were automatically deducted from 30,000 customer accounts between September 2021 and June 2022 alone. One customer with monthly bills that averaged $500 had $12,000 and $16,000 withdrawn from accounts on successive months. PSC Chairman and CEO Rory Christian took note of an audience member holding a sign Thursday that read: PSC. Serve the public, not CHGE. Hold them accountable. Christian said that while the independent monitor has noted the billing system has improved outstanding customer complaints remain. We anticipate getting more, Christian said. This settlement does not absolve the company from addressing those individual complaints. Utilities: How Rochester's push for public power points to larger outcry over NY utility woes As part of the settlement, Central Hudson shareholders will pick up some $8.2 million in back-billing credits to customers. And shareholders will pay an estimated $6.3 million for monthly meter readings. The company plans to read the majority of its meters every month by the end of October. Sen. Michelle Hinchey talks after declaring victory at the election night watch party in Kingston, NY on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Two Democratic lawmakers from the Hudson Valley State Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha are sponsoring legislation that would force a public takeover of the privately-run utility. The company is seeking hikes of 16% for electric and 19% for gas in its latest rate case. The Public Utility Law Project of New York, a consumer advocate group, has been pressing the PSC to hold Central Hudson responsible for the past three years. Todays settlement announcement is a major step forward to hold the company accountable and rectify the issues that have plagued customers since the fall of 2021, PULPs executive director Laurie Wheelock said Thursday. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Central Hudson utility company to pay over botched billing rollout A growing share of Pennsylvania communities have taken a more regional approach to policing to cut costs and enhance efficiency, but decision-makers in Centre County showed little enthusiasm for an idea that can be politically unpopular. Functionally regionalizing some combination of the five local police departments in the county could mean improved police management and supervision, more uniform enforcement and significant cost savings. Skeptical governing bodies often fear a loss of control over the police department, while some residents express concern that it could weaken ties with the community. Public opinion matters. If there is not general support in the community, regionalization is not likely to happen, said Darrel Stephens, a retired police executive with more than 50 years of experience who consults on police leadership and management issues nationwide. Politics plays a much stronger role in making a decision to consolidate or regionalize policing. The idea has been considered in many places around the country but never gets far because of political opposition. Police departments are often the largest expense in a municipalitys budget. The five with their own in Centre County State College and Bellefonte, as well as Patton, Ferguson and Spring townships budgeted nearly $23 million this year. Of those, State College has by far the biggest budget about $12 million and the biggest force that serves the largest area, with College and Harris townships essentially buying police coverage from the borough. Calculating the cost is an inexact science, but they are projected to pay the borough more than $2 million combined. Penn State polices jurisdiction is all university property, with other Centre County police departments assisting at events including football games. The concept of regionalization is not new in Pennsylvania, a state with more police departments than any other in the country. Bellefonte and Spring Township mulled the idea in the early 90s, while Patton Township explored the possibility near the turn of the century. The measures failed then and it does not appear attitudes have changed significantly in the more than two decades since. A Bellefonte police patrol car. A new approach in the Bellefonte area? Earlier this year, the Bellefonte Police Department faced turmoil when three officers and its chief stepped down. Elected officials appeared to give no consideration to disbanding its police department in favor of state police coverage, and opted to look for a new chief and hire at least two officers in the smallest department in the county. Still, longtime borough Manager Ralph Stewart who has spoken for years about challenges with the boroughs stagnant tax base wrote in an email to the Centre Daily Times that options like contracting should be explored along with regional policing. I dont want to get off topic here, but some day there could be a county-wide model for police, fire and EMS, Stewart wrote. All of these critical services have challenges. Spring Township, meanwhile, has grown in recent years and could serve as a regional anchor. Milesburg, for example, reached out last year about contracting with the department, but township Manager Mike Danneker and police Chief Adam Salyards said nothing came to fruition. Walker Township has also considered the idea. We as a township arent going to go out and solicit contracting, but if a municipality came to us and said Hey, can we sit down and have a conversation about potentially contracting services? I think wed come to the table and have those discussions, Danneker said. Perhaps no community in Centre County is better positioned to add local police coverage than Benner Township, an area that saw its population grow nearly 4.5% just from 2022 to 2023. The last time a formal police consolidation study was completed in the Nittany Valley Region in 2005, it found there wasnt a cost savings for Bellefonte and Spring Township unless a third municipality joined. The only time Benner Township considered adding local police coverage was when former Gov. Tom Wolf proposed fees for communities that relied on the state police, longtime Secretary Sharon Royer said. Its unclear how the townships three supervisors view the possibility. Supervisors Larry Lingle and Randy Moyer did not respond to an email from the CDT, while fellow Supervisor Kathy Evey wrote in an email that she is in no position to comment. She wrote it is a subject that would need discussion at a public meeting. What about Happy Valley? College Township has contracted with the borough for police services since 1976, an arrangement that township Manager Adam Brumbaugh said has worked well for a long time. The contract calls for an average of 265 hours of coverage per week at a rate of $121.02 per hour. The amount of hours the township receives often fluctuates based on demand. We have access to state police services at no cost, but it does not provide a level of service that the township over these many years has come to expect, Brumbaugh said. All the councils that I have worked with have held steady or have increased the number of hours per week that we pay for. Thats in response to the needs of, in essence, a growing community. Were not growing particularly fast, but its still a growing community. We have many events, we have a lot of commercial-type activities and there are needs that are better served by having access to local police services than having to rely on the state police. Given the way the contract is structured, its difficult to say with certainty how much the township saves by contracting rather than operating its own police department. But its $1.67 million budget for police services comes out to about $155 per person. Patton Townships budget is $4.13 million, or about $265 per person. Ferguson Townships budget is $3.62 million, or about $190 per person. If College Township were to try and replicate on its own the service it receives from the borough, Brumbaugh said it would cost substantially more. The township also doesnt have to worry about hiring, discipline, training and other administrative headaches. Any place that presently does not have local police coverage I believe would find a very similar situation if they were to decide to purchase hours through a contract, Brumbaugh said. I think that they would find that to be a very cost-effective model versus starting a department from scratch. Losing local control is often one of the top arguments against contracting or functionally regionalizing, but that hasnt been the case in College or Harris townships. Echoed by Brumbaugh, Harris Township Manager Mark Boeckel wrote in an email that the township is very satisfied with the quality of the police services we receive. Boeckel said he has no reason to believe the contract wont continue for the foreseeable future. Harris Township pays the same rate as College Township, but for 76 hours of service per week. With the amount of money allocated for police services on an annual basis, we would not be able to provide the same level of service if the Township had its own police department, Boeckel wrote. Patton Township police Chief Tyler Jolley said he does not see a benefit in a regional police department for either residents or police officers. He expressed concern that residents may feel less connected to officers in a regional department. The relationships we have established in our community are largely a reason why we dont see widespread complaints about the local police departments in the Centre Region, Jolley wrote. Patton Township Manager Amy Farkas, who previously held the same position in the contract-oriented Harris Township, largely defended the Centre Regions current model of policing. But she also opened the door for change if there were significant shifts in cost, ability to provide coverage and the regional framework that is currently in place in the Centre Region. Regionalizing isnt the end all be all, as its a long and complicated process that requires a lot of study and discussion, Farkas wrote. Thats one of the reasons why we dont see more regional forces in PA. Ferguson Township Manager Centrice Martin wrote in an email that its unlikely the township would benefit from contracting, citing the existing departments response times, ability to enforce ordinances and more. Having a local police force allows for patrol to focus and narrow on specific concerns as expressed by residents as well as monitor local activity to determine if there are any observations for potential illegal activity, Martin wrote. Local residents also receive the benefit of having local police respond to assist with fire and EMS calls within our jurisdiction. Local police officers in Pennsylvania often carry out duties that are not police functions, but have become very much part of the job. Most of those services are discontinued when departments regionalize, leaving municipalities to look elsewhere if someone calls for help with a skunk in their basement, is locked out of their house or needs help with a faulty smoke detector. But according to an 80-page how-to guide from the states Department of Community and Economic Development, most communities find it more cost effective to carry out those duties with nonuniformed employees. The role of state police coverage More than half of Pennsylvanias communities rely fully on the state police. They, just the like the remaining 28 in Centre County, dont pay a dime for it. That responsibility falls to all taxpayers in Pennsylvania, including those that also see some of their tax dollars go toward funding their local police department. Whether urban or rural, there is no incentive for communities without local police coverage to look into contracting or regionalizing absent having other needs. If leaders dont want to pay for police coverage, they dont have to. A Pennsylvania state police car. Local leaders who spoke with the CDT were complimentary of the work done by state police at Rockview, but were also candid that the jobs of troopers is often different from local police officers. They dont enforce ordinances such as curfews, parking restrictions and those that stop people from having overgrown lawns, and are are not assigned to a single municipality. They are less able to focus on quality-of-life issues. Attempts to charge for state police coverage have repeatedly been unsuccessful, and it remains to be seen if lawmakers will revisit the proposal in the future. It could be a matter of when and not if that happens, Farkas wrote. And if that happens, then I think that opens the door to reaching out to College, Harris, Halfmoon and Benner to see if there is a different model that would serve our residents better. Nine of the 10 consolidated police departments that responded to the DCED reported operating at an average 24% lower cost when compared to nearby traditional police departments that are similar in size. With fewer officers, vehicles, ranking positions and headquarters, the DCED definitively wrote the cost of providing police services is lower in communities served by consolidated police departments. Has this worked anywhere else in Pennsylvania? About 5% of Pennsylvania communities are served by a regional police department. There were 38 in the state as of April 2023, ranging in size from zero to 65 full-time officers about the size of the State College Police Department. Some are in counties with major population hubs like Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia suburbs, while others are in rural Clearfield and and Mifflin counties. The newest in the state, the Clearfield Area Regional Police Department, began operating in March 2023 after merging the boroughs department with Lawrence Townships. Like Bellefonte and Spring Township, the borough is surrounded by the township. Chief Vince McGinnis and Assistant Chief Julie Curry each spoke positively about merging the two departments. McGinnis said day-to-day operations of the department are just about the same, while Curry said it has helped ease the nationwide difficulties of staffing a police department. And with a fully-staffed department, Curry said it has given her and McGinnis more time to focus supervision and other administrative tasks like applying for grants that can help replace aging or buy new equipment. It has also helped with training. That was a huge problem when we were smaller. You couldnt even cover the shift and allow somebody to go to training because you were literally running one-man shifts if you would allow somebody off to go to training, McGinnis said. Now, we have enough people to cover a shift and were able to get some people training. Were still working on getting the new officers trained as well, which is easier at this time. Complaints from the public have been few and far between, Curry said. In fact, each of the departments top two administrators said the department has received very strong support from the community. No jobs were lost, McGinnis said. When the departments merged, they had 20 officers. As a regional department, their full complement is 25 officers. The department has not seen significant, if any, cost savings but McGinnis said that was expected in the first year or two as the department put new decals on its patrol vehicles, ordered new uniforms and more. But as the national reckoning on policing continues, more communities in Pennsylvania may look for a new approach to one of the countrys oldest institutions. It remains to be seen if it will take hold in Centre County. I think that its a trend that is going to continue to happen, Curry said. Its honestly something that I would recommend just based on the fact that we were able to staff it much better. You have to be competitive in this day and age for law enforcement, especially good, solid, hardworking individuals. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The Champaign Police Department is investigating after a large group was broken up during a fight at a gas station overnight. Lieutenant Kurt Buckley said that at 1:18 a.m. on Thursday, officers were dispatched to the Circle K at University Avenue and Wright Street for a reported fight. When they arrived, they found a large crowd watching the fight take place between multiple people. Decatur Fire Dept. battles overnight house fire The people watching the fight immediately began running away from the scene once police arrived. With assistance from the Champaign Fire Department, officers assessed the injuries of anyone who remained at the scene. Three people were taken to the hospital as a precaution with only minor injuries. As Champaign Police investigates, they asked that anyone with information about the fight contact them at 217-351-4545 or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Change of plan: Chinese hot pot restaurant set for former home of Smokestack BBQ WORCESTER The former site of Canal District restaurant Smokestack Urban Barbecue has been sold to the owners of Chinese hot pot restaurants in Providence and Brookline. The former Smokestack building at 139 Green St. was previously planned to be the site of a 375-unit apartment project that was part of the redevelopment of the property around the former Table Talk Pies factory at 120 Washington St. According to records with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, the deed transferring the property to the operators of LaMei Hot Pot was signed May 28 and recorded June 13. The LaMei owners purchased the property for $680,000. The Smokestack property's previous owner was a business entity managed by restaurant owners Richard Romaine and Peter Rano. The business entity that acquired 139 Green St. is called LaMeiMa LLC. It was incorporated in Brookline, according to state records. Dong Pan and Junhua Liu are listed as managers. Mark Johns and Drew Higgins of the Worcester-based real estate firm Kelleher & Sadowsky Associates Inc. represented the buyers and sellers. Johns said the new owners will remodel and retrofit the location for a Chinese hot pot restaurant. LaMei Hot Pot has two locations, one in Providence and one in Brookline. The first location, in Providence, opened in 2016. In a Chinese hot pot restaurant, dining tables are equipped with a heat source for pots of broth, which are used to cook raw meat and other foods on the table. Johns said the new owners are already coming up with plans for the site, including acquiring a liquor license, and may be able to occupy the space this fall. Chuan Shabu, at 301 Park Ave. in Worcester, also features hot pot. North Carolina-based Quarterra Multifamily Communities had previously submitted a site plan to the city to convert the former Smokestack property into 375 apartments. In the application, the project was noted as "Phase III" of the redevelopment of the property around the former Table Talk Pies factory. Developers Boston Capital Development are building a multistory apartment complex at the former Table Talk Pies site, which is "Phase I" of the plan. Plans for the Smokestack property included an eight-story mixed-use apartment complex, approximately 22,000 square feet of ground-floor retail or restaurant space and a seven-story shared parking garage with approximately 560 spaces. Johns said associated costs and other variables impacted the housing project, leading to the previous transaction agreement being in place for a significant amount of time. "We decided to go another route and identified these buyers to take over," Johns said. Earlier this year, a law firm representing Boston Capital informed the city that the project was facing financing issues and was in search of a new developer. In February, the city Planning Board granted a one-year extension of the project's preliminary site plan to Feb. 1, 2025. The extension allowed the project to keep current zoning in place. Smokestack closed in November 2022, one of a string of Canal District businesses that shut down in late 2022. At the time, Romaine said there had been a decline in business in the area. Romaine is a co-owner of 'Olo Pizza at 40 Millbrook St. and Romaine's Wood Grill and Bar in Northborough. The Smokestack Urban Barbecue name lives on as a trailer that operates at the site of Romaine's from Thursday through Sunday. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Chinese hot pot restaurant coming to former home of Smokestack BBQ (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that there will be an eastbound South Academy Boulevard closure on Wednesday night, June 19 starting at 7 p.m. There will be an alternating left and right lane closure and mobile lane closure near Hartford Street beginning at 7 p.m. on June 19 to allow screws to shift traffic to the newly constructed inside lanes. Work is expected to be completed by 4:30 a.m. Bradley Road under the South Academy Boulevard Bridge will also be under a full temporary closure from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. on June 19. Eastbound traffic will be diverted south on Academy Boulevard, where they must exit onto the CanAm Highway, turn around and re-enter South Academy northbound to the Bradley Road exit, and turn east. Westbound traffic will be diverted to Hancock Expressway, which must then turn north and then west onto Milton Proby Parkway, turn south and travel to the Bradley Road exit, or turn north to continue on northbound South Academy. Eastbound South Academy between I-25 and Fountain Creek will be shifted north and reduced to two lanes on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. through Saturday, June 22 at 5 p.m. It is contingent that the closure may be extended until Sunday, June 23 until 5 p.m. Starting Thursday, June 20 until Spring 2025, northbound South Academy will begin its temporary full closure between US 85/87 and Bradley Road. The detour for this route is pictured below. According to CDOT, the ongoing closure at northbound South Academy will be in place for approximately five to six months. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Jonathan Allen NEW YORK (Reuters) -Dozens of pro-Palestinian student protesters arrested in April after occupying and barricading a building at Columbia University in New York City had all criminal charges against them dropped on Thursday, Manhattan prosecutors said at a court hearing. The hearing at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse came seven weeks after Columbia administrators called in hundreds of armed and heavily armored police officers to the university's campus in a high-profile law-enforcement response that was broadcast live on national news channels. Police arrested 46 protesters who had barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, and cleared a weeks-old tent encampment on a nearby Columbia lawn that has inspired similar pro-Palestinian protests at universities around the world. At least nine of the 46 protesters arrested sustained injuries beyond minor scrapes and bruises, according to medical records, photographs shared by protesters, and interviews. All 46 protesters, who were arrested on the night of April 30 about 20 hours after taking over the academic building, were initially charged with trespass in the third degree, a misdemeanor. Stephen Millan, a prosecutor in the Manhattan district attorney's office, told the court on Thursday his office would not prosecute 30 protesters who were Columbia students at the time of the arrest, nor two who were Columbia employees, citing prosecutorial discretion and lack of evidence. A case against another student was dismissed earlier in the month. Millan said protesters wore masks and covered surveillance cameras, and there was insufficient evidence to show that any individual defendant damaged property or injured anyone. No police officers were injured during the arrests, the prosecutor noted. None of the arrested students had any prior criminal history, and all were facing disciplinary proceedings, including suspensions and expulsions, by Columbia. "All these matters are dismissed and sealed in the interest of justice," Judge Kevin McGrath announced in the courtroom where dozens of defendants and their supporters appeared with keffiyeh scarves around their shoulders. The scarves have become a symbol of the pro-Palestinian movement. Prosecutors declined to outright drop trespass charges against 13 other people arrested inside Hamilton Hall that night. Two of the 13 were also Columbia students, while the other 11 had no current affiliation with the school, although most were alumni. The district attorney's office proposed the 13 accept an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, a provision in New York law that if accepted means the case against a defendant will be dropped and sealed in six months if they are not arrested for another offense in the interim. All 13 rejected the offer through their lawyers, who are seeking to have those cases dismissed. The 13 are due to return to court on July 25, by which date prosecutors must decide if they are willing to proceed to a trial over the trespass charges. Another arrested protester accepted the offer earlier in June. Prosecutors said they were seeking to prosecute only one of the 46 protesters arrested that night. James Carlson, who is not affiliated with Columbia, is charged with criminal mischief and arson for setting an Israeli flag alight prior to the takeover and for damaging a police surveillance camera in jail. Carlson, who appeared in court with his attorney, didnt comment on the charges other than his lawyer saying they planned to challenge the prosecution. A Columbia spokesperson declined to comment on Thursday's developments in court. (Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York; editing by Donna Bryson and Diane Craft) Astrid Palacios watched as Colombian families started their days hopeful, yet ended frustrated. A volunteer for a February 2023 pop-up Colombian consulate in Charlotte, Palacios spent the day greeting and directing attendees from across the Carolinas. With less than 200 appointment slots, it was impossible to help all who needed legal documents and passports. Lines of people waiting to take a forgotten appointment slot stretched out the door. Attendees left grateful or dissatisfied if they didnt receive help. Regardless, something greater was missing for the quickly growing Colombian population in the Carolinas: a place nearby instead of hundreds of miles away to get basic government services. En Espanol: Como el trabajo de organizadores en Charlotte llevo a una victoria para los colombianos en las Carolinas The closest Colombian consulate to Charlotte is in Atlanta, a four-hour drive. Palacios said many of her friends give up full days to travel to the consulate in Atlanta and appointments are hard to come by. Organizers such as Palacios capitalized on that experience to drive interest in a new consulate and Colombian government action. Years of community work led to the Colombian Foreign Affairs ministers announcement in May that the government will establish a new consulate in Charlotte. An opening date and location have not been announced. The petitioning process After working with the Atlanta consulate to organize the pop-up visits in Charlotte, Festival Colombiano President Natalia Silva, journalist Rafael Prieto and Fredy Romero, executive director of the Colombo American Foundation, wrote a petition last year asking the Colombian government to open a consulate in Charlotte. Prieto, editorial director of Que Pasa-Mi Gente, said he was skeptical at first about the feasibility of setting up a consulate in a new city. But the petitions importance became clear after meeting with other community leaders. Nearly 50,000 Colombians reside in North Carolina and South Carolina, according to American Community Survey data from 2021. Ten years earlier, the Colombian population in the Carolinas was half that size, at around 26,000 people. About 6,000 Colombians reside in Mecklenburg County alone. Silva, Prieto and Romero published the petition online at Change.org, distributed posters with a QR code petition link to local Hispanic-owned stores and caught the attention of the Colombian government. I said, You know what? We need more. We need the Colombian ambassador here, Silva said. When then-Columbian Ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo attended Festival Colombiano, Silva and event co-president Karol Cortes greeted him with the petition and an introduction to the scale of the Colombian community in the Carolinas. We were not asking the government to help us out, but we were working together with the government to make it possible, Romero said. Volunteers also stood at the entrance of the Festival Colombiano and gained 700 signatures. Their work paid off. Just a month after the festival, community group Lideres Colombianos en Charlotte received a letter announcing Murillo would pass on the request to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the ministry still needed to finish technical, administrative and legal analysis. Murillo, now the Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in May announced plans to open four new Colombian consulates in the U.S: Phoenix, Denver, Seattle and Charlotte. The new consulates impact Natalia Silva and Karol Cortes introduce then-Colombian ambassador Murillo to the Festival Colombiano. Besides leading the Colombo-American Foundation, Romero is a teacher with a work visa. He often needs to travel to the Atlanta consulate to complete visa documentation and authorize agreements for his nonprofit. But not everyone can travel to Atlanta. Silva said its particularly difficult for older people or those with children, and can involve paying for a hotel and food. Transportation can be nearly impossible for Colombian migrants without a passport who may be living in a shelter or with family members, she added. They cannot start a life here without a passport, Romero said. Because a passport is needed for them to open a bank account, they cannot apply for a job, they cannot do anything. The new consulate in Charlotte will provide closer access to cities with sizable Colombian populations, including Raleigh, Durham and Winston-Salem, and speed up documentation and legal processes for Colombians across the Carolinas. Silva said she encourages other Latino groups in Charlotte to organize through community work. Sometimes we dont think about all the people who contributed and all those people who signed the petition, Romero said. They are actually the ones who made this possible. The summer season is a critical time for Delawares economy. Millions of locals and out-of-state visitors will flock to Rehoboth Beach and other tourist destinations, creating billions of dollars in local economic activity. The season supports thousands of small businesses and jobs, with the tourism industry ranking as the fourth-largest employer in 2021. Many of the visitors who support our economy drive here from nearby states like New York and Pennsylvania. Like most drivers, the price of gas plays a key role in their decision about whether or not to take a road trip to our state and spend their money here. Everyone knows how expensive gas can be, but not everyone is aware that a fuel called E15 is about 25 cents cheaper per gallon than E10 fuel, which is the most common type of fuel that drivers fill up with. E15 refers to the amount of ethanol in the gas. E15 has 15% ethanol, while E10 has 10%. They are very similar, but outdated federal regulations currently prohibit E15 from being sold in many parts of the country during the summer months, including Delaware. Millions of drivers lose access to a cheaper gas option when they need it most, and it could hold back many tourists from making the road trip to our state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency often issues a waiver allowing for E15 sales during the summer, but those decisions are unpredictable and make it harder for cheaper E15 to be widely available. Although there is bipartisan support in Congress to remove E15 fuel restrictions and lower gas prices for Americans all year round, it seems this legislation has been stalled in the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Fortunately, one of Delaware's U.S. senators and Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Sen. Tom Carper, can help lead the way in removing the restrictions on E15 fuel. Carpers support for E15 wouldnt just help our economy by making gas cheaper, it would also support corn farmers in our state who benefit from a robust market for corn-based ethanol. Corn is Delawares most important crop by production value, and its in our states economic interest to support the corn market. Not only that but cheaper E15 gas also plays a critical role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change by using less traditional fossil fuels. Instead of drilling for fossil fuels like natural gas and crude oil, we can use more corn-based ethanol to fill up our cars as we transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles. As a leader in fighting climate change, I know Carper is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by any means possible and allowing drivers to use less fossil fuels is an important tool he can help us take advantage of now. Rep. Franklin Cooke Jr. As we head into the summer season and local businesses prepare for an influx of visitors, its important for us to recognize that we can do more to unleash our full economic potential. We can make it easier for families to come to our state, to visit the shore and to spend their money here. We can also support Delaware farmers who contribute so much to our states economy. Allowing the year-round sale of E15 gas is a common sense step that Congress can take action on now, and I hope Carper will help make that happen for our state. Franklin Cooke Jr. is a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives, representing District 16. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Cheaper fuel could be a win for Delawares economy From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Thursday! Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted a video on Instagram this week introducing the two ravens hes coaxed into hanging out on his balcony by giving them food every morning. Hes hoping to teach them to eat out of his hand. Sure, why not? Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories What To Expect From Next Weeks First Presidential Debate Then-President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden participate in the first presidential debate at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 29, 2020. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images) Viewers tuning into a debate between President Gerald Ford and then-Governor Jimmy Carter in 1976 were treated to one of the rarest spectacles in politics: 27 minutes of silence. The debates audio cut out due to a failed 25-cent electrical component that took nearly a half-hour to find and fix. Those tuning into the first debate of the 2024 cycle between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on June 27 may be hoping for the same thing. Next weeks CNN-hosted debate in Atlanta, Georgia, is unprecedented several times over: The contest between two historically old and unpopular candidatesone of whom is a convicted felonis taking place earlier than any general election debate in recent memory and under fairly unconventional rules. National surveys and swing-state polls have for months shown Trump with a slight advantage over the incumbent, though his lead is often within the margin of error. Will a debate shake up the race? Usually, presidential debates present candidatesparticularly the challengerto introduce themselves to the broader American public, giving voters who may not have been watching the primary process closely a chance to familiarize themselves with their options. This time, however, Biden and Trump need no introduction: both have served a term as president and have been fixtures in the national media for a half-century. No, voters know who their options are, and most of them arent fans. A Gallup poll last monthin the field before Trumps May 31 felony convictions in New Yorkshowed Biden and Trump pulling equal favorability ratings, with 46 percent of respondents viewing the candidates favorably overall. Among the majority of respondents whove soured on the two candidates, Trump seemed to provoke a more extreme response, with 40 percent holding a highly unfavorable opinion of him compared to 35 percent for Biden on that score. But all told, Biden was slightly more unpopular with respondents, with 54 percent rating him unfavorably compared to 52 percent who thought poorly of Trump. Perhaps expectedly given that data, that race has been tight for months. National RealClearPolitics (RCP) polling averages show Trump ahead of Biden by 0.5 percentage points in a two-way racea statistical tieand up 2.4 percent nationally in a five-way race that also includes independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein (but not Libertarian Party nominee Chase Oliver). Biden got some good news last nighta Fox News poll that a three-point swing in his direction since last monthbut he hasnt led Trump in the average of either configuration since September. RCPs polling averages also show Trump ahead in seven key battleground states: Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. Of those, the former presidents weakest polling showing seems to be in Wisconsin and Michigan, where Biden and Trump are in a statistical dead heat. Even though he has a slight polling edge, Trump also seems to have a ceiling, failing to eclipse 48 percent in the RCP average at any point in a two-way race. In a five-way race, Trumps high-water mark is 43 percent. Its not just election fatigue that has this debate seeming earlier than ever: General election debates have never been held before late September after both candidates are officially nominated at their partys national convention, this year in mid-July for the Republicans and mid-August for the Democrats. In both 2016 and 2020, June 27 was closer to the final primary debates of those cycles than to the first general election debate. It wasnt clear there would be general election debates at all this election cycle. In early 2022, the Republican National Committee pulled out of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD)the nonpartisan organization that has long organized debatesciting alleged bias. The Biden campaign, for its part, dragged its feet in December when asked if the president would participate. Our own Chris Stirewalt predicted last year that hope for a 2024 general election debate was dead. But, much like Noam Chomsky, reports of the presidential debates death were ultimately greatly exaggerated. The two campaigns came together last month to organize a debate independently of the CPD. I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times, Trump posted on Truth Social May 15. Just tell me when, Ill be there. Lets get ready to Rumble!!! Later that same day, Biden responded with a video message. Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020, and since then he hasnt shown up for a debate, he said, referring to Trumps non-appearances at the handful of Republican primary dates. Now he is acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal. Ill even do it twice. This televised throwdown will be a rematch of four years ago, but the format will look a little different, CNN announced this week. Incrediblyor maybe predictably, considering the free-for-all of the last several televised debatesmicrophones will be muted when it is the other candidates turn to speak. Reportedly at the request of the Biden campaign, there will be no live audience in the room. The 90-minute program will have two commercial breaks, but the candidates staff will be barred from interacting with Biden and Trump during that time. The first candidate to speak will be determined as all gentlemens competitions beginwith a coin tossand the moderators, Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, will jump right into questions, forgoing opening statements from the two candidates. The muted microphones seem to be geared towards preventing the screaming match at the first debate in 2020although its unclear whether the decision came from the network or a request from one of the campaigns. Will it work? I dont think Donald Trump cares about a mute button, said Gail Gitcho, a Republican consultant who advised several presidential campaigns, most recently that of biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. If theres one thing that you can predict about President Trump, its that hes going to be on offense all the time. But would an empty room put a damper on some of the former presidents sometimes boisterous antics? Trump is always the more theatrical one, Gitcho told TMD, suggesting the Biden campaign figured a live audience plays to Trumps advantage. But the theory that, with no live audience, Trump will downplay his stagecraft is really silly, she added. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy will not be on the stage after falling short of CNNs benchmark qualifications to make the debate. The network required candidatesin addition to being constitutionally eligible and having filed their candidacy with the Federal Elections Commissionto reach at least 15 percent on four national polls, and be on enough ballots to secure the 270 electoral votes needed to win. Kennedy fell short on two fronts, garnering 15 percent in only three national polls and making the ballot in only six states and therefore eligible for only about a third of the electoral votes required. Kennedy will be watching the show just like the rest of us, as Biden and Trump try to make themselves look good, and perhaps more crucially, one another look bad. Axios Alex Thompson reported yesterday that the Biden campaign is prepared to make Donald Trumps characterand the events of January 6the focal point of its electoral strategy. Trump, meanwhile, has consistently hit Biden on the border and the economy, while all the while centering retribution as a key campaign theme. But the debate may end up being less about the content and more about the delivery, with two elderly men standing behind the podiums. Trump, his campaign, and its supporters have spent months hitting Biden on his age and feebleness, including occasionally with some misleading editing. At a rally in Wisconsin on Tuesday, Trump suggested that Biden would need to be pumped up on cocaine in order to debate him. At the same time, Trump, only three years Bidens junior, seems to appreciate that attacks on his opponents age may have an Uno reverse quality to themboth because of his own advanced years and because if the bar is set too low for Biden, he could exceed expectations. JOE BIDEN IS NOT TOO OLD TO BE PRESIDENTNOT EVEN CLOSE, Trump posted on social media earlier this month. BUT HE IS TOO INCOMPETENT AND CORRUPT! Meanwhile, 81-year-old Bidenwhom even some unnamed Democrats admitted in a recent Wall Street Journal report was showing his agemade sure Trump didnt feel self-conscious about his age on his birthday last week. Happy 78th birthday, Donald, the president tweeted. Take it from one old guy to another: Age is just a number. And while both Trump and Biden may want that to be true, voters are concerned. In March, a New York Times/Siena College poll showed that some two-thirds of voters thought Biden was just too old to continue to be an effective president. Voters seemed much less concerned about Trumps age. In the never-ending list of things that could make this debate unlike any other, one of the candidates is a convicted felon, a fact Biden will likely point out. Hes been convicted of 34 felonies, found liable for sexual assault, and committed financial fraud, the narrator says in a campaign commercial Biden tweeted Monday. But Trump has maintained the convictionand other legal woesare nothing more than political hit-jobs. When [Biden] indicted me over nothing, they opened up a whole new box and then I got indicted again and again and again. I was like a ping-pong ball, Trump told supporters in Nevada last week, erroneously suggesting that the president himself drove the criminal charges being brought. And what theyve done is theyve weaponized the Department of Justice. As weird as the debate is sure to be, will anyone be watching who hasnt already decided who to vote for? Gitcho believes the debates will attract more partisan viewers, and less undecided voters, than in past presidential debates. This debate is for the fans [of the candidates] that have already made their choice, Gitcho told TMD. Worth Your Time There is a lot of doomsaying about artificial intelligence and its potential ramifications as the technology advances. In a radically optimistic article for The Economist, Ray Kurzweil envisioned a future dramatically improved by AI. After working in the field for 61 yearslonger than anyone else aliveI am gratified to see AI at the heart of global conversation, he wrote. Yet most commentary misses how large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini fit into an even larger story. AI is about to make the leap from revolutionizing just the digital world to transforming the physical world as well. This will bring countless benefits, but three areas have especially profound implications: energy, manufacturing, and medicine. This is AIs most transformative promise: longer, healthier lives unbounded by the scarcity and frailty that have limited humanity since its beginnings. In a piece for National Review, Alexander William Salter argued that the U.S. needs to make beating China in a new space race a national priority. Theres no question about Chinas long-term intentions. The CCP views space not as an opportunity for collaborative human flourishing, but a means of solidifying legitimacy at home and increasing its power abroad, he wrote. Scott Pace, who served as executive secretary of the National Space Council under President Trump, warns that Chinas cooperative overtures are really a bid for control: As with the Belt and Road Initiative, space cooperation tends to be on terms solely determined by China. We need to take Chinas space threat seriously and to solidify Americas lead in the new space race. Whats required is a plan for space that combines the national interest with global responsibility. Presented Without Comment Bloomberg: Just Stop Oil Activists Spray Orange Paint Over Stonehenge Also Presented Without Comment Wall Street Journal: Elon Musk Pitches Advertisers on a Return to X, Months After Telling Some to F Themselves Also Also Presented Without Comment New York Times: Officer in [British Prime Minister Rishi] Sunaks Protection Team Accused of Placing U.K. Election Bet In the Zeitgeist On Tuesday, Team USA unveiled the outfits American athletes will be wearing in Paris for the opening and closing Olympics ceremonies later this summer. Watch David Lauren, Ralph Laurens son, and Olympians and Olympic hopefuls show off the new threads: Toeing the Company Line In the newsletters: The Dispatch Politics team covered House Freedom Caucus chair Bob Goods nailbiter primary in Virginia, Scott explained () all thats wrong with Trumps tariffs for income taxes hooey, Nick analyzed () the Biden campaigns decision to go all-in on outrage over January 6, and Jonah critiqued () Niall Fergusons recent essay comparing the U.S. to the Soviet Union. On the podcasts: Matthew Continetti of the American Enterprise Institute joined Jonah on The Remnant to engage in some rank punditry and discuss neoconservatism. On the site: David Daoud and Jonathan Schanzer detail the growing threat posed by Hezbollah and Bret Devereaux dissects a recent Heritage Foundation report about the strength of the U.S. military. Let Us Know Will you be watching the debate? If so, do you expect to learn anything new about the candidates? Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Mayor Brandon Johnson will increase the scope of a pilot program that funds basic needs for victims of gun violence and their families, he announced Thursday as the latest update in his public safety plan ahead of the summer. Under the expansion, the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund will see another $6.4 million some of that from federal COVID-19 stimulus dollars over the next two years and expand from five to 15 community areas. There are three categories of funds: $1,000 for basic needs such as medical expenses, child care and groceries; $1,000 for relocation services to move to a safer place; and $1,500 for funeral and burial expenses. In touting his announcement, Johnson repeatedly decried his predecessors as stingy toward communities on the South and West sides that needed relief from disinvestment and violence the most. The fund in question was started in 2022 under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and has since doled out aid to almost 400 victims. When a 7-year-old is stepping just outside their home and is gunned down, its an indication of failures of previous administrations who have been intentional about leaving our communities behind, Johnson said, referencing a West Side shooting this week. These same communities that are experiencing violence are the communities in which pensions were raided. This crisis did not show up with simply a bullet. This crisis showed up when previous administrations decided to give up on these communities, and they have demonstrated and shown disdain for our people. For gun violence survivors to be eligible, the shooting must have happened in one of 15 neighborhoods: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Chicago Lawn, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Grand Crossing, Humboldt Park, Back of the Yards, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, West Englewood, West Garfield Park or West Pullman. The maximum amount those recipients can get is $2,000 per shooting. For families of homicide victims aged 24 or younger, Chicagoans from across the city can apply with a cap of $3,500 per death. Applicants will work with community nonprofits that receive city funding from the Department of Public Health to receive the stipends. Johnson as mayor is heading into his second summer, traditionally the most violent season in the city, as homicides and shootings are down so far this year, a continuing trend after 2022 saw Chicagos worst crime spike since the 1990s. ayin@chicagotribune.com CHICAGO The City of Chicago is expanding its program that pays eligible gunshot victims to more neighborhoods. Gunshot victims can receive up to $1,000 in financial assistance as well as up to $1,000 for temporary relocation-related costs. Eligible Chicago families who lost a loved one to homicide can receive an additional $1,500 in financial assistance to support funeral or burial costs, according to the city. The program was launched in Dec. 2022 for the neighborhoods of East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, Englewood, West Englewood and New City. Mayor Johnson announced Thursday that the program is expanding to 10 more neighborhoods Auburn Gresham, Austin, Chicago Lawn, Greater Grand Crossing, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Lawndale, South Shore and West Pullman. I am proud to expand this impactful program and holistically support our residents who suffer from the trauma of gun violence, Mayor Johnson said. While we invest heavily in strategies that prevent violence from happening in the first place, we also want to make sure that those already impacted by violence get the support that they need. The ESVF program provides much-needed resources to promote healing in our communities and among the families that have been affected by violence, offering a lifeline that will lead us to a safer city. My administration continues to invest in our people and communities through the Peoples Plan for Community Safety to build a united and stronger Chicago. 2 women shot, 1 fatally, near 31st Street Beach For 2024, partnering organizations include Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, Universal Family Connection, BUILD, Chicago Survivors, UCAN, New Life Centers, Claretian Associates, Metropolitan Family Services, Together Chicago, Target Area (TADC), and Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP). Johnson said over 200 victims have benefitted from the program since its inception. Funds will be distributed by Victim Services and Street Outreach organizations currently funded by CDPH Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. China should also be concerned about Russia-North Korea pact, White House says A recently signed partnership agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang should worry not only the U.S. but also China as it threatens to undermine the stability of the Korean peninsula, the White House said on June 20. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed the pact earlier this week, pledging to provide each other aid if either is attacked. Putin did not rule out that this assistance would include weapons. "It's to be of concern to any country that cares about maintaining peace and stability not just on the Korean Peninsula, but in the Indo-Pacific," U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said in comments cited by the Yonhap news agency. According to Kirby, the agreement should concern any country that believes in the U.N. Security Council resolutions and anybody supporting Ukraine. "We would think that that concern would be shared by the People's Republic of China since this agreement also seems to be in direct contrast with the statement that President Putin and President Xi (Jinping) made in Beijing just a month ago, in which both countries call for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to this situation on the Korean Peninsula." Read also: Russia, China and North Korea have new dynamics. And its bad for Ukraine Russia has been deepening ties with both North Korea and China throughout its full-scale war in Ukraine. While Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with extensive military packages, including ballistic missiles and millions of artillery shells, Beijing insists it does not provide lethal aid to either side. China remains Russia's key economic lifeline amid international sanctions and the leading source of dual-use goods feeding the Russian defense industry. Beijing is also North Korea's leading trading partner, and the two countries share a defense treaty dating back to the 1960s. "Of course, we are going to continue to evaluate our posture throughout the Indo-Pacific as needed, but we have prioritized this part of the world since the beginning of this administration," Kirby said. In response to the North Korea-Russia pact, Seoul said it would reconsider its policy of not directly sending military supplies to Kyiv. Putin threatened with unspecified consequences to South Korea if its arms reach Ukraine. The Korean peninsula has been divided since the war in the 1950s, and both Seoul and Pyongyang view each other with suspicion. North Korea has repeatedly issued threats and provocations against its southern neighbor. Read also: Putin threatens a response if South Korea sends arms to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- US spies believe Chinas leaders see little or no upside to the looming electoral showdown between President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg Ahead of next weeks first debate of the presidential campaign, US intelligence agencies assess that China has no clear preference between the two candidates, according to American officials, who asked not to be identified discussing non-public assessments. The conclusion suggests that officials in Beijing, like their counterparts in Washington, believe that ties between the worlds two largest economies will continue on their long-term downward trajectory despite a recent increase in high-level meetings billed as efforts to manage differences. In recent years, the two countries have clashed over everything from technology to human rights and the South China Sea. Most recently, the State Department said Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Chinas escalatory actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea as dangerous and irresponsible in a phone call with his Philippine counterpart. China has said it responded to an unreasonable provocation when it attacked Philippine boats this week in disputed waters. The US assessment of Chinas stance on the presidential contest is matched in interviews with Chinese officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. They say the view in Beijing is that both candidates are intent on containing China and disrupting its rise. Neither is a perfect candidate to put it mildly, said Gao Zhikai, a former Chinese diplomat who served as translator to the late leader Deng Xiaoping. Biden is a Cold War warrior, who doesnt care if he pushes the world into conflict, while Trump will probably impose sanctions and tariffs on China in pursuit of his America-first agenda. Spokespeople for the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on intelligence assessments of how China views the 2024 vote. Asked about the US elections, Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said China does not comment on US domestic affairs. A second Trump administration could pose significant problems for Beijing. In his first term, Trump declared a trade war on China, increased high-level ties with Taiwan and oversaw a reorientation of US military strategy to counter Beijing. By the end of his time in office, it was routine for officials in both Beijing and Washington to refer in private to ties between the nations as a new Cold War. Trumps Tariffs Chinese officials believe that a second Trump administration would likely be characterized by provocative pronouncements, unpredictable policymaking and a renewed push for anti-China measures, US and Chinese officials said. During Trumps campaign, hes already floated the idea of 60% tariffs on Chinese-made goods, Liu, the Chinese embassy spokesman, said that raising tariffs on Chinese goods would drive up the cost of goods, inflicting more loss on American companies and consumers while damaging global supply chains. The flip side of these concerns, Chinese officials believe, is that a Trump presidency could weaken Washingtons ties with its allies, opening opportunities for Beijing. The former presidents first term in office was characterized by repeated friction with European allies over defense spending, as well as periodic complaints about the cost of the protection the US affords Japan and South Korea. One Chinese official told Bloomberg that Trump might also prove more amenable to doing deals than Biden, suggesting that Chinese concessions on trade could open the way for US concessions over sensitive issues for China such as Taiwan. Bidens Partnerships But the prospect of a second Biden term offers little comfort to Beijing. The central concern for Chinese policymakers would be Bidens likely push to strengthen regional partnerships to push back against Chinese assertiveness, according to US and Chinese officials. Over the past four years, China has routinely denounced groups such as the Quad comprised of the US, Australia, India and Japan and Aukus, a defense pact among Australia, the UK and the US, as efforts to contain China. At a recent defense forum in Singapore, a Chinese delegate accused the US of attempting to build an Asian NATO. At the same time, Biden needs to pay more attention to the views of its allies, which are likely to call for caution and moderation. This may be good for China, Jia Qingguo, a prominent academic and standing committee member of Beijings top political advisory body, said in an interview this month. Liu said the USs Indo-Pacific strategy is essentially about division, confrontation and detrimental to peace and that its aim is to encircle China. US intelligence leaders and senators have warned that a host of actors including China could also seek to influence the outcome of the election. In April, Blinken told CNN the US had seen evidence of Chinese attempts to influence and arguably interfere in the 2024 vote. Still, officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told journalists in a briefing that Beijing has so far taken a cautious approach to such interference because its aware of the blowback that such efforts might cause. No matter who prevails in the November election, officials in Washington and Beijing are girding for more tense periods. From the Chinese perspective, we just need to sit tight, said Gao, the former diplomat. Whoever wins, China needs to deal with them as they are, rather than hoping for the unrealistic. --With assistance from Rebecca Choong Wilkins and Tania Chen. (Updates with State Department statement in fourth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. FILE - Visitors check the China made BYD ATTO 3 at the IAA motor show in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 8, 2023. China's Commerce Ministry has accused the European Union of making unfair demands in its investigation into imports of Chinese electric vehicles before announcing it was raising tariffs by as much as 38%. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File) BEIJING (AP) Chinas Commerce Ministry on Thursday accused the European Union of making unreasonable demands in its investigation into imports of Chinese electric vehicles before announcing it was raising tariffs by as much as 38%. Ministry spokesman He Yadong said the European side had demanded excessive amounts of information from Chinese automakers and then unfairly accused the Chinese companies of failing to cooperate. The types, scope, and amount of information collected by the European side are unprecedented, far exceeding the requirements of anti-subsidy investigations, He said. He said that included requiring details on manufacturing and development, technology and product formulas, among other aspects, from Chinese electric vehicle and battery companies. "After Chinese companies did their best to cooperate with the investigation and provided information, the European Commission still unreasonably accused Chinese companies of not fully cooperating and imposed punitive high tax rates, He said, describing the Chinese companies as shocked and disappointed. The Chinese spokesman did not announce any new measures in retaliation for the provisional increase in tariffs, which he said lack a factual and legal basis. But he reiterated Beijing's warning that it will defend the rights and interests of Chinese companies. On Monday, Beijing said it was opening an anti-dumping investigation into pork exports from Europe. In announcing that, the Commerce Ministry did not mention EV tariffs. But the investigation into various pork products is widely seen as a response to the EU measures on electric cars. It is expected to take one year. Escalating a trade dispute over Beijing's subsidies that Brussels worries are hurting European automakers, the EU plans to impose provisional tariffs of 17.4% to 38.1% on EVs from China for four months starting July 4. They would apply to vehicles exported to Europe by both Chinese and foreign brands, including Tesla. The European side has said it wants to discuss the findings of its investigation with Chinese authorities to find ways to resolve the issues. In the Triangle, where plans for commuter and light rail have come to naught, mass transit largely means one thing: buses, usually big enough to seat 40 people. But now a relatively new kind of transit is popping up around the region, one that has as much in common with Uber and Lyft as with a GoRaleigh bus. Its called microtransit, and communities are using it to provide public transit in areas that arent densely populated enough to need scheduled buses on fixed routes. Instead, riders can call or use an app to summon a ride in vans or minibuses that take them somewhere in town or another defined geographic area. Transit agencies have long offered shuttle rides to the elderly or people with disabilities, often with financial help from the federal government. But these new programs are open to anyone. Among the first in the region to try microtransit was Morrisville in western Wake County, where the 2.5-year-old Smart Shuttle was the towns first foray into public transit. Operating seven days a week, the system now offers free rides to about 55 people a day on average, most of whom dont have access to a car, said Caleb Allred, the towns transportation planner. Microtransit is good for sprawling communities that have a lot space that they have to cover with low volumes of patrons using the service, Allred said. What towns provide microtransit? Among the other communities trying microtransit: Cary: The town is studying whether to offer microtransit in areas not served by GoCary routes. The first draft of a feasibility study will be released next month, said Kelly Blazey, the towns transit director. GoCary already operates the Morrisville Smart Shuttle. Selma and Smithfield: The Johnston County Area Transit System launched QuickRide in spring 2023 to serve residents in and near the two towns. Rides cost $6. Rolesville and Wake Forest: The Rolesville-Wake Forest Microtransit Connector is expected to begin this summer. It replaces a GoRaleigh express bus between Rolesville and downtown Raleigh that attracted few riders because, officials say, Rolesville transit users would prefer to go to nearby Wake Forest. Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon: The towns are working with the county to request Wake transit tax money to help continue SmartRide, which has served northeastern Wake since March 2022. The service provided about 13,000 rides in its first full fiscal year, according to the county, which started the program with a federal grant. What we essentially did was give roughly 13,000 rides to people who did not have other means to get to dialysis, to get to the grocery store, to get to the park, to get to just regular employment, said Anita Davis, transportation program manager for Wake County Human Services. If that service were to go away, thats a big segment of the community who are kind of lost and stuck and figuring out how to get transportation. Microtransit adaptable to different situations There are different ways to do microtransit. In Morrisville, passengers must meet the shuttle at one of 12 stops or nodes in town, then take it to another node. In contrast, SmartRide has no fixed stops; people can request a ride from their home to anywhere in the service area. Some communities see microtransit as a way to get people connected to traditional local or regional bus lines or as a stop-gap measure until theyre big enough for a fixed-route system. Cary considers it both, said Blazey, the transit director. Microtransit is a great way to help us determine where a fixed-route makes sense as the area continues to grow, she said. One North Carolina city has drawn national attention by going the other way. Wilson, a city of about 47,000 residents 50 miles east of Raleigh, replaced its decades-old bus system in 2020 with a fleet of mini-vans that people can summon with a phone call or an app. The buses served only 40% of the city, hitting each stop every hour, and carried about 74,000 people in the final full year, says Rodger Lentz, the citys planning and development officer. The RIDE microtransit system will take people anywhere in town for $2.50 and carried about 221,000 people in the year ending last Aug. 31. Wilson pays about $2.25 million for RIDE (contractors own and operate the fleet of minivans), about twice as much as it spent on buses, but now provides nearly three times as many rides, Lentz said. So on an apples-to-apples basis, Im getting far more for my money than I would have under the old system, he said. And so far people are really happy with the system. Einnok Jenkins, 26, never rode the citys buses but is a regular RIDE user. Its how he gets around the city without having to rely on family or friends. You can go anywhere in Wilson, Jenkins said, after returning home from a recent visit to a temporary employment agency. Youve got to emphasize anywhere. Literally. And its going to be the same price. A service for those without cars That people can get a ride for free or a few dollars is one way microtransit differs from Uber and Lyft. Local governments say theyre using taxpayer money to subsidize their systems as a public service, just like parks or the police and fire departments. Wilson saw RIDE as a strategy to fight chronic unemployment in the city, by making it easier for people to get to work. According to surveys, about 71% of people who use RIDE are on their way to or from work or school, Lentz said, and 89% dont have access to a car. Wilson City Council member Derrick Creech says the system has been one of the best things the city has ever done for its low-income residents. I see for those that have been struggling that its easy for them to get a ride, Creech said. With the low cost to riders come compromises. Microtransit shuttles generally dont run at night and must remain within a designated geographic area. People may find themselves sharing a ride with someone and may have to wait longer for a shuttle. The average wait for a Morrisville Smart Shuttle to arrive is about 26 minutes, Allred said. Microtransit shuttles arent mass transit, carrying large numbers of people at a time, and arent likely to lure people out of their cars. But for Scott Brubaker, the Smart Shuttle has allowed him and his wife to get by on one car. The couple recently moved to Morrisville from Brazil and bought a car so she could get to her job north of Durham. But Brubaker takes the shuttle to the GoTriangle regional transit center, where he gets a free ride through GoTriangles Transit Connect program to and from his job at IBM. This is a great system for us, Brubaker said, as he recently rode the shuttle home. Getting one car is enough, but getting two would be too much. CCTV: China announced President of Poland Andrzej Dudas state visit to China. Could you share with us the program and Chinas expectation of the visit? How does China view the current China-Poland relations? Lin Jian: During the visit, President Xi Jinping will have talks with President Andrzej Duda to draw up a blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations. The two presidents will have an in-depth exchange of views on issues of mutual interest and attend the signing ceremony of cooperation documents. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji will meet President Andrzej Duda respectively. Poland is among the first countries to recognize the Peoples Republic of China. In recent years, the two countries have grown bilateral relations smoothly and had fruitful practical cooperation. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. China stands ready to work with Poland through this visit to deepen political mutual trust, expand exchange and cooperation in various fields, stay at the forefront of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries, and enrich the China-Poland comprehensive strategic partnership. Xinhua News Agency: Premier Li Qiang is visiting Malaysia this week. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, leaders of the two countries attended the celebration events. Could you share more details with us? Lin Jian: At the invitation of Malaysias Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council is paying an official visit to Malaysia which started on June 18 and will end today. Yesterday, Premier Li Qiang met with King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and had talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two prime ministers attended the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship and the groundbreaking ceremony for Malaysias East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak integrated terminal station. Premier Li Qiang pointed out that no matter how the international landscape has evolved over the past half a century, the two countries have always treated each other with sincerity, pursued win-win cooperation, and engaged in exchanges and mutual learning, achieving steady progress in bilateral relations, and making the China-Malaysia relationship a front-runner and a prime example in Chinas relations with countries in the region. Last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reached important common understandings on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, drawing a blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations in the new era. China is ready to work jointly with Malaysia to continue to develop bilateral relations as a priority of their respective foreign policy, and take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to accelerate the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future by maintaining close high-level contacts, further deepening cooperation across the board, and enriching the substance of two countries comprehensive strategic partnership. Premier Li Qiang stressed that be it in the past, present or future, friendship remains the defining feature of China-Malaysia relations. The two countries have brought this relationship to a new starting point, and we share the aspiration to carry it forward to future generations. We need to enhance our traditional friendship, consolidate the foundation for bilateral relations, and pursue wide-ranging cooperation in the context of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future. We need to synergize our development strategies and expand shared interests to deliver more benefits to our two peoples. The two sides need to deepen exchanges and mutual learning to cement the foundation for people-to-people affinity, and build a stronger bond between our peoples. We need to strengthen solidarity and coordination to address global challenges together, and jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious home in Asia. The two prime ministers agreed to unswervingly strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation and take the building of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a higher level. Both sides will continue to promote high-quality implementation of RCEP, and strive to conclude at an early date negotiations for Version 3.0 of the CAFTA, in order to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. The two prime ministers agreed that China and relevant ASEAN countries should handle the South China Sea issue and manage disagreements and differences independently and in a proper manner, promote dialogue and cooperation, and stay committed to solving problems through bilateral efforts. The two prime ministers also witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as trade, science and technology, culture, tourism, postal service, agricultural export to China, digital economy, green development, urban development and higher education. Beijing Daily: Today is World Refugee Day. The 2024 Global Trends report recently published by the UN Refugee Agency shows that last year forced displacement surged to historic new levels across the globe. Whats your comment? Lin Jian: We noticed this report. According to the report, as of May this year, the total displaced population worldwide has increased for 12 consecutive years, amounting to 120 million. Behind every number is a precious human life, challenging the international fairness and justice and questioning human morality and conscience. The refugee issue is caused by regional instability and unbalanced development. From Afghanistan to Syria, refugee crises caused by wars launched under various pretexts remain far from being resolved, and we are seeing even more horrendous humanitarian tragedies unfolding in Gaza. Entering its 8th month, the Gaza conflict has killed more than 37,000 civilians, injured over 85,000 people and displaced nearly 2 million. Realizing ceasefire and saving lives is the strong call of the international community and the most urgent imperative now. China once again calls on relevant parties to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, immediately stop the fighting, and do everything possible to avoid hurting innocent civilians. We are ready to work with the international community and continue to play a constructive role in promoting the ceasefire, improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and realizing international fairness and justice. As a contracting party to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its Protocol, China has always earnestly implemented international duties and actively participated in international cooperation on refugees in a humanitarian spirit. We are committed to promoting talks for peace and the political settlement on regional hotspots and have provided assistance for relevant countries to address refugee crises through bilateral and multilateral channels. Its worth noting that the refugee issue is a global issue and requires a global response. Unless certain countries abandon their hegemonic mindset and stop militarily interfering in other countries affairs and benefiting through war, there will not be a real solution to the refugee issue. We urge relevant countries to reflect on what they have done, take concrete actions to address the root cause of the refugee issue and step up to their responsibility. China is ready to work with the international community, firmly support multilateralism and contribute to a more effective global refugee protection system and efforts to resolve the refugee issue. Yonhap News Agency: I have two questions. First, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by the DPRK and Russia yesterday provides for timely mutual military assistance and other assistance with all the means at disposal in the case of aggression against either country. What impact does China think the new agreement will have on the peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Eurasian region? Second, after the meeting with Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK yesterday, Russian President Putin said that Russia does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK, calling for reviewing the UN sanctions on Pyongyang. Since China is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council, how does it comment on President Putins position? Lin Jian: On your first question, we noted the reports. I would not comment on the bilateral cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. On the Korean Peninsula issue, Chinas position is consistent. We always believe that upholding peace and stability on the Peninsula and advancing the political settlement of the Peninsula issue serve the common interests of all parties and hope various parties will make constructive effort to this end. On your second question, the cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is a matter between two sovereign states. We do not have information on the relevant matter. As a principle, China believes that on issues related to the Peninsula, blindly imposing sanctions and pressure will not solve the problem. Political settlement is the only viable way out. Anadolu Agency: I also want to ask about the North Korean and Russian strategic partnership agreement. I wonder how do you see the new situation in the Korean Peninsula? Do you think if we are in a moment that some kind of military alignments or military blocs are forming around this conflict? And how will China position itself in face of these military alignments? Lin Jian: I just answered the relevant question. The agreement between the DPRK and Russia is related to their bilateral cooperation. I have no comment on it. Chinas position on the Korean Peninsula issue is consistent and clear. Upholding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and advancing the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue serves the common interests of all parties. China is ready to work with other parties to play a constructive role to this end. Shenzhen TV: The National Forestry and Grassland Administration held a press conference today on progress in wildlife conservation and relevant international cooperation. It announced in particular the return of overseas Chinese giant pandas this year and the upcoming new cooperation. Whats your comment? Lin Jian: We also noticed the information released by the NFGA today. Giant pandas are a precious endangered wild species and are loved by people around the world. They are emissaries of friendship from the people of China. Carrying out international cooperation on giant panda conservation has played an important role in better informing the foreign public of the progress China has made in giant panda and wildlife conservation and ecological conservation, and in enhancing people-to-people friendship. Chinas effort in this area is also a significant contribution to the research on giant panda breeding and conservation in the wild as well as talent cultivation in this field. This year, the international cooperation on giant panda conservation has witnessed smooth progress. Weve learned that China has started a new round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation with Spain, and will launch a new round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation with the San Diego Zoo of the US, the National Zoo in Washington DC, and the Adelaide Zoo in Australia. At present, the two sides are making good preparations for the exit and entry of giant pandas. In accordance with the cooperation agreements of giant pandas between China and other countries, more than 10 overseas giant pandas are scheduled to return to China this year when relevant programs expire or when cubs reach the breeding age. China attaches great importance to the health and safety of overseas Chinese giant pandas and has constantly improved the management system and technical standards. Every year, field examination and assessment and all-year-round regular health monitoring and evaluation are conducted that cover all overseas institutions that have cooperation with China on giant pandas. Going forward, Chinas competent authorities will continue to strengthen regulation, ensure the health and safety of overseas giant pandas, share with the public regular updates on their status and share more scientific knowledge with the public about giant pandas. We are ready to work with all parties to contribute to better conservation of endangered species and global biodiversity. Bloomberg: The prime minister of the Tibet government-in-exile said that its going to use the new US legislation that was passed the other day to try to force China to the negotiating table and that theyre also going to try to get other countries to put pressure on China to negotiate. Would the Ministry like to respond? Lin Jian: The so-called Tibetan government-in-exile is entirely a separatist political group. It is an illegal organization that violates Chinas Constitution and laws. No country in the world recognizes it. When it comes to the contact and talks between the Chinese Central Government and the 14th Dalai Lama, our policy is consistent and clear. The key is that the 14th Dalai Lama must have a complete reflection on and thoroughly correct its political propositions. China News Service: Its reported that the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the US Department of Defense said in two press releases that the State Department has made a determination approving military sales of Switchblade 300 and ALTIUS 600M-V Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as well as relevant equipment and training manuals to Taiwan for an estimated cost of US$ 360 million in total. Whats Chinas comment? Lin Jian: In disregard of Chinas repeated opposition and serious protests, the US once again sold arms to Chinas Taiwan region. Such sales seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The sales undermine Chinas sovereignty and security interests, harm China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and send a gravely wrong message to Taiwan independence separatist forces. China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this. The USs frequent arms sales to Taiwan embolden the DPP authorities as they cling to the stance of Taiwan independence and make deliberate provocations on the one-China principle. This once again shows that the separatist moves for Taiwan independence and connivance and support for such moves from US-led external forces are the biggest threat facing cross-Strait peace and stability and source of damage to the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Let me stress that the DPP authorities attempt to seek independence through military build-up and what the US has done to assist that agenda will only backfire and lead nowhere. The Taiwan question is at the core of Chinas core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. No one should underestimate Chinas firm determination and ability to oppose Taiwan independence and safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. China urges the US to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, revoke its wrongful decisions to sell arms to Taiwan, stop the dangerous trend of arming Taiwan, stop wrongful moves to connive at and support Taiwan independence forces, and stop endangering cross-Strait peace and stability. We will take strong and resolute measures to defend our national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. AFP: On the confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels happened near Renai Jiao, the Chinese side said that China Coast Guard didnt take direct measures against the Philippine personnel. But later on, the Philippine military released a new video footage of the incident, claiming that Chinese personnel fired tear gas, damaged equipment and brandished bolos. Is the Philippine description of the incident true? Can you share more details on the measures China Coast Guard took? Lin Jian: The Philippine side has been calling white black and falsely accusing China. Renai Jiao is part of Chinas Nansha Qundao and it is Chinese territory. The Philippine side illegally intruded the waters of Renai Jiao without Chinas permission, which violated international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. This is sheer provocation and has no justification whatsoever. What is more, this operation of the Philippines is absolutely not about humanitarian resupply. The Philippine vessels secretly carried construction materials and even weapons and equipment, and they deliberately rammed Chinese vessels. The Philippine side threw water and hurled objects to Chinese enforcement personnel. These acts clearly escalated tensions at sea, and severely threatened the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels. The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law to safeguard its sovereignty, which was lawful and justified, and done in a professional and restrained manner. It was beyond reproach. China will firmly safeguard its lawful rights and interests. We urge the Philippines to stop infringement and provocation at sea at once. Otherwise, the consequences shall be borne by the Philippines. PTI: Further to what you said about the talks with the Dalai Lama as for comments by the administration there. Will you be commenting also on the visit of the US congressional delegation to Dharamshala where they held talks with the Dalai Lama and also has questioned Chinas claim on Tibet as well as called for China to hold talks with the Dalai Lama? Will you be commenting on whatever they have said during this particular tour? Lin Jian: We made clear Chinas position on the related issues previously. The Chinese governments position on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. Xizangs affairs are Chinas internal affairs, which brook no external interference. We urge the US to fully recognize the importance and high sensitivity of Xizang-related issues, earnestly respect the core interests of China, abide by the commitments it has made to China on Xizang-related issues, have no contact with the Dalai group in any form, and stop sending the wrong signal to the world. 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. In this photo released by "Just Stop Oil", an activist poses next to private airplane sprayed with orange paint at the Stansted Airport, Britain, Thursday, June 20, 2024. Two climate activists were arrested Thursday after cutting through a fence at a London airport and spray painting at private jets orange. (Just Stop Oil via AP) LONDON (AP) Two climate activists were arrested Thursday after cutting through a fence at a London airport and spray-painting private jets orange. Essex police said two women were arrested in a private area of London Stansted Airport on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure. Environmental group Just Stop Oil posted video of someone cutting through a security fence followed by a clip of a woman using a fire extinguisher to spray orange paint on at least two private jets. An airport spokesperson said the incident was three miles (5 kilometers) from the main terminal and police said there was no threat the public. The airfield, 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of central London, is the citys third busiest airport and is often used by government officials and visiting world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden. Just Stop Oil said the airfield was where Taylor Swifts jet was parked, but Essex police said the pop stars aircraft was not at the airport. Swift is doing three shows at London's Wembley Stadium from Friday through Sunday. The arrests come a day after two of the groups activists were detained for spraying orange paint on Stonehenge. Just Stop Oil is one of many environmental groups around Europe that have received attention and blowback for disrupting sporting events, splashing paint and food on famous works of art and interrupting traffic to draw attention to global warming. The post Climate Protesters Attempt to Spray Paint Taylor Swifts Private Jet appeared first on Consequence. Two climate change protestors associated with the activist group Just Stop Oil spray painted several private jets with the intent of targeting Taylor Swifts plane. The organization wrote in a tweet posted early Thursday morning (June 20th) that the activists, Jennifer Kowalski and Cole Macdonald, gained entry to an airfield in Stansted by cutting through the fence while under the belief that Swifts private jet had just arrived. Get Taylor Swift Tickets Here Once on the property, they used fire extinguishers filled with orange paint to mark a number of aircraft. As written in their tweet, the actions are intended to pressure the UK government to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030. The two were detained by Essex police shortly after. Were living in two worlds: one where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unlivable conditions are being imposed on countless millions, Macdonald said in a statement. Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending cruel summer. Billionaires are not untouchable, climate breakdown will affect every single one of us. Kowalski added. Over the years, Ive had to realize that even working in sustainability provides me with essentially no ability to make the necessary changes to prevent the complete collapse of our natural systems. I have to take desperate measures to make my voice heard. In 2024 we all have to be considering what we can do each day to change the course our society is on. We need an emergency treaty to stop the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030. As reported by The Independent, police sources were informed that Swifts Falcon 7x jet had not yet reached Stansted Airport. Flight tracking data, however, appears to indicate that the aircraft had arrived around 11:00 p.m. on June 19th. For the past few years, the Tortured Poets Department artist has been the subject of criticism related to what many consider excessive use of her private jet. In addition to memes galore, a University of Central Florida student named Jack Sweeney created a popular Twitter account dedicated to logging the flights of several celebrities, including Swift. Sweeneys data contributed to a 2022 report naming Swift the biggest celebrity CO2e polluter this year so far, leading Swifts lawyers to send the student a cease and desist letter. The day before targeting Swifts jet, Just Stop Oil made similar headlines and drew heavy criticism after spraying orange paint powder onto Stonehenge. Swifts The Eras Tour is scheduled to continue in Europe and the United States throughout the rest of the year. JUST STOP OIL PAINT PRIVATE JETS HOURS AFTER TAYLOR SWIFT'S LANDS Jennifer and Cole cut the fence into the private airfield at Stansted where @taylorswift13's jet is parked, demanding an emergency treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030. Donate https://t.co/UwALfVtRmR pic.twitter.com/aORdvUuQmU Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) June 20, 2024 Climate Protesters Attempt to Spray Paint Taylor Swifts Private Jet Jonah Krueger Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. 'Clouds' of small insects devastate pantry-favorite crop around the world: 'It's just terrible' Rising temperatures are affecting corn production, and the solution is not within immediate reach. What's happening? In Argentina, which exports the third-most corn in the world, the industry is suffering from a leafhopper explosion. The insects can destroy the crop via a stunt disease that damages the cobs and kernels of the corn. Reuters reported that the four-millimeter pests are thriving with fewer days of frost and climbing minimum temperatures. Farmers are switching to soy, which is unaffected by the leafhopper. "Many are going to reduce their hectares of corn to zero," producer Anibal Cordoba said. "You normally found leafhoppers in the bud of the plants if you looked. But this year you go to the field and you find clouds of leafhopper. It's just crazy." Farmers in northern parts of the country have adapted to the leafhopper, but after the warmest year on record and 12 consecutive months of unprecedented marks, its populations are 10 times greater than usual and the bugs have traveled 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) south of their historical range. In west central Cordoba, the main corn region of Argentina, the estimated loss is up to $1.1 billion, according to Reuters. Why is corn production important? Corn is a critical crop, so any threat to it is a threat to humankind. It is used to make cereal, bread, and beer, as well as diapers, soap, and biodegradable cups. Rosario grains exchange head of agricultural estimates Cristian Russo said production is down from more than 60 million tons to 50.5 million tons. "We all suspect that it still could get much worse than what we're seeing," he said. "It's a big blow to corn." From 1963 to 2013, cold nights in Argentina dropped from 15 per year to eight. Such conditions do damage plants but also kill bugs such as the leafhopper, which cannot survive if the temperature is under four degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit). National Agricultural Technology Institute entomologist Fernando Flores said fewer frosts in the previous winter was a key cause of larger insect populations. What's being done about vulnerable crops? In the United States, biotech conglomerate Bayer is trying to combat extreme weather by engineering "short corn," which can withstand high winds with its smaller stature and be planted more densely, increasing yields. Scientists are working to make rice, another globally important crop, more salt-resistant so it can withstand seawater intrusion, another issue exacerbated by rising temperatures. As for the Argentine corn, the government is trying to help mitigate the damage, in part by approving pesticide use, Reuters reported. "This is a real, real problem," agronomist consultant Michael Cordonnier said. "Going forward, they will be able to solve this a few years down the road by getting hybrids that are more tolerant to corn stunt disease and registering more insecticides for this specific problem. "But for the time being it's just terrible." Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Clyburn on Biden losing steam with Black voters: This is all about miscommunication, disinformation Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) blamed President Bidens struggles with Black voters on miscommunication and disinformation, fighting back against a perception that the president is losing a demographic that has long stood by Democrats. Recent polling has shown that former President Trump could attract up to a fifth of Black voters in the November election, a significantly larger proportion than previous races. We have to be very careful because this is all about miscommunication, disinformation, and thats what causes me great pause, Clyburn said Wednesday in an MSNBC interview with Andrea Mitchell. I know the power of the media, and the power of the media, repeating these things rather than reporting whats actually happening, he continued, that is whats causing the problem. The veteran congressman and staunch Biden surrogate said the issue isnt with the president, but with how people are feeling and their perception of the race. People feel depressed. And if you depress enough people, you can suppress their votes, he continued. And thats why Im running around the country. Im going to Georgia this weekend to spend two days down there, reminding people of what this man did for the four years that he was in office, Clyburn added. Both Biden and Trump have ramped up their efforts to reach out to Black voters, especially Black men, in the 2024 election cycle. Trump has leaned on attempts to connect with voters, while Bidens campaign has generally focused on policy accomplishments. I dont know your pathway to victory without Black men, Mondale Robinson, founder of the Black Male Voter Project, told The Hill this week. The Biden campaign has pushed back on the idea that Trump could be making gains among Black voters. Campaign co-Chair Mitch Landrieu said this week that theres no universe where Trump wins 21 percent of Black voters, as a recent CNN poll suggested. Trump received about 12 percent of the Black vote in the 2020 election. At a campaign event last month, Biden said Trump is merely pandering to attract Black voters, while he, the incumbent, has delivered. Ive shown you who I am, and Trump has shown you who he is, and today Donald Trump is pandering and peddling lies and stereotypes for your vote so he can win for himself, not for you, Biden said. Well, Donald Trump, I have a message for you: not in our house, and not on our watch. The Trump campaign, meanwhile, has held up the polls as proof of work paying off. President Trump is showing up in Black communities and listening to voters where they live, Janiyah Thomas, the Trump campaigns director of Black media, told The Hill in a statement this week. Polls, and every other measure of public support, reflect that historic numbers of voters in the Black community are abandoning Biden and moving towards President Trump. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CNN Presidential Debate to be simulcast on WPXI-TV tonight The CNN Presidential Debate will be aired live on WPXI-TV Thursday night. Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are set to debate for the first time since their respective campaigns in 2020. After a coin flip to determine podium placement and the order of closing statements, Trump will have the final word and Biden will be able to select his podium. Tune into the CNN Presidential Debate, on Thursday, June 27 at 9 p.m. ET on CNN or simulcast on WPXI-TV and on our WPXI Now stream in our free WPXI app for Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Chad Oban, chair of Keep It Local, a coalition of organizations opposing a ballot initiative that would eliminate property taxes in North Dakota, delivers remarks at Jaycee Centennial Park in Bismarck on June 20, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) More than 60 North Dakota groups have formed a coalition opposing a ballot initiative that would eliminate property taxes based on assessed value. On Thursday, members of Keep It Local held news conferences in Bismarck and Fargo to voice their opposition to the proposed property tax measure and describe how funding local governments would change if it passes. North Dakotans understand we cannot fund our emergency services, like fire and police, and schools and libraries on hopes and talking points, said Chad Oban, chair of the Keep It Local coalition. Oban said the coalition expects the property tax initiatives sponsoring committee will soon submit the more than 31,000 signatures required to get the measure on the November ballot. The group plans to emphasize keeping control of government spending local as it works to defeat the measure. North Dakotans know that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, said Oban, who also is executive director of public employee union North Dakota United. Josh Askvig, director of AARP of North Dakota and member of the coalition, said seniors use a variety of local services, like transportation, health and food services, to stay engaged and active in their communities, but the property tax elimination ballot measure threatens many of those programs. There is no plan to ensure those critical aging services are met, Askvig said. In 2023, he said, counties provided $5.8 million in funding for senior centers, which included meals and programming to keep those individuals living independently. Josh Askvig, state director for AARP North Dakota, speaks June 20, 2024, during an event announcing the formation of Keep It Local, a coalition opposing a ballot initiative that would eliminate property taxes in North Dakota. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Askvig said hes heard concerns from people that current property tax levels will price seniors out of their homes. Its why AARP has led the fight to expand existing homestead property tax credit programs, as well as disabled veteran property tax programs, he said. We encourage a no vote on this measure should it make the ballot in November. Oban said the measure would also have a huge impact on public education, with schools receiving about 30% of their revenue from property taxes. Jason Bohrer, president of the Lignite Energy Council, said his group opposes the property tax ballot measure because it would hurt the livelihoods of the people they represent. It eliminates (rural community members) ability to influence their own future, Bohrer said. If you walk through coal country communities, you are going to see prosperous communities with great services its because theyve had the ability to chart their own course. Oban said the coalitions 64 member groups represent more than 200,000 North Dakotans. The group has come together because there is no plan to replace $1.3 billion in annual lost revenue, said Oban, referring to a Legislative Council estimate of the ballot measures impact. And no plan is a bad plan for North Dakota. Rick Becker, chair of the ballot initiatives sponsoring committee, said the organizations that make up the Keep It Local coalition are responsible for keeping the status quo on property taxes for more than a decade, which has led to frustration and anger among North Dakota residents. The people of North Dakota are going to have the ability in their hands to give themselves the relief and reform we were promised, Becker said. Becker said the state budget is full of overspending and he disputed the states estimate of how much revenue would need to be replaced if the measure passes. They say all of the money theyve been spending is necessary spending, and therefore, in their mind, they have to somehow generate more revenue to replace property taxes, he said. It seems to escape them that they are overspending and the amount they are overspending far exceeds the amount that it will take to replace property taxes. Becker said it will be up to the state Legislature to develop a plan if the measure passes. He said it would not be appropriate to include specifics in a ballot measure that would amend the state constitution. The Keep It Local coalition is made up of agriculture, energy and natural resources groups, nonprofit organizations, nine North Dakota chambers of commerce, education associations, real estate groups and public safety organizations. The deadline for the ballot initiative to submit the required signatures to the Secretary of States Office is midnight on June 29. Becker said he is confident the group will submit the required signatures on time. Also Thursday, the Legislatures interim Tax Relief Committee discussed possible property tax relief measures but did not advance any bill drafts. The North Dakota tax commissioner plans to request funding to continue the $500 primary residence credit in 2025, with one lawmaker advocating to increase the credit to $1,000. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Coalition opposing property tax ballot measure urges voters to keep it local appeared first on North Dakota Monitor. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Columbus Consolidated Government announced it is holding a public meeting for the rezoning of 2601 Courtland Ave. The City says the meeting will take place Tuesday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, located at 203 R.C. Allen Drive. City Officials are encouraging all residents to attend. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Columbus man previously convicted of assault and battery was sentenced to more than nine and a half years in prison last week in a new federal case. Devontae Jammell Morris, 29, was sentenced after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a gun. He was arrested November 2022 after a high-speed chase with a Muscogee County sheriffs deputy. He drove away from an attempted traffic stop and ran into a store on Old Buena Vista Road, where deputies found him with over $1,700 worth of cash, some illegal drugs and a Glock pistol. Morris has multiple felony convictions in Muscogee County, include aggravated assault and aggravated battery. In a press release from the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said prosecuting prior criminals with guns is a priority for federal officials. Felons with lengthy violent criminal histories who illegally possess guns can expect federal prosecution and should count on stiff sentences, he said. Law enforcement at every level and across the Middle District of Georgia is working to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office. Greg Countryman, the Muscogee County sheriff, said the case set an important precedent in the county. This is a clear example of what happens when a convicted felon is caught possessing a gun. Its illegal, Countryman said. We will continue to work with our federal partners to remove guns from the hands of violent offenders. Morris will also face three years of supervised release once he gets out of prison, federal officials said. A man and his dog deliver hundreds of pounds of quahogs dug up by local shellfishermen for transplant to quahog spawner sanctuaries off the Sakonnet River and outer Greenwich Bay in this photo taken in spring 1997. The sanctuaries were established to compensate for injuries to shellfish after the 1989 World Prodigy oil spill in Narragansett Bay. (NOAA Restoration Center, Louise Kane) A new report calls for expanding a seven decade-old program for transplanting quahogs in Narragansett Bay to ensure Rhode Islands official state shell doesnt disappear. But the report by the joint legislative study commission studying the quahogs decline does not recommend increasing nitrogen discharges from wastewater treatment facilities during the winter. The report published May 31 calls on lawmakers to increase funding for the state-funded Shellfish Transplant Program which involves moving shellfish from waters that are closed off due to pollution into other areas where commercial harvesting is permitted. Transplanting shellfish is a practice that began in 1954 and has occurred annually in Rhode Island since the late 1970s, with funding provided by fines levied on municipal wastewater treatment facilities. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) estimates that increasing transplant frequencies would cost the state up to $200,000, DEM Programming Services Officer Evan LaCross said in an email Monday afternoon. Obviously, were reviewing everything, Rep. Joseph Solomon, a Warwick Democrat who co-chaired the commission, said in an interview Monday. Theres a lot of funding that still needs to be determined. Increasing nitrogen discharges was among the top suggestions from the Rhode Island Shellfishermans Association to increase the states quahog population. The idea to explore additional nitrogen discharges into the bay was first floated by University of Rhode Island (URI) ecologist Candace Ann Oviatt when the commission met last November. Oviatt said in an interview Monday that a small increase in nitrogen during the winter would help fertilize more phytoplankton that feed quahogs during the early spring. When the quahogs wake up and start to feed, they can feed much more extensively for a longer period of time if the bloom is very generous to them, Oviatt said. Even though there are indications there may be other causes for the increasing reduction of quahog production, we feel increasing nutrients would have positive effects, Jim Boyd, one of four shellfishermen who serve on the 13-member commission, said in a statement Sunday. The joint commission is still open to the associations proposal, as the report asks DEM to potentially develop a plan to modify the discharge permits for the major wastewater treatment facilities along the Providence and Seekonk rivers. Planning would begin either some time this year or in 2025 and include collaboration between the DEM, wastewater treatment facility operators, shellfishermen, and university researchers. So many times we see a lot of data, a lot of research, but often one person is not sharing with the other, Solomon said. This puts every researcher in the room rather than duplicating efforts. But the DEM has no immediate plans to modify nitrogen limits in the discharge permits, LaCross said. Instead, DEM will focus its efforts on the other recommendations in the report, including but not limited to, seeking funding for a sustained quahog seeding and transplant program and establishing additional spawner sanctuaries, he said. Any potential changes would likely be evaluated when nitrogen discharge permits are reissued, which LaCross noted is scheduled from 2025 to 2027. But the DEM and environmental advocates warn changing the states nitrogen rules may produce unwanted results. Increasing nitrogen discharges could undermine progress made in improving bay water quality and habitat, and are potentially illegal under the Clean Water Act, Save the Bay Narragansett Baykeeper Mike Jarbeau, who served on the commission, said in an emailed statement Monday. Oviatt said she understands advocates hesitation over the proposal, but contends it would not harm the bay based on the past flushing rate of the bay. More research is needed before the state moves forward on updating its discharge regulations, she said. It might work, and I dont think we know that it does until we can study the effects it would have on quahogs condition directly in the field, Oviatt said. I think that the quahog commission came down on the right side of this. Additional recommendations from the joint commission include establishing more spawning sanctuaries, increasing state and federally funded monitoring programs and the creation of a permanent Quahog Advisory Commission. The report will be used as a starting point, House spokesperson Larry Berman said. We will be watching for more action next year. The post Commission calls for expanding quahog transplant program, rejects call for more nitrogen discharges appeared first on Rhode Island Current. AUSTIN (KXAN) On Thursday, some members of the Round Rock community organized a candlelight vigil to celebrate the life of Lyndsey Vicknair, who died in a shooting at the Round Rock Juneteenth celebration last weekend. The Austin Honey Badgers Track Club held a vigil at Webb Middle School on East St. Johns Avenue in Austin. How to help the victims of the Juneteenth Round Rock shooting You always wonder in a tragedy what is the lesson to be learned, whats coming out of this. And I tell you, Lyndsey has brought this community together. Shes brought our team closer together and really taught us the importance of living life and living out loud and being able to help others, organizer Candice Cooper told KXAN on Thursday. They also said theyll pray for healing within the community, for the family of Ara Duke, the other victim who died in the shooting, and for all those impacted by the incident. Fourteen other people were injured in the shooting at a Juneteenth festival at Old Settlers Park last Saturday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Companys response in lawsuit over girl found dead in hotel pool pipe Companys response in lawsuit over girl found dead in hotel pool pipe ***Learn more about swimming safety in the video above.*** HOUSTON (WJW) A management company involved in the death of an 8-year-old girl who was found dead inside a large pipe by a hotel swimming pool in Texas is denying responsibility. According to the Houston Police Department, the child and other family members were swimming in a lazy river-style swimming pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Northwest Freeway Saturday evening. Power outages linger as temperatures soar Officers were called to the hotel after the girl, later publicly identified as 8-year-old Aliyah Jaico, was reported missing around 5:45 p.m. Hours later, at about 11:30 p.m., investigators said the childs body was found inside the large pipe in the pool area. She was pronounced dead by paramedics, according to police. After the tragic event, Jaicos family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners and local management companies affiliated with the hotel on March 25, according to the Harris County District Clerk website. E. coli affecting some Lake Erie beaches as oppressive heat continues. OK to swim? The lawsuit argues gross negligence and the family is seeking over $1 million in damages. According to the lawsuit, Northwest Hospitality Services, LLC claims that the parents were responsible for Jaicos death. According to the Harris County Court, a hearing in the case is set to take place on August 22 at 9:30 a.m. and the trial is set to begin on August 11, 2025 at 9 a.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during a bill-signing ceremony March 6, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre. (David Bordewyk/South Dakota NewsMedia Association) Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during a bill-signing ceremony March 6, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre. (David Bordewyk/South Dakota NewsMedia Association) A company that produced a new documentary about South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem did not receive any financial support from Noem or state government, according to the company and Noems office. No taxpayer money was used, said Ian Fury, Noems spokesman. To my knowledge, it was funded entirely by the entity that produced the documentary. That entity is Transition Studios, of Ohio. We self-finance all of our projects, including this one, said Shawn Rech, director of the film. We approached the governor over a year ago wanting to do this project. She agreed to cooperate. The company said in a news release that the documentary, Americas Governor: The Kristi Noem Story, would be published on X (formerly Twitter) at 5 p.m. Central, 4 p.m. Mountain on Thursday. The documentary explores the challenges she has faced along the way and the unwavering spirit that has propelled her forward, said the news release. It serves as an inspiration to men and women everywhere, showcasing the boundless possibilities that can be achieved through hard work and steadfast belief in ones principles. The news release said the documentary includes stories from Noems books, Not My First Rodeo and No Going Back. The most recent book, No Going Back, infamously included a story about Noem killing her 14-month-old dog and a goat. The book also included a claim, later retracted, that Noem met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Since the books release, Noems name has fallen off lists of potential running mates for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The post Company says it self-financed Noem documentary appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight. Is Concern Overblown About Black Voters Not Turning Out For Biden? Experts Weigh In Pres. Joe Biden speaks during a campaign rally at Girard College on May 29, 2024 in Philadelphia. - Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images (Getty Images) Just months ahead of the 2024 election, President Biden finds himself in a neck-and-neck race against Donald Trump. Many are asking how thats possible after Trump, now a convicted felon, inspired the Jan. 6 insurrection and faces dozens of criminal charges. Nationally, Biden and Trump are tied at 49 percent among registered voters, according to an NPR/PBS Marist National Poll released on Tuesday. In our politically divided nation, a few swing states, which can go either way, will likely determine the winner. Alarm bells went off in November when a New York Times/Sienna College poll found that 22 percent of Black voters in six battleground states said they would support Trump. That represents a huge swing for the MAGA nations leader, who received just 8 percent of Black voters nationally in 2020 and 6 percent in 2016. A Wall Street Journal poll released in April reinforced those findings. It found that 30 percent of Black men in seven swing states said they either definitely or probably will vote for Trump in November. Bidens chances of winning are slim if Black voters, many of them frustrated with him and the Democratic Party, either stay home on Election Day or vote for Trump. While most Black voters are rock-solid Biden supporters, a slight shift toward Trump could doom Bidens re-election bid. However, a shift toward Trump isnt the only concern. A May Washington Post/Ipsos Survey of Black Americans found that only 62 percent plan to vote in November, compared to 74 percent in June 2020. Thats why Biden has been trying to shore up this essential bloc. But polls can be wrong. Are concerns about Black voters not turning out for Biden exaggerated? The concern is not overblown. Biden will not get the same turnout that we saw in 2020, Morehouse College political science professor Dr. Matthew Platt told TheRoot. People underestimate the impact of things that were going on in 2020. George Floyd will not be murdered this year; the country is not in a state of pandemic lockdown; and the laws governing the ease of voting have changed, Platt continued. It is not just that voting laws, like in Georgia, have a direct effect on voter mobilization efforts; it is that some organizations have shut down their operations entirely out of concern for the greater liabilities the new laws impose. Biden recognizes the challenges. Quentin Fulks, Bidens principal deputy campaign manager, told ABCs This Week co-anchor Martha Raddatz that no administration has done more for the Black community than the Biden-Harris administration. The team is making every effort to get that message out. Heres a video clip of their conversation. Despite polls showing the Biden-Harris campaign is underperforming with Black voters, deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks tells @MarthaRaddatz: No administration has done as much for the African American community as Pres. Biden and Vice Pres. Harris. https://t.co/bR3ycLpfin pic.twitter.com/NZAs4oou9j This Week (@ThisWeekABC) January 21, 2024 Indeed, Biden isnt ready to give up as he fights for his political life. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have launched a Black voter outreach campaign to talk about how his policies have benefited the Black community and to remind folks about Trumps racist controversies. This is the same guy who wanted to tear gas you as you peacefully protested George Floyds murder. The same guy who still calls the Central Park Five guilty, even though they were exonerated, Biden told the crowd at Girard College in Philadelphia in May. Platt said this is too much, too late when asked what the Biden campaign must do to ensure high Black voter turnout. Short of inventing time travel, which would be quite the October surprise, there is nothing the Biden campaign can do, he said. If present trends continue and Biden goes on to lose in November, he could go down in history as the anti-George Washington. His selfish desire to pursue his own ambition by running for a second term could potentially set American democracy on a negative trajectory in the same way that Washingtons refusal to run for a third term helped to consolidate American democracy, Platt stated. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In Congress, Debate Rages About How To Prevent the Next Lab Leak At a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this week, Sen. Mitt Romney (RUtah) asked why there's "so much energy" around the question of whether the pandemic began in a lab or spilled over from a natural source. "We'll never be 100 percent sure about one or the other," said Romney. "Given that it could have been either, we know what action we need to take to protect from either.One, we should clean up the wet markets. And two, tighten the labs." In recent months, the idea that COVID might have originated from a lab, and specifically the Wuhan Institute of Virology, has been upgraded in the discourse from a "conspiracy theory" to a plausible explanation for how the pandemic began. Simultaneously, people who are often skeptical or agnostic about a lab leak have argued that definitively answering the question of COVID's origins is of secondary importance. Rather, we should be focused on preventing the next pandemic. In this vein, last month, the Biden administration released new guidance for how research-funding agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) should vet proposed experiments involving pathogens of enhanced pandemic potentialthe subset of so-called "gain of function" research that could potentially cause a disease outbreak via a lab leak. This new guidance "will enable the oversight system for research involving biological agents and toxins to better address these risks," reads the text of the White House's new policy. Critics of the new policy argue that it suffers from the same flaws that undermined past government guidance on the funding of potentially pandemic-causing gain-of-function research. "The administration says that this is done. 'We've issued some guidance, we've changed some of the recommendations from NIH, and we've fixed the problem'," Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.) tells Reason. "The problem is that's sort of the fox fixing the problems for regulating the hen house." The federal government has gone through multiple policies intended to subject gain-of-function research on potential pandemic pathogens to some risk-benefit analysis and to prevent funding of the most dangerous experiments. That includes the Obama administration's pause on gain-of-function research funding in 2014 and the later Framework for Guiding Funding Decisions about Proposed Research Involving Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (P3CO) in 2017. Both the Obama administration pause and the P3CO framework have widely been considered to be ineffective. Both policies ultimately left the NIH in charge of deciding which of the experiments it funds should get additional, outside review. Under the now-superseded P3CO framework, the NIH sent only three research proposals up the chain to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for risk-benefit analysis. The NIH greenlit everything else that plausibly should have been sent up the chain for review. Most controversially, that includes NIH-funded research conducted by the New Yorkbased nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China, which involved creating hybrid SARS-like viruses capable of infecting human lung cells. Proponents of the lab leak origins of COVID point to this research as likely leading to the creation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the Wuhan lab. This research would pretty plainly seem to implicate both the 2014 pause and the later P3CO framework. But when the NIH became aware of EcoHealth's work creating new viruses, it continued to fund the work without ever sending its experiments up the chain for additional review. Even skeptics of the lab leak origins of COVID-19 argue that the NIH's continued funding of EcoHealth's Wuhan work revealed a weakness in federal oversight of pandemic research. The Biden administration has since stripped EcoHealth of federal funding over its failure to report all of its experiments to its NIH funders and its failure to properly oversee the work of its subgrantees at the Wuhan lab. The Biden administration's new policy on the funding of pandemic research is intended to correct for these flaws in the past system by expanding the list of pathogens and biological agents of potential concern and making it more explicit when the NIH should send research involving those pathogens up the chain to the HHS for additional, department-level review. "There is a little bit more clarity that anything that's identified [as a potential pandemic pathogen] needs to be sent directly up to department-level review," Gregory Koblentz, a biosafety expert and George Mason University professor who testified at this week's Senate COVID origins hearing, told Reason back in May. Nevertheless, he says, "there's still a lot of latitude for researchers and for the funding agencies, to decide if something is an experiment of concern," he said. "There's still going to be a lot of judgment calls. There's still going to be a lot of room for decisions that might not be unanimous." In that way, the Biden administration's latest policy would seem to suffer from the same core flaws of the Obama administration pause and the P3CO framework: The NIH and the researchers it funds are still in the position to decide which experiments get additional review and which don't. "The people that are overseeing the research need to be independent of the grant-making process," says Paul. "If you're receiving and dispensing [research] grants, which runs into billions of dollars, you're conflicted. It's just too hard for you to make the decision." Paul is currently drafting legislation that would create an independent body tasked with vetting potentially dangerous pandemic research. The scientists who are the most publicly skeptical of a lab leak origin of COVID-19 will often argue that overly zealous oversight of government research funding could unnecessarily hamper life science research. "You're going to really cripple the biomedical research enterprise" if you define gain-of-function research subject to additional regulation too broadly, said Robert Garry, a researcher and associate dean of medicine at Tulane University, at the hearing earlier this week. Garry was one of the authors of the influential, controversial "proximal origin" piece published in Nature in March 2020 that dismissed the idea that SARS-CoV-2 could have been man-made. Recently uncovered communications show the authors of the proximal origins paper, including Garry, were much more open to the idea of a lab leak in their private conversations than they were in drafting that paper. The fact that those conducting and funding potentially dangerous pandemic research have for so long successfully resisted independent oversight of their work is why the investigation into the lab leak origins of COVID is so important, argues Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist and professor at Rutgers University who testified at the hearing this week. "Only after there is an acknowledgment that there is a very real possibility, not a remote possibility, of a lab origin, will there be a political will to impose regulation on this scientific community that has successfully resisted and obstructed regulation for two decades," he said in response to Romney's question about why a lab leak matters. The post In Congress, Debate Rages About How To Prevent the Next Lab Leak appeared first on Reason.com. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly voted to block a move to restore a controversial monument that had been removed from Arlington National Cemetery. The statue, which Republicans argued symbolized reconciliation after the Civil War, has been criticized for glorifying Confederate themes and portraying negative stereotypes of Black Americans from the era. Vote to bring back "Reconciliation Monument" narrowly defeated A proposal by Georgia Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde to restore the Reconciliation Monument, also known as the Arlington Confederate Memorial, failed on a 192-230 vote. The proposal had been supported by the vast majority of House Republicans, including Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who faced controversy recently for seeming to praise the Jim Crow era as beneficial for Black Americans. All Democrats and over 20 Republicans voted against the Confederate Memorial measure, defeating the proposal. The statue, which was removed in December 2023, originally debuted in 1914. Depicting a number of figures, including Confederate soldiers and Black individuals, the monument is said to symbolize the reconciliation of the North and South following the American Civil War. Negative depictions of Black people and whitewashing of American history However, the memorial was controversial for how it depicted Black people and the war. Most notably, critics pointed out the depiction of a Black Mammy figure holding the baby of a white Confederate officer. The monument also appears to show an enslaved Black man following his enslaver to the war. And the monuments Latin inscription which translates as The victorious cause was pleasing to the gods, but the lost cause to Cato is a reference to the lost cause ideology that seeks to whitewash the Confederacy and the Civil War as noble endeavors that were not about upholding slavery. Based on these features of the monument, an independent commission recommended it be removed. Efforts to bring back Confederate symbols In opposing the restoration of the Confederate monument to Arlington, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called out his Republican colleagues. What Confederate tradition are you upholding? Jeffries asked in a press conference on Friday, per The Hill. Is it slavery? Rape? Kidnap? Jim Crow? Lynching? Racial oppression? Or all of the above? The removal of the Reconciliation Monument and other Confederate military symbols was part of a larger movement to get rid of such memorials in the years after George Floyds 2020 murder. Recently, however, there have been attempts to reverse this wave. Most notably, a school board in Virginia recently voted to restore the Confederate names of two schools in its district, prompting a lawsuit by the Virginia NAACP to block the restoration. The push to return the Reconciliation Monument to Arlington National Cemetery was not the first attempt to bring back a disregarded Confederate symbol, and it likely will not be the last effort to do so. While the proposal to restore the Confederate monument to Arlington has failed, the close vote and the developments elsewhere in Virginia show that there remains strong support for upholding the idea of the Confederacy in public institutions. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew takes questions from Representative Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican., before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 23, 2023, in Washington, D.C. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew takes questions from Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Florida., before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 23, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) TikTok and its parent company argued Thursday in a federal court in the District of Columbia that the recently enacted law forcing a nationwide ban or sale of the popular platform violates the First Amendment. TikTok Inc., which operates the video-sharing service in the United States, and its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., which was founded by a Chinese national, filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit calling the law President Joe Biden signed in April an unprecedented restriction on the constitutional right to free speech. Never before has Congress expressly singled out and shut down a specific speech forum, the brief reads. Never before has Congress silenced so much speech in a single act. Upholding such an extraordinary speech restriction would require the court to undertake exacting scrutiny of Congress action, but Congress provided only a hypothetical national security argument to advance the bill, the companies said. Congress gave this Court almost nothing to review, the brief continues. Congress enacted no findings, so there is no way to know why majorities of the House and Senate decided to ban TikTok. Many individual lawmakers who supported the law raised national security concerns, saying ByteDances relationship with the Chinese government meant the countrys Communist Party leaders could demand access to TikTok users private data. They also said the platform, which the company says has 170 million users in the U.S., could be used to spread propaganda. But under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, labeling speech as foreign propaganda does not allow the government to overlook First Amendment protections, TikTok said in its brief. Speculation about how the app might or could be used, rather than any concrete examples of misconduct, do not clear the high bar required to restrict speech, the companies added. A claim of national security does not override the Constitution, the companies wrote Thursday. A spokesperson for the Justice Department, which is defending the law, highlighted the intelligence communitys national security concerns with TikTok and said the law was consistent with the First Amendment. This legislation addresses critical national security concerns in a manner that is consistent with the First Amendment and other constitutional limitations, the spokesperson wrote in a statement to States Newsroom. We look forward to defending the legislation in court. Alongside others in our intelligence community and in Congress, the Justice Department has consistently warned about the threat of autocratic nations that can weaponize technology such as the apps and software that run on our phones to use against us. This threat is compounded when those autocratic nations require companies under their control to turn over sensitive data to the government in secret. Response to lawmakers The brief said Congress had not included any official findings of harm from TikTok, but several individual members raised specific concerns about the kind of speech found on the platform. The companies said Thursday those specific complaints bolstered the argument that TikTok is being denied free speech protections. The brief cited several lawmaker statements: U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, a Utah Republican, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat who is ranking member on the House Select Committee on China, and former Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican who chaired the panel, said the platforms algorithm fed an overwhelming share of pro-Palestinian content over videos that favor Israel. Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, said the platform exposes children to harmful content. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, said the law would make TikTok safer for our children and national security. Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts noted the popularity of the hashtag #StandwithKashmir, which protests a policy of India, a geopolitical rival of China. Legislators perception of the content reflected on TikTok was misinformed, the companies said. But well-founded or not, governmental policing of content differences is antithetical to the First Amendment. Oral arguments in September Both chambers of Congress passed the law with bipartisan votes as part of a package that included aid to Israel and Ukraine. Biden signed the measure April 24. TikTok pledged to sue and filed its legal challenge last month. Tuesdays brief expands on the companys arguments. The governments response is due July 26 and oral arguments are scheduled for Sept. 16. Divestment unworkable, TikTok says TikTok and ByteDance said Thursday the provision in the bill to avoid a ban by divesting the service to a company without ties to China is unworkable, especially within the nine-month timeline required by the law. Such a move would be technically complex, requiring years of engineering work, the companies said. It would also isolate the U.S. user base from the rest of the world, limiting revenue from advertisements. And even if it were feasible from a technical or business standpoint, selling the platform would likely be rejected by the Chinese government, which has the authority to block exportation of technology developed in the country, the companies said. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Congress silenced free speech in TikTok law, platform tells federal court appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A fun-filled day at Legoland Theme Park in June 2022 turned into a disturbing experience for a Connecticut family, leading to allegations of racial discrimination and a lawsuit recently filed against the amusement park. Breana Ramsay of Bridgeport and her sister-in-law, Shaquana Williams of Mount Vernon, New York, took their children to Legoland in Goshen, New York, for what was supposed to be an enjoyable day off. Ramsays 2-year-old daughter and her 4-year-old nephew were excitedly anticipating the adventure. More Local News At her attorneys office in Stamford, Ramsay spoke exclusively with News 8 investigative reporter Jeff Derderian about the lawsuit and why it was filed. She said the day took a turn when the parks costumed characters seemingly ignored the children. The character blatantly walked around and decided to interact with children that were not of color, Ramsay said. Cell phone video recorded by Ramsay appears to show Legoland characters engaging with white children while bypassing her daughter and nephew. There was nothing out of the ordinary. They were just dancing and having a good time, Ramsay added. Williams noted the disparity and pointed out that it seemed intentional. Both mothers expressed their belief that the incident highlighted the persistence of racism. The car ride was sad, Ramsay recalled. My nephew was like, Why wouldnt they dance with me? and we were trying to explain the situation without making him feel bad. Attorney Darnell Crosland, representing the families, said they initially sought an apology and a ticket refund. We sent them a letter in August of 2022 and said this was unacceptable, demanding a refund and a meeting about what happened, and they ignored us just like they ignored the kids, Crosland said. The lawsuit claims that the characters purposely avoided and walked around black children, choosing to dance only with white children. The characters can be seen purposefully avoiding and walking around the black children, including the plaintiffs, to avoid having to dance with them and instead dancing with white children, the lawsuit alleges. The suit also highlights the long-lasting impact on the children, including the need for therapy and their questioning why the Legoland characters did not like them. News 8 Investigates: Work zone speeders in Connecticut When asked if anyone from Legoland had apologized, Ramsay said, No, they have not. Here we are two years later, and nothing has been done to my knowledge. Crosland said he sent other people to the park to gather data. Weve collected data upon data of different incidents that Ive paid for from my office to see if this is real, and it continues to happen, he said. Legoland provided a written statement to News 8: We are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and safe environment where all our guests feel valued. As this matter is currently under litigation, we are unable to provide further details and will respect the legal process. Ramsay said her children still ask about going back to Legoland. They ask all the time, she said. Ramsay said, however, they wont be going back. The lawsuit asks for $1 million in damages. Ramsay also believes the employees involved should be fired, and the entire Legoland staff should receive sensitivity training. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Four construction workers escaped a fire in the old control tower at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Thursday morning, which caused heavy smoke but no injuries. Charlotte firefighters responded about 8:10 a.m. The construction workers were trapped on the roof of the tower. Firefighters had the fire under control in about 10 minutes, and the workers were able to get out on their own. The department said the airports normal operations were not impacted. The fire started in the elevator shaft of the tower, which was under demolition, the department said Thursday afternoon. It was accidentally caused by molten slag dropping onto foam insulation during demolition work. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) A 2-alarm fire was reported at Charlotte-Douglas International Airports old FAA control tower Thursday morning, authorities confirmed. The Charlotte Fire Department responded to calls regarding the incident around 8:10 a.m. Emergency crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the tower, the department said. What are zombie fires, and why are they becoming more common? An image from the scene, shared by Charlotte Fire, appeared to show the smoke billowing from the upper half of the structure, partially enveloping the windowed cab at the top of the tower. (Charlotte Fire Department) The department added that four construction workers were inside the building when the fire broke out and were briefly trapped, but all self-evacuated and did not require medical attention. The blaze was extinguished about 10 minutes after fire crews arrived, Charlotte Fire said. The cause of the fire was not disclosed. An investigation is underway. The airport, meanwhile, was unaffected by Thursday mornings fire. CLT had opened a new FAA control tower in 2022, to house new workspaces and technology. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Conway police issue warning about illegal railroad crossing, partners with Union Pacific for operation Conway police issue warning about illegal railroad crossing, partners with Union Pacific for operation CONWAY, Ark. Police in Conway are issuing a reminder this week: Stop at railroad crossings or pay the price. The Conway Police Department partnered with Union Pacific Railroad to conduct a special operation called Union Pacific CARES on Wednesday. Close call in Conway: Train and semi-trailer miss by just inches Officers say the goal of the operation was to issue a harsh reminder that trains are worth waiting for. I saw quite a few people that were watching those arms come down and they were still driving under them or driving around them, Matthew Boyd with the Conway Police Department said. The law states that once lights start flashing on a railroad crossing all drivers and pedestrians are to stop and wait for the train to pass. Its been a few years since weve done an operation like this, so we didnt know quite what to expect, Boyd said. Union Pacific: pedestrian struck and killed by train in Beebe In two hours, police were able to issue 10 citations to drivers. Theres quite a few people that might not take it seriously, Boyd said. There are many different outcomes when someone crosses a railroad illegally and Boyd said none of them are worth it. Its only going to take a few minutes for that train to pass by, Boyd said. Its not worth risking your life to go underneath the barriers. Boyd said he hopes the operation will become a yearly event in Conway. Two people hit & killed by train in Cabot More information on UP CARES can be found at UP.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 KARK. Power lines lead into the coal-fired Intermountain Power Plant on March 28, 2016 outside Delta, Utah. The IPP generates more then 13 million megawatt hours of coal-fired energy each year to Utah and Southern California. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) The Intermountain Power Agency has new deadlines to submit a notice to decommission its coal generators near Delta. It also has more time to submit an air quality permit plan, and wont have certain legislative interventions if it fails to submit a decommissioning notice on time. Its a new plan approved by the Utah Legislature that now the agency doesnt oppose. Before the 66-6 vote in the House and the unanimous nod from the Senate, the bill was highly controversial. During public comment periods this year, mayors from municipalities that own the Intermountain Power Agency asked lawmakers to stop the bill, and later, the agencys board chair wrote a letter to Gov. Spencer Cox asking him to veto it, as it would interfere with the agencys multibillion-dollar plans to move to cleaner energy sources and jeopardize already submitted federal air quality permits requests. HB3004 does make some important adjustments. Definitely moves things in the right direction. So, were appreciative of that. IPA is not opposed to this, Cameron Cowan, general manager at Intermountain Power Agency told the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee on Wednesday. SB161, titled Energy Security Amendments, was designed to extend the life of the coal-fueled generators at the Intermountain Power Plant past their 2025 retirement date. The bill created a Decommissioned Asset Disposition Authority and would require that the IPA owned by 23 Utah municipalities allow the state to buy the facility at a fair market price beginning July 2025. HB3004, titled Energy Security Adjustments, keeps the spirit of the legislation, but makes a bigger effort to stay in line with federal regulations to protect an IPA multibillion-dollar natural gas and hydrogen facility, IPA Renewed. The new legislation repeals the legislative management committees requirement to make recommendations, such as reconstituting the Intermountain Power Plants board, according to the bills chief sponsor, Rep. Carl Albrecht, R-Richfield. It also modified the deadline to submit a modified air quality permit to Dec. 30, 2024, giving the states Division of Air Quality 30 days to complete a review of the application. The bill also nullifies the project entity oversight committee created in 2022 by HB215 which required project entities to submit certain financial and operating information to a committee because it is proven to be ineffective in accomplishing its intended objectives. Weve got 1,900 megawatts there, we dont want to destroy it. We cannot afford to destroy it, Albrecht said on the House floor. Its reliable, affordable, dispatchable power. Let us know what you think... The bill maintains Utahs goal to explore third-party purchasers for the plant. But whether the state will find a direct buyer or purchase the plant itself to later sell is still uncertain and will take an expert opinion to figure out, said Sen. Derrin Owens, R-Fountain Green, co-sponsor of the new bill. There may be other tweaks to the policy in the Legislatures 2025 general session, Owens added. Theres one more goal to determine with the bill, Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, said to the House on Wednesday; to make an accurate estimation of the cost incurred by the state if it decides to buy the plant, among other environmental compliance issues. But the decommissioning authority has more than a year to figure it out. Leadership speaks about coal needs With new demands for artificial intelligence and data storage, the U.S. has real problems when it comes to power generation, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, told reporters on Wednesday. And the Intermountain Power Plant may be part of the solution. The IPP issue may be part of that as we look for power generation. We dont know if it is or not, but were surely not going to give up our opportunity to have power generation as we need to be able to be competitive, not just in Utah, not just in the United States, but on a worldwide basis, Adams said. Theres not enough power generation in the country and its western region, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said. In his view, this isnt about coal, but about reliable, dispatchable, affordable energy. Wed love to see IPP (kept) open and operational. Wed love to see Rocky Mountain Power purchasing IPP in just a couple of years, Schultz said. The IPA had previously asked Gov. Spencer Cox to veto the bill, citing a rushed approval process in the Legislature. The agency also criticized that keeping the coal-fueled generators would interrupt its plans to build IPP Renewed, as keeping the coal facilities would mean a deviation from the air quality plan submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, Nick Tatton, board chair at the IPA, told Cox in a letter. Cox signed the legislation, but made a note to lawmakers indicating that he hoped they could reach amendments in a special session. Not complying with commitments made to the EPA may result in an earlier closure of the coal generators and a more stringent oversight of air permitting in Utah, which would also translate to other industrial operators having to install more costly pollution controls, Tatton argued. As Los Angeles Department of Water and Power the plants most prominent client moves away from fossil fuels and after years of analyzing the potential market for the coal-generated power, the IPA has determined there arent any viable purchasers, Tatton added. Rocky Mountain Power has also declined legislative invites to enter negotiations to purchase power from IPP, according to the letter. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Cooling opposition, Utah Legislature eases mandate to keep coal power plant operating appeared first on Utah News Dispatch. Coroner: Some Hamilton County deaths may be related to heat, more tests needed to confirm Hamilton County Coroner Lakshmi Sammarco suspects at least some deaths here this week are connected to the heat wave that has pushed temperatures into the 90s. But she said autopsies and lab tests are needed before she can confirm any heat-related deaths, a process that could take another day or more. "We have 19 autopsies we're in the middle of doing, and yes, some of those are probably going to be related to heat," Sammarco said. Some of the pending autopsies involve overdose or other factors that are not related to the heat, Sammarco told The Enquirer. Officially determining the cause of death requires seeing the toxicology results, which the coroner's office is still awaiting. She has reason to suspect that some deaths were heat-related, however, because of the temperature in the places where the bodies were found. "Some people have been found in areas where the ambient temperature is significantly higher and at dangerous levels," Sammarco said. With the heat advisory for the Cincinnati area now extended to 8 p.m. on Saturday, the risk of heat related illness and death are elevated. In the summer of 1999, not having air-conditioning proved fatal An Enquirer analysis of two decades of national data found that 45% of people who died at a known location died in their homes, making it the most common location for heat-related deaths. One example is a 65-year-old Cincinnati man who died in his attic apartment during the city's heat wave of 1999. His body temperature was found to be 108 degrees Fahrenheit prior to his death, which resulted after a heat stroke. The man did not have air conditioning in his apartment. During the same heat wave, a 34-year-old woman also died from heat stroke indoors, despite her windows being open and the fan blowing. Her body temperature was found to be 106 degrees Fahrenheit. In total, 18 Cincinnatians died during the heat wave of 1999, along with four residents from Dayton. How to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke The extreme heat and humidity in Cincinnati this week greatly increase the possibility of heat-related illness, which can lead to death by heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses can vary but may include a variety of symptoms starting with heat cramps," said Dr. Grant Mussman, Cincinnati Health Department Commissioner, in a statement Thursday. "This can lead to heat exhaustion where the body begins to have trouble cooling off. Heat exhaustion can worsen suddenly and cause heat stroke, the symptoms of which are confusion, dizziness and unconsciousness. Without prompt action, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death. If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms, call 911 immediately and move to a cooler area. Joel Armor, 46, applies sunscreen to the back of his neck, Sunday, just as the first heatwave of the year moved into Cincinnati. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s until at least this weekend. When temperatures are in the high 90s, electric fans alone do not lower body temperature effectively and cannot prevent heat-related illness. To cool off, take a cold shower or move to an air-conditioned area instead. Other precautions to take during the heat advisory include: staying hydrated. staying out of the sun and within air-conditioned spaces. wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Never leave your children and pets in your car, even if the windows are open. It's also important to make sure your neighbors and loved ones are okay, said Tasha Turner-Bicknell, a nurse and associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing. It takes a whole community to really check on our elderly neighbors and our family members, she said. People should pay special attention to those who are more vulnerable, said Turner-Bicknell, which includes children, the elderly and those with mobility issues or mental illness. Visit one of Cincinnati's recreation buildings to cool off If you don't have air conditioning in your home, the city of Cincinnati has opened the more than 20 recreation buildings it operates to serve as cooling centers. You do not need a recreation membership to visit, and you can visit during the week and on Saturdays for a comfortable and safe space to sit and rest. Water fountains are available to keep you hydrated. Visit the city of Cincinnati's website to see the full list of centers and their hours. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Heat is a possible factor in deaths, coroner says A low-pressure system made landfall in Georgia on Friday night, which ended elevated rip current threats along Wilmington-area beaches. "A low-pressure system centered inland over southeastern Georgia is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, mainly over the coastal waters off of northeastern Florida and Georgia. The low is expected to drift slowly northwestward or northward today before dissipating tonight," according to the National Hurricane Center. Weekend weather in the Wilmington area Amid dry conditions with rainfall well below normal in June, some relief came Friday with a short period of light showers. The potential for more wet weather remains through the weekend. According to the National Weather Service's Wilmington office, rain chances for the area range from 30 percent Saturday to 60 percent Monday. Some wind gusts on Saturday and Sunday could get as high as 16-21 mph. Inland areas of New Hanover County may experience minor coastal flooding along the lower Cape Fear River during the evening high tides on Saturday. STORM TRACKER: Monitor the latest tropical developments here. Interactive map: Enter your address to see hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed nearby What are rip currents? Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving currents of water that flow away from the shore at surf beaches, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association. Often, these currents move swimmers far from shore before they realize it, pulling them into deeper waters. This can cause fear and distress as swimmers attempt to return to safety. Identifying and responding to rip currents Rip currents can be challenging to spot, but beachgoers should look for darker, choppy water that disrupts the incoming wave pattern. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. The water returns to sea through the rip current. Another clue may be a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current. While it may be difficult to do, the U.S. Lifesaving Association says swimmers should "relax," noting the rip current will not pull them under. Swimmers should try swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach. The U.S. Lifesaving Association notes if the current circulates back toward the shore, floating or treading water may be a good way to get out of the current. Are you prepared for a hurricane? Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Even though this system didn't pose a threat to the N.C. coast, it's never too early to be prepared. GET READY: Here's what to know about hurricane preparedness if you live in the Wilmington area. Other tropical systems Days after Tropical Storm Alberto battered Mexico and the Texas coast, another system has been forecasted to form over southeastern Mexico and northern Central America, according to the National Hurricane Center. "Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system as it moves slowly west-northwestward or northwestward, and a tropical depression could form over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend," according to the National Hurricane Center. It has a 50 percent chance of formation within the next 48 hours. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Chance of rain for Wilmington, NC, increases this weekend A county official in Georgia indicted in fraud scheme to cover her personal expenses Hall County Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard has been indicted on 11 counts of theft by taking and 34 counts of false statements and writings. Woodard is accused of unlawfully obtaining funds from Hall County and the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia to cover personal and other expenses unrelated to her official duties. She also allegedly was reimbursed for travel expenditures that either she had previously submitted or that she never actually incurred. Those elected to uphold the law must operate honestly, ethically, and transparently, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said Tuesday. Anything less undermines our system. As a public official, Hall County citizens trusted Solicitor Stephanie Woodard with their communitys interests, added Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. This indictment indicates that no one is above the law and must be held accountable for their actions. The offenses alleged in the indictment took place between July 2018 and September 2022. The attorney generals Public Integrity and White Collar Crime Unit presented the evidence to a Hall County grand jury last week, leading to the indictment. The value of the alleged theft was not stated in the press release. Remember when the federal government accused social media companies of spreading misinformation about COVID-19? Well, according to a recent bombshell report from Reuters, top U.S. policy makers should have pointed their fingers at a giant mirror. That's because the U.S. military, under both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, deliberately spread misinformation on social media about the COVID-19 vaccines, in hopes of encouraging Filipinos to distrust the Chinese government. The disinformation campaignwhich involved hundreds of fake accounts on Xpromoted the idea that Sinovac, the COVID-19 vaccine created in China, was dangerous. "COVID came from China and the VACCINE also came from China, don't trust China!" read one typical tweet. Other tweets aimed at Asian Muslims incorrectly asserted that the vaccines contained pork and were contrary to religious dictates. One implied the Chinese vaccine contained rat poison. "What if their vaccines are dangerous?" wondered one Twitter user. As Reason's Matthew Petti points out, poorly conceived government-backed disinformation campaigns supposedly aimed at foreign adversaries are nothing new. But this one is especially hypocritical since opposition to vaccine misinformation has become one of the Biden administration's central philosophies. Disinfo Days In January 2021, Biden was sworn in as president with a mandate to return the country to normalcy amid the death and destruction of the COVID-19 pandemic. By this time, the vaccines had become available to at-risk populations, and over the ensuing weeks and months, millions of Americans chose to become vaccinated. But the Biden administration became unsatisfied with the pace of vaccination; government health advisers were particularly distraught about vaccine-hesitant Americans receiving bad information about COVID-19 from social media. In July 2021, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory describing misinformation as an urgent crisis. "In recent years, the rapidly changing information environment has made it easier for misinformation to spread at unprecedented speed and scale, especially on social media and online retail sites, as well as via search engines," wrote Murthy. "Misinformation tends to spread quickly on these platforms for several reasons." Indeed, the traditional media soon became obsessed with the idea that people were insufficiently enthusiastic about vaccination and that social media was to blame. The Center for Countering Digital Hate, a British nonprofit, branded 12 vaccine-skeptical online accounts as the "Disinformation Dozen." In its write-up about the Disinformation Dozen, The New York Times lamented that one of the offenders, a Florida doctor named Joseph Mercola, had made "easily disprovable" claims on Facebook. Mercola "declared coronavirus vaccines were 'a medical fraud' and said the injections did not prevent infections, provide immunity or stop transmission of the disease," complained the Times. One sees the problem with stigmatizing any and all vaccine-related opinions that depart from the current orthodoxy. While some of these claims seemed "easily disprovable" in summer 2021, the scientific consensus subsequently conceded that vaccines do not fully prevent infection, provide immunity, or stop transmission. The vaccines lower the risk of serious illness and death, particularly for vulnerable people: the elderly, the obese, and the chronically sick. The miraculous powers initially attributed to them by government health adviserscoronavirus adviser Anthony Fauci described vaccinated Americans as "dead ends" for COVID-19have not withstood the test of time, unfortunately. This is not to say that every crazy claim ever made about COVID-19 vaccines has been validated; some social media users have wrongly stated, for instance, that the vaccines caused a spike in deaths from heart conditions, even though researchers have found no evidence of this. Yet it remains the case that so many formerly controversial opinions relating to COVID-19 are no longer considered controversial at all: from the efficacy of cloth masks and social distancing (which Fauci now admits he essentially made up) to the possible laboratory origins of the disease. Public commentators who inveigh against misinformation ought to have been more circumspect. Nevertheless, Biden himself joined the chorus of government officials railing against misinformation on social media. He accused Facebook and other platforms of "killing people" because they failed to police misinformation. This wasn't mere criticism; the White House communications director said the government was reviewing options to force the social media companies to take stronger actionspossibly by revoking their protection from some liability under Section 230, the federal law that makes the internet possible. Emails between social media moderators and federal bureaucrats suggest that the companies took these threats seriously: My March 2023 cover story for Reason argued that Facebook essentially outsourced coronavirus-related moderation to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Super Spreaders It's true that the federal government shut down the military disinformation campaign to discredit Sinovac within the first several months of Biden's presidency. But given how stridently the Biden administration sought to shift the onus of responsibility for vaccine hesitancy to social media companies, it's really galling that its own hands were not exactly squeaky clean. When he learned of the U.S. military's actions, Daniel Lucey, an infectious disease specialist at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, told Reuters: "I'm extremely dismayed, disappointed and disillusioned to hear that the U.S. government would do that." Dismaying, indeed. This Week on Free Media I'm joined by Amber Duke to discuss MSNBC's complaints about "cheap fake" videos, NBC's incoherence on the subject of bump stocks, and whether Rep. Cori Bush (DMo.) has magic powers. Worth Watching "A Son for a Son," the first episode of House of the Dragon's second season, was quite good, though I had a few issues with it. (Spoilers to follow.) As always, it's a delight to be back in Westeros. The world building is top notch and immersive; George R. R. Martin's vision truly comes to life. I appreciated small details, like the King's Landing soldiers bracing for conflict when they spot a dragon in the sky, only to breathe a sigh of relief when it's revealed the rider is on their side. The final sequence of the episode, the infamous murder of a young child, was certainly gripping and terrible, but it lacked a certain amount of plausibility. Where on earth were the guards? It was very, very hard to believe that two not-especially-competent assassins could break into the Red Keep, bumble around, and commit the murdereven if the captain of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole, was, er, busy at the time. The post COVID-19 Misinformation: Brought to You by the U.S. Government appeared first on Reason.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A new security deposit policy announced by the Lansing Board of Water and Light is seeing approval from customers and advocates. Starting June 17, LBWL customers who have gone 12 months without a shutoff and have a security deposit on their account will have that money credited to the account. Im glad to see that thats happening because pretty much every negative dealing that Ive had with the Lansing Board of Water and Light has been tied up with their deposit system and how it bleeps people over, says one Lansing woman who has wrestled with the utility and its billing for herself and her son for years. She asked not to be identified to protect her sons identity. The Lansing Board of Water and Light sign in REO Town, Lansing. (WLNS) She was one of several people who spoke with 6 News about the public utilitys previous security deposit policy. The public utility tells 6 News that, as of Nov. 1, it is holding $5,518,630.36 in deposits for 19,992 customers. The oldest account dates back to 1985 with a deposit of $161.28, a 6 News Investigates team report found in November 2023. The former policy required a customer to have 12 months of consecutive, on-time, and in-full payments to have a security deposit refunded to them. Security deposits are charged after the utility has shut off electricity or water to the property and, in some instances, when a person doesnt have enough of an established credit record. The amount of the security deposit is equal to two months of average use at that property, officials from LBWL tell 6 News. Now, under the new policy which goes into effect on July 1, late payments will not restart the clock on security deposits. The only thing that would do that would be another shutoff. A screenshot of the Lansing Board of Water and Light bills showing how customer security deposit credits will appear on bills. (Courtesy Lansing Board of Water and Light.) The new policy scored a thumbs up from Ryan Kost, the First Ward City Councilmember. When someone doesnt have much, you knowI meet a lot of people in the first ward that live paycheck to paycheck and that money makes a difference, right? says Kost. And they put this deposit so they can have electric for air conditioning on a day like this, all sorts of other things, but they have to. They have to put that deposit down in lieu of, you know, whatever their kids needmaybe food perhaps. He continued. Lansing City Council Member from the First Ward Ryan Kost. (File/WLNS) Four or 500 bucks is a chunk of change for somebody, so you know to see that theyll actually get their money back, Kost says. You know, after 12 months, I think of, you know, paying on time or that itll get released. Were not going to continue to hold on to it indefinitely is a good change, and its going to mean a lot for a lot of people. Rick Bunch is executive director of the Michigan Municipal Association for Utility Issues. I think thats a good first step by BWL, he says. Theyre recognizing that the customer merely having a late payment doesnt indicate that theyre going to skip out on the bill entirely. Despite it being a good first step, Bunch says hed like to see security deposits eliminated altogether. The truth of the matter is, though, that the way the utility gets people to pay is by using its power to shut off the electricity, and theyre not going to turn it back on again until you pay at least part of the bill and go on to a payment plan, Bunch says. Theres no reason, in addition, to make the customer put down a deposit the utility has plenty of leverage to make sure of that. Hes been advocating to the Michigan Public Service Commission to eliminate the rule in state regulations. While LBWL is not subject to MPSC oversight, DTE and Consumers are. 6 News sent messages to both utilities Wednesday afternoon asking if the organizations would support a change to security deposit rules through MPSC or if they have had internal dialogue and conversation about changing their policies. They didnt respond immediately, and 6 News will update this story when they do. The client who has struggled with billing issues for herself and her son says shes also experienced a change in her interactions with the LBWL Customer Service representatives. What I see happening in my recent dealings with the Lansing Board of Water and Light is that theyre making an effort to work with people better. That is not their history, she says. So, what happens is you get this cycle of people they dont bother to call the Lansing Board of Water and Light when theyre having trouble because, in the past, its been pointless. Lansing Board of Water and Light General Manager Dick Peffley. (Courtesy Lansing Board of Water and Light) Peffley, the utilitys general manager, says he was glad to hear about the perception change. He says changes have been implemented over the past few years to improve customer relations. The key he says, is to know there is assistance to help pay bills but individuals shouldnt wait until they are shut off. Call us, he says. Tell us. And they need to understand that, from the corner office, the single worst part of this job the turnoffs. I hate turning peoples power off, but its a huge balancing act. You know, we have to stay in business, pay our bills and if we let our uncollectible debt get too high, which it wasthen it drives a rate increase and then the folks that are barely able to pay their bills, they cant. So, you run into this domino effect. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. "Cut his head off and put it on a stake" Russian commander in an intercepted conversation Ukrainska Pravda has obtained a recording of an intercepted conversation in which a Russian commander orders his subordinates to behead a Ukrainian soldier in Donetsk Oblast. Source: an Ukrainska Pravda source serving in a brigade fighting in the area Details: The audio was recorded on 17 June 2024, near the village of Staromaiorske in the Volnovakha district, Donetsk Oblast. In the recording, commanders from a Russian unit order their subordinates not to take Ukrainian soldiers prisoner but to decapitate them. A commander swears and demands that his soldiers behead a Ukrainian soldier and put it on a stake to intimidate other Ukrainian soldiers. Quote from the Russian commander: "F**king [take] the American guns. Take everything: documents, money, f**king take it. Gold, diamonds, pull out his teeth, cut off his head, and bring it to me." Take care, the audio contains sensitive content. Support UP or become our patron! NEW YORK Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been bombarded with death threats and harassing messages in the three weeks since his office secured Donald Trumps conviction, the Daily News has learned. More than 100 abusive messages obtained by The News targeted toward the DA via his campaign website denigrated him in vile and typo-laden terms, calling him the n-word and racist slurs like Savage (...) primate, F--king (...) rapist and GORILLA. Bragg in Trouble, Alvin a Bad Evil Man, read one message sent through a signup form, which another sender used to transmit threats via an email address named ThisMeansWar. The missives were provided to Braggs NYPD security detail and shared with The News by a source who wished to remain anonymous. They represent a significant increase in the deluge of abuse directed toward the DA at work and addresses associated with his campaign since Trump was first indicted, two sources told The News. Among the threats the DA received during Trumps seven-week trial shared with The News was a packet sent from a Portland, Oregon, address to Braggs campaign mailbox featuring a photo of a noose with a cutout of his head stuck beside it. I am past the point of just wanting them in prison, read a caption on the printed-out picture, accompanied by another of the DAs head affixed to a symbol for feces. Trump, 78, became the first president in the nations history to be convicted of a crime on May 30 when a jury found him guilty of falsifying New York business records to conceal a scheme to hide information from voters in 2016, including claims he cheated on his wife, Melania, with porn star Stormy Daniels in 2006. The former president and his staunch backers in the Republican party have relentlessly targeted Bragg since around the time of Trumps arrest, as well as the judge who presided over his trial, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, and their relatives. White powder scares and bogus bomb threats have ensued, many with messages mirroring the language and baseless conspiracy theories boosted by Trump and his allies, necessitating enhanced security. A Utah man killed in a shootout with the FBI in August, Craig DeLeeuw Robertson, was federally charged following Trumps indictment with making death threats against the DA writing on Facebook that hed be waiting for him in the courthouse parking garage with my suppressed Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm hours after Trump called on his followers to PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK! When asked about the recent threats, spokespeople for the DAs office and Braggs campaign office declined to comment, as did Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche. Trumps campaign spokesman could not be reached. Reps for the NYPD and the FBI declined to speak to authorities response to the wave of threats. A spokesman for state court administrators declined to say whether Merchan has also experienced increased threats. The prosecution is due to expand on their arguments opposing Trumps request to end a gag order preventing him from publicly commenting on trial participants, including the jury, the prosecution team, court staff, and family members of all involved, including those of Merchan and Bragg. Prosecutors may shed more light on the surge following the guilty verdict against Trump in this weeks filings. When they requested the gag order in February, they told the court the NYPDs threat assessment and protection unit had detected 89 threats against the DA in 2023, up from a single one hed received before Trumps indictment. The count of threats and terroristic mailings described above does not include thousands of harassing, racist, and offensive emails, phone calls, and text messages related to the People v. Trump prosecution and directed to the District Attorney, Assistant District Attorneys assigned to this prosecution, and members of the Offices executive staff, prosecutors wrote in February. The presumptive Republican nominee has argued the gag order impinges on his free speech rights and that he should be free to publicly attack witnesses who testified at the trial under a subpoena, including his former fixer Michael Cohen and Daniels, and the jury now that the trial is over. None of the jurors, whose identities were kept anonymous, have spoken out since returning the historic verdict. Bragg and Merchan join those involved in Trumps other cases frequently subjected to his ire, including the judge on his civil fraud case, Arthur Engoron, whose house was targeted with bogus bomb threats the morning of closing arguments in January, and his chief law clerk, Allison Greenfield, who was bombarded with misogynistic and antisemitic abuse after Trump falsely claimed she was dating Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-Manhattan) and part of a plot to take him down. An upstate New York man was arrested in April for threatening to kill the judge and state Attorney General Tish James if they didnt drop the case against Trump. When she took the stand against Trump in January, E. Jean Carroll, who Trump was found liable of sexually abusing and defaming in May 2023, the writer said she was flooded with threats from the ex-presidents supporters after she came forward with her allegations. Carroll, 80, testified that she slept with a loaded gun and trained her pit bull to patrol the grounds of her house, hired private security, and found herself constantly checking to see if she was being followed. Carrolls lawyer declined to say whether shes also experienced an uptick in threats. The combined more than $91 million Trump has been ordered to pay Carroll for sexually abusing and defaming her hasnt deterred him, as he continues to claim he doesnt know her and that she made up the assault. Bragg, who did not wish to comment for this story, has sought to avoid taking the bait, asserting after the verdict that he had nothing to say about Trumps constant attacks against him. These hateful and constant attempts to intimidate and harass Alvin are frightening, one source close to the DA said. But I know Alvin is not deterred from doing his job. _____ The publisher of the Daily Mail is suing its luxury gym neighbour over complaints that people dropping weights has caused the offices walls to vibrate. Associated Newspapers, which owns the Mail titles as well as Metro and the i, has filed a High Court claim against Equinox, which occupies the sixth floor of the publishers Kensington headquarters. In its claim, the newspaper group accused Equinox of excessive and intrusive noise and vibration caused by gym-goers dropping free weights on the floor. In one incident in February, the vibrations caused an air-conditioning unit to fall from the ceiling of the fourth floor, narrowly missing an employee and causing damage to property. The company said it was forced to ask all staff on the floor to work at home for two weeks to reduce the risk of accidents. On another occasion last year, artwork fell from the office walls, according to recently filed court documents. New York-based Equinox opened its gym on Kensington High Street in 2012. It has two other London branches in Bishopsgate and St Jamess. The chain, which charges up to 350 per month for membership, offers full-service spas and juice bars, while some sites have specialist technology such as cryotherapy chambers. Equinox charges up to 350 per month for membership and offers full-service spas and juice bars - Jeff Gilbert The gyms have become a hotspot for celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Khloe Kardashian. However, the company is still struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic posting an 18m loss last year. In March, Equinox raised $1.8bn from investors including US private equity firm Silver Lake to help refinance its debts. The lawsuit comes after the Daily Mail moved into temporary offices in 2022 while its nearby headquarters at Northcliffe House are renovated. The company said senior bosses had made repeated complaints to Equinox about noise and vibrations but that these were ignored by the gym chain. Associated Newspapers also argued that Equinox breached the conditions of its planning application by failing to install appropriate sound-proofing through a so-called floating floor. The media group, which is owned by Lord Rothermere, said it had spent more than 17,000 to hire experts and consultants to investigate the disturbance. It is seeking an injunction against Equinox on the basis of nuisance and up to 25,000 in damages. It is understood that a judge rejected Associated Newspapers request for an interim injunction at a hearing earlier this month but ruled that the case can proceed. Equinox declined to comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. What if the government is a myth? What if it doesnt produce what we pay it for? What if it fails to safeguard our lives, liberties and property from its own agents? What if nothing changes after these failures and after elections? What if were stuck with it? What if the National Security Agency the federal governments 60,000-person strong domestic spying apparatus has convinced Congress that it needs to cut constitutional corners in order to spy on every person in America? What if Congress has bought that argument and enacted a statute that put a secret court between the NSA and its appetite for all electronically transmitted data? What if that secret court the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court is supposed to protect personal liberty but instead has become a wall behind which the NSA can hide and a tool for its insatiable spying appetite? This 25 January 2006 file photo shows the National Security Agency (NSA) in the Washington suburb of Fort Meade, Maryland, where US President George W. Bush delivered a speech behind closed doors and met with employees in advance of Senate hearings on the much-criticized domestic surveillance. The US National Security Agency has assembled the world's largest database of telephone records tracking the phone calls of tens of millions of AT and T, Verizon and BellSouth customers, sources familiar with the program told USA Today. In an article published 11 May 2006, the daily said the NSA launched the secret program in 2001, shortly after the 11 September 2001 attacks, to analyze calling patterns in a bid to detect terrorist activity. What if the courts have ruled that electronic surveillance constitutes a search and seizure within the meaning of the Constitution? What if the Constitution requires warrants for searches and seizures and only permits warrants that are based on probable cause of crime? What if the Constitution requires that all warrants for searches and seizures specifically describe the place to be searched or the person or thing to be seized? What if the FISA Court issues warrants based on a lesser standard than probable cause of crime? What if that standard is probable cause of speaking with or knowing someone who has spoken with a foreign person? What if this is such an absurd and loose standard that it violates the Constitution, permits spying on anyone and ends up protecting no one except the spies who pretend to employ it? What if the NSA has convinced every president since George W. Bush that it needs to spy on everyone in America to keep us safe, no matter what the Constitution says? What if those presidents have bought that devils bargain? What if NSA spying is really done without any warrants? What if this spying captures in real time every keystroke on every computer and hand-held device as well as the content of every email, text message, telephone call and fiber-optic cable transmission in the United States 24/7? What if NSA computers have direct and unimpeded access to all mainframe computers of all telecoms and computer service providers in the U.S.? What if the acquisition of all this data is known in the intelligence community as bulk surveillance? What if the Constitution is the supreme law of the land? What if the Constitution, with its requirement of warrants based on probable cause of crime and specifically identifying targets, expressly prohibits bulk surveillance? What if bulk surveillance is not only unconstitutional but also useless because it produces information overload -- too much data to sift through in a timely manner? What if the FISA Court is a facade? What if one FISA Court judge signed an order authorizing the NSA to spy on all customers of Verizon at the time, all 115 million of them? What if that included the White House, the Congress, the federal courts and the issuing judge himself? What if President Bush and his successors have unleashed the NSA to acquire all communications data about everyone in America even though its obvious that the NSA cannot possibly sift through it all in a timely enough manner to keep us safe? Andrew P. Napolitano What if Bushs government was asleep at the switch on 9/11? What if 3,000 civilians died while the government slept? What if the governments invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq were perpetrated to divert our attention from its sleeping on 9/11? What if these invasions targeted civilians and constituted war crimes? What if the Franklin D. Roosevelt government knew of the attacks on Pearl Harbor before they came? What if it looked the other way knowing that the American people would react with fury and thus America could enter World War II, which FDR desperately wanted? What if 3,000 sleeping sailors died because the government looked the other way? What if looking the other way in the face of a certain attack constituted murder? What if liberty is a personal birthright? What if it cannot morally or legally be taken away by government without a guilty verdict by a jury? What if the genius of the Constitution if followed is not only its protection of privacy but also its requirement that the government confine its searches and seizures to persons whom it has reason to suspect are engaged in criminal activity and about whom judges have ratified the governments evidence to support those suspicions? What if the Constitution requires the government to leave the rest of us alone? What if the government is a failure at preserving liberty but a champion at stealing it? What if bulk surveillance is about power and control and not about safety? What if the NSA has selectively leaked what it knows about some folks for political purposes? What if President Donald Trump himself and his former national security adviser Gen. Michael Flynn have been victims of those leaks? What if governments bulk acquisition of private data makes us less free? What if the use of intelligence data for political purposes is a profound danger to democracy? What if government cant keep us safe? What if we falsely think that it does keep us safe? What if that delusion makes us less safe? What if exposing the government generates its wrath? What if the government hates being caught spying and lying? What if it humiliates and frustrates and falsely charges and seizes the passports of those it hates and fears? What if the government hates and fears our freedoms? What if the government works not for us but for itself? What do we do about it? Andrew P. Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court Judge, has published nine books on the U.S. Constitution. To learn more, visit JudgeNap.com. This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Napolitano: What if its dangerous to be right when the government is wrong? DEA hosts 3rd annual Florida Family Summit on Fentanyl in Orlando to raise awareness Families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses gathered in Orlando Thursday to help raise awareness about the dangers of the substance. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS The Drug Enforcement Administrations Miami Field Division hosted its third annual and first regional Family Summit on Fentanyl, where the focus was on saving lives. Della Griffin is a mother who says she cant help but tear up when she talks about her son, Jon Wiggins. READ: Multiple arrests made in major drug bust targeting meth, fentanyl dealers in Volusia County I said goodnight to him, and I never dreamed Id never see him again or hear his voice, Griffin recalled. He was a Marine and National Guard. On Thursday, Jons photograph was featured alongside dozens of others, all victims of fentanyl. In 2023 DEA seized 80M+ fentanyl-laced fake Rx pills & 12K+ lbs of fentanyl powder. Thats over 381M deadly doses of fentanyl. Join DEA in remembering the lives lost from fentanyl poisoning by submitting a photo of a loved one lost to fentanyl.#JustKNOW https://t.co/twuaZM9NbW pic.twitter.com/ugyiZcdU8K DEAMiami (@DEAMIAMIDiv) June 17, 2024 The overall goal of the Florida Family Summit is to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and to find collaborative solutions to reduce overdose deaths. Losing a loved one to drug poisoning or overdose is even more heart-wrenching because the families dont really know what happened, DEA Miami Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter explained. It only takes one pill to kill is the campaigns slogan. Jon Griffin was 46 years old when he passed, but experts say the drug is now finding its way into younger hands. An average of approximately 22 teens aged 14 to 18 die each week from fentanyl overdoses, according to a UCLA study. Law enforcement heads say theyre doing their best to get the drug off the streets by targeting the illegal production, manufacturing, and distribution of fentanyl. READ: Guaranteed poison: Orlando woman charged after investigation into overdose death For Della Griffin, it only takes a few words to save a life. I talk to people every day, hence the purple hair, Griffin said. It opens doors...I get to share the stories about my son. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch The most dreaded election in modern political history. Thats how Axios described this years presidential contest, citing the freakishly huge percentage of voters who view both candidates unfavorably. Over the last 10 presidential cycles, so-called double-haters have typically accounted for between 5 and 13 percent of the electorate. (The number was higher during the 2016 election, as you might expect.) This year, they account for no less than 25 percent. To a historic degree, Americans despise the choice that the two major parties have offered them. Never in my adult life, not even in 1992, has the political climate been more favorable for a heterodox independent with a famous name to enter the race and make a splash. And as it happens, a heterodox independent with a famous name is running for president this year. So why is he losing support rather than gaining it? Weve been conditioned to expect the unexpected in presidential politics but Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s early decline feels surprising anyway. A new Fox News poll published on Wednesday found him slipping from 15 percent against Joe Biden and Donald Trump last November to 12 percent in March to 10 percent today. Hes gone from plus-3 in net favorability over the last three months to minus-11, with 51 percent now viewing him negatively. Thats no outlier, either. After many months of Americans holding a generally favorable opinion of him, Kennedy slid into negative territory in mid-May in the FiveThirtyEight polling average and has continued to fall. His net favorability now stands at minus-8.7 points. His decline is also showing in head-to-head polling with Biden and Trump. Over the first two months of this year, he reliably averaged 13 percent or better in the RealClearPolitics average. Then, in March, he shed a few points, and shed a few more in June. Today he sits at 7.9 percent in the five-way race. Some surveys have him as low as 3 or 4 percent. Americans have stared into the abyss of having to choose between two plainly unfit geriatrics and decided that one or the other of them would still be preferable to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Realistically, RFKs only hopes for a rebound are to qualify for next weeks presidential debate and to pile up a mountain of fundraising money as quickly as he can. He needs to introduce himself to voters who havent heard of him yet and to improve his image with voters who haveurgently. The obvious way to do that is to perform well at the debate before an enormous television audience and to flood American media with advertising. But as of Thursday morning, both of those hopes have been extinguished. Kennedy will not qualify for the debate, having failed to meet either the polling requirement or the ballot-access threshold. And for the second straight month, his grassroots fundraising has been anemic: He brought in just $2.6 million in May, a month in which Trump raised $53 million in a single day. Independent presidential candidate disappoints is a dog-bites-man story in American politics but less so in a year in which the electorate is desperate for an alternative on the ballot. Why has RFK 2024 failed to launch? There are obvious structural answers to that, I think, and a few specific to Kennedy that arent as obvious. Every buzzworthy third-party candidate eventually suffers from the fact that hes a human being, not a political abstraction onto which disgruntled voters can project their preferences. Running against the system is a shrewd way to draw interest from antiestablishmentarians on both sides, but the system means different things to populists of different stripes. For Bernie Sanders voters, it means capitalism and staunch U.S. support for Israel; for Trumpers, it means the deep state and entrenched liberal orthodoxy among American institutions. The less either side knew of RFK early on, the easier it was to assume he was running against the system as they specifically conceive of it. As he was forced to flesh out his positions on the trail, those assumptions inevitably gave way to disillusionment. Imagine how a Kennedy-curious progressive must have felt upon learning that he believes Israels offensive against Hamas is a moral war. Or what a Kennedy-curious conservative must have thought upon discovering that he supports full-term abortions. (Or did until very recently, anyway.) Familiarity breeds contempt, its said, and thats never more true than for third-party candidates. RFKs polling probably had nowhere to go but down. He had another problem in this campaign that independent insurgents dont normally face. The anti-establishment lane is already occupied by one of the major-party candidates. When Ross Perot made a go of it in 1992, he had the advantage of facing two milquetoast centrists in George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. For populists who wanted to shake up the system, Perot was the only game in town. Not so for Kennedy, whos been forced to try to out-populist a figure in Trump who was himself elected to the presidency in 2016 as a radical antidote to the system. And unlike most outsiders who head to Washington and promptly go native, Trump is loonier today than he was eight years ago. If its true that populist voters care less about ideology than about supporting the craziest son of a b-tch in the race, RFK faces an all but insurmountable challenge in trying to top the Republican nominee for president. Kennedys fundamental strategic problem as a candidate, in fact, is that he persists in trying to gain traction on both sides despite the obvious difficulty of getting to Trumps right. Thats led him into some awkward and almost certainly counterproductive panders, such as when he told a right-wing podcast last month that he viscerally opposes removing Confederate monuments. Is that going to convince any reactionaries to prefer him to Trump? Nope. Is it going to improve his standing with the progressives hes courting on the other side? Big nope. Its the sort of play that might have been interesting if the race were between two major-party nominees who agree that America shouldnt pay public tribute to a slave regimes military wing. That is not the race we have, alas. Theres one more reason Kennedy might be in decline. Paradoxically, an election with a huge number of double-haters may be less hospitable to third-party candidates than the average election is. Longtime readers know my reasoning about that. The ideal political climate for an independent isnt a race in which Americans have strong negative feelings about the major-party candidates, its a race in which they dont have strong feelings either way. In a low-stakes election, a disgruntled voter might plausibly risk his vote on a longshot challenger because he doesnt care which major-party candidate ultimately prevails. Again, that is not the race we have. The 2024 election is the highest of high-stakes campaigns because of the threat Trump poses to the constitutional order and the threat Biden poses to ushering in a Kamala Harris presidency, I guess. (That, and four more years of unchecked immigration.) By November, many Americans unhappy with their choice will nonetheless develop a reasonably firm opinion of which candidate presents the more diabolical threat to America. And theyll hear over and over again that the race will be tight, with each vote potentially decisive. Faced with that kind of psychological pressure, few will end up throwing their votes away on a no-hoper like Kennedy. In fact, it may be that the single biggest catalyst in RFKs decline over the last three months was the end of the presidential primaries and Americans being forced to reckon with the reality that they actually are going to have to choose between Trump and the other guy again. Theres no room for protest votes in an election where disaster is on the ballot. It might not be a coincidence that Kennedys June swoon in polling appears to have begun just a few days after Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in Manhattan. Thats exactly the sort of thing that might sharpen the minds of disaffected voters who otherwise would have taken a hard look at RFK. Do we want to have a convicted felon in the White House? Do we want to let Democratic lawfare decide our elections? Antiestablishmentarians on both sides are now thinking hard about it. In the end, then, the dynamics of the race probably are such that Kennedy never stood a chance. But that doesnt mean he was doomed to decline as quickly as he has. Some of this is on him. His insistence on competing for votes on both sides has exposed him to twice the amount of hostile fire he otherwise would have taken from the parties. Go figure that he ended up badly wounded before summer has officially begun. For months, fearing that he might end up winning more support from their side than the other, Democratic and Republican party organs have pummeled him. On the left, most of that dirty work has fallen to the Democratic National Committee and a war room led by longtime operative Lis Smith. The wider Kennedy family has also joined the effort, posing for photos with Biden to disabuse Camelot nostalgists of any sense that they owe their support to RFK. But on the right, Trump himself has taken the lead in attacking Kennedy, leveraging his vast influence among the base to undermine the source of his opponents core appeal to right-wing cranks: Donald Trump is worried he is losing his anti-vax supporters to RFK Jr: He said that vaccines are fineThose of you who want to vote because you think he's an anti-vaxxer, he's not really an anti-vaxxer. pic.twitter.com/PJnuY6OXqG Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) May 9, 2024 Again and again since April, Trump has personally derided RFK as a secret vaccine enthusiast and a not-so-secret leftist. A pro-Trump super PAC launched a website dedicated to the subject titled Radical Fing Kennedy. Maybe most importantly, after Kennedy withdrew from the Democratic primary and remade himself as an independent, his fan club in right-wing media predictably soured on him. Propagandists like Charlie Kirk were happy to promote him when he was poised to play spoiler against Biden; once he posed a risk to Trump too, the tone changed sharply. That alone may explain the bulk of RFKs declining popularity. Remember, from the beginning of his presidential candidacy, he was vastly more popular on the right than on the left because of his hostility to the president and to vaccination. As hes gradually become anathema to MAGA cultists who fear he might spoil Trumps chances, his numbers have moved accordingly. A second self-made problem for Kennedy is his choice of a running mate. In a way, picking Nicole Shanahan made too much sense and too little. Shanahan is a lawyer and philanthropist whose claim to fame is having received a very large settlement in her divorce from Google founder Sergey Brin. As near as anyone can tell, thats the only reason Kennedy put her on the ticket: Shes made of money and he needs a wealthy patron to bankroll his campaign given how disappointing his grassroots fundraising has been. By her own admission, Shanahan had spoken to Kennedy only a few times before laying out $4 million to help fund a Super Bowl ad for his super PAC. In late May, after she became his running mate, the Washington Post reported on their arrangement and discovered that RFK didnt seem to know what she was up to on the campaign trail and that Shanahan didnt seem to know his position on abortion. She sure can write a check, though. In April, she accounted for $8 million of the $10.7 million he raised. Choosing her was as rational a decision as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is capable of making. But voters who are looking for the craziest son of a b-tch in the race dont want rational. They want gonzo idealism, and a Silicon Valley plutocrat is the opposite of that. Shanahans selection was greeted on social media with grumbling about globalism from fans who expected RFK to choose someone who would maximize his anti-establishment cred. Instead they got a shockingly mercenary choice. As one Kennedy fan put it, How do you sell financial support as inspiring to the general public? You cant have a rich cipher helping to lead a great cause candidacy. RFK didnt grasp that, and its been all downhill ever since. Theres one more problem hes had to cope with. Kennedy is, shall we say, eccentric, and Americans tend not to like personal eccentricity in major leaders. The closest thing to an eccentric among national political figures is Trump, of course, but eccentric is the wrong word to describe him. (Well, maybe sometimes.) His cultural tastesfast food, action movies, UFCare thoroughly mainstream. And while hes plainly unwell, his behavior rarely comes off as odd more so than boorish and selfish. He acts the way most people would if they convinced themselves that morality is for Boy Scouts and suckers. Thats not eccentric, exactly. Its rotten. Many men seem to view him as an alpha-male role model, in fact. God help us. Kennedy is eccentric. The pet emu, the interest in Aaron Rodgers as a running mate, his diagnosis with literal brain worms: All of that might be spinnable in isolation, but the weight of it grows as it accumulates. And its all filtered through a reputation for political kookery courtesy of a years-long crusade against vaccination that has amassed a body count and an insatiable appetite for conspiracy theories. Even his voice is eccentric. For the most disaffected populists, thats all part of his charm. But for normie voters who dislike Biden and Trump and who looked at Kennedy early on as a potentially serious independent alternative, its destined to be off-putting. Its hard not to notice, in fact, that RFKs favorable rating at FiveThirtyEight began ticking downward not long after the widely publicized brain worms story appeared in the New York Times. Better to stick with a guy whos senile or sociopathic, normies may have concluded, than roll the dice on one who had a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died. All of that said, I dont think hell drop out. Why should he? America will never again pay him as much attention as its paying him right now. He has a sugar mama in Shanahan, who seems poised to pick up his tab all the way to Election Day. And the pressure hes applying to the two major-party candidates on his pet issues could successfully force them toward his position, to our universal detriment: Trump: I will not give one penny to any school that has a vaccine mandate pic.twitter.com/SqUHjs9nkU Acyn (@Acyn) June 18, 2024 The fact that Biden and Trump are as old as they are is another incentive for Kennedy to hang in there. If one candidate or the other suffers a crisis before November, a chunk of his populist support could peel off to RFK in despair and resignation about the races outcome. Theres still a scenario in which the Democratic and/or Republican candidate stumbles enough to push Kennedy back into double digits. But none of us would bet on it at this point, would we? His likely trajectory is further south as partisans on each side turn more frantic and apocalyptic about the consequences of losing to the other. Well be lucky to live again someday in a country happy and stable enough to make a third-party candidate truly competitive, where the stakes of national elections are low. Itll be a while. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. The Santa Catarina River from rainfall from the passage of the storm in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Thursday. Photo by Miguel Sierra/EPA-EFE June 20 (UPI) -- The first named storm of this year's Atlantic hurricane season made landfall over Mexico Thursday morning and is expected to pummel Texas with heavy rain into Friday. Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall at about 7 a.m. CDT about 25 miles west of Tampico, Mexico, and about 255 miles south of Brownsville, Texas. The storm was moving westward along the Gulf of Mexico before it moved inland. By mid-morning, the storm was downgraded to a tropical depression as it traveled about 18 mph and packed 35-mph winds through central Mexico. Despite being downgraded, the National Hurricane Center warned Alberto still poses a threat to the region, due to heavy rain that can cause flooding and mudslides. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued a severe weather disaster declaration for 51 counties in anticipation of the heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and tropical force winds the storm was likely to produce. Tropical Storm Alberto has claimed at least four lives in northeastern Mexico. Photo by Miguel Sierra/EPA-EFE "I urge Texans in at risk-areas to remain weather aware and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their families safe," Abbott said Wednesday. A tropical storm warning was in effect for the areas of Texas coastline between San Luis Pass and the mouth of the Rio Grande before being lifted Thursday morning, but a warning remained in effect for the northeastern coast of Mexico from the Rio Grande down to Tecolutla. The Texas A&M Forest Service mobilized four teams comprising 100 personnel and 24 vehicles. The Texas National Guard deployed three platoons totaling 40 personnel and 20 vehicles, including Chinook helicopters. The National Weather Service on Thursday reported winds above 50 mph in the Galveston Bay area and rainfall totals of about 2 to 7 inches across the coastal bend. AccuWeather predicted rainfall totals of between 8 and 12 inches for the Big Bend area of Texas, and winds could reach 60 mph. Storm surges along the coast of northeastern Mexico, Texas and western Louisiana peaked at 1 to 3 feet, according to AccuWeather, but the Houston and Galveston areas could see up to 6 feet in some low-lying areas until conditions ease into Friday. Footage from CNN on Thursday morning showed the coastal town of Surfside Beach in Texas besieged by high waves crashing over a seawall and flooding residential areas. Surfside Mayor Gregg Bisso said the cleanup effort is on hold after the high water levels made it unsafe, but recovery will resume once the water has subsided enough. The city also limited access to Follet's Island's west end where about 100 homes were left without power in the wake of the storm. Only residents, contractors and people with rental agreements can access that side of the island. Access to the beach is also prohibited. "We haven't even been able to get down on the beach yet to take a look at it, to see what it's what it looks like, see how much damage we've had to our dunes and things like that," Bisso said. "As we get down there, we'll be able to assess the situation a lot better." In San Antonio, CPS Energy said about 1,400 of its 938,000 customers were left without power on Thursday morning. The storm also downed a power line on U.S. Highway 81 between Portland and Gregory, shutting down traffic in both directions. The White House on Thursday said President Joe Biden was briefed on Alberto, as well as on wildfires in the southwest United States and extreme heat across the rest of the country. In Mexico, meanwhile, there were four confirmed deaths related to Alberto as of Thursday. Officials in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon said a man died early Thursday morning when he was trying to repair a window on his home. Severe weather conditions caused by Alberto also claimed the lives of three minors on Wednesday. One 16-year-old boy drowned in Monterrey when he entered the La Silla River to try to retrieve a ball. The other two minors were killed by electrocution from a light pole while riding their bikes in Pino Suarez. Residents in northeastern Mexico, however, see Alberto as also bringing much needed rain to the region, which for over a year has suffered from severe drought. Erick Teodulo Cavazos Cavazos, director of Civil Protection of Nuevo Leon, told local media on Thursday that rains from Alberto are resupplying dams such as La Boca and El Cuchillo. "We have to wait for the figures from El Cuchillo, but everything that comes from the Santa Catarina River and the La Silla River goes to El Cuchillo," he said. "We also had a dam that was in a water crisis in the entire Linares region, in the municipality of Cerro Prieto, water is entering." The National Hurricane Center predicted Alberto would likely dissipate by Thursday night, but not before dumping up to 20 inches of rain on northeastern and central Mexico. AccuWeather also is keeping an eye on a possible second tropical storm system that could form this weekend and once again hammer northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. "There is a moderate chance for development from June 21-23 across a similar area in the Gulf of Mexico," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Andrew Kienzle. "This feature will need to be watched for possible impacts on the Gulf coasts of the United States and Mexico this weekend into early next week." K9 killed Thursday in the line of duty is mourned by Richland County Sheriffs Department The Richland County Sheriffs Department is mourning the death of one of their own, after K9 Wick died in the line of duty early Thursday morning. Wick was hit by a vehicle during a chase, the sheriffs department said in a news release. The incident began at about 1 a.m. when deputies identified a stolen vehicle at Windsor Lake Boulevard and Brookfield Road, according to the release. The deputies tried to pull over the vehicle but the driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit on Interstate 77, the sheriffs department said. At the second mile marker on I-77, deputies used stop sticks and the vehicle came to a halt, but the driver then ran away, according to the release. K9 Specialist Zaid Abdullah and K9 Wick. With the suspected car thief still in sight, K9 Specialist Zaid Abdullah deployed Wick, the sheriffs department said. Abdullah and Wick were in pursuit when the 3-year-old Belgian Malinois leash broke, according to the release. Wick pulled away from Abdullah and continued across the northbound side of I-77, where he was struck by a vehicle, the sheriffs department said. Wick, who had been with the sheriffs department for a year and a half, died at the scene, according to the release. The driver of the vehicle that struck Wick was identified and South Carolina Highway Patrol will lead an investigation into the collision, according to the release. The suspected car thief got away, but several other law enforcement agencies in the area have responded to assist in the search and an investigation is ongoing, the sheriffs department said. Deputy Zaid Abdullah of the Richland County Sheriffs Department gets bitten by Bali during a K-9 training demonstration at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. There will be a funeral procession for Wick Thursday, starting at 11 a.m., according to the release. The sheriffs department said the nearly 10-mile long procession will begin at 3924 Fernandina Road in Columbia, and end at 200 State Street in West Columbia. Sheriff Leon Lott is scheduled to speak with the media about Wicks death on Thursday afternoon. As the Richland County Sheriffs Department mourns the loss of K9 Wick, we thank the community for their support, the release said. Deputy Zaid Abdullah of the Richland County Sheriffs Department gets bitten by Bali during a K-9 training demonstration at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Prior to Wicks death, the sheriffs department had a K9 unit with 26 dogs and their handlers, making it one of the largest law enforcement K9 units in South Carolina. The sheriffs departments team has two dogs to detect explosives; five to detect human remains; and one to detect electronics, which is commonly used in child pornography cases. The rest of the dogs are full-service, which means they are trained in multiple skills, including tracking, apprehension, article search and narcotics detection, The State previously reported. This is the second time in little more than a week that a law enforcement K9 was killed in the line of duty in South Carolina. On June 11, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division K9 Coba was shot in the line of duty while assisting the Newberry County Sheriffs Office in apprehending a man who was wanted on a burglary charge. 'Deeply Cherished' Surgical Resident Was Killed with Machete. Here's Why Police Believe Ex-Husband Did It A surgical resident at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga., Samantha Woolery, 42, was found stabbed to death in her home on Sunday, June 16 GoFundMe Samantha Woolery A Georgia surgical residents ex-husband has been charged with murder after she was found stabbed to death in her apartment after she didn't show up for work. On Monday, June 17, Mickey Anthony Woolery, 49, was arrested in Carmel, Ind., in connection with the death of his ex-wife Samantha Woolery, 42, the Marietta Police Department said in a set of press releases obtained by PEOPLE. Mickey, who investigators believe fled Georgia back to his Indiana home more than 500 miles away after the killing, is charged with murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, and malice murder. He was being held on no bond, his online court docket shows. It's not immediately clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. Police said they were notified by Cobb Countys 911 dispatch on the morning of Sunday, June 16 about a caller who reported that a woman living in an apartment complex on Williams Drive in Marietta, Ga., had been stabbed. When officers arrived, they found the victim later identified as Samantha on the floor inside her apartment. Police reported that she had visible cuts, was unresponsive and appeared deceased. Police said the grim discovery was made by Samanthas coworkers, who became concerned after she didnt show up for work. They claimed her front door was closed but unlocked when they arrived to check on her, according to police. Samantha was a surgical resident at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga., and was previously named the school's 2023 intern of the year, according to a Facebook post from the school confirming her death. Dr. Woolery was deeply cherished for her kind and engaging spirit, as well as her remarkable ability to connect with everyone around her, the statement read. Dr. Woolery's dedication to advancing health equity and her compassionate care for patients made a significant impact on our community. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all. The homicide investigation led police to believe Samantha had been attacked overnight by someone who knew her. According to a criminal warrant filed in the Cobb County's Magistrate Court and reviewed by PEOPLE, investigators obtained Ring surveillance footage from a neighbor that showed a man, alleged to be Mickey, leaving Samanthas apartment with blood on his hand, feet and pants on the night of Saturday, June 15. Investigators also alleged they matched Mickeys right thumb to a bloody fingerprint found on the wall near a light switch in Samanthas apartment, according to the warrant. The warrant further states that authorities saw bloody footprints leading from the bedroom to the front door of the home. Investigators also reported finding a blood-stained machete on the floor beside the bed. Evidence led detectives to believe that Mickey had fled Georgia and returned to his primary residence in Carmel, Indiana, one of the police press releases reads. Detectives from both agencies coordinated efforts including the use of the Carmel SWAT team, to search multiple addresses and ultimately arrange for Mickeys capture. 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. Authorities said they are now working to extradite Mickey from Indiana to Georgia to face the charges against him. Naeema Woolery, who identified herself as Samanthas daughter on a GoFundMe campaign created to help offset funeral expenses, states she and her family want to give Samantha the beautiful and dignified farewell she deserves. [Samantha] was a wonderful person who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love, she wrote. 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. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Deluge of pink slime websites threaten to drown out truth with fake news in US election There are a staggering 1,265 such fake local news websites in the US 4% more than the websites of 1,213 daily newspapers left operating in the country. There are a staggering 1,265 such fake local news websites in the US 4% more than the websites of 1,213 daily newspapers left operating in the country. Illustration: Guardian Design Political groups on the right and left are using fake news websites designed to look like reliable sources of information to fill the void left by the demise of local newspapers, raising fears of the impact that they might have during the United States bitterly fought 2024 election. Some media experts are concerned that the so-called pink slime websites, often funded domestically, could prove at least as harmful to political discourse and voters faith in media and democracy as foreign disinformation efforts in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. According to a recent report from NewsGuard, a company that aims to counter misinformation by studying and rating news websites, the websites are so prolific that the odds are now better than 50-50 that if you see a news website purporting to cover local news, its fake. NewsGuard estimates that there are a staggering 1,265 such fake local news websites in the US 4% more than the websites of 1,213 daily newspapers left operating in the country. Actors on both sides of the political spectrum feel that what they are doing isnt bad because all media is really biased against their side or that that they know actors on the other side are using these tactics and so they feel they need to, said Matt Skibinski, general manager of NewsGuard, which determined that such sites now outnumber legitimate local news organizations. Its definitely contributed to partisanship and the erosion of trust in media; its also a symptom of those things. Pink slime websites, named after a meat byproduct, started at least as early as 2004 when Brian Timpone, a former television reporter who described himself as a biased guy and a Republican, started funding websites featuring names of cities, towns and regions like the Philly Leader and the South Alabama Times. Timpones company, Metric Media, now operates more than 1,000 such websites and his private equity company receives funding from conservative political action committees, according to NewsGuard. The Leader recently ran a story with the headline, Rep Evans votes to count illegal aliens towards seats in Congress. In actuality, Representative Dwight Evans, a Democrat, did not vote to start counting undocumented immigrants in the 2030 census but rather against legislation that would have changed the way the country has conducted apportionment since 1790. That sort of story is standard practice for these outlets, according to Tim Franklin, who leads Northwestern Universitys Local News Initiative, which researches the industry. They will take something that maybe has just a morsel of truth to it and then twist it with their own partisan or ideological spin, Franklin said. They also tend to do it on issues like immigration or hot-button topics that they think will elicit an emotional response. A story published this month on the NW Arkansas News site had a headline on the front page that reported that the unemployment rate in 2021 in Madison county was 5.1% even though there is much more recent data available. In April 2024, the local unemployment rate was 2.5%. Another tactic that we have seen across many of this category of sites is taking a news story that happened at some point and presenting it as if it just happened now, in a way that is misleading, Skibinski said. The left has also created websites designed to look like legitimate news organizations but actually shaped by Democratic supporters. The liberal Courier Newsroom network operates websites in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Michigan and Nevada, among other states, that like the conservative pink slime sites have innocuous sounding names like the Copper Courier and Up North News. The Courier has runs stories like Gov Ducey Is Now the Most Unpopular Governor in America, referring to Doug Ducy, the former Republican Arizona governor. In contrast, coverage of Democrats, including US President Joe Biden, Democratic Arizona Gov Katie Hobbs, and US Sen Mark Kelly of Arizona, is nearly always laudatory, NewsGuard stated in a report about Courier coverage. Tara McGowan, a Democratic strategist who founded the Courier Newsroom has received funding from liberal donors like Reid Hoffman and George Soros, as well as groups associated with political action committees, according to NewsGuard. There are pink slime operations on both the right and the left. To me, the key is disclosure and transparency about ownership, said Franklin. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Courier said comparisons between its operations and rightwing pink slime groups were unfair and criticized NewsGuards methodology in comparing the two. Courier publishes award-winning, factual local news by talented journalists who live in the communities we cover, and our reporting is often cited by legacy media outlets. This is in stark contrast to the pink slime networks that pretend to have a local presence but crank out low-quality fake news with no bylines and no accountability. Courier is proudly transparent about our pro-democracy values, and we carry on the respected American tradition of advocacy journalism, the spokesperson said. While both the left and the right have invested in the pink slime websites, there are differences in the owners approaches, according to Skibinski. The right-wing networks have created more sites that are probably getting less attention per site, and on the left, there is a smaller number of sites, but they are more strategic about getting attention to those sites on Facebook and elsewhere, Skibinski said. I dont know that we can quantify whether one is more impactful than the other. Artificial intelligence could also help site operators quickly generate stories and create fake images. The technology underlying artificial intelligence is now becoming more accessible to malign actors, said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a University of Pennsylvania communications professor and director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, which publishes Factcheck.org. The capacity to create false images is very high, but also there is a capacity to detect the images that is emerging very rapidly. The question is, will it emerge rapidly with enough capacity? Still, its not clear whether these websites are effective. Stanford University reported in a 2023 study that engagement with pink slime websites was relatively low and little evidence that living in a news desert made people more likely to consume pink slime. The Philly Leader and the NW Arkansas News both only have links to Facebook accounts on their websites and have less than 450 followers on each. Meanwhile, the Copper Courier and Up North News have accounts on all the major platforms and a total of about 150,000 followers on Facebook. Franklin said he thinks that a lot of people dont actually click links on social media posts to visit the website. The goal of some of these operators is not to get traffic directly to their site, but its to go viral on social media, he said. Republican lawmakers and leaders of the conservative news sites the Daily Wire and the Federalist have also filed a lawsuit and launched investigations accusing NewsGuard of helping the federal government censor right-leaning media. The defense department hired the company strictly to counter disinformation efforts by Russian, Chinese and Iranian government-linked operations targeting Americans and our allies, Gordon Crovitz, the former Wall Street Journal publisher who co-founded NewsGuard, told the Hill in response to a House oversight committee investigation. We look forward to clarifying the misunderstanding by the committee about our work for the Defense Department. To counter the flood of misinformation, social media companies must take a more active role in monitoring such content, according to Franklin and Skibinski. The biggest solution to this kind of site would be for the social media platforms to take more responsibility in terms of showing context to the user about sources that could be their own context. It could be data from third parties, like what we do, said Skibinski. Franklin would like to see a national media literacy campaign. States around the country have passed laws requiring such education in schools. Franklin also hopes that legitimate local news could rebound. The MacArthur Foundation and other donors last year pledged $500m to help local outlets. I actually have more optimism now than I had a few years ago, Franklin said. Were in the midst of historic changes in how people consume news and how its produced and how its distributed and how its paid for, but I think theres still demand for local news, and thats kind of where it all starts. A Democratic leader is asking the IRS to investigate a political action committee tied to Republican Senatorial hopeful Kari Lake. (Photo by Gage Skidmore) Pinal County Democrats Chair Lisa Sanor is asking the Internal Revenue Service to investigate a political action committee tied to Republican Senatorial hopeful Kari Lake, according to a copy of the complaint obtained exclusively by the Arizona Mirror. The Save Arizona Fund was incorporated as a domestic nonprofit in Arizona in December 2022, shortly following Lakes election loss to now Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. It describes itself as an Arizona-based non-profit social welfare organization operating as exempt from federal taxes as a 501(c)(4) organization. The complaint filed this week by Sanor claims that the organization has not pursued those goals but instead operates primarily for the private benefit of Kari Lake and requested that if the IRS finds they have not been operating for the promotion of social welfare that their tax-exempt status be revoked. Kari Lake only cares about boosting herself but she isnt above the rules, Sanor said in a statement to the Mirror. Arizonans deserve to know if she is illegally using this shady organization to pay her own lawyers to push conspiracy theories about past elections. The Lake campaign and Save Arizona Fund did not respond to a request for comment about the letter. The letter claims that Lake has been using Save Arizona Fund as a way to fund her lawsuits that sought to overturn the results of the 2022 election, in which she lost. Lake has lost her lawsuits and her attorneys have faced disciplinary actions due to the allegations contained in them. On Dec. 9, 2022, four days after Save Arizona Fund was created, Lake filed a lawsuit challenging the results of the 2022 election. That lawsuit would be dismissed just a few weeks later. The following month, Save Arizona Fund would prominently feature Lake and her lawsuit, even posting a copy of it on its website. Lake also promoted the website online, posting to X, formerly Twitter, in December 2022 asking followers to DONATE TO MY LEGAL FUND. Now the website does not feature Lake or any mention of her lawsuits. However, when clicking the donate button, users are asked to send checks to an address that is listed as Lakes Senate campaign office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The letter to the IRS details many occasions in which Lake asked supporters to donate to help fund her legal expenses related to challenging election results. In a space on X, in January 2023, Lake mentioned she had to pay her attorney $187,000 and asked people to donate. If you want to help, I just paid $187,000 bill to an attorney, and theyre worth every penny of it because theyre brave and theyre amazing, Lake said. Im not begging for money because people have given, given, given. And if a prayer is what you can afford Ill take the prayers. Our attorneys will take the prayers. If you can afford $10, our website is savearizonafund.com. The month prior, Lake had paid Olsen Law PC approximately $187,000 for attorney fees, according to campaign finance filings from her gubernatorial campaign. Kurt Olsen was one of Lakes attorneys who is being investigated by the State Bar of Arizona. Save Arizona Fund is also connected to key members of Lake and former President Donald Trumps inner circle. The funds statutory agent Timothy La Sota, who was Lakes campaign attorney during her gubernatorial campaign. He also represented Lake in the defamation case brought by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer and in a public records lawsuit Lake filed. La Sota did not respond to a request for comment. The director and CEO of the fund is Caroline Wren, who currently is a senior advisor to Lakes Senate bid. Wren also was formerly an advisor to Trump who helped organize the rally in Washington D.C. that directly preceded the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The letter also notes that the funds other director, Nicholas Moore, was reimbursed by the Lake Senate campaign over $120,000 for travel/event/office supplies. Last July, Lake also announced plans that the fund would help create a ballot chasing operation to help Republicans win in the 2024 elections. The letter to the IRS says that tax exempt organizations must operate exclusively for social welfare purposes and that there should be little private benefit to individuals or for-profit organizations. Sanor contends that the fund has not met those requirements and said that the IRS has brought action against similar situations. The facts and circumstances show that SAF operates primarily for the benefit of Ms. Lake, rather than the community as a whole, the letter says, adding that the funds primary purpose does not appear to be the promotion of social welfare. Sanor also wrote to the IRS saying that the fund may have been used to gather data on voters, since the website asked individuals to provide phone numbers which the website said were for autodialed marketing messages. The fact that individuals were consenting to receive personal marketing messages from Ms. Lake strongly suggests that the consent was not used for any SAF-related program, the letter says. Thus, SAF provided Ms. Lake with valuable data by orchestrating her ability to send text messages to potential political supporters. Sanors letter asks that the IRS investigate these claims and take immediate action and determine whether the funds 501(c)(4) status should be revoked. Publicly available information strongly suggests SAF was formed, and has operated, to fund Ms. Lakes campaign lawsuits, raise her public profile, promote her campaign issues, and provide her with valuable contact data, the letter says. The facts and circumstances indicate that SAFs activity benefits Ms. Lake, and not the community as a whole. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST The Democratic candidate for governor in 2024, Jennifer McCormick, announces former state lawmaker Terry Goodin as her pick for lieutenant governor on June 20, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick has picked former Indiana lawmaker and social conservative Terry Goodin as her running mate, despite pushback from some within her party. McCormick made the lieutenant governor announcement Thursday afternoon in Indianapolis, just days after she called out Republican state delegates for choosing conservative Noblesville pastor Micah Beckwith as that partys lieutenant governor nominee. My selection of Dr. Terry Goodin is aligned to our unwavering commitment to restoring reproductive rights and freedoms, prioritizing education and ensuring good paying jobs, McCormick said. It is also a selection that stays true to empowering all Hoosiers and all means all. As a ticket, we are committed to bringing back common sense civility and bipartisanship, while focusing on issues that are impacting our daily lives. Goodin must still be approved by convention delegates in July, however. In Indiana, delegates in private party conventions decide the nomination of lieutenant governor alongside picks for other statewide offices, such as attorney general. Two Hoosiers Bob Kern and Clif Marsiglio have also filed to run for Indiana lieutenant governor at the upcoming state convention. Reaction to the announcement was mixed on social media, with some Democrats wishing for a more progressive candidate and others highlighting Goodins legislative and education experience. Shortly after McCormicks announcement, Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, added intrigue to the situation by telling Importantvilles Adam Wren that he is also considering a convention run. Terry Goodin speaks to a small audience after he was announced to be Democrat Jennifer McCormicks intended running mate in the 2024 gubernatorial race. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Ive traveled to many parts of the state in the last two years, and I was troubled by what I saw. In county after county, small towns and small cities seem to be going out of business, Goodin said. Unfortunately, the current leadership in our state seems to be okay with this as they have implemented no real policies that will rebuild our small communities, our rural communities We can do better than that in Indiana, folks. He said change starts with education reforms, creating more union jobs and ensuring Hoosiers get equal pay for equal work. This race were getting ready to undertake is between those who have a vision for a great future for our state, or those who simply want to be stuck in the past, he said. A former Democratic member of the Indiana House of Representatives, Goodin represented District 66 which includes portions of Scott, Clark and Jefferson counties from 2000 to 2020. He served as the Minority Leader of the House for a partial term in 2017 but was not re-elected to the position by the Democratic caucus the following year. Goodin address his voting record Goodin sparked controversy in 2011, when he voted with a majority of lawmakers for a constitutional ban on gay marriage in Indiana. Three years later, when the measure came up for a vote again, nearly every Democrat voted against it, but Goodin was excused and did not vote. He also voted with Republicans in support of expanding the ability to carry firearms. In 2020, he co-authored a bill to let off-duty police officers carry firearms into casinos, and in 2019 he co-authored separate legislation to expand Indianas stand your ground law. Goodins record also includes votes in favor of several bills adding restrictions or regulations on abortions. Four years ago, Democrat candidate for governor Woody Myers was readying to tap Goodin as his running mate but progressive Democrats in the party rebelled and he ultimately chose Linda Lawson instead. Theres a real battle going on in our state right now against womens personal freedoms and their individual rights. I know in my 20 years of service in the legislature, my votes on womens reproductive rights have been somewhat spotty at best, Goodin said of his prior votes on abortion-related measures. But I was always counseled by those female colleagues who have told me that, Hey, if we go too far, Roe v. Wade will be there to catch us. Theres a safety net there. Well, folks, that safety net has gone. Goodin said the 2022 Supreme Court decision to roll back federal-level rights to abortion was an all-out assault on a womans personal freedoms and individual rights, and that it has put us in an entirely new universe. It was politically motivated. It was a partisan decision, and it was wrong, Goodin said. As defenders of individual rights and personal freedoms and plain old common sense, we must do everything we can to restore the rights of women to make decisions about their own body. Goodin also addressed his previous positions on gay marriage. In 2011, I voted against allowing gay couples to get married in our state. At that time, I did not realize that with that vote, I had totally dehumanized, demeaned and hurt thousands of Hoosiers, Goodin said. Im person enough to stand here and say Im sorry for that, that I caused that hurt. Like many other Hoosiers, with time and growth Ive come to realize my vote was wrong and misguided, he continued. Now, I cant go back 13 years and change that vote. But I can confirm this. I can confirm that love is love. And if two people want to affirm that love with marriage, they should have the right to do so in the great state of Indiana. Republicans respond In February 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Goodin as the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Indiana state director for rural development. A USDA spokesperson confirmed that Goodin has since resigned from that post. His last day was June 14. Outside of the Statehouse, Goodin previously served for 24 years as superintendent of Crothersville Community Schools, and as an assistant teacher and principal in Brown and Scott counties. He additionally raises beef cattle on his family farm in Austin, Indiana, according to his USDA biography. The Democratic duo McCormick and delegates pick for her running mate will face Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun and his running mate, Beckwith. Indianas GOP delegates narrowly named Beckwith as the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in a shocking vote at the partys convention Saturday, rebuffing first-term Rep. Julie McGuire Brauns handpicked choice for the role who had received a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Beckwith ran an unorthodox solo campaign for the number two spot, publicly pitching himself as both the prospective governors cheerleader and a check on his power. The GOP delegates pick has since spurred turmoil within the Indiana Republican Party. In a confidential memo, prominent conservative attorney Jim Bopp predicted that Beckwith could be catastrophic for Brauns campaign and open the door for a Democratic victory. Liberal Democrat Jennifer McCormick continues to let us know who she is, a radical Biden ally. After facing multiple rejections from her own Democrat party friends, she turned to her old pal Joe Biden to pluck a member of his administration to plug in as her running mate, said Griffin Reid, a spokesperson for the Indiana Republican Party, in a Thursday statement. She wont rest until she brings Bidens policies to Hoosier door steps! These radical, liberal ideas have no place in Indiana, which is still very much Trump country. We look forward to Mike Braun leading our party to victories up and down the ballot come November! The Libertarian ticket is Donald Rainwater and Tonya Hudson. The post Democrat Jennifer McCormick taps former Indiana Rep. Terry Goodin for lieutenant governor appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle. This Democratic Governor Just Demonstrated the Right Way to Use the Pardon Power The power to grant pardons and reprieves has long been a controversial one. It lodges in chief executives vast unchecked discretion. Courts have said that governors can grant pardons for good reasons or bad, or for any reason at all. History has shown that the pardon power can be used well and to help make our society better, fairer, and more forgiving. But it has also been used arbitrarily or to reward friends, repay political favors, and accommodate the well connected. Instances of corruption or favoritism in the use of clemency tend to make headlines and overshadow examples of its proper and productive use. That is one reason why what Maryland Gov. Wes Moore did on Monday, when he offered a pardon in his state to more than 100,000 people with more than 175,000 marijuana convictions, is so significant. This mass pardon is a sterling example of how the clemency power can and should be used. Before looking more closely at what happened in Maryland, lets recall a bit about our countrys history of clemency. In the 1833 case United States v. Wilson, the Supreme Court took up clemency for the first time. Chief Justice John Marshall described that power in lyrical terms as an act of grace, proceeding from the power entrusted with the execution of the laws. In 1866 the court returned to the subject and acknowledged that clemency power is unlimited. It extends, the court noted, to every offence known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken or during their pendency or after conviction and judgment. Clemency power is not subject to legislative control. The benign prerogative of mercy cannot be fettered by any legislative restrictions. What the Supreme Court has said suggests that as a kind of monarchical right or an executive action in a democracy, the clemency power is outside or beyond the law and thus poses something of a threat to a society dedicated to the rule of law. Controversies surrounding clemency have been too numerous to fully catalog. At the federal level, recent examples include President Ronald Reagans 1989 pardon of George Steinbrenner, the owner of the New York Yankees, who had pleaded guilty to making illegal political donations to help Richard Nixon and obstructing justice; President Bill Clintons pardon of Marc Rich, who had for decades been a fugitive for fraud related to making illegal oil deals and not paying more than $48 million in taxes; and President Donald Trump, who pardoned and commuted the sentences of his cronies, including Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, and Charles Kushner, Jared Kushners father. Enter Moore. Unlike the examples listed above, the pardons he issued were not rewards for the rich and well connected. His act is remarkable because of the breadth of its ambition, even though he is not the first chief executive to use their clemency power for people convicted of cannabis use. In 2022, as the Washington Post reported, President Joe Biden issued a mass pardon of federal marijuana convictionsa reprieve for roughly 6,500 peopleand urged governors to follow suit in states, where the vast majority of marijuana prosecutions take place. In April of this year, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey pardoned tens of thousands of people convicted in her state for simple possession of marijuana. But because they were linked to what Moore himself called a broader economic and moral agenda, what he did went beyond those earlier actions. His pardons were done as part of an effort to address problems of racial injustice in his state. They show that the pardon power can be used not just as a method to right injustices done to individuals, but as a valuable tool of social policy. According to the Washington Post, Moores clemency serves to forgive low-level marijuana possession charges for an estimated 100,000 people in what the Democratic governor said is a step to heal decades of social and economic injustice that disproportionately harms Black and Brown people. Moore, the Post continued, acted because criminal records for marijuana possession have been used to deny housing, employment and education, holding people and their families back long after their sentences have been served. Moores pardons will have a substantial impact on communities of color in a state where more than 70 percent of its male incarcerated population is Black. Moore was explicit in tying these pardons to his broader goal of addressing the connection between drug prosecutions and the racial wealth gap. Were talking about tools that have led to an eight-to-one racial wealth gap in our statebecause we know that we do not get to an eight-to-one racial wealth gap because one group is working eight times harder, he said. And the governor argued that Maryland could not celebrate the benefits of its recent legalization of marijuana while forgetting the consequences of criminalization. No Marylander should face barriers to housing, employment, or education based on convictions for conduct that is no longer illegal. In the end, Moores use of clemency vindicates Alexander Hamiltons hope that this power would be used to demonstrate concern for humanity and enact good policy. Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Photo by Lia Chien/States Newsroom) Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Photo by Lia Chien/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON Senate Democrats held a press conference to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only received 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. This isnt about protecting life. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on Tennessee Lookout. Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Photo by Lia Chien/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON Senate Democrats held a press conference Tuesday to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only received 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal. U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) at the Mackinac Policy Conference, May 30, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols WASHINGTON Senate Democrats held a press conference Tuesday to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only received 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on Michigan Advance. Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Lia Chien/States Newsroom) Senate Democrats held a press conference Tuesday to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only received 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on Maine Morning Star. Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Photo by Lia Chien/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON Senate Democrats held a press conference Tuesday to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only received 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner. Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. Photo by Lia Chien/States Newsroom. WASHINGTON Senate Democrats held a press conference this week to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only received 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on Minnesota Reformer. Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Photo by Lia Chien/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON Senate Democrats held a press conference Tuesday to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only received 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on NC Newsline. Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Lia Chien | States Newsroom) WASHINGTON Senate Democrats on Tuesday criticized a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in Project 2025, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal. The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trumps political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led Tuesdays press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide. Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, theyve given it out, to rip away a womans right to choose in every single state in America, she said. Comstock Act Murray addressed concerns about the Comstock Act, a key element of Republicans legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States. In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to prohibit mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously rejected an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups. Abortion pills accounted for 63 percent of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit. In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice determined it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act. Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesdays press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell said, quoted in the New York Times. In May, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith announced she planned to introduce legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether. Murray told reporters at Tuesdays event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access. Just let me make it very clear, said Murray. Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply. IVF legislation Schumer slammed Republicans for blocking Duckworths IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but received only 48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism, said Schumer. Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law, Schumer said. Trump appointments The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference. Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trumps appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion. She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in Novembers elections. Every judge we confirm makes a difference, she said. We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law. During Trumps first term, he appointed three justices to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain significant in writing opinions far beyond Trumps time in office. Planned Parenthood Senators at Tuesdays event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception, Hirono said. Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life. This isnt about protecting life, said Hirono. This is about power and control and the Republicans obsession with controlling womens bodies. Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about womens rights but dont vote to protect them. When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they wont lift a finger to protect women in this country, she said. Murray vowed to protect womens rights no matter the outcome of Novembers election. We are fighting back, said Murray. Were doing everything we can to protect womens rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do. The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin. Democrats in the Senate and House introduced a bill to repeal an archaic law that could be revived to implement a national abortion ban. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced the Stop Comstock Act on Thursday afternoon in hopes of repealing the 1873 law that criminalizes sending obscene materials in the mail, including anything intended for producing abortion. The Comstock Act is not currently being enforced, but Donald Trumps anti-abortion allies have revealed that they hope to use the law to ban abortion nationwide if the former president is elected again. If enforced as anti-abortion activists want, the Comstock Act would essentially ban abortion across the country, including in states that currently protect abortion access. It would make it illegal to send abortion pills in the mail an avenue that has helped many people access reproductive care in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade. Medication abortions, or abortions using pills, account for more than 60% of abortions in the U.S. The Comstock Act is a 150-year-old zombie law banning abortion thats long been relegated to the dustbin of history, Smith, who earlier this year wrote an opinion article on her plans to repeal the law, said in a Thursday statement. But extremist Republicans and Trump judges have seized upon the idea of misusing Comstock to bypass Congress and strip women nationwide of their reproductive freedoms. Now that Trump has overturned Roe, a future Republican administration could try to misapply this 150-year-old Comstock law to deny American women their rights, even in states where abortion rights are protected by state law, she added. Several Senate Democrats are co-sponsors of the bill, including Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.). Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) introduced the House companion bill alongside co-sponsors Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.). The bill is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights, among other groups that support abortion rights. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) has introduced the Stop Comstock Act, which would repeal a little-known 1873 law that criminalizes sending obscene materials in the mail, including anything intended for producing abortion. Samuel Corum/Getty Images Awareness of the antiquated law is alarmingly low: Two in three Americans do not know about the Comstock Act and its implications, according to recent polling from Navigator Research and Global Strategy Group. Seven in 10 Americans opposed the enforcement of the law after learning about it. Republicans are betting on the fact that most Americans dont know about the Comstock Act so that, if elected, Trump could quietly create a backdoor national abortion ban. Jonathan Mitchell, an attorney representing Trump in his immunity case before the Supreme Court, has said that Republicans dont need a nationwide abortion ban because the Comstock Act exists. We dont need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books, Mitchell told The New York Times in February. Mitchell is also the architect of the Texas abortion bounty hunter law, which banned abortion in the state over a year before Roe fell. He added about Trump: I hope he doesnt know about the existence of Comstock, because I just dont want him to shoot off his mouth. I think the pro-life groups should keep their mouths shut as much as possible until the election. The Comstock Act has long been considered obsolete, but anti-abortion extremists are now threatening to use it to push for a national abortion ban, Katie OConnor, director of Federal Abortion Policy at the National Womens Law Center, said in a statement. This law, a relic from the 19th century, was originally passed to enforce a specific view of morality rooted in racist, sexist, homophobic, and other discriminatory beliefs. It has no place in our modern laws. Related... As Senate Republicans put forward toothless, bad faith legislative alternatives to Democrats bill to protect in-vitro fertilization at the national level last week, the extent to which they are struggling to message on the issue as a party was on full display. As my colleague Emine Yucel reported from Capitol Hill, senators squirmed and twisted themselves into pretzels trying to explain why exactly the Democratic bill to federally protect access to the popular and widely used fertility treatment went too far. Religious freedom!, some cried. Partisan politics!, others declared. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) went so far as to claim from the Senate floor that he and Sen. Katie Britts (R-AL) bill which would actually cut off a states Medicaid funding if it bans IVF (an idea Republicans have both been supporting and simultaneously pretending they dont actually support for decades) and place restrictions on crucial components of a successful IVF procedure, like limiting how many embryos can be created would actually make it clear to the American people that its the Dems who dont support IVF. Understand, if the remarks end with the words I object than Senate Democrats will have made the cynical political decision that Democrats dont want IVF protected in federal law because instead they want to spend millions of dollars running campaign ads suggesting the big bad Republicans want to take away IVF, Cruz said last week. He and Britts bill was ultimately blocked by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who called the legislation out for what it is: just another way for Republicans to pretend they are not the extremists that they keep proving they are. A day later, Republicans filibustered the motion to proceed on Democrats bill to federally protect the procedure, legislation theyve attempted to pass three times since the Dobbs ruling, which put all sorts of reproductive rights in harms way, not just abortion. Thats the point Democrats have been attempting to make loudly and clearly in the months leading up to the 2024 election. Republicans are doing very little beyond assisting Democrats in making that point with their mealy mouthing on IVF a procedure they claim to support, while simultaneously cheering the fetal personhood ideology at the heart of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that put IVF in the crosshairs in the state and beyond in the first place. Democrats have been seizing on this wishy-washy-ness for months and in recent days. In a new essay in the perhaps pointedly accessible People Magazine, published today, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ) and her husband Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) shared their journey with IVF treatment and made clear the stakes, regardless of Republicans attempts to downplay the severity of the threat against the treatment. An excerpt: This isnt happening by chance. Its the result of years of anti-choice efforts and the appointment of judges by governors and presidents like Donald Trump who are hostile to reproductive rights. Donald Trump said himself that he broke Roe v. Wade, which set off a series of attacks on reproductive freedoms. Twenty states now have abortion bans, including Arizona, where our state has been in turmoil between two abortion bans, both of which endanger womens health and threaten doctors with jail time. And it doesnt stop there. Last week, the Supreme Court threw out a case attempting to rein in approval of abortion medication also used to treat miscarriages. But this wont be the end. Other states could and will again challenge mifepristone, just as state abortion bans are threatening to undo a federal law that requires emergency care for pregnant women when their lives are in danger, including abortion care if necessary. The right to birth control could very well be the next target. Despite this real threat, Republicans in Congress have multiple times in recent weeks blocked legislation that would protect access to IVF and contraception for all Americans. The truth is there is a real danger of our country moving backwards even further than we already have. The Best Of TPM Today Catch up on our coverage of todays wealth tax Supreme Court ruling from Kate Riga and Josh Kovensky: Supreme Court Decision Spares Potential Future Wealth Tax Out With a Whimper: Alito Keeps Head Down in Moore Case Yesterdays Most Read Story Trump Revenge Race In Virginia Too Close To Call David Kurtz What We Are Reading Hes a car dealer with a surprising business record. Hes also running for Senate in Ohio. Mother Jones The Gun Lobbys Hidden Hand in the 2nd Amendment Battle NYT Top Florida law enforcement official sues DeSantis, alleging he was fired for blowing the whistle ABC News Denton man charged with murder in fentanyl-related death under new Texas law Police have charged a Denton man with murder in a fentanyl-related drug death, the Denton Police Department announced this week. Officials say 31-year old Pedro Martinez sold cocaine laced with fentanyl to his 26-year-old coworker Dylan King, who died after taking the drugs in January. The Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office later ruled that Kings cause of death was combined cocaine and fentanyl toxicity. Detectives interviewed Martinez in the Denton County Jail, where he was being held on other charges. According to detectives, Martinez was aware the drugs contained fentanyl when he sold them to King. Martinezs case is the fifth fentanyl-related murder charge in Denton County since a new Texas state law took effect in September 2023. More top stories from our newsroom: Accused drunk driver slams into 2 cyclists near Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Gateway Church pastor resigns after admitting to sexually abusing 12-year-old girl Allan Saxe, beloved UT Arlington professor, has died/a> [Get our breaking news alerts.] The law created a murder charge for supplying fentanyl that results in death. The fentanyl epidemic has taken far too many innocent lives, but thanks to the work by brave parents and loved ones, like those here today, we have made Texans aware of this crisis, Gov. Greg Abbott said at the bills signing. Martinez is being held in the Denton County Jail. His bail has not yet been set. Rejecting arguments that the law is ambiguous, the Florida Supreme Court said Thursday that peaceful protesters are not threatened by a measure that Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature passed in 2021 to crack down on violent demonstrations. DeSantis championed the law after nationwide protests following the 2020 death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. But civil-rights groups filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the measure, contending it could lead to peaceful protesters facing charges when demonstrations turn violent. A federal iudge in Tallahassee, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, issued a preliminary injunction against the law in 2021, describing it as unconstitutionally vague and overbroad. The state appealed, but the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals took the somewhat unusual step of requesting help from the Florida Supreme Court with what it called a novel issue how to determine the meaning of the word riot in the law. Read more: Federal judge blocks key portion of anti-riot law, targets DeSantis and three sheriffs Thursdays main opinion disputed Walkers conclusion that the law is ambiguous. It also agreed with DeSantis and the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, another defendant in the lawsuit, that a peaceful protester, under the most natural reading of the statute, is no rioter. At bottom, the question is whether that law applies to a person who is present at a violent protest, but neither engages in, nor intends to assist others in engaging in, violent and disorderly conduct. And the answer is: no, it does not, said the 28-page main opinion, written by Justice John Couriel and joined by Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and Justices Charles Canady, Jamie Grosshans, Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso. The law says that a person commits a riot if he or she willfully participates in a violent public disturbance involving an assembly of three or more persons, acting with a common intent to assist each other in violent and disorderly conduct that results in an injury to another person, property damage or imminent danger of injury or property damage. Justice Jorge Labarga wrote a concurring opinion Thursday that agreed with the result of the main opinion though he said he thought the law was ambiguous. For purposes of (the law), a narrow interpretation of violent public disturbance is essential to ensure that prosecutions involving violations of the statute do not capture the peaceful, nonviolent exercise of First Amendment rights nor criminalize the mere presence at or lawful participation in an otherwise peaceful assembly or protest, Labarga wrote. The state Supreme Court ruling will go to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which will use it in determining whether to overturn Walkers preliminary injunction. The challenge to the law was filed by groups such as the Dream Defenders and the Florida State Conference of the NAACP. In his 90-page decision, Walker pointed to concerns about vagueness of the law, which includes felony penalties. Though plaintiffs claim that they and their members fear that it (the law) will be used against them based on the color of their skin or the messages that they express, its vagueness permits those in power to weaponize its enforcement against any group who wishes to express any message that the government disapproves of, Walker wrote. Thus, while there may be some Floridians who welcome the chilling effect that this law has on the plaintiffs in this case, depending on who is in power, next time it could be their ox being gored. In Thursdays main opinion, however, Couriel reviewed the history of Floridas anti-riot laws and analyzed the grammar of the 2021 measure. He wrote that to get a conviction, prosecutors must prove a defendant acted with intent to assist others in violent and disorderly conduct. This reading of the statute accords with the historical understanding of riot as a crime of violence and indeed, with common sense. While attorneys for the civil-rights groups have argued the law violates First Amendment rights, they also asked the Supreme Court to narrowly interpret it to ensure peaceful protesters would not be affected. Although (as the district court held) the statutes plain text is most naturally read to encompass non-violent protected speech, it is also fairly possible to construe the text narrowly to maintain the pre-existing common-law definition and avoid encroaching upon constitutionally protected expression, the groups attorneys wrote in a brief last year. Built in 1968, the Kirkpatrick Dam and Rodman Reservoir block the Ocklawaha River from flowing freely, via Florida State Parks. Quality Journalism for Critical Times Pens can be tricky. Once I was using one to write notes as fast as possible, trying to keep up with a former Monroe County judge telling me tales of Key West corruption, such as the one about a patrolman who got caught helping a crook drag a safe down the street. Suddenly, my pen exploded. It couldnt handle the pressure. The major risk when you use a pen is making a mistake. Unlike with pencils, you cant just erase what you wrote and start over. The ink is permanent, so everyone can see what youve done. Gov. Ron Im So Anti-Woke That I Snooze During Trumps Rambling Speeches DeSantis just learned that lesson. He used his special veto pen to slash funding for a study of credit card rates, but then it turned out his veto also eliminated 200 legislative support staff positions. His veto left legislative leaders scrambling to find funds to preserve those essential jobs. He claimed later that this was NOT a mistake. But he sounded a lot like Pee-wee Herman falling off his bike and then springing up saying, I meant to do that! What I want to tell you about is another bit of damage done by his veto pen. This little item that DeSantis canceled called for the state to spend $500,000 for an updated study of ripping out the decrepit old Rodman Dam and freeing the once wild and scenic Ocklawaha River. The study, which was supposed to be done by the University of Florida Water Institute, was intended to provide our state legislators current information so that they will be able to make an informed decision on the future of the dam, said Jim Gross, executive director of Florida Defenders of the Environment. The veto has once again kicked the can down the road. It was an unwise veto, said Estus Whitfield, who served as environmental adviser to Florida governors from both parties. DeSantis decision flummoxed even the professor who would have been in charge of the study. All the people we had intelligence from said that it was good to go, said Matthew Cohen, interim director of UFs Water Institute. No one has explained what went wrong, he told me. He didnt hear from the governors office about why our chief executive slashed this expenditure like it was one of Michael Myers luckless victims in Halloween. This might seem like a minor item compared to the massive size of our $116.5 billion budget, but consider the history involved. This veto puts DeSantis on the wrong side of Floridas longest-running environmental wrangle. We had 40 years straight with seven different governors, four Democrats and three Republicans, who endorsed restoration of the Ocklawaha River, Gross told me, rattling off the names that ran from Reubin Askew to Charlie Crist. To my knowledge, neither Rick Scott nor Ron DeSantis have ever commented on restoring the Ocklawaha River. But at least neither of them had taken any action to oppose it until now. DeSantis is like lots of Florida politicians who try to convince the voters that theyre greener than a Kermit the Frog float in a St. Patricks Day parade because they spend taxpayer money on environmental projects. But you cant claim to care about Floridas environment and then oppose freeing the Ocklawaha. A mere Micanopy housewife If we had a Hall of Fame for Bad Idea in Florida, this would be one of the opening entries. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built what was originally known as the 7,200-foot-long Rodman Dam in 1968, halting the flow of the wild Ocklawaha River as part of the controversial Cross-Florida Barge Canal. The canal was a project that had been discussed since the 1800s, when most commercial goods were delivered via ship, not by truck. Floridas long peninsula required the ships to make a treacherous journey around the Keys. The canal would be a triumph of geometry over geography, giving barges a way to slice straight across the state. Congress ordered the first study in 1826, and there was renewed interest in it as a make-work project during the Depression. But construction didnt begin in earnest until 1964, with President Lyndon B. Johnson presiding at the groundbreaking in Palatka. The Corps had won congressional approval for this boondoggle by inventing a bogus benefit that claimed that creating a huge ditch was a big improvement on the naturally wild landscape. Then they launched a monstrous machine called the Crusher-Crawler. It squashed the cypress trees on some 9,000 acres of the Ocala National Forest. You can see how that made the land MUCH more attractive and valuable. Meanwhile, a very determined woman was sounding the alarm about how wrong this project was. To make the canal deep enough to work, she warned, the Corps would have to cut down into the states aquifer. Seawater would turn our primary source of drinking water undrinkable, thus making Florida uninhabitable. Somehow the Corps was fine with that outcome. This modern Cassandra was Marjorie Harris Carr, one of Floridas three magical Marjories (the others being Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings). Canal backers sneered that she was a mere Micanopy housewife. She actually had a masters degree in zoology and was married to the distinguished sea turtle biologist Archie Carr. Why fight for the Ocklawaha? she asked once. The first time I went up the Ocklawaha, I thought it was dreamlike. It was a canopy river. It was spring-fed and swift. A lovely natural area, right in my backyard that was being threatened for no good reason. With a group of fellow scientists, she organized Florida Defenders of the Environment, which sued to stop the canal. In 1971 a federal judge issued an injunction stopping construction. Three days later, President Richard Nixon halted construction, citing the potential for serious environmental damage. It was the largest public works project in American history to be stopped before completion. The route that was supposed to become a canal became instead a 110-mile linear greenway for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, named for Carr. But it was too late to stop the darn dam, a 7,200-foot-long structure which impounded 16 miles of the 80-mile river to create a 17,000-acre reservoir. In addition to inundating a huge chunk of the national forest, the reservoir smothered 20 freshwater springs. Meanwhile, manatees can no longer migrate through the blocked river and sometimes wind up squished in the canal locks. Carr fought for the rest of her life to restore the river. When she died in 1997, someone stuck a Free the Ocklawaha bumper sticker on her casket. Everyone vowed to continue her fight. Yet, despite decades of effort, nobodys been able to undo that dam. All about that bass Over and over, Florida governors have imitated Ronald Reagan at the Berlin Wall and called for tearing down the Rodman Dam. Over and over, some powerful legislator has thwarted the move by holding back the money like the little boy with his finger in the dike. One, state Sen. George Kirkpatrick, was such a roadblock to progress that the dam is now named for him. (Note the irony: The Kirkpatrick Dam stands next to the Marjorie Harris Carr Greenway, so those life-long enemies remain yoked together today.) Kirkpatrick has now departed the battlefield (with a bumper sticker on HIS coffin that said, Save Rodman Reservoir!), but his allies remain. I talked to current Save Rodman Reservoir president Steve Miller, who told me hed had no idea DeSantis would veto the money, either. Were thankful, he told me, noting that DeSantis cut lots of what he considered wasteful spending with his vetoes. When Miller first heard the money was in the budget, he said, we shook our heads and said, Really? Another study? He said that a lot depended on whether the study had been set up to be unbiased or whether it had a pre-ordained outcome. He also contended the 56-year-old dam is in sound condition, along with the locks. In other words, no need to spend millions to replace it at least, not yet. Save Rodmans main argument for keeping the dam in place is tied to all those tree stumps left by the Crusher-Crawler: They make the fishing really good. Those dam fans dress this up in talk about the economic impact on Putnam County, where the reservoir is located, as well as adjacent Marion County. But as Meghan Trainor would say, Its all about that bass. This is not just a Florida issue, because Rodman is an iconic bass fishery, people travel from all over the country to fish here, one angler told Bassmaster Magazine in 2022. Meanwhile, they throw up all sorts of horrible outcomes if the dam ever goes down. In one PowerPoint Ive seen they even claim that removing the dam would threaten the greenway named for the dams most famous opponent. When Ocklawaha advocates argue that the river would provide a similarly robust fishing and economic bonanza, the pro-fishery forces respond with, You dont KNOW that. Which is true. But if you pay attention to history, theres a pretty strong indication from something that happened with another dam in Florida. Resurrecting the Dead Lakes The Rodman standoff always reminds me of what happened with the Dead Lakes, a 10-mile-long waterway in the Panhandle. After a three-year drought kept the Dead Lakes too low for fishing, the Legislature approved building an 18-foot-tall dam on the Chipola River to boost fishing. It went up in 1960. When the Dead Lakes Dam was new, fish corralled in the reservoir were much easier to catch than the ones in the free-flowing river. But over time, the lake filled with silt and weeds. Fish spawning beds disappeared. Soon the bass, bream, and shellcracker were so small they were hardly worth the bait to catch them. Thus, state officials decided to tear down the dam. In 1987, a salvage contractor cut slots in the dam and removed it one section at a time, allowing the impounded lake to draw down slowly. Fisheries biologists who studied the Dead Lakes found that, without the dam, the lakes were healthier. There were more fish and bigger fish. And there were twice as many kinds of fish as there used to be. Somehow, though, this was not enough evidence to swing the votes in Tallahassee to rip out that more famous, and more contentious, dam. Dam-olition dream deferred The most recent comprehensive study of the Rodman Reservoir versus the Ocklawaha is from 1997, according to Cohen. That means its older than my oldest kid, whos now an adult and gainfully employed in Jacksonville. It also means its way past time for an update. The $500,000 appropriation for the UF study would have paid for an updated, independent assessment of the science and economics of Ocklawaha restoration versus retention of the Kirkpatrick Dam and Rodman Reservoir, the budget language says. Of that, $200,000 would be for development of planning-level cost estimates for restoration of the Ocklawaha River. The folks who want to keep casting their lines in the environmentally dam-aging reservoir cant blame the party thats been out of power for the past 20 years for this appropriation. The sponsor is a Republican: state Sen. Travis Hutson. Ive had issues with Sen. Hutson and his questionable bills in the past (hes a developer, after all). But on this one piece of legislation, Im counting him on the side of the good guys. I put in calls to Sen. Hutson as well as lobbyist Andrew Ketchel, a former Department of Environmental Protection official who also worked on this issue. Neither returned my calls, perhaps because no one wants to be associated with something thats been vetoed. The bottom line, though, is that it seems unlikely anyone will try to bring it back up until Mr. Veto Corleone has moved on. DeSantis will eventually be term-limited out, Gross said. Hopefully, we will then get a new governor who will be responsive to the overwhelming majority of Floridians who support restoration of the Ocklawaha River. I tried asking DeSantis staff whether our boot-scootin chief executive meant to kill this study or if this was merely a slip of the pen (not that hes ever done that). The communications office declined comment. If he didnt mean to do it, I have a suggestion for how he can fix it. DeSantis can call a press conference next to the Rodman and announce that hes issuing an executive order to immediately start the dam-olition and free the river. Then, to make it official, he can simply whip out his pen and sign his name. But he should make sure to spell it right. It would be a shame if he messed up and wrote, Dam-Santis. The post DeSantis veto of Ocklawaha River rehabilitation study marks a first for the issue appeared first on Florida Phoenix. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is now dead after he was found unconscious behind the wheel in Hernando, Mississippi following a police pursuit overnight. According to the Hernando Police Department, just before 1 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a blue Ford F-150 in the area of Pleasant Hill Road on Interstate 55. That is when the vehicle pulled over at a weigh station on I-55 with a man and woman inside. DeSoto County sheriff says escaped inmate got ride from stranger After the woman was identified by police, they say she got out of the vehicle. The male driver began to persuade officers to let him make a phone call while still inside of the car. The man then drove off at a high rate of speed, leaving the weigh station, police say. A police chase was then initiated. Reports state that the man pulled over on the right shoulder on I-55 in the area of Church Road. When officers attempted to make contact with the driver, police say there was no response. At that time they broke out a window of the vehicle. HPD says while utilizing department assets, they noticed the unconscious driver with a handgun in his lap. Woman accused in deadly Memphis wreck arrested in Colorado That is when officers say they secured the driver and the handgun before requesting medical personnel to make the scene. The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene and released to the DeSoto County Coroner, according to reports. No officers were reported injured. No name of the deceased will be released as law enforcement personnel attempt to make contact with the family at this time. HPD says the Southaven Police Department, the DeSoto County Sheriffs Department, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation assisted with the incident and ongoing investigation. This is a developing story. WREG will provide updates as they become available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. One-and-a-half year-old Brooklyn Phillips probably didnt know what ground she stood on or why she was there or the exact meaning of it all as she slapped her hands onto a piece of art in Detroits Capitol Park on Juneteenth. Still, as she cast wide eyes onto the painted figures on the statue meant to recall the artists experience of Black Joy and fulfilment in a collective space and wiggled her body to the tune of techno and African drumbeats, she seemed to get the idea. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally told, years after the fact, that they were free. And it needs to be a celebration, said her mom, native Detroiter Equania Hendrix, 37, now living in Clinton Township. Enslaved ancestors didnt get this, Hendrix said. We should be celebrating, we should be acknowledging what they went through because they didn't get to celebrate, she said. They didnt get to feel as free as we are. Kylee Muhammad, 6, of Detroit, center, dances with her sister Kaniyah Fulton, of Detroit, right, of Solid Foundation Cultural Arts during Freedom Day Celebration at the Capitol Park in Detroit on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The pair and their family were just some of hundreds who could be seen walking through or staying awhile Wednesday at the Juneteenth celebration run by Decked Out Detroit, a Bedrock initiative. It was one of numerous events held in metro Detroit to commemorate the holiday. Detroit muralist Hubert Massey and high school students nearby restored the citys Power to the People street mural on Woodward Avenue. Northwestern High School held a parade. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History hosted a jubilee. A Juneteenth on the Cut event was canceled with concerns for possible storms on top of the heat advisory, but other events went on. And those were just a few. Hendrix and her group, her three daughters among them, had just come from Juneteenth activities on Belle Isle and planned to head to more celebrations in Royal Oak after the Capitol Park celebration. She wanted to make sure each of her children got to do an activity that appealed to them, and she wanted them to take in the history. We're free, Hendrix said. As Black children you need to know that. You need to understand your history, whether it's just being free or what this person made in Black history. They just tell them basic things at school. . (Then) just to feel free and to have fun and to enjoy and even with others, even with different cultures it's good that we are celebrating and everybody wants to celebrate. The location of Decked Out Detroit's event held a history of liberation, as at least one speaker explained to the crowd. The area where little Brooklyn danced in her purple Crocs on Wednesday was home to Michigans first territorial capitol, state capitol and high school, and the body of the states first governor, Stevens T. Mason, is buried there. But it also was stationed along the Underground Railroad, as an abolitionist named Seymour Finney hid those trying to escape to Canada in his barn. Renita Holmes and her daughter Elise Holmes, 9, both of Detroit, pose for a photo at the Photo Booth during Freedom Day Celebration at the Capitol Park in Detroit on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The parents of 13-year-old Jillian Jones had told her she had to come to the event Wednesday, but she was glad she did. She liked seeing the culture and dances and wanted to tell people just to be open with your culture. Its about understanding the history, freedoms and how it impacts us today, said her mom, Jennifer Jones, 39, of Detroit. The event at Capitol Park also showcased Black-owned businesses and gave Black people in the city time to celebrate themselves, she said. More: 4 years after George Floyd's death, are Detroit companies meeting DEI promises? History books showed Black people in shackles, rather than being kings and queens and coming from royalty, Jillians dad, comedian Josiah B. Jones, 35, said. Its encouraging to see the culture shown in a positive light, he said. He hopes the celebration isn't contained to the single day but that it continues throughout the year and aids in making things like education and employment more accessible for Black people. It's like a celebration of cultural justice, he said of Juneteenth. It was also a celebration of Black Detroit artists. Born and raised in Detroit, collage artist Judy Bowman, 72, of Romulus, got the chance to see her own face displayed in another artists work as part of The Stories of Us series in the park. Jacari Morrison, 2, of Detroit, has his face painted as Spider Man during Freedom Day Celebration at the Capitol Park in Detroit on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The series features 10 drum sculptures from Detroit-based artists focused on Black experiences, shared past and present, and a future of equity and solidarity all tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and programming that year. Bowman was included in Ackeem Salmons Self-Portrait, Detroit 2024, along with numerous other Detroit artists. She pointed a few out, including the famed painter Shirley Woodson. Younger artists like Salmon are carrying on the legacy of recognizing such Detroit artists, she said. And the event was bringing people together to recognize the contributions in the community. This is like a liberation of Black artists in Detroit, so it all ties together, she said. Grenae Dudley, CEO of the Youth Connection tells a story of the Frog King, an African folktale during Freedom Day Celebration at the Capitol Park in Detroit on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. It was on one of these drum sculptures, Juniper Jones Sams Kitchen, that little Brooklyn had gazed. The little ones elder had called for more unity in the community. Some attendees called for reparations. Others spoke of the fight for freedom from all things, even just distractions in the day to day, or called for all companies to take the day off, or spoke of the holidays spread in recent years. The collective feeling of togetherness and hopes that it sparked better understanding of the history loomed large, however. "We have to know where we came from," said Hendrix. "When we don't know where we came from, where are we going?" This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit marks Juneteenth with art and joy in Capitol Park Did Trump Know His Former Spiritual Adviser Confessed to Child Abuse?? Donald Trumps former spiritual adviser Robert Morris has confessed to inappropriate sexual behavior with a 12-year-old in an incident that allegedly happened on Christmas in 1982, according to the Christian Post. Cindy Clemishire stated that she was abused by Morris, aGateway Church pastor, until 1987. Clemishire said she tried to sue Morris in 2005, but her allegations didnt garner much attention. Morris confessed to his actions in a statement to the Christian Post, though he never addressed his victims age: When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying. It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behavior happened on several occasions over the next few years. In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of. I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young ladys father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counseling and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area. In October of 1989, Debbie and I met with her and her family, and I asked their forgiveness, and they graciously forgave me, Morris said. This sin was dealt with correctly by confession and repentance, which I did in 1987 and 1989. Morris was never criminally charged because when Clemishire decided to take legal action she was told the statute of limitations for criminal or civil action had most likely expired. In 2016, Morris was appointed to Trumps evangelical advisory board as part of his presidential campaign. In 2020, Trump praised two pastors one of whom was Morris for attending a roundtable discussion with faith leaders in Texas. Theyre great people. Great people with a great reputation. I have to say that, Trump stated. Great reputation. And Gateway church the team has been incredible in hosting us. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung stated that Trump was not aware of the allegations. [Morris] does not have a role with the 2024 campaign, Cheung said. President Trumps broad appeal among faith communities across the country is a testament to his unwavering commitment to upholding faith and the protection of religious liberties. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I dined at Disney World's only Michelin-starred restaurant for $375. You'll want to snag a reservation even if you don't care about the theme parks. I spent $375, including the tip, to dine at Disney's only Michelin-starred restaurant . Victoria & Albert's in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers an upscale prix fixe meal. Although it was expensive, I'd return for the quality service, delicious fare, and royal ambiance. Disney World made history in April by earning the first and only Michelin star for a restaurant owned and operated by a US theme park. The famed restaurant, Victoria & Albert's inside the Grand Floridian Resort, offers prix fixe tasting menus starting at $295 a person with optional drink add-ons. I've been visiting Disney World for 20 years but never stepped foot inside the Grand Floridian restaurant until this month. After hearing rave reviews from friends and influencers online, I wanted to try it myself to see what the hype was about. Here's how it went. Victoria & Albert's has been at Disney World since 1988. The restaurant has won numerous awards over the years. Casey Clark Although Victoria & Albert's only received its Michelin star in April, it opened at Disney World 20 years ago. The restaurant has also previously received accolades, such as several AAA Five Diamond awards and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star award. In other words, it's been a highly coveted reservation for years. I was let in promptly at my reservation time and had a table in the main dining room. The dining room is fairly intimate, with upscale details. Casey Clark My reservation was scheduled for 5:30 p.m., and I was promptly escorted to my table. The main dining room, which had 14 tables, had a blue theme and a giant chandelier in the middle of the ceiling. My table in the front corner was lovely. But it was close to the entrance, and I could hear the outside noise from the resort. There are also two other dining rooms in the restaurant. The Chef's Table room is smaller. Casey Clark In addition to the main dining room, there's Queen Victoria's Dining Room and the Chef's Table. Both have limited capacity and are uniquely themed to enhance the experience. For example, the Chef's Table is in the heart of the kitchen, so you can see the food being prepared right in front of your eyes. Both additional rooms are more expensive than the main dining room, with Queen Victoria's starting at $375 and the Chef's Table starting at $425. My servers were friendly and gave me a personalized keepsake menu. My menu had my name on it. Casey Clark My server, Sherry, came over and gave me a personalized menu to take home. Since I had never dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant, I had lots of questions. Luckily, all the servers were enthusiastic about providing answers and sharing their love of the establishment. The evening started with a nonalcoholic spritz as a welcome treat from the staff. I sipped on a mocktail while I looked over the 10-course meal. Casey Clark After I was seated, a server came over with a nonalcoholic spritz to cleanse the palate. It was cherry-flavored with edible flowers mixed in. I don't drink alcohol, and I didn't opt for the add-on alcohol or nonalcoholic pairings. But this was a welcome treat to start the night with. The meal consisted of 10 courses and lasted about four hours. The garganelli had a beautiful presentation. Casey Clark I'm glad I came with an empty stomach because there were 10 courses to enjoy. Each course was timed perfectly over the span of about four hours, and the combination of flavors made for a delicious evening. Some highlights included the dashi with fava beans and white asparagus, the garganelli with sugar snap peas and saffron, and the cauliflower gazpacho blanco with Marcona almonds. My favorite course was the Green Circle chicken. I loved the chicken and risotto. Casey Clark I've been to my fair share of top-notch restaurants in New York City and beyond, but I've never had food prepared quite like this. The chicken course was moist, and the risotto (made from sunflower seeds) had a unique texture that led to an explosion of flavors in my mouth. It was easily my favorite thing I ate. The harpist played Disney songs all evening. I got to request a song for the harpist. Casey Clark A harp player sat in the center of the dining room, playing music to fit the upscale ambiance. Most of the songs were from Disney movies, such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Mary Poppins," "Tangled," and "The Little Mermaid." She played intermittently, about every 20 minutes or so, and even walked around to the tables to take requests. I asked if she could play "I See the Light" from "Tangled" it was one of the highlights of my night. The last bites of the night consisted of a decadent and fruity dessert sampling. The opera cake was my favorite dessert. Casey Clark After all the decadent courses, including the main candied carrot dessert, the server brought a few small (but absolutely delicious) treats to say farewell. The opera cake blew my mind. Additionally, I ordered a chamomile tea, which was made tableside with plenty of fanfare. The bill was expensive, but I knew what I was getting myself into when I made a reservation. With tax and tip, my meal cost almost $375. Casey Clark I don't think I'd spend $295 on any meal other than one at a Michelin-starred restaurant at Disney World. All Disney restaurants can be pricey, especially character meals. But this was nearly three times the price of a meal at Crystal Palace or Chef Mickey's. Those cost about $65 a person. Frankly, I was happy that the meal was under $300 before tax and gratuity. It's still a lot, but I can try to justify the price since it's a highly regarded restaurant. When all was said and done, I paid about $375. I also don't feel the need to splurge even more on meals in the other two dining rooms this was just right for my needs. Overall, I was pleased with my visit to Victoria & Alberts and might return for a special occasion. Victoria & Albert's definitely isn't a new go-to, but it's worth the splurge occasionally. Casey Clark Of all the restaurants I've dined at in Disney World, I've never been to one quite like Victoria & Albert's. The food was spectacular, the servers were friendly and knowledgeable, and the overall ambiance and experience were unique. If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a high-quality meal at Disney, I'd definitely suggest trying to get a table. Read the original article on Business Insider (Getty Images) A new directive Attorney General Matt Platkin issued Thursday will limit but not end law enforcements ability to obtain blood samples drawn as part of a mandatory state newborn screening program. Platkins directive was released alongside a Department of Health rules change limiting how long blood drawn for newborn screenings can be retained by the state. The changes come as New Jersey faces a class-action lawsuit lodged after the Office of the Public Defender alleged New Jersey State Police obtained blood from the screening program without a warrant and used it to tie the childs father to a 1996 sexual assault. A public records lawsuit filed by the New Jersey Monitor and the Office of the Public Defender later revealed four law enforcement agencies had issued five grand jury subpoenas to the program over a period of roughly five years. Even the infrequent use of information gathered via a public-health program can impact the publics trust in such programs, which can in turn jeopardize public safety and public health, Platkin said in the directive. He said Thursdays directive would ensure law enforcement only seeks information from the newborn screening program in genuinely exceptional circumstances. Under the new rules, law enforcement would in most circumstances require court-issued subpoenas or warrants to obtain newborn blood spots, which are used to test newborns for dozens of rare and potentially deadly conditions. The directive bars law enforcement from obtaining blood spots through grand jury subpoenas, instead requiring they obtain a Dyal subpoena, a court-issued subpoena that requires authorities to show they have a reasonable basis a lesser legal standard than the probable cause required for a warrant. Law enforcement can also obtain blood spots through administrative subpoenas issued in missing-persons or unidentified-body cases. The New Jersey State Polices missing persons unit has statutory authority to issue administrative subpoenas to obtain information necessary to conduct an investigation. The Newborn Screening Program is an important public health program and it is crucial for the success of the program that its information is kept private, Platkin said in a statement. Todays Directive adds new limits to ensure law enforcement agencies only seek such information in genuinely exceptional circumstances. In each case, law enforcement agencies must file written requests with the director of the states criminal justice division that explain why other methods wont work before demanding blood spots. Attorneys at the Institute for Justice, the public-interest libertarian law firm representing plaintiffs in the class-action suit, said Platkins directive and the Department of Health rules change are a step in the right direction but still fall short of the plaintiffs goal. I think theyre trying to sound like theyre being more protective, but it seems to me to still have a lot of different ways that law enforcement can obtain these blood spots, said Brian Morris, the Institute for Justices lead attorney on the case. We think they should be off the table unless theres a warrant through the regular warrant process. The plaintiffs have alleged existing state policies on the retention and use of blood spots drawn for the screening program violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Theyve asked a judge to require the state to immediately destroy blood spots once testing is complete unless parents provide informed consent for their retention and use including by law enforcement. The Department of Healths rules change cuts how long the state can retain newborn blood spots from 23 years to up to 10 years. Under the new rules, blood spots that test negative would be destroyed two years after testing is complete, while those that test positive will be deidentified and retained for 10 years. Two years is obviously better than 23 years, but its still keeping the blood without asking parents for permission, which is really what our entire lawsuit boils down to, Morris said. The new Department of Health policy, which went into effect immediately with delays for the destruction of existing blood spots, allows parents to submit forms to have the state destroy the samples any time after testing is complete. The new policy does not prevent the Department of Health from releasing blood spots to law enforcement, though it says if there is no parental consent, it will do so only under the conditions laid out in Platkins directive. The post New directive limits but doesnt end police use of baby blood samples appeared first on New Jersey Monitor. Signage outside TikTok Inc. offices in Culver City, California, US, on March 20, 2024. Credit - Bing GuanBloomberg The U.S. Justice Department wont pursue allegations that ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok misled U.S. consumers about their data security in a forthcoming suit accusing the company of childrens privacy violations, according to people familiar with the decision. The department is preparing to file a consumer protection lawsuit against TikTok later this year on behalf of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which investigated the case, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing interagency communications. The FTC gave the Justice Department a referral with two parts. The Justice Department plans to drop one part of the complaint alleging that TikTok deceived U.S. consumers by failing to inform them that Beijing-based employees of its parent company, ByteDance, would have access to their personal and financial information, the people said. The DOJ plans to proceed with allegations the company violated the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, which bars collecting data about children under the age of 13. TikTok has faced enormous scrutiny over the security of user data and ties between its parent company, ByteDance, and the Chinese government. President Joe Biden in April signed a law that would ban TikTok unless it is sold within a year. The company is challenging the law in the courts. The department declined to comment on the decision to drop the allegations that TikTok misled consumers about data privacy. The FTC declined to comment on the DOJs decision. When the Justice Department represents another agency in court, it has the authority to determine the best litigation strategy to ensure there are no conflicts with national security concerns or other cases. Consistent with our normal approach, the Justice Department consulted with FTC in advance of this referral and will continue to do so as we consider the claims, spokesman Terrence Clark said. As always, the department will be guided by the facts and the law as well as our responsibility to protect the American people. When the FTC seeks monetary penalties such as when a firm violates a settlement agreement it must refer the matter to the Justice Department for litigation. The same goes for cases the FTC investigates under federal consumer protection laws related to childrens online privacy. The FTC recommended the agency sue TikTok over the two violations and took the unusual step of making its referral public on June 18. The FTC and Justice Department have been at odds over recent consumer protection cases involving Amazon.com Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. TikTok in 2019 paid $5.7 million to settle similar FTC allegations that it had illegally collected personal information from children. As part of that, the company agreed to provide annual reports to the agency about its data collection and compliance with the settlement. Those reports helped lead to the current case. The DOJs Consumer Protection Branch has 45 days from when the FTC makes a referral to decide whether it wishes to litigate or send the case back to the FTC. The Justice Department almost always opts to take charge of the case as it can retain as much as 3% of the civil penalties it collects. Earlier this year, the FTC asked Congress to amend the law and allow it to litigate its own cases, saying the process for referring cases to the Justice Department is badly broken. Contact us at letters@time.com. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) After a 19-day trial a jury convicted Fresno residents Marcus Asay, 68, and the former city manager of the City of Parlier, Antonio Gastelum, 53, and their company Agricultural Contracting Services Association dba American Labor Alliance (ALA), U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Talbert says they were convicted of committing a multi-year pension fraud scheme. According to Talbert, the jury convicted Asay and ALA of committing separate workers compensation and hardship exemption fraud schemes. The hardship exemption fraud scheme involved a supposed exemption from the Affordable Care Acts requirement that people obtain health insurance or pay a significant shared responsibility payment when they file their taxes. Finally, the jury convicted Asay of laundering money that he received from the pension fraud scheme. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Asay was the founder and chairman of ALA, and Gastelum was the companys Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Compliance Officer. Gastelum is also the former city manager for the City of Parlier. From 2011 through 2019, the defendants offered three sham products: a retirement plan, workers compensation coverage, and hardship exemption. Pension Fraud Scheme For the pension fraud scheme, Talberts says Asay, Gastelum, and ALA falsely represented to over 3,000 people that they would protect and invest their retirement money through a 401(k) Plan. However, instead, they used the money for improper business and personal expenses. The improper expenses included restaurants, travel, credit cards, rare coins, transfers to Asays personal retirement account, online companion websites, and rent for Asays lakefront house in Fresno. The defendants then covered up the fact that the retirement money was gone by taking money the company received from the workers compensation fraud scheme and holding those funds out as pension funds. The loss caused by the pension fraud scheme was over $750,000. Workers Compensation Fraud Scheme According to Talbert, for the workers compensation fraud scheme, Asay and ALA falsely represented that national insurers backed the workers compensation coverage that the company offered in several states, including California. The defendants did so by listing the national insurers on the certificates of insurance and policy declarations that the company issued to customers. The accuracy of the certificates of insurance and policy declarations was important to the customers because they needed to present these items to their own customers and regulators as proof of having workers compensation coverage in order to continue doing business. When government authorities began investigating the workers compensation fraud scheme, the defendants sent letters to customers telling them not to cooperate. The loss caused by the workers compensation fraud scheme was over $2,250,000. Hardship Exemption Fraud Scheme According to Talbert, for the hardship exemption fraud scheme, Asay and ALA falsely represented that for a few hundred dollars they could provide people with an exemption that would protect them from The Affordable Care Acts shared responsibility payment for not having health insurance when, in fact, only government agencies could issue such exemptions. Moreover, the exemptions were free to those who qualified. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dozens try to illegally cross border every day, interior minister says Dozens of people try to illegally cross Ukraine's border into the EU every day, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) published on June 20. Men of the conscription age are prohibited from leaving the country during martial law, save for several exceptions. Many attempt to reach neighboring countries in spite of that, hoping to avoid mobilization. "We are talking about dozens of people every day. Sometimes 10, sometimes 20, sometimes 30," Klymenko said in the interview. "This includes not only those who try to swim across the Tysa River or go through the forest or the mountains but also those who try to use fake documents at checkpoints." According to the minister, the latter example represents 15% of all cases. Several men had been found dead while attempting the perilous crossing across the Tysa River, which runs along the borders of Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, or through the mountains. Klymenko said that Ukrainian authorities are "technically ill-equipped" to fully close the border with the EU for those citizens who try to cross illegally. He refused to provide overall statistics but rejected that the number of people who crossed or attempted to cross would reach tens of thousands. Romanian police told RFE/RL in May that about 11,000 Ukrainian men have illegally crossed the border into Romania since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. According to Klymenko, negotiations with EU countries on the return of men who illegally left Ukraine are ongoing, but no such plans are being put forward in European capitals. The minister also said that cross-border smuggling has dropped by around 30-40% as smugglers began instead illegally transporting people across the border. Some countries, like Lithuania or Poland, voiced support for helping Ukraine bring back its military-aged men living abroad but rejected the possibility of forcibly deporting them. Read also: 32 Ukrainians reportedly detained in Hungary after illegal border crossing Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Driver hospitalized after semi crashes into train in Ohio A driver is hospitalized after a semi crashed into a train Wednesday in Ohio. >>14-year-old boy dies after crashing horse-driven buggy into train in Ohio Hardin County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched just before noon to initial reports of a train crash on State Route 31 in Mount Victory, according to our news partner WBNS in Columbus. The sheriffs office said on social media that the railroad crossing on SR 31 and Main Street is back open after being closed in the village of Mt. Victory. Medics transported the driver to the hospital, deputies told WBNS. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday thanked the United States for providing $360 million in arms and support equipment to elevate the island nation's military readiness and maintain peace as China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its sovereign nation. File Photo by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA-EFE June 19 (UPI) -- The United States will send Taiwan $360 million in arms and support equipment as the U.S. ally faces increasingly aggressive maneuvers by China. The Biden administration approved the arms deal Tuesday, which includes armed drones, missile equipment and support materials. The United States will send Taiwan 291 Altius-600M drone systems that contain warheads and another 720 long-range Switchblade loitering drones that are launched from portable tubes. U.S. State Department officials said the arms deal is in line with the nation's strategic national interests and supports stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude Tuesday for the arms during a news conference in Taipei. He said the arms will help Taiwan improve its military readiness while maintaining peace along the Taiwan Strait that separates the island of Taiwan from the Chinese mainland to the west. Lai and other Taiwanese officials are determined to maintain the island nation's security amid continued threats by China, which has claimed Taiwan as part of China's sovereign territory. Recent military exercises by China, done in close proximity to Taiwan, have involved naval vessels and fighter aircraft that many view as an intimidation tactic. Chinese officials in Beijing oppose Taiwan's alliance with the United States and say China has a sovereign right to return Taiwan to Chinese control. Drunk Driver Drove to Work with Severed Arm of Pedestrian He Killed in the Passenger Seat, Police Say Juan Morgan Munoz, 31, is allegely behind a fatal hit-and-run in Dallas Getty Police car in Dallas A Dallas man has been arrested after allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian while drunk driving, and then driving to his place of employment with he victims severed arm in the passenger seat of the vehicle. The Dallas Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that Juan Morgan Munoz, 31, was arrested and charged with felony DWI and collision involving death. They added that additional charges are possible. He was taken to the Dallas County jail after reportedly fleeing the scene of the fatal accident, according to news outlets KDFW and WFAA. Getty Stock image of police handcuffs Although Munoz did call 911 to alert authorities, he allegedly did not do so until more than 30 minutes after the unidentified victim was killed, around 12:30 a.m early Saturday morning, according to KDFW. The driver reportedly confessed to hitting the victim near Storey Lane and I-35E, but continued on his way to work about a mile away, according to both news outlets. Authorities arrived at Munoz's job at Maaco Auto Body Shop after Munoz made his phone call, according to the outlets. They allegedly found his white BMW with a "hole in the front passenger windshield" and "an entire arm on the front passenger seat" along with blood. Related: Ex-Corporal Sentenced for Hit-and-Run Death of Calif. Dad Who Was Returning Home from Sister's Grave He also reportedly had "glassy/watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, according to an arrest warrant affidavit reportedly obtained by the local news stations. When given a breathalyzer test, Munoz's reading allegedly came back as a .179, which is more than twice the legal limit, according to WFAA. LAURA BUCKMAN/AFP via Getty Police car in Dallas Munoz reportedly told the officers he had "one Patron shot in the afternoon, and had been coming from a Hooters in Grand Prairie before heading to work. He did not pass any of the field sobriety tests given to him, per WFAA. Before being booked into jail, Munoz reportedly admitted that cocaine was also in his system, also according to WFAA. 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. Related: Calif. Man, 100, Is Dead After Being Struck by Car in Hit-and-Run: 'Really a Shock' The pedestrian who was killed has not been identified. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Dueling GOP budgets: NC House Repubs advance proposal that Senate counterparts say is too generous NC House Speaker Tim Moore presides over Wednesdays budget debate. (Photo: NCGA video stream) Republicans in the state House were hit from all sides Wednesday as they gave preliminary approval to their $31.7 billion budget proposal. Their House Democratic colleagues condemned the budget for proposing to spend about $500 million on private school vouchers money they said could be better used to increase public school teacher pay, give more help to childcare centers that are floundering as pandemic-era federal support dries up, or provide emergency funding to the State Employee Health Plan. Shortly after the House nudged its budget along with a 73-36 vote, Senate Republicans released their own proposed budget, which does not include some of the new spending House Republicans want. The budget showdown will land at the Legislative Building on Thursday morning. The House is scheduled to take a final vote on its budget and the Senate is set to hold a committee hearing on its proposal. State employees and teachers will see significant differences in the two GOP budget proposals. While the House added a bit more to the teacher and state employee raises already set to begin July 1, the Senate did not. The Senate proposal does not have the 2% one-time bonus for government retirees that the House included. At a Senate committee meeting Wednesday, New Hanover Republican Sen. Mike Lee said the chances of the House budget getting through the legislature were slim to none. The House and Senate must agree on a budget before it goes to Gov. Roy Cooper. Republicans in both chambers want more money for private school vouchers. Cooper, a Democrat, has repeatedly criticized voucher spending. Rep. Jeffrey Elmore Rep. Jeffrey Elmore, urging support for the budget, said House members shouldnt pass up the chance to give bigger raises and offer retiree bonuses. You have to look at whats in front of you and what you have the opportunity to do, he said. Our neighboring chamber wants to do nothing. Rep. Jimmy Dixon, a Duplin County Republican, pronounced the House budget magnificent. Four Democrats voted with all Republicans to approve the budget. But most House Democrats were against it, with several focusing their criticism on the increased spending on private school vouchers. Applications for vouchers exploded after the legislature lifted the household income cap last year to allow even the wealthiest families to qualify for tuition subsidies for private schools. Republicans want to ensure that every family who wants vouchers will have them. These people are expecting it because we promised, Elmore said. House Democrats said handing out money for vouchers is not right when the state has so many other needs. This is not a budget bill, said Rep. Lindsey Prather, a Buncombe County Democrat. This is a taxpayer-funded private school voucher bill. Rather than spend money on vouchers, the state needs to raise pay to attract and retain teachers, she said. The House budget includes $135 million for childcare subsidies to partially fill a $300 million gap left by the sunsetting federal support. The $135 million is not enough to help childcare centers, said Rep. Julie von Haefen, a Wake County Democrat. Now that the federal grants are ending, they have several horrible choices, she said. Their choices are to cut staff salaries, raise fees on parents, or close. Rep. Wesley Harris, a Charlotte Democrat, criticized the budget for failing to provide emergency funding to the State Employee Health Plan and for offering the 2% bonus to retirees as only a temporary increase. A one-time bonus does not do it, he said. It has to be permanent. The post Dueling GOP budgets: NC House Repubs advance proposal that Senate counterparts say is too generous appeared first on NC Newsline. Duquesne Light Company has released a new estimated timeline for when customers should expect their power to be back on. Severe storms this week have left hundreds of both Duquesne Light and First Energy customers without power for several days. On Thursday, Duquesne Light said that after Mondays storms, their crews as well as mutual assistance crews from Ohio and West Virginia were working to restore power to 650 customers. On Friday morning, about 50 customers were without power, according to the companys website. All Duquesne Light customers are expected to have power by 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21. A majority of customers are expected to be restored soon, the company said. Customers who remain without power should consider alternate arrangements to stay cool and safe, especially during this historic heat wave, Duquesne Light said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: He was a really loving guy: Friends remember bicyclist killed by live wires in North Park 2 homes damaged by bullets during incident in McCandless; 1 person in custody Peters Township home destroyed in possible electrical outlet fire VIDEO: Rochester riverfront undergoing revamp DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Dutch prime minister set to be next NATO chief after opposition bows out Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is set to be the next head of the Western security alliance NATO after the only remaining opposition candidate bowed out of the race Thursday. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, who had sought the leadership position along with Rutte, announced he was no longer interested during a meeting with his security council on Thursday. Iohannis also asked the council to support Rutte for his bid, putting the Dutch leader at the finish line. Romania is the only remaining NATO country of the 32 members yet to have approved him for the top job. Hungary was also another major holdout on Ruttes candidacy, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced this week he reached a deal with the Dutch leader that Budapest would not take part in NATOs support for Ukraine nor would Hungarian funds be used to support Kyiv. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has had his term extended four times, but he will finish his current term in October. Several candidates had vied for the alliances top job, including Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins. Other candidates were reportedly interested, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and former U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. When Rutte assumes the top job, he will do so at a more perilous time, with the largest land war in Europe since World War II raging in Ukraine and Russia gaining the initiative on the battlefield against Kyiv. NATO is also under strain from within, as former President Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, has threatened not to defend countries that do not pay enough in defense spending. While defense spending has historically been low for many European nations, the war in Ukraine has spurred renewed investment. This week, Stoltenberg announced a record 23 allies will spend at least 2 percent of economic output on defense this year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Easing federal marijuana rules: Theres still a long way to go In this photo illustration, marijuana joints and buds, also known as flower, are viewed on May 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images) More than a month after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration proposed loosening a federal prohibition on marijuana, the next phases of policy fights over the drugs status are starting to take shape. Public comments, which the DEA is accepting on the proposal until mid-July, will likely include an analysis of the economic impact of more lenient federal rules. Administrative law hearings, a venue for opponents to challenge executive branch decisions, will likely follow, with marijuanas potential for abuse a possible issue. Congress, meanwhile, could act on multiple related issues, including banking access for state-legal marijuana businesses and proposals to help communities harmed by the decades of federal prohibition. U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat from Oregon and longtime advocate for legalizing marijuana whos retiring at the end of the year, is encouraging his colleagues to build on the administrations action by taking up bills on those related issues. The politics of the issue should favor action, even in the face of an upcoming campaign season that typically slows legislative action, Blumenauer said in a May 17 interview, noting the popularity of a more permissive approach to the drug. Congress may not do a lot between now and November, but they should, the 14-term House member said. Because its an election year, theres no downside to being more aggressive. Economic impact In a proposed rule published in the Federal Register last month, the DEA specifically asked commenters to weigh in on the economic impacts of moving the drug from Schedule I to the less-restrictive Schedule III list under the federal Controlled Substances Act. That will likely mean the agency will consider the impact of allowing state-legal marijuana businesses to deduct business expenses from their federal taxes, Mason Tvert, a partner at Denver-based cannabis policy and public affairs firm Strategies 64, said in an interview. Under current law, no deductions are allowed. That issue is seen by advocates, including Blumenauer and fellow Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden, who chairs the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, as paramount for the industry. Thousands of state-legal businesses struggle to earn a profit or operate at a loss under the current system, Blumenauer said. Potential for abuse The DEA typically looks at three factors when assessing how strictly to regulate a drug: its medicinal value, potential for abuse relative to other drugs and ability to cause physical addiction. A 2023 analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that looked at data from states where medicinal marijuana is legal showed that there exists some credible scientific support for the medical use of marijuana. That finding could lead DEA to look at other factors, Tvert said. The battleground that well see will be around how we define potential for abuse, he said. Agencies split? But the DEA proposed rule revealed a divided view among government agencies about the drugs potential harms, Paul Armentano, the deputy director for the longtime leading advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, told States Newsroom. The text of the proposed rule shows a lack of consensus among HHS, the Attorney Generals Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, he said. There are several points in the DEAs proposed rule where they express a desire to see additional evidence specific to concerns that the agency has about the potential effects of cannabis, particularly as they pertain to abuse potential and potential harms, Armentano said. The HHS addresses those issues, but the DEA essentially says, Wed like to see more information on it. Kevin Sabat, the president and CEO of the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, agreed that the DEA did not appear to agree with the HHS conclusion that medical uses exist. The proposed rule just brings up all these issues with the HHSs determination and it basically invites comment on all those issues, he said. Administrative law hearing Sabats group will also be petitioning for a DEA administrative hearing, he said. An administrative law judge could rule that the proposal should not go through or that it should be amended to remain stricter than the initial proposal described. Were going to highlight the fact that, first of all, this does not have approved or accepted medical use, he said. Tvert said the accepted medical value question is likely not to be a major factor in an administrative law hearing. Several medical organizations and states that allow medicinal use have already endorsed its medicinal value, he said. Instead, the focus will turn to the drugs potential for abuse, he said. What will be critical is looking at cannabis relative to other substances that are currently II or III or not on the schedule, and determining whether cannabis should be on Schedule I when alcohol is not even on the schedules and ketamine is Schedule III. As of June 6, nearly 12,000 people had commented on the proposal in the first 18 days since its publication. While opinion polls show that most Americans favor liberalizing cannabis laws a Pew Research Center survey in March found 57% of U.S. adults favor full legalization while only 11% say it should be entirely illegal the public comments so far represent a full spectrum of views on the topic. This rule is a horrible idea, this should remain in Schedule I, one comment read. Marijuana is a gateway drug and ruins lives. There are no negative side effects to its use, another commenter, who favored fully legalizing the substance, wrote. Its not harmful. The only harm is what the government has done to me and America. Shame on the people that continue to oppose this. Seriously shame on anyone that would stand in the way of this change. Congressional action? Blumenauer authored a memo last month on the path forward for reform as the rescheduling process plays out. He listed four bills for Congress to consider this year. One, sponsored by House Democrats, would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substance Act schedule entirely and expunge prior offenses. A bipartisan bill would make changes to the banking laws to allow state-legal businesses greater access to loans and other financial services. Another, cosponsored with Florida Republican Brian Mast, would allow Veterans Administration health providers to discuss state-legal medicinal marijuana with veteran patients. Blumenauer has also co-written language for appropriations bills that would prevent the Department of Justice from prosecuting marijuana businesses that are legal under state or tribal law. All of these things are overwhelmingly popular, theyre important, we have legislative vehicles and supporters, he said. Still, there may be disagreements about what to pursue next. Recent years have seen disagreements among Democratic supporters of legalization over whether to prioritize banking or criminal justice reforms. A banking overhaul has much greater bipartisan support, and advocates on all sides of the issue agree its the most likely to see congressional action. But some who support changes to banking laws in principle object to focusing on improving the business environment without first addressing the harms they say prohibition has caused to largely non-white and disadvantaged communities. As recently as 2021, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described banking reform legislation as too narrow. Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, called it a common-sense policy but said that he favored a more comprehensive approach. Ive gone around with Cory on that, Blumenauer said. More than anybody in Congress, Im in favor of the major reforms, and weve been fighting for racial justice and equity but (racial justice and banking reforms) are not mutually exclusive. In September, Booker agreed to co-sponsor the banking reform bill after winning a promise from Schumer that a separate bill to help expunge criminal records would also receive a vote. Neither measure has actually received a floor vote. In a statement following the administrations announcement on rescheduling, Booker praised the move, but called for further action from Congress. That includes passing a bill hes sponsored that would decriminalize the drug at the federal level, expunge the records of people convicted of federal marijuana crimes and direct federal funding to communities most harmed by the failed War on Drugs, according to a summary from Bookers office. We still have a long way to go, Booker said in the statement on rescheduling. Thousands of people remain in prisons around the country for marijuana-related crimes. They continue to bear the devastating consequences that come with a criminal history. Blumenauer said Congress should act on the proposals that have widespread support from voters. This not low-hanging fruit, this is having them pick it up off the ground, he said. There is no other controversial issue that has as much bipartisan support thats awaiting action. The post Easing federal marijuana rules: Theres still a long way to go appeared first on Kentucky Lantern. By now youve seen the tragic post-Dobbs headlines: rape victims driving hundreds of miles for an abortion, women who almost died waiting to be sick enough to end their pregnancies, others giving birth to babies they knew wouldnt survive . Its horrifying and its largely thanks to the 21 abortion bans that have passed since Roe was overturned two years ago. Abortion restrictions were just the tip of the iceberg. Back in 2022, Clarence Thomas said the Supreme Court should reconsider the 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage when he concurred with the Dobbs decision. Now, two years later, gay marriage is still legal, but there are a whopping 39 state laws targeting LGBTQ+ people in health care, schools, and public spaces. Its all part of a really disturbing trend: The anti-abortion playbook and the anti-LGBTQ+ playbook are one and the same, in the words of GLAAD president. Both are about denying control over our bodies and making it more dangerous for us to live as we are. And if you still doubt these issues are connected? Anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions are even showing up on the same bill as abortion bans. And lets not forget, LGBTQ+ people have abortions too. Although theyre usually left out of the reproductive rights conversation, the reality is around 16 percent of people who get abortions do not identify as straight women. In fact, queer women and non-binary people who can get pregnant are more likely than straight women to seek abortions. So its well past time we made queer people a crucial part of the abortion rights dialogue. And what better moment to double down than during Pride month and on the second anniversary of the Dobbs ruling. Here, are four LGBTQ+ people on the unique struggles they faced when having abortions...and how theyre fighting for reproductive freedoms on their own terms. Bex, 27, North Carolina I had my first abortion when I was 20. I was a college student living in rural Texas and had very little experience navigating the medical system. The process was daunting. I didnt know about abortion funds . I had $50 in my bank account, so I took out student loans to cover the cost, which was $580. Before I could have the abortion, I had to make two 90-minute trips to the nearest clinic. The first was for a vaginal ultrasound I did not want or need, and the second was to listen to the fetal heartbeat. Both days, I had to be there for hours. In the end I was able to get the medication abortion I wanted. I identify as gender fluid and gender queer, which can be hard to explain. Certain aspects of traditional femininity, like wearing dresses at formal events or having my nails painted, make me very dysphoric, meaning I feel disconnected from my body. Being pregnant felt the same way. When I was 20 and pregnant, I didnt have the words to describe my feelings, but I knew it felt wrong. I couldnt understand why my body was trying to make me a mother. It felt like my body was betraying me, trying to become a mother against my will, which was almost embarrassing. Ive now had four abortions. My most recent one was after the Dobbs ruling, when I decided to self-manage and take abortion pills without a doctors prescription or supervision. I was tired of the logistical and financial barriers that came with getting this care, and the growing hostility toward trans people has made me uncomfortable in medical settings, both of which the post-Dobbs landscape only seemed to exacerbate. I knew that after Roe, the barriers I experienced previously like cost, travel, unnecessary waiting periods, and state-mandated counseling would be even worse. I took mifepristone , which blocks the hormone needed for pregnancy to continue, and misoprostol, which induces contractions to expel the pregnancy, and Id already had the pills. The experience was so much less stressful and more empowering than the previous times Id gotten abortions. I had agency. I didnt have to wait for an appointment. I knew I had the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline and could speak with a clinician if I wanted to, but I didnt have to talk to doctors about my sex life or depend on them for access to care. Now, I help other people who are going through the same thing. Brendane Tynes, 30, Baltimore, Maryland During the second to last year of my doctoral studies, I dated a cisgender man for the first time. In March 2022, about three months into the relationship, I missed my period. An at-home pregnancy test was positive and immediately knew I wanted an abortion. My partner was stoic and hands off. You can do whatever you want, he said. Soon after I took the test, my deeply religious grandmother called to tell me shed had a dream I was pregnant. By this time, I had already booked my appointment and although it was painful to lie to her, I felt like I had to. Id been discriminated against in the past when seeking help for heavy, painful periods. I felt apprehensive, not just about the procedure itself but about finding a provider who would understand and respect my identity. When I arrived at Planned Parenthood for the appointment, there were posters on the wall that read Abortion is not just a womens issue. As a Black queer person getting an abortion, the message felt affirming. Because I couldnt afford the procedure, the clinic covered the cost. The staff, particularly a Black woman with sisterlocks like mine, answered all my questions with a smile and held my hand through the process. Still, the experience was isolating. I booked a hotel room and went through the rest of the procedure. The physical pain was less severe than my heavy, painful menstrual cycles, but the emotional toll was intense. My partner didnt stay with me at the hotel, and I later found out he had been sleeping with other people while we were together and had even gotten someone else pregnant. I bled for longer than expected. What should have been a two-day process lasted for 15 days. No one told me I might bleed for that long. If they had, I would have made the same choices, but I could have prepared better for the process. I wish there had been more information on how to navigate post-procedure emotional challenges as a queer person. I realized I was missing a supportive community of peers. When youre going through this, its so easy to convince yourself that youre the only queer person whos ever had an abortion. Later on, I found solidarity within queer and trans communities and it helped me navigate the complexities of abortion care while honoring my identity and values. Now, I feel like abortion is not just about ending a pregnancy; its an empowering, life-affirming act. DakotaRei Frausto, 19, San Antonio, Texas I knew I wanted kids, but I didnt want to give birth to them. I got pregnant when I was 17. That same year, I was diagnosed with menstrual dysphoric disorder syndrome. There is a high likelihood Ill experience postpartum depression if I get pregnant and I didnt want to risk that. Because Im non-binary, witnessing my body change so rapidly when I was pregnant felt like an invasion of my identity and a betrayal of my sense of self. My fiance and I had already agreed that if I ever became pregnant, I would get an abortion. Living in Texas, it was nearly impossible to access abortion care. At the time I got pregnant, abortions were illegal after six weeks of pregnancy. This is before most people realize theyve missed their period. By the time I found out I was pregnant, it was too late to get an abortion in Texas plus I would have needed parental consent or a judicial bypass because I was 17, so I traveled 700 miles to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The entire trip cost around $2,000 and took two days. The clinic went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and respect my identity. They asked me what type of music I wanted to listen to during my procedure and asked for my pronouns and if I had a preferred name. I felt like a person, not just a patient. The nurses explained every step of the process in detail, always asking for my permission before proceeding with anything, and checking in to make sure I was comfortable. The sedation was administered smoothly and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The procedure only lasted around 10 minutes. Ive often felt misunderstood or judged by medical professionals. When I described debilitating symptoms like severe pelvic pain, fatigue, and heavy bleeding, doctors brushed off my concerns or minimized them. One doctor told me, Periods are supposed to hurt for girls. It was especially dismissive because although I have a period, I dont identify as a girl. Because the staff at the abortion clinic respected my non-binary identity and helped me understand the procedure, I never felt like a teenager who didnt know what they were doing but like someone capable of making informed decisions about my own body. Ash Williams, 31, Eastern North Carolina I had two abortions between 2016 and 2018 because I was experiencing domestic violence and felt like it wasnt safe to be pregnant. In 2016, I wanted a surgical abortion because I needed it to be quick. When I went to the clinic in Charlotte, there was heavy police presence and anti-abortion protestors. Im a queer, Black trans man and had been involved in activism after the police killed Keith Lamont Scott . Seeing officers outside the clinic made me feel vulnerable and anxiousgetting an abortion is already very emotional. In North Carolina at the time, there was a mandatory 72-hour waiting period, and the counseling sessions felt judgmental and patronizing. Afterward, a friend who was a white trans woman waited for me to recover, took me to McDonalds, and made me collard greens. She was my support companion. The usual person we see seeking an abortion is a white, middle-class, cisgender, able-bodied woman. But here I wasa Black, low-income, disabled trans manI didnt see myself reflected in the stories or experiences shared by others seeking abortion care. I felt like an outsider, so I became an abortion doula. I dont want other people to navigate these systems alone. Our experiences can be understood, but we will have to educate along the way. Through my work at an abortion fund, I developed an abortion doula-training program that trained 120 people in its first year. I love everyone whos ever had an abortion, and Im going to keep supporting people as an abortion doula and support companion. The fight for abortion access is about bodily autonomy. For me, all health care is gender-affirming. You Might Also Like Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand mosque in the holy city of Mecca, during the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam that must be carried out by all adult Muslims at least once in their lifetime. It takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar. -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it has deployed consular teams in Mecca and the holy sites to find missing Egyptians, amid reports that hundreds have died due to intense heat during the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage. Consular teams are currently visiting hospitals to find Egyptian citizens receiving treatment or bodies of those who have passed away and match them with lists of people reported missing by their relatives, the ministry said in a statement. Unconfirmed reports said that hundreds of Egyptians died during the Hajj. The privately-owned Masrawy website published a report under the headline "A terrifying toll," which included a list with names of 323 Egyptians who have reportedly died during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. However, authorities have not released any official toll. The foreign ministry said that since there is a large number of Egyptian pilgrims who are not registered with the official Hajj database, it needs "double the effort and longer time to search for those missing and find their relatives." The ministry said it will continue "to exert all efforts in coordination with the Saudi authorities to ensure finding the missing Egyptian citizens as quickly as possible," and secure their return back home. Some 1.8 pilgrims took part in this year's Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, which began in Mecca on Friday evening in blistering heat. The temperature in Mecca and other nearby holy sites hovered around 50 degrees Celsius through Tuesday's final pilgrimage day. Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand mosque in the holy city of Mecca, during the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam that must be carried out by all adult Muslims at least once in their lifetime. It takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar. -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The City of El Pasos Mayor Oscar Leeser released a statement on the recent wildfires in Ruidoso on Thursday, June 20. His statement is the following: The bravery shown by the first responders in Ruidoso is admirable, and the strength and resilience of Ruidosos residents as they face this terrible tragedy demonstrates the strength and unity of their community. I have been moved by the swift action and generosity of El Pasoans who have quickly provided assistance in multiple ways, and by the way this whole region has mobilized to help our New Mexico neighbors. We ask our community to join in prayer for all those affected by this devastating disaster. The South Fork Fire is estimated at 16,335 acres with zero percent containment. The Salt Fire is estimated at 7,071 acres with 0 percent containment, the New Mexico Forestry Division said on Thursday. Both of the fires are burning on Mescalero tribal land, US Forest Service land, and the area surrounding Ruidoso. Two people have also died as a result of the fires, according to New Mexico State Police. 2 confirmed dead as wildfires grow in Ruidoso Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An IBEW Local 46 electrician on strike. (IBEW Local 46) More than 1,000 striking electricians in the Puget Sound region are back on job sites Thursday after voting overwhelmingly to approve a new three-year contract. The strike is over, and it is time to return to work, lead negotiator Megan Kirby wrote to members Wednesday following the ratification vote. It has been a long journey. I cannot express how proud I am of this unit with their commitment and solidarity. IBEW 46 limited energy electricians went on strike April 11 as they sought a new multi-year deal with the National Electrical Contractors Association. The strike disrupted construction at major job sites, including Microsoft and Amazon office buildings. The agreement includes a $12.50 per hour raise over three years beginning with a $1.50-an-hour hike on Aug. 2. Future increases are planned in February and August of 2025 and 2026 with a final pay boost of $2.75 an hour on Feb. 1, 2027, according to information Kirby posted on social media. The deal also includes and a memorandum of understanding to continue discussing paid time off, a core demand of the workers. The contract offer was approved by 85% of voting members, according to Kirbys letter. We are pleased that both parties were able to come together and allow the collective bargaining process to function as intended, said Jameson Schwetz, executive director of the Puget Sound chapter of NECA, in a statement. This agreement is a testament to our dedication to fostering a collaborative and respectful working environment. The electricians pressed the National Electrical Contractors Association for paid holidays, higher pay and increased safety measures like ensuring radios are available to workers on all job sites. Approval comes a week after workers overwhelmingly rejected an offer from the contractors that included an hourly wage increase of $12.75 over three years, the highest ever presented in the unions history. That offer wouldve taken away their ability to strike. The agreement approved Wednesday covers limited energy, or low voltage, electricians who are part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 46. Limited energy electricians install and repair systems like fire alarms, building security systems and phone and fiber optic lines. The full membership of the limited energy unit totals around 1,025. Editors note: This story was updated with comments from the National Electrical Contractors Association. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the limited energy unit of IBEW 46 went on strike in 1945. The post Electricians in Puget Sound region approve contract offer, end strike appeared first on Washington State Standard. Elon Musk Appeals To Advertisers Again, Walks Back Call For Some To Go F**k' Themselves Elon Musk tried to woo advertisers back to the social media giant X on Wednesday, walking back his challenge last year that some companies should go fuck themselves for pausing their ad buys at the time. Musk spoke at the annual Cannes Lions advertising festival in France on Wednesday, saying his comments last November were meant to protect free speech on the platform, formerly known as Twitter. First of all, it wasnt to advertisers as a whole. It was with respect to freedom of speech, Musk told the crowd. It is important to have a global free speech platform where people with a wide range of opinions can voice their views. In some cases there were advertisers who were insisting on censorship. Were going to support free speech rather than agree to be censored for money, he went on. Elon Musk attends the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity in France. Marc Piasecki via Getty Images The billionaire made the offending remarks at the New York Times DealBook Summit last year. Companies were pulling their ads after Musk appeared to endorse an antisemitic post on X amid the war between Israel and Hamas. The site was also reeling after reports some ads for major companies appeared next to pro-Nazi and white nationalist content. Musk rejected any claims that he was antisemitic and has long defended X as a bastion of free speech. If somebodys going to try and blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go fuck yourself, Musk said during the summit last year. Go. Fuck. Yourself. On Wednesday, Musk went on to say advertisers had a right to appear next to content they find compatible with their brands. What is not cool is insisting that there can be no content they disagree with on the platform, he said. In order for X to be the public square for the world, it really better be a free speech platform, he went on. Now, that doesnt mean people can say illegal things. Its free speech within the bounds of the law. Related... The situation of limited electricity supply will improve in August 2024 following the completion of scheduled repairs at a number of power units, the head of Ukraine's Energy Supervision Inspectorate, Ruslan Slobodyan, announced on June 19. In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure in a renewed assault against the country's energy grid. As a result of the attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine began implementing rolling blackouts on May 15. According to Slobodyan, the agency is working on a list of facilities that demand constant energy supplies in each region of the country. He also emphasized that Russian troops had caused serious damage and sometimes completely destroyed maneuvering generation facilities, which caused a shortage of electricity and the need to introduce stabilization outages. The Agency chief also discussed mandatory scheduled repairs that are currently underway in Ukraine's power units. As these repairs continue, Slobodyan says, the electricity supply situation is expected to be somewhat difficult in the next month and a half. Slobodyan expects "some relief" in August after the completion of the repairs at these units and a reduction in the number of facilities with guaranteed electricity supply. Energy suppliers across all sectors continue to suffer from Russian attacks. As a result of Russian attacks, about 45% of the facilities belonging to Ukraine's state-owned hydropower energy company, Ukrhydroenergo, have been destroyed. The company recently announced plans to restore 1 GW of generation in the short term and another 2.5 GW in long-term construction plans. "Currently, the company's short-term plans include the intensive restoration of 1,000 MW of capacity for the normal passage of the autumn-winter period," the Ukrhydroenergo statement reads. "The long-term plans include the construction of 2,500 MW of new capacity. In addition, the key project is the reconstruction of the Kakhov HPP." Ukrhydroenergo is also collecting water resources to help power the system in difficult months while also intensifying its cooperation with international partners to restore damaged energy infrastructure as soon as possible. Read also: Ukraines energy supplier: Ukrainians may have electricity for 6-7 hours per day in winter Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SANDWICH Growing up in Sandwich, David DeConto recalls summer days spent at Town Neck Beach on the shoulder of Cape Cod, with the dunes towering like rogue waves, and the beach offering an expansive swath of tawny sand as a buffer between the bay and the adjacent saltmarsh. "I took swimming lessons down there in the '60s," DeConto said. Often, childhood memories make things loom larger than they really are, but in this case, DeConto now director of the Sandwich Natural Resources Department can say without any doubt that his recollections of bigger dunes and a wider beach ring true. Whittled down by the machinations of the jetties at the eastern entrance to the Cape Cod Canal, which for decades have restricted the natural distribution of sand along the coastline, the barrier beach is now measurably a mere sliver of what it once was. It is a situation made all the worse by severe erosion from battering storms. By this time next year, though, DeConto is excited to say he will be able to see his boyhood memories of Town Neck Beach restored. It's all part a multi-million-dollar beach restoration project. After more than 10 years of effort by town officials, the town's Congressional delegation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District, the project is finally about to get underway. "We're going to move approximately 320,000 cubic yards of sand onto the beach," DeConto said, sounding almost like a kid getting ready to build the biggest sandcastle ever as he discussed details of the plan. "That's a lot of sand." In places, the dune system will "go up about 10 feet from where it is now," and the beach will go out about 100 feet farther, he explained. A morning walker takes in the erosion eating away on Tuesday at Town Neck Beach in Sandwich. A $15M sand replacement project is scheduled to start soon after a 20-year effort by federal, state and town officials. More money as vision for beach is realized On June 7, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, joined Town Manager George "Bud" Dunham, Army Corps of Engineers District Commander Justin Pabis, and Select Board members at Town Neck in celebration of the project's progress toward a stepping off point this year. Markey also announced he was able to add language to the Senate Water Resource Development Act to increase the federal statutory funding cap for the work from the previously authorized $12.5 million to $15 million. The project will be done under the auspices of Section 111 of the 1968 Rivers and Harbors Act, which provides authority for the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake projects for prevention or mitigation of damages caused by federal navigation work. "The good news here is we're not talking three years," Markey said. Work is expected to occur sometime between Oct. 15 and March 15. A rare federal project It's been a long row to hoe to get to this point, Dunham said. "It's something that we literally sent a letter to the Army Corps on 20 years ago and it's been two decades of work to get us to today," the town manager said. Town officials are particularly grateful in light of the fact that Section 111 project authorizations are rare: in 56 years, fewer than 30 have been approved nationwide, Dunham said. "To finally break through and be able to get the project accomplished, it's amazing," he said. Signs warn beachgoers on Tuesday to stay on the pathways to help prevent erosion from foot traffic at Town Neck Beach in Sandwich. Town Neck Beach has been steadily starved of sand "largely because of an engineering mistake decades ago" as part of the Cape Cod Canal project, started in 1935 and completed in 1940, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Preventing potential disaster The beach and dune restoration is designed to increase coastal resiliency at Town Neck, preventing what would add up to disastrous storm damage to residential neighborhoods, businesses, and the towns historic district if nothing is done. Without the project, DeConto said, eventually there would be a breach of the barrier beach and the waters of Cape Cod Bay "would come right through." "We'd lose the marsh. We'd actually have Sandwich Harbor," he said. It's a pressing concern in the face of predicted sea level rise and more frequent and severe storms owing to climate change. "Climate change is clearly threatening Massachusetts," Markey said during his June 7 visit. "We have the second fastest warming body of water the Gulf of Maine. Except for the Arctic, we're in the upper one percentile of the fastest warming waters, which increases the impacts on the beaches, so it's something that we absolutely have to pay attention to. The Army Corps here in Sandwich is going to do a lot of incredible work at protecting this beach, so it will be there for the generations to come." Markey has been working on the project since he was first elected to the Senate in 2013, getting support along the way from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, and Congressman William Keating, D-Massachusetts. It began with a 2016 authorization for the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake the Cape Cod Canal and Sandwich Beaches Section 111 Shore Damage Mitigation Study a feasibility study of erosion along the town's coastline. Sandbags and fortifications front a row of homes along a section of Town Neck Beach in Sandwich on Tuesday. A $15M sand replacement project is expected to get underway soon. Another generation's engineering 'mistake' Pabis noted during the recent beach visit that Town Neck Beach has been steadily starved of sand "largely because of an engineering mistake decades ago" as part of the Cape Cod Canal project, started in 1935 and completed in 1940. The problem stems from the two jetties built perpendicular to the coastline on each side of the canal's Cape Cod Bay entrance. The jetties are doing what they're supposed to do, he said, which is to prevent "sand that's drifting down the shoreline from going in the federal navigation channel, which would prevent us from being able to use the Cape Cod Canal which is a vital part of New England's maritime travel." But the consequence is that Town Neck has been cut off from receiving new sand deposits, while on the north side of the canal sand has collected around and enlarged Scusset Beach. The shore damage study, completed in 2021, concluded that the jetties have "unquestionably and significantly" increased erosion along Town Neck Beach, as well as Springhill Beach and, further, that erosion of the Sandwich shoreline has reached "critical mass. Plans for restoring Town Neck explained The Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to solicit contractors for the project within the month. DeConto explained the work will entail taking sand from a borrow site on the Scusset Beach side of the canal to moving it to the Town Neck side. "There'll be a dredge vessel with a pipe that will sit on the bottom that will basically suck up sand like a vacuum, and bring it onto Town Neck Beach," he said. As part of the work, the groins structures designed to slow erosion that stick out from Town Neck will be about a third to half covered by the sand. Engineers decided against altering the canal jetties, he said, because they are necessary to slow sand deposits in the navigation channel. As it is, the Army Corps of Engineers must dredge the canal's entrance every five to seven years. Going forward, in order to maintain Town Neck, sand dredged from the canal channel will be added to the beach instead of the past practice of depositing it further out in Cape Cod Bay. DeConto said the Town Neck project, which will also include planting beach grass to help keep the restored dunes in place, will be the largest beach re-nourishment in New England to date. It'll span about three quarters of a mile, from Treehouse Brewing Company to Old Harbor Creek though the beach won't be as wide by the brewery as it will be on the main beach. "It's a very large template that we have and it's a huge volume of sand," he said. Heather McCarron can be reached at hmccarron@capecodonline.com, or follow her on X @HMcCarron_CCT Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Error in Cape canal design led to Sandwich sand erosion. The $15M fix. This story has been updated to show the former Erie Coke Corp. property has been acquired by the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, and to correct the name of one of the organizations attending the meeting. Residents in the neighborhood just southeast of the former Erie Coke Corp. property will have an opportunity to have their soil sampled for toxic pollutants that were emitted from the coke plant. The Environmental Protection Agency will host a public meeting about the sampling July 18 at 6 p.m. at East Middle School, 1001 Atkins St. "People who live in the area near the property will have an opportunity to learn more about the sampling and sign up to have sampling done on their property," said Paul Leonard, director of the EPA's Mid-Atlantic Superfund and Emergency Management Division. The meeting comes five years after the plant, located at the foot of East Avenue, closed due to chronic pollution problems. Erie Coke and its former superintendent, Anthony Nearhoof, were indicted by a federal grand jury in 2022 with conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act. A supervisor, David Stablein, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. He is expected to be sentenced on Sept. 6. The property itself, which had been used as an industrial site since 1833, is undergoing government-funded environmental remediation. It was acquired May 15 by the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. The EPA is now investigating whether pollutants emitted from Erie Coke's smokestacks over the decades have contaminated the soil of surrounding properties, and if so, do they pose a threat to human health and the environment. "We really don't know a lot about off-site contamination. There hasn't been much sampling off site," Leonard said. "There have been complaints from nearby residents over the years who have said they had to clean soot off their vehicles on a regular basis." California company to conduct soil sampling for EPA Tetra Tech, a Pasadena, California-based company, has been hired by the EPA to conduct the sampling. The samples will be tested for contaminants like heavy metals including chromium, arsenic and lead; and semivolatile organic compounds such as naphthalene or benzo(a)pyrene. Those samples will then be compared to ones collected from areas not affected by Erie Coke. Results will be published in a report and should be available in late fall, Leonard said. "If we find that levels of these contaminants rise to the level of an immediate health threat, we can activate removal procedures," Leonard said. "If it's more of a chronic problem, we can talk with residents about what they should do to minimize their exposure." EPA officials also could expand the sampling area if high contamination levels are discovered. The area basically covers East Third Street north to East Bay Drive, and the Bayfront Parkway east to Hess Avenue. Barber National Institute among Erie Coke's neighbors The Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, is located within the sampling area. There were times during Erie Coke's operation that vehicles parked at the institute were covered with soot, said Bob Barber, the institute's senior vice president. "But we've never had any health concerns about the coke plant," Barber said. "We trusted the EPA and the other powers that be to regulate the byproducts that those types of industries give off." The nonprofit, which provides services for people with autism and intellectual disabilities, plans to have a representative attend the meeting. "We don't have any specific questions but we're always interested in getting more information, especially when it comes to our neighborhood and the lower eastside of Erie," Barber said. Residents can sign up for soil sampling at the July 18 meeting The July 18 meeting will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the sampling and sign up to have their property's soil sampled. They can learn more about the event and register for it by visiting a special EPA website. Registration is not required to attend the meeting. A July 18 meeting will give residents near the Erie Coke property an opportunity to learn more about the sampling and sign up to have their soil sampled. Besides the EPA, representatives from the following agencies are expected to attend the meeting and be available to talk with the public: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection City of Erie Erie County Department of Health Department of Justice Erie County Redevelopment Authority Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNBruce. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: EPA to host meeting about soil sampling plans near Erie Coke Corp. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Top elected officials in Erie County government will see a big boost in pay in the next several years. On Thursday the Erie County Legislature voted yes on a proposed pay increase for county officials. A decision that caused heated comments from both sides. Majority Caucus leader Timothy Meyers says, this is just to keep the formula the way it is. Minority Caucus leader John Mills added, It was not a good day for the tax payers of Erie County today. With a 6-5 vote, increases in salary will go to the county executive, comptroller, sheriff, and clerk with pay increases for full time elected positions ranging from 25-47 percent. County legislators will see a 53-percent raise. I think its inappropriate to tell the residents who we represent out there that we need these kinds of dollars to serve, said Mills. If you combine the salary of all 11 legislatures here in Erie County, were the second lowest throughout the state, added Meyers. These are the new salaries for elected officials in Erie County government: County Executives salary would be $175,000 (up from $139,932) Comptrollers salary would be $140,000 (up from $107,160) Sheriffs salary would be $150,000 (up from $101,811) Clerks salary would be $130,000 (up from $90,129) Legislature base salary would be $65,000 (up from $42,588), which leadership positions getting stipends The constituents that we represent, they dont get to vote to give themselves a $20,000 raise from other peoples hard-earned money. We shouldnt be doing that as well, added Republican Legislature Lindsey Lorigo. Theres not a lot of people that can devote this time as their job for $43,000 a year, continued Meyers. Democrats on the floor also pushed through a local law by a 7-4 vote that would allow for a simple majority vote of the legislature to extend the countys sales tax each year. People from around Erie County are depending on this money and they want this because it goes into their budget planning. This way it ensures that theyre going to get that money. There are no 11th hour shenanigans, Meyers continued. This only makes it easier to continue to extend the temporary sales tax. Theyre not going to try and lower it. We have a spending problem in Erie County, and this only makes it easier to continue that issue, Lorigo concluded. The proposition to need only a simple majority to pass the sales tax will be on the ballot in November, and the pay raises wont go into effect till the beginning of the new term for that office. Latest Local News Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Scientists may have just found the "building bricks" for future moon bases in the toy store and the public can soon see them there, too. European Space Agency (ESA) researchers discovered more than inspiration when they looked at Lego sets while working on possible designs for habitats, launch pads and other structures for astronauts to use on the moon as part of NASA's Artemis program. Using the iconic plastic pieces as a model, the ESA team used 3D printers to create similar bricks made in part from meteorite to show that the tubes at the bottom wedge together with the studs at top, just like the toy. "My team and I team love creative construction and had the idea to explore whether space dust could be formed into a brick similar to a Lego brick so we could test different building techniques," said Aidan Cowley, ESA's science officer, in a statement released by Lego on Tuesday (June 18). "The result is amazing, and, whilst the bricks may look a little rougher than usual, importantly the clutch power still works, enabling us to play and test our designs." The resulting "ESA Space Bricks" will next go on display for three months beginning June 24 at select Lego Stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Spain and Australia, as well as at the Lego House in Billund, Denmark (see below for a full list of locations). "No one has ever built a structure on the moon, so we have to work out not only how we build them but what we build them out of, as we can't take any materials with us," said Cowley. When on the moon, the natural resource to use would be regolith the layer of loose rock and dust that covers the lunar surface. A limited amount of authentic regolith is on Earth, having been brought back by the six Apollo flights that landed U.S. astronauts on the moon, three robotic Russian Luna missions and China's Chang'e 5 sample return probe. (Chang'e 6 is set to return to Earth the first material collected from the moon's far side, on June 25 or thereabouts.) Related: The moon on Earth: Where are NASA's Apollo lunar rocks now? a person moves gray gravel from a blue cup to a glass one using a spoon As a stand-in for regolith, the ESA team used the dust from a 4.5 million-year-old meteorite, which was added to polylactide (a biodegradable polymer) and lunar regolith simulant to form the feedstock for their 3D printers. The meteorite was originally found in Northwest Africa 24 years ago. Classed as an L3-6, the rock was a brecciated stone, comprised of large metal grains, inclusions, chondrules and elements. With their structural testing complete, the ESA Space Bricks have been given a new mission: "to inspire the builders of tomorrow of how Lego brick building can help solve out-of-this-world problems." "With the ESA team using the Lego System-in-Play to advance space travel, it shows kids the sky really is the limit when it comes to Lego brick building, and we hope it encourages children to have a go at building their own space shelters!" said Daniel Meehan, creative lead at the Lego Group. Fifteen of the ESA Space Bricks are landing on display at Lego locations around the world, including: United States The LEGO Store, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota The LEGO Store, Disney Springs, Florida The LEGO Store, Water Tower Place, Chicago The LEGO Store, Disneyland Resort, California The LEGO Store, 5th Avenue, New York Canada The LEGO Store, West Edmonton United Kingdom The LEGO Store, Leicester Square, London Germany The LEGO Store, Munchen Zentrum The LEGO Store, Cologne Denmark The LEGO Store, Copenhagen LEGO House, Billund Spain The LEGO Store, Barcelona France The LEGO Store, Paris Netherlands The LEGO Store, Amsterdam Australia The LEGO Store, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney a black-lined suitcase full of 14 gray bricks sits against a black background RELATED STORIES: NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know Lego rolls out details about Apollo lunar rover model coming in August Best Lego space sets 2024: NASA sets, spaceships and more ESA has partnered with NASA to carry out the Artemis program, which has the goal of returning humans to the moon for the first time since the Apollo missions more than 50 years ago. Together with Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the 22 ESA member states are supporting the assembly of the Gateway, a human-tended lunar orbit platform that will enable landing astronauts at the moon's south pole. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2024 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., questions Attorney General Merrick Garland during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Department of Justice, June 4, 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House Ethics Committee in an unusual public statement Tuesday confirmed it is reviewing several allegations against the congressman. The committee said it is investigating whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, whether he accepted improper gifts and whether he sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct. Four other allegations are no longer being investigated. | Jacquelyn Martin The House Ethics Committee launched its investigation against Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., three years ago. Despite some disruptions in the review process, the committee issued a public update Thursday to clear the record. After conducting dozens of witness interviews, issuing at least 25 subpoenas, and reviewing thousands of documents, the committee said it will continue pursuing some allegations while dropping others. The press release also said the Ethics Committee identified additional allegations that merit review. ABC News reported Wednesday that at least half of the individuals interviewed were women who allege they were at parties with Gaetz. These events were paid for by Joel Greenberg, Gaetzs friend, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022 over 33 criminal charges, including sex trafficking, stalking and theft. Investigators also have the Florida congressmans Venmo transaction records. The scope of the committees investigations now includes whether he engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct. The committee is not taking any action against the allegations related to Gaetz sharing inappropriate photos or videos on the House floor, misusing state identification efforts, and using campaign funds for personal use. The committee notes that the mere fact of an investigation into these allegations does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, the press release concluded. Gaetz has repeatedly denied the allegations. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said the House Committee closed four probes into me, which emerged from lies intended solely to smear me. Instead of working with me to ban congressional stock trading, the Ethics Committee is now opening new frivolous investigations, he added. They are doing this to avoid the obvious fact that every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration. Suggesting that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is the reason for the investigation against him, Gaetz said, Kevin McCarthy showed them the man, and they are now trying to find the crime. The Florida representative was one of a handful of GOP representatives who moved to oust McCarthy in October 2023. The Justice Department had taken over the House Committees investigation, but in 2023, the federal agency said it was not bringing forward any charges against Gaetz. The Ethics Committee took over the review process once more. EU agrees on new package of sanctions against Russia The EU countries have agreed on the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, in particular its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, in response to the Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine. Source: Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU on X (Twitter) Details: The package includes new targeted measures and maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes. Officials from 27 EU countries have been discussing the sanctions package for more than a month. The new measures include a ban on the transshipment of Russian LNG and a plan to hold EU operators liable for violations of sanctions by their subsidiaries and partners in third countries. Background: Earlier, the media reported that Germany was hampering the 14th package of sanctions against Russia by expanding measures that would have forced EU companies to guarantee that their customers would not be able to sell sanctioned goods to Russia. Germany and France had joined forces to oppose a ban on exports of luxury cars to Belarus, which had become a "transit point" for Russian oligarchs to continue buying them. An EU diplomat told Politico that the European Commission was in talks with Germany to persuade it to lift its veto. The Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU sought to finalise an agreement on the sanctions package before the G7 summit in Italy but failed to do so. As part of the 14th sanctions package, the European Commission proposed, for the first time, targeting several liquefied natural gas projects and banning the transshipment of Russian LNG from the EU to third countries. Support UP or become our patron! Insights from Politico, Reuters, Bloomberg, and Le Monde The News The European Union announced new sanctions on Russia on Thursday, targeting the countrys liquefied natural gas sector for the first time since it introduced penalties in response to Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The rules include blocking onward shipments of Russian LNG from EU ports, as well as banning investment in Russian gas projects. They aim to target Russias so-called shadow fleet estimated to encompass around 1,500 ships which has helped Moscow circumvent a Western-imposed price cap on Russian oil. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Only a quarter of Russias EU gas profits may be hit Source: Politico The new rules could cut Russias energy income by hundreds of millions of dollars, Politico reported, by forcing it to use longer, costlier routes to get its oil and gas to market. But the outlet noted the sanctions wont affect the bulk of the countrys gas exports to the EU because the rules only ban transfers of the fuel in European ports. And while only 5% of European gas consumption in 2023 came from Russia, Moscow still made about $8.6 billion from exports to the bloc. The new restrictions will likely only affect around a quarter of that sum, the outlet added. Ban on trans-shipments could affect buyers in Asia Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters The sanctions on Russian gas dont target imports to Europe directly, but will make it harder for cargo ships transporting gas to reach key Asian buyers, risking angering countries like India and China, Bloomberg noted. Russian companies such as Novatek currently transport gas from the Arctic in ice-class ships and move it onto conventional ships in European ports. The sanctions will put an end to the practice, presenting logistical challenges to Russian firms. This could lead to a decline in exports to Asia because of increased freight costs, the outlet added. However, experts told Reuters that the sanctions will have minimal impact on the broader Russian gas industry, as trans-shipments only make up about 10% of the countrys total exports. Russia has been resourceful at finding ways to circumvent sanctions Sources: Le Monde, Bloomberg Sanctions have not stopped Russia from finding ways to get banned products into Europe, often via third countries, Le Monde noted. Moscow could find workarounds with gas too, by handling ship-to-ship transfers in the northern Russian city of Murmansk, or use the Northern Sea as a potential transport route though this would depend on weather conditions, Bloomberg noted. Russia could also unload the supply originally meant for Asian markets in Europe, and buy the gas to resell to Asia elsewhere which would expose the bloc to criticism that theyre ramping up their Russian gas imports while claiming to minimize them, one analyst told the outlet. The Dutch parliament has voted to approve a framework for negotiations concerning Ukraine and Moldovas accession to the European Union, thus clearing the last remaining obstacle to the formal start of the talks. Source: European Pravda, with reference to Euractiv Details: The Dutch parliaments vote means that the EU has now taken all the necessary steps to hold an intergovernmental conference on 25 June, an event that marks the formal start of EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova. The new Dutch government, led by Dick Schoof, had previously stated that it supported the start of accession negotiations with both countries, but the decision required the formal approval of the countrys parliament. Background: On 14 June, permanent representatives of the European Union member states voted to approve a negotiating framework for Ukraine and Moldovas accession. Following the EU ambassadors' decision, an intergovernmental conference will be held on 25 June, as planned, marking the official start to negotiations on Ukraine and Moldova's accession to the EU. Hungary blocked the start of the accession talks, claiming that Ukraine was showing a lack of progress on national minorities. It lifted its veto after the EU assured it that its conditions would form part of the negotiation framework on the basis of which Ukraine's accession to the EU would be negotiated. Support UP or become our patron! A general view of the meeting of the European Finance Ministers council. EU member states have agreed to a new package of sanctions on Russia, aimed largely at cracking down on loopholes that circumvent existing measures, the Belgian EU presidency announced on Thursday. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa EU member states have agreed to a new package of sanctions on Russia, aimed largely at cracking down on loopholes that circumvent existing measures, the Belgian EU presidency announced on Thursday. "This package provides new targeted measures and maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes," the Belgian presidency posted on X. Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has targeted the Russian economy, institutions and officials linked to the war with multiple rounds of sanctions. As the invasion drags on, Russia has worked hard to circumvent the punitive measures, to secure more resources for their military and to keep their economy running. Worries about sanctions loopholes At the same time, the EU and other Western countries including the United States are concerned loopholes in the sanctions undermine compliance from companies doing business with Russia. The EU punitive measures are intended in particular to prevent Russia from obtaining Western technology that the defence industry can use to manufacture weapons for the war in Ukraine. German hesitancy Approval of the latest - 14th - sanctions package was delayed by several days, as diplomats in Brussels cited German concerns over business regulation as the main reason why negotiations took so long to finalize. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged at the weekend that Berlin was concerned such sanctions could potentially penalize Germany's export-oriented firms. EU countries pushing for decisive action on sanctions evasion however pointed to European Commission estimates that products worth millions of euros were still being delivered to Russia via subsidiaries of European companies, despite sanctions in place to stop this. EU diplomats said a compromise was eventually reached, allowing measures halting exports to Russia to not apply to subsidiaries for the time being. This so-called "No-Russia" clause requires EU companies to contractually prohibit the re-export of certain categories of sensitive goods to Russia, including goods related to aviation, jet fuel, and firearms. EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday must formally adopt the sanctions for them to take effect. Russian LNG sanctioned for the first time EU diplomats said the latest package also contains plans to target Russia's multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector for the first time. Ports such as Zeebrugge in Belgium are to be banned from being used to ship Russian LNG to countries outside of the EU, according to diplomats. Belgium chaired the negotiations on the new round of sanctions as current holder of the rotating EU presidency. Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has named the economic sectors covered by the fourteenth package of sanctions against Russia, approved on 20 June. Source: Borrell on Twitter (X), European Pravda reports Details: The diplomat said that the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia is "a powerful set of individual and sectoral measures to undermine Russia's war efforts against Ukraine.". Quote: "It targets: the military-industrial defence complex; financial services; the energy sector; sanction circumvention; war crimes, including entities engaged in the deportation of Ukrainian children." Details: The top EU diplomat noted that the new sanctions are aimed at "making it harder for Putin's government to sustain its war of aggression" and reaffirmed the EU's support for Ukraine. Background: The EU countries agreed on the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, in particular its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, in response to the Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine. Earlier, the media reported that Germany was hampering the 14th package of sanctions against Russia by expanding measures that would have forced EU companies to guarantee that their customers would not be able to sell sanctioned goods to Russia. As part of the 14th sanctions package, the European Commission proposed, for the first time, targeting several liquefied natural gas projects and banning the transshipment of Russian LNG from the EU to third countries. Support UP or become our patron! The EU is expected to further curtail imports of key food commodities from war-torn Ukraine, just two weeks after implementing a controversial new preferential trade scheme. Egg imports from Ukraine have surged to levels that will prompt the Commission to impose restrictions within the next two weeks, an EU spokesperson told Euronews. This follows the recent announcement of restrictions on oat imports from Ukraine, effective until June 5, 2025. Sugar imports are under scrutiny by the EU executive, according to trade experts familiar with the matter. These actions stem from a recent adjustment requested and secured by France and Poland to the temporary suspension of all tariffs and quotas on Ukraines agricultural exports, which was introduced following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. "We cannot speculate on the pace of future imports," a spokesperson for the European Commission told Euronews, adding that the EU executive continues to monitor the relevant trigger levels. In effect since June 6, the new free-trade scheme incorporates an automatic safeguard mechanism designed to protect specific domestic sectors deemed 'sensitive'including eggs, poultry, sugar, oats, maize, hulled grains, and honeyfrom a surge in imports due to the lifting of quotas and tariffs. This allows the European Commission to activate the so-called emergency brake and reintroduce tariff-rate quotas if imports of these commodities surpass the average quantities imported between July 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023. Read also: Minister: Ukraine exported agricultural products worth $22 billion in 2023 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On Edge of Ukraine War, Moldova Holds its Breath as Churches Keep Hope Alive In 'nervous' Moldova, U.S.-based mission supports church-run efforts to help vulnerable orphans, bring stability, share hope MOLDOVA: CHILDREN FLOCK TO CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMPS AS NATION HOLDS ITS BREATH: Moldovans are turning to faith in God and looking to local evangelical churches for hope and stability as war rages on their doorstep in neighboring Ukraine, fueling concern they "could be next." NEWS PROVIDED BY Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) June 20, 2024 LOVES PARK, Ill., June 20, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- A new evangelical church movement is bringing hope to Moldova a vulnerable, ex-communist nation on the edge of the Ukraine war. "Concern among Moldovans is very real that, after Ukraine, they could be next," said Eric Mock, senior vice president of ministry operations at Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA), a 90-year-old mission agency that supports local evangelical churches and local missionary pastors across the former Soviet Union. Since the Ukraine war began, Moldova has hosted hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, despite its own economic challenges. And thousands of Moldovans, worried about the future, have left the country for elsewhere in Europe. Moldovans' nervousness is fueled by a breakaway region known as Transdniestria along the Ukraine border that has declared independence, a claim not recognized by Moldova or the international community. "Knowing this," said the mission agency's president Michael Johnson, "we're building a solid relationship infrastructure with the local pastors and churches in Moldova so we can distribute aid if and when it's needed." Until the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Moldova like other former Soviet countries was officially atheist. Now local evangelical churches are growing and keeping hope alive. Increasingly, Moldovans are turning to faith in God and looking to local churches for hope and stability as war rages on their doorstep. The Baptist Union has approximately 400 congregations across Moldova, a nation roughly the size of Maryland, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania. Clinging to Faith as War Rages "It was not always like this," said one local ministry leader. "Even 20 years ago, Christians were much more persecuted, and 70 years ago you could be imprisoned for your faith." SGA supports local Moldovan missionary pastors in towns and villages, assists families who've welcomed orphaned children into their homes, and sponsors church-run summer Bible camps and its Christmas outreach, "Immanuel's Child." "We directly serve the local churches and respond to the heart of the local pastors, serving them in their unique cultural context," Mock said, adding that the organization's U.K.-based ministry team has been partnering for nearly 30 years with local churches in Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries. "Whether it's responding to war, a pandemic, or any other need, local churches offer the long-term solution in their own communities, bringing stability and sharing the good news of the Gospel," Mock said. Founded in 1934, Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) helps "forgotten" orphans, widows and families in Ukraine, Russia, the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Russian-speaking immigrants in Israel caring for their physical needs and sharing the life-transforming Gospel. SGA supports an extensive grassroots network of local evangelical missionary pastors and churches in cities and rural villages across this vast region. SOURCE Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) CONTACT: DeWayne Hamby, 423-505-0041, dhamby@inchristcommunications.com EU sanctions target Russian gas for the first time, diplomats say By Julia Payne BRUSSELS (Reuters) -European Union countries agreed on a 14th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, diplomats said on Thursday, including their first restrictions on Russian gas. The package bans re-exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in EU waters but stops short of banning imports as the bloc did in 2022 for Russian seaborne oil. Some EU countries still import pipeline gas from Russia via Ukraine. However, gas market experts say the measure will have little impact as trans-shipments of gas via EU ports to Asia represent only around 10% of total Russian LNG exports. The package also sanctions three Russian LNG projects and includes a clause designed to allow Sweden and Finland to cancel Russian LNG contracts, diplomats said. Belgium, which holds the rotating EU presidency until July 1, said on social media platform X that the package "maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes". "This hard-hitting package will further deny Russia access to key technologies. It will strip Russia of further energy revenues. And tackle (President Vladimir) Putins shadow fleet and shadow banking network abroad," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X. Countries debated the new measures for over a month and ultimately watered down one of the Commission's proposals, aimed at preventing even more circumvention, at Germany's prompting. The dropped measure would have forced subsidiaries of EU companies in third countries to contractually prohibit the re-exports of their goods to Russia. The EU is keen to stop the flow of dual-use technology such as washing machine chips that could be used by Russia for military purposes. An EU diplomat said Germany had asked for an impact assessment, and the measure could be included at a later date. The package also tightens measures against the shadow fleet moving Russian oil outside the price cap on Russian crude set by the Group of Seven (G7) nations. EU countries added tankers to the list of sanctioned entities as well as at least two Russian-owned ships moving military equipment from North Korea, diplomats said. Moscow and Pyongyang have grown closer since Russia's February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This week, the two countries agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either faces armed aggression in a pact reached after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang. Overall, 47 new entities and 69 individuals were added to the EU sanctions list, bringing the total to 2,200. The package is expected to be formally approved when EU foreign ministers meet on Monday, diplomats said. (Reporting by Julia Payne; editing by Kevin Liffey and Mark Heinrich) Evacuations ordered in Northern California for fire burning in difficult terrain, Cal Fire says Residents living in a small community in Yuba County were ordered to evacuate Friday after a vegetation fire broke out. Firefighters began dropping retardant on the 12-acre Double Fire, sparked off of Double Eagle Way near the community of Challenge-Brownsville. The fire is approximately 7 acres with spotting a half mile ahead of the fire, Cal Fires Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit wrote on social media at 2:15 p.m. In an update just after 6:15 p.m., Cal Fire officials said the fire had reached 12 acres. The Yuba County Sheriffs Office said on social media that evacuation zone E081 was split into three areas: E081A and E081C are under evacuation warnings. E081A includes residents situated north of La Porte Road at Allen Way, before the thoroughfare turns into Willow Glenn Road. E081C includes residents living south of the Brownsville Aero Pines Airport and along Willow Glen Road, according to the countys emergency map. The area between both subzones is known as E081B, and residents have been ordered to leave that area. People must also evacuate zone E007, Wildcat Trail and Double Eagle Way, deputies said. A temporary evacuation shelter has been created at Sycamore Ranch, 5390 Highway 20. Large animals are welcome. CAL FIRE/Placer County firefighters making access in difficult terrain to the Double Fire off Double Eagle Way near Brownsville in Yuba County. Air resources are over the fire making retardant drops. The fire is approximately 7 acres with spotting a half mile ahead of the fire. pic.twitter.com/u435ZOy8UK CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit (@CALFIRENEU) June 20, 2024 Ever get a parking boot on your car? Thank this Denverite DENVER (KDVR) If youve ever come outside to find a wheel clamp on your car known colloquially as a parking boot you can thank a Denver-based inventor from the mid-20th century. Frank P. Marugg was born in the Mile High City and invented what has also been dubbed the Denver Boot, a term that even has a dictionary definition. Maruggs invention, as illustrated in his patent application, is very similar to what you might still find in use in 2024. It was first filed in 1955 and granted 3 years later in 1958, according to the U.S. Patent and Trade Office. The patent has since expired, however, meaning it is in the public domain. Calling for a non-emergency? Soon Denvers line wont be answered by humans According to Colorado Encyclopedia, in the early 1950s, Muragg was approached by police officer Dan Stills, who happened to be his friend. Stills gave him an idea for an invention to immobilize a ticketed vehicle so the city could avoid having to tow all of them. By 1955, the city was using the boot Muragg invented and collected over $18,000 in unpaid parking tickets within the first 25 days of using the device. These days, Denver still puts boots on cars, granted there are three or more unpaid tickets or citations on a vehicle. The tickets will have to be paid before they can get removed, and people have to pay a $100 boot fee as well. The Mile High City is nowhere near alone in this: Many major cities across the U.S. employ parking boots from New York City to Chicago to Los Angeles. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former FirstEnergy CEO Charles "Chuck" Jones, left, and former FirstEnergy Senior VP of External Affairs Michael Dowling are accused of participating in a pay-to-play scheme. Dowling wants to call Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as witnesses. Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted made the list of possible witnesses for a former FirstEnergy executive accused of bribing public officials. FirstEnergy's former Senior Vice President of External Affairs Michael Dowling is charged in connection with a sweeping pay-to-play scandal that has already landed ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder in federal prison for 20 years. Dowling and former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones have pleaded not guilty. Both men were accused of participating in a $60 million bribery scheme that involved Akron-based utility FirstEnergy paying state officials for influence and actions. As part of that criminal case, Dowling's attorney listed DeWine and Husted as possible witnesses during Dowling's criminal trial, according to a filing in Summit County Common Pleas Court. DeWine's spokesman declined to comment on the list. DeWine and Husted have not been charged with any crime. Last year, attorneys in a federal lawsuit over the scandal wanted to depose Husted and seek records from DeWine. FirstEnergy donated more than $4 million to help elect DeWine and Husted in 2018. The company also donated to the Greene County prosecutor campaign of DeWine's daughter. DeWine has supported nuclear energy and signed House Bill 6, which included a $1 billion bailout for the plants, the same day it hit his desk. Recently released records show FirstEnergy donated $500,000 to a dark money group backing DeWine's governor's bid a few days after a phone call between DeWine and Jones. DeWine told reporters Monday that he didn't remember what they discussed, but it was all above board. "We were very mindful of no coordination between any independent expenditure and we followed the law," DeWine said. Others on Dowling's potential witness list include former American Electric Power CEO Nick Akins, former FirstEnergy CEO Tony Alexander, former FirstEnergy Solutions leader John Kiani and DeWine's former legislative director and ex-FirstEnergy lobbyist Dan McCarthy. Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Accused ex-FirstEnergy exec lists DeWine, Husted as possible witnesses By Alexandra Alper WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Thursday announced plans to bar the sale of antivirus software made by Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the United States, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo saying that Russia's influence over the company poses a significant security risk. The software's privileged access to a computer's systems could allow it to steal sensitive information from American computers or install malware and withhold critical updates, enhancing the threat, a source said, noting that Kaspersky's customers include critical infrastructure providers and state and local governments. "Russia has shown it has the capacity and ... the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today," Raimondo said on a briefing call with reporters. Kaspersky said it believed the U.S. decision was based on "the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky's products and services." In an emailed statement, Kaspersky added that its activities did not threaten U.S. national security and that it will pursue legal options to preserve its operations. The Russian Embassy did not respond to requests for comment. Previously, Kaspersky has said that it is a privately managed company with no ties to the Russian government. The sweeping new rule, using broad powers created by the administration of former President Donald Trump, will be coupled with another move to add three units of the company to a trade restriction list, Raimondo said, dealing a blow to Kaspersky's reputation that could hammer its overseas sales. The plan to add the cybersecurity company to the entity list, which effectively bars a company's U.S. suppliers from selling to it, and the timing and details of the software sales prohibition were first reported by Reuters. The moves show the Biden administration is trying to stamp out any risks of Russian cyberattacks stemming from Kaspersky software and keep squeezing Moscow as its war effort in Ukraine has regained momentum and the United States has run low on fresh sanctions it can impose on Russia. It also shows the administration is harnessing a powerful new authority that allows it to ban or restrict transactions between U.S. firms and internet, telecom and tech companies from "foreign adversary" nations like Russia and China. Story continues "We would never give an adversarial nation the keys to our networks or devices, so it's crazy to think that we would continue to allow Russian software with the deepest possible device access to be sold to Americans," said Democratic Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The new restrictions on inbound sales of Kaspersky software, which will also bar downloads of software updates, resales and licensing of the product, kick in on Sept. 29, 100 days after publication, to give businesses time to find alternatives. New U.S. business for Kaspersky will be blocked 30 days after the restrictions are announced. Sales of white-labeled products that integrate Kaspersky into software sold under a different brand name will also be barred, the source said, adding that the Commerce Department will notify companies before taking enforcement action against them. The Commerce Department will also entity list two Russian and one UK-based unit of Kaspersky for allegedly cooperating with Russian military intelligence to support Moscow's cyber intelligence goals. Kaspersky's Russian business is already subject to sweeping U.S. export restrictions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. But its UK-based unit will now be effectively barred from receiving goods from American suppliers. GROWING PRESSURE Kaspersky has long been in regulators' crosshairs. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security banned its flagship antivirus product from federal networks, alleging ties to Russian intelligence and noting Russian law lets intelligence agencies compel assistance from Kaspersky and intercept communications using Russian networks. Media reports at the time alleged Kaspersky Lab was involved in taking hacking tools from a National Security Agency employee that ended up in the hands of the Russian government. Kaspersky responded by saying it had stumbled upon the code but said no third parties saw it. Pressure on the company's U.S. business grew after Moscow's move against Kyiv. The U.S. government privately warned some American companies the day after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 that Moscow could manipulate software designed by Kaspersky to cause harm, Reuters reported. The war also prompted the Commerce Department to ramp up a national security probe into the software, first reported by Reuters, that resulted in Thursday's action. Under the new rules, sellers and resellers that violate the restrictions will face fines from the Commerce Department, the source added. If someone willfully violates the prohibition, the Justice Department can bring a criminal case. Software users will not face legal penalties but will be strongly encouraged to stop using it. Kaspersky, which has a British holding company and operations in Massachusetts, said in a corporate profile that it generated revenue of $752 million in 2022 from more than 220,000 corporate clients in some 200 countries. Its website lists Italian vehicle maker Piaggio, Volkswagen's retail division in Spain and the Qatar Olympic Committee among its customers. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper; additional reporting by Christopher Bing, Raphael Satter, Karen Freifeld and Kanishka Singh; editing by Chris Sanders, Lisa Shumaker, Rosalba O'Brien and Leslie Adler) Exclusive: Dutch VVD to remain in Renew Europe despite seeking coalition with far right Exclusive: Dutch VVD to remain in Renew Europe despite seeking coalition with far right Every MEP counts at a time when Renew Europe is battling with the far-right ECR group to become the third force in the European Parliament for the next five-year mandate. The EU liberals in the European Parliament were due to vote on whether to expel the Dutch VVD party immediately after the elections, on 10 June, but following Renew Europe's heavy loss of 21 seats last week, it postponed the decision without setting a date. Instead, the group is likely to send an observer mission to the Netherlands to check whether the party is crossing any red lines in terms of values and liberal principles - though the official decision on the next steps will be taken at an Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) council party in Vilnius (Lithuania) this weekend. ALDEs move one of the three political forces that make up the centrist Renew Europe group together with the French Renaissance and the European Democrats - would contradict a commitment by the group's president, Valerie Hayer, from the French delegation, which suffered major losses to Marine Le Pens Rassemblement National, receiving 13 MEPs (down from 23). During her campaign, Hayer signed a declaration on behalf of Renew Europe in which the leaders of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Greens and Left groups agreed "never to cooperate nor form a coalition with the far right and radical parties at any level". That commitment was not consulted on internally within the party and was only made by the groups president. How did Renew Europe end up here? Last November, Dutch voters handed victory to Wilders' far-right party, which won 23.5% of the vote in a general election in the Netherlands. After months of fruitless negotiations in the Netherlands, the Dutch VVD, the party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, announced that it had reached a four-way coalition agreement with the far-right PVV of Geert Wilders, the centre-right New Social Contract (NSC) and the populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB). Following the announcement, Hayer told French media that the VVD had distanced itself from the group's values and that Renew Europe should decide together what to do next. Yet an official motion to expel the Dutch party - as opposed to petitions to discuss the issue - was never tabled in ALDE, and the party does not take such "drastic decisions" unless there is a crime or an official investigation, a party source told Euronews. In the June elections, Wilders' party (PVV) won six seats in the European Parliament. The PVV has joined the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group, which currently has 58 MEPs and has so far been excluded from key positions in the parliament due to a cordon sanitaire. Negotiations on the final composition of the parliamentary groups are still ongoing, with a deadline of 4 July - so the balance of power could still shift slightly. The stem cell donor search event will be held on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Central High School cafeteria, located at 655 Caddo Street. Registration is free. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) For most 18-year-olds fresh out of high school, the next step is to figure out where to go to college or what career to pursue. Carlie Jo Johnson hasnt been able to say the same, however, due to a battle with an aggressive form of cancer. We spoke with her to learn about her journey thus far and what you could do to possibly save her life. From bruises to chemotherapy how it began April 2024 was going to be like any other month for the Johnson family. Carlie Jo Johnson was having fun before Central High Schools Casino Night event with her date by making a TikTok video. During the video, he would throw her into a nearby patch of grass before the pair would pop out of the brush wearing their dress clothes, ready for the festivities ahead of them. Then the bruises came. The weekend after the TikTok was filmed, bruises began to appear all over her legs from where she fell into the grass. Carlie Jo Johnson went to get bloodwork done to see what caused the injuries, braving her fear of needles to do so. I have a huge fear of needles after a lot of hospital stays when I was little, I knew I needed blood work, Carlie Jo Johnson said. She would pass out at work the same night she had her blood drawn, something she and her family thought was just a byproduct of the testing. The next day, she felt as though she was going to pass out again during a field trip to Howard College. Carlie Jo Johnson called her mother to ask her to pick her up, unaware that life-changing news had already been given to her mom by the doctors. April 24 is a day forever seared into the minds of the Johnson family. TaLisha Johnson, Carlie Jo Johnsons mother, had just pulled into the parking lot of Water Valley Elementary School for a meeting when she got a call from the doctors office. It was then that she learned that her daughter had acute leukemia. After getting the news from her doctor I just sat stunned in my car, TaLisha Johnson said. Not crying. Just staring off in space. Carlie Jo Johnson had a similarly stunned response to the information. Her life had come to a screeching halt in many regards at that exact moment, with life as a graduating senior and a future of attending college being suddenly put on hold. Up until the day of my diagnosis I felt fine, Carlie Jo Johnson said. I was living my life as a senior getting ready to go to Texas Tech in the fall. I was making plans for prom and my graduation party. The only symptoms I had were bruising and the one fainting episode. For days after being admitted to the hospital I kept saying, This isnt real. Im fine. I dont have cancer.' After being told her diagnosis, life for her and her family became nothing short of a blur. She was transported to the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where they learned more about her condition while she was admitted there for a month. Carlie Jo Johnson was told that she has acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. According to the National Cancer Institute, acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). There are stem cells (baby cells), middle-sized cells (like teenage cells) and full-grown cells (adult), TaLisha Johnson said. With acute leukemia, the teenage cells wreak havoc, invite their friends and take over the marrow, bone and then the body. It was also discovered through cytogenetic testing that she had a mutation in her KMT2A gene. This haywire gene means that she is at a high risk of her cancer returning after remission. Several additional tests revealed that Carlie Jo Johnson had gone from 191,000 white blood cells to almost 250,000 within the span of 24 hours, indicating a highly aggressive form of leukemia. It was also discovered that over 90% of her bone marrow and 84% of her bones were filled with leukemia blasts, defined as a type of immature blood cell by the National Cancer Institute. From this information, the medical staff gave the Johnsons a harrowing piece of information had their family waited 2 more days, her cancer would have been untreatable. We couldnt even wrap our heads around all that was thrown at us that night as she was admitted into the ICU, and they immediately started chemo, TaLisha Johnson said. Treatments and today whats happening now After being admitted to the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Carlie Jo Johnson was immediately put on a regimen of chemotherapy and other treatments designed to combat the cancer throughout her body as quickly and effectively as possible. She began with low-dose chemotherapy to avoid shutting down her kidneys, which was followed up with bone marrow biopsies. They did a bone marrow biopsy that was scary and painful, Carlie Jo Johnson said. Anyone who says it is just pressure is lying or has never had one. Doctors told me the first one is the worst because there are so many leukemia cells in the marrow. Ive had one since then and it wasnt any better. The intensity of her care would only increase from there, necessitated by the aggressive nature of her cancer. She would begin taking doxorubicin a medication dubbed The Red Devil due to its propensity to make the patient extremely ill and dye bodily fluids such as tears and sweat red chemotherapy pills that her mom cannot even touch and weekly shots to the brain and spinal cord to prevent further spread, among other treatment methods. Carlie Jo Johnsons perception of her appearance would also be dramatically shifted due to certain treatments. She would eventually lose her hair due to chemotherapy, part of her she hoped she would keep. After talking with the oncology pharmacist, I found out I would lose my hair from the chemo treatments, Carlie Jo Johnson said. I ended up having a lot of family around me as my Aunt Tiffy shaved my head and we played upbeat music. Dont be fooled, I still bawled my eyes out as we FaceTimed my sister. It was still really emotional but it was one of the few things at that time in my world that I could take control of. Steroids taken during her first month of treatment would also cause her to develop mood swings and change her appetite. Though the memories she has made while using the steroids have been embarrassing for her, their integral nature to her treatment prevented doctors from lowering her dosage. They changed my body in ways I didnt even know my body could change, Carlie Jo Johnson said. Im just embarrassed looking back, but everyone was patient with me, and Im glad Im off of them now and for the most part back to normal. Though treatment for her leukemia is still ongoing, one vital part of turning the tide in her battle against cancer is missing a 100% compatible stem cell donor. The search for a stem cell donor how you could save Carlie Jos life Carlie Jo Johnson is working alongside several organizations and volunteers to host a stem cell donor search event on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Central High School cafeteria. The goal? To find someone capable of giving a perfect matching donor that could give her a blood stem cell transplant that would possibly save her life. The event asks attendees between the ages of 18 and 55 to get the inside of their cheek swabbed and register as donors. If they match with Carlie Jo Johnson, they could provide her with the blood stem cells needed to ensure that her cancer stays gone following treatment. The reason for the search comes from the KMT2A genetic mutation found within Carlie Jo Johnsons DNA, which puts her at a high risk of developing cancer again after remission. As such, a stem cell transplant is needed to ensure that her leukemia doesnt return. None of her family members are a perfect match for her, though, meaning that the effectiveness of transplants from them is not guaranteed. Full siblings have a 25% chance of being a 100% match. My brother, Hayden, is a half-match, Carlie Jo Johnson said. Because parents each give one chromosome they are not tested because they can only be a half match at most. Further complicating matters is that there are 20 known perfect matches worldwide as of now. These matches are in Israel, however, a region currently locked in an intense military conflict that is preventing donors from assisting in her treatment. It is so disheartening because in a region ravaged by war, there are people who are registered to donate, but we cannot touch them because of the unrest there, Carlie Jo Johnson said. Back in the United States, TaLisha Johnson said that only 2% of Americans are in the Bone Marrow Registry and only 51% respond to the call when they are asked to donate to save a life, making finding a donor within the country an exceptionally difficult task. With few options remaining, the Johnson family reached out to the Concho Valley to ask for help in saving the life of a San Angelo local. The response has been pleasantly overwhelming. We have not been around town to see all the flyers or the billboard for the donor drive, but we are constantly getting messages with pictures of them that come at the perfect time and remind us of the army of supporters behind her, TaLisha Johnson said. Last I counted, there are people and churches in at least 21 countries praying for her. Carlie Jo Johnson has already prepared for the worst, though. In the event that no donor can be found and a transplant from her brother is unsuccessful or not possible, she said that she is at peace with herself and rooted in her faith. If something happened and my brother could not be used or a donor couldnt be found I have already told my mom I am at peace, Carlie Jo Johnson said. I know where I am going and I would want to live out the rest of my life on my terms without the side effects of chemo and just be happy. I am at peace. I know who I am and whos I am. Life goes on how shes holding up Treatment hasnt been easy on Carlie Jo Johnson. It, combined with the cancer, has sapped her strength and oftentimes made simply being awake a task in and of itself. I am so tired and have a lot of headaches, Carlie Jo Johnson said. I just dont have a lot of energy and am sleeping a lot. It makes my body feel really weak. The situation has also taken an emotional toll as well. Her battle against cancer has run her through a gauntlet of feelings and experiences, many of which have been difficult to process when first encountered. In the beginning, I think I was in denial. I told my mom, God only sends his warriors into battle, mom. I got this.' Carlie Jo Johnson said. I have to remind myself of that a lot because it is hard to remember that sometimes. Its hard to keep a strong, powerful attitude all the time. I walked into this not knowing what I was getting into. Nothing prepares you for this. Her loved ones have joined her on this journey, too. This includes every last bump, roll and hill on the emotional rollercoaster. People say God will never give you more than you can handle. I absolutely hate that saying, TaLisha Johnson said. We are not meant to handle any of this because, as parents, we still cannot even wrap our minds around this reality. We are meant to give it to God to handle. This is where we have found our strength to put one foot in front of the other every day. In the end, Carlie Jo Johnson and her family are learning one major lesson time and time again as they fight for the life of one of their own that life, be it short or lived in full, is an experience to cherish and protect. At the end of the day, worst case scenario and I dont survive this battle, just know that I am so incredibly thankful for those who are going to show up to the event and register to save the lives of people like me, Carlie Jo Johnson said. Just knowing that even one life could be saved from my donor drive would be awesome and I am happy with that. Thats a good life. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. FILE PHOTO: Protest against deforestation in indigenous Papuans' land, outside the country's Supreme Court in Jakarta By Bernadette Christina JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's Awyu tribe of the Papua region has filed a case to the Supreme Court seeking to cancel permits for palm oil concessions on thousands of hectares of rainforest over which it has ancestral rights. The world's biggest producer and exporter of palm oil, Indonesia has pledged to clean the image of the multi-billion dollars industry which is often accused by environmentalists of causing widespread deforestation. Indonesia is home to the world's third-largest tropical rainforest and accounts for 60% the world's supplies of palm oil which is used in food products as well as a fuel. WHAT ARE INDONESIA'S RULES ON DEFORESTATION? In an effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, Indonesia stopped issuing permits to clear forests and peatlands in 2011 for 8 years. In 2019, President Joko Widodo made the moratorium permanent in an aim to protect Indonesia's 66 million hectares (254,827 square miles) of forests and peatlands. The president also imposed a moratorium on permits for new palm oil plantations in 2018, intended to stop deforestation amid backlash from consumers worried about the environmental impact of palm estates replacing rain forests. The palm oil moratorium expired in 2021, but Jokowi pledged not to issue new permits for palm oil plantations. In the same year, the government ordered an evaluation of the existing permits, with an aim to revoke permission if concessions are found in areas with forest cover. Local conservation group Auriga Nusantara in 2022 estimated that around 2.4 million hectares of rain forests were part the total land which was allocated for developing palm oil estates. Now that Jokowi is leaving office soon, the group is worried that the next administration might not honour the moratorium as it was not drafted into law. "This case in Papua could spread to other areas," said Roni Saputra from the group. HOW DO RULES IMPACT THE CASE AGAINST COMPANIES IN PAPUA? Permits for the "Tanah Merah Project" concessions in Papua were issued between 2011 and 2013, prior to recent efforts to conserve pristine forests. But due to the 2021 evaluation, these permits were revoked in January 2022. Several companies behind the concessions brought this revocation to the court, launching a legal battle that has now reached the Supreme Court where the Awyu tribe is contesting for the revocation to be upheld. While the central government in Jakarta remains steadfast that these permits should be cancelled, the Papua provincial government in 2021 granted Indo Asiana Lestari (IAL) permission to cultivate land and build mills, a few months after the palm oil moratorium lapsed. Papua government representatives were not available to comment on the matter. Supreme Court judges are expected to decide on the cases jointly this month, a lawyer for the Woro clan of the Awyu tribe told Reuters. WHAT IS THE CURRENT RATE OF DEFORESTATION IN INDONESIA? Indonesia's deforestation rate has fallen between 2019 to 2022, according to the latest available data provided by environment ministry. In the 2021/2022 period, 119,400 hectares of forests were cleared, more than a fifth of the average size of deforested areas between 2013 and 2020. However, green groups said forest and peatland clearance to make way for plantations, including for palm oil, remained a practice despite a global outcry over environmental damage. Some 52,000 hectares of forests were converted into plantations between 2022 and 2023, according to data from Nusantara Atlas, an independent organisation tracking deforestation in Indonesia. The total size of palm plantation has also continued to expand despite the plantation permit moratorium. The total size of Indonesia's palm oil plantations reached 17.3 million hectares in the latest land mapping survey this year, up from 14.32 million hectares in 2018. Green groups said they fear the government's ambitious biofuel targets may continue to drive expansion in palm oil plantations. Palm oil producers group GAPKI said Indonesia may need to expand the plantation area as output stagnated while replanting progress remained slow, however such expansion should only be done in degraded areas without clearing forests, the group said. (Reporting by Bernadette Christina; editing by Naveen Thukral and Miral Fahmy) "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A Cardiff University researcher believes that underwater acoustics could reveal where Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 crashed. Experiments using controlled explosions could better reveal the signature sound made when the flight impacted the ocean in 2014. Analyzing sounds from the time of the crash has so far yielded no new information. A few well-placed underwater microphones could tell us the final resting place of downed Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 (MH370). Now lost for 10 years, those searching for the missing aircraft have come no closer to understanding where the plane and its 239 passengers and crew on board ended up. Weve all heard the quips asking if a tree falling in the forest makes a sound if nobody is there to hear it. But in the case of a catastrophic crash or explosion in an oceansuch as a plane crashing or a submarine explodingtheres a distinct pressure signal, more commonly known as a sound wave. And theres often an underwater microphoneknown as a hydrophonethere to pick up the signature. Finding that singular sound from March 2014 could help isolate exactly where flight MH370 now rests. Our analysis shows clear pressure signals from previous aircraft crashes were detected on hydrophones, said Usama Kadri from Cardiff Universitys School of Mathematics in a news release, even at distances exceeding 3,000 kilometers. So far, though, Kadris research hasnt yielded new information about the whereabouts of MH370, which left Kuala Lumpur at night en route to Beijing. But he believes theres still hope, with a few potential experiments leading the way. Official investigations concluded that MH370 must have crashed near the 7th arcthe point at which the last communication between the plane and INMERSAT occurred. Kadri started pouring over more than 100 hours of data captured by hydrophones, and then analyzed 10 historical aircraft accidents and one submarine disappearance. In his findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, he shows that violent ocean impacts like the impact of flight MH370 (which would have been equivalent to a small earthquake) produce distinct acoustic signatures that travel through water and get recorded by hydrophone technology located throughout the world. Initial research has focused on hydrophone data captured near the 7th arc during what would likely have been the final stage of MH370s path in the Southern Indian Ocean. Kadri also investigated sounds from the Gulf of Thailand that occurred around the time of the final communication from the plane. Only a single, relatively weak six-second signal that matched both the time and the area of the potential crash site was identified. So, while the initial datathanks in large part to a hydroacoustic station at Cape Leeuwin, Australia, roughly 1,250 miles away from the 7th arcdidnt reveal any actionable data, there may still be a way to find some. The study suggests that authorities should conduct field experiments using controlled explosions or air guns in the same vicinity and with similar energy levels as the potential crash in order to monitor the sounds using hydroacoustic stations. The sounds produced in the experiment could show if any other signals from the time of the crash are related to MH370. Similar exercises were performed in the search and rescue mission for the ARA San Juan, a submarine that vanished of the coast of Argentina in 2017, Kadri said. This shows us that it is relatively straightforward and feasible and could provide a means to determine the signals relevance to MH370, prior to resuming with another extensive search. He added that if sounds are found related, it would significantly narrow down, almost pinpoint, the aircrafts location. Of course, if theres no relatable data, it may force authorities to again reassess the timing or location established in the official search. The aim is to encourage pertinent authorities to implement actions that could reveal insights into the destiny of MH370 specifically, the study says. Unfortunately, weve been unable to find a signal with the certainty needed to launch a new search for the missing aircraft, Kadra said. However, if the recommendations are followed by the appropriate authorities, we can assess the relevance of the observed signals, potentially shedding light on the location of MH370. You Might Also Like Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on North Dakota Monitor. Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage Crowds gather during the Rally for Respect outside the North Carolina Legislative Building on May 16, 2018, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Sara D. Davis/Getty Images) Crowds gather during the Rally for Respect outside the North Carolina Legislative Building on May 16, 2018, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Sara D. Davis/Getty Images) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. Teacher pay in South Dakota SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight. Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with [chief diversity officers]. Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on West Virginia Watch. Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason both for teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on Nebraska Examiner. Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C. John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy delivers remarks at a press conference for the White House Coronavirus Task Force during their visit to LSU's Tiger Stadium on July 14, 2020. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on Kentucky Lantern. Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on Rhode Island Current. John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. In Virginia, where the average teacher pay is $63,103, there were roughly 3,600 vacancies in 2023, according to Virginia Department of Education. The states new two-year budget provides for a 3% increase in teachers salaries. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on Virginia Mercury. John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 2024. (Screenshot from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. Iowa raises teacher pay The Iowa Legislature and Gov. Kim Reynolds this year raised starting salaries for teachers to $50,000 over the next two years. The new law also increases the minimum salary of teachers with 12 or more years of experience to $62,000. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 2024. John Arthur, a teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 2024. (Screen capture from committee webcast) WASHINGTON The only reason John Arthur is able to be a public school teacher is because his wife makes much more money than he does. Arthur the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year testified on Thursday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the challenges facing public school teachers. Arthur, who is also a member of the National Education Association and holds National Board Certification, pointed to pay as the main reason for both teachers leaving the profession and parents not wanting their children to become teachers. The No. 1 solution to addressing the issues we face must be increasing teachers salaries, said Arthur, who teaches at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gemayel Keyes, a teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Philadelphia, told the committee that even as an educator, he still has an additional part-time job. The special education teacher spent most of his career in education as a paraprofessional. At the time he moved into that role, the starting annual salary was $16,000 and the maximum was $30,000. Its still pretty much the same, he said. Minimum teacher salary Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, introduced a bill in March 2023 that would set an annual base salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers. We understand that the children, young people of this country, are our future and there is, in fact nothing more important that we can do to provide a quality education to all of our young people, and yet, for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, underappreciated, Sanders said in his opening remarks. Compared to many other occupations, our public school teachers are more likely to experience high levels of anxiety, stress and burnout, which was only exacerbated by the pandemic, he said. Sanders said 44% of public school teachers are quitting their profession within five years, citing the extremely low pay teachers receive as one of the primary reasons for a massive U.S. teacher shortage. For the 2023-24 school year, a whopping 86% of K-12 public schools in the country documented challenges in hiring teachers, according to an October report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland sets $60,000 minimum But a minimum annual teacher salary of $60,000 is not far off for every state. In Maryland, the Blueprint for Marylands Future raises the starting salary for teachers to $60,000 a year by July 2026. William E. Kirwan, vice chair of Marylands Accountability and Implementation Board, said the multi-year comprehensive plan, passed in 2021 in the Maryland General Assembly, addresses all aspects of childrens education from birth to high school completion, including most especially, the recruitment, retention and compensation of high quality teachers. Kirwan said the Blueprints principle for teacher compensation is that, as professionals, teachers should be compensated at the same level as other professionals requiring similar levels of education, such as architects and CPAs. An allocation issue Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the committee, dubbed Democrats solution of creating a federal minimum salary for teachers as a laudable goal. But he noted that the federal government dictating how states spend their money does not address the root cause of why teachers are struggling to teach in the classroom. More mandates and funding cannot be the only answer we come up with. We must examine broken policies that got us here and find solutions to improve, the Louisiana Republican said. Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents rights group, argued that schools dont have a resource issue but rather an allocation issue. Theres a saying: Dont tell me where your priorities are, show me where you spend your money, and Ill tell you what they are. Education leaders routinely choose to spend money on programs and personnel that dont directly benefit students, said Neily. Neily pointed to a 2021 report from the Heritage Foundation, which found that standardized test results show that achievement gaps are growing wider over time in districts with (chief diversity officers). Such staff members commonly encourage efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said higher pay does not ease the burden we place on teachers or add hours to their day. By all means, raise teacher pay, but do not assume that it will solve teacher shortages or keep good teachers in the classroom. Poor training, deteriorating classroom conditions, shoddy curriculum and spiraling demands have made an already challenging job nearly impossible to do well and sustainably, he added. The post Extremely low pay cited at U.S. Senate hearing as prime reason for teacher shortage appeared first on Kansas Reflector. A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter has begun wearing some decidedly non-standard markings, the most flamboyant weve seen on an operational Joint Strike Fighter so far. The upper fuselage and top surfaces of the wing of the F-35B in question, operated by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 Bats, are emblazoned with a stylized motif showing the night-flying mammal of the units logo. The jet has recently been captured by photographers at its base, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japans Yamaguchi prefecture. According to at least one of those photographers, this particular F-35B, serial 169623, which wears the individual code DT-01, is not known to have flown in 2024 but it made a dramatic reappearance in its new markings this month. DT0143 pic.twitter.com/KaQxZu0rCM kiyo (@kG9pkIjAWWhidYX) June 18, 2024 6/18 DT01 Co-ship pic.twitter.com/By02VHqFOQ Seagull (@seagull678) June 18, 2024 2024-6-20 pic.twitter.com/m7LBVcc8jm Relay Point (@point_relay) June 20, 2024 2024-6-20 pic.twitter.com/9aDWSCODmZ Relay Point (@point_relay) June 20, 2024 2024/06/20VMFA-242 DT 01 pic.twitter.com/rBqHDPGOxS robin (@robin1651013061) June 20, 2024 2024-6-18F-35B DT-01 169623 VMFA-242 pic.twitter.com/3p4R7Fn0cY Relay Point (@point_relay) June 18, 2024 2024-6-13F-35B DT-01 169623 VMFA-242 COC pic.twitter.com/del5t81hPM Relay Point (@point_relay) June 13, 2024 Another version of the same photo from the top of this story, this time without haze filter correction. @kG9pkIjAWWhidYX The photo of the jet at the top of this story, provided by @kG9pkIjAWWhidYX on X, reveals details of the bat logo, including its red eyes. The photographer captured the jet earlier today when it made an overhead approach on Iwakunis Runway 20. Previously, on June 13, official U.S. Marine Corps photos of the jet were published, although the bat markings were only seen at a distance, with few details visible. The occasion was the final flight of the commanding officer of VMFA-242, Lt. Col. Alexander Mellman at Iwakuni. F-35B serial 169623 displays the bat insignia during a flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson Cpl. Chloe Johnson Mellman was conducting his last flight after 20 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Photos show Mellman taxiing out in serial 169623, taking part in the fini flight and then facing the traditional water hoses and champagne spraying after landing. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Alexander Mellman conducts preflight checks before his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson Cpl. Chloe Johnson Lt. Col. Alexander Mellman poses for the camera while taxiing to the runway in the F-35B during his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson Cpl. Chloe Johnson Lt. Col. Alexander Mellman is washed down in the F-35B after his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, on June 11, 2024. Courtesy photo by Lance Cpl. Logan Stone Cpl. Chloe Johnson Lt. Col. Alexander Mellman is greeted by Marines after his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, on June 11, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson Cpl. Chloe Johnson The incoming commanding officer at the Bats is Lt. Col. Patrick D. Bergman, according to the squadrons Facebook page. Part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, VMFA-242 was the second U.S. Marine Corps F-35B squadron to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC), in September 2021. The F-35Bs replaced the F/A-18D Hornets previously flown by the Bats, which, by virtue of its location in Japan is one of the tip of the spear combat squadrons in the U.S. military. It was also the second forward-deployed Marine Corps operator of the stealth fighter assigned to the Western Pacific, after VMFA-121, Green Knights, also at Iwakuni. Soon after IOC, VMFA-242 jets including serial 169623 went aboard the modified helicopter carrier Izumo, becoming the first fixed-wing aircraft to operate from Japanese warships since the end of World War II. You can read about that historic embark here. Also these might be the squadron that would be assigned to the Izumo for the mean time. There is a fin flash of Izumo's coat of arms in the first F-35Bs in the video. pic.twitter.com/pZnUK26pI1 Granger (@GrangerE04117) October 5, 2021 How long the bat insignia had been planned by the squadron is unclear, but the result is the most extensive squadron embellishment seen on any frontline F-35, to our knowledge. Other U.S. Marine Corps and Navy F-35s in particular, unit flagships have previously appeared with splashes of color that break the monotony of the jets normal low-visibility markings, but these are typically limited in size and scope. As the VMFA-242 color bird, serial 169623 was already wearing non-standard black and yellow unit markings and codes, as well as a rising sun insignia on the tail. Colored lettering is somewhat commonplace across U.S. fighter squadrons, boosting morale and building esprit de corps and has been increasingly seen on F-35s, which started out with far more monochromatic insiginas only. F-35B serial 169623 lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on April 2, 2021. At this point, it wore non-standard black and yellow unit markings and codes, and a rising sun fin flash (since removed). U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Harmon Lance Cpl. Tyler Harmon Outside of the US. military, a handful of F-35 export operators have opted for colorful national insignia, albeit of generally small size, but these remain the exception and not the norm. Wheels up for #FighterFriday This week, a Belgian F-35 took flight for the first time. pic.twitter.com/WLPvv34Utk F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) May 17, 2024 Today, Denmark welcomed home their first four F-35 aircraft! We look forward to seeing Danish F-35s fly alongside the U.S. and our allies! pic.twitter.com/OSGSJd58qK Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) September 14, 2023 After all, the F-35s coating of radar-absorbent material (RAM) plays a very important role in the aircrafts ability to drastically reduce the range at which radars especially those associated with fire control can detect and track it. Its primarily for this reason that the surfaces of the jet are only on rare occasions interrupted by larger non-standard markings. While it is known that significant leaps in the maintainability of RAM were integrated into the F-35 design, radar-absorbent skins are historically made of materials that are sensitive to environmental conditions. The big bat emblazoned on serial 169623 certainly would increase the conspicuity of the jet during a within-visual-range encounter, although air-to-air combat of this kind is something that the F-35 was designed to avoid. Its still possible it could occur, especially during a major, highly-complex conflict or during air patrol duties in complex airspace. As for how the motif might affect the RAM coating, that remains unclear, although it wont have compromised any other of the jets stealth characteristics including its composite construction and its carefully aligned edges and radiused contours tailored to deflect enemy radar. Another colorfully marked jet from the recent history of the Bats, this is an F/A-18D Hornet seen at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on April 28, 2020, loaded with AGM-84D Harpoon missiles. At this time the unit was named Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lauren Brune/Released Sgt. Akeel Austin We have reached out to the U.S. Marine Corps to find out more about the decision to apply the bat motif on this F-35B and whether that will have any effect on the way that the aircraft is operated. In a category of its own, meanwhile, is the bespoke aggressor pattern, designed to mimic the Chinese J-20 fighter, which been applied to U.S. Air Force F-35As assigned to the 65th Aggressor Squadron (AGRS). This scheme makes use of variation of existing radar-absorbent coatings cleared on the F-35. There has been work in expanding the colors that can be used on the F-35, but only very sparingly in small areas, as we can see with the red eyes of the bat on the F-35B in question. The first two aggressor F-35As for the 65th AGRS. USAF/TSgt Alexandre Montes In the past, TWZ has also looked at other non-standard F-35 schemes, including the remarkable skin coatings. Some of these, depending on the angle from which its viewed, appear either mirror-like or matte. Similar coatings have also appeared on the F-22 and the F-117 and, while the exact purpose is unknown, it seems likely they are related to reducing the infrared signature to help mask them from hostile infrared search and track (IRST) systems. An F-35C of the U.S. Navys Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), the Vampires, wearing a mosaic of panels with mirror-like finishes. Fred Taleghani / FreddyB Aviation Photography Fred Taleghani / FreddyB Aviation Photography Putting this testing and evaluation role to one side, it will be interesting to see if any other U.S. Marine Corps or other U.S. military F-35s follow the trend started by VMFA-242 Bats and apply similarly flamboyant markings on any of their jets, whether temporary or as a more permanent fixture. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com View comments A series of posts on Facebook, some with thousands of likes, make several claims about health care, education, energy, and voting policy in Iceland. The identical posts state: The country where education and medicare are free. No prisons. No army. Electricity is free and people rarely lock their cars and houses! Iceland is the only country in the world where voting takes place online. The claims in the post are a mixture of true and false. Free education. The assertion that education is free in Iceland is true. There is no cost associated with primary school for domestic or foreign students, but foreign students are required to pay an annual administrative fee of 75,000 kronur (around $530). Public universities do not charge tuition, though they do still charge application and registration fees. Iceland also has a total of three independent non-state universities, including international and religious schools. While independent, these schools are still mostly funded by the state and are allowed to charge only limited tuition. Students in primary school may apply to their local municipality to receive a voucher to go toward their education, provided that they are legal residents of Iceland. This voucher, which makes up for a portion of the tuition of the non-state school, provides a greater level of accessibility for those wishing to send their children to some of Icelands international schools. Health care. The post also claims that health care in Iceland is free. Health care in Iceland is universal and highly subsidized, but residents still pay some costs. Out-of-pocket (OOP) payments accounted for 16% of health expenditures, Margret Erlendsdottir, the head of information for Icelands Ministry of Health, told Dispatch Fact Check via email. Erlendsdottir explained that this 16 percent is made up primarily of co-payments for primary care visits, outpatient care and outpatient pharmaceuticals, with reductions or exemptions for vulnerable groups. Procedures and tests required for hospitalization, however, are typically free of charge. Prisons. The statement that there are no prisons within Iceland is false. The Prison and Probation Administration (PPA) in Iceland currently operates five prisons. As of 2020, they had a total of 140 prisoners. This number includes pre-trial prisoners and remand prisoners, which make up 21.1 percent of the total incarcerated population. Military. It is true that Iceland has no standing army for its defense. Instead, Iceland relies on its membership in NATO and key relationships with other world powers for its defense. On May 5, 1951, the United States and Iceland signed the 1951 Bilateral Defense Agreement, which stipulated that the United States would act in a manner that contributes to the maximum safety of the Icelandic people, keeping always in mind that Iceland has a sparse population and has been unarmed for centuries. However, Iceland does maintain an active coast guard that focuses on search and rescue, surveillance, and maritime safety. The Icelandic Coast Guard is non-compulsory. Electricity. It is false that electricity is free in Iceland. According to ON Power, a prominent geothermal energy company, the average cost for a household in Iceland is about 3,500 kronur ($25) a month. Renewable energy provides 100 percent of the electricity for the island nation, with about 75 percent of the electrical grid coming from hydropower and about 25 percent coming from geothermal power. Voting. The claim that Iceland is the only country in the world where voting takes place online is false. It is true that Iceland has experimented with an online voting system called Scytl for some local referenda. Iceland has not used online voting in any parliamentary or presidential elections, instead requiring its citizens to go to their local polling place to cast their ballot. Estonia is the only nation where any citizen can cast a ballot for a national election via an online service. Other nations such as France, Panama, and Pakistan have adopted a form of electronic voting, but have reserved the privilege to those who live abroad. The Dispatch Fact Check was unable to confirm whether people in Iceland are less likely to lock their vehicles or homes than citizens of other countries. If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Fact Check: Rumor Has It Seattle Police Department Is Hiring 'Illegal' DACA Immigrants as Officers. Here's What To Know Claim: Seattle Police Department announced in June 2024 it was hiring DACA recipients as law enforcement officers in June 2024. Rating: Rating: True On June 19, 2024, the X account @disclosetv claimed Seattle Police Department started hiring "illegal immigrant 'Dreamers'" as law enforcement officers. The term "Dreamers" means young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. unlawfully as children and remain undocumented. It originally referred to the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, a proposed law that would grant immigrant youth legal status and a path to citizenship. Some Dreamers are now protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, created by former U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, which gives temporary, renewable protections to these young people. NEW - Seattle Police Department to hire illegal immigrant "dreamers" as law enforcement officers. Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) June 19, 2024 The claim also appeared on Disclose.tv's website, elsewhere on X, on far-right website Gateway Pundit, and in numerous Reddit posts, where one user asked: "Is This True?" Together, the posts had amassed more than 650,000 views at the time of this writing. On June 6, 2024, Seattle Police Department (SPD) uploaded a post on LinkedIn that said the organization "is now accepting applications from DACA recipients." The Seattle government's website also stated in multiple places that DACA recipients could apply to join the city's law enforcement team, which is why we have rated this claim as "True." (Seattle Police Department's LinkedIn account) The Seattle government described DACA as "a form of temporary relief from deportation known as 'deferred action' to undocumented youth who came to the U.S. before the age of 16, who resided in the U.S. since June 2007, and who met other requirements." DACA also provides eligibility for these same individuals to receive a work permit. DACA status is renewable every two years. More than 800,000 undocumented youth nationwide received this temporary relief. In [the state of] Washington, approximately 18,000 undocumented youth are DACA recipients, and we estimate about one-third to half of them live in Seattle-King County. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said the program, which was announced on June 15, 2012, "does not provide lawful status" as a U.S. citizen. The Guardian newspaper published an explainer on DACA and "Dreamers" on June 18, 2020. Numerous news outlets covered Seattle's decision to allow DACA recipients and "Dreamers" to apply for law enforcement jobs in June 2024. Sources: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) | USCIS. 8 Apr. 2024, https://www.uscis.gov/DACA. Get the Latest DACA Updates - IandRaffairs | Seattle.Gov. https://www.seattle.gov/iandraffairs/issues-and-policies/daca#about:~:text=to%20the%20top-,About%20DACA,-Deferred%20Action%20for. Accessed 20 June 2024. How to Apply - Police | Seattle.Gov. https://www.seattle.gov/police/police-jobs/how-to-apply#:~:text=Deferred%20Action%20for%20Childhood%20Arrivals%20(DACA). Accessed 20 June 2024. Lee, Michael. 'Illegal Immigrant Police Could Soon Fill Beleaguered Ranks of Blue City'. Fox News, 17 June 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/illegal-immigrant-police-could-soon-fill-beleaguered-ranks-blue-city. Qualifications - Police | Seattle.Gov. https://www.seattle.gov/police/police-jobs/how-to-apply/qualifications#citizenship:~:text=Deferred%20Action%20for%20Childhood%20Arrivals%20(DACA)%20recipient. Accessed 20 June 2024. Rantz, Jason. 'Seattle Police Staffing Dire, Hitting Lowest Number since 1958'. MyNorthwest.Com, 20 June 2024, https://mynorthwest.com/3962938/rantz-seattle-police-staffing-lowest-since-1958-as-38-cops-leave-so-far/. Seattle Police Department Posted on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/seattle-police-department_activity-7204677370283237377--H06. Accessed 20 June 2024. 'Seattle Police Recruiting DACA Recipients to Become Officers'. NewsNation, 17 June 2024, https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/seattle-police-recruit-daca-recipients-officers/. 'The Dream Act: An Overview'. American Immigration Council, 8 May 2024, https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/dream-act-overview. Walters, Joanna, and Amanda Holpuch. 'Explainer: What Is Daca and Who Are the Dreamers?' The Guardian, 18 June 2020. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/daca-dreamers-us-immigration-explainer. Yeatman, Dominic. 'Seattle to Use Illegal Migrants to Bolster Depleted Police Force'. Mail Online, 18 June 2024, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13540653/Seattle-police-illegal-migrants-Diaz-DACA-Dreamers.html. Claim: The King's Hawaiian bakery company advises customers absolutely must bake its original Hawaiian sweet rolls before eating them. Rating: Rating: False Context: King's Hawaiian bakes its original Hawaiian sweet rolls before shipping them to grocery stores. Instructions printed on the back side of the product's packaging simply advise customers can "heat" up the product with a tray included in the packaging. The company advises 2-3 minutes in a conventional oven. Further, past messaging from the company's official social media accounts advised customers can either heat up the product "or eat them right out of the bag," adding, "Both are great ways to enjoy them!" On June 20, 2024, X user @shawntifying posted (archived) pictures of the King's Hawaiian bakery company's original Hawaiian sweet rolls. The user's post featured the question, "How old were you when you found out you had to bake these?" Within six hours, the post displayed a count of over 5.4 million views. Online users on X claimed the Kings Hawaiian company advised its original Hawaiian sweet rolls must be baked before eating. X user @__Curtdoggg was one of the many users who reposted (archived) @shawntifying's post, adding with loudly-crying emojis, "So y'all been eating the bread straight from the pack?" That post also received well over 5 million views in a matter of hours. Online users on X claimed the Kings Hawaiian company advised its original Hawaiian sweet rolls must be baked before eating. The Truth The post from @shawntifying displayed the words "had to" in reference to a supposed baking requirement. However, the King's Hawaiian company does not advise as a requirement that its customers must bake its sweet rolls. Rather, the company suggests customers might better enjoy the already-baked product by very briefly heating the rolls in a conventional or microwave oven. In other words, the rolls are not shipped raw or partially raw. Advice from King's Hawaiian For example, on Dec. 21, 2020, the official King's Hawaiian account on X replied to another user in a since-deleted post, writing, "You don't HAVE to bake them, but nothing compares to a warm King's Hawaiian Roll!" Online users on X claimed the Kings Hawaiian company advised its original Hawaiian sweet rolls must be baked before eating. King's Hawaiian also posted similar replies in June 2023 after some users apparently viewed other posts incorrectly claiming the rolls required baking. In response to one user, the company said, "You can bake King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls or eat them right out of the bag! Both are great ways to enjoy them!" Online users on X claimed the Kings Hawaiian company advised its original Hawaiian sweet rolls must be baked before eating. Heating Instructions The Raley's Supermarkets website displays one of the largest-available photos of the King's Hawaiian rear packaging in its carousel of pictures. The packaging reads, "Heat, Eat & Enjoy. Remove the tray of rolls from the bag and place the tray directly in a preheated oven at 300 [degrees Fahrenheit]. Heat for 2-3 minutes and enjoy." Online users on X claimed the Kings Hawaiian company advised its original Hawaiian sweet rolls must be baked before eating. The King's Hawaiian website also displays in its FAQ the question, "How do you heat your products?" The answer includes similar instructions for oven heating for 2-3 minutes and also added, "You will then have a sweet smelling home to enjoy your rolls." The website page included microwave oven instructions as well, reading, "You can also microwave the rolls for about 5-10 seconds in standard microwaves by wrapping it in a damp paper towel." We emailed the King's Hawaiian company to ask for further information. We also sent a direct message to X user @shawntifying to ask about their post. We will update this story if we receive any responses. Sources: "FAQs." King's Hawaiian, https://kingshawaiian.com/faqs/. King's Hawaiian. X, https://x.com/KingsHawaiian/. "King's Hawaiian Rolls, Hawaiian Sweet, Original." Raley's Supermarkets, https://www.raleys.com/product/10620067/king_s-hawaiian-rolls-hawaiian-sweet-original. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KSNW) Sedgwick County Sheriffs Deputy Robert Kunze died in the line of duty in 2018 while apprehending a suspect. Back in 2000, Deputy Kunze purchased a 1966 Pontiac GTO with plans to restore it with his daughter Alyssa when he retired. He never got the chance to see it, but following his death, the Wichita GTO Club was determined to restore the car as a gift to his family. They fulfilled that promise, presenting the fully restored car to Alyssa and his widow Kathleen in October 2024. Deputy Kunzes memory is being honored again at the National GTO Association of America convention in Springfield, Mo. Courtesy Sedgwick Co. Sheriffs Office Courtesy Sedgwick Co. Sheriffs Office Courtesy Sedgwick Co. Sheriffs Office Annual blood drive coming up for the American Red Cross His restored GTO, along with his patrol vehicle, are being showcased at the convention, which runs through Sunday. This isnt the first outing for the GTO. It was showcased in Wichita in January at the Cars for Charity Car Show. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. A family of taekwondo black belts in Texas rescued a woman who was allegedly being sexually assaulted. Han An, wife Hong An and their three children Hannah, Simon and Christian, all of whom have black belts in the Korean martial art, came to the aid Tuesday of a cell phone store employee who worked directly next to their dojo, Yong-In Tae Kwon Do in Katy, Texas, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. When we already opened the door, the male was on top of the female already on the inside the employees room, Hannah An told ABC News of the alleged attack. So, by that moment, my dad grabbed him, dragged him out, and the girl was really, really crying, desperately crying, and then she ran towards me. She needed the comfort, the calming down, and then she wanted to go away from that situation. They were able to pull the female away from her attacker, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez wrote in a statement on Facebook. The male then turned to attack the good Samaritans. By utilizing their training and discipline, they managed to stop the assault and hold him. PHOTO: Christian An, Hong An, Han An, Hannah An and Simon An came to the rescue of a woman who was allegedly being sexually assaulted next to their taekwondo dojo. (An Family Photo) The Harris County Attorneys Office identified the alleged attacker as Alex Robinson, 19, of Katy. Robinson has been charged with felony attempted sexual assault, according to the county attorney. Han An said that he first saw Robinson on a bicycle around 2:00 p.m. the day of the alleged attack, riding up and down the adjacent plaza and looking into different stores. About two hours later, when Han An was inside his dojo, he said he saw Robinson and the victim physically tussling outside. The eighth-degree black belt said he thought they were playfully horsing around. MORE: Toddler learns taekwondo from dad in adorable training sessions Shortly thereafter, however, Han An said he heard screaming coming from the cell phone store next door. All five members of the family rushed into the store, where Han An said they found Robinson on top of the woman. Hannah and Hong An escorted the woman out of the store and comforted her, Hannah An told ABC News, adding that the frightened woman told her they came just in time. Han, Simon and Christian An stayed in the cell phone store as they subdued Robinson and waited about 15 minutes for sheriff's deputies to arrive, according to Han An. Han An told ABC News that the alleged attacker bit him twice and scratched him as he restrained him. One of his sons then attacked Robinson to stop him from assaulting his father, according to the family. Robinson is currently in custody with bond set at $100,000, according to the Harris County Attorney's Office, and will be arraigned on Friday. Family of black belts saves woman from alleged sexual assault originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Family friend of teen killed in 2021 in Pope County speaks out after suspect is named POPE COUNTY, Ark. Pope County authorities have filed charges against an inmate in connection with the death of a 17-year-old in 2021. Esperanza West is a close family friend of 17-year-old Savana Elliot, whose body was found in October of 2021 in the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. She was 17 and now she will forever be 17, West said. Pope County prosecutor files first-degree murder charges in 2021 killing She said 17 is a number that will always strike a chord with the friends and family of Elliot. So thats pretty much what the hashtag forever 17 means, West said. With every memory posted on social media, they use the hashtag to honor her. West said Elliot was an all-around happy person. She was always very hyper, excited, loved everybody, West said. Pope County authorities release identity of woman found dead in wildlife refuge Authorities in Pope County filed a capital murder charge against 40-year-old Stephen Watson in connection to her death. He was already in custody through the Arkansas Department of Corrections on unrelated charges from 2022. I feel like its never going to be enough because its not fair he gets to live and she dont, West said. She said Elliot will always be remembered. I still involve her in everything I do, and everywhere I go, West said. West said the new charges are a long-awaited step in finding peace and closure. Its been a very long journey for sure, and its still a lot to come, West said. Woman whose body was found in Pope County wildlife refuge identified Officials said Watson is scheduled for arraignment in Pope County at 9 a.m. June 21. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation on Thursday named a convicted rapist from Ohio as the lone suspect in the long-unsolved case of two young women murdered in Shenandoah National Park 28 years ago. Federal officials said they used DNA evidence to determine that Walter Leo Jackson Senior, who died in prison in 2018, killed 24-year-old Julie Williams and 26-year-old Lollie Winans near their campsite in southwest Virginia shortly after the couple was last seen on May 24, 1996. The women's bodies were found a week later. U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh told reporters on Thursday that authorities saw no indication that Jackson targeted the women because of their sexual orientation. Winans and Williams were in a romantic relationship. "This crime was definitionally hateful," Kavanaugh said. "Nevertheless, we do not have any evidence ... that Jackson had any knowledge of or was otherwise motivated by their membership in a protected class." Jackson's criminal history included kidnapping, rapes and assaults, and he served at least four prison sentences, officials said. In 2014, while serving a prison sentence for a separate crime, Jackson was forensically linked to two rapes that occurred in Cuyahoga County, Ohio in June and July 1996, just weeks after Winans and Williams were killed, Kavanaugh said. The FBI described him as an avid hiker and frequenter of Shenandoah National Park. A federal grand jury previously indicted Darrell David Rice for the murders in 2002, alleging that he had a history of anti-gay sentiment and had targeted the women because they were in a romantic relationship. The case was dismissed when DNA evidence from the case showed no link to Rice. FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Stanley Meador told reporters that a new team of investigators had taken on the case in 2021. With funding from the Department of Justice's sexual-assault-kit initiative, the team submitted crime-scene evidence to a lab that was able to obtain DNA from the items, which Meador declined to describe. The DNA sample matched almost exactly a sample Jackson had given during a prior arrest, and the findings indicated that both women had been sexually assaulted, Meador said. "There was a one-out-of-2.6-trillion chance that it originated from someone other than Walter Leo Jackson," Kavanaugh said. "I've prosecuted many homicides and cold cases and I have never witnessed statistics that high." (Reporting by Gabriella Borter; Editing by Rod Nickel) Several Certificate of Vital Records for Birth (Getty Images) OKLAHOMA CITY A federal appellate court has ruled against a state ban prohibiting individuals from changing their gender on birth certificates. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in a decision Tuesday found that the state policy is not rationally related to the Defendants asserted interest in the accuracy of vital statistics. Lambda Legal, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and represents the plaintiffs, praised the decision. This ruling stands as a monumental win for the transgender community in Oklahoma and nationwide, sending a clear message to lawmakers everywhere that unconstitutional discrimination against transgender people will not be tolerated by the courts, said Peter Renn, senior counsel. This ruling comes at a critical time amidst a surge in anti-transgender policies of all stripes across the country. Gov. Kevin Stitt in 2021 issued an executive order prohibiting the Oklahoma State Department of Health from changing gender or sex on birth certificates. His action came after the state health department issued Oklahomas first nonbinary birth certificate to an Oregon resident. Three transgender individuals sued over Stitts order. The district court dismissed the case. The plaintiffs appealed. The three allege the state prohibition means the sex on their birth certificates does not match their gender identities, and it forces them to involuntarily disclose that theyre transgender when providing birth certificates to others, a violation of their due process right to privacy. The court found that the ban purposefully discriminates on the basis of transgender status and sex. Im always going to protect Oklahoma values and our way of life, Stitt said in response to the decision. My executive order from 2021 made it clear that Oklahoma birth certificates will align with science and Oklahoma law, not a social agenda. Oklahoma will continue that fight as it continues to work through the courts. The court wrote that the states inability to offer a legitimate justification for the policy suggests it was motivated by animus towards transgender people. There must be some rational connection between the policy and a legitimate state interest, the opinion said. There is no rational connection here the Policy is in search of a purpose. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Federal appeals court allows Oklahoma birth certificate gender change case to proceed appeared first on Oklahoma Voice. The South Fork Fire continues to burn in Ruidoso, N.M., on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Photo by Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal) PHOTO CANNOT BE REPUBLISHED ROSWELL Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) expects President Joe Biden to sign a federal emergency declaration to pave the way for funds and additional aid to address the damage in the Ruidoso area from the South Fork and Salt fires this week. It is my understanding that he very much intends to sign that declaration within the next 12 to 24 hours, Stansbury said Wednesday night. Stansbury joined Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, alongside local and state officials in a press conference in a racquetball court inside of the New Mexico Military Institute. Lujan Grisham also announced that 200 to 300 more firefighting personnel will combat the fire in the coming days. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham provides an update on the South Fork and Salt fires at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Leah Romero/Source NM) Given that we are all challenged by resources and fire season around the country, the clarity here about the risks to people living in high-living area concentrations, like Ruidoso, is sufficient to make sure we have the right firefighting personnel, she said. Wednesday, flood waters surged in the burn scar after heavy rainfall following two days of fires, which have killed two people and destroyed an estimated 500 houses. The Major Disaster Declaration Wednesday morning, Lujan Grisham requested support from the president and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). New Mexico asked the federal government for assistance with housing, transitional shelter, crisis counseling and case management for people directly impacted by the disaster. The letter also seeks more federal money for the state, local and tribal governments efforts since the fires started on Monday. The letter cites damage to 1,400 structures and the evacuation of over 8,000 residents as well as damage or total destruction to water, septic, communications and transportation infrastructure within 24 hours of the fires ignition. These fires are highly volatile and dangerous, largely due to the changing wind patterns which are limiting the ability of firefighting crews to effectively contain the blaze, New Mexicos request states. The water treatment facility in Alto Springs has been partially destroyed. Communication systems are currently down across the affected area, which spans over 20,000 acres. The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Environment Departments Drinking Water Bureau issued a precautionary drinking water advisory Tuesday for nine of Lincoln Countys public water systems. Drinking water sources can be vulnerable to contamination during flooding in burn scar areas. The state agencies encouraged residents to seek alternative drinking water sources. Four public safety communication towers and power lines were destroyed, requiring first responders to use emergency generators, the letter notes. In addition to FEMA assistance, Stansbury approached Congress for supplemental funding, saying she would model a request after the destructive fires in Maui, Hawaii. Due to the number of buildings lost, the costs for damages are likely going to be very high, but there is no estimate at this time. The New Mexico Congressional Delegation sent a letter of support to the president, urging Biden to grant Lujan Grishams request for federal assistance. Due to the life-and-death nature of this crisis, we urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexicos request for a major disaster declaration. It is imperative that the federal government provides full support to New Mexican communities to respond and recover from the devastation caused by these fires, the delegation wrote. Were not out of the woods, yet Hopefully with the incoming moisture were seeing, fire conditions will improve in the coming days, Stansbury said. But, were not out of the woods, yet. Stansbury and Lujan Grisham urged people to safely leave areas that are under mandatory evacuation. If folks have not left an evacuation area yet, they need to leave, Stansbury said. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (right) and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) provide updates on the South Fork and Salt fires to media at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Photo by Leah Romero/Source NM) Weather patterns could complicate matters, as rain could poses serious flash flooding risks in and around the Ruidoso area, according to the National Weather Service out of Albuquerque. Lujan Grisham said she did not have a solid figure for how many people stayed behind, despite evacuation orders. I know there are some people who stay behind, but just dont have a number, she said. Today, search teams will be deployed to look for missing family members and friends. Tim Jennings, mayor of Roswell, said addressing the crisis from the fire is going to stretch for weeks, possibly months. Please, have everybody understand, this is not gonna be over tomorrow, he said. People cant go back until their communities are safe to go back to. Cell towers and 911 calls Spotty communications have affected both emergency personnel coordinating fire response across agencies, as well as residents trying to locate their loved ones. Many people have told reporters that they have been unable to reach family members and friends who stayed behind during the evacuation. Early Tuesday, 911 calls from Ruidoso were routed out to Otero County and answered by the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority. That is expected to last several days or until phone service is restored, said the dispatch centers deputy director Hilton Chapman. Lujan Grishams request for federal aid states that local 911 dispatch operations in Ruidoso are non-operational and are expected to continue being so for another month. For now, phone calls made to 911 from Ruidoso are automatically routed to Otero County using a service called Lumen, and dispatchers from Otero call the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office to perform any welfare checks. They have no phone reception up there, so more than likely, theyre using the radio, Chapman said. Lujan Grisham said Wednesday, that several cellular temporary 5G towers will be in operation as a short-term solution for the loss of cell service. Going forward she said that cellular providers will need to assess the infrastructure to determine why reception was lost and fix the problem. At this point, its unclear why cell service was lost. Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Source New Mexico maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Shaun Griswold for questions: info@sourcenm.com. Follow Source New Mexico on Facebook and X. The post Federal disaster aid requested for New Mexico fires, hundreds more firefighters en route appeared first on Utah News Dispatch. The South Fork Fire continues to burn in Ruidoso, N.M., on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Photo by Chancey Bush / Albuquerque Journal) PHOTO CANNOT BE REPUBLISHED ROSWELL Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) expects President Joe Biden to sign a federal emergency declaration to pave the way for funds and additional aid to address the damage in the Ruidoso area from the South Fork and Salt fires this week. It is my understanding that he very much intends to sign that declaration within the next 12 to 24 hours, Stansbury said Wednesday night. Stansbury joined Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, alongside local and state officials in a press conference in a racquetball court inside of the New Mexico Military Institute. Lujan Grisham also announced that 200 to 300 more firefighting personnel will combat the fire in the coming days. Given that we are all challenged by resources and fire season around the country, the clarity here about the risks to people living in high-living area concentrations, like Ruidoso, is sufficient to make sure we have the right firefighting personnel, she said. Wednesday, flood waters surged in the burn scar after heavy rainfall following two days of fires, which have killed two people and destroyed an estimated 500 houses. The Major Disaster Declaration Wednesday morning, Lujan Grisham requested support from the president and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). New Mexico asked the federal government for assistance with housing, transitional shelter, crisis counseling and case management for people directly impacted by the disaster. The letter also seeks more federal money for the state, local and tribal governments efforts since the fires started on Monday. The letter cites damage to 1,400 structures and the evacuation of over 8,000 residents as well as damage or total destruction to water, septic, communications and transportation infrastructure within 24 hours of the fires ignition. These fires are highly volatile and dangerous, largely due to the changing wind patterns which are limiting the ability of firefighting crews to effectively contain the blaze, New Mexicos request states. The water treatment facility in Alto Springs has been partially destroyed. Communication systems are currently down across the affected area, which spans over 20,000 acres. The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Environment Departments Drinking Water Bureau issued a precautionary drinking water advisory Tuesday for nine of Lincoln Countys public water systems. Drinking water sources can be vulnerable to contamination during flooding in burn scar areas. The state agencies encouraged residents to seek alternative drinking water sources. Four public safety communication towers and power lines were destroyed, requiring first responders to use emergency generators, the letter notes. In addition to FEMA assistance, Stansbury approached Congress for supplemental funding, saying she would model a request after the destructive fires in Maui, Hawaii. Due to the number of buildings lost, the costs for damages are likely going to be very high, but there is no estimate at this time. The New Mexico Congressional Delegation sent a letter of support to the president, urging Biden to grant Lujan Grishams request for federal assistance. Due to the life-and-death nature of this crisis, we urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexicos request for a major disaster declaration. It is imperative that the federal government provides full support to New Mexican communities to respond and recover from the devastation caused by these fires, the delegation wrote. Were not out of the woods, yet Hopefully with the incoming moisture were seeing, fire conditions will improve in the coming days, Stansbury said. But, were not out of the woods, yet. Stansbury and Lujan Grisham urged people to safely leave areas that are under mandatory evacuation. If folks have not left an evacuation area yet, they need to leave, Stansbury said. Weather patterns could complicate matters, as rain could poses serious flash flooding risks in and around the Ruidoso area, according to the National Weather Service out of Albuquerque. Lujan Grisham said she did not have a solid figure for how many people stayed behind, despite evacuation orders. I know there are some people who stay behind, but just dont have a number, she said. Today, search teams will be deployed to look for missing family members and friends. Tim Jennings, mayor of Roswell, said addressing the crisis from the fire is going to stretch for weeks, possibly months. Please, have everybody understand, this is not gonna be over tomorrow, he said. People cant go back until their communities are safe to go back to. Cell towers and 911 calls Spotty communications have affected both emergency personnel coordinating fire response across agencies, as well as residents trying to locate their loved ones. Many people have told reporters that they have been unable to reach family members and friends who stayed behind during the evacuation. Early Tuesday, 911 calls from Ruidoso were routed out to Otero County and answered by the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority. That is expected to last several days or until phone service is restored, said the dispatch centers deputy director Hilton Chapman. Lujan Grishams request for federal aid states that local 911 dispatch operations in Ruidoso are non-operational and are expected to continue being so for another month. For now, phone calls made to 911 from Ruidoso are automatically routed to Otero County using a service called Lumen, and dispatchers from Otero call the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office to perform any welfare checks. They have no phone reception up there, so more than likely, theyre using the radio, Chapman said. Lujan Grisham said Wednesday, that several cellular temporary 5G towers will be in operation as a short-term solution for the loss of cell service. Going forward she said that cellular providers will need to assess the infrastructure to determine why reception was lost and fix the problem. At this point, its unclear why cell service was lost. The post Federal disaster aid requested for NM fires, hundreds more firefighters en route appeared first on Source New Mexico. Federal judge considers lawsuit that could decide Alaska tribes ability to put land into trust Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people gather in Juneau for the opening of Celebration on June 5, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people gather in Juneau for the opening of Celebration on June 5, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) This month, hundreds of Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida tribal members gathered in Juneau for Celebration, a four-day, biennial cultural festival. As they walked to Juneaus convention center, attendees passed a black banner advocating LandBack, or the return of land to Alaska Native tribes. Hundreds of miles away, in Anchorage, a federal judge is considering a legal case that could allow tribal governments, rather than Alaska Native corporations, to take authority over significant amounts of Alaska land. Attorneys argued the case, known as Alaska v. Newland, in early May, and U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason is preparing a ruling. At its heart, the case involves a straightforward question: Can the federal government take land into trust on behalf of Alaska Native tribes? Doing so would allow those tribes to create Indian Country, giving tribes the ability to exert their sovereign governmental powers. It would also prevent the land from being sold or given away. The state of Alaska, which filed the lawsuit, has argued that when Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971, it did not intend to allow the creation of new Indian Country in Alaska. Arguing in court, Alaska Solicitor General Jessie Alloway asked Gleason to consider what has changed in the past 50 years. Its certainly not any legislative intent on the part of Congress, she said. But the federal governments view on existing law has changed. In November 2022, the Department of the Interior concluded that ANCSA did not forbid the federal government from taking new land into trust here. The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska was among the first tribes to take action based on that conclusion, petitioning to have the federal government put a small, 787-square-foot parcel into trust. The Tribe hopes several adjacent parcels will follow. Speaking in court last month, attorney Charmayne Staloff represented the federal government. Rhetorically, she asked whether a 90-year-old federal law gave the Secretary of the Interior the ability to take land into trust within Alaska. The answer to that question is yes, she said. Second, does the secretary retain that authority today? The answer is also yes, she said. Attorneys for the federal government and Tlingit and Haida have argued that while ANCSA did erase some tribal trust land, it didnt prevent the creation of new trust land. The state of Alaska has argued that the issue is a major question, a key term in federal jurisprudence. Under a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court opinion, if something is a major question involving issues of vast economic and political significance a federal agency cant act without explicit direction from Congress. Staloff argued that the issue doesnt apply here. Tribes in the 49 other states have long been allowed to place land into trust, and Alaska is the only exception. This is simply not a case in which an agency relied on some vague language or ancillary provision to discover unheralded power, she said. Judge Gleason also sounded skeptical of the suggestion that the issue is a major question, asking Alloway if she can think of a prior example where a major question involved just one state. Ill be honest with the court that I think that that would be an issue of first impression, but I dont think that theres no support for it, Alloway said. Gleason questioned both attorneys intermittently and at one point said that based on her reading of federal law, she isnt persuaded that any given tribe is entitled to put land into trust. Gleason didnt say when she may rule on the case, but she appeared to hint at the direction of her thinking when she asked both attorneys what they would think about a decision that declared the issue was not a major question but put limits on the federal governments ability to put land into trust. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An inmate in the custody of the Department of Corrections. An inmate in the custody of the Department of Corrections. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) A federal court Tuesday denied a preliminary injunction against Alabamas state prisons from plaintiffs claiming the state prisons were employing slave labor. U.S. District Judge Corey L. Maze of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama wrote in a ruling that the plaintiffs, who included six Black inmates, had failed to establish that a racially discriminatory intent or purpose motivated a 2019 change to parole standards, or subsequent declines in parole grants, particularly for Black Alabamians in the prison system. [M]inimal differences in parole grant outcomes for Black and white parole candidates convicted of the same crime do not provide exceptionally clear proof that the parole board is treating similarly situated parole candidates differently, Maze wrote in his decision. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Attorneys for the plaintiffs expressed optimism and resolve in a press release following the ruling. They said Judge Mazes order would allow them to build on the evidence already presented, showing that the states parole board has favored white parole applicants over Black applicants at a rate of more than 2-1 between 2020 and 2022. With the helpful road map provided by the Court, we are confident that through discovery, we can gather the evidence to show that Alabamas parole board since 2020 has denied parole and extended sentences compared to any point in the last 50 years, and specifically and intentionally denied parole to Black Alabamians, said Janet Herold, Legal Director of Justice Catalyst Law and counsel for the plaintiffs. A message seeking comment was left with the offices of Gov. Kay Ivey, the Attorney General and the Bureau of Pardons and Parole. Maze did allow The Woods Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on ending racial discrimination in Alabamas prison and parole system, to join the lawsuit. The plaintiffs in the case filed suit in December, alleging that Gov. Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall halted parole in 2019, and that Black inmates were disproportionately affected. They claimed these actions violated the ex post facto and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs argued that the 2019 amendments to the parole guidelines, which stated public safety is of paramount duty, resulted in increased parole denials, particularly for Black inmates. They cited statistical evidence showing a decline in parole grant rates since the amendments were enacted. Mazes ruling stated decisions regarding parole are at the complete discretion of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and detailed the parole histories of the individual plaintiffs, which included multiple parole denials. Lee Edward Moore, Jr., one of the plaintiffs, is serving a 50-year sentence for a 1994 murder charge and was recently denied parole in December 2022, with his next reconsideration date set for December 2027. Alimireo English, another plaintiff, sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for a 2010 drug trafficking charge, had his parole revoked in 2020 due to new charges he was later acquitted of, and was denied parole again in November 2023. Maze also noted a sharp drop for inmates convicted of violent offenses. The parole grant rate for inmates convicted of violent offenses in fiscal year 2018 was 44.7%. The grant rate was reduced to 21.1% in fiscal year 2019 and has hovered around 3% from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2023. But Maze said that plaintiffs had not established an intent to discriminate by the state. The mere fact that the parole board is departing from the risk assessments and guidelines doesnt establish discriminatory intent It isnt enough for plaintiffs to assert that the board is applying more stringent parole criteria than before and that this practice has a discriminatory effect, Maze wrote. Maze found that the plaintiffs had not established a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of their claims and pointed out that the greatest decline in parole grant rates occurred before the 2019 amendments took effect, suggesting other factors were at play. Michael Campbell, one of the plaintiffs, said those incarcerated are facing an emergency every day that Alabama continues to run an unconstitutional, discriminatory parole system in its state prisons. Although we are disappointed with the courts decision, we are still making progress in our fight for a fair chance and fair hearings, as well as our larger fight to dismantle Alabamas scheme of forced prison labor. We are confident that, in the end, we will prevail, Campbell said. Lauren Fairano, executive director of The Woods Foundation and counsel to the plaintiffs, said Alabamas parole board is violating Alabamians constitutional rights with shameful and racially-skewed shutdown of parole. This case is already having an effect on the parole boards practices, as the board is aware of increased scrutiny: since the filing of this lawsuit in early December, the parole rate has nearly quadrupled from what it was before. Its not where it needs to be yet, but it shows that the sunshine brought to this dark corner of Alabamas parole boards operation is starting to work, Fairano said. The denial of the preliminary injunction means the lawsuit will proceed without the immediate changes sought by the plaintiffs. The state and other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, alleging plaintiffs failed to state a legal claim. Plaintiffs challenged that motion in a 214-page filing. Defendants have until July 31 to respond, after which time the judge will decide whether to dismiss the case. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST The post Federal judge denies temporary stay in lawsuit over Alabama prison labor appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Feds convicted Kentucky man after Bevin pardon in state court. He wants a new trial A Kentucky man who received a controversial pardon from then-Gov. Matt Bevin on a state homicide conviction but was later found guilty in federal court in the same murder is trying again to get his conviction overturned. Attorneys for Patrick Baker, 46, filed a motion last week in federal court arguing that his attorneys for the August 2021 trial were constitutionally ineffective in representing him, in part because they had a conflict of interest. The new motion also argues that Bakers attorneys did not adequately develop a claim that federal authorities were vindictively prosecuting Baker, which could have been used in a request to dismiss the indictment. The representation Bakers attorneys provided in 2021 fell so far below what was reasonable that he was deprived of effective assistance of counsel, the motion argues. The motion asks a judge to vacate Bakers conviction and sentence and give him a new trial. Attorneys Stefan J. Bing and Benjamin D. Allen with the Lexington firm of Gess Mattingly & Atchison now represent Baker. The U.S. Attorneys Office has not formally responded in court but is expected to oppose Bakers request. A robbery gone wrong The motion is the latest development in case thats gone on for years. It dates to May 2014, when someone shot and killed Donald Mills, 29, at his home at Stinking Creek in Knox County. Mills trafficked in large quantities of pain pills. Baker, who was addicted to pain pills at the time, planned to rob Mills of pills and cash while posing as a police officer, but told others that Mills pulled a gun so he had to shoot Mills, according to court testimony. Donald Mills, of Knox County, was shot and killed in 2014 when two men broke into his house to rob him. A jury in state court convicted acquitted Baker of murder but convicted him of reckless homicide, first-degree robbery, impersonating a police officer and tampering with evidence. A judge sentenced him in December 2017 to 19 years in prison. The Kentucky Court of Appeals said the evidence of his guilt was overwhelming in upholding his conviction. In December 2019, however, Bevin commuted Bakers sentence and pardoned him of the crime, saying he thought the evidence against Baker was sketchy at best. The decision was one of hundreds of pardons and commutations that Bevin, a Republican who lost reelection in November 2019 to Democrat Andy Beshear, issued as his term ended, causing an outcry from family members of victims, prosecutors and state lawmakers. Gov. Matt Bevin Senate President Robert Stivers said the Republican majority in that chamber condemned the pardons and commutations as a travesty and perversion of justice. The pardon for Baker drew particular scrutiny because members of Bakers family had held a fundraiser for Bevin in 2018, raising $21,500 to pay debt left from his 2015 campaign. Democrats in the legislature said the pardon raised an appearance of corruption, but Bevin denied politics played a role in the pardons for Baker or others. New charge against Baker Federal authorities picked up cases on some people Bevin pardoned. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives opened a case on Mills homicide, and a federal grand jury indicted Baker nearly 18 months after Bevin pardoned him. Bakers attorneys argued the new charge violated the rule against punishing someone twice for the same crime. U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom allowed the federal charge to stand, saying the law allows different sovereign governments, Kentucky and the United States, to prosecute a person based on the same conduct. Federal prosecutors also argued their charge was different not murder, but murdering Mills while committing a drug crime. At his trial in August 2021, Baker adamantly denied killing Mills and his attorneys pointed blame at another man, a convicted felon who lived near Mills. However, jurors convicted Baker after deliberating just over six hours. Boom sentenced Baker to 42 years in prison but gave him credit for the 30 months he served on the state charge before being pardoned, leaving his sentenced at 39 years and six months. Patrick Baker, center, is flanked by attorneys Elliot Slosar, right, and Amy Robinson Staples during a news conference in Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 17, 2019, to proclaim his innocence and thank former Gov. Matt Bevin for pardoning Baker. Baker appealed the conviction, arguing among other things there was not sufficient evidence to convict him and that federal authorities decision to prosecute him was vindictive. The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the conviction, ruling that there was sufficient evidence of Bakers guilt. The panel also turned aside the vindictive prosecution argument, saying that federal prosecutors generally have broad discretion in decisions on charging people. The judges did say they were troubled by the timing of Bakers federal prosecution following his state-law pardon, and by the impression that Baker may not have received such a lengthy federal sentence but for his acceptance of a state-law pardon. Thats where Bakers new effort to overturn his conviction picks up. Arguments for a new trial The motion says that while Bakers former attorneys raised the issue of vindictive prosecution in 2021, they failed to fully investigate the claim, brought it up far too late in the trial process, and proposed to back it up using evidence that was clearly not admissible. The motion also says the U.S. 6th Circuit erred in turning aside the argument because the judges said federal authorities received new evidence between Bakers conviction in state court and the federal indictment. The appeals panel said the new evidence provided a possible explanation, unrelated to any animosity over Bakers pardon, for the decision to prosecute him in federal court. However, Bakers current motion says the new information the judges cited was from a witness who didnt talk to police until after the federal indictment. The other leg of Bakers argument that he should get a new trial is that his three attorneys had a conflict of interest that arose from worries about being held in contempt. Three lawyers from Louisville Steve Romines, Rob Eggert and Patrick J. Renn represented Baker in the 2021 trial. The judge, Boom, ruled that the defense attorneys could not present a number of clips of out-of-court statements from witnesses during the opening argument because they contained inadmissible hearsay. Boom said Romines quickly ran afoul of her ruling by referring to an out-of-court statement from a witness during his opening argument. During a private conference at the bench, Boom raised the the possibility of sanctioning him, according to Bakers new motion. Not long after, Boom again said Romines had violated her order, warning him he could face sanctions including a fine, jail time or being barred from the court, according to the motion. Bakers motion for a new trial argues that his lawyers concerns over sanctions during his earlier trial caused them to not represent him as zealously as they should have meaning their self-interest was in conflict with Bakers interest. For instance, Romines said during the trial that he decided not to make some arguments he believed were reasonable out of fear of that he would violate Booms ruling and possibly go to jail, according to the motion. Boom told defense attorneys they shouldnt be worried about facing sanctions so long as defense counsel follows the law and the Courts rulings, according to Bakers motion. LANSE, Mich. (WJMN) A federal attorney is asking the public for more information on possible criminal conduct by 56-year-old Michael Philip Dowd. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said Thursday afternoon that his office is seeking any additional information after Dowd, of the LAnse Indian Reservation, was indicted on two charges related to an alleged sexual assault earlier this year. My office is prepared to make its case in court and strongly encourages anyone with information about Mr. Dowd who can assist with this active investigation to contact our Marquette Office, said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. Our work protecting victims of sexual abuse and holding offenders accountable is some of the most important work we do. Court documents show the alleged sex abuse survivor sought help from police a month after the incident. According to the records, the survivor recalled she and Dowd were drinking alcohol in the woods near Herman, and that the last thing she remembered was being in the vehicle with Dowd and believing that he was very intoxicated. The next day she said she woke up on his couch and suspected she had been assaulted, but Dowd denied any acts had occurred. Having been given access to his home video surveillance system months earlier, she found evidence to the contrary. An FBI agent who reviewed the video shared to law enforcement by the woman said the footage showed her trying to fight Dowd off and repeatedly yelling Let go of me. The indictment alleges that Dowd knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the survivor without the survivors consent and while the survivor was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in the sexual act. Dowd is facing one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of sexual abuse. Each count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. I commend the victim for their bravery and for coming forward to law enforcement, especially considering the horrific and severe sexual abuse alleged in this case, said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in the Charge of the FBI in Michigan. The FBI, our partners at the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police and the U.S. Attorneys Office are committed to addressing the public safety and violence facing Native American communities. The U.S. Attorneys Office and the FBI are continuing to investigate Dowd for sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. Anyone who has not previously provided information about conduct involving Dowd should contact the FBI or U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Michigan, Marquette Branch Office, at 906-226-2500. Survivors of sexual abuse can connect with Michigans Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-855-864-2374 or through their online chat. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com. Figuring out how to share the worlds most disturbing news on campus | Opinion Content warning: This article mentions suicide. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The Chronicle of Higher Education published a remarkable story recently about college suicides and the wrenching decisions universities face in responding to a tragedy. After a suicide, what information does a college owe its campus? The Chronicle asked. Eric Johnson Its not an easy question to answer. The article revisits North Carolina State Universitys dilemma during the 2022-2023 academic year, when a spate of 14 student deaths, including seven suicides, sparked intense media coverage and raised fears of a cluster effect, a kind of social transmission of self-harm. University leaders faced pressure from students for detailed information and public mourning, even as mental health experts urged caution about the risks of contagion and trauma. Sharing too much can come off as adulation and inspire vulnerable students to act on dark impulses, The Chronicle reported. Sharing too little can breed anxiety and set the social-media rumor mill in motion. The frenzy of that social-media rumor mill has become an exasperating challenge for public officials. Because so many people especially the young now live with their brains constantly online, theyve come to expect that news and information should be instantly available. If we can see real-time updates from the war in Ukraine or a natural disaster in California, students think, then surely we can know whats happening across the quad. The age-old human impulse for curiosity and concern is magnified on a campus, where tragedy hits close to home. But while communication is instant, reliable information is not. Facts and truth are still stubborn things, hard to gather and always vulnerable to error or misunderstanding. Thats especially true in the middle of a crisis an accident, a protest, a heartbreaking death. Getting the facts right takes time, and the costs of getting it wrong are high. That gap between immediate expectation and slower reality has become fertile ground for conspiracy, fear and general distrust. Public officials deliberate and conduct due diligence, while a public accustomed to push notifications and twitchy screen scrolling treats every minute of official silence as evidence of neglect or misconduct. When a UNC-Chapel Hill professor was murdered in his research lab last year, wild rumors circulated on Instagram and anonymous gossip apps about multiple shooters, about gunmen disguised as police officers, about scores of students killed and wounded. None of that was true, but the more straightforward reality an apparently targeted attack, a single suspect who knew the victim took hours to establish and many more hours to share. In the meantime, thousands of students, faculty and parents were so unnerved by the rumors that a Daily Tar Heel front page of terrified text messages became national news. Everyone I know in public communications is trying to get a handle on this new media environment, to answer the demand for faster information without violating the responsibility to be careful and accurate. We are not very long into the smartphone era; it is still new and strange to have all of the worlds most disturbing news delivered at all hours of the day and night. Were all coping, and there are certainly moments when big institutions should be more transparent about decision making or offer faster disclosures. But anxious media consumers need to take responsibility, too. The dazzling speed of our technology makes a false promise that we can have instant, comprehensive knowledge about still-unfolding events. We cant, no matter how many times we refresh our screens. Refreshing our expectations remembering that deliberation and careful thinking are virtues, not liabilities will take discipline. Thats the approach N.C. State ultimately took, according to The Chronicle, carefully reviewing best practices for sharing tragic news, explaining them to students and staff, and sticking with them even in moments of intense pressure. It helped calm things down, an N.C. State administrator explained. And we could do with a bit more calming. Community columnist Eric Johnson lives in Chapel Hill and works for the UNC System. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. A resident of the Goranboy district was blown up by a mine in the territory of the Khorovlu village in the Jabrayil district, Trend reports via a joint statement from the Interior Ministry, the Prosecutor General's Office and ANAMA. It is noted that the truck, driven by a resident of the Goranboy district, Nuruyev Raghib (born in 1991) was blown up by an anti-tank mine. The driver received various injuries. An investigation into the fact is underway at the Jabrayil district prosecutor's office. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General's Office and ANAMA once again urge citizens to follow safety rules and not enter unfamiliar territory. Finland will not improve political relations with Russia while its war in Ukraine rages on Finland's new foreign and security policy report states that the Nordic country will not attempt to restore political relations with Russia while the latter is waging its war of aggression against Ukraine. Source: the report released on Thursday, as reported by European Pravda, citing Finnish public service media company Yle Details: Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed Finnish-Russian relations, the report says. Political relations between the countries have been severed and only diplomatic relations and the necessary cooperation between the authorities, including at the border, are still functioning. The report says political relations with Russia cannot be restored while Russia continues its war of aggression and violates international law. Finland will, however, try to support the conditions for the functioning of Russian civil society to the best of its abilities, the report says. Nevertheless, the report does not identify Russia as posing a direct military threat to Finland. However, the report states that Finland should be prepared for a threat of military force. It is expected that Russia will continue to conduct hybrid attacks against Finland. An example of this is the redirection of asylum seekers to the eastern border. The report also calls for preparation for damage to critical infrastructure. Background: Russia had been threatening Finland with "consequences" if it joined NATO and promised to increase its military presence near the border. However, despite Moscow's threats, Russian military bases near the Finnish border are almost empty, media reports suggest, as personnel and equipment have been deployed to the war against Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A teen surrendered under Floridas Safe Haven law has crossed a major life milestone: graduating high school. On June 15, the Lake County Fire Rescue shared on Facebook that Colleen was surrendered at Station 112 in Clermont 18 years ago. Credit: Lake County Fire Rescue Rep. Castor calls on Congress to pass gun safety laws Now, not only has she graduated, but she was honored by Station 112 who named a fire engine after her. Join us in congratulating Colleen on her huge accomplishment, Lake County Fire Rescue said in the post. We are so proud of you! Florida recently expanded its Safe Haven laws, allowing new parents the ability to surrender unwanted infants up to 30 days after birth. When Colleen was surrendered in 2006, Florida law only allowed infants to be surrendered within three days of birth. As of May 2024, 457 infants had been surrendered after the law was enacted in 2000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fire at oil depots in 2 Russian regions after overnight drone attacks Drone attacks caused fires overnight on June 20 at oil depots in Russia's Republic of Adygea and Tambov Oblast, Russian authorities claimed. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, air defense shot down six drones over the Republic of Adygea in the Caucasus mountains, three over Bryansk Oblast, three over Krasnodar Krai, one over Rostov Oblast, one over Belgorod Oblast, and one over Oryol Oblast. Murat Kumpilov, head of the Republic of Adygea, claimed that the drone attack started a fire at an oil depot in the village of Enyem. The fire covered an area of about 400 square meters and was extinguished at 6 a.m. local time, he added. An oil tank also caught fire after an explosion on the territory of the Platonovskaya oil depot in Tambov Oblast, according to regional head Maksim Yegorov. "The incident was allegedly caused by an unmanned aerial vehicle," Yegorov said. Wreckage of the drone was also reportedly found in the region's Pervomaisky municipal district. Russian Telegram channels shared videos showing burning oil depots and rising smoke. No casualties were reported. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims. The Ukrainian military is yet to comment on the attacks. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry, the profits of which fuel Moscow's war efforts. The previous attacks have been linked to Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) or the Armed Forces. Drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) hit two oil depots in Russia's Rostov Oblast overnight on June 18, a source in security and defense forces told the Kyiv Independent. Overall, the SBU carried out 20 successful attacks against Russian oil industry facilities in various regions, the source said. Read also: Satellite images show Russian oil refinery ablaze after Ukrainian drone strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Firebrand former SC senator in GOP runoff to take his Upstate seat back The S.C. Senate chamber is seen in session in Columbia, S.C. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA A former South Carolina senator is in a GOP primary runoff against a two-term House member in a bid to reclaim the uber conservative Upstate seat voters tossed him out of eight years ago. Lee Bright, a firebrand Republican who lost his re-election bid in 2016 amid opposition from then-Gov. Nikki Haley and the state Chamber of Commerce, faces state Rep. Roger Nutt in the runoff for Senate District 12, which spans chunks of Greenville and Spartanburg counties between their two major cities. Senate District 12 in the Upstate (S.C. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs map) This time, the Senate GOP Caucus is backing Nutt, an engineer from Moore first elected to the House in 2020. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey is careful not to directly mention Bright while explaining why the caucus is funding ads for Nutt ahead of the June 25 runoff. We think Roger Nutt would be a very effective senator if you look at his House record the positions hes championed, the issues hes engaged Roger is a fighter, said Massey, R-Edgefield. Not only does he talk about issues in the right way, he delivers. He wins. Rep. Roger Nutt, R-Moore, is running for a Senate seat held by the retiring Scott Talley (Provided by Roger Nutt) Look at the votes hes taken, Massey continued, recognizing its a hardcore conservative district. Theres nobody going to criticize Roger as being soft. The difference is, Roger knows how to be successful in advocating for things, as opposed to just getting up and talking. Bright, who runs an insurance company, was perhaps best known in the South Carolina Senate as the champion of what was dubbed the bathroom bill, which he introduced two months ahead of the 2016 primary. His bill mimicked a North Carolina law requiring people to use public bathrooms corresponding to their sex at birth and barring local governments from passing rules for bathrooms in private businesses. At the time, the North Carolina law caused a national uproar and resulted in the Palmetto States northern neighbor losing major business deals. (North Carolina lawmakers ultimately undid that law in 2017.) Looking to avoid a repeat in South Carolina, the state Chamber of Commerces political committee ran radio ads against Bright, calling the transgender bathroom bill a time-wasting political stunt. Haley opposed Bright and his bill as unnecessary. Environmentalists also targeted Bright, calling him the worst senator on clean air, water and energy. Ultimately, Bright narrowly lost his bid for a third term in a primary runoff with Sen. Scott Talley, R-Spartanburg, which was a rematch of 2012, when Bright defeated Talley by less than 200 votes. After Talley, an attorney, decided not to seek a third term, he asked Nutt to run to be his successor, Nutt said. Three others jumped in too: Bright; Hope Blackley, former district director for Congressman William Timmons and the former Spartanburg County clerk of court; and Skip Davenport, owner of a local car dealership. Bright got the most votes in the four-way primary June 11, with 36.6% of 11,453 ballots cast. Nutt trailed with 23.2%, followed by Blackley at 20% and Davenport at 18.3%. Nutt said he agrees with Brights stance on a lot of the issues but not his all or nothing tactics. If you go in with guns a-blazing and you dont get anything done, its not really a benefit for our constituents, Nutt said. During his prior tenure, Bright advocated unsuccessfully for legislation allowing adults to carry handguns without a permit. Nutt too supported that effort, which became law this year. Nutt has been endorsed by Blackley, his former primary opponent, along with a number of incumbent legislators including House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter. Bright, a two-term senator first elected in 2008, did not respond to repeated requests for comment from the SC Daily Gazette over the last week. I fought for you for eight years, Bright said in a video on his campaign Facebook page posted May 12. I took every arrow that could be taken. I was able to accomplish some things in Columbia. I fought all the spending. I filibustered a budget. Other things Bright fought for unsuccessfully included keeping the Confederate flag on Statehouse grounds. After the June 17, 2015, massacre at Mother Emauel AME Church in Charleston, when a white supremacist gunned down nine Black worshipers at the conclusion of a Wednesday prayer service, the Legislature voted to permanently remove the rebel flag and the 30-foot pole it was flying from on the Statehouses front lawn. Bright was among three senators voting no. Explaining his vote in a 2016 interview with the Greenville News, Bright said it took courage to keep it up. Senate Freedom Caucus? If Bright wins, he could transport the GOP vs. GOP civil war in the House over to the Statehouses upper chamber. Brights prior tenure predates the existence of the hardline Freedom Caucus. But he took very Freedom Caucus-like stances. The subset of Republicans has stayed strictly in the House since it formed in 2022. But that might change, depending on the results of the runoff. Bright has publicly praised the House Freedom Caucus, to include crediting the uber-conservative group for Republicans refusing to elect former Democrat House Rep. James Smith to a Circuit Court seat in April, despite Smith being the only candidate left in the judicial race. Instead, by a 94-58 vote, the joint assembly of legislators chose to restart the candidate screening process. You need more Freedom Caucus members in the House, and they need some help in the Senate, Bright said about Smith in a video posted on his social media campaign page. Freedom Caucus members say they are pushing the Statehouse to true conservative values. Their GOP critics counter theyre obstructionists who talk in bumper-sticker slogans to twist the truth. In the primary, House GOP leaders pushed unsuccessfully to oust Freedom Caucus incumbents, while the Freedom Caucus picked up a few seats. Rep. R.J. May, a founder of the Freedom Caucus, told the Gazette the group was looking to expand over to the Senate. He declined to name which candidates his group was speaking with, but it seems clear that Bright tops the list. Lee has a proven conservative record, May said without elaborating. On Thursday, Reps. Josiah Magnuson and Rob Harris, Freedom Caucus members from Spartanburg County, both endorsed Bright. Magnuson, of Campobello, is the secretary and potentially the next chairman of the Freedom Caucus following the exit of its founding chairman, Rep. Adam Morgan, who lost his bid last week for Congress. Nutt estimates voting with the Freedom Caucus the vast majority of the time but said hes not interested in joining the hard-right coalition if it crosses the lobby. Im not going to join a Freedom Caucus because it puts you in a cubby, Nutt said. Im going to vote my conscience and what the people in my district want me to. For the next few days, Nutt said he plans to continue the ground game he believes helped him win a spot in the runoff. For the last three, four months Ive done nothing but campaign, and Ive walked door to door and Ive talked to people, he said. People understood Ive got the experience and the knowledge and the drive to get out and get something actually done in the Senate. SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report. The post Firebrand former SC senator in GOP runoff to take his Upstate seat back appeared first on SC Daily Gazette. The Charlotte Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Thursday morning. Heavy smoke was observed coming from the old control tower shortly after 8 a.m. ALSO READ: New technology could ease travel troubles at Charlotte Douglas Airport Firefighters said four construction workers were initially trapped by the smoke. While the fire did make it to two alarms, it was controlled within 10 minutes, according to firefighters. (PHOTOS: The most expensive airports in America) These are the most expensive airports to the least expensive, according to average airfare data from FinanceBuzz.com. 45. Washington-Dulles 44. San Francisco 43. Salt Lake City 42. Charlotte 41. Detroit 40. Dallas-Fort Worth 39. New York City-JFK 38. Minneapolis-Saint Paul 37. Houston 36. Newark 35. Portland 34. Los Angeles 33. Philadelphia 32. Atlanta 31. Kansas City 30. Orange County-John Wayne Airport 29. St. Louis 28. Seattle 27. Indianapolis 26. Sacramento 25. Washington D.C.-Ronald Reagan 24. Boston 23. Chicago-O'Hare 22. San Antonio 21. San Diego 20. Pittsburgh 19. Phoenix 18. Austin 17. Raleigh 16. Baltimore 15. Honolulu 14. Nashville 13. Denver 12. Cleveland 11. Miami 10. Dallas-Love Field 9. San Jose 8. Tampa 7. New York-LaGuardia 6. New Orleans 5. Chicago-Midway 4. Oakland 3. Las Vegas 2. Fort Lauderdale 1. Orlando All four construction workers were then able to self-evacuate and did not suffer any injuries. Airport officials told Channel 9 that the tower was out of commission and not in use at the time of the fire. It is to be noted that this is the old FAA control tower for the airport and that normal air traffic control operations were not impeded during this operation, said Charlotte Fire Batallion Chief John Lipcsak. One witness said he saw flames coming from the bottom of the structure that eventually made their way up. ALSO READ: Charlotte airport wants police to be able to remove people experiencing homelessness The Charlotte Fire Department determined that the fire was accidental due to demolition work being performed on the control tower. An investigation revealed that the fire started in an elevator shaft located inside the control tower. Molten slag from hot work dropped down the elevator shaft onto piled foam insulation and caused the fire. VIDEO: New technology could ease travel troubles at Charlotte Douglas Airport Senate Democrats have added language to the annual defense authorization bill to require women to register for the draft, prompting a backlash from Republicans and social conservatives and complicating the chances of moving the bill on the Senate floor before Election Day. Conservatives led by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) are certain to attempt to remove the provision requiring women to register for the draft, which could present a tough vote for Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and other Democrats in tight reelection races. Republican candidate Sam Brown, who is running against Rosen, is already making it an issue in the Nevada Senate race. Brown, an Army veteran who was severely burned by an improvised explosive device explosion, slammed Rosen in a video for voting to require women to sign up for the draft. Look at my face. This is the high cost of war, he posted recently on the social platform X. Amy and I volunteered to serve, and we honor all who serve, he wrote, referring to his wife. But forcing Americas daughters to register for the draft is UNACCEPTABLE. Shame on Jacky Rosen. In the video posted below those comments, Brown pointed to the scarring on his face as evidence of the dangers women would face in combat theaters. Look at my face. This is the high cost of war and I just found out that Jacky Rosen voted this week to make signing up for the draft mandatory for our daughters. Youll be hearing more from me on this, he said. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called the provision requiring women to sign up for the draft insane. He accused the Biden administration of trying to implement a woke agenda at the Pentagon. There shouldnt be women in the draft. They shouldnt be forced to serve if they dont want to, he said on Fox News. He criticized Democrats for wanting to experiment with the military, saying normal people are like, Leave our daughters alone. Hawley led efforts to strip language requiring women to sign up for the draft from the defense authorization bill in 2021 and 2022. A group affiliated with former Vice President Mike Pence also weighed in on the issue Wednesday. The group, Advancing American Freedom, wrote a letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) declaring that the notion of the United States of America requiring women to register to fight our wars is simply untenable and must be opposed at all costs. Wicker, the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said hell try to strip it out of the bill. Im opposed to that. I dont think this is the time to get into a debate on the floor of either house about that. Were not anywhere near implementing a draft, and to me its a distraction when we need to be talking about real issues that are immediate, he said. I hope it will fall out, either on the floor or in conference, he added. But Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) defended the proposed policy change, arguing that women can hold many warfighting positions without serving as front-line infantry troops. Women are doing a remarkable job in our forces today, and if we were in a situation requiring a draft, I think we would need all able-bodied citizens 18 and above, he said. If we go to a draft, that means were in a serious, serious situation, he added. Its not like World War II where we need a lot of infantry. We need cyber experts, we need intelligence analysts, linguists, etc. Wait a second, there are a lot of women out there that can do this better than men, he argued. He said the intense GOP opposition to the proposal just doesnt make any sense. Senate aides point out the issue cuts across party lines, with some Republicans generally supportive of requiring women to sign up for the Selective Service System, just like men when they turn 18. Senate Republicans are already raising doubts about whether Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will even bring the bill to the floor anytime soon, given the dwindling number of days on the legislative calendar before the election. I do hope we get to the floor. Its very important we have this debate publicly. I hear rumblings that the Democratic leader may not bring it to the floor, I hope that can be reversed, Wicker said. McConnell on Monday urged Schumer to bring the defense bill to the floor without delay. The Republican leader hailed the Senate Armed Services Committee for marking up the defense bill earlier this month but then suggested Democrats may drag out the process of bringing it to the floor. But shortly after the committees action, senior Senate Democrats shattered any expectation that they were ready to start taking the requirements of the national defense seriously, he said. Voting to require women to make themselves eligible for the draft could come back to bite Democrats in Republican-leaning or battleground states, such as Montana and Nevada. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) seized on the issue in the last Congress when he backed an amendment in 2022 to remove a provision requiring women to register for the Selective Service System from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Brave Montana men and women carry out the Treasure States rich legacy of service by voluntarily joining our nations military. There is no need to force our nations daughters to enter the draft, Daines said at the time. Hawley offered an amendment to strike the womens draft language from the NDAA in 2021. His action put pressure on Democrats to ultimately remove the issue from the bill without voting on the amendment in December of that year. He also sponsored an amendment to the defense bill in 2022 to remove language requiring women to register for the Selective Service System, which was co-sponsored by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas), Tom Cotton (Ark.), Mike Lee (Utah), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Roger Marshall (Kan.), John Boozman (Ark.), James Lankford (Okla.) and Daines. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fireworks for Fourth of July, what's legal in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson The season for fireworks has arrived, and people are eager to brighten the sky with colorful explosions and dazzling displays. While fireworks can be exciting, following the law and prioritizing safety during celebrations is essential. "The only responsible way to experience fireworks is to attend a professional show," said Tristan Johnson, Chief of Administration at the Greenville City Fire Department. "Shooting fireworks can be dangerous, and we have seen an uptick in structural fires and dumpster fires around this time of the year. "The best approach is to attend a professional fireworks display to prevent accidental fires. "However, if you do choose to purchase fireworks, buy them from a reputable source," Johnson said. "Do not allow children to play with fireworks, do not use fireworks while intoxicated, and do not engage in horseplay with these explosives. It can be dangerous to others and yourself." Several towns and counties have rules against shooting fireworks at certain times of the day and inside the city limits. Here are laws and regulations to follow to ensure a safe celebration. South Carolina: Fireworks laws Most states have laws regarding the use of fireworks, and some explosive fireworks cannot be used without special permits. According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, it is legal to purchase fireworks year-round, and there is no distinction between fireworks, explosives, or sparkling devices. However, residents should be aware of recent changes to fireworks regulations in the Upstate. Here is a list of updated fireworks ordinances. Greenville County A firework explodes in the air at Clemson MBA Fireworks on the Fourth at Unity Park after a weather warning delayed the celebration in Greenville, SC, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The fireworks ended abruptly due to a malfunction caused by heavy rainfall. Greenville County allows fireworks until 1 a.m. going into July 5. According to the Greenville County Code of Ordinance. "It is illegal for any person to use, fire, shoot, or discharge any fireworks within the unincorporated area of Greenville County during the following times: "On the 4th of July before 10 a.m. and after 1 a.m. the following day. "On Dec. 31, before 10 a.m. and after 1 a.m. the following day. "On any other day before 10 a.m. and after 11 p.m. The ordinance states, "A person who uses, fires, shoots, or discharges any fireworks within the unincorporated area of Greenville County and who fails to comply with the provisions of 15-141 shall be deemed guilty of an infraction for each occurrence of noncompliance." An infraction is punishable by a fine of $100. Each occurrence of a violation of this Article shall be considered a separate and distinct infraction. City of Greenville In the city of Greenville, according to the City of Greenville Code of Ordinance: "It is illegal for any person to use, discharge, shoot, or ignite fireworks or similar explosives within the city's corporate limits between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m." An infraction of this article is punishable by a fine of $I00, any part of which may besuspended. Each subsequent violation occurring within one calendar year of determining another infraction is punishable by a fine of not less than $500. The law says. "An exception shall be granted for the hours to be extended on the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, so the discharge of fireworks shall be prohibited after 12:30 a.m. on July 5 and Jan. 1." Fireworks in Spartanburg According to the Spartanburg County Ordinance, fireworks are legal in Spartanburg County. According to the City of Spartanburg Code of Ordinance, "Fireworks are illegal within the limits of the city for any person to sell or expose for sale, keep, store, maintain, have in possession, transport, give or pass any squibs, torpedoes, firecracker or any other type or form of fireworks, including salutes, Roman candles, fountains, balloons carrying any lighted substance, cannon, cane, skyrockets, bombs or other similar articles of fireworks, which will be fired, lighted, ignited, set off or thrown." Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Fireworks in Anderson According to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, fireworks are legal in both Anderson County and within Anderson city limits. Fireworks in surrounding areas Fireworks are not allowed within the Mauldin and Travelers Rest city limits. Fireworks are allowed in the Greer, Fountain Inn, and Simpsonville city limits. Tips for handling fireworks safely According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 23 Chapter 35, consumer-grade fireworks are legal for those 16 and older to buy, store, and shoot. The National Safety Council stated that fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires yearly. These fires can cause significant damage to homes, forests, and structures. Celebrate safely with firework safety tips The Anderson County Emergency Medical Service Department has provided some safety tips to ensure a safe and successful celebration. Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision. Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands. Never light them indoors. Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Never ignite devices in a container. Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Never use illegal fireworks. Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Fireworks for Fourth of July, what to know about laws in Upstate DENVER (KDVR) A calf was killed by a gray wolf in Routt County on Sunday, marking the first report of its kind in the county and the 10th wolf depredation incident so far in 2024. Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the incident. A wolf activity map published by CPW has indicated wolf activity in at least some parts of Routt County since reporting began in December 2023, but no wolf depredation incidents had been reported there before June 16. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather It was not specified if any of the wolves released in 2023 as part of the states reintroduction effort was involved. Where are wolf depredations happening? Three Colorado counties have had reports of wolf depredation since 2021: Jackson County, Grand County and now Routt County. Grand County has seen more livestock killed by wolves this year than in any other county with seven killed in five incidents. In comparison, four livestock deaths have been reported in Jackson County in four incidents. Colorado launches wolf depredation report site; new movement map released Only one claim for financial compensation has been submitted and sent by CPW this year: $1,514 was sent after a calf was killed in Jackson County on April 7. Another claim submitted for a calf killed in Grand County on April 2 was still pending, according to CPW. In total, the state has paid $41,406 in compensation for wolf depredation incidents since 2021. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The Agrarian Insurance Fund of Azerbaijan plans to increase the share of insured agricultural areas in Azerbaijan from the current 25 percent to 31 percent, the Chairman of the Board of the Agrarian Insurance Fund Fuad Sadigov said, Trend reports. He made the remark during the panel discussion "Impact of climate change on the insurance industry" within the framework of the Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum-2024 (AIIF-2024). "Over the past three years, agricultural insurance in the country has been developing dynamically. Agricultural insurance covers various risks, such as storms, hurricanes, and droughts, and plays an important role in ensuring food security. We are planning to ensure that additional agricultural areas are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. These initiatives are aimed at providing comprehensive protection for farmers and reducing the negative impact of risks such as drought," he emphasized. To note, in the near future, Azerbaijan plans to expand the coverage of agricultural insurance and introduce more innovative insurance products to minimize the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel FirstEnergy VP Dowling plans to call DeWine and Husted to the stand in corruption trial Former FirstEnergy executive Michael Dowling sits in the Summit County Court of Common pleas as he is arraigned on a dozen charges relating to corruption and bribery. (Photo by WEWS.) An indicted FirstEnergy executive plans to call Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to testify as witnesses in his criminal trial, according to new Summit County court filings. Former FirstEnergy VP Michael Dowling has pleaded not guilty on a dozen charges, ranging from corruption to bribery to money laundering. He is party to a joint trial with former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, who is facing similar accusations. Both will stand before a jury of their peers for their alleged roles in the largest bribery scheme in state history. FirstEnergy, as a company, has already admitted to bribing public officials to help the company behind the scenes in one way by pushing and helping to create H.B. 6. Back in 2019, Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder took a $61 million bribe in exchange for legislation to give FirstEnergy a $1 billion bailout, named H.B. 6, all at the expense of ratepayers. This landed Householder in federal prison for 20 years, and he is now facing state charges, as well. DeWine, who landed on Dowlings potential witness list, has had a rough week. On Sunday, new texts revealed that he asked Jones for money, which he then received via a dark money PAC. DeWine deflected questions about his relationship with the former FirstEnergy executives. While DeWine is dealing with the ongoing discovery of text messages linking him to indicted FirstEnergy executives, Republican lawmakers are drafting legislation requiring greater campaign finance disclosure. Dowling intends to call more than two dozen people to the stand, most notably DeWine and Husted. Governor has no comment on that filing listing 30+ witnesses, DeWine spokesperson Dan Tierney said via text. We reached out to Husteds team, as well. We asked if they would be fighting back against the possibility of him being a witness. The Lt. Governor has not been called as a witness, spokesperson Hayley Carducci said, reaffirming what I said. This is a potential witness list. A few other individuals from the statehouse are on the list, including Dan McCarthy a longtime DeWine staffer who previously lobbied for FirstEnergy and is now the commissioner of the Ohio Racing Commission. Former Senate staffer Frank Strigari and former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) staffer John Ryan are also included. Additionally, Dowling has a potential list of two dozen FirstEnergy-affiliated individuals, as well as some who worked for AEP. Jones has not provided his list yet. Former PUCO Chair Sam Randazzo was supposed to be a defendant in this trial, as he was facing 22 felony counts from the state and 11 federal. He died by suicide in April. He was the second man, out of eight, to take his own life after being connected to the scandal. Neil Clark, a lobbyist accused of bribery, died by suicide after pleading not guilty in 2021. Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook. This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post FirstEnergy VP Dowling plans to call DeWine and Husted to the stand in corruption trial appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal. Five men arrested in Missouri for alleged trafficking of 14-year-old to California Five men were arrested in Missouri on Monday for allegedly trafficking a 14-year-old girl from Indiana to California. The men were charged with endangering the welfare of a child in Macon County Circuit Court, Macon County Prosecutor Joshua Meisner said. The investigations ongoing, so these charges may change, he said. Theres also several law enforcement agencies involved, including the FBI. Its too early for me to know how all thats going to shake out yet, but as of right now thats what theyre charged with in our county. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers were told around 2 a.m. Monday of a 14-year-old girl who had run away from Cass County, Indiana, after the girls father saw her leave in a black SUV, according to court documents. The man contacted local police and reported her missing. Law enforcement tracked the girls phone and pulled over a black Dodge Durango in Macon County, Missouri. A trooper looked in the vehicle and found the girl, who identified herself as the missing teen. The girl was taken out of the vehicle, and those inside were taken into custody. The five men, who were allegedly in the country illegally, were alleged to be trafficking the girl from Indiana to California, the trooper wrote in court documents. The five men charged are: Daniel Ruiz-Lopez, 19, of Honduras Noe Guzman-Hernandez, 24, of Mexico Carlos Funez, 56, of Honduras Arturo Eustaquio, 41, of Mexico Marlon Aguilar, 44, of Honduras Court records do not list attorneys for the men. All five have bond hearings scheduled for Friday. With a weather forecast soaked with yet more showers and storms through Saturday, the Twin Cities is on flood watch. Heavy rain, storms and flash flooding is possible Thursday night into Saturday, the Twin Cities office of the National Weather Service reported. An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected to fall during this time. River flooding will worsen through the week, according to the weather service, with moderate or major flooding at some locations. Due to the incoming rain, a flood watch will be in effect for the metro from 5 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday. A flood warning is in effect for St. Paul starting Saturday morning until further notice due to the rising Mississippi River and threat of major flooding, according to the weather service alert. St. Paul closures Shepard/Warner Road will close this Sunday due to the expected flooding on the Mississippi River. A 3.2-mile section of the road on the north side of the Mississippi River along downtown St. Paul will be closed to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic from Eagle Parkway to U.S. 61. As part of the closure, Second Street from Kellogg Boulevard to Sibley Street will be closed and Sibley Street and Jackson Street between Kellogg Boulevard and Second Street will be closed to traffic. These one-way street sections that normally connect to Shepard/Warner will temporarily be converted to two-way traffic open only to access adjacent buildings. The temporary closing of Shepard/Warner Road is part of the citys flood response plan when rising river levels approach the moderate flood stage of 15 feet. Meanwhile, the rising waters also mean several parkland areas, trails and facilities in St. Paul will be temporarily closed. Those going to city parks should check for facility, trail, and park closures on the website at stpaul.gov/flood. Officials also ask that residents use caution if exploring areas close to the river as water levels can change quickly. They ask that residents follow posted signage, safety guidance and do not pass barricades. The city is contacting property owners along the river who may be impacted. And the homeless assistance response team is working with the unsheltered or those in encampments that might be in areas prone to flooding. The city will keep several roads, along with some park areas and facilities, closed until river levels have receded and everything can be safely cleared and reopened for public use. Seeing the Mississippi River water levels rise in summer due to heavy rains is a bit out of the norm for Saint Paul, but we have experienced this before, said Sean Kershaw, St. Pauls director of Public Works, in a statement. The temporary parks and road closures are necessary steps we take to protect public and private infrastructure for all. We encourage everyone to be prepared and plan alternate routes to get in, out, and around Saint Paul for the next few weeks. As of Thursday, the Mississippi River measured at 11.5 feet and is expected to crest at more than 20 feet late next week, according to the National Weather Service. Minor flood stage is reached at 14 feet. Moderate flood stage is at 15 feet. Major flood stage is at 17 feet. Stillwater preparations Across the east metro in Washington County, the city of Stillwater issued a notice on Thursday for an emergency meeting related to the rising St. Croix River. The emergency meeting of the Stillwater City Council will be held at noon Friday at Stillwater City Hall. The purpose of the emergency meeting is to declare the City of Stillwater in a State of Emergency for the flooding event of 2024, the notice announced. For questions or more information, contact the city clerks office at stillwater@stillwatermn.gov or 651-430-8800. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to prepare Stillwaters historic lift bridge for high water. On Friday morning, MnDOT crews will block access to both ends of the bridge, prohibiting pedestrian and bicycle traffic from crossing. Parking also will be restricted from the area near the bridge in downtown Stillwater. The crews will place ballast on the bridges two stationary ends to prevent possible structural movement caused by floodwater. The bridges lift span will then be fully raised, allowing marine traffic to continue to pass. After the flood threat subsides, the bridge will reopen and the summer lift schedule will resume. Related Articles A flash flood swept through River Ranch RV Park in Ruidoso Downs on Wednesday. (Photos by Chancey Bush / Albuquerque Journal) PHOTO CANNOT BE REPUBLISHED First hit by fire, and now water. Facing threats from the South Fork and Salt fires, Ruidoso was inundated Wednesday as a fierce storm dropped an estimated 2 to 4 inches of rain as it swirled above the Sacramento Mountains. Emergency management conducted three water rescues in the burn scar, according to remarks from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Wednesday evening in Roswell. No additional details were released about the number of people rescued or their condition. While this weather is helpful to fight the fire, it is not helpful for the floods, she said, urging people to stay out of the evacuation areas because of the combined danger. Wednesday afternoon the National Weather Service out of Albuquerque issued flash flood warnings in the McBride and Blue 2 Fire burn scars, and warned of potential flooding as far downstream as Two Rivers Dam in Roswell. The fast-moving water is extremely dangerous, with 6 inches of water able to knock a person over, and one foot strong enough to carry away a car. The National Weather Service warnings urged people in the burn scars around the Rio Hondo area to seek higher ground. Additional reports to the National Weather Service included flooding around Bonito Lake, mudslides on Gavilan Canyon Road, and debris and water on State Highway 532 (Ski Run Road). Weve got you know, a surge of tropical moisture coming in, and could see easily like 2 to 3 inches of rain on the burn scars in the next two days, said Andrew Mangham, the senior service hydrologist for the National Weather Service. The rain on the way potentially increases flood danger, since the ground is already soaked. It was already going to be bad. But now you can think of these things as primed on a hair-trigger, Mangham said. Anything that falls on the ground is going to run right off. The areas of most concern include Alto, Ruidoso, Hollywood and Ruidoso Downs. Flooding concerns extend to Roswell and did extend into other parts of Chaves County, confirmed emergency manager Karen Sanders. Floodwaters in the burn scar transform to sludge as it picks up ash and sediment, and moves slower than water, making it hard to judge when it will arrive downstream. Water is headed their way, there could be some impacts. Were just hard pressed to say exactly what theyre going to be, Mangham said. The post Floods hit Ruidoso as NM fires burn appeared first on Source New Mexico. Dozens of Tampa Bay institutions are scrambling for funding after Gov. Ron DeSantis last week vetoed more than $32 million in arts and culture grants from next years budget. Its a huge disappointment and a quandary, said Michael Tomor, executive director of the Tampa Museum of Art. The museum expected $570,500 from the state but will receive zero. We are all unclear as to why this happened. DeSantis issued nearly $1 billion in line-item vetoes before signing a $116.5 billion spending plan at a news conference in Tampa. He cut two grant programs, totaling $32 million, that fund arts and culture nonprofits across Florida. DeSantis didnt explain why he cut the arts and culture grants but said more broadly that he vetoed some items he didnt think were appropriate for state tax dollars and that he wanted to spend less money than the year before. The state has long awarded money to cultural organizations through four grant programs. The Legislature in March approved two of those programs for the upcoming budget and earmarked tens of millions of dollars less than in years past. DeSantis vetoed those grants. Tomor said the Tampa Museum of Art was slated to receive $500,000 in grant money for a building expansion project and around $70,500 for exhibition education programs. The vetoes came as a shock. These arent huge amounts of money, but they were extremely meaningful toward what were trying to accomplish for the community, he said. Margaret Murray, CEO of Creative Pinellas, the countys nonprofit arts agency, said the budget cuts will hit small organizations the hardest. Murray said local music and theater groups, youth programs, art festivals and other nonprofits that rely on state funding may struggle to recover. To completely decimate the cultural funding Ive never experienced that in my lifetime as an arts professional in Pinellas County or anywhere, she said. When asked why the governor vetoed the arts grants, press secretary Jeremy Redfern said that DeSantis reviews every bill and appropriation that comes across his desk and uses his authority under the Florida Constitution to make veto decisions that are in the best interest of the State of Florida. FreeFall Theatre, a nonprofit theater company in St. Petersburg, expected $105,000 from the state, said executive director Craig Badinger. About half of the organizations $1.5 million yearly budget comes from grants and donations. Badinger said the organization will need to get creative to raise the lost state funding. Its not easy, especially when every other arts organization around us is dealing with this, too, Badinger said. ZooTampa at Lowry Park planned to use a $500,000 grant to help fund the development of a manatee rescue habitat, which is part of a larger $125 million expansion project. The zoo received $2 million elsewhere in the budget to support the manatee habitat construction, but the vetoes mean the organization will need to fundraise. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Friends of Ybor each expected to receive $500,000 in cultural facilities grants. Tomor said the vetoes were a sign of no faith from the governor in Floridas arts and culture institutions. To have the representative of our state fundamentally say that he does not believe these things are important is a message thats heard very clearly by constituents, Tomor said. I worry it can be a contagious behavior to deny access of taxpayer dollars to things that enrich our lives educationally and spiritually, and in a way thats very human. Leaders from the Florida Cultural Alliance, an arts advocacy organization, condemned the cuts in a statement. This is unprecedented in the history of the grants program and is dismaying, the group said in the statement, which was signed by chairperson Earl Bosworth and president Jennifer Jones. Some Democrats in the state Legislature spoke against the vetoes, too. These funds were set to support well-vetted nonprofit organizations that play a crucial role in enriching our community and preserving our cultural heritage, state Rep. Anna Eskamani said in a statement. Cutting this funding undermines the economic vitality of our state and disregards the significant contributions of our cultural institutions. Florida deputies crack down on street racing after mans leg gets crushed between car and concrete wall Florida deputies crack down on street racing after mans leg gets crushed between car and concrete wall The video has been edited to cut out the graphic content of the mans injury. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) A man was left with a severe leg injury after dozens of stunt riders gathered in Jacksonville over the weekend for a planned street takeover event. According to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, stunt riders met on Saturday on a private property on the Westside, coming from as far as Georgia and North Carolina. Distracted driver hits teen sitting on curb in Polk County, leaving her with serious injuries: FHP A graphic video shared on social media showed a car strike a man, pining him against a concrete barrier. Officials said the injury was so severe, he could potentially lose his leg. Deputies are spreading awareness of the dangers of stunt and street racing events. Despite his injury, officials are still seeing both racers and spectators ignoring traffic laws. We lose lives, the Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said. We lose more lives to traffic fatalities than we do murders and homicides every year. The sheriffs office partnered with the Florida Highway Patrol to shut down the illegal activity and stop street racers who moved to public roads and took over parking lots. 4 charged in USF students fentanyl overdose death The suspected street takeover organizer, Julio Cesar Rodriguez, 27, was arrested after fleeing from officials. This is dangerous, this is a serious problem, and people are losing their lives, Sheriff Waters added. Sheriff Waters suggested renting a track if people want to partake in the activity and to stay off public roads. According to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, their Operation Decelerate resulted in two felony arrests, three misdemeanor arrests, 78 uniform traffic citations, 29 field investigation reports, one seized vehicle, four impounded vehicles, and one seized firearm. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Thursday was the official start of summer, a time when crime typically rises. U.S. Representative Kathy Castor said as of April 30, there have been 320 gun-based homicides in Florida alone. Rep. Castor calls on Congress to pass gun safety laws Castor spoke in Tampa on Thursday, encouraging the community to take a stand against gun violence. Its outrageous that in America today, one of the leading causes of death among kids is death by gun, Castor said while standing next to members of Moms Demand Action, the Tampa Police Department, Safe & Sound Hillsborough, and others. Castor is calling on Congress to pass commonsense gun safety laws. Common sense means that you dont want guns to fall in the hands of people who shouldnt have them, Castor said. So one example is the bipartisan background checks law so that everyones background is checked. Its so you dont have domestic abusers, terrorists, people who have felony convictions, getting a gun. We need to close the gun show loophole. Its way too easy to walk into these big gun shows and if youre not a licensed dealer, people are selling guns, they need to be responsible for background checks as well. Police seek passenger who attacked St. Pete Pier tram driver She mentioned the US Supreme Court recently striking down a ban on bump stocks, a rapid-fire gun accessory, is not an example of commonsense gun laws and needs to be addressed. Locally, Castor shared data out of St. Petersburg where 250 guns were reported stolen last year. In Tampa, an estimated 200 illegal guns found on the street were stolen from unlocked cars. Not are we just getting guns from cars, weve got to be getting guns from somewhere else. My community is overrun with guns. So all 200 of them Im sure were not just stolen from East Tampa, Representative Dianne Hart said. Rep. Hart asks parents to check under their kids beds and in their belongings for items they should not have, and bring guns to her office. Distracted driver hits teen sitting on curb in Polk County, leaving her with serious injuries: FHP You dont have to go to the police. Theres my office, theres the congresswomans office, and Ive already been told by the police department, they wont even question me about it. If you just give them to me and let me call them [police] so that they can get it. Unless theres bodies on them, then maybe somebody needs to say something. TPD is working with local libraries to offer gun locks for safe and secure storage and is also working with parks and recreation to stay open until midnight so kids have a place to go, and not be out on the streets. Theres just so much going on. But community, weve got to stand up. Its our turn to stand up and fight back, Rep. Hart said. TPD Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson said they are in year two of a three-year program addressing gun violence by helping youth and their families avoid cycles of bad behavior. We understand from the law enforcement perspective, we cannot arrest our way out of this problem that is plaguing our society, Chief Johnson said. Questions are still unanswered: Polk County mother mourns son killed in shooting The $1.5 million grant allows them to work with non-profits and community organizations to bring in mental health resources and more. Trish Tezzas with Moms Demand Action shared the story of losing her son, Brian Bole, to gun violence in 2016. Trish Tezzas wears a button with a picture of her son Brian Bole, 30, on it. Bole was shot and killed in Oakland in 2016. [He] was actually living in Oakland, California at that time and was walking home and someone put a gun to his head and ended his life, Tezzas said. I grieve him every day. Since his death, she has advocated for background checks, and closing gun show loopholes, a lot of what representatives said theyll continue pushing for. I want this problem to go away. I dont want other families to go through what weve gone through as far as that loss. And I think we can do this, Tezzas said. Opponents of gun control argue laws reducing access to guns will not reduce violence, but embolden criminals. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Florida man who shot, injured officer at Hickory pub released from hospital, indicted for attempted murder Florida man who shot, injured officer at Hickory pub released from hospital, indicted for attempted murder HICKORY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The suspect who was charged with shooting a Hickory Police officer outside the Gateway Pub last month was indicted upon being released from the hospital Wednesday. For the May 26 incident, 25-year-old Khyren Rashaad Lawrence was charged with being armed to the terror of the public and carrying a concealed weapon. He was hospitalized for his injuries in the incident. When he was released from medical care, Lawrence was taken into custody by the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. He was served with the Grand Jury Indictment for two counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer. Convicted felon charged after found with firearms, meth, MDMA at Catawba County home: Sheriff Hickory Police say officers responded to multiple shots fired around 2 a.m. that morning outside of Gateway Pub on US Highway 70 SW. Officer Joseph Hart was attempting to arrest Lawrence, of Jacksonville, Florida, when another armed man began firing shots at officers. Hart was reportedly struck twice. Police say an assisting officer reacted to the shots and discharged their firearm, striking the suspect. Officer Hart was released from the hospital at the beginning of June. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. About 40 percent of global food production is wasted, former president of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic said during the panel discussion Special type of food and agricultural sector within the 29th High-Level Meeting themed "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future" in Baku today, Trend reports. He mentioned that food shortages threaten the lives and health of people in poor countries and lead to death. Meanwhile, food is massively destroyed in rich countries. In order to have a very good position in food distribution, it's necessary to use the experience of all countries. Azerbaijan is a good example in this direction. The country is able to help with food and its management experience, which could be a very interesting task for COP29, he emphasized. The primary objective of convening this top-tier gathering is to make sure that all stakeholders are on the same page and pulling in the same direction for the success of COP29 in Azerbaijan's Baku. Preparations for COP29 in Baku involve tackling existing global challenges and opportunities in climate action from all angles. 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 Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel It may not seem that when 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin was attacked by a shark while swimming with her sister and friends at Rosemary Beach and ultimately lost her left hand and right leg, she was lucky. But on the beach that day happened to be a small army of medical professionals. One of them, Dr. Ryan Forbess, was honored for his life-saving efforts in his home town of Orange Beach, Alabama, on Tuesday. He and his friend, Dr. Mohammad Ali from Mississippi, were in the water with their children when the attack happened on June 7, Forbess told WBRC.com. They got to shore, but both doctors immediately ran back in when they saw blood in the water. My friend Dr. Ali and I vacation together yearly at Rosemary Beach, so I was boogie boarding with my son, who was boarding with his daughter," Forbess told WBRC.com. "Then, all of a sudden, we heard a lot of commotion to the left of us while we were in the water. I thought it was probably a shark, but not necessarily a shark attack at that point." Forbess, of Orange Beach Family Medicine, and Ali, an interventional radiologist with Baptist Medical Group in Jackson, Mississippi, rushed back to help others get Gribbin to safety and treat her wounds. "They pulled the girl out onto the beach, and then we were able to start working on getting the blood stopped, and we were able to get tourniquets to secure her airway," Forbess said. "She was going in and out of consciousness. She was up talking, but she was in and out." The doctors, along with some nurses and EMTs also on the beach that day, swarmed to save the girl. She was airlifted to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and then transported to Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, where she underwent surgery to amputate her leg above the knee and close the wounds. It was a lucky team effort with a lot of people there, Forbess said. There were some nurses there who were amazing. There were EMTs, and then Dr. Ali, he is an interventional radiologist, so he was able to find the areas to help stop the bleeding until the first responders got there. One of Lulu's friends was also bitten on the foot by the shark but escaped serious injury, according to Lulu's mother Ann Gribbin. Less than two hours before Gribbin and her friend were bitten, a 45-year-old woman was also bitten by a shark while swimming near Founders Lane in Watersound Beach a few miles away. She lost her lower left arm, officials said. Dr. Ryan Forbess honored for saving teen after shark bite Dr. Ryan Forbess, center, is honored Tuesday, June 128, by the City of Orange Beach for his efforts in saving a teen girl's life after a shark bite in Walton County, Florida. Forbess received a Certificate of Recognition from the city of Orange Beach, "on behalf of the Mayor and Council, we Honor and Recognize Dr. Ryan Forbess for assisting in the heroic effort in saving the young ladys life. We and the Orange Beach community are forever grateful for his selfless actions." "You are truly our local hero, Dr. Forbess," the city's Facebook post said. "Thank you." What's the condition of Lulu Gribbons after the shark attack in Florida? South Walton Fire District has re-opened the beaches after two shark attacks injured three women on Friday Since arriving at Sacred Heart Lulu, who is from Mountain Brook, Alabama, has undergone multiple surgeries to amputate her leg, avoid infections and prepare nerve endings for prosthetic devices. Her doctors said she had lost two-thirds of the blood in her body, her mother Ann Gribbin shared on CaringBridge.org where she has been detailing Lulu's progress. Doctors were able to remove Lulu's breathing tube by Saturday, Gribbin said, and she has responded very well to the surgeries. Last week she was airlifted to a different facility to begin rehab with a "specialist who is a pioneer in multi-extremity amputees," her mother said. On Tuesday, Gribbin said Lulu stood on her own for the first time since the incident. "Lulu is an overachiever!" Gribbin posted. One of her operations, called the Starfish Procedure, reconnects the severed nerve endings to the muscles so Lulu will be able to control individual fingers and the full hand in a prosthetic. She is also using virtual reality rehab using a VR headset to "see" and move her missing hand to help convince her brain it's still there so it won't reroute those functions before prosthetics can be fitted, Gribbin said. Is it safe to swim in Walton County, Florida? Double-red flags fly during rough surf conditions at Dog Beach near Russell-Fields Pier in Panama City Beach, Fla., June 18, 2024. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald) The Bay County Sheriff's Office and officials from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission patrolled the shore for several days after the multiple shark bites. "The helicopter pilot reported back (on Friday) that he was seeing an unusual amount of shark activity, particularly to our western end (near Walton County)," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. But during additional flyovers over the weekend, pilots observed the local shark population drop back down to what they described as about a "normal level." The beaches were reopened to swimmers, but purple flags (indicating dangerous marine life) continued to fly over the next week. However, some Bay and Walton County beaches are closed Thursday for swimming and wading. But it's not because of sharks. The double red flag warnings for Bay County beaches, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key are due to high risks of life-threatening rip currents from strong winds in the Gulf, where Tropical Storm Alberto is bringing rain and gusty winds to Mexico and South Texas. The National Weather Service says a high risk of rip currents is present until at least late Thursday for Bay, Walton, Gulf and Franklin County beaches. "Several days of strong easterly breezes are now underway across the eastern Gulf," the advisory says. "In response, the buoy located about 90 miles south of Apalachicola was observing 8-foot seas early this (Tuesday) morning. These conditions will confidently support a high risk of rip currents through at least Thursday and likely into Friday, when the easterly breezes will start to decrease." This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida shark attack victim Lulu Gribbin's rescuer honored in Alabama The Florida Supreme Court cleared the way for judicial candidates across the state to openly declare their political ideology as long as they dont disclose their party affiliation. The high courts decision was tucked in a ruling over how to penalize a St. Johns County judge who told potential voters in a 2022 campaign voicemail that she was a conservative. Judicial races are supposed to be nonpartisan, but the high court ruled her statement was ethically permissible. To describe oneself as a conservative does not signal bias, pro or con, toward anyone or on any issue, the justices ruled, overriding the findings of the Judicial Qualifications and the admission of the judge facing discipling, County Court Judge Casey L. Woolsey. Judges have been publicly scolded for even admitting their political party registration in response to questions from the media. But Woolsey never said she was a Republican. The statement I am a conservative is not partisan, either inherently or, as the JQC believed, when made during an election campaign in a predominantly Republican community, the court ruled. Our judicial code does not prohibit a candidate from discussing his or her philosophical beliefs, the justices wrote, citing an earlier decision. In South Florida, lawyers and legal experts called the ruling bizarre and predicted it would usher in an era of nakedly partisan judicial campaigns. The decision today will not only erode public confidence in the judiciary but also open the floodgates to campaign political speech-related disqualification motions, said Anthony Alfieri, director of the Center for Ethics and Public Service at the University of Miami School of Law. Expect candidates to file complaints about the words their opponents use to on the campaign trail for years to come, he said. The JQC will get bogged down in abstract, definitional debates over the meaning of political labels across the ideological spectrum, Alfieri said. Broward lawyer and legal blogger Bill Gelin made a similar prediction. The JQC will be performing linguistic gymnastics as candidates test the limits of what can and cannot be said during a campaign, said Gelin, who runs the JAABlog independent courthouse news and gossip website and was first to report on the courts decision Thursday. Nova Southeastern University Law School professor Bob Jarvis called the ruling stunning, but predictable given the increasingly conservative makeup of the Florida Supreme Court, which consists entirely of Republican appointees. We live in highly partisan times. We should not be surprised by this decision, Jarvis said. They are arguing that the word conservative means different things to different people. You could be a conservative and say youre for a strong national defense, low taxes, and smaller government. That doesnt predict judicial decisions. But conservative and liberal are stand-in words that almost always signal a candidates partisan preferences, he said. Former Broward Democratic Party Chairman Mitch Ceasar agreed, predicting candidates will declare their political affiliations by announcing their political philosophies and letting voters fill in the blanks. Even in Democratic Broward, I would not want to see that happen, said Ceasar, who is an attorney. In these times certain descriptions clearly transfer to certain parties. It does more than imply a political affinity, and in a judge or judicial candidate, that is unacceptable. Alfieri said the Supreme Court ruling stands contrary to the language, history, structure, and policy of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct. Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. Gov. Ron DeSantis at a press conference in Miami on July 15, 2021, related to the Cuban protests. Credit: Screenshot/The Florida Channel. Quality Journalism for Critical Times The Florida Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday that the states anti-riot law, passed in 2021 which creates hasher penalties for protesters, does not apply to demonstrators who are present at a protest but dont engage in violent or disorderly conduct. The ruling by the conservative-leaning court is considered a victory for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has previously argued that individuals peacefully protesting would not be subject to arrest. But the ACLU of Florida is also applauding the decision, calling it a monumental victory for protestors who have been chilled by government officials past threats to crack down on Floridians who wish to speak about injustice. The state Supreme Courts 32-page ruling answers a question posed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit about the meaning of the law (HB 1), officially labeled the Combatting Violence, Disorder, and Looting, and Law Enforcement Protection Act, but better known as the Anti-Riot Act. The Florida Legislature passed and Gov. DeSantis signed the measure into law in the spring of 2021, months after the summer of 2020, when protests broke out throughout the state calling for racial reconciliation and police accountability in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. The federal appeals court has been reviewing the case after DeSantis and former Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams appealed U.S. District Judge Mark Walkers decision to strike down the law, ruling that its definition of the word riot was so vague that people couldnt understand what theyd need to do to avoid arrest if a demonstration got out of hand. Following the laws passage, a host of groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern Division of Florida, including Dream Defenders, the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, Black Collective Inc., Chainless Change Inc., and Black Lives Matter Alliance Broward. The Anti-Riot law amended state statutes to define what constitutes a riot. The law says that [A] person commits a riot if he or she willfully participates in a violent public disturbance involving an assembly of three or more persons, acting with a common intent to assist each other in violent and disorderly conduct, resulting in: (a) Injury to another person; (b) Damage to property; or (c) Imminent danger of injury to another person or damage to property. Define riot The Eleventh Circuit wrote that the question about the laws constitutionality turned on the proper interpretation of the new definition of what a riot is in Florida law, which the state Supreme Court had not addressed. The Eleventh Circuit posed additional questions, such as what qualifies as a violent public disturbance and what conduct is required for a person to willfully participate in a violent public disturbance? The state Supreme Court concluded that to obtain a conviction under section 870.01(2), the State must prove a defendant acted with intent to assist others in violent and disorderly conduct. The justices wrote that Gov. DeSantis and Sheriff Williams had argued that a violent public disturbance is a riot, and that to willfully participate in a riot one must share a common intent to assist [others] in violent and disorderly conduct. A peaceful protester, under the most natural reading of the statute, is no rioter. We agree, the justices wrote. The opinion was written by Justice John Couriel, with Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and justices Charles Canady, Jamie Grosshans, Renatha Francis, and Meredith Sasso concurring. Justice Jorge Labarga also concurred but wrote a separate opinion, saying that he thought the law was ambiguous. The plaintiffs and their attorneys released a statement later on Thursday, saying that the decision from the Florida Supreme Court clarifies that the riot definition cant be read to apply to non-violent protestors or bystanders. H.B. 1 threatened to upend the lives of Floridians, especially Black Floridians, who would have been criminalized and targeted simply for exercising their First Amendment rights and standing up for what they believe in, read the written statement, sent to media organizations by the ACLU of Florida. The advocacy of plaintiff organizations throughout this legal battle has been critical to ensuring the rights of all people to exercise their First Amendment rights. Todays decision provides important legal protections that will benefit anyone who wants to take a public stand to demand racial justice, as well as all Floridians who want to non-violently demonstrate for what they believe without fear of reprisal. The Florida Supreme Court is now returning the case to the Eleventh Circuit. This story was updated with comments from the ACLU of Florida. The post Florida Supreme Court backs DeSantis regarding questions on anti-riot law appeared first on Florida Phoenix. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Fort Myers woman was accused of stealing an ambulance from a childrens hospital and leading deputies on a chase Thursday morning. Ariel Marchan-Le Quire, 30, was behind the wheel of the ambulance when it disappeared from Golisano Childrens Hospital, according to a social media post from the Lee County Sheriffs Office. Deputies tracked Marchan-Le Quire to a gas station before she fled in the ambulance, leading deputies on a short chase. This ambulance is all over the road and its running red lights. Its going to end up killing someone. Its purposefully, recklessly driving crazy, an audio clip released by the sheriffs office said. (Lee County Sheriffs Office) According to LCSO, Marchan-Le Quire nearly flipped the ambulance over. She was accused of fleeing from deputies again after briefly pulling over, this time with the emergency lights on. The sheriffs offices helicopter continued to follow the ambulance until it stopped again. Deputies were able to box it in and take Marchan-Le Quire into custody. She was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash, resisting an officer, fleeing and eluding and theft of emergency equipment. According to LCSO, her criminal history spans multiple states and includes battery, resisting and vehicle theft charges. No one was hurt in the incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A map showing the locations just west of Custer where F3 Gold plans to conduct exploratory drilling. (Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service) A map showing the locations just west of Custer where F3 Gold plans to conduct exploratory drilling. (Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service) The U.S. Forest Service has given the go-ahead for a Minnesota company to drill holes in search of gold near Custer. Minneapolis-based F3 Gold received approval for its Newark Exploration Drilling Project in the Black Hills National Forest. The 36 drilling sites are scattered across national forest land about 4 miles west of Custer. The exploration would take up to one year. The project will use a diamond-tipped drill to obtain core samples from depths reaching 3,000 feet. All drill holes are required to be plugged afterward. A map showing the general location of a planned F3 Gold exploratory drilling project west of Custer. The project has sparked significant public opposition. Many residents voiced their concerns at a 2023 public meeting in Custer, and the Forest Service received 485 written comments. Residents and environmental groups wanted the Forest Service to complete an environmental impact study (EIS), according to the agencys summary of public comments and its responses. Commenters are concerned that the proposed project will have significant effects on water quality, water use, recreation and tourism, wildlife, and cultural sites, the summary says. Commenters also assert that an EIS will allow for greater tribal consultation and public involvement in the decision-making process. But the Forest Service determined that no extraordinary circumstances exist that would warrant further analysis in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. The project would not interfere with any known historical sites, and no adverse effects to local hydrologic features or water supplies are expected, the Forest Service said in its decision memo. The agency also emphasized its obligation under the General Mining Law of 1872 to permit mineral exploration on federal lands that havent been closed to exploration or mining. The decision requires F3 Gold to restore the drilling sites to a natural-looking condition after drilling is complete. The company plans to start drilling later this year. The project is one of several mineral exploration initiatives in the Black Hills, an area with a history of mining dating to the 19th century. There is currently one active, large-scale gold mine in the Black Hills the Wharf Mine near Lead. Meanwhile, F3 Golds additional plan to drill in the Pactola Reservoir area remains in limbo. The Forest Service is considering a ban on new mining activities, including exploratory drilling, in a 32-square-mile area around the Pactola Reservoir and its upstream public lands, to protect the watershed and its status as a water source for Rapid City. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Forest Service gives green light to exploratory gold drilling west of Custer appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight. 'Forever chemicals' found in several Kansas water systems, with some being above EPA limit In Kansas, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances over the newly established limits were found in tests in Fort Riley and Great Bend, although many water systems havent been tested. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is scheduling different water systems throughout the state for the more than 1,000 public water systems that include municipalities, rural water districts and privately owned water systems. Kansas public water systems will be monitoring their drinking water over the next three years to determine the level of presence of PFAS compounds, said KDHE communications director Jill Bronaugh. If they have compliance issues, they will have to work on treating the finished water to reduce those levels after 2029. Faucets release a steady stream of drinking water May 31 in the testing office of the Topeka Water Department. Officials adjust the pH balance, hardness and other critical aspects for safe drinking water while samples are taken to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab to test for PFAS. Not all systems have been tested yet, though and some wont until the end of 2025. Not all systems are at equal risk either, and water sources are at greater risk if theyre near process industries, refineries, airports and military establishments. PFAS are a broad category of chemicals that are used in flame and heat resistant functions, and have been found in things like food containers, cleaning products, certain fabrics, personal care products and nonstick cookware. They're associated with higher cholesterol, disrupting liver function, pregnancy risks and kidney and testicular cancer. PFAS, dubbed "forever chemicals" because they are indestructible, were invented in the 1940s. On June 25, the Environmental Protection Agency will begin regulating six of the more than 15,000 substances. PFAS testing in Shawnee County None of the 11 water districts that exist in Shawnee County showed PFAS above the limit in what has been tested so far. Sylvia Davis, director of utilities for the city of Topeka, said the city tested its water but wont start regular testing until next year. Sylvia Davis, director of utilities for the city of Topeka, says no PFAS above EPA limits were found in Shawnee County's 11 water districts. It's beneficial that we're not sampling until 2025 because we can learn by watching and seeing what's happening," Davis said, "and we know that our threat is less simply because we've done a little testing. Some rural water districts, like Shawnee County Rural Water District 8, simply buy water from other water districts then distribute it to its patrons. But it will still have to test its water, even though its from sources that will also be required to test. The water is the same when it gets to us. Its not like we're adding any forever chemicals into the water, said Grant Peters, general manager of District 8. A pump station that brings in water from the Kansas River to the Topeka Water Plant is seen from across the weir in North Topeka. Removing PFAS from water Ridding a water source of PFAS can be a costly endeavor for municipalities and the new limits didnt come with built-in funding for mitigation. For the testing schedule alone, Topeka doesnt need to hire any new staff, but if PFAS are found, it could be a substantial cost to water patrons. It's going to take a project. It's not something we can just go change tomorrow, it would be an engineer contract and a project in the future, said Joey Filby, director of water plant operations in Topeka. Treatment options to remove PFAS include filtering water through either activated carbon or ion exchange resins or membranes. Testing itself can be costly for smaller water districts. You know, its taxing for our staff, as far as we have our obligations we have to do for our customers, Peters said. We're having obligations we have to do for the EPA or the state of Kansas, and because they're getting it from the EPA, and so it's really taxing on us trying to fit everything in. Instruments used to test drinking water's pH range, hardness, alkalinity and turbidity are shown May 31 by Joey Filby, director of water plant operations in Topeka. Where have PFAS been detected in Kansas water? The results from an Oct. 17 test show that for different types of PFAS, water from the Fusi Water Treatment Plant in Fort Riley was anywhere between 1.8 times to 5.5 times the limit depending on the specific PFAS being tested for. The city of Great Bends water treatment at Crescent Park #5 found the highest concentration of PFAS in the state, ranging to 1.3 times the allowable limit to 36 times the allowable limit. Arkansas City Kansas also was just slightly above required limits in a test conducted on Jan. 3. Kansass testing schedule is starting with the smaller districts, those with fewer than 10,000 patrons, and working its way up to the largest districts in the state. The biggest municipalities in the state in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, found no PFAS. Other districts in Lawrence, Salina and Hays detected PFAS but below the limit set by the EPA. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas water testing for PFAS with new EPA standards Forget Biden and Trump. Poll shows that a quarter of California independents want someone else Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! MANY CALIFORNIA VOTERS WANT ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL OPTION Via David Lightman... A lot of independent California voters want someone other than Joe Biden or Donald Trump to be the next president, a new statewide poll found. Twenty-six percent of independent voters said they want someone else when asked their preferences by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Eight percent of Democrats and 7% of Republicans also wanted an alternative candidate. Its a sizeable number, said Mark Baldassare, PPIC survey director, of the findings in the poll, conducted May 23 to June 2. The most prominent alternative candidate has been environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The poll did not mention him by name, but Baldassare said some people did mention him. Kennedy will appear on the California ballot as the candidate of the staunchly conservative American Independent Party. Independent voters preferred Biden by 41% to 32%. Biden continues to have a big lead in the poll over Trump in California, 55% to 31%, with 13% overall preferring someone else. The numbers have barely changed in recent months. All percentages reflect preferences of likely voters. PPIC LOOKS AT CALIFORNIAS LGBTQ POPULATION There are 2.8 million LGBTQ people who call the Golden State home, more than in any other state (Texas is No. 2 with 1.8 million LGBTQ people). Thats according to a U.S. Census-initiated survey conducted from February to April this year, and analyzed by the Public Policy Institute of California. Californias LGBTQ+ community includes a broad range of identities, not all of which are captured in the census data, according to a recent PPIC blog post. According to the Census data, just over half (52%) of Californias LGBTQ people identify as bisexual, 42% as gay or lesbian and 6% identify as transgender. Younger adults are far more likely to identify as LGBTQ than are older adults. Nearly a fifth, 19.3%, of adults 18 to 29 identify as queer, compared to 4.3% of those ages 60 and older. LGBTQ young adults also were much more likely (72%) to identify as bisexual, while LGBTQ older adults were more likely (69%) to identify as gay or lesbian. QUOTE OF THE DAY Hey folks, no need to worry about crime anymore. Apparently @GavinNewsom has it handled. I feel safer already, dont you? - Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, responding sarcastically to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsoms office about stopping organized retail theft, via X. Best of The Bee: California retail theft measure is headed for the ballot box. Heres what we know so far, via Vik Jolly . Whoa, dude: California accent is among sexiest in the country for dating, study says, via Angela Rodriguez. A former Boston Police sergeant has been sentenced for his involvement in a long running overtime fraud scheme at the Boston Police Departments evidence warehouse. William Baxter, 63, of Hyde Park, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Patti Saris to three years of supervised release, with seven months to be served in home detention, Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said in a statement on Thursday. Baxter was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 and restitution of $9,223, Levy said. In June 2021, Baxter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. From March 2015 through June 2016, Baxter submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that he did not work for two overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse, Levy said. The first, called purge overtime, was a 4 to 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, called kiosk overtime, involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned. For the purge shift, Baxter claimed to have worked from 4 to 8 p.m., but he routinely left at 6 p.m., and sometimes earlier, Levy said. Additionally, Baxter knowingly endorsed the fraudulent overtime slips of his subordinates who, allegedly, also left early from this shift. For the kiosk shift, Baxter and, allegedly, others routinely submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he and, allegedly, other members of the unit, only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts, Levy said. Between March 2015 and June 2016, Baxter personally collected approximately $9,223 for overtime hours he did not work. Baxter was one of 15 police officers charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Departments evidence warehouse, 10 of whom were convicted either by guilty plea or jury verdict. Of the remaining officers charged, four were acquitted in April 2023 and one officer passed away while charges were pending. From 2015 through 2019, the Boston Police Department received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Director General Agil Gurbanov is on a visit to the Republic of Italy, Trend reports. As part of the visit, the Director General met with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Italy, Guido Crosetto. The meeting emphasized that Azerbaijani-Italian relations are based on strategic partnership, and discussed the current state and prospects for the development of cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres. At the meeting, the sides also held a detailed exchange of views on joint projects and a number of other issues. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Former MPD officer indicted for deadly pursuit had been written up for another 5 months earlier MEMPHIS, Tenn. WREG Investigators are digging deeper into the criminal indictments of two former Memphis Police officers accused of an unauthorized pursuit that resulted in a deadly crash. Marquavius Williams and Ontarian Malone Jr. were indicted last month on a long list of charges including leaving the scene of an accident and official misconduct. ORIGINAL COVERAGE: Two former Memphis police officers indicted after deadly wreck during pursuit WREG Investigators uncovered records from the states policing board that state the pair was on patrol that night in May 2023 when they spotted a suspicious vehicle at a gas station. It goes on to state they started a pursuit even though there was no evidence the vehicle was involved in any type of crime, nor had its driver violated any traffic laws. The car they were chasing then crashed into another car. Cameras captured the fiery aftermath. A man told us then he tried to help. The flames, the flames were so horrific, Trey Brady said. We pulled the young lady out, you know, tried to help her out. Police said the crash resulted in a fatality and several others injured. State and court records claim the officers didnt render aid or call for an ambulance, and they never turned on their lights, siren or cameras either. Five months before that, another police pursuit that resulted in a wreck was called into question. WREG Investigators obtained Malones employment files and discovered he had just been under internal review for a similar violation, after a pursuit on Dec. 20, 2022. Internal affairs state he engaged in a pursuit that lasted for eight minutes and reached a top speed of 129 miles per hour. They accused him of driving on the shoulder of the road and using his blue lights and siren intermittently. They noted his due care for others was questionable, and he exhibited some reckless behavior. Malone was given a written reprimand. His file stated, if further interactions of this nature occur, progressive disciplinary actions will be taken, but not limited to termination. There were also multiple praises in Malones file for arrests hes made, other pursuits that resulted in arrests, finding a missing child, reviving a man who overdosed and more. Malone resigned from MPD in January this year before he could be disciplined from the 2023 incident. Williams resigned, too. They both joined the Hernando, Mississippi Police Department in February. They resigned after they were indicted. They are due in court June 21 for a bond arraignment. WREG Investigators have also requested Williams employment files. We are waiting to hear back. MPD requested both officers be decertified. We will let you know what happens. DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? WREG Investigators want to hear from you! Call our tip line at 901-543-2378. You can also send an email to newstips@wreg.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 WREG.com. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (WHTM) A former police officer in Allegheny County has been charged for allegedly dealing cocaine and providing law enforcement information to a drug trafficker to avoid police. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police, announced charges Wednesday against former North Braddock Police Officer Craig Gibson. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat The charges were recommended by the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury alleging cocaine trafficking in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The Attorney Generals office says the investigation found evidence of Gibson being a drug runner and supplying sensitive law enforcement information to a supplier to avoid detection. Gibson was charged with felony corrupt organizations, delivery of cocaine, hindering prosecution, and other offenses. Gibson was released on a non-monetary bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 8th at 1 p.m. The FBI initiated an investigation into the trafficking and were assisted by Pennsylvania State Police Western Organized Crime Unit. The investigation, which remains ongoing, involved surveillance where the Attorney Generals office says Gibson bragged about his access to police radios, 911 dispatch systems, and other resources. This collaborative investigation uncovered a cocaine trafficking ring that allegedly involved an officer of the law participating in the dealing and using his resources as an officer to shield the operation from police detection, Attorney General Michelle Henry said. When law enforcement officers break the law they are sworn to uphold, it undermines the entire criminal justice system and scars the reputations of the many officers making daily sacrifices to keep us all safe. The arrest of a law enforcement officer accused of abusing his position to line his own pockets through the drug trade stands among the most dangerous and disheartening events for our community, said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. Trust lies at the cornerstone of protecting our communities, and it is critical to carrying out that mission. This investigation emphasizes the importance the FBI and our partners place on upholding the law, no matter who you are or what position you hold. Troopers and local law enforcement work tirelessly to get drug dealers off our streets and make our communities safer, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Adam Reed said. When someone who is entrusted to protect our communities violates that trust by committing criminal acts, it underscores our unwavering dedication to holding members of law enforcement to the highest standards. Gibson will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney Generals Drug Strike Force Section. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 former top staffer is suing Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain, alleging he sought to force her to work while on maternity leave and fired her when she wouldnt. Keisha Mulfort served as chief of staff and spokesperson to then-State Attorney Monique Worrell from Jan. 2021 until Aug. 2023, when she was fired the day after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Worrell and appointed Bain as her replacement. Mulfort, whose firing and allegations became public at the time, contends Bains actions violated her protected leave rights under federal and state law. She sees the firing as an act of retaliation, according to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. In a Wednesday evening interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Mulfort said she also considers her termination a personal betrayal and political maneuver from Bain, currently running for election against Worrell, who is seeking to retake her old position. Mulfort told the Orlando Sentinel that Bain is someone she had considered her friend since their shared time as law students at Florida A&M University. He had even attended her childs baby shower at her personal invitation. He was supposed to be a friend, right?, Mulfort said. Bains office dismissed Mulforts suit Thursday morning. We take compliance with state and federal employment laws very seriously and are prepared to vigorously defend the claims asserted as non-actionable, said State Attorneys Office spokesperson Jason Gunn in a statement to the Orlando Sentinel. While her maternity leave was supposed to end in late August, she was in the process of applying for an extension due to experiencing postpartum depression after giving birth in May. The State Attorneys Office provided her with paperwork needed for approval of the request only a few days prior to her firing. On the day Worrell was suspended and replaced by Bain, Mulfort received a phone call from Bains newly hired chief assistant, Ryan Williams, who had previously been defeated by Worrell in the Democratic primary for the 2020 State Attorney race. Williams asked her to send the password for the offices Facebook account to a second staffer, according to the lawsuit. She refused and repeatedly asked Williams if he wanted her to perform work duties while on maternity leave, according to the complaint. In a subsequent communication, Mulforts attorney, Fritz Scheller, reminded Bains office that she had protected status while on leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA. The following day, investigators and other employees from the State Attorneys Office, accompanied by deputies from the Orange County Sheriffs Office, arrived at Mulforts home to retrieve administrative social media passwords and state property before handing her a letter, written on letterhead from Bain, informing her of her termination effective the previous day. She said the events left her devastated while already in the midst of depression. I did so much for the community and to have everything just uprooted for political posturing, she said. It wasnt just insulting, it was infuriating, and it was a slap in the face to everyone that voted for Monique Worrell. She says losing her job also meant losing her healthcare while her daughter was only 10 weeks old. She hadnt even had, you know, her immunization, she hadnt gone through all of her checkups, she said. It disrupted a lot, and it just exacerbated what I already was going through. The lawsuit, filed against Bain in his capacity as State Attorney and against the office itself, states Bains move to induce her to work while on leave and subsequent move to fire her violated the FMLA as well as the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992. Mulfort is demanding compensation for lost pay and benefits and reinstatement to a comparable position with back pay plus interest, among other things. ________ Global fossil fuel consumption and energy emissions hit an all-time high in 2023, according to research compiled by the Energy Institute, a U.K.-based nonprofit group. The groups Statistical Review of World Energy report found global energy consumption was at a record absolute high, increasing 2 percent compared to the previous year. Global fossil fuel consumption also reached a record high, increasing 1.5 percent largely due to coal and oil, even though the share of fossil fuel in the overall energy mix marginally decreased. Overall energy emissions increased by 2 percent last year, exceeding 40 gigatonnes of CO2 for the first time, the report said. Energy is central to human progress. It is also now central to our very survival, Juliet Davenport, president of the Energy Institute, said in a statement. With global temperatures increases averaging close to 1.5 degrees Celsius, 2023 was the warmest year since records began, and the increasingly severe impacts of climate change were felt across all continents. Countries with more advanced economies, such as the U.S. and in Europe, have likely seen a peak in their dependence on fossil fuels as a percentage of their consumed energy, the report found, though it noted fossil fuels still account for much of the countries energy needs. In India, fossil fuel consumption increased 8 percent and for the first time, more coal was used in India than in Europe and North America combined, the report said. Recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, China saw its fossil fuel usage increase by 6 percent. Still, China added 55 percent of all renewable energy in 2023, more than the rest of the world combined. Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, European gas demand fell by 7 percent and Russias share of European Union gas imports dropped to 15 percent, down from 45 percent in 2021. 2023 also saw record generation of renewable energy. Wind, solar and hydro power grew by 13 percent and accounted for 15 percent of the worlds primary energy use. Romain Debarre, a partner at global management consulting firm Kearney, said the researchers hope the report can help governments, world leaders and analysts move forward, clear-eyed about the challenge that lies ahead. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fossil fuel use and emissions hit record highs as world struggles with deadly heat, storms and fires The world consumed record amounts of oil, coal and gas last year, pushing planet-heating carbon pollution to a new high, according to a report published Thursday, shattering climate scientists hopes that global energy emissions may have peaked. The growth in fossil fuels drove a 2.1% increase in energy-related emissions last year, pushing them above 40 billion metric tons for the first time, according to the report published Thursday by the Energy Institute. The report paints a bleak picture of a world struggling to wean itself off planet-warming fossil fuels even as the impacts of the climate crisis become more intense and more deadly. Brutal extreme heat is currently scorching swaths of the planet. A heat wave unlike any seen in decades is sweeping large parts of the US, which is also grappling with deadly wildfires, storms and severe flooding. Hundreds of people have died as temperatures rose to 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. And India is currently grappling with a deadly summer heat wave which has killed dozens of people. People buy air coolers from a roadside vendor on a hot summer afternoon in New Delhi, India on May 20, 2024, during a brutal heat wave. - Money Sharma/AFP/Getty Images A woman uses an umbrella to shade herself from the sun in the Queens borough of New York City, NY, June 18, 2024. The city is under an extreme heat alert. - Anthony Behar/SIPPL Sipa USA/AP The report also shows that even though the world is adding clean, renewables at record levels, global energy demand is growing so fast that fossil fuels are filling the gaps. Last year was another year of highs in our energy hungry world, said Juliet Davenport, president of the Energy Institute. Energy is central to human progress, she added. It is also now central to our very survival. Global consumption of oil, coal and gas rose by 1.5% in 2023, driven in particular by a strong growth in oil. Last year, the world consumed more than 100 million barrels a day for the first time, the report found. The US remained the largest oil producer, growing its output by 8% last year. Overall, the proportion of fossil fuels in the 2023 global energy mix remained largely the same at 81.5%, down just 0.5% from the previous year. Fossil fuel growth was particularly strong in developing economies, the report found. Indias fossil fuel consumption was up 8% last year and, for the first time ever, the country used more coal than Europe and North America, combined. A coal-fired thermal power plant on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in India on March 20, 2022. - Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg/Getty Images In China, fossil fuel use soared to a new record high in 2023, up by 6%, as the end of its extended Covid lockdowns led to a rebound in fossil fuels. However, the share of fossil fuels in the countrys overall energy mix is declining, as China continues to add huge amounts of renewables. The report does point to some positive developments. Fossil fuel use in major advanced economies is likely to have peaked and is beginning to fall, it found. In the US, fossil fuels fell to 80% of total energy consumed. In Europe, fossil fuels made up less than 70% of the energy mix for the first time since the Industrial Revolution, driven by reduced demand and renewable energy growth. Energy generation from renewables, excluding hydropower, was up 13% almost entirely due to a boom in wind and solar, according to the report, although the rise in renewables was not enough to match increased global demand for energy, which rose 2% in 2023. In a year where we have seen the contribution of renewables reaching a new record high, ever increasing global energy demand means the share coming from fossil fuels has remained virtually unchanged, said Simon Varley, vice chair and head of energy and Natural Resources at the firm KPMG, which co-authored the report. Dave Jones, global insights director at climate think tank Ember, who was not involved in the report, said it should be a wake-up call for governments to act. The world is still as hungry as ever for energy. To turn the tide on fossil fuel use, renewables needs to rise much faster, whilst keeping an eye on use energy less wastefully, he told CNN. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a target countries agreed to in the Paris Agreement in 2015, the world needs to roughly halve emissions by the end of this decade. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Environmental campaigner Sarah Finch, center, celebrates outside the Supreme Court in London, Thursday June 20, 2024 after justices ruled that emissions generated from burning fuel should be considered when granting planning permission for oil sites. The 3-2 ruling Thursday in London was a victory for fossil fuel opponents. (Callum Parke/PA via AP) LONDON (AP) Fossil fuel opponents won a major victory Thursday as the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that planners reviewing well-drilling permits must consider the greenhouse gas emissions from burning the extracted oil. A woman had challenged a decision by Surrey County Council south of London to allow additional oil wells at a site called Horse Hill near London Gatwick Airport. Sarah Finch, acting on behalf of Weald Action Group, argued that the environmental impact assessment conducted before the permit was approved had failed by only considering emissions from extracting the oil. She argued it should also have considered the future emissions, when the oil produced over 20 years was burned. The Supreme Court agreed in 3-2 decision. The councils failure to assess the effect on climate of the combustion of the oil that would be produced from the proposed well site means that its decision to grant planning permission for the project was unlawful, the court said. Finch, who had lost at the High Court and Court of Appeal, called the ruling a massive vindication" and said she was over the moon. In climate science we hear a lot about tipping points, Amazon deforestation, melting permafrost, things that accelerate global warming in an unpredictable and frightening way," she said. "Today weve seen a tipping point in the other direction. No longer will any planning authority be allowed to wave through fossil fuel production without fully considering the climate impact. The victory comes as the number of climate-related court cases has more than doubled since 2017, according to a 2023 report by the United Nations, as activists take to the courts to force climate action. In April this year, a group of older Swiss women won a landmark ruling at Europes highest court urging countries to better protect their citizens from the effects of climate change. And in January, Montana's Supreme Court upheld a ruling in favor of a group of young environmental activists saying state agencies were violating their right to a clean and healthy environment. Activists have also taken oil conglomerates, like Shell and TotalEnergies to court to force them to slash their emissions or halt new projects. The area where the drilling was permitted was once dubbed the Gatwick Gusher and U.K. Oil & Gas announced in 2015 that tests showed it could produce 30% of the countrys oil demand all within a short drive from London. Protesters opposed to the project increased in number after a series of small earthquakes that began in 2018 were blamed by some on oil drilling. A report produced by the Oil & Gas Authority found no causal link between the quakes the petroleum activity, but skeptics remain. The approval by the council in 2019 would have allowed the site to expand from two to six wells that would extract 3.6 metric tons (3.3. million U.S. tons) of oil over 20 years. UKOG indicated that its plans for the site would now change as part of a larger strategic shift and be toned to down to avoid an environmental review. The courts rather perplexing retrospective ruling, which is counter to all prior judgments, further underscores why the companys focus over the past few years has shifted away from oil and gas and firmly towards creating and delivering strategic underground hydrogen storage, Stephen Sanderson, UKOGs chief executive, said in a statement. The company said it would work with the council to come up with a plan that would call for producing fewer than the 3,700 barrels of oil a day that triggers a mandatory environmental impact report. The heat wave that killed 125 people in Mexico earlier this month is a harbinger of a warming climate, a new report has found. In May, a heat dome baked North America from the southwestern U.S. and down into Honduras just weeks before another heat dome settled over the U.S. Northeast. But what was once an extreme heat wave is increasingly becoming something more: normal life. As fossil fuel burning drives up average temperatures, the heat waves that have struck around the globe in previous months will become very common, World Weather Attribution Initiative (WWAI) found in a report published Thursday. The WWAI report came out as a Juneteenth heat wave shatters records from Chicago to the Northeast bringing to usually temperate northern latitudes the brutal temperatures previously experienced farther south. Since 2000, fossil fuel emissions have risen almost 50 percent, from 25 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year to a current, record rate of 37 billion. In many parts of the U.S., production remains at record levels, and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising faster than ever. Heat is the deadliest of the weather disasters: In 2023, the hottest year on record, 2,300 Americans died of heat exposures. More than 70 percent of workers worldwide are exposed to heat risks. Its an oven here; you cant stay here, 82-year-old Margarita Salazar Perez of Veracruz, Mexico, told The Associated Press, of the May heat wave. Before summer had even officially begun, a site in the Sonoran Desert registered Mexicos hottest-ever temperature, 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The reports find the prime cause in these disasters is the burning of fossil fuels, which leave planet-heating waste products in the atmosphere for centuries. That dynamic means that over the long term, respite is nowhere in sight. This year will likely either tie or unseat 2023 for the title of worlds hottest year a general trend of warming punctuated by dramatic, deadly heat waves that WWAI research finds has been made hotter and more likely in a warming world. Fossil fuel burning drove heat indices across southeast Africa above 122, and in some areas above 140 in February. Climate change also powered the April heat wave that led to mass graves in Mali during the Ramadan fast. And greenhouse gas emissions also drove the May extreme heat wave that withered crops and drove children from schools across Asia. The team also found that the heat waves that baked much of the globe in July 2023 would have been virtually impossible without the planetary heating caused by burning fossil fuels. Assessing the role of climate change in natural disasters is tricky: Weather is naturally variable, and deadly heat waves happened long before the industrial burning of fossil fuels. Thats where WWAI comes in: a worldwide team of scientists based out of the U.K.s Imperial College London. WWAI uses a combination of real-world data and computer modeling to answer one of the most common questions after modern weather disasters: Was this event caused by climate change? The answer is, increasingly, a resounding yes. Take Mexicos heat wave earlier this month, for example. That report found that the brutal heat dome that hovered over northern and Central America in early June should happen every 15 years in todays climate. Thats four times as often as in the comparatively cooler climate of 2000. From a sort of weather perspective in that sense it wasnt rare, but the impacts were actually really bad, Imperial College researcher and WWAI coordinator Friederike Otto told The Associated Press (AP) in an interview. The changes we have seen in the last 20 years, which feels like just yesterday, are so strong, Otto told the AP. That time, she said, feels sort of far away and a different world. The five-day maximum temperature event boosted daytime temperatures an average of 2.5 Fahrenheit above what they would have been without climate change and made the heat wave itself 35 times more likely. Like many of the other heat waves tracked by WWAI around the world, Mexicos heat wave was made particularly deadly by the fact that temperatures didnt cool off at night a time that generally provides respite for bodies stressed by the days heat. Mexicos nighttime temperatures which the report noted no longer counted as extreme under todays climate conditions were made 200 times more likely by climate change. In many areas struck by the heat, those nighttime temperatures would have come once in a thousand years. Over the long term, scientists argue that the only solution to the rising heat is to stop burning fossil fuels. But over the short term, WWAI argues, there is little to do but learn to live with heat. For outdoor workers, they called for the implementation of heat safety protection laws. For everyone else, they urged investment in resilient grids and water conservation, to avoid deadly blackouts or dehydration. Improved urban planning, more green spaces, and enhanced infrastructure in informal settlements will also help protect the most vulnerable, the authors 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. Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Capt. James T. Kirk (William Shatner). The foundation honoring "Star Trek's" creator hopes to encourage development of AI that benefits humanity. (CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images) To boldly go where no man has gone before. That's the mission of the USS Enterprise and arguably the aim of a $1-million prize being offered through a foundation created to honor the father of the "Star Trek" franchise. The Roddenberry Foundation named for Gene Roddenberry announced Tuesday that this years biennial award would focus on artificial intelligence that benefits humanity. Lior Ipp, chief executive of the foundation, told The Times theres a growing recognition that AI is becoming more ubiquitous and will affect all aspects of our lives. "We are trying to catalyze folks to think about what AI looks like if it's used for good," Ipp said, "and what it means to use AI responsibly, ethically and toward solving some of the thorny global challenges that exist in the world." Read more: California lawmakers are trying to regulate AI before it's too late. Here's how The Roddenberry Prize is open to early-stage ventures including nonprofits and for-profits across the globe. Each cycle, the focal point of the award changes. The spotlight on AI and machine learning arrives as recent strides in the technology have sparked excitement as well as fear. Concerns abound that AI threatens privacy, intellectual property and jobs, including the work performed by this reporter. Although it can automate busywork, it may also replicate the harmful biases of the people who created it. California legislators are racing to address anxieties through about 50 AI-related bills, many of which aim to install safeguards around the technology, which lawmakers say could cause societal harm. The proposed legislation targets AI-related fears ranging from data security to racial discrimination. Weve seen with other technologies that we dont do anything until well after theres a big problem, said state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who wrote a bill that would require companies developing large AI models to do safety testing. Social media had contributed many good things to society ... but we know there have been significant downsides to social media, and we did nothing to reduce or to mitigate those harms," he said. "And now were playing catch-up. I prefer not to play catch-up. Ipp said the foundation shares the broad concern about AI and sees the award as a means to potentially contribute to creating those guardrails. The language of the application states that its seeking ethical proposals. And much like the multicultural, multi-planetary cast of "Star Trek," its supposed to be inclusive. "Any use of AI or machine learning must be fair, transparent, respectful of individual rights and privacy, and should explicitly design against bias or discrimination against individuals, communities or groups," according to the prize website. Inspiration for the theme was also borne out of the applications the foundation received last time around. Ipp said the prize, which is issue-agnostic but focused on early-stage tech, produced compelling uses of AI and machine learning in agriculture, healthcare, biotech and education. "So," he said, "we sort of decided to double down this year on specifically AI and machine learning." The most recent winner was Sweden-based Elypta, which Ipp said is using liquid biopsies, such as a blood test, to detect cancer early. Though the foundation isnt prioritizing a particular issue, the application states that it is looking for ideas that have the potential to push the needle on one or more of the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals, which include eliminating poverty and hunger as well as boosting climate action and protecting life on land and underwater. Read more: 'Star Trek' is the greatest sci-fi franchise of all. Why it's stood the test of time "Star Trek," which first aired in 1966, featured tons of enviable tech, including the universal translator, the tricorder a handheld device that performed environmental scans, data recording and data analysis and the transporter, useful for when you need to hop to an alien planet in a pinch. And you could always trust Capt. Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy to employ the gadgets for good. Those who meet the eligibility criteria for the Roddenberry Prize can apply through July 12. The grant will be awarded to one winner in November. The foundation was launched by Gene Roddenberry's family after his death in 1991. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Founder of longtime Wichita restaurant has died, leaving his family and customers in mourning Until about two and a half months ago, Ken Hertel would keep hours at his office inside of Barnrds, the roast beef restaurant at 3860 N. Maize Road. His office, in reality, was a table just south of the condiment stand, but hed be there every day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the dot, chatting with old customers and watching over the dining room. But then his health, which had been deteriorating for years, got worse, and Hertel who brought Barnrds to Wichita in 1983 couldnt visit his office anymore. He hated it, said his son, Troy Hertel, who has been overseeing the restaurant for the past 15 years. On Tuesday, Ken Hertel died at age 82, peacefully and surrounded by family, his son said. Barnrds will be closed on Monday while Ken Hertels family attends his services. My dad was the only person I know who didnt have a cell phone or computer, Troy said on Thursday. He did have a lot of will, yet he had a big heart...I will miss him. In 1981, Ken partnered with a former Arbys franchisee named Sam Marvin and opened the first Barnrds in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Marvin was not happy that Arbys had transitioned from serving real roast beef to a processed version, and he wanted to start a restaurant that would prioritize quality. The restaurant was a success, and at one point, there were 13 Barnrds operating across the region. In 1983, Ken and his wife, Carol, decided to open a franchise of the restaurant in Wichita, a city they chose because it was closer to their aging parents. Their Barnrds opened in a barn-shaped building at 2037 N. Woodlawn on Dec. 20, 1983. Troy, who was a senior in high school at the time, remembers that Wichita was being hit by a blizzard on opening day. It took a while for Barnrds to gain a following, Troy remembered, but eventually, Wichita discovered the restaurants roast beef sandwiches, vegetable soup and chicken salad. Ken knew his customers, Troy said, and remembers his father sometimes calling to check on regular customers when they hadnt been into the restaurant for a while. And God bless them, theyre the people who kept us going, Troy said. In 2006, when the now-busy intersection 37th and Maize Road was nothing but undeveloped fields, Ken had the vision to buy a piece of property on the corner, his son said. The Hertels announced the following year their plans to open a west-side Barnrds on the spot, but it didnt happen until 2020. By then, Troy had been running the restaurant for 11 years, and Ken was starting to have health problems. Barnrds Restaurant, known for its roast beef sandwiches, moved from North Woodlawn to 37th and Maize in 2020. But he stayed involved with the process of opening the new Barnrds and closing the original one. He still helped me, or wed discuss things, Troy said. In our early years, we used to fight a lot. But I think over the years I wore him down, and now, we agreed on almost everything. Troy said his father was easy to work for but expected a lot from his employees. He was generous, too: Troy remembers that Ken would help employees buy cars or would rent apartments in his name for employees facing tough times. Carol and Ken Hertel are pictured in the Woodlawn Barnrds in 2007. One of the many things he taught me was to take care of the employees, Troy said. They are the lifeblood of our business. The family is still trying to accept its loss, Troy said, and his mother Kens widow, Carol has been so busy attending to details, she hasnt had time to slow down and properly grieve. Troy said the family has been touched by the outpouring of support theyve received since announcing Kens death on social media. When the Hertel family opened the new Barnrds during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they had a hard time saying goodbye to their original building on Woodlawn, which now is the site of a car wash. Once the doors were finally locked on closing day, tears flowed and the family, including Ken, popped a bottle of champagne. But Ken was philosophical about the closing. Its not the building, Ken told The Eagle at the time. Its the relationships weve created over 37 years with people. Weve seen three generations of people coming through our restaurant. They became our family. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has put forward a proposal to dissolve the parliament, Trend reports. According to the information, a regular meeting of the party's board was held on June 20. Reporting on the agenda of the meeting, Deputy Chairman of YAP - Head of the Central Office Tahir Budagov noted that historical victories have been achieved in recent years under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, multifaceted and purposeful reforms have been successfully and consistently implemented in all spheres of socio-political life and state administration. "As a result, our country entered a qualitatively new stage of development. In 2020, as a result of a glorious victory in the Second Karabakh War, an end was put to Armenia's 30-year occupation policy, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was restored, and the supremacy of the norms and principles of international law was ensured. The local anti-terrorism measures conducted in September 2023 neutralized illegal armed formations, terminated the activities of the criminal junta regime, and restored state sovereignty over its entire territory. Currently, large-scale construction work continues in the liberated territories, and our compatriots, expelled from their native lands and forced to live for many years as displaced persons, are returning dignifiedly to their ancestral lands. The presidential election in 2024, held for the first time in the history of our independence across the entire territory of the country, became another manifestation of our national unity and solidarity," Budagov pointed out. The deputy chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party emphasized that in December 2023, once again, everyone witnessed further enhancement of international authority and strengthening of trust in Azerbaijan within the international community. "So, a decision has been made to host in Azerbaijan in November 2024 such important international events as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29, the 19th session of the Kyoto Protocol parties, and the 6th session of the Paris Agreement parties. Considering Azerbaijan's extensive experience in hosting global events and its active stance in combating climate change, declaring 2024 as the 'Year of Solidarity for Green Peace', we are confident that COP29 will also be held at the highest level and achieve new success. These events will provide an excellent opportunity to introduce tens of thousands of foreign guests to Azerbaijan, convey our country's position to the world, promoting and encouraging relationships based on a just world, equality, and fairness globally," he said. In November 2024, he also said, alongside other major international events like the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, regular election to the Azerbaijani Parliament was scheduled to be held in accordance with the Republic of Azerbaijan's Constitution, as stated in Part II of Article 981. "It is critical that the election and the aforementioned events be well-organized. Plus, we need to think about how practical it would be for the country's Parliament to be fully operational at this time. In its sixth convocation, the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan is committed to doing its duty admirably by, among other things, providing legislative support for the state's internal and foreign policies, helping to organize and improve the state administration, regularly engaging with voters in the field, and, through the effective use of parliamentary diplomacy, representing the national interests internationally. Regardless of the circumstances, we think the Azerbaijani parliament should take the lead in dissolving parliament and holding early election in order to prioritize state interests," Budagov said. Then another Deputy Chairman of YAP, Ali Ahmadov, the party's board members Hikmat Mammadov, Musa Guliyev, Elshad Mirbashiroghlu, Kamal Jafarov, Anar Iskandarov, Tahir Mirkishili and Bahar Muradova spoke on this issue, justifying the advisability of holding early parliamentary election. As a result, a unanimous decision was made to recommend MPs representing the New Azerbaijan Party in the Azerbaijani Parliament initiate an appeal to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to dissolve the parliament of the sixth convocation and call early election. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Broadcast and cable networks, including Fox News and ABC, are falling in line to carry the simulcast of CNN's presidential debate on June 27, the first general election face-off of this cycle between President Biden and former president Trump. The cooperation marks a first among the typically fierce competitors. Since 1988 and until now, presidential debates were organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates and presented across multiple outlets. The commission controlled the choices of venues and moderators, with different networks handling the technical aspects of the broadcasts. The campaigns for the presumptive 2024 nominees bypassed the commission this year and agreed to two debates produced by individual networks. The first will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash at the network's Atlanta studio, while ABC will produce and carry the second event on Sept. 10. The running mates Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump's to-be-determined veep pick are expected to meet on CBS. Some outlets pushed back on CNN's requirements for the simulcast, which include running the network's logo on screen and referring to the event as the "CNN Presidential Debate" in all promotional spots and press releases. But Fox News followed its rival's conditions, announcing its plans Thursday. The coverage, including analysis and opinion commentary, will be called "Fox News Democracy 2024: CNN Presidential Debate." Fox News Media will present the event on the Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, the Fox broadcast network and the company's streaming service Fox Nation. Shannon Bream, anchor of "Fox News Sunday," will lead the coverage on the broadcast network. Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will handle the event on cable. Pro-Trump "Fox & Friends" weekend co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy will give her take on Fox Nation. Read more: CNN is sharing its presidential debate with rivals. But there are strings attached While Fox News is respecting CNN's guidelines, its conservative commentators have taken a typically critical tone of the network ahead of the event. In discussing the debate on Wednesday, prime time host Sean Hannity referred to Tapper as "Fake Jake" and the network as "Fake CNN." Based on recent history, Fox News may end up with the largest audience for the debate. In the first 2020 debate sanctioned by the commission and airing across multiple networks, Fox News had 18 million viewers, the largest share of any outlet. The total among all networks, according to Nielsen, was 73 million viewers. ABC News has announced its intent to carry the simulcast also streaming live on Hulu with anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis overseeing the analysis. CBS News made its plans official Thursday, with evening news anchor Norah O'Donnell leading the coverage. She will be joined by "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, chief political analyst John Dickerson, and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan. A representative for NBCUniversal News Group said it will carry the event on NBC, MSNBC and Spanish-language network Telemundo. Nexstar's cable network NewsNation, Scripps News, and right-wing channel Newsmax have also signed on, their representatives said.. The debate is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. (Pacific) and run 90 minutes with two commercial breaks, another first for general election presidential debates, which in the past have run commercial free. The outlets carrying the simulcast are not allowed to use the breaks for commentary and analysis. CNN has said that the feed will be pulled from any outlet that violates that agreement. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (Bloomberg) -- Frances plans to expand renewable energy and move away from fossil fuels is under threat from Marine Le Pens far-right nationalist party, which might win the most seats in legislative elections within weeks and scrap key environment policies. Most Read from Bloomberg Tapping into anger among some voters that climate policies are hitting their wallets and freedom of choice, Le Pens National Rally has pledged to roll back major planks of the European Unions historic Green Deal. A victory for the party could threaten utilities, renewables developers, turbine makers and car-battery manufacturers, putting France on a collision course over its green obligations to EU partners. We want to stop punitive green policies, said Jean-Philippe Tanguy, who is in charge of the National Rallys economic and energy platform, said in an interview. We dont want to abandon the plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, we want to achieve it with other means. If it forms the next government, the National Rally would halt the development of wind power, abandon a ban on the sale of gasoline- and diesel-powered cars slated for 2035, loosen housing-renovation requirements, and curb plans to exclude the most polluting vehicles from large cities. Instead it would focus on building new nuclear reactors and supporting the development of clean fuels such as hydrogen. This policy program would be a seismic shift in the energy priorities of the EUs second-biggest economy. President Emmanuel Macron, whose Renaissance party is currently in a distant third place in recent polls, had laid an ambitious road map for everything from wind, solar and nuclear power, to electric cars, building renovations and green gases. Now all of that is up in the air. All businesses that are subsidized and have an impact on populations, like wind, will be in great danger, said Nicolas Rochon, the chief executive officer of fund manager RGreen Invest. This will put a brake on the pace of new projects. Investors, already spooked by the broader economic impact of a possible National Rally victory, have been selling off French energy stocks. Power and gas utility Engie SA and renewable developer Voltalia SA have dropped more than most other shares traded in Paris in recent weeks. Populist politicians around the world, from Donald Trump in the U.S. to Nigel Farage in the UK, have been vowing to roll back low-carbon policies and downplaying climate change ahead of key elections. The strategy appears to be working, with green political parties suffering big losses in European elections earlier this month. In France, Le Pens party has surfed to greater popularity on the back of voters angst about the surge in gas and power bills resulting from Russias invasion of Ukraine. The National Rally has pledged to cut the value-added tax on gasoline, natural gas, heating fuel and electricity. The cost of this, which it estimates at 14 billion ($15 billion), would be partly funded by a temporary tax on windfall profits of power companies and lower subsidies for renewables, Tanguy said. Frances influential Medef business lobby has criticized the campaign programs of both the far right and an alliance of leftist parties, saying they are a danger to the economy. Fulfilling Le Pens plans would cost about 100 billion, according to the Institut Montaigne think tank. Bloomberg Economics sees that whoever wins at the elections, the tendency will be to borrow more, and that the National Rallys plans may lift the ratio of debt to gross domestic product to 121.5% in 2027 from 110.6% in 2023 in breach of the EUs fiscal rules. Speaking at a session with Medef on Thursday, National Rally President Jordan Bardella disputed the 100 billion estimate, saying the partys as measures will be spread out over time, depending on the financial and economic situation. The greatest green policy change resulting from a win for the National Rally would be in wind, which accounts for about 10% of Frances power production. Macron plans to grant financial support for a major expansion, adding about 1.5 gigawatts of onshore wind projects annually and to tender for almost 16 gigawatts of offshore turbines by the end of 2026. Tanguy, dubbed as the National Rallys Mr. Economy, says France doesnt need more wind power. The countrys electricity mix is already almost entirely carbon-free, he said, with about 90% coming from nuclear, hydro, wind and solar. He would even take down a limited number of turbines that are ugly in iconic tourist areas. Le Pens party would also end support for new solar farm projects that use Chinese panels, while backing the construction of photovoltaic equipment in France, Tanguy said. Such a move could significantly slow developments because Europe hardly manufactures solar panels any more, and projects to build two factories in France have yet to get off the ground. On nuclear power, National Rally would support the construction of 20 reactors by 2045, Tanguy said, going further than the six to 14 new atomic plants Macron wants state-owned Electricite de France SA to build. The cost of this would be partly offset by savings on power-network investments thanks to the slowdown in new grid connections for renewables, Tanguy said. Some investors, such as Thierry Deau, the CEO of Meridiam SAS, which has more than $22 billion invested in infrastructure assets worldwide, are optimistic that the expansion of clean energy will continue in France. I dont believe in a slowdown of investments in the energy transition, Deau said in an interview. His fund just decided to reinvest in Allego NV, a company that builds car-charging networks in France and other European countries. Im also not worried for the European Green Deal. Clean-power developments have thrived under far-right governments in Italy, Hungary and Poland, said Rochon. Still, RGreen is pausing any investments that are heavily exposed to France for three months, he said. The National Rally would need to win at least 289 seats at the end of the two-round election on June 30 and July 7 to get a majority in the National Assembly, a prerequisite set by Bardella for him to become prime minister. The party held 88 seats in the prior parliament. Given the structure of French elections, predicting final seat counts before voting starts is difficult. For the first round, polls showed the National Rally leading with 32.7% of voting intentions. A leftist alliance, called the New Popular Front, was second on 26.3% while Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance party and its allies were in third place. (Updates with details on financial impact of NR plans in 10th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. French far right leader Le Pen makes her first campaign visit for early legislative elections PARIS (Reuters) -Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally is seen leading the race ahead of France's parliamentary elections, three polls showed on Thursday, ahead of the leftwing Popular Front and President Emmanuel Macron's centrists. Pollster IFOP in a survey for broadcasting group TF1 and Le Figaro said the National Rally (RN) would secure 34% of the vote, while the Popular Front would reach 29% and Macron's Together bloc would get 22%. Another poll by Harris Interactive - conducted for RTL radio, M6 TV and Challenges Magazine - put the RN at 33%, while the left was seen at 26% and Macron's camp at 21%. A third poll published on Thursday, by OpinionWay on behalf of CNews TV, Europe 1 radio and the Journal du Dimanche paper, also put the RN in the lead with 35% of the votes, ahead of the Popular Front which had 27% and Macron's camp which had 20%. The simulation of the national popular vote does not allow for a direct forecast of the balance of power in Frances next National Assembly, as the election on June 30 and July 7 is held as a two-round majority vote in each district. The Harris poll, however, made rough seat projections and forecast 235 to 280 seats for RN and its allies, which would fall short of the 289 needed for an absolute majority but make it by far the largest bloc. (Reporting by Tassilo Hummel;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta) Free resource fair in Fort Worth will offer medical care, food. What you need to know Fort Worth residents can get free mammograms, food assistance, vision exams and more at an upcoming fair in Fort Worth. The event will be Monday, June 24, at Rising Star Baptist Church, 4216 Avenue M. The event is open to the public and is hosted by Texas Health Resources mobile health program. The fair is specifically intended to offer resources to those living in the 76105 and 76104 ZIP codes, where many residents have trouble accessing health care and healthy food, said Nina Burgos, the director of Texas Health Resources mobile program, in a press release. The fair will be open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Some of the resources available include: Mammograms Food assistance from the Tarrant Area Food Bank Health checkups and vaccines for kids without insurance or who have Medicaid health insurance from UNT Health Science Centers pediatric mobile clinic (appointments must be made in advance online) Oral health kits from Cook Childrens Medical Center Vision exams from Walmart Vision Center Free haircuts Assistance from the Texas Workforce Commission for job seekers COVID vaccines from Tarrant County Public Health from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. For some services, photo identifications and proof of residency in Texas is required. Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, a former hospital executive, argued that ending the certificate of need law would decrease rural Kentuckians' access to health care during a meeting of the Kentucky legislature's Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations, June 20, 2024. (Photo by LRC Public Information) Experts and lawmakers continue to split over whether Kentucky should reform its controversial certificate of need process. Two Republican lawmakers on different sides of the issue Sen. Stephen Meredith of Leitchfield and Rep. Marianne Proctor of Union spoke Thursday during a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations. Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union, said her Northern Kentucky constituents want more choice in health care providers. (Photo by LRC Public Information) Meredith, who was previously a hospital executive, said that repealing certificate of need (CON) would create more competition among for-profit providers and would harm patients who rely on Medicare and Medicaid. He said the amount of dollars Americans spend on health care is already a crisis thats truly of biblical proportion. As of 2022, Americans were spending more than $13,000 per person on health care. Meredith said he recently got a bill of $39,000 for an emergency room visit and hospital stay. We have to address the cost, but the problem is, whats going to be presented today, I believe, will not address that issue. Its going to be suggested that by implementing free market principles in health care, we can reduce costs and increase access to care, Meredith said, adding that the opposite would happen in rural areas of the state. However, Proctor argued that rural hospitals are already facing challenges. She said that since 2005, four rural hospitals have closed in Kentucky. Nationwide, 104 rural hospitals have closed since 2005, according to Beckers Hospital CFO Report, including 14 in Tennessee and five in West Virginia. In her Northern Kentucky district, Proctor said, constituents are clamoring for choices in their health care hospitals. She added that she is concerned that dominant providers can swoop in communities and close rural hospitals, and gave an example of a Northern Kentucky provider, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, purchasing an Owen County hospital and then closing it. She said Meredith had valid points but that under the certificate of need law, Kentucky imposes restrictions on health care providers that apply to no one else. What other industry do we allow that? she said. But were doing it with our most important, which is health care. Proctor appeared alongside Jaimie Cavanaugh, legal policy counsel for the Pacific Legal Foundation, a public-interest law firm that defines its mission as defending Americans from government overreach and abuse. Cavanaugh said that federal administrations from Reagan to Biden have repeatedly recommended that states repeal CON laws since the 1980s. Eric Friedlander, the secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, was set to testify Thursday, but did not appear because he had COVID-19, according to co-chairman Sen. John Schickel, R-Union. CON in Kentucky The certificate of need requirement is a mechanism for reviewing and approving or rejecting major capital expenditures by certain health care facilities, based on an areas need, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Many legislative attempts to reform the CON process in Kentucky have failed in recent years. The Kentucky Hospital Association supports the current law, warning that without CON protections, out-of-state companies would come in and cherry pick privately-insured patients, leaving Kentucky hospitals even more dependent on lower-paying government insurance programs and rendering them no longer able to afford to provide unprofitable but needed medical services. Sometimes called the competitors veto, certificate of need (CON) laws are in effect in 35 states and Washington D.C. As of Jan. 1, NCSL reports 12 states either repealed CON or allowed their state programs to expire. Last year, a legislative task force spent six months studying CON and concluded more study was needed. A resolution filed to reestablish that task force for the summer of 2024 did not pass in this years session. Schickel said he had spoken with legislative leadership about renewing the task force, but the leaders wanted to cut back on task forces and use established interim committees to review issues like CON. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Free market health care: Boon or bane for rural Kentucky? appeared first on Kentucky Lantern. After Friske's arrest, his appearance at the candidate forum in Petoskey is up in the air Candidates in the 107th House race will take part in a moderated forum on June 24 at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. PETOSKEY Candidates in the 107th House of Representatives race are set to take part in a moderated forum in Petoskey on Monday, but organizers aren't sure if Rep. Neil Friske's arrest will alter the panel. Nikki Devitt, president of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, told the News-Review on Thursday afternoon that Friske (R-Charlevoix), along with challengers Parker Fairbairn and Jodi Decker had already confirmed their attendance at the forum. Friske and Fairbairn are competing for the Republican nomination for the 107th seat, while Decker is on the Democratic ticket. Friske was arrested early Thursday morning in Lansing, and Devitt said she had not heard from Friske's team regarding his attendance at Monday's event. Regardless, Devitt said they will move forward with the forum in fairness to all the candidates involved. Michigan State Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix More: Michigan Rep. Neil Friske arrested in Lansing In addition to the 107th candidates, Devitt said candidates for the Emmet County Board of Commissioners, Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners and 1st Congressional District have been invited. Candidates in the county commission races will only be participating in a meet-and-greet before the moderated forum. No questions from the audience will be allowed during the forum. The meet-and-greet will take place at 5:30 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the Iron Horse Cafe at North Central Michigan College. For those who cant attend in person, the forum will also be live streamed. Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you More: Who's on the ballot for Northern Michigan House seats, 1st Congressional District Our goal is to give voters an opportunity to learn about the candidates and to get an understanding of where they stand on key issues, Devitt said in a press release. The event will be fair and balanced, so voters can make their own choices. For more information about the forum, visit petoskeychamber.com. The primary election will take place on Aug. 6. For more information, visit michigan.gov/sos/elections. Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Neil Friske arrest may prevent candidate forum appearance in Petoskey FT: US to halt deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles to other countries to prioritize Ukraine supply Editor's note: A previous version of this story said that the move concerned the entire Patriot system including launchers and radars, but has since been edited after a correction made by the Financial Times. Latest: White House confirms Ukraine to get priority on air defense missile deliveries Washington is planning to suspend all open orders for Patriot air defense interceptor missiles until Ukraine receives enough to defend itself from Russian attacks, the Financial Times (FT) reported on June 20, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The reports came after President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. had acquired commitments from five countries to supply Patriot batteries and other air defense systems to Kyiv. "We let it be known to those countries that are expecting from us air defense systems in the future that theyre going to have to wait," Biden said at after signing a 10-year security deal with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in Italy on June 13. "Everything we have is going to go to Ukraine until their needs are met. And then we will make good on the commitments we made to other countries." Kyiv received its first Patriot battery from the U.S. in the first half of 2023, and since then, the U.S.' most advanced anti-air system has proved crucial in Ukraine's defense of its sky. Germany has also delivered two of its systems, and the third one is on its way. The U.S. is expected to announce on the redirection of Patriot air defense orders on June 20, three unnamed people told the FT. The statement will cement Biden's commitment to Kyiv and ensure that Ukraine receives the systems it needs to protect the country, the sources said. Kyiv has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defenses as Russia intensifies its strikes against Ukrainian population centers and infrastructure. U.S.-made Patriot systems are highly effective at intercepting Russia's ballistic and cruise missiles. Poland, Romania, and Germany are among the European countries with open orders for Patriot systems yet to be supplied, and Spain has orders for Patriot launchers, the FT wrote. American missiles for the Patriots manufactured for Switzerland are to be delivered to Ukraine despite contractual obligations, the Swiss outlet Blick reported, citing undisclosed sources. On June 13, the U.S. denied reports that the U.S. is planning to deliver another Patriot battery to Ukraine. Read also: Zelensky inspects Patriot battery pledged to Ukraine during Germany visit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) TikToks latest court filing details its fight against the federal governments potential ban of the app in the United States. Congress passed a law that could ban TikTok from the app store, if it doesnt change owners. The filing said the federal governments potential ban of the act violated the First Amendment. It also said TikTok worked with the federal government on a 90-page draft agreement, that wouldve addressed the governments concerns. Instead, the filing said, Congress chose to force the sale or ban the app. Earlier this week, the Federal Trade Commission referred a complaint to the Department of Justice, alleging TikTok violated or will violate the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. The FTCs investigation of these companies began in connection with our order compliance review of Musical.ly following a 2019 settlement, the FTCs statement said. It noted the FTC doesnt normally release statements when it refers a complaint, but released one this time because it was in the public interest. A Department of Justice spokesperson said the department consulted with FTC before the referral. As always, the Department will be guided by the facts and the law as well as our responsibility to protect the American people. TikTok, for its part said, it remains committed to protecting children. We strongly disagree with the FTCs allegations, many of which relate to past events and practices that are factually inaccurate or have been addressed, a spokesperson said. The filing in court said TikTok has 170 million users in the United States, who have made more than 5.5 billion videos. Oral arguments challenging the potential ban are scheduled for later this year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan`s Minister of Foreign Affairs met with visiting Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate Action, Trend reports. During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation issues in implementing Azerbaijan's initiatives in addressing climate change, as well as preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided an insight into the main areas and priorities of Azerbaijan`s Presidency of COP29, progress achieved at the national and international level, as well as preparatory activities for COP29. Bayramov underlined that Azerbaijan works closely with all parties, including the previous COP presidencies, international financial organizations, representatives of the private sector, to ensure the continuity and inclusiveness of the process. Jeyhun Bayramov also briefed Hoekstra about the country`s priorities "green energy" area. The commissioner Wopke Hoekstra mentioned the importance of Azerbaijans efforts under the COP29 presidency, and pointed out that the EU is one of the interested parties in terms of possible support and cooperation in this area. The two also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. Legal experts say the decision could influence the way in which new UK fossil fuel projects are assessed - Carina Johansen/Bloomberg The future of Britains oil and gas industry has been thrown into doubt after a landmark decision by the Supreme Court. The court ruled on Thursday that emissions from burning fossil fuels must be considered when approving new drilling sites. It is the latest development in the case brought by Sarah Finch, a Surrey resident who challenged the local councils decision to allow the expansion of an oil site at Horse Hill in 2019. Ms Finch, acting on behalf of Weald Action Group, argued that the environmental impact assessment had only considered emissions from the extraction of oil and wrongly ignored those produced when the oil was burned. The Supreme Court has sided with her, handing down a decision that has huge implications for the entire UK oil and gas industry. Legal experts say the decision could influence the way in which new fossil fuel projects are assessed in the UK, forcing planning officials and energy companies to justify emissions generated by oil and gas. Tom Cummins, partner at law firm Ashurst, said: Oil and gas companies will be working through the judgment to assess to what extent it affects future projects in the UK, and existing challenges before the courts, which had been stayed pending the Supreme Courts decision. Ashley Kelty, an oil and gas market analyst at Panmure Gordon, said: This ruling is utter lunacy and is indicative of the ignorance around net zero and the practical implications. I fear for UK energy security as Labour are far more likely to follow stupid measures such as this and actively endeavour to shut down the North Sea. Ms Finch triumphed at the Supreme Court after her case was dismissed by the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Surrey County Council had sought to challenge her case on the basis that the law did not require it to consider downstream emissions as part of the assessment. Lawyers for the council claimed Ms Finchs approach was misguided and that the environmental assessment considered the impact of direct greenhouse gas releases. In its decision on Thursday, Supreme Court justices ruled three-to-two in favour of allowing her appeal. In doing so, they also overturned the decision to grant planning permission for the Horse Hill drilling site. In his judgement, Lord Leggatt said it seems to me plain that emissions created by burning oil extracted at the site are effects of the project, and as a result it follows that the councils decision was unlawful. Sarah Finch outside the Supreme Court: she said it would now be 'very hard' for new fossil fuel developments to win approval - Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press/Cover Images Demonstrably flawed In a ruling backed by Lord Kitchin and Lady Rose, he said: The reasons accepted by the council for excluding the combustion emissions from consideration and assessing only direct greenhouse gas emissions from within the well site boundary are therefore demonstrably flawed. In my view, there was no basis on which the council could reasonably decide that it was unnecessary to assess the combustion emissions. The Supreme Courts decision is also likely to set a precedent for similar legal challenges against Shells Jackdaw project and Equinors Rosebank development. Following the decision, Ms Finch said: I am absolutely over the moon to have won this important case. The Weald Action Group has always believed it was wrong to allow oil production without assessing its full climate impacts, and the Supreme Court has shown we were right. This is a welcome step towards a safer, fairer future. The oil and gas companies may act like business as usual is still an option, but it will be very hard for planning authorities to permit new fossil fuel developments in the Weald, the North Sea or anywhere else when their true climate impact is clear for all to see. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The new Group of Seven (G7) plan to fund Ukraine using profits from frozen Russian assets is a breakthrough, but Ukraines goal is still to seize the full worth of the assets, said experts speaking at a panel event in Kyiv discussing Russian asset seizure on June 17. This money will obviously help Ukraine survive, said Andrii Mikheiev, an international law and anti-corruption expert at the advocacy NGO International Center for Ukrainian Victory. But as for justice and as for reconstruction, I don't think we're talking about an amount of money that would be enough. The G7 leaders confirmed on June 13 a plan to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan by the end of the year, repaid using interest from approximately $300 billion of Russian Central Bank assets frozen after the invasion in 2022. European Council President Charles Michel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose for a family photo during a welcome ceremony on day one of the 50th G7 summit at Borgo Egnazia in Fasano, Italy on June 13, 2024. (Antonio Masiello/Getty Images) The banks assets are tied up in foreign bank accounts in local currencies, gold, bank deposits, and securities like bonds and stocks. The vast majority are in Europe, particularly Belgium, with the Brussels-based company Euroclear holding some $192 billion in Russian assets. The details of the agreement including who will fund the loan and how the money will be spent are still being finalized with little information available to the public. In a statement released by the G7, the group noted that the loan was without prejudice to possible other contributions, leaving the door open to future confiscation of the assets themselves. While the $50 billion loan will not be able to cover the $486 billion recovery costs, estimated by the World Bank, it will be able to sustain Ukraine for a year, said Yuliya Ziskina, a senior legal fellow for the nonprofit advocacy group Razom for Ukraine. This is an interim step, and that is not a substitute for full confiscation, she said. She hailed the loan as a breakthrough and a catalyst for further conversations. However, she noted that the plan goes out of its way to avoid touching Russian assets. We are moving in the right direction, but it's important to still keep our eyes on the ultimate goal, she said. The event, which discussed ways to confiscate Russian assets in favor of Ukraine, was hosted by the Center for Economic Strategy (CES) in coordination with the International Center for Ukrainian Victory and KI Insights. KI Insights is an analytical unit backed by the Kyiv Independent. Kyiv suited up with international lawyers in the first weeks of the full-scale invasion in the hopes of seizing the assets quickly. But Ukraine has struggled to convince its allies to move on the issue of fully confiscating the frozen assets amid political debates. The G7 agreement is a cohesive step forward after two years fraught with disputes between Ukraines allies. Lobbying from opponents as well as disagreements over what the money should be used for held up decision-making while Ukraine struggled to cover its fiscal deficit and the cost of damages rose. France, Germany, Japan, and Italy are particularly resistant to the idea of full confiscation due to legal ramifications and a fear of catastrophic fallout in financial markets, according to the Financial Times. Opponents warn that Moscow could seize Western assets located in Russia following threats from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Western companies are also worried that they will lose their business ventures and investments in Russia, according to Timothy Ash, a senior strategist at BlueBay Asset Management. Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov (L) looks at Vladimir Putin (R) during the SCTO Summit on Nov. 23, 2023, in Minsk, Belarus. (Contributor/Getty Images) An aerial view of the city of Bakhmut, totally destroyed by heavy battles in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on Sept. 27, 2023. (Libkos/Getty Images) However, Washington managed to rally the four countries to back the $50 billion loan agreement. The White House has been one of the foremost proponents of Ukraines ambitions to fully seize Russian assets, having set the precedent with the REPO Act on April 20 that greenlit the path to confiscation in the U.S. Panelists asserted the importance of overcoming legal hurdles to secure the full worth of the assets. They also dismissed the concerns of hesitant EU members that Russias sovereign immunity could result in Moscow seeking legal action after the war. It is well-established in international law that assets can be legally confiscated from Russia and used to credit debts owed to Ukraine for damage, said Mykola Yurlov, deputy director of the International Cooperation and Representation Department in the Justice Ministry. The potential economic risks of investors fleeing Europe have failed to materialize, he said. He noted that reports from the European Central Bank show a strengthening positioning for foreign investment despite ongoing debates around confiscation. That leaves the main roadblock a political fear of action, by European countries, Yurlov said. He warned that the consequences of inaction could be far more disastrous than the potential effects of confiscation. The fear of not taking action would be the collapse of Ukraine, and our defeat in the war and then potential further encroachment of Russia, he said. This political fear has fallen over time, noted Bohdan Karnaukh, an analyst with the Institute of Legislative Ideas, a Ukrainian think-tank that since 2022 has been tracking global shifts in attitudes regarding the confiscation of Russian assets. In this handout image provided by German Government Press Office (BPA), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (center, L) and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (center, R) listen to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) in Fasano, Italy on June 13, 2024. The G7 summit in Puglia, hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the seventh held in Italy, gathers leaders from the seven member states, the EU Council, and the EU Commission. (Steffen Kugler/Bundesregierung via Getty Images) In addition to the recently announced G7 step, Karnaukh pointed to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who previously raised significant legal risks about confiscation, but has since changed her stance and is calling on partners to embrace this approach. Backing a loan with frozen assets is an extremely positive signal for future confiscation, said Roman Sulzhyk, a financier and member of the supervisory board of CES. He believes that the assets will stay frozen until they are eventually confiscated and legally handed to Ukraine as reparations. Even if (Russian forces) collapse the front today or (former President Donald) Trump comes to power and they force (Ukraine) to sign some shameful peace agreement they will not be able to unfreeze these assets until the people who loaned the $50 billion are actually paid (back), he said. KI Insights Visit KI Insights to learn more and subscribe to the insider weekly newsletter visit ki insights Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military's floating pier off Gaza has resumed bringing humanitarian aid into the Israeli-besieged Palestinian territory, the Pentagon said on Thursday, even as aid continues to collect in a nearby marshalling area since the United Nations has not restarted transporting it to warehouses. The pier had been re-attached to the shore on Wednesday after being temporarily removed last Friday due to poor sea conditions, the latest challenge to the effort that has been hampered by bad weather since it was put into place in May. U.S. President Joe Biden announced the pier in March for aid deliveries as Israel invaded and bombarded Gaza while also severely limiting aid through land routes, threatening famine conditions. "Overnight, the transfer of humanitarian assistance from Cyprus to Gaza resumed with more than 656 metric tons, or 1.4 million pounds, being delivered to the marshalling yard in Gaza today," Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters. The United Nations said on Friday it had still not resumed transportation of aid from the pier to U.N. World Food Programme warehouses. The pier has been temporarily removed several times from Gaza's coast. At one point rough seas damaged the pier, forcing repairs. The U.S. military estimates the pier will cost more than $200 million for the first 90 days and involve about 1,000 service members. Ryder said the Pentagon had not yet established an end date for the pier, but officials have said it is likely to be a sustainable option only until August or September because the sea state in the region usually worsens after that. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Josie Kao) General Staff: Russia has lost 530,920 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 Russia has lost 530,920 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on June 20. This number includes 1,170 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day. According to the report, Russia has also lost 7,987 tanks, 15,337 armored fighting vehicles, 19,134 vehicles and fuel tanks, 14,052 artillery systems, 1,105 multiple launch rocket systems, 859 air defense systems, 359 airplanes, 326 helicopters, 11,260 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. Read also: Media: More than 10,000 Russian soldiers prosecuted for refusing to fight in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The most recent Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey in Georgia finds 45.4% of voters support former president Donald Trump in 2024, while 40.7% support President Joe Biden. Numbers from April showed 47% support for Trump and 44% for Biden. The amount of undecided voters has risen from 9% to nearly 14% since then. The numbers slightly differ from who Georgia voted for back in 2020. According to the poll, 44.5% of Georgians voted for Biden that year while 44.2% casted their ballot for Trump. As for the remaining percentage, 3% of Georgia voted for someone else and 8.3% did not vote at all. Three on News 3: Presidential poll results, guns seized following shots fired, Callaway Gardens beach party When voters were asked if Trumps 34 felony convictions impacted their decision, 26.9% said they were more likely to vote for him and 35% said they were less likely to. 38.1% said it had no impact on their vote. Voters were also asked if Hunter Bidens three felony convictions impacted their choice. 12.7% said they were more likely to vote for Joe Biden, while 21.9% were less likely. 65.4% said the convictions would not change their vote. The poll went on to ask whether Georgia voters approve of the job Governor Brian Kemp is doing 49.2% said yes, while about 27.6% disapproved and 23.1% remained neutral. When asked about party affiliation, 38% of Peach State voters claimed Republican while nearly 33.8% said they were with the Democratic Party. Independent and voters-not-otherwise-specified made up the remaining 28.2%. When it came to the issues, 45.4% of voters said the most pressing one is the economy. Heres how the other issues matched up: Healthcare: 9.5% Education: 3.7% Crime: 7.4% Immigration: 8.3% Housing affordability: 8.5% Abortion access: 4.4% Threats to democracy: 9.1% Something else: 3.7% And when it came to whether or not Georgia residents are motivated to vote in this election cycle, 68.3% said they were extremely motivated, 10.6% said very motivated, and 8.8% were somewhat. The remainder said they were either not very motivated (5.5%), not at all motivated (3.4%), or unsure (3.3%). Methodology The sample of registered voters, n=1,000, has a credibility interval, similar to a polls margin of error (MOE), of +/- 3 percentage points. The data sets were weighted by gender, education, race, age, party affiliation, and region based on 2024 registration modeling. Turnout modeling is based on U.S. Census parameters, and voter registration data (GA S.O.S.). It is important to remember that subsets based on demographics, such as gender, age, education, and race/ethnicity, carry with them higher credibility intervals, as the sample size is reduced. Survey results should be understood within the polls range of scores, and with a confidence interval of 95% a poll will fall outside the range of scores 1 in 20 times. Data was collected by contacting an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system of landlines and a consumer list of emails (both provided by Aristotle), and an online panel of voters provided by Alchemer. This survey was conducted by Emerson College Polling and sponsored by Nexstar Media. All questions asked in this survey with exact wording, along with full results and cross tabulations can be found under Full Results. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. German actress Sandra Hueller speaks at a rally in Leipzig. Star German actress Sandra Hueller will this summer take over the sponsorship of a migrant rescue ship, the Sea-Eye 5, which will operate in the Mediterranean Sea. Jan Woitas/dpa Star German actress Sandra Huller will this summer take over the sponsorship of a migrant rescue ship, the Sea-Eye 5, which will operate in the Mediterranean Sea. "Everyone has a right to freedom, peace and security. I want to help ensure that people in need receive the help they urgently need," said Huller, best known for starring roles in the recent award-winning films "Anatomy of a Fall" and "The Zone of Interest." The ship has been operating off the coast of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein for the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association. Three other ships are already operating in the Mediterranean for the private German aid organization Sea-Eye. The organization estimated the purchase price of the 35-year-old cruiser at around 465,000 ($499,000), which is to be financed by donations. The central Mediterranean is a main route for people from Africa who want to reach Europe, and has seen scores of deaths from migrants who attempt the crossing in boats that are barely seaworthy. (Bloomberg) -- Chancellor Olaf Scholzs ruling coalition ditched a plan to buy the entire German unit of Tennet Holding BVs power grid, after the cost proved too much for the governments stretched finances. Most Read from Bloomberg Discussions on a full sale by the Dutch state-owned grid operator to German development bank KfW have ended after more than a year of negotiations, Tennet said Thursday in a statement. The government in Berlin had hoped the deal would mark a first step in consolidating the countrys four power grids and accelerating the energy transition, as it needs massive investments to link offshore wind power produced in the north with its industrial heartland in the south. But after years of crisis firefighting, policymakers are facing constraints on spending, with the deal at one point said to be valued at around 22 billion ($23.6 billion). Late last year, a court ruling on off-budget funds forced the government to recalibrate its fiscal plans, exacerbating the squeeze and leading to significant delays in the talks on the Tennet stake. I regret that it was not possible to merge these four transmission system operators into one company, as this would have ultimately made electricity in Germany cheaper, Economy Minister Robert Habeck told reporters Thursday during a visit to South Korea. That doesnt mean that we shouldnt start working on another solution immediately. Philipp Nimmermann, one of Habecks deputies, said that given Tennet Germanys important role in the energy transition, the government is still interested in a strategic minority stake as part of a consortium. We therefore remain in close dialog with the Dutch government, Nimmermann said in a statement distributed by the ministry. Tennet had been exploring alternative plans to offload its German operations in case the deal fell through. Last month, it said a sale to private investors or an initial public offering were among options. The Dutch government had given Germany a deadline of July 1 for the purchase, and officials from both countries met on Wednesday. Tennet said it remains fully committed to executing its large investment plans in both countries, backed by the Dutch state. The federal government of Germany has informed the Dutch state that it cannot deliver on the planned transaction due to budgetary challenges, according to the companys statement. The German government is committed to support such alternative solutions. The failed sale leaves the Netherlands with a 1.6 billion hole in its 2024 budget, Dutch Finance Minister Steven van Weyenberg said in a letter to parliament. An additional solution is needed for Tennets short-term financing needs until an alternative is found, he added. The purchase was contested domestically for months within Scholzs fractious three-party coalition, with Habeck of the Greens, who is also vice chancellor, pushing for a full purchase of the grid. While the deal wouldnt have been reflected in Germanys federal budget per se the coalition had agreed to finance the purchase via loans from KfW the parties couldnt agree on which ministry will take over the repayments. With tense budget talks for 2025 ongoing, the pro-business Free Democrats feared that a purchase of the Tennet grid would not go down well with voters who expect the party to stick to its course of strict fiscal austerity. --With assistance from Wout Vergauwen, Diederik Baazil, Kamil Kowalcze, Cagan Koc, Eyk Henning and Christoph Rauwald. (Updates with German deputy minister starting in sixth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs Nancy Faeser gives a press statement after the plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has expressed confidence that the country will soon find ways to deport immigrants convicted of serious crimes or deemed Islamist threats to Afghanistan and Syria. "We are in concrete negotiations on this and are confident that we will be able to achieve this for this group," Faeser said on Thursday at a meeting with the state interior ministers from Germany's 16 federal states just outside Berlin. There are only a small number of such people, Faeser stressed. She said the German government is examining the extent to which repatriation via neighbouring countries would be possible in the case of Afghan nationals, citing Uzbekistan as a country that had been previously discussed. However, Faeser did not want to publicly name any countries with which talks are ongoing out of fears of "jeopardizing the concrete negotiations we are currently conducting." Germany halted deportations to Afghanistan after the Taliban, a radical Islamist group, seized power over the country in August 2021. But resuming deportations to Afghanistan and war-torn Syria has been a hot-button issue in Germany, particularly in the wake of the slaying of a policeman by a knife-wielding Afghan migrant during an attack in the German city of Mannheim in May. German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs Nancy Faeser gives a press statement after the plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that processing asylum claims outside the EU could be a "building block" but will not significantly change the situation facing Germany. Efforts such as Italy's proposed deal to send asylum-seeking migrants to Albania would not be a "game changer" for asylum policy and wouldn't make a major impact on the number of people seeking asylum, Faeser said on Thursday. Some German politicians have been pushing the country to pursue a similar plan in hopes of reducing the number of asylum-seeking migrants in the country. In Albania, "a maximum limit of 3,000 refugees has been agreed there. That is a very small number," Faeser said on Thursday while meeting with interior ministers from Germany's 16 federal states. She also pointed to the United Kingdom, which has been working for 18 months to launch a similar deal to send refugees to Rwanda. Faeser said those efforts still haven't yielded a viable model. Instead, Germany needs to rely on recent reforms to the common EU asylum system, GEAS, to handle migrants. She cited the possibility of faster asylum procedures at the EU's external borders and a fairer distribution of refugees among EU countries. "These external border procedures ... will massively relieve the burden on us here," Faeser said. Nazrin Abdul Hosting one of the largest UN events, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change marks a significant achievement for Azerbaijan. This success stands as a cornerstone in Azerbaijan's foreign policy, rivalled only by its leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement and membership in the Security Council. Azerbaijan has established itself as a dependable energy partner and a responsible global player in combating climate change. Despite its abundant oil and gas reserves, Azerbaijan is committed to a sustainable energy future and a "green economy". The country has long initiated the transition to renewable energy sources. Following the signing of the Paris Agreement, Azerbaijan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2050. The development of renewable energy, therefore, forms a crucial pillar of Azerbaijan's clean energy strategy. Notably, Azerbaijan plans to commission 9 solar and wind power plants by the end of 2027, generating up to 2 gigawatts of energy. By 2030, an additional 10 plants with a capacity of up to 5 gigawatts will be operational. In continuation of these efforts, Baku hosted the 29th High-Level Meeting themed "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future," on June 19, a prelude to Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29. The opening ceremony, held on June 19 and spanning three days until June 21, was inaugurated by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy of the Presidential Administration, who read President Ilham Aliyev's address. "The fight against climate change has long been a pivotal global issue," emphasised President Aliyev's address. He underscored the climate crisis's global nature and its pervasive impact on sustainable development and people's lives. President Aliyev affirmed Azerbaijan's full preparedness for COP29 and its commitment to fostering collaboration with other nations and stakeholders in combating climate change. He highlighted Azerbaijan's openness to cooperation with NGOs and think tanks, acknowledging their role in sharing expertise and supporting the COP29 preparations. Regarding international cooperation, Azerbaijan collaborates closely with Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, Central Asia, and European countries on various joint projects. Notably, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Europe are advancing the "Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe" green energy corridor, aimed at exporting renewable energy from Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region to Turkiye and further to Europe. Additionally, Azerbaijan is actively involved in the "Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor" project, known as the "Black Sea Cable", facilitating the transmission of green energy from Azerbaijan's wind farms to Romania and beyond. Overall, Azerbaijan's strides in sustainable energy and its proactive role in global climate action position it as a key player in shaping a green, equitable, and sustainable future for the planet. The green energy partnership, initiated in 2020 with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and the UAE's Masdar for pilot projects totaling 240 MW of wind and 230 MW of solar, has rapidly expanded in scope. In a short span, collaboration with companies like Masdar, ACWA Power, bp , Fortescue Future Industries, China Gezhouba Group Overseas Investment, Total Energies, Nobel Energy, and A-Z Czech Engineering has surged, resulting in a cumulative capacity exceeding 28 gigawatts. These cooperative efforts underscore international confidence in Azerbaijan's green energy trajectory, championed by its president. During Baku Energy Week, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Masdar finalised Shareholder Agreements for three renewable energy ventures: one wind and two solar power projects within Azerbaijan. Key milestones include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Azerbaijan's State Agency for Renewable Energy and the EU's WindEurope, alongside another MOU between Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy and EU-based Nobel Energy, marking pivotal moments in forging new energy alliances. These initiatives align with Azerbaijan's strategy, developed jointly with the EU, aimed at integrating green energy into the national grid by 2027. President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's climate commitments in his address, urging global action against escalating climate threats: "While significant strides have been made globally to combat global warming, escalating challenges demand urgent international mobilization to limit warming to 1.5C. We face a critical juncture where the international community must swiftly agree on new collective financial targets beyond 2025 at COP29 in Baku. This underscores our collective responsibility to safeguard our future." The President also highlighted Azerbaijan's commitment to addressing the unique challenges of small island states, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change. As host of COP29, Azerbaijan pledges to facilitate constructive dialogue and ensure impactful climate action, focusing on mitigation, adaptation, finance, biodiversity, water and food security, agriculture, and the role of science and innovation. "In assuming the presidency of this esteemed event, Azerbaijan is dedicated to steering COP29 towards successful outcomes through transparent, inclusive negotiations. We look forward to robust discussions at the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, confident they will drive essential decisions crucial for our planet." This statement outlines Azerbaijan's proactive role in global climate governance and its steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable solutions on the world stage. The President of Azerbaijan also highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, which organised the event. "Operating under the guiding principles of the visionary Azerbaijani poet and thinker, Nizami Ganjavi, the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre has swiftly risen to prominence as a leading global institution, earning widespread respect and trust," stated President Ilham Aliyev. Expressing his appreciation for the centre's initiatives and innovative approaches to tackling contemporary global challenges, the President remarked, "The efforts of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre are highly esteemed and valued on the international stage." During the event's opening ceremony, Ismail Serageldin, the moderator and co-chairman of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, was honoured with the "honorary diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan." In his address, Serageldin reflected on the 30 years since the Kyoto Protocol was first introduced, noting the profound changes since then in the global effort to combat climate change. He underscored the significance of Azerbaijan hosting COP 29 this year, emphasising, "We are actively engaged in discussions with our team. The recent unprecedented heatwaves exceeding 52 degrees Celsius in Pakistan and India underscore the severe challenges posed by global warming and climate change to humanity." Mukhtar Babayev, the President of COP29 and Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, affirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring COP29 is conducted inclusively, transparently, and fairly. "As the COP29 Presidency, it is crucial to listen to all perspectives and foster consensus in addressing climate change," emphasised the Minister. He further highlighted, "Over the past months, our team has held extensive consultations with leaders of relevant international organisations, creating new opportunities to enhance ambition and action." The 29th High-Level Meeting, organised in preparation for COP29, aims to address key issues in the fight against climate change. The event is progressing with panel sessions, covering a wide range of topics. Notably, the first day included panels attended by up to 100 guests, focusing on "Overview of the Climate Challenge," "Balancing Mitigation, Adaptation, and Sustainability," and "Climate Change's Impact on Water, Biodiversity, and Food Security." Participants also engaged in discussions on "The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation," "Challenges Facing the Food and Agriculture Sector," "Financing Climate Change Responses and Sustainable Development Goals," "One Planet, One Health: Uniting for a Sustainable Future," and Azerbaijan's unique experiences and insights. Jean-Pierre Cayol, Coordinator of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressed that "advancing innovation will be pivotal in the global efforts to combat climate change." Appreciating Azerbaijan's commitment, the representative of AEBA emphasised, "Addressing the climate crisis must be the foremost priority for all nations worldwide. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative ideas is crucial in this endeavour. COP29 presents a significant opportunity for advancing in this direction." During the panel discussion, Milica Pejanovic-Durisi?, former Minister of Defense of Montenegro, asserted, "COP29 should serve as a platform to extensively explore and discuss the intersections of new biology, ICT, and artificial intelligence." She added, "We are witnessing an era of remarkable scientific, technological, and innovative advancements. The revolutions in new biology, ICT, and artificial intelligence offer unprecedented possibilities. Our primary objective should be to harness these advancements for the benefit of future generations amidst the challenges posed by climate change." In her contribution to the panel, MP Nigar Arpadarai underscored, "At COP29, our primary focus should be on attracting investments to tackle climate change issues." Highlighting the escalating financial risks, she stressed, "We need to enhance our universities and support our researchers to drive green innovation. This entails leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and ideas to develop new products and processes that not only spur growth but also foster inclusivity." Two panel discussions of the event, which conclude on June 21, will take place in Zangilan district. It's worth highlighting that the success of COP29 will not only reflect Azerbaijan's achievement but also enhance the credibility and integrity of global climate action. COP29 holds the promise of handing down a healthier and more sustainable world to future generations. Thus, global cooperation is imperative in addressing climate challenges. A successful COP29 can catalyse interest in sustainable solutions through collective efforts, contributing to a better world for generations to come. Addressing climate challenges also presents an opportunity to promote not only environmental health but also economic prosperity and sustainable development. In conclusion, the decision to entrust Azerbaijan with the responsibility of hosting COP29 underscores the international community's profound confidence in our nation. This trust is rooted in Azerbaijan's extensive experience in hosting numerous international events focused on political, economic, and humanitarian issues. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The COVID-19 pandemic posed serious challenges to the Azerbaijani healthcare system, Deputy Minister of Health of Azerbaijan Nadir Zeynalov said during the global summit, themed "Forecasting healthy futures," annually held ahead of COP, Trend reports. He mentioned that Azerbaijan quickly instituted adaptable policies, with numerous clinics becoming hospitals for COVID patients and the establishment of modular hospitals. The deputy minister emphasized that Azerbaijan, along with effectively combating COVID domestically, also provided international assistance in this regard. Speaking about the development of Azerbaijan's healthcare system, he mentioned that after the great leader Heydar Aliyev came to power, healthcare, like all other sectors, achieved development in Azerbaijan. The detrimental effects of climate change on human and non-human health were also brought up by Zeynalov. "This manifests in various ways. Climate change is a problem, especially for those working outdoors, because they are not protected from heatstroke," he added. To note, the global summit themed "Forecasting healthy futures," held annually ahead of COP, took place in Baku. With a focus on the world's most vulnerable populations, the summit seeks to promote the maintenance and growth of healthcare accomplishments within the framework of climate change. Following the success of the COP28 meeting in Abu Dhabi, this event brings together world-renowned figures in healthcare, climate change, and development. "Health Day" was officially declared at the summit in Abu Dhabi as an integral part of the COP28 agenda. 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 Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs Nancy Faeser gives a press statement after the plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser dampened expectations for possible deals to process asylum claims outside the EU on Thursday, arguing that it's unlikely any scheme would change the situation Germany faces. Efforts such as Italy's deal to send some asylum-seeking migrants to Albania would not be a "game changer" for asylum policy and wouldn't make a discernible impact on the number of people seeking asylum, Faeser said on Thursday. Some German politicians have been pushing the country to pursue a similar plan in hopes of reducing the number of asylum-seeking migrants in the country. In Albania, "a maximum limit of 3,000 refugees has been agreed there. That is a very small number," Faeser said while meeting with interior ministers from Germany's 16 federal states. She also pointed to the United Kingdom, which has been working for 18 months to launch a similar deal to send refugees to Rwanda. Faeser said those efforts still haven't yielded a viable model either. Instead, Germany needs to rely on recent reforms to the common EU asylum system, GEAS, to handle migrants. She cited the possibility of faster asylum procedures at the EU's external borders and a fairer distribution of refugees among EU countries. "These external border procedures ... will massively relieve the burden on us here," Faeser said. Michael Stubgen, the interior minister in the eastern state of Brandenburg, also expressed scepticism about third-country schemes. The conservative politician said the UK's costly experience with Rwanda has not been encouraging. "This is a possible project that will be very complicated, which will also not be easy to arrange legally," said Stubgen. "But I am happy to be convinced that it should be tried." Scholz to address state leaders German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is separately consulting with the leaders of Germany's 16 states in Berlin on Thursday, where issues of irregular migration are expected to be on the top of the agenda. Faeser is also expected to present the results of a review by her ministry on possible legal options and models for a third-party asylum arrangement. The question of which country might be prepared to accept asylum seekers from Germany has not yet been addressed. Some conservative opposition lawmakers from the CDU/CSU bloc have been calling for Scholz's government to strike such a deal, something that human rights and migrant advocacy groups have sharply criticized. Another major topic of discussion has been possibly resuming deportations of Afghans and Syrians from Germany who have been convicted of serious criminal offences or are suspected of being radical Islamists. Germany halted deportations to Afghanistan after the Taliban, a radical Islamist group, seized power over the country in August 2021. But resuming deportations to Afghanistan and war-torn Syria has been a hot-button issue in Germany, particularly in the wake of the slaying of a policeman by a knife-wielding Afghan migrant during an attack in the German city of Mannheim in May. Scholz came out in favour of resuming deportations to both countries. Clarity on deportations to Syria, Afghanistan 'soon' Faeser on Thursday expressed confidence that the country will soon find ways to deport immigrants convicted of serious crimes or deemed Islamist threats to Afghanistan and Syria. "We are in concrete negotiations on this and are confident that we will be able to achieve this for this group," Faeser said on Thursday at a meeting with the state interior ministers from Germany's 16 federal states just outside Berlin. There are only a small number of such people, Faeser stressed. She said the German government is examining the extent to which repatriation via neighbouring countries would be possible in the case of Afghan nationals, citing Uzbekistan as a country that had been previously discussed. However, Faeser did not want to publicly name any countries with which talks are ongoing out of fears of "jeopardizing the concrete negotiations we are currently conducting." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, attends the meeting of the German Cabinet in the Federal Chancellery. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Rhineland-Palatinate, state premier Malu Dreye at the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa The leaders of Germany's 16 federal states are jointly calling on the German government to develop concrete potential models for outsourcing asylum procedures to countries outside the European Union. The state premiers agreed on a migration position paper ahead of their meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday, at which migration and asylum policy were expected to be the dominant topics. The paper urges Scholz's government to "develop concrete models for the implementation of asylum procedures in transit and third countries and, in particular, to address the necessary changes in EU regulation and national asylum law." Dpa learned of the details from participants at the meeting, and the leaders of the states of Hesse and Lower Saxony later confirmed the agreement at a press conference. Politicians from the conservative CDU/CSU in particular have been pushing for a third-country deal, modelled on Italy's draft agreement with Albania to house and process asylum-seeking migrants. Hesse state premier Boris Rhein attends the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa Saarland state premier Anke Rehlinger speaks to the media ahead of German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa President of the Senate and Mayor of Bremen Andreas Bovenschulte arrives to the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Hesse state premier Boris Rhein at the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa The leaders of Germany's 16 federal states are jointly calling on the German government to develop concrete potential models for outsourcing asylum procedures to countries outside the European Union. The state premiers agreed on a migration position paper ahead of their meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday, at which migration and asylum policy were expected to be the dominant topics. The paper urges Scholz's government to "develop concrete models for the implementation of asylum procedures in transit and third countries and, in particular, to address the necessary changes in EU regulation and national asylum law." The Social Democrats (SPD) nevertheless expressed scepticism that such a regulation could reduce irregular immigration to any great extent. "I don't believe that this will be a solution to our structural problems," said Lower Saxony's state premier Stephan Weil. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, also of the SPD, had previously expressed a similar view. It could be a "building block", but would not fundamentally change the migration situation in Germany. The conservative CDU/CSU, on the other hand, was satisfied. North Rhine-Westphalia's state premier, Hendrik Wust (CDU), called on Scholz to see the agreement between the federal states as a mandate to "tackle a third country solution with care, seriousness and determination." Agreement between Italy and Albania as a guide The EU has long been pushing for a regulation under which migrants either undergo asylum procedures in transit countries on their way to Europe or are sent to third countries outside the EU after arriving in Germany. Politicians from the CDU/CSU in particular have been pushing for a third-country deal, modelled on Italy's draft agreement with Albania to house and process asylum-seeking migrants. Although this cannot be transferred one-to-one to Germany, it could serve as a model for the EU to follow, they said, noting a country would have to be found that is willing to co-operate. In their resolution, the states are now calling on the federal government to "develop concrete models for the implementation of asylum procedures in transit and third countries and, in particular, to address the necessary changes in EU regulation and national asylum law." Third-country deals won't be a 'game changer' Earlier, Faeser dampened expectations for possible deals to process asylum claims outside the EU on Thursday, arguing that it's unlikely any scheme would change the situation Germany faces. Efforts such as Italy's deal to send some asylum-seeking migrants to Albania would not be a "game changer" for asylum policy and wouldn't make a discernible impact on the number of people seeking asylum, Faeser said. In Albania, "a maximum limit of 3,000 refugees has been agreed there. That is a very small number," Faeser said while meeting with the state interior ministers. She also pointed to the United Kingdom, which has been working for 18 months to launch a similar deal to send refugees to Rwanda. Faeser said those efforts still haven't yielded a viable model either. Instead, Germany needs to rely on recent reforms to the common EU asylum system, GEAS, to handle migrants, she said, citing the possibility of faster asylum procedures at the EU's external borders and a fairer distribution of refugees among EU countries. "These external border procedures ... will massively relieve the burden on us here," Faeser said. Michael Stubgen, the interior minister in the eastern state of Brandenburg, also expressed scepticism about third-country schemes. The conservative politician said the UK's costly experience with Rwanda has not been encouraging. "This is a possible project that will be very complicated, which will also not be easy to arrange legally," said Stubgen. "But I am happy to be convinced that it should be tried." Scholz to address state leaders German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is separately consulting with the leaders of Germany's 16 states in Berlin on Thursday, where issues of irregular migration are expected to be on the top of the agenda. Faeser is also expected to present the results of a review by her ministry on possible legal options and models for a third-party asylum arrangement. The question of which country might be prepared to accept asylum seekers from Germany has not yet been addressed. Some conservative opposition lawmakers from the CDU/CSU bloc have been calling for Scholz's government to strike such a deal, something that human rights and migrant advocacy groups have sharply criticized. Another major topic of discussion has been possibly resuming deportations of Afghans and Syrians from Germany who have been convicted of serious criminal offences or are suspected of being radical Islamists. Germany halted deportations to Afghanistan after the Taliban, a radical Islamist group, seized power over the country in August 2021. But resuming deportations to Afghanistan and war-torn Syria has been a hot-button issue in Germany, particularly in the wake of the slaying of a policeman by a knife-wielding Afghan migrant during an attack in the German city of Mannheim in May. Scholz came out in favour of resuming deportations to both countries. Clarity on deportations to Syria, Afghanistan 'soon' Faeser on Thursday expressed confidence that the country will soon find ways to deport immigrants convicted of serious crimes or deemed Islamist threats to Afghanistan and Syria. "We are in concrete negotiations on this and are confident that we will be able to achieve this for this group," Faeser told a meeting with the state interior ministers from Germany's 16 federal states just outside Berlin. There are only a small number of such people, Faeser stressed. She said the German government is examining the extent to which repatriation via neighbouring countries would be possible in the case of Afghan nationals, citing Uzbekistan as a country that had been previously discussed. However, Faeser did not want to publicly name any countries with which talks are ongoing out of fears of "jeopardizing the concrete negotiations we are currently conducting." Cash card: No more than 50 per month With regard to plans to issue payment cards to asylum seekers instead of cash the federal states agreed to limit cash payments to 50 ($53) per month. The Chairman of the Conference of state premiers, Hesse state premier Boris Rhein said: "We have reached a joint agreement that the (...) cash limit will be set at 50." This is an important sign that the federal states are in agreement on this issue, he said. The payment card should be launched from the summer, when the tender for the service provider has been finalized. Lower Saxony's state premier Stephan Weil welcomed the move. The SPD politician said that this might bring the discussion on the subject to a close. 14 out of 16 federal states had agreed on a joint award procedure for the payment card at the end of January. The switch is partly intended to prevent migrants from transferring welfare benefits back to relatives or friends in their home country, an issue that has been raised by some German politicians. It should also streamline the distribution of benefits and ease the administrative burden on local government authorities. State premier of Bavaria Markus Soeder arrives at the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Rhineland-Palatinate, state premier Malu Dreye at the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa Hesse state premier Boris Rhein attends the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa Saarland state premier Anke Rehlinger speaks to the media ahead of German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa President of the Senate and Mayor of Bremen Andreas Bovenschulte arrives to the German state premiers Conference. The focus will be on migration policy. Hannes P. Albert/dpa (Bloomberg) -- Germany plans to buy 105 additional Leopard 2 A8 battle tanks as part of the ruling coalitions multi-billion euro program to modernize the armed forces triggered by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has asked lawmakers to approve the purchase from Franco-German manufacturer KNDS in a deal worth 2.9 billion ($3.1 billion), according to people familiar with the planning and a government letter to parliament seen by Bloomberg. The budget committee in the lower house is expected to give the green light before the summer break begins in mid-July, added the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. Some of the tanks, which will be delivered in tranches by 2030, will be deployed to bolster a planned brigade in Lithuania, part of NATO efforts to shore up Europes eastern flank against potential Russian aggression. The latest tank order comes on top of one for 18 Leopards that Germany placed last year. That agreement included the option for the additional 105 units. The purchase isnt covered by Germanys debt-financed 100 billion special fund for military spending, nor by the regular federal defense budget for the years from 2025 onwards, according to one of the people. Instead, lawmakers will approve a so-called commitment authorization, meaning that the government guarantees payment. KNDS was formed from the merger in 2015 of Germanys Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG and Frances Nexter. Separately, German defense contractor Rheinmetall AG announced Thursday it had received an order for 155mm artillery ammunition from Germanys armed forces worth as much as 8.5 billion. The purchase is to replenish stocks held by the Bundeswehr and its allies, and to provide support to Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion, the company said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A shisha water pipe is filled with tobacco in a shisha bar. Germany's Finance Ministry has revoked controversial rules for packaging of shisha tobacco which saw fierce backlash as well as some retailers going bankrupt. Bernd Weibrod/dpa Germany's Finance Ministry has revoked controversial rules for packaging of shisha tobacco which saw fierce backlash as well as some retailers going bankrupt. The government originally introduced the new regulation in 2022 to clamp down on tax evasion, which was seen as a frequent problem in shisha bars. Bars were buying large packages which they sold divided into small portions. The government pointed to this as tax evasion in the majority of cases, as they paid less tax than they should have when selling in portions. Despite fines by customs officials, the practice continued to be profitable, until the introduction of the new regulation. It banned 200-gram and 1,000-gram packs from the market. As per the new rules, only sizes of a maximum of 25 grams were permitted. From July 1, these restrictions will be lifted and packs of all sizes are legal again, according to new regulations made available to dpa. Under the 2021 reform of the Tobacco Tax Act, the Finance Ministry estimated that there would be around 155 million in additional tax revenue from the shisha industry in 2023. However, it turned out that tax income declined significantly due to a booming black market, according to the German shisha tobacco association. While consumption had remained stable despite soaring prices due to the new packaging rules, the legal market collapsed to just a tenth of the 2021 level, with some retailers forced to close down, the association said. A shisha water pipe is filled with tobacco in a shisha bar. Germany's Finance Ministry has revoked controversial rules for packaging of shisha tobacco which saw fierce backlash as well as some retailers going bankrupt. Bernd Weibrod/dpa Germany's Finance Ministry has revoked controversial rules for packaging of shisha tobacco which saw fierce backlash as well as some retailers going bankrupt. The government originally introduced the new regulation in 2022 to clamp down on tax evasion, which was seen as a frequent problem in shisha bars. Bars were buying large packages which they sold divided into small portions. The government pointed to this as tax evasion in the majority of cases, as they paid less tax than they should have when selling in portions. Despite fines by customs officials, the practice continued to be profitable, until the introduction of the new regulation. It banned 200-gram and 1,000-gram packs from the market. As per the new rules, only sizes of a maximum of 25 grams were permitted. From July 1, these restrictions will be lifted and packs of all sizes are legal again, according to new regulations made available to dpa. Under the 2021 reform of the Tobacco Tax Act, the Finance Ministry estimated that there would be around 155 million in additional tax revenue from the shisha industry in 2023. However, it turned out that tax income declined significantly due to a booming black market, according to the German shisha tobacco association. While consumption had remained stable despite soaring prices due to the new packaging rules, the legal market collapsed to just a tenth of the 2021 level, with some retailers forced to close down, the association said. Lawmaker Till Mansmann from the pro-business Free Democrats, a junior partner in Germany's coalition government, welcomed the latest step in the shisha saga. By introducing restrictions on the packaging of shisha tobacco, the previous government had "given a gift to smugglers and fraudsters in particular, who have since placed illegal products on the market on a large scale," he said. Germany has approximately 5,000 shisha bars, where around a quarter of the shisha tobacco sold in the country is consumed, with the remainder purchased for private use. Robert Habeck, Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, speaks during a business roundtable. Habeck is visiting South Korea until June 21, after which he will fly to China. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa During a visit to the South Korean capital on Thursday, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck expressed his thanks for the country's joint stance in support of Ukraine in its fight against the ongoing Russian invasion. Habeck praised South Korea as a partner that shares Germany's values and has "clearly taken the side of freedom and liberal democracies, has essentially always accepted the sanctions and will continue to do so in the future." Although South Korea has not directly supplied weapons to Ukraine, Habeck credited the country for agreeing to sell such weapons as part of so-called ring swaps in which "Korea supplies weapons to countries that are in turn willing to provide weapons to Ukraine." "I would like to thank you very, very much for this," Habeck added. Habeck, who also serves as Germany's economy minister, arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for the first leg of a multi-day diplomatic trip through East Asia. He is being accompanied on the trip by German business executives as well as lawmakers from Germany's parliament. Habeck and his delegation are scheduled to continue on to China on Friday. Robert Habeck (L), Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, speaks during a business roundtable. Habeck is visiting South Korea until June 21, after which he will fly to China. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa Robert Habeck, Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, holds a microphone with the word "SWR" and the ARD logo to his ear before the start of a business roundtable. Habeck is visiting South Korea until June 21, after which he will fly to China. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa Robert Habeck, Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, speaks during a business roundtable. Habeck is visiting South Korea until June 21, after which he will fly to China. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa Pascos Public Facilities District is set to buy land for its Aquatic Facility this week, and enter into an agreement with the city that will see construction begin on the roads through the Broadmoor development. Its a major win for the landowners, the city and the facilities district board, with the long-anticipated decision expected to spur growth in the West Pasco development. The facilities district is paying $4.7 million for two lots totaling 13 acres. The site sits just south of the future intersection of the Sandifur Parkway Extension and the new Road 108. Thats twice as much land as the district initially set out to look for. PFD Director Matt Watkins told the Tri-City Herald that the board made the decision to buy enough land for future expansion. The district plans to use the first 6 to 8 acres for the initial phases of the $47 million aquatic facility, with the remainder set aside for either future expansion or for lease to third party partners. That could help open the door to the civic campus the facilities district and the city have hoped to create in the area. A sign posted along Broadmoor Boulevard outlines the Broadmoor Development plans for the land in west Pasco. After months of planning and looking at various properties, the Pasco Public Facilities District has settled on the Broadmoor area because of the potential it brings for growth centered around the new aquatic facility. The vote to buy the property was unanimous, with one member absent. The board includes volunteers who have helped guide the process from conception through the sales tax vote that is paying for the construction. Watkins said the land selection process has been tricky and taken a bit longer than anticipated, but it was important to get this right. Theyre trying to do their best to future proof it. Its tremendous ... I think things are going to go much quicker now, he said. It was important to get it right. I think this site is about getting it right. This is going to be a great location for Pasco and for the Tri-Cities Watkins gave the Herald a tour of the site earlier this year, showing off the views of the Columbia River and the Tri-Cities ridgelines from where the aquatic center will be. Its also centrally located off Interstate 182, which is getting a complete overhaul in the area to reduce congestion. Matt Watkins, Pasco Aquatics Center project manager, stands near the acreage under development off future Road 108 in west Pasco where the Pasco Aquatics Center will be constructed. Blazing a trail The facilities district also approved an agreement with the city and Broadmoor Properties to begin financing those new streets. Initially the district expected to pay about $7 million upfront for roadwork and be reimbursed later once more businesses were in development. Instead, the new agreement lets the PFD pay an annual percentage of up to $300,000. Theyre currently projecting costs to come in at just over $250,000 annually and then drop as more development happens. Watkins said this new agreement means they wont have to sacrifice amenities for roadwork. To pay for a road before you even put in a slide was making it so it wouldnt work. The real hero in all this is (Pasco Deputy City Manager) Richa Sigdel, Watkins said. She took what we thought was an intractable problem and ended up coming in with a variety of solutions. He said the facilities district hopes to have design and validation done this summer, which could allow for a groundbreaking ceremony sometime later this year. The roadwork is likely to be done by next summer, but there are already dirt roads running through the development being used by work crews laying infrastructure and working on residential properties. The center will likely be managed by city of Pasco parks employees, who have been attending meetings and offering insight on the process. These employees already manage Pascos Memorial Aquatic Center. Pasco city government and the school district want to purchase a dome for Memorial Aquatic Park to turn its lap pool into a year-round facility. The parks 50-meter lap pool, located at 1520 West Shoshone Street, does not currently support hosting high school swim meets, with the boys team using an indoor facility in Kennewick. Centerpiece of Broadmoor growth The road payments are part of a Tax Increment Finance District set up between the city of Pasco and the Broadmoor Development, it was one of the first approved TIF districts in the state. Its a type of a tax offset that allows the city to use a bond to pay for roadwork and then use property tax from the development to pay off the bond. That helps relieve the burden of infrastructure costs for developers. In this case, its taking more than $40 million off of the plate of the businesses that would eventually buy and develop the land by using their own property tax to pay for it. The facilities district is entering whats called a late comers agreement, which means theyll help pay some of that roadwork for now, and be reimbursed later once other lots are sold. The deal makes the aquatic center the first commercial tenant announced for the 750-acre development, which is expected to grow in value to about $2 billion. It will also be the centerpiece of Pascos expected staggering growth over the next 20 years, with as many as 60,000 new residents expected. About 14,000 of those rooftops will be within the Broadmoor development. A map of the Broadmoor Development shows the 20-acres being purchased by the Pasco Public Facilities District for an aquatic facility. The purchase of lots 20 and 24 will also spur road development. Residential developments are already springing up along the propertys northern border with Burns Road. Other smaller developments are moving forward to the north of Burns Road, with hundreds of new homes already in the works. The Broadmoor Development encompasses a total of 1,200 privately owned acres, but plans for the remainder have not been announced. The PFDs plans are a major win for the development, which was sent reeling when a proposed second Tri-Cities Costco was scrapped in favor of a Richland location. The reasons for Costco pulling out of the Broadmoor negotiations have not been publicly confirmed. The TIF and other roadway improvements along the Broadmoor-Road 100 corridor would have paid for much of the infrastructure work. Combined the two road projects account for more than $100 million worth of work. Its unclear if their new site, on state-owned land in a former orchard near Queensgate, could even be eligible for a tax offset like a TIF district to help reduce build costs. As blocks of apartment buildings begin to rise on the north end of Pascos Broadmoor Development, the citys future aquatic center is positioned to be one of the 1,200-acre sites first nonresidential tenants. Tentative plans While an aquatic center is not an amusement park-style water park, there are some similarities and shared amenities. The aquatic center will be built around Olympic-style swimming pools for competition and activities, but it will also have fun features for the community to enjoy. The first phase of the park was originally planned to take up about 6 acres, with plans to start with just under 47,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor features, including an indoor leisure pool, outside activity pool, a party room, classroom, outdoor concessions and locker rooms. An outdoor competition pool would add another 13,000 square feet to the project. Because of the savings with the road work, the board will be able to add more of the features community members have asked for, so voters can expect those initial plans from 2022 to change to get more bang for their buck. The board hopes to have the validation portion of the design process approved at their July meeting, meaning the building will move forward taking the center from the concept and early design stage to planning for construction. Thats also when the public will have a good idea of what to expect from Phase 1, which theyre still hoping to complete by late 2025 or early 2026. The designers and builders have been going through and coming up with amenities lists, Watkins said. Theres designing kind of going on, the critical point with this validation is saying weve done the conceptual stuff if you want to go forward we need approval. So far a lazy river has been at the top of the wish-list. Members of the board have visited several aquatic centers across the state and elsewhere for inspiration. The Snohomish Aquatic Center is one example of what the Pasco facility could end up resembling. Their dream of a civic campus includes Ben Franklin Transit planning a Park and Ride and the city of Pasco hoping to add a new community center next to the water park. Mid-Columbia Libraries is also considering whether to locate a branch on the civic campus. Watkins said the city plans to set up their portion of the civic campus on an adjoining 5-acre lot. The transit agency received grant funding for buying land in West Pasco, but some members of that board have balked at the price. They have not yet made a decision on that land purchase. Watkins said the PFD will work with transit officials to ensure there is safe, reliable access to the water park should they choose to put the park-and-ride elsewhere. Pasco voters approved a sales tax increase in 2022 to pay for the aquatic center project. Tax collections started last year and are bringing in about $350,000 to $400,0000 a month. The facilities district plans to take out a bond for about $40 million to pay for the project now and use the monthly sales tax income to pay it down over 25 years. (KRON) WorkWhile, a temporary staffing agency offering various jobs to San Franciscos gig economy, is being sued for misclassifying its workers as independent contractors instead of typical employees with benefits. WorkWhile receives fees from its Clients but declines to use any of this money to comply with employment laws that benefit its Shift Workers, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu alleges in a lawsuit filed on Friday. Annual Pain Index highlights inequality in South Bay: report WorkWhile is a private corporation headquartered in San Francisco since 2019. It claims to offer a wide range of jobs, including warehouse, hospitality and food service, last-mile delivery, food production, event services, and general labor workers. By March 2023, WorkWhile operated in 40 metropolitan areas across 17 states nationwide. WorkWhiles website indicates that as of the end of the 2021 tax year: Everyone using WorkWhile as a platform is classified as an independent contractorEmployers get access to a quality workforce, while employees get stable income and unmatched benefits, including next-day pay, free virtual healthcare, and upskilling opportunities Chiu, on the other hand, disagrees. He believes shift workers are treated more as employees than independent contractors. [Shiftworkers] are employees that WorkWhile draws upon in the usual course of its business to staff its Clients shifts, the suit read. Shift Workers have no ability to negotiate or control their rates of pay for a shift, the duration of a shift, and the duties they will perform on a shift. Shift Workers are also unable to promote themselves through WorkWhiles website and cannot choose which Clients or shifts are offered to them. WorkWhile tracks the performance of, and can terminate each Shift Worker, the suit read. Chiu claims misclassifying shift workers as a result bars them from traditional employee benefits such as unemployment and disability insurance and paid family leave. Misclassification remains one of the most insidious types of worker exploitation, Chiu said. Since that time, WorkWhile has added a program offering some temporary job opportunities that it refers to as W2 shifts. Per WorkWhiles website, these shifts are different from traditional 1099 shifts typically found on the WorkWhile platform and require additional onboarding. 2024-06-13-ComplaintDownload Looking Forward Chiu alleges WorkWhiles motivation for breaking the law is obvious: by misclassifying its Shift Workers, WorkWhile does not bear any of [the] costs or responsibilities of complying with a wide range of state and local laws that protect workers. Chiu alleges WorkWhiles misclassification scheme deprives these workers of the protections and standards set forth in local employment ordinances, including employee benefits. Chiu and the state of California are seeking injunctive relief, restitution and penalties for violations of worker misclassification. KRON4 reached out to WorkWhile for comment but has not heard back as of 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 KRON4. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Russia has extradited two internationally wanted persons to Azerbaijan, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office. Rahib Huseynov and Murad Ibrahimov, nationals of the Republic of Azerbaijan, were decided to be extradited from the Russian Federation in accordance with the terms of international treaties. "Thus, within the criminal cases that were examined by the Absheron District Police Department, strong suspicions were found in Ibrahimov's intentional infliction of serious harm to a citizen's health and Huseynov's commission of fraud resulting in substantial damage. An international wanted list was created for them, and they were decided to be brought in as defendants in the investigation. Detained on Russian Federation territory, Murad Ibrahimov and Rahib Huseynov were transported to Azerbaijan in a special convoy of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan," the press service of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) Relief efforts provided by Gods Pit Crew are currently heading down to Roswell, New Mexico, to help the Ruidoso village impacted by a deadly wildfire outbreak. Over 7,000 members in the area were given an evacuation order on Monday, June 17, with the notice on the communitys website stating GO NOW: Do not attempt to gather belongings or protect your home. Evacuate immediately. In response, Gods Pit Crew is sending a full semi-load of Blessing Buckets, which are five-gallon containing non-perishable food, water, hygiene items, first-aid kits, flashlights, Bibles, and handwritten notes of encouragement. The truck left Gods Pit Crews location in Danville on Thursday, June 20 and is traveling over 1,700 miles to New Mexico. The supplies will be distributed by officials in the area to anyone in need. Cooling centers set to open as temperatures jump in Lynchburg Its heartbreaking to have so many people have to drop everything in an instant and leave behind all they have to escape the approaching fire, remarked Chris Chiles, Gods Pit Crew Immediate Disaster Response Coordinator. This is a horrible scene that is 0% contained at the moment. Gods Pit Crews President, Randy Johnson, says he hopes that these items will bring hope to the people of Ruidoso. We are praying for everyone impacted by this devasting fire, and we pray that supplies our ministry is sending will bring needed relief in such a terrifying time, said Johnson. So far in 2024, the non-profit organization has responded to 10 major disaster situations throughout the country and delivered 19 tractor-trailer loads of relief to disaster victims. For more information on Gods Pit Crew and their mission, visit their 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 WFXRtv. U.S Rep. Bob Good, R-Campbell, speaks at a campaign rally in Powhatan County. (Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Final results of the intra-GOP brawl in the 5th district between U.S. Rep. Bob Good and state Sen. John McGuire might be a ways off. With McGuires lead of about 300 votes and yet-to-be received mail-in ballots, the race hasnt been called in any candidates favor just yet. A busy week of work lies ahead for the Virginia Department of Elections to count votes and for the states Board of Elections to certify results on July 2. From there, the Good-McGuire matchup could be headed for a recount. Virginia law allows for candidates to request a recount if the margins are less than 1%. Such was the case last fall when Kimberly Pope Adams challenged Del. Kim Taylor, R-Dinwiddie, to represent the 82nd district in Virginias House of Delegates. After ostensibly losing by 78 votes, the recount confirmed that Taylor had topped Adams by 53 votes. As of Thursday, Goods campaign did not respond to an inquiry into whether he is considering a recount, but he noted optimism in a social media post on Wednesday. This race remains too close to call. We are in a period where the law provides a process for evaluating the accuracy of all the vote totals from election day to ensure everyone can have full confidence in the certified results, he wrote. Provisional ballots and mail-in ballots are also still to be counted. We are asking for full transparency from the officials involved and patience from the people of the 5th District over the coming weeks as the certification of results is completed. We believe we can still prevail. Indeed, the Department of Elections will receive mail-in ballots by noon Friday, as long as they have been postmarked on or before election day. The department will also review and verify provisional ballots, which are typically used when someone forgot identification while voting or if someone is registering on the same day that theyre voting. After all the various ballots are counted, the state board of elections will certify election results on July 2. Once completed, Good would have 10 days to file a petition for a recount if he meets the less than 1% threshold. While the 5th Congressional District is reliably Republican-leaning, the primary matchup between Good and McGuire was hotly contested at times drawing national attention. More locally, it represented the lawmakers different factions and styles. Good hails from Campbell County where he served on its board of supervisors and McGuire has represented the Goochland area in the state legislature for several years. Good has previously been insulated by a convention nominating process with tuned-in party activists while his challenge from McGuire is the first time hes defended his seat in a district-wide primary. But former President Donald Trump loomed large in the Virginia race. Aside from the various high-profile congresspeople who stumped for both men and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon rallying with Good Trump backed McGuire. Though Good has been a longtime fan of the once-and-possibly-future president, its his brief endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last summer before he dropped out of the presidential race that has haunted Good. He backed DeSantis shortly after indictments were levied against Trump for cases that are still playing out in court. When DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race, Good supported Trump again. McGuires campaign went on to label Good a Never Trumper. By definition, you cant be a Never Something that you have documented evidence that you currently are (a supporter of), Good said at a campaign event this year. But Trump didnt forget the months Good boosted his former opponent and fealty to Trump emerged as a key issue between the candidates leading up to the primary. John McGuire has my complete and total endorsement, Trump said in a tele-rally for McGuire ahead of the election. I want that to be understood, because Bob Goods going around saying were friends. I mean, he was fine the last six months, but before that, he was a basic disaster. While Trump loyalty was a litmus test that attracted national attention, congressional races are still somewhat local in nature. If theres one thing I guess we can take away is that a Trump endorsement alone even in one of our most conservative districts does not necessarily guarantee an outcome, Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said during a press call on Thursday. Whoever wins will face Democrat nominee Gloria Tinsley Witt in Novembers general election. A Republican-leaning district, voters have historically favored GOP candidates, though Democrat Tom Periello represented the district from 2009 to 2011. In the meantime, McGuire believes hes likely won. On election night, he called it an honor to be the Republican nominee and echoed his stance on X this week. There are still a few votes left to count, he wrote. But its clear that all paths end with a victory. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Good-McGuire matchup could head to a recount next month appeared first on Virginia Mercury. LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) In a heated battle with national intrigue, the race for the Republican nomination in Virginias fifth congressional district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives does not yet have a winner. John McGuire currently leads incumbent Bob Good by less than one percent of the vote with 96 percent of ballots counted. This race has gained notoriety for its competitiveness and large financial support. The two campaigns have raised nearly $10 million combined as McGuire aims to disrupt Goods bid for a third term. The Good campaign took to social media on Wednesday to affirm their stance on the race as the final ballots are counted. We are asking for full transparency from the officials involved and patience from the people of the fifth district over the coming weeks as the certification of results is completed, the post from the Good campaign read. We believe we can still prevail. With provisional and mail-in ballots still to be counted, the race is not over. However, as it currently stands, Good is within the margin to request a recount. Recounts are extremely rare in these primaries, said Aaron S. Van Allen, an associate professor of Government at Liberty University. RELATED STORY: June 2024 Primary Election Results Van Allen acknowledged that this is one of the closest races in recent memory, referencing David Yancey, who earned a seat in the House of Delegates in 2017 by a tie-breaking method. Virginia state law calls for a winners name to be pulled out of a bowl in the event of a tie. The recount process in Virginia calls for the candidate with fewer votes to request the recount within 10 days of the results being certified. However, the final margin determines whether it is the trailing party or the Commonwealth of Virginia that pays for the recount If its one percent or less, then the candidate would have to pay for that recount, said Van Allen. If its half a percentage point or less, then the Commonwealth of Virginia would be the ones to pay. The current margin is just shy of the half-percent threshold. If a recount is ultimately requested, the process happens quickly. The Chief Judge of the circuit court in which the request is filed along with two additional judges appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia held an initial recount court case. Once that is done, the physical recount of the ballots may take place. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic nominee Gloria Witt in Novembers general election for Virginias fifth congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. (courtesy, Sam Graham) (courtesy, Sam Graham) (courtesy, Sam Graham) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Missouri secretary of state candidate Valentina Gomez, whose GOP campaign has primarily consisted of homophobic stunts, told Black Americans ahead of Wednesdays national Juneteenth holiday to get the fuck out of the U.S. if they still want reparations for slavery. Reparations from slavery and Black victimization is about to be shoved down our throats for the most ratchet holiday in America, said Gomez in a viral video on Tuesday. BLM [Black Lives Matter] raised millions. And what did they do for Black lives? It is outrageous to see people ask you for reparations, even though they never went through slavery, the 25-year-old Colombia-born Republican continued. These ungrateful people should be celebrating because they were born in the greatest nation to ever exist. Gomez clearly failed to grasp that Black Lives Matter wasnt founded for reparations, but as a protest movement against police brutality, and seemed confused in decrying reparations for people who never went through slavery as thats precisely who theyre for. Heres a tip, she nonetheless declared. If you dont like America, kindly, get the fuck out. Juneteenth was officially proclaimed a national holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021, but has been celebrated by Black families in the U.S. for decades, as it commemorates the liberation of Americas last slaves being emancipated in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. Juneteenth is ratchet, and I agree with @RealCandaceO If you dont like America, gtfo. pic.twitter.com/RR63dBKtcB Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForSOS) June 18, 2024 The holiday was expectedly opposed by numerous Republicans, including Black right-wing pundit Candace Owens, who claimed in 2021 that Democrats are trying to repackage segregation and called the holiday ghetto and made up in 2023. America is the Greatest Country in the World, Gomez told HuffPost in a statement Tuesday. If you are not a slave, then you DO NOT deserve any reparations. Straight White men built the roads we drive on, the buildings where we live, and the ones that fought and declared independence from the tyranny of the British for us to have freedom and the pursuit of happiness. To ANYONE that does not like America, GTFO. She added: President Trump is the Greatest President of All Time, and I look forward to accepting his endorsement. While her social media stunts have successfully drawn attention to her campaign in the Aug. 6 primaries, they also bear all the signs of an online troll wholl do anything to go viral. The MAGA-aligned real estate investor has previously supported that perspective herself. Gomez not only used a flamethrower to torch books with LGBTQ themes earlier this year in an attempt to rally her reactionary base, but told them dont be weak and gay in an actual campaign ad last month and donned a shirt with the slogan in Tuesdays video. While many on social media commented in support, Gomez caught warranted flack as well. Idk. I think celebrating the end of human enslavement is a very pro-American sentiment and who are you for anyone to prove their patriotism to? Juneteenth was a thing before your family ever arrived. Ms. Sn@cks (@HenriettaSnacks) June 19, 2024 Juneteenth has nothing to do with not liking America you are all over the place. I get it trying to keep your name viral. But how about not alienating Americans. Old_Crow (@Kherty_Nati) June 18, 2024 Nobody cares what you think about Juneteenth CJ G (@cjgproduxions) June 19, 2024 Much like Candace Owens your need for white approval is showing. Juneteenth its not about liking America. Its about the acknowledgment of freedom. TrueWordsRSpoken (@TruWordsRSpoken) June 19, 2024 If you dont like America, gtforeally? How about lobby for change, run for office, or volunteer to fix what you see as problems? So tired of all these divisive politicians sowing seeds of unproductive discord and hate while pretending that we dont all have to live and work Jack Paddywhack (@jack_paddy83933) June 18, 2024 Related... Justice Neil Gorsuch chastised the Supreme Court majority for ruling against a drug trafficking defendant Thursday, arguing the decision gives the government too much prosecutorial power. Delilah Guadalupe Diaz appealed to the justices after a jury found her guilty of importing methamphetamine across the U.S. southern border, a charge that requires the government to prove that Diaz was knowingly transporting drugs. Diaz, who asserts she was a blind mule and was unaware of the drugs in her car, contended that federal evidence rules did not permit prosecutors to have their expert witness testify to the jurors that most couriers know they are carrying illegal drugs. In a 6-3 decision Thursday, the Supreme Court rejected Diazs appeal. Justice Clarence Thomass majority opinion was joined by liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and four other conservatives: Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Samuel Alito, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Gorsuch, former President Trumps first appointee to the court who at times has broken with his fellow conservatives to side with criminal defendants, did so again Thursday, saying the expert testimony was inadmissible. The upshot? The government comes away with a powerful new tool in its pocket, Gorsuch wrote, joined by liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Prosecutors can now put an expert on the standsomeone who apparently has the convenient ability to read mindsand let him hold forth on what most people like the defendant think when they commit a legally proscribed act, he continued. Then, the government need do no more than urge the jury to find that the defendant is like most people and convict. The case revolved around a federal evidence rule prescribing that expert witnesses must not state an opinion about whether the defendant did or did not have a mental state or condition that constitutes an element of the crime charged. Thomas found the rule didnt prohibit the testimony of the expert in Diazs case, a special agent in the Department of Homeland Security, because they did not express an opinion about Diaz herself, only drug traffickers generally. An experts conclusion that most people in a group have a particular mental state is not an opinion about the defendant, Thomas wrote. Gorsuch lamented in his dissent, What authority exists for allowing that kind of charade in federal criminal trials is anybodys guess, but certainly it cannot be found in Rule 704. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Florida needs a statewide, uniform system of regulations for vacation rentals, but Senate Bill 280 goes about it the wrong way, and Gov. DeSantis should veto it. The bill gives local governments the ability to fine and regulate vacation rentals out of existence, which is not only a serious violation of private property rights but will crush our tourism industry and drive people away from the state. That tourism is necessary to keep our economy going, and its essential to the success of local restaurants, retail stores and other small businesses that cant exist on the dollars of residents alone. Earlier this year, the governor celebrated that over 140 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2023. According to a recent study, these guests spent nearly $5 billion on restaurants last year and contributed more than $15.16 billion to Floridas GDP. The traditional sine die hanky drop signifies the end of the 2024 Florida Legislative Session on Friday, March 8, 2024. When you remove a popular lodging option, which is effectively what SB 280 would allow local governments to do, visitors are going to consider other states for their travels. The disappointing part is that SB 280 seems to be driven by a false narrative that was recently repeated in an opinion column in this paper. The author essentially blames unlicensed vacation rentals as the root cause for a wide variety of terrible tragedies throughout the state. Those tragedies are not a reflection of the vacation rental industry, and its inappropriate to try to link the two to accomplish a political objective. So, why exactly should SB 280 be vetoed? Well, the Florida Alliance for Vacation Rentals warns that the bill introduces a range of bureaucratic requirements that would burden both local governments and property owners. The excessive penalties through various fees and fines will lead to fewer vacation rentals and will discourage property owners from participating in the vacation rental market. This is particularly harmful to small property owners who rely on rental income for their livelihoods. To further emphasize that point, I know a local retiree who owns three vacation rentals in Tallahassee to supplement her retirement income and help make ends meet. She rents them from time to time last month, she housed workers dealing with the aftermath of the recent tornadoes in the city. These excessive fees and regulations could prevent her from renting her property when it makes the most sense to her and when it could help others. Most vacation rental owners already maintain their properties in top condition, and it is in their best interest to be good neighbors. These homes add value to the neighborhoods and increase the curb appeal, which helps generate more property taxes. Not to mention that these vacation rentals generate billions of dollars in tax revenue for the statein 2023, Airbnb collected a whopping $387 million in tax revenue in Florida, the highest of any U.S. state, not counting that generated by other vacation rental services. Instead of trying to wipe out an industry that helps make Florida a top tourist destination in the world, feeds billions of dollars into our economy and supports the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Floridians, we should look for a more fair and balanced way to regulate it. SB 280 is not the answer and will have severe unintended consequences that will be hard to reverse once it is law. The stakeholders involved in this issue can work this out if they are given more time. Thankfully, Gov. DeSantis has the power to give them that time by vetoing SB 280. Rennai Palmer-Kelly Rennai Palmer-Kelly is the Broker/Owner of Regal Homes, LLC in Tallahassee. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gov. DeSantis must veto SB 280 to protect private property rights Area fairgoers may notice some upgrades at their respective county or independent fairs this summer. Gov. Mike DeWine and state officials announced $10 million in grants to support Ohio fairgrounds and enhance fairgoers' experiences. Locally, Marion County, Ashland County, Crawford County and Richland County agricultural societies each received $106,831.54. The money was awarded as part of Ohio's County and Independent Fair Grant Program, which was established to support county and independent agricultural societies with improvements including upgrades to grounds, electrical and sanitation systems, machinery and equipment, and ADA accommodations. Marion County's plans Marion County will use the grant money to replace aging equipment that is used to help with maintenance and upkeep of the grounds and parking areas, according to Amanda Loyer, treasurer for the Marion County Fair. She said funds also will be used to purchase additional American Disabilities Act-compliant bleachers and seating to be used for the livestock show and other fair events. The 2024 Mario County Fair will be held July 1-6. Marion County plans to use its share of the Ohio's County and Independent Fair Grant Program funding to replace aging equipment and other upgrades to the fairgrounds. (MARION STAR FILE PHOTO) Richland County Fairgrounds getting new powerlines, transformers Jim Schaub, president of the Richland County Agricultural Society, said money will go toward electrical upgrades at the fairgrounds, which are being done this week. "We're getting new powerlines and transformers installed so we can increase the amount of electricity on the fair grounds," he said. "A lot of our electric is aging and in need of repair." This year's Richland County Fair is Aug. 4-10. The Richland County Fair will be Aug. 4-10 this year at 750 N. Home Road. (NEWS JOURNAL FILE PHOTO) Ashland County Fairgrounds to see new roofs on three buildings In Ashland, Cathy Rice, who is co-manager with Barry Litten of the Ashland County Agricultural Society, said the state money will help out the fairgrounds' roof projects. Rice said the funds will pay for a new roof on the green (merchants) building, scheduled for July, and a new roof, to be completed after the fair, on the dairy barn. Rice said the state funds also will help to pay for the a roof on the Swine barn/arena. "Our goals were to replace a roof a year. We had planned that and this will really help us out," she said. The Ashland County Fair will be Sept. 15-21. Kids enjoy the fair rides Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 at the Ashland County Fair. Crawford County Fairgrounds to see grandstand repairs, electrical upgrades In Crawford County, David Staats, fair manager, said the money will be used for repairs at the grandstands and updating electrical projects at the campground. The Crawford County Fair is set for July 15-20. Investing in Ohios county and independent fairs means investing in some of Ohios most beloved traditions," said DeWine in a news release. These improvements will ensure that our fairgrounds remain safe and accessible for everyone. Grants will support a variety of projects, including new grandstands, repairing or replacing dilapidated buildings, new or improved restroom facilities, parking and camping sites, and ADA accessibility improvements like ramp additions and improved pathways. Several projects include electrical upgrades, lighting improvements, and additional directional and traffic signage. All 94 county and independent fairs applied and received funding. Funding for the program was made possible with support from the 135th Ohio General Assembly in House Bill 33, which specifies funds should be distributed evenly among all eligible grant applicants. Applicants were awarded up to $106,831.54, with two fairs requesting a lower amount. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. Penny and Benjamin McNutt came to the Crawford County Fair last year with their mom, Denise McNutt, and enjoyed having their faces painted by Dale Baer of Child Evangelical Fellowship. The fair this year is July 15-20. Our local fairs are truly a place of agricultural tradition and celebration, said Brian Baldridge, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, in the release. People from communities everywhere come to visit and learn about agriculture because of the quality of programming at our fairs. These dollars will continue to uplift and improve each and every fairground across the state. Ohio is home to 94 county and independent fairs across the state. The fair season officially kicked off June 8 with the Paulding County Fair and will wrap up Oct. 12 with the Fairfield County Fair. A complete list of Ohios fairs is available on the Department of Agricultures website. lwhitmir@gannett.com 419-521-7223 X (formerly Twitter): @LWhitmir This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Ohio is home to 94 county and independent fairs across the state. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park officials are welcoming Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday as they host the Teak Deck Replacement Project Completion Ceremony. Gov. Ivey will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavillion at 11 a.m. Perfect Match: Southern Alabama bride gives groom her kidney After the ceremony, Gov. Ivey will be cutting the ribbon at the bottom of the battleships gangway, according to the news release. In 2021, the deck on the battleship began being replaced. The project was expected to be completed in October of 2024 but contracting crews finished the project seven months earlier, according to the release. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham held a news conference Wednesday night outlining the current conditions facing fire crews battling fires near Ruidoso. The South Fork Fire has burned 16,335 acres and destroyed more than 1,400 structures making it one of the most devastating fires in New Mexico history. There have also been two deaths in the wake of the fire. Wildfire Resources In a news conference from Roswell, Governor Lujan Grisham and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, who represents the Ruidoso area, painted a picture of how bad the fire is. Because of the high-density living area of the fire, the governor said 200-300 more firefighters will be deployed to help fight the flames. Wednesday afternoon, state leaders also asked President Joe Biden to declare a national emergency which could be signed in as soon as 12 hours unlocking more federal resources to manage the crisis. While moisture in the coming days will bring some relief, the area is not out of the woods yet. While this weather is helpful to the fire, not helpful to the floods. We did three emergency rescues that were aware of.expect more, said Gov. Lujan Grisham. Additionally, it is not known how many people may have stayed behind in Ruidoso and officials are urging residents not to return until its safe. State and local leaders also noted just how long the recovery from the fire will be. Representative Stansbury said shes already alerted members of Congress to prioritize recovery funding. Governor Lujan Grisham reiterated Wednesday night that there is no known cause. A team of six investigators is working on that. The Mayor of Roswell also spoke thanking his town and neighboring communities for their swift action to help 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The "Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum 2024" has been held in Baku, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Insurers' Association. The "Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum 2024," organized with the strategic support of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the Compulsory Insurance Bureau, the Association of Insurers of Azerbaijan, and 'Xprimm' International Company, will feature opening speeches by CBA Chairman Taleh Kazimov, Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov, Chairman of the State Agency for Mandatory Medical Insurance Zaur Aliyev, and other government officials. The two-day forum will feature panel discussions on topics relevant to the local and global insurance markets, such as motor and health insurance, as well as the role of insurance in climate risk management. A Dassault Falcon at Edinburgh Airport. The cyber attack is believed to be the first GPS jam on a commercial flight - Alamy A planes GPS was jammed for the first time on a commercial transatlantic route, raising fears thousands of other flights are at risk of being deliberately hacked. The flight from Madrid to Toronto is likely to have been deliberately targeted rather than being accidentally caught in the usual spillover of electronic warfare, one analyst said. The suspected cyber attack happened in the northeastern Atlantic when a pilot reported being blocked from ascending to a higher altitude because the GPS (global positioning system) of the aircraft above them had been jammed, according to the Institute for the Study of War think tank. The cause of the jamming has not yet been identified, but GPS jamming has been recently reported over Poland and the Baltic region and attributed to Russian electronic warfare. The Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation said the aircraft would have likely flown over the Baltic or Middle East and had not recovered by the time it reached Shanwick Ocean Control, an international airspace zone that handles 80 per cent of transatlantic flights. If GPS jamming becomes frequent over the Atlantic Ocean then thousands of flights a day could be impacted with delays and cancellations, the Foundation said. Todd Humphreys, an expert on satellite navigation, said the incident appeared to be a more deliberate attack against commercial aircraft rather than the usual spillover of electronic warfare. It could be individual hackers who have learned from media reports how vulnerable commercial aircraft are to GPS jamming, Dr Humphreys told The Telegraph. Its hard to see why a state actor would do this, though I dont deny that Russias penchant for hybrid warfare that involves creating whatever mayhem it can in the West. Keir Giles, an expert on Russian military strategy, said Moscows GPS jamming had become gradually normalised and that the disruption and the areas affected have both been steadily growing over year. It affects the nuts and bolts of satellite navigation systems, either knocking them offline or giving pilots misleading information, he said. Mr Giles continued: It means that systems reliant on satellite connections cannot keep accurate time, and outages of terrain and collision warning systems have become routine. Where smaller airports are fully reliant on GPS-based services, landing becomes impossible and flights have to divert or even give up altogether and return to their starting point. In March, an RAF plane carrying Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, had its GPS signal jammed while flying close to Russian territory. Downing Street said the incident did not interfere with the safety of the RAFs Envoy, a Dassault 900LX aircraft. However, a source told The Telegraph at the time: While the RAF are well prepared to deal with this, it still puts an unnecessary risk on civilian aircraft and could potentially endanger peoples lives. Mr Giles, author of the forthcoming book Who Will Defend Europe?, said the West had failed to respond to Russian GPS jamming when it was first detected in the 2010s. Its another example of hostile action from Russia becoming gradually normalised because nobody is willing or able to deal with it, which in turn encourages Russia to do it more, he said. If nothing continues to be done to deter Russia from doing this, the logical next step is for Moscow to attempt to block GPS for road traffic too which could sow chaos on land across the region. 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. GPS jamming now seems to be impacting transatlantic flights GPS jamming now seems to be impacting transatlantic flights The first known instance of GPS jamming impacting transatlantic flights has been recorded. According to air traffic control data, a flight was forced to operate in a "degraded mode." Russia is suspected of being behind GPS jamming in the Baltic region. The first known instance of GPS jamming impacting a flight on transatlantic routes has been reported. According to air traffic control data cited on June 19 by an open-source intelligence analyst on X and the Resilient Timing and Navigation Foundation (RNTF), a flight from Madrid to Toronto was unable to ascend because a flight at a higher altitude had been affected by GPS jamming. The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank that monitors global conflicts, reported the incident. Satellite navigation systems, or GPS, are used by aircraft to navigate to their destinations. Interference with GPS isn't an immediate danger to planes because they have backup navigation systems, but they do pose a wider safety risk, say experts. In the air traffic control data communications log, a dispatcher said that an aircraft at a higher altitude was operating in a "degraded mode," and another replied that it was the first known instance of GPS jamming on a transatlantic route. The reports said it's not known for certain what caused the GPS interference, but they note that in the Baltic region, thousands of flights and ships have been affected by GPS interference believed to be linked to Russia. The Norwegian Communication Authority told Business Insider in February that flights were experiencing GPS jamming on an almost daily basis, and in March, a plane carrying UK defense secretary Grant Shapps was impacted while flying near Russia's Kaliningrad enclave on the Baltic. Russia has a powerful electronic warfare capability, that it uses on the battlefield in Ukraine to disable missiles and drones. According to reports, a Russian electronic warfare unit is based in Kaliningrad. The RNTF said that the plane on the transatlantic route had likely been impacted by GPS interference while traveling from the Baltic region or the Middle East, and its GPS receivers hadn't recovered by the time it reached the transatlantic phase of the trip. It noted that if similar incidents happen more frequently, it could have a major impact on transatlantic flights, likely resulting in delays and cancellations. Read the original article on Business Insider In 2015, British Airways passengers were filmed dragging bags away from a jet that caught fire in Las Vegas Airline passengers have been warned not to grab their luggage in an emergency after dozens of deaths in Russia were blamed on people trying to collect their baggage during an evacuation. Industry bosses are increasingly concerned about the safety risk posed by people collecting their belongings before evacuating stricken aircraft. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called attention to the issue at a recent gathering of airline chiefs, saying a refusal to head straight for the exit may lead to deaths. Dozens of fatalities in a crash-landing in Russia were partly blamed on passengers ignoring the rules and blocking the aisle as they sought to retrieve their bags while the plane burned. In 2019 people grabbed their luggage as an Aeroflot plane erupted in flames on a Moscow runway, leading to 41 deaths Regulators require airlines to run test evacuations to establish that a plane can be emptied within 90 seconds. However, the propensity to reach for cases and laptops stowed in overhead lockers means that real-life evacuations are often very different from the tests. Nick Careen, head of safety, security and operations at IATA, which represents 330 airlines, said the plethora of mobile phone footage showing people descending escape chutes while clutching their luggage has served to highlight the extent of the problem. He said: We have seen many examples where evacuations have gone very well, actually more of them than not. But when they dont go well and we do see examples like that becoming pretty prevalent its something we need to latch on to. He added: Fines never work, unfortunately. Despite the fact that this is a global standard and a requirement on every flight, the propensity is that it is still a challenge. The only way is to explain that there is a good reason for this, and that its for your own benefit. We need to educate the customer on why the regulations are there. Evacuation tests usually assume that the sole motivation is to get to the exit. However, in real-world cases, passengers often also want to protect their belongings. In 2015, British Airways passengers were filmed dragging bags away from a jet that caught fire in Las Vegas, while in one of the most shocking incidents in 2019, people grabbed their luggage as an Aeroflot plane erupted in flames on a Moscow runway, leading to 41 deaths. Last September, almost every person escaping an Air China aircraft that landed in Singapore with an engine on fire appeared to have retrieved their belongings Last September, almost every person escaping an Air China aircraft that landed in Singapore with an engine on fire appeared to have retrieved their belongings, leading to delays at the top of the escape chutes and mass pile ups at the bottom. Many of those fleeing a smoke-filled jet in Venezuela in April were also seen to have bags, with one woman carrying a particularly large case. In January, all 379 people aboard a Japan Airlines jet that burst into flames after hitting a smaller plane at Tokyo Haneda airport were successfully evacuated. Passengers abandoned their hand luggage and even their pets to escape down just three operational emergency slides. But David Soucie, a former Federal Aviation Administration official, said that had the accident happened in the US, it would have been a very different scenario because of our attachment to our carry-on bags, our laptops, our phones, our things that we want to take with us. Airlines themselves could be said to have helped create the issue through the introduction of charges for checked luggage two decades ago. This trend prompted passengers to opt for luggage that can be carried into cabins. 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. Two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a new defense agreement, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced a bill to declare Russia a state sponsor of terror. Holding up a photo of Kim and Putin to start off the press conference unveiling the bill, Blumenthal said, Exhibit A. I rest my case. Blumenthal described the photo of Putin and Kim as depicting two of the most autocratic, atrocity-committing leaders in the world standing together. He also said the message sent by the U.S. labeling Russia a state sponsor of terrorism was as important as increased sanctions from the designation. This message to the world is as important in a moral sense as any practical consequence. Russia deserves to be in this small selective club of atrocity-committing killers, the Democrat said. Graham introduced a Senate resolution during the last Congress to declare Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. That resolution passed the Senate, but it was nonbinding, only calling on the secretary of State to make the distinction himself. The bill introduced Thursday would require the State Department to classify Russia as a state sponsor of terror, which would unlock a new set of sanctions, restrict any U.S.-based foreign aid, and severely curtail immunity for Russia from suits in the U.S. If the bill passes, U.S. nationals could sue a state sponsor of terror for offenses like torture, extrajudicial killing and hostage-taking. If those lawsuits prevail, plaintiffs could get compensation from the sanctioned nations seized assets. In the past, a court ordered Iran to pay nearly $9 billion to victims of the bombing of a U.S. Marine barracks in Lebanon and North Korea to pay more than $500 million to the family of student Otto Warmbier, who died in North Korean custody. Under the resolution, Graham and Blumenthal would allow for diplomatic exceptions and the carving out of agriculture and medical trade. The bill also allows for the president to make a determination that Russia is no longer a state sponsor of terror and to quickly remove the designation without congressional approval. Only four nations are currently U.S.-designated state sponsors of terror: Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Syria. Ukraine, which has called on the U.S. to declare Russia a state sponsor of terror, is in its third year of defending itself against Russias invasion. Russia controls about a fifth of Ukraine, and the U.N., Western nations and Ukraine have all accused Russia of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including mass rape, summary executions, extrajudicial killings and the usage of chemical weapons. The U.S. and Western allies have placed an increasing cascade of sanctions on Russia since 2014, when the country annexed Crimea, isolating the Russian economy from the West. Were not trying to be provocative by labeling Putin a state sponsor of terrorism, said Graham. After the defense agreement between North Korea and Russia, it is time for us to push back. Now is the moment above all other moments. So I would urge the administration, given what Putin has done yesterday, lets go all in and designate his regime for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism. Heres a general rule: Anybody that does a defense agreement with North Korea should be a state sponsor, he added. Putins visit to North Korea marked the first time a Russian president has visited that country in 24 years. During the meeting, Putin and Kim announced a new partnership, vowing mutual aid and protection. Blumenthal said that he has talked to the Biden administration about the resolution, saying they were sympathetic to the goal. Were going to continue to work with them, he added. I think its time now for us to move forward. And they understand that we may have differences of approach or opinion, and I think they respect us for what were trying to do. In a statement to The Hill, a state department spokesperson wrote that designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terror would not be the most effective nor strongest path forward to hold Russia accountable. The State Department spokesperson added that the designation would impact the unprecedented multilateral coordination that has made our sanctions so effective. The spokesperson said the designation would make it difficult to quickly reverse course in the case of negotiations and could tie up Russian assets in U.S. courts, preventing them from paying damages for the war. The EU Parliament declared Russia a state sponsor of terror in 2022. Graham and Blumenthal also made clear that this resolution was not a substitute for continued military aid to Ukraine. The U.S. passed a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine in May. This is not a substitute for providing military aid, Blumenthal said. Laura Kelly contributed. This story was updated at 9:20 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing to label Russia a state sponsor of terror. The bipartisan bill announced Thursday comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a deal with North Korea to defend each other if either country is attacked. The U.S. currently considers Cuba, Iran, Syria and North Korea state sponsors of terror. Two senators want Russia to join that list. Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal says Russia should be considered a state sponsor of terror. Russia deserves to be in this small, selective club of atrocity committing killers, Blumenthal said. Blumenthal and South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Grahams bill would do just that. During Putins visit he witnessed a show of North Koreas military and signed an agreement with Kim Jong Un to defend each other in case of attacks. The senators call it the last straw. We have lost deterrence, said Graham. Lawmakers say their resolution would strengthen sanctions, isolate Russia on the world stage, and boost morale in Ukraine. It is time for us to push back. Now is the moment, said Graham. Blumenthal says this is no substitute for sending more military aid to Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia. He says its about being on the right side of history. Democracy is under siege, Blumenthal said. Lawmakers last brought this proposal up in 2022. The White House said its not the most effective way to deal with Russia and could have unintended consequences. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Green Bay residents will have 2 new sites for early voting in August, November partisan elections GREEN BAY - Green Bay residents will have two new locations where they can cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming August primary and November general elections. The City Council on June 11 approved via voice vote City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys' request to operate two, in-person absentee voting satellite locations during evening hours for three days before the Aug. 13 primary election and four days ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. The partisan primary will be Aug. 13. The additional locations and evening hours aim to increase access and opportunities to vote after more than 31,000 Green Bay voters cast absentee ballots in the November 2020 general election. One location is on Green Bay's east side and another on the west side. The satellite locations will complement early in-person absentee voting at City Hall, which begins July 30, Jeffreys said. "It brings in-person voting a little closer to where they live," Jeffreys said. In-person absentee voting is sometimes just called early voting. Here's where city residents will be able to vote, when they can vote early, security measures in place to protect their votes and keys to know before you go. Where can I vote early in Green Bay? There will be three locations anyone can register to vote, cast an in-person absentee ballot, or return an absentee ballot mailed to their home in the days ahead of the Aug. 13 fall primary election and Nov. 5 general election. The three locations are: City Hall, Room 101, 100 N. Jefferson St. Johnsonville Tailgate Village, in the Lambeau Field parking lot, 1265 Lombardi Ave. St. Bernard's Church, 2040 Hillside Lane When can I cast my ballot at Green Bay's new satellite early voting locations? Prior years' early voting patterns influenced this year's early voting schedule. Jeffreys said a lot of people look to cast their ballot just before Election Day, often in the evening hours. Here's when Johnsonville Tailgate Village and St. Bernard's locations will be open: Fall primary election : 3-8 p.m. Aug. 7, 8 and 9 November general election: 3-8 p.m. Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 1 Why did Green Bay add early voting options for the August primary and November general elections? Supporters included local residents, League of Women Voters of Greater Green Bay members and representatives of Wisconsin voting rights groups. They focused the potential for additional early, in-person voting options to: Reduce lines and pressure on poll workers on Election Day. Make voting easier, more accessible and increase turnout. Give voters and poll workers time to correct any registration issues. Offer Election Day poll workers an opportunity to cast their ballot. Some residents and City Council members on June 11 raised concerns about ballot security, plans to inform the public about the new voting options, the impact on election observers, and details of the city clerk's operations plan. The city's Protection & Policy Committee was provided the full plan during its Monday meeting. And Jeffreys said her office plans to notify the public of the options and rules via social media, in ballot instructions, on the city's Elections web page, at City Hall and via public notices. A voting machine at City Hall in Green Bay. Security plans in place to prevent voter, ballot fraud Jeffreys told the council the satellite locations will use a device that prevents pre-printed ballots from being brought in and cast at the in-person absentee voting locations. Poll workers at the sites will use tracking sheets to record the number and types of ballots cast at each location. The ballots will be secured and transported to City Hall each night for secure storage until Election Day. On Election Day, the ballot envelopes will be opened and the ballots fed into tabulators. When can I vote early at Green Bay City Hall for the August primary election? Early voting at Green Bay City Hall, 100 N. Jefferson St., for the Aug. 13 primary election begins July 30. Here's the schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 1-2, Aug. 5-7 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 8 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 9 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 10 When can I vote early at Green Bay City Hall for the November general election? Early voting at Green Bay City Hall, 100 N. Jefferson St., for the Nov. 5 general election begins Oct. 22. Here's the schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22-25 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 26 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28-29 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 30-31 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 2 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 Tips and things to do before you vote in Green Bay Jeffreys provided some tips and details to help voters with questions about the new off-site early voting options or other voting options ahead of the upcoming elections. Any Green Bay voter may cast their ballot at any of those three locations during the hours listed. You can register to vote, cast your ballot or drop off completed mailed absentee ballots at the twp satellite in person absentee voting locations. You can only return your ballot or the ballot of someone who is disabled who asks you to drop it off for them. Complete all of your ballot before dropping it off. Remember to bring your photo identification with you to be able to cast your ballot. Visit MyVote.WI.gov for information on your polling places, what will be on the ballot and other information. If you have questions about early voting in Green Bay, can call the City Clerk's Office at 920-448-3010. Contact Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or jbollier@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JeffBollier. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay voters have two, new options to vote early. What to know Green Bay weather forecast calls for scattered rain through Saturday and cool temps on Friday GREEN BAY - The first day of summer in Green Bay is looking like a rainy one today, with scattered rain throughout the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay. A cold front blew in from northern Wisconsin today, and its making its path down toward Chicago. With it, the cold front brought rain to Green Bay, and it should last until sometime this afternoon, said Scott Cultice of the National Weather Service Green Bay. The rain will pick back up Friday afternoon, and Green Bay residents can also expect some periods of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms on Saturday. By Sunday, the cold front should move back down toward Chicago, Cultice said. For those looking to celebrate the first weekend of summer with outdoor activities, there should be some brief windows of nice weather. Sunday looks like a fairly nice day to get out and do some stuff, Cultice said. Tomorrow morning, Friday morning should be OK. Then the rain will be moving in by Friday afternoon. Is this normal weather for Green Bay in June? Since June 1, Green Bay has received 1.9 inches of rain. The average rainfall for June is around 2.65 inches, according to data from the National Weather Service Green Bay. There is a small potential for flooding this weekend. However, since were still below the average rainfall for June, technically, we probably could use a little bit of rain, Cultice said. What is the weekend weather forecast for Green Bay? Today: High of 70, low of 57 tonight. Showers, then partly sunny. Chance of showers tonight. Friday: High of 69, low of 62. Chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Saturday: High of 80, low of 66 with thunderstorms and showers. Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high near 80 and low of 60. Green Bay weather radar Can't see the map? Click here. Alyssa N. Salcedo is a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. She can be reached at asalcedo@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay weather rain calls for scattered rain through Saturday Deondra Kimble lost her son, Michael David Sr, to gun violence and has not had much contact from police about the investigation into her sons killing. June 14, 2024 Rose Smith and Deondra Kimble, two Louisville mothers, are still waiting for answers. Both lost their sons to gun violence and have yet to learn the full story behind their deaths. Smith has been waiting for nearly 10 years; Kimble, nearly seven. Michael David Sr. was shot and killed Nov. 4, 2017. Kimble found out about her son's death on a call from her daughter. She drove to Davids apartment in west Louisville and waited roughly five hours until a coroner notified her that her son was murdered. He was 37 years old and left behind a daughter who is now 9 years old and a son who turns 15 in August. Kimble describes David as a self-driven entrepreneur who cared deeply about his family. He designed custom-made t-shirts and sold them at clothing stores in Louisville with plans to one day open his own shop. I told him, I said, Get a business plan, lets talk about it and lets see where were at. But Im willing to help you and see what we need to do, Kimble said. That was our last business conversation. Rose Smith lost her son, Cory Crowe, to gun violence in the 2300 block of Standard Avenue in west Louisville. Smith decided to buy the house and turn it into a community center called the Ace Project in remembrance of her son. June 14, 2024 Cory Crowe was 24 when he was shot and killed Oct. 25, 2014. Smith describes her son as lighthearted, ambitious and a big dreamer. When youd see him most of the time, he had a smile, Smith said. A smile that would light up a room. Crowe was earning his license to become a barber instructor. His dream was to one day open his own barber school. That is the main dream that I know he had that someone took from him, Smith said. He left behind a son who will turn 15 in September. Deondra Kimble lost her son, Michael David Sr, to gun violence and has not had much contact from police about the investigation into her sons killing. She visits this memorial at Resthaven Cemetery that bears his name and other lost to homicide. June 14, 2024 David and Crowes cases are among hundreds of unsolved homicides the Louisville Metro Police Departments cold case unit has. The oldest dates back to 1961. A new law taking effect next month could help change that. Beginning July 15, law enforcement agencies across Kentucky can contract retired officers to help solve cold cases involving homicides. LMPD has 761 of them. We were pretty much hopeless before the bill, Smith said. But this bill gives me a little hope. Victims of gun violence deal with more than just the pain of losing a loved one. While talking to impacted families, Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, the sponsor of the bill, said one person told her theres always the fear of somebody then coming after them. Just to think about the hurt, the harm and the lack of ability for them to heal," Herron said. "To know that that person potentially is still walking around in their community, and then also the fear of not knowing who that person is. Rose Smith had these pavers made in the garden behind the Ace Project community center in west Louisville. June 14, 2024 LMPDs cold case unit is understaffed, according to spokesperson John Bradley. Detectives are saddled with other job responsibilities and its caseload grows weekly. On average, the unit closes one to two cases each year. But closed doesnt mean resolved it just means an investigation is complete. That can stem either from an arrest or an investigation that has come to an end due to exceptional means, which refers to causes beyond law enforcements control such as the death of the offender or the victims unwillingness to move forward with a prosecution. But the issue is bigger than just one unit. Bradley said every unit in the department is experiencing personnel shortages. As of June 1, LMPD reported 285 vacancies of sworn positions and roughly 138 non-sworn positions. The cold case unit is staffed by two detectives, one civilian investigator and one sergeant. The main burden is having more cases and leads to work than there are detectives to reasonably work all of them, Bradley said. The cases are categorized and assigned to detectives based on solvability factors. This determination is made by the cold case sergeant and sometimes changes based on new information or tips received. Smith, who recently attended a gun safety conference in the District of Columbia, recently reached out to one of the detectives regarding her son but said no new information was provided. Kimble's last attempt was last year. She called twice and left a voicemail but didnt hear back. And thats how it was with the detective that Ive dealt with, Kimble said. I would call periodically wanting to know information I got no return calls. Deondra Kimble lost her son, Michael David Sr, to gun violence and has not had much contact from police about the investigation into her sons killing. She visits this memorial at Resthaven Cemetery that bears his name and other lost to homicide. June 14, 2024 I want answers, Kimble said. I think Im entitled to that. Bradley said Davids case was assigned to the cold case unit last October but not knowing to whom Ms. Kimble reached out to before this, Im unable to offer any explanation. Kimble realizes she may have reached the wrong department and that she wasnt 100% sure she was clear on that, she said but nobody ever returned my call to say Hey, you did call the wrong department. You may need to call someone else. Bradley said the cold case sergeant makes every effort to communicate with the families and loved ones of victims regarding their cases. After her son's death, Smith founded The ACE Project, which stands for Acting Compassionately Everyday. The nonprofit sits at the intersection of 25th Street and Standard Avenue where Crowe was murdered and helps people in similar situations cope with trauma. It offers literacy and a variety of entrepreneurship programs to more than 200 children each year. Rose Smith painted this rock to remember her son, Cory Crowe, who was lost to gun violence. June 14, 2024. Other rocks in the garden at the Ace Project community center are for others lost to gun violence. June 14, 2024 "This work that Im doing is not just about me and my son and my answers, Smith said. Its about everyone who wants answers and some closure. "Im hopeful that this bill will bring in detectives and people to work these cold cases where, someone, even if its not me, someones case will be solved, she said. Herron hopes her bill will bring awareness to these cold cases and attract funding from all levels of government. Letting our people know, letting our Metro Council members know, letting our mayor know, letting our state representatives know that as were looking at budgets, and were increasing budgets, that this is a budget piece that we need to make sure that we have money set aside to hire those retired officers to come back and work on some of these cases, she said. Rose Smith had these shoes made to remember her son, Cory Crowe, who was lost to gun violence. June 14, 2024 LMPD defines a cold case as a homicide case that has reached two years without being resolved or that is deemed cold by the homicide commander. It keeps a list of open homicide victims on its website dating back to 2005. The most recent cold case involves a 61-year-old male who was shot and killed in the Beechmont neighborhood. Anyone with information about a cold case involving homicide is encouraged to call LMPD's anonymous tip line at 502-574-5673. Reach Dmitry Martirosov at dmartirosov@courier-journal.com or @dmrtrsv on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky cold cases: New law boosts effort to get answers A photo of a hybrid bear spotted during a monitoring flight in the western Arctic in 2012. Polar bear researcher Evan Richardson believes it's bear X15718, a female hybrid who mated with grizzlies and went on to have 4 known 2nd-generation hybrid offspring of her own. However, since the bear in the photo wasn't captured and sampled, Richardson doesn't have DNA evidence to be absolutely sure. (Jodie Pongracz/Government of the Northwest Territories - image credit) A family of polar and grizzly bear hybrids, or grolars, in Canada's western Arctic which all started with a "pretty strange" female polar bear is "quite rare," according to a new study. The research paper, published last week in the journal Conservation Genetics Resources, used a new tool to look at samples from 371 polar bears and 440 grizzly bears across Canada, Alaska and Greenland. The samples had been collected between 1975 and 2015. Ruth Rivkin, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Manitoba and one of the study's authors, expected to find more "hidden hybrid" bears in the data creatures that may have looked like grizzly bears but did, in fact, have polar bear in their lineage. But the new tool, a genetic sequencing chip, showed only eight hybrid bears in the Northwest Territories that scientists had already found to be part of the same family. Rivkin said it's a sign hybridization is "quite rare." But, she expects it'll happen more often in the future. "It's really important that we keep monitoring these polar bears so that we can see if hybridization begins to ramp up," she said. The western Arctic is one place where that's more likely to happen, she said, because it's one of the few areas in the world where grizzly and polar bear habitats have been starting to overlap as the climate changes. Female polar bear 'famous' for producing hybrids A 2017 study by Jodie Pongracz, a biologist who had been working with the N.W.T.'s then-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, found eight hybrid bears in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region were part of the same family. It all started with a female polar bear born in 1989. Though he didn't capture her himself, Evan Richardson, a polar bear research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, told CBC News the bear is considered "famous" for mating with two grizzly bears on multiple occasions and producing four hybrid offspring. A graphic showing the lineage of a family of hybrid polar bears found in the western Arctic. A female polar bear mated with two grizzly bears, resulting in a series of 1st and 2nd generation hybrid polar bears. The graphic, adapted from a 2017 study, also shows a 9th 2nd-generation hybrid bear that wasn't known about until it was harvested in 2020. A graphic showing the lineage of a family of hybrid polar bears found in the western Arctic. A female polar bear mated with 2 grizzly bears, resulting in a series of 1st- and 2nd-generation hybrid bears. The graphic, adapted from a 2017 study, also shows a 9th 2nd-generation hybrid bear that wasn't known about until it was harvested in 2020. (Submitted by Steve Baryluk) One of those offspring, given the number X15718, would go on to breed with two grizzly bears just like her mom did something scientists refer to as "backcrossing." Steve Baryluk, a wildlife manager with the N.W.T. government who works in the Beaufort Delta, said it seemed like the family of "tightly closed" bears had a "preference for something a little different." Rivkin suggested the initial mother may have been "pretty strange" but also pointed out that while female polar bears do have "some level of choice" about who they mate with, size makes a difference. If a male grizzly is interested in mating with a female polar bear, "that's probably what's going to happen," she said. Two of the nine-known grizzly-polar bear hybrids are now at Nature's North Wildlife Gallery in Yellowknife, N.W.T. Dean Robertson purchased and mounted both of them. On the left is bear 11028, a 2nd generation hybrid harvested in 2017. On the right is bear 10958, a 1st generation hybrid harvested in 2012. Two of the 9 known grizzly-polar bear hybrids are now at Nature's North Wildlife Gallery in Yellowknife, N.W.T. Dean Robertson purchased and mounted both of them. On the left is bear 11028, a 2nd generation hybrid harvested in 2017. On the right is bear 10958, a 1st generation hybrid harvested in 2012. (Liny Lamberink/CBC) Richardson, who like Baryluk is a co-author of Rivkin's study, saw clues this was happening during a 2012 helicopter flight with Pongracz over the northern end of Victoria Island. "We spotted this funny-looking bear running across the sea ice, it was being chased by a large grizzly bear. This bear ran up into the rocks, which kind of put us in a precarious place to actually capture it, so we didn't capture either of those bears." Richardson said two years later, surveying the exact same bay, he spotted what he believed to be the same cream-coloured hybrid X15718 running across the ice with three chocolate-coloured cubs. "You almost had to like rub your eyes to make sure you were seeing what you were seeing," said Richardson. "That grizzly bear probably caught up with her and bred with her, and then she subsequently had these three little cubs which were second-generation hybrids." Evan Richardson, a polar bear research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada doing fieldwork in Churchill, Manitoba. Evan Richardson, a polar bear research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada doing fieldwork in Churchill, Manitoba. (Submitted by Samantha Bayard) Richardson never saw the second-generation hybrid bears again. One of them was harvested in 2017 and is now on display at the Nature's North Wildlife Gallery in Yellowknife, next to a first-generation hybrid bear harvested in 2012. Mostly a grizzly, but learning to be polar Pongracz's 2017 study found X15718 mothered four hybrids that were 75-per cent grizzly and 25-per cent polar bear. Baryluk said she also mothered a fifth hybrid bear, not accounted for in Pongracz or Rivkin's studies, that had been harvested in 2020. Richardson said the second-generation bears would have faced challenges throughout their lives, because they were genetically closer to being grizzly bears, but would have been raised as polar bears taught by their hybrid mother, who learned polar bear behaviours from her own mother. On the left side, a hybrid bear that is 75 per cent grizzly, and it's paws and claws in the photo below. On the right side, a hybrid bear that is 50 per cent grizzly, and it's paws and claws. On the left side, a hybrid bear that is 75-per cent grizzly, and its paws and claws in the photo below. On the right side, a hybrid bear that is 50-per cent grizzly, and its paws and claws. (Liny Lamberink/CBC) "Being chocolate brown and trying to sneak up on a seal on the sea ice compared to being, you know, snowy white like most polar bears, would definitely be a challenge," said Richardson. He said X15718 was captured at one point and found to have longer claws like a grizzly bear, a brownish coat colour, dark circles around her eyes and a brown stripe down her back. Those are just the visible features researchers were able to observe. Richardson said there are also many physiological differences between the two different types of bear grizzlies, for example, are omnivores and hibernate during the winter. Polar bears are carnivores who are active during the winter. The recent paper shows there were only eight hybrid bears in the hundreds of samples that were tested, but the research does have limitations. For example, there might be hybrid bears that were never sampled. More may also have been born in the past nine years. Although it used to be "fairly unusual" to see grizzly bears venture out onto the sea ice, Rivkin said communities and researchers have seen it happening more and more often. "We think probably we'll see more hybrids down the road," she said. Rivkin hopes the new genetic sequencing chip, which she says is relatively inexpensive, quick and accurate, will be used to test more bears for hybridization in the future. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said they are working with property managers at the Rivergate Shopping Center to get off-duty police officers at the property. The news comes amid a series of social media posts and reports of teen criminal activity in the area, surrounding South Tryon Street and Steele Creek Road. Mechul Yeldell said he was the victim in one incident in May, where teens reportedly threw rocks at his car, causing damage to the brand-new vehicle. Disappointing development CMPD Chief Jennings responds after Governor Cooper vetoes crime bill I didnt do anything, he said. I was minding my business. What disturbs me is how comfortable they were doing it. The social media posts report incidents involving food being stolen, drinks being thrown at others, along with various reports of shoplifting, assault and harassment. CMPDs Crime Map indicates that, over the last month, there have been a series of shopliftings and a non-aggravated assault in the area around Rivergate. Mechul Yeldell was a victim in one incident at the shopping center. Yeldell said he has held off on filing his own report about his alleged incident because he wanted to find out more information about who was behind it. CMPD confirmed to Queen City News that Rivergate property managers are now going through the permitting process to get off-duty officers to patrol the shopping center. Rivergate does have security, but as Yeldell noted, they cannot do much, and the kids are aware of that. All you do is observe and report and their hands are tied. Yeldell says, with the help of social media, he was able to file a report with possible suspect 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 Queen City News. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Azerbaijani delegation led by Orkhan Nazarli, head of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy, attended the administrative session of the 28th General Assembly of the European Organization of Tax Administrations (IOTA) in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, Trend reports, referring to the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan. IOTA president, head of the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary Ferenc Vagujhelyi addressed the administrative session of the General Assembly. Speaking on his presidency in 20232024, Ferenc Vagujhelyi discussed the tasks completed and the outcomes attained. Voting then approved the documents outlining IOTA activities for the short and medium terms. Later, Orkhan Nazarli was elected as IOTA President for 20242025. Members of the IOTA Executive Council for 2024-2025 were also elected during the session, where Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Estonia, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and Hungary will be represented on the Executive Board. During the session, Nazarli discussed the priorities for the development of tax administration in the medium term, as well as the current trends and challenges in the international tax system. It was observed that tax administration is a dynamic field that necessitates strategic approaches, high levels of competence, and awareness. The Head of the Service emphasized that globalization and digitalization have led to a certain transformation in tax systems in recent years. This transformation necessitates the establishment of a modern and flawless tax system at the international level, which will enhance the collaboration of tax administrations in response to obstacles. Nazarli detailed the plans to the participants, stating that the State Tax Service will serve as the President of IOTA for the first time. He acknowledged that in the forthcoming period, it is intended to mobilize all resources to enhance the efficacy of cooperation within IOTA. He underscored the significance of attentively monitoring current trends in order to establish effective mechanisms for tax administrations. The chief of the State Tax Service underscored that the Assembly's capacity building and strengthening will be a primary focus, stating that the IOTA strategy for 20232027 will be closely monitored. Taking note of the fact that Azerbaijan will host the next IOTA General Assembly, the director of the service extended an invitation to all participants to fully engage in the events and projects that are scheduled to take place in the nation. In conclusion, Nazarli took possession of the IOTA flag, which is a symbol of the president in the organization, from Ferenc Vagujhelyi of Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A small child pulling children's books off a bookshelf. (Getty Images) Read Freely Alabama and the Alabama Library Association (ALLA) asked legislators last week to prevent the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) from implementing administrative code changes it approved last month . Both groups sent nearly identical memos to the states Legislative Council on Friday, arguing that the APLS did not adhere to a process necessary to modify the rules. The stakeholders in the industry had no chance to review the new language, or ask questions and seek clarification before it was passed on May 16, Read Freelys memo states. After the changed proposal was released, it appears the new language has created contradictory rules between itself and the original proposed language. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jessica Hayes, advocacy coordinator for the ALA, said Gov. Kay Ivey recommended that libraries only have a policy in place for segregating library materials based on their appropriateness. Now, you cant even purchase inappropriate material for minors, and it is reaching into the adult section by restricting their purchase, even for the adult section, she said. A message was left with APLS seeking comment. The amended administrative code requires state libraries to adopt a selection criteria to ensure materials purchased for the collection are safeguarded from sexually explicit material deemed inappropriate for children or youth. Policies must also exist that lay out how books will be organized in the library as well as provide advanced approval for materials advertised to children. Other policies prohibit staff from purchasing materials. Failure to adopt the policies could put a librarys state funding in jeopardy. Read Freely has opposed such policies on grounds they are overly broad and vague and violate constitutional protections for free speech. The group has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the policies the Prattville library adopted, alleging they violate the First Amendment. They also argue the policies are discriminatory because they prohibit books concerning sexual orientation and gender identity, which targets the LGBTQ+ community. Read Freely said APLS did not provide adequate time for the public to review additional changes that went beyond the changes to the administrative code proposed by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2023. The changes that members of the APLS Board adopted went beyond the scope of the initial proposed changes, and those additional changes should have restarted the process, which included more time for review and comment, according to Read Freely and the ALA. The note also argued that APLS failed to include additional comments written to the Board. The Alabama Library Associations memo said that almost 6,500 written comments were submitted by the public to the proposed changes, but that APLS disregarded another 2,000 written comments in a report that analyzed the comments to the administrative code changes. The Executive Council requests to know where those written comments are and why they werent included in the content analysis, the Alabama Library Associations memo states. Legislators The memos were addressed to the Legislative Council, a body composed of some of the most senior Senators and House members of the Legislature. Read Freely and the Alabama Library Association believe the council has the authority to overturn the vote made by board members of APLS. Members of the council who spoke with the Reflector said they could not comment on the memo specifically, though attitudes about the level of access to books fell down party lines. Why can one parent, or one group of people cut off other peoples opportunities to learn? said Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham. I dont understand that process, because I dont like it, then nobody else should have the opportunity, even if they want to learn about it. Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, the chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee, called the policy common sense. We have age restrictions for children when it comes to a number of things: alcohol, driving, he said. There are certain things that are age appropriate. It has been a long standing practice that children do not have access to certain materials. Garrett supported Iveys recommended changes, going as far as to make library funding contingent on agreeing with the governors proposals. The budget language that was passed did not impact local library funding so long as they complied with those proposed regulations that the governor offered, Garrett said. Authority Read Freely and ALLA argued APLS did not have authority to implement the rule. APLS has not given at least 35 days notice of intended action during which interested persons may present their views, per AL Code 41-22-5(a)(1), both memos said. The library agency gave an initial notice in the January 2024 Legislative Services Filing, but then the APLS substantially changed the language from what was provided in the notice and did not provide new notice with new opportunity for public comment. The organizations also argue the rule changes should be blocked on free speech grounds, saying the wording of the proposed changes is vague. ALLA offered its own proposed rule changes, placing a greater responsibility on parents to supervise their children. The APLS did not adopt them. The memos argue that the ALAs proposed changes are less restrictive and just as adequate to protect the public. Read Freely and the ALLA say the administrative changes impose additional salary expenses for libraries and that library boards will need additional funding from counties and cities to begin implementing the APLS changes within their facilities. Hayes said the additional funding is required to pay the salaries for staff to begin taking inventory of the circulation and begin reshelving books in different locations throughout the different libraries in the state. ALLAs memo estimates the additional expenses will be anywhere from $4,000-$6,000 per employee each month. At the Prattville Library, it would require additional walls and shelving to be added, and that would be extra expenses in that facility to make sure there is sufficient spacing and barriers to the inappropriate materials in the adult section, Hayes said. The APLS changes will also require information technology upgrades. Several libraries will need to purchase new library systems to allow for tiered library cards, the memos state. This software can cost $15,000+ and will require devoted training and attention to implement. Both groups urge the Legislative Council to work with the Legislative Services Agency to disapprove the changes made to the APLS administrative code. In May, a subcommittee voted to adopt changes to the administrative code that the full board later adopted. The new rules stated that to receive funding, local libraries must adopt a materials selection criterion that addresses how minors are safeguarded from sexually explicit material deemed inappropriate for children or youth. Policies must be adopted for deciding how books will be organized within the library or be relocated if they contain sexually explicit materials or are inappropriate for children. There must be policies in place for obtaining advance approval for placing obscene and inappropriate materials on display targeted to children and must adopt guidelines to ensure that library materials within the children section are not obscene, sexually explicit or are inappropriate. Hayes said that libraries coordinate with publishers to determine the age group most appropriate for specific books. Librarians will also read reviews and solicit opinions from sites such as GoodReads to determine the areas where books should be shelved, whether that be in the children, young adult or adult sections. Libraries must also adopt policies that prevent staff from purchasing such materials for the collection, and state that minors must have parental approval before borrowing materials designated for the adult section. APLS is responsible for distributing funds to the local libraries. Last fall, Ivey sent a letter to APLS Director Nancy Pack requesting that APLS adopt policies to require local libraries to set rules to better allow parents to supervise their children. Ivey also wanted any funds given to the American Library Association to be subject to approval by the relevant governing authority in an open, public meeting. Ivey did not specify in her letter the specific authority for obtaining approval. The battle over books erupted at the Autauga-Prattville Public Library last year after a parent complained that a book contained inclusive pronouns. A group of parents formed Clean Up Alabama and claimed to have found sexually explicit books in the childrens section of the library. Among the list of books found on Clean Up Alabamas website include Being You: A first conversation about gender, which GoodReads classified as a picture book for children containing LGBTQ+ themes. Clean Up Alabama described the book as one that contains alternate gender ideologies; and controversial cultural commentary. Read Freely Alabama formed in opposition to Clean Up Alabama. The group said Clean Up Alabamas proposals amount to censorship and violate free speech rights. Members of the group also accused Clean Up Alabama of targeting books with LGBTQ+ characters or themes. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST The post Groups opposed to new Alabama library rules want legislators to intervene appeared first on Alabama Reflector. From the Techne on The Dispatch Welcome back to Techne! In 1969, the BBC aired the documentary series Civilisation: A Personal View by Kenneth Clark, which outlined the history of Western art, architecture, and philosophy since the Dark Ages. Narrated by art historian Kenneth Clark, the series is a product of its time and for that it is fascinating. The first five episodes can be viewed on YouTube. Notes and Quotes Google has signed a deal with Fervo Energy, a Nevada utility and geothermal energy company, to run data centers on renewable energy generated from underground heat. This collaboration aligns with Googles target of operating exclusively on carbon-free sources by 2030. Amid calls for giving kids screen-free school experiences, a straightforward reform could end government subsidies for internet access on school buses. In this article, Joel Thayer and Nathan Leamer make the case for the Eyes on the Board Act. Gregory Brew, an analyst at the Eurasia Group, has a great thread on X debunking internet talk of an old U.S.-Saudi deal ending and causing the dollar to lose its power as the worlds lead currency. The International Center for Law and Economics, where I used to work, recently published Dynamic Competition in Broadband Markets: A 2024 Update. The report finds that there has been a rapid broadband evolution in the U.S. since 2021, with more houses connected, faster internet speeds, lower prices, and more active competition amongst providers. Leopold Aschenbrenners Situational Awareness: The Decade Ahead has been making the rounds. Formerly of OpenAI, Aschenbrenners whitepaper looks at the big picture of artificial general intelligence: the fast progress in deep learning, the massive technological leaps happening, the international situation with different countries racing for AI superiority, and the efforts underway to actually achieve general human-level AI. In the latest update of the city-building game, Cities: Skylines 2, the developers addressed players concerns about high rent by eliminating landlords entirely. Rent calculations now follow a new formula based on land value, building level, lot size, and space multiplier, with upkeep costs shared among renters. In 2022, the European Union adopted the Digital Services Act that imposes due process, transparency, and due diligence requirements for the content on social media platforms. However, the end result hasnt been the removal of illegal content, but rather the suppression of speech, according to a report authored by the Future of Free Speech, a think tank at Vanderbilt University: Legal online speech made up most of the removed content from posts on Facebook and YouTube in France, Germany, and Sweden. Of the deleted comments examined across platforms and countries, between 87.5% and 99.7%, depending on the sample, were legally permissible. Brian Potter, who writes the incomparable Construction Physics Substack, released an explainer detailing the complexities of building AI data centers in the U.S. Mining firm Rare Earths Norway claims to have discovered Europes largest deposit of rare earth elements, a major find. This will bolster Europes efforts to reduce reliance on Chinas dominance in the rare earths market. The Lurking Dangers in State-Level AI Regulation Colorado Gov. Jared Polis visits with state House and Senate members before the 2024 state of the state address at the State Capitol in Denver on January 11, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) An ordinary bill signing became extraordinary last month when Colorado Gov. Jared Polis used the occasion to deliver a detailed critique of the bill he was signing, Senate Bill 24-205. The bill is one of the first pieces of legislation that regulates cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Still, Polis isnt totally convinced that its ready for prime time: Today, with reservations, I signed Senate Bill 24-205, Concerning Consumer Protections in Interactions with Artificial Intelligence Systems. This is an important conversation to have, and in signing this bill I hope that it furthers the conversation, especially at the national level. It is a shame that Polis didnt veto the bill, though, because I think he was ultimately right when he said: I am concerned about the impact this law may have on an industry that is fueling critical technological advancements across our state for consumers and enterprises alike. Government regulation that is applied at the state level in a patchwork across the country can have the effect to tamper innovation and deter competition in an open market. Polis has a long pedigree in tech. He started and then sold two different tech companies, including American Information Systems (AIS), which he founded in college. After selling an online florist business, he helped to found TechStars, a respected pre-seed investor in Colorado. In 2008, he was elected to Congress, representing Colorados 2nd District for five terms. I first became aware of Polis in 2009 while interning in Washington, D.C. and I still rank him as one of the few leaders that truly understoods technology regulation. I also respect him because he was the only Democratic member of the Liberty Caucus, made up of libertarians and conservatives. So its sad to see him not put up a fight against the bill, especially since the signing letter explains the problems that plague every AI bill: AI is regulated, regardless of intent. The bill deviates from traditional laws by regulating the outcomes of AI system use, regardless of the developers or deployers intent. This is a shift from focusing solely on intentional discriminatory conduct. The compliance regime is complex. The bill imposes a detailed and possibly burdensome compliance framework on all developers and deployers of AI in Colorado, which may be particularly challenging for small deployers. AI systems will now have reporting requirements . New reporting obligations require notifying consumers about how AI was used in significant decisions, the types of data processed, and the data sources. These requirements could be cumbersome and complex to implement. Consumer rights to appeal decisions mean costly human review . The bill requires deployers to allow consumers to correct data inputs and appeal decisions made by AI, necessitating potentially costly and resource-intensive human review processes. The bill will negatively impact innovation and competition. Polis expressed concern about the potential adverse effects on the AI industry, which is critical for technological advancements in Colorado. He noted that state-level regulation might stifle innovation and deter competition due to a patchwork of varying laws across the country. Polis ended by encouraging the legislature to significantly improve on this before it takes effect in 2026. Rarely do you find a governor denouncing a bill as they sign it, but Polis did just that. To me, it is a deeply telling signifier of whats coming: AI will probably be regulated at the state level. One of the biggest problems plaguing AI policy today is that state policymakers are taking the wrong lessons from recent history. In pushing his bill that would regulate AI, California state Sen. Scott Wiener said that there is an opportunity to apply hard lessons learned over the last decade, as weve seen the consequences of allowing the unchecked growth of new technology without evaluating, understanding, or mitigating the risks. But regulating AI isnt like regulating privacy, which is where the lessons were supposedly learned. Privacy law establishes a bundle of rights over personal data. But AI will affect each industry differently and problems will arise sector by sector. In a highly dynamic situation like this, it makes much more sense to rely upon the systems already in place to police bad behavior, like the consumer protection power of the Federal Trade Commission, the product recall at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the myriad of other governance mechanisms that exist, which I laid out here. Still, state legislatures have been incredibly active on AI this year. According to the state government affairs firm Multistate, there were at least 762 bills on AI filed in the states this past year. I was closely watching Californias Senate Bill 1047, which I have written about previously, the Colorado bill, and Connecticuts SB 2. Connecticuts SB 2 passed the Senate but stalled after Gov. Ned Lamont threatened to veto it. In explaining why he was going to veto the bill, Lamont told CT Insider, Im just not convinced that you want 50 states each doing their own thing. Im not convinced you want Connecticut to be the first one to do it, adding that the bill is too much too soon. Whats telling is how Connecticut state Sen. James Maroney, the bills author, explained the effects of the bill in comments made to the CT Mirror: We know that nothing were doing here today is going to change the world. The world has always been changing and it always will be. He added, Today were doing our piece to make sure the world is changing for the good. Maroney expresses an increasingly common viewpoint when it comes to all kinds of data regulation, especially regarding AI: These bills arent all that costly and, even if they have problems, they are still a good thing to do. I disagree on both counts. Falling back on the precautionary principle. Instead of a wait-and-see approach, Wiener and others are pushing for a precautionary approach. This notion was formalized in economics by Kenneth Arrow and Anthony C. Fisher, who showed that the irreversibility of some future events means that risk-neutral societies should favor precaution since it allows for more flexibility in the decision space in the future. Their 1974 paper kicked off the discussion for the precautionary principle. But one significant caveat to this line of logic was critically added by Robert K. Dixit and Robert S. Pindyck in 1994. Being risk-neutral in the decision space can come at the expense of potential returns, since not making a decision has a cost. The same logic applies to innovation. There is a clear time value to innovation that often isnt properly accounted for with treatments of the precautionary principle. There is an opportunity cost embedded in the precautionary principle, which is the cost to innovation. And to be sure, there are costs involved with AI legislation. Hawaiis Senate Bill 2572 is the purest expression of the precautionary approach, referencing the idea in the bills text: it is crucial that the State adhere to the precautionary principle, which requires the government to take preventive action in the face of uncertainty; shifts the burden of proof to those who want to undertake an innovation to show that it does not cause harm; and holds that regulation is required whenever an activity creates a substantial possible risk to health, safety, or the environment, even if the supporting evidence is speculative. In the context of artificial intelligence and products, it is essential to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding the well-being of the States residents by adopting and enforcing proactive and precautionary regulation to prevent potentially severe societal-scale risks and harms, require affirmative proof of safety by artificial intelligence developers, and prioritize public welfare over private gain. It is an impossible standard to meet, as regulatory analyst and noted author Adam Thierer explained, because no technology can ever be proven perfectly safe before deployment. But more to the point, I think it shows how fast AI is moving and where it is moving. It is not a positive future. States are considering big and aggressive bills that will be costly for a technology that is only now being developed. There is real danger if each state crafts its own rules. The result will be a chaotic landscape where compliance becomes a nightmare for developers. There are policymakers who think, Nothing were doing here today is going to change the world, but that to me is exactly the wrong attitude. Stopping AI innovation now is very much a possibility with bad state bills. Until next week, Will AI Roundup AI research company Anthropic released a guide to red teaming, which methods work best in certain situations, and the pros and cons of different approaches. It is meant to serve as a guide for other companies and help policymakers understand how AI testing works. A paper by the University of Glasgows Michael Townsen Hicks, James Humphries, and Joe Slater titled ChatGPT is Bullshit argues that large language models often produce outputs that are false or inaccurate, not because they are intentionally deceptive but because they are fundamentally indifferent to the truth. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said he doesnt think any new AI legislation should be passed: We want to make sure we dont have government getting in the way of the innovation thats happening thats allowed America to be dominant in the technology industry, and we want to continue to be able to hold that advantage going forward. Despite no official comments from Apple or OpenAI, sources suggest their partnership involves no direct financial compensation. Instead, it is viewed as a mutually beneficial arrangement: Apple gains access to OpenAIs advanced chatbot technology and OpenAI benefits from the exposure of having its brand and AI capabilities promoted to hundreds of millions of Apple device users. Research and Reports A report by Arizona State University researcher Charles Perreault and doctoral graduate Jonathan Paige finds that humans began to solve problems via technical tools around 600,000 years ago thanks to social learning. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. DENVER (KDVR) There are a lot of things in Colorado with cherry in the name: Cherry Creek, Cherry Hills, theres even a Colorado Cherry Company. But where are the cherry trees? Why are streets in downtown Denver crooked? History can explain There are several lingering stories and reasons that offer some explanation on why cherries seem to have a big name in the Centennial State. An abundance of chokecherries It starts with the Arapaho people, who according to the Cherry Creek East Association, found an abundance of chokecherries along the creek and consequently named it Cherry Creek. A spokesperson for History Colorado told FOX31 that representatives of the Arapaho Tribes said they called Cherry Creek the fat river because in the spring, the cherry blossoms hanging in the water looked like thick bison fat. Nancy Linsenbigler, a researcher with the Highlands Ranch Historical Society, told FOX31 that while there are far fewer than there used to be, there are still a few chokecherries here and there along Cherry Creek. Denver history: The woman who inspired the Tony Awards Forage Colorado reports that they can be found in various habitats, and the only place they are not found is high elevations above 10,000 feet. According to the Forage Colorado article, they are commonly found in the Front Range and foothills, often around riparian areas. Cherry orchards once thrived in Colorado According to the Highlands Ranch Historical Society, Cherry orchards once thrived along the Western Slope, where the climate is not subject to erratic spring weather. Clarks Colony and the cherry orchards of Centennial One of the pioneers of the Denver area, Rufus Clark, also known as Dad Clark, Potato Clark, the Potato King of Colorado and the Honorable Rufus Clark, owned thousands of acres of land in the area, particularly around the modern-day Centennial, Cherry Hills and Highlands Ranch areas. Clark donated the land that became the University of Denver campus and used some land to grow potatoes to sell to miners. According to the Denver Public Library, he sent most of his potato crop to Chicago after the great fire and built a college in Africa. But with donating 150 acres of land for the University of Denver, Clark had some conditions on how the land would be developed; he required trees to be planted, a street grid to be laid, and alcohol could never be made or sold in the area (he was said to be a recovering alcoholic). The area of land Clark owned, particularly around Greenwood Village, would be called the Clark Colony. Linsenbigler told FOX31 that there were a lot of orchards in the area with hundreds of cherry trees and other fruit trees. She said there are even a few left along Orchard Road, and the orchards are remembered in namesakes like Orchard Hills Park. Denver history: How jazz music formed the Harlem of the West in Five Points Clark also founded the Denver Sugar, Land and Irrigation Company, which acquired the Castlewood Dam. Ditches irrigated water to farms downstream from the dam. The Suburban Homes and Water Company eventually took over the dam and also planted some 900 cherry trees downstream from the dam, according to the Colorado Encyclopedia and History Colorado. The reason why I think there was a major failure and they died is water, Linsenbigler said. The farmers had to learn how to do what they call dry land farming, and Dad Clark probably did. The Castlewood Dam broke in August 1933, sending a devastating flood from the modern-day Lone Tree area through to Denver. It wiped out some farmland and buildings and flooded some businesses. Linsenbigler noted that the orchards could have been impacted by water rights debates, the excess water from the flood or, eventually, by the lack of water once the ditches dried up. Loveland cherry orchards Cherry trees and orchards became popular in Loveland, and today the city continues to celebrate cherry trees as part of the areas history. The first cherry trees in the Big Thompson Valley area were planted in 1864 by William Alexander, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald. He had an orchard near the mouth of the Big Thompson River. When do wildflowers bloom in Colorado? Pioneer nurseryman Orlando D. Shields made his way to Colorado in the 1880s, and he added to the cherry crops and later became known as the father of the cherry industry in Loveland. More and more cherry orchards popped up in the area and growing cherries was promoted as a cash crop in the Loveland area around the turn of the century. After that point, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald, a canning factory opened, cherry stands popped up, and the cherry industry employed just about every woman and child in town. From the early 1900s to the 1940s, the cherry industry continued to grow with cherry pie and blossom festivals, and the Loveland Cherry Company even supplied U.S. troops with cherries. In 1918, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald, the Loveland Orchard Co. reported having 176,940 pounds of cherries harvested by 80 women and children. Around the 1960s, the cherry industry died down as other jobs that were not as physically demanding or seasonal became available. According to the Loveland Herald-Reporter, the orchards were not maintained and thus died, and competition from cherries grown in other states came to Colorado at a lower price, ultimately leading to the downfall of Lovelands cherry industry. There are also rumors of a hard freeze impacting the cherry crops. The Loveland Museum reports that an early hard freeze in October 1954 prematurely killed a crop, and the next spring, growers found their crops to be damaged. Today, some homes still have cherry trees in the backyards and things have been named after the history of the cherry orchards: Orchards Shopping Center and Cherry Hills Estates among them. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. It's hard to find treatment for snakebites in Kenya. Thousands of people are dying every year A herpetologist milks the venom out of a snake at Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre (KSRIC) in Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, April 5, 2024. KSRIC is seeking to produce local antivenom in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. This partnership combines local expertise and international research to create effective treatments that can save lives and improve the management of snakebite incidents in affected regions. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku) MWINGI, Kenya (AP) Esther Kangali felt a sharp pain while on her mothers farm in eastern Kenya. She looked down and saw a large snake coiling around her left leg. She screamed, and her mother came running. Kangali was rushed to a nearby health center, but it lacked antivenom to treat the snake's bite. A referral hospital had none as well. Two days later, she reached a hospital in the capital, Nairobi, where her leg was amputated due to delayed treatment. The 32-year-old mother of five knows it could have been avoided if clinics in areas where snakebites are common are stocked with antivenom. Kitui County, where the Kangalis have their farm, has Kenya's second highest number of snakebite victims, according to the health ministry, which last year put annual cases at 20,000. Overall in Kenya, about 4,000 snakebite victims die every year while 7,000 others experience paralysis or other health complications, according to the local Institute of Primate Research. Residents fear the problem is growing. As the forests around them shrink due to logging and agricultural expansion, and as climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, snakes are turning up around homes more frequently. We are causing adverse effects on their habitats like forest destruction, and eventually we are having snakes come into our homes primarily to seek for water or food, and eventually we have the conflict between humans and the snakes, said Geoffrey Maranga, a senior herpetologist at the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Center. Climate change also can drive snakes into homesteads, he said, as they seek water in dry times and shelter in wet. Maranga and his colleagues are part of a collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to create effective and safe snakebite treatments and ultimately produce antivenom locally. Maranga's center estimates that more than half of people bit by snakes in Kenya don't seek hospital treatment seeing it costly and difficult to find and pursue traditional treatments. Kenya imports antivenom from Mexico and India, but antivenom is usually region-specific, meaning a treatment in one region might not effectively treat snakebites in another. Part of the work of Maranga and colleague Fredrick Angotte is extracting venom from one of Africas most dangerous snakes, the black mamba. The venom can help produce the next generation of antivenom. The current conventional antivenoms are quite old and suffer certain inherent deficiencies" such as side effects, said George Omondi, the head of the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Center. The researchers estimate the improved conventional antivenoms will take two or three years to reach the market. They estimate that Kenya will need 100,000 vials annually, but it's not clear how that much will be produced locally. The research aims to make antivenom more affordable to Kenyans. Even when antivenom is available, up to five vials are required, which can cost as much as $300. Meanwhile, the research center also does community outreach on snakebite prevention, teaching health workers and others how to safely coexist with snakes, perform first aid and treat those affected by snakebite. The goal is to have fewer Kenyans suffer like Kangalis neighbor, Benjamin Munge, who died in 2020 four days after a snakebite because the hospital had no antivenom. It's unlikely that snakes will move away from homes, Kangali's mother, Anna, said, so solving the problem is up to humans. If the snakebite medicine can come to the grassroots, we will all get help, she said. ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Lisa Raville works as the executive director of the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) A few days per week, Richard volunteers at the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver. He passes out snacks, helps people with the coffee station and gives hygiene products that the clients, many of whom are experiencing homelessness, need to stay healthy. In many cases, the 36-year-old also offers people sterile syringes, clean pipes and other supplies to consume illicit drugs. Two years ago, Richard, who requested Colorado Newsline use only his first name to speak frankly about substance use disorder without fear of stigma, walked into the doors of the single-story, nondescript building on the southeast corner of 8th Avenue and Lincoln Street as a client himself, looking for supplies for his methamphetamine addiction and gear to survive on the Denver streets. If it wasnt for a place like this, I probably wouldnt be here today, he told Colorado Newsline during an interview at the center. As he spoke, people walked through the center on their way to a Thursday afternoon health education class on hepatitis C in the back of the building. Thered be many times where I would come in because I didnt have anywhere else to turn. And Id come here and they would help me, he said. Theyd bring me back to myself so I could get back on my feet. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HRAC operates one of about 20 syringe access programs in Colorado. The center runs under a harm reduction model by providing clean syringes and other paraphernalia, free opioid overdose reversal medication and information about the safest way to use drugs, all in an effort to prevent overdose deaths and the spread of communicable diseases. Employees and volunteers meet clients where theyre at often during the throes of active substance use disorder and stand patiently ready to offer referrals to addiction counseling and medication-assisted treatment. The goal is to keep people alive and safe until they are ready to seek recovery. In the meantime, HRAC personnel will give them a cup of coffee and educate them about the risk of disease from using dirty needles. Theyll offer them a quiet place to rest and recharge. The number one substance use treatment admission requirement is that people have to be alive, said Lisa Raville, HRACs executive director. In a society where people who use drugs are consistently othered or disregarded, her philosophy is one of humanization and measurable progress, even if its through baby steps: Im just glad youre here and Im rooting for you. How can I support you for a healthier and safer you today? Whats something positive that you can do today? Then we all get to win, and then we can build on those successes. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach backed by public health experts, doctors and community leaders. While the method has gained traction over the past decade, with more states allowing syringe access programs and overdose reversal medicine like Narcan becoming widely available, leaders fear a potential policy regression amid rising skepticism over its effectiveness and increased visibility of the effects of substance use disorder in cities across the country. This year, Nebraskas Legislature sustained a governors veto on a bill to allow local governments to establish needle access programs. Oregon is restoring criminal penalties for drug possession after three years of decriminalization. And Idahos Legislature repealed its five-year-old needle exchange law, becoming the first state to reverse course on the issue. In Colorado, state lawmakers this year for the second time voted down a bill that would have allowed local governments to authorize overdose prevention centers, where people could use illegal drugs under medical supervision in case of an overdose. Pueblos city council, an increasingly conservative body, approved an ordinance in May that prohibits needle access programs in the city. Research consistently shows that syringe access programs, in conjunction with other intervention measures, reduce HIV transmission. Experts warn that closure of such programs could lead to increased disease transmission among that population, more needle litter in cities because there would be fewer safe disposal sites, and fewer people accessing resources for treatment. The number one substance use treatment admission requirement is that people have to be alive. Lisa Raville, HRACs executive director Theres a backslide right now, unfortunately, said Mary Sylla, the director of overdose prevention policy and strategy at the National Harm Reduction Coalition, referring to the national landscape. Were seeing pushback of these syringe service programs primarily, she said. I think what is happening is homelessness and substance use are colliding with this public health intervention. Folks, locally, are thinking that if homelessness and drug abuse exist, and syringe service programs are the place the people experiencing those things are likely to congregate people would rather not see the problem. So closing the programs is one way to push those programs back underground. That analysis is similar to the thinking behind a Pueblo ordinance from May that seeks to ban syringe access programs in the city. Led by Council member Roger Gomez, the ordinance defines the programs as nuisances detrimental to the health or safety of the inhabitants of Pueblo. It specifically calls out improper disposal of needles and puts partial blame on the two syringe access programs that operate in the city, Access Point and the Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association. The council framed it as a littering issue with an added danger to the public, and members frequently brought up anecdotes of residents getting poked by dirty discarded needles at playgrounds and parks. If youre handing out needles and not receiving back the same amount youre handing out, then that goes against what the community believed was going to be taking place. Now, we have littering and we have needles all over. We have business owners and teachers cleaning up the mess created by the user, who isnt responsible enough to dispose of their own needles, Council member Regina Maestri said during a work session about the ordinance ahead of the May 13 vote. The ordinance passed on a 5-2 vote and briefly went into effect when Mayor Heather Graham signed it. The ACLU of Colorado then sued the city, however, and a judge issued a temporary restraining order on enforcement of the ordinance until the lawsuits first hearing in July. The lawsuit alleges that the 2010 state law allowing syringe access programs supersedes any municipal ordinance against them. That means the two programs can operate for at least another three weeks. Theres definitely some concern, across the board statewide, for the state of harm reduction in Colorado, Christine Charron, prevention services manager for Access Point Pueblo, said in an interview before the lawsuit was filed. Were at a weird time where we need to wait and see how (state law) holds up against other things the state has allowed for local decision making. Everyone is feeling a bit of unease. Colorado has allowed syringe access programs since 2010. In 2020, the law was amended to allow experienced organizations with certain qualifications to operate a program without board of health approval. Access Point Pueblo opened in 2014 and offers its syringe access program three days per week. It is the main provider of harm reduction services in southeastern Colorado and one of six Access Point programs operated by the Colorado Health Network across the state. Those other locations are in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction and Greeley. Across all six locations, Access Point distributed over 1.5 million syringes between October 2022 and October 2023, according to CHN data. Pueblos location accounts for nearly 570,000 of those syringes. The network recorded about 1.2 million returned syringes over the same time period. It also recorded 1,031 self-reported overdose reversals. Unlike a lot of businesses or nonprofits, we actually hope that participants graduate out not that we lose them to overdose, but that they graduate out of engaging with us because theyve gone through recovery and are no longer using, said Mike Mansheim, CHNs chief strategy officer. Syringe access programs like these are operating during a swell in overdose deaths across the state and country. About 1,800 Coloradans died from a drug overdose in 2022, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, compared to 807 in 2012. Those deaths are concentrated in the Denver metro area but also extend to rural parts of the state. Like HRAC, Access Point also provides overdose reversal medication and education to its clients, and it aims to connect people who use drugs to other behavioral, mental and medical care. That link to care, Charron said, is often possible because people first go to the center for that baseline clean-needle service. Our services are part of the cycle of recovery, said Sarah Money, Access Point Pueblos Health Hub manager. Harm reduction is a method of recovery, and what we provide is a critical piece of the spectrum. Charron and Money worry that if the programs in Pueblo are forced to close, more people will contract HIV and hepatitis C from dirty needle usage and the amount of needle litter will increase, since the program is also a spot for safe disposal. Closing the Pueblo syringe service program is a fiscally irresponsible move, because people are now going to get more infections that are more costly, said Dr. Josh Barocas, an infectious diseases physician and addiction researcher at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. A lot of people either are on state insurance, Medicaid or are uninsured. So where does that cost go? That cost goes directly to the city of Pueblo and its residents. Statewide policy landscape Colorado has a handful of harm reduction policies in place, including the 2010 law to allow syringe access programs. Participants, staff and volunteers at programs are exempt from drug paraphernalia laws, for example, and a 911 Good Samaritan law protects people from certain criminal penalties if they call emergency services to save someone from an overdose. A needle-stick prevention law allows people to avoid drug paraphernalia charges if they inform a law enforcement officer before a search that they have needles on the body, in their car or in their home. Colorado also has a naloxone bulk purchase fund for eligible entities like school districts, local governments, libraries and religious organizations to have a standing order of the opioid overdose reversal medicine. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the fund helped distribute nearly 400,000 doses to over 500 entities. While the state Legislature did pass a harm reduction bill this year born out of a substance use disorder study committee that clarified some existing law the low-hanging fruit, as Raville characterized it it also voted against a bill that would allow cities to authorize overdose prevention centers. It passed the House on a 37-18 vote but died in its first Senate committee, a near identical fate of a similar 2023 bill. What were pushing for and what we know we need is overdose prevention centers. If you dont like public drug use, then weve got a solution for you, Raville said. People have used drugs forever and ever, and people will use drugs forever and ever. Our value system is that we dont believe people should have to die of a very preventable overdose. There are currently two OPCs in the country operating in New York City. The first state-regulated OPC is set to open in Providence, Rhode Island soon. Democratic Rep. Elisabeth Epps of Denver, who ran both OPC bills in Colorado, said during a recent primary election forum that she would bring the legislation back if she is reelected. The other prime sponsor of this years bill, Democratic Sen. Kevin Priola, is term-limited and will not be in the Legislature next year. Opponents of the centers, including law enforcement groups, Republicans and some moderate Democrats, argue that OPCs and on some level syringe access programs as well increase crime and enable people who use drugs and create a culture of permissiveness, not treatment, around substance use disorder. Here in Colorado, weve seen over the last decade or so an increasingly more permissive viewpoint on drug usage. As a result, the city I grew up in now has tent cities in the parks and alleys we used to walk through safely. These more and more permissive steps towards normalizing deviant behavior have not improved our communities, Greg Sader, deputy chief of police in Commerce City, told a panel of lawmakers in March. Republican Rep. Ryan Armagost, who sat on the substance use disorder study committee, said that his experience in law enforcement showed that forced intervention can be a successful path to recovery. People arrested for drug crimes and mandated into treatment as a deferral, he said, would often tell the involved officer afterwards that the interaction was life saving. I had a lot of resistance in trying and being able to get on board with the harm reduction side of things, he said. My focus was always more on the treatment and recovery aspect. He said he recognizes the evidence in efforts like syringe access programs but that they are missing an emphasis on treatment. Its not necessarily a detriment to society, but I dont see it doing more good than it does harm, with the enabling, he said. With any disorder, youre going to have a success and failure rate. There are different ways of addressing that and I dont disagree with the fact that there are those different ways of addressing it but we cant push one aside to lift others up. A bill this year from Republican Rep. Mike Lynch would have let a court order treatment for someone with substance use disorder as a bond condition, but it died in its first committee. That is an approach harm reduction experts disagree with. Theres no evidence whatsoever at a population level to suggest that compulsory treatment works, Barocas said. Many lawmakers hear the emotional anecdote about rock bottom and about being thrown into jail. Everybody has heard that story. But anecdotes should not be driving policy. Data should be driving policy. He said he hopes lawmakers have informed conversations next year about evidence-based policy. One thing that Im optimistic about is that were having a conversation, he said. Would I like to see policy move fast? Absolutely. But across the state, slowly, we are convincing people with evidence. Its not a matter of whether were winning, but were losing if were not doing things that are saving peoples lives. A mug shot from years ago Samantha Messer said a heart attack in January 2023 is what forced her into sobriety. I was not given a choice. It was like You need to get sober and figure out your life, or youre going to die, she told Colorado Newsline. She went to live in a sober-living house and came to HRAC during the day to volunteer, which led to her current role as a client services manager. She came as a participant between 2018 and 2019 to get clean supplies for her methamphetamine addiction, including needles and pipes, and she credits the centers work for sparing her from an HIV or hepatitis C infection. She wanted to use her experience to help people in which she sees shadows of her former self, she said. I was at the place they still are, she said. I let people know where I came from. That includes showing clients her mug shot from years ago, something she can now laugh at and use to bring levity to hard situations. That familiarity becomes important during a client intake, when some people are hesitant to be honest about their drug use. HRAC and other syringe access programs are one of the few places people who use drugs are not judged or penalized for their behavior. Its something people make an effort to hide because they have to, she said. Its a weight off their shoulders that they can come here and they dont have to do that. You dont have to keep up the charade. They can be honest about everything here and get genuine help. Michael, who also requested Colorado Newsline use only his first name to speak frankly about substance use disorder without fear of stigma, started volunteering at HRAC earlier this year after seeing Richard behind the table helping out. He came to the center on a normal basis, he said, to get supplies for his drug consumption but also to survive the night as he experienced homelessness. He is no longer using drugs and is in transitional housing. Both Richard and Michael emphasized that the consistent effort HRAC and similar programs undergo to humanize their clients can make the difference. I dont get judged for anything that society would judge you for, and thats a really big plus when youre trying to make your life better, Richard said. Were trying to make it a safer place, so people dont spread disease, dont share needles, and so it doesnt put people in a worse position for when they have the opportunity to get better. Editors Note: This story was updated at 3 p.m. on June 20, 2024. There is not an overdose prevention center operating in Minneapolis, though Minnesota became the second state to support the policy in 2023. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Hartville teacher, formerly in SPS, killed Monday in crash involving cow in roadway A Hartville teacher who used to work in Springfield Public Schools was killed Monday in a one-vehicle accident in Ozark County. Holly Cooke, 31, was driving a 1998 Lincoln Town Car on Highway 5, six miles northwest of Gainesville, when it struck a cow in the roadway, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Cooke, who lived in Norwood, was pronounced dead at the scene by Ozark County Coroner Gene Britt. Her 10-year-old son, who was not named in the patrol report, was taken by air to Mercy Hospital in Springfield with serious injuries. Cooke has taught middle school math in Hartville, located nearly an hour east of Springfield, for the past two years. She previously taught at Springfield's Westport Middle School. "She was very upbeat, very passionate about education, she loved her kids not just her own kids personally but her students here," said Hartville Superintendent Adam Cook. "It is hard to put in words." Cook said once her family had been notified, he sent an email to her colleagues. The district also made counselors available to students enrolled in summer classes at Hartville. "We just sat down with those kids and explained what happened," he said. "We just pulled class rosters for all the students who were in her class last year and we're going making individualized calls to each family so everyone knows." Cook said in the summer months, families may not be paying attention to social media or news reports. More: Springfield school staff member discovers loaded handgun in 3-year-old's backpack Cooke's children were enrolled in the district. He met with the family Wednesday and said funeral arrangements are pending because they have a lot of family living in Texas. The one-vehicle accident was reported shortly before 10 p.m. Monday. Cooke was not wearing a seatbelt but her son was wearing a seatbelt, according to the patrol. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Hartville teacher, formerly in SPS, killed in Monday crash with cow BEIRUT (Reuters) - The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah said on Wednesday that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war breaks out between the two foes, and also threatened EU member Cyprus for the first time and other parts of the Mediterranean. Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war. On Tuesday, the Iran-backed group published what it said was drone footage of sensitive military sites deep in Israeli territory. In a televised address on Wednesday, Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said "there will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones" in Israel in the event of a broader war. Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah speaks during a televised address at a memorial service for Taleb Abdallah, a senior field commander in the group who was killed on June 11 alongside three other Hezbollah fighters in an Israeli strike on the south Lebanon village of Jouaiyya, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon June 19, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir The group also had "a bank of targets" that it could target in precision strikes, he said. Israel "knows that what also awaits it in the Mediterranean is very big ... In the face of a battle of this magnitude, it knows that it must now wait for us on land, in the air, and at sea," Nasrallah added. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz had warned on Tuesday that a decision on an all-out war with Hezbollah was coming soon and Israel's military said "operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated". Nasrallah also threatened Cyprus - the EU member state in closest proximity to Lebanon, with which it has cordial relations - accusing it of allowing Israel to use its airports and bases for military exercises. "The Cypriot government must be warned that opening Cypriot airports and bases for the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon means that the Cypriot government has become part of the war and the resistance (Hezbollah) will deal with it as part of the war," Nasrallah said. Cyprus denies taking sides Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides denied any suggestion Cyprus was taking sides in any conflict. "It (Cyprus) is not part of the problem, it is part of the solution. That role is evident, for example, through the humanitarian (aid) corridor which has been acknowledged not only by the Arab world, but from the international community," he said, referring to shipments of aid from Cyprus to Gaza. Cyprus is not known to offer any land or base facilities to the Israeli military, but has in the past allowed Israel to use its vast airspace - its flight information region - to occasionally conduct air drills, but never during conflict. Sovereign British military bases on Cyprus have been used by Britain for operations in Syria in the past and more recently, Yemen. The Cyprus government has no say in the matter. There are two British bases in Cyprus, which was a colony until 1960. Nasrallah said his group would fight with "no rules" and "no ceilings" in the event of a broader war. He was speaking at a memorial event for a commander killed in an Israeli strike last week - the most senior Hezbollah figure to be killed so far in the current conflict with Israel. Hezbollah unleashed its largest volleys of drones and rockets at Israel in retaliation. U.N. officials expressed concern at the escalation, and U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein travelled to Israel and Lebanon to urge both sides not to move into a full-scale conflict. Hezbollah first showed it could hit a vessel at sea by striking an Israeli warship in the Mediterranean during their 2006 war. Reports by media and analysts have for years indicated that Hezbollah acquired Russian-made anti-ship Yakhont missiles in Syria, after its forces deployed there more than a decade ago to help President Bashar al-Assad fight the country's civil war. Reporting by Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily; Additional reporting by Michele Kambas in Nicosia This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hezbollah leader in Lebanon threatens Israel and Cyprus Gov. Maura Healey plans to sign legislation Thursday morning that bans revenge pornography and cracks down on coercive control by domestic abusers, her office said. The governors signature will make Massachusetts the 49th state to prohibit revenge porn, leaving South Carolina as the only outlier. Healey will be joined at the 10 a.m. bill-signing ceremony at the State House by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues, Judiciary Committee co-chair Rep. Michael Day and Sen. John Keenan, among other officials, advocates and survivors, the governors office said in an advisory Wednesday. The Senate shipped the compromise bill (H 4744), which both branches unanimously approved, to Healeys desk last Thursday. The legislation bans the sharing of sexually explicit images and videos without the subjects consent, and creates a diversion and education program for adolescents who are involved in sexting. It also installs protections for domestic abuse victims against coercive control, which can impair peoples safety and autonomy. Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand last week said the governor has long supported legislation to ban revenge porn and hold accountable those who would engage in abusive, coercive and deeply harmful behavior. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Monongalia County Health Department responded to a measles case in April of this year. (Monongalia County Health Department photo) The local health department that responded to a single measles case in April spent more than $15,000 on the effort, the head of the agency said. Fifteen staff members of the Monongalia County Health Department spent a collective 250 hours to coordinate the contact tracing for the case. Approximately 160 people were potentially exposed to the measles virus after a case of the illness was confirmed on April 22, said Dr. Lee Smith, health officer for the health department. Dr. Lee Smith, health officer for the Monongalia County Health Department Thats unbudgeted, Smith said. Thats just doing public health work. The case West Virginias first confirmed measle case since 2009 was reported April 22. According to the Monongalia County Health Department and the state Department of Health, the adult patient developed measles symptoms and sought treatment at an outpatient clinic of WVU Hospitals. Lab work confirmed the case days later. The patient did not require hospitalization and recovered at home. The patient most likely contracted the virus during international travel, Smith said. They had received one dose of the vaccinations two-dose series. Smith said the patient went to an urgent care clinic with symptoms of measles. The person had the typical type of facial rash runny nose, cough and fever that anyone beyond the age of 53 can say that looks like measles to me, Smith said. The urgent care clinic contacted a local emergency department, which opened an infectious disease room and allowed the patient to bypass the waiting room so that other patients were not exposed. Smith said during the investigation, officials learned that the patient had been to a scheduled clinic appointment prior to developing symptoms. Measles patients can spread the virus up to four days before they develop a rash. Learning about the clinic visit, our exposure list went to 160 people, Smith said. So now we [were] busy trying to contact those people, and its not just a one time thing Smith said. You have to contact them daily for two weeks because thats the amount of time that they have to express the illness themselves. The health department coordinated with other local health departments for residents of other states and counties. According to the Department of Health, the list of those exposed to the measles included 128 West Virginia residents from 30 counties and four states. With 84 employees, the Monongalia County Health Department is among the largest health departments in the state. While the task was arduous, Smith said the department was fortunate to have the staff members to pull together for the response. He said the countys high level of trust in medical establishments worked in the departments favor. You get into some of these smaller counties [health departments], and they dont have 15 people to draw into a response, Smith said. They may not have 15 employees total. And so we were fortunate even though it was arduous and a difficult task for us to accomplish. Of the 160 people potentially exposed to measles, MCHD tested eight people who had symptoms of the virus. Measles is highly contagious. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. A person can get measles by being in the room where someone who has it has been, up to two hours after the infected person has left, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination coverage rates among kindergartens nationally has declined below the target rate of 95%, according to the CDC. The virus can cause death or complications like pneumonia and swelling of the brain and is especially dangerous for young children, adults over age 20, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. Smith credited herd immunity as the reason the virus did not spread to anyone else. So even though an individual who contracted the illness and brought it back in here, it didnt spread because there were no individuals vulnerable, Smith said. By comparison, in March, a measles case was confirmed in a 1-year-old staying at a migrant shelter in Chicago, resulting in 57 cases of people staying at the shelter or having contact with people staying there as of May 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Im telling you that we spent over $15,000, 250 man hours, 15 people on a single case, Smith said. I cant imagine, I would have lost my mind had we [had] a third, fourth [measles case]. States do not track measles vaccination rates for adults. According to the state Department of Health, people born before 1957 and those who have laboratory evidence of immunity are considered to have presumptive immunity to the disease. For the 2022-2023 school year, 95.6% of the states kindergarten students were vaccinated for measles, a rate that state health leaders have attributed to strong vaccination laws. All states have mandates that school children be vaccinated against certain diseases. West Virginia is one of five states in the country that does not allow religious or philosophical exemptions to those requirements. West Virginia schools allow exemptions for medical purposes only. Earlier this year the Legislature passed legislation that would have allowed the states private and parochial schools to establish their own vaccination policies. At the urging of many in the states medical community, Gov. Jim Justice vetoed the bill. God bless the governor, Smith said of the veto. The post Health officer: Measles case response cost more than $15K appeared first on West Virginia Watch. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Azerbaijan's agro-insurance model has been developed based on successful experience of similar systems in the world, the Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said during the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum-2024 (AIIF-2024), Trend reports. According to him, one of the key issues in ensuring sustainable development of the agrarian sector in Azerbaijan is the introduction of an agricultural insurance mechanism. "According to the experience of the world's best practices, insurance mechanisms are considered the most important tool for risk management and ensuring stable activities in the agricultural sector. The agro-insurance model applied in Azerbaijan has been developed based on the successful experience of similar systems around the world. In Azerbaijan, the agrarian insurance system was formed taking into account the experience and support of the brotherly Republic of Turkiye, in particular, the TARSIM system," he emphasized. He noted that this model is aimed at ensuring the sustainable activities of farmers, stimulating interest in agriculture, and preserving the sustainability of their income. "Based on cooperation between the state and the private sector, this model is effective and successful. Production insurance, jointly by the Agrarian Insurance Fund and private insurance companies, reduces investment risks, strengthens state support for farmers, positively affects employment, contributes to food security, and strengthens the insurance market. In this context, the introduction of the agrarian insurance mechanism in our country should be considered as another manifestation of state support for the agricultural sector," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A heat wave is a period of unusually high temperatures over a region. As temperatures cook on the Midwest and Northeastern coast, the term "heat dome" has been used to describe the hot weather, leaving many questions to be answered. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a hazardous weather outlook from Friday, June 21 through Wednesday, June 26 for Northeast Georgia, the North Carolina foothills and Piedmont, and Upstate South Carolina. High temperatures are forecast to reach the mid 90s Saturday through Monday, with heat indices expected to reach 100 to 104 degrees. Those who are sensitive to the heat will want to decrease their time spent outdoors to prevent heat-related illnesses. Here's what to know about the heat dome and how you and your family can stay safe in it. What is a heat dome? Per AccuWeather, the term "heat dome" is used to describe a sprawling area of high pressure promoting hot and dry conditions for days or weeks at a time. It is similar to a balloon in the way it expands and contracts as the day goes on. When a certain area is inside it, it can feel very warm. A heat dome can interfere with the production of clouds, leading to an increase in sunlight and high temperatures. In turn, the cooling demand will increase, which may boost the strain on a region's power grid. Drought conditions may also develop due to extended dry and hot spells. More: It's getting hot out: Here are the best settings for your air conditioner in South Carolina What are 'ring of fire' thunderstorms? Since heat domes act as large, immovable bubbles, moisture is forced up and over the heat bubble, according to AccuWeather. This causes "ring of fire" thunderstorms to form along the fringes of heat, which may bring severe weather into the area. "Let's say, for example, you had a big high pressure over the Southern Plains, Texas, or Oklahoma. What will happen is, on the northern fringes of higher pressure, you'll get these periods of thunderstorms that develop, maybe over the Central Plains. It will move around the periphery of that high pressure, which tends to be in kind of a circular shape, hence the ring terminology to it." said Thomas Winesett with the NWS at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Ring of fire features are currently favorable for the Midwest and parts of the Ohio Valley due to centered high pressure activity in both areas. As the heat dome ensues, will South Carolina also get a chance for severe weather? "That's not to say we can't get some thunderstorms, but it won't be the true ring of fire type storms maybe until later, later next week if that high pressure shifts back off to the west or Texas, New Mexico." Winesett said. "So when that happens, that might allow us to get into a more active pattern where we see those ring of fire type storms maybe coming more out of the Mississippi Valley and Tennessee Valley and towards the Appalachia." More: 5 best waterfalls in the Upstate: See the tallest, falls with short hikes, more People leave the beach beach at Phipps Ocean Park as a thunderstorm approaches July 7, 2023 in Palm Beach. The national weather service issued a heat advisory for Palm Beach County with a high near 94 degrees and heat index from 108 to 112. When will the heat dome end? Doug Outlaw with the NWS at GSP said he hopes current weather conditions do not stick around for too much longer, especially with the reestablishment of high temperatures next weekend. Next Friday's heat will bump down a few degrees before temperatures continue to soar. The timing of a cool down period remains uncertain. "It is typical to have heat waves on and off during the summer, but we hope that the weather doesn't get stuck and we end up way up in the 90s every day for weeks," he said. "But we've got to be prepared for the possibility of something like that." Outlaw forecast the following high temperatures for Greenville heading into next week: Friday, June 21: 91 degrees Saturday, June 22: 93 degrees Sunday, June 23: 94 degrees Monday, June 24: 95 degrees Tuesday, June 25: 95 degrees Wednesday, June 26: 96 degrees Thursday, June 27: 95 degrees A child stands at a fountain in Georgetown Waterfront Park amid a heat wave in Washington, June 19, 2024. Types of heat warnings issued by the National Weather Service The NWS issues several types of heat advisories depending on severity. The different types are as follows: Excessive heat warning: This warning is issued 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. When the maximum heat index temperature is expected to reach 105 or higher for at least two days and the nighttime temperature will not drop below 75, the warning is issued. This rule may vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. Precautions should be taken immediately during extreme conditions to prevent serious illness and even death. Excessive heat watch: A watch is issued when an excessive heat event is favorable within the next 24 to 72 hours. When the risk of a heat wave has increased but the occurrence and timing is uncertain, a watch is issued. Heat advisory: An advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. When the maximum heat index temperature is anticipated to be 100 degrees or higher for at least two days and the nighttime temperature will not drop below 75 degrees, an advisory is issued. This rule may vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. Precautions should be taken immediately during extreme conditions to prevent serious illness and even death. Excessive heat outlook: An outlook is issued when there is a potential risk for an excessive heat event within the next 3-7 days, providing information for those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event. People cool off at the lakefront as temperatures climbed above 90 degrees Fahrenheit on June 19, 2024 in Chicago. A heat wave has brought record warm temperatures to much of the Midwest and Northeast areas of the country this week. High temperatures forecast across US Midwest, Northeast These are the high temperatures forecast for several Midwest and Northeast cities from Juneteenth and June 20. Temperatures will dip between this week and early next week, according to a USA TODAY story: Manchester, New Hampshire: 97, 99. Dropping to 86 by June 24. Albany, New York: 96, 97. Dropping to 86 by June 24. Detroit, Michigan: 95, 93. Dropping to 83 by June 24. Toledo, Ohio: 94, 96. Dropping to 84 by June 24. Indianapolis, Indiana: 92, 95. Jumping to 96 by Saturday, June 22 before dropping to 97 on June 24. Caribou, Maine: 96, 95. Dropping to 76 by June 24. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 94, 95. Jumping to 100 by Friday, June 21 before dropping to 90 on June 24. Boston, Massachusetts: 95, 97. Dropping to 85 by June 24. Washington, D.C.: 90, 92. Jumping to 98 by Saturday June 22 before dropping slightly to 93 on June 24. Mayflower Beach in Dennis fills up on a hot weekday morning, June 20, 2024, as beachgoers seek relief from the heat. The Town of Dennis has announced a new plan to deal with beach crowding there on July 4. Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times How to prepare for the heat Tips from NOAA: Make sure the air conditioner is functioning properly. If your home does not have air conditioning or loses power, visit a designated cooling shelter or other air-conditioned location such as the mall or public library. Check on friends, families, neighbors, and pets to ensure they are safe in the heat. It is important to check on those who live alone or do not have air conditioning. Never leave children, dependents, or pets unattended in vehicles. The sun can heat the inside of the car to deadly temperatures in minutes. Wear loose clothing that is light-colored and covers the skin. Hydrate with water throughout the day, avoiding caffeine and sugary beverages. Set aside one gallon of drinking water per person a day in case of a power outage. Keep out of the sun and stay indoors on the lowest level. Curtains and shades should be closed. Immerse yourself in a cool bath or shower. Cooling your feet off in water can also help. If temperatures are cool at night, let the cool air in by opening windows. If you are outside, stay in the shade. Apply sunblock and wear a wide-brimmed hat before going outside. To avoid heat exhaustion, do not engage in strenuous activities. Use a buddy system and take breaks in the shade when working in extreme heat. For critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS), tune into NOAA Weather Radio. For more heat safety information, visit weather.gov/heat or heat.gov. Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Is South Carolina in heat dome? How long will heat wave last? GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) On June 10, at about 2:27 p.m., Colorado National Monument rangers received reports of a medical issue in Monument Canyon. Hiking, biking and other outdoor activities are in full swing now that summer has arrived, but without caution, a fun day outdoors could wind up fatal, like it did for 54-year-old Marsha Cook of Iowa, last week while hiking in Colorado National Monument. Community Outreach Specialist Ellis Thompson with Grand Junction Fire Department tells Western Slope Now the three main symptoms of heat stroke are nausea, dizziness and profuse sweating. If these signs show up, its best to take some cover and give your body a break. If body temperatures continue to rise, heat exhaustion sets in a life-threatening condition. At this stage, nausea and dizziness could grow worse and sweating could stop altogether. Your heart rate becomes rapid but weak, and a splitting headache could be on the list too. As always, make sure you have water for your four-legged friendsbecause dogs dont sweat and its hard to know when theyre overheated. and drink plenty of water yourself. Thompson tells Western Slope Now her final piece of advice get your hiking, errands and yardwork done in the morning or late evening if you 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. Heat waves in the US kill more people in their homes than anywhere else In July 1999, during Cincinnatis worst heat wave in recent history, paramedics rushed a man to the hospital after a neighbor found him unresponsive in an attic apartment that had no air conditioning. It was too late. Doctors declared him dead at the hospital, with a body temperature of 108 degrees. The coroner attributed the cause of death to a brain injury caused by heatstroke. The Cincinnati man died where most people do during heat waves: his own home. In the quarter century since his death, thousands more across the United States have suffered similar fates during heat waves like the one now smothering Greater Cincinnati and most of the eastern half of the nation. These are preventable deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yet they continue to happen because those most at risk often are unable to get the help they need. An Enquirer analysis of National Weather Service data found that almost half the 3,142 people who died from heat-related ailments in the past 20 years died at home. Like the man from Cincinnati, many people who die in heat waves lack air conditioning or have health problems that can turn deadly in extreme heat. When the weather gets this extreme, there's a definite risk, said Tasha Turner-Bicknell, a nurse and associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing. With Hamilton County under excessive heat watch this week, heres what the numbers tell us about heat-related deaths in the U.S. and whos most susceptible to them. Most people die of heat inside homes but deaths at outside locations have surged Unhoused people are especially vulnerable to heat-related deaths, due to their health issues and limited access to cooling centers. And in the past few years, The Enquirer's analysis found, there has been a surge overall in the number of people dying outdoors during heat waves. But over the past two decades, The Enquirer found, 45% of people who died at a known location died in their homes, making it the most common location for heat-related deaths. Outside locations, such as a camp ground or a ball field, were the second most common, making up 41% of deaths. Deaths in cars or other vehicles were next, at 12%, and mobile homes were 2.5%. Why do people die so often in their own homes? Lack of air conditioning is a factor, said Turner-Bicknell. Most of us take for granted that we live and work in air-conditioned environments, she said. "But we have a lot of members of our community that do not have air conditioning. In an effort to decrease the number of heat-related deaths and injuries during the summer, the Ohio Department of Development provides eligible low-income families with financial assistance to help pay for air conditioners or to cover their utility bills through its Summer Crisis Program. Last year, the department assisted more than 36,000 Ohio households, according to the website. Only 25 air conditioner units were left at St. Vincent de Paul in the West End on Monday. The agency started with 500 fans in May. They are actively fundraising to get more units. To qualify, you must live in Hamilton County, be 65 or older and/or have a medical need for AC. The need is great. An Enquirer analysis of U.S. Census data found that Cincinnati's most vulnerable residents live in neighborhoods where poverty, a lack of air conditioning, crowded living conditions and an abundance of heat-amplifying glass and concrete all contribute to illness and deaths. Social isolation may also play a role in heat-related deaths because those living alone may not have anyone checking on them. A study in Rome found a program aimed at decreasing social isolation among people over age 80 was linked to a lower number of deaths during the summer. Social isolation can be especially dangerous for those with disabilities or mobility-restrictions, according to Turner-Bicknell, who rely on others to leave their homes. Maybe they use a walker or a cane or a wheelchair, and maybe their caregivers are not available," she said. "They might be unable to get out of their house without assistance. In 1999, 8 of Cincinnatis heat wave victims had mental illness In 1999, Cincinnatis worst heat wave in recent history resulted in the deaths of 18 residents. A least eight residents had a mental illness and may not have been taking their medications at the time of their deaths, while three lived in long-term care facilities. According to the CDC, hotter temperatures raise the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and breathing problems, and those with disabilities and chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable. Other risk factors for heat-related death or injury include being low-income, being under 5 or over 65 years old. Heat death rates also vary by race: non-Hispanic Native Americans had the highest rate of heat-related deaths in the country, followed by non-Hispanic Black Americans. Though scientists say most heat-related deaths are preventable, they also caution that the true impact of heat on Americans' health may be underestimated. They say that's because other causes of death, such as cardiac arrest and stroke, often are not attributed to heat unless it obviously was a factor, as it was in the case of the man from Cincinnati who died in 1999. The CDC, for example, estimates the number of heat-related deaths over the past 20 years was over 10,500, more than three times higher than the National Weather Service estimates. And some scientists put the number much higher than that. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Heat waves in the US kill more people indoors than anywhere else How to help the victims of the Juneteenth Round Rock shooting ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Community members have started fundraisers to help raise money to support the victims involved in a Round Rock shooting on Saturday at Old Settlers Park. The Round Rock Police Department on Monday identified two victims killed in the shooting, Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, from Manor and Ara Duke, 54, from Pflugerville. The shooting also injured 14 people at around 10:50 p.m., after a fight between two groups who were at the event, RRPD said. Lyndsey Vicknair A GoFundMe has been created to help support Lyndsey Vicknairs family. All proceeds will go towards family expenses and compensating for the loss of income. Lyndseys life was marked by her contagious smile, thoughtfulness, and her unwavering willingness to help others. Her absence is felt deeply by all who knew her, Candice Cooper, Co-Founder of the Austin Honey Badgers Track Club said on the GoFundMe post. The GoFundMe said every donation, no matter the size, will help Vicknairs husband and the children navigate these challenging times. Family promises not to wither away after woman killed at Round Rock concert Ara Duke Ara Dukes family requested that it would like people to consider making a donation to two charities: Boys and Girls Club and NPH USA. Duke was an interventionist at IDEA Rundberg and BGCAAs primary school liaison for the Boys & Girls Club at IDEA Rundberg, according to a statement from the BGCAA. Words cannot express our grief, sadness, and outrage at the loss of our dear friend Ara Duke. She was a kind, loving woman who dedicated her life to helping youth in our community, BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell said in a statement. She always went above and beyond to ensure that students at IDEA Rundberg had the resources they needed to thrive in the world. The BGCAA said to consider making a donation in her honor with a note that says In Memory of Ara Duke. KXAN would like to update this story with information about other ways to help or fundraisers, including for those who were injured. If you know of any, email ReportIt@kxan.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 KXAN Austin. Here's how much Wisconsin will receive from the $700 million Johnson & Johnson settlement Numerous states, including Wisconsin, are expected to collect millions of dollars in July from a recent $700 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson after customers claimed the company misled them over the safety of talcum powder-based products. The lawsuit addresses allegations that Johnson & Johnson deceptively promoted and misled customers in advertisements about the safety of some of its talc powder products. As part of the settlement, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to stop manufacturing and selling baby powder and body powder products containing talc in the United States. Johnson & Johnson sold these products for over a hundred years. After numerous states started investigating, the company stopped distributing and selling the products in the U.S. and globally. Numerous lawsuits filed by private plaintiffs in class actions highlighted allegations that the powder causes cancers, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Wisconsin will receive $15 million in the Johnson & Johnson settlement Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined 42 other attorneys general in the lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. As part of the resolution, Wisconsin will receive more than $15.8 million, according to court records. Kaul said in a statement on Tuesday: "Wisconsin DOJ is dedicated to protecting consumers against deceptive marketing, particularly when people's safety may be impacted. This resolution obtains accountability from Johnson & Johnson and will help keep people safe." What is talc powder? In this photo illustration, a container of Johnson and Johnson baby powder is displayed on April 05, 2023, in San Anselmo, California. Talc is a mineral comprised of mainly magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Some talc powder contains asbestos, which can cause cancers, such as mesothelioma and ovarian and lung cancers. Talc powder absorbs moisture and helps reduce friction, which can help prevent rashes. It was widely used in cosmetic products, like baby powder and adult body and facial powders, according to the American Cancer Society. How much money will each U.S. state receive in the $700 million settlement? Here's how much each U.S. state will receive from the $700 million settlement, pending court approval. USA TODAY reporter Jonathan Limehouse contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Johnson & Johnson talc powder settlement pays $15 million to Wisconsin Lets not mince words: The Middle East is on the precipice of the most destructive war of the regions modern history. This war did not begin on October 7. It actually began one day later, when Hezbollah, the most powerful proxy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, began attacking Israel. The Israelis, already on their back foot from the Hamas assault in the south of their country, struggled to gain equilibrium. The Israeli Defense Forces began with proportional responses to Hezbollahs unprovoked attacks. But when that failed to deter the Lebanese terror group, the IDF steadily stepped up its retaliatory strikes. This, too, has done little. Hezbollah has lost more than 300 of its senior Radwan Forces along the border. An estimated 91,000 Lebanese citizens have been forced to evacuate from southern Lebanon. Yet, Hezbollah continues to fire at Israel. The Israelis, for their part, have been forced to evacuate roughly the same number of citizens from their northern communities. This is an unacceptable situation for Israelis across the political spectrum, and the public is demanding decisive action from the government to resolve this threat. With peaceful resolutions appearing increasingly elusive, Israel and Hezbollah are inching toward what is expected to be their bloodiest confrontation yet. A flurry of international efforts has been mounted to forestall the fight. This includes American and French proposals based on a gradualor at least partialimplementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. The resolution calls for Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River, which runs laterally across Lebanon, roughly 10 miles north of the border. In theory, this would solve the threat posed by Hezbollah ground forces, which are a legitimate concern after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, a less potent Iran-backed proxy. The resolution also calls for the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces and U.N. troops to south Lebanon to help restore order, and for all armed groups, including Hezbollah, to disarm. But the fact is that this resolution was never implemented after the last major dustup between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. This reflects a lack of international will, as well as zero interest on the part of Hezbollah, not to mention Iran, for a permanent ceasefire with Israel. Why? Because Hezbollahlike its patron in Tehranseeks nothing less than Israels total destruction. This is borne out of the groups immutable hostility to Judaism and resulting aversion to Israel, a Jewish state, built on what it believes is sacred Islamic and Arab land. The group has therefore declared eternal war upon Israel, to be fought in perpetuity but graduallyvictory in increments, in the words of its Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. Over time, the Iranian-led Axis of Resistance seeks to amass sufficient strength to deal the Jewish state a fatal blow. Preventing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has become even more complicated in recent years. Lebanon is a failed state. Elections continue to be held, but the government in Beirut is a feckless placeholder. The country is in debt exceeding $200 billion, while its currency has lost almost 100 percent of its value. No economic or political reforms are on Lebanons horizon. Hezbollah has contributed significantly to this political and economic collapse. But it is also an integral part of Lebanons social and political fabric, supported by a sizable bloc of Lebanese Shiitesperhaps the countrys largest sect. The group won the most parliamentary votes of any party in 2022, and it continues to perform well in the polls. Since all Lebanese decision-making is done by sectarian consensus, and Hezbollah commands this large Shiite support, Hezbollah is an immovable object. Complicating matters further is the sheer power that Hezbollah has amassed. The group has an arsenal of 200,000 rockets and missiles, a fleet of deadly drones, roughly 1,500 precision-guided munitions, and well-trained fighters. Some estimates suggest that Hezbollahs power is tantamount to a midsize European army. The Lebanese Armed Forces can therefore never forcibly disarm, relocate, or restrain Hezbollah. That would certainly spark a civil war, which the terror group would likely win. Meanwhile, the international communitys fixation on futile deals has only whetted Hezbollahs appetite for violence. The group sees the desperation to prevent a wider war. Its leaders note with glee how Israel has been restrained by the Biden administration. Their beliefmistaken and dangerousis that Israels hands are tied by the White House. Nasrallah believes that America controls Israel, that the country is merely an American forward military base. Indeed, the Hezbollah leader said in March, When the Americans put their foot down, threatening to halt funds, Israel quakes in fear. When the Americans halt weapons shipments, the Israeli Chief of Staff quickly takes stock of his remaining ammunition. The Biden administrations baseless signals of public displeasure with Jerusalem are undeniably seen by Hezbollah as a constraint on Israeli freedom of action. They are also treated as a green light for Hezbollahs provocations. Washingtons decision to pause weapons shipments to Israel surely encouraged Hezbollahs latest and most dangerous escalation. The groups attacks suddenly became more destructive, reaching deeper into Israel. For now, Israelis are weighing two terrible options. They can succumb to growing international pressure to accept a bad ceasefire deal. That would restore a deceptive quiet to their northern border, but it would also leave Hezbollah intact and able to harm Israel in ways that the country has vowed to prevent after the 10/7 attack. Alternatively, Israel could hit back, initiating a conflict themselves to eliminate Hezbollah. The so-called Dahiyeh Doctrine adopted by the Israeli military promises to eviscerate the groups bases of operations throughout Lebanon. However, the Israelis are keenly aware of the price of such a war. Hezbollahs destructive forceswith perhaps help from Iran and other surrounding proxiescould force Israel to fight a war that yields tens of thousands of Israeli deaths, and billions of dollars in destruction. Off-ramps for this conflict are increasingly difficult to locate. The Biden administration, if it seeks to prevent this war, must quickly reverse its current course. Diplomatic efforts must evolve into pressure campaigns against the Iranian regime and its proxies. And the public attempts to restrain Israel in Gaza and Lebanon must immediately cease. Such messaging is only pushing the region to a conflict of historic proportions. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Hialeah Councilwoman Angelica Pacheco surrendered to the FBI on Thursday after being indicted on healthcare fraud charges accusing her of falsely billing private insurers millions of dollars for services at her addiction treatment center. She is charged with exploiting her business, Florida Life Recovery and Rehabilitation LLC, to submit $19.1 million in bogus bills for substance abuse treatment, urine test analysis and other services to multiple insurance companies including Aetna between July 2017 and August 2020, according to a grand jury indictment. That company, which stopped operating in 2022, was registered by her husband Daniel Pacheco. He has not been charged with her. Pachecos husband declined to comment. Separately, Angelica Pacheco is charged with defrauding the U.S. government for filing false business loan applications to cover payroll and other expenses at Florida Life during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the indictment. Pacheco is accused of falsely representing that her business was not engaged in any illegal activity in 2020 when she submitted the loan applications, the indictment says. During the pandemic, four companies owned by the Pacheco family received more than $500,000 in combined federal Paycheck Protection Program and other pandemic loans. She has stated that these funds were used to pay employees and keep the businesses afloat. Pacheco, 37, a certified nurse, and her husband now operate a primary care clinic and substance abuse rehabilitation facility called Pacheco Medical Center, located on East 49th Street in Hialeah. The councilwoman made her first appearance on Thursday afternoon before Magistrate Judge Lauren F. Louis in Miami federal court. The federal charges could lead to Pachecos removal from office. Gov. Ron DeSantis has previously suspended local elected officials charged with crimes. Under Hialeahs city charter, the City Council would have the right to appoint someone to fill the empty seat. This is not the first time she has had legal problems. In 2004, at the age of 17, she was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of battery, and one count of criminal mischief in what police described as a domestic incident. She pleaded no contest to four of the charges and received six months of probation. Pacheco said to the Miami Herald that her stepfather at the time had locked her mom inside the house and she had an altercation with him. She says her stepfather abused her and her mother for years. In 2011, Pacheco was charged again, this time in Miami-Dade County, with one felony count of child abuse without harm. She said her son told a teacher that Pacheco had spanked him. When she refused to speak to the police officer, she said, the police arrested her. She pleaded not guilty and prosecutors dropped the charge. During this same period, from 2002 to 2012, Pacheco received dozens of traffic citations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties for alleged infractions such as knowingly driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance and speeding. The councilwoman was elected in November 2023 after running four times for a seat on the council. Pacheco may have hinted at her imminent arrest in a cryptic social media post. Twenty-four hours before her arrest, Pacheco posted a video on YouTube blaming the Hialeah government for any eventual repercussions she might face. I want you to know that I blame the Hialeah administration for anything that happens to me, she said in the video. I have been threatened both legally and verbally. They are trying to find a way to get rid of me. In the video, Pacheco used a clip from a council meeting of a comment Mayor Esteban Steve Bovo Jr. made about her in a heated debate regarding the citys position on marijuana use. I understand that you only have four months as a council member, but perhaps the time to honor yourself will soon come to an end, Bovo said. In a written statement sent from the mayors office to the Herald on Thursday, Bovo said that the federal charges against the councilwoman are not related nor linked to her capacity as an elected official for the city of Hialeah. My administration has worked hard to raise the positive image of our city, Bovo said. This situation is not only disconcerting but also very sad for our community. This will not stop us from improving the quality of life of our residents and providing them with the best services. Councilman Bryan Calvo, an ally of Pacheco, addressed the arrest with profound disappointment, according to a statement. While I am not aware of Ms. Pachecos private sector activities, these are grave allegations, and I will call for the full weight of the law to be applied in this case if she is proven guilty, the councilman said. In the months that I have worked with Ms. Pacheco, she has been a steadfast advocate for government transparency, community engagement, and lower taxes, in those aspects she has performed honorably, Calvo said. He was famously accused of cutting down a cherry tree, which may or may not have happened, but we do know the first president of the United States stored many bottles of the fruit at his Mount Vernon home in Virginia. Archaeologists working on a $40 million restoration of George Washington's home discovered dozens of glass bottles containing cherries and other berries in storage pits dug in the cellar of the famous mansion. President George Washington home at Mount Vernon in Virginia. (Photo credit: Backyard Productions/Getty Images) Mount Vernon's principal archaeologist, Jason Boroughs, told The Associated Press the discovery of so much perfectly preserved food from centuries ago is unprecedented. "Finding what is essentially fresh fruit, 250 years later, is pretty spectacular," Boroughs said in an interview. "All the stars sort of have to align in the right manner for that to happen." Most homemade jams and jellies should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The bottles were placed in the cellar at some point before 1775 because that's when that area was covered with a brick floor as part of an expansion of the mansion. Of the 35 bottles found, 29 are intact and contain perfectly preserved cherries and berries, likely gooseberries or currants. The contents of each bottle have been carefully extracted and will undergo scientific analysis. The AP reports Mount Vernon will work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct DNA testing on the fruit. They're also studying cherry pits recovered from the bottles to see if any of them can be planted. The chances of using a cherry pit to grow a tree are a long shot, Benjamin Gutierrez, a USDA plant geneticist, told the AP. Seeds preserve best when they are dry, and most of the samples found at Mount Vernon were waterlogged. TMX contributed to this report. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The second day of the high-level meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center themed "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future" has been held, Trend reports. Addressing the event participants, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev stated that Azerbaijan's priority is not the energy market but science and innovation. "We do not doubt that Azerbaijan will successfully host COP29. We know that Azerbaijan's priority is not only energy. Azerbaijan emphasizes science and innovation. Thus, we will get out of geopolitics and achieve more success". Former Romanian Prime Minister Petre Roman mentioned that comprehensive measures should be taken to address climate change. "Earth's climate is complex, with basic facts. But the science of climate change is at an unsatisfactory level. We are far from the desired outcome". MP of Azerbaijani Parliament, UN High-Level Climate Leader at COP29 Nigar Arpadarai, noted that the main priority of the UN High-Level Climate Leader at COP29 is to involve businesses in addressing climate change. "In order for business to contribute, we need to develop our universities and promote research to support green innovations". Former President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic said that food shortages threaten the lives and health of people in poor countries and lead to death. "Food is massively destroyed in rich countries. In order to have a very good position in food distribution, it's necessary to use the experience of all countries. Azerbaijan is a good example in this direction. The country is able to help with food and its management experience, which could be a very interesting task for COP29". Azerbaijan's Deputy Agriculture Minister Ilhama Gadimova went on to add that climate change poses serious threats to Azerbaijan's agricultural economy. "All farmers need change today. We must stop struggling against nature. Because for sustainability, we must have robust agriculture in Azerbaijan. Subsidies for production are traditionally provided by the government to farmers in this area, and it is through this system that we are able to impart our knowledge to them. For instance, in order to produce fertilizer that will ensure a steady yield in the future, every farmer has to first analyze his soil. A state-of-the-art irrigation system is required here". Members of the center are actively working to support the success of COP29 and Azerbaijan's contribution to combating the effects of climate change. Members of the Center hold meetings with the heads of many UN agencies in connection with COP29, speak at international events, and, working with the Office of the UN Secretary-General, negotiate to raise the issue of COP29 at the "Summit of the Future". The event gathered world leaders with a wealth of experience and global perspectives on climate change and sustainable development from nearly 20 countries. The event discusses mitigation and adaptation, financing, climate change and its impact on biodiversity, water, and food security, the current state of the food and agriculture sectors, and the role of science, technology, and innovation. Furthermore, discussions will continue in the Zangilan district as part of the event. Californias fire season began this week with a ferocious start in some Northern California counties as crews contend with dry, windy conditions causing favorable fire conditions ahead of a punishing temperatures scheduled to smother the state this weekend. The largest conflagration in Northern California which is poised to grow larger than a LA County fire become the largest wildfire statewide held steady at 5% containment through two days of firefighters battling the Sites Fire, according to Cal Fire. With 15,656 acres charred in Colusa County, conditions on Wednesday didnt appear to help crews gain the upper hand. Temperatures will rise Wednesday along with more humidity, said Mike Steven, a meteorologist with Cal Fire, at a briefing for the Sites Fire. But the rise in moisture is not enough to impact the probability of ignition, which is still up around 100%, said Jonathan Pangborn, a fire behavioral analyst with Cal Fire. (There are) light flashy fuels, a very receptive fuel bed it wants to move, Pangborn said during a Wednesday briefing of the Sites Fire, a vegetation fire that began Monday near Sites Lodoga Road in Lodoga, a census-designated area in Colusa County with about 200 residents. The Colusa County Sheriffs Office ordered residents along these road to evacuate: Leesville Lodoga Road to Leesville Leesville to Huffmaster Road Huffmaster Road to Sites Leesville Road to Antelope Valley Ranch and North from Antelope Valley Ranch Sites Lodoga Road at Sites hard road closure in place In other Northern California regions, crews continued to make progress to tamp blazes as meterologists forecast high temperatures for the upcoming weekend. A heat advisory as been implemented by the National Weather Service station in Sacramento from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Temperatures are expected to range from 100 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit in Sacramento. The overnight lows will hover between 60 to 70 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Firefighters established control lines around the entire Point Fire, burning through Sonoma County. The 1,207-acre fire was 50% contained, according to Cal Fire. Ten structures were destroyed, with a firefighter who suffered injuries. Authorities lifted evacuation warnings in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties on Wednesday for the Aero Fire. It decimated 5,351 acres and has been 33% contained. Firefighters will continue to monitor the active fire areas which features more than 3,600 structures facing a threat of ignition, Cal Fire said. The relative increase in humidity overnight helped crews to contain the blaze, according to a Cal Fire incident report. Two men were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of stealing mail from residents living in homes that were under evacuation orders under the Aero Fire, according to the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office. Deputies, patrolling Kiva Place and Little John Road in Copperopolis, stopped a suspicious vehicle and questioned the occupants. The two brothers, both from Stockton, gave suspicious reasons for their presence in the area, deputies said. A search of their vehicle uncovered mail from Copperopolis homes, methamphetamine and burglary tools, deputies said. Both brothers were arrested and face charges conspiracy to commit a crime, entering a disaster area and mail theft. The cause behind each fire is under investigation. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The Texas delegation renewed its push this week to force Mexico to honor a water treaty from the 1940s. U.S. and particularly Texas based agriculture are deprived of the water they need in order to grow their crops and earn a living, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Were trying to get the attention of the Mexican government. The 1944 treaty with the United States required Mexico provide 350,000 acre-feet of water to the United States. Data released from the International Boundary and Water Commission shows Mexico has delivered 385,163 acre-feet since 2020, well below the more than 1.2 million acre-feet required by the treaty. This is a very life or death matter for many farmers and ranchers, Cornyn said. The Texas Farm Bureau said the Rio Grande Valley was hit the hardest by the water shortages. Brian Jones is a fourth-generation farmer in that region. A lot of the nation, especially the state of Texas, but also across the eastern part of the nation relies on the Rio Grande Valley to supply the fall and winter vegetables, Jones said. It will start impacting customers in the grocery store quickly. Jones said he usually plants cotton, sorghum and food-grade corn. Other farms in the valley plant greens, citrus and sugar cane, too. He said, this year, the water shortages forced farmers to plant different crops that dont use as much water. This is the first year, in my 38 years, where Ive had zero irrigation of water, Jones said. Representatives from the Mexican consulate in Washington, D.C. did not return requests 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. Gov. Kathy Hochul should tap a special prosecutor to enforce the states hate crime law to punish offenders fueled by antisemitism and other types of bigotry, said her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo. The disgraced ex-governor made the pitch while speaking before 150 members of the Harmonie Club in Manhattan Tuesday night, a private Jewish-founded group. He referenced mask-hiding bullies who harassed Zionist Jews on the subway last week and the vandals who defaced the Brooklyn Museum directors co-op with a red triangle on the front door a symbol that has been widely used in Hamas propaganda showing Israelis marked for death. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that Gov. Kathy Hochul should appoint a special prosecutor to fight antisemitism. Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images This is not a first amendment issue. This is illegal. This is thuggery. Its menacing. Its criminal trespass, Cuomo said. Appoint a special prosecutor and lets see what happens when you enforce the law, the ex- pol said to applause. Cuomo who resigned in 2021 amid sexual misconduct accusations that he denies approved a new law in 2020 classifying any assault of a group based on its race or religion a domestic terror attack, following the stabbing death of Rabbi Josef Neumann, 72, in Monsey in 2019. The ex-governor said thoughts and prayers from politicians whom he described as weather vanes only go so far. Do something! Cuomo said. Antisemitic vandals targeted the home of the director of the Brooklyn Museum. Paul Martinka He snarkily added, This is New York City. You can break the law. Hochul has the authority to appoint a special prosecutor. Her office had no immediate comment. Meanwhile, state Attorney General Letitia James and the states 62 district attorney issued a letter Tuesday, claiming they will do their job and go after hate-fueled crime. They cited the antisemitic incidents last week, including the menacing anti-Israel demonstrations outside the memorial for victims killed at the Nova music festival during Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack. Anti-Israel protesters marching with a flag that says Long Live October 7th outside Nova festival exhibit. FreedomNewsTV These acts have left large segments of our communitiesboth Jews and non-Jewsscared for their safety and that of their families and neighbors. No New Yorker should fear for their safety for any reason, and especially because of who they are, the letter said. They pledged to investigate and prosecute all hate crimes and acts of violence or threats of violence based on the facts and to the fullest extent possible under the law. Cuomo was invited to the Harmonie Club by longtime member and veteran political consultant Hank Sheinkopf. The club had come under fire in the past for being all-white. Sheinkopf said the club has members who are minorities. Theyre so hot: Police rescue litter of puppies from bag NEW YORK (WJW) Police in New York shared video of its officers rescuing a litter of puppies. According to police, a woman was selling the pit bull puppies and had them stowed in a hot bag. Local amusement park closes for everyones safety Body camera video from the NYPD shows officers opening the bag to find five puppies dripping in sweat. Theyre so hot, an officer said as the pups were removed from the bag. These dogs couldve been dead in five minutes, he adds. (Credit: NYPD via Storyful) (Credit: NYPD via Storyful) (Credit: NYPD via Storyful) According to police, officers saw someone attempting to purchase a puppy on Saturday. She asked her, you know she said, What a nice dog. What a cute puppy. What are you doing with it? And she said Im selling them, police told FOX 5 New York. She went further into saying that I have the rest of them in the bag. Parents left young kids in hot car that likely reached 125: police Police said the bag was tied shut. The distressed puppies were rescued before they were seriously injured, police said. Police arrested the woman selling the puppies on multiple 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander Capt. Melanie Mach Kluesner performs a demonstration flight at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The House passed the $883.7 billion annual defense policy bill in a 217-199 vote earlier this week, largely along party lines. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The House passed the $883.7 billion annual defense policy bill in a 217-199 vote earlier this week, largely along party lines. Three Republicans opposed it, while six Democrats voted in favor of it. The National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, issues policies and guidelines for the Pentagon. The fiscal year 2025s package includes Republican-favored policies such as banning the coverage of health care expenses related to out-of-state abortions for U.S. service members. Other provisions attached to the NDAA strip out diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the armed services, as well as the descriptions of sex and gender from the school funded by the Defense Department, as The Washington Post reported. Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, proposed two amendments that made it into the House GOP-passed package. The first prohibits the Department of Defense from purchasing goods and services from companies that boycott Israel, to send a message that the U.S. will stand by its longtime ally. I am pleased that my colleagues in the House supported my amendments aimed at addressing Irans military capabilities and safeguarding our allies from radical organizations, said Curtis, who represents Utahs 3rd District. It is essential that our military does not sell products from companies that participate in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. The NDAA also has provisions to strengthen military capabilities, like funding hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence, and continuing to support Israels Iron Dome and other defense capabilities. The fiscal year 2025 proposal features some benefits for service members. This includes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted members and 4.5% for all other ranks, and the allocation of $204 million in child care support. The White House, in response to the pay raise, said, The administration is strongly committed to taking care of our service members and their families, and appreciates the committees concern for the needs of the most junior enlisted members, but strongly opposes making a significant, permanent change to the basic pay schedule before the completion of the Fourteenth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation. This review is scheduled to be finished by January 2025. Other measures have also received pushback, and are unlikely to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate, including the provisions around abortion, DEI and transgender rights. Last year, we were in great position until the Senate whacked it basically, Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., a former Navy pilot and member of the House Appropriations Committee, told the Washington Examiner. And frankly, from the House side, we didnt do a good enough job of protecting it in the NDAA. Other Utah members of Congress Reps. Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens also voted in support of the NDAA. As the member of Congress representing Hill Air Force Base and the northern Utah defense community, I was grateful to vote for H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025, said Moore, who represents Utahs 1st District. This bill supports our defense efforts while saving taxpayers $30 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary bureaucracy at the Pentagon. He said he secured wins that benefit service members, and worked with the House Armed Services Committee to require the comptroller general to explore alternative methods for locality pay calculations and the Defense Department to produce a comprehensive plan for U.S. depots and military industrial facilities like the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and add safer construction standards for new housing projects on military bases. The NDAA also fully funds the ambitious Sentinel program that is developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles. This will bring nearly 4,000 jobs to northern Utah, and ensure a reliable ground-based nuclear deterrent long into the future, Moore, the vice chair of the Republican Conference, said. He secured another $78 million for two military construction projects: The F-35 East Campus infrastructure, meant to support F-35 maintenance, repair and training facilities, will receive $28 million, and $50 million will be put toward a T-7A Depot Maintenance Complex. Moores proposed Retain Skilled Veterans Act, which will remove the 180-day waiting period for veterans to work at the Department of Defense, was also included in the NDAA. On the provision on abortion, Moore said, Consistent with my pro-life and pro-family values, I supported an amendment prohibiting the Secretary of Defense from using taxpayer dollars to pay for or reimburse expenses related to abortion services, reinstating a longstanding policy the Biden administration violated. Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) are asking whether Chief Justice John Roberts has taken any action to investigate conflicts of interest concerning two fellow Supreme Court justices. A letter from the Oversight Democrats on Thursday addresses both lavish trips and other undisclosed gifts given to Justice Clarence Thomas, as well as reports detailing the displaying of two flags associated with the Stop the Steal effort at Justice Samuel Alitos homes. The lawmakers credit both journalists and congressional committees with unearthing details that have revealed an ethics crisis at the court. Roberts, meanwhile, has refused a request to meet with lawmakers. This anomalous way of keeping track of ethical transgressions at the Court raises the question of whether the Supreme Court is unable, or perhaps just unwilling, to investigate and police its own conduct to ensure that Justices comply with their statutory and constitutional obligations, Raskin and Ocasio-Cortez wrote to Roberts. Since you have refused to meet with Congress, we question what steps you are actually taking as either the Chief Justice or the presiding officer of the Judicial Conference to investigate these glaring episodes of political bias and lack of disclosure. The Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee recently released documents indicating Thomas failed to disclose three additional trips he took that were paid for by GOP mega-donor Harlan Crow. And House Judiciary Democrats have called on Roberts to press Alito to recuse himself from some cases, saying that by displaying the flags, he violated one provision that bars justices from endorsing a candidate for office and another that requires recusal when their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Alito has said his wife was responsible for the flags, telling Congress last month he had nothing to do with the flags flying over his two homes. While Thomas has rescued himself from a case concerning John Eastman, an attorney who helped craft former President Trumps false elector scheme, neither justice has recused themselves from either pending case concerning Jan. 6. The Justices dogged refusal to recuse increasingly untenable, the Oversight lawmakers wrote. Justice Alitos and Justice Thomass transparently partisan ideological activity calls into question their impartiality with regard to matters currently pending before the Supreme Court. We understand that both Justices have refused to recuse themselves from these matter. However, enforcement of the Courts Code of Conduct, as well as the constitutional and statutory guarantees that cases will be heard by unbiased judges, cannot rest on a Justices introspection and subjective evaluation of his own conduct. The letter asks Roberts to answer a series of questions about actions the court may have taken in the wake of reporting about both justices. It also notes the investigation conducted by the Supreme Court after the release of the draft of the Dobbs opinion that overturned the federal right to an abortion. We know that the Supreme Court is capable of conducting a comprehensive factual investigation, Raskin and Ocasio-Cortez wrote. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) warned of a Cuban missile crisis in space if Russia launches a nuclear weapon into orbit, a threat that Turner and the U.S. have repeatedly warned about. Speaking at a Center for Strategic and International studies (CSIS) event Thursday, Turner said if Russia were to detonate a nuclear space weapon in low-Earth orbit, it would threaten economic and social systems in a catastrophic and devastating attack. This crisis is the Cuban missile crisis in space, he said, referencing the 1962 event when Russia had briefly staged nuclear missiles in Cuba. The [Biden] administration is sleepwalking into an irreversible Day Zero. Turner first warned of an unprecedented national security threat in February, which prompted the Biden administration to publicly announce that Russia was developing a nuclear space weapon that it may launch into orbit. If Russia were to do so, it would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibiting weapons of mass destruction from being deployed in space, a treaty that Moscow has signed. The U.S. has tried to take action reaffirming the Outer Space Treaty at the United Nations Security Council but was blocked by Russia earlier this year. Russia, in turn, has tried to pass a resolution in the council banning all weapons from being deployed in space, a measure that was also defeated. The Biden administration warned last month that Russia has launched an antisatellite weapon into space, which may be the first stage of a plan to deploy a nuclear weapon into orbit. Turner called on the Biden administration to answer more questions about the nuclear space weapon, saying it was failing to address the issue. Day Zero can be avoided. Imagine how different the world would have been if [then-President John F.] Kennedy had allowed [then-Soviet Union leader Nikita] Khrushchev to place nuclear weapons in Cuba, Turner said. Europe would not be free. The United States would have been too fearful to challenge Russia in Europe. Turner said the White House should declassify the status of Russias nuclear weapons, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin thrives in secrecy, and called for Western security alliance NATO to enforce the Outer Space Treaty. The United States must stand with our allies to stop Day Zero, Turner said, and preserve space as the U.N. Outer Space Treaty intended for the betterment of all mankind. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democrats on the House oversight committee sent a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts on Thursday demanding to know how the Supreme Court is enforcing ethical standards and questioning whether the high court is even prepared to do so. We write with alarm about the deepening ethics crisis at the Supreme Court of the United States, which is turning into a full-blown legitimacy crisis, read the letter, signed by ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and vice ranking member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). You have repeatedly asked Congress and the American people to trust Justices of the Supreme Court to police their own conduct ... yet, over the past year, revelations by investigative reporters and Senate investigators have established that certain Justices have abused that trust, they wrote. Roberts has already declined to meet with Senate lawmakers on the chambers powerful judiciary committee to answer for the controversial actions of conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. In the House, where Republicans are in the majority, Democrats concerned about the Supreme Courts alarming ethical lapses have resorted to sending the court letters and staging events to highlight the issues, such as the roundtable discussion held by Raskin and Ocasio-Cortez last week. In their letter this week, the duo pointed out how ethical concerns such as Thomas millions in lavish gifts from wealthy friends and Alitos far-right dog whistles have only come to light thanks to the work of journalists and other outside investigators, not the court itself. This anomalous way of keeping track of ethical transgressions at the Court raises the question of whether the Supreme Court is unable, or perhaps just unwilling, to investigate and police its own conduct to ensure that Justices comply with their statutory and constitutional obligations, they wrote. Justice Alitos and Justice Thomass transparently partisan ideological activity calls into question their impartiality with regard to matters currently pending before the Supreme Court. Both Alito and Thomas have refused to recuse themselves from cases in which their impartiality could be called into question, including cases relating to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Raskin and Ocasio-Cortez demanded to know whether the Judicial Conference the government agency that makes policy recommendations to federal courts has investigated the justices to ensure compliance with financial disclosure rules. They also asked for specific information about how the court reviews allegations that a justice should recuse themselves from a case, among other questions, and set a deadline of July 5. The vacations and other perks Thomas has accepted over the years were largely uncovered by ProPublica, a nonprofit journalism outlet. Revelations that controversial flags had been flown outside Alitos homes in Virginia and New Jersey came to light in reports by The New York Times and The Washington Post in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Lauren Windsor, an independent journalist, recorded Alito bashing the media and voicing his support for returning America to a place of godliness during a dinner reception hosted by the Supreme Court Historical Society. At the dinner, Windsor also recorded Alitos wife, Martha-Ann Alito, evoking her German heritage to suggest she would retaliate against her critics. Related... BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. A panel discussion on "The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation" was held at the 29th High-Level Meeting titled "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future" in connection with COP29, Trend reports. The session presented information on ways to tackle climate change and the contributions that biology, ICT, and artificial intelligence can make. The discussions shed light on the political, institutional, and legal issues that may affect Azerbaijan's ability to provide these benefits to vulnerable populations. Furthermore, during his speech at the panel, former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev stated that Azerbaijan's priority is not the energy market but science and innovation. "We do not doubt that Azerbaijan will successfully host COP29. We know that Azerbaijan's priority is not only energy. Azerbaijan emphasizes science and innovation. Thus, we will get out of geopolitics and achieve more success," he said. Former Romanian Prime Minister Petre Roman mentioned that comprehensive measures should be taken to address climate change. "Earth's climate is complex, with basic facts. But the science of climate change is at an unsatisfactory level. We are far from the desired outcome," he emphasized. MP of Azerbaijani Parliament, UN High-Level Climate Leader at COP29 Nigar Arpadarai, noted that the main priority of the UN High-Level Climate Leader at COP29 is to involve businesses in addressing climate change. "In order for business to contribute, we need to develop our universities and promote research to support green innovations," Arpadarai added. To note, the main objective of this high-level meeting is to ensure that all stakeholders work together to ensure the success of COP29 in Baku. Preparations for COP29 in Baku include a multifaceted approach to ensure a response to existing global challenges and opportunities in climate action. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Many of the more ambitious housing efforts fell short during the last legislative session. (Getty Images) New Hampshires housing supply crisis has persisted for another year. And housing advocates are calling the 2024 legislative session a mixed bag. I think there were some important wins, said Elissa Margolin, director of New Hampshire Housing Action, an advocacy group, in an interview. Given the severity of the issue, I wish there had been more. To Margolin, the biennium started in 2023 with plenty of energy: Many of the newly elected lawmakers had mentioned housing on the campaign trail, polls showed voters were concerned about housing availability, and House Speaker Sherman Packard created a special committee on housing, with the specific mandate to propose legislation that would increase living units. By the end of the session, though, many of the more ambitious efforts had fallen short. Still, some bills did make it over and are heading to Gov. Chris Sununus desk. Heres an overview of what made it and what didnt. Failed: Expansion of ADUs One approach housing advocates are using to tackle the housing shortage is infill housing, in which homeowners develop apartment units inside existing houses and structures. But in many parts of the state, landowners are barred from doing so because they live in single-family zoning districts. Pro-housing lawmakers have proposed addressing this with legislation to override those local zoning codes and give homeowners the right to add units themselves. Those bills have all failed, usually without passing the House. But this year, one such bill did pass the House. House Bill 1291 would allow homeowners to build two accessory dwelling units by right up from the current laws cap of one and allow those ADUs to be detached from the primary dwelling. The bill passed the House, 220-143, but it fell in the Senate, after some Republicans raised concerns that it could allow development that would devalue properties of neighbors who chose to move to single-family districts. Passed: Incentives to convert businesses to residences While the ADU expansion effort failed, the House and Senate did manage to pass House Bill 1400, an omnibus bill that combined a number of provisions to attempt to encourage more housing production. That bill is heading to Gov. Chris Sununus desk. One piece of HB 1400 allows towns to create tax incentives for developers to convert office and commercial space into residential spaces. The bill would allow town residents to vote to create the tax incentives at town meeting; the tax relief would be capped at five years. Passed: Fewer parking restrictions Another part of HB 1400 would limit cities and towns from passing certain parking requirements for certain developments. For studio and one-bedroom units up to 1,000 square feet, cities and towns would not be able to require more than 1.5 parking spaces per unit, under the bill. And they would not be allowed to require more than 1.5 parking spaces for units for multifamily developments with 10 or more units. Those restrictions are a compromise from those in the original bill, which limited parking requirements to 1.5 spaces per unit for all residential housing in New Hampshire. But housing advocates say the final language will still help prevent cities and towns from passing zoning codes that require developers to plan large, unwieldy, and often unworkable parking lots for new housing. HB 1400 would also require that municipal zoning and planning committees accept alternative parking solutions for their development, so long as they meet the demand. Those alternatives can include agreements for offsite parking; rideshare company agreements; public transportation; and walkability. Advocates say that measure will allow more developments in denser towns and cities in which parking is more difficult to secure, but opponents warned it could pass the responsibility of finding parking onto municipalities. Nick Taylor, executive director of the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast, said the bill would allow developers to tailor parking options to residents needs. That is going to make a real impact, especially for workforce and affordable housing developments where folks are less likely to have two cars, he said in an interview. People might be walking to work, so that will make a real difference. Passed: Faster zoning law changes HB 1400 would also usher in another tool for smaller communities: The ability to fast-track zoning code changes. Under the bill, a town could vote to empower their select board or other representative body to make zoning code changes themselves throughout the year without needing to take proposals to town meeting every year. The bill is enabling and requires the town to pass a warrant article that gives that power. But Rep. Josh Yokela, a Fremont Republican, said it should enable towns to respond faster to zoning problems and could encourage more pro-housing zoning measures to pass. If an issue is brought up in, say, June, and its identified and the language is drafted and all their Is and Ts are dotted, why do they have to wait all the way for town meeting the next year? Yokela said in an interview. If that language is, you know, ready, then why cant it just go into effect? Failed: An expansion of the affordable housing fund The Legislature did not pass Senate Bill 454, which would have doubled the amount of revenue the state sends from real estate transfer tax into the affordable housing fund from $5 million per year to $10 million per year. That effort was sponsored by Sen. Dan Innis, a Bradford Republican, and voted through the Senate unanimously, but it was tabled by the House, 180-176. Margolin said the failure was disappointing because the fund which is administered by New Hampshire Housing ensures that not all developments are for higher incomes. Youre not going to end up with affordability covenants and youre not going to end up with long-term affordability for New Hampshires workforce if we dont have a robust funding stream for our trust fund, she said. Passed: Easier laws for sprinklers, driveways, and manufactured homes Lawmakers passed some bills that advocates say would address small but meaningful hurdles for developers. One of those, House Bill 1065, concerns sprinklers. Currently, the state fire code exempts one- or two-family residential homes from the need to install an automatic indoor sprinkler system in case of fires. But homes with more families are required to have them. HB 1065 would extend that exemption to three-family and four-family units as well as manufactured homes. And the bill would bar cities and towns from adopting any fire codes that are more stringent than the state code when it comes to sprinkler requirements. Another bill would make it easier for homeowners and developers to get state approvals for driveways. House Bill 1202 would require the Department of Transportation to approve applications within 60 days for any residential property owner who wants to construct a driveway, provided that it is not a major driveway. Both bills are headed to the governors desk. And both could make a difference for developments, housing supporters argue. Delays often equal more money being spent, and so that increases the cost of the development as a whole, and especially when we have the affordability crisis, we wanted to address whatever regulations that might hamper that, said Yokela. When we think about the missing middle housing, the sprinkler bill is a big deal, and thats going to save tens of thousands of dollars in costs for conversions of single-families to duplexes or triplexes, said Taylor. And thats meaningful. Participants swarm out to form a human chain as a sign against violence and for cohesion in the residential area on Ploggenseering, where a racist incident occurred on June 14, 2024. The action was called by the "Alliance for Grevesmuhlen". Bernd Wustneck/dpa Almost a week after a Ghanaian family was caught up in an altercation in a small German town, hundreds of people formed a human chain as they called for tolerance and denounced racism. Police said around 460 people gathered on Thursday evening in Grevesmuhlen, a northern town of about 10,500 residents. They were linked by coloured ribbons as they stood in the Ploggenseering housing estate, where the incident occurred on June 14. Grevesmuhlen's mayor Lars Prahler and the state culture minister for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Bettina Martin, were in attendance at the event. According to the police, a physical altercation between a group of German youths and a Ghanaian father took place in Grevesmuhlen last Friday, during which the man was slightly injured. He went to confront the youths after an 11-year-old allegedly tripped his 8-year-old daughter. Racist remarks were said to have been made during the fight. According to the police, assault charges were also filed against the Ghanaian father. The case made national headlines because the police initially reported that the girl had been kicked in the face and injured. This account was later corrected. The girl was not injured and, according to the information provided by police, she had not been kicked in the face. The 11-year-old had hit the girl with the tip of his foot when he blocked her path with his outstretched leg. The investigation into the case is still ongoing and, nearly a week on, it is not totally clear what unfolded between the youths and the family. Local media reported that some of the young people who were involved in the incident in the Ploggenseering neighbourhood had been banned from the Grevesmuhlen town festival shortly beforehand after making xenophobic remarks. A knife is also said to have played a role in the incident involving the Ghanaian family. The Ostsee-Zeitung newspaper reported that a video of the confrontation shows a young man being held by his peers while others shout in the background "He has a knife!" A spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office in the nearby city of Schwerin told dpa on Thursday that investigators were still analyzing photos and videos from the scene. They are focussing on the question of whether a dangerous object played a role. A human chain also formed around Schwerin Cathedral on Thursday evening. State justice minister Jacqueline Bernhardt and the Catholic Archbishop of Hamburg, Stefan Hee, took part. ATLANTA (AP) A Huntsville man pleaded guilty Tuesday to leaving threatening phone messages for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and the county sheriff last summer because he was angry over the election interference investigation into former President Donald Trump. Arthur Ray Hanson II made the phone calls just over a week before Trump and 18 others were indicted in Fulton County on Aug. 14. Huntsville barber in need of heart transplant given one year to live Hanson, who is from Huntsville, told a federal judge at his plea hearing Tuesday that he never meant harm to Willis, whose office is prosecuting Trump and the others, or to Sheriff Patrick Labat, whose staff booked the former president at the Fulton County jail and took his mug shot. I made a stupid phone call, Hanson said in court. Im not a violent person. He will be sentenced at a later date, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret Hobson told the judge that prosecutors will seek leniency for Hanson because he took responsibility for his actions. At the plea hearing, Hanson admitted to calling a Fulton County government customer service line on Aug. 6 and leaving voicemails for the prosecutor and the sheriff. Donald Sutherland, celebrated actor from M*A*S*H, Hunger Games, dies at 88, son Kiefer announces In one message, Hanson warned Willis: When you charge Trump on that fourth indictment, anytime youre alone, be looking over your shoulder. His message for Labat warned of consequences for taking a jail booking photo of Trump. If you take a mug shot of the president and youre the reason it happened, some bad (expletive)s gonna happen to you, the voice message said, according to court records. The indictment obtained by Willis office alleged a wide-ranging scheme by Trump and others to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. It was the fourth criminal case brought against the former president in a matter of months and had been widely anticipated. The sheriff commented publicly beforehand that anyone indicted in the case would be booked according to normal procedures, including having a jail mug shot taken. A federal grand jury indicted Hanson in October on charges of making interstate threats via phone. Hanson told U.S. Magistrate Regina Cannon on Tuesday that he was angered by the investigation of Trump and made the phone calls hoping authorities would back down. I didnt knowingly know I was threatening anybody, he told the judge. To me, it was a warning. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WHTM) It was the most costly natural disaster in American history, and it hit Pennsylvania the hardest. The story of Agnes begins on June 11, 1972, when ripples in the atmosphere appear in the western Caribbean sea. It ends on July 6, when the last vestiges of the storm are absorbed by another weather system out in the Atlantic, south of Iceland. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here When Agnes eventually sputtered out, it left behind an estimated death toll of 128, of whom 50 were from Pennsylvania. The storm also caused around 3.1 billion dollars in property damage. (In 2022 dollars that translates to about 21.44 billion dollars.) Of that, about 2.1 billion, or 14.52 billion in 2022 dollars, happened in the Keystone State. Over the years, weve done many, many stories about Hurricane Agnes. In this timeline we will show you some of those stories, to show you how the storm affected people in both the short and long term. In addition, we will bring you footage from other areas that sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Agnes. Predicting hurricanes In a sense, Agnes can be considered two storms. Stage one starts out in the Caribbean as a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and then a hurricane. In stage two it morphs into a major rainstorm as it moves over the Northeast. That second stage was what caused the damage in Pennsylvania, as it triggered the worst flooding in the states history. The First Pictures-Views from Above: Weather Satellite ATS-3 (NASA) A relatively new technology, satellite imagery, will play a huge role in tracking the development and path of Agnes. The Applications Technology Satellite 3 (ATS-3), launched in 1967, is parked in a geostationary orbit 22,236 miles above Earths equator. The orbit speed matches the speed of Earths rotation, meaning the satellite always faces the same part of the planet. The images ATS-3 sends back shows the entire planet from North Pole to South. (ATS-3 will stay in service into the 1990s.) Sunday, June 11 The National Weather Service takes note of an area of banded convection in the northwest Caribbean Sea. Its the very beginning of hurricane season. As of yet, no storms have been named. June 11 ATS-3 (NOAA) Monday, June 12: ATS-3 Transmits an image showing clouds over the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico starting to develop a circulating pattern. ATS-3 Image of June 12, 1972 (NOAA) Tuesday, June 13 ATS-3 Image of June 13, 1972 (NOAA) More satellites images from ATS-3 show the tropical disturbance system continuing to intensify. Wednesday, June 14 While the tropical disturbance in the Caribbean continues to intensify, the middle Atlantic region is getting socked by rain. Many locations in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have already received as much rain in June as they normally get for the entire month. The ground is saturated, and steam levels are already elevated. ATS-3 Image of June 14, 1972 (NOAA) Thursday, June 15 The storm in the Caribbean develops winds in the 30-35 mph range. At 11:30 EDT the National Hurricane Center issues a bulletin stating that Small craft around the northwestern Caribbean, the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, and thru the Florida Straits should not venture into open waters. The bulletin also says that The tropical depression is expected to drift northward this afternoon and tonight and conditions favor a slow strengthening. ATS-3 Image of June 15, 1972 (NOAA) Friday, June 16: In an advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center at noon EDT, the depression is officially upgraded to a tropical storm, and given a name-Agnes. It is the first named storm of the 1972, and the first-and last-time that name will be used. ATS-3 Image June 16, 1972 (NOAA) Agnes the Hurricane Saturday, June 17, was the day Agnes ramped up to hurricane status. It didnt ramp up very far-it was only a category one hurricane, the lowest classification on the SaffirSimpson scale. Category one is defined as having wind speeds between 74 miles per hour and 95 miles per hour. Most of the time, Agnes winds were in the low end of the category, though there were some gusts up to the 95 mph range. It only stayed a hurricane for about 36 hours; the rest of the time it moved back and forth between tropical storm and tropical depression status. Wind damage was not what Agnes would be remembered for. But while Agnes was very weak, it was also big; at its largest it measured over 1000 miles across. This enormous bubble of moisture would do most of its damage when the bubble popped over the northeastern United States. Saturday, June 17: Tropical Storm Agnes is rapidly nearing hurricane status. Gale warnings and hurricane watches are posted along the western coast and keys of Florida. By evening, observations put Agnes barometric pressure at 986mb. The National Hurricane Center issues an advisory at 6 p.m. officially upgrading Agnes to a hurricane-just barely. The sustained winds of near 75 mph are just 1 mph above the tropical storm/hurricane boundary, but there are also gusts of 95 mph. And Agnes is predicted to gain strength ATS-3 Image June 17, 1972 Sunday, June 18 ATS-3 Image June 18,1972 (NOAA) This is the day Hurricane Agnes starts killing people. The eye of the storm passes by Cuba without making landfall, but high winds, heavy rains and flooding forces more than 8000 people to evacuate, and causes the deaths of at least seven people. As the the storm continues its northward path, the outer bands of Agnes spawn tornados in the Florida Keys and mainland. At the time 19 tornados are confirmed; twenty years later, a review of the evidence ups the number of tornados to around 28, with seven severe thunderstorms. Seven people die, hundreds are injured, and property damage reaches $4.5 million. The final death toll in Florida will be nine. Agnes Florida tornadoes: small red triangles are F0-1 strength, large red triangles are F2-3, and blue circles are Thunderstorms. (NOAA) Monday, June 19: The eye of Hurricane Agnes makes landfall near Panama City, on the west coast of Florida. It produces abnormally high tides in the 6-7 foot range. Shortly after landfall, Agnes loses steam. It weakens and appears to lose circulation as the system progresses over the Florida panhandle. Reports of four to six feet of storm surge came in from the east of Agnes center. ATS-3 Image June 19, 1972 (NOAA) The Tropical Storm Tuesday, June 20: As Agnes continues on its path through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the National Hurricane Center downgrades Agnes to a tropical storm at 6 p.m. EDT on June 20. Two hours later, all gale warnings along the West Coast of Florida are discontinued. Agnes is downgraded to a tropical depression. (Two people die in North Carolina.) By afternoon heavy rain from Agnes spreads north into the Shenandoah and James River Basins in Virginia At the same time a cold front moves south from the Great Lakes region, causing heavy rains in New York and Pennsylvania, saturating the ground even further. The Floods Begin Wednesday, June 21: Tropical storm Agnes travels north along the Atlantic seaboard. In Pennsylvania and New York, rains intensify. Reports of flash floods in the mountains of Virginia, with up to 10 inches of rain, are being sent to the river forecast center in Harrisburg. In upstate New York, several inches of rain triggers flooding of the Chemung River and its tributaries. The Deluge Thursday, June 22: Torrential rain pours across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. Tropical storm Agnes continues traveling northward, bringing heavy rain to the mid Atlantic and northeastern US. Sustained winds of 70 mph keep the storm just below hurricane status. Governor Milton Shapp makes an emergency proclamation at 8:45 a.m. mobilizing the National Guard. (Shapp is generally credited with coining the term Hurricane Agony to describe the storm.) In Harrisburg, the Patriot News puts out its morning edition, warning about rising water. It will be its last edition for six days, as the printing presses flood and their building on Market Street is evacuated. In Virginia and Maryland, the rain is slacking off, but rivers are flooding to never before seen levels. The James River at Richmond, VA, shatters the record flood level set just three years earlier by Hurricane Camille. The death toll from Agnes will be 13 in Virginia, and 19 in Maryland, including three children who drown when floods sweep a car off the highway. One successful rescue effort was caught on camera: Agnes drops 8.46 inches of rain on Lancaster County, causing major flooding and damage-and 10 deaths. Late on the 22nd Agnes makes its final landfall at Long Beach, New York, on Long Island, with winds of 65 mph. The barometer reading drops to 977 millibars, the lowest reading in the course of the storm. Agnes begins to transition into an extratropical cyclone, as it meets up with a cold air system from the Great Lakes. Friday, June 23: (NOAA) Agnes finishes merging with the Great Lakes cold front, and becomes an extratropical cyclone. It loops across Pennsylvania, becomes almost stationary, then starts slowly working its way northwestward. The heaviest rains of the storm come this day, with 19 inches of rain falling in Schuylkill County. Harrisburg will have a maximum 24 hour rainfall of 12.55 inches. The River Forecast Center, located in the Federal Building at Harrisburg, loses power at 7:15 AM. An emergency generator is airlifted to the roof to restore some power to the center. All across the flood area, electric, water, and phone services go down. The new (four years old) Governors Mansion on Front Street Floods with 2 feet of water on the first floor, and the Governor is forced to evacuate. Thirteen homes on 2nd Street just north of McClay Street (across the street diagonally from the Governors Mansion) burn to the ground-or the waterline-because firefighters cant reach them. A curfew is established for Harrisburg, from 7:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Flooding is equally bad in Lower Allen Township on the West Shore In York County the storm caused the deaths of two people. Agnes dropped 13.05 inches of rain from June 21 to June 22, and filled the Indian Rock Dam reservoir. Built in response to the flood of 1933, the dam never overflowed-until Agnes filled the reservoir with 9.1 billion gallons of water. With nowhere else to go, the water flowed down the dams spillway to York. But while the dam didnt stop all the water, it did its job-it is estimated the flood crest of the Codorus Creek, which runs through York, would have been 10 feet higher had Indian Rock Dam not been there. Instead, the water crested at around four feet over flood stage. Indian Rock Dam, with water coming down spillway. (U.S. Army) In Lancaster County the flood stage at Marietta reaches 60 feet, with 1,090,000 cubic feet of water passing by the community per minute. The previous record was 787,000 cfm, set in 1936. In Wilkes-Barre the water approaches the tops of the levees built after the 1936 flood. A call for volunteers goes out, and thousands show up to help buttress the levees with sandbags. But just before 11:00 a.m. flood waters began spilling over the sandbags. Sirens sound 14 minutes later, and the volunteers abandon their work to move to safety. Thousands are forced to flee to higher ground. The river would not stop rising until Saturday when it crests at a record high of 40.6 feet. Elmira and Corning, New York are flooded by the Chemung River, which feeds into the Susquehanna just south of the NY-PA border. Water crests several feet about previous flood levels. In Corning, 18 people were listed as dead or missing. Incredibly, there are no fatalities in Elmira. As the days continued, the death toll reaches 21. In the entire state of New York, the death toll will be 24. At the Conowingo Dam in Maryland, operators open all 53 floodgates for the first time since the 1936 flood. They register the highest flow rates and stream heights ever. Just south of the dam, Port Deposit, Maryland, is evacuated late on the 23rd as the flood waters rise. Saturday, June 24: The Susquehanna River crests nearly simultaneously from the New York-Pennsylvania border to the Chesapeake Bay. In Harrisburg the river crests at 32.57 feet, 16 feet over flood stage. On a typical day around 23 billion gallons of water flow past Harrisburg. On June 24, 650 billion gallons of water flow by the city-and around it, turning Harrisburg into an island. President Richard Nixon visits Harrisburg. The presidential helicopter touches down at William Penn High School at around 10:30 AM. President Nixon visits evacuees who are sheltering at the school. WHTM (or WTPA, as it was then) was the only station with a camera at the scene. That same day, a Steelton family would lose one of their members to the flood. The mans sister recalled the tragic incident twenty years later. With power and phone lines down, it was difficult to find out what was going on in Upper Dauphin County. The borough of Lykens was almost totally underwater. Helicopters were the only means of reaching many people. In Wilkes-Barre the flood crests at around 41 feet, almost four feet higher than the levees built after the 1936 flood, and 18 feet above flood stage. About 80,000 people evacuate the city; the surrounding areas bring the total number up to around 100,000. Sunday, June 25: Agnes loops across southern Ontario. A tornado in Maniwaki, Ontario kills two people. The storms course changes to east-northeast. The water begins to recede, though it will be several days before it drops back below flood stage. People start returning to their homes, to begin the painful task of cleaning up. Cleanup begins in Wilkes-Barre. Mud everywhere and on everything, huge piles of trash, the Army Corps of Engineers called in to help with cleanup, and the phone company putting out a call for hair dryers to dry out their electronics so service can be restored. Monday, June 26: Four people die in a helicopter crash at Capital City Airport. Del Vaughn of CBS News and Sid Brenner and Louis Clark of WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, along with pilot Mike Sedio, had been covering the flooding. From 1992, a story of one person who can barely remember the flood, and another who remembers it all too well because she was running the only publishing newspaper in the Harrisburg area. Tuesday, June 27: Agnes reaches Cape Breton Island in Canada, and re-intensifies as it enters the north Atlantic. The process of cleanup continues. Homeowners are coming home to houses filled with vile smelling mud, soaked walls, and warping floors. Perhaps most painful of all, many precious family heirlooms have been ruined, and must be added to the rapidly growing trash piles. Wednesday, June 28: The Harrisburg Patriot and Evening News resume publishing, using the printing presses of the Allentown Call-Chronicle. They will have to shovel out over a quarter-million dollars worth of soggy newsprint and other supplies from their offices. As water recedes, PennDOT begins taking stock of how many roads and bridges will need to be repaired or replaced. There are more than 370 miles of road closed, and 252 bridges are out of service, either damaged or destroyed outright. (That is for state road bridges only; if you add in local bridges, around 622 are out of commission.) Thursday, June 29: Agnes reaches the northernmost point on its track, 61 degrees north, 25 degrees west. This places it South-southwest of Iceland. It then turns southeast, heading for Scotland. As cleanup continues in Harrisburg, residents get unexpected and welcome help. Friday, June 30: Out in the Atlantic, the barometric pressure of Agnes bottoms out near 980 millibars. From 1992, a look at the storm from a man who watched his business flood, and two government employees trying to track the storms progress. Saturday, July 1: Not all the stories from Hurricane Agnes are totally sad and miserable. Sometimes you can look back and smile, like in the Story of the Really Good Doggie. In order to get some roads back as quickly as possible, the Army Corp of Engineers brings in 14 Bailey bridges, temporary spans invented by the British during World War II. They can be erected quickly without heavy machinery, and can take heavy loadsup to a point. This incident certainly didnt seem funny at the time, but one senses a quiet bemusement in the voice of the narrator. Sunday, July 2: Agnes continues on its eastward track, heading towards Great Britain. At Hersheypark there were sour times for the sweetest place on Earth. Agnes as been called the storm that killed the railroads. Railroads in the Northeast were already hurting before Agnes arrived; the Penn Central went bankrupt in 1970, and was trying to rebuild, and the Erie Lackawanna was teetering on the brink. Most other railroads in the area were in similar financial trouble. Then Agnes roared through, causing millions of dollars of damage to rail infrastructure. The first domino fell on June 25, when the Erie-Lackawanna declared bankruptcy, citing damage from Agnes as a major cause (there were others.) Railroad insolvency was suddenly a problem politicians could no longer ignore. Congress passed the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, providing for the creation of a new Consolidated Rail Corporation-Conrail. (The bill is sometimes referred to as the Act of 1974, since President Nixon signed it into law on January 2, 1974.) The seven major railroads that were folded together to create the new company were the Penn Central, the Ann Arbor Railroad, the Erie Lackawanna Railway, Lehigh Valley Railroad, Reading Company, Central Railroad of New Jersey, and Lehigh and Hudson River Railway. Passenger rail service from these companies were transferred to Amtrak, which was created in 1971. Conrail began operation in 1976. Monday, July 3: Agnes nears Great Britain. In 1997, Firefighters look back on their experiences. In 2002, we check in to see how Shipoke is doing 30 years later. Its doing very well. Tuesday, July 4: The Agnes system begins crossing the Hebrides, on the west coast of Scotland. Many of the bridges damaged or destroyed by Agnes are repaired or rebuilt in record time. In 1997, the chief of Harrisburg River Rescue recalls what it was like as a 17 year old volunteer when Agnes hit 25 years earlier. Wednesday, July 5: The Agnes system departs the Hebrides, heading south. With Agnes fresh in everybodys memories, plans start to be made to install flood control measures at the Capitol City. By 1982, as this story shows, plans were already stalling out. None of the measures proposed have been built. The Water Recedes Thursday, July 6: The saga of Hurricane Agnes comes to an end. A weather system coming in from the west absorbs whats left of Agnes southeast of Iceland. In 2002, we asked members of the abc27 news team what they remembered most vividly about Agnes thirty years later. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MADRID (AP) Things are looking up for the Iberian lynx. Just over two decades ago, the pointy-eared wild cat was on the brink of extinction, but as of Thursday the International Union for Conservation of Nature says its no longer an endangered species. Successful conservation efforts mean that the animal, native to Spain and Portugal, is now barely a vulnerable species, according to the latest version of the IUCN Red List. Rarely-seen rattlesnake found in Ohio In 2001, there were only 62 mature Iberian lynx medium-sized, mottled brown cats with characteristic pointed ears and a pair of beard-like tufts of facial hair on the Iberian Peninsula. The species disappearance was closely linked to that of its main prey, the European rabbit, as well as habitat degradation and human activity. MADRID, SPAIN 2023/12/14: An Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) pictured in its enclosure at Madrid Zoo. Is a wild cat species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List (Red List of Threatened Species. (Photo by Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images) An Iberian lynx takes its first steps after being released in the Sierra de Arana mountain range, 40 km from Granada, in Iznalloz on February 20, 2024. Five Iberian lynxes, one female, named Unica and four males named Urki, Uivo, Ursin and Ukendo, were released today in a mountainous area of the Andalusian province of Granada, as part of the LIFE Lynx Connect project to repopulate this native species from the Iberian Peninsula in the ecosystems most adapted to its characteristics. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP) (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images) Alarms went off and breeding, reintroduction and protection projects were started, as well as efforts to restore habitats like dense woodland, Mediterranean scrublands and pastures. More than two decades later, in 2022, nature reserves in southern Spain and Portugal contained 648 adult specimens. The latest census, from last year, shows that there are more than 2,000 adults and juveniles, the IUCN said. Its a really huge success, an exponential increase in the population size, Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the IUCN Red list unit, told The Associated Press. One of the keys to their recovery has been the attention given to the rabbit population, which had been affected by changes in agricultural production. Their recovery has led to a steady increase in the lynx population, Hilton-Taylor said. Local amusement park closes for everyones safety The greatest recovery of a cat species ever achieved through conservation () is the result of committed collaboration between public bodies, scientific institutions, NGOs, private companies, and community members including local landowners, farmers, gamekeepers and hunters, Francisco Javier Salcedo Ortiz, who coordinates the EU-funded LIFE Lynx-Connect project, said in a statement. IUCN has also worked with local communities to raise awareness of the importance of the Iberian lynx in the ecosystem, which helped reduce animal deaths due poaching and roadkill. In addition, farmers receive compensation if the cats kill any of their livestock, Hilton-Taylor said. Since 2010, more than 400 Iberian lynx have been reintroduced to parts of Portugal and Spain, and now they occupy at least 3,320 square kilometers, an increase from 449 square kilometers in 2005. We have to consider every single thing before releasing a lynx, and every four years or so we revise the protocols, said Ramon Perez de Ayala, the World Wildlife Funds Spain species project manager. WWF is one of the NGOs involved in the project. While the latest Red List update offers hope for other species in the same situation, the lynx isnt out of danger just yet, says Hilton-Taylor. The biggest uncertainty is what will happens to rabbits, an animal vulnerable to virus outbreaks, as well as other diseases that could be transmitted by domestic animals. We also worried about issues with climate change, how the habitat will respond to climate change, especially the increasing impact of fires, as weve seen in the Mediterranean in the last year or two, said Hilton-Taylor. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Read an exclusive excerpt from journalist Howard Blum's new book, 'When the Night Comes Falling,' out June 25 Anthony Lattari; Harper Howard Blum (left); When The Night Comes Falling cover A gruesome quadruple murder shocked the University of Idaho in fall 2022 and now the journalist whose reporting earned him a Pulitzer Prize nomination has written a book about the case. When the Night Comes Calling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders by Howard Blum comes out June 25, and offers an in-depth account of the police manhunt that eventually led to the arrest of the suspected killer. On Nov. 13, 2022, Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were all stabbed to death in bedrooms on the second and third floor of a home in Moscow, Idaho. All four victims attended the University of Idaho, which was rocked by the news. Over a month after the murders took place, suspect Bryan Christopher Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the murders the same day a memorial was scheduled for Mogen and Goncalves. A three-part Paramount+ docuseries about the killings, #Cybersleuths: The Idaho Murders, premiered on Feb. 6. Below, read an exclusive excerpt from Blum's book that details what may have happened that night. Harper 'When the Night Comes Falling' by Howard Blum It is 3:30 in the cold, starlit Sunday morning, November 13, and the quiet on King Road is all enveloping. A whisper, it seems, would echo like a scream. A white car appears, and it is in no hurry. It creeps along in front of 1122 as though on tiptoes. Continuing past the adjacent Queen Apartments, it climbs up the incline and is abruptly trapped in a dead end. But theres no sense of any frustration. The driver carefully executes a three-point turn, and the car exits toward Greek Row. Is that it? The driver cannot seem to find the will to park. He needs to stop wavering and hold the idea, the possibility, firmly in his mind. Only the driver of the white car is unreconciled. He is not there yet. But he so wants to because, as if summoned, he returns. The white car retraces its earlier route. But apparently he still cannot vault to the place he wants, he feels he must, reach. He can still see other possibilities. Once again, the white car exits the neighborhood. Yet minutes later, the car returns as if pulled by an invisible force. He needs to find the boldness to act. Except he cannot. Once again the car approaches, only finally to pull away. And this time he is determined to stay away. Its as if he does not want to be that other person. He continues onto Taylor Avenue until King Road is a faint, distant blur in his rearview mirror. He is escaping. But he cannot help himself. It is 4 in the morning, and the driver turns around and returns a third time. Related: Bryan Kohberger Indicted in Idaho Student Murders Case, Will Enter a Plea on Monday The white car has stopped, engine idling, on the asphalt parking bluff above the King Road house. Turning off the ignition will require the strength of Hercules. It seems an impossible task. Its still not too late to flee. But he must know his hesitation is a hoax. He must understand that only the deed will silence the voices screaming like a chorus of banshees inside his head. With that realization, self-restraint crumbles. And in an incredible moment, he finds the will. The idea has become as natural as breathing. He is committed. He turns the ignition off. The door of the white car opens. No one notices. All remains still. A dark figure walks down the dirt incline, the ground hard with a thin coating of frost. He is heading toward the back of the house. In his gloved hand he is gripping a leather sheath that holds a Ka-Bar knife with a sharp, seven-inch steel blade. It is a killers weapon. The sliding glass door to the kitchen is rarely locked, and tonight is no exception. The door glides open easily, making only a muffled sound, as slight as a sudden intake of breath, and he steps inside. Does he listen for a telltale noise? Does he need a moment to get accustomed to this new manner of darkness? Or is the faint glow of the neon good vibes sufficient to light the way? Once in the kitchen, he proceeds up the narrow staircase to the third floor. And this is, arguably, telling. If he were aimless, driven only by furious emotions, he would burst forward into either of the second-floor bedrooms. But he has a plan. He knows where he is going. He is a hunter stalking his prey. Another speculation: since Kaylee no longer lives full-time in the house, his target has always been, since the madness first crept into his thoughts, petite Maddie. The stairs up to the third floor creak with the tread of his feet. He advances toward the bedroom door. Does his heartbeat slow? Does he feel invulnerable? Does he restrain himself, knowing that attack blows are better for this moment of delay? Related: New '20/20' Episode Examines Shocking Murders of 4 University of Idaho Students When he opens the door, he finds two girls in the bed asleep. He slashes away swiftly, savagely. The wounds are long and very deep. It is quick, vicious work. In the single bed, the two lie dying, their bodies splayed yet touching. Their blood seeps into the mattress in a spreading red stain. Yet despite her wounds, Kaylee manages to lift herself up and, as if trying to escape, wedges herself into the far corner of the small room. The determined killer closes in, and she fights back. But all is quickly over, and her bloody body crumples to the floor. The commotion and smell of blood rouses the dog, Murphy. From the room across the hall, the dog is frantic, his sense of danger keen. He bellows with large, cathartic howls. Downstairs, Dylan wakes. Is Kaylee playing with Murphy at this time of night? She calls out with disapproval into the darkness from her bed. No one answers, but Murphy has calmed in some measure. The sounds the dog makes are steady and low. The killer walks down the stairwell. Xana is awake. Theres someone here! she cries out, the alarm loud enough so that from her bedroom across the hall Dylan hears every word. She opens her bedroom door and peers out. There is only darkness, and, closing the door behind her, she returns to her bed. This is not the time, she decides, to make sense of things. Related: The Idaho House Where 4 College Students Were Murdered Is Being Demolished Today: 'A Healing Step' But Ethan has emerged from Xanas room to investigate. And suddenly he is standing face-to-face with an intruder dressed entirely in black, a black mask pulled up high on the ridge of his nose. Ethan is six-four, powerful, an athlete. Yet the killer does not hesitate. He lashes out without compunction, and an arcing blow slices through Ethans neck, catching the jugular. His body starts to topple, and then falls in the doorway with a flat thud. Does the killer crouch over his victim and continue his attack? If so, the assault is unnecessary. Ethan is already dead. Xana is sobbing. The plaintive sound rouses Dylan again. She opens her bedroom door a crack and once again peers. The darkness reveals nothing. The killer is now close enough to Xana to see that she is trembling. Despite everything that is raging in him, he selects his words with a deliberate care. Its okay, Im going to help you, he says. It is a lie. He has only come to help himself. He raises his knife and attacks. From behind her partially opened door, Dylan hears the killer speak. Nothing is making sense. She closes the door and retreats back to her bed. Xana, 5'3" and 113 pounds, is fighting for her life. But she is no match for the killer. He plunges his knife in deep, again and again. She crumples to the floor. Then he steps over Ethans body and walks out of the room. Related: University of Idaho Murders, 1 Year Later: Key Things that Have Happened Since His gait is unhurried. There were four of them, and he never hesitated. He did what he had to, and he must feel exhilarated. He continues back toward the slider door in the kitchen. His self-absorption is total. He never notices that Dylan is standing in the doorway, the bedroom door flung open. And she is staring directly at him as if in a trance. She sees a man dressed all in black, a black mask reaching up high on his face. As she processes the moment, she decides he is about five ten, maybe taller. Not muscular, but well put together like an athlete. For some reason, her eyes fix on his bushy eyebrows. She stares at him. A visitor? An intruder? She doesnt understand what has happened. And she is extremely tired. She closes the door of her room and goes to bed, the blanket pulled up high. Did the killer see Dylan? Does he spare her in a sudden act of kindness? Or at that wild moment is he incapable of seeing anything? It remains a mystery. He retraces his steps, making his way back up the hill. He is transformed. He has become what he had to become. In little more than 8 minutes, 10 at most, he killed four people. He gets back in the white car and drives off as the faint light of the new day begins to filter throughthe lead-gray sky, and the blood spreads in thin red rivulets through the house on King Road. From the forthcoming book WHEN THE NIGHT COMES FALLING by Howard Blum. Copyright 2024 by Howard Blum. To be published on June 25th, 2024 by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Excerpted by permission. When the Night Comes Falling comes out June 25 and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Illinois bill could make it a felony to fly American flag upside down SPRINGFIELD, Ill. A new Illinois bill would make it a felony for government officials to knowingly fly an American flag upside down on government property. Illinois State Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) formally introduced HB 5860 on June 11. The bill would amend Illinois Flag Display Act and prohibit officials from knowingly displaying or causing to display the United States national flag with the union down on government property. Under the bill, a violation would lead to a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by Illinois law for anywhere from 1-3 years in prison. Missouri poll shows no clear front-runner in GOP governor race The bill follows an incident during which officials in the Illinois village of Homer Glen, located in Will County, displayed an American flag outside of an administration center upside down. One official told Nexstar affiliate WGN that he took action on May 31, one day after a jury convicted former President Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Benton, the bills sponsor and a former veteran, reportedly filed the legislation in response to that situation. Benton told TheCenterSqaure.com, The public official who made this sad choice to disrespect our nations flag and everything it stands for may be disappointed in the outcome of a certain criminal trial, but that is no excuse. According to US Code, its inappropriate to fly the American flag with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. That said, there is no national law that strictly prohibits this. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Politics HB 5860 also comes with an exception for displaying a flag upside down in times of extreme danger or distress. A separate, but closely related bill (HB 5861) would amend Illinois Flag Display Act to fine government officials up to $25,000 for flying an American flag upside down on public property. The current penalty for a violation is anywhere from $1-15. Neither bill addresses whether a government official or someone else could display an American flag upside down on private property. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. During its presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Azerbaijan has contributed to global action against the pandemic and intends to play an important role in the fight against climate change, COP29 President and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev said, Trend reports. He made the remark during his speech at the Climate Change Action Forum of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization held in Baku on June 20. "We once achieved that a UN resolution on equitable access to vaccines for all countries was adopted. We also held a summit on post-pandemic recovery in 2023, where President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev announced two global appeals: to support post-pandemic recovery in Africa and Small Island Developing States," the Minister recalled. According to him, the parallels between COVID-19 and the joint fight against climate change are not accidental, as they are meant to solve global issues. "It is absolutely essential to bring the whole world together to respond to common climate challenges and to ensure that our response during COP29 is tailored to the individual circumstances of each country," the minister emphasized. To note, Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN 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 in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The chair of the Illinois Republican Party announced Wednesday that he is resigning from his position, citing turmoil within the state party. When I took on this full-time volunteer job in February, 2021, I thought I would be spending most of my time fighting Democrats, helping elect Republicans, raising money to pay for more Party infrastructure, and advocating for Party unity, state GOP chair Don Tracy wrote in his resignation notice. Unfortunately, however, I have had to spend far too much time dealing with intra party power struggles, and local intra party animosities that continued after primaries and County Chair elections, he continued. Tracy also noted the recent controversy pertaining to former vice chair Mark Shaw at the Republican National Committee (RNC) election in which Shaw tried to be a delegate and vote for himself as a committee member and threatened to kick a GOP member, according to The Chicago Tribune. Though Shaw maintained he didnt do anything wrong, the state party voted to remove him as vice chair of the state GOP. Tracy referenced that controversy and direction of the party in his notice. Recent events including the RNC Committeeman election, immediately followed by the retribution sacking of the losing candidate Vice-Chair Mark Shaw, a long time State Party leader and worker, without due process and without taking any step to disciplining others for alleged or admitted Convention misconduct, portends a direction of the State Party I am not comfortable with, Tracy wrote. He placed Jan Weber, the Illinois Republican State Central committee member in the 16th Congressional District, in charge of looking for his replacement. Tracy said his resignation will be effective once a new chair is elected, which he said he hopes will be by July 19. The resignation comes less than a month before the Republican National Convention, which will be held in Milwaukee. Some state Republican parties have been mired in turmoil and infighting, particularly between former President Trump-aligned factions of the party and more establishment and mainstream Republicans. In his letter, Tracy sought to brush off the idea that his resignation had already been portended by a Chicago Tribune story published the day before, where anonymous sources suggested to the news outlet after Shaws ousting that Tracy could soon see himself removed as well. My resignation has nothing to do with todays anonymously sourced Chicago Tribue article. I made my decision to resign early yesterday morning, communicated it to Matt Janes before our 10am staff call yesterday, and began drafting this notice yesterday shortly before or after the staff call, Tracy wrote. Also, no one from the Tribune called me about this article, which I did not learn of until this morning. And, I do not believe any [State Central Committee] member talked to the Tribune about the article, 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. FILE PHOTO: An IndiGo Airlines aircraft prepares to land as a man paddles his cycle rickshaw in Ahmedabad By Krishn Kaushik, Aditi Shah and Lisa Barrington NEW DELHI/DUBAI (Reuters) - China is pressing India to restart direct passenger flights after a four-year halt, but New Delhi is resisting as a border dispute continues to weigh on ties between the world's two most populous countries, officials said. India-China relations have been tense since the biggest military confrontation in decades on their disputed Himalayan border killed 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers in June 2020. Thousands of troops remain mobilised on each side. Since the clash, India has made it difficult for Chinese companies to invest, banned hundreds of popular apps and severed passenger routes, although direct cargo flights still operate between the Asian giants. Direct flights would benefit both economies, but the stakes are higher for China, where a recovery in overseas travel after the COVID-19 pandemic is lagging, while India's aviation sector booms. Several times over the past year or so, China's government and airlines have asked India's civil aviation authorities to re-establish direct air links, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters, with one saying China considers this a "big issue". "We hope the Indian side will work with China in the same direction for the early resumption of direct flights," China's Foreign Ministry told Reuters in a statement last week, adding that resuming flights would be in both countries' interests. But a senior Indian official familiar with India-China bilateral developments said of Beijing's desire to resume flights: "Unless there is peace and tranquillity on the border, the rest of the relationship cannot move forward." Indian airlines are holding discussions with New Delhi, while Chinese carriers are talking to their government about resuming direct routes, CEO Pieter Elbers of Indigo, India's largest airline, told Reuters. India's external affairs and civil aviation ministries did not respond to requests for comment. Beijing has repeatedly protested India's ramped up scrutiny of Chinese businesses since 2020. Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi told India's government this year that "confidence building" measures were needed as component suppliers were wary about setting up in India, citing compliance and visa issues. 'BEYOND OUR LEVEL' Direct India-China flights peaked in December 2019, with a total of 539 scheduled flights by the likes of IndiGo, Air India, China Southern, China Eastern, Air China and Shandong Airlines, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. Chinese carriers scheduled 371 of those flights, more than double the 168 by India's airlines. Flights were halted four months later as the pandemic escalated. Except for a smattering of COVID repatriation flights, they have not resumed even though India lifted COVID restrictions on international air routes a year later and China lifted all COVID travel measures in early 2023. Travellers must now change planes either in Hong Kong, which has a separate aviation regulator and border controls from the rest of China, or in hubs like Dubai or Singapore. This has lengthened the India-China journey from less than six hours to upwards of 10, handing business - including lucrative through traffic to the United States - to carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. The recovery in Chinese overseas travel is lagging due to rising costs and difficulties in securing visas for the world's top spenders on international tourism and airlines. Indigo's Elbers said a recent interview in Dubai, "When the time is right and the governments come to a mutual understanding of how to move forward, we'll assess the market." IndiGo flies seven times a week on the Delhi-Hong Kong route, where passengers can connect to mainland China. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said direct India-China flights "would seem to be a huge potential market" but for now there are factors at play "beyond our level". (Reporting by Aditya Kalra, Krishn Kaushik and Aditi Shah in New Delhi, Lisa Barrington in Seoul and Sophie Yu in Shanghai; Editing by William Mallard) LAWRENCE, Ind. (WXIN) Two parents are accused of leaving their kids in a hot car, that police believe reached 125 degrees inside, while they shopped at an Indianapolis Walmart. The couple walked into the store Monday night and left their young children in an SUV for 40 minutes, according to the Lawrence Police Department, whose officers responded to the scene. Police said a passerby noticed the kids inside the locked vehicle, which wasnt running, and called 911. Officers found one of the children sweating profusely while the other appeared dazed. Its unclear how old they are. What is a heat dome, and are you in one? The parents, identified as Mirianne Pierre and Watson Joseph, were arrested and booked into the Marion County jail on two counts of neglect of a dependent. Both kids were placed into the custody of the Department of Child Services. We never want to leave our kids unattended, much less when its hot outside. The moment we shut that engine off, the temperatures rise really rapidly, said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Sgt. Anthony Patterson. Warning signs, symptoms and tips: How to stay safe in the heat While Indianapolis police arent investigating the case, they reminded parents to never leave their children or pets in an unattended car when its hot outside. Once those doors are shut, the temperatures rise really quickly, said Paterson. You may feel like its only a couple minutes, but to the person or child inside the car, thats an eternity. It gets really hot really fast. On Tuesday, Indiana State Police in Bloomington posted a similar warning on their Facebook page, saying: The Indiana State Police Bloomington District wants to remind Hoosier parents and pet owners of the extreme dangers of high temperatures and leaving an unattended child and/or pet in a hot vehicle. Never leave an unattended child or pet in a vehicle even with the windows cracked and make it a habit to check the entire vehicle before walking away. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia said on Thursday it would start regulating the cultivation and export of kratom, a substance that advocates say can help ease pain alongside other benefits, but is listed in the U.S. as a drug of concern. The controls on the native Southeast Asian tree leaves would improve quality, the president's chief of staff, Moeldoko, told reporters. "A number of our exporters faced rejections because their products had been contaminated," he said. People in the Indonesian part of Borneo island have been growing and consuming kratom for generations, using it as a traditional treatment for a range ailments. The leaves, which are also grown, sold and exported across the region, have been used in products that promise to ease pain, anxiety and depression and to help people cope with opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said kratom has similar effects to narcotics such as opioids, has listed it as a "drug and chemical of concern" and has not approved it for any medical use. Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has instructed the national research agency BRIN to look into the consumption of kratom, especially its dosage, Moeldoko said. Under the planned new regulations, the government would also limit the number of companies allowed to export kratom in a bid to keep up standards, he added. Asked about prohibition of kratom use in a number of countries, Moeldoko said at least 20 markets were interested in importing Indonesian kratom. (Reporting by Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by Adrew Heavens) By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - A bid by GSK and other drugmakers to stop more than 70,000 lawsuits in Delaware over discontinued heartburn drug Zantac has received the backing of leading U.S. industry groups, including the United States Chamber of Commerce and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. In a friend-of-the-court brief posted to the Delaware Superior Court's docket on Thursday, the groups said that a Delaware judge's recent ruling allowing the lawsuits to proceed jeopardized the state's business-friendly reputation and threatened to turn it into "a hotbed of products-liability and mass-tort litigation." GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, which all sold Zantac at times, had asked Judge Vivian Medinilla to bar plaintiffs from offering expert testimony linking Zantac to cancer, arguing that it was not based on sound scientific methods. The plaintiffs' cases depend on that testimony, and cannot go to trial without it. After the judge refused, the companies petitioned her for leave to appeal directly to the Delaware Supreme Court. The industry groups in Thursday's filing are asking the judge to grant that petition. The groups, which also include the National Association of Manufacturers and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, said Medinilla's ruling was at odds with a Florida federal court that in 2022 tossed about 50,000 Zantac claims after rejecting similar evidence as unreliable. Some plaintiffs are appealing that ruling. If Delaware courts adopted a more relaxed evidence standard for mass tort cases, they said, the state would quickly become a venue of choice for plaintiffs since many U.S. companies are incorporated there. The groups urged Medinilla to "consider the importance to the business community of clarity, consistency and predictability in Delaware jurisprudence on expert testimony." A lawyer for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. First approved in 1983, Zantac became the world's best-selling medicine in 1988 and one of the first to top $1 billion in annual sales. It was originally marketed by a forerunner of GSK and later sold successively to other companies. Lawsuits began piling up after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020 asked manufacturers to pull the drug off the market over concerns that its active ingredient, ranitidine, could degrade into a cancer-causing chemical called NDMA over time or when exposed to heat. The drugmakers have maintained there is no evidence Zantac exposes users to harmful NDMA levels or causes cancer. The vast majority of pending cases are in Delaware. Only one case, against GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim in Illinois, has gone to trial, ending in a victory for the companies last month. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Rod Nickel) While he worked on Wall Street in the early 2010s, Democratic congressional candidate Conor O'Callaghan helped carry out securities trades that federal prosecutors later scrutinized as part of a criminal fraud case, court records show. The case was one facet of a sweeping set of allegations that the company, Nomura Securities International, has since paid millions of dollars in fines and restitution to resolve. O'Callaghan never was charged with a crime, but the episode was a turbulent period in O'Callaghan's multidecade career in finance. The government accused employees at Nomura of using illegal tactics to boost their profits from buying and selling residential mortgage-backed securities during the early 2010s. In the years since, Nomura has agreed to pay $25 million in restitution to customers, plus a $1.5 million fine, to settle the Securities and Exchange Commissions charges that Nomura failed to properly supervise traders' conduct. And last year, Nomura agreed to pay a $35 million fine to resolve a U.S. Justice Department criminal fraud probe. Authorities have said the company knew what it was doing wrong. Nomura "with full knowledge and participation of its supervisors, lied to victims who detected or suspected that they had been the victims of fraud," and then "concealed" that conduct from customers and some of its own employees "in order to prevent or delay discovery," the Justice Department wrote announcing a non-prosecution agreement in 2023. OCallaghan, who worked at Nomura for almost a decade until 2020, was an unindicted co-conspirator in a criminal case against some of his colleagues. He disclosed the fact in an op-ed published in October about the legal issues surrounding a Trump ally also named as an unindicted co-conspirator. Evidence introduced during the 2017 trial shows OCallaghan, then a salesperson, passing along information to a prospective buyer that the government termed a misrepresentation, such as overstating how much Nomura had paid for bonds the buyer was interested in. Conor OCallaghan is running in the Democratic primary in Arizonas 1st Congressional District. "We've already had testimony during the course of the trial from (another Nomura trader) that Mr. O'Callaghan was someone who participated at least in some of these lies," a government lawyer said, according to a transcript of the trial proceedings. The prosecution presented electronic messages between OCallaghan, Tyler Peters one of the three traders who was charged and a prospective buyer with whom OCallaghan was negotiating. In one of the exchanges, Peters told OCallaghan that he bought several bonds at a price of 39. OCallaghan responded that he would tell the prospective buyer that the company had gotten a higher price. I'm going (with) 39-08 story and see what she pays us," OCallaghan wrote to Peters, according to the trial documents. After OCallaghan relayed that message, the buyer increased her bid and the two went through with the sale. Prosecution of the Nomura traders didn't get far. Twenty-three of the 27 charges resulted in acquittals, and the jury wasnt able to reach a verdict for another three charges. Only one resulted in a conviction: In 2017, a jury found Michael Gramins, one of the three traders, guilty of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud. OCallaghan never was charged with a crime nor called to testify. OCallaghan declined to be interviewed for this article but provided a statement to The Arizona Republic saying he never was accused of wrongdoing, and his involvement in the case was better understood as an uncalled witness. A lawyer for O'Callaghan wrote that the "unindicted co-conspirator" label "is not at all an indication that he engaged in any unlawful or even untoward activity. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Connecticut prosecuted the case. Reached for comment, spokesperson Tom Carson said the office could not discuss charging decisions and declined to comment further. OCallaghan describes issue: 'A potential witness who cooperated fully' O'Callaghan is among the six Democrats hoping to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., who is widely seen as one of the most vulnerable incumbent Republicans in Congress. In October, O'Callaghan, already a candidate, publicly disclosed that he, like the Trump ally Sidney Powell, had been an "unindicted co-conspirator." "The whole 'unindicted co-conspirator' label catches my attention. Ive been there myself, thanks to a case tied to the early part of my career at Nomura Securities," he wrote in the guest column in the Arizona Capitol Times. OCallaghan wrote in the column that he was simply an employee of the firm and a potential witness who cooperated fully who was eventually promoted within the company. "Quite the legal rollercoaster, I must say," O'Callaghan wrote. "I remained at the firm for many years after these events and was eventually promoted to Managing Director, but the whole episode was a dark time for all involved, including those of us who were quite literally 'unindicted.'" He reiterated those views in a written statement to The Republic. Witnesses are not defendants. Defendants dont get promoted. As I shared in an opinion piece last year, I was a potential witness in a federal investigation into a company with over 25,000 employees. I was a mid-level employee who was never called by the government or by the defense, OCallaghan wrote. I was never charged, never signed any cooperation or non-prosecution agreements, was never indicted, and was never involved in any settlements. I was never accused of any wrongdoing, was never the target of any investigation, and fully cooperated with all internal and external investigations, he continued. In the years following, I remained at the firm and was promoted to Managing Director. My unblemished FINRA regulatory record speaks for itself, OCallaghan wrote, referring to the financial industrys self-regulatory organization. I dont have any additional insights beyond what Ive shared publicly in this decade-old investigation. Media inquiries about OCallaghans history at Nomura have been returned with correspondence from his legal team. In an email to The Arizona Republic and Executive Editor Greg Burton, a lawyer for OCallaghan, Craig Morgan, wrote that "any suggestion of wrongdoing, any suggestion of formal allegations, and any suggestion that being a (uncalled) witness is somehow synonymous with a crime in the headline or body of the piece will harm Conor's reputation in an industry where he still works and represents clientele." OCallaghans lawyer also sent a letter to the hosts of a podcast about the 1st Congressional District race in May, when the podcast hosted Arizona Republic columnist Abe Kwok as a guest. Kwok had alluded to OCallaghans history at the company in a recent column. Anita Malik, a co-host of the "Who's the 1?" podcast, said the podcasters did not respond to the letter. In the letter, which copied Kwok, OCallaghans lawyer warned against drawing a false equivalence between OCallaghans experience at Nomura and his campaign rival, Andrei Cherny, who co-founded a green banking company that is now under federal scrutiny over its eco-friendly claims, or to former President Donald Trump, who is an unindicted co-conspirator in Arizonas fake elector case. If, however, there is any inference that Mr. OCallaghan somehow committed a crime, was involved in criminal activity, or acted unlawfully, or did something that is equivalent to the ordeal of Mr. Cherny or Mr. Trump, then those who perpetuate those falsities will be held accountable, the letter continued. What does 'unindicted co-conspirator' mean? There are several possible reasons why the prosecution might label someone an unindicted co-conspirator, said Dennis Burke, a former U.S. attorney for Arizona. Burke, based on his experience as a federal prosecutor, discussed in general terms potential reasons for prosecutors using the label. While making no inference to the Nomura case, Burke said prosecutors could have believed such a person was involved in the crime, but they dont think they had enough evidence to successfully convict the person; or they weren't interested in charging the person for some other reason, he said. Alternatively, Burke said prosecutors might have agreed not to press charges against individuals in exchange for their testimony. OCallaghan has said he signed no such agreement. Another possibility: Naming someone a co-conspirator is a tactic that could allow the prosecution to use testimony that otherwise wouldnt be admissible, Burke said. In this situation, he said, the label reflects an evidentiary step rather than an association of guilt. Burke said it was hard to determine which of those possibilities applied to OCallaghans case and said they could be indistinguishable in court proceedings. But he said he was inclined to believe it was a purely evidentiary step. Burke said it was noteworthy that OCallaghan was promoted at Nomura after the investigation, and that OCallaghan was open to testifying without striking a deal with the government. Joseph Roth, a lawyer whose practice focuses on governmental investigations and litigation, pushed back on OCallaghans claim that the label wasnt any indicator of wrongdoing. But he said it depended on the facts of a particular case. "I dont think I agree that being labeled an 'unindicted co-conspirator' is 'not at all an indication' of anything at all, but I think it is hard to give too much weight to the label alone without knowing the details of the case," Roth wrote in an email. Primary election 2024: Here are the Arizona candidates running for US House of Representatives Laura Gersony covers national politics for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at lgersony@gannett.com or 480-372-0389. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Conor OCallaghan 'unindicted co-conspirator' in Nomura fraud case Twitter lead client partner Alex Martinez had already gone on a handful of dates with Bobby Harr when, over drinks at a cute French restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Martinez found himself venting about Elon Musks acquisition of the social media platform. Musks attitude toward disinformation concerned him. People dont know how to make a rational decision if you dont put out correct things that are supposed to be out in the public, he told Harr. And Martinez found Musk himself off-putting. Youre literally special needs, Martinez said to an imaginary Musk. The next week, Martinez was eating alone at a different restaurant when Project Veritas founder and CEO James OKeefe slid into his booth and began to read those exact words back to him. It turned out Harr had been a Project Veritas undercover journalist whod secretly recorded all of their conversations and planned to publish parts of them. Is it appropriate to mock special-needs people? OKeefe asked a stunned Martinez. When Martinez tried to leave, OKeefe and a crew with cameras set off after him in hot pursuit, shouting questions, rolling tape on this theater of cruelty. Martinez tried to escape into an apartment building, found it locked, and continued to flee. Eventually, he ducked into a nearby comedy club, cameras trailing every step. As luck would have it, the club was owned by a Project Veritas fan more than willing to join in on the fun. The owner offered to let OKeefe onstage to confront Martinez in front of a live audience, but the terrified Martinez managed to slip away into the night. OKeefe arranged to return for a full set. A couple of weeks later, the footage of Martinezs nightmare of a night rolled behind OKeefe. Look at his face! Look at his face! he said. Imagine how bad it must be when youre being chased by Project Veritas and you also forgot your keys! The audience was full of Project Veritas employees, ticket-holding fans, and invited guests. Gavin McInnes, co-founder of Vice magazine and founder of the Proud Boys, was one of them. Weirdly enough, so was I. After writing a piece about OKeefe for this magazine a few months earlier, Id landed on his regular invite list. Everyone applauded wildly as OKeefe finished and bowed. Chants of James! James! James! filled the room. One year later, OKeefe would no longer be with the company he founded and many of those cheering employees would despise him. The Project Veritas founder either left or was pushed out of his own company last year, depending on whom you ask a fittingly explosive end to a roller coaster of a run. Over OKeefes 13 years, Project Veritas helped transform American conservatism from a political movement into a war machine. It attacked the Fake News Media before Trump gave it a name, filmed the swamp before he promised to drain it. The group worked tirelessly to reveal the secret sin it believes lies at the heart of liberal institutions and prove that its political opponents are hypocrites willing to lie, cheat, and steal to destroy democracy. We are all living in the world of information warfare and idol worship that Project Veritas helped create before it imploded. This article is part of that war, of course. I interviewed more than a dozen Veritas alums, most of whom are skilled at using the media as a sword. All hope this story will cut in their favor. He wants you to be a propaganda vessel for him, one former employee warns me. Hes going to say things to you that he thinks are going to make it easier for you to say what he wants. He was talking about OKeefe, but he could be talking about anyone in Veritas orbit. How It All Began OKEEFE WAS BORN in 1984 to middle-class parents in Bergen County, New Jersey. His high school yearbook shows him as a sharp-chinned teenager, leaning back with unselfconscious swagger in Matrix-style sunglasses beneath the label best dancer. His senior quote proved prescient in many ways: Id rather die of insanity pursuing the truth than live contentedly believing a lie Nietzsche. Its a noble sentiment, but Friedrich Nietzsche never said it. OKeefe attended Rutgers, where he recorded his first-ever sting video: a deadpan complaint to a college official about the Lucky Charms leprechaun mascot, which he described as an offensive Irish stereotype. After graduation in 2006, he worked with Lila Rose, a young, camera-ready anti-abortion activist on a sting operation against Planned Parenthood. Left to his own devices afterward, he created sporadic prank videos with his buddies that felt more like Borat than breaking news. Hannah Giles, left, talking with James OKeefe during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington. That might have been the end of the OKeefe story, if Hannah Giles, a 20-year-old woman hed connected with online after the Planned Parenthood stings, hadnt messaged him with a caper of her own: a plot that would eventually destroy the largest advocacy group for low- and middle-income people in the U.S. ACORN is the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, OKeefes voice-over explains as the shaky camera focuses on a banner bearing the nonprofits logo. ACORN has goals including the registration of new voters and the advocacy of affordable housing. Abruptly, the camera cuts to Giles in a halter top and barely-there sarong. Over the course of the video, Giles asks ACORN staff to help her figure out taxes for a prostitution business. Slowly, their story grows darker: OKeefe, posing as Giles boyfriend and an aspiring politician, tells a volunteer they plan to bring 15-year-old Salvadoran girls across the border to work at the brothel, then use the profits for his campaign. A volunteer recommends using the performing arts designation for the business, claiming the underage sex workers as dependents or exchange students, and teaching the girls to keep their mouth shut. The two-part video ends, absurdly, with OKeefe and Giles strutting their stuff down the National Mall, with OKeefe in a pinstripe suit, fedora, and sunglasses, pimp cane in hand and his grandmothers chinchilla stole draped over his narrow shoulders. OKeefe and Giles repeated the trick at six different ACORN offices with similar results, then shopped the footage around. When Andrew Breitbart, who helped develop the Drudge Report in the Nineties and co-founded the Huffington Post in the aughts, saw what OKeefe had, he bit hard. The footage was perfect for his new Breitbart spinoff, BigGovernment.com. He wants you to be a propaganda vessel for him, says a former employee. The ACORN videos detonated like an atom bomb into the American political consciousness. A week after the first video dropped, congresspeople on both sides of the aisle voted to defund ACORN in response. OKeefe and Giles became instant media sensations, especially on Fox News. This is who these people are, OKeefe told Sean Hannity. Were exposing their soul. What OKeefe and Giles actually exposed, according to an independent investigation commissioned by ACORN, was an organization that grew too fast and insufficiently trained its frontline workers: a big problem, but not a soul-deep one. The investigation also found that OKeefe and Giles left out some important details two of the six offices they visited called the police after they left to report their stated criminal intentions. The California attorney general investigated three ACORN offices and found the videos were heavily edited to feature only the worst or most inappropriate statements of the various ACORN employees and to omit some of the most salient statements by OKeefe and Giles. By then, it was too late to matter. Buried under bad publicity and stripped of government funding, ACORN dissolved its American operations in April 2010. Giles receded from the spotlight, got married, and settled down, but OKeefe had found his calling. Breitbart provided OKeefe with a steady paycheck, which he immediately used to target Louisianas Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu by dressing up his friends as telephone repairmen to film a sting at her office. The ruse landed him in a New Orleans jail on felony phone-tampering charges, which the court eventually reduced to unlawfully entering federal property. Breitbart stood by his young protege during the ensuing media frenzy, but even his support faltered when, several months later, OKeefe allegedly attempted to lure a female CNN reporter onto a boat festooned with sex toys, pornographic posters, a ceiling mirror, and hidden cameras. The plan, according to emails between collaborators, was for OKeefe to mock-seduce her. But OKeefes then-assistant warned the reporter about the scheme when she arrived at the office. The would-be Casanova copped to a plan that involved strawberries and champagne but denied any dildos; he claimed he considered the scheme but ultimately decided against moving forward with it. OKeefe makes a statement after leaving the federal courthouse in New Orleans in 2010 after being accused of trying to tamper with the phones in Sen. Mary Landrieus office. OKeefes nautical stunt earned him conservative opprobrium; his New Orleans caper ended up earning him probation after he pleaded guilty to the reduced charges. Until 2013, OKeefe wasnt allowed to leave his home state of New Jersey without permission. His on-camera career seemed over almost before it had begun. One month after the conviction, OKeefe launched Project Veritas. If he couldnt travel to find stories, hed find people who could. Launching Veritas IN 2010, OKEEFE incorporated Project Veritas in Virginia as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit, able to receive tax-free donations, but subject to more rules than for-profits. The organization relied mostly on volunteer labor until 2012, when OKeefe put himself and one other on payroll. By the end of 2021, that number had grown to nearly 60. Project Veritas eventually established a headquarters in Westchester, New York. Inside the signless beige building where the group settled, a shadow box displayed OKeefes sunglasses, fedora, and chinchilla stole. A Wall of Shame featured news organizations and articles forced to issue a correction of their Project Veritas coverage alongside a large portrait of their mascot, Retracto the Correction Alpaca. A conference room featured a framed poster of one of OKeefes greatest and most unlikely inspirations: Saul Alinsky, a 1970s radical community organizer and conservative boogeyman du jour of the late aughts. OKeefe often says Alinskys tactical handbook of political warfare, Rules for Radicals, inspired much of his revolutionary approach to journalism. Project Veritas focus on the discrepancy between public and private action comes from Rule Four: Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules. Their mocking tone reflects Rule Five: Ridicule is mans most potent weapon. His weeks-long assaults on enemy institutions? Rule 13: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it. Every subject is an enemy, every story is a war. OKeefe has always understood that this strategy works best on film. Hidden-camera footage, with its odd angles and shaky focus, transforms the viewer into a voyeur, the subjects into conspirators, and private conversation into portentous secrets. Tax-exempt nonprofits are supposed to be apolitical; a surprising descriptor for an organization that almost exclusively targets the liberal establishment. Still, OKeefe and most of his former employees insist their coverage is objective. Were not right-wing activists, Christian Hartsock, former chief investigative reporter at Veritas, tells me. We have libertarians, we have independents. If the organization primarily targets liberal institutions, he argues, its only because the media establishment refuses to hold them accountable. Nature abhors a vacuum, doesnt it? So were going to point our flashlights in the dark corners. No one else is looking. The hours at Project Veritas were always long. OKeefe was hard to work for. People stayed because they wanted to expose a system they were already sure was rotten. And if the human cogs in that wretched liberal machine would only admit their hypocrisy and malfeasance through trickery and entrapment, then those methods were not only justified, but also necessary. Were at war right now, Hartsock says. As long as were in the information-war stage of this decline of our civilization, this is the most effective method for smuggling the truth to the American people, for opening peoples eyes. James is the one who professionalized it and he deserves all the credit for that. A Bust Gone Bust IN EARLY 2011, NPR executives Ron Schiller and Betsy Liley walked into Cafe Milano, an Italian restaurant and popular schmoozing spot in Washington, D.C.s Georgetown, where Ibrahim Kasaam and Amir Malik greeted them. The two men represented the Muslim Education Action Center (MEAC), which promoted a proper understanding of Islam through donations to schools and universities, and were there to discuss a possible $5 million donation to NPR. Over the course of their two-hour lunch, conversation wandered into American politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Schiller described some Tea Party members as anti-intellectual Islamophobic gun nuts, and appeared to admit NPR had an anti-Israel bias. He also seemed unfazed when Malik and Kasaam revealed their funding comes from the Muslim Brotherhood. Malik, whose real name is Oluwaseun Shaughn Adeleye, and Kasaam, who goes by the pseudonym Simon Templar, did not represent MEAC, which never existed; they didnt receive funding from the Muslim Brotherhood, but from OKeefe and their own bank accounts. OKeefe said he provided training, wearable cameras, and video editing, then released the finished product under the Project Veritas banner. Schiller came across as both biased and unprofessional, and several mainstream outlets credulously reported the story. NPR immediately went into damage control; Rob Schiller and NPR CEO Vivian Schiller (no relation) both resigned the day after the video dropped, and Liley went on administrative leave. Were at war right now, says Veritas reporter Christian Hartsock. These results were great for Veritas, but Templar was furious. He felt OKeefe had inflated his role in the operation, which Templar claimed was Adeleyes idea, and that, in his hunger for fame, OKeefe published it before they could complete their actual objective: demonstrating how easily radical Islamist groups could influence American institutions. The duo had hoped to hit universities and other media outlets, pushing until the organizations explicitly agreed to take the money. But once OKeefe blew their cover, further operations became impossible. Worse yet, comparisons between the footage Veritas released and the uncut sting video made it clear that OKeefe had not told the full story. While Schiller did express personal bias, his defense of the Republican Party was cut, as well as repeated explanations that donors are never allowed to influence NPR coverage. The outlets that reported the videos claims without performing due diligence were embarrassed. It would take five years for Veritas to break into national headlines again. Wariness of Project Veritas extended beyond the liberal media establishment. The combination of OKeefes knockout blow against ACORN and the double gut punch of the Landrieu arrest and Love Boat scandal made it clear to the pre-Trump conservative movement that OKeefe was both an asset and a liability effective but sleazy. Veritas videos were welcome on the conservative-news circuit. OKeefe, for the most part, was not. Project Veritas spent the next five years engaged in trench warfare with a laundry list of conservative betes noires: teachers unions, establishment media, college professors, social-welfare programs, Hollywood liberal elites, and, most frequently, the specter of voter fraud. Donors seemed to appreciate the choice of targets; according to tax documents, the organizations revenue grew from less than $400,000 in 2011 to $3.7 million in 2015. Some of that money came from influential conservative figures; Eric OKeefe (no relation), a longtime right-wing operative closely affiliated with the Koch brothers, reportedly donated $50,000 in 2013; the Mercers, well-known for funding far-right causes, gave $25,000 the year before. Much of the funding Project Veritas received between 2011 and 2015, however, came from DonorsTrust, a conservative donor-advised fund that functions as a dark-money pipeline between anonymous benefactors and the causes they support. In 2015, the fund contributed nearly half of Project Veritas total revenue. Mainstream attention, nevertheless, seemed out of reach at least until a man OKeefe has called a kindred spirit rode down his golden escalator and began to remake the party in his image. OKeefe holds a news conference at the National Press Club Sept. 1, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump and OKeefe first met in 2013 at Trump Tower where, according to OKeefes second book, American Pravda, Trump complimented his ACORN takedown, then asked him to break into Columbia University. Trump had heard rumors that Obamas admission records listed his birthplace as Kenya, and he wanted the records to confirm it. OKeefe politely declined We were journalists, not private eyes and the two men continued to talk for half an hour. As they shook hands and parted, Trump whispered, Do Columbia. Trumps foundation ended up donating $10,000 to Project Veritas one month before he announced his 2016 campaign and gave the organization another $10,000 by years end. A year and a half later, Project Veritas created a beautiful October surprise for the future president: footage of Clinton staffers appearing to describe illegal coordination between the campaign and Super PACs, to consider voter-fraud schemes proposed by an undercover Veritas agent, and to detail a national network of agitators paid to provoke MAGA supporters into violence at rallies. Theyre telling people to go out and start fistfights and start violence, Trump said at the third presidential debate a few days after the storys release. And just like that, Project Veritas five-year exile from mainstream media was over. Trumps victory sent the company rocketing skyward. In 2017, Project Veritas revenue almost doubled; between 2018 and 2020, it nearly tripled. OKeefe was a hero, a rock star, a MAGA-movement Icarus soaring toward the sun. Ashley Bidens Diary AS THE 2020 election approached, Project Veritas launched operation Diamond Dog: a massive, nationwide investigation into mail-in-voting fraud. Then, less than 24 hours after the election, Veritas released an interview with a U.S. Postal Service worker in Michigan who claimed his supervisor ordered him to forge or backdate an earlier postmark date, on late mail-in ballots: a nonsensical claim, since Michigan doesnt count ballots that arrive after 8 p.m. on Election Day regardless of postmarks. Undeterred, Veritas tried again two days later, this time with a Pennsylvania USPS worker who claimed he overheard his postmaster issue a similar order. After interrogation by an inspector general, however, the postal worker recanted his claims. The postmaster sued Project Veritas for defamation; after settling out of court, Veritas stated it had no evidence of election fraud in Pennsylvania. The most serious legal trouble Project Veritas ever faced, however, came from something it did not publish: the diary of Joe Bidens youngest daughter, Ashley Biden, one of several items purchased for $40,000 from two Floridians who eventually pleaded guilty to stealing it. The diary turned out to be the tortured ramblings of a recovering drug addict: all tabloid, no substance. To the fury of many employees, OKeefe spiked the indefensible story in a staff email. But OKeefes lawyers also wrote the Biden campaign and tried to strong-arm them into an interview. Bidens lawyers rejected the ultimatum, and reported the diarys theft to federal authorities, who began investigating Veritas for allegedly transporting stolen goods over state lines. In November 2021, the FBI conducted pre-dawn raids on OKeefe and two other employees. A few months later, Project Veritas learned the FBI had secretly subpoenaed Google, Microsoft, and Apple for emails and browsing data for several employees starting in November 2020. The raids and subpoenas allowed the FBI to collect data beyond the scope of the diary case and alarmed First Amendment advocates. The ACLU, Committee to Protect Journalists, and the Freedom of the Press Foundation all condemned the seizures and issued heavily qualified statements of support. It was the groups largest taste of mainstream acceptance since the 2011 NPR sting. And it might explain why, in the spring of 2022, OKeefe began to court people able to take the company in a more serious direction, including Goldman Sachs alum Daniel Strack, who became the executive director, and former Fox News producer Pamela Browne, tapped to make longer-form, documentary-style content. Donors helped OKeefe score a few meetings with CNN executives, according to Strack; nothing came of them, but that wasnt the point. Early in his career, [OKeefe] definitely considered himself an activist. And then he wanted to become a journalist, Strack tells me. To do this, theyd have to break out of the conservative ghetto, a term Strack attributes to OKeefe. Content-wise, however, Veritas was still doing what its always done: picking subjects most likely to provide fodder for the latest crop of hot-button conservative issues, then unleashing Alinskys rules upon them. On Jan. 25, 2023, they hit a home run with undercover footage of a Pfizer executive appearing to admit the company purposefully mutates Covid-19 in the name of developing new vaccines. The truth is very complicated and hardly the health risk implied by the framing, but the simplified and sensational version went viral: more than 30 million X (then Twitter) impressions and 800,000 YouTube views before the platform removed the video for vaccine misinformation. It was, OKeefe claimed, the groups most successful video yet. It would also be the last Project Veritas video OKeefe ever released. Lets Talk About Inurement THE TRUMP ERA was kind to Project Veritas. Its 59 employees in late 2021 represented a 300 percent increase in its workforce since 2014; its revenue expanded by 750 percent. The executive structure, however, remained mostly unchanged from those early days. OKeefe served as both CEO and chairman of the board of directors. Most newsrooms operate as for-profit corporations, but Project Veritas has never been most newsrooms. Its status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization exempts it from paying taxes and allows it to run on donations rather than ad revenue, but also imposes restrictions on how it can use donations. Nonprofits must reinvest excess revenue back into the business while executives can and often do pull hefty salaries, personal use of foundation resources, or inurement, can cost the nonprofit its tax-exempt status. Inurement can take the form of low-interest loans or personal use of the company car. For OKeefe, it took the form of musical theater. On Aug. 19, 2021, as the sun crept toward the horizon, the audience took their seats at the Mount Rouge farm in Roseland, Virginia. There, riding in from stage left: OKeefe on a horse, wearing a cowboy hat and chaps, belting out the opening lyrics of Oklahoma!. It was opening night of a three-weekend run of the production, which cast OKeefe as the lead. This meant a three-week stay in Virginia for OKeefe and most of the production staff as well. At one point, OKeefe bused in half the staff to Virginia to see the show. Was there some work done for Project Veritas, stories that they were doing remotely? Yes. Was most of it just supporting James doing his Oklahoma! thing? Yes, Strack tells me. Employees filmed the production and worked on a behind-the-scenes documentary, which was never published. Strack, who began his tenure eight months after Oklahoma! wrapped, is nonetheless familiar with the details because he helped hash out how much money OKeefe needed to pay the company to avoid falling afoul of IRS restrictions. As it turned out, Oklahoma! was just the tip of the inurement iceberg. According to a financial audit released by the board in the spring of 2023, OKeefe had, between 2021 and 2023, spent $209,000 on chauffeured black car services. He belonged to a yacht club, where he hosted company events so he could meet the clubs spending requirements. In 2019, OKeefe got engaged and placed a deposit on a wedding venue. When the engagement fell through, he held the Veritas Christmas party at the venue instead so he could pay himself back with company funds. On one occasion, he used Veritas money to charter a $12,000 helicopter and $1,400 black car for personal use. OKeefe claimed these trips were primarily for meeting donors. Hinckley, who met OKeefe at his destination, disputes this. Everybody feared the consequences, says Veritas reporter Bobby Harr. I asked an expert on nonprofit jurisprudence, Notre Dame law professor Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, whether OKeefes behavior placed the company at risk of an IRS audit or loss of 501(c)(3) status. Mayer wasnt concerned about the chauffeur service; if the board presented a united face, it could convince the IRS it was necessary. Its one thing to spend extravagantly, Mayer says. Its very different to spend nonprofit resources on personal expenses. Things like chartering transportation for personal use, the yacht-club events, and the wedding-venue clawback, he says, are blatantly illegal. Mayer doubts the IRS would have revoked the 501(c)(3) status based on the expenditures, but it would have likely held OKeefe and any board member who knew about the illegal activity liable for the money spent, plus fines. The Justice Department could impose more stringent penalties at the state level. Legality aside, many employees quietly resented OKeefes use of corporate assets, especially after the company let several people go in 2022. It was very discreet and quiet, but behind the scenes, nobody was in favor of James spending all this time and all these company resources to go do his Oklahoma! play, Bobby Harr, the undercover journalist who recorded the Twitter executive, says. Everybody was silent about it because they feared the consequences. According to many employees, OKeefe had a habit of publicly humiliating anyone who upset him and berating employees for not meeting unrealistic expectations. There was a sort of fear that would strike across the room whenever James would walk by, Harr says. One employee insists this was not a problem, but many others are adamant that OKeefe constantly belittled people in front of their peers and held grudges. As outside pressures mounted, OKeefes temper grew worse. A $20 million company does not handle like a $5 million one, but OKeefe refused to delegate. It was his biggest complaint. He felt like he always did everything, Strack says. Most people I interviewed say OKeefe was good at raising money, drawing an audience, and setting a creative agenda for the company, but was terrible at management. Strack and OKeefe discussed separating the business side of Project Veritas from the creative many times. Hes really good at talking about all that stuff, Strack says. But when you go to implement it, he doesnt do it. OKeefe wears a bullet proof vest as he speaks about Project Veritas at a right-wing gathering known as America Fest, in 2022. This toxic combination of micromanagement, eggshell-walking, and the long hours led to massive attrition. In a recorded meeting, the HR director said that between 2016 and 2023, when Veritas employed between 38 and 59 people, 139 employees left the company: a turnover rate of more than 250 percent during that period. By the time the Pfizer video dropped on Jan. 25, 2023, the office felt like a ticking time bomb. On Feb. 2, it exploded. The Groundhog Day Massacre THE END OF OKeefe and Veritas began on Feb. 2 with what Chief Strategy Officer Barry Hinckley would eventually christen the Groundhog Day massacre. At a morning meeting, OKeefe ordered the fundraising team to use more aggressive tactics. The team, led by Hinckley, pushed back against an approach they believed would alienate potential donors, and OKeefe erupted in a rage. The meeting ended, but OKeefes bad day was just starting. According to Strack and a Project Veritas board member, Chief Financial Officer Tom OHara uncovered yet another instance of inurement: the $12,000 helicopter chartered for private travel. OHara confronted OKeefe, resulting in the second shouting match of the day. The next day, OKeefe unilaterally fired Hinckley and OHara. Firing Hinckley may not have been wise, but at least it was legal. OHara, however, had been hired by the board, and, according to Virginia law (where Project Veritas is incorporated), only the board could legally fire him. The board called an emergency meeting for Feb. 6 and began discussing its options. Meanwhile, the freshly fired Hinckley sent a text to the fundraising teams Signal chat. Last night I stood up to a bully and got fired, it read, then he quoted the organizations motto: Be brave. Do something. About 25 Veritas employees almost half the company took Hinckleys advice and formed a revolutionaries group chat. Striking was on the table. Ultimately, they decided to compile a list of office dysfunction into a letter for OKeefe and the board. Some of those thoughts were pure catharsis, like the first bullet point: James has become a power drunk tyrant. Others were just bizarre: At Democracy Partners trial, in public, I was yelled at in front of jurors because he was hungry and then he took the eight-months-pregnant womans sandwich. Most, though, suggested a highly toxic work environment from donors being alienated by OKeefes aggressive tactics and rudeness to employees being forced to take polygraph tests in an attempt to find a company mole. The employees compiled everything into a PDF document, then sent it to the board. After years of serious conversations and apologies and plans that went nowhere, the board had arrived at the Rubicon. [OKeefe] cannot be a steward of the org until he recognizes the org is now bigger than him, Matt Tyrmand, a board member and longtime friend to the CEO, wrote to the others in an email. This is not a fiefdom anymore. Jeffrey Lichtman, who served as legal counsel, had reservations. Giving James some kind of ultimatum will be received poorly by him at this very difficult time. Hell feel cornered and will lash out in defense. In the end Im not sure you wont lose him. End of the OKeefe Era ON THE MORNING of Feb. 6, OHara, Strack, and OKeefe walked into the conference room and dialed into the Skype meeting that OKeefe would later describe as a six-hour Maoist struggle session. I listened to it and it sounded to me more like an intervention. Hartsock felt similarly when OKeefe later gave him a recording. I kept listening, trying to force myself to get mad. But what I heard was employees saying very gingerly, very carefully sandwiching concerns with flattery and with reassurances to James, that we love you. OKeefe came to the meeting with a solution of his own: an open-door policy so employees could air their grievances (which, the board told him, was already corporate policy) and a letter of apology sent to employees, which he read out loud to the board: Many of you who have been with me for years know this is not the first time Ive gotten emotional and impulsive during times of strain. I hope I can count on your grace, your forgiveness, and your continued dedication to Project Veritas as we work together. Over the next four hours, 12 employees joined the call to tell their stories. If the board hoped hearing from his employees would make OKeefe see things their way, it was mistaken. When he finally spoke, his voice was tight with emotion. He promised to work with professionals on the behavioral issues. My essence, my soul is so tied into this place, he said. And those things I will change, because I have to change them. Because if I dont change them, were going to lose Project Veritas. Then there was silence. The board already knew where it was going with its decision; it was, at last, prepared to pull the trigger. The board reinstated Hinckley and OHara, stripped OKeefe of hiring and firing authority for 180 days, and revoked his company credit card. He received two weeks of mandatory paid leave from his position as CEO, but remained both CEO and chairman of the board for the time being. OKeefe went dark. No social media posts, even as someone leaked the employee letter and rumors spread of a Pfizer-backed coup or communist takeover. When the board reached out, he replied that he was on mandatory vacation and would not be responding. This was a far bigger problem as the board needed to hash out the new shape of Project Veritas quickly. When the silence persisted, they voted 3-2 to remove OKeefe as chairman, indefinitely suspend him as CEO, and provide him with mental-health services. Office life devolved into chaos. Factions formed almost immediately: letter signers versus loyalists, headquarters staff versus field operatives, all accusing one another of leaking information to the press. Many stopped coming into the office altogether. Work virtually ceased. On Feb. 15 nine days after the meeting presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted a picture of himself and OKeefe hiking in Santa Monica. The next day, OKeefe broke his silence and issued an ultimatum: He would only return if everyone on the board and in the C-suite resigned by Feb. 20, when his paid leave ended. He didnt wait around for the boards inevitable rejection; the day after his ultimatum, he incorporated a new for-profit entity, OKeefe Media Group (OMG), then went on to allegedly contact donors using the company fundraising lists he had been barred from accessing by the board. Project Veritas sued OKeefe for breach of contract that May; the lawsuit is ongoing. My soul is so tied into this place, says OKeefe about Project Veritas. The day of the ultimatum, OKeefe met a small group of employees in his office for a farewell speech recorded for those unable to attend. The Feb. 6 meeting, he told them, was a coup. The timing of it just after the Pfizer story struck him as odd. At the end, he announced his decision. There was no place for him here. He would start over. Im not done, he said. Ill need a bunch of people around me, and Ill make sure you know how to find me. This, to me, was the turning point, senior producer Kalen Eriksson, who was there for the speech, tells me. I knew, right there in the room, certain instances he was blatantly mischaracterizing. And not two hours after I left, the video was leaked to Jack Posobiec and Tim Pool. Pool uploaded the video to YouTube, and Eriksson says OKeefe sent that video to the same distribution list he used for official releases. Declarations of loyalty poured in: Pool, Posobiec, Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk, Steve Bannon, Donald Trump Jr., Lauren Boebert, Dan Bongino, Mike Cernovich, Catturd, Alex Jones, and countless other political personalities broadcast their unconditional support for OKeefe. $14,000 on a charter flight to meet someone to fix his boat under the guise of meeting with a donor, Pool said to his Timcast IRL audience after the farewell address dropped. Sorry, I just literally dont believe it. That just sounds like nonsense. Two days after the video leak, Project Veritas had lost nearly 100,000 of its YouTube subscribers and 300,000 Twitter followers. Donors demanded their contributions back; some threatened to sue Project Veritas for violating its chartered mission. As Veritas struggled to reorient itself, OKeefe prepared to move forward. He hosted meetings with select employees at his parents carriage house, where Project Veritas began, to begin again once more. When OMG launched on the Ides of March (an odd choice for a deposed Caesar), the cold war turned hot. Paranoia back at Veritas spiked, and accusations of surreptitious recordings flew. At one point, OKeefe returned to his Veritas office to retrieve his birth certificate from his gun safe while Strack monitored his actions. As the founder began narrating his actions to no one, then attempted to pick a fight with Strack, the COO suspected OKeefe was recording audio. The deception didnt bother Strack too much: He, too, was secretly recording. Between February and June of 2023, Project Veritas released several videos, including a multipart attack on gender-affirming care. The videos were as on-brand as it gets. All they got in return, though, was: Wheres James? Were showing you videos of pedophiles. Were exposing groomers. Were exposing crony capitalists, Hartsock says, exasperated. James always said content is king. Can content be king, please? By June, the answer to that question was clear. Without donations, Project Veritas would have to shutter operations in a few short months. If they wanted it to survive, they needed to find a new king, and fast. The New Veritas HI, IM HANNAH Giles, and Ive just been named CEO of Project Veritas. She stands in front of rolling green hills and a gray sky that hints at storms to come. You might remember me as the 20-year-old reporter who wore a sarong and stilettos in the landmark ACORN investigation. Giles had married Joe Basel, another OKeefe co-conspirator and one of the telephone repairman impersonators arrested for the Landrieu phone caper, in December 2010. In her time away from the spotlight, Giles founded the American Phoenix Foundation, a nonprofit that, according to the video, trained citizen journalists. Im honored and humbled to now lead this team into a new era, she says. On the surface, not only did Giles seem perfect for the CEO role, she seemed like the only person who could fill it. If theres no James, theres no PV is what the mantra was among the James cultists, Hartsock says. This is the perfect rebuttal: Theres no James without Hannah Giles. I mean, she came up with the ACORN thing. The board appointed Giles interim CEO in early June. For the first time in a long time, employees felt hopeful. Hannah Giles, who took over Project Veritas after OKeefe left, is shown on the organizations YouTube channel. That hope proved short-lived. Strack says the first thing Giles did was order the employees to drop what they were doing and debunk many videos OKeefe had produced, which Strack and the rest of the employees flatly refused to do. Strack says Giles responded by cutting him out of email communication. Shortly thereafter, he says, she strong-armed the board into appointing her permanent CEO on the grounds that donors were reluctant to sign checks if the board might kick her out after 90 days. Strack, who was adamant about separating the CEO position from creative control, was stunned. He offered his resignation. Around this time, employees learned that Giles old venture, the American Phoenix Foundation, did not primarily train citizen journalists across the country, though it raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to do so. Instead, APF used the money to record more than 800 hours of undercover footage of Texas state legislators in an attempt to catch them behaving badly, loudly announced its success, and gave the footage to Breitbart News, which ultimately published none of it. Lawyer and lobbyist Steve Bresnan filed suit to force APF to obtain the organizations donor information and financial records, and found evidence of hundreds of thousands of dollars unaccounted for and large, unjustified payments to Ben Wetmore, a former OKeefe associate closely affiliated with Giles business ventures, including Project Veritas. Wetmore denies the allegations in the lawsuit and says Giles did bring in donations to Veritas. (Giles didnt respond to requests to comment for this story.) Wetmore tells me: Youre hearing from a chorus of haters whove unfortunately let the events of 2023 cloud their vision from whats really at stake here getting back to the mission of producing great journalism. Giles had a funny way of getting back to that mission. Project Veritas undercover journalists run a high risk of lawsuits, and the organization has always promised to pay for their defense. In a closed-door meeting, Hartsock says, Giles quietly revoked that indemnification. We had undercover journalists operating in the field under our direction, he tells me, [who] werent being told that if they got arrested or sued, theyd have to pay their own legal bills. The decision worked retroactively, as well. Project Veritas stopped paying legal bills for the two employees who got raided by the FBI. When the checks stopped coming, OKeefe stepped up and began paying the costs out of his own pocket. Its very rare in this business that somebody would do that for their purported co-conspirators, says Jeffrey Lichtman, who represents both employees, along with OKeefe. That just doesnt happen. The deep state and federal governments lawfare against [Veritas] took a toll, Wetmore says when asked about the decision. It is an ongoing discussion on how to handle the massive litigation costs. In August, Giles began to lay off the majority of Project Veritas workforce; by the end of the layoffs, just 11 employees remained. By the end of September, Project Veritas suspended operations indefinitely. Giles resigned as CEO in December, citing strong evidence of past illegality and past financial improprieties. Wetmore took over. The group releases a few videos per month, which average 15,000 YouTube views. Before OKeefe left, they frequently broke 100,000 views. The operation calling itself Project Veritas is, in reality, somewhere between a ghost and a corpse. From a business perspective, the rapid decline made no sense. The CEO changed, but the market remained the same and most of the talent remained at the company. Looking at things that way, Gavin McInnes tells me, was Project Veritas biggest mistake. I dont think you guys realize that this is General Patton, and youre at war, he says. They were basically commandos. They were green berets. And I think they thought they were working at Starbucks. McInnes briefly volunteered for Project Veritas in 2010, and he and OKeefe remained friends after his departure. Even if the board and employees are telling the truth about OKeefe, he says, it doesnt matter. In times of war, the price of mutiny is death. I dont think you can run MS-13 without El Chapo or the Hells Angels without Sonny Barger, McInnes says. And I was proven right, because what happens as soon as they chop the head off a snake? It regrows a body, and they die of starvation. El Chapo never ran MS-13 and snake biology doesnt work that way, but other than that McInnes is essentially correct. Project Veritas starved to death, and OKeefes OMG continues to release content. But the content has degraded and so has OKeefe. OKeefes Next Chapter THE PROMO VIDEO begins with an aggressive, crotch-level thrust of a gasoline nozzle into the gas tank of a Lamborghini. Coming Tomorrow flashes across the screen as Ushers OMG plays its a teaser for OMGs biggest story yet. The Lambo stops to reveal OKeefe in the drivers seat, smirking next to a gorgeous brunette. This is Pariah the Doll, a trans It girl of New York Citys anti-woke, arthouse Dimes Square. This video drops two weeks after Giles takes over at Project Veritas, and OKeefe is going full bore on the phallic imagery. A clip of artillery firing rockets, then back to OKeefe spraying champagne. OKeefe throws money in the air, cigar clamped in his teeth in a conscious parody of douchiness or, at least, I hope its conscious. OKeefe had plans for OMG that went well beyond Project Veritas 2.0. He envisioned a decentralized empire of citizen journalists across the country the Uber of Journalism, as he put it to podcast host Jack Posobiec where would-be citizen journalists could sign up for OKeefe Academy and buy a master class on undercover reporting for $497. They could buy or lease hidden cameras and sell scoops to OMG: $3,000 per story, with a bonus if that story went viral. I saw a website-development proposal describing a social-media-style platform where paying members could post their scoops, which could then be picked up by OMG or other news outlets. Supporters could pay $20 per month for paywalled content, or they could become a founding member for anywhere between $500 (Bronze Tier) and $15,000 (Ambassador Tier). Within the first 24 hours of the website going live, OMG sold half a million dollars worth of subscriptions. The website is still live, but theres no social media platform, and OMG stopped uploading content there in November 2023. OMG now uses YouTube and X to post videos which, for the first time in OKeefes career, feature sponsorships. James always said content is king, says Hartsock about OKeefe. A lot of OMGs content is old news. Theres the investigation of potentially shady donation practices by ActBlue and WinRed, which The New York Times reported on two years prior. Theres the White House insider caught on hidden camera seeming to claim that Vice President Kamala Harris cant keep Black staff; Politico reported in 2022 about Black staffers leaving. Other stories, especially ones recorded during dates with undercover journalists, seem to feature employees inflating their own importance, as with the self-professed low-level CIA contractor who claimed that three-letter agencies withheld classified information from Trump during his term and that the CIA is currently monitoring Trumps communications. Trump found the story compelling enough to make a video response, and Rep. Matt Gaetz has petitioned the House for an investigation into the claims. Between five and 10 Project Veritas employees followed OKeefe to OMG and quickly became disillusioned, with some complaining of long hours and low pay. In February, OKeefe posted a job ad to X that conveys the OMG work-life balance: Must be completely fearless, willing to live out of a suitcase, work 12 hours a day, travel constantly. OKeefes decision to visit Bohemian Grove, a private campground for wealthy and powerful men and a locus of many conspiracy theories, prompted an exodus. By the beginning of 2024, almost no one who followed OKeefe from Project Veritas still worked at OMG. Bad blood flows beneath all the burning bridges. After founding OMG, OKeefe received anonymous harassing texts: often obscene, always aggressive. A few of them made their way onto social media, where one board member gleefully reposted them. Supporters of OKeefe received similar treatment: When an employee who followed OKeefe to OMG criticized Project Veritas, a former co-worker shared intimate details of his marital issues and his wifes mental health (since deleted). Two X accounts posted intimate texts between OKeefe and his girlfriend, Alexandra Rose of Selling the OC. A recently leaked video shows OKeefe and a male companion attempting to elicit information from a 20-year-old they believed worked for Sen. Chuck Schumer. The woman was falling-down drunk and aggressively sexual toward the two men, who responded by buying her more drinks and encouraging her to flash them. A few former fans were scandalized. Most remained indifferent. As OKeefe put it to Eriksson during their final text conversation: Content is king, but people follow people. What It All Meant THE RIGHT NOWADAYS are super focused on idols, one former undercover journalist tells me. I think a lot of us from Project Veritas are seeing that now. When I visited the office in 2022, OKeefe gave me his personal annotated copy of Custodians of Conscience, by James Ettema and Theodore Glasser, a well-respected book about the role investigative journalism plays in establishing and enforcing morality, and the tension between the ideal of objective journalism and the outrage against injustice that most investigative pieces seek to provoke. Its on my bookshelf still. We would investigate the sacred cows, the monoliths that thought they couldnt be touched, the former employee continues. And then here we go on the right and erect our own sacred cows and monoliths that cant be touched. James OKeefe can do no wrong. The idea that anyone could see OKeefe as not merely a journalist, but the last journalist the only man brave enough to hold the powerful to account might seem ridiculous from a left-wing perspective. Based on my interactions with OKeefe, he genuinely believes this to be the case. Even one-on-one, he spoke to me the way the protagonist of a play might, complete with monologues and an unshakable certainty that this story ends with the triumph of good (himself) over evil (everyone who has ever wronged him). He welcomes intellectual disagreement because it affirms his self-image as intellectual; he tolerated my criticisms because they affirmed his identity as a journalist. I enjoyed my occasional dinners with him in the same way Steve Irwin seems to have enjoyed his crocodiles. Ultimately, he declined to comment for this article. Many Project Veritas employees bought into the OKeefe mythos. And a lot of his fans still do. I think in the rights push to win the culture war, they unknowingly sacrificed a lot of their values, the former employee says. Alinskys Rules for Radicals refers to targets and enemies, counterattacks and threats. This is not the language of traditional journalism which investigates facts and strives for understanding but of war, which annihilates its target by any means necessary. Journalism as combat short-circuits empathy and renders nuance impossible. It makes for a simplistic story flattened to the point of dishonesty. Project Veritas and most of the conservative movement today starts from the assumption that every individual and organization associated with the liberal establishment is secretly corrupt. They lie to the American people and tell the truth behind closed doors. Veritas did not mount investigations to discover whether ACORN is corrupt or whether Twitter censors conservatives; they mounted investigations to find proof for these things they were already convinced were true. This proof usually took the form of impropriety by someone within the target organization, which they presented as evidence that the entire organization, along with the ideology behind it, was irredeemable. A handful of poorly trained staffers at ACORN who exhibited staggeringly poor judgment became proof ACORN supported undocumented underage sex trafficking. A Twitter executive blowing off steam over drinks became proof Twitter itself had a vendetta against Musk. Whether or not these conclusions are true, Project Veritas videos proved neither. But what happens if a conservative hero turns out to be a poor manager or spends nonprofit money on private helicopter trips? If [we] had, during [our] infiltration of the Katie Hobbs campaign, found out that Katie Hobbs had a $12,000 down payment on a wedding venue, but that the engagement broke off and Katie Hobbs had the campaign reimburse her for it by holding a campaign Christmas party at the venue James mouth would have been watering, Hartsock says. Ten years ago, OKeefes actions might have been exactly that kind of deal-breaker, but the world has changed since then. Most conservative culture warriors no longer perceive the U.S. political divide as two factions that disagree with each other, but as a war between real Americans and godless communists working to destroy the country. The conservative worldview allows for the idea that Pfizer orchestrated a coup to destroy Project Veritas, or an employee pool that suddenly went woke. It doesnt allow for the possibility that OKeefe was himself corrupted by money, ego, and power. The Westchester headquarters may be mostly empty now, but the paranoid animal spirits of Project Veritas live on. This story has been updated to reflect that it was Hinkley, and not a board member, who disputes that helicopter trips were primarily for meeting donors. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man who led an international drug trafficking organization in Lane County was sentenced to federal prison on Tuesday after authorities seized almost 200 pounds of drugs and over a dozen guns from the ring, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon. The organizations leader, 33-year-old Victor Diaz-Ramirez, was sentenced to 11 years in prison with five years supervised release after trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine from Mexico to Oregon between 2018 and 2020, authorities said. During the investigation, authorities seized nearly 180 pounds of meth, 12 pounds of heroin, and six pounds of fentanyl along with 18 rifles, three rifle optics, and ammunition. Authorities locate propane truck driver who left trailer that exploded on I-5 Investigators also forfeited about $1.2 million from the organization, including more than $400,000 in cash. In August 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene charged Diaz-Ramirez with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He later pleaded guilty to one count superseding criminal information, charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. Nathan Lichvarcik, chief of the U.S. Attorneys Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices, lauded the sentencing as the state grapples with an addiction crisis. How old is Herman the Sturgeon, really? Bonneville Hatchery celebrates Hermans birthday While communities across our state continue to struggle with the ongoing drug crisis, there are criminal enterprises, like the Diaz-Ramirez drug trafficking organization, whose sole purpose is to profit from addiction and suffering. This far-reaching investigation demonstrates the deep commitment of all involved law enforcement agencies to combatting drug trafficking and keeping our communities safe, Lichvarcik said in a press release. Drug traffickers like Mr. Diaz-Ramirez prey on our communities by peddling large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, often to our most vulnerable, added David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division. I am gratified that the hard work of DEA, the U.S. Attorneys Office and our many partners from law enforcement agencies across Oregon led to the lengthy sentence Mr. Diaz-Ramirez received in this case. Justice was truly served. Diaz-Ramirezs sentencing comes after 35 people including suppliers in Mexico, couriers, and associates in Lane County and around Eugene have been convicted for their roles in the drug ring, according to the U.S. Attorneys 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 KOIN.com. Milwaukee police shot an 18-year-old pregnant woman, ending the pregnancy, on Interstate 43 Thursday after a chase, as the pursued vehicle was wanted in connection to two recent armed carjacking incidents downtown. Another teen, a 17-year-old boy, was shot and injured, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said at a news conference. It's unclear if any of the occupants in the suspected vehicle fired shots at officers, Norman said, but a firearm was recovered inside the vehicle. Norman said the police shooting took place around 2:30 p.m. on I-43 near West Vienna Avenue. After the suspected vehicle fled a traffic stop at North 17th and West Vliet streets, the driver entered a construction zone on the highway where several workers were and was blocked by the construction and a cement truck. Norman said. The driver used the suspected vehicle to back into a squad car and, after moving forward, backed the vehicle again, coming close to hitting an officer standing nearby, Norman said. When that happened, another officer shot his weapon, striking two teens inside the vehicle, Norman said. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman speaks during a press conference Thursday. Six people were inside the vehicle. An 18-year-old Milwaukee woman has life-threatening injuries and a 17-year-old boy has serious injuries, Norman said. The other four occupants, ages 15 to 18, were also taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries. No other members of the public or officers were injured. The officer who fired shots, a 25-year-old man with over four years of service, was placed on administrative duty, per department policy. The West Allis Police Department is the lead agency in the investigation. An attempted carjacking occurred earlier Thursday in the 500 block of North Broadway and a carjacking occurred in 500 block of North Jefferson Street, according to Norman. Both carjacking victims are "OK," he said. Carjackings which involve the taking of a car by threat or force, often with a weapon have a emerged as a new issue of concern for police and violence prevention officials. There were 450 people who were carjacked in Milwaukee in 2023, a 16% increase from the previous year. The upward trend is continuing, with carjackings up another 12% compared to 2023, as of June 19. The incident closed I-43 from Capitol Drive to Locust Street during the evening rush hour. Southbound traffic on I-43 was backed up to East Bradley Road in Fox Point and through the Marquette interchange downtown. Interstate 43 is closed in both directions, causing traffic backups, as seen in a traffic camera image from about 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Maurice Greenwood, 36, was on his way home from his job at a fast-food restaurant on the south side when he was met with gridlock near downtown. Police diverted him and thousands of other motorists onto Seventh Street, which runs parallel to the interstate. Vehicles, backed up bumper to bumper, inched through the north side while investigators collected evidence on the highway just a few yards away. Police investigate after all northbound and southbound lanes on Interstate 43 from Capitol Drive to Locust Street were closed due to a police investigation in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 20, 2024. "I had no idea I'd run into something like this," Greenwood said while stuck in traffic at Seventh Street and King Drive. "You just never know what's gonna happen on any day of the week." By the time he arrived at Seventh and King, he had been in traffic for roughly two hours. The side-street traffic jam caught the attention of nearby residents. They were unaware of what happened on the freeway below, but figured the situation was serious, given the police presence. "This is crazy," said Da'neesha Johnson, 22, as she walked by another taped-off section by Seventh Street. "It's hard to feel safe out here anymore." All lanes of I-43 northbound and southbound were closed from 2:40 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Thursday, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Norman didn't say if the suspects fired shots Norman, who recently applied for a new job in Austin, Texas, wasn't able to answer whether anyone shot at officers. "At this time, it's unknown," he said, adding it's "an ongoing investigation." "I cannot explain what (officers) felt at the time, I just understand in regards to what we know at this time, and that there was a confrontation of sorts at that particular location," Norman said. The department's use of force policy addresses discharging firearms at moving vehicles. Officers are prohibited from firing at moving vehicles "unless deadly physical force is being used against the police member or another person by means other than a moving vehicle," and that the "risks are outweighed by the need to use deadly force." Norman said the driver of the suspected vehicle intentionally reversed into a squad car, then drove forward and reversed again while an officer was standing behind the vehicle. The department's policy specifically states that it is "not intended" to stop an officer from firing their weapon when it is "reasonably perceived that the vehicle is being used as a weapon against the officer or others." The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission approved a new policy in April that would require police to release footage from "critical incidents" within 15 days. However, a Milwaukee County judge temporarily blocked the policy from taking effect. Instead, police operate under a department goal to release the footage within 45 days. Norman asks parents to step up on first day of summer Following a prepared statement, Norman spoke off-script about the state of crime in Milwaukee as Thursday marked the first day of summer and the Republican National Convention, which will bring thousands of visitors to town, is set to take place in weeks. According to police, Milwaukee has had fewer homicides this year than in recent years at this time, but increasingly the victims and suspects are young people, often minors. "As we're embarking on summertime, it is imperative that we understand, where are our children?" Norman said. "We have multiple young people involved in unacceptable behavior in this city. This is unacceptable. Parents, what is going on with your children? People in our community, how are we helping to keep our kids in positive behaviors, rather than what we are seeing today? "This should never have happened. ... There are no winners in this particular situation. So I'm asking the community, let's take our kids and embrace them in a positive way to engage in positive behaviors and not in these unacceptable behaviors we saw today." A reporter asked if the department has plans to engage youth, which got a rise out of Norman. "I've said this many times. We are in law enforcement. We enforce the law. Policing the community is all of our responsibility. ... It's more than just us. Don't put that all on us. "Our kids, they need us. They're crying for us." Where to find help Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness of Safety recommends these resources for free support: 414Life outreach and conflict mediation support: 414-439-5525. Milwaukee County's 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 414-257-7222. Milwaukee's Child Mobile Crisis and Trauma Response Team: 414-257-7621. National crisis text line: Text HOPELINE to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police shoot two teens on I-43 after suspected carjackings BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Despite the limited time to prepare for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), all the work done is on schedule, Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister and COP29 chief negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev told reporters on the sidelines of the forum of the youth organization of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Trend reports. "Our utmost difficulty in preparing for COP29 is that we have rather little time. But if we divide the preparation phase into pre-session and post-session periods, we see that everything is going as planned. Our plans and roadmap for the next stages are ready, and we are on track," he emphasized. To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird spoke at the 2024 Iowa GOP state convention in Clive May 4, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Thursday she has filed an appeal to lift the injunction blocking enforcement on Iowas immigration law making illegal reentry a state crime. The appeal comes days after U.S. District Judge Stephen Lochers ruling siding with the U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of civil rights groups and preventing the law from being enforced. The state measure, Senate File 2340, would allow state law enforcement officers to arrest and charge immigrants with an aggravated misdemeanor if they have been previously deported, removed or denied admission from the country. Judges would be allowed to order a person found guilty to leave the country or face prison time, with law enforcement and state agencies able to transport migrants to U.S. ports of entry to ensure they leave the country. Though the law was set to begin enforcement July 1, the injunction has blocked it from enactment as the lawsuit continues. That injunction is what Birds office seeks to lift, sending the case to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Following the appeals court decision, the lawsuit could be appealed again, sending it to the U.S. Supreme Court. Iowa wont back down on the law, Bird said in a news release Thursday. Today, my office filed an appeal to defend Iowas immigration enforcement law that keeps Iowa families safe, Bird said in a statement. We cant afford to stand by any longer as Bidens border crisis rolls out a welcome mat for drug cartels, human traffickers, and suspected terrorists to invade our home communities. If Biden wont do his job to secure our borders, Iowa will. In his decision, Locher wrote that the Iowa law is preempted in its entirety by federal law, agreeing with the DOJs argument that immigration law and enforcement is the federal governments domain. Iowa Deputy Solicitor General Patrick Valencia argued in court that the state law does not conflict with federal immigration statutes but simply allows state law enforcement and agencies to enforce existing law. However, DOJ officials said that there are differences between the state and federal laws on crimes related to illegal reentry in cases such as when a person has been previously denied entrance to the U.S. but since gained legal citizenship. While the state argued the law should be interpreted as impacting only people in the country illegally, Locher said that there was not language in the law outlining this exception. The DOJ has also challenged state measures on illegal immigration in Texas and Oklahoma. The Texas law is also under a preliminary injunction and the federal department has filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma measure. Bird said on Tuesday that she believes the U.S. Supreme Court could take up an appeal on Iowas law, or rule in another case on state enforcement of immigration laws. The Supreme Court does not necessarily have to take appeals, Bird said, according to Iowas News Now. I think theres a possibility theyll be dealing with this issue or issues similar to it in the future, because a number of states are having this problem with an out-of-control border. The post Iowa attorney general appeals injunction on state illegal immigration law appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Board of Nursing) The Iowa Board of Nursing has taken action against nurses accused of stealing medications, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work, and inadvertently contributing to a hospital patients death. One of the cases involves Rahni Brower, 40, of Carroll, who was charged by the board with misappropriating patient medications and committing an act that may adversely affect a patients welfare. According to the board, Brower worked for Carroll Area Nursing Services for roughly 18 months before she was fired in December 2022. After her dismissal, CANS administrator Kimberly Lambert filed a complaint with the board alleging Brower had stolen a patients medications, including oxycodone, resulting in increased pain for the patient. At a recent board hearing, Lambert testified that she had asked Brower to submit to a drug test, but the urine sample Brower provided was discarded as not being within the acceptable temperature range. A subsequent test produced negative results. Lambert testified that she fired Brower and soon thereafter received complaints from two CANS clients who alleged Brower visited their homes after she was terminated. In the first of those cases, Brower was allegedly seen checking the patients medicine cabinet, after which it was discovered that all of the patients fentanyl patches were missing. In the second of the two cases, Brower allegedly checked a patients medication supply, after which it was discovered that all of the mans hydrocodone pain killers had been replaced with Tylenol. According to the board, a fourth CANS client allegedly reported that she had once seen Brower rifling through her medication box, after which she discovered at least 120 pills, including oxycodone, were missing. Two of Browers previous employers allegedly told the board they had concerns regarding medications that were never accounted for during Browers employment. Neither of the two facilities which arent named in board documents were able to clear Brower of any wrongdoing. According to board records, Brower denied taking medications from clients or her employers. With regard to her post-termination visits to patients homes, she alleged she had made those visits to return books or DVDs she had borrowed. After hearing testimony in the case, the board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence established the theft of medication. The board opted not to revoke Browers license but to impose a suspension. Her license may be reinstated if she establishes that the reasons for her suspension no longer exist. In order to request reinstatement, Brower will have to complete a comprehensive substance abuse and mental health evaluation and comply with any treatment recommendations, and she must complete a course on professional boundaries and ethics. In Carroll County, Brower is currently facing three misdemeanor charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance through her employment as a home health nurse. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial is scheduled for Aug. 13. In Greene County, Brower is facing two felony counts of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances through theft, and two misdemeanor prescription-drug violations. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial is scheduled for Sept. 16. Browers license suspension took effect on April 12. On May 22, Brower informed the court that she was working for Vivian Health, a medical staffing agency. Other Iowa nurses recently sanctioned include: Andrea Cline of Grinnell and Amber Hills of Estherville, both of whom were alleged to have fed and medicated a hospital patient on March 18, 2019, using a gastric feeding tube that had been improperly routed into one of the patients lungs. The board issued a warning to both nurses. Board records give no indication as to whether the patient survived. However, civil court records indicate the charges against Cline and Hills are tied to the treatment of Marvin Morris, who allegedly suffocated at Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medical Center as the result of a misplaced feeding tube that sent food, water and medications directly into his left lung. The tube was allegedly left there for 14 hours, despite an X-ray that had confirmed the tubes misplacement. After his death, Morris family sued Cline, the hospital and others, alleging that Morris drowned to death while his family members repeatedly and relentlessly begged medical care providers to do something to help Marvin. The case was settled out of court in December 2022, one week before a trial was to be held. Before the settlement was reached, Cline gave a deposition in which she was asked, By March 18th of 2019, would you have considered yourself proficient in the insertion of a Corpak feeding tube? According to the transcript, Cline replied, I dont consider myself proficient in anything. Shelley Arends, who was the subject of a board order earlier this year. The board has not publicly disclosed the charges against Arends, the circumstances that led to those charges, or the nature of the order that was issued. Nicole Klosterman of Cedar Rapids, who was assigned to a hospital, undisclosed by the board, in April 2023 when her colleagues allegedly observed that she appeared to be impaired while on duty as demonstrated by her altered behavior, speech and appearance. The board charged her with practicing nursing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The board placed Klostermans license on probation for nine months subject to her compliance with a chemical screening program. Sadessa Hernandez of Altoona, who was accused of discarding 172 narcotic pills on a single day in September 2023 while working at a care center the board has not publicly identified. While its not unusual for nurses to discard medications, normal protocol intended to guard against theft calls for such wastage to be witnessed by another health professional. According to the board, another nurse alleged that Hernandez had entered her name into records as witnessing the wastage. The board placed Hernandezs license on probation for 12 months and ordered her to refrain from using alcohol or illicit drugs and to submit to a chemical screening program. Amanda Hake of Davenport, who pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled substance after police found her in possession of oxycodone without a valid prescription. Hake entered her guilty plea in October 2022. The board filed disciplinary charges against her 16 months later in January 2024. The board recently placed Hakes license on probation for 12 months. She will be required to submit to chemical screening and attend recovery support group meetings if recommended. Trenton Buchanan of Cedar Rapids, who was charged by the board with committing an act that may adversely affect a patients welfare, misappropriating patient medications or property; unauthorized possession or use of a controlled substance; and excessive use of drugs in a manner that may impair a licensees ability to practice with skill and safety. The board has not publicly disclosed the factual circumstances leading to the charges, but Buchanan has agreed to refrain from practicing nursing while the boards investigation into the matter continues. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Iowa nurses accused of lethal errors, theft and being impaired while on duty appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. Iowa Poll: Most Republicans are optimistic about presidential race; most Democrats dread it Copyright 2024, Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. Linda Cade watched the television coverage of Donald Trumps recent hush money trial and quickly became fed up with the way she felt Democrats and prosecutors were going after the former president. Flipping through cable TV, she also was confronted with Hunter Bidens conviction on federal gun charges. Instability abroad. Chaos at the border. Policies coming out of the White House are too focused on climate crap, she said, and shes angry that Democratic President Joe Biden wants to forgive student loan debt, even though she worked hard to pay off her own. All of it has left Cade feeling exhausted. I just want it to be done so I can vote, and we can get (Trump) elected, she said. Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump greets supporters upon arrival for his campaign rally at Sunset Park on June 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows a majority of Iowans across the political spectrum share a similar sentiment: exhaustion. Sixty percent say they are exhausted thinking about Novembers presidential elections, which will feature a rematch between Trump and Biden two of the most disliked men in modern American politics. The weariness is bipartisan, the poll shows. Among Republicans, 52% say they are exhausted thinking about the presidential contest. Its 61% for Democrats, and 65% of independents say the same. But Republicans are more likely than Democrats to describe themselves as optimistic and excited about the November election. The top feeling Democrats cited after exhaustion was dread. Iowa Poll respondents were offered a list of six potential emotions to describe their feelings about the 2024 presidential election. Second to exhaustion is optimism at 49%. Then comes dread at 42%, excitement at 31%, indifference at 27%, and wanting revenge at 8%. Poll respondents could choose as many of the words as they felt applied. The poll of 806 Iowa adults was conducted June 9-14 by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, and it has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Most Iowa Republicans are optimistic, many are excited and a few want revenge Despite Cades exhaustion, she said she also is excited and optimistic about the presidential race and Trumps chances of defeating Biden in November. As long as it's a fair election, yes, he'll win, said Cade, a 75-year-old poll respondent from Atlantic. No two ways about it. According to the poll, 62% of Republicans say they are optimistic about the presidential election more than the 45% of Democrats and 39% of independents who say the same. Similarly, 47% of Republicans say they are excited, compared to 26% of Democrats and 21% of independents. Those feelings are likely bolstered by Trumps chances in Iowa. The latest Iowa Poll shows he leads Biden 50% to 32% among likely voters after he also won the state in 2016 and 2020. Former President Donald Trump speaks Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Trump caucus night watch party at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. National polling also shows Trump performing well in key battleground states that will play a far more substantial role than Iowa in shaping the outcome of the election. But a few Iowans 8% are looking toward the race for revenge. That includes 12% of Republicans, 2% of Democrats and 8% of independents. We've been the news Iowa depends upon since 1849. Subscribe to help us continue our mission. I just want revenge for Trump, said Seth Bartmess, a 40-year-old poll respondent from Berwick. I think he deserves a second chance. Bartmess said hes all in on Trumps reelection chances and is excited for November. I think Trump's going to win. I really think he is, he said. I just think that America itself is tired of Biden. Most Democrats face 2024 presidential race with dread, exhaustion Roan Marcy, a 20-year-old poll respondent from North Liberty, plans to vote for Biden but is approaching the election with feelings of exhaustion and dread. It's exhausting to hear basically the same stuff over and over again, said Marcy, who is transgender. Hey, this bill is in courts and whatnot to see if it gets passed. And guess what? It takes away your rights. And it's like, I've been hearing that since I was, like, politically conscious, really. So, it's been just kind of exhausting, the same cycle of things just over and over. The crowd and members of the media listen as President Joe Biden, left, gives his speech during his re-election rally at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 18, 2024. Marcy, a Democrat, doesnt like Trump but doesnt believe Biden has done enough to reverse Trumps policies while in office. He said he currently plans to vote for Biden as the lesser of two evils. The Iowa Poll shows Marcy is among the 42% of Iowans who are facing the 2024 presidential race with dread. That includes 59% of Democrats, 45% of independents and 27% of Republicans. Nationally, Biden eked out a win against Trump in 2020. But his approval rating has crashed, both in Iowa and across the country, in the years since hes taken office. Today, he faces a difficult reelection fight, even as he once again frames the race as a fight for the soul of the nation and protecting democracy. Marcy said hes going to try to stay engaged in politics at the state and local level, rather than with the presidential race. It feels like just having a Democratic president isn't enough, he said. That's why I'm going to try and focus more on local elections, and I'm going to focus more on trying to get more power to things locally. Because at the end of the day, that's probably what's going to protect my rights as an Iowa citizen, better than my rights as an American citizen. Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She is also covering the 2024 presidential race for USA TODAY as a senior national campaign correspondent. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR. About the Iowa Poll The Iowa Poll, conducted June 9-14, 2024, for The Des Moines Register and Mediacom by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, is based on telephone interviews with 806 Iowans ages 18 or older. Interviewers with Quantel Research contacted households with randomly selected landline and cell phone numbers supplied by Dynata. Interviews were administered in English. Responses were adjusted by age, sex and congressional district to reflect the general population based on recent American Community Survey estimates. Questions based on the sample of 806 Iowa adults have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. This means that if this survey were repeated using the same questions and the same methodology, 19 times out of 20, the findings would not vary from the true population value by more than plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Results based on smaller samples of respondents such as by gender or age have a larger margin of error. Republishing the copyright Iowa Poll without credit and, on digital platforms, links to originating content on The Des Moines Register and Mediacom is prohibited. This embedded content is not available in your region. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll: Majority of Iowans exhausted by Trump vs Biden 2024 rematch Insights from Middle East Monitor, The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, and Atlantic Council The News Iran could significantly expand its nuclear capabilities in the near future, The Washington Post reported. New construction activity has been recorded at one of its most secretive facilities, which could triple the sites production of enriched uranium enough for the country to accumulate several bombs worth of nuclear fuel every month, the outlet reported. International watchdogs have been largely blocked from investigating further: Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency board passed a resolution calling on Iran to cooperate with the watchdog and reverse its ban on inspectors. Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, but high-ranking officials have recently hinted the country would build nuclear weapons if threatened by Israel. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. The West isnt calling Irans bluff Sources: The Washington Post, The Washington Institute , The Wall Street Journal Tehran is effectively weaponizing the ambiguity around whether it has reached the threshold for nuclear weapons as both a deterrent and a bargaining chip that could strengthen the regimes hand should it ever return to sit at a negotiating table, an expert told The Washington Post. Iran may, of course, not actually cross the threshold, but the relatively muted response to IAEA warnings may have boosted Tehrans confidence and the West could take a stronger position, the managing director of The Washington Institute argued. US President Joe Biden might be trying to avoid the issue until after November, but he risks having to explain to Americans how Iran came to build a bomb on [his] watch, The Wall Street Journal wrote in an editorial. Changing public opinion in Iran could sway nuclear policy Sources: The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Middle East Monitor An overwhelming majority of Iranians now support nuclear weapons development, a change in sentiment potentially bolstered by recent military confrontations with Israel that could put pressure on the countrys leaders to reassess their anti-nuclear official policy, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists said. Irans history of invasions and strategic isolation means its national psyche is deeply concerned with security, and Iranians believe in the need for a strong deterrent, a columnist wrote in Middle East Monitor. Iranian regime uses nuclear double-speak Source: Atlantic Council Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis fatwa prohibiting nuclear arms is essentially a farce, a kind of double-speak that allows scientists to develop the technology for weapons in the shadows, an Iranian journalist argued in the Atlantic Council. The only mention of the fatwa on Khameneis official website is in a 2015 speech, which notably skirted the subject of the production and storage of nuclear arms, and it is possible the Ayatollah will revoke the fatwa if it is expedient to him. PARIS, Ill. (WCIA) An Edgar County school district previously in hot water for misusing grant money has received more questions from the Illinois State Board of Education. Paris School District 95 Superintendent Lorraine Bailey confirmed in an email to WCIA that ISBE has asked the district for more documentation on their spending of ESSER grants for Fiscal Year 2023. The spending ISBE is questioning amounts to $726,653.00. ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) grants are in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to enable schools to operate safely during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and support social-emotional and academic recovery, according to ISBEs website. Bailey said the funds from ESSER could be used for a variety of expenditures, from Chromebooks and reading materials to professional development for faculty and playground equipment. Paris-Union 95 hires new superintendent Some violations ISBEs auditing teams are alleging include capital purchases made without approval, expenditure reports using budgeted amounts versus actual costs, and employees being paid in excess. ISBE is not saying that the funds were used incorrectly, but proper backup documentation was not provided, Bailey said in the email. No formal report against the district has been filed yet. Bailey said the district provided more information and is waiting to hear back from the state agencys auditing team. The previous superintendent, Jeremy Larson, had his house raided by the FBI and the district subpoenaed in relation to misspending federal grant money. The district has implemented a spending plan to repay grants. Larson has not been charged with a crime, and he left the district late last year. WCIA reached out to ISBE on the matter but has not heard back yet. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Several Israeli air strikes in the central and northern Gaza Strip overnight and into Thursday killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens of others, according to medics, while tanks deepened their invasion into Rafah in the south, residents said. Israeli planes struck a house in Al-Nuseirat camp, killing two people and wounding 12 others, while tanks shelled areas in Al-Maghazi and Al-Bureij camps, wounding many other people, health officials said. Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij are three of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps. In Deir al-Balah, a city packed with displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, an Israeli air strike killed one Palestinian and wounded several others on Thursday, medics said. Later on Thursday, an Israeli air strike on a house in the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City killed seven Palestinians, medics said. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Another air strike on a house west of the city killed a journalist of the Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV, Hamas media said. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said Israeli fire has killed 152 journalists since Oct 7. The Israeli military said on Wednesday forces were continuing their operations across the enclave targeting militants and military infrastructure in what it described as "precise, intelligence-based" activities. More than eight months into the war in Gaza, Israel's advance is now focused on the two last areas its forces had yet to storm: Rafah on Gaza's southern edge and the area surrounding Deir al-Balah in the centre. The operations have forced more than a million people to flee since May, the vast majority already displaced from other parts of the enclave. In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, Israeli tanks stationed deep in the western and central areas of the city stepped up bombardment, forcing more families living in the far coastal areas to flee northward. Some residents said the pace of the raid has been accelerated in the past two days. "The tanks took control of most of the areas in Rafah. People living by the beach have also started to leave toward Khan Younis and central areas in fear because of the continued bombardment," said Abu Wasim, a resident from Rafah's Al-Shaboura neighbourhood, who quit his home over a week ago before tanks rolled in reaching the heart of the city. Rafah housed over half of Gaza's 2.3 million people until May 7 when Israeli forces began the ground offensive into the city. Fewer than 100,000 are now believed to be left behind. There has been no sign of let-up in the fighting as efforts by international mediators, backed by the United States, have failed to persuade Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire. The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad said fighters battled Israeli forces with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, and have in some areas detonated pre-planted explosive devices against army units. Hamas' armed wing said on Thursday its fighters hit two Israeli tanks with anti-tank rockets in the Shaboura camp in the city of Rafah. Following the attack soldiers escaped into the alleys of the camp before being gunned down by the fighters, the group said. There was no Israeli immediate comment on the Hamas claim. On Thursday, Israeli authorities freed 33 Palestinians who had been detained during the past months by Israeli forces in different areas of the enclave. The freed detainees were admitted into Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip after they complained of torture and mistreatment by Israeli jailers. Israel denies mistreatment of Palestinian detainees. Palestinian and international human rights groups have criticised what they say is Israel's ill-treatment of Gaza detainees and repeatedly demanded it disclose their whereabouts and information about their well-being. Israel's ground and air campaign was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The offensive has left Gaza in ruins, killed more than 37,400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, and left nearly the entire population homeless and destitute. Since a week-long truce in November, repeated attempts to arrange a ceasefire have failed, with Hamas insisting on an end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will agree only to temporary pauses and will not end the war until Hamas is eradicated and the hostages are freed. (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-MughrabiEditing by Peter Graff and Josie Kao) Israeli military official says Hamas cannot be destroyed, as rift with Netanyahu widens Israels top military spokesman has said Hamas cannot be made to disappear, casting doubt about whether the governments war aim of defeating the militant group can be achieved and drawing a sharp rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas, to make Hamas vanish that is throwing sand in the eyes of the public, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said Wednesday in an interview with Israels Channel 13. Hagaris comments prompted a terse response from Netanyahus office, which said Israels security cabinet has defined the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities as one of the aims of its war in Gaza. The IDF, of course, is committed to this, Netanyahus office said. The IDF later sought to clarify Hagaris remarks, confirming it is committed to the governments war goals and claiming that Hagari was only referring to Hamas as an ideology and as an idea. Despite the IDFs attempt to soften Hagaris remarks, cracks appear to be deepening between the Israeli government and its military. Netanyahu has come under increasing pressure from members of his government and Israels allies, including the United States, to devise a strategy for the post-war governance of Gaza after Israels devastating bombardment of the isolated enclave. In response to Hamas October 7 attacks on Israel, when militants killed more than 1,200 people and took some 250 others hostage, Israel launched its war in Gaza with the primary goals of recovering the hostages, destroying Hamas ability to govern there and ensuring another attack could not be launched from the Palestinian territory. But after eight months of war, and with the prospect of many more to come, Hagaris comments echoed the growing fears that Israels military campaign may be unable to achieve those aims and that the group could remain a potent ideological force, despite Netanyahus claim to have killed more than 14,000 Hamas fighters. CNN cannot independently verify that figure. Palestinians inspect damage after an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, June 9, 2024. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images Telling the public that there will be no terror in Gaza, no military operatives, no rockets and no armed men is a lie, Hagari said in a separate interview with CNN affiliate Kan 11. There will be terror in Gaza. Hamas is an idea, deeply rooted in the hearts of the residents of Gaza. To replace those who handle civil services and distribute or steal food, something else needs to be established. This is a decision for the political echelon, and the army will implement it. In a sign that Israels cabinet may be tempering its initial war aims of destroying Hamas in its entirety, government spokesperson David Mencer said that eliminating Hamas military and government capabilities does not necessarily mean killing every member of the group. Mencer told reporters Thursday that Hagaris comments had not harmed the war effort, but stressed it was the militarys responsibility to carry out the will of the elected government. During discussions about the US-backed ceasefire plan, Netanayhu also appeared to have retreated from his maximalist rhetoric at the wars outset. A statement issued last week reportedly from the Prime Ministers office said Israel will not end the war before achieving all its war objectives: destroying Hamass military and governing capabilities, freeing all the hostages and ensuring Gaza doesnt pose a threat to Israel in the future. The statement did not reference Netanyahus oft-repeated promise of total victory, nor the elimination of Hamas in full. Netanyahu attends the state memorial ceremony for the Altalena martyrs in Givatayim, Israel, June 18, 2024. - Shaul Golan/Pool/Reuters Hagaris comments sparked the latest in a growing series of public disagreements between Israels government and military. Last weekend, the IDF announced a daily tactical pause of military activity along a route in southern Gaza to allow aid to be distributed a decision that rankled Netanyahu, an Israeli official told CNN. Netanyahu contacted his military secretary and said the idea was unacceptable, but later backed down after being assured the fighting in Rafah would continue, according to the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The IDFs decision to implement tactical pauses also drew fierce criticism from the increasingly rancorous far-right wing of Netanyahus coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said whoever made the decision is evil and a fool who should not continue to be in his position. An IDF spokesperson later told CNN the decision for the tactical pause was approved by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. While Israel has had some success in returning those abducted on October 7 both through a ceasefire-for-hostage deal in November and a daring rescue operation to retrieve four people earlier this month hope that Israel will be able to return the hostages may also be dwindling. A senior Hamas official told CNN he has no idea how many of the 120 remaining hostages in Gaza are still alive, and that any deal to release them must include guarantees of a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. CNNs Caitlin Danaher, Eugenia Yosef and Benjamin Brown contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FILE - Trucks, carrying humanitarian supplies for the Gaza Strip, wait in line on the Egyptian side, at the Kerem Shalom Crossing border as seen from southern Israel, Thursday, April 25, 2024. A persistent breakdown in law and order is rendering an aid route in south Gaza unusable, the UN and NGOs say, days after Israel's military said it would pause combat there to help aid reach desperate Palestinians. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File) JERUSALEM (AP) The Israeli military said Sunday that it was establishing a new safe corridor to deliver aid into southern Gaza. But days later, this self-declared tactical pause has brought little relief to desperate Palestinians. The United Nations and international aid organizations say a breakdown in law and order has made the aid route unusable. With thousands of truckloads of aid piled up, groups of armed men are regularly blocking convoys, holding drivers at gunpoint and rifling through their cargo, according to a U.N. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media on the issue. The lawlessness is a major obstacle to aid distribution to southern and central Gaza where an estimated 1.3 million Palestinians displaced from Rafah, or more than half of Gazas entire population, are now sheltering in tent camps and cramped apartments without adequate food, water, or medical supplies. Here is a closer look at the security challenges facing the U.N. and aid organizations. Israel's tactical pause stymied Israel said Sunday it would observe daily pauses in combat along a route stretching from Kerem Shalom the strips only operational aid crossing in the south to the nearby city of Khan Younis. Before the pause, aid organizations had reported that the need to coordinate trucks movement with the Israelis in an active combat zone was slowing aid distribution. The head of the U.N.s World Food Program said Thursday that the pause has made no difference at all in aid distribution efforts. We havent been able to get in, said Cindy McCain in an interview with Al-Monitor. Weve had to reroute some of our trucks. Theyve been looted. As you know, weve been shot at and weve been rocketed. The U.N. official familiar with the aid effort said that there has been no sign of Israeli activity along the route. The U.N. tried to send a convoy of 60 trucks down the road Tuesday to pick up aid at Kerem Shalom. But 35 of the trucks were intercepted by armed men, the official said. In recent days, the groups have moved closer to the crossing and set up roadblocks to halt trucks loaded with supplies, the U.N. official said. They have searched the pallets for smuggled cigarettes, a rare luxury in a territory where a single smoke can go for $25. The surge in lawlessness is a result of growing desperation in Gaza and the power vacuum left by Hamass waning power over the territory, said Mkhaimar Abusada, an associate professor of political science at Al-Azhar University in Gaza who is now in Cairo. With the enclave's police force targeted by Israel, he said, crime has reemerged as an untreated issue in Gaza. After Hamas came to power, one of the things that they brought under their control was the lawlessness of the so-called big clans, said Abusada. Now, thats left for the Palestinians on their own to deal with it. So once again, we are seeing shootings between families, there are thefts, all the bad things are happening. UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, used to deploy local Palestinian police to escort aid convoys, but many refused to continue serving after airstrikes killed at least eight police officers in Rafah, the agency said. Israel says the police are legitimate targets because they are controlled by Hamas. Is any aid still getting into Gaza? The situation has largely paralyzed aid distribution to the south particularly since Gazas nearby Rafah crossing with Egypt was closed when Israel invaded the city early last month. The U.N. official said that 25 trucks of flour used the route Tuesday. Some private commercial trucks also got through many of which used armed security to deter groups seeking to seize their cargo. An AP reporter stationed along the road Monday saw at least eight trucks pass by, armed security guards riding on top. Before Israels offensive into the city of Rafah, hundreds of fuel trucks routinely entered the area. The U.N. has now begun rerouting some fuel trucks through northern Gaza. Farhan Haq, a U.N. spokesman, said five fuel trucks entered Gaza Wednesday. The U.N. humanitarian office reported that these were the first fuel deliveries since early June and supplies remain scarce. Aid groups say only a ceasefire and a reopening of the Rafah crossing could significantly increase aid flow to the area. The military body in charge of coordinating humanitarian aid efforts, COGAT, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Security concerns also afflict aid from U.S. pier project The U.S. installed a pier off Gazas coast last month, aiming to provide an additional route for aid to enter Gaza. But the ambitious project has suffered repeated logistical and security setbacks. Cyprus and US officials said the pier was up and running again Thursday after being detached for a second time last week because of rough seas. COGAT said Thursday there were hundreds of aid pallets awaiting collection and distribution by the U.N. aid agencies. But there, too, security concerns are hindering distribution of aid. The U.N. suspended its cooperation with the pier on June 9 a day after rumors swirled that the Israeli military had used the area in a hostage rescue operation that left over 270 Palestinians dead. Photos of the operation showed an Israeli military helicopter in what appeared to be the vicinity of the pier. Both Israel and the US deny the pier was used in the operation. But the perception that the pier was used for military purposes could endanger humanitarian workers, and threaten humanitarian groups principles of of neutrality, the U.N. says. Aid workers said they are working with the Israelis to find a solution, but that the security burden falls squarely on Israels shoulders. Officials from the U.N. and other humanitarian organizations, including Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, met with Israels military chief and COGAT officials this week to seek solutions. USAID said afterward that the meeting ended with promises of specific actions, but gave no details. ___ AP correspondents Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report Octavio Adalberto Robledo, from Jacksonville, has been sentenced to more than 8 years in federal prison for downloading videos and photos of young children being sexually abused, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced in a news release. According to court documents, a Columbia County Sheriffs Office detective, who was also an FBI task force officer, was investigating people in Florida who were actively receiving child sexual abuse material on the internet using a particular online file-sharing network. The detective downloaded material from a particular IP address traced to an apartment in Jacksonville where Robledo was living. In April 2017, two FBI agents interviewed Robledo. He let the agents take his computer to search and admitted to using file-sharing programs to find child sexual abuse material. After his interview, he went to Argentina and stayed for six years. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The FBI found 655 photos and two videos of child sexual abuse on his computer. He was arrested at the Miami International Airport after returning from Argentina in July 2023. Robledo then pled guilty in March 2024. Read: Jacksonville man pleads guilty to downloading videos and photos of children being sexually abused In addition to prison time, the 54-year-old has been ordered to serve a 20-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Risks caused by climate change and the scale of damage caused are growing every year, which is an important signal for the insurance industry, and this topic will be discussed within the framework of COP29, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the Azerbaijan Insurers Association Ulviyya Jabbarova said during the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum-2024 (AIIF-2024), Trend reports. "Another issue that deeply concerns us, as well as the entire global insurance sector, is the environment, the green world, and climate change. As global experience shows, the risks caused by climate change and the scale of damage caused are growing every year, which is an important signal for the insurance industry. It is worth noting that at the end of this year, respected representatives of the world's countries will discuss this topic within COP29, which will be held in Azerbaijan. New regulatory changes are also among the current challenges. Changing requirements, new standards, improvement of management forms, and other directions are the main target indicators here. The main task of insurers is to adapt to these innovations as quickly as possible and, as a result, to actively participate in the overall sustainable growth," she noted. To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel George Latimer made a bizarre comment to denigrate incumbent Representative Jamaal Bowman, whose seat hes working to oust, claiming Bowman has an ethnic benefit against him. The comment is just the latest in a string of race-baiting comments Latimer has made against Bowman in a desperate attempt to win his seat in the most expensive House primary in history. Latimers comment came during an interview with Punchbowl News released Thursday where Latimer said, Is [Bowman] going to get at least 40 percent of the vote? Yes. Does he have an obvious ethnic benefit? Yes. Will he get the people who are furthest to the left? Yes. But once you get beyond a couple of constituencies that he has strength in, hes weak everywhere else. This isnt Latimers first bigot-coded remark to swipe at Bowman. During a debate last week, Latimer claimed Bowmans constituents are in Dearborn, a remark widely interpreted to be an anti-Arab and Islamophobic nod to Dearborn, Michigans Arab-majority population. Bowman, who is Black, represents New Yorks 16th congressional district, which is 20.4 percent Black and over 40 percent white. Four days before Latimers latest comment, Bowman slammed him, saying, George Latimers rhetoric is filled with dogwhistles, but his results are even worse: a decades-long history of obstructing federal desegregation orders. Latimers comment drew fierce backlash, with critics pointing out Latimers history of slow-walking desegregation in Westchester County and his tendency to claim the only reason people support Bowman is because hes Black. During their debate on June 11, Latimer accused Bowman of only ever talking about Black constituents, saying, You dont mention people who are not Black or brown. Theres a whole district, Jamaal, that youve ignored, and the district knows youve ignored it. Latimers comment came in response to Bowman accusing Latimer of ignoring Black and brown constituents in Westchester, keenly noting, Just because you have a few Black friends doesnt make you anti-racist. The Democratic primary in New Yorks 16th Congressional District is getting ugly. The race between progressive Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Westchester County Executive George Latimer is already the most expensive House primary ever, and now Latimer is facing accusations of using racist tactics against the incumbent congressman. In a Thursday interview with Punchbowl News, Latimer said he expects Bowman to get at least 40 percent of the vote. Does he have an obvious ethnic benefit? Yes, Latimer said of Bowman, who is Black. Will he get the people who are furthest to the left? Yes. But once you get beyond a couple of constituencies that he has strength in, hes weak everywhere else. Earlier this week, the two men faced off in the final primary debate ahead of next weeks election. During the encounter, Bowman accused Latimers campaign of mailing out flyers with images of him that significantly darkened his complexion. Looming over the heated battle between the two men is an effort by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to unseat progressive members of the House who have been critical of Israels military actions in Gaza. In March, AIPAC launched a $100 million effort with the backing of prominent Republican donors and Trump allies to target candidates of their choice. These include progressive Democrats like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) the only Palestinian-American member of Congress and Bowman. In New Yorks 16th Congressional District, AIPAC has already spent more than $14 million on attack ads against Bowman through their PAC, United Democracy Project. In one instance, the group tapped Elisha Wiesel, the son of famed Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel, for an ad. Who are the antisemites engaged in falsely accusing Israel of genocide? she asked. Who stands up to oppose them? And who stands by silently? We know where Jamaal Bowman stands. Bowman addressed AIPACs involvement in the race directly during Tuesdays debate. AIPAC is spending more money in this primary than any PAC has ever spent in U.S. history, he said. Why? Because Im an outspoken Black man. I fight against genocide in Gaza, and I fight for justice right here. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Its hard not to notice when its Representative Jasmine Crocketts turn to ask questions during hearings for the House Oversight Committee. Her accent a blend of her native St Louis and her adopted home of Dallas, which she represents in the House is distinct and the freshman Democrat relishes in using it to slice up Republicans. She has a way of cutting through political rhetoric and getting to the painful core of an issue particularly when it concerns Republicans ill-fated attempts to impeach President Joe Biden. During the first impeachment hearing in September, Crockett held up images of former president Donald Trump seemingly hiding classified documents in his bathroom and said, There are our national secrets looks like in the s***er to me. Last month, during a markup of a resolution to hold Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia mocked Crocketts fake eyelashes. In response, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York asked for Greenes words to be stricken from the record, considering they violate a rule about making personal attacks in the House. Crockett then asked Republican Chairman James Comer, in a moment that subsequently went viral, If someone on this committee then starts talking about somebodys bleach-blonde, bad-built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct? The moment made the rounds online before the hearing had even ended. In fact, it was Crocketts pastor who told her mid-hearing that she was going viral. Crockett told The Independent in an interview this week that she came up with the insult impromptu-ish after she realized Comer would not punish Greene. Once I realized Comer was going to do the wrong thing, I looked over at [Greene] from head to toe, I wrote down [the insult] and said it, she said. Crockett has emerged as part of what Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, has dubbed the Truth Squad, a group of Democratic freshmen under his and Ocasio-Cortezs tutelage who work to push back on the misinformation promoted by Republicans on the Oversight Committee. Since then, shes become a regular face on Sunday talk shows and on social media. Raskin, for his part, appreciated Crocketts barbs against Greene. When Marjorie Taylor Greene was talking about Ms. Crocketts eyelashes, that was obviously absurd, he said. And so after waiting patiently for him to render the right decision, Ms. Crockett posed a well-framed parliamentary inquiry. Interestingly, Crockett did not want to join the committee that has propelled her profile. Ranking member of the House Oversight Committee Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) recruited Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) to the committee and has praised her legal skills. (Getty Images) I actually wanted financial services, she told The Independent, noting how the regional Federal Reserve office is based in Dallas. And if it was possible, I wanted to try to get on Judiciary as well. Her professional background as an attorney who specialized in business law wouldve made her a good pick for either. Unfortunately, Crockett who won her seat in 2022 would ultimately be bumped from the House Financial Services Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee was full. Raskin had actually been trying to recruit me for Oversight, Crockett said, and leadership had tried to convince me that Oversight was the closest thing to Judiciary and that I should consider it and I went kicking and screaming. Despite going kicking and screaming, Crockett has been an asset to the Oversight Committee. Combining her legal skill and charismatic delivery with a no-nonsense attitude, she has successfully pushed back on a number of Republican claims. My colleagues across the aisle love to talk about a two-tiered system of justice in America, and they are not wrong but this two-tiered system overwhelmingly protects powerful, rich white men like Trump, and disadvantages poor people of color, like my former clients, Crockett said in a statement after Trumps recent conviction in New York. Republican politicians arent angry because this two-tiered system is targeting their favorite president they are angry because this system is no longer treating President Trump with the impunity to which he is accustomed. Shes a superb lawyer and a great communicator, Raskin told The Independent. She has a brilliant record as a lawyer and she knows criminal law backwards and forwards. She knows civil law. And she knows how to pose clever parliamentary inquiries when there are ignorant rulings coming from the chair. Indeed, when Republicans on the Oversight Committee went to a DC prison to meet with rioters who were arrested for breaking into the Capitol on January 6, Raskin dispatched Crockett to push back on GOP claims the inmates were being treated inhumanely. Its since become clear that Oversight is going to be the main committee in Congress, says Crockett. She atttributes that to the energy that was brought by the young members on the committee we ended up kind of being the committee that everyone looked to. Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent that Crockett provides crucial context in their hearings. I think that Congresswoman Crockett does bring that prosecutorial legal eye, she said, adding that Crockett marries her legal and professional expertise with an ability to break it down for everyday people, which I think is a profoundly great asset. Crockett said she appreciated how Ocasio-Cortez and other women of color on the committee support each other. Both Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts rushed to her defense after Greenes personal attack, she said to the point that things became very tense on the House floor. Greene, a well-known firebrand who is used to bringing the controversy to Congress, may not have expected to come up against such a strong display of solidarity. I never have to feel like I'm by myself when somebody attempts to attack me, Crockett said. I feel like: You attack one of us, you attack all of us. The message was on full display in that moment. Her job, as she sees it, is to keep politics mainstream and to remind people in DC of the public who is holding them to account: I think that my job is to spell things out in a very authentic way and say the things that most Americans are thinking and also take my experience as an attorney, and really be able to add that part of the color to it. Shes also keen to dispel the myth of the soft, bleeding-heart liberal through her conduct: I think my role is to push back. I've heard way too often that Democrats are weak and that kind of stuff, and that's just not true. It's just not true. And I think that I'm also supposed to be the person that is really saying what everybody else is thinking that never gets said. Because everybody's trying to be so freakin polite. Crocketts profile is likely to increase in coming months. The White House has taken notice of her popularity; in May, when Biden visited Philadelphia to launch his Black voters initiative, Crockett flew on Air Force One. Then, last week, the Biden campaign had her put out a statement when Donald Trump came to the Hill. Three years after waging a continual war on our democracy, Donald Trump, a convicted criminal, returns to Capitol Hill to hang out with the very same MAGA extremists who acted as his proxies on January 6th, she said at the time. Trump and his cronies attacked our free and fair elections, they attacked our peaceful transition of power, and they attacked our Capitol and the American people are fighting back at the ballot box to defend democracy. It was a pared-back version of her usual biting critique. But those who prefer the more sharp-tongued version of Crockett dont have to go far to find it. On MSNBC, after being asked about Trumps claims that Black people will vote for him because they can understand what hes been through, Crockett said, To be clear, this guy has 34 felonies Ive never been arrested for a traffic ticket. Noting that her own clients would never have been allowed to walk free even pre-trial with so many charges pending against them, Crockett added: To quote Kendrick Lamar, they are not like us. He is not like us. (Bloomberg) -- JD Vance, who gained national attention just eight years ago with his Hillbilly Elegy memoir of growing up in Rust Belt poverty, is the next-generation populist leader in the top tier of Donald Trumps potential running mates. Most Read from Bloomberg The US senator from Ohio is perhaps more closely aligned with the former president than any other candidate on Trumps vice presidential shortlist. Selection would position Vance to be the standard-bearer of Trumpism after Trump and a favorite for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028. He is a younger and more articulate version of Trump, Republican pollster Frank Luntz said of Vance, who at 39 years old is the second-youngest member of the Senate. The bearded senator, who often campaigns in jeans and a button-down, rose from poverty to venture capitalist via Yale Law School and service with US Marines in Iraq. He was elected to his first public office only in 2022. Trump endorsed Vance in the crowded party primary after the novice candidate impressed him with his performance in Republican debates, a skill that would be crucial if he faces off against Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has turned his VP selection into a public contest, with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also among those vying to be his running mate. Critics call Vance a political opportunist and charlatan, noting he once was a never Trumper. He made comments in 2016 and 2017 such as saying Trump is noxious and is leading the White working class to a very dark place. Vance has said he came to support Trump based on his policies in office, especially his stance against China on trade. People ask me what changed, and its pretty simple: at the time, I didnt believe that a Democrat from New York would be able to accomplish much, Vance said in a 2021 letter to Ohio Republican Party state central committee members. I was wrong. Vance also hasnt had many legislative achievements in his short Senate career. But his supporters point out neither did President Barack Obama before he won the White House and say its a positive to be outside the Washington establishment. Its the energy and ability Vance brings to promoting Trumps cause that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee cares most about anyway. First to Courthouse He distinguished himself from rivals on the vice presidential shortlist by being the first to travel up to New York to stand with Trump during his criminal trial. Vance also tapped his Silicon Valley connections to raise money for Trump to make up for a funding deficit against President Joe Biden. That included working relationships to help arrange a major San Francisco fundraiser this month led by tech investors David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, co-hosts of the influential All-In podcast. There isnt anyone out there who I think would be more loyal to my father and his agenda, Donald Trump Jr. said in a statement, calling Vance an all-star for the America First movement and lauding him for being able to deliver an effective message on the campaign trail and in front of TV cameras. Nominating Vance would be a break from the traditional electoral formula of choosing a running mate to provide ideological balance or bolster the candidate with a wary constituency, as was the case when twice-divorced, previously pro-abortion rights Trump chose Mike Pence in 2016 to boost his credibility with evangelicals. Instead, Trump would be doubling down on populism if he teamed up with Vance, much as Bill Clintons choice to run with fellow Southern moderate Al Gore in 1992 was a proof point of the Democrats determination to steer his party toward a centrist course. Kevin Roberts, president of the conservative Heritage Foundation and a friend of Vances, said the Ohio senator is already the leading political figure arguing for a return to a non-interventionist foreign policy and is clearly the potential running mate most ideologically in tune with Trump. Vance rose to fame with the 2016 release of his best-selling memoir about his chaotic childhood as the son of a drug-addicted single mother moving from boyfriend to boyfriend in an economically struggling steel town in southwest Ohio. The book offered vivid explanation of the anger and despair of many working-class Americans attracted to Trump, and Netflix adapted the story into a movie. After working in venture capital at firms associated with tech billionaires Peter Thiel and Steve Case, Vance ran for the Senate with $15 million in support from Thiel, the most prominent tech-industry donor to the Trump 2016 campaign. Ohio voted overwhelmingly for Trump both times he ran for president. Challenging Party Establishment Vance appeals to the working-class voters who may previously have been Democrats but shifted parties to back Trump, said Alex Triantafilou, chairman of the Ohio Republican Party. Vances upbringing helps him to connect to the economic struggles of those voters in the crucial Rust Belt swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, he said. He literally wrote the book on this moment in history, Triantafilou said. Republican Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas called Vance a rising superstar who is able to reach out to younger voters and suburban women in a way maybe that somebody with gray hair wouldnt quite as effectively. Vance has gone up against his party and Wall Street by working with Democrats Sherrod Brown on seeking stronger safety regulations for railroads after the 2023 disaster in East Palestine, Ohio; Elizabeth Warren and Brown on clawing back the pay of bank executives whose institutions fail; and Illinois Senator Dick Durbin on forcing more competition in the credit card industry. The Ohio senator has been perhaps the loudest opponent in the Senate of aiding Ukraine in its war with Russia, putting him at odds with congressional party leaders and Republicans powerful strong-defense wing. Vance hasnt won any of those fights. His railroad and credit card competition bills are stalled amid establishment Republican opposition, and military aid to Ukraine ultimately was approved. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a supporter of Ukraine, praised Vance as a bright and personable senator who wouldnt be divisive within the ideologically fractious party. Hes a reasonable guy, hes got a great sense of humor, Tillis said. Vance supporters and Trump allies say the freshman senator meets the criteria Trump is considering in running mate, including being able to attack Biden in mainstream media, raise money, perform well in debates, and carry on Trumps legacy. But Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP nominee and frequent Trump critic, said while Vance is intelligent and does a good job of connecting with the populist base of the Republican Party, that could discourage Trump from picking him. His biggest drawback in President Trumps mind would be the fear that he will outshine Donald Trump, because hes smarter, hes more articulate, hes more solid on policy, Romney said. Donald Trump would find that difficult to have the spotlight on anyone other than himself. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. American Jews have never been entirely unified in their support for Israel or in their visions of what role Israel and Palestine should play in American Jewish life. Photo by Cottonbro Studio/Pexels Since October 2023, American Jews have been engaged in an intense, fractious debate over Israel's war in the Gaza Strip. Media reports say that American Jews are experiencing "the great rupture," widening "rifts," and stand at a "moral, political crossroads." While most American Jews remain broadly supportive of Israel, others have protested vigorously against U.S. support for Israel and are demanding a cease-fire in the Gaza war. They carry signs saying "Not in Our Name." Their slogan highlights the fact that American foreign aid to Israel has long relied on the support of American Jews. Unqualified U.S. support for Israel was built, in part, on the promise that Israel kept American Jews -- and all Jews -- safe, especially after the Holocaust. But American Jews have never been entirely unified in their support for Israel or in their visions of what role Israel and Palestine should play in American Jewish life. No consensus My new book, "The Threshold of Dissent: A History of American Jewish Critics of Zionism," analyzes a century of debates among American Jews over Zionism and Israel. My account begins in 1885, when elite Reform Jews, with a goal of full integration in Jim Crow America, composed the Pittsburgh Platform, which rejected Jewish nationalism out of fear that it would make them targets of antisemitic accusations of dual loyalty. Two years later, Austrian journalist Theodor Herzl founded the modern Zionist movement, relying on European powers for support for a modern Jewish state. The genocide of Europe's Jewish population in the Holocaust fundamentally altered American Jews' perspectives on Zionism. Many believed that only a Jewish national homeland in what was then Palestine could prevent another genocide. Others insisted that the lessons of the Holocaust meant that Jews must not contribute to making refugees of another group of people: the Palestinians who were then living on the land. There were other issues that contributed to a new understanding of Zionism in the 1950s and 1960s within American Jewish communities. Among them: the Nakba, which was the expulsion of 700,000 Palestinians during the 1948 founding of Israel; Israel's treatment of immigrant Jews from the Arab and Muslim world known as Mizrahi Jews; and the rise in Israel's militarism. Across the 20th century, mainstream Jewish leaders manufactured an American Jewish so-called consensus on Zionism and Israel, in part by silencing American Jewish critics of Zionism. From the late 1940s through 1961, journalist William Zukerman edited The Jewish Newsletter, a publication that captured some of the voices of Jewish dissent from Zionism, including his own. He reported on Israel's human rights abuses against Palestinians and documented how American Jewish funds fueled Israel's military campaigns instead of supporting vibrant American Jewish communities. Because Zukerman dared to publish this criticism, he faced campaigns of steep resistance, eventually losing funding and support from Jewish communal organizations. Anxious that Zukerman's dissent would cause "increasing trouble" for American support for Israel, Israeli diplomats wrote to American Jewish leaders, and together they convinced some Jewish journalists to exclude Zukerman's writings from their publications. Liberation movements, American Jews and Zionism Into the 1960s, as mainstream Jewish leaders emphasized the urgency of Jewish unity on Israel and Zionism and showed growing intolerance for dissent, anti-colonialist activists gained momentum across the world. From 1948 through 1966, Israel held all Palestinians citizens under martial law, limiting their movement and access to opportunities and resources. Across the 1950s, Israel excluded Palestinian workers from the Histadrut, the state's largest labor union federation. Activists allied with the cause of Palestinian rights noted Israel's alliance with colonial power France during the Algerian war of independence from 1954 to 1962 and criticized Israel as an occupier after the 1967 war. They spoke, too, of Israel's growing alliance with apartheid South Africa in the 1970s. Black and Arab leaders in the United States taught within, and learned from, these anti-colonial movements. Civil rights and anti-war activists offered new perspectives to debates over Israel and Zionism. Raised in a liberal Zionist family, student Marty Blatt was learning to fight for justice. Blatt was born in 1951 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His grandfather had died in a Nazi prison camp. In 1970, he joined the anti-war movement at Tufts University in Massachusetts. "The Vietnam war was a horrible injustice," Blatt said. From the movement and from members of the Israeli left, he learned that "Israel/Palestine was another great injustice." With no access to the history of Palestinians in school, at home or at the synagogue, young American Jews like Blatt who joined the civil rights and anti-war movements learned these lessons for the first time. When they then criticized Israel and American Zionism, they, too, met with hostility from the mainstream Jewish world. Blatt sought to teach his fellow students at Tufts with a course in 1973 titled Zionism Reconsidered. In it, he taught the history of Zionism, Palestinian resistance and Israel's Cold War alliance with the United States. He taught students that anti-Zionism was not antisemitism. On March 13, 1973, in the midst of the semester, members of the Jewish Defense League, a far-right, anti-Arab, Jewish nationalist group founded by Rabbi Meir Kahane,disrupted Blatt's class. They called it an "anti-Jewish outrage" and passed out a flyer that read, "Not since Germany in the days of Hitler has any university dared to offer a course presenting a one-sided view of any national movement." Boston-area Jewish leaders urged community members to write to Tufts leadership to shut down Blatt's class. These letters used apocalyptic language to describe the damage wrought by his course, likening it to the destruction of the Jewish people. During this controversy, Blatt picked up the phone one day to hear someone who clearly knew his family history in the Holocaust tell him: "Your parents should not have been saved." An article about Blatt and his course in Boston's Jewish Advocate was headlined "Tufts Anti-Zionist Course Seen as Abuse of Academic Freedom." Though Tufts stood behind Blatt's right to teach the class for another term, which it still touts on the university website, angry responses to the class appeared in community forums for years. Divided on campus and beyond In the current moment, college campuses have been riven with debates over the boundaries between student safety and free speech and whether criticism of Israel constitutes antisemitism. Young Jews dismayed by the unconditional Zionist agenda of Jewish campus organization Hillel and who founded Open Hillel in 2013 are now active in Gaza protests as "Judaism on Our Own Terms." They might be surprised to learn that in late 1972, even before his course began, Blatt and others founded the Tufts Hillel Non-Zionist Caucus. Hillel subsequently expelled them from the organization. For over a century, some American Jews have modeled the idea that unqualified support for Israel and Zionism was "not in our name." They prioritized justice as a Jewish value and were motivated not by self-hatred or antisemitism but by abiding commitments to human rights and to Jewish safety and community. Today's activists protesting over the devastation in Gaza are testing the threshold of dissent and the limits of free speech and academic freedom. They embrace what they view as more just visions of Israel and Palestine and more inclusive visions of an American Jewish community, one with space for dissent and earnest conversations about Israel and Zionism, and one in which Jews stand in solidarity with groups working for justice in Palestine, Israel and around the world. The Conversation Marjorie N. Feld is a professor of history and society at Babson College. 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. Protesters hold placards condemning anti-Semitism and highlighting the rape at a demonstration in Lyon on Wednesday - Jean-Philippe Ksiazek/AFP via GettyImages A 12-year-old Jewish girl was gang-raped by child attackers who taunted her with anti-Semitic slurs in a case that has shocked France. The attack has placed anti-Semitism in the centre of the countrys upcoming parliamentary elections, with political parties condemning the attack, and pointing fingers at one another. The assault happened Saturday in the suburb of Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, as the victim was walking home after parting with her boyfriend. Two teens approached her and dragged her forcibly into a warehouse. A third suspect, 12, joined them, hurling anti-Semitic insults, calling her dirty Jew as the other boys beat, threatened, and raped her, and forced her to perform oral sex. The attackers put a lighter to her cheek, threatened to kill her if she went to the police, and instructed her to return to the same place the next day with 200 euros. Otherwise something bad would happen to her and her family because they know where she lives, they said, according to police reports seen by Le Parisien. Two 13-year-old boys were indicted on Tuesday on charges of gang rape, death threats, insults and personal violence, while a third 12-year-old has also been placed under the status of assisted witness for rape. People attend a demonstration against anti-Semitism in front of Paris City Hall holding cards with slogans that read 'Anti-Semitism is not residual' - Dylan Martinez News of the assault reached Emmanuel Macron, the French president, who denounced the scourge of anti-Semitism during a council meeting on Wednesday and called on Nicole Belloubet, his education minister, to implement class discussions or a time of exchange on racism and anti-Semitism in schools. After a solemn and serious speech, he asked Nicole Belloubet that a time of exchange be organised in all schools on the fight against anti-Semitism and racism so that hate speech with serious consequences does not infiltrate them, an unnamed source close to Mr Macron told BFM TV. The news drew swift condemnation from all political parties but has also become an electoral issue, with Mr Macrons party attacking the New Popular Front, the newly formed Leftist coalition, and Jean-Luc Melenchon for fueling anti-Semitism in France. The leader of the far-Left France Unbowed (France Insoumise) refuses to characterise Hamas as a terrorist organisation and is a divisive figure within the hastily assembled Leftist alliance for his stance. In response to Mr Melenchons tweet of support to the victims family in which he said he was horrified by the attack, Eric Dupond-Moretti, the justice minister, said: How dare you? You have no face. Leave this young girl and her family alone. Your recurring comments feed the hatred that leads to the worst...Shame on those who make pacts with you to save their own pockets. At a gathering in front of Paris City Hall on Wednesday, hundreds of demonstrators also shouted Melenchon in prison. Eric Dupond-Moretti, the French Justice Minister, spoke to journalists during the demonstration - Dylan Martinez The president of the largest Jewish association in France, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (Crif), also slammed the far-Left party. We must fight against this climate of anti-Semitism fueled by France Insoumise, Yonathan Arfi said. We must do everything to fight both extremes, without compromise. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-Right National Rally founded by her father Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was convicted several times for anti-Semitic comments, condemned both the attack and her political rivals in the Left bloc, whom she called a real threat to civic peace. ...the stigmatisation of Jews over the past months by the extreme left, using the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as an instrument, is a real threat to civil peace. Everyone should be fully aware of this on June 30 and July 7, she wrote. On Thursday, Jacques Kossowski, the mayor of Courbevoie, accused politicians of instrumentalising the tragedy for political gain. This is a 12-year-old girl who had the courage to speak to her father, to go to the police station to file a complaint. She suffered what no one could suffer, he told French radio station RTL. Lets try not to politically exploit this affair. When I see all the political parties, right, left, talking about it... Lets be a little more modest and think of only one thing, of this 12-year-old girl. According to government figures, anti-Semitic acts soared 300 per cent between January and March, compared to the same period last year. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Joan Brady, who has died aged 84, cut short a promising career as a dancer with the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine; married her mothers lover, on whom she had set her heart at the age of three; moved to Totnes and became a novelist, winning the Whitbread Book of the Year for her 1993 Theory of War, about a young white boy sold into slavery in post-Civil War America. It was, in fact, a true story about her own grandfather, the son of a Union veteran and one of a crop of kids nobody wanted, as the novel put it. Theory of War was praised by The Spectator as one of the most remarkable and accomplished fictions to come from these islands perhaps since William Goldings great seafaring trilogy, its anger and vast subject compressed into 209 disciplined pages. The then-unknown Joan Brady beat the other Whitbread category-winners Andrew Motion, Anne Fine, Rachel Cusk and Carol Ann Duffy to take Book of the Year, the first woman to win it. Theory of War It was a small consolation for the curse that Joan Brady believed had been handed down through her family since her grandfathers slavery. Four of his children committed suicide, including her own father, Robert A Brady, a Marxist economist whose 1937 book The Spirit and Structure of German Fascism sold 40,000 copies in England. Her mother was Mildred Edie Brady, an economist and journalist celebrated for her debunking of Wilhelm Reich, a pseudoscientist who marketed a wooden box called an orgone energy accumulator which he claimed would bathe the naked patient inside it with sexual energy from the cosmos. Joan, the younger of their two daughters, was born in San Francisco on December 4 1939; her older sister Judy (later Brady Syfers) would become a noted feminist, author of the much-reprinted sarcastic 1971 article Why I Want a Wife. The Brady household was liberated, but not happy. They ran an Open Door Policy with their children, which put sex on a par with voting adult, important, humdrum if rather fun, as Joan recalled. Her memoir Prologue She was three, sitting splay-legged on the kitchen floor, when she decided that she would marry Dexter Masters, later author of the controversial 1955 anti-nuclear novel, The Accident. You cant have him, laughed her mother. Hes going to be the husband of my old age. But Joan was serious, and pursued Masters single-mindedly, staring at him asleep in the guest bedroom when she was 11. She was attracted to his looks, his charm and the calm he exuded. Her parents marriage, by contrast, was marred by tense discussions. Her adored father was tormented by depression and, from 1952, incapacitated by a stroke. Joan Brady found structure in ballet, for which she was prepared to endure the cliched horrors of bitchiness, anorexia and half-dollar-size blood blisters. (Decades later, when her husband was dying, she would find similar solace in the perfection of maths and physics, enrolling at the Open University.) From the San Francisco Ballet School she won a place with Balanchine in New York, a period she recalled in her memoir Prologue. But her mother, a frustrated thespian, had become increasingly jealous of her daughters success on stage. Joan Brady took her revenge by seducing Masters, whom she had realised was her mothers lover. On the evening of Masters wifes funeral, the 19-year-old Joan Brady turned up at his apartment to make him scrambled eggs, the start of a ruthless, and soon successful, courtship. Joan Brady: she abandoned ballet early for a degree in philosophy - Edward Webb The ensuing showdown with her mother, on top of her growing stage fright, caused Joan Brady to abandon ballet for a degree in philosophy at Columbia University, although she returned to her brutal regimen aged 38, winning a place with the Paris Ballet. But having proved she was still master of her own body, she turned the place down, preferring a quiet married life in Devon with Masters and their son Alexander, who would later become the acclaimed author of Stuart: A Life Backwards. Joan Brady had published a 1979 coming-of-age novel called The Impostor, but it was only in her 50s, after Masterss death aged 80 in 1989, that she found her writing voice encouraged by her Devon friend and neighbour, the late-blooming novelist Mary Wesley. Fighting the Kafkaesque bureaucracy of Americas Medicare system on Masterss behalf made her so angry that she wrote a non-fiction polemic about it. No publisher would touch it, but she channelled that rage into rewriting her dormant historical novel, which became Theory of War. Death Comes for Peter Pan After that novels success, she reworked her medical polemic into a novel about Masterss death, Death Comes for Peter Pan (1995), which met with mixed reviews, as did her 1999 comic thriller The Emigre. The promise of Theory of War would never quite be fulfilled. She never wrote another literary novel, for which she blamed an acrimonious battle with the local council over a next-door shoe factory in Totnes, which had tormented her with noise and poisoned her with solvents, causing nerve damage and numbness, for which she won a settlement of 115,000. Instead, she moved to Oxford and published a second thriller, Bleedout (2005), which the Telegraph praised for slipping the noose of the thriller genres cliches and sold more than 50,000 copies in the UK, followed by Venom (2010) and The Blue Death (2012). In 2016 she published Americas Dreyfus: The Case Nixon Rigged, a non-fiction defence of the supposed Communist spy Alger Hiss, whom she had known since 1960. She is survived by her son, Alexander Masters. Joan Brady, born December 4 1939, died June 13 2024 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. Joe Bolognas sold: What does new owner plan for one of Lexingtons oldest restaurants? A longtime Lexington pizza restaurant thats been a favorite with Wildcat players and University of Kentucky students for decades will not close after all. Instead, its changing hands. Joe Bologna, who turned 79 in April, said earlier this year that he had decided to sell his popular restaurant after 51 years in business at various locations. If he didnt find a buyer, he would close the Maxwell Street place in August. Its time to retire, Bologna said in March. Its the end of my lease, and although I have an option to stay another five years, I dont want to work into my 80s. Sign up for our LexGo Eat & Drink newsletters The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tasting tips and more on Tuesday. Stick around for the biggest restaurant news in Central Kentucky on Thursday. Sign up here. Now, he said, he plans to sell Joe Bolognas to Brandon Thurman, a Kentucky native who recently opened a new bar on Short Street. Bologna told the Herald-Leader on June 18 that he plans to continue working full-time through the end of the year before turning the restaurant, known for its pizza, giant breadsticks and Italian favorites, over to the new owner in 2025. Joe Bolognas Restaurant at 120 W. Maxwell St., located in a Victorian Gothic building built as the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church in 1891 before being rededicated as a Jewish Synagogue, then a restaurant in 1989. Joe Bologna with a pizza he made at his Joe Bolognas restaurant, 120 West Maxwell St. in Lexington., Ky.,Wednesday, March 13, 2013. New Years Eve will be my last day, Bologna said. Over the next five months he plans to train Thurman on how to run the restaurant. The menu will stay the same and employees will be kept on, Bologna said. And Bologna plans on coming in frequently too. Joe Bologna poses for a portrait at his restaurant, Joe Bolognas Restaurant & Pizzeria, in Lexington, Ky., on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. Joe Bologna in 1979 with one of his famous pizzas. Bologna started his restaurant in March 1973 in the former Columbias Plantation building at the corner of Maxwell and South Limestone, serving pizzas only after 3 p.m. at first. But pizza caught on and within a few years hed expanded to three Lexington locations. Lexington restaurant celebrating 50 years of pizza, breadsticks and Joe Champions of chow: Key ingredients to Lexingtons longest standing restaurants Im not leaving Lexington, he said. Ill come into the restaurant and greet customers but turn things over in the back. And hell keep it the same. ... I think thats important. In 2023, Joe Bologna celebrated 50 years in business. Bologna said that the business had struggled in recent years with the 2009 recession, the 2020 pandemic closures and subsequent higher prices. As soon as I announced my retirement, business jumped 38 percent, so Im going out strong, Bologna said. He said that the last few months had been emotional. Deciding to retire was one thing, but Ive been listening to customers stories about how long theyve been coming in. Its overwhelming ... Ive had little kids come up and say theyve had every birthday dinner at Joe Bolognas and they want to keep having them there. Stained glass windows of Joe Bolognas Restaurant on Maxwell Street, which has been popular with Lexington residents as well as University of Kentucky students and faculty for generations. Joe Bolognas on Maxwell is changing hands. Bar owner Brandon Thurman will take over the restaurant in January 2025. Now it looks like that will happen. Will new Joe Bolognas owner change pizza restaurant, menu? Thurman, who recently opened High-Proof Hideaway at 249 W. Short St. in the former ELIXIR/Parlay Social spot, confirmed that he is buying Joe Bolognas and plans to run it in partnership with his stepfather, Bill Bedini. From the moment I stepped into its welcoming atmosphere, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering marinara sauce enveloped me like a comforting childhood memory, Thurman said in a statement. This embedded content is not available in your region. Joe Bolognas wasnt just a restaurant; it was a living, breathing symbol of Lexingtons hospitality and culinary tradition. When I heard he was retiring, I immediately wanted to find a way to make sure it did not close its doors at its iconic location. After my time in the military, I was eager to return back to Lexington, and spend time with my own family, Thurman said. I spoke with Mr. Bologna many times and wanted to assure him that my intention was not only to acquire a business but to become a steward of his restaurants legacy. I wanted to ensure that it continues to thrive in the years to come, without changing any detail to what hes built. Why change what has worked for 50 years? Thurman, who had been serving in the Army, also has a bar in Hawaii called Anna OBriens, an Irish pub. Hes a native of Bourbon County and graduated from the University of Kentucky before joining the Army. Is Lexingtons only German restaurant & beer hall with volleyball courts closing? Legendary UK restaurant known for burgers, all-day breakfast planning to move locations Longtime Lexington Thai restaurant owner announces a big change is coming Owner tells why Lexington neighborhood bar, pizza restaurant had to close Lexington neighborhood grocery making a comeback, brings back popular lunch sandwiches Aileen Cannon defied recommendations from two more senior federal judges in South Florida to step aside in a case on former President Donald Trumps mishandling of classified documents. Per the New York Times, two justices, including the Chief Justice of the Southern District of Florida, advised Cannon to remove herself from the case and allow another justice to take hold but she declined. Cannon, a Trump appointee, has come under fire for her alleged mishandling of the case for the significant delays and indefinite pauses she created, as well as potential conflicts of interest arising from her relationship to Trump and conservative groups. The judges advice, and Cannons refusal to heed it, is an unprecedented complication in an already scrutinized case. Federal law enforcement seized thousands of allegedly illegally held classified documents in Trumps private home in Florida in August of 2022, but a trial in the case was indefinitely postponed by Cannon. Experts have noted that Cannon has exhibited some signs of judicial bias in her treatment of the case, such as taking an unusual amount of control over pretrial motions from the cases magistrate, demanding the prosecution take extra steps in its case, and creating substantial delays as the defendant runs for president. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who prosecuted the case against Trump, has previously and largely unsuccessfully fought Cannons actions to block proceedings from moving forward. Some experts have urged Smith to move for removal, but the bar to have the case re-assigned without the go-ahead of Cannon herself is exceptionally high. Per the Times, Cannons refusal to hear out the justices is a violation of judicial norms, as less experienced justices often turn to their more senior counterparts for advice, but Cannon is not bound to follow their advice. Aileen Cannon, the Florida judge who has come under fire for her handling of classified document charges against Donald Trump, ignored the advice of more senior colleagues to decline the case and pass it to another jurist, it has been reported. Related: Trump falsely claims US justice department was ready to kill him Two senior judges on the Florida bench urged Cannon to defer when it was randomly assigned to her last June, in part due to a perception that she was biased in Trumps favour because of her actions after the allegations against him of illegally retaining sensitive government documents first came to light. According to the New York Times, Cannon who was appointed to the federal bench by Trump rejected the advice and kept the case, in which the former president faces charges being prosecuted by the special counsel Jack Smith. She has since issued a series of widely criticised rulings that have had the effect of delaying the trial, playing into Trumps legal strategy of holding the case at bay until after Novembers presidential election, when he could be elected president once again and be in a position to instruct the Department of Justice to drop the charges. Her rulings have drawn the scorn of Trumps former White House counsel, Ty Cobb, who this month described as dangerous and incendiary Cannons refusal to grant a gag order request from Smith against Trump. Smith had asked for the order after the former president falsely alleged that the FBI was locked and loaded and ready to kill him and his family when officers entered his Mar-a-Lago home to retrieve a trove of documents in 2022. In fact, the raid had been agreed with Trumps lawyers in advance and timed to take place when he would not be present. The attempt to persuade Cannon to step aside was reportedly prompted by her actions after the FBI seized the documents when she intervened on Trumps side after he had filed suit claiming they were his personal property, appointing a special master to review them before prosecutors had a chance to see them. This ruling was later reversed by the 11th court of appeals in Atlanta, which issued a rebuke of Cannons judgment, saying she had no authority to bar investigators from seeing the documents. The argument that this episode was sufficient reason for Cannon to pass on the case was reportedly put forward by Cecilia Altonaga, the chief judge of Floridas southern district. Another unnamed judge was said to have put a different line of reasoning to her that it would be better to have the case transferred to a jurist based closer to the districts busiest courthouse in Miami, which had a facility to store the classified documents and where Trump had initially been indicted. Since Cannon rejected entreaties to defer the case to another judge, a secure facility to store the documents has since been built at taxpayers expense in the courthouse where she presides at Fort Pierce, around two hours drive north of Miami. Laman Ismayilova Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Shahin Novrasli and Spanish dancer Rebeca Ortega (Rebeca Ortega Flamenco) have mesmerized the audience with their magnificent performances at third Baku International Piano Festival, Azernews reports. The dancer managed to create an amazing show, providing the audience with a fascinating and passionate musical visualization of Spanish passion and expression in the traditional flamenco style with her own improvisations. Rebeca Ortega worked with the Nottingham Flamenquitas group. She studied classical flamenco at the Carmen Amaya Cultural Academy of Flamenco, interned at the world famous Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Espanola Amor de Dios in Madrid, at the Escuela Mayor de Danza, and at the Professional Dance Academy in Seville. She also studied modern dance with master Manuela Nogales. Her dance includes an extensive repertoire, including classical flamenco, as well as personal stage experiences related to theater and circus skills. As a flamenco dancer, she is distinguished by her strong expression, sense of rhythm, elegance and high level of stagecraft. The Baku International Piano Festival is not only about the magical performance of virtuosos on the piano and keyboard instruments, it is, first of all, a luxurious atmosphere that will inspire and enchant the most discerning music lovers and give vivid emotions. The founder and director of the Baku Piano Festival is laureate of international competitions, jazzman and pianist, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Shahin Novrasli. Festival motto: May piano inspire you! Hashtags: #bakupianofest #bakupianofestival Detailed festival program on the website: https://bakupianofestival.com/ Tickets: https://iticket.az/ru/events/3rd-baku-international-piano-festival Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az,Trend.Az, Day.Az, Milli.Az. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, climate finance, and national emission reduction plans are the main goals of the upcoming COP29, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev said during the forum of the youth organization of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku, Trend reports. Babayev mentioned that it is impossible to build a climate change-resistant world without resolving these issues. "The work of the COP29 presidency comes with the strengthening of world ambitions with clear plans to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees and build a world resilient to climate change. On the other hand, it implies the allocation of financial resources to realize these plans. We, as the COP29 chair country, for example, will help countries develop nationally determined contributions. These are national plans that outline a country's plans to reduce emissions. There will also be a focus on national adaptation plans that show how to ensure a country's resilience to the impacts of climate change, and this is among the main issues at COP29," he added. To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan this November. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN 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 in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the Donald Trump appointee assigned to his classified documents case, rejected calls from more experienced judges to step aside from the case, The New York Times reported Thursday. Two of Cannons more seasoned colleagues on the federal bench in Florida, including the chief judge in the states southern district, reportedly asked Cannon to reconsider taking on the job when she drew the assignment in June 2023. Trump nominated her for the lifetime appointment in May 2020, even though she had never served as a judge. Of the 224 cases shes been assigned, only four have gone to trial, and all four concerned routine matters, taking up a total of 14 trial days, the Times reported when she was assigned to the incredibly high-profile case. Two people familiar with the efforts to persuade Cannon to step down shared the details with the Times under the condition of anonymity. The chief judge involved in those efforts, Cecilia Altonaga, reportedly first called Cannon to say it would be better to hand the case off to a judge in Miami, where there was already a secure facility designed to hold the highly classified documents in the case. Cannon refused Altonagas initial proposal, the Times reported, and taxpayers have had to pay for construction of a secure room at her courthouse in Fort Pierce. Breaking News: Two veteran federal judges in South Florida privately urged Judge Aileen Cannon to step aside from the Donald Trump documents case when it was assigned to her. She chose to keep it. https://t.co/fqqpwYw4Xr The New York Times (@nytimes) June 20, 2024 Altonaga then reportedly placed another call to an unnamed person to raise concerns about the optics of Cannon overseeing the case. According to the Times, she pointed out Cannons highly scrutinized actions leading up to Trumps indictment, which came about after the FBI served a search warrant at Trumps Mar-a-Lago property in 2022 to retrieve highly classified documents hed taken from the White House and then refused to turn over. Trump filed a lawsuit shortly after the search, asserting that the documents were his personal property. Under typical procedure, Judge Bruce Reinhart, who signed off on the FBI search, would handle the matter. But Cannon, whos position is superior to Reinharts, despite his years of experience, intervened to take on the lawsuit herself. Cannon then proceeded to bar investigators from access to the evidence in the case, shocking legal experts who viewed the decision as giving special treatment to Trump. When prosecutors filed an appeal, a three-judge panel that included two other Trump appointees reversed her order. It is indeed extraordinary for a warrant to be executed at the home of a former president but not in a way that affects our legal analysis or otherwise gives the judiciary license to interfere in an ongoing investigation, the panel wrote. Sources who spoke to the Times did not name the other judge who encouraged Cannon to step aside. A spokesperson for the federal court in the Southern District of Florida did not immediately return HuffPosts request for comment on the report. Cannons handling of Trumps case has been closely scrutinized. She has come under fire for several unorthodox decisions viewed as favorable to Trump, including a ruling earlier this month allowing partisan representatives with no involvement in the case to argue in Trumps defense at a hearing Friday. She has also declined to set a date for the trial and has postponed it indefinitely, even though prosecutors and Trumps defense team have both said theyll be ready to start proceedings this summer. Its now unlikely the relatively straightforward case will go to trial before the November election, in which Trump is expected to be the GOP nominee for president. Related... Partisanship in an election for Kentuckys highest court has become a hot topic once again. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has fully embraced the effort of Lexington Court of Appeals Justice Pamela Goodwine to get elected to the Central Kentucky-based 5th Kentucky Supreme Court District seat, a nonpartisan office. The governors political action committee endorsed her. At a recent Democratic event, Beshear cheered that Kentuckians would elect the first Black woman as a Supreme Court justice in our history. And, he is the special guest at an upcoming fundraiser in Frankfort for Goodwine, according to a flier for the event. That relationship raised questions for the Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee a nonprofit, nonpartisan group organized to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary in Kentucky judicial elections. In a letter to Goodwine, the group wrote that they were concerned about Beshears endorsement of her. He is Kentuckys highest-ranking official who is elected on a partisan basis, and is widely known as a Democrat, so we believe that if you were to refer to his endorsement in your campaign, that would violate the spirit of Section 117 of the Kentucky Constitution, which makes judicial elections nonpartisan, the group wrote. They added that nonpartisanship in judicial elections is important so as to avoid conflicts of interest. The Executive Branch often appears before the Kentucky Supreme Court. This could present an appearance of conflict, if not actual conflict, for any justice who was supported by the sitting governor, they wrote. While a justice may recuse from a case, the governor appoints the temporary replacement justice. So, we think members of the Executive Branch, especially the governor, should not be involved in judicial elections. The matter of party politics seeping into elections for the Kentucky Supreme Court is nothing new. Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics Newsletter A must-read newsletter for political junkies across the Bluegrass State with reporting and analysis from the Lexington Herald-Leader. Never miss a story! Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics newsletter to connect with our reporting team and get behind-the-scenes insights, plus previews of the biggest stories. Last cycle, former state representative Joe Fischer hewed close to the Republican party brand in his right-leaning Northern Kentucky district, even using an elephant similar to the symbol for the Republican party in his campaign materials. He also hosted fundraisers that featured some of the most powerful elected Republicans in the state. The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission and the Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee both sharply criticized Fischer, who ended up losing to Supreme Court Justice Michelle Keller by almost 10 points, for his race. The committees criticism of Goodwine is not as stark as it was for Fischer, who leaned into partisanship in more ways than she has. In response to the committees letter, posted on their website, Goodwine wrote as she had previously when the Herald-Leader inquired about the matter highlighted her impartiality and said that shed consider recusal should that impartiality get challenged. The best and most qualified candidates receive endorsements from a wide array of individuals and organizations based upon their records of exemplary service and any person or organization could potentially be called before any member of the judiciary, she wrote. She also emphasized her attendance at multiple events, Republican and Democrat, across the district. Shes attended multiple local Republican party events, including one the Herald-Leader was present for. When contacted, Beshears top political strategist Eric Hyers referred the Herald-Leader to a previous statement he had made about the endorsement. The governor believes that judges should decide cases by the letter of the law and not by the letter of anyones party registration. Judge Goodwine is a fair and impartial judge who he believes will make a great justice, Hyers said. In an interview with the Kentucky Lantern, Beshear defended his endorsement of Goodwine and said his goal was not to politicize the race, but to win it. Being a former practicing lawyer, I know a really great Supreme Court justice when I see it and we need quality justices. I think its also time for the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, and shes earned it, Beshear told the outlet. Beshear took his oath of office at his second term inauguration from Goodwine. The Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee ended its letter to Goodwine stating that it could make a public statement on the matter. Now that the governor is involved in your campaign, it is largely up to you what to make of his endorsement, the committee wrote. :While you certainly have every right to use it, we believe doing so would further blur the line between judicial and partisan elections, and have the effect of eroding public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary. Goodwine is up against Erin Izzo, a Lexington attorney at Landrum & Shouse. Goodwine has the advantage over Izzo, a first-time candidate, in terms of electoral experience as well as fundraising. Shes won the fifth appellate district, which has the same boundaries as the supreme court district, twice in a double-digit 2018 win and unopposed two years ago. Goodwine also raised more than $194,000 before the May primary to Izzos $21,000-plus. Below the blazing sun on Juneteenth, Howard Ray flagged down cars stopped at a red light by a corner in Chicagos Austin neighborhood. He stepped into the street and waved, clipboard in hand. Were working on a petition, he started. A few rolled down their windows, intrigued. Most nodded politely before driving away. Its the reality for a somewhat radical campaign a petition to end all property taxes for Chicagoans descended from enslaved Africans. Ahead looms an Aug. 5 deadline to collect 100,000 signatures, which would place the referendum on the ballot. As of Wednesday, hes only amassed a few hundred. Perhaps it is improbable. Yet Rays one-man quest is tinged with hope, grounded in a mission that he believes will outlive him. A movement, he said, that stretches beyond a signature count. Its about putting it out there, Ray, 54, said Wednesday. He ambled back to a folding table, strewn with pens and colorful flyers. People talk about reparations, Ray said. Were actually doing it. Were not talking, were doing it. This is something that were putting into action. The petition, dubbed Reconstruction Era Reparations Act Now, or ReRan, calls for 3 cents from Chicago and Cook County sales tax to be allocated to a reparations fund for every transaction. The fund would then cover the property taxes of those with enslaved ancestors. With enough signatures, ReRan would become a nonbinding referendum on the Cook County ballot Nov. 5. Ray said the grassroots initiative is a critical step in addressing systemic racial inequality in Chicago. As the citys Black population drops, eliminating property taxes could prevent displacement and pave the way to generational wealth, he added. Were trying to preserve our neighborhood, the identity of Chicago, which includes the descendants of enslaved people and Black people, Ray said. Property tax is a mechanism thats destroying our homes. Reparations efforts in Chicago have made recent strides. On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson launched a task force to examine the implementation of a reparations program for Black Chicagoans. The announcement cited specific areas of harm, including housing, health, education, mass incarceration and policing. Evanston began a groundbreaking reparations program in 2022 which provides direct cash payments to Black residents. Ray, a longtime community advocate, said he took inspiration from Evanstons program. The West Side native has shuffled through several civil service jobs and now works in real estate. He began ReRan after a failed bid for the 37th Ward alderman last year. I love people. I think Im a soldier of God, for humanity, for Earth, Ray said. I got great parents, they taught me a lot of things. I just want to give that back, and hopefully other people can have that same experience. While policies stem from lawmakers, grassroots efforts are at the core of the reparations movement, according to Kamm Howard, the executive director of Chicago-based nonprofit Reparations United. Community work like Rays allows officials to gauge public opinion on issues, he said. Lawmakers are moved by how many voices are speaking to an issue, Howard said. Very seldom do we have a lawmaker or legislator who wants to move the reparations issue. Many of them have to be forced or convinced. Howard, who has worked with Ray in the past, said he admires and supports his commitment to the cause. He too points to property taxes as a driving force of racial inequality. We cant stop pushing for things that may seem radical or unattainable, just because theyre radical, Howard said. We have to push forward. Rays father, Howard Ray Sr., ever-present in his sons advocacy endeavors, sat quietly in a folding chair beside him Wednesday. He watched his son approach a pedestrian across the street. Weve been waiting for something like this for a while, Howard Ray Sr. said simply. His great-grandparents were slaves. Even with his parents at his side, Ray concedes that the petitions future is uncertain. And other aspects of the proposed policy remain unclear, such as how Chicagoans would prove their ancestry. Ray reflected on the daunting task ahead of him. Still, he likened his efforts to a prayer: unseen but unwavering. People pray about cancer, Ray said. Sometimes prayers dont happen right away, but it goes into the universe, and then maybe 50 years later, a young person becomes the greatest scientist of all time and cures cancer. And so that prayer has been answered. Auburn Police Officer Jeffrey Nelson, center, is flanked by two of his defense attorneys as Nelson's murder trial gets underway, Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Kent, Wash. On the left is Tim Leary, to the right is Emma Scanlan. Nelson is charged with murder in the death of a 26-year-old man outside a convenience store. (Ken Lambert A suburban Seattle officer who fatally shot a homeless man in 2019 ignored his training and should be convicted of murder, a prosecutor said Thursday during the trial's closing arguments, while defense lawyers argued the officer was rightfully defending himself. Auburn police Officer Jeffrey Nelson is charged with second-degree murder and assault in shooting Jesse Sarey, 26, while attempting to arrest him for disorderly conduct. His lawyer said Nelson shot Sarey the first time after he tried to grab the officer's gun during a struggle and a second time as the officer mistakenly believed Sarey was holding his knife. Nelsons case is the second to go to trial since Washington voters in 2018 made it easier to charge police for on-duty killings. An officer can now be convicted if the level of force was unreasonable or unnecessary, while prosecutors were previously required to prove an officer acted with malice. Prosecution and defense lawyers finished their closing arguments Thursday, and the jury was expected to begin deliberating the following day. Sarey was the third man Nelson had killed on duty in the past eight years, but jurors did not hear about the prior two killings because it could have influenced their view of his actions regarding Sarey. Jesse Sarey died because this defendant chose to disregard his training at every step of the way," King County Special Prosecutor Patty Eakes told the jury in her closing argument. The shooting of Jesse Sarey was unnecessary, unreasonable and unjustified." One of Nelsons attorneys, Kristen Murray, told the jury Nelson acted in self-defense. Sarey was resisting, tried to grab the officer's gun and "kept fighting right up to that first shot, she said. No one wanted this outcome, Murray said. It's awful. This is a tragedy but it's not a crime. Nelson had responded to reports of a man throwing things at cars, kicking walls and banging on windows in a shopping area in Auburn, a city of around 70,000 about 28 miles (45 kilometers) south of Seattle. Callers said the man appeared to be high or having mental health issues, Eakes said. Instead of waiting for backup and taking time to deescalate the situation, Nelson used force, Eakes said. When Nelson told Sarey he was under arrest for disorderly conduct and Sarey refused to put his hands behind his back, Nelson tried to take Sarey down with a hip-throw and then punched him seven times, Eakes said. Nelson pinned him against the wall, pulled out his gun and shot him in the stomach, she said. The confrontation and shooting were captured on surveillance video, which the jury saw. It showed Nelson clearing a jammed round out of his gun after the first shot, looking around, then turning back to Sarey and firing again, this time into Sarey's forehead. The second shot came less than four seconds after the first, Eakes noted. She quoted testimony from Steven Woodard, a witness, saying that after the first shot, Sarey "was on the ground dying. There was no fight. He was done. Officers are trained that a person can still be a threat even after being shot multiple times, defense attorney Murray said. Sarey continued to move after the first shot, and Nelson believed his life was in danger, she said. Officers get to defend themselves, she said. Police have been killed by their own guns. When Mr. Sarey went for Officer Nelson's gun, he escalated it to a lethal encounter. Nelson did not testify during the trial. The city of Auburn settled a civil rights claim by Sareys family for $4 million and has paid nearly $2 million more to settle other litigation over Nelsons actions as a police officer. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) On Tuesday afternoon, a jury found an Amherst woman guilty of murdering her newborn child, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office. Mistrial declared in case of Tonawanda woman accused of killing newborn son On October 5, 2020, now-32-year-old Andee Wright was alone when she gave birth in a bathroom in her previous residence on Eggert Road in Tonawanda. Officials said she did not call 911 for assistance for herself or the baby. The newborn was found by paramedics deceased in a garbage can in the basement, according to the ECDAs Office. Wrights boyfriend had called 911 for her when she was found in medical distress later that morning and she was subsequently transported to the hospital. The baby died from a traumatic brain injury caused by blunt force after being born alive, according to an investigation by the Erie County Medical Examiners Office. Wright was found guilty by the jury of one count of second-degree murder. She faces up to 25 years to life in prison when she is sentenced on September 9. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. "It was absolutely liberating that the jurors heard my story and to see how my pain and suffering resonated with them," the woman tells PEOPLE Vivien Killilea/WireImage Alki David in 2015 On Monday, June 17, a jury proposed Alkiviades "Alki" David, the founder of Hologram USA, a company known for creating holograms of dead artists like Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson, pay millions of dollars in a sexual assault case. Now the woman at the center of the case, who identified herself as Margarita to PEOPLE, is speaking out. After a Los Angeles Superior Court jury found David liable in a sexual assault case, jurors proposed the billionaire who is also heir to the Coca-Cola bottling fortune pay $900 million to Margarita in damages, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The proposal has been submitted to the judge for a final decision. Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, Margarita says hearing the jury's verdict felt like "a relief of grief after five years." "It was the most emotional moment of my life," she says of hearing the verdict. "It was absolutely liberating that the jurors heard my story and to see how my pain and suffering resonated with them." Margarita was employed at David's various companies, including Filmon TV, Hologram USA, Inc. and SwissX Labs. She claimed in court that she had experienced severe sexual harassment and assault, including rape, while working for David between February 2016 and April 2019, according to legal documents. She also alleged that Davids office environment had been alarmingly hostile, claiming there was a room at Hologram USA that employees referred to as "The Rape Room and that the human resources department door had a pornographic image labeled "HER-ASS." Related: Billionaire Tells Attorney, 'Do Something with Your Life, Woman' Then Loses $11M Harassment Suit In her lawsuit, she detailed several instances in which she claimed David behaved inappropriately, including when he allegedly tried to kiss her during a work trip on his private island in Greece. She also claimed that she was laid off from that job, but was rehired by David to work as a brand ambassador for his cannabis manufacturing company, Swiss-X in 2018, per the outlet. She alleged that during this time, he invited her to his hotel room to try a CBD product, which left her inebriated, and he masturbated in front of her and forced her to touch him. The woman sued David seeking compensatory damages for sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. "What worries me is that there are more of them [women] out there," Margarita says. "I want women to stand up for their rights and come forward and seek legal representation." She went to add that she was initially afraid to come forward with her story for fear of facing both personal and professional repercussions. "I felt it was something no one should know about," Margarita said of her alleged assault. "It was going to make me feel objectified. Everyone is going to look at me as the girl who got raped. I didn't want to be shamed or blamed ... I didn't feel safe to come out in public to say it." However, Margarita decided to come forward when a friend encouraged her to reach out to an attorney. She says that she always wanted to be an "inspiration" to other women, and although this is not how she imagined it happening "if this is the way I can do it so be it." 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. PEOPLE reached out to David's attorney for comment on the verdict, but did not receive a response. On June 20, David responded to the jury's verdict in a video posted to his Instagram. "If you Google my name today, you will see that there is a $900 million dollar order on my head, but the thing is, is that there no order. All these newspapers have got it wrong," he said. He went on to claim that it is a "fake proposed order" that "was never delivered to the judge." When asked how she feels about David's denial of wrongdoing, Margarita says, "It makes me sick to my stomach because he can't admit his guilt and wrongdoing. If he can't depict right from wrong, he should at least abide by the law." Margaritas attorney, Gary Dordick, tells PEOPLE, It's the second largest sexual assault verdict in history and rightfully so. The jury proposed $900 million in punitive damages to deter this from happening again in the future. A prior jury awarded $50 million and this jury felt like the message had to be larger and louder so maybe he finally hears it." Dordick was referring to a separate case in 2019, in which David was found liable by jurors for committing sexual battery and harassment against his employee Chasity Jones and unlawfully firing her. He was ordered to pay Jones $11.1 million in that case. As Margarita awaits the judge's final verdict, Dordick says he and his client plan to renew a request to pursue criminal charges against David. "He needs to be stopped, and we intend to stop him," Dordick says. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, seated at right, attends a hearing with his lawyers last year. He was ordered Thursday to stand trial after witnesses testified at a preliminary hearing that he fatally shot his wife after they argued about money. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) Dispatched to a shooting at the Anaheim home of an Orange County judge, police found Jeffrey Ferguson sitting on a planter. "Just shoot me," Ferguson told the officer who approached with a less-than-lethal shotgun trained on the judge. Witnesses recounted the scene at Ferguson's home at a preliminary hearing Thursday, where a judge ruled there was probable cause to believe that Ferguson had murdered his wife, Sheryl, after they bickered over money at dinner in August. The Fergusons' 22-year-old son, Phillip, called 911 around 8 p.m. Aug. 3 to report that his father had just shot his mother, Anaheim police officers testified at the hearing. Read more: Orange County judge charged with drunkenly shooting wife pleads not guilty Standing in handcuffs outside his home that evening while officers tried to revive his wife inside, Ferguson let off a string of expletives before saying, "What did I do? My son will hate me forever," Officer Joshua Juntilla of the Anaheim Police Department testified. "Can you have my son come over here and punch me in the face?" the officer said Ferguson asked. "I deserve it. I got everything I got coming." Crying, his breath smelling of alcohol, Ferguson apologized to his son, who had witnessed the homicide, and asked whether his wife was dead, Juntilla testified. The officer recalled Ferguson saying he was just like the criminals he once prosecuted as an Orange County deputy district attorney. Inside the Fergusons' home, police found Sheryl lying face up near a sliding glass door, shot once in the abdomen. A Glock handgun was on the kitchen's tile floor. In the cluttered family room was an overturned leather chair, a bullet lodged in the back of it with blood around the entry point. A single cartridge casing lay on the carpet. Anaheim Police Det. Michael Nguyen interviewed Phillip that night at the police station. He wore pajama bottoms, a T-shirt and no shoes; his hands were coated in dried blood from trying to revive his mother, Nguyen said. According to the detective, earlier that evening Phillip had gone with his father and mother to dinner at El Cholo, where his parents resumed their perennial argument about money. His father had made his hand into the shape of a gun and pointed it at his mother, who walked out of the restaurant, the younger Ferguson told investigators. The three of them then returned home and watched "Breaking Bad" together in the family room, as they did every night. After the episode ended, his mother started arguing again about money. Phillip got up to leave. As he reached the rear sliding door, he heard his mother say, "Why don't you point a real gun at me?" Phillip turned and saw his father holding the .40-caliber Glock he always carried in an ankle holster. Without saying a word, his father shot his mother, he said. Phillip jumped over a couch and wrestled the gun from his father, thinking he might use it to kill himself, he told police. Ferguson then told Phillip to call 911. Read more: Reputed godfather of the Orange County underworld says he's victim of 'character assassination' Phillip said his parents had fought often about the family's finances, but the arguments had never before turned physical. He believed Ferguson may have shot his mother in a drunken accident, noting his father had fired a bullet several years earlier through the tile floor of a bathroom. Police seized 47 guns and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition from the home, prosecutors said at the time of the judge's arrest. At the end of Thursday's hearing, Ferguson's attorney T. Edward Welbourn asked Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter to dismiss the murder charge, noting his client's son the only eyewitness to the homicide said he believed it was an accident. Hunter disagreed. "While I appreciate the son's opinion that this was accidental bless his heart he's in a horrible position," she said. Hunter said the evidence showed that Ferguson understood the danger inherent in pointing a gun at another person. Hunter, who heard the case in Los Angeles due to the conflicts posed by Ferguson's ties to the bench in Orange County, ruled she'd seen enough evidence for Ferguson to stand trial for murder. Ferguson remains free on $1-million bail with GPS and alcohol monitoring restrictions. 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. Just Stop Oil targets Taylor Swifts jet and fails to find it Just Stop Oil claims Taylor Swift landed in the private terminal of the airport in Essex just hours earlier - Just Stop Oil Two women have been arrested after Just Stop Oil targeted a private airfield where they claim Taylor Swifts jet landed hours earlier. Demonstrators Cole Macdonald, 22, and Jennifer Kowalski, 28, are said to have entered London Stansted Airport at around 5am on Thursday as part of their latest stunt,. Essex police later said two women, aged 22 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use of national infrastructure after orange paint was sprayed on two planes. It is understood the two climate activists attempted to target Ms Swifts jet, claiming they knew the planes tail number, but could not find it. Instead they sprayed two jets at random using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint. Ms Swift landed in the private terminal of the airport in Essex just hours earlier, Just Stop Oil said, with the American singer scheduled to perform at Wembley Stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. Just Stop Oil claims Taylor Swift landed in the private terminal of the airport in Essex just hours earlier - Just Stop Oil The activists painted two private jets using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint - Just Stop Oil Two demonstrators, named by the group as Jennifer Kowalski, 28, and Cole Macdonald, 22, are said to have entered Stansted airport at around 5am on Thursday - Just Stop Oil Ms Macdonald, from Brighton, East Sussex, said: Were living in two worlds: one where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unlivable conditions are being imposed on countless millions. Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending cruel summer. Billionaires are not untouchable, climate breakdown will affect every single one of us. A Just Stop Oil spokesman said: Whilst governments are allowing oil corporations to run amok destroying our communities, the actions of individuals mean very little. Thats why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. Failure to defend the people they represent will mean Just Stop Oil supporters, along with citizens from Austria, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland will join in resistance this summer, if their own governments do not take meaningful action. Stonehenge stunt Yesterday the campaign group was met with a storm of criticism after two protesters sprayed orange powder over Stonehenge, one day before the summer solstice. Niamh Lynch, 21, and Rajan Naidum, 73, were filmed vandalising the stone circle, near Salisbury, with repurposed fire extinguishers on Wednesday afternoon. JK Rowling joined Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in condemning the groups actions. Wiltshire Police have arrested the activists on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. Just Stop Oil issued a photograph of Rajan Naidum and Niamh Lynch, who they said were the activists who sprayed Stonehenge - Just Stop Oil Ms Rowling derided the groups tactics and said: Lets not target anyone or anything remotely responsible for climate change. Lets attack a unique ancient monument to which everyones hugely attached, incidentally endangering rare lichen that only grows there. English Heritage said the incident was extremely upsetting, and it has instructed its curators to investigate the extent of the damage. Stonehenge remains open to the public. After the incident at Stansted Airport on Thursday morning, Essex Police released a statement saying: Officers were on the scene within minutes and detained two people. The airport and flights are operating as normal. A 22-year-old woman from Brighton and a 28-year-old woman from Dumbarton have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure. Taylor Swift was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In their latest push for change, the parents of an Idaho man who was killed by the Star Police Department sued Ada County and the city of Star, alleging that officers used brutal excessive force against their son. In the 11-page complaint, Gina and Skip Banach, who have become vocal critics of law enforcements response to crisis calls, alleged that responding officers were negligent because they failed to detain 39-year-old Jeremy Banach earlier that morning and caused a more tenuous situation, according to the complaint. The Star Police Department was first called to the Banachs Star home in June 2022 after Jeremy Banach showed up under the influence of drugs and refused to leave, according to the Ada County Sheriffs Office. The officers who knew Jeremy Banach was carrying a gun while under the influence, which is illegal persuaded him to leave the house, according to an investigative report. Police later learned he had stolen the gun from his father and began searching for Jeremy. Star Police Officer Jason Woodcook shot and killed Jeremy less than two hours later after the Ada County Sheriffs Office said Jeremythreatened nearby officers. The Banachs have said that their son wasnt threatening anybody but himself, adding in the lawsuit that officers escalated the situation and didnt use any deescalation techniques. Woodcook was cleared of any wrongdoing. The Banachs are seeking damages for the loss of their son and asked that the damages be determined through a jury trial. They said costs are likely in the excess of $500,000 and may seek additional training or education for officers. The lawsuit, filed in the 4th District Court in Ada County, was obtained by the Idaho Statesman through court fillings. It was first reported by KTVB. Skip Banach told the Statesman in an interview Tuesday that he hopes the lawsuit motivates the Ada County Sheriffs Office, which provides officers to the Star Police Department, to add additional training for its officers. Whats most important to me is not making any money in this lawsuit, Skip Banach said by phone. Its trying to get justice for Jeremy, and hopefully another family wont have to go through this. I was just trying to get help for my son, said Skip Banach while sitting with his wife in their home in Star. They recall the day Star police shot their son, who was experiencing a mental crisis in 2022. The Banachs also named the involved officers and Star Police Chief Zach Hessing in the lawsuit. The Ada County Sheriffs Office declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. Banachs question why non-lethal force wasnt used On the morning of June 15, 2022, Skip Banach called the Star Police Department, for which officers are employed by the Ada County Sheriffs Office. Jeremy Banachs father reported that his son showed up at his parents home under the influence of drugs and refused to leave, according to an investigative report published by the Sheriffs Office. Officers responded to the Banachs Star home and, after several minutes, persuaded an armed Jeremy Banach to leave while outside of the house. The Banachs, who were inside the house at the time, said they were shocked the officers allowed their son to leave while both armed and appearing to be under the influence of substances without notifying them, according to the complaint. I would have tackled him and wrestled him down, Skip Banach told the Statesman. In the complaint, the Banachs questioned why the officers didnt search their son, remove the gun from his possession, verify the guns ownership or detain Jeremy Banach. Ada County Sheriffs Office releases partial body-cam footage showing events leading up to the police shooting of 39-year-old Jeremy Banach in Star. Star Police Officer Michael Henderson, one of the responding officers, said in a report that while he knew carrying a weapon under the influence of a controlled substance was illegal, Jeremy wasnt threatening and didnt want to risk the high likelihood of a police shooting. But once officers learned that he had stolen the gun from his father, they began actively looking for him. Stealing a gun is a felony, while carrying one under the influence is a misdemeanor. Under Idaho law, officers can arrest someone for a misdemeanor if they see the crime or get a warrant. Detectives Ashley Turner and Jonathan Steele, along with Woodcook, found Jeremy roughly an hour and a half later outside of the Star Mercantile and Lumber, one of the citys grocery stores. They followed him across the grocery stores parking lot and asked him several times to drop the gun, according to the Sheriffs Office. Woodcook fired five rounds at Jeremys back, the Sheriffs Office said. The complaint alleged Woodcook acted recklessly and with extreme negligence, and the Banachs questioned why officers didnt use any non-lethal options. They did not use any other means to suppress him, Skip Banach told the Statesman. They went from walking and talking to shooting. Theres eight other steps they could have taken. A photo of Jeremy Banach features prominently in his parents home in Star. Jeremy pointed the gun toward the back of his head, according to body-camera footage reviewed by the Statesman. The Ada County Sheriffs Office said Jeremy was in the process of aiming to fire a round over his shoulder at the detectives, according to a news release. This would have only been possible if Jeremy had eyes in the back of his head, the Banachs said in the complaint. How do police respond to a mental health crisis in the Boise area? It varies by agency Ada County prosecutors wont conduct additional review The Banachs have been outspoken critics of police practices in the Treasure Valley and have been pushing for change through several avenues. Skip Banach last year appeared in front of the Star City Council, protested the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Payton Wasson in Boise, and asked for a citizen review board to investigate police shootings. More recently, the Banachs published an hourlong documentary on their sons killing. Theyve also circulated a petition, which has received over 700 signatures, questioned the decision to clear Woodcook of wrongdoing by the Valley County Prosecutors Office and asked Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts to instead use the Attorney Generals Office to conduct an unbiased third-party review of the shooting. As with all police shootings in the Treasure Valley, a neighboring law enforcement agency in this case, the Boise Police Department investigated the shooting by conducting interviews, gathering evidence and forwarding that information to the Ada County Prosecutors Office. There, it was sent to an outside prosecutor, who would decide whether to pursue criminal charges against the officers. The prosecutors office chooses which outside prosecutors office reviews police shootings. Valley County Prosecutor Brian Naugle concluded that the shooting was justified, and the Sheriffs Office said the officers involved didnt violate any internal policies, the Statesman previously reported. The Banachs sent Bennetts the petition and a letter in March. In response, Bennetts told the parents that the Valley County Prosecutors Office did a comprehensive and thorough review, according to documents provided to the Statesman by the Banachs. We consider this case closed, Bennetts wrote in an April email. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a Trump-era tax on overseas investments, rejecting an argument from a Washington state couple in a case that could have jeopardized existing tax provisions and torpedoed Democratic talk of a wealth tax. A 7-2 majority upheld the tax, though several justices offered differing rationales. In reading his opinion from the bench, Justice Brett Kavanaugh repeatedly stressed that the courts decision was narrow and did not implicate the raging debate over a wealth tax. At issue in the closely watched tax case was whether the government could levy a tax on investment proceeds that had not yet been received. Charles and Kathleen Moore, a Washington state couple, challenged a $15,000 tax bill they received because of their investment in an India-based company. The profit at issue, the Moores claimed, were reinvested and never distributed to them. The tax involved was enacted by Congress in 2017 as part of a larger package signed by then-President Donald Trump. The one-time mandatory repatriation tax was levied on shareholders on undistributed profits accrued between 1986 and the end of 2017 by certain foreign corporations that are majority owned by Americans. The provision was expected to raise $340 billion over a decade. The Supreme Court heeded the warnings of a broad and bipartisan set of tax experts and roundly rejected the Moores radical theory that threatened to upend central pillars of the tax system, said Chye-Ching Huang, executive director of the Tax Law Center at NYU Law. The court, Huang said, exercised restraint by deciding only what it had to: that Congress could tax the Moores on their share of income realized at the corporate level. Looming debate over wealth tax Some conservative groups warned that a win for the government could open the door to a federal tax on wealth, which President Joe Biden and several congressional Democrats have eyed in recent years. But during oral arguments in December, both conservative and liberal justices appeared to be looking for a narrow outcome that wouldnt undermine current taxes or dip into the debate over a wealth tax. And Kavanaugh on Thursday repeatedly noted the ruling shouldnt impact the debate. Those are potential issues for another day, and we do not address or resolve any of those issues here, Kavanaugh wrote in Thursdays opinion. This court has long upheld taxes of that kind, and we do the same today with the MRT. Any other outcome, Kavanaugh wrote, could have led to challenges of other federal taxes. The upshot is that the Moores argument, taken to its logical conclusion, could render vast swaths of the Internal Revenue Code unconstitutional, Kavanaugh wrote. And those tax provisions, if suddenly eliminated, would deprive the U. S. Government and the American people of trillions in lost tax revenue. Kavanaughs opinion was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts as well as Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Samuel Alito concurred with the courts bottom-line conclusion but for different reasons. Justices Clarence Thomas penned a dissent, joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch. Notably, four justices Barrett, Alito, Thomas and Gorsuch would have gone further in striking down discussion of a wealth tax. They would have ruled that proceeds must be realized in order to be taxed under the 16th Amendment. The narrowly crafted decision sends a warning shot to Biden and other wealth tax proponents who have floated proposals on taxing income that has not yet been received, said Steve Rosenthal, senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, a non-partisan research organization. It augers badly for future wealth and billionaire taxes, Rosenthal told CNN. But several progressive groups applauded the decision, suggesting it left the door open to other types of taxes. The fight goes on to tax the rich, pass a wealth tax on ultra-millionaires and billionaires, and make the system more fair, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, posted on X. Containing the blast radius Biden and other Democrats have proposed new taxes on the wealthy to fund their spending plans, many of which are aimed at helping lower-income and middle-class Americans. Some proposals seek to tax annual increases in the value of unsold assets, also known as unrealized capital gains. Currently, this growth is typically only taxed at time of sale. Other proposals would establish a tax on the net worth of the uber-wealthy. Biden has pushed for a Billionaire Minimum Income Tax, which would require those worth over $100 million to pay a tax rate of at least 25%. It would levy the tax on the wealthys full income, including unrealized gains. Warren, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont have also unveiled tax proposals that would hit the wealthiest Americans. Those proposals have so far not gained political traction in Congress. The Justice Department declined to comment on the decision. Dan Greenberg, general counsel of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which had represented the Moores, said the group was disappointed with the ruling. This decision lets the government levy income taxes on foreign shareholders who have never received income, Greenberg said. We think that is unfair, because the Constitution authorizes Congress to tax people on their income, not the income of foreign businesses that they do not control. The case was also being closely watched for its potential impact on other current tax provisions that typically fall on wealthy Americans, including several international tax rules designed to prevent US residents or corporations from shifting assets and operations overseas to avoid paying federal taxes. Former House Speaker Paul Ryan, who helped draft the 2017 tax cut law, said at a panel last year that if the Moores prevailed, it could undermine a third of the tax code. In explaining the case, Kavanaugh said the Moores chose to contain the blast radius of their legal theory by trying to distinguish the Trump-era tax from others like it that have long been in place and found to be constitutional. The Moores have advanced an array of ad hoc distinctions to try to explain why those longstanding taxes are constitutional and why those precedents are correct, and to simultaneously try to explain why those taxes and precedents do not eviscerate their argument that the MRT is unconstitutional, Kavanaugh wrote. But the Moores effort to thread that needle, although inventive, is unavailing. Aside from the legal issues involved, Moore v. United States drew attention to the Supreme Court for other reasons. Democrats on Capitol Hill had called for Justice Samuel Alito to recuse himself because one of the lawyers representing the Moores co-authored two favorable opinion pieces about the justice in the Wall Street Journal last year. Alito balked at that recusal request in a September court filing. Outside groups also raised questions about whether the attorneys representing the Moores had fully disclosed the couples involvement with the company. Filings reviewed by a publication for tax professions called Tax Notes suggested Charles Moore had a closer relationship to the India-based company, KisanKraft, than was first known, including that he was a previous member of the companys board. Alito absent Alito was not present Thursday as his colleagues took their seats to announce the days opinions a relatively rare absence. The Supreme Court did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Alitos absence. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. About 10 percent of the world's population still suffers from famine, co-chairman of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Ismail Serageldin said during a panel discussion on "The special case of the Food and Agriculture Sector" at the 29th high-level meeting "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future," Trend reports. "According to estimates by the World Economic Forum, the food and energy sector spends about $1.3 trillion a year (from preparation to consumption). First, we need to look at our planet. Each of us is affected by climate change. Deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification have a negative impact. The second is the issue of water use. Water must be used efficiently. About 80 percent of water is used for agriculture in many developing and poorest countries. People should be constantly informed and reminded about efficient water use," he said. Meanwhile, the main objective of this high-level meeting is to ensure that all stakeholders work together to ensure the success of COP29 in Baku. Preparations for COP29 in Baku include a multi-faceted approach to ensure responses to existing global challenges and opportunities in climate action. To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan this November. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN 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 in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Kearney woman arrested late on Tuesday night now faces charges in the killing of her husband. The Clay County Sheriffs Office says deputies went to a home northeast of downtown Kearney in the 16200 block of Kountry Ridge Drive, just south of Jesse James Farm Road, on reports of a shooting at about 10 p.m. that night. Missouri couple accused of poisoning trees in Maine for an ocean view Sheriffs deputies found 50-year-old Ricky Allen dead at the scene, and arrested 48-year-old Melissa Hoffner-Allen. Clay County prosecutors charged her with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. A probable cause statement says Hoffner-Allen called police and said she had shot her husband in the chest and he wasnt breathing. Emergency workers attempted life-saving measures, but declared him deceased. Investigators found evidence of some kind of incident where drywall had fallen on the floor, and a spent shell casing was found at the bottom of a staircase. The shell casing matched rounds found in a 9 mm pistol recovered from the scene. The court document says that Hoffner-Allen told investigators her husband was mad at her and choked her. She said after she went upstairs to get her gun, her husband said, shoot me multiple times, which she said she did. Kansas City police investigating baby boys suspicious death When Hoffner-Allen was taken to jail and photographed, a detective noted in the charging document that she had visible bruising on both of her arms. She declined to make further statements to investigators after speaking with an attorney. Hoffner-Allen appeared with an attorney at her arraignment on Thursday and pleaded not guilty. Her bond remains set at $250,000. Her next court date is Thursday, August 15. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While the British election process plays out, Russia continues its cruel and vicious aggression against the Ukrainian people with new war crime allegations continually emerging. A furious Putin threatens to supply Britains enemies with missiles that can strike the UK itself, in revenge for Britain supplying Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow weapons. Iran carried out a massive bombardment of Israel which only avoided mass civilian casualties due to the defensive capabilities of Israels Western allies. Irans proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis continue to destabilise the Middle East with the latter attacking British-linked shipping and Royal Naval vessels. All the while, China flexes its muscles in the South China Sea and continues its cyber attacks against Western democratic states. Yet the lack of focus on Britains national security in this dangerous world and the obsession in most of the media with polls and personalities risks turning this into a cartoon election in a hardback world. The first duty of any British government is to keep the British people safe and this solemn responsibility has weighed heavily on the conscience of every prime minister. Boris Johnson, as prime minister, gave important international leadership on Ukraine, continued under Rishi Sunak, including at the much underreported G7 summit last week. As one American colleague on Capitol Hill put it to me, if Britain hadnt given the leadership it did to the West, the response to Ukraine in the US Congress would have been much more muted. The consequences would have been profound indeed. Across the world an axis of authoritarian states is causing more instability, more rapidly, in more places and, along with its proxies, is attempting to reshape the world order against the fundamental values our country represents and that our troops have fought and died for values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law. The ideological imperative is clear, and for the Conservatives it always has been whether faced with the fascist regimes of the 1940s, the anti-nuclear movement of the 70s and 80s or the anti-Nato rhetoric of the Corbyn years. Which brings us to the current leader of the Labour Party, who would be prime minister in charge of our national security. This is the man who urged the nation to give Jeremy Corbyn the keys to No 10. When Keir Starmer said, I do think Jeremy Corbyn would make a great prime minister, did he mean the Jeremy Corbyn who said, I am against the replacement of Trident and the nuclear missile system that goes with it? Did he mean the Jeremy Corbyn who said, Wouldnt it be wonderful if every politician around the world, instead of taking pride in the size of their armed forces, did what the people of Costa Rica have done and abolished their army. Did he mean the Jeremy Corbyn who said, Why dont we turn it around and close down Nato and Id rather we werent in it? Maybe he meant the Jeremy Corbyn who said, It will be my pleasure and my honour to host an event in Parliament where our friends from Hezbollah will be speaking Ive also invited friends from Hamas? Having found it acceptable to urge the British people to make Jeremy Corbyn prime minister, how can anyone have confidence in Starmers judgement on our national security. Do we want an individual as prime minister who sat pliantly in shadow cabinet meetings, nodding his head to a man who entertained leaving Nato, scrapping the army, or sending chemical weapons back to Russia for analysis after the dreadful Salisbury attack? Can we risk the most powerful person in the country being someone who sat shoulder to shoulder with Diane Abbott, who once signed a parliamentary motion calling for the abolition of conspiratorial groups like MI5? Do we want individuals around the Cabinet table so strategically naive that they voted to scrap our nuclear deterrent? Remember that both Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader and David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, voted against the renewal of Trident in parliament. When disgruntled Tory voters say they want change they need to understand just how dangerous this change could be for Britain with a left-dominated Labour government. The Prime Minister has rightly committed to raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, leading the European Nato nations. Threats will not abate in the coming years, security is not a certainty. Our adversaries are becoming stronger and more ambitious in their designs. In this complex strategic environment, do we really trust one of Jeremy Corbyns former lieutenants with British national security? The answer is emphatically and unequivocally no. 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. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), opened up about their past fertility struggles to stress the importance of alternative pregnancy options, which they argued are under threat by politicians. In a personal essay published Thursday in People magazine, Kelly and Giffords described how a gunman in 2011 took away their dreams of having a child together, and their concern politicians will do the same for Americans. In 2011, Giffords was shot at a political event in Tucson, Ariz., in a shooting that left six others dead and several more injured. Two days after the shooting, Giffords and Kelly were slated to have an appointment at the Washington, D.C., facility where Giffords was receiving in vitro fertility treatments. The couple, who have been married since 2007, noted they tied the knot a little later in life but wanted the chance to have children together. Kelly has two daughters from a previous marriage. We wanted to grow our family together and were fortunate enough to be able to pursue the only option for us: in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Gabby never made it to that appointment, Giffords and Kelly wrote. These past few months, as weve seen reproductive freedoms increasingly under attack in the absence of the protections of Roe v. Wade, our hearts break for the couples who, all of a sudden, cant decide for themselves how and when to start their family. While IVF treatments are expensive and invasive, the couple noted they are the safest and sometimes, the only, way for some couples to have children. Kelly and Giffords, who retired from Congress in 2012 to focus on her recovery, pointed to various landmark court decisions and legislative efforts that have thrust IVF into the political spotlight in recent months. In Alabama, the state Supreme Court ruled in February that frozen embryos were children, and those who destroy them can be held liable for their death. IVF services were mostly halted in the state, though lawmakers quickly passed legislation to address civil and criminal liability for IVF providers, prompting some to resume services. In Giffords and Kellys home state of Arizona, the Legislature passed a bill in 2023 that would have made child support payments retroactive to the date of a positive pregnancy test. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, when vetoing the legislation, wrote that it directly threatens the reproductive rights of Arizonans. On Capitol Hill, more than 130 House Republicans co-sponsored the Life at Conception Act, which would grant personhood from the moment of fertilization, cloning or any other mechanism of creation. All but two Senate Republicans, meanwhile, voted against a motion to force a vote on legislation that would make it a nationwide right for women to access IVF. Despite this real threat, Republicans in Congress have multiple times in recent weeks blocked legislation that would protect access to IVF and contraception for all Americans. The truth is there is a real danger of our country moving backwards even further than we already have, the essay stated. The recent back-and-forth surrounding IVF and other reproductive rights is not happening by chance, Giffords and Kelly argued, calling out former President Trump and his judicial appointments. Trump has taken credit for the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade through the appointment of three conservative justices to the bench. Donald Trump said himself that he broke Roe v. Wade, which set off a series of attacks on reproductive freedoms, the essay stated. Twenty states now have abortion bans, including Arizona, where our state has been in turmoil between two abortion bans, both of which endanger womens health and threaten doctors with jail time. Kelly, 60, is serving is first term in the Senate, which is set to run until 2029. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ken Griffin is reportedly adding more floors to Citadel's new Florida office. Alexander Tamargo Billionaire Ken Griffin is doubling down on Miami. The Citadel boss is expanding its new office in the city's financial district, CoStar News reported. He's pumped millions of dollars into Florida since moving his company there from Chicago in 2022. Ken Griffin is in a Florida state of mind. The billionaire boss of Citadel is adding two more floors to the firm's planned office at a new 55-story tower in Miami, as first reported by Bloomberg. The new Citadel office at 830 Brickell in the middle of Miami's financial district will now feature eight floors, Bloomberg reported. A Citadel spokesperson confirmed the expansion to Business Insider. The new tower, which was designed by the firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, will feature panoramic views of Miami, a luxury rooftop restaurant, and a fitness center, according to developers OKO Group. CoStar News reported that the tower's rent is upward of $100 per square foot. Griffin stunned the financial world in 2022 when he announced he was moving Citadel from Chicago to Florida. He blamed Chicago's crime rate at the time for the megafirm's shift. Griffin said in November that Miami could one day overtake New York as the premier financial hub in the United States. "Miami, I think, represents the future of America," he said, praising the state's pro-business stances. Florida taxes are much lower than those in New York or Chicago. Earlier this year, Citadel employees told BI that the city's ample sunshine and less-stressful vibe made Miami a welcome change of pace. Since moving the firm, Griffin has pumped millions into South Florida through donations to local programs. Last September, he announced Griffin Catalyst, a Miami civic-engagement initiative building on his prior philanthropic work. Griffin Catalyst focuses on issues like charter-school expansion, free-speech initiatives, science and medical research, and the promotion of "the American dream" and economic mobility. Griffin has also donated to local hospitals and groups, including a $50 million donation to cancer research for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and $9 million for the area's public schools to expand tutoring programs. In total, the hedge fund manager has donated more than $300 million to South Florida causes, the South Florida Business Journal reported. Read the original article on Business Insider Crowds of Kenyans again took to the streets on Thursday in protest, clashing with police in Nairobi as nationwide demonstrations continue over a controversial tax bill The controversial bill -- known as the Finance Bill 2024 -- has sparked discontent across the East African nation since first being presented in parliament in May, the new bill proposing an increase in an array of taxes and levies for Kenyans. Hundreds took to the streets of Kenya's capital Nairobi on Tuesday, with armed police lobbing tear gas canisters and firing water cannons at demonstrators who had assembled in Nairobi's Central Business district. PHOTO: Police officers arrest a demonstrator protesting against proposed tax hikes in a finance bill that is due to be tabled in parliament in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Andrew Kasuku/AP) At least 283 protesters were arrested, including four journalists, in the earlier protests, Amnesty Kenya told ABC News. The human rights organisation said it is "alarmed and outraged" by the "use of excessive force," "intimidation of civilians" and arbitrary arrests. "Police were firing teargas at us and we had to run into a nearby cafe to seek shelter," Stella Njoki, 22, a student who took part in the protests, told ABC News in a phone interview. "But it was imperative we made our voice heard as this is our future, our Kenya, and it is us who will be paying this price." PHOTO: Protestors react after police used teargas to disperse them during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, June 20, 2024. (Monicah Mwangi/Reuters) The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi on Tuesday issued a demonstration alert for U.S. citizens, saying events are "intended to be peaceful" but can "turn violent" at any moment. The embassy called on U.S. citizens to "remain vigilant" and avoid large gatherings. PHOTO: Protesters chant anti-government slogans during a demonstration against tax hikes as Members of the Parliament debate the Finance Bill 2024 in downtown Nairobi, on June 18, 2024. (Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images) The Finance Bill was introduced as part of Kenya's budget for next year, Kenya's finance minister Njuguna Ndung'u saying the budget is aiming to "revitalize" Kenya's economy, raise an additional 346.7 billion Kenya shillings in revenue and help alleviate debt. PHOTO: People run to take cover after a tear gas fired by Kenya police officers exploded next to them during a demonstration against tax hikes as Members of the Parliament debate the Finance Bill 2024 in downtown Nairobi, on June 18, 2024. (Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images) Kenyans fear the bill -- which was proposed to become effective on July 1 -- would increase the economic burden for those already struggling with the cost of living. The Media Council of Kenya in a statement condemned the "arbitrary arrests and attacks on journalists" covering the protests, expressing "dismay" that journalists were harassed despite being well identified in press jackets and badges. In a statement on Tuesday evening, Kenya's President's Office announced they have made amendments to the Finance Bill "in account of the views of the people and other stakeholders during public participation sessions." PHOTO: Protesters make signs with their arms in front of Kenya police officers during a demonstration against tax hikes as Members of the Parliament debate the Finance Bill 2024 in downtown Nairobi, on June 18, 2024. (Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images) Among amendments are the scrapping of a proposed 16 % VAT on bread, taxes on foreign exchange transactions and financial services, as well as a 2.5 % Motor Vehicle tax. "We are going to end up with a product in Parliament that came from the Executive and has been interrogated by the Legislature. Through public participation, the people of Kenya have had a say," said President Ruto. Kenyan protesters clash with police over controversial tax bill originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The city of Kherson was left without electricity due to the Russian attack on 20 June. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, the Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Prokudin: "Kherson was left without electricity due to the Russian attack. Power engineers have already begun emergency restoration works and are addressing the consequences of the enemy strike." Background: Civilian energy infrastructure facilities in four regions of Ukraine Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Kyiv were damaged as a result of Russian attacks on the night of 19-20 June. The Energy Ministry reported that during the attack on 20 June, seven employees were injured at two energy facilities. Support UP or become our patron! Seoul Major weapons exporter South Korea will "reconsider" a longstanding policy that bars it from supplying arms directly to Ukraine, a presidential official said Thursday, after North Korea and Russia signed a defense deal. Russia's President Vladimir Putin was in Pyongyang Wednesday for a high-profile state visit that underscored his growing ties with leader Kim Jong Un, as the two signed a "breakthrough" agreement that included a pledge to come to each other's aid if attacked. Hours later, Seoul said it was "planning to reconsider the issue of providing weapons support to Ukraine," a presidential official told reporters. Seoul has a longstanding policy that bars it from selling weapons into active conflict zones, which it has stuck to despite calls from Washington and Kyiv to reconsider. As Putin heads for North Korea, South fires warning shots at North Korean troops The country, which is aiming to become one of the world's top arms exporters, has signed billions of dollars of deals to sell its tanks and howitzers to European countries, including Kyiv's ally Poland. Seoul expressed its "grave concern" over the Moscow-Pyongyang agreement, where the two countries agreed to strengthen their military and economic cooperation, including immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression. "Any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps strengthen North Korea's military capabilities is a violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions," national security adviser Chang Ho-jin told reporters. "Russia's own violation of the resolution and support for North Korea will inevitably have a negative impact on the South Korea-Russia relationship." Putin said in Pyongyang that Russia "does not rule out military-technical cooperation" with the North, which would violate rafts of U.N. sanctions on Kim's regime over his banned nuclear and ballistic missile programs. North Korea and Russia have been allies since North Korea's founding after World War II and have drawn even closer since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as Western powers have stepped up sanctions against Moscow. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer said that while the pact signed Wednesday in Pyongyang saw Putin and Kim pledge to defend the other if attacked, officials in the U.S. and other Western capitals believe Russia, above all, wants to ensure a steady supply of North Korean weapons for its war in Ukraine. Concern has grown for months, however, over a tacit arms arrangement in which North Korea provides Russia with munitions in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers, which politicians and experts fear could enhance the threat posed by Kim's nuclear weapons and missile program. A pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin shaking hands after a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 19, 2024. / Credit: GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP/Getty Pyongyang has described allegations of supplying weapons to Russia as "absurd," but the new treaty between the North and Moscow has fueled concerns of increased weapons deliveries. North Korea thanked Russia for using its U.N. veto in March to effectively end monitoring of sanctions violations, just as U.N. experts were starting to probe alleged arms transfers. During the state visit, Kim called Putin the "dearest friend of the Korean people" and said his country "expresses full support and solidarity to the Russian government" over the war in Ukraine. Putin also said that the U.N. sanctions against the North which began in 2006 over the country's banned nuclear programs should be reviewed. Seoul said Thursday it will slap additional unilateral sanctions against a number of Russian and North Korean parties over arms shipments and oil transfers between the two countries. Any future weapons support from Seoul to Ukraine would need to "involve a clear level of moderation," Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP. "If the support is limited to conventional weapons such as artillery shells and landmines, similar to the level of support North Korea is providing to Russia, the backlash from Russia could be minimized," he added. Justin Timberlake arrested on DWI-related charges in New York Former CIA acting director warns U.S. faces serious terrorist attack threat Sneak peek: Jade Janks and the Secret Photos White House spokesperson John Kirby on Thursday took issue with comments from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which the Israeli leader claimed the Biden administration was withholding weapons and ammunition. We didnt know that video was coming. It was perplexing to say the least, Kirby told reporters when asked about Netanyahus comments, which were made in a video posted to social media earlier in the week. [Theres] no other country thats done more or will continue to do more than the United States to help Israel defend itself, the national security communications adviser added. Those comments were deeply disappointing and vexing to us. Kirby said he had no idea what Netanyahus motivation was in making the comments criticizing the Biden administration. Youd have to talk to the prime minister about what prompted him to do that, Kirby said. Again, it was vexing and disappointing to us, as much as it was incorrect. So, difficult to know exactly what was on his mind there. Kirbys remarks were the sharpest White House pushback yet against Netanyahus latest comments. The prime minister posted a video to social platform X on Tuesday in which he addressed the camera in English and said it was inconceivable that, in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel. The White House paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over concerns about the weapon being used in high-population areas in Gaza. But military aid has otherwise continued to flow to Israel, despite concerns from some Democrats, and the U.S. aided Israel in warding off a drone attack by Iran earlier this year. Democrats, including President Biden, have grown frustrated with the war in Gaza, where local officials say more than 37,000 people have been killed as Israel fights to destroy Hamas, the militant group that invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage. Biden warned last month he would stop supplying Israel with offensive weapons such as bombs and artillery shells if it launched a long-promised invasion of Rafah. But the White House has maintained Israel has not crossed a red line, even after an Israeli strike killed dozens of Palestinians in the southern Gaza city. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A kitten was rescued from between the wheels of a truck in Portage County, Ohio. While authorities arent sure how the kitty got into the predicament, they believe she might have been looking for a hiding place. Fortunately, she was found and safely rescued before the truck was started. Troopers rescue little kitten found stuck between trucks wheels in Portage County On June 19, the Ohio State Highway Patrol posted a video to its X formerly known as Twitter account. In the post, they highlighted a rescue mission from last month, during which they saved a little kitten trapped between a trucks wheels. The driver first noticed the feline and alerted the troopers to help rescue the little one. Watch this meow-velous rescue of a kitten stuck in a semi's wheel well. This seemingly im-paw-sible rescue mission had a happy endingthanks to the purrfect teamwork by all on scene! ?? pic.twitter.com/XYqk7tWpXB OSHP_NEOhio (@OSHP_NEOhio) June 18, 2024 The commercial driver discovered the kitty when he was doing his pre-trip inspection. The kitten was stuck between his semis tires and refused to leave her hiding place even after the rescuers arrived. The incident happened on May 14, with the video capturing an adorable gray and white feline. According to People, the authorities had some large vehicles on standby for the rescue mission. They also asked the commercial truck driver if he would let them remove the wheel if lifting the vehicle wasnt enough. The rescue wasnt easy as the kitten tried her best to hang on using her nails to the truck tire. After the troopers had communicated about the best way to save the feline, they finally removed the wheel. Another team member swiftly caught the kitty and placed her in a box. They then used the same to carry her to the Portage Animal Protective League. The kitten was lucky the truck driver noticed her between his vehicles wheels before he drove off. She is now safe in a shelter thanks to the joint efforts of the commercial driver and the Ohio State Highway Patrol officials. The post Kitten Trapped Between Trucks Wheels Rescued in Ohio appeared first on CatTime. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. COP29 is an important event for Azerbaijan, which will host such a big event for the first time, Deputy Minister of Health of Azerbaijan Nadir Zeynalov said during the global summit, themed "Forecasting healthy futures," annually held ahead of COP, Trend reports. The deputy minister pointed out that everything possible is being done to hold this conference at a high level. "As the Ministry of Health, we are preparing to provide first-class medical care during COP29. A large number of people will come to Azerbaijan and we are taking necessary measures to eliminate any health problems they may have," he added. To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN 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 in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Knife-wielding suspect shot and killed by police in Orange County A knife-wielding man was shot and killed by officers after allegedly threatening bystanders in Fullerton. On June 15, Fullerton police responded to reports of a man threatening bystanders on the 200 block of East Imperial Highway at around 5 a.m. Arriving officers spotted a man holding what appeared to be a knife in each hand. Police told the man to drop his weapons however, he refused to cooperate. The man suddenly began running toward police while still holding the knives in his hand, authorities said. Thats when the suspect was shot by officers. He was transported to a local trauma center where he later died. No officers were injured during the incident. A knife and a boxcutter were found at the scene near the suspect. A box cutter and a knife that was brandished by a suspect during a deadly officer-involved shooting on June 15, 2024. (Fullerton Police Department) The suspects identity will be released by the Orange County Coroners Office pending an investigation. As standard protocol, the Orange County District Attorneys Office responded to conduct an independent investigation into the actions of the officers during this officer-involved Shooting, authorities said. Fullerton Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives will be investigating potential criminal acts by the suspect. Police believe there are witnesses who saw the suspects actions leading up to the fatal confrontation. Anyone with information is asked to call Fullerton police detective L. Ramirez at 714-738-5334. Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. L.A. Ballerina Shakes Her Head in Disbelief at Her Treason Trial in Russia A 33-year-old Los Angeles woman with dual Russian-U.S. citizenship appeared in a Russian court Thursday to face treason charges after she was nabbed by security services there during a visit home in January. Ksenia Karelina, a Yekaterinburg native who immigrated to the U.S. about a decade ago, faces a lengthy prison sentence for donating just over $50 to a nonprofit that helps Ukraine amid Russias ongoing war there. Russian authorities claim she supported the Ukrainian military. In a brief video taken inside the courtroom at the Sverdlovsk Regional Court by local media, Karelina could be seen briefly smiling and shaking her head in disbelief as she sat in a detention cage. The press was allowed inside the courtroom only briefly to film and photograph her; the judge otherwise closed the proceedings. Both Karelina and her lawyer declined to comment to reporters. At the time of her arrest, Karelina had been visiting her hometown to celebrate the New Years holiday with her family. Shed been managing a Beverly Hills spa and had previously worked at a ballet theater in Baltimore. Karelinas boyfriend, Chris Van Heerden, had reportedly surprised her with the ticket home, and he said she was not at all concerned about visiting the country despite tensions over the war against Ukraine. She was like, Im going to be fine, its good. Im Russian, Im good, he told NBC LA after her arrest. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Some San Fernando Valley residents have taken to social media to complain about their water smelling and tastingwell, dirty or moldy. The water in Reseda smells like soil and is musty, Daniel Nakamura posted to X, formerly Twitter, while tagging the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Is it safe to drink? Another X user, Rena Durham, also tagged LADWP, saying nearly the same thing. Whats going on with the water, she asked. It tastes like moldy dirtWhat are you doing about it? Michael Sakamano said on X that for the last three days, the tap water in the San Fernando Valley has had an earthy-pond-water smell. Can you provide an update on the cause? What advice regarding water safety, he said. In each instance, LADWP responded, saying they were aware that customers in these areas had noticed a musty odor coming from their water. Our initial testing has confirmed that this is due to a natural, seasonal presence of algae that does not pose any public health or safety concern, the department added. Womans lost luggage turns up at Hollywood homeless encampment LADWP also said its adjusting its operations and treatment in hopes of fixing the issue as soon as possible. They have also increased water sample collection and testing out of an abundance of caution and say they will continue to monitor the situation and keep residents updated. Your tap water continues to be safe to drink and does not have any impact on the safety of your water, LADWP said. The odor can also be improved if you run the water through a filter pitcher or refrigerator filter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The treason trial for L.A.-based Russian-American aesthetician Ksenia Karelina began Thursday in Russia, a court said. The case opened about three months after she was detained on a visit back to her native country in January to see her family. She's accused of donating money to Ukraine, where Russia continues a war it launched with a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Karelina's former mother-in-law Eleonora Srebroski said she had been given a plane ticket as a gift by her boyfriend to fly back to see her parents and younger sister in the eastern city of Yekaterinburg. She said she had donated a small amount of money to a New York-based nonprofit organization called Razom, which sends non-military assistance to Ukraine, shortly after Russia launched its invasion. Her boyfriend told news outlets she had donated about $50. Srebroski told CBS News in February that Karelina had assured her boyfriend it was safe for her to visit Russia and he had no reason to worry about her. Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian national detained on suspicion of treason, attends a court hearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia, June 20, 2024, in a still image taken from video. / Credit: Press Service of the Sverdlovsk Regional Court/Handout/REUTERS Karelina was initially detained by Russia's Federal Security Service on charges of "petty hooliganism," but the charge was upgraded to treason. The charge she's facing carries a possible sentence of 12 years to life in prison. Her trial is taking place behind closed doors, and acquittals for treason are rare in Russia. Karelina appeared in a short video published by the court in Yekaterinburg, sitting in a glass cage, wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. Srebroski, who called Karelina "a very beautiful human being" when she spoke previously with CBS News, said that as far as she knew, the recently naturalized U.S. citizen had returned to Russia to attend university-level classes on the tourism industry. She said ballet was her hobby and passion. "I am in shock," Srebroski said in February, adding that there was, "no justice in Russia whatsoever." Washington has accused Moscow of arresting American citizens to use as bargaining chips to try to secure the release of Russian prisoners. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich also recently went on trial on espionage charges, and Radio Free Europe journalist Alsu Kurmasheva and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan are also currently detained in Russia. Former CIA acting director warns U.S. faces serious terrorist attack threat Sneak peek: Jade Janks and the Secret Photos MLB to honor Willie Mays, Negro Leagues in special game at Alabama's Rickwood Field Eugene Mayor candidate Kaarin Knudson, center, celebrates with family and supporters as early returns show her leading the race for mayor during a watch party at The Bier Stein in Eugene. The Lane County Clerk and Oregon Secretary of State certified the results of Oregon's May 2024 election Monday evening. Voters elected both new and incumbent candidates to positions for Lane County and the City of Eugene, determined local ballot measures, and selected the major parties' nominees for the state legislature and U.S. Congress. The bond measure for the Fern Ridge School District, which was too close to call on election night, passed in the end, with the final tally showing 1,846 votes in favor and 1,787 votes opposed. A handful of Lane County-area State Representative nominations had no candidate file from one of the major parties, and those nominations were won with write-in votes. In House District 8 (south/central Eugene) both of the district's Democratic candidates tied for the most Republican votes with 7 votes each. Candidates for partisan office can be dual-nominated, but can't be nominated by another party after losing their own primary. This means Democratic nominee Lisa Fragala has the opportunity to also accept the Republican nomination and run uncontested in November, which is not uncommon in Oregon. In the last election cycle, four Republican representatives earned their districts' Democratic nominations through write-in votes. In House District 12 (east Lane), Michelle Emmons, Democratic nominee for the seat in 2022, earned the most Democratic votes with 655, giving her the opportunity to run for the seat in November against Darin Harbick, who beat out incumbent Charlie Conrad for the Republican nomination. In House District 14 (west Eugene/Veneta), Democratic incumbent Julie Fahey earned the most Republican votes with 33, meaning she could accept the Republican nomination and run uncontested. Oregon House districts write-in results House District 8 Republican Primary Votes Percent Lisa Fragala (D-Eugene) 7 6.8% Doyle Canning (D-Eugene) 7 6.8% Cory Burket (R-Springfield) 4 3.9% Others 85 82.5% House District 12 Democratic Primary Votes Percent Michelle Emmons (D-Oakridge) 655 52.9% Darin Harbick (R-McKenzie Bridge) 221 17.9% Charlie Conrad (R-Dexter) 126 10.2% Others 236 19.1% House District 14 Republican Primary Votes Percent Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) 33 13.1% Donald Trump (R-Palm Beach, Fla.) 9 3.6% Stan Stubblefield (R-Eugene) 7 2.8% Others 202 80.5% Lane County May 2024 voter turnout The final voter turnout in Lane County was 99,127 votes out of 278,595 registered voters, or 35.6%. This is a significant drop from the equivalent May 2020 election, which saw a 45.4% turnout, but mirrored the statewide trend, where overall turnout was 46.1% in May 2020 and 35.2% in May 2024. Official voter turnout is arguably overstated because some people don't register to vote (according to the Census, there are approximately 315,236 adults in Lane County) and there are many undervotes, which is when people vote but not in certain races. Undervotes were relatively low at the top of the ticket but grew lower down the ballot. For example, the Democratic presidential primary saw 3.8% undervotes, while the race for Eugene Mayor saw 11.4% undervotes, County Commissioner District 3 saw 17.6% undervotes, and District Attorney saw 20.5% undervotes. This results in situations like the mayor's race, where 42,231 people voted in a city with approximately 148,901 adults. The figure was a dropoff from the May 2020 Eugene Mayor's race (48,061 votes). Other Eugene-sized cities such as Salem and Shreveport, Louisiana, have also seen a post-pandemic decline in voter turnout. Mayoral election turnout in U.S. Cities with population between 175,000 and 180,000* City May 2016 Nov. 2016 April 2017 Nov. 2018 Dec. 2018 May 2020 Nov. 2020 April 2021 May 2022 Nov. 2022 Dec. 2022 May 2024 Elk Grove, California - 68,721 - - - - 83,426 - - - - - Shreveport, Louisiana - - - 60,528 38,916 - - - - 51,454 36,764 - Eugene, Oregon 53,340 53,940^ - - - 48,061 64,599^ - - - - 42,231 Aurora, Illinois - - 10,968 - - - - 13,020 - - - Salem, Oregon 33,983 45,613^ - 40,019^ - 37,586 52,298^ - 34,760 39,860^ - 33,074 Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on X @alanfryetorres. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Lane County certifies primary election results, sees turnout drop LAS VEGAS (KLAS) If you work or travel through the Las Vegas Strip corridor and convention center, youre not the only one dealing with daily traffic snarls, but cones, construction, and now dozens of big rigs with loads of dirt. Its a lot of them, its very time-consuming and it takes them an awful long time to get through traffic, Keisha Kennard who drives down Desert Inn Road every day explained. Its taking us forever to get anywhere from Desert Inn Road to Rainbow Boulevard and its ridiculous. Its also busy by the Las Vegas Convention Center. All day the trucks go in and out, but I dont know what they are really doing, James Scott who lives nearby the convention center said. 8 News Now set to find out what the trucks were doing and where they were coming from. These trucks pick up dirt from the old empty Rivera lot by the Las Vegas Convention Center and deliver it to the Durango Pit 10 miles away. A spokesman for the Las Vegas Convention Center told 8 News Now the excavation, fill, and compaction work at the 10-acre Rivera site was requested by the buyers of the land. Those buyers are the Fontainebleau and another developer called 65SLVB with a price tag of more than $125 million. The trucks transporting dirt are a result of all the work on the site which is expected to last through August. But its frustrating for those living and working near all of it. This whole area when it gets crazy and they have to come out you might be sitting here for 10 to 15 minutes with trucks going in and out because they are more important than the people going through Vegas, Scott said. For some drivers, it brings up safety concerns and worries about debris. I like to be away from them because sometimes it seems like when the wind is blowing, they are swaying back and forth like that they dont have full control of the truck, Kennard said. They should find a different route. Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom said they will cite any of the trucks if debris falls onto the roadways that go through the county. So far, no damage has been reported. As for the land involved, both companies will have to close on the land by November 1. If one company cant buy the land, then the other one is on the hook for all of it. No word on plans for the site but the agenda item states the land should be of comparable quality to new construction like the Fontainebleau and the Las Vegas Convention Center West. The trucks will continue rolling down the road through August. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Las Cruces Fire Department dispatched a Technical Rescue Team to Ruidoso in response to the South Fork and Salt Fires on Thursday, June 20. The Fire Department says the two fires have created the potential for flash flooding in the Ruidoso area. The Fire Department says the Technical Rescue Team is composed of specially trained firefighters with rescue gear for swift water incidents. The team is composed of seven members who will be aided by two trucks and one utility task vehicle. The Fire Department says the team will coordinate with local emergency management personnel and first responders in Ruidoso. By taking proactive measures to address potential hazards posed by flash floods, LCFD is demonstrating its commitment to public safety for our neighbors in Ruidoso, the Fire Department 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 KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas homeowners were discouraged when they saw the neighborhood cat, Princess, lying dead on their sidewalk, and now they are looking more into an abandoned house that wildlife are calling home. Jeanne David, a Las Vegas resident, said she did not expect to take care of the neighborhoods cats when she bought her home in 2014. We all take care of them, she said. But there are ducks in the park, theres birdseverybody goes out there and the kids love it. Jeanne David, a Las Vegas resident, said she did not expect to take care of the neighborhoods cats when she bought her home in 2014. (KLAS) Recently, neighbors in a west valley community said cats have been attacked by coyotes walking the Las Vegas neighborhood streets, and David said she caught the pack on camera. We saw on the video cameras that night that three coyotes were charging towards the cat, David said. Then the next night, we [saw] more coyotes, theyre now coming in packs and what we found is that theyre coming from that house. Recently, in a west valley neighborhood, cats have been attacked by coyotes. (Jeanne David) David pointed to a home that neighbors say has sat vacant and abandoned for nearly a decade and has become home for wildlife. We dont know if theres a den in the house or outside the house, she said. We have the quietest place in Las Vegas and all of a sudden were being traumatized by you know, all of our feral cats being in danger, she said. David and the residents told 8 News Now they notified Las Vegas Animal Protection Services, which referred the problem to the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The coyotes should be able to live in your neighborhood and dont worry about them, NDOW said. Well, I have a dead cat in my yard, what do you want to do about that? David replied. An NDOW representative allegedly advised David not to leave food out to prevent further coyote attacks, but she said the advice wasnt addressing the root problemthe abandoned house. Problem in the backyard There are piles of palm fronds lying above standing water in the abandoned homes pool and many neighbors are concerned for their health. When spring came around, we noticed the other problems with the house in the way of the insects, Jami Whitehead, a Las Vegas resident, said. You can imagine that theres a substantial odor that is associated with that as well. Whitehead shares a wall with the abandoned house and explains that she is worried about the health of her dogs and family, who try to enjoy their backyard. Corpse flies, wasps, mosquitoes and even squatters have been spotted in the abandoned home, according to residents. There were squatters in there, Whitehead said. But they quickly moved on. Jami Whitehead shares a wall with the abandoned house and explains that she is worried about the health of her dogs and family who try to enjoy their backyard. (KLAS) Whitehead recalls calling Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seamans office to resolve the issue, but nothing changed. They said they couldnt detect a problem in the backyard, she said. They were there for all of 30 seconds. Whitehead then reached out to the owner of the property, which, according to her, is a trust, but ignored her calls. I really dont know what to do at this point, Whitehead said. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has not yet responded to 8 News Now regarding this story. Southern Nevada Health District Mosquito Surveillance has been contacted by 8 News Now for issues of standing water and reports of mosquitoes. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Only a year after opening, the Sundry inside the Uncommons is now closing. Its just one of the many food halls across the valley. The Uncommons development which is full of retail shops and dining options became a hot spot for tourists and locals, leaving many wondering what happened. Makea Macaluso, owner of Togos Sandwiches located off Rainbow Boulevard and Sunset Road, said the unique concept was executed too soon. They didnt have a lot of the businesses, apartments, and residential stuff completed so in my opinion, they were just a little early. They didnt have all the foot traffic they would need to support a business like that, Macaluso, explained. Ongoing construction may have also played a part in the Sundrys closing, she said. Ive been to the Sundry a few times and Ive delivered a lot of catering orders to the different businesses over there, but its not always that easy to get into there, Macaluso added. The Sundry (KLAS) The Sundry (KLAS) The Uncommons (KLAS) Hayim Mizrachi, CEO of MDL Group, a commercial real estate company on Jones Boulevard and Ponderosa Way said hes watched the growth of businesses in the southwest valley. Outside of casinos, I think the Uncommons is one of the most significant projects in our community because its really elevating whats possible in southern Nevada, Mizrachi said. While the food hall will be closing its doors this weekend, members of the community are hopeful that this will not be the end. I think there was a misalignment between a fine dining operator trying to do fast casual. What I believe will happen is if not already operators looking at that room, reimagining it and I think the developers themselves will have an opportunity to recast some things having learned from this experience, Mizrachi, observed. At any point, that could be any of our businesses so its definitely scary and I have sympathy for all of them but I hope theyre able to figure it out and come back, Macaluso, said. The Uncommons and the Table One Hospitality group did not provide a reason for the closure but did announce plans for a new concept in the next few months. The Sundry was created through a bold, imaginative vision to bring a cosmopolitan food hall to Las Vegas locals. Unfortunately, we will no longer be able to serve the community as we envisioned. On behalf of our team, I want to thank the talented chefs and restaurateurs, vendors, and our amazing team, who came together to bring The Sundry to life. We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the many locals who visited us regularly. This has been an exciting and humbling journey, and we will miss it. Patric Yumul, CEO of TableOne Hospitality The only available options at the Sundry include Center Bar, Calle, Deo, Easy Slider, and Mabels until they close permanently on Saturday, June 22. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The Latest | US-built pier in Gaza unloads aid again after weather setback, official says A Palestinian girl stands at the entrance of her family tent at a makeshift tent camp for those displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip in Khan Younis, Gaza, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) The U.S.-built pier in Gaza was unloading humanitarian aid again Thursday after being removed for a second time last week because of rough seas, the U.S. military said. The floating pier was anchored back on Gazas shoreline Wednesday after facing a number of setbacks. Aid groups have sharply criticized the plan to bring aid by sea into Gaza, saying it's a distraction to take pressure off Israel to open more land border crossings that are far more productive. Palestinians face widespread hunger as the war has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and basic goods to Gaza, which is now totally dependent on aid. The United Nations has suspended cooperation with the pier project since June 9, a day after the Israeli military used the area around the pier in a hostage rescue that killed more than 270 Palestinians. The U.S. and Israeli militaries say no part of the pier was used in the raid. Meanwhile, Israels pledge to guard a new aid route into southern Gaza has fallen flat, as the U.N. and international aid organizations say a breakdown in law and order has made that route unusable. The situation has largely paralyzed aid distribution to southern and central Gaza particularly since the Rafah crossing with Egypt was closed by Israel's invasion of the city early last month. Israels war against Hamas, now in its ninth month, faces growing international criticism over the U.S.-backed campaign of systematic destruction in Gaza, at a huge cost in civilian lives. Israeli ground offensives and bombardments have killed more than 37,100 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Israel launched the war after Hamas Oct. 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted about 250. Currently: The fate of the latest cease-fire proposal hinges on Netanyahu and Hamas leader in Gaza. Israels pledge to guard an aid route into Gaza falls flat as lawlessness blocks distribution. A rare public rift appears between Israels political and military leadership over how the war in Gaza is being conducted. The leader of Lebanons Hezbollah militant group warns archenemy Israel against wider war. Hundreds died during this years Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say. Follow APs coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Here's the latest: Israels pledge to guard an aid route into Gaza falls flat as lawlessness blocks distribution JERUSALEM A breakdown in law and order n southern Gaza has made a new route to deliver aid unusable, according to the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations, just days after Israel declared the safe corridor. With thousands of truckloads of aid piled up, groups of armed men are regularly blocking convoys, holding drivers at gunpoint and rifling through their cargo, according to a U.N. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media on the issue. The lawlessness is a major obstacle to aid distribution for southern and central Gaza. In those areas, an estimated 1.3 million Palestinians displaced from Rafah more than half of Gazas entire population are now sheltering in tent camps and cramped apartments without adequate food, water, or medical supplies. Israel announced Sunday it would observe daily pauses in combat along a route stretching from Kerem Shalom, the strips only operational aid crossing in the south, to the nearby city of Khan Younis. The head of the U.N.s World Food Program said Thursday that the pause has made no difference at all in aid distribution efforts. We havent been able to get in, said Cindy McCain in an interview with Al-Monitor. Weve had to reroute some of our trucks. Theyve been looted. As you know, weve been shot at and weve been rocketed. The Israeli military body in charge of coordinating humanitarian aid efforts, COGAT, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The U.N. official familiar with the aid effort said that there's been no sign of Israeli activity along the route. The U.N. tried to send a convoy of 60 trucks down the road Tuesday to pick up aid at Kerem Shalom. But 35 of the trucks were intercepted by armed men, the official said. In recent days, the groups have moved closer to the crossing and set up roadblocks to halt trucks loaded with supplies, the U.N. official said. They have searched the pallets for smuggled cigarettes, a rare luxury in a territory where a single smoke can go for $25. The U.N. official said that 25 trucks of flour used the route Tuesday. Some private commercial trucks also got through many of which used armed security to deter groups seeking to seize their cargo. An AP reporter stationed along the road Monday saw at least eight trucks pass by, armed security guards riding on top. ___ AP writer Julia Frankel contributed. US military says 1.4 million pounds of aid unloaded since Gaza pier reopened WASHINGTON More than 656 metric tons, or 1.4 million pounds, of aid were delivered through the U.S. military-built pier in Gaza on Thursday in the hours after it resumed operations, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said. The pier was re-anchored to the beach in Gaza and started operating Wednesday after the military temporarily removed it due to weather, Ryder said. Aid groups have decried the pier as a distraction that took pressure off Israel to open more land border crossings, which are far more productive. Since the pier opened on May 17, more than 4,100 tons, or 9.1 million pounds, of food and aid have been delivered by sea and unloaded in Gaza. However, much of the aid has lingered in the storage area right by the pier, so although it was provided to Gaza, delivery trucks have not driven it into the people who need it most. Ryder directed questions about aid distribution to the United Nations World Food Program. The U.N. has suspended cooperation with the U.S.-led pier project since June 9, a day after the Israeli military used the area around the pier in a hostage rescue that killed more than 270 Palestinians. The U.S. and Israeli militaries say no part of the pier was used in the raid. The U.N. is concerned that any such use or even a perception of it by fighters and ordinary people in Gaza makes their continued role in the project untenable. At issue are the safety of humanitarian workers, and humanitarian groups principles of neutrality, the U.N. says. Hamas says it plans a legal response to ICC prosecutor's request for arrest warrants for its leaders CAIRO Hamas says it is planning a legal response against the International Criminal Court chief prosecutors request for arrest warrants against its top leaders. Calling the war crimes accusations against three of its top leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif baseless, Hamas said it would argue that Palestinians have the right, indeed the duty, to resist occupation by all means available, including armed resistance. Hamas is already considered an international terrorist group by Israel and its Western allies, so it was unclear what the impact of its legal brief would be. Both Sinwar and Deif are believed to be hiding in Gaza. Haniyeh, the supreme leader of the Islamic militant group, is based in Qatar and frequently travels across the region. Qatar is not a member of the ICC. The ICCs chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, said in May he was seeking the arrests of the three Hamas leaders, saying they bore responsibility for the attack on Israel Oct. 7, when the militants killed around 1,200 people and took some 250 hostage. Khan accused them of eight war crimes, among them rape, torture, taking hostages, and extermination. Khan said the same day he was seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. In its statement Thursday, Hamas cast Khan as biased in Israels favor. It said the prosecutor had erred in considering that the state of conflict began on October 7, asserting that the conflict began in 1948 with Israels establishment. During the war surrounding Israels independence, some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were forced their homes, an event the Palestinians refer as the Nakba, Arabic for catastrophe. A panel of three judges will decide whether to issue the arrest warrants and allow a case to proceed. The judges typically take two months to make such decisions. Israel's Netanyahu bemoans personal attacks after White House responds to his claims about weapons delays JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described White House statements regarding his claims that the U.S. is holding up weapons deliveries for Israel as personal attacks, but said he would endure these attacks provided Israel gets the munitions. Earlier Thursday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. is perplexed by Netanyahus claims earlier this week that the U.S. was holding up the delivery of weapons and creating bottlenecks. Kirby said those claims were incorrect. Netanyahu, in a statement released by his office, said, I am ready to suffer personal attacks as long as Israel receives from the United States the ammunition that it needs in the war for its existence. Netanyahu has been facing growing domestic political problems, and analysts have said his comments Tuesday on weapons delivery delays were likely aimed to shore up support among his right-wing base in Israel and the countrys supporters in the U.S., and didnt appear to indicate actual shortages of weapons. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday the only pause in weapons deliveries was related to certain heavy bombs since May. U.S. President Joe Biden delayed sending the 2,000-pound bombs over concerns about Israels killing of civilians in Gaza. Yet the administration has gone to lengths to avoid any suggestion that Israeli forces have crossed a red line in the deepening operation in the southern city of Rafah, which would trigger a more sweeping ban on arms transfers. UN is still reviewing whether it can safely take part in aid operation at US-built pier UNITED NATIONS The United Nations says it is still assessing whether it's safe for staff to participate in delivering humanitarian aid from the U.S.-built pier on Gaza's coast, which means no aid is being transported from the beach to U.N. warehouses. There is currently no timeline for completing the assessment, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters Thursday. If the U.N. Department of Safety and Security decides the U.N. can resume operations, then the World Food Program stands ready to do so based on its core principles. These core principles U.N. neutrality and independence in humanitarian activities were called into question during Israels June 8 hostage rescue, which killed more than 270 Palestinians. An Israeli helicopter touched down near the U.S.-built pier and helped whisk away the hostages and an injured Israeli commando, according to the U.S. and Israeli militaries. Both forces deny the pier was used, saying the helicopter landed an unspecified distance south of the causeway. The U.N. also hasnt been able to deliver aid using a new route in southern Gaza the Israeli military said it would secure during tactical pauses, Haq said. Fighting may have decreased on the route from the Kerem Shalom crossing to Gazas main north-south Salah al-Din road, he said, but there are other impediments and the lack of public order and safety is a major obstacle and requires concerted efforts and concrete measures to find a solution. Weve made clear that its the responsibility of Israel, the occupying power, to ensure that assistance can reach those who need it the most and to create an enabling environment, Haq said. He said the U.N. is is in discussions with Israeli authorities including COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, to provide assurances so people dont panic and think an aid delivery is a one-time event and rush to convoys trying to take food and other items. Many households report having only one meal every day, with some having one meal every two or three days, relying mostly on bread, food sharing with other families and rationing stocks, he said. Access to water is critically low and people line up for hours to collect it and are forced to rely on seawater for domestic use, Haq said. Communicable illnesses are spreading, sewage is overflowing, there is a proliferation of insects and vermin, and a near total lack of hygiene items. From June 1-18 there were 61 coordinated U.N. humanitarian missions to northern Gaza, he said. Of those, 28 were facilitated by Israeli authorities, eight were denied access, 16 were impeded, and nine were canceled for logistical, operational or security reasons. In southern Gaza, he said, the U.N. humanitarian office led assessments at sites for displaced Palestinians from June 7-14 and found people living in overcrowded tents in need of repair that dont offer any protection from extreme heat. Biden administration is still perplexed by Israel's Netanyahu saying US is withholding weapons WASHINGTON White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday the U.S. remains perplexed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus claims this week that the U.S. was holding up weapons for Israel and creating bottlenecks. Kirby called the prime ministers comments disappointing, especially given that no other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas and, quite frankly, other threats that theyre facing in the region. It was vexing and disappointing to us, as much as it was incorrect. So, difficult to know exactly what was on his mind there, Kirby told reporters. Netanyahus video message Tuesday comes as he faces growing domestic political problems. Analysts say it likely aimed to shore up support among his right-wing base in Israel as well as the country's supporters in the U.S., and doesnt appear to indicate on-the-ground shortages of weapons. The Biden administration has provided crucial military and diplomatic support for Israel throughout the war against Hamas. President Joe Biden has delayed delivering certain heavy bombs since May over concerns about Israels killing of civilians in Gaza. Yet the administration has gone to lengths to avoid any suggestion that Israeli forces have crossed a red line in the deepening operation in the southern city of Rafah, which would trigger a more sweeping ban on arms transfers. Israel doesn't want to let the Red Cross inspect detention centers accused of brutal treatment against Palestinians from Gaza JERUSALEM Israel remains opposed to allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross access to detention facilities accused of harshly treating Palestinians from Gaza and is working on creating an internal inspection system, state lawyers said Wednesday. The Red Cross had access to Israeli detention facilities holding Palestinians until Oct. 7, when Israel sealed them off from external observation. Since then, testimonies have mounted from released Palestinians of brutal treatment at the detention centers, where they are held incommunicado and without trial. The government lawyers wrote that Israeli lawmakers are examining a proposal to form an internal body that would visit the detention facilities, hear prisoners complaints and communicate the information to Israeli authorities. The body is expected to fulfill the purpose that the Red Cross has fulfilled until now, the lawyers wrote. They were responding to a coalition of rights groups asking Israels highest court to grant the Red Cross access to the detention facilities. In response, the main rights group petitioning the court said internal Israeli examiners could not substitute for international observers. Mounting testimonies reveal Israel has turned its detention facilities into a black hole for Palestinian prisoners enduring appalling conditions, said the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, adding that the government was investing a far-fetched mechanism in order to replace the accepted arrangement by the world. Since the Hamas attack Oct. 7, Israel has taken at least 4,000 Palestinians from Gaza into custody in Israel, interrogating them for potential ties to the militant group. Over 1,500 have been released, according to state figures. Hamas has rejected Red Cross appeals to visit some 120 hostages it is believed to be holding. Israel has already pronounced 43 of the hostages dead. US defense official confirms Gaza pier is bringing aid ashore WASHINGTON The U.S. military-built pier in Gaza was unloading humanitarian aid again Thursday after being removed for a second time last week because of rough seas, a U.S. defense official said. The pier was reattached to Gazas shoreline on Wednesday, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss U.S. military operations. The pier, which cost the U.S. at least $230 million, was meant to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza via the U.N.s World Food Program. It has faced a number of setbacks, operating for only about a week before getting blown apart by high winds in May. The U.S. military detached the floating causeway and moved it to an Israeli port last week so it wouldn't break apart again. Aid groups have decried the pier as a distraction that took pressure off Israel to open more border crossings, which are far more productive at bringing aid into Gaza. Israel's war against Hamas has caused widespread devastation and made domestic food production nearly impossible, leaving Gaza totally dependent on aid groups for food, medicine and basic goods. Palestinians are facing widespread hunger. Meanwhile, the United Nations has suspended its cooperation with the U.S.-led pier project since June 9. U.N. officials say they want to evaluate whether the Israeli military used the area around the pier in a June 8 hostage rescue that killed more than 270 Palestinians, and whether any such use or even a perception of it by fighters and ordinary people in Gaza makes their continued role in the project untenable. The U.S. and Israeli militaries say no part of the pier was used in the raid. ___ AP writers Lolita C. Baldor and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report. Pier for delivering vital aid to Gaza is functioning again, Cyprus says NICOSIA, Cyprus Cyprus Foreign Ministry said Thursday the U.S. military-built pier in Gaza is up and running again after being detached for a second time last week because of rough seas. Cyprus plays a key role in the pier because a security and inspection station it built screens the international aid destined for Gaza. There was no immediate confirmation from the U.S. Theodoris Gotsis, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, said the pier and the causeway in Gaza were both functioning. He said over the past 40 days, Cyprus has screened and loaded onto boats some 10,000 tons of aid for Gaza. The U.S. military detached the causeway last week to prevent it from breaking apart again, as it did late last month when it was hit by bad weather. The pier, used to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza, has faced a number of setbacks since it was erected. It was operational for only about a week when it was blown apart by high winds in May and then removed again earlier this month. The U.N.s World Food Program, one of the main aid agencies to make use of the pier, had paused its distribution of aid coming from it earlier this month over security concerns. WFP could not immediately be reached for comment on whether it was resuming distribution. EU warns against threats against Cyprus from Hezbollah NICOSIA, Cyprus A spokesman for the European Unions executive arm says any threat against Cyprus is a threat against the blocs 26 other member nations. Peter Stano made the remark Thursday in response to a question regarding Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallahs threat that Cyprus could be implicated in a wider conflict if the island nation allows Israel to use its ports and airports to target Lebanon. Stano said the EU fully supports Cyprus and that the trade bloc is in contact with a number of partners in the region," including Lebanon and Hezbollah, in order to de-escalate tension. Cyprus has enjoyed increasingly tight relations with Israel in recent years, spawned by the discovery of undersea natural gas deposits in waters between the two neighbors. Cyprus has hosted joint Israeli-Cypriot military exercises, but has not ben involved in any military operations. Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis repeated that any suggestion that Cyprus either through its infrastructure or territory - would be involved in any military operation in Lebanon is totally groundless. Letymbiotis reiterated that the island nation is not part of the problem but part of the solution thanks to its regional diplomatic footprint. Hezbollah says Israeli strikes kill 3 fighters in Lebanon The Hezbollah militant group said at least three of its fighters were killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday. Lebanese state media reported multiple Israeli strikes along the border and in an area north of the coastal city of Tyre, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the frontier. The Israeli military said two Hezbollah launches damaged several vehicles in northern Israel. The fighting came as Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, returned to Israel after meeting with officials in Lebanon on Tuesday. There has been no word on whether he has made progress in his efforts to avoid a devastating regional war. Kamel Mohanna, the head of the Amel Association, an NGO providing health services in Lebanon, said the groups primary health center in the town of Khiam was hit and damaged by Israeli shelling. Hezbollah began attacking Israel almost immediately after the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct. 7. There have been near daily exchanges of fire, though most of the strikes are confined to an area within a few mostly confined to the area around the border. But the fighting has escalated in recent weeks, raising fears that the clashes could boil over into a full-blown war. Israels army announced late Tuesday that it has approved and validated plans for an offensive in Lebanon. Israeli strikes already have killed more than 400 people in Lebanon, most of them Hezbollah fighters, Lauren Boebert ran her gun themed restaurant for years. The new district she hopes to win has a Shooters too Part of Lauren Boeberts fame came from her gun-themed restaurant Shooters Grill in Rifle, Colorado Boebert has left that district and closed her restaurant, but another Shooters exists in the distract shes desperately hoping to win next week (AP / Sheila Flynn) Lauren Boebert shot to fame with her gun-themed restaurant Shooters Grill, where waitresses served customers flouting loaded firearms in hip holsters and tourists increasingly flocked as the MAGA Republicans profile rose. That Shooters, in the appropriately named town of Rifle, shut down two years ago, just as Boebert has begun closing the chapter on the constituency where its located and where shes the incumbent. Rather than seeking re-election in the 3rd congressional district, Boebert abandoned ship to run in a new constituency eastward and as luck would have it, theres another Shooters there. Boebert and her then-husband operated Shooters Grill in Rifle until 2022; it became a tourist attraction for gun paraphernalia and later its association with the firebrand congresswoman (Sheila Flynn) Boebert has no connection to this sleeker restaurant almost 275 miles away in Byers. Shooters Bar & Grill serves alcohol, unlike Boeberts venture probably wise, considering the firearms, which the new Shooters is also missing. Also highlighting their differences: the new Shooters has not had any bad press for skirting Covid rules (having only opened last June) nor reports of food poisoning. The Byers Shooters, however, does get the odd Boebert-themed question. Weve had people ask about it, general manager Tiffany Engelsman tells The Independent just over a week before the June 25 primary which will decide whether Boebert gets the GOP nomination for the seat in the 4th congressional district although she notes its definitely not a common occurrence. Shooters Bar & Grill in Byers, nearly 275 miles east of Boeberts old restaurant in Rifle, has no connection to the congresswoman -- but gets the odd question, and sits within the constituency she hopes to represent (Sheila Flynn) Polling earlier this month placed Boebert with a 35-point lead over five other candidates, though 40% of voters were undecided at the time, according to the Kaplan Strategies poll. Boebert announced in December that she would no longer pursue a re-election campaign in CD3, where she narrowly beat Democrat Adam Frisch two years ago by just 546 votes. At the time of the switch announcement, many voters in the eastern plains a more heavily rural and conservative agricultural district were not hugely familiar with Boebert, despite her national presence. A cardboard cutout of a holstered Lauren Boebert helped point the way to the bathroom at her restaurant before it closed; tourists would take photos of themselves with the cutout and a cardboard cutout of Trump (Sheila Flynn) While some of CD4 touches the edges of Denvers commuter suburbs, most communities are small, close-knit and rural, home to farms producing crops like wheat, corn and oats as well as dairy and hog operations, and livestock ranches. The district stretches to the Kansas border and is considered Colorados agricultural heartland, a cultural world away from liberal Denver and the states ski towns. Familiarity with Boebert and her voting record has increased since December as word trickled out, says constituent Michele Wingo, shopping at the Byers General Store just down the street from the towns Shooters. I just know she fights for us and fights for our rights, she tells The Independent. I love what she did up there, she adds, referring to Boeberts old constituency. I was like, Oh, I wish she was down here. Boebert smiles before the first Republican primary debate for the 4th Congressional district in January in Fort Lupton, Colorado; her move to an already-crowded Republican primary caused rancor within some factions the party (AP) Next weeks primary will determine how many other voters share the sentiments of Wingo, who also works at the stores pharmacy and overhears local gossip which tends to focus more on the national scene than local. They just talk about the president, Wingo says. They dont talk about anybody else. Shed been hoping to stop at Boeberts former restaurant Shooters on the way to drive her daughter to college in Grand Junction, on the other side of the state but was sad to learn the business had closed. (Her daughter, who is old enough to vote, was unfamiliar with Boebert.) The space on Rifles Main Street, which used to be filled with guns and Second-Amendment-themed paraphernalia beside cardboard Trump cutouts, has been replaced by a Mexican eatery. A short drive from Shooters Bar & Grill in Byers is a general store; the rural community is representative of many agricultural towns within the district Boebert hopes to represent (Sheila Flynn) And it remains to be seen how much of a mark Boebert will leave on this new constituency, where the Republican primary is heavily crowded and where rancour remains about her carpet-bagging move. Lauren Boebert doesnt know CD4. She doesnt know this district, its constituents, or its strengths and challenges, Republican State Sen. Byron Pelton and his wife wrote this month in a letter to the Sterling Journal-Advocate endorsing rival Jerry Sonnenberg in the primary. She hopes that by spending her massive marketing budget (primarily earned from her previous district), that you will vote for her because you have been inundated with her advertising materials Weve had people tell us they are voting for Boebert because shes a fighter and shes not afraid to get on TV and speak her mind. We would ask you to consider that being an effective legislator is much more than being loud and being on TV. The dome of the Statehouse in Trenton (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) A Senate panel voted Thursday to pass a controversial bill that establishes a state definition of antisemitism, with the vote coming after hundreds of people testified during two hearings that took nine hours. Critics say the definition approved by lawmakers conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism and would restrict their rights to free speech, but supporters of the bill said it would not. If you want to tomorrow talk about Israeli genocide and Palestine and criticize the United States for it, there is nothing in this legislation that I hope will be signed by the governor that will infringe upon those rights, said Sen. John McKeon (D-Essex). The measure would implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances 2016 definition of antisemitism into state law and policies. The definition includes claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor and drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. The senators on the Senates state government committee also approved a bill to require the state Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to ensure the definitions of antisemitism, as defined by the Holocaust remembrance organization, and Islamophobia, as defined by the United Nations, are incorporated into state law. Both bills passed in a 4-1 vote, with Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) opposing both measures. In the virtual hearing, people raised their middle fingers and shook their heads after the bills passed. Its the second hearing the bills faced this week Mondays went so long that lawmakers adjourned before everyone got a chance to speak. Supporters of the measure implementing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism say it would give officials guidelines to determine whether an act is an example of hate speech or antisemitism. McKeon said he would support a bill, if one is put forth, to help the Palestinian community deal with similar type of prejudices that are now being visited upon our Jewish brothers and sisters. Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) noted dozens of states and countries have passed similar legislation adopting the same language. He added that the passionate testimony shows the topic needs more discussion and more understanding. I think the paramount issue for us is to do what we can to protect our citizens. This is a measure that can help do that, Polistina said. Companion bills in the Assembly have not been scheduled for a hearing. The post Lawmakers advance bill adopting antisemitism definition after nine hours of testimony appeared first on New Jersey Monitor. Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread presents to lawmakers about a funding request during a Budget Section meeting on June 19, 2024. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota lawmakers agreed Wednesday to set aside an additional $1.5 million for the North Dakota Insurance Department to research policy solutions to help residents weather an unusually volatile property insurance market. The request came alongside the release of a report that explores the effect of recent investment, insurance and policymaking trends on North Dakota especially those related to environmental, social and governance criteria, or ESG. We wouldnt be here today without the ESG study, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread told members of the Legislatures Budget Section. The study, requested by the Legislature in 2023 and spearheaded by the Bank of North Dakota, included several insurance-related recommendations. It noted that due to factors like increased severe weather events and global economic trends, insurance across the country is getting more expensive and more difficult to obtain. Many of you are probably seeing rate increases, whether its homeowner or auto insurance youre likely getting those phone calls just like we are, Godfread said, noting some consumers have seen rates go up 30-40%. Insurance coverage has been especially hard to find for coal companies, he added. To help keep pressure off of North Dakotas economy, the state could consider measures like standardizing statewide building codes and look into creating a multi-state insurance pool for the energy states, the report found. The Insurance Department wants to hire consultants to help turn those recommendations into policy proposals lawmakers can consider next session, Godfread said. The $1.5 million will come from the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund, according to the Budget Section agenda. The Budget Section also voted to approve several other requests forwarded by the Emergency Commission earlier this month, including approval for the Secretary of States Office to access $1 million in federal money from the Help America Vote Act. The money goes to support election-related expenses like voting technology, Secretary of State Michael Howe told lawmakers during the hearing. The federal grant requires a 20% match, so the Legislature will have to earmark an additional $200,000 for the Secretary of States Office during the 2025 session, he said. In addition, lawmakers greenlit a request for $468,770 from the Office of Management and Budget to demolish the former North Dakota Water Resources building. The 70-year-old building has been vacant for almost two years and is infested with mold, John Boyle, facilities director for the Office of Management and Budget, told the Budget Section. Lawmakers also received updates on state finances. As of May 31, North Dakota general fund revenues this budget cycle have outpaced projections by nearly $267 million, according to a finance report by the Office of Management and Budget. The general fund is expected to receive $5.2 billion in revenue by the end of the 2023-2025 budget period, according to the report. As of the end of May, its accrued roughly $2.7 billion of that. After the Budget Section adjourned Wednesday afternoon, members gathered into four smaller divisions as part of a new initiative approved in March. The four groups Leadership, Government Operations, Human Resources and Education and Environment mirror the divisions of the Appropriations Committees that meet during the legislative session. The purpose of the new divisions is to give lawmakers in the Budget Section more training on budget-related issues ahead of the 2025 session, Chair Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston, said. Its an effort to prepare legislators for the impacts of North Dakotas new term limits law. Up to 69 lawmakers could meet their term limits in 2028, according to a Legislative Council analysis. With more veteran legislators on their way out, newer members will have to learn the state budgeting process more quickly. Its a learning curve that were trying to push forward faster, Bekkedahl said. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Lawmakers approve $1.5M to study volatile insurance industry appeared first on North Dakota Monitor. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus speaks before members of the Tax Relief Advisory Committee about the state's homestead property tax credit on June 20, 2024. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) A panel of lawmakers studying tax relief policy is considering growing or possibly even doubling a new property tax credit. The North Dakota primary residence tax credit, created by the 2023 Legislative assembly, allowed most North Dakota homeowners earlier this year to apply for up to $500 dollars of their 2024 property tax bill. The Tax Relief Advisory Committee on Wednesday reviewed a bill draft brought forward by Sen. Dean Rummel, R-Dickinson, to grow that amount to $1,000. Rummels proposal would also introduce some changes to the application process to make it easier for mobile home owners to access the credit. I think its important at this time to show our constituents that were serious about property tax reform, he told the Tax Relief Advisory Committee. Growing the program wouldnt be cheap. The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner estimated that this year, homeowners applied for roughly $69 million from the program. Several lawmakers seemed interested in increasing the primary residence credit, though some were averse to the idea of expanding tax relief programs without also adopting structural reforms. I dont think thats gonna work long term, Rep. Craig Headland, R-Montpelier, said. Another draft discussed during the meeting would seek to remove North Dakotas income tax marriage penalty by adjusting the states individual income tax brackets. The marriage penalty refers to how, under North Dakotas current income tax structure, some taxpayers owe more in income taxes if they file as a couple than they would filing separately. Committee members acknowledged that the state already has a marriage penalty tax credit, which the bill draft may have to be revised to accommodate. The committee didnt take any action on the draft during the hearing, but members generally seem to be in favor of the proposal, Committee Chair Sen. Jordan Kannianen, R-Stanley, said. During the meeting, Rummel expressed anxiety about drafting policies that would seek to cut income taxes with the prospective property tax ballot measure looming. Sponsors of a proposed ballot measure to eliminate property taxes based on assessed value have a June 29 deadline to get the measure on the November ballot. Thats a huge gorilla in our room when it comes to taxation, he said. The hearing also included overviews of some of North Dakotas current tax relief initiatives, including cuts to state income taxes. Members also discussed how other property tax relief strategies, like caps on property tax increases, could be implemented and how it might affect the state. The committee wont be able to amend any of its work if the proposed measure passes in November, since interim committees traditionally dont meet after October. Whatever happens after the election is up to the new assembly to worry about, Kannianen said. The Tax Relief Advisory Committee will reconvene in September. The post Lawmakers discuss expanding property tax credit as possible ballot measure looms appeared first on North Dakota Monitor. A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) met with newly reelected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday. In a post on the social platform X, Modi said he had a very good exchange of views with friends from Congress and added that he deeply values the strong bipartisan support in advancing India- US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The delegation also held meetings with Indias Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The meeting with Modi, who was reelected to a third term in June, comes a day after the lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama. China, which does not recognize officials from the Tibetan government, including the Dalai Lama, issued a strong rebuke of the meeting. The lawmakers said their visit was meant to highlight the Tibet Dispute Act passed last week that encouraged China to heal ties with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders. The meeting also comes on the heels of a joint statement by both the United States and India committing to an increasing cooperation with each other on technology and defense innovation. India and the U.S. have grown closer recently, as both countries eye Chinas growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region with caution. Modi was honored with a state visit last year, where he and President Biden called the India-U.S. relationship among the most consequential in the world. The delegation to India included former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.). 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. By Karen Lema and Christopher Bing MANILA (Reuters) - Lawmakers in the Philippines, including the head of the Senates foreign relations committee, are seeking an investigation into a secret U.S. military propaganda operation that aimed to cast doubt among Filipinos about Chinas vaccines during the height of the COVID pandemic. Philippine Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the foreign relations committee, and House Representative France Castro filed resolutions in the countrys Congress this week to initiate the probe, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. A Reuters investigation last week detailed how the Pentagon ran a clandestine influence campaign in 2020 and 2021 to denigrate the Sinovac vaccine and other pandemic aid from China across the developing world. The effort was intended to counter what Washington then saw as Chinas growing geopolitical sway around the globe, including in Southeast Asia. It began under former President Donald Trump and ended months after President Joseph Biden took office. The Senate inquiry is intended to examine the Reuters findings and determine the ramifications of the actions of the U.S. Military, any potential breach of international law by the United States of America, and the possible legal recourse available to the Philippines, considering that such (an) anti-vax and misinformation campaign threatens national security, according to the resolution from Marcos, sister of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Castros resolution, which was also signed by two other lawmakers, urges the nations House of Representatives to conduct an investigation into the U.S. military campaign. It says such underhanded tactics by a foreign military power sowing disinformation in the Philippines are a brazen affront to our national sovereignty and the democratic rights of Filipinos to freely access truthful information vital to public health and safety. A senior Defense Department official acknowledged to Reuters that the U.S. military engaged in secret propaganda to disparage Chinas vaccines in the developing world during the pandemic, but declined to provide details. The official said that new policies and controls had been put in place, following an internal review in 2021, that would block similar operations in the future. A Pentagon spokeswoman said that the U.S. military uses a variety of platforms, including social media, to counter those malign influence attacks aimed at the U.S., allies, and partners. She also noted that China had started a disinformation campaign to falsely blame the United States for the spread of COVID-19. Senator Marcos told reporters in the Philippines this week that she was motivated to investigate the matter because she believed it may have put the lives of Filipinos at risk. At the time of the secret U.S. military operation, the primary vaccine option in the Philippines was Chinas Sinovac inoculation. During the pandemic, the Philippines suffered among the worst COVID infection rates in the region, and officials struggled to persuade its citizens to get vaccinated. The Reuters investigation was based on interviews with more than two dozen current and former U.S officials, military contractors, social media analysts and academic researchers. Reporters also reviewed Facebook, X and Instagram posts, technical data and documents about a set of fake social media accounts used by the U.S. military. Reuters could not determine what impact the militarys influence campaign had on public health in the Philippines. But some American public health experts say the propaganda program endangered lives. I dont think its defensible, said Daniel Lucey, an infectious disease specialist at Dartmouths Geisel School of Medicine. Im extremely dismayed, disappointed and disillusioned to hear that the U.S. government would do that. In a statement to Chinese media, a Sinovac spokeswoman also decried the U.S. militarys campaign. Stigmatizing vaccination will lead to a series of consequences, such as a lower inoculation rate, the outbreak and spread of disease, social panic and insecurity, as well as crises of confidence in science and public health, said Sinovac spokeswoman Yuan Youwei. (Reporting by Karen Lema in Manila and Chris Bing in Washington. Editing by Blake Morrison) CREOLA, Ala. (WKRG) A lawsuit has been filed regarding a chemical leak that occurred last month in Creola. A nitric acid spill at Gulf Coast Express Carriers on May 13 caused Mobile County officials to ask people in the area to shelter in place. Former patient of Gulf Breeze surgeon accused of killing his wife speaks out The lawsuit said the spill could have been prevented. The lawsuit said the driver of the tanker trailer knowingly drove around with what appeared to be a defective and leaking valve. He stopped at Gulf Coast Express Carriers in Creola to have it fixed, but the shop supervisor, Jonathan Richie, refused to work on it because they had no power, and it was raining. Richie said he knew messing with the valve could cause a chemical reaction. The driver reportedly grew impatient and took matters into his own hands and removed the valve, which created a toxic chemical cloud. Perfect Match: Southern Alabama bride gives groom her kidney Richie filed a lawsuit that reportedly included over 60 people although no other plaintiffs were named. According to the lawsuit, over 5,000 gallons of nitric acid spilled. The lawsuit was filed against four companies and the truck driver who was reportedly hospitalized after the spill: Gulf Coast Express Carriers, Corp. Brenner Tank, LLC Quality Carriers, Inc. Girard Equipment, Inc. Michael Jennings (driver for Quality Carriers) Gov. Kay Ivey to cut ribbon at USS Alabama Teak Deck Replacement Ceremony Richie filed the lawsuit demanding compensation for physical injuries, property damages and economic loss as a large portion of Highway 43 was closed following the spill. Each of the defendants is accused of being negligent in the spill. Here is the full lawsuit: Creola-Gas-Leak-Court-DocumentsDownload Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former School Board of Manatee County Chair James Golden has filed a lawsuit against Supervisor of Elections James Satcher for being turned away when he tried to qualify for a school board seat that will be vacated this year. Golden has filed a writ of mandamus against Satcher to place the school board seat that will be left vacant by Florida House District 72 candidate Richard Tatem on the November election ballot, rather than allow Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to name an appointee to serve out the remaining two years of his term. He told the Herald-Tribune he hopes a circuit court judge requires that the seat be added to the ballot. "I think that in a democratic republic, in the end, what makes us strongest is that each of us has the possibility to participate in the direction that we would like to see our country go," Golden said. "I oppose anything that suppresses that." In case you missed it: Richard Tatem's School Board of Manatee seat to be filled by appointment upon resignation Golden files lawsuit against Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Former School Board of Manatee Chairman James Golden has filed a lawsuit against Manatee County Supervisor of Elections James Satcher over a school board seat spat. Golden is among those who believe the seat should be filled during the 2024 general election because Tatem tendered his resignation in May. Golden served one term on the school board, including a stint as board Chairman, and previously served two terms on the Bradenton City Council. Tatem tendered an official resignation from the District 5 school board seat on May 30 as required by law to run for state office, indicating he will officially resign on Nov. 5. However, the discrepancy between the filing date and official resignation date has raised questions about how the seat should be filled. According to the state constitution, if a seat is vacated early with 28 months or left in a term then the seat shall be filled during the next general election. If the remainder of the term is less than 28 months, then the seat would be filled through appointment by the governor's office. Satcher issued a statement on June 11 indicating that Florida's Resign to Run law was amended in 2021 to clarify that an office is deemed vacant upon the effective date indicated in the resignation, and not the date it is tendered. He argues that his resignation should be calculated from the November date, meaning that DeSantis would make an appointment to fill the seat for the remaining 2 years of Tatem's term. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, states that Golden was turned away when he tried to file to run for the District 5 seat last week and claims that Satcher erred in the decision to not add the seat to races listed on the primary ballot. Still, Golden submitted all qualifying paperwork via certified mail in an attempt to qualify and confirmed the paperwork was received on June 13 a day before the qualifying period for candidates ended. "Rev. Golden has qualified for the 2024 election for District 5 within the time prescribed by law or otherwise has done everything he could do to attempt to qualify," the lawsuit states. "Only the supervisor's unconstitutional and illegal refusal to accept his qualifying paperwork has prevented Rev. Golden from qualifying for that office." Advocates call for election to fill school board vacancy left by Tatem Golden is not alone. The League of Women Voters of Manatee County called for the seat to be placed on the ballot since at least May 7. On June 13, the Manatee County Democratic Party joined a growing list of locals who are calling for Tatems seat to be filled with an election rather than appointment by the Republican governor. There are serious concerns that the SOE is acting unethically, and potentially unlawfully, by not allowing the required special election, the Democratic Party stated. The SOE must correct this disenfranchisement and restore faith in our electoral process. The rights of our voters are paramount, and any attempt to undermine these rights must be addressed with the utmost seriousness. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Lawsuit filed against Manatee County Supervisor of Elections BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has arrived in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "We need to implement all global energy transition goals of the UAE consensus, including through new NDCs, and support this through ambitious climate finance," he wrote on his page on X. Hoekstra noted that in Baku he will discuss COP29 priorities and climate ambitions with representatives of the government and civil society. As mentioned in yesterday's announcement by the European Commission, Hoekstra will meet with Azerbaijan's appointed President of COP29, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev, and the COP29 presidency team. He will also have one-on-one meetings with Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, and will exchange views with representatives of Azerbaijan's civil society. (Bloomberg) -- Frances far right National Rally lost a last-ditch effort to overturn a conviction for using embezzled funds during elections more than a decade ago, just as it tries to convince voters to hand it a parliamentary majority at a snap poll. Most Read from Bloomberg Frances top court rejected the partys appeal on Wednesday and confirmed a prior ruling that the party was guilty of fraud and fined it 250,000 ($268,600). The conviction is now final. The ruling comes as the party led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella heads the polls for fresh parliamentary elections after President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly and called for a new vote. The two-round election in France will conclude on July 7. The Rassemblement National has been seeking to show it has what it takes to govern France. The old criminal case centered on accusations that the party then called National Front was involved in inflating the bills of candidates it fielded in the 2012 legislative elections to then seek undue reimbursements from the French state. Several people linked to the National Rally, including its onetime treasurer, were also convicted in the case. The National Rally didnt immediately return a request for comment on the decision from the Cour de Cassation. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Leftist critics of liberalism tend to take one of two positions: Either liberalism is a necessary but insufficient condition for achieving justice and fairness, or else liberalism is an active impediment to these aims, an ideology, in Marxs sense, whose chimerical aspirations naturalize and perpetuate the status quo. To the annoyance of my friends (liberal and radical alike), I often find myself flitting between these two propositions in my writings and commitments. To be frank, I hope the former is true: that universal rights and dignity not only are compatible with but require a scheme of material redistribution to be realized. But in my darker moments, I fear the latter is more true: that individual liberty will always be, first and foremost, the handmaiden of property, that exceptions to liberalisms universal pretensions can always be found when they imperil the privileges of the propertied class. In like manner, I want very much to believe that something like socialist democracy can be achieved in this country through democratic means, i.e., without violent upheaval or the suspension of liberal norms; historical experience is not altogether encouraging. If ever another American revolution kicks off, I hope my motto would be something like: Lets be careful, but lets go! Im certain no one would bother to listen. Dispositionally, then, I couldnt be more liberal, at least by the definition attributed to Robert Frosta man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel. (Im not sure even which side is my own!) Ive often wondered whether there was some way to vindicate this constitutive timorousness in the liberal personality. One of my intellectual heroes, George Scialabba, has said that a person of the left must cultivate discrimination and democratic passion in equal measure. Passion without discrimination leads to unthinking fervor, the subordination of means to ends: tyranny. But discrimination without passion leads to paralysis, the extinguishing of hope. The timidity of liberals, our obsession with getting things right, our worry about going too far, could generously be categorized as thoughtful discrimination. More often than not, however, our wan, philosophical reticence is really some species of self-deception: a primal, conservative fear of disorder, masquerading as principle. The timidity of liberals, our worry about going too far, could generously be categorized as thoughtful discrimination. More often than not, however, our wan, philosophical reticence is really some species of self-deception: a primal, conservative fear of disorder, masquerading as principle. Not that the left can so easily be divided into factions of impotent worriers and righteously passionate doers. (After all, even the most committed revolutionist has encountered a comrade she wishes would do less.) A better path to vindicating liberal dis-ease can be found in contradiction. Perhaps what liberalism fears most is its own shadow: the aspirations it tends to unleash in the lower orders, among those who take liberalisms guarantees all too seriously. This fretful dance can be seen at work in the historical examples furnished by the editors in the question they ask us to reflect on. The abolition amendments, for example, were championed by some of the same men who, several years later, would sow the seeds of Reconstructions demise. (Not incidentally, they called themselves Liberal Republicans.) In their own eyes, Eric Foner writes, liberal reformers [of the postbellum years] stood above social divisions as disinterested spokesmen for the common gooda signature liberal delusion: that we alone are untainted by interest or factionYet at the same time, the ideology of reform helped crystalize a distinctive and increasingly conservative middle-class consciousness. For this incipient intelligentsia, a bone-deep conviction that they and their ilk represented the best menendowed with the appropriate learning and temperament to rulestirred an attendant suspicion of the febrile democratic passions of their lessers, Black and white alike. Class conflict and machine politics in the North and Radical Reconstruction in the South were, to them, flavors of the same alarming egalitarianism. In the heady postbellum ferment, words like freedom and liberty had acquired too capacious definitions; they needed to be recircumscribed. As Foner writes, Freedom, [liberal] reformers insisted, meant not economic autonomy or the right to call upon the aid of the activist state, but the ability to compete in the marketplace and enjoy protection against an overbearing government. As such, the government had done all it could for the Blacks; they should now fend for themselves. Reconstruction, per the liberal magazine The Nation, was morally a more disastrous process than rebellion. Ulysses S. Grant handily defeated his Liberal Republican opponent, Horace Greeley, in the 1872 election. But the cause of Reconstruction was permanently tarnished; liberal reformers had opened the door for white supremacys return to the South. The New Deal years contain elements of this same stutter-step inhibition. It was FDRs liberal reforms that facilitated a wave of militant unionism and the building of the radical Congress of Industrial Organizations. And it was FDRs liberal successor, Harry Truman, who signed Executive Order 9835, the Loyalty Order, which jump-started the Second Red Scare and profoundly curtailed the transformative potential of the New Deal. Likewise, in the 1960s, liberal presidents backed civil rights reforms, expanded the welfare state, and encouraged a generation of young people to chart their own moral destiny. But as antiVietnam War protests spread and the Black freedom struggle entered its more militant phase, LBJ coordinated with J. Edgar Hoovers FBI to root out domestic subversives and dispatched federal troops to put down riots in Democratic-run cities. As I write, liberals, including President Joe Biden, are wringing their handswhen theyre not ringing the policeover protests by young people who have taken all-too-seriously certain universal propositions: that Palestinian lives are as inviolable as Israeli ones, as worthy of dignity and protection, and as deserving of the right to self-determination. If it is constitutive of liberalism to fear the liberatory energies it unleashes, so is it characteristic of liberal historiography to identify, retroactively, with the liberators and not the forces cracking their skulls. In the uplands of history, liberals tend to forget their trepidation and the sententious admonitions it inspires. I have little doubt that the same elisions will someday apply to this moment. To be a liberal is to be a protagonist of history, if sometimes only in retrospect. So to come to the question at hand: Is todays liberalism equipped to win this battle against Donald Trump and the forces of reaction? Im not sure. Todays liberalism seems to be afflicted by the same self-flattering anxieties as yesterdays. Liberal leaders are eager to contain and stigmatize the energies of the left flank; this, they say, is what political maturity and prudence demands. And it may be so. (The best men know best!) But history suggests another possibility: that liberalism has never quite won a battle on its own trepidatious terms; that in every instance some unbridled force of impassioned willof precisely the sort that liberals instinctively mistrusthas been necessary to defeat reaction; and that, all too often, when liberals have indulged uncritically in their fears of democratic passion, they have undermined the cause of justice. Whether one is more intimately familiar with liberalism as advertised or as routinely practicedthat is, with liberalisms exceptional modesdepends on where and how one lives. Suffice it to say, a strategy for saving liberalism premised on scolding Americans, left and right, for their insufficient gratitude for liberalisms blessings is unlikely to succeed. Personally, I take liberalism to be a precious inheritance. Indeed, I was recently reminded of what it might mean to live without its protections while watching my political allies be beaten and jailed by police in the employ of a liberal mayor. Such experiences are not, I suspect, altogether rare in this country. American liberalism, Irving Howe once wrote, cannot escape its heritage of Protestant self-scrutiny, self-reliance, and self-salvation. Consequently, American liberalism has a strand of deep if implicit hostility to politics per sea powerful kind of moral absolutism, a celebration of conscience above community, which forms both its glory and its curse. This strikes me as remarkably true of todays Democratic Party. Its loudest boosters take for granted that an aura of moral righteousness attends the partys actions, and that it is every persons solemn duty of conscience to walk, soberly and somehow alone, beneath its banner. Liberal politics divorces itself from interest, need, and passion; from the soil of shared, material life, as Howe put it. In Bidens message, one hears a stultifying admixture of high moral panic with utter political banality and sloth. Our existential crisis demands prudent equanimity; we are called to frenzied urgencybut not like that. Ezra Pound once called this sort of liberalism a mess of mush. And it can feel that way: liberalism as the politics of anti-politics, studiously vague and neutral about everything except its own superiority to every alternative. And yet, Irving Howe understoodas Pound, a fascist, did notthat there were far worse things in the world than a mess of mush. If the forces of reaction succeed, we may long for these days of mess and mush. A liberalism of fear, focused on minimizing cruelty above all else, is not an unworthy goal. Except that when liberals themselves are being cruel, the program resembles a protection racket. What we need, instead, is a liberalism that ceases to fear itself. Lifespan CEO John Fernandez joked that hes the worst looking Vanna White as he unveiled the new logo for Brown University Health at a press conference at Hasbro Childrens Hospital on June 20, 2024. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Brown University plans to invest $150 million over the next seven years in Rhode Islands largest health system under a name change announced Thursday. Brown and Lifespan have been affiliated since 1969, and the latters Rhode Island Hospital serves as the teaching hospital for Browns Warren Alpert Medical School. The newly expanded agreements would rechristen Lifespan as Brown University Health later this year and lead to the setting of the familiar Lifespan sun logo. John Fernandez, president and CEO of Lifespan, said the two organizations will still maintain separate governing bodies during a press conference in the lobby of Hasbro Childrens Hospital. Dozens of Lifespan employees gathered on the floor above the lobby and looked down to the stage where Fernandez and Brown University President Christina H. Paxson spoke. The affiliation agreements will help us attract the very best physicians, residents, medical school students and other health care professionals who work in the state, Paxson said. And as we do this, we will continue to improve the health of families in Rhode Island, both through advances in the medical care that people receive and the state of our medical training for physicians generations to come, many of whom will remain in this state to continue treating patients. The university will divide the multimillion-dollar funding into investments of $15 million to $25 million annually, relieving pressure on Lifespans operating costs, which have suffered from Rhode Islands low physician reimbursement rates. After seven years of Browns investments, the arrangement will flip: Lifespan will contribute $15 million a year to Warren Alpert Medical School, the states lone medical school. Browns investment office will also oversee $600 million to $800 million of Lifespans investment portfolio, with the investments gradually phased in over four years. The strengthened bond also unites the two organizations in their goals for academic medicine and research. The enhanced agreements will beef up Lifespans delivery of care and enlarge its role in medical research, Fernandez said. The money will go toward physician recruitment as well as improvement of facilities and Lifespans Community Health Institute. Lifespans electronic medical records system would also see upgrades. At a May 28 health care summit at the Rhode Island State House, Fernandez said that, in almost any other state, a hospital the size of Rhode Island Hospital or The Miriam Hospital would be at least partially funded by public funds. I am running a public hospital and a public service and proud of it, Fernandez said then. The notion of a public hospital sans public funding caused Attorney General Peter Neronha to rise from his seat in the audience that day. Later on, Neronha used the financial maladies of Rhode Islands hospitals to illustrate the health care systems overall sickness. And yet, in 2022, Neronhas office did not approve Lifespans merger with Care New England, the states second largest hospital network. The attorney general is tasked with approving in-state corporate mergers as means of fulfilling antitrust laws, which encourage competition and prevent the formation of monopolies. There is also specific state law regarding hospital acquisition and restructuring, called the Hospital Conversions Act (HCA). Part of the acts provisions is protecting public health and quality of care across changes in hospital ownership. So what did the AG think of Brown and Lifespans substantive changes to its friendship? Based upon the information and representations provided by the parties, the Office determined that the proposed transaction did not implicate our HCA or antitrust authorities, said Brian Hodge, a spokesperson for Neronhas office, in an email Thursday, and pointed to a June 17 letter that Neronha sent to Lifespan and Brown. Still, Neronhas letter noted his office expects to be notified if there are any changes that involve Lifespan sharing competitive information with Brown or BPI (Brown Physicians Inc.) The partnership is also notable for its matrimony of two of Providences largest nonprofits, both of which have sparred with Mayor Brett Smiley over payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreements. Brown has PILOT agreements in place with the city, but Lifespan does not. In April, Smiley wagged a finger at Lifespan in his annual budget speech and prodded the hospital system to pay its fair share. Negotiations with Lifespan have been ongoing since last year and will continue until we reach a deal that is responsible and fair for the taxpayers of Providence, said Josh Estrella, a city spokesperson, via email. The expanded affiliation agreement announced today between Brown University and Lifespan is not anticipated to impact these negotiations. The Administration looks forward to a positive future impact resulting from the expanded affiliation agreement. Here goes the sun Lifespan employees gathered at the press conference sported ID badges with an apple green color scheme. That verdancy will be swapped out in the transition to Brown University Health: The new monikers logo and color scheme, unveiled halfway through the event, are dominated by a light turquoise a color closer to medical scrubs. Lifespans iconic logo by Malcolm Grear (19312016). Design firm Nail, known for their Fun-sized state tourism campaign, created the new brands logo, said Kathleen Hart, a Lifespan spokesperson, in an email. Lifespans marketing and communications department will continue to take the lead on the brands overall design elements. The new logo includes the Brown University crest and its sharp-rayed sun. But this brand refresh means another superhot orb will fizzle out: The Brown sun will replace the current Lifespan logo, which is also a sun. The venerable Rhode Island designer Malcolm Grear created the Lifespan sun icon, composed of multiple italic letter Ls arranged in a circle. Grear used a similar tactic on the Health and Human Services seal for the U.S. government, which stacks several human faces into the shape of an eagle. The name changes exact date is still undetermined, and the rebrand is anticipated to take several years before its complete. When a reporter asked about the rebrands tentative cost, an employee in the audience looked at his coworker and nodded vigorously. Fernandez approached the podium. We do not have a price yet to share, the CEO said. But its a lot of work, and it costs money. But I think it will make us better and its a really good investment over the longer term. The post Lifespan and Brown University renew their vows with rebranding and investment appeared first on Rhode Island Current. The North Carolina General Assembly, which is completely controlled by Republicans, is at an impasse over the state budget again. The end result could be additional raises for thousands of state employees and public school teachers, more taxpayer funding of private schools and grants for child care centers. Or the General Assembly could finish most of its work next week and go home, at least for a little cooling off. Here is where things stand, and what it means for North Carolina taxpayers, employees and students. House passed budget, Senate debate Monday On Thursday, the House passed its budget proposal hours after Senate Republicans introduced their own proposal in a committee. The Senate will debate its bill on Monday night, with amendments allowed, so its final version may change before it is passed. House Bill 263, the budget bill written by House Republicans, passed 68-36. All Republicans voted in favor, as well as three Democrats: Rep. Garland Pierce, Rep. Shelly Willingham and Rep. Michael Wray, all of whom are Democratic swing voters who have previously supported Republican-written budgets. A handful of Democrats usually vote with Republicans on the budget. The coming week will be a busy one for House votes, too, including veto overrides, House Speaker Tim Moore, a Kings Mountain Republican, said Thursday. Then lawmakers will be on a break the week of the Fourth of July, and for at least two weeks after that. It may be that perhaps during this summertime with a lot of heat, maybe a little cooling off might be a good thing around this building as well, Moore told House members. There is no law about the end date of a legislative session. Moore told reporters on Thursday afternoon that House members may not return in August, either. He said he was open to a September return to tie up any loose ends, including a budget adjustment. The budget stalemate means there will be two very different versions of a state budget adjustment bill, and as of now, not much daylight between them. If theres no new budget passed, the state will just spend what was already planned in the two-year budget passed in October. Moore told reporters on Thursday that the House will not take up the Senates budget next week. And the Senate has no interest in the Houses budget, either. Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters on Thursday that at the end of the month, the Senate plans to go into no-vote sessions, meaning that they wont officially adjourn the session but will take an indefinite break. Reason for dueling House, Senate budgets During the last two legislative short sessions held in even-numbered years, House and Senate leaders came up with a budget adjustment bill behind closed doors. This year, they released competing bills the same week after negotiations broke down. The chambers had been at odds over how much money to allocate versus put in savings, with the House wanting to spend about $1 billion that the Senate wants to save. Moore said as of Wednesday that the chambers were only $30 million apart on a $32 billion budget. And instead of getting a response back, what I got was the Senate just kind of moving on out there and filing their own bill without any consultation or notice of the House. We will not respond well to negotiation tactics like that, he said. Berger said the spending gap is much larger. We are $312 million apart in new net general fund spending that the House has, in their last offer. The total were apart is $523.8 million. Might need to buy a calculator, Berger told reporters after Thursdays Senate session. Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue, a Raleigh Democrat, said in a committee Thursday that working people are not a priority in the Republican-written Senate budget, given that the proposal does not fully fund what child care advocates say is needed when federal funding of child care stabilization grants ends June 30. In response, Sen. Ralph Hise pointed out that the budget is only meant to make adjustments to the two-year budget passed last year. We are not doing a new budget for the fiscal year, said Hise, a Spruce Pine Republican and a top budget writer. How are the budgets different? The Senate proposal is just 46 pages, compared to the Houses 271-page budget adjustment bill. The Senate budget does not make changes to the raises coming with the new fiscal year that begins July 1: 3% for most state employees and step-increases for teachers that vary by experience. The House proposal adds a 1% raise for state employees, bringing this years potential raise for most state employees to 4%. Suzanne Beasley, a lobbyist for the State Employees Association of North Carolina told the senators that they should consider the surplus and nearly 25% vacancy rate of state employees as they negotiate a final budget. The budget passed this past fall allocated money for teachers and school personnel, but additional legislation is required before the raises can go into effect. If there is no new legislation, those raises for teachers and other school personnel will be delayed. State employees, however, do not need an additional move to get their money. Hise noted the average teacher salary of about $59,000, including local supplements, was a significant raise over the past decade. Republicans are often quick to point out that when Democrats controlled the legislature, there were layoffs. Teacher pay increases the most for those in their early career, while veteran teachers salaries plateau for several years once they have 15 years of experience. Sen. Michael Lee, a New Hanover County Republican, said that the state only sets base pay, and that increases for early career teachers are meant to prevent attrition. The Senate and House budgets allocated millions more dollars for private K-12 schools in the form of the Opportunity Scholarship program, which gives vouchers to students to go to private schools, to clear a backlog of about 55,000 students. We know what you did last summer It has become tradition in the Old North State to fight over the budget, no matter if the opposing lawmakers are in the same political party. The law does not require the legislature to pass a budget by the June 30 end of the fiscal year, so they argue well beyond that unenforceable deadline. Berger said the Senate is willing to return after June 30 if there is a budget agreement. So if they at whatever point decided to get serious about the spending number, we are willing, able and ready to engage, Berger said. Theres no need to just stay here and try to force something thats not going to happen, Moore told reporters about the House budget stalemate this summer. We adopted a two-year budget last year, we funded things in year one, and in year two. This is year two, he said. In 2023, budget negotiations between the Republican-controlled Senate and House dragged out all summer long. In the fall of 2023, already months late, the state budgets two-year spending plan was passed and allowed to become law by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Before Republicans gained a supermajority last year, the budget stalemates of recent years involved Cooper and Democrats on one side, and Berger, Moore and other Republicans on the other. In 2019, instead of one budget becoming law, a series of smaller budget bills were passed, and only some employees received raises. 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 Under the Dome Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here. Update as of noon Sunday: The city of Sioux Falls is no longer asking residents to conserv water usage. "Thank you for your willingness to do your part and help our wastewater collection and treatment systems," the city posted on its Facebook page. "The City's wastewater collection and treatment systems remain strained, but they are slowly catching up and are back to a point where we believe it is manageable." Update as of 2:15 p.m. Saturday: I-29 has fully reopened both northbound and southbound from Sioux Falls to the South Dakota/Iowa state line. "Some water currently remains on the outside shoulders but water levels are continuing to drop throughout the day," SD DOT posted on social media. Update as of noon Saturday: Southbound Interstate 29 has partially reopened. One lane of southbound Interstate 29 has reopened to traffic from Sioux Falls to the South Dakota/Iowa state line, according to the SD Department of Transportation. Southbound Interstate 29 Partially Reopened to Traffic (Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Update #2) One lane of southbound Interstate 29 has reopened to traffic from Sioux Falls to the South Dakota/Iowa state line. Please visit https://t.co/jAj5PbAmq4 pic.twitter.com/y6Wqy8lJS8 SDDOT (@SouthDakotaDOT) June 22, 2024 Update as of 9:45 a.m. Saturday: Gov. Kristi Noem, joined by Mayor Paul TenHaken, Secretary of Public Safety Bob Perry and other emergency response professionals, said state and city authorities are preparing for regional water systems in eastern and southeastern South Dakota to see their highest water loads over the next several days. Noem said the flooding event's "crest" the highest level of water flows is expected to hit the region's rivers and streams Monday and Tuesday, depending on the area. Here's when water levels are expected to see their highest levels, per Noem: Big Sioux River : 7 a.m. Tuesday at 38.4 feet; James River : Sometime Monday or Tuesday at 25.1 feet; Vermillion River: Tuesday morning at 30 feet. "That's really when we're gonna see the bulk of that water moving through the system, and we're working to be prepared for that," Noem said. More: Gov. Noem, state officials say eastern SD river levels expected to peak Monday and Tuesday Even though the rain is slowing down, we need to keep vigilant. The worst of the flooding along our rivers will be MONDAY and TUESDAY. This is the briefing that I provided from SD to our statewide media this morning: pic.twitter.com/G7lnJDwQYc Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) June 22, 2024 Update as of 6:45 a.m. Saturday: The NWS says the severe weather threat and flood threat has diminished greatly, but scattered showers and isolated storms are expected through early this afternoon. "Continue to heed travel advisories; do not drive through flooded roadways and do not drive around barricades," the NWS stated on social media. The flood watch for Minnehaha and Lincoln counties has extended to 7 p.m. Saturday, and the flood warning has now been extended to 9:45 a.m. Sunday, according to NWS. "Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible," the watch states. "Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. This area has already experienced several days of extreme rainfall and is experiencing significant ongoing flooding. Additional thunderstorms this afternoon may bring an additional 0.5 inches of rainfall, further exacerbating flooding." Saturday Morning Radar Loop | 6:30 AM Scattered showers and isolated storms are expected through early this afternoon. Continue to heed travel advisories; do not drive through flooded roadways and do not drive around barricades. pic.twitter.com/ajhb0MPFpW NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 22, 2024 Update as of 11:50 p.m. Friday: The flood warning for parts of Lincoln and Minnehaha counties has been extended to 9:45 a.m. Saturday, according to NWS. "At 11:04 p.m., emergency management reported heavy rain in the warned area due to thunderstorms," the warning now states for Minnehaha County. "Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Between 6 and 10 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area." Those areas include: Sioux Falls, Worthington, Madison, Luverne, Pipestone, Brandon, Hartford, Flandreau, Fulda, Crooks, Adrian, Edgerton, Garretson, Wall Lake, Baltic, Valley Springs, Colton, Hills, Jasper and Colman. For Lincoln County, the warning states between 8 and 16 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches are possible in the warned area. That area includes: Sioux Falls, Sioux Center, Sheldon, Canton, Sibley, Rock Rapids, Beresford, Parker, Harrisburg, Tea, Rock Valley, Hull, Lennox, Sanborn, George, Centerville, Worthing, Larchwood, Inwood and Viborg. Update as of 11:30 p.m. Friday: The City of Sioux Falls is asking residents to conserve water until further notice because flooding and heavy rains are straining the city's wastewater treatment system, which is currently running at or near its maximum capacity. We are asking residents to help us out by conserving wastewater when they can until further notice: Reduce shower time or wait to take one until later on Saturday Avoid running the dishwasher Wait to do laundry Conserve water use when possible City of Sioux Falls (@CitySiouxFalls) June 22, 2024 Update as of 11 p.m. Friday: Gov. Kristi Noem is expected to hold a virtual 7 a.m. press conference Saturday about flood conditions across the area, according to a press release from her office late Friday night. Noem will be joined by Mayor Paul TenHaken, Secretary of Public Safety Bob Perry and other emergency response professionals, the release states. ~STAY HOME~DO NOT TRAVEL IN LINCOLN COUNTY. Deputies, Conservation Officers, and local Fire Departments are all busy with calls and rescues. If you end up in the water we may not be able to get to you! Posted by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Canton, SD on Friday, June 21, 2024 Update as of 10:30 a.m. Friday: The flash flood warning for parts of Lincoln County and Minnehaha County, including Harrisburg, Lennox and Canton, has been extended to 1 a.m., according to NWS. "At 10:27 p.m., emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area," the warning states. "Between 4 and 6 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring." Interstate 29 remains blocked at exit 50 (Centerville) and exit 62 (Canton). An alternate route has been created in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Full Press Release: https://t.co/9uqP6Z5jKm #SDDOT #SD511 pic.twitter.com/tOvticin5c SDDOT (@SouthDakotaDOT) June 22, 2024 Areas impacted inclide: Canton, Harrisburg, Lennox, Centerville, Worthing, Inwood, Viborg, Irene, Hurley, Mayfield, Davis and Lake Alvin State Recreation Area. The warning affects more than 13,300 people. "Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses," is expected, according to the warning. Flash Flood Warning continues for Harrisburg SD, Canton SD and Centerville SD until 1:00 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/otCI2pyOqr NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 22, 2024 Update as of 7:40 p.m. Friday: A flash flood warning including Sioux Falls, Yankton and Brandon, has been issued until 11:30 p.m., per NWS. Flash Flood Warning including Sioux Falls SD, Yankton SD and Brandon SD until 11:30 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/3QtGxMB4bV NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 22, 2024 Update as of 7:15 p.m. Friday: The NWS states showers and thunderstorms will continue to roll through during the the next few hours, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. "Additional accumulations between 3-4 inches with pockets of up to 6+ inches are expected with the developing activity," the NWS stated on social media. Developing showers and thunderstorms will continue to fill in over the next few hours bringing periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. Additional accumulations between 3-4 inches with pockets of up to 6+ inches are expected with the developing activity. pic.twitter.com/586KOMIFWt NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 22, 2024 Update as of 5:45 p.m. Friday: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for northwestern Minnehaha County. "A severe thunderstorm was located over Orland, or 9 miles south of Lake Herman State Park, moving east at 25 mph," the warning states. "60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. ...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees." Update as of 5:30 p.m. Friday: The day's flash flooding has caused higher than usual water levels at Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls. The city offered these reminders: Do not climb on wet rocks. Keep a safe distance away from the water. Follow posted safety signs at the park. Today's flash flooding has resulted in higher than usual water levels at Falls Park. A few reminders: Do not climb on wet rocks. Keep a safe distance away from the water. Follow posted safety signs at the park. Visit https://t.co/Xun1sCQ91i for more resources. pic.twitter.com/emlSYwBtMl City of Sioux Falls (@CitySiouxFalls) June 21, 2024 Update as of 5 p.m. Friday: Water levels at Lake Alvin have reached the point where the lakes spillway is submerged, and water is being sucked underneath a nearby road, flowing east. A visible whirlpool can be seen less than 25 feet from the road, an Argus Leader reporter observed. Water levels at Lake Alvin have reached the point where the lakes spillway is submerged, and water is being sucked underneath a nearby road + flowing east. A visible whirlpool can be seen ~25 ft from the road. pic.twitter.com/GW9I5OWERT Dominik Dausch (@DomDNP) June 21, 2024 Update as of 4:15 p.m. Friday: The South Dakota Department of Transportation is asking motorists to avoid travel in the southeastern part of the state. I-29 is already closed between exit 59 and exit 64, and more closures, including parts of I-90, are expected as heavy rain returns to the area Friday evening. The Sioux Falls area is currently forecast to see another 1.5 to 3 inches of rain between 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday. A slight chance of severe storms is possible throughout the evening, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy rainfall is again likely this evening and overnight. The greatest risk overnight will be in portions of Southeast South Dakota and Northwest Iowa. Be weather aware and watch for flash flood warnings! pic.twitter.com/Kt1JXaTVuj NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 21, 2024 Update as of 3:45 p.m. Friday: On top of the flood warnings and flood watch in place, the NWS has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m. Friday for the following counties in South Dakota: Bon Homme Clay Lincoln Turner Union Yankton A couple tornadoes are possible, along with 70 mph wind gusts and hail up to 2 inches in diameter, the watch states. A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota until 11 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/KwqDQ1iWK5 NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 21, 2024 Update as of 1 p.m. Friday: "Rapidly rising floodwaters are submerging docks on Wall Lake, making for unsafe boating," according to the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office on social media. "Dock decks are floating in scattered areas of the lake." Rapidly rising floodwaters are submerging docks on Wall Lake making for unsafe boating. Dock decks are floating in scattered areas of the lake. pic.twitter.com/o56uOeRUzM Minnehaha Sheriff (@MinnehahaCounty) June 21, 2024 Update as of 12:45 p.m. Friday: More than a dozen city parks and recreational buildings have closed in Sioux Falls, according to the city's website. You can find a full list here. Wild Water West Waterpark has also closed for the day due to significant flooding. And as sections of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha and Lincoln county are put under ongoing flash flood warnings, flood warnings and flood watches, roads in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area are closing. For a full list, check here. More: Sioux Falls city parks, Wild Water West close due to 'significant flooding' Update as of 11:45 a.m. Friday: A flood watch is in effect through 7 a.m. Saturday for all of southeastern South Dakota, and a flood warning is currently in effect for the following areas until 7:30 a.m. Saturday, according to NWS: Portions of northwest Iowa, including the following counties, Clay, Dickinson, Lyon, O`Brien, Osceola and Sioux Southwest Minnesota, including the following county, Nobles And southeast South Dakota, including the following counties, Lincoln, Turner and Union National Weather Service director Todd Heitkamp said there are too many flash flood warnings to name at this time, and that anyone living in an area not in a flood warning, should consider themselves in a flood watch as the heaviest rain will come after 5 p.m. Friday. The most impacted areas will be south of Interstate 90 and east of Highway 81 in South Dakota, Heitkamp said. Whatever rain we get, no matter what amounts, its going to add to the problems that already exist and make matters worse, Heitkamp said. The main thing that people need to remember is just to stay abreast of the weather conditions and be prepared to take action if your area begins to flood. Heitkamp said if you dont have to travel, especially in areas like Lincoln County and others with a lot of water, dont travel. "Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches are possible in the warned area over the next 24 hours," the flood warning states. Locations that will experience flooding include: Sioux Falls, Sioux Center, Sheldon, Canton, Sibley, Rock Rapids, Beresford, Parker, Harrisburg, Tea, Rock Valley, Hull, Lennox, Sanborn, George, Centerville, Worthing, Larchwood, Inwood and Viborg. A flood warning has been issued for the Big Sioux River at Brandon affecting Lincoln, Minnehaha and Lyon counties, but it's unclear when the warning is expected to expire. The Lincoln County Courthouse is also closed due to flooding in Canton. NO TRAVEL ADVISEDPer the Lincoln County Highway Department, no travel is advised in Lincoln County. There are... Posted by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Canton, SD on Friday, June 21, 2024 Update as of 11 a.m. Friday: After hours-long flood warnings that lasted through 9 a.m, multiple roads have been closed throughout Minnehaha and Lincoln counties as rivers and creeks flow over. In Sioux Falls, 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across the city, which has lead to ponding on roadways and even some road closures, according to the NWS. In Canton, where the flood warning lasted eight hours, the city experienced the highest rainfall so far for the area, with 7.75 inches, NWS states. Both Beaver Creek and the Big Sioux River above Canton have reached major flood levels, according to the NWS Regional River Status map. More: Emergency crews rescue campers out near Huset's Speedway after overnight flooding Meanwhile, emergency crews have had to rescue RVers out near Huset's Speedway after Split Rock Creek overflowed overnight, while campers were waiting for races to continue this weekend as stormes passed. To check road conditions, visit www.sd511.org, or pay attention to city and county social media pages. Zooming into Sioux Falls, 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across the city which has lead to ponding on roadways and even some road closures. Canton, SD has reported the highest rainfall so far with 7.75 inches! pic.twitter.com/5yHO3kJw68 NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 21, 2024 Update as of 1:30 a.m. Friday: Parts of Sioux Falls and areas in Minnehaha and Lincoln County are under flash flood warnings for the next nearly six hours or more, according to the NWS. The following areas are under the warning until 9:15 a.m.: Canton, Rock Rapids, Parker, Lennox, Freeman, George, Worthing, Larchwood, Inwood, Marion, Viborg, Menno, Doon, Little Rock, Hurley, Lester, Chancellor, Alvord, Monroe and Clayton. At 12:59 a.m., the NWS Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches are possible in the warned area, the warning states. The storms in the warned area are expected to bring "life threatening" conditions to creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, the warning states. Flash Flood Warning continues for Canton SD, Rock Rapids IA and Lennox SD until 9:15 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/8JsjrdMQdi NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 21, 2024 A warning for the following locations is expected to last until 6:15 a.m.: Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea, Hartford, Crooks, Garretson, Wall Lake, Baltic, Valley Springs, Colton, Sherman, Renner, Ellis, Corson, Lyons, Dell Rapids, Rowena, Palisades State Park and Lake Alvin State Recreation Area. "Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas," is expected, this warning states. We are receiving reports of flooded roadways in Sioux Falls. Estimates vary between 2 and 5 inches deep in places. Please do not drive through flooded roads! You never know if they have been washed out under the water. If you have reports, please send them to us. Pics = bonus NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 21, 2024 Update as of 10 p.m. Thursday: The flood watch for the area continues as parts of the Bic Sioux River along Interstate 90 and Skunk Creek in Sioux Falls start to see minor to moderate flooding, according to the NWS Regional River Status map. The recreation trail has also been closed at Spencer Park due to flooding, along with Spencer Park itself, according to the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation's page on X. Recreation Trail closed at Spencer Park due to flooding, Spencer Park also closed due to flooding pic.twitter.com/fuK8DoZnTx Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation (@SiouxFallsParks) June 21, 2024 In Lincoln County, Canton has seen significant flooding with dozens of residents rushing to place sandbags along 15 to 20 homes across the town, which is the county's seat and has a population of more than 3,000. More: Residents rush to put sandbags out as Canton sees first major flood in 10 years This video, from community organizer and retired EMS volunteer Laurel Laubach shows the scramble in Canton tonight as residents try to save homes. pic.twitter.com/AAI8mrkBCP Shelly Conlon (@Shelly_Conlon) June 21, 2024 Update as of 7 p.m. Thursday: Volunteers with the Canton Fire Department, along with other residents, are helping those near Christmas Lake in Canton, as well as Cedar Street, bag and pile sand bags around their homes as waters continue to rise, according to resident Laurel Laubach. Canton residents help pile sand bags near a home as water from Christmas Lake in Canton rises Thursday, June 20, 2024. Laubach has been using social media to help spread the word and organize part of the effort for those in need. She's a retired EMS volunteer for the last 20 years, and her husband Nate Laubach, is the chief of the Canton Fire Department. Canton residents look on as water from Christmas Lake in Canton rises near homes Thursday, June 20, 2024. Update as of 6 p.m. Thursday: The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has reported flooding over several roads throughout the county. And some residents have reported needing sand bags as water approaches their yards. "Conditions are expected to get worse," the office said in a statement on Facebook. "Please use caution." Multiple rounds of showers & T-Storms with potential to produce heavy downpours are expected to continue through SAT. With soils at or near saturation, a Flood Watch has been issued for most of the region through 7am SAT. Graphic w/ totals expected through FRI Noon & Severe risk pic.twitter.com/nNyrwGsUqI NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 20, 2024 The roads include: 276/472 285/476 469/278 278 west of Lennox -ALERT-The Lincoln County Highway Department is reporting flooding on several roads throughout the county. ... Posted by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Canton, SD on Thursday, June 20, 2024 Meanwhile, the Tea Area Police Department has reported on its Facebook page that 272nd Street is closed at Heritage Parkway and Summitt Avenue because of flooding. Beaver Creek in Canton is experiencing minor flooding, while parts of the Vermillion River are experiencing minor to moderate flooding, according to the NWS Regional River Status map. Update as of 4:15 p.m. Thursday: The NWS is urging drivers to use caution on their commutes home Thursday evening. "A band of showers and storms producing a half an inch to an inch of rain per hour will move across the Sioux Falls metro through the evening commute," the NWS stated on X. "This will lead to ponding of water on roads." The band is headed northward, from the area where the flash flood warning was issued earlier. Use caution driving! A band of showers and storms producing a half an inch to an inch of rain per hour will move across the Sioux Falls metro through the evening commute. This will lead to ponding of water on roads. pic.twitter.com/jEAhBvWCiI NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 20, 2024 Update as of 3:45 p.m. Thursday: A flash flood warning has been issued until 6:45 p.m. for areas including Canton, Lennox and Freeman, according to the NWS. Flash Flood Warning including Canton SD, Lennox SD and Freeman SD until 6:45 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/s1nKHKBcQd NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 20, 2024 Earlier story: Severe storms and heavy rainfall are expected to continue the next few days in southeastern South Dakota, increasing the risk of flooding, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS issued a flood watch from 8 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Saturday morning for Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. By Saturday, storms are predicted to bring 2 to 4 inches of rainfall in the area, with a few cases of 6 inches or more. A weather graphic from the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls shows the risk of scattered severe storms Friday evening in southeastern South Dakota. According to an NWS post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sioux Falls has already accumulated 0.51 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours. The heavy rainfall may lead to flooding in urban areas and in creeks and streams. The soils are becoming slightly saturated, so they can't hold much more water, especially in rural areas, said Tim Masters, a hydro-meteorological technician with NWS. And in the urban downtown areas where there's a lot of concrete, there's becoming drainage issues when the water comes down so hard. When will the rain end? Storms with chances of heavy rain, hail and damaging wind are possible 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday in southeastern South Dakota. The second round of storms is expected to hit Friday evening. From 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, scattered severe storms are possible in southeastern South Dakota, with a chance of heavy rainfall, hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. Here's a look at rainfall so far today at a handful of places. Amounts vary widely, depending on if 1 or 2 thunderstorms really dumped at each spot, or missed some locations. Additional rainfall continues into tonight and Friday, with localized flooding possible. pic.twitter.com/bXTIOkmXPc NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 20, 2024 What to do if waters rise: In the case of severe storms, Masters says, the most important thing to know is where to go if a warning is issued. If you are camping, locate the severe weather shelter, and if you live in a valley or near a river, find higher elevation during a flood. How's the rest of the weekend look? Heres the forecast for the rest of the week from the NWS as of 4:15 p.m. on June 21. Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Steady temperature around 72. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 68. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 77. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Monday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Stay with the Argus Leader and refresh this page for updates. Kathryn Kovalenko is an intern for the Argus Leader, paid for by a grant program through Bethel University this summer. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Weather updates: I-29 fully reopened to Iowa state line after flooding, SD DOT says Locals voice concerns over multi-million dollar sewer project threatening city water quality: 'We could have some real problems in 20 years' A multi-million-dollar sewer project coming to a town in Vermont is facing stiff opposition from local residents who fear it could have a detrimental effect on water quality within the state. What's happening? As explained by VTDigger, the town of Colchester in Chittenden County is set to break ground on an $18.8 million sewer project later this month. The project reportedly has been discussed for "more than 60 years" and was described as "one of the biggest public infrastructure projects ever undertaken in inner Malletts Bay." While town manager Aaron Frank said in an email that the goal of the "pollution abatement project" is to "address failing septic systems and human waste bacteria in Malletts Bay," locals who object to the project contend that a new sewer line will have adverse effects on the bay, which VTDigger described as "a serene, scenic natural harbor that provides spectacular views, wildlife habitat and year-round recreational opportunities from boating to fishing." The plan is to add about four more miles of sewer line to the town's limited 15-mile sewer system. Opponents of the project have stressed that the undertaking could lead to a sharp decline in water quality because the development would increase vehicular traffic in the area and further compound the pollution issue near the bay. "My heart is really broken because water quality is super important. Everybody loves the lake, everybody cares about the lake," Marilyn Sowles, a longtime resident who has opposed the project since 1999, told VTDigger. "But the direction that Colchester is going is not addressing water quality in the bay and we could have some real problems in 20 years." The construction tied to the project is expected to bring significant traffic and delays to the area. Frank said the town is coordinating with the school district and local emergency services, but the project is moving forward. Why is this important? Colchester has a population of about 17,200 residents and runs 27 miles along the Lake Champlain shoreline. The town primarily uses septic systems and already faces issues of pollution caused by the ever-changing climate. VTDigger explained that "climate change and increasing levels of cyanobacteria blooms, phosphorus and other pollutants" have already affected the water quality of Malletts Bay. The costly project has fueled concerns among residents that "the town is investing in future development over critical environmental improvements." Opponents of the project also assert that it doesn't address other pressing issues like stormwater mitigation and bacterial contamination. "Choosing sewer was a clear preference to accelerate development. Acceleration of development will only make the stormwater situation worse," James Ehlers, an environmental activist and former Colchester resident, told VTDigger. "Not only are they not taking action to protect the bay and the health of the public, they are willfully choosing to make it worse." What can be done about this? If you face a similar situation in which government plans are negatively affecting progress toward a cleaner, safer future, it's important to use available means to fight back. For example, Charleston, South Carolina, has faced an issue of raw sewage in its streets, so a local nonprofit has threatened to sue the city's water provider to ensure they take faster and more effective action to prevent these spills. These situations highlight the importance of addressing infrastructure problems promptly to prevent contamination and protect public health. If you're looking for ways to get involved with critical climate issues, educating yourself is a great first step. Understanding the local impact of our changing climate and waste management challenges can empower you to support initiatives that aim to improve your community's infrastructure and environmental health. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. A "Climate Week" will be held in New York at the end of September, which will be organized by the UN Climate Group (entity) and the UN General Assembly from September 2229, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva said, Trend reports. "Climate change negotiations in New York in September will also cover COP29 and how United Nations personnel can assist Azerbaijan in hosting the important conference in November. It is my belief that civil society activism is necessary with the participation of state authorities from 198 states in the discussion of the battle against climate change.The success of COP29 depends on raising more awareness about this," Andreeva emphasized. COP29 lead negotiator on adaptation, loss, and damage Elvin Ashrafzadeh stated today at the forum on climate action in the Congress Center of Baku that "inclusiveness (accessibility, openness to all) is one of the important principles of Azerbaijan's presidency at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29)". To note, the UN 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 in the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Somewhere in this country is a young man who is still trying to rebuild his life after a celebration that went horribly wrong. The identity of the university student who was whacked with a crippling fine for breaching Covid regulations during the final year of his studies is not in the public domain which is a mercy, or he might well find it even harder to put the experience behind him. What we do know is that he paid an appalling price for throwing a party, which is what undergraduates generally do when they finish their exams. Unfortunately, the get-together took place during the pandemic, when any such merriment was against the law. The result? A terrifying ordeal involving the police, university authorities, solicitors and courts. A brief act of defiance against strictures that ruined the entire student experience for a generation of young people and overshadowed millions of childhoods cost that young man 10,000. The fine wiped out his life savings and still that wasnt enough. But the real price was far higher. Threatened with prosecution and expulsion by the university, his last year at Nottingham Trent was dominated by legal meetings and disciplinary processes that left him so stressed he was unable to eat or sleep. Even more sickening, of course, was the subsequent discovery that senior figures in Downing Street were busy having their own parties at the time. Looking back, the former student regrets paying such a huge fine and who can blame him? After all, the punishment hardly fit the crime. From the outset, it was apparent that the virus posed very little serious risk to people his age, so it is unlikely the party did much harm. Nonetheless, he was wise to cough up. It means he avoided a criminal record which is more than can be said for some 30,000 other individuals who also fell foul of Covid laws. Earlier this week, the justice secretary who oversaw the courts during the pandemic called for an amnesty for these people, arguing that they should have their slates wiped clean. Between March 2020 and June 2021, police handed out over 117,000 fixed penalty notices to people who broke lockdown laws by pressing ahead with everyday activities, such as going for a walk in the countryside; meeting a friend, or visiting relatives. Saddled with criminal convictions, many are now disqualified from applying for jobs in sectors such as teaching and social work, and cannot travel freely overseas. All because of a brief run-in with the law during an extraordinary time. Now we know what we know that power-crazed politicians stripped away fundamental freedoms on the flimsiest of bases the real scandal is how the rest of the population was duped into going along with it all. As more damning evidence emerges of the weak or non-existent scientific rationale for certain restrictions, it is ever more clear that those who did not comply (whether on a point of principle or through sheer desperation) were behaving entirely rationally, and should never have been criminalised. Take face masks. The mythical powers of these grubby bits of cloth to prevent the spread of disease have now been convincingly debunked, with some expert witnesses telling the Covid Inquiry that they were as good as useless. Privately, Boris Johnson is believed to have thought the guidance was nonsense. Yet hundreds of people were fined for failing to comply with face mask regulations. In one particularly egregious case, a 40-year-old project manager was ordered to pay 10,000 for failing to wear one on the London underground. In a ludicrously excessive display of force, no fewer than five police officers swooped on the offender at Green Park tube station. His ordeal did not end until January 2023, when a magistrate at Southwark Crown Court overturned the conviction, agreeing it was manifestly excessive. Too right. In a recent TV interview, Sir Keir Starmer paid a cringeworthy tribute to young people for the sacrifice they made during the pandemic as if they had any choice. Sold a false narrative about saving granny, students were among the biggest victims of the mass hysteria whipped up by their elders, and are heavily represented among the 30,000 people convicted of petty covid breach crimes. Healthy and carefree, they should have been having a ball. Instead, they were confined to their rooms in stuffy, overpriced flats and halls of residence; ripped off by their universities; and denied all the joyful rites of passage that go with student life. Applying the kind of critical thinking normally prized by their lecturers, some with a bit of spirit occasionally took a calculated risk and tried to have some fun. Like so many of the rest of us, they must regret not breaking the rules more. If there is to be an amnesty, they should be first in line. 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. Logan County Sheriffs Office looking for man who shot at vehicle in New Blaine NEW BLAINE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The Logan County Sheriffs Office said they received a call on Wednesday afternoon about a man driving by a home and shooting at a womans vehicle, according to a social media post. LCSO said the incident occurred at Springlake Road in New Blaine in Eastern Logan County. The post said the suspect, who lives in the Dardanelle area, fled the scene. The victim spoke with officers and said an acquaintance of hers was angry about a theft report she made about him in Pope County. She said he decided to take revenge by shooting at her while she was visiting a residence in Logan County, according to the post. Her vehicle was hit, but no one at the scene was injured. LCSO criminal investigators and an Arkansas State Police special agent interviewed witnesses and found multiple shotgun shell casings at the scene. The department searched the area and notified the Yell County Sheriffs Office, Dardanelle Police Department and authorities in Pope County. The suspect has not been found. LCSO said they believed this was an isolated incident and there is no relation between this and the murder suspect associated with the Oklahoma homicides. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Look: 4-foot snake found in box of donated books at Virginia thrift store June 20 (UPI) -- An animal control officer in Virginia was summoned to a Goodwill thrift store after an employee sorting through a box of donated books found something they couldn't read -- a 4-foot snake. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office said on social media that Animal Control Capt. J.A. Bice was called to the Goodwill store on Doc Stone Road in Stafford to get rid of the unwanted donation. "Using his powers of persuasion, and a bit of Parseltongue, Captain Bice was able to safely remove the snake and release it back into the wild," the post said. The sheriff's office did not reveal the species of the "Slytherin suspect seized" at the store, but explained it was likely a local snake in search of shade. "With the rise in temperatures recently everyone is trying to beat the heat, even the local wildlife," the post said. Looking for a manicure and a margarita? This Sacramento nail salon has you covered A glitzy central bar, dark green curtains, arched doorways, potted Monstera plants Moonshine & Co. already looks like Sacramentos newest hot cocktail lounge. Peek past the bottles, though, and youll see why theres nothing else in the region like it. Opened in March at 2905 30th St., Moonshine & Co. is Lien Glanklers cocktail bar/nail salon, a pampering place where one can sip a paloma while enjoying a pedicure. Were a social space, Glankler said. Ive always wanted a place where I can have a good cocktail, hang out with my girlfriends and get a service all at the same time. Moonshine & Co.s name refers more to celestial bodies than rough white lightning, an ethos underscored by tarot cards and crystals throughout the shop. Specialty cocktails such as the Spring Dragon (blanco tequila, jasmine green tea, dragonfruit, ginger, lime and passionfruit juice) were crafted by Julia Hadlina Hadas, author of WitchCraft Cocktails and Moon, Magic, Mixology, and carry menu descriptions like soothing, self love (and) peace of mind. While Glankler wasnt much of a drinker in her 20s, her West Sacramento neighbors later came to know her Liens Linen, a take on Sacramentos famous White Linen cocktail using Bombay gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and fresh cucumber puree. The natural nail salon (no acryllics or UV gel polishes) has a strong selection of wine and mocktails, with hard kombucha and cider on tap and wellness shots and Cameilla Coffee to be added in the near future. Zoning restrictions require Moonshine & Co. customers to receive some sort of cosmetology service with their drinks, from $2 hot or chilled towels infused with essential oils to $45 manicures and $65 pedicures. The staff at Moonshine and Nail Bar in Curtis Park do manicures and pedicures for Diane Marcus of Santa Cruz, left, and her daughter Grace Marcus of Davis, right, on her 21st birthday earlier this month. The moonflower, a $12 color-changing coconut and lavender concoction for release, peace and spiritual attunement, is ready to serve at Moonshine & Nail Bar in Curtis Park earlier this month. Glankers mother Neth Nguyen was one of many Vietnamese immigrants to adopt post-war lives as nail technicians in the United States, a phenomenon sparked by actress Tippi Hedren while she was volunteering at a refugee camp in 1975. The women Hedren helped resettle at Hope Village, a camp in the Placer County town of Weimar, became enamored with the starlets nails, so she flew in her personal manicurist and eventually sent 20 immigrants to Citrus Heights Beauty College, unknowingly catalyzing an industry. Nguyen graduated from CHBC as well, and worked in nail salons before she and Glanker a hairdresser for 23 years who rents out Moonshine & Co.s back space to other stylists opened Thai/Vietnamese spot Lotus Restaurant in downtown Sacramento in 2001. They kept it going for 12 years but arent responsible for Moonshine & Co.s food service now. Matt Brown, the former chef of Bodega Kitchen & Cocktails and The Golden Bear, organizes 10-person, $150-a-head rotating chefs dinners every other Sunday night in Moonshine & Co.s back room. Moonshine & Co. is otherwise open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Wednesday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. The nail salon and bar are closed Monday and Tuesday. What Im Eating Southside Super is as tasty as it is cute, and thats saying something. Phuong Tran and Seoyeon Ohs year-old Southside Park restaurant makes excellent use of the minuscule space formerly home to Lo/Fi, a popular deli that The Sacramento Bees readers said made the regions best sandwiches before it closed in 2022. Cartoon sheep, chickens and rice bowls sketched by local artist Benjamin Della Rosa surround the eight green counter seats and two tables, along with knickknacks and bags of chips. At Southside Super, Tran and Oh prepare large batches of the comforting Vietnamese and Korean food theyd cook for hungry guests in their homes. About 2/3 of the menu goes in hot or refrigerated grab-and-go cases; come at the end of lunch, as I did, and your options will be limited to the selection of made-to-order dishes and maybe some silky, veggie-adorned potato salad ($5) if youre lucky. Southside Supers simplicity shines in the unassuming kimchi fried rice ($13.50). Studded with Spam chunks and topped with a furikake-dusted fried egg, the rice bowl was light on actual kimchi but dyed orange by its juices, crescendoing in a homey, savory delight that feels like the product of a skilled chefs leftovers. Braised short ribs ($20) were by far the most expensive menu item, and worth every penny. The juicy, tender stewed beef seemed to explode with rich flavors, soaked up only somewhat by the surrounding chewy rice cakes, new potatoes, roast carrots and rice. For a lighter, summer-friendly option, try Southside Supers bun ga nuong sa ($15). Chilled, slippery rice noodles formed the base for grilled lemongrass chicken thighs, bean sprouts, lettuce, cucumber slices and do chua (the pickled carrots and daikon frequently seen in Vietnamese dishes), with a hearty splash of garlic fish sauce to tie the salad together. Southside Super Address: 921 V St., Sacramento. Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Phone: (916) 822-4275 Website: https://www.southsidesuper.com/ Drinks: Asian and American sodas, teas and other nonalcoholic drinks. Vegetarian options: Japchae made from sweet potato noodles, vegan kimbap with burdock root and pickled radish, egg salad sandwiches and more. Noise level: Truly depends on busyness the small space feels mellow during down times, but hectic amid a rush. Outdoor seating: None. Openings & Closings Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea is in the soft opening phase for its first Sacramento-area location at 8460 Elk Grove Blvd., Suite 300 in Elk Grove. The boba shop with lattes, Yakult teas and seasonal drinks has a dozen Bay Area stores and 47 nationwide. Another cafe just made its debut: Nameless Tea & Coffee, which opened at 813 16th St. in midtown Sacramento. Boba drinks are a main attraction here as well, along with Vietnamese coffee, fruit slushees and a variety of macarons. Downtown Sacramento restaurant Solomons, a Jewish delicatessen-turned-modern-diner, closed Tuesday at 730 K St. on the ground floor of The Hardin building, along with its attached music venue called the Russ Room. While the owners are billing it as a temporary closure, theyre also seeking a buyer for the business and have laid off all employees. Louisiana hunters to have black bear season with new law BATON ROUGE, La. (KLFY) A few select hunters will be able to bag Louisiana black bears, after a bill was signed into law on Tuesday. The new law signed by Gov. Jeff Landry will do the following: Expand the use of funds in the Louisiana black bear account of the Conservation Fund to include management, conservation, restoration, and enhancement of the black bear species, in addition to its habitat. Establishes a $25 bear hunting license, which will be required in addition to a basic hunting license and a bear harvest permit to hunt and take black bears. Allow the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to hold a lottery for bear harvest permits and establishes a $50 fee per application. Allow the Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to auction a single bear harvest permit to the highest bidder. Allows the baiting of bears only by properly licensed and permitted hunters. According to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison D. Sheahan, HB 684, introduced by State Rep. Neil Riser (R-Columbia) is designed to advance LDWFs ability to fund the management, conservation, restoration and enhancement of the Louisiana black bear. I would like to thank Governor Jeff Landry and the members of Louisianas legislature, especially Representative Neil Riser, for supporting black bear management in Louisiana, Sheahan said. Louisiana has a long list of conservation success stories that are supported by our hunters and landowners. This will be another example of one of those success stories. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest The bear was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act back in 1992, when fewer than 400 black bears lived in Louisiana, but the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service declared it recovered in 2016 and removed its designation of critical habitat made only six years prior. By then the estimated bear population and risen to 1,212. In 2018, conservation groups filed a lawsuit to get the bears back on the endangered list. The groups say the bears still need federal protection. Three people cited in illegal shooting of Louisiana Black Bear LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks disagrees. The success of the black bear recovery effort is a historic event that we can all be proud of, Hanks said. This was made possible by the hard work and determination of our landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, our government and non-government partners, and both past and present LDWF employees. Thank you so much to everyone who was part of this effort, you have done something that will shape the Louisiana outdoor culture for generations to come. Latest news Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. New Louisiana Law States The Ten Commandments Must Be Displayed in All Public Classrooms The posters are required to be in the classrooms of kindergarten through state-funded universities by the start of 2025 Getty Stock image of public school classroom Louisiana public schools will be required to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom per a new law. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill on Wednesday, June 19, reports the Associated Press and The New York Times. The bill instructs educators to install a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in large, easily readable font in classrooms. This would be implemented in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities. The posters are required to be in classrooms by the start of 2025. Supporters of the new bill argue that the signage's purpose is due to historical significance, not just religious significance. The Ten Commandments are described in the law as foundational documents of our state and national government. Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Jeff Landry in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Related: Utah School District Bans Bible for Vulgarity and Violence, Which Violates a GOP-Backed State Law Whereas opponents of the bill expressed concern over the laws constitutionality, and have cautioned supporters that lawsuits will likely arise. Shortly after Landry signed the bill, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom From Religion Foundation stated there would be lawsuits challenging it in an ACLU press release. All students should feel safe and welcome in our public schools. H.B. 71 would undermine this critical goal and prevent schools from providing an equal education to all students, regardless of faith. We will not allow Louisiana lawmakers to undermine these religious-freedom rights, read the June 19 statement. Michael Smith/Staff/Getty Images The Ten Commandments. Related: Florida Teens, Families Sue School Boards Over 'Don't Say Gay' Law: 'Forces Us to Self-Censor' Alongside the posters, there will be a four-paragraph context statement describing how the Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries, per the Associated Press. Donations, not state funds, will be used to implement the law. Teachers in K-12 public schools are also now authorized, but not required, to display the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinances. 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. Louisiana is the first state to successfully require the display of the Ten Commandments. Within the past year, Texas, Oklahoma and Utah have all proposed similar bills. However, none of the aforementioned states have been able to pass the bill due to threats of legal battles over its constitutionality, per the Associated Press. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Every Louisiana classroom will be required to display a poster or framed document with the commandments in a readable font - BRUCE BURKHARDT The Ten Commandments are to be displayed in all classrooms in Louisiana after a controversial order was signed into law on Wednesday. The Republican-backed rule, which applies to all state schools and universities, was labelled blatantly unconstitutional by civil liberties groups who claim it breaches the principle of separating church and state. Critics have vowed to mount a legal challenge, and some believe the move may get a sympathetic hearing from the Supreme Court, which has become more conservative since Donald Trump and more inclined to rule on the side of religious rights in recent years. Jeff Landry, Louisianas Republican governor who signed the measure into law, said I cant wait to be sued last week, according to The Tennessean. By 2025, every Louisiana classroom will be required to display a poster or framed document, measuring at least 11 by 14 inches, with the commandments in a large, easily readable font. Mr Landry argued on Wednesday that the Ten Commandments which include injunctions against murdering, stealing and adultery provided valuable life lessons. If you want to respect the rule of law, youve got to start from the original lawgiver, which was Moses, he said. In Stone v Graham (1980), the Supreme Court struck down a similar move in Kentucky, ruling that the Ten Commandments were plainly religious in nature. The instructions are not confined to secular matters but also those such as worshipping God and observing the Sabbath, it noted. Lawrence Moore, a law professor at New Orleans Loyola University who is also a Catholic priest, suggested Mr Landry was attempting to overturn the precedent set by the Stone case but also had a much broader objective. I think the goal is the assertion that we are a Christian nation, he told The Telegraph, adding that if Louisianas law is upheld it could reopen cases about prayer and scriptural readings in state schools that were settled decades ago. Christian conservative groups have recently attempted to push back on limits to public expressions of faith in the Supreme Court, which has proved more sympathetic to the issue than in the past. I think traditionally the Supreme Court would have decided against the posting of the Ten Commandments, Father Moore said. But I cant predict where the Court is now. However, he suggested the measure might prove a bridge too far for the more centrist justices John Roberts, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kauvanaugh who are much more attuned to precedent. Louisianas push also reflects a broad scepticism from conservatives about Left-wing ideologies allegedly being put forward in schools. Left-wing ideologies Dodie Horton, a Louisiana state representative, said given all the junk our children are exposed to in classrooms today, it is imperative that we put the Ten Commandments back in a prominent position. It may spur on other Republican-led states that have proposed the measure, including Texas, Utah and Oklahoma, to follow suit. Critics claim the law breaches the Constitutions First Amendment that decrees a separation of church and state. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, it reads. Several organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, pledged to immediately challenge the legislation in the courts and accused the state of trampling on religious rights. The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice, without pressure from the government, the groups said in a joint statement. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools. Louisianas communities and public schools are religiously diverse, yet [the measure] would require school officials to promote specific religious beliefs to which people of many faiths, and those of no faith, do not subscribe. They noted that the language of the Commandments differs in various religious denominations, accusing lawmakers of pushing a state-sanctioned version of scripture. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. COP29 is an important event for Azerbaijan, which will host such a big event for the first time, Deputy Minister of Health of Azerbaijan Nadir Zeynalov said during the global summit, themed "Forecasting healthy futures," annually held ahead of COP, Trend reports. The deputy minister pointed out that everything possible is being done to hold this conference at a high level. "As the Ministry of Health, we are preparing to provide first-class medical care during COP29. A large number of people will come to Azerbaijan and we are taking necessary measures to eliminate health problems they may have," he added. To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,000-80,000 foreign guests. The UN 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 in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is based in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A picture of Albert Ehrlick with his dog in the backyard of his Laurel, Montana home sometime in early 1930s. (Photo courtesy of Darrell Ehrlick) Today, as the calendar would have it, is my day to write a column, as is the case most Thursdays. The calendar also reads June 20, 2024. Not a day that should trigger much fanfare, but for me, a date with deep historical significance. If he were alive, my grandfather, Albert S. Ehrlick, would celebrate his 100th birthday today. A century ago, he became the second child and first son born to Samuel and Mary Ehrlick in ramshackle house literally on the wrong side of the tracks. There was no electricity, no water and no English, a language he picked up in elementary school after having his fingers whacked with a ruler, and being called a dumb kraut. He was born to parents, both from Russia, who fled for their lives to arrive in America, doing the backbreaking labor of tending and harvesting sugar beets here. You know, migrant farm labor. Headlines of the newspapers at the time warned of their invasion and the dangers of mixing with these people whose skin was white, but whose clannish church customs and a low, nearly pidgin German were a threat to the perceived purity of Americas institutions. Albert dropped out of school in the eighth grade to help feed the family that included eight other children, including several toddlers who would perish due to lack of medicine and money. Eventually, Al earned a general education diploma, became the mayor of Laurel and a longtime city councilman. Paycheck to paycheck he built his modest house, just blocks from where hed been born, sometimes using the lumber from old boxcars that were being salvaged near those same railroad tracks that crisscross Laurel. The approaching footsteps of this lumbering man still make the hardwood floorboards of his house creak in my mind. He was born to this working-class family who, in the words of a Bob Dylan song, only knew how to keep on keeping on. The immigration fight of his youth wasnt so unlike those of my childrens. His great-grandson, whose life overlapped his for just 10 days and who shares the name of Alberts father, already has heard plenty in his 12 years about the threat of invasions, or about those who are alleged to be clandestinely crawling over the border, reportedly to destroy our way of life. The rhetoric would have likely had a familiar ring to it. A century ago, the threat was so omnipresent in Montana that leaders banned German from being spoken publicly. Americans didnt even bother to understand that the German my grandparents heard was so disfigured from several centuries of isolation in Russia that it was hardly intelligible to those who had migrated from Germany. The categorization and lumping everyone together then was just as imprecise and uninformed as calling all Spanish speakers Mexicans, or assuming that everyone from the Middle East is Muslim or a terrorist. So scared and concerned about the dangers of being singled out for being disloyal, or having a mob show up at their door with a noose (which was happening in Montana to German-speaking people during World War I) that they changed their name as a sort of peace-offering to prove they were fully American. But changing a letter at the end of a last name to fuzzy up its origins didnt do much to change to change peoples minds, I suspect. Instead, Sam Ehrlick, Alberts father, known colloquially as Sam, Sam the Garbage Man, found a place in the railroad town by being so strong that the city had no choice but to hire him because he could lift the same amount of garbage that ordinarily required two men, cutting the labor cost in half. And Albert, his son, worked just about every day that I knew him, trading his blue cloth refinery Dickies-brand clothes for a similar set after dinner, when he went out to his garage to either work on locks, keys, chainsaws, televisions, radios or welding projects all side-hustles he used to make a little extra money. In the Ehrlick household, you could be a lot of things, including a tough person with opinions to match; the one thing that was not tolerated was anything that smacked of loafing. I am not sure when my family became American officially. Sure, I have the certificates of naturalization for my great-great grandparents, assuring them they wouldnt be chased out of the country like the last place. But when they crossed the threshold from being a danger to an asset is uncertain. As we approach another 24 with concerns about immigration and our national complexion, dont be fooled: Weve been here before. The names have literally been changed, and the skin tone may be different. The problem is not that people, regardless of political party, want to make America great. Its that they believe making America great is something that can be completed, instead of a continuous cycle of assimilation, stubborn determination and hope for their families. And if America means anything more than a name that describes a geographic chunk of land in North America, it means that somewhere, maybe not so unlike the house that would freeze in the wintertime because the family had nothing to put in the stove, another son of an immigrant will be born. And maybe with any luck, that childs grandson will be able to trace a centennial that doesnt just mark a birthday, but a multi-generational journey toward our own version of the American dream. Weve got it backwards: Its not we who need to make America great again; its this country that has given us the space to become great. The post Who made who great? appeared first on Daily Montanan. Malawi's vice president laid to rest as president calls for independent probe into his death Malawi's vice president laid to rest as president calls for independent probe into his death Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima was laid to rest on Monday in his village south of the capital, following a funeral where President Lazarus Chakwera called for an independent probe into his death in a plane crash. Chilima and nine other people died in the plane crash last week in Malawi's northern region of Mzimba. The state funeral was held at the Bingu Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday, where Chakwera and other dignitaries paid their final respects to the late vice president. In his address, Chakwera called for an independent investigation into the crash. "Our tears are about the desire to know what delayed the search for this plane. I would like to assure you, Malawians, that this accident will be investigated by an independent expert, Chakwera said amid boos and jeers from the crowd. Hundreds of soldiers, police officers and forest rangers had searched for more than 24 hours before the wreckage was discovered in a forest plantation south of Mzuzu. The plane was on a short flight from Lilongwe to the northern city of Mzuzu when it went missing last Monday morning. Chakwera had said earlier that air traffic controllers had told the plane not to land in Mzuzu because of bad weather and poor visibility and to return to Lilongwe. Air traffic controllers then lost contact with the plane. Mourners attend the burial service for Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima in Nsipe, Malawi, Monday, June 17, 2024. - AP Photo/Thoko Chikondi Chakwera on Sunday called for unity and patience as the investigations continued, saying, We need answers, but we must remain calm and supportive of each other during this difficult time. He said that the Malawi Defense Force cannot conduct an investigation that can be credible on its own, which is why we need an independent investigation. He did not elaborate. The military rendered a 19-gun salute as the body was laid to rest, followed by a long trumpet post and reveille. Those who laid wreaths included Chakwera, all of Malawis three former presidents and Chilimas wife, children and relatives. In another tragic accident, four people died at the funeral on Sunday when a vehicle crashed into bystanders, authorities said. Malaysian leader Anwar says China a 'true friend' and not to be feared as Premier Li ends visit In this photo released by Malaysia's Department of Information, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speak during a business luncheon with China's Premier Li Qiang at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Malaysia's Department of Information via AP) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday rejected the notion that China's dominance is to be feared, calling China a true friend at the end of Premier Li Qiang's visit to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between their countries. While the leaders raised some contentious bilateral issues, Anwar said they discussed them as equal partners, as trusted friends. He didn't give details but was likely referring to the prickly issue of overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. People say, well, Malaysia is a growing economy. Dont let China abuse its privilege and extort from the country. I said no. To the contrary, we want to benefit from one another, we want to learn from one another and we want to profit from this engagement, Anwar told some 200 business leaders at a luncheon attended by Li. His words will be welcomed by Chinas leadership, which finds itself increasingly at odds with countries from the Philippines to Japan as it grows as a regional power in Asia. During his visit, Li held up what he called the friendship between China and Malaysia as a positive example for country-to-country relations in the region. Anwar said he rebuked the incessant propaganda that we should cast aspersions and fear the dominance of China economically, militarily, technologically. We do not. We in Malaysia, having a neutral stance, have the resolve to work with all countries and with China, he said. We see Premier Li Qiang as a friend that would work together with us." Li, who is China's No. 2 leader after President Xi Jinping, was the first Chinese premier to visit Malaysia since 2015. He flew in for a three-day visit on Tuesday on the last leg of a regional tour. Li was also the first Chinese premier to visit New Zealand and then Australia in seven years. The two leaders on Wednesday agreed that China and other claimant countries in Southeast Asia should tackle the South China Sea dispute independently and properly through dialogue and cooperation, and via bilateral settlement. No details were given but the statement came amid concerns the dispute could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China. The U.S. renewed a warning Tuesday that it is obligated to defend treaty ally Philippines, after Chinese forces seized two Philippine boats delivering food and supplies to a military outpost in a disputed shoal and injured several Filipino navy personnel. Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan all dispute Beijings claims to almost the entire South China Sea. Malaysias government prefers diplomatic channels and rarely criticizes Beijing publicly, even though Chinese coast guard ships have sailed near Malaysias waters. This is partly to protect economic ties as China has been Malaysia's top trading partner since 2009. Bilateral trade surged to $98.8 billion last year, accounting for 17% of Malaysias global trade. At the luncheon, Li urged businesses to expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green development, digital economy and artificial intelligence. The journey of China and Malaysia over the past 50 years... is like an expedition where two people have joined hands and waded through mountains and rivers, and won a milestone full of achievements. It also marks the official beginning of the next journey full of hope, Li said. Li was given a red carpet ceremonial send-off and an honor guard as he departed for home later Thursday. The two countries renewed a five-year trade and economic cooperation pact on Wednesday and inked a rash of pacts to cooperate in various sectors. The Trade Ministry said 11 more memorandums were signed between Malaysian and Chinese entities on Thursday that could bring in potential investment of 13.2 billion ringgit ($2.8 billion). These included proposed collaborations in high value-added sector such as oil and gas, energy, education, agriculture, automotive and utility services, it said in a statement. A joint statement by the two governments Thursday said China will extend visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists until end-2025, while Malaysia will reciprocate with a longer period until end-2026. It said the two countries will also jointly nominate the lion dance, a cultural dance performed during Lunar New Year and festivals, to be on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. About a quarter of Malaysia's 33 million people are ethnic Chinese. Mans body pulled from waters of Lake Michigan near Navy Pier CHICAGO Chicago first responders on Wednesday pulled the body of a man from the waters of Ohio Street Beach on Lake Michigan days after a 58-year-old man went missing. SkyCam9 flew above the scene in the 600 block of N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. around 7:30 p.m. as emergency marine crews worked to recover the floating body. Authorities have not identified the man, but the recovery comes days after the presumed June 15 drowning of a male boater in Chicagos Playpen near Oak Steet Beach. Witnesses say the man fell off a boat. After multiple drownings in Lake Michigan, community efforts prevent another Following a weekend-long search, authorities were unable to recover his body and deemed the ensuing efforts a recovery operation. WGN News has reached out to Chicago police for additional information. This week alone, two drownings in Lake Michigan claimed the lives of a 16-year-old male at Montrose Beach and an adult woman after a boat capsized in Winnetka. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A man accused of robbing two banks in Washington County earlier this month has been arrested in New York. Police say Brandon Scerri and Kayla Pruett, both of Wellsburg, W.Va. were involved in the robbery at First National Bank along Washington Road on June 5. The First National Bank along Washington Road in North Strabane Township was also robbed two days later. Scerri allegedly handed a threatening note to the bank teller at Washington Financial Bank and was handed cash. Court documents say he never showed a weapon, even though the note said he had one, the complaint said. The complaint stated that Scerri got away with $155. Two days later, Scerri robbed the First National Bank in a similar manner, court documents said. Kayla Pruett, also of Wellsburg, waited in the car during the robbery, which investigators learned had a stolen plate on it. Police say Scerri was taken into custody in New York after robbing another bank there. Police did not say if Pruett has been arrested. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: He was a really loving guy: Friends remember bicyclist killed by live wires in North Park 2 homes damaged by bullets during incident in McCandless; 1 person in custody Peters Township home destroyed in possible electrical outlet fire VIDEO: Rochester riverfront undergoing revamp DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Man admits role in home invasion where couple was injected with fake virus NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (WJW) A Romanian citizen admitted on Tuesday to participating in a Connecticut home invasion more than 17 years ago, when investigators say a couple was held hostage, injected with a fake deadly virus and told to pay millions of dollars for the antidote. Stefan Alexandru Barabas, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion before a district judge in New Haven, Connecticut. If the court accepts the plea agreement, he will be sentenced to 72 to 84 months in prison. Court records say the home invasion happened on April 15, 2007, when Barabas and two accomplices, Emanuel Nicolescu, and Alexandru Lucian Nicolescu, broke into the South Kent home wearing masks and carrying knives and fake guns. Investigators say they tied up and blindfolded two adults in the home. Elyria man accused of deadly stabbing at Nebraska rest area The intruders then injected the victims with what they claimed was a deadly virus and demanded $8.5 million or else they would be left to die from the lethal injection, according to the Department of Justice. As reported by Fox News, the injection actually turned out to be a harmless blue dye. After realizing the victims couldnt meet their demands, the intruders drugged them with a sleeping aid and drove off in their Jeep Cherokee, court records say. The stolen Jeep was found abandoned outside the Home Depot in New Rochelle, New York the next day. The victims, investor and documentary filmmaker Anne Bass and her boyfriend, artist Julian Lethbridge, were held hostage for more than five hours, according to Fox News. About a week later, an accordion case washed up on shore in Jamaica Bay. According to court documents, while searching the accordion case, investigators found, a stun gun, a 12-inch knife, a black plastic Airsoft gun, a crowbar, syringes, sleeping pills, latex gloves and a laminated telephone card with the South Kent address of the victims. Investigators later linked the crime to the three suspects, as well as a fourth accomplice, Michael Kennedy, who owned a car reportedly spotted near the victims estate on the night of the invasion. New bodycam video released from Cleveland mayors crash: I-Team Investigators later learned that Kennedys father was a professional accordion player, and the knife inside was given to Emanuel Nicolescu, who previously worked for the victim, as a gift. Barabas co-conspirators planned the home invasion, which included the research and purchase of implements necessary for the crime, such as two-way radios, stun guns and imitation pistols, the Department of Justice said. On the night of April 15, 2007, Kennedy drove Barabas, Emanuel Nicolescu and Alexandru Nicolescu to a location near the South Kent home, and then picked them up the following morning in New Rochelle at the location where the intruders abandoned the stolen Jeep. Court records say all four suspect left the United States during the investigation. Emanuel Nicolescu, who later returned to the U.S., was arrested in Illinois in January 2011. He was found guilty of attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and possession of stolen property. In August 2012, he was sentenced to 240 months in prison. Alexandru Nicolescu was arrested in the United Kingdom in November 2013. He pleaded guilty to attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion in 2016 and was sentenced to 48 months in prison in May 2019. Kennedy, who has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Romania, pleaded guilty to attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion in 2012. He was sentenced to 48 months in prison in May 2016. Investigators say Barabas was a fugitive on the run until he was arrested in Hungary on August 16, 2022. Hes been held in custody ever since. Barabas will be sentenced on Sept. 11. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Man Arrested in 23-Year-Old Cold Case Turns Out to Be Ex-Boyfriend of Victim's Daughter Leslie Preer was found dead in her home in May 2001 Montgomery County Department of Police Leslie Preer (left) and Eugene Teodor Gligor A man has been arrested in connection with a 23-year-old homicide case in Maryland, authorities say and the victims daughter says the suspect is her ex-boyfriend. Leslie Preer was found slain in her Chevy Chase home on May 2, 2001, Montgomery County Police said in a statement on Tuesday, June 18. Police responded to her residence when she did not show up for work. Authorities initially collected DNA evidence from the 2001 crime scene, police said in their statement this week. Decades later, in 2022, blood evidence was used as part of a genealogical DNA analysis that was eventually matched earlier this month to Eugene Teodor Gligor, whom police had developed as a potential suspect. Preers daughter Lauren Preer now says the suspect was her boyfriend before her mothers death, according to local TV station WTTG. Its been a hell of a day, Lauren told the outlet, adding that she saw Gligor as recently as last year. She said the two of them grew up in the same neighborhood and began dating when she was 15, according to the station. She was 24 when her mother was killed. In the years since, Lauren said she never thought of Gligor as a potential suspect or as having anything to do with the killing. Not at all, she said. 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. She bumped into Gligor at a restaurant a year ago but nothing seemed out of the ordinary, she said, according to WTTG. Ive spoken to him. He didnt seem weird, she said. How you can look somebody in the eye knowing that you committed this crime and act like nothing happened is pretty unreal. Police did not provide further details in their statement about a motive or cause of death. Gligor, now 44, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Washington, D.C., and is awaiting extradition, per Montgomery County Police. He has been charged with first-degree murder. It wasn't immediately clear if Gligor has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Man charged with murder in connection to Prince Georges County high school event shooting PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said a man was charged in connection to the deadly shooting at a high school event in Oxon Hill on Saturday. PGPD said with assistance from the Hagerstown Police Department, detectives located 29-year-old Dajuon Meniefield, of Bowie. He was charged with first and second-degree murder and related charges. On June 15, around 11:20 a.m., officers were called to Potomac High School on Boydell Avenue for a shooting. Upon arrival, police found 33-year-old Christopher Mozee, of District Heights in the bleachers with gunshot wounds. 2 men wanted for string of robberies at laundromats in Prince Georges County He was taken to the hospital where he died. PGPD said a child was also hit during the shooting and suffered a non-life-threatening injury. Police believed Meniefield and Mozee knew each other, and the shooting happened after a dispute. Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective may call 301-516-2512. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Global collaboration on green energy corridors and zones, strengthening grids for renewable energy integration into the power system, and creating energy storage systems and HVDC were discussed in Baku by Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and European Commissioner for Climate Action Frans Timmermans, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy. According to the ministry, the parties also discussed the European Commission's proposal for joint activities within COP29. "The meeting addressed issues related to the energy partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU, as well as cooperation within the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), to be held in Baku in November. Views were exchanged on close collaboration with Azerbaijan to advance the consensus achieved at COP28 in the UAE on climate change," the ministry pointed out. Timmermans highlighted the EU's recognition of the importance of the strategic energy partnership with Azerbaijan and expressed appreciation for the productive cooperation. He highlighted the EU's emphasis on the partnership concerning the green energy corridor (via the Black Sea), which will facilitate renewable energy supplies to Europe and connect Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary. Shahbazov underscored that Azerbaijan's energy cooperation with the EU encompasses a broad agenda, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon dioxide and methane emissions reduction, and the development of several upcoming green corridors for electricity export from renewable sources. According to him, COP29 will serve as a platform contributing to the achievement of global goals. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan's initiatives and comprehensive energy action plan will accelerate the transition to green energy at the national level. To note, this November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. 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 emerged in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was arrested for allegedly raping and assaulting a woman in Lafayette County, Mississippi earlier this week. According to reports, at around 5 p.m. Sunday, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office received a call from County Road. The caller said that a woman showed up at their door bleeding. Reports say the victim stated she had been assaulted and raped. When she was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital, she identified the suspect. James Colton, 58, was charged with rape and assault with intent to ravish. He was taken to the Lafayette County Detention Center and booked. Colton was issued a bond of $100,000. 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 WREG.com. GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) A Georgia man has been found guilty of shooting and killing a man in Holland last year. James Taylor was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony, the Holland Police Department said. The scene of a shooting in Holland on March 3, 2023. The shooting happened in the early hours March 3, 2023. Aaron Barlow, 54, of Covert, was shot multiple times in a car in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Abbey Court near Stratford Way. Responding officers saw the suspect running away and called in dogs and drones to find him. Around 8:30 a.m., a tip pointed officers to a suspicious person in the area and Taylor, of McDonough, Georgia, was arrested. Witnesses told investigators that the suspect and victim knew one another. Neither lived in the apartment complex. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Man critically injured at Ohio amusement park was struck by roller coaster, officials believe MASON, Ohio (WDTN) A man who accessed a restricted area within the Kings Island amusement park in Ohio was critically injured this week, having possibly been struck by a roller coaster, park officials said. The Mason Police Department responded to a call concerning the Banshee roller coaster at Kings Island, in Mason, on Wednesday night. Officers said the report concerned a subject down on the ground in one of the restricted areas, per a Mason Police Department press release. The victim, a 28-year-old male, was determined to have suffered a critical injury. He was transported to a local hospital and then flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment. Disney owes 100K people money: Are you one of them? Police in Mason did not reveal the circumstances surrounding the mans injury. A representative for Kings Island, however, told Nexstar that the man may have been struck by the coaster after accessing the restricted area. On Wednesday at approximately 8:00 p.m., a guest entered a restricted, fenced area of the Banshee roller coaster and is believed to have been struck by the ride, a representative for the park wrote in an emailed statement. The parks safety and first aid personnel responded immediately to the situation and contacted local emergency responders. The ride remained closed as of Thursday afternoon, Kings Island confirmed. Kings Islands focus continues to be on the welfare of the guest and his family. There is no additional information to share at this time. Lucky to be here: Gordon Ramsay speaks out after really bad cycling accident A couple of park-goers on Reddit, who claimed to have seen the man before and after the accident, detailed their experiences at Kings Island on Wednesday night. We were in the front row and towards the end of the ride, there was a mans body laying face down in the grass below the coaster, one attendee wrote. We dont know if he was alive. The same person, prior to getting on the roller coaster, said they had observed a man frantically asking employees about keys he lost on the ride. We saw him go in that door for employees, another claimed. People tried telling him no but he kept going. This incident is currently under investigation by the Mason Police Department in coordination with Kings Island. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. View of smoke from the South Fork Fire as seen Wednesday from Capitan, New Mexico. The wildfires, which ignited Monday, have killed two people, destroyed 1,400 structures and led to the evacuation of the entire village of Ruidoso. Photo by Ramsay de Give/EPA-EFE/ June 19 (UPI) -- Wildfires burning in New Mexico have claimed two lives in Ruidoso, where 1,400 structures were destroyed after an estimated 8,000 people fled the area. A 60-year-old man was found dead on the side of a road, outside the Swiss Chalet Inn in Ruidoso in Lincoln County -- about 200 miles south of Albuquerque -- with "numerous burns from the fire," said New Mexico State Police spokesman Wilson Silver. A second body was found inside of a burned vehicle, also in Ruidoso, according to Silver. The South Fork Fire has burned 16,335 acres of Mescalero Tribal Land, U.S. Forest Service land and Ruidoso. The Salt Fire has torched 7,071 acres. Both fires have combined to cover more than 36 square miles with 0% containment as rain moved into the area Wednesday. #SouthForkFire and #SaltFire update 6/19 per Complex Incident Management Team: Acres: South Fork - 16,335; Salt - 7,071; Evacuations in place with continued fire growth expected https://t.co/Fi5vSP8Tmu#nmfire pic.twitter.com/Nko6Xo1bUI New Mexico Forestry Division (@NMForestry) June 19, 2024 "Fire crews, heavy equipment and additional resources will continue building fire lines on both the South Fork and Salt fires while air resources will assist from the sky with ongoing water and retardant drops," said New Mexico State Forestry Division spokesman George Ducker. "Changing wind direction and potential for afternoon thunderstorms could create challenging conditions for firefighters in the air and on the ground," he added. The National Weather Service of Albuquerque issued a flood alert Wednesday afternoon for Lincoln County, where up to an inch of a rain could bring some relief, with another system forecast for Thursday night into Friday. "It's both bad news and good news, from a weather perspective," New Mexico State Forester Laura McCarthy told reporters. "It also means that this fire is going to be dynamic, at least until we see what rainfall amounts materialize." Evacuations in the village of Ruidoso began Monday as police ordered all residents to "please do not try to gather belongings or protect your home -- go now!" By Wednesday, officers were working to evacuate nearby Ruidoso Downs. Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency and ordered the evacuations for Ruidoso and area tribal lands. "The number of New Mexicans who, on their own, are helping and are offering up their own homes for shelter shows me, once again, the generosity and compassion of the people in this state," Grisham said. As investigators work to determine what caused this week's fires in New Mexico, crews have been battling up to eleven fires in California. Evacuations were ordered in the town of Copperopolis, southwest of Sacramento. The Aero Fire, which is 33% contained, has burned more than 5,000 acres. The Sites Fire, which is 5% contained, is burning in Colusa County -- about 100 miles north of San Francisco -- and has consumed more than 15,000 acres. Sonoma County's Point Fire, which has burned more than 1,200 acres, is 50% contained. And firefighters continue to make progress on the Post Fire, which has burned more than 15,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura County. Man killed by officers after allegedly pointing gun at people in McDonalds parking lot IDd PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man who was shot to death by Vancouver police on Monday is being identified as 40-year-old Jonathan West Nelson. Vancouver police said that they responded shortly before 1 a.m. on Monday morning on reports of a man near Northeast Andersen Road pointing a gun at people in a McDonalds parking lot. After locating the suspect a few blocks away, police said the man did not listen to commands, so they released a K9 on him. The man then allegedly pointed the gun at law enforcement and four police officers returned fire, striking him. They also shot the dog in the tail by mistake, officials said. Clackamas County considers towing nuisance RVs, removing occupants Authorities said they tried to render aid to the man, who was later transported to a hospital. But he was later declared dead. The dog underwent surgery on its tail. West, who was later identified as the suspect, died of multiple gunshot wounds on the public sidewalk, the Clark County Medical Examiners Office said in a release Thursday. William Buschtschosik, a witness in the incident, told KOIN 6 News he heard several shots ringing out when it happened, in a rapid fire succession. The four involved police officers were all placed on critical incident leave, per standard protocol. Authorities said the Clark County Sheriffs Office is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting and that body camera footage will eventually be released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Man who planned to kidnap child from Xenia school is sentenced to behavioral facility A 35-year-old man convicted of assault on a police officer, but cleared of attempted kidnapping, has been sentenced eight to 12 years in a behavioral health facility rather than prison. >> RELATED COVERAGE: Jury reaches verdict in trial of man accused of attempted kidnapping at Xenia school Reid Duncan was sentenced Thursday in Greene County Common Pleas Court, where News Center 7s Mike Campbell was the only reporter in the courtroom and heard Duran address the court. I would like to I would like to apologize for my actions, Duran said, reading a statement he prepared for the hearing. Second, I would like to apologize to my victims. Those were his first public statements in the two years since his arrest involving an incident at St. Brigid Catholic School in August 2022. The trial jury, which deliberated about 10 hours, saw a video of Duran walking into the school for a kindergarten open house where he didnt know anyone. Prosecutors have said he went in posing as a parent as part of a plan to kidnap a student so he would sexually abuse her. At the time I had stopped taking my medication because I didnt think I needed it anymore, Duran said in his statement in open court. The principal noticed something wrong and called for help. >> Man hit by Kings Island roller coaster is in critical condition Durans situation worsened when a videotaped interview with police captured him trying to stab an officer with a pen he was using to write out his statement, a statement in which he admitted wanting the child for sexual favors. The trial jury found Duran not guilty by reason of insanity on the attempted kidnapping charge, but found him guilty of assault on a police officer and a charge of attempted escape. Judge Michael Buckwalter sentenced Duran to Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in Columbus, for a concurrent term of eight to 12 years in prison on the assault and escape charges. The jurys verdict for acquittal on the insanity ruling means Duran has been identified as a mentally ill person and cannot go to prison. The judge did credit Duran for the time he has already served, which means he could released from the behavioral facility in six years. I think it highlights the mental health challenges that many people in our community face, Durans attorney, Anthony Van Noy, said. Man possibly hit by Banshee roller coaster at Kings Island. Here's what we know A man was sent to the hospital after he was possibly struck by the Banshee roller coaster at Kings Island Wednesday evening, park officials said in a statement. Investigations are underway after Kings Island announced a man was possibly struck by one of the park's roller coasters Wednesday evening. Here's everything we know about what unfolded at Kings Island Wednesday night. What happened at Kings Island? According to a press release from the park, the man entered a restricted area near the Banshee roller coaster at around 8 p.m. It is believed that is where the ride may have struck him, the statement said. Kings Island personnel called dispatchers asking them to send paramedics to the roller coaster for someone who suffered a "head injury," according to Warren County Communications Center records. Dispatchers said first responders reported that a man was found with "major head trauma." The man was transported to West Chester Hospital and then to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in a medical helicopter. What's the status of the man's condition? The man, who is 38 years old, sustained a "critical injury," Mason police said in a Thursday news release. Police have yet to release the man's identity, but Lt. Nathan Ketterer did confirm he is an Ohio resident. Why was the man in the restricted area? Ketterer told The Enquirer the man was in the restricted area to retrieve keys that he had dropped while previously riding the Banshee. What is the Banshee? The Banshee is an inverted coaster that has been at the park since 2014. Coasterpedia says an inverted roller coaster has trains that run underneath the track. Unlike the older suspended roller coaster, the seats are attached directly to the wheel carriage and thus the vehicles do not swing outwards on corners. According to the Kings Island's website, Banshee travels up to 68 mph and has a 167-foot lift hill. Who is investigating? Kings Island officials have notified the incident to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which has a Division of Amusement Ride Safety and Fairs. In an email to Enquirer media partner Fox19, department spokesperson Meghan Harshbarger wrote, Kings Island notified the Ohio Department of Agriculture of an incident Wednesday evening at the Banshee rollercoaster. ODA ride inspectors are on site today to conduct a full re-inspection of the ride and an investigation to ensure the ride was operating in accordance with Ohios law and rules." More: June 9, 1991: Deadly day at Kings Island with 3 deaths, 1 hospitalization When will the Banshee roller coaster reopen? The Department of Agriculture spokeswoman said there was no timeline for the agency's investigation. Kings Island and police are continuing to conduct their investigations, as well. The park has not announced when the ride will resume operation at the park. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man possibly hit by roller coaster at Kings Island, park officials say Arrest made after two injured in shooting and stabbing at MS Coast pub, police say A man has been arrested after a stabbing and shooting that injured two people Wednesday night at a pub in Pascagoula, police said. Police responded about 10 p.m. Wednesday to the Celtic Irish Pub at 2901 Chicot Street and found a man had been shot and a security guard had been stabbed in the hand, police chief Terry Scott said. The shooting victim went to the hospital in a private vehicle, police said. Scott said the man was in stable condition. Authorities arrested Richard Benward Thursday night while serving a search warrant on his residence, Scott said Friday. Benward is a suspect in the shooting and faces an aggravated assault charge. Police also issued a warrant for the suspect in the stabbing but had made no arrests Friday afternoon, Scott said. Police have not determined a motive. Man with Ukrainian documents detained in Bulgaria for espionage A 23-year-old man with Ukrainian identity documents was detained in Bulgaria and charged with espionage, Bulgarian media reported on June 19. According to reports, the man illegally entered the territory of the "Maritsa Iztok 2" thermal power plant the day before and was detained by the site's security team. Security found drones, mobile phones, and numerous SIM cards on his person. Local media reported that the man was arrested and charged with collecting information that constitutes a state secret for the purpose of providing it to a foreign country. It's not yet known if he took photos of a strategic object in the power plant and whether his devices contained information constituting a state secret. The report did not clarify whether the individual is a citizen of Ukraine. Read also: Poland arrests 18 over half a year for suspected sabotage plans on behalf of Russia, Belarus Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 20. KazMunayGas (KMG, Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company) and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) have discussed the progress of modernizing the Tengiz-Novorossiysk oil pipeline, Trend reports. Negotiations on this topic took place between the Chairman of the Board of KMG, Askhat Khassenov, and the General Director of CPC, Nikolay Gorban. The parties reviewed current issues of the Consortiums activities, including the programs implemented by the company to modernize and improve the reliability of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk pipeline system facilities, as well as long-term plans for loading the CPC system. Gorban informed the interlocutor about the results of CPC activities for five months in 2024 and the immediate plans of the oil transportation company, including dividend payments to CPC shareholders. Moreover, the parties discussed the implementation by the Consortium of the Bottleneck Elimination Program (BEP), aimed at increasing the throughput of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk oil pipeline to 83 million tons per year, as well as the issue of replacing two systems of remote mooring devices for CPC-R in 2026. To note, the CPC pipeline system is one of the largest investment projects in the energy sector, with the participation of foreign capital in the CIS. It is unique in its own way, especially in light of the current political and economic situation in the region and around the world. The length of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk oil pipeline is 1,511 km. More than two-thirds of all Kazakh oil exports, as well as raw materials from Russian fields, including those located in the Caspian Sea, are transported along this route. Man wanted in assault at Hobby Lobby in Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Police are asking for the publics help identifying a man who assaulted someone inside the Hobby Lobby on California Avenue. The assault happened June 4, police said. The man is described as Hispanic, early 20s, medium complexion and slim build. Police released a photo of him. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective G. Vasquez at 661-326-3834 or the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. MORRILTON, Ark. (NewsNation) The search for an Alabama man wanted in connection with multiple homicides in Oklahoma has ended after he was arrested in Arkansas by the Morrilton Police Department and Arkansas State Police, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Stacy Drake, 50, of Birmingham, who had been on the run since late Tuesday evening, is suspected in three killings in Oklahoma and a homicide case in Alabama, reported Nexstars WIAT. Drake was suspected in the slaying of 62-year-old Russell Thomas Andrews, said Capt. Jack Kennedy with Alabamas Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, as reported by WIAT. Andrews body was found on May 14 outside of an Alcoholics Anonymous building. On June 18, Drake was named as the suspect in three Oklahoma homicide cases. One of those occurred Tuesday, roughly 100 miles southeast of Tulsa. According to NewsNation affiliate KFOR, a man and a woman were found dead inside a business with injuries consistent with homicide. Drake is accused of killing both people, then fleeing in a stolen car. According to Nexstars KARK, investigators in Oklahoma say Drake was also sought in connection to the killing of 56-year-old Phillip Emerson in the town of El Reno on June 14. Before he was found and arrested, Drake was last seen on surveillance footage at a hotel in Morrilton, Arkansas, about 50 miles northwest of Little Rock, according to police. The Morrilton Police Department also said the Arkansas State Police had notified them that the vehicle used in the homicides was parked at the hotel. Officials said that officers searched the hotel, but didnt find Drake. Its not clear where he was during the search, and police said it is unknown how he left the hotel. 5 men charged with kidnapping Indiana teen found in Missouri Around 10 a.m. local time Thursday, police discovered Drake hiding in a wooded area in Morrilton. The 50-year-old is currently being held at Conway County Detention Center and further information will be released as it becomes available, police said. Officials with the Morrilton Police Department said the suspect, 50-year-old Stacy Drake, was seen on surveillance footage at a hotel in Morrilton. (Released by Morrilton Police) Stacy Drake, see in this image provided by Arkansas State Police, is wanted in connection with three homicides. (Arkansas State Police) If you find one of these outside your home, call police Arkansas State Police say Drake is also wanted on multiple felony warrants from multiple jurisdictions, with charges including aggravated robbery, carjacking and robbery. NewsNation affiliate KARK 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. Authorities are looking for Stacy Lee Drake, 50, who is wanted in connection to Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Public Safety/Release June 20 (UPI) -- Authorities in Arkansas have launched a manhunt for a triple homicide suspect described as armed and dangerous. Stacy Lee Drake, 50, is believed to be in Morrilton, a city of some 7,000 people about 60 miles northwest of Little Rock, according to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, which said in a statement Wednesday that he has purchased camping gear. Drake was last on foot outside a Morrilton motel, it said. "Arkansas State Police urges the public to exercise caution as Drake is believed to be armed and dangerous," the department of public safety said. "Anyone who sees Drake should not approach him and should call 911 immediately." Drake -- who is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing about 185 pounds -- is wanted in connection to the deaths of three people stemming from two carjackings in Oklahoma. Stacy Lee Drake, 50, was last on foot outside a Morrilton, Ark., motel, authorities said. Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Police/X On Tuesday, the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office said it and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation where at the scene of a possible double homicide in Gans, a town of a few hundred people near the Oklahoma boarder with Arkansas. The OSBI in a statment identified the victims as a man and woman who had sustained injuries "consistent with homicide." The crime occurred in a business near State Highway 64 and South 4670 Road, with officers responding to the scene at about 6:30 p.m. The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office said the suspect had stolen a vehicle and fled the scene. OSBI later said Drake had been identified as a person of interest in the case. The bodies of the two victims have been transported to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner for identification and to determine a cause and manner of death, the OSBI said. The other homicide and carjacking was not commented on by the authorities. The local Pride celebration is moving up this year. For the first time, the Mansfield Gay Pride Association is holding its event in June, which is National Pride Month. The ninth celebration will take place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Mansfield. The association typically has celebrated Pride in August or July. Tim Denis "Almost every year at the festival, I get questions from people asking why it's in August instead of June," said Tim Denis, president of the Mansfield Gay Pride Association. The answer was the local community didn't want to conflict with similar celebrations in Ohio's larger cities. In doing his own research, Denis found that most of the cities held Pride events on either the first or second weekend of June. "In our case, it still left two Saturdays wide open," he said. "I have wanted, ever since I have been a part of the association, I've wanted to see it moved to Pride Month." Association president appealed to board to move Pride to June Denis went to the board, which voted unanimously to move the event to June. This year's theme is a take-off on the eclipse craze with organizers choosing "Total Eclipse of the Hate." "I've seen a lot of change over the years for the good," Denis said of changing attitudes, adding crowds have grown each year and protesters have dissipated. He said organizers tailor the celebration to the community and keep it family-friendly. There will be a bounce house for children. "This is what our community needs and wants," Denis said. "In Cleveland and Columbus, I've seen things that are way out there, that we will never, ever do here." There are some changes this time around. The parade will step off at 11 a.m. on Park Avenue West at the five-way light and continue to Walnut Street instead of the central park. It's a move to accommodate more vendors, 64 in all, compared to 60 a year ago. The festival area will extend to Walnut Street. Pastor Dan Dickman will be the grand marshal. Parade to feature 34 entries Denis said there will be 34 parade entries. He has coordinated the parade since 2018. In addition to music and drag shows, the Pride celebration will include a dunk tank for the first time. People can dunk local celebrities for free. Organizers also are putting together an AIDS memorial quilt. People who want to honor a loved one can register for free and select a 12-inch square for the person's name and any comments. The goal is to display the quilt in 2025. Ahead of Saturday, the Mansfield Gay Pride Association has partnered with Downtown Mansfield Inc. to display banners around town. There will be two other events this weekend. After Pride will take place Saturday from 7-11 p.m. at the Electric Company. There is a $10 entry fee. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the weekend will wrap up with a drag brunch at Park Hotel. The cost is $25 per person. A portion of the funds will go toward Equality Ohio. mcaudill@gannett.com 419-521-7219 X: @MarkCau32059251 This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield Pride celebration moves to June from usual August date With marijuana on the ballot, its not just about good times. Its also about money. An employee collects money while holding packages of marijuana at Top Shelf Cannabis, a retail marijuana store, on July 8, 2014, in Bellingham, Washington. Top Shelf Cannabis was the first retail marijuana store to open in Washington state, nearly a year and a half after the state's voters chose to legalize marijuana. (David Ryder/Getty Images) An employee collects money while holding packages of marijuana at Top Shelf Cannabis, a retail marijuana store, on July 8, 2014, in Bellingham, Washington. Top Shelf Cannabis was the first retail marijuana store to open in Washington state, nearly a year and a half after the state's voters chose to legalize marijuana. (David Ryder/Getty Images) To the casual observer, it might look like South Dakotans are addicted to voting on recreational marijuana. Legalizing grass was on the ballot in 2020, 2022 and will be again in 2024. For the backers of legalized marijuana, the high point came in 2020 when voters here approved a constitutional amendment with 54% of the vote. Just about everything that had to do with marijuana was in that initiative. It was overturned by the South Dakota Supreme Court, citing a violation of the states one-topic rule for constitutional amendments. That killed the recreational portion of the measure, even as state government went ahead with implementation of a medical marijuana program. In 2022, an initiated measure to legalize recreational marijuana failed with 47% of the vote. Backers of that initiated measure offered voters a scaled back version of the constitutional amendment that was approved in 2020. Pro-marijuana advocates said the Supreme Court took so long to rule on the legality of the amendment that they didnt have time to take direction from the courts ruling. The initiated measure in front of voters in 2024, IM 29, allows people 21 and older to possess, grow, sell, ingest and distribute marijuana. They may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and have up to six marijuana plants with a limit of 12 plants per household. Limits would be imposed on locations where marijuana can be used, and employers could restrict employee use. Property owners could decide whether or not they want it used on their property. Unlike the constitutional amendment voters approved back in 2020, IM 29 makes no mention of the licensing of retail establishments or growing operations. There are also no provisions for a 15% excise tax on marijuana. Amendment backers also talked about a construction boom for growing operations and new retail outlets. Those considerations were a big part of the push for legalization in 2020. A fiscal note on the 2020 amendment said that by 2024, legalized marijuana would have raised $60 million for South Dakota with half of the money earmarked for schools and half for the state budgets general fund. Those who fought against the amendment said that the revenue projections were too rosy. There would also be administrative costs to set up the program and they predicted an increase in the need for social services. While backers of the amendment said legalizing pot would free up police and courts to deal with more serious crimes, those fighting against the amendment foresaw greater law enforcement costs. With no licensing or taxation provisions in this years measure, it would be up to the Legislature to set the licensing and taxation rates. Perhaps a voters decision about IM 29 should consider the financial aspects of marijuana legalization. Its looking more and more like South Dakota could use the money. Consider this: In 2023, flush with federal pandemic cash and predicting continuing sales tax growth, the Legislature cut the state sales tax from 4.5% to 4.2%. This change was predicted to cut state sales tax revenue by an estimated $104 million. In 2024 lawmakers debated, but didnt do much about, the fact that South Dakota teachers are once again among the lowest paid in the nation. At some point, that bill will come due. When voters consider legalizing marijuana, theyll also consider another measure on the ballot that calls for eliminating the state sales tax on groceries. A new South Dakota News Watch poll showed 66% of voters favor doing away with the state sales tax on groceries. That could result in an estimated $120 million loss in state revenue. A recent South Dakota Searchlight story noted a meeting of the Governors Council of Economic Advisors where they learned that sales tax revenues from July through April were down $32 million. The state was still able to have a good year, relying on increases in the unclaimed property fund, state investments and the contractors excise tax. None of those are traditionally predictable sources of revenue. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana, and in November, South Dakota voters will need to decide if they want to join them. There are many factors to consider in this decision: if a continuing prohibition is the right way to approach marijuana, if public safety would be threatened, if legalization will make marijuana more readily available to young people, and if its worth the effort to set up new marijuana usage rules for employees and tenants. The kind of financial windfall the state would receive should also be a factor in that decision. Some voters might not look forward to the day when the pungent aroma of marijuana is common in South Dakota. Perhaps they should consider that it just might be the smell of money. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post With marijuana on the ballot, its not just about good times. Its also about money. appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight. Cooperation and community are two of the hallmarks of Marion Community Foundations Racial Equity and Justice grants program. The program awards grants to Marion organizations seeking to advance issues of equity and justice locally. The foundations 2024 grant awards, totaling $50,000, were present to: Black Heritage Council/Paul Robeson Speech Academy - $3,000. The grant is designed to strengthen communication skills, provide camaraderie and recruit youth in grades K- 12, in support of student participants in the Peace and Freedom Committees annual speech competition at the Martin Luther King Breakfast. Logos Christian Ministries/Logos Freedom Riders: The Journey Continues - $21,000. Logos Freedom Riders students from Marion Harding High School continue to educate themselves on the history of the civil rights movement using the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marion Voices Folklife + Oral History/ Marion Black Joy Summerfest 2024 - $5,000. Marion Black Joy Summerfest is an annual celebration to build pride and educate the community about Marion Countys Black culture, heritage and folklife. The event is held near Juneteenth, the federal holiday which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has been celebrated in the African American community for decades. Marion Voices Folklife + Oral History received a $5,000 Foundation Racial Equity and Justice Grant for the annual Marion Black Joy Summerfest. Peace and Freedom Committee/Peace and Freedom Publishing - $8,500. The purpose of the program is to help Marion youth of color see themselves as full members of the Marion community by telling stories about people, cultures and lived experiences in Marion while establishing the foundation for an ongoing revenue stream to help fund Peace and Freedom Committee's work. St. Mary Catholic Church/Latino Health Fair - $4,700. The grant provides funding for an annual health fair targeting Spanish-speaking families in the Marion County community. The event provides health assessments, educates people to start a healthier lifestyle and provides communication of the services that are offered in Marion County. Spanish interpreters are available along with materials in Spanish. Attendance at this annual event has been steadily increasing each year. Organizations interested in participating in the Latino Health Fair should contact Evelyn Lisiecki at St. Mary Church, 740-382-2118. St. Mary Catholic Church/Summer Enrichment Program - $5,500. The program provides summer academic reinforcement in math, reading and religion to underserved children in LaRue and New Bloomington. It's an effort to curve the summer learning loss of those underserved children. Tri-Rivers Career Center/Exploration of Beauty and Color - $2,300. A cohesive day of instruction and learning between Tri-Rivers Career Center (TRCC) students and girls of color at nine associate middle schools, addressing topics of health, beauty, wellness and self-care. The goal of Marion Community Foundation with our Racial Equity and Justice grants is to foster innovative programs for leaders at every level to use their resources to help people overcome challenges and continually build a better community, said Jody Demo-Hodgins, co-chair of the Racial Equity and Justice grants committee at Marion Community Foundation. Moving forward takes small, continuous steps and is essential for a community, like Marion, that values all people. The Racial Equity & Justice Grant Program is open to any charitable nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or equivalent, including educational, governmental and religious programs, looking to improve issues of equity and justice in Marion County. Awards favor applicants who identify and detail a community need and offer a solution that clearly states an effective plan to meet that need. Funding for the program comes from Marion Community Foundations Health Care Fund and the Robert M. & Dorothy C. Wopat Community Fund. The application period is February and March each year and applications are available online at MarionCommunityFoundation.org. The Racial Equity & Justice grant committee consists of Demo-Hodgins and co-chair Nicolle Willis and members Dr. Deepi Bathini, Candace Floyd, Hon. Matt Frericks, Dana Booker, Evelyn Olivos Lisiecki, Pastor Jackie Peterson and Erin Slater, who review applications and make award recommendations to the Foundations Board of Directors. For more information, call 740-387-9704 or visit MarionCommunityFoundation.org. This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion Community Foundation announces Racial Equity and Justice grants A Marion man has been convicted of the fatal stabbing death of Natalie Rudd at River Bend Campground on the 2022 Fourth of July weekend. Chadwick Allen Greenawalt Sr. was convicted of murder, manslaughter and felonious assault by a Marion County Common Pleas jury after about two hours of deliberation, according to a news release from the office of Prosecutor Ray Grogan. An altercation began after he disrupted a gathering at the Rudd family's permanent campsite, where they were preparing for Fourth of July celebrations, according to the release. Chadwick A. Greenawalt Sr. of Marion was convicted of murder, manslaughter and felonious assault for the stabbing death of Natalie Rudd during an altercation at the River Bend Family Campground on July 3, 2022. (MARION STAR FILE PHOTO) Confrontation began by popping a balloon Greenawalt popped a decorative balloon arch set up by Natalie Rudd and her husband, Rob, which led to his ejection from the site, according to trial testimony cited in the release. The situation escalated when Greenawalt, after repeatedly being asked to leave, engaged in a physical altercation with Natalie Rudd. Her husband intervened to defend her, but the dispute was temporarily broken up by other campers. The confrontation resumed with Greenawalt taunting and then attacking Natalie Rudd again, this time with a knife he had mentioned carrying earlier in the day after a foot race, the release said. Witnesses, including Rob Rudd and a 14-year-old camper, observed Greenawalt striking Natalie multiple times. The strikes were later identified as stabs, which resulted in fatal wounds, according to the release. Natalie Rudd was tended to by fellow campers, and emergency services from 1st Consolidated Fire District were called, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Marion General Hospital. Natalie Rudd, 42, of Marion was stabbed to death while camping with her family during the 2022 Fourth of July weekend. Two years later, Chadwick Allen Greenawalt Sr. of Marion has been convicted of her murder. After the attack, Greenawalt fled the scene on his motorcycle but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement on Ohio 95. Sentencing date hasn't been scheduled yet Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles office, through the work of multiple detectives and officers from multiple agencies including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Marion, Ohio Police Department and the Marion and Lucas County Coroners offices, conducted the investigation, which included reviewing campground security footage that captured Greenawalt's arrival with what is believed to be the clip of a knife on his pocket, according to the release. The trial was presided over by Common Pleas Judge Matthew Frericks and prosecuted by Grogan along with Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Allison Kesler. Greenawalt is in custody awaiting sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date. Grogan said the conviction marks a significant moment of accountability and closure for the Rudd family and the community affected by the tragedy. This case is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of violence," Grogan said in the release. "The diligent work of our law enforcement partners and the strong stand taken by our community have been crucial in bringing about this verdict. We hope this brings some measure of peace to Natalies family. This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Chadwick Greenawalt Sr. convicted of murdering Natalie Rudd in 2022 Marjorie Taylor Greenes dinner receipt is raising eyebrows but not for the reasons she hoped What was supposed to be her latest show of support for former President Donald Trump has turned into internet fodder for those who are not fans of Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene posted a photo of her dinner receipt last week where she wrote VOTE TRUMP! No tax on tips. The phrase refers to Trumps recent remarks he made to supporters about his proposal to eliminate taxes on tips and wanted people to write about it on restaurant receipts. I absolutely LOVE President Trumps plan for NO TAX ON TIPS!! Write it on every receipt you sign! Greene said. RELATED STORIES: But the message on the receipt is not what got the most attention. Greene left a hefty tip for her waiter, but the total on her bill was $721. The post on X, formerly known as Twitter, had more than 5,600 comments on it as of the writing of this article. Sooooo who youre really saying thank you to is President Biden for affording you the opportunity to go out to eat for SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE DOLLARS. Seems as though the Biden economy has been good to you, @Out5p0ken said. Sooooo who youre really saying thank you to is President Biden for affording you the opportunity to go out to eat for SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE DOLLARS. Seems as though the Biden economy has been good to you. Outspoken (@Out5p0ken) June 15, 2024 @JoJoFromJerz had a similar response: Hold the hell on youre out there every damn day telling us that the economy is so bad the American people cant afford groceries, yet youre dropping $700 on a single restaurant meal!? Thats more than a helluva lot of people make in a week. Hell, it took me nearly 2 weeks to make that when I worked in education. Hold the hell on youre out there every damn day telling us that the economy is so bad the American people cant afford groceries, yet youre dropping $700 on a single restaurant mea!? Thats more than a helluva lot of people make in a week. Hell, it took me nearly 2 weeks Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) June 15, 2024 Yasmine Mary wrote, The Biden economy must be good. $721 on a meal. The Biden economy must be good. $721 on a meal. Yasmine Mary, ARNP-FNP-C (@yazzy1967) June 15, 2024 Not all of the comments were negative. Several people showed their support for Greene and the idea. Paul A. Szypula wrote, Some leftist is going to complain at you now for only tipping $120 and not $122.04. Just wait. But yes, no tax on tips is great! Some leftist is going to complain at you now for only tipping $120 and not $122.04. Just wait. But yes, no tax on tips is great! Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) June 15, 2024 @Jerry__Schultz said, Taxing tips is just cruel. Taxing tips is just cruel Trumpaholic (@Jerry__Schultz) June 15, 2024 Im going to start doing that when I go out to eat. @Tesla_Armando said. I'm going to start doing that when I go out to eat. Armando Bennett (@Tesla_Armando) June 15, 2024 One of the first Allan Saxe columns I ever read was about me. In the mid-1990s, the already long-respected UT-Arlington political science professor was a familiar media fixture as a guest on various radio shows and in the pages of this newspaper. His beloved Arlington was such a sought-after audience that both the Star-Telegram and The Dallas Morning News launched specific publications aimed at, and even named for, the city that sought its own identity and coverage, nestled between the dominating markets of Fort Worth and Dallas. I had returned to my native Texas in 1994 to host shows on WBAP, which was relocating to Arlington after decades of rich Fort Worth history shared with the Star-Telegram. The Texas Rangers new ballpark was opening blocks away, and I learned early on the rich benefit of conversations with Allan, on and off the air, about Arlington and its history and so much more. His appearances on my radio show led to my visits to his classes at UTA over the ensuing decades. As each semester began, I would get an email asking if I would come speak to his students in classes ranging from Texas government to constitutional issues. I would always ask what he wanted me to cover. His answer was always the same: Whatever you want. So I walked into a variety of large UTA class auditoriums over the years, a sign of the popularity of his teaching. Before he would introduce me, he would riff with students (whom he always knew by name, even in large classes, even as the term began), issue a few quips about the headlines of the day, tell a self-deprecating story or two and otherwise establish the personal bond that is the cherished memory of countless students whom he enriched with his teaching gifts over the years. Allan Saxe passed away Tuesday at the age of 85. An instant slideshow formed in my head, a cascade of images and memories of my years of visits with him in my world of radio, his world of classrooms or in countless personal phone calls and emails. His quirky personality and dry sense of humor were part of a package that contained a deep and brilliant mind, and a heart as open and vast as the Oklahoma vistas where he grew up. Hired in 1969 in his 20s to teach at what was then Arlington State College, Allan started a journey featuring years of service not just to the students he loved but to his community. When I met Allan in 1995, his mother had recently passed away, leaving him roughly $500,000. He immediately began donating it to various charities, causes and scholarships, along with new structures and facilities, often with one condition: that they bear his name. Allan Saxe Park in south Arlington is one of many places named after the former UT-Arlington professor who gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to causes during his lifetime. File photo, Aug. 5, 2009. I asked him about this uniquely Saxe-like combination of selflessness and self-promotion. I dont really know how to do anything, he told me. If this money can go to people who actually know how to make communities better, make the world better, Im going to give it to them. And why the resulting Allan Saxe Park, Allan Saxe Parkway, even Allan Saxe pencil sharpeners in UTAs University Hall? Whatever I do, when Im gone, people will know I was here. We surely will. And in that newspaper column 30 years ago, Allan kindly referred to the way I welcomed callers with diverse views in contentious times, a practice he always displayed in class. Even though I was blasting out talk shows on a 50,000-watt radio station heard across Texas and beyond, the end of his column focused on the pocket of the DFW area that was his heart: Glad youre in Arlington, Mark Davis. Today, times are no less contentious, and higher education has become a minefield where indoctrination can elbow out education. Im sure there are instructors to be found with big brains, open hearts and a gift for the calling of teaching. But there will never be another Allan Saxe. He is an American original, a singular figure in the history of North Texas and in the memory of any student lucky enough to sit in his class over the years. My blessing was to be his friend. Glad you were in Arlington, Allan Saxe. And in our lives in so many indelible ways. Mark Davis hosts a morning radio show in Dallas-Fort Worth on 660-AM and at 660amtheanswer.com. Follow him on X: @markdavis . Mark Davis ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 20. KTZ Express (a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Railways, KTZ) and the Romanian CFR Marfa have considered the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Trend reports. Representatives of the companies noted the need to expand the presence of KTZ Express on the route from the port of Constanta to Budapest - a further distribution hub for cargo throughout Europe. Representatives of CFR Marfa looked at the ongoing work to develop the transport and logistics industry in Kazakhstan. As part of consolidating the agreements reached, KTZ Express and CFR Marfa signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for the further implementation of joint projects. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes. In an exclusive essay for PEOPLE, the married Arizona lawmakers share how a gunman stole their dreams of having a child together and why they fear politicians will do the same to other families Kevin Dietsch/Getty Former Rep. Gabby Giffords and Sen. Mark Kelly at a November 2022 political event Our lives changed forever on January 8th, 2011, when a gunman opened fire at a "Congress on Your Corner" event in Tucson. Six lives were lost, many more were injured, and Gabby was shot in the head. Of everything that changed that day both of us halting our careers, the beginning of a long, difficult road to recovery we also lost something we wanted very much: the opportunity to have a child together. The shooting happened on a Saturday morning. Two days later, we were supposed to have an appointment at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington, where Gabby had been receiving fertility treatments, to have our embryos implanted to try to begin a pregnancy. Like a lot of folks, we got married a little later in our lives. One of us had two beautiful daughters from a previous marriage; one of us had never had kids. We wanted to grow our family together and were fortunate enough to be able to pursue the only option for us: in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Gabby never made it to that appointment. Related: Gabby Giffords Opens Up About Hobbies, Marriage and Why She 'Won't Back Down' in New Documentary Office of Senator Mark Kelly Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly on their wedding day in 2007 These past few months, as weve seen reproductive freedoms increasingly under attack in the absence of the protections of Roe v. Wade, our hearts break for the couples who, all of a sudden, cant decide for themselves how and when to start their family. The IVF process is extensive and expensive. In order to create a viable embryo, women must inject hormonal medication to increase egg production and then have those eggs retrieved. Its invasive, and many women experience pain and uncomfortable changes in their bodies. Still, for many couples who struggle to become parents, IVF is the safest or in some cases only option to achieve their hope of becoming pregnant. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Former Rep. Gabby Giffords and Sen. Mark Kelly at a November 2022 political event With everything the shooting forced us to leave behind, we werent ready to let go of our dream of having a child together. But eventually, we had to. That loss was its own agony. We dont dwell on what could have been. Gabbys philosophy is Move ahead, and thats what we did to rebuild our lives and find our purpose after what happened to our family. We have a vibrant family we love, including a granddaughter who brings us so much joy. Related: Sen. Mark Kelly and Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords Welcome First Grandchild: So 'Proud' mark kelly / twitter Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Gabby Giffords welcome their first grandchild Make no mistake: The freedom to start a family with IVF is under threat. In Alabama, a decision from the state Supreme Court made IVF virtually impossible for a period of time. In Arizona, the state legislature passed a law that would have threatened access to IVF in our state if it hadnt been for a veto by Gov. Katie Hobbs. In Washington, the majority of House Republicans are cosponsors of a fetal personhood bill that, if signed into law, would endanger access to IVF for every American. Our dream of having a child together was taken away by a gunman. The dreams of Americans to have a child together could be taken away by politicians. Related: What the Alabama Supreme Court Decision Means for a Florida-Based PEOPLE Staffer with Frozen Embryos (Exclusive) Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Protestors gather outside the Supreme Court after 'Roe v. Wade' is overturned in June 2022 This isnt happening by chance. Its the result of years of anti-choice efforts and the appointment of judges by governors and presidents like Donald Trump who are hostile to reproductive rights. Donald Trump said himself that he broke Roe v. Wade, which set off a series of attacks on reproductive freedoms. Twenty states now have abortion bans, including Arizona, where our state has been in turmoil between two abortion bans, both of which endanger womens health and threaten doctors with jail time. And it doesnt stop there. Last week, the Supreme Court threw out a case attempting to rein in approval of abortion medication also used to treat miscarriages. But this wont be the end. Other states could and will again challenge mifepristone, just as state abortion bans are threatening to undo a federal law that requires emergency care for pregnant women when their lives are in danger, including abortion care if necessary. The right to birth control could very well be the next target. 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. Despite this real threat, Republicans in Congress have multiple times in recent weeks blocked legislation that would protect access to IVF and contraception for all Americans. The truth is there is a real danger of our country moving backwards even further than we already have. Growing a family is never simple, even in the best of circumstances. We know that. When and how to do it is among the most personal decisions anyone makes. We know that, too. The government, whether its politicians or judges, has no business making those decisions for you. They should be yours alone. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Sunny-day flooding in Somerset County. Photo from The Nature Conservancy. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) announced this week that researchers from the centers Horn Point Laboratory on the Eastern Shore will partner with the Cambridge city government to build and monitor a natural shoreline flood mitigation project along the Choptank River. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay for the first phase of the work, expected to last three years and cost $16 million. Marylands entire Eastern Shore community is a front-row witness to climate change, said Ming Li, an oceanographer and UMCES professor, who will lead the project. We are trying to protect the town and also generate new knowledge that will be useful to communities beyond Cambridge, so this project is so extensive, as well as vital. But Cambridges good fortune a partnership with scientific experts and robust federal funding, with the likelihood that more is on the way is something of an anomaly in Maryland. As communities throughout the state scramble to deal with the ravages of climate change, and particularly coastal flooding, a new study from a leading environmental group finds that many coastal communities face enormous challenges when it comes to applying for and winning grant money for climate resiliency. The comprehensive report, from the Maryland/D.C. chapter of The Nature Conservancy, is called Supporting Equitable Access to Funding for Adaptation Resources (SEAFARE). Its designed to help coastal communities navigate the intensive and arcane government grant application process. But its also a call for government agencies to make their method of awarding funding fairer, more transparent, more flexible and more responsive to the unique needs of discrete communities. The Nature Conservancy is hoping some of its recommendations result in legislation during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session. Related stories Coastal communities experiencing the first impacts of climate change deserve to define their own futures, said Humna Sharif, climate adaptation manager with The Nature Conservancy, who coordinated the study. The report, she said, lays out a framework to help decision-makers understand how they can support a vision for community-led climate resilience informed by those communities lived experiences. That may sound like a no-brainer, but its often difficult to achieve, The Nature Conservancy argues. While several federal agencies are making new funding available to states and local governments for a range of climate initiatives, pursuing and winning the grants are not easy. Too often, the report suggests, governments take a one-size-fits-all approach to doling out funds. Some of the built-in barriers communities face in winning funding include complicated legislative language that creates the various funding programs, complex and even alienating solicitation language, and restrictive funding criteria. These aspects of federal and state funding methods result in climate adaptation programs that can perpetuate and even exacerbate inequities. The report is an unusual mixture of scientific evidence, technical and bureaucratic jargon, and the language of present-day advocacy, and it often pulls no punches. As we build climate adaptation pathways and ways to support communities on the frontlines of climate change, we need to acknowledge and understand that the crisis we are facing is not a nameless or blameless occurrence, the report reads. It is a crisis fueled by the greed and misinformation campaigns waged by fossil fuel companies and upheld by elected leaders for decades. Our current crisis is made worse by slow, ineffective action to address fossil fuel emissions and biodiversity loss by those in positions of power. The Nature Conservancy study begins with some regularly publicized projections about sea level rise in Maryland and about the need for robust funding to address the challenges. It buttresses its conclusions with historical explanations of why climate risks particularly impact poorer communities, from redlining to the proximity of communities of color to power plants and other polluting facilities, including large-scale agricultural operations. While government agencies frequently acknowledge environmental justice and equity as being important considerations for grant programs, they are inconsistently and inadequately used to guide the equitable allocation of resources, the study finds. But the study does find some optimism with the Biden administrations Justice40 Initiative, an environmental justice goal of ensuring 40% of the overall benefits of many federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Environmental justice advocates all over the nation are collaborating, advocating, and rising against false narratives that would have us believe that climate action is too expensive or too complicated to undertake, the report says. The Nature Conservancy has offices or is providing help to coastal communities in 13 Maryland jurisdictions. But the most comprehensive effort right now is in Crisfield, on the Lower Shore, where the environmental group is teaming up with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, George Mason University and the University of Marylands Environmental Finance Center, to bring flood adaptation support to the low-lying town. Funding for this project comes from grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Adaptation Sciences Program and Lockheed Martin. The Nature Conservancy is holding out its work in Crisfield as a prime example of the collaborative process thats necessary to bring funding equity to needy coastal communities. When we look towards building resilience to climate change impacts across all geographies, the solutions must start with equity as the guiding principle, Sharif said. As for the new Cambridge project, UMCES officials said that instead of a typical storm wall, this project will create a hybrid flood barrier along the Choptank River that is integrated with a living shoreline that will include oyster reefs, marshes and sediment in order to prevent shoreline erosion, mitigate sea-level rise, improve water quality, enhance ecological development, and reduce wave strength and storm surge. Historically, FEMAs flood control measures have consisted of building gray infrastructure like levees and walls. They listened to the public, to the community who is being affected, said Michael Sieracki, director of the Horn Point Laboratory. 1.6 miles of living shore is huge. You hear a lot about living shorelines, which are gaining traction in the U.S. and abroad, and theyre often associated with single residences, so this project is really large scale, which makes it unique. The post Maryland communities face multiple obstacles to win help for climate damage appeared first on Maryland Matters. Stephanie Shepard has had unsettling feelings in the pit of her stomach ever since she was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. She couldnt believe that a drug sentences mandatory minimum carried more weight than a homicide-related offense. Before Shepard was transferred from New York to a federal prison in Connecticut, recreational use of marijuana was not legalized anywhere in the country. But after completing nine years of her sentence, Shepard was released in 2019, and the perception of marijuana had changed. She saw advertisements for marijuana-infused meals and smoke shops. Just days before, Shepard had been sitting in a prison cell in California, her fourth and last transfer, for the same offense that had morphed into a customer service representatives job description. Thats what ignited my activism, Shepard, 54, told Capital B less than two weeks after she completed five years of probation. Thats the very moment that I really realized what this industry was becoming, what it was and whos paying the price for it, and unfortunately, disproportionately, that is Black and brown people. Thats why this action in Maryland is very important. Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order on Monday that made the state the first in the country to heed President Joe Bidens call to action for governors to pardon individuals with misdemeanor marijuana-related convictions that have torn apart Black families and caused lifelong consequences for millions for far too long. Moore pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions; Maryland voters legalized the sale and purchase of recreational marijuana last year. However, Shepard said pardons arent enough. During her incarceration, Shepard had been transferred to federal womens facilities across the country and eventually ended up in California closer to her family. With each transfer, she was among a growing population of Black women caught in the criminal legal system because of a conspiracy drug conviction due, in part, to being guilty by association or in a relationship with an alleged drug dealer. The governments war on drugs fueled a multibillion-dollar incarceration industry as tough-on-crime laws came with harsh federal and state sentences. Decades later, the images and messaging of cannabis have shifted. To date, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational use, and thousands of businesses and dispensaries selling cannabis products have opened, especially in California. To right the wrongs of mass incarcerations past, for two years Biden has called on governors to follow his lead of pardoning those with low-level state marijuana convictions. Biden was a co-sponsor of the 1994 crime bill. We know that legalization does not turn back the clock on decades of harm that was caused by this war on drugs, Moore said during a press conference. It doesnt erase the fact that having a conviction on your record means a harder time with everything. Americans cant celebrate the benefits of legalization without addressing the consequences of criminalization, he added. The enforcement of cannabis laws have triggered collateral consequences. Once their cases are over, drug and felony offenders are often met with challenges such as job loss, isolation, torn families, poverty, and being stripped of their voting rights. For Shepard, she lost her real estate license before she was convicted of a felony. The Maryland governors office said nearly 50% of the pardons come from parts of the state where most of the over 1.8 million Black Marylanders live: Baltimore City, Baltimore, and Prince Georges counties. A pardon does not erase records Shepard agrees with Moores point, but challenges him and Biden to take that extra step that we need to free people without exclusions. Biden pardoned over 6,000 federal marijuana convictions that included attempted simple possession of marijuana or use of marijuana, but he left thousands behind in federal prisons by not including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Neither executive order issued by Biden and Moore resulted in anyone being released from federal or state prisons. Biden said in March during the State of the Union that no one should be jailed for using or possessing marijuana! The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) amplified Bidens call to action through a letter-writing campaign to governors across the country. Moore boldly answeredsetting the example of what state-level leadership looks like, Jason Ortiz, director of strategic initiatives for the LPP, said at Mondays press conference. The cannabis reform nonprofit organization has identified an estimated over 40,000 people currently incarcerated in federal and state prisons for marijuana-related offenses. Completely sealing an individuals criminal record is an area where pardons also fall short without further executive action. The pardon is just the forgiveness of your crime. It still shows up on your paperwork and it still shows up on your record. Its a step towards expungement, but it doesnt take the step far enough, Shepard, a director of advocacy for LPP who oversees the letter-writing program, said before taking a deep breath and letting out a sigh. She added, Its something I could live with. Moores executive order also directs the states Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to develop a software or process to indicate on criminal background checks which individuals convictions have been pardoned. This could take up to 10 months to complete. Shepard said since pardons are symbolic, presidents and governors may want to consider creatively using their executive powers to release those incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes. It is one of those things where, Shepard said before pausing for a second and letting out a sigh, I appreciate the step. But its just not a step far enough but were getting there. The post Maryland Governors Marijuana Pardons a Win for Justice, But Is It Enough? appeared first on Capital B News. Maryland Gov. Wes Moores decision to offer mass pardons for low-level marijuana crimes is part of a nascent but growing effort to remedy inequities in the criminal justice system wrought by a drug that is now legal in many parts of the country. Experts and civil rights advocates said the historic movement, driven by the Biden administration and officials in liberal-leaning states, reflects an unevenly applied prescription that often does not go far enough to clear the records of those who have been convicted and has lagged in states with more conservative leadership. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Twenty-four states and D.C. have legalized recreational adult use of marijuana, with more than half of Americans now living in a jurisdiction where they can legally buy the drug. Advocates and public officials have increasingly pushed to put an end to the lingering consequences for people convicted of marijuana-related activities that are no longer against the law, especially in Black and Brown communities that have been disproportionately targeted by the war on drugs. But the patchwork of remedies has been complicated by state laws, politics and bureaucracy. Most Republican-led states still ban recreational and, in some cases, medical use of cannabis. And even the most aggressive measures to automatically clear criminal records do not ensure that people once charged with marijuana possession wont have that record used against them when they seek jobs or housing. The Biden administration began a major push to forgive individuals with minor marijuana convictions in 2022, when the president pardoned about 6,500 people convicted on federal possession charges. In December, he expanded those pardons to thousands more and called on governors to follow suit, stirring hope among advocates that has grown even stronger with Marylands pardon announcement this week. Im optimistic those dominoes are falling, said Sarah Gersten, executive director and general counsel for the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit that advocates for ending incarceration for marijuana-related crimes. Hopefully, this is just the first step in a much larger moment for cannabis justice. Cynthia W. Roseberry, director of policy and government affairs focused on justice issues for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the pardons for low-level marijuana offenses in Maryland and some other states are a good first step, but it is a small step to address what she described as systemic, racial inequities in the criminal justice system. This really is a signal that elected officials are beginning to listen to the people, Roseberry said. The people want folks to do more, and I think elected officials have to be bold enough to follow the people in that way. More than 2 million Americans have had their cases expunged or pardoned in recent years, said Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, known as NORML, which closely tracks such efforts across the country. The action by Moore (D) in Maryland will affect about 100,000 individuals. But while mass pardons from him, Biden and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) have drawn the biggest headlines, legislative and voter-approved measures to expunge such cases are having a wider impact, Armentano said. Thats because while pardons amount to forgiveness for a crime, only expungements erase the records of convictions, which can still pose a barrier for people seeking employment, housing or social services. States that used to rank high in marijuana arrests but have legalized the drug, such as New Jersey, New York and California, have expunged hundreds of thousands of low-level cases in recent years, Armentano said. But in states such as Florida and Texas, where marijuana remains illegal for recreational use, law enforcement officers continue to arrest people for low-level marijuana offenses. There were nearly 209,000 arrests nationwide for marijuana possession in 2022, according to FBI statistics. Legal experts caution that state-level expungements are not always automatic - and note that people often dont have the time or means to petition a court to have their cases stricken. Maryland will automatically expunge records for people whose only charge was misdemeanor marijuana possession, accounting for about 40,000 of the 175,000 charges Moore pardoned this week, according to the governors office. The pardons come as the Justice Department has acted to move marijuana to a less-restrictive category of controlled substances, a historic policy shift that does not completely legalize the drug at the federal level but may broaden access to medical cannabis and spark scientific research into its health benefits and risks. Public opinion on marijuana has also changed substantially, with a 2023 Gallup poll showing 70 percent of Americans - and more than half of Republicans and conservatives - now back legalization. Although cannabis policy is not a top issue for most voters, some Democratic strategists have said the issue could boost their candidates in November. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has expressed inconsistent views on marijuana policy in the past, and his campaign has remained quiet on the issue in recent months. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump said he supported states making their own decisions about whether cannabis should be legal. A few Republican-led states, including Ohio, Montana and Missouri, have decriminalized the drug. Under Missouris 2022 constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana, expungements for marijuana-related crimes were supposed to be automatic and completed on a tight deadline. More than 123,000 cases have been expunged. But not all have actually disappeared. Court clerks were overwhelmed by the number of prosecutions, old records were hard to find, and some cases were labeled as possession of a controlled substance, not marijuana, said Sydney Ragsdale, an attorney with the expungement clinic at the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law. Many cases still appear on certain background checks that involve government jobs because the records arent being completely destroyed, Ragsdale said. Courts have also refused to expunge local ordinance violations involving marijuana, even though they are punishable by jail time. In Missouri, municipal offenses arent technically a crime. But at the same time, they are considered crimes for the FBI purposes. And so they come up on criminal background checks, Ragsdale said. Kamisha Webb, 46, was charged with violating a marijuana possession ordinance in 2004 in Lees Summit, Mo., an accusation she still disputes. She pleaded guilty only to a traffic violation. Webb, a civilian investigator from Kansas City, Mo., said she earlier lost out on two federal government jobs because of the arrest, which remains visible on some background searches even though it was technically expunged in recent months. Its been very humiliating and very crippling to see those job opportunities disappear, said Webb, who is asking an appeals court to completely purge the record. Other states have also confronted the gulf between their policy aims and the reality of this countrys complex justice system. When New Mexico legalized marijuana in 2021, the law provided for automatic expungement of some low-level cannabis-related crimes. But officials found that many expungements were not so clear-cut, said Serge Martinez, a professor of law at the University of New Mexico School of Law. Some cases involved convictions for other crimes. Some were recorded in the offices of rural sheriffs. For more complex cases, the state now asks people to petition for an expungement instead of expecting it to happen automatically, Martinez said. Its a reflection that these policies are sound and great until the rubber hits the road, and we have to deal with nuts and bolts. Related Content GOP pick for N.C. governor downplayed Weinstein allegations, assault by Ray Rice The 2024 Deciders: Who are they and what makes them tick? MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two children have to grow up without their mother after issues during labor. WREG spoke with a doctor who explained why black women are at a higher risk. Tiarra ONeal died after having her son Jaycion McGhee. Now, he and his big brother must grow up with only their father. Tiarras twin sister, Timarra ONeal, said the mother had a doctors appointment on May 28. Her blood pressure was extremely high and so they were going to go ahead and take the baby, said Timarra. She was so excited to see her son and never got to see him. The mother was almost full-term but had to have an emergency C-section. During that procedure, Timarra says her sister suffered from a seizure. Maternal deaths in the US more than doubled over two decades. Black mothers died at the highest rate That night I received a phone call from my uncle saying, Your sister had the baby, but its not looking good for her, said Timarra. Timarra immediately drove from Jackson, Mississippi. She spent days, and weeks by her sisters side until her final day on June 14. I broke down because I was like, No. She went to her doctors appointment, she had her baby, and now you are telling me later tonight theres nothing you can do for her? said Timarra. Unfortunately, this is four times more likely to happen for Black women in Tennessee, according to Health and Free Tennessee. Maternal mortality rate is much higher for Black women than white women in Mississippi, study says Confidential Care Mobile Ministry, Executive Director, Cathy Waterbury explained why. Education is always the key, access to health care, healthy eating, and high blood pressure post-delivery can be a very serious thing, said Waterbury. Research by Johns Hopkins Hospital also linked the shocking numbers to racism. Waterbury says its going to take everyone to help lower the number. There is much work to be done. Let them know whats going on with you, even if they try to brush you off. You can always find another doctor, said Timarra. The family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas and his wife Katherine announced Wednesday the arrival of their second child, Quinton Carttar Lucas. I am fortunate each day to be mayor of Kansas City, but my greatest blessing is being a father, Lucas said Wednesday. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 The mayor said he will be working a reduced schedule over the weeks ahead to spend time with Baby Q and his older brother Bennett and wife Katherine. Lucas made the announcement at a news conference Tuesday evening that his wife was in labor and jokingly said they would name the baby Kevin Barry Jr. after FOX4 Evening Anchor Kevin Barry. Kansas City employees are eligible to receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Proud to work for an employer that gives us the time, Lucas posted on X Wednesday afternoon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mayor wants Mounds View to be first to require deeds be stripped of racist language before home sales There was a time when Zach Lindstrom's family would have been barred from living in many houses in Mounds View, the St. Paul suburb of 12,000 where he is now the mayor. Developers who eyed Mounds View for suburbanization amid a mid-20th century housing boom added language to titles of more than 500 properties in the city that excluded as they put it in many records "persons other than of the Caucasian race." Such restrictive covenants have been legally unenforceable for more than 75 years. But Lindstrom, who has two children with his wife, who is of Korean and Filipino descent, wants them discharged a symbolic move to renounce them. He plans to announce Saturday that the city is drafting an ordinance to require property owners to discharge restrictive covenants before selling a home in the city. If it passes, Mounds View would be the first city in Minnesota with such a requirement, Lindstrom said. "It isn't something that I want to have to explain to my kids," Lindstrom said of the racist language buried in city property records. Restrictive covenants, which commonly excluded people from buying or occupying property based on their race, ethnicity or religion, are not just found in Mounds View: Mapping Prejudice, a research project, has found tens of thousands of them in Minnesota, including in Minneapolis, St. Paul and many of its suburbs. Outside Minnesota, restrictive covenants have been found across the country. "People who put in racial covenants are often trying to, quote, unquote, 'protect themselves' from something that they're worried about encroaching on their community, and usually that was something of an imaginary threat, but that doesn't make the impact of them not real," said Michael Corey, associate director of Mapping Prejudice. That includes in Mounds View, where Mapping Prejudice records show some restrictive covenants were added even after they were declared unenforceable. Legal or not, the legacy of restrictive covenants continues, Corey told members of the Ramsey County Board during a workshop this week. They contributed to racial homeownership gaps that remain today, and houses with restrictive covenants on them have higher values today than those that didn't. A 2019 Minnesota state law allowed homeowners to add language to their property titles discharging restrictive covenants. A coalition called Just Deeds has helps homeowners with the process, working with many local governments in Minnesota. "Discharging a covenant is a great symbolic action," Corey said. "At the same time, discharge doesn't undo the harms caused by racial covenants and other tools of segregation." Corey said he hopes the discussion around restrictive covenants encompasses how to remedy the harms they have caused. Lindstrom said he wants Mounds View to take it a step further than raising awareness. If the ordinance passes, City Administrator Nyle Zikmund said the city would begin by sending letters to the owners of affected properties that include the form to discharge a covenant. The city would make notaries available at City Hall to make the process easy and cover postage. Zikmund said he thinks most people with restrictive covenants on their properties don't know about them. He said he hopes most would comply voluntarily. If not, Zikmund said, they would be required to before a sale. The ordinance could take effect in the fall. Lindstrom said he sees the discharge of covenants as essential to making Mounds View a welcoming community. Census data show a third of the city's residents identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color. "We can't endeavor to be this engaging, welcoming community when we still have this embedded in our roots, even though it's not enforceable," he said. Saturday's event at the Mounds View Community Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will celebrate Juneteenth. It is the kickoff event for the city's Community Engagement Committee. Hennepin and Ramsey County residents can find out if there are restrictive covenants on their property at mappingprejudice.umn.edu. Maypoles, pickled herring and sack races: What to expect from midsummer in Sweden Maypoles, pickled herring and sack races: What to expect from midsummer in Sweden On the longest day of the year, countries around the world hold joyous, ritualistic and mystic celebrations. But theres one nation that seems to feel the greatest affinity with the summer solstice. Sweden explodes with midsummer festivities in June, many of which derive from centuries-old traditions. In 2024, Midsummer Eve falls on 21 June and in many places, there are celebrations throughout the whole weekend. Heres why Swedes consider it the biggest celebration of the year. Why does Sweden celebrate midsummer? Swedens midsummer festivities began in the late Middle Ages when people celebrated by dancing around a flower and greenery-decorated pole known as a maypole. For agrarian communities, the summer solstice was thought to be a moment of magic and mystery. Plants were imbued with healing powers and could be used to tell the future. Walking barefoot through the morning dew after the shortest night was said to bring good health while wearing a wreath of flowers on your head was a symbol of rebirth and fertility. It's a festivity that is shrouded in superstitious and old-timey magic, says Gabriella, a Swede living in Malmo. Many of these traditions still take place. One previous midsummer, Gabriella and her friends reenacted an ancient practice where young women would tuck seven different flower varieties under their pillows, which was said to make them dream of their future husbands. It was so much fun to go around the countryside together picking flowers and making flower crowns, she says. And one of us did have a dream! Today, Swedes use these traditions to celebrate the arrival of the best time of the year. Midsummer has really deep historical roots but now it is a celebration of summers arrival, says Gabriella. As a country that lives in darkness for a lot of the year, we have every reason to celebrate. It marks the start of summer vacation for me and the beautiful season. What happens during Swedens midsummer celebrations? Families and friends tend to gather together in the countryside for midsummer parties but there are also towns with community events such as Dalarna, Skansen or the Stockholm Archipelago (Skargard). If you want to party, theres always one to go to, Gabriella says. Most small villages will have a public celebration, thats a great bit of culture and very welcoming, one Reddit user writes on a thread about midsummer. One of the key parts of the festivities is the dancing around a maypole, including the iconic Little Frogs Dance, which - of course - involves hopping. - Anna Hallams/imagebank.sweden.se Our three local villages gather with themed costumes and parades, its a big deal and a lot of fun. One of the key parts of the festivities is the dancing around a maypole, including the iconic Little Frogs Dance, which - of course - involves hopping. Midsummer celebrations are not complete without some silly games. Referred to as femkamp, these differ between families but include classic games like croquet, tug of war and sack races as well as quirky inventions. One popular outdoor game in Sweden is kubb, where the aim is to knock down 10 small wooden blocks and one large wooden block by throwing wooden sticks. Swedens special midsummer feasts Eating and drinking are a key part of Swedens midsummer festivities. The essentials are fresh new potatoes cooked with dill, pickled herring, strawberries and Aquavit - a Swedish grain or potato-based spirit flavoured with spices. Drinking Aquavit is a ritual that involves copious toasting and singing. - Anna Hallams/imagebank.sweden.se You can also expect to feast from a Swedish smorgasbord. This culinary tradition developed during the 1800s and derives from the brannvinsbord, a starter of bread, butter, cheese, salmon, anchovy or pickled herring, sausages, dried meat and three kinds of brannvin (Aquavit). Swedes celebrate midsummer with drinking songs Drinking Aquavit is a ritual that involves copious toasting and singing. For each toast, a new drinking song known as a snapsvisa is sung. The most popular drinking song is Helan gar meaning the whole goes (down) - which roughly translates as bottoms up - and is sung before the first drink of many. New drinking songs are still being composed and the Museum of Spirits in Stockholm has a collection of more than 12,000 of them. Midsummer is like American BBQ, we hang out outdoors, eat dinner and get drunk outdoors (if the weather is good, that is), writes one Reddit user. Another adds that spending time outside is obligatory, whatever the weather, and it's customary to stay up and watch the sunrise. Donald Trump demonstrated severe memory issues and gave several alarming false recollections in interviews for a book chronicling The Apprentice, author Ramin Setoodeh said. Setoodeh interviewed the former president six times in meandering and confusing conversations for his book Apprentice in Wonderland, and says that Trump didnt remember speaking with him afterward. My first sit-down interview was in May, Setoodeh noted in an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins. We sat down again towards the end of the summer, and when I sat down, you know, there was a very blank expression on his face. So I asked, Do you remember when we spoke recently, and he [Trump] said, No, I have no memory of that. Trump also appeared to forget that he was no longer in charge of foreign policy, leaving one interview early to deal with a conflict in Afghanistan. He [Trump] also seemed to think that he still had some foreign policy powers, he noted. There was one day where he told me he needed to go upstairs to deal with Afghanistan, even though he clearly didnt, he said, adding that Trump actually called the nation the Afghanistan. In another instance, Trump purported that Joan Rivers who passed away in 2014 voted for him. He confidently told me, and declared, that Joan Rivers voted for him when he ran for president, and Joan Rivers died in 2014, Setoodeh recalled. She would not have been able to vote for Donald Trump. The Apprentice in Wonderland author said Trump was at his happiest during their conversations when discussions focused on The Apprentice. He would talk about what he did at the White House and he would become gloomy, and unhappy, and resentful. On conversations surrounding an alleged tape of Trump saying the N-word on the set, Trump claimed, unprovoked, that if he were to have said it, he wouldnt have done so while micd, Setoodeh said. 78-year-old Trump, who has recently had a spate of public verbal flubs and mental slips, is set to debate 81-year-old Joe Biden on Jun 27. The Ministry of National Defense of Turkiye announced that four members of the Azerbaijan Army have successfully completed parachute jump training in Turkiye, Azernews reports. The ministry shared on X social media that the "Military Free Parachute Basic Training" was conducted by the 2nd Main Jet Base Personnel Rescue Training Command. A total of 31 Personnel Rescue Basic Training trainees, including 4 from the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, successfully finished the course. The successful completion of parachute jump training by Azerbaijani personnel in Turkiye highlights the ongoing and robust military cooperation between the two nations. This partnership not only enhances their military capabilities but also strengthens the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, contributing to regional stability and security. The California Supreme Court, pictured in December, ruled unanimously that the "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Initiative" shall not appear on November ballots. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A ballot measure that would have required voter approval for any future state tax increases violates the state Constitution and will not be allowed to appear on November ballots as planned, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday. Justice Goodwin Liu, the author of the opinion for the unanimous court, wrote that the changes proposed by the measure "would substantially alter our basic plan of government" and could be enacted only through a revision to the state's Constitution. The rare ruling by the state's highest court to remove an otherwise qualifying ballot measure comes just days before ballots must be finalized. It marks a major last-minute victory for Democratic leaders and labor unions, which had warned the measure would hamstring good governance in favor of corporations if passed. State leaders, who brought the lawsuit challenging the measure, had also argued that the measure usurped their authority. Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom, said in a statement that "the Governor believes the initiative process is a sacred part of our democracy, but as the Courts decision affirmed today, that process does not allow for an illegal constitutional revision." Read more: Secret negotiations heat up in Sacramento as budget, ballot deadlines loom Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) said he was "very pleased" the court had "rejected this unlawful and extreme effort to take power away from local communities to pay for essential services like police and firefighters." Business interests and taxpayer advocacy groups had championed the measure and collected the signatures needed to put it on the ballot, arguing its passage was vital for continued job creation and company retention in California. In a joint statement, several major backers of the measure, including Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, accused the high court of putting "politics ahead of the Constitution." They said Newsom with the court's complicity had "effectively erased the voice" of more than 1 million voters who had signed the petition to put the measure on ballots. "The state Supreme Court has now sent a signal that they are part of the progressive agenda in California, that we are a one-party state in California and there is no independent judiciary," Lapsley said in a follow-up call with reporters. California Senate Republicans who backed the measure also denounced the decision as partisan. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Santee) said he was "disgusted" with the ruling. "The court has failed in its duty to the people of California and our democratic system and instead simply caved to pressure from the governor and legislative Democrats," he said. Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) called the ruling a "slap in the face to California citizens" by judges "at the request of the very people who want to raise our taxes time and time again." Before Thursday, Democratic lawmakers and labor unions were trying to land an agreement with Lapsley to voluntarily remove the measure from the ballot. Read more: 9th Circuit says California ban on gun sales on state property is constitutional Thursday's decision does not give proponents enough time to amend the measure before the June 27 deadline to finalize November ballot initiatives. Lapsley said the measure's backers will be regrouping, working to boost support or opposition to other November measures, and trying to figure out the best approach to tax reform in 2026. "We're going to look at every option strategically available to us, including some ideas that have not been discussed," he said. In an attempt last year to thwart Lapsley's initiative, Democrats in the Legislature voted to place a countermeasure on the ballot called Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13 to raise the bar for the tax measure and others like it to be approved by voters. Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward (D-San Diego), who carried the countermeasure, said Thursday that he plans to keep it on the ballot. The proposal struck down Thursday, officially known as the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Initiative, would have expanded the requirements necessary for a statewide tax increase from a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to a two-thirds vote by lawmakers and approval by a majority of California voters. It would have also changed the threshold for passing local special taxes from a majority vote to a two-thirds vote of the people. Taxes on things such as income or the sale of goods fund a variety of government expenses through the state's general fund. Local governments would have been required to vote on any fee increases which can currently be approved administratively and a majority of the state Legislature would have had to vote to approve any state fee increases, which are often approved by state agencies and boards. Fees often are used to cover the cost of specific government services. Business groups argued the measure was necessary to add more checks on the taxing habits of progressive state leaders. Democratic leaders and lawmakers, joined by unions and other liberal allies, said the measure would undermine the Legislature's ability to balance the state's budget without threatening progressive policy priorities. Liu wrote that the court did not take a position on the "wisdom" of the "fundamental changes" included in the measure. Rather, it simply concluded that those changes would be a "revision" of the state's Constitution and "fundamentally restructure the most basic of governmental powers." Such an overhaul can be enacted only through the established protocols for changing the Constitution, he wrote, not through a voter initiative. "The TPA would exclude the levying of new taxes from the Legislatures control by requiring voter approval of all such measures. In so doing, it would disturb the long settled understanding," Liu wrote, that the "power of taxation" is an "indispensable power" of the Legislature, "without which it would become impossible for that body to perform its functions." Read more: Court says California regulation on Uber drivers is justified, but labor fight continues Former Gov. Jerry Brown, who joined opponents in asking the court to remove the measure from the ballot, appointed Liu to the court in 2011. Jonathan Underland, a spokesperson for a labor-backed campaign opposing the measure, praised the high court's decision. "The Supreme Court's decision to take this dangerous initiative off the ballot avoids a host of catastrophic impacts, protecting billions of dollars for schools, access to reproductive healthcare, gun safety laws that keep students safe in classrooms and paid family leave," he said. Members of the Service Employees International Union in California a major labor organization that had worried about the effects of the measure on funding for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public sector employees also praised the decision. David Huerta, the group's president, said in a statement that the measure "was a flagrant attempt by a few extremely wealthy real estate developers to undermine our entire democratic system and our voice as voters and devastate the vital services Californians rely on all to avoid paying their fair share." 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. Meet Kyra Kennedy, the youngest daughter of RFK Jr. and a member of the next generation of American royalty Kyra Kennedy is one of the youngest members of the Kennedy dynasty. She is the daughter of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nephew of John F. Kennedy. Kyra Kennedy, a New York City socialite, has been involved in controversy over the years, however. Kyra Kennedy is one of the many young members of the Kennedy family making a name for herself. The 28-year-old model and socialite is the youngest daughter of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., well known for his misleading claims about vaccine safety. She's also a mainstay at fashion shows and fashion-brand popups, making her one to watch from "America's royal family." Here's everything you need to know about Kyra Kennedy. Kyra Kennedy is the youngest daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Mary Richardson Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Kyra Kennedy in 2009. Charles Eshelman/Getty Images Kyra Kennedy was born on August 22, 1995. She is the second child of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his second wife, Mary Richardson. People reported that Kennedy and Richardson started dating before the politician's divorce from his first wife, Emily Ruth Black, was finalized in 1994. Kennedy married Richardson that same year, and they were married until Richardson's death by suicide on May 16, 2012. The couple were estranged at the time of her death, The Guardian reported. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has two children with Black: Robert "Bobby" Kennedy III, 39, and Kathleen Alexandra "Kick" Kennedy, 36, according to People. Kennedy had four children with Richardson: Conor Richardson Kennedy, 29; Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, 28; William "Finn" Kennedy, 27; and Aidan Caohman Vieques Kennedy, 23. Kennedy married his third wife, actor Cheryl Hines, in 2014. They have no children together, though she has a daughter from a previous marriage. Kennedy made her debut in society at a Paris debutante ball. Kyra Kennedy goes down the stairs as she tries her new dress at Dior in Paris on November 27, 2013, ahead of the Debutantes Ball. PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images Harper's Bazaar reported that then-21-year-old Kyra was "the latest Kennedy making headlines" after she made her formal debut in society at a 2013 debutante ball in Paris. The event, known as "Le Bal," was held at the Automobile Club de France in Paris, and all attendees wore haute couture. As reported by Harper's Bazaar, Kennedy wore Dior, whom she had already interned with when she made her debut. Vanity Fair reported that other debutantes that year included Larry David's daughter Romy and Lady Amelia Windsor, a member of the British royal family. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Cheryl Hines in 2014. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images Kennedy has been a longtime fashion enthusiast. In addition to earning her degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, she also held internships at Kenneth Cole and Dior, Harper's Bazaar reported. Kennedy was a member of the "Snap Pack," which also included the likes of Tiffany Trump. Andrew Warren, Kyra Kennedy, and Charlotte Bickley attend an event on December 3, 2019. Brian Ach/Getty Images The New York Times coined the term "Snap Pack" in 2016. The group was made up of uber-rich young people who lived and partied in Manhattan, and who documented their lives for their many devoted Snapchat and Instagram followers. Kennedy's high-profile social circle also included people like Gaia Matisse, the great-granddaughter of artist Henri Matisse, Donald Trump's daughter Tiffany Trump, and up-and-coming fashion designer Andrew Warren. Her father reportedly barred her from using social media after an online incident with a reporter. Kyra Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in September 2019. Jesse Grant/Getty Images In 2016, Page Six reported that Kennedy's dad, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had barred her from using social media after her reported involvement in a "cyberbullying" scandal. According to the tabloid, Kyra Kennedy, then 20, had used her Instagram page to write mean comments on an Instagram page owned by Allie Jones, a New York writer who had written a post about The New York Times' "Snap Pack" article for The Cut, a subsidiary of New York Magazine. She later deleted the comments, per Page Six. Jones recounted the experience in another article for The Cut, titled, "I'm Being Cyberbullied on Instagram by a Kennedy." "Mr. Kennedy has spoken to Kyra and informed his daughter that their family does not bully people. He has instructed her to shut down all of her social media accounts immediately," a representative for the politician told Page Six. The ban didn't last forever, however, as the Daily Mail reported in September 2019 that Kennedy had resumed using her social media pages. Kennedy has dabbled in modeling over the years. Kyra Kennedy and Leia Sfez attend the Gucci Women's Fall Winter 2024 Fashion Show during Milan Fashion Week. Victor Boyko/Getty Images In May 2016, she made her modeling debut posing for her friend and fellow Snap Pack member Andrew Warren's clothing line during New York Fashion Week, Harper's Bazaar reported. According to her Instagram , she frequently attends brand pop-ups, fashion shows, and Fashion Week events held by major brands, from Gucci to Tod's and Louis Vuitton. As a member of one of America's most famous families, she's certainly one to watch. Kyra Kennedy. Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images Kennedy now has nearly 30,000 followers on Instagram, where she documents her outfits, glamorous lifestyle, and travels. Judging by her page, she still has many celebrity friends, including comedian Larry David's daughter Cazzie. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- Melinda French Gates has come out in support of President Joe Bidens reelection, saying its the first time shes ever publicly endorsed a candidate for that office. Most Read from Bloomberg This years election stands to be so enormously consequential for women and families that, this time, I cant stay quiet, the billionaire philanthropist said Thursday in a post on X. I will be voting for President Biden. French Gates recently stepped down as co-chair of the foundation she helped run with her former husband, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates. As part of the agreement, she received an additional $12.5 billion from Gates to use for her own charitable purposes, which have been largely focused on women and girls. In her post Thursday, French Gates said women deserve a leader who cares about the issues they face, including reproductive rights and their ability to freely and fully participate in a functioning democracy. French Gates, 59, has a net worth of $13.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- A surge by Giorgia Melonis right-wing political group in this months European election will compel the centrist parties, which won by a massive margin, to accelerate talks on appointing people to the blocs top institutional jobs, according to people familiar with the situation. Most Read from Bloomberg European Union leaders will try to finalize an agreement at a summit next week that would see Ursula von der Leyen continue as European Commission president, former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa take over the reins of the European Council and Estonias leader Kaja Kallas become the blocs top diplomat. The urgency arises from the fact that the anti-immigrant European Conservatives and Reformists led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are on track to become the third-largest group in parliament, knocking the Liberals who form an alliance with the dominant center-right party and the Socialists to fourth. This could give Meloni additional leverage when seeking important committees in the legislature or portfolios in the commission, according to the people. We are close to reaching an agreement at the next European Council, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a radio interview on Thursday. We have enough votes for the three political groups to be able to elect von der Leyen as president of the EU and not have to resort to political agreements with European parties that are to the right of the center-right European Peoples Party, he said. EU leaders failed to reach a political agreement over an informal dinner in Brussels last week but have a deal in principle on the top positions, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private matters. While adjustments to that blueprint could still happen, that line-up remains the most likely outcome. Meloni criticized the appointment process, arguing that since her group emerged among the winners, she had the right to claim a top role for her country. I found it surreal that after we met for the first time after the elections, some arrived with a list of names, without even trying to factor in what citizens indicated and that there should be a change in priorities, the she said Wednesday at an event in Milan. Where the parties remained at odds last week was on preempting who occupies the parliament and council presidencies beyond the 2 1/2 year terms foreseen by the two jobs, as well as who holds key commission portfolios like the green deal thats mostly in the hands of the socialists, said the people. And its on the latter discussions that Meloni will be seeking to use her influence and carve out a hefty position for Italy. --With assistance from Lyubov Pronina, Chiara Albanese, Tommaso Ebhardt, Zoltan Simon and Jorge Valero. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. New Memoir By First Black Female Senator Carol Moseley Braun Coming Soon: My Life Has Been Filled with Serendipity The memoir will cover several important moments from her life including her childhood, election into the U.S. Senate and becoming a U.S Ambassador AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast A new memoir by Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, is coming soon! Hanover Square Press announced that the new book, written by Moseley Braun in collaboration with award-winning journalist Donna M. Owens, titled Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics, will cover the former Senators childhood to her rise in the Senate and work as an U.S. ambassador. Moseley Braun's new book will detail her early life being raised by New Orleans jazz musicians and Alabama farmers in post-World War II Chicago as well as her many firsts when she entered politics in the 1970s. The memoir will also cover her career highlights, including earning the distinction of the first Black woman ever elected to the Senate when she served on the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 1999. She was also the first woman to represent the state of Illinois in Congress and the first Black woman to serve as a U.S Ambassador to New Zealand. Related: New Mitch McConnell Biography on His Personal and Political Life Coming out This Year However, Moseley Braun noted that reaching those achievements wasnt always easy. Her book will also get into the obstacles, controversies and lessons learned on her journey to Capitol Hill. In this memoir, Moseley Braun candidly shares the story of her extraordinary life in a fascinating narrative filled with poignant, powerful and sometimes funny stories, a synopsis of the book read. The former Senator also spotlights important memories in her new book, including how an unusual encounter with a bird catapulted her into politics, filibustering against the Confederate Flag on the Senate floor and running for president as the lone woman in a field of men. 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. Several human rights leaders will also be featured in the memoir, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with whom she had marched in support of equal rights, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela and Dr. Dorothy Height. She also details the friendships shes made over the years with Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy. Other topics include her engagement during the civil rights, womens and Black Power movements and her groundbreaking Senate campaign, which had been backed by big names like Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou and other celebrities at the time. Related: Texas Author Becomes Overnight Bestseller After Video of Him Trying to Sell His Books at a Store Goes Viral My life has been filled with serendipity, adventure and adversity, said Moseley Braun in a press release announcing the memoir. Every experience has been anchored by my strong faith in God. Moseley Braun also previously worked as an Assistant United States Attorney, where she earned the Attorney General's Special Achievement Award, and has been featured on numerous broadcasts, podcasts and profiles. During her time in the Senate, she championed womens health and civil rights, among other topics. Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics will be released on Jan. 21, 2025 and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Today is Juneteenth, the national holiday that marked the end of slavery. In honor of celebrating the day, The National Civil Rights Museum allowed guests free museum admission all day. Guests were able to tour the museum to learn and celebrate the history of Juneteenth. Ive come to the museum several times but never had the opportunity to really come in and get a good tour like we are getting today, and this is an experience, said visitor Janice Gates. Memphis celebrating Juneteenth since before it was cool The Turner family came from Texas and used the holiday to take in history. Allowing the kids to see that though, you all get these amenities now. This is where it started from, said visitor Sharlette Turner. To see their faces, get the history and reflect, and talk about it is absolutely awesome. Though Memphis has celebrated for decades. It was June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free. Just last year, the day became a legal, paid holiday across Tennessee. I always tell people we were doing Juneteenth in Memphis before it was cool, and before it was a hashtag, said Memphis Juneteenth festival organizer, Dr. Telisa Franklin. Has Memphis changed greatly? Yes. Has the world changed greatly? Yes, said Gates. But we still have very much more to do when it comes to the struggle for the African American people. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Men charged with breaking into 3 businesses on Cooper Street MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two repeat offenders were taken into custody for allegedly breaking into three businesses in the Cooper-Young area. Kendrick Allen, 23, is charged with three counts of Burglary of a Building and Vandalism. Anthony Merriweather, 31, was charged with two counts of Burglary of a Building. A little after 1:30 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a burglary at Soul Fish in the 800 block of South Cooper Street. They saw a broken door at the scene. While there, a second alarm went off across the street at Daily Market, and officers were given a description of the suspects. Man charged after womans remains found in plastic bin An MPD officer saw the suspects at Evelyn Avenue near Cooper Street. They were taken into custody. The owner of Maciels Tortas & Tacos, which is also located on Cooper Street, flagged down police and told them his business had also been broken into. The suspects bonds have not been set at this time. Car crashes through house in North Memphis Both suspects are repeat offenders. Police say Allen was previously arrested for Criminal Trespass, Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, Public Intoxication, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Merriweather was previously arrested for Aggravated Criminal Trespass. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A Douglas County judge was arrested at an Atlanta nightclub early Thursday morning, according to Fulton County Jail records. Douglas County Judge Christina Peterson was charged with simple battery victim against a police officer at the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge on Peachtree Street. A police report said an off-duty Atlanta police officer was working at the bar when he saw a woman who was crying. While the officer tried to speak with the woman, he was struck on the head by Peterson, according to an arrest report. It is unclear whether Peterson knew the woman who was crying. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Peterson did not identify herself and appeared to be under the influence, according to the arrest report. Channel 2 Action News called Petersons office and was told that she was not in for work on Thursday. Petersen was listed as having been released from the jail as of Thursday afternoon. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: UPDATE: President Joe Biden has issued a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, Rep. Gabe Vasquez announced via his X account on Thursday, June 20. Federal funds will help impacted communities in Lincoln and Otero counties, according to Vasquez. ORIGINAL: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden in response to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, her office announced in a news release on Wednesday, June 19. NM governor declares state of emergency for area impacted by fire The request highlights the urgent need for federal assistance due to the extensive damage and ongoing threats posed by these wildfires, which began on Monday, June 17. Our first responders are heroes, but they need more resources to combat this disaster and keep our people safe, said Gov. Lujan Grisham. New Mexico has faced disaster before, but the scale of this emergency requires immediate federal intervention. The Governors Office said the fires ignited on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and have rapidly spread, resulting in significant destruction and endangering multiple communities. Within 24 hours, the fires caused direct damage to 1,400 structures and forced the evacuation of more than 8,000 residents. In addition, two people have died in the fire. UPDATE: 2 dead, 1,400 structures lost in Ruidoso fires The state is seeking public assistance, Categories A and B, including Direct Federal Assistance, and individual assistance for Lincoln County, Otero County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe, according to the Governors Office. Gov. Lujan Grishams request includes an array of federal assistance programs to address the immediate needs of disaster victims. These include Housing Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Displacement Assistance and Hazard Mitigation, read the press release. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A new wildfire dashboard was launched on Thursday, June 20, that will provide real-time updates and critical information on the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire in Ruidoso, New Mexico, according to the Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Grishams Office says the dashboard is designed to keep residents informed and enhance public safety during wildfire season. Grishams Office also says the dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of current fire conditions, including fire perimeter maps, evacuation zones, air quality reports, and weather forecasts which can help residents stay updated on the latest developments. To access the wildfire dashboard, click here: Wildfire Updates | State of New Mexico. The Governors Office also says a community meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 and the community is invited to join the meeting via live stream on the Southwest Incident Management Team 5 Facebook page. A Facebook page is not required to join the live stream. To access the Facebook page, click here: Southwest Incident Management Team #5. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to receive updates from fire officials and learn more about the ongoing efforts to combat the South Fork and Salt fires, the Governors Office 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 KTSM 9 News. Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum announces members of her cabinet in Mexico City Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum announces members of her cabinet in Mexico City By Anthony Esposito and Kylie Madry MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday named six members of her incoming cabinet, including political heavyweight Marcelo Ebrard as economy minister, putting him in charge of trade negotiations and causing the peso to rally. Sheinbaum also named Juan Ramon de la Fuente, former ambassador to the United Nations, to be foreign minister. As economy minister, Ebrard will oversee the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade pact. Ebrard, a former foreign minister is widely considered a business-friendly pick who successfully managed relations with the United States during his time in office, including with the administration of former President Donald Trump. "There are no negative surprises," said Jonathan Zuloaga, economist at the Columbus consulting firm. "There's no one here who generates uncertainty about what kind of decisions they would take." Ebrard later told journalists the USMCA review was a top priority, along with the planned ratification of a trade pact with the European Union. He said the ministry had been charged with attracting more investment and taking advantage of "nearshoring," in which companies relocate their supply chains closer to their main markets. Ebrard suggested pharmaceutical companies could be important targets. He will also be tasked with developing 10 industrial parks. The Mexican peso strengthened some 0.3% against the U.S. dollar to a session high on Thursday. The peso has slid around 8% against the dollar since the June 2 election. "The market's interpretation seems to be that Sheinbaum's cabinet are officials who have extensive technical and political capabilities," analysts at CIBanco said in a note. SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT Current Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena, a scientist and former ambassador, will take over as environment minister in a move that supports Sheinbaum's promise to improve Mexico's environmental policy. Barcena stressed a shift toward sustainability and said that a pending challenge was water management nationwide, as Mexico faces historic droughts. Rosaura Ruiz, who headed Mexico City's education, science and technology ministry while Sheinbaum was mayor of the capital, will head a newly created federal science and technology ministry. "Mexico has a huge deficit in science and technology - we need to develop (them)," Ruiz said. Former Mexico City Attorney General Ernestina Godoy will join as judicial adviser, while the former regional head of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, Julio Berdegue, will head the agriculture ministry. Sheinbaum reiterated her support for the policy of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to ban genetically modified corn for human consumption. She has previously said current Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez de la O will stay in his post. Sheinbaum is set to name more cabinet members next Thursday. The nominations on Thursday seemed to calm market jitters that have rocked Mexico since Sheinbaum and her Morena party won the election in a landslide. Morena nabbed a supermajority to pass constitutional reforms in the lower house and came close to one in the Senate. That has increased fears that Congress could pass a controversial judicial reform proposed by Lopez Obrador, which would see judges - including on the Supreme Court - elected by popular vote. Critics fear the reform could fundamentally alter Mexico's balance of power and facilitate the political capture of the judiciary. "We're going to have more volatility, that's very clear to me," Zuloaga said. "From here until at least September (when Congress enters session)." (Reporting by Anthony Esposito, Kylie Madry and Noe Torres; Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer, Sandra Maler and Rod Nickel) State Rep. Neil Friske arrested in Lansing after police respond to reports of man with gun A sitting Michigan lawmaker was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning in Lansing after police say they responded to reports of an adult male with a gun and possible shots fired. State Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix, was arrested around 2:45 a.m. in the 2000 block of Windbreak Lane in Lansing and remained in custody Thursday, Lansing Police Public Information Director Jordan Gulkis confirmed to the Free Press. In a statement posted to Friske's Facebook page, his campaign called the arrest "highly suspect." Gulkis said LPD officers were dispatched initially to the nearby 2100 block of Forest Road to respond to reports of a male with a gun, "as well as possible shots that were fired," she said over email. Friske was arrested "for a felony-level offense" after officers made contact. Additional investigation remains ongoing, Gulkis said. LPD expects to present the case to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office for review Friday. Should any charge be filed, Gulkis said an arraignment would take place Friday or Saturday. "This morning, it was brought to our attention that Representative Friske was arrested and being held," read a statement attributed to Friske's campaign. "As many of us know, Rep Friske is always exercising his 2nd Amendment right. We do not have any details, besides what the media sourced, oddly before anyone of us knew anything." Friske faces a Republican primary challenger this August, Parker Fairbairn, in the 107th House District. Friske's campaign said the arrest is "highly suspect" given absentee ballots for the August primary are set to be made available later this month. In a statement, Fairbairn said Friske deserves to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and said he was running against Friske because of his voting record. Neil deserves his time in court, and the people of the 107th District deserve better than Neil," Fairbairn said. Lansing-based political publication MIRS News first reported Friske's arrest. Michigan State Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix Friske is a first-term Republican lawmaker representing Michigan's 107th House District, which covers all of Charlevoix and Emmet counties and portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa and Mackinac counties, spanning across both peninsulas. He has filed for reelection and is seeking a second term in the House this fall. He is the owner of Friske and Sons Property Management, according to his website. He's also considered one of the more conservative members of the Legislature and is part of the House's Freedom Caucus. The caucus describes itself as "focused on traditional conservative values and individual liberty." A spokesperson for House Republican Leader Rep. Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday morning. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan lawmaker Neil Friske arrested in Lansing early Thursday What are microschools? The small classrooms growing large in the school choice movement An educational environment that is tricky to define and difficult to track, microschools have popped up as a growing alternative to traditional schools across the country. The small classroom settings have become increasingly popular since the pandemic, especially among parents with neurodivergent students. Advocates are hopeful the trend will continue to grow as it has been riding a wave within the increased popularity of school choice, but some raise concerns about accountability within these institutions. Theyre hard to define Microschools are small private institutions that serve a median of 16 children and offer full-time, part-time or hybrid instruction, according to the National Microschooling Center. For the microschools, first of all, theyre hard to define and I think thats a good thing. The schools tend to be environments where families and small groups of people sometimes larger groups of people are directing the education in a much more personalized and individualized way, said Robert Enlow, president and CEO of EdChoice, a school choice advocacy organization. That difficulty in defining comes from a broad range in everything from how the schools are run to who is enrolled and the size and composition of the staff, though they typically dont have a nurse or counselor on hand. Supporters say the tiny class sizes are particularly attractive for neurodiverse students and, increasingly, for racial minorities In terms of parents choosing microschooling, 48 percent of families match the average income level in the area the microschool is held, 28 percent had slightly below the areas average income, 12 percent are significantly below it and another 12 percent are above it. The microschooling movement has been around for decades, but advocates said have really gained attention since the pandemic as school choice programs and interest skyrocketed, fueled by concerns including school safety and overcrowding. Its not at all just driven by school choice policies. I mean, you certainly did see growth of certain kinds of schools in the states that have school choice programs, but we see just as much interest in the blue and purple states that are not likely to see those kinds of programs anytime soon. Its a broad, diversified base, said Don Soifer, CEO of the center. A mix of private and public funding The way these schools are funding depends on the state it is set up in, including options for public funding. The center found 43 percent of microschools charge between $5,000 and $10,000, 30 percent are under $5,000, 17 percent are $10,000 to $15,000, 15 percent are $15,000 to $20,000 and 3 percent are more than $20,000. At least six states have universal or almost universal education savings accounts, which give parents a certain amount of taxpayer money that they can use on their childrens education if they are not going to public schools. Parents can spend the money on most school choice options, including homeschools and private schools. Sixty-three percent of the schools funding comes directly from parents in the form of tuition, while 32 percent comes from state-funded school choice programs, the National Microschooling Center found. Micro-schools appear to be another strategy to privatize public education. Funding for these schools mostly come from tuition/fees and public state provided funds made possible by taxpayer dollars, said Weade James, senior director for K-12 policy at the Center for American Progress. Concerns about accountability A big concern for those looking at the rise of microschooling is the lack of government regulation and accountability that can be had in such hard-to-define learning environments. Since theres no clear definition (federal or state) of micro-schools, we dont know the full landscape of where these schools are, how theyre structured and who theyre serving, James said. A recent analysis conducted by the National Microschool Center (NMC) found that 84% of micro-schools are not accredited. These schools also do not use state-approved curriculum but are receiving state funds, he added. The center found 38 percent of microschools are run by currently licensed educators, 33 percent are formerly licensed educators and 30 percent do not have an educators license. Among the current founders of microschools, 50 percent say this is the first time they have launched a business. The traditional schools are not performing up to snuff, and I would argue, on the accountability front, part of the reason families are choosing these kind of options is because of the failure of accountability [in public schools], Enlow said. Microschools are serving around 1 percent of all students in the U.S., but at the present rate of growth, Enlow said, his group hopes to get that up to 10 percent in the next few years. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Migos rapper Quavos quest to transform his nephew Takeoffs tragic shooting into a force for change convened with a summit against gun violence on what would have been the late rappers 30th birthday. Quavo held the inaugural Rocket Foundation Summit at the Carter Center in Atlanta on Tuesday the same day as Takeoffs birthday. The music performer was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris in a fireside chat during the one-day summit, which included panel discussions about gun violence prevention and youth programs. More from The Hollywood Reporter For Quavo, its been a rough road since Takeoffs untimely death in 2022. But many of his family members including his nephews mother often encourage him to keep pushing forward. Its super hard every day. Im still crying. Im still grieving. Im still mourning, said Quavo, who along with his family launched the Rocket Foundation in honor of Takeoff and committed millions to invest into community violence intervention. Last year, the Grammy-nominated rapper attended the Congressional Black Caucus legislative conference where he met with political figures including Harris and Greg Jackson, who is now the deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention after his stint with the Community Justice Action Fund. Just to look behind me and see that I got the VP and guys like Greg Jackson and other survivors that actually fell victim to the same thing, I know that Im not alone, Quavo continued. This is my second calling. This is very personal to me. Thats what makes my drive and motivation to go even harder. Police say Takeoff was an innocent bystander who was shot outside a Houston bowling alley after a disagreement over a lucrative dice game. Takeoffs death was among a string of fatal shootings in recent years that involved hip-hop stars such as Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, PnB Rock and Young Dolph. Quavo calls the foundation and summit a certified movement. Earlier this year, he and the foundation created the Sparks Grant program, which supports organizations working to minimize community violence. The program will award $100,000 in grants to Atlanta-focused organizations. I feel like a lot of people just announce foundations and keep it moving for nonprofit purposes or even financial issues, he said. But Im on the ground. Im actually working. Were getting things done. Were getting results. Were raising real money. Were going down into the real communities where the problem has been an issue. Quavos discussion with Harris touched on the impact that community violence intervention can make and the importance of youth support systems in decreasing gun violence. A separate roundtable discussion connected families of victims with survivors. To translate that pain and grief into something that is about creating strength and empowerment in the community including our young is pretty extraordinary, Harris said during the discussion while speaking to Quavo. You have chosen to use your celebrity and the gifts you have as an artist to talk about and actually work on with action. Its extraordinary. You are an incredible leader. A national leader on this. The summit featured panels with a focus on the gun violence crisis in the United States and how community violence intervention is a long-term solution for this issue. Another will discuss the importance of supporting youth in the fight against gun violence and visibility of youth resources. Quavo hopes the summit can lead to more partnerships between the Rocket Foundation and the White House. Hes on a mission to ensure his voice is heard and honor his nephews legacy. It hits hard when it hits home, he said. Were trying to avoid that. Just because its next door, you dont close your door. You can open the door and help your neighborhood. Its joining hands with the world and making sure this awareness is on a national billboard. Thats my platform. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Editors note: Video originally aired on June 18, 2024. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) The migrant accused of raping a 13-year-old girl at knifepoint allegedly shoved a bandana in her mouth before ripping her clothes off and attacking her in a Queens park, prosecutors said. Christian Inga, 25, also allegedly gagged a 13-year-old boy and robbed both teens after sexually assaulting the girl in the wooded area in Kissena Park on June 13, according to the criminal complaint. Inga allegedly admitted to the sequence of events, including tying both teens wrists together with a shoelace after threatening them with a machete-like knife, authorities said. The suspect was arraigned Wednesday on charges of rape, sex abuse, predatory sexual assault robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful imprisonment. He is due back in court on July 1. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. This attack on two children in broad daylight in a city park strikes the very core of our society, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. More Local News Inga, who is from Ecuador, was apprehended near 108th Street and Waldron Street in Queens around 1:10 a.m. Tuesday after police acted on a 911 tip, according to the NYPD. Bystanders held him down until cops arrived at the scene. Inga fought back, but the good Samaritans overpowered him, possibly using a belt to detain him, police said. The neighbors recognized Inga from the wanted poster and waited for him at a local bodega, they said. When he got there, they all sprung into action and grabbed the suspect, police said. One of the neighbors then pulled Inga out of the bodega and onto the street before calling the police. I can explain. Please let me go back to my country. . . I can explain! the suspect allegedly told the neighbors, according to witnesses. The suspect approached the teens on a field in Kissena Park near Colden Street and Kalmia Avenue around 3 p.m. and told them to follow him into the woods, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Inga then allegedly tied their hands together with a shoelace, gagged them, and ripped the girls clothes off before sexually assaulting her, according to court documents. Inga allegedly stole the victims phones and told them to wait for 20 minutes before he fled the scene with the knife, according to authorities. The victims, who were classmates, returned to their school to report the attack. These victims gave crucial information that was needed to make this arrest, Kenny said. The suspect told police he had a drug problem and found the knife he used to threaten the teens, Kenny said. He also identified himself in video surveillance that was shown to him. He said this was the first time he had ever done anything like this, Kenny said. Inga entered the United States in 2021 with a 3-year-old child. He was arrested in Texas for entering the country illegally before he was released pending a court appearance, police said. He was living on 108th Street near the scene where he was apprehended, police said. A violent criminal has been taken off our streets, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said. Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Milton police officer suffered serious injuries while trying to apprehend a suspect Wednesday near the Pierce-King County line. Officer Haney (the officers full name was not provided in a department news release) and another officer were near the 400 block of Meridian Avenue East, according to a statement from the Milton Police Department. They were going to take a suspect into custody for an outstanding drug warrant. The suspect attempted to flee and resist the arrest, the statement said. The suspects vehicle dragged Haney through a parking lot and ran over him, according to the news release. Haney suffered injuries to both legs and hands, according to the news release. He is undergoing surgery at a nearby hospital for serious life-threatening injuries. The second officer involved was unharmed. Kent Police officers later apprehended the suspect. They booked him into Pierce County Jail for charges including felony assault on a police officer and resisting arrest, according to the news release. Haney is a five-year veteran at the Milton Police Department, according to the news release. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Haney and his family during this difficult time, Milton Police Chief Tony Hernandez said in the news release. This incident underscores the bravery of our officers and all law enforcement officers and their willingness to confront danger to protect and serve our community. Sign Up: East Pierce Pulse Know whats happening in Puyallup, South Hill, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Orting, Buckley and beyond. Get the latest news from the cities, towns and rural communities of East Pierce County. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Tuesday. These Milwaukee college students helped fix an issue on campus and say others can, too From left) Marz Ezeji, an MATC student and Changemaker Fellow with AFT/ Believe in Students, John Williams, an MATC student and Changemaker Fellow with AFT/ Believe in Students FAST Fund, Elsa Lysette, a student advocacy director with FAST Fund, and Liz Franczyk, executive director for FAST Fund and adjunct instructor at MATC stand outside Westown Green, MATC student housing on North King Drive, in Milwaukee on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The students were part of the first-ever national fellowship cohort focused on teaching college students basic skills related to public advocacy and social justice and focused their project on improving conditions at Westown Green. (Credit: Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) John Williams is clear: He wants to be someone who helps others. Recently, he's been figuring out how to do that on a systemic level. Williams and fellow Milwaukee Area Technical College student Marz Ezeji have spent the past year learning how their public college operates, then creating a plan to advocate for improvements to its student housing. They're part of the Changermakers Fellowship, a program giving basic training in public advocacy to college students. The goal is to give students the tools they need to address broader issues on their campuses. Believe in Students, the nonprofit behind the fellowship, has a broader goal to reform the higher education system to better serve students' basic needs, like housing and food security. Along with MATC's faculty union, Believe in Students also helped found the college's Fast Fund in 2016, the resource that provides emergency financial grants to students. Williams and Ezeji are part of the fellowship's 2023-24 cohort, the second ever since its launch. They spent the year-long program documenting students' housing experiences, then putting them together to share with the public and MATC leadership. "If we can make these students' basic needs of housing survival better, then look at the statistics. Look at the records. We can actually do better in school. Milwaukee will become a better place all around," said Ezeji, a 30-year-old student studying animation. Williams, a 27-year-old student studying computer simulation and gaming, joined the fellowship without prior advocacy experience. He was initially nervous, he said; now, talking to students about what impacts them gives him a rush. "Honestly, before, I really wasnt a team person; this brought me together and helped me realize theres a bigger picture out there to helping multiple people and working together for a greater cause, to try to change the world one by one," he said. Figuring out how to navigate the public system For activists, understanding how public systems operate is key: Change often begins by speaking at public meetings, tracking laws in the Legislature, organizing coalitions of advocates and gathering data to present to those in positions of power. But that type of knowledge isn't widespread. That's why it's in the curriculum for the Changemakers fellows, whose formal task is to create an advocacy plan for a specific issue on their campus. Williams and Ezeji focused their fellowship on Westown Green, a student housing complex in downtown Milwaukee with about 200 students. They spent months interviewing residents, conducting a survey and putting those findings into a report. They identified students' concerns about building management, overseen by an outside firm; roommate pairing processes and safety issues in the building, among other topics. Those are issues Ezeji said they know first hand, having lived at Westown Green, and were made worse by discrimination against their trans identity. But Ezeji said the experience makes them want to advocate for future students' expriences to be better. I feel like you just need to be kind to individuals, and listen, and let them know that their voice is powerful," Ezeji said. Working with MATC's Fast Fund, the fellows recruited speakers to appear at meetings of the MATC District Board between December and April. As a result, Westown Green appeared on the board's April 23 agenda. Two administrators gave presentation about the college's oversight of the student housing complex, then took questions from the board. "The reason I asked how the structure of how the college is dealing with this has changed, if it has changed ... is because if there haven't been any changes, when what we're doing isn't adequate, because we're getting all of these concerns expressed," said Mark Foley, chair of the board, at the meeting. A screenshot of the MATC District Board meeting on April 23, 2024 shows the college's response to feedback from public commenters and students about Westown Green, a student housing complex in Milwaukee. MATC created Westown Green specifically to help address housing insecurity among its student population, spokesperson Darryll Fortune said via email. MATC administrators met with students to hear their concerns about Westown Green this school year, he said, and held listening sessions along with the management firm for its residents. The firm is also exploring whether to use a roommate pairing tool next academic year, he said. The Changemakers Fellowship works by pairing students with people who have experience in public advocacy, often from a faculty union. In MATC's case, it was Liz Franczyk, the executive director of the Fast Fund founded in collaboration with the AFT Local 212 union and Student Advocacy Director and nursing student Elsa Lysette. The American Federation of Teachers national union is helping fund fellowship. More: FAST Fund executive director will ride bike for 24 hours to fundraise for emergency assistance for MATC students When this started, I didnt know anything about Westown Green. It didnt directly affect me. But now its the most important thing in the world to me, thats how deep weve been in with it," Lysette said. Believe in Students wants to change the image of a 'college student' Most people picture a "college student" as an 18-year-old from a middle or upper class family living in a residence hall, said Traci Kirtley, executive director of Believe in Students. But that's not the reality, she said, and that misconception comes back to harm students. In reality, college students can be anyone like people who are parents, or earning a degree part-time while working a full-time job. She wants to see higher education systems better designed for those students. "We really need our higher education system to be built to serve that student," she said. "Everything from funding, to the kinds of supports that you offer, to how classes are structured, to how you earn degrees." The Changemakers Fellowship fits into that model, she said. Colleges that participate are all relatively "open access," and serve a large population of low-income and first-generation students. MATC is among them: 92% of its students are part-time, and 40% receive either need-based financial assistance or have an income at or below the federal poverty level, according to Wisconsin Technical College System data. Of the four colleges participating in the 2023-24 fellowship cohort, including MATC, Kirtley said other projects mostly focused on food access. Ezeji said the fellowship meant conducting a lot of research about basic needs issues in higher education, which served as a reminder that they aren't alone in experiencing them. "Yes, I might not see the outcome of what we're all doing, but at least no one else will have to experience it in the future if we keep using our voices and speaking up," Ezeji said. Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @_CleoKrejci. Support her work with a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/RFADonation. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MATC Changermakers Fellows tackle student housing at Westown Green What is the minimum age requirement to marry in Texas? Its pretty young. Heres the law In Texas, minors can get legally married at the same time they can get their drivers license. The state allows 16-year-olds to go to the county clerks office and tie the knot if they have parental consent or a court order allowing them to do so, according to the state attorney generals website. Unfortunately, you just wouldnt be able to enjoy any celebratory champagne. For those under 16 13 for girls and 14 for boys a court order is needed to marry in Texas. In Tarrant County, marriage licenses can be obtained remotely. There are 39 other states in the union, like Texas, where the minimum age required to marry is 16. In the U.S., 12 is technically the youngest age you can get married with parental consent. We say technically because Mississippi and California have no age limit on marriage as long as there is guardian approval. In Massachusetts, girls can be as young as 12 and boys as young as 14, to marry. Hawaii follows the age minimum at 15 years old. The same is true in Missouri, but minors can only obtain a marriage license in special circumstances. More trending stories from our newsroom: Fort Worth is not Dallas. Why cant the rest of the world get this? A frustration felt deep in Cowtown Whataburger iced coffee is free for one day only. Heres when and what to know Take a look at TCU's new football uniforms for this season If obtaining a marriage license without a parents permission, the only state that allow minors to marry is Mississippi which allows 17-year-old boys and 15-year-old girls to get married on their own. Every state has different laws, here is the full lists of states and their minimum age requirement for marriage: Alabama: 16. Parental consent not required if the minor was previously married. Other statutory requirements apply. Alaska: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Arizona: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental and judicial consent. Arkansas: Male: 17, female: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. California: No age limits. Other statutory requirements apply such as a judges approval. Colorado: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Connecticut: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental and judicial consent. Delaware: Male: 18, female: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Florida: 16. Parental consent not required if the minor was previously married. Younger parties may obtain a license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Georgia: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Parental consent and/or permission of the judge required. Hawaii: 15. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Idaho: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Illinois: 16. Judicial consent may be given when parents refuse to consent. Indiana: 17. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Iowa: 16. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Kansas: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental and judicial consent. Kentucky: 18. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Louisiana: 18. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Maine: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Maryland: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. If parties are at least 16 years of age, proof of age and consent of parties in person are required. If a parent is ill an affidavit by the incapacitated parent and a physicians affidavit required. Massachusetts: Male: 14, female: 12. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Michigan: 16 Minnesota: 16. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Mississippi: No age limits. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required for minors. Missouri: 15. Younger parties may obtain license in special circumstances. Montana: 16. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Nebraska: 17 Nevada: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. New Hampshire: Male: 14, female: 13. Below age of consent parties need parental consent and permission of judge, no younger than 14 for males and 13 for females. New Jersey: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. New Mexico: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Younger parties may obtain license in special circumstances. New York: 16. Below age of consent parties need parental consent and permission of judge, no younger than 14 for males and 13 for females. North Carolina: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. North Dakota: 16 Ohio: Male: 18. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Female: 16, Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Oklahoma: 16. Younger parties may marry with parental consent. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Oregon: 17. If a party has no parent residing within state, and one party has residence in state for six months, no permission required. Pennsylvania: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in special circumstances. Rhode Island: Male: 18, female: 18. Younger parties may obtain license in special circumstances. South Carolina: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. South Dakota: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Tennessee: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in special circumstances. Texas: 16. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Below age of consent parties need parental consent and permission of judge, no younger than 14 for males and 13 for females. Utah: 16. Parental consent not required if minor was previously married. Vermont: 16. Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. Virginia: 16. Parental consent not required if minor was previously married. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Washington: 17. Younger parties may obtain license in special circumstances. West Virginia: 18. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Wisconsin: 16 Wyoming: 16. Younger parties may obtain license in special circumstances. District of Columbia: 16. Parental consent not required if minor was previously married. By Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian government plans to set minimum export prices for some agricultural commodities would disrupt trading, cut grain exports and lead to losses for farmers, the UGA traders' union said on Thursday, calling for the scheme to be suspended. Ukraine is seeking to increase its revenues and at the same time deal with the impact of protests in Europe last year by farmers who said cheap imports from Ukraine had crippled their business. In response the European Union, which had granted trade-free access to Ukraine to help it following Russia's invasion in 2022, imposed limits on some imports. Ukraine's government has drawn up calculations to set minimum export prices for some agricultural commodities, although Deputy Agriculture Minister Mykhailo Sokolov on Wednesday said the new rules would not start until August at the earliest. "It will have a very negative impact on the ability of exporters to fulfil their obligations, undermine the trust of international partners in Ukrainian counterparties, complicate the planning and financing of export activities, and at the same time reduce the competitiveness of Ukrainian goods on world markets," the union said in a statement. Disruption due to the war with Russia has led to cash domestic purchases of some of Ukraine's agricultural products and exports at artificially low prices to avoid taxes. The minimum prices would apply to shipments of wheat, corn, sunflower oil, soybeans, rapeseed and some other major agricultural commodities. Speaking to analysts on Wednesday, Sokolov said government documents needed to be adopted to launch the minimum price mechanism and that the new scheme did not take into account the specifics of forward contracts. UGA said the minimum export prices would put half of Ukraine's exports at risk, could destroy the forward contract system and lead to uncertainty in the market regarding the fulfilment of exporters' obligations and grain purchases. The union said many enterprises used bank loans that are secured by forward contracts. The absence of such contracts would prevent farmers from obtaining loans. "This turns Ukraine into a spot market with all the consequences, including a lack of predictability and the ability of farmers to manage their risks in a civilised way by entering into forward contracts linked to prices on world exchanges," it said. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Michael Perry and Barbara Lewis) BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 20. Kyrgyzstan's Kumtor Gold Company has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Finland's Metso Company, Trend reports. According to Kumtor Gold Company, the memorandum aims to lay the groundwork for collaboration on strategic projects and the development of Kyrgyzstan's metallurgical industry. The partnership will focus on processing tailings, improving and modernizing gold extraction methods and technologies, and enhancing environmentally friendly gold extraction from complex ores. The collaboration will involve innovative and environmentally safe metallurgical projects at the Kumtor mine, utilizing advanced technologies. For reference, Metso is a global leader in sustainable development technologies, comprehensive solutions, and services for the aggregates, mining, and metals industries. Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Metso employs over 17,000 people in nearly 50 countries. In 2023, its sales reached 5.4 billion euros. The memorandum was signed during the MINEX Central Asia geological forum held in Bishkek. The labor union representing more than 200 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board employees voted to authorize a strike this week. LIUNA Local 363 employees cast ballots with 94% of ballots in favor, the union said in a Facebook post. Employees have for years called for improvements to wages, healthcare and safety precautions, AJ Lange, Business Manager of LIUNA Local 363 said in a statement. "Despite our endless hard work, skill, and dedication that makes Minneapolis' parks the best in the nation, management continues to treat us with contempt," Lange said. The Park Board is aware of the social post but has not received an official notification, spokeswoman Robin Smothers said in a statement. Negotiations for a multi-year contract for parks employees that is "competitive, fair and equitable," have included multiple mediations and offers. Negotiations began in December. "We are hopeful that MPRB and Local 363 leadership can reach an agreement," Smothers said. The Park Board and employees are set to return to contract mediation on Thursday. Four years ago, this south Minneapolis neighborhood was the charred epicenter of Minnesota's racial reckoning. On Wednesday, residents gathered there to celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth and Black liberation. Thousands convened at Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue for the annual Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival. The mission of the event is to showcase the talents of Black creatives, business owners and community organizations, and to represent the neighborhood's ongoing efforts to create lasting change. "I absolutely love the South Side," said Antoinette Mitchell, who was selling her customized water bottles at the festival. "There is a lot of love here and the community is great." Festival-goers danced to music from local DJs, perused the work of local artists and enjoyed food from trucks and booths. Juneteenth, a portmanteau of June 19, commemorates the date in 1865 that enslaved Black people in Texas were told a full two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that they were no longer slaves. Juneteenth became a state holiday last year and serves as a reminder of America's history of slavery and systemic racism. The rain gave way Wednesday afternoon, bringing sunny skies to the Minneapolis festival. One of the festival's anchor locations was the Coliseum building on East Lake Street, heavily damaged in the riots following the police murder of George Floyd in 2020. Juneteenth served as the building's reopening after $28 million in repairs. It now hosts exhibits, including "Black Renaissance in Real Time," which showcased the work of local Black artists. The festival attracted community organizations seeking to shed light on the issues facing Minnesota's Black community. Duaba Unenra ran a booth for the Open Road Fund. The program operates in Minnesota and the Dakotas and distributes $50,000 grants to Black families descended from people enslaved in the Americas to improve their financial wellbeing, economic power, education, housing and health. "This program is not a reparations program," Unenra said. "$50,000 is not enough money to account for the damages that have been done to our people enslavement, Jim Crow and the new Jim Crow. However, this is a program that is stewarded by the Black community and is meant to help us to heal from generations of economic inequality." Behind every booth was a different story. This was Mitchell's first year at the festival. She started Splash of Royalty Designs after becoming the full-time caretaker for her ailing mother and needing an artistic outlet. Next to Jasmine D'Avilar's handmade crocheted clothing sat a table of work by local artists up for auction to raise money for D'Avilar's mom, who is recovering from breast cancer. Alexis Wall, a mixed media artist who also has a piece on display at the Black Renaissance exhibit in the Coliseum building, sold prints of her work. "I want people to feel a reflection of themselves in my work," Wall said. "It is really important to me to show the emotion and resilience of communities of color." MISSOURI The state of Missouri unnecessarily puts adults with mental health disabilities in nursing facilities, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ released its findings on Tuesday, saying Missouri repeatedly fails to provide community-based mental health services, such as: assertive community treatment case management supported employment mobile crisis response crisis stabilization services permanent supportive housing peer support supported decision-making Around half of the adults with mental health disabilities living in skilled nursing facilities are under the age of 65, most of whom require little or no help with basic physical activities. The DOJ opened its investigation in November 2022, reviewing thousands of pages worth of policies, reports, Medicaid billing information, and treatment records. DOJ attorneys and others interviewed more than 30 state officials and dozens of local administrators. More than 130 directly affected people were also interviewed. Investigators also visited various providers and nursing facilities across Missouri. The report concludes that Missouri promotes the use of guardianships and diverts them to nursing facilities to serve those with mental health disabilities who need a different kind of help instead of being shunted off somewhere else, sent out of sight and out of mind. Individuals who have experienced or know someone who is experiencing this or have other information relevant to this matter can contact the DOJ by calling 833-610-1242 to leave a voicemail or emailing Community.Missouri@usdoj.gov. The Justice Department will hold two virtual community meetings on Tuesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, June 26, at 12 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City (Getty Images). Missouri is violating federal disability law by unnecessarily institutionalizing thousands of adults with mental illness in nursing homes, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a scathing report published Tuesday. The report, which is based on a year-and-a-half of investigation, determined that those suffering with mental illness are subjected to unnecessary stays in nursing facilities, generally because of a series of systemic failures by the state. For years Missouri has placed a higher portion of adults with mental health disabilities in nursing facilities than all but a few states, according to the report. As of March 2023, there were 3,289 adults with mental health disabilities who had spent at least 100 days in Missouris nursing homes, according to the report. That number excludes those with Alzheimers and dementia. Most dont fit the profile one might imagine. Around half are under 65, and some are in their 20s. Most dont need help with basic physical activities like eating, transferring to bed or going to the bathroom. And once placed in a nursing home, adults with mental health disabilities are often stuck, staying for an average of at least three years. We found that almost none of the adults with mental health disabilities living in nursing facilities in Missouri need to be in these institutions, even for short-term stays, the report found. Most, the report found, are there against their will and end up in nursing homes out of a series of Missouris deliberate policy choices. Those sent to nursing homes are often resistant to treatment and cycled in and out of psychiatric hospitals. The major problems are that the state doesnt provide sufficient community-based mental health services and improperly relies on guardianship for those who have resisted treatment. Appointed guardians often place the person in nursing facilities. One woman in her late 50s interviewed in the report, who was placed in a nursing home by a guardian, is quoted as saying, I have a dream that one day I will be free to live in her community, have overnight stays with her grandkids, and be free to not have someone place me in a nursing home and leave me, without any regard to my well-being, mentally and physically. A mother is quoted as saying her son had a life before they took him there and now, he has nothing. He lives in a locked unit of the facility. These adults are largely concentrated in a few dozen facilities across the state. In some facilities, over 80% of the residents have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. And those facilities generally offer little by way of mental health services beyond medication. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires states make reasonable modifications to allow adults with mental health disabilities to live in a setting that is the most integrated with the community as possible. The state cant discriminate through what amounts to segregation of those with disabilities. The state will need to work with the DOJ to come up with a plan to fix the violations identified in the report. If they cant reach a resolution, the state could be sued by the DOJ. The relevant state agencies told The Independent they are currently reviewing the report. The Department of Mental Health oversees the states mental health services, the Department of Health Senior Services oversees nursing homes and the Department of Social Services runs Medicaid, which funds eligible nursing home stays and community-based services. Sent out of sight and out of mind Many of those adults with mental health disabilities in nursing homes are under court-ordered guardianship, the report states. The state has relied on guardianship when people resist mental health treatment, which the DOJ found serves as a pipeline to unnecessary institutionalization. According to the report, one provider called guardianship in Missouri a sentence to be locked in a [nursing facility]. Guardianship is supposed to be used in extreme cases when a person lacks capacity to make basic decisions and no less-restrictive options exist, but in Missouri it is used more broadly, the report states, and frequently is used when a person with mental health disability is not engaging in treatment. Combining guardianships and nursing facility placement creates the functional equivalent of involuntary and indefinite commitment, the report states. Guardians are often public administrators, meaning county officials who are appointed when no adult relative is available or suitable. Many have heavy caseloads and place the person in a nursing home because they have limited resources and are trying to ensure safety, according to the report. Instead of diverting people with mental health disabilities from unnecessary nursing facility admission or transitioning people from nursing facilities who do not need to be there, the report states, people are sent out of sight and out of mind. One man, in his late 20s, has goals well-suited to intensive community-based mental health services: He wants to work part time at a fast food restaurant and live in his own apartment or trailer around Kansas City. Instead, he lives in a locked nursing facility over 6 hours away, according to the report. That person did not receive appropriate services, the report states, which would include permanent supportive housing. He was unhoused and hospitalized several times, some of which were because he needed shelter in the cold. His caseworker recommended guardianship because they lacked access to needed services and a public administrator was appointed. His guardian has since placed him in three different nursing facilities. The report urges Missouri to prioritize community-based services, including wraparound services that provide assistance with housing, treatment and other needs, directly to the persons home and community. The fact that some of these changes might result in short-term increases in spending does not render them unreasonable, the report states. Housed in jails Beyond the issues laid out in the DOJ report, Missouri has been struggling with housing those with mental illness in another inappropriate setting: jails. Missourians who are arrested, deemed unfit to stand trial and ordered into mental health treatment are now detained in jail for an average of eleven months before being transferred to a mental health facility. There are currently 312 people in jails waiting to be moved to psychiatric hospitals, according to data provided to The Independent last week by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Debra Walker, a spokesperson for the department, said in an email last week to The Independent that the reason the number seems to keep going up is due to a workforce shortage. People in need of mental health care or substance use treatment are unable to access it in a timely manner due to provider shortages, she said. The states years-long struggle to transfer people from jails into mental hospitals stems, in part, from a lack of hospital beds and an increase in referrals. Patients are supposed to be moved to receive rehabilitative mental health services that allow them to become competent to stand trial, a process called competency restoration. Instead, they languish in jails often solitary confinement without having been found guilty of any crime. Missouri this year passed a law to bring treatment to the jails jail-based competency restoration which Department of Mental Health officials said will reduce the wait time. The hiring of staff has begun, Walker said, and training will start soon as jail contracts are being finalized. UPDATE: This story was updated at 7:36 A.M. with comment from the state that the DOJ report is currently under review. The post Missouri is breaking federal law by housing mentally ill in nursing homes, DOJ finds appeared first on Missouri Independent. JASPER COUNTY, Mo. A Seneca man pleads guilty to drug charges. Earlier this week, Roy Beamer, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21. The charges stem from an incident in June of last year after Seneca police and Newton County deputies served a search warrant at a home in Seneca. Officers found drugs in several rooms inside the home, as well as items used to make meth. Jessica Oliver Matthew Beamer Robert Pennington Beamer was one of four people arrested in the case, which included Jessica Oliver, who was sentenced in February for a 2021 deadly DWI crash. The other two suspects are scheduled to be in court next week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. NEW YORK A mob of teens threw traffic cones and bottles at a Jewish man on a Brooklyn street, police said Wednesday. The 41-year-old victim, dressed in Orthodox Jewish garb, was walking near the corner of Lorimer and Meserole Sts. in Williamsburg around 11:45 p.m. on June 6 when the kids began to shout antisemitic statements at him as he passed, cops said. The teens pelted the stranger with traffic cones and bottles before taking off. The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack and did not require medical attention. The NYPDS Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the attack. Cops on Wednesday released images of the teens in the hopes someone may recognize them. The city has seen an uptick in antisemitic incidents since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza. As of May 21, antisemitic crimes were up 55% compared with the same time frame last year, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Overall, hate crimes were up 31%. There had been 143 anti-Jewish crimes 51 more than during the same period last year Kenny said. Last month, 58-year-old driver Asghar Ali was charged with attempted murder and attempted assault as a hate crime after he verbally assaulted a group of Jewish people outside a Brooklyn yeshiva and then attempted to run them over. No one was injured in the crazed May 29 attack outside Mesivta Nachlas Yakov School on Glenwood Road in East Flatbush. _____ MAMARONECK, N.Y. (PIX11) A 6-year-old boy and his mother were hit and killed by a school bus in Westchester County Thursday, police said. The child and his 43-year-old mother were fatally struck in Mamaroneck around 8:30 a.m., according to police. More Local News The school bus was traveling eastbound on New Street, turning left onto Mamaroneck Avenue, when the crash occurred, police said. The bus had a green light when it was turning, but several parents and children were crossing the street in the crosswalk with a walk sign, police said. Motorists are supposed to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, according to police. Police described the incident as a tragic accident and said the 68-year-old bus driver is cooperating with the investigation. The bus was heading to Mamaroneck Avenue School to drop off students when the crash occurred, police said. The boy who died was a kindergarten student at Mamaroneck Avenue School. 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. Monmouth County working to open Glimmer Glass Bridge by 4th of July with $100K in repairs Monmouth County is working to open the Glimmer Glass Bridge by the 4th of July holiday, but it will take $100,000 in repairs to get there, officials say. The bridge that connects Brielle and Manasquan was closed June 14 by the Monmouth County Division of Bridges after a routine inspection the day before turned up the need for repairs. Inspectors found that the steel stringers that support the deck of the moveable span needed to be fixed, county officials said. The repair work requires the Manasquan River navigation channel to be shut down from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week, Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone said in a statement. It will be open to boaters 24 hours a day on the weekends and 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, Arnone said. Foot, bike and vehicle traffic will be shut down until the repairs are made, he said. A fishing vessel passes through the open bridge. Monmouth County has been researching how to replace Glimmer Glass Bridge since the mid 1990s. After more than 35 years of trying, it hasn't happened, it could be a while even though there's a proposed replacement plan. Manasquan, NJSaturday, October 23, 2021 The bridge is located along Fisk Avenue and Brielle Road. It was built in 1889 and reconstructed in 1950. In 2013, it received a sufficiency rating of 2 out of 100. It then went under emergency repairs and received a sufficiency rating of 10.1 in 2015, according to a prior Press story. The bridge was listed on New Jerseys and the National Register of Historic Places since 2008. Arnone added that despite continuous maintenance of the bridge, it's time to replace it. The replacement is expected to cost about $30 million and take two to three years of design work to satisfy the New Jersey Historical Preservation Office review of the application, he said. Ken Serrano covers breaking news, crime and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Glimmer Glass Bridge to open by July 4: County Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam during a state visit to Hanoi on June 20, Kremlin-controlled news agency RBC wrote. Putin arrived in Vietnam after travelling to North Korea, his first such visit in 24 years. Russian President and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed on June 19 the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, as Pyongyang supplied Moscow with large packages of ammunition and supplies for use in the full-scale war against Ukraine. Moscow and Hanoi adopted a statement on deepening their strategic partnership and signed over 10 documents, including a memorandum on the schedule for establishing a nuclear technology center in Vietnam, Kremlin-controlled state news agencies claimed. Details of the signed documents remain unclear, but To Lam said that the two countries will also increase cooperation in defense and security. Putin is expected to hold further talks with the Vietnamese president and other officials. Putin has visited Vietnam four times previously, but not since the beginning of Russia's all-out war against Ukraine. Vietnam and Russia have long had close relations, dating back to the Soviet Union's support for North Vietnam and its proxy forces during the Vietnam War. Hanoi has so far maintained a neutral stance regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. While North Korea is a pariah state with few international allies, Vietnam and the U.S. have close ties despite their fraught history. The announcement of the visit elicited a rebuke from U.S. officials. "No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities," a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam told Reuters. Read also: Putin lands in North Korea looking for support, weapons, validation Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Photo: Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 20. Kyrgyzstan has signed seven agreements with foreign companies aiming to boost the countrys mining sector during the MINEX Central Asia geological forum held in Bishkek, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan, the forum's first day concluded with the signing of the following cooperative documents: - An agreement between the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan and Concrete Canvas (UK) to implement a project for producing geosynthetic cementitious composite mats. - An agreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan and SRK Consulting (UK) Limited. - A memorandum of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan's Kumtor Gold Company and Metso Company (Finland). - A memorandum of understanding between Kyrgyzaltyn mining company and Metso. - A memorandum of understanding and cooperation between Kyrgyzaltyn and Yuan Kun, a foreign-involved organization in Kyrgyzstan. - A memorandum of understanding and cooperation between Kyrgyzaltyn and Intertech Process Technology Inc. (the US). - A memorandum of cooperation between Kyrgyzgeology state enterprise and Xinjiang Shunzheng Vanadium Titanium Technology Co., Ltd. The MINEX Central Asia forum serves as a unified platform for presentations and discussions on attracting investments and technologies for the development of mineral resources, promoting green energy, and upgrading industrial infrastructure. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan is the forum's principal regional partner. Representatives from leading companies in over 25 countries across Central Asia, Europe, China, North America, and the Middle East are participating in the forum. Getty Images Six of the nine victims of the mass shooting over Fathers Day weekend at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills have been released from the hospital as of Thursday morning, according to the Oakland County Sheriffs office. Two individuals, a 37-year-old woman and a 78-year-old man, had been released from the hospital as of early Monday afternoon, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told media on Monday. Since then, the sheriffs office announced four more individuals have been released from the hospital, including the youngest victim, a 4-year-old boy. The other victims released are a 42-year-old man, a 31-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman. The 4-year-old boy had suffered a wound to the thigh, during the Saturday evening shooting where a gunman fired at least 36 shots into the crowded splash pad, the sheriffs office said. The boys brother, 8, and mother, 39, remain hospitalized. The mother sustained wounds to the abdomen and leg and the 8-year-old was wounded in the head. Both were in critical condition, with no change in status to report, according to the sheriffs office public information officer. A GoFundMe for the family has reached nearly $130,000. Two other shooting victims are Micayla and Eric Coughlin, who had brought their daughters, ages 2 and 7 months, to the splash pad only seconds before the gunman started firing, a GoFundMe for the family says. By shielding their daughters, in total the couple suffered seven gunshot wounds, according to the GoFundMe page that has raised about $115,000 for the family. The motive of the shooter, who police have identified as Michael William Nash, 42, of Shelby Township, is unknown. Following the shooting, Bouchard said Nash went to his mothers Shelby Township home half-mile from the splash pad and was discovered dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement will continue to look for a manifesto or any other signs of motive, Bouchard said Saturday, but the county may not find the answers its looking for. The post Most Michigan splash pad shooting victims released from the hospital appeared first on Michigan Advance. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A stolen motorhome led authorities on a pursuit from Arizona into Boulder City on Tuesday night, ending in the arrest of two people who fled one by jumping out of the moving vehicle and another who tried to get away on a bicycle. Joshua Bailey, 35, and an unidentified female passenger face several charges after the chase from U.S. 93 in Arizona into Nevada and onto Boulder City streets to the Bootleg Canyon trail head, according to information provided Wednesday by a city spokesperson. An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter assisted in tracking Bailey after he pulled a bicycle from inside the motorhome and rode away. The helicopter tracked him to the 800 block of Shirley Lane, where he was arrested by Boulder City police. Bailey and a police officer were taken to Boulder City Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The officer was treated and released and is recovering from his injuries. During the pursuit, a female suspect jumped from the motorhome while it was in motion and was taken into custody, according to police. In addition to Boulder City police and the Arizona DPS helicopter, the pursuit involved the National Park Service, which attempted to deploy spike strips to stop the motorhome several times without success. Bailey was transported from the hospital to the Clark County Detention Center and booked on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, conspiracy to elude/evade a peace officer, reckless driving x2, driving with a suspended license and failure to stop and give information at the scene of a crash. Additionally, he was booked on numerous felony charges by the Henderson Police Department for crimes he had previously committed in the City of Henderson; as well as a warrant of arrest from the City of Henderson, and he will await further charges from the Arizona Department of Public Safety for the crimes he is suspected of committing in Arizona. In all, jail records list 14 charges against Bailey including six domestic battery charges and theft of a catalytic converter. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning. The combined bail on all charges adds up to $66,000. The female passenger was transported to and booked at the Henderson Detention Center for an outstanding felony warrant from the Henderson Police Department. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Earthquake activity around Mount St. Helens spiked to nearly 350 quakes between February 1, 2024, and June 18, 2024, and officials say it may be a sign of recharging activity. The increase in earthquake activity has only been small-magnitude quakes, but an increase nonetheless. Over the past several months, small magnitude earthquakes have been located at Mount St. Helens, the Cascades Volcano Observatory said. The seismicity is similar to what was observed at this volcano from July to December 2023. No significant changes have been observed in other monitoring parameters and there is no change in alert levels at this time. Mount St. Helens remains at normal, background levels of activity. USGS seismicity increase around Mount St. Helens (courtesy USGS) According to an X post from the USGS Volcanoes, the seismic activity seen recently could mean the arrival of additional magma known as a process called recharge. Small magnitude earthquakes located beneath Mount St. Helens at depths well below sea level are generally thought to be associated with pressurization of the magma transport system. One cause for this pressurization is the arrival of additional magma, a process called recharge. The Cascades Volcano Observatory went on to explain that magma slowly rises through the lower crust and accumulates in a reservoir about 2.5 to 6 miles (410 km) below sea level. Recharge events can occur when magma enters this upper reservoir and increases stresses that lead to earthquakes. The USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory says they will continue to monitor this activity and will provide any updates or warnings if warranted. These volcanoes are considered the most hazardous in the U.S. May marked 44 years since Mount St. Helens erupted, sending ash and debris across the Pacific Northwest. Fifty-seven people were killed in what is considered the deadliest volcanic eruption in the U.S. Experts frequently note that earthquakes are simply part of what Mount St. Helens does. As Dr. Scott Burns, professor emeritus of engineering geology at Portland State University previously told Nexstars KOIN, Mount St. Helens has gone through periods of coming back to life and then no activity, back to life and no activity since its May 1980 eruption. Burns, too, noted that magma is coming into Mount St. Helens crater in order to form the dome. According to the USGS, Mount St. Helens is the second-most hazardous volcano in the U.S. behind Hawaiis Kilauea, which last erupted earlier 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 Queen City News. Muscogee school board to vote on academic calendars for next two years. See proposed dates The Muscogee County School District board is scheduled to vote Monday on the calendars for the next two academic years in Columbus public schools. The board had approved the 2024-25 calendar during its December 2022 meeting, but the administration wants to change the teacher planning and staff development day (no school for students) from Oct. 7 to Oct. 14 so it coincides with Columbus Day. This will be the first time the board votes on the 2025-26 calendar. Here are the key dates for both proposed calendars: Muscogee County School District proposed calendar for 2024-25 school year Aug. 1: first day of work for teachers and staff Aug. 2-7: student verification days Aug. 7: first day of classes for students in prekindergarten through second grade Aug. 8: first day of classes for students in grades 3-12 Sept. 2: closed for Labor Day Oct. 11: virtual learning day (no in-person instruction in the classroom; students in grades 3-12 will be taught via computer device while they are at home or another location away from school; no school for students in prekindergarten through second grade) Oct. 14: teacher planning and staff development (no school for students) Nov. 11: closed for Veterans Day Nov. 25-29: closed for Thanksgiving break Dec. 23-Jan. 3: closed for winter break Jan. 6: teacher planning and staff development day (no school for students) Jan. 7: second semester begins Jan. 20: closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 14: teacher planning and staff development day (no school for students) Feb. 17: closed for Presidents Day March 31-April 4: closed for spring break May 21-24: graduations May 23: last day of classes May 27-28: teacher planning. Muscogee County School District proposed calendar for 2025-26 school year July 28: first day of work for teachers and staff July 29-31: student verification days Aug. 4: first day of classes for students Sept. 1: closed for Labor Day Sept. 19: virtual learning day (no in-person instruction in the classroom; students will be taught via computer device while they are at home or another location away from school) Oct. 9: teacher planning and staff development day (no school for students) Oct. 10-13: closed for fall break Nov. 11: closed for Veterans Day Nov. 24-28: closed for Thanksgiving break Dec. 22-Jan. 2: closed for winter break Jan. 5: teacher planning and staff development day (no school for students) Jan. 6: second semester begins Jan. 19: closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 13: teacher planning and staff development day (no school for students) Feb. 16: closed for Presidents Day March 30-April 3: closed for spring break May 20-23: graduations May 21: last day of classes May 22-26: teaching planning. Muscogee school calendar committee and survey results The following MCSD employees were on the calendar committee that development this proposal: Chief financial officer Janice Bloodworth Chief human resources officer Tonya Carter Research and accountability director Patrick Knopf Chief academic officer Keith Seifert East region chief Ronald Wiggins Communications director Kimberly Wright. For the 2025-26 calendar, the committee surveyed MCSD employees to help decide the dates for spring break and whether to start the school year earlier so the district could add a fall break. Out of 1,613 employees who answered the spring break question, 81% favored spring break March 30-April 3, to lead into Easter on April 5, instead of having spring break March 23-27. Out of 1,433 employees who answered the fall break question, 67% favored starting the first day of work July 28 to have a two-day fall break in October instead of starting Aug. 1 and not having a fall break. The author says North Carolina Chief Justice Paul Newby is enforcing a partisan double-standard when it comes to judicial ethics. (Photo: NC Supreme Court livestream) The North Carolina Supreme Court refused to sanction two Republican judges, even though those judges admitted that they had violated ethics rules, according to an explosive new report from ProPublica. This sends a clear message that theres a double standard for judicial ethics in North Carolina. Republican judges can do whatever they want, while Democrats have to worry about trumped-up ethics charges for conduct thats totally innocent. Though the process was entirely behind closed doors, ProPublica confirmed that the Judicial Standards Commission (JSC), which investigated ethics complaints against judges, had recommended sanctions against two Republican judges. One of the judges had jailed a witness for days to ensure they would be in court. The other judge got into a shouting match with a defendant, who was shot dead by a police officer after things escalated. Both of these judges conceded that they violated ethics rules, and the JSC recommended sanctions. But the state Supreme Court has the final say. And the Republican justices let these Republican judges off the hook. It was the first time in more than 15 years that the court disagreed with the JSCs suggestions. The court did, however, sanction a Black Democratic judge a few months later. There have been reports that Chief Justice Paul Newby was behind the JSCs investigation into comments by Justice Anita Earls, the only Black person on the court, about bias and discrimination in the judiciary. Earls had faced potential sanctions for a media interview in which she discussed problems with the treatment of attorneys of color and women at the high court. Democratic judges like Earls must worry that they could be sanctioned for completely ethical conduct. Though the complaint against Earls was dismissed, she is now asking JSC to approve all of her public statements. Earls is right to be worried. Republican lawmakers packed the JSC in last years state budget, transferring the state bars appointments to House Speaker Tim Moore, who appointed his former law partner, and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, whose son sits on the high court. The GOP is weaponizing the judicial ethics enforcement process to go after Democrats, while letting Republicans get away with anything. Its not surprising that the high court refuses to hold Republican judges accountable, because the corruption starts at the top. Chief Justice Paul Newby has repeatedly ruled in favor of Duke Energy, a company that he partly owns. He has also donated to non-judicial campaigns and voted to allow Justice Phil Berger, Jr. to hear lawsuits against his father. This is all conduct that the ethics rules prohibit or discourage, but Newby doesnt care. Without the ProPublica report, we wouldnt have even known that Newby and his colleagues dismissed the JSCs recommended punishments. Thats because, as NC Newsline reported in 2013, state legislators changed the law to give the state Supreme Court the final word on sanctioning judges and to keep the process secret, unless the court imposes sanctions. This means that the high court could keep dismissing ethics complaints against Republican judges, and the public could never find out. The Newby courts agenda (flouting ethics rules, legalized gerrymandering, and putting corporations over workers) is not popular with voters. Maybe thats why conservatives want to ensure voters cant elect a different majority in a few years. A proposed amendment would lengthen judges terms to 12 years, and a Republican consultant bragged that this would cement the GOPs control of the high court for nearly a decade. If lawmakers put this amendment on the ballot, it would just be the latest in a series of power grabs targeting the courts over the past decade. Republicans in Raleigh, both the legislative and judicial branches, are abusing their power. The GOP doesnt want our high court justices to be accountable to the voters. But the stench of corruption is coming from the top of North Carolinas judiciary, and the voters are the only check on these power-hungry judges. Note: This commentary has been updated to reflect that the Supreme Courts rejection of the Judicial Standards Commissions recommendation was not unprecedented but was instead the first such event in more than 15 years. The post N.C Supreme Court sends a message: Ethics rules dont apply to Republican judges appeared first on NC Newsline. Assamad Nash pleaded guilty to one count each of second-degree murder and first-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony Go Fund Me Christina Yuna Lee A New York City man accused of stalking and stabbing a woman 40 times inside her Chinatown apartment in 2022 has pleaded guilty to several charges in connection with the killing, according to the Manhattan District Attorneys office. On June 18, Assamad Nash, 27, pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to one count each of second-degree murder and first-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. said in a press release. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30 to 30 years to life in state prison. According to court documents cited in the release and as admitted in Nashs guilty plea, the harrowing incident unfolded as Christina Yuna Lee, 35, entered her apartment building near Grand Street and Chrystie Street around 4:20 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2022. Related: N.Y.C. Woman Found Murdered in Bathtub After She's Followed Home, Fatally Stabbed in Her Apartment That early morning, Nash followed Lee into the building and up six flights of stairs to her apartment. There, Nash ran up behind Lee, forced himself into her apartment and attempted to sexually assault her, the release states. The New York Post obtained chilling surveillance footage of the incident at the time and described it as showing Nash walk about 6 feet from Lee inside a narrow hallway as she headed to her apartment unit. At 4:22 a.m., Lees neighbors called 911 after hearing sounds of a struggle, including Lee screaming for help, according to the release. A few minutes later, New York police officers arrived at Lees apartment and heard her screams but were unable to get inside. Meanwhile, Nash tried to flee the apartment through the fire escape but went back inside after spotting an officer on the roof above him, the release states. By 5:40 a.m. officers broke down the apartment door and found Nash hiding under Lees bedroom mattress, as well as a bloodied kitchen knife hidden behind the dresser, authorities said. In the bathroom, officers found Lee with at least 40 stab wounds, including to her head, neck and torso, according to the release. Lee was pronounced dead at the scene. Nash was initially arraigned in criminal court on a first-degree murder charge and two counts of burglary, PEOPLE previously reported. Shawn Inglima/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Assamad Nash in February 2022. Lees slaying happened about a month after Michelle Go, another Asian-American woman, was fatally pushed in front of a subway car, raising fears of attacks against Asian-Americans, according to reporting by New York Times. Around that time, the number of anti-Asian hate crimes documented by the NYPD had doubled from the same period the previous year, the outlet reported. On a GoFundMe campaign created in the wake of her death, Lees loved ones said she was killed in a senseless act of violence after returning from a night out with friends. 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. Christina was full of life, fundraiser organizer Angela Yujin Lee wrote on behalf of the Lee family. She radiated positivity, joy, and love. She supported her friends in everything that they did. "She went above and beyond to make those she loved know she was there for themnever expecting anything in return, the statement continued. Her loss is an unfathomable tragedy that her loved ones and her community will struggle with for years to come. In announcing the guilty plea, District Attorney Bragg thanked police and other investigative teams for their work on the case. Today Assamad Nash was held accountable for senselessly taking Christina Yuna Lees life after he followed her into her own home, he said in the release. Ms. Yuna Lees family and loved ones were deprived of a daughter, sister, and friend. My thoughts are with her family and our community as they continue healing from this tragedy. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. N.Y.C. Man Bitten by Snake He Found in His Bathtub While Trying to Flush It Down the Toilet Steve Nahama thought the reptile was "a worm of some sort" when he first saw it Ethan Ramirez/Getty Corn snake A New York City man had a scary encounter with a snake he found in his bathroom and ended up getting bitten while attempting to get rid of it. Steve Nahama of Brooklyn made a shocking discovery when unexpectedly found a corn snake in his bathtub on Wednesday, June 19. Speaking with local CW affiliate WPIX, Nahama said that he had just woken up at the time and initially thought the reptile was "a worm of some sort." Then, when he tried to flush it down the toilet, the snake bit him. Related: Mom Finds Venomous Snake Hiding in Sons Underwear Drawer: 'Not Something You See Every Day' In a statement to PEOPLE, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information described the reptile as being a corn snake which are not venomous and are legal in New York City that was "approximately 18' inches long." 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. Police went on to say the snake bit the man on his index finger and that afterwards, he "put it down back inside the tub." Boy_Anupong/Getty Corn snake After putting the snake down, the man then called 911 and an emergency service unit arrived and removed the snake safely without any further incidents to the Animal Shelter in Queens, police said. Related: Texas Woman Attacked by Snake and Hawk While Mowing Her Lawn: 'Help Me, Jesus' Once EMS arrived, Nahamas snake bite was observed at the scene and was in stable condition. As for how the snake got there, Nahama told WPIX that it wasn't his, but that his best guess was it entered his apartment through the sewer system. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. An associate pastor at St. Philip Catholic Church who was indicted earlier this year on sexual abuse charges is facing more charges in a new indictment. A Williamson County grand jury returned a superseding indictment on June 5 charging Rev. Juan Carlos Garcia- Mendoza with two additional counts of sexual battery. Garcia-Mendoza was originally indicted in February with one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, one count of aggravated sexual battery, four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and two counts of sexual battery. St. Philip Catholic Church is on the corner of Main Street and First Ave. and has many buildings on its campus that take up a whole block. This building was once a bank. Photo taken Jan. 28, 2020. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2020 at St. Rose of Lima in Murfreesboro and was assigned to St. Philip in July 2022. St. Philip officials reported to the Diocese of Nashville Safe Environment Office in November 2023 that a teen in the parish had made a report of improper touching involving Garcia-Mendoza, records show. The diocese said Friday that Garcia-Mendoza was removed from public ministry in November. Per diocesan protocols, church officials filed a report about the allegations against Garcia-Mendoza with the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services, officials said. The church then hired an outside investigator, a former FBI agent, to investigate the allegations of abuse against Garcia-Mendoza after they were brought to light, according to a February statement. "The Diocese of Nashville Review Board was promptly convened to evaluate information available from the investigation and to advise the bishop," the statement reads, adding that the board then recommended to remove the priest from active ministry "Further, the investigative report and all available information were provided to the Franklin Police Department on the dioceses own initiative." The Franklin Police Department said it was investigating in January, and the original indictment against Garcia-Mendoza followed in February. The priest is being held in the Williamson County Jail on a $2 million bond. His next court date is scheduled for July 8. Meanwhile, the Franklin Police Department is asking anyone with information about Garcia-Mendoza to contact Det. Andrea Clark at 615-476-2809. Information about reporting abuse and victim assistance can be located at www.dioceseofnashville.com. . This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville-area Catholic priest indicted, accused of child sex abuse How Nashville Pride evolved in the 36 years since the city held its first parade The phrase Pride parade in todays Nashville is nearly synonymous with a single, vibrant image: confetti, banners, extravagant parade floats and even more extravagant fashion all bedecked in rainbow colors symbolizing the LGBTQ+ community. But this eye-catching, high-spirited annual event didnt always look like this. In fact, in 1988 the year the first Pride event occurred in Nashville the event looked very different. Starting at Fannie Mae Dees Park and walking to Centennial Park, around 125 participants marched in the first Pride parade, which was flanked by protestors and gawkers alike. Covered by The Tennessean in the June 26, 1988 edition, photos and accounts from the event show a group of casually-dressed participants waving banners and smiling to onlookers, while protestors alongside blamed the marchers for everything from the recent lack of rainfall to the AIDS epidemic. Some of the more than 250 people march in the first Nashville Lesbian and Gay Pride parade from Fannie Mae Dees Park to Centennial Park on June 25, 1988. The parade was one of several local activities held to celebrate Nashville Pride Week, which ends the next day. We had no idea how many people would actually show up, or even march, Jeffery Ellis, publisher of the first weekly gay newspaper in Tennessee and one of the emcees of the 1988 Pride parade, said in a recent interview. But it gave us all a very really sense of community. At the time, Ellis said, the LGBTQ+ community was not organized like today it was still difficult to come out as queer, and in many cases, detrimental to ones livelihood. A lesbian couple interviewed by The Tennessean at the 1988 parade stood alongside the festivities, telling reporters that they could not actively participate in the parade, or even give their names to the paper, because they were not out to their families and had to live and work in this city. Given the stereotypes about lesbians and gays, I think it would be detrimental to my work with people, one of the women said at the time. Mel Perry, left, minister of Grace Bible Presbyterian Church, and one of his church members protest at the entrance to Centennial Park during the Nashville Lesbian and Gay Pride parade on June 25, 1988. About 250-300 people marched from Fannie Mae Dee Park to Centennial Park as part of Nashville Pride Week. Despite the risk, Ellis said a number of activists within Nashville were inspired by the October 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, and wanted to do something in Music City. He said it was exactly what the community needed. For the first time in my life, we felt we were a community working together, Ellis said. It wasnt just going to a bar. We were there at the right moment. And when this seed of activism was planted, we helped it to grow. Now, as Nashville Pride celebrates its 36th year being out and proud in the heart of Music City, Brady Ruffin, a board member at Nashville Pride, said if he could tell the original organizers and participants anything, it would be an emphatic thank you. Some of the more than 250 people start the first Nashville Lesbian and Gay Pride parade from Fannie Mae Dees Park to Centennial Park on June 25, 1988. The parade was one of several local activities held to celebrate Nashville Pride Week, which ends the next day. I dont even think they realized what type of infrastructure they were building, Ruffin said. But they were really building the groundwork for an important space that is integral to the wellbeing, the happiness, the joy and the authenticity of an entire queer community in the state of Tennessee. I cant imagine what they had to overcome to even have that first pride festival. I hope they know their work mattered, and that it didnt only make a difference in 1988 but that 36 years later wed be having a festival with over 125,000 people attending, living their authentic and vulnerable selves, and experiencing queer joy. Its just as necessary in 2024 as it was in 1988. 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: Nashville Pride: How parade has evolved since first in 1988 ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, June 20. Turkmenistan and Hungary exchanged views on key aspects of the international agenda, Trend reports. According to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, the exchange of views took place in Budapest during political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Hungary. The Turkmen side was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov, and the Hungarian side was headed by Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Adam Stifter. During the political consultations, a wide range of issues related to the further strengthening of Turkmen-Hungarian relations and key aspects of the international agenda were discussed. The parties considered ways to increase the volume of trade, economic, and investment partnerships, improve the contractual and legal framework, and implement promising joint projects in the fields of energy, industry, and pharmaceuticals. At the same time, the diplomats stated a mutual focus on enhancing ties in the educational and cultural spheres. The sides also noted that they consider political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries as an important component of the interstate dialogue, and at the end of the meeting, the importance of continuing the established dialogue for further diversification of fruitful cooperation meeting mutual interests was emphasized. Meanwhile, Hungary and Turkmenistan are actively developing cooperation through participation in international structures and organizations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Both countries strive to strengthen dialogue and interaction within these platforms to promote common interests in the fields of politics, economics, and culture. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Education Secretary Jacob Oliva talk about the LEARNS Act and what it means for K-12 education in Arkansas at an invitation-only town hall in El Dorado on June 6, 2023. (Randall Lee/Courtesy of the Governor's Press Office) Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Education Secretary Jacob Oliva talk about the LEARNS Act and what it means for K-12 education in Arkansas at an invitation-only town hall in El Dorado on June 6, 2023. (Randall Lee/Courtesy of the Governor's Press Office) Partnership for Educational Choice, a group that defends educational choice nationwide, filed a motion this week asking to join the defense of an Arkansas lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new school voucher program. Four guardians of public school students filed the lawsuit earlier this month in the Pulaski County Circuit Court. The plaintiffs asked a judge to block enforcement of the Education Freedom Account Program created by the Arkansas LEARNS Act. The complaint alleges that using funds intended for public schools elsewhere violates a Constitutional provision. The complaint also contends, If implemented, the LEARNS Act will drain valuable and necessary resources from the public school system and create a separate and unequal school system that discriminates between children based on economic, racial and physical characteristics and capabilities. Current defendants include Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Education Secretary Jacob Oliva, the Arkansas State Board of Education and Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson. Partnership for Educational Choice is described as a joint project of the Institute for Justice and EdChoice. Both of the listed organizations are nonprofits with a history of defending school voucher programs like the one Sanders championed in 2023. If the motion to intervene from Partnership for Educational Choice is approved, attorneys would represent three Arkansas mothers who currently use or intend to use the voucher program, according to a press release. Those mothers are Erika Lara of Little Rock, Katie Parrish of Paragould and Nikita Glendenning of Van Buren. Before I received my Education Freedom Account, my son was being bullied and struggling academically, but now I have the resources to put him into a school where hes thriving, Lara said in a press release. Taking away this program would put my sons academic and social progress in jeopardy. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX More than 5,400 Arkansas students participated in the first year of the program, which is being phased in over three years. Participation will be capped at about 14,000 students for the 2024-2025 school year. Around $6,600 in state funding was available to each student last year. That will increase to nearly $6,900 this year. Lawmakers recently approved $97.5 million for the states voucher program for the 2025 fiscal year. The program could cost upwards of $175 million in its third year when its available to all Arkansas students, the state finance department has estimated. Among the reasons for intervention, the motion notes the mothers interest in the program is inextricably intertwined with their fundamental liberty interest in directing the upbringing and education of their children. Lara and Parrish each have one child that has switched schools using the Education Freedom Account Program. The motion notes that if the program is struck down, the women would be left in a difficult financial situation. Glendenning intends to use the program for two of her four children during the 2025-2026 school year. Despite repeated court rulings that these types of programs are constitutional, opponents of educational choice continue to attack these programs, said Ed Choice Vice President and Director of Litigation Thomas M. Fisher in a press release. We look forward to defending this program and making clear that it is constitutional. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST National Service: What is Rishi Sunaks plan, is it mandatory and how will it work? Rishi Sunak has vowed to bring back National Service for 18-year-olds. Under the mandatory scheme, teenagers will have to enrol in the military for 12 months or spend one weekend each month volunteering in their community. A new Royal Commission will design the programme, with a pilot scheme opening for applications in September 2025, ahead of a national rollout by 2029. Here, The Telegraph takes a look at some key questions about the plans. What is National Service? National Service was introduced in the UK in 1949, with all physically fit males aged 17 and 21 having to serve in the Armed Forces initially for 18 months, but lengthened to two years in 1950. They then remained on the reserve list for another four years and during this time they could be called on to serve with their units but on no more than three occasions for a maximum of 20 days. Under Rishi Sunaks modern scheme, teenagers will be given the choice of enrolling in the military for 12 months or undertaking a period of volunteering in their community. When did UK national service end? National Service officially ended in 1960 although periods of deferred service still had to be completed. The last national servicemen were discharged in 1963. A poster for national service in Trafalgar Square What ages will have to participate? Under Tory plans, school leavers aged 18 would be required to participate in the scheme. Will 18-year-olds at university be exempt or allowed to defer? No. Everyone will have to do National Service and fit it around their lives. There will be very limited deferments and none for university students. What sanctions could people face for refusing National Service? During a BBC Question Time special on June 20, Mr Sunak suggested teenagers who refuse National Service could forfeit their driving licence. Asked what sanctions could be implemented to force those who did not want to take part in the scheme to participate, the Prime Minister said: Youll have a set of sanctions, and incentives, and we will look at the models that are existing around Europe for the appropriate mix of those. Theres all sorts of things across Europe, whether thats looking at driving licenses, other access to finance, all sorts of other things. He added: Theres a range of things, and we will have a Royal Commission look at all of those, come back to the Government and recommend what the appropriate mix of incentives and sanctions is. What if the young person has a job? There will be no exemption for those who are in work. What if they are on a gap year abroad? This will not be a reason for exemption and those abroad will be expected to do their National Service alongside any travel. What if they already work in the emergency services, prison or care sectors? The Royal Commission will look at exemptions, including where people are already working in the military. But the starting point remains that all people serve. What if the young person has unpaid caring commitments? The Royal Commission will aim to ensure everyone can take part. Weekend placements could be within the NHS, fire or police service, or with charities supporting older people or tackling loneliness. Will the royal children be expected to take part? Yes everyone will be expected to undergo National Service. Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, would not be exempt, the Conservative Party told The Telegraph. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also have young children who would be eligible to take part once they reach 18 as well as Prince Edwards son, the Earl of Wessex, who is 16. Royal children will be expected to take part - Chris Jackson Will the scheme apply in Northern Ireland? Yes although the Royal Commission will consider how to manage any sensitivities surrounding National Service. What if not enough people apply for the military placement? The Tories have argued similar schemes in other countries have a very high take-up rate, suggesting they dont expect this to be a problem. For example, in Scandinavian countries, winning military service programme is highly competitive. In Norway, 9,840 conscripts were accepted last year; roughly 17 per cent of the available cohort. Around a quarter go on to pursue a career in the armed forces. There would be a proposed 30,000 places available in the Armed Forces, which represents only about four per cent of 18-year-olds according to todays figures. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The dishonorably discharged Navy sailor reportedly pleaded guilty to rape in May, the same month he was charged with capital murder Fairfield Police Department Julian Jefferson A former Navy sailor who is suspected of murdering a young woman reportedly received a sentence of 20 years in prison for a separate incident in which he pleaded guilty to having sexually assaulting a woman aboard a naval base earlier this year. KWTX reported Wednesday that Julian Jefferson, 20, received the sentencing in relation to a Jan. 2023 incident in which his victim said the former sailor broke into her room aboard Naval Base Colorado and forcibly assaulted her. Jefferson, who was dishonorably discharged from the Navy, pleaded guilty to burglary and rape charges in early May, according to local KGTV and The Times of Freestone County. The victim told investigators that she texted Jefferson earlier that night asking him to be quiet because she could hear him talking in an adjacent room while she was trying to go to sleep. Jefferson apologized over text, but the victim says she then began to hear knocking on her door throughout the night. Multiple times, the victim checked the door to find no one there and began trying to look through the doors peephole to find out who was knocking. When she eventually caught Jefferson in the act, the former sailor forced the door open and threw the victim to the floor, beginning to choke her, according to court-martial documents cited in KWTXs report. Jefferson then assaulted the victim on the floor before dragging her to her bed to continue the assault. He then reportedly dragged the victim to the shower, where he again assaulted her, according to the documents cited by KWTX. The outlet reported that the victim said the assault lasted roughly two hours. The victim reportedly described the incident as torturous," according to the documents. Witnesses had heard the struggle and called 911, according to KWTX, with one woman telling investigators she heard someone screaming bloody murder at the top of her lungs at the time of the assault. After Jefferson left the victims room, she ran to a friends barracks for help. 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. Jefferson is already facing the possibility of life in prison if convicted of the capital murder charge he received in late May in connection with the March 28 killing of 22-year-old Denise Lissette Ramos. Ramos body was discovered at her home in Fairfield, Texas, after police conducted a wellness check because she did not show up to work. Jefferson was charged with capital murder on May 20, according to KWTX. It's not immediately clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney. "This whole thing has left an empty hole in our stomach. It's left a scar on our family, Luis Ramos, Denises father, told KGTV. And, just to hear that, you know, he is going to be held accountable for his actions; it helps us to kind of start to heal. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. As NC House moves its budget forward, Senate releases its own proposal In this Sept. 19, 2023 file photo, Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore talk to reporters about the state budget. After talks between the state House and Senate GOP appeared to stall, Republicans in both chambers are moving forward with their own proposals to make adjustments to the states two-year budget. The N.C. House gave initial approval to its budget proposal Wednesday evening with four Democrats joining Republicans to vote for the bill, following hours of debate that included consideration of 20 amendments offered by members of both parties, nine of which were approved. As debate on the House floor was happening, Senate Republicans released the text of their own budget adjustment bill, which was scheduled for a committee hearing Thursday morning. The Senate GOP budget would provide additional child care funding. But it wouldnt give further raises for teachers or state employees. Republicans also want to provide money to clear a backlog of more than 55,000 students who applied for a private school voucher this year. Demand exploded after lawmakers remove income eligibility limits for the Opportunity Scholarship program. Both House and Senate budget writers say their plan fully funds the wait list. Senate budget Senate budget writers propose providing an additional $136.5 million in one-time child care funding to address the loss of federal COVID-19 pandemic relief aid at the end of June. But child care advocates say $300 million is needed to avoid widespread closures of child care centers. Unlike the House budget, the Senate doesnt call for increasing teacher raises for the 2024-25 school year that were agreed to in last years budget. This means beginning teachers would see a 5.1% raise this year. But teachers with 15 or more years experience would get just a 1.5% raise. Most state employees are set to get 3% raises that were agreed to in last years budget. The House would add an additional 1%, but the Senate budget would leave those raises unchanged. If an updated spending plan is not passed during this legislative short session, the budget enacted last year by Republicans who hold a legislative supermajority will remain in effect. Budget sticking points Speaker Tim Moore told reporters after Wednesdays initial vote on the House budget that he hadnt yet read the Senate proposal. Moore said that while there are many shared priorities between the chambers, there are still key differences including additional raises for teachers and state employees. Senate leader Phil Berger has said the Senate wont approve the Houses proposal, citing concerns with dipping into reserves. The state has about a $1 billion revenue surplus this year. The Houses proposal uses this surplus and pulls from reserves. The Senate has tried to work something out with the House; we have agreed to dip into the reserves, but not nearly to the tune of the House, Berger told reporters on Tuesday. And weve only done that to try to get a deal, and they continue to want to spend way too much money. Berger also said that unless something changes drastically, the Senate plans to go home at the end of this month. Earlier on Tuesday, Rep. Donny Lambeth, a Winston-Salem Republican and one of the House budget chairs, expressed optimism that a compromise could be reached. Lambeth said some of the main sticking points between the chambers were on retiree bonuses, raises for teachers and state employees and Medicaid provider rates. The Houses proposal provides $13 million in recurring funds to increase the Medicaid rates paid for durable medical equipment and for speech language and audiology therapy services. Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers released his budget adjustment proposal which serves as a recommendation in late April. His proposal called for an 8.5% teacher pay raise this year and 5% raises for state employees plus bonuses. Cooper also opposed funding for the private school scholarships. Under the Dome Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here. NC legislators looking at more regulations for vape shops Vape products in North Carolina could soon have more regulations. Right now, the Food and Drug Administration regulated the products, but it doesnt have the ability to check whats being sold. A bill in the North Carolina state House would fine stores that sell non-certified products, and it would create a registry of stores that violate the law. RELATED: Senators blast health and law enforcement officials over illegal e-cigarettes used by teens Violations could result in suspensions or revoking the license of the store. The bill still needs to pass in the legislature before the end of July. (WATCH: SC health officials to address youth vaping epidemic) Republican state lawmakers unveiled a variety of proposed amendments to the state constitution on Thursday that they want to put on the Nov. 5 ballot dealing with voter ID, voter eligibility and income taxes. All three of the proposed amendments make essentially no tangible changes to existing state law, leading critics to cast them as simply ways to drive conservatives to the polls. Some of the proposals could also lock in existing GOP-written laws, making them harder to change. I dont want to impugn the motives of my colleagues, Sen. Julie Mayfield, a Buncombe County Democrat, said. But ultimately I think these are coming up because its a turnout issue. The three amendments proposed Thursday would: Clarify that voter ID is required for mail-in voting, in addition to in-person voting. State law already requires voter ID for all forms of voting. Clarify that only citizens are allowed to vote in North Carolina elections. It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote. Lower the states maximum income tax to 5%. The states current individual income tax rate is already below that, at 4.5%. Republican sponsors said the bills provide a necessary opportunity to conform the constitution to existing law. The great state of North Carolina belongs to her people, Sen. Brad Overcash, a Gaston County Republican said. An opportunity before you today is to empower the people of North Carolina to amend their own constitution, to declare that citizens and only citizens of this state are allowed to vote in our elections. Overcash said that the citizen-only voting amendment is in response to a trend in other states that have allowed noncitizens to vote in some local elections. North Carolina law would not currently allow any city to open local elections up to noncitizens. Alongside those amendments, Senate Republicans put forth a bill proposing several substantive changes to election laws, some of which have been pushed for by conservative election integrity groups. In order to send a constitutional amendment to voters, it must first be approved by a supermajority in both the state House and Senate. North Carolina voters first approved a voter ID law in 2018 as a constitutional amendment, which passed with about 55% of the vote. The law was caught up in litigation, though, and didnt actually go into effect until last year, when the Republican-controlled Supreme Court reversed a prior ruling that had found the law unconstitutional. Voters also approved a cap on income tax in 2018, which lowered it to 7%. The North Carolina NAACP sued the state over both of those amendments at the time, arguing that the legislature did not have the authority to send them to voters since they were found to have been elected in racially gerrymandered districts. The case has still not been resolved, but could potentially become moot if new amendments are approved in the 2024 elections. The voter ID requirement is also being challenged in federal court as part of a lawsuit filed by the NAACP over five years ago. The NAACP argues that the law discriminates against Black and Latino voters, while state lawmakers argue its a necessary step to securing elections. U.S District Judge Loretta Biggs, who has ruled against the requirement before, held a trial in May and could release a ruling in the case at any time. More election changes on the table Another bill dealing with elections advanced in committee on Thursday, sponsored by Republican Sen. Warren Daniel. Senate Bill 88 would: Require political ads to include a disclosure if they used generative artificial intelligence in certain circumstances. Require the use of signature verification technology to check mail-in ballots beginning in 2025. Require county boards of election to check death records and felony conviction records prior to certifying an election to determine if ballots need to be removed. State that once a local governments election methods have been changed by the General Assembly, the local government cannot alter those changes until the next federal census. Democrats in the committee voiced some support for the AI provision, but noted their opposition to the sections dealing with signature verification and local government elections. Republicans already approved a pilot program for signature verification last year, but the State Board of Elections was unable to acquire a contractor before the March primary election to test out the technology. SB 88 would direct the pilot program to continue in the 2024 elections under the same rules, meaning it would only be tested in 10 counties and no votes would be thrown out for failing the signature verification match. However, the bill would require signature verification to be used statewide beginning in 2025 regardless of the results of the pilot program. Obviously, the course that were on is the safer course, because we have no idea what this is going to produce, Mayfield said. ... I would argue that we continue on the safer course, rather than change the default to were going to do this. Its just always harder to change things. Daniel said that although the pilot program had not been completed, Republicans wanted to go ahead and authorize the technology rather than kind of wait on the bureaucratic churn of that process. As for the provision dealing with local governments, Democrats described it as a power grab intended to allow Republicans to draw more favorable districts in local elections. North Carolina lawmakers already have the power to change the election methods for local governments. But the new law would prevent local governments whod already faced alterations from the state from making any changes to their elections until a new census is completed, which only happens once every 10 years. We are taking away an important authority that they (local governments) have and and putting into the hands of this body, which has shown repeatedly its desire to consolidate power here and take it away from whoever else has it, Mayfield said. ... That is absolutely beyond the pale. I think it is one of the more blatant power grabs that weve seen. The amendments and SB 88 passed the Senate Elections Committee on Thursday despite the objections from Democrats. Under the Dome Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here. NC State University will remove the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, systems and other building materials in Poe Hall to remedy the presence of toxic chemicals that shuttered the building late last year, Chancellor Randy Woodson announced Thursday. The announcement comes about two weeks after the university released test results from inside Poe Hall that confirmed PCBs polychlorinated biphenyls, synthetic chemicals that were banned from being produced in the United States in 1979 in the building originated from insulation in the HVAC system. Those test results, as well as a previous round of tests, showed that levels of the chemicals in the air, where they pose the greatest health risks, were found to be below exposure levels recommended by the EPA for school environments. Still, federal regulations require any materials with concentrations of PCBs higher than 500 parts per million (ppm) to be removed from buildings once they are discovered. The early-June test results showed PCB materials in the building had concentrations ranging from 0.91 to 53,000 ppm. PCBs are considered to be probable human carcinogens, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They also are known to have a myriad of other negative health effects. To address the presence of materials with PCBs, Woodson said the university has concluded that the bulk removal of the entirety of the HVAC systems, interior and exterior walls, paneled facade and windows is the most effective and possibly most expeditious pathway to address this unique situation. Woodson said the university has shared its initial plans for remediation with the EPA and will seek formal approval from the agency for its proposal in the coming weeks. Woodson did not provide a specific timeline for when renovations might begin or end, but said the university now anticipates Poe Hall to be closed for renovations through at least next spring, which will mark the end of the 2024-25 academic year. University leaders had previously said the building would be closed through at least the end of the 2024 calendar year. During the renovations, the College of Education, one of two academic units previously housed in Poe Hall, will continue to lease space on the universitys Centennial Campus. The other unit, the psychology department, will move permanently to space at 111 Lampe Drive, and renovations will be planned in that building to ensure it suits the departments needs, Woodson said. I can assure you that our campus community will be the first to know when the timeline for building remediation is finalized, Woodson said. The state House of Representatives earmarked at least $5 million in state funds for Poe Hall renovations in its budget proposal, released Monday. The proposal would authorize the university to receive as much as $180 million in state funds for renovations to the building. Earlier this year, there was excitement about the Washington Commanders and a potential return to the nations capital. The House of Representatives passed a bill granting the District a 99-year lease for the land where RFK Stadium sits. The bill followed the recent goodwill between the organization and the city, which began when new owner Josh Harris purchased the team from Daniel Snyder last summer. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser went on record multiple times stating that the Commanders next stadium should be in D.C. Harris and the team have options. Maryland where the team currently plays its home games wants to keep the team. In Virginia, where the teams headquarters is located, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the state is a great place for a new Commanders stadium. While the Commanders havent tipped their hand on where they want to build a new stadium, the District would appear to be the preferred choice. Harris and minority owners Mitch Rales and Mark Ein all grew up in the Washington area, going to games at RFK Stadium as kids. So, if the House approved this with rare bipartisan support, why isnt this moving along? As of now, it remains stuck in the Senate. Montana Sen. Steve Daines, the ranking member of the National Parks Subcommittee, has said he will continue to hold up the bill unless the Commanders find a way to honor the legacy of Walter Blackie Wetzel, who created the logo for the teams former name that was retired in 2020. According to A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports, Daines, the Commanders and the Wetzel family are continuing to work out a deal. Daines represents Montana, where the Wetzel family is from, and the Blackfeet tribe he was a member of is also based in Montana. We have been very pleased with the conversations weve had with the Commanders, Ryan Wetzel, grandson of the late Wetzel, told Perez and Front Office Sports. The three of us meaning the Commanders, Dainess office, and the Wetzel family have made headway, and some steps being made that will please the D.C. community and the fan base. In his latest report on the story, Perez noted that one Senate aide said the bill is unlikely to see any more action until after Thanksgiving. Thats good and bad. The Commanders have no known timeframe to make a deal, though the lease at Commanders Field is set to expire in 2027. The quicker this is resolved, the sooner Harris and his group can begin making plans for the teams new home. The extra time also gives all three sides more chances to strike a deal in which everyone feels like they win. Thats rare almost as rare as any bill finding bipartisan support at all levels of the government. Wetzels grandson made it clear that its not about the name; its about the logo his grandfather created, which was a profile of pride for Native American communities. Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire Electric meters. | Sarah Vogelsong/States Newsroom Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has intervened on a recent request from DTE, in which the company is requesting a waiver to rules requiring electricity providers to automatically credit customers facing frequent or extended power outages. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which oversees energy companies within the state, issued updated Service Quality Rules in 2023, tightening timelines for companies to restore power to customers under various weather conditions, increasing the amount providers must pay customers impacted by outages, and requiring energy companies to provide those credits automatically. Customers were previously required to contact the utility in order to receive the outage credit. Under the most recent fee adjustment, customers are entitled to a $38 credit if they are out of power for more than 16 hours when less than 1% of their providers customers have an outage, 48 hours when between 1% and 10% of their providers customers are in an outage or 96 hours when 10% of more of a providers customers are without power. Once a consumer qualifies for the credit, they will receive an additional $38 a day until the outage is restored. Customers who experience more than six interruptions in a 12-month period are also entitled to a $38 credit, with the number of interruptions resetting to zero once the credit is paid. In its case before the MPSC, DTE requested a waiver to the outage credit requirements for customers whose homes are not equipped with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), or smart meters, which allow companies to monitor energy or gas consumption in real time. The company would instead require customers without smart meters to contact DTEs customer service department via phone and request a reliability credit review, which would require the company to conduct a manual investigation to determine the duration of the outage. Under DTEs proposed alternative, the company would have 90 days to provide an outage credit beginning after the customer makes their initial service request, rather than within 90 days of restoring service. According to testimony submitted to the MPSC, DTE services about 13,000 customers who have opted out of advanced metering infrastructure. The companys ability to automatically provide a bill credit to AMI opt-out customers is not technologically feasible within the prescribed 90 days because of the lack of requisite outage data generated by non-transmitting meters, its testimony reads. It continues: Although the rules do not distinguish AMI and AMI opt-out customers, the AMI-derived meter data required to identify instantaneous outage data and automatically determine bill credit eligibility does not exist for AMI opt-out customers. Thus, the Companys ability to automatically identify customers who are eligible for a duration or frequency bill credit under the Rules is not technologically feasible due to not having the ability to automatically retrieve data. DTE also argues that developing a system to identify customers who have opted out of smart metering as eligible for outage credits would subject the company to an undue economic burden, noting its current solution is advanced metering infrastructure data, which is not available to these customers. In a Tuesday news release, Nessel criticized the companys request as a bid to avoid public accountability. DTE is asking to be excused from complying with the States outage credit rules, put in place to hold utilities accountable for their performance and to compensate their bill-paying customers when their lights go out. DTE has an obligation to provide reliable service to all its customers, regardless of whether they have smart meters or not, Nessel said. DTEs desire to erode public accountability measures is unsurprising, but it is an overreach to seek to be permanently excused from complying with the outage credit mandate. As always, my team will be carefully scrutinizing this request, she said. In an emailed statement, DTE spokesperson Ryan Lowry emphasized the company had not requested an exemption from paying outage credits to customers. DTE remains committed to providing outage credits to all qualifying customers. This happens automatically for the more than two million customers with advanced metering infrastructure, or smart meter technology. Approximately 13,000 customers have opted-out of smart meters and continue to use legacy meters, which have technology limitations that prevent the meter from communicating outage information and DTE from proactively issuing a credit, Lowry said. The company has requested that these legacy meter customers proactively submit a credit request to help ensure their outage credit is captured and processed, Lowry said. The post Nessel reviews DTE request for alternate outage credit rules for customers without smart meters appeared first on Michigan Advance. The public war of words between Israel and the U.S. continued Thursday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responding pointedly to the White House after the Biden administration again denied his claim the U.S. is withholding weapons from Israel amid its fight in Gaza with Hamas. His response came shortly after White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, in a call with reporters on Thursday, called Netanyahu's claim "perplexing to say the least" and two days after the White House bluntly said it "genuinely didn't know what he's talking about." In a video he released earlier this week, Netanyahu claimed "the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions" Israel needed to fight Hamas. MORE: Biden administration strongly denies Netanyahu's claim US is blocking arms shipments amid war with Hamas On Thursday, he said, "I am ready to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives from the U.S. the ammunition it needs in the war for its existence." PHOTO: National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Kirby reiterated the White House's frustration. "Obviously, we didn't know that video was coming and it was perplexing to say the least, certainly disappointing, especially given that no other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas, quite frankly, other threats that they're facing in the region in the United States," he said, adding he had "no idea" what prompted the Israeli politician to post it. "There has been no change in our posture," Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisted on Tuesday, saying it was "regular order" with the exception of one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs paused over Biden's publicly expressed concern the imprecise munitions could be used in the southern Gazan city of Rafah and other areas heavily populated by civilians. Two officials involved in approving arms transfers to Israel backed up the secretary's comments, telling ABC News the administration is continuing to process both longstanding requests in the pipeline and new orders made after the onset of the conflict. "You'd have to talk to the prime minister about what prompted him to do that," Kirby said of his video comments. "Again, it was vexing and disappointing to us -- as much as it was incorrect. So, difficult to know exactly what was on his mind." MORE: Biden administration strongly denies Netanyahu's claim US is blocking arms shipments amid war with Hamas Kirby, asked about a behind-the-scenes efforts to get an apology from Netanyahu over the video, also said, "I think we've made it abundantly clear to our Israeli counterparts from various vehicles our deep disappointment in the statements expressed in that video and our concerns over the accuracy in the statements made." PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ceremony at the Nahalat Yitshak Cemetery in Tel Aviv, Israel, on June 18, 2024. (Shaul Golan/AP) Despite the growing public tensions, officials from both nations met in Washington on Thursday to discuss the ongoing war. Kirby confirmed that national security adviser Jake Sullivan would still be meeting with high-level Israeli officials coming to the White House. MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: Netanyahu video was 'perplexing,' 'disappointing,' US says "Jake [Sullivan] will be meeting today with his counterpart," Kirby said, referring to Tzachi Hanegbi, the head of Israel's National Security Council. He also said that Ron Dermer, Israeli's Minister of Strategic Affairs, would be in the session. "It'll be a wide-ranging discussion, I think you can imagine, about everything that's going on with the Gaza war with our support to Israel, with our efforts to get a better sense of how they're continuing to prosecute operations against Hamas, as well as continuing to talk about the importance of closing on this deal," Kirby said ahead of the meeting. Biden's team was enraged and frustrated by Netanyahu's video, a U.S. official told ABC News on Wednesday, adding that U.S. officials have made clear to the Israelis that Netanyahu's video is inaccurate and out of line. PHOTO: This handout picture released by the Israeli army, on June 20, 2024, shows Israeli army soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (Israeli Army Handout via AFP via Getty Images) The meeting comes after the U.S. canceled another meeting between American and Israeli officials to discuss Iran in response to the Netanyahu video, officials confirmed to ABC News. But the White House pushed back on claims that a high-level U.S.-Israel meeting on Iran scheduled for this Thursday was canceled specifically because of the video. It instead pointed to scheduling issues as the reason for the cancellation of the meeting. The White House also insists that the meeting will be rescheduled. At the State Department Thursday, spokesperson Matt Miller announced that Blinken would meet with Dermer and Hanegbi Thursday afternoon. Miller said that during the meeting, the officials would discuss "our ongoing work to try to reach a ceasefire that will secure the release of all hostages" as well as the situation in north of Israel along the country's border with Lebanon, as well as ongoing work to "get humanitarian assistance into Gaza and work that needs to be done to accelerate and improve that process." ABC News' Will Gretzky and Shannon K. Crawford contributed to this report. Netanyahu and White House continue public disagreement over claim US withholding weapons amid Israel's war with Hamas originally appeared on abcnews.go.com TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 12. The World Bank has transferred the first tranche of funds in the amount of $7.5 million for the iCRAFT project in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. According to Uzbekistans Ministry of Economy and Finance, the funds will be implemented for financing the reforms, including the mitigation of the impact of the energy tariffs reform and the financial support of vulnerable layers of the population within the scope of the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) component. The first tranche is a grant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that will be returned to Uzbekistan as a simulation for international trade of greenhouse gases. Meanwhile, the application of the innovative carbon resources for energy reforms project (iCRAFT) in Uzbekistan is being implemented with the support of the World Bank, according to the presidential resolution of Uzbekistan dated August 8, 2023. The iCRAFT project is the first global initiative in the world to support reforms in the field of energy implemented in Uzbekistan with the participation of the World Bank, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and starting to trade some of them on international markets. Moreover, the amount of approved funding from international financial institutions and development agencies in the Eurasian region for Uzbekistan amounted to $3.2 billion in 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was willing to suffer personal attacks if the U.S. sends weapons after the Biden administration criticized him for a video earlier this week that expressed misgivings about Washingtons arms support for his country. I am ready to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives from the US the ammunition it needs in the war for its existence, Netanyahu wrote on his personal account on the social media platform X. Netanyahu claimed in a video Tuesday that he spoke to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the U.S. withholding weapons shipments to Israel, sparking immediate backlash from the White House. Blinken quickly denied the claims during a Tuesday press conference, while White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters: We genuinely do not know what hes talking about. Netanyahus reply Thursday came just hours after White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the Israeli prime ministers video was perplexing. Those comments were deeply disappointing and vexing to us, Kirby said. A high-level meeting between U.S. and Israeli officials reportedly was not finalized after Netanyahus comments in a sign of how quickly relations have deteriorated over the spat. A similar meeting was also canceled in March after the U.S. declined to veto a resolution in the United Nations Security Council calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The Biden administration is withholding 2,000-pound bombs and 500-pound bombs from Israel over concern about their use in densely populated areas of Gaza, including the southern city of Rafah, but Blinken said this week that he was not aware of any other arms shipments on pause. Top Democrats on the Foreign Affairs committees in Congress earlier this week approved an $18 billion sale that includes some 50 F-15 fighters jets for Israel. The lawmakers had held back approval for months but were pressured by the Biden administration to give the OK for the arms shipment, which will take years to arrive in Israel. Democrats, including Biden, have expressed concerns about the death toll in Gaza, where more than 37,000 Palestinians have died in more than eight months of war. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A newborn baby was left abandoned on a hot Texas walking trail. Authorities want to know why. A premature baby girl was found abandoned along a Texas walking trail Saturday and authorities are trying to figure out who left her there. A couple was walking with their child and dogs when they found the newborn baby on a bridge near a cul de sac in Katy, about 33 miles west of Houston. They called the sheriffs office about the infant around 9 a.m. Saturday morning said Sgt. Juan Garcia with the sheriffs offices Child Abuse Unit at a press conference. Deputies showed up and spoke to two witnesses who found a baby naked and wrapped in a towel. EMS took the child to a hospital, where she was listed as being in stable condition. A close-up of the foot of a 6-month-old baby on May 25, 2023. Child pictured is not the one mentioned in this story. Right now, we have an unknown male who dropped the child off at the location right here located at the 5400 block of Casa Martin Drive, Garcia said, adding that there may be video footage of the person who dropped off the baby. The baby girl was freshly born and still had placenta attached to her body, he said. The person who left the child there could face abandonment and endangerment charges, Garcia said at the conference. Hot temperatures in US: What is the heat index near you today? See map of real-feel temperatures across the US Sergeant calls child's discovery in heat a blessing When asked about the likelihood of someone finding the baby before temperatures became dangerously hot, Garcia said its a blessing that the family found the child. They were able to notice right away a male walking away from a white towel, Garcia said. They discovered the child and immediately contacted 911. The child wasn't out in these elements, which is very hot right now, for a very long time. He noted that Texans who cant care for their children can rely on the Baby Moses Law, which legalizes dropping babies off at safe spaces such as hospitals, fire stations, free-standing emergency centers or emergency medical services stations. Regarding the baby left outside on Saturday, Garcia noted that the situation is not normal but we don't know the elements behind it. The child is going to be ascertained for any medical issues or anything like that, testing, and then once the child has cleared with a doctor, of course CPS will step in and then provide some kind of housing or foster care for the child, Garcia said. He said the mother who found the child on Saturday was very emotional, in part because she has a child of her own. He said investigators were still reviewing video footage and canvassing the area, speaking to neighbors and looking for potential witnesses. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez from the Harris County Sheriffs Office also shared updates about the case over the weekend. He said investigators are looking for info about the male who dropped the child off. Search for suspect who abandoned newborn underway We are seeking info about a young Hispanic or White male, slim, fair complexion with black hair, (who) was holding the infant wrapped in a towel, he wrote on Facebook. He was wearing a black shirt, possibly gray pants. The male was on foot on the Plantation Lakes walking trail." The sheriffs office asks that anyone with information call them at (713) 830-3250 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-8477. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Newborn baby found abandoned on Texas walking trail under investigation As someone deeply committed to sustainability and fair business practices, my experience as a second-generation gas station owner has shown me the importance of finding a balance between environmental responsibility and economic viability. While I applaud efforts to protect consumers and the environment, recent decisions in Sacramento have unfortunately resulted in unintended consequences, particularly for small businesses like mine. Taha Saleh Gov. Gavin Newsom's SBX1-2, aimed at curbing "price gouging," has inadvertently led to higher gas prices by driving traders out of the market. This means less competition in the market and higher gas prices as a result. Moreover, new regulations from the California Energy Commission are adding further costs across the industry, which also filter down to the price at the pump. The reality is SBX1-2 has made it increasingly difficult to sustain our business while maintaining fair wages for our employees. The cumulative impact of these regulatory burdens, coupled with rising energy, labor, and transportation costs, makes it difficult for gas station owners like me to thrive in California's competitive market. Excessive bureaucracy not only drives up prices at the pump but also hampers our ability to invest in innovative technologies that could lead to a more sustainable future. While I support California's environmental initiatives, it's crucial for policymakers to consider the unintended consequences of their actions. Rushing to implement new regulations without thorough evaluation can exacerbate the challenges faced by small businesses and hinder our collective progress towards a greener economy. I urge policymakers to take a more measured approach, one that considers the needs of both businesses and the environment. By working together with industry stakeholders, we can develop sensible regulations that promote sustainability without unduly burdening small businesses. It's time for policymakers to prioritize collaboration and thoughtful decision-making to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all Californians. Taha Saleh is from Porterville. He operates T.A. Saleh Enterprises, Inc. This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Newsoms energy rules are driving gas prices up, hurting small businesses Insights from International Affairs, Politico, and Bloomberg The News Mark Rutte is set to become the next NATO secretary general, the alliances top job, after receiving the backing of all 32 NATO member states. Romania confirmed on Thursday that it is backing the Dutch prime ministers candidacy, after Hungary and Slovakia announced their support on Tuesday. Rutte is expected to take over in October when Jens Stoltenbergs term as NATO chief ends. His four-year term will start amidst a crucial moment in the alliances history, as Western officials warn of the growing threat of Russian aggression against NATO and the US presidential nominee Donald Trump has warned that he could limit American engagement if elected. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Appointment could test Ruttes Trump whisperer credentials Sources: iNews, International Affairs Trumps suggestion that the US would not come to the aid of NATO countries that do not spend enough on defense has sparked concern among European NATO members. Yet Rutte could be well suited for managing Trump if he returns to the White House for a second term. Rutte earned the nickname the Trump whisperer after a successful backroom charm offensive in 2018 that assured the then-US president that Europe was boosting its defense spending. Throughout the first Trump presidency, the NATO secretary generals flattery and ability to build a rapport with Trump played a key role in preserving the alliance, a researcher argued in International Affairs. Rutte could repeat the trick. Rutte appointed despite Eastern European reservations Source: Politico Mark Rutte could face an uphill battle to gain the confidence of Eastern Europe. While he will be the fourth Dutch NATO chief, Eastern Europe has yet to have any (several Eastern European contenders ultimately dropped out of the race for the top job this year after being perceived as too hawkish and focused on Russia). On top of that, Rutte failed to bring Dutch defense spending up to NATOs 2% spending target throughout his 14-year stretch as prime minister, although the country is on track to hit that threshold this year. What moral credibility does this guy have? former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves told Politico. NATO split on what to offer Ukraine at upcoming summit Sources: CNN, Bloomberg Before Rutte takes the reins, NATOs focus is on an upcoming summit in Washington in mid-July, where the alliance will likely announce a series of new policies to boost military readiness and support for Ukraine. While the UK and several Central and Eastern European countries support pledging that Ukraines path to NATO is irreversible, the US and Germany are in favor of a more moderate commitment of a bridge to membership, CNN reported. Meanwhile, NATO is pushing for allies to spend at least $43 billion per year on aid to Ukraine, which would be in line with the average support since Russias invasion, after a more ambitious plan for a larger NATO fund fell through. Nine more bodies found off southern Italy after migrant boat wreck Six bodies of the victims of the shipwreck in the Ionian Sea have been recovered. The bodies recovered by the Coast Guard patrol boat were taken to Roccella Ionica. Salvatore Cavalli/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Nine more bodies have been found off the coast of Italy after a migrant boat carrying several dozen people capsized in the Mediterranean. The Italian coastguard pulled them out of the water about 100 kilometres from the mainland, authorities said on Thursday. This brings the number of confirmed fatalities to 17. It is feared that more than 40 bodies are still in the sea. The ship had set off from Turkey but capsized off the coast of the southern Italian region of Calabria on Monday night. Only 11 people were rescued. The survivors were picked up by a merchant ship when the boat was already half sunk. They were brought to the harbour of the Calabrian town of Roccella Ionica. The Interior Ministry in Rome has counted more than 23,000 people who reached Italy on boats this year. In the same period last year, the figure was almost 56,000. GCSE pupils in Rachel Reeves constituency face being left without a school space if their parents can no longer afford private education fees under Labour. All 46 state schools in the city of Leeds are at full capacity for Year 11 students, with just one school accepting pupils in Year 10 for the next academic year, council figures show. There are 4,807 private school pupils in the city according to the Department of Education. A 7pc drop under Labour, as estimated by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank, would leave the council struggling to find 336 extra school spaces. Ms Reeves, who has been the MP for Leeds West since 2010, has long made her dislike of private schools clear and as recently as 2019 called for them to be abolished. The Telegraph approached both Ms Reeves and the Labour Party to ask whether these pupils would have to travel outside Leeds to find school spaces or if state school class sizes will be increased but received no response. The shadow chancellor previously said private schools segregate children based on parental wealth and entrench privilege and divide communities. In a series of separate posts on Twitter from 2019, when Ms Reeves was a backbench MP, she said: On private schools my view is that we should work to abolish private education. She also voiced her support for a grassroots campaign called Labour Against Private Schools that called for them to be integrated into the state sector. Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, earlier this month refused to explain how a Labour government would accommodate up to 40,000 extra pupils in the state system when asked by Camilla Tominey on GB News. A week later shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry said it could lead to larger class sizes in the short term, comments which were then slapped down by Sir Keir Starmer as wrong. Leeds City Council data, which was published on July 17, shows only six secondary schools had spaces available, with the vast majority having vacancies for only a handful of pupils in one particular year group. Leeds West Academy, in Ms Reevess constituency, had some spaces in Year 10 but for no other year group. A study by Baines Cutler, which consults schools on fees, has estimated as many as 42pc of pupils could be withdrawn from private education under Labour. An exodus of this size would negate the 1.5bn Labour hopes to raise from the policy. The IFS, meanwhile, said up to 7pc of pupils could be affected. In a report last July, the think tank warned up to 40,000 pupils would be forced out of private schools which would cost a future Labour government up to 300m in extra school spending in the medium to long run. Labour said it hopes to raise 1.5bn from the policy, which would go towards funding an additional 6,500 state school teachers. An attack on working people One dad from Leeds who is having to take his child out of private school, said the policy was an attack on hard-working people who are making great sacrifices. The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Telegraph: The policy will be crippling and unaffordable for me and no doubt many more. The state system failed my son massively. There was a severe case of bullying that just wasnt dealt with, resulting in a horrific time for my son. He went from being a happy, larger than life character to an unrecognisable boy. He even went as far to say he didnt want to live any more. We made the decision, which was a massive struggle financially at the time, to move him to a private school, making huge sacrifices in doing so. I am extremely passionate and driven to provide the best opportunities for my children. By introducing VAT for no logical reason is absolutely baffling. It feels like an attack on hard-working people who are making great sacrifices to be able to afford it. Gillian Keegan, the education secretary, criticised Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for caring more about political ideology than children, adding: He just doesnt care about the consequences of his reckless tax rise. She said: In the past few weeks, a member of his top team admitted they would drive up class sizes in state schools. Not content with this, hes also going to force the parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities to take them out of school part-way through their education. Thats just wrong and offers a glimpse as to what a Labour government with a big majority in power for a generation with no accountability would mean for our country. The Labour party refused to comment. A Leeds City Council spokesman said: Whilst many secondary schools in the city do not have many places available at present, this is less the case with our primary schools. For any children without a school place or where there is any shortage of places in their area, there is also a process in place to help them find a school which meets their needs. All applications where preferences cannot be met, and a child has no accessible school places, are checked against the shortage criteria and support offered through the Fair Access Protocol where appropriate. 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. SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WOOD) The Allegan County Health Department advises people looking to beat the heat along the lakeshore to avoid Oval Beach. What happens if E. coli is found in the water at your favorite beach? Routine testing shows high levels of E. coli at Oval Beach, causing the ACHD to issue a no swimming advisory on Monday. ACHD advises against swimming/total body contact with the water at this time and has posted an advisory sign at the beach, the department posted on social media. ACHD will be taking additional samples and will provide an update when the advisory is lifted. The Michigan Public Health Code set the water quality standard for E. Coli at 300 bacteria per 100 milliliters on any daily reading and 130 bacteria per 100 ml over a 30-day average. The three tests done earlier this year all came in well below 130. The test on June 12 registered an average of 12.1. The test completed on June 17 was approximately 2,400. The advisory says the high bacteria levels were caused by nearby runoff. Oval Beach was last closed in July 2021 for a similar issue related to stormwater runoff. Inside woodtv.com: Lake Michigan Summer Beach Guide The health department listed several ways to try to limit the possibility of contracting an illness from the water. ACHD recommends using the restroom before swimming and avoiding water that smells foul, looks murky or immediately after a heavy rain. The agency also encourages people not to swallow lake water and to wash their hands before eating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most kinds of E. coli are harmless, but some can make you sick. Infections caused by those bacteria can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and even sepsis. You can learn more about E. coli through the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy website. You can check for water advisories on EGLEs BeachGuard 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 WOODTV.com. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Crowds of people marched in Calvert Square for Juneteenth Wednesday afternoon. The holiday commemorates when the last portion of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. Shooting in Norfolk on E. Olney Road, near Juneteenth celebration Notably leading Wednesdays parade was Norfolk Councilman John JP Paige. He told 10 On Your Side why it was important to have everyone form the community, young and old, out there for the event. Its significant that we retrain the generations that are coming behind us on a rich history of us as a people, Paige said. And its no ones responsibility but ours. The neighborhood was filled with activities for the kids, petting horses, bounce houses, games, food and vendors. One of the vendors from Renaissance Counseling Services spoke about what it meant to show their support for the community. My background comes from being in an area like this, said marketer Vincent Green. And I want to establish and let them know that you can start out you can start out here, but theres also opportunities for you to grow. You see what Im saying, physically, financially and mentally. Nathan Simms, event organizer and executive director with the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, called Calvert Square a beacon in the community, saying thats why the neighborhood was the perfect place for the parade. You could be anywhere, but youre here, Simms said. And I think people are just to be able to have a degree of fellowship to see the horses, see the parade, I mean, to see like the health care providers, vendors, mental health providers, workforce opportunities. Its just a lot of things under one roof and some snacks to go along with it, which is great. He explained what outcome he hoped to see from the event. I want people to know that we care about their well-being, not just pay your rent every month, Simms said. While thats important, you as a person, your family, your household, just to be able to connect with your neighbors, to be neighborly, is part of the city of Norfolk. We care and so we want to be able to show and bring people together any chance weve got. And he said the parade is just the start of a round of exciting events in store from the NRHA. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A gas flare burns in front of an oil well pump jack near Killdeer, North Dakota, on Feb. 1, 2024. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) A new Bureau of Land Management methane rule threatens to violate thousands of existing agreements between the federal agency and property owners, North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms testified Tuesday in federal court. Helms, testifying on his last day before retirement, said North Dakota stands to lose $2.1 million a year in tax revenue under the new rule, and that the policy will lead to roughly 85 wells in the state to be shut down and abandoned. The rule is in complete conflict with the states gas flaring regulations, Helms said. North Dakota, Wyoming, Texas and Montana in April filed a lawsuit against the Department of Interior in the U.S. District Court of North Dakota arguing the new rule is an expensive and unlawful regulatory burden. Utah later joined as a plaintiff. Attorneys representing the states in a Tuesday hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Dan Traynor argued that enforcement of the rule should be suspended as the case proceeds. The states claim the BLM is trying to commandeer regulatory authority over flaring and air pollution that belongs to the Environmental Protection Agency and state governments. The BLMs new rule will require oil operators to do more to avoid wasting natural gas, like cutting down on venting and flaring and taking extra measures to detect and fix gas leaks. Attorneys for the federal government during Tuesdays hearing said the purpose of the new rule, in part, is to make gas flaring practices across the country more uniform. The regulations also expand operators obligations to pay royalties to the federal government and tribal mineral owners when they flare gas. Based on the BLMs own estimate, the new rule will generate more than $50 million per year in royalties. The plaintiff states say the rule is the reincarnation of a 2016 waste management policy vacated by a Wyoming U.S. District Court judge four years ago. That judge found the BLM had veered from its established practices and overstepped its regulatory authority. In that case, the judge denied the plaintiffs request for a preliminary injunction. The federal government argued Tuesday that the new rule is much more modest than the 2016 policy. The text of the 2024 rule does acknowledge it was crafted to avoid some of the Wyoming courts criticisms of the previous rule. Both sides appeared to agree that the 2024 rule is expected to be much less costly to states. The Wyoming judges 2020 order notes the BLM estimated that the previous rule would cost about $114-$279 million per year nationally. Traynor did not appear convinced the 2024 rule is meaningfully different, however. How is this not the same thing with a different paint job? he said during the hearing. Attorneys for the federal government disagreed that the rules were incompatible with state regulations. They also pushed back on the accusation that the agency was retroactively changing contracts with mineral owners. They said existing agreements include provisions recognizing the BLMs authority to prevent the loss of gas through flaring. The rules of the road have not changed, its only the sign posting thats gotten more consistent, Erik Van de Stouwe, an attorney for the federal government, said. Van de Stouwe accused the states of unfairly characterizing the rule as a climate-change policy based on clandestine motives, when it really is about royalties and preventing the unnecessary loss of natural gas loss. He also noted that no operators have challenged the methane rule. Traynor asked Van de Stouwe whether the BLM had consulted with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation about the policy considering the significant oil and gas production on the Fort Berthold reservation. There are more than 2,600 active oil and gas wells on the reservation, according to the state Oil and Gas Division, and another 2,000 could be drilled in the future. If theres a harm, its going to harm Native people more than anyone else, Traynor said. Van de Stouwe said he believed the BLM did reach out to the MHA Nation for feedback on the rule. MHA Nation Chair Mark Fox did not return a request for comment by publication time. North Dakota produced an average of nearly 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day in April, according to preliminary figures from the state. Ninety-five percent of that gas was captured, which exceeds the North Dakota Industrial Commissions target of 91%. North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com. Follow North Dakota Monitor on Facebook and X. The post North Dakota oil regulator argues for suspension of federal methane rule impacting Utah appeared first on Utah News Dispatch. Firefighters up and down the state made significant progress on a number of wildfires that have been burning for days and were close to extinguishing a couple of them, Cal Fire said early Thursday. The most significant progress came in the fight against the Aero Fire in Calaveras County. Crews have now reached 52% containment on that blaze at 6:05 a.m. It has burned 5,351 acres. Two structures have been confirmed to have been destroyed. Cal Fire said crews would continue to build containment lines on Thursday as they rushed to beat a heat wave that is set to settle into the Bay Area and much of the state on Friday. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 90s and 100s in the interior parts of most of the state, according to the National Weather Service. Crews also neared full containment on the Point Fire in Sonoma County, which has not grown in the past 48 hours. It has burned 1,207 acres and is now 70% contained. Most of the firefighting operation in that blaze has been reduced to monitoring for hot spots in and around the fires perimeter. Five structures have been destroyed in that fire, and one firefighter was injured. Firefighters have considerably more work to do to put out the Sites Fire in Colusa County. At 6:30 a.m. Thursday, that fire has scorched 19,195 acres, making it the biggest wildfire in the state. It was just 15% contained. Crews made progress on both the west and east sides of the fire on Wednesday, according to Cal Fire and will continue to build containment lines on the north side on Thursday in an effort to prevent its spread, the agency said. The biggest fire in Southern California also continued to burn near Interstate 5. The Post Fire, which had scorched land in Los Angeles and Ventura counties is up to 15,690 acres and was 47% contained at 6:45 a.m. According to Cal Fire, crews are now focused on the interior terrain, while shuttle boats and helicopters continued to work on the fire in the steep terrain and remote brush areas. Crews also closed in on full containment of the Hesperia Fire in San Bernardino County. Cal Fire said it was 94% contained after having burned 1,078 acres. How many acres have burned so far? Cal Fire, formally the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said wildfire season is in full gear. The agency said wildfires were up just 9% this spring but the amount of acreage burned skyrocketed between the start of the year and June 19 by 1,462%, to nearly 90,000 acres from a little over 5,700 acres in the same period a year ago. Cal Fire said 95% of these wildfires are human-caused, fueled by dry grasses and strong winds. Over a five-year average, according to Cal Fire, the number of fires has stayed relatively the same, but acreage has risen more than five-fold to 89,784 acres. The Bees Vincent Medina contributed to this story. Northside Properties lots in Raleigh County are annexed into City of Mount Hope Northside Properties lots in Raleigh County are annexed into City of Mount Hope BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Fourteen parcels of land in Raleigh County are now annexed into a Fayette County city. The Raleigh County Commission approved a request yesterday from the City of Mount Hope and the owner of the properties, Northside Properties, for the land to be annexed into Mount Hope. The annexation is for future development purposes. Raleigh County Commission President Greg Duckworth said it is common for towns to fall within multiple different counties. Summer Food Program hosted by West Virginia Church of God He cited the town of Smithers in Fayette and Kanawha counties, and the town of Bluefield in Mercer County, W.Va., and Tazewell County, Va., as examples. Its not uncommon. Those happen, where cities will be in two different counties, said President Duckworth. So theyve got about three miles of roadway there, to come to those 14 parcels. See Mountain State sights at these Almost Heaven swing locations He said taxes on the Northside Properties land will continue to be paid in Raleigh County and that local law enforcement agencies will organize jurisdictional duties. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NICEVILLE Northwest Florida State College has announced that Cristie Kedroski has been selected as the institution's interim president, effective July 6. The NWFSC board of trustees approved Kedroski's contract unanimously Tuesday. The current president, Dr. Devin Stephenson, was chosen as the next president of Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland. He starts that role on July 7. According to the News Service of Florida, the board set parts of Kedroski's contract in May. It includes a base salary up to $250,000, and she cannot seek to become Stephenson's permanent successor. The board also agreed to pay the Myers McRae firm $68,500 to assist in its search for a new president. According to her LinkedIn profile, Kedroski has worked at NWFSC for the past 13 years as the vice president of college advancement or senior vice president. In her community work, she served as the special events director of the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and as the senior vice president of marketing and operations with Florida's Great Northwest. Kedroski holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Florida, a master's in business administration from the University of West Florida and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Florida. A news release from NWFSC said Kedroski has been a key figure in developing innovative academic programs, leading initiatives that enhanced student retention and graduation rates and implementing management strategies that have increased enrollment in seven consecutive semesters. I am honored to be selected as the Interim President of Northwest Florida State College, Kedroski said in the release. I look forward to working closely with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners to continue our mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities and fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment for all students. Lori Kelly, chair of the board of trustees, commended Kedroski's selection, saying, Dr. Kedroskis experience and dedication to this institution make her the ideal candidate to guide the College during this transitional period. The Board had thorough deliberations, ensuring we chose an Interim President who embodies the Colleges values. Stephenson also praised the selection of Kedroski. In his prepared statement, he praised her "unwavering commitment to the mission and vision of NWFSC and her leadership skills make here a great choice." "I look forward to observing the continued innovation and advancement of the institution under Dr. Kedroskis leadership, Stephenson added. This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Cristie Kedroksi named interim president of NW Florida State College MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A now-former Marion County deputy is facing charges after allegedly grabbing a man by the throat and punching him in the face at the countys detention center, according to arrest warrants provided by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Kyle Michael Kelly was charged with misconduct in office and third-degree assault and battery. He was booked into the Marion County Detention Center. Kelly took the man to the Marion County Detention Center on April 11 after his arrest on a public intoxication charge, warrants show. As the man was escorted into the jail, he pulled away from Kelly. When the man pulled away from him, Kelly allegedly grabbed him by the throat and pushed him against the wall, warrants show. The man then kneed Kelly in the groin area, and Kelly responded by punching him twice in the face while he was handcuffed behind his back. Warrants show the incident was corroborated by audio and video recordings. Download the News13 app to stay updated on the go Sign up for WBTW email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WBTW.com for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. No other information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. NY social worker who was viciously beaten during home visit dies of injuries A Westchester County social worker who was viciously beaten inside a Peekskill apartment building last month during a home visit succumbed to her injuries Wednesday, officials said. Maria Coto, 56, died more than a month after she was pummeled, allegedly by 31-year-old Hasseem Jenkins leaving her with severe brain swelling and bleeding, authorities said. Coto was checking on a client when the unprovoked attack unfolded. Hasseem Jenkins was arrested following the assault. CBS Before Coto died, Jenkins was expected to face charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause physical injury, according to online records. The Westchester County District Attorneys Office said Wednesday it will pursue all appropriate charges given the change in circumstances. The WCDAO sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Maria Coto on the news of her passing, said the district attorneys office. Coto knocked on the wrong door during the visit before the brutal assault, CBS 2 NY reported, citing neighbors. Jenkins repeatedly punch[ed] Coto with his fists and did repeatedly kick Ms. Coto with heavy boots above the head and body causing Ms. Coto to sustain severe brain bleed, swelling of the brain, and multiple facial fractures, according to an criminal affidavit obtained by The Post. Following the attack, Westchester County Executive George Latimer approved an emergency contract that beefed up security escorts for social workers. Coto worked for the Westchester County Department of Social Services. CBS We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Maria Coto, Latimer said in a statement on Wednesday. Maria was a dedicated employee of the Westchester County Department of Social Services, who was brutally attacked while selflessly performing her duties. It is enraging that someone whose life was devoted to helping others was viciously taken from her friends and family. While we are committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case, at this moment, we wish to only focus on remembering Maria for her warmth, courage and commitment to doing good and helping people, Latimer went on to say. Today, we all mourn her loss and grieve alongside her friends and family. A bill requiring proactive inspections for high-risk New York buildings was passed by the City Council on Thursday, following two devastating collapses last year that underscored the wider issues plaguing older structures. The Billingsley Terrace Structural Integrity Act requires the Department of Buildings to create a proactive inspection program to identify potentially dangerous buildings using predictive technology. The agency would analyze information including a buildings age, history of violations and 311 complaints. If a corrective action plan is issued, the department would carry out inspections and issue violations if landlords fail to comply. New York City has more than 1 million buildings, most of which predate 1960. The act was first announced in April by Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, whose district includes 1915 Billingsley Terrace in Morris Heights. The corner of the nearly century-old apartment building collapsed in December, displacing over 100 residents. There were, miraculously, no deaths or serious injuries. The same could not be said for the tragic garage collapse at 57 Ann St. in lower Manhattan in April 2023, when one person was killed one and five others were injured. Both incidents were cited as inspiration for the legislation. The Billingsley address had a history of neglect and more than 100 building violations before it collapsed. The city subsequently opened a criminal investigation into the collapse and suspended an engineer who allegedly misidentified a support beam. One of the factors the inspection program will weigh is the disciplinary history of a buildings contractors and licensees. Sanchez, a Democrat, said the two tragedies highlighted the need to ensure our buildings are stable and habitable and address deficiencies at the Department of Buildings. [This bill] was born of the question, what more should our agencies have done to prevent this tragedy? There were glaring warning signs here, and tenants and New Yorkers alike were left asking, what did New York City do with this information? Sanchez said at a Council Housing Committee meeting on Thursday. Related Articles We should not only rely on reactive approaches when we have so much information available to us as a city to enforce. Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo characterized the legislation as the DOB going on the offense against bad actors before tragedy strikes a shift from its history as a reactive body called to respond to incidents and complaints after the fact. Too many times, we have seen careless property owners fail to keep their buildings safe and neglect their responsibilities, he said in a statement. The creation of a proactive building inspection program will be transformative. Mayor Adams administration has earmarked $4.7 million for the new inspection program. The bill is set to take effect 180 days after becoming law. NYC gun violence spikes as summer heat hits the five boroughs: Its that time of the year Its looking like a long, hot summer already. Shootings spiked in the Big Apple last week by a whopping 50% compared to the same period last year and the number of gunshot victims spiked by an even higher margin, NYPD stats show. The data show that 30 people were struck in two dozen shootings across the five boroughs in the week ending on Sunday, a jump from the 18 gunshot victims in 16 incidents over the same span in 2023. And thats just part of a month-long pattern that has seen an uptick in gun violence. Shootings have spiked in the Big Apple over the past month and especially the past week as summer heat settles in. KEVIN C DOWNS The summer hasnt even officially started yet its already getting out of hand, one Brooklyn cop told The Post. Everyone has a gun and the shooters are getting younger. Thats a bad formula for fighting crime. Over the past month, the NYPD has recorded 117 victims in 98 shootings, up from 81 people shot in 74 incidents over the same month in 2023 a 44% rise in victims and 32% bump in shootings. Its that time of year, Christopher Herfmann, a former NYPD crime analyst and an assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice specializing in gun violence said Wednesday. The weather is getting hotter, kids are getting out of school, more people are taking vacation all of these things are part of it, Herrmann said. Its just what tends to happen. My guess is youll see a couple more shootings today or tomorrow. NYPD officers respond to a multiple shooting at a city housing project one of several that have recently plagued the city. Matthew McDermott NYPD on the scene of a multiple shooting in Inwood that left two victims with life-threatening injuries. KEVIN C DOWNS City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak responded to the data by saying Mayor Eric Adams has been clear that public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity. Following double-digit decreases in shootings in both 2022 and 2023, and with both shooting incidents and the number of shooting victims down citywide so far this year, in addition to overall crime being down, the NYPD is aware and laser focused on addressing the uptick this month, the spokesperson said. Additional resources are being deployed to the impacted precincts. We will not rest until all New Yorkers both are safe and feel safe. My guess is youll see a couple more shootings today or tomorrow, during the heat dome, said Christopher Herrmann, a former NYPD crime analyst. Matthew McDermott An NYPD spokesperson also noted summerlike conditions could be a contributing factor while emphasizing crime is down overall. While one shooting or one homicide will always be one too many, crime in New York City clearly continues to trend in the right direction, the spokesperson said. Historically, certain crimes such as shootings tend to increase as the warmer summer weather approaches. When summer officially begins next week, the men and women of the NYPD will continue the tireless work they do each day and night to advance public safety and quality of life. On Sunday three people were killed and four others wounded in five separate Fathers Day shootings. Police said a 44-year-old man was shot in the face, a 40-year-old man in the chest and a 37-year-old man struck in the leg in a single shooting in Inwood on Sunday night with the older two dying. That came about a half hour after Tyreek Ogarro, 32, was shot multiple times at the Brevoort Houses public housing complex in Bedford-Stuyvesant and later died at Kings County Hospital, cops said. On Saturday night, two people were shot inside Livonia Park in Brooklyns Brownsville neighborhood a 53-year-old woman hit in the leg and torso and a man, 70, hit in the left leg, according to police. It was one of five shootings during the course of the day. On June 11, an armed bystander shot a 39-year-old man who was menacing street food vendors with a knife in Midtown Manhattan, pulling the gun and firing as the scuffle escalated. The victim was hit in the leg and survived. Two people were shot inside a Brooklyn park on Saturday, part of a bloody weekend that saw multiple shootings. Paul Martinka The day before an 84-year-old woman sitting in her walker in East Flatbush was hit by a stray bullet and in her left arm and rushed to the hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Its a miracle, victim Althea Lawson told The Post from her hospital bed. I dont have enough tongue to tell God thanks Im still here today. Thank God it never hit me in the head! Despite the recent spike in gunplay, most major crimes have dipped in the Big Apple over last year, including a nearly 15% dip in murders so far this year compared to 2023. Police stats show that there were 157 murders reported through Sunday, down from 184 over the same period last year, while burglaries were down nearly 10% and car thefts dropped by 10.5%. Year-to-date shootings were also down slightly, with 465 victims wounded in 392 incidents through Sunday compared to 494 people hit in 423 shootings over the same period last year. However, other crimes have crept upward in the past year, including rapes, which are up to 734 from 583 this time last year and robberies, which have risen to 7,505 this year compared to 7,120 at the same time last year jumps of 7.5% and 5.4%, respectively. Three people were shot in the Bronx on East 221st Street, part of a recent jump in gunplay in the five boroughs. Felony assaults are also up, with 12,950 so far in 2024 and 12,252 at this time in 2023. The NYPD spokesperson said overall crime is down 2% in 2024 year-to-date, and the dip in homicides means 29 fewer people injured by gunfire and 27 few victims of murder so far. Homicides are also down. During the same 28-day period solely focused on by the Post, homicides, in fact, are down another 3.6 percent compared to the same period last year, the spokesperson said. The NYPD has seized nearly 3,200 illegal guns off the street this year, the spokesperson added. This is just one of the ways our city has made considerable progress in reducing crime and violence since the start of this administration, and New Yorkers can count on the NYPDs ongoing vigilance in every neighborhood, the spokesperson said. We will continue to use this momentum to ensure that New York remains the safest big city in the nation. A teenager was arrested for a triple shooting in Manhattan that left two men dead including a beloved worker at a pizza spot remembered as a very, very good person. The US Marshals Service and NYPD collared the 16-year-old alleged gunman who law enforcement sources said has no criminal history at an apartment complex on Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx at about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to police and law enforcement sources. Authorities hit him with two counts of second-degree murder and two weapons possession charges, police said. Alejandro Ramirez was one of two men shot and killed Sunday during a triple shooting in northern Manhattan. Facebook / Johnny's Pizza Its still not clear what led to the shooting, or if the alleged shooter knew his victims, according to the NYPD. The two deceased men Alejandro Ramirez, 40, and James Michael, 44, both of the Bronx were shot at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday near West 207 Street and 10th Avenue in Inwood. EMS workers rushed both men to local hospitals in critical condition, cops said, but neither survived. Community members lamented Ramirezs death on Wednesday, and remembered him fondly as the smiling counter-man at Johnnys Pizza on Dyckman Street who always gave food to anyone who was hungry. Me and my daughter cried for him he was a very, very good person, neighbor Dielka Sanchez told The Post. Whether you had money or not, he always gave you the pizza. He used to say, Friend, dont worry! Its very sad, she continued. I told my daughter things are getting too bad, I might move. Ramirez was a beloved worker at Johnnys Pizza in Inwood, and was known for his kind, generous nature. Facebook / Johnny's Pizza Ramirez worked at the local pizza joint for about 15 years, according to an online fundraier. Facebook / Johnny's Pizza Several teens told the same story, calling Ramirez a good man as they gazed at the impromptu, candle-lit street memorial created in his honor. He provided us pizza, even when we didnt have money, one of the kids said. A man named Diego, who owns a liquor store on Dyckman, added that Ramirez would come in and buy drinks for the pizza place workers even though he didnt drink himself. The neighborhood is very sad, because he was loved, Diego said. In a Facebook post, the pizza place workers mourned their fallen colleague. To our dear friend Alex, words cannot describe how shocked and saddened we are that you are no longer with us, taken too soon by senseless violence, the post said. Alex was a great man, a hard worker and a loving friend and father. He always had a smile on his face, and was quick with a joke. A piece of our hearts will always be missing without you. Rest in peace, our dear friend. You will never be forgotten. A GoFundMe set up to help Ramirezs family referenced him as a loved father, friend and well-known figure in the Inwood community who had worked at Johnnys for more than 15 years. Alex always had a smile on his face, and was quick with a joke, the fundraiser said. Regulars at Johnnys considered him to be family. We are starting this GoFundMe to help Alexs family with the cost of burying their beloved father and husband. May he rest in Peace. Ramirez and another man, James Michael, were killed and a third was hurt in a late Sunday shooting at West 207th Street and 10th Avenue in Inwood, cops said. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post The three victims shot in Inwood were among at least seven people shot across the city overnight, police said. Matthew McDermott As of Wednesday afternoon, it had raised about $7,500 of its $10,000 goal. One donor wrote that she nicknamed Alex Smiley because of his always-cheerful nature. You didnt even have be in the shop, just walking by, and if you looked in that window, there he was with a wave and smile for you! the woman wrote. Our community has lost a special man, who will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, Smiley. No one answered the door Wednesday at the alleged shooters Mosholu Parkway address. But neighbors said the apartment complex is typically a peaceful place. The building is usually very quiet, you never hear any activity in the lobbies or outside, said one elderly lady who lives nearby. The motive for the deadly Inwood shooting remains under investigation. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post Community members also had nothing but vitriol for the alleged teen shooter who cops say snuffed out his life. He should be punished as an adult, Inwood resident Gregorio Bonifacio said. He should be known as a criminal in New York and not given a chance. Alex was a hardworking man and didnt deserve what he did. Melvin Manuel, a worker at the nearby Mi Esfuerso Grocery, agreed that the kid should be tried as an adult. Of course! He knows what he did, Manuel said. There needs to be more control thats why the youth is losing themselves in these streets. A scathing report from city Comptroller Brad Lander found that ShotSpotter, the NYPDs highly touted gunfire location system, accurately identifies shootings only about 13% of the time. The report issued Thursday concludes that inaccurate identifications of gunfire eat up police resources at a time when the NYPD is already strapped for personnel. ShotSpotter claims to be a proven detection system that is faster and more accurate, but our audit found that 87% of the time, ShotSpotter is sending NYPD officers in response to loud noises that dont turn out to be confirmed shootings, said Lander, a possible candidate to challenge Mayor Adams in the next election. The evidence shows that NYPD is wasting precious time and money on this technology. The NYPD has been using SpotSpotter since 2015 and spent more than $45 million on the system. The company that developed the technology is now known as SoundThinking. Former two-time NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton is on the companys board of directors. Loss of the ShotSpotter program would result in a less safe working environment for officers and an increased chance of violent encounters for all New Yorkers, the NYPD said in a written response to the audit. A police spokesman added, The department consistently reviews the effectiveness of technologies it utilizes to combat crime. ShotSpotter remains an integral tool in the NYPDs mission of addressing gun violence and keeping the public safe. SoundThinking stated it is reviewing the report but called it gravely misinformed in its assessment of data and the value of ShotSpotter as a critical public safety tool, insisting the tech is both accurate and effective. For example, assuming that the lack of confirmation of a shooting automatically means that some other loud event triggered a false alert is erroneous and a perilous assumption, SoundThinking spokesman Jerome Filip said in part in a statement. The report said the system uses more than 2,000 sensors arrayed around the city, mainly in higher-crime areas to locate suspected gunfire. ShotSpotter alerts are considered confirmed as shooting incidents when NYPD recovers evidence like guns, bullet fragments or shell casings or video, or there are eyewitnesses, victims shot, summary arrests or 911 calls that report a shooting, the report said. The comptrollers report claims the citys contract with SoundThinking requires the system to report at least 90% of probable gunshots, giving the company an incentive to overreport loud noises as gunshots. The audit covered eight months spanning 2022 and 2023 and found that unconfirmed shootings totaled between 80% and 92% of all ShotSpotter alerts, meaning that cops were sent to 7,262 incidents that did not turn out to be shootings. This translates to thousands of hours of officer time responding to ShotSpotter alerts that do not turn out to be confirmed shootings, the audit stated. Just in June 2023, out of 940 ShotSpotter alerts, 771, or 82%, could not be confirmed as shootings at the scene; 47, or 5%, were unfounded; and 122, or 13%, were confirmed as shootings, the audit found. NYPD officers spent 427 hours investigating those alerts not confirmed as shootings. While the NYPD has said ShotSpotter reduces police response times by alerting them before civilians call 911, the audit found police response to 911 calls was actually more than 90 seconds faster. A police source who works in a Manhattan precinct said when an alert turns out to be inaccurate, its time-consuming to perform a required investigation and file the necessary report. But, the source noted, when ShotSpotter is accurate, it is extremely accurate. Lander pushed the NYPD to refuse to renew the contract when it expires in December without a more thorough review of the effectiveness of the system. The department rejected that suggestion, saying it could not conduct such a review prior to renewal, according to the audit. The NYPD also countered that just because evidence of a shooting is not recovered does not mean a crime did not take place, the audit stated. The department also argued a police response itself dissuades crime even if the alert is not accurate, the report noted. Lander said the NYPD should make more statistics public on the effectiveness of ShotSpotter, but the department argued the figures could be misinterpreted. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The commissioning ceremony of the Rasht-Caspian railroad was held in Iran's Gilan province, Trend reports. The launching ceremony was attended by acting Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber. The Rasht-Caspian railroad is considered an additional link in the North-South transportation corridor, and this important project is known as a bridge connecting European countries with the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. Furthermore, it is planned to build the next section of tracks from the port of Caspian to the city of Astara in the northwest of the country. Meanwhile, an agreement was signed on May 17, 2023, between Russia and Iran on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railroad in the province of Gilan in northern Iran. A total of nine stations will be built on the 163-kilometer-long Rasht-Astara railroad line. With the completion of this railroad, the North-South international corridor will be improved, and Iran's railroad network will be connected to the Caucasus countries, Russia, and Northern European countries. Under the agreement, the Russian side is to spend 1.6 billion euros on the construction of this railroad. This railroad is planned to be built and completed within 48 months. To note, the intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000, laid the foundation for the North-South Transport Corridor. Several countries (the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Bulgaria, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, the Sultanate of Oman, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Turkiye, and Ukraine) have ratified the mentioned Agreement. The purpose of the corridor is to reduce the delivery time of cargo traveling from India to Russia, as well as to Northern and Western Europe (the delivery time along the existing route is more than 6 weeks; it is expected to be 3 weeks via "North-South". Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) teamed up Wednesday to make fun of a new ad campaign against the New York City progressive, as Ocasio-Cortez faces a Democratic primary challenge. The conservative Job Creators Network activist group backed Ocasio-Cortezs primary opponent with a Times Square billboard attacking her as weak on crime and immigration and unsuccessful at bringing jobs. Ocasio-Cortez laughed off the campaign, pointing out that Manhattan isnt even in her congressional district. D-Margaritaville, Ocasio-Cortez joked in a social media post, referring to the Jimmy Buffett-themed restaurant with a Times Square location. Frost piled on, adding in a reply, Thats over here. The billboard is part of a six-figure ad spend for Job Creators Network in favor of Wall Street investor Marty Dolan. Its the first time the group has backed a Democrat, the New York Post reported. AOC is a threat to American small businesses and Americas way of life, Job Creators Network CEO Alfredo Ortiz told the Post. Her policies are responsible for the crime, migrant, and economic crises burdening her constituents in New York and around the nation. Democrat Marty Dolan is a much-needed voice of moderation that will help small businesses and working families in New York City and beyond, he added. New York City residents looking to stop the bleeding and undo AOCs damage should vote for Dolan now. Dolan is a long-shot primary challenge to the third-term lawmaker. She has raised nearly $8 million for her reelection, according to federal filings, while Dolan has raised just $80,000. 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 The Hill. Officer exchanges gunfire with armed, nude suspect in Ohio, police says An armed suspect and police officer exchange gunfire during a foot chase Wednesday in Ohio. >>Person hospitalized after being reportedly struck by Kings Island coaster Police officers responded to calls of an armed shirtless man in Toledo at 2:15 p.m., according to a police spokesperson. When the first officer arrived, he saw the suspect running between houses and eventually the male suspect in a backyard. The suspect did not obey verbal and left the scene with a gun in hand. He then stopped in a driveway, held the gun to his head, and began to fully undress, the spokesperson said. The officer attempted to de-escalate the situation but was not successful. >>Popular Dayton restaurant to reopen at new location today after devastating fire The suspect continued to ignore the officers orders and once fully nude, continued running the gun, according to the spokesperson. The officer fired multiple rounds at the suspect, the spokesperson stated. As the suspect continued onto Kershaw, he fired multiple rounds at the officer. Other officers arrived at the scene and the suspect eventually threw his gun and was taken into custody. Medics transported the suspect to the hospital. It was later discovered that he was wanted on a felony warrant for domestic violence. The suspect will be charged with assault on a peace officer. No injuries were reported. The officers who fired his weapon is on paid administrative leave. Ohio boaters should pass on marijuana when they hit the water, state officials say Ohio officials are warning boaters not to hit the water under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. If you take the boat out this summer, make sure you do it sober. As the weather warms up and Ohioans hit the water, state officials are reminding people not to operate a boat while drunk or high. This marks the first summer with recreational marijuana in Ohio after voters legalized it for adults 21 and older. "We make safety a top priority so people can enjoy Ohio's rivers and lakes, said Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. "We urge every Ohioan and visitor to follow the law by boating sober and wearing a life jacket this summer. Those simple steps will help keep you, your loved ones and fellow boaters safe." It's illegal to operate a boat under the influence of drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% and higher. The adult-use marijuana law prohibits passengers on a boat from smoking or vaping cannabis. Open container laws for alcohol also apply on public waterways, according to the Division of Liquor Control. Officials recommend that boaters designate a sober driver for the day. Patrols will monitor boats for impaired operators and remove them from the water if needed. "With the legalization of non-medical cannabis use in Ohio following the passage of Issue 2 last November, it is critically important that individuals who choose to consume cannabis products fully understand the unique impact these products have on them, said Jim Canepa, superintendent of the Division of Cannabis Control. Recreational marijuana sales could start in the coming weeks. The state is currently processing license applications for businesses that want to grow, process and sell adult-use cannabis. Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio warns against boating under the influence of marijuana Ohio can beat the heat with efficiency Robert Kelter is a managing attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center. Two Columbus Dispatch headlines this week underscore the importance of the legislature voting on House Bill 79, a bipartisan proposal to reinstate Ohios energy efficiency programs: How AEP is preparing for the strain of this weeks extreme heat, and Ohio will be hotter than Florida this week." The legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, and Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Westlake, would offer critical relief from rising energy costs and the looming threat of power shortages on a strained grid. All of the sudden Ohio went from mild temperatures to very hot. Although PJM is confident in its generation and transmission capabilities, it has issued a hot weather alert in anticipation of 90-degree temperatures and humidity, which highlights the potential for reliability challenges despite adequate capacity. Ohio heat beats Florida this week. Here's the latest This reality reinforces the importance of HB 79, which aims to reintroduce energy efficiency programs that reduce overall demand and enhance grid reliability. The legislature canceled the programs as part of House Bill 6 in order to pay for FirstEnergys nuclear plant bailout, and has been debating whether to bring them back for the last two years. Why House Bill 79 is good for Ohio June 17, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; DiyNastee Ball, 14, holds her hands out in the spray of water Monday afternoon on the splash pad at Blackburn Community Center. Energy efficiency is a straightforward and cost-effective solution to rising costs and threats to reliability. The cheapest power is the power we dont use. By reducing the energy needed to cool and heat our homes and run our appliances, we not only lower our bills but also mitigate the risk of blackouts. During periods of high demand, such as extreme heatwaves, efficiency and demand response measures significantly reduce the strain on our power grid. HB 79 extends beyond using less energy and saving individuals money on their bills. It emphasizes utility-run demand response programs that lower demand at peak times on the hottest days of summer. More: Delaware, Franklin county residents asked to water lawns less amid heat wave For example, the utilities give customers discounts and rebates on smart thermostats, and then they pay them to enroll in programs that allow the utilities to turn the thermostats back a degree or two if PJM detects strain on the grid. With the advanced technology of the smart thermostats the utilities can even precool homes before periods of high demand, and customers never even know the utility has made minor adjustments. The problem is that without the utility-run programs that discount smart thermostats and take other similar steps to reduce demand, the utilities are not in position to maximize demand response efforts when PJM indicates we need to. For example, few Ohioans actually have smart thermostats compared to Michigan and other neighboring states. Moreover, lowering peak demand means we rely less on expensive and polluting "peaking" power plants, which only operate during high-demand periods. The reductions from efficiency programs not only save customers money on their bills, they reduce pollution from those plants. Some legislators have expressed concerns about adding even small costs to customers bills, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Related: Tell us, Columbus. What temperature do you set your AC thermostat at? House Bill 79 is a win-win for Ohio Turning your thermostat down by 10 or even 15 degrees while asleep or away can save up to 10 percent on your heating bills. The bill allows utilities to charge up to $1.50 per month for the programs, but to put this in perspective, the average bill for AEP residential customers in June of 2023 was $200. Customers who take advantage of the utility discounts and rebates save on their bills. But even those who dont participate save because when we use less electricity, we drive down the market price of electricity that everyone pays. Additionally, it means AEP has to spend less money on grid improvements and we need fewer new power plants. The extreme heat we're experiencing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of energy efficiency. PJM and AEP Ohio's warnings and tipssuch as setting thermostats higher, avoiding the use of heat-producing appliances during the day, and keeping windows coveredare practical steps. However, they highlight the reactive nature of our current approach to energy management. Proactive measures, such as those proposed in HB 79, are necessary for long-term resilience. Ohio's utilities, many consumer groups and environmental groups all support this bipartisan bill. AEP and the other utilities are ready to go with innovative new programs, they just need the legislature to give them the green light. Robert Kelter is a managing attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Crazy hot weather shows why Ohio needs proposed law Maternal deaths often point to the conditions in which people live and work, said one researcher connected to a new study on maternal deaths. Getty Images. Getty Images. A new Ohio bill would take aim at facilities not regulated by the state but receive millions in state funding to promote pregnancy and parenting. Democratic state Reps. Anita Somani, D-Dublin, and Michele Grim, D-Toledo, brought House Bill 565 to the chambers Finance Committee on Tuesday, in hopes guaranteed standards and a certain quality of care is met for every person who enters a pregnancy and parenting center in our state, according to Grim. The goal of this bill is to ensure that crisis pregnancy centers are using state funds to provide medical care, proper assistance to expectant and new mothers, and medically accurate information, Somani told the committee. Crisis pregnancy centers, also called pregnancy resource centers by supporters, are typically religiously affiliated, and have been criticized for misrepresenting services provided or the level of medical professionals available. Somani cited a 2023 study of central Ohio centers that found gross inadequacies of the services provided by these centers and how wrong the priorities of these centers are when it comes to using the public funds they receive, according to the study. At the time when the Columbus City Council approved a 2022 ordinance authorizing the study, in partnership with Pro-Choice Ohio (now called Abortion Forward), Ohio Right to Lifes executive director, Peter Range said individuals who work at the centers are some of the most kind, caring, competent and loving individuals that you could encounter. ORLs director of communications, Elizabeth Whitmarsh, said at the time that the study would put vulnerable women at risk and strip them of the resources they need on a day-to-day basis. Somani cited the studys finding that one pregnancy center in central Ohio had spent as low as 3.1% of their budget on participant education and support, compared with 67% on staff salaries and benefits. The study, a follow-up to a 2013 analysis of the centers, came after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, and as the state re-instituted a six-week abortion ban that had been held up in court since 2019. Since then, the six-week ban has yet again been tied up in litigation, and with the passage of Issue 1 in November 2023, abortion rights are now a part of the Ohio Constitution, along with reproductive medicine like miscarriage treatment and fertility care. Also since then, Ohios Pregnancy and Parenting Program, a part of state law since 2013, has continued to fund services that promote childbirth, parenting and alternatives to abortion, entities whose primary purpose is to promote childbirth, rather than abortion, and organizations who are not involved in or associated with any abortion activities, including providing abortion counseling or referrals to abortion clinics, performing abortion-related medical procedures or engaging in pro-abortion advertising. The program allocates state monies from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and Gov. Mike DeWine has utilized his power of executive order several times over the years to put TANF funds into the Pregnancy and Parenting Program. The last state budget boosted funding to the program to $14 million in total between 2023 and 2025. That was up from a total of $6 million in the two-year term of the previous budget. I think its really important that they are using the funds more for the services they claim to provide than for the staff overhead, Grim said. H.B. 565 would require centers to provide at least four of six service categories provided in in the language of the bill. Categories include resource distribution; counseling on all options available to individuals, such as counseling and referrals related to abortion, adoption or the parenting of the baby; postpartum care recovery and parenting classes; health care through licensed professionals, including contraceptives and reproductive health care; sexual education; and any other support services, programs or related outreach. Somani said regulating facilities in this way guarantees that patients at crisis pregnancy centers have access to the medical care and parenting assistance that they are promised by these facilities. The bill will have a hard time of it, with a GOP supermajority that approved the increase in Pregnancy and Parenting Program funding in the last budget, and a large contingent of pro-life legislators among them. One Republican legislator is even attempting to further stifle funding for abortion providers and resources, with a bill that could take local government funds away from municipalities that provide for or support those services. A spokesperson for DeWine did not respond to a request for comment on the Democrats bill. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Ohio Democrats seek regulation of crisis pregnancy centers appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal. The neonatal ICU staff at an Ohio hospital is working hard after seven sets of twins were born within just one week. The Cleveland Clinics Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights shared an updated on Facebook earlier this month about how busy their NICU and postpartum units had been after seeing an unusually large number of twin births within just days of each other. Weve been feeling double the love caring for 7 sets of newborn twins, at the same time, the hospital wrote in the post, alongside snapshots of some of the twins and families. Some parents welcomed their first babies, while others like Jason and Kara expanded their now family of seven! Best wishes to all! Local ABC affiliate News 5 Cleveland interviewed several nurses and other members of the hospitals staff, who said that while theyre used to caring for a lot of patients at once, seven sets of twins at one time is almost a hospital record. How are we gonna get them all done? Nurse Karoline Ferencak said she wondered. Because we had boom, boom, boom.' Nurse Halle Wedler added, We had a great team on, and we had a good plan, and everyone kind of knew the plan, and we kind of just went for it and got them all delivered, and we racked them out. The outlet reported that only one set of twins was a boy and a girl. The rest were either boy-boy or girl-girl. Shannon Holz, a new mom from Shaker Heights, Ohio, welcomed the pair of boy-girl twins. We didnt think we were gonna have twins, she told reporters. Its a blessing at the end of the day, and were very happy to have these two healthy babies. While 14 babies at once is certainly a lot, the hospital told the news outlet that its record is nine pairs of twins at once. We like to say, Not double the work, double the fun. Honestly the workload has been great with them, nurse Jessica Cunningham said. We do a NICU reunion every year, so it would be really cool for all these families to come back just to see how big they are, because this is something we dont see very often. Just how common are twin births? Per the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention, in the United States, the twin birth rate was 31.2 per 1,000 live births in 2022, which is equivalent to 114,483 twin births. This is a 72% increase from 1980, when the rate was 18.9 per 1,000 births. However, the rate of twin births varies across populations. Its estimated that 1 in 250 pregnancies results in twins naturally. The chances of having identical twins is pretty rarearound 3 or 4 in every 1,000 births. Identical twins are always the same sex, either both boys or both girls, at birth as they also share the exact same DNA. Fraternal twins, however, result when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm cells. Both fertilized eggs implant into the uterus and9 months latertwo babies are born. The chance of having twins is higher for people who have used assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The likelihood of having twins may also increase with age, with women aged 3537 having a 6.9% chance, and women aged 43 and above having a 5.9% chance. View a previous report on charges filed against Chadwick Greenawalt Sr. in the video player above. MARION, Ohio (WCMH) A jury has convicted a Marion man who stabbed a woman to death in 2022 during Fourth of July celebrations at the River Bend Campground. The jurors deliberated for less than two hours before unanimously finding Chadwick Allen Greenawalt Sr. guilty on all felony charges, Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan said Wednesday. They included two counts of murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, one count of voluntary manslaughter and two counts of felonious assault. 16-year-old arrested, charged in Franklinton fatal shooting Testimony in the trial revealed that Greenawalt was a guest at the Natalie Rudds permanent family campsite on July 3. He popped a decorative balloon arch, making for a precursor to the deadly incident. After the Rudd family repeatedly asked him to leave, Greenawalt began physically fighting with Natalie Rudd, Grogan said. Her husband intervened before the other campers temporarily broke up the fight. Natalie Rudd. (Courtesy Photo/Marion County Prosecutor) Greenawalt then started taunting Natalie before attacking her again with a knife. Her husband and a 14-year-old camper both witnessed him stab the woman multiple times, according to Grogan. The Marion County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded after the stabbing around 2:30 a.m. that day, but Natalie was pronounced dead shortly after emergency crews took her to an area hospital. Smith & Wollensky steakhouse returning to Columbus Greenawalt got on his motorcycle and drove away after the stabbing, but law enforcement found and arrested him on State Route 95. Multiple agencies provided evidence for the trial, including campground security footage that showed what appeared to be a knife clip on the outside of his pocket when he first arrived. Grogan said Greenawalt will remain in custody while he awaits sentencing. Marion County Court records did not show a scheduled date for that as of Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Ohio may allow cameras in patients' rooms after woman's throat cut at care facility Ohio could require care facilities like the Heinzerling Community in Columbus to allow residents or their guardians to put a camera in their rooms. Ohio could require care facilities to allow residents or their guardians to put a camera in their rooms. A bill, sponsored by Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, would allow cameras in facilities for people with developmental disabilities in the hopes of preventing abuse and neglect. The law would be called Lauren's Law, named after Lauren Carter, a 36-year-old woman with developmental disabilities whose throat was slashed in a Fairfield facility. Greg Carter, Lauren's father testified in support of the bill in April and detailed 13 of the major unusual incidents the county boards of developmental disabilities had documented involving his daughter. The incidents included Carter having a broken clavicle and being left on a hot bus twice. Carter's voice shook as he described the cut to his daughter's throat which he said was four inches long. Accidents can happen but Laurens life has not been filled with accidents, Laurens life has been filled with atrocities," he said at the bill's hearing. Carter has filed a lawsuit against the facility, Takoda Trails, in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. A jury trial is scheduled for July 2025. Carter said in court documents that a police investigation could not identify a nonhuman source for the cut and that the one staff member on duty at the time was fired for not cooperating with the facility's investigation. Takoda Trails denied the specific allegations in court documents. Carter told the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau that the facility evicted Lauren after he placed a camera in her room and did an interview with a Cincinnati news station. He said his guardianship of Lauren was challenged after the interview and a guardian ad litem suggested care facilities for Lauren near Toledo and Cleveland. Carter lives outside of Cincinnati. Carter said he wanted to be able to see Lauren and make sure she was okay if she was in a facility far away but facilities did not want a camera in Lauren's room. "These (care facilities) had the ability to tell me, 'No, you can't put a camera in her room. We won't take her if you put a camera in her room.' And so I have email exchanges between me and Butler County (officials) where they say, 'Hey, will you drop this requirement for a camera?' And I'm like, do you know her history?" he said. The bill has similar language to Esther's Law, which allowed cameras to be placed in nursing homes and went into effect in 2022. As with Esther's Law, the roommate of any resident would need to consent for a camera in their room. The bill would also require the Department of Medicaid to create a waiver for home and community based services for people with developmental disabilities. The waiver would provide monthly payments to the person's caregivers to pay for services. Carter said he would rather care for his daughter at home and could do so if the resources for families were the same as resources for facilities. "We ended up bringing her home for a little while, but we became penniless rather quickly," he said. "There's no real resources. There's no resources to take care of somebody and you can't work when you're doing that." Erin Glynn is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio law would allow cameras in facilites for people with disabilities BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The Iranian government has approved the adoption of the law on the formation of an open trade zone with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the spokesperson for the Iranian government, Ali Bahadori Jahromi said, Trend reports. He made the announcement during the press conference following a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on June 19. "The Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft law on signing a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries and Iran," he said. The representative called one of the important goals of this agreement to ensure free economic and trade interaction. To note, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the federal law "On Ratification of the Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states, on the one hand, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the other hand," in June. However, it will enter into force 60 days after the last written notification of the completion of all necessary internal legal procedures by the EAEU countries and Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Oklahoma City Council voted 6-to-3 to annex 320 acres near the Mustang area into Oklahoma City limits for help with the potential creation of a "mega-site" to draw big business. Planners and attorneys with Oklahoma City had insisted earlier this month that property near Gregory Road and NW 10 should be annexed by the city as part of a 1,000-plus-acre proposal for economic development projects that could bring numerous jobs to the area in the future. Kenton Tsoodle, president of the local Alliance for Economic Development, said the city had been missing out on competitive opportunities for different major developers and that the annexation would help position the city for more growth and success. This particular piece of property lies right adjacent to Oklahoma City, Tsoodle said. Its a good piece of property. If you look around the city, theres just not a lot of sites that have minimal impacts to residents. But some people who live in the broader area surrounding the annexed land, currently only in use for agriculture and industry, have made clear their opposition to the possible mega-site. The residents who hailed from Yukon, Mustang and west Oklahoma City appeared before the council Tuesday to object to the annexation, arguing that the consequences of a proposed mega-site would negatively affect them. Resident tells council nobody has explained what would be built at the site Debra Brown, a resident on West Reno Avenue, argued that various factors for the rural area should disqualify it from consideration, such as slower response times from police, the proximity of the local Banner Public School district, the current lack of utility infrastructure, and the safety issues from increased traffic. Brown, who said her house was once the farthest west within Oklahoma City limits, compared the process of dealing with the alliance as unpleasant as negotiating the purchase of a car, adding that no one with the alliance would provide her information about what the proposed mega-site would actually be. "If we don't know details, how can we approve it? How do we have safety?" Brown asked. "I just really would want y'all to question what is coming next. I know this is just annexation, but the next step is planning." Dr. Warren Low, an orthopedic surgeon, and resident Angie Knight expressed similar concerns on behalf of the West Yukon Neighbors Association. They told council members that adding the land to the city would increase urban sprawl issues and disrupt that area's rural way of life. We've raised families out there for a certain reason: We want it outside of town, Knight said. I don't want my grandkids out in an area where theres traffic all of the time. I think we just want honesty. We cannot stop the city from growing, but if you would just be honest with us about whats coming out there, we can make decisions on the foreside instead of the backside. More: OKC considering job 'mega-site' to draw business with annexation plan Tsoodle said he "fully recognized" that there were not adequate roads and infrastructure in the proposed area, but that the alliance could explore options like developing a tax increment financing district or pursuing state infrastructure funding. He also argued that annexing the property would ensure better zoning and permitting plans for development, since it did not currently have any safeguards as part of unincorporated Canadian County. "We've got to put a site together, we've got to be able to market that site to users, and that's kind of the first step," Tsoodle said. Councilwoman Barbara Peck listens to a presentation during Tuesday's Oklahoma City Council meeting. 'This is a very difficult decision' Ward 3 City Councilwoman Barbara Peck, who represents the area in which the property is being annexed, also told residents Tuesday "nobody is withholding that information" about what will be coming to the potential mega-site since the annexation vote only represented the first stage of pursuing that plan. "Pursuing 2500-, 3500-, 5,000-job partners to come to this city and to give higher-paying jobs and more opportunities to the residents that are already here and it's going to benefit Mustang, Yukon, El Reno, Oklahoma City, Bethany, Warr Acres yes, that is our job," Peck said. "That is our job, to benefit the community that we live in." Peck, who voted yes Tuesday, said the opportunity for the mega-site and the potential boost to the city it could bring was something she could not pass up. "As you can imagine, this was a very difficult decision," Peck said before reiterating her support. "I have constituents and neighbors who have lived in an area, some of them since statehood, and the city has been, and is, growing out to them. And we are, and will, grow all the way to the boundaries that we have set today." Councilperson James Cooper speaks on housing Tuesday during the Oklahoma City Council meeting. But councilmembers James Cooper for Ward 2, JoBeth Hamon for Ward 6 and Nikki Nice for Ward 7 voted against the annexation proposal. All three said the city, the 20th-largest in the United States, already faced enough challenges trying to adequately take care of the properties under its authority and the residents currently living within its boundaries. "We constantly are faced with very frustrating decisions on where to use resources, and constantly being told there's never enough, and a lot of that is because of our urban sprawl and our past choices and inheriting those choices," Hamon said. Nice had made similar comments when the annexation proposal was first heard in early June, and Cooper echoed more of the same before he cast his "no" vote. Land is pictured June 5 on the corner of near Gregory Road and Reno Avenue. "When we keep annexing land, we keep putting more resurfacing responsibilities on this council," Cooper said. "I understand the economic needs of this city, but I also understand the infrastructure needs." "Im not anti-any part of the city, Im anti-adding additional parts to the city," he also said. "This is not about 'us vs. them,' its about protecting the uss that are here and the land that we're supposed to steward." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Council approves annex for 'mega-site,' residents voice concern This article was originally featured on The Conversation. Americans age 60 and older lost more than US$3 billion to scammers in 2023, according to the FBI. To put that whopping figure in context, Taylor Swifts Eras Tour recently made news as the first concert tour ever to earn $1 billion. As a geriatrician a doctor who cares for people over 65 years of age I believe elder fraud has reached an epidemic scale. My patients often tell me about being scammed. The consequences can be worse than just losing money. The experience is traumatic for many, with some victims feeling deep shame and self-doubt in the aftermath. This can interfere with their relationships, erode their trust in others and harm their mental and physical health. Teaching older Americans how to identify and avoid fraud and how to report such crimes could go some way to mitigating the impact of this modern epidemic. Elder fraud is on the rise A recent FBI report shows just how prevalent elder fraud is. In 2023, Americans over 60 submitted 14% more complaints to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, than they did the previous year. Estimated financial losses rose about 11% over the same period. These numbers, grim as they are, only represent the tip of the iceberg. For one thing, only about half of the reports of internet crimes to the FBI included information about the victims age which means reported incidents of elder fraud are an undercount. Whats more, these figures dont include the many scams that take place over the phone, by mail or in person. And many fraud victims never report their experiences often because theyre embarrassed, afraid or unsure what to do. While people of all ages are victimized by fraudsters, older adults can be uniquely vulnerable. The FBI has suggested that older adults are often targeted because they tend to be more trusting and polite. They often have financial savings, own homes and have good credit all of which make them more attractive to scammers. Older adults may also be less comfortable with new technologies, which puts them at risk. Consider that someone who is 85 years old may have retired in the year 2004 three years before Apple introduced the iPhone. While many forms of technology have permeated our personal lives, its often in the workplace that many people receive mandatory training like how to avoid online scams. The wide world of frauds In 2023, tech-support scams were the most commonly reported type of elder fraud. Other common schemes include romance scams, online shopping swindles and investment frauds. While tech scams are the most common, investment scams are the costliest, accounting for nearly half of all reported losses from those over 60 last year. Source: Federal Bureau of InvestigationGet the data Created with Datawrapper Fraudulent call centers are also well known for targeting older adults. Such scams made up 40% of reported elder fraud cases in 2023, according to the FBI, accounting for at least $770 million in losses. Many make use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence to deceive people more effectively with voice-cloning scams or deepfake videos. Call-center scammers tell all sorts of tall tales. In 2022, more than 600 people reported being victimized in a single timeshare-related fraud. They collectively lost nearly $40 million. And in the latter half of 2023, scammers posing as government officials and tech-support agents pushed victims to liquidate their assets or buy precious metals with reported losses reaching more than $55 million. Combating an epidemic of scams As with any epidemic, infection control tools can help us limit the spread. Much like vaccines create immunity against viruses, prevention efforts can help people build up their defenses to avoid fraud. The main tool for preventing fraud is learning how to identify likely scams ahead of time. Here are a few FBI-approved tips to help you do that: If you believe there is an imminent danger to yourself or a loved one, call the police immediately. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings and door-to-door service offers. Dont click on any unsolicited links you receive via email or text even if they seem to be from people you know. And never open an email attachment from someone you dont know. If youre in doubt about a person or business, search online for their name, email, phone number and addresses, as well as details about their proposed offers. These days, most legitimate businesses have some degree of web presence. And if its a scam, you might find others have already shared information about it. Never give or send anything to unverified people or businesses. This includes any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks or wire information. Make sure your computer antivirus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Bad actors can use pop-ups to spread malicious software. If you see a pop-up message, disconnect from the internet and shut down your device. You can enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on one. Dont give anyone you dont know remote access to fix your computer or other electronic devices. This could let them see personal information, including details about your financial accounts. If youre told to lie to your bank about why you need to wire money or make a withdrawal, its probably a scam. A legitimate business wont insist you keep secrets from family or friends, either. Resist pressure to act quickly. This is a big one: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. A legitimate business will let you think through your financial decisions. Perhaps most importantly, trust your instincts. What to do if you think youve fallen for a scam Despite your best efforts, you might still be taken in by a fraudster. If that happens, know that youre not alone and that its possible to recover. Here is some advice for dealing with the aftermath: If a criminal gains access to your device or account, take action to protect your identity. If a bank is involved, immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts, and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity. Contact your local FBI field office, or, if the crime was committed over the internet, submit a tip online. When reporting a scam, include as many details as possible. This can include names, dates of contact, methods of communication, phone numbers, email and mailing addresses, and websites used by the perpetrator. Also note methods of payment, where you sent any funds including wire transfers and prepaid cards and account numbers. Offer descriptions of your interactions with the scammer and any instructions you were given. Whenever possible, you should keep original documents, emails, faxes and logs of communications. Falling for a scam can be frightening and stressful. Talk with people who you know and trust to support you through this challenging time. Some support groups include the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the Cybercrime Support Networks Peer Support Program. If your emotional response is overwhelming, consider talking with a counselor, therapist or your medical team. If you or someone you love falls into a fraud scam, you arent alone. Not even law enforcement experts are immune. At the age of 90, former FBI director William Webster was targeted an experience he bravely shared with the world. I encourage my patients not to feel too embarrassed to report what happened. Talking about these experiences is an important step toward fighting this epidemic. Disclosure: Laurie Archbald-Pannone receives funding from Virginia Department of Health, West Health Institute, and Prime, Inc. View comments The oldest wine ever discovered in liquid form harbored an unlikely pairing. This archeological finding redefines full-bodied wine. The oldest vintage is people? The oldest wine ever discovered in liquid form harbored an unlikely ingredient cremated human remains, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Archaeological Science. This was the first time something like this had been discovered, Jose Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, an organic chemist at the University of Cordoba who analyzed this ghoulish vintage, told All Thats Interesting. The macabre-net sauvignon was discovered by accident in 2019 after a family happened across a 2,000-year-old sunken Roman tomb while renovating their home in Carmona, Spain. Among other artifacts, this subterranean treasure trove contained a funerary urn with cremated bone remains, a gold ring decorated after the two-headed Roman deity Janus, and nearly five liters of reddish-brown liquid. And anyway, its not every day that the oldest wine in the world turns up, gushed Jose Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, an organic chemist at the University of Cordoba who led the study. Juan Manuel Roman We did not expect it to contain liquid, much less the quantity found, said Arrebola while discussing the holy grail-esque discovery. Until now, all the funerary urns found contained only cremated bone remains and various objects related to funerary offerings. Subsequent PH tests revealed that the mystery substance was actually wine. We looked for biomarkers, which are chemical compounds that unequivocally tell you what a particular substance is, the chemist told the Guardian while describing his method of liquor forensics. His team specifically deduced this by identifying seven wine polyphenols naturally occurring compounds found in fruits, vegetables, beverages and other foodstuffs and comparing these chemicals to those from wines from that region of Andalucia. Interring bodies with wine was a common practice in ancient Rome. Mulderphoto stock.adobe.com Further analysis revealed that the tipple was a white wine that was quite similar to the vintages produced in the area. This made the booze the oldest wine in liquid form, eclipsing the previous record holder a 1,700-year-old bottle found in another Roman tomb near Speyer, Germany, in 1867, Smithsonian reported. Naturally, pouring giggle juice into a funeral urn might seem morbid, like some kind of alcoholic burial ritual. However, the Romans often interred corpses with bubbly, along with perfume, and other creature comforts so they could enjoy a veritable Bacchanalia in the afterlife. In other words, the body mightve been dead but the spirit lived on so to speak. Interestingly, this particular vintage can also be consumed by the living as well. Its not in the least bit toxic weve done the microbiological analysis, Arrebola insisted. However, the scientists said he had reservations about imbibing the vintage given that it had spent 2,000 years in contact with the cremated body of a dead Roman. Olena Zelenska sat down for an interview with The Telegraph at the Office of the President in Kyiv For many people in Ukraine, it is not president Volodymyr Zelensky, with his trademark green sweatshirts and regular addresses to the nation, who provides comfort to the war-ravaged country, but rather his wife, Olena Zelenska. Composed, articulate and by her husbands side on the international stage whenever their conflicting schedules allow, the first lady of Ukraine has inadvertently become a powerful symbol of hope. Yet behind her polished exterior, Mrs Zelenska has battled with the same anxieties and vulnerabilities known to ordinary Ukrainians, who continue to suffer the agonising consequences of Vladimir Putins invasion. In an interview from inside the office of the president in Kyiv, Mrs Zelenska told The Telegraph that she had come close to burnout as she struggled to cope with the magnitude of Putins war while maintaining a brave face for her country and her children. There are moments where I feel I am close to psychological burnout and I understand that I need rest, Mrs Zelenska told The Telegraph. I try to use the moment effectively, because sometimes when we think we have rest, we dont. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Mrs Zelenska and her husband have been forced to live apart. He stays at the office and she and their two children are at an undisclosed location. Spending each night alone, she confessed to occasions where she had woken in the middle of the night feeling like she was struggling to cope the only reprieve being that her children had not seen her in this state. Those were the most horrifying moments and its good it happened at night because none of my children saw it because I always have to be a source of confidence for them, she admitted. Children always look up to their parents and they need to know that everything is going to be ok. As part of her new commitment to take care of her mental health, Mrs Zelenska said she has occasionally permitted herself to be vulnerable. A couple of times I allowed myself to cry when it was unbearably sad but it was something I did consciously because I know I have to dive deep to the bottom to find the power to push and then I can swim again, she said. You have to allow yourself an opportunity to cry it all out. Mrs Zelenska says while 'nobody would ever dream of being a wife of a president of a country at war, this is my job now' Her greatest hope for Ukraine is that its victory is not pyrrhic and she comes out the other side with her sanity intact. I hope to live until the moment of the victory in a sane state of mind and for us to arrive there not so exhausted that we wont be able to enjoy it, she said. I try to not think about fear, of course, we all in a way have survived our biggest fears in the first month after the invasion. We needed to come to terms with that idea in our head, with the nightmare thats hard to imagine for a modern person. You try not to think about the most awful things because thinking about them is not helpful. To ward off such episodes, the first lady has coping mechanisms to ensure her mental balance is steady, such as trying not to read the news on her phone before bed, or scrolling through Telegram channels detailing Russias brutality before falling asleep to the sound of air sirens. I think when I am scared I need to physically do something, she explained. I can compile a list of things that calm me down, and Ill go and do those things. Another of these activities is cleaning. This is a recipe for many women I know in the world to calm down, if you dont know what to do just go wash your hair, she said, smiling. While you are doing something you dont just sit idly and be scared, you do something helpful at this moment. It is approaching 850 days since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, having annexed Crimea in 2014 after declaring he had reversed a historical mistake. Putin famously called the carving up of the Soviet Union the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century. But in his bid to right this mistake, the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces has put the number of Russian troops killed since February 24 2022 at 529,750, not to mention the huge amount of military equipment Moscow has lost. Despite this, Putins ambitions for reclaiming Ukraine fully as part of Russia remain undimmed, with the most intense fighting of the war taking place in Kharkiv Oblast, which borders Luhansk Oblast in the east of the country. It is therefore crucial that the West does not grow weary of the war. We hope that the fatigue of this war will not settle the existential war for us, because our existence depends on it, Mrs Zelenska said. The Telegraph's Danielle Sheridan interviews Olena Zelenska The recent Peace Conference in Switzerland provided her with some confidence that Ukraines allies and friends will continue to support it, although she conceded we sometimes fear that help is arriving more slowly than we expected. Or not to the extent that we expected, she added. However, she admitted there is a general feeling of concern about the possible return of a Trump presidency and what that means, not only for Ukraine but the world. Ms Zelenska with Jill Biden at the White House in July 2022 When Mrs Zelenskas husband announced his intention to run for president in 2019, she was enjoying her life as a successful screenwriter and editor in comedy at Studio Kvartal 95. Her husband had co-founded the production company, named after the comedy group they had performed in as young adults. Originally from Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, the pair, now both 46, first met as teenagers when they attended School No. 95. Their paths crossed again on the KVN circuit, a Russian comedy show which hosted international competitions. They went on to create sketches as part of a group that won comedy competitions across Ukraine and ultimately developed a romantic relationship. Today, her life in war-ravaged Ukraine could not be further from the one she left behind in 2019, which included a career she loved. Nobody would ever dream of being a wife of a president of a country at war, she said when asked by The Telegraph to explain what it was like being married to Mr Zelensky. Of course its hard, it wasnt my choice and everyone knows it was his decision and I had to choose whether to work as the wife of the president or go into the shadows. I opted for the first option. When you make the choice to become active, you treat it as a job, this is my job now. The couple first met as teenagers when they attended the same school Any time they get to spend together is sparse and the complicated family dynamic they have is also taking its toll on the president. Sure enough we want that to change because family needs normal life, children need their father more often than they can afford seeing him and he is getting tired of that lifestyle, she said. There is also the added pressure of the worlds eyes on their marriage. She knows people look to her and Mr Zelensky as a united front who together provide hope that all will be fine with their country. While putting on such a show can be draining, she said, it is also, at times, rewarding. You have to understand that people look at you and you have to support them, Mrs Zelenska said. You have to give them hope and confidence, regardless of your emotional state. You have to be supportive for the people and at times it really is hard, but at other times its really inspiring when you see people support you back. I feel such gratitude to be honest that its worth it. The first lady says: 'We hope that the fatigue of this war will not settle the existential war for us, because our existence depends on it' As testing as her own personal situation might be, Mrs Zelenska said people all over Ukraine are suffering from families torn apart by Putins war. At least we can still see each other, she said, adding that she had a lot of compassion for the wives of our military who sometimes for months go without knowing where their near and dear are, or women whose husbands and sons are prisoners in Russia. They dont give up. Despite the obstacles that have been put in their way their marriage remains strong. Mrs Zelenska joked this could be because of the infrequency of their encounters as it meant they always had something new to tell each other. We dont bore each other, we miss each other, she added. We dont have the time to make each other angry or have a fight, so recently we dont have fights at all. The Ukrainian leader and his wife attend the commemorative ceremony at Omaha Beach marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Allied landings in Normandy on June 6 - VIRGINIA MAYO/AFP via Getty Images In her role as the presidents wife, Mrs Zelenska has sought to bring about a positive change in Ukrainian culture by getting people to talk about mental health. Last year she launched a nationwide programme called How are you? which, in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, aims to encourage Ukrainians to focus on their mental health as part of their daily routine. Its overall purpose is to foster a culture of self-care in a society where she feels the impact of talking therapies has been overlooked. According to surveys conducted in the aftermath of the full-scale war, more than 90 per cent of Ukrainians experienced anxiety, with almost 60 per cent said to be at risk of developing mental disorders. However, in a culture where people are more inclined to downplay issues with their mental state out of fear of looking like they are complaining, there is a long road ahead to making investing in this part of their lives normal. And while Mrs Zelenska is a proponent of counselling, the prospect of couples therapy for her own relationship is perhaps a step too far. If people are starting to treat individual counselling with more appreciation, that starts happening, more people turn to experts, this is one of the many lines of work that we need to do in our society, but couples counselling we still need to talk about, very few people believe that it works, she said. Yes, we see it in movies and we understand this is more a Western, cultural story, but Im confident we need to develop that along with other routines for our people to take care of themselves. I hope that me and Volodymyr wont need that therapy. In the days after Russia invaded Ukraine, Mrs Zelenska, in a state of composed fear as her family was split up and she and her children were forced into hiding for their safety, turned to literature for help. The first book she picked up was George Orwells 1984, using the dystopian narrative to make sense of how so many Russians had been manipulated into believing Putins justifications. Orwell's novel about the dangers of totalitarian societies reminds the first lady 'how people may lose touch with reality' There is some sort of psychological paradox, Mrs Zelenska said. It is probably the same thing when people watch horror movies. When you read something horrible, you understand this isnt real life and maybe its easier for you to take it in. So, after the beginning of the big war, I caught myself reading things I would stop reading previously because I was scared. For instance, I read again Orwells 1984. I dont like the dystopia genre, but at that point in the war I needed that, I needed to read it once again and see how awful the fall of society may be. She said the novel about the dangers of totalitarian societies reminded her how people may lose touch with reality. Maybe that helps me to react less emotionally to the news on the other side because when you see how much the brains of the citizens of the neighbouring country have been worked on, then you recall Orwell and you come to believe that everything is possible. Later this year Mrs Zelenksa will host the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which is now in its fourth iteration. What began as a way to unite first couples internationally has garnered practical results for Ukraine. In 2022 the summit led to the purchase of 92 ambulances for the country, last year it established medical partnerships internationally and this year they aim to focus on the safety of children. Children are the first victim of any war or any military conflict, she said, citing the militarisation of children, as well as kidnapping, deaths and a lack of access to healthcare and education. With so much of childrens education being taught online due to bombings and missile attacks, the summit will focus on online safety, including how to counter disinformation and cyber bullying. In the immediate term, Ukraine is looking at building underground schools so that children can return to classrooms safely and have the ability to interact with their classmates and schoolteachers. Mrs Zelenska added that her greatest hope was for children to physically return to school. Despite Russias unrelenting assault on Ukraine, the first lady still finds moments to be positive about. There are always things to be happy about, even in these most horrifying moments that happened to us, we still see the manifestations of humanity around and this is incredibly inspiring, she insisted. The most horrifying moments we keep witnessing the rubble of residential buildings being gone through and people retrieved from there every time I look at the rescuers who arrive on site, I watch them work and Im incredibly grateful to those people. I just look at their faces. I look at them, how concentrated they are and how they work. It inspires even in the worst moments and it doesnt let you succumb to discouragement because you realise you did so little to get tired that you need to go and keep working. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A former national police chief who was fired over his inability to stem the tide of armed gang violence gripping Haiti has once again been tapped to lead the countrys beleaguered police force. Rameau Normil had served as acting director of the Haiti National Police for 15 months before he was fired by former President Jovenel Moise in November 2020. Late Wednesday, he was officially named back to his old job by the countrys new transitional government. Normil replaces Frantz Elbe, the embattled police director whose ouster had been demanded by human-rights advocates and others over criticism he wasnt doing enough to protect the public or police against gangs. We believe the moment has arrived for us to give the police a new breath, a new energy to reconcile the police and the population, the newly selected prime minister, Garry Conille, said Thursday. The decision to change the polices leadership, he said, was made with members of the transitional presidential council. Conille said the council has yet to discuss with Normil who until recently had been assigned to Haitis embassy in Washington, D.C. how to tackle the countrys worsening violence, but that it will happen soon. Normils swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, was postponed until 10 a.m. Friday. The police needed a change in leadership, said Pierre Esperance, the head of the National Human Rights Defense Network and one of Elbes staunchest critics. Rameau Normil, who previously served as acting director of the Haiti National Police for 15 months, has been tapped as police chief after his predecessor was ousted. Esperance said he thinks that Normil did a good job when he oversaw the countrys Central Directorate of the Judicial Police unit before being tapped as top cop in 2019, but his work as director of the Haiti National Police under Jovenel Moise did not produce results. The first time Normil was police chief, the last of the United Nations peacekeeping troops sent in after the deadly earthquake in 2010 had just left. Under Normil, the police struggled to restore calm to Haiti. Growing discontent led to chaos on the streets of Port-au-Prince as rogue cops carried out violent attacks and protests. In one infamous incident, police and members of the Haitian military engaged in a violent confrontation that left at least two dead and a dozen others injured. The country saw a rise in gang-orchestrated kidnappings, massacres and high-profile assassinations, some of which implicated police officers. Unable to rein in the growing terror, Normil also came under fire for failing to arrest Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, then a rising gang leader who was accused of carrying out a gruesome massacre in Port-au-Princes La Saline neighborhood. At the time of Normils dismissal, the prime minister at the time, Joseph Jouthe, accused him finding pretexts to explain his lack of results. Eve of Kenyas arrival The latest change in leadership at the helm of the Haiti National police comes as a new transition government takes charge in the midst of a wave of deadly gang violence that has already killed or injured more than 2,500 people this year, and uprooted more than 100,000 from their homes. It also comes as the United States and Kenya finalize preparations for the arrival of a Multinational Security Support mission to help the Haitian police stabilize the troubled country and pave the way for elections. So far seven nations, including Kenya, have notified the U.N. they will field officers for the security mission, which was approved by the Security Council in October but has faced repeated legal and financial delays. A U.N. trust fund for the force has only $21 million so far, and has made one disbursement of $1.2 million to reimburse training costs for the first group of Kenyan police officers. Though the deployment date remains a tightly guarded secret, a State Department spokesperson said that a base for the officers to work from is now ready. Conille, the prime minister, said Thursday that while Kenyan President William Ruto recently reiterated his commitment to helping Haiti, it is our responsibility to take the country back from the gangs. We have the means and we have the capacity, and we have the knowledge, he said. Others are coming to help us, they are coming to support us, they are coming to accompany us, but reestablishing security is our responsibility. He added he doesnt want Haitians to think that the effort to bring peace to the country is being left to an entity other than us. On Tuesday, a senior State Department official told the Miami Herald that, following months of refusal by senior Republican lawmakers to lift a hold on a funding request, Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized $109 million to get the multinational mission off the ground. On Friday, the U.N. Security Council has scheduled a. briefing for an update on where the deployment stands. In his new role as national police chief, Normil will not only need to work with the multinational force most of whom do not speak French or Haitian Creole he will find himself confronting even more challenging issues than he did the first time he held the post. Armed gangs control more than 80% of the capital and are expanding outside Port-au-Prince. Since Feb. 29, armed groups have been targeting cops more and more. Frantz Elbe, center, was replaced Wednesday as Haitis top cop. A report published by the National Human Rights Defense Network last week said that 323 police officers have been killed since 2015. Between October 2021 and Wednesday, when Elbe officially informed his officers of his departure and his successors arrival, Haiti logged 120 police deaths, including 20 since January, the group said. The report also said that of the 68 armed gang attacks since January 2021 against police stations, sub-stations, prisons and specialized units, 55 of them occurred during Elbes leadership. Earlier this month, after three officers were ambushed in their armored vehicles and killed in a deadly gang attack, members of the transitional presidential council expressed their determination to reinforce the operational capacity of the police and offered condolences to the cops families. Conille also expressed outrage and sadness over what he described as the heinous and barbaric act, and promised peace would return to Haiti. As images of the police officers charred and mutilated bodies were shared on social media, Cherizier, the former police officer turned gang leader, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a widely circulated video, he brandished seized weapons and warned that the June 9 attack near Delmas 18 was a warm up of whats to come. The attack, which also led to another officer being injured, occurred during a clash between members of Cheriziers newly created Viv Ansanm gang alliance and the polices specialized Anti-Gang Tactical Unit that Elbe created to help fight the gangs. Not first time a fired top cop returns This is not the first time Haiti has brought back a fired cop to lead its struggling force. After Normil was ousted in 2020, Moise appointed Leon Charles, who had headed the national police in 2004 before he was pushed out amid concerns by the international community over his commitment to cleaning up the force. At the time Charles was named to the top job in 2020 he had spent 15 years out of the force. As head of the national police he faced criticism over his failure to thwart Moises assassination and guarantee the safety of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Charles later resigned after being indicted by a Haitian judge in Moises July 7, 2021, assassination, telling the Miami Herald he needed to be free to defend himself. Normil will find a national police force in disarray. The survey by the National Human Rights group said that 95% of officers it polled describe their general working conditions as a source of great frustration. The survey of 132 police officers was conducted between May 6 and 27 of this year. Officers were questioned about their working conditions, training, equipment and whether they felt safe. The survey found that officers are subjected to unsanitary stations, demanding and difficult hours, insufficient and irregular salaries and insufficient training. After being trained at the National Police Academy, where officers say they were given worn and mostly unusable uniforms, boots and a firearm, 35% of those surveyed said had no access to further training. The survey also found that 33% of the police officers had been victims of gunshot wounds, stabbings and other attacks. Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 welcomes 455 newly trained specialized police officers in a ceremony at the National Police Academy in Port-au-Prince. Earlier this week the National Police Academy hosted the graduation of 455 newly trained specialized police officers, including some benefiting from U.S. training. Among those who attended the event alongside Conille and members of the transitional presidential council was Dennis Hankins, the recently appointed U.S. ambassador to Haiti. Hankins presence marked the first time in three years that a U.S. ambassador had visited the academy, which had become no-go zone despite its close proximity to the U.S. Embassy because of repeated attacks from gangs. BARBOUR COUNTY, Ala (WDHN) A Clayton man is dead after a one-vehicle crash in Barbour County. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, 65-year-old James Earl Fenn was killed when the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe he was driving ran off the road, hit a fence, and overturned. Troopers say Fenn was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The crash occurred on County Road 43, approximately nine miles south of Clayton. Troopers with the ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. One person injured in shooting on Branton Woods Drive COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) One person was injured in a shooting in east Columbus, according to the Columbus Police Department (CPD). CPD posted about the shooting on its social media at 1:09 a.m. on Thursday. It happened in the 2900 block of Branton Woods Drive. WRBL will keep you updated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) An Ohio nonprofit has created a tool to assist victims of stalking or sexual violence with getting a civil protection order from the courts. Ohio Legal Help developed the tool to walk victims through obtaining a civil protection order by differentiating the types of protection orders, illustrating how to go through the paperwork and gather evidence, as well as providing advice. The free tool is available anytime and has an exit button on the bottom left corner of the screen that takes users to Googles homepage, in case an individual feels unsafe and needs to quickly leave the website. The page also features a chatbot to help users quickly find the information they are looking for. In Ohio, between 2016 and 2022, stalking increased nearly 32%, a report from the state Department of Public Safety found. Intimate partners were the victims in 27% of incidents, and women were the victim in about 81% of instances. Nationally, an estimated 13.5 million people are stalked annually. Stalkers threaten their victims by showing up unexpectedly at their homes, jobs or even family members homes. They also frequently harass victims with unwanted messages and contact family members, friends and co-workers, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Stalking often escalates to having deadly consequences 54% of female homicide victims reported stalking to the police before they were killed, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. A civil protection order legally demands someone who has been abusive to not do certain things in the future, such as contacting the victim, making threats or approaching the victim at all. The civil protection order can last up to five years and possibly be renewed for an additional five years. A lawyer is not required to obtain a civil protection order and there is no cost. A civil protection order can be obtained when there is a pattern (two or more instances) of conduct by a stalker that makes a victim believe they will be physically harmed or causes them mental distress. That conduct could include making harassing phone calls, following a victim to their home or monitoring the victims social media or phone use. A sexually oriented offense protective order assists with protecting victims of rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, child enticement and other sexually oriented offenses. Anyone who is the victim of stalking or a sexually oriented offense can request an order; criminal charges are not required. Ohio Legal Help warns that a civil protection order is not a guarantee to safety, and advises victims to weigh the risks of obtaining an order. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Iran must cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) without further delay, said the US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing, Trend reports. "Iran continues to expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose. We remain deeply concerned with Iran's nuclear activities and will continue to vigilantly monitor them. As we said in a joint statement we put out with the G7, on Friday Iran must cooperate with the IAEA without further delay. We do not see indications that Iran is currently undertaking the key activities that would be necessary to produce a testable nuclear device, but of course this is something we continue to monitor very closely," he said. Recently three European countries (Germany, the UK, and France) issued a joint statement stating that they are ready to use all available diplomatic measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons because the escalation of Iran's nuclear activities affects international security. 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. Rep. Charlie Conrad, R-Dexter, at the Oregon Legislature on Feb. 12, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The only Oregon Republican lawmaker who supported abortion rights has left the Republican Party. State Rep. Charlie Conrad of Dexter changed his registration to the Independent Party of Oregon after losing his May primary in a landslide over his April 2023 vote to protect access to abortion and gender-affirming care. He views his stance as consistent with traditional Republican values of protecting individual liberties. Though his core beliefs havent changed, Conrad said the primary made clear his version of moderate Republican politics doesnt represent the majority of Republican voters in his rural Lane County district. Just less than 1,400 of the more than 8,000 Republican voters who cast ballots in the 12th House District voted for him. If Im not going to represent their voices as a Republican, then Im not going to fight for it, Conrad told the Capital Chronicle. Im not going to fight for Trump. Im not going to fight to adhere to that party. As I see it, I dont represent the party, but I still represent my district, and its more important that I represent the district. For me, its always been people come first, and then the policies, and the party politics are third. Conrads term ends in January, and barring any emergencies that cause Gov. Tina Kotek to call lawmakers back in a special session, hes unlikely to take another vote on the House floor. But hes continuing to work with other lawmakers on task forces and committees and to help constituents experiencing problems with state agencies. And hes not ready to give up on politics in 2026, voters in his district will choose a new Lane County commissioner, a state representative and a state senator, with current Sen. Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek, barred from running for reelection because he participated in a quorum-denying walkout in 2023. Conrad said hes considering those offices as he weighs whether running for another office is the best way to continue a decades-long career in public service that included work as a corrections officer and police detective. But if he runs again, it wont be as a Republican. Like many higher-profile conservatives who have left the party in recent years, Conrad cited former president and current Republican nominee Donald Trump as a reason to leave. Hes reminded of Trumps influence on the party each day when he drives past the Lane County Republican headquarters on Oregon Route 58 and sees the Trump signs. I cannot support Trump, Conrad said. I mean, he is now a convicted felon, he is a rapist and hes an insurrectionist. Regardless of what some folks think about the merits of his policies, his character is abhorrent, and he is absolutely everything that is antithetical to the Constitution protecting liberties, protecting people, and everything that the framers fought for against the monarch. And now the MAGA folks want to go back to authoritarianism. I cannot support that at all. Vote for Biden He wrote in former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys name on the Republican primary ballot, which only featured Trumps name. Come November, Conrad anticipates voting for Democratic President Joe Biden not because hes particularly fond of Biden, but because he considers the race to be more a choice between vice presidential candidates given both front-runners ages. Vice President Kamala Harris or any other running mate Biden picks will be better than whoever Trump chooses, he reasoned. I cant anticipate any Republican that would kiss up to Trump that would stand and be an awesome president, Conrad said. It turns my stomach to think of that. Conrad is now the only Oregon lawmaker not affiliated with the Democratic or Republican party. Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, was a registered Independent for about two years, but he switched back to the Republican Party last summer to file for reelection. He is now the Republican nominee for state treasurer. I'm not going to fight for Trump. I'm not going to fight to adhere to that party. Rep. Charlie Conrad, I-Dexter Over the past 20 years, only three other state legislators have been unaffiliated with either major political party during part of their time in office. Democratic state Sen. Avel Gordly left the party halfway through her final term in 2006, while former state Treasurer Ben Westlund was elected to the House as a Republican in 1996, briefly ran for governor as a non-affiliated candidate in 2006 and re-registered as a Democrat later that year. Betsy Johnson, the longtime moderate Democratic state senator who placed third in the 2022 gubernatorial election as a nonaffiliated candidate, was still registered with the Democratic party when she resigned from the Senate to focus on her campaign. Other high-profile Republicans in Oregon have left the Republican Party over Trump, most notably Knute Buehler, a Bend physician who was the partys nominee for governor in 2018 and secretary of state in 2012. In 2021, Buehler dropped the party in disgust over the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the Oregon Republican Partys response of falsely claiming that the attack was committed by leftists. Buehlers wife, Patricia, contributed to Conrads campaign, and Conrad talked last fall to Buehler about some of their shared frustrations with the current Republican Party. Like Conrad, Buehler supports abortion rights, and like Conrad, he was attacked by Oregon Right to Life, an anti-abortion advocacy group that describes itself as a kingmaker in Republican politics. There currently is, in my opinion, no way that a Republican can be elected statewide because of the views that are commonly held on abortion and guns, Buehler told the Capital Chronicle in an interview last summer. You cant win swing districts with those kinds of views where theres a lot of independent voters, which makes the party perpetually in the minority and increasingly irrelevant to political issues in Oregon. Sal Peralta, secretary of the Independent Party of Oregon, said the third party has seen a larger share of formerly Republican members since Trump gained power. I think a lot of people who might be more inclined to vote more conservatively are turned off by President Trump, and it really makes it more likely that they will align with the Independent Party, Peralta said. Or if we were to support a Democratic candidate, that might make them likely to vote for the Democrat in a race involving a Trump Republican. Somebody to hate Conrad had been registered as a Republican since he moved back to Oregon for college in 1990, but he said he has wrestled for a while with the tenor of the national party. One of the things that the Republican Party for so long has always focused on is trying to find somebody to hate, he said. You can go back to McCarthy and McCarthyism and looking at the communists, and then you keep going forward in time. Its communism, then its hippies, immigrants are always part of that equation. When you get into the 90s, its homosexuals. You can always throw in Muslims, and its just kind of rinse and repeat. The Republican Party, for so long, has just been based on hate and fear. But Conrad still considers his core values minimal taxes, small government, respecting peoples personal liberties to be traditional Republican beliefs. And he sees his support for abortion rights and the ability of trans people to access gender-affirming care as consistent with those values, that the government should allow people to make their own decisions. For that reason, he ran as a Republican in 2022, when he won a four-way primary and then coasted to victory over Democrat Michelle Emmons. And he stayed with the Republican Party through this spring, even after protesters showed up at his house last summer to heckle him over his vote for House Bill 2002, the wide-ranging law Democrats proposed in response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the right to abortion at the national level. Those protesters ended up leaving his house after a tense hour and a half and never returned perhaps, Conrad thinks, because one of the instigators turned out to be third cousins and childhood friends with a neighbor who supported him. But the experience frightened his wife, who has worried for the last year that someone who has been radicalized will show up at the home. Other lawmakers have experienced similar harassment at their homes, leading the Legislature to pass a law last year allowing candidates to keep their addresses from public disclosure unless someone files a written records request. While Conrad is no longer part of the Republican Party, he said he wants Oregon to have two strong functioning parties. He said the House has a core group of strong, pragmatic Republicans who work hard to represent their districts and compromise when they have to, naming Deputy Minority Leader Mark Owens of Crane and Reps. Cyrus Javadi of Tillamook, Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville and Emily McIntire of Eagle Point as examples of that type of governing. We need two functioning parties, and thats what I want to fight for Oregon for, so we have two functioning parties and they advocate from the districts and represent their people, because thats what we need, Conrad said. I dont want to be Texas and I dont want to be Florida. The post Only Oregon Republican lawmaker who supports abortion rights is now an Independent appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle. The Philippines has accused Chinas Coast Guard of launching a brutal assault with bladed weapons during a South China Sea clash earlier this week, a major escalation in a festering dispute that threatens to drag the United States into another global conflict. Footage released by the Philippine military on Thursday showed Chinese coast guard officers brandishing an axe and other bladed or pointed tools at the Filipino soldiers and slashing their rubber boat, in what Manila called a brazen act of aggression. The Philippines and China have blamed each other for the confrontation near the Second Thomas Shoal in the contested Spratly Islands on Monday, which took place during a Philippine mission to resupply its soldiers stationed on a beached World War II-era warship that asserts Manilas territorial claims over the atoll. The incident is the latest in a series of increasingly fraught confrontations in the resource-rich and strategically important waterway. But the scenes captured in the latest footage mark an inflection point in the long-simmering tensions, with China adopting new, far more openly aggressive tactics that, analysts say, appear calculated to test how the Philippines and its key defense ally the United States will respond. China claims indisputable sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, and most of the islands and sandbars within it, including many features that are hundreds of miles from mainland China. Multiple governments, including Manila, hold competing claims. Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said it was unprecedented for Chinas maritime law enforcement to board a Philippine naval vessel. They can be rubber boats, but it doesnt change the fact that they are Philippine Navy vessels, and according to international law, they enjoy what we term as sovereign immunity, Koh said. That is very dangerous, because, if anything, that could even be construed as an act of war. This handout photograph released by the Philippine military shows destroyed communication and navigational equipments including a cellphone on a Philippine navy boat. - Armed Forces of the Philippines/AFP/Getty Images Boats looted At a news conference on Wednesday, senior Philippine military officials said Chinas Coast Guard officers illegally boarded the Philippine rubber boats, looted seven disassembled rifles stored in gun cases, destroyed outboard motor, communication and navigation equipment and took the personal cellphones of Filipino personnel. They deliberately punctured our rubber boats using knives and other pointed tools, said Alfonso Torres Jr., commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command. A Philippine Navy serviceman on the rubber boat lost his right thumb when the Chinese Coast Guard rammed it, Torres said. Chinas Coast Guard also deployed tear gas, blinding strobe lights and continuously blared sirens, the AFP said. Only pirates do this. Only pirates board, steal, and destroy ships, equipment, and belongings, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said in a statement. The Chinese Coast Guard personnel had bladed weapons and our personnel fought with bare hands. That is whats important. We were outnumbered and their weapons were unexpected but our personnel fought with everything that they had, Brawner added. At a regular briefing with reporters on Thursday, Chinas Foreign Ministry was asked to comment on the allegations from the Philippines that their vessels were damaged by Chinese coast guard personnel wielding blades and firing tear gas. Spokesman Lin Jian did not address those allegations, and instead reasserted Beijings claims over the Second Thomas Shoal, known as Renai Jiao in China. The Philippine operation was not for humanitarian supplies at all. The Philippine vessels carried not only construction materials but also smuggled weapons. They also intentionally rammed into Chinese vessels and splashed water and threw things on Chinese law-enforcement personnel, Lin said. These actions have obviously aggravated tensions at sea and seriously threatened the safety of Chinese personnel and ships. This handout photograph from the Philippine military shows destroyed windshields on a Philippine navy boat. - Armed Forces of the Philippines/AFP/Getty Images Mutual defense treaty What happens in the South China Sea has profound implications for the US, which has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines that dates back decades. The latest clash marks the first run-in between the two countries since a new law in China took effect Saturday to authorize its coast guard to seize foreign ships and detain crews suspected of trespassing for up to 60 days without trial. It also comes just weeks after Philippine President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. warned that the death of any Filipino citizen at the hands of another country in the waterway would be very close to an act of war. Marcos has sought closer ties with the US, which has repeatedly stressed Washingtons ironclad commitment to a 1951 mutual defense treaty between the US and the Philippines that stipulates both sides would help defend each other if either were attacked by a third party. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Monday the United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the escalatory and irresponsible actions by China. In a phone call with his Philippine counterpart Enrique A. Manalo on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Chinas actions, undermine regional peace and stability and underscored the United States ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty. Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation, a US-based think tank, said the footage released by the Philippines clearly shows a Chinese attack on Philippine military assets, which according to Washington and Manilas defense pact would trigger mutual defense commitments. However, in practical terms, the Philippines itself would have to initiate a move to activate (it) before the US would intervene militarily, he said. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines claims in a landmark maritime dispute, which concluded that China has no legal basis to assert historic rights to the bulk of the South China Sea. But Beijing has ignored the ruling. Instead it has increasingly pushed its maritime territorial claims, with China Coast Guard ships reinforced by militia boats involved in multiple clashes over the past year that have damaged Philippine ships and seen Filipino sailors injured by water cannon. Philippine restraint The decision by Chinas Coast Guard to use bladed weapons in the latest South China Sea clash has drawn comparisons with clashes between China and India on their disputed Himalayan border, where soldiers on both sides have fought fiercely with sticks, rocks and their hands. The Philippine personnel on the rubber boats are elite forces hailing from the Navy Special Operations Group, Koh said. They are trained in combat. They did not retaliate against the Chinese because theyre just simply exercising restraint, he said. They probably have received instructions right from the top that under whatever circumstance they are not supposed to fight back against the Chinese and escalate the situation. The footage released by the Philippine military also showed another striking development that the clash took place right next to the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusting US-built Philippine Navy landing craft that was run aground deliberately in 1999, with a national flag hoisted on board, to assert Manilas territorial claims over Second Thomas Shoal. This is the closest Chinas Coast Guard has come to the BRP Sierra Madre, Koh noted. Under normal rules of engagement, the garrison would have fired warning shots, he said. The fact that this incident didnt escalate further is because the Philippines exercised utmost restraint. Thats a simple fact. China, Koh said, was trying to test both Manila and Washington to find out exactly where the red line is. They wanted to see how far the US is willing to pledge its security commitment to the Filipinos. And of course, I dont think Beijing is dumb enough not to have considered the possibility of having all these actions escalate the situation, but I believe that was a risk that they, in the end, decided to take. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Manveena Suri contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com As a young, radical Labour Party activist, I knew which side I was on. Margaret Thatcher was the epitome of evil, her party little better than the fascists, and my own party set to inevitably replace them in government, once the average voter was awakened from his apathetic slumber and realised the error of his ways in voting Conservative in the past. And then time took its toll. I grew up. I realised far too late in life, which is the fate of many political obsessives that those who voted and campaigned for the other side were decent people after all. They may have different political priorities, but our ultimate aims efficient public services that actually help people, a strong national defence, workers earning high wages in a secure environment formed a larger part of that Venn diagram than I had ever suspected during my formative political years. That most Tories were good, nice, decent people didnt detract from the fact that some were pretty awful individuals. But then again, there were plenty in my own party. Even some of those high-profile Labour people whose personal brand depended on their meekness, their friendliness to all, their eminent reasonableness when in a one-to-one situation, have turned out to be among the most energetic peddlers of hate, aimed usually at the Conservatives, but also at their own side. Lord Cashman, formerly Michael Cashman of Eastenders and Stonewall fame, quit these shores earlier this week rather than hang around to face the wrath of party and public after he belittled Labours candidate and serving MP for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield. Duffield, who has endured avalanches of threats from trans rights activists and ideologues because of her insistence on the reality of biological sex, had announced that due to safety concerns, she wouldnt be attending a hustings event in her constituency. Lord Cashmans considered response? Frit. Or lazy. Suspended from the party whip, he announced that he had been advised to take a holiday from this wonderful inclusive, tolerant arena that is X. The sarcasm said all there needed to be said about the sincerity of his already half-hearted apology to Duffield; imagine a social media platform being so intolerant as to criticise a man for calling a female candidate who fears for her safety a lazy coward. I shall miss you all and look forward to seeing you during the summer! Yeah, dont hurry back, Michael. When he does return he might find himself the subject of a second disciplinary inquiry. Labour rules explicitly prohibit any party member from advocating support for any candidate other than the official Labour one. Many have fallen foul of this rule in years past, but the party is generally consistent on ridding itself of such apostates. It is a central, necessary pillar of party discipline. Yet on June 10, Cashman actually reposted an appeal on his X account seemingly encouraging people to vote Lib Dem, not Labour, in Suella Bravermans constituency in order to unseat her. Meanwhile, in the Islington North constituency, the chair of the local Labour Party has resigned from the party after reportedly hiding behind a bush, having been spotted by fellow comrades campaigning for Jeremy Corbyn, who is now the independent candidate there. Again, hatred plays a key role in this foliage-based farce. Whether its an unhinged hatred of the party of government for having slightly different priorities from you, or an even more intense hatred of your own (former) party for failing to adhere to your own particular ideological tastes, it is hatred that gets many on the Left to get out of bed in the morning. Even their party anthem, The Red Flag, is largely about how great it is to hate cowards and traitors who flinch and sneer. A late 19th century version of #bekind, perhaps? Most of these hatreds and resentments are being camouflaged right now in the midst of the general election campaign, although its perhaps significant than even now, with the fate of the nation at stake, there are still those in Labours ranks who have decided their personal prejudices are more important than presenting a united front to the country. But just wait until there is a Labour government with a stonking majority and no opposition to speak of. When Labour becomes its own opposition and even in less fortuitous times it has had no trouble assuming that role we will see the sparks fly. The centre-Left, which has remained quiet up until now for fear of being accused of rocking the boat, retains its suspicions of Keir Starmer. The centre-Right Starmerites have had their appetite for routing the Left well and truly indulged in the last couple of years, and they wont be satisfied until the job is complete. All of this will happen with the backdrop of a government that has no money to spend, few plans to generate economic growth, and a million hands stretched out towards it demanding extra funding. And in the bad times, the priority is always to find someone to blame. The Tories, naturally, will be at the top of the list, and deservedly so, to an extent. But that will only work for so long. Unless swift economic progress is made, passions will rise. And in the Labour Party, passion very quickly becomes hatred. Strap yourselves in. 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. OPD updates LGBTQ+ safe place markers to be even more inclusive The Orlando Police Department is rolling out a new version of the stickers they use to assure members of the LGBTQ+ community that theyre walking into a safe space. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS More than 200 businesses across Orlando have said they want to be a visible sign of unity since the police department launched the initiative. Etched in the corner of Orlando neighborhood blocks, the rectangular stickers identify the establishment is a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. READ: DEA hosts 3rd annual Florida Family Summit on Fentanyl in Orlando to raise awareness We have had a lot of positive feedback, Red Scarlet Salon owner Jennifer Lopez said. People walk by. They sometimes hear a flag...Theyve seen our safe space. Sgt. Amanda White serves as the Orlando Police Departments lead LGBTQ+ Liaison. White says the stickers are still needed. READ: Orange County elections supervisor OKs extra security for voters in assisted living, nursing homes Our Safe Place program, in particular, is about unity, White explained. Were still seeing some graffiti targeting not just the LGBTQ. Thats why White says theyre swapping out the old stickers with a new version. READ: Florida medical marijuana patients get an unexpected email praising DeSantis The phrase report anti-LGBTQ crimes will now say Report Hate Crimes and include the Progress Pride flag, covering every group and identity represented within its corners. Businesses have to apply and agree to certain terms in order to participate in the initiative. For more information on how to join the program and report hate crimes in the community, click here. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Diva Down OpenAI has removed VIC, the AI chatbot running for mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, from public-facing service. An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Tuesday that it had "taken action against" VIC which stands for "Virtually Integrated Citizen" on grounds that the chatbot violated the company's "policies against political campaigning." Indeed, as OpenAI stated in a January blog post, it's not yet allowing politicians or political groups to use its tech to create campaign materials. As it stands, according to OpenAI, a wholly AI-generated politician fits that bill. It's surely a loss for mayoral hopeful VIC and its creator, Cheyenne resident Victor Miller. But OpenAI's decision is a win for Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, who's argued that the AI isn't qualified for an electoral bid based on its lack of being a human in a physical body. "Wyoming law is clear that, to run for office, one must be a 'qualified elector,' which necessitates being a real person," Gray told CNN in a statement. "Therefore, an AI bot is not a qualified elector." Still Kickin' That said, according to Miller, the bot isn't totally dead just yet. VIC is a custom GPT which, in short, is a specialized version of ChatGPT trained for a specific purpose, or on a specific set of data. (In VIC's case, as Miller recently told Wired, it was trained on thousands of documents taken from Cheyenne council meetings.) As it stands, VIC is no longer publicly available through OpenAI's platform. But as Miller explained to CNN, he still retains personal access, and plans to invite Cheyenne residents to interact with VIC at a local library meet-up. Miller, who as he's told multiple outlets decided an AI would be a solid mayor after a bad experience with the Wyoming capital city's records department, told CNN he thinks an AI mayor "could add a layer to help a town." But experts aren't so sure that an AI chatbot is ready to make political decisions. "When it comes to AI now and what it will be like in the future, it should never be used to make automated decisions," Jen Golbeck, a professor in the University of Maryland's College of Information Sciences, told CNN. "AI has always been designed for decision support it gives some data to help a human make decisions but is not set up to make decisions by itself." VIC has another major hurdle ahead. Local authorities are still investigating whether the bot's lack of physical form disqualifies it from the ticket and if they do find that VIC's run is technically against the law, getting the boot from OpenAI will be the least of Miller's worries. Updated to correctly identify the state of Wyoming. More on VIC: Authorities Investigating AI Running for Mayor in Wyoming Last year, the US was slammed by a record 28 disasters related to weather and climate that inflicted damage exceeding $1 billion. There have already been 11 billion-dollar disasters in the country this year, fueled by even more record-setting weather such as the highest number of tornadoes ever recorded in the US during the month of May. And were barely into what multiple storm prognosticators warn should be an extremely active Atlantic hurricane season with the first named storm of the season impacting the western Gulf Coast this week and more potential storms on Albertos heels. Youve hopefully heeded expert advice to prepare a go-bag with emergency supplies to meet the basic needs of your family and pets in the days after a disaster. But getting a community ready to weather disasters extends far beyond this fundamental home preparedness. What barriers keep people from heeding evacuation orders, for instance? How can disaster planning better respond to the needs of people with mobility issues? What if people are told to flee but lack the money to do so? What if theres a language barrier in emergency alerts? How is our perpetual state of crises impacting how seriously we take new disaster warnings? To explore these and other questions, CNN Opinion will feature the views of experts over the next several weeks on how America can be better prepared for disaster. These pieces from a range of voices are intended to nurture important conversations at city halls and kitchen tables about how preparedness starts long before an emergency alert. To launch this series, CNN Opinion spoke with former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Richard Serino about preparedness challenges and opportunities. Serino promotes crafting a national strategy to better prepare for a greater number of billion-dollar disasters that could have more devastating impacts. He looks back on some of his experiences responding to crises and what that imparted about the needs of survivors and cities hit by disasters and what we could face around the corner. Serino served in his leadership role at FEMA from 2009 to 2014. During that time, he responded to more than 60 natural disasters, including serving as the lead Hurricane Sandy federal area commander for New York and New Jersey. Before his FEMA appointment, Serino was chief of Boston Emergency Medical Services and served as assistant director of the Boston Public Health Commission. He is a distinguished senior fellow at the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) at Harvard University. CNN: Give us a 30,000-foot view of the disaster outlook. How badly prepared are we? What are the biggest vulnerabilities in the US, and are we facing unique challenges compared to other nations? And why are we breaking records for billion-dollar disasters? Richard Serino: We are prepared for what was. We are not prepared for what is and what will be. The pace, size and scope of disasters used to be more episodic. We had big disasters though they were more discrete. Richard Serino - Courtesy Massachusetts Department of Public Health The hurricanes of 2017 were the marker of the change. A series of strong hurricanes in quick succession overwhelmed the system hurricanes Harvey (Category 4), Irma and Maria (both Category 5) cost more than $335 billion and hit within the span of a month and a half. By the time we got to Hurricane Maria, which left 3.7 million Puerto Ricans without power, the system was spent FEMA stockpiles were strained and an already understaffed workforce was exhausted. We can expect more of this. This is not just a US problem we are seeing this occur worldwide. I was deputy administrator of FEMA during Hurricane Sandy. The New York metropolitan area was hit hard, including 44 deaths and $19 billion in damage. As more areas become inhabited, and as population density increases, the impact of these bigger storms will significantly increase. New York is an illustration: more people to evacuate, support and house. Several hurricanes like Sandy at the same time would overwhelm the system, and it may be what we see in the near future. One of the areas which we saw needed improvement was meeting the survivors needs during initial interactions. FEMA Corps, a service program for young adults to help communities in disaster preparedness and response, had just started and helped with this tremendously. And what we learned has helped shape the new policies on FEMAs Individual Assistance Program that were just realized. Its a good start, but we have a long way to go. People dont understand what that big pot of money in the Disaster Relief Fund pays for and what it does not pay for and how little it provides an individual with a damaged or destroyed home. For fiscal year 2024, the maximum amounts are $42,500 for housing assistance and $42,500 for other needs assistance. The averages fluctuate but the actual amount awarded, however, has been typically closer to $8,000. There is a big misconception that FEMA will make you whole, back to where you were prior to a disaster that is simply not the case. And not every disaster is a Stafford Act declaration, in which the president declares a disaster and thus paves the way for federal assistance. The heat wave is not. The Baltimore bridge collapse was not. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was not. There is some funding for preparedness that FEMA does distribute, but we need to increase and improve this. Along with Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and other funding, this needs to start at the local level. The one prediction I can make about the disaster outlook is that there will be more disasters and they will be more costly, billions of dollars more costly and they are going to increase and impact more people than ever before. We have to take the time now to prepare across the board, from individuals, to government at all levels, to the private sector, the faith-based community the entire, whole community must work together before, during and after disasters. This is not just a FEMA problem. This is time for us to work to plan and think together. Residents walk in the street after a massive tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011. - Mike Gullett/AP CNN: Youve been on the emergency management frontlines through a range of disasters including hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and a tsunami. Tell us about an experience that really made you step back and identify a need for significant changes in how we approach preparedness. Serino: Im going to look at this perhaps a different way at something that worked, and then something that could use improvement. One crisis that stands out is the 2011 tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri. It was devastating: 158 people died, thousands were injured, thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed but they recovered. And they recovered because they had worked through scenarios and had some preparedness for a crisis such as this beforehand. They worked together as a team, they worked together as a community and they were able to actually help rebuild. But I think we can learn from Joplin they have done such a good job after the fact of going around teaching other areas and other cities how to prepare for this, prepare for disasters and prepare for recovery. I think we do a very good job in many places preparing people for response. We do not do a good job of preparing people for the recovery and thats always the longest and the hardest thing after disaster. How do you prepare for recovery? Having plans in place. How do you get people housed, get people back to work, how are you going to be able to do that? So I think we have a lot more work to be done about how we can improve individual preparedness but community preparedness as well. Our policies and attitudes about disasters are out-of-date. We have to admit that rebuilding, as compelling as it may be, is not always the answer. Some areas where we know flooding will come and come again should not be rebuilt. We cannot underestimate the impact that shifts by the insurance market will have on areas prone to disasters. The government at the local level is reluctant to tell people not to rebuild in disaster-vulnerable areas. However, the increase in insurance bills and even the outright disappearance of the insurance market will create some very tough choices for people. With savings held in our property, what will people do when their area is vulnerable and they cannot get or afford insurance? We have to build policies that confront these realities so that when we spend money, we are smart about it. To do so, we have to expand how FEMA is allowed to allocate money. In some cases, we have to be creative about where we rebuild and how we do it. We also need to engage states and localities about their building and zoning codes. FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino visits with disaster survivor Dona Young at the Red Cross shelter in Minot, North Dakota, on June 29, 2011. - Andrea Booher/FEMA/Alamy CNN: Disasters cut across jurisdictions and can leave evacuees or victims confused about where to find guidance or assistance. How can different entities break down their silos to be ready in times of chaos? Serino: People often talk about breaking down silos. I actually think you dont want to break down silos. I grew up in Boston but a colleague of mine, Dr. Lenny Marcus, the director of NPLI, grew up in the Midwest and noted that silos serve an important purpose: If you knock down a silo, all the grain and things that are stored inside will make a mess. Look at these as disparate entities in disaster planning and response as cylinders of excellence, and rather look to see how we can connect these cylinders of excellence during times of crisis, during times of chaos. You have to do that ahead of time. We must take the opportunity to build those relationships long ahead of time. As some of us have been saying for 25 years, you dont want to exchange business cards at the scene of a disaster. But its more than exchanging business cards its actually about how you develop relationships with people and keep them up ahead of time, during blue-sky days. During our response to Hurricane Sandy, one departments very senior official started working outside of the system without communicating. That showed how essential it is for all levels of government to work together because once we did, the response turned and was more seamless throughout. And its not just the people in public safety and emergency management: its the people who do housing, its the people who do community outreach, its the people who do the budget, its understanding the economy. So how do you bring all those people together ahead of time to have disaster response agreements in place? You bring that team of folks together so its not about breaking down the silos, its about connecting those cylinders of excellence. President Barack Obama makes a statement after a briefing on Hurricane Sandy with FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino, left, and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate at FEMA Headquarters on October 28, 2012, in Washington, DC. - Dennis Brack-Pool/Getty Images CNN: What would a national emergency management strategy look like? Serino: To put it in perspective, we have a National Defense Strategy, we have a National Health Security Strategy, we have a National Cybersecurity Strategy but we dont have a national disaster and national emergency management strategy. I think one of the things we have to look at is how do we bring together a whole-of-government approach federal, state, local, tribal, territorial levels and assess how we are able to operate. This would not just be a FEMA document we have to bring together all the different federal agencies in a national strategy. FEMA has a great strategic plan to develop National Resilience Guidance; we have to look broader to a national emergency management and disaster strategy to bring together people so they can understand and align their roles, responsibilities and resources. Im not talking about a 300-page document: The National Cybersecurity Strategy is 35 pages. Canada has a national Emergency Management Strategy that is about the same length. But I think its key that we set the tone for where we need to go with what the roles and responsibilities are in the event of a disaster or other national emergency. We are at a transformation point for emergency management. Were at a crossroads because we cant keep doing the things that we did 20 to 30 years ago or even 10 years ago. Because of the number of billion-dollar disasters that happen routinely and the amount of resources needed to respond and recover, we have to bring together the whole community. The private sector needs to not just be observers: They dont just want information from the government, they want to be part of the solution. Information needs to flow both ways; they need to become real members of the team. There are many different parts of this: the federal, state, local, tribal, territorial governments; the private sector; nonprofits; the faith-based community. And we also need to bring academia into crafting a strategy, with the research that theyve done, and start to develop some more data on how were able to do that. The most important thing is bringing the public together and remembering that this is about people how do we make sure that they are part of a national strategy? And again, this isnt a FEMA strategy, this is an emergency management strategy. CNN: When officials at different levels of government dont have unified thoughts on climate change and its effects, how can you bring people from different corners together to effectively prepare for increasing extreme weather events? Serino: The effects of climate change are real and some people do not like to use the term climate change, but one thing we all agree on is the disasters are happening more often. We need to look at this in terms of the effects that people are experiencing. Theres no denying were seeing more disasters; theres no denying were seeing more billion-dollar disasters. So its a matter of how do we live with this? Its never just one crisis anymore. Were in a polycrisis and permacrisis state and we must assess how were able to understand that and the full cost of that. How do we stop looking at the billion-dollar cost the US National Climate Assessment puts the extreme weather cost at $150 billion each year and how do we start to look at the full scope of the effects that we see? And how do we start to look at how we can do that more efficiently, more effectively, more equitably across the board? Its a matter of how we start to bring all of these together, and I think there are opportunities to do that. What we have learned over the years, when it comes to disasters, is that leadership matters! In part, its political leadership. No politician ran for office and got elected in order to lead through a crisis. The policies that were front stage for them were often about the economy, building and social programs. But how they lead in a crisis determines whether they will get re-elected. Of course, every crisis is about the economy, building and social impact. So the issues are still relevant; however, the urgency suddenly changes. Everything changes, from communication to the media to engaging the public. Leadership also matters for the leaders of public agencies, who have to work together, coordinate situational awareness and collaborate on activities in ways responsive to the crisis at hand. Crisis leadership requires training, preparation and intentionality, just like any professional skill. Were not paying enough attention to preparing leaders for when it matters most. FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino is shown businesses damaged by Hurricane Sandy by Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Nov. 1, 2012. - FEMA/Alamy CNN: When we see disaster upon disaster happening with little respite, how do you encourage people to respond to the next disaster threat with the required urgency? Serino: In emergency management we have to be careful to not seem like the boy who cried wolf. We have to educate people to the crisis thats in their area and use crises as an opportunity to educate, even if its not your crisis. You want to keep the message concise about what matters the most. Survivors before, during and after a disaster are not looking for a political speech they want to hear an expert or trusted community member say, This is whats happening, this is what we know and, importantly, this is what we dont know, this is what you as the public can do and this is what we are doing and this is the information we know now and its going to change. Being consistent and concise. Local leaders need to hear that same candor from federal officials. In the Hurricane Sandy response, I spent a lot of time with Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. We listened to what their needs were and told the city what we can do and what we cant. You may be telling people hard truths, things that sometimes are not what they want to hear youre not going to have power for a while, but in the interim were going to take care of the needs such as shelter. Were going to be here for a while. Thats an important message. And do not make it political: In this hyper-political environment we live in now we have to be very careful and not make crisis response political. People sometimes call me an eternal optimist; we can use disasters as a way to unify people in the community involved and across the country. Whether its red or blue states, or white or purple or green, this is a disaster. We consistently see people come together across the spectrum. We have the opportunity to use a crisis as a unifying community response. Weve seen in crisis after crisis that people come together, so lets prepare for that. Lets find a way that we can continue that. A home is surrounded by floodwater June 26, 2011, in Burlington, North Dakota. The Souris River, which runs through Burlington and nearby Minot, flooded thousands of homes in the two communities. - Scott Olson/Getty Images CNN: What is the number one way in which average citizens and their local leaders fall short on disaster preparedness? Serino: I think people are always moving onto the next thing. People tend to say its not affecting me directly and thats why I think the key is education, and the key is education also for the leaders. We want to prepare the leaders so the people who work for the leaders, and the public who hear the leaders, will be ready. Sometimes people make tragic choices in disasters. They must know that they have to prepare. We have the ability to just continue to communicate that, and leaders in a crisis have the obligation to take care of the people for their safety, and the obligation to make sure people are housed and fed, etc., after disaster. And its also important for leaders to give people hope. Having people prepared, giving them some self-confidence and giving them the tools in order to cope with disaster is an opportunity to both educate people in preparedness and help them survive the response as well. In 2011, Minot, North Dakota, experienced really bad flooding. As I flew out there, people from FEMA were telling me that the situation on the ground was bad and the people dont like FEMA. I landed at a small airport, met local people in the hangar and then flew around the affected area in a helicopter with the adjutant general, who told me that all of the roads were washed away, houses were underwater, they lost a school yet nobody was killed or injured. I flew to a nearby location all you could see were rooftops of flooded homes and was in a big meeting room with political officials, police, fire, EMS and emergency management officials from a handful of other cities and towns. You can tell that everyone is unhappy, theyre so mad; theyre also extremely tired, having been up for three days nonstop. I walked in and said, Before we get too much into this, I want to say thank you no one was killed or injured because the actions you took saved lives. The fact that no one was even injured was a testimony to the work you did with preparedness and evacuating people. I told them that I cant tell you when were going to have reimbursement for what was destroyed or damaged, but that can be replaced while lives cant so I just wanted to say thank you. There was dead silence for a full minute but then the whole tenor changed. The people who were telling me its going to be bad, theyre going to hate you its never about you as a leader, its about the position. Its all about you as a leader and its not about you as a leader. Its important for us to realize whats important we can do lots of mitigation and all that, but we also have to look at this through the eyes of people. Everything we do is about survivors. FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino talks to FEMA Corps members in Queens, New York, on May 7, 2013. - K.C.Wilsey/FEMA/Alamy CNN: While at FEMA you launched the FEMA Corps to integrate young adults into serving communities during disaster response. Do you see an age gap in preparedness and how emergency management needs to reach different generations? Serino: I have extreme hope with the younger generation because we have lots of young people who have gone to school to learn emergency management years ago there werent even classes in emergency management, but now you can get a bachelors degree, masters and even a PhD in emergency management. I have a great amount of hope because the next generations are bringing skills that a lot of us havent had the past and theyre bringing new opportunities to bring people together. What we have to do is give them the opportunities: FEMA has given many younger people the opportunity to do that, with some 70% of the FEMA Corps eventually getting federal job offers. And the younger generation brings a different viewpoint along with bringing emergency management education. Some of us a little older have a different viewpoint, so its valuable to bring them in and let them get some experience but its also us listening to them and having that two-way street. So Im actually optimistic but I think we need to be active to reach out to them. And I hear emergency managers saying, oh, nobody wants to come into emergency management, we cant find people but at the same time I just had three people reach out who know folks who just graduated in the field and are looking to find ways to get in. So I think theres a disconnect there. We have to do a better job of how we connect and listen to young people. We also need to better address mission creep for emergency management, which has been a big issue. In addition to the workload of disasters, emergency managers at the state and local levels are dealing with the epidemic of fentanyl and others opioids, and migrant issues across the country. FEMA also has responded to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the border crisis and the Afghanistan resettlement operation, none of which are covered by the Stafford Act. CNN: Were facing predictions for an active hurricane season this summer and have been recently hit by deadly tornadoes and extreme heat across the nation. What can we do today to be better prepared? Serino: I think one of the things we do today is we continue to educate. FEMA held an Extreme Heat Summit recently, educating people at all levels of government and the community. We need more of this. We also have to build trust in crisis response, and build peoples trust in government in general. Emergency management can do that and has consistently done this over the last number of years. FEMA lost many peoples trust after Hurricane Katrina; it took about 10 years to rebuild that trust, and that trust is gradual. We have to continue to do that and take the opportunities when they come along. For example, after Hurricane Ian we saw President Joe Biden and Florida Gov. Ron De Santis come together perhaps theyre polar opposites, but they came together when they saw people needed action. In our crisis leadership research at Harvard, we found that some communities and leaders are able to achieve a remarkable collaboration of effort that really makes a difference in a crisis. Building off what is known about swarm intelligence in creatures such as ants and bees, we have found a similar instinctual response that can arise among humans in times of crisis. Leaders create the conditions in which this swarm can appear: Those conditions include unity of mission, generosity of spirit and action, helping others succeed in their work and responsibilities, no ego-no blame and a trusting foundation. The best crisis leaders create these conditions, and it really makes a difference. We are seeing that disasters are happening frequently an average of 18 days now separates billion-dollar disasters in the US, when that gap was 82 days in the 1980s and there are a lot of opportunities to come together to prepare. Its not easy. It cant just be brought about it has to be bottom up and top down, and we have to continue to talk and educate people about that as we move forward. We have to continually take the opportunities when they present themselves, even if its a crisis in a neighboring community, and educate people. Because the majority of citizens dont think about this disaster happening to them. You have to take opportunities to prepare and educate them. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Editors Note: Douglas Heye, who served as the deputy chief of staff to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, is a GOP strategist. Follow him on Twitter @dougheye. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion at CNN. In theory, no one can be more ideologically pure more Trumpy as it were than the leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The group counts among their members some of former President Donald Trumps most fervent acolytes, who generally trip over themselves to stay in his good graces. But as chairman of the Freedom Caucus Rep. Bob Good has learned, Trump doesnt give points; he only takes them away. Douglas Heye - Jeremy Freeman As fervent a Trumpist as any, Good faces possible ouster from his Virginia congressional seat after Tuesdays primary. His Republican challenger, John McGuire, had what may prove to be an insurmountable advantage a Trump endorsement. Good endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis instead of Trump early in the presidential campaign. It was just one mistake, but a potentially career-ending one for him. It doesnt matter that other than a brief period of allegiance to DeSantis, he was as loyal a foot soldier as Trump could have asked for. With his primary too close to call, Goods predicament speaks to the misplaced values of the Caucus since its founding more than a decade ago. Who wants to be part of a team? Goods primary goes to the very heart of what it means to be a conservative in the age of Trump. And the seeds of the problem were there from the very inception of the Freedom Caucus. His experience mirrors, in many ways, the recent history of House Republicans. I didnt come to Washington to be part of a team. Those were words spoken in 2011 by then-newly sworn-in Republican Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho, as documented by journalist Robert Draper in his book, Do Not Ask What Good We Do and they tell us a lot about the recent fractious history of House Republicans. While not yet formalized with a name, those were the nascent days of the House Freedom Caucus. Labradors words made clear that for some, being a member of the House Republican Conference and mulling policy and proposing legislation was not nearly good enough. Being in power meant the ability to wield leverage and influence. Actual legislative accomplishments were secondary. One example of this came in December 2012, 11 months into the Tea Party Congress, over the imminent expiration of the George W. Bush-era tax cuts. By law, taxes would rise if Congress did not act, and the only place Republicans were in control was the House. The Senate and White House were held by Democrats. At the time, I was deputy chief of staff for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. It was the first of many times I heard Speaker John Boehner remind his colleagues they were one-half of one-third of the government. Getting even part of what we wanted would require compromise and reasonable expectations. The Republican leadership proposed what it boldly called Plan B. Marginal tax rates would remain the same for anyone making less than $1 million a year which was the overwhelming majority of Americans with some increases on those earning above that amount. By acting first, before the law changed, we felt we could jam Senate Democrats and President Barack Obamas White House, winning both politically and legislatively. Most conservatives, notably including Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform, supported the move. But there were some cracks. During what we called DMM (the Daily Management Meeting of top leadership members and limited staff), House Republican Conference chair Jeb Hensarling, acutely aware of the calendar but failing to take into account political reality, said, I cant vote yes now. That would be raising taxes. But in early January, Id be voting to cut taxes! Uh-oh, I thought. Were in trouble. Torpedoed by their own ideological purity In the end, we didnt have the votes to do the politically smart thing that coincided with what we believed our principles were. Plan B blew up in our faces. Taxes went up. We jammed ourselves. Not for the last time, a solution that would have been achievable and pragmatic was torpedoed by ideological purity. This played out time and again. The year 2013 became what Republicans touted as the Defund Obamacare year a legislative impossibility given that Obama was never going to agree to defunding his signature piece of legislation, and we had no leverage to force its repeal. (Once again, Boehners one-half of one-third maxim was at work.) But in this politicized universe, accomplishments are secondary to performance and demonstrating a willingness to fight. The minority within the majority did have the ability to bring things to a screeching halt. Thus, we had what became widely known as the Meadows Letter, sent to Republican leadership by a new member of Congress, Rep. Mark Meadows (who years later would become Trumps loyal chief of staff in the White House), urging them to defund Obamacare through any appropriations bill, including whats known as a continuing resolution a temporary measure keeping the government operational. It did not matter that Meadows was asking for something that was legislatively impossible. He and others in the House who supported him were egged on by a few senators who had gotten into the mix, led by Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz had begun meeting with this small group of GOP rebels, soon to be the Freedom Caucus. Eventually, Republican House leadership gave in. We decided to let our members touch the stove, and learn in the process that they can get burned. A press release from Cruz, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida praised the House for fighting hard and not giving in, but their statement essentially told lawmakers in the lower chamber way to go House, but, gosh, theres nothing WE can do in the Senate. Thats what sent House Republicans into a frenzy. Internecine fighting among Republicans broke out. Normally serene Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers of Washington state waved the Meadows letter in front of hard-core conservative lawmaker Louie Gohmert of Texas, yelling, They told you to jump off a cliff and then abandoned you! referring to the Senate Republican allies. Similar scenes played throughout the back of the House chamber. But it was Republican infighting with no legislative purpose. It seemed that the only priority was to see who could be the most ideologically pure as a conservative. The great unraveling included a 16-day government shutdown. A continued downward spiral brought about by the fracturing of the party included Rep. Cantors primary loss, then Boehners ouster, then Paul Ryans. All for no coherent reason. The lessons Ive learned from those experiences is that the incentive structure had changed. To be a conservative star to get on TV, invited to CPAC, to raise money and ultimately invited to Mar-a-Lago means your incentives are to always push for more, regardless of how extreme or impossible. For a lot of these Freedom Caucus members, its not that nothing is ever good enough. Its that nothing can ever be good enough. And everyone else is a sell-out. Theres always a reason to hold out. Even or especially if it means causing multiple rounds of votes for a speaker and eventually voting to oust him. Notions of what conservatives mean have become blurred since the rise of Donald Trump. But adherence to all-things Trump is a cornerstone of what led to the fracturing of our party. Trump is all-in for Goods challenger, as anyone whos seen McGuires Trump endorsed yard signs can attest (having been in the district in recent weeks, I can confirm that they are everywhere). Freedom Caucus member Rep. Warren Davidson has endorsed McGuire over his own caucus chairman. That just doesnt happen. But it does in Trumps Republican party. In a CNN appearance on Tuesday, McGuire hit back on the tactic-first, accomplishment-maybe orientation of Good (and much of the Freedom Caucus). It was almost as if Labradors rebellion of 13 years ago had come full-circle. Hes never passed a bill, never passed an amendment, McGuire said in his very first sentence. Tellingly, McGuire then used the word team seven times in the first two and a half minutes of the interview. This primary is being called a MAGA civil war, one that could have a seismic impact on both the Freedom Caucus and the House GOP. It is unclear if a House Freedom Caucus divided amongst itself can stand. Clearly, though, there are deep cracks in its foundation. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Two girls died Tuesday evening after the personal watercraft they were riding collided with a boat on an Illinois lake. One of the girls, the 16-year-old driver of the vehicle, was a resident of Lake Forest in Orange County, according to the Lake County Sheriffs Office, the Illinois law enforcement agency investigating the crash. According to Sheriffs officials, the two girls were riding a Yamaha WaveRunner on Lake Marie near Antioch Township, a town located in Illinois, about 70 miles north of Chicago. The 16-year-old and her passenger, a 13-year-old girl from Long Grove, Illinois, were riding at high speeds when their watercraft collided with a speed boat driven by a 55-year-old Illinois man. Witnesses told authorities that the personal watercraft was traveling directly in the direction of the boat, which was unable to avoid the collision. Both girls were thrown into the water and knocked unconscious, officials said. They were both wearing life vests which allowed for the occupants of the boat to pull them from the water and provide first aid until they were able to take them to shore. The girls were taken to a nearby hospital and were pronounced deceased after they arrived, sheriffs officials said. No other injuries were reported in the crash. The crash is under investigation by the Sheriffs Office and Illinois Conservation Police and an autopsy was scheduled to take place Thursday. The Lake County Sheriffs Office said in a post to social media that it extends its condolences to the families of the girls and others involved in this tragic boat crash. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Roseburg VA Medical Center campus spans 200 acres and has 32 buildings on it. (Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) The Roseburg VA Medical Center campus spans 200 acres and has 32 buildings on it. (Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) Three Oregon federal lawmakers are pushing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to move swiftly to fund a new 154-bed long-term home for veterans in Douglas County. On Thursday, Democratic U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, whose 4th Congressional District includes Douglas County, asked Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to prioritize the project, which needs $65 million in federal funding. The new facility, if built in Roseburg, would provide long-term care and memory care, as well as short-term and rehabilitative care, for veterans on the VA Medical Centers 200-acre campus, which already has 32 buildings. The Oregon Legislature supports the $100 million project, in the works for more than a decade. In April, the Legislature passed a bill that commits $35 million in state funding to the home, provided the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approves $65 million in matching funds. This home is needed now more than ever, the delegation wrote in a letter to McDonough. Roseburg is the county seat of Douglas County, Oregon a largely rural community with a sizable veteran population. Spokespeople for the VA didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Douglas County has more than 10,000 veterans, and there are about 250,000 in the state. The new facility would provide an option for 68,000 veterans in the VA Southern Oregon Healthcare System service area, which includes Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake counties in Oregon as well as Siskiyou and Del Norte counties in California. The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs also operates the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, a 151-bed skilled nursing facility, and the Edward C. Allworth Veterans Home in Lebanon, a 154-bed assisted living facility. As veterans, including baby boomers who served in the Vietnam War era, continue to age, the needs will increase for long-term care for veterans. The letter asks the federal agency to prioritize the project so it can potentially receive funding in fiscal year 2025, which starts Oct. 1. The post Oregon U.S. senators, congresswoman urge VA to fund Roseburg veterans home appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle. By Azernews Elnur Enveroglu The chaotic struggle on the French political scene and the failure of the Macron government did not change the country's foreign policy position. Political commentators describe it in two ways: a strong pro-Armenianism in the French policy, which continues as a legacy, or the last chords of the Macron government, which is heading towards collapse. However, in all cases, the expansion of these harmful effects to the South Caucasus makes Baku extremely cautious. Recently, official Baku prepared a harsh response to this. Thus, France's signing of an arms deal with Armenia right after the snap parliamentary elections was remembered with many remarkable moments. In particular, France's dual policy, that is, its leap from the Ukraine issue to the South Caucasus, gives grounds for all doubts. Today, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is no longer in France's interests, so it puts Armenia in the foreground against the backdrop of internal political strife. There may be one reason why Paris armed Armenia on the eve of the steps towards peace: to destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus and to put its long-standing aggressive plan in the region. There is no doubt that Baku is aware of these plans. For example, the boycott of France in Africa and a number of colonial territories is observed by the reduction of its military contingent in those territories. So, according to received data, France is going to reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa to 600 personnel. A foreign media report says that Paris will leave about a hundred people in Gabon (now there are 350), hundreds in Senegal (instead of 350), and hundreds in Cote d'Ivoire (now 600). About 300 people instead of 1,000 will remain in Chad. One of the reasons for the planned reduction was the announcement in France of early parliamentary elections with an uncertain outcome for the presidential camp. Until two years ago, in addition to 1,600 troops in West Africa and Gabon, France had about 5,000 soldiers in the Sahel. The contingent in Cote d'Ivoire, previously considered one of France's main allies in West Africa, has already been reduced from 900 to 600 people, and the withdrawal of military personnel has also begun from Senegal. At the same time, France still intends to maintain a military base in Djibouti, where 1,500 troops are stationed. According to sources, France wants to maintain a strategic foothold in this small country, located opposite Yemen, at the outlet of the Red Sea, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where most of the world trade passes between Asia and the West. It is noted that this summer a command responsible for Africa will appear in the French Armed Forces, and the general who will lead it has already been selected. In 2022, the French military, which had been present in the Sahel region since 2014 as part of the anti-terrorism Operation Barkhane, was forced to leave Mali. In July, France announced the official end of Operation Takuba, a joint counter-terrorism effort with European allies. In November 2022, the French President announced the end of Operation Barkhane in the Sahara-Sahel region. In March 2023, the authorities of Burkina Faso announced the denunciation of the military assistance treaty with France, which concluded more than 60 years ago. The Foreign Ministry of Burkina Faso also notified the French side that the French military must leave the country. The presented facts signal French expansionism and at the same time its militarization policy. France's greed towards the world's poorest countries rich with natural resources and neo-colonialism policy are also evident in the South Caucasus today. Unfortunately, France, which always penetrates territories through intermediaries, tries to find a way to the South Caucasus region through Armenia. At a time when Armenia needs to develop itself in the economic field rather than arming and military preparation, France's gift of expensive weapons to it is completely inappropriate and unconstructive. As for Armenia, official Yerevan considers the supply of arms to France and India as its sovereign right, and in its statement accuses Azerbaijan of occupying its strategically important villages. It means that Armenia is trying to implement what it cannot say and act with the support of its "allies". Yes, it is trying, but we wonder if Yerevan still dreams of winning a war. In our opinion, the Russia-Ukraine war should be a vivid example for Yerevan. When the war began, France and other Western powers promised that they would never spare all their military support and that the war would soon end with the defeat of Russia. But reality does not reflect what is said today. For this reason, any dangerous step against the South Caucasus is primarily a threat to Baku. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. The Armenian government has approved a 75 million euro loan from the French Development Agency to cover the budget deficit, Trend reports. The agreement is set to be signed on June 26. The loan isn't earmarked for specific programs: the government will use it to replenish the budget and allocate the funds as it sees fit. However, the loan comes with the condition of improving the budgetary system. So, how will Yerevan spend these funds? This aid is just another way for Paris to strengthen its position in the South Caucasus and make Yerevan more dependent. France's motives are clear. Moreover, given the complete failure of French President Emmanuel Macron's party in the European Parliament elections, the support of the Armenian diaspora is more crucial than ever. Numerous arms supply agreements and now substantial financial loans directly undermine the peaceful agenda that Azerbaijan is promoting in its relations with Armenia, as well as efforts to achieve stability and security in the region. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Store owners near Bank of America Stadium anticipate to learn what Charlotte City Council leaders will decide on Monday in regards to the proposal to fund renovations at 800 Mint Street. Some have asked city leaders to also consider an improvement plan for the infrastructure that surrounds the stadium where many of these restaurants, bars, and shops have sat for decades. Kristian Pedersen owns multiple restaurants and pubs along Brevard Court, which is a roughly .3-mile trek from the stadium. At Monday afternoons public hearing on stadium renovations, he told city leaders he was in favor of the renovations. However, he also asked that they consider more infrastructure improvements to be made to the areas where foot traffic will be felt from the continued events at the stadium. He said, Think of the infrastructure surrounding the stadium . . . everything around [Bank of America stadium also matters, too. And it matters a lot. We live off the stadium at the end of the day. He referred to this sliver of the city as an abandoned road, and that restaurant owners have had to fund and perform routine maintenance on large cracks and potholes which have popped up. MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS Carolina Panthers News Wednesday afternoon, he showed Queen City News some of those troubles. Our cameras captured a large number of cracks that had been painted over, and potholes which have caused the ground of this historic part of the city to shift. There was also a small, seven-inch hole in the ground right outside Valhalla Pub and Eatery, which Pedersen owns. This is right outside my front door. This is my only door, he stressed. that means that theres water running underneath there and this means this could collapse at any point. Multiple business owners told Queen City News they had similar concerns and had seen multiple people trip and hurt themselves on the uneven ground. They have also had to add all of the street lights and maintain those because the city has not addressed their request for street lamps along their court. Owners said theyve spent a few thousand dollars over the years to perform touch-ups, but asked city leaders to help them make improvements along with the stadium. When you build something that big and that glamorous, were going to get busier and therefore our liabilities become higher, Pederson explained. I mean, we are more than happy to pay portions of these things, but its not our street, we dont own it. Pederson explained that he has tried to acquire a permit or guidance on how to move forward with making a request, but was told there was little he could do. One city employee reportedly told him, Theres nothing you can do. You dont own the street. You need to go to the city. Well, the city abandoned the street. He said that as of Wednesday he has not heard from anyone with the city. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (BCN) Pacifica officers arrested the suspect of a suspected arson near Fairway Park in April, according to police. In a statement Wednesday, police said that around 1:30 p.m. on April 10, they were alerted to a report of an arson along Rifle Range Road. A witness saw a male individual start a fire on the property. He then fled the area. Cause of death released for girl, 15, who died in San Francisco driveway The witness was able to take a photo of the suspect, according to police. Following an investigation, police determined the suspect was Sandagdorj Sanjaasuren, 23, a resident of San Francisco. Police said they received information from a community member about the suspects identity after issuing a press release in late April. Police contacted the suspect Tuesday and took him into custody. Sanjaasuren was booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of arson of a structure. Copyright 2024 Bay City News, Inc. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. (Andrii Koval/Getty Images) A controversial bill that would require the state to adopt a specific definition of antisemitism is scheduled for a vote by a legislative panel Thursday, three days after a four-hour-plus hearing on the bill ended without the committee voting on it. Supporters of the measure say its needed to define the boundaries of hate speech and antisemitic incidents, which have skyrocketed since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, according to the Anti-Defamation League. They say incorporating the definition put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance into New Jerseys policies would help fight against antisemitic attacks. Critics of the bill decried that definition as one that would limit their freedom of speech. During Mondays remote hearing on the bill, which was attended by more than 600 people, dozens voiced concerns that the definition conflates criticism of Israel and Zionism with discrimination against Jewish people. Meera Jaffrey of Jewish Voice for Peace stressed it is not antisemitic to criticize Israels government. Several speakers noted the number of people who have been killed in the war in Gaza, including tens of thousands of children. The fact that the state of New Jersey would even consider adopting two bills which would potentially make it a crime to speak out against oppression, apartheid, ethnic cleansing and genocide is alarming, she said. Our children deserve to live in a state in which they dont have to fear standing up for safety, freedom and human rights of all people. But bill sponsor Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Ocean) said the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism is accepted by the vast majority of Jews across the spectrum. During Shaloms remarks, an unidentified person said, F you. Students quickly mobilized to make campus a place thats unsafe for Jews. They celebrated violence and the massacre of Jews. Rutgers University student Joe Gindi The alliances definition of antisemitism includes claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor and drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. Sen. James Beach (D-Camden), chair of the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation committee, adjourned Mondays meeting without a vote. Another bill at the center of the hearing would require the state Office of Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging to ensure the proper definitions of antisemitism and Islamophobia are incorporated into all state policies and laws. They would follow the definitions of antisemitism from the Holocaust remembrance organization and the Islamophobia definition adopted by the United Nations. The committee was initially scheduled to hear the bills in May, but that hearing was canceled due to security concerns, officials said at the time. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism has been adopted by 36 other states and countries around the world. The U.S. House of Representatives also approved a bill to adopt the definition in May, though its fate is uncertain in the U.S. Senate. Gabriella Rubinstein, a lifelong New Jersey resident, a Rutgers University graduate student, and an American Jew, said she opposes the bill. We should be allowed to criticize any government or country in the world if its doing something thats illegal or wrong. Doing so is not bigotry, and its not antisemitic, said Rubinstein. Please dont say that speaking the truth is hatred towards my people. Several other speakers noted the bill says it would not diminish or infringe upon any free speech protections under the First Amendment. The detractors of these bills offer no real counter-proposal to combating this alarming rate of antisemitism. The reason being that relying on the false pretenses of First Amendment concerns, detractors seek to continue to bully, harass, and intimidate Jews, said Cory Rothbart of the Jewish Bar Association of New Jersey. Jewish residents who spoke during the virtual hearing said theyve faced harassment in their communities and workplaces following the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. Many said they are scared to wear necklaces that identify them as Jewish or are fearful of people at work finding out about their religion. Reports of antisemitic incidents have reached an all-time high around the country, according to the Anti-Defamation League. In 2021, New Jersey saw 370 reports of incidents, ranging from verbal harassment to a swastika sticker found outside a synagogue. Rutgers University student Joe Gindi said hes witnessed a normalization of antisemitism on campus, like harassment in libraries and dorms. Whenever I thought things couldnt get worse, they did. Students quickly mobilized to make campus a place thats unsafe for Jews. They celebrated violence and the massacre of Jews, he said, referring to a short-lived encampment on the universitys New Brunswick campus. Others think the definition of antisemitism under discussion isnt going to do much for a community fearful of vandalism, physical attacks, and a growing threat of white nationalism. This definition has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with Jewish safety, and it would divert attention from these threats, said Rebecca Smith, a Jewish resident of Jersey City. The hearing will continue Thursday morning at 9 a.m. over Zoom. The post Panel set to vote on controversial bill adopting definition of antisemitism appeared first on New Jersey Monitor. FILE PHOTO: Protest against deforestation in indigenous Papuans' land, outside the country's Supreme Court in Jakarta FILE PHOTO: Protest against deforestation in indigenous Papuans' land, outside the country's Supreme Court in Jakarta By Kate Lamb and Bernadette Christina JAKARTA (Reuters) - In a jungled corner of Indonesia's Papua, the Awyu tribe await a Supreme Court verdict that will determine whether thousands of hectares of rainforest will be cleared for a vast palm oil concession to be planted atop the graves of their ancestors. "Birds of paradise, cassowaries... sacred places, and the paths of our ancestors are there," said Awyu man, Hendrikus 'Franky' Woro. "If the graves of our ancestors are removed, we will be committing a sin against them." At stake in three cases being decided by the court is the fate of nearly 115,000 hectares of forest, part of the single largest, collective palm oil bloc in the world's largest palm oil exporter, Indonesia. Located in Papua's Boven Digoel, the 270,000-hectare bloc is divided into seven concessions, three of which are now legally contested. The court decision, which lawyers expect this month, will set an important precedent in a country that has pledged to both protect a $30 billion export industry, and improve governance amid allegations of deforestation and human rights violations. "This is the first time a clear indigenous-climate nexus argument has been presented in this type of case," said Difa Shafira, from conservation group the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law, referring to calculations that clearing the land would emit approximately 23 million tonnes of environmentally harmful carbon dioxide. Representing the Awyu people's Woro clan, which claims customary ownership of the land, Franky has been fighting against a concession granted to PT Indo Asiana Lestari (IAL) on 36,000 hectares, an area more than half the size of Jakarta. A case filed at lower courts in 2023 was rejected and is now at the final stage in the Supreme Court. In a statement IAL said it had obtained all the permits legally required and had reached agreements with 12 indigenous clans in the area. "The Woro clan is acting on behalf of individuals and does not represent the clans who provide their support to the company," it said. According to internet archive, the Wayback Machine, IAL was listed as being owned by Malaysia's Whole Asia Group. The website was taken down in June and IAL did not immediately respond to questions about its ownership. Alongside the IAL case, other Awyu members are also seeking to revoke the permits of PT Kartika Cipta Pratama and PT Megakarya Jaya Raya, two other palm oil companies granted concessions within the bloc. Lawyer Eddy Marek Leks, who represents those two firms, said the companies had obtained permits in accordance with all laws. The court has not provided the date of the verdict, but is expected to rule on all cases concurrently. DEFORESTATION Home to a third of the world's rainforest, Indonesia introduced a moratorium on forest clearance for activities such as palm oil and logging in 2011. The policy has been extended, but some forests continue to cleared due to a lack of oversight, regulatory cohesion and land classification, including for palm oil. Used in everything from chocolate, soap, fuel and lipstick, palm oil is the world's most widely used vegetable oil, with nearly 60% originating from Indonesia. The ubiquitous oil's link to deforestation was a driving factor behind the European Union's new regulation banning the import of products linked to forest clearance. The forest area Franky is seeking to protect was classified by the environment ministry in 2012 as an "other use area", meaning it can be used for palm oil. But there now seems to be a change in official tune. Questioned in parliament last week, environment minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said primary forest could not be cleared, and the government was currently re-classifying intact primary forest as customary forest, or forest designated for the indigenous people of the area. Travelling to Jakarta with a symbolic piece of land, Franky says the decision will dictate his tribe's future. "We can live without mining, without palm oil," he said, "But if we don't have customary forests, we can't live." (Editing by Miral Fahmy) BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Parents Against Child Abuse is an organization dedicated to ending child abuse across the country. Homeschooling oversight: What needs to be fixed and what is missed? Parents Against Child Abuse (PACA) was started by Candie Scott of Raleigh County. Scott said that the recent case of a Boone County 14-year-old who was found dead in her home was the final straw in a long line of cases in which a child fell through the cracks and caused her to start protesting. PACA aims for accountability from Child Protective Services and their parent agency, the Department of Human Services. Scott said there are multiple parties responsible for these failings. Our court system, our guardian ad litems, our CPS workers, they do not do the job that they took oath to do. They do not follow the codes that they are required by law to follow. explained Scott. Several members of the community turned out for the rally and voiced their own bad experiences working with CPS. This included Sandra Dorsey, a former Mercer County magistrate. Child crime investigation gets financial boost in Raleigh County Scott said that changes need to begin from the top. I think if we could fix, and we could make these people have accountability, and the ones thats been in office that no one checks on to ensure their jobs are being done properly, if someone could take a stand and look to ensure that all of these people are doing the job theyre supposed to do, we would fix our system. explained Scott. Scott feels that nothing less than the federal government getting involved and launching investigations into state CPS facilities will result in the changes she and the rest of PACA want to see. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HAMLIN, WV (WVNS) The parents of a two-year-old girl were arrested are facing child neglect charges after the young girl reportedly drowned in a Lincoln County pond. According to a West Virginia State Police press release, at 9:30 PM on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, troopers from the Hamlin Detachment of the WVSP responded to a report of a drowning on Scary Creek Road in the Hamlin area of Lincoln County. Once on scene, a two-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy were found in a nearby pond. After the kids were recovered, they were immediately taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital. While the three-year-old boy remains in stable condition, the 2-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the hospital. Bench warrant list released by the Bluefield West Virginia Police Department An investigation was opened and the parents of the children, Jack Parsons Jr., 30, and Tara Adkins, 24, were both arrested and charged with Child Neglect Resulting in Death and Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury. Both are currently awaiting trial at Western Regional Jail. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Stick with 59News for more updates on this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. A teacher waves to her students as they get off the bus at Carter Traditional Elementary School in Louisville on Jan. 24, 2022. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Two parents have filed a federal lawsuit challenging Jefferson County Public Schools plan to drop bus service to most magnet schools this fall, claiming it violates the rights of their children to continue education at schools they currently attend. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Louisville Thursday, comes two months after the board of the states largest school system, in a highly controversial move, voted to end transportation to most magnet programs because of a shortage of bus drivers. The vote followed the chaotic beginning to the 2023 school year in which students waited hours for their school buses or missed service altogether because of a restructured transportation system. JCPS was forced to temporarily suspend the start of classes to try to fix the system. A JCPS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Thursdays lawsuit echoes concerns of Louisville civil rights leaders who have argued that ending school bus service to magnet schools which provide specialized programs or training would disproportionately affect Black and low-income students whose families lack means to transport them to schools outside their home districts. Overall, up to 15,000 students at nearly 30 schools could be affected although JCPS has said it is working on plans to try to restore some service for magnet schools. The JCPS action could adversely affect up to 14,000 Black students, said the lawsuit filed by Louisville lawyer Teddy Gordon, a longtime legal adversary of the school system. I have come out of retirement and am in poor health in order to right the terrible wrong of JCPS current actions, especially the hardship that JCPS has placed on African American students, Gordon said in a statement. The lawsuit claims the JCPS transportation plan violates the rights of Black students, including the plaintiffs. It also claims that JCPS violated the state open meetings law through the hastily called meeting in April when the board adopted the plan. And it notes the plan was adopted on vote of 4-3, with four white members voting for it, and the three Black members voting no. The lawsuit is filed by Mary Bledsaw, of Valley Station, and Taryn Bell, of West Louisville, and claims the lack of bus service would make it impossible for their children to attend their current schools. Bledsaw has two sons in high school magnet programs, one at Male High and the other at Central High. Neither is close to their southwest Jefferson County home and likely would force both to attend Valley High, which the lawsuit calls one of the worst high schools in Kentucky. Bell has a son enrolled in a magnet program at Whitney Young Elementary and without school bus service, could not attend it any longer, the lawsuit said. Instead, he would have to attend his home school, Martin Luther King Elementary, which the lawsuit also describes as one of the worst schools in Kentucky. The lawsuit asks that a judge find the transportation plan violates the civil rights of students and block the district from implementing it. JCPS spokesman Mark Hebert said, We just received a copy of the lawsuit and are reviewing it, Also, the board has approved transportation for the 2024-25 school year for students at Western and Central high schools, both magnet schools, and federal law requires transportation for some special needs students, he said. This story has been updated with response from the school district. The post Parents go to federal court to save bus service to Louisvilles magnet schools appeared first on Kentucky Lantern. Park Police: Suspected DUI driver crashes off 6ft wall, into creek in Montgomery County MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A driver was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence after they crashed their car into a creek in Montgomery County early Thursday morning, police said. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police said around 1 a.m. on June 20, an officer was about to investigate a suspicious car at Burnt Mills West Park when they saw a car hop the curb and drive off a six-foot wall into the water. 2 men wanted for string of robberies at laundromats in Prince Georges County Car on its side in creek after fall over six-foot wall. (credit: Maryland-National Capital Park Police) Park police said the driver refused treatment and was arrested. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen discusses his dispute with Grand Teton National Park over a moving violation at his home in Moose. (Mike Koshmrl/WyoFile) An extraordinary, costly defense of a minor moving violation in Grand Teton National Park fell flat for Jackson Hole wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen, who was found guilty Tuesday in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming. Nebraska native Tom Mangelsen is a native of Grand Island, Nebraska, and holds degrees from Doane College and the University of Nebraska. He operated an Images of Nature Gallery in the Old Market for 25 years, closing in 2020. Nebraska Examiner staff U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Carman issued a 10-page written verdict, explaining that the National Park Service had met its burden of proof to convict Mangelsen of operating a vehicle so slowly as to interfere with the normal flow of traffic. Videos and testimony made it clear that the acclaimed photographer went to the location where Grizzly 610 had been struck by a vehicle and injured, the judge wrote. He drove back and forth past the site at a very slow rate of speed and in doing so caused other traffic to slow behind him, Carman wrote. He did so for the specific purpose of slowing the traffic in the vicinity of grizzly bear #610 and the cubs. While Defendant believes that his actions were justified based upon his concerns for the safety of the bears, the judge added, he did in fact obstruct traffic. An injured Grizzly 610 recovered from being struck by a vehicle traveling Highway 26 on the afternoon of Oct. 9 2023 in Grand Teton National Park. (Tom Mangelsen/Images of Nature) In an all-day trial in early June, Jackson attorney Ed Bushnell argued that Teton Park rangers were biased against Mangelsen and exploiting a subjective statute. In the photographers defense, he pulled law enforcement officer Brett Timms bodycam footage and played it in the federal courtroom to scrutinize what the officer claimed to have observed. Timm was roughly 700 yards away from Mangelsen at the time of the violation, the footage showed. The officer was talking with another motorist in a highway-side pullout and facing a different direction. Theres no way Mr. Timm could have seen four cars stacked behind Mr. Mangelsen at the time he said he did, Bushnell said during the trial. It just couldnt have happened. Reviewing the body camera footage, Carman saw evidence supporting Timms contention that he witnessed Mangelsen significantly slow down with four trailing vehicles. During this portion of the video, you can see by Ranger Timms reflection on the side of the vehicle that he is looking around a great deal, but the camera does not reflect his movement, his verdict reads. This supports the Rangers testimony that he observed Defendants driving action while in conversation with other drivers. Longtime Jackson Hole wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen, who owns the Images of Nature gallery, lines up a shot of grizzly bear 399 and her four cubs in 2022. (Mike Koshmrl/WyoFile) Mangelsen, who owns the Images of Nature Gallery in Jackson, estimated he spent about $20,000 defending the case. Carman scheduled Mangelsens sentencing for June 27. Mangelsen told WyoFile on Wednesday that he will appeal after sentencing. I did exactly the right thing a person with common sense and a brain would do under the circumstances, the 78-year-old photographer said. They were not there to take care of bears. They were there to get me, its all they can think about. This article first appeared in WyoFile, an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy. The post Park Service prevails over photographer in traffic dispute at site of wounded, famous grizzly bear appeared first on Nebraska Examiner. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, star of films including The Hunger Games and Don't Look Now, has died at 88 after a long illness, Trend reports. His son, the actor Kiefer Sutherland, announced his father's death in a statement: "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived". Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences over the actor's death. Members of the Ukrainian parliament's anti-corruption committee on June 20 lambasted Semen Kryvonos, head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), for refusing to report at the committee on a scandal over alleged leaks from the NABU. The NABU has been in turmoil since journalists found out in May that its employees had allegedly been leaking information to suspects in a high-profile corruption investigation, and warning them about upcoming searches. A month later, the investigation of the leak is ongoing, and the bureau hasnt given any public explanation, or fired anyone. Gizo Uglava, the NABU's first deputy chief, is being investigated in the leak case and has been suspended at his own request. Uglava told the Kyiv Independent that he is not authorized to comment on the details of the leak case but added that the accusations against him were "a total lie and nonsense." Kryvonos has also been lambasted by anti-corruption activists due to what they see as his failure to react to the leak scandal quickly and adequately and to fire Uglava. On June 20, another scandal broke out after online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda reported that Kryvonos had allegedly stopped the NABU from conducting a planned search of the house of Oleksiy Chernyshov, chairman of oil and gas company Naftogaz and a former minister, as part of a corruption investigation. The NABU did not respond to requests for comment. Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau under fire over its handling of leak scandal Kryvonos' stance Kryvonos initially agreed to attend the June 20 meeting of the anti-corruption committee but eventually did not show up. He did not warn the committee about his decision, and the committee members found out about it from his Facebook account. "The proposal to talk publicly about the pre-trial investigation (into the leaks) is premature," Kryvonos said. "I believe that we should focus our efforts not on the political process but on effective investigative actions in order to achieve a quick and objective result in the investigation." He added that it's also unacceptable to talk about the results of the leak investigation without the participation of Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Oleksandr Klymenko. "I will publicly inform the public, journalists and other interested parties about the results of both the criminal investigation and the three internal probes that we are simultaneously conducting," Kryvonos added. Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesnt take on top presidential allies Contempt of parliament Anastasia Radina, chairwoman of the anti-corruption committee, lashed out at the absent Kryvonos at the June 20 committee meeting. "The NABU believes that it doesn't have to inform the committee about the leak investigation," she said. "This is the first head of an anti-corruption agency who refuses to attend a meeting of the anti-corruption committee and report on its work and investigations." She added that "the NABU believes it's not necessary to be held accountable to us, journalists and the public about the problems that the NABU faces." Radina also criticized Kryvonos' statement that he cannot discuss the issue while the investigation is ongoing. She said that the committee did not intend to discuss investigative secrets but it had a right to hold the NABU accountable and to ensure that the NABU is doing its best to resolve the issue. The criminal investigation into the leaks might take up to seven years, Radina said. In contrast with the criminal investigation, the NABU has had enough time to complete internal probes and fire those responsible but failed to do so, Radina said. "When they say that I must wait five or seven years for people who may be leaking information to be fired, and I as a citizen of Ukraine must pay the salaries of government agencies that leak information, I'm not ok with that," she said. She also argued that the damage to the NABU's reputation caused by the leak scandal undermines Ukraine's efforts to rally international support amid Russia's aggression. "Personally I'm the most perplexed by the fact that some people think they can damage our country's reputation when we are asking the whole world to help us repel the Russian invasion," Radina said. Viktoria Siumar, a committee member from ex-President Petro Poroshenko's European Solidarity party, said that "there are a lot of questions (for the NABU) but there is no answer." She said that this undermines trust in the NABU and that it should have reacted to the leak scandal immediately. "As far as the lack of respect for parliament is concerned, I'm worried about that because stability in the country depends on this institution," Siumar said. "(The NABU) just ignored parliament and our committee. There is no accountability." Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a committee member from the Holos party, said that, instead of ignoring the committee, Kryvonos could have asked the committee to postpone the meeting or propose a closed session instead of a public one. "This is not the reaction that Ukrainian society deserves especially in the conditions of the full-scale war," he added. Roman Ivanisov, another committee member, defended the NABU, saying it is one of the most effective law enforcement institutions. Ivanisov represents the Revival of Ukraine, a group that includes MPs who were previously members of a pro-Russian bloc and President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party. Read also: Case against brother of Zelenskys chief of staff closed, says anti-corruption agency Chernyshov scandal Committee members also mentioned another scandal that has broken out around the NABU over a corruption case that involved Chernyshov, who was the minister for the development of communities and territories from 2020 through 2022. Chernyshov has been under investigation over his associates allegedly receiving apartments as bribes from Serhiy Kopystyra, the owner of real estate developer KSM Group, Ukrainska Pravda reported on June 20. In exchange, Chernyshov allegedly allocated a land plot to KSM Group for the construction of a housing complex in Kyiv. Despite a search warrant issued by a court, NABU detectives decided not to hold searches at Chernyshov's house near Kyiv due to a request by Kryvonos, law enforcement sources told Ukrainska Pravda. Ukrainska Pravda also reported, citing its sources, that the President's Office had planned to reinstate Chernyshov as a minister but the decision was canceled after the NABU leaked information on the Chernyshov case. Chernyshov has visited the NABU several times and met Kryvonos, Ukrainska Pravda reported. At least one of the meetings was conducted in apparent secrecy, with Chernyshov switching cars before entering the NABU. Chernyshov has confirmed meeting Kryvonos but claimed that they talked about "increasing the transparency" of the state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz, chaired by Chernyshov. Read also: Ukraines judicial reform relaunch shows mixed results so far Leak saga The alleged leaks that sparked the current NABU scandal were discovered after investigators seized a phone belonging to businessman Yury Holyk, who was under investigation in a high-profile corruption case. The phone contained copies of messages obtained by Holyk from an intermediary who allegedly talked with NABU employees from 2021 through 2023. The leaked correspondence, which has been published by investigative journalists, involves several people linked to the Presidents Office. The office did not respond to requests for comment. At the center of the accusations is Uglava, who has been the agencys second-in-command for more than nine years. Law enforcement sources told the Kyiv Independent that some of the messages in the leaked correspondence could have been written by either Uglava or someone who got information from Uglava and was passing it on. According to the Kyiv Independent's sources, the style of the messages does not match Uglava's but only Uglava could have access to the whole amount of information in the correspondence. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After three years of legal wrangling over the funding her office gets from Pasco County, Clerk of Court and Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has settled a lawsuit with the county. While Alvarez-Sowles was not successful in winning money to run a full office in a second courthouse, an appeals court did side with her argument that she deserved to be reimbursed for heading up the criminal justice tracking technology program she runs for the county. On Tuesday the County Commission was scheduled to meet behind closed doors to discuss a settlement but the meeting was canceled. Later in the day, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder announced that Alvarez-Sowles had made a settlement offer and he recommended approval since he thought it was in the best interests of the county. Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve. The settlement means that the county will give the Clerks office a one-time payment of just more than $1 million for reimbursement of past CJIS (criminal justice information system) expenses and to use a mutually agreed upon procedure for processing future budget requests, according to a news release from her office after the vote. Alvarez-Sowles sued Pasco County in 2021 seeking clarity regarding statutory funding obligations. She said the county has resisted providing full funding for the criminal justice tracking system and for the operating costs for the West Pasco Judicial Center, the second full-service courthouse in New Port Richey. Dade City is Pasco Countys county seat and has a judicial center in the city limits. In February 2023, the trial court judge ruled against the clerks office on both issues and Alvarez-Sowles appealed the decision. Earlier this year, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal ruled that Pasco County has a continuing obligation to fully and immediately fund the criminal justice system but not a responsibility to pay for the operating expenses of the West Pasco Judicial Center. Both sides had legitimate and difficult questions as to what the law required. This settlement agreement is the result of the collaborative efforts between my office and the Board of County Commissioners, Alvarez-Sowles said in the news release. I am happy to close this chapter and move forward. In a conversation at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year, Republican operative Roger Stone thought he was speaking to a fellow MAGA traveler when he boasted that he and fellow dirty tricksters, who were crying Stop the Steal months before the 2020 election even happened, are better prepared this time around to snatch victory from the jaws of electoral defeat. At least this time when they do it, you have a lawyer and a judge his home phone number standing by so you can stop it, Stone told Lauren Windsor, a liberal documentary filmmaker who was posing as a supporter and secretly recording him as he spoke this past March about what will happen if the Democratic candidate once again receives more votes than the Republican. Stone, who was only spared a three-year prison term for lying to Congress about Wikileaks and Russia thanks to a pardon from former President Donald Trump, said this time he and his ilk are on an offensive footing. In a separate conversation, taking place this past March and first reported this week by Rolling Stone, the 71-year-old boasted that Trump and his allies are already defeating Democrats in court. We are beating them," he told Ally Sammarco, a colleague of Windsor. He pointed to the Georgia election interference case falling apart and referenced U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the Trump appointee overseeing his classified documents case. I think the judge is on the verge of dismissing charges against him in Florida, Stone said. Theyre delayed in New York City and theyre now delayed in Washington. When considering anything that comes out of Stones mouth, it is worth remembering, again, that he is a convicted fabulist. The far right, of which Stone is certainly a part, loves to project an aura of intimidating competency when the reality is often shambolic: For all the preparation in 2020 when Trump enjoyed the powers of incumbency, including an attorney general willing to spread lies about mail-in ballots the Republican campaign against the republic still manifested itself in last-minute filings by Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, nobodys idea of an A Team. Thats not to say the threat isnt real, just that no one should cower in the face of bluster from the likes of one Roger Stone, whose prophesy of total victory in the courts has already been rebutted by 34 felony convictions. Unfortunately, as Windsor herself demonstrated in another secret recording of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, insurrectionists do have allies in high places. That was the piece that was most chilling for me, former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann told MSNBC, speaking of Stones claim to have a MAGA judges number on speed dial should election fraud (a Republican loss) happen again. With Roger Stone, you dont know how much is bluster and how much is not, Weissmann said, but the fact that there would be home phone numbers in the possession of someone like Roger Stone or his acolytes is something that must be causing the United States Marshals significant concern. Joyce Vance, a former U.S. attorney, said Stones boasts should not just concern law enforcement but anyone who cares about free and fair elections. We should all pay attention, she wrote, noting on her website that while election lawyers (Stone is not one) often reach out to judges when things go wrong on election day people still waiting in line to vote when a polling station is due to close, for example its not safe to assume this particular Florida man, who wanted to toss out millions of ballots in 2020 and appeared on another tape talking about Democrats he'd apparently like to assassinate, is merely concerned with upholding the rule of law and the right to vote. [T]o the extent Stone is insinuating something more sinister, that [Republicans] have judges in their pocket, thats entirely different, entirely wrong, Vance wrote. Perhaps hes just making it up when he says Judge Cannon will soon dismiss the case against Donald Trump and that they have other judges available during the election. But given his background and history, it would be foolish not to be concerned. Pennsylvania state police continue to investigate cold case of murdered child nearly 45 years later Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate the 1979 homicide of 5-year-old Tiffany Miller. Tiffany disappeared on Sept. 21, 1979 from her New Kensington home. She was last seen when her mother put her to bed and the next morning, she was gone. >> Family hoping for justice 40 years after young girls murder A week later, her body was found in the Allegheny County River near Plum. Investigators have new details about the case that led them to offer a $10,000 reward for information that solves the case, but have not said what the new details are. TRENDING NOW: He was a really loving guy: Friends remember bicyclist killed by live wires in North Park 2 homes damaged by bullets during incident in McCandless; 1 person in custody Peters Township home destroyed in possible electrical outlet fire VIDEO: Rochester riverfront undergoing revamp DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts TechCrunch Tesla is gearing up to reveal its Robotaxi this Thursday, and everyone wants to know what it will look like, whether Tesla will unveil a commercialization strategy, and what outrageous timelines Elon Musk might announce to bump Teslas stock. Musk had originally planned to reveal the Robotaxi which he has also referred to as a Cybercab on August 8. While Musk initially accused Reuters of lying, over the next couple of weeks, Tesla indeed laid off 10% of staff to usher in a next phase of growth, and Musk said Tesla would be going balls to the wall for autonomy. The revelation last year that ketamine played a role in the death of actor Matthew Perry was sobering for the psychiatric community. Though ketamine has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for mental illness, a growing number of physicians use it as a treatment for patients with depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. However, there has been continual controversy over the best ways to provide safe and effective care. News media reported that Perry had been using ketamine for the treatment of depression, but his last known clinic visit was about a week and a half before he died. Given how short-lived ketamine is, its impossible that his most recent ketamine clinic visit was the source of the large quantities of the drug found in his autopsy. As our research has shown, several providers have routinely used doses much higher than those tested in clinical trials (which the FDA would not allow in research), with some clinics giving patients ketamine to take at home a practice many have warned against. As a result, ketamine clinics have become a sort of Wild West of American medicine. The FDA approved a derivative of ketamine known as esketamine (brand name: Spravato) for depression in 2019. Spravato is subject to a strict drug safety program imposed by the FDA, which mandates that the drug be used at a doctors office. At-home Spravato use is explicitly forbidden. Because of a unique confluence of factors, ketamine has no such drug safety program that doctors must follow. Hence, doctors who prescribe ketamine in ways that are not evidence-based (such as allowing patients to self-administer at home) are technically not breaking any laws. To add to the confusion, there is a plethora of opinions and little data in the medical community as to whether there is a meaningful difference between ketamine and Spravato. One provider website claims that ketamine has more research supporting its use, a claim that is demonstrably false. Yet ketamine and Spravato are just the first trend-setting treatments amid surging interest in powerful psychotropic drugs that show substantial therapeutic promise. Psilocybin, another psychedelic drug found in certain mushrooms, has shown great promise as an antidepressant and is now starting Phase 3 clinical trials. MDMA (known on the street as ecstasy) has shown promise as a therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Like ketamine, however, these drugs carry substantial risks. As just one example, in the fall of 2023, off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson tried to shut off the engines on an Alaska Airlines flight en route to San Francisco. Emerson later claimed he was not himself because he had ingested psychedelic mushrooms two days prior in an effort to self-medicate for depression. Despite some claims to the contrary, Emersons claim is not far-fetched; in a recent trial of psilocybin for depression, 6% of those receiving the active drug reported visual disturbances that lasted beyond 24 hours. Alarmingly, several local governments have moved to liberalize laws regarding psychedelic substances. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize recreational psilocybin use. (Ironically, Emersons plane made an emergency landing in Portland, and as such, the pilot is now facing felony charges in Oregon state court.) Washington, D.C., has decriminalized the use of magic mushrooms and similar psychedelic substances. And later this year, Colorado will begin licensing healing centers where individuals can consume psilocybin. While these policies may be well intentioned, state and local governments have no experience regulating the marketing and use of these types of drugs. Ketamine, Spravato, MDMA, psilocybin and other powerful drugs provide hope for the terrible scourge of mental illness that afflicts millions of Americans. Yet the potential benefits of these drugs must be weighed against their real risks, especially when used outside of close medical supervision. State legislatures that legalize these powerful and dangerous substances outside traditional avenues of implementing new medical therapies will create haphazardly regulated markets that will lead to real public harm (to say nothing of issues of accessibility; many of these treatments will only be available to the wealthy). The prevailing ethic as we wade into this exciting but precarious era of psychedelic medicine should be to first do no harm. Wilkinson is an associate professor of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine and the author of the new book Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence. Rhee is an associate professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut and an adjunct associate professor at Yale. PETOSKEY Simon Gelb spent 16 years of his life learning in Petoskey. Before he was even a year old he started going to the Petoskey Montessori Children's House. In sixth grade, he made his way to Petoskey Middle School, and then Petoskey High School. On Sunday, June 2 he graduated, ending his Petoskey-based educational career. He is now headed to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to study engineering. But when he walked the stage, he found himself with a special honor the National Merit Scholarship Finalist title. Gelb, 17, is one of 15,000 students in the nation named as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. He was the only finalist from Petoskey High School. Simon Gelb speaks during the Petoskey High School graduation on June 2, 2024. He said that at the end of his sophomore year, he took the PSAT 11, which is used as a qualifying test for the scholarship. He qualified as a high-scoring student. After taking the test, Gelb had to receive a letter of recommendation and write an essay to be considered as a finalist. Gelb said that while the honor was exciting, it wasn't necessarily a surprise to him, as he has always excelled at college board exams. He even scored a nearly-perfect 1590 out of 1600 on his SAT exam, meaning he got just one question wrong. Team captains Simon Gelb (left) and Cosmo Franseth (right) address the team during their March 13 robotics meeting. "It's a huge honor, and I'm happy to have won it," Gelb said. "But as far as the list of things that I am proud of, it is low on the list, because I don't think that those tests are necessarily a perfect reflection of academic ability." When it comes to his academic career, Gelb said, he's more proud of being co-captain of the robotics team, spending seven years in the district's band program, and speaking at the high school graduation ceremony. Petoskey's Ariel Nguyen and Simon Gelb were named Homecoming queen and king during the Homecoming game in September. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage "When I look back on my legacy here, the things I would think of are being robotics captain, or speaking at graduation, or just the the relationships and friendships that I've made and people I've gotten to know," Gelb said. "It's just sort of another sheet of paper in my mind." In addition to his time in robotics and band, Gelb participated in Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, the Student Advisory Council and the Sustainability Club. Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey graduate Simon Gelb named National Merit Scholarship Finalist Donald Trump has been aggressively courting the cryptocurrency community as part of his 2024 campaign, including meeting with bitcoin miners, fundraising in Silicon Valley, and opening his campaign to crypto donations last month, a first for a major party candidate. Now, Trump, who in 2019 called bitcoin a currency based on thin air, is embroiled in his first cryptos scandal, amid allegations that his youngest son Barronor maybe disgraced pharma exec Martin Pharma Bro Shkreliis behind a cryptocurrency meme coin called DJT, the same letters as the former presidents initials. Earlier this week, vague rumors began circulating that the coin, which launched in May, was going to be the former presidents official token, sending the value of the crypto coin surging. As of Thursday afternoon, DJTs value had soared by triple-digit percentages, reaching a market capitalization of over $150m. The run on DJT, which shares a three-letter abbreviation with stock in the former presidents actual media company, inspired a feverish search for whether Trump or his campaign was behind the crypto effort. On Tuesday, Arkham, a market intelligence firm, offered a $150,000 bounty for the person who could prove who was behind DJT. A day later, the company announced that a crypto analyst using the X screenname ZachXBT had submitted definitive evidence that Shkreli, who was released from prison in 2022 for a series of fraud charges related to his time running two hedge funds, was the brains behind the operation. The analyst shared screenshots of what he said were direct messages with Shkreli, in which the former pharmaceutical investor, known for jacking up the price of cancer drugs, claimed, I have over 1000 pieces of evidence I created it with Barron, a reference to Trumps son. ZachBXT also claimed the coin was linked to a Discord user named Cameron Roxborough, who claimed to be a classmate and friend of Trumps son. A LinkedIn profile under that name shows Roxborough attending the same Florida school from which Barron Trump recently graduated. After the bounty announcement, Shkreli claimed he created the coin after being approached by Roxborough on behalf of Barron Trump, and that the former president approved of the idea. The investor said in a live X Spaces discussion that he didnt have any personal incentives in the coin, and created the product to see where it would go, and that everything made on the scheme would go to Barron and the Trump family. I can prove Trump and/or Trump family involvement, he later wrote on X. The Trump family and campaign have not publicly commented on the DJT coin. The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign and Roxborough for comment. Phoenix Books will move into the space on Church Street formerly occupied by Slate Mystery solved. Phoenix Books is moving into the space on Burlington's Church Street Marketplace formerly occupied by Slate, a high-end home furnishings store. Phoenix Books Owner Renee Reiner said the move from the bookstore's current location on Bank Street, near City Market, marks an opportunity for growth. Reiner gave the Burlington Free Press a tour of the new Church Street location last week. Even though Phoenix Books' current location is close to Church Street, that's just not the same as being on Church Street, Reiner said. "Who doesn't want to be on Church Street?" Renee Reiner, owner of Phoenix Books, as seen on June 12, 2024. The two stores have about the same square footage of roughly 7,000 square feet, but the sales floor in the new location will be entirely on the ground floor, whereas the Bank Street location has books on two floors. The new location will have a second floor as well, but it will be reserved for events such as authors' talks and panel discussions, as well as offices and a break room for employees. More: Businesses open, close and change location on Burlington's Church Street Marketplace Reiner said her husband and business partner, Michael DeSanto, also has tentative plans for "a small black box theater" in the space a "mini Main Street Landing," as well as small acoustic concerts. "The sky's the limit," she said. Leaving the Boston grind behind for a bookstore in Vermont Reiner and DeSanto moved to Vermont in 1995 from Boston after buying a bookstore in Winooski's Champlain Mill called The Book Rack and Children's Pages. The couple wanted to escape the grind of Boston and brainstormed about how to do it. The space Phoenix Books is relocating to on Church Street, formerly occupied by the home furnishings store, Slate. As seen on June 12, 2024. Reiner said her husband posed several possibilities, including buying a bed and breakfast or a Mail Boxes, Etc. franchise. She responded to the latter idea by making it clear she was not interested in selling bubble wrap for a living. DeSanto's next idea was to buy a bookstore. "Let's do that," Reiner replied. Reiner and DeSanto started perusing industry newsletters to find bookstores for sale in Vermont, and found a couple. "We approached those, and in true capitalist fashion, the seller always thinks the value is here and the buyer thinks the value is here, so those didn't work," Reiner said, using her hands to show the gap between what sellers wanted and what she and her husband were willing to pay. Phoenix Books Owner Renee Reiner discusses her plans for the front of the new location on Church Street, as seen on June 12, 2024. It was time for Plan B. The couple sent 45 letters to bookstore owners in Vermont, explaining who they were and what they were trying to do. They received nine replies, one of which was from the owner of the bookstore in the Champlain Mill that they ended up buying. "I walked into that store at Champlain Mill and said, 'We are done, this is Michael's store,'" Reiner remembered. "And that's the bookstore we bought. We didn't look at any others. The Champlain Mill was gorgeous and it was a beautiful, lovely bookstore." The move to Essex when Winooski tears up its streets in the name of redevelopment The couple owned and operated the Champlain Mill bookstore from 1995 to 2001, when they relocated to Essex. Winooski was undergoing redevelopment and retail was struggling despite the city's best efforts to mitigate the torn-up streets. Soon after moving to Essex, IBM went through one of its many layoffs. Phoenix Books Owner Renee Reiner points out features of the plan for the bookstore's new location on Church Street, as seen on June 12, 2024. "As soon as those unemployment checks stopped, our sales tanked," Reiner said. "At that point we were cranky too. We were tired. We sold that business." The couple sold it to their assistant manager, who unfortunately, Reiner said, couldn't make a go of it. When it closed in 2007, DeSanto announced he was not done with the bookstore business. He was going to open another bookstore in Essex, in the same shopping mall where the previous store had been now known as Essex Experience but he would do it alone. "We're not going to work together as business partners because we're life partners, we're married to each other, and that's not easy for a couple to do," Reiner remembers DeSanto telling her. "He wouldn't just do what I say. That was a problem. Can you imagine?" Phoenix Books Owner Renee Reiner in the second floor space of the Church Street location, as seen on June 12, 2024. DeSanto opened Phoenix Books the first Phoenix Books in Essex in 2007. Then,in 2011 Borders bookstore, the national chain that had a location on Church Street, announced it was going out of business. The Church Street store was shuttered. DeSanto made another announcement. He was packing up Phoenix Books and moving it downtown. Reiner told him he couldn't do that. "You love this store, you built this store from the ground up," Reiner told her husband. "This store is fabulous. The community is supporting us. We're making a profit. You can't relocate this store. Let's build a second store." DeSanto had a simple reply. They didn't have the money to build a second store. "I said, 'That's true, but you know, we can raise the money,'" Reiner replied. "He said, 'Really?'" Fundraising campaign brings in enough to open a second location in Burlington Reiner raised about $425,000 for the new store through a combination of $10,000 loans from supportive community members, $1,000 contributions redeemable in books once the store opened, and $100 memberships to the store's book club. "It was grand fun," Reiner said. "Lucky us." Phoenix Books' current location on Bank Street, as seen on June 12, 2024. Phoenix Books opened in downtown Burlington on Bank Street in 2012. Soon after, the couple received a call from Steve Costello, who worked in communications for Green Mountain Power for many years before retiring recently. Costello asked them to do the same thing for Rutland they had done for Burlington. Open a bookstore with community support. "So Michael went down (to Rutland)," Reiner said. "They did the whole dog and pony show with the mayor and the state rep and Steve to walk him around and sell him on the idea." A third Phoenix Books opened in Rutland in 2015, in partnership with a local partner, in addition to community fundraising. DeSanto and Reiner own a 75% stake in the store. Their next venture, buying an existing bookstore in Chester, did not work out. "We jettisoned that one," Reiner said. "We didn't have a local owner and I think the community had a hard time that we were from away. Also, Chester was struggling. Back in the day they had 17 bed and breakfasts in that little community. By the time we got there, they had three." Partnerships with bookstores in Woodstock and Brandon worked out better, and Reiner and DeSanto are majority owners in both of those businesses, Yankee Bookshop and The Bookstore respectively. Reiner hopes to open in the new location on Church Street by the end of August, "if all the stars align." Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Bookstore moving into storefront on Burlington's Church Street BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will meet in Washington with his Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi and Secretary of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, Trend reports. According to the information, it is likely that the meeting will focus on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and tensions with Hezbollah. Also expected to be discussed are US concerns about the potential collapse of the Palestinian Administration in the West Bank as Israel continues to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue. Robert Burch, executive director at Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation, attends the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Utahns across the state gathered Wednesday to celebrate Juneteenth, the state and federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Although the State of Utah gave its employees Monday off, the majority of events were held Wednesday. On X, former President Barack Obama posted On Juneteenth, we commemorate the anniversary of the delayed news of freedom reaching the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas. Lets keep building on the work of the generations who came before us and making sure that the arc of the moral universe continues to bend towards justice. Deseret News photojournalist Laura Seitz spent the day documenting celebrations in Salt Lake City. Here are her photos. Frances Battle carries a Juneteenth flag for a flag raising ceremony during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Lt. Reuban Torres of the University of Utah Police Departments Honor Guard and Frances Battle display a Juneteenth flag during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Emma E. Houston, University of Utahs assistant vice president for Community Engagement, right, greets Dr. Sidni L. Shorter, executive director & CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Robert Burch, executive director at Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation, performs an ancestral libation toast during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Emma E. Houston, University of Utahs assistant vice president for Community Engagement, right, hands Frances Battle a Juneteenth flag during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Jeanetta Williams, civil rights activist and president of the Salt Lake Branch of the NAACP, speaks during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Dr. Sidni L. Shorter, executive director & CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, speaks during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News A Juneteenth flag is raised during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News People attend the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News People attend the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News People attend the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Jeanetta Williams, president of the Salt Lake Branch of the NAACP, speaks during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Frances Battle and Lt. Reuban Torres of the University of Utahs Police Departments Honor Guard, raise a Juneteenth flag for a flag raising ceremony during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Emma Houston, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, right, hands Frances Battle a Juneteenth flag during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Emma E. Houston, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, right, greets Dr. Sidni L. Shorter, executive director & CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, during the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Dr. Sidni L. Shorter, executive director & CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, greets an attendee at the University of Utahs commemoration of Juneteenth National Independence Day in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Don Luellen and Kevy Kev greet one another at the Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo at the Gateway in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Kirstie Weyland, left, and Kara Cordray shop at The Book Lovers Era mobile book store at the Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo at the Gateway in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The book stores owner, Ambir Moore, is on the right. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Diedre Matthis roller skates at the Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo at the Gateway in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Benedict Davis, 8, and his mother and brother set up their candy shop at the Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo at the Gateway in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News People attend the Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo at the Gateway in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News People shop at The Book Lovers Era mobile book store at the Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo at the Gateway in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un at a state reception in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 19. (Vladimir Smirnov/Pool via Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in almost 25 years this week as he seeks to strengthen international relationships amid Russias war in Ukraine. During a summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership agreement to strengthen their economic, military and nuclear energy ties, while also pledging mutual aid to one other if either country faces armed aggression. Putin called it a breakthrough document, while Kim described the two countries as having a fiery friendship, the closest since Soviet-era times, according to the Associated Press. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The summit comes as the U.S. and its allies are increasingly concerned over the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. North Korea has been accused of violating international law by transferring arms for Russia to use in its fight against Ukraine, in exchange for Russias help with military technology. Russia and North Korea have denied breaching the international sanctions against them. During the summit, Kim expressed his full support of Russia in its war against Ukraine and echoed Putin's blame on the U.S.-led allies "hegemonic policy" for the war in Ukraine. After their talks, the two leaders exchanged gifts. Putin gave Kim a second Russian-made Aurus limo; the first one was gifted to Kim from the Kremlin back in February in violation of United Nations sanctions. Pictured below are the two leaders taking a ride in Kims new wheels. The Russian leader also gifted Kim a tea set and a naval officers dagger. In exchange, Kim gave Putin two Pungsan hunting dogs native to North Korea and a framed portrait of Putin, pictured below. Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un upon his arrival at an airport in Pyongyang on Wednesday. (KCNA via Reuters) Putin and Kim riding in an Aurus car. (KCNA via Reuters) Putin and Kim attend an official welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. (Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via Reuters) Putin and Kim Jong Un at a state reception. (Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via Reuters) Putin and Kim Jong Un in the garden of the Kumsusan Guesthouse in Pyongyang. (KCNA via Reuters) Putin admires a portrait of himself during his state visit to North Korea. (KCNA via Reuters) Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un enjoy a walk in the garden of the Kumsusan Guesthouse. (KCNA via Reuters) Kim drives an Aurus car given to him by Putin. (Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via Reuters) See more of our photo features on Yahoo News >>> A Placer County man on Thursday pleaded guilty after he was arrested last year on accusations of having sex with a minor, a Nevada girl who was 14 years old when they first met on a social media app. Ryan Kristopher Davidek, of Lincoln, pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity for the sexual relationship he had with the teen over four years, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Sacramento announced in a news release. Davidek, 40, was initially arrested last year on a federal criminal complaint and booked at the Sacramento County Jail, where he remains in custody awaiting his sentencing. A federal grand jury last June issued a superseding criminal indictment against Davidek in the child sexual exploitation case. The convicted Placer County man first met the middle school student in 2016 on a social media app called Camfrog, which allows users to chat online via video chat rooms, according to the criminal complaint filed in federal court Feb. 16, 2023, the same day Davidek was arrested. Davidek was 32 at the time when he first committed sexual misconduct with the underage girl in a private online chat on the Camfrog app, according to an affidavit filed by an FBI agent in support of the federal complaint. The FBI agent wrote in the affidavit that Davidek first had sex with the girl in May 2016, after he drove to Reno, Nevada, picked up the teen near her home and took her to a Circus Circus hotel in town. Later that year, the FBI agents said the girl revealed to Davidek that she was 14, not 16 years old as she had told him. Davidek continued the sexual relationship with the minor off and on, with more than 25 to 30 sexual encounters over the next four years, according to the affidavit. The FBI agent said Davidek, after their first sexual encounter, took her to the Sands Regency hotel where her parents rarely went to gamble. After that, he drove to Reno, picked up the girl and took her to his Lincoln home to spend the weekend with him, and they exchanged numerous other sexually explicit online video chats on the social media app, according to the affidavit. The FBI served a search warrant at Davideks home on the day he was arrested, finding his bedroom and bathroom matched what investigators saw in photos that depicted the girl. Investigators also found a computer in Davideks bedroom with the Camfrog app open and logged into the account used to communicate with the girl, and room keys to the Sands Regency hotel in Reno, according to the affidavit. Davidek is scheduled to return Oct. 3 to federal court for his sentencing hearing. Prosecutors said Davidek faces 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution to be determined by the court and serve a lifetime term of parole. UPDATE 6/20/24 4:19 p.m.: Hosley has been found safe, according to the Plains Police Department. PLAINS, Ga. (WRBL) The Plains Police Department is asking for the publics help with finding a missing juvenile. Orianna Hosley, 15, was last seen on a neighbors camera walking northbound on Graham Street in Plains, Georgia, at 3:43 a.m. on Thursday. She was wearing a pink hooded sweatshirt. Police say Hosley is 5 foot, 5 inches and weighs 174 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair with braids. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Plains Police Department at (229) 824-5673. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Poland says security agreement with Ukraine will be ready soon Pawel Kowal, a Polish lawmaker and chairman of Polands Council for Cooperation with Ukraine, has announced that work on a bilateral security agreement between the two countries is being galvanised. Source: Kowal in an interview with Polish news agency PAP, as reported by European Pravda Details: The politician noted that the agreement would soon be ready. He said, however, that the document will only be a supplement, as Poland has been supporting Ukraine militarily for more than two years. "The work on a security agreement between our countries is currently being accelerated. It will be ready soon, but from our point of view, this agreement will only be a supplement, a kind of cherry on top. After all, the whole process of military support for Ukraine has been going on for more than two years, and Poland was undoubtedly the first in this process," he stressed. Kowal stressed that the biggest challenge now is to ensure the protection of Ukrainian cities, to give hope to the soldiers fighting at the front that they will receive support, and to ensure that Ukraine can actually defend itself. "Real defence is also [the ability to] attack strategic military targets on Russian territory," Kowal emphasised. Background: Earlier, it was reported that the bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and Poland could be finalised and signed before the NATO summit, which will be held on 9-11 July. Poland's defence minister believes the Poles deserve a Nobel Prize for helping Ukrainians. Support UP or become our patron! A person was found dead near the Georgia 400 southbound expressway and Sidney Marcus Boulevard Thursday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said they were investigating and that the body would be taken to the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office for autopsy to confirm the persons cause and manner of death. Its unclear if police suspect foul play. Police did not give a description of the person or say how long they believe the body has been in the area. A photographer is headed to the scene to learn more about this developing story for Channe 2 Action News starting at 4 p.m. Police investigating Lynn crash that left motorcyclist dead Police have launched an investigation into a crash in Lynn on Wednesday morning that left a motorcyclist dead, officials announced Thursday. Officers responding to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle in the area of 579 Boston Street around 11 a.m. found the motorcyclist in the road suffering from serious injuries, according to the Lynn Police Department. The motorcyclist, whose name hasnt been released, was taken to Salem Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Video from the scene showed a black Honda sedan with front-end damage stopped at the scene of the crash. Police didnt say if the driver who collided with the motorcycle will face charges. Massachusetts State Police crash reconstructionists are assisting Lynn police with the investigation. There were no additional immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) Police say a juvenile has been arrested after shots were fired Wednesday evening at a Kalamazoo swimming pool. It happened around 6 p.m. at the Kik Pool, located at 1018 Walter St. near Lake Street, according to a release from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Within minutes, officers were on scene, the release says. No one was hurt, though an unoccupied vehicle was damaged, according to KDPS. Police say they recovered two guns. A juvenile was arrested, they say. This embedded content is not available in your region. Police are investigating. If you know anything, youre asked to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigation Division at 269.337.8139 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Frederique Constants showcase collection is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year and unveiling brand new variations of its sports model, the 41-millimetre Chronograph Automatic, to mark the occasion The first two releases feature highly complementary approaches: one is a non-limited edition featuring the exquisitely elegant combination of a rose gold-plated case and a midnight blue dial; the other is a limited edition of 1888 pieces housed in a steel case and offering the unusual combination of an opaline dial with green counters, setting a contemporary, sportier tone. Powered by the FC-391 calibre with its 60-hour power reserve, the two pieces will come with two and three interchangeable straps respectively, as is the custom. Frederique Constants Highlife collection was very much ahead of its time when it emerged on the watchmaking scene in 1999 with an interchangeable, integrated strap, a design in keeping with the best traditions of Swiss fine watchmaking, high-level finishings, and careful attention to detail all at affordable prices making Swiss Made luxury as widely available as possible. The relaunch of the collection in 2020, accompanied by musician, producer and brand ambassador The Avener, immediately proved to be one of the Manufactures greatest successes. Highlife Chronograph Automatic Frederique Constant The launch of two more new references is thus a major event, doubling the size of the collection at a stroke; above all, it provides collectors with two completely different alternatives. The first now enters the standard collection and introduces a new variation on the Highlife Chronograph Automatic with the very first edition in plated rose gold. This luxurious choice delivers a model thats still affordable whilst adding a touch of gold a key component of the traditional, classy ethos of fine watchmaking. The pieces blue dial and strap and snailed silver subdials assert its unashamedly modern style. The finely worked details will be especially appreciated: handpolished hands, alternating polished and satin surfaces and the option of a blue suede strap with crocodile pattern embossing alongside the rubber strap alternative. The second piece takes a very different direction; rather than being a part of the collection, it will be strictly limited to just 1888 watches, making it a rare collectors item. Its only the second time in three years that Frederique Constant has produced a limited-edition steel Highlife Chronograph Automatic. The steel case heralds a sporty temperament; the choice of straps and the fir green counters further assert the pieces outdoor vocation. This variation remains subtly understated when combined with its green suede strap for city wear, while the other two straps (one in brushed polished steel, the other made from rubber) establish it as ready to explore the planet; the globe outline engraved on the surface of the opaline dial offers further confirmation of this calling. Highlife Chronograph Automatic Frederique Constant The two sisters, each with their own temperament, share the same beating heart: the FC-391 calibre, powering an hours/minutes/ seconds tricompax display and a date window at half past four. This reliable, tried and tested movement is already present in the collections two existing Highlife Chronograph Automatics and offers a 60-hour power reserve, taking the timepiece comfortably through the weekend so that those who remove their watch on a Friday evening will find it still faithfully telling the time on Monday morning. Visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, the calibre features Cotes de Geneve decoration and is fittingly housed in a 41-millimetre case, guaranteed water resistant to 10 ATM. Police raid vape store and arrest owners. The owners say their business was completely legal Business owners in South Fulton are fighting to get their licenses reinstated after police raided their vape store and arrested them. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] They claim the South Fulton police officers dont know the law regarding legal hemp products in Georgia and that the testing methods used by the police are inaccurate. Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes was in South Fulton County Thursday, where store workers testified in a hearing. The police raid happened on May 1 at a vape store on Campbellton Road. Surveillance video shows South Fulton police officers arresting the owner and workers. TRENDING STORIES: Store clerk Shaizan Khoja described the experience as traumatic, saying, It was and still is trauma now. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Police say that workers sold illegal marijuana to an undercover officer. Investigators are still waiting for GBI results but have used a different method to test the drugs. They revoked the stores business license quickly before the owner could defend himself. Even if everything in the store was illegal theyre still entitled to due process a hearing and a notice of that hearing, and that did not happen in this case, the store owners attorney, Marvin Arrington Jr. said. During the hearing, attorneys for the store owner presented evidence, including their own test results from an independent lab, which say the products are legal under Georgia law. They showed photos of other vape shops selling the same products, including one store located right across from a police precinct. City attorney Vincent Hyman stood firm, stating that the store owner broke the law. The city manager will issue a decision in 10 days. I think its noticeable that were in a conference room with the city manager who works in the same building as the city attorney, who works in the same building as the finance director who revoked the license so it does raise questions about whether this is a fair tribunal, said Tom Church, another attorney for the store owner. The owner and workers also face trafficking charges due to the raid. They believe the city managers decision in 10 days will impact the criminal case. Update: Police said Kamie Lewis was found safely. Police are asking the public for help finding a missing 12-year-old girl last seen Tuesday evening in Kansas City. Kamie Lewis was last seen around 6:40 p.m. near the 700 block of West 101st Terrace walking in an unknown direction. She was wearing a black Chucky shirt and black shorts. Kamie is about 5 feet tall and weighs around 150 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone who finds Kamie or knows of her whereabouts should call 911 or the missing persons unit at 816-234-5043. UNION SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11) Police are searching for a man who yelled, Raise your hand if youre a Zionist, on a crowded train in the Union Square subway station last week, according to the NYPD. The incident happened on the No. 5 train when a group of pro-Palestinian protesters took over the subway at around 8:10 p.m. on June 10, police said. Many of the protesters were clad in masks and scarves before the suspect in sunglasses yelled, Raise your hand if youre a Zionist and This is your chance to get out, according to authorities. When the riders ignored his request, the man said, Ok, no Zionists. Were good, a video showed. More Local News Police released a photo of the suspect and the Jewish Future Alliance is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. This is a very serious and concerning incident, said Rabbi Yaacov Behrman of the JFA. We are shocked and outraged, and we hope that someone comes forward to unmask the antisemite who made the demand and report his identity to the NYPD. On the same day of the subway incident, Within Our Lifetime, a pro-Palestinian organization, rallied on New York City streets, and subways, and shut down the Nova exhibit on Wall Street. The group called it a day of rage, according to its post on X. Three of the protesters were arrested for disorderly conduct and fare evasion, police said. They were given summonses. 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). Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Police seek suspect who fired gun at store employee OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Authorities say a man is wanted after firing a shot at a employee while leaving a convenience store. Police seek to identify man after shooting at store clerk, Image courtesy OKCPD Police seek to identify man after shooting at store clerk, Image courtesy OKCPD According to police, the subject (pictured above) got into an altercation with a convenience store employee (store near NW 23rd/Portland). As he was leaving the business, the suspect fired a shot at the employee. The clerk wasnt struck. If you recognize this individual, contact Crime Stoppers 405.235.7300/www.okccrimetips.com. Cash reward possible! Headlines Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) A four-year-old child was found locked inside a vehicle for an hour in Lower Allen Township, and police say her father is facing charges. Robert Wall, 46, of South Carolina, is accused of leaving his daughter alone inside a car that was parked on the 3200 block of Ruth Way in the Arcona Strand apartment complex on a hot evening, according to an affidavit filed by Lower Allen Township Police. According to the affidavit, on June 13, a witness was walking towards a nearby business when she heard a car alarm at 8:01 p.m. The witness approached the car, a black BMW, and found the child locked inside. According to the witness, the child was belted into her seat, screaming and covered in sweat, as temperatures reached 89 degrees during the polices response, police said in the affidavit. The witness reached through the partially opened window to unlock the vehicle and release the child. When the child was asked what her name was, she only replied Im thirsty. Pennsylvania State Police name five most wanted in Harrisburg area The witness then got a neighbor to get her a bottle of water, according to the affidavit. A few minutes later, a man identified as Wall, the childs father, came out of 3221 Ruth Way and took the child inside before the polices arrival. Police say Wall arrived at the area at 6:44 p.m. to visit a friend, and his daughter was sleeping upon arrival, so he decided to leave her asleep in the vehicle. He put the back windows down approximately 4-6 inches, the front windows 2-4 inches, and went inside to consume alcohol and watch TV. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Wall claimed he was checking on his daughter by looking out the window every 5-10 minutes, but never went outside to check on her, according to the affidavit. It was only after bystanders retrieved the child from the vehicle and Walls son told him they had her, that he went outside. It was reported that the car alarm had been going off for about 15 minutes without anyone coming outside. When asked if he heard the alarm going off, Wall was unable to answer. Wall faces a felony charge of endangering the welfare of children. Wall is locked up in Cumberland County Prison on bail set at $5,000 and awaits a preliminary hearing set for July 11. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Editors Note: Round Rock police are hosting a news conference with an update on this case Thursday. Find the latest here. ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Round Rock police are still looking for the suspect or suspects tied to the deadly Round Rock Juneteenth festival shooting that left two women dead and 14 others injured. Our ultimate goal is to find who did this and make sure that the families get justice, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said over the weekend. Old Settlers Park shooting suspect description In a press conference Sunday, Banks said police believe the subject is armed and dangerous and not to approach the suspect but instead call 911. When asked if there may be more than one suspect, Banks said the investigation is ongoing. Theres a lot of interviewing going on to find out who did what, how this started, why it started and why it ended up in a very senseless tragedy and so anybody that was involved in this incident we will hold accountable, he said. Banks described one suspect as a 57 Black man between the ages of 19 and 20 with a thin build. Police said he had hair in short dreads and was last seen wearing a white hoodie. Turn yourself in, Banks said Sunday. If youre man enough to carry a gun and pull the trigger, be man enough to step up. Turn yourself in. Lets figure out why you chose to take lives and injure people. How to submit a tip in the Round Rock shooting People with information can call 1-800-252-TIPS or submit a tip online. Anyone with video or information about the shooting can call Round Rock Police Detective Maio at (512) 341-3135 or email rmaio@roundrocktexas.gov. Police also ask anyone with photo or video evidence to submit it online. Reward offered for tips that lead to Round Rock shooting suspects On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott said the governors public safety office is offering up to $10,000 leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect or suspects. Gov. Greg Abbott offers $10K for Round Rock shooting suspect information Two other rewards are available for information. The Williamson County Crime Stoppers are offering $5,000 and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering $5,000. Insight into the investigation Old Settlers Park has now reopened to the public after being closed for an extensive investigation over the weekend. Dennis Farris, president of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, gave KXAN some insight into what might be happening behind the scenes. He says law enforcement was doing extensive interviews, vetting tips, using ballistics tools and combing for video of vehicles or people matching the suspects description fleeing the scene. You may have people who have dash cams in their cars that that caught this. Obviously, the Round Rock police that were there have body cams so their body cams got activated. Theyll look at all that body cam video, Farris said. Farris says with federal partners like the FBI and ATF involved, Round Rock police will have additional investigative tools at their disposal. Its going to be a very detailed, a very long investigation. Obviously, now theyre trying to ID the suspect because the main goal in this is to get the suspect in custody and hold them accountable for what they did. And then the investigation will continue, you know, long after that, Farris 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. Is the U.S. military merely a marginal force? If you based your answer on The Heritage Foundations latest Index of U.S. Military Strength, you might be tempted to think our armed forces are in disarray. But since 2015, the Index has served less as a strategic look at American security and more as a crude tool to promote slanted media coverage. This year is no different. The overall structure of the Index is designed to project an impression of weakness. The report generally consists of around 600 pages of dense prose, often featuring a series of media-friendly charts rating the level of Threats to U.S. Vital Interests (from severe to low) and U.S. Military Power by service branch (from very weak to very strong). The problem, however, is that both scales are tilted to produce the intended result. Since 2018the earliest report with a working hyperlink at Heritages websitethe overall threat to American interests has never been anything but high (the second highest category). Only one threat category, Af-Pak Terrorism, has ever been rated as merely elevated (the middle category). Likewise, the military power chart in the Index presents a loaded vision. The middle category labeled marginal is so scrupulous that even a service branch that meets the high standards Heritage sets for them can be blasted in headlines rather than being more accurately described as sufficient or adequate. Like the threats chart, Heritage has not rated any service branch as very strong since 2018, and the overall rating has never been higher than marginala strange state of affairs for the worlds strongest military. Underlying these slanted assessments is an astoundingly inconsistent analysis. One might assume, for instance, that all of the service branches would be judged by the same standards. They arent. The report purports to measure each branch against a two major regional contingency (2MRC) standard, or the ability to handle two major wars simultaneously. Yet the Marine Corpsthe only branch to get a strong rating this yearwas judged against a single contingency standard, which contributed to its higher rating. Moreover, ratings of capacity, capability, and readiness for each branch reveal more inconsistencies. The Army and the U.S. nuclear arsenal are rounded down to produce their marginal rating; meanwhile, the Marine Corps is rounded up to produce its strong rating. Even more baffling, the Air Forcethe lowest rated (very weak) service in the reportisnt rounded at all. Rather, the Index just glibly declares that success or failure is determined by the weakest leg, essentially rating the Air Force based on its weakest category. The Air Forces very weak ranking reveals further issues with the Index. The branchs rating is based on several factors, but the ones mentioned explicitly in the report summary are the supposedly incredibly low sortie rates and flying hours. Incredibly low compared to what? Given the 2MRC standard, the answer has to be pilot training compared to Americas top two adversaries, China and Russia. Yet the Index cherry-picks its figures, drawing flight time numbers from during the COVID-19 pandemic to complain that mission-ready fighter pilots received only 131 hours of flying time per year and arguing that such low figures put the Air Force at risk of falling behind peer adversaries. Though the Air Force itself has expressed concerns about declining time in the cockpit, American fighter pilots still average far more flight time than our adversaries100 hours more compared to Chinas Air Force, for example. Indeed, when assessing Chinese military capacity generally, its important to remember that effectively none of Chinas officers, soldiers, or modern systems have been tested in combat. By contrast, functionally all of Americas systems and many of its officers and soldiers have been testedand have passed that test. The lack of a meaningful measure to compare the U.S. military to that of our adversaries plagues the entire Index. Dramatically, the report judges Americas nuclear arsenal as merely marginal, despite the countrys current roughly 3,000 nuclear warheads. One struggles to think of a situation in which that stockpile would be insufficient (to say nothing of how too large a force carries risks of its own). The Index also glaringly overlooks Russias war against Ukraine in its assessment. The Kremlins full-scale invasion exposed the shocking weakness of the second-strongest American adversary and the destruction of much of its equipment and personnel. Yet these factors seem to have had no effect on Americas comparative strength according to the Index. Likewise, Chinas economic woes have cast significant doubt on Beijings ability to build its military capacity indefinitely. There isnt a hint of this weakness in the Indexs headline ratings either. None of this suggests the U.S. lacks security challenges. The Index is hardly alone in sounding the alarm about how decades of continued procurement debacles and declining shipbuilding capability have left the U.S. Navy without needed ships. For instance, consider the new Constellation-class frigate. Originally intended to save on costs by simply borrowing the design of the existing Franco-Italian FREMM-class, the Navy has squandered this cost advantage by redesigning nearly every aspect of the ship, leading the project to run substantially over budget. This is worth criticizing. But the Index doesnt address this problem at all. Instead, it merely calls for more funding to produce a battle force of 400 manned ships without engaging with the issue that, as Navy procurement stands today, no amount of money appears capable of teaching it how to build ships. Some problems cannot be solved by merely calling for more cash. Its not particularly hard to detect a probable political agenda for the report, which also decries Department of Defense officials who pursue a woke agenda. Presenting the report, Fox & Friends co-hosts Brian Kilmeade and Pete Hegseth seem to have understood the point perfectly well. They blamed DEI for the poor (manufactured) ratings, claiming that the military Bud Light-ed itself, looking for a new constituency, referring to the anti-trans Bud Light boycotts from last year. What neither Heritage nor the TV personalities mentioned, however, was that armies that tolerate or reinforce deep social or political inequalities perform poorly on the battlefield. Therefore, the U.S. militarys concern with addressing such inequalities speaks to real concerns over military performance; it is Heritage and its allies who are playing identity politics with our security. Strategy is fundamentally the art of assigning priorities and making tradeoffs, matching limited resources to limitless interests and threats. But precisely because the Index always seeks to find American military weakness, it is incapable of engaging in questions of priorities and tradeoffs. Put another way, the report fails at the difficult but essential task of strategy-making. Consider the 2MRC standard again. It might seem wise to demand the United States maintain the forces necessary to deal with two major regional contingencies, without major mobilizations or conscription, given the aggressiveness of China and Russia. But the 2MRC standard, introduced in 1993 and abandoned in 2012, was always deeply flawed. While the modern 2MRC standard evokes the British two-power standard, adopted in 1889, of maintaining a navy stronger than the next two largest navies, the two-power standard was an exercise in prioritization, rating the Royal Navy and maritime security over other concerns, like having a strong army. Heritages 2MRC vision, on the other hand, stretches across all domains and all theaters, abandoning the all-important question of priorities. If all threats are equally important, then none of them are. Likewise, the decision to simply pour more money into the military avoids difficult tradeoffs. After all, money must be found somewhere. It would be plausible, if politically toxic, to argue that in a more dangerous world Americans must be willing to accept higher taxes and fewer government services in order to spend more on security. Yet Heritage insists its 2MRC plan is consistent with large tax cuts. But Heritage isnt willing to see the spending financed with government debt, nor does it endorse serious entitlement cuts. Instead, it merely proposes, that entitlements be made sustainable. Though the Index prefaces its discussion of the defense budget by claiming that the goal is not to give a definitive answer, it feels like it safely defers the important, hard questions to others. Defense spending is undoubtedly necessary. But as Dwight D. Eisenhower declared in 1953, Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. Americans will need to engage in contentious debates over how to balance guns and butter, but the Index is not designed for this. It is designed as a bullhorn for greater military spending that ignores strategic priorities or the present weaknesses of our adversaries. It is a cudgel with which Heritage can fight its progressive enemies by hammering American defense policy into yet another front in the culture war. But it is not the serious, strategic analysis that the United States needs to face the dangers of our world. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Earlier this month, Polybions Celium made its world debut. And now, the Spanish biomaterials producer has taken home an award validating the research and refinement of its bacterial cellulose. The B Corp was one of 11 recipients of the Redesign Everything Challenge hosted by What Design Can Do (WDCD). Founded in Amsterdam, WDCD is an international platform advocating for design as a tool for social change. The organizations Redesign Everything Challengeits fifth Climate Action Challenge in collaboration with the Ikea Foundationseeks creative climate solutions across five disciplines: products, materials, communications, spaces as well as systems and services. More from Sourcing Journal Being recognized by an internationally acclaimed design platform like What Design Can Do is a testament to our teams years of meticulous work and highlights the incredible potential of biology when it intersects with design, Polybion said. Its an honor and a privilege to showcase Celium, our premium cultivated cellulose, to the world, as it represents the sum of a massive team effort compounded over time, coming to fruition. Celiuma biomaterial grown from feeding bacteria with agro-industrial fruit wasteembodies a sustainable shift from traditional resource extraction to regenerative cultivation, Polybion wrote in its project description. The cultivated cellulose promises scalability with minimal infrastructure, leveraging existing fermentation technology to produce a versatile, vegan and organic textile. In the face of our planets greatest challenges, design emerges as a powerful catalyst for change, said Liz McKeon, head of planet at the Ikea Foundation. The What Design Can Do design challenges that we supported have ignited innovative, design-focused solutions led by the creative community themselves, in addressing issues such as climate change, health, well-being and social equity all around the world. This demonstrates that designers can become the architects of solutions, building the bridge between imagination and impactful change, and have the transformative ability to shape transformation toward a sustainable future. A jury of leaders in design, social impact and climate action selected 11 winnersout of 557 submissionswith winning ideas receiving 5,000 euros (about $5,350) in funding and a global development program comprised of online training, mentoring sessions and a boot camp. The program will support the winning teams in further strengthening their projects throughout 2024 and beyond. Redesigning everything is, first and foremost, a call to action, said Richard van der Laken, WDCDs co-founder and creative director. Its also an invitation to think laterally about how our world should be redesigned, in ways both big and small. Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for inclusive and circular solutions, and for the transformative and disruptive power of design. Other winning projects included Cellsense, which develops alternatives to beads in the form of scalable bio-embellishments that eliminate microplastics and unethical labor concerns from the process. The Revival is a community-led sustainable design NGO committed to addressing global textile waste challenges. Co-Culturing Rituals BioSoothe explores the material possibilities of micro-algae and bacterial cellulose with potential bio-composite material applications. The winners of the Redesign Everything Challenge exemplify the potential of design to address climate impacts, van der Laken said. These projects not only provide innovative solutions to climate issues but also inspire others to reimagine whats possible. The creativity and dedication shown by these teams impressed the jury and the entire team at What Design Can Do. The winners will receive funding, mentorship and training through the Redesign Everything Accelerator program, which kicks off in July with a sprint week in Amsterdam. Here, this years cohort will meet with industry experts and attend masterclasses focused on design and circularity. Then, each winner is matched with a mentor based on their personal and professional needs. WDCD annually hosts festivals in design capitals globally; this is where winners will get the platform to share their ideas with potential partners and investors. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, left, meets with State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. April 9, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) This story was updated Thursday afternoon to include reaction from Gov. Jim Pillen. LINCOLN Pornhub, one of the busiest websites for sexually explicit videos, is less than a month from going dark in Nebraska. The company blames a new Nebraska state law requiring it to check the IDs of people using its site or hire another company to do so. Pornhub says it wont assume that risk to its viewers. Users of the adult video repository with Nebraska Internet protocol addresses are receiving warning messages saying they will lose access to the site on July 15. Thats when Legislative Bill 1092, introduced by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, goes into effect. The legislation requires online porn companies to verify users ages. New law required age check The new law, passed 35-3 in April, creates liability for knowingly or intentionally publishing or distributing material harmful to minors on the internet. Murman and other advocates of such age-verification laws say the laws are needed to protect children from mental health risks of exposure to pornography. First Amendment advocates and others pushing for freer expression have argued that children today carry the internet in their pockets and will find other ways to access porn. Aylo, Pornhubs parent company, confirmed to the Examiner on Tuesday that it plans to block access to its websites in Nebraska when the new law takes effect. Gov. Jim Pillen, after the Examiners story published, issued a statement celebrating Pornhubs decision. To the news that one of the worlds busiest porn traffickers will shut down in Nebraska, I say: good riddance, he said. This is a great development for the protection of our kids, culture, and values. Our kids already face too many threats from Big Tech and the obscene content industry. Nebraska would be the latest state where Aylo blocks users based on such laws. The others include Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Idaho, Indiana, Kansas and Kentucky passed similar laws and will see users blocked over the next several weeks. Floridas new law goes into effect next year. Aylo hasnt said yet whether its users will be blocked. A company spokesman who declined to give his name said such laws require adult websites to collect information about users in ways that put personally identifying information at risk. Aylo has publicly supported age verification of users for years, but we believe that any law to this effect must preserve user safety and privacy, the spokesman said. The groups longer statement mirrored what many of the bills critics argued during legislative debate: that it addressed a real issue without paying enough attention to unintended consequences. How the law works LB 1092 requires companies to verify the front and back of a users drivers license or state ID card and then get rid of the data or use a third party to do so. State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue and other critics warned during debate that the state should not require such personal information to be shared with porn websites. She said this week the requirement puts users at risk of being embarrassed by bad actors or fleeced financially by having their identity stolen. Blood said Nebraska needs a data broker registry that would let consumers know who has access to their data, why and what they do with the information the companies gather. Its clear that Nebraska did not talk to people who utilize this type of data, she said. You shouldnt pass laws without appropriate research just because other states are doing it. People find access anyway Murman, the sponsoring senator, said Nebraska and other states have stepped up to say No more to the porn industry. He said pornography companies lie about privacy and safety concerns. The reality is that companies like Pornhub rely on the business of streaming endless hours of graphic sexual content to minors and children, Murman said. Aylo suggested a better, safer approach to age verification requiring it to be checked at the device level, on a phone or computer to avoid transmitting personal information. The company and other critics of LB 1092 said porn users in the other states where such laws have been passed still seek out what they want. Many simply use virtual private networks to conceal where they are viewing the material from, or they get the material from darker, more dangerous places online, the spokesman said, adding: We are eager to be part of this solution and collaborate with government, civil society and tech partners to arrive at an effective device-based age verification solution. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Pornhub intends to ban Nebraska users after passage of LB 1092 appeared first on Nebraska Examiner. In the infinite immensity of the cosmos, a link stretches between the abyss and space The two frontiers Since the dawn of time, man has sought to understand his environment in order to better control it. At RALF TECH, we used to say that the ocean floor was the final frontier. And it's still true. The oceans - or the world ocean - regulate over 80% of the earth's climate. They play a major role in the Earth's temperature. And the ongoing exploration of the oceans will certainly enable us to preserve our planet for a little longer, in good conditions. But over the last 50 years, man has also set out to conquer space. The stratosphere, then the Moon and now Mars... From a frontier that is always partly inaccessible, the Ocean, to a frontier that is always infinite, Space, like the meeting of these two worlds on the line of a furtive horizon, RALF TECH and CNES invite you on an extraordinary journey with the new SPACE MILLENIUM. With SPACE MILLENIUM, for a short while, RALF TECH leaves behind the ocean, the last frontier for human beings, and takes to the skies to reach space. SPACE MILLENIUM symbolizes the meeting of these two worlds and two French players with shared values. SPACE MILLENIUM RALF TECH CNES & RALF TECH CNES, a public industrial and commercial establishment, proposes France's space policy to the public authorities and implements it in 5 major strategic areas: Ariane, Science, Observation, Telecommunications and Defense. RALF TECH is a French watch brand offering watches imagined, designed and assembled in France. The brand already equips over 100 elite and special forces units worldwide. RALF TECH products embody the values of authenticity, reliability, self-improvement and adventure. CNES & RALF TECH have decided to combine their excellent know-how to offer a series of watches adapted to space conditions and the needs of astronauts. SPACE MILLENIUM is the first of these. SPACE MILLENIUM RALF TECH SPACE MILLENIUM A spectacular 100% new organic design. A good recipe can be improved, but its base must remain the same. With this in mind, the aesthetic perception of the WRX had to remain unchanged. This was achieved, with the recognizable semi-cushion shape and strong, taut lines inspiring confidence and power. But, with the need for lightness linked to the cost of sending objects into Space, the formula had to be renewed and/or improved. The SPACE MILLENIUM therefore retains the overall shape of the WRX, well known to the brand's enthusiasts, by reimagining it. With grade 1 titanium (T35 Aeronautique) and a sculpted, hollowed-out case, the SPACE MILLENIUM's organic design becomes extraordinary in the truest sense of the word, saving 105 grams compared to a WRX, dropping from 200 to just 95 grams while maintaining a strictly identical size. A 100% new composite dial. The new SPACE MILLENIUM features a new dial. In the same weight-saving spirit, the new composite dial is now available in a honeycomb pattern. Spectacular effect, weight saving, enlarged indexes, the dial is a work of art in itself. Thanks to these technical specifications, readability is excellent by day and visibility exceptional by night. SPACE MILLENIUM RALF TECH An innovative movement... even better. Developed in Switzerland for our company, the RTE001 movement uses a micro-hybridization system. It combines precision, reliability and energy savings. Built on the mechaquartz base of the hybrid movement equipping previous generations of WRXs, the RTE001 movement reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies quartz power supply as much as possible. It can run for up to 100,000 hours, or almost 12 years, whereas most movements offer a power reserve of 40 hours for automatics and around 2 years for traditional quartz. Enough to go to Mars, stay there for a few years and... come back! An exclusive sealing system. The new SPACE MILLENIUM features a case back with an innovative encapsulation system. This innovation seals the back of the watch to the case, guaranteeing optimum water-resistance. Only RALF TECH has the special tools needed to open and close the case back on this new model, ensuring that the original water-resistance is maintained, overhaul after overhaul. SPACE MILLENIUM RALF TECH Innovative straps. Directly derived from space research, the CNES bracelet manufactured by the French company BOUVERET makes the watch suitable for normal wear under or outside a flight suit. Made from ballistic nylon and lined with a Velcro system, it allows each wearer to adjust the strap millimetrically. This bracelet is accompanied by 2 others, a sand-green zulu and the brand's usual black silicone, best suited to scuba diving. Spectacular technical features ! Ultra-light case in aeronautical titanium, the thickest scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the market (for a production watch) with a thickness of 5.9mm, case middle 10mm thick in certain strategic places, wide straps held in place by anti-pull-off threaded rods, ceramic bezels, guaranteed water-resistance to 1000 meters... The SPACE MILLENIUM is intrinsically a high-performance tool. Operating in a maximum operating range from -50 to +55, its resistance to shock and vibration is exceptional. With 12 years of power reserve, its autonomy reaches record levels. Its new dial makes it ultra-readable. These technical features, validated by weightlessness tests carried out in March 2024 with the first production models, represent the sum total of all RALF TECH's expertise in association with CNES. Assembled in France, the new SPACE MILLENIUM should logically become the benchmark in space watches for professionals and the discerning public alike. Its unrivalled performance and design should finally win over enthusiasts of alternative watchmaking. The new SAPCE MILLENIUM will be available from June 20. SPACE MILLENIUM RALF TECH Ecological and social. The threats to the environment and the over-exploitation of our planet's natural resources call for a global strategy of sustainable development. As a Climate Space Agency with an ambitious CSR strategy, CNES is making a growing contribution to the fight against global warming. Its recognized expertise in Earth observation puts France at the forefront of this battle in Europe and around the world. RALF TECH, strengthened by its marine and underwater origins, is proud to support CNES in its efforts to preserve our planet in general and our oceans in particular. RALF TECH and CNES also attach particular importance to civic values. For each watch sold, 100 will be donated to the Fondation Ailes de France, of which CNES is already a partner. As part of its annual Bourses ESPACE program, the Fondation Ailes de France funds projects by students from a wide range of educational backgrounds who wish to enter the space industry. The aim is to promote space among young people, facilitate their integration into the professional world, and help French talent in the sector to emerge. Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national energy company, has reported that civilian power infrastructure facilities were damaged in four Ukrainian oblasts in the Russian attack on the night of 19-20 June. Source: Ukrenergo Details: The national energy company noted that equipment belonging to power infrastructure facilities in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Kyiv oblasts had been damaged. "Information about the aftermath [of the attack] is being gathered," Ukrenergo added. Support UP or become our patron! Power plants were main targets of Russian night attack on Thursday Ukrainian power plants were the main target of the Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine in the small hours of 20 June. Source: press service of Ukrainian National Energy Company Ukrenergo Details: The energy company notes that this was the seventh massive Russian attack on the energy system since 22 March. Quote: "The latest information suggests it was a combined missile and drone attack. The main target was, again, Ukrainian power plants." The attack damaged equipment at power facilities in the Vinnytsiia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk oblasts. The networks of regional power companies in Kyiv Oblast were also damaged. Quote: "The damage is being examined. Emergency repair works have begun where the security situation allows." Background: In Ukraine, seven workers were injured in the latest attacks at two energy facilities on 20 June. On Thursday, power companies increased electricity consumption restrictions from 11:00 due to the Russian attack, and regional power companies will report on how this will affect power restriction schedules. On 20 June, civilian energy infrastructure facilities were damaged in four oblasts of Ukraine as a result of a Russian night attack. The Russian military attacked the DTEK thermal power plant, the largest private investor in the energy industry in Ukraine, as a result of which three power engineers were injured, and the plant's equipment was also seriously damaged. On Thursday, 20 June, from 00:00 to 06:00, hourly power restriction schedules are cancelled; from 06:00 to 24:00, consumption will be limited according to the schedules established by regional power companies. Support UP or become our patron! Power supply restrictions will increase on Thursday due to overnight attack Power engineers will increase electricity consumption restrictions from 11:00 due to a Russian attack. Oblenergos (oblast electricity distributors) will inform how this will affect the schedules of outages. Source: Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national energy company Quote: "Today, 20 June, due to the overnight Russian attack, the volume of consumption restrictions has been increased starting from 11:00," the statement said. Ukrenergo noted that the impact on hourly outage schedules can be viewed on the websites of local oblenergos. The power supply to critical infrastructure facilities will not be restricted. Background: On 20 June, as a result of a nighttime attack by the Russian military, civilian energy infrastructure facilities were damaged in four regions of Ukraine. Russian forces attacked DTEK's combined heat and power plant overnight on 20 June, resulting in injuries to three energy workers and serious damage to the plant's equipment [DTEK is the largest private investor in Ukraine's energy industry ed.]. On Thursday, 20 June from 00:00 to 06:00, the hourly outage schedule is cancelled. From 06:00 to 24:00, consumption will be restricted according to the schedules set by oblenergos. Support UP or become our patron! Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks with a child evacuated from the South Fork and Salt fires at a shelter at the New Mexico Military Institute on Wednesday evening, June 19, 2024 (Photo by Leah Romero / Source NM). President Joe Biden approved Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration in response to the South Fork and Salt fires, a White House official said Thursday. The declaration unlocks further federal support and assistance for impacted communities from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the official said just after 2 p.m. At the presidents direction, federal firefighters and equipment from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs were surged to help the state of New Mexico and the Mescalero Apache Tribe, the official said. The Presidents message to those affected by the fires is that his Administration will be there for them every step of the way, for as long as it takes, the official said. On Wednesday, Lujan Grisham had asked the federal government for help with housing, transitional shelter, crisis counseling and case management for people directly impacted by the disaster. New Mexicos request also sought more federal money for the state, local and tribal governments efforts since the fires started on Monday. The U.S. Forest Service has assumed operational command over the fire, to ensure full coordination of all firefighting assets, the official said. FEMA approved two Fire Management Assistance Grants earlier this week to help the more than 800 federal personnel helping fight the fires. Also on Thursday afternoon, Lujan Grishams office launched a dashboard for updates on the South Fork and Salt fires. The post President approves major disaster declaration for southeastern NM wildfires appeared first on Source New Mexico. Former President Donald Trump says Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis motion to have the Georgia Court of Appeals dismiss the appeal that seeks to disqualify her from the election interference case, is nothing more than a Hail Mary. Trump filed his response to that motion on Thursday calling it a desperate bid to avoid disqualification of a deeply conflicted District Attorney who has engaged in and continues to unapologetically engage in extrajudicial forensic misconduct. Earlier this month, Willis asked for the appeal to be dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The States motion is, at bottom, a red herring. The State devotes its entire motion to the standard of review of the trial courts factual findings when all or substantially all of the issues raised in this appeal are legal issues, the filing said. The case against Trump and several of his associates who have been indicted here in Georgia over alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election is currently on hold as the Court of Appeals decides whether or not Willis should be removed from the case. Trump and other co-defendants filed a motion to remove Willis from the case over her relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis and Wade acknowledged the relationship, which they said ended last summer, but they have argued it does not create any sort of conflict and has no bearing on the case. RELATED STORIES: Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled that Willis would be allowed to stay on the case if Wade stepped aside. Wade resigned the same day as the ruling. Trump and his attorneys later submitted an appeal arguing the indictment should have been dismissed, and that Willis and her team should have been disqualified from the case. In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, Trumps Georgia attorney, Steve Sadow, said: President Trump has filed his response in opposition to the States meritless motion to dismiss the interlocutory appeal. The Georgia Court of Appeals granted us the right to appeal after due and proper consideration. The States Hail Mary motion is an obvious attempt to stop appellate review of DA Willis misconduct. We are optimistic that the Court will deny the motion and proceed to favorably decide the appeal on the merits. Channel 2 Action News contacted Willis office for a comment on this story but they declined. RELATED NEWS: Hunter Biden, son of president Joe Biden, has finally been convicted by a jury of three charges related to his illegal purchase of a gun. The charges were lying on a federal screening form about his drug use, lying to a gun dealer and possessing the gun illegally. While the younger Biden is not running for president, his father, Joe Biden will no doubt rail hard against former President Donald Trumps recent conviction in New York on 34 counts related to paying hush money to a porn actress with whom he had a sexual encounter. Having a son convicted on the gun charges in Delaware will undercut Bidens attack. More: Let justice roll down like waters, as the Bible says | GARY COSBY JR. Even though President Biden does not figure into the case in Delaware against his son, Republicans have been investigating the Biden family for years in an attempt to connect the elder Biden to his sons shady business affairs and there can be little doubt that Hunter has done shady things. To this point, the Republican-led House of Representatives has not found evidence sufficient to bring impeachment charges against President Biden. This conviction of Hunter Biden will likely be played up by Trump on the campaign trail, and it could lead to a lengthy prison term for the younger Biden, though that isnt likely. It remains to be seen if the sons conviction hurts his fathers reelection bid. U.S. President Joe Biden stands with his son Hunter Biden, who earlier in the day was found guilty on all three counts of criminal gun charges trial in New Castle, Delaware on June 11, 2024. This case, like so many others on both sides of this election, wont likely have much impact on the results of the presidential race. People who support Trump will continue to do so and people who support President Biden wont turn away from him due to a conviction of his son on charges not related to the father. In short, there will be a lot of sound and fury, but in the end it wont have a great deal of impact. This is but the beginning of woes for Hunter Biden. He now faces charges of tax evasion in California. That trial could produce more fireworks as prosecutors divulge financial information that could prove detrimental to Joe Biden. That, of course, remains to be seen, but if evidence is uncovered in the California case that indicates the president had any shady financial ties to Hunter, the election could swing on such a revelation. Gary Cosby Jr. My opinion of Joe Biden hasnt changed because of his sons conviction. It is hard to hold a father liable for what his 54-year-old son does. I have never thought Joe Biden was a desirable candidate for president, so this changes nothing in my mind. The only way Biden became president was because of Trumps disastrous handling of the COVID crisis in 2020 and his lies about the election that dated back to the early summer before the election. Republican investigators have sifted the Biden family finances for years and have not been able to tie Joe to Hunter in a way that stands legal scrutiny. That serving members of the U.S. government manage to generate preposterous amounts of money, especially given what their actual salaries are, is all the proof one needs that these people are not clean and above-board with their finances. That charge could be leveled at many in Washington. It is a nasty by-product of the system we have in place. When lawmakers investigate other lawmakers on charges of financial corruption, I imagine it has to be pretty egregious in order for charges to be brought, since all of them are doing much the same thing. Money flows into campaigns in torrents. Somehow, maybe its magic that substantial amounts of money end up in the lawmakers pockets. Shocking, I know, but no one seems to leave office poorer than he or she went in. But to prove criminal culpability is both difficult and risky. This was true of the first impeachment by Democrats of Donald Trump. The use of money as an incentive to get others to do what the lawmakers want is about the oldest trick in the book. I thought at the time that Trump certainly did wrong, but I also thought that a bunch of the people bringing the charges should probably check to see if they were the pot or the kettle. The same goes with the Republican investigation of the Biden family. How deep do you really want to dig around that tree? Or the better question might be how much do you want investigators to dig around your tree? When one party has some dirt on the other, they will add water and sling mud. That does not excuse illegal behavior, but it does make one cringe at the self-righteous indignation so many affect in these situations. The question voters will answer in this case is how much weight to attach to Hunter Bidens crimes versus how much weight to attach to Trumps crimes. So far, Trumps criminal cases except in New York have been pushed back so they will not likely happen until after the election. Voters will have to weigh which is more egregious, the sins of the Biden family or the sins of the Trump family. What a ridiculous way to have to choose a president. Gary Cosby Jr. can be reached at gary.cosby@tuscaloosanews.com This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Biden vs. Trump may come down to convictions | GARY COSBY JR. GLENN DALE, Md. (DC News Now) Prince Georges County police are investigating a shooting that happened on Wednesday evening. Hundreds attend Montgomery Countys Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival and Childrens Carnival The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said officers got a call about a shooting in the 10100 block of Glenn Dale Oakes Way around 7 p.m. on June 19. Once on the scene, officers found a man who had been shot. PGPD said he was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Detectives are still working to determine a motive and identify a suspect. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Project Pride SRQ plans to light the bridge in its own way after state decision canceled display Project Pride SRQ plans to light the bridge in its own way after state decision canceled display SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) Pride Month is in full swing throughout the City of Sarasota. Rainbow banners can be seen hanging off light posts along Main Street and theres a Pride flag flying outside city hall. The most prominent bridge in the city, however, is not illuminated in rainbow colors as weve seen in the past three years. In early May, a Florida Department of Transportation official announced all Florida bridges would be illuminated in red, white and blue from Memorial Day through Labor Day, in recognition of whats being called the states Freedom Summer celebration. The decision to stick with patriotic colors for the summer canceled light displays planned for Pride, Juneteenth, Gun Violence Awareness and other awareness days, which caused controversy not just in the Tampa Bay area, but across the state. My question would be why? What is it? What is the motivating factor to not allow certain groups to have representation, questioned President of Project Pride SRQ Jason Champion. An FDOT spokesperson sent News Channel 8 the following statement. FDOT made the decision to light state-owned bridges, red, white, and blue from Memorial Day to Labor Day to celebrate America. FDOT supports the Governors vision to encourage Floridians to enjoy the activities and attractions that Florida has to offer while celebrating the liberties and freedoms that so many fought for us to have. In that spirit, we are happy to honor our country with this lighting display. The decision to have a Freedom Summer is something that we all agree in. We live in one of the greatest countries in the world and we appreciate and love our freedom and our service people that fought for that freedom, but with that freedom, we also have representation of all groups that are out there, said Champion. Project Pride SRQ is planning a march for the John Ringling Causeway. We decided to light the bridge in our own way by having the representation of our flag, all 700 feet of it going over the Ringling Bridge on June 29th, said Champion. The walk is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 29. The local organization claims to have the largest Progressive Pride flag in the nation and says it will be on full display at the end of the month. Our movement for quality is not just about LGBTQ+ rights. It is about racially quality, it is about gender equity, and throughout history, the most successful movements for equity have been diverse coalitions. We are trying to invite everyone underneath our tent and just sustain that really vibrant and diverse community, said Project Pride Executive Director Paul Lotierzo. The group has already gathered around 1,000 signatures in a petition to bring back the Pride bridge light display for next year. They hope to bring that before state leaders in the months to come. We are not going anywhere and we are going to keep showing up for each other and supporting each other, so I would invite them to come down and see what that joy really looks like, maybe change some hearts and minds, one at a time, said Lotierzo. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A proposed settlement on mental health is a win for all Oklahomans. But Kevin Stitt cant see that The Pawnee County Jail is pictured on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice) Its become clear that our governor cant recognize a good settlement offer if it bites him in the behind. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and lawyers representing indigent people who are mentally ill announced the two sides had reached a landmark settlement agreement that if implemented properly has a chance to reform how we care for incarcerated defendants who arent deemed competent to stand trial. The settlement agreement requires the state mental health department to reduce waiting times for people to receive mental health treatment so they can assist in their own defense. It calls for the state to increase the number of beds dedicated for those services. It requires staffing numbers to increase and better training for those employees. In addition, the state must implement a screening program to fast-track evaluation and placement of defendants in treatment settings, and it will force court-ordered competency evaluations to occur in a timely manner. If the state doesnt comply, it will be hit with financial penalties. The settlement still needs the blessing of the federal court and our Legislature, but it seems like a step in the right direction. Our state officials have been fine with allowing those vulnerable individuals to languish for months upon end in our county jails that are not equipped and should not be required to care for such complex mental health needs. Its a scary thought that some of these defendants might not be guilty of the crimes that theyre accused of, yet we continue to hold them indefinitely because the Republicans who run the state havent had the political will to adequately fund the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services competency restoration program at the Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita. Most of the people facing significant delays in receiving treatment to determine theyre competent are the poorest among us. Can you believe that incarcerating Oklahomans for months on end without giving them their right to a speedy trial or to the ability to assist in their defense is a constitutional violation and violates the Americans with Disabilities Act? Yeah. Most Oklahomans get it. Two people that dont seem to grasp the gravity are Gov. Kevin Stitt and his commissioner of mental health, Allie Friesen. About two hours after Drummond, who is representing the interests of the Oklahoma taxpayers, announced the settlement agreement, the governor and commissioner put out their own joint press release, arguing its not in the best interest of the state. Friesen argued that the settlement would divert money from other treatment programs and require the agency to spend upward of $100 million to pay for hundreds of new beds despite data proving this to be unnecessary. The agency also argued that it would place new, unreasonable burdens on it. One should be afforded the opportunity to evaluate the data and the true needs of the citizens of Oklahoma before entering into an untimely settlement that is not in the best interest of the state or a good use of taxpayer dollars, Friesen argued in a press release. She then argued that only a few months into the role, she has not been given the chance to fix the program. I dont know what data Friesen is looking at that makes her think our system is working effectively and that it will only take a bit of duct tape and JB Weld to fix. Its obviously not working. After all, were spending our taxpayer funds fighting a massive lawsuit. The longer we deny the problem, the more costly it is going to get. And were going to lose. What weve been doing is indefensible. You need only visit a county jail to see that weve turned them into mental health wards. We obviously need more beds, and if it costs $100 million to fulfill our constitutional obligations, then were going to have to pay the piper. This has been a significant long standing problem. The issue existed long before Stitt in January announced that he had tapped Friesen to become our states new mental health commissioner. Forgive us if we doubt the promises that our mental health department will fix this if only we give them more time. Theyve had plenty of time. Friesen was already on notice when she took over that the system was broken. Shes already had almost seven months to begin implementing some changes that will better our competency program, as she calls it. Stitt, meanwhile, called it a bad legal settlement, and said Drummond is forcing a settlement that will result in an immediate win for the plaintiffs attorneys at the expense of Oklahoma taxpayers. This settlement isnt a win for attorneys. Thankfully, they werent even seeking any monetary gain. They just wanted a fix to a broken system. This settlement is a win for vulnerable Oklahomans who desperately need restorative mental health treatment. This is a win for our court system. Its a win for our county jails and local governments, who shouldnt be forced to house people indefinitely. And, this is a win for our constitutional rights. So, heres hoping that our other state officials can recognize the terms of a good settlement when they see it. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post A proposed settlement on mental health is a win for all Oklahomans. But Kevin Stitt cant see that appeared first on Oklahoma Voice. American law enforcement officials suspect that a famous friend of Matthew Perry may have been involved in the death of Friends star Matthew Perry. The suspect's name has not been disclosed, but it is known that her home was searched and her phone and laptop were seized. ADVERTISIMENT The unnamed celebrity agreed to cooperate with the police and has already been interrogated numerous times. This was exclusively reported by In Touch. An autopsy of the actor's body showed that he died of "acute exposure to ketamine," but the drug was not found in the star's home. This led to the theory that Perry was not the only one using ketamine. Investigating this hypothesis, law enforcement officers came across a well-known friend of the actor who might have been with him that day. "She has hired lawyers and held numerous meetings with law enforcement officials since they came to her house with a search warrant. She is silent about the situation. But the investigators had to know something to get a warrant and show up with a search warrant like that," the insider said. ADVERTISIMENT The star, whose name is known to journalists but not disclosed due to the "sensitivity of the investigation," claims that he had nothing to do with Matthew's death. The celebrities reportedly met at a rehabilitation center and struck up an "unexpected friendship." However, it is now believed that they both quit using drugs. No official charges are currently being brought against the woman. According to the insider, the suspect is emotionally distressed, and the investigation could "knock her out of her shell, regardless of whether she is involved or not." As a reminder, the Friends star passed away prematurely on October 28, 2023. His body was found by his assistant, who called the emergency services. ADVERTISIMENT Law enforcement officers did not find drugs in the deceased's apartment, which the actor had been addicted to for many years. However, they found a lot of prescription drugs, including antidepressants. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! CAMBRIDGE Earlier this month, the Guernsey County commissioners met in executive session to discuss next steps in the Cincinnati-based Kroger opioid settlement. In September, the grocery chain agreed to pay out $1.2 billion to states and subdivisions across the country. The agreement came after Kroger was accused of improperly monitoring prescriptions of the addictive painkillers in its store pharmacies and thereby contributing to the opioid crisis, according to multiple reports.Kroger also agreed to pay $36 million to Native American tribes and $177 million to cover attorneys fees and costs.For its part, Kroger has said publicly that the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing or liability. Guernsey County Commissioners were contacted by The Daily Jeffersonian about the settlement funds but they declined to comment saying they have been advised not to discuss the case, according to clerk Michele Long.Guernsey County Prosecutor Lindsey Angler said the case remains open and ongoing and some details of the settlement cannot yet be disclosed.The prosecutors office is not directly handling the lawsuit, said Angler, who took office in January 2021. Our office represents the countys interest in the lawsuit. These lawsuits last for years and often end up in business bankruptcy.Angler said Guernsey County joined the ongoing lawsuit around 2018. She said once its finalized the judge will direct the county how the settlement funds can be spent.For example, you cant spend opioid funds on amusement parks. There are going to be limitations set by the court, said Angler. The money received will have to be spent on combating the opioid crisis and address the needs of our community. Angler said the fallout from the opioid crisis continues to negatively affect the Guernsey County community from healthcare to education.Its bad, she said. Its not just the effect on the user, which is tragic, but also how it has spread throughout our community. Lindsey Angler The biggest impact were seeing now is on the children of users eight to nine years after the height of the opioid crisis, said Angler. Our schools are further tasked with educating these kids who have all types of challenges because of their prenatal opioid exposure.She said that issue has caused an uptick in childrens services, more intervention specialists, and probation departments increase in supervision.People think it only affects the user: Thats absolutely untrue, said Angler. Its everywhere and it impacts so much more of our community than people realize. These unseen consequences are really whats hurting our community. This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Angler: Judge will direct how opioid settlement funds are used Alec Baldwin speaks with investigators after the Oct. 21, 2021, fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the "Rust" movie set in Santa Fe, N.M. (Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office / Associated Press) "Rust" movie star Alec Baldwin has long maintained that he didn't pull the trigger of his Colt .45 when the gun discharged on Oct. 21, 2021, killing the film's cinematographer, who was standing about four feet away. I would never point a gun at anyone and pull the trigger at them, Baldwin told anchor George Stephanopoulos during an ABC News interview less than two months after the tragedy. But New Mexico special prosecutors appear determined to prove that the actor-producer did pull the trigger that day and that he acted recklessly throughout filming of the low-budget western movie near Santa Fe, leading to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Erlinda O. Johnson this week previewed the evidence that they intend to introduce at the July trial. In a Monday court filing, Morrissey and Johnson said they should be allowed to show jurors several videos and other photographic evidence that depicts Baldwin acting carelessly, including an image that shows his finger on the trigger while preparing for scenes. The 66-year-old actor was indicted by a Santa Fe grand jury in January on one count of involuntary manslaughter. Baldwin, who did not know the gun contained live ammunition, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison. Baldwin's attorneys declined to comment on the latest court filings. Read more: New Mexico judge denies Alec Baldwin's motion to dismiss criminal case in 'Rust' shooting The filing by Morrissey and Johnson alleged that Baldwin did not take gun safety seriously. During his sole gun training session provided by the movie's armorer before filming began, Baldwin "engaged in horseplay with the revolver" and "was distracted by texting/face timing family members and making videos for his familys enjoyment," the prosecutors wrote. Baldwin, who was one of the film's producers, contributed to the unsafe conditions by taking control of the set and ordering crew members to work faster, the prosecutors wrote. He "rushed the armorer to reload and crew members to work at a faster pace," Morrissey and Johnson wrote in the filing. He once "used his gun as a pointer directing crew members." Read more: Full coverage: The fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the Rust set Grand jurors in January determined there was sufficient evidence that Baldwin acted negligently by pointing a loaded gun at Hutchins without first checking the weapon for ammunition. The film's director, Joel Souza, was also injured in the shooting but recovered. Last month, Baldwin's attorneys argued that the criminal charges should be thrown out. The state has sought to convict and imprison Baldwin for an accident caused by the mistakes of others, Baldwins attorney Luke Nikas wrote in a motion to dismiss the indictment. He and his co-counsel, Alex Spiro, have argued that prosecutors were bent on winning a conviction of the high-profile actor-producer at all costs. But New Mexico 1st Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer denied their motion, clearing the way for Baldwin's trial, which is scheduled to start July 9 with jury selection and which is expected to last eight days. The two sides have been wrangling over whether the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, should be called as a witness. She was convicted by a different jury in March of involuntary manslaughter. Marlowe Sommer sentenced Gutierrez to 18 months in a New Mexico women's prison. Prosecutors want Gutierrez to testify about Baldwin's alleged conduct with his gun on set. Read more: The day Alec Baldwin shot Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza Set in 1880s Kansas, the movie Rust centers on a 13-year-old boy who goes on the run with his estranged outlaw grandfather (played by Baldwin) after being sentenced to death for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Baldwin co-wrote the movie with Souza. Actors union SAG-AFTRA and Baldwin's legal team have argued that Baldwin should not be charged in Hutchins' death. Gun handling and safety is not an actor's responsibility instead, it is the armorer's, they have said. Among the pieces of evidence that Morrissey intends to introduce at Baldwin's trial: "Minutes before the 911 call was made reporting the shooting of Mr. Souza and Ms. Hutchins, Mr. Baldwin was photographed ... manipulating his prop gun," Morrissey wrote. "He appears to have his finger inside the trigger guard and his thumb on the hammer." Earlier that morning, script supervisor Mamie Mitchell "took a cell phone video of Mr. Baldwin wherein he appears to cock the gun and possibly pull the trigger," Morrissey wrote. One video taken on set a couple of hours before the shooting shows that "Mr. Baldwin is asked to look at the camera and pull his gun and point his gun in the direction of 'camera left.' Mr. Baldwin is not instructed to cock the gun, but he cocks the gun despite not being asked to cock the gun," Morrissey wrote. Baldwin "engaged in horseplay with the revolver while making videos during his firearms training while using pull load blanks," according to Morrissey's filing. He "displayed erratic and aggressive behavior during the filming of Rust that created potential safety concerns [and] displayed reckless behavior as it related to the use of a firearm, such as pointing it and firing a blank round at a crew member while using that crew member as a line of site as his perceived target," she wrote. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Prosecutors want probation revoked for a 20-year-old who admitted to being part of the "Gilbert Goons" because he was arrested on suspicion of underage drinking the same day he was sentenced for an assault outside the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger, according to court records and police. Jacob Pennington, who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in April, was sentenced June 13 to three years' probation for his involvement in the group attack at the fast-food restaurant on Dec. 2, 2022. As part of his probation, he agreed he would obey all criminal laws and would not consume or possess alcohol, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Later that day, he was arrested after a car he was riding in was pulled over near Lindsay and Elliot roads shortly before 11 p.m. and "evidence was observed which indicated Pennington had consumed an alcoholic beverage," police said. Jacob Pennington during his sentencing hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court on June 13, 2024. Pennington was booked and held until his initial appearance in Gilbert Municipal Court the next day. Police said that because of the high-profile nature of Pennington's case, they notified the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, which filed a motion to revoke Pennington's probation on Monday. In addition to probation, Pennington was sentenced to 30 days' deferred jail time, which essentially acts as an incentive to follow probation terms. If a defendant complies with their probation terms, they are likely to avoid deferred jail time. The June 13 sentencing was Pennington's second in days. On June 10, he was sentenced in Pinal County to three years' probation for participating in a Nov. 18, 2023, beating of a 16-year-old boy near San Tan Mountain Regional Park in an area known as Wagon Wheel. His sentence in Pinal County came with the possibility of 120 days in jail if probation were violated. As in Maricopa County, Pennington pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in April. "If you're not successful on probation, if you don't follow the terms of the probation, then you will be going to jail," Pinal County Superior Court Judge Danielle Harris said during Pennington's June 10 sentencing. Jacob Pennington listens during his sentencing hearing in Pinal County Superior Court in Florence on June 10, 2024. Harris told Pennington his probation terms required him to follow the law and that he could not associate with anyone violating the law. The terms required Pennington not to possess or consume alcohol, she said. "The parties have informed me that Mr. Pennington has made a change," Harris said. "My understanding from his counsel is that he has started making better choices for himself and better decisions." The Pinal County Attorney's Office is monitoring the situation, said spokesperson Mike Pelton. "There are several factors at play in this instance," he said, given that Pennington has cases in Maricopa and Pinal counties. A December 2023 investigation by The Arizona Republic tied the Gilbert Goons to at least seven other attacks since 2022, including the fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord during a Halloween party in Queen Creek on Oct. 28, 2023. One of Pennington's co-defendants in the In-N-Out case, William Owen Hines, was charged with first-degree murder in the Lord case. Pennington admitted to his involvement with the Goons, saying the name came from a Snapchat group. Gilbert police have since classified the Goons as a hybrid criminal street gang. Pennington's lawyer, Chris Doran of Phoenix, stated in court records that Pennington is not a member of or affiliated with the Goons, and the fight at In-N-Out had nothing to do with the group. Reached Wednesday, Pennington declined to comment. His lawyer, Doran, on Thursday said police targeted his client, pulling over multiple vehicles in which they suspected Pennington was traveling. "These vehicles were either vehicles that Jaocb Pennington was suspected to be in or vehicles he was a passenger in," Doran said in an email. "The timing and repetitive nature of these stops are highly unusual and seem more than coincidental. The circumstances of these stops are being investigated." Doran said police should not "use their time and taxpayer dollars" to follow Pennington and catch him in potential violations. "I want Mr. Pennington to succeed, not fail," he said. "I encourage law enforcement to want the same thing." Doran did not address whether or not Pennington had been drinking. Latest coverage: Police had evidence of 'Gilbert Goons' attacks long before Preston Lord killed Republic reporters Elena Santa Cruz and Christina Avery contributed to this article. Robert Anglen is an investigative reporter for The Republic. Reach him at robert.anglen@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X @robertanglen. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Prosecutors want probation revoked for 'Goons' attacker arrested again Protector of the pink dolphins: Fernando Trujillos quest to save aquatic life in the Amazon Editors Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolexs Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action. Venturing deep into the complex waterways of the Amazon, Colombian marine biologist Fernando Trujillo first set out to study the mysterious pink river dolphin in 1987, at the directive of the late, renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Trujillo met Cousteau at a university seminar in Bogota. When Trujillo asked what he should focus his research on, Cousteau told him he should go study the river dolphins, which had not been investigated in depth. Two years later, Trujillo hitched a ride on a cargo plane to start his adventure in the Amazon. Born and raised in Bogota, Trujillo arrived in the riverside village of Puerto Narino as a recent graduate with the arrogance of a university guy, he recalled. He soon realized hed need the help of the local Tikuna people in order to navigate the intricate terrain and get close to the dolphins. This is a very aggressive environment, very difficult to survive, Trujillo told CNN of the Amazon. The indigenous started to teach me to show me the different species, how to paddle in a canoe, how to walk in the forest. He eventually forged a deep connection with the freshwater dolphins and their surroundings. He discovered that their populations were dwindling due to overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. There are two types of freshwater dolphins found throughout the Amazon: the Amazon River dolphin or pink dolphins due to their color and the smaller tucuxi, Trujillo said. Both are predators, helping to keep fish populations in check. In 2018, the pink dolphins were classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and two years later, so were the tucuxi. The first year I came here, in one year, I found 21 dead dolphins, so I knew I [had] to do something for those animals, he said. He decided to stay in the region and continue his work alongside the locals, who started calling him Omacha, which translates to a dolphin that transforms into a man in the Tikuna language. They told me we all believe that you are a dolphin that became a human to protect the dolphins, Trujillo said. And in 1993, his moniker became the name of his conservation organization dedicated to protecting not only dolphins, but other endangered aquatic wildlife and their habitats across South America. Fernando Trujillo, right, pictured here in 1991 scouting for dolphins along the Amazon River. - Omacha Foundation I came here with a romantic approach to save the dolphins, but suddenly I realized that the dolphins are just a small piece of this huge ecosystem, he said, and in order to protect the dolphins, I needed to protect the rivers, the lakes and other species like manatees, caimans and also the people living here. Over the past 30 years, the award-winning scientist and his foundation have worked tirelessly to help foster dolphin-friendly fishing agreements, revitalize wetlands and help usher in the first-ever global declaration to protect river dolphins, in 2023. Trujillo has helped train scientists across South America in dolphin surveying and conservation efforts, and hes been on countless expeditions around the continent to assess other freshwater ecosystems and threats to biodiversity. Everywhere he goes, Trujillo says that the dolphins have been vital in helping the team in their continued conservation efforts. The dolphins are a kind of thermometer, a sentinel of the health of the rivers, he said. Over the last few years, Omacha Foundation has tagged dolphins with satellite trackers to monitor their populations. We already have tagged more than 60 dolphins in South America and 27 just in Colombia, he told CNN. The GPS trackers have helped his team identify where the dolphins feed, mate and give birth, so that they can better protect those areas. Trujillo, pictured right, and veterinarian Maria Jimena Valderrama, center, perform a work-up on a rescued manatee at Omacha Foundation's rehabilitation facility. This species is considered vulnerable in the Amazon. - CNN Trujillo is currently part of a two-year National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet expedition, where hes spearheading efforts aimed at preserving the dolphins and their ecosystems, while also supporting local indigenous communities. There are so many challenges to working in the Amazon, and sometimes we are not very optimistic but I think we can make a small difference, he said. Despite the difficulty, Trujillo said he will keep fighting to conserve this valuable ecosystem and its inhabitants. My dream is to protect the rivers, the aquatic ecosystems of the Amazon; I truly believe that the water is the future of this region and the planet. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com When the Providence strike ends, will nurses have their next shift canceled? PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Providence nurses have officially entered their third day on the picket line in what may be the largest strike of its kind in Oregon history. Nurses resumed the final day of their strike outside the Saint Vincent, Newberg, Milwaukie, Willamette Falls, Hood River, and Medford hospitals on Thursday, though many have told KOIN 6 News they expect to show up for work on Friday and be turned away. Fire destroys Bend taco shop, damages nearby cars Although the strike was set for three days, Providence has established they will not let full-time nurses back until Sunday due to the contracts made with replacement nurses, who were hired for five days. On Wednesday, the Oregon Nurses Association said they had received a barrage of mixed messages from Providence executives regarding the return of their nurses. On the other side: ONA has been clear about our intentions and timing to allow nurses and Providence to plan accordingly, the union said, citing their notice for the strike that included specific times and dates for the event. ONA nurses that are scheduled for shifts on Friday will be ready to return to work. 86-year-old resort murder suspect found dead by police drone However, Providence spokesperson Gary Walker said nurses who are needed for a Friday shift will be notified via phone call. We have processes in place to ensure a smooth transition for patient care just as we did for the smooth transition when the strike began Tuesday, Walker said. Its not unusual for a Providence RN to work with agency RNs. We know the RNs will work together in a respectful and professional manner to provide high quality patient care, just as they regularly do. On Thursday afternoon, ONA announced the nurses will continue picketing at the six hospitals in response to Providences unlawful lockout of nurses after the three-day strike ends. In their Strike Notice, ONA warned that if Providence locked out, refused to reinstate, or delayed the reinstatement of nurses, picketing would continue, ONA said in a statement. Given Providences refusal to reinstate the nurses, ONA will picket until nurses are back on their regular schedules. The nurses are currently following through on their previous 10-day notice for a three-day strike running from June 18 through June 20. During the strike, nurses are not receiving hospital pay and cannot use paid time off. Instead, they can apply for money collected by their union. Nurses at 6 Providence Hospitals went on a 3-day strike, June 18, 2024 (KOIN) Nurses at Providence hospitals walk a picket line, June 19, 2024 (KOIN) Nurses at 6 Providence Hospitals went on a 3-day strike, June 18, 2024 (KOIN) RN Emma Dancer said she and her coworkers are on the picket line to affordable health care, increased paid time off, and market wages but most importantly, patient-to-nurse ratios. If they require a lift, which is a device that goes underneath them and lifts them out of bed physically, and we have to put them on the toilet, that can take 30 minutes to get a patient in and out of bed, RN Emma Dancer said. Meanwhile, I have four patients calling call lights and they also have to get up and go to the bathroom, or they need pain medication, or have heart palpitations or chest pain. Providence Oregon said it will not be negotiating with the nurses union until after the strike ends Friday morning. In the meantime, hospitals will remain open. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Pulitzer Prize winner David Maraniss on Wednesday pushed for leadership changes at The Washington Post in the wake of swirling controversy over the newspapers publisher and incoming editor. I dont know a single person at the Post who thinks the current situation with the publisher and supposed new editor can stand, Maraniss wrote on Facebook. There might be a few, but very very few. Jeff Bezos owns the Post but he is not of and for the Post or he would understand. The issue is one of integrity not resistance to change. Washington Post CEO and publisher Will Lewis is under fire following recent reports he ousted former executive editor Sally Buzbee in the wake of a planned reorganization and criticism over scandals involving his actions at previous jobs that his own newsroom reported on. Maraniss, who has been affiliated with the Post for more than 40 years as an editor and writer, noted the extent of issues at the newspaper in a separate Facebook post Tuesday. The Washington Post has been my newspaper for 47 years. I deeply love it and root for and admire all of its reporters, photographers, and editors, he wrote Tuesday. I was there in the early 1980s during the trauma of the Janet Cooke scandal. That involved a young writer with no power but a pathological problem with the truth. The Post survived after much hand-wringing and difficult introspection. The troubles of today are more serious by many orders of magnitude. The staff is rightly and fearlessly investigating and questioning the acts of its publisher and supposed next editor whose refusal to answer all questions is inexcusable and unacceptable. The body is rejecting the transfusion, he added. A Post spokesperson declined to comment on Maranisss remarks. Scott Higham, an investigative reporter at The Washington Post, five-time Pulitzer finalist and two-time winner, chimed into Maranisss post, writing, Will Lewis needs to step down for the good of The Post and the public. He has lost the newsroom and will never win it back. Responding to the backlash last week, Lewis pushed back on the reports of events leading to Buzbees sudden departure. I know how this works, I know the right thing to do, and what not to do. I know where the lines are, and I respect them, he wrote in a statement last week, adding, The Executive Editor is free to publish when, how, and what they want to. I am fully signed up to that. The controversy deepened last weekend, when the Post published an extensive story over ethical concerns regarding Robert Winnett, the newspapers incoming editor, who Lewis hired to replace Buzbee after the 2024 election. Jeff Bezos, the billionaire tech leader who has owned the Post since 2013, came out in support of Lewis and his leadership strategy earlier this week. I know youve already heard this from Will, but I wanted to also weigh in directly: the journalistic standards and ethics at The Post will not change, Bezos wrote in a note to top editors, which was obtained by The Hill. To be sure, it cant be business as usual at The Post. The world is evolving rapidly, and we do need to change as a business. He later said the editors have his full commitment on maintaining the quality, ethics and standards for the company. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Insights from Financial Times, The New York Times, and Fulcrum The News Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam on Thursday for a visit in which he hopes to boost the countries relationship despite Moscows international isolation. The two countries signed 15 documents, including a joint statement on deepening their strategic relationship, Russian news outlet Vedomosti reported. Putins visit comes less than a year after the US and Vietnam signed their own strategic partnership. American officials have condemned the Russian visit, and said that it risks enabling Russias blatant violations of international law. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Vietnams bamboo diplomacy means Hanoi is unlikely to choose a side Sources: Geopolitical Intelligence Services, Financial Times Vietnam has hosted Putin, Xi Jinping, and Joe Biden in the past year, as Hanoi seeks to avoid picking a side despite growing geopolitical tensions. Nguyen Pho Truong, the most senior political figure in Vietnam, has described the approach bamboo diplomacy, citing the need to be firm but flexible. The policy also means that Hanoi is unlikely to announce any major deals with Russia any time soon, even if it has so far avoided condemning Russias war in Ukraine. Vietnam will be wise enough to make sure that the visit will not harm its relation with US and western partners, an expert told the Financial Times. Vietnam remains reliant on Russian arms Sources: Fulcrum, The New York Times, Reuters Up to 70 percent of Vietnams military arsenal comes from Moscow, making Vietnam practically dependent on the Kremlin for its national security, the New York Times reported. As the country seeks to upgrade its Soviet-era military kit, some analysts suspect that the Vietnamese government might violate US sanctions to buy newer Russian weapons. In turn, the US has reportedly discussed selling F-16 fighter jets to Vietnam in an effort to reduce its reliance on Russian arms, Reuters reported. The overture might not work: Everyone wants to talk about this burgeoning defense relationship with the United States, but it aint going to happen because the Vietnamese military is very pro-Russian, a military expert told The New York Times last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday, fresh from a rare meeting in North Korea with counterpart Kim Jong Un in which the two leaders agreed a new strategic partnership driven by Moscows need for weapons for its war in Ukraine. Considered a pariah by the West, Putin is looking to boost economic ties with friendly countries and show that Western isolation is not having an impact. Communist-run Vietnam appears to be a natural choice with its foreign policy of non-alignment and close historical ties to Moscow, and few countries can successfully host the leaders of the United States, China and Russia with such fanfare as Vietnam. Putins two-day visit to Vietnam has rankled the United States, with a State Department spokesperson saying, no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities. If he is able to travel freely, it could normalize Russias blatant violations of international law and inadvertently send the message that atrocities can be committed in Ukraine and elsewhere with impunity, the spokesperson added. The Russian leader met with Vietnamese leadership including Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and new President To Lam, according to Russian state-run news agency TASS, citing the Kremlin. Putin told Lam on Thursday that strengthening a comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam is always one of our priorities, TASS reported. At the start of his talks with Lam, Putin invited him to Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next year. We will be glad to welcome you to the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, TASS quoted Putin as saying. Much like his visit to Pyongyang, Putins trip to Hanoi could signal deepening relations between the two nations as the Russian leader looks to garner concrete support amid international sanctions over his grinding war in Ukraine. Ahead of the visit, Putin thanked Vietnam for its balanced position on Russias war in Ukraine in an article for the Vietnamese Communist Partys official newspaper, according to the Kremlin. We are grateful to our Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukraine crisis and their desire to facilitate the search for practical ways to settle it peacefully. All of this is fully in line with the spirit and nature of our relations, Putin said. Russia's President Vladimir Putin participates in a welcome ceremony hosted by Vietnam's President To Lam, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on June 20, 2024. - Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters Vietnams Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Koi told the Vietnam News Agency that the state visit will strengthen Hanoi-Moscow ties, and be an opportunity for the leaders of the two countries to discuss and propose concrete measures to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation, TASS reported. A joint statement is expected to be adopted and numerous agreements announced on cooperation in sectors including trade and economic, scientific, technological and humanitarian areas, according to Russian presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, TASS reported. Vietnams balancing act Moscow has been a major supplier of weapons to Vietnam since the Soviet era and analysts say arms and energy talks could feature on the agenda. The visit also showcases Vietnams foreign policy balancing act, which like India, enables the country to be on friendly terms with rival major powers including Russia, the United States and China all vital trading partners. Last year, Vietnam hosted both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. That trip resulted in the US and Vietnam upgrading diplomatic ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, in a historic sign of improving relations between the former foes. The two nations have accelerated trade in recent years and the US is currently reviewing an upgrade to Vietnams market economy status that would allow Hanoi to benefit from lower tariffs on goods imported into the US. Vietnam is center to US efforts to counter rising Chinese influence in the region and a key part of Washingtons Indo-Pacific strategy. Vietnam in turn is keen to benefit from American efforts to diversify supply chains outside of China as well as US concern over Chinas military build-up in the South China Sea. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam attend a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on June 20, 2024. - Minh Hoang/Pool/Reuters The two countries have built up their partnership just decades after fighting a devastating war that decimated the country. From the Vietnamese perspective, Russia is still seen as an important partner with deep historical ties and important roles to play in Vietnams defense and security policy, said Le Hong Hiep, senior fellow of the Vietnam Studies Program at Singapores ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute. But he said, Vietnam is also careful not to be seen as being too close to Russia The US and its allies play a much more significant role in Vietnams security and economic development. While Vietnam may risk disappointing the US and its allies by hosting Putin, the country is showing its partners that Vietnam will not sacrifice its ties with one power just to meet the expectations of others, said Le. It is not about taking sides. Its about maintaining its foreign policy of diversification and pursuing a strategy of autonomy. Putin faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an alleged scheme to deport Ukrainian children to Russia. Vietnam and Russia are not members of the ICC. Putins push for a new world order Vietnam was among several Southeast Asian countries that abstained from joining a global summit on Ukraine in Switzerland last week. But Western hopes of an isolated Russia appear to not be bearing out as Putin ramps up his outreach to friendly countries and efforts to establish a new global order in opposition to the West. In May, Putin met Xi in Beijing his symbolic first overseas trip since starting a new term as Russias president where the two leaders vowed to deepen their strategic partnership in opposition to the US. Now, Putin is visiting two of Chinas neighbors in what US national security spokesman John Kirby on Monday called a charm offensive following the leaders re-election. Crucially, Moscow assumed the rotating presidency of the China and Russia-backed BRICS economic group this year and will welcome member and observer nations to its southwestern city of Kazan in October. Members of an honor guard stand in formation during the welcome ceremony for Russia's President Vladimir Putin hosted by Vietnam's President To Lam on June 20, 2024. - Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters More than three dozen countries are seeking entry into the bloc and Russia will be the first member to oversee the body since it significantly expanded its global footprint at the start of the year, when Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt formally joined. For Moscow and Beijing, the expansion is widely viewed as a drive to forge a new world order by turning the loose economic grouping into a geopolitical counterweight to the West and Western institutions dominated by the US, such as the G7. Malaysia is the latest country preparing to join the group, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as reported in Chinese media on Tuesday. Vietnam has expressed interest in BRICS, with a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman saying in May we pay attention to the process of the BRICS membership expansion, according to Vietnamese state media. Last week, Vietnam sent a delegation led by its Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers Summit in Russia. Analysts say Russia is likely to get more out of the visit than Vietnam, and Hanoi may even suffer reputational damage by hosting Putin following his trip to North Korea. If no substantive deals are made, the visit will mainly be symbolic and a means for Putin and Russia to show the world that Western sanctions against Russia are not working, said Le. That symbolism is very important to Putin. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Fresh off the heels of his closely-watched visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Vietnamese President To Lam in Hanoi to reaffirm the Kremlin's ties to its long-time ally Vietnam in a bid to boost trade as Russia faces growing isolation on the world stage over its invasion of Ukraine. Putin arrived in the Vietnamese capital on Thursday morning after visiting Pyongyang, where he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and signed a controversial deal that included a mutual defense pledge to help each other in the event of aggression against either country. The State Department said deepening Russia-North Korea ties were "of great concern." Putin's visit to Vietnam is widely seen as aimed at sending a signal that Russia still has friends in the region. MORE: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in North Korea for state visit Lam congratulated Vietnam's "comrade" for Putin's recent re-election, while Putin said that one of Russia's priorities was to strengthen ties with the Southeast Asian nation. Putin and Lam inked several agreements to bolster economic cooperation between the two countries, whose relationship traces back decades, with the Soviet Union backing communism in the country in the 1950s. Lam said both nations were interested in cooperating further in "defense and security to cope with non-traditional security challenges." PHOTO: In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk past children at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024. (Vladimir Smirnov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Putin said they held constructive talks and that they shared "identical or very close" positions on major global issues. The Russian President also met with Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, and laid a wreath at the memorial of former communist leader Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam, a manufacturing powerhouse, hosted President Joe Biden last September in a trip touted as part of the "arc of progress" between the former enemies. MORE: Putin and Kim's increasingly cozy alliance could pose risk to the West: ANALYSIS Russia is Vietnam's biggest supplier of weapons. Ahead of Putin's visit to Vietnam, a spokesperson for the American embassy in Hanoi said that "no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities." Russia was hit with U.S.-led sanctions after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. PHOTO: In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a Gala concert in Pyongyang, on June 19, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Putin deepens ties with Vietnam amid increasing Russian isolation over Ukraine originally appeared on abcnews.go.com What does one dictator bent on world domination give another? Limos, tea sets and daggers, of course. During his first visit to North Korea in nearly a quarter century this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin came bearing gifts for the despotic Kim Jong Un with the big unveil being a Russian-made Aurus limousine. Kim reportedly a major car enthusiast and collector beamed as he jumped in beside Putin at the wheel of the limo and they hit the highway side by side. Kim Jong Un takes the wheel of his new Aurus Senat, alongside Vladimir Putin. via REUTERS Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin went for a laughing joy ride together in a limousine together on Wednesday POOL/AFP via Getty Images They appeared to be driving through some sort of manicured motor park, and at one point pulled over to switch spots so Kim could take the wheel and peel out. The car is just the latest in Kims collection, which includes numerous Mercedes, a Maybach limo, and a Rolls Royce Phantom, according to the BBC. In February, Putin gave Kim a first Aurus limousine the Russian leaders official presidential car. Putin also gifted Kim on Wednesday a Russian Navy dagger and a tea set, which Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said was very beautiful to Russian state media. The pair did not play with the dagger, but they do have plans to hold a tea party though it is unclear if the tea set will be used at the affair. In return for the gracious gifts, Kim gave Putin some artwork Ushakov described as very good presents and related to [his] image. The art reportedly included more than one bust. Kims gift to Putin were rather skillful, Ushakov told the Russian state news agency, Tass. The Aurus Senat is a luxury full-size car by Russian automaker Aurus Motors and developed by NAMI in Moscow, Russia. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The pair drove around a manicured motor park, and at one point switched seats during the ride. via REUTERS Putin was welcomed into Pyongyang with great fanfare on Wednesday, with the two grinning leaders embracing as balloons flew about them, crowds cheered and posters bearing their faces were plastered throughout the city. A gala is expected to be thrown for the leaders, who met in private for about two hours. During their meeting, Kim gave full support for Russias invasion of Ukraine, while vowing to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations. Kim is believed to be supplying ballistic missiles to Russias war, and it has been speculated the meetings underway could expand whatever munitions arrangement is currently in place. Russias President Vladimir Putin and North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un leave an Aurus car after a ride in Pyongyang, North Korea June 19, 2024. via REUTERS US and South Korean officials are fearful that in return Russia may be handing over technology to further North Koreas nuclear program. On Wednesday, both nations signed a mutual defense pact pledging to come to one anothers aid in the face of aggression. A new axis of evil in the 21st century is continuing to take shape right before our eyes. The agreement between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un promising mutual aid if either faces aggression, but the world already knows who the aggressors are, former Vice President Mike Pence told The Post Wednesday. As these new alliances form among the enemies of freedom, America must not shrink from our role as leader of the free world. Now more than ever, we must continue to lead the free world against the aggression and threats of tyrannies in Russia, North Korea, Iran and China. With Post wires Putin and Kim signed a mutual defense pact Wednesday, agreeing to defend each other in the event of attack. POOL/AFP via Getty Images Popular Tunisian blogger Farah El Kadi suddenly died of a "heart attack" on a yacht while on vacation in Malta. The influencer was 36 years old. ADVERTISIMENT A few hours before the tragedy, Farah El-Kadi, who was also a qualified architect, posted her photos aboard a boat at the marina. A short time later, she was found unconscious on a yacht on the eastern side of the island, the Daily Mail reports. Farah El-Kadi was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital in the port city of Msida, but she could not be saved. According to preliminary medical findings, the famous blogger had a "heart attack." However, an autopsy will be conducted and a forensic investigation will be launched to determine the cause of her death. ADVERTISIMENT Another Tunisian influencer, Souleima Gneinia, who lives in Malta, was the first to raise the alarm about her friend's disappearance. She couldn't get through to El Kadi for a long time and reported it to the police. "Farah was truly a wonderful person, known for her kindness, generosity, and warmth. Her positive spirit touched everyone who had the honor of knowing her," Souleima said of her colleague. Farah El Kadi, who was a qualified architect and worked for Key Concept, was recognized as one of the most popular and influential people in Tunisia. She also actively used the Instagram platform to promote her fashion brand Bazarbyfaf among her 1.1 million followers. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! (Bloomberg) -- Shortly after midnight, several masked men in boats began removing orange navigational aids on the Narva River that separates Estonia from Russia a watercourse which demarcates the extent of NATOs reach. Most Read from Bloomberg Even that late in the day its twilight in northern Europe at the end of May, leaving the Russian border guards who were working to lift the markers clearly visible to the watching Estonian authorities. Then again, Russias actions in the early hours of May 23 werent necessarily meant to be conducted under cover of darkness; Estonia took it as an explicit signal of intent to the Baltic states and the West more broadly. The incident was catalogued as one in a series of acts intended to provoke and destabilize the nations that share a 3,550-kilometer (2,210-mile) frontier with Russia and its ally Belarus. Generally falling short of conventional attacks that could trigger NATOs collective response, these episodes have grown in frequency since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in early 2022. That reality is increasingly turning the Baltic region into a second front in the Wests conflict with Moscow. Russia is currently waging two wars, Finlands President Alexander Stubb said at a foreign policy forum in Helsinki on June 14. One is a kinetic, conventional war in Ukraine. The other is a hybrid war in Europe and the West with the aim of influencing the tone of public discourse or in some way shake our sense of security. Sending groups of migrants to storm borders; jamming GPS signals; recruiting criminals for petty acts of sabotage: they are part of an expanding repertoire of acts cited by countries from Finland through the Baltic states to Poland and beyond as calibrated to unsettle their citizens. Each nation shares a troubled history of dealings with Moscow, and all are now members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Theyve responded with plans to reinforce and upgrade the eastern border through a combined $3.5 billion, and have asked for hybrid attacks to be on the agenda at next months NATO summit in Washington. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow didnt respond to an emailed request for comment on its activities on Wednesday. In the past few months alone, Finland and Sweden have suffered airspace violations, multiple commercial aircraft have been prevented from landing at small airports due to interference with the global positioning system, and Poland has detained people for alleged Russia-backed acts of sabotage inside the European Union. Questioning established borders is another well-worn tactic given a modern twist. The Russian frontier at Narva has long been a flashpoint for tensions with Estonia, strains that have ratcheted up since President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. This year, Moscow restricted traffic crossing the border bridge to pedestrians only. Estonia is surveilling the area for drone activity and has put up signs warning travelers of Russian intelligence recruitment efforts. According to the government in Tallinn, its traditionally agreed with Moscow on the location of navigational markers on the river to ensure fishing and leisure boats dont veer into Russian territory by accident, but that since 2023 Russia has not given its assent and disagreed with the location of about half the 250 buoys planned this year. Estonia demanded the markers that were removed be returned, and said it would continue installing more unless Russia provided evidence that the location of the shipping lane had changed. Its still awaiting a response. Read how Russian threats put security at the heart of the EU elections Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have a combined frontier with Russia that extends over more than 2,300 kilometers; add the 1,250 kilometers shared with Belarus, and thats longer than the US-Mexico border. Since the Cold War, a 100 kilometer corridor separating Poland and Lithuania known as the Suwalki Gap has been considered a strategic choke point in any conflict scenario. Sandwiched between Belarus and the heavily armed Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, its a territory that, if severed, would cut off the Baltic states land access to the rest of Europe. Its a vulnerability thats been used to rattle nerves in Lithuania. In March, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko revealed a blueprint to grab the Suwalki Gap and close it to Kaliningrad on the Baltic. Posing in military uniform with a fluffy white dog on his lap, Lukashenko was shown on social media conversing with his army commanders about plans for a land grab of Lithuania and part of northern Poland. For Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, rather than evidence of imminent military activity, it shows that Russia is attempting to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt about their intentions in the Baltic Sea. The states in Russias immediate western neighborhood formerly unwilling Soviet republics, members of the Soviet bloc, or wary observers have long been among the most hawkish when assessing Moscows intentions. Feeling vindicated, they have responded to the war in Ukraine by raising defense budgets well above NATOs 2% of economic output goal and taking steps toward conscription. Russia has denounced as provocations the decisions of Sweden, with which it shares a maritime border, and of Finland to break with decades of non-alignment and become NATO members. The Baltic states are each hosting advanced NATO battle groups in a significant increase in the military alliances forward presence next to Russias border. There will be no war today. All concerned are having to grapple with disinformation and influence operations at record levels. Moscow routinely portrays the Baltic states as warmongers and Russophobes, and has enlisted trolls and bot armies to spam social media with malicious content, according to their intelligence services. Where language mistakes in disinformation texts used to make them relatively easy to spot, the widespread advent of artificial intelligence makes the challenge more difficult, Lithuanias top cyber security agency has warned. The Kremlin has sought to mobilize Russian-speaking minorities in Estonia and Latvia to sow internal divisions, mostly without success, while in Poland the focus has been on stoking tensions between locals and the large numbers of Ukrainians who sought refuge from the war. Lithuanias armed forces stepped in with a message on social media to calm the population in March there will be no war today after soldiers were approached in public and asked when the conflict was going to start and how to prepare for it. Its part of a broader pattern of actions meant to sow fear and anxiety, said Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who was placed on a wanted list by the Kremlin this year. Lets not fall into the trap of Russian intimidation, she told reporters on May 23. Russia has gone low tech, too, sending migrants to frontier zones to put pressure on border control and potentially stir public dissent. Its a strategy that began in 2015, when scores of people suddenly appeared at remote Lapland border stations in Finland and Norway in what Finnish authorities later determined was a test to gauge preparedness. A migration crisis erupted in 2021 on a larger scale in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, with Syrians and other nationalities flown in from the Middle East to Belarus. Forced back by border guards, some froze to death in the forests. In the fall of last year, migrants reappeared at the Finnish-Russian frontier groups of men on rickety bicycles, some even riding childrens bikes prompting Helsinki to close all road crossings. The border remains shut. Barriers to halt migrant flows are being erected in Finland, Latvia and Poland, while Lithuania has finished a 500-plus-kilometer fence on its border with Belarus. Warsaw alone plans to invest about $2.5 billion in fortifying the border, which would protect the country both against conventional invasion with tanks and cyber warfare. Russias European neighbors from Norway to Poland are considering establishing a drone wall to combat Russian surveillance drones, track migration and disrupt smuggling. Latvia and Lithuania are planning investing in drone armies this year as part of efforts to boost production of the local defense industry, with the latter now offering courses to the public in operating drones just like learning to drive. With so much investment, front-line countries complain they shouldnt have to shoulder the burden alone. We are doing the work for everyone else, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said June 13. This needs to be a European Union issue. Seeking to weaken Europe and destabilize it from within, Russia is dipping into its hybrid operations toolbox more actively than ever, according to a May 30 report by the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki. While large-scale expulsions of Russian intelligence operatives across the region have hampered its ability to carry out such attacks, officials concede they tend to be one step behind whatever Moscow comes up with. That makes the hybrid threat from Russia ubiquitous, according to Finlands Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. There is no front line in this, she said. All of Europe is at war now. --With assistance from Piotr Skolimowski and Leo Laikola. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un are challenging the West and the current world order by signing an agreement. Source: ISW Details: Putin and Kim signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in Pyongyang on 19 June, likely in part to leverage military and technical cooperation with North Korea as a deterrent against further Western support for Ukraine. Putin explained that the strategic partnership agreement also provides for "mutual assistance in the event of aggression" against Russia or North Korea, after which he immediately criticised discussions in the West about authorising Ukraine to strike Russian territory with long-range weapons and F-16s provided by the West. Putin then concluded that "in this regard", Russia "does not rule out the development of military-technical cooperation" with North Korea. Putin likely intended to convey that if the United States were to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory or on the deployment of the F-16s for similar purposes, Russia could deepen its cooperation with North Korea in military technology, including missiles, weapons, and satellites, utilising the legal framework established by their new agreement. Putin and other Kremlin officials are likely to persist in using this threat amid ongoing debates about allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets on Russian territory. They may also extend this threat to other issues that the Kremlin refers to as "escalation" or "provocation" against Russia. The Russian and North Korean governments have largely presented the agreement as evidence of their mutual support in a common struggle against the West and signalled that Russia and North Korea share a common goal of challenging the West and the current world order. Putin stated that Russia and North Korea seek to create a "more just and democratic multipolar world order" and that both countries pursue "independent foreign policies" that distinguish them from Western powers. Putin also noted that Kim has an "objective and balanced view" of the war in Ukraine. Kim and Putin further emphasised the "traditionally friendly and good" relations between Russia and North Korea, "based on the glorious traditions of common history", continuing to refer to the history of the Soviet Union's support for North Korea. North Korean state media also released messages that similarly emphasised the common cause of Russia and North Korea and stressed that North Korea stands in solidarity with "the sacred cause of the Russian army and people who are proudly advancing towards justice and truth". Putin's visit and the Russo-North Korean strategic cooperation agreement help legitimise the Kim regime domestically and abroad, as ISW has previously noted. Putin also discussed increasing trade between Russia and North Korea, arguing that improved trade and infrastructure would also benefit their common partner, the People's Republic of China. Analysts conclude that Putin is seeking to build a coalition of friendly states with historically warm ties to the Soviet Union to challenge the West and the current world order. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 19 June: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in Pyongyang on 19 June, likely aimed in part to use military-technical cooperation with North Korea as a threat against the West to discourage further support for Ukraine. Russia and North Korea largely framed the agreement as evidence of their mutual support as part of a common struggle against the West and signalled that they share a goal to challenge the West and current world order. Putin is pursuing a coalition of friendly states with historically warm ties to the Soviet Union to act as an alternative to the West and current world order. Russian government officials announced their intention on 19 June to suspend Russia's participation in the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA). The Russian military command continues to endorse a culture of permissiveness towards war crimes perpetrated by subordinates on the battlefield in Ukraine. The Russian government is attempting to deflect responsibility for well-documented Russian violations of international law regarding Russia's treatment of Ukrainian children by accusing the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other security structures of committing "crimes" against children. Air traffic control (ATC) communications from international airspace over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean appear to show the first confirmed instance of GPS jamming on commercial trans-Atlantic routes. Ukrainian forces recaptured positions near Starytsia and Russian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar and Donetsk City and in east (left) bank Kherson Oblast. Finnish outlet Yle, citing satellite imagery and Finnish intelligence sources, reported on 19 June that the Russian military has deployed roughly 80 percent of its equipment and personnel based near the Russian-Finnish border to support its invasion of Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- Russia and North Korea revived a deal struck during the Cold War when their leaders met in Pyongyang this week and agreed to come to each others defense if they are ever attacked. The deal is likely a reward for Kim Jong Un for supplying massive amounts of munitions to help Vladimir Putin in his war on Ukraine. How it will be actually implemented is still a question, but the pact sets Russia and North Korea on a path that keeps them in lockstep as they try to vex the US and its partners. Most Read from Bloomberg 1. What did the two agree to? They agreed to immediately provide military and other assistance if either of them is attacked. Dubbed the Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, it is similar to a 1961 deal signed during the Cold War which was scrapped after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The level of assistance the two sides will provide each other is unclear. Putin and Kim also agreed to take joint measures to strengthen their defense capabilities and expand cooperation in trade and investment all of which could be in violation of international sanctions. The treaty will be effective indefinitely until either of them seeks its expiration. 2. Whats in it for North Korea? Kim gets an ally with a nuclear arsenal to back him up. It also means he can continue to pursue his own atomic ambitions with Russia using its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to block any new sanctions. Putin said the treaty sets the stage for boosting their cooperation in trade, investment as well as in security matters for the long term, all of which are what North Korea wants. Kim needs cash, commodities and technology to help with his plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine and deploy an array of spy satellites. North Koreas economy was estimated by South Koreas central bank to have been worth about $24.5 billion in 2022, and any assistance makes a big difference. Russia has so far provided North Korea with food, raw materials and parts used in weapons manufacturing, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik has said. If the arms transfers grow, Russia will likely send more military technology, increasing Pyongyangs threat to the region, Shin said. 3. Why did Putin reach the deal? In the near term, Putin rests assured that he can tap North Korea for weapons that allow him to keep up his grinding war on Ukraine. He has already received millions of artillery shells and scores of ballistic missiles, Shin said in an interview with Bloomberg News. The pact is a way to show defiance of the US and its partners in the face of sanctions. How much Putin will commit to the actual defense of North Korea is another matter. The Soviet Union did not fully commit to fight on behalf of North Korea during the 1950-1953 Korean War, and stepping into a conflict now would almost certainly mean taking on a US-led coalition. Russian diplomats will likely be telling other governments not to worry and that they wont do anything stupid that Putin is just paying Kim off with a show, with meaningless gestures, Stephen Sestanovich, a senior fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations said in comments posted on a CFR webpage. What we dont know is whats been promised in secret or will be promised over time, he wrote. 4. How does this affect the US? The US has to recalculate what might happen if it uses weapons against North Korea. An option discussed during the Trump administration was a bloody nose strike on North Korea designed to hit a key facility or two and remind Kim that his antiquated military is no match for Americas might. The deal means the US has to plan for the contingency of a Russian response. The pact also makes it easier for Kim to ignore Washingtons call to return to nuclear talks, where aid is offered in exchange for him winding down his atomic arsenal. What were most worried about Russian sharing and transfer of weapons technology to North Korea and the consequential proliferation would also be in the realm of possibilities, said Soo Kim, a former Korea analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency who now works at US-based management consulting firm LMI. 5. Does this mean North Korea will send soldiers to fight in Ukraine? North Korea for years has supplied workers to Russia mostly in its Far East for forestry and construction projects in return for hard cash. But sending troops to fight against Ukraine may be a bridge too far for Kim. Instead, he could dispatch workers to parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Since Putin demands that his invasion be called a special military operation it could be difficult for him to invoke the pact, unless there is a significant attack on the Russian homeland. Read more about Putin and Kim here: Putin, Kim Agree to Immediately Offer Military Aid If Attacked Kim Jong Uns Russia Lifeline Gives Big Reason to Avoid War Kim Jong Un Faces Annihilation in Most Korea War Scenarios How North Korea Is Building a Nuclear Attack Arsenal: QuickTake Kim Vows to Back Putin Unconditionally on War in Ukraine Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The imagery from Pyongyang emerged quickly, notable in its variety glimpses into North Korea in near-real time that showed its leader, Kim Jong Un, grinning and glad-handing with Russian President Vladimir Putin and showing him around the capital of one of the world's least accessible nations. For those who follow the happenings of the Kim family's three-generation rule, the coverage of the Kim-Putin meeting this week visuals released only by the respective propaganda arms of each government represented an extraordinary flurry of views into a nation where imagery that feels even remotely off the cuff, not vetted and edited ad nauseam, is rare. The pair marched on the red carpet in Kim Il Sung Square, named after the current leader's grandfather and the nation's founder. They gazed upon a sea of balloon-toting children. They reviewed a military parade and eyed a crowd waving pompoms. They saw but were not shown interacting with groups of North Korean citizens, who if the past is any indication were meticulously vetted before getting anywhere near the scene. Those images were vivid and plentiful, but they represented the predictable output of an experienced propaganda apparatus. Far more striking were the in-between moments that managed to peek through also calibrated carefully, but revealing a smidgen more about the North and its leader than most imagery does. From stills and videos made by both Russian and North Korean state media operations (independent journalists were not given access to cover Putin's visit), the images were many and varied. Here was Kim showing Putin a bust hed had made of the Russian leader as a gift. Here were the two leaders hugging, looking at horses and Korean Pungsan dogs, leaning in for informal conversations, laughing at a gala concert. And here were cutaways to the background of a state dinner complete with camera dollies, rooms before the leaders entered and other outtake-style shots that surface less often in North Korea's home-grown imagery. One of the most impactful sequences came from Kremlin pool video, filmed just before Putin's arrival in Pyongyang. It showed Kim on the tarmac with his hands behind his back, silhouetted against the airport gate and a scarlet welcome sign behind him, pacing and awaiting his counterpart's presence. It was easy to imagine that Kim Jong Un was, for a moment, not the packaged leader of an authoritarian government but a weary man waiting for a plane after dark. Perhaps most noteworthy was the sense that all this was coming at the world in almost real time mostly through Russian pool imagery. The North Korean government's own images usually present its leader and nation as stilted, rigid and slightly out of sync and photos usually emerge well after an event takes place. Also at play: Imagery from the Norths main propaganda organ, the Korean Central News Agency, has occasionally been digitally manipulated before being transmitted; stringent vetting is required before it can be used. Part of what made this week's images so compelling was the occasional appearance of spontaneity. The overwhelming share of imagery out of North Korea feels staged because so much of it is. Awkward and deferential people typically surround Kim, as they did his father and grandfather. And often Kim appears awkward himself. But in these frames and footage, amid the fast-moving nature of the week's events, that set-piece feel sometimes seemed absent. And it made North Korea appear more like other places, rather than reinforcing the hermit kingdom image. Photos and video can distance us. They can draw us nearer. They can humanize. They can show, to the many, places that only the few see. And sometimes, collectively, they can offer some small epiphanies about a place, its people, even its leader. To look at this week's photos and video from Pyongyang is to know just a bit more about what makes North Korea tick even if that wasn't the primary intent of the propagandists who created them. ___ Ted Anthony, director of new storytelling and newsroom innovation for The Associated Press, was the APs Asia-Pacific news director from 2014 to 2018 and visited North Korea multiple times in that role. Follow him at http://www.twitter.com/anthonyted Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Vietnam's President To Lam (R) attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace. -/Kremlin/dpa Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of expanding his country's strategic partnership with Vietnam, state media reported, at talks with Vietnamese President To Lam on the first day of his state visit to the south-east Asian country. The Russian leader also invited Lam to participate in commemorations in Moscow next year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, the Russian state news agency TASS reported. Putin arrived in Hanoi late on Wednesday after a visit to North Korea. He is expected to attend a state banquet on Thursday after meetings with Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the country's ruling Communist Party, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Having been isolated on the international stage, Putin is seeking to shore up support from Russia's remaining allies. Commentators suggest his brief tour of Vietnam and North Korea is of practical as well as symbolic importance. "Putin's trip to Vietnam will reinvigorate their comprehensive strategic partnership and shore up economic relations through trade and investment commitments by adopting a rouble-ong currency exchange mechanism for goods and services payments," said Vietnam expert Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Another item on the agenda could be Russia's war with Ukraine. The Ukrainian ambassador in Hanoi, Oleksandr Haman, told dpa that he does not expect Vietnam to abandon its neutral stance in the conflict. During his stay in Hanoi, Putin is staying at The Sofitel Metropole, a French-owned hotel. Prior to his arrival, a Russian-chartered jumbo jet shipped in limousines for Putin's use throughout his visit. Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Vietnam's President To Lam (R) attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace. -/Kremlin/dpa Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday stressed the importance of his country's strategic partnership with Hanoi as he signed co-operation agreements with Vietnamese leaders. Putin called Vietnam a "trusted friend and partner" of Russia and said the two countries' relationship has "passed the test of time." On a state visit following a short trip to North Korea on Wednesday, Putin was greeted by a 21-gun salute in a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace before meeting with Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, as well as President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. We wish to promote defence and security co-operation, respond to non-traditional security challenges on the basis of international law and practice, and contribute to regional and world peace and security," Lam told media after talks with his Russian counterpart. The two leaders adopted a declaration on deepening the countries' strategic partnership and signed 11 agreements related to education, medicine and energy. One notable agreement will see Russian company Zarubezhneft co-operate with Hanoi's state-owned PetroVietnam to jointly develop oil and gas in the South China Sea. Putin also said Russia was ready to establish long-term direct supplies of hydrocarbons, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), to Vietnam. The Russian leader also invited Lam to participate in commemorations in Moscow next year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, the Russian state news agency TASS reported. Russia and Vietnam have been allies for decades, with generations of Vietnamese communist leaders being trained in the former Soviet Union. Trong said: "The Vietnamese people, and I myself as someone who lived and studied in Russia, always remember those years." Having been isolated on the international stage, Putin is seeking to shore up support from Russia's remaining allies. Commentators suggest his brief tour of Vietnam and North Korea is of practical as well as symbolic importance. "Putin's trip to Vietnam will reinvigorate their comprehensive strategic partnership and shore up economic relations through trade and investment commitments by adopting a rouble-ong currency exchange mechanism for goods and services payments," said Vietnam expert Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Another item on the agenda was expected to be Russia's war with Ukraine. The Ukrainian ambassador in Hanoi, Oleksandr Haman, told dpa that he does not expect Vietnam to abandon its neutral stance in the conflict. The United States, which has developed closer ties with Hanoi in recent years despite fresh memories of the Vietnam War, which ended in nearly 40 years ago, protested Putins visit. "No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities," a spokesperson for the US embassy said. Vietnam is the only country in the world to have hosted visits by Putin, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the previous year. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (2nd R) speaks to Russia's President Vladimir Putin (not pictured) during a meeting at the Government Office. -/Kremlin/dpa Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks to Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (not pictured) during a meeting at the Government Office. -/Kremlin/dpa Putin says he will not withdraw troops from Ukraine for negotiations Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has said that he is not going to withdraw his troops from the territory of Ukraine for negotiations. Source: Putin at a meeting with journalists in Vietnam, RIA Novosti propagandists write Details: The Kremlin leader said that "if Kyiv links negotiations with Moscow to the withdrawal of Russian troops, this will never happen". He also decided to reiterate that Russia is allegedly ready to continue dialogue with Ukraine on the basis of the Istanbul and Minsk agreements. Putin also threatened Seoul that its attempts to supply Ukraine with weapons would lead to Russian decisions that "are unlikely to please South Korea". He also mentioned that Russia is considering possible changes to its nuclear doctrine. Background: On 14 June, Russia's leader Vladimir Putin again reiterated that he is supposedly "ready for peace talks", but for this, Ukraine must withdraw its troops from all regions occupied by Russia, which the Kremlin considers Russian territory. Support UP or become our patron! Russia will take decisions that are "unlikely to please South Korea" if Seoul decides to send arms to Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters at the end of his visit to Vietnam on June 20. Separately, Putin said he does not exclude the possibility of sending arms to North Korea based on the recently signed strategic partnership agreement but claimed that South Korea has nothing to worry about as Moscow will arm Pyongyang only if it is attacked. "As for the supply of lethal weapons to the combat zone, to Ukraine, this would be a very big mistake," Putin said in Hanoi, referring to potential supplies by South Korea. "I hope that this will not happen. If this happens, then we will also take appropriate decisions that are unlikely to please South Korea's current leadership," the Russian leader said without elaborating on specific steps. The Kremlin chief visited North Korea earlier this week, signing a new strategic partnership agreement with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un. Under the treaty, the two countries pledged to provide aid to one another if either was attacked. In response, South Korea announced it would reconsider its policy of not directly supplying Ukraine with arms. The Korean peninsula has been divided since the war in the 1950s, and both states view each other with suspicion, with North Korea repeatedly issuing threats and provocations against its southern neighbor. While Seoul has supplied Kyiv with humanitarian aid and allegedly with indirect artillery ammunition supplies via the U.S., North Korea has provided Russia with extensive arms packages, including ballistic missiles and millions of shells. In his speech, Putin further praised North Korea and denounced the international sanctions regime imposed against the country, comparing it to the Axis powers' siege of Leningrad in World War II. Sanctions against North Korea are mostly connected to the country's nuclear arms development. Ties between North Korea and Russia have deepened amid the Western efforts to isolate Moscow during its war against Ukraine. Observers point out that Putin's growing reliance on the poor pariah country implies the Russian leader is growing "rather desperate." Read also: Rather desperate 5 key takeaways from Putins North Korea visit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Putin signs deals with Vietnam in bid to shore up ties in Asia to offset Moscow's growing isolation Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Vietnamese President To Lam embrace during an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace, in Hanoi, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) HANOI, Vietnam (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin signed at least a dozen deals with his Vietnamese counterpart on Thursday and offered to supply fossil fuels, including natural gas, to Vietnam during a state visit that comes as Moscow is seeking to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war in Ukraine. Putin and President To Lam agreed to further cooperate in education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration and clean energy. The two countries also agreed to work on a roadmap for a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam. Of the 12 publicly announced agreements, none overtly pertained to defense. Putin said the two countries share an interest in developing a reliable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region with no room for closed military-political blocs. Lam added that both Russia and Vietnam wanted to "further cooperate in defense and security to cope with non-traditional security challenges. The agreements between Russia and Vietnam were not as substantial as the pact Putin signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Wednesday, which pledged mutual aid in the event of invasion, said Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, and a former British ambassador to Belarus. Putins recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to break the international isolation, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Giang said Russia is important to Vietnam for two reasons: It is the biggest supplier of military equipment to the Southeast Asian nation, and Russian oil exploration technologies help maintain Vietnam's sovereignty claims in the contested South China Sea. Vietnam also has licensed Russian state-controlled oil company Zarubezhneft to develop an offshore block of its southeastern coast. On the South China Sea, Lam said that both sides would support and ensure security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation" and the resolution of disputes peacefully and in accordance to international law without the use of force, according to official Vietnamese media. Putin arrived in Hanoi on Thursday morning from North Korea after signing the strategic pact, which comes as both countries face escalating standoffs with the West and could mark their strongest connection since the end of the Cold War. In Hanoi, Putin also met Vietnams most powerful politician, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, according to the official Vietnam News Agency. Putin drove to Vietnams Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by school children waving Russian and Vietnamese flags. Much has changed since Putin's last visit to Vietnam in 2017. Russia now faces a raft of U.S.-led sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the International Criminal Court in Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes, making it difficult for the Russian leader to travel internationally. The Kremlin rejected the warrant as null and void, stressing that Moscow doesnt recognize the court's jurisdiction. Putin's trip resulted in a sharp rebuke from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, which said that no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities. If Putin is allowed to travel freely it could normalize Russias blatant violations of international law, it said in a statement. The U.S. and its allies have expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which North Korea provides Russia with badly needed munitions for use in Ukraine in exchange for Russian economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile programs. Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed. It is unlikely that Vietnam would supply significant quantities of weapons to Russia and risk the progress that it has made with NATO members on military equipment, particularly the U.S., said Ridzwan Rahmat, a Singapore-based analyst with the defense intelligence company Janes. "I would imagine Vietnam wouldnt want to take a risk, inviting the wrath of Western countries by supplying the Russians, Rahmat said. Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing friendly relations between Vietnam and Russia. Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Centers Asia Program, said Vietnam is reinforcing that relationship even while it diversifies with newer partners. Evidence of the long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities like the capital, where many Soviet-style apartment blocks are now dwarfed by skyscrapers. A statue of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, stands in a park where kids skateboard every evening. Many in the Communist Party's top leadership in Vietnam studied in Soviet universities, including party chief Trong. In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnams Communist Party, Putin thanked Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis and hailed the country as a strong supporter of a fair world order based on international law, equality and geopolitical non-interference. Vietnam's pragmatic policy of bamboo diplomacy a phrase coined by Trong referring to the plant's flexibility, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of global geopolitics is being increasingly tested. A manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, Vietnam hosted both U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2023. Putin's visit is important for Hanoi on a diplomatic level, said Gould-Davies, the former ambassador. Perhaps for Vietnam its a matter of just showing that its able to maintain this very agile balance of its bamboo diplomacy, he said. Already in the course of a year theyve hosted visits by the heads of state of the three most powerful countries in the world, which is pretty impressive." For Russia, the visit seems to have been more about optics than anything else, he said, as Moscow seeks to engage and influence other countries, particularly in the so-called Global South. Since the war began, Putin has not been able to travel much or very far, and hes made very few trips beyond the countries of the former Soviet space, he said. Vietnam has remained neutral on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But neutrality is getting trickier, Vietnam needs support from the U.S. to advance its economic ambitions and diversify its defense ties, Parameswaran said. It has to carefully calibrate what it does with Russia in an environment of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow." Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam totaled $3.6 billion in 2023, compared to $171 billion with China and $111 billion with America. Since the early 2000s, Russia has accounted for around 80% of Vietnam's arms imports. This has been declining over the years due to Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies. But to entirely wean itself off Russia will take time, Giang said. Given Putins international isolation, Vietnam is doing the Russian leader a huge favor and may expect favors in return, Andrew Goledzinowski, the Australian ambassador to Vietnam, wrote on social media platform X. Vietnam will always act in Vietnams interests and not anyone elses, he wrote. ___ AP writer David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report. ___ This story removes an incorrect reference to Lam saying that there were other deals apart from the 12 announced agreements that were not made public. The case of the unintentional murder of Ukrainian cameraman Halyna Hutchins by actor Alec Baldwin has been ongoing since 2021, and although the movie star is trying to hide the details, prosecutors are learning more unpleasant nuances of the filming of the tragic movie Rust. Law enforcement officials claim that the actor was playing with weapons, and his behavior was irrepressible. ADVERTISIMENT In three weeks, on July 10, the second trial of Alec Baldwin will take place in Santa Fe, USA. According to The Guardians, citing prosecutors, the actor was "playing with a revolver." He was firing a blank cartridge, that is, one that does not have a bullet that would kill a person. However, the tragic event did occur and, in addition to killing Hutchins, also injured director Joel Seuss, who was behind him. Prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey and Erlinda Johnson allege that Baldwin pointed the gun and fired "a blank shot at a crew member, using that crew member as his intended target." It was previously known that the actor had been behaving inappropriately with the weapon and creating chaos on the set. He was shouting and swearing, and during the interrogation he claimed that he did not pull the trigger. New details have emerged that Baldwin allegedly asked for the largest gun available. He used the revolver "as a pointer, directing the crew members," did not follow the instructions of the project managers, and fired after being told to stop. ADVERTISIMENT In particular, it was found that the defendant kept his finger on the trigger when certain scenes did not require it, was "inattentive during firearms training" and "distracted by texting, talking to family members, and shooting videos to amuse his family." "To observe Mr. Baldwin's behavior on the set of Rust is to witness a man who has absolutely no control over his own emotions and absolutely no concern for how his behavior affects others. Witnesses indicate that this behavior contributed to the safety of the set," said prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey and Jason J. Lewis earlier. ADVERTISIMENT Baldwin denies all charges and claims he is not guilty of murder. Interestingly, the actor tried to reduce the punishment by claiming that "he was not required to follow the safety recommendations provided by the safety experts on the set." In case he is found guilty, Baldwin will only face 1.5 years in prison for killing and injuring people. In particular, the Hutchins family has recently renewed a lawsuit against the actor and team members for "reckless behavior." "The fact that live ammunition was permitted on the set, that the guns and ammunition were left unattended, and that Defendant Baldwin inexplicably pointed and fired a gun at Halyna Hutchins makes this a case where injury or death was much more than a possibility it was a certainty," the lawsuit said. ADVERTISIMENT The Rust gunman, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who was found guilty of the unintentional murder of a Ukrainian cameraman in March this year, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. During the trial, prosecutors showed a video interview with Halyna Hutchins' mother, who could not hold back her tears while talking about her daughter. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, cameraman Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of the movie Rust on October 21, 2021. Baldwin was preparing for a scene in which he was supposed to point a revolver at the camera and shoot, but the weapon turned out to be loaded and the bullet hit the Ukrainian woman. Hutchins died after suffering a perforating wound to the chest. In particular, the bullet hit the director Joel Seuss, who was standing behind her. The man was injured but survived. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Russian President Vladimir Putin said South Korea would be making a "big mistake" if it supplies arms to Ukraine. "If that happens, then we will make corresponding decisions that will not please the current leadership of South Korea," Putin said on Thursday during a trip to Vietnam. The South Korean government had earlier expressed concern over a new Russia-North Korea strategic partnership that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country is attacked. Seoul said the security commitments violated UN sanctions imposed on Pyongyang. It also suggested it could reconsider its long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to Kiev. North Korea, ruled by dictator Kim Jong Un, is subject to far-reaching UN sanctions and import bans due to its nuclear weapons programme, including the trade in weapons and the transfer of military technologies to the country. During a state visit to Pyongyang on Wednesday, Putin signed the partnership agreement with Kim. At a press conference in Hanoi on Thursday, Putin called Seoul's concerns unfounded. He said South Korea had nothing fear as the pact would only apply if either Russia or North Korea was attacked by a third country. "As far as I know, [South Korea] is not planning any aggression" against North Korea, he said. This means that "there is no need to fear our cooperation." Putin also said that he would not deploy any North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. However, he threatened to deliver high-precision weapons to North Korea as a response to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Decoding The Cloaked Language Of The Supreme Court While we await the Supreme Courts decision on Donald Trumps claim that he enjoys presidential immunity from prosecution, let me run through the various forms of disingenuousness to be on the look out for when the ruling eventually comes down. That could be as soon as this morning, or as late as early July. If the courts slow-rolling of the case thus far is any indication I would expect it later than sooner. But your guess is as good as mine. Before we get to the fun stuff, its important to acknowledge that while Trumps claim of more or less absolute immunity is completely bogus and detached from the reality of the Constitution, history, and legal precedent, some form of lesser immunity for the president is not on its face ridiculous or absurd. What gets tricky in the Trump case is that the more the Supreme Court decides to explore and weigh in on lesser forms of immunity (rather than saving that for another day given that immunity for unlawfully remaining in office past the end of the presidents term is out of the question), the greater the chance that it creates insurmountable obstacles to holding a Trump trial before the election. It already has made such a trial nearly impossible. So while in the abstract, a fulsome exploration of presidential immunity could be warranted, it also runs the risk of being a smokescreen. With that out of the way, here are some of the tells that commonly pepper controversial rulings and the multiple competing opinions they often yield: Raising The Specter Of Chaos As A Strawman. Many judges, especially conservative ones, fancy themselves as bastions of stability and order amidst universal chaos. That creates all sorts of weird incentives and outcomes, but in controversial cases (see, e.g., Bush v. Gore), judges will decry the prospect of chaos as a justification to take extraordinary steps that defy precedent, stretch legal arguments beyond reason, and achieve desired outcomes. Beware of warnings of hypothetical chaos. Oversimplifying Complex Issues By Claiming Some Things Are Obvious. Often the most glaring sign of a poorly reasoned decision reaching for a preferred outcome is when a judge declares obvious things that are clearly not obvious but have the effect of walling off disfavored outcomes right off the bat. Think of it as defining away the problem. In the immunity case, it might look like, Obviously, the president is entitled to some immunity, so we must decide the scope and extent of that immunity. Things are rarely obvious in Supreme Court cases, and the more a judge protests that they are, the more suspicious you should be. Whinging About Being Stuck With A Hard Decision. The whinging is a tell because it often ends up with the judicial branch blaming others (usually, the executive and legislative branches) for making it do its job. Elevating how difficult the decision is, like raising the specter of chaos, is another way of enlarging the rhetorical space in which to deviate from precedent and norm, reach for a decision you want to make anyway, and excuse yourself from having done anything out of the ordinary. Butchering History. Others have written at length about judges vastly overestimating their skills as professional historians, leading to cherry-picked historical artifacts as justifications for todays decisions. So you get the gist. The immunity case is ripe for butchering history. But beyond the immediate problems with bad misinterpretations of history is that it lends itself to all of the above tells, too. A case with great historical significance can be used in the same way as invoking the specter of chaos to enlarge the options available to the court for doing what it wants to do. Many recent decision have declared historical facts to be obvious that are anything but. And many Supreme Court decisions that rely on historical interpretation note how difficult it is to parse history before proceeding to do it anyway, the whinging about the difficulty scale providing another way out to do the thing it wants to do anyway. There are others, but thats probably a sufficient cheat sheet for the immunity case. Now we wait. For how long, no one outside the court knows. SCOTUS Decisions Coming Today And Tomorrow Still a huge number of Supreme Court decisions to be issued before the end of the term, so expect a flood over the next two weeks. Decisions will be coming at 10 a.m. ET today and tomorrow. Keep An Eye On Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has already shown signs of taking a different path as a jurist than had been expected. What were seeing doesnt neatly fall into a liberal v. conservative analysis or originalist v. not originalist prism. Its more subtle and complicated than that. Some of it I suspect is merely generational, but either way I think its too early to label it. Still, its worth keeping an eye on. Here are two installments in the early effort to figure out what shes doing and why, both tied to a recent Supreme Court decision in a trademark case: Politico: Amy Coney Barrett may be poised to split conservatives on the Supreme Court The New Republic: Amy Coney Barrett Breaks With Supreme Court Originalists Rudy Rudy Rudy, Tsk Tsk Tsk TPMs Josh Kovensky: Rudy Giuliani Is Running The Risk Of Blowing Up His Own Bankruptcy Case Great Read WSJ: This Judge Made Houston the Top Bankruptcy Court. Then He Helped His Girlfriend Cash In. Expecting A Recount In VA-05 Since we checked in yesterday, the tiny lead that state Sen. John J. McGuire III (R-VA) holds over Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) in the GOP primary in the VA-05 has narrowed from 327 to 321 votes. A GOP-on-GOP recount between two MAGA-loving Trumpists in the Big Lie era is gonna be a hoot. Pull up a chair and pass the popcorn. 2024 Ephemera Fox News poll: In a hypothetical two-candidate race, Biden leads Trump among registered voters nationwide 50%-48%, a three-point swing since last month. NBC News: Mystery fundraising firm takes in millions from the Trump campaign Confirmed: The qualifying deadline for the first presidential debate next Thursday has passed and no one qualified other than Biden and Trump. TPM In The News Rick Perlstein has a new piece up at The American Prospect about TPM that includes an interview with Josh Marshall: If you are interested in how the American right went insane, TalkingPointsMemo.com is your actual publication of record, compiling a bountiful archive of the ways extremism and mainstream merged in the history of the Republican Party from the dawn of President George W. Bush to the present. It was born, in 2000, at a time of new vessels and styles of writing about American politics. It could have become a model for the rest of the news media. It did not. All in all, Rick offers a distinct take on TPMs history. Abortion Watch WSJ: Abortion-Rights Advocates Deploy a New Red State Playbook WaPo: Democrats seek to repeal Comstock abortion rule, fearing Trump crackdown Ready-Made For A Lawsuit Louisiana has enacted a new law requiring the 10 Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms. The ACLU has already announced that it is suing to block the law as a violation of the Constitution. Not Something You See Every Day A Vermont Republican lawmaker who was surreptitiously recorded repeatedly pouring water into a Democratic colleagues tote bag tormenting behavior that went on for five months has apologized for her disrespectful conduct. Love This So Much A restoration project at George Washingtons Mt. Vernon has unearthed from its cellars 250-year-old jars of preserved fruit. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! QUINCY The Quincy village board Tuesday night voted to hire Quincy native Dalton Turmell as its new police chief. According to village manager Brittany Butler, Turmell, 27, stood out among three candidates interviewed by a six-member committee. "He's involved in Quincy, which is something that we liked. He seems really positive (about becoming police chief)," she said. Quincy village will begin rebuilding its police department after hiring a new police chief. Turmell is currently a Branch County Sheriff's deputy. His first day as Quincy's chief will be July 3. Former chief Mike Kolassa resigned on March 19 after the Department of Homeland Security found malware downloaded to his patrol car computer. The only remaining officer left on April 25 to join the University of Michigan Police Department. After a public hearing on April 16 with strong community input, the village council decided to rebuild rather than eliminate the village police department. Prior story Quincy village to continue police services Turmell became a Branch County corrections officer in August 2016. He completed the police academy and joined the road patrol in December 2020. Turmell went to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department in early 2022 but returned to Branch County in July 2022 when the county eliminated its two-tier pay system that raised younger deputy pay. Quincy will pay Turmell $70,000 a year to head the new department. The village council voted in April to make the new department include a chief with two full-time and one part-time officer. Quincy regularly lost officers to higher-paying departments. The $22 an-hour starting pay was one problem. Butler proposed reducing one officer to a half-time officer to allow Quincy to start officers at $24 an hour. Quincy village manager Brittany Butler The Branch County Sheriff starts deputies at $24.09 an hour, Coldwater at $26.41, and Union City raised its starting police pay to $23 an hour this April. Butler said Turmell has good ideas for the department and finding new hires. First the village will send him to train in police administration to learn the duties of a police chief. Butler said Turmell is MCOLES certified. Butler said Alan Fouty, the Branch Area Career Center Criminal Justice instructor and former state trooper, conducted the 25-page required Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards report for all police hires. The village manager said Turmell attended both Quincy Schools and Pansophia Academy charter school in Coldwater, graduating from Quincy. Subscribe Support local news. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter. Butler said the village ordered uniforms for Turmell, and staff repainted the public safety department in the village offices. Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Branch County deputy Turmell hired as Quincy Village police chief As pastor of Historic New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, I write with a sense of urgency and hope. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a sitting congresswoman and one of two candidates for the Democratic Party nomination for an open U.S. Senate seat, must join Detroiter Hill Harper in a debate. There is no excuse not to. If Detroiters arent good enough for her to stand before us now and debate the things important to us, then we will remember in November, and the Senate seat may not be the only thing that slips from Democratic hands. Michigan is pivotal to determining the winner of this election. A recent Washington Post-Monmouth poll has only reinforced what I have been hearing from my congregation for months dissatisfaction with our current political leaders, and lack of enthusiasm this election year. A debate between the two can have a significant impact on garnering enthusiasm for the primary and general election particularly among African Americans. The poll noted only a quarter of Michigan Democrats are enthusiastic about President Joe Biden's candidacy and I feel there is even less enthusiasm for the Senate race. This lack of enthusiasm rings an alarm for change. I see firsthand the struggles of our congregation, grappling with the feeling of being forgotten by those in power. The cry for new leadership, for a fresh voice, has never been louder. Why are Michigan's Black leaders backing longshot Senate candidate? U.S. Rep Elissa Slotkin and actor Hill Harper. Hill Harper is a highly qualified, viable Senate candidate who is a beacon of hope and change. He has publicly declared his willingness to debate, asking Slotkin to commit to four debates across the state. Slotkin cannot continue to ignore her responsibility to stand and deliver before voters in a debate. After Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers declined to participate in a planned bipartisan debate at the Detroit Regional Chambers Mackinac Policy Conference, Slotkin withdrew. Other prominent groups have offered to host debates, but with the election roughly less than eight weeks away, none has been scheduled. In US Senate primary race between Slotkin, Harper, the choice is clear It is a slap in the face to voters especially African Americans. Brother Harper is a distinguished Harvard Law School and JFK School of Government graduate. He stands out not just for his academic brilliance, but for his profound empathy and commitment to service. As a single parent and small business owner in our community, he reflects the familial values we cherish. Harper's dedication to uplift and empower resonates deeply within our church walls and beyond. If Slotkin does not share a debate stage with Hill Harper, for many of us it will feel like no matter how much education and success a Black person achieves, we are not good enough to debate. In Hill Harper, we see more than a qualified contender; we see one of us challenging the existing order, mirroring both my congregation's and the public's desire for fresh leadership. He is the leader we need to bring a new perspective to the Senate. Let us unite in this quest for a brighter, more optimistic future and a brighter Michigan. And let that begin with a debate between the two choices we have in deciding who is best to represent all of us Black people too in the November general election. Debate now! Rev. Robert Smith Jr. The writer is senior pastor of Detroits Historic New Bethel Baptist Church This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: In Michigan's US Senate race, Elissa Slotkin must debate Hill Harper Pants on Fire: At Racine rally, Trump repeats false claim he saved Kenosha in 2020 and Evers didnt act In the middle of talking about crime and immigration in his June 18, 2024, rally in Racine, Wisconsin, former President Donald Trump turned his attention to Kenosha. Kenosha about 11 miles south of where Trump held his rally was rocked by civil unrest in 2020 after a police officer shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, seven times. The officer was not criminally charged. While there was looting, firebombing and violence during some nights of the protests, others were peaceful. I saved Kenosha, do you know that? Trump told the crowd. I saved it. Kenosha was about ready to go down the tubes. The governor wouldnt move, he just wouldnt move, and I moved, he said. You know, Im not supposed to, its supposed to be the governor is supposed to do it. The mayor and the governor. Trump has made similar claims before: that Kenosha would have been destroyed without him, and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers was too late to send help. In 2020, PolitiFact Wisconsin rated those claims Pants on Fire. Former President Donald Trump makes remarks at a rally on Tuesday June 18, 2024 at the Racine Festival Park in Racine, Wis. Kenosha is about 11 miles south of Racine. There were three assumptions, which were also at play in Trumps latest claims, that we investigated: Kenosha was on a trajectory for destruction. No other changes happened that would have improved the situation in Kenosha. Trump alone is responsible for activating the National Guard. In our 2020 fact check, we found each to be wrong. Lets go through those again. Protests occurred in a limited area compared to entire city Theres a big difference between protests damaging a limited area and destroying or altering a large portion of a city of 100,000 people, we noted in that fact check. The protests, even at the peak of the unrest Aug. 25, 2020, were largely concentrated in the one-acre Civic Park and a nearby area a few blocks wide, though people spilled into nearby neighborhoods after the largest groups were dispersed. That drastically exaggerates the scope of the situation in Kenosha, a city of 28.4 square miles, even at its worst. That goes against Trumps new statement of the city being about ready to go down the tubes. Other factors beside National Guard presence reduced violence, including calls for peace In 2020, Trumps attempt to claim credit assumed the National Guard presence was the only factor in the lack of violence after Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people and killed two. Rittenhouse was later found not guilty on five counts, including intentional, reckless and attempted homicide. There were other reasons why violence slowed down after that, including a change in who was in the crowd. A group described by Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth as "a militia" and "vigilante group" had been patrolling the streets of Kenosha and even standing watch on roofs with long guns the first couple nights after the Blake shooting. In the hours before the shootings, the "Kenosha Guard" issued a call on Facebook for "patriots willing to take up arms and defend out (sic) City tonight from the evil thugs." That page was removed by Facebook after the Rittenhouse shooting. And people wearing military gear and openly carrying weapons decreased drastically after the night of chaos that included the shooting, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters who were on the ground in Kenosha. Still, citizens with handguns were observed as late as the weekend. During the height of the protests, the vigilante groups and Black Lives Matter protesters were regularly clashing with each other, by hurling insults or worse. Removing half of that equation for whatever reason that occurred changed the situation dramatically. In addition to a drop in armed people, there were also calls for peace, including from Blakes family, at marches and rallies, and to varying degrees from Evers and local officials. Evers also declared a state of emergency, and local officials took steps to better control the area, such as closing off freeway access. That was in addition to increasing the number of troops, which also happened. Trump did not send the National Guard, state efforts began before Trump talked to Wisconsin officials That brings us to the final part of the claim, and something Trump noted again at his rally in Racine: that he was responsible for sending in the National Guard, and Evers didnt act. The White House described itself as authorizing 2,000 National Guard troops to go to Kenosha. But Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, who commanded the Wisconsin National Guard at the time, said thats not really how that system operates. He described it this way when asked what role the White House played in the Kenosha response. "What I want to re-emphasize is the process is actually a governor-to-governor compact," Knapp said. "Through the (Emergency Management Assistance Compact) process we had already started talking to other states (when the White House got involved), its one of the things we do right away during something like this." Each state has its own National Guard as provided for in the Constitution and the guard has a role at both the state and federal level, according to its website. Governors can call the National Guard into action during local or statewide emergencies. On Aug. 24, 2020, Evers activated the Guard, less than 24 hours after Blake was shot. The Trump administration talked to Evers on Aug. 25, 2020. The president can also activate the guard for federal missions. Examples of federal missions given on the website included deployments to Kosovo or the anti-terrorism efforts in the Middle East. After the Rittenhouse shooting, Evers increased National Guard troop numbers from 250 to 500. Evers also accepted federal troops from the Trump administration, after initially turning down federal help. We noted that in a related fact-check in 2021. Evers administration said the White House was offering help from the Department of Homeland Security, not the National Guard. Evers had declined because more Guard members had already been sent. Our ruling At a rally in Racine, Trump made similar claims to ones he said almost four years ago: that he saved Kenosha and the governor wouldnt move on sending the National Guard. Other factors besides the National Guards presence calmed the situation in Kenosha, including calls for peace and a reduction in the number of armed people. Trump also said Kenosha was about ready go down the tubes, though protests were largely contained to one acre of the larger city exaggerating the scope of the situation. Finally, Trump was not responsible for sending in the National Guard. State-level efforts began before his administration got involved. His administration did send in federal troops, but Evers had activated the National Guard before that. Based on those findings in our previous fact checks, we again rate Trumps claims Pants on Fire. Sources WisEye, Campaign 2024: Trump for President Rally in Racine, June 18, 2024. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, A Black man shot in the back, a viral video and civil unrest: Kenosha and the rest of the country are on edge after latest police shooting, Jan. 5, 2021. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Prosecutor: No charges against Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey in Jacob Blake shooting, Jan. 5, 2021. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Kenosha update recap: Coverage from Aug. 26, Aug. 29, 2020. PolitiFact Wisconsin, No, Trump doesn't deserve credit for Kenosha de-escalation, Sept.1, 2020. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, White House says Gov. Tony Evers turned down federal help to quell Kenosha disturbances, Aug. 26, 2024. PolitiFact Wisconsin, No, Wis. Gov. Evers did not wait to send help to Kenosha during unrest, Sept. 15, 2021. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fact check: Trump falsely claims he 'saved Kenosha'; Evers sent Guard Raises for judges, money for sheriff's department among bills signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt Gov. Kevin Stitt signs the bill as Legislative Leaders and others look on at the signing ceremony for the grocery tax cut bill in the Blue Room at the Oklahoma Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. By the time the dust had settled on the legislative session, Gov. Kevin Stitt had signed 488 bills and doled out 32 vetoes, some of which were overridden, according to his office. The veto figures do not include line-item vetoes, where Stitt only objected to certain sections of a bill but approved the remainder. The deadline was Friday when Stitt signed the remaining 74 bills, many dealing with funding, and vetoed others. Bills Stitt signed include: House Bill 2914, dubbed the Oklahoma Sheriffs Office Funding Assistance Grant Program, that provides $17.9 million to help fund local departments. House Bill 2923 that provides a 7% raise for district, associate and special district judges. It becomes effective July 1 at a cost of nearly $3.2 million. The Legislature rejected a recommendation by the Board on Judicial Compensation for a 17% across-the-board raise for all judges. House Bill 2896 that provides an additional $74 million for a Department of Public Safety for its centralized training center and related facilities. Senate Bill 1155 to help finish the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, which is being built in Tulsa. House Bill 1734 requiring criminal background checks for owners and employees of medical marijuana facilities. Bills Gov. Kevin Stitt signed before the deadline focused on ballot initiatives, business courts On June 5, Stitt signed Senate Bill 1994 that would allow property owners to ask sheriffs to remove those who are unlawfully occupying the requestors property if certain conditions are met. Those who unlawfully occupy a property or trespass and cause damages of $1,000 or more would be subject to a felony, a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to three years or both. On May 31, Stitt signed House Bill 1105 that increased the challenge period for initiative petitions and referendums to 90 days from 10. More: Is religious liberty dwindling in Oklahoma? How the state has become a legal battleground Critics said the measure would make it more difficult to get measures on the ballot. Supporters said it was necessary to ensure the integrity of the process. Stitt also signed Senate Bill 473 creating judicial offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for business courts. It also created an 11-member task force to study the creation of a business court system in Oklahoma. The deadline for the final report is no later than Jan. 1, 2026. Stitt lobbied for the creation of a business court system during budget negotiations. Stitt on May 31 approved House Bill 1792, dubbed the Oklahoma Sentencing Modernization Act of 2024, that overhauls felony sentencing to provide more consistency in penalties issued from county to county. Stitt also signed Senate Bill 1424 that protects poultry producers from civil suits if they are following a state approved waste disposal plan. Chicken waste is sold as fertilizer. Chicken waste disposal was the subject of a federal lawsuit brought by the state stemming from pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signs 488 bills, vetoes 32 from 2024 session Raising Canes chicken may come to Wolfchase area MEMPHIS, Tenn. Plans for a Raising Canes Chicken Fingers on North Germantown Parkway were proposed on Monday. The commercial construction permit for the over 3,100 square foot restaurant was filed by Stephanie Keith PM Design Group. According to the new construction permit, the estimated costs will be around $2 million. The proposal suggests that the new Raising Canes will be taking the place of the Wolfchase Bed Bath and Beyond, which closed earlier this year. Raising Canes Chicken coming to Southaven, MS A Raising Canes is also set to open in Southaven, Mississippi on Goodman Road in 2025. The Louisiana-based fast food chicken restaurant has over 700 locations in the U.S., with six being in Tennessee. The closest location to Memphis is in Oxford, Mississippi on the University of Mississippi campus. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Randy Head emerges as likely next Hoosier GOP chief The Indiana GOP logo on display during the party's convention on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Lobbyist and former state lawmaker Randy Head has surfaced as the Indiana Republican Partys next head. He would succeed Anne Hathaway, who recently resigned after a 10-month stint chairing the party. Randy Head (Courtesy of Krieg DeVault) I am honored to be considered for Chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, Head said in a statement to the Capital Chronicle. Thanks to President Donald Trump, Indiana went from a toss-up state to a Republican state, carried by nearly 20 points, he continued. Indiana is poised to be first on the board for Donald Trump again in 2024, and we have great leadership with Mike Braun, Micah Beckwith, Todd Rokita, and Jim Banks. Our party will bring great results for Hoosiers from the top to the bottom of the ticket and I am excited to get to work for the Republican Party and Mike Braun, he concluded. Its not official until the partys central committee takes a vote, which is scheduled for June 24. And GOP gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun hasnt publicly backed him for the post. Head served as the permanent chairman of the partys 2024 convention. He advises clients on legislative issues as part of Krieg DeVaults governmental affairs practice and previously was chief deputy prosecuting attorney for the Pulaski County Prosecutors Office. Head served as a member of the Indiana State Senate for 11 years, representing the Logansport area. During his tenure at the Statehouse, Head chaired several committees and served as part of the Senate majority caucus leadership. He focused on legal issues and local government, authoring several laws that increased penalties and eliminated loopholes for child abusers. The post Randy Head emerges as likely next Hoosier GOP chief appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle. Famous German top model Heidi Klum flaunted her great figure on social media. She impressed users with her appearance, as she looks like a 30-year-old at the age of 51. ADVERTISIMENT The star posted a photo in lace lingerie on her Instagram. VIVA GLAM Magazine collected the main beauty secrets used by the fashion brand ambassador to preserve her beauty and youth. Cleansing the skin from makeup Heidi Klum believes that one of the most important rules in personal care is to thoroughly remove makeup, especially before going to bed. The model does not use any makeup products in her free time. Using baby shampoo to wash your face ADVERTISIMENT The German woman has repeatedly emphasized an unusual way of washing her face, as she uses baby shampoo. According to her, this method of cleansing is one of the best, because children's skin is more sensitive, so products for it are less aggressive than for adults. Proper removal of inflammation Heidi Klum advises not to touch inflammation on the face at all. However, if you need to remove a pimple urgently, it is better to do it with your knuckles, not your nails. ADVERTISIMENT Using coconut oil The model recommends using coconut oil to moisturize your hair and skin. The natural substance has a good nutritional effect, so it will become a useful element of your cosmetic bag. Healthy lifestyle The star notes that eating right and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most important rule for looking good. She prefers to eat fruits and vegetables, avoiding large quantities of bread and pasta. Heidi Klum said that she has developed an ideal 80/20 food proportion for herself. This way, healthy food takes up most of the space, and junk food takes up the rest. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Rankings out for most LBGTQ-friendly cities. Heres who Tacoma beat for Top 10 rating Tacoma was crowned the gayest city in America in 2013 by The Advocate magazine. More than a decade later, its rainbow flag is still flying high. T-Town has earned the No. 4 spot in a new ranking of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States. Experts with the consumer-news platform ConsumerAffairs analyzed several categories such as LGBTQ+ representation, safety, legislation, healthcare access and affordability, according to a Wednesday news release. Two rival cities in Washington placed lower on the list. Seattle landed at No. 10 while Spokane nabbed ninth. The news comes as Pride Month celebrations are underway across the region and state. Tacomas Pride festival kicks off July 13. An LGBTQ Pride festival goer wears pride flags in their hair at the Tacoma Pride Festival on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma on July 9, 2022. Cheyenne Boone/cboone@thenewstribune.com Factors that led to Tacomas high ranking include its robust LGBTQ+ community with 6.6 same-sex households per 1,000, according to ConsumerAffairs. Thats two times the U.S. average of 3.3. Tacomas relative affordability also sets it apart. The citys median monthly rent is $1,724 a bit lower than the average rent of $1,758 in Portland, Oregon. Grit City is considered very safe for LGBTQ+ people, counting 1.8 hate crimes against LGBTQ+ folks per 100,000 residents, according to the ranking. ConsumerAffairs notes that there is still some room for improvement in Tacoma, citing a significant need for access to LGBTQ+-focused health providers. So, which cities fared better than T-town? Here are ConsumerAffairs Top 5: Minneapolis, Minnesota Providence, Rhode Island Portland, Oregon Tacoma, Washington Reno, Nevada Safety is a top concern for LGBTQ+ people across the United States. The American Civil Liberties Union is monitoring more than 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills nationwide. Some LGBTQ+ people in deep-red states like Texas have considered moving to more accepting locales. For LGBTQ+ migrants looking for new homes, Washington and Nevada could be considered good choices based on ConsumerAffairs analysis. Each state has three cities in the rankings top 10. The West is apparently the most LGBTQ+-welcoming region, boasting 14 cities in ConsumerAffairs top 20. In a time of heightened violence and hate targeting the LGBTQ community, even during Pride Month, it is more important now than ever that LGBTQ people feel safe and accepted in their communities, said Sarah Moore, senior manager of news and research at GLAAD, according to ConsumerAffairs. Coca-Cola bottling heir Alki David has blasted news reports about a $900 million sexual assault judgment imposed against him this week in California state courthis fifth massive legal loss for alleged misconduct. David insisted that none of the plaintiffs who have sued him will collect what is due them. These people havent received a penny and never will. Over my dead fucking body, he told The Daily Beast. Dustin Moaven, an attorney for the most recent plaintiff, acknowledged that collecting may be difficult, while noting that the judge in their case is currently on vacation, and hasnt yet signed off on the judgment. The bigger goal for [the plaintiff] was to get validation and vindicationand were going to do everything we can to recover, he said. Its not going to be easy. I dont expect him to send us a check anytime soon. Disgraced Billionaire Says He Faked His Way Onto the Rich Lists David has previously faced judgments for alleged battery and harassment, among other violations, and racked up a legal tab well north of $50 million, as The Daily Beast reported in 2021. In the most recent case, David was accused of forcibly kissing and raping a former employee, and cultivating an environment of harassment and abject dysfunction at his hologram business and other companies in Los Angeles. Attorneys for the Jane Doe plaintiff accused David of posting an explicit picture on the door of the HR department, and they alleged that his employees referred darkly to one office at his California [headquarters] as the rape room, according to the Daily Mail. In a press release celebrating the decisionwhich found David culpable of sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distressthe law firm representing the plaintiff called the decision a significant triumph for justice. The firm said that David has exhibited a pattern of noxious behavior, adding that the evidence presented during the trial revealed that the assaults [against the plaintiff] continued even while David was involved in another sexual assault trial in April 2019. In an interview with the Beastin which Davids thoughts seemed scattered and he used several racial and homophobic slurshe disputed that a jury had reached a $900 million decision. I dont know where this jury appeared from, he said, arguing that the figure was instead a proposed judgment. He claimed he was never invited to the proceedings, and that his due process has been annihilated from the beginning. David blamed his diminished position on the MeToo movement, which he derided as a figment of the imagination of the American media conglomerate that is controlled by syndicated criminals. He pointed to previous convicts of sexual misconduct, including the porn star Ron Jeremymy dear, dear friendas fellow victims of a corrupt system. David instructed The Daily Beast to reach out to one of his former attorneys, Matthew Huzaineh, to corroborate his statements. Huzaineh did not entirely do that, however. He acknowledged that the $900 million decision was real, calling it judicial extortion, and said the outcome was only reached because the case wasnt actively defended. The defense table was empty. Huzaineh added that the plaintiffs attorneys persuaded the jury that Alki is a billionaire, which led them to impose such a staggeringly high judgment. Its questionable whether David actually is a billionaire, and after suffering tens of millions of dollars in legal losses, he claimed to The Daily Beast in 2021 that his persona was a fraud. These fucking idiots, he said, referring to media outlets that had estimated his net worth. There are no billions. [David was once involved in litigation over a business disagreement with Barry Diller, chairman of The Daily Beasts parent company, IAC.] Davids history of controversial behavior is extensive. He has been chastised for calling opposing counsel a fucktard in court, and was accused of performing the mangina in front of employeesa crude act in a which he lowered his underwear, tucked his penis between his legs, and waddled around the office. In fact, David previously sent a picture of himself in the pose to a Daily Beast reporter. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un cemented their growing relationship on June 19, with a parade, a pact and a carefully stage-managed drive in a brand new limousine in Pyongyang. Kim described Putin as the "dearest friend of the Korean people" and said his country "expresses full support and solidarity to the Russian government" over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two world leaders were all smiles as Putin made his first visit to the country in 24 years, but behind the jovial atmosphere, brass bands and apparently adoring crowds is a Russian president who, according to one expert, is simply "rather desperate." Here are five key takeaways from the visit. The pact The big ticket item on the agenda was the signing of a mutual defense agreement between the two countries. "It is really a breakthrough document," Putin said at a press conference. The exact details of the treaty were not released until after the visit, but Putin said on June 19 it covered "among other things, for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty." He also added that Russia "does not rule out the development of military-technical cooperation with North Korea" in connection to the newly signed agreement. In characteristically grandiose terms, Kim said the pact "will become a driving force of a new multipolar world." "Time has changed. The status of (North Korea) and the Russian Federation in the global geopolitical structure has also changed." Whether the agreement lives up to the hype of its signatories is up for debate, but the move is hugely symbolic of Russia's new place in the world and has serious potential implications for the security of the Korean peninsula. "The real concern is that the Russia and North Korea partnership upsets the strategic status quo on the Korean peninsula which may be Putins aim, especially if Russia starts sharing militarytechnology know-how with North Korea," John Foreman CBE, the U.K.'s former defense attache in Moscow from 2019 to 2022, told the Kyiv Independent. For nearly two decades, Russia, as part of the U.N. Security Council, supported sanctions against North Korea that aimed to restrain its nuclear ambitions. This came to an end earlier this year with Russia voting against the mandate renewal of the U.N. body set up to monitor Pyongyang. The new pact and the possibility of Russia and North Korea sharing "military-technical cooperation" are nails in the coffin of any Kremlin opposition to Pyongyang's military capabilities. The details On June 20, North Korean state media released the full text of the agreement signed by Putin and Kim, and titled the "Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." "In case any one of the two sides is put in a state of war by an armed invasion from an individual state or several states, the other side shall provide military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and the laws of (North Korea) and the Russian Federation." Article 51 of the U.N. Charter is the section that details the "inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs" against them. Crucially, the pact does not specifically mention if this includes the nuclear detterent possessed by each country. Artyom Lukin of Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, told Reuters the agreement is "for all intents and purposes... a pact of military alliance," Moscow's "first defense alliance outside the post-Soviet space." The agreement also covers trade, investment, political and security cooperation. The parade "A vain man, Putin will also relish basking in the organized mass adulation," Foreman said about the lavish public parade held to mark his arrival. The spectacle saw huge, flag-waving crowds, military bands and giant portraits of both leaders displayed on buildings and placards, in scenes reminiscent of Russia's past. "It shows how far and how quickly Russia is regressing into neo-Stalinism," Foreman said. People wave to the motorcade carrying North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024 (Gavril Grigorov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (Center-R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) walk past children attend a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024 (Vladimir Smirnov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024. (Gavril Grigorov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) In one of the more bizarre moments of the visit, the two leaders took turns driving each other around in a limousine reportedly gifted to Kim by Putin. In a video released by Russian state media, Putin was seen jumping behind the wheel of a black armored Aurus, with Kim getting in the passenger seat before they drove through a park. After a brief walk, Kim then drove Putin back. The weapons No specific arms deals were announced during the visit but Foreman said it's likely Putin "will secure more arms support for his war in Ukraine." North Korea has been shaping up to be Russia's leading weapons supplier for a while as Russia faces reduced military stocks and production capacity simultaneously hampered by Western sanctions. Moscow has already reportedly received extensive military packages from Pyongyang, including ballistic missiles and around 5 million artillery shells. But with both North Korea and Russia subject to Western sanctions, Foreman is skeptical that the agreement will help Putin much on the economic front. "Im not sure there are any real economic benefits for Russia from one of the poorest countries in the world," he said. The bigger picture The carefully stage-managed visit has been studiously watched by capitals across the world. U.S. and South Korean officials have previously raised the alarm over North Korea sending artillery and military equipment to aid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But while Russia and North Korea's increasingly close relationship raises concerns about the war in Ukraine, wider global security, and opposition to a Western-led global order, Foreman says it's important not to forget what the visit says about Russia's current situation on the world stage. "From Putins perspective, the visit allows him to demonstrate that he still has international partners in an axis of dictatorships who share his virulent anti-Americanism," he says. "But stepping back it all looks rather desperate from Putin. Wiser Soviet and Russian leaders kept the North Korean basket case at arm's length, while deepening economic relationships with South Korea," Foreman added. "Putins visit damages the latter further, risking South Korea supplying arms to Ukraine. China may also be dismayed by Russia disturbing the security situation in south-east Asia." On June 20, South Korea said it would reconsider its policy of not directly supplying Ukraine with arms. Up until now, Seoul has only provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv, though it has been reported the country has indirectly supplied artillery shells via the U.S. "The government clearly emphasizes that any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps North Korea increase its military power is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and is subject to monitoring and sanctions by the international community," the country's president's office said in a statement reported by the Associated Press (AP). Summing up Putin's visit to North Korea and the global reaction so far, Foreman described the trip as "potential long-term damage at the expense of limited short-term gain." Read also: Ukraines peace summit falls short of engaging Global South can Ukraine expand its coalition? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Razor clam harvest has reopened on the central and northern Oregon Coast. Razor clamming has reopened on the central and northern Oregon Coast after two tests showed biotoxin levels below the closure limit. Razor clamming is open from Yachats to the Washington state line but is closed from Yachats to the California border. A coastwide ban on harvesting bay clams and mussels remains in place. State officials had closed the entire coast to shellfish harvesting earlier this month after 21 people were sickened by paralytic shellfish poisoning after eating mussels harvested on the northern Coast. Razor clams never showed toxin levels that would have been dangerous, but officials closed their harvest anyway out of "an abundance of caution since PSP levels had elevated very rapidly and were very high in other shellfish species," the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said. With two tests showing biotoxin levels below the closure limit for razor clams, their harvest was reopened earlier this week. Current harvest closures and openings All bay clamming remains closed coastwide for high levels of PSP. This includes all clam species in the bays. All mussel harvesting remains closed coastwide for elevated levels of PSP. Razor clamming is open from the Washington border to Yachats and closed from Yachats to the California border for high levels of PSP and domoic acid. Crab harvesting remains open along the entire Oregon coast. ODA commercial fisheries closures and openings Tillamook Bay and Netarts: oyster fishery is open. Umpqua River/Winchester Bay: oyster fishery is closed. Coastwide: bay clam fishery is closed. People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline (1-800-448-2474) before heading out to harvest shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage. The Oregon Department of Agriculture will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice a month as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. PSP is a natural marine biotoxin produced by some species of microscopic algae. Oregon has seen historic high levels of PSP since late May, leading to multiple closures in several shellfish species since May 23. Watch ODFW's Q&A with ODA and Oregon Health Authority for more information on PSP, shellfish poisoning symptoms, and shellfish testing. 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. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. 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: Razor clamming reopens on central and northern Oregon Coast Record year for civil ceremonies as 85 per cent of couples turn away from the church More than 200,000 marriages were solemnised in 2022 - Moment RF A record 204,982 marriages were sealed in civil ceremonies in 2022, crossing the 200,000 threshold for the first time, new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. Almost 250,000 couples tied the knot that year in total, marking a 12.3 per cent increase on 2019 levels. But religious marriages those held on Church of England grounds or in other places of worship are continuing their pattern of steady decline since they reached a peak of more than 400,000-a-year in the early 1970s. Just 41,915 took place in 2022. Civil ceremony services, meanwhile, have proved much more resilient. On the one hand, the soaring cost of church weddings is likely to be having an impact. With couples now spending 20,775 for the big day on average, according to wedding planning app Bridebook, a scaled-back ceremony at the register office is a more financially palatable option. On the other, the collapse in religious weddings is observed alongside the waning of religious affiliation more broadly. In the 2021 census, less than half of the population (46.2 per cent) described themselves as Christian for the first time. Religious ceremonies made up just 17 per cent of the total in 2022 a record low outside of the pandemic, when the number of weddings plummeted due to successive lockdowns. The legalisation of same-sex marriages in 2014 has also had an effect, just 1.2 per cent of which were held in religious premises in the latest year of data. It remains against the law for Anglican clergy to wed same-sex couples in church, but many now offer prayers of dedication for those who want to give thanks for their love in faith before God. Same-sex marriages were legalised in 2014 - bas.ac.uk It is, however, possible for homosexual couples to hold a civil partnership ceremony in a religious building that has been licensed by the council. A record 7,800 same-sex marriages were held in 2022, of which only 91 were on religious premises of any kind. The data also show opposite-sex couples electing to cohabit before taking their vows more than ever before, up from 59.6 per cent in 1994 to 90 per cent in 2022. The wait before a first marriage is also growing longer, with the median age across men and women up by almost a decade from 23.3 years in 1970 to 32 in 2022. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. After records showed she still hadnt paid ethics fine, Rep. Mace says she cut a check this week Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) speaks during a hearing with the House Oversight and Accountability committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on April 11, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (File/Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) COLUMBIA Six months after her state ethics fine was knocked down to a fraction of what she initially owed, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace says, literally, that her check is in the mail. The two-term Republican representing the coastal 1st District notified staff with the state House Ethics Committee late Wednesday afternoon to expect her $1,200 payment. Ethics Fee Paid in Full, reads the subject line of her two-sentence email to House staff provided to the SC Daily Gazette. Just a quick note to let you know I cut a check this week for the ethics fee in full. The email was sent at 4:44 p.m., just over three hours after the Gazette left a voicemail message and about an hour after the outlet sent follow-up text and email messages asking Maces spokesperson, Gabrielle Lipsky, for comment on why the fine hadnt been paid yet. House staff responded to Maces email by reminding her of the mailing address to send the check. Yes maam. Sent out this week, was the quick response at 5:11 p.m. The Gazette was asking about it after updated House Ethics Committee records showed Mace still owed $1,200 stemming from fines that accumulated in 2021 and 2022, when she repeatedly failed to file quarterly campaign disclosures for her then-still-open state House campaign account. (She closed it out in December.) The fines were initially $16,700. But in December, her former colleagues in the state House voted unanimously to drop the fines down to $1,200, or $200 for each of the six missed disclosure deadlines dating as far back as 2020, when voters first sent her to Congress. Mace did not attend the House Ethics meeting, but in her written explanation to the committee, she said she couldnt afford to pay the fines. By law, they cant be paid with campaign donations. According to a House Ethics letter sent to Mace in January, she was supposed to start paying 3 months ago. The Committee considered the fact that these fines occurred during COVID, the substantial personal and family issues you were dealing with, and that your Final Campaign Disclosure was filed on December 12, 2023. However, the Committee noted the long period this matter languished, and that staff bent over backwards to reach out to you to handle this, reads the letter dated Jan. 23 provided to the Gazette. It allows for a payment plan of $100 a month, to pay in full over a year, with the first payment due by March 1. Explaining why Mace hadnt paid yet, her spokesperson sent the Gazette an earlier letter from House Ethics, dated Dec. 14, which set the first due date as Jan. 15, 2025. But that was simply a typo. That letter was supposed to set the first payment as due Jan. 15, 2024. The second letter sent in January, which Maces office never mentioned, corrected that typo by resetting the initial due date as March 1. After a very busy couple of months, Mace is catching up, Lipsky wrote in an email Thursday morning to the SC Daily Gazette. She planned on cutting the check this week. Mace was in the state Legislature a single term before she defeated Democrat Joe Cunningham in 2020, flipping the coastal 1st District back to the Republicans after a one-term blip. Last week, Mace easily won a primary challenge collecting 57% of the vote in a three-way contest against Catherine Templeton, a former director of two state agencies, and longshot candidate Bill Young. She faces Democrat Michael Moore in November. In the week before the primary, Mace caught national media attention for being one of the top users of a new reimbursement program for House members. The New York Times reported that the U.S. House Ethics Committee will look into Maces spending under the program. Members of Congress are paid annual salaries of $174,000 but many maintain residents in both their district and Washington. Mace co-owns a townhouse in the district, and expensed $27,817 from the reimbursement program in 2023, according to the Washington Post. The post After records showed she still hadnt paid ethics fine, Rep. Mace says she cut a check this week appeared first on SC Daily Gazette. Maine election officials oversee the recount of ballots for the Democratic primary in Senate District 24. (Courtesy of Andrew Francis) After a recount, Denise Tepler is declared the winner of the Democratic primary for Maine Senate District 24. Senate District 24 Democratic candidates Denise Tepler (left) and Jean Guzzetti (right). (Photos courtesy of the campaigns) Jean Guzzetti, a legislative policy analyst, asked for the recount after initial totaling showed her losing by just 22 votes. The recount performed by the Department of the Secretary of State Thursday afternoon showed Tepler, a former state representative, with 1824 votes and Guzzetti with 1799. Tepler now moves on to face Republican Jeffrey Pierce in the November election. The candidates were present for the recount and each brought four volunteers to go through the ballots. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said one volunteer from each candidate was paired together and joined by an election worker to ensure the fidelity of the recount. Senate District 24 covers all of Sagadahoc County and Dresden in Lincoln County. Democrat Eloise Vitelli held the seat most recently, but is termed out having served four consecutive terms. Because this race was as close as it was, state law allowed Guzzetti to ask for a recount at the publics expense. During the original tally, Guzzetti had 1,795 votes and Tepler had 1,817. When she requested the recount, Guzzetti said in a statement that she has complete confidence in the election process, but wanted to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice is heard, given the close margin. Maine doesnt do automatic recounts, so they need to be requested by the candidates. This was the only recount requested for the primary election on June 11, Bellows said. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post After recount, Tepler wins Democratic primary for Senate District 24 appeared first on Maine Morning Star. Recovering from the horror: 10 more Ukrainian children brought back to Ukraine-controlled territories photos The families of these 10 children were forced to leave their homes to save their lives. Photo: Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets on Telegram Ten more Ukrainian children have been successfully brought back from the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. According to Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada (Parliamentary) Commissioner for Human Rights, their families made the decision to leave their homes in order to save the young Ukrainian citizens lives and safeguard their futures. During their time living under Russian occupation, the children witnessed the aggressor's brutality at first hand. The families said the self-proclaimed authorities carried out mass forced mobilisation in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territory. During their time living under Russian occupation, the children witnessed the aggressor's brutality at first hand. Photo: Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets on Telegram "The children saw with their own eyes how the Russians would conduct searches in their homes without grounds. And the mother of one of the boys said they lived in a house damaged by a Russian shell," says the Ombudsman. The Russians also refused to provide medical care to anyone who did not have a Russian passport. The Russians also refused to provide medical care to anyone who did not have a Russian passport. Photo: Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets on Telegram Parents were forced to take their children to Russian schools, where they were required to sing the Russian national anthem every Monday as part of an attempt to indoctrinate the students. Some were able to study at Ukrainian educational institutions, but their families feared that their children would be taken away. "The children saw with their own eyes how the Russians would conduct searches in their homes". Photo: Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets on Telegram Now the little Ukrainians and their families are safe. Experts have already documented the crimes committed against them, witness statements, and the victims experiences. Support UP or become our patron! The legendary actress Nicole Kidman has repeatedly impressed fans with her skillful ability to transform into various characters, appearing in cult musicals, films and TV series. After playing her first role in the drama Bush's Christmas, she continued to develop and won Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes. ADVERTISIMENT Today, on June 20, one of the highest paid stars in Hollywood celebrates her 57th birthday. In this regard, OBOZ.UA has prepared a selection of the best films in which Nicole Kidman revealed herself as a talented actress. Dogville IMDB rating: 8/10 Genre: Drama, crime Country of production: Denmark, Sweden, Great Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Italy Running time: 178 minutes Year: 2003 Director: Lars von Trier The film tells the story of the life of the daughter of a famous mafioso who, fleeing from dangerous criminals, ended up in the small town of Dogville. Having been sheltered by the locals, the girl fulfills all the requests of her rescuers, for which she receives a small salary. However, over time, the inhabitants of the settlement began to take advantage of her hard work, turning the fugitive into a slave. ADVERTISIMENT Moulin Rouge IMDB rating: 7.6/10 Genre: Drama, romance Country of production: USA, Australia Running time: 127 minutes Year: 2001 Director: Baz Luhrmann The film Moulin Rouge tells the story of a Parisian cabaret of the same name. The popular courtesan Satine, who is a patron of the establishment, has attracted the attention of two men with her charms: a poor writer and a rich duke. The lovers fight for the woman's heart, using all methods to achieve their goal. ADVERTISIMENT The Others IMDB rating: 7.6/10 Genre: Thrillers , Horror Country of production: USA, Spain Duration: 101 minutes Year: 2001 Director: Alejandro Amenabar Grace Stewart is a mother of two who decides to move to the island of Jersey to wait for her husband to return from the war. Because her son and daughter are incurably allergic to sunlight, she ordered her servants to close all the doors and windows so that no light from the street could enter. The mother taught her offspring on her own, limiting contact with peers. However, one day the girl told Grace that she had talked to a strange boy in the house who lived there with the whole family. The mother thought the story was just a story until she started noticing strange things happening in their house. ADVERTISIMENT The Hours IMDB rating: 7.6/10 Genre: Drama, romance Country of production: USA, Great Britain Running time: 114 minutes Year: 2002 Director: Stephen Daldry The Hours combines the story of three women who live through the same days, but in different time periods. The first character is the writer Virginia Woolf, who begins to create a novel by describing her feelings and experiences on paper. The second is Laura Brown, a woman who reads the completed work, dreaming of becoming its character. The third is Clarissa Vaughan, a living prototype of the novel's protagonist who enjoys life. To Die For IMDB rating: 6.8/10 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Crime, Thriller, Fantasy ADVERTISIMENT Country of production: Canada, United Kingdom, United States Duration: 106 minutes Year: 1995 Director: Gus Van Sant To Die For is the story of a young girl Susan who dreams of building a career as a TV star. She takes the first steps towards achieving her goal by getting a job as a weather anchor. In parallel with her employment, the woman marries Larry, a man who dreams of a quiet family life. Susan's fiance was against her passion for work and tried to interfere with her plans. The woman was not ready to give up her goal, so she decided to get rid of her beloved. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT From left to right: J. Patrick Coolican, Christopher Ingraham, Max Nesterak, Michelle Griffith and Deena Winter. Photo by James Napoli/Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists. Minnesota Reformer journalist Deena Winter and independent guest columnists Zak Yudhishthu and Joe Harrington were winners of 2024 Minnesota Society of Professional Journalist Page One awards, granted during an annual awards ceremony in St. Paul on Tuesday. Winter won first place awards in two categories for an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Departments off-duty work for security, and her story that found about half the people indicted in the Feeding Our Future fraud had other state contracts. Yudhishthu and Harrington won first place for editorials on how local laws affect housing affordability in the Twin Cities. The Reformer also took home a number of second and third place awards for stories about Minneapolis police earning six-figure salaries because of overtime pay, Mayo Clinic threatening to pull billions in investments over proposed legislation, restrictive labor practices of property management company FirstService, the influence of lobbying at the Minnesota Capitol and for beat reporting. Reformer reporter Madison McVan was also a runner-up for young journalist of the year. The Star Tribunes Andy Mannix won journalist of the year in part for his in-depth story titled What happened to Heather Mayer? which also won story of the year. Katelyn Vue of the Sahan Journal and Elijah Lutgens of the NRHEG Star Eagle both won young journalist of the year. Becky Dernbach of the Sahan Journal won best beat reporting for her education coverage. Associated Press reporter Robin McDowell who won a Pulitzer Prize for being part of a 2016 team that wrote stories leading to the freeing of 2,000 enslaved migrants in the Southeast Asia fishing industry was a guest speaker at the awards ceremony, McDowell in 2020 also investigated the case against Myon Burrell, who was sentenced to life in prison as a teenager. Her investigation found new evidence and a myriad of inconsistencies in the case, and the investigation led to Burrells release from prison. The post Reformer reporters recognized at 2024 Minnesota journalism awards appeared first on Minnesota Reformer. There's a church on every corner in Oklahoma. That longtime anecdote is often shared to convey how much Christianity holds sway in Oklahoma. The religious influence that adage implies became noticeably apparent when a slew of faith-related bills were introduced in the recent legislative session. And Gov. Kevin Stitt's Christian-leaning remarks during his State of the State address also served to highlight what some believe is a growing push to insert faith in the public square. Stitt and numerous legislators have said they are simply exercising the religious liberty that is afforded to all U.S. citizens by the First Amendment. But critics said the governor's overtly Christian rhetoric and Oklahoma's marked propensity for faith-fueled legislation said these instances fly in the face of separation of church and state derived from the Establishment Clause in the very same First Amendment. What happens when people define the concept of religious liberty in different ways? Is separation of church and state losing ground in Oklahoma? Consider: Stitt, no stranger to overtly Christian rhetoric, peppered his State of the State address at the beginning of the legislative session with Scripture. He also paraphrased a well-known passage from the biblical Book of Joshua when he said "As for me and my state, we will serve the Lord." In an open letter, a group of mostly Christian religious leaders criticized the governor's remarks, particularly his paraphrased statement from Joshua, arguing that his words were insulting to non-Christian Oklahomans and those of no faith. Stitt doubled down on his remarks, reiterating them several times, including at the CBMC Metro Prayer Breakfast in April in downtown Oklahoma City. The 2024 legislative session included several bills related to faith, such as a measure proclaiming 2024 as the "Year of the Bible" in Oklahoma. Others sought to insert faith in the public square, particularly public schools. A bill requiring public schools to create policies for off-site religious or morality "released time" courses was also passed. These two measures that gained approval were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of faith-connected bills introduced during the 2024 regular legislative session. One of the most controversial measures, a bill allowing public schools to hire or accept as volunteer faith-based chaplains for support and service, did not move forward. The so-called chaplain bill drew the immediate criticism of groups including the Oklahoma Faith Network and ACLU Oklahoma, and the Center for Inquiry. More: The Satanic Temple wants to provide chaplains in schools under proposed bill. Lawmakers say it doesn't qualify Others that set off alarm bells among supporters of separation of church and state included House Bill 3122, also called the Oklahoma Freedom of Religious Expression Act, and House Bill 3543, which would have, among other things, permitted teachers to teach and discuss certain Judeo-Christian values; authorized the teaching and discussion of intelligent design theory; permitted public schools to display a memorial cross; and required schools to treat student expression of a religious viewpoint the same as a secular viewpoint. Still another bill, House Bill 1858, called for the prominent display of a Ten Commandments monument inside and outside the state Capitol as a symbol of its historic significance for Oklahoma and American history. And another bill that failed to advance, House Bill 2962, would have required Oklahoma public school classrooms to display a copy of the Ten Commandments. This measure was supported by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, who last year received recommendations from an advisory group that included Ten Commandment classroom displays. Cindy Nguyen, center right, Policy Director for ACLU of Oklahoma, leads a group around on Feb. 26 to learn about how their government works at a gathering of ACLU Concerned Constituents at the Oklahoma Capitol. 'Eyes are on Oklahoma' as a testing ground for legislation It's the job of Cindy Nguyen, policy director with ACLU Oklahoma, to pay attention to proposed legislation that she feels may infringe on residents' civil liberties. She said she was surprised during the most recent legislative session to see a spate of what she described as "anti-religious freedom bills." Nguyen said there appeared to be an intentional effort to flood the Oklahoma political landscape with such measures. Nguyen pointed to the chaplain bill that did not advance. She said the National School Chaplains Association, based in Norman, has backed similar bills in other states as part of a concerted effort to get such legislation approved. She said other organizations such as the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Heritage Foundation use the same playbook every year in offering support for such bills, not just in Oklahoma, but across the country. More: Oklahoma County judge rules most of lawsuit over Catholic charter school can continue Tamya Cox-Toure, ACLU Oklahoma's executive director, said such ideas or issues are not not necessarily "born and bred in Oklahoma," rather they are model legislation. Often called copycat bills, these proposals are used as templates for measures to be considered by state legislatures across the U.S. Tamya Cox-Toure, ACLU Oklahoma's executive director Cox-Toure said it's important for her organization and like-minded agencies and individuals to push back on these types of bills, "because how goes Oklahoma, can go the rest of the country." "Oklahoma continues to be an important testing ground, to say the least, for some of the bad legislation, so I think that is why a lot of times, all eyes are on Oklahoma and how we move forward in some of these pieces of legislation," she said. Meanwhile, Nguyen and the Rev. Shannon Fleck, executive director of the Oklahoma Faith Coalition, said they do not think separation of church and state is losing ground in Oklahoma because there are plenty of people who support this concept derived from the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. "There are certainly right-wing national groups attempting to restrict religious liberty and use public funds for religious purposes in Oklahoma, but despite what politicians want us to believe, the people of Oklahoma have already decided on State Question 790, that they do not want public funds going to religious purposes," Nguyen said. The Rev. Shannon Fleck, with Oklahoma Faith Network, moderates an Interfaith Impact Lunch on Feb. 20 at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Fleck's organization is made up of Christian denominations, churches and individuals in Oklahoma who sometimes partner with agencies and groups affiliated with other faith traditions. Like Nguyen, she said political matters may make it seem that Oklahomans don't agree with separation of church and state, but this is not true. "There's clearly an effort to push the limits happening here in Oklahoma, however public discourse, in my experience, remains firm with the separation of church and state," Fleck said. She said organizations like hers, ACLU Oklahoma and others, are holding "our ground that the separation of church and state, the Establishment Clause, the Free Exercise Clause, are the only way to live with true religious freedom for every human being." "We're standing up for that," Fleck said. Supporters say liberty being upheld in a different way Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs, a conservative think tank, shared his views on separation of church and state. He agreed with Fleck and Nguyen that it is being upheld in Oklahoma, but his thoughts diverged on how this is happening. For example, unlike ACLU Oklahoma, which opposed HB 1425, Small said his organization supported the measure. House Bill 1425 requires each public school board across Oklahoma to create a policy excusing students to attend a course in religious or moral instruction taught by an independent entity off school grounds. Under the measure, schools, with parents' permission, would be able to excuse students from attendance for up to three class periods per week to attend such courses and receive credit. Representatives of Ohio-based Lifewise Academy have said the organization hopes to offer the "release time" Bible classes to Oklahoma public school students as it does in about a dozen other states. A LifeWise Academy bus takes public school students to and from the nonprofit's Bible classes. Small said his organization supported the bill because it promotes character development in students. "The first reason we supported the bill is that it has become pretty clear that some sort of faith or moral training or instruction has a significant positive impact on students, behavior, their attendance and even their academics," he said. Small said OCPA also supported the measure because interest in the teaching profession has been declining across the country, and this is connected to the student discipline challenges and problems schools are facing. He said the bill does not take away anyone's religious liberty, a freedom that was so important to America's founders. "The foundation of our country was built by people that were most definitely imperfect and had flaws, but had a desire to be somewhere where they had the freedom to choose whatever religion it was that they wanted to follow, whatever faith they wanted to follow," he said. What does 'religious liberty' mean? Part of the reason some Oklahomans are at odds over religious legislation may be because they have different definitions of what constitutes religious liberty in the public square. Small said measures like HB 1425 do not infringe on anyone's religious freedom because the bill is not forcing religion on anyone. He said the bills have been upheld by multiple U.S. Supreme Court decisions, particularly several in recent years, because such rulings hinge on whether or not government is trying to force a person to participate in a religious activity against their will. "That's kind of where it's determined whether or not that right line the first foundational principles, First Amendment, can get crossed, and that's just not happening in the case of House Bill 1425," Small said. He said he thinks people get confused or talk past one another when they discuss the meaning of religious liberty. "There's a difference between freedom of religion and freedom from religion," Small said. "And, in the case of House Bill 1425, no one is forced to do anything whatsoever." Fleck said to her, there's a simple premise at the heart of religious liberty: It's wrong to single out one religious tradition over another. "So, when we're talking about public spaces, like our schools, we're talking about places where a diverse swath of people come together, and all of their traditions have to be honored. That is what real religious freedom looks like." She said there is a religious liberty talking point that is essentially a Christian nationalist talking point that says that because people of faith don't have access to every single system in the state or nation, that means they do not have religious freedom or religious liberty as people of faith. But she said this is a definition that "flips it on the head." "Because when we look at some of the bills that are focusing on our public schools, the argument is being made that religious leaders have religious freedom and should have access rather than the children have religious freedom and should be free from influence." Fleck said an idea that has been intentionally cultivated among some circles feeds into the idea that Christians are being persecuted, that Christianity is on the decline, and that secular atheism is on the rise. "So, by flipping that talking point, they're able to live into that narrative," the minister said. Nguyen said different interpretations of religious freedom are at the heart of the matter. "This is exactly the issue 'religious liberty' has been used by national, right-wing, legal advocacy groups to strip others of their freedoms," she said. She offered as some of the "most egregious" examples of legislation introduced this year, House Bill 3122 and House Bill 3543, which were each called The Oklahoma Freedom of Religious Expression Act, "but instead of protecting freedoms, it gave explicit permissions for various 'Judeo-Christian' standards, practices and expressions in public schools." "This is the opposite of religious liberty when most students have no choice but to attend these public schools," Nguyen said. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Is OK's separation of church and state under fire? Depends who you ask Nine days after D-Day, on June 15, 1944, the Battle of Saipan erupted on the other side of the world. It was to be as pivotal for the Pacific Theater as D-Day was for the war in Europe. Eighty years later, commemorations were held June 15, 2024, on Saipan to remember the battle and to honor those who sacrificed so much. Operation Forager The Battle of Saipan was part of the U.S. militarys Operation Forager, which also included taking Tinian and liberating Guam. Capturing Saipan and the neighboring islands meant Tokyo would be within range of the United States B-29 Superfortress bombers. As explained by Don Farrell, author of Seabees and Superforts at War, it was a critical turning point in the Pacific War. The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Combined U.S.-British Chiefs of Staff recognized it would be a costly, bloody battle, Farrell wrote. But they also realized that if Saipan, Tinian and Guam were captured, then the fleet could turn due north toward Japan. They concluded that the capture of the Marianas would provide a faster route to Japan. Japan had designated the islands as part of its absolute national defense sphere and knew what losing them would mean. Japan had control over Tinian and Saipan since 1914 and had invaded Guam just after it attacked Pearl Harbor. Imperial Japanese forces had years to fortify the islands. By the time the Americans arrived off the coast of Saipan, there were more than 30,000 Imperial Japanese troops dug in. U.S. Marines take cover behind a flame-throwing Sherman tank, nicknamed The battle itself was a brutal, intense and a compressed microcosm of the war in the Pacific, described by Naval History and Heritage Command as the most daring and disturbing operation in the U.S. war against Japan to date. It was disturbing, in part, because of the large civilian population. Around 20,000 Japanese, Okinawans and Koreans, plus 4,000 Chamorros, were on Saipan when the 71,000 U.S. troops landed, most from the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions and the 27th Infantry Division. For Japanese forces, this was a desperate last stand. When it was clear Japan was losing, commanding Japanese General Yoshitsugu Saito committed suicide. In the early morning hours of July 7, an estimated 4,000 Japanese charged American positions in one of the largest banzai charges of the war. Hundreds, and possibly more, Japanese civilians threw themselves off suicide and banzai cliffs. Meanwhile, American forces which included Navajo Code Talkers and local Scouts, the latter of whom were eventually made full Marines were caught between the brutal desperation of Japanese forces, attempts to save civilians and sheer survival. By the time the battle officially ended on July 9, America had endured more than 16,500 casualties, including close to 3,500 killed. On the Japanese side, 921 were taken prisoner. The rest died in battle or by suicide. The capture of Saipan led to the capture of Tinian, which allowed for the establishment of the Tinian airfields. These became some of the busiest airfields in the world as waves of B-29s took off to hit Japan. This was also where the Enola Gay and Bockscar took to the sky on their way toward Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively, leading to the end of the war in the Pacific. After the war, Saipan, Tinian and the rest of what is now the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas voted to enter into a Covenant with the United States and formally joined the U.S., granting American citizenship to their residents. Today, the people of the Marianas serve in the U.S. military at high rates. The commemoration The 80th anniversary commemoration ceremony began at Green Beach, where some of the 8,000 Marines who came ashore in the first 20 minutes of the massive amphibious operation landed. They were represented by the sons of three 4th Marine Division veterans. They laid a wreath at the veterans memorial, then moved the commemorations to American Memorial Park, where a parade including representatives from the 4th Marine Division and speeches followed. The Japanese consul spoke sincerely about the bond now shared between Japan and the U.S. Another speaker, Saipan mayor Hon. Ramon RB Jose Blas Camacho, was instrumental in ensuring the event happened as scheduled despite Saipans present economic difficulties. In an interview, he explained that he wanted to make sure the younger generation remembered the courage and sacrifice that occurred there 80 years ago. Just imagine when they landed the worry, the fear, he said. He also wanted to put a spotlight on Saipan. Every year they talk about Normandy, but what happened here was really important. It was. It changed the Pacific and resulted in a new piece of America being created. That transformation was embodied by attendee Cdr. Christine Igisomar. The Marianas native is the highest-ranking Chamorro woman in U.S. Coast Guard history. After the ceremony, she was on her way to her new post as Coast Guard liaison to the Philippines Coast Guard. The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas is where America touches Asia and, while the theme of the commemoration was 80 Years of Peace in the Pacific, the region is once again on the front lines. The airfields at Tinian are being rehabilitated in a $409 million Air Force project. At the same time, this is the only U.S. territory where Chinese nationals can arrive without a visa. Regional tensions are building. Still, in true commemoration of the warriors who died in Saipan, the message from the Marines is clear. In his speech, 4th Marine Division Commanding General Brig. Gen. John K. Jarrard had a message for any current enemies listening: Be afraid. Cleo Paskal is Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Police in New York have arrested and charged Remy Mas 23-year-old son. Jayson Jace Scott, is charged with murder. According to the New York Post, on Tuesday night, Scott and Richard Swygert, 22, were arrested on first-degree murder charges. The charges follow a 2021 shooting in which 43-year-old Darius Guillebeaux was fatally shot in broad daylight. Authorities say that Scott and Swygert were taken into custody on June 18. Various charges have been filed against Scott, including murder in the first and second degree. Additionally, hes charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of weapons. Swygert was charged with first-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. As reported by People, the shooting in 2021 took place in Queens. Police responded on June 7, 2021, to a 911 call reporting a male shot at 148 Street and Rockaway Boulevard. Remys representative provided People with the following statement on Wednesday afternoon. As many have heard, Remy Mas son, Jayson Scott was recently arrested and very serious unfounded allegations have been made, the statement read. Remy Ma wished to address this situation personally, but has been strongly advised by our office not to say anything publicly as most people in this situation are, as the case is still active. To be clear, Jayson Scott is innocent and Remy Ma is committed to proving his innocence and fully supporting her child during this time. An arraignment took place on June 19 inside a Queens County courthouse per Fox 5 New York. We stand by Jaysons innocence and hope the NYPD will conduct a complete and thorough investigation to reveal the truth, Remys statement continued. This has undoubtedly been a trying time for Remy Ma and her family. While she sincerely appreciates the love and support she has received, we kindly ask that her privacy be respected as their legal team works to prove Jaysons innocence. The organizers behind a much-anticipated ballot question asking voters to slash the citys property tax rate submitted more than 23,000 signatures Thursday, more than double the number needed to place the question on the ballot. The proposed question would ask voters to cut the citys property tax rate from 2.248% to 1.2% over seven years. After that, the rate would be capped. Proposed by a coalition of economists and former city officials calling themselves Renew Baltimore, the group argues the cut would attract more residents and businesses to the city, increasing its tax base and offsetting the multimillion-dollar hit to city revenue. Supporters gathered Thursday for a rally in front of City Hall behind a pile of boxes stacked high containing signed petitions. Citizens petitioning to place a question on the ballot need 10,000 signatures from qualified city voters. Petitions are due by July 29. No city can thrive when it penalizes its residents with a tax rate that is twice as high as that that is available right next door, said Stephen J.K. Walters, a Loyola University economics professor backing Renew Baltimore. Supporters held charts indicating that populations grew in cities like Washington, D.C., Boston and San Francisco after property tax reforms were implemented there. They also suggested crime would decrease in Baltimore following the cut based upon those comparisons. The proposed question is not yet on the ballot, but it already faces opposition from a coalition of labor organizations, social justice groups and elected officials who launched a campaign against the proposal last week. The opposition group, which is backed by nearly half the members of the Baltimore City Council, Mayor Brandon Scott and several unions representing city employees, argued the decrease in tax revenue would lead to catastrophic cuts to city services including a reduction in fire companies, teacher layoffs, the closure of one-third of neighborhood libraries and the end of the Safe Streets violence prevention program. Baltimore had about $3.6 billion of revenue in fiscal year 2023, according to the citys annual audited financial report. Almost 30% of that money about $1 billion came from the property tax. Christopher Meyer, a research analyst with the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, said last week Baltimore would need to gain 325,000 new residents within seven years to maintain existing tax revenue if the cut is enacted. Renew Baltimore organizers say those calculations fail to account for additional jobs created by businesses moving to the city and boosted revenue from increasing property values. Ben Frederick, a real estate broker on the leadership team for Renew Baltimore, argued in an interview with The Baltimore Sun that the lower tax rate will certainly attract new residents to the city. He compared the policy to the speed cameras installed on Interstate 83. Drivers have slowed down in response, he said. Government policy affects human behavior, he said. If a policy is instituted with lower property taxes, will that change peoples behavior? The answer is yes, of course. Organizers argue the proof can be found in the citys waterfront neighborhoods where tax credits have been concentrated. Population there has increased while residents have fled from neighborhoods across the rest of the city. Baltimore has been losing population for years. Census data shows a migration of people from historically Black neighborhoods relocating to areas with a higher cost of living. All we want to do is take it citywide, Frederick said. If low property taxes are good for large politically connected developers, why arent they good for everybody? Carl Stokes, a former Baltimore City councilman who is supporting Renew Baltimore, said Thursday that the query raised by opponents about how the proposed reduction in city revenue can be made up was a stupid, disingenuous question. He noted that the city has given tax breaks in exchange for development, pointing to one for the waterfront Marriott hotel. Who made up the difference? Who made up the gap? he asked. Ive made it up All of the people who are homeowners of Baltimore City made it up. Opponents argue that investors fueling gentrifying waterfront neighborhoods would still benefit from Renews proposed tax reduction as would wealthy, predominantly white homeowners. Campaign finance records show developers and companies dealing in real estate have been some of the largest financial backers of Renews campaign. The Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors PAC gave $23,000 to the effort while the Maryland Multi-Housing Association PAC contributed $30,000, records show. Other contributions include: $25,000 each from CFG Community Bank and Terra Nova Ventures; $15,100 from Frederick of Ben Frederick Realty; $10,000 each from Benjamin Griswold IV, a partner at Brown Investment Advisory Trust; HHG LLC a corporation listed at Brown Investments Fells Point address; and former mayoral candidate Mary Miller; $12,184 from Matt Wyskiel, a North Baltimore wealth manager who has also given thousands of dollars of in-kind donations to the effort. Scott is expected to issue a statement on Renew Baltimore later Thursday. Renews petition campaign is one of many this cycle aimed at placing questions on ballots in November. So far, only one has formally secured a spot. That effort, sponsored by the People for Elected Accountability & Civic Engagement, would ask voters to slash the size of the City Council by half. David Smith, chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group and co-owner of The Baltimore Sun, has principally funded the petition drive. Three other petition efforts have also submitted signatures with the July 29 deadline still more than a month away. Those include the Maryland Child Alliance, which is petitioning to establish a fund called the Baby Bonus which would pay parents of newborn children $1,000 upon their arrival. Signatures have also been submitted by groups hoping to create a community wealth building fund and a fund to advocate for a regional transit authority. Last week, a group led by former mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah began collecting signatures in support of a ballot question that would ask voters to establish a dedicated park system that could not be disrupted by private development. The proposal is aimed at derailing the proposed redevelopment of Harborplace which calls for 900 apartments to be built in a conjoined tower on the citys waterfront. Additional ballot questions will likely be put to voters this fall at the behest of the Baltimore City Council. The council can place a measure on the ballot without collecting signatures if the mayor also consents. Questions asking voters to establish local control of the citys police department and to clear the way for the proposed Harborplace development have already been approved by the mayor and council. Others, including competing proposals on redistricting, are still under consideration. Renters at the Fairburn and Gordon apartment complex in Southwest Atlanta say they are fed up. This aint no project baby, this aint even ghetto this is gutter, sewage gutter, Deborah Love told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln. They attended a status hearing Thursday about the slow progress landlords say theyre making. Last month, the city of Atlanta ordered the landlord to make fixes addressing more than 300 code enforcement violations. Landlords were supposed to have adequate pest control, trash service, security, landscaping and working AC in all units before the 30-day deadline. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has halted all funding because of these violations. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] I agree with what the city is doing, because even if theyre able to keep these apartments, what theyre doing is trying to make it better for the people, renter Sylvania Cooper told Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln. Several renters told Lincoln they are still without air conditioning. How they was getting away with it, is what we want to know, Crystal Brown said. The solicitors office says while theres been progress, the majority of the progress has been in vacant units and not the occupied units. Judge Christopher Portis ordered the landlord to pay a $35,000 fine before close of business tomorrow. If that deadline isnt met the judge could decide to have the property demolished. We cannot allow this in this city, we cannot stand for this in this city Nathaniel Smith founder of Partnership for Southern Equity. TRENDING STORIES: Partnership for Southern Equity has been working with renters to advocate for better living conditions. I think its a shame that weve allowed residents to exist in this space and live in these spaces that would have been inhumane conditions, Sterling Johnson said. Channel 2 Action News learned the landlords live in California. Their attorney representing them declined to comment. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is calling for commonsense gun violence safety laws at a news conference in Tampa Thursday. Castor says there have been 320 gun-based homicides in Florida alone since April 30, criticizing the state legislature for rolling back gun safety laws by enacting permitless carry. Questions are still unanswered: Polk County mother mourns sons shooting death Castor was joined by Freddie Barton of Safe and Sound and representatives from Moms Demand Action in front of the mural at 2702 N Florida Ave. in Tampa. Barton called for parents and guardians in the community to become mentors to their children and to teach them about gun safety. Were calling for all of our neighbors to help, to weigh in, Castor added. We need our community to lock their car doors, to engage their youths, and as Freddie Barton said, to become mentors and become aware of what is happening across this community. You can watch the event in the video player above. This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Wesley Bell, a St. Louis prosecutor who is mounting a formidable Democratic primary challenge against Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), is campaigning as someone who will produce more tangible results for the district while sharing many of her same left-leaning values. But one line on Bells political resume is at odds with his promise to champion a progressive agenda. In 2006, Bell managed the campaign of a conservative Republican running for the same seat Bell is seeking today. The candidate, Mark J. Byrne, ran as a fierce abortion opponent and gun rights crusader. I intend to protect the rights of the unborn, his campaign website read. I believe that there is no greater job for elected representatives. He ultimately lost to incumbent Rep. William Lacy Clay Jr., who remained in office until Bush successfully challenged him in 2020. Nearly 20 years ago, Wesley helped a longtime friend by volunteering with his campaign, in spite of their differences in political affiliations and positions on many issues, said Anjan Mukherjee, a spokesperson for Bells campaign. Wesley has been a progressive prosecutor, working to overturn wrongful convictions and refusing to prosecute women for abortions, and he will be a progressive member of Congress who works with President Biden. Byrne, who is now a municipal judge in a neighboring county, said Bell ran his campaign as a friendly favor. The two met as young lawyers in St. Louis County, he recalled, and became friends over years of poker nights. He didnt run a Republicans campaign, he ran a friends campaign, Byrne said in an interview this week with HuffPost. He and I didnt see eye to eye on political issues, but he did the best that he could to try to help me get elected. Bell has avoided any mention of the Byrne campaign as he crisscrosses Missouris bright-blue 1st Congressional District, which includes St. Louis and Ferguson, the birthplace of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2014. Wesley Bell pictured with GOP congressional hopeful Mark J. Byrne at a Florissant, Missouri, campaign event in summer 2006. Bell volunteered as Byrne's campaign manager. byrneforcongress.com Bush and Bell both emerged from the Ferguson uprising as political leaders. And the primary has mostly revolved around their dueling claims to better represent progressive voters. In her four years in Congress, Bush, a former nurse, rallied national support for a COVID-era eviction moratorium and led the first calls for a cease-fire in the ongoing fighting in Gaza. Bell, claiming Bush gets better headlines than results, is campaigning on his record as the St. Louis County prosecutor, a role in which he pursued alternatives to incarceration for people convicted of minor offenses. Supporters of Bush argue Bell is not a genuine progressive but the Democrat preferred by Republicans. Bells willingness to defend abortion rights depends solely on how it helps his own political career, said Usamah Andrabi, the spokesperson for Justice Democrats, a grassroots group supporting Bush. There is no excuse that can justify leading the campaign to elect a Republican extremist. As of May, Bell has raised more than $65,000 in contributions from donors who normally give to Republicans. They include a former GOP speaker of the Missouri House, the billionaire hedge fund founder Daniel Loeb, and the former finance chair for Sen. Tim Scotts (R-S.C.) presidential super PAC. At the end of the last fundraising quarter, Bell reported having about twice as much cash on hand as Bush. Bell has also benefited from more than $300,000 in ads paid for by the American Israel Public Affairs Committees super PAC. While AIPAC backs candidates of both parties who support U.S. military assistance for Israel, progressive critics have noted the PACs top contributors are GOP megadonors. Bush is one of AIPACs top targets in the 2024 elections. The fact that my Democratic opponents entrance into politics was managing a Republican congressional campaign for a far-right, anti-abortion extremist is strikingly consistent, and it should tell voters everything they need to know, Bush said in a statement. He cant be trusted to protect our reproductive freedoms and abortion rights, secure our democracy, and stand up to the MAGA Republican extremists in Congress. He and I didnt see eye to eye on political issues, but he did the best that he could to try to help me get elected.Mark J. Byrne Bells 2006 stint as a GOP campaign hand fell during a historic wave year for Democrats. Amid deepening anger over President George W. Bushs mishandling of the war in Iraq and Hurricane Katrina and a drumbeat of Republican scandals, Democrats easily recaptured the House and Senate. Byrne, the candidate Bell worked for, epitomized the kind of staunch conservative voters rejected. I am pro-life and I will support a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of the unborn, Byrne told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I will protect our Second Amendment right to bear arms. I will increase funding for the border patrol and crack down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. When the Post-Dispatch editorial board supported his more moderate primary rival, Byrnes campaign spun it as a wonderful endorsement of his strongly conservative positions. The Post is correct, his campaign website read. While some may waver on their positions, Mark will not compromise his integrity just to become the moderate candidate. Byrne won the primary. But as a first-time political candidate in a Democratic stronghold, he proved a weak match for Clay, whose father had held the same congressional seat for 32 years before him. Byrne now denies he ran a right-wing conservative campaign, and argues that Bells role in his congressional bid shouldnt hurt his own political future. In all the conversations that I have ever had with Wesley, hes not a Republican, he doesnt think like a Republican or have a Republican agenda, Byrne said. Hes always been a lifelong Democrat. But Megan Green, the president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen who is supporting Bush for reelection, isnt reassured. It is a little strange to me that this is where youd be putting your efforts in 2006, when there were a good number of Democrats running for office that needed help and support, she said. Friendship is one thing. But empowering friends who have problematic viewpoints to get into positions of power, thats concerning. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Raleigh County Commissioner Daniel Hall and Commission President Greg Duckworth reported on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, that residents from the Midway area reported that people were bitten by stray dogs which run in their neighborhood. They asked commissioners for help. Ive dealt with similar issues, down where I live, said Commissioner Hall. Weve had to call Animal Control, and its a challenge. I mean, those guys, they dont have many places to take these animals. Strays pose an ongoing issue throughout southern West Virginia. The non-profit Humane Society of Raleigh County operates the only shelter in Raleigh County. The number of abandoned animals has risen, sometimes forcing shelter officials to turn away animals. Local rescue and foster organizations have stepped up but often feel overwhelmed. The Axehole owner says City of Beckleys revitalization plan hurts downtown businesses The stray problem became so pronounced that, a few years ago, commissioners had considered building a shelter that would put down animals that werent adopted. Ultimately, the plan was abandoned, and comments by Hall on Tuesday suggested commissioners had no immediate plans to revive the effort. We dont want to kill these animals, said Commissioner Hall, who started his term on Tuesday. Nobody wants to do that, and so we need to get creative and find solutions, too, and hopefully people can adopt these dogs, but we cant just allow them to run free in the county and harass the citizens. HSRC Executive Director Brett Kees said on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, that stray animals continue to reproduce, creating a cycle of an ever-growing number of strays. He said the only solution is for Raleigh County Commission and other local governing bodies to pass laws which require owners to sterilize their dogs. The fact of the matter is, fosters arent solving the problem. Spay and neuters going to solve the problem, said Kees. So, you actually want to fix the problem? Pass a spay and neuter ordinance. Will mail be delivered in West Virginia on Juneteenth? Kees, who has called publicly for the law for the past several years, said a spay-and-neuter ordinance would immediately begin to cut down on the number of unwanted dogs. We wouldnt constantly have 70 dogs and our heads underwater, said Kees. Im not going to euthanize their problem away for them. They need to pass a law or its never going to change. He pointed out that animal control officers must currently seek permission from Raleigh County Sheriffs Office in order to rescue animals. He suggested commissioners give limited police powers to Animal Control officers in order to enforce spay-and-neuter laws. You pass a spay-neuter ordinance, you give them the right to enforce it and write actual tickets and summon people into court, advised Kees. Summer Food Program hosted by West Virginia Church of God Kees said all animal bites should be reported immediately to a local health department. Animals may carry rabies, and an aggressive dog could pose a risk to children and others. He offered advice to pet owners who want to help resolve the stray problem, suggesting they adopt dogs from local shelters instead of purchasing dogs and that they are sure to spay and neuter their own pets. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Retired Gen. Mattis warns of Russia-China partnership, need for U.S. citizens to unite The nation needs to remember the hard lesson it learned with World War II, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis told a crowd of more than 400 at a Columbia Basin Badger Club event Tuesday night in Pasco. The former secretary of defense, who calls Richland his hometown, warned of the growing nexus between Russia and China, supported by North Korea and Iran in a talk focused on Americas role in a dangerous world. Democracy has no divine right to survival, he said. Two weeks ago the United States and its allies paid respect to the troops that stormed the beaches of Normandy to invade Nazi-occupied France on D-Day June 6, 1944. There a Word War II veteran in a wheelchair told the U.S. chairman of the joint chief of staffs, Never again. Dont let this happen again, Mattis said. The United States turned its back on the world after World War I, thinking that if it ignored troubles they would go away, and then faced WWII, Mattis said. Today we face a strengthening partnership among autocrats, he said. The network they form is a reality, he said. We are going to have to face it. It does no good to look the other way. Retired Gen. James Mattis, former secretary of defense, greets members of a honor guard unit before a 2021 ceremony at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus. Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Georgia in 2008, Crimea in 2014 and now what the people of Ukraine are going through is bloody awful, Mattis said. A continent away, China is threatening Taiwan and countries in the South China Sea, plus Japan, Mattis said. As Mattis was speaking in the Tri-Cities, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were meeting to pledge defense aid in the face of aggression. The United States will need to strengthen its military, Mattis said. He described the nations military capability as big and good but said its enemies are strengthening their military capabilities. He also called on the people of the United States to pull together. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke about Americas place in a dangerous world during a meeting in Pasco. In this file photo, Mattis meets with some Richland students. Mattis stresses compromise We are going to have to come back together with a fundamental friendliness to each other, he said. Russia and China are cheering on the lack of compromise in the United States and combative politics, which is dividing America, and the paralysis that is keeping lawmakers from solving fundamental problems, he said. Compromise is the only way forward to hold together, he said. Compromise is not a dirty word. With the rights that U.S. citizens enjoy, there also comes responsibility and for that expectations must be high, he said. Most important is to put others first, he said. Allies are important to the United States, he said, recalling the day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks when the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, and other countries came together. Sixty days later Mattis was fighting in Afghanistan with the help of allies. They were there along side us because the Greatest Generation (which formed NATO in 1949) dealt with the reality of the world and perceived the terror of leaving an open playing field for aggression, Mattis said. Never had Europe been so unified as now against Chinese-supported Russian aggression, he said. Even Sweden and Finland, which remained neutral through the Cold War, applied to join NATO in 2022. But world threats are not confined to Europe. The next Ukraine could be in the Pacific, he said. I dont want to call it a war footing, but I think the time is now here we have to go to a deterrent force, Mattis said. Pulling out of NATO would be an economic mistake, he said. He repeated what he was once told if you are going into a gunfight, bring all your friends with guns. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke about Americas place in a dangerous world in Pasco. In this file photo, he is at Stanford University in California. Eastern WA DNA The Badger Club event was at Columbia Basin Colleges Gjerde Center, with registration required. Those who were unable to get a ticket before all seats were claimed can watch a recording of Mattiss talk once it is uploaded at cbbc.clubexpress.com. Mattis said he spoke to the Badger Club as part of his attitude of gratitude for the community that raised me. His Eastern Washington DNA is strong after being born in Pullman, Wash., and growing up in Richland, he said. He joined the Marine Corps in 1969 and retired as a four-star general. He led the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade in the war in Afghanistan and the 1st Marine Division in the invasion of Iraq. He commanded all US forces in the Middle East as the commander of CENTCOM (Central Command) from 2010 to 2013. He served as the 26th U.S Secretary of Defense from 2017 to 2019 in the Trump Administration. Every year on June 20, the global community celebrates World Refugee Day. In 2024, this significant day is observed under the theme "For a world where refugees are welcomed with dignity". Azernews reports that the appeal issued by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) emphasizes the importance of solidarity with people forced to leave their countries. The organization notes that its projects aim to promote solidarity and support for refugees' rights to safety, dignity, and social inclusion in order to help them realize their dreams. The appeal reads: "ICESCO takes this opportunity to call on the international community to work together in support of this category of people worldwide, stressing that more solidarity and humanitarian efforts are needed, focusing on the social, economic, and cultural dimensions, to ensure that every refugee enjoys their basic rights." The organization also strives to protect the dignity of these vulnerable groups by providing them with fair and comprehensive education and employment opportunities that match their skills. In this context, ICESCO launched the "Medical and Social Education Caravans" initiative aimed at providing basic social and medical assistance within and outside the Islamic world, especially in rural and remote areas. For example, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, assistance was provided to Palestinian refugees through caravans, mobile medical services, and community outreach programs. The caravan offered medical advice, examinations, vaccinations, and essential medicines to vulnerable groups. In addition to medical support, ICESCO emphasized the key role of education in reducing poverty and supporting refugees. In this regard, the organization has started a scholarship program for students from vulnerable groups, giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education and build a brighter future. The appeal concludes: "On World Refugee Day, ICESCO reaffirms its commitment to help build a future where everyone, including the most vulnerable, can achieve success and prosperity. It calls for joint efforts to end the suffering of refugees and honor their resilience and courage." Ukraine will not receive interest on blocked Russian assets in 2024. During this period, the G7 will only develop a mechanism for transferring funds. Their physical receipt is expected no earlier than 2025, so this will not change the situation with the state budget for 2024. ADVERTISIMENT "The decision on $50 billion from the G7 saves our situation in 2025, but it is very unlikely to affect the budget problems (especially with the military) this year. This challenge will have to be solved with internal resources," explained Yaroslav Zhelezniak, Deputy Chairman of the Tax Committee of the Verkhovna Rada. Yaroslav Zhelezniak (Holos) explained to the Rada. In other words, this year, to improve the financial situation in Ukraine, taxes may have to be raised. According to experts, this is necessary because of the deteriorating budget situation caused by rising military spending and uncertainty about international aid. However, as Zhelezniak has already noted, $50 billion will really save Ukraine from the "financial abyss" in the long run. According to him, without these funds, in 2025, Ukraine would have only about $32-35 billion in external financing, out of a need for $32-35 billion: ADVERTISIMENT About $3 billion from the IMF; 12.5 billion euros from the EU; "several billion from other countries" and without clear agreements. "There was nothing to cover the difference of $10-15 billion. And now there is. This decision just saved us from the financial abyss next year (2025 Ed.)," the MP stated. At the same time, when the money starts coming to Ukraine, it can be used for military needs. Unlike macro-financial assistance programs (e.g., the EU), which are used only for non-military needs of the state budget. In general, the issue of confiscating the "body" of Russia's frozen assets (about $300 billion) remains on the agenda. Ukraine continues to claim these funds, although the mechanism of their possible transfer is still the subject of discussion among international partners. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the $50 billion loan to Ukraine will essentially be repaid by Russia. Creditors from the G7 countries will receive money from the profits from Russia's seized assets in the EU, the US, and partner countries. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! SCCPSS Deputy Superintendent Bernadette Ball-Oliver reflects students' excitement at the Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey School on Thursday Dec. 14, 2023 as the students receive bikes donated by Gateway Terminals. Editor's note: A previous version of this article listed Sol C. Johnson as one of Bernadette Ball-Oliver's teachers at Alfred Ely Beach High School in the 1980s but this was inaccurate. Ann Levett was one of Ball-Oliver's instructors at Beach who she counts as an influence. I work for the children first, said Bernadette Ball-Oliver, recently retired Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. She recounted how, throughout her 35-year career, she told many of her colleagues and supervisors, including former Superintendent Thomas Lockamy, you can get in line with everybody else," because the children were her top priority. Her decision to retire comes as current Superintendent Denise Watts, Ed.D., completes her first full year leading the district through administrative changes, the opening of the new Edwards-Harris-Davis Educational Complex, and implementation of new initiatives such as the Lexia LETRS literacy training for teachers related to the science of reading push. The Savannah Morning News (SMN) caught up with Ball-Oliver to discuss her career journey, her next steps and how she feels the district can continue to work for the children. SCCPSS Deputy Superintendent Bernadette Ball-Oliver (standing) presents a portion of Phase 1 of the Long-Range Facilities Plan alongside Superintendent Denise Watts, Ed.D. (center) and Deputy Superintendent of Elementary and K-8 schools, Troy Brown on Jan. 10, 2024. Influenced by a community of educators Ball-Oliver's grandmother, a teacher herself, socialized with fellow teachers, principals and central office administrators, all of whom populated the world of a young Ball-Oliver. Just being around in their conversations and spending time in their classrooms and in their homes, all of that just led me to say that I know this [teaching] is what I really want to do. She also took note of how, when out in public, students and former students alike would approach the educators and share the impact they had on their lives. She has since had many similar experiences. Before interviewing with SMN, she had gone to get her blood drawn and came across some former students who greeted her with excited exclamations of "BBO" an endearing nickname among students, staff and colleagues. Growing up, she would set up her Barbie dolls as if they were in a classroom so she could instruct them. With her siblings, over her formative summers, she would often want to play school. Of course, she would be the teacher. I had the blackboard. I got to control the chalk, she recalled. Aside from her grandmother, many other educators influenced Ball-Oliver as a child and then later in life during her career. She cited her second-grade teacher Miss Walker and seventh grade science teacher Miss Simmons as significant. While at Alfred Ely Beach High School in the early 1980s, Ball-Oliver said educators such as Ann Levett, Ronald Booker and Vera Thomas (among others) made her want to teach. Former Superintendent Virginia Edwards-Maynor, the first African American female named to the post, also served as a major influence and inspiration. Most notably, Ball-Oliver mentioned Beverly Oliver, former principal at Tompkins Middle School, who gave Ball-Oliver her very first English teaching job when the school first opened. At the time, many of Tompkins students were considered at-risk. She proclaimed the two years she spent there as her best experience as a teacher because of the on-the-job learning and resource gathering as well as witnessing students bring their reading skills up to grade level. Also, while watching Oliver in the role of principal, Ball-Oliver learned how to build relationships and leadership skills. That's when I decided I wanted to be administrator. Educator honored: City of Savannah dedicates Virginia Edwards-Maynor Way Retired Deputy Superintendent Bernadette Ball-Oliver. From 3001 Hopkins Street to 208 Bull Street Ball-Oliver likes to say, From 3001 Hopkins St., which is where Beach [High School] is located, to 208 Bull St., that was my journey, she said. The statement refers to Ball-Oliver's roots coming up as a student and eventually graduating from Beach High in 1984 before embarking on her education career within SCCPSS. She eventually made good on her plans to be an assistant principal, principal and ultimately an administrator in the central office. Along the way she has had many memorable moments. One of the most noteworthy: helping to thwart the plot to blow up West Chatham Middle School back in 2001 when she was an assistant principal. According to her, she and the schools resource officer investigated what began as rumors and ultimately uncovered the truth of the plot. We just wouldn't let it go, she said. The incident caused her a great deal of fear because we had [a thousand] kids in there we were responsible for. She and the resource officer joked about her turning him into an investigator, but she credited her husband (a former police officer and detective) with stressing the need to keep asking questions and digging. She also attributed the discovery of the plot to the relationships she had built within the school community. She cited her time at Sol C. Johnson High School as a principal as another crucial juncture in her professional development. But it was her work in the role of turnaround executive director for Beach High School that is a crowning achievement for her. Though the role was a district-level position, she spent every day working within the halls at Beach after it was under threat of being taken over by the state. The turnaround required many sleepless nights and reviewing lots of data, but she valued what she and then-Beach principal Derrick Dozier-Muhammad were able to accomplish. We wrote a federal grant at the district level, and we had three years in which to make AYP [adequate yearly progress], she said. By law, they had to release the entire staff and could only hire back 49 percent as part of the rebuild. Everyone pretty much told us we couldnt do it [the turnaround] in one year but we did it, she stated with a smile. The experience was a matter of personal pride for her because when you graduate from Beach High School, you bleed blue and gold. Mrs. Bernadette Ball-Oliver giving some words of wisdom before the Celebration of Excellence at Woodville-Tomplins High School on April 17th, 2024 I will continue to be involved District 8 School Board Representative and retired SCCPSS administrator Tonia Howard-Hall has known Ball-Oliver since 1998 when they began working together at the central office. Over the years, Mrs. Ball-Oliver has made an indelible impact on countless students. Her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds have been truly inspiring, said Howard-Hall. She added that Ball-Oliver will be greatly missed by students, parents, and colleagues alike. Watts shared similar sentiments in a written statement via email. She said she appreciated Ball-Olivers support to my transition as superintendent and the continued contributions and dedication that she exemplified in service of the students in SCCPSS. Ball-Oliver has no plans to slow down in retirement, though. Aside from traveling with her mother to New York and taking a trip to see the real Paris, she plans to remain involved in the realm of education. She is consulting with a non-Georgia school district to develop a program she cannot yet divulge. She also shared that she has joined the board of Deep Center. The 501(c)(3) nonprofits Executive Director Holly Whitfield wrote in an email confirming the appointment, We are excited about Bernadette [Ball-Oliver] bringing her wealth of diverse experiences that will positively impact the board, Deep Center and our community. Beyond serving with Deep Center, Ball-Oliver said she will continue to be involved in different things and you'll see me out and about. Retired Deputy Superintendent Bernadette Ball-Oliver. Insights for SCCPSS moving forward Another long-time SCCPSS employee, Kaye Aikens, retired on June 1. She vacated an associate superintendent position within the academic affairs office after 30+ years with the district. Ball-Oliver thinks the administrative structure is shifting as Watts moves into her second year. Ball-Oliver said the restructuring aligned "somewhat" with the previous structure, "but it's hard to compare the two structures because they're different. SCCPSSs communications team confirmed as much, advising that an updated organizational chart will be shared July 1. As of last week, the district hired Derrick Butler as its new chief academic officer and Tameka Tribble as the new executive director of engagement and outreach, among other new appointments. Back in May, Raymond Barnes was hired as the new chief of schools. He recently served as the learning community superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which was a role previously held by Watts from July 1, 2010 until June 30, 2019. Ball-Oliver offered advice for the new leadership team. The first was to retain institutional knowledge wherever possible. You have to know where you've come from, in order to know where you're going, she said. She feels confident that there are enough principals, teachers and other staff as well as a few long-standing board members who can serve to provide that knowledge alongside implementing new ideas. Another point of advice was to develop newer strategies to retain staff through innovative programs and perks. Two examples she gave were to look at once again providing childcare services for teachers as well as offering housing incentives. She would also like the leadership development program to be rebuilt better than it was before. First and foremost, it becomes the district's responsibility to put those opportunities in place, she said. She feels there is a gap in the district regarding training teachers interested in school leadership positions, and principals who might be exploring district leadership roles. Her belief is that the gap came about due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which only recently has begun to be addressed. In the end, Ball-Oliver wants everyone to know that she was, is, and will continue to be SCCPSS's "biggest cheerleader." She said the difference now is that she'll be "cheering from the sidelines." 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: Retired Savannah Deputy Superintendent Ball-Oliver reflects on career Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s independent presidential campaign raised $2.6 million in May, according to federal filings, a figure far behind both major party candidates and one that shows its reliance on big money donors. May was the campaigns weakest month this year, according to federal campaign finance reports. Its also the first month Nicole Shanahan a wealthy Silicon Valley lawyer and the campaigns vice presidential candidate didnt contribute significant sums. Last months fundraising total was about the same as the month before, if you subtract Shanahans significant donations to lift Kennedy; she gave the campaign nearly $8 million in April, and the campaign took in $10.7 million total. Those figures pale in comparison to President Biden and former President Trump. Biden brought in a reported $8 million at a single fundraiser in Virginia on Tuesday, while Trumps campaign boasted a $141 million haul for the month of May, boosted by the former presidents felony conviction. Kennedys campaign ended May with $6.4 million cash on hand, though it is unclear how much Shanahan is willing to commit. As a member of the ticket, there is no limit to the amount she can give the campaign. The campaign also spent about $6.2 million last month, according to the filing. Most of the sum was on consulting work with a ballot access organization; Kennedy has repeatedly said he believes he will qualify for the ballot in all 50 states before the November election. Kennedys candidacy adds a wrinkle to what is already expected to be a tight election between Biden and Trump. While highly unlikely to win the presidency himself, its so far unclear if the environmental lawyer-turned vaccine skeptic would take away more votes from Biden or Trump. He is unlikely to qualify for the first presidential debate, scheduled for next week, which could limit his impact. Trump has a 0.6 percent lead over Biden in The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of national polls, though that rises to a 1.3 percent lead when Kennedy is included. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didnt qualify for CNNs upcoming presidential debate, and he is not taking it well. The debate, which will take place on June 27, is set to be a showdown between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive nominees from each major party. Unfortunately for Kennedy, CNN said he does not qualify to join them onstage. Presidents Biden and Trump do not want me on the debate stage and CNN illegally agreed to their demand, insisted Kennedy, in a statement released Thursday by his campaign. My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump from the debate is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly. CNN gave Kennedys campaign until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, to demonstrate that the independent candidate is on enough statewide ballots to potentially earn the 270 electoral votes needed to actually win the election. Kennedy fell woefully short: His name is confirmed on the ballot in just five states, tallying up to only 42 electoral votes, according to The Washington Post. CNN generously also counted California and Hawaii, where Kennedy is the presumptive nominee of minor parties but the states have not either confirmed him on the ballot or received ballot paperwork yet. But even including those states, that would only bring him to 100 electoral votes. The anti-vaxxers name was reportedly not on the ballot in some of the 13 states where hed previously claimed to have successfully petitioned. Meanwhile, as the presumptive nominees, both Biden and Trump should be allowed onto the ballot in every state without having to petition once they are formally nominated. The fact that this hasnt actually happened yet seems to be whats infuriating Kennedy. In the statement, Kennedys team went on to accuse CNN of using a double standard against the widely unpopular candidate. CNNs published debate criteria require that a candidates name must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold. CNN is holding Kennedy to this requirement but is not requiring Presidents Biden and Trump to meet this requirement by claiming they are each the presumptive nominee of a political party, the statement said. The statement also threatened legal action against CNN for supposedly violating Federal Election Commission guidelines. This means CNN, and every member of CNN who is participating in planning, executing, and holding this debate, is at risk of prosecution, as happened to Michael Cohen, for violating campaign finance laws. This risk is now acute given that any further violation would be knowing and willful, and thus could carry with it serious jail time, the statement said. The brain wormhaver has continued to delusionally insist that CNN, Biden, and Trump are locking him out of the debate because they are afraid he will win. Kennedys statement included a quote from former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, who ran a long-shot presidential campaign in 2020 as a libertarian candidate. If the American people could hear what all three candidates had to say about the critical issues facing our country, the choice between these three men would be clear, Chafee is quoted as saying in the statement. Kennedy would become the 47th President of the United States. The reality that Chafee describes looks less and less likely every day. The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall received a framework contract from the Bundeswehr for 155 mm artillery ammunition worth up to 8.5 billion euros ($9.1 billion), the company said on June 20. The main purpose of this requisition is to restock the arsenals of the German military and its allies and to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has made a wide-reaching shift to NATO standard 155 mm artillery, as Kyiv's partners had a short supply in stock of Soviet shell calibers like 122 mm and 152 mm. The company called the latest order the largest in its history. "This large-volume framework contract underlines Rheinmetall's leading role as an ammunition supplier in Germany and our position as the world's largest manufacturer of artillery ammunition," Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said. Deliveries of the shells are to begin in early 2025. The German government will be the primary purchaser, which will then provide part of its supplies to Ukraine. The Netherlands, Estonia, and Denmark are also participating in the order, the company said. The "entire value chain for artillery ammunition" will be produced at a plant in Unterluess, Lower Saxony, which opened in February. The factory is expected to reach a capacity of 100,000 projectiles per year in its second year of production and later increase it to 200,000 projectiles per year. Several Western defense companies have been ramping up their defense production amid rising tensions with Russia and Ukraine's growing needs, with a particular focus on 155 mm shells and other ammunition. Read also: Inside the Swedish ammunition plant at the forefront of Europes push to ramp up shell production Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A group of Rice County residents is frustrated after their efforts to stop or at least delay the county's issuance of a gravel mine permit were rebuffed. The Rice County Board voted 4-1 last week to issue a gravel mine permit in an area of Northfield Township that some residents say is environmentally sensitive and should be regarded as part of a broader swath of preserved land they refer to as the "Big Woods Corridor." Some residents of the area southeast of the city of Northfield are concerned about the Milestone Materials mine's impact on groundwater, a local creek and wildlife and plants in the area. Others object to dust or the surge in truck trips anticipated when mining occurs on the 12- to 14-acre site. Anyone who understands "how watersheds work and knows anything about larger conservation efforts in this area, I think, would know this is not the right place for an aggregate pit," said Kiara Jorgenson, a St. Olaf College religion and environmental studies professor who lives about a mile from the mine property. The Rice County Planning Commission recommended approving the mining permit in May. Residents who banded together to voice their opposition had also hoped the project would undergo an environmental assessment. More than 100 residents had petitioned the state for the brief environmental review, which wasn't initially required by state law. The state volleyed the decision back to the county, which voted to deny such a review. Julie Runkel, the county's environmental services director, said Rice County "followed the process outlined in county ordinances and state statutes" and went "a step or two further" in responding to the resident group's concerns by holding a second public hearing and requesting a review from Bolton and Menk, an engineering firm offering environmental planning services. The parcel is locating in an area zoned for agriculture and mining is allowed there as an interim use, she said. The Bolton and Menk review "identified no significant environmental impacts that cannot be addressed through standard permitting processes." Conditions placed on the five-year permit there are 26 total include creating a buffer along Prairie Creek, the body of water flowing through the mining site, that is wider than the state requires, Runkel said. Both the county and the mine's supporters note that it will meet needs for gravel for construction projects in the county and nearby. They say locally available aggregate reduces the environmental impact, time and cost of transporting the materials from farther away. Jorgenson said she's seen no evidence that the county is short on aggregate or that mining this spot is necessary. Rice County Commissioner Galen Malecha, who cast the the lone vote against the denial of the environmental review and the permit, noted that the mining site isn't far from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, itself one of the "last extensive stands of the Big Woods" in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Big Woods were a forest area once covering thousands of square miles in south-central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It's close to a University of Minnesota natural research area, two wildlife management areas overseen by the DNR and many acres of land put into conservation easements by families and a local nonprofit, he said. "We only have one Earth and we've been abusing our natural resources for years," Malecha said. "I'm a firm believer that we need to do all we can to protect what we have." Andrew Peters, a geologist with Wisconsin-based Milestone Materials, said the company had no comment on the permit or the project. A "special" place At a Rice County Board meeting held last week, more than two dozen people shared their thoughts on the proposed mine project, most of them opposed. But some spoke in favor. Bill Holmblad, owner of Hillside Excavating, predicted that truck traffic would be less significant than some feared. He said nearby residents would see property values increase due to the mine. "You're not going to see anything you're just going to see a lake develop," Holmblad said, adding the much of the mining will be underwater. In an interview, Erik Sahlin, who lives 8 miles from the mine site, said he thinks the county should have done more to alert residents of the potential project. He called the area "a very special part of Rice County" and worries the permit could open the door for additional mining nearby or the construction of an asphalt plant on site. Runkel didn't answer a question posed over email about whether an asphalt plant had been discussed. Malecha said there were no official plans for a plant. That could change, he said. Malecha said he tried to make one of the permit's conditions creating a berm with a 300-foot setback to separate the mine and creek more stringent, but "none of the commissioners would go for that." "They were more concerned that the mining company get every ounce of gravel," he said. Rice County commissioners debated specifics of the permit's conditions at length. They made one amendment, related to mining on Saturdays. Commissioner Gerry Hoisington said he believed the board gave "ample opportunity" for public comment and that the process was transparent. "There's no hidden agendas anywhere, and I think this is what good county government should be," he said. (KRON) Hours after four people were shot and two people were killed in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon, another person was shot dead in the same area, the Richmond Police Department said. The first shooting happened on the 700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue at about 4:15 p.m. Two people were killed and two others were injured. Both of the surviving victims injuries are not considered to be life-threatening, police said Wednesday. Cause of death released for girl, 15, who died in San Francisco driveway Based on video from the scene, the shooting happened outside Family Market and Deli. The second shooting happened at about 12:42 a.m. Wednesday on the 1300 block of Kelsey Street. The victim had multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. The second shooting happened less than a mile away from the first. In response to the shootings, RPD is putting more officers on patrol duty and increasing its number of high-visibility patrols. Police are investigating the killings, but no arrests have been made yet. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (510) 620-6616. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Robot baristas in Sacramento? Tech-driven coffee shop is coming to this downtown spot Robot baristas in Sacramento? A tech-driven coffee shop chain is coming to downtown Sacramento. At Botbar Coffee, you can get lattes, cappuccinos and espresso drinks made by robotic servers. Born in the heart of Nevada, our company is on a mission to break the chains of repetitive manual labor and bring unparalleled efficiency to traditional businesses through cutting-edge technology, Botbar said on its website. Botbar currently has two locations, including one in Oakland. Theres also a location at Times Square in New York. The chain is opening a coffee shop at 1131 11th St. in downtown Sacramento replacing Chicory Coffee & Tea, which closed in early February. As of Thursday morning, representatives had not returned The Sacramento Bees requests for comment about when the shop will open. According to its website, another BotBar cafe will open soon in Pleasanton. News of Botbar Coffees latest locations comes in the wake of several local coffee shop closures. Three Starbucks shops have closed in the Sacramento area in the past two months, including a location at 1123 12th St. in downtown Sacramento. Thats about 0.1 miles from the new BotBar spot. Why does BotBar Coffee use robot baristas? According to its website, Botbars team of engineers and coffee lovers helped create the robot baristas. Our robotic baristas are trained to craft the perfect blend, ensuring a consistently exceptional coffee experience, the company said. This allows for reliability and quality in its coffee, it said. You can see how the process works on the shops Instagram post. Sacramento residents react to new downtown cafe Sacramento residents recently turned to social media to discuss the latest addition to the citys coffehouse scene. How much do you tip a robot barista? Reddit user Sac_Insider asked in a post Wednesday. Many commenters said theyd give zero tips to a robot server. Unless the robot has to pay rent, it gets 0%, Reddit user Flossmoor71 said. Maybe keep some bolts and nuts in your pocket, another Reddit user, Zer01South, replied. 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 secretly recorded conversation with Roger Stone suggests that the Donald Trump adviser and confidant is implying that the judge in Trumps classified documents case, Aileen Cannon, could be in the convicted felon and former presidents pocket. Liberal filmmaker Lauren Windsor secretly recorded the self-described dirty trickster at a Catholics Prayer for Trump event on March 19 at Mar-a-Lago, where he made several comments hinting that Cannon would dismiss the case. MSNBC legal analyst Joyce Vance said that these comments could suggest Cannon is compromised. To the extent Stone is insinuating something more sinister, that they have judges in their pocket, thats entirely different, entirely wrong, Vance wrote in her Substack newsletter. Perhaps hes just making it up when he says Judge Cannon will soon dismiss the case against Donald Trump and that they have other judges available during the election. But given his background and history, it would be foolish not to be concerned, Vance added. Stone was caught on video saying, We are beating them. I think the judge is on the verge of dismissing the charges against him in Florida, referring to Cannon. Theyre delayed in New York City, and theyre now delayed in Washington, Stone continued, alluding to Trumps election interference case regarding the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Stones words, if he is hinting at Cannon working with Trump, would seemingly be corroborated by a Thursday New York Times report revealing that the Trump-appointed judge was urged by senior federal judges to hand off Trumps classified documents case to other judges with more experience, who didnt have previous involvement interfering in the case, as Cannon had. Cecilia Altonaga, the chief U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Florida and Cannons superior, even reached out to Cannon and told her taking the case would be bad optics. Cannon turned the judges down. Cannons decisions in the case have been criticized for appearing to favor the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and convicted felon. Shes agreed to hear pretrial motions that have slowed down proceedings, thrown out parts of the case, and postponed the trial indefinitely. The judge has drawn criticism, even from one of Trumps former lawyers, for seeming to be prone to exploitation, ROLLA, Mo. A Rolla man was arrested after he allegedly shot a pharmacy worker during an attempted robbery. The Rolla Police Department says Justin M. Wonsewitz, 41, was arrested amid the investigation. He faces pending charges of first-degree assault, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action. Police initially responded to a call around 10 a.m. that a gunman shot an employee of Sinks Pharmacy while trying to steal drugs. The alleged gunman, later identified as Wonsewitz, fled the pharmacy with some drugs and was seen leaving in a black car. Officers from the Rolla Police Department spotted the vehicle speeding east on 10th Street. Surprise delivery from IRS creates more tax trouble for North St. Louis County family Police pursued the car and eventually forced it to stop. Wonsewitz was arrested without further incident, and no officers were injured. The victim, a 52-year-old of Rolla, was rushed to a hospital for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Wonsewitz is currently being held in the Phelps County Jail pending formal charges. The agencies assisting in this incident included the Phelps County Sheriffs Department, the Missouri S&T Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Rolla City Fire Department, and the Phelps Health Ambulance Crew. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On the night of June 20, SBU special forces hit the fuel and lubricants warehouse of Tambovnefteprodukt JSC and the Enemskaya oil depot of LUKOIL-Yugnefteprodukt LLC. As a result of the drone attack, fires broke out at both facilities. ADVERTISIMENT OBOZ.UA learned about this from its informed sources. It is known that at the affected facilities, the Russians processed and stored raw materials and finished products, which were subsequently used for the needs of the Russian army. "The SBU's strikes on companies that work for the Russian military-industrial complex reduce the resources with which the enemy can wage war and force the aggressor country to spend money on infrastructure restoration. This is an additional burden on the Russian budget, which is already burdened by sanctions and other economic challenges. The service will continue to work in this direction," the source said. ADVERTISIMENT In total, SBU drones have already carried out nearly three dozen successful attacks on Russian oil facilities in various regions. The fire that broke out at the Platonovsk oil depot in the Tambov region of Russia as a result of a drone attack on the morning of June 20 was recorded by Planet.com satellite images, Radio Liberty reports. ADVERTISIMENT Last night, Russia complained that at least three Ukrainian kamikaze drones had struck oil refineries. In particular, the Platonovsk oil depot in the Tambov region was hit by drones. The attack started a fire. Emergency services are trying to eliminate the fire. "This morning, a tank exploded and caught fire on the territory of the Platonovskoye oil depot in the Rozpovetovsky municipal district of the Tambov region. The incident was probably caused by a UAV. There were no casualties," said Tambov Region Governor Maxim Yegorov. As reported by OBOZ.UA: On the night of June 18, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck at Russian oil depots in the Rostov region and Krasnodar Territory of Russia with domestically produced Neptune missiles. Although the facilities are located within the range of the US ATACMS anti-missile system, the US prohibits their use on the territory of the aggressor state. ADVERTISIMENT On the night of June 20, explosions were heard in the Krasnodar Territory - there was allegedly an arrival at the Afipsk refinery. It was also loud in the village of Enem in the Republic of Adygea. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Romania is endorsing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to become NATO secretary general, clearing the final hurdle on Rutte's path to the top job, according to a press release published by the office of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday. Iohannis had put himself forward for the role, but "informed his NATO allies at the end of last week that he had withdrawn his candidacy for the post," the press release said. On Thursday, Romania's Supreme Council of National Defence "declared themselves in favour of Romania's support for the Dutch prime minister's candidacy," according to the statement. The announcement means no obstacles remain to Rutte becoming the next NATO chief. Romania was the only NATO country that had not yet endorsed Rutte, who needs the unanimous support of all 32 member states. Hungary and Slovakia endorsed Rutte after a European Union leaders' summit earlier this week. The term of current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is due to end on October 1. In Washington on Tuesday, Stoltenberg said: "I think it's obvious that we are very close to a conclusion in the alliance, for allies to select the next secretary general. And I think that's good news." Romania is endorsing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to become NATO secretary general, clearing the final hurdle on Rutte's path to the top job, according to a press release published by the office of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday. Iohannis had put himself forward for the role, but "informed his NATO allies at the end of last week that he had withdrawn his candidacy for the post," the press release said. On Thursday, Romania's Supreme Council of National Defence "declared themselves in favour of Romania's support for the Dutch prime minister's candidacy," according to the statement. The announcement means no obstacles remain to Rutte becoming the next NATO chief. Romania was the only NATO country that had not yet endorsed Rutte, who needs the unanimous support of all 32 member states. Hungary and Slovakia endorsed Rutte after a European Union leaders' summit earlier this week. The term of current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is due to end on October 1. In Washington on Tuesday, Stoltenberg said: "I think it's obvious that we are very close to a conclusion in the alliance, for allies to select the next secretary general. And I think that's good news." Romania's opposition to Rutte's candidacy followed from its support for Iohannis, the country's head of state. But Romania's northwestern neighbour, Hungary, resisted Rutte in particular until this week. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ended his opposition on Tuesday. "Hungary is ready to support PM Ruttes bid for NATO Secretary General," Orban said on X, alongside a copy of a letter from Rutte promising to respect an agreement between Orban and the current secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, that Hungary will not be required to contribute to Ukraine's war effort. Rutte's letter, also dated Tuesday, noted that remarks he made in 2021 "have caused dissatisfaction in Hungary. My priority in a possible future capacity as NATO Secretary General will be to maintain unity and treat all Allies with the same level of understanding and respect." EU leaders have accused Orban's government of undermining the rule of law in Hungary, and European Union courts have also ruled against Budapest. Rutte and Orban met on Monday ahead of a dinner for EU leaders in Brussels, after which Rutte told reporters that he would soon be sending a letter to Orban. Rutte told members of the press that the Hungarian premier had not asked him to apologize, and that they were focused on the "future." Slovakia's new president, Peter Pellegrini, also said in Brussels on Monday that his country would back Rutte, Slovakian national news agency TASR reported. Stoltenberg said on Tuesday: "I think Mark Rutte is a very strong candidate. He has a lot of experience as Prime Minister. He's a close friend and colleague, and I therefore strongly believe that very soon the Alliance will have decided on my successor, and that will be good for all of us, for NATO and also for me," he added. Editor's note: The previous version said that Romania has one operational Patriot system. It was corrected since the country has recently put into service the second such system. Romania will transfer a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, the country's Supreme Council of National Defense announced on June 20. The move came as Kyiv has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defenses as Russia intensifies its strikes against Ukrainian population centers and infrastructure. The Council members decided to donate the Patriot system to Kyiv in coordination with partners in view of the "deteriorating security situation" in Ukraine due to Moscow's constant attacks, the statement read. "(As well as) the regional consequences of this situation, including for Romania's security," the Council said. Russian drone fragments and debris have been found on Romanian territory on numerous occasions after Moscow's attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River, prompting Romania to install anti-drone systems, bunkers, and other security measures in the area. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said that the transfer of the Patriot system to Ukraine must not compromise Romania's air defense. Bucharest signed a deal in 2017 to obtain Patriot systems but so far only has two that are operational. The second one was put into service on June 14. Iohannis said any discussions would concern a system that was in an advanced stage of becoming operational. Ukraine operates at least three Patriot systems provided by the U.S., the Netherlands, and Germany, with Berlin recently pledging to deliver a fourth one. Ukraine needs at least seven such systems, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin on June 11. The U.S. government is planning to suspend all open orders for Patriot air defense interceptor missiles until Ukraine receives enough to defend itself from Russian attacks, the Financial Times reported on June 20, citing unnamed sources. Read also: Patriot missiles intended for Switzerland to go to Ukraine, Swiss outlet reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A decision to supply Ukraine with one Patriot air defence system was adopted following the results of a meeting of the Supreme Defence Council of Romania led by Romanian President Klaus Johannis on 20 June. Source: European Pravda with reference to a statement of the administration of the Romanian President Details: At the meeting of the Supreme Defence Council, the Ministry of Defence of Romania presented its analysis concerning the state, deployment and importance of the four Romanian Patriot systems for national and collective defence and how supplying Ukraine with one system may change the situation. Quote: "Taking into account the considerable escalation of the situation in Ukraine due to constant large-scale Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, mainly power infrastructure, and the consequence of this situation for the region, including for the security of Romania, the members of the Council in close cooperation with the allies adopted the decision on the transfer of a Patriot system to Ukraine. This transfer will be carried out on condition that our country will continue the talks with the allies, specifically the US, our strategic partner, with the goal of receiving a similar or identical system which will cover the need of protecting the national air spaceThe decision was adopted on the basis of in-depth technical assessment by the Romanian authorities, all the measures were taken to remove all risk of creating vulnerabilities for RomaniaThe discussions with allies regarding the further strengthening of our air defence are ongoing." More details: Romania will keep supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression in different ways. Background: Romanias Defence Ministry was against sending Romanias Patriot system to Ukraine, but the decision was not ruled out. Negotiations on the possible delivery of the Patriot system to Ukraine started at the beginning of May when Romanian President Johannis discussed this issue with US President Joe Biden during his visit to the US. In May Johannis stressed that "it is unacceptable for Romania to stay without air defence" and insisted that "if Romania gives something up, it must receive something in return". At the time Romania had only one active Patriot system but a second one was put into operation on 14 June. The third is expected by the end of the year, the fourth one until the beginning of 2025. Support UP or become our patron! Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) on Wednesday noted his attendance at the Senate Republicans meeting last week with former President Trump does not mean he has changed his opinion of the former president. I didnt go there to support former President Trump, I went there to listen to what he was planning on doing if he became president, Romney told CNN anchor Manu Raju on Tuesday. With President Trump, its a matter of personal character. I draw a line and say, when someone has been actually found to have been sexually assaulting, thats something I just wont cross over in the person I would want to have as president of the United States, he continued, in reference to the jury decision that found Trump liable for sexual battery against writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump visited Capitol Hill last week and met with Republicans from both chambers of Congress. The trip marked his first time back to the Capitol since the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and was the first official meeting with the Senate GOP conference since his presidency. Romney, who has emerged as a GOP critic of Trump, has repeatedly called out the former presidents character and said he will absolutely not be voting for him in the November election. When asked about his decision against voting for Trump earlier this year, the Utah Republican pointed to two factors policy and character. What America is as a nation, what has allowed us to be the most powerful nation on Earth, and the leader of the Earth is the character of the people who have been our leaders, Romney said. Past presidents, but also mothers, fathers, church leaders, university presidents, and so forth. Having a president who is so defaulted of character would have an enormous impact on the character of America, he added. And for me, thats the primary consideration. Romney, who ran for president in 2012 and secured the GOP nomination, has also said he differs with Trump over foreign policy. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) The Round Rock Police Department announced the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect related to the deadly shooting that happened this past weekend at Old Settlers Park. Police identified the suspect as Ricky Thompson III. Hes currently facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, but police said they expect additional charges to be filed later. Police said the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force took him into custody at 7:30 a.m. Thursday in Pflugerville and booked him into the Williamson County jail. Mugshot of Ricky Thompson III (Williamson County jail photo) Weve got a 17-year-old thats in custody right now for pulling out a gun at what should have been an absolutely amazing event, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said during a Thursday morning news conference. Banks said police know Thompson was one of the shooters at Saturdays Juneteenth concert. However, he would not share any more information about that because of the ongoing investigation. Banks also said police are still looking for other suspects in this case, and he anticipates additional arrests to happen. In a statement released Thursday, Manor ISD said Thompson was a student in the district. That shooting happened at a Juneteenth festival at Old Settlers around 10:50 p.m. Saturday following a fight between two groups. The shooting left two dead and 14 injured. All of the victims were innocent bystanders, RRPD said. Round Rock police identify victims killed in Old Settlers Park shooting Police identified Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, of Manor, and Ara Duke, 54, of Pflugerville, as those victims. Sincere appreciation, Vicknair family responds to news of arrest The Vicknair family sent a statement to news agencies Thursday morning addressing rumors and speculation after the initial delay of the news conference. The Vicknair family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Round Rock Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for their due diligence. The detectives have been extremely supportive during this very difficult time. After the delay of yesterdays press conference, we have been inundated with calls and texts. There has been a lot of speculation and rumors circulating in our community. We remain patient and hopeful that the delay means that we are closer to justice for Lyndsey, Mrs. Duke and the other individuals impacted by the horrific mass shooting. Kevins message remains the same To the shooter or shooters who took Gods gift from me and my children, you may not care for us or others, but my message to you is to do what God has placed on your heart to do. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Vicknair Family Doesnt define us, community offers condolences, shares hope for healing Fred Moore lives right across the street from Old Settlers Park. Ive lived in this community for about 20 years, he said. He said he and his wife heard the gunfire Saturday night. Thought she heard our neighbors car backfiring, only to find out later that it was probably the gunshots, he said. I was saddened and somewhat angry at the same time because Round Rock has always been a safe place. Moore said he sides with Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgans sentiment following the shooting. We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take hold, the mayor said in a statement earlier this week. My sincere heart and condolences go out to the families, Moore said. [The shooting] doesnt define us. I want us to continue to go forward and let this bring us together and make us stronger. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth announced the police department has hired former Salem Chief of Police Michael Mike Crawley as the departments new Deputy Chief. Crawley, a Roanoke native, graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1991 and attended Virginia Western Community College. He earned his Bachelors degree from Bluefield College, majoring in Management and later graduating from the F.B.I. National Academy Class #271. He began his law enforcement career with the Town of Vinton Police Department in August 1996. With Vinton Police, he held the position of Patrol Officer, Detective, and Patrol Seargent. In 1999, Crawley left his position in Vinton to join the Salem Police Department as a Patrol Officer. With Salem PD, he was promoted to the rank of Senior Police Officer and transferred to Salems Detective Division in 2004 where he was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit. He would later be named Seargent in the General Investigations Unit in 2006. FBI Richmond identifies suspect in 1996 murders in Shenandoah National Park Crawley was eventually named Salems Department Chief in 2016 and spent more than eight years in the position. Deputy Chief Crawley grew up in Roanoke, and he knows this community well, said Roanoke Chief Scott Booth. His education, tenure of service, and commitment to public safety speaks for itself. I am confident that he will be a great asset to us and a leader at the Roanoke Police Department. Roanoke Police says Deputy Chief Crawley will begin his position with the police department in late July. I am truly fortunate to join the ranks amongst the women and men of the Roanoke Police Department, said Deputy Chief Crawley. Being able to serve the citizens of the City of Roanoke in this capacity is an honor as it will allow me to give back to those who provided so much to me and my family over the years. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia-China trade options have narrowed since the U.S. imposed sanctions last week on the only Russian bank branch in China, but President Vladimir Putin's Chinese visit last month has helped ensure the two countries have payment alternatives for now, three sources said. Since Putin's visit, specially authorised banks have been set up in border regions which allow Russian firms to open non-resident accounts (NRA) with Chinese banks, a step that has become more important since VTB's Shanghai branch was targeted with sanctions, they told Reuters. Trade between Russia and China ballooned to a record $240 billion in 2023. Maintaining the flow of income and goods, which is crucial to the Kremlin, depends on ensuring smooth payments. The workaround, which involves smaller, regional banks that can for the time being fly below the U.S. sanctions radar, shows how Moscow and Beijing are having to take increasingly complex steps to ensure bilateral payments continue to be made but at the same time potentially exposing some Chinese financial firms to U.S. sanctions as they look to circumvent restrictions. Using banks in border regions makes it easier for go-betweens working on behalf of Russian companies to flit between them. The scheme, involving small banks with limited or no business with countries which Russia considers unfriendly, also reduces the potential fallout for China. However, the window for them to carry out payments for Russian companies may be narrowing. A senior U.S. Treasury official said this month it is working to identify smaller banks with weaker compliance departments that are still helping to process transactions that aid Russia's military output. Trade with Beijing has become more important to Moscow since it sent its army into Ukraine in February 2022. Russian banks were subsequently blocked from the SWIFT global payments system, while many Western countries and companies severed ties with Russia. "After (Putin's) visit, banks have appeared in one of China's provinces that are opening NRA accounts for Russian companies on Chinese territory," said one banking source, who declined to disclose names due to sanctions risks. Only a handful of banks, located near the border in the northeast, still work with Russia, a second banking source said. "We are not even talking about ... large and medium-sized banks today," the person said. "None of them work with Russia. This is the problem that we must really recognise." The People's Bank of China and China's banking regulator, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, did not respond to requests for comment. After more Chinese firms were sanctioned by the U.S., many may have decided to stop any business with Russia and imports from China could drop, said Yevgeny Kogan, investment banker and professor at Russia's Higher School of Economics. Sanctions on Russian bank subsidiaries in China also create issues, he added. 'FRIGHTENING' VTB was already under sanctions, but the U.S. Treasury modified restrictions on previously targeted Russian banks to include foreign entities, including VTB's Shanghai branch, a step sources said would complicate payment flows. "The branch of a Russian bank that we all love to use in China was included in the sanctions package," said a source in the payments market said, who expects even Chinese banks to stop all dealings with the branch as a result. Prior to the latest sanctions, CEO Andrei Kostin said VTB was tripling staff in Shanghai to try and cut queues of clients trying to open accounts. Reuters has previously reported delays as long as six months. "We do not comment on the activities of our foreign entities," VTB said. When a Russian company buys or sells goods or services with a Chinese trading partner it needs to be able to receive or pay the cash through payments systems operated by banks. Russia's largest private lender, Alfa Bank, has for months been working on opening two Chinese branches, in Shanghai and Beijing, but without success. That did not stop it touting its China credentials with a vast red inflated dragon adorning its stand at a St Petersburg economic forum this month. "American sanctions are the most frightening, including for our Chinese partners," the payments markets source said. "As the Chinese say, they fear them like the tiger." The threat of secondary sanctions, which could cut institutions off from dollar access, has spooked Chinese banks who do not want to lose access to global markets, the person said, even if there is lucrative trade to be done with Russia. LIMITED RUSSIAN SWAY For Russia, payment issues hurt export revenues, disrupt supply chains and raise import prices, the central bank has said, while its oil firms face months-long payment delays. Compared to U.S. and EU markets, it has limited pull. "No-one in China is ready to fall under secondary sanctions and lose the global market just because of Russia," the payments markets source said. "Neither manufacturing companies, nor financial structures, including banks." The second banking source said non-sanctioned Russian banks were still acceptable to Chinese partners, but U.S. restrictions are a killer blow, with even specially authorised Chinese banks halting settlements. Russian companies can now either open an NRA account with a Chinese bank or create a Chinese subsidiary and open accounts domestically, the person said. (Reporting by Reuters in Moscow; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Alexander Smith) Russia is considering changes to its nuclear doctrine due to developments "related to lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons," Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed while speaking on June 20 in Vietnam, a day after he visited North Korea. Nuclear tensions have risen recently after the Russian Defense Ministry said in May it would practice the usage of tactical nuclear weapons in response to purported and unspecified "provocative statements" from the West. Belarus then announced on June 10 that it will participate in the second stage of Russian drills simulating the launch of tactical nuclear weapons. NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah told the Kyiv Independent on June 17 that "there are no significant changes" to NATO's nuclear deterrent other than "an ongoing modernization program," after NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the Telegraph that the alliance is discussing putting more nuclear weapons on standby. "We are now thinking about what could be changed in the nuclear doctrine," Putin told reporters in Hanoi, where he signed a memorandum on the schedule for establishing a nuclear technology center in Vietnam. Putin claimed that Russia does not need a preventative strike as part of its nuclear doctrine "because in a retaliatory strike, the enemy will be guaranteed to be destroyed." The Russian army is prepared for "all possible scenarios" on the front line in Ukraine, Putin added. Putin has repeatedly made nuclear threats against Ukraine and the West since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The threats have failed to materialize, and Russia continues to wage its all-out war without using its nuclear arsenal. The Group of Seven (G7) issued a statement on June 14 warning Russia against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, noting Moscow's "posture of strategic intimidation." Read also: Putin threatens a response if South Korea sends arms to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The French arms company Thales has signed three agreements with the Ukrainian defense industry to strengthen operational support for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. They relate to plans for joint maintenance of air defense and electronic warfare systems, as well as the production of a new UAV. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced on Thursday, June 19, on the company's website. The agreements were signed on behalf of Thales by Senior Executive Vice President for International Development Pascal Souris, Executive Vice President for Secure Communications and Information Systems Christophe Salomon, and Executive Vice President for Ground and Air Systems Herve Damman. As noted, the two agreements relate to one of the enterprises of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company (formerly Ukroboronprom). The first agreement announces Thales' intention to establish a joint venture in Ukraine to facilitate the supply and operation of equipment, including electronic warfare, tactical communications equipment, air defense systems and radars. The second agreement concerns electronic warfare equipment, under which Thales will provide extensive maintenance, testing and specialized training of equipment in Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT The third agreement states the intention to develop and produce an unmanned aircraft system capable of carrying and launching ammunition together with FRDM. "These agreements are aimed at strengthening operational support to the frontline operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and strengthening local defense capabilities," Thales commented. Thales is a company jointly controlled by the French state and fighter jet manufacturer Dassault Aviation. It is the European leader in the production of air defense radars and the third in the world after Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the German arms concern Rheinmetall has agreed with Ukraine on the joint production of Lynx armored combat vehicles. The first such armored personnel carriers are to be built this year. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Russia involved in over a third of new reactors being constructed worldwide and even has influence in Europe Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom, despite the sanctions on the country's economy, is involved in more than one-third of new reactors being constructed around the globe. Source: Financial Times Details: "Despite sanctions on its economy, Russia continues to be an unrivalled exporter of nuclear power plants. It is involved in more than a third of the new reactors being constructed around the world at the moment, including in China, India, Iran and Egypt," the FT said. Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia was involved in nearly half of all international agreements concerning nuclear power plant construction, reactor and fuel supply, decommissioning, and waste management. Meanwhile, its main competitors China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United States together accounted for around 40%. The relationships Russia is building through nuclear projects surpass even long-term contracts for gas supplies through pipelines. The construction of a nuclear power plant takes about 10 years, and the lifetime of a reactor at new plants is 60 years. Preparations for dismantling, including the removal of radioactive parts, take another 10-20 years and require significant funds. "This is a very long commitment for a country to have a Russian presence. It is not just the actual construction. Its the whole ecosystem," says Darya Dolzikova, a nuclear policy programme research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, the London-based defence and security studies think-tank. In particular, Russian nuclear giant Rosatom is currently building a US$12 billion nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government claims that the 2,400MW plant, which is expected to begin testing this year, will solve the problem of power shortages and blackouts in the country. Russia is constructing Turkiye's first 4,800 MW nuclear power plant, which is anticipated to commence electricity generation later this year. Rosatom has played a vital role in Moscow's efforts to conquer the Global South. Its CEO, Alexei Likhachev, has visited these countries almost as many times in the past two years as he did during the entire period from his appointment in 2016 to 2022. The company has signed nearly two dozen memoranda of understanding with countries in Africa and Latin America, including Zimbabwe, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Brazil. In Ghana, Russia has begun preparing an application for the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant together with suppliers from the US, China, India, South Korea and France. This year, Russia and Uzbekistan signed an agreement to build a 330MW small modular reactor. Russia is not totally isolated, even in Europe. Hungary's 2,400MW Paks nuclear power plant, the construction of which Rosatom won without a tender in 2014, was not affected by the invasion of Ukraine. It is expected to be put into operation in the early 2030s. Background: The International Atomic Energy Agency has supported nuclear energy researchers from Iran and has been sending them to Russia for training for years. Russia is attempting to seize uranium assets in Niger belonging to a French state-controlled company as a further challenge to Western interests in Africa. Support UP or become our patron! Russia and North Korea will give each other military assistance during war Russia and North Korea will give each other military assistance if either is attacked, according to the new mutual defence pact signed by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. The document, published by North Korean state media following the two leaders meeting in Pyongyang, lays out for the first time in black and white the parameters of a new mutual defence deal. It states that if either country is subjected to armed aggression by other countries or finds itself in a state of war, the other shall immediately provide military and other assistance by all means at its disposal. The agreement represents the most significant cooperation between the two nations in decades, reviving their 1961 mutual defence pledge from the Cold War era, and raises questions over North Korean involvement in the grinding war in Ukraine. Observers noted that the deal refers to Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognises a UN member states right to self-defence. The UN reference point is also cited in Natos Article 5, which says an armed attack against one country is an armed attack against all. Putin and Mr Kim have agreed to defend each other in war - Getty Images AsiaPac Yu Ji-hoon, research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, told CNN that the treatys automatic intervention clause meant all military assets will be mobilised, including the army, navy, and air force. Other analyses argue the deal does not explicitly imply automatic intervention. Western observers will also ponder if the deal means Russias nuclear umbrella now extends to North Korea, which could become a vassal state to Moscow like Belarus, or if the two countries will hold joint military drills. Sanctions-hit North Korea is in need of goods and materials from Russia and can offer to supply Russias war-depleted workforce with labour in return. The deal also grants Mr Kim influence with Russia, which holds a veto on the UN Security Council. The treaty was signed by both leaders on Wednesday - STR/AFP A US State Department spokesman said the deepening cooperation between the two rogue states was of great concern to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global non-proliferation regime, abiding by UN Security Council resolutions, and supporting the people of Ukraine. Lim Soo-suk, South Koreas foreign minister spokesman, said the agreement disregarded repeated warnings from the international community. Putin lashed out at the imperialist policy of the United States and its satellites, after signing the deal with Mr Kim. Putin travelled on to Hanoi in Vietnam on Thursday for another state visit as the Russian president, subject to an International Criminal Court warrant for war crimes, sought to further bolster international ties. He arrived in Vietnam for talks with its communist leaders on the second stop of his two-nation tour. The US, among Vietnams major trade partners, warned Hanoi the visit risked normalising Russias blatant violations of international law. 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. John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, believes that the "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement between Russia and North Korea should concern not only the United States but also China. Source: Kirby at a briefing, European Pravda citing Ukrinform Details: Kirby said that the agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang is at odds with China's approaches, which he had expressed earlier. The White House believes that these concerns will be shared by China because the agreement seems to directly contradict the statement that Putin and Xi made in Beijing just a month ago. He added that it was a commitment to a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the situation in Ukraine. The White House spokesperson stressed that any country that cares about security in the Indo-Pacific region and believes that UN Security Council decisions have to be implemented should be concerned. Background: The day before, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which includes a provision about mutual assistance in case of aggression against either of these states. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the agreement demonstrates increasing coherence between authoritarian states and underlines the importance of democracies speaking with a united voice. The US presidential administration said that Putin's meeting with Kim Jong-un demonstrates Moscow's desire to form a coalition with North Korea, Iran, Syria and, to some extent, China. Support UP or become our patron! Russia and North Korea strengthened an alliance this week, in a blow to the U.S., with the leaders of both countries vowing to increase trade and defend each other in the event of an attack. Russian President Vladimir Putins treaty reached with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a two-day state visit is the largest pact that Moscow has signed in years. It comes as the U.S. is trying to blunt the Kremlins war in Ukraine and deter Pyongyang from taking even more aggressive action against South Korea. The U.S. has tried to isolate both countries, but Putins first visit to North Korea in 24 years was a counter to Washingtons influence, as he and Kim deepened an alliance that was forged last year after Pyongyang began supplying Russia with munitions in return for critical technology, food and cash. Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia and Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said Russia and North Korea have linked together two theaters of the world Europe and Asia posing a unique threat to the international order supported by the U.S. and Western allies. Its bad from any way that you look at it, he said, adding that the defense treaty is, in Putins mind, a renewal of Russian power. I dont think theres a single bilateral relationship today that is more threatening than what were seeing between North Korea and Russia. The Putin-Kim summit this week came after about two decades of frozen ties. While the Soviet Union had helped form North Korea in 1948, the collapse of the communist bloc in the 1990s turned Russia toward capitalism and away from Pyongyang. Putin visited Pyongyang in 2000, and there have been other meetings between Russian and North Korean leaders since, but a strong relationship was never formed. North Korea largely relies on China for trade to support its flailing economy. But Putins 2022 invasion of Ukraine increased global isolationism for Russia, which is also struggling with a wave of Western sanctions. The Kremlin has been forced to turn toward other nations to keep a protracted war running; Iran has provided Russia with explosive Shahed drones, and China has given Moscow machine tools and other nonlethal technology. After Kim visited Russia in September, North Korea supplied Moscow with artillery shells, a strong area of production for Pyongyang, whose forces often shell near the border with South Korea. In turn, Russia has given North Korea access to technology that is helping Kim boost development of missiles and spy satellites, along with trade for a struggling economy. Cha said the CSIS has documented busy activity in North Korea around facilities developing munitions, and that this could grow after the Putin-Kim summit, a dangerous sign for Ukraine as the U.S. and Western allies struggle to keep up with the artillery needed for the war. This will allow Putin, as we get into the fall, to continue to just pound the crap out of Ukraine with 10,000 rounds of artillery a day, he said. And its very hard for the United States and Ukraine to counter that, to match that. All they can try to do is hold the line. The agreement reached Wednesday, which Russian media said overrides previous treaties, includes a commitment to increasing trade and the possibility of more defense and technology sharing in addition to a mutual defense pact, a rare move for Russia to make with another country. Both Putin and Kim also publicly expressed shared frustrations, pushing for what they call a multipolar world order, meaning the end of U.S. dominance, and the lifting of sanctions and restrictions on nations. Putin called it a groundbreaking document in remarks in Pyongyang. He also vowed to help defend North Korea against a treacherous, dangerous and aggressive enemy. Kim said in public comments it was a powerful treaty. I have no doubt that it will be a driving force that would accelerate work to establish a new multipolar world, Kim said, according to Russian state media. Putin was greeted with enthusiasm during his state visit, as Kim personally met him at Pyongyang International Airport with a decorated entourage and the Russian and North Korean flags on full display. North Korean state media said Kim took Putin in a private car and the two leaders exchanged the inmost thoughts that had so far been confined to them as they pledged to increase bilateral relations. The visit prompted a backlash in the U.S., which has tried to dismantle Russias war machine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that Russia was in desperation trying to prop up its war in Ukraine. We are very much concerned about this, because this is whats keeping the war going, he said. And the fastest way to end the war is for Putin to be disabused of the notion that he can outlast Ukraine and outlast all of Ukraines supporters, but also, if he knows that the fuel he needs for his war machine wont be there any more. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder also said the deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea was concerning for the Korean Peninsula, where Pyongyang and Seoul have both in the past several months abandoned a 2018 military agreement that had defused certain activity at the border. North Korea has temporarily sent troops over the border and littered South Korea with trash balloons, while keeping up its missile tests and spy satellite launches, which are likely supported by Russian technology. Russias technology trade with North Korea may also be helping to boost Kims nuclear ambitions to build a fleet of nuclear weapons, including submarines and intercontinental ballistic missiles that could threaten the trilateral alliance of South Korea, Japan and the U.S. in unprecedented ways. Its unclear how much technology Putin is sharing. Sue Mi Terry, senior fellow for Korea studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Putin may be less willing to provide North Korea with more sensitive technology under a temporary alliance, but that a prolonged war in Ukraine could change his calculus. If it is a more lasting alliance [then] Putin may be more forthcoming with Russian military technology, she wrote in an analysis this week. If that is the case, Russia could turbocharge the threat that North Korea poses. The mutual defense treaty between North Korea and Russia also signals that in the event of a war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula, Moscow would come to Pyongyangs aid, adding another complication to the regional tensions. Howard Stoffer, a professor of international affairs at the University of New Haven, said it was unclear if Russia would actually commit forces to any conflict on the Korean Peninsula. But Stoffer added that Moscow would likely send military aid to North Korea in the event of a conflict, though he doubted its effectiveness. I dont think itll have very much impact, but it just makes Kim Jong Un feel he has his back covered, Stoffer said. This wont change whatever we provide to South Korea [and] Russia is not going to provide any significant amount of military capability that the North doesnt already have. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FILE - Firefighters put out a fire after two guided bombs hit the Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, May 25, 2024. The sign reads "Garden Center". (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko,File) KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) The first shock wave shattered aisles stacked almost to the ceiling with home improvement products. The next Russian bomb streaked down like a comet seconds later, unleashing flames that left the megastore an ashen shell. A third bomb failed to detonate when it landed behind the Epicenter shopping complex in Kharkiv. Investigators hope it will help them trace the supply chain for the latest generation of retrofitted Russian glide bombs that are laying waste to eastern Ukraine. The Soviet-era bombs are adapted on the cheap with imported electronics that allow distant Russian warplanes to launch them at Ukraine. Other cities that have been devastated by the weapons include Avdiivka, Chasiv Yar and Vovchansk, and Russia has nearly unlimited supplies of the bombs, which are dispatched from airfields just across the border that Ukraine has not been able to hit. Store manager Oleksandr Lutsenko said the May 25 attack hints at Russia's aim for Kharkiv: Their goal is to turn it into a ghost city, to make it so that no one will stay, that there will be nothing to defend, that it will make no sense to defend the city. They want to scare people, but they will not succeed. Russia has accelerated its destruction of Ukraines front-line cities in 2024 to a scale previously unseen in the war using the glide bombs and an expanding network of airstrips, according to an Associated Press analysis of drone footage, satellite imagery, Ukrainian documents and Russian photos. The results can be seen in the intensity of recent Russian attacks. It took a year for Russia to obliterate Bakhmut, where the bombs were first used. That was followed by destruction in Avdiivka that took months. Then, only weeks were needed to do the same in Vovchansk and Chasiv Yar, according to images analyzed by AP that showed the smoldering ruins of both cities. Now, Russia is putting the finishing touches on yet another airstrip less than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Ukraine and launching the bombs routinely from multiple bases just inside Russian borders, according to the AP analysis of satellite pictures and photos from a Russian aviation Telegram channel. The bombing of the Epicenter in Kharkiv killed 19 people, including two children. In all, glide bombs have hit the city more than 50 times this year, according to Spartak Borysenko of the Kharkiv regional prosecutors office. He showed investigation documents to AP that identified at least eight Russian air bases used to launch the attacks, all within 100 kilometers (60 miles) of Ukraine. He said at least one of the munitions had foreign electronics and was made in May. That date suggests Russia is using the bombs rapidly and that it has successfully circumvented sanctions for dual-use items. Photos on Russian Telegram channels linked to the military show glide bombs being launched three and four at a time. In one launch of four bombs, the AP traced the aircraft's location to just outside the Russian city of Belgorod, near the air base now under construction. All four bombs in the photo were headed west with Vovchansk and Kharkiv in their direct line of fire. At the end of May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was launching more than 3,000 of the bombs every month, with 3,200 used in May alone. Oleh Katkov, whose military-oriented site Defense Express first traced the launch location, said hitting air bases is key to slowing the pace of the bombings by forcing Russian planes to launch farther away. This doesnt mean they will completely stop their bombings, but it will become more difficult for them, Katkov said. They will be able to make fewer sorties per day. For months, Ukrainian officials complained bitterly about restrictions on using Western-supplied weapons against targets in Russia, including the airfields that house Russian bombers. The United States and Germany recently authorized some targets in Russia, but many others remain off-limits. The newest airfield, just outside Belgorod, has a 2,000-meter (-yard) runway, the AP analysis found. Construction began late summer 2023, during the failed Ukrainian counteroffensive. A Ukrainian intelligence official, who provided information to AP on condition of anonymity, said his government had been closely following the construction, which did not yet appear complete in a photo taken mid-June. The official also noted that Belarus provides sanctuary for Russian bombers. A map created by the Ukrainian battlefield analysis site DeepState showed 10 airfields in Belarus, including five just across the border from Ukraine. In all, the DeepState map shows 51 bases used by Russia within 600 kilometers (370 miles) of Ukrainian-controlled territory, including three in occupied eastern Ukraine, six in the illegally annexed peninsula of Crimea, and 32 in Russia. The greatest strategic advantage Russia has over Ukraine is its advantage in the sky, Zelenskyy said last week. This is missile and bomb terror that helps Russian troops advance on the ground. Russia launches up to 100 guided bombs daily, Zelenskyy said. Besides missiles and drones, which Russia already routinely uses for attacks, the bombs cause an insanely destructive pressure. The base material for the glide bombs comes from hundreds of thousands of Soviet-era unguided bombs, which are then retrofitted with retractable fins and guidance systems to carry 500 to 3,000 kilograms (1,100 to 6,600 pounds) of explosives. The upgrade costs around $20,000 per bomb, according to the Center for European Policy Analysis, and the bombs can be launched up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) from their targets outside the range of Ukraines regular air defense systems. The bombs are similar in concept to the American Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, missiles, which have had their GPS systems successfully jammed by Russian forces in Ukraine. Because Russia does not have the strength to occupy eastern cities such as Kharkiv, bombing is their preferred option, said Nico Lange, an analyst with the Center for European Policy Analysis. From their point of view, the strategy seems to be to terrorize the cities enough that people will leave, Lange said. Back at the Epicenter home improvement store, surveillance footage taken just before the explosion showed salesperson Nina Korsunova walking across the floor toward the aisle that she was staffing that day. Then there was a blinding flash, and the camera cut out. Korsunova curled into the fetal position as a display crashed on top of her. She uncovered her eyes just in time to see the second bomb streak inside. With her eardrums blown out, she could hear nothing and saw not a single sign of life. I thought I was alone and that they had abandoned me there. It gave me the strength to climb out, she said. She crawled over piles of shattered lamps, and cables snarled her legs as she climbed through debris from the electrical supply aisle. Two weeks later, the skeleton of the building reeked of a disorienting combination of scorched metal and laundry detergent that spilled from melted jugs in the cleaning products aisle. Neither Korsunova nor the store manager have any plans to leave their hometown. It didnt break me, she said. "I will remain in Kharkiv. This is my home. ___ Hinnant reported from Paris. Arhirova reported from Kyiv. Associated Press reporters Volodymyr Yurchuk, Susie Blann and Samya Kullab in Kyiv, and graphic artist Phil Holm in New York, contributed to this report. ___ Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine said Russia targeted energy facilities overnight as President Vladimir Putins forces continue attacks to disrupt the countrys power system. Most Read from Bloomberg Russian strikes have caused blackouts across Ukraine this year, leaving the authorities racing to repair infrastructure before peak demand in winter, with 9 gigawatts of capacity already lost. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appealed for investment to build as much as 1 gigawatt of decentralized generating capacity in the next three to four months. Kremlin forces attacked the central Dnipropetrovsk and Vinnytsia regions, as well as the area surrounding Kyiv and part of the eastern Donetsk region, the Ukrainian Energy Ministry said on Telegram on Thursday. It didnt specify what infrastructure was hit. DTEK, the countrys largest non-state power producer, said three workers were wounded in the barrage, which did serious damage to a thermal power plant. This was the seventh attack against the companys facilities over the past three months, DTEK said on Telegram. A high-voltage power grid east of Kyiv was also affected, with more than 5,000 buildings connected to reserve power sources as repair work continued. The assault forced national grid operator Ukrenergo to expand power rationing, though supply to critical infrastructure wont be limited, it said on Telegram. Five out of nine missiles launched by Russia overnight were downed, as were all 27 explosive-laden drones, Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk said. Air defense failed to intercept Iskander-M ballistic missiles fired from Russias Voronezh region. In Russia, the Defense Ministry said nine Ukrainian drones had been downed overnight over the southern Adygeya and Krasnodar regions. A woman died when a drone fell on a house in the Krasnodar region, the local governor said on Telegram. An attack caused a fire to a fuel depot in Adygeya, regional head Murat Kumpilov said on Telegram, while the authorities in the Tambov region said that a presumed drone attack caused a fire at a fuel reservoir. The overnight drone attack against Russian facilities was organized by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), an official with the knowledge of the operation said. It targeted a fuel depot and a Lukoil-owned fuel base. Since the start of the war, SBU drones have made more than 30 successful attacks Russian energy infrastructure, the official said. --With assistance from Daryna Krasnolutska. (Updates with information on grid damage, SBU drone attack) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Russian air attack on 20 June: Ukraine's air defence destroys 5 out of 9 missiles and all 27 Shahed drones Information about downed drones and missiles. Photo: Ukraines Air Force Russia has launched another combined air strike on Ukraine on the night of 19-20 June. Ukraine's air defence systems have destroyed 5 out of the 9 Russian missiles launched and all the kamikaze drones. Source: Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of Ukraine's Air Force, on Telegram Details: The Russians conducted missile strikes and airstrikes on Ukraine, deploying air- and ground-launched missiles and Shahed kamikaze drones. In total, the Russians used 9 missiles of various types and 27 strike UAVs, namely: 4 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic aircraft (from the airspace over the Caspian Sea) 3 Iskander-M ballistic missiles (from temporarily occupied Crimea and Russias Voronezh Krai) 2 Kh-59 guided missiles (from the airspace over the Sea of Azov) 27 Shahed-131/136 attack UAVs (from Russias Primorsko-Akhtarsk) The Russians targeted critical infrastructure facilities, primarily focusing on Ukraines east, including Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units of the Air Force and mobile fire groups of Ukraines defence forces were involved in repelling the Russian air attack. As a result of combat efforts, 32 aerial targets were downed: 4 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles 1 Kh-59 guided missile 27 Shahed-131/136 attack UAVs Oleshchuk noted that the air defence systems were responding in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Poltava and Vinnytsia oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! Russian-American ballerina who was arrested on treason charges after $51 Ukraine donation faces closed-doors trial Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian national detained on suspicion of treason, after a $51 donation to Ukraine faces trial in Russia. (Ksenia Karelina via Facebook/First Department) A Russian-American ballerina, who was accused of high treason in Russia after donating $51 to a Ukrainian charity, is facing a closed-door trial in Russia. Ksenia Karelina, who was born in Russia and became a United States citizen in 2021, faces a sentence of 12 years to life in prison if found guilty, Reuters reported. Her trial began on Thursday in a court in Yekaterinburg and is being held in secret. A notice on the court website said the trial had been adjourned until August 7, the outlet reported. The reason for the adjournment is not immediately clear. Karelina, 33, was arrested in February on accusations of treason for allegedly contributing $51.80 to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based non-profit group that provides non-military aid to the war-torn country. She donated the same day that Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Karelina was building a life in Los Angeles working at a luxury hotel spa in Beverly Hills. However, her life changed on January 28 when she was arrested while visiting family in Russia. Her arrest sparked outrage and drew headlines. Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian national detained on suspicion of treason, after a $51 donation to Ukraine faces trial in Russia. (Ksenia Karelina via Facebook/First Department) The Russias Federal Security Service at the time issued a statement explaining that she had been proactively collecting funds... which were subsequently used to purchase tactical medical items, equipment, means of destruction and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces. Her boyfriend, Chris Van Deerden, told CNN: She doesnt intervene with anything about the war. I believe America will bring her back to me, he added. She was charged with treason after she had already been detained in the county and sentenced to 14 days in detention for violating public order. She and her boyfriend had been in Istanbul to celebrate the new year when he decided to go home to the US and she went to the Russia. Karelina attends a court hearing in Yekaterinburg on June 20. She faces 12 to life if she is convicted of treason. (via REUTERS) Van Deerden told The Los Angeles Times in late February: I thought it might be dangerous for her to go, with everything going on with the war in Ukraine, but she reassured me that she was Russian and that everything would be fine. He continued: So, for her birthday in December, I bought her a ticket. She was so excited. Now, I am hitting myself over the head about it. After she was arrested, the charity released a statement condemning her arrest and calling on the US government to continue to do everything in its power to demand that President Putin release all those unjustly detained by Russia and to hold Russias political and military leadership accountable for their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Russian-American Woman Goes on Trial for Treason Charges in Russia After Allegedly Donating $50 to Ukraine Charity Ksenia Karelina was arrested in Russia earlier this year while visiting her family HANDOUT/Sverdlovsk regional Court press/AFP via Getty Ksenia Karelina seen in court in Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 20 A Russian-American woman's case has gone to trial after she was arrested in Russia earlier this year for allegedly sending just over $50 to a charity raising money for Ukraine amid the war between the two countries. Ksenia Karelina who is also known as Ksenia Khavana, after her first husband was arrested and charged with treason in February, the Associated Press and CNN reported. Per the AP and Reuters, Karelina, who was born in Yekaterinburg but is now a U.S. citizen and works at a spa in Los Angeles, was visiting her family at the time. Karelina's trial began on Thursday, June 20, and took place behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, the outlets reported, while Reuters released a photo of her sitting in a cage at Sverdlovsk Regional Court. Per CNN, the 33-year-old has been accused of donating $51.80 to the New York-based non-profit Razom. The human rights organization that supports Ukraine told the outlet it was "appalled" by what was happening to Karelina. The charity didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment. HANDOUT/Sverdlovsk regional Court press/AFP via Getty Ksenia Karelina seen in court in Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 20 Related: 'Wall Street Journal' Reporter Detained in Russia on Spying Charges Prosecutors have accused Karelina of "proactively transferring funds to a Ukrainian organization, which the Ukrainian armed forces subsequently used to purchase tactical medicine, equipment, weapons and ammunition," the Moscow Times reported. According to the AP and CNN, Karelina could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Citing Russian news agencies, the outlets reported Karelina's next hearing has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 7. Per NBC News, Karelina first came to the U.S. in 2012 through a work-study program. A U.S. official said the amateur ballerina became a citizen in 2021. She has since been working as an esthetician at a spa in Beverly Hills. Related: WNBA Star Brittney Griner Released from Russian Custody in Prisoner Swap In a February interview with CNN, Karelina's boyfriend, Chris Van Deerden, said that he bought her a ticket to her home country as a birthday gift. He claimed Karelina was proud to be Russian," adding that when it comes to Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine, "she doesnt watch the news; she doesnt intervene with anything. While speaking to the The Independent earlier this year, Karelina's former mother-in-law, Eleonara Srebroski, said that when it comes to her charitable donation, "she's just that kind of person." "If somebody needs help, she will be helping. Whether it's an animal, or a child, or a grown-up, she's the one who is always opening her heart and her wallet," Srebroski added, per the outlet. "She is the one who will never be rude to anyone. She is just sunshine; full of love, positivity, smiles, care." 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. Several Americans are reportedly being held in jail in Russia amid growing tensions between Moscow and Washington, D.C. One of them is Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been accused by Russian authorities of spying and gathering state secrets for the U.S. government. He was arrested in March 2023 and is facing espionage charges. According to the AP, Karelina's trial was held in the same court where Gershkovich's hearing is set to to begin on Wednesday, June 26. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 4 people and injured 14 over the past day, regional authorities said on June 20. Russia targeted a total of 13 Ukrainian oblasts Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, Luhansk, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. Casualties were reported in the latter four regions. The Pokrovsk, Bakhmut and Kramatorsk districts came under Russian attack in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Two people were killed in the city of Toretsk and the village of Rozkishne, according to him. Four more residents of the region suffered injuries, Filashkin said. Three men aged 30, 41 and 63 were injured in a Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight, Governor Serhii Lysak said. Two of them were hospitalized in moderate condition. The attack damaged seven houses, five outbuildings, power lines, building equipment, and a car, according to the governor. In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian air strikes on the villages of Novoosynove and Kruhliakivka in the Kupiansk district injured two men and a woman, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. An attack on the village of Vilkhivka killed a woman and injured a man, damaging 10 houses, according to the local authorities. Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast damaged 14 houses, two high-rise buildings, a pipeline, a farm, and the territory of a shopping center, said Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. One person was killed and three injured in the region over the past day, according to Prokudin. Russia launched nine missiles and 27 drones against Ukraine overnight on June 20, damaging energy infrastructure in Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk oblasts. Ukraine shot down all drones and five missiles, the Air Force reported. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia intensifies attacks near Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On the night of June 20, the Russian terrorist army launched a massive attack on the Dnipro region. The shelling caused damage to civilian infrastructure in the region. ADVERTISIMENT Three civilians were injured. This was reported by the head of the Dnipropetrovs'k Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak on Telegram. According to the OMA, the air defense forces destroyed 4 missiles and 5 Shahed kamikaze drones in the sky over the region. The attack took place in Nikopol, Kryvyi Rih and Synelnyk districts. Despite the work of air defense, damage was recorded in the region. The consequences of the enemy attack were found in Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol districts. Men aged 30, 41 and 63 were injured in the shelling. Two of them were hospitalized in moderate condition. In Nikopol district, 7 private houses, 5 outbuildings, cars and power lines were also damaged. Construction equipment also came under fire. As a reminder, on the night of June 20, the Russian occupation army struck again at DTEK's thermal power plant. Three employees of the critical infrastructure facility were injured as a result of the shelling. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, the head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Borzov, reported that the enemy had hit a critical infrastructure facility in the region. Details are currently unknown. As reported by OBOZ.UA, due to massive Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, power outages will continue to be applied in the regions. It will take months to repair the damaged infrastructure, while some of them are beyond repair. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Russian troops attacked the north of Donetsk Oblast on June 20, killing four people and injuring four other, regional governor Vadym Filashkin said. Settlements in Donetsk Oblast suffer from daily Russian strikes due to their proximity to the front line. Heavy fighting continues in Donetsk Oblast as Russia seeks to occupy the entire region. A Russian guided aerial bomb destroyed one house and damaged three more in the town of Kostiantynivka, Filashkin said. One person was killed and one injured, he added. Russian forces also fired cluster munition at the village of Rozkishne in the Kramatorsk district, killing three people and injuring three, including a child born in 2009, according to Filashkin. Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day killed four people and injured 14, regional authorities said. 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. Rusian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are increasing the risk of the spread of infectious diseases like hepatitis, as water supply often stops when electricity is cut off, Health Minister Viktor Liashko said in an interview with BBC Ukraine published on June 20. Russia renewed a campaign of strikes on Ukraine's power grid over the spring and early summer, causing regular blackouts across the country. "When the electricity is cut off, the water supply often stops," Liashko told BBC Ukraine. A prolonged stop to the water supply, and then starting it again can "lead to water-borne transmission of infectious diseases," he added. Another issue is that when the water supply stops, people are unable to observe basic hygiene standards like washing hands or vegetables, Liashko said. Blackouts also impact people's ability to store food in the correct conditions, leading to an increased risk of botulism and food poisoning, the health minister said. Serhii Kovalenko, the CEO of energy supplier Yasno, said on June 17 that Ukrainians may only have electricity for 6 to 7 hours per day this winter due to Russia's strikes. The Health Ministry recorded "outbreaks of viral hepatitis A, which is associated with water," in 2023, Liashko said. According to Liashko, "there are no cases of cholera" in Ukraine, but the Health Ministry is monitoring any potential sign of the disease. Like hepatitis A, cholera is spread via contaminated water and food. Read also: WHO has recorded 1,682 attacks against health care in Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian cruise missiles downed by air defence in frontline zone overnight on 20 June photos Ukraine's Air Force showed the consequences of repelling a nighttime Russian attack on 20 June 2024. Source: Ukraine's Air Force on Facebook Details: Russian cruise missiles, launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers, approached from the southeast and were shot down by air defence systems in the frontline zone of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Background: On the night of 19-20 June, Russia launched yet another combined attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed 5 out of the 9 Russian missiles launched and all 27 kamikaze drones. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces claim to have deployed FAB-3000 glide bomb for first time Editor's note: The article was updated with a comment by Air Force spokesperson Illia Yevlash. The Russian military has allegedly attacked Kharkiv Oblast with a FAB-3000 high-explosive aerial bomb, Russian sources claimed on June 20. A video shared by a pro-Kremlin blogger purports to show Russian bombers striking a Ukrainian military target in the village of Liptsy in Kharkiv Oblast. The blogger, who reportedly has ties to the Russian Air Force, claims the footage records the first combat use of a FAB-3000 M-54 bomb with a universal planning and correction module (UMPK). The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims at the time of publication. Russian forces have previously attacked Kharkiv Oblast with high-explosive aerial bombs amid Moscow's intensified attacks and new offensive against the region in spring 2024. Kharkiv Oblast police reported that Russian forces attacked the Kupiansk district on May 5 with a FAB-1500 air-dropped bomb, the first time a 1,500-kilogram bomb had been used since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The strike killed an 88-year-old woman and injured a 34-year-old man. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed in March that it had begun mass production of FAB-3000 aerial bombs. The June 20 video claims to show a FAB-3000 bomb striking the end of a building used by the Ukrainian army as a temporary deployment point (TDP). The post accompanying the video explains that the bomb did not succeed in making a direct hit on the target but still caused massive damage. Ukraine cannot confirm that Russia used the bomb, Air Force spokesperson Illia Yevlash said in a comment for the Kyiv Independent. Read also: Glide bombs help Russia gain land in Ukraine. What makes them so effective? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. St Thomas's Hospital in London was one of those affected by the cyber attack - Andrius Kaziliunas/iStock Russian hackers who targeted NHS hospitals have demanded a 40 million ransom. The group, called Qilin, claimed responsibility for the cyber attack on computer systems run by Synnovis, which provides pathology services to hospitals and GP surgeries in London. More than 800 operations were postponed as a result of the attack on June 4 which crippled three major hospitals in the capital. It is understood the group, thought to have links to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has threatened to publish data stolen in the breach. Ciaran Martin, the first head of GCHQs national cyber security centre previously said Qilin appeared to be behind the attack. A Qilin website where the group listed its alleged victims disappeared from the internet in the days after the hack. Another page remains online but Synnovis wasnt listed, according to Bloomberg. A Synnovis spokesperson said: The investigation into the attack continues, including any possible impact to data. Once further information is known we will report in line with the Information Commissioners Office requirements, and prioritise the notification of any impacted individuals or partners as required. We also continue to engage with law enforcement and the information commissioner and are working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and NHS Englands cyber operations team. Doctors were forced to cancel around 800 planned operations and 700 outpatient appointments, postpone blood tests and resort to handwritten records, according to the NHS. Three-year-old on dialysis A mother of a three-year-old whose kidneys dont work and who depends on dialysis said her daughters treatment was disrupted because of the attack. Emma, who chose not to give her second name, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: They are directly attacking and targeting babies, toddlers and amazing children at the Evelina Childrens Hospital. Ciaran Martin, head of GCHQ's national cyber security centre - John Lawrence for The Telegraph That hospital is the definition of what is the best of humanity and what they are doing is the definition of the worst of humanity. Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, added: I think its very frightening and worrying for patients and families, but also, of course, for the clinical teams who are not able to get the really valuable, in-the-moment information. Apology Representatives of Qilin apologised for the disruption but suggested the attack was justified by the British governments involvement in unspecified wars, according to Bloomberg. The representative added that they had cut contact with Synnovis after their demand for a ransom payment was not met within its 120-hour deadline. In March, Qilin claimed responsibility for breaking into the Big Issue Groups IT systems and stealing confidential data. Qilin first emerged in 2022 and has been responsible for 29 ransomware attacks globally this year, according to research by Comparitech. 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. Three people have been injured and seven buildings, along with outbuildings and a power transmission line, have been damaged in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast due to a large-scale Russian combined attack on the night of 19-20 June. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration; Mykola Lukashuk, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council Quote from Lysak: "The enemy launched a large-scale attack on the Oblast at night. Our air defenders repelled it, destroying five Shahed drones and four missiles. Air defence systems were responding in the Nikopol, Kryvyi Rih and Synelnykove districts." Details: Authorities reported that the effects of the attack were recorded in the Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol districts. Three men aged 30, 41 and 63 were injured, two of whom have been hospitalised in a moderate condition. Seven houses, five outbuildings, cars, power lines and construction equipment were damaged in the Nikopol district. Background: Russia launched another combined air strike on Ukraine on the night of 19-20 June. Ukraine's air defence systems destroyed 5 out of the 9 Russian missiles launched and all of the kamikaze drones. Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national energy company, reported that civilian power infrastructure facilities had been damaged in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Kyiv oblasts in the Russian attack on the night of 19-20 June. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces attacked the village of Rozkishne in Donetsk Oblast on 20 June with cluster munitions, killing three people and injuring four others. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office; Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration Quote from the Prosecutors Office: "The army of the aggressor state attacked the territory of Illinivka hromada in the Kramatorsk district on 20 June 2024, at 12:20, using cluster munitions from Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.]. A woman aged 64 and two men, 30 and 42, sustained fatal injuries in the village of Rozkishne." Details: Two men, 32 and 37, a woman, 57, and a teenager, 14, suffered blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. They were taken to hospital. In addition, the attack on the settlement damaged four houses, two cars and a gas pipeline. Background: A team of power engineers came under fire from Russian forces as they carried out repair work in Donetsk Oblast. On the night of 19-20 June, Russian forces targeted a thermal power facility owned by DTEK, the largest private energy company in Ukraine, injuring three power engineers and severely damaging equipment at the plant. Support UP or become our patron! Russians keep pressing from Luhansk Oblast towards Lyman and Borova for year and half 66th Separate Mechanised Brigade Advancing from occupied Luhansk Oblast, the Russian military has been trying to push Ukraine's defence forces beyond the Chornyi Zherebets River that runs through Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts for a year and a half. And further, they plan to build on their success towards Borova and Lyman. Source: press service of the 66th Separate Mechanised Brigade, which has been operating on the Lyman front since the summer of 2022; National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) servicemen deployed on the Lyman front Quote: "The Russians have been expecting a counteroffensive on our front since approximately December 2022, which means that they have been trying to at least push us beyond the Chornyi Zherebets River for a year and a half, and then build on their success in the areas of Lyman and Borova. A new wave of the (Russian - UP) offensive began in late April 2024. The situation in the 66th Separate Mechanised Brigade's zone of responsibility is consistently difficult, the enemy does not abandon its intention to continue assault operations, suffers losses, but constantly replenishes assault units with hastily trained personnel, mostly contractors from the Russian hinterland. The enemy is using the full range of available weapons against us. These are drops from copters, FPV drones, Lancet barrage munitions, unguided missiles from helicopters, guided bombs with a planning and correction module, grenade launchers, mortars, 100- to 152-calibre tube artillery, rocket artillery, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and missile strikes." Details: Military from another brigade (a unit of the National Guard of Ukraine), which also operates on the Lyman front, tell UP that despite recent statements by the 3rd Assault Brigade about the Russian intensification in Luhansk Oblast, the intensity of attacks in this area remains about the same as a few weeks ago. The situation is consistently difficult. Support UP or become our patron! Russians report attack by 15 drones on refinery and oil depot in Russia, fires erupt photos Russian Telegram channels have reported that drones have attacked the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai and an oil depot in the Russian republic of Adygea. Later, Murat Kumpilov, Head of the Republic of Adygea, confirmed this information. Source: Baza and Astra Telegram channels; Russian Kremlin-aligned media outlet RIA Novosti with reference to emergency services; Murat Kumpilov, Head of the Republic of Adygea Details: Baza reported that the attack on the plant began around 02:30 (local time). Early reports indicate that the drones were downed, but the wreckage from one of the UAVs crashed into a storage tank, causing a fire. Astra wrote that residents of the village of Enem in Adygea and the village of Afipsky in Krasnodar Krai reported explosions and fires. Telegram channels added that there was no official information available at first. Updated: Later, Krasnodar Krai operational headquarters stated that "information about a fire at the Afipsky oil refinery is not accurate". However, Russian emergency services reported receiving four complaints from residents about explosions in the village of Afipsky in Krasnodar Krai. Updated: In the morning, Russian Kremlin-aligned media outlet RIA Novosti claimed that Russian air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones overnight over the Republic of Adygea, Krasnodar Krai, Bryansk, Rostov, Belgorod and Oryol Oblasts. RIA Novosti did not mention possible hits or fires resulting from these attacks. . : Baza pic.twitter.com/zclvhnVvRL (@ukrpravda_news) June 20, 2024 Later, Kumpilov confirmed the information about the attack. Quote from Kumpilov: "A fire occurred this morning at an oil depot in the village of Enem, Takhtamukaysk district, as a result of a drone attack." Details: He stated that the fire, covering an area of 400 square metres, was extinguished by 06:00, claiming that there were no casualties. Support UP or become our patron! Russian drone attacks in the early hours of June 20 damaged energy infrastructure in Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk oblasts, reported state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo. Restoration crews are currently on the scene to assess the damage caused by the Russian strikes. At least three people - men aged 30, 41, and 63 - were injured overnight in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, according to regional governor Serhii Lysak. Two of them were hospitalized. Russia's attack on the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast also damaged seven private residences, five warehouses, cars, and power lines. Russian troops also attacked one of DTEK's, Ukraine's largest private energy company's, thermal power plants, "severely" damaging the equipment, the company said. Three power engineers suffered injuries, according to DTEK. The company did not disclose the location of the impacted facility. Russia used at least nine missiles and 27 drones to target Ukraine, according to the Air Force's morning update. The missiles were fired from the Caspian Sea, and Voronezh region, while the drones were launched from the Russian port town of Primorsko-Akhtarsk, located on the coast of the Azov Sea. Missile units of Ukraine's Armed Forces and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Air Force intercepted five missiles and 27 drones over Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Poltava and Vinnytsia oblasts. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia intensifies attacks near Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On the night of June 20, the aggressor country Russia attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure with Shahed-type kamikaze d rones. Air defense was operating in the regions, but there were also hits. ADVERTISIMENT Damage to equipment at facilities in four regions was recorded. This was reported by the national energy company Ukrenergo. "Last night, Russian UAVs launched a new massive strike on the civilian energy infrastructure of Ukraine," the company said. It specified that the attack targeted equipment in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Dnipro and Donetsk regions. Damage was recorded at the energy facilities. Earlier, the head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Borzov, reported that a critical infrastructure facility in the region was hit, with no casualties. Similarly, shrapnel damaged power lines and equipment at one of the enterprises in Kyiv region. ADVERTISIMENT DTEK's thermal power plant was hit, injuring three employees of the critical infrastructure facility. In Dnipropetrovs'k region, three men were injured in the attack, in particular in Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol districts of the region. As reported by OBOZ.UA, due to massive Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, blackouts will continue to be applied in the regions. It will take months to repair the damaged infrastructure, while some of them are beyond repair. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! (Bloomberg) -- Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte secured the unanimous support of NATO members to become the next head of the military alliance after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said he was withdrawing as the only other candidate still in the running. Most Read from Bloomberg Iohannis said he had flagged to allies last week that he would drop out, according to a presidential statement published on Thursday, which also said that the Black Sea nation now supported the outgoing Dutch leader to helm the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Rutte now has the support of NATOs 32 members to succeed current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whose mandate is set to expire in October. Allies had hoped to select the next head of the military alliance before a NATO leaders summit in Washington next month. The change of NATO leader comes at a critical moment in the alliances 75th year and as Russias war with Ukraine drags on. The NATO chief will have to continue corralling allies support for Ukraine in defending itself against Russia, while also preventing any escalation between Moscow and the military alliance. That job may be made more challenging if Donald Trump returns to the White House after US elections in November. Rutte has been seen as the best candidate to manage the former US President, who had fraught ties with his NATO counterparts in his first term, as he repeatedly pressed European allies to increase their defense budgets and questioned the value of remaining part of the alliance. Trump was right to complain about the shortfall in defense spending from his European allies, Rutte said in an interview with Bloomberg TV in January, adding that we have to dance with whoever is on the dance floor, when asked about a potential Trump victory. Ruttes path was cleared when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban backed him after receiving a written pledge to respect a deal made with Stoltenberg, giving Budapest an opt-out from the alliances commitments to Ukraine. Slovakia also backed Rutte earlier this week, in exchange for assurances that NATO would protect Slovak airspace. While Rutte had early backing from a majority of the alliance, Romanias surprise move in March to put Iohannis forward delayed the process, even as many officials said his candidacy came too late to dent support for Rutte. Rutte is stepping down as the Netherlands longest serving leader now that a new coalition government has been agreed, with Dick Schoof, a former head of the Dutch intelligence service, due to replace him. The Dutch leader announced his departure last year, after his government collapsed over an internal row on migration policy. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins both expressed interest in the NATO role last year, but Rutte emerged as the favorite due to broad support from countries like the US, France and Germany. --With assistance from Lina Grau, Ellen Milligan, Natalia Drozdiak, Cagan Koc and Marton Kasnyik. (Updates with statement in second paragraph, background throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Rutte to become head of Nato after lone rival drops out Mark Rutte has been a staunch backer of Ukraine backer, quickly won the support of Britain, France, Germany and the US - SIMON WOHLFAHRT/BLOOMBERG Mark Rutte, the outgoing Dutch prime minister, has clinched the race to become the next head of Nato at a pivotal time for the alliance, after his sole challenger Klaus Iohannis, the Romanian president, pulled out. The veteran politician, 57, is expected to be formally appointed by Natos 32 nations in the coming days and should take over from Jens Stoltenberg when the current secretary generals term ends on Oct 1. Mr Rutte will come in at a perilous moment for the Western allies as Russias war in Ukraine drags on and Donald Trump battles to reclaim the presidency in the United States. After staking his claim for the job last year following the collapse of his coalition, Mr Rutte, a staunch Ukraine backer, quickly won the support of heavyweights Britain, France, Germany and the US. But he had to use all the diplomatic skills gleaned during almost 14 years in charge of the Netherlands to win over hold-outs led by Turkey and Hungary. Mr Rutte overcame Turkish reticence with an April visit to Istanbul, before finally sealing a deal with Hungarys Viktor Orban at a European Union summit this week. That left the last sticking point as Mr Iohannis, whose surprise bid had ruffled feathers among allies banking on a smooth appointment for Mr Rutte ahead of a Nato summit in Washington next month. Romanias security council on Thursday announced that Mr Iohannis had formally withdrawn and that the country backed Mr Rutte. 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. Rutte to be next NATO chief after Iohannis withdraws from race Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew his bid to become the next NATO Secretary General at a meeting of Romania's Supreme Council of National Defence on June 20, and asked the council to support Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's candidacy. The Supreme Council of National Defence "declared in favor of Romania's support of the Dutch prime minister's candidacy," Iohannis announced on his website. Romania was the last of the 32 NATO allies to support Rutte's candidacy, after Hungary and Slovakia endorsed Rutte on June 18. Orban said he endorsed Rutte after the Dutch prime minister pledged he would support Budapest in opting out of NATO initiatives to support Ukraine. The same day, current NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described Rutte as a "very strong candidate" with a "lot of experience as prime minister." Rutte has been prime minister of the Netherlands since 2010. Stoltenberg's mandate as Secretary General will end on Oct. 1, 2024. During the same Supreme Council of National Defence meeting, Romania announced it will transfer a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Read also: How Mark Rutte became NATO Secretary General and what it means for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Sacramento could see 100-degree temperatures again soon (FOX40.COM) The Sacramento area has had a stretch of cooler days after two back-to-back heat waves, thanks in no small part to the Delta breeze providing relief, but 100-degree days could be back sooner than you think. The National Weather Service has issued a moderate heat advisory for most of the Sacramento Valley, the foothills east of Sacramento and parts of the San Joaquin Valley for this Saturday between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Live Weather & Maps Live Weather Radar Weather News Weather Email Alerts Live Traffic Map Weather officials forecast temperatures that could reach between 100 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit that day. Low temperatures could be in the mid 60s to mid 70s, with the warmest low temperatures in the northern and central Sacramento Valley and the foothills. Tracking the Tropics: When will the 1st tropical storm of the season emerge? The FOX40 Weather Center shows maximum temperatures going from the mid 80s on Wednesday to 100 and above on Saturday before dropping back into the mid 90s the following three days. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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, youre going to have to start paying to charge your EV at city lots soon Sacramentos City Council approved its 2024-2025 budget and, starting July 1, electric vehicle stations in city parking lots will charge drivers to charge, and a free ride comes to an end. Previously, electric vehicle owners could charge their cars without paying for the service. As the city worked to close a $66 million budget deficit, gratis power went on the chopping block. The cost at ChargePoint stations will be assessed separately from parking fees. The rollout of the new rates may take longer at some locations. Drivers will pay through the ChargePoint app. The city targeted public parking as an area for raising more revenue to help address the deficit. Sacramento will convert 300 spots on central city streets to metered spots, as well as activating downtown and midtown parking meters on Sundays and holidays. The Department of Public Works listed nearly 90 ChargePoint stations across city-owned parking facilities: Capitol Garage at 10th and L streets, the City Hall Garage, the Tower Bridge Garage at Front Street and Capitol Mall, the Old Sacramento Garage at Second and I streets, Memorial Garage Memorial Garage at 14th and H streets. Amtraks Sacramento Valley Station also has SMUD-owned-and-operated charging stations. These spaces at the train station already charge fees. Rates at city spaces will be $0.20 per kWh during off-peak times; $0.25 per kWh during mid-peak times, and $0.30 per kWh during peak times. The user interface on the charger will reflect the current price of power. EVs are only allowed in spaces while they are actively charging. If the car plugs in longer than the time it takes to charge the car or if it overstays any designated time limit, the ChargePoint app assesses overstay fees. Vehicles in a space that are unplugged as in cars that are simply parked in an EV space can be ticketed. ChargePoint announced the first of its free charging stations in the California capital in 2010. ThenSacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said in a news release at the time, My vision is to make Sacramento the Emerald Valley the greenest region in the country and the hub of green technology. A networked infrastructure that supports electric vehicles is essential to this vision. After celebrating the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth, I cannot help but think about how far Black communities still have to go to reach a level of equity in America. In Sacramento, Black people account for just 11.9% of the population, but they have the highest poverty rate of any racial or ethnic group at 20%, according to the Census Bureau. One of the most important levers of equity we have is the ability to read. The cornerstone of slavery was illiteracy among enslaved populations slave owners did everything they could to keep slaves ignorant and illiterate. In California in 1739, teaching enslaved Africans to read or write was punishable with prison sentences and fines. Knowledge means power, and maintaining slavery required policies and laws that promoted high rates of illiteracy among enslaved populations throughout America. Opinion The dark legacy of slavery continues to negatively impact the education of Black children. Recently, the Black Parallel School Board, a community organization developed to work parallel to the Sacramento City Unified District Board of Education, partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union California Action and the Black Organizing Project to support a State of Black Education California event. There, we introduced a report card outlining 24 ways Black students are still treated unequally in California 70 years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court . Current statistics continue to paint a stark picture of literacy proficiency among Californias Black third-grade students. Today, only 27% are meeting or exceeding the English language arts state standards across the state. Sacramento County is no exception. In fact, only 25% of Black third-grade students are proficient in English Language arts (compared to 50% of their white classmates). In the fourth grade, children shift from learning to read to reading to learn. That means the inability to read in elementary school continues to impact a childs academic achievement across all subjects through middle school, high school and beyond. If high schools graduated highly literate Black students, graduation day would be a jubilant celebration akin to Juneteenth. Instead, in the Sacramento City Unified School District, three in 10 Black students did not graduate with their cohort in 2023, and only 22% of Black students who did graduate met requirements to be eligible to apply for a public four-year university in California. The Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment provided access to civil rights, but literacy empowers individuals to fully exercise these rights. Literacy opens doors to voting, fair trials, government employment, public facility access, housing, freedom of religion and public education transforming these rights from mere words into tangible opportunities. Achieving high literacy rates is a modern emancipation, granting students the tools to realize the full promise of their civil rights. Across 37 states, legislation and policies have passed to embrace evidence-based principles supported by the National Reading Panel and other literacy experts. Now, California stands poised to follow suit. The Black Parallel School Board fully supported Assembly Bill 2222, authored by Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, which requires all California public elementary schools to use evidence-based reading instructional materials and train educators on providing evidence-based early literacy instruction. Unfortunately, the 2024 version of the bill died in the assembly without a hearing, but we will once again support the 2025 version of the bill because the cause is just too important. Just as the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved individuals, evidence-based early literacy instruction will free Black, Indigenous and people of color from the historical and cultural enslavement of lower-class citizenship and liberate students from educational inequity, empowering them to fully participate in society and achieve their full potential. This is how we break the cycle of poverty for Sacramentos Black children and begin to repair generational harm. Darryl White Sr. is a former teacher, administrator, curriculum specialist and race/human relations/equity trainer. He currently advocates for parents seeking educational equity for their children as chair of the Black Parallel School Board, a community organization developed to work parallel to Sacramento area school district boards. Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) An Atlanta-based nonprofit can take over Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence and Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence if it agrees to a long list of conditions, state regulators announced Thursday afternoon. The application of Centurion Foundation to buy the two safety-net hospitals from Prospect Medical Holdings received approval from the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General and the Rhode Island Department of Health after the completion of a regulatory review to ensure the sale complies with the states Hospital Conversion Act. The net purchase price is $80 million, although the fair market value of the assets was determined to be $160 million. Under the plan, CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island would be responsible for the operation of the health care system as a whole. The new CharterCARE system will finance the $160 million plus closing costs, with $80 million placed on the balance sheet at closing. The total net debt involved is approximately $192 million, comprised of taxable and tax-exempt bonds. A decision in the proposed high stakes sale to return the two hospitals to nonprofit status had originally been expected last week but was delayed by negotiations over the terms for stabilizing the finances and facilities at each hospital and meeting the needs of all patients in the communities they serve. Recent court filings paint a bleak picture of the hospitals with a string of canceled surgeries and a pile of unpaid bills from vendors supplying key equipment and materials. Documents include details of bed bugs, mold, brown water leaking from an eyewash device and the absence of standard safety procedures. Federal inspectors who visited Roger Williams in April found water leaking from the ceiling into a light fixture, prompting an immediate jeopardy warning by the The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Attorney General Peter Neronha said Prospect Medical Holdings, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has deliberately placed both hospitals in a tenuous financial situation by profiting at the expense of patients. Neronhas decision sets 40 conditions while the health department decision imposes 45. Both regulators required Centurion to: Ensure the hospitals remain in good standing with financial obligations. Maintain hospital governing bodies that include a majority of independent board members and with relevant experience who represent the diverse populations the hospitals serve. Hire a senior leader to manage business affairs, oversee financial management, and explore strategic alternatives. Pay outstanding balances with vendors and fund necessary repairs to the hospitals. Pledge not eliminate or significantly reduce health care services without approval from RIDOH. Our team was guided by the baseline principle that Rhode Islanders deserve quality, accessible and affordable health care, said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha in a statement. We also know that the future of these hospitals is critical to the collective landscape of health care in Rhode Island. This decision and the conditions we have placed on the transfer of ownership were only arrived at after careful consideration and strong scrutiny. Neronhas office is requiring Prospect and Centurion to commit to guaranteeing the addition of $80 million in cash to the books of the new CharterCARE system and contributing an additional $66.8 million to a dedicated fund toward which Prospect may apply an outstanding $47 million in funds held in escrow from in the 2021 sale of both hospitals. Rhode Island needs a stable network of hospitals that supports the health and wellness of every community in the state, said Director of Health Dr. Jerry Larkin, in a statement. In light of the historical and ongoing financial and operational challenges at the hospitals, RIDOH issued a decision today with conditions carefully developed to restore local control, help stabilize these two facilities, and help ensure that the new operators would be positioned to provide consistent, safe, high-quality care. Hospital workers with United Nurses & Allied Professionals Local 5110 have warned of crushing debt that could force them to eventually closure even under new ownership. The union represents almost 1,200 employees at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center said the conditions set forth in the joint decision by the health department and the attorney general are insufficient to ensure their long-term viability. Centurion does not have to put up a meaningful amount of their own capital, and the entire transaction relies on saddling these hospitals with more and more debt to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, the union said in a statement released after 9 p.m. Thursday. When you consider the fact that CharterCares hospitals and healthcare facilities are losing tens of millions of dollars in operating costs every year, the decision makes even less sense. The math simply does not work without them putting a meaningful amount of their own skin in the game, the statement continued. Our union is disappointed in this decision. Coming on the heels of Prospects disastrous ownership of these important community hospitals and healthcare facilities, you would think these conditions would have been much, much stronger. Clearly, that is not what has happened and the long-term success of Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, Roger Williams Medical Center, and Prospect Home Health and Hospice remains at great risk. Otis Brown, spokesperson for Prospects Rhode Island subsidiary, CharterCARE Health Partners, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon. This story has been updated to include the reaction from United Nurses & Allied Professionals Local 5110. The post Sale of Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals can proceed if conditions are met appeared first on Rhode Island Current. Salem residents celebrated the city's early Black families at the Willamette Heritage Center and others gathered for a community block party downtown featuring music, food, and community booths in honor of the Juneteenth holiday Wednesday. The Juneteenth holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, when Union troops marched into the city on June 19, 1865, and Union General Gordon Granger delivered the news that President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior, requiring the immediate freedom of more than 250,000 slaves in Texas. The date became a federal holiday in 2021 and the Oregon legislature passed House Bill 2168 the same year, establishing June 19 as an official state holiday. Celebrations of emancipation in Oregon date back to the 1860s. Clara Peoples, a worker at the Kaiser Shipyards in Portland, is recognized as the woman who organized the first celebration in 1945 on June 19 and helped initiate Portlands annual Juneteenth celebration in 1972. More than 100 people joined the Salem-Keizer NAACP chapter for their second Juneteenth event on Wednesday Tour of local sites tied to one of Salem's early Black families The Willamette Heritage Center hosted its second annual Juneteenth Community History Walk event Wednesday in partnership with Oregon Black Pioneers and Just Walk Salem Keizer. The walk traces local families impacted by slavery and emancipation and celebrates Salems early Black community. Last year, participants visited the site of a home in the Piety Hill neighborhood where the Bayless home was the site of an Emancipation Day celebration in 1879. The tour also featured the site of Albert Bayless' blacksmith shop and one of the churches he is credited with helping build. This year, four guided tours and self-guided tours invited participants to learn about and honor Rev. Daniel Jones, the first Black student at Willamette University and the state's delegate to several national civil rights conferences. Gov. Tina Kotek joined one of the tours and issued a proclamation honoring June 19, 2024 as Juneteenth across the state. We must continue to work to end racial injustice and ensure equity, inclusion, and opportunity for Black Oregonians," Kotek said in a press release. "It was wonderful to join Oregon Black Pioneers and the Willamette Heritage Center for their Salem Juneteenth Community History Walk honoring Rev. Daniel Jones, an unwavering in Oregon. Nearly 50 people joined the noon tour led by Mariah Rocker, Oregon Black Pioneers' public programs and exhibits manager. Rocker led two groups through Salem, guided by chalk arrows to sites that have for the most part significantly changed in appearance since the Jones family would have inhabited them. The tour took participants to Willamette University where Jones was enrolled in a two-year preparatory course during the 1869-1870 and 1870-1871 school years. At the time, the campus had two buildings. One of those buildings remains, Waller Hall. The northwest corner of High and Mill Streets was another stop where the Jones family first resided. Today, the corner is part of the Pringle Parkade Garage and home to some storefronts. The rest of the tour included the site of Jones' barbershop, the Reed Opera House where Jones is said to have delivered Emancipation Jubilee remarks, the corner of High and Marion Streets where Jones was a pastor of the Colored M.E Church, the corner of High and Marion Streets where a segregated school for students of color in 1868 was opened that Jones' son likely attended, the site of a later Jones family home at Marion and Winter streets and the site of the Bayless family home. Dr. Johnny Lake speaks about his upbringing in Salem during a Juneteenth block party. Music, food, celebration at Salem-Keizer NAACP event More than 100 people joined the Salem-Keizer NAACP chapter for their second Juneteenth event since the pandemic. Dozens of community booths lined both sides of Cottage St. including booths for the American Red Cross, Black Joy Oregon, the Kroc Center, BE-BLAC foundation, CASA, Family Building Blocks, and more. There were performances from two local high school students of the Black National Anthem and an original song from Jazzmen Mendoza, a McNary High School graduate. Dr. Johnny Lake, a former chairman of the State of Oregon Commission on Black Affairs and an educator, delivered a speech, opening with a reading of the preamble from the Declaration of Independence and talking about laws that were passed that contradicted the words. "I hope you felt the contradiction that was going on with that incredible statement of freedom at the same time there were laws, after laws, after laws, passed to restrict the rights of African Americans," Lake said. RJ Hampton, president of the Salem-Keizer NAACP, said the chapter plans to host the event annually to honor the holiday which he characterized as a "landmark" and "testament" to the resilience of the Black community. Hampton said the chapter was committed to building a foundation that helps people understand the contributions that the Black community has made in Salem and create more events like Wednesdays where the community can come together. Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLugo This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem community to celebrate Juneteenth PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Rep. Andrea Salinas is launching a district-wide Life After Measure 110 listening tour on Thursday aiming to get feedback on ways officials can address the addiction crisis in Oregon after lawmakers rolled back the voter-approved drug decriminalization measure in April. Rep. Salinas (OR-06) is looking to hear from both community members and law enforcement for ideas on how federal officials can forge relationships with local leaders to address the crisis. The tour comes as law enforcement and behavioral health resources are stretched thin, according to Salinas. Authorities locate propane truck driver who left trailer that exploded on I-5 The first-term representative, who is also up for re-election, is kicking off her tour with a 4:15 p.m. meeting Thursday at the Clackamas County offices in Oregon City. She will be joined by Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West, District Attorney John Wentworth, Sheriff Angela Brandenburg and other local leaders. Over the summer, Salinas plans to hold meetings in other counties across her district, which includes Yamhill and Polk counties, and parts of Marion, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The fentanyl crisis has gripped communities across Oregon and put a huge burden on law enforcement and behavioral health providers who were already stretched thin. Now that Measure 110 has been partially repealed, we can begin to enact pragmatic, evidence-based policies that will address the problem at hand, Salinas said in a press release announcing the tour. How old is Herman the Sturgeon, really? Bonneville Hatchery celebrates Hermans birthday I have been working to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to keep us safe, while also expanding access to treatment and recovery services, Salinas said. With this listening tour, I look forward to gaining important insights from our police, local governments, and members of the recovery community about how we can move forward in a post-Measure 110 world and put an end to the addiction crisis once and for all. Parts of drug decriminalization Measure 110 were rolled back under House Bill 4002, which Gov. Tina Kotek signed in April. Under the law, possession of small amounts of street drugs will be an unclassified misdemeanor starting Sept. 1, 2024. HB 4002 will also give people the choice between being charged and treatment when they are caught carrying drugs like fentanyl and meth. Treatment includes completing a behavioral health screening and participating in a deflection program in order to sidestep fines. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (KRON) Lionel Rubalcava was 23 years old when he stopped his truck to flirt with a woman in a San Jose neighborhood. An innocent moment of flirting set off a chain of events that led to Rubalcava serving 17 years in prison for a shooting he did not commit. This week, the City of San Jose reportedly agreed to pay the exonerated man $12 million to settle a a police misconduct case. The city council voted Tuesday to approve the settlement for Rubalcava, who is now 46 years old and walking free. On April 2, 2002, victim Raymond Rodriguez was shot in a drive-by shooting while he was standing in his neighbors yard on Mastic Street. The gunman was inside an SUV that was found engulfed in flames hours later. Rodriguez suffered injuries that left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair. In Rodriguezs first interview with police, he said that he did not recognize the shooter and had never seen him before, according to the Northern California Innocence Project based at Santa Clara University School of Law. On the day of the shooting, Rubalcava was on a date with a woman in Hollister. Days later, Rubalcava drove through the victims neighborhood. He saw Jennifer Rodriguez, the victims sister, outside and although he didnt know her, he pulled over to flirt with her, Innocence Project attorneys wrote. While they were talking, the sister told Rubalcava about the shooting. He replied that he had nothing to do with the shooting and drove off. The victims family and friends became suspicious of Rubalcava and reported him to police. Santa Clara County jurors found him guilty of attempted murder in 2003. A judge sentenced Rubalcava to serve 31 years to life in prison. The conviction reversal stemmed from a post-trial investigation by the Northern California Innocence Project. The team put together information showing the eyewitness identifications were unreliable, NCIP wrote. DA says Scott Peterson is still guilty of murdering wife, no DNA tests necessary The victim recanted his testimony in 2005, attorneys said. (The victim) said he had always told police he was unsure about (the shooters) identification, and that he had simply said Rubalcava looked like the person who shot him, NCIP wrote. Rubalcava had a strong alibi. At the time of the shooting he was driving to Hollister, a town 50 miles south of San Jose, for a date. His date had insisted that he leave at 5 p.m. because of traffic. Defense attorneys presented the case to the Conviction Integrity Unit in the Santa Clara Countys District Attorneys Office in 2019. After spending 17 years of his life in a prison cell, Rubalcava was set free and his conviction was overturned by the court. He later sued the city for wrongful conviction. Rubalcava told KQED on Tuesday, The San Jose Police Department singled me out and framed me for a crime I didnt commit. My family and I are grateful we can now put this nightmare behind us. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In June 2024, Russian troops constantly maintained pressure on the front line in Ukraine with the help of tactical aviation. At that time, the occupiers continued to strike at rear infrastructure and military targets with kamikaze drones. ADVERTISIMENT However, over the past week, the enemy has changed this tactic. This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense, citing its intelligence. It is noted that from June 12 to 18, Russian long-range aviation shifted the focus of its cruise missile strikes to Ukrainian air bases. Experts are convinced that this was caused by frustration over the success of Ukrainian air strikes. It is also likely that the change in tactics underscores the aggressor country's concerns about Ukraine's future use of F-16s. In addition, a series of coordinated attacks by the Defense Forces against Russian military targets in the temporarily occupied Crimea resulted in the destruction of critical elements of the Russian Federation's S-300 and S-400 air defense missile systems. "These successes underscore the Russians' struggle to protect their assets in Crimea, despite their pride and the significant economic costs of air defense. While it is likely that Russia will be able to replace the systems quickly, continued attrition will likely force it to use equipment from other areas, as it has done in the past, if it wants to maintain its air defense coverage density," the British intelligence officers said. ADVERTISIMENT In their opinion, further successful Ukrainian attacks on enemy airfields (for example, Mozdok, Akhtubinsk, and Morozovsk) are likely to force the occupiers to continue their policy of dispersing their aviation farther from the front line. Experts are convinced that this will lead to even greater exhaustion of Russian aircraft and crews, as flight time will increase. British intelligence does not rule out that the loss of a Su-34 fighter-bomber in North Ossetia a week ago was due to this. As reported by OBOZ.UA, about 15 air defense systems of the Russian Armed Forces have been damaged in the temporarily occupied Crimea over the past two months. At least the launchers, control centers, and radar surveillance equipment of the occupiers were damaged. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Scenes of devastation emerge in New Mexico as dangerous floods follow wildfires Scenes of devastation emerge in New Mexico as dangerous floods follow wildfires People in New Mexico at risk from devastating wildfires this week are now facing extremely dangerous flooding. At least two people died in the South Fork and Salt Fires which have destroyed 23,000 acres in southern parts of the state since Monday. Some 7,000 people in and around the village of Ruidoso, around 200 miles south of Albuquerque, were forced to evacuate on Monday. A total of 8,000 people in the region have been evacuated, with many of them staying in emergency shelters. The larger South Fork fire destroyed some 1,400 buildings in the area, including 500 homes, said New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham. It is heartbreaking to look at what our landscape looks like after a fire moves through it, Kerry Gladden, a spokesperson for the Village of Ruidoso, told The New York Times. Such a thing of beauty now has whole mountain sides that are covered with charred trees. A flash flood rushes through the village of Ruidoso, pictured, in New Mexico. Residents are facing extremely dangerous floods while two major fires scorch the region (Jesus Figueroa /TMX) And now, Ruidoso is facing extremely dangerous flooding in the wake of the fires as thunderstorms, hail and high winds hit the region, the National Weather Service said. Burn scars left behind by wildfires make areas more susceptible to flooding because charred ground cant absorb water, unlike healthy soil and vegetation. Meanwhile, heavy rain and lime-sized hail turned the nearby village of Willard into a large lake, forecasters told The Associated Press. The storms dropped up to eight inches on the 200-person village in just eight hours, and flooding also left dozens of cars stranded on a nearby highway. My semi weighs 80,000 pounds, and it was rocking, commercial truck driver Mike Bischoff told the AP. Meanwhile, blowing dust caused by severe weather in northern New Mexico caused a highway pileup on Wednesday. Eighteen people were hospitalized, Santa Fe New Mexican reports. People were also rescued from their homes in the Ruidoso area after being stranded by heavy flooding, forecasters said. Cars were left stranded for miles after a severe thunderstorm brought hail and flash flooding to Willard, New Mexico. pic.twitter.com/9d5GmH3o68 AccuWeather (@accuweather) June 20, 2024 Emergency crews were forced to evacuate from eight different areas on Wednesday due to the extreme flooding but have since returned and continued rescue efforts in Ruidoso, public information officer Jerry Corliss told The Independent on Thursday. Emergency crews worked quickly on Thursday to clear roadways of debris caused by the floods, Corliss added. The region remains under a flash flood watch until late on Thursday. Emergency crews worked quickly on Thursday to clear roadways of debris brought in by the floods, Corliss told The Independent. Satellite imagery shows the wildfires burning through southern New Mexico. At least two people are dead as the South Fork and Salt fires rage on (Maxar Technologies) New Mexico state police said at least two people died in the blazes. Patrick Pearson, 60, died on Tuesday. Officials found him on the side of a road near a motel with several burns.Police have yet to identify the second person, whose skeleton was found in a charred vehicle also on Tuesday. The governor has declared a state of emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation due to the fires. The human-caused climate crisis will continue to create prime conditions for destructive wildfires as global temperatures increase, making rain more erratic and droughts more prolonged and intense. Climate scientists say that it is very likely 2024 will be the hottest year on record globally, following the record-setting temperatures of 2023. From 2000 to 2024, the acreage in the US destroyed by wildfires has more than doubled compared to the 1990s. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, attends the meeting of the German Cabinet in the Federal Chancellery. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will discuss the problems arising from irregular migration with the leaders of the country's state governments in Berlin on Thursday. The premiers will first meet for separate talks at midday, before meeting Scholz later in the afternoon. The states led by the conservative CDU/CSU parties are primarily pushing for asylum procedures to be carried out in third countries outside the European Union. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has had this idea examined by experts on the subject, many of whom are sceptical. The results are to be discussed at the meeting on Thursday. The meeting is also likely to focus on the chancellor's support in lifting a ban on deporting serious criminals from Afghanistan and Syria. The problem is that Afghanistan is ruled by the hardline Taliban and Syria by the dictator Bashar al-Assad. Both regimes have gruesome records of serious human rights abuses. Scientists argue over the origins of COVID-19 before U.S. Senate panel A coronavirus drive-through testing site at the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center on March 17, 2020 at Jones Beach State Park, New York. It was the first drive-through coronavirus testing site on Long Island. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) WASHINGTON Scientists debated the origins of COVID-19 on Tuesday, trading barbs over whether the bulk of evidence available points to a natural spillover event from a wild animal or a virus designed in a lab and then let loose through an inadvertent leak. The hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee was part of ongoing efforts in Congress to apply the lessons learned during the pandemic to prevent or blunt the next outbreak. Gregory Koblentz, associate professor and director of the Biodefense Graduate Program at George Mason University in Virginia, said during the two-hour hearing that debate continues in the scientific community about the origins. The possibility that SARS-CoV-2 was deliberately developed as a biological weapon has been unanimously rejected by all U.S. intelligence agencies, Koblentz testified. While the intelligence community is divided on the origin of the pandemic, most of the agencies have determined that the virus was not genetically engineered. Residents in Wuhan, China, were first diagnosed with an atypical pneumonia-like illness in December 2019, according to a COVID-19 timeline from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Initial cases all appeared linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market at the time, though there has since been much speculation about the types of research taking place at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Koblentz said he believes the available evidence points to a spillover event from an animal, though he added a research-related accident cant be ruled out at this time. The lack of transparency and data from the Chinese government has significantly hindered scientists efforts to unify around the origin of COVID-19, he said. Scientists battle over lab vs. spillover Richard Ebright, board of governors professor of chemistry and chemical biology and laboratory director at the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University in New Jersey, testified he believes a large preponderance of evidence indicates SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, entered humans through a research incident. Ebright also leveled criticism at fellow panelist Robert Garry, who, along with a handful of co-authors, published an opinion article in the journal nature medicine in March 2020, titled The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2. In the commentary, Garry and the other scientists wrote, we do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible. Ebright said during Tuesdays hearing that the opinion article represented scientific misconduct up to and including fraud, a characterization that Garry rejected during the hearing. The authors were stating their opinion, but that opinion was not well-founded, Ebright said. In March of 2020, there was no basis to state that as a conclusion, as opposed to simply being a hypothesis. Garry, professor and associate dean of the School of Medicine at Tulane University in Louisiana, argued on behalf of the spillover event during the hearing, testifying that the virus likely didnt move directly from a bat to humans, but went to an unidentified intermediary animal. The bat coronaviruses are viruses that are spread by the gastrointestinal route, Garry said. For a virus like this to become a respiratory virus its just going to require too many mutations, too many changes for a bat virus to spill directly over to a human being. That could only really happen in nature with replication through an intermediate animal. Garry also defended gain-of-function research during the hearing, arguing that it has had some beneficial impact, though he noted that it does need appropriate safeguards and restrictions. Lawmakers and pundits have used several, often evolving, definitions for gain-of-function research in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Society for Microbiology defines it as techniques 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. When research is responsibly performed on highly transmissible and pathogenic viruses, it can lead to advances in public health and national security, Garry testified. Without gain-of-function research, wed have no Tamiflu. Without gain-of-function research, we wouldnt have a vaccine to prevent cancer caused by infection by the human papilloma virus, Garry said. And without gain-of-function research, we wont be able to identify how novel viruses infect us. And if we dont know how they infect us, we cannot develop appropriate treatments and cures for the next potential pandemic creating virus. Oversight of funding, research New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan raised several questions about whether theres enough oversight of how the United States spends research dollars as well as what mechanisms are in place to monitor how private entities conduct certain types of research. While their research has the potential to cure diseases and boost our economy, unless they accept federal funding, there is very little federal oversight to ensure that private labs are engaged in safe and ethical research, she said. Koblentz from George Mason University said there is much less oversight of biosafety and biosecurity for private research facilities that dont receive federal funding. In order to expand the scope of oversight to all privately funded research, (it) would require legislative action, Koblentz said. Congress, he said, should establish a national bio-risk management agency that would have authority over biosafety and biosecurity regardless of the source of funding. At the end of the day, it shouldnt matter where the funding comes from in terms of making sure this research is being done safely, securely and responsibly, Koblentz said. Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, ranking member on the committee, said the panel will hold an upcoming hearing specifically on gain-of-function research, including what steps Congress should take to ensure it doesnt put the public at risk. The next pandemic Committee Chairman Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, said during the hearing that lawmakers must learn from the challenges faced during this pandemic to ensure we can better protect Americans from future potential biological incidents. Our government needs the flexibility to determine the origins of naturally occurring outbreaks, as well as potential outbreaks that could arise from mistakes or malicious intent, Peters said. Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, after listening to some of the debate, expressed exasperation that so much attention is going toward what caused the last pandemic and not on how to prepare for the next one. Given the fact that it could have been either, we know what action we ought to take to protect from either, Romney said. And so why theres so much passion around that makes me think its more political than scientific, but maybe Im wrong. The United States, he said, shouldnt be funding gain-of-function research and should insist that anyone who receives federal funding follow the standards of the International Organization for Standardization. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Scientists argue over the origins of COVID-19 before U.S. Senate panel appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal. A researcher works in a lab that is developing testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus at Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation on Feb. 28, 2020 in Nutley, New Jersey. The facility develops novel therapies for some of the worlds most difficult diseases. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images) WASHINGTON Scientists debated the origins of COVID-19 on Tuesday, trading barbs over whether the bulk of evidence available points to a natural spillover event from a wild animal or a virus designed in a lab and then let loose through an inadvertent leak. The hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee was part of ongoing efforts in Congress to apply the lessons learned during the pandemic to prevent or blunt the next outbreak. Gregory Koblentz, associate professor and director of the Biodefense Graduate Program at George Mason University in Virginia, said during the two-hour hearing that debate continues in the scientific community about the origins. The possibility that SARS-CoV-2 was deliberately developed as a biological weapon has been unanimously rejected by all U.S. intelligence agencies, Koblentz testified. While the intelligence community is divided on the origin of the pandemic, most of the agencies have determined that the virus was not genetically engineered. Residents in Wuhan, China, were first diagnosed with an atypical pneumonia-like illness in December 2019, according to a COVID-19 timeline from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Initial cases all appeared linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market at the time, though there has since been much speculation about the types of research taking place at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Koblentz said he believes the available evidence points to a spillover event from an animal, though he added a research-related accident cant be ruled out at this time. The lack of transparency and data from the Chinese government has significantly hindered scientists efforts to unify around the origin of COVID-19, he said. Scientists battle over lab vs. spillover Richard Ebright, board of governors professor of chemistry and chemical biology and laboratory director at the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University in New Jersey, testified he believes a large preponderance of evidence indicates SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, entered humans through a research incident. Ebright also leveled criticism at fellow panelist Robert Garry, who, along with a handful of co-authors, published an opinion article in the journal nature medicine in March 2020, titled The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2. In the commentary, Garry and the other scientists wrote, we do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible. Ebright said during Tuesdays hearing that the opinion article represented scientific misconduct up to and including fraud, a characterization that Garry rejected during the hearing. The authors were stating their opinion, but that opinion was not well-founded, Ebright said. In March of 2020, there was no basis to state that as a conclusion, as opposed to simply being a hypothesis. Garry, professor and associate dean of the School of Medicine at Tulane University in Louisiana, argued on behalf of the spillover event during the hearing, testifying that the virus likely didnt move directly from a bat to humans, but went to an unidentified intermediary animal. The bat coronaviruses are viruses that are spread by the gastrointestinal route, Garry said. For a virus like this to become a respiratory virus its just going to require too many mutations, too many changes for a bat virus to spill directly over to a human being. That could only really happen in nature with replication through an intermediate animal. Garry also defended gain-of-function research during the hearing, arguing that it has had some beneficial impact, though he noted that it does need appropriate safeguards and restrictions. Lawmakers and pundits have used several, often evolving, definitions for gain-of-function research in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Society for Microbiology defines it as techniques 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. When research is responsibly performed on highly transmissible and pathogenic viruses, it can lead to advances in public health and national security, Garry testified. Without gain-of-function research, wed have no Tamiflu. Without gain-of-function research, we wouldnt have a vaccine to prevent cancer caused by infection by the human papilloma virus, Garry said. And without gain-of-function research, we wont be able to identify how novel viruses infect us. And if we dont know how they infect us, we cannot develop appropriate treatments and cures for the next potential pandemic creating virus. Oversight of funding, research New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan raised several questions about whether theres enough oversight of how the United States spends research dollars as well as what mechanisms are in place to monitor how private entities conduct certain types of research. While their research has the potential to cure diseases and boost our economy, unless they accept federal funding, there is very little federal oversight to ensure that private labs are engaged in safe and ethical research, she said. Koblentz from George Mason University said there is much less oversight of biosafety and biosecurity for private research facilities that dont receive federal funding. In order to expand the scope of oversight to all privately funded research, (it) would require legislative action, Koblentz said. Congress, he said, should establish a national bio-risk management agency that would have authority over biosafety and biosecurity regardless of the source of funding. At the end of the day, it shouldnt matter where the funding comes from in terms of making sure this research is being done safely, securely and responsibly, Koblentz said. Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, ranking member on the committee, said the panel will hold an upcoming hearing specifically on gain-of-function research, including what steps Congress should take to ensure it doesnt put the public at risk. The next pandemic Committee Chairman Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, said during the hearing that lawmakers must learn from the challenges faced during this pandemic to ensure we can better protect Americans from future potential biological incidents. Our government needs the flexibility to determine the origins of naturally occurring outbreaks, as well as potential outbreaks that could arise from mistakes or malicious intent, Peters said. Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, after listening to some of the debate, expressed exasperation that so much attention is going toward what caused the last pandemic and not on how to prepare for the next one. Given the fact that it could have been either, we know what action we ought to take to protect from either, Romney said. And so why theres so much passion around that makes me think its more political than scientific, but maybe Im wrong. The United States, he said, shouldnt be funding gain-of-function research and should insist that anyone who receives federal funding follow the standards of the International Organization for Standardization. The post Scientists argue over the origins of COVID-19 before U.S. Senate panel appeared first on Virginia Mercury. Scientists argue over the origins of COVID-19 before U.S. Senate panel A coronavirus drive-through testing site at the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center on March 17, 2020 at Jones Beach State Park, New York. It was the first drive-through coronavirus testing site on Long Island. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) WASHINGTON Scientists debated the origins of COVID-19 on Tuesday, trading barbs over whether the bulk of evidence available points to a natural spillover event from a wild animal or a virus designed in a lab and then let loose through an inadvertent leak. The hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee was part of ongoing efforts in Congress to apply the lessons learned during the pandemic to prevent or blunt the next outbreak. Gregory Koblentz, associate professor and director of the Biodefense Graduate Program at George Mason University in Virginia, said during the two-hour hearing that debate continues in the scientific community about the origins. The possibility that SARS-CoV-2 was deliberately developed as a biological weapon has been unanimously rejected by all U.S. intelligence agencies, Koblentz testified. While the intelligence community is divided on the origin of the pandemic, most of the agencies have determined that the virus was not genetically engineered. Residents in Wuhan, China, were first diagnosed with an atypical pneumonia-like illness in December 2019, according to a COVID-19 timeline from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Initial cases all appeared linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market at the time, though there has since been much speculation about the types of research taking place at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Koblentz said he believes the available evidence points to a spillover event from an animal, though he added a research-related accident cant be ruled out at this time. The lack of transparency and data from the Chinese government has significantly hindered scientists efforts to unify around the origin of COVID-19, he said. Scientists battle over lab vs. spillover Richard Ebright, board of governors professor of chemistry and chemical biology and laboratory director at the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University in New Jersey, testified he believes a large preponderance of evidence indicates SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, entered humans through a research incident. Ebright also leveled criticism at fellow panelist Robert Garry, who, along with a handful of co-authors, published an opinion article in the journal nature medicine in March 2020, titled The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2. In the commentary, Garry and the other scientists wrote, we do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible. Ebright said during Tuesdays hearing that the opinion article represented scientific misconduct up to and including fraud, a characterization that Garry rejected during the hearing. The authors were stating their opinion, but that opinion was not well-founded, Ebright said. In March of 2020, there was no basis to state that as a conclusion, as opposed to simply being a hypothesis. Garry, professor and associate dean of the School of Medicine at Tulane University in Louisiana, argued on behalf of the spillover event during the hearing, testifying that the virus likely didnt move directly from a bat to humans, but went to an unidentified intermediary animal. The bat coronaviruses are viruses that are spread by the gastrointestinal route, Garry said. For a virus like this to become a respiratory virus its just going to require too many mutations, too many changes for a bat virus to spill directly over to a human being. That could only really happen in nature with replication through an intermediate animal. Garry also defended gain-of-function research during the hearing, arguing that it has had some beneficial impact, though he noted that it does need appropriate safeguards and restrictions. Lawmakers and pundits have used several, often evolving, definitions for gain-of-function research in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Society for Microbiology defines it as techniques 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. When research is responsibly performed on highly transmissible and pathogenic viruses, it can lead to advances in public health and national security, Garry testified. Without gain-of-function research, wed have no Tamiflu. Without gain-of-function research, we wouldnt have a vaccine to prevent cancer caused by infection by the human papilloma virus, Garry said. And without gain-of-function research, we wont be able to identify how novel viruses infect us. And if we dont know how they infect us, we cannot develop appropriate treatments and cures for the next potential pandemic creating virus. Oversight of funding, research New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan raised several questions about whether theres enough oversight of how the United States spends research dollars as well as what mechanisms are in place to monitor how private entities conduct certain types of research. While their research has the potential to cure diseases and boost our economy, unless they accept federal funding, there is very little federal oversight to ensure that private labs are engaged in safe and ethical research, she said. Koblentz from George Mason University said there is much less oversight of biosafety and biosecurity for private research facilities that dont receive federal funding. In order to expand the scope of oversight to all privately funded research, (it) would require legislative action, Koblentz said. Congress, he said, should establish a national bio-risk management agency that would have authority over biosafety and biosecurity regardless of the source of funding. At the end of the day, it shouldnt matter where the funding comes from in terms of making sure this research is being done safely, securely and responsibly, Koblentz said. Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, ranking member on the committee, said the panel will hold an upcoming hearing specifically on gain-of-function research, including what steps Congress should take to ensure it doesnt put the public at risk. The next pandemic Committee Chairman Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, said during the hearing that lawmakers must learn from the challenges faced during this pandemic to ensure we can better protect Americans from future potential biological incidents. Our government needs the flexibility to determine the origins of naturally occurring outbreaks, as well as potential outbreaks that could arise from mistakes or malicious intent, Peters said. Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, after listening to some of the debate, expressed exasperation that so much attention is going toward what caused the last pandemic and not on how to prepare for the next one. Given the fact that it could have been either, we know what action we ought to take to protect from either, Romney said. And so why theres so much passion around that makes me think its more political than scientific, but maybe Im wrong. The United States, he said, shouldnt be funding gain-of-function research and should insist that anyone who receives federal funding follow the standards of the International Organization for Standardization. The post Scientists argue over the origins of COVID-19 before U.S. Senate panel appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner. Scientists use DNA technology in attempt to protect rare animal from extinction: 'We're just speeding up the process' Scientists from a "de-extinction company" and the University of Melbourne are working to save the northern quoll from a toxic predator by altering its genes, New Scientist reported. The endangered Australian marsupial is being pushed to the brink in part by the poisonous cane toad, an invasive species from Central and South America. The quolls are critically endangered in Australia's Northern Territory. The cane toad invasion, which is proceeding westward by about 25-40 miles (40-60 kilometers) per year, is a major threat to their survival, along with habitat destruction and predation by cats. The amphibians were brought to the country in 1935 to control sugar cane-eating beetles and have since become residents' most hated intruder. The toads multiply exponentially without natural predators and because females can lay 8,000-30,000 eggs at a time. They also eat everything in sight and can live five to 10 years. They secrete toxins that are deadly to would-be predators and other animals, though many of those species are adapting behaviorally and psychologically, allowing their populations to rebound. Some animals that try to eat the toads, however, have not reacted quickly. That includes the northern quoll, and conservation efforts have been similarly unsuccessful. To aid the creatures, scientists are genetically engineering a "sodium-pump gene" so the quolls can become resistant to the toad toxin, according to New Scientist. The toxin inhibits a protein that keeps the element from rising to dangerous levels in predators' bodies. "If the genetically engineered quolls had sufficient toxin resistance, then they would have a high chance of surviving a predatory attack on a cane toad," wildlife ecologist Jonathan Webb, who is not involved in the work, told the news outlet. "Thereafter, they'd either learn to avoid toads, or they might exploit the toads as food, which could help turn the tide on cane toads." In a news release, Colossal Biosciences said its work with the Melbourne scientists marked "a major step forward" in saving the animal, but New Scientist noted many points of resistance. The team, which first used CRISPR gene editing to introduce toxin resistance in other marsupial cells in 2020, has yet to work its magic on quolls or any live animal. The recent breakthrough produced genetically edited cells of the dunnart a related marsupial that became 10 times more resistant to the toxin. The researchers anticipate that this resistance could eventually be expanded to help whole organisms, including quolls and other "susceptible native animals." Marsupials are difficult to genetically engineer because their eggs develop hard shells after fertilization, preventing cells from being edited. Success would entail implanting resistant cells in enough northern quolls whose population has decreased by 75% since 1935 so their offspring could complete the spread of the inherited trait. "Our toxin-resistance edit only changes a couple of DNA bases, which would probably arise by natural spontaneous mutation eventually anyway if quolls were to live with toads for the next few thousand years," Stephen Frankenberg of the University of Melbourne told New Scientist. "We're just speeding up the process so they don't go extinct before resistance can evolve naturally." This effort is similar to those of scientists working to ensurefoodsecurity despite our rapidly warming world. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. When someone claims to have been arrested in retaliation for constitutionally protected speech, what sort of evidence is necessary to make that case? Five years ago in Nieves v. Bartlett, the Supreme Court held that an arrest can violate the First Amendment even if it was based on probable cause, provided the claimant can present "objective evidence that he was arrested when otherwise similarly situated individuals not engaged in the same sort of protected speech had not been." Today in Gonzalez v. Trevino, the Court said that showing does not require "very specific comparator evidence" indicating that "identifiable people" engaged in very similar conduct but were not arrested. "This is a great day for the First Amendment and Sylvia Gonzalez, who has courageously fought against retaliatory actions by government officials," says Anya Bidwell, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, which represents Gonzalez, a former Castle Hills, Texas, city council member who says her political opponents engineered her arrest on a trumped-up charge of tampering with a government document. The document in question was a petition that Gonzalez herself had spearheaded, calling for the replacement of City Manager Ryan Rapelye. Gonzalez had run for office on a promise to seek Rapelye's removal, and she claimed his allies were determined to punish her for that position. During a May 2019 city council meeting that addressed complaints about Rapelye's performance, Gonzalez picked up the petition, which had been presented to the council, and placed it in her personal folder. She says she did that accidentally. But Mayor Edward Trevino, Police Chief John Siemens, and Alexander Wright, a "special detective" assigned to investigate Gonzalez, accused her of deliberately removing the document to avoid scrutiny of alleged improprieties in collecting signatures for the petition. As a result, Gonzalez was briefly jailed and suffered the attendant damage to her reputation. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, according to Gonzalez's Supreme Court petition, "dropped the charges as soon as he learned about them." Trevino et al. nevertheless achieved what Gonzalez says was their goal all along. "Gonzalez was so hurt by the experience and so embarrassed by the media coverage of her arrest," the petition says, that "she gave up her council seat and swore off organizing petitions or criticizing her government." In July 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit rejected Gonzalez's First Amendment claim against Trevino, Siemens, and Wright, saying it was doomed by her failure to cite other cases in which people had not been arrested for conduct like hers. "Were we writing on a blank slate," Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote in the majority opinion, "we may well agree" that "the Constitution ought to provide a claim here, particularly given that Gonzalez's arrest was allegedly in response to her exercise of her right to petition." But "Nieves requires comparative evidence," he said, "because it required 'objective evidence' of 'otherwise similarly situated individuals' who engaged in the 'same' criminal conduct but were not arrested. The evidence Gonzalez provides here comes up short." The standard applied by the 5th Circuit was excessively demanding, the Supreme Court concludes in a per curiam opinion joined by all but one justice. "We agree with Gonzalez that the Fifth Circuit took an overly cramped view of Nieves," the opinion says. "That court thought Gonzalez had to provide very specific comparator evidencethat is, examples of identifiable people who 'mishandled a government petition' in the same way Gonzalez did but were not arrested. Although the Nieves exception [to the general rule that probable cause defeats a retaliatory-arrest claim] is slim, the demand for virtually identical and identifiable comparators goes too far." The Nieves exception, the justices note, is designed to account for "circumstances where officers have probable cause to make arrests, but typically exercise their discretion not to do so." Writing for the majority in that case, Chief Justice John Roberts cited jaywalking as an example. "At many intersections, jaywalking is endemic but rarely results in arrest," Roberts wrote. "If an individual who has been vocally complaining about police conduct is arrested for jaywalking at such an intersection, it would seem insufficiently protective of First Amendment rights to dismiss the individual's retaliatory arrest claim on the ground that there was undoubted probable cause for the arrest." Under the 5th Circuit's reading of Nieves, that jaywalker would have to cite specific cases in which less vocal pedestrians illegally crossed a street without being arrested. That interpretation is wrong, the Supreme Court says: "To fall within the exception, a plaintiff must produce evidence to prove that his arrest occurred in such circumstances. The only express limit we placed on the sort of evidence a plaintiff may present for that purpose is that it must be objective in order to avoid 'the significant problems that would arise from reviewing police conduct under a purely subjective standard.'" As the Court notes, Gonzalez "alleged that she had reviewed the past decade's misdemeanor and felony data for Bexar County (where Castle Hills is located) and that her review had found that the Texas anti-tampering statute had never been used in the county 'to criminally charge someone for trying to steal a nonbinding or expressive document.'" She "turned up 215 felony indictments, and she characterized the typical indictment as involving 'accusations of either using or making fake government identification documents.'" Other felony cases involved "fake checks, hiding murder evidence, or cheating on government exams." The misdemeanor cases all involved "fake social security numbers, driver's licenses, [or] green cards." Gonzalez cited that research as "evidence that the defendants had engaged in a political vendetta by bringing a 'sham charge' against her." Because the justices decided the 5th Circuit was wrong to deem such evidence insufficient on its face, they vacated the appeals court's decision and remanded the case for further consideration. But Gonzalez still has to prove that she was a victim of "a political vendetta." That will be difficult, Justice Samuel Alito suggests in a concurring opinion. Alito cites evidence that Gonzalez deliberately removed the petition, including surveillance camera video suggesting she knew what the document was and her inconsistent statements about how it ended up in her folder. In addition to questioning the strength of Gonzalez's case, Alito faults his colleagues for declining to address another question raised by her petition: whether the general rule that probable cause for an arrest blocks a First Amendment claim should be limited to cases involving "split-second arrests, rather than deliberative ones." In this case, the investigation that resulted in Gonzalez's arrest took nearly two months. "Three weeks into the unfruitful investigation," Gonzalez's petition says, Siemens deputized Wright, "an attorney and his friend," to "take over as a 'special detective.'" A month later, Wright filed an arrest affidavit that, among other things, cited Gonzalez's constitutionally protected agitation against Rapelye as evidence that she had committed a crime. Gonzalez argued that the probable-cause rule should not apply in such situations, where police have ample time to consider the ramifications of their decisions. Alito thinks the Court should have taken this opportunity to reject that argument. In another concurring opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh notes that Gonzalez conceded, perhaps "unwise[ly]," that there was probable cause to arrest her, meaning there was evidence that she had "intentionallyremove[d]" a "governmental record." As Kavanaugh sees it, her argument that she was arrested for an honest mistake "is not a Nieves-exception claim at all," because it hinges on her state of mind rather than her conduct. In any event, "we are where we are," Kavanaugh writes. "I concur in the per curiam because the per curiam does not seem to say anything that is harmful to the law, even though the per curiam (in my view) does not really have anything to do with Gonzalez's case." Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote a concurring opinion, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, that was notably more sympathetic to Gonzalez, as you might have expected based on the questions that both justices posed during oral arguments in the case last March. In addition to the survey of document tampering cases, Jackson notes, Gonzalez "pointed to, among other things, details about the anomalous procedures used for her arrest and statements in the arresting officer's warrant affidavit suggesting a retaliatory motive." That sort of evidence, Jackson says, also "can support the conclusion that Gonzalez 'was arrested when otherwise similarly situated individuals not engaged in the same sort of protected speech had not been.'" The lone dissenter was Justice Clarence Thomas, who also dissented from part of the decision in Nieves. "I continue to believe that 'plaintiffs bringing a First Amendment retaliatory-arrest claimshould have to plead and prove a lack of probable cause,'" he writes. Whether or not Gonzalez is ultimately successful in proving her case, today's decision will make it easier for victims of retaliatory arrests to get their day in court. Laredo, Texas, journalist Priscilla Villarreal, for example, was arrested under a dubious interpretation of an obscure state law that makes it a felony to seek nonpublic information with the intent to "obtain a benefit." Her crime, according to local police and prosecutors, was asking a cop questions about a public suicide and a fatal car accident. Villarreal, who is seeking Supreme Court review of a 5th Circuit ruling against her, says her real offense was irking law enforcement officials. The "objective evidence" supporting Villarreal's retaliatory-arrest claim seems even stronger than the evidence presented by Gonzalez. As half a dozen journalists (including me) note in a brief supporting her Supreme Court petition, the legal theory deployed against Villarreal would make a felon out of anyone who asks a government agency for information that is deemed exempt from mandatory disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. That happens thousands of times every year, as documented by the opinions that the state attorney general's office issues in such cases. Yet those unsuccessful information seekers have never been arrested or prosecuted for the crime Villarreal was accused of committing. Based on the Supreme Court's clarification of the Nieves exception, that surely should count as "objective evidence" of a retaliatory motive. It therefore seems possible that the Court will remand Villarreal's case for reconsideration in light of Gonzalez. "The Supreme Court's revision of its First Amendment retaliation doctrine ensures that Americans can seek justice when they have evidence of a retaliatory arrest," Bidwell says. "Retaliatory arrests undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and this ruling helps safeguard the rights of all Americans to speak out without fear of retribution. We are proud to have been part of this crucial victory for free speech." The post SCOTUS Makes It Easier for Victims of Retaliatory Arrests To Vindicate Their First Amendment Rights appeared first on Reason.com. Man wanted in connection with multiple homicides in Oklahoma arrested in Arkansas Stacy Lee Drake, the man wanted in connection to multiple crimes including a double homicide in Oklahoma, was arrested Thursday morning in Arkansas by the Morrilton Police Department and Arkansas State Police, according to an update from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Drake, 50, was believed to be in the Morrilton area after a vehicle he is suspected of stealing was found Tuesday night, authorities said earlier. He was last seen on foot outside a motel in Morrilton, according to a release from the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Drake is wanted in connection with homicides and carjackings in Oklahoma and is wanted on other felony warrants from multiple jurisdictions, with charges including aggravated robbery, carjacking, and murder, the Arkansas Department of Public Safety said. The bodies of a man and woman were found at a business around 6:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday near State Highway 64 and South 4670 Road in Gans, Oklahoma, according to a news release from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Gans is in eastern Oklahoma about 16 miles from the Oklahoma-Arkansas state line. Both sustained injuries consistent with homicide, the release said. The two victims were transported to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner for identification and to determine a cause and manner of death, according to the bureau. As OSBI special agents began investigating the scene, they identified 50-year-old Stacy Lee Drake as a person of interest, the agency said. Earlier Wednesday, Arkansas DPS said in a release that Drake was wanted in connection with three homicides, but in an updated release said he was wanted for multiple homicides. CNN has reached out to Arkansas DPS for more information. Drake is a person of interest based on the information our investigators were able to obtain, OSBI told CNN. Late Tuesday night, authorities found a vehicle that Drake is believed to have stolen about 124 miles away in Morrilton, Arkansas, according to OSBI. Arkansas authorities have been searching for Drake since then. Drake is believed to have purchased camping gear in Morrilton and authorities said he appeared to still be in the area as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has completed a state visit to North Korea and arrived in Vietnam on Thursday morning, seeking to strengthen partnerships between the two countries. During Putin's visit, Russia and Vietnam signed a number of documents on cooperation in various fields. ADVERTISIMENT In particular, agreements were signed on cooperation in education and a memorandum on the schedule for establishing a nuclear technology center in Vietnam, as reported by the Russian media. In addition, after his talks with Putin, Vietnamese President To Lam said that Russia and Vietnam would increase cooperation in defense and security. Putin thanked Vietnam for its hospitality and warm welcome. After meeting with the Vietnamese president, he also met with the prime minister, calling the republic "one of Russia's most reliable partners." The Kremlin leader also recalled the assistance that the USSR provided to Vietnam "in the fight against the French and American invaders." ADVERTISIMENT "It is important that Vietnam also remembers this and appreciates the memory," the Russian dictator added. In addition, during the visit, Putin said that Russia is ready to establish long-term direct supplies of hydrocarbons to Vietnam, including liquefied natural gas. What is the main purpose of the dictator's visit to Hanoi? According to The New York Times, the purpose of Putin's visit to Vietnam was to meet with officials in the country, which has recently strengthened ties with Washington. As Moscow has long been Hanoi's main arms supplier, Putin is keen to maintain this position. This is Putin's fifth visit to Vietnam, following last year's trips by Biden and Xi Jinping, who sought guarantees of neutrality from Hanoi. For Vietnam, Putin's trip is an opportunity to strengthen ties with Russia, its most important defense partner. Despite improving relations with the United States, last year Vietnam still sought covert ways to acquire Russian military equipment in defiance of U.S. sanctions. ADVERTISIMENT Washington criticized Hanoi for inviting the Russian leader, saying: "No country should give Putin a platform to advance his war of aggression and normalize his atrocities." However, this week, Vietnam's newly appointed President To Lam told a Russian representative that Hanoi "considers Russia to be one of the priority partners in its foreign policy. Ties with Moscow are important to Hanoi for two reasons: Russia is the largest supplier of military equipment to Vietnam, and Russian companies help extract oil and gas in the South China Sea, preserving Vietnam's sovereignty over a number of disputed areas claimed by China. At the same time, the United States has been actively offering more weapons to Vietnam, and in recent months, high-ranking American officials have visited the country. However, analysts note that Vietnam's top defense officials remain suspicious of Washington. They are reluctant to tie their fate to a country where arms sales depend on Congress, which could make the deal contingent on human rights. ADVERTISIMENT As for Russia, both countries have joint ventures in the oil sector. Russia has a significant stake in Vietnam's lucrative oil and gas industry. Vietsovpetro, a joint venture between Russia's Zarubezhneft and Vietnam's state-owned PetroVietnam, operates Vietnam's largest oil field, Bach Ho. These projects are important for Moscow, as Russian oil and gas exports to Europe have plummeted since the imposition of sanctions by the European Union. However, such projects are a source of dissatisfaction for Beijing, as they are carried out in waters that China considers its territory. Earlier, ISW analysts explained that the dictatorial governments of the aggressor country Russia and North Korea formulated the agreement as proof of their mutual support in the joint struggle against Western countries. In this way, they showed that they both share a common goal of challenging the West and the current world order. In particular, both dictators signed a document that provides for mutual military assistance in the event of "aggression" against one of the participants. ADVERTISIMENT Yaroslav Chornohor, Director of the Russian and Belarusian Studies Program at the Ukrainian Prism think tank, believes that the agreement with Kim Jong-un will not have global consequences for Putin. At the same time, any ties with other countries play to strengthen Russia. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! TWO RIVERS, Wis. (WFRV) Its been nearly four months since 3-year-old Elijah Vue disappeared in Northeastern Wisconsin. Vue has been missing since February and was said to have last been seen at the Two Rivers home of 39-year-old Jesse Vang, who was in a relationship with Vues mother, Katrina Baur. Search efforts by authorities and community volunteers have continued since Elijahs disappearance, with little progress. In March, Vues blanket was found, but additional discoveries have been limited. Still, Two Rivers Police have continued to provide updates on their investigation, including the latest, posted on Monday. Been a challenge: Two Rivers toddler Elijah Vue missing for 3 months, search broadens Police Chief Ben Meinnert confirmed Vue has not been found and spoke out about recent rumors that have surfaced on social media claiming the boy has been found. The spreading of false and misleading information is disrespectful to the family of Elijah and detracts from our efforts in locating him, added Chief Meinnert. We remain the sole source of factual information in this investigation and will release more information and updates when they are available to share. Meinnert continued, saying the departments search efforts are ongoing, including additional drone searches. Future search efforts will focus on the water, using sonar searches and assistance from Bruces Legacy, a volunteer organization. The FBI and state, county, and local agencies are also following up on leads within Wisconsin and around Two Rivers, the Wisconsin Dells, and Portage. Investigators are still analyzing an extremely large amount of video and other data. More details on missing Elijah Vue as mother & her boyfriend make court appearance, chronic neglect charge added Meinnert encouraged the community to participate in coordinated and legally permissible search efforts for Elijah. We will continue a variety of search efforts in our attempts to locate Elijah, said Chief Meinnert. We, like many of you, want to find answers and are working hard to do so. We believe in transparency and keeping everyone up to date with facts. We will share facts as much as we are able and as timely as we can when new information is present, but please understand that we cannot jeopardize any portion of the ongoing investigation. We remain committed to investigating the circumstances regarding the disappearance of Elijah. No additional details were provided. A combined $40,000 in rewards is being offered in the search for Elijah. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Two Rivers Police Department tip line at 844-267-6648. What happened to Elijah Vue? Elijah Vue was reported missing on Feb. 20. He was allegedly last seen by Jesse Vang, 39, inside Vangs residence in Two Rivers, about 40 miles southeast of Green Bay. Vang is reportedly in a relationship with Elijahs mother, Katrina Baur. On the day Elijah went missing, Vang claimed he saw Elijah asleep as he got his own son ready for school. Vang says he later went back to bed. When he awoke, he said he found Elijah had disappeared. Vang reportedly told authorities he had locked the door, including using the doorknob lock, a deadbolt and a security chain. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Nexstars WFRV, Vang had been trying to help Baur correct Elijahs bad behaviors. Baur, 31, of Wisconsin Dells, reportedly told authorities that Elijah had been in the care of Vang for about a week. She allegedly described Vang as the enforcer of rules in the relationship and said she sent Elijah to stay with him to learn how to be a man. A criminal complaint also alleged neglect by both Baur and Vang, citing photographic evidence that appeared to show bruising on Elijahs jaw, neck, side and arm. Authorities also found text messages between Vang and Baur that appeared to reference making Elijah fear Vang. Baur, who was charged with chronic child neglect and obstructing an officer, entered a not-guilty plea in March. She is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for a status conference, online records show. Vang, charged with one felony county of party-to-a-crime child neglect, has also entered a not-guilty plea. He is scheduled to appear for a status conference in late June. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. For the second straight day, Chicago firefighters had to battle an extra-alarm fire on the citys West Side as a heat wave lingered over the city and much of the Midwest, though officials said no one was injured in the blaze. The latest fire occurred just after 6 p.m. in a two-story brick building Wednesday afternoon at 2810 W. Grand Ave. in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, Chicago Fire Department officials said in a post on social media. First District Fire Chief Jim McDonough said everyone who worked in the businesses at the site had been evacuated from the building by the time firefighters arrived at the scene. Despite the alarm rising to a 3-11, triggering one of the highest department responses for manpower, the blaze was controlled by the early evening as tower trucks poured water into the flaming structure. One day earlier slightly over a mile away, a 4-11 alarm erupted at a wooden pallet company in the citys West Town neighborhood, covering the neighborhood in dark smoke and keeping firefighters at the scene overnight, according to McDonough. McDonough said back-to-back extra-alarm fires were common enough that they did not immediately raise concerns. The Chicago Office of Fire Investigation was probing the cause of the blaze. See whats left after the biggest commercial fire in Tri-Cities history The complicated fire that burned through a cold storage warehouse in Finley for nearly two months is fully extinguished. Lineage, the global logistics company that owns cold storage facilities throughout the region, confirmed the fire was no longer burning on Thursday. Lineage reported progress on removing 90,000 tons of debris from the massive blaze, which began on April 21. The Lineage cold storage warehouse fire in Finley was fully extinguished as of June 20, nearly two months after it began. This an aerial view of the 525,000-square-foot building after the fire. It will take several weeks working with Signal Restoration Services to complete the cleanup, Lineage said on a web page established to announce new developments. People who work or live in Finley and Kennewick can pick up free facemasks, filters, box fans and air purifiers via the Benton-Franklin Health District at a drive-thru event 6-8 p.m., Friday, June 21. It will be in the south parking lot of River View High School, 365089 S. Lemon Drive, Kennewick. An aerial image taken before an April 22 fire destroyed the 525,000-square-foot Lineage cold storage plant in Finley. Aerial images of the 525,000-square-foot warehouse taken before and after the fire indicate it was nearly completely destroyed. An image take June 18 during cleanup showed that the buildings were mostly gone but debris still remains. Its believed to be the largest structure fire ever in the Tri-Cities area, possibly one of the largest ever in the Northwest, some local fire officials have said. An aerial image taken June 18 shows the site of the former Lineage cold storage warehouse after cleanup work began following an April 22 fire. Smoke plume The initial fire broke out in the early morning hours of April 22 and sent a massive plume of smoke soaring over Finley, near the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. The smoke was visible from 50 miles. The Washington state Departments of Health and Ecology have installed extra sensors in the area to monitor air quality after the fire. Fire flared up at the Kennewick Lineage cold storage warehouse in strong winds during efforts to put out the fire. The loss of the cold storage warehouse destroyed frozen potatoes, corn, carrots, peas and other ready-to-ship vegetables. The loss should not affect the regions food supply, Lineage said. Smoke, which is toxic by definition, carried particles and gases from the building, including ammonia used as a refrigerant. No employees were hurt in the blaze and the company has not said if it will rebuild. A fire continued burn three weeks after it started at the Kennewick Lineage cold storage warehouse in Finley. It offered all 82 employees positions at other facilities, with about 90% returning to work within weeks. The building was so large that Benton Fire District 1 had trouble getting water to its center. It considered the structure too unstable to send firefighters in on foot. Flames flared up at the Lineage cold storage warehouse in Finley, more than three weeks after the fire started. Drying, once-frozen vegetables were fueling the fire. This month, the Benton County Commission asked Lineage to speed up its cleanup work because area residents were suffering from smoke coming form the then-smoldering fire. The cause remains under investigation. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, introduced legislation Thursday with the goal of supporting tire makers and lowering tire costs for customers by providing a tax credit to commercial fleets that purchase retreaded tires. Essentially, its a 30% credit to offset part of the cost of retreading, Brown said on a Thursday call with reporters. Certain high-quality tires can be retreaded multiple times to extend the tires lives and provide a return on investment for fleets, said Johnny McIntosh, senior director of commercial services and retreads at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, on the call. Retreaded tires are primarily used by large trucks such as 18-wheelers and dump trucks, as well as mining and package delivery vehicles, McIntosh said. But Brown said some fleets instead select cheaper, Chinese-made tires that cannot be retreaded and are created in factories that do not follow environmental regulations. Some are manufactured by child and slave laborers, he said. He said Chinese manufacturing is a reason why the number of U.S. retreading facilities has decreased from about 3,000 in 1982 to around 500 in 2023. Called the Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act, the Senate bill introduced on Thursday has a companion piece in the U.S. House of Representatives that was introduced in May by U.S. Reps. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio-13, and Darin LaHood, R-Illinois-16. The legislation, Brown said, would create and retain jobs in the tire manufacturing industry, including in Akron and Summit County more broadly, as well as Stark, Portage and Medina counties. McIntosh said there are about 30 retreading facilities in Ohio, including four Goodyear sites. Some of our largest employers and key partners like Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental and others may not make all their tires in Akron these days, but they still maintain significant operations in our communities," John Rizzo, vice president of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, said on the Thursday call. Paolo Ferrari, CEO of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and global co-COO of Bridgestone Corporation, said in a prepared statement: Bridgestone supports the legislation as it addresses jobs, sustainability, and a more robust domestic supply chain. Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @pwilliamsOH. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 30% tax credit would support retreaded tire industry, Sen. Brown says Sen. Mark Kelly, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords open up about their IVF experience Sen. Mark Kelly and his wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, detailed their efforts to have a child using in vitro fertilization until the 2011 shooting that nearly killed her. The Democratic couples newly published essay in People magazine personalizes an issue that has joined abortion rights as politically charged and facing an uncertain legal future. These past few months, as weve seen reproductive freedoms increasingly under attack in the absence of the protections of Roe v. Wade, our hearts break for the couples who, all of the sudden, cant decide for themselves how and when to start their family, the couple wrote. Make no mistake: The freedom to start a family with IVF is under threat, they continued. Our dream of having a child together was taken away by a gunman. The dreams of Americans to have a child together could be taken away by politicians. Former Rep. Gabby Giffords and Sen. Mark Kelly on June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. IVF took on newfound political importance in February after the Alabama Supreme Court held that the states constitutional protection of the rights of unborn children extended to civil liability in an IVF clinic. The all-Republican court made the ruling in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by couples whose frozen embryos were destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. Republicans nationally, including U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake in Arizona, quickly distanced themselves from IVF restrictions, a position that Lake reiterated Thursday in a social media post in response to the People article. This is a heartbreaking story. IVF is extremely important for helping countless families experience the joy of parenthood, Lake wrote. Rest assured as a U.S. Senator I will fight to ensure IVF remains available and protected in Arizona. Kelly, who has endorsed Lakes Democratic rival, Rep. Ruben Gallego and vowed to help defeat Lake, voted last week for a bill to mandate insurance coverage for IVF procedures nationally. He also supports another bill that would create a federal right to IVF. That bill remains on hold because of Republican resistance. Giffords survived an attempted assassination on Jan. 8, 2011, at a constituent event near Tucson. Six people died and 12 others were wounded in an attack that ultimately ended her congressional career. Beyond that, it cost her in other ways, Giffords and Kelly wrote. Our lives changed forever on January 8th, 2011, when a gunman opened fire at a Congress on Your Corner event in Tucson, they wrote. Six lives were lost, many more were injured, and Gabby was shot in the head. Of everything that changed that day both of us halting our careers, the beginning of a long, difficult road to recovery we also lost something we wanted very much: the opportunity to have a child together. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sen. Mark Kelly, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords discuss IVF experience Sen. Rick Scott touts his support for IVF a day after voting against it in Senate Sen. Rick Scott speaks during a Thursday, May 30, 2024, hurricane preparedness press conference outside The RUDE Shrimp, 450 Harbor Ct., on Fort Myers Beach. Flip-flop: Scott supports IVF or doesn't Democratic Party senators have tried to pass several bills that would create legal protections for in vitro fertilization at the national level. Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, voted with the Democratic majority on the Right to IVF Act. The rest of the Republican senators voted to kill the bill, including Floridas Rick Scott and Marco Rubio. Women rally in support of in vitro fertilization in March at the Alabama House in Montgomery. The Legislature approved legislation that month protecting patients and medical professionals from civil and criminal liability for IVF; the governor signed it. Subsequently, Scott released a campaign ad in which he supported IVF. This is hypocrisy at its worst. One of my grandchildren is a product of IVF so I am a staunch advocate of the procedure. I hope every Floridian, especially women voters, remembers Scotts hypocrisy when voting Nov. 5. He needs to be removed from the Senate because he simply cant be trusted. Robert Herickhoff, Nokomis Commission makes finding day care tougher Why are the Sarasota County commissioners eliminating support for day care for low-income and working-class families? Early childhood education is so important for children to be ready for school. Studies have shown that the brain develops the most in the first five years. In good day care, children learn social and emotional skills, and school readiness and play skills. The five members of the Sarasota County Commission are Ron Cutsinger, District 5, left; Joe Neunder, District 4; Michael Moran, District 1; Neil Rainford, District 3; and Mark Smith, District 2 As a retired early childhood education teacher with a masters in special education, I have volunteered in a day care for the working poor in Sarasota County. I know the struggles these families face in finding day care, affordable housing and food. I have celebrated the documented improvements in the childrens readiness skills and behavior. Without the subsidy support from the county, where are children going to go when their parents are working? How are they going to receive the meals they need?We already have a shortage of service workers because people cannot afford to live in our community. The situation is only going to get worse, and it will affect all of us. Please, commissioners, reinstate the day care subsidies. Our children deserve better from us. Gayle Davis, Venice The US needs more babies The replacement birth rate to maintain a countrys viability is determined to be an average of 2.1 births per woman. The current rate for the U.S. is 1.7 and decreasing. Good luck to all those younger generations who are counting on reasonable Social Security payments to support their retirements. And is it not ironic that the major issue for these generations in the current presidential race is to allow the continued killing of more than 1 million unborn children each year through legal abortion? Paul Nielsen, Sarasota (Editor's note: At the writer's request, the following is a revised version of a letter published June 2.) No one is above the law A 22-year-old National Guardsman from Massachusetts pleaded guilty to mishandling classified data in exchange for a reduced prison sentence of 16 years. President Joe Biden has been accused of mishandling classified information throughout his political career but, according to special counsel, should not be held accountable because of his age and memory. Former President Donald Trump has been indicted for retaining classified information from his presidency and a trial is currently underway. President Joe Biden announces a new student loan forgiveness program on April 8, 2024, in Madison, Wis. In terms of culpability, the case against Biden is the most egregious. His violations span a longer period, including when he was senator, vice president and a civilian. Because of his long career in the federal government, he should have known the rules and the penalties. The hapless 22-year-old was improperly trained and supervised. The wrong person is going to prison. If President Biden is too old to be held accountable for classified material, doesnt that make him too old to be president? What happened to There is no one above the law? John H. Leeper, Englewood Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sen. Scott can't be trusted on IVF U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)at a committee hearing in the U.S. Capitol in December 2021. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Amid the closures of obstetrics services at several rural hospitals around Virginia, state and federal lawmakers are hoping to help where they can. Republican lawmakers from southwest Virginia earmarked funding in the new state budget to attract OB-GYN medical residents, while Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner has drafted a bill to help limit obstetrics closures. Dubbed the Keep Obstetrics Local Act, the federal legislation would increase Medicaid payment rates for labor and delivery services to hospitals in rural and high-need urban areas. It would also provide payments to help hospitals cover the cost of staffing and maintaining obstetrics at low-volume hospitals and require all states to provide postpartum Medicaid coverage for up to 12 months after birth (which Virginia already does). Recruiting and retaining these professionals is one reason rural hospitals are shutting down their obstetrics units. In some parts of Virginia, weve got a declining population, but also if youre an OB-GYN, you can make more money in a suburb or urban area, Warner said. Money is both a problem and solution, Southwest Virginia resident Wendy Welch said. As the director of the Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium, Welchs organization helps cover costs of bringing medical residents into Virginia. While family practice doctors and midwives play an important role in care for pregnant people, OB-GYN doctors can be useful for high-risk pregnancies and complicated births. Theyre also a key component of hospitals having obstetrics units. To catch a unicorn to catch someone whos that valuable and knows theyre that valuable, you need a whole lot of stuff to attract them now, Southwest Virginia resident Wendy Welch previously told the Mercury. If theyre a kayaker or their mom is in Southwest Virginia, youve got them, but if not, how are you going to get them here? Warner said his bill can help hospital systems spend money to recruit and pay OB-GYN specialists. He noted how addressing maternal healthcare intersects with other work that public and private sectors are doing to bolster rural communities such as job creation and broadband buildout. Were not going to bring good quality jobs if a future young mom cant get the health care she needs, Warner said. The post Sen. Warner hopes to boost funding to rural hospitals amid obstetrics closures appeared first on Virginia Mercury. The federal government is poised to apologize for decades of intolerance toward the LGBTQ+ community. U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia , and Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin who is the first out LGBTQ + person elected to the Senate, have introduced a resolution on Tuesday that seeks to formally apologize for the historical discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in the federal workforce. The resolution , introduced during Pride Month , acknowledges the mistreatment and wrongful terminations of LGBTQ+ civil servants, foreign service officers, and service members, dating back to 1949. LGBT civil servants, foreign service officers, and service members have made countless sacrifices and contributions to our country and national security. Despite this, our government has subjected them to decades of harassment, invasive investigations, and wrongful termination because of who they are or who they love, Kaine said in a press release . This Pride Month, Im proud to lead this resolution alongside Senator Baldwin to reaffirm our commitment to righting our past wrongs and fighting for equality for all LGBT Americans. A dark chapter in history The resolution highlights the Lavender Scare, a period from the early 1940s through the 1960s during which queer federal employees were targeted and persecuted. This era, marked by heightened suspicion and discrimination, saw thousands of federal workers lose their jobs due to their sexual orientation. The most recent wave of such discrimination was perpetuated by the dont ask, dont tell policy, which was in effect from 1994 to 2011 and led to the discharge of more than 100,000 LGBTQ+ military service members. The resolution acknowledges the extensive harm caused by these discriminatory policies, stating, the Federal Government discriminated against and terminated hundreds of thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served the United States in the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service for decades, causing untold harm to those individuals professionally, financially, socially, and medically, among other harms. In a bid to correct these wrongs, former President Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13672 in 2014, which prohibited federal contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, in 2023, the Department of Defense announced a review of service records for individuals discharged due to their sexual orientation to assess eligibility for discharge upgrades. The military has acknowledged the discriminatory nature of "dont ask, dont tell" and other policies, but LGBTQ+ veterans with dishonorable discharges are still required to individually prove that discrimination happened to have their records amended. Earlier this year, The Advocate reported that three gay Democratic U.S. congressmenRobert Garcia of California , Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, and Chris Pappas of New Hampshiresent a letter to the Department of Defense demanding quicker action on resolving cases of LGBTQ+ veterans dishonorably expelled under "dont ask, dont tell." The lawmakers emphasized the burdensome process veterans face to seek the respect and benefits they rightfully earned. Continued commitment to equality Kaine and Baldwin have a longstanding history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. They introduced the Equality Act, a comprehensive bill designed to amend the Civil Rights Act to protect Americans from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2022, they also played a pivotal role in the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act signed by President Joe Biden that December, ensuring the recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages nationwide. Anyone who serves our country, whether they are in uniform or a civil servant, deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity, regardless of who they are or who they love, Baldwin said. I am proud to lead this effort to show our commitment to creating a more accepting, equal country that lives up to our nations ideals. Support and future steps The resolution is co-sponsored by a host of prominent Democratic senators, including Chris Coons of Delaware , Jeff Merkley from Oregon , Pennsylvanias John Fetterman, Patty Murray from Washington , Brian Schatz of Hawaii , Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire , Bob Casey from Pennsylvania , Dick Durbin of Illinois , Massachusettss Edward Markey, Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut , Ben Cardin of Maryland , Rhode Islands Sheldon Whitehouse, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York , Colorados Michael Bennet, Ron Wyden from Oregon , Sherrod Brown of Ohio , and Virginias Mark R. Warner. What happens next? The Senate will now review the resolution. If it gains sufficient support, it will proceed to a vote. If passed, it will serve as a formal acknowledgment and apology for the historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ federal employees. We still have more work to do to ameliorate the harm done by decades of discriminatory policies, Kaines press release said. Government employees work to drain a flooded overpass as tropical storm Alberto continues to advance in Monterrey, Mexico on June 19, 2024. Tropical Storm Alberto formed Wednesday in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, the first named storm of what is forecast to be a busy hurricane season. Authorities in Mexico reported three deaths from its rains. Alberto, which is bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and some flooding along the coasts of Texas and Mexico, made landfall in northern Mexico early Thursday. The heavy rainfall and the water, as usual, is the biggest story in tropical storms, said Michael Brennan, director of the U. S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)s National Hurricane Center. Civil protection authorities in the northern state of Nuevo Leon said one man died in the La Silla river in the city of Monterrey, the state capital. They also said that two minors died from electric shocks in the municipality of Allende. Local media reported that the minors were riding a bicycle in the rain. The National Hurricane Center said late Wednesday that Alberto was located about 135 miles (220 kilometers) east of Tampico, Mexico, and about 320 miles (510 kilometers) south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph). The storm was moving west at nine miles per hour. The center of the storm was expected to reach the northeastern coast of Mexico south of the mouth of the Rio Grande by Thursday morning. As much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain was expected in some areas along the Texas coast, with even higher isolated totals possible, Brennan said. He said some higher locations in Mexico could see as much as 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain, which could result in mudslides and flash flooding, especially in the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila and Nuevo Leon. Many residents were excited about the prospect of heavy showers, as Tamaulipas and most of Mexico has been dealing with extreme droughts. We have been needing this water that were now getting, thank God. Lets hope that we only get water, said Blanca Coronel Moral, a resident of Tampico. Our lagoon, which gives us drinking water, is completely dry. Flooding in Texas Tropical storm warnings were in effect from the Texas coast at San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande and from the northeastern coast of Mexico south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla. Extensive coastal flooding has been reported at beaches and coastlines in southern Texas. Rapid weakening is expected once the center moves inland, and Alberto is likely to dissipate over Mexico on Thursday, the center said. The U.S. National Weather Service said the main hazard for southern coastal Texas is flooding from excess rain. On Wednesday, the NWS said, there is a high probability of flash flooding in southern coastal Texas. Tornadoes or waterspouts are possible. Areas along the Texas coast were seeing some road flooding and dangerous rip currents Wednesday. Weve seen a few brief spin-ups and some waterspouts out there, said Tyler Castillo, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi. Tim Cady, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Houston, said theyll be keeping an eye on coastal flooding as high tide approaches Thursday morning. When we have these strong onshore winds combined with the high tide, that can result in coastal inundation, particularly in our lower-lying coastal areas, Cady said. NOAA predicts the hurricane season that began June 1 and runs through November 30 is likely to be well above average, with between 17 and 25 named storms. The forecast predicts as many as 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Seven power engineers injured in Russian attacks on two power facilities A total of seven power engineers have been injured in recent Russian attacks on two Ukrainian power facilities. Source: press service of the Ministry of Energy Details: It was reported that one of them is in serious condition. "They were sent to hospital by ambulance with injuries of varying severity," the Ministry said. Background: On the night of 19-20 June, Russian forces attacked a thermal power plant, which resulted in three power engineers being injured and serious damage caused to the plant's equipment. Earlier, Ukrenergo, Ukraines national power company, reported that civilian energy infrastructure facilities in four of Ukraines oblasts were damaged in the Russian attack on the night of 19-20 June. This refers to Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Kyiv oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! Sex trafficking victim testifies that Red Roof Inn allowed us to be there for 6 years Gwinnett County native testified in federal court today about the sexual and physical abuse she endured as a victim of sex trafficking. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] She is one of the 11 women who sued Red Roof Inn, claiming to be victims of sex trafficking at two metro Atlanta locations. Channel 2s Michael Seiden was in the courtroom Thursday for the gut-wrenching testimony. Victims claim that they were forced to have sex with numerous men and stay at the Smyrna Red Roof Inn five nights a week seeing a different man every 30 minutes. Attorneys for Red Roof Inn deny those allegations, but it will be up to a jury to decide. On Thursday, the jury heard from a local woman, Chelsea. She told jurors that after graduating from Berkmar High School, she and her family moved to Dunwoody, where she eventually met two traffickers known as Bagz and Fresh. From 2009 to 2015, Chelsea said she was forced into sex trafficking, primarily meeting her customers at the Red Roof Inn on North Druid Hills Road. RELATED STORIES: While on the stand, Chelsea recounted a terrifying night when one of her traffickers beat her inside a hotel bathroom. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] I was naked on the toilet and venting to Becca, she said. I knew Bagz was up there, and he started punching me in the face and all over! She said that when she finally realized what was happening, she remembered her friend screaming at her attacker. Stop Daddy! Please stop! she said her friend told her attacker. Chelsea told jurors that she was beaten multiple times, showing photos displaying her black eyes and a broken nose. I knew something was wrong. I knew something was very wrong, she testified. But I couldnt think of myself as a victim because I had to survive. She said she tried to escape six separate times but wasnt free until police arrested one of her traffickers in 2015. When asked if she believed the employees of Red Roof Inn knew what was happening, Chelsea broke down in tears. For six years, they allowed us to be there, she testified. For six years, they allowed my traffickers to be comfortable. Red Roof Inn denies participating in and benefiting from sex trafficking. The company has stated in previous testimony that it investigated complaints at the two locations before and after the lawsuits but was unable to verify those complaints. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) An associate art professor from the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art has been selected to be a Fulbright Scholar and will be conducting research in France. SFA holds groundbreaking ceremony for new research center Candace Hicks, courtesy of Stephen F. Austin State University According to a release, Candace Hicks has been selected for fellowship as a part of the Fulbright program in which scholars play a critical role in U.S. public diplomacy, establishing long-term relationships between people and nations by conducting research and engaging the communities of different countries, regions and cultures. According to the university Hicks will be in Amiens, France, working closely with students of Ecole superieure dart et de design (ESAD). While in Amiens, Hicks will reportedly be researching embroidered and print artifacts and performing a series of workshops in embroidery for art students and community members. As an artist, I have been working with embroidery for 20 years to create text-based books and installations on feminist themes, Hicks said. I look forward to learning about the rich culture of the region. I hope to establish future exchange opportunities for SFA students interested in studying in France. Henderson ISD school board accepts resignation of superintendent Some of Hicks art can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art New York, Banbridge Museum and Spencer Museum of Art, as well as in university collections at Harvard, Yale and Stanford. To learn more about Hicks and her art, 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. The Rev. Al Sharpton has asked Nevadas attorney general to investigate Don Ahern, the construction equipment tycoon, amid allegations that he pulled a gun on a Black driver. Ahern, Sharpton said, has displayed an alarming pattern of racism and violence as CEO of Ahern Rentals Inc. In this highly charged climate in which Black and other marginalized communities are at threat of violent actions, it is imperative we investigate and hold accountable those who conduct themselves as Ahern has, Sharpton wrote to Aaron Ford, one of only seven Black attorneys general nationwide. In 2022, a former employee of Ahern Rentals, Mark Townsend, filed a lawsuit alleging he witnessed Ahern repeatedly make racist comments in the workplace. He wrote in the suit that he had Ahern say, We dont like hiring n. They are dumb. They are just born that way. Sworn testimony also alleges that Ahern said, If it was up to me, I would get rid of all the n, Mexicans, and women, because theyre useless. Townsends suit was settled out of court. These comments, Sharpton said, belong back to the Jim Crow Era and not in the mouth of a CEO in the 2020s. Reading these remarks, which were part of a recent lawsuit against him, made one thing clear: Ahern is an equal opportunity racist who wanted to eliminate anyone who wasnt a young white man, Sharpton wrote. Sharpton said the most alarming incident and the impetus for Fords office to investigate is that on one occasion Don Ahern called a truck driver the n-word and pulled a gun on him. Sharpton compared Ahern to Bull Connor, the former commissioner of public safety for the city of Birmingham, Ala., who was a staunch segregationist. But Sharpton acknowledged that investigating Ahern, who has been a longtime supporter of Trump, could draw backlash for Ford. Your role as one of the nations few Black Attorneys General will only compound such a daunting task, but the sworn statements of these courageous employees should also compel you to rise above that and do what is right for those either intimidated by or denied an opportunity due to Aherns warped view of the world, Sharpton wrote. The Civil Rights community will stand behind you against those attacks. I make this inquiry not for political reasons, but moral ones. This is an urgent matter as Aherns actions have no place in any work environment, let alone any other facet of our society. Nevada must send a message that it does not stand for racism, sexism, or any other discriminatory behavior nor should any other state in this union. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Iron Gate Dam in Hornbrook, Calif., is among Klamath River dams being removed. (Haven Daley / Associated Press) Gov. Gavin Newsom has set in motion the largest land return in California history, declaring his support for the return of ancestral lands to the Shasta Indian Nation that were seized a century ago and submerged. The 2,800 acres in Siskiyou County are part of the Klamath River dam removal project, which will rehabilitate more than 300 miles of salmon habitat. "This is a down payment on the state's commitment to do better by the Native American communities who have called this land home since time immemorial," Newsom said in a statement. The governor's announcement Tuesday marked the fifth anniversary of California's official apology to its Native American peoples for the state's historical wrongdoings. Newsom said the move was part of "healing deep wounds and rebuilding trust." The state has previously worked to return ancestral lands to the Fort Independence Indian Community, the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and the Wiyot tribe. The Mechoopda tribe received more than 90 acres, and the rest of the returned lands were around 40 acres each, according to Lindsay Bribiescas, spokesperson for the governor's office of tribal affairs. Returning the ancestral land to Shasta Indian Nation was also supported by Siskiyou County last year. In November, the county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to send a letter of support to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Fish and Wildlife, along with the California Natural Resources Agency, will work with the Shasta Indian Nation on the legal return of the lands. Shasta's ancestors inhabited the lands around Copco Lake near Bogus Mountain before there were formal records of the area, according to Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors meeting documents. Traditionally, the land was known as Kikaceki. After the Gold Rush, Shasta Indians worked to reclaim their historical community by purchasing or homesteading land parcels; some "squatted" on newly privatized lands they did not own. The document states that some Shasta women would strategically marry or cohabitate with non-Indian men who purchased parcels, with the women eventually gaining control of a significant portion of the land. But in 1911, the land was taken from tribal members by eminent domain on behalf of the companies that would construct Copco No. 1 Dam, forcing members to relocate. Now, more than 100 years later, with the removal of Copco and other dams, the land has reemerged, and tribal members remain eager for its return. Read more: The jacarandas are blooming! Do you know the person who is credited with popularizing them in California? "Having access to our ceremonial sites, including the site of our First Salmon Ceremony, is critical to the spiritual and emotional health of our people," said Janice Crowe, chairperson for the Shasta Indian Nation. Returning the land allows the Shasta Indian Nation to complete the Shasta Heritage Trail, an educational pathway whose design incorporates Native art along with informational placards that share the history of the Kikaceki, Crowe said in a statement. This announcement is part of a larger effort to amend California's historical offenses against Native American communities. At the time of California's formal apology, Newsom also established the California Truth and Healing Council to clarify the historical record, he said, and provide an opportunity for collaboration between the tribes and the state. Programs and initiatives that grew out of it include conservation of 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030, a grant program to return lands to tribal ownership, and the establishment of agreements with tribes to ensure they have access to, or can co-manage, areas within state parks that have significance for them. It's unclear when the ancestral lands will be officially returned to the Shasta Indian Nation. 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. The Shasta County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday appointed as its next registrar of voters a semi-retired former prosecutor with no experience in managing an elections department, a job he described as a "critical" position with a presidential election looming in November. Thomas Toller, 62, said during his public job interview with the supervisors Tuesday and Wednesday that he could quickly get up to speed on learning California election laws and get to know the staff at the county clerk and registrar of voters office. "I look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of Shasta County. And my greatest hope is that I can bring some transparency to the office and increase people's confidence in how we process votes here in Shasta County," Toller said after the board's 3-2 vote to hire him. Thomas Toller, left, a semi-retired lawyer from Redding, was appointed Wednesday, June 19, 2024 by the Shasta County Board of Supervisors as the county clerk and registrar of voters. Others interviewed for the job were, from left, Clint Curtis, Jennifer Waltman, Joanna Francescut and John Gaglione. The board held two days of public job interviews for the position, which became vacant when former registrar of voters Cathy Darling Allen retired for medical reasons in May. Supervisors Kevin Crye, Patrick Jones and Chris Kelstrom voted to hire Toller over three other candidates who advanced into a second round of interviews Wednesday. Eight people were interviewed Tuesday. Supervisors Tim Garman and Mary Rickert voted against hiring Toller. Garman and Rickert said they wanted to hire Joanna Francescut, who has 16 years experience working in elections and had managed the office since November, when Darling Allen became ill. The board appeared split on who to appoint, as Jones and Kelstrom said they wanted to hire Clint Curtis, a self-described elections expert from Florida, but who also had no experience managing elections or an elections office. But Jones and Kelstrom agreed to vote for Toller after Crye told them he would vote for Francescut if they voted for Curtis. Longtime Redding resident Judy Salter, who has attended numerous board meetings over the past few years, said she was surprised at how the appointment unfolded. "The manipulation of the public was in full display today. That was the most orchestrated decision I've seen this board make in a long time. I was very disappointed. Supervisor Crye set it up so Kelstrom and Jones would fall in behind him. It was masterful and deceitful. It makes me very sad," Salter said after the meeting. Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Thank you for your continued investment in our community coverage. Elections office's past two years: How the board's decision came to be Several public speakers said they did not trust the registrar of voters office because during the past election they were not allowed to closely observe workers counting ballots. Those who did not advocate for Francescut urged the board to appoint Curtis Among those who urged the board not to hire Francescut was Laura Hobbs, who sued Darling Allen after she lost her bid in the March election to win the District 2 supervisor position. "I just want to tell you that the people in District 2 are tired of the status quo. When it comes to fairness and transparency in our elections, we need fresh blood and new life into the ROV (registrar of voter's office). And for Kevin (Crye), you ran on governmental transparency. The obvious choice is Clint Curtis, for governmental transparency," Hobbs said. After the meeting, Hobbs declined to comment on the board's decision to appoint Toller. Francescut quickly left the board chambers after the vote and could not be reached for comment. The three members of the board who voted for Toller said significant changes were needed at the registrar's office. But in June 2022, a majority of voters saw it different. Darling Allen was reelected by garnering some 68% of the vote, said Jeff Gorder, speaking to the board. Gorder was a leader in the failed effort to recall Crye in the March election. Toller was also involved in June 2022 election, helping with Erik Jensen's campaign for district attorney, which Jensen lost. During interviews, he told the board he would try to get elections observers better access to watch the vote-counting, but wanted to ensure employees are not distracted and can do their jobs without interference. The supervisors last year tried to get away from counting ballots by using machines, which is common throughout the state and the nation. But the California Legislature passed a law forbidding hand-counting in most circumstances. He told supervisors Wednesday he "was not a big fan" of using machines to tally votes. One of the candidates for registrar, John Gaglione, who works in the elections office in Kane County, Illinois, said his county uses machines to tally ballots. Discrepancies between hand-counting and machine counting are almost non-existent, he told the supervisors. What Toller said about the elections office and state, federal obligations Toller said that because the law forbidding hand-counting had been passed, the county had to follow the mandate, but the county could also challenge the law in court. "And I will certainly participate in any manner that the board or county counsel or the chief executive may want my input and support on," he said. In his application for the job, Toller said the authority of local officials should take precedence over federal and state laws. "I would in no way be beholden to the secretary of state in Sacramento, as if her interpretation was chapter and verse of Holy Writ," he said on his application. Toller still has to go through a background check before his appointment is finalized. The board anticipates having him in the office by mid-July. He will serve out the remainder of Darling Allen's term, which ends in January 2027. The first order of business is to increase public transparency in the office, he said. He also plans to meet with each member of the staff to find out more about them. "My objective is not to go in there and tear the place down and sweep everyone out. It's to truly go in there and find out who's there, what their passions are, what their skills are and to begin founding a team that can move forward," Toller said. Garman wondered how Toller would be able to learn about the registrar's position, the laws, the employees and manage an election in such a short time. It was a concern echoed by others at Wednesday's meeting. "Mr. Toller has absolutely no experience in this field. None. And I'm just shocked that our county, months before an incredibly important election, is going to be in the hands of a totally inexperienced lawyer," Salter said. Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today! This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shasta supervisors hire lawyer to lead county elections office Several police vehicles are seen at the shooting scene in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland, where police are investigating multiple people having been shot. (Michael Ho Wai Lee / Associated Press) Several people were wounded in a shooting Wednesday night at a Juneteenth celebration near Lake Merritt in Oakland, police said. A crowd of about 5,000 people had gathered around the lake for Juneteenth events when someone opened fire in the 400 block of Grand Avenue at about 8:45 p.m., wounding several people, police said. The events not sanctioned by the city, according to police were peaceful until a sideshow, or illegal street takeover, developed near the intersection of Grand and Bellevue avenues and a fight broke out, police said. As the crowd headed towards the altercation, multiple shots were fired, Oakland police said in a news release. We were all celebrating, it began to be a sideshow, a couple of fights going on. Next thing we know, we thought that we heard fireworks, Tamia Robinson told ABC7 KGO from the scene Wednesday night. So what we did was we ran. ... Next thing you hear boom-boom-boom-boom-boom' from the other side of the lake. ... Were walking and my sister springs across the street and sees one of her friends laying out. An unknown number of people were wounded, authorities said. Officers at the scene treated some gunshot victims while some victims rushed themselves or others to hospitals. Some officers received minor injuries in confrontations with the crowd as they tried to move people to safety after the shooting, police said. One person was arrested on suspicion of assault on an officer but no one has been arrested in connection with the shooting, police said. No fatalities were reported and police said it was not clear if there was more than one shooter. 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. Rich Dodakian has run the Falmouth Road Race more than a dozen times, but theres one year in particular that sticks out in his memory. In 2011, Dodakian crossed the finish line in Falmouth and collapsed. My sister-in-law saw me running down the end of the road race, he said. Theres a hill at the end and I was limping. She thought I had sprained my ankle. Weather Alert: Blistering heat wave grips Massachusetts In fact, Dodakian had blacked out. I saw my kids around the 5.5-mile mark on the side of the road, he said. Got to maybe six miles and I dont remember anything after that. No exaggeration. No recollection of running the end of that race. Fortunately, Dodakian collapsed into the care of medical tent personnel from the University of Connecticuts Korey Stringer Institute, which studies heat-related illness in athletes. They took my temperature and it was 107.7 degrees, Dodakian said. Thats almost four degrees higher than what is considered the baseline core temperature for heat stroke 104 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, neurological fogginess begins to occur. Left untreated, heat stroke can rapidly intensify into a life-or-death struggle. Medical personnel placed Dodakian into an ice bath and slowly his temperature began to descend. Consciousness returned about 15-20 minutes after the blackout began. I was really, really out of it, he said. Didnt know where I was, didnt remember my family history, I didnt know my wifes name. And there I was, these people were above me with ice and water and towels on my arm and my body. It was an experience that no one should have to go through. Coherence gradually returned enough for Dodakian to ask one of his caregivers if he was going to die. He said, youre getting the best care that you can and were doing everything we can to cool your body temperature down, Dodakian said. Looking back, Dodakian understands why he became a heat stroke victim. Its seven miles, so its not short where its a 5K and youre going to be okay, he said. And its not long, long where you pace yourself. You go hard. For Dodakian, that meant skipping past all the water stations on the course, in pursuit of a better finish time. He also said he hadnt properly acclimated to hot weather running because he traditionally ran in the morning, when its cooler and he was suffering from sleep deprivation. In the end, Dodakian fully recovered. So much so that he returned to Falmouth the following year and ran the race and has done so nearly a dozen times since. I missed one year during Covid, but that wasnt heat-related, he said. He runs the race aware that proper hydration takes priority over finish times and how lucky he was all those years ago. It could have been the end, he said. It could have been 15-20 minutes of unconsciousness and then an eternity. Seriously, I was out. Totally out cold. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A single Ukrainian kamikaze naval drone destroyed or damaged four Russian patrol boats in an operation last month, Kyiv's military intelligence (HUR) said on June 20. Speaking on national television, HUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov said even though Moscow's forces had defenses in place to protect against such attacks, the agency's Magura V5 drones are still able to get around them. "We've seen in the last few operations where the enemy has planned everything out and did it right, the Magura breaks through these sea fortifications and fire barriers, and then the next drone goes straight to the target. "As we saw when four Tuna speed boats were hit at once, aviation, artillery, small arms none of it worked. "And, in fact, one Magura drone destroyed, damaged, and hit four enemy speedboats. And this is a very good result." Information on Russian casualties is still being clarified, Yusov told the Kyiv Independent. The military intelligence agency initially reported only two boats had been hit during the attack in Vuzka Bay on May 30, which lies at the Chornomorske town on Crimea's western coast. 0:00 / 1 In order to thwart the attack, Russian forces scrambled their aircraft 32 times, including Su-27/30/35 and MiG-29 jets, Be-12 and An-26 aircraft, and Ka-27/29 and Mi-8 helicopters, HUR said. The Magura V5 is a multi-purpose naval drone developed by Ukraine and has been extensively used in attacks against the Russian Black Sea fleet, mainly by ramming into enemy vessels while loaded with explosives. Ukraine previously destroyed several Russian ships with Magura drones, including a landing ship Caesar Kunikov, a Sergei Kotov patrol ship, high-speed Serna and Akula landing crafts, and a Tarantul-class Ivanovets missile corvette. Newer versions of the Magura V5 are equipped with air-to-air guided missiles. Read also: Ukrainian newest naval drone Stalker presented in Odesa Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has requested a meeting with the king of Spain in the middle of a diplomatic crisis between both countries over Mileis disparaging remarks about Begona Gomez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, from the Socialist Party (PSOE). The comments were made last month during a visit that the Argentine leader made to Madrid to attend a far-right political forum organized by Spains ultranationalist Vox party. Spain later withdrew its ambassador to Buenos Aires in protest. Milei requested to hold an audience with Spains King Felipe VI on the occasion of a new visit to Madrid planned for this coming Friday, when he will collect a prize awarded to him by the Juan de Mariana Institute, a neoliberal think tank, for his defense of the ideas of freedom, according to sources familiar with the request. However, it appears that Milei has not been successful, since the audience with the Argentine head of state is not on the royal agenda. Sources from La Zarzuela Palace said that Felipe VI coordinates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding trips abroad, as well as visits to Spain by international leaders. They also stressed that, as per the Constitution, foreign policy is the exclusive power of the government. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the matter, saying that we do not comment on the agenda of foreign leaders. Felipe VI attended Mileis inauguration in Buenos Aires last December, and met him again at the inauguration of the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, on June 1. On that occasion, with the bilateral crisis in full gear, both men simply greeted each other from afar. Although Milei has not obtained an audience with the Spanish monarch, he will be received by the head of the Madrid region, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, of the conservative Popular Party (PP). As announced by Mileis spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, the Madrid regional leader has decided to award Milei an International Medal. Ayuso, an outspoken critic of the central government, aligned herself with the Argentine president in May, when Milei called Begona Gomez corrupt due to a legal complaint filed against her by an organization, Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) with a history of mounting legal challenges against leftist leaders. Ayuso justified Mileis attitude, saying that the Spanish Minister of Transportation, Oscar Puente, had defamed him first by suggesting that Milei used drugs. Diplomatic sources acknowledge that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not been informed of Ayusos decision to meet with Milei despite existing legislation making it mandatory for regional governments to inform central authorities about proposals involving trips, visits, exchanges and actions with a foreign projection. It so happens that this law was approved in 2014 by a PP administration, largely to prevent the Catalan regional government, run by Catalan nationalists, from undermining the foreign policy of the central government. In addition to failure to comply with a legal obligation, Ayusos actions represent institutional disloyalty, said the same sources. Despite Mileis repeated insults aimed at Pedro Sanchez whom he has described as an arrogant Socialist and part of an ilk that is screwed tight to power the Spanish government said it would maintain protocol and allow the Argentine head of state to land his plane at the Torrejon de Ardoz military air base, as he did last month, and allow his security detail to carry weapons. In the meantime, Milei has continued his barrage of verbal attacks against the Spanish leader. In an interview with the Argentine channel Tele Noticias on Tuesday, he stated that the coward sent all his ministers to insult me. Who is the coward? asked the interviewer. Sanchez, he responded. Although he has only been in office for six months, the new European tour of the Argentine president, who last weekend attended the G-7 summit in Bari (Italy), has been designed as a succession of acts to increase his influence. From Madrid, he will travel to Hamburg, where he will be honored by the Hayek Association; and then to Prague to receive an award from the Czech Liberal Institute. Milei was also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, but that event has been cancelled. Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Labour's net zero plans would undermine the UK's energy security - BERTRAND GUAY/AFP Labours green energy plans will tax the North Sea out of existence, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has warned, days after he publicly backed Sir Keir Starmer. The chief executive of chemicals giant Ineos and co-owner of Manchester United said Labours plans to raise taxes on oil and gas producers meant the North Sea will become extinct relatively soon. He said Sir Keir Starmers plans, which also include slashing North Sea tax allowances, would undermine Britains energy security and lead to increased imports from overseas. Sir Jim said: If we shut down the North Sea, what is that accomplishing? Because well just have to import our energy. The attack on Labours energy policy comes just days after Sir Jim signalled his support for Labour. Earlier this week, he said: Ive met Keir a couple of times and hes a sensible guy: intelligent, thoughtful. Weve not had the most successful patch with the Conservatives so the mood in the country is that we need a change. Sir Jims endorsement of Sir Keir marks a change in attitude for the entrepreneur, although he remains sceptical of Labours net zero policies. This is reflected in his views on Labours bid to decarbonise the UKs electricity system within the next six years. Speaking at The Times CEO summit in London, he described the plan as absurd, bursting into laughter when asked if the goal was possible. He said: Wheres it all [electricity] going to come from? Remember, gas is fundamentally important for electricity supply because the wind doesnt blow every day. You cant just run your hospitals on a windy day or go to school on a windy day. So when the wind doesnt produce any electricity, we have to switch all our gas-fired power stations on. Sir Jim warned that the 2030 deadline heightened the risks of power shortages because it coincided with the expected closure of most of the UKs remaining nuclear power stations. Hartlepool nuclear power station in Co Durham is scheduled to close in 2026, as is Heysham 1 in Lancashire. Heysham 2, on the same site, will close two years later as will Torness, in East Lothian. Unless any secure further extensions, that will leave Sizewell B as the UKs only operating nuclear station from 2028 with the much-delayed Hinkley Point C nuclear station in Somerset not expected to be in operation until at least 2031. Sir Jim said: Were not doing terribly well on building new nuclear power stations. It takes 10 or 15 years to build a new nuclear power station, so in 2030 weve got no gas, nuclear is all shut down and the wind goes up and down. Its not consistent. Labour has, however, made clear that it plans to retain a number of gas-fired power stations as a back-up source of electricity. They would be available, along with power supplied from other countries via interconnectors, whenever weather conditions or surging demand outstripped production from renewables. The chemicals mogul, who is worth 11.9bn, was a prominent Brexiteer but has criticised the Tories handling of the UKs exit from the EU. He has also recently attacked the Conservative Governments handling of the economy. He said: The Government is spending [over] a trillion pounds a year, a colossal amount of money and its patently obvious that its not being spent well. 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. Attendees listen to Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, talk during a campaign event for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski Cheers, woos, boos and hisses erupted Thursday from a crowd of U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) supporters as she joined three leaders from national organizations in Grand Rapids to talk about an issue prominently on the minds of Democratic leaders in the 2024 election: reproductive rights. We were not used to talking about it, but they came for us, Slotkin said. They came for our rights. They came for our daughters and our granddaughters. Slotkin is running for a U.S. Senate seat left wide open with the upcoming retirement of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing). Her campaign event underscored the weight Democrats are putting behind both Michigans Senate race and reproductive rights. During the event, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) said Michigans Senate race was the most important in the country because it is a swing state without an incumbent lawmaker running. Elissa chose to come here because she knows that you cannot win statewide without winning here in West Michigan, Scholten said. We have seen a sea change here in West Michigan when it comes to the issue of reproductive rights. Slotkin is facing actor and candidate Hill Harper in the Aug. 6 Democratic primary. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, businessman Sandy Pensler and Dr. Sherry ODonnell are competing for the GOP nomination. Slotkin took the opportunity to stress her record of supporting reproductive rights in Congress and criticize her GOP colleagues for extreme restrictions on abortion and other reproductive health care. She also said Republican lawmakers seemed uneducated on reproductive health care, saying they did not understand seventh-grade health. Do you understand contraception or do you understand how a woman gets pregnant? Slotkin said. Harper, the only other Democratic candidate for the Senate, also supports federal abortion rights for women, in addition to other protections for reproductive health care, spokesperson Greg Bowens told the Advance. While speakers criticized GOP lawmakers throughout the Slotkin event, Harper, who Slotkin will have to beat in August to even compete with a Republican candidate, was not mentioned. We need to pass womens reproductive freedom, womens reproductive rights. It has to get codified federally, Harper said in a May interview with CBS News Detroit. Slotkins campaign event featured president of Planned Parenthood Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Reproductive Freedom for All Mini Timmaraju and EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler. All three organizations endorsed Slotkins campaign for Senate. We must win this November and secure federal pro-choice majorities driven by Democratic pro-choice women like Elissa Slotkin, Mackler said. Then we can beat back these attacks, but we can also deliver true reproductive freedom for women across America. The campaign event comes just ahead of the two year anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization U.S. Supreme Court decision, which repealed Roe v. Wade and sent the issue back to the states to make abortion policy. While Michigan voters approved to enshrine the rights of people to obtain an abortion in 2022, speakers said reproductive rights were still on the ballot. Timmaraju said having advocates for reproductive rights in Congress is important to passing bills that protect rights like medication abortion, birth control, IVF and fertility treatments. We do that, folks, we get to lock in a federal right to abortion in all 50 states and take back this country and our freedoms, Timmaraju said. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd of supporters at a campaign event for her bid for the U.S. Senate in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd of supporters at a campaign event for her bid for the U.S. Senate in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski essica Mackler, president of EMILYs List, addresses a crowd during a campaign event for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024 | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd of supporters at a campaign event for her bid for the U.S. Senate in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) talks about the upcoming election and introduces the other speakers for the event in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski essica Mackler, president of EMILYs List, addresses a crowd during a campaign event for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024 | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd of supporters at a campaign event for her bid for the U.S. Senate in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd of supporters at a campaign event for her bid for the U.S. Senate in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, addresses a crowd at a campaign rally for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd of supporters at a campaign event for her bid for the U.S. Senate in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski Alexis McGill Johnson, the president of Planned Parenthood, talks to a crowd during a campaign event for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) begins speaking to a crowd during a campaign event for her bid for an open U.S. Senate seat in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd of supporters at a campaign event for her bid for the U.S. Senate in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. | Lucy Valeski essica Mackler, president of EMILYs List, addresses a crowd during a campaign event for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024 | Lucy Valeski Its also important to support people who can get pregnant in other states, Slotkin said, so reproductive rights should be a salient issue in Michigan going into the 2024 election. She also pointed out that people from Indiana, and formerly Ohio, overwhelmed clinics in Michigan as they traveled over the border to receive health care. Even if we were good to go and we had protections against federal legislation, can we agree that were not going to leave our sisters in Indiana behind and all the other states, Slotkin said. Dont for one minute believe that its OK to leave some women behind. Limiting reproductive rights does not stop at banning abortion, Slotkin said. Mackler slammed U.S. Senate GOP frontrunner Rogers, who had sponsored bills that could restrict IV because they defined life as the moment of fertilization. Earlier this month, all but two GOP senators voted against protecting IVF and a week before, blocked a bill that would protect access to contraception. Slotkin said not protecting IVF was hypocritical because conservative politicians say they are pro-family, and the procedure gives people greater opportunities to have children. While Slotkin said people should consider reproductive rights going into this election, there is no guarantee they actually will. A recent poll from KFF, a nonprofit health research organization, found reproductive rights may not be a motivator to vote for Michigan women this year. But Slotkin said this issue matters to even casual Michigan voters because there are people who are afraid of seeing other rights stripped away. Make no mistake, sexual reproductive freedom, sexual reproductive health care is under attack by politicians, by judges, by activists, McGill Johnson said. They are playing for power and control at the expense of our bodies, our lives and our futures. The post Slotkin flexes support from national reproductive rights organizations in US Senate bid appeared first on Michigan Advance. FILE PHOTO: Protest against government changes at public broadcaster RTVS in Bratislava FILE PHOTO: Protest against government changes at public broadcaster RTVS in Bratislava (Reuters) -Slovakia's parliament approved the government's planned revamp and leadership change at public broadcaster RTVS on Thursday, overruling concerns the changes will bring the broadcaster under political control and harm media freedom. Robert Fico's leftist-nationalist cabinet is pushing to reshape Slovak institutions and policy, including among state prosecutors and police, environment policy, and non-governmental organisations. Some of the changes have sparked public protests and concerns in the European Union over democratic controls. The new legislation will change how RTVS's oversight council is chosen at the broadcaster, which the government has accused of being biased and ignoring opinions outside what it called the mainstream. RTVS workers, along with the opposition, some EU observers and media advocacy groups, fear the changes will harm media independence and stifle government criticism. "The draft law ... has the goal of strengthening the public-law character of (the broadcaster) and ensure respect for plurality and the principles of democracy and free creation," Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova told lawmakers on Thursday, while defending the bill. Slovak media reported opposition parties walked out of parliament before the vote on the bill, which 78 government lawmakers backed. The bill will take effect from July once the president signs it. Under the law, RTVS's director will be replaced years before his term expires. A reworked nine-member council, appointed by the culture minister and parliament, will be responsible for filling the position. RTVS will also change its name to Slovak Television and Radio (STVR). RTVS Director Lubos Machaj called it a "black day" for public broadcasting and media in Slovakia. "The failure to establish precise processes for the change from RTVS to STVR, combined with the absence of full leadership, could destabilise the institution and jeopardise production," RTVS said in a statement. Michal Simecka, head of the biggest opposition party, Progressive Slovakia (PS), called the law shameful and said he would challenge it at the Constitutional Court. The European Broadcasting Union and European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova have also voiced concern, while Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said this month it allowed "for the politicisation of the public broadcaster by the government that would fatally compromise its independence." Since taking power last year, Fico's coalition government has taken aim at media and others that it has said had been hostile to it. In May, a gunman seriously wounded Fico, who is recovering at home. The attack deepened the political divide in the central European country of 5.4 million. Simkovicova said criticism of the bill was adding to the polarisation in society. (Reporting by Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Alex Richardson and Richard Chang) LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A small plane, with an instructor and student at the controls, crashed in Hillsdale county Thursday. Michigan State Police report troopers from the Jackson Post responded to the crash. The information was shared by the agencys X account (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter). The report from MSP says the duo were training in engine stall recovery actions when the engines failed to restart. They deployed a parachute on the plane for a controlled fall to the ground. Screenshot the X post by MSP officials about a plane crash in Hillsdale County June 19. (WLNS) No one was injured, MSP reports MSP has handed the investigation over to the Federal Aviation Administration. This embedded content is not available in your region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. A banner advertising Snap hangs from the facade of the New York Stock Exchange as Snap's initial public offering debuts in New York City on March 2, 2017. Snap settled a sex employment discrimination lawsuit in California on Wednesday for $14 million. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI June 20 (UPI) -- The California Civil Rights Department announced on Wednesday that it settled a $15 million alleged sex employment discrimination case with Snapchat's parent company. The department said while Snap Inc. experienced rapid growth from 2015 to 2022, women hit "a glass ceiling" and were discouraged from applying for promotions or lost them to less qualified male applicants. Women at Santa Monica-based Snap also endured unwelcomed sexual advances and other harassment, the department said. When the women spoke out about it, Snap officials allegedly retaliated against them. The retaliation included negative reviews, denial of professional opportunities and terminations. "This settlement with Snapchat demonstrates a shared commitment to a California where all workers have a fair chance at the American Dream," said Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish in a statement. "Women are entitled to equality in every job, in every workplace, and in every industry." As part of the deal, Snap will hire an independent consultant to review and make suggestions about the company's compensation and promotion policies. The social media company will contract with a third-party monitor to audit Snap's agreement to pay $14.5 million toward compensating women who worked at the company from 2014 through 2024. A former software engineer at Snap complained that it created a "sexist" and "toxic" working culture in 2018. Criticism mounted to the point that Snap conducted an internal racism and sexism investigation in 2022, which led to a diversity report. The California Civil Rights Department has revealed that Snap Inc. has agreed to pay $15 million to settle the lawsuit it filed "over alleged discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against women at the company." California's civil rights agency started investigating the company behind Snapchat over three years ago due to claims that it discriminated and retaliated against female employees. The agency accused the company of failing the make sure that female employees were paid equally despite a period of rapid growth between 2015 to 2022. Women, especially those in engineering roles, were allegedly discouraged to apply for promotions and lost them to less qualified male colleagues when they did. The agency said that they also had to endure unwelcome sexual advances and faced retaliation when they spoke up. Female employees were given negative performance reviews, were denied opportunities and, ultimately, were terminated. "In California, were proud of the work of our states innovators who are a driving force of our nations economy," CRD Director Kevin Kish said in a statement. "We're also proud of the strength of our states civil rights laws, which help ensure every worker is protected against discrimination and has an opportunity to thrive. This settlement with Snapchat demonstrates a shared commitment to a California where all workers have a fair chance at the American Dream. Women are entitled to equality in every job, in every workplace, and in every industry." Snapchat denies that the company has an issue with pay inequality and sexual discrimination. In a statement sent to Politico and Bloomberg, it says it only decided to settle due to the costs and impact of a lengthy litigation. "We care deeply about our commitment to maintain a fair and inclusive environment at Snap, and do not believe we have any ongoing systemic pay equity, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation issues against women. While we disagreed with the California Civil Rights Department's claims and analyses, we took into consideration the cost and impact of lengthy litigation, and the scope of the CRDs other settlements, and decided it is in the best interest of the company to resolve these claims and focus on the future," the company explains. Under the settlement terms, which still have to be approved by a judge, $14.5 million of the total amount will go towards women who worked as employees at Snap Inc. in California between 2014 and 2024. The company will also be required to have a third-party monitor audit its sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination compliance. California's Civil Rights Department was the same agency that sued Activision Blizzard in 2021 and accused the company of fostering a "frat boy" culture that encouraged rampant misogyny and sexual harassment. The agency also found that women in the company were overlooked for promotions and were paid less than their male colleagues. It settled with the video game developer in late 2023 for $54 million, though it had to withdraw its claims that there was widespread sexual harassment at the company. Drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) hit two oil depots in Russia's Republic of Adygea and Tambov Oblast overnight on June 20, a source in security and defense forces told the Kyiv Independent. Russian authorities reported fires at an oil depot in the village of Enyem as well as at an oil tank on the territory of the Platonovskaya oil depot in Tambov Oblast earlier the same day. According to the source, Ukrainian drones attacked the Tambovnefteprodukt fuel and lubricants warehouse in Tambov Oblast and Lukoil-Yugnefteprodukt company's Enyemskaya oil depot in the Republic of Adygea. Sign up for our newsletter WTF is wrong with Russia? Sign up After the attacks, fires reportedly broke out at both facilities. Russia used them to process and store raw materials and finished products for the Russian army, according to the source. "The SBU's strikes against companies working for the Russian military-industrial complex reduce the resources with which the enemy can wage war and force the aggressor to spend money on infrastructure restoration," the source said. "This is an additional burden on the Russian budget, which is already burdened by sanctions and other economic challenges." Overall, the SBU carried out over 20 successful attacks against Russian oil industry facilities in various regions, the source added. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry, the profits of which fuel Moscow's war efforts. SBU's drones hit two oil depots in Russia's Rostov Oblast overnight on June 18, a source in security and defense forces told the Kyiv Independent. Read also: Satellite images show Russian oil refinery ablaze after Ukrainian drone strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa began consultations on the appointment of a new cabinet after agreeing to form a broad coalition with opposition parties. Most Read from Bloomberg Talks started on Thursday with leaders of Ramaphosas African National Congress and its alliance partners the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party. More significant discussions with the Democratic Alliance, the second-biggest party in the so-called government of national unity, are scheduled for Friday. The rand has strengthened and local-currency bonds have been the best-performing in emerging markets this month on optimism that the tie-up between the ANC and centrist parties signals economic reforms initiated under Ramaphosas previous administration will continue. In its talks with the ANC, labor federation Cosatu voiced its opposition to key portfolios being handed to opposition parties. Its critical that cabinet be coherent and stable, be progressive and anchored on the ANC elections manifesto, Cosatu spokesman Matthew Parks said in an interview. Key economic and service delivery portfolios that impact upon workers and the economy and advance the transformation agenda must remain with the ANC. That would rule out the DA taking control of the finance, trade and labor ministries from the ANC. Helen Zille, head of the DAs decision-making Federal Council, told South African news outlets this week that the party wants its leader, John Steenhuisen, to be made a minister in the presidency. She also maintained the DAs long-standing position that the cabinet must be trimmed down. Ramaphosas spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed that formal consultations are under way. The president is consulting the leaders of the ANC and the alliance as well as parties which are signatory to the government of national unity, he said by phone. He couldnt say when the president will finalize his cabinet and there is no legal deadline for Ramaphosa to do so. The ANC and the DA have been at loggerheads this week over the interpretation of a framework signed last week that will govern their alliance, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified as the discussions arent public. While the DA insists the accord makes provision for representation in cabinet that is proportional to its performance in last months election, the ANC insists that the agreement cant supersede the constitution, which gives the president the prerogative to appoint the cabinet. The government of national unity, an ANC-led initiative, ensures that no single party, whether the DA, IFP, or others, can hold our national agenda hostage, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. As we navigate through these complex times, the ANC reaffirms its commitment to inclusive governance and national dialogue. --With assistance from Mpho Hlakudi. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. In the 2020 primary, Biden won 70% of Orangeburg, South Carolina, an hour north of Charleston (pictured here). Today, the Orangeburg mayor says he would expect Biden to close the border upon a second term. In the 2020 primary, Biden won 70% of Orangeburg, South Carolina, an hour north of Charleston (pictured here). Today, the Orangeburg mayor says he would expect Biden to close the border upon a second term. Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Republicans claim that their election-year rhetoric about immigration has a new audience in Black communities. North Charlestons newfound racial complexity tests that claim. The working-class city of about 120,000 people is one of the most strongly Democratic in South Carolina, more so even than Charleston, its larger, storied neighbor to its south. It has also long been split almost evenly between Black and white residents. Immigration has been adding a third dimension to what was a two-way relationship. In the neck of the barbell-shaped city, between the primarily white northern neighborhoods and the primarily Black southern neighborhoods, are stretches where the shops advertise in Spanish and almost all the children getting off the school bus are Latino. About 2.5% of North Charlestonians identified as Hispanic in the 1990 census. That rose to 4% in 2000, 10% in 2010 and, on paper, about 12% today, with 8% other. But the current census figures are questionable, said Enrique Henry Grace, CFO of the Charleston Hispanic Association: Forget about it. Because Hispanics dont do the census. Whatever the census says, double it. Immigration can be a tough topic to discuss in South Carolinas Black community, which isnt keen on offering white conservatives who regularly attack cities as crime-infested yet another reason to snipe at North Charleston, especially in an election year when immigration rhetoric on the right has become increasingly toxic. But it doesnt mean they arent asking more from Democratic leaders. In early June, Joe Biden announced changes to border policy, significantly curtailing asylum claims in a bid for bold executive action on a campaign issue. The US presidents border order came with political pressure mounting on the president and Congress to resolve negotiations on a bill to change Americas immigration policies and stem undocumented migration. Some of that political pressure comes from big-city leaders like the mayors of New York and Chicago, after border state governors began shipping people who had crossed the border to them last year, straining the social services infrastructure. But the border action has an audience among Democrats in South Carolina, too. *** Biden was serving red meat to Democratic party loyalists at a January campaign speech in Columbia, South Carolina, talking about his appointment of Black judges and lowering Black unemployment rates, when he threw them one nugget of red-state steak. He complained that Republicans in Congress were thwarting legislation on the border despite getting almost everything they wanted in the bill at the bidding of Donald Trump in order to preserve it for him as a political issue. If that bill were the law today, Id shut down the border right now and fix it quickly, Biden said, to applause. As attendees awaited the president before the speech, Michael Butler, mayor of Orangeburg, South Carolina, a Democrat, expressed sympathy with this idea. I would expect the president, if hes elected a second time, to close the border, Butler said. The population of both the city and county of Orangeburg, about 45 minutes north of North Charleston, is mostly Black, poor, rural and Democratic. Biden won 70% of Orangeburg in the 2020 primary his best showing statewide and two-thirds of votes in the November election. Without a careful message, this time could be different. Shipping border crossers to big cities seemed like a publicity stunt, but it was one that worked, in Butlers view, to highlight how problems at the border are problems everywhere, including Democratic strongholds. I empathize with those mayors, Butler said. They have to deal with the expectations of migrants, and the security of them. You know were the land of the free and the brave, and we believe in taking care of all citizens. But those borders need to be secured to protect the citizens. Butlers take on immigration isnt uniformly held across the state. Some Black political leaders in North Charleston beam about how immigration has changed their communities. State representative JA Moore, a North Charleston Democrat, boasts of having the most diverse district in the state. Im proud of that, he said. Moore pushes back, hard, against the suggestion that theres tension between Black and Latino people about housing or jobs where he lives. North Charleston presents a more nuanced test of the Black electorates reaction to immigration, because the growth of its immigrant community has come with booming economic growth and overall population increases. Even so, Moore admits that some could conflate something like the rapid increase in housing prices with the rapid increase in immigration. The housing market in general and in Charleston is higher than it was 10, 15 years ago, Moore said. And also the amount of Hispanics that are moving in has increased tremendously in the past 15 years. They see a Hispanic person move into their neighborhood, and theyre seeing the prices of the houses going up People may be correlating the two. Donald Trump is counting on those kind of inferences. Bidens Republican challenger, known for his increasingly strident immigration rhetoric, responded to the border closure at a rally in the Las Vegas heat after Bidens announcement, describing it as insufficient while arguing that the president is waging all-out war on Black and Latino workers. He falsely claimed that the wages of Black workers had fallen 6% since 2021. The international manufacturers that have driven growth arent hiring undocumented labor, said Eduardo Curry, president of the North Charleston chapter of the Young Democrats of South Carolina. A lot of jobs here in Charleston are skilled labor jobs, he said. Its not just walk off the street and let me hire you. The problem, Curry said, is that too few Black workers in North Charleston have the training to take those jobs, even as those employers are yearning for more labor. Working-class Black laborers instead compete with recent immigrants for jobs that require less formal education. Tension between Black and Latino people in North Charleston has been relatively low, but may be rising because of job competition, said Ruby Wallace, a job recruiter at a staffing agency in North Charleston that serves warehouses and distribution centers working-class employers. Hispanics are working for whatever they can get at this point, she said. And theyre doing a lot of work. The North Charleston native said her staffing agency has lost 40% of its business year over year after some clients found it less expensive to hire undocumented labor through shady organizations. The neighborhood around the staffing agency has become populated primarily with immigrants, and the office, which has historically employed working-class and poor Black people, turns away undocumented applicants every day. A cottage industry of undocumented labor has emerged, undercutting legal operators by skirting federal E-Verify laws and omitting payments into workers compensation and unemployment taxes. Wallace has been reporting the violations she sees to the US Department of Labor, to no avail. Im trying to figure out, how is it possible for them to load people up and bring them, working here in South Carolina? Is it not illegal for them to do that? she said. *** Republican messaging aimed at Black voters mixes threats about job losses with invective about immigration, crime and cities. Black voters are expected to ignore the racial undercurrent of attacks on cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia or most recently Milwaukee a horrible city in Trumps most recent tirade while being receptive to the idea that undocumented people from Central and South America make those cities more unsafe. That hasnt happened in North Charleston. North Charleston began assessing the citys racial disparity in arrests and victimization in 2020. A majority of North Charlestons immigrants are Latino. According to a report released in 2021, Hispanic suspects represented about 7.5% of arrests, while Hispanic residents comprised 10% of the citys population that year. Violent crime increased during the pandemic in North Charleston, as it did in most cities with more than 100,000 residents. It has fallen since. But it is among the higher-crime cities in the state, with a murder rate about five times the national average. Keeping the peace in North Charleston has meant navigating racial tension in a city experiencing poverty and crime. Immigration adds a new element to that challenge. Reggie Burgess, 58, grew up in North Charleston and served on its police force for more than 30 years five as its chief before winning election as the citys first Black mayor in 2023. He said he contends with a common trope: that undocumented immigrants bring with them an uptick in crime. But that depiction of immigrants as criminals is false; they are measurably less likely to commit crimes than the US-born. Burgess, who has witnessed the changes in his community first-hand, said he has had to meet with immigrants to discuss how they are too often victimized by other poor people who look like him. Back when Burgess was still chief of police in 2017, he found himself conducting role-playing exercises with Latino immigrants about identifying Black people, trying to build some trust with the community. We would actually turn them backwards, and wed turn them around real quick and say: Look at this person, and turn em back around, Burgess said. Id ask, can you give me a description of the person? We were trying to teach them to understand that a Black male was more than this Afro. Youve got to [describe] a shirt, or this lanyard. It became evident to Burgess 20 years ago that undocumented individuals were being targeted for robberies because they tended to work in cash trades, he said. That revelation led the city to start pushing the financial-services industry to provide banking services, and was the start of relationship-building exercises between civic leaders and immigrants. But the federal government doesnt do enough to keep victims from being deported long enough to sustain prosecutions, he said, leaving undocumented individuals as easy targets for crime and exploitation. The U visa is supposedly supposed to help us lock in the witness for a period of time, Burgess said, describing a victim witness visa program. And Hispanics and Latinos would fill out the form, and Im thinking: OK, were good. The next thing you know, they tell me the prime witness has to go back or got caught up at a traffic stop and is being deported. Underlying this issue is unstable housing and endemic poverty. Theres a lot of need in Charleston in the Hispanic community. Need for everything, housing, jobs, everything, said Grace of the Charleston Hispanic Association. The undocumented community in North Charleston tends to be concentrated in an area of the city with trailer parks and affordable housing. They are too often living in substandard or overcrowded conditions, said Annette Glover, who operates an immigrant-oriented community ministry in North Charleston. North Charleston is part of a three-county metropolitan area of about 830,000 residents. Glovers organization, Community Impact, assisted 86,387 people within that area last year, she said, with food, language training, housing assistance and other help. Most were immigrants. About 75% to 80% were undocumented, she said. With that has come a fear of appearing on the governments radar, even while applying for help from nongovernmental organizations like hers, she said. We have found a way to actually get them to fill out applications, by allowing them to understand that were not going to be giving it to Ice or to anything like that, she said. Burgess said economic conditions and education are stress points. I mean, some of these neighborhoods, the [adjusted median income] is $29,000. And then you can go a little further up, and AMI is probably is $101,000, he said. And without education, theres no options. You have to settle for whatever you get. *** The gridlock in Washington DC on immigration has an impact on places like North Charleston. Bidens move to close the border to asylum seekers is a short-term approach to a long-term problem, Burgess said. Without actual reform to the immigration system, undocumented immigrants will remain in the shadows. We have to step back and push aside these little personal vendettas and squabbles in these parties, and think as Americans, Burgess said. My people came here in chains 400 years ago. Were free now, right? Why? Were free because the country said enough is enough. And they fought, brothers and sisters, fought each other, and they said: OK, everybodys free. They could do that in 1865. They can do the same thing in 2024. Ecuador was in the dark for over three hours on Wednesday due to a massive blackout that affected the entire country. There is a failure in the transmission line that caused a cascade disconnection, so there is no energy service on a national scale, Roberto Luque, Minister of Energy, reported on the social media platform X. The power outage caused chaos in the streets of the main cities, Quito and Guayaquil. The blackout took place amid an energy crisis that the country has been experiencing since 2023 and which has deepened in recent days after heavy rains were recorded in the mountains and in the Amazon region. The storms affected the Coca Codo Sinclair and Agoyan hydroelectric plants, which provide more than 50% of the countrys electricity. The hydroelectric turbines had to be turned off over the weekend due to the sediment that the rains washed away and which damaged the facilities. However, Minister Luque later acknowledged that the outages were avoidable. It could have been avoided, yes sir, it could have been avoided, he said before placing the blame on previous administrations. The head of the countrys energy policy said that for 20 years there has been no investment in the systemic electricity protection system. He added that the failure that caused a nationwide blackout started in the afternoon when the transmission line known as Milagro-Zhoray began to malfunction. That is the last thing that the technicians of the National Electricity Operator were able to notice. Automatically that energy was distributed through other lines that also began to present errors. And then the failure affected other generating plants, and so the whole system began to collapse in a chain of events that caused a blackout. After 3 p.m. local time, power outages began to be reported in the main cities, from the capital, Quito, to Guayaquil, the largest in terms of population, and also Cuenca, at the gateway to the Amazon. The power supply was gradually restored at around 6:30 p.m., reaching 95% coverage. At 7 p.m. some parts of the country were still in the dark, however. Luque insisted that this latest emergency is a reflection of the energy crisis suffered by Ecuador due to the lack of investment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems. For years we have failed to invest in these systems and today we are suffering the consequences, said the minister, without explaining what kind of investment the current government has made to solve a crisis that began in October and worsened in April, when there were power outages that lasted up to 10 hours a day. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition South Korea may change its decision not to supply weapons to Ukraine in response to new Russia-DPRK agreement The South Korean government said on Thursday that it will reconsider its position on the supply of weapons to Ukraine after North Korea and Russia sign an agreement to provide immediate military aid if one of them is attacked. Source: South Korean news agency Yonhap Quote from National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin: "We plan to review the issue of providing weapons to Ukraine." Details: The publication emphasises that Chang hinted at a change in South Korea's policy regarding the failure to provide lethal assistance to Ukraine. The official said that South Korea will maintain strategic uncertainty about the types of weapons. Quote from Chang: "Specific measures will be revealed later, and it will be interesting to see how Russia reacts, rather than revealing our plans in advance." The South Korean politician also expressed "serious concern" and condemned the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening mutual military and economic cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Chang stressed that any cooperation that directly or indirectly contributes to North Korea's military strengthening violates UN Security Council resolutions and will be the subject of an international investigation and sanctions, and he promised to take appropriate measures. It is also reported that South Korea will impose additional sanctions against four ships, five organisations and eight people involved in the transfer of weapons and oil between Russia and North Korea. Background: Previously, South Korea provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but not weapons. At the same time, South Korean weapons have already been delivered to Ukraine through intermediaries. In particular, the United States bought weapons for Ukraine from South Korea and delivered them via Czechia. On 19 June, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement providing mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of these states. Before that, Russian propaganda publications stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed "full support" for Russian aggression in Ukraine during the Kremlin leaders visit to North Korea. In March, South Korea reported that North Korea has sent about 7,000 containers of ammunition to Russia since last year and other military equipment. Shin Won-sik, South Korean Defene Minister, said that ammunition production plants in North Korea are working at full capacity to supply weapons to Russia. The American side has information confirmed by satellite images that North Korea has delivered to Russia more than 1000 containers with ammunition. In mid-June, Shin Won-sik, South Korean Defene Minister, said that the DPRK had sent at least 10,000 sea containers to Russia, which can contain up to 4.8 million artillery shells. Support UP or become our patron! South Korea has said it will reconsider its policy of not directly supplying Ukraine with weapons in response to Moscow's newly-announced pact with North Korea, the country's president's office said on June 20. Up until now, Seoul has only provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv, though it has been reported the country has indirectly supplied artillery shells via the U.S. The possibility of direct supplies to Ukraine is now being considered after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea dictator Kim Jong-Un signed a security agreement in Pyongyang on June 19. "The government clearly emphasizes that any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps North Korea increase its military power is a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and is subject to monitoring and sanctions by the international community," the South Korean president's office said in a statement reported by the Associated Press (AP). Under the new treaty, Russia and North Korea pledged to provide aid to one another if either is attacked, Putin said at a press conference after the signing ceremony. Putin arrived in North Korea on June 18 in a sign of the deepening military cooperation between the two countries, as Pyongyang supplied Moscow with large quantities of ammunition and missiles for use on Ukrainian battlefields. The two leaders led hours-long talks before signing the treaty. The North Korean dictator claimed the agreement is of a "peaceful and defensive nature" and called Russia his country's "most honorable friend and ally." Read also: How Mark Rutte became NATO Secretary General and what it means for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FILE - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir arrives at Juba's Presidential Palace, South Sudan, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. South Sudans vice president said Thursday June 20, 2024 that peace talks in neighboring Kenya have failed to acknowledge the peace agreement established in 2018, alleging that a new draft agreement shared with the parties to the talks is aimed at replacing the previous peace deal. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) JUBA, South Sudan (AP) South Sudan s vice president said Thursday that peace talks in neighboring Kenya have failed to acknowledge the country's peace agreement established in 2018, alleging a new draft agreement is aimed at replacing the original peace deal. Riek Machar in a protest letter to the talks' mediator said the draft established alternative institutions to replace or run in parallel with those established by the previous peace agreement. He added that the current peace talks should complement and not obliterate the original deal. The former rebel leader signed an agreement with President Salva Kiir in 2018 that ended a five-year civil war that killed about 400,000 people. Machar and Kiir were on opposite sides in the war and Machar was appointed vice president after the 2018 deal. His group isnt part of the current talks, which are for groups that were not included in the 2018 agreement. Despite the peace deal, violence in South Sudan has continued, most of it attributed to rebel groups and warring ethnic groups. The body mandated with monitoring the implementation of the 2018 peace deal raised concerns in May over the slow implementation of election related tasks with only a few months left until December elections. Opposition groups that were not part of the 2018 peace agreement have been in talks in Kenya since May 9 aimed at bringing groups on board ahead of the December elections. The talks have resulted in a draft agreement that recommends an extension of the transitional period to provide more time for election preparations. President Kiir on Thursday received a progress report from government representatives in the ongoing talks with the government spokesperson telling media that participants in the talks are close to reaching a final agreement. MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's government has begun closing down the Francisco Franco foundation, a non-profit organisation set up by sympathisers of the late dictator, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said on Thursday. The "democratic memory" law approved in 2022 by Spain's Socialist government prohibits any organisation that is seen to glorify or promote the 1939-1975 Franco regime. A judge will make the final ruling on closing the National Francisco Franco Foundation, the Culture Ministry said in a statement. The law aims to make reparations to victims of the dictatorship and the three-year civil war that preceded it, in which more than half a million people died. Historians estimate that around 150,000 people were killed by Franco's government, while 450,000 were forced to leave the country. "This is something we've owed for quite some time to the victims' associations, who were asking us to begin this procedure," Urtasun said in an interview on La Sexta television. The foundation did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Its president, Juan Chicharro Ortega, told Reuters in 2020 that a ban would be a violation of the constitution. The foundation was created in 1976 to promote the study of Franco's life and achievements, according to its website. Spain transitioned to democracy after Franco's death in 1975, but the legacy of his dictatorship still divides society. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez' government has taken a series of steps to remove dictatorship-era symbols. In 2019 it exhumed Franco's remains from a mausoleum near Madrid that he had built for himself. They were reburied in a private vault in the Mingorrubio cemetery north of Madrid. (Reporting by Emma Pinedo; Editing by Charlie Devereux and Frances Kerry) Police officers search for a missing British youth in the Masca ravine Police officers search for a missing British youth in the Masca ravine TENERIFE, Spain (Reuters) - Spanish rescue teams were searching an area around the Masca Ravine in Tenerife island's remote national park on Thursday for a British teenager who went missing on Monday, a spokesperson for the emergency services said. Dozens of police officers, rescue teams and fire fighters have been looking in the steep valley located on the Canary island's Western coast with dogs, drones and a helicopter since Wednesday. "Given the information we have, we do not rule out any hypothesis," the spokesperson said. The investigation showed the teenager, aged 19, was probably somewhere in the wild, forested area located above the island's shore, she said. A rescue officer told Reuters a relative received a message from the teenager before he went missing saying he had suffered a leg injury. (Reporting by Borja Suarez and Inti Landauro, editing by Aislinn Laing and Bill Berkrot) Spirit celebrates 5 years in Charlotte with flights as cheap as $31 CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Spirit Airlines is offering flights as cheap as $31 out of Charlotte in honor of serving the Queen City now for five years. Our Charlotte guests have really embraced our high-value service over the last five years, and were excited to share this milestone with them today, said John Kirby, Spirit Airlines Vice President of Network Planning, in a released statement. Were committed to continue offering CLT travelers some of the lowest fares in the industry. VIDEO: New Charlotte Airport overlook is now open The offer is for Thursday only and for travel from June 20 through August 27. Spirit serves 12 destinations nonstop from Charlotte-Douglas. Spirit Airlines Routes at CLT: Destination Frequency Launch Date Anniversary Fares Boston (BOS) Daily Existing Service $37** one way Chicago (ORD) 4x Weekly Existing Service $54* one way Dallas (DFW) Daily Existing Service $64* one way Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 2-3x Daily Existing Service $46* one way Houston (IAH) Daily Existing Service $43* one way Las Vegas (LAS) Daily Existing Service $139* one way Los Angeles (LAX) Daily Existing Service $98* one way Miami (MIA) Daily Existing Service $98* one way Newark (EWR) Daily Existing Service $36* one way New York-LaGuardia (LGA) 2x Daily Existing Service $35* one way Orlando (MCO) Daily Existing Service $31* one way Tampa (TPA) Daily Existing Service $46* one way Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A two-day trial concluded with 20-year-old Anthony Guadalupe walking away in handcuffs. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< He was facing 22 felony counts for inappropriately touching children at Chappell Schools Longleaf campus two years ago. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] After about four hours, the jurors found Guadalupe guilty of 12 counts of molesting children under the age of 12, one count of attempting to molest children, and three counts of committing unnatural acts. The prosecutors said they were proud of the work the jury put in. I have to commend them for the work they did, State Attorney R.J. Larizza said. And, you know, without any of the kids testifying, the video spoke for itself. And I think the jurors, they fulfilled their duty today. The jury did come back with not-guilty verdicts on six counts of child sex crimes, but Guadalupes defense attorney Terry Shoemaker said he is still disappointed. RELATED: Jury selection begins for former St. Johns daycare employee accused of molesting children Im disappointed. I Anthonys family put their trust in me, and I feel like I didnt come through for him, Shoemaker said. It was a tough case, but I thought we had some good defenses. Shoemaker said the verdict could mean life in prison for Guadalupe. One of these guilty charges equals life in prison, potentially, Shoemaker said. So it doesnt matter if I had 21 not guilty, as one could end up in life in prison. Guadalupe was arrested in 2022 after a father noticed his daughter pulling up her underwear in the classroom. In court on Wednesday, the prosecutors showed some of the surveillance video showing Guadalupe appearing to inappropriately touch himself and the victim. RELATED: Former St. Johns day care employee pleads guilty to 12 counts of lewd and lascivious molestation The videos from May to July of 2022 show different kids appearing to sit on his lap while he was moving his legs. Its hard to tell from the distance the camera was, Shoemaker said. And, you know, its a two-dimensional thing, its hard to figure out exactly what was going on. If you have kids, Im a parent, Im a grandparent -- your worst nightmare is for your children or your grandchildren or any child for that matter, to be abused sexually or physically or both, State Attorney Larizza said. The Chappell Schools CEO Suzanne Beevers, sent a statement saying, Chappell Schools respects the jurys verdict and hopes it will bring some closure to all involved. RELATED: Former day care employee accused of inappropriately touching girl at school facing more charges Guadalupe could face a minimum of 103 years in prison. A tentative date for the sentencing trial has been set for July 30th, but that date is still not official. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis man awaiting trial for a murder in the citys Dutchtown neighborhood has been charged with sending threatening letters to a witness in that case and the victim in a domestic assault investigation. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the murder happened around 8:40 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2024, in the 3300 block of Gasconade Street, on the southside of Marquette Park. Officers found the victim, later identified as Shanchez Jordan, dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his head. Jordan was 40. Investigators said Jordan had received a phone call about a meeting, which lured him to the area. They claim the call came from Anton D. Moores phone. Police found a .380 ACP caliber cartridge case at the murder scene. Investigators claim that the gun was linked to a different shooting linked to Moore, who is a previously convicted felon. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Moore, 32, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Moore was already in jail when these charges were filed, with pending cases for unlawful possession of a firearm and first-degree domestic assault. A circuit court judge denied setting a bond for Moore. In June, a St. Louis police detective met with a witness in the murder case, who said theyd received two letters from Moore, who is incarcerated at the St. Louis City Justice Center. The letters contain threats of violence against both the witness and the victim in the aforementioned domestic assault case, suggesting they not appear in court to testify against Moore. City prosecutors charged Moore with two counts of tampering with a witness in a felony prosecution and one count of attempted tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution. Moore is due in court on the murder charge on July 1. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A St. Petersburg man was accused of driving under the influence when he struck an unmarked Florida Highway Patrol car on Wednesday. Matthew Morrison Rosenwald, 25, was driving a Ford Freestyle on I-275 at 9:49 p.m. when it veered off the road and collided with the FHP Ford Explorer south of 28th Street South. The impact sent the car back onto the roadway, where it was hit by a Kenworth dump truck. (Florida Highway Patrol) (Florida Highway Patrol) (Florida Highway Patrol) Rosenwalds breath alcohol measured at 0.249 and he was charged with DUI, according to FHP. He was not hurt in the crash. The 50-year-old FHP trooper suffered minor injuries. The truck driver, a 49-year-old man from Holiday, was not hurt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fatime Letifova On World Refugee Day, we honour the strength and courage of Azerbaijani refugees, and underline their right for a dignified and secure return to their homes, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry on its official "X" account. "Azerbaijan protects and supports its refugees on every step of their journey, and shares their hopes for a secure and inclusive future," the ministry added. It should be noted that World Refugee Day is an international day established by the United Nations to highlight the problem of refugees around the world. It is celebrated on June 20 every year. Recall that following the liberation of the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions from Armenian occupation during a 44-day war in 2020, the Azerbaijani government embarked on extensive infrastructure initiatives to restore the region. In November 2022, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving the First State Program on the Great Return to Azerbaijans Liberated Territories, outlining the preparation of 280,000 hectares (692,000 acres) of land in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions for resettlement by 2026. By that same year, approximately 34,500 families are expected to relocate to the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions, necessitating the construction of 34,500 apartments and private houses. Ukraine has documented the deportation of nearly 20,000 minors to Russia since the start of the military invasion in February 2022. The war has also resulted in the disappearance of 2,008 children, the deaths of 551, and injuries to another 1,388; a total of 388 have been repatriated, according to official data. The forcible transfer of citizens from their country during an armed conflict can constitute a war crime under international law. This is a particularly sensitive issue that Kyiv has repeatedly denounced and has been trying to document since the beginning of the war. The search involves an added complication for the Ukrainian authorities. This group of deportees is stripped of its identity and time is working against their return and reintegration into the society from which they were forcibly taken. As they lack documents and live under different names, DNA testing will be essential for these children to be reunited with their families. Russian authorities have even boasted about a de-Ukrainization process. The numbers of deported minors are listed on the digital portal opened for this purpose by the Ukrainian government, which adds the cases of 15 children who have been sexually abused. The Russian authorities take away the childrens nationality and change their names and surnames. They are then adopted or placed in shelters and prevented from returning to their homeland, said Oleksandr Karasevych, Ukrainian ambassador to the Netherlands, on Wednesday during a symposium organized by the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), a non-profit group based in The Hague and established in 1996 at the request of former U.S. president Bill Clinton. During the session, specific cases were highlighted such as that of a Ukrainian boy who was deported at age 16 and ended up with a Russian foster family. Wanted by his mother, he is one of the first who managed to escape and his Russian family is still claiming him, according to Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert with the Ukrainian Regional Center for Human Rights civic platform. Once in Russia, deported children are not only indoctrinated or militarized: the destruction of their personal data makes it difficult for them to be found on Russian soil, in Belarus, and Ossetia, as well as occupied areas of Ukraine, which is where they can be taken. Rashevska described the situation as a war crime and torture or inhumane treatment, and her organization has sent information to the International Criminal Court (ICC). During the meeting Wednesday, Ukrainian police indicated that the deportations have been carried out in two ways: either by taking the children away from their families and forcibly transporting them to Russian territory, or by taking them out of Ukrainian institutions such as orphanages in the areas under the Kremlins control. In the second case, locating them is even more difficult. Although the Russian government claims to have protected them by removing them from the war zone, President Vladimir Putin has been subject to an ICC arrest warrant since March 2023 for his alleged responsibility in the forced removal of the Ukrainian minors. The court is also searching for Maria Lvova-Belova, the Kremlins commissioner for childrens rights. Russia is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction. Mariam Lambert, director of the Netherlands-based Orphans Feeding Foundation, which today focuses on repatriating Ukrainian minors deported to Russia, contradicts the Kremlins official discourse. In her opinion, the deportations were prepared before the invasion. The lists we have sent to the European Union include Russian lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, and policemen who are involved. This is not an isolated incident. Mykola Kuleba, Ukraines former commissioner on childrens rights, has gone even further. He has said that, in Belarus, the Red Cross was involved in the deportation of these children, something the head of the organization itself has acknowledged. Through his investigations, Kuleba has found that the deported minors are afraid to try to get out of their situation lest they or their families be killed, and time passes. The identification and reintegration of children who have managed to return are the other two problems faced by the authorities. Without valid documents, DNA testing is essential to trace their families. On this point, Liz Barnert, a Cuban-American pediatrician, stresses the importance of the right to identity in a context of forced separation, and the psychological effectiveness of this type of genetic analysis. DNA does not lie and reunions can take place that otherwise would never have happened, she says. Co-founder of DNA Bridge, a consortium dedicated to the reunification of migrant families, Barnert has proposed a comprehensive protocol for searching for missing persons. Serhii Krymchuk, director of the State Scientific Research Forensic Center of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted that they have a state digital DNA register and 48,964 families have provided their fingerprints, of which 6,967 are childrens samples. Ukraine has also set up a coordination council to work to achieve the return and reintegration of all children deported in the shadow of the war. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Stabbing at LA Fitness in west Miami-Dade leaves two men hospitalized, police say One man was stabbed and another injured Thursday morning after a fight broke out at an LA Fitness on Southwest Eighth Street in west Miami-Dade, police said. At around 8:09 a.m., Miami-Dade Police officers arrived to find two adult males injured after a reported fight at the gym, 14100 SW Eighth St., said Detective Angel Rodriguez. One man had a stab wound and the other was injured during the altercation. Both were taken to the hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and are in stable condition, he added. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. The state has announced the start of a $4.7 million project to rehabilitate the I-90 eastbound and westbound bridges over Sterling Creek (milepost 227.4 and 227.41) in Herkimer County, according to a statement from Gov. Kathy Hochuls office. The bridges were built in 1954 and carry approximately 26,000 vehicles per day, Hochuls office said. The bridges are part of the original New York State Thruway system and among the 75 percent of Thruway bridges over 60 years old. New York Governor Kathy Hochul addresses the crowd at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology in Syracuse, NY on Thursday, April 25, 2024. New York is invested in rebuilding and improving our infrastructure across the state, ensuring our transportation systems are safe and reliable, Hochul said in the statement. This project is one of many that will improve the Thruway and ensure our roads are efficient for all residents and visitors." Bridge work details The project includes partial depth concrete substructure repairs, installation of new bearings, construction of a new concrete deck, new guiderail and new striping as well as paving 200 feet of the approaches on both sides of the bridges. Beginning this week, all eastbound and westbound traffic on I-90 at the bridges will be shifted on the westbound lanes for work on the eastbound bridge. In fall 2024, when work on the new eastbound bridge is complete, traffic will be shifted back to the original configuration for the winter. In spring 2025, all traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes, for work to begin on the westbound bridges. Motorists may encounter traffic slowdowns or stoppages on the Thruway during construction. Variable message signs will advise motorists of the construction work. Winn Construction Corp. of Amsterdam is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. The project is expected to be complete in Fall 2025. The work is weather dependent, and dates are subject to change. Resources being returned to the Mohawk Valley like this $4.7 million rehabilitation project to renovate the I-90 eastbound and westbound bridges over Sterling Creek in Herkimer County are important, Assemblymember Robert Smullen said in a statement. These two bridges are now 70 years old and must be properly maintained to allow the more than 26,000 commuters who frequent them daily to cross safely. Herkimer County residents and first responders need to know that our local bridges and infrastructure are being made safe at the state level I look forward to seeing these revitalization efforts completed in fall of 2025. Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding a work zone. This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Bridge work slated for I-90 in Herkimer County The State College Borough Council doubled down on their support for the LGBTQ+ community this week while condemning a group that spewed hate speech and hateful rhetoric before a church service in downtown State College. Council President Evan Myers during Mondays council meeting said groups of people have disrupted non-political events, including State Highs prom and graduation, and most recently a worship service at the Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Ave., State College, on Sunday. Theres been a rise in hate speech and acts of hate, Myers said, and said adding that could give us a glimpse into the future if people dont continue to work to pursue justice. It is important that we stand by the side of the Constitution that no one establishes their religion above the rest of us. It is important that we take a stand on the side of people who are discriminated against or marginalized simply because of the color of their skin, their gender, how they worship or who they love, he said. Mayor Ezra Nanes said he supports the members of the congregation, including the Rev. Jes Kast, who was at the meeting. He said people should be able to be who they are without fear of being harassed or targeted in any way. Kast spoke during public comment and said four men targeted the church because of the rainbow Pride flag that hangs outside. The group stood outside with signs, saying homophobic and hateful rhetoric to people entering the church. They also made hateful comments to community members as they walked by, condemning and harassing them, Kast said. I want to first commend Faith Church and all of my congregants, who, by Gods strength, desire to live the way of Jesus, which we believe in the Bible says to pray for our enemies, and as Dr. King said over and over, to stand up to hatred with the strength to love. Or as Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers, Kast said. She thanked the State College Police Department for being with them outside the church, to protect and keep the peace. She thanked borough leaders, such as the council, mayor and manager Tom Fountaine, as well as other local politicians, including Centre County Commissioner Amber Concepcion, for reaching out to her and standing with them in solidarity. It is less lonely for peace and justice when you have friends that reach out, and Im reminded in their comments that I belong here, and this is where Im supposed to be, and I believe God was speaking through you all, so thank you, Kast said. Council member Kevin Kassab said as a member of the State College and LGBTQ+ community, people have asked him why they hang Pride flags, have a Pride parade or other community events. The reason, he said, is because of what they just saw: the hate. There is no zero tolerance for any type of hate in the State College borough or surrounding communities. And as a council person, as a member of the community, I will stand for that, and I know my fellow council members will do the same. And I apologize to Faith United Church, for the disruption that they had. Its uncalled for, rude, ignorant, and it should not be happening in State College, Kassab said. Council member Josh Portney echoed the other council members words, and added that he thought there was a line being crossed in State College. He said when he walks downtown at times, he sees people harassing others. I see these people with, you know, crosses and different things like that, and theyre harassing students, and theyre harassing adults, and its not acceptable. It shouldnt be allowed here. It shouldnt be allowed anywhere. And I think theres a real line thats being crossed, and its harassment, and Im really sorry that it happened to you, and I really I stand with you, and this whole council does too, Portney said. A sketch of the Florida Normal & Industrial Institute, which is now Florida Memorial University. Photo courtesy of FMU. The Black History Museum Task Force voted to recommend land owned by the university as the museum site. Quality Journalism for Critical Times The Florida Museum of Black History Task Force has a week to submit a report to Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders with recommendations for creating a self-sustaining museum, but now state officials have postponed the groups last meeting one day before it was set to take place. The Florida Division of Historical Resources moved the meeting one week back, from Friday to June 28, mere days before the reports deadline. An announcement about the new date appeared on the departments website Thursday afternoon. Likewise, members of the task force found out about the change less than 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. meeting scheduled in Tallahassee. The task forces chair, Democratic Sen. Geraldine Thompson of Orange County, told Florida Phoenix in a phone interview the rescheduling took her by surprise. Im disappointed, because were supposed to have a report prepared by June 30. Ive not even gotten a draft of the report, and if we dont get it until the 28th were almost forced to vote on something that we really havent had a chance to review, she said. That is not the way you do things. Were more deliberate than that, and so Im very disappointed. A staff member assigned to the task force said she wasnt at liberty to discuss the change. The staff writes the report based on the task force members discussions. However, one of DeSantis picks for the task force Tony Lee, who works with the State University System of Florida isnt concerned about the meeting being moved back. I believe the department is working tirelessly to get the meeting materials prepared accurately, and having an extra week will hopefully give them additional time to prepare, as Tallahassee has had recent weather events impacting the downtown area and communities where we all live, Lee wrote in an email to the Phoenix. Three tornados (two merging at one point) hit Tallahassee neighborhoods the morning of May 10, removing roofs, throwing trees into homes and power lines and causing widespread blackouts. A detailed analysis During a previous meeting in late May, the task force settled on a location: Almost 20 acres of undeveloped land owned by Florida Memorial University a few miles outside of St. Augustine, where Martin Luther King Jr. once rallied protests against segregation. After the hotly contested 5-4 vote in favor of recommending St. Johns County as the location for the museum, the group did not discuss how to build on that site without state government funds. Even before the last-minute change, Thompson had doubts about the groups final product. We havent had a feasibility study to show how we can make this self-sufficient and self-sustaining. That was one of the responsibilities of the task force, and you cant do that without a feasibility study, she said. And so, the idea that was put forward was to choose a site and then do a feasibility study, which I think is backward. So, Im not comfortable with where we are. Feasibility studies are detailed analyses that predict the success of a project and any problems that may arise. The Legislature has the final say Thompson, who supported historically Black Eatonville in Orange County as the museum site, said she wanted to raise the issue during the Friday meeting. The task force and its staff planned to meet twice during June, before the July 1 deadline, but that didnt happen because the report wasnt complete, Thompson said. Without a feasibility study, Thompson said, the museums construction would be delayed until state lawmakers can approve funding for it during next years legislative session. The law establishing the task force did not guarantee that the state would finance a Black history museum nor that it would abide by the recommendations of the task force. The Legislature did not give the task force any money to conduct the analysis, but Lee still thinks the group was successful. Weve covered a lot of ground as a task force and without having a feasibility study and an appropriation to conduct a proper analysis, [but] weve successfully done enough, Lee wrote, adding that he would love to be a part of such a task force again. The group must dissolve after submitting its report. Since the formation of the task force announcement last year, Black historians tuned in to see how Florida would depict its history, given the mounting controversies regarding the states K-12 African American history curricula, NAACP travel advisories, the loss of a Black congressional district, and the hate-crime killings of Black people in Jacksonville. The post State delays Black history museum task forces last meeting until days before report deadline appeared first on Florida Phoenix. ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico (KTSM) On Wednesday afternoon, June 19, a number of New Mexico state and local leaders were briefed by Otero County officials on the relief status concerning the two major wildfires raging through the Ruidoso and Mescalero areas. New Mexico Gov. requests Major Disaster Declaration for wildfires New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, representatives Gabe Vasquez and Melanie Stansbury, along with Mescalero tribal officials and other stakeholders were in attendance. As of 12:29 p.m. on Wednesday, the South Fork fire has burned 16,335 acres. The Salt fire has burned 7,071 acres, both fires at 0% containment. UPDATE: 2 dead, 1,400 structures lost in Ruidoso fires Congressman Vasquez said the main focus of the briefing was to discuss the progress of firefighting activities of what he described as one of the most devastating fires in Southern New Mexicos history. Rep. Vasquez said: Weve mobilized as many resources, both on the federal, local and state level. Right now, everybody is doing their job to contain this fire. One of the most terrible fires, honestly, that were going to see in the history of Ruidoso. Look, right now, the most important thing is preventing the loss of life. There will be loss of property, but making sure that people arent going back to their homes, that theyre following the orders that are being given both locally and at the state level and even within tribal jurisdiction. Thats the most important thing. In addition to threats from the flames, the National Weather Service has also issued Flash Flood Emergencies for parts of the Southern New Mexico area. According to the NWS, locations that will experience flash floods include: Ruidoso Ruidoso Downs San Patricio Hondo Tinnie Glencoe Sunset Hollywood Highway 380 near Mile Marker 105 & 107 Congresswoman Stansbury echoed Vasquezs priority of placing lifesaving efforts at the forefront. If you are in a goes on in the evacuation zone, you need to leave your property, your home and get out of there. Part of what folks need to understand is even if you dont see the fire immediately around your house. Part of it has to do with the weather forecast, the fire forecast and the flash flood warnings. So, you are in a potentially dangerous area, said Congresswoman Stansbury. The representatives said they anticipate evacuations and relief efforts to span across a timeline of weeks as the community reels from the devastation. Rep. Stansbury said: We dont know what the economic impacts of this fire will be, but upwards of almost 9,000 people right now have been evacuated out of the core of where the fires touched down in Ruidoso. Ruidoso is the economic center of this area. So we know there will be millions of dollars in damages to the 1,400-plus structures that have been damaged because of the fire, but also the economy is going to be shut down at the height of the tourist season. This is going to have devastating multi-million, possibly billion dollar impacts for the local economy. Gov. Lujan Grisham held a separate briefing in Roswell, NM at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, with New Mexicos Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to provide more relief updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell is accused of using his state-owned vehicles to run personal errands, according to search warrants. Folwell used the cars to make trips not connected to his job throughout 2022, including to a country club, a hot yoga studio, the Biltmore Estate, and dozens of other stops. Folwell is not seeking reelection after a failed bid for governor. He has not been charged and his office says he is cooperating with the investigation. Former State Auditor Beth Wood pleaded guilty to illegal private use of a public vehicle in December 2023. She received a year of probation and paid more than $1,000 in restitution for the misdemeanor charge. She resigned the same day. Longtime NC auditor abandons reelection bid after hit-and-run plea Statement from Folwell: We appreciate the media getting these details out because we have been asking for information and clarity for nearly a year. We have provided pages of documentation throughout the course of this review. We look forward to continuing to cooperate with the Department of Motor Fleet Management to satisfactorily resolve this issue. I am the treasurer all the time and known for transparency. I am always thinking about how to do things better and more efficiently on behalf of taxpayers, which includes the use of the state car. Hired security personnel wait for voters outside the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office on Nov. 3, 2020, in Tallahassee, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser | Getty Images) WASHINGTON The federal government has sought to bolster election security for years through a popular grant program, but the wildly fluctuating funding levels have made it difficult for state officials to plan their budgets and their projects. Rising misinformation and disinformation about elections, often fueled by conspiracy theories, as well as threats against election workers, make the grants especially important, according to elections officials. But U.S. House Republicans are seeking to eliminate funding for election security grants known as Help America Vote Act, or HAVA grants in this years appropriations process, a move they unsuccessfully attempted last year as well. We continue to unnecessarily risk the very integrity of our elections and American democracy, Georgia Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop said Thursday during committee debate on the funding bill. Bishop, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said he was concerned about the outdated and the insecure voting systems around the country that pose a very, very serious threat to our national security and to our democratic system. It is irresponsible to ignore the wake-up call, Bishop added. Our nations election systems are currently and constantly under attack by foreign actors that are threatening our democratic values. The bill was approved by the GOP-led House Appropriations Committee with no money in it for the grants. Gideon Cohn-Postar, legislative director at Issue One & Issue One Action, said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the grants have traditionally been bipartisan, several factors have affected backing for the program in recent years. It remains something that many Republicans in both the House and the Senate support, Cohn-Postar said. But its also been caught up, I think, in some of the false information about elections that began to spread in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has continued to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Issue One writes on its website that the organization strives to unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Grant funding decreases Congress approved $55 million in election security grants during the last appropriations process, which wrapped up this spring. That action came after the Republican-controlled House, which proposed zero dollars, conferenced with the Democratic-controlled Senate, which had proposed $75 million in funding. That final funding level was a decrease from the $75 million that Congress approved in both fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Congress didnt approve any election grant funding in the annual appropriations bill during fiscal year 2021. However, that followed lawmakers allocation of $425 million in the prior years bill as well as an additional $400 million in one of the COVID-19 emergency spending bills. Cohn-Postar said several states have sought to make their HAVA grants last more than one year by spending less than they receive, or saving up the money for bigger projects. Louisiana, for example, hasnt spent any of its election security grant funding since 2018, in preparation for overhauling its election system. New Hampshire passed a state law that collects the grant funding in an endowment and then spends only a portion of that each year. But that careful budgeting and uncertainty about how much grant funding Congress might provide in the next year has led federal lawmakers to look at states use of the grants skeptically, Cohn-Postar said. The key thing weve come across is about half of the states have only spent about half of their HAVA grants, Cohn-Postar said. And that gets brought up in every conversation that Congress has about these grants. They say, Hey, why should we appropriate more if you havent spent? Congress, he said, sometimes uses states careful, thoughtful budgeting as an excuse to not give them money. Republicans in Congress are also looking to reduce federal spending overall and have made cuts throughout many of the dozen annual spending bills, including the Financial Services bill, which includes the HAVA grants. Incredibly important in Maine Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said during an interview the grants have been incredibly important, especially in the absence of sustainable elections funding from the federal government. We have seen the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats and threats against election infrastructure over the last several years, Bellows said. As the threats evolve, so must our preparedness. The election security grants are fundamental to our ability to make investments in improvements in our central voter registration system and cybersecurity protections for that system. Congress inability or unwillingness to create a predictable, stable funding program for states to administer federal elections is unfortunate, she said. We are very proud that Maine has always enjoyed safe, free, and secure elections, Bellows said. But make no mistake, the lack of sustainable ongoing federal funding is a potential vulnerability in the future. Washington state Elections Director Stuart Holmes said in an interview he plans his annual budget around not getting HAVA election security grants and is pleasantly surprised when Congress does provide the funding. Through my entire career, theres only been two rounds of HAVA that were significant investments into elections, Holmes said. So its a great surprise to get an extra million dollars at the beginning of the year. But it does make it pretty much impossible to prepare and plan for anything if you have to spend it. The grants dont expire at the end of the fiscal year and the federal government doesnt claw back unspent funding, allowing the states to take different approaches to how they use the money. Holmes said during his interview with States Newsroom that the funding approved in fiscal 2020 allowed the state to create an entire team of cybersecurity professionals to be dedicated to protecting our infrastructure. In the state of Washington, we have a centralized voter registration and election management system, and never before had we had dedicated election professionals that are watching the logs, preparing our system, testing our system and collaborating with other professionals to do testing, Holmes said. So were in a better position than weve ever been. Even so, he said, local election officials would certainly look forward to a stable funding source from the federal government as it relates to federal elections. New Hampshire election fund New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan said when Congress passed the HAVA program in 2002, it told states the funding was primarily to set up a statewide voter registration database, ensure every polling place had accessible voting equipment, provide poll workers with training and set up voter education programs. The New Hampshire Legislature at the time told the secretary of state to use the initial allocation from Congress to meet the requirements, but then to establish an election fund with the remaining money. Originally, the secretary of state could use one-twentieth of the total funding in the account for annual costs of maintaining the federal mandates, but that is currently one-twelfth of the total amount in the fund. New Hampshire has been doing a good job with the money that we have, but theres no question that the funds have helped us put in place security measures for our electronic systems, Scanlan said. The state, he said, has used its federal election security grants to hire vendors that specialize in keeping the electronic systems safe. When New Hampshire set up a new voter registration database, the state used the funding to ensure none of the software included anything nefarious. Weve really been making sure that the systems that were building are clean and that theres not something malicious lurking in the shadows, Scanlan said. Weve taken some really good steps that give me real confidence that our systems are in good shape. Advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding JP Martin, deputy communications director for the Arizona secretary of state, declined States Newsrooms request for an interview with the secretary of state, offering only to provide written responses to questions on HAVA election security grants. Martin wrote in an email that fluctuating levels of federal funding have significantly impacted our strategic planning and budgeting. The uncertainty of future allocations compels us to be cautious with expenditures, focusing on priorities such as enhancing physical security measures for voting equipment, Martin wrote. For instance, securing equipment in cages now requires a liftgate-equipped truck due to their increased weight demonstrates the challenges of managing technological and budgetary constraints under limited HAVA funding. Congress declining to provide election security grants in the future could significantly strain Arizonas election infrastructure, he wrote. Currently, the state is under a hiring freeze, and our focus remains on supporting counties, especially with the recent changes such as the date of the primary and legislation extending ballot curing to weekends, Martin wrote. We are prioritizing increased cybersecurity training and advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding to ensure the smooth administration of elections, emphasizing the necessity of sustained financial support from Congress. The post States struggle with unreliable federal funding for making sure elections are secure appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin. Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein said she has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission over being excluded from next weeks presidential debate, arguing voters have the right to hear from all candidates. We think that the American people are really hungry for a real debate, not just the two zombie candidates that are being rammed down our throats again, Stein told Scripps News in an interview Wednesday. We know that the American people are really hungry for real debate and discussion, and I think they are owed that, and we need to have that. CNN, which will host the first debate on June 27, required candidates to clear at least 15 percent of support in four polls and be viable on enough state ballots to earn 270 delegates to participate in in the forum. Stein falls far behind other candidates, garnering just more than 1 percent of support when up against former President Trump, President Biden and independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, per polling averages from Real Clear Politics. I think candidates who are actually ballot qualified for most voters, who could potentially win the race, have very much not that they have a right to be in the debate but that voters have a right to hear them in a debate and to know who our choices are, she said. Stein echoed the argument of Kennedy, who also likely did not meet the qualifications before the deadline passed. He argued, without evidence, that CNN and the presumptive party front-runners manipulated the rules against him. I certainly agree with RFK that there was illegal collusion here between the two candidates and CNN. This is basically illegally political coordination and we too, have now just filed a complaint with the FEC as well, Stein told Scripps News. Stein noted she has evidence of the alleged collusion without providing further details. Well, it is illegal for a TV station to be in private dialogue with the political campaigns in order to create criteria that will keep all other competitors out, she said. That is very much against FEC rules and also constitutes an illegal campaign contribution. The Hill reached out to the FEC, CNN and Steins campaign for comment. CNN announced Thursday both Biden and Trump qualified for the debate ahead of the midnight deadline. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Still needs to resign: McCurtain County Sheriff voted out following controversial recordings MCCURTAIN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) Residents in McCurtain County voted out Sheriff Kevin Clardy in a Tuesday primary just a little over a year after a scandal hes been tied to. Last year, McCurtain County Gazette reporters published a story and audio recordings of county officials having disturbing conversations after a McCurtain County Board of Commissioners meeting. ELECTION HQ: Despite vastly outspending, Bondar loses OK-4 primary challenge to Tom Cole The conversations included comments about hiring hit men to murder reporters of the paper, hanging black Oklahomans and inappropriate comments about previous investigations. Clardy allegedly participated in a conversation about burying the journalists in holes and was present for the other conversations as well. You can read transcripts and listen to audio recordings of those conversations here. Following the recordings, Governor Kevin Stitt called for the resignation of every official involved in the conversation, including Clardy. Others allegedly involved include former District 2 Commissioner Mark Jennings, Jail Investigator Alicia Manning and Jail Administrator Larry Hendrix. Jennings was the only county employee to resign from his position. Hendrix was removed from his role, but given another position in the county. Clardy refused to resign from his position. There is simply no place for such hateful rhetoric in the state of Oklahoma, said Stitt in April last year. At the time, Stitt called on the OSBI and Attorney General Gentner Drummond to investigate the matter. Drummond sent a letter to Stitt June 30 saying that his offices investigation did not uncover any evidence of conduct that would warrant Clardy being removed from office. There are countless examples of incidents from across the country where public officials make inflammatory comments that spark severe condemnation, part of Drummonds letter said. There remains but one authority to remove a duly elected county official who has broken now law: the People of Oklahoma. Letter from Oklahoma AG Since that announcement a grassroots effort to have Clardy and the rest of the officials who didnt resign to either step down or be voted out. Tensions have also led to peaceful protests the past year in the county in favor of Clardy stepping down. Glenda Austin of Idabel, Okla., holds a sign with other protesters, Monday, April 17, 2023, outside the McCurtain County Commissioners meeting room in Idabel, Okla. A number of McCurtain County residents were outraged by comments made by local officials on a recording and are asking for the resignation of the sheriff, two county commissioners and others. (Lori Dunn/The Texarkana Gazette via AP) In this photo provided by the Southwest Ledger, McCurtain County residents call for the resignation of several McCurtain County officials after tapes with the officials' racist comments surfaced over the weekend, in Idabel, Okla., Monday, April 17, 2023. (Christopher Bryan/Southwest Ledger via AP) News 4 spoke with Lonnie Watson Wednesday who said hes been a critical part of the effort to have Clardy removed. LOCAL NEWS: An inside look at the plan for a new Oklahoma County Jail Its good to know that people were actually listening, said Watson. Unofficial results from a June 18 primary election in McCurtain County showed voters didnt favor Clardys bid for re-election. Results so far show Clardy only managed to secure a little over 18% of the vote compared to challengers Bruce Shirey with 49% of the vote and Jason Ricketts with 32% of the vote. I hate the fact that, you know, that we had to go through this with the audio coming out and everything, said Watson. Shirey and Ricketts will likely go to a run-off, but Clardy wont be in the running for the job. Hell still keep the job until January regardless, when his term expires. He still needs to resign his position, said Watson. Our thoughts have not changed on that. News 4 reached out to Drummonds office Wednesday for comment and received the following statement: I issued a letter nearly 12 months ago stating that the only legal path to remove Sheriff Clardy was through the ballot box. Yesterday, the voters of McCurtain County stated clearly that they reject the leadership of a man whose statements were clearly hateful and racist. I commend the voters for choosing a different path and I look forward to working with the new sheriff to protect public safety. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond News 4 asked Watson how he felt about Drummonds response. Even though I appreciate his political statement, because thats all it is, is a political statement, Im not going to liehes still accountable himself; and his statement means zero to me. News 4 reached out to Stitts office for comment but was told by a spokesperson they would not comment on election/political inquiries from the official office. News 4 also reached out to Clardys office for comment, but was told he was out of the office for the Juneteenth holiday. As for the strides forward, during the time that has passed since the scandal has been made public, Watson said hes noticed county improvements overall. You can see it if you go to a county commissioners meeting or if you go to a jail trust meeting or even a city council meeting, said Watson. Theres so much talk about being transparent and its all over social media. Watson said he also believes community trust in journalism has improved as a result of the incident, and that previously hard conversations have become easier to have thanks to the work of local journalists. I think theyve done a good job in keeping the public informed of whats going on, even if its what the public dont really want to hear, said Watson. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Rapper Travis Scott, who is more known for his on-again-off-again relationship with Kylie Jenner the youngest of the Kardashian sisters, with whom he has two children was arrested early Thursday morning in Miami, Florida. The 33-year-old Texan musician was charged by police with two charges: trespassing property (a yacht, in this case) and disorderly intoxication. The rapper was reported to be drunk, but it is not known whether he had also consumed drugs. Florida law prohibits appearing drunk or on illicit substances; consuming alcoholic beverages in public places or on public transportation; and causing a disturbance. In addition to the arrest, Scott was fined $150 for disorderly intoxication and $500 for trespassing. As read in the official documents of the case, the musician told the police officers: Its Miami. The incident took place at the Miami Beach Marina, a port south of the citys beach area, just before 2 a.m. Authorities were alerted to an incident on a yacht, which appeared to be a fight. When they arrived, according to an affidavit obtained by People magazine, Scott was yelling at the vessel occupants. Close sources told media outlets such as Page Six that there was no physical altercation; he screamed and the yacht owners (whose identity is unknown) wanted to throw him off the boat. Officers made contact with [Scott] to conduct an investigation, the affidavit reads. The defendant was asked by officers to sit down, at which point [he] temporarily sat down and then began continuously standing back up, disregarding officers commands. Throughout the interaction, officers on scene could sense a strong smell of alcohol coming from the defendants breath. The owners of the yacht did not want to press charges, they only asked the rapper to get off the boat, and leave the dock. The police also asked him to leave. But according to the affidavit, during the walk from the vessel to the boardwalk, Scott walked backwards and yelled obscenities to the occupants of the yacht. In fact, Scott returned just five minutes later, ignoring both the police and owners calls for him to leave. [Scott] began yelling once again, becoming erratic, disturbing the peace of the occupants of the marina and nearby residential buildings, causing a public disturbance. It is at this point that police decide to arrest him and take him back to the station. Mug shot of Travis Scott following his arrest on June 20, 2024, provided by the Miami-Dade County (Florida) Sheriff's Office. OFICINA DEL SHERIFF DEL CONDADO DE MIAMI-DADE Jacques Bermon Webster II the artists real name was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 4:35 a.m. No further charges or investigation are expected as the fine has been paid. The performer is about to start an ambitious tour called Circus Maximus that will take him to around 20 European cities. The tour, which begins on June 28, will present his latest album, Utopia, which has been very well received. For the moment, it is not likely that the arrest will affect the concert dates. The rapper, who has been nominated for a Grammy 10 times, is known for his erratic behavior, with many even calling him megalomaniac. For his upcoming tour, he wanted to perform in the Pyramids of Giza, but Egypt did not support the plan, arguing that the strange rituals that the rapper allegedly performs during his live performances go against Egyptian and Arab customs and traditions. The rappers most tragic concert took place November 2021, when an avalanche killed 10 people and injured dozens more during his performance at the Astroworld festival in Houston (Texas). After the tragedy, Scott said in a statement that he was absolutely devastated and promised to cover the funeral expenses of the victims. Scotts shows are known for being chaotic and disorderly, and in this case, it got out of hand. Security forces, who had a 56-page plan (and 20 ambulances at the gate, although more than 60 were needed) were unable to deal with what happened to the 50,000 attendees. Nearly 60 lawsuits were filed. Scott did not face criminal charges, but remains implicated in the civil cases because of poor organization of the event. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition DENVER (KDVR) If you are storing an inoperable vehicle on private property in Colorado, you could be breaking the law. Laws about inoperable and unregistered vehicles vary from one municipality to another across the state. In many cities, its unlawful to store any inoperable vehicle on private property if it is in the view of neighbors or the public. Colorado law: How dark can vehicle windows be tinted? In fact, Colorado law requires owners of inoperable vehicles that are under maintenance or repair to pay an annual ownership tax. Here are some things to know about laws regarding inoperable and unlicensed vehicles in Colorado. What is an inoperable vehicle? The city of Englewood defines an inoperable vehicle as any vehicle that does not have current license plates or cannot move under its own power or that is wrecked, damaged, dismantled, or incompletely assembled. That definition is pretty common across the board. Some cities, like Lakewood, also include any vehicle lacking standard factory equipment such as: Windshield Side or rear window Door Fender Headlamp Muffler Wheel Inflated tires Guns, deepfakes and occupancy limits: 16 new Colorado laws go into effect in July Because vehicles must be registered to lawfully operate on roads, vehicles without an updated registration or license plate are typically considered inoperable. This includes vehicles with expired plates. What laws say about storing inoperable vehicles on private property Laws about storing inoperable vehicles vary among local governments. Anyone can check their local city or towns website or find a local county motor vehicle office for more information. Denver law states that an inoperable vehicle cant be stored on the street or in a driveway storing inoperable motor vehicles in any residential zone district is limited to one vehicle, and it must be stored inside an enclosed garage. Lakewood allows up to two unlicensed or inoperable vehicles to be stored on a residential property, but they must be parked on a hard surface in the side or rear yard and screened from public view with something like a solid fence or fitted car cover. In Englewood, inoperable vehicles cannot be stored in the front yard, including carports and driveways. Englewood allows inoperable vehicles to be stored in an enclosed garage or a rear or side yard if its not on a grass surface and is out of the view of neighbors and the public. Commerce City states that unlicensed, inoperable, or vehicles with expired plates must be stored in a fully enclosed structure like a garage, not under tarps or temporary carport structures. Broomfield is similar, with the municipal code stating that any junk vehicle or parts must be stored in a fully enclosed structure. Can you drive without shoes in Colorado? In Littleton, inoperable vehicles can be stored in a fully enclosed structure or a carport as long as the vehicle is completely covered with a canvas or other opaque covering. There are separate laws regarding inoperable collector items, and more information can be found on the DMV website. What is Colorados inoperable vehicle tax? House Bill 22-1388, passed in 2022, and requires the owner of any inoperable vehicle undergoing maintenance, repair, restoration, rebuilding or renovation, to pay an annual specific ownership tax. Once the vehicle owner pays the tax, they receive a decal as proof of payment which must be placed on the vehicle. If the vehicle is kept on private property, the owner shouldnt be charged additional surcharges or fees for the purposes of getting the vehicle into working condition, the DMV website said. Once the inoperable vehicle is back in working condition, the owner is required to register it with their local county motor vehicle office. What is the penalty for breaking inoperable vehicle laws? Municipalities across the state have code enforcement units that uphold inoperable vehicle laws. The code enforcement unit for Pueblo has responded to and completed a total of 385 incidents in the first five months of this year. How fast do you have to go to get a photo speeding ticket in Denver? Penalties vary from one area to another and often include a citation or fines and fees, and sometimes owners will be required to get rid of the inoperable vehicle. Englewood code states that the city manager or an authorized representative has the power to remove an inoperable vehicle at the expense of the owner, plus a fee not exceeding $40 if the vehicle owner fails to dispose of the vehicle or its parts within a time frame of being notified. When Longmont city officials respond to a report of a junked vehicle, staff may tow the vehicle immediately or issue a citation and tag the vehicle indicating that it will be towed. As for the statewide specific ownership tax for inoperable vehicles, those who fail to pay are subject to prior registration fees when they go to register the vehicle once it is in working order. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on June 20 that the West is trying to push Russia toward a strategic defeat on Ukrainian battlefields, which would, according to him, mean the end of the Russian statehood. "For Russia, this means the end of its statehood... This means the end of the thousand-year history of the Russian state. I think this is clear to everyone," Putin said at a press conference at the end of his state visit to Vietnam. "Then the question arises: why should we be afraid? Isnt it better to go to the end?" The Kremlin chief claimed that Moscow is ready for negotiations but said that if Kyiv wants to connect the talks to the Russian withdrawal from Ukraine, "that will never happen." Read also: Timothy Garton Ash: Were at the beginning of a new era. What we do now is particularly important A full Russian withdrawal is a key point in President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace formula. Several of its points were discussed last week during a global peace summit in Switzerland, where Russia was not invited. Putin laid out his conditions for a ceasefire in Ukraine ahead of the summit on June 14, namely the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the four Ukrainian regions claimed but not fully controlled by the Kremlin. The ultimatum was dismissed by Kyiv and its partners. Putin said this reaction was expected and added that Russia's demands may still change depending on the situation on the battlefield. Ukraine and Switzerland said they are considering inviting a Russian representative to a subsequent peace summit to present them with a joint peace plan. Separately, China and Brazil pitched an alternative peace conference that would be recognized both by Kyiv and Moscow. Read also: Russia considering changes to nuclear doctrine, Putin claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Study: Celebrex reduces risk of colon cancer recurrence and more Study: Celebrex reduces risk of colon cancer recurrence and more Medical Watch for June 19. Study: Celebrex reduces risk of colon cancer recurrence A new use for a common painkiller. A medication prescribed to treat pain appears to have the power to keep cancer at bay. Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory used to alleviate symptoms of arthritis, migraine and menstruation. Now Dana Farber Cancer Institute scientists revealed Celebrex reduces the risk of colon cancer recurrence. It is effective in people with a specific genetic mutation. Those patients with Stage 3 colon cancer who took Celebrex after surgery not only lived longer but experienced extended time disease free. Study results are published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Blood pressure medications may prevent epilepsy Heart drugs may serve another valuable purpose. A commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication may prevent epilepsy. Stanford Medicine researchers found a class of drugs called Angio Tensin Receptor Blockers or ARBs ward off epilepsy in people at the highest risk for the disease, including adults who have had a stroke. They reached their conclusion after studying medical records for more than 2 million people taking the blood pressure medication. Neurologists say their finding is critical since currently there is no medicine to prevent epilepsy and seizures. More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch Pregnancy-related depression leads to greater risk for heart disease Having a baby can have a profound impact on the heart. Researchers are warning women who experience depression during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby have a greater risk for heart disease. A study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting, examined 600,000 women to establish the link between cardiovascular health and pregnancy related depression. Perinatal and postpartum depression is associated with a 50 percent increased threat of high blood pressure and up to 37 percent higher risk for heart disease and heart failure. Experts say women who have suffered emotionally during pregnancy and after should have their heart monitored more closely for physical ailments. Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGNs Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up 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 WGN-TV. Eliran Mizrahi, an IDF soldier, who took his own life after suffering serious PTSD - DocumentIsrael The first time Eliran Mizrahi was injured in Gaza, he refused to leave the battlefield. The reservist wanted to continue defending his country and the search for the missing hostages. When he was wounded a second time during his seven-month stint in heavy urban warfare, he was told by a doctor that he could not return to the front line, partly on account of his PTSD. Yet an emergency call-up came again last week for an engineer who had started the war with the task of clearing bodies from the site of the Nova music festival. Before he could be deployed, the 40-year-old father of four children killed himself. The tragic case has shocked a nation where many are now starting to question the direction of the governments war strategy as the conflict in Gaza enters its ninth month with no end or day after plan in sight, and as casualties among the overstretched defence forces mount. Anger has boiled over onto the streets, spearheaded by the mothers of serving soldiers, as the war plan is in tatters and the prime ministers grip on power increasingly precarious. Mothers of Israeli soldiers campaign for the end of the war outside the Israeli Ministry of Defence - Danor Aharon Protesters are demanding an immediate deal to bring the remaining 120 Israeli hostages home from Gaza and fresh elections to replace a government they no longer trust. Many have called for an end to a conflict they do not now see as having a clear purpose. A week of resistance, which began on Saturday night in Tel Aviv with tens of thousands attending one of the largest antigovernmental protests since the war began, will continue over the next few days with demonstrations outside the Knesset and prime ministers residence. On the rally frontlines is a group of mothers of troops who have denounced the government for playing politics with their childrens lives. They have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease hard-right and religious members of his fragile coalition to ensure its survival. We, the parents of active combat soldiers, blame you for sacrificing our children on the altar of politics, they wrote in a recent letter to the prime minister and his now disbanded war cabinet. We blame you for the senseless deaths of soldiers. We blame you for the numerous injuries to our children, both physically and mentally, they said. Mothers covered themselves in red during the demonstration - Danor Aharon Blood of dead troops The mothers signature move is to dye their palms bright red to symbolise the blood of dead troops. On Saturday night, they gathered on the Hahalacha motorway bridge in central Tel Aviv holding their red hands in the air alongside signs saying, Parents of combat soldiers scream loudly enough! Cars on the busy thoroughfare below tooted their horns in support. The country was reeling with the news that ten young soldiers eight of them in one armoured vehicle had died that morning, in one of the deadliest days for Israeli forces in the conflict. Shame! Shame! Shame! shouted the mothers at the government. Such open dissent is rare in a security-conscious country like Israel that prizes national defence as one of its most important civic duties. Protesters have demanded a deal for the remaining hostages - Amir Levy/Getty Images Europe Bring our sons home Hagar Moshe Kedem, whose son is deployed with a combat unit in Gaza, explained that while parents had supported the first six months of the war out of the dire need to protect the country after the Hamas terror attacks, many no longer understood the goal of the fighting. We want to put pressure on the government to make a settlement that will bring back the hostages and our sons home. We dont want them to still be in Gaza, she said. Our prime minister is talking about total victory but there is no such thing. Many people are suffering, also in Gaza, also in Israel. We dont want the war to keep going. We need a deal now because people are dying there every day. Talks on a US-backed three-stage peace plan that would initially see a limited Israeli hostage for Palestinian prisoner exchange during a temporary truce have reportedly stalled over Hamass demands for concrete guarantees of a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Washington has blamed the terrorist group for the impasse and says that Israel has accepted the deal, even though Mr Netanyahus government has not publicly backed it. Mr Netanyahu is under pressure to conclude the war - Shutterstock Doubt has gripped Israeli society that Mr Netanyahu, goaded by his hard right security and finance ministers, who want to continue the war, is fully committed to securing an agreement. Janna, who asked for her surname not to be revealed as she has three sons in the military, said that the war began as a fight for our existence but that now soldiers were being kept captive by politicians, by extremists, whose judgement was in question. Now we feel like it is political. [The government] is being led by ceding to the right-wing parties, the religious ones, all those they dont sacrifice their children. Their children are not running from house to house with rifles, she said. Janna said that todays parents drew inspiration from the Four Mothers anti-war movement founded in the late 1990s, that spurred the public to successfully push for the recall of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. Israeli public opinion remains divided over the war but ongoing mass protests suggest the mothers views strike a chord within a significant section of the population. Protesters have called for the release of the hostages and new elections - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Hostage-for-ceasefire deal A new poll by the Jewish People Policy Institute released on Monday finds that some 60 per cent want the country to accept the hostage-for-ceasefire deal and almost three quarters expressed a very low or fairly low level of trust in the government. Israels colourful and raucous demonstrations are generally peaceful affairs although there have been violent clashes with the police on the fringes. While the large crowds may not directly trigger the downfall of the government, one of their causes the fate of a draft bill to address exemptions from mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, young men has the potential to break Mr Netanyahus coalition apart. The contentious policy dates back to the founding of Israel in 1948 when a few hundred students of the Torah were allowed to avoid conscription. Since then, Haredi communities have boomed to about 13 per cent of the countrys 9 million citizens, meaning that tens of thousands do not face the draft while receiving government subsidies for religious study. An all-time high of 66,000 were exempted over the last year. Resolving the thorny issue has eluded governments for decades but now, as the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) strains under a lack of manpower during the longest war the country has faced since the countrys foundation, it has deepened the faultlines in Israeli society. It has ignited accusations of draft dodging among those shouldering the unequal economic, social and emotional burden of the intensive conflict who were further incensed by the governments decision on Sunday to delay retirement for reservists to meet shortfalls. Thousands holding banners gather during a demonstration to demand a hostage swap deal - Anadolu/Anadolu Public outrage Mr Netanyahu is now caught between public outrage and the Haredi factions of his government for whom draft exemptions are a red line. He also faces an imminent ruling by the Supreme Court on whether the current policy violates the notion of equality, and which could order the immediate conscription of the ultra-Orthodox. His efforts to revive a bill that is regarded as unsuitable by both sides of the debate has been seen as an attempt to keep the issue out of the hands of the judges and met with disdain. After winning a vote last week to punt the legislation to the parliaments foreign and defence committee, Mr Netanyahu was pictured standing in the chamber, a copy of Plutarchs The Rise And Fall Of Athens in his left hand, with a beaming smile on his face. Mr Netanyahu smiles as he clutches Plutarch's The Rise and Fall of Athens - ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock The viral grin, on the same day four young soldiers perished in a booby-trapped building in southern Gaza, stoked national anger. Bibi is smiling, Our kids are dying read two banners at a demonstration outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Monday night. The draft law was spit in the face of serving soldiers, said Noorit Felsenthal Berger, whose two youngest sons are fighting in Gaza. Did you see the face of Bibi Net after the vote? At the same time that he was gloating, there were four soldiers killed. Its unbelievable, she said. They are letting a whole population of ultra-Orthodox keep studying, and our sons are having to go on shedding their blood to end this war. Political opponents have seized the moment. That smile will bury his political career. This smile will remove him from our lives, opposition leader Yair Lapid said at Saturdays mass protest in Tel Aviv. Thousands of Israelis protest in Tel Aviv on Saturday, June 15 - David Silverman/Getty Images Europe The controversy also puts the prime minister on a collision course with the military and his defence minister who voted against the bill last week. People understand why theyre here, a serving commander told IDF chief Herzi Halevi in Gaza this weekend, reported Hayom. They cant understand why only they are here. Haredi conscription was a clear need, he responded. As politicians prevaricate, the toll on the nation intensifies. More than 300 soldiers have died during the Gaza ground operation and close to 4,000 injured. Veterans have complained of government neglect. The defence ministrys rehabilitation department told a Knesset committee on Monday it has treated 8,663 additional patients since October 42 per cent for limb injuries, 21 per cent for PTSD or other mental health problems. Aviram Atias, a friend of Eliran Mizrahi, told the hearing he no longer sleeps in the same bed with his wife because he wakes up screaming in the middle of the night. The IDF initially denied Mizrahi the right to a military burial - DocumentIsrael/DocumentIsrael Did everything for Israel Avichai Levy, an IDF soldier who also suffers from PTSD, said How many Eliran Mizrahis do you need? Why lie to us? My friends are experiencing missiles and gunfire all day long. All the ministers are ignoring us. They have all turned their backs on us. The IDF initially denied Mizrahi the right to a military burial but relented under pressure from his grieving family who said a joyful, funny man had returned home angry, broken and plagued by nightmares. He had rockets fired at him, he saw his friends die, and he brought bodies back, and he still did everything for Israel, Mr Mizrahis sister, Hila, told Channel 13. I think that the respect he deserves is to be buried in a coffin with an Israeli flag on it and for soldiers to salute him. 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. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Manitou Incline is a favorite experience for locals and visitors alike. This Saturday, June 22, from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., hikers will participate in the 2nd Annual Suncline, to raise money for the Alzheimers Association. The Alzheimers Association is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and resources to help those suffering from Alzheimers Disease and Dementia, along with their families and caregivers. The Suncline hike is part of the associations The Longest Day campaign, which commemorates the Summer Solsticewhich holds special significance for caregivers, for whom long days are a normal occurrence. For family caregivers of those living with Alzheimers, each day can be a 24-hour challenge to keep their loved one safe, said Jim Herlihy, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at the Alzheimers Association Rocky Mountain Region. Alzheimers disease is the 7th-leading cause of death and affects more than 91,000 people in Colorado. 7 million people nationwide are living with Alzheimers, which is incurable. The funds raised during the Suncline hike will go to fund research and provide free information and services. If you or a loved one needs support, call the Alzheimers Associations free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Sunland Park Fire Department assisted in recovering a body in the desert on Thursday morning, June 20. According to SPFDs X account, the body was found by Border Patrol and was located near the 1000 block on Camino Real Ave. According to SPFD, the fire department, Sunland Park Police Department and the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) all assisted in recovering the body. Sunland Park Police and the OMI are currently investigating the incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Supreme Courts decision to dismiss a challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone means the drugs future is now firmly tied to the 2024 presidential election. Anti-abortion groups said they were dealt only a temporary setback by last weeks ruling and are planning the path forward on how best to restrict access or get the drug removed from the market completely. The court left the door open to other legal challenges, including from a trio of red states in front of the same Trump-appointed federal judge who initially suspended mifepristones approval in 2023. But rather than wait for the courts to decide, a second Trump administration could act unilaterally through executive orders or agency rulemaking to impose strict limits on mifepristone. The Supreme Court didnt take any subsequent challenges off the table, said Roger Severino, a former Trump administration official in the Department of Health and Human Services. But at the same time, Severino said the court has left the ball squarely in the hands of the next administration to restore some semblance of safety to a very dangerous and poorly regulated chemical abortion regime. While former President Trump has repeatedly said decisions on abortion are up to the states, former administration officials and advisers have telegraphed their plans for sweeping abortion restrictions, including on mifepristone, should the former president win back the White House in November. Trumps vacillating positions frustrated anti-abortion groups early in the campaign, but they have put aside their criticisms to focus on what a second Trump term could do for the anti-abortion movement. In a Trump White House, thered be an immediate clearing of the weaponized HHS, FDA, EPA, that would be day one, and that we would have people who actually prioritize womens life and health over the abortion industry interests, said Kristi Hamrick, a strategist at Students for Life of America, referring to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With the right people in the right agencies, we can have people who are preemptively, proactively protecting womens lives and health and addressing the harms of these pills, Hamrick said. Students for Life is also pushing for the EPA to classify the chemicals in mifepristone as a forever chemical, subjecting it to stricter regulations and tracking. Abortion water pollution I think is part of the new vanguard of how we address the abortion pill market that this administration set up, Hamrick said. There have been no explicit campaign promises from Trump about abortion. The former president for months has evaded taking a direct stance on abortion policy, including on the availability of mifepristone. During a Time magazine interview in April, Trump said he has pretty strong views on the issue and would be making an announcement probably over the next week. But that announcement never came, as the former president walks a tightrope on abortion to avoid making the issue into any more of a political liability for Republicans. The Biden campaign has been highlighting Trumps abortion record and was quick to point out that a Trump administration wouldnt need the Supreme Court to act on mifepristone. This case brought on by Donald Trumps allies was only one tactic and a broader relentless strategy to strip away access to reproductive freedom everywhere in this country, Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez told reporters after the decision last week. If Trump regains power in November, Trumps allies will be ready to deploy their plans to ban abortion access nationwide without the help of Congress or the court. Abortion has galvanized Democrats in the nearly two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and Trump has struggled with whether to embrace or downplay his role in the decision. During a closed-door meeting with House GOP lawmakers last week, Trump urged Republicans to talk about abortion in a way that makes sense for their districts. The former president pushed the issue as a states-rights matter, backed exceptions for certain circumstances and dubbed the partys abortion stance as common sense. Anti-abortion advocates have grown increasingly frustrated at the widespread availability of abortion medication, compounded by decisions the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 to eliminate an in-person dispensing requirement and allow pharmacists to dispense mifepristone. They had hoped the Supreme Court would reimpose restrictions and limit access to the drug. But instead of agreeing with a group of anti-abortion doctors that the FDA overstepped its authority, the justices unanimously ruled on procedural grounds that the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue. But Severino, who now serves as vice president of domestic policy at the Heritage Foundation, indicated Trumps allies have plans for what comes next. Some [actions] can be done through executive orders, some can be done through rulemaking, and then restoring the pro-life policies President Trump put in place in his first term, Severino said. As leader of the HHS Office of Civil Rights, Severino created a division aimed at guarding the religious rights and conscience protections of health care workers. The Biden administration disbanded that division, but Severino said he thinks the Supreme Courts decision strengthened federal conscience protection laws, and a new Trump administration will bring the division back to enforce them. If President Biden wins reelection, anti-abortion advocates acknowledged the path forward will be slower, but theyre still confident they will win in the states and in the courts. Were not taking a linear approach to this. Were looking at the states, were looking at the federal level, were looking at attorneys general, Hamrick said. And I think theres a path forward even in those states where the abortion lobby thinks they can hide behind mini-Roes in state constitutions through ballot initiatives. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A man wears a hat that reads "Make America Gospel Again" as he joins a group of pro-life supporters in front of the Supreme Court on June 20, 2024 in Washington, D.C. A man wears a hat that reads "Make America Gospel Again" as he joins a group of pro-life supporters in front of the Supreme Court on June 20, 2024 in Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON Buckle up. The Supreme Court in the coming days will issue a flurry of potentially blockbuster decisions on gun rights, abortion access, social media content, homelessness, federal regulatory authority, the opioid crisis and whether former President Donald Trump and others can be prosecuted for trying to overturn the 2020 election. The high court, which tries to dispense of pending cases by the end of June, has an unusually large number of decisions pending, particularly on hot button issues. Given the current pace of opinions, the term could likely slip into early July, something that has not happened since the height of the pandemic. And the opinions will be dropping in the lead up to the first presidential debate, on June 27, between Trump and President Joe Biden. Biden has already tried to make the Supreme Court a major issue in the campaign. The Supreme Court has never been as out of kilter as it is today, Biden said during a recent star-studded Hollywood fundraiser. I mean never. Trump has touted the three appointments he made that gave the court a supermajority of conservatives as one of his top accomplishments as president. But his campaign was circumspect last week when commenting on the courts decisions to strike down a ban on bump stocks imposed by his administration and to throw out a challenge to a widely used abortion pill. Here's a look at the major pending decisions. Can Trump be prosecuted over accusations of trying to steal 2020 election? The biggest outstanding decision is whether criminal charges alleging Donald Trump tried to steal the 2020 election can go forward. Critics charge that the court has taken so long to decide the case that it will likely to be impossible for a trial to conclude before the November election even if a majority rule Trump is not immune from prosecution. Thats particularly true if the court finds Trump has some immunity and requires the judge overseeing the trial to conduct additional proceedings to determine how that applies to the specific charges he faces. The high court could also say Trump must be given a chance to appeal that determination, which would further delay a trial. What charges can be brought against Jan. 6 defendants? Another case deals with an obstruction charge wielded against one-fourth of the defendants in the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021 and against Trump. Joseph Fischer, a former police officer in central Pennsylvania, entered the Capitol and was charged with obstructing Congress, which was counting Electoral College votes that confirmed Biden won the election. The issue is whether the law making obstruction a crime was meant to apply only to the destruction of documents rather than interrupting a public meeting. The decision could have broad impact. About 350 out of the first 1,350 defendants from Jan. 6 were charged under the obstruction law. Two of the four federal charges in Trumps election interference case fall under the obstruction law. He could potentially benefit if the justices overturn the law or restrict its application for interrupting Congress. A man wears a hat that reads "Make America Gospel Again" as he joins a group of pro-life supporters in front of the Supreme Court on June 20, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Are emergency abortions allowed in states with strict bans? The Biden administration challenged Idahos strict abortion ban, arguing it conflicts with a federal law that requires hospitals provide stabilizing care. Idaho allows abortions to save the life but not the health of the mother. Doctors in Idaho say they cant treat women who might lose organs or their reproductive ability, have uncontrollable bleeding or suffer other serious health consequences without an abortion unless her life is clearly in danger. The decision will be the first time the court has weighed in on abortion bans passed since it overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Is a law banning domestic abusers from having guns constitutional? After a Texas man, Zackey Rahimi, who was involved in five shootings pleaded guilty to the federal crime of possessing guns while subject to a restraining order, an appeals court threw out his conviction. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals relied on the Supreme Courts blockbuster 2022 decision that gun regulations must be "consistent with this nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation" to survive court challenges. The Supreme Court on Friday morning upheld the law banning domestic abusers from owning guns. Despite the Supreme Court's recent history of siding with gun rights the justices said some limits are permissible. Clarence Thomas was the lone dissenter. The decision showed that a conservative court that has expanded gun rights also sees areas for limitations. Can social media content moderation be restricted? The high court is considering a trio of cases about content moderation on social media that grew out of concerns from conservatives that their views were being stifled. In one case, the court is deciding whether the Biden administration improperly leaned on social media platforms to remove postings on COVID-19, the 2020 elections and other issues that it considered disinformation. In the other cases, the court is deciding if laws passed by Texas and Florida to limit the ability of powerful social media companies to moderate content are constitutional. Trade groups representing the nation's social media companies argue the laws violate the First Amendment and would make it impossible to keep sites free from objectionable or harmful content. Can a homeless person be penalized for sleeping outside? As the nation struggles to respond to an affordable housing crises, the high court is deciding whether an Oregon city can bar people who are homeless from sleeping outside if shelter is not available. An appeals court said the ban amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. But city officials say theyre being forced to surrender their public spaces. A record number of Americans lack permanent housing and both Democratic and Republican leaders have complained past court rulings have hamstrung their ability to address homeless encampments that threaten health and public safety. Advocates for the homeless saying fining or throwing in jail someone with no where else to go will not solve the problem. Anti-abortion protestors demonstrate outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June 20, 2024, as they wait for a ruling on an abortion case to be delivered by the court. Will the federal government's regulatory powers be curtailed? A conservative court thats been increasingly skeptical of federal power could make it harder for agencies to issue regulations. The court is expected to weaken, and possibly overturn, a 40-year-old precedent that has guided how federal agencies protect the environment, workers, consumers and more. Under whats known as the Chevron doctrine, courts have deferred to an agencys interpretation of a law if the statute isnt clear and the interpretation is reasonable. Critics say thats given the executive branch too much authority. Defenders of the doctrine say Congress cannot anticipate every circumstance when, for example, writing laws to protect the environment and subject matter experts at the agencies are needed to fill in the blanks. In a separate case, the Supreme Court is deciding if the Biden administration can enforce a good neighbor plan to reduce smog-forming pollution while its legality is being challenged. Will a multibillion-dollar settlement over opioid crisis survive? A high-profile bankruptcy settlement with the company that made oxycontin could be saved or scuttled by the Supreme Court. The decision will have sweeping implications for states, which intend to use settlement money for drug treatment programs. It will also have big implications for the Sackler family, which made its fortune selling a drug that fueled the nation's opioid epidemic. The vast majority of victims supported the settlement with Purdue Pharma, the company that marketed OxyContin as a less addictive painkiller than other opioids. But the Justice Department stepped into the case to question whether courts could shield the Sacklers from future civil lawsuits a practice that has been used in major bankruptcies dealing with harms caused by asbestos and silicone breast implants. While the case deals with a technical question of bankruptcy law, there are wrenching stories not far below the surface involving Americans who had lost children, spouses and parents to a crisis that claimed about 80,000 lives in 2022. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blockbuster Supreme Court opinions coming on Trump, abortion, Jan. 6 There is a song that protest organizers at Columbia University in New York sang day and night in the Gaza solidarity camp that became the epicenter of the university protests in the United States. The world did not give me my voice. The world cant take it away, the lyrics say. The word voice is exchanged for others: strength, joy, peace or love. On the night of April 30, a group of students were singing that song in front of the campus building they had occupied the day before. Linking their arms to form a human chain, swaying to the music, about twenty students guarded the entrance to the building, which they had renamed Hinds Hall in honor of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. Police arrested nearly 100 people that night, including the 44 people who occupied the building. Most are scheduled to appear in a Manhattan court this Thursday, accused of breaking and entering. Basil Rodriguez, 24, was among those singing that song that night, megaphone in hand. She was afraid. She knew that the police were going to burst into the premises at any moment and arrest them, but she continued singing. She was focused on the suffering of the Palestinians, on the more than 35,000 people who have been murdered in Gaza and on the 200 days of constant bombings. By the time the police came, the students had been camped on one of the campuss grassy esplanades for about two weeks, demanding that Columbia break relations with any company linked to Israel. Their movement inspired similar camps on dozens of campuses across the United States, Europe and Australia. Given the universitys refusal to give in to their demands, the organizers decided to escalate the mobilization and occupy Hamilton Hall, one of the main buildings of the university, the same one that was occupied during the protests against the Vietnam War, in 1968, and against apartheid in South Africa, in 1985. The melody of the song suddenly mixed with the sound of the footsteps of hundreds of NYPD riot officers, who expelled students, witnesses and journalists from the campus before making arrests and entering the occupied building. Ann Marie, Basils mother, was following the scene on television thousands of miles away in California. She was also an activist: during her university days, in 1992, she was one of the first to join one of the pro-Palestinian groups and knows about police brutality. She was scared, she admits, but also proud. This generation is the leaders of our future, those who will fight for a just peace for all. I only feel admiration for them, she says. During the nearly two-hour operation, police dismantled the encampment, evacuated the building, and detained dozens of people, both on and off campus. Some had to be hospitalized. After the arrests began, Basil has a haze of memories. The police batons, the pushing, two of her colleagues lying on the ground, unconscious, the plastic ties squeezing her wrists. And the lyrics of the songs, which reminded her why she was there. Police charged Basil with criminal trespassing. She spent a night in a cell and when she got home he realized that her legs were covered with bruises, although she does not remember the police beating her. A couple of weeks later, the charges were dropped and the university, so far, has not expelled her. That night, the students fear mixed with their commitment and conviction that their demands were achievable and fair. As an American and a Columbia student, Basil feels a duty to speak out for Palestine. It is, she says, her responsibility. If I dont oppose it, I become an accomplice, even financially because Im paying tuition, she says. If we do not protest, the blame for this genocide also falls on us. It is an act of collective conscience and love towards the Palestinians, to defend their right to live. In the United States, Israels main ally, participating in protests in defense of Palestine come with risks. Under normal circumstances, mobilizing on a university campus should have no consequences, but recent months with Columbia University suspending student associations, expelling students and allowing the police to enter the campus show that this time, the situation is different. Students risked the kind of harassment that occurs in this country when you raise your voice for Palestine; they risked disciplinary measures from the university in an unpredictable context; and they risked being arrested by a highly politicized and violent police force, explains Joseph A. Howley, a literature professor at Columbia University. Even Howley, with more than a decade teaching at the university, found it intimidating to participate in protests and mix his work with activism, but he decided to do so out of a sense of responsibility. I thought it was my turn, as part of the Jewish faculty and as a privileged white man, he says. Basil, at 24 years of age, is aware of the risks and is willing to take them. I didnt want to read about this movement from the outside, I needed to be part of it. But she wasnt always so clear. Basils family is part of the Palestinian diaspora. Her father is Mexican, her mother is Palestinian and Colombian, and her grandfather is from Jerusalem, a survivor of the Nakba, the mass expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to create the state of Israel in 1948. Basil grew up with her family in California, living with her grandfathers suffering, which is passed down, she says, from generation to generation. Since she was little, she has heard stories about the Palestinian struggle and the importance of standing up against oppression and injustice. She has family living in Jerusalem and visited them in 2014, when she was 14 years old. There, she saw firsthand the consequences of the Israeli military occupation and met her mothers cousin, Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist who was murdered by Israel in Jenin in May 2022, even though she clearly identified herself as a member of the press, with a helmet and bulletproof vest. For Basil, Shireens murder was the first turning point on her path to activism. At that time, she was studying the last year of her History degree. It changed me because I realized that my family was not safe, she says. [Shireen] was so brave that I thought she would always be there, but I became aware that no one is invincible in the face of the Israeli occupation and that Israels intention is to destroy every aspect of Palestinian life, its history and its culture, and that is why we have to preserve it. The second key moment was in early October last year, when Israel began massacring the population of Gaza after the Hamas attack. Basil had just started a masters degree in American studies at Columbia University, one of the most prestigious in the country, where a year of education costs around $60,000. She wanted to study resistance as a way to repair the wounds left by colonialism, and chose Columbia for its legacy of supporting the Palestinian cause, although she now recognizes that the university represents both a story of terror and hope. Hope, because it is a platform that Palestinians in academia continue to use to seek justice; and horror because, as she explains, Columbia, with its investments, is complicit in the genocide. In October, Basil began participating in demonstrations in New York, but later joined the student movement organizing protests in Columbia, determined to make sacrifices and put her voice and her body at the forefront of the struggle for the liberation of Palestine. The group, made up of hundreds of students of various nationalities and religions, soon realized that it was not enough to organize marches and rallies. Willing to make their demands and what was happening in Palestine impossible to ignore, they went one step further and camped in the middle of the campus. At first, Basil although she was part of the organization decided not to join: she did not want to risk being expelled from the university. But as soon as she saw her companions in the tents, she changed her mind. The universities in Gaza are destroyed, I couldnt be so selfish as to continue with my life as if nothing had happened. That camp barely lasted a day. On April 18, police dismantled it and arrested more than 100 students. Basil escaped: she had gone home to feed her cat. She returned as quickly as she could, on an agonizingly slow subway, and as soon as she arrived she began planning her next steps. Hundreds of students reacted by setting up a second camp, which soon became a perfectly organized community, with hot food, a library, classes and daily assemblies. We were protesting against something horrible, a genocide, but at the same time, we were creating something beautiful, Basil recalls. Thirteen days later, police re-entered campus to break up the encampment and protest at Hamilton Hall, the occupied building. On the esplanade, the worn grass was spotted with tent marks. Basil, although aware of how the student movement was awakened, considered April 30 as a defeat. The university and the police had stripped them of their way of resisting. But that attempt to silence them, she says, made them stronger. I will not stop. Quite the opposite. And now I have learned and know how to do it better, she says. Since then, although the campus is practically empty, and although the vast majority of students have returned home, Basil and pro-Palestinian student groups have continued to protest. They organized, together with teachers and students, a parallel graduation. During the weekend, they set up a third camp on campus; and now they plan to protest in the court where their colleagues are scheduled to appear. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The United States Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress. Yet, over the past century, we've witnessed a disturbing trend of legislators increasingly delegating much of the authority to set the laws that govern the land to the executive branch, which includes unelected officials at administrative agencies. This undermines democratic accountability, contributes to government bloat and abuse of powers, and disrupts the balance of power crafted so carefully by the Framers. Reasserting congressional authority is essential for maintaining a balanced government and ensuring that policies reflect voters' wishes. It's also the best hope for promoting economic freedom and growth. Unfortunately, getting Congress to stop evading its authority is an uphill battle. After all, we're talking about an institution that systematically fails to do another of its primary jobs by passing legitimate budgets on a timely basis. Nevertheless, there is some light at the end of the tunnel, as the Supreme Court might soon stop being so deferential to executive branch agencies in interpreting the laws set by Congress. As I understand it, "Chevron deference" is a judicial doctrine created by the 1984 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. This ruling compels courts to defer to a federal agency's interpretation of ambiguous language in statutes that the agency is tasked with administering. In theory, the deference allows agencies to implement complex statutes. In practice, it limits the judiciary's proper role in holding the other two branches of government responsible for carrying out and sticking to their constitutional duties. One result is too much discretionary power exercised by agencies who were envisioned to enforce, rather than create, the law. Some plausibly argue that the concentration of power placed in the executive branch by Chevron deference leads to excessive, overreaching regulation by agencies with wide latitude to essentially set policy. Another argument against Chevron is that it encourages Congress not to do its job. Because members of Congress understand that courts will defer to agencies, they can write vaguely worded statutes, knowing that the agencies will fill in the details without much judicial oversight. It can also remove the grounds for judiciary recourse on behalf of individuals whose lives and liberties are negatively affected by regulators' outreaches. This brings us to the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. Loper Bright Enterprises, a family-owned herring-fishing company, and other fishing companies challenged a rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA). The rule requires these companies to pay federal observers to collect data on board their vessels to prevent overfishing. The fishermen argued that the MSA did not explicitly authorize the NMFS to impose such costs on the fishing industry. In 2021, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia used Chevron deference to rule in favor of the NMFS, stating that even if the statute was ambiguous, the NMFS interpretation was reasonable. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the lower court's decision, again relying on Chevron deference. This case and a similar one involving Relentless, Inc. were argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in January. The decision, to be released soon, could be pivotal. If Chevron is overturned, it could significantly impact how courts review and interpret agency regulations. That could in turn curtail the extent to which agencies can interpret ambiguous statutes without direct congressional authorization. One hope is that agencies will exercise more discretion when interpreting their own powers and mandates under existing statutes. A second hope is that Congress responds by drafting statutes with more care and precision, thus being clearerfor agencies and the publicabout what it intends and doesn't intend. Finally, there is also the possibility that we could look back at some regulatory abuses passed under the veil of the Chevron deference and challenge them. The bottom line is that we might be only one Supreme Court decision away from Congress being obliged to write better and more explicit statutes than it usually does. This obligation doesn't seem like a lot. Some scholars believe that hopes for markedly improved lawmaking post-Chevron are wishful thinking. But considering Congress' now-routine cowardice at doing its job, I will take even a little hope over despair. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM. The post The Supreme Court May Be on the Brink of Radically Restricting Bureaucrats' Power appeared first on Reason.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The U.S. Supreme Court will soon rule on the issue of homeless encampments, deciding when cities can clear them. How will this ruling affect San Diego? The case is known as City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. It began after the city of Grants Pass, Oregon started issuing tickets to people sleeping in public. Some have argued that this method is not a solution to dealing with homelessness, specifically in instances where there are not enough shelter beds. The court case will essentially determine whether or not arresting or ticketing people for sleeping outside is cruel and unusual punishment. When it comes to San Diego, this could impact the legality of the sidewalk camping ban. Meanwhile, San Diegos mayor has touted a proposed 1,000-bed mega homeless shelter in Middletown to help with this issue, among other solutions. As far the Supreme Court decision, the justices dont announce in advance when they will reveal their decision. The rulling could be made any day now. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. What the Supreme Court has said about displaying the Ten Commandments in schools Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs bills related to his education plan on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Lafayette, La. Louisiana has become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom, the latest move from a GOP-dominated Legislature pushing a conservative agenda under a new governor. | Brad Bowie Louisiana will require the Ten Commandments to be prominently displayed in every public school classroom under a new law that takes effect in early 2025. The measure, signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday, celebrates the biblical commandments as foundational documents in United States history. If you want to respect the rule of law, youve got to start from the original lawgiver, which was Moses, Landry said about the new policy, according to The Associated Press. He and other supporters of the policy argue that the state can require public schools to display the Ten Commandments since the text is historically significant in addition to being religiously significant. But several organizations, including faith-based ones, take issue with this view and say that Louisianas new law clearly violates the Constitutions establishment clause. The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice, without pressure from the government. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools, reads a joint statement from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which plan to file a lawsuit to block the new law. Supreme Court rulings on Ten Commandments displays The joint statement referenced a Supreme Court decision from the 1980s barring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms. In Stone v. Graham, the court ruled 5-4 that Kentucky lawmakers had violated the establishment clause by requiring copies of the Ten Commandments to be hung in public schools. The Court noted that the Commandments did not confine themselves to arguably secular matters (such as murder, stealing, etc.), but rather concerned matters such as the worship of God and the observance of the Sabbath Day, according to Oyez. For this reason and others, the justices in the majority determined that Ten Commandments displays in classrooms were plainly religious in nature. More recently, in 2005, the Supreme Court issued a confusing pair of rulings on other types of Ten Commandments displays. In Van Orden v. Perry, it said that the Ten Commandments could be on display on the grounds of the Texas state capitol in recognition of religions role in American history. But in McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky, it blocked the state from displaying the Ten Commandments in courthouses and public schools, determining that government officials goal had been to advance a religious message, which violates the establishment clause. Taken as a whole, these rulings and others make it clear that the Supreme Court does not require public entities to entirely steer clear of religious messages and symbols. The justices have acknowledged that faith-related displays can serve a secular purpose, but theyve also criticized lawmakers who have used a possible secular purpose to obscure their faith-based motivations. The court has also repeatedly expressed concern about the Ten Commandments religious message, saying that, when the text is displayed prominently on its own, it sends a message about God rather than about American history. This is not to deny that the Commandments have had influence on civil or secular law, the majority opinion said in McCreary County. The point is simply that the original text viewed in its entirety is an unmistakably religious statement dealing with religious obligations and with morality subject to religious sanction. When the government initiates an effort to place this statement alone in public view, a religious object is unmistakable. Will Louisianas Ten Commandments law be overturned? In light of Stone v. Graham and other, related rulings, some religious freedom experts expect Louisianas Ten Commandments law to eventually be overturned. I think they are overreaching, said Charles C. Haynes of the Freedom Forum to The New York Times about the lawmakers behind the policy. He said its unlikely for the current Supreme Court to uphold the law, even though theyve issued a variety of rulings in favor of religious conservatives in recent years. Even this court will have a hard time justifying what lawmakers are requiring, Haynes told the Times. Policymakers in other states have come to similar conclusions in recent months as theyve weighed related measures. Bills that would have required the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, South Carolina and Utah either failed or were significantly adjusted before passage, according to The New York Times. The version of the Utah bill that passed added the Ten Commandments to a list of documents that teachers can use in history classes, as the Deseret News previously reported. But other legal experts expect Louisianas policy to stand and other states to pass their own versions of the bill. The Pelican State has rightly recognized the history and tradition of the Ten Commandments in the state, said Matt Krause, Of Counsel at First Liberty Institute, in a statement. We applaud Louisiana for being the first, but by no means the last, state to take this bold step for religious liberty. Louisianas governor has said he looks forward to defending the new Ten Commandments law in court. I cant wait to be sued, he said over the weekend, according to The Tennessean. The News In one of the most closely watched cases of the term, the US Supreme Court upheld a major piece of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Thursday, rejecting a challenge that threatened to shred much of the current tax system. Jordans view The relatively narrow 7-2 ruling left unanswered several major questions raised both directly and indirectly by the suit, including whether the sort of taxes proposed by the Biden administration on the very wealthy would pass constitutional muster. At least four of the courts conservative justices seemed to signal they would be inclined to strike those proposals down in a future ruling. The courts decision, in short, could be the opening salvo in a longer battle over the limits of the governments taxing power. The result preserved our income tax, because this case really could have upended everything, Steven Rosenthal, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, told Semafor. But it really dug a big hole for the billionaire and wealth proposals that are pending. Know More The case, , dealt with the one-time repatriation tax on foreign earnings held overseas by American companies that Republicans used to raise hundreds of billions of dollars as part of their 2017 tax reforms. The plaintiffs were a Washington couple, Charles and Kathleen Moore, who got a $15,000 tax bill thanks to their part-ownership of a friends firm that sold farm equipment in India, even though the business hadnt distributed any of its cash profits back to investors. The Moores claimed the tax was unconstitutional, arguing that under the 16th Amendment, the IRS only has the power to touch income that has been realized by taxpayers, such as when investors receive a dividend or sell off stock. If the court had agreed, it would have legally foreclosed several ideas Democrats have put forward in recent years to tax the riches of billionaires, including a Biden administration proposal to tax unrealized capital gains of anyone with a net worth over $100 million or the more straightforward wealth tax championed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Experts had worried that the Moores argument could unravel other longstanding pieces of US tax law, too, with former House Speaker Paul Ryan at one point suggesting that if the court ruled in their favor, it would have to toss about a third of the tax code. Ultimately, the court batted down the suit, ruling that the income in question had been realized when the company earned it, and, for legal purposes, the government was allowed to attribute those profits to shareholders or partners in the business. Two conservative Justices, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, dissented. In his opinion for the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that plaintiffs had failed to show how the repatriation tax was different from other pieces of tax law dealing with issues like partnerships and foreign profits, where income is attributed back to individuals on paper. The Moores argument, taken to its logical conclusion, could render vast swaths of the Internal Revenue Code unconstitutional, he wrote, adding that the constitution does not require that fiscal calamity. But the majority skirted the bigger question of whether Congress has the power to tax unrealized income, with Kavanaugh stressing in a footnote that his analysis did not address the distinct issues that would be raised if the government tried to impose a levy on wealth or assets that have gone up in value. On those questions, the courts majority appeared much more fractured. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of the courts liberals, wrote in a concurrence that the constitution did not require income to be realized before it could be taxed; but Amy Coney Barrett and Samuel Alito, two of the courts conservatives, wrote in their own concurrence that it did. The View From Tax Wonks Taken together, at least four of the courts right-leaning members appeared ready to nix the wealth tax measures Democrats have put forward, likely leaving the fate of those proposals in the hands of Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts, who joined the courts majority opinion without elaborating on his views. Alan Cole, a senior economist at the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation, said that Democrats might need to settle for clunkier workarounds to avoid getting overturned. Some of the parts of the Biden tax-the-rich-only agenda would have to be written very carefully. David Kamin, a tax law professor at New York University and the former deputy director of President Bidens National Economic Council, said the warning signals coming from the courts right flank posed a risk. But it wasnt certain a majority of the court would shoot down something like the White Houses proposal to tax unrealized capital gains, he said, because the justices still hadnt found a way to distinguish it from other parts of the tax code that are already in place. I would hope that what the case ends up standing for, is that even with the court being conservative and this will be for future cases to decide there was a majority that said the constitution does not require a circumscribed income tax, Kamin said. The View From Democrats Overall, elected Democrats and liberal activists seemed happy to celebrate the days win without worrying too much about how the justices might rule in a followup case. The concern we had was that the ruling would be broad and knock out a whole host of different forms of taxation, Groundwork Collaborative executive director Lindsay Owens, whose group has pushed for a wealth tax, told Semafor. As far as Im concerned, as of this morning, all options are still on the table. Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, who has pressed for taxing unrealized capital gains, told Semafor his office still needed to fully examine the decision, but that he was optimistic for now. At first take, it looks like its favorable to the proposition that billionaires like nurses, teachers, and firefighters they pay their fair share. The Supreme Court upheld the drug smuggling conviction of a California woman who claimed an expert's opinion in her trial was given too much weight. (Mark Schiefelbein / Associated Press) The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a California woman's drug smuggling conviction that was based in part on an expert's testimony that criminal gangs rarely use "blind mules" to bring drugs across the southern border. In a 6-3 decision, the justices rejected Delilah Diaz's contention that the expert testimony was unfair and illegal because it strongly suggested to jurors that she must have known drugs were hidden in her car. Federal rules of evidence say an expert cannot state an opinion on a defendant's "mental state or condition," but the justices said the expert's testimony about drug smuggling operations in general did not violate that rule. Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined most of the court's conservatives in the decision in Diaz vs. United States. A former trial judge, she said experts often testify on both sides of the case. "This very case illustrates the significance of mental-state evidence to both parties in a criminal trial," Jackson wrote in a concurring opinion. "The government expert opined (based on his almost 30 years of experience as a special agent) that, 'in most circumstances,' drug couriers know that they are transporting drugs. ... Notably, however, the government was not the only party that relied on this type of mental-state evidence during the trial. Diaz called an automobile specialist who testified that a driver of her particular car would almost certainly not know that it contained drugs." In August 2020, Diaz, a U.S. citizen, was stopped at a border crossing as she was returning from Mexico. When a Border Patrol agent asked her to roll down one of the car's windows, she said it was manual. When he tried, he heard a "crunch-like sound in the door." When the car was pulled aside and checked, officers discovered 56 packages of methamphetamine tucked inside the door panels and under the carpet in the trunk. The methamphetamine weighed just over 54 pounds and had an estimated retail value of $368,550. Diaz said that the car was her boyfriend's and that she knew nothing about the drugs. She was charged with drug trafficking, and prosecutors were required to prove to the jury that she knew she was transporting drugs. They called Andrew Flood, a Department of Homeland Security special agent, who testified that in his experience, drug traffickers generally do not entrust large quantities of drugs to people who are unaware they are transporting them. Diaz was convicted and given a seven-year prison term. A federal judge in San Diego and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected her claim that the agent's testimony violated the federal rules. The Supreme Court agreed to hear her appeal, but on Thursday affirmed her conviction. Read more: Supreme Court strikes down ban on rapid-fire bump stocks like those used in Las Vegas mass shooting "Because Agent Flood did not express an opinion about whether Diaz herself knowingly transported methamphetamine, his testimony did not violate" the federal rules, Justice Clarence Thomas said for the majority. "An experts conclusion that 'most people' in a group have a particular mental state is not an opinion about the defendant." Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr., Brett M. Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Jackson agreed. In dissent, conservative Justice Neil M. Gorsuch said "the government comes away with a powerful new tool in its pocket. Prosecutors can now put an expert on the stand someone who apparently has the convenient ability to read minds and let him hold forth on what 'most' people like the defendant think when they commit a legally proscribed act. ... What authority exists for allowing that kind of charade in federal criminal trials is anybodys guess, but certainly it cannot be found" in the federal rules of evidence. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan agreed with Gorsuch. San Francisco attorney Hillary Irvin, a former federal prosecutor, said the decision "marks a dark day for criminal defendants," who "rely on the court and the laws gatekeeping function to exclude evidence that would all but guarantee a verdict in favor of the government." But "in reality, juries rely on expert testimony to make critical decisions about the defendants conduct," Irvin continued. "Now, the government can present a witness to walk juries directly to a government verdict." 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. The Supreme Court in a 7-2 decision Thursday upheld a provision in then-President Trumps sweeping 2017 tax bill while sidestepping a far-reaching question about Congresss broader taxing authority. The high court avoided weighing in on what constitutes income that the federal government can tax under the 16th Amendment, which has implications for large swaths of the U.S. tax code and could also foreclose the possibility of a wealth tax. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, did not delve into whether the 16th Amendment imposes a realization requirement. Instead, he resolved a couples challenge to the laws mandatory repatriation tax on narrow grounds. So the precise and narrow question that the Court addresses today is whether Congress may attribute an entitys realized and undistributed income to the entitys shareholders or partners, and then tax the shareholders or partners on their portions of that income, Kavanaugh wrote. This Courts longstanding precedents, reflected in and reinforced by Congresss longstanding practice, establish that the answer is yes. Kavanaughs opinion was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and the courts three liberals. Though the majority sidestepped the broader constitutional question, the four other conservative justices did address it, all expressing that they believe the 16th Amendment does impose a realization requirement. The Moores are correct. Sixteenth Amendment incomes include only income realized by the taxpayer, Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined by Justice Samuel Alito, agreed with their two fellow conservatives, rejecting the governments argument that the amendment authorizes Congress to tax unrealized income without apportionment among the states. The answer is straightforward: No, Barrett wrote. But Barrett and Alito still voted to uphold the tax alongside the majority, writing that the couple had not met their burden after conceding a key point during oral arguments. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who joined the majority in upholding the tax, wrote separately to cast doubts about a realization requirement. I have no doubt that future Congresses will pass, and future Presidents will sign, taxes that outrage one group or anothertaxes that strike some as demanding too much, others as asking too little. There may even be impositions that, as a matter of policy, all can agree are wrongheaded, Jackson wrote. However, Pollock teaches us that this Courts role in such disputes should be limited, she added, referring to a key precedent implicated in the case. Charles and Kathleen Moore brought their challenge to the Supreme Court after paying roughly $15,000 in taxes under the provision in Republicans 2017 law. The mandatory repatriation tax imposed a one-time tax on Americans who owned shares in foreign corporations, even if the corporation hadnt distributed any earnings to the taxpayer. The Moores had invested in KisanKraft, an Indian company that sells farm equipment. But the couple claimed they never received any distributions or payments from the company, meaning they did not realize any income the federal government was authorized to tax. Under the 16th Amendment, Congress can levy taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived. Otherwise, all other direct taxes must be apportioned among the states. The Supreme Courts decision leaves unresolved whether income must be realized for it to fall under the Amendments carveout. Instead, the justices sided against the Moores by finding the income in their situation was realized. KisanKraft realized the income, the court ruled, and Congress fairly attributed the income to the couple. Alito previously rejected calls to recuse from the case after he sat down for two interviews with an attorney who represents the couple. Updated 11:18 a.m. EDT Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A full-scale, unannounced mock Code Black exercise was conducted on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital Interquest (SFI). The mock drill included the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), the Colorado Springs Bomb Squad, American Medical Response (AMR), Colorado Flight for Life, and the Colorado Springs Communications Center (9-1-1). From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., people in the area may have noticed emergency vehicles outside of SFI at 10860 New Allegiance Dr. in Colorado Springs as the exercise was going on. A Code Black indicates a bomb threat or suspicious package, and the mock exercise was a drill to make sure first responders and emergency teams are fully prepared in the case of an actual threat. Mock exercises like these help us focus on three areas: readiness, response, and recovery, said Sara Baird, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Penrose and St. Francis hospitals. The simulation allows us to fix problems or issues quickly without compromising patient safety or wellbeing, she continued. CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital Interquest is thankful for the willingness of our local fire, bomb squad, and American Medical Response (AMR) that participated in our Code Black exercise today. The hospital remained open and fully functional during the mock drill. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLEARFIELD, Utah (ABC4) A suspect who allegedly shot and killed a man during a hit-and-run road rage incident in Clearfield has been arrested, the Clearfield Police Department announced. Justin Kent Doman, 34, was booked into the Davis County Jail on Thursday, June 20, for the alleged first-degree felony murder of James Edward Saccato, 63, of West Point. Doman was originally taken into custody but was not arrested at the time of the shooting on Monday, June 3. Officials at the time said Doman had stayed on scene and was cooperating with the investigation. The Clearfield Police Department said its investigators had been working diligently over the past couple of weeks collecting evidence and meeting with prosecutors from the Davis County Attorneys Office to review the case. I hate them: Murder suspect accused of killing parents said she would do it again According to Clearfield Police Department, both Doman and Saccato were involved in the hit-and-run near Industrial Parkway on Monday, June 3. Doman had allegedly called 911 and was chasing Saccato, providing police with updates about their location. The two cars eventually drove into a Clearfield neighborhood near 100 North and 1000 West. Saccato reportedly stopped fleeing, came to a stop in the middle of the residential roadway, and got out of his car to approach Doman. During the confrontation, Doman allegedly shot and killed Saccato. Investigators did not release further information in order to preserve the integrity of the case. Road rage violence is unacceptable and drivers that engage in such behavior will be held accountable, the police department said in a statement. This type of behavior is intolerable and we ask drivers to report reckless driving instead of becoming enraged and confront the reckless driver on their own which increases the chances of a violent encounter. Drivers are advised to call 911 and report as much information about a potential road rage vehicle as possible and allow police to investigate rather than chase the vehicle and increase the danger. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A suspect has been taken into custody after shots were fired near the Wynnton neighborhood on early Thursday morning, according to the Columbus Police Department. Columbus police responded to shots fired in the 2700 block of Schaul Street at about 1 a.m. Police say the suspect fled the scene, then was found hiding in a backyard. Detavies Brown was arrested and charged with the following: Reckless conduct Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute Possession of drug-related objects Obstruction Four counts of convicted felon in possession of a firearm Two counts of theft by receiving stolen property (firearm) According to police, four firearms and 23 grams of marijuana were seized from Browns car. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors note: this article was updated to name the correct area where the armed robbery took place. We regret our error. TOPEKA (KSNT) One man has been arrested for armed robbery in downtown Topeka. According to Public Safety Communications Specialist Rosie Nichols, Thursday after 9 p.m., officers from the Topeka Police Department responded to a reported disturbance involving a firearm inside of the Walgreens located at 1001 SW Topeka Blvd. TPD have identified the suspect as Jesse J. Griffin, 39, of Topeka. Griffin fled from the scene when TPD arrived, and was later located in the 900 block of SW Topeka Blvd. Griffin has been booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections with the following charges: Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon Aggravated Robbery; Armed w/dangerous weapon Aggravated Criminal Threat; Cause Terror, Evacuation Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body 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. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury has sanctioned eight Mexican targets affiliated with the La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine to the United States, as announced by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, on Thursday in Atlanta (Georgia). In addition to drug trafficking, La Nueva Familia Michoacana is responsible for the illicit smuggling of migrants from Mexico to the United States, according to the Treasury. La Nueva Familia Michoacana is one of the most powerful and violent cartels in Mexico and has become a top priority of the Mexican government. Historically, La Nueva Familia Michoacana primarily trafficked methamphetamine. However, in recent years, it has expanded into trafficking fentanyl, obtaining the necessary precursor chemicals, purchasing critical pill pressing machines, and then producing fentanyl throughout Mexico, including Mexico City, Pineda, Santa Teresa, Ciudad Altamirano, Tejupilco, Arcelia, Cuernavaca, Culiacan, Guadalajara and Toluca, Mexico, according to the Treasury, which has acted in coordination with Mexican authorities. La Nueva Familia Michoacana sends fentanyl and other drugs to the United States through Nuevo Laredo and Tamaulipas/Reynosa along the southern border of Texas, using buses, among other means of transportation. Once the drugs are in the United States, they are shipped to various cities across the country, including Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Tulsa, Chicago and Charlotte. In addition to drugs, the cartel also engages in illegal human trafficking. According to the Treasury, in exchange for money, members of La Nueva Familia Michoacana upload photos and videos in which people appear under interrogation or in danger of being murdered. With these photos or videos in hand, individuals falsely declare to U.S. immigration officials their supposed need to seek asylum in the United States. La Nueva Familia Michoacana is also known for forcing people to enter the United States illegally with drugs in order to sell them in the country. If they do not follow the order, the cartel threatens to kill them and their family. La Nueva Familia Michoacana also uses tobacco industry workers to introduce narcotics into the United States. The Treasury sanctioned Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga, the two co-leaders of the cartel, in November 2022, and continued to target their allies. Now it has sanctioned new members of the organization, including Rodolfo Maldonado Bustos, the next in line of command. He controls the drug routes that pass from Ciudad Altamirano to the Zihuatanejo-Lazaro Cardenas area. On April 23, 2017, a federal grand jury from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia presented an indictment against him on two counts of conspiracy related to heroin trafficking. Also sanctioned is Josue Ramirez Carrera, the financial leader and next in line after Maldonado Bustos, who controls the laundering of drug money through used clothing businesses. He is also involved in arms trafficking, where he directs people throughout the Rio Grande Valley to hide weapons inside packages of used clothing bound for Mexico City, according to the Treasury. The sanctions also affect other lieutenants and hitmen of the cartel: Josue Lopez Hernandez, David Duran Alvarez, Kevin Arzate Gomez, Euclides Camacho Goicochea, Lucio Ochoa Lagunes and Uriel Tabares Martinez. The latter is a hitman who works directly for the cartels co-leaders and has a leadership role in the Guerrero/Ciudad Altamirano region of Mexico. He is known as The Doctor for the violent and surgical way in which he tortures and murders those who cross paths with high-ranking members of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel. The sanctions entail the freezing of all assets of the targeted individuals and a veto on U.S. and U.S.-based transactions with the sanctioned individuals. These sanctions make money laundering somewhat more difficult, but since these are organizations operating outside the law, they are of limited effectiveness in curbing their activity. Since 2019, Mexican cartels have been the main suppliers of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in the United States. They purchase precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment from suppliers based in China, and through intermediaries acquire chemicals to synthesize illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in clandestine laboratories in Mexico. They then traffic these highly addictive and deadly drugs, primarily across the southwest border of the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2023, and more than 74,000 of those deaths were related to synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The opioid crisis, and especially the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, has devastated communities and claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. President Biden and I are committed to using every tool we have to target illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals so we can disrupt these deadly supply chains, said Secretary Yellen in a statement released on Thursday. Treasury has unique capabilities and expertise to target the financial flows of these cartels who are poisoning our communities, and going after them is a top priority for me and the Department. Red flags for banks Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) also published a supplementary 15-page advisory to help banks detect red flags that may be indicators of activities related to the acquisition of chemical precursors and manufacturing equipment used for the synthesis of fentanyl and other illicit synthetic opioids. The Treasury has identified some patterns that are repeated in operations and has called on banks to monitor for this type of activity. The notice lists 14 different warning signs, concerning the counterparty of the transactions, the volume of operations, the means of payment and the use of virtual currencies. The advisory states: "As no single red flag is determinative of illicit or suspicious activity, financial institutions should consider the surrounding facts and circumstances, such as a customers historical financial activity, whether the transactions are in line with prevailing business practices, and whether the customer exhibits multiple red flags, before determining if a behavior or transaction is suspicious or otherwise indicative of illicit procurement of fentanyl precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment or is otherwise suspicious." The idea is to help US banks and other financial institutions protect themselves against activities related to the illicit fentanyl supply chain. Financial institutions reporting of suspected financial transactions related to illicit fentanyl and narcotics trafficking plays a critical role in law enforcement investigations and Treasury's global sanctions efforts. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A new suspect has been arrested in the June 6 killing of a 79-year-old Bedford woman at her home, according to police. Aaron Pouchie, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama, faces a capital murder charge in the death of Christine Barsanti. Bedford police officers found Barsanti on June 10 at her home after receiving a 911 call. She was dead, having been hit with an unknown object, police said. Detectives obtained surveillance video that showed a man forcing his way into Barsantis home after she refused to let him use her phone, according to police. A 39-year-old man, Brandon Paramore, was the first suspect arrested, but police say they have now determined that Paramore was not responsible for the crime. Paramore was taken into custody on June 8. He was released from custody as detectives continued investigating and identified the new suspect, police said in a news release Thursday. Detectives obtained a clearer image of the suspects vehicle and found Pouchie and the car on June 10 in Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana, with assistance from law enforcement in the area, police say. Pouchie was initially taken into custody on June 11 by the Jefferson Parrish Sheriffs Department on unrelated charges. Bedford police obtained an arrest warrant for Pouchie on a charge of capital murder. The suspect vehicle was transferred to Texas and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office is working to have Pouchie transferred as well to be held at the Tarrant County Jail, police say. The case is still under investigation as detectives continue to process evidence. (ALAMOSA, Colo.) The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is looking into an altercation involving an exchange of gunfire between deputies from the Alamosa County Sheriffs Office and a suspect attempting to elude them. In the early hours of Wednesday, June 19 deputies attempted to contact a red Ford Explorer that was driving carelessly in a Safeway Parking lot. The driver tried to escape from deputies, driving over a grassy median and into a residential area. At that point, the driver, later identified as 29-year-old Justin Claude Trujillo, got out of his car and ran away. In the 1200 block of 3rd St, a deputy spoke to the suspect, who proceeded to pull out a handgun and fire at least one shot. In response, three deputies returned fire, and the suspect was hit twiceonce in the leg, and once in the abdomen. Deputies provided medical attention, and Trujillo was taken into custody. Trujillo was taken to the hospital and then transferred to a hospital in Colorado Springs, where he is currently in stable condition. The three deputies were unharmed, and have been placed on Administrative Leave during the investigation. Trujillo is facing several charges, including Criminal Attempt, murder in the first degree of a peace officer (F2), Assault in the first degree (F3), Vehicular Eluding (F5), Menacing (F5), and Possession of a Weapon by Previous Offender (F5). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. A north Georgia sheriff appears to have lost his bid for re-election days after the governor suspended him from office. Channel 2 Action News previously reported that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols in May on sexual battery and public indecency charges. Gov. Brian Kemp later suspended Nichols on June 14 after he issued an executive order to create a committee to investigate if the sheriff should be removed from office. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] But on election night, Rabun voters elected a new sheriff, based on preliminary ballot results. Nichols, the incumbent, ran against two other candidates, Mark Anthony Gerrells and Marty Talley. Based on the preliminary vote numbers, Gerrells won the office, which would oust Nichols, with 44.6% of the vote. Nichols and Talley received 37.52% and 17.08% of the vote respectively. Nichols lost by just over 300 votes, according to the preliminary tallies. TRENDING STORIES: The GBI arrested Nichols at the end of May, but did not release other information on what led to his arrest. Once the investigation into Nichols is complete, the case file will be handed over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Bullets are seen in a magazine holder during a gun rights and free speech protest near the state Capitol in Raleigh, N.C., in 2020. States have considered a variety of gun policies this year, with especially heated debate in swing states. (Photo by Gerry Broome/The Associated Press) Bullets are seen in a magazine holder during a gun rights and free speech protest near the state Capitol in Raleigh, N.C., in 2020. States have considered a variety of gun policies this year, with especially heated debate in swing states. (Photo by Gerry Broome/The Associated Press) Read more Stateline coverage of the 2024 election. States continued to diverge on gun policy this year, with especially intense debate in the swing states that will decide Novembers election. In Michigan, legislators are considering at least half a dozen gun bills that would create storage requirements and establish gun-free zones. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are still debating measures that would ban sales of untraceable guns and gun parts, prohibit bump stocks and make some procedural changes related to gun purchases. Meanwhile, Republican legislators in Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have sought to make it easier for people to procure guns and to carry them in more places. This past week offered reminders of the continuing salience of guns in American life. Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 2018 rule issued by the Trump administration that banned bump stocks, which are attachments that transform semiautomatic rifles into weapons that can shoot hundreds of rounds per minute. The administration issued the rule after a gunman used semiautomatic rifles equipped with a bump stock device to kill 60 people and injure more than 500 others at a Las Vegas music festival. And on Saturday, a gunman opened fire at a splash park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, injuring nine people including two children. The violence came three years after a student opened fire at Oxford High School in the same county, killing four people and injuring seven. Mass shootings that occur close to election seasons typically have a significant effect on the countrys perception of guns, according to experts. If there are any particularly horrendous shootings in the months to come, that has a way of pushing the issue back to the forefront of the agenda, Robert Spitzer, a gun policy expert who has written six books and over 100 articles on gun policy, told Stateline. Meanwhile, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and GOP candidates nationwide have made crime and public disorder main themes of their campaigns even though most crime measurements are trending downward. Gun policy has been a topic of debate for decades, but has become especially prominent as the number of gun-related deaths and mass shootings has grown almost every year since 2014, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit group that tracks gun violence in the United States. A Gallup poll from October 2023 found that the majority of U.S. adults, or 56%, support stricter gun laws, while 31% think they should remain as they are and 12% prefer less strict laws. Meanwhile, a Pew Research Center survey from June 2023 found that 60% of U.S. adults say gun violence is a major problem in this country. Other states including Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia also considered gun-related legislation this year. Electoral impact Voters who support gun rights are often highly mobilized and consistently turn out at the polls because of their strong personal connections to firearms, according to politics and gun policy experts. In contrast, voters who support gun safety measures are harder to mobilize because they are more likely to prioritize other issues, such as the economy or foreign policy. A small but highly motivated minority can often win the day politically over a large but fairly apathetic majority, said Spitzer, an emeritus professor of political science at the State University of New York at Cortland and an adjunct at the William & Mary Law School. Thats kind of the short version of how you explain whats been going on in gun politics in America. Extensive academic research and numerous studies can support either side of the gun policy debate. Politicians will use whatever data or studies that best support their platforms, according to political communications experts. For example, left-leaning Democratic politicians often cite studies suggesting a correlation between stricter gun policies and lower crime rates, according to Jacob Neiheisel, a political science professor at the University at Buffalo. But gun rights think tanks and organizations also produce research supporting their position, including the claim that crime rates drop when more people carry guns, Neiheisel added. A small but highly motivated minority can often win the day politically over a large but fairly apathetic majority. Thats kind of the short version of how you explain whats been going on in gun politics in America. Robert Spitzer, gun policy expert Experts stress that, regardless of party or position on gun policy, its important for people to understand how the data was collected and to be aware of potential biases. For example, politicians often rely on annual national crime and victimization data produced by the FBI, but these datasets measure crime differently a fact that is not always well understood by politicians or voters. This allows some politicians to lean on the sources that best support their arguments on gun policy, according to Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics. Its not that the data are wrong. Its not that the data lie. Its just that there are different data measuring different things, Piquero said. But if the average person doesnt know that or doesnt take the time to understand then they are an ill-educated voting populace. Campuses and polling places In Michigan, legislators are considering at least half a dozen gun bills, including measures that would establish firearm storage requirements and prohibit guns in certain state-owned buildings and within 100 feet of polling places, drop boxes, early voting sites and absentee ballot counting boards. Being that we dont want firearms at polls or counting boards is very reasonable and very much needed in the spirit of promoting democracy allowing people to cast their votes without fear of intimidation, said Democratic state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, one of the sponsors of the elections-related gun bills, in an interview with Stateline. Tsernoglou said she expects both bills to pass this session. While they have already cleared the House and Senate, the bills await another vote in the House before advancing further. The legislature adjourns in December. The Wisconsin state legislature, now adjourned, considered a handful of gun bills during its session. One bill sought to prohibit credit card companies from mandating specific merchant category codes for firearms retailers and prevent governmental entities from compiling lists of firearm owners based on background checks. This bill passed the legislature, but was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in March. Another proposed bill in Wisconsin sought to ban firearms in buildings or on the grounds of publicly or privately owned colleges and universities in the state. This bill did not advance in the legislature, but Democratic state Sen. Kelda Roys, the bills lead sponsor, plans to reintroduce it during the next legislative session. We have now a whole generation of young people that have grown up with this horrible specter of gun violence following them through their education, Roys said. In Georgia, a measure that bans firearm purchase tracking was signed into law in April and will go into effect in July. A proposed bill in Arizona would have allowed people with valid concealed carry permits to carry firearms on university and college campuses. Another Arizona bill under consideration would have prohibited local governments from restricting or banning gun shows within their respective jurisdictions. The Arizona legislature has adjourned, and neither bill advanced. State legislators in Pennsylvania are still considering at least six gun bills, all of which would further restrict gun purchases and ownership. Some of these bills would ban future sales of assault weapons, outlaw the purchase, sale and production of untraceable guns and gun parts, and reduce the time judges have to notify the state police about people with mental health records from a week to about four days for background checks. While some of these bills have failed in the House, the Pennsylvania legislature adjourns at the end of November, so there may be more activity closer to the upcoming election. Permitless carry State legislators in North Carolina may consider at least two gun-related bills this session, with sponsors planning to reintroduce and garner support for their proposals. One bill would make North Carolina the 30th state to allow permitless concealed carry or constitutional carry, meaning it would be legal to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The bills supporters point to FBI data in arguing for the measure. Crime rates go down when you have armed citizens. Theres no doubt about that. The FBI holds that up time and time again, said Republican state Rep. Keith Kidwell, one of the bills sponsors, in an interview with Stateline. The gun rights group Grass Roots North Carolina is pushing for the supermajority Republican legislature to pass the bill, arguing that there has been no increase in violent crime in any of the states that have adopted constitutional carry. In North Carolina, people are no longer required to apply for a pistol purchase permit from a sheriff, but they must still go through the sheriff for a concealed carry license. Grass Roots North Carolina would like to see the state enact a constitutional carry bill to remove this requirement. We are particularly interested in passing [the bill] to make sure that we can keep some of these urban sheriffs from obstructing people from carrying concealed firearms for self-protection, said Paul Valone, the groups president, in an interview with Stateline. The other bill would establish a so-called red flag law in North Carolina. At least 21 other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws, which typically allow a judge to take someones firearms away if they are deemed to be a harm to themselves or others. Many gun rights groups argue that red flag laws infringe on Second Amendment rights and the right to due process. I dont care which right it is, you dont take away peoples rights without the due process of law, Kidwell said, adding that he will work to prevent the bill from advancing. Democratic state Rep. Marcia Morey, a former judge and the bills lead sponsor, told Stateline in an interview that the bill includes specific protections to prevent any infringement on due process rights. Its just about keeping people safe, and the safety, I think, preempts any right to possess a gun, she said. Stateline originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, 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. Bullets are seen in a magazine holder during a gun rights and free speech protest near the state Capitol in Raleigh, N.C., in 2020. States have considered a variety of gun policies this year, with especially heated debate in swing states. Gerry Broome/The Associated Press States continued to diverge on gun policy this year, with especially intense debate in the swing states that will decide Novembers election. In Michigan, legislators are considering at least half a dozen gun bills that would create storage requirements and establish gun-free zones. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are still debating measures that would ban sales of untraceable guns and gun parts, prohibit bump stocks and make some procedural changes related to gun purchases. Meanwhile, Republican legislators in Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have sought to make it easier for people to procure guns and to carry them in more places. This past week offered reminders of the continuing salience of guns in American life. Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 2018 rule issued by the Trump administration that banned bump stocks, which are attachments that transform semiautomatic rifles into weapons that can shoot hundreds of rounds per minute. The administration issued the rule after a gunman used semiautomatic rifles equipped with a bump stock device to kill 60 people and injure more than 500 others at a Las Vegas music festival. And on Saturday, a gunman opened fire at a splash park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, injuring nine people including two children. The violence came three years after a student opened fire at Oxford High School in the same county, killing four people and injuring seven. Mass shootings that occur close to election seasons typically have a significant effect on the countrys perception of guns, according to experts. If there are any particularly horrendous shootings in the months to come, that has a way of pushing the issue back to the forefront of the agenda, Robert Spitzer, a gun policy expert who has written six books and over 100 articles on gun policy, told Stateline. Meanwhile, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and GOP candidates nationwide have made crime and public disorder main themes of their campaigns even though most crime measurements are trending downward. Gun policy has been a topic of debate for decades, but has become especially prominent as the number of gun-related deaths and mass shootings has grown almost every year since 2014, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit group that tracks gun violence in the United States. A Gallup poll from October 2023 found that the majority of U.S. adults, or 56%, support stricter gun laws, while 31% think they should remain as they are and 12% prefer less strict laws. Meanwhile, a Pew Research Center survey from June 2023 found that 60% of U.S. adults say gun violence is a major problem in this country. Other states including Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia also considered gun-related legislation this year. Electoral impact Voters who support gun rights are often highly mobilized and consistently turn out at the polls because of their strong personal connections to firearms, according to politics and gun policy experts. In contrast, voters who support gun safety measures are harder to mobilize because they are more likely to prioritize other issues, such as the economy or foreign policy. A small but highly motivated minority can often win the day politically over a large but fairly apathetic majority, said Spitzer, an emeritus professor of political science at the State University of New York at Cortland and an adjunct at the William & Mary Law School. Thats kind of the short version of how you explain whats been going on in gun politics in America. Extensive academic research and numerous studies can support either side of the gun policy debate. Politicians will use whatever data or studies that best support their platforms, according to political communications experts. For example, left-leaning Democratic politicians often cite studies suggesting a correlation between stricter gun policies and lower crime rates, according to Jacob Neiheisel, a political science professor at the University at Buffalo. But gun rights think tanks and organizations also produce research supporting their position, including the claim that crime rates drop when more people carry guns, Neiheisel added. Experts stress that, regardless of party or position on gun policy, its important for people to understand how the data was collected and to be aware of potential biases. For example, politicians often rely on annual national crime and victimization data produced by the FBI, but these datasets measure crime differently a fact that is not always well understood by politicians or voters. This allows some politicians to lean on the sources that best support their arguments on gun policy, according to Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics. Its not that the data are wrong. Its not that the data lie. Its just that there are different data measuring different things, Piquero said. But if the average person doesnt know that or doesnt take the time to understand then they are an ill-educated voting populace. Campuses and polling places In Michigan, legislators are considering at least half a dozen gun bills, including measures that would establish firearm storage requirements and prohibit guns in certain state-owned buildings and within 100 feet of polling places, drop boxes, early voting sites and absentee ballot counting boards. Being that we dont want firearms at polls or counting boards is very reasonable and very much needed in the spirit of promoting democracy allowing people to cast their votes without fear of intimidation, said Democratic state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, one of the sponsors of the elections-related gun bills, in an interview with Stateline. Tsernoglou said she expects both bills to pass this session. While they have already cleared the House and Senate, the bills await another vote in the House before advancing further. The legislature adjourns in December. The Wisconsin state legislature, now adjourned, considered a handful of gun bills during its session. One bill sought to prohibit credit card companies from mandating specific merchant category codes for firearms retailers and prevent governmental entities from compiling lists of firearm owners based on background checks. This bill passed the legislature, but was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in March. Another proposed bill in Wisconsin sought to ban firearms in buildings or on the grounds of publicly or privately owned colleges and universities in the state. This bill did not advance in the legislature, but Democratic state Sen. Kelda Roys, the bills lead sponsor, plans to reintroduce it during the next legislative session. We have now a whole generation of young people that have grown up with this horrible specter of gun violence following them through their education, Roys said. In Georgia, a measure that bans firearm purchase tracking was signed into law in April and will go into effect in July. A proposed bill in Arizona would have allowed people with valid concealed carry permits to carry firearms on university and college campuses. Another Arizona bill under consideration would have prohibited local governments from restricting or banning gun shows within their respective jurisdictions. The Arizona legislature has adjourned, and neither bill advanced. State legislators in Pennsylvania are still considering at least six gun bills, all of which would further restrict gun purchases and ownership. Some of these bills would ban future sales of assault weapons, outlaw the purchase, sale and production of untraceable guns and gun parts, and reduce the time judges have to notify the state police about people with mental health records from a week to about four days for background checks. While some of these bills have failed in the House, the Pennsylvania legislature adjourns at the end of November, so there may be more activity closer to the upcoming election. Permitless carry State legislators in North Carolina may consider at least two gun-related bills this session, with sponsors planning to reintroduce and garner support for their proposals. One bill would make North Carolina the 30th state to allow permitless concealed carry or constitutional carry, meaning it would be legal to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The bills supporters point to FBI data in arguing for the measure. Crime rates go down when you have armed citizens. Theres no doubt about that. The FBI holds that up time and time again, said Republican state Rep. Keith Kidwell, one of the bills sponsors, in an interview with Stateline. The gun rights group Grass Roots North Carolina is pushing for the supermajority Republican legislature to pass the bill, arguing that there has been no increase in violent crime in any of the states that have adopted constitutional carry. In North Carolina, people are no longer required to apply for a pistol purchase permit from a sheriff, but they must still go through the sheriff for a concealed carry license. Grass Roots North Carolina would like to see the state enact a constitutional carry bill to remove this requirement. We are particularly interested in passing [the bill] to make sure that we can keep some of these urban sheriffs from obstructing people from carrying concealed firearms for self-protection, said Paul Valone, the groups president, in an interview with Stateline. The other bill would establish a so-called red flag law in North Carolina. At least 21 other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws, which typically allow a judge to take someones firearms away if they are deemed to be a harm to themselves or others. Many gun rights groups argue that red flag laws infringe on Second Amendment rights and the right to due process. I dont care which right it is, you dont take away peoples rights without the due process of law, Kidwell said, adding that he will work to prevent the bill from advancing. Democratic state Rep. Marcia Morey, a former judge and the bills lead sponsor, told Stateline in an interview that the bill includes specific protections to prevent any infringement on due process rights. Its just about keeping people safe, and the safety, I think, preempts any right to possess a gun, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Bullets are seen in a magazine holder during a gun rights and free speech protest near the state Capitol in Raleigh, N.C., in 2020. States have considered a variety of gun policies this year, with especially heated debate in swing states. (Gerry Broome/The Associated Press) States continued to diverge on gun policy this year, with especially intense debate in the swing states that will decide Novembers election. In Michigan, legislators are considering at least half a dozen gun bills that would create storage requirements and establish gun-free zones. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are still debating measures that would ban sales of untraceable guns and gun parts, prohibit bump stocks and make some procedural changes related to gun purchases. Meanwhile, Republican legislators in Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have sought to make it easier for people to procure guns and to carry them in more places. This past week offered reminders of the continuing salience of guns in American life. Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 2018 rule issued by the Trump administration that banned bump stocks, which are attachments that transform semiautomatic rifles into weapons that can shoot hundreds of rounds per minute. The administration issued the rule after a gunman used semiautomatic rifles equipped with a bump stock device to kill 60 people and injure more than 500 others at a Las Vegas music festival. And on Saturday, a gunman opened fire at a splash park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, injuring nine people including two children. The violence came three years after a student opened fire at Oxford High School in the same county, killing four people and injuring seven. Mass shootings that occur close to election seasons typically have a significant effect on the countrys perception of guns, according to experts. If there are any particularly horrendous shootings in the months to come, that has a way of pushing the issue back to the forefront of the agenda, Robert Spitzer, a gun policy expert who has written six books and over 100 articles on gun policy, told Stateline. Meanwhile, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and GOP candidates nationwide have made crime and public disorder main themes of their campaigns even though most crime measurements are trending downward. Gun policy has been a topic of debate for decades, but has become especially prominent as the number of gun-related deaths and mass shootings has grown almost every year since 2014, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit group that tracks gun violence in the United States. A Gallup poll from October 2023 found that the majority of U.S. adults, or 56%, support stricter gun laws, while 31% think they should remain as they are and 12% prefer less strict laws. Meanwhile, a Pew Research Center survey from June 2023 found that 60% of U.S. adults say gun violence is a major problem in this country. Other states including Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia also considered gun-related legislation this year. Electoral impact Voters who support gun rights are often highly mobilized and consistently turn out at the polls because of their strong personal connections to firearms, according to politics and gun policy experts. In contrast, voters who support gun safety measures are harder to mobilize because they are more likely to prioritize other issues, such as the economy or foreign policy. A small but highly motivated minority can often win the day politically over a large but fairly apathetic majority, said Spitzer, an emeritus professor of political science at the State University of New York at Cortland and an adjunct at the William & Mary Law School. Thats kind of the short version of how you explain whats been going on in gun politics in America. Extensive academic research and numerous studies can support either side of the gun policy debate. Politicians will use whatever data or studies that best support their platforms, according to political communications experts. For example, left-leaning Democratic politicians often cite studies suggesting a correlation between stricter gun policies and lower crime rates, according to Jacob Neiheisel, a political science professor at the University at Buffalo. But gun rights think tanks and organizations also produce research supporting their position, including the claim that crime rates drop when more people carry guns, Neiheisel added. A small but highly motivated minority can often win the day politically over a large but fairly apathetic majority. Thats kind of the short version of how you explain whats been going on in gun politics in America. Robert Spitzer, gun policy expert Experts stress that, regardless of party or position on gun policy, its important for people to understand how the data was collected and to be aware of potential biases. For example, politicians often rely on annual national crime and victimization data produced by the FBI, but these datasets measure crime differently a fact that is not always well understood by politicians or voters. This allows some politicians to lean on the sources that best support their arguments on gun policy, according to Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics. Its not that the data are wrong. Its not that the data lie. Its just that there are different data measuring different things, Piquero said. But if the average person doesnt know that or doesnt take the time to understand then they are an ill-educated voting populace. Campuses and polling places In Michigan, legislators are considering at least half a dozen gun bills, including measures that would establish firearm storage requirements and prohibit guns in certain state-owned buildings and within 100 feet of polling places, drop boxes, early voting sites and absentee ballot counting boards. Being that we dont want firearms at polls or counting boards is very reasonable and very much needed in the spirit of promoting democracy allowing people to cast their votes without fear of intimidation, said Democratic state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, one of the sponsors of the elections-related gun bills, in an interview with Stateline. Tsernoglou said she expects both bills to pass this session. While they have already cleared the House and Senate, the bills await another vote in the House before advancing further. The legislature adjourns in December. 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 X. The Wisconsin state legislature, now adjourned, considered a handful of gun bills during its session. One bill sought to prohibit credit card companies from mandating specific merchant category codes for firearms retailers and prevent governmental entities from compiling lists of firearm owners based on background checks. This bill passed the legislature, but was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in March. Another proposed bill in Wisconsin sought to ban firearms in buildings or on the grounds of publicly or privately owned colleges and universities in the state. This bill did not advance in the legislature, but Democratic state Sen. Kelda Roys, the bills lead sponsor, plans to reintroduce it during the next legislative session. We have now a whole generation of young people that have grown up with this horrible specter of gun violence following them through their education, Roys said. In Georgia, a measure that bans firearm purchase tracking was signed into law in April and will go into effect in July. A proposed bill in Arizona would have allowed people with valid concealed carry permits to carry firearms on university and college campuses. Another Arizona bill under consideration would have prohibited local governments from restricting or banning gun shows within their respective jurisdictions. The Arizona legislature has adjourned, and neither bill advanced. State legislators in Pennsylvania are still considering at least six gun bills, all of which would further restrict gun purchases and ownership. Some of these bills would ban future sales of assault weapons, outlaw the purchase, sale and production of untraceable guns and gun parts, and reduce the time judges have to notify the state police about people with mental health records from a week to about four days for background checks. While some of these bills have failed in the House, the Pennsylvania legislature adjourns at the end of November, so there may be more activity closer to the upcoming election. Permitless carry State legislators in North Carolina may consider at least two gun-related bills this session, with sponsors planning to reintroduce and garner support for their proposals. One bill would make North Carolina the 30th state to allow permitless concealed carry or constitutional carry, meaning it would be legal to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The bills supporters point to FBI data in arguing for the measure. Crime rates go down when you have armed citizens. Theres no doubt about that. The FBI holds that up time and time again, said Republican state Rep. Keith Kidwell, one of the bills sponsors, in an interview with Stateline. The gun rights group Grass Roots North Carolina is pushing for the supermajority Republican legislature to pass the bill, arguing that there has been no increase in violent crime in any of the states that have adopted constitutional carry. In North Carolina, people are no longer required to apply for a pistol purchase permit from a sheriff, but they must still go through the sheriff for a concealed carry license. Grass Roots North Carolina would like to see the state enact a constitutional carry bill to remove this requirement. We are particularly interested in passing [the bill] to make sure that we can keep some of these urban sheriffs from obstructing people from carrying concealed firearms for self-protection, said Paul Valone, the groups president, in an interview with Stateline. The other bill would establish a so-called red flag law in North Carolina. At least 21 other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws, which typically allow a judge to take someones firearms away if they are deemed to be a harm to themselves or others. Many gun rights groups argue that red flag laws infringe on Second Amendment rights and the right to due process. I dont care which right it is, you dont take away peoples rights without the due process of law, Kidwell said, adding that he will work to prevent the bill from advancing. Democratic state Rep. Marcia Morey, a former judge and the bills lead sponsor, told Stateline in an interview that the bill includes specific protections to prevent any infringement on due process rights. Its just about keeping people safe, and the safety, I think, preempts any right to possess a gun, she said. The post Swing-state legislatures diverge on election-year gun measures appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle. The city of Tampas housing director is resigning, the Tampa Bay Times has confirmed, the latest senior economic development official saying goodbye to Mayor Jane Castor a little more than a year into her second term. The high-level departures have dealt a setback to a city gripped by steep rents and property prices. Kayon Henderson has spent more than a decade at the city, climbing the ranks to become a central architect of the mayors response to an affordable housing crisis sweeping Tampa and much of the country. Henderson was promoted to the director of housing in May of last year, according to her LinkedIn profile. This was not an easy decision, as the past eleven plus years have been extremely challenging and rewarding for me, both personally and professionally, Henderson wrote in her resignation letter, obtained by the Times. She added that she enjoyed her time with the city and resigned with overwhelming gratitude. Her last day is Aug. 23. Both she and Castor declined to comment on the reason for Hendersons departure via city spokesperson Adam Smith. Hendersons exit is the latest in a slew of departures that have hollowed out senior leadership in areas of Castors administration where the city faces some of its most pressing concerns. In April, the mayors top staffer overseeing economic development, Nicole Travis, announced she would be leaving July 1. Less than two months later, the deputy administrator for development and economic opportunity, Alis Drumgo, handed in his resignation. Days later, the director of the citys community redevelopment agency, Erica Moody, announced she would be leaving this summer, too. Kayon is a tremendous public servant who worked tirelessly to address our affordable housing challenges and made a real difference to thousands of Tampa residents in need, the mayor said in a written statement to the Times relayed through a city spokesperson. I am so grateful for her service and her positive impact. In a statement, Henderson said: I appreciate the trust and support I received from the mayor and city council that helped us accomplish so much. CT Harris, the citys small business navigator, has also resigned, she confirmed to the Times though she stressed she was not part of a mass exodus, and was motivated to pursue opportunities beyond City Hall and grassroots community organizing. Her last day is June 28. Henderson joined the city of Tampa in 2013, helping grant money recipients remain in compliance with funding source regulations and their agreements with the city. From there, she moved on to roles shaping policies and procedures for the citys housing programs. She led the effort to develop Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS in Tampa, a federally funded program that provides housing assistance and support services to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Kayon is truly making a difference each and every day, the mayor said in a city statement announcing Hendersons promotion to manager of Housing and Community Development in December 2021, a position shed already been holding in an interim capacity. We are proud to see her take the reins of one of the most important divisions within city government and are eager to see it flourish under her leadership. Originally from Jamaica, Henderson is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She also serves on the board of the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative, the federally funded agency through which Hillsborough County coordinates its efforts to reduce homelessness. I truly feel it is my calling to assist those who are unable to sufficiently help themselves, Henderson said a few years ago. Rather than a career, this is a calling for me. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. LORANGER, La. (WGNO) A Tangipahoa Parish Grand Jury convened on Thursday, June 20, to consider charges in the Brunett abduction and murder case. The community will also be mourning Callie Brunett and her 3-year-old daughter, Erin, as their funerals are held. The case began last week when Callie was found dead inside her mobile home on Thursday, June 13. Her father found her after she had been reported missing for 24 hours. She was last heard from the previous Tuesday. An Amber Alert was issued for her two daughters, 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin. Tip line created for information on Brunett case Later that Thursday, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office reported that 36-year-old Daniel Callihan was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi in connection to the case. Additionally, it was announced that Erin had been found dead in a wooded area. Jalie was found alive and taken to a Jackson hospital. Nexstar Medias WJTV News reported that Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said possible evidence of human trafficking, including small animal cages, was discovered at the scene. Rising tide from Tropical Storm Alberto causes flooding on Louisiana roadways Wade also told WJTV News that Victoria Cox, 32, is an acquaintance of Callihan, who was also arrested Thursday in Jackson as an accomplice in the case. In Mississippi, Callihan and Cox are facing charges of capital murder and sexual battery. Additionally, a federal court hearing has been set for Callihan. 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin Brunett (Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office) 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin Brunett (Courtesy: Louisiana State Police) Tangipahoa Parish district attorney announces indictment in Brunett case (WGNO/Ashley Hamilton) Daniel Wayne Callihan (Courtesy: Rankin County Sheriffs Office) Daniel Callihans camper (WGNO/Ashley Hamilton) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said the grand jury convened at 9 a.m. He addressed the media after, announcing Callihan and Coxs indictments. In Louisiana, Callihan has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child and second-degree kidnapping. Woman indicted in case of 2023 Slidell fatal shooting Cox was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping of a child, second-degree kidnapping and accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Perrilloux said he wants to be the first to prosecute them. If we are done and it wants to be done in other places, that is of course at their discretion. It involves local people, and I feel strongly this community deserves to ultimately have a right to resolve and decide here, said Perrilloux. Based on the charges, if convicted Callihan and Cox could spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Second-degree kidnapping, one of those elements is when a victim is physically or sexually abused. We feel we do not have jurisdiction over the events that happened in Mississippi, but we do feel this allows us to at least bring that in as an element to the charges we have here, said Tangipahoa Parish Assistant District Attorney Matthew Belster. When asked about the death penalty, Perrilloux said, I would just like the opportunity to have more of a discussion with the family about this. That particular issue, the death penalty. Again, its not all about me. I want to talk to the family. As for Callihans off the cuff confession after his arrest in Mississippi, it obviously helps prosecutors, but justice for the family may take some time. We would like it to move as quickly as we can but there is going to be a lot of work involved in this. Particularly if its a capitol case, that makes it more prolonged and protracted with pre-trial discovery and various other issues, said Perrilloux. Both suspects are still detained in Mississippi. Callihan is scheduled for a hearing Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Jackson. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux announces indictments: Services for Callie and Erin will be held Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond. Their funerals will be held at 1:30 p.m. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. KYODO NEWS - Jun 20, 2024 - 13:50 | World, All Pakistani authorities said Wednesday they have called off their search for one of two Japanese climbers who went missing a week ago on Spantik Peak in the north of the country, after earlier finding the body of the other climber. Officials said no sign had been found of Atsushi Taguchi, 36, despite an extensive search, and that he could have been hit by an avalanche. The authorities have identified the climber whose body was recovered Saturday as Ryuseki Hiraoka, 55. The Japanese embassy in Islamabad has confirmed the body was of one of the two climbers but did not identify him except to say he was a man in his 50s. The two Japanese were believed to have been attempting to scale the 7,027-meter peak without porters. Hiraoka was a mountain guide who had climbed Mt. Everest several times, according to his own website. Related coverage: Body recovered in Pakistan believed to be missing Japanese climber EU ambassadors have agreed for the first time ever to impose sanctions on Russia's gas industry, in a move that could deprive the Kremlin of hundreds of millions of dollars, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union announced on June 20. "This hard-hitting package will further deny Russia access to key technologies," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. "It will strip Russia of further energy revenues. And tackle Putins shadow fleet and shadow banking network abroad." The new measures include a ban on transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a plan to hold EU operators liable for violations of sanctions by their subsidiaries and partners in third countries. The unprecedented move comes after weeks of debate among the 27 EU member states, with opposition coming from Hungary and Germany. While resistance from the former was expected given Budapest's consistent opposition to sanctions against Russia, Berlin's was more controversial. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was forced to defend his country against accusations it was "the new Hungary." "Yes, that's a great line, but it's complete nonsense," he said earlier this month, insisting opposition to the new sanctions was about making sure small businesses would not be harmed by the measures. Despite Brussels' target to be free of Russian fossil fuels by 2027, several EU members remain heavily reliant on Russian gas, and imports of LNG from Russia reached record highs last year. In mid-April, the European Parliament voted to pass rules allowing member states to ban imports of Russian LNG as part of Brussels' strategy to reduce the bloc's energy dependency on Moscow. The EU has adopted 13 sanction packages in February in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, aiming to undermine Moscow's economic output and the ability to sustain the war. Read also: How Mark Rutte became NATO Secretary General and what it means for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Proposed new vaping rules could block hundreds of e-cigarette products from being sold in North Carolina. The state Senate Judiciary Committee backed legislation on Wednesday to create a vaping registry that allows only federally authorized vaping products to be sold in North Carolina. Most vaping products on the shelves have not been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sen. Michael Lee, a New Hanover County Republican, said the legislation is needed to protect people from the dangers of vaping use. This amendment is not perfect, Lee told the committee. There are other things we can do. I wish that we had worked on something even sooner than where we are today. Vaping industry representatives warned lawmakers that the bill will cost people jobs and money. Youre affecting hundreds of businesses that are owned and operated out of the state of North Carolina, and youre affecting thousands of jobs, said Joe Palmer of Lincolnton, who told the committee he was speaking on behalf of 40 families affected by the vaping changes. The vaping language was tacked on to an existing bill that allows the Wake County school systems two leadership academies to retain their state designation as early college high schools. Wake is ending its relationship with St. Augustines University to find a new college partner for the schools. The bill goes to the Senate Rules Committee. Vaping epidemic E-cigarettes are electronic devices that use a liquid laced with nicotine, producing a vapor which users inhale. Their popularity caused the FDA to declare an epidemic of underage vaping among young people. From 2018 to 2019, use of e-cigarettes rose 78% among high schoolers and 48% among middle schoolers, according to the N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey. Its become such an issue that a number of schools have installed vape detectors. The mens bathroom at Morehead High School, pictured on April 15, 2024, is one of several student restrooms at the Eden school equipped with vape detectors. The state and multiple North Carolina school districts have successfully joined federal class-action lawsuits against e-cigarette makers, like Juul. North Carolina won $47.8 million in a settlement with Juul. North Carolina was the first state to challenge and force change in how Juul targets teens with its marketing. Bill creates vaping directory Under the legislation, manufacturers would need to be certified by the state Department of Revenue to have products put on a directory of eligible vaping products. Certification requirements would include having submitted an accepted application for vape products to the FDA by Sept. 9, 2020. Every retailer has the opportunity to go on the directory to see if what theyre selling has been approved, to see if what theyre selling has gone through the FDA process or whether its a black market type of product, which I suspect this would be considered, Lee said. Those retailers will have a period after this directory is out to sell out their inventory or return it to the manufacturer. Retailers who sell prohibited products, as well as manufacturers, would face hefty penalties, Lee said, to protect the kids and to protect others. Vaping industry warns of lost jobs, revenue Vaping industry representatives unsuccessfully lobbied Wednesday for an amendment to allow for products whose applications were submitted to the FDA in 2022. Kevin Wilkinson, a lobbyist for the Vaping Technology Association, said the bill would cause 2,095 vaping jobs to disappear. He said it would lead to a loss of $447.4 million to the state economy and a loss of $105 million in state and local tax revenue. Ches McDowell told the committee he was representing 1,700 Asian-American owned convenience stories in North Carolina. McDowell said the bill would take away a profitable item for families trying to build on the American dream. What this bill does will take hundreds of products off the shelf that these folks make money on and rely on to feed their families, McDowell said. We ask you to take a harder look at this and what this does to our community. Under the Dome Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here. TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A local man who was wanted by the Taylor County Sheriffs Office (TCSO) and considered to be armed and dangerous was arrested Thursday morning in Haskell. According to a press release from TCSO, officers were called out to a disturbance in Lawn last Friday, but upon their arrival, the suspect had driven away. However, they were able to identify the suspect as JD James Prickett at that time. TCSO: James JD Dee Prickett (MAY 2024) TCSO said Prickett fled the scene at speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour. After some time, authorities canceled their pursuit due to safety precautions. A warrant for Pricketts arrest was issued for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. A bond in that warrant was set at $100,000. TCSO warned the public that James Prickett, also known as JD, was considered to be armed and dangerous. He was arrested, shortly after the wanted alert was posted, in Haskell. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Team of power engineers come under fire in Donetsk Oblast, one technician injured A brigade of power engineers came under fire from Russian forces during repair works in Donetsk Oblast. Source: press service of Ukraines Ministry of Energy Quote: "In Donetsk Oblast, while performing work on one of the power lines, a team of engineers came under fire," the report said. One of the power engineers, a 33-year-old technician, sustained injuries. According to the press office, he was transferred to Kostiantynivka Hospital, where medics provided him with the required aid. Background: During the most recent attacks in Ukraine on 20 June, seven people were injured at two energy facilities. On the night of 19-20 June, Russian forces targeted a thermal power facility owned by DTEK, the largest private energy company in Ukraine, injuring three power engineers and severely damaging station equipment. Earlier, Ukrenergo, a Ukrainian national power company, reported that the Russian attack destroyed civilian energy infrastructure facilities in four oblasts of Ukraine: Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Kyiv. Support UP or become our patron! The Department of Energy is unlikely to meet a deadline set by a federal court for the next step to prepare the Hanford sites vitrification plant to treat radioactive waste for disposal. On Thursday DOE notified the Washington state Department of Ecology that it was at risk of not meeting the Aug. 1 deadline to start cold commissioning of the plant, a test of vitrification using nonradioactive chemicals to simulate waste before radioactive waste is introduced into the plant. DOE is asking the Department of Ecology to agree to a four-month extension to Nov. 29 of this year. The process for commissioning this first-in-kind facility is comprehensive and dynamic, said DOE Hanford Manager Brian Vance in a message to Hanford employees Thursday. Inside the Hanford vitrification plants Low Activity Waste Facility. He said the delay was a caused by relatively minor equipment issues that DOE wants to fix before introducing chemicals to simulate radioactive waste into the vitrification plants Low Activity Waste Facility. DOE remains committed to starting treating radioactive waste by the federal court consent decree deadline of August 2025, Vance said, despite the shortened time proposed between the start of cold commissioning and introducing radioactive waste into the plant for hot commissioning. DOE broke ground 22 years ago on the vitrification plant at the Hanford nuclear reservation to turn much of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and hazardous chemical waste stored in underground tanks into a stable glass form for disposal. The waste is left from chemically processing uranium fuel irradiated at the Hanford site adjacent to Richland in Eastern Washington to produce nearly two-thirds of the plutonium for the nations nuclear weapons program from World War II through the Cold War. Workers at the Hanford site vitrification plant add frit, or glass beads, to the first melter inside the Low-Activity Waste Facility as preparations are made to glassify radioactive waste. The current plan is to begin treating some of the least radioactive tank waste next year as DOE continues to work toward meeting a consent decree deadline to also start treating high level radioactive waste in the tanks by 2033. The 2010 consent decree resulted from a Department of Ecology lawsuit over legal deadlines that DOE had missed or was near certain to miss. The consent decree deadlines originally called for cold commissioning to treat both low activity radioactive waste and high level radioactive waste to begin in 2018. Consent decree deadlines have been extended several times over the last 14 years, including to allow DOE more time due to work delays caused by the COVID pandemic. The Department of Ecology said Thursday morning that it was reviewing the notification from DOE, which also was sent to Oregon. If the Department of Ecology agrees to the extension, the federal court must then sign off on the change. Technical issue at Hanford plant DOE told the Department of Ecology in its notification Thursday that it has had technical issues with the glass former system at the vitrification plants Low Activity Waste Facility. Glass forming materials are planned to be mixed with waste and then heated to fill canisters with a molten glass mixture. After cooling, the radioactive waste will be immobilized and ready for disposal. Environmental cleanup is underway at the 580-square-mile Hanford nuclear reservation. The underground radioactive waste storage tanks and the vitrification plant are in the center of the site. The glass forming material is trucked to 12 vertical tanks outdoors at the vitrification plant in central Hanford. From there horizontal pipes with a screw conveyor are used to move the solid glass forming material into vessels inside the plant before the glass forming material and waste or waste simulant are added to melters. There have been problems with clogging as the system has been used so far to move 40,000 pounds of glass forming material into the plant. The issue with the glass forming system is the main reason DOE has asked for a deadline extension, but it also has some other issues it is addressing at the vitrification plant that might interfere with the Aug. 1 deadline to start cold commissioning. Other issues are with the thermal catalytic oxidizer, the steam plant Morrison tubes and the overall reliability of the mechanical handling system, DOE told the Department of Ecology. The delay comes as DOE and its vitrification plant contractor Bechtel National have been making progress on preparing to treat waste at the vitrification plant. Workers unload a tanker truck carrying sodium hydroxide, a simulant for tank waste, at the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant. The chemical will be used to test treatment processes before radioactive waste is used. The Low Activity Waste Facility has both its melters operating, and both have successfully melted glass and filled containers with glass. The first shipment of 10,000 gallons of the simulated waste, which is liquid sodium hydroxide, has been delivered to the vitrification plant for the start of cold commissioning after technical issues with the glass forming system are resolved. DOE initially talked to the Department of Ecology in April about technical challenges to start cold commissioning, but at that time it was uncertain about a possible schedule delay. Federal and state officials met again earlier this week before DOE submitted its request for a deadline extension. DOE said that the commissioning process for the complex waste treatment plant is being done methodically for good reason. It is responsible for the safety of plant workers and for protecting the plant as a valuable federal asset, it said. It has overcome other technical issues as it has worked to commission the plant, including overheating in the power supply system for the melter heaters and a melter cooling panel leak. With less than five months before Election Day, incumbent Ted Cruz leads Democratic challenger Colin Allred by 11 percentage points in the states U.S. Senate race, according to the latest University of Texas/ Texas Politics Project Poll. Cruz, a Republican who is vying for a third term, was favored by 45% of the surveys respondents compared to Allreds 34%. Six percent of voters said they would prefer someone other than Cruz and Allred and 14% said they hadnt thought about it enough to have an opinion. Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, said Allred, a three-term Dallas congressman, has yet to make an impression on a lot of people. Part of the upshot of that is having gone through such a relatively easy primary, he added. His lack of recognition at this point is in part a product of the success of his primary strategy which was to ignore his opponent. But the lack of newsworthy in a primary I think hurt him. Allred won a crowded Democratic primary outright in March, besting the second-place challenger state Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio. Thirty-four percent of voters had a favorable opinion of Allred compared to 24% who had an unfavorable view. But another 24% had neither an unfavorable or favorable view of him and 17% didnt know or had no opinion. Cruz for his part is well-known by voters, for better or worse. Forty-six percent of voters had a favorable view of him while 42% disapproved of the job he was doing. Only 8% did not approve or disapprove and 3% did not know. Importantly, Henson said, Cruz was still holding his grip on GOP voters with 79% of Republicans approving of him and only 11% disapproving. Hes still hanging on to the Republican base, Henson said. Henson also said the numbers might reflect an attempt by Cruzs camp in the last year to highlight his bipartisan work in the Senate. Theres been a handful of stories about him getting involved in some bipartisan efforts in the last couple of years. Its hard not to think of that as deliberate, Henson added. To the extent we see some sign that his image is softening with the electorate, that strategy was correct or has been helpful. The online survey of 1,200 registered voters was conducted between May 31 and June 9 and has a margin of error of 2.83%. Voters were also asked whether former President Donald Trumps convictions in his hush money trial in New York last month made them more or less likely to vote for him. Thirty-six percent of voters said they were more likely to vote for Trump after the convictions, with 27% of those saying the convictions made them much more likely to do so. Henson cautioned against reading too much into these numbers. A big chunk of that is just more social expression than something that's shaking up the race in any way, he said. [These voters] were pretty likely to vote for him anyway. More than half of respondents said the convictions made them less likely or much less likely to vote for him. The poll also captured the sentiment of voters after a contentious GOP primary season in Texas in which Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton became unusually involved in House races, including in Paxtons case, targeting Phelan in his primary and endorsing his opponent. Abbott, who vowed to replace Republican incumbents who voted against his school vouchers proposal, remained the most favorable politician in the state with 50% approval and 39% disapproval. The governors numbers remain very strong here and I think we shouldn't be particularly surprised by that, Henson said. Gov. Abbott is very attentive to politics and he does a good job of knowing particularly what his base constituency wants. Meanwhile, Phelan, who was largely targeted for his support of Paxtons impeachment and for failing to get vouchers passed in the House, saw some of the lowest approval rating among Texas leaders. Only 24% of voters approved of his job performance while 30% disapproved. Voters views of Paxton have stabilized after the embattled attorney general saw a spike in support among the Republican base last year after being impeached by the House. He was acquitted by the Senate in the fall. Thirty-six percent of voters approved of Paxtons job performance, while 38% disapproved. Its fair to say he's a bit diminished but he's far from hamstrung, Hensons said. His popularity is not what it used to be among Republicans. He's lost some ground but he's not lost his footing. Border security and immigration remained the most important issue in Texas with 36% of voters saying those two issues were the most important. Last year, Texas Republicans passed a legally dubious law creating a state penalty for illegally entering the country as a way to address the record numbers of migrants entering the countrys southern border. Voters also continued to be skeptical of the states electric grid with 51% saying a widespread failure of the grid is likely. Eighty-four percent of voters said they expected to be asked to conserve electricity during the summer and 63% said it was likely the state would experience rolling blackouts. Henson said the survey was conducted at the same time that the states energy officials were warning people that they may need to conserve energy during the summer, which accounted for some of the responses. But, he said, since the major grid failure in the state in 2021 when millions were left without power for days, Texans have become much more skeptical of the grids resilience. People's confidence was shaken and it's not recovered, he said. I think that's where those expectations that there might be a widespread failure comes from. The Texas Tribune answering reader questions about 2024 elections. To share your question or feedback with us, you can fill out this form. Just in: Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming; U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania; and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today! The number of vapers using high-strength products has risen tenfold in just three years, a new study has revealed. Researchers from University College London (UCL) found that there had been a significant increase in the proportion of vapers using e-cigarettes containing the maximum legal amount of nicotine. The study of almost 8,000 vapers revealed that the proportion using high-strength vapes had risen from 3.8 per cent on average between July 2016 and June 2021, to 33 per cent in January 2024. Disposable vapes are often sold in nicotine strengths of 0mg, 10mg and 20mg/ml, which is the highest legally available, while reusable vapes allow people to buy a wider range of lower strengths. The increase was most pronounced among those using disposable vapes and young adults aged 18 to 24, the experts said. More than half of the young adults 53.1 per cent were using a high-strength vape, compared with 3.9 per cent before a surge in the availability of disposable vapes. The researchers said the trend had coincided with a rise in disposable and single-use vapes being sold on the high street since 2021, including from corner shops and dedicated vape shops. The legal limit for nicotine in an e-cigarette is 20mg/ml, but government-commissioned reports have found products being sold across Britain exceeding this. Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, had planned to clamp down on the sale of vapes as part of landmark legislation to ban smoking for future generations, but the law was not passed in time because of the general election. Unintended consequences While the Tories and Labour have committed to pushing the proposals through Parliament should they win the election on July 4, the Liberal Democrats have said such bans are not liberal. The new laws could also result in a tax introduced on vapes to discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit. However, the doctors behind the study warned that taxing the products may have unintended consequences, including hampering the chances of smokers quitting. They warned that a duty on higher-strength vapes could discourage smokers from swapping cigarettes for vapes, because they may not adequately help them withdraw, or prompt them to use lower-strength vapes that undermine quitting and perpetuate smoking. Dr Sarah Jackson, the lead author from the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, said: Our study shows a sharp increase in the use of high-strength nicotine e-liquids in England since 2021. Nicotine may be addictive but it is not what causes the great majority of harms from smoking, she said. For smokers trying to quit, vaping with higher-strength nicotine is likely to be more effective, as it satisfies cravings more quickly and provides better relief from withdrawal symptoms. She said increasing tax rates for higher-strength products would make it less affordable to quit. Of smokers who had quit within the last year and were vaping, we found that around 40 per cent reported using those products which would attract the highest proposed tax rate, she said. The study found that there were also large jumps in the number of current smokers and recent former smokers using high-nicotine vapes, but this was not seen among ex-smokers who had successfully quit some time ago. The researchers also note that the proposed vaping tax could prevent young adults from vaping, or reduce the chance they become regular users. Dr Sharon Cox, senior author from UCL, warned that taxing high-strength products would likely result in increased use of lower-strength products, increasing the risk of exposure to chemicals being inhaled that could cause damage. Taxing products according to nicotine strength may also result in people using a lower, cheaper strength and vaping more, as a person with nicotine dependence will alter their behaviour to get the required nicotine dose in their system, she said. It therefore may increase the amount of liquid used and vapers exposure to potential toxicants. The dangers of vaping are still being investigated, but studies have already established links to heart failure, mental health issues among teenagers, and exposure to harmful metals such as lead and uranium. Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health and a co-author of the study, said: Curbing underage vaping can best be achieved by making all vapes less appealing and increasing the price at point of sale, whatever their nicotine content. Those are the policies which will be most effective in stopping children from starting to vape in the first place. However, if we are to also ensure that vapes remain an effective quitting tool for adults, smokers should not be discouraged from using higher-nicotine content vapes, which are likely to be more effective quitting aids. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is working hard to help restore the monarch butterflys habitat and food source during National Pollinator Week, and they need Tennesseans help. TDOT has 350,000 milkweed seed packets ready to give away as a part of Project Milkweed. The monarch butterflys population has dropped by 90% since the early 1990s. That decrease is partly thanks to climate change, the use of pesticides, and habitat destruction. Mainly, it has to do with the loss of the milkweed plant, which is the butterflys only host plant. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts They are definitely critically threatened. They have not been listed as endangered yet, but they are trending that way just because populations are declining, Mike McClanahan, transportation manager for TDOTs Highway Beautification Office, said. The monarch butterfly is vital to Tennessees agriculture. McClanahan told News 2 that around one third of the crops that Tennesseans consume daily grow in part thanks to pollinators like the monarch butterfly. If we dont have those pollinator species around to take pollen from one plant to another, they dont mature, they dont bear fruit, so theyre critically important in that way, McClanahan said. In an effort to rebuild the monarch butterflys habitat and ultimately the population, TDOT launched Project Milkweed in 2023. The department received an overwhelming response and ultimately gave away nearly 800,000 milkweed seed packets across 130,000 individual orders. In addition to the recent launch of Project Milkweed, TDOT crews have been planting pollinator-friendly flowers and other plants along public rights of way and roadsides for years to help boost pollinator populations, according to McClanahan. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com We tried to create little weigh stops for them to find milkweed, to lay their eggs on, hatch their caterpillars, and then grow into butterflies around these milkweed plants, and then continue on their way, McClanahan said. To place an order for free milkweed seed packets through Project Milkweed, click here. In addition, TDOT is encouraging those who participated in Project Milkweed last year post photos of their plants progress on social media along with #TDOTProjectMilkweed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Tensions are flaring once more in the South China Sea. Heres why it matters for the world Maritime disputes across the vast South China Sea have ratcheted up in recent years as an increasingly assertive China militarizes disputed islands and confronts its regional rivals over their competing claims in the strategically important and resource-rich waterway. Bracketed by China and several Southeast Asian nations, parts of the vital economic passage are claimed by multiple governments, with Beijing asserting ownership over almost all of the waterway in defiance of an international court ruling. Over the past two decades, China has occupied a number of obscure reefs and atolls far from its shoreline across the South China Sea, building up military installations, including runways and ports. Competing claimants, such as the Philippines, say such actions infringe on their sovereignty and violate maritime law. And the United States agrees, regularly sending its Navy destroyers on freedom of navigation operations close to contested islands, leading to fears that the South China Sea could become a flashpoint between the two superpowers. Heres what you should know. Why does the South China Sea matter? The 1.3-million-square-mile waterway is vital to international trade, with an estimated third of global shipping worth trillions of dollars passing through each year. Its also home to vast fertile fishing grounds upon which many lives and livelihoods depend. Much of its economic value remains untapped, however. According to the US Energy Information Agency, the waterway holds at least 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil. Who controls those resources and how they are exploited could have a huge impact on the environment. The South China Sea is home to hundreds of largely uninhabited islands and coral atolls and diverse wildlife at risk from climate change and marine pollution. Who claims what? Beijing claims indisputable sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, and most of the islands and sandbars within it, including many features that are hundreds of miles from mainland China. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also hold competing claims. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in a landmark maritime dispute, which concluded that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the South China Sea. China has ignored the ruling: Manila says Beijing continues to send its maritime militia to Mischief Reef and Scarborough Shoal in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. In the southern portion of the sea is the Spratly Island chain, which Beijing calls the Nansha islands. The archipelago consists of 100 islets and reefs of which 45 are occupied by China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam or the Philippines. In the northwestern part of the sea, the Paracels known as the Xisha islands in China have been controlled by Beijing since 1974 despite claims from Vietnam and Taiwan. Chinas ruling Communist Party also claims self-governing Taiwan as its own territory, despite having never controlled it. What does Chinas naval build up mean for the sea? China has built the worlds largest naval fleet, more than 340 warships, and until recently it has been regarded as a green-water navy, operating mostly near the countrys shores. But Beijings shipbuilding reveals blue-water ambitions. In recent years it has launched large guided-missile destroyers, amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers with the ability to operate in the open ocean and project power thousands of miles from Beijing. In addition, Western marine security experts along with the Philippines and the United States claim China controls a maritime militia that is hundreds of vessels strong and acts as an unofficial and officially deniable force that Beijing uses to push its territorial claims both in the South China Sea and beyond. The US is not a claimant to the South China Sea, but says the waters are crucial to its national interest of guaranteeing freedom of the seas worldwide. The US Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, saying the US is defending every nations right to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows. Beijing denounces such operations as illegal. What has China built in the sea? Most of Beijings military buildup is concentrated along the Spratly and Paracel island chains, where sustained land reclamation saw reefs being destroyed first and then built on. Chinese vessels have been known to encircle various atolls and islets, sending dredgers to build artificial islands large enough to harbor tankers and warships. Over the past decade, the PRC has added more than 3,200 acres of land to its seven occupied outposts in the Spratly Islands, which now feature airfields, berthing areas, and resupply facilities to support persistent PRC military and paramilitary presence in the region, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford told a House subcommittee earlier this week, referring to China by its official acronym, the Peoples Republic of China. Beijings military construction sped up in 2014 as it quietly began massive dredging operations on seven reefs in the Spratlys. Since then, Beijing has constructed military bases on Subi Reef, Johnson Reef, Mischief Reef and Fiery Cross Reef, fortifying its claims on the chain, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Those facilities, according to Ford, are now bristling with some of Chinas most advanced weaponry, including stealth fighters. Since early 2018, we have seen the PRC steadily equip its Spratly Island outposts including Mischief Reef, Subi Reef, and Fiery Cross with an increasing array of military capabilities, including advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, long-range surface-to-air missile systems, J-20 stealth fighter jets, laser and jamming equipment, and military radar and signals intelligence capabilities, she said in a prepared statement. China installed exploratory oil rigs in the Paracels in 2014 that sparked anti-China riots in Vietnam, a competing claimant. More recently, cruise ships have taken Chinese tourists to the militarized reefs. Satellite image of Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands group captured on March 29, 2009. - Stringer/Maxar/DigitalGlobe/Getty Images A runway and military installations built on Fiery Cross Reef as of August 15, 2018. - DigitalGlobe/ScapeWare3d/Maxar/Getty Images Why are tensions rising again? Under President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr, the Philippines has taken increasingly assertive steps to protect its claim to shoals in the South China Sea, leading to several confrontations with Chinese vessels in waters off the Philippine islands. They include standoffs between Chinese coast guard and what Manila says are shadowy Chinese maritime militia boats and tiny wooden Philippine fishing vessels; Chinese water cannons blocking the resupply of a shipwrecked Philippine military outpost; and a lone Filipino diver using a knife to sever a massive floating Chinese barrier. These recent incidents in the past year shows that China has become increasingly aggressive and confident in its actions against smaller countries like the Philippines. Theyre beginning to cross certain lines, said Jay Batongbacal, a maritime expert at the University of the Philippines. The Philippine Coast Guard says it remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters. Chinas Foreign Ministry has defended the behavior of its vessels in the waterway and said Beijing will firmly safeguard what it views as its territorial sovereignty. What are the global implications? Since taking office in 2022, Philippine President Marcos Jr. has taken a stronger stance over the South China Sea than his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, amid the wider power struggle that has been playing out in the region for years. The South China Sea is widely seen as a potential flashpoint for global conflict, and the recent confrontations between Manila and Beijing have raised concerns among Western observers of potentially developing into an international incident if China, a global power, decides to act more forcefully against the Philippines, a US treaty ally. Washington and Manila are bound by a mutual defense treaty signed in 1951 that remains in force, stipulating that both sides would help defend each other if either were attacked by a third party. Marcos has strengthened US relations that had frayed under his predecessor, with the two allies touting potential future joint patrols in the South China Sea. As the partners held their largest military exercise in April 2023, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that US-Philippine military cooperation must not interfere in South China Sea disputes. The US, however, has condemned Chinas recent actions in the contested sea and threatened to intervene under its mutual defense treaty obligations if Philippine vessels came under armed attack there. The increasingly frequent run-ins between China and the Philippines speak to the new Marcos governments willingness to stand up to Chinese bullying and coercion, said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Part of that is certainly attributable to the closer US-Philippines alliance which helps given Manila the confidence that Beijing will be deterred from overt military force lest it invoke the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. CNNs Helen Regan and Brad Lendon contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com It's one of California's worst freeway bottlenecks. Will fixing it ruin the planet? Construction along a stretch of Interstate 80 connecting the college town of Davis to West Sacramento has been a source of frustration for local transit agencies. Underneath the Yolo Causeway near Sacramento, where a nearly half-billion-dollar effort is underway to add toll lanes to Interstate 80 and ease congestion, swollen rivers fill wetlands in the winter season and bat colonies roost in the bridge's grooves in warm months. More than a century old, the road that connects the Bay Area to the state capital has become a symbol and a test of both the future of highway expansion in California and the climate change policies that seek to restrict it. "It's a bellwether project," said Carter Rubin, director of state transportation advocacy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the groups suing Caltrans to stop the expansion. "But it's also the tip of the iceberg." Bats emerge from crevices under the I-80 causeway at nightfall on June 13 in Yolo County. Dozens of major highway projects are in the pipeline, including one along the 5 Freeway in Orange County and an express lane on the 10 Freeway in eastern Los Angeles County, that could result in even more cars clogging state roadways. The lane additions on I-80, Rubin argued, should be a cautionary warning: State officials who have promised to halt the expansion of traffic-inducing freeways that contribute to climate change are the same ones overseeing them in the name of relieving gridlock. The California Department of Transportation has projected that the project will add 110 million vehicle miles traveled annually on I-80. But officials say half that total will be negated by increasing Capitol Corridor rail and bus services, subsidizing bus fares and creating pedestrian and bike routes with the new toll fees helping to pay for public transit. The toll lanes have been "thoroughly vetted by state and federal officials," Caltrans spokesman Edward Barrera said. "The new tolled express lanes are expected to reduce delays for motorists and improve goods and freight movement." Analysis by the agency found the I-80 project would cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing congestion. But researchers say decades of academic work show it will do the opposite in the long run. Congestion, they argue, is a deterrent to drivers. And when it eases with more lanes, they will fill the added space until the congestion returns. So the more freeways are widened, the more cars take to the road even as California aims to cut motorists driving by 30% by 2045. This year, a former Caltrans executive said she was demoted after raising concerns about a repaving project that surreptitiously widened 3 miles of the freeway where the toll lanes were being proposed. That project removed bushes and paved the median, creating more space for lanes. State regulations demand environmental analysis, a public airing and mitigation before major freeway widening, but none of that occurred. California's own air regulators pointed out that in doing the environmental analysis for the new toll lanes, Caltrans had used models that exaggerated future congestion without the new lanes and underestimated pollution and greenhouse gas with them. Wildlife regulators say Caltrans declined to incorporate their suggestions to fully protect habitat for threatened species or preserve roosting grounds for the bats, and now environmental groups including Rubin's are suing to stop the toll lanes. Construction work continues on the east end of the I-80 causeway in West Sacramento. What makes this highway project stand out, transportation experts said, is what it may mean for how courts will interpret rules that are intended to reduce driving the state's largest source of greenhouse gas. California is nowhere near meeting that goal. "These projects are being oversold to the public as a way to reduce congestion; they are not," said Susan Handy, director of the National Center for Sustainable Transportation at UC Davis. "A court decision is going to be very important." The 17-mile stretch of I-80 where the toll lanes will go sits along bucolic agricultural lands, between the college town of Davis and the bustle of Sacramento. It is often traffic-choked when the weekend approaches, serving as the primary route for Bay Area travel to Lake Tahoe and other points inland, as well as a key corridor for freight from the Port of Oakland. More than 100,000 commuters travel the road daily. The highway narrows from eight to six lanes at some points when crossing the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, home to 280 species including burrowing owls, egrets, white-faced ibises and the threatened tricolored blackbird, whose males have a distinctive fiery red shoulder. The slow traffic on I-80 pushes impatient drivers to cut through neighborhoods in Davis and Sacramento, clogging streets and frustrating residents. "We experienced some of the most severe congestion in California seven days a week," Autumn Bernstein, executive director of the Yolo Transportation District, said last month. "We have more than five hours of congested traffic in the eastbound direction and [in] Davis every afternoon." The highway leading to the capital, a three-mile causeway over a wildlife area in Yolo County, has become a test about the future of highway expansion in the Golden State. The bottlenecks nagged at Caltrans District 3 officials for years as they tried to get their bosses to prioritize a new freeway carpool lane for federal funding, said Amy Lee, a postdoctoral scholar at the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies who documented the project's evolution in her dissertation on the politics of highway expansion. Failing, the district bypassed Sacramento and looked to the Yolo Transportation District, an agency with a $25-million budget focused on public transit and planning. The strategy worked. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) announced an $86-million federal award for the project in 2021, touting it as a "major victory." Yolo officials used their newfound leverage to push for toll lanes that would benefit public transit. With money lined up for the new lanes, Caltrans embarked on a pavement maintenance program along the same stretch. Jeanie Ward-Waller, former deputy director of planning and modal programs for the agency, warned that the freeway was being widened to jump-start the toll lane proposal. She raised red flags, saying the move probably broke laws. She was eventually demoted and filed a lawsuit against the agency in April. The environmental analysis for the toll lane expansion finally got cleared last month by the California Transportation Commission. The 11 voting members of the panel provided the agency $105 million in state funds to unlock the federal funds for the first phase of the project. And they greenlighted tolling, which Caltrans said will ease congestion by as much as 80% eastbound during evening rush hour. Unions and construction companies that build highways cheered the vote. Construction equipment on the east end of I-80 in West Sacramento. "We know that for every billion dollars invested in infrastructure 15,000 jobs are created," Jon Switalski, executive director of the Rebuild SoCal Partnership, told the commission last month. The group represents 2,700 contractors along with trade unions that push for more infrastructure funding. "It's a false equivalency to say that we cannot meet our climate change goals and not continue to invest in our roads, bridges and highways," he said But the environmental groups that sued Caltrans argued that the environmental review didn't reflect the amount of traffic, pollution and greenhouse gas the new lanes will bring. And by doing the pavement rework separately, they said, Caltrans is illegally splitting the project in two. The groups also argue that Caltrans hasn't done enough to offset the potential increase in traffic, as required by law. "To fully mitigate it," Sergio Aceves, acting District 3 director, told the commission last month, "it's about 2 billion [dollars]. It's not feasible." To reduce the added car miles driven, he suggested, new housing would have to be built to shorten people's commutes and it would take years, if not decades. Looking west, I-80 leads to the college town of Davis in Yolo County. "Caltrans only knows one way of doing things, and that's build wider freeways," said Alan Pryor, chair of a local Sierra Club chapter, which has filed a lawsuit with the Environmental Council of Sacramento. "We have to challenge them and say, 'No, you have to comply with state law and minimize our dependence on automobiles going forward." For more than a decade, various policymakers have attempted to cut car use through rules that encouraged the reduction of greenhouse emissions. But the state's strong car culture prevails. According to environmental advocates, the I-80 project will be the biggest test yet of a 2013 reform to the California Environmental Quality Act intended to reduce driving. That legislation came from the then-state Senate president pro tem, now Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who wanted to build an arena for the NBA's Sacramento Kings. To get the project done, he reportedly made a deal with then-Gov. Jerry Brown, who had been looking for ways to address climate change. One of the big challenges for the Brown administration was reducing greenhouse gas, but the 1970s-era law that requires developers and agencies such as Caltrans to mitigate environmental harms favored suburban development and encouraged sprawl. That's because CEQA required developers to measure traffic based on backups and other factors, as opposed to how many miles were actually driven. Ken Alex, then a key Brown climate advisor, pushed the idea to use vehicle miles traveled, or VMT, instead in order to encourage urban housing development and stem the increase in car driving. Steinberg authored Senate Bill 743, which streamlined the CEQA process to include this reform. Brown signed it into law that year. "From the outset, it was meant to apply to highway projects and to Caltrans," Alex said. Although it is still being implemented in many parts of the state, he said, it has been one of the most significant reforms in California environmental law. "Caltrans has for the most part, I think they've embraced it more than I would have expected in some ways, and a little less in other ways," he said. Handy, of UC Davis, who co-created a calculator that estimates vehicle miles traveled for new freeway lanes, said in this case Caltrans used the model to calculate miles, but not project pollution and greenhouse gas emission. Nor did the agency calculate the number of freight trucks that the new lanes would add. Vehicles with their lights on travel on a dark highway. VMT has become one of the biggest dividing lines in transportation policy. Understanding how it's calculated and applied is complicated, even for those making decisions based on it. But it could determine what a project would look like and how costly it will be to mitigate. "It's deeply technical stuff," Adonia Lugo, a California transportation commissioner, said before approving the project. "And we're talking about different parts of the process needing to use different kinds of metrics based on what information is available. "What we end up with are these confusingly different answers sometimes," she said. "I'm concerned about how that erodes public trust in terms of, you know, which answer do we go with, and why do we go with that answer as opposed to another." Along the Yolo Causeway thousands of bats emerge from the underpass like a wave over the sky. Mexican free-tail bats and two other species live there in one of the largest colonies in the state, coming out at night to hunt insects. Corky Quirk, founder and executive director of Northern California Bats, said since highway construction along the corridor began more than a year ago, the bats' behavior has been off. "Normally, I know exactly where to go, exactly where to stand and pretty much what the bats are going to do. ... It's pretty darn consistent on where they exit that bridge," she said. "Last summer I could not predict from night to night where that was." She believes the erratic behavior is related to Caltrans' ongoing pavement work. California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said they are concerned about the construction. And as part of the toll lane, they have requested Caltrans create a plan that would ensure the bats arent disturbed going forward, especially in their roosting season. But the agency said in its response letter that there would be no need because there wasnt any lane construction on the bridge, only restriping. Caltrans also declined to add other protections for nearby wildlife. The threatened Swainson's hawk will lose 10 acres of foraging habitat with the project, and the tricolored blackbird relies on nearby areas for food and its nesting materials. "It's definitely disappointing," Melissa Stanfield, a senior environmental scientist at Fish and Wildlife. "We spend a lot of time trying to help right this partner agency, reduce their impacts to biological resources to a less than significant levels." J.P. Rose, a senior attorney and urban wildlands policy director for the Center for Biological Diversity, put it more bluntly. "Caltrans completely blew off all of California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendations," Rose said. 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. KYODO NEWS - Jun 20, 2024 - 22:10 | All, World, Japan Robert Oppenheimer, known as the "father of the atomic bomb," reportedly apologized to an atomic bomb survivor during a closed-door meeting in the United States in 1964, recently found footage showed. The apology came during an interaction between Oppenheimer and others including the late Naomi Shono, an A-bomb survivor from Hiroshima who was also a theoretical scientist, the late Yoko Teichler said in the 2015 footage in Japanese. Teichler was an interpreter at the meeting. During the 50-minute footage held by non-profit organization Hiroshima-based World Friendship Center, the interpreter said that Oppenheimer had started crying as soon as he entered the room and apologized repeatedly. Oppenheimer, who helped develop the U.S. atomic bombs used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 in the closing days of World War II, did not visit either city during his 1960 trip to Japan. But he later met Shono, who toured eight countries on a "World Peace Study Mission" in 1964. The footage includes interviews with Teichler and two other people who took part in the tour. "It is surprising that there are records of him apologizing. It must be a consolation for the hibakusha to hear an apology from the person who was responsible for the development (of the bomb)," said Noriyuki Kawano, director of the Center for Peace, Hiroshima University. "But it is necessary to consider who and what he was apologizing for at the time," he added. Related coverage: Oppenheimer grandson calls for dialogue over geopolitical risks "Oppenheimer" wins best picture at U.S. Academy Awards U.S. records confirm 12 U.S. soldiers died from Hiroshima A-bomb A map inside the Austin State Hospital showing the locations of several psychiatric hospitals and state supported living centers in Texas. The state is starting construction on a series of new or rebuilt hospitals later this year. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune Texas will begin building seven new state psychiatric hospital projects this year as it continues to attempt to address the mental health crisis. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission projects are funded by $1.5 billion, which lawmakers approved in 2023 to expand, renovate and build new facilities across the state. The agency owns and operates nine state hospitals and one residential treatment center for youth. Gov. Greg Abbott detailed the plans in a press release Thursday. Last year, I signed a law to provide crucial funding to expand and build new, modern mental health facilities throughout Texas, Abbott said. These new state hospital projects will help ensure that Texans experiencing a mental health issue have access to mental health professionals and high-quality treatments to address their needs. A majority of these funds will be used to construct the new Panhandle State Hospital in Amarillo and the Lubbock Psychiatric Center, as well as a 250-bed replacement for the Terrell State Hospital and a 200-bed replacement for the North Texas State Hospital in Wichita Falls. Around $120 million will be used to add a 50-bed maximum-security unit at the Rio Grande State Center in Harlingen, and $15 million will be used to add a 40-bed maximum-security unit at the San Antonio State Hospital. The state is also planning to buy land to expand the current El Paso Psychiatric Center by 50 non-maximum-security beds. State hospitals treat mostly forensic patients people transferred from county jails or the state prison system because they were determined to be incompetent to stand trial or because a jury found them not guilty by reason of insanity. In 2023, a little over 60% of adults treated inside state hospitals came from the criminal justice system, either from county jails or the prison system. Over the past two decades, the state has reported a 38% increase in people who are found incompetent to stand trial. And as of last year, more than 2,300 people were waiting in Texas county jails for months and sometimes more than a year for the kind of intense therapy and medication treatment available only through the states psychiatric hospital system. At the urging of county jail officials, state lawmakers undertook a massive funding operation to repair or build new state psychiatric facilities. Since 2017, lawmakers have provided $2.5 billion to modernize and increase access to inpatient psychiatric care in Texas. Replacement hospitals in Austin and San Antonio have already had their grand openings, and both are expected to be up in running later this summer. We are extremely proud of the transformation of our state hospital system and the opportunities being created, said Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commissions Health and Specialty Care System Scott Schalchlin in a news release. These projects will improve the well-being of even more people across the state. Were not just building hospitals were rebuilding lives. Just in: Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming; U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania; and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today! The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed a Texas woman who served on a small-town council to continue her lawsuit against her mayor after she was arrested for what she claims were political reasons. In an unsigned opinion, the high court said a federal appeals court took an overly cramped view of an earlier precedent that control when people may sue for First Amendment retaliation claims. Justice Clarence Thomas authored the only public dissent. Sylvia Gonzalez was arrested in 2019 shortly after she took her seat as a council member in Castle Hills, Texas, following a campaign in which she heavily criticized the city manager. Gonzalez, then 72, was arrested for stealing a government document at a council meeting a charge that stemmed from what she said was an inadvertent shuffling of papers and what city officials said may have been motivated by a cover-up. Though it was a messy local political dispute, the case nevertheless presented an important First Amendment question for the Supreme Court: When may people sue government officials for First Amendment retaliation claims and when are those suits barred by a legal doctrine known as qualified immunity that shields those officials from certain suits? Normally, a person alleging retaliatory arrest must demonstrate police had not proven probable cause. But there is an exception: Police are not shielded from such lawsuits if officers often exercise discretion not to arrest say, for petty crimes like jaywalking. But unlike jaywalking, taking government documents during a city council meeting is a rare occurrence. Gonzalezs attorneys said there is no way to demonstrate that police had let slide similar infractions involving others since there were none. In its opinion Thursday, the court ruled that Gonzalez should be allowed to present her evidence that she was arrested as retaliation for her actions. The court wrote that while the exception to the rule on bypassing probable cause is slim, the appeals courts demand for identical situations goes too far. Gonzalezs evidence should be at least considered because the fact that no one has ever been arrested for engaging in a certain kind of conduct especially when the criminal prohibition is longstanding and the conduct at issue is not novel makes it more likely that an officer has declined to arrest someone for engaging in such conduct in the past, the court wrote. The courts decision will allow Gonzalezs case to continue. In dissent, Thomas asserted that there shouldnt be an exception to the probable cause rule on retaliatory arrests and he criticized the court for what he described as further expanding that exception. I would adhere to the only rule grounded in history, Thomas wrote. Probable cause defeats a retaliatory arrest claim. Prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges against Gonzalez. She sued in federal court, alleging retaliation in violation of the First Amendment and saying that city officials engineered a plan to arrest her and remove her from office. A district court denied qualified immunity to the officers, allowing the case to continue, but Gonzalez lost at the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which held that there was probable cause to arrest her and that it necessarily defeated her retaliatory arrest claim. Justice Samuel Alito was not present Thursday as his colleagues took their seats to announce the days opinions a relatively rare absence. The Supreme Court did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Alitos absence. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The states main electric grid operator has sharply increased its prediction for how much power demand will increase in coming years. If its accurate, the state would need to be able to provide nearly double the amount of power within six years. Two factors led to the higher forecast: A new law allows officials to count companies requests for grid connections before they are finalized. And there has been a significant rise in requests from large users such as data centers, hydrogen production facilities and oil and gas companies that are electrifying their operations. On top of that, the states population continues growing, Electric Reliability Council of Texas President and Chief Executive Officer Pablo Vegas told state lawmakers in a Senate Business and Commerce Committee hearing last week, repeating information he shared with the ERCOT board in April. All of that is putting together a picture of a very significant, different demand growth that is forcing us to really re-think how were looking at planning to make sure we can meet those needs and continue to deliver on the expectations of all Texans, Vegas told lawmakers. Demand on the power grid hit a record of 85 gigawatts last year, which was the hottest ever recorded in the state. ERCOT experts now say demand could reach around 150 gigawatts by 2030. More than a third of the forecast growth is coming from the Permian Basin, where oil and gas operators are converting operations to run on electricity instead of gas or diesel. Much is also coming from large users such as data centers that are powering artificial intelligence and crypto currency mining. Some are requesting several times more power than what the city of Lubbock now uses, according to ERCOT. The new estimates raise crucial questions, such as whether large power users that can ramp up and down need greater state oversight, the committees chair, state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, said in an interview. One bitcoin mining company last year reported making millions of dollars in the electricity market by selling back pre-purchased power when grid conditions became tight, which provoked the ire of some Texans who saw their power bills rise. I think we need to rise to the challenge of getting the needed generation onto the grid, Schwertner said. But there is eventually a prioritization that could be discussed, and obviously Texans their families, their homes, their businesses are the most important individuals, the most important clients for electricity. In a post on X after the hearing, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the Legislature needed to take a close look at data centers and crypto operations. We want data centers, but it cant be the Wild Wild West of data centers and crypto miners crashing our grid and turning the lights off, he wrote. Electricity experts said the projected growth also makes clear that the grid will need more transmission lines which are paid for by customers and take more time to build than many of the facilities that want more power. Theres no question theres going to be additional need for generation, said Michael Lozano, a communications and government affairs officer for the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. But I think the most important thing right now that were trying to address is the lack of transmission. Previously, to plan for future transmission needs, ERCOT could only count power users that signed agreements with a utility, said Mark Bell, president of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. House Bill 5066 allowed grid operators to count potential users without a signed agreement if the utility considered it a serious project and very likely to interconnect, Bell said. Judging whether data centers will actually be built in Texas is difficult, said Katie Coleman, energy counsel for the Texas Association of Manufacturers, which represents large power users. Companies that want to build data centers could be shopping around for places to do business, she said, by making requests in multiple places where they might build. Cyrus Reed, conservation director of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, said demand could be lower if some projects never materialize. Theres a lot of unknowns, Reed said, but its what theyre putting into their system for planning purposes. If I were ERCOT, Id rather over predict so that we have more capacity, so we dont have a shortage, said Michael Webber, an energy resources professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Its hard to say whether its hype or whether its real. The states grid has come under intense public and legislative scrutiny since a 2021 winter storm crippled its operations, causing power outages across the state for days amid freezing temperatures that left millions of Texans without lights or heat. Hundreds died. Lawmakers responded by requiring power facilities to prepare better to operate in extreme weather. They put $5 billion into a fund to give low-interest loans to companies that planned to build gas-fueled power plants, which legislators prioritized because they can provide power quickly on demand. State regulators are accepting applications for that money now. Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, a member of the Senate committee, said the need to meet higher demand could push innovation with renewable energy; drive more programs for people to use less power by making their homes or businesses more efficient; and spur ways for people and small businesses to get paid for using less power in tight times. This massive increase in load is going to provide greater momentum behind some very good trends, Johnson said. Disclosure: The Association of Electric Companies of Texas (AECT), Permian Basin Petroleum Association and University of Texas at Austin 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. Just in: Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming; U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania; and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today! And then there was one: Mark Rutte. Romania's president withdraws from the race for NATO chief Romanian President klaus Iohannis exits a voting cabin during European and local elections in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, June 9, 2024. Voters across the European Union are going to the polls on the final day of voting for the European parliamentary elections to choose their representatives for the next five-year term. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) BRUSSELS (AP) Romanias president has withdrawn from the race to become NATOs next secretary general, leaving outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte all but certain to head the worlds biggest military organization from October. The office of President Klaus Iohannis said in a statement that Romanias security council has backed Ruttes bid. It also said that Iohannis had informed NATO late last week that he intended to pull out. His withdrawal removes the last real hurdle Rutte might face. It should allow NATO to put on a show of unity and demonstrate solidarity with war-ravaged Ukraine when U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts meet in Washington on July 9-11 to mark NATOs 75th birthday. Ruttes appointment could be sealed by a meeting of NATO ambassadors in coming days, or by the leaders when they meet in Washington. He would officially start work on Oct. 1. NATO secretaries-general are responsible for chairing meetings and guiding sometimes delicate consultations among the 32 member countries to ensure that an organization that operates on consensus can continue to function. On Tuesday, Hungary lifted its veto on Ruttes candidacy after the long-serving Dutch prime minister gave written guarantees that he would not force Budapest to take part in the military alliances new plans to provide support to Ukraine should he be appointed. NATO makes all of its decisions by consensus, giving any of the 32 member countries an effective veto, including on whether they should take part in any joint effort or operation. Turkey had also voiced opposition to Ruttes bid but lifted its objections in April. Rutte has for months been the preferred candidate of the majority of NATO allies, including big members like the United States and Germany. In office for a decade, outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has been a steady hand at NATOs helm and has proved difficult to replace. Biden and the NATO leaders had been due to name a successor when they met in Lithuania in July 2023, but no consensus could be found about a replacement. At the White House on Monday, Biden joked that he would like the former Norwegian prime minister to stay longer, even though Stoltenberg has made it clear he will leave office this time after several extensions to his mandate. I mean it sincerely, youve been great. I just wish youd extend your term another 10 years, Biden said. Iohannis is nearing the end of his second five-year term as Romanias president and announced his intention to run in March. Romania, a NATO member since 2004, borders Ukraine and played an increasingly prominent role in the alliance throughout Russias full-scale invasion, including hosting a NATO meeting of foreign ministers in November 2022. ___ AP video journalist Nicolae Dumitrache in Bucharest, Romania, contributed to this report. AI startup Perplexity was a media darling as recently as earlier this year, earning praise for what was often described as an AI-powered search engine built to rival Google. But that perception has rapidly shifted, with Forbes general counsel MariaRosa Cartolano firing off an angry letter this week accusing Perplexity of "willful infringement" of the publication's copyright by regurgitating its journalists' work online with only a poor attempt to give credit. And as Wired reports, what exactly the company's chatbot does is surprisingly murky. Wired's investigation highlights the dubious nature of AI chatbots and their precarious relationship with the people who actually create all the material they're trained on. To get "concise, real-time answers to user queries by pulling information from recent articles and indexing the web daily," as Perplexity's chatbot claims to do, Wired found that it ignores a widely accepted standard that allows web hosts to keep out bots by amending a file called "robots.txt." That's despite Perplexity claiming in its documentation that it respects those rules. Worse yet, Wired found that the company's chatbot is still prone to hallucinating facts or simply put, "bullshitting" by inaccurately summarizing the work of journalists and doing very little to credit them. In one experiment, Wired asked the chatbot to summarize a test website that only contained the sentence, "I am a reporter with Wired." Logs showed that Perplexity never actually looked at the website, but instead offered a "story about a young girl named Amelia who follows a trail of glowing mushrooms in a magical forest called Whisper Woods." Much of Wired's findings corroborate a previous investigation by developer Robb Knight. New York Times columnist Kevin Roose also found that Perplexity tends to bungle facts and ignore data that he asked it to summarize. Needless to say, these are damning findings about a company that's pulled in hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. "The magic trick thats made Perplexity worth ten figures, in other words, appears to be that its both doing what it says it isnt and not doing what it says it is," Wired wrote. In a statement to Wired, Perplexity did not dispute the specifics of its reporting, but accused the publication of asking questions that "reflect a deep and fundamental misunderstanding of how Perplexity and the Internet work." The relationship between Perplexity and original content creators has already been strained, to say the least, after Forbes chief content officer Randall Lane took aim at the company's chatbot, accusing it of "cynical theft." "Our reporting on [former Google CEO] Eric Schmidts stealth drone project was posted this AM by Perplexity," Forbes executive editor John Paczkowski wrote in a viral tweet earlier this month. "It rips off most of our reporting. It cites us, and a few that reblogged us, as sources in the most easily ignored way possible." Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas dismissed Schmidt's concerns at the time, arguing in a reply that its newly released feature called "Perplexity Pages" had "rough edges, and we are improving it with more feedback." Srinivas' lukewarm response did little to convince Paczkowski. "You scraped and repurposed investigative reporting gathered over months, fleshed it out with re-blogs of the same story by other outlets, and do not even bother to name us in your regurgitated post beyond a 'Sources' link, which is click to expand," he shot back. "I didn't comment on your core product, or what others are doing," Paczkowski wrote in a follow-up. "But this story, which you pushed to users, is little more than plagiarism." "Its not 'rough,' its theft," he added. Perplexity's chatbot went as far as to publish an entirely AI-generated podcast and eventually a YouTube video about Forbes' reporting, which "outranks all Forbes content on this topic within Google search," as Cartolano wrote in her letter this week. Meanwhile, Srinivas has been in full damage control mode, telling the Associated Press last week that his company "never ripped off content from anybody. Our engine is not training on anyone elses content." Srinivas also argued that "we took [Paczkowski's] feedback immediately and updated changes that day itself. And now the sources are more prominently highlighted." Whether these reassurances will be enough for an embattled journalism industry that's reeling from a flood of AI products that are ripping off the work of reporters, remains dubious at best. Even readers are becoming wary of the trend, with a new report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism finding that a majority of news consumers are suspicious of AI-generated news content. In short, Perplexity is seemingly far from providing trustworthy and reliable data, despite its enthusiastic marketing (the description of its iOS app is also strangely garbled, claiming it will "cut through the [sic] all the noise and get straight to credible, up-to-date answers.") And it's not just Perplexity. Just last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook refused to say that the company's newly announced "Apple Intelligence" wouldn't come up with lies. "When asked about his "confidence that Apple Intelligence will not hallucinate," Cook told the Washington Post that "it's not 100 percent." Even Srinivas told Wired that we "have been very upfront that answers will not be accurate 100 percent of the time and may hallucinate." The public struggle between the company and the producers of the content it "aggregates" spotlights a much larger debate surrounding the use of AI chatbots and their role on the internet: what actual value is added by an AI system that mashes up existing work, sometimes inserts errors, and then takes revenue away from its actual producer? More on Perplexity: AI Search Engine Bungles Facts When Profiled by the New York Times Thinking of lighting a campfire in the Provo foothills? You may face a misdemeanor charge PROVO, Utah (ABC4) Officials with Provo Fire & Rescue took to social media to inform residents of the latest fire restrictions in the area: No campfires are allowed in the Provo foothills. The restrictions officially went into effect on June 19 and will be in place until officials rescind them. Provo Fire & Rescue cited increasing fire danger as a reason for the restrictions, and said violations of the order would be a class B misdemeanor. READ NEXT: Remaining deer, elk hunting permits to go on sale in Utah heres how to get yours While most campfires are prohibited, there are some exceptions. Fires are prohibited in the Provo City watershed except in approved fire pits located in improved campgrounds and picnic areas, and within permanent fire pits in residential properties, officials said on social media. If igniting a fire in the approved areas, Utahns have been reminded to make sure they fully extinguish the fire when they are finished. The restricted area includes all mountains and canyons beginning at the Springville City line and extends along the east bench of Provo to the Provo City line, then along Provo Canyon up to, and including South Fork, officials said. READ NEXT: What is a prescribed burn and how does it help? Officials said the restrictions will help protect the water supply of the city. If igniting a fire, officials said the fires should be contained in an improved ring or pit in improved campgrounds and picnic areas Utahns were also reminded to be safe and cautious when using fire near canyons and mountains in the area. The restriction was ordered by the Provo City Fire Marshal. If you have any questions about the fire restrictions, you are encouraged to reach out to the Fire Prevention Bureau at Provo Fire & Rescue via phone at 801-852-6321, or email them at firemarshal@provo.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 ABC4 Utah. Standing in a wool jacket and pants on a summer day where the temperature got into the 90s, Army retiree Lonnie Davis easily drew attention as he prepared to speak in Tattnall Square Park. The 66-year-old retired park rangers blue outfit demonstrated a historically accurate representation of an 1864 Civil War-era Union Army uniform, complete with a replica musket that he handcrafted himself. He shared with festival attendees a story he has shared repeatedly all over the state three of the last Black Union regiments in the Civil War, known as the Georgia African Brigade, were organized in Macon in 1865. In fact, they were medically screened right there in Tattnall Square Park, the very same place Davis told their story more than 150 years later. This is a part of our history that is not taught to school students and there are a lot of adults who dont know this story, said Davis in his presentation. This lack of knowledge on local history motivates Davis to share both the history of Middle Georgia and the history of his ancestors. What is the Georgia African Brigade? Lonnie Davis (right) shares a copy of his informational booklet Georgia African Brigade: Slave to Soldier with an attendee next to his wife Theresa Harvey-Davis (middle) during the 32nd Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Tattnall Square Park in Macon, Georgia. Davis does living history presentation on the Georgia African Brigade, three Black Union regiments that organized in Macon during the Civil War. The Georgia African Brigade consisted of three Black Union regiments formed in the final months of the American Civil War. The 136th, 137th and 138th regiments consisted of more than 3,000 former slaves from the Confederacy that were recruited by Union officials to fight for their freedom. Many were recruited during Wilsons Raid, led by Union General James H. Wilson to cripple the Confederate army through Selma, Montgomery and Columbus. The three groups made up a percentage of the 175 United States Colored Troops regiments that fought for the Union Army. Davis wrote in his information booklet, Georgias African Brigade - Slave to Soldier, that Black regiments made about about 10% of the Union Armys manpower. The members of the Georgia African Bridge were recruited towards the end of the war in April 1865 and were organized in Macon. Of the three regiments, only the 137th regiment served in Macon, while the other two went to assist in Atlanta and Augusta. The regiment based in Macon never engaged in combat because of how late they were recruited, but were assigned to cleanup and burial details at Macons Camp Oglethorpe and the Camp Sumter Confederate prison near Andersonville. Davis grew up in neighboring Crawford County, but it took him going all the way to Texas to learn about the three regiments. I was taking a history course while I was in the Army ... in El Paso, Davis said. Here I am, sitting in a classroom where this college professor from Texas is talking about the Georgia African Brigade I was like man, this is my backyard but I dont know anything about this. The course showed Davis a personal connection to the brigade that brought him all the way back almost 60 years to a fourth grade family history essay. Davis grandparents allowed him exactly two hours with a prized family artifact to do the assignment his great-great grandfather Cesar Davis ledger documenting his time as a part of the Georgia African Brigade in the 137th regiment. Cesar Davis was a slave on a plantation in Alabama who sought out Union troops with his brother. If you follow the Union, you could follow them back to freedom, said Lonnie Davis. Cesar Davis kept a detailed account of his time in the war, a rare gem that his great-great grandson knows the uniqueness of centuries later. I [only] knew about his story because he was fortunate enough that he could read and write, said Davis. Lonnie Davis speaks during the 32nd Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Tattnall Square Park in Macon, Georgia. Davis does living history presentation on the Georgia African Brigade, three Black Union regiments that organized in Macon during the Civil War. Years later when Davis worked at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park as a ranger, an initiative through the National Park Service encouraged parks to examine their place from Civil War to Civil Rights in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2011. This led to many Civil War archives becoming digitized and free to access. It created a starting point for Davis to research his family and other brigade members further. From 2013 to 2015, Davis compiled information on all members of the Georgia African Brigade into one document, including the enlisted mens names, rank, place of birth, age at enlistment and date of death if known. Wilsons Raid was originally planned to demoralize the people of the Confederacy, wrote Davis in the booklets introduction. these regiments became the foundation of fulfilling the wording of the Declaration of Independence which proclaimed that all men are created equal More than a dozen have found family who served Lonnie Davis points at a Black History in America timeline at this tent at the 32nd Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Tattnall Square Park in Macon, Georgia. Davis does living history presentation on the Georgia African Brigade, three Black Union regiments that organized in Macon during the Civil War. Since creating his comprehensive resource on the Georgia African Brigade and sharing the information through programming, Davis said 16 people have found family members that served in the regiments. Most people are surprised, Davis said when asked how people react to his presentations. Ive had people tell me, I didnt know that because it wasnt taught to me. In 2021, the Georgia State Board of Education passed a resolution that limited how race is taught in state public schools, including that an individual shouldnt feel discomfort, guilt on account of his or her race Davis said restricting conversations about slavery and the Civil War in schools limits understanding. Even before Georgia legislation passed these laws about critical race theoryteachers really didnt know how to tell that story, he said. Thats the thing about history. You have to take the good with the bad. Now, two years after Davis has retired from the National Park Service, he still takes it upon himself to share local history that may not be discussed in schools, wearing a uniform and bearing a musket. He refuses payment for his books, which he now binds and prints himself at home. He has made 12 musket replicas, and has given most of them away. One of his muskets and an old version of his Union uniform were donated and are on display at the Tubman African American Museum in downtown Macon as a part of their Untold Stories: Macons African American History exhibit. We talk about big topics, said Jeff Bruce, Tubman Museum director of exhibitions. We illustrate those big topics with local stories. So that people from the community, they come in and see their stories. The people who have no connection to Macon can come and identify with those stories as well. Right in the middle of the exhibit is Davis uniform, bringing the story of a national conflict back to Macon. When you think about the Civil War, dont think about what happened at Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, Bull Run, said Davis. What you have to look at is what happened locally to affect the Union. Could local reenactments start? A 1864 Union Army Uniform sits in the Untold Stories exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. The uniform, originally belonging to Lonnie Davis, represents the Georgia African Brigade, three Black Union regiments that organized in Macon during the Civil War. During the Juneteenth presentation, Lonnie Davis stood on stage with two other men to share information on the United States Colored Troops. However, the other two men represented the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and came up from Florida for the festival. When it comes to living history presentations on the Georgia African Brigade, Davis is largely on his own. He shared that his children are not interested in continuing his role, but he has had some local pressure to start a reenactment chapter in Macon with plans of getting local high school JROTC members involved. Davis said that his plan would lead the living history group for the 137th regiment and allow people in Atlanta and Augusta to create their own groups for the other two regiments. I [also] want to create an auxiliary for each one of those [regiments] so young women would be able to participateshowing what life was like for women. Plans for sharing the responsibility of the Georgia African Brigades legacy doesnt necessarily mean Davis is slowing down. He wants those that come to his presentations to engage fully. He includes his personal phone number and email in his booklet to allow people to comment or ask questions about the document. I tell peopleif you have questions, you have to ask them because in my book, there is no stupid question I told them I could sit here and talk all day I have the gift of gab. The thousands of Chinese migrants headed to the US-Mexico border are losing a key entry point to America Thousands of Chinese migrants flew into Ecuador last year in hopes of walking into the US. But Ecuador is now cutting its visa-free access to Chinese citizens after offering it for years. Ten times as many Chinese people were detained at the US border in 2023 as in 2022. Ecuador plans to suspend visa-free access for Chinese travelers starting July 1, closing off a popular arrival spot used last year by thousands of Chinese migrants trekking to the US-Mexico border. Since 2016, Ecuador has allowed Chinese nationals to enter its borders without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. But in a statement Tuesday seen by Business Insider, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility said it was ending the program "due to the unusual increase in irregular migratory flows of Chinese citizens" who overstayed their 90 days. It is only one of two nations in the Americas that offer visa-free access to Chinese nationals. The other is Suriname, a smaller country of about 618,000 people. The Ecuadorian ministry said roughly half of all Chinese arrivals "have not left through regular routes and within the times established by law." Many people have used the country as a "starting point to reach other destinations in the Hemisphere," the ministry added. The Niskanen Center assessed in May that Chinese travelers entered Ecuador 48,381 times in 2023 but left the country legally only 24,240 times that year. The deficit was "by far the highest number of any nationality," the US think tank wrote. It comes amid a surge in Chinese arrivals that year, with a 235% increase compared with the previous five-year average, per the Niskanen Center. The visa-free access recently made Ecuador a major entry point into the Americas for Chinese migrants looking to travel through Central America and reach the US-Mexico border. In response to Ecuador's Tuesday decision, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the country "firmly opposes any form of smuggling activities." "In recent years, Chinese law-enforcement agencies have cracked down on crimes that hinder national border management and have maintained a high-pressure crackdown on various smuggling organizations and criminals engaged in smuggling activities, achieving remarkable results," the spokesperson said. How Chinese migrants use Ecuador to get to the US Thousands of migrants fly into Ecuador before traveling through Colombia, where they begin a grueling trek on a perilous, cartel-run route through a stretch of jungle called the Darien Gap. If successful, they emerge in Panama. More than 15,500 Chinese migrants were counted exiting the Darien Gap in 2023, per the Washington-based think tank The Wilson Center. "This figure is nearly eight times as many from the same period in 2022 and more than 40 times that of 2021," wrote Joshua Peng, a program associate in refugee and displacement research at The Wilson Center. Many migrants then travel to Mexico, attempting to reach the US through its southern border. US border officials said they detained 37,000 Chinese migrants attempting to cross the border in 2023, or 10 times the number detained in the year before. The true number of those attempting to cross the border was most likely higher. Chinese migrants in a line to receive colored wristbands from a US Border Patrol agent at a makeshift camp. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The flow of Chinese migrants continued to surge in 2024, with CBS reporting in February that it observed 600 migrants, many of whom were Chinese, entering the US in a single day. The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability said in May that the number of Chinese nationals encountered by authorities at the US border in March had jumped 8,000% from the same period in 2021. Illegal immigration from the southern border has been rising in political prominence in the US, with Republican leaders pushing for increased border security and saying Southern states are unable to cope with a surge in migrants. Data on Chinese arrivals in Ecuador gives some clues to the demographics of migrants reaching the US. According to the Niskanen Center, Shanghai is the Chinese region with the highest per capita rate of people leaving to reach Ecuador, with 274 arrivals for every 1 million people in Shanghai. Hong Kong is second, with 257 arrivals per 1 million people, followed by Beijing, with 161 arrivals per 1 million people. Xinjiang is sixth, with 24 arrivals per 1 million people. Correction: June 21, 2024 An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the country Colombia. Read the original article on Business Insider A protesters throws back a teargas canister at police officers during a protest over proposed tax hikes in a finance bill that is due to be tabled in parliament in Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/ Andrew Kasuku) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Thousands of mostly young people demonstrated Thursday in Kenyas capital and across the country against new tax proposals by the administration of President William Ruto in its annual budget legislation. The protests brought Nairobis central business district to a standstill as horse-riding riot police threw tear-gas cannisters and opened water cannons on demonstrators who advanced towards parliament buildings, where lawmakers debated the finance bill. The protesters, who began their demonstrations in a first round on Tuesday, are demanding that lawmakers vote against the legislation, which is expected to be burdensome for salaried Kenyans, entrepreneurs and consumers. They say Ruto has gone back on his pledge to reduce taxes and lower the cost of living. The new taxes would include a 2.75% levy on income for the national medical insurance plan, as well as increased taxes on vegetable oil and fuel, which would increase the cost of production and trickle down to the consumer. Proposals to introduce a 16% value-added tax on bread and a new annual tax on motor vehicles were removed from the legislation Tuesday after a meeting between Ruto and ruling party members. But those who demonstrated Thursday said the amendments did not go far enough and that they want legislators to totally reject the budget legislation. Our parents have been taxed dry, yet theres no development to show for it. We reject any additional taxes and will stay on the streets for as long as it takes, Ashley Mwai said. The 19-year-old who has never voted said the new taxes have made her get involved in politics for the first time for the sake of her parents who do not have the energy to join protests. As much as Im not earning an income yet, additional taxes will increase the prices of food and transport, making life unbearable for us young people, Mwai said. Businessman Walter Mwangi, 34, said hes struggling to earn a living because taxes are already crippling his consultancy business. "We are sick and tired, Mwangi said. Lawmakers were debating and voting Thursday on the legislation in its second reading. It is due for its third and final reading next week. Meanwhile, demonstrators tried to breach a security cordon to access parliament buildings, carrying anti-government placards and chanting against Ruto. The president was attending a university event in the southeastern town of Garissa where anti-government protesters lined the street leading to the event venue. Young people also demonstrated in the president's home turf of Eldoret town, where they told journalists they had been duped into voting for Ruto. Ruto said earlier in the week that the protests were a constitutional right, but that government institutions must carry out their mandate. We are a democratic country. Those who want to demonstrate it is their right, no problem. But decisions have to be made by institutions," Ruto said Wednesday. "We will make decisions as an executive, take it to the legislature, people of Kenya will speak to it through public participation, others will subject it to court processes and that is how democracy works and I am a great believer in democracy, he said. Tuesday's protests saw more than 200 people arrested and later released. The right to protest is enshrined in the Kenyan constitution and organizers have to notify police who often give a go-ahead unless there are security concerns. Previous anti-government protests in Nairobi have often been met by police force with protesters in the past shot at by the police. Providence operates eight hospitals in Oregon, including Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Southwest Portland. (Providence Health & Services) Thousands of nurses at six Providence hospitals in Oregon walked off the job this week, embarking on a three-day strike thats the largest of its type in the states history. By 6 a.m. Tuesday, hundreds of nurses lined the picket lines at hospitals stretching from Medford to Portland. The strike comes amid stalled contract negotiations between the Oregon Nurses Association, which represents more than 3,000 nurses at the six hospitals, and Providence Health & Services, a nonprofit, Oregons dominant hospital group and the largest Portland-area employer. Nurses at each of the hospitals voted in support of the work stoppage, and the union gave Providence a 10-day notice. Officials at the nurses union say the issues at stake include competitive compensation and affordable health insurance plans. To prepare for the strike, Providence officials hired traveling nurses and notified patients to continue to show up for care and treatment. Gary Walker, a Providence spokesman, on Tuesday said the transition went smoothly across all six hospital campuses. The nurses work at Providence St. Vincent in southwest Portland, Providence Willamette Falls in Oregon City, Providence Medford, Providence Newberg, Providence Hood River and Providence Milwaukie. Nurses at the companys other hospital Providence Portland Medical Center in northeast Portland are going to work as usual because they settled their contract last year. Labor contracts are bargained separately at each institution. At Providence Newberg, Beth Lepire, a registered charge nurse at the hospitals birth center, arrived Tuesday before 6 a.m. striking alongside her colleagues and holding signs that said Better pay and nurses will stay and Recruit, retain, respect nurses. Lepire, also a member of the bargaining team for nurses at the Newberg hospital, said the small community needs to rely upon Salem and Portland area suburbs to meet their workforce needs. And hospitals in Salem and Portland can offer more, making retention a challenge, Lepire said. We want to stay here because we love our community hospital, Lepire said. We love our doctors. We love the people that we work with. We think we do a really good job at taking care of our people, but its hard to keep people here. Its hard to retain those nurses because they want to go elsewhere and get better pay to take care of their families. Lepire and other nurses on strike committed to three shifts of picketing at their hospitals. Were going to have quite a few people out here, nurses out here, and their families and some other supporters here on the sidewalks in front of the hospital for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Lepire said. At her hospital, she said, nearly 95% of nurses voted in support of going on strike. Lepire said she believes managers didnt anticipate that level of support. I think they were shocked by that, and then to physically see the numbers of us in front of the hospital, she said. Im hoping well move them to really know that this is really important to their staff. If they want to keep and retain the nurses that theyve had there, they really need to change some things in our contract. Hospital responds to strike Providence said in a statement its fully prepared for the strike and working with a nationally recognized staffing firm to hire experienced nurses for the strike. This includes registered nurses with specialities, the statement said. The replacement nurses are fully vetted, Providence said, and 97% of them have at least seven years of experience. Providence officials said each of the six hospitals had received an offer with increases of about 10% in the first year of contracts. In the leadup to the strike, Providence officials accused the union of attempting to disrupt health care access and medical supply deliveries at Providence hospitals in Oregon. Myrna Jensen, a spokesperson for the Oregon Nurses Association, said that accusation was false. It seems like Providence is trying to distract from the reasons why more than 3,000 Providence nurses called for the largest nurse strike in Oregon history, Jensen said in an email. This strike is happening because Providence continues to ignore their nurses on key issues like safe staffing, quality affordable healthcare, and market wages that would help recruit and retain nurses. Staffing law standoff Another source of contention: the Oregon Safe Staffing Law. The Legislature passed the bill and Gov. Tina Kotek signed it into law in 2023. House Bill 2697 set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios and established a process for hospital employees and management to agree upon staffing levels and plans. But since then, nurses and Providence managers have not agreed upon staffing plans and nurses have filed complaints with the Oregon Health Authority that accuse Providence managers of not complying with the new law. A Providence spokesman has previously said the nurses union wants to apply staffing ratios from expired plans into place rather than the statutory requirements for staffing. The Oregon Nurses Association represents 20,000 nurses and other health care workers statewide. Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X. The post Thousands of Providence nurses striking this week at six Oregon hospitals appeared first on Washington State Standard. KYODO NEWS - Jun 20, 2024 - 21:30 | World, All Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnamese President To Lam agreed to bolster the two countries' traditional friendly ties during their talks in Hanoi on Thursday, the state-run Vietnam News Agency reported, amid Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The two presidents also witnessed the signing of 11 documents on cooperation in nuclear technology and oil exploration among other fields, VNA reported. Lam, Vietnam's No. 2, said Russia is always a "priority" in Vietnam's foreign policies, appreciating its longtime support that started when the country was named Soviet Union. Following his talks with Lam, Putin met Vietnam's leader, the Communist Party's General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and said, "We are firmly determined to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, which remains among the priority tracks of Russian foreign policy," according to Russia's Tass news agency. The trip marks the first state visit to Vietnam by the Russian leader since he came in November 2013, though he last visited in November 2017 to attend a regional meeting, according to VNA. While Russia is the biggest supplier of military equipment to Vietnam, the Asian country has also strengthened its ties with the United States in recent years, with their bilateral relationship upgraded last September. Lam said after his talks with Putin that Vietnam supports an equal, indivisible security and cooperation architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, with a central role for ASEAN, according to Tass. Putin told Lam that "Russia attaches much significance to the development of dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," of which Vietnam is a leading member. A VNA report on Thursday quoted Le Hoai Trung, secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee, as saying Putin's state visit is an illustration of Vietnam's foreign policy of independence and self-reliance for peace as well as diversification and multilateralism. Vietnam has remained neutral on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which started in February 2022, and it abstained from the U.N. General Assembly's resolution condemning the invasion in March that year. Putin arrived in Vietnam in the early hours of Thursday following his state visit to North Korea. Related coverage: Russia, North Korea sign mutual aid pact in event of aggression Putin makes 1st visit to North Korea in 24 years for talks with Kim Putin to make 2-day visit to North Korea from June 18 for talks with Kim GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Thunderstorms tracked through West Michigan Thursday afternoon, bringing rain, hail and warnings from the National Weather Service. Inside woodtv.com: Radar A storm moves into the Grattan area on June 20, 2024. (Courtesy John Frueh Jr.) A shelf cloud over East Grand Rapids on June 20, 2024. Wall cloud in Woodbury around 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Courtesy Josh Lyke) A downed tree on Cascade Road near Snow Avenue near the Cascade-Lowell township border. (June 20, 2023) Hail in Saranac on June 20. 2024. (Courtesy Therese Bergy) Hail in Saranac on June 20. 2024. (Courtesy Therese Bergy) Hail in Saranac on June 20. 2024. (Courtesy Therese Bergy) Flooding in the area of Rockford and Grattan Township on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Courtesy) A tornado warning was issued for part of Ionia County shortly after 3 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Barry County was initially included, but it was removed from the warning area early. Around 4 p.m., a tornado warning was issued for parts of Kent and Ionia counties and initially scheduled until 4:45 p.m., but was expired early around 4:15 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning for Kent and Ionia counties ran out at 4:30 p.m., with the National Weather Service warning of a threat of quarter-sized hail and winds at 60 mph, as well as the risk of a tornado. One gust of 61 mph was recorded at E. Division Street NE and Wolverine Boulevard in Rockford, Storm Team 8 said. Inside woodtv.com: Storm Team 8 forecast Viewers sent News 8 photos of hail in the Saranac and Clarksville areas. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FILE - The icon for the video sharing TikTok app is seen on a smartphone, Feb. 28, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. The Federal Trade Commission has referred a complaint against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, to the Department of Justice. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File) TikTok disclosed a letter Thursday that accused the Biden administration of engaging in political demagoguery during high-stakes negotiations between the government and the company as it sought to relieve concerns about its presence in the U.S. The letter sent to David Newman, a top official in the Justice Departments national security division, before President Biden signed the potential TikTok ban into law was submitted in federal court along with a legal brief supporting the companys lawsuit against measure. TikToks Beijing-based parent company ByteDance is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, which is expected to be one of the biggest legal battles in tech and internet history. The internal documents provide details about negotiations between TikTok and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a secretive inter-agency panel that investigates corporate deals over national security concerns, between January 2021 and August 2022. TikTok has said those talks ultimately resulted in a 90-page draft security agreement that would have required the company to implement more robust safeguards around U.S. user data. It would have also required TikTok to put in a kill switch that would have allowed CFIUS to suspend the platform if it was found to be non-compliant with the agreement. However, attorneys for TikTok said the agency ceased any substantive negotiations with the company after it submitted the draft agreement in August 2022. CFIUS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Justice Department said it is looking forward to defending the recently enacted legislation, which it says addresses critical national security concerns in a manner that is consistent with the First Amendment and other constitutional limitations. Alongside others in our intelligence community and in Congress, the Justice Department has consistently warned about the threat of autocratic nations that can weaponize technology such as the apps and software that run on our phones to use against us, the statement said. This threat is compounded when those autocratic nations require companies under their control to turn over sensitive data to the government in secret. The letter sent to Newman details additional meetings between TikTok and government officials since then, including a March 2023 call the company said was arranged by Paul Rosen, the U.S. Treasury's undersecretary for investment security. According to TikTok, Rosen told the company that senior government officials deemed the draft agreement to be insufficient to address the governments national security concerns. Rosen also said a solution would have to involve a divestment by ByteDance and the migration of the social platform's source code, or its fundamental programming, out of China. TikToks lawsuit has painted divestment as a technological impossibility since the law requires all of TikToks millions of lines of code to be wrested from ByteDance so that there would be no operational relationship between the Chinese company and the new U.S. app. After the Wall Street Journal reported in March 2023 that CFIUS had threatened ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban, TikToks attorneys held another call with senior staff from the Justice and Treasury departments where they said leaks to the media by government officials were problematic and damaging. That call was followed by an in-person meeting in May 2023 between TikTok's attorneys, technical experts and senior staff at the Treasury Department focused on data safety measures and TikTok's source code, the company's attorneys said. The last meeting with CFIUS occurred in September 2023. In the letter to Newman, TikTok's attorneys say CFIUS provides a constructive way to address the government's concern. However, they added, the agency can only serve this purpose when the law - which imposes confidentiality - and regulations "are followed and both sides are engaged in good-faith discussions, as opposed to political subterfuge, where CFIUS negotiations are misappropriated for legislative purposes. The legal brief also shared details of, but does not include, a one-page document the Justice Department allegedly provided to members of Congress in March, a month before they passed the federal bill that would require the platform to be sold to an approved buyer or face a ban. TikToks attorneys said the document asserted TikTok collects sensitive data without alleging the Chinese government has ever obtained such data. According to the company, the document also alleged that TikToks algorithm creates the potential for China to influence content on the platform without alleging the country has ever done so. A new law signed by President Joe Biden that could lead to a ban of TikTok next year is unconstitutional and should be overturned, the social media platform alleged Thursday in new legal filings. TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, argued that the potential ban amounts to a "radical departure" from the U.S. supporting an open internet, setting a "dangerous precedent." The rebuttal comes after Biden signed the law in April, which requires ByteDance to either divest the business or face a ban of the platform within the U.S. ByteDance's ownership of TikTok could jeopardize the personal data of millions of Americans who use the app, lawmakers said in arguing for the measure. The legal briefs, filed on behalf of TikTok as well as TikTok users and content creators, contend that the law unfairly singles out the company, while providing "no justification for banning TikTok by fiat." The service's users, meanwhile, allege in the court documents that the ban would curb free speech, as well as their ability to choose where they wish to express their views. "Never before has Congress expressly singled out and shut down a specific speech forum," TikTok said in one brief. "Never before has Congress silenced so much speech in a single act." TikTok added, "The Constitution does not allow Congress to single out one speech platform, make no findings, announce no justifications, ignore less restrictive alternatives, and discriminate based on speaker and content. The act is unconstitutional and must be enjoined." The law gives ByteDance nine months to arrange a sale of TikTok, with the potential for an additional three-month grace period. Barring such a deal, the law would effectively ban the social media app in the U.S. When Social Security mistakenly overpays benefits, you might get a bill | 60 Minutes Prince William attends Taylor Swift concert in London Trump touts Dobbs decision in speech to evangelicals BURPEE, RICHARD A. (MAJ. GENERAL.) OKLAHOMA CITY AIR LOGISTIC CENTER / TINKER A.F.B.: UNKNOWN: Caption reads, Tinker Task Force Chairman Richard Burpee listens to the base closure commission meeting by telephone after local broadcast media broke away from live coverage. Staff Photo by Jim Beckel. Original Photo 06/22/1995. Published on O-6-23-95. When news of the possible closing of two Air Logistics Centers arose in 1995, there was some concern. Would Tinker Air Force Base's center be spared or would it be cut, meaning a loss of several hundred jobs? A story on June 23, 1995, in The Daily Oklahoman showed a pensive Retired Lt. Gen. Richard Burpee listening by phone as the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission deliberated which programs would be cut. Burpee was the Tinker task force chairman. There was relief for Oklahomans, though, when the commission recommended cutting the Air Logistics Centers at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio and McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. This move, instead, might mean thousands of new jobs for Tinker. However, when President Bill Clinton accepted the recommendations on July 13, 1995, he suggested plans to privatize, keeping the jobs at the bases in Texas and California for five years then shifting them to the private sector. For this attempt to spare jobs in those states, Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts accused Clinton of trying to undermine the intent of the commission. And in August of that year, Sen. Don Nickles called for congressional hearings to investigate the plan. Front page of the June 23, 1995, edition of The Daily Oklahoman This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tinker Air Force Base Air Logistics Center awaited fate in 1995 decision Dan Markingsons mother was worried about him. Her son, seriously struggling with mental illness, had enrolled in an AstraZeneca drug trial at the University of Minnesota. Over the next few months, his condition appeared to deteriorate, even as his mother Mary Weiss begged to get him out of the trial. Do we have to wait until he kills himself or anyone else before anyone does anything? she asked in a voicemail to the study coordinator. Three weeks later, in April of 2003, he cut his throat. Looking back on the tragedy now, author Carl Elliott says, I still have yet to find anybody who wants to defend it. But for a long time, it didnt seem like anybody wanted to do anything about it either. And as a faculty member at the university, Elliott quickly found himself frustrated and, as he writes in his new book, The Occasional Human Sacrifice: Medical Experimentation and the Price of Saying No, rattled. He started digging around, and in 2010 published a feature in Mother Jones, explosively titled The Deadly Corruption of Clinical Trials. Now, Elliott, who writes in the book that It is not in my nature to be confrontational, has taken his experience as the jumping off point for an unprecedented look at some of the most galvanizing medical research scandals of the past several decades and the impact they had on the individuals who brought them to light. He delves into the notorious Tuskegee syphilis experiments on Black men in the 20th century, the abuses against intellectually disabled children at the Willowbrook State School in the early 1970s, and four other shocking cases that reveal not just a stunning failure of ethics but a coordinated determination to silence and discredit the individuals challenging them. It's a chronicle of disappointment and loneliness, but also one of, in Elliott's word, of honor. I spoke to the author recently about the lessons of the past, the toll of telling the truth, and why one whistleblower says that every one of them is just an amateur playing against professionals. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. You say in the book regarding people who are whistleblowers: there's a before and there's an after. You frame this book with your own experience. Tell me about your before and after. If you had asked me before 2008 or so, How things were going? Should I look at a job at the University of Minnesota? I would have said, Absolutely. I don't feel the same way anymore, partly because there were lots of things that about the university in the way that the way it operates that I didn't know before. Particularly the way that everything changed for me after I wrote that Mother Jones article. Compared to a lot of people in a similar position, I felt as if I was relatively well protected. Im tenured here. I felt like I knew the material really well, because these are issues that I've been working on forever. I also felt as if I was protected because I didn't, at least in my own head, need somebody else to write the story. I could just write it myself. I felt like I had a strong network of fellow travelers, colleagues in the medical school, and particularly in the bioethics center, who would feel the same way about it. You know, the Markingson case is not hard. Its not a dilemma. It's just a matter of which abuses you want to highlight in that story. I still have yet to find anybody who wants to defend it. But doing what I did, not just writing about it for a national publication, but also just refusing to let it drop, really earned the resentment of my colleagues and former friends from the academic health center. There are there are certain words that keep coming up in this book, and one of them is "loneliness." What often happens when someone points out these ethical violations, the repercussions are immediate and punitive, and the person is isolated. It played out differently for almost everybody I talked to in the book. It feels like the further away you are from the scene of the crime, the better off you'll be, morally and emotionally and psychologically. For example, Peter Buxtun, there's a sense in which he's an insider, he's working for the Public Health Service. But Tuskegee is happening in Macon County, Alabama, thousands of miles away. He's not part of the fraternity of doctors that hes speaking out against. He's not really counting on a career in public health. He's just doing this temporarily, working as a contact tracer in San Francisco. He was probably the single most undamaged figure in the home in the whole book. But the people like Ron Jones in New Zealand, or the four whistleblowers in Sweden at the Karolinska Institute or Mike Wilkins and Bill Bronston at Willowbrook, or John Pesando at Fred Hutch, these were were very close to the study and very often the patients, and they could see the abuses and the harms in this very immediate way. You talk about Willowbrook and that 1972 news report. I didn't see that film until I was in my fifties, and it still made me cry. Just unbelievable scenes of deprivation and neglect and abuse. Can you imagine what it would be like for Mike Wilkins and Bill Bronston to go to work in that every day, and know that the kids that they were admitting were going to be treated like this? Sometimes there's a sense of complicity in it. Even if you're working as hard as you can to improve things, there's also this feeling that you're a part of this. Sometimes just knowing about it makes you feel as if you're a part of it, and you have to tell other people. But there's also the sense of disloyalty that you feel about going outside the group, especially if you have the idea that people are going to be punished that you might know and really, maybe even like. All this is very difficult. You ask about loneliness. The original title for this book was Lonesome Whistle, after the old Hank Williams song, because of that sense of isolation, particularly if you've gone into this whole thing alone, which some people do. Then you find yourself totally isolated. Most of the people I talked to really had no idea where to look for support, no idea that other people had gone through this. It's not like there's a set social script out there for how to blow the whistle. I use John Pesandos remark as the epigraph, Every whistleblower is an amateur playing against professionals. Thats exactly what it's like, because on the other side, there is a script. There is a script for the PR people and the crisis managers and the attorneys in the organization on the other side. They know how to deal with whistleblowers. They've been through it many times. But every whistleblower is doing it for the very first time, and they're just stumbling around in the dark. And then they find themselves lost and isolated and ostracized. There's often a lot of effort to discredit whistleblowers. You have someone in the book say that they thought that if they reported this, then it would be fixed. The disappointment of having that be turned on you, I imagine is quite palpable. It takes a certain amount of idealism to do this. None of the people I talked to struck me as idealistic in any way, but I'm talking to them after the fact. But they often tell a story of this sort of innocence I was so naive back then, I thought that this would happen. One of the things that you need to think will happen is, if everybody else sees what I've seen, if they know what I know, they're going to feel the same way. They're going to feel outraged and angry and demand justice. And it almost never happens that way. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. The authorities don't leap into action. Their colleagues are not grateful. Their friends very often don't want to be seen around them because they're so toxic and radioactive at work. So it is very lonely. It's even lonely in the sense that I think a lot of people who do this struggle to tell themselves a meaningful story about it. Unless there are other people who've been through the same thing that you can talk it through with, you don't really know how to develop that story. If it's just a series of events that are senseless, then it's just very difficult to recover from that. The struggle, in the absence of any real success, is trying to tell yourself a story in which this all has some sort of meaning, and which you can, if not feel good about it, at least make your peace with it. That is not the typical David and Goliath story. We can think, Tuskegee, that was one hundred years ago. It's been fifty years since Willowbrook. What is the relevance of these cases right now in terms of what we need to understand about medical experimentation? A lot has changed. I teach a class on research scandals. We start with the old ones, from the 1950s, 60s, 70s. Then we talk about the post-Belmont Report, post Common Rule studies. Almost everybody agrees the ones that came before the 1970s and were exposed during the 1960s and early '70s, it's almost certain we don't have anything like that now. The motivating force behind a lot of the scandals in the '50s, '60s, '70s was I think largely driven by hubris combined with genuine humanitarian goals, but also the conventional rewards for success in universities promotion, tenure, prizes, status, more than anything else. Those things are still there, obviously, but you have this financial incentive that has come into play since the 1990s. Backing by the pharmaceutical industry, the privatization of clinical trials and the development of contract research organizations by the biotech industry, all of these things have introduced an additional incentive, which is not just about getting famous, it's about getting rich as well. So the shape of the scandals tends to be slightly different. We live in an age of misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, paranoia, skepticism. This history of exploitation and abuse and harm is real. How do we then reassure someone who is looking at maybe doing a clinical trial now? How do we approach our medical system with the right due diligence as patients? I think that's just really hard. I understand the way that question presents itself to people, which is, What do I do to protect myself? But I actually think it's not the right question. The right question is, What can we do to fix the system so that we all have confidence in it? One of the horrible things that I went through when I was writing this book is my father got very sick, and for about a three year period, he was in and out of the hospital all the time. He's a doctor. My brother's a doctor. I have an MD behind my name. This was all happening within my father's practice area in South and North Carolina. I felt as if we weren't there with him at all times, things would just go south, immediately. He was powerless against the system, even a guy with all his medical knowledge. What would it be like, if you're trying to negotiate this and you have none of that? No power? No education? No money? How are you really supposed to protect yourself? That's why usually, the victims of these trials that have gone bad are vulnerable in some way. They're poor, they're uneducated, they're children that are mentally ill, they're mentally disabled. And one person, or even one family up against this giant medical industrial complex, that's a losing battle. What we need is reform of the system, so that we don't have to worry about this. The problem in academic health centers is that reflexive tendency to say, Nobody can know about this. We have to keep it quiet. If we have a victim coming forward, or we have a whistleblower coming forward, we have to discredit them, so that no one will actually believe what they're saying. If we can't discredit it, then we need to sweep it under the rug. We need to keep it as quiet as possible. We need to settle it, and we need to settle it with a confidentiality agreement so that nobody knows about this. And then, if they do know about it, never apologize. Never compensate the victims. Never admit wrongdoing. Not only is it ethically, morally wrong to do that, I think it's also counterproductive. Because how are you supposed to trust the system, when every time something like this comes up, they lie about it? They dissemble and they stonewall the press, and they do every time. You know, people are forgiving, and if you're honest with someone and admit that you made a mistake, and apologize to them for it, very often, that's really all they want. They just want to be able to trust somebody. In many of the stories that you write about in this book, we still would not know about these cases were it not for the press. What is the relation then between the whistleblower and getting that story out? And how important is that messenger? It's really important, but for the whistleblower, it's a gamble. It can all go south very quickly if you're in touch with the wrong reporter. They may breach confidentiality and out you when you're not planning on that. They might betray you and portray you in a very poor light in the story. They might say they're going to work on it, and stonewall you for years and years and never actually do anything. They may have the story killed by an editor somewhere up the line. That's what I mean about whistleblowers being amateurs. None of them have any idea how the press works. They don't know the difference between an investigative reporter and a science reporter and a beat reporter. They have no idea of which one they should find. It's just a matter of luck. Almost every story in the book, they were lucky to find good reporters, and in some cases, stunningly effective results. In this book you use a word that by your own admission is complicated honor. We all in our own way have to confront our own ethics every single day. Why is that concept so meaningful to you? A couple of things. One, the research oversight system is an honor system. It was set up as an honor system intentionally. We could have had a regulatory system. After Tuskegee, Willowbrook, all those scandals that came out in the early 1970s, there was a big push for a full-blown regulatory system, like you would have in factories or mines. The medical research establishment did not want that kind of oversight system. They pushed back very hard, and what we got is this peer review system, which basically says, We will trust researchers to do the right thing. That oversight system works by telling them to submit a lot of paperwork about what they plan to do. We trust them to fill out the paperwork, honestly, to report their results, honestly, to do what they say they're going to do in the study. It's like an honor code. But any kind of honor code depends on people who see wrongdoing to report it. That's what we don't have in the oversight system. We have an honor code, but we don't really treat it like an honor code. The other thing is that when I first started talking to whistleblowers, there was a way of talking that puzzled me in the beginning. If you asked them, What led you to do this? inevitably, there would be something in there about, Well, how could I look at myself in the mirror? How could I hold my head up? What would I say to my children? They weren't making a moral argument or talking about the Hippocratic Oath. They didn't talk about professional ethics, they didn't talk about the Bible. Although sometimes people were being harmed and that obviously played a huge part in it, the way they talked about it was about themselves. How do I live with myself? Asking the question, How do I maintain my self-respect, in the absence of respect from anyone else now? seemed to be at the core of their moral problems. At a certain point, it occurred to me, this is the ethic of honor. Honor is all about your obligations to yourself. It's about maintaining your self-respect. I hear it in their stories. I think the reluctance of anybody these days to talk about honor, at least in a positive way, is that it has a very dark side to it. The dark side is violence. The number of wars and mass murders and bar fights and any number of violent encounters that result from someone feeling as if their honor has been challenged, or their self-respect has been challenged, or they've been insulted in some way, is very much part of the honor ethic. I could have used a word like integrity. But what distinguishes the honor piece of it is that it's also important to an honorable person that they be seen as honorable by other people. And this is why discrediting whistleblowers works so well. Top Penn State Health surgeon warned leaders about transplant problems months before shutdown. Then he was let go. This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our north-central Pa. newsletter, Talk of the Town, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. By the time he was told to leave the hospital, Raymond Lynch had nearly run out of people to warn. He had warned staff in the transplant unit and fellow surgeons. He had warned his boss. He had even taken his concerns to at least two top Penn State Health leaders. Lynch compiled data showing what he thought were serious problems in the kidney and liver transplant programs at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Patients were dying while waiting for a liver transplant, or becoming too sick to undergo the procedure, at what he considered an alarmingly high rate. So few patients were receiving kidney transplants that he worried regulators would intervene. He thought the way the program was being run was costing some patients a chance at a potentially lifesaving operation. And some who received transplants were experiencing dangerous and potentially avoidable complications afterward, Lynch argued. Lynch is not one to mince words. He can be a lightning rod for controversy, especially when he rails against the failures of the national transplant system. But he is also the kind of doctor who does not balk at an hourslong drive to meet a patient. Former colleagues described him as willing to speak up, even at great personal cost. The surgeon was hired in early February 2023, during Penn State Healths push to resurrect its troubled kidney and liver transplant programs. In 2022, the health system drew a rare public rebuke from the national body that oversees transplants, which criticized the hospitals patient safety standards, processes for troubleshooting issues, and internal culture. As the health system worked to address the issues, the CEO told regulators that the transplant programs would strive to become the best in the state if not the entire country. Part of Lynchs role, in his new job as director of transplant quality and outcomes, was to flag problems. In Hershey, he thought, there were plenty. Even before any incisions are made, transplants are a complex medical procedure. Transplant patients are often very sick. Some deaths and complications are unavoidable, which is why experts emphasize the need for hospitals to identify issues and find solutions. A crucial part of that, they say, is a work environment where employees can bring up problems without fear of personal blowback. Lynch voiced his concerns in department meetings for months, colleagues recall. When those efforts seemed to go nowhere, he shared his findings with top Penn State Health officials, including Chief Operating Officer Deborah Addo and Hersheys Chief Medical Officer Robert Harbaugh, four people told Spotlight PA. Weeks later, in April, Penn State Health abruptly dismissed Lynch. Penn State University, the majority owner of the health system and its flagship hospital in Hershey, has struggled for years with the perception that employees who report problems are punished. In 2022, after spending two days in Hershey, a team of regulators concluded that Penn State Healths abdominal transplant unit had a toxic culture of fear and retaliation. Lynchs ouster sparked outrage among some of his former colleagues, who saw it as evidence that this culture had not changed, according to records obtained by Spotlight PA and people with direct knowledge of the situation. Staff were told the move was prompted by financial constraints, but some told leaders they did not believe this explanation. In a letter shared with top administrators, one physician argued that Lynchs dismissal was plain retaliation for his attempts to objectively review data and patient outcomes. The loss of Dr. Lynch will have a profound negative impact on direct patient care and program innovation, another employee wrote. The surgeons dismissal was the first shock in a wave of upheavals for the health system. In the weeks that followed, federal regulators renewed their scrutiny of the central Pennsylvania program. Penn State Health temporarily stopped performing liver transplants. Kidney transplants were suspended several weeks later. Then, in May, the health system announced it would indefinitely shutter both programs, which could end the federal review. It is not clear what specifically prompted the performance review, or Penn State Healths decision to discontinue the programs. The health system declined to make top officials available for interviews, including Addo, Harbaugh, Johnny Hong, chief of the division of transplantation, and Don McKenna, president of Hershey Medical Center. In a statement responding to Spotlight PAs findings, a Penn State Health spokesperson said: We were not successful in our efforts to re-establish an abdominal transplant program. The reasons for this were far more nuanced than culture, decision-making, and relationships between medical staff members, although each of these played a role, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson did not specify what the other reasons were. The health system is commissioning a full and independent review to understand the underlying problems, and will only consider reopening the kidney and liver transplant programs once those have been systematically corrected, the spokesperson continued. Statement from Penn State Health In May, following the closure of the programs, Penn State Health told staff in an email that Hong planned to resign. Reached by phone, he declined to comment for this story. Spotlight PA sent him a summary of findings via certified letter, but did not receive a response. Lynchs attorney said the surgeon would not comment or answer questions for this story. Spotlight PA spoke with more than 20 people with expertise in the transplant industry or directly connected to Penn State Healths abdominal transplant program, including current and former employees. The current and former employees asked not to be named out of fear of retaliation. Information provided by sources and cited in this story was confirmed by others or through records obtained by Spotlight PA. The newsroom reviewed recordings of internal meetings, as well as hundreds of pages of documents, including financial records, transplant data reports, emails, and text messages. In a memo obtained by Spotlight PA, Lynch wrote that program leadership decisions are the direct cause of observed concerns, and program culture strongly discourages constructive change. Rebuilding a program A photograph from early in Lynchs time at Penn State shows the surgeon alongside two other newly hired colleagues, including Hong. Framed by bright operating room lights and heartbeat monitors, they stand with resolute smiles and their arms folded across their blue scrubs. Their postures convey confidence something Penn State Healths abdominal transplant unit desperately needed. As far back as 2008, inspectors with the Pennsylvania Department of Health repeatedly flagged problems with the health systems kidney and liver transplant programs, including failures to properly protect patients and inform them of the medical and psychological risks of a transplant, records show. Following these poor reviews, the hospital agreed to fix the issues. But the spring of 2022 marked a low point. State and federal officials identified serious problems with the abdominal transplant unit, leading Penn State Health to suspend liver and kidney transplants in late April 2022. In September 2022, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which oversees transplants in the United States on behalf of the federal government, declared Hershey Medical Center a member not in good standing. It is one of the most serious disciplinary actions the regulatory body can take, and was the first such move against a hospital in more than 15 years. To make a member not in good standing, that usually happens when a program is being obstinate, said Jason Smith, a heart surgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, who previously served on the Membership and Professional Standards Committee, which oversees transplant programs under the regulatory body. Theyre ignoring the MPSCs recommendations or not being forthcoming with data. The move led to an unusual public airing of the programs failures. By design, the oversight group typically keeps nearly all of its deliberations and the reasons for corrective actions confidential. The disciplinary action was intended to provide public notice that Penn State Health had committed a major violation of the groups policies or shown a serious lapse in patient safety or quality of care, the group said in a statement at the time. The regulator also noted a culture of retaliation for reporting potential problems. Penn State Health leaders promised to rebuild. Lynch, hired in February 2023, arrived in Hershey with an established national presence. In 2018, as a surgeon at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Lynch sharply criticized a proposed national rule that would have changed how donated livers are distributed. Emory called Lynch, who argued the change would make it harder for patients in rural and low-income areas to receive donated livers, an abiding advocate. Raymond Lynch was hired in early February 2023. The federal government cited research Lynch worked on when it announced major changes to the regulation of nonprofits that recover organs from deceased donors and can receive taxpayer funds. Testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance last summer, Lynch urged lawmakers to require these organizations to be more transparent. He also described the federal contractor overseeing the nations network for transplantation as incompetent and self-serving. Former colleagues described Lynch as a principled doctor who is direct to the point of being abrasive and unafraid to challenge authority. He is a passionate advocate for the vulnerable human being, said Michael Englesbe, the chief of the transplant division at the University of Michigan. Lynch worked closely with Englesbe at Michigan while completing his graduate medical training there. If he thinks the system is screwing somebody, then he will do his homework and build the case. In a joint statement, four anesthesiologists at Emory Philip Kalarickal, Gaurav Patel, Susan Smith, and Cinnamon Sullivan who worked closely with Lynch in the transplant unit and the operating room, described him as a highly skilled surgeon in a very difficult surgical discipline and someone with strong moral integrity. Penn State Health, in a March 2023 news release, described Lynch as a world-class surgeon recruited to the rebooted transplant program. Regulators had previously criticized the health systems approach to reviewing issues and ensuring patient safety. Part of Lynchs new role involved leading internal discussions about this. After visiting the hospital in early 2023, a team of federal reviewers cited recent hires as a sign of improvement. Following more than 30 interviews with Penn State Health staff, the reviewers described substantial progress in Hershey and were told by workers that a palpable change in the culture had occurred, according to a March 2023 report. Nine months later, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network restored Hershey Medical Centers status as a member in good standing. Hong, the chief of transplantation, told PennLive that the move confirms that the steps we have taken have created an abdominal organ transplant program that patients can trust and rely on. Lynch already had doubts. The surgeons concerns In late 2023, Lynch began flagging issues in department meetings. He argued that patients were missing out on too many offers of donated livers and kidneys. Hershey Medical Center lagged the national average on several key metrics, according to data Lynch presented at meetings. Citing public and internal data, Lynch argued that patients at Hershey were waiting longer to receive a liver transplant. According to the data Lynch shared, they were also more likely to become too sick to undergo the procedure, or worse. More patients are dying on the waitlist, noted an internal document summarizing Lynchs concerns. This is likely related to our narrow acceptance of organs. In 2023, seven patients received liver transplants at Hershey Medical Center. The same year, eight patients were removed from the waiting list because they became too sick to receive a transplant, and three died, federal data show. Lynch thought these numbers were cause for concern. Experts caution that it is difficult to draw statistical conclusions from a small number of cases over a limited period of time. Still, three transplant experts told Spotlight PA that the kinds of concerns Lynch raised would generally warrant further review. Hospitals accept donated organs at widely different rates, research shows. Programs that perform fewer transplants, like Penn State Health, are generally more conservative, experts told Spotlight PA. They also said that transplant centers tend to become more cautious after disciplinary action, which can lead them to accept fewer organs. In deciding whether to accept a specific organ or hold out for a better offer, surgeons must weigh the risk of a transplant with the risk of leaving the patient on the waiting list. A doctor might turn down an offered organ because it is not a good fit for a patient based on various factors, such as the donors age, weight, or how sick they were before they died. Still, there is a national consensus that hospitals should generally accept more organs. In 2022, a major federal report concluded that it was too easy for transplant centers to decline usable organs. Hershey Medical Center performed one kidney transplant in 2023, a number Lynch described in an internal presentation as a state of functional inactivity. The main reason for the low volume, Lynch wrote in a memo outlining what he saw as the programs challenges, was the amount of organ offers the hospital was turning down. In 2023, an internal document shows, the hospitals acceptance rate for donated kidneys was among the lowest in the country. Despite making significant advances, the transplant program faces significant challenges related primarily to organ acceptance and candidate selection, Lynch wrote in the memo. If these challenges were not addressed, he warned, the program risked more disciplinary action from regulators. Lynch also raised questions about how patients were faring after receiving a transplant. He shared data showing how long they were staying in the hospital and the intensive care unit. Lynch thought patients were experiencing high rates of complications. The culture of the transplant program made it harder to address patient safety concerns, Lynch wrote in the memo. Lynch thought transplant program leadership discouraged open discussion of potential problems. In early 2024, Lynch escalated his concerns to top health system officials including Addo, the health systems chief operating officer, and Harbaugh, the hospitals chief medical officer according to four people with direct knowledge of what leadership was told, or whom Lynch told. It would not have been unusual for health system leaders to be drawn into the running of the abdominal transplant program. Records reviewed by Spotlight PA show that senior Penn State Health officials were intimately involved in the overhaul and administration of the program through at least early 2024. Its not clear what, if any, action Penn State Health leaders took in response to Lynchs concerns. But two people told Spotlight PA that administrators considered asking an outside group or researcher to review the data and Lynchs conclusions. Its unclear whether that happened. A spokesperson declined Spotlight PAs request to speak with health system officials about the transplant programs. Transplant employees saw Lynch as someone who was outspoken about what he believed were serious problems. Then, he was gone. The exterior of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center The tone is set at the top A team of regulators, visiting Hershey in the lead-up to the 2022 sanctions, noted a culture of fear and retaliation rather than safety in the abdominal transplant program, according to a summary report of the visit. Health system leaders said they knew that fixing this would be a challenge. Culture is hard and the changing of culture is hard, one administrator said during a December 2022 discussion with regulators. It is taking an extended effort to gain the trust of staff and let them know that leadership really wants to know what theyre thinking without any fear of retribution. Leaders know the tone is set at the top, Addo told the regulators. Yet some Penn State Health employees continue to fear retaliation. Within Penn State, the majority owner of the health system, employees have reported for years their belief that people who speak up about issues face retaliation. A 2022 survey found that 42% of university faculty and 43% of staff believe Penn State does not retaliate against people who report wrongdoing roughly no improvement from a comparable 2017 assessment. Some of Lynchs former colleagues saw his dismissal as evidence that a retributive culture persisted in Hershey. In letters sent to Penn State Health leaders, employees described Lynch as collaborative and willing to ask tough questions. One staff member wrote that he knew the name of everyone in the department. One doctor, in her letter to health system leadership, argued that Lynchs dismissal was plain retaliation because he raised concerns about clinical outcomes. The current leadership of the transplant program has created a culture where obedience is key, she wrote. Staff is angry and afraid, another employee wrote. I am watching the open culture we worked hard to create, crumble before my eyes. Leaders blamed Lynchs departure on financial constraints, but some employees challenged this explanation. In the letters, they described it as deceptive and a half truth at best. While Penn State Health has lost money in recent fiscal years, the systems flagship location in Hershey is among the most profitable hospitals in Pennsylvania, according to data collected by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Additionally, part of Lynchs salary was covered by a National Institutes of Health grant for research on improving veterans access to transplants, which he brought to Penn State from Emory. The question of culture came up repeatedly in tense virtual meetings with transplant staff in May, which took place shortly after the health system announced it would once again suspend kidney transplants. In recordings of two meetings obtained by Spotlight PA, transplant staff ask blunt questions of Hershey Medical Center President McKenna and other administrators. What specific problems had regulators found? What would come next? Why was this happening again? Some employees broke down crying. There have been so many changes, and its still not working, one employee said. This is heartbreaking. Another employee described receiving angry messages from patients on the waiting list for kidney transplants. At the time, health system leaders appeared committed to rebuilding, again. McKenna said senior officials were convening twice a day and had a meeting scheduled with regulators. Another staffer spoke, her voice trembling with emotion. Senior leadership lost their pulse their finger was never on the pulse with this team, she said. There were problems that were allowed to get elevated and escalated through the proper channels that fell on deaf ears, that were voiced multiple times. It is not a shock that we are here. A department head in Penn States College of Medicine replied that regulators had identified culture and structure as major problems. Are we going to get it right this time? You know, of course we hope so, the department head told transplant staff. I have to say, its a fair question. An answer came a week later, when Penn State Health indefinitely closed its kidney and liver transplant programs. SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate/statecollege. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Kansas Childrens Discovery Center hosted a variety of events to teach the next generation about the states newest holiday, Juneteenth. One of those was an educational storytelling. Reader Daisy Karimi thinks that teaching from the ground up is important. Because everybody understands what a birthday is. This is another way, and then introducing it in higher levels, Karimi said. Todays experience gave her a positive outlook on the time ahead. They give me warmth because they show me what the future is going to be, and they showed us that its going to be bright and just lovely, Karimi said. And, that makes me so happy on so many levels. Burlingame looks to make some city-wide upgrades Her main objective is to teach everyone something new. Kamilah Njoroge is nine-years-old from Topeka who attended Wednesdays storytelling events. Today is Juneteenth, Njoroge said. Its like 4th of July, but its in June. Soon, the discovery center plans to break ground on a $10 million expansion that will double its size, and provide more space for events like this one. The discovery center also has a childrens civil rights exhibit open until August 11th. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. TOPEKA (KSNT) Whether its rain or heat, some local events this weekend are feeling the impacts of the summer elements in Kansas. With the official start of summer beginning on Thursday, June 20, two local events are preparing to beat the heat. Bright and early Saturday morning, more than 200 people will run in a 5K and 10K to honor local track legend Angie Barry. Rain wraps up as hotter weather moves back into the area We lost Angie a little over three years ago, race director Rob Hays said. This is intended to raise funds that scholarship fund, honor Angie, and put on a premiere 5k and 10k. Angie was a beloved figure in the running community in Kansas. This is what she would love to do with her friends, Angies daugther Misty Redd said. All of her high school friends put this on and its really awesome to have everybody get together and do something she would love to do. The race will start at 8 a.m. Below is a map of the route: Major road improvements coming to Emporia In Downtown Topeka, the citys first annual Pride Palooza will take over Evergy Plaza. We have been putting up events through Topeka Pride and weve been shocked by how many people were interested in attending them, Josh Coulter with Topeka Pride said. So, we just wanted to have one big event in June since almost every city has a pride event in June, we kind of felt like we were missing out. Both events are Saturday, and more information can be found by following the links below: 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Those Tories left standing after the seemingly inevitable debacle to come could learn much from Italy, and Giorgia Meloni in particular, about how to build a new conservative party from scratch. For while the Tory brand of conservatism looks doomed to extinction, Melonis goes from strength to strength. At the recent European elections, her party Fratelli dItalia (FDI) got many more seats than the left-wing Partito Democratico (PD), its closest rival. She personally got a staggering 2.3 million preference votes while Elly Schlein, leader of PD, got just 200,000. The FDI, the party she co-founded in 2012 polled just 1.96% of the vote at its first general election in 2013, yet just a decade later got 29% at this one. Their rise has been meteoric and Italys first female Prime Minister has become the most successful leader in Europe of whatever political stripe. This is partly thanks to her winning personality. She has got the gift of the gab and good sense of humour, is very terra terra (down to earth) and comes from the Rome equivalent of the East End. Too poor to go to university, she is a razor sharp autodidact, who learned English by listening to pop music on her Sony Walkman. The gist of her advice to the Tories, I am sure, would be as follows. To succeed at this moment in time a conservative party must be Right-wing, certainly not centre-Right, but absolutely not far-Right. That means it must be nationalistic, but in a patriotic way, the aim being to defend ones country, culture and way of life, but not to impose those values externally. Above all, it must restrict the free movement of both people and goods, actually stopping mass immigration whether legal or illegal. But it also means actually stopping cheap foreign goods from destroying home-grown jobs and communities. Another priority is doing something to stop people refusing to work and have children. This might mean, for instance, axing welfare for anyone who does not have dependents, and a living wage for stay-at-home mothers in recognition that motherhood is a full-time job. It would require a leader brave enough to stand up to, if not dismantle, the woke dictatorship now in charge of the citadels of culture, and preferably blessed with the ability to give speeches as electrifying as the one Meloni gave in 2019 that went viral and became a hit single. I am Giorgia! I am a woman! I am a mother! I am Italian! I am Christian! And you cant take that away from me! she bellowed to wild cheers from her audience. Meloni with French President Emmanuel Macron. Their relationship is said to be tense. It would thrust the Tories into a head-on clash with the unholy alliance that has sprung up between those for whom national borders are barriers to profit and no borders-advocates for whom they are the root of all evil. It is this alliance of convenience between enemies that drives demand for mass immigration. That would mean taking the side of the little guy against big business and the banks. Would the Tories have the bottle? Such a shift in mind-set might require moving away from small government free market Thatcherism which has been their default mantra for half a century and towards dirigiste big government (actually something of which Boris Johnson was rather fond). But just how rocky the road to recovery will be for the Tories, if they were to choose to copy Giorgia Meloni, can be seen by the way she is so relentlessly denigrated by the global media. They continue to call Meloni far-Right, though that description is false for several reasons. To start with, being far-Right in Italy, however incredible this might seem, is a vote loser. The Italians are not a nation of fascists straining at the leash to come out of the closet. Genuine far-Right parties here get virtually no votes. The main one, Forza Nuova, could not even muster the required 36,000 signatures to field candidates at the 2022 general election. For the record, Giorgia Meloni began to call herself a conservative in 2012 when she was one of the co-founders of Fratelli dItalia as a conservative party. Yes, she and many of them had in the past been members of Italys post-fascist party, hence the heir to Mussolini tag. But in 1995 that party had rejected fascism and renounced the evil that it had done, and in 2009 merged with Silvio Berlusconis centre-right party, then called Popolo della Liberta. Naturally, no one ever calls Italys main Left-wing party the Partito Democratico (PD) or its leader Elly Schlein - far-Left, let alone the heirs to Stalin. But the PDs connection with Italian Communism is far more direct than that of Melonis party with Italian fascism. While Meloni was only in the post-fascist party, not the Partito Fascista Repubblicano which was abolished in 1945, there are plenty of people in the PD today who were in the Partito Comunista Italiano (PCI). The PCI, which was the largest in the Western world, was dissolved only in 1991 when all hope was lost and the PD is its direct descendant. Its first post-war leader, Palmiero Togliatti, had spent the Second World War in Moscow as a member of the Soviet Politburo, and was known as Stalins Italian. When I interviewed Meloni during the 2022 election campaign she told me that she is inspired by English Tories such as Roger Scruton and J.R.R Tolkien, her favourite author. Scruton in particular regarded the paternalistic state, the family and the community as forces for good and felt too much emphasis on the market dangerous. He was no pure Thatcherite. Hence his appeal to Meloni. In power, the closest Meloni has come to a far-Right policy is in her efforts to stop illegal migrant boats from North Africa. Last November, for instance, she struck a deal with Albanian Socialist Prime Minister Eddy Rama last November to off-shore to Albania up to 36,000 migrants a year where they will be detained while their asylum applications are being processed. Due to launch in August, it is far more practical than Sunaks Rwanda scheme announced more than two years ago and still not off the ground because it is far less prone to human rights violation challenges. But if her Albania scheme makes Meloni far-Right then it makes lots of centrists far-Right as well, such as EU President Ursula von der Leyen who has praised it as out of the box thinking and ensured that the EPP her centre-right group in the European Parliament included it as a pledge in their recent election manifesto. The same goes for 15 EU governments who in May wrote to the EU Commission urging it to adopt a similar scheme for the whole bloc. To me that looks like von der Leyen, the EPP and the 15 EU governments moving to the Right thanks to Meloni. Not vice versa. But they dont get called populists! Nicholas Farrell has lived in Italy for 25 years and is author of Mussolini A New Life Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday after the prime minister went after President Biden in a video message, accusing the administration of withholding arms from his country amid the Israel-Hamas war. Netanyahu claimed Biden has repeatedly withheld weapons from Israel, accusing the president of propping up Hamas and Iran. The White House has strongly pushed back, pointing to its record of consistently backing the country in the conflict. If you are looking to undermine the bipartisanship of the US-Israel relationship, then release a public video attacking the Biden Administration, which, despite hysterical opposition from the far left, has held firm in support of Israel for eight months and counting, Torres said in a post on the social platform X. Torres is an ardent supporter of Israel. He left the Congressional Progressive Caucus in February over an internal dispute about Israel policy. Disagreements should be had in private, he continued. Hamas is emboldened by even the appearance of a ruptured relationship. When asked about Netanyahus comments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, We genuinely do not know what hes talking about. We just dont. A White House official told The Hill that a meeting with Israeli officials had been held this week in the wake of the comments. The back-and-forth marks the latest instance of tensions between the Biden administration and Netanyahu spilling into the public as Israel carries out its war against Hamas. Democrats, including Biden, have grown frustrated with the war in Gaza, where more than 37,000 people have been killed as Israel fights to destroy Hamas, the militant group that invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage. The White House has for months urged Israel to do more to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza, and polling has shown growing frustration over Bidens handling of the conflict. Biden warned last month he would stop supplying Israel with offensive weapons such as bombs and artillery shells if it launched a long-promised invasion of Rafah. But the White House has maintained Israel has not crossed a red line, even after an Israeli strike killed dozens of Palestinians in the southern Gaza city. Netanyahus comments come as he is scheduled to address congress on July 24. A growing number of Democrats, including both progressives and more mainstream members, have signaled that they will boycott or otherwise protest the visit. Brett Samuels contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. KYODO NEWS - Jun 20, 2024 - 21:01 | World, All A new treaty signed Wednesday by North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's President Vladimir Putin stipulates that if either country faces an armed invasion, the other shall provide "all means" of military and other assistance, according to North Korean state media. The signing of the pact during Putin's visit to North Korea effectively revived mutual defense obligation under a 1961 accord between Pyongyang and Moscow, which became invalid following the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. The official Korean Central News Agency released Thursday the full text of the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership, which underscored increasingly close military cooperation between the two countries. "In case any one of the two sides is put in a state of war by an armed invasion from an individual state or several states, the other side shall provide military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay," the reported text says. The growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has been a source of concern to Western countries and Japan amid the prolonged Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Russia has procured ballistic missiles and ammunition from North Korea and used them against Ukraine. In return for its support, Pyongyang is believed to be seeking Russian assistance to advance its own military capabilities. Kim told a press conference following the treaty's signing of that bilateral relations have reached "a new high level of alliance." Without echoing that characterization, Putin said Russia "does not rule out developing military and technical cooperation" with North Korea in accordance with the new pact. The defunct 1961 treaty had a provision of automatic military intervention in case of an armed attack on either party, but the new pact omits that clause, instead saying military assistance will be provided in accordance with the domestic laws of the two countries. In case a direct threat of armed invasion is created against any either side, Russia and North Korea shall "immediately operate the channel of bilateral negotiations" to discuss "feasible practical measures to ensure mutual assistance for removing the prevailing threat," the reported text says. The North Korean state media also said the two countries shall "provide mechanisms for taking joint measures" to boost defense capabilities for preventing war and ensuring regional and global peace and security. Russia has not released the full text of the treaty, which will be in "indefinite effect." It also covers bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, energy and technology, among other areas, according to KCNA. Related coverage: Russia, North Korea sign mutual aid pact in event of aggression Putin makes 1st visit to North Korea in 24 years for talks with Kim Russia, Vietnam leaders meet to bolster traditional friendly ties ERWIN, N.Y. (WETM) A Town Justice in Steuben County was arrested last week after police said they were driving a vehicle while intoxicated. According to the New York State Police Blotter, 39-year-old Julie M Kuck was arrested on Friday, June 14, around 10:40 p.m. for the offense of DWI and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of at least .08, both misdemeanor charges, and her first offense. Addison man arrested on burglary, assault charges The blotter report states that Kuck was arrested in the Town of Erwin and was released to someone who came to pick her up following her arrest. According to the Steuben County Directory, Kuck currently serves as the Town Justice for the Town of Lindley, with her term expiring on December 31, 2025. As of September 2023, Kuck shows up on a listing of all town/village court justices, that can be found here. 18 News has contacted officials with the town of Lindley to request a comment on the incident but has not heard back at the posting of this article. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (NewsNation) Three days after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3, 2023, officials with the EPAs blessing burned 116,000 gallons of vinyl chloride. Within minutes, a mushroom-like cloud of toxins billowed into the atmosphere and smothered the area. Now, for the first time since the incident, new data reveals just how far those toxins spread. New research on federal precipitation and pollution data shows 16 states from Wisconsin to North Carolina to Maine were impacted by the hazardous emissions that burned in East Palestine. NewsNation has been committed to covering the fallout of the East Palestine train derailment over the last year. Here are the most recent updates: Highest chloride levels in 12 years: Researcher David Gay, a University of Wisconsin researcher and lead study author, said his research team detected some of the highest chloride levels theyve ever recorded the week after the burn. Gay and other researchers with the National Atmospheric Deposition Program, which has about 260 sites across the U.S. collecting rain and snow samples, analyzed the data and were shocked by the results. These were some of the highest, if not the highest, we had seen in the last 12 years, Gay said. That fire touched a lot of points in the Midwest and the Northeast. Were all breathing the same atmosphere. Thats a take-home story. Gay confirmed it was because officials decided to burn 116,000 gallons of the vinyl chloride that researchers are detecting such high chloride levels in the atmosphere. When you combust vinyl chloride, the primary admission you get is chloride ion and hydrogen ion, which we measure as chloride ion and in our pH measurement. So yes, that chloride came from that combustion, Gay told NewsNation. Chloride levels were the highest in northern Pennsylvania and along the Canadian border; however, Gay said research on how it impacted Canada itself was not available. Overall, researchers say they believe that in addition to Ohio, there was at least some impact across 15 states Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. What happened in East Palestine? FILE Debris from a Norfolk Southern freight train lies scattered and burning along the tracks on Feb. 4, 2023, the day after it derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. A federal judge has signed off Tuesday, May 21, 2024, on the $600 million class action settlement over last years disastrous Norfolk Southern derailment in eastern Ohio, but many people who live near East Palestine are still wondering how much they will end up with out of the deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) In this photo provided by Melissa Smith, a train fire is seen from her farm in East Palestine, Ohio, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. A train derailment and resulting large fire prompted an evacuation order in the Ohio village near the Pennsylvania state line on Friday night, covering the area in billows of smoke lit orange by the flames below. (Melissa Smith via AP) (WKBN) Photo of the Norfolk Southern train derailment aftermath in East Palestine, Ohio, provided by Ashley McCullom. FILE A view of the scene Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Norfolk Southern alone will be responsible for paying for the cleanup after last years fiery train derailment in eastern Ohio, a federal judge ruled, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, File) Katie Smith NewsNation A shovel lays on the ground after being used to collect a soil sample from an East Palestine home on May 16, 2023. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, center, meets with Ohio EPA officials in East Palestine, Ohio. (NewsNation) Katie Smith NewsNation Community members raise their hands at a town hall meeting Tuesday, May 16, 2023, near East Palestine Ohio. The show of hands indicated who was uncomfortable remaining in their home after a train derailment released toxic chemicals in the area. File A view of the scene Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Some of the railcars that derailed Friday night when a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed are in the process of being cleaned up on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio.(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) Workers observe a stream in East Palestine, Ohio, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 as the cleanup continues after the derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train Friday. Officials are estimating that thousands of fish and other species are dead as a result of the incident. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) An Ohio state trooper goes door to door telling residents to leave downtown East Palestine, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. A smoldering tangle of dozens of derailed freight cars, some carrying hazardous materials, has kept an evacuation order in effect in Ohio near the Pennsylvania state line as environmental authorities warily watch air quality monitors. (Lucy Schaly/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP) Equipment and gravel pile up along the railroad tracks in downtown East Palestine, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. A smoldering tangle of dozens of derailed freight cars, some carrying hazardous materials, has kept an evacuation order in effect in Ohio near the Pennsylvania state line as environmental authorities warily watch air quality monitors. (Lucy Schaly/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP) East Palestine police block roads in downtown East Palestine, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. A smoldering tangle of dozens of derailed freight cars, some carrying hazardous materials, has kept an evacuation order in effect in Ohio near the Pennsylvania state line as environmental authorities warily watch air quality monitors. (Lucy Schaly/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP) On Feb. 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in the small Ohio community of East Palestine. Some 1,500 residents were told to evacuate following the crash. Fearing an explosion, officials decided to vent and burn five tank cars, releasing 116,000 gallons of the carcinogen vinyl chloride into the air. Later, a toxic plume of smoke smothered the region. However, three days later, the EPA said it had not detected contaminants at levels of concern and gave the all-clear for residents to return. Since then, residents of East Palestine have complained of multiple health problems, including rashes and sickness. Theyve also criticized the government for downplaying their concerns that their community is no longer safe to live in. Controlled burn was unnecessary: NTSB FILE This image taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, that still burns after it derailed the night before in East Palestine, Ohio. The lawyers who negotiated a $600 million settlement with Norfolk Southern over that railroads disastrous 2023 derailment in eastern Ohio want residents to talk with them before deciding the historic deal isnt enough. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) FILE A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) Portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed the night before burn in East Palestine, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) EAST PALESTINE, OH FEBRUARY 25: A Norfolk Southern train passes underneath a bridge on February 25, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate after the area was placed under a state of emergency and temporary evacuation orders. (Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images) In March, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy testified before the Senate that the controlled burn and explosion set off in the wake of the derailment could have been avoided. Several pieces of necessary information were not shared with state and local leaders who decided to vent and burn five tank cars after being advised by Norfolk Southern contractors at the scene of the crash that it was their only option. They were provided incomplete information to make a decision, Homendy said. An investigation by the NTSB found that Gov. Mike DeWine, East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick and several other officials were told they had minutes to decide whether to vent the train cars or wait and risk an uncontrolled explosion. There was another option: Let it cool down, she said. The NTSB later showed the threat of explosion was diminished and that the tank cars were cooling when they decided to burn them. Residents plagued with health issues When East Palestine resident Katlyn Schwarzwaelder and her boyfriend Chris went back home, she broke out in a rash all over her face, neck and chest almost instantly, and also got what she called a really low-grade, constant headache. Chris had a rash on his left side. They lived nearly a mile away from the train derailment site. In March 2023, a team of independent testers from Purdue University tested the environment in East Palestine and found it contained acute health risks. That same month, fellow residents Chris and Jamie Wallace told NewsNation that members of their family were diagnosed with upper respiratory infections. Another resident, Jon Kent, said he started having seizures a few months after the derailment. Katie Smith NewsNation Scott Smith, chief sustainability officer at ECO Integrated Technologies, Inc., tests a furnace filter outside an East Palestine, Ohio home Tuesday, May 16, 2023. People listen during a National Transportation Safety Board investigative hearing at the East Palestine High School in East Palestine, Ohio, Thursday, June 22, 2023. The hearing is being held to investigate the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern Railway train derailment and subsequent hazardous material release and fires. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) Scott Smith tested soil and water dioxins two weeks after tanker cars tipped over and chemicals in the damaged railcars were deliberately burned for safety reasons in East Palestine, Ohio. Photo courtesy: Scott Smith Rainbow colored sheen at Leslie Run near East Palestine, Ohio woman hospitalized after east palestine, ohio train derailment Initial Environmental Protection Agency and Norfolk Southern testing done at the derailment site showed the presence of dioxins, the most carcinogenic compounds on the planet, but officials did not test any of the residents health. Independent testers who visited East Palestine examined the environment and people. Some tested the soil, others the water in local creeks and air filters in homes around the derailment site. The independent testing has shown evidence of toxins in the soil, air and water. Residents have been diagnosed with the presence of vinyl chloride in their blood and complained of respiratory issues. The NTSB is expected to hold its final hearing on the derailment next week. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Train collision in Chile kills at least 2 people and injures 9 others SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) At least two rail workers were killed and nine others injured Thursday when a freight train collided head-on with another train on a test run just outside the capital of Chile, a rare fatal crash in the South American country. Police said they were investigating to determine the cause of the collision, which left the test car sitting fully on top of the freight train. Authorities said they detained the driver of the test train and a railway operator for interrogation on charges of reckless manslaughter. Photos and video of the scene showed one carriage jackknifed several meters into the air above a badly mangled cargo train. Two dozen emergency vehicles swarmed the tangle of crushed metal as helicopters buzzed overhead in San Bernardo, a district just south of Santiago, the capital. Trains service in Santiago remained suspended Thursday following the crash. The eight-car freight train was carrying 1,346 tons of copper, Chile's main export, and had some people on board while the other train had 10 workers on board operating a speed test, the state rail company said. Security camera footage showed both trains traveling at high speed when they slammed into each other. It wasn't immediately clear why the test train hadn't been alerted to the freight train's approach. We have to identify what the causes are and take the corresponding measures, Transportation Minister Juan Carlos Munoz told The Associated Press. Authorities identified the two people killed as crew members on the freight train. Another nine people were injured, including four Chinese nationals who were operating the test train. Medical workers said six people remain hospitalized, among them one in intensive care. Heavy rains have thrashed Chile in recent days, causing floods that have submerged hundreds of houses and displaced thousands of people. The downpour had largely eased in Santiago on Thursday and it didn't seem to have contributed to the collision. Train crashes have become rare in Chile. The government significantly boosted its safety awareness after a 2001 collision involving a passenger train and a bus that killed 20 people and injured many more. The country hasn't had a fatal crash since, although four derailments and other crashes in the last two decades have injured dozens. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen will be in Atlanta on Thursday to announce new measures fighting fentanyl trafficking by the federal government. The Treasury Secretary will speak alongside U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Ryan K. Buchanan and regional law enforcement partners. After the announcement, Yellen is expected to hold a roundtable with law enforcement agencies and bank officials to discuss ways to work together to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, according to the Treasury Department. The new enforcement actions to combat fentanyl trafficking in the United States follows years of the illicit drugs rising impact as a cause of death, nationally. While the most recent data on drug overdose deaths show a decrease in 2023, the first time in five years according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. That rank prompted new warnings from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with the agency saying that more than 107,000 deaths in the past year had been from fentanyl overdoses. Yellens announcement in Atlanta is expected to start at 10 a.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Trees cut and land cleared in North Myrtle Beach. What new development is coming? Land cleared in North Myrtle Beach has residents wondering what new development could open in their part of the Grand Strand. Trees were cut down on a plot of land next to 7 Brew Coffees drive-thru stop at 961 Highway 17 North, and construction crews and backhoes began site work on the property. According to three construction workers The Sun News spoke to June 17, 2024, the property will become a Murphy USA gas station. Murphy USA did not return a request for comment before publication. Its unknown when the gas station will open, but the landowners also played a role in the property on which the 7 Brew Coffee destination opened. According to Horry County Land Records, 3J7B Real Estate LLC owns the recently cleared land. A Charleston-based firm whose registered agent is Capital Corporate Services Inc., 3J7B Real Estate LLC previously owned the parcel that 7 Brew Coffee now resides on, according to South Carolina Business Entities Online. According to Horry County Land Records, 3J7B Real Estate LLC sold the 7 Brew Coffee tract in May 2023 for about $2.8 million. The company was previously involved in similar business across the state. In 2022, 3J7B Real Estate LLC purchased a one-acre property for $1.9 million in Columbia, with plans to build a 7 Brew Coffee and medical office on the site, according to the Columbia Regional Business Report. What troops need to know about the GI Bill and tuition assistance The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a benefit for the latest generation of service members and veterans, as well as their eligible dependents. It includes payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for textbooks and supplies. The amount of time a veteran spends on active duty determines their benefit level. In general, the higher the level, the less individuals have to pay out of pocket for school. The benefit maxes out at full coverage of in-state tuition at public universities. Military Times' GI Bill Guide Heres what veterans who received an honorable discharge after Sept. 10, 2001, are eligible for, based on the amount of time theyve served: 100%: 36 months or more of active duty service, or discharged after at least 30 continuous days due to a service-connected disability 90%: 3036 months 80%: 2430 months 70%: 1824 months 60%: 618 months 50%: 90 days6 months No benefit: Fewer than 90 days Veterans who served before Sept. 10, 2001, are not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Another deadline vets should be aware of: If someones service ended before Jan. 1, 2013, their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits will expire 15 years after they last separated from active duty. If their service ended in 2013 or later, the benefit does not expire. What it covers Veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to pay for courses at a college, university, trade school, flight school or apprenticeship program. While the benefit covers all in-state tuition and fees at public institutions, it may not have the same reach at a private or foreign school. The maximum tuition coverage for private nonprofit, private for-profit and foreign schools for the 2023-2024 school year was $27,120.05. That figure is expected to increase again in August. Housing stipend The housing stipends GI Bill users receive depend on the level of benefits theyre eligible for, how many courses they take and where they go to class. The rate is determined by the Defense Departments Basic Allowance for Housing scale and is paid at the same rate an active duty E-5 with dependents would receive in a particular area. If veterans are pursuing a degree entirely online, they will get half of the national BAH average. Congress passed changes to the program at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to allow students forced online by campus closures and virus mitigation efforts to receive full housing benefits. Those protections have now expired, but could be used again in similar cases of national emergency under legislation enacted in 2022. In the past, the Department of Veterans Affairs based the housing allowance on the location of a schools main campus, even if a student took classes at a different branch. However, in 2019, the Forever GI Bill directed the VA to instead link the housing stipend to the location where a student attends most of their classes. Transfer rules Service members may transfer their benefits to a dependent, provided they have already served in the military for at least six years and agree to serve for four more after DOD approves the transfer. The transfer must happen while an individual is still in uniform. Veterans who have already separated from the military are not eligible to transfer their benefits. Children are only eligible to start using the transferred benefits after the service member who gave them the funds has completed at least 10 years of service. Spouses can use the transferred benefits right away. Whats new? A pending court case could allow veterans who are eligible for both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill to consecutively use both benefits, essentially giving some veterans another 12 months of education benefits. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case later this year. The Montgomery GI Bill program preceded the Post-9/11 GI Bill and is being phased out. It offers far less money than the new program, but still can provide several thousands of dollars annually to veterans for tuition costs if they paid into the system at the start of their military service. Active duty service members in August 2022 became eligible for the VA Yellow Ribbon program, which allows private schools to match VA benefits with their own tuition assistance. More online Compare your GI Bill options with the VAs GI Bill Comparison Tool. Veterans can apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill online or by visiting their local VA regional office. If a beneficiary has already chosen a school or program, arrange a meeting with the institutions VA certifying official, who can help get the process started. Tuition assistance More education benefits are also available to service members. While troops can begin to use their GI Bill benefits on active duty, their service branch can often help them pay for college by using tuition assistance first saving the GI Bill for later. TA is a federal benefit that covers the cost of tuition, up to certain limits, for active duty service members, as well as some members of the National Guard and Reserves. The military services directly pay those funds to schools. Generally, all service members must have enough time remaining in service to complete any courses in which they enroll. Each service has its own requirements. Air Force: All officers incur a service requirement if they use TA, but there is no service-length requirement to begin using the benefit. Navy: Enlisted sailors and officers, including Navy Reservists, must have a minimum of three years of military service before becoming eligible to use TA. Army: Active duty officers incur a two-year service obligation if they enroll in classes. Reserve component officers incur a four-year service obligation. Marine Corps: After previously having to wait 18 to 24 months to use TA, Marines now have no minimum service-length requirements for the benefit. However, they must agree to at least two more years of active duty service to use the benefit. Coast Guard: Active duty members must have been on long-term active orders for more than 180 days to access TA. The Coast Guard also has unit-specific requirements and requires commanding officer approval. National Guard/Reserve: Soldiers who are activated or on drill status are eligible under the same conditions as active duty Army personnel. Air National Guardsmen and reservists of other branches are eligible for TA if they are activated, and the use of TA often comes with a service obligation once the last course is completed. Limitations All of the services cap tuition assistance at $250 per credit hour and $4,500 per fiscal year. Generally, TA funds can be used to pursue a higher degree than what troops have already earned, up to a masters degree. For instance, if someone has a bachelors degree, they can then pursue a graduate degree not an associate degree or a second bachelors degree, though there are some exceptions. Some branches require troops to create a degree plan or take a branch-specific course before TA benefits are approved. Read more from the 2024 Pay and Benefits Guide here. Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall in Mexico early Thursday after pummeling Texas with rain. In Mexico, three minors were killed in the storm, according to state emergency officials. Two were electrocuted and one drowned in a river. In Texas, Alberto brought significant storm surge of more than 4 feet. PHOTO: In this aerial image, vehicles drive through flooded neighborhoods on June 19, 2024 in Surfside Beach, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) MORE: 3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood The city of Rockport, just north of Corpus Christi, was inundated with a whopping 9.5 inches of rain. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 51 counties on Wednesday. PHOTO: A person looks out from their balcony over floodwater on June 19, 2024 in Surfside Beach, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) PHOTO: Members of Civil Protection work on a slope flooded by heavy rains in Monterrey, Mexico, June 19, 2024. (Miguel Sierra/EPA via Shutterstock) Alberto weakened from a tropical storm to a tropical depression on Thursday after landfall. As Alberto continues to move through Mexico on Thursday, on-shore winds will continue to bring several feet of storm surge from Galveston to Corpus Christi. The worst of the rain is done for coastal Texas, from Galveston to Corpus Christi. The heaviest rain has now moved into the mountains of Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley along the Texas-Mexico border. Alberto makes landfall in Mexico, storm surge threat ongoing for Texas originally appeared on abcnews.go.com KYODO NEWS - Jun 20, 2024 - 20:04 | All, Japan, World The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Russia, Vietnam leaders meet to bolster traditional friendly ties HANOI - Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Vietnamese President To Lam in Hanoi on Thursday to bolster the two countries' traditional friendly ties amid Western sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine. Putin told Lam, Vietnam's No. 2, that "Russia attaches much significance to the development of dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," of which Vietnam is a leading member, according to Russia's state-run Tass news agency. ---------- Tokyo governor race begins with Koike, opposition-backed Renho clash TOKYO - Official campaigning for the Tokyo gubernatorial election began on Thursday, with incumbent Yuriko Koike, who is seeking to secure her third four-year term with the effective backing of the ruling bloc, challenged by the main opposition-backed politician Renho. The focus of the July 7 race, viewed as a proxy war between the national ruling and opposition parties, will be on whether Tokyo's around 11 million voters want a change in the metropolitan government from that under Koike, who became the first female leader of Japan's capital in 2016. ---------- PM Kishida Cabinet survives no-confidence motion over funds scandal TOKYO - Japan's House of Representatives on Thursday voted down a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet following the enactment of a revised political funds control law criticized for failing to improve financial transparency in politics. The motion was submitted by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and also supported by the second-biggest opposition Japan Innovation Party and other minor parties. It was rejected by the ruling bloc consisting of Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner the Komeito party, which hold a majority of seats. ---------- Japan "seriously concerned" over Russia-N. Korea military cooperation TOKYO - The Japanese government on Thursday expressed their concern over Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion during his recent landmark visit to Pyongyang that military technology cooperation with North Korea will be deepened. "We are seriously concerned (about Putin's remarks) in terms of their possible impact on the regional security environment surrounding our nation," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a regular press conference. ---------- Yen's value against major currencies hits fresh low in May TOKYO - The yen's real effective exchange rate hit a fresh all-time low of 68.65 in May, the Bank for International Settlements said Thursday, reflecting the currency's persistent weakness against its counterparts and the relative decline of Japan's competitiveness. The fall in the yen's purchasing power came as inflation and wage growth in Japan is still slower than in the United States and other nations. The currency's depreciation has become a headache for policymakers as resource-poor Japan struggles to cope with higher import costs magnified by the feeble currency. ---------- Pakistani authorities call off search for missing Japanese climber ISLAMABAD - Pakistani authorities said Wednesday they have called off their search for one of two Japanese climbers who went missing a week ago on Spantik Peak in the north of the country, after earlier finding the body of the other climber. Officials said no sign had been found of Atsushi Taguchi, 36, despite an extensive search, and that he could have been hit by an avalanche. ---------- Shogi prodigy Fujii loses 1 of 8 titles to rising star Ito KOFU, Japan - Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii lost one of his eight titles Thursday, falling to fellow 21-year-old and rising star Takumi Ito three games to two in the Eio championship series. Ito won Game 5 in Kofu, west of Tokyo, to halt Fujii's hard-to-believe championship unbeaten streak at 22 series in the traditional board game. ---------- Japan convenience store sales up 1.2% in May as visitors increase TOKYO - Convenience store sales in Japan rose 1.2 percent in May from a year earlier, helped by an increase in foreign visitors to Japan, an industry body said Thursday. The same-store sales of seven major convenience store operators totaled 947.70 billion yen ($6 billion), eclipsing the previous year's figures for the sixth straight month, according to the Japan Franchise Association. Video: Printing of new Japanese banknotes TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The National Hurricane Center is currently tracking Tropical Storm Alberto and two other tropical waves. The NHC said Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall on Mexicos coast Thursday morning and will continue to move inland throughout the day. The storms winds are near 45 mph, with higher gusts. The system is expected to weaken as it moves onshore. It will likely dissipate over Mexico late Thursday. The NHC said Alberto is a very large storm so residents in Texas and Mexico should not focus on the exact forecast track of the system. Heavy rain and gusty winds are starting to subside for the Texas coast but should continue through the morning along northeastern Mexico. The storm could dump as much as 20 inches of rain on parts of Mexico, likely producing flash and urban flooding. Mudslides are also possible in areas of higher terrain across northeast Mexico. Moderate coastal flooding is likely along much of the Texas coast through the morning. The NHC is also tracking an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms about 250 miles east of the northernmost Bahamas. The system could develop as it approaches the northeastern coast of Florida or the Georgia coast early Friday. It has a 30 percent chance of developing. On Friday, a system in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico could form near the Yucatan Peninsula. The system could become a tropical depression sometime this weekend as it moves slowly west-northwestward or northwestward. It has a 50 percent chance of developing over the next seven days. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The National Hurricane Center is currently tracking Tropical Storm Alberto and two other tropical waves. The NHC said Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall on Mexicos coast Thursday morning and will continue to move inland throughout the day. The storms winds are near 45 mph, with higher gusts. The system is expected to weaken as it moves onshore. It will likely dissipate over Mexico late Thursday. The NHC said Alberto is a very large storm so residents in Texas and Mexico should not focus on the exact forecast track of the system. Heavy rain and gusty winds are starting to subside for the Texas coast but should continue through the morning along northeastern Mexico. The storm could dump as much as 20 inches of rain on parts of Mexico, likely producing flash and urban flooding. Mudslides are also possible in areas of higher terrain across northeast Mexico. Moderate coastal flooding is likely along much of the Texas coast through the morning. The NHC is also tracking an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms about 250 miles east of the northernmost Bahamas. The system could develop as it approaches the northeastern coast of Florida or the Georgia coast early Friday. It has a 30 percent chance of developing. On Friday, a system in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico could form near the Yucatan Peninsula. The system could become a tropical depression sometime this weekend as it moves slowly west-northwestward or northwestward. It has a 50 percent chance of developing over the next seven days. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Trump calls Biden's student-loan-forgiveness efforts 'vile' and suggests voters shouldn't count on that relief if they elect Trump At a Wisconsin campaign rally, Trump criticized Biden's student-loan-forgiveness efforts. He described Biden's debt relief as illegal and an attempt to get "publicity for the election." Biden is moving forward with his broader attempt at debt relief, but it's likely to face lawsuits. Former President Donald Trump is making sure voters know how he feels about student-loan forgiveness. During a Tuesday campaign rally in Wisconsin, Trump delivered a more than an hourlong speech on topics including immigration, national security, and the economy. He also used that time to criticize President Joe Biden's efforts to enact student-loan forgiveness for millions of Americans. "He's throwing money out the window," Trump said. "This student-loan program, which is not even legal, I mean it's not even legal, and the students aren't buying it, by the way," he added. "His polls are down. I'm leading in young people by numbers that nobody's ever seen before." A Harvard Youth Poll conducted in March found that among people 18 to 29, Biden was leading Trump at 45% compared with 37%. That was still a reduction from Biden's youth support in the poll in 2020. Trump also referred to the Supreme Court's striking down Biden's first attempt at broad student-loan forgiveness last summer, saying that "he got rebuked and then he did it again." "It's going to get rebuked again even more," he added, calling the plan "vile" and an attempt to get "publicity for the election." The day of the Supreme Court decision last June, Biden's Education Department announced it would pursue a new route for debt relief using the Higher Education Act of 1965. That law requires the administration to undergo a process known as negotiated rulemaking, which entails a series of negotiations with stakeholders and a period of public comment before relief can be implemented. The department recently concluded the public-comment period, and it plans to start implementing the relief expected to benefit over 30 million Americans this fall. However, conservative groups have voiced opposition to the plan, and it's highly likely it will once again run into lawsuits that could delay or block the relief. The presidential election also presents uncertainty surrounding the fate of student-loan forgiveness. Should Biden win, his administration would most likely continue carrying out its broad and targeted debt-relief efforts such as one-time account adjustments for borrowers on income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Given Trump's opposition to debt cancellation, as president he would most likely cease the Biden administration's work to cancel student debt. This isn't the first time Trump has criticized student-debt relief. He called Biden's first attempt at broad relief an "election enhancing money grab." After the Supreme Court decision, his campaign said in a statement that "these wins were only made possible through President Trump's strong nomination of three distinguished and courageous jurists to the Supreme Court." Still, Biden's Education Department is moving forward with its relief efforts and has maintained that all its actions are in accordance with the law and the Supreme Court decision. Along with its broader second attempt at relief, the Education Department began canceling student debt for borrowers on the SAVE plan who borrowed $12,000 or less originally and made as few as 10 years' worth of qualifying payments. While GOP state attorneys general launched two separate lawsuits seeking to block that relief, a court has yet to issue a final decision. Read the original article on Business Insider Why Trump has an advantage over Biden in their first debate of the 2024 election season Donald Trump may see a bump in the polls after the first debate because of a long-running trend: Incumbents tend to do worse in the first debate of the presidential election season. Presidential debate historian Alan Schroeder explained to NBC News that a presidents life exists in a protected bubble. The first debate takes them outside of that bubble, where theyre forced to face off against a pumped up opponent whos been itching for a showdown. The first debate in this election cycle will be hosted by CNN in Atlanta on June 27. Incumbents tend to grow accustomed to the deference theyre shown within the White House, and after four years, theyre in for a rude awakening when their opponent throws punches on the debate stage, Schroeder said, noting that presidents tend not to hear much conflicting information during their four years in the bubble. He added that incumbents may need to transition back to being a normal citizen. Every president thinks, I know how to run a presidential campaign because I won one a few years ago, Samuel Popkin, who played Ronald Reagan during mock debates with Jimmy Carter during the 1980 campaign, told NBC. Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan debate each other on October 31, 1980 (Getty Images) Popkin said Carter became uncomfortable and embarrassed when Popkin played Reagan during the preparations. The president looked lonely and vulnerable when he heard Reagans critique in front of his wife, his closest friends, and his inner circle, Popkin wrote in his book The Candidate. A bewildered Carter suggested they stop after just 11 minutes. Reagan won in a landslide, carrying 44 states. But in 1984, it was his turn to step out of the bubble as he faced Carters Vice President Walter Mondale. For much of the debate, Mr. Reagan appeared less confident than he customarily does on television, The New York Times noted at the time. Later, as Mr. Mondales advisers, clearly pleased, asserted that the former Vice President had rejuvenated his candidacy, Reagan aides were noticeably subdued. Bill Clinton faced off against Bob Dole in 1996 (AFP via Getty Images) Even Bill Clinton, who was a really good debater, his first debate against Bob Dole in 1996 as an incumbent president was not his finest moment by any stretch of the imagination, Schroeder told NBC. Sara Fegen, who worked on President George W Bushs 2004 campaign, told the network that incumbents have the tougher task, because theyre defending the sitting record. At the time, a Pew Research poll found that voters believed that challenger Senator John Kerry won the first debate with Bush by a margin of two to one. Kerry and Bush debate at the University of Miami on September 30, 2004 in Coral Gables, Florida (Getty Images) Jim Messina, the manager of President Barack Obamas 2012 re-election campaign, recalled when speaking to NBC how he told Obama that If its a referendum on the incumbent, the incumbent usually loses. He added: If it is a choice between the two candidates, youll win. CNN and Pew polls found that voters believed Obamas challenger, ex-Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, won the first debate. Obama and Romney smile after their first debate on October 3, 2012 in Denver, Colorado (Getty Images) Schroeder called Obama rusty, saying that he appeared a little uncomfortable. The president blew off one of the last debate sessions before the first debate. He definitely did not do that after the first debate, Messina told NBC, recalling how he was overjoyed after the second debate because Obama had driven the choice narrative over and over and over. The Biden campaign told the network that the president is set to project himself as the wise and steady leader in contrast to Trumps chaos and division. While its difficult to show that debate performances have large impacts on elections, changing the minds of just a few voters could be key when the polls are as tight as they are, with Biden just 0.1 percent ahead in FiveThirtyEights average of national polls. Donald Trump, a man who is a convicted felon, Jan. 6 coup plotter, aspiring dictator, and sexual assaulter as confirmed by a court of law, has repeatedly demonstrated that he has a deep attraction to and propensity for violence. As I have been chronicling throughout the Age of Trump, the corrupt and criminal ex-presidents threats of violence and mayhem have been escalating. Since his felony conviction several weeks ago and the possibility, however unlikely, that he will be sentenced to prison, his threats of violence and destruction have only gotten worse. There is no limit or bottom to Donald Trumps vile behavior he will only get worse, not better. None of this is normal. The United States and its people are deeply troubled. Trumps subject heading for one of his recent violence-inciting fundraising emails reads, Im on the warpath. Trump is also continuing to valorize the Jan. 6 terrorists who launched a lethal attack on the Capitol as part of his coup plot. At a rally in Nevada, Trump promoted the MAGA members from political prisoners and hostages to warriors: Those J6 warriors they were warriors.But they were really, more than anything else, theyre victims of what happened. All they were doing is protesting a rigged election. They were given fair trials in a democracy for their crimes and then found guilty based on the preponderance of the evidence. The Jan. 6 terrorists are not warriors or otherwise heroic. In reality, they are foot soldiers for a fascist cause and enemies of democracy, who their Great Leader, like other authoritarians and autocrats, has contempt for and views as dupes and useful idiots. In a fundraising email that should have received much more attention from the mainstream news media, Trump, in another act of projection and stochastic terrorism where he feigns being the victim, basically calls for public executions of his political enemies and anyone else who opposes him and his MAGA movement and the larger neofascist cause. Ultimately, Donald Trump and his propagandists want an American version of the Terror during the French Revolution when tens of thousands of people were publicly executed. HAUL OUT THE GUILLOTINE! Remember when that Sicko Kathy Griffin made the rounds parading my BEHEADED head when I was President?! The radical-left CHEERED! Obama and Biden were SILENT! And the Fake News BLASTED it everywhere! The SAD and HORRIFIC TRUTH is that this is STILL the Sick Dream of every Trump-Deranged lunatic out there! And its not just me they want gone, THEYRE REALLY COMING AFTER YOU. Sick Sick Sick! Donald Trump is referencing comedienne Kathy Griffin who, several years ago, shared an image of herself holding his severed head. Monday, in another escalation of his endless appetite for violence and menace, Donald Trump reportedly sent out a text message to his MAGA cultists threatening President Biden with a bloodbath at the upcoming debate: IT'S GOING TO BE A BLOODBATH And I want YOU there when I finish Biden. Donald Trump has used this language about bloodbaths several times in the last few months. Predictably, the mainstream news media normalized and imposed other more benign explanations on Trumps obvious threats of violence against his perceived enemies and anyone else who does not surrender to him and the MAGA movement. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. In an attempt to make better sense of Donald Trumps increasingly violent emails and other communications, and the implications for the countrys democracy and politics (and the safety of the American people), I reached out to several leading experts on national security, terrorism, and propaganda. Barbara Walter is a professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego, and one of the world's leading experts on civil wars, political violence and terrorism. She is also a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has consulted for the State Department, the Department of Defense, the UN and the World Bank. Walter's most recent book is "How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them." If you view videos of Trump campaigning in 2016 you quickly notice that his rhetoric at the time was much less aggressive, negative, and violent than it is today. Many people have asked me whether words affect how people behave. Are Trump's supporters likely to become more aggressive, angry, and violent to match Trump's words? The evidence suggests that they will. Here's what we know. The research on the effects of violent rhetoric by political leaders is relatively new. However, it generally suggests that violent rhetoric by political leaders can have significant effects on public opinion, social dynamics, and even the behavior of supporters. For example, some research suggests that repeated exposure to violent language from political leaders can desensitize individuals to violence, leading to its normalization in everyday life. Evidence also suggests that violent rhetoric can contribute to real-world violence or aggression. This can include hate crimes, acts of terrorism, or other forms of political violence by individuals or groups who feel empowered or justified by the rhetoric of political leaders. Violent rhetoric can also evoke strong emotional responses in individuals, including fear, anger, or anxiety. All of this suggests that Trump is ramping up statements of violence in order to exacerbate societal divisions, demonize his opponents, undermine democratic norms, and encourage the use of force should he lose the election in November. Jason Van Tatenhove is an author and journalist who covers violent political extremism. He previously served as the national media director for the Oath Keepers. He documented his experiences with the Oath Keepers in his book "The Perils of Extremism: How I Left the Oath Keepers and Why We Should be Concerned about a Future Civil War." The recent rhetoric from Donald Trump, especially in light of his 34 felony convictions, serves as a stark reminder of the political and social fractures within our nation. His narrative, filled with vivid imagery of persecution and warfare, aims to galvanize his base by painting himself as the ultimate victim of an authoritarian regime. Trumps claims that he has been the target of a witch hunt and his warnings that Biden's administration will come after ordinary Americans next are designed to incite fear and rally support through a sense of shared persecution. These techniques seem tried and true and are working here in America with a generation nursed on pro wrestling and reality TV. I must ask myself why. You would think that most thinking, rational humans who find themselves in the here and now would realize that those who make the most prominent spectacle of bellowing the loudest from the rooftops about their innocence are, in truth, the guiltiest. Those who scream the system was rigged tried their best to rig and game the system. Those who try to sell us that they are fighting for us, our freedoms, and the American way of life are, in fact, fighting to remain free of legal accountability for their own actions and looking to destroy the freedoms that our forebearers fought for, sacrificed, and died to win for us. This narrative is not just a political strategy; its a call to arms, echoing the divisive and incendiary language that fueled the January 6 insurrection. By positioning himself as the last bastion against an encroaching tyranny, Trump taps into deep-seated fears and resentments, transforming his legal battles into a crusade for the soul of America. However, it's crucial to dissect these claims with a critical eye. The depiction of America as a war zone under siege by the "Radical Left War Machine" is not only hyperbolic but dangerously misleading. It fosters an environment where extremism can flourish, and civil discourse is overshadowed by paranoia and animosity. When dealing with people like the individual we are speaking of, it is best to take a step back, turn down the volume (or mute it altogether), and take some time to look at their actions over time. Without all the high-gloss polish and propagandistic spin, the ugly truth of action over time is much easier to see for what it is. As journalists, our role is to cut through the noise and present the facts. Trump's narrative may resonate with his supporters, but we must highlight the broader context and the real implications of his words. This isn't just about one man's fight against the system; it's about the integrity of our democratic institutions and the need for a collective commitment to truth and accountability. James Scaminaci III is a former senior civilian intelligence analyst who has written extensively about the Christian Right in America, the Tea Party and the Patriot militia movement, and political violence. There are a few major themes of Trumps emails. First, everything that has happened to me [Trump] is illegitimate. This is the major strategy of Fourth Generation Warfare. The current president, the Department of Justice, FBI, and the federal, state, and local courts are acting illegitimately. Trump reinforces his target audiences belief that the Deep State, that is, those apolitical civil servants, your neighbors and friends, who follow and enforce the countrys laws and regulations, are actually monstrous. Second, because Christian Nationalists have made Trump into a politician given a God-given mandate to rule, if not Jesus himself, Trumps emails transform him into a persecuted martyr. Third, because the Christian/MAGA base feels itself to be persecutedthose evil, satanic Democrats are anti-God and have driven God from the public squareTrumps emails emphasizes that the real target of the Biden persecution are Christian/MAGA believers. Fourth, Trumps emails play to the sense that Christian Nationalists have that they are in the End Times, that they are engaged in a cosmic war of Good versus Evil, God versus Satan. And that this struggle is already violent. Thus, he claims that the tyrannical Biden regimes reign of terror must end. Theyve opened fire on MAGA. They operate a war machine. And theyve turned America into a war zone. And lastly, the emails promise that a Trump victory will result in retribution for all this evil. If you are under this vicious and unrelenting attack, do you not counter-attack after the election? Of course, you do. Trump is priming the Christian/MAGA base to violently contest a rigged 2024 presidential election, overturn the election, and then destroy the apolitical civil service, the rule of law, transparency in government, and wreck the post-World War Two security architecture that has brought stability and economic growth to us and our allies in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. The reality is much different. But, a Fourth Generation Warfare (4GW) attack on the legitimacy of the Constitution, institutions, and courts needs a 4GW response at the level of moral conflict. The tables have turned. Had everything gone according to plan, Donald Trump would be on trial right now in South Florida for hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago ocean estate after leaving the White House. The politician, still licking his wounds from his New York conviction, would be desperately fighting to stave off a humiliating distinction: becoming the first former president to be branded a two-time felon. Instead, a very different trial of sorts will be underway this Friday at a tiny federal courthouse in the sunny beach city of Fort Pierceone that will awkwardly put the Department of Justice on the defensive, with government lawyers asserting their most fundamental right to even try this historic case. New Yorks High Court Keeps Trumps Muzzle In Place All the pressure will be on Special Counsel Jack Smith, the roguish-looking federal prosecutor whose quiet demeanor has only added to the gravitas of this legal fight. Meanwhile, Trump wont even need to be there, leaving the top Republican presidential candidate free to continue criss-crossing the country, while the prosecutor thats been on his tail for a year is stuck in a courtroom. Supporters of former President Donald Trump stand outside of the Alto Lee Adams Sr. U.S. Courthouse on March 1, 2024 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty The power dynamic has shifted, and its all due to one person: U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. Judge Cannon is a disgrace to the concept of impartiality and integrity on the federal bench. This case should already have been tried to a verdict, said Dennis Aftergut, a former federal prosecutor who has monitored the Mar-a-Lago case. Her MAGA-friendly rulings have managed to delay the case so badly that it now looks as if Trump might escape trial altogether if he manages to win the national election in 138 days. After all, whats the point of prosecuting a man who, as president, can order his attorney general to simply kill the investigationor choose to pardon himself? Trump has made clear he has no intention of respecting the DOJs independence if he returns to office, despite the fact that both options are red lines of corruption so familiar to banana republics around the world. Cannon continues to push back key deadlines and give in to Trumps delay tactics by considering legal arguments that other judges have quickly dismissed. In her latest move, shell explore whether Attorney General Merrick Garland even had the authority to appoint Smith as special counsel on Nov. 18, 2022a DOJ practice that has been used several times in high-profile cases without any successful challenge and has become standard in American politics. At the start of the year, the judge wouldnt prioritize setting aside a couple of days to review the classified material at the core of the case. By contrast, shes dedicating all-day Friday for a hearing that will serve as a mini-trial. Starting promptly at 9:30 a.m., shell hear from lawyers on both sides, review evidence in court, and even entertain novel arguments from outside parties who want to weigh in. And if that werent enough, Cannon earlier this month indicated that shes willing to review supplemental briefs afterwardopening the possibility that this could take weeks. Trumps lawyers want the indictment to be dismissed in its entirety, a bid premised on the notion that Smith is powerless and his appointment invalid. They point to the Constitution, arguing that his office of the special counsel wasnt first approved by Congress. The Appointments Clause does not permit the attorney general to appoint, without Senate confirmation, a private citizen and like-minded political ally to wield the prosecutorial power of the United States. As such, Jack Smith lacks the authority to prosecute this action, they wrote in February. Jack Smith looks on as he makes a statement to reporters after a grand jury returned an indictment of former President Donald Trump in the special counsel's investigation of efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, at Smith's offices in Washington, DC on August 1, 2023 Kevin Wurm/Reuters In March, the DOJ countered by pointing to history. Special counsels have been used to investigate all kinds of political scandals, dating back to the presidency of James A. Garfield in the 1880s. The Supreme Court already took a look at this in 1974, when it decided during the Nixon affair that the AG does indeed have the authority to appoint a special prosecutor. Since then, there have been special counsels during every single presidential termeven during Trumps time in office. Prosecutors noted how the appellate court in D.C. came to the same conclusion when it backed the appointment of Robert Mueller to explore Trumps Russiagate debacle. Congress has also long demonstrated its understanding that the attorney general has authority to appoint special counsels by repeatedly appropriating funds for the attorney general to compensate them, prosecutors wrote. But here come the experts. Michael Ian Black: Trump Lives Rent-Free in Our Headsand With Good Reason Last week, a band of conservative activists threw its support behind Trump, arguing that the real problem here is that the AG shouldnt have plucked Smith from his job as an anti-corruption prosecutor in Europe, and instead should have tapped one of the nations active 93 Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorneys. The Trump-friendly argument conveniently says that nearly all the special prosecutors appointed during the past 40 yearsaside from Smith and Robert Muellerhave been lawfully appointed. That group includes Edwin Meese III, who served as Ronald Reagans AG, Michael B. Mukasey, who was George W. Bushs AG, and a favorite foe of the American progressive movement: Citizens United, the force behind the Supreme Courts landmark decision that allowed corporations to spend unlimited funds on elections. Their 11-page screed villainizes Smith for targeting Trump. Smiths prosecution here shows that he wields the power to profoundly alter the trajectory of a presidential election, and with it the destiny of the nation. He is thus one of the most powerful officials in the entire United States government. The idea that he can exercise that enormous power without Senate confirmation is intolerable, and even worse, the idea that he can do so without holding an office created by Congress is unthinkable, they wrote. Donald Ayer, a former U.S. Attorney who also served as George H.W. Bushs deputy AG, thinks its time for a reality check. Its a trivial question that ought not to have any serious consideration at all. Weve had numerous cases that have gone forward before, and its not a serious argument thats being made, he told The Daily Beast. The case has been unnecessarily delayed and it should be much farther than it is. Indeed, it probably should have gone to trial. Friday marks the two-year anniversary since Trumps White House valet, Walt Nauta, testified before a grand jury in D.C. and gave prosecutors key details that helped the FBI justify its search warrant. Heres Felon Trumps Crazy SCOTUS Planand It May Even Work On June 21, 2022, Nauta recalled packing Trumps crazy amount of undershirts, socks, underwear, hairspray at the White House and later moving around bankers boxes at Mar-a-Lagosome of which investigators would later discover were stuffed with classified documents. During that session, the loyal Trump aide recalled how his boss limited the number of boxes that would be reviewed before sending them back to the National Archivesa potentially damning admission that could hint at Trumps refusal to hand them all back when he was asked to. Once I started putting them in therehe was like, okay, that's it, Nauta said at the time. Fast-forward to now, and Smith will be fighting to keep the case alive. If Cannon rules against him, legal scholars say he might have the ammunition he needs to finally request the judges recusal from the case. But no matter what happens on Friday, Judge Cannon has already gotten what she wanted. The case has been pushed back so far that legal experts say its unlikely it will go to trial before the election. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Former President Trump boasts a narrow edge over President Biden in critical battlegrounds in the wake of his historic conviction in a New York criminal trial. New Emerson College Polling/The Hill state polls find Trump up 4 points over Biden in Arizona and Georgia, 3 points up in Wisconsin and Nevada, and 2 points up in Pennsylvania. In Michigan, Trump leads by 1 point, and the pair are dead even in Minnesota. In our first polling in several key swing states since Trumps conviction last month, there has been little movement, with support for both Trump and Biden staying largely consistent since November, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. The results notably fall within the polls margin of error. Trump was found guilty in his Manhattan hush money trial last month, but the legal blow has largely failed to dent his edge in the presidential race as he heads toward a rematch with Biden in November. Hes set to be sentenced in early July, just ahead of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. A plurality of voters in all seven swing states surveyed said Trumps conviction has no impact on their votes. At the same time, a majority of voters in each state said the recent conviction of Bidens son Hunter Biden will also have no impact on their vote. The president isnt implicated in that case, which marked the first trial of a sitting commander in chiefs child, but some Democrats are reportedly worried that the matter could take a toll on Biden and prove a distraction along the campaign trail. The new Emerson/The Hill polling also found independent voters broke for Trump in all seven states, though his support among that group has fallen in three states since April down 5 points in Arizona, 3 points in Michigan, and 8 points in Pennsylvania. Biden, on the other hand, lost support among independents by 6 points in Georgia and 5 points in Nevada across that same period. But while Biden trails Trump in the key battlegrounds, Democratic Senate candidates are leading their respective Republican rivals in Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Rep. Ruben Gallego, the Democratic Senate contender in Arizona, is beating Republican Kari Lake and outperforming Biden by 2 points as is Sen. Bob Casey (D) in his race against Republican nominee Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) against likely GOP challenger Eric Hovde in Wisconsin. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D) is outperforming Biden by 3 points in Minnesota, and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D) is running ahead of the president by 7 points in Nevada. The polls surveyed 1,000 registered voters in each state June 13-18 and had a credibility interval of 3 percentage points in 19 of 20 cases in each state. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former President Donald Trump is getting ready for next week's highly anticipated debate with President Joe Biden by holding policy meetings with advisers and congressional allies and favoring town hall events over mock debates, according to sources familiar with his preparations. Ahead of the June 27 standoff in Atlanta, hosted by CNN, Trump is not making conventional preparations -- where someone would be assigned to play Biden in a mock debate, people familiar with Trump's plans tell ABC News. Also, sources say he won't plan to memorize a series of debate responses. Instead, the campaign has been setting up sessions with policy experts on individual topics they think could come up at the debate next Thursday, such as the economy, immigration and democracy, according to people familiar the plans. When the former president was in town last week for a visit with congressional Republicans, he met with Sens. Marco Rubio and Eric Schmitt, for a debate discussion session, along with a group of his advisers, according to sources with knowledge of the meetings. MORE: 1st Biden-Trump debate will include microphone muting, coin flip and more It's an example of how Trump has held informal debate-focused sessions with a series of experts, fitting them in between campaign stops and fundraisers. Many of these sessions have been with people who were part of his previous administration, including his former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell, former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and former top adviser Stephen Miller and Tom Homan, who served as acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when Trump was president, according to sources familiar with the meetings. PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University, October 22, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) The debate, being moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will run for approximately 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. It is the first of two debates scheduled between the candidates -- the second of which will be hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10. In an election year, both candidates are looking to the debate as a way to attract undecided voters in what is expected to be a very tight race. Trump has also recently spoken with some of the people on his shortlist to become his vice president as he prepares to make a decision about who will be his running mate, sources tell ABC News. His vice presidential pick would go up against Vice President Kamala Harris during a debate this summer. Trump met with Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Vance, speculated to be a top contender to be Trump's vice president pick, discussed the economy with Trump as part of the former president's debate prep, according to a source. MORE: Trump team asks VP contenders Burgum, Vance, Rubio for documents Vance has been an active surrogate for Trump over the past few months, appearing at campaign events with him and hosting fundraisers to help raise money for Trump's White House bid. Vance has maintained his commitment to helping Trump's campaign. In May, he told Donald Trump Jr. on his podcast "Triggered with Don Jr." that he wanted to help the former president however he could. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Festival Park, June 18, 2024, in Racine, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Trump has previously departed from traditional debate preparations, which advisers have said speak to his strengths in giving off-the-cuff remarks. More recently, the campaign has also held more events where Trump is able to take questions from audience members. Although the questions have mainly been from his staunch supporters, the town hall forums have allowed the former president to be put on the spot ahead of the debate. "President Trump talks with voters in town halls, speaks to thousands at rallies, and frequently takes questions from the press," which have prepared him for the upcoming debate, senior adviser Brian Hughes said in a statement to ABC News. Hughes added that "Biden needs rehearsals with handlers to find some way to explain this mess he's made of our nation." "President Trump is always prepared to present to Americans his record of success and Biden's weakness and failures," Hughes said. As Biden heads off to Camp David for his debate preparations, Trump will spend the weekend campaigning in Philadelphia and attending a series of fundraisers leading up to next week. MORE: Biden campaign launches $50M pre-debate ad blitz focusing on Trump's conviction The Trump campaign pushed for earlier debates this election cycle, remaining confident Trump could garner more supporters if voters could see the two men debate and compare their presidential records. Following Trump and Biden's agreement to participate in debates in June and September, the Trump campaign has put public pressure on the Biden campaign to agree to more debates. "We propose a debate in June, a debate in July, a debate in August, and a debate in September, in addition to the Vice Presidential debate. Additional dates will allow voters to have maximum exposure to the records and future visions of each candidate," Trump advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said in a memo sent out in May. PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks to the press before he departs the White House in Washington, DC, for the presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland, Mar. 1, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images, FILES) When Trump called into the Hugh Hewitt Radio show in May, the former president doubled down on his ability to debate Biden and called for more debates to be scheduled. "I really think he has to debate. He might as well get it over with -- probably should do it early so that he can, you know, because he's not going to get any better," Trump said. "... Every day is a down factor for him." "I've accepted the two debates; I've recommended they should have more." Debates have been an opportunity for Trump to reach a wider audience. His first debate with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in September 2016 garnered 84 million viewers, making it the most-watched presidential debate in modern American history. Trump meets with advisers, policy experts ahead of next weeks debate with Biden originally appeared on abcnews.go.com China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong (2nd L) and Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission Zhang Baoqun (1st L), and South Korea's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong-kyun (2nd R) and Director General of International Policy Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense Lee Seung-buhm, pose for a group photo prior to the first vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security "2+2" talks between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Seoul, South Korea, June 18, 2024. The talks were held here on Tuesday. Both sides briefed each other of their respective foreign and security policies and had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-ROK relations and international and regional issues of common concern. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) SEOUL, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The first vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security "2+2" talks between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) were held here on Tuesday. The talks were co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission Zhang Baoqun and South Korea's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong-kyun, Director General of International Policy Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense Lee Seung-buhm. Both sides briefed each other of their respective foreign and security policies and had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-ROK relations and international and regional issues of common concern. The two sides reaffirmed the importance they attach to and the development of China-ROK good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, agreed to actively carry out dialogue and exchanges at all levels and in all fields, strengthen communication through institutional dialogues such as high-level strategic dialogue between foreign ministries, 2+2 diplomatic and security talks, and 1.5-track dialogue, enhance political mutual trust, promote practical cooperation and push forward the sound and steady growth of China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership. The two sides agreed to strengthen local and youth exchanges and continue to foster friendly feelings between the two peoples. During the talks, the Chinese side made clear its solemn positions on the Taiwan question and other matters related to China's core interests and major concerns, and urged the ROK to properly handle them. The ROK side reiterated that its position of adhering to the one-China principle remains unchanged. The Chinese side pointed out that China advocates common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, implements genuine multilateralism, calls for respecting legitimate security concerns of all countries and promoting global security cooperation through dialogue and consultation. China opposes hegemonism, unilateralism and power politics. Both as beneficiaries of economic globalization, China and the ROK should jointly maintain the stability of the global production and supply chains, resist pan-politicization and pan-security of economic issues, and oppose various forms of trade protectionism and "building walls and barriers." The two sides explained their positions and views on the Korean Peninsula issue. The Chinese side stressed that maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula serves common interests of all parties, including China and the ROK. The context and crux of the development of the situation on the Korean Peninsula are clear. What is pressing now is to cool down the situation, avoid escalation of confrontation, and stick to the direction of political settlement. China has always decided its position based on the merits of the matter itself, and will continue to play a constructive role in Korean Peninsula affairs in its own way. The ROK side mentioned exchanges and cooperation between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Russia. The Chinese side said that as friendly neighbors, the two countries have normal requirements for exchanges, cooperation and development of relations, and relevant high-level exchanges are bilateral arrangements between the two sovereign countries. The first "2+2" diplomatic and security dialogue at the vice-ministerial level between China and the ROK is an arrangement agreed upon long ago and based on the requirements of development of bilateral relations and has no special connection with exchanges between other countries. Trump says foreigners who graduate from US colleges should get green cards Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Trump holds a campaign event, in Racine By Alexandra Ulmer and Gram Slattery (Reuters) -Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in a podcast released on Thursday said that students graduating from U.S. colleges should get a green card to stay in the country, a proposal that runs counter to his hardline immigration stance. During the All-In podcast hosted by Silicon Valley tech investors, angel investor Jason Calacanis told Trump that the U.S. needs to be able to legally retain more high-skilled workers, a major issue for the tech industry. "Can you please promise us you will give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America?" Calacanis said. "I do promise," Trump said. "But I happen to agree, otherwise I wouldn't promise... You graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country and that includes junior colleges too." A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, allows individuals the right to live and work permanently in the United States and is a step towards citizenship. It was not clear if Trump was referring to all foreigners, including those who came to the United States illegally or overstayed their visas, or only those people on student visas. Asked for comment, the Trump campaign said in a statement that only after "the most aggressive vetting process in U.S. history" would "the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America" be able to stay. The Biden campaign cast doubt on whether Trump would in fact enact the proposal he outlined on Thursday, given the hardline immigration stances he adopted during his 2017 to 2021 term. "Every chance Donald Trump got in office, he made it his mission to rip apart immigrant families for his own political gain," said Biden campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz. "Trump's empty promise is both a lie and an insult, especially to the countless people that have been permanently damaged by his first-term in office." Immigration advocates were also unconvinced by Trump's proposal. "I almost have to laugh because his administration adopted multiple policies aiming to restrict student visas and make it harder for people to stay in the country after graduating," said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council. During his presidency, Trump's administration took steps aimed at curbing U.S. companies' use of skilled foreign workers on H-1B visas, a key visa option for international students seeking to remain in the United States. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration tried to force tens of thousands of foreign students to leave the country if their schools held all classes online. Faced with lawsuits and strong opposition from colleges and universities, the administration later rescinded the order. Trump has vowed a wide-ranging crackdown if reelected in the November election against Democrat Joe Biden, and has lambasted Biden's efforts to curb the record number of migrants crossing into the U.S. illegally. Two of the All-In hosts, venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, hosted a swanky fundraiser for Trump in San Francisco earlier this month, raising some $12 million for his campaign. UKRAINE, ABORTION During the interview, Trump ruled out committing U.S. troops to Ukraine. "I would guarantee it," he said, when asked if he would pledge not to put boots on the ground there. "I wouldn't do it, no." Trump also appeared skeptical of creating a pathway for NATO membership for Ukraine. The Biden administration supports Ukraine's eventual ascension into the mutual defense alliance. On abortion rights, Trump said he would not support a federal ban, echoing previous comments. (Reporting by Alexandra Ulmer and Gram Slattery; additional reporting by Kristina Cooke and Ted Hesson; Editing by Anthony Esposito, Diane Craft and Nick Zieminski) Trump Staffer Used 'Cool' Factor In Failed Attempt To Convince President To Mask Up Not even Donald Trumps ego was strong enough to get him to wear a mask during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to one former staffer. During Thursdays episode of The View, co-host and former White House official Alyssa Farah Griffin recounted how she tried unsuccessfully to use flattery to get Trump to put on a protective face covering. I remember telling him he looked cool in the mask, Farah Griffin told the days guest, Dr. Anthony Fauci. I remember, yeah! replied Fauci, who was the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the Trump presidency. I thought that might appeal to him, and he might be like, OK, fine, Ill wear it, Farah Griffin said. Didnt work. Nice try, Alyssa, Fauci remarked. President Donald Trump takes his mask off before speaking at a rally at the White House on Oct. 10, 2020. MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images Trump regularly refused to mask up during the early parts of the pandemic, despite his own health officials endorsing masks as an easy method to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. Im choosing not to do it, the 45th president was quoted as saying in April 2020. Its a recommendation, they recommend it, he added. I just dont want to wear one myself. After bristling at the idea of masks for months, Trump was hospitalized with the coronavirus in October 2020, just days after his first presidential debate with Joe Biden. While on The View, Fauci remembered Trumps stance on masking as a missed opportunity to promote simple public health protocol to his leagues of supporters. He has millions and millions of followers who are very loyal to him, the doctor said. All he had to do was say, The CDC is recommending masks, we know its going to save lives, do it. Related... North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) is gunning hard to be Donald Trumps vice presidentor, at least, hes hitting all the right talking points for the job. On Fox News The Story Wednesday, Burgum responded to a montage of pundits worried about what a Trump presidency could do to American democracy by saying that under Joe Biden, Were actually living under a dictatorship today. Doug Burgum: "Under Joe Biden, we are actually living under a dictatorship today." Big if true! pic.twitter.com/Af6WfwK0sy Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 19, 2024 The Democrats seem to have two strategies, Burgum said in a clip shared by Mediaite. One is, Be afraid, and the second strategy is, Be even more afraid. As far as Burgum is concerned, worries about a collapse of democracy under a second Trump term are all hogwash. But Trump opponents concerns didnt spring from nowhere; for months, the former president has ramped up his violent authoritarian rhetoric. At a public event last December in Iowa, he declined to confirm to his buddy Sean Hannity that he would not abuse his power if elected to seek retribution against his political enemies. Instead, he resorted to one of his favorite tacticstrolling. Except for day one, Trump said at the time. I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill. He then repeated himself for emphasis: We love this guy, he said of Hannity. He says, Youre not going to be a dictator, are you? I said: No, no, no, other than day one. Were closing the border, and were drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, Im not a dictator. On Fox, Burgum persisted, seemingly breezing over the not-so-great things Trump did as president: President Trump served as our president for four years, and during that time, we had peace and prosperity. According to Burgum, Bidens list of sins is long. Hes bypassing Congress on immigration policy. Hes bypassing Congress on protecting our border. Hes bypassing Congress on student loan forgiveness, and hes defying the Supreme Court, Burgum said. I mean, those are things that authoritarians and dictators do. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. (Reuters) -Two people have died in wildfires in southern New Mexico that have burned around 500 homes and triggered the evacuation of about 8,000 residents from the mountain resort community of Ruidoso. The unidentified skeletal remains of a person were found in the driver's seat of a burned out car, New Mexico State Police reported on Wednesday. Another victim was identified as 60-year-old Patrick Pearson. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham told reporters around 500 homes were thought to be among the more than 1,400 buildings razed by the two blazes, making it one of the most destructive wildfires in state history. The forest area around 135 miles southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, has suffered a string of wildfires, including one that killed two people in 2022. Lujan Grisham on Wednesday requested a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for the South Fork and Salt fires, which have burned over 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares) to the north and south of Ruidoso. New Mexico is caught in a decades-long drought that has made wildfires more destructive and faster moving. In 2022 the state suffered the largest blaze in the continental United States which burned over 341,000 acres (138,000 hectares). (Reporting By Andrew Hay; editing by Miral Fahmy) RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) A second person died as a result of the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, New Mexico State Police confirmed on Wednesday. State police also released the identity of one of the victims. Police said 60-year-old Patrick Pearson was found dead on the side of the road with numerous burns from the fire. State Police said they were asked to assist with a dead man who had been found near the Swiss Chalet Inn, located at 1451 N Mechem Road, on Tuesday, June 18. Pearsons family said he was a Ruidoso resident and a talented guitarist who played in a band at Quarters, a well-known bar and grill along Sudderth in the heart of Ruidoso. We are at a loss for words, and we are so heartbroken that this happened, said his daughter, Christiana Alvarez. That same day, another individual was found dead in the driver seat of a burned vehicle on Ranier Road during the fire in Ruidoso. The NMSP Uniform Bureau arrived at a scene around 11:57 a.m. State police said the victim is unidentified at this time, due to the condition being skeletal remains. No legible identification documents were located in the burned vehicle, state police added. Wildfire Resources Anyone seeking to locate family or friends who they lost contact with during the fire evacuations should call the Red Cross at 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767). Once you call, select 0 from the menu to reach a Red Cross agent. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two fires break out in Calaveras County as fire crews battle the Aero Fire (FOX40.COM) As crews continue to battle the Aero Fire, firefighters responded to two other wildfires that sparked within 15 miles of each other in Calaveras County. At 1:21 p.m. on Wednesday, firefighters arrived to the scene of a one-acre vegetation fire in the community of Burson near the 5000 block of Carol Lane. CAL FIRE said the fire threatened one structure, but forward progress was stopped over an hour later. Calaveras County asks residents to conserve water in wake of wildfires East of the Carol Fire was the Young Fire, which was three acres near Highway 26 and Paloma Road in the community of Paloma, officials said. CAL FIRE reported at 1:41 p.m. that forward progress was stopped on the Young Fire. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Two police officers charged with firing first shots at protesters during Feb. 20, 2014 mass murder The State Investigation Bureau said on June 19 that it had charged two police officers in absentia with murdering protesters on Feb. 20, 2014 during the EuroMaidan Revolution. The suspects were the first to fire shots at EuroMaidan protesters on Feb. 20, 2014, according to the investigation. As a result of the Feb. 20 murders, 48 protesters were killed, and 90 others were injured. One of them is a former commander of the Berkut riot police unit in the city of Sevastopol, while the other one is a police officer from that unit, the bureau said. The bureau did not reveal the suspects' names. According to Ukrainska Pravda's undisclosed sources, the commander is Serhiy Kolbin, and his subordinate is Volodymyr Sukhodolsky. Kolbin and Sukhodolsky, in coordination with the Kyiv Berkut unit, began shooting at protesters on Instytutska Street at around 9 a.m. local time on Feb. 20, 2014, according to investigators. They used Fort 500 shotguns to kill three people, and three others suffered gunshot wounds, the State Investigation Bureau said. "Their shots became an impetus to continue premeditated murders of protesters," the statement read. The suspects later fled to Sevastopol, where they participated in Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, according to the investigation. Kolbin and Sukhodolsky face a sentence of ten to fifteen years in prison or life imprisonment. The revolution began in November 2013 when people gathered on Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kyiv's central square, to protest pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych's refusal to sign the long-awaited Association Agreement with the European Union. Law enforcement officers, namely Berkut riot police, used violence to suppress the protests, including lethal force. Dozens of people were killed during the revolution, which culminated in Yanukovych fleeing to Russia. On the morning of Feb. 20, 2014, Ivan Bubenchyk, who calls himself a genuine protester but has been accused of being a provocateur, started shooting at Berkut officers on Maidan Nezalezhnosti. The officers began retreating as dozens of EuroMaidan activists chased them up Instytutska Street. Police started shooting at unarmed activists, killing at least 48 protesters on Instytutska Street. At least four police officers were also killed. On Oct. 18, 2023, Kyiv's Svyatoshynsky District Court issued a verdict in the Feb. 20, 2014 murder trial. One of the five defendants was acquitted. The others won't see jail either: one of them was released, and the other three were sentenced to prison in absentia and are hiding in Russia. Lawyers of the victims and other critics have criticized the verdict, saying that justice was denied in the case. The verdict follows years of what critics say was sabotage of the EuroMaidan cases by the Ukrainian authorities and law enforcement agencies. Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have also investigated whether Russia could have played a role in suppressing the EuroMaidan protests and provoking violence. Experts say that Russia has made efforts to destroy EuroMaidan cases and hide its potential role. In May the State Investigation Bureau charged Alexander Bortnikov, the head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), and another 20 top officials of Russian special services with aiding the illegal obstruction of protests during the EuroMaidan Revolution. Read also: EuroMaidan murders case: Why is the verdict criticized, and why is it about Russia? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By News Centre Turkey's total production, which began supplying natural gas from the Black Sea to the system last year, increased by 113 percent compared to 2022, reaching 807.3 million cubic meters. The Sakarya Gas Field contributed 41.8 percent to this production. The production area spans 10,000 square kilometers, of which 2,200 square kilometers are actively producing. Daily natural gas production in Filyos exceeded 5.1 million cubic meters. One of Turkey's most significant steps in diversifying its energy resources and ensuring supply security is the discovery of natural gas in the Black Sea. In recent years, Turkey has strengthened its maritime energy fleet and introduced the Black Sea gas into the system at a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an on April 20, 2023. Since September last year, Black Sea gas has been supplied to the system uninterruptedly. According to the annual natural gas report by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), Turkey's Black Sea gas discovery has started to be reflected in production. Natural gas production increased by 113 percent last year compared to 2022, reaching 807.3 million cubic meters. Dependence on Foreign Sources Decreasing Rapidly Turkey's natural gas production was recorded as 473.9 million cubic meters in 2019, 441.3 million cubic meters in 2020, 394.4 million cubic meters in 2021, and 379.8 million cubic meters in 2022. The EMRA report stated, "A significant part of this increase is due to the fact that the natural gas discovered in the Black Sea Sakarya Gas Field started to be produced and fed into the system as of September 2023." 41.8% of Production from Sakarya Gas Field Eight companies with wholesale licenses in the country are authorized to produce natural gas. Turkish Petroleum Joint Stock Company (TPAO), Thrace Basin Natural Gas Corporation Turkey, and Park Place Energy Limited were the leading producers. Among the provinces where gas produced by licensed companies is offered for sale, Zonguldak, where Black Sea gas is prominent, ranked first with 337.8 million cubic meters. The share of Black Sea gas in total production was 41.8 percent. Zonguldak was followed by Tekirda? with 243.3 million cubic meters, K?rklareli with 108.7 million cubic meters, and Duzce and Istanbul, each with 55.9 million cubic meters. Hatay contributed the least to the system, with 4,000 cubic meters. New Discoveries on the Horizon The Sakarya Gas Field covers approximately 10,000 square kilometers, with 2,200 square kilometers currently under production. Turkey, which has started production by exploring 25 percent of the total field, continues its efforts in the region. Daily natural gas production in Filyos has exceeded 5.1 million cubic meters. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar previously stated, "New discoveries may come in this field that will increase the reserves in many different locations." Bayraktar expressed hope for new discoveries in July from the Goktepe-1 and Goktepe-2 wells in the Sakarya Gas Field. MOSCOW, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have agreed on mutual support in case of external aggression, Russian media reported Wednesday, citing Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK in accordance with a newly signed comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, RIA Novosti reported, citing Putin at a press briefing following talks with the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. Putin said that the treaty is a "breakthrough document," adding that it set goals for strengthening long-term ties between the two countries in various fields, according to the report. He also noted that both countries oppose imposing sanctions and restrictions for political purposes, adding that such actions undermine the global economic and political system. Putin arrived in Pyongyang for a state visit in DPRK on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency reported. Kim paid an official visit in Russia in September 2023, during which he invited Putin to visit DPRK. Two running for Bonita Springs City Council in District 2. Here's what to know Bonita Springs councilman Jesse Purdon faces competition as he seeks reelection in District 2. He and his only challenger Zack Smith have qualified for the race. Jesse Purdon, Bonita Springs City Council candidate for District 2. The official qualifying period for the November election ended June 14 at noon. Usually, city councilors can serve up to two four-year terms back-to-back. In Purdon's case, he would serve a little longer if reelected, counting his time as a temporary replacement. Following a special election, Purdon first joined city council in March 2020 to fill a vacant spot, then ran for reelection and won eight months later. His predecessor Greg DeWitt resigned in November 2019, to focus on his job as assistant chief of the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District. DeWitt later became chief. More: A second Bonita Springs city councilor resigns, says he will focus on fire district job Purdon lost the District 2 election to DeWitt by a handful of votes in 2016. In November 2022, Purdon narrowly won his first four-year term, garnering 51.96% of the total votes cast, while his opponent Shelley Anderson received 48.04%. After standing outside the polls near the Bonita Springs Middle School to talk with voters on election day then, he said: It felt great to understand there were that many people who not only knew me, but followed what Ive done." More: Rick Steinmeyer wins race for Bonita Springs mayor; Purdon, Corrie, Forbes reelected to City Council Purdon, a 16-year Bonita Springs resident, oversees the management and operations of Floridas 19th Congressional District Offices in Lee and Collier counties for Congressman Byron Donalds. His challenger Smith owns Ceremony Brewing off Old 41 Road in downtown Bonita. A Naples native, he fell in love with beer making after trying a simple home-brewing kit. He worked as a Collier County school teacher before becoming an entrepreneur and small business owner. Zach Smith, owner of Ceremony Brewing in Bonita Springs, is running for council in District 2. District 2 covers much of the Bonita Springs neighborhoods between Old 41 Road and Interstate 80. The annual pay for councilors is $19,936. More: Bonita Springs public salaries: City Manager Arleen Hunter tops payscale at $205,000 The city election will be held Nov. 5, the same day as the countywide general election. More: Mail and early voting for Lee County 2024 primary election: Here's what you need to know This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Two qualify to run in District 2 for Bonita Springs City Council Two teen girls killed after their jet ski smashes into a small boat on Illinois lake Two teen girls killed after their jet ski smashes into a small boat on Illinois lake Two teen girls died in Illinois when their WaveRunner collided with a passing boat on a popular lake, according to police. Police told ABC7 the incident involved a 16-year-old from Lake Forest, California, driving a Yamaha WaveRunner with a 13-year-old passenger from Long Grove, Illinois, on the back, as the pair navigated the waters of Lake Marie. The teens were traveling towards a channel that led to Grass Lake on Tuesday when they collided with a Sea Ray Cabin Cruiser boat operated by a 55-year-old man. Witnesses described the WaveRunner speed directly at the boat. "The operator, there was nothing they could do to stop the boat in time around the wave runner as it approached," Lake County Deputy Chief Sheriff Chris Covelli said after the incident. Police respond to the scene of a boat crash on Lake Marie in Illinois, where two girls on a jet ski died after colliding with a boat on June 28, 2024 (ABC7 Chicago) The Lake County Sheriffs Office extends its condolences to the families of the girls and others involved in this tragic boat crash, his office said in a statement. The girls, both of whom were wearing life vests, were knocked unconscious in the collision and thrown into the water. The boaters pulled them out of the water, gave first aid, and called 911. The teens were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and pronounced dead on arrival. A male patient was transported from the scene to the hospital. The Lake County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit and Illinois Conservation Police are investigating. Officials are investigating whether the 16-year-old driving the WaveRunner had a boating safety certificate. The local coroners office will perform autopsies on the bodies of the victims on Thursday, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner newspaper. Two tropical depressions could form, including one near Florida; Alberto dissipates after landfall in Mexico Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, dissipated Thursday afternoon after it made landfall near Tampico, Mexico, a day after it had formed in the Gulf. As of 5 p.m. Thursday, Albertos remnants were 380 miles southwest of Brownsville, Texas, traveling west at 24 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph, traveling over inland Mexico. Separate from Alberto, forecasters also are watching two other potential systems, one in the Gulf and one east of the Bahamas, which could affect coastal northern Florida on Friday, though its impact to South Florida is expected to be insignificant. It doesnt have much time to get its act together before it reaches the land areas, George Rizzuto, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Miami said during a weather briefing Thursday. Impacts across South Florida would be limited to nearly nonexistent. Systems to watch As of 2 p.m. Thursday, a disturbance in the same area of the Gulf of Mexico as Alberto has a 50% chance of forming in the next seven days. A broad area of low pressure should form over southeastern Mexico and northern Central America on Friday, possibly becoming a depression over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Meanwhile, forecasters are watching an area of storminess several hundred miles east of the northwestern Bahamas that could approach the southern U.S. East Coast, potentially including Florida, late this week. As of 2 p.m. Thursday, it has a 40% chance of development over the next two days, with some slow development possible thereafter while the system moves west-northwestward. Forecasters expect the system to reach the east coast by Friday. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is on its way to investigate the system, the NHC said. The system is likely to stay north of South Florida, and impact coastal areas farther up the coast. For the most part we really arent expecting any significant impacts to South Florida from this system, Rizzuto said Thursday. First named storm of season Alberto weakened into a tropical depression Thursday morning before fully dissipating later in the afternoon. Its remnants continued to cause heavy rains and flash flooding in northeastern Mexico, the hurricane center said in its 5 p.m. update, the last advisory for Alberto. The remnants of Alberto will continue to produce heavy rainfall over northeastern Mexico with life-threatening flooding and mudslides likely, meteorologists said. The National Hurricane Center has discontinued all tropical storm warnings in Mexico. It had previously issued a warning stretching from the Mexico border north along the Gulf Coast to near Houston. A few tornadoes were also possible Thursday night in lower South Texas and southeast areas of the state, the NHC said. Inland in Mexico and South Texas, rainfall could be significant and potentially dangerous, given the mountainous terrain in some of the region. 2024 season The 2024 hurricane season, which officially began June 1, is expected to be extremely active. In its annual May outlook, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that the 2024 hurricane season has an 85% chance of being above normal, with 17 to 25 named storms with minimum sustained winds of 39 mph, and eight to 13 hurricanes. An average year has 14 named storms and seven hurricanes. In addition, NOAA has forecast four to seven major hurricanes for 2024, meaning those that are Category 3 or above. Experts at Colorado State University stated in their 2024 forecast that the U.S. East Coast, including Florida, had a 34% chance of a major hurricane making landfall this year. The average from 1880-2020 was 21%. Forecasters say that the record-warm water temperatures that now cover much of the Atlantic Ocean will continue into peak hurricane season from August to October. That warm water fuels hurricanes. By early June, the tropical Atlantic was already as hot as it usually is in mid-August peak hurricane season. Hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30. (Sun Sentinel staff writer Robin Webb contributed to this report.) ____ Razor wire along the Rio Grande on the Texas side of the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom) EL PASO, Texas Seventeen-year-old Karina Parababire gently rocked her three-month-old daughter as they waited in a migrant shelter before a Friday night bus ride to Chicago. I want my daughter to have everything that I didnt have, Parababire, who traveled up the extremely dangerous route of the Darien Gap while pregnant, said in Spanish. The Venezuelan, who is traveling with her family, had to stop in Honduras to give birth to her daughter, Avis, before continuing to the United States. Once in Mexico, she and her family were granted an appointment through the CBP One app a tool the Biden administration uses to grant migrants a meeting with an asylum officer. She had been at the Sacred Heart Church shelter with her family for four days. They planned to continue on to Chicago, where theyll be met by her cousin. Parababire hopes that after she gets to the Windy City, she can go back to high school and possibly enter college. Karina Parababire, 17, with her three-month-old daughter, Avis, waiting for a bus ride to Chicago. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/ States Newsroom) Parababire and her relatives arrived in the U.S. just before President Joe Biden issued an executive order that partly bans asylum claims when unauthorized crossings exceed a daily threshold. Because the family was admitted using the CBP One app, they were allowed to continue their journey. As for other migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, local leaders said recently they are anticipating the effects of the order to be somewhat beneficial in limiting unauthorized crossings, though there was also plenty of skepticism. Immigration advocates expressed deep concern the order issued after Congress failed to take action on sweeping immigration legislation would lead to more harm to already vulnerable people. Ive come here today to do what Republicans in Congress refuse to do, take the necessary steps to secure our border, Biden said in announcing the order, referring to a bipartisan border security deal Republicans walked away from earlier this year. This action will help us gain control of our border. Uncertainty about a new policy The shelter at Sacred Heart Church that housed Parababire currently has a relatively low number of migrants about 70 compared to a capacity of 120. When migrants first arrive at the Sacred Heart Church shelter, they are allowed to pick out their own clothes in the clothes closet, which has items for infants, children and adults, donated by the El Paso community. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom) The director, Michael DeBruhl, said its unclear how the order will affect the number of migrants who arrive not only at the shelter, but at the many ports of entry along the southern border. The thing is that the Border Patrol is going to take the brunt of this executive order and that they will have to process everybody, he said. The difference is going to be that there are nuances regarding how everything can apply to asylum, so theyre going to make it more difficult for you to apply to asylum. The big question, DeBruhl said, is how exactly they are doing that. Youre gonna have all these Border Patrol agents making these decisions, all these nuances, of a policy thats just been implemented, he said. A Customs and Border Protection official declined to comment on the effects of the new executive order, but noted it would change the processing of noncitizens at the southern border. Local officials saw some positives. This is a start, but its just the beginning, the mayor of El Paso, Oscar Leeser, said during a Wednesday presentation to journalists with local border officials. Leeser was one of the several Texas mayors who attended the White Houses announcement of the June 4 executive order. Leeser said he believes the order will stop unauthorized border crossings because the consequences are greater now and thats the difference. Presidential campaign The order, which is Bidens most drastic crackdown on immigration during his administration, comes five months before a presidential election in which its a top issue for voters and for his GOP rival, former President Donald Trump. The order is currently in effect because daily unauthorized crossings have reached a threshold of more than 2,500 encounters with migrants each day for a week at the southern border. Simply put, the Departments do not have adequate resources and tools to deliver timely decisions and consequences to individuals who cross unlawfully and cannot establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, or to provide timely protection to those ultimately found eligible for protection when individuals are arriving at such elevated, historic volumes, according to the text of the interim final rule from the executive order. The order goes away once government officials determine that fewer than 1,500 people a day have crossed the border in a weeks time span. Unaccompanied children are exempt, along with victims of human trafficking, people with visas, people with medical emergencies or those who report serious threats to their lives. Those migrants who arrive at ports of entry to claim asylum once the cap is reached and do not establish a reasonable probability of persecution or torture in the country of removal, will be removed and subjected to a five-year ban from applying for asylum in the U.S., according to the Department of Homeland Security. Border wall in Sunland Park, New Mexico that borders Puerto De Anapra, Mexico. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom) Returning to Mexico or home countries Leeser said the order will help manage high numbers of arrivals of migrants at ports of entry because it will allow the Biden administration to return those migrants either to their home countries or elsewhere in Mexico if their home country is deemed too dangerous. Leeser said because of this, he expects migrants to use more legal pathways, such as the CBP One app, through which appointments can be made with an immigration official to claim asylum. Through the CPB One app, more than 1,400 migrants are processed for appointments each day with an immigration official. The wait time for an appointment can take about five to eight months, according to a May report by the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin, which documents asylum claims at ports of entry. But Juan Acereto Cervera, the adviser to the mayor of Juarez, Mexico, which borders El Paso, expressed skepticism that the new White House policy will stop people from trying to cross the border to claim asylum. Nothings going to stop this migration, he said. Its because something is happening in their other countries that make these people to try to find the best country in the world, that is the United States. Thats the truth. Jorge Rodriguez, the coordinator for the El Paso City & County Office of Emergency Management, said that its common for the number of migrants that arrive in El Paso to fluctuate, based on immigration policy changes from the White House. With time what well see is how this one will ultimately play out, he said. Legal action looms Under U.S. immigration law, for a noncitizen to claim asylum, they have to reach U.S. soil and then make that claim. They can stay in the U.S. and receive due process if they have a fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. The American Civil Liberties Union, which was at the forefront of many legal cases against the Trump administrations immigration policies including ones that restricted asylum has already stated it plans to sue the Biden administration over its executive order. Democratic U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, whose district includes El Paso, said in a statement that she was disappointed that the Biden administration focused its executive order only on enforcement. 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, she said. A very dangerous place Immigration advocates and attorneys in El Paso said during a separate Wednesday panel with journalists they fear for the impact the executive order could have on migrants. I think we do kind of know whats going to happen it creates a backlog, said Imelda Maynard, an attorney at Estrella Del Paso Legal Aid. Maynard said she can easily see how the executive order will be misinterpreted by migrants who will think the 2,500 threshold is a quota to allow people into the U.S. What the government is trying to do, right, lessen the amount of irregular entries, I think thats going to increase, she said. Father Rafael Garcia, a priest who serves Sacred Heart Church, said he expects the executive order will cause more migrants to wait in Mexico, which could burden Mexico and leave those migrants in dangerous situations. Its hard to know how this is gonna play out, but it doesnt look too good, Garcia said. The director of Sacred Heart Church, DeBruhl, said that he thinks it will take a few weeks to see the full impact of the executive order. The conservatives are saying that its not going to make any difference the (Biden) administration is saying this is going to have a specific (effect), and be quite impactful, he said. I dont think anybody really knows how this is going to play out. Aimee Santillan, a policy analyst at the Hope Border Institute, which advocates for solidarity and justice across the borderlands, said that the order will require many migrants to wait in Mexico, and right now, Mexico is a very dangerous place for migrants to be in. We think that this might exacerbate the situation, or push people to find other routes of entering the country that are less controlled, have less services, have less people receiving them and giving them assistance, she said. This story was reported through an El Paso-based fellowship on U.S. immigration policy organized by Poynter, an institute for the professional development of journalists, with funding from the Catena Foundation. Artwork from migrant children who have temporarily stayed at the Sacred Heart Church shelter before heading to another destination in the U.S. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom) SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post On the U.S.-Mexico border, hopes and fears after Bidens order limiting asylum appeared first on Kentucky Lantern. A satellite image shows a closer view of U.S. military-run humanitarian aid pier in Gaza before its removal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military's on-again, off-again floating pier in Gaza is expected to resume operations on Thursday to unload sorely needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Wednesday. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the pier had been re-attached to the shore on Wednesday after being temporarily removed last Friday due to poor sea conditions. Aid began arriving via the U.S.-built pier on May 17, and the U.N. said it transported 137 trucks of aid to warehouses, some 900 metric tons. But then rough seas damaged the pier, forcing repairs, and poor weather and security considerations have limited the number of days it has been operational. U.S. President Joe Biden announced in March the plan to put the pier in place for aid deliveries as famine loomed in Gaza, a Hamas-run enclave of 2.3 million people, during the war between Israel and the Palestinian militants. The U.S. military estimates the pier will cost more than $200 million for the first 90 days and involve about 1,000 service members. It is unclear how much longer it will be operational. Speaking at the Pentagon on Tuesday, spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder declined to say when the military might halt its pier operations altogether. He said the pier has so far allowed for a total of over 3,500 metric tons of aid to reach Gaza's shores. "With the caveat that this has always been intended to be a temporary pier, I'm not aware at this point of any established date of: 'This is when we're going to stop,'" he told reporters. "And again, taking a step back here, the big picture: Whether it be by land, sea or air, (the United States is) employing all avenues to get assistance into Gaza." (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Stephen Coates) After U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow bump stocks, U.S. Senate rejects bill to ban them Rifles on a wall rack. The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned a rule banning bump stocks, a device that allows a semi-automatic to fire at a rapid rate much like a fully automatic gun. (Getty Images) WASHINGTON Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts blocked a bipartisan bill Tuesday that would ban bump stocks following a Supreme Court decision that repealed a Trump-era rule against using the gun accessory. Ricketts, of Nebraska, objected to New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrichs request that the chamber approve his bill cosponsored by Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins by unanimous consent. Heinrich attempted to pass the bill, which the trio introduced last year, following the Supreme Court ruling last week that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lacked the authority to ban bump stocks. As a firearms owner myself, theres no legitimate use for a bump stock, Heinrich said. What they are tailor made for is a mass shooting. The bill, S. 1909, would ban the sale of bump stocks that allow semi-automatic weapons to rapidly fire multiple rounds like a machine gun. Ricketts argued that the Supreme Court made the right decision and said the bill didnt just ban bump stocks but also targets other firearm accessories. Ricketts added that the bill is a violation of the Second Amendment. This bill is about banning as many firearm accessories as possible and giving ATF broad authority to ban most semi-automatic firearms, Ricketts said. Its an unconstitutional attack on law-abiding gun owners. Heinrich said the bill would not ban a large amount of firearm accessories, but would ban things like Glock switches, which can be attached to the side of a Glock handgun to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic firearm. I think the American people understand what common-sense gun safety looks like, Heinrich said. Senate procedure requires 60 votes to proceed on most legislation. But for the chamber to approve a measure by unanimous consent, no senator can object. Supreme Court ruling The Supreme Court on Friday overturned an ATF regulation, enacted during former President Donald Trumps administration after the Las Vegas mass shooting, which defined a semi-automatic rifle equipped with a bump stock attachment as a machine gun. Machine guns are generally prohibited under federal law. In that mass shooting, a gunman used rifles outfitted with bump stocks to fire into a crowd of 22,000 people at a music festival, killing 58 people that night and two more who died of their injuries later, and injuring more than 500. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor that the bill was needed because the Supreme Courts decision was an utter disgrace. It will endanger our communities, endanger law enforcement, and make it easier for mass shooters to unleash carnage, Schumer, a New York Democrat, said. The opinion, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, who is a strong defender of Second Amendment gun rights, deemed that the ATF exceeded its statutory authority in prohibiting the sale and possession of bump stocks, which he said differed importantly from machine guns. Nothing changes when a semiautomatic rifle is equipped with a bump stock, Thomas wrote. Between every shot, the shooter must release pressure from the trigger and allow it to reset before reengaging the trigger for another shot. Additionally, the decision, which was split along ideological lines, limits the federal governments ability to address gun violence in the absence of congressional action. More federal gun legislation unlikely With a split Congress, any gun-safety related legislation is unlikely to pass. However, after Fridays decision, President Joe Biden called on Congress to ban bump stocks and assault weapons. Americans should not have to live in fear of this mass devastation, Biden said at the time. The last time Congress passed gun legislation was in 2022 after two mass shootings that occurred less than two weeks apart. One was at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were killed. The other was in Buffalo, New York, where a white supremacist targeted a predominantly Black neighborhood and killed 10 Black people. The 2022 gun safety legislation did not ban any firearms but provided funds for mental health and to help states enact red flag laws, which allow the courts to temporarily remove a firearm from an individual who is a threat to themselves or others, among other provisions. That same year, the Supreme Court decided on a major gun-related case that invalidated a New York law against carrying a firearm in public without showing a special need for protection. Because of that decision, theres another gun-related case before the court that will test a federal law that prevents the possession of firearms by a person who is subject to a domestic violence protective order. A decision on that is expected this month. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post After U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow bump stocks, U.S. Senate rejects bill to ban them appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal. After U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow bump stocks, U.S. Senate rejects bill to ban them Gun wall rack with rifles | Getty Images WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts blocked a bipartisan bill Tuesday that would ban bump stocks following a Supreme Court decision that repealed a Trump-era rule against using the gun accessory. Ricketts, a Nebraska Republican, objected to New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrichs request that the chamber approve his bill cosponsored by Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins by unanimous consent. Heinrich attempted to pass the bill, which the trio introduced last year, following the Supreme Court ruling last week that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lacked the authority to ban bump stocks. As a firearms owner myself, theres no legitimate use for a bump stock, Heinrich said. What they are tailor made for is a mass shooting. The bill, S. 1909, would ban the sale of bump stocks that allow semi-automatic weapons to rapidly fire multiple rounds like a machine gun. Ricketts argued that the Supreme Court made the right decision and said the bill didnt just ban bump stocks but also targets other firearm accessories. Ricketts added that the bill is a violation of the Second Amendment. This bill is about banning as many firearm accessories as possible and giving ATF broad authority to ban most semi-automatic firearms, Ricketts said. Its an unconstitutional attack on law-abiding gun owners. Heinrich said the bill would not ban a large amount of firearm accessories, but would ban things like Glock switches, which can be attached to the side of a Glock handgun to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic firearm. I think the American people understand what common-sense gun safety looks like, Heinrich said. Senate procedure requires 60 votes to proceed on most legislation. But for the chamber to approve a measure by unanimous consent, no senator can object. Supreme Court ruling The Supreme Court on Friday overturned an ATF regulation, enacted during former President Donald Trumps administration after the Las Vegas mass shooting, which defined a semi-automatic rifle equipped with a bump stock attachment as a machine gun. Machine guns are generally prohibited under federal law. In that mass shooting, a gunman used rifles outfitted with bump stocks to fire into a crowd of 22,000 people at a music festival, killing 58 people that night and two more who died of their injuries later, and injuring more than 500. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor that the bill was needed because the Supreme Courts decision was an utter disgrace. It will endanger our communities, endanger law enforcement, and make it easier for mass shooters to unleash carnage, Schumer, a New York Democrat, said. The opinion, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, who is a strong defender of Second Amendment gun rights, deemed that the ATF exceeded its statutory authority in prohibiting the sale and possession of bump stocks, which he said differed importantly from machine guns. Nothing changes when a semiautomatic rifle is equipped with a bump stock, Thomas wrote. Between every shot, the shooter must release pressure from the trigger and allow it to reset before reengaging the trigger for another shot. Additionally, the decision, which was split along ideological lines, limits the federal governments ability to address gun violence in the absence of congressional action. More federal gun legislation unlikely With a split Congress, any gun-safety related legislation is unlikely to pass. However, after Fridays decision, President Joe Biden called on Congress to ban bump stocks and assault weapons. Americans should not have to live in fear of this mass devastation, Biden said at the time. The last time Congress passed gun legislation was in 2022 after two mass shootings that occurred less than two weeks apart. One was at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were killed. The other was in Buffalo, New York, where a white supremacist targeted a predominantly Black neighborhood and killed 10 Black people. The 2022 gun safety legislation did not ban any firearms but provided funds for mental health and to help states enact red flag laws, which allow the courts to temporarily remove a firearm from an individual who is a threat to themselves or others, among other provisions. That same year, the Supreme Court decided on a major gun-related case that invalidated a New York law against carrying a firearm in public without showing a special need for protection. Because of that decision, theres another gun-related case before the court that will test a federal law that prevents the possession of firearms by a person who is subject to a domestic violence protective order. A decision on that is expected this month. The post After U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow bump stocks, U.S. Senate rejects bill to ban them appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner. U.S. Supreme Court sides with Texas woman who claims she was arrested out of political retribution The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 4, 2022. Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune. WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday revived the civil rights claim of a Texas woman who had sued her city for what she claims was a politically motivated arrest. The ruling gives plaintiff Sylvia Gonzalez, 76, another chance to pursue her retaliation claim against the San Antonio suburb of Castle Hills. Gonzalez was arrested in 2019 for allegedly stealing a government document soon after taking office as city council member. [U.S. Supreme Court hears Texas case on politically motivated arrests] Gonzalez said she had mistakenly placed a paper copy of a petition urging the city to remove its city manager in her binder before she realized the mistake. The mayor, Edward Trevino, confronted Gonzalez about her possession of the document and alerted police. Weeks later Gonzalez was charged with tampering with government documents, a misdemeanor. She turned herself in and was held for one night in Bexar County Jail. The charges were later dropped. Gonzalez, the citys first Latina council member, claimed her arrest had come as retaliation for the contents of the petition itself, which accused the city manager of failing to do his job. She then sued the city and several officials, saying they had violated her First Amendment rights. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Gonzalez, saying she had not provided enough evidence to support her claim that the arrest was an act of political retribution. Judges said Gonzalez should have presented evidence showing that other people who had also tampered with government documents had not been arrested. Gonzalezs lawyers argued that the Texas anti-tampering statutes in question had never been used to arrest someone for mistakenly stealing a document. The statutes typically applied to acts like fake social security numbers, green cards, fake checks or hiding murder evidence. The flimsiness and uniqueness of the charge, Gonzalezs lawyer argued, was evidence that the arrest had been political retribution. During arguments before the Supreme Court in March, justices compared Gonzalezs arrest to jaywalking another example of minor criminal conduct where officers typically exercise their discretion not to arrest. The Supreme Court ultimately found that the lower court had indeed taken an overly cramped view of the key case law cited in its decision. The case, Gonzalez v. Trevino, will now head back to lower courts for further consideration. This has been a nightmare for the last five years. It has kept me up at night, but finally I can sleep knowing that the nightmare Ive gone through will protect critics from retaliation in the future,Gonzalez said in a statement. The city of Castle Hills also issued a statement, saying although this extends the timeline, we welcome the further review of the case by the 5th Circuit. Just in: Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming; U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania; and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today! U.S. Treasury secretary travels to Georgia to announce crackdown on fentanyl from Mexico U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Thursday announced new sanctions against a Mexican drug cartel that smuggles fentanyl and other synthetic opioids into the United States. Yellens announcement during a news conference in Atlanta coincided with the arrests of eight leaders of the cartel La Nueva Familia Michocana on 13 indictments. More than 1 million Americans have died of drug overdoses since 2000, while fatal overdoses of fentanyl among Georgians rose by 200% between 2019 and 2021, Yellen said. Previous reporting by the Ledger-Enquirer pinpointed Atlanta as a key entry point for fentanyl smuggling. Its pretty safe to say most of the drugs seized up and down the coast have come through Atlanta at one point, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy in April of 2023. Previous reporting by the Ledger-Enquirer shows that an increase of fentanyl in Georgia has led to an exponential rise in overdose deaths. In 2021, there were almost 1,400 overdose deaths from fentanyl in the state. Yellen on Thursday went on to explain why the cracdown is taking place now. Far too many families in communities across the United States are losing their loved ones to opioids, she said. Thats why President Biden has directed the entire U.S. government to use every tool at our disposal to combat the opioid epidemic. Illicit drugs imported into the United States are killing our citizens at an unprecedented rate, added Ryan Buchanan, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Yellen said the sanctions imposed by the Treasury Departments Office of Financial Assets Control are aimed at denying cartels the funds they need to carry out their illegal activities. Cartels that peddle fentanyl operate in many respects like other businesses, she said. They rely on access to banking systems ... to make payroll and finance purchases. Treasury and the IRS are focused on addressing high-end tax abuse from all angles, and the proposed rules released today will increase tax fairness and reduce the deficit, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Monday in a news release. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI Yellen said the federal government needs help from the private sector to make the sanctions work. Toward that end, the Treasury Department also issued an advisory Thursday to help financial institutions detect and report flows of money fueling the fentanyl supply chain. One of the most powerful things we can do is deny (cartels) the fruits of their labor, the very essence of what these cartels need - their money, said Murphy Thursday. We dont want them to use that money to make them stronger and have a bigger impact in the United States. Yellen said La Nueva Familia Michocana not only ships fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines into the U.S. but also smuggles illegal immigrants across the southern border and engages in arms trafficking. Yellen said Chinese officials have agreed to cooperate with the American effort to combat fentanyl, and she is reaching out to Claudia Sheinbaum, recently elected president of Mexico, to work with the U.S. on choking off the flow of dangerous drugs across the border. The United Auto Workers spiked the football after achieving what it called a major victory over Detroits Big Three automakers last year. The strike that led to its victory dance resulted in thousands of layoffs and what will no doubt be stagnant job growth in the domestic car making industry for years to come. Some victory. UAW President Shawn Fain wasted little time in turning his attention to foreign automakers outside of Michigan. The union won a victory at a Tennessee VW plant earlier this spring. Briggs: Mike Braun deserves every minute of his new political hell Briggs: Red Lobster again proves if you subsidize stuff, people will take it But a funny thing happened on the way to UAW dominance workers pushed back. First, workers at a Nissan facility in New Jersey voted to decertify the UAW because they felt the union had sold them a bill of goods to gain a foothold and then proceeded to ignore them. Then, workers at an Alabama Mercedes plant voted overwhelmingly to reject the union. Now, the UAW is coming to Indiana and the message is clear: As it runs out of steam, its not looking out for workers; its only looking to rake in dues, even if that means limiting workers rights. One need look no further than the tactics the union uses to expand its power base at the expense of worker freedom. It takes a special kind of cynicism to pressure potential opposition into silence and to revoke worker voting rights just to boost membership. But thats how unions organize now not by the ballot, but rather by rigging the game at the workers expense. The UAW has collected signatures in other states through a process called card check in which workers are asked to publicly state whether they back the union or not. Think about that for a moment. Imagine the pressure workers are under when union representatives comb facilities or call them at home! pressuring them to sign the card. United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain, right, speaks as local organizers raise their fists at a UAW vote watch party on April 19, 2024 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With over 51% of workers voting yes the UAW won the right to form a union at the plant. Unions like the UAW have advocated for new legislation compelling employers to accept card check procedures. Despite ongoing legislative efforts, unions have not yet succeeded in securing card check requirements through legal means. Maybe thats why the Biden-Harris-appointed bureaucrats on the National Labor Relations Board recently rendered a decision enabling the agency to replace elections with card-based processes in a broader range of scenarios. This decision contradicts numerous court rulings emphasizing that secret ballots, as opposed to cards, remain the most reliable indicator of employees' union preferences. Unions also want to stifle employer speech during union organizing campaigns. Thirty-three blue state senators who are in cahoots with the UAW sent a letter to international automakers like those with facilities in Indiana essentially threatening them to accept so-called neutrality agreements when the UAW comes knocking on the shop door. Under neutrality agreements, employers are prohibited from expressing their points of view about unions to workers, despite decades of legal precedent protecting this right. By leveraging left-wing heavyweights in Washington to cajole employers into these agreements, the UAW is hoping to deprive Hoosier autoworkers of highly relevant facts and much-needed context about what joining the union could mean for them, their families and their community. For example, their careers could be truncated by strikes or ended completely due to layoffs. If you need any more evidence that the UAW is not interested in the will of the workers it seeks to represent, then consider this fact. The union is asking the NLRB to reverse the outcome of its failed organizing campaign in Alabama. In other words, it is attempting to get federal bureaucrats in Washington to override the workers votes. Hoosiers need to know that when the union declares victory, its a victory for the union, not the workers it claims to represent. Josh Webb is the State Director of Americans for Prosperity-Indiana. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: UAW's Indiana union drive seeks to kill secret ballots Chinese authorities have allocated 916 million yuan (about 126 mln USD) to flood and drought response work in the country's southern and northern regions, and to support disaster relief efforts, the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday. #XinhuaNews UK Defence Ministry comments on consequences of Ukrainian strikes on Crimea and Russian airbases The UK Defence Ministry has analysed the latest success of Ukrainian strikes on military targets in Crimea and airbases on the territory of the Russian Federation. Source: UK Defence Ministry review dated 20 June on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda During June 2024, the Russian Air Force maintained pressure on the line of contact in Ukraine with tactical aircraft while kamikaze drones continued to strike infrastructure and military targets far beyond the line of contact. However, between 12 and 18 June, Russian long-range aircraft switched their cruise missile strikes to Ukrainian air bases, which was almost certainly Russia's response to the success of the Ukrainian airstrikes, and it also probably underscores Russia's concerns about the future use of F-16 aircraft by Ukraine's Air Force. A series of coordinated Ukrainian attacks on targets in Crimea led to the destruction of critical elements of Russian S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. While Russia can likely quickly replace the systems, further depletion is likely to force Russia to attract equipment from other regions, as it has done before, if the Kremlin wants to maintain the coverage density of its air defence network. Alternatively, Russia may be forced to accept the decline in its capabilities, putting its forces in Crimea at increased risk. Further successful Ukrainian attacks on Russian airbases from which attack operations are conducted, such as Mozdok, Akhtubinsk and most recently Morozovsk, are very likely to force Russia to continue its policy of dispersing aircraft further away from the line of contact. This will almost certainly lead to increased fatigue of aircraft and crews as the departure time increases. It is possible that the loss of a Su-34 fighter-bomber in North Ossetia, Russia's souty, on 12 June was connected with this. Background: In one of their previous reviews, UK Defence intelligence analysed Ukraine's strike on the Russian ferry crossing in Kerch. Additionally, UK Defence intelligence reported that Russia is actively using the formed "volunteer corps" for offensive actions in the war against Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine can't hit everything it wants in Russia with US-made ATACMs, so it's making do with a homemade option Ukraine can't hit everything it wants in Russia with US-made ATACMs, so it's making do with a homemade option Ukraine faces restrictions on using US-made, long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia. To work around this, Kyiv has modified its Neptune anti-ship missile for land attack. Ukraine has used this weapon to strike energy facilities inside Russia in recent weeks. The US has outfitted Ukraine with an arsenal of long-range missiles but continues to put restrictions on how it can use them, limiting its ability to strike Russia the way it wants. As a workaround in this dilemma, Kyiv has turned to a homemade weapon first used to sink ships. American-made MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems, also known as ATACMS, are one of the more vaunted weapons that Ukraine has in its arsenal. The Biden administration, however, has barred the country from firing them into Russia's sovereign territory; instead limiting their use solely to occupied regions of Ukraine. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy expressed his frustration with the continued prohibition on striking into Russia with these US-provided weapons. But Ukraine isn't completely without options. Multiple times in recent weeks, Ukraine has turned to domestically produced Neptune anti-ship missiles, modified for land attack, to strike ground targets inside Russia, specifically going after Moscow's vulnerable energy facilities. The R-360 Neptune is a subsonic, long-range cruise missile that was developed by Luch Design Bureau, a Kyiv-based defense manufacturer. Ukraine has used this munition in the past to strike high-value Russian targets. Early in the war, Ukraine used the Neptune to sink the guided-missile cruiser Moskva, once the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. A Neptune missile in Kyiv. VoidWanderer / Wikimedia Commons But Ukraine has also been working to modify the Neptune missile so that it can be used to strike land targets. There are indications Ukraine previously used the modified version of this weapon against Russian air defenses, including its S-400s, stationed on the occupied Crimean peninsula, per officials and media reports. In late May, Ukrainian forces used Neptune missiles to strike an oil depot near Kavkaz, a port along the Black Sea in Russia's Krasnodar Krai region. Several weeks later, on Monday, Ukraine again used its Neptune missiles on a ground target, this time striking an oil terminal in nearby Chushka, just over the Kerch Straight from Crimea. Analysts at the Washington, DC-based Institute for the Study of War think tank noted that both Neptune missile strikes have occurred in areas of Russian territory that are within the range of Ukraine's ATACMS. Photo from a test of the Neptune missile in 2020. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine The locations of both strikes are some 150 miles from the front lines and within the range of the 190-mile long-range ATACMS variant. But the US has prohibited Ukraine from using these powerful missiles to strike military targets inside Russia, thus awarding Moscow what experts and officials have described as sanctuary space. "The US has not allowed Ukrainian forces to use existing US-provided weapons to strike legitimate targets in Russian territory for much of the full-scale invasion thus far and still prohibits Ukraine from using ATACMS anywhere in Russia," the analysts wrote in a Tuesday assessment. "Ukraine first debuted Neptune anti-ship missiles against Russian naval targets in April 2022 and has had to further develop and modify these missiles to conduct deep strikes against Russian territory," the analysts said. The modified Neptune missiles is one of a number of Ukrainian innovations of the war made out of necessity and a notable lack of other options. Kyiv has, for example, turned to exploding naval drones to make up for a lack of a proper navy and has developed cheap, long-range drones to strike military and energy targets deep inside Russia where it is prohibited from using Western-made weaponry. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraine got the go-ahead to hit Russia with F-16s, but doing so could be a waste of a good jet Ukraine got the go-ahead to hit Russia with F-16s, but doing so could be a waste of a good jet Denmark says Ukraine can use the F-16s it plans to give to hit military targets in Russia. Experts say that may not the best use for the jets. Ukraine hasn't been promised many, making each one a valuable prize for Russia. NATO member Denmark has given Ukraine permission to use the F-16s it receives to hit military targets within Russia. It is unclear if Ukraine has any intention of using its F-16s in this way, or if doing so would mean the jets themselves enter Russia or just their munitions, but military experts told Business Insider it may not be the best use for them regardless, at least right now. Denmark's decision is part of a wider and influential shift in NATO oversight of the weapons sent to Ukraine, a loosening of the restrictions on how Ukraine is allowed to fight the war. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, partner nations have prevented Ukraine from hitting military targets within Russia, giving Moscow a safe space to stage attacks and putting Ukraine at a huge disadvantage. Over the course of the war, many attacks have been launched from inside Russian territory. Analysts have described this situation as Ukraine fighting a war with one hand tied behind its back. But some of Ukraine's international partners have been changing their approach over the past few weeks. And now Denmark is the first country to give the go-ahead for the coming F-16s. Just because it can, though, doesn't mean it should. A big danger Ukraine is expected to get its first F-16s this summer. George Barros, a Russian military expert at the US-based Institute for the Study of War think tank, said "it doesn't make a lot of military sense" to use the American-made fighter jets to "strike into Russia at this time." "Because the deeper you go into Russia and the closer you get to the border, the more dangerous it is for you to fly," and it's more likely that you lose high-end equipment and trained pilots not easily replaced, he said. Illustrative: An Israeli F-16 fighter jet. Israeli Military Industries Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries Barros said that in the future, particularly with more jets, that would be a great use for them, "but that's not where we are now." Ukraine's ability to use other weapons to hit Russia is a big boost for Ukraine, but it's not necessarily the best thing for a fairly small fleet of F-16s. Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and a defense strategy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that he suspects "that the F-16s will stay back from the front lines to avoid the Russian air defense envelope." F-16s, when armed with anti-radiation missiles like the AGM-88 HARM missiles provided by the US, can be used to target air defenses in suppression and destruction missions, but those can be challenging, high-risk operations. F-16s are big targets Tim Robinson, a military aviation specialist at the UK's Royal Aeronautical Society, said the F-16s could be useful for hitting targets that are in Russia but out of range for other weapons. The aircraft has that capability, but striking into Russia is a risky mission, particularly for a fourth-generation aircraft that first flew in 1974. He suspects that Ukraine, having "finally got them," will want to ensure "they don't lose them straight away." Ukraine has been fighting hard to get F-16s since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, but the US prohibited other countries operating the jet from sending them to Ukraine until it changed its mind in May 2023. Peter Layton, a fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and a former Royal Australian Air Force officer, said that Ukraine will want to keep its aircraft "safe." Ukraine will have to be more cautious with its F-16s, as it is not getting a lot, experts say. The exact number of F-16s Ukraine will get to begin with is unclear, but it's not expected to be many. Ukraine has been promised a total of an estimated 85 jets by Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium. And France is sending an unspecified number of its Mirage 2000-5 fighters. This is a boost, but Ukraine can't afford to suffer tremendous losses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sit in a F-16 fighter jet at Skrydstrup Airbase in Vojens, Denmark, in August 2023. Ritzau Scanpix/Mads Claus Rasmussen via REUTERS A problem is that Ukraine is expected to receive more F-16s than it has trained pilots. A lack of available training spots in Arizona, Denmark, and Romania means that only around 20 Ukrainian F-16 pilots will be trained this year, Politico reported, thus limiting the number of jets Ukraine can fly into battle. The number of warplanes aside, there's also a political aspect to Ukraine needing to keep its jets in the air. Professor Michael Clark, a Russia and Ukraine expert and a British national security advisor, said Ukraine has been managing expectations over how effective the aircraft will be. Ukraine has suggested that the aircraft will be extremely useful against Russia, but there is a risk of backlash over losses or failure to secure a major breakthrough. He said that while analysts "know that warfare is full of setbacks and things that don't go right first time and so on," a "manifest failure of an F-16 offensive would be politically very damaging for the Ukrainians," especially among some US Republicans and groups that are reluctant to back Ukraine. As a result, Clark said, the Ukrainians are likely thinking that for its F-16s, "it'd be better to hold them back until they can be more confident rather than throw them in quickly, hoping that they'll be okay, because the chances are they won't." Cancian said losing F-16s, particularly with so few promised to Ukraine, would be seen as "a big deal." He said some expectations put on Ukraine's F-16s are unfair. US air strength, for instance, can come from the employment of "hundreds of aircraft with extensive support systems on the ground," the air fleet and ground infrastructure that Ukraine's embattled air forces lack. Avoiding Russia The experts said that the jets likely won't go into Russia because of the dangers there. If they do, it would like be rare. Even flying over Russian-occupied territory is dangerous. Cancian said there may be "one or two deep raids maybe over Crimea just for the symbolic and psychological effect, but as a routine use, no, it's just too dangerous." Notably, though, Ukraine has been increasingly targeting air defense systems on the occupied peninsula and elsewhere. ISW suspects "Ukrainian forces may be conducting an organized effort to degrade Russian air defenses, which could enable Ukraine to more effectively leverage manned fixed-wing airpower (namely using F-16 fighter jets ) in the long term." And Ukraine has demonstrated a willingness to make bold plays. Layton acknowledged Ukraine might attempt something daring, noting that they have conducted some other risky moves that have given them big wins, like taking down Russian aircraft. "Tactically, they are very smart," he said. "So while I think they wouldn't do it, if they did it, it would be very carefully organized and fairly quick." But in general, he said, going into Russia "makes them far too vulnerable." "I personally think that the Ukrainians will be foolish to put their aircraft in quite small numbers across the border because I think that the Russians will outnumber them," he said. Robinson noted Russia has a "massive air defense network" that would target the jets, which lack stealth characteristics like fifth-gen jets. Ukraine has a network like this too, and it's why Russian jets have barely entered Ukrainian-held airspace. But in Russia, Ukrainian aircraft can also expect to battle the Russian Air Force in addition to enemy air defenses. A rocket launches from a Russian S-400 air defense system. DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images "The problem is that there's not going to be very many F-16s, and they will be very vulnerable as they fly over Russian territory," Mark Cancian said. F-16s may hang back Instead, Cancian said, he expects them to be used mostly defensively used away from the front, protecting cities and infrastructure from Russia's drones and missiles. The F-16 can play defense well and has been prominent in the post-9/11 Noble Eagle mission defending US and Canadian airspace. He said F-16s "aren't going to be flying over the front lines, but they don't really need that," as other weapons can hit into Russia and defend the front lines. Layton agreed the best use for Ukraine's first F-16s would be defensive, staying in Ukrainian territory in an air-defense role to shoot down Russia's drones and cruise missiles. An F-16 Fighting Falcon banks left. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chanceler Nardone But he was more bullish on Ukraine hitting targets in Russia, saying that it could do it without flying the aircraft into Russia, as he suspects that Ukraine will likely get the right intelligence to do such a hit without taking too much risk. A key aspect of what kind of missions the F-16 can fly is what kind of missiles and bombs the jet is carrying. Ukraine does not currently have the full range of capabilities. Ukraine's pilots could, however, be able to master defensive action the fastest, and it would likely be the most effective thing Ukraine could do without a greater number of aircraft, the experts said. It would also bolster a capability that has been heavily strained by relentless Russian attacks, and that's air defense. Experts said they don't expect the F-16s to make a massive difference in the war by themselves, particularly without more of them. But they said these fighter jets will be useful for Ukraine by replenishing lost aircraft, deterring Russian jets, and acting as defenses. "Whenever they arrive," Cancian said, "that's a good time for Ukraine because they will add to Ukraine's military capability." Robinson said the F-16s will "make Russian pilots there a little bit more kind of wary, a little bit more careful about what they're going up against." Read the original article on Business Insider Kyiv would consider participating in a Beijing-led peace conference with Russia's presence if the talks are based on the principles of the "U.N. Charter and international law," Ukraine's Ambassador to Singapore Kateryna Zelenko said in a media interview published on June 20. Speaking to the South China Morning Post, Zelenko said that Ukraine "does not and has never seen China as its opponent" and wants to see it as "its friend." Switzerland hosted Ukraine's global peace summit last week, but China was not among the more than 90 countries who accepted the invitation. Russia was not invited to attend. Beijing decried Russia's absence and instead pitched an alternative peace process together with Brazil, suggesting hosting a summit recognized both by Kyiv and Moscow. China has claimed it has managed to rally a considerable international support behind its plan. At the same time, Ukraine and Switzerland said they intend to continue their peace process and host a second summit, at which a Russian representative will be presented with a joint peace plan based on Kyiv's 10-point formula and proposals by other countries. Despite the limited success in engaging the Global South, Zelenko said that the event was "a (diplomatic) success," adding that the "fact that the summit took place is a milestone in the entire peaceful process." "All continents were represented from 100 delegations (of countries and organizations), this is a clear number of states sending a clear signal to Moscow that the world does not tolerate Russia's violation of international law." Kyiv sought to engage China in the peace efforts despite Beijing's close ties with Moscow throughout the full-scale war. While declaring itself neutral and insisting it does not provide lethal aid to either side, China has been the leading source of dual-use goods fueling the Russian defense industry. Read also: Ukraines peace summit falls short of engaging Global South can Ukraine expand its coalition? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Biden administration is prioritizing critical air defense capabilities for Ukraine over other countries to ensure Ukraines survival as Russia continues its brutal assault on the country with no end in sight, a senior White House official and congressional sources told CNN. A senior White House official described the action as a rather extraordinary policy adjustment at a critical moment for Ukraine. The deliveries to Ukraine will begin this summer, and it is not immediately clear how many countries are impacted. Prior to the decision, Ukrainian officials had clearly explained to the Biden administration that additional air defenses were critically needed as Russia continued its aerial assaults against its cities and civilian infrastructure. If we didnt do this for Ukraine, they would not have been able to maintain their critical air defense stockpile heading into the winter, period, the official said. This is a decision thats being made to ensure that theyre able to defend themselves against these relentless Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked President Joe Biden for the move later on Thursday. I am deeply grateful to @POTUS [President of the United States] and the United States for prioritising Ukraine in the delivery of air defenses that we critically need to defeat Russian attacks, Zelensky said in a post on X. The partnership between Ukraine and the United States is strong and unwavering. Together, we are protecting life against terror and aggression, Zelensky added. Putting Ukraine at the top of the list to begin receiving sufficient quantities of these critical air defense capabilities specifically the Patriot and NASAM interceptors means that the US slid down other countries that were already in the queue to receive the weapons, the sources said. State Department and Pentagon officials are engaged in an intensive diplomatic effort to inform the affected countries that they will receive the interceptors on delayed timelines, the White House official said. Ukraine is expected to get its first exports of the air defense capabilities this summer and the policy change will stay in place for 16 months, the official said. The other countries will then get the interceptors they ordered. Late last week, Pentagon and State Department officials briefed congressional leadership on the policy change, but refused to tell them which countries would be impacted, creating frustration. That information has yet to be shared with Congress, sources said. The White House official would not share the list of affected countries, other than to say that air defense exports to Taiwan would not be impacted. So far, at least in the private discussions, many of these countries have understood and appreciated the necessity of this decision, the official said. If any of our partners were in an existential situation like the one that Ukraine is in right now, we would move heaven and earth to help them and it just so happens that right now that country is Ukraine. The change is the latest shift from the Biden administration to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself in the face of Russias ongoing assault. Last month, Biden gave permission to Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory with American munitions, breaking from long-standing US policy though he restricted their use. The move is being done in parallel with Biden administration efforts to get Ukraine more air defense systems as well, a second White House official said. It also comes as the Biden administration adapts its policy approach to the conflict to account for evolving battlefield needs, and as NATO and the G7 are shoring up assistance to Ukraine amid uncertainty over Novembers US presidential election. Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has threatened to cut US support for Ukraine, and the countrys war effort was seriously hindered when Republicans in Congress stalled a major military aid package for months until it was eventually passed in April. Monthslong effort in the making The idea to adjust the global list was first raised internally by national security adviser Jake Sullivan in mid-April when Russia was intensifying its air campaign against Ukraine and Congress had not yet passed a supplemental defense package with aide for the country. Around the same time, a lack of air defenses meant Ukraine was powerless to prevent a Russian airstrike that destroyed the biggest power plant in Kyiv region, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The Pentagon proposed options after months of internal processes to examine how the change could be made. The plan to put Ukraine at the top of the list was finalized in late May. Our message to Russia is that if they think they can outlast Ukraine in this war, theyre mistaken, the official said, adding, we are now effectively mobilizing our defense industrial capacity in order to get air defense interceptors that are rolling off the line straight to Ukraine, which will provide them with sufficient quantities to be able to defend against Russian air missile attacks for the foreseeable future. Biden shared the news with Zelensky last week when they met on the sidelines of the G7 in Italy, the official said. The pair also announced that the US and Ukraine had signed a bilateral security pact that commits the US for 10 years to continued training of Ukraines armed forces, more cooperation in the production of weapons and military equipment, the continued provision of military assistance and greater intelligence sharing. CNNs Daria Tarasova and Caitlin Danaher contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukraine requires $9.5 billion for rapid recovery this year, namely in the defense industry, energy, housing, agriculture, natural resources, and the IT sector, the Finance Ministry said on June 20. The material costs of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine continue to grow as Moscow's forces regularly strike the country's cities and infrastructure with missiles and drones. A report developed by the government and international partners said Ukraine would need $15.3 billion for recovery needs in 2024, of which part has already been financed from the state budget and by donors, pushing down the number to $9.5 billion. Speaking at the Invisso Conference in London on June 18, Deputy Finance Minister Olha Zykova said that consolidating efforts with partners is crucial for creating a favorable investment environment, which will then lead to sustainable economic growth. "Creating a favorable environment for investment involves improving access to financing for investment projects, providing war and political risk insurance, and introducing state support mechanisms," Zykova said. "The Government of Ukraine is actively cooperating with several partners and is committed to implementing steps to improve this process." The estimated cost of Ukraine's post-war recovery had risen to $486 billion over a 10-year period, the World Bank said in February. Kyiv has been laboriously searching for new sources of income, both at home and abroad, to cover these needs. Ukraine has begun receiving the first tranches of the 50-billion-euro ($54 billion) four-year Ukraine Facility program from the EU, and the Group of Seven (G7) promised to provide a $50 billion loan by the end of this year, covered by the frozen Russian assets revenue. This is in addition to contributions from other donors, including individual countries or international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Read also: Opinion: Tracking Ukraines reconstruction funds Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. To counter the pervasive presence of drones that make it very challenging for troops to maneuver, set up defensive lines and air defense systems, Ukraine has been increasing its attacks on Russian aerial drones using its own fast and highly maneuverable First Person-View (FPV) drones. Several different and independent Ukrainian teams are working on systems for intercepting enemy reconnaissance drones using FPV, and judging by the increasing frequency of videos (and less than half of real events are always published), there is not just progress, but this is becoming a systemic phenomenon, deputy of the Verkhovna Radas Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Yuriy Mysyagin said on his Telegram channel last week. Ukrainian FPV drone attacks and destroys Russias ZALA ISR UAV. https://t.co/gY01Xk5CqB pic.twitter.com/S03USttHDl Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) June 12, 2024 The latest example of these attacks was showcased Tuesday, when the Signum unit of Ukraines 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade released video of an FPV drone it operated spotting and then closing in on a Russian Lancet loitering munition. There is no visual evidence that the FPV impacted the Lancet, however, the video ends with a still image of one destroyed on the ground. Interception of the Russian UAV kamikaze "Lancet" using an FPV drone with air detonation. The work of the "Signum" unit of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. pic.twitter.com/Z4L6aVrY4H Ukrainian Front (@front_ukrainian) June 19, 2024 The video features an incredible close-up view of the airborne Lancet, which you can see in this screencap. A screencap from the Signum units First Person-View (FPV) drone encounter with a Russian Lancet drone. Via Telegram An enemy kamikaze was detected and damaged by an air blast during a rapid descent and probable engagement, causing it to crash and break up in the field, causing no harm to anyone, Signum wrote on its Telegram channel Tuesday. The War Zone cannnot independently verify that claim. Signum said this incident was the latest in an increasing effort. It is no longer a secret for many that in recent months the defense forces have begun to effectively use FPV drones as air defense means to combat UAVs of the [Lancet] and Orlan type (which we do very well), the unit noted. Video of Ukrainian FPV drones attacking Lancets began to emerge on social media last month. Video of a Ukrainian FPV taking down a Russian ZALA 421-16 UAV. Sternenko says one of his FPVs took down an Orlan UAV as well but these cases are rare.https://t.co/u2AKiPudszhttps://t.co/ymlmMy85Yh pic.twitter.com/2fwS3XpaeE Rob Lee (@RALee85) May 31, 2024 Russians troops are now beginning to complain about these attacks, saying they are reducing situational awareness. Many units/actions depend on such ISR [Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance] drones (Zala, Supercam, Orlan), one soldier explained on Telegram. Destroying our eyes in the sky will set us back a generation, forcing us to fight in 2D while the enemy continues to wage war in 3D. FPV drones are cheap, but big ISR UAVs are not. 1/ QUICK TAKE Russians are worried that Ukrainian military is targeting their fixed-wing ISR drones: "This is an extremely alarming development. While people do not directly die from such actions, the consequences may be more serious than from the delivery of dozens of Abrams pic.twitter.com/5xUI5upZKH Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) June 15, 2024 The first drone-on-drone engagement from the Ukraine war emerged on social media in October 2022. WW1-style duel. Ukrainan Mavic-drone, which we have delivered to one of the airborne units in Donetsk region, destroyes russian opponent. Amazing!Pls support our Armed Forces: https://t.co/nw19NpRIN6 pic.twitter.com/2vaCBQINQK Serhiy Prytula (@serhiyprytula) October 13, 2022 As we have made the case for over many years, sometimes the best way to down a drone is with another drone. Since we first discussed this concept, a marketplace for such systems has not only emerged, but it is now ballooning. The idea that Ukraine is seeking this type of capability is entirely logical and their need is extremely urgent, especially since no counter-drone drones have been supplied to them from allied countries as of yet, at least that we know of. Given how much damage is being caused to both sides by lower-end drones, we can expect to see more and increasingly sophisticated aerial duels between them. Before diving into more developments from the conflict in Ukraine, The War Zone readers can review our previous coverage here. The Latest On the battlefield, a great deal of attention by both sides is still being paid to Kharkiv Oblast, where a Russian offensive toward Ukraines second-largest city has largely stalled. Still, there are dozens of Russian troops trapped inside an old aggregate plant in the now-destroyed city of Vovchansk, about 32 miles northeast of Kharkiv City, Yurii Povkh, spokesman for the Kharkiv Operational Strategic Group (OSG), told Ukrainska Pravda. Dozens of Russian troops have been cut off at a building site in the city of #Vovchansk, #Kharkiv Oblast, NOT HUNDREDS as previously reported by Forbes.#news #russia #ukraine #ukrainewar #ukrainenews https://t.co/ti9K6CGmaX (@DailyD1ss1dent) June 19, 2024 The aggregate plant has frequently attacked by Ukraine. Khorne Group operators have a snack of lard sandwiches and at the same time keep in their sights "Stugny" Russians who are sitting on the territory of the Aggregate Plant in Vovchansk. geo by EjShahid pic.twitter.com/W2HAjcJgBe Battlefront (@battlefront001) June 18, 2024 The whole city has been laid to waste as both sides continue to battle street by street there. Until russians came to Vovchansk it was a peaceful town. Now it lays in ruins because russians invaded.There is almost nothing left, what did russians gain from it?Why are they doing it?Please watch the video, it's not new, it's from early June, that large white building is pic.twitter.com/MC1u0CIF2a Constantine (@Teoyaomiquu) June 19, 2024 The Russian troops have been trapped in the building during fierce street-to-street fighting. Russian forces recently advanced within Vovchansk amid continued Russian ground attacks in the area on June 18, the Institute for the Study of War said in its latest assessment. Geolocated footage published on June 18 indicates that Russian forces recently marginally advanced on the grounds of the Aggregate Plant in central Vovchansk. Fighting continued within Vovchansk on June 18, and a Russian milblogger claimed that the frontline in Vovchansk is often unclear since Ukrainian and Russian forces can hold positions a few meters apart. Elsewhere on the battlefield, fighting continues to rage in Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts with no major gains by either side. Here are today's control-of-terrain maps of #Russia's invasion of #Ukraine from @TheStudyofWar and @criticalthreats.Interactive map, updated daily: https://t.co/hwgxTnUAIZArchive of time-lapse maps, updated monthly: https://t.co/IT6FiqwOwm pic.twitter.com/rwQz3xElCo Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 19, 2024 Last week, we reported that U.S. President Joe Biden said that any future deliveries of air defense systems will go to Ukraine first before anyone else. Now it appears that vow, made during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, may be coming to fruition. The U.S. is planning to delay a $339 million deal to deliver 72 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC) 3 Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) missiles to Switzerland, Blick, a Swiss-based news organization, reported on Tuesday. It was part of a larger $700 million Swiss request, announced by the U.S. State Department last November, that also included components and spare parts among other items. Instead, the interceptors will go to Ukraine. A procurement contract with the USA was signed last autumn, Blick stated. This is intended to further strengthen air defense. But now the war in Ukraine is putting a damper on the Defense Departments plans, as several sources confirm to Blick. According to the agreements with Washington, it should be possible to deviate from the agreed conditions if there are unusual or compelling reasons for doing so and if the national security concerns of the USA are affected, the publication added. The USA now seems to be claiming this because of the war in Ukraine. The Blick story does not address the delivery of the Patriot components and spare parts. We reached out to the State Department on Tuesday and will update this story should any pertinent details be provided. BREAKING: Swiss media reports that the United States will divert Switzerland's pending Foreign Military Sales order of PAC-3 MSE missiles to Ukraine, and then fulfill their contract later.Switzerland received approval to purchase 72 MSEs in November 2022, and signed a pic.twitter.com/24rZYvniwq Colby Badhwar (@ColbyBadhwar) June 18, 2024 During a visit to Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday thanked North Korean despot Kim Jong-Un for supporting his war in Ukraine, Financial Times reported. Putin was in North Korea to sign a strategic partnership deepening trade and military ties between the two nations. Though Putin did not offer details on what the pact entailed, he compared it to NATO supplies of long-range weaponry and F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine was or will be allowed to use on Russian territory, the publication reported. The implication was that Russia would expand military ties to North Korea in response. We highly appreciate your consistent and unchanging support of the Russian policies, including in the Ukrainian direction, Putin told Kim, on his first visit to the isolated communist country in more than two decades. https://t.co/eNhc7I6LQN via @FT Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) June 19, 2024 As we reported earlier this month, Putin said Moscow was considering supplying long-range weapons to regions around the world where they could be used for strikes against Western targets. North Korea has already provided Russia with about short-range ballistic missiles and more than one million artillery shells for use against Ukraine. On Tuesday, a U.S. State Department spokesman said that in recent months, Washington has seen North Korea unlawfully transfer dozens of ballistic missiles and over 11,000 containers of munitions to aid Russias war effort, The Associated Press reported. At least 10,000 shipping containers suspected to be containing artillery ammunition and other weapons sent from North Korea to Russia were identified by South Korea. North Korea has sent containers to Russia that could hold nearly 5 million artillery shells of the likes that pic.twitter.com/zWhDcRt2eb Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) June 19, 2024 In the face of mounting threats from Russia, China and North Korea, NATO is considering deploying more of its nuclear weapons (provided in a sharing arrangement via the U.S.), the head of the alliance said. It is important that NATO communicate the direct message that we, of course, are a nuclear alliance by taking more of its warheads out of storage, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told The Telegraph on Sunday. I wont go into operational details about how many nuclear warheads should be operational and which should be stored, but we need to consult on these issues, he said. Thats exactly what were doing. NEW: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that NATO may take steps to enhance NATO's nuclear deterrence, eliciting varying responses from senior Kremlin officials.Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk, Chasiv Yar, and Avdiivka. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/KVSWvy69f5 Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 18, 2024 Denmark is providing its 19th military aid package to Ukraine, which includes additional material to support Denmarks F-16 donation as well as long-term investments in Kyivs defense industry, the Danish Defense Ministry announced Wednesday. The package involves the conclusion of a number of different agreements with allies on purchases and donations from allied defense industries. Among other things, more material to support Denmarks F-16 donation. The announcement also includes donations from the Armed Forces own holdings. It does not specify those holdings or the support material. Denmark has pledged 19 Vipers to Ukraine. Denmark announced the 19th military aid package for Ukraine.The package includes additional material to support Denmark's F-16 donation, financial support for the Ukrainian defense industry, and donations from the Danish Armed Forces holdings.A total of DKK 1.2 billion has pic.twitter.com/6uynWxZfii Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 19, 2024 Speaking of F-16s, a propaganda poster is circulating online showing the Russian reaction to the pending arrivals of those jets. Its a rendering of a Viper nose first in the ground with smoke pouring out of it. The words Yankee Go Home, a long-time anti-American slogan, are seen in the foreground. Russian propaganda poster for the upcoming F-16 deliveries to Ukraine:Yankee, go home pic.twitter.com/ys8Aj7C4H1 Clash Report (@clashreport) June 16, 2024 Northrop Grumman plans to produce medium-caliber ammunition inside Ukraine under a project bankrolled by Ukrainian funds, a company official told Breaking Defense on Tuesday. Several European defense firms have promised large-scale manufacturing programs inside Ukraines borders. However, Northrops coproduction agreement is the first publicly acknowledged deal between a U.S. defense prime and the Ukrainian government for a manufacturing project inside Ukraine, the publication reported. Weve been working, as you know, in Ukraine to produce medium [caliber munitions]. Thats our first project thats paid for with Ukrainian dollars. We are looking to expand that into tank ammo,155mm, others as we find innovative processes, said Dave Bartell, director of international business for Northrops defense systems sector. During Eurosatory today, the international business lead for Northrop Grumman's defense sector disclosed plans for the defense giant to build munitions inside Ukraine. With help from @ashroque13, who is on the ground in Paris : https://t.co/ibxNC4AbL6 Valerie Insinna (@ValerieInsinna) June 18, 2024 The commander of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) uncrewed surface vessel (USV) confirmed that its sea drones packing R-73 heat-seeking air-to-air missiles are Magura V models. Magura maritime attack drones equipped with such missiles have already been used during combat operations in the Black Sea, and this has become a serious factor of fear and risk for Russian aviation, the commander of Group 13 said, according to GUR. ***UPDATE***Confirmed that the frankenSAMs maritime drone (USV) is a Magura family, operated by GUR https://t.co/ypq04EyQye H I Sutton (@CovertShores) June 18, 2024 The War Zone first reported in May that the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) released video it said was an R-73-equipped Ukrainian USV coming under attack from a Russian Navy Ka-29 Helix-B assault helicopter. The USV performed some hard maneuvers to try and escape the Ka-29 but was eventually destroyed, apparently by gunfire. You can read more about that encounter in our original story here. Footage from Russian Ka-29 helicopter engaging Ukrainian USV with R-73 air-to-air heat-seeking missiles. https://t.co/ONS0uacMKB pic.twitter.com/E6zGjmCbuv Clash Report (@clashreport) May 6, 2024 The Russian Aerospace Forces-connected Fighterbomber Telegram channel is complaining about the production of Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers that have been a key weapon in the war. There were just two produced in the last six months. The Russian Air Force received two new Fullbacks two days ago and two back in April, said Fighterbomber. Its unclear whether the April delivery was of new or refurbished jets, the Telegram channel added. But this does not change the essence, Fighterbomber complained. It is too little. Su-34 production has declined (at least at the 6-month mark) compared to 2023. https://t.co/8IBCHEJeSg Malcontent News (@MalcontentmentT) June 19, 2024 Russia has lost at least 32 of its roughly 140 Fullbacks, with 30 destroyed and two damaged, according to the Oryx open-source tracking group, The actual figures could be significantly higher because Oryx only tabulates losses for which it has visual confirmation. The two Su-34s were damaged during a massive Ukrainian drone attack on June 14, Oryx noted. This confirms our report about that attack here. Budanov told me at least 70 Ukrainian drones attacked the base and promised it will be attacked again.https://t.co/1R5oz8FloP Howard Altman (@haltman) June 14, 2024 By issuing an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian air defense officer, Russian investigators have confirmed that Kyiv shot down one of its A-50 Mainstay Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) jets in Russian airspace back in February. A Moscow district court granted the petition of the investigator of the Main Military Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation to impose a preventive measure in absentia in the form of detention for Ukrainian Col. Nikolai Dzyaman, the committee wrote on its Telegram channel. Hes the commander of the 138th anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On February 23, 2024, Russian airspace was patrolled by an aircraft of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, investigators said. According to the investigation, Colonel Dzyaman, realizing that the aircraft in question was not intended for combat operations, had no weapons, and the flight was taking place exclusively in the airspace of the Russian Federation, gave an illegal order to his subordinate military personnel to destroy it. These actions led to the death of 10 crew members and the destruction of the aircraft. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation did not specify what type of aircraft or the missile used to shoot it down but as we reported at the time, Ukraine claimed to have downed a Mainstay on that date. We suggested that it was possibly taken down by a Patriot. Moscow court issues arrest warrant in absentia for the commander of the 138th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Colonel Nikolai Dzyaman, for giving the order to shoot down Russian A-50 AWACS aircraft with Patriot air defense system. 10 Russian crew pic.twitter.com/sqe2roADET Clash Report (@clashreport) June 17, 2024 The shutdown, about 100 miles from the front lines, was a joint operation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ukrainian intelligence services, Ukrainian sources said at the time. -50 -50. https://t.co/XCddds5IaN pic.twitter.com/wKQxF88ZZO Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) February 23, 2024 Dzyaman was charged in absentia with committing a crime under paragraph b of Part 3 of Art. 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (terrorist act resulting in the death of a person) and was put on the federal wanted list. Last week, we reported that a U.S. Army air defense officer acknowledged that Ukraine shot down a Mainstay with a German-provided Patriot system in a January incident she described as a SAMbush, or surface-to-air missile ambush. You can read more about that here. "They have probably a #PATRIOT Bn [worth].. Some of this is being used to protect static sites.. others are being moved around and doing some really historic things..One of them is a #SAMbush.. stretching the very edges..to engage the first A-50 system back in Jan" (US Army) pic.twitter.com/GhB9btUvJn AirPower 2.0 (MIL_STD) (@AirPowerNEW1) June 9, 2024 More video has emerged of Ukrainian FPV drone attacks on Russian troops. The one below, recorded by another drone, shows a Russian soldier trying to hide from an FPV by ducking into a destroyed tank. He then climbs out of it and moves around the tank, followed all the while by the drone until it strikes him. Our musical chair music is way better than this lol pic.twitter.com/3BQT6yZRH5 Fella From The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare (@mouw5284) June 17, 2024 It can be challenging enough just to walk through a dense forest, but as you can see in the video below, a Ukrainian operator managed to guide an FPV drone through branches overhanging a tree-lined path to hit a Russian soldier. He doesnt even turn around as the drone approaches and the video cuts out before detonation. Skillful Ukrainian FPV drone operator navigates through a thick forest and hits an unsuspecting Russian soldier from the back. pic.twitter.com/h3eVThv3sF Clash Report (@clashreport) June 17, 2024 In war, a lucky shot can mean the difference between life or death. Like the situation involving the Russian soldier in the following video. As a drone watches on, he is observed firing at another drone, destroying it, thus surviving that encounter. Amazingly he wasnt dropped to the ground by the resulting shrapnel cloud. Russian soldier takes a good shot at a hostile drone and ran away with his legs still on him pic.twitter.com/9YtqGyynBr GoClips (@GoreClipps) June 17, 2024 The Russian soldier in the following video was not so lucky. In a trench somewhere on the front lines, he pretended to surrender, but was holding what appeared to be a grenade, though it is hard to tell from the quality of the footage. If you try to throw a grenade, youre KIA [Killed in Action] instantly, one of the Ukrainian troops shouts at him. An overhead drone view shows the surrounded Russian attempt to get up from his crouched position in a trench. The Ukrainian troops then open fire. A Russian faking surrender. Because of things like this, it gets harder for other soldiers who genuinely want to surrender pic.twitter.com/PLEYaermYL GoClips (@GoreClipps) June 15, 2024 In another trench battle, a Russian soldier fires so many rounds from his rifle that it heats up the muzzle compensator to the point where it is glowing red as a result. His gun barrel is red hot during CQB. Probably been on it for a while pic.twitter.com/XK9sdZLEoK GoClips (@GoreClipps) June 14, 2024 . A fire caused by a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil terminal in Azov, southern Russia, has been burning for more than 36 hours despite the efforts of firefighters, Rostov Oblast Gov. Vasily Golubev said Wednesday on his Telegram channel. Unfortunately, it is not possible to stabilize the situation at the oil depot in Azov, where the day before a fire broke out as a result of a UAV attack, he wrote. The fire has still not been extinguished. At [4:40 p.m. local time] the 2nd tank depressurized. Emergency Situations Ministry specialists continue to work to extinguish the fire. The drone attack was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Reuters reported. Russia: Ukrainian drone attack on oil depot in Azov, Rostov region. pic.twitter.com/svcp5a803v Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) June 18, 2024 A picture of one of the burning tanks shows what appears to be drone-shaped hole. Nearly 2 days after a successful Ukrainian drone strike, the Russian Azovprodukt fuel storage terminal in the port city of Azov continues to burn. The fire reportedly spread to an additional storage tank today. (Note the Ukrainian attack drone shaped hole in tank E-1) pic.twitter.com/CjPk4X3pOt OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 19, 2024 Ukraine for the first time released video of one of its MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters conducting a standoff strike with a US-supplied Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) precision-guided bomb. The video shows the pilot climbing at a high altitude and releasing the weapon from a pylon under the left wing. A screencap shows the front end of the pylon that houses a GPS antenna that aligns the bombs GPS/INS guidance before its release. Back in May, we wrote that the U.S. Air Force was working to procure add-on seekers allowing the JDAM-ERs to home in on GPS jamming devices, turning the tables on a countermeasure that would become a target as a result. Now we are seeing them in action, a huge development considering that Russian jamming is severely degrading the effectiveness of Western-supplied GPS-guided munitions, including JDAM-ERs. What I believe is the first clear image of the front end of the JDAM-ER pylon for Fulcrum. As I and others suspected, it appears to house a GPS antenna for aligning the weapon's GPS/INS prior to weapon release.(h/t @johnjennings101) https://t.co/CnsyJez1E6 pic.twitter.com/0VwFw9tQOk John Ridge (@John_A_Ridge) June 17, 2024 Ukraine also released video of one of its Fulcrums firing off a U.S.-donated AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs), reportedly at a Russian radar installation. The video cuts off a the pilot banks to the left as the missile is still flying, so we dont know the result of this engagement. Low over eastern Ukraine, a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum launches a US-supplied AGM-88 HARM at a Russian radar. pic.twitter.com/6pzfubdF43 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 17, 2024 Photos have emerged on social media showing Explosive Ordinace Disposal (EOD) personnel from Ukraines Interregional Center for Humanitarian Demining and Rapid Response removing a Russian UMPB D-30SN winged precision-guided bomb from a crater in Kharkiv Oblast. The bomb is much more refined than the previous UMPK, a fairly crude type of weapon that nonetheless has caused considerable difficulties for Ukrainian air defenses since its introduction in around early 2023. Ukrainian EODs remove a Russian UMPB D-30SN glide bomb. Unlike the crude UMPK kits for dumb bombs, this is a purpose-built glide bomb, analogous to the US GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb. It uses inertial and satellite guidance, with a jam-resistant Cometa CRPA antenna. pic.twitter.com/QRdOgQxDRe Roy (@GrandpaRoy2) June 15, 2024 An armed Russian soldier is seen being carried aloft by a large quadcopter drone for nearly half a minute in this video below. Produced by the official Russian RIA Novosti news outlet, the video shows a Perun heavy quadcopter lift the soldier in the air. The Perun can reportedly lift about 440 pounds of cargo, according to the Russian Operational Communication Telegram channel. For a few seconds, you can also see a small, uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) as well. A short Russian state TV video about "Perun", a self-initiated heavy quadcopter project for combat and logistics. There is also a small logistics UGV platform in the video as well, likely another DIY project. https://t.co/BpW5QbTNR7 pic.twitter.com/ssvklW4gHQ Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) June 17, 2024 Russia also released video of a tracked, Electronic Warfare (EW) equipped UGV, dubbed Wall-E, an apparent homage to the small, garbage-collecting robot in the eponymous 2008 film. Russian developers of electronic warfare systems demonstrated the first domestic tracked platform with a jamming system installed on it, the Russian Art of War Telegram channel reported. She successfully passed all tests. The UGVs mission is to provide EW coverage for Russian infantry. The video cuts between Wall-E speeding over a grassy area and a Russian soldier explaining what it is and how it works. There are no demonstrations of its EW capabilities. Another video of Russia's "Wall-E" UGV designed to protect assault groups with electronic warfare. https://t.co/Mx928E33vY https://t.co/e18y6kxWOb pic.twitter.com/yPmU35FuNo Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) June 16, 2024 Throughout this war, weve seen video and images of tanks on both sides with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) tiles designed to explode incoming rounds upon impact to reduce their destructive energy. However, we have never seen anything quite like the extreme ERA tiling of this Russian T-62 tank. How much ERA you want on your tank?Yes.A Russian T-62 tank with excessive ERA. pic.twitter.com/mtOIiN8DBR Clash Report (@clashreport) June 17, 2024 The Russian soldier in this video below has resorted to using a walk-behind tractor with an attached loaded wagon to carry supplies. Thats power, says the smiling soldier as he motors past a comrade. BREAKING: The second army in the world presents an innovation: a walking tractor with a trolley to transport goods and personnel.https://t.co/ELzA0JgTFc pic.twitter.com/cS58h6n181 WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) June 16, 2024 And finally, an attempt to shoot down a Ukrainian flag placed on a cell tower in Belgorod, Russia, did not go according to plan. Instead of removing the offending banner, the Russians reportedly managed to burn down the tower, which you can see flaming in the video below. In Belgorod, Russians tried to shoot down a Ukrainian flag that had been hung there earlier by a Ukrainian drone, but as always, they failed and ended up just burning down the cell tower. https://t.co/j455hl2nlJ pic.twitter.com/crUlsHCjk7 Maria Drutska (@maria_drutska) June 17, 2024 Thats it for now. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com View comments Ukraine war latest: Kyiv to get priority on air defense missiles from US, new Patriot from Romania Key developments on June 20: White House confirms Ukraine to get priority on air defense missile deliveries Romania to send Patriot defense system to Ukraine Single Ukrainian Magura drone hit 4 Russian patrol boats at once, Kyiv claims Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast kill 4, injure 4, including child Fire at oil depots in 2 Russian regions after overnight drone attacks The U.S. is to prioritize deliveries of air defense missiles to Ukraine over orders from other countries, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on June 20. "The United States government has made the difficult but necessary decision to reprioritize near-term planned deliveries of foreign military sales to other countries, particularly Patriot and NASAMS missiles, to go to Ukraine instead," he said in comments reported by AFP. Comments from U.S. President Joe Biden earlier this month strongly suggested such a move was on the table. "We let it be known to those countries that are expecting from us air defense systems in the future that they're going to have to wait," Biden said after signing a 10-year security deal with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy on June 13. In a post on social media on June 20, Zelensky thanked President Biden for the latest decision. "The partnership between Ukraine and the United States is strong and unwavering. Together, we are protecting life against terror and aggression," he said. I am deeply grateful to @POTUS and the United States for prioritising Ukraine in the delivery of air defenses that we critically need to defeat Russian attacks. These additional air defense capabilities will protect Ukrainian cities and civilians. I thank President Biden for the Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 20, 2024 Romania to send Patriot defense system to Ukraine Romania will transfer a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, the country's Supreme Council of National Defense announced on June 20. The move came as Kyiv has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defenses as Russia intensifies its strikes against Ukrainian population centers and infrastructure. The Council members decided to donate the Patriot system to Kyiv in coordination with partners in view of the "deteriorating security situation" in Ukraine due to Moscow's constant attacks, the statement read. "(As well as) the regional consequences of this situation, including for Romania's security," the Council said. Russian drone fragments and debris have been found on Romanian territory on numerous occasions after Moscow's attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River, prompting Romania to install anti-drone systems, bunkers, and other security measures in the area. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said that the transfer of the Patriot system to Ukraine must not compromise Romania's air defense. Bucharest signed a deal in 2017 to obtain Patriot systems but so far only has two that are operational. The second one was put into service on June 14. Iohannis said any discussions would concern a system that was in an advanced stage of becoming operational. Single Ukrainian Magura drone hit 4 Russian patrol boats at once, Kyiv claims A single Ukrainian kamikaze naval drone destroyed or damaged four Russian patrol boats in an operation last month, Kyiv's military intelligence (HUR) said on June 20. Speaking on national television, HUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov said even though Moscow's forces had defenses in place to protect against such attacks, the agency's Magura V5 drones are still able to get around them. "We've seen in the last few operations where the enemy has planned everything out and did it right, the Magura breaks through these sea fortifications and fire barriers, and then the next drone goes straight to the target. "As we saw when four Tuna speed boats were hit at once, aviation, artillery, small arms none of it worked. "And, in fact, one Magura drone destroyed, damaged, and hit four enemy speedboats. And this is a very good result." Information on Russian casualties is still being clarified, Yusov told the Kyiv Independent. The military intelligence agency initially reported only two boats had been hit during the attack in Vuzka Bay on May 30, which lies at the Chornomorske town on Crimea's western coast. Ukraine previously destroyed several Russian ships with Magura drones, including a landing ship Caesar Kunikov, a Sergei Kotov patrol ship, high-speed Serna and Akula landing crafts, and a Tarantul-class Ivanovets missile corvette. Newer versions of the Magura V5 are equipped with air-to-air guided missiles. Read also: How Mark Rutte became NATO Secretary General and what it means for Ukraine Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast kill 4, injure 4, including child Russian troops attacked the north of Donetsk Oblast on June 20, killing four people and injuring four others, regional governor Vadym Filashkin said. Settlements in Donetsk Oblast suffer from daily Russian strikes due to their proximity to the front line. Heavy fighting continues in Donetsk Oblast as Russia seeks to occupy the entire region. A Russian guided aerial bomb destroyed one house and damaged three more in the town of Kostiantynivka, Filashkin said. One person was killed and one injured, he added. Russian forces also fired cluster munition at the village of Rozkishne in the Kramatorsk district, killing three people and injuring three, including a child born in 2009, according to Filashkin. Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day killed four people and injured 14, regional authorities said. Read also: Rather desperate 5 key takeaways from Putins North Korea visit Fire at oil depots in 2 Russian regions after overnight drone attacks Drone attacks caused fires overnight on June 20 at oil depots in Russia's Republic of Adygea and Tambov Oblast, Russian authorities claimed. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, air defense shot down six drones over the Republic of Adygea in the Caucasus mountains, three over Bryansk Oblast, three over Krasnodar Krai, and one each over Rostov, Belgorod, and Oryol oblasts. Murat Kumpilov, head of the Republic of Adygea, claimed that the drone attack started a fire at an oil depot in the village of Enyem. The fire covered an area of about 400 square meters and was extinguished at 6 a.m. local time, he added. An oil tank also caught fire after an explosion on the territory of the Platonovskaya oil depot in Tambov Oblast, according to regional head Maksim Yegorov. "The incident was allegedly caused by an unmanned aerial vehicle," Yegorov said. Wreckage of the drone was also reportedly found in the region's Pervomaisky municipal district. Russian Telegram channels shared videos showing burning oil depots and rising smoke. No casualties were reported. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims. The Ukrainian military has yet to comment on the attacks. Read also: Night Train to Odesa is a remedy for reading about wartime despair Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After Belarus' State Border Committee reported that it was seeing an increase in the number of Ukrainian troops on the border, Ukraines border guards have emphasised that the defence forces are protecting sovereign territory from the aggressor and there is no provocation in doing so. Source: State Border Committee of Belarus; Colonel Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda Quote from the Belarusian Border Committee: "Recently, there has been an increase in the number of Ukrainian armed formations, particularly special operations forces and special units of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence, in the area of responsibility of the Zhytomyr Border Detachment of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service. Several units are clustered in the adjacent territory, including some with heavy weapons: multi-purpose tracked vehicles, IFVs, including American Bradleys, HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems, M777 howitzers, German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, and other means of destruction. Belarus' border service is operating in an enhanced mode on the border with Ukraine." Details: The Belarusian border service issued a warning that "all provocations on the border must be immediately stopped". Quote from Demchenko: "Its good that Belarus' Border Committee is aware that Ukraine is protecting and defending its territory from enemy attacks. And this is being enforced by various units of Ukraine's defence forces, using all the weapons available. In addition, our country is building more defensive fortifications along its border with Belarus. There is no provocation here. Unlike Belarus, which, despite all assurances, has supported the terrorist country in a totally unprovoked war, and on 24 February 2022 committed the most serious provocation by enabling Russian forces to enter Ukraine from its territory. As a result, for as long as Belarus goes along with the Kremlin's criminal activities, this area will remain threatening to us, and we will do everything we can to enhance the country's defences. The Ukrainian army is well-versed in dealing with invaders that arrive on our soil. The statement by Belarus' Border Committee warning against provocations on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border is astonishing. It would be preferable if they averted their own provocation in the first place." Support UP or become our patron! Ukraines Special Operation Forces have shared the details of an operation that entailed them attacking Russian positions near Bakhmut (Donetsk Oblast) in 2023. This information has previously been classified. Source: Ukraines Special Operation Forces (SOF) on Facebook; video posted on YouTube Quote: "Jetta is one of the SOFs many great missions, which has up until recently fallen under the formal classification of details are withheld for operational security reasons. We are continuing to reveal the details of the operations that have so far remained in the shadows." Details: The special operation in question took place in the winter of 2023. The fighting near Bakhmut was in full swing, and Wagner mercenaries were treated as cannon fodder deployed to assault Ukrainian positions. At one point, a Wagner unit attempted to take a favourable position near Klishchiivka and create a springboard for the advance of additional Russian forces. They advanced quickly, in small groups. The Special Operations Forces responded to their advance. The SOF planned its operation in less than a day, and the operation itself lasted about three hours. The Russians lost 12 soldiers as a result of the SOF operation. In the video shared today, Ukrainian fighters explain why several Wagner mercenaries were able to escape, how the Russian prisoners of war were provided with medical care, and what valuable information the Ukrainian forces learned from the captured Russians. The SOF soldiers also shared what motivates them in the fight against the Russian aggressor. Support UP or become our patron! COLOMBO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to enter into a memorandum of understanding to attract direct investment to Sri Lanka, a statement from the government's information department said on Thursday. The statement said it was for improving the investment environment of the two countries through policy and legal reforms, provision of advanced and integrated infrastructure facilities and process redesign. According to the statement, the consensus was reached in Saudi Arabia in April. Ukraine's use of US-supplied weapons in Russia not limited to near Kharkiv, Pentagon says FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian servicemen ride pickup truck near the front line near the town of Vovchansk WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ukraine can use U.S.-supplied weapons to hit Russian forces that are firing on Ukrainian troops anywhere across the border into Russia and not just in Russian territory near Ukraine's Kharkiv region, the Pentagon said on Thursday. Last month, President Joe Biden quietly authorized Kyiv to launch U.S.-supplied weapons at military targets inside Russia. But officials said at the time that Biden's decision applied only to targets inside Russia near the border with Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region. Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters that while there had been no change in policy, Ukraine's use of weapons against Russian troops was not limited to near Kharkiv on the Russian side. "The ability to be able to fire back when fired upon is really what this policy is focused on... as we see Russian forces firing across the border, the ability for Ukraine to fire back at those ground forces using U.S.-provided munitions," Ryder said. "It's self-defense and so it makes sense for them to be able to do that," he added. Ryder's remarks echo comments made by Biden's national security adviser earlier this week. "This is not about geography. It's about common sense," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told PBS. "If Russia is attacking or about to attack from its territory into Ukraine, it only makes sense to allow Ukraine to hit back against the forces that are hitting it from across the border." Sullivan added that Ukraine could also use air-defense systems to fire at Russian planes flying in Russian airspace, if they are about to fire into Ukrainian airspace. The front lines in Ukraine have barely moved since the end of 2022, despite tens of thousands of dead on both sides in relentless trench warfare, the bloodiest fighting in Europe since World War Two. After initial Ukrainian successes that saw Kyiv repel an assault on the capital and recapture territory in the war's first year, a major Ukrainian counter-offensive using donated Western tanks fizzled last year. Russian forces still hold a fifth of Ukraine and are again advancing, albeit slowly. No peace talks have been held for more than two years. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Rod Nickel) Ukraine's IT Army, a volunteer cyberwarfare group, said it had targeted Russian banks and Russia's Mir payment system on June 20, rendering a range of services "non-functional." The Mir payment system was instituted following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 after international sanctions began to limit the usage of international cards. Its usage increased after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent withdrawal of the major card issuers Visa and Mastercard from Russia. "When we promised yesterday to take down the enemy banking system, those weren't empty words," the IT Army said in a post on Telegram. According to the group, the attack disconnected the Mir payment system and affected banks, including VTB, Alfa-Bank, Gazprombank, Sberbank, "and many smaller services." "This is possibly the largest DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack in history," the group said. According to the Russian state-controlled newspaper Vedomosti, reports that Mir had stopped working emerged at around 10 a.m. local time. The DDoS attack "affected the services of banks and third-party companies" and reached its peak at around 2 p.m. local time, before being repelled, Vedomosti said. A previous attack by the IT Army disrupted the fare payment system in Moscow and Kazan public transport. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv to get priority on air defense missiles from US, new Patriot from Romania Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A soldier from the Ukrainian Air Force known as Serhii, alias Doctor Mom, shot down a Russian cruise missile heading for Kyiv Oblast using a machine gun on the morning of 12 June. Source: Ukrainian Air Force Quote from Serhii: "We received an order to get ready and I immediately headed out to the position together with my fellow soldiers. They told us over the radio that our target was close. Seconds later, we saw an enemy missile heading towards Vasylkiv. Without any hesitation, I took my machine gun and opened fire. I had one thought I have to hit the target! After I fired from the machine gun, I saw the missile starting to veer off course and descend." Details: The Air Force pointed out that it is extremely difficult to shoot down a missile with a machine gun. In civilian life, Serhii was a doctor. He is now on combat duty in a mobile firing unit. Reportedly, the soldier only believed that he had indeed downed a Russian missile with a machine gun when he saw the debris with his own eyes. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainians better treated than others displaced by war, Council of Europe says By Catarina Demony (Reuters) - Ukrainians who fled their homes to escape Russia's invasion have received better treatment than those displaced by other ongoing wars and emergencies, Europe's top human rights group said on Thursday, calling on member states to support all equally. In its annual report, the Council of Europe's anti-racism commission (ECRI) said "admirable efforts" have been made to support Ukrainians since the war started in February 2022. But it said treatment of people from Ukraine had varied depending on their ethnicity. For instance, accommodation conditions offered to Roma with Ukrainian citizenship were lower quality than those offered to other Ukrainians in the same situation, ECRI said. Shortly after the start of the war, the African Union said it was disturbed by reports African citizens in Ukraine had been refused the right to cross borders to safety. Significant differences have also been observed between the quality of reception centres and services provided to Ukrainians compared with refugees and asylum seekers from elsewhere, ECRI added. "The new normal should be to welcome all people from everywhere like Ukrainians (were welcomed)," Johan Friestedt, ECRI's executive secretary, told a news conference. Asked if there was more solidarity towards Ukrainians because most were white, ECRI's chairperson Bertil Cottier said: "When people are more or less like you, it's always easier." ECRI said all displaced people, irrespective of their nationality, skin colour or religion, should be offered adequate protection and support. According to ECRI, anti-Ukrainian hate incidents have been reported but overall the public discourse remained of solidarity and support and hostile narratives, including by politicians, were more prevalent against people from other parts of the world. There are around 6 million displaced Ukrainians across Europe. The report also said the number of hate incidents against Muslims has increased after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel. "Muslims received blame for the attack...based on stereotyping of whole communities and their perceived connections with the use of violence," ECRI said. Several European countries have also experienced an increase in antisemitism, from hate speech, including death threats, and acts of vandalism of Jewish sites to physical attacks against Jews. "While criticism of Israel cannot be considered per se antisemitic, calling for the murder of Jews is," ECRI said. (Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by Barbara Lewis) UN experts say firms sending arms to Israel could be complicit in abuses The United Nations headquarters building is pictured though a window with the UN logo in the foreground in the Manhattan borough of New York GENEVA (Reuters) - A group of United Nations experts on Thursday warned arms and ammunitions manufacturers against taking part in the transfer of weapons to Israel, saying it could make them complicit in human rights abuses and violations of international law. The group of 30 experts, including several U.N. Special Rapporteurs, said arms manufacturers supplying Israel should halt their transfers of war materiel, "even if they are executed under existing export licenses". "These companies, by sending weapons, parts, components, and ammunition to Israeli forces, risk being complicit in serious violations of international human rights and international humanitarian laws," the experts said in a statement. There was no immediate comment from Israel which has repeatedly denied carrying out abuses during its Gaza operations, saying it is acting to defend itself and is fighting Hamas militants, not the Palestinian population. The U.N. experts said on Thursday the risk to arms firms had increased since the International Court of Justice ordered Israel last month to halt its military offensive in Rafah in the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, in a landmark emergency ruling in South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide. "In this context, continuing arms transfers to Israel may be seen as knowingly providing assistance for operations that contravene international human rights and international humanitarian laws and may result in profit from such assistance," the experts said. Israel has rejected the genocide accusations as false and grossly distorted. The U.N. human rights office said on Wednesday that Israeli forces may have repeatedly violated the laws of war and failed to distinguish between civilians and fighters in the Gaza conflict. Israel dismissed the findings as flawed. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 37,400 people in the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory, according to health authorities there. Israel launched its assault after Hamas fighters 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. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Under DeSantis, "freedom" is just another word for creative repression in Florida Theres no word that gets abused more in Florida than freedom. Its hard to keep track of all the ways Floridas official position is to oppose freedom while subsequently branding the state as a bastion of freedom. In fact, if you hear about some freedom initiative being promoted by Gov. Ron DeSantis, you can bet hes wrapping up his autocratic impulses in deceptive clothing again. For example, did you know that we are now celebrating Freedom Summer in Florida? Were celebrating this freedom by mandating that, starting this month, all bridges must be lit at night in only three approved state colors red, white and blue. Its not freedom. Its color totalitarianism. Why? Because Freedom Summer is really just an underhanded attempt to stop displays of Pride Month, which has taken the form of state-controlled bridges being illuminated in rainbow colors. So yes, the annual celebration of freedom that LGBT people have in living their authentic lives is being eliminated by fiat in the name of freedom. Were kicking off the summer the right way in Florida enjoy the Summer of Freedom, DeSantis posted on social media. In other words, it would be wrong to celebrate Pride Month in its traditional way, and the only right lights on bridges in Florida during the month of June are red, white and blue ones. Thats some next-level bigotry repurposed as freedom. In other Florida freedom news, DeSantis announced this summer he is starting something called the Florida Freedom Fund to collect political donations in advance of the November elections. Abortion protest sign held by protester outside the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building at U.S. Courthouse in West Palm Beach As Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to lead our great state, the Florida Freedom Fund will be championing issues and candidates committed to preserving Floridians' freedom, his spokesperson announced. OK, what issues will the Florida Freedom Fund be championing in order to preserve freedom for Floridians? It will be collecting money to persuade voters on two key ballot amendments: One amendment would legalize recreational marijuana and the other would expand reproductive rights for women, and override the states restrictive 6-week abortion ban. If you think the Florida Freedom Fund will be advocating for the expansion of freedom when it comes to access to pot and abortions, well, dream on. No, the freedom fund will be lobbying against the expansion of personal freedom in both those areas. Its another clear-cut abuse of the plain meaning of words. Whether or not you agree with legalized pot or greater access to abortions, the reasons for opposing them are not because youre a lover of freedom. No, its the opposite. Its because youre a lover of curtailing other peoples freedom. If DeSantis was honest in his campaign fund, it would more accurately be called The Florida We Control Your Bodies Fund or something like that. Meanwhile, in other freedom news, lawyers for the state have been arguing in court that professors teaching in the state university system can be fired for expressing opinions that are contrary to those supported by Florida's ruling political party. A group of protestors organized by the Lee County GOP gathered before the Lee County school board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. They are protesting a flag hung up in a Riverdale High School classroom that they say violates The Stop Woke Act because it contains the words Black Lives Matter, and the LGBTQ+ and Trans flags. The Purple group, not pictured, who say they are non partisan advocates for public schools, teachers, educators and parents also gathered to show support for the teacher and flag in the school This argument has been made in a legal challenge to the Florida Stop WOKE Act which is formally named the Individual Freedom Act, in another abuse of the word freedom. The law, passed two years ago and signed by DeSantis with great fanfare, has been on hold due to successful legal challenges over its assault on free speech. The law would make it illegal for educators to offer viewpoints on concepts such as systemic racism, sexism, unconscious bias and white privilege that dont comport with the views of DeSantis and the Republican-led legislature. The law has been challenged by a variety of academic, civil rights, and free-speech groups that have accused the individual freedom law of codifying viewpoint discrimination. In oral arguments in front of a panel of federal appeals court judges this month, Charles Cooper, a lawyer for the state, argued that Florida was within its rights to do that, The Florida Phoenix reported. Yes, because in the classroom, the professors speech is the governments speech, and the government can restrict professors on a content-wide basis and restrict them from offering viewpoints that are contrary, Cooper said, before being interrupted by a judge. The judge asked whether it would be acceptable if Florida students were restricted to a completely different set of facts than students in other states with ideologically dissimilar lawmakers. Thats the genius of federalism, your honor, Cooper answered. These are state institutions and the states themselves get to make decisions on the content of the courses taught in their schools, and that includes viewpoints. Cooper said that professors had the option to leave Florida and teach in states that are friendlier to their viewpoint. Gov. Ron DeSantis signs Stop Woke Act So for those of you keeping score at home: Gay Pride lights must be extinguished because of Florida Freedom Summer. Expanding personal access to legalized pot and abortion must be stopped by contributions to the Florida Freedom Fund. And professors who dont espouse the political viewpoints of Florida ruling political party must either be silent or find work in another state, due to the states Individual Freedom Act. So, the next time you hear the word freedom come out of DeSantis mouth, get ready for another heavy-handed assault on the English language and your liberties. Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, which is part of the Gannett Newspapers chain. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Abusing the word "freedom" is par for the course in Florida Good morning! Late Wednesday, the House gave initial approval to its budget plan, while the Senate unexpectedly put out its own competing proposal. Read about the latest developments in the standoff between House and Senate Republicans and what they mean. Heres what else you need to know about North Carolina politics today, from our team and correspondent Stephanie Loder. WAKE COUNTY DA REQUESTED SBI INVESTIGATION Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman told The News & Observer on Wednesday that the State Bureau of Investigation is looking into Treasurer Dale Folwell and his use of state-owned vehicles. Freeman said in a statement she is required by state law to report to the SBI any evidence uncovered during a routine audit which may amount to the misuse of state property. We are at the beginning of what is a standard review, Freeman said. Folwell, who has served since 2017 as treasurer, ran for the Republican nomination for governor and lost to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Folwell said in a statement that hes provided pages of documentation and plans on continuing to cooperate with the Department of Motor Fleet Management to satisfactorily resolve this issue. I am the treasurer all the time and known for transparency, he said. I am always thinking about how to do things better and more efficiently on behalf of taxpayers, which includes the use of the state car. In 2023, former Democratic State Auditor Beth Wood pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of misusing her state-owned vehicle. The investigation determined that for two years, Wood used a state-owned vehicle to go to spas, shopping, and hair and dental appointments. Get the full story from Avi Bajpai here. NC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PROTECTED The language that would have let builders disturb archaeological resources in environmentally sensitive coastal areas of North Carolina was removed on Wednesday from House Bill 385. The bill had faced widespread opposition from Native Americans in the state and the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Sen. Norm Sanderson, a Pamlico County Republican, proposed changes requiring the department to inform potential buyers of whether the land they want to purchase is potentially a significant archaeological site. In a statement, department spokesman Schorr Johnson said there are still concerns about the updated language. Johnson said that while the new language was an improvement from the original proposal, it was a duplication of efforts since the agency already provides information to property owners about archaeological resources on properties. Get the full story from Adam Wagner here. NC LEGISLATORS GIVE LEGAL POT ANOTHER TRY State senators have added new language on legalization to a bill regulating hemp as they make another attempt to pass medical marijuana in North Carolina. Republican Sen. Michael Lazzara, of Onslow County, on Wednesday called for an amendment during a Senate judiciary committee to add the language from the NC Compassionate Care Act to House Bill 563. The Compassionate Care Act, which is sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Rabon of Brunswick County, would allow medical marijuana be used in the state to treat: Cancer. ALS. Parkinsons disease. Epilepsy. Post-traumatic stress disorder. While HB 563 would now legalize medical marijuana, it would also: Prohibit anyone under age 21 from purchasing hemp and hemp-derived products. Add kratom, xylazine and tianeptine to the list of the states controlled substances. The bills being combined are closely related, Rabon said, because of the chemical similarity between hemp and marijuana. Get the full story from Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi here. NC HOUSE PROPOSES NEW UNC ENGINEERING SCHOOL The budget proposal from Republicans in the state House indicates legislators want to see a new science and technology school developed on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. It directs the universitys chancellor and the UNC System Board of Governors to create a School of Applied Science and Technology with degree programs in: Engineering. Computer science. Biomedical sciences. Natural resources. Physical sciences. The budget would allocate $8 million to the university to develop, operate and offer degrees at the college. Republican House Speaker Tim Moore says a school is needed to meet the states growing needs for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professions. Moore envisions the proposed school would provide a different type of engineering than what is offered at NC State University. He said the proposed school would be complementary, not competitive with NC State. However, Beth Moracco, the chair of the UNC faculty, called the new school proposal premature since there hasnt been discussion or recommendations among faculty or a working group dedicated to applied science. There hasnt been a school or college dedicated to engineering at the university since 1935, which is when the engineering programs at UNC and NC State merged. Get the full story from Korie Dean here. Thats all for today. Check your inbox tomorrow for more #ncpol news. You can sign up to receive the Under the Dome newsletter at newsobserver.com/newsletters . Want your friends to get our email, too? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up. We want to know what you would like to see in the Under the Dome newsletter . Do you like highlights from the legislature? Political analysis? Do you have a question youd like The News & Observer team to answer? Tell us here. You can also email us at dome@newsobserver.com Dont forget to follow our tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast for more developments. By Amina Niasse NEW YORK (Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group issued a public notice about the February ransomware hack on its Change Healthcare unit on Thursday as part of its requirements to notify the estimated one-third of the country whose private data may have been exposed in the attack. UnitedHealth said it expects to begin mailing letters to potentially affected individuals in late July but that it may not have addresses for all of them. The company said individuals can enroll in free credit monitoring for two years. WHY IT MATTERS Patient information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. HIPAA regulation requires companies to notify patients of data exposures. Information made vulnerable in the UnitedHealth attack is believed to include health insurance member IDs, patient diagnoses, treatment information and social security numbers, as well as billing codes used by providers. In a May announcement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said healthcare providers can ask UnitedHealth to notify people impacted by the hack on their behalf. Following the hack, some providers urged HHS to make UnitedHealth solely responsible for issuing breach notifications. KEY QUOTE After reviewing 90% of files breached, the insurer said it "found no evidence that materials such as doctors charts or full medical histories were exfiltrated from its systems." CONTEXT Change Healthcare processes about half of all U.S. medical claims. The Feb. 21 hack on the technology unit of the largest U.S. health insurer was carried out by Russian ransomware gang BlackCat, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty said in May testimony to the Senate Committee on Finance. In exchange for patient data, UnitedHealth paid the group $22 million in Bitcoin, Witty said. (Reporting by Amina Niasse; Editing by Bill Berkrot) The United Nations' inquiry commission published a report in which it said, contrary to what has been claimed in social media posts, that it had found a "deliberate" and "brutal" "pattern of sexual violence" in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. As the U.N. defines it, "sexual violence" may or may not include rape, sexual torture or gen*t*l mutilation. The inquiry commission said Israeli authorities had not allowed its team to access victims, witnesses, the sites of the attack, or evidence related to rape, sexual torture or sexual mutilation. The commission acknowledged that its investigation and the evidence it was able to amass were limited by the fact that bodies had to be identified and buried quickly, following Jewish and Israeli custom. It added that survivors of sexual violence may be reluctant to testify publicly following the stridency and disbelief about the sexual violence that occurred on Oct. 7. The commission also found that Israeli forces in Gaza had committed sexualized and gender-based violence during their military campaign, targeting men and boys in particular. After the release of a report by the United Nations Human Rights Council's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel into crimes perpetrated by Hamas and Israel, some internet users rushed to assert that Israel's allegations that Hamas had ordered and committed sexual violence and rape against Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, had been definitively debunked: UN Unveils Investigation into October 7 Debunking "Mass Rape" Hoax The UNs latest findings dismantle the mass rape narrative, showing no evidence mass rape, failing to come up with any sort of evidence of rape or sexual violence at all, nor was any of it "ordered by pic.twitter.com/juEEf9MZNo HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) June 12, 2024 This post (archive) on X had garnered more than 13,000 views as of this writing. Another post (archive), which had been viewed more than 1 million times and liked 54,000 times, accused Israel of lying: BREAKING NEWS: The UN has concluded in its first investigation into October 7th that there is NO proof of any rape, let alone "mass rape," or that it was "ordered by Hamas." ISRAEL LIED! pic.twitter.com/CB4qJvfa77 Rev Laskaris (@REVMAXXING) June 12, 2024 Internet users continued to make that claim though June 16, 2024. What the UN Report Really Said At first read, the report appeared contradictory because while the commission found sexual violence had occurred, it also said it hadn't seen evidence of rape, gang rape, sexual torture or gen*t*l mutilation. In order to clarify things, we sought to learn how the U.N. defines "sexual violence": Sexual violence is any sort of harmful or unwanted sexual behaviour that is imposed on someone. It includes acts of abusive sexual contact, forced engagement in sexual acts, attempted or completed sexual acts with a woman without her consent, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, threats, exposure, unwanted touching, incest, and others. Sexual violence, according to the U.N., can include several different things, including rape: Rape is any non-consensual vaginal, anal or oral penetration of a sexual nature of the body of another person with any bodily part or object, including through the use of physical violence and by putting the victim in a situation where they cannot say no or complies because of fear. This can be by any person known or unknown to the survivor, within marriage and relationships, and during armed conflict. According to the U.N.'s definitions, sexual violence is a broader category than rape. It also defines "gender-based violence" as violence committed against a person because of their sex. As we'll see, it is true that the commission wrote that it could not independently verify allegations of rape (gang or otherwise), sexual torture or mutilation. The Israeli government refused to cooperate with the commission, which was not able to speak directly with survivors and witnesses, or access the sites where the violence occurred on Oct. 7. As a result, it was not able to confirm the accusations. Still, it found a pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed on Oct. 7. Investigating the Violence On March 4, 2024, the U.N.'s special representative of the office of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) released a report following a mission to Israel in January and February 2024. The office said the mission had found indications that a "recurring pattern" in Kibbutz Kfar Aza pointed to sexual violence that may have included "potential sexualized torture." The SRSG-SVC asked for a more-thorough investigation into Hamas' actions, which the inquiry commission attempted to carry out. "The Commission identified a pattern of sexual violence [on Oct. 7] that has been corroborated by the digital evidence it collected and preserved," the detailed findings read. Examples of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the report included naked bodies, wholly or partially, hands and feet tied, sometimes with legs spread or bent over, with signs of violence such as burns, lacerations or abrasions, including on children such as a 13-year-old girl. Further, it corroborated evidence of targeted burning (emphasis ours): Bodies of women were found completely or partially burnt in several locations. One witness told the Commission that many bodies of men and women received at [Camp] Shura [in Israel] were burnt in the gen*t*l area. In some cases, there were indications that gasoline had been used to set gen*t*ls on fire. In one case the Commission obtained video footage of the body of a woman who was set on fire with gasoline from the waist down. The Commission could not determine in these cases whether the fire was ignited before or after death. Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition and/or decapitated. The commission said it had "not been able to reach a definitive conclusion" as to whether rape, gang rape, sexual torture or gen*t*l mutilation occurred because it hadn't been able to talk to survivors or witnesses or access the places where the attacks took place. The report added that Israeli authorities had actively "obstruct[ed] the Commission's access to information related to sexual violence" by not responding to requests for information or calls for testimonies, or by banning medical doctors from talking to the commission because they cited distrust about the commission's intentions towards Israel. The commission said it excluded false or contradictory allegations from the report. Another fact that made the inquiry difficult is that after Oct. 7, the authorities focused on identifying the bodies (they faced criticism because they weren't able to do this quickly) and burying them. It is the custom in Israel and in the Jewish world to bury bodies shortly after death. This was done at the expense of forensic evidence, according to the commission. Without the testimonies of witnesses and survivors and without forensics, investigators may not be able to ascertain whether acts deemed sexual were committed on living people or dead bodies, making it impossible to qualify the crime as rape or desecration of a body. Meanwhile, Hamas denied the accusation that "its forces committed sexual violence against Israeli women," according to the report. "The suggestion that the Palestinian fighters committed rape against Israeli women was fully denied including by the Hamas Movement," a document released by the group in January 2024 read. But as per the U.N.'s definitions, rape is just one type of sexual violence, and the commission said in response: [The Commission] verified information concerning the deliberate targeting of civilian women, including the killing, abduction and abuse of women, as well as the desecration of women's bodies, sexual violence and other gender-based crimes. The Commission documented several cases where these crimes, including gender-based crimes, were deliberately carried out with brutal violence. Further, the commission said it read reports that said Palestinian attackers carried explicit instructions to undress, rape and otherwise sexually assault their victims, but that it had not received copies of these documents and could not confirm whether these assertions were true. Reaching Conclusions Notably, the commission said despite the fact that it wasn't able to meet with survivors of Hamas-perpetrated sexual violence, it had obtained credible information that they were receiving treatment for it (emphasis ours): The Commission has not met any survivors of sexual violence committed on 7 October, despite its attempts to do so. The Commission has documented information that some survivors are receiving treatment but are not ready to speak about their experience with external parties. The Commission notes that survivors of sexual violence are frequently hesitant to come forward due to the risk of stigma and re-traumatization for themselves and their family members. This pointed to possible future updates or new reports, which aligns with the notion that these inquiries can take years to reach definitive conclusions. The commission added that its investigative work may have been impeded by incredulity about sexual exactions committed by Hamas and its supporters, making it even more difficult for victims to come forward (emphasis ours): The Commission considers that the inflammatory language, misinformation and disbelief surrounding the issue of sexual violence in the context of the attack of 7 October risk exacerbating these challenges and further silencing victims. The exploitation of sexual violence in conflict for political expediency risks removing attention from the experience and needs of the survivors, as well as fuelling long-standing animosity and dehumanization. The 59-page report also examined allegations made against Israeli forces during its military campaign in Gaza. It concluded that both Hamas and Israel had committed war crimes and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human-rights law. It added that Israel had also committed crimes against humanity. Specifically, it found Israel had committed sexual and gender-based violence, particularly by targeting men and boys in Gaza. Sources: Detailed Findings on Attacks Carried out on and after 7 October 2023 in Israel*. A/HRC/56/CRP.3, Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, 10 June 2024, pp. 159, https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session56/a-hrc-56-crp-3.pdf. Gaza: Hamas, Israel Committed War Crimes, Claims Independent Rights Probe | UN News. 12 June 2024, https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/06/1150946. Ghert-Zand, Renee. 'Israel Forbids Doctors from Speaking to UN Group Investigating Oct. 7 Atrocities'. The Times of Israel, 16 Jan. 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/government-forbids-doctors-from-speaking-to-un-group-investigating-oct-7-atrocities/?s=08. 'How 2 Debunked Accounts of Sexual Violence on Oct. 7 Fueled a Global Dispute over Israel-Hamas War'. AP News, 22 May 2024, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-sexual-violence-zaka-ca7905bf9520b1e646f86d72cdf03244. 'Israeli Rabbis Work around the Clock Even on the Sabbath to Count the Dead from Hamas Attack'. AP News, 15 Oct. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-rabbi-military-hamas-attack-cc5a54834246ed6699b111ad103f1774. Mission Report Official Visit of the Office of the SRSG-SVC to Israel and the Occupied West Bank | 29 January 14 February 2024. UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, 4 Mar. 2024, https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/report/mission-report-official-visit-of-the-office-of-the-srsg-svc-to-israel-and-the-occupied-west-bank-29-january-14-february-2024/20240304-Israel-oWB-CRSV-report.pdf. Our Narrative... Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Hamas Media Office, 21 Jan. 2024, https://www.palestinechronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PDF.pdf. Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem, and Israel. A/HRC/56/26, UNHCR, 27 May 2024, https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session56/a-hrc-56-26-auv.docx. 'The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem, and Israel'. United Nations Human Rights Council, https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/co-israel/index. 'Violence against Women and Girls Is One of the World's Most Prevalent Human Rights Violations, Taking Place Every Day, Many Times over, in Every Corner of the Globe. It Has Serious Short- and Long-Term Physical, Economic and Psychological Consequences on Women and Girls, Preventing Their Full and Equal Participation in Society.' UN Women Headquarters, 10 June 2024, https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/types-of-violence. In China's Guangzhou, Xinhua's Sunny Zhou visited the city's first partnership law firm established through a joint effort involving three law entities from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. A Greater Bay Area (GBA) practicing lawyer explained the benefits of the new legal practice. A Washington County Sheriffs Office patrol vehicle is pictured in a social media post on April 22, 2024. According to Washington City Police in southern Utah, suspect Mia Bailey allegedly had no remorse during an investigation by police into the brutal shooting of Baileys parents Wednesday. | Washington County Sheriffs Office Suspect Mia Bailey allegedly had no remorse during an investigation by police into the brutal shooting of Baileys parents Wednesday. After the shooting, police undertook an all-night manhunt before Bailey was found and booked into jail. Mia Bailey, 28, who legally went through a name and gender change last year in 5th District Court from Collin Troy Bailey, was arrested for investigation of two counts of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, seven counts of shooting a gun and aggravated burglary. The victims of Tuesdays fatal shootings were identified as Joseph and Gail Bailey. Mia Bailey told police that she did not have remorse for her actions and that she would not change what she had done. Mia stated, I would do it again. I hate them, according to a police booking affidavit. Mia told officers that she went to the residence with the intent to kill her parents. Richard Zyszkiewicz lives in the area where the shooting occurred and said there has been volatility and bad vibes going on within the family. Bailey also told police about strained relationships with multiple other family members. Multiple family members told law enforcement that they were afraid of Mia. These family members all sought alternative lodging for the night to ensure their safety. According to police, emergency dispatchers received a call just after 7 p.m. Tuesday from Baileys brother of shots fired at 1039 E. Chinook Drive in the city of Washington. It was advised that the reporting party believed that his parents had been shot upstairs in his home. The reporting party was currently at a neighbors home after fleeing from the house when he heard the gunshots, the affidavit states. Responding officers found the front door partially open and immediately entered. Multiple shell casing were found on the first floor near the stairs and the front room area, police said. The body of Gail Bailey was found on the first floor, and her husbands body was located in the hallway leading to the master bedroom, the affidavit says. Police say a neighbors security camera recorded Bailey arriving at the home in a Kia Soul. Bailey allegedly told detectives that she entered the house and almost immediately began shooting at her mother, the affidavit alleges. Mia stated that her father ... heard the shots and began walking toward her. Mia stated that she shot her father in the head and that he immediately dropped to the ground. Police say, Mia described that she returned to her father who was lying on the ground and shot him one more time in the head to make sure that he was dead. While doing that, Mia ... walked back over to her mother and shot her in the head to make sure that she was dead, police wrote in the affidavit. Police say Baileys father was shot twice and Gail Bailey four times. Mia Bailey then fired a shot into the bedroom door where a brother had locked himself inside, according to the affidavit. Mia stated that her brother was not her main target, but she would not have been sad had the gunshot killed him. Officers from the Washington Police Department, Washington County Sheriffs Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety launched an all-night search for Bailey. The search prompted a shelter-in-place alert for an area of St. George. Residents in the Bloomington Hills and Fort Pierce neighborhoods were asked to shelter in place for most of early Wednesday. Residents say a helicopter circled the area around Bloomington Hills toward the river around the Fort Pearce wash, apparently searching the field for Bailey, for most of the night through Wednesday morning. Just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, police received a report that Bailey was seen in the area of Horseman Park and River Road in St. George. Officers were on scene and observed Mia to be walking north toward the Painted Desert subdivision through the wash. Mia was given commands to stop, and she retrieved a handgun from her waistband and placed it to her head, continuing to walk away from officers, ignoring their commands. Officers lost sight of Mia as she went into the thick brush in the wash/ravine, the arrest report states. The shelter-in-place order was lifted about 7 a.m. By 8 a.m., police received a report that Bailey was possibly located in some bushes in an open field near the area of the new St. George temple, according to the affidavit. Some St. George residents in the area of 2800 East and 1000 South say they watched as Bailey was surrounded and eventually surrendered without further incident about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Mia describes jumping fences or walls, hiding in bushes, sleeping in a park bathroom, and other efforts to elude law enforcement. Mia bragged about her ability to avoid the efforts of law enforcement to locate her, including evading officers, hiding from helicopters and hiding from drones, police wrote in the affidavit. Bailey filed a petition for a legal name and gender change in 5th District Court in July 2023, according to court records. Bailey was granted both in August 2023 with the court order noting that the petition is supported by clear and convincing objective evidence of appropriate clinical care or treatment for gender transitioning or change, provided by a licensed medical professional and that there is clear and convincing evidence (Bailey) has transitioned to the sex sought in the petition in a consistent and uniform manner for at least six months. CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand Taiwan won approval from main benefactor the U.S. to buy hundreds of loitering munitions, as part of a porcupine strategy to use such attritable weapons to help defend the country from a potential Chinese military invasion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agencys June 18 approvals included 291 Altius 600M-V loitering munitions from Anduril, plus 720 Switchblade 300s from AeroVironment. The former is valued at $300 million and the latter at $60.2 million. Revitalize laws to turn Eastern and Northern Europe into porcupines The Altius 600M-V package includes warheads and electro-optic/infrared cameras, pneumatic launchers, transport trailers and ground control stations. The 47lb (12kg) aircraft has a 276-mile (440km) flight range and 4-hour endurance. As for the Switchblade 300, it comes with both anti-personnel and anti-armor warheads. It is smaller, with a 3.69lb (1.68kg) weight and just a 20-minute endurance. Chen Kuo-ming, a Taipei-based defense analyst, told Defense News the Switchblades are suitable for anti-personnel use, and the Altius against armor. The weapons should be delivered in 2024-2025. In the face of the Chinese Communist Partys frequent military operations around Taiwan, the U.S. side in this case agreed to sell arms items that will have reconnaissance and immediate strike capabilities and can respond quickly to enemy threats, Taiwans Ministry of National Defense said in a statement. The U.S.-Taiwan Business Council also applauded the potential sales. Council President Rupert Hammond-Chambers noted they add substantially to Taiwans inventory of mobile smart munitions, which can be used during on-island fighting all the way through to attacking Peoples Liberation Army assets off Taiwans coastline. The Altius 600 has been delivered to Ukraine, but Taiwan will be the first customer for the warhead-armed Altius 600M-V. (U.S. Army) Chen said he believes these loitering munitions are good for Taiwan, since they can be used by independent units, even if the countrys navy and air force have been defeated. However, he expressed concerns about their price compared to the cost of antitank missiles, for example. He also questioned the ability of Taiwanese frontline units to see and therefore target enemies beyond visual range. Chen said the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology Taiwans defense research and development agency had displayed various drones, including a loitering munition at a 2023 Taipei defense exhibition. However, Until now, we have no real loitering munition for the army to use. So after about nine months, the U.S. government decided to sell these to Taiwan. Hammond-Chambers also noted, Taiwan currently has domestic companies who are working with foreign partners to develop their own indigenous mobile smart munitions. In conjunction with Foreign Military Sales cases such as these, we should expect the Ministry of National Defense to also start procuring locally to meet their defensive requirements. At last months Shangri-Li Dialogue in Singapore, Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, outlined a plan to strike back if China attacks Taiwan. I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities so that I can make their lives utterly miserable for a month, which buys me the time for the rest of everything. Editors note: This story was updated to reflect that the per-unit cost of an Altius loitering munition, which the manufacturer has declined to name on the record, cannot be reliably inferred from the overall price tag of the foreign military sale. US to ban sales of Kaspersky antivirus software, Reuters reports The Biden administration will soon announce a ban on Kaspersky antivirus software due to its alleged ties to the Russian government, Reuters reported on June 20, citing a source. Reuters cited "a person familiar with the matter," who said that Kaspersky's "close ties to the Russian government" pose a critical risk. The ban will reportedly cover downloads of software updates, resales, and product licensing and will come into force in September. "The software's privileged access to a computer's systems could allow it to steal sensitive information from American computers, install malware, or withhold critical updates," according to Reuters. Kaspersky is used by state and local governments in the U.S., as well as providers of critical infrastructure, Reuters said. The company's CEO, Eugene Kaspersky, was educated at a KGB (Committee for State Security) technical college and went on to work for Russia's military intelligence. The company has repeatedly denied allegations of ties to the Russian government. Kaspersky describes itself as "the world's largest privately held vendor of internet security solutions for businesses and consumers." The Biden administration will also add the company to a trade restriction list, "dealing a blow to the firm's reputation that could hammer its overseas sales," Reuters said. The news comes one week after the U.S. State and Treasury departments issued what they called a "sweeping" set of sanctions against Russia and its financial backers. More than 300 new sanctions were announced, targeting a range of entities and sectors from Russian natural resources to Russian banks that have relocated abroad. Read also: Only 11% of Russians say sanctions have personally affected them or their family, poll shows Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Biden administration is issuing a total ban on the use of a Russian-backed cybersecurity software in the United States due to the Russian government's alleged influence operations over the software, the U.S. Commerce Department announced on Thursday. Kaspersky Lab's software has been a concern of U.S. government officials since at least 2017. Under Russian law, their government has total access to Kaspersky systems and therefore has access to the data of all of its customers, U.S. officials say. "Russia has shown it has the capacity, and even more than that, the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters on a call on Thursday. Raimondo said the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security was able to ban Kaspersky under its new authorities. PHOTO: Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo speaks at the Mackinac Policy Conference in Mackinac Island, Mich., May 30, 2024. (Andrew Roth/Sipa USA via AP) Kaspersky "has long raised national security concerns" and it was banned from several government systems as far back as 2017, Raimondo said. She added that "while we've been exploring every option at our disposal, we ultimately decided that given the Russian government's continued offensive cyber capabilities and capacity to influence Kaspersky's operations, that we had to take the significant measure of a full prohibition if we're going to protect Americans and their personal data." After July 20, Kaspersky is prohibited from entering into any new agreements inside the U.S. under the new ban. Kaspersky can provide existing customers with cyber and antivirus software until Sept. 29, but after that "Kaspersky will not be able to provide security updates." Software services will "degrade," the rule says. PHOTO: Kaspersky has opened a new Transparency Centre on October 04, 2022 in Utrecht, Netherlands. (Patrick Van Katwijk/Getty Images) MORE: What to know about the Russian cyberfirm pulled from US contractor list Raimondo said she wanted to make clear that Americans and U.S. businesses who continue to use existing Kaspersky products will not be breaking the law, but they will not be able to update their products as of Sept. 30. "I would encourage you in the strongest possible terms to immediately stop using that software and switch to an alternative in order to protect yourself, your data, and your family," the commerce secretary said. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whose Department has a robust cyber agency, said in a statement Americans need to know they can rely on the safety of their devices. The actions taken today are vital to our national security and will better protect the personal information and privacy of many Americans," Mayorkas said. "We will continue to work with the Department of Commerce, state and local officials, and critical infrastructure operators to protect our nations most vital systems and assets. ABC News previously reported on the government's concerns about Kaspersky. The head of Kaspersky Lab, Eugene Kaspersky, at the time denied Russia's influence on the software company. In an interview with ABC News in 2017, Kapersky called U.S. government warnings about his company "wrong advice" and said that "rumors about our partnership with government agencies [are] false." US bans Russian cybersecurity software amid threat of influence operation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (Bloomberg) -- The US State Department called out Chinas escalatory actions in the South China Sea, as the Philippine military released videos of what it described as Chinas brutal assault in disputed waters. Most Read from Bloomberg State Secretary Antony Blinken reiterated Washingtons ironclad commitments to its defense treaty with Manila during a phone call with his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo on Wednesday, the US department said in a readout. The top diplomats held the call days after one of the most serious encounters between China and the Philippines in contested waters during a Manila mission to resupply troops at a military outpost in Second Thomas Shoal. A Filipino crew lost his finger during Mondays skirmish, where Chinese forces reportedly seized Philippine guns, punctured boats and carried bladed weapons. The Philippines latest actions at sea were purely an unreasonable provocation, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular briefing in Beijing on Thursday. China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and at the same time urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation at sea, otherwise it will bear the consequences, he said. The Philippine military released the videos of the encounter late Wednesday. One clip showed the Chinese Coast Guard threatening to injure a Filipino soldier with a pickaxe, according to the military. Chinese forces also used blaring sirens and blinding strobe lights during Mondays incident, it added. Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesman for the Philippine Navy, said Filipino troops have been told not to use force unless in self defense. Our actions will always be guided by the rules of engagement, it will always be within the bounds of international law, Trinidad told reporters Thursday. --With assistance from Bingyan Wang and Manolo Serapio Jr.. (Updates with comments from Chinas foreign ministry and Philippine Navy.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. US officials have serious concerns that in the event of a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group could overwhelm Israels air defenses in the north including the much-vaunted Iron Dome air defense system, three US officials told CNN. The fears, which the US officials said have also been communicated to them by Israel, that the Iron Dome could be vulnerable to Hezbollahs vast arsenal of missiles and drones are only rising as Israel has increasingly indicated to US officials that it is preparing for a land and air incursion into Lebanon. Israeli officials have told the US they are planning to shift resources from southern Gaza to northern Israel in preparation for a possible offensive against the group, US officials told CNN on Wednesday. We assess that at least some Iron Dome batteries will be overwhelmed, said a senior administration official. An Israeli official said that would be more likely if Hezbollah conducted a large-scale attack principally using precision guided weapons, which could be challenging for the system to defend against. Hezbollah has been stockpiling precision guided munitions and missiles from Iran for years, which Israel has repeatedly raised concerns about. Earlier this month, Hezbollah released a video purporting to show a drone striking and damaging an Iron Dome battery on an army base in northern Israel. Israeli press reported it appeared to be the first documented instance of the system successfully being hit. The IDF said it was unaware of any damage to the system. But Israeli officials have told the US they believe the Iron Dome could be vulnerable, particularly in northern Israel, and have been surprised at the sophistication of Hezbollahs strikes to date, the two US officials said. A primary concern is Hezbollah using a large number of precision guided munitions and missiles, said a source familiar with the threat. The Lebanese militant group also published a nine-minute video this week, purportedly taken by a drone, showing sensitive Israeli military sites in several Israeli cities. A separate US official acknowledged to CNN that in the event of a full-blown war, the support Israel will need most is additional air defense systems and Iron Dome replenishments, which the US would provide. The IDF declined to comment. The Iron Dome is fundamental to Israels defense and the US government has spent over $2.9 billion on the program, according to the Congressional Research Service. The Israel Defense Forces said the system boasted a 95.6% success rate during a rocket salvo fired by Islamic Jihad last year so if Hezbollah did overwhelm Israels missile defenses it would risk Israeli military and civilian lives. A very dangerous period The discussions come as the situation on Israels northern border has reached a dangerous tipping point, US officials said. The fact that we have managed to even hold the front for this long has been a miracle, a senior US official said, referring to the US efforts to keep the Israel-Hezbollah attacks from spiraling into an all-out war. Were entering a very dangerous period, another senior Biden administration official said. Something could start with little warning. The implications of a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah could be devastating, the senior US official said. Hezbollah has an arsenal of rockets, missiles and drones exponentially larger, more sophisticated and more destructive than Hamas. Most are short range rockets, but some can reach deep into Israel with precision capability. The IDF has estimated that Hezbollah has approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles, including thousands of precision munitions. The possibility for war has continued to increase as the prospects of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas have faded, the first senior US official said. If a deal is reached, then there is a parallel diplomatic deal between Israel and Hezbollah that has been negotiated by US envoy Amos Hochstein that the US believes would go into effect. Hochstein visited both Jerusalem and Beirut this week, meeting with senior Israeli and Lebanese officials to advocate for his plan and dissuade the sides from further escalation. But cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah reached a new high last week, and Israel warned Hezbollah on Tuesday of the prospect of all-out war after the drone video was published. Israeli officials have told the US, and the US agrees, that they have the resources to carry out an offensive against Hezbollah if they need to, particularly if its campaign in Rafah in southern Gaza winds down, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The IDF intends to still maintain a presence in Gaza, but its fiercest operations in the enclave would largely be over after Rafah, officials have said. Still, US officials do not believe that Israel has a tenable transition and post-war governance plan for Gaza that would ensure that the enclave does not once again fall under militant control if Israel has to shift resources toward a war with Lebanon. US officials have not explicitly told Israel that they oppose any attack against Hezbollah, but they are warning them that their actions could lead to a greater war which the two sides dont actually want, a US official said. Israel has made the case that it can pull off a blitzkrieg, but the US is warning them that they may not be able to ensure that it remains a limited campaign, the official said. Israel very serious about going into Lebanon During Secretary of State Antony Blinkens recent trip to the Middle East, he told an Arab counterpart that it appears Israel is intent on launching an incursion into Lebanon, according to a source familiar with the meeting. It seems that they [Israel] are very serious about going into Lebanon, the person said. The Arab officials response to Blinken, the source added, was that Hezbollah has communicated that they will not stop their strikes on Israel until Israel stops its operations in Gaza. Israeli officials have told the US that one of its main goals in an offensive would be to push Hezbollah back, creating a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon and allowing the tens of thousands of Israelis who have been forced out of their homes in the north because of the cross-border attacks to return. If war is averted and Hochsteins plan goes into effect, it would similarly see Hezbollah pull back around six miles, or ten kilometers, away from the border. But in order to prevent a return by the group in the future, Israel may want to further destroy Hezbollahs infrastructure in the area. The US has worried for months that Israel could launch an incursion, with intelligence assessments earlier this year indicating that it could come by early summer. US officials have also rebuked Israel for its strikes that have hit the US-backed Lebanese army, rather than Hezbollah targets. US officials assess the Israeli government is under growing domestic political pressure to address the situation in the north because of how many Israelis have been forced to flee their homes. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held an operational assessment at the IDFs Northern Command on Wednesday, where he said, We are achieving readiness on land and in the air. We have an obligation to change things in the North, and to ensure the safe return of our citizens to their homes, and we will find a way to achieve this, he said, according to his spokesperson. Allies are also deeply concerned about the potential that a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could draw in other proxy groups, multiple sources familiar told CNN. US officials are particularly worried about the thousands of US troops in the Middle East who could once again be targeted by Iran-backed proxy groups if Hezbollah, Irans most formidable proxy group, and Israel go to war. There are additional concerns about how willing other regional players would be to come to Israels support and defense if Israel initiates a greater conflict, explained one of the officials. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Wednesday that if war is imposed on Lebanon then Hezbollah will fight with no rules and no ceilings. He also said nowhere would be safe from Hezbollah attacks in the event of a war, including targets in the eastern Mediterranean. Over 1,000 US troops are stationed in the eastern Mediterranean now in support of the US militarys humanitarian pier operation. Nasrallah also warned on Wednesday that Hezbollah could target Cyprus if the country allowed Israel to use its airports and bases to strike Lebanon. Hezbollahs ground force is also larger than Hamas, with an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 fighters, according to the Congressional Research Service. Nasrallah on Wednesday said the number of fighters Hezbollah has actually far exceeded 100,000. Many, including their elite Radwan Force, have years of experience fighting in Syria on behalf of the Assad regime. Despite a state of conflict existing between the two neighboring states, the Israel-Lebanon border has been the quietest for years since the end of the 2006 war, with only occasional cross-border fighting that ended relatively quickly. But Hamas October 7 attack radically changed the status quo between Israel and Hezbollah. Rocket launches and drone attacks from Hezbollah have become a new reality in northern Israel, and the IDF carries out numerous strikes in southern Lebanon on a daily basis. The current hostilities, which could have started a war before October 7, have become all too routine, even as the US continues to say that neither side wants a wider conflict. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The U.S. is sending Ukraine air defense missiles that were contracted for purchase by other countries, the White House announced Thursday. The decision comes as Ukraine has pleaded with its supporters to send at least seven Patriot missile systems to defend against Russian assaults that are pummeling the country and targeting energy infrastructure. The United States has made the difficult decision to reprioritize near-term planned deliveries of foreign military sales to other countries, of particularly Patriot and NASAMS missiles, to go to Ukraine instead, said John Kirby, the White House national security communications adviser. The United States has a robust foreign military sales program where our defense industrial base produces and then exports materials to other countries, including air defense missiles. Were going to reprioritize the deliveries of these exports so those missiles rolling off the production line will be provided to Ukraine. Kirby said that air defense munitions for Taiwan and Israel, in particular, would not be impacted. He said the U.S. had communicated to affected countries with pending foreign military sales, but he couldnt detail how long the delays would be and didnt mention specific countries. Well do the best we can to minimize the delay, he said. Kirby said the scope of the deliveries to Ukraine will provide them enough capabilities over the next 16 months. The move by the U.S. comes as Ukraine also welcomed the decision by Romania on Thursday to send a Patriot missile battery, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling it a crucial contribution. By putting an end to Russian terror now, Ukraine prevents potential aggression against Moldova, Romania, the Baltic states, and all of our neighbors. It is critical for Ukraine to have the necessary tools to defeat Russian terror now so that no one else has to face Russias aggressive actions on a larger scale in the future, Zelensky said in a statement. During a press conference between Zelensky and President Biden on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Italy last week, Biden said the U.S. was working to source at least five Patriot systems for Ukraine. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. US firm plans to fly first Nigerian to space on Bezos rocket The News LAGOS An American space venture has begun a process that aims to fly the first Nigerian to space with Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos space exploration company. Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), a US for-profit company, has an initiative to increase flights for citizens of countries with little or no space footprint. Its first milestone was flying Brazils second-ever astronaut to space in June 2022. SERAs next mission will fly six people to space on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard flight and one seat is guaranteed to go to a Nigerian. A public online voting process will select the Nigerian for the mission, SERAs co-founders Sam Hutchison and Joshua Skurla told Semafor Africa. Any healthy adult resident with basic English language speaking abilities can nominate themselves for the mission. They will need to canvass votes from the public to boost their chances. Votes will be verified using a blockchain system to ensure a fair selection process, the founders said. SERA chose Nigeria to be part of its next mission because it is an emerging space nation on an early development curve of what it wants to accomplish, Skurla said. Nigerias status as one of Africas largest countries and the presence of a strong media culture also counted in its favor, he said. Know More Joshua Skurla; astronaut Victor Espanha; Nigerian minister Uche Godfrey Nnaji; and Sam Hutchison SERA The company signed a partnership agreement with Nigerias National Space Research and Development Agency on Wednesday to amplify the opportunity and collaborate on science experiments that will be performed by the mission crew in space. Commenting on the SERA partnership, Nigerias innovation and science minister Uche Godfrey Nnaji said sending people to space was not a random aspiration but a major objective. Nigeria has launched six satellites since 2003 but there are avenues for more commercial activity in a new space age featuring ambitious programs by emerging economies like India, Hutchison said. Phil Joyce, a Blue Origin senior vice president overseeing the New Shepard program, said the mission that will fly a Nigerian to space will inspire the next generation of space explorers. Notable Kenya hopes its space program can gather data to combat challenges including climate change, food shortages, and insecurity. Editors note: This story was updated June 20 at 2:50 p.m. E.T. to include updates from The Associated Press about aid delivery resuming from the pier. The U.S. military reanchored its temporary humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza, less than a week after detaching it ahead of high seas, a defense official said. On Thursday, the pier was once again unloading aid, according to a U.S. defense official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. However, the aid rolling into Gaza wont immediately reach the Palestinian people more than 1 million of whom face catastrophic levels of hunger, according to the United Nations World Food Programme. The WFP is responsible for distributing the humanitarian support but paused its deliveries June 9 due to concerns over worker safety. A day before, Executive Director Cindy McCain said, two warehouses had been hit by rockets, leaving one worker injured. In the meantime, the crates moving from the pier into Gaza are only filling the nearby storage sites. Following its completion in mid-May, the pier has been a debacle for the U.S. military. It was damaged by stormy weather little over a week later, leaving it out of commission until June 8. U.S. Central Command announced it would detach the pier last week, expecting rough seas that might again cause damage. In addition, multiple U.S. service members have sustained noncombatant injuries while working on the humanitarian site. Since its installation, the pier has only been operational for about 10 days and delivered 3,500 metric tons of aid for further transport the aid into Gaza, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh. The Pentagon insists that the pier is a temporary measure and that a sufficient amount of aid can only come through land routes into Gaza. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a briefing that he doesnt have a date on when the pier will cease operations. Aside from weather conditions, another concern is when the WFP will resume their distribution. The same day WFP warehouses were rocketed, an Israeli-held raid rescued four hostages and killed at least 274 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which is run by the terrorist group Hamas. The Israeli rescue unit used an area near the pier during its operation, leading WFP to conduct a security review on whether they can safely continue operations. McCain said in a CBS Face the Nation interview that she is unsure how the warehouses got rocketed since they are deconflicted from the Israeli military. In a briefing with reporters last week, Ryder affirmed multiple times that the Israeli Defense Forces used no part of the pier or humanitarian staging ground to launch its hostage-rescue operation. Reporting by The Associated Press contributed to this story. Medical workers from a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel transfer a medical kit and some medicine to a requesting fishing boat in waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Dao on May 21, 2024. For years, this vessel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) has been providing free medical aid to fishermen in need from home and abroad during its regular law-enforcing missions. Whenever a request is received, medical workers aboard the vessel would be dispatched promptly in speedboats. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) A medical worker from a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel diagnoses with stethoscope for a requesting fisherman in waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Dao on May 21, 2024. For years, this vessel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) has been providing free medical aid to fishermen in need from home and abroad during its regular law-enforcing missions. Whenever a request is received, medical workers aboard the vessel would be dispatched promptly in speedboats. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) A medical worker from a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel measures blood pressure for a requesting fisherman in waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Dao on May 21, 2024. For years, this vessel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) has been providing free medical aid to fishermen in need from home and abroad during its regular law-enforcing missions. Whenever a request is received, medical workers aboard the vessel would be dispatched promptly in speedboats. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the Costs of War Project is based at Brown University, and military aircraft in general cargo included are responsible for the biggest block of military emissions. The cost and security advantages of renewable energy are driving their adoption on U.S military bases a development with significant long-term implications for the civilian market. The militarys demand for inexpensive, hard-to-disable power for its constellation of bases has driven it to collaborate with civilian contractors in exploring a new generation of off the shelf clean tech. Military bases have played a similar role since the Obama era in helping to de-risk other frontier technologies that are now a growing bulwark of the power system like the once-exotic pairing of solar and wind power with large-scale batteries. Now, military labs and bases stand out as proving grounds and early adopters of many forms of renewable energy that are promising but still prohibitively costly. These include geothermal power, small modular nuclear reactors, long-term energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) fleets that double as roving, grid-buttressing batteries. Experts told The Hill that Defense Department sponsorship of renewable energy pilot projects across the U.S. military base system was a major force pushing toward the evolution of standard-issue clean tech solutions lowering costs and facilitating future adoption by cash-strapped municipalities. Military bases serve as good sites for adoption of these developing technologies in part because they resemble small towns, but lack some of the hurdles that can slow down decisionmaking in town governments. If a base commander is on board with a pilot project, it can be implemented without first being debated by a city council. One major reason the military is adopting such projects is because it sees climate change as contributing to a significantly more dangerous world. Another: Its commander in chief told it to. In December 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order (EO) 14057, which directed the federal government to use its scale and procurement power to convert to a balance of 100 percent carbon-free electricity with at least 50 percent of its electricity coming from clean sources at any given time. The measures the military is taking to shift to such energy sources are controversial to the GOP at least, as long as theyre tagged as being about the climate. The draft version of the mammoth annual defense policy bill released last week by the GOP-controlled House Appropriations Committee would ban the agency from using any of its funds to implement any Biden-authored climate change initiatives, including EO 14057 thereby saving $661 million, or 0.07 percent of the defense budget. Lawmakers position on the efforts is more bipartisan, however, when the climate change language is taken out and the focus is put on cost or reliability. The House Appropriations Committee quietly dropped an attempt by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to ban agency funds for being used to purchase EVs or charging stations, for instance. The Defense Department has found that the electric vehicles produce less on-base pollution and have a lifetime cost significantly lower than comparable gas-burning cars which is a primary reason why the agency is trying to electrify its base fleets. A number of nonclimate benefits make EVs close to ideal for the commuter fleet on a military base, Michael Wu, co-founder of consultancy Converge Strategies, told The Hill. Base vehicles whether sedans used for commutes, vans used for deliveries or Defense Department Education Activity school buses tend to drive short, predictable distances each day, before returning to a set location. That means they dont run into the issues with range or speed that have hampered military attempts to roll out electric tactical vehicles. It also means that they can be used to bolster the base grid itself. The way base vehicles are used makes them a really good test case for vehicle-to-grid technologies, in which EV electric batteries can return power to the grid during a disruption, said Wu, who served as adviser to the assistant secretary of the Air Force on distributed energy and energy resilience issues. Right now, he said, we have a totally one-way system, both for transportation and for electricity. You generate electricity at a power plant it goes out everywhere to end-consumers in the same way that our transportation system sends out oil that goes out and it gets distributed to gas stations. A future base grid, by contrast, is more likely to be two-way a complex flow of power in and out of batteries, some of which may occasionally be driving. The Defense Innovation Unit is currently working with seven vendors in a pilot attempt to roll out chargers across its bases. Last fall, Northern Virginia contractor Leidos won a deal to provide charging infrastructure to 49,000 EVs and associated energy storage at Air Force bases around the country. Products like that help the military break its reliance on the current workhorse of its backup power system: the polluting, often-unreliable diesel generator, Wu added. EVs reflect two of the main reasons renewables are appealing to the Defense Department. First, they are comparatively cheap, so their adoption frees up money for fighting wars in a world where the warming climate functions as a threat multiplier. They also help free the agency from dependence on fossil fuels, with their geopolitical choke points and fluctuating prices. But perhaps even more important is the security renewables could offer: the assurance that a base besieged by a foreign adversary or cut off by natural disaster or cyberattack could manufacture its own power. The fear of such disconnection combined with growing wariness about Chinese dominance of solar panel and battery supply chains is driving Defense Department interest in other solutions, like nuclear power and geothermal energy, said John Conger of the Center for Climate and Security, who oversaw military bases, energy and the environment at the agency throughout the Obama administration. Biden officials often put their clean energy aspirations in the context of a new Cold War, even when discussing domestic energy. While Americas foreign and domestic bases used to be thought of as safe from attack, a heightened strategic competition with China means that military installations are no longer a sanctuary, Ravi Chaudhary, assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, installations and environment, said last year. Chaudhary was introducing a half-dozen new Defense Department geothermal energy proposals that seek to tap the heat of the earth for clean, on-demand energy. Geothermal energy is a particularly promising solution for the military virtually every base in the country is on top of subterranean resources they could use for heating and cooling, and many could use it for power. But its only one of several types of clean energy the Defense Department is exploring or building out. The agency is in contract disputes over a proposal to put a nuclear microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Its funded development of technologies to tap the power of waves at the Navys Wave Energy Test Site in Oahu, Hawaii. And in California, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar runs a base-scale microgrid off a combination of solar power and as a backup methane gas that would otherwise be emitted from a local landfill. During rolling blackouts amid a stifling heat wave in August 2020, some San Diego neighborhoods drew power from the station. These projects are all largely speculative, and they suffer from being bespoke built to order, and therefore expensive. Solar power was in a similar stage in 2009, when the Obama administration announced something that had never been tried before: a new 14-megawatt solar project at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. When it was inaugurated, then-President Obama promised the base would stand as a shining example of whats possible when we harness the power of clean, renewable energy to build a new, firmer foundation for economic growth. At the time, this seemed like a lofty idea. In modern terms, the solar installation was small. It was also primitive: Without battery backup, heavy cloud cover could throw the base back into reliance on diesel generators. But it helped lay both the technological and financial foundation for what came later. The deal for the $100 million facility rested on a trade: The Air Force didnt have to pay any upfront money for the solar plant, and the solar developer, SunPower Corp, didnt pay anything to lease the land. Instead, the financial foundation of the project rested on a power purchase agreement a contract under which the Air Force base committed to buy a predetermined amount of electricity from the local utility, the Nevada Power Company, which drew additional electricity from the new solar project. This agreement, in turn, helped SunPower Corp get the loans necessary to build the project and supply Nevada Power putting more renewable energy on the grid. This power purchase model is now standard for the wind and solar industry and it provides a financial template for startup industries like geothermal. And in the past 15 years, solar has gone from exotic to essential both for the grid as a whole and for the military. In January, Californias Edwards Air Force Base became home to the biggest solar farm in the U.S. which was bolstered by the biggest battery plant in the world. At 1.6 gigawatts, it is more than 100 times larger than the 2009-era Nevins project, and represents the biggest public-private partnership in Defense Department history, according to the agency. Its also a significant source of revenue for the department. The project, built in conjunction with renewables developer Terra-Gen, is enormous: 1.3 gigawatts, enough to power nearly a quarter million homes 25 times the base population which means the excess will be sold in the rest of energy-hungry California. Under the terms of the lease, the Defense Department could receive as much as $75 million for the power produced on base. This model identifying a need and putting out a request for bids to the civilian market is the key strategy followed by the Defense Department as it helps develop various forms of technology. The practice dovetails with a broader philosophy surrounding military contracting: the principle that wherever possible, military gear should have civilian applications or simply be repurposed civilian technology. Long gone are the days when the Defense Department was a major spender on American research and development and for all its considerable size, the agency isnt big enough to justify entire supply chains. Therefore, almost everything we do has a dual-use component, Casey Perley, executive director of the Army Applications Lab, told The Hill. Whether its a solar plant, a geothermal borehole or a small modular reactor, the Defense Department gets new resources by committing to buying power for an extended period of time, which allows the contractor to borrow money to do that, Conger said. That also makes the military an important source of early defense-contract funding for renewable technologies or companies getting off the ground. In the case of the proposed small modular reactor at Eielson Air Force Base, Conger added, the Defense Department is not buying the reactor, theyre buying the power, and that is enough of an anchor that they can put out bids. There is a lot of inefficiency baked in to this approach, argued Neta Crawford, a professor of international relations at Oxford University and co-founder of the Costs of War Project at Brown University. While military bases are analogous to civilian small towns albeit run under a command-and-control system much of the military tech suite is poorly designed for civilian use. Crawford sees the agencys funding of clean technology as essentially parasitic to the broader climate fight. We have every technology we need to make a rapid transition, she told The Hill. The Defense Department, Crawford said, is siphoning resources for their favorite tech, when direct spending from the Energy Department would be more useful for civilian needs. She argued that the same holds true for universities and the private sector: Costs of War found that between 2021 and 2023, venture capital poured $100 billion into military tech startups money that would be more effective at speeding the energy transition if spent on non-military projects. In terms of the militarys carbon footprint, theres a powerful argument that the best thing the Defense Department could do for the climate is stand down, said Crawford. The biggest contributor to military emissions is military aircraft, a large component of which is the jet fuel burned in the cargo fleet that keeps the dispersed empire of American military bases supplied, she argued. We have over 700 bases, she said. By contrast, China, which is supposed to be our primary enemy, has one overseas base. Which is in Djibouti where we also have a base, she added. We have tens of thousands of people still based in the Persian Gulf to protect for the most part oil that we shouldnt be burning. For all its spending on clean energy, and its particular progress around small-scale grids, Crawford argued, the U.S. needs to have a serious conversation about right-sizing its military. Even on its own terms, the process by which the military helps develop technology on bids from civilian markets has its own hiccups. Last fall, the Air Force accepted a bid from Oklo, a nuclear power startup chaired by Sam Altman of OpenAI, the tech company that built chatbot ChatGPT. But the Eielson project which seeks to replace the bases coal plant with a 20 MW nuclear plant, or one of just slightly higher capacity than the 2009-era Nevins solar plant is currently stalled, as a competing bidder challenges the project in court. These growing pains, Wu said, are part of the process that new technologies need to follow. For small nuclear reactors in particular, once you get the first one done, the next 10 will come relatively quickly. But the first one or two are gonna be very, very difficult. For nuclear in particular, he argued, the business problem is compounded by the problem of getting the public comfortable with those things in their, you know, closer to their backyard, and not in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, powering an aircraft carrier or submarine. But he added that the argument for nuclear power gets easier to make with every additional reactor that gets built and the militarys mandate for reliable, always-on and uninterruptible power helps get prototype projects funded that would otherwise be too expensive for civilian markets. That, in turn, helps push the price down for the next generation of projects, pushing the industry toward the militarys ultimate goal of off-the-shelf, standardized solutions. There are more than 500 [Defense Department] installations worldwide, Wu said. A lot of these technologies cannot be as bespoke as they are today. Updated June 21 at 10:44 a.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. US to postpone delivery of Patriot systems to customers from other countries for Ukraine's sake On Thursday 20 June, the US government said that all open orders for Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles will be halted until Ukraine has enough of these defences to protect itself against Russian air attacks. Source: Financial Times, citing three sources aware of this decision, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to the sources, the United States will announce its decision on Thursday. The decision comes after President Joe Bidens last week announcement in Italy that he had obtained promises to send new air defence systems to Ukraine, including Patriot batteries. Biden stated that five countries have committed to sending Patriot and other air defence systems to Ukraine, and that other countries seeking US systems would have to wait since "everything we have is going to go to Ukraine until their needs are met". Speaking beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the two signed a 10-year defence agreement on the margins of the G7 summit in Puglia, Biden stated that Kyiv would receive new equipment "relatively soon". According to two persons familiar with the decision, the US declaration on Thursday will codify Biden's commitment to Kyiv and ensure that Ukraine receives the Patriot systems needed to protect its towns and essential infrastructure. Poland, Romania, and Germany are among the European countries that have open orders for Patriot systems. Spain holds an open order for Patriot launchers, and in January, a coalition of NATO states ordered 1,000 Patriot missiles. Previously: The United States will be unable to equip Switzerland with missiles for Patriot air defence systems within the projected time frame due to their prioritisation of fresh deliveries to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! A new F-35 training site under construction in northwest Arkansas is preparing to welcome fighter pilots from around the world this fall. Ebbing Air National Guard Base will become the latest U.S.-based site dedicated to training foreign pilots across the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter enterprise, which now encompasses more than 3,500 jets in 18 countries. US approves location for Singaporean F-16, F-35 training The new hub will allow more instructor pilots from the U.S. the largest member of the F-35 coalition at more than 2,400 jets to share their expertise with a rotating cast of nations who have less operational experience with one of the worlds most advanced fighters or lack the resources to host a multinational school of their own. Learning from the U.S. can make the international coalition sharper in combat, Col. David Skalicky, who oversees the project as commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing at Floridas Eglin Air Force Base, told Air Force Times. Military officials argue that familiarity can prove crucial if the countries must go to war together. This is really about increasing the capability and capacity of our allies and partners, he said. Maj. Gen. Ireneusz Nowak, inspector of the Polish Air Force, discusses updates to the U.S.-Poland F-35 foreign military sales program during a visit to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on May 6, 2024. (Tech. Sgt. Christopher Sherlock/Air National Guard) Poland is slated to arrive as the first foreign F-35 user on campus in September, followed by Finland, Germany, Switzerland and Singapore in the years ahead. Theyll learn from the new 85th Fighter Group and 57th Fighter Squadron, expected to open at Ebbing July 2, an Air Force spokesperson said. F-35 pilots from Italy, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands already train at Arizonas Luke Air Force Base; Belgium is slated to begin lessons there as well. But Luke lacks the resources and room to welcome students from more than a dozen other countries, spurring the international coalition to look for another site where foreign pilots can learn from the Americans. The U.S. Air Force tapped Ebbing to host the foreign training mission in March 2023 after a fierce, yearslong lobbying effort by Michigans congressional delegation to bring the jets to Selfridge ANGB north of Detroit. Typically, foreign militaries learn from U.S. pilots at bases that are already operating the same aircraft. Not so for Ebbing, at which F-35 training will become the only on-site flying mission. The base will build new F-35 pilots from scratch, with students who have already qualified to fly fighters but are getting their first taste of the fifth-generation plane itself, Skalicky said. As many as 36 jets will arrive on base, including 24 F-35s. Ebbing will also host up to 12 F-16s as part of a Singaporean training unit that is transferring from Luke, said Col. Adam Rice, an Air Education and Training Command official tasked with coordinating the projects progress. The Air Force expects about four pilots will graduate from Ebbing in 2025 before growing to about three dozen graduates each year through the end of the decade, Rice said. Trainees will start their seven-month Joint Strike Fighter journey at Eglin the Air Forces closest active duty F-35 site where theyll be exposed to the F-35s controls and tactics in classroom lessons and simulated sorties. The program will be split between Eglin and Ebbing until the new location finishes building a simulator facility of its own. In Florida, theyll jump from virtual takeoffs and landings to one-on-one aerial dogfights and multi-jet offensives, Skalicky said. We usually progress from that point into surface attack [and] suppression of enemy air defense, as well as some higher mission sets like offensive counter-air, escorting strikers or being part of a strike package, he said. After about three months, students will trek more than 700 miles to Ebbing for the second half of the course, when theyll take to the skies to practice what theyve learned. Rice said the project is working to expand the existing training airspace at Ebbing. The site may bring in low-cost threat emitters, or hardware that replicates surface-to-air missile systems so pilots can learn to evade enemy air defenses. Air Education and Training Command boss Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson has promised first-class training, not world-class training, at Ebbing, Rice said. It wont be a training space like Nellis, for instance, but it will be good-quality training for the [foreign military sales] customers. Some who graduate will head back to their home countries, where theyll join their first F-35 units. Others will return to Eglin for further training to become instructor pilots in order to build their own domestic training pipelines, Skalicky said. To transform the Air National Guard base of about 1,000 troops and civilian employees and an MQ-9 drone wing into a top-tier training range for high-tech fighters, the Air Force is embarking on a $850 million project that is expected to finish by the end of 2028. Because the clock is ticking for troops to arrive at Ebbing, the Air Force plans to first host classes in an array of trailers and tension-fabric shelters on base. Those temporary facilities will tide over the training enterprise for a few years as the service renovates existing spaces like maintenance shops, while building Joint Strike Fighter-specific facilities for simulators and storage. Singapore, whose forces will be permanently stationed at Ebbing, is bringing the F-35B, the vertical takeoff-and-landing version of the jet also flown by the U.S. Marine Corps. Because the Air Forces variant doesnt have the same capability, the service has to find other instructor pilots to help the Singaporeans, and ensure the flightline is reinforced with special concrete that can withstand the jets forces, Rice said. In September, airmen from Eglin will hold a training exercise at Ebbing to wring out any issues at the site before foreign countries begin arriving later that month, Skalicky said. But theres still plenty of work ahead for the complicated project, which requires Air Force officials to weave the wants and needs of multiple countries into a cohesive training ground while navigating erratic congressional funding and a volatile construction market. Post-COVID, weve had challenges with supply and demand, construction, laborers, you name it. Were still experiencing that across the enterprise, said Col. George Nichols, deputy director of facility engineering at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. [Ive] been doing this for 23 years, and this is one of the most complex beddowns that weve done, he said. Insights from Politico EU, Le Monde, and DefenseNews The News The US is halting the delivery of air-defense systems specifically Patriot and NASAM missile interceptors to some of its allies to prioritize Ukraine instead, as Kyiv struggles to deal with increased Russian strikes. White House national security spokesman John Kirby described the decision as difficult but necessary. Ukraine has urgently called on its Western allies to deliver more air-defense systems, which can intercept missiles or rockets that Russia has aimed at Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Kyiv tries to cobble together air-defense systems Sources: Politico EU, Le Monde Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has intensified his calls for the countrys allies to provide interceptor missiles, looking to all the allies to collectively donate enough to create a cohesive defense system. Germany has promised to deliver three of its platforms, and pushed for other European countries to follow suit. But that initiative has largely fallen flat, Politico EU reported. Thats partly because European countries want to protect their own airspace, Le Monde noted. The momentum may be shifting: Romania agreed Thursday to send a Patriot missile system to Ukraine. South Korea may feel the delay most Sources: The Wall Street Journal, DefenseNews White House spokesperson John Kirby declined to specify which countries would have their shipments of missiles delayed as a result of the US decision, beyond that it would not impact Taiwan. Well do the best we can to minimize their delay as much as possible, Kirby said. Citing a congressional source, The Wall Street Journal reported that South Korea and the United Arab Emirates had contracts to buy interceptors and will likely be affected by the prioritization of Ukraine. Interceptors are becoming increasingly important for South Korea as the North builds up its rocket arsenal; Seoul has recently completed its own long-range air defense system, and is now developing a more advanced version, DefenseNews reported. US will redirect air defense inceptor missiles to Ukraine that other allies had on order National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) The White House announced Thursday that it will rush delivery of air defense interceptor missiles to Ukraine by redirecting planned shipments to other allied nations, as Washington scrambles to counter increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. National security spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. had taken the difficult but necessary decision to reprioritize near-term planned deliveries of foreign military sales to other countries, though he wouldn't say which nations would be affected or how many. Right now, we know that Ukraine urgently needs these additional capabilities, Kirby said on a call with reporters, adding, Obviously more is needed, and its needed now. The announcement comes after President Joe Biden, during last week's Group of Seven meeting in Italy, suggested such action might be necessary, saying, Weve let it be known for those countries that are expecting, from us, air defense systems in the future, that theyre going to have to wait." Everything we have is going to go to Ukraine until their needs are met, Biden said. And then we will make good on the commitments we made to other countries. The U.S. was already sending Ukraine a consistent stream of interceptors for its air defense systems, including for the Patriot missile batteries and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, or NASAMS. But Kirby said that more was urgently needed as Russia's military has accelerated missile and drone attacks against cities and infrastructure centers trying to destroy Ukraine's energy system ahead of this winter. Russia has resumed its aerial pounding of Ukraines power grid while Kyivs forces are again targeting Russian oil facilities with drone strikes, as each side seeks to hinder the other's ability to continue fighting. The number of interceptors to be sent isn't clear but Kirby said it could involve hundreds of Patriot interceptor missiles. Kirby said Ukraine will get prioritized shipments as soon as systems roll off assembly lines for the next about 16 months, and those will provide the country with "enough capability during that period. After that, he said, Countries that have been asked to delay will start to get deliveries of systems they had already ordered. Kirby said the move means a range of countries will face delays in receiving missile systems that are being diverted to Ukraine but that the shift would not affect Taiwan or what it continues to need and receive for self-defense" in the face of potential threats from China. Asked to describe how other countries reacted to the shift, Kirby said they were "broadly understanding of it. They know how serious the need is in Ukraine," he said. Volodymyr Zelensky stands in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system during his visit to a military training area in Mecklenburg, Germany in June - Jens Battner - Pool/Getty Images The US government plans to divert Patriot air defence systems destined for other countries to Ukraine to help Kyiv protect its cities and critical infrastructure, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. Joe Bidens administration could announce the move as early as Thursday, after the President said last week that five countries had agreed to send Patriot systems, adding: everything we have is going to go to Ukraine until their needs are met. On Thursday, Romanias supreme defence council said it would donate one of the countrys two operational Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, on the condition there would be negotiations with Nato allies to replace it with a similar system. Volodymyr Zelensky said Romanias decision to provide his country with a Patriot air defence system would bolster Ukraines air defence shield and strengthen security throughout Europe. Ukraine has drummed up its lobbying for the US-made Patriot defences, vital for Kyivs chances of shooting down Russias ballistic and hypersonic missiles, in the wake of intensified attacks on its critical energy sector. Earlier this month, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced his country would deliver another 100 Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine in an initiative involving Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. It comes as Vladimir Putin was welcomed in Vietnam with a 21-gun salute on Thursday as he began his official visit to the Communist-run state, the day after he signed an anti-West mutual defence pact with North Koreas Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. 03:15 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. You can read more of The Telegraphs latest news from the front line here. Todays headlines have included: Ukraine launched multiple drone attacks on Russia overnight Putin was welcomed in Vietnam with a 21-gun salute EU countries agreed a new round of Russian sanctions Ukrainian energy infrastructure was damaged by Russian attacks The US announced plans to redirect Patriot air defense to Ukraine A three-day fire continued to rage in the Russian regions of Tambov and Adygeyea Russia and Vietnam exchanged a raft of agreements Mark Rutte was announced the next head of Nato 02:56 PM BST Russian attack on Donetsk village kills three and hospitalises 14-year-old Russia attacked a village in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region on Thursday, killing three people and injuring four more, including a child, prosecutors said. The village of Rozkishne, about 25 kilometres from the front line, was targeted by the strike, regional prosecutors said on Telegram. According to preliminary data, Russian troops used the Smerch system to launch cluster munitions, prosecutors said. Among the injured was a 14-year-old boy who was hospitalised. Four households, cars, and a gas pipeline were damaged in the attack, prosecutors added. 02:27 PM BST Pictured: Graves of Ukrainian soldiers vandalised in Kyiv Vandals have damaged the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at a memorial site in Kyiv. Dmytro Da Vinci Kotsiubailo, pilot Andriy Juice Pilshchikov and activist Pavlo Petrychenko are comemmorated at Askolds Grave, a memorial dedicated to the soldiers killed in Ilovaisk, Debaltseve and the Donetsk airport in 2014-2015. Memorial tablets and grave lanterns were broken, while portraits of fallen soldiers and flags on graves were also broken and painted. The police have already started an investigation, and deputies of the Kyiv City Council are urging for the memorial to be provided with security. Portrait of Ukrainian soldier Dmytro 'Da Vinci' Kotsiubailo, broken by vandals - Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images A police officer operates at the site of the vandalism, near the grave of Ukrainian soldier and activist Pavlo Petrychenko - Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images 01:52 PM BST Zelensky thanks Romania for donating Patriot system to Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said Romanias decision to provide his country with a Patriot air defence system would bolster Ukraines air defence shield and strengthen security throughout Europe. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Ukrainian president wrote: This crucial contribution will bolster our air shield and help us better protect our people and critical infrastructure from Russian air terror. I am grateful to Romania and President @KlausIohannis for making the decision to provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense system. This crucial contribution will bolster our air shield and help us better protect our people and critical infrastructure from Russian Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 20, 2024 01:43 PM BST Mark Rutte to become next head of Nato The outgoing Dutch Prime Minister will become the next head of Nato at a pivotal time for the alliance, after sole challenger Klaus Iohannis, the Romanian President, pulled out of the race earlier today. The veteran politician is expected to be formally named by Natos 32 nations in the coming days and should take over when the current secretary general Jens Stoltenbergs term ends on October 1. Mr Rutte made his case for the job last year following the collapse of his coalition in the Netherlands. A staunch Ukraine backer, he quickly won the support of heavyweights the United States, Britain, France and Germany. 01:23 PM BST Watch: Scenes from Vietnam as red carpet rolled out for Russian president 01:16 PM BST What happened yesterday at Putins meeting with Kim Jong Un? The new Russia-North Korea comprehensive strategic agreement upgrades a friendship deal Putin signed with Kim Jong Uns dictator father in 2001. The leaders held two hours of talks at Kims residence before signing the military agreement that positions Russia and North Korea at the centre of an anti-West axis. The Russian president said the breakthrough document raised relations to a new level and ensures the provision of mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties to this agreement, he said. Read more about the shared hugs, gifts and open-topped limousine in this Soviet-style meeting of dictators from James Kilner here. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un attend an official welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang - Gavriil Grigorov 01:02 PM BST Romanian president withdraws bid for Nato leadership Klaus Iohannis, the Romanian President, has announced he is withdrawing his bid for Natos leadership and the countrys supreme defence council will support Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, as the alliances secretary-general. Romanias supreme defence council also said it will donate one of the countrys two operational Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, on the condition it is replaced with a similar system. 12:57 PM BST Vietnam and Russia exchange raft of agreements Vietnams President Lam and Vladimir Putin have signed around a dozen cooperation agreements ranging from education to justice and civil nuclear projects, notably an agreement not to enter into alliances against each other. In a joint statement, the nations said their defence and security cooperation was not directed against any third country and contributed to peace, stabilty and sustainable development in the region. Putin told reporters the talks were constructive and that both sides had identical or very close positions on key international issues. He said they discussed creating an adequate and reliable security architecture in Asia-Pacific based on the principles of not resorting to force, and of resolving differences peacefully. Russia and Vietnam hold a bilateral meeting at the presidential palace in Hanoi - MINH HOANG/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 12:48 PM BST Three-day fire still raging in Russia after Ukrainian drone strikes Fires have broken out at two fuel depots in Russia after they were hit by Ukrainian drone strikes conducted by the SBU security agency early on Thursday. The strikes in the regions of Tambov and Adygeyea are the latest in Ukraines intensification of its attacks on large fuel depots in Russia, as it seeks to dent the countrys oil industry. Maxim Yegorov, governor of the Tambov region southeast of Moscow, said firefighters were tackling a blaze at the Platonovskaya fuel depot and confirmed that no one was hurt. A three-day old fire is still raging in the Russian town of Azov after a drone attack on Tuesday caused several oil storage tanks to catch fire. Members of the Russian emergencies ministry work to extinguish fire at an oil storage tank after an alleged drone attack in the town of Azov - Russian Emergencies Ministry 12:03 PM BST Permit-free entry to EU for Ukrainian cargo extended The European Commission have extended a liberalisation of freight transport that allows Ukrainian cargo permit-free entry to the EU for another year, Ukraines prime minister said on Thursday. Denys Shmyhal said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the agreement envisaged the possibility of an automatic extension until the end of 2025. Ukraine and the European Commission have extended the agreement on the liberalisation of freight transport by one year, with the possibility of an automatic extension until the end of 2025. This is an important step towards integrating #Ukraine into the EU area, increasing Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) June 20, 2024 11:45 AM BST Pictured: Captured Russian tanks with makeshift anti-drone protection A Ukrainian serviceman of the 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade stands next to a Russian T-62 Soviet main battle tank crafted with anti-drone protection - REUTERS/Alina Smutko The modified tanks were recently captured at an undisclosed location in Donetsk region - k region, Ukraine, July 19, 2024. 11:38 AM BST South Korea to consider supplying weapons to Ukraine South Korea will reconsider a longstanding policy that bars it from supplying arms directly to Ukraine, a presidential official said on Thursday, after North Korea signed a mutual defence agreement with Russia. The official said they are planning to reconsider the issue of providing weapons support to Ukraine, after Seoul expressed grave concern over the agreement in which the two nations agreed to strengthen their military and economic ties, including immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression. Any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps strengthen North Koreas military capabilities is a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions, national security adviser Chang Ho-jin told reporters. Russias own violation of the resolution and support for North Korea will inevitably have a negative impact on the South Korea-Russia relationship, Chang said. 11:16 AM BST US to redirect Patriot air defence orders to Ukraine Joe Bidens administration plans to halt all open orders for Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles and redirect supply to Ukraine until its defence needs are met, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. The move could be announced as early as Thursday, the report said, citing three people with knowledge of the decision. Ukraine has been lobbying for the US-made Patriot missile defences, which have proved vital for Kyivs chances of shooting down Russias ballistic and hypersonic missiles. It has recently drummed up its requests for the missiles following Russian attacks on its critical energy sector. Earlier this month, Boris Pistorius, the German Defence Minister, announced his country would deliver another 100 Patriot missiles to Ukraine in an initiative involving Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. 11:11 AM BST Watch: Three-day old fire still raging in Russia after Ukrainian drone attack Footage posted on X, formerly Twitter, reportedly shows a fire still raging at an oil depot in the Russian town of Azov three days after a drone attack on Tuesday caused several oil storage tanks to catch fire. /3. Russian oil depot in Azov is still on fire. This is the third day after the drone attack. pic.twitter.com/szHIHnsGpI Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) June 20, 2024 Elsewhere, other footage posted on X claimed to show the oil depot in the Tambov region of Russia on fire after a separate drone attack early on Thursday. An oil depot in the Tambov region of russia is on fire after a drone attack. Follow @blyskavka_ua pic.twitter.com/tZdDS9f7zH BLYSKAVKA (@blyskavka_ua) June 20, 2024 11:01 AM BST Ukrainian energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks Russian drone and missile strikes damaged energy infrastructure across Ukraine on Thursday, the Ukrainian energy ministry has said. The Ukrainian air force shot down five out of nine missiles and all 27 drones launched by Russia over 10 Ukrainian regions during Thursdays attack. The attacks injured a total of seven workers and cut power for 218,000 consumers, according to the energy ministry. 10:36 AM BST US and EU criticise Putins Vietnam visit Vietnams hosting of Putin has been criticised by key partner the United States, which upgraded diplomatic relations with Hanoi last year and is Vietnams top export market, along with the European Union. A US embassy statement earlier in the week said no country should be giving Putin a platform to promote Russias war in Ukraine. A spokesman for the EU delegation in Vietnam said Hanoi had the right to develop its own foreign policy, but said Russias war in Ukraine proved Moscow did not respect international law. 10:16 AM BST Pictured: Putin given military guard of honour in Vietnam Vietnamese President To Lam greeted the Russian president with a military guard of honour at the presidential palace in Hanoi - REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Vietnamese soldiers march past images of Vladimir Putin and Vietnam's President To Lam during a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi - VLADIMIR SMIRNOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images 10:09 AM BST New sanctions include ban on re-exports of Russian LNG in EU water EU diplomats said they will ban re-exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in EU waters after they approved a 14th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine on Thursday. Countries debated the new measures for over a month and ultimately watered down one of the Commissions proposals, aimed at preventing even more circumvention, at Germanys prompting. The dropped measure would have forced subsidiaries of EU companies in third countries to contractually prohibit the re-exports of their goods to Russia. The EU is keen to stop the flow of dual-use technology such as washing machine chips that could be used by Russia for military purposes. An EU diplomat said Germany had asked for an impact assessment, and the measure could be included at a later date. The ban on re-exports is the first restriction the bloc has applied to LNG. 09:45 AM BST EU agrees new package of sanctions against Russia EU countries have agreed a powerful and substantial new round of sanctions against Russia in a bid to further choke off Moscows war effort against Ukraine. On Thursday, Belgium, which holds the blocs presidency, wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter: This package provides new targeted measures and maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU commission, said the hard-hitting package will further deny Russia access to key technologies. I welcome the agreement on our 14th sanctions package against Russia. This hard-hitting package will further deny Russia access to key technologies. It will strip Russia of further energy revenues. And tackle Putin's shadow fleet and shadow banking network abroad. https://t.co/iquZOtEOWf Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 20, 2024 09:32 AM BST Putin in Vietnam: Whats happened so far? Vladimir Putin was welcomed in Vietnam with a 21-gun salute during a military ceremony on Thursday as he began his official visit to the Communist-run state. Newly installed Vietnamese President To Lam greeted the Russian president with a military guard of honour at the presidential palace in Hanoi, congratulating him on his re-election and praising Russias achievements, including domestic political stability. Mr Lam said: Once again, congratulations to our comrade for receiving overwhelming support during the recent presidential election, underlining the confidence of the Russian people. Putin responded, saying a comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam was one of Russias priorities and that he was keen to partner with the southeast Asian country in energy and security. A day after signing a mutual defence pact with North Korea, Putin said Moscow and Hanoi are interested in building what he called a reliable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, with Russian companies also ready to invest in liquefied natural gas projects in Vietnam. Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks to Vietnam's President To Lam at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi - NHAC NGUYEN/Pool via REUTERS 09:23 AM BST Russia says woman killed in overnight Ukrainian drone strikes Ukraine launched multiple drone attacks on Russia overnight, killing one woman in Slavyansk-na-Kubani in southern Krasnodar Krai, according to Venyamin Kondratyev, the regions governor. The Afipsky oil refinery, 20 kilometres south-west of Krasnodar city, was reportedly struck along with an oil depot at the village of Enem in the Takhtamukaysky District of the Republic of Adygea. 09:10 AM BST Welcome Good morning and welcome to todays live blog. Vladimir Putin is in Vietnam for talks as he began his official visit to the Communist-run state this morning. Elsewhere, Ukraine launched multiple drone attacks on Russia overnight, including a strike on an oil facility. We will bring you the latest news and developments as they unfold today. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The U.S. has told Ukraine it can use American-supplied weapons to hit any Russian forces attacking from across the border not just those in the region near Kharkiv, according to U.S. officials. The subtle shift in messaging which officials insist is not a change in policy comes just weeks after the U.S. quietly gave Kyiv the green light to strike inside Russia in response to a cross-border assault on the city of Kharkiv. At the time, U.S. officials stressed that the policy was limited to the Kharkiv region, among other restrictions. Ukrainian forces have since used American weapons to strike into Russia at least once, destroying targets in the city of Belgorod, and managed to hold back the Russian assault. But Ukrainian and other European officials have pressed the U.S. to loosen its restrictions even further, allowing Ukraine to strike anywhere inside Russia. National security adviser Jake Sullivan told PBS on Tuesday that the agreement with Ukraine about firing American weapons into Russia extends to anywhere that Russian forces are coming across the border from the Russian side to the Ukrainian side to try to take additional Ukrainian territory. Russia has in recent days indicated it may soon move on the northeastern city of Sumy, which is also near the Russian border. If that happens, the policy would apply there as well, Sullivan said. This is not about geography. It's about common sense. If Russia is attacking or about to attack from its territory into Ukraine, it only makes sense to allow Ukraine to hit back against the forces that are hitting it from across the border, Sullivan said. Two U.S. officials, who were granted anonymity to speak candidly about the discussions, maintained that allowing Ukraine to hit inside Russia in response to counterfire from anywhere across the border is not a shift in policy since the Kharkiv decision was made. Originally, the move was characterized only in the context of the ongoing Kharkiv assault, but that did not exclude the possibility of hitting back against other cross-border attacks, said one of the officials. Still, Sullivans language is markedly different from what U.S. officials said in May when the new policy was detailed. At the time a senior U.S. official said: The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S. weapons for counter-fire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them. The policy of not allowing long-range strikes inside Russia has not changed, the official stressed. By Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against a California woman convicted of smuggling drugs across the U.S.-Mexican border who challenged prosecution expert testimony that cast doubt on her claim that she acted unwittingly as a "blind" drug mule. The justices, in a 6-3 ruling, upheld a lower court's decision to allow testimony by an expert witness who called into question Delilah Guadalupe Diaz's contention that she did not know that methamphetamine valued at $368,550 was hidden in the door panels of the car she was driving. The case tested how far law enforcement agents appearing in trials as expert witnesses can go in telling a jury that defendants in certain drug trafficking cases generally have a "guilty mind." A judge in this case allowed an expert witness to testify in the trial that drivers usually know they are being hired to traffic drugs. A jury in federal court in San Diego found Diaz guilty in 2021 of illegally importing the methamphetamine, a crime that required proving that she knew the drugs were in the car. Diaz was sentenced to seven years in prison. Diaz's lawyers argued that the testimony violated a provision of the longstanding Federal Rules of Evidence governing the types of evidence allowable in legal cases. The rule bars expert witnesses from opining on the "mental state" of defendants related to an alleged offense and whether they knew they were committing a crime. "Because the expert witness did not state an opinion about whether (Diaz) herself had a particular mental state, we conclude that the testimony did not violate" the evidence rule, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the majority opinion, joined by four fellow conservative justices and liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. In a dissent, conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined by liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, said that the outcome gives prosecutors a powerful new tool. "Prosecutors can now put an expert on the stand - someone who apparently has the convenient ability to read minds - and let him hold forth on what 'most' people like the defendant think when they commit a legally proscribed act," Gorsuch wrote. Gorsuch added: "What authority exists for allowing that kind of charade in federal criminal trials is anybody's guess." Diaz's lawyer, Jeffrey Fischer, expressed disappointment in the ruling. U.S. District Judge Anthony Battaglia during the trial let the prosecution's expert witness, a Homeland Security special agent, testify that "in most circumstances, the driver knows they are hired." The expert also told the jury that drug-trafficking organizations generally do not entrust large quantities of drugs to unknowing couriers. People who smuggle drugs across borders, sometimes called "mules," may do so for profit but also sometimes do it unwittingly, transporting illegal substances that were planted on them. These individuals are often called "blind" mules. In 2020, border inspectors ordered Diaz, a resident of Moreno Valley, California, to roll down a window of the Ford Focus vehicle she was driving and heard a "crunch-like" sound, later finding 56 packages containing more than 24 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. Diaz denied knowledge of the drugs. She carried two cellphones - one locked that she could not open - and claimed that the car belonged to a boyfriend she had visited in Mexico whose phone number and residence she could not identify. The car also had a hidden GPS device. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case in March. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham) Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week reiterated the U.S. is committed to backing the Philippines as the Pacific nation continues to clash with Chinese boats in the South China Sea, spurring fears that tensions will escalate into a wider conflict. Blinken spoke with his counterpart, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, on Wednesday and underscored the United States ironclad commitments to the Philippines, according to a State Department readout. The talk came just two days after eight Chinese boats rammed Filipino inflatable boats and seized weapons, including M4 rifles and navigation equipment that had been bound for a beached ship at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea that acts as an outpost for the Philippines in the contested waters. The Chinese sailors also damaged the Filipino boats and attacked the sailors with machetes and other equipment, wounding several Filipino sailors, including one who lost his thumb. The U.S., which has a defense treaty with the Philippines that obliges Washington to defend its ally, earlier this week slammed China for the aggressive action. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the Chinese aggression was barbaric and aimed at preventing a legitimate and humanitarian resupply mission. These provocative, unprofessional, and inhumane actions of China, if left unchecked, will not just be a loss for our fight in the West Philippine Sea, he wrote on the social platform X Wednesday. They serve as a clear indication that humanity has once again allowed barbarism to trample upon compassion, and that what is right is only defined by might. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian accused the Philippines of violating international law by intruding into their territory in the South China Sea, a body of water that Beijing claims almost entirely for its own. This is sheer provocation and has no justification whatsoever, Lin said at a Thursday press conference. What is more, this operation of the Philippines is absolutely not about humanitarian resupply. The Philippine vessels secretly carried construction materials and even weapons and equipment, and they deliberately rammed Chinese vessels. The Philippine side threw water and hurled objects to Chinese enforcement personnel. These acts clearly escalated tensions at sea, and severely threatened the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels, he added. The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law to safeguard its sovereignty, which was lawful and justified, and done in a professional and restrained manner. It was beyond reproach. The incident was the latest battling between China and the Philippines at Second Thomas Shoal, which Beijing claims as part of its own territory. Since last year, the conflict has escalated, with Chinese and Filipino boats colliding and China sometimes spraying water cannons. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEW DELHI, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Intense protests took place in various cities across India on Thursday against the National Testing Agency (NTA) over its failure to conduct examinations (for admissions and recruitment) in a free and fair manner, and the repeated incidents whereby question papers were leaked. The protests erupted over last night's decision of the federal government to cancel the University Grants Commission (UGC)-National Eligibility Test (NET), which was held on June 18 to recruit assistant professors at various universities. The exam was cancelled after it was discovered that the question paper had got "leaked". Subsequently, the matter was referred to the country's leading investigating agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe. More than 900,000 students had attempted the examination. The UGC-NET row had erupted at a time when a raging controversy was already going on over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET (UG), which was attempted by over 2.4 million students seeking admissions in medical colleges. But, later it was discovered that the question paper had got "leaked." Its result was declared on June 4 with 67 students scoring 100 percent marks, or 720 out of 720, and many students scoring 719 and 718 marks. After doubts were raised over some students' nearly perfect test scores, the NTA admitted that grace marks were given to some students after it was discovered that their time was wasted during distribution of question papers at their respective examination centers. Later, the NEET (UG) question paper was also leaked in the eastern state of Bihar. Now, the NEET (UG) examination was slated to be re-conducted for 1,563 students, who had got grace marks, on June 23. In the weeks after Hamas attacked Israel in October, a confrontation between a Jewish USC professor and a group of pro-Palestinian students went viral and triggered a storm of controversy on campus. Economics professor John Strauss told students who were calling for a cease-fire and commemorating Palestinians slain in the war Hamas are murderers, adding: Thats all they are. Every one should be killed, and I hope they all are killed. Video of Strauss' remarks spread rapidly online and led to a petition calling for the professor's termination. More than 10 students also filed complaints against Strauss, accusing him of engaging in discrimination, harassment and fostering an unsafe environment. This week, that long-running inquiry came to an end. USC administrators informed Strauss on Tuesday that the case against him was closed, the complaints by students would be dismissed and that he will face no formal discipline, according to the professor and his attorney. "I'm relieved," Strauss said in a phone interview. "As far as I'm concerned, I've been fully exonerated and they're not doing anything to punish me, and it's over." His lawyer, Samantha Harris, said she was "frustrated that it took seven months to reach an obvious conclusion" that Strauss did not engage in harassment or discrimination. "I'm nonetheless pleased that they reached the correct result," Harris said. Read more: A Jewish professor at USC confronted pro-Palestinian students. He's now barred from campus The Times presented USC with a summary of the findings about Strauss. The university did not dispute the findings, but also issued a statement saying it is "unable to discuss any individual cases because of the confidential nature of personnel matters." "USC takes allegations of harassment and discrimination seriously," said the statement issued by the university's press office. The professor's comments marked a flashpoint in clashes between supporters of Israel and Palestinians that have roiled American universities over the Israel-Hamas war. The Strauss episode was eclipsed by more campus turmoil after the university canceled a Muslim student's valedictorian speech, called in police to dismantle a pro-Palestinian encampment and canceled the main graduation ceremony. Some of the students who complained against Strauss were assisted by the L.A. office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. We are disappointed that USC has found no wrongdoing despite the professor being captured on camera going out of his way to harass and intimidate USC students honoring the lives of innocent Palestinians killed by Israel," Amr Shabaik, the legal director of CAIR-LA, said in a statement. To reach the conclusion that Strauss did not violate university policies, a USC investigator interviewed the students who lodged complaints, witnesses and Strauss, according to the professor and his attorney. Strauss' lawyer also said the investigator had video of the encounter including the clips that had gone viral and aerial footage from "Trojan Cam," a live feed of the statue of Tommy Trojan on campus. It was near that statue where students on Nov. 9 were staging a walkout calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and holding a memorial to Palestinian civilians killed in the conflict. There were two discrete incidents in which Strauss was accused of wrongdoing that day. The first occurred when about 200 students gathered in the center of campus for a Shut It Down for Palestine action. Some students chanted, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Nearby, students had unfurled four long rolls of paper at least 18 inches wide across the ground, with thousands of names of dead civilians listed. Strauss, who was walking across campus to teach a class, said he heard calls to destroy Israel and became angry: I am Jewish and very pro-Israel, so I shouted, Israel forever. Hamas are murderers. He was accused of intentionally stepping on the paper commemorating the dead Palestinians. "As far as I'm concerned, I've been fully exonerated and they're not doing anything to punish me, and it's over," USC Professor John Strauss said in a phone interview. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Students told The Times last year that they felt threatened by an older professor in a position of power confronting them in this way and then "desecrating" the dead. When the investigator pulled footage of this, however, it showed Strauss walking near the paper, but any contact was incidental, if it happened at all, Harris said, adding: "A reasonable viewing of the video makes clear it was not deliberate, if in fact anything was stepped on." The second incident occurred later that afternoon as Strauss was returning to his office after class. A student near the memorial yelled out, Professor Strauss, shame on you. Read more: Jailed students, a canceled commencement, angry parents: USCs Carol Folt takes on critics Strauss replied, No, shame on you," adding, You people are ignorant, really ignorant." A student in a gray Lululemon hoodie and black pants is heard telling Strauss that the event was to pay respects to those killed. A classmate wearing a red kaffiyeh wrapped around his head rushed over and inserted himself between the professor and the students. Strauss, holding a file of papers in one hand and a bottle of water in the other, then told the students: "Hamas are murderers. Thats all they are. Every one should be killed, and I hope they all are killed." I got that on video. Thank you! a student is heard saying on a recording. John Strauss, a USC economics professor, was recorded Nov. 9, 2023, confronting students who were holding a demonstration for Palestinians killed in Gaza. (Handout) There was no dispute that Strauss said the words, but he denied that this amounted to a threat to students, as Hamas is deemed a terrorist organization and committed atrocities in Israel on Oct. 7. Summarizing the probe's findings, Harris said USC determined it had insufficient evidence that he was deliberately targeting any student and that his words uttered in the span of less than a minute didn't create a hostile environment. Read more: 13 days that rocked USC: How a derailed commencement brought 'complete disaster' "This was an exchange of opinions in a public area of campus on an issue of public concern that rose nowhere near to the level of conduct that constitutes harassment, which is severe, pervasive and persistent," said Harris, referencing the formal criteria for evaluating harassment. Although Strauss won't face sanction by the university, his lawyer said that the length of the probe has been its own form of punishment. "Living under a cloud for seven months is not nothing, and it has a chilling effect broadly speaking on faculty's willingness to express themselves on matters of public concern," Harris said. Strauss was allowed to return to campus in December and continued teaching in the spring semester. This fall, he also has a full course load. "I don't have any regrets about what I did or said at all," Strauss said. "I think it was perfectly reasonable." 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. A USC student whom police accused of fatally stabbing a man who had broken into a car on Greek Row will not be charged in the killing, prosecutors announced Thursday. Ivan Gallegos, 19, was freed after two days in custody after Los Angeles police say he and two others confronted Xavier Cerf, 27, as he was breaking into a car, and Gallegos pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed him earlier this week. "After careful consideration and a thorough review of all available evidence, we have decided not to pursue charges against ... Gallegos. We believe that Mr. Gallegoss actions were driven by a genuine fear for his life and the lives of others," Dist. Atty. George Gascon said in a statement. "Our heart goes out to the deceaseds family, friends and everyone impacted by this tragic incident." The confrontation occurred Monday just after 8 p.m. in the 700 block of West 28th Street, police said. According to documents from the district attorney, Gallegos and other members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity saw Cerf enter a 2010 Mercedes that was parked in the back of the fraternity house. Three people from the house, including Gallegos, approached the car. Gallegos had a knife and another person had a large wooden stick, the report said. They demanded Cerf leave the car but he refused and locked the door, saying the "car was calling him," the report said. Prosecutors said Cerf then opened the door and told Gallegos "I have a gun" and simultaneously reached for his waist with both hands "as if reaching for a gun." Two witnesses confirmed to authorities Cerf's statements about having a gun. The report said Gallegos grabbed Cerf's hands with his left hand to prevent him from pulling out a gun while simultaneously stabbing him in the chest with his right hand. Cerf then grabbed Gallegos' right hand and they struggled, with Gallegos stabbing him three more times and pulling him out of the car. Police said they found Cerf in a nearby alley suffering from stab wounds and when paramedics arrived he was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallegos later told police he had the knife because "the area is dangerous and there have been several violent crimes committed against students," the report said. Meeting with reporters Thursday afternoon, Gascon said they had "three individuals all make consistent statements and they were interviewed separately. There's a 911 call that is occurring ... right as a struggle is occurring. So there is consistency in the assessment that ... [the suspect] had a gun, although he didn't have a gun. He then reached out for his waistband. Based on the evidence, "it appears Gallegos acted with the actual and reasonable belief that deadly force was necessary to protect himself and others from the imminent threat of being shot," wrote Deputy Dist. Atty. Jose Luis Arias in declining to charge him. The situation "would cause any reasonable person to be in sustained fear of being shot," he said. "Use of deadly force under these circumstances was both proportionate and objectively reasonable and would support such a claim of perfect self-defense." "It is a horrific tragedy," Gascon said of the case. "First of all, someone lost his life and that is very unfortunate for the family with all the suffering that goes with the loss of life. On the other hand, Mr. Gallegos also has been traumatized. Not only him but the other two young men with him. There is no question here Mr. Gallegos will carry this with him for the rest of his life. There are no winners here, just a horrible loss of life." Dmitry Gorin, an L.A. defense attorney and former prosecutor, said Thursday that in order for the district attorney not to bring charges, they would have to find Gallegos acted "reasonable based on all the facts and circumstances in the police reports." The evidence "demonstrated that the accused was acting in self-defense, and therefore, the homicide is legally justified," he added. Cerf's family was angered by the DA's decision. I want justice," said Yema Jones, Cerfs mom. She said she didnt understand the self-defense claim because no gun was recovered at the scene. Even if he was breaking into a car, thats not your job to put justice in your own hand, added Cerf's uncle, Detorrien Jones. Thats not how it operates. The family said they were told video evidence of the altercation contradicts the story from prosecutors. The family is now pursuing other legal avenues. "They approached him in someone else's vehicle," said Rashani Jones, Cerf's aunt. Gallegos "took the law into his own hands to protect someone else's property." Yema Jones said her son was not a violent person and had just been released from a mental health facility in Los Angeles. He was father to a 3-year-old boy, Anthony. On his TikTok page, which had accumulated nearly 2,000 followers, Cerf shared multiple videos of himself dancing sometimes by himself, sometimes with family and friends. In one video, Cerf filmed himself performing in front of the downtown Houston skyline, a grin on his face even as neighbors poked fun. Public records show Cerf has had several run-ins with law enforcement in recent years. In Texas, he was convicted of a 2020 misdemeanor assault with bodily injury in Harris County. In Los Angeles County, he was arrested on March 10 by Glendora police for a misdemeanor and charged with misdemeanor possessing personal identifying information with intent to defraud and loitering. They arrested him again about a week later on March 18 for alleged drug paraphernalia. He was then arrested by the LAPD in a citizens arrest on April 28 for an alleged battery. After he failed to appear at a June 12 court hearing related to the Glendora arrest, court records show that a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Now his family is working out the logistics to return his body home to Texas. His family have started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for expenses. On Tuesday, one of Gallegos high school friends going to school with him at USC described him as someone who went out of his way to take care of his friends. He was always looking out for others, said the friend. I was heartbroken when I heard the news about Ivan. At the end of the day, I know he was just trying to defend himself. He is loved by many at USC. Gallegos family did not return calls seeking information about him. But in a brief phone conversation on Tuesday, Gallegos mother said: Hes a good kid. Earlier this year, Gallegos took to his LinkedIn page to share an excerpt of an essay he wrote for the USC Dornsife Prison Education Project. I will dedicate my life to start a movement to inspire people struggling with criminality to seek a better life for themselves because a life living locked up, is not a life worth living for, he wrote. The piece was awarded an honorable mention. Gallegos has also been featured in campus media for his work as a musician producing electronic dance music. In May, he performed with Mariachi Los Troyanos at the school under his stage name IDG, according to a recent report from USC Annenberg Media. Throughout his childhood, Ivan navigated the realities of both his parents involvement in gang activities, leading to their intermittent incarceration, the report said. Despite growing up in an environment saturated with drugs, gangs and prostitution, he focused on music and sharpened his skills to become a multifaceted [instrumentalist] and vocalist. Times staff writer Matt Ormseth contributed to this report. 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. A 19-year-old USC student is in custody in the fatal stabbing of a man he apparently witnessed breaking into cars near Delta Tau Delta along Greek Row in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) USC student Ivan Gallegos and two friends were walking down 28th Street in the heart of Greek Row when they came across Xavier Cerf. Cerf, a 27-year-old man whose mother said he had just been released from a mental health facility and who police said was homeless, had allegedly broken into a car on the street. Gallegos and his group confronted him. Moments later, Cerf was lying on the ground with fatal stab wounds. Police arrived and soon took Gallegos into custody on suspicion of murder. Authorities say Gallegos repeatedly stabbed Cerf after an altercation. Gallegos remained at the scene after the stabbing and cooperated with police. He told officers the suspected car burglar said he had a gun, but law enforcement sources said that no gun was recovered at the scene. There are still many unanswered questions about those seconds leading up to Cerf's death, including why Gallegos and his friends decided to approach him. Los Angeles County prosecutors are now determining whether to file criminal charges, and legal experts said the details of the confrontation will be central to how the case proceeds. In a GoFundMe campaign created to support Gallegos, his mother Violet claims that her son was acting in self-defense when he stabbed Cerf. Gallegos found himself in that situation "due to the lack of safety measures around his campus," according to the post. Meanwhile, Cerf's mother, Yema Jones, said she is reeling from his death and is searching for answers. She said he has been struggling mentally in recent years after the death of family members and, at the time of his death, had hoped to return to Houston to be with her. While Cerf does have a criminal record, Jones said he was a peaceful person. Theyre making my son out to be a person that hes not, Jones said. He was very vibrant. He loved to dance. He wasnt a violent kid coming up." A question of threat In California, a person is entitled to defend themselves, but their response has to be proportional to the threat, according to defense attorney Mark Werksman, who is not working on the case. "You can't be the aggressor and claim self-defense," Werksman said. "You can't attack somebody and then claim self-defense by finishing the person off with lethal force." Other states, such as Florida, have broader self-defense legal protections for people protecting their homes or involved in violent encounters in public, Werksman said. Given California's laws, Dmitry Gorin, a former prosecutor and defense attorney, said if Cerf attacked or threatened Gallegos, then he would have a right to use self-defense. A USC student is in custody in the fatal stabbing of a man he apparently witnessed breaking into cars near Delta Tau Delta on Greek Row. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) "He would be found not guilty if his actions were to be reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances," said Gorin, who is not affiliated with the case. But it remains unclear what Cerf said, and police have only released Gallegos' narrative of events. Another defense attorney, Louis Shapiro, said Cerf breaking into the car is not alone enough justification for deadly force, even if Gallegos witnessed it. The case of the Greek Row stabbing may come down to Gallegos' credibility and cooperation with authorities. Prosecutors may not immediately make a charging decision and let Gallegos be released from custody pending further investigation, Shapiro said. Once all the facts come out, Shapiro said a key question is whether a jury could sympathize with Gallegos' point of view. Was he justified to use lethal force if he thought Cerf had a gun? He thinks if prosecutors file charges, the case would probably go to trial because a defense lawyer may feel that they can persuade a jury of their client's innocence, he added. A mother's pain Jones, Cerfs mother, said the past few days have been hard and devastating. She was notified of her sons death through a phone call from the L.A. County Medical Examiner's Office, who told her Cerf had been stabbed several times. A sense of shock came over her. Jones, who resides in Houston, has not spoken to law enforcement in Los Angeles about her sons death. Shes gathered details about Cerfs death through news clips and YouTube videos. On his TikTok page, which had accumulated nearly 2,000 followers, Cerf shared multiple videos of himself dancing sometimes by himself, sometimes with family and friends. In one video, Cerf filmed himself performing in front of the downtown Houston skyline, a grin on his face even as neighbors poked fun. Her son traveled frequently, Jones said, and visited California in the past. But on his latest trip, he arrived in Los Angeles at the end of February. He was father to a 3-year-old boy, Anthony. One thing about me is Im never going to paint a pretty picture about my son. Im just going to give you facts. Everybody goes through life issues," Jones said. "Regardless, he was still a father. He was still a brother. He was still a son. It didnt have to go that far. Public records show Cerf has had several run-ins with law enforcement in recent years. In Texas, he was convicted of a 2020 misdemeanor assault with bodily injury in Harris County. In Los Angeles County, he was arrested on March 10 by Glendora police for a misdemeanor and charged with misdemeanor possessing personal identifying information with intent to defraud and loitering. They arrested him again about a week later on March 18 for alleged drug paraphernalia. He was then arrested by the LAPD in a citizen's arrest on April 28 for an alleged battery. After he failed to appear at a June 12 court hearing related to the Glendora arrest, court records show that a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Jones is now attempting to bring her son's body back to Texas, but is struggling with funds. She said those who are mischaracterizing her son based on Mondays events were uninformed. You cant speak about somebody that you dont know, she said. He was loved. A student 'loved' at USC Earlier this year, Gallegos took to his LinkedIn page to share an excerpt of an essay he wrote for the USC Dornsife Prison Education Project. "I will dedicate my life to start a movement to inspire people struggling with criminality to seek a better life for themselves because a life living locked up, is not a life worth living for," he wrote. The piece was awarded an honorable mention. Gallegos has also been featured in campus media for his work as a musician producing electronic dance music. In May, he performed with Mariachi Los Troyanos at the school under his stage name IDG, according to a recent report from USC Annenberg Media. Throughout his childhood, Ivan navigated the realities of both his parents involvement in gang activities, leading to their intermittent incarceration, the report said. Despite growing up in an environment saturated with drugs, gangs and prostitution, he focused on music and sharpened his skills to become a multifaceted [instrumentalist] and vocalist. On Tuesday, one of Gallegos' high school friends going to school with him at USC described him as someone who went out of his way to take care of his friends. "He was always looking out for others," said the friend. "I was heartbroken when I heard the news about Ivan. At the end of the day, I know he was just trying to defend himself. He is loved by many at USC." Gallegos' family did not return calls seeking information about him. But in a brief phone conversation on Tuesday, Gallegos mother, Violet, said: Hes a good kid." 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Utah Legislature is meeting in a special session Wednesday evening to tackle several items, including potentially using the recently passed Utah Constitutional Sovereignty Act to defy the Biden administrations new Title IX rules meant to protect transgender children. As we push back on the federal government, we think were within our states rights, said Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, in a news conference before the special session. READ NEXT: Utah woman charged in viral skirt-pulling incident makes 1st court appearance Utahs approach to transgender issues has been balanced when compared to other states, Adams said, adding that he wasnt concerned about losing federal funds for defying the Department of Education. Meanwhile, protestors gathered inside the capitol building, demonstrating in support of transgender rights. The new Title IX rules are slated to go into effect in August, expanding protections to allow transgender students in schools that receive federal funding to use the bathrooms and changing rooms that align with their gender identity. These rules would directly clash with Utahs new transgender bathroom law. Utah lawmakers will discuss pushing back against the Biden Administration through the Constitutional Sovereignty Act, which creates a process for the state to defy the federal regulations that state lawmakers deem unconstitutional. Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz said that he believes the use of the Sovereignty Act in this case is on solid legal grounds. He added that overreach from the federal government and the Biden administration is out of control. Also on the docket during the special session is a deal on the Intermountain Power Project, which could lead to the state taking over the coal-powered plant near Delta, Utah. Additionally, therell be discussion to change SB221, a bill that changed how Utah school districts are created. Lawmakers are also slated to consider actions of federal overreach regarding public lands. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the special session last week so lawmakers could tackle matters that require immediate legislative attention. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mark Loewen remembers receiving a call from the Museum of Evolution, a small museum in Denmark, a few years ago about an item on the for-profit dinosaur bones market. It was a fossil discovered in 2019 of what Loewen, a paleontologist for the University of Utah and the Natural History Museum of Utah, and others had assumed was a 78 million-year-old Medusaceratops, a member of the horned, plant-eating ceratopsian family. As an expert in this group of dinosaurs, Loewen asked the museum to buy the item so it could remain in the public sphere and be researched. The museum agreed and purchased it, allowing Loewen, his colleagues and students to inspect every little piece of this fossil before putting it on display. But something interesting happened once it landed in the scientists' hands, Loewen said. They noticed that the dinosaur's horn patterns were different than those of a Medusaceratops. It also didn't have a nose horn, and they all came to the same conclusion: This was not a Medusaceratops. It didn't match any known dinosaur genus or species at all. "We recognized right away that this was a new dinosaur," he told KSL.com, recalling the moment. This discovery sparked a research paper detailing a new dinosaur species that the team had uncovered, one that they affectionately named Lokiceratops rangiformis or Lokiceratops for short. Their findings were published Thursday in PeerJ. Finding a new dinosaur The process of discovering the Lokiceratops began five years ago. Mark Eatman uncovered the dinosaur while digging for fossils on a ranch near the U.S.-Canada border in Montana. Some calls were made and, in the fall of that year, Brock Sisson, founder of the Utah-based Fossilogic LLC, and his employees came in to excavate, clean and restore the specimen. "(It) was one of the most challenging projects my team and I have ever faced," Sisson said. With the museum scooping up the dinosaur, Loewen, Sisson and at least 11 other researchers were able to investigate every piece of the dinosaur as the fossils were mounted back together. Experts from the U.S., Canada and Europe were all pulled in to help determine the new species. The research paper published on Thursday describes everything that the team pieced together about the dinosaur, including its internal anatomy and other major details. Researchers believe it was likely a plant-eating ceratopsian species that roamed the swamps and floodplains on the eastern shore of Laramidia, the island continent that formed about 100 million years ago when the Western Interior Seaway divided what is now the western half of North America with the rest of the modern-day continent. It was also the largest horned dinosaur at the time, and its horn was unique. "This new dinosaur pushes the envelope on bizarre ceratopsian headgear, sporting the largest frill horns ever seen in a ceratopsian," said Joseph Sertich, a paleontologist with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Colorado State University, in a statement. Its horn made the dinosaur look like a modern-day caribou, which played into the name that researchers settled on. The team wanted a name that fit its prominent home at the Museum of Evolution in Denmark. Loewen said its full name is partially a nod to Loki, as its horns are similar to depictions of the trickster god from Norse mythology. Rangiformis refers to the caribou-like attributes. Put together, the name translates to "Loki's horned face that looks like a caribou." Yet what Loewen found most interesting is that the finding places a fifth horned dinosaur species living in the same area at the same time, three more than once thought. It would have coexisted with other similar species like the Medusaceratops, Albertaceratops and Wendiceratops in the West's prehistoric forests. This finding gives a better picture of the ecosystem that existed 78 million years ago and how this species remained in it. He and Sertich said they believe its horns were used to appeal to species of the opposite sex and intimidate rivals within the same sex, which played into its "evolutionary selection." "We start to recognize that you can have more diversity in an ecosystem if you have different styles of mating and different types of mate preference structures," Loewen said. An 'impressive' display The first Lokiceratops ever discovered is now at the Museum of Evolution in Maribo, Denmark, where it's available to researchers and museum visitors. Peter Makovicky, an expert with the University of Minnesota and study co-author, believes it will give European visitors "an amazing opportunity" to view an "iconic North American dinosaur" up close. Natural History Museum of Utah visitors will get the next best thing. Loewen said the museum will display an exact 6-foot replica of a Lokiceratops skull alongside a full-size 6-foot skull with skin, eyes and horns based on what researchers believe it looked like 78 million years ago. Its going to be awesome, he said. Itll be visually impressive. Utahs total fertility rate dropped again in 2022, continuing a longtime flat or downward trend that has also been true nationally. A new fact sheet released Wednesday by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute says the Beehive States total fertility rate decreased 3.4% from 1.919 in 2021 to 1.853 in 2022. The replacement rate, which is the number of births per woman of childbearing age at which the population would replace itself, is 2.1 births. Nationally, the total fertility rate is now 1.656. There are several different calculations offered to explain trends in births, but the total fertility rate provides the most nuance, because it looks at births within different age groups, showing how that changes, said Emily Harris, senior demographer at the institute. The total fertility rate is the average number of children a woman will have if she makes it through all of her childbearing years, generally considered to be age 15 to 44 or 15 to 49, depending on who has calculated. It is the sum of the age-specific fertility rates. Utah used to have the highest fertility rate; the state is now No. 4, behind South Dakota (2.012), Nebraska (1.939) and Alaska (1.885). The Utah rate has been flat or dropping for 14 years. The report said the decline is largely due to fertility declines among young women, ages 20 to 24, noting the sharpest fertility decline in that group since before 2010. The report notes that there was a slight increase among women 40 to 44 and the rate for women 35 to 39 remained flat. Among younger ages, the total fertility rate has decreased. The report notes that economic factors such as housing and child care costs and broader social factors like postponement of marriage and childbearing all influence fertility rate declines. According to Harris, fertility levels have a long-term impact on societies and their age structure; some societies have a lot of young people and some a lot of old people. Thats important, because these different populations need different kinds of support , different economic structures, she told Deseret News. If total fertility is very high, it can be hard to care for and support all the young people. If the rate is too low, there may not be enough young people and resources to support the aging population. That has been an emerging problem in many countries, including South Korea, China and Japan, among others. Americas fertility varies Harris said that despite many people thinking Utah has the highest fertility rate, it hasnt been true since about 2016. We dont really have any reason to suspect that Utah will go back to being No. 1, either. And Utah is also fairly close to moving down to No. 6 or 7. Is that a problem? Is it not a problem? I dont know. She points out that we can have more births and still have a lower fertility rate. In 2021, the number of Utah births went up, while the total fertility rate was unchanged. A downward trend means that in proportion to the female population of childbearing age, the number is going down. When the birth rate declines, immigration can make up the difference. But Harris said its easier to bring people in on a state level and people in the U.S. do often move around. Nationally, its a bit more complicated because of U.S. immigration policy. But there are other levers you can pull for supporting a population that dont just revolve around fertility, Harris said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of the states and the District of Columbia saw decreased total fertility from 2021 to 2022. The nations lowest fertility rates are in Washington, D.C., at 1.243 live births per woman of childbearing age, Vermont at 1.352 and Oregon at 1.390. But the report noted that many of the Intermountain West states continue their trends of sharply declining fertility rates compared to other regions of the nation. Among those, Utahs 3.4% decline was the largest. Nationally, the District of Columbias 7.2% decrease was the biggest annual drop, followed by a 5.2% decrease in total fertility in North Dakota. Texas fertility increased 1.9% and Delaware increased 1.8%. The other states with increases were New Jersey (1.3%), and Maryland and Florida, both at 1.4%. The impact of fertility Over time, having higher or lower fertility makes a difference on many fronts, from entrepreneurship and whether theres a robust workforce to how well an economy performs. Having too few working-age people to support the safety net for an older generation puts greater pressure on those who are working or means a reduction in services and resources for older people. It can impact whether you have someone to buy your home when you want to cash out, where schools are placed and even what kind of jobs are available. Lyman Stone, a demographer and scholar with the Institute for Family Studies, has on several occasions told Deseret News that ramifications include being lonelier as you age to economic stagnation and greater inequality, among others. The declining fertility rate is coming at a time, too, when people are living longer overall, Harris pointed out. In Utah, for example, it was for a long time common to have about 20 centenarians in the state at a given time. The projection is that within 50 years, there will be several thousand at any point in time. Fertility, Harris said, is an area where its hard to be proactive because it has slow-moving impact. But over 50 years, the impact of fertility rates assuming the trend continues will play out, along with anything done to try to influence fertility, such as incentives to have kids or policies that say dont have kids. A 2017 United Nations Population Facts report noted that countries with fertility below the replacement level tend to enact policies designed to boost fertility, while those with higher fertility may try to lower the rate. A really important piece, Harris said, is the intentions that drive fertility trends. As fertility is continuing to decline, we really need to tease out why. Is this because people want fewer children or do they want to wait longer before adding a first child? Or is it because they cant afford to have a child or they cant afford to have more than one? She said, Were at this point where we really need to start having more research and survey work done on these fertility intentions and what are these actual pinch points that potentially could be addressed if we wanted to change fertility rates. Utah vehicles may be able to communicate with roads soon with V2X technology expansion Blaine Leonard, transportation technology engineer at UDOT, explains how V2X technologies work at a Salt Lake City intersection, along with UDOT executive director Carlos Braceras and Federal Highway Administrator, Shailen Bhatt on June 20, 2024. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) What if cars, bikes and buses in Utah are able to receive messages from roads to avoid accidents? The states infrastructure could send signals predicting a driver may run a red light, lights could change to green when emergency vehicles need to reach a destination faster, or a bridge could tell a car to slow down to avoid an accident. Thats a technology the Utah Department of Transportation has been working on for a couple of years. Its on some Utah Transit Authority buses and snow plows and now is poised to expand with newly allocated federal funding. Out of a $60 million funding pool, Utah is set to receive $20 million from the Federal Highway Administration to partner with Wyoming and Colorado in the endeavor. This is kind of a big deal. This is going to create a change in our industry, Carlos Braceras, executive director of UDOT, said in a news conference Thursday. Were at this point where technology is merging with transportation like never before, and I think were seeing this big change happening right now. The technologys name is V2X, an acronym for vehicle-to-everything, a system that could connect roads, traffic lights and other infrastructure pieces to vehicles. In the future, officials said, the hope is that cars have installed systems that may send signals if, say, theyve suddenly stopped and their airbag is activated at a curve, so that other vehicles dont speed near the crash. In a visit to Salt Lake City, Shailen Bhatt, federal highway administrator, said that while technology has transformed many things, there were over 40,000 traffic fatalities in the country in 2023 because we have not been as courageous, or as quick to deploy technology in transportation. The system, for example, could have sent a message to all vehicles approaching the Baltimore Bridge which collapsed in March after a container ship crashed into one of its piers telling them to stop. Bhatt announced that the federal government funding will be assigned to installing the technology in plows, buses and signals. Blaine Leonard, transportation technology engineer at UDOT explains how V2X technologies work in a UTA bus on June 20, 2024. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) Weve had this long chicken or egg battle around this issue. Put it into vehicles but theres no infrastructure, or should we put the infrastructure out there even though theres no vehicles (with V2X), Bhatt said. With this announcement today. Were hoping to further that environment so that automotive manufacturers will see the need to deploy at scale, because thats the only way that were truly going to get connectivity out there. The safety improvements could compare to the introduction of ubiquitous technologies like airbags and mandatory seat belts, Braceras predicted. That safety factor is what Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendehall said shes the most grateful for. Let us know what you think... Its a way of thinking about using technology that we hadnt even contemplated, I think, just a matter of two years ago. This is a wonderful thing. Its a huge advantage for the state of Utah and just a couple of other states to be at the forefront of this investment with our federal partners, Mendenhall said on Thursday. Utah Transit Authority buses have been implementing the technology in recent years. The buses have developed far beyond past versions, Jay Fox, executive director of the authority said in the news conference. There are 11 electric buses with V2X technology in Ogden. The plan is to install the system in UTAs entire fleet in five years. (With) our buses, our entire system, we moved 80 million customers last year. Thats an increase of 15% over the previous year, Fox said. The demand for our service is growing and our customers need to trust that the bus will be there when its supposed to be there. Combining V2X with Transit Signal Priority a communication technology which allows traffic signals to give extra green light time to help buses that are behind schedule to catch up would help to keep buses on time, he added. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Utah vehicles may be able to communicate with roads soon with V2X technology expansion appeared first on Utah News Dispatch. Utah Woman Accused of Killing Parents and Telling Police, 'I Would Do It Again. I Hate Them' Mia Bailey, 28, faces two felony murder charges and an attempted murder charge Washington City Police Dept. Mia Bailey A Utah woman allegedly admitted to killing her parents and said shed do it again, local police say. Mia Bailey was arrested Wednesday and charged with 11 felony counts related to the double homicide of her parents Joseph and Gail Bailey, and the alleged attempted murder of her brother, according to the Washington City Police Department. Bailey, 28, allegedly broke into her parents home on Tuesday and shot and killed them before going downstairs to find her brother and his wife, who were locked in his bedroom. She allegedly shot through her brothers door and told police she didnt care if the shot killed her brother, local KUTV reported, citing court documents. Baileys brother then called police after she left the home, local ABC4 reported, also citing arrest documents. Local KSL.com, citing police, reported that Bailey is accused of shooting her father twice in the head, and shot her mother four times. "Mia described that she returned to her father who was lying on the ground and shot him one more time in the head to make sure that he was dead, police claimed in a booking affidavit, according to KSL.com. While doing that, Mia ... walked back over to her mother and shot her in the head to make sure that she was dead. Bailey has been charged with six counts of felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder, aggravated burglary and another for third-degree felony discharge of a firearm, according to the outlet. Washington County Sheriff's records reviewed by PEOPLE show Bailey remained in police custody as of Thursday. Washington City Police Dept. Mia Bailey Bailey reportedly told officers, that she did not have remorse for her actions and that she would not change what she had done. Mia stated, 'I would do it again. I hate them, according to KSL.com, which cites the police affidavit. "Mia told officers that she went to the residence with the intent to kill her parents, the police affidavit said, according to the outlet. 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. Washington City Police tracked Bailey down after they said in a news release that officers were searching for her yellow Kia Sol, which was spotted leaving her parents house after the double homicide took place Tuesday. KUTV, citing court documents, reported that officers initially tracked Bailey down on Tuesday but she pulled out a gun from her waistband, put it to her head, and backed away and out of sight before officers could detain her. Bailey then turned herself in on Wednesday morning, according to the outlet. Everyone is safe. No one else was injured, St. George police officer Tiffany Mitchell said in an update posted to social media on Wednesday. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) The Utah woman charged with sexual battery for allegedly yanking on a teenagers miniskirt in a St. George restaurant made her first court appearance Wednesday in a case that garnered national attention due to a viral TikTok video. Ida Ann Lorenzo, 48, of Santa Clara, stood silently in 5th District Court for her initial appearance since being charged with the Class A misdemeanor in April. Her attorney, Susanne Gustin, answered routine questions, and Lorenzos next appearance was slated for July 30. PREVIOUS STORY: Viral Utah Karen got fired from AGs office same day she was charged with sexual battery The sexual battery charge against Lorenzo came in the wake of an incident on April 20 in the packed entryway of Sakura Japanese Steakhouse. Lorenzo told police she tugged down a teenagers miniskirt after claiming the teens buttocks and vagina were exposed to the people in the lobby, including a young child. The aftermath of the alleged skirt-pulling was captured by one of the 19-year-olds friends, and the video has since amassed more than 14 million views on TikTok. In the viral clip, Lorenzo described herself as a Utah state employee and threatened to call Child Protective Services on the teenager. While Lorenzo was the first to contact police, the teenager also came forward, prompting an investigation. Per St. George police body camera footage obtained by ABC4.com, the teenager told the investigating officer that Lorenzo came up to her unannounced and pulled her skirt down from behind, leaving her feeling violated. The teenager disputed that her genitals were exposed, telling police she was wearing underwear that night. She also provided a video to the investigator showing her wearing the skirt and spinning around in it. In Lorenzos several discussions with the investigating officer, he repeatedly told her that unwanted touching of someones private areas is against the law, even if the touching only happens on clothing. Lorenzo denied ever touching the teenagers skin. On April 24, Lorenzo was arrested and charged with sexual battery. The next day, she lost her job with the Utah Attorney Generals Office, where shed been hired only weeks before as a legal secretary, as shown in documents obtained by ABC4.com. Lorenzo has since created a GoFundMe page to help support herself and her family. In Utah, a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and fines up to $2,500. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Jennifer Rigby LONDON (Reuters) -The global vaccine organisation Gavi wants $9 billion from governments and foundations to fund immunisation efforts in the worlds poorest countries over five years, it said on Thursday. The amount was finalised at a meeting in Paris, where donors also began announcing commitments for the organisation's plan for 2026-2030. Gavi said it had already raised $2.4 billion of the total with months more fundraising to go, including $1.58 billion from the United States. A separately funded $1.2 billion scheme to boost vaccine production in Africa, the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, also launched. Gavi helps low-income countries buy vaccines to protect against killer diseases. Around one billion children have been immunised as a result of Gavis work since 2020. Gavi Chief Executive Sania Nishtar said the group aims to move more quickly and offer more vaccines. This will include expanding a malaria vaccine roll-out, which began in Cameroon this year, as well as catching up on routine programmes for diseases like measles, which were set back by the COVID-19 pandemic. The global vaccine alliance wants to reach the highest number of children, covering them against the widest number of diseases ... in the shortest possible time, Nishtar told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday, ahead of the meeting. The organisation wants to reach 500 million children in the next five years, including 50 million children with the malaria vaccine. Gavi board documents had suggested the alliance needs up to $11.9 billion for its work from 2026 on. The remaining money will come from leftover COVID-19 financing and some financial instruments the organization has in place, Nishtar said, although she acknowledged it was a very challenging time for global health, with aid budgets stretched worldwide by demands from conflicts to climate change. Gavi has never had to make trade-offs, she said. On the one hand, there is a wide portfolio of vaccines available. On the other hand, were looking at an environment where donors are resource constrained. But she said she was cautiously optimistic that the organisation would raise the amount needed. Gavi also plans to further expand its work in the coming years, for example by setting up an mpox vaccine stockpile. It is also likely to add a dengue vaccine to its programme as climate change puts more countries at risk of outbreaks. It will also establish a "day zero" $500 million pandemic response fund for quick action on major outbreaks. (Reporting by Jennifer Rigby; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Mark Potter) RABAT, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan navy rescued 91 sub-Saharan migrants off the Atlantic coast on Wednesday, the official MAP news agency reported, citing a statement from the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces. The navy unit intercepted a boat heading to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, during an operation 189 km southwest of Dakhla, the statement said. The migrants, all from sub-Saharan countries, were handed over to the Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie for standard administrative procedures after receiving first aid care, it added. Morocco has become a transit hub for some West African migrants aiming to reach Europe. Political commentator Van Jones said the stakes are high for President Biden in next weeks presidential debate against former President Trump, predicting that a poor performance could doom Bidens campaign. This is the entire election, as far as Im concerned. The entire world will be watching, Jones said Thursday in an interview with CNNs Jim Acosta. If you are a carbon-based life form, youre going to be watching. If youve got a functioning brain stem, youre going to be watching. Because, if Biden goes out there and messes up, its game over. If he walks out there, and a week later hes lower in the polls, its panic in the party, he continued. But if he goes in there and he can handle himself against Donald Trump a runaway train, a locomotive, a raging bull then this guy deserves another shot to be president, because that is tough. Biden and Trump will be the only two candidates on the debate stage next Thursday night in Atlanta, CNN announced, with Dana Bash and Jake Tapper selected as the moderators. Its the first of two debates agreed to by the candidates, and features a slate of new rules. Their microphones will be muted throughout the debate except when its that candidates turn to speak. The moderators will also be able to use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion, the rules state. Additionally, there will be no studio audience, unlike debates in the past. Jones said going up against Trump is a difficult task, and predicted that winning a debate against him would be a big boost to Bidens campaign. You couldnt do it. I couldnt do it, Jones said. If you can stand toe-to-toe with a runaway train like Donald Trump for an hour and a half, you are fit to be president, period, point-blank. This is the whole presidency in a bottle in a week, he added. The 2020 elections debates were marred by interruptions and arguing, with moderators appearing to have difficulty reigning in Biden or Trump. The New York Timess Maggie Haberman said Wednesday that Trump has acknowledged multiple times that he interrupted Biden too much during their first 2020 debate. Third-party candidates including independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Green Partys Jill Stein did not qualify for the debate stage. Stein filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission on Thursday over her exclusion. The second debate will be hosted by ABC on Sept. 10. Trump and Biden are locked in a dead heat for the White House, polling shows. Trump leads Biden by about 0.6 percent nationally in a head-to-head match-up, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of polls. With third-party candidates included, that lead jumps to 0.9 percent on average. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man has been arrested for allegedly committing a series of robberies at knifepoint at various stores in Vancouver, Washington in the last few months. The Clark County Sheriffs Office announced that after Vancouver Police officers responded to multiple armed robberies on Friday, they finally located and arrested a suspect, 56-year-old Vancouver resident Shawn Short. The arrest came after police and sheriffs deputies spotted someone matching the description of the robber, later identified as Short, leaving the area in a white Honda Pilot, a vehicle that matched the description of a car that had been identified as allegedly involved in previous robberies back in April and May. Ralph Lauren partners with Oregon company for Team USAs 2024 blazers The Vancouver Police Department charged Short with two counts of second-degree robbery for the alleged crimes that occurred on Friday afternoon. The Clark County Sheriffs Office did not say what stores were robbed. The next day, Saturday, June 15, CCSO charged Short with four more first-degree robbery charges and one count of second-degree assault for the alleged series of crimes he committed back in April and May, including robberies at a Starbucks inside a Safeway store, a Walgreens and a Target store. The first alleged robbery occurred on April 8 at the Starbucks store in the Safeway at 13023 NE Highway 99. During that event, authorities said the man displayed a large knife and demanded money from the cash register. He left on foot after employees gave him the money. He was described as a white man with blue eyes donning a black surgical-style mask over his face. Then on April 9, a man matching that same description allegedly robbed the Target store on Mill Plain Boulevard. 86-year-old murder suspect found dead by drone On April 11, the sheriffs office said two robberies happened back-to-back involving a suspect matching the same description as before. One happened at 12:33 p.m. when the suspect robbed a Starbucks inside of a Safeway at 13023 NE Highway 99. Then at 2:18 p.m., another store was robbed, the Walgreens at 8511 NE 162nd Ave. During the April 11 Starbucks robbery, an employee was knocked to the ground by the suspect as he was fleeing. The person was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. The sheriffs office said the ordeal at the Safeway activated a heavy police presence, including deputies conducting searches using K9 units and an unmanned aircraft system. Short is currently lodged at the Clark County Jail. The white Honda Pilot car was also seized by law enforcement on the authority of a search warrant. Officials said 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 KOIN.com. By Vivian Sequera CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and seven other candidates for July elections on Thursday signed an agreement to respect the results, although the country's main opposition abstained, saying the government had already breached an existing deal. The nine-point agreement was presented by the National Electoral Council (CNE), Venezuela's highest electoral authority which critics say is an extension of the ruling party. Main opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez abstained from signing, as did Enrique Marquez. In a statement released on Thursday, Gonzalez said the opposition had complied with prior conditions for elections established in an agreement signed between the government and the opposition in Barbados last year. "This agreement has been violated by one of the parties, who rescinded an invitation to international observers from the European Union and increased persecution of leaders and supporters of our campaign," Gonzalez said in the statement. CNE President Elvis Amoroso said Gonzalez "did not respond to the call of the homeland" after calling him forward to sign, while the official television station broadcast an empty chair. Gonzalez, a 74-year-old former diplomat who leads the polls, told reporters early on Thursday that he had not received any summons from the CNE. On May 28, Amoroso withdrew an invitation for EU observers to monitor the election, saying the trading block first had to withdraw sanctions against officials in the South American country. After signing the document, Maduro said the act showed that "we do not want violence (...) we believe the electoral authority." "I call on all Venezuelans to respect this document and to support the National Electoral Council, may its word be sacred," Maduro said. (Reporting by Vivian SequeraWriting by Oliver GriffinEditing by Josie Kao) DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) With temperatures reaching toward the mid-90s in many parts of Central Illinois, it can be risky to sport long sleeves much less a coat of fur. Staff with the Vermilion County Animal Shelter are in a sticky situation as they currently battle an air conditioning outage in parts of the building. Shelter staff said about 200 animals are currently impacted by the indoor humidity. Many cats and dogs are overheating and panting. Illinois vets say to watch out for your pets during Summer heat To help, volunteers are bringing in ice to keep the animals cool. Their cats have also been moved to a room with a fan. However, staff said they have to be careful with plugging in too many fans as they could blow a circuit. Currently, the Vermilion County Animal Shelter is mostly in need of foster homes even for a weekend or a week while the situation gets sorted out. Adoptions Manager Kathleen Orcutt said the shelter has dealt with A/C troubles in the past, but this round is especially difficult. She added that they are now worried about what this could mean for the remainder of the summer. The rooms that I was working in were 87 degrees with the cats, volunteer Jody Duncheon said. This little kitten even got in water to cool himself down, and hes just been panting and panting. So, I brought ice in today and just started putting it in their cages. But it melts instantly. If you are not in a position to foster a pet, the shelter is also accepting ice and cooling mats. A volunteer said cooling mats can lower a cats body temperature by 10 degrees. To drop off items, the Vermilion County Animal Shelter is located at 14775 Catlin Tilton Road in Danville. To foster a pet or make a monetary donation to go towards repairs and more, visit www.vercounty.org/animal-shelter/. This is a developing 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 WCIA.com. A well-known drugstore is closing more stores in our area. As reported on News Center 7 at 11, as Rite-Aid moves through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, it is shutting down stores across Ohio. Two of those are in the Miami Valley one is on South Limestone Street in Springfield and the other is on Executive Drive in St. Marys. A Rite Aid employee said she is worried for her customers. >>RELATED: Rite Aid to close 15 more Ohio locations, including 2 in Miami Valley Theyre very upset especially finding out because weve had patients thats been with us for years. Over 20 some years and theyre just now finding out that their medicine is going somewhere else and a lot of them do not want to go with other pharmacies, she said. Thats because many of them cant travel far to get medicine. I have a lot of residents that live in the area that uses walkers or even we offer delivery to people that are in the range and because they cant go and get their medication, the employee said. Stores will have until June 27 to file an objection to the closure. News Center 7 reached out to Rite-Aid to learn what will happen to employees after the closure, but at the time of reporting have not heard back. TOPEKA (KSNT) Originally growing up in Onaga Kansas, Navy Commander Denny Donahue would fly over 200 combat missions around the world, keeping pilots and fellow crew members safe from enemy detection. Near the end of his time in college, Donahue was shown an opportunity he couldnt pass up. I was in my senior year at Washburn, and this friendly Navy recruiter named Fred Blakely told me that even four-eyed guys could fly in Navy jets, Donahue said. Then he took me to Olathe, took me out for an awesome flight doing acrobatics, and I asked where do I sign. Stationed in Japan for three years of duty, Donahue would fly 263 combat missions in the Gulf of Tonkin. Veteran Salute: Life changing injury in Vietnam leads to lifetime of healing others I served as a naval flight officer sitting in the right front seat, he said, doing those duties that were not performed by the naval aviator pilot who was in the left seat who actually landed the airplane aboard the carrier. Flying all over the world, his assignment was to keep the plane from getting too close to enemy radar sites. Every other two months I was deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin flying electronic reconnaissance missions in that airplane, Donahue said, and would spend two months down in that Vietnam environment. Those two months outside of that Vietnam environment were no vacation though. We would fly electronic reconnaissance missions along the coast of Russia, China, and North Korea, he said. Veteran Salute: Vietnam helicopter pilot returns decades later for a different mission Nowadays, equipment on board military aircraft can detect when the plane is being picked up by enemy forces and shot at by missiles in a way thats understandable and safe for single pilots. That wasnt always the case though. At the beginning of our Vietnam conflict our attack airplane and fighter aircraft didnt have those instruments, Donahue said, they relied on verbal warnings from myself and what other aircraft were out there. Ive actually had the experience of going back aboard the carrier and having A7 or A6 pilots say who was that deep sea aircraft out there, you saved my bacon, so it was a very rewarding experience. Denny stays active in service to this day as part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars group in Onaga. The unit presents colors for service member burial ceremonies and on memorial day as a way to recognize the friends theyve had, and give back to those whove served. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Vietnam welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin, underlining its decades-old relationship with Moscow in the face of US criticism over the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg Putin arrived in Hanoi on Thursday from North Korea, where he signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with Kim Jong Un who vowed to unconditionally support Russia in the war. The visit demonstrates that Vietnam actively implements its foreign policy with the spirit of independence, self-reliance, diversification, multilateralism, according to a statement on Vietnams government website. Vietnam and Russia have ties going back decades to the Soviet Union. Hanoi is brushing aside Western criticism of its invitation to Putin, who last visited Vietnam in 2017 when it hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. The US Embassy in Hanoi, in a statement Monday, said no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities. Russias Novatek PJSC plans liquefied natural gas projects in Vietnam, Putin wrote in the countrys Communist Party newspaper Nhan Dan ahead of his visit, without providing details. He also mentioned an initiative to establish a center for nuclear energy and technologies with the support of Russias state nuclear corporation Rosatom. The company also wants to cooperate with Vietnam in wind power development, the Southeast Asian nations government reported on its website after a meeting between the firms CEO Alexey Likhachev and Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Putin said nearly 60% of trade transactions between the two countries were in rubles and Vietnamese dong. Russia relies on alternative payment settlement systems since its banks are cut off from the international payments system SWIFT. The Russian president is expected to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and meet officials including Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, Chinh and President To Lam, according to Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The nation has long relied on Russia for weapons, including aircraft and submarines. Since Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though, Vietnam has refrained from Russian arms procurements because of concerns over Western sanctions, said Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Hanoi will seek reassurances that Russias increasingly close ties with China are not going to be at the expense of Vietnam, Thayer said. While not a major trading partner Vietnamese exports to Russia last year amounted to less than $2 billion compared to $97 billion to the US Moscow is viewed as a counterbalance to both Beijing and Washington. The US is seen as an ideological opponent by Hanoi, while Chinas claims to waters off Vietnams coast threatens its sovereignty, said Alexander Vuving, an Asia expert at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii. Russia can alleviate pressure from both the US and China by giving Vietnam support, Vuving said. They can get arms from Russia. State-owned Russian companies for many years have been at the forefront of Vietnams efforts to protect its sovereignty in the South China Sea. Vietnam has used the backing of Russian firms to explore and drill for oil and gas in the South China Sea, often in the face of Chinese aggression. In 2019, China repeatedly sent coast guard ships and a survey vessel to an energy block off Vietnams coast operated by Russias state-owned Rosneft PJSC. The previous year, PetroVietnam ordered Spains Repsol SA to halt work on a project off Vietnams southern coast, in what Bloomberg Intelligence called an unexpected capitulation to geopolitical pressure applied by China. The Russians have stood their ground in the South China Sea, Vuving said. State-owned Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, or PetroVietnam, has also signed a deal with Russias state energy giant Gazprom PJSC for oil drilling and exploration. Vietsovpetro, a joint venture between Vietnam and Russia, runs the Southeast Asian countrys largest oil field. Vietnam, among nine Southeast Asian countries that abstained from condemning Russian violence in Ukraine last year, has taken a neutral stance on the war, calling for diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Putin, in his article, thanked Vietnam for its balanced position toward Ukraine and for promoting a pragmatic path to solve the crisis through peaceful means. Vietnamese Premier Chinh met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last year on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima. Many Vietnamese government officials and business executives have studied in Ukraine and Russia. Some 60,000 Vietnamese live in Russia, according to Vietnams government. While hosting Putin is risky for Vietnamese officials, Vuving said, they have to take the risk and stay loyal to Russia. --With assistance from Nguyen Xuan Quynh, Philip J. Heijmans, Linh Vu Nguyen, Mai Ngoc Chau and Jon Herskovitz. (Updates the story with Putin article beginning in the sixth paragraph and appreciation for Vietnams stance on Ukraine war in the 18th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS) In recognition of Juneteenth, Leadership West Virginia and Mountaineer Challenge Academy partnered to help clean up an historical site in Fayette County. These groups traveled to the Pierce Cemetery to clean graves that were being worn down by natural causes. UPDATE: 68-year-old Fayette County woman found safe after Silver alert issued Fayetteville Mayor Sharon Cruikshank also volunteered to help with the cleanup. She told 59News knowing and reflecting on our heritage is essential. Do you know where your grandparents are buried? Do you know where your great- grandparents are buried? The thing with the newer generations is a lot of time theyre not taught that. I think its important to know where you come from and to see. If you travel and see something like this, wouldnt you be prompted to be like, okay, Im getting a mower, Im getting a weed eater and Im going to clear that out, said Cruikshank. For some who participated, this tugged on the heart strings and hit close to home. Summer Food Program hosted by West Virginia Church of God Natalie Asanti, one of the volunteers who participated, expressed that some of her family is buried at Pierce Cemetery. She said it is great to see people come together to help preserve African American heritage and culture. Asanti is hopeful that clean-up efforts like this will continue in the future. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Its rare for parties to implode during an election campaign, but the Conservatives do seem to be going through a form of disintegration. Tony Lee, its director of campaigning, has taken leave of absence amid allegations that he and his wife bet on the election date. Richard Holden, who was supposed to lead troops into battle as party chairman, has instead tried to save himself by heading for a supposedly safe southern seat, which he now looks set to lose. A poll for this newspaper predicts Rishi Sunak may become the first Prime Minister to lose his own seat. This isnt just defeat its meltdown. The odds are that Sunak will resign as party leader at about 9am on July 5 to avoid the Tories wrath. Hell have to, for his own safety, says one minister. Hell be the first ex-PM to need protection inside Parliament, but not outside it. There will be a postmortem on the campaign, hopefully asking why the Prime Minister ended up with more people willing to bet on the election date than advise him on it. There should be a second inquiry, looking at the Conservative Party from 2019 and asking how this once formidable election-winning machine came to be wrecked by power. Such important questions may take a year to answer. Which raises another, more pressing point: what kind of leader will be required next month? A permanent one, who intends to fight the next election or a caretaker, who will allow the party to pause and reflect? Liam Fox, a former defence secretary who has made two attempts at the leadership, is being spoken of as someone who might hold the party together while it counts its dead and rethinks. He engineered the Michael Howard caretaker project, which was seen as a successful failure. The party lost the 2005 election but did so in a way that created space for new talents to develop. This allowed the incubation of David Cameron and George Osborne and, eventually, a return to power. It could be another grandee, of course, but there may not be many to choose from (some polls envisage Dr Fox losing his seat). Penny Mordaunt polls the best of all potential candidates with the general public, but her chances of keeping Portsmouth North seem slim. Kemi Badenoch is the bookies favourite, but shed be looking to keep the job if elected. Then comes Priti Patel. The former home secretary is understood to be on manoeuvres and is expected to stand with one main pledge: to resign after a year. She could be sold to the membership as a feisty, lightning-rod character likely to win airtime and compete with Nigel Farage (who could have GB News as his main platform). But already, Ms Patel is being seen as ruse for another agenda: the return of Boris Johnson. She would let him back in the first by-election that comes along, says one Cabinet member. The theory is that there will be a by-election in a Liberal Democrat or Labour-held seat that would, in any other year, be solidly Tory. This could open the way to a Boris restoration, as he poses as the only man who can eclipse Farage. A campaigner par excellence who saved the Tories before and would do it again by crushing Reform UK and reuniting the right. Priti Patel would not have to engineer his comeback: all thats required is that the party leader would not veto it. Almost any other Tory leadership candidate would do. Most Tory MPs have always hated Johnson thinking him selfish, undisciplined and uncontrollable. They only adopted him in 2019 when the alternative seemed to be oblivion. In the end, we had oblivion postponed, says one minister who backed him. If the membership are still allowed to choose leaders (that may well be in doubt from a post-defeat overhaul), Johnson may be seen as unstoppable. That is, of course, assuming Johnson wants it. He isnt showing much sign of it at present, holidaying in Sardinia when David Cameron and Theresa May are putting in the hard yards on the election trail. His return would be a disaster for everyone: trapping the party in a time warp and causing misery for Johnson, too. The next Tory leader would likely have a miserable time, facing years of irrelevance, battling Left and Right and engaging in the main, gruelling job of reforming the party machine. Asking a few Prime Ministers Questions will matter hardly at all and neither, at first, will the policies. The main job will be abolishing what is currently called Conservative Campaign Headquarters and building a new, functioning party apparatus in its place. The task is more personnel restructuring than campaigning. Its what Starmer has done with Labour. Its hard to see Johnson or Farage as the great political repair man that the Tories now require. A good frontman needs something to front. At the moment, its hard to see much of a Conservative Party. Sunak ended up hijacking himself, calling an election for which his party machine is woefully unprepared. Theres no Scottish leader (Douglas Ross has resigned), no campaign director, no real message. All of this makes an important point: if you take conservatism out of the Conservatives what are you left with? This goes far deeper than Sunak, who needed a miracle (a far-faster economic recovery or a Labour implosion) that never arrived. The Tory ideology had decayed as much as its machine. Neither were up to this electoral battle but this was only clear when the election was called. And what will Farage be left with? Successive opinion polls make clear that Reforms leader will be lucky to have enough MPs to fill a taxi, let alone take the fight to Labour. He serves as a purely destructive force, Starmers useful idiot. He has ended up being the nemesis of his own Brexit project. Reform UK will serve only to increase Starmers majority, giving Labour more latitude to sign up to various Brussels regulations and move the UK back into the EUs tractor beam. There will probably be another two Tory leaders before the next general election and the repair work could well take a decade to complete. And that work will have to start in two weeks time. 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. Votes but no breakthrough in the GOP state budget stalemate A picture of money and the words "state budget" Getty Images/iStock The two state Republican budgets that moved along separate tracks on Thursday brought out into the open some of the spending differences that budget writers have been arguing about behind closed doors for weeks. The state House approved its $31.7 billion budget on a 68-36 vote and sent it to the Senate. Senate Republicans opened debate on their own proposal Thursday and are scheduled to bring it to a floor vote on Monday. Well see where all this ends up, said Rep. Donny Lambeth, a Winston-Salem Republican and the House senior budget writer. Republicans from both chambers presented their budgets as appropriate for the short session where legislators make adjustments to the spending plan they approved last year. The House proposal adds a bit more to the raises teachers and state employees are already set to receive beginning July 1. The House budget has 4% state employee raises and average teacher raises of 4.4%. The Senate proposal keeps the 3% state employee and teacher raises already approved. Suzanne Beasley of the State Employees Association of North Carolina reminded Senate budget committee members of the nearly 25% job vacancy rate state agencies are trying to manage. The problem is tied to the low pay the state offers, she said. Suzanne Beasley of the State Employees Association of North Carolina Both budgets include more money for private school vouchers, spending most Democrats and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper oppose. Despite the hours of budget debate, action on an agreement that would get a revised spending plan to Cooper appears to be stalled. House Speaker Tim Moore told his chamber Thursday that next week may be the last for scheduled votes at least until the end of July. The House will not have full meetings the week of July 4, and a number of members have plans through mid-July, he said. Its uncertain whether the House will vote on any Senate bills next week, or stick to veto overrides and constitutional amendments, Moore said. Cooper vetoed a bill allowing billboard owners to cut more trees, including native redbuds, so drivers can better see their roadside ads. He also vetoed a bill that would funnel more 16- and 17-year-old offenders into the adult court system. Proposed constitutional amendments on voter ID, noncitizen voting, and an income tax cap are pending. Republicans have enough members in both chambers to override Coopers vetoes and put propposed constitutional amendments on the ballot without Democrats help. The post Votes but no breakthrough in the GOP state budget stalemate appeared first on NC Newsline. BEIRUT, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and two civilians injured on Thursday in Israeli air strikes targeting several areas in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. The sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane fired six air-to-surface missiles at the southeast village of Khiam, killing a Hezbollah member and wounding two civilians. In a separate incident, an Israeli drone fired four air-to-surface missiles at a car in the Tyre District of southwest Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah official, Abbas Ibrahim Hamza Hamada, who was a commander in the western region of the border area. The sources added that an Israeli drone raided a civilian car in the village of Houmine in the Nabatieh District, killing its driver, Hadi Jumaa, whose father was reportedly close to Hezbollah. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. A Waltham man sentenced to prison on Thursday for attempted sex trafficking of a 12-year-old girl may face deportation to Guatemala after his prison time ends. Misael Fabian Medina, 38, was sentenced in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper to 15 years in prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said in a statement. Medina will be subject to deportation proceedings to Guatemala upon completion of his sentence, Levy said. In March 2024, Medina was convicted by a federal jury of attempted sex trafficking of a child and attempted coercion and enticement. Children are sold for sex far too often in our society. Our office has prosecuted several individuals who have trafficked minors, often highly vulnerable girls, Levy said. This prosecution is squarely aimed at addressing the demand that fuels this despicable practicing of selling sex with kids. Medina showed up at a hotel with $200 in his hand in order to have sex with a 12-year-old girl, Levy said. This sting operation should send a message to every person using a smart phone to troll for sex with minors, that the federal government is out there aggressively enforcing the laws against this reprehensible conduct. Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, said Homeland Security agents earlier arrested Medina. Misael Fabian Medina was ready to pay to sexually abuse a 12-year-old child before he was arrested by HSI special agents. Todays sentence will keep him off the streets and away from children he could harm, Krol said in a statement. Sex trafficking is driven by demand and we work every day with our partners to investigate and bring predators like Medina to justice. In November 2022, Misael Medina responded to an online advertisement offering sex with two young girls, prosecutors said. In a text conversation with undercover agents who were posing as the seller of the two girls, Medina agreed to pay $200 to engage in a sex act with a 12-year-old girl. Shortly thereafter, Medina went to a greater Boston hotel to meet with the purported seller. Once at the hotel, he met with an undercover agent and confirmed he had the money to pay for the commercial sex act, Levy said. During that meeting, authorities arrested Medina, who had a box of condoms with him. Anyone who is aware of sex trafficking or who may be experiencing it is urged to email USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Want a say about what's built on Wilmington's west bank? Here's your chance to speak up. With project proposals for the Cape Fear River's western bank floating around, developers' plans are not set in stone until they know for sure what New Hanover County will allow. The county has been working on updating its comprehensive plan, which is expected to be complete in late 2025, and planning has been able to fast track an amendment that deals with development on the west bank. The county's comprehensive plan is used to inform planning decisions about regulations as well as rezoning requests. Stuck in the muck: Will Wilmington's west bank ever be developed? What is the current zoning? The western bank of the Cape Fear River, which sits directly across from downtown has nine land parcels and one underwater holding west of Thomas Rhodes Bridge. There are 11 parcels classified as urban mixed use that front river area between the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and the Isabel Holmes Bridge. The parcels have nine separate owners and all but the Battleship North Carolina's parcel are in private ownership, project manager Rebekah Roth said during a planning meeting earlier this year. Point Peter across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington, N.C. Wednesday Jan. 17, 2024. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS What has the county done so far? The board of commissioners gave planning staff the green light to move ahead with a western bank study for the comprehensive plan update and currently the planning department is looking for feedback on the amendment. Even though there are a number of goals related to the environment in the comprehensive plan, there is no goal in the 2016 plan that specifically relates to flooding risks even though that's been a key part of the conversation surrounding the west bank, according to Roth. There is a strategy under one of the goals that talks about not developing more than a certain amount within a flood plane. But it doesn't address potential risks to structures or potential risks to residents, but instead protecting a sensitive natural area, Roth said. Planning staff also found that tidal flooding can already be found on Eagles Island and on the northern bank and that the area is already classified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as an area of nuisance tidal flooding, which is worse than what is seen in Carolina Beach or Wrightsville Beach, according to maps provided by the county. If water and sewer were extended to the area, it would also be impacted by flooding, but Cape Fear Public Utility Authority would serve the area and can build elevated pump stations that can function properly in a flood zone. Deep dive: Developers want to build on Wilmington's west bank. Is that even feasible? What are the potential amendments? Roth presented potential amendments to comprehensive plan that would help support development on the western bank, while also providing some guidelines. They include: Supporting business success : This change would consider a riverfront-specific zoning district or districts for the western bank area that will allow for commercial uses that would be less disrupted by frequent flooding and ensure any structures are resilient to existing hazards. Promoting fiscally responsible growth: Coordinating with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority to ensure cost burdens for utilities are shifted from the public to the private sector as much as possible in the areas of the west bank where utilities are not currently in place and flood risk is increasing. This would also consider long-term public infrastructure maintenance costs as well as installation costs when making decisions regarding new development. Conserving and enhancing our unique sense of place to attract individuals, companies and organizations: This includes establishing building design requirements to complement downtown Wilmington's historic district and the Battleship. Promoting place-based economic development in the region that is tied to our natural resources: This would include investing in greenways, blueways and trails along the western bank. Supporting development that accommodates population growth while minimizing negative impacts on natural resources: The recommendation is to explore establishing a brownfields program to reduce the impacts of past industrial uses on the western bank to water quality due to more frequent instances of flooding. Using environmentally critical areas for outdoor recreation, healthy watersheds and maintenance of critical habitats: The recommendation includes considering a riverfront-specific zoning district for the western bank that will limit the need for both septic systems and public sewer and that limits the potential for residential uses. This could also initiate a study to monitor water and salinity levels on the western bank to inform when adjustments to polices and standards should be made. Roth said the draft concepts focus on complementing downtown Wilmington, activating the space, reducing public risk given current and anticipated future flooding, protecting natural resources and allowing owners to use their private property. Roth said uses could focus on civic and institutional, commercial, agricultural or light industrial uses. Members of the planning board said that resiliency would have to come from having a mix of uses, likely including residential in with other uses. Planning staff is still considering a height requirement for the west bank. What's been proposed previously? According to a Feb. 12 StarNews article, a large project that has been proposed for the west bank is a 290-unit hotel and spa that would be built next to the battleship and across the river from the foot Market Street. Developer Bobby Ginn purchased almost 19 acres at 105 and 125 Battleship Road Northeast for $8 million last October, according to county property records. Another major project, Battleship Point, originally proposed three skyscrapers that would include 300 apartments, 550 condominiums, a hotel and commercial areas. This project is proposed for 8.2 acres of land about a half-mile north of Point Peter, where the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers meet. What's next? The public can provide comments by emailing Roth at rroth@nhcgov.com and any comments received by noon on June 28 will inform the amendment draft prepared for the July 11 Planning Board public hearing, according to the county's website. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Hanover County accepts public comment for west bank guidelines We need warning labels on social media to protect children but thats not enough The U.S. Surgeon General has proposed warning labels for social media. (Photo illustration by Iowa Capital Dispatch via Canva with background image via Getty Images) Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is advocating for warning labels on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X and Facebook, informing users about mental health risks for the nations youth. He bases his analysis on tobacco warning labels changing users behaviors and addictions. You can read his New York Times guest essay here. He writes, The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency. Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms, and the average daily use in this age group, as of the summer of 2023, was 4.8 hours. Time spent on social media is a factor, but many dispute that as the sole reason causing addiction, depression and anxiety in teens and adolescents. The Atlantics Caroline Mimbs Nyce posted a skeptical response to Murthys initiative, under the clever title of, Instagram is not a cigarette. She questions warning label studies, noting research into the effects of social media on young people has been a mixed bag; even the studies cited by Murthy are not as straightforward as presented in the op-ed. She acknowledges that cigarettes cause cancer and heart disease. But one cannot compare social medias effect on children with dangers of nicotine. A cigarette may look different from a TikTok screen. But both impact brain and body. Smoking causes permanent damage to the lungs. Social media damages the brain, impacting the ability to concentrate, focus, form memories, and even our mental health. Know2Protect, a national awareness campaign by the Department of Homeland Security, urges parents to view its several recommendations, to understand the problem, know the threats, and take action. The project focuses on top apps for teens, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and X. Use by young people is nearly universal, with up to 95% of young people ages 13-17 reporting using a social media platform and more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly. Moral panic I have been covering this issue for decades as reporter and author. I wrote two books about it, published by Oxford University Press: Interpersonal Divide: The Search for Community in a Technological Age and Interpersonal Divide in the Age of the Machine. My research indicates that technology addiction is a serious factor in the mental wellbeing of youth. I dispute opinions to the contrary, such as this one by The Daily Beast, titled The Surgeon General Is Wrong. Social Media Doesnt Need Warning Labels. Mike Masnick, technologist and founder of the popular Techdirt blog, cites the 1982 surgeon general warning about video games being hazardous to children. This warning was not based on any actual science or evidence, but it kicked off decades of moral panic and fearmongering over the supposed risks of video games and children. He makes the same correlation with warning labels. The moral panic hyperbole associated with Luddite-leaning determinists like me is a spurious argument that has been debunked repeatedly by research. That excuse was leveled against me over the years by similar technologists since the publication of my first warning: Facing the Facebook, published in 2006 by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Heres the lead sparking panic among tech writers, professors and collegiate digital vendors: Information technology in the classroom was supposed to bridge digital divides and enhance student research. Increasingly, however, our networks are being used to entertain members of the Facebook Generation who text-message during class, talk on their cellphones during labs, and listen to iPods rather than guest speakers in the wireless lecture hall. I have published dozens of op-eds and peer reviewed articles on the topic ever since, most recently in The Des Moines Register, noting Social medias threat to Iowa children includes dangerous terms of service. Heres an excerpt: Social media companies made more than $11 billion from minors last year. Forbes notes that these companies utilize a revenue model exploiting people of any age: Find users who will add and engage with content; keep them there at all costs; bring in more users; and sell ads or data. Rinse and repeat. It is important for legislators, technologists, teachers and parents to remember that time spent on social media may impact psyche. But time also can be measured in several ways: age, generation and, most important, age when introduced to technology. Toddler technology Many Gen Z members have been exposed to tablets and mobile phones as early as age 2. Thats all they know. They havent read books. They havent received a literary education, as prior generations did. They suffer from iDisorder, altering the brains ability to process information resulting in signs and symptoms of psychological disorders such as stress, sleeplessness, and a compulsive need to check in with all of your technology. A comprehensive study in JAMA Pediatrics including 7097 mother-child pairs found that screen time at age 1 year causes developmental delays in communication and problem-solving at ages 2 and 4 years. Warning labels on social media platforms will help awareness. But we need to do more. Children learn about the risks of social media by trial and error, especially concerning threats, bullying and privacy invasion. Theres no excuse for that. Schools should be teaching media and technology literacy as early as middle school. The issue now is urgent with the introduction of artificial intelligence combining with social media algorithms. Banning social media is not an option because those platforms are ubiquitous and universal. Proper use combined with awareness and literacy are our only options at present. Take them. The post We need warning labels on social media to protect children but thats not enough appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. As evidence mounts that the U.S. education system has barely started to reckon with the impact of COVID-related school closures on students with disabilities, researchers have begun estimating the number of children who should have been evaluated for special education services during the pandemic but werent. In Washington state, about 8,500 fewer children than typically expected enough to fill 450 classrooms in grades K-5 were identified as needing special education between March 2020 and the start of the 2021-22 school year, according to a new brief from CALDER, the American Institutes for Researchs Center for the Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research. Compared to 2018-19, the identification rate was 23% lower in 2019-20 and 20% lower in 2020-21. The findings mirror other early analyses showing substantial drops in the number of children with disabilities who began receiving crucial support during the pandemic. Using Michigan data, for example, last year researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that identification rates fell by 19% in the 2019-20 academic year and 12% in 2020-21. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Its too soon to know whether these dips mean support for the students was delayed or whether many have simply fallen through the cracks. Rates have since returned to pre-pandemic levels, with no indication the children who were not evaluated during COVID have since been identified. Whether crucial supports are delayed or denied, the data is alarming, says Roddy Theobald, CALDER deputy director and one of the reports authors: There are going to be long-term consequences. At the very least, probably those students are missing out on two years of needed services. But its also possible that this means they will miss 13 years. Here are five things to know about likely implications: Identification matters Two decades ago, Texas education officials illegally ordered school districts to cap special education enrollment at 8.5% of students, or slightly more than half the average rate. After the policy was brought to light, economists studied the long-term impact of special education services. Among other ramifications, they found that children denied services were 52% less likely to graduate high school and 38% less likely to enroll in college than those who received special education support. Related 250,000 Kids. $277 Million in Fines. Its Been 3 Years Since Feds Ordered a Special Ed Reboot in Texas Why Are Students Still Being Denied? The earlier services start, the better the outcomes Substantial evidence shows children with disabilities go on to learn more and advance more quickly when they are identified in early grades, so they can acquire the foundational skills that will set them up for future academic achievement. For example, students with reading disabilities who get specialized help in first or second grade make gains in literacy that are nearly twice as big as children who start special education in third grade. They also continue to learn at faster rates in later years. In addition, early intervention reduces the need for intensive services in later grades. The numbers may be an undercount Given the number of students who stopped attending public school during the pandemic and the sky-high rates of chronic absenteeism among pupils with disabilities in the years since schools reopened, there are likely more children who need services than show up in the data, CALDER notes. Related Special Ed Kids Were Shunted Back Online. Is It a Move to the Virtual Basement? Children of color and economically disadvantaged students are likely disproportionately impacted The Michigan researchers found the fewest students were evaluated in districts with remote schooling and concentrations of Black, Asian and impoverished families. The data is dire, but there is little urgency about addressing the crisis With special ed teachers, occupational and speech therapists and other specialized staff in perennially short supply, there is little evidence school systems are making up lost services for existing students, much less seeking out and evaluating kids they might have missed. In a situation where districts have a hard time staffing special education, workload is a real issue for special education teachers, says Theobald. This creates a real problem in terms of catching up. And if they do catch up, it can make for untenable caseloads for special education teachers. One of the most distinctive features of Titan, Saturns largest moon, is its geographyits surface is decorated with rivers, lakes, and seas. Its the only other celestial body apart from Earth of which we know that has standing liquid on its surface, although the moons frigid climatethe average surface temperature is about -296.59 Fmeans that it is far too cold for liquid water. Instead, Titans rivers and seas are filled with a mix of light hydrocarbons, mostly methane and ethaneand a new study suggests that those liquid bodies may play host to waves that have shaped their coastlines via erosion. In 2017, the Cassini missiona collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and Italys ASI space agencyperformed several fly-bys of Titan, capturing a wealth of data about the moon and its surface. Most exciting, it released the Huygens lander, which landed on the moons surface, making Titan the most distant object on which weve made landfall. Despite Huygens visit to the moons surface and the decades worth of Earth-based study of Titan, there are still plenty of unanswered questions about the moons lakes and seas. One such question has been whether waves form on the surface of the moons lakes and seas. While wave formation has long been hypothesized, actual evidence has proven elusive. Apart from the sheer distances involvedat closest approach, Saturn Is 746 million miles from Earth, and Titan is around 759,000 miles from Saturnthere are several other challenges involved in trying to make direct observations of Titan. Theres the moons thick atmosphere and characteristic haze; the fact that its distance from the sun means that it receives only 1% of the sunlight the Earth does; and the fact that wave activity may be affected by Titans seasons, which are significantly longer than those on Earth (each spans around seven and a half Earth years). A new paper on the subject, published in Science Advances this month, sidesteps these challenges by examining the moons coastline and modeling the way in which it might have been shaped by wave activity. The authors focus[ed] on distinctive morphologic signatures produced by two possible mechanisms of coastal erosion: wave-driven erosion and uniform erosion,, and then compared the results of their modeling to the images provided by Cassini. Fig. 1. Lakes on Titan and Earth with coastlines shaped by a variety of erosional mechanisms.(A) Cassini SAR image of Ligeia Mare, Titan (NASA). (B) Fort Peck Lake, United States, a reservoir formed recently by flooding a landscape previously eroded by rivers [Map data: Esri World Imagery, Earthstar Geographics (58)]. (C) Lake Rotoehu, New Zealand, a lake in which flooded river valleys have been subsequently eroded by waves [Map data: Esri World Imagery, BOPLASS Ltd., Maxar (58)]. (D) Proscankso Jezero, Croatia, a karst lake in which flooded river valleys have been eroded by dissolution [Map Data: Esri World Imagery, Maxar, Microsoft (58)]. Credit: ROSE V. PALERMO, et al. The results of the experiment suggest that if the moons coastlines have been shaped by erosion in a similar way that water has shaped coastlines on Earth, then waves are the most likely explanation. The authors are careful to make it clear, however, that these results are not conclusivethey do not prove that waves form on Titan, a claim that would require direct observational evidence. The studys results also shed some light onto what such waves might be likeand in bad news for prospective cryogenic surfers, the waves on Titan would be pretty underwhelming. The combination of the slow wind speeds on Titana product of the moons thick nitrogen atmosphereand the density and viscosity of methane and ethane mean that the average wave height would only be a few inches. Despite their agreement with previous studies, these results came as something as a surprise to researchers, who describe the evidence of wave erosion as somewhat unexpected. This, in turn, suggests that larger waves might be lurking somewhere on the moon, perhaps whipped up by inclement weather that drives stronger winds, or that other as-yet-unidentified factors may also have contributed to the coastline formationsomething that the paper suggests makes the various landforms produced by coastal erosion high-priority targets for future Titan orbiter and lander missions. View comments WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) A total of five people were arrested last week after a drug bust in Taylor, according to the Williamson County Sheriffs Office. During the investigation, an additional charge of trafficking a child for sexual conduct was added. On June 12, WCSO executed a search warrant in the 400 block of East Rio Grande Street in Taylor, which resulted in the arrest of all five people for possession of a controlled substance more specifically methamphetamine, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday. From left to right: Edward Tito Garza; Claudia Gaspar | Courtesy Williamson County Sheriffs Office The first person suspect identified, Edward Tito Garza has a history of violent and drug-related offense, which includes a murder conviction from 1992 multiple arrests for evading arrest, failing to identify as a fugitive and various drug charges, according to WCSO. Additionally, Garza was charged with trafficking a child for sexual conduct. The second person, Claudia Gaspar, was arrested and charged with trafficking of persons. Garzas total bond was set at $600,000, and Gaspars bond was set at $75,000, according to WCSO. While a total of five people were arrested, only Garza and Gaspar were identified by officials. WCSO said it remains committed to fighting human trafficking and drug offenses and urges any additional victims to contact the tip line at 512-943-1170 or by email at drug-humantraffickinginfo@wilco.org. No other details were released Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. BEIRUT/SIDON (Reuters) - Lebanese product designer Tara Tabet does not want to see her country pulled into a full-scale war with Israel, but like many of her compatriots is bracing for possible conflict after new threats by armed group Hezbollah against both Israel and Cyprus. Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah surprised many on Wednesday when he said Cyprus - the EU member state closest to Lebanon - could be drawn into the group's conflict with Israel, raging in parallel with the Gaza war. Cyprus has denied taking sides in any war. The warning by Nasrallah, who also threatened Israel with widespread precision strikes, left many Lebanese resigned to preparing for a possible escalation. "Of course we don't want to go into a war with them - but if that's in solidarity with the people in Gaza, then so be it," Tabet, 32, told Reuters in Beirut on Thursday. Asked if the threat to Cyprus had worried her, Tabet said it could derail her plans for a civil marriage. In Lebanon, personal status laws are governed by the courts of each religion - pushing many couples from different religious backgrounds to travel 40 minutes by plane to Cyprus to be married in court. She said it was "stressful" to live with so much uncertainty, but that she had been trying to carry on "as if there's nothing - all of Beirut is like that". Many Lebanese see Hezbollah's eight-month conflict with Israel as the latest episode in a string of recent setbacks - from COVID-19 lockdowns to the 2020 Beirut blast and an economic crisis that crushed the local lira and wiped out bank savings. PASSPORTS AND FOOD STOCKS READY Sami Masri, a 38-year-old businessman from the south who runs a coffeeshop in Beirut, said Israeli strikes had kept him from taking his family to the rolling hills of southern Lebanon for weekends, as they usually did in summer. That meant spending more to access private beaches closer to Beirut - and even there, Masri said, he could not have fun. "You're not happy because, you don't know, at any point - we have our passports ready, we have a suitcase ready, we have some food stocks ready," he told Reuters. Already, some 90,000 Lebanese have fled their homes in the south. Some left Lebanon, others are staying with relatives and the most vulnerable are in collective shelters, including in the port city of Sidon. Bana Baalbaki, a Sidon resident who spoke to Reuters in the city's market quarter, put on a brave face. "No, I am not afraid because we are not better than the people of Gaza, nor the people of the south who were displaced," she told Reuters. But others - like shopkeeper Qassem Qarram - were more worried. "Of course everyone is afraid, and those who tell you they are not afraid will be lying to themselves," he said. (Reporting by Emilie Madi in Beirut; Aziz Taher and Hassan Hankir in Sidon; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Alex Richardson) CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) June 20th marks the 161-year anniversary of the creation of West Virginia. To recognize this, a celebration is being held at the State Capital and Culture Center in Charleston on Thursday, June 20th. West Virginia residents can ride on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails for free on West Virginia Day This celebration is hosted by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Capitols main building. Refreshments will be provided, and First Lady Cathy Justice will be cutting the West Virginia birthday week. For those who want to indulge in history, the State Museum and Culture Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 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 WVNS. This story has been changed to correct an error by a North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson who had said June 18 that no notice of violation had been issued. Three Haywood County waterways, including part of the popular Pigeon River, are clean enough for recreation and other uses after a spill that dumped more than 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel into them, a county official has said. Jones Cove Branch and Richland creeks, as well as part of the Pigeon River into which they flow, were recommended as no-go zones for swimming and other uses after what Haywood Emergency Services called the "significant" May 25 spill originating from Haywood Regional Medical Center. Most of the spill affected private and agricultural land, officials said. But on June 18, Haywood Development Services Director Garron Bradish said tests last week had shown pollutants were "non-detectable" in three locations on Jones Cove Branch, the waterway where the spill originated. "We were able to lift the recreational advisory at the end of the week," Bradish told the Citizen times. All water in Haywood County feeds into the Pigeon River, which is a popular recreation area frequented by kayakers, rafting companies and others. The most popular areas where that happens is farther west near and across the state line with Tennessee. The creek water is also clean enough now to water cattle, Bradish said. Farmers had been supplied with water after the spill and that would continue through the weekend as a courtesy, he said. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, pointed to the death of aquatic life and called for remediation in a June 7 notice of five violations: discharging oil into state waters, discharging without a permit, discharging waste without a permit, killing aquatic wildlife and threatening public health with the discharge. "Approximately 20 deceased fish were observed within Jones Cove Branch downstream of the confluence with (an unnamed tributary). Deceased salamanders were observed in the (tributary) on the hospitals property," said the notice sent by Water Quality Regional Operations Supervisor Andrew Moore to hospital CEO Chris Brown. DEQ is considering enforcing a penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation plus a civil penalty of up to $25,000, depending on issues such as the hospital's response and extent of environmental harm, Moore said. Fire personnel traced the fuel to the the hospital's storm water system where about 2,200 gallons of dyed diesel appeared to have flowed after a possible equipment failure. The fuel eventually made its way into the Jones Cove Branch. The active spill was stopped at 9:10 p.m., less than two hours after it was reported by a 911 caller who said they saw it coming down the creek. Shortly after the spill, Andie Robbins, spokesperson for Haywood Regional, said the hospital was conducting an internal investigation with their contractor to get a full understanding of where the leak originated and to make sure any corrections are made. On June 18, Robbins said they were working closely with the Department of Environmental Quality other agencies "to ensure full remediation of the spill." "As part of this effort, we maintain oil absorbent booms at key locations and inspect them regularly. We also collect and analyze surface water samples weekly, sharing results with the DEQ. This is an ongoing effort, and we remain committed to following all guidance until remediation is complete," she said. DEQ spokesperson Josh Kastrinsky said surface water monitoring is expected to continue weekly for the "foreseeable future" with an environmental consultant inspecting an absorbent pad and boom on a regular basis. "Staff in the Asheville Regional Office identified an exceedance of a surface water standard for a petroleum constituent, naphthalene, in an unnamed tributary of Jones Cove Branch on the hospital property," Kastrinsky said. "This surface water standard is designed to protect aquatic life and secondary recreation. No other constituents were detected above their applicable surface water standard." More: Canton mill receives DEQ violation for toxicity, black liquor seeping into Pigeon River Tests find 6 Buncombe County waterways have 'poor' water quality; which are they? 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: Western NC creeks, Pigeon River cleared for swimming after fuel spill (WHTM) Lake Champlain, New York, October 11, 1776. A fleet of 15 American vessels clashed with a British force of over thirty ships, in what became known as the Battle of Valcour Bay. Commanding the American fleet Benedict Arnold, who at this point in the war was still a hero. The fight did not go well for the Americans. They were forced to retreat. Arnolds flagship, a topsail schooner named the Royal Savage, ran aground and was captured by the British, who burned it to the waterline. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here That particular battle was lost but it caused a delay in the British activity which eventually helped in the long run, says Dr. George Schwarz, of the Naval History and Heritage command. Valcour Bay bought the Americans time to gather and organize their forces to stop another British invasion at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. On October 19, 1777, General John Burgoyne surrendered to General Horatio Gates. It was a major turning point in the American Revolution; the victory convinced the French to start supporting the Americans in their bid for independence. For 158 years the remains of the Royal Savage sat on the bottom of Lake Champlain. Then in 1934 Lorenzo Hagglund, who owned a salvage company and had an interest in history, raised the wreck, but couldnt find backers to build a museum. The timbers sat in storage until 1995 when Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed bought them to exhibit in his proposed Wild West museum. The late Mike Ross did our first story about the Royal Savage in 2001. Its Navy Day! Go see some ships! The Museum was never built. We revisited the story in 2009, and found the timbers of the Royal Savage in a city storage shed. In July of 2013, under new Mayor Linda Thompson, an auction took place to sell off the artifacts accumulated by Mayor Reed. We checked whether the beams of the Royal Savage were among the items being sold. They werent in July, but later that year the timbers went on the block in an online auction. 2013 is when we first discovered that it was on auction and that there was a possibility that it was being sold, says Shanna Daniel, Conservator for the Underwater Archaeology Branch of the Naval History and Heritage Command. On this date: the U.S. Navy is founded. Again. Its complicated Under the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987, the U.S. Government holds title to sunken U.S. warships. The Royal Savage should never have been sold to Harrisburg, and Harrisburg in turn shouldnt have been trying to sell it to the highest bidder. We were able to stop that auction and start working with the city of Harrisburg to actually get the collection here, says Daniel. We decided that we would like to get those materials back so that we could try to study them and reconstruct them for eventual exhibit in the Navy Museum, says Dr. George Schwarz, Archaeologist and Command Diving Officer for the Underwater Archaeology Branch of NHHC. Underwater 19th-century hospital, graveyard uncovered in Florida Keys It took a couple of years to discuss how that was going to happen. But eventually the mayor of Harrisburg at the time decided that he would like to return those to the Navy. In 2015, under new mayor Eric Papenfuse, the remains of the Royal Savage found a new home. On July 1, in a ceremony at the City Government Center, the ship was turned over to the U.S. Navy. Whats been happening to the remains of the Royal Savage since then? Thats the subject of the second part of this series. See our 2001 story here: See our 2009 story here See our 2013 Story here: See video of the 2015 transfer ceremony 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 ABC27. by Dames Alexander Sinaga JAKARTA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has stepped up measures to fight online gambling as the number of transactions suspectedly related to gambling activities is increasing across the country. Gambling, both online and offline, is illegal in the Southeast Asian nation. Participants and organizers of a gambling event can be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison and a 25-million Indonesian rupiahs (about 1,500 U.S. dollars) fine. Meanwhile, those distributing online gambling software can face up to six years in prison and a 1-billion Indonesian rupiahs (about 60,000 dollars) fine. Recent findings of the country's Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center showed that online gambling activities in Indonesia that took place in the first quarter of 2024 reached a combined transactional value of more than 600 trillion Indonesian rupiahs (about 36.4 billion dollars). The number of people involved in online gambling activities has reached 3.2 million, center spokesman Natsir Kongah said in a recent online discussion, adding that mostly youths and people from low-income households were engaged in it. He said that the number of transactions suspectedly related to gambling activities has been increasing in recent years. His office recorded some 11,000 online transactions in 2022 and some 24,000 online transactions in 2023. In the January-May period this year, some 14,000 online transactions were recorded, he said. "All these figures have shown that our problems related to online gambling are very worrying," Kongah said, adding that some 5,000 bank accounts suspectedly related to online gambling have been temporarily blocked. The funds were also detected to have flowed out of Indonesia to other countries, such as Thailand, the Philippines and Cambodia. According to a recent report from the Ministry for Communications and Information, more than 2 million online gambling sites have been blocked with the use of artificial intelligence systems and cyber patrols. However, online alternative gambling sites continue to appear. Authorities continued to ramp up search for those operating and promoting such sites. In response to the alarming situation, President Joko Widodo established a special task force on June 14 to eradicate online gambling activities across the archipelago. The move came following a recent report from authorities that some online gambling activities were linked to money laundering. LAKEWOOD A decade ago, the basement of All Saints Episcopal Church was an empty collection of dark rooms used for storage and occasional Sunday school classes. Church leaders saw something more and turned it into a co-ed homeless shelter to help the townships growing problem with street people. But after a few weeks, the shelter approach didnt seem to work. So parish elders took another approach, turning it into a transitional space for men focused on giving them a chance to re-enter society after difficult times. Does Lakewood banquet hall belong here? This meeting could end nearly decade-long fight Alex Gotay, director of Samaritan House in Lakewood, outside of the non-profit men's transitional center that reached its 10th anniversary this month A shelter is only a place to go sleep, eat and take a shower and thats it, said Alex Gotay, one of the original counselors at the time who suggested the alternate approach. I wanted a place for people to be able to do something for themselves. Ten years later, Samaritan House is a thriving success, having served more than 440 men ranging from former drug addicts and alcoholics to those battling a host of emotional and financial issues. Based on the premise of strict rules and tough love, the non-profit facility offers space for eight residents at a time who are given a place to live, learn and recover from difficulties, but with clear polices on attendance, behavior and dedication. It gives them a clean home, the chance at living a sober life, and build a foundation before they go outside, said Gotay, 62, who has served as director since 2014. The program boasts a 72.4% success rate, Gotay claims, compared to some similar programs that fall between 33% and 35% We base success on getting clean, staying clean, getting a job, saving money and then going back to society, he said. The space, which is provided at no charge by the church, is a basic winding hallway of four bedrooms, with two residents each, a meeting space with a table, a living area with a television and couch, a kitchen and bathroom with a shower. Gotays desk takes up one corner near the front door. Each resident must show a need for the transitional location help through personal interviews with Gotay, a 41-year social worker and trained substance abuse counselor. They also need to prove they have gotten some kind of help with their issues, be it drug rehabilitation, alcoholics anonymous or financial stability. Not all Lakewood businesses are taking advantage of NJ program to reduce costs, taxes One of the four bedrooms in Samaritan House in Lakewood that serves men in transition from drugs, alcohol abuse and other personal problems. Samaritan House is a stepping-stone to reacclimate you to society. I had fallen so far away I had to get back to basics, said Mark Jelly, a former addict who spent six months at the center in 2018 after a battle with Oxycontin. I lived at the house, then I went to work and had to find myself. My life had turned to drugs and I got away from it. My marriage had suffered from it. Jelly credits Gotay and company with helping him come back to stability. It is a zero tolerance, you cannot allow it, he said. We have always made mistakes and you have to take advantage of that chance. Pete Galindez echoed that view. Self-described as a functioning alcoholic, he spent a year at Samaritan House before leaving in July 2023. I kept drinking like a fish, said Galindez, who runs trade shows. It got to a point where I was drinking after work until 12 midnight or 1 a.m. and in the morning I would go back to work, He said he became suicidal and went to a detox program in Toms River two years ago. Afterward, he heard about Samaritan House and signed up. I credit them with the discipline for reaffirming responsibility for myself, Galindez said. The house offers some food and basic needs for residents, but most must provide their own and show daily that they are either working or involved in a program toward stability, Gotay said. A strict 10 p.m. curfew is in place, as well as a mandatory evening 6 p.m. meeting with dinner. Gotay also holds weekly one-on-one sessions where the men must show they are improving and working toward leaving. Each has to fill out forms about their short- and long-term goals, meeting attendance and chores each day. The average stay is 90 days. If I dont see progress, they get a warning and then they can be discharged, Gotay said. I need an accounting of their money and receipts when they spend it, to see what they are spending it on. Samaritan House is funded through the All Saints Community Center, a registered 5013 non-profit charity. It has an annual budget of about $60,000, with Gotays salary at $37,000, according to financial records. We get about two-thirds from grants and the rest is donations, said Dorothy Massey, an All Saints board member who oversees fundraising. It is still a year-to-year struggle. You always have to apply and until you have that check in your hand, you are not sure you will get it. The current crop of residents say they found out about the program from a variety of locations, such as local churches, addiction programs and word of mouth. Each believes the future can be positive given Samaritan Houses track record. Lakewood 'go-to' toy store closing after two decades Modesto Sanchez, 48, a recent addition to Samaritan House who credits the non-profit center for helping him return to society after a longtime heroin addiction Ive been in a lot of programs, but they never worked for me, said Modesto Sanchez, 48, a veteran truck driver whos been fighting heroin addiction for years. But this is different because there is opportunity. They trust us and help us and push us to make a plan. Sanchez, who joined the house a week ago, said his first step was graduating from New Jerseys Re-Entry Training Corporation program for former inmates. There are a lot of companies that want me now and I am content to do the work, he said. This is a very powerful place, but it is also peaceful, we are here every night and I know I can do it. Another recent member is Carlos Padilla, 47, who joined two weeks ago after beating a fentanyl and heroin addiction caused by pain killers for a cancer diagnosis. I tried suicide several times and I was homeless, Padilla said. This has become a second chance and they help me a lot. Its all that I have and it has touched me. While Gotay is the only paid employee, one of the residents is always appointed as a house manager, someone who has shown their ability and acclimated to the house rule and policies and acts as an overseer when Gotay is away. You have to earn your stripes, he said about that role. He is not on salary, but he lives there and he is my eyes and ears there. As for the future Gotay hopes to keep things going, raise awareness, along with money, to expand. Id like to see a house for females, he said. People are asking for a facility for women, but it takes money. Donations may be made by calling 732-367-0933 or emailing smilingeyeglasses@gmail.com. Joe Strupp is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience who covers education and several local communities for APP.com and the Asbury Park Press. He is also the author of four books, including Killing Journalism on the state of the news media, and an adjunct media professor at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Reach him at jstrupp@gannettnj.com and at 732-413-3840. Follow him on X at @joestrupp This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Lakewood NJ nonprofit aids men in addiction recovery NEW YORK (PIX11) Alexander Hamiltons legacy is a permanent fixture in New York City and not just through the hit Broadway musical, Hamilton. The Founding Father is also buried in the Big Apple. Hamilton, born in 1755, was raised in the Caribbean until moving to New York City in 1773 to attend whats now Columbia University, according to the National Park Service. More Local News He would later fight in the Revolutionary War, where he met George Washington for the first time. Hamilton passed the New York bar in 1782 and was later chosen as a delegate for the state. Although he wasnt part of the writing of the Constitution, he pushed for its ratification, according to the National Park Service. Hamilton would go on to become the first Secretary of the Treasury in 1789 before resigning from government in 1795. He died in 1804 during a duel with Aaron Burr, the vice president of Thomas Jefferson. American politician Aaron Burr (1756 1836) fatally wounds Alexander Hamilton (1757 1804) with a shot from his pistol during a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey, July 11, 1804. (Photo by Kean Collection/Getty Images) Hamilton would be buried in New York City after his death. But where is his grave? Hamilton was buried in Trinity Church, which is located across the road from Wall Street in Manhattan. He was an active member of the church, according to the churchs website, along with his wife Eliza Hamilton and children. Eliza Hamilton was also buried at Trinity Church, according to the National Park Service. Grave of U. S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton on October 16th, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images) Hamiltons son, Philip, is on Trinity Churchs burial registry but its not known where exactly he was buried. He died during a duel and might be buried in an unmarked grave or outside the church, possibly due to dishonor, per the National Park Service. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Where are the top-performing cities in America in 2024? Downtown Provo is pictured on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. A WalletHub report lists Provo as one of the best-run cities in terms of use of its budget. | Yukai Peng, Deseret News A lot goes into running a successful and liveable city a stable economy, affordable housing, safe transportation, etc. The best-run cities in America use their budgets most effectively to provide high-quality financial security, education, health, safety and transportation to their residents, analyst Cassandra Happe said, per WalletHub. Many of the top cities also have a very low amount of outstanding government debt per capita, which can prevent financial troubles in the future. In a recent report, WalletHub analyzed and ranked 148 of the largest U.S. cities in 2024. Top five best-run cities in America: Nampa, Idaho Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky Boise, Idaho Nashua, New Hampshire Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Top five worst-run cities in America: San Francisco, California Oakland, California Gulfport, Mississippi New York, New York Flint, Michigan Provo, Utah, ranked seventh overall, having the sixth-best ranking in quality of services and 29th in total budget per capita. What do Americans value in their cities? Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans decided to change their scenery and chose Florida as their new home. More than 700,000 Americans moved to the Sunshine State in 2022 alone, so it may come as no surprise that Naples, Florida, was ranked as the best place to live by U.S. News and World Report for 2024-25. This years survey found people are concerned about the economy and want more financial stability, so the value and job market categories were the factors that were most important to people. Thats something that really helped Naples, Erika Giovanetti, U.S. News and World Reports loans expert, told CBS News. Salt Lake City ranked 33rd overall in the U.S. News survey. Americans were asked what matters most to them when considering where to live, and according to CBS News, this is what the survey concluded: Quality of life (32%) Value (27%) Job market (22%) Desirability (19%) Generally, American cities work very well. They are the centers of culture, technological advances, and economic power. However, they are also complex and face significant challenges, David Swindell, an associate professor at Arizona State University, told WalletHub. To maintain trust between city leaders and the community, Swindell emphasized there needs to be transparency with how local leaders are managing their cities. Conducting business openly helps the public have confidence that their officials are following the rules, which is a critical foundation of citizen trust in government institutions, he added. However, the other element that brings teeth to transparency is citizens holding public officials accountable to the public. This places a certain level of responsibility on citizens to be vigilant and active. The U.S. is to prioritize deliveries of air defense missiles to Ukraine over orders from other countries, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on June 20. "The United States government has made the difficult but necessary decision to reprioritize near-term planned deliveries of foreign military sales to other countries, particularly Patriot and NASAMS missiles, to go to Ukraine instead," he said in comments reported by AFP. Comments from U.S. President Joe Biden earlier this month strongly suggested such a move was on the table. "We let it be known to those countries that are expecting from us air defense systems in the future that they're going to have to wait," Biden said after signing a 10-year security deal with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy on June 13. "Everything we have is going to go to Ukraine until their needs are met. And then we will make good on the commitments we made to other countries." In a post on social media on June 20, Zelensky thanked President Biden for the latest decision. "The partnership between Ukraine and the United States is strong and unwavering. Together, we are protecting life against terror and aggression," he said. I am deeply grateful to @POTUS and the United States for prioritising Ukraine in the delivery of air defenses that we critically need to defeat Russian attacks. These additional air defense capabilities will protect Ukrainian cities and civilians. I thank President Biden for the Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 20, 2024 Also on June 20, Romania announced that it would transfer a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Kyiv received its first Patriot battery from Washington in the first half of 2023, and since then, the most advanced U.S. anti-air system has proved crucial in Ukraine's defense of its sky. Germany has also delivered two of its systems, and the third one is on its way. Ukraine has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defenses as Russia intensifies its strikes against Ukrainian population centers and infrastructure. Patriot systems are highly effective at intercepting Russia's ballistic and cruise missiles. Poland, Romania, and Germany are among the European countries with open orders for Patriot systems yet to be supplied, and Spain has orders for Patriot launchers. American missiles for the Patriots manufactured for Switzerland are to be delivered to Ukraine despite contractual obligations, the Swiss outlet Blick reported, citing undisclosed sources. On June 13, the U.S. denied reports that it is planning to deliver another Patriot battery to Ukraine. Read also: Rather desperate 5 key takeaways from Putins North Korea visit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Michael Carpenter, Senior Director for European Affairs at the US National Security Council, has stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea demonstrates Russia's desire to build a coalition with other countries, including North Korea, Iran, Syria and, to some extent, China. Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Carpenter Details: Carpenter noted that this will not help Russia in its confrontation with the entire democratic world, which continues to provide strong support to Ukraine. Regarding the meeting between Putin and Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and the elaborate display that underscores the authoritarian nature of the North Korean regime, it appears to be aimed at expanding their partnership. Russia's closest allies now include North Korea, Iran, Syria and, to some degree, China, which, while not directly supplying weapons, is exporting a lot of dual-use items used in production of advanced weapons systems. Carpenter clarified that this includes nitrocellulose for gunpowder production, optics and machine tools for the Russian militaryindustrial complex. According to him, this increases the threat to Ukraine and European security. He said it is the coalition Russia is building, noting the sharp contrast with the group of 50 nations in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and approximately 100 countries that support the UN Charter principles in Switzerland. Previously: Russian leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which includes a provision about mutual assistance in case of aggression against either of these states. Background: On the eve of his visit to North Korea, Putin had published an article in which he praised North Korea for its "firm support" of the Russians in the war against Ukraine and said he was ready to work closely with North Korea "to make international relations more democratic and stable". On 19 June, Russian propaganda publications said North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un expressed "full support" for Russian aggression in Ukraine during the Kremlin leader's visit to North Korea. Background: In March, South Korea reported that North Korea has sent about 7,000 containers containing ammunition and other military equipment to Russia since last year. South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said that DPRK's munitions factories are working at full capacity to supply weapons to Russia. The United States has information, confirmed by satellite imagery, that North Korea has delivered over 1,000 containers of ammunition to Russia. In mid-June, Shin Won-sik said North Korea had sent at least 10,000 containers to Russia by sea, which could contain up to 4.8 million artillery shells. Support UP or become our patron! The U.S. moved Ukraine to the front of the line for its sales of air defense interceptors one of the most critical weapons in Ukraines self-defense. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced the reshuffle in a briefing today, calling it difficult but necessary. In the short-term, he said, Patriot and NASAM interceptors that had been slated for other countries will now go to Ukraine. As a result, deliveries for these missiles to other countries that are currently in the queue will have to be delayed, Kirby said. The White House expects Ukraine will receive these air defense weapons by the end of the summer. Kirby said the number will be in the hundreds, and that the decision should give Ukraine what it needs for the next 16 months. At that point, the countries who currently have air defense missiles on order can expect to start seeing theirs delivered. To be clear, those countries will still receive the missiles they have ordered, Kirby said. Its just that the delivery will take a little longer. He did not say which countries would be affected by the delays, but noted that the decision will not impact Taiwan or Israel. Lockheed Martin is fully funded by the U.S. Army to build 550 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles a year at its Camden, Arkansas, production line and hit a rate of 500 per year in December 2023. While the Army has yet to fund another missile production increase, Lockheed has invested internally to build 650 interceptors a year. In 2023, Lockheed signed six letters of approval with international customers. There are 19 countries with the Raytheon-made Patriot and that customer base is growing. Switzerland purchased five batteries and 75 missiles in November 2022 and Romania plans to buy additional fire units. At least two other European countries are close to announcing plans to buy Patriot, according to Raytheon this spring. Slovakia has recently expressed interest in purchasing Patriot, and Germany has said it intends to grow its Patriot force. The decision is one of the most extraordinary measures America has taken to protect Ukraine since the full-scale war with Russia began two years ago. For months, Pentagon leaders have said that air defense is at the top of the agenda for the countries supporting Kyiv. And theyve taken recent steps to prove it. Air defense has been at the top of my agenda for a long time, said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at a June press conference. Austin spoke at NATO headquarters in Brussels, shortly after a meeting of countries that gather each month to coordinate support for Ukraine. Just before the summit, multiple outlets reported that the U.S. was sending another Patriot system to Ukraine though neither Austin nor Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown would confirm the news. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy said in June his country needs seven Patriot systems, one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world. Germany announced earlier this year that it would send one to Ukraine. The Netherlands similarly committed to assembling and sending another system. Other countries have committed different air defense systems altogether, such as NASAMS. Its not just Patriots, Austin said at the June presser, listing out other systems. Its a number of capabilities that Ukraine needs, and they need the interceptors to complement the platforms. Short supply Despite their importance, both air defense batteries and the interceptors they fire are in short supply. The U.S. and its allies have spent much of the war sourcing whatever extra weapons are available especially as Ukraine faced drone and missile barrages on its cities and critical infrastructure. The decision this week reflects how tight the supply chain for these systems is. Rather than expanding capacity, the U.S. has reordered it. Its a reminder of the importance of expanding inventory, said Tom Karako, an expert on air defense at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, of the decision. Karako said that the money meant to expand that capacity included in the April national security supplemental a massive refresh of security aid to Ukraine and other countries hasnt been spent yet. Though there is around $48 billion for military aid to Ukraine in the package, the amount marked for air defense isnt specified, he said. You dont just turn on a dime and start spitting out Patriots like a Xerox machine, Karako said. The White House didnt specify what countries will be affected by the reshuffle, though Karako said that the likely candidates will be in Europe and the Middle East. Kirby said that Washington would do what it could to shorten any delays. Still, he said, each country is going to have a different set of circumstances that apply to that based on what theyve ordered and what their own self-defense needs are. Brian Michael Gaherty, 61, of Houston, was sentenced earlier this week for making racist threats to kill Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. through numerous phone calls. In addition to receiving 33 months in federal prison, Gaherty was fined $10,000 according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California. U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner also noted that Gaherty targeted Waters because she is Black therefore a hate-crime enhancement was added to his sentence. Gahertys lawyer, Joseph Vinas, said that his client was very apologetic for what occurred. Vinas also said that it was his sincerest belief that, but for the mental health condition he currently suffers as a result of being a victim of violent crime himself, this never would have occurred. Waters was present for the sentencing Monday and Vinas told her that Gaherty wanted to offer a heartfelt plea for her forgiveness and apologized to her and all those who were affected by his comments. Gaherty pleaded guilty to a count of threatening a United States official in January. He confessed to threatening murder and assault to Waters four times in August and November 2022. Federal officials stated that Gaherty made these threats with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Waters while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties. In the August 2022 calls, Gaherty threatened to put a cap between Waters eyes, cut [her] throat and stomp her. In the November 2022 calls, Gaherty told Waters that she done [expletive] up because she reported his earlier threats to police. He also said he would go after law enforcement and insisted that this aint no threat. Its a ... promise. Gaherty was finally arrested and indicted in August of last year on eight counts: four counts of making threats in interstate communications and four counts of threatening a U.S. official. During the sentencing, Waters told the judge: This growing effort to target people of color and women of color ... has given me nightmares. I am in fear of my life. I believe that we must all be accountable. Nobody is above the law. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 22, 2023 signed a set of bills aimed toward establishing gun safety reforms during a news conference in Royal Oak. | Whitmer administration Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed an executive order establishing the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. While the action comes less than a week after a mass shooting in Rochester Hills, Whitmer says the task force will build on last years enactment of several gun safety statutes, including expanding background checks, initiating safe storage requirements, creating extreme risk protection orders, and strengthening penalties for those convicted of domestic abuse. Michiganders deserve to feel safe everywhere whether theyre picking up their kids from school or grocery shopping for the week ahead, said Whitmer. Thats why Im establishing the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, aimed at reducing the rates and instances of gun violence in Michigan. I want to thank all of the Michiganders who have been strong advocates for reducing gun violence, including the families of the four Oxford students, for working with us to get this done. Together, we can reduce violence and save lives. The Rochester Hills shooting incident at a splash pad, in which nine people were injured, including two children, ages 4 and 8, was on the minds of the families of Tate Myre, 16, and Hana St. Juliana, 14, who were among the four students killed in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. Just this past weekend, a community not too far from Oxford was the latest to endure another mass shooting. These tragedies have become all too common, but they cannot be the norm, said the Myre and St. Juliana families. We must honor the memories of our children, and all those who have been impacted by gun violence, by taking action now. We thank Governor Whitmer for working with us on this important step towards ending gun violence through upstream systemic change. The executive order houses the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). According to a release, its mission is to identify the root causes of gun violence, compile and report relevant data, maximize existing resources, solicit perspectives from diverse stakeholders, and recommend policy to save lives. The task force is expected to include a wide range of stakeholders including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives, and others. Those wishing to apply for an appointment are directed to do so online by July 18. The task force was also applauded by local members of Moms Demand Action, which rallied last month in downtown Lansing seeking additional measures to control gun violence. Last year, we passed a policy to disarm domestic abusers a policy that could have saved our daughters life. We know its of paramount importance to not only pass gun violence prevention policies, but to also have them properly implemented, said Rick and Martha Omilian, volunteer leaders with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Fellows. The importance of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force truly cannot be understated, especially for survivors and loved ones of victims of gun violence. The creation of the task force is one of several steps Whitmer has taken through her executive authority, including launching Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a statewide crackdown aimed at getting illegal guns out of communities, an initiative championed by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. Too many Michigan families across our state have lost loved ones to the tragedy of gun violence, said Gilchrist. As Michiganders, we cant accept this as the status quo. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Whitmer creates task force aiming to prevent gun violence in Michigan appeared first on Michigan Advance. Though still on the books, Arizona's near-total ban on abortion was buried deep in the state's historyuntil recently. An April decision from the state's Supreme Court breathed new life into this long-dormant law. The ban in questionfirst passed by the territory of Arizona in 1864 and later codified into Arizona state lawmandated two to five years' prison time for intentionally acting "to procure the miscarriage" of a pregnant woman "unless it is necessary to save her life." This law became unenforceable in 1973 when Roe v. Wade recognized a federal right to an abortion. Since then, the state passed a number of new abortion restrictions, including a March 2022 law prohibiting abortion after 15 weeks' gestation "except in a medical emergency." So when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in June 2022, no one in Arizona knew which state abortion rules to follow. Mark Brnovich, then the state's attorney general, sought to enforce the more extreme 1864 ban. This led to a legal clash with Planned Parenthood Arizona, which argued that the old ban was superseded by newer laws. On April 9, the Arizona Supreme Court decided in Planned Parenthood Arizona v. Mayes that the old ban "is now enforceable." The case was "one of statutory interpretation," as Justice John Lopez IV put it in the majority opinionnot the constitutionality of the old law. The ruling "does not rest on the justices' morals or public policy views regarding abortion," noted Lopez. Rather, it was a matter of determining that Arizona's 2022 abortion law did not "provide independent statutory authority" for repealing or restricting the older ban. Rather than allow the state to start enforcing the ban immediately, the court remanded the case to a lower court to explore other constitutional issues, suggesting that the older ban could yet be deemed unconstitutional. Nonetheless, the reaction from Democrats was swift and resolute. President Joe Biden criticized the ruling as "a result of the extreme agenda of Republican elected officials who are committed to ripping away women's freedom." Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called the ruling "unconscionable and an affront to freedom." But even some Republican politicians in Arizona expressed discomfort with the decision. Former Gov. Doug Ducey admitted it was not the outcome he "would have preferred." Current Senate candidate Kari Lake, who previously expressed support for the 1864 law, said she opposed this ruling (though she also later walked this back). Only a few years ago, such reactions from Republicans would have been surprising. But since Roe was overturned, voters haven't proven very friendly to extreme abortion positions or those who support them. The court's ruling centers abortion in Arizona's political landscape in an election year, tying the Republican Party not to the more moderate abortion restrictions that many Americans can get behind but to the kind of extreme ban that even many conservatives do not support. Perhaps that's why some Republican lawmakers worked quickly with their Democratic colleagues in the state Legislature to repeal the ban. On April 24, the GOP-controlled House passed a repeal bill, after three Republican representatives joined with Democrats in voting to repeal. The following week, it passed the (also GOP-controlled) Senate, with two conservative senators voting to repeal. Arizona for Abortion Access has gathered enough signatures to put a measure on the November 2024 ballot that proposes a state constitutional amendment to guarantee that "every individual has a fundamental right to abortion" and that the state cannot interfere with that right "before fetal viability unless justified by a compelling state interest that is achieved by the least restrictive means." Leaving abortion up to the states is proving a rocky journey. But it may be the path that eventually leads to reproductive freedom in Arizona. The post Why Some Arizona Republicans Are Defending Abortion Rights appeared first on Reason.com. GAZA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army confirmed on Thursday the killing of a Hamas commander in an airstrike in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a press statement that Ahmed Al-Sawarka, who led sniper operations in the Beit Hanoun area and played a role in "terrorist" acts against Israeli forces, was killed by a military aircraft. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that IDF troops are continuing to operate in the central Gaza Strip and the southern Rafah area. The health authorities in Gaza said in a press statement that as of Thursday, the Palestinian death toll from Israeli military operations has risen to 37,431 people, with 85,653 others wounded. 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. Its been a dizzying few weeks in the public records case before Davidson County Chancellor IAshea Myles. For more than a year now, Myles has been considering whether the public records law requires the Metro Nashville Police Department to release files from its investigation into The Covenant School shooting. Six people were killed, including three children. Now, however, as everyone has been awaiting a long-overdue ruling, the chancellor has turned her attention to a leak of police records to a local conservative news website, The Tennessee Star. She is clearly hot about it. On June 10, she ordered Tennessee Star Editor Michael Patrick Leahy, one of the plaintiffs in the case, to appear personally in court on June 17 and show in a show cause hearing why his publication of articles based on leaked documents does not subject him to contempt proceedings and sanctions. The court two days later expanded her order to include a representative of Metro Government to appear at the show cause hearing so this Court may ascertain the status and veracity of any alleged leak. Then, a Nashville police lieutenant delivered a declaration to the court suggesting the leaker is former lieutenant Garet Davidson, who also just happened to file a whistleblower complaint against his former employer. The problem with the courts witch hunt is that truthful information about The Covenant School shooting is being reported to the public from records that should already be public and that the public has a right to know. But instead of focusing on fairly upholding the public records law and making a ruling expeditiously, the chancellor is now focused on finding and punishing the leaker and possibly a conservative press organization that published the material. Here is what we have come to find out about the shooters motives The jurists attention and energy is misguided. In my view, the chancellors job is to decide whether the public records law requires the police department to disclose records. Her job is not to assert control over a news organizations news gathering. And its certainly not to threaten the press with contempt proceedings for writing about the Covenant case and publishing lawfully obtained and truthful information that, in this instance, is clearly in the public interest. Chancellor I'Ashea Myles talks to the attorneys to begin the show cause hearing over the release of documents related to the Covenant School shooting at the Historic Metro Courthouse in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 16, 2024. One revelation, for example, from the leaked records, is that the shooter, Audrey Hale, told her mental health providers at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital multiple times that she wanted to be a school shooter and kill her father. A leaked police summary of records labeled Vandy Psych obtained from the Vanderbilt hospital specifies pages of her medical records that say: Recent thoughts of going into a school and shooting a bunch of people, Homicidal thoughts with a plan, Has fantasies of being a school shooter, Has homicidal thoughts, such as shooting at a school, and Homicidal thoughts of killing her father. There is much more. Other revelations from the now more than 40 Tennessee Star stories based on the leaked records: The FBI suggested that Metro Police could destroy the shooters writings to prevent the public from ever seeing them; One psychologist who treated shooter Audrey Hale tried to get her involuntarily committed at the Vanderbilt psychiatric hospital after Hale expressed violent fantasies; Hale had been planning the attack for a very long time and thought she could have been discovered; and Hale had been treated over the course of 22 years by Vanderbilt Psychiatric. (Hale was 28 years old when she attacked the school and was killed by responding police.) Mary Joyce comforts her daughter Monroe during the Linking Arms for Change event at Centennial Park in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The event was in remembrance of the Covenant School shooting where six people three children and three adults were killed last year. Attorneys pleaded with the judge to make a ruling At the Monday show cause hearing, Myles said she had been ready to issue a 60-plus page ruling when a television news reporter called her about the stories in The Tennessee Star. During the hearing, Leahys attorney, Daniel Horwitz, tried to ascertain why she thought his client might be subject to contempt proceedings. But Myles refused to clarify, said his arguments werent ripe and cut him off from speaking further. Myles had already denied Horwitzs emergency motion to set aside the show cause hearing. Horwitz had argued, among other things, that the Tennessee shield law protects the press from revealing its sources and any order to not publish material lawfully obtained would be prior restraint and violate the free press clause in the First Amendment. During the hearing, Myles kept open the possibility that she will appoint an attorney to investigate and initiate contempt proceedings. But she spent most of the hearing asking all the attorneys about whether the leak made the public records case moot and if anyone thought there was a violation of a court order or interference with the courts proceedings. All of the attorneys urged her to make her ruling and some suggested that the leak was a separate matter and someone other than the court can address it. If this case ends up being about the court punishing the press or even a leaker, it will have gone far beyond where it started. The public has a right to know what led to the shooting The Tennessee Public Records Act allows a requester whose public records request was denied by a government entity to petition for access to any such record and to obtain judicial review of the actions taken to deny the access. The statute goes on to say: The court, in ruling upon the petition of any party proceeding hereunder, shall render written findings of fact and conclusions of law and shall be empowered to exercise full injunctive remedies and relief to secure the purposes and intentions of this section, and this section shall be broadly construed so as to give the fullest possible public access to public records. The public does have a right to know about what led up to the shooting. Could it have been prevented? Deborah Fisher If the sliver of information from the leaked police records is any indication, theres a lot thats been kept from the public. Deborah Fisher is executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government. This column is a modification of an earlier column published June 14 before the show cause hearing. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Covenant shooting: Judge targets media, keeps public in dark In a fiery speech Wednesday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah singled out nearby Cyprus, threatening to target the small Mediterranean island if it aids Israel in a potential war between the Lebanese militant group and Israel. Cyprus will be part of this war too if it opens its airports and bases to Israeli forces, the leader of the Iran-backed militant group said in a televised speech Wednesday, a day after Israel warned that the prospect of all-out war in Lebanon was getting very close. Responding to the comments, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides denied being involved in the war. The statements are not pleasant, but they do not correspond in any way to what is being attempted, to present an image that Cyprus is involved in the war operations. In no way whatsoever, he said, adding that lines of communication are open with the Lebanese and Iranian governments. While experts say war between Israel and Hezbollah remains unlikely, the very mention of Cyprus adds a new dimension to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. It risks drawing a European Union nation into a war that has already spread across the Middle East and puts the spotlight on Cypruss ties with Israel. Heres what we know. Why is Cyprus location important? An island in the Eastern Mediterranean located on a geopolitical fault line between the Middle East and southern Europe, Cyprus is geographically much closer to the conflicts in the Middle East than it is to European power centers. The island is twice the size of the US state of Delaware, and it is split into two parts: a Greek-speaking southern part known as the Republic of Cyprus, and a Turkish-speaking region known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The islands divide reflects the rivalry between regional foes Greece and Turkey. Most of the international community only recognizes the sovereignty of the Greek part of Cyprus, and that was the nation Nasrallahs threats were directed at. The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the EU but not of the NATO defense alliance that obliges member nations to come to each others defense in case of attack. It is home to around 920,000 people, with Nicosia as its capital. How close are Cyprus ties with Israel? Diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Israel started in 1960, following the islands independence from British colonial rule, but Cyprus didnt open an embassy in Tel Aviv until 1994. Relations went sour in the 1980s and 1990s over issues including Israels close ties with Turkey and the Arab-Israeli conflict, in which Cyprus sided with Arab states and supported Palestinian statehood. Ties bounced back in the late 1990s and 2000s, as Israel began turning to the Eastern Mediterranean for economic partnerships, especially after the discovery of natural gas in the region. Experts say Israel has also looked to Cyprus as a partner to thwart regional threats, particularly from Turkey and Iran-linked groups. Israel has in recent years used Cypriot territory to train its troops on possible war with Hezbollah. Cyprus terrain is similar to that of Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said, according to Israeli media. In 2022, the IDF conducted a joint military drill with Cypriot forces. Some of the joint training focused on fighting multiple fronts and focusing on battling Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israeli media reported. Their latest exercises were conducted in May 2023 in Cyprus. Cyprus' Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos welcomes his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in Larnaca, Cyprus, on December 20. - Stavros Ioannides/PIO/Reuters What has Cyprus role been in the Gaza war? Cyprus has been keen to dispel any suggestions that it is implicated in the Gaza war, noting its humanitarian efforts that helped bring some aid into Gaza. The Republic of Cyprus is not part of the problem. The Republic of Cyprus is part of the solution, said Christodoulides, the president. And our role in this, as demonstrated, for example, through the humanitarian corridor, is recognized not only by the Arab world but by the international community as a whole. In March, Cyprus began allowing aid ships to sail from its ports as part of international efforts to create a humanitarian aid route via sea toward Gaza. The first maritime shipment to Gaza carried 200 tons of food, which equates to roughly 500,000 meals. An EU logistics hub was also set up in Cyprus to facilitate the flow of aid into Gaza. Nicosia has criticized some of Israels actions in Gaza, especially those that have hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid. In April, it issued a joint statement with the UAE, condemning the deadly Israeli attack on the World Central Kitchen charity group that killed seven people. It has also repeatedly condemned Hamas for its October 7 attack on Israel. Humanitarian aid for Gaza is loaded on a platform next to a rescue vessel of the Spanish NGO Open Arms at the port of Larnaca, Cyprus on March 11. - Yiannis Kourtoglou/Reuters What is the likelihood of Cyprus getting more deeply involved? The island has previously been caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts, a reminder of its proximity to the volatile Middle East. In 2019, a suspected Russian-made missile exploded over the region of northern Cyprus. Cypriot officials believed the missile was linked to military operations in Syria, saying it landed less than 15 (24km) miles north of the capital Nicosia. A scenario in which Israel uses Cypriot bases for its military forces, which Hezbollah warned against, would effectively expand Gaza war into the European Union, Mohammad Ali Shabani, Iran analyst and editor of Amwaj.media, wrote on X. It would mean that an EU country is, for the first time, directly involved in an expanded Gaza war. Some experts say that the prospect of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict breaking out into an all- out war is unlikely, however, as neither side want such an escalation. Hezbollahs release of drone footage of sensitive positions inside Israel is meant as a deterrent to Israel, Lina Khatib, associate fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Chatham House think tank in London, told CNN, referring to the 9-minute drone video released by Hezbollah on Tuesday, showing civilian and military locations in and around the Israeli city Haifa. It is normal for both Israel and Hezbollah to have military plans in place for handling a potential escalation. But as things stand, neither Israel nor Hezbollah benefits from all-out war, Khatib said, adding that Hezbollah knows that war with Israel would be devastating for Lebanon and that there is no popular appetite for such a scenario in the country. The Biden administration is also unlikely to let Israel fight a two-front war on its own, she said, adding that US involvement may pull in other Iran-backed actors as well as the potential for Iran itself to be targeted. This is a high cost that Iran wants to avoid paying, she said. The US also does not want to find itself in another Middle East quagmire, especially with presidential elections looming. CNNs Sharon Braithwaite, Tamara Qiblawi, Mostafa Salem and Abbas Al Lawati contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Millions of borrowers will see their monthly student loan payments reduced starting in July, thanks to one of the Biden administrations biggest changes to the federal student loan system to date. Last year, following the Supreme Court decision that knocked down President Joe Bidens signature student loan forgiveness program before it took effect, his administration rolled out a new repayment plan known as SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) that will be fully phased in this summer. For most borrowers, the SAVE plan requires a lower monthly payment than other federal student loan repayment plans, and it cancels student debt for some borrowers after they make as few as 10 years of payments. More than 8 million people have enrolled in the SAVE plan to date. Most of the benefits offered by the SAVE plan are already in place, but one significant provision will take effect in July. The change could cut payments in half for some borrowers. How payments will be reduced Under the SAVE plan, monthly payments are calculated based on a borrowers income and family size, regardless of how much student debt they have. Starting in July, monthly payments on loans borrowed for undergraduate school will be reduced from 10% to 5% of discretionary income. Borrowers who have loans from both undergraduate and graduate school will pay a weighted average of between 5% and 10% of their income based upon the original principal balances of their loans. For example, a borrower with $20,000 from his or her undergraduate education and $60,000 from graduate school will pay 8.75% of his or her income, according to a fact sheet provided by the Biden administration. The payment recalculation will happen automatically and does not require any action from borrowers enrolled in SAVE. A delay for some borrowers Even though the Department of Education said lower payment amounts would go into effect in July, the agency is behind and has not finished recalculating borrowers lower payment amounts. But affected borrowers wont be required to continue to make the bigger monthly payments. If a borrowers payment is not recalculated by July, he or she will be placed in a forbearance, during which no payment will be due and no interest will accrue. The month will still count toward student loan forgiveness. As the department finalizes preparations for the full universe of borrowers eligible for lower monthly payments, some borrowers may be placed in a brief processing forbearance to ensure they can access the full benefits of the SAVE Plan and that their new payment amounts are accurate, the Department of Education said in a statement. The delay was first reported by The New York Times. How the SAVE plan works Before the SAVE plan launched last year, the federal government already offered several income-driven repayment plans, which tie monthly payments to a borrowers income and family size. But SAVE offers the most generous terms, especially for low-income borrowers. There are two main ways the SAVE plan can lower monthly payments for enrolled borrowers. In addition to cutting the payment from 10% to as low as 5% of discretionary income, SAVE also changes the way discretionary income is calculated. It shields a bigger portion of a borrowers income, resulting in lower payments when compared with other income-driven plans. Payments can be as low as $0, and more than half of borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE are not required to make a monthly payment. The SAVE plan also prevents balances from ballooning due to interest when a borrower has a small monthly payment. If enrolled in SAVE, unpaid interest does not accrue if a borrower makes a fully monthly payment. For example: If $50 in interest accumulates each month and a borrowers full required payment is just $30, the remaining $20 would be waived. Borrowers enrolled in SAVE may also be eligible for student debt relief in a shorter amount of time than under other income-driven plans. Those who borrowed $12,000 or less will see their debt forgiven after paying for just 10 years under SAVE. Every additional $1,000 borrowed above that amount would add one year of monthly payments to the required time a borrower must pay. Under other repayment plans, borrowers must make at least 20 years of payments before receiving debt forgiveness. Initially, debt relief delivered under the SAVE plan was scheduled to begin this summer. But the Biden administration began canceling some eligible borrowers debt early, in February. So far, $5.5 billion has been canceled for 414,000 people enrolled in the plan. Legal challenges Two groups of Republican-led states have sued to overturn the SAVE plan, arguing that the Biden administration is overstepping its legal authority. Some of the states, including Missouri, are among the same plaintiffs that sued the Biden administration two years ago over its sweeping one-time student loan forgiveness program. Yet again, the President is unilaterally trying to impose an extraordinarily expensive and controversial policy that he could not get through Congress, reads the lawsuit filed in April by attorneys general in Missouri, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma. The estimated cost of the SAVE plan varies, depending on how many borrowers end up enrolling, ranging from $138 billion to $475 billion over 10 years, according to different studies. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The clock struck midnight on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s window to qualify for CNN's June 27 general election debate, and the network formally announced that he won't make the stage. That hour on Thursday marked the deadline to meet CNN's qualification requirements, which included being constitutionally eligible to become president, having at least four qualifying national polls with at least 15 percent support that meet CNN's guidelines and having confirmed ballot access in enough states to potentially win a majority in the Electoral College (270 electoral votes). Kennedy ultimately came up short on both polls and ballot access in his bid to get a spot on the debate stage alongside President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. But even though Kennedy didn't qualify, his legal challenge to the debate is still ongoing. In late May, Kennedy's campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that the CNN debate violates campaign finance law because the network "colluded" with the Biden and Trump campaigns in planning the debate and is using different ballot access rules for the two major-party contenders compared with Kennedy. CNN has said that Kennedy's complaint is unfounded. All in all, it seems unlikely although not impossible that the FEC will intervene on Kennedys behalf. Here then is a look at Kennedy's qualification situation and the legal wrangling that could play into the CNN debate. Kennedy ended up short on polls and ballot access On the polling front, Kennedy's situation was pretty cut and dried: He had three national polls at 15 percent or better that qualify under CNN's rules, which means he needed one more at that level of support. However, Kennedy likely missed his final shot at a fourth poll when Beacon Research/Shaw & Co. Research/Fox News released a national survey on Wednesday evening that found him at 10 percent. Although he's polled at around 9 to 10 percent in 538's national polling average since mid-March, Kennedy's support level from survey to survey has varied enough that getting to 15 percent in four qualifying polls seemed plausible for him when CNN released its debate criteria in May. However, Kennedy has hit that mark in just three of the 14 eligible national surveys of registered or likely voters that included him as an option. Still, a small bit of variation in the result of just one other survey would have allowed him to meet CNN's polling criteria after all, he hit 14 percent in two qualifying surveys. Yet even if he had gotten a fourth poll, Kennedy sat well shy of CNN's requirement for ballot access at the end of the qualifying period. Unlike the major-party nominees, independent and third-party contenders aren't all but guaranteed ballot access in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, so they must navigate each state's rules for garnering a spot on the ballot a process that usually involves gathering a sizable number of petition signatures. Kennedy's campaign claims to have made the ballot in 23 states worth 310 electoral votes, but CNN said last Saturday that it had only confirmed he'd made the ballot in six states worth 89 electoral votes. Earlier this week, ABC News confirmed that Tennessee has also put Kennedy on the ballot, but that still gives Kennedy only 100 potential electoral votes far short of the 270 he needs to meet the debate requirement. To reach 270 potential electoral votes, Kennedy would have needed, at a minimum, nine of the 16 unconfirmed states his campaign claims access in to confirm that he's made the ballot a tall order. Recognized minor parties with ballot access in Florida (30 electoral votes) and South Carolina (9) have announced Kennedy as their presidential nominee, and Kennedy's We The People Party appears on the cusp of having access in North Carolina (16), so he might credibly say he's at 155 electoral votes. But that would still leave him needing confirmation in most of the medium-to-large states on his list such as Texas (40), New York (28), Ohio (17), New Jersey (14), Washington (12) and Minnesota (10) along with perhaps one or two smaller states. Ongoing litigation over Kennedy's ballot status has potentially delayed confirmations in some states, too. For instance, Nevada's secretary of state said the campaign's petitions in the state were likely invalid under state law because they didn't list Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy's vice presidential running mate. While Kennedy's campaign has mounted a lawsuit over the issue, it has also begun efforts to recollect signatures with a new petition form in the meantime. A debatable legal situation But Kennedy is also waging a more direct legal battle over the debate qualification situation: He's filed an FEC complaint alleging that CNN's debate violates campaign finance rules. Based on federal law, the organization staging a debate must determine candidate inclusion based on preestablished objective criteria, and, for a general election debate, a candidate's nomination by a particular party cannot be used as the lone factor. Otherwise, the event could be seen as a contribution to the debate participants, subject to campaign finance limits which the cost of a debate would almost certainly run well beyond. With this in mind, the Kennedy campaign contends that CNN "colluded" with the Biden and Trump campaigns to set the debate criteria and make sure that they were the only two candidates on stage. It also argued that CNN is using different qualification criteria for Biden and Trump by mandating that Kennedy meet the 270-electoral vote ballot status requirement even though the two major-party contenders won't be formally nominated and thus secure ballot access as their respective parties' nominees until their conventions happen later this summer. In response, a CNN spokesperson said in May that "the law in virtually every state provides that the nominee of a state-recognized political party will be allowed ballot access without petitioning. As the presumptive nominees of their parties both Biden and Trump will satisfy this requirement." Derek T. Muller, a professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School who studies election law, told me that the Kennedy campaign's case for collusion may not be particularly strong. Although CNN clearly engaged with the Biden and Trump campaigns as it put together the debate, Muller felt CNN might "have a good leg to stand on" because the network adopted qualification criteria similar to what the Commission on Presidential Debates has long used for its debates and planned to use for any it hosted this cycle: a 15 percent polling threshold and minimum ballot access threshold. In theory, CNN could have created criteria that would have been nigh impossible for Kennedy to meet, such as a 30 percent polling threshold, but chose not to. Minor parties and candidates have previously challenged such criteria, only for the courts to consistently uphold the CPD's rules. "There's pretty robust precedent that at least the things that the CPD has used in the past are acceptable criteria," Muller said. However, Muller said the Kennedy campaign may have a stronger case that CNN has failed to consistently apply its qualification rule regarding ballot access. "Biden and Trump are not the nominees. They're not on the ballot in any state," Muller said. "So CNN has had to massage that criteria and say, 'Well, they're the presumptive nominees, and we expect they will be on the ballot.'" That this is the earliest general election debate ever is part of the issue: Although the CPD uses similar criteria, its debates have always come after Labor Day, by which time ballot certification has concluded in all or nearly all states, making it more straightforward to assess ballot access as a criterion. Yet even if Kennedy's complaint has merit, the FEC may not take action, in part because of partisanship. The FEC has six members three Democrats and three Republicans and four commissioners would have to agree to pursue a case against CNN, necessitating at least some degree of bipartisanship. The Biden campaign clearly doesn't want Kennedy on stage, so it may be unlikely that any of the Democrats would break ranks to join three Republicans to vote to move forward with a case if the three Republicans had any interest in doing that. (While there has been a recent run of bipartisan agreements among the Republican trio and one Democratic member to loosen some campaign finance rules, Muller wasn't sure that trend was either sustainable or applicable to questions surrounding a debate.) Meanwhile, Muller noted past ideological opposition among Republican commissioners to FEC intervention in media-run debates. In 2015, a little-known GOP presidential contender named Mark Everson filed an unsuccessful FEC complaint against Fox News over the broadcaster's choice to change its preestablished criteria for qualification to the first Republican primary debate of the 2016 cycle. The newsiest part of the proceedings was a 4-2 FEC vote determining that Fox News's debate rules had not violated the law. But another vote in the proceedings may have particular relevance here: All three GOP commissioners also felt the FEC regulations themselves were invalid and supported a separate motion that said the FEC lacked the power to investigate Fox News (the motion failed 3-3). "The three Republican members said, 'We think there's a First Amendment issue here, and we can't even get involved in the first place,'" Muller told me. "Who are we to tell the campaigns or debate organizations what they can and can't do as a media entity?" Even if four commissioners agreed to move forward with a case, time is running short for the FEC to issue a ruling to compel CNN to put Kennedy on the stage. Even if such an order came just before the debate, CNN could challenge it in court, which could push any resolution beyond June 27. And a ruling that came after the CNN debate (i.e., issuing a fine on CNN) wouldn't help Kennedy in that debate, or in the next general election debate that ABC News plans to host in September. By then, the matter of whether Kennedy has sufficient ballot access should be unambiguous. Kennedy is trying to become the first third-party or independent presidential candidate to make a general election debate since Ross Perot in 1992, but barring unexpected and swift action by the FEC, it looks like he'll have to hope for success in September instead. Why RFK Jr. didn't qualify for the first presidential debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Heres how St. Pete Pride became the largest LGBTQ+ festival in the Southeast While rainbow flags decorate St. Petersburg year-round, Pride month is extra special in the Sunshine City. St. Pete Pride isnt just the most popular LGBTQ+ happening in the state of Florida. Visit St. Pete/ Clearwater calls the monthlong festival the largest Pride event in the Southeast, with over 300,000 expected to attend this weekends festivities alone. In June 2023, over half a million people attended local Pride events. Its like we put on Woodstock every year, said Stanley Solomons, St. Pete Pride treasurer. How did St. Pete a fast-growing city, but certainly not Floridas largest grow such a vast audience? St. Pete Pride was founded in 2003 after the Tampa Bay PrideFest held in Tampa fell apart, according to LGBTQ+ news outlet Watermark. That year, the first St. Pete Pride Promenade drew about 10,000 people to the citys Grand Central District, Times archives said. The march commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots and occurred a few days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned state antisodomy laws. St. Petes then-Mayor Rick Baker resisted attending the parade or backing it with a public statement. Personally, I dont support the general agenda of the Pride event, he told the then-St. Petersburg Times in 2004. But the festivities continued to grow without the mayors help. By the time Solomons got involved with St. Pete Prides fifth festival in 2008, the event brought out tens of thousands. Solomons remembers attending when the parade and street festival still took place on the same day. Tables and tents lined both sides of Central Avenue, with floats and processions in between. It just got big. It got to be too big and it wasnt safe anymore, he said. To create more room on the street, St. Pete Pride separated the parade and street festival into two events across one weekend. This allowed for more vendors to participate, Solomons said, ushering in even more publicity. By 2017, the parade had outgrown its original neighborhood and moved to the downtown waterfront. Though the move was controversial among some business owners in the Grand Central District, it ultimately allowed for more attendees. Solomons credits the success to St. Petes small-town feel, word of mouth and support from groups like Visit St. Pete/ Clearwater. I was in New York in a cab and I heard an ad for St. Pete. So were all over and weve got a good reputation, he said. (St. Pete Pride) just became a way of life. We already have people wanting to book hotels for next year. Tiffany Freisberg, former St. Pete Pride president and current board member, said the organization works with Destination Analysts to measure growth. The third-party company uses information like hotel beds and drone footage to determine people per square mile. In 2022, St. Pete Pride brought a local economic impact of $67.2 million. I think whats happened in the last few years is that we have a lot more people coming from out of town, Freisberg said. Were on more and more lists of LGBTQ-friendly cities. She credits several individuals from the city. Jim Nixon, the citys former LGBTQ+ liaison, helped St. Pete maintain a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaigns annual Municipal Equality Index for seven years. Rick Kriseman was the only City Council member to sign a proclamation recognizing St. Pete Pride when it started. As mayor, he raised the rainbow flag at City Hall and declared March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility. Hes the one who, when I became president, gave us a contract to ensure that St. Pete Pride carries on for at least five years, getting the level of support it has from the city, Freisberg said. He walked in every parade. He was a huge advocate, and we really, really needed that coming out of COVID. In 2020, the pandemic forced St. Pete Pride to pivot once again. When the 2020 and 2021 parades were canceled, the group focused on creating new events through the month of June to highlight the local LGBTQ+ community. Offerings included a 5K, fireworks and a day for youth and families. It allowed us to create more sponsorship opportunities, because suddenly organizations that maybe didnt see themselves belonging at Pride originally could see themselves at Family Day, Freisberg said. Maybe that was a less controversial way for them to support the LGBTQ community. Current Mayor Ken Welch has continued city support, from hoisting the Pride flag in June to pledging to fight discrimination. We cannot and we will not stand silent while our fundamental rights of freedom, choice and self-determination are stripped away by anyone or any organization, including politicians in Washington and Tallahassee, he said in 2022. Going forward, St. Pete Pride wants even more folks to feel welcome. Tamara Leigh, founder of Tampa Bay Black Lesbians, is working to cultivate safe spaces and events for the Black and Brown queer community. Theres this misconception outside of the LGBTQ community, I think, that were kind of all skipping shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, doing the YMCA, said Leigh, who is also the founder and editor of Blaque/OUT Magazine and Consulting. Inclusion and making sure that all of the people that are part of the community is incredibly important. If youre only fighting for one piece of the community, what happens to everyone else? Since getting involved in 2020, Leigh has worked with St. Pete Pride organizers to create more diverse events, including the Juneteenth Pride celebration that debuted in 2021. The evolution over the years has made it a two-day Juneteenth festival that celebrates everything that Juneteenth is about and why it matters to community, she said. Its a safe space for Black queer folks to be able to celebrate that day. Amid recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that has passed in the last few years, Leigh wants to remind folks about the power of visibility. Some people are scared to come out and so its sort of an act of bravery and rebellion to even show up to these events, because it can be scary, she said. But I think its incredibly important to realize that people still do. Information from the Tampa Bay Times archive was used in this report. The Wisconsin Supreme Court chambers. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner) The Wisconsin Supreme Court renamed the states law library after Lavinia Goodell, the states first woman lawyer, on Wednesday. The change removes former Justice David Prossers name from the building. Prosser, who sat on the Court from 1998 to 2016 and before that was the Republican speaker of the state Assembly, had the library named after him shortly before his retirement in 2016. The name change drew the ire of conservative members of the Court and Republicans. Justice Rebecca Bradley called the decision petty and vindictive. In another petty and vindictive maneuver, the progressive majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court flexes its political power to remove Justice David Prossers name from the State Law Library, Bradley wrote on X, adding that the Court could have honored Goodell in other ways. Goodell was admitted to practice law in Rock County in 1874, but a year later she was barred from representing a client in an appeal to the Supreme Court. She then drafted legislation, signed into law in 1877, guaranteeing women the right to practice law in the state. A few years later she became the first woman to brief a case before the Supreme Court and then argued and won her first case at the state Supreme Court shortly before her death in 1880. Prossers tenure on the Court was often tumultuous, including a 2011 incident in which he put his hands around liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradleys throat during an argument in the justices chambers about former Gov. Scott Walkers law curbing collective bargaining rights in the state. Walsh Bradley was one of the members of the Court who made the decision to remove his name from the library. The post Wisconsin Supreme Court renames law library for states first woman lawyer appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner. Nazrin Abdul In recent years, the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea have sparked significant concerns, prompting various theories and underscoring the urgent need for solutions and regulatory measures. Former Romanian Prime Minister Petre Roman addressed these concerns during panel discussions on "The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation" at the High-Level 29th Meeting focused on "Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future," Azernews reports. Roman highlighted that tectonic activities at the Caspian Sea's seabed are contributing to these water level changes. Additionally, there is observed reduced flow in the Volga River, crucial for the Caspian's ecosystem. "Water levels are declining in water bodies worldwide, and the Caspian Sea is no exception," he noted. Roman attributed this trend to reduced river inflows and global warming impacts, stressing that fluctuations in enclosed basins have far-reaching consequences, with some lakes facing more severe conditions. Despite the Volga River traditionally helping stabilize Caspian Sea levels, recent years have seen its own decline. Roman expressed optimism that COP29 would elevate awareness and spur solutions to address these critical environmental challenges. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a speech while attending the luncheon of China-Malaysia business community with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- With the concerted efforts of business communities and individuals across various sectors in both China and Malaysia, the next 50 years of China-Malaysia relations promise to be another golden era, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday. Li made the remarks when attending the luncheon of China-Malaysia business community with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Around 200 representatives from the business community of both countries attended the meeting. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia 50 years ago, economic and trade cooperation has always played a crucial role in bilateral relations, Li said. In recent years, China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation has rapidly expanded, with its scope broadened and quality improved, showcasing a thriving and vigorous growth, he noted. As China-Malaysia relations continue to deepen, the alignment of their development strategies, the emergence of complementary strengths, and the ongoing advancement of industrial upgrades will bring more new opportunities for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, as well as for investment and business activities by enterprises from both nations, Li said. China is ready to work with Malaysia to accelerate the implementation of various cooperation agreements, jointly advance major projects, and expand cooperation and achieve more win-win results for both sides, he said. Li said enterprises play a leading role in economic and trade cooperation between China and Malaysia, forming an important foundation for the healthy development of bilateral relations. He expressed hope that enterprises from both countries would continue to deeply explore each other's markets, make full use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, continuously tap the potential for trade growth, strive to unleash investment cooperation momentum, and be practitioners of mutual benefit. Li also encouraged enterprises to actively expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green development and the digital economy, make better plans for future industries like artificial intelligence and life sciences, and continuously optimize the allocation of various innovative resources, thereby becoming leaders in innovative development. Additionally, he urged enterprises to contribute to people-to-people connectivity by promoting communication, dialogue, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations, and sharing more stories of China-Malaysia friendship with both societies to enhance mutual understanding and trust. Anwar said in his speech that China is an inclusive and friendly country that understands different cultures. Malaysia and China always adhere to mutual respect and mutual learning, and their cooperation is mutually beneficial, he said, adding that Malaysia-China relations are rich in connotation and profound in significance. Malaysia is firmly committed to deepening friendly relations with China and is willing to work with China to further enhance mutual understanding through dialogue, deepen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, education and other fields, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, so as to better benefit the two peoples and future generations, he said. Athens, Ala. (WHNT) Whitley Jane Looney is three going on 23. The sassy toddler knows exactly what she wants, and she knows how to ask for it! By watching her run the playground with her Minnie Mouse toy in hand, you would never guess the now-energetic tot is bouncing back after extensive chemotherapy and surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. News 19 and Make-A-Wish Alabama partner up for Wake up for Wishes telethon! We did an x-ray that found a grapefruit-sized mass in her chest that was basically squishing her lung. It was compressing her esophagus, her trachea, mom Autumn Looney said. It was in her spine from the top of her neck to the middle of her back. The find came after months of illnesses that ate up Whitleys first 18 months of life. She had been sick since she was 6 weeks old, she got RSV, then COVID, pneumonia then it was like a snowball effect. Her condition soon worsened, and she was diagnosed with stage-three neuroblastoma. Make A Wish: Dawsons story She was struggling every day to breathe, something so simple for everyone else, Autumn said. At the time she was just 18 months old and weighed maybe 19 pounds. It was crazy to look at the picture of the tumor and to look at her, it basically took up the whole right side of her chest. It would take nine rounds of chemo to shrink the tumor. She had a lot of hair and that was rough. I dont think any of us realized how hard that would be, Autumn said. Most of the cancerous mass was then removed. Make A Wish: Teagans story August 15 of 2023 she had an 80% tumor rescission. The residual tumor thats left is whats still in her spine because theres too much of a risk to go in and get it without a risk of paralyzing her, Autumn said. Despite not getting all of the tumor, the procedure was a success. They were able to remove all the active cancer, dad Corey Looney said. On December 9, the Looneys got the news that Whitley was cancer-free. Make A Wish: Braylyns story In addition to Whitleys parents, her Minnie toy accompanied her every step of the way through that year-long process. [She loves] princesses and Minnie Mouse, Corey said. If it has Minnie on it, we have purchased it, Autumn echoed. The infatuation with the Disney staple started when Whitley received her neuroblastoma diagnosis in January of 2023. When she first got sick, someone had bought her a stuffed Minnie Mouse to send with us when we went for the first time to St. Jude, Corey said. From there the Looneys said Minnie became her toy of choice. Even St. Jude recognized her love for the toy. For Easter we were at St. Jude and the Easter bunny brought a giant Minnie Mouse shopping cart filled with anything Minnie. It had everything, and it just took off from there. So when it came time for Make-A-Wish to meet Whitley and her family, Autumn and Corey knew exactly what to ask for. I was like, we have to take her to see Minnie, we have to see Minnie! We did a call with them and they said, Where do you want to go? She said Minnies house! Autumn said. The Looneys are asking Make-A-Wish Alabama to send them to Disney World so Whitley can see her BFF. She talks about it every day, Corey said. Yes every day, I wanna go to Min-Mouse-House. I wanna go to Minnie Mouses house! And we say, Do you want to see the princesses? Yes yes. Me? Me? Autumn said. For the rest of the family, it is an opportunity to make more memories as a family of five to enjoy together after months spent split, away from Whitleys older siblings, Wesson and Caroline. We spent a year missing chunks like two and three weeks at a time away from them, Autumn said. We missed almost every holiday in 2023 away from them because they werent able to go because of certain restrictions at the hospital so after spending almost cumulative a year, the time you get together now, its so much more precious, Autumn said. A trip to Disney World, they say, is a great way to close a scary chapter in their familys story. Maybe its an official celebration trip for all that to be over with, Corey said. Its a we made it trip, Autumn said. News 19 is thrilled to partner with Make-A-Wish Alabama to help raise money for wishes just like Whitleys. 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 take a united front to grant multiple wishes. There are 96 children waiting for their wishes to be granted right here in North Alabama. You can be the reason children like Whitley 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. MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A woman and man have been indicted in connection to a dog attack that killed a two-year-old in March. According to the Madison County Sheriffs Office (MCSO), 55-year-old Melissa Phillips was indicted for violating Emilys Law and turned herself in on Thursday. Court records show Jeffrey Phillips was also indicted for violating Emilys Law. At the time of the incident, MCSO spokesperson Brent Patterson said a boy was at a neighbors house on T.R. Christian Road when they were attacked by a neighbors dog. MCSO responded alongside the New Hope Police Department (NHPD) and Owens Cross Roads Police Department (OXPD). Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill said the child was a two-year-old boy, and he suffered fatal bite wounds during the attack. When officers arrived, MCSO said they began administering life-saving measures to the child, who was later pronounced dead. While investigating the attack, the sheriffs office found two dogs at a neighbors home and the dogs were taken due to their potential involvement in the attack. A third dog that officials believed might have been involved in the attack was located down the road. The owner of the third dog surrendered their pet to law enforcement while the investigation continued. All three dogs suspected in the attack were surrendered by the owners and picked up by Madison County Animal Control, MCSO said. Authorities say they discovered that one of the three dogs had recently been involved in another dog attack in the area that NHPD had reported in January. A forensic odontologist was able to collect bite impressions and rule out two of the initial dogs involvement in the boys death. All the dogs have been euthanized, according to the sheriffs office. Phillips was taken to the Madison County Jail Facility with a bond set at $15,000, but she has since been released. A spokesperson for MCSO said Jeffrey Phillips is in the hospital, but will be arrested and face the same charge as Melissa Phillips following his release. MCSO said the investigation is ongoing and could result in additional 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 WHNT.com. A Woman Called 911 and Said 'I'm Sorry' Before Hanging Up. Then Police Found 2 Dead Bodies at Home The woman, who has not been identified, gave authorities the address of the residence before hanging up NBC Connecticut/YouTube Authorities in Connecticut are investigating the killings of two people which were reported on a 911 call by a woman who said she was sorry before hanging up the call. Police responded to a Voluntown, Conn., home on Wednesday morning after they received a call from a woman claiming there was an emergency, NBC Connecticut, WTNH and FOX 61 reported, citing the Connecticut State Police. The woman, who had not been identified as of Thursday morning, gave the caller an address and said "Emergency, I'm sorry" before she hung up, police said, according to FOX 61. When police responded, they found a man dead in the driveway with visible injuries, police said, per the outlets. Police tried to contact any person inside the residence but were unable to, the Register Citizen reported, citing Sgt. Luke Davis of the State Police. They used phone pings to determine who was inside the house, Davis said, per the Register Citizen and FOX 61. Hours later, police say, they sent in drones through the second floor window and located an unresponsive woman in the stairwell of the home, the outlets reported. The woman was later declared dead, per police. It's not clear if the deceased woman is the same one who made the 911 call. 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. It's not clear how the man and woman died. The relationship between the man and the woman was not clear, Davis said, according to the Register Citizen. Neighbors say the deceased pair lived together, WFSB reported. They were both nice, but that doesnt mean anything when youre outside of the family, neighbor Karen Hoenig told the outlet. You dont know what happens inside of people's houses. An investigation is ongoing. Police said they will release the identities of the pair later. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A woman has been detained during a vacant home fire that ignited in Downtown Fresno Wednesday evening, according to the Fresno Fire Department. Firefighters received a call for a structure fire around 7:40 p.m. in the area of Yosemite and Nevada Avenues. It was reported that smoke and flames were coming from the roof of a boarded-up house. Later in the evening, firefighters say a second alarm was requested. Due to deteriorating conditions and increased hazards, firefighters had to back out of the structure and switch to a defensive operation. Fire officials say they initially received multiple reports from witnesses claiming a woman nearby was suspected of starting it. Fresno Police detained her and a fire investigator responded to the scene. This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. A 60-year-old woman was arrested in Kyiv on June 20 on suspicion that she had desecrated the graves of three well-known Ukrainian defenders, the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office reported. The graves belonged to the legendary commander Dmytro "Da Vinci" Kotsiubailo, MiG-29 pilot Andrii "Juice" Pilshchykov, and activist-turned-soldier Pavlo Petrychenko. The suspect desecrated their graves at Askold's Grave in central Kyiv on the early morning of June 20, the prosecutors said. Commemorative plaques, candleholders, flags, and photos were found damaged. Later the same day, the authorities announced that the woman had been detained. Criminal proceedings were launched under the article of desecration of graves of Ukrainian defenders. If convicted, the woman faces up to five years in prison. Kotsiubailo, better known by his call sign, "Da Vinci," was an active participant in the EuroMaidan Revolution and took up arms shortly after Russia invaded Donbas in 2014. Already in 2016, Kotsiubailo, aged 21, became the youngest commander in Ukrainian history by taking charge of the First Assault Company, which then operated under the name "Da Vinci Wolves." He was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine in 2021. "Da Vinci" was killed by Russian soldiers in March 2023 near Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast. Pilshchykov, also known as "Juice," was a renowned fighter pilot with a large social media following who advocated for Western countries sending F-16 jets to Ukraine. The pilot died in August 2023 during a mid-air collision over Zhytomyr Oblast while flying an L-39 training jet. Petrychenko was a well-known Kyiv activist involved in the fight against corruption. He was a member of the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation, helping to establish a volunteer center in the capital, and joined the Armed Forces two months after the start of the full-scale war. The activist-turned-soldier was killed in combat in Donetsk Oblast in April 2024, just a day before his 32nd birthday, and shortly after initiating a petition against online gambling in the military. Read also: Who was Da Vinci, legendary young commander killed near Bakhmut? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Womans Legs Mysteriously Go Numb During Hike. She Thought It Was a Bite, But Heres What Really Happened "She was unable to feel the skin on her legs and could not continue her hike," authorities said Inyo County Search & Rescue A hiker was rescued from the Sierra Nevada mountain range on June 12, 2024 after her legs mysteriously went numb A hiker was rescued from Californias Sierra Nevada mountains after she could no longer "feel the skin on her legs," which she initially believed was due to a spider bite but authorities now say that something else was to blame. In a news release, Inyo County Search and Rescue said they received a report on June 12 at approximately 6: 30 p.m. that the hiker could not descend from the Taboose Pass Trail. They added that she had been hiking on the John Muir Trail, when she came across too much snow on Mather Pass. About 1.7 mi shy of the trailhead, the hiker went to fetch water from the creek when she reportedly got bitten by what she thought was a spider, read the statement. Afterwards, she was unable to feel the skin on her legs and could not continue her hike down. She still managed to call for a rescue and relay her coordinates, then her phone battery died. Related: 3 Teens Among Group of Hikers Rescued from N.H. Mountain Trail, Officials Say: 'Dangerous Decision' A team of responders was assembled and drove up to the Taboose trailhead, said rescue officials. They pushed a wheeled litter up for about 1.5 mi, then stashed it when the trail became too rough to safely continue with a litter for the last quarter mile. After evaluating the hikers condition, the rescuers walked her down walked her down a tricky part of the trail, with ropes to ensure her safety, per authorities. They brought her to the wheeled litter, and both the hiker and responders arrived at the trailhead before close to midnight. 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. PEOPLE contacted Inyo County Sheriffs Office on June 20 for additional information. A representative from the sheriffs office told the New York Post that, according to rescuers, the hiker was not bitten by a spider but was accidentally stung by stinging nettles on a part of the trail that is only meant for vehicles. Related: 2 Mountain Climbers Suffering from Hypothermia Awaiting Rescue from Denali Mountain in Alaska According to the University of Californias Integrated Pest Management website, stinging nettles are upright plants native to California and other Western states and have stinging hairs that can irritate and blister the skin. When human skin comes into contact with a leaf or stem, it often rapidly develops reddish patches accompanied by itching and burning, according to the website. Frequently, a prolonged tingling sensation may persist on the affected skin for more than 12 hours, even after visible symptoms have faded. Inyo County Search and Rescues June 16 statement offered neither indication of the womans current condition nor identity. The sheriffs office confirmed to the Post that the woman is believed to be recovering. Related: Solo Mount Baldy Hiker Still Missing, 3 Others Rescued After Spending a Night amid Severe Weather Authorities advised that hikers carry a power bank for their phone or a satellite messaging device since emergency calls usually come from people with a dying phone battery. They also added that the Taboose, Sawmill, Baxter, and Shepherd Pass Tails are not as thoroughly maintained compared to the other trails in the Sierra, As a result, hikers may experience steep grades, tricky sections and route-finding issues. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Woman sues Oblates, claiming she was raped as child by Catholic priest in 1960 A woman claiming to have been raped by a Catholic priest more than 60 years ago has filed a lawsuit against the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales headquartered in Wilmington. Joyce Harper, in her lawsuit, claims she was raped in 1960 by the Rev. George A. Mahoney, who as a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales served in different locations, including as principal of Salesianum School in Wilmington from 1931 to 1937. "Mahoney was employed recklessly despite the fact that the defendants had prior actual knowledge that he was physically abusive and a danger to students and that they owed a duty of care to protect Plaintiff from him," said the lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court by attorneys Thomas S. Neuberger and Raeann Warner. The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Thursday. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday afternoon under Maryland's Child Victims Act of 2023 which has eliminated the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in that state. This lawsuit comes as Delaware lawmakers look to amend the state's statute of limitations laws involving civil claims based on sexual abuse of minors. Like many survivors of sexual abuse, Harper still suffers from the incident, Neuberger said. Attorney Thomas Neuberger "To this day I have flashbacks of the abuse I endured, and especially when I see a young girl," Harper said in a statement provided by her attorney. The 73-year-old woman added that she's lost her religious faith and struggles to trust. "I always thought all men were only interested in me for sex. Throughout my life I've had no trust in men," she said. "I have never handled pressure or anxiety of any kind well and go into panic mode fast, much to the dismay of my husband while he is driving." The six-count civil lawsuit claims, among other things, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty and aid and abetting on behalf of the Oblates. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages and other relief. Changes to statute of limitations laws The Wilmington-based Oblates operate in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, which oversees schools and churches in Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore where Harper's lawyers said the rape occurred. Because of that, Harper's lawyers have filed a lawsuit under the relatively new act. "Two Maryland lower courts have ruled that the Act is constitutional, and another just ruled that it is not," Neuberger said. "That question will be settled by the Maryland Supreme Court." Several states have enacted similar laws following the Boston revelations in 2002 that resulted in the prosecutions of Catholic priests and forced the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests into the light. Delaware lawmakers are working to amend the state's law that prevents some survivors of child sex abuse from filing a civil lawsuit against their abusers. If this bill were to pass, it would allow survivors to file lawsuits against different organizations where this has been a problem. "This has nothing to do with the Church," said Timothy Dukes, R-Laurel, the prime sponsor of House Bill 417. "This is about protecting the most vulnerable in our state which are our children." Abuse allegations: These men were accused of sexual assault while working with Delaware Boy Scouts In 2007, prompted partially by disclosures of sex abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, state lawmakers passed the Delaware Child Victims Act, which did away with the two-year statute of limitations for child sex abuse moving forward. It also opened up a special window for old claims that were previously time-barred. The window, however, closed two years later. "That two-year window closed in July 2009," Dukes said. "And the tragedy is that sexual abuse has not stopped." Dukes is working to pass the bill before the end of this session this month. The bill is sponsored mostly by GOP members and one Democrat Speaker of the House Valerie Longhurst. "If it doesn't get to the House and Senate, it'd be one of the first bills that I run in January," Dukes said referring to when the next session starts. Maryland's Child Victims Act Maryland's Child Victims Act took effect months after a report from that state's Office of the Attorney General found more than 150 Catholic priests and clergy members associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore were accused of "horrific and repeated" sexual abuse of at least 600 children since the 1940s. The redacted report, released during Holy Week in 2022, listed every current or former clergy member or employee of the archdiocese who was ever credibly accused of sexual abuse of a child between the 1940s and 2002, according to USA Today. The list is based on hundreds of thousands of documents obtained through subpoenas of church records and interviews with hundreds of victims and witnesses, according to the attorney general. "The incontrovertible history uncovered by this investigation is one of pervasive and persistent abuse by priests and other Archdiocese personnel," the report reads. "It is also a history of repeated dismissal or cover-up of that abuse by the Catholic Church hierarchy." Mahoney was not listed in that report. Under the Delaware Child Victims Act of 2007, the Oblates were sued at least 41 times by victims of their predator priests. A list of 12 known pedophile priests was admitted by the Oblates at that time and Mahoney is not on that list either, according to Neuberger. 'You will go to hell' Harper was born in 1950 in Queen Anne's County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Raised Catholic, Harper attended Mary Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Centerville, Maryland, and later St. Peter the Apostle Church in Queenstown, Maryland two longtime historic Eastern Shore churches which, according to the lawsuit, have merged into one parish. Mahoney, after years of transfers by the Oblates according to the lawsuit, was assigned to Mary Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Peter the Apostle churches from 1956 to 1969. While pastor of Mary Our Mother of Sorrows, the lawsuit says, a trust was developed in Mahoney by Harper, who would often help with bake sales, bingo and church dinners. After one Sunday Mass in 1960, Mahoney asked four 10-year-old girls to help him count the offering money. Harper and another girl, according to the lawsuit, were separately taken into Mahoney's bedroom where he forced oral sex on them. "As often happens in such cases," the lawsuit says, "plaintiff then was threatened and told never to tell anyone what happened because, in his words, 'If you tell anyone about this you will go to HELL.'" That fear lasted through high school. Reported rape to problem priest The year following Mahoney's death in 1971, the lawsuit claims, Harper reported the rape to the Rev. Edward Carley "a notorious Diocese of Wilmington priest." Carley, who died in 1998, has been named in at least three other lawsuits claiming he would lure boys by flashing large amounts of money, giving them gifts and alcohol and allowing them to drive his car. "Carley refused to report the incident, and protected Mahoney and denied that any priest would ever do such a thing to any child (not surprising advice from a serial child rapist)," the lawsuit said. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Woman suing Oblates claims Catholic priest raped her when she was 10 A woman interviewed by congressional investigators said that she received money from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., in exchange for sex, sources familiar with the testimony told ABC News. Gaetz, an ally of former President Donald Trump, also allegedly paid others to attend parties where people engaged in sex and drugs, the outlet reported. Witnesses who spoke with House Ethics Committee staff had previously spoken with federal investigators as part of the Department of Justice's own probe into Gaetz and his erstwhile friend, Joel Greenberg, who was convicted in 2022 of sex trafficking a minor. According to the sources who spoke with ABC News, the witnesses were shown evidence of Venmo payments that they allegedly received from Gaetz and were asked whether those were for sex. Investigators from the committee received the Venmo records after subpoenaing the company, the sources said. They also interviewed around a half-dozen women who claimed they were paid to attend those parties by Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector. In 2022, Greenberg pled guilty to underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, identity theft, producing a fake ID card, and conspiring to defraud the US government. A judge sentenced him to 11 years in federal prison. As part of his plea deal, Greenberg provided information about Gaetz's involvement in the sex-trafficking scheme. Gaetz has denied ever paying for sex or having sex with a minor, and the previous DOJ investigation didn't result in any charges filed against him. Any payments to women he made, Gaetz has said, was "generosity towards ex-girlfriends" being portrayed as "something more untoward." "They are doing this to avoid the obvious fact that every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration. This is Soviet. Kevin McCarthy showed them the man, and they are now trying to find the crime," Gaetz wrote on X, apparently blaming the former House speaker for seeking revenge over the Florida lawmaker's role in his fall from power. "I work for Northwest Floridians who won't be swayed by this nonsense and McCarthy and his goons know it." Last April, The Atlantic published an article that features a former Gaetz staffer claiming he liked to show off his sexual conquests and brag about his use of erectile dysfunction pills to staffers and other members of Congress. On Tuesday, the House Ethics Committee revealed that after the interviews and 25 subpoenas, the bipartisan panel will continue to review allegations that the Florida congressman "engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use" and "sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct." BRISTOL AND KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) Losing tens of thousands of dollars and having their lives turned upside down when Wood Construction and Remodeling took their money and didnt perform major remodeling jobs isnt the only thing Sarah Fogle and Jacci Wallace have in common. YESTERDAY: Wood Construction owner agrees to federal plea with restitution, max 10 months prison Both women are also insistent that a proposed federal wire fraud plea deal for former owner Leighton Joe Wood even though it includes restitution for a number of victims also include a jail sentence. It is infuriating to think that someone could do this to so many individuals and deliberately know thats their plan and walk or possibly get probation, said Fogle, who paid Wood $78,000 for a contract to rebuild a home gutted in a fire and lost it all. Signed June 13, the proposal requires deposit of almost $1.2 million for victim restitution and allows any lawful term of probation or any term of incarceration of not more than 10 months The agreement isnt final, and a sentencing date hasnt been set. If a third party that stepped up to offer restitution funds, or Wood himself, doesnt deposit them into an escrow account at least 30 days before sentencing Wood could face the full penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Wallace and Fogle dont think probation only should be among the options even with restitution. If he does not have some kind of jail sentence, thats not justice, said Wallace, who paid about $80,000 for Wood to renovate two homes after her family and her parents moved from Oregon in 2021. He hurt way too many people to be let off with probation. Way too many people. Jacci Wallace and her family paid around $80,000 to Wood Construction for work that never got done. (Photo: WJHL) Wood, who also remains in a federal bankruptcy case and is a plaintiff in a suit filed by the Tennessee Attorney General, defrauded numerous customers out of at least $1.2 million by collecting unlawfully high deposits for remodeling jobs and then performing no or almost no work. News Channel 11 broke a series of investigative stories on the Johnson City-based company in the fall of 2021 as dozens of customers from multiple states were filing complaints. PREVIOUS: Clients say Tri-Cities contracting company abandons projects after receiving thousands of dollars Fogle isnt least among them in terms of personal impact. The single mother, a nurse, hired Wood Construction to completely rebuild the 2,000-square-foot Kingsport home she had lost in a March 2021 fire. As the plea agreement recounts, Wood Construction had by that time been using customers deposits often deposits higher than legally allowed to pay day-to-day operating expenses. That bitter taste and feeling in the gut Wood Construction closed in the fall of 2021, and Joe Wood left town with his family right around the time someone called Sullivan County to complain about Fogles still-charred house being an eyesore. You would think that a fire would be the biggest trauma, Fogle said. But finding out about the money and that there was no hope in getting a home replaced, that trauma the fire was nothing, I mean nothing compared to this. Like Wallace and her parents, Fogle essentially saw no work done. Shes living in a two-bedroom apartment she shares with her teenage son and daughter, sleeping in the dining room, and isnt sure where shell go when that lease is up. I think back to sitting there with a mortgage that was half of what Im paying in rent now and just yeah, it was good times, Fogle told News Channel 11. Ive thought about this for so long and in a perfect world, it would be great if Joe Wood could get me my life back, give me that peace of not having to worry about things that (back) then I didnt have to worry about. But I know thats not feasible. Sarah Fogle said even with restitution shell likely never match the situation she had in the 2,000-square-foot home that Wood was contracted to repair after a fire. (Photo: WJHL) Even if she gets back the $78,000 Wood Construction took, Fogle said the housing market is so different than it was when she bought theres almost no chance she could get back to where she was before March 2021. Its just still that bitter taste and feeling in the gut, she said. He may never see this resolved Meanwhile in Bristol, Jacci and Alan Wallace are dealing with some of their own trauma. They put $80,000 down for a couple of projects as they prepared to move from Oregon. One involved completely rehabbing an older home on their property for her parents, the other renovating the larger home theyd live in. They lost all the money and it took several years before the home for their parents finally got done recently. In the meantime, the illness her father had when they moved across country has progressed. The Wallaces fell prey to several of the elements that prosecutors say lay at the root of Woods scheme to defraud once his company launched a marketing-driven growth plan that drove its expenses beyond revenues. They took a real estate agents recommendation of the company and believed the online reviews touting Wood some of which turned out to be fraudulent, like one written by Woods wife and posted with her maiden name. Demolition of former Westside Inn begins The Wallaces also paid half the roughly $135,000 contract up front in May 2021, an amount not allowed by Tennessee law though they didnt know that and got essentially no work done. Had they known any of those facts, Jacci Wallace said they would have taken a much different approach, and certainly not hired Wood Construction. Shes hoping to see their money returned, but said it wont make up for all theyve lost. Its really sad because my dad, he has brain cancer and he may never see this result. Theres a very good possibility that he wont ever see it resolved. Lets get what we can doesnt make up for what was The draft plea agreement says the escrowed restitution will be immediately payable to victims after a sentence is imposed. A sealed court document includes specific amounts and victims. The agreement lists some supporting reasons for the sentencing variance of a maximum 10 months. They include agreement to pay restitution to all the identified victims and complex issues of fact surrounding monetary loss amounts, which could complicate or prolong the sentencing process. Other factors include Wood having agreed to provide restitution to a potentially larger pool of victims as well as his exceptional efforts to remedy the harm caused by securing substantial funds from a third party under no legal obligation to repay the victims. Finally, the agreement says, because of the consumer nature of the losses, an increased weight exists of the need to provide restitution to victims Despite their own travails, Fogle and Wallace both speak frequently of how much suffering they know other Wood victims have endured. Some of them may not be eligible for restitution under the wire fraud scheme because of specific requirements for losses to qualify. Fogle said she really appreciates the work authorities have done to try and hold Wood accountable. Shes trying not to raise her hopes too high in terms of recovering the money Wood collected. People are working on it, so thats a good feeling, she said. The prospect of Wood completely avoiding jail time, especially if its due to someone else stepping in to essentially bail him out, diminishes the satisfaction shell feel if restitution does come her way. I feel like there needs to be more, Fogle said. This is like a slap on the wrist, and were talking about millions and a lot of hurt, a lot of loss. Wallace said she understands why prosecutors are taking the approach that they are, especially if few other prospects for restitution exist. Thats sometimes how I think they feel, like if they throw the book at someone and demand everything, theyll get nothing but it still doesnt make up for what was, she said. Wallace doesnt expect any victims to support a deal without at least some jail time. Theyre going to say, no, its not its not good enough, especially since not everybodys getting their money back and the people that are getting their money back, theres no telling if theyre going to get all of their money 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took a big gamble by calling the British election early. Now his odds of winning are getting even longer thanks to a betting scandal that just cost him the guy running the entire campaign. One of the Conservative Party candidates running for a parliamentary seat is being probed by the U.K.s gambling regulator over allegedly using inside information to place a bet on the timing of the upcoming general election, the BBC reported Thursday. Adding intrigue to the report is the fact that the candidate in question is married to the Tories director of campaignswho is also now reportedly being looked into by the regulator. That shocking revelation means the Conservatives director of campaigning has taken a leave of absence with just two weeks left in the campaign, which was already going terribly. Polls released in recent days show that the Conservative Party is on course for its worst result in more than 100 years. They may be reduced to around 70 lawmakers in the 650-seat Parliament, with many people claiming that this is the worst campaign in living memory. Everyone: this campaign could not be going any worse. Tory HQ: wanna bet? Stig Abell (@StigAbell) June 20, 2024 Sunak caught analysts by surprise last month when he announced that the election would take place on July 4. His team had done a great job keeping the snap election plans hidden from the public. The PM was not legally obligated to face the electorate until next January and with polls making grim reading for the Conservatives, some believed a later election would make more strategic sense by affording him more time to close the gap on the leading opposition Labour Party. Just weeks before Sunak revealed the date, bookmakers had considered November the most likely month that the vote would come, with some reportedly offering odds of up to 6-1 for July. Now Laura Saunders, the Tory candidate running for the Bristol North West constituency in southwest England, is reportedly being investigated by Britains Gambling Commission over a bet on the timing of the election (details about the bet, including its value, when it was placed, and the date it backed for the election, have not been revealed). Saunders husband Tony Lee, the director of campaigning at the Conservative Party, left the campaign trail on Wednesday, according to the BBC. He, too, is now also facing scrutiny around an alleged election timing betthough information on his supposed gamble has also not been disclosed. Worlds Most Successful Political Party Facing Extinction We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals, a Conservative Party spokesman told the BBC. As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldnt be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded. Saunders isnt the only aspiring Tory lawmaker to come under scrutiny over betting on the secret snap election. Craig Williams, described in the U.K. press as Sunaks closest aide who is also seeking re-election to his parliamentary seat in Wales, has also apologized after The Guardian revealed he placed a bet worth around $127 backing a July election just three days before Sunak confirmed the date to the nation. Williams was accused of placing the bet with a bookie in his own constituency at odds of 5-1, and he released a statement admitting that he put a flutter on the election. Asked by the BBC last week if hed had inside information when he took the gamble, Williams evaded the question and said the matter was being dealt with as part of an independent process with the Gambling Commission. Ive clearly made a huge error of judgment, he added. Thats for sure. And I apologize. Incredibly, the election betting brouhaha doesnt stop there. A police officer working in Sunaks close protection team has also been suspended from duty and arrested on Monday over more allegations about bets on the timing of the election. The gambling commission reportedly told Scotland Yard last week it was investigating alleged bets placed by a police constable from the Metropolitan Polices Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, which is tasked with protecting government officials and members of the British Royal Family. The officer was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the BBC. The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties, a Met spokesperson told the broadcaster. The bombshell betting allegations are the latest headache for Sunak and his ruling party. His announcement calling the election was a humiliating start as an umbrella-less Sunak was soaked standing in the rain outside Downing Street as he delivered the momentous news. Hes since made other unforced campaigning errors, most notably with his inexplicable decision to leave D-Day commemoration events in France early in order to fly back to the U.K. to tape a television interview. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. BAGHDAD, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Three Islamic State (IS) militants were killed on Thursday in two airstrikes in the northern province of Kirkuk, the Iraqi military said. Based on intelligence reports, Iraqi warplanes carried out an airstrike at 6:30 a.m. local time (0330 GMT) in the rugged area of Wadi al-Shay, southwest of the namesake provincial capital Kirkuk, leaving three IS militants killed, according to a statement from the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command. Meanwhile, the warplanes carried out another airstrike on the nearby caves and tunnels used by the militants, the statement said. The statement gave no immediate details about the result of the second airstrike but said more information would be released later. A source from the Iraqi army told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that a force from Kirkuk Operations Command was dispatched to the scene to search the attacked sites. The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, IS remnants have sneaked into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. By Rich McKay ATLANTA (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday defended President Joe Biden's increased tariffs on certain Chinese goods as highly strategic but said Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's tariff proposals would be much broader and raise costs for consumers. Yellen told a news briefing in Atlanta that Biden's new tariffs are aimed at protecting electric vehicles, solar energy products and semiconductors from excess Chinese capacity created by Beijing's over-investment. The administration refuses to allow U.S. firms in these sectors "to be put out of business" by coordinated Chinese dumping of exports, she said. Other countries are taking similar actions, Yellen said, noting this month's G7 leaders statement opposing China's industrial and business policies. But Biden's tariff announcement last month left in place punitive duties of up to 25% on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of other Chinese imports, from toys to internet routers, which were imposed by Trump in 2018 and 2019 under a "Section 301" investigation into China's misappropriation of U.S. intellectual property. "Given that China has not done anything, really, to address those concerns, we thought it was inappropriate to remove those tariffs," Yellen said. Asked about Trump's proposals to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imports into the U.S., and 60% or more on Chinese goods, Yellen said they "would affect all of our trade partners and all of our trade." "And I believe that is a substantial enough program that it would both raise costs to consumers broadly on all the imports they buy, and harm American businesses, many of whom rely on imported goods for their supply chains," she said. "It would significantly raise their costs." (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Writing by David Lawder; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Matthew Lewis) Yellen says US ties with Vietnam don't require it to sever ties with Russia, China By Rich McKay and Andrea Shalal ATLANTA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday said the United States' upgraded partnership with Vietnam does not require Vietnam to sever ties with Russia or China. Asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Vietnam to sign a slew of agreements ranging from oil and gas to nuclear science raised concerns for Washington, Yellen said Hanoi has a clear policy of working with many countries. "Vietnam has a policy and strategy of working collaboratively with many different countries, and it is not a condition of our partnership that they sever their ties to Russia or to China," Yellen told a news conference in Atlanta. Putin received a 21-gun salute at a military ceremony in Vietnam on Thursday, vowing to build a "reliable security architecture" in the Asia-Pacific region during a two-nation trip to Asia seen as show of defiance to the West. President Joe Biden and Yellen both visited Vietnam last year as part of a broader push to deepen ties with the Southeast Asian country. Yellen said Washington had upgraded its relationship with Vietnam and saw it as a partner in its efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China, but had not conditioned expanded ties on Hanoi ending ties with Moscow or Beijing. Data show higher U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have boosted imports from Vietnam, whose export boom relies on imports from neighboring China for much of its exports, data show. The surge in the China-Vietnam-U.S. trade has vastly widened trade imbalances, with the Southeast Asian country last year posting a surplus with Washington close to $105 billion - 2.5 times bigger than in 2018 when the Trump administration first put heavy tariffs on Chinese goods. Yellen said Vietnam was also part of a Just Energy Transition Partnership aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and the United States was providing financing to help Vietnam reach its objective of lowering emissions over time. She did not reply to a question about whether Vietnam's closer ties with Moscow would affect an upcoming U.S. Commerce Department decision on whether it should upgrade the Communist-ruled country to market economy status. The Commerce department is due to decide the issue by July 26. The move, opposed by U.S. steelmakers, Gulf Coast shrimpers and American honey farmers, but backed by retailers and some other business groups, would reduce the punitive anti-dumping duties set on Vietnamese imports because of its current status as a non-market economy marked by heavy state influence. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta, writing by Andrea Shalal, editing by Deepa Babington) Two federal judges in south Florida urged District Judge Aileen Cannon to forgo overseeing the criminal prosecution of former President Donald Trump when she was first assigned the classified documents case in 2023, according to a report from The New York Times. The judges, one of whom was the districts chief judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, suggested that Cannon decline to oversee the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith and allow another judge to govern the case instead, the Times wrote, citing two people briefed on the conversations. Cannon is still overseeing the case, which has seen a multitude of delays and is not yet scheduled to go to trial. Altonagas chambers declined to comment on the report to CNN. The Times did not identify the second judge who reportedly contacted Cannon. At the time Cannon was assigned the high-profile criminal case, she had already faced public backlash and a major reversal by an appeals court over her handling of the lawsuit Trump brought challenging the FBIs search of his Mar-a-Lago residence in August 2022, when agents found hundreds of classified documents scattered about the property. Since then, Cannon has repeatedly raised eyebrows among legal scholars for her approach. Critics of the judge say that she has slowed the pace of the case to a near standstill, making a pre-election trial essentially out of reach. Attorneys who have practiced in front of Cannon have told CNN that she tends to allow irrelevant legal questions distract from core issues including a longshot motion from the former president to invalidate Jack Smiths appointment as special counsel that shes scheduled to hear extensive arguments on in the coming days. The attorneys who spoke to CNN also reported a zero-tolerance approach to any technical defects in filings, and a struggle with docket management that allows the type of pretrial disputes that other judges would decide in weeks go unresolved for months. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com On 20 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to discuss energy issues, particularly how to avoid disruptions during the heating season, and the government was instructed to develop conditions that would simplify the installation of solar panels and batteries for households. Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X) Quote: "I held a meeting of the Staff focused solely on energy security. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Energy German Halushchenko, Head of Naftogaz Oleksiy Chernyshov, and Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk delivered reports. The government has been tasked with developing conditions that will make it easier for people to install solar panels and batteries, with tax and customs benefits, and special loan programmes. I also expect the government to develop a strategy for the development of renewable energy and distributed generation at the state level. All public and administrative buildings must be equipped with energy-saving technologies. Solar panels, smart metres, and energy storage units must appear in every school and hospital as soon as possible. Oblast military administrations have been tasked with overseeing this at the local level." Details: The president stressed that authorities are diligently preparing for the upcoming heating season. They are working on the rebuilding of what can be rebuilt and constructing extensive protection consisting of engineering structures, electronic warfare, and air defence systems (particularly by cooperating with partners on the supply of additional Patriot systems). "We are doing everything to ensure that Russian attempts to blackmail us with heat and electricity fail," Zelenskyy added. According to reports, the participants at the conference heard reports from Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko, Head of Naftogaz Oleksii Chernyshov, and Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk. Support UP or become our patron! Two astronauts will be at the ISS for longer than planned, following issues with Boeing's Starliner. The spacecraft has experienced helium leaks and thruster failures during its first crewed launch. NASA and Boeing have pushed back Starliner's return to June 26 to review data from the mission. Two NASA astronauts have been left waiting to return home from the International Space Station because of issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. NASA and Boeing announced on Tuesday that Starliner's return had been delayed to June 26 after the troubled vessel's first crewed launch was hampered by technical issues. It's the latest delay to hit the Starliner mission and means an ISS mission that was expected to last eight-10 days is now extended to at least 20 for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The space capsule had a difficult time docking with the ISS, with five thrusters failing on approach, though four were subsequently recovered. NASA said last week that ground teams were also assessing the potential impact of five small helium leaks. In a press briefing on Tuesday, NASA and Boeing officials said that Starliner had plenty of helium left and that they felt "comfortable" about the craft's ability to re-enter Earth's atmosphere safely. They added, however, that they were taking time to review data from the launch and docking before giving Starliner the green light to return home. Starliner's first crewed launch, which took place on June 5, was delayed multiple times because of technical concerns. The launch was a crucial moment for the US aviation giant, which is attempting to challenge SpaceX's stranglehold on the commercial space industry. SpaceX has been transporting astronauts to and from the ISS since 2020, but Boeing, the other company selected by NASA for the task in 2014, has lagged behind. SpaceX founder Elon Musk criticized Boeing about a month before Starliner's launch, writing on X that the company had "too many non-technical managers." The issues with Starliner come at a bad time for Boeing, which is grappling with new safety concerns over its 737 Max after a door plug on an Alaska Airlines passenger plane detached mid-flight in January. Boeing and NASA declined to add to the comments made in the Tuesday briefing and a joint teleconference after being contacted by Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider A group of NASA experts aren't shooting for the stars with a breakthrough jet engine core design now in development. Instead, the hybrid machine could reduce fuel use by up to 10% for Earth-based travel on future passenger planes. It's part of an ingenious project that should lower both air pollution and travel costs. The engine is being designed with help from General Electric Aerospace. It will use a smaller core and a larger fan, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. Dubbed HyTEC (Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core), it could become the first engine of its kind produced for airliners, according to a story by Interesting Engineering. "GE Aerospace and NASA have a long history of collaboration to advance the latest aviation technologies. The HyTEC program builds on this relationship to help chart the future of more sustainable flight," GE's Kathleen Mondino said in a press release. The tech is intended to be ready for use in the 2030s. It achieves greater efficiency by generating the same thrust as a regular engine using the smaller core/larger fan package all augmented by electricity. As a result, it burns less fuel. A NASA diagram showing the inner workings of the proposed engine looks to be about what you'd expect, including gears, shafts, and other mechanics. "High pressure" accompanies a few of the part descriptions. The concept will put a lot of heat and pressure on the engine, so the experts need to make it from strong materials, which the team claims to have identified in the first stage of work. The project is now in the second phase. Team members are building and testing the innovation, all per IE and NASA. "We've been laser-focused since day one. We began the project with certain technical goals and metrics for success and, so far, we haven't had to change course from any of them," project lead Anthony Nerone said in a NASA report. NASA and GE aren't alone when it comes to hybrid and electric plane technology, as companies like Ampaire have projects in development. Simple Flying reports that fuel can account for up to 20-40% of an airline's costs. So, more efficient engines or all-electric options could greatly impact flight pricing. The inventions should also help reduce some of the aviation industry's planet-warming pollution output. Our World in Data reports that the sector generates about 2.5% of the planet's carbon dioxide emissions and has accounted for about 4% of the world's heat-up to date. In total, Earth has warmed about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1850, according to Climate.gov. It's part of a troubling trend that could have terrible, irreversible results, according to climate experts. NASA reports that human-caused planet warming is linked to more frequent and intense floods, droughts, and other disasters. It's a problem impacting insurance premiums, as larger swaths of the planet are now exposed to greater extreme-weather risk. The HyTEC engine would tackle the problem directly by using less fuel, per the experts. "What we're creating has never been done before, and it involves many different technologies coming together to form a new type of engine," Nerone said in the NASA summary. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Sexy Time Sex robot manufacturers in China are apparently getting ready to jam custom artificial intelligence models into their wares. As the South China Morning Post reports, a Shenzen-based company called Starpery, which is one of the country's largest sex doll makers, is in the process of training its own large language model, or LLM, to take its fairly lifelike sexbots to the next level. Though it won't be the first so-called AI sex robot to come out of China, Starpery CEO Evan Lee suggested that the new models slated to hit shelves this August are going to be a game changer. "The new generation of sex dolls, powered by AI models and equipped with sensors, can react with both movements and speech," boasted Lee, "significantly enhancing user experience by focusing on emotional connection rather than just basic conversational abilities." Real Talk As with all other AI-training endeavors, Lee suggested in his comments to the SCMP that the biggest hurdle in making talking AI sex robots is related to how robotic they currently sound. "Technological challenges remain, particularly in achieving realistic human interaction," the CEO said. "While simple dialogue is easy, creating interactive responses involves complex model development by specialized software companies." Though Starpery has traditionally focused on selling dolls outside of China, the company is reportedly looking to expand in the domestic market. There has also been ample competition in the AI-powered sexbots field this year, and there's little doubt that as one of the biggest players in the industry, Starpery is looking to capitalize on that trend. Notably, the firm has not elaborated on what exactly it's training the sexbot LLM on though given the naughty usages of other chatbots we've seen thus far, we have an idea of the kinds of things these dolls might say once that training is complete. More on sexy AI: We Apologize for Showing You This Sex Toy That Talks Dirty When It's Touched The Changbaishan Global Geopark was inaugurated last week during the Jilin Tourism Development Conference. It received high praise from a UNESCO official for its role in promoting the concept of UNESCO geoparks. A top VC predicts the industry is heading for a massive and enduring contraction The venture-capital industry could face a big contraction in the near future. That's according to Scott Stanford, a cofounder and partner at ACME Capital, an early-stage VC firm. Half of today's VC firms will shutter in the next decade, he told Business Insider. It's no secret: Venture capitalists are hurting. A slowdown in VC deal activity, which started in late 2022, has continued into the first quarter of this year, the accounting and advisory firm EisnerAmper wrote in an analysis published on Sunday. You've heard this story before: Inflation, interest-rate uncertainty, and low mergers-and-acquisitions volume are having chilling effects on the investing environment. Venture capital has cyclical fluctuations, but Scott Stanford, a cofounder and partner at ACME Capital, an early-stage VC firm, thinks something more meaningful is underway. "It's not crazy to think half the VC firms that were actively investing in the last decade will be sidelined and eventually collapse," he wrote in an email to Business Insider. He said the first wave would die off in the next five years. Ten years from now, the damage will be evident, he added. Some simple back-of-the-napkin math paints a grim picture. According to a chart compiled by Stanford and shared with BI, by 1990, there were 300 VC firms overseeing $17 billion in assets. Over the past two decades, those numbers went through the roof. Now there are 3,000 VC firms overseeing $1.2 trillion. By contrast, the increase in exits is modest at best. By 1990, VC-backed initial public offerings totaled $12.7 billion. By 2021, that increased to $60.1 billion. And it's a similar story with VC-backed M&A deals. The venture industry got ahead of itself, in other words: The proliferation of firms and the money they're managing is not supported by the financial value they're creating. "As the venture capital industry matured over the past several decades, euphoric momentum investors, not technologists, drove the creation of funds and the deployment of capital, blind to the nuances and challenges of timing innovation cycles," Stanford and ACME's cofounder Hany Nada told investors in a recent letter shared with BI. "Just as investors mistime specific investments or funds, the venture industry as a whole got as much as a decade or two ahead of reality, leading to an overcrowded, overcapitalized, and overvalued market," they added. VC backers have other options Other factors will serve to cull the herd in VC, Stanford said. Limited partners, or investors who put money into venture firms, have other options thanks to higher interest rates, Stanford added. Low-risk investments like those in Treasury bonds, for example, are commanding a decent return. Tech, meanwhile, is "no longer an elusive sprite commanding irrational M&A premiums or IPO exuberance," Stanford said. Once upon a time, a startup claiming it was a tech company somewhere in its pitch deck might command a billion-dollar valuation. That era is long gone. Finally, artificial intelligence isn't necessarily the next panacea, Stanford said. The jury is out on whether it will spawn the next generation of unicorns when leaders like OpenAI are providing the tech openly and anyone can use it to spin up decent products. All told, in this environment, investors without deep expertise, powerful networks, or megafunds to deploy will be hard-pressed to raise money and build enduring franchises, Stanford said. "A VC without capital is like a tennis player without a racquet," he said. "They can give interviews and make headlines but they aren't invited on the court." The ACME Capital team. ACME Capital VCs will have to take risks again Stanford believes today's challenges will give way to a new or, rather, an old era of VC investing. Tons of startups that went to market in the past handful of years had a similar strategy: Backed with millions in funding, they launched an app that was slightly better than someone else's. In the past, you could get away with making social features, apps, and incrementally better software in this fashion, Stanford said. Nowadays, incumbents can do all that themselves. So investors that survive the contraction will have to back companies that are actually inventing things and therefore come with a sizable risk profile. When those companies get it right, they generate outsize returns. When they get it wrong, they go to zero. Maybe these VCs can be part of what Stanford described as a renaissance of technology, "where systems work for us versus us working for them," he and Nada wrote to LPs. Read the original article on Business Insider FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen outside of CFTC in Washington, D.C. (Reuters) - The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is probing Jump Trading's involvement in the cryptocurrency space, Fortune reported on Thursday, citing a person familiar with the matter. The investigation is not evidence of wrongdoing, and it could not be learned if the regulator is considering charges against the trading firm, the report said. Jump has been a crypto trader for years and has also launched a business to explore and research blockchain technology. While the approval of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds earlier this year encouraged optimism among crypto investors, regulators have maintained their tough stance toward the industry. Major crypto executives have accused regulators of overreach and warned that a heavy-handed approach could prompt them to move their companies offshore. A spokesperson for Jump's crypto unit declined to comment. The CFTC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- At the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Yuan Silu, 22, a graduate of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, was awe-struck by the magnificence of the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors. Yuan visited the museum during her graduation trip to Xi'an, an ancient capital in northwest China. As the wonders of the mausoleum of the country's first emperor, once mere pictures in textbooks, unfolded before her eyes, Yuan felt her college years had perfectly concluded with the trip. Yuan was among a cohort of Chinese high school and university graduates seeking to mark their academic milestones with a perfect getaway to a distant city, a brief interlude before embarking on the next chapter of their lives. "Graduation trips symbolize the culmination of our studies," Yuan said. "From today on, it's crucial to venture out, explore the world and broaden our horizons." Data from the online travel service provider Ctrip showed that travel bookings by university graduates and postgraduates for June and July saw a 10 percent surge year on year. According to Ctrip, preferred destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Xi'an and Changsha. Many of these destinations are ancient cities that allow tourists to experience time-honored historical heritage and splendid Chinese culture, helping them gain a better understanding of the country, said Han Jie, CEO of Chinese online travel agency CYTS AOYOU. Southwest China's Xizang, an autonomous region situated on the world's highest plateau, the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, has also attracted graduates from across the country. A student surnamed Liu from a high school in northwest China's Gansu Province flew to Xizang's capital Lhasa with his parents immediately after completing the national college entrance exam. In addition to braving the high altitudes, he savored a culture and lifestyle vastly different from those in bustling cities. Reminiscing about his time in Xizang, Liu said that the trip has made him "more open-minded." He is now planning another trip to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Some graduates opted to celebrate graduation in overseas destinations where they could taste the charm of the exotic. After securing a job offer, Li Baijia, a graduate of the school of international journalism and communication at Beijing Foreign Studies University, hopped on a plane to Turkiye with a schoolmate. Li said he is deeply fascinated by the local conditions and customs of various countries, longing to experience them firsthand, noting that the simple e-visa procedures provided another reason for him to travel to Turkiye. Thanks to favorable visa policies and resumed flight services, international hotel bookings by graduates in June have significantly increased, with Southeast Asian countries emerging as the top choice and European countries also gaining traction, according to Qunar, an online travel service provider. Data from Ctrip also indicated a remarkable surge in travel bookings to Kenya among university graduates. A researcher from Ctrip noted that Kenya offers college students an opportunity to explore pristine nature and wildlife, rendering the journey a blend of adventure, learning and self-discovery. As graduates across China set off on their own adventures, whether to ancient capitals or distant lands, each journey becomes a testament to their courage and eagerness to discover. With every step, they not only celebrate their achievements but also lay the foundation for a future shaped by newfound experiences and perspectives. "I hope to always maintain my curiosity and a spirit of exploration towards the world, and to be able to see more places," Yuan said. XINING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed continued efforts to protect the ecology of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau during an inspection tour in Qinghai Province from Tuesday to Wednesday. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, also called on the province to promote high-quality development through deepening reform, expanding opening-up, and pursuing green development, ethnic unity and common prosperity. The plateau, located in northwest China, boasts rich, diverse yet fragile ecosystems. It is home to the Sanjiangyuan area, dubbed as "the water tower of China," where the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang River originate. Qinghai is a province with concentrated ethnic minority groups. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a middle school in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) On Tuesday afternoon, Xi went to a middle school in the provincial capital Xining. It is a boarding school funded and built with assistance from Shanghai and accommodates ethnic minority students from the pastoral areas in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Xi visited the school's canteen, a dormitory building, and a classroom where he listened to the students telling how their hometown had changed and viewed the students' drawings. Xi highlighted the notable achievements of the collaboration between the country's eastern and western regions as well as paired assistance, particularly in education. This fully showcases the strength of the Party's leadership and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, as well as the support for each other among members of the big family of the Chinese nation, Xi said. Paired assistance plays a crucial role in China's development. The pairing of developed and underdeveloped regions is widespread across sectors including healthcare, education, and industries. Within this framework, capital, skilled workers, and other resources are directed from wealthier regions to those lagging behind to foster their development. On the campus square, Xi was surrounded by the faculty and students. He expressed the hope that the students will study hard and strive for a bright future. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Later, Xi visited the centuries-old Hongjue Temple. He said the temple had played an important role as a bridge in strengthening the bond between the central government and Tibetan Buddhism over generations. "It is essential to protect this precious historical and cultural heritage, and renew efforts to foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and promote ethnic unity and progress," Xi said. He expressed the hope for the Tibetan Buddhist circle in the province to carry on the fine traditions of patriotism, help promote religious, social and ethnic harmony, and play an active role in advancing Chinese modernization. On Wednesday morning, Xi listened to the report of the provincial committee of the CPC and the provincial government on their work. Noting that Qinghai is tasked with the crucial mission of safeguarding ecological security, Xi said the province must keep in mind what to do and what not to do in developing its industries. Qinghai should effectively tap into its resources and accelerate building itself into a world-class salt lake industrial base, a national clean energy hub, an international eco-tourism destination, and a supplier of green agricultural and livestock products, Xi said. He asked the province to further overall reform, expand opening up, improve the business environment and contribute to building a Green Silk Road. Xi emphasized that strengthening eco-environment protection is a primary task for Qinghai. He said the province must earnestly implement the law on ecological conservation on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and carry out major projects for preserving and restoring key ecosystems. He said the priority is to safeguard "the water tower of China," protect biodiversity and enhance water conservation capacity. Qinghai should establish exemplary nature reserves, typical of China and with global influence, through the construction of a nature reserve system with national parks as mainstays, he said. Xi called for solid efforts to resolve pressing difficulties and problems that concern the people most, and make basic public services more balanced and accessible. "Rural revitalization should prioritize increasing income for farmers and herdsmen," he said. Xi added that the Party's major principles and policies on work related to ethnic and religious affairs should be fully implemented, with a focus on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. He underlined the importance of remaining committed to the principle that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation, and strengthening religious affairs administration in line with the law. (Video reporters: Yin Jiajie, Wang Yan, Zhang Long; Video editors: Li Ziwei, Wei Yin, Li Qin, Meng Na) Coastlines in the north of the Irish Sea experience the longest and largest surges in the UK, while the winters of 1989/90 and 2013/14 had the highest number and most severe storm surge events. Storm surges: strongest in the north of the Irish Sea The findings were revealed by analysis of records of storm surges that have taken place around the coast of the UK and Ireland. A storm surge is when seawater rises above the normal tide height for the area during a storm. The surge is caused by wind pushing water onshore and is influenced by a storms size, speed and where it tracks in relation to the coast. The resulting damage is influenced by the extent of simultaneous flooding along a stretch of coastline, known as the storm surge footprint. If we can understand how the differing characteristics of storms affect surges in many different coastal locations, we can more accurately predict the impact they will have on those localities. Extreme surges Oceanographers from the University of Southampton and scientists in Spain, the USA and the Netherlands, examined data on storm surges recorded between 1980 and 2017. They found that coastlines in the north of the Irish Sea experience the longest and largest surges, while those occurring around the southwest coast of England have the smallest geographical footprint, and last the shortest amount of time. The team identified 270 extreme storm surge events over the four decades studied, based on their duration, footprint size, severity, and how frequently a similar event reoccured. They found the most extreme surge event was in the winter of 1989/90 caused by a storm on 26 February 1990 which affected sea levels along the north, east and west coasts. Remembered for extreme flooding in the towns of Towyn and Clwyd in Wales, the event forced 5,000 people to be evacuated from their homes and businesses. Waves batter Chesil beach during a storm (c) Tim Poate & Gerd Masselink The stormiest season was the winter of 2013/14, which contained the most frequent severe flooding events, with 13 flooding episodes, compared with five in 1989/90. This includes the storm surge of 5 December 2013, when there were around 36 flood warnings in East Anglia. Properties were lost along the coasts of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Future predictions The researchers hope that their findings will help make future predictions of storm surges more accurate, as extreme weather becomes more common due to climate change. Storm surges are the most important driver of flooding in many coastal areas, according to Ivan Haigh, professor at the University of Southampton and co-author of the study. If we can understand how the differing characteristics of storms affect surges in many different coastal locations, we can more accurately predict the impact they will have on those localities, how best to counter the effects and how they may increase with climate change, he said. News resource: Tracking the spatial footprints of extreme storm surges around the coastline of the UK and Ireland. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094724000239?via%3Dihub Iconic Opera Slices and creamy desserts, chocolate magic, French-style dessert creations all of these wonderful, sweet masterpieces are available in the Top 10 pastry shops featured in the Dining Guide Top 100 Restaurant Guide. In 2024, The Pastry Shop Malna, in Obuda, won the Pastry Shop of the Year award for the third time, achieving the highest ranking in the publication and like Mihalyi Patisserie, its become the second pastry shop in Hungary to hold the title of Hungarian Pastry Shop Best of The Best. But its not only the sweetest locations but the most creative professionals that were recognised. This year, the Dining Guide introduced a new award: Pastry Chef of the Year Award. This acknowledges outstanding pastry chefs working in a restaurant setting. One of the most spectacular elements in restaurants are the plated desserts. Their presentation and innovation deliver a superb dining experience. Arpad Szucs, head pastry chef of one of Budapests most impressive luxury hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, has created new restaurant desserts that stand out even at an international level. His excellent selection uniquely blends classic and modern restaurant desserts and pastries. This years Dining Guide innovation was that a special section was dedicated to hospitality venues prioritising sustainability. The result is that not only a Top 10 list of restaurants, but also a Top 10 list of pastry shops, was created encouraging businesses to seek ways of reducing their environmental footprint. The Dining Guide believes that hospitality and sustainability can go hand in hand, where local establishments combine quality alongside caring for their environment, in both their city and their country. Top 10 Pastry Shops according to the Dining Guide Top 100 Restaurant Guide: 1. Malna The Pastry Shop 2. Szazeves Cukraszda (Gyula) 3. Auguszt Cukraszda Feny utca 4.Bergmann Cukraszda (Balatonfured) 5. Chouchou 6. Egy csipet torta 7. Kollazs Brasserie & Bar 8. Gerbeaud Cukraszda 9. Harrer Csokolademuhely es Cukraszda (Sopron) 10. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest Sustainable Pastry Shops: Dining Guide Top 100 Restaurant Guide: 1. Chouchou 2. Harrer Csokolademuhely es Cukraszda 3. Apatsagi Rege Cukraszda 4. Erdos Es Fiai 5. Ideal Desszert 6. Jardin 7. La Tene 8. Lujza & Koriander 9. Mon Petit Dessert Boutique 10. Vaj The Dining Guides descriptions of the countrys best pastry shops: Malna The Pastry Shop 1037 Budapest, Becsi ut 57-61. Entrance from Dereglye utca Five-year-old Malna The Pastry Shop in Obuda became one of Hungarys top quality pastry shops in its opening year. The modern, French-style shop is a family business run by pastry chef Zoltan Kolonics and his wife, Agnes Varga. Kolonicss approach is driven by the renewal of traditional Hungarian pastry making and a contemporary reinterpretation of desserts. Malna's desserts are high-quality creations made with great expertise. The pastry shop competes with wonderfully assembled cakes, while its signature desserts include Coffee-Raspberry Opera, 'Malna', Lactee Caramel-Raspberry, Apple Pie, and Esterhazy. Szazeves Cukraszda 5700 Gyula, Erkel Ferenc ter 1. Szazeves Cukraszda is the second oldest pastry shop in Hungary, where guests can travel back in time over a cup of coffee and a cake, recalling the bustling atmosphere of old cafes. Founded in 1840 by pastry chef Andras Salis, in a house built after the great fire of Gyula in 1801, this pastry shop still serves quality cakes and pastries, alongside handcrafted Cadeau bonbons and chocolates, complemented in the summer season by ice creams. Auguszt Cukraszda, Feny utca 1024 Budapest, Feny u. 8 Jozsef Auguszts pastry shop is a key player in Hungarian pastry shop style. The founder, Elek Auguszt, opened his first shop in 1870 in Taban, starting a family business that still strives to preserve its traditions and values. Led by the fifth-generation Jozsef Auguszt, the business remains true to classic Hungarian pastry traditions while also embracing innovation. Among the three Auguszt Cukraszda locations in Budapest, the Feny utca shop, where visitors can enjoy a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, has consistently been rated the highest. Bergmann Cukraszda 8230 Balatonfured, Petofi Sandor u. 64. The Bergmann familys long-standing pastry shop evokes the atmosphere of classic bourgeois patisseries and cafes. Their products reflect the style of the place, with high-quality classic Hungarian desserts and also the Bergmann cafes own creations. The renowned Bergmann cream cake is considered one of the best, if not the best, in Hungary. In addition to cakes, the pastry shop also offers high-quality bread. Chouchou 1136 Budapest, Hegedus Gyula u. 23. Chouchous new-wave, French-style desserts and traditional Hungarian cakes are dreamt up by Kinga Szasz, a former economist. All desserts and chocolates are made on site using premium ingredients. The pastry shop in Ujlipotvaros welcomes customers on Fridays with their handcrafted truffles, bonbons, chocolates and cakes; their creations can also be found in several specialty cafes around Budapest. Modern, classic or innovative cakes can be ordered in advance, but even customers arriving on the last working day of the week wont leave empty-handed from the Hegedus Gyula Street shop. Egy csipet torta 1055 Budapest, Szalay utca 4. Cafe owners Levente Biro and Alexandra Horvath have been providing flawless pastel-coloured cakes and desserts for weddings and other important events for eight years. They first opened their doors in Szalay Street to customers in September 2023. Its not an exaggeration to call this pastry shop a jewel box: its relaxing atmosphere, cosy interior colours and excellent service offer a friendly oasis in the bustling city centre. The new-wave, French-style desserts are more like artworks than simple sweets, with the lemon tart, Sacher cake, and pavlova being the most popular. Kollazs Brasserie & Bar 1051 Budapest, Szechenyi Istvan ter 5-6. (Zrinyi utca corner) Arpad Szucs, executive pastry chef at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, has been responsible for the luxury hotels pastries since spring 2023. He believes that to keep up with the world, one should not abandon the origin of cakes but modernize them while also preserving them. A good dessert becomes exceptional through three things: excellent ingredients, proper technique, and the knowledge, passion, and message invested in it. The Kollazs pastry chefs desserts are always freshly made; the St. Honore and Paris-Brest are simply unmissable. Gerbeaud Cukraszda 1051 Budapest, Vorosmarty ter 7-8. The legendary Gerbeaud Cafe has done much to make traditional Hungarian desserts known worldwide. Their pastry concept combines tradition and innovation, allowing both local dessert enthusiasts and visitors to Hungary to experience popular classics in a contemporary form. The cafe, operating in a historic building, takes guests back to the turn of the century, offering traditional Hungarian desserts such as Somloi Galuska, Dobos Torte, Esterhazy slice, or the Gerbeaud house cream cake. Harrer Csokolademuhely es Cukraszda 9400 Sopron, Faller Jeno u. 4. The Harrer pastry dynastys name is synonymous with generations of knowledge, experience and outstanding quality. The family business opened its first Hungarian shop nearly 30 years ago in Sopron, while the popular chocolate workshop has been in operation since 2009. Karl Harrer, who once was Austrias youngest pastry chef, believes that creating sweets is the most exciting creative process. He has competed in Canada, Japan, and Singapore. Harrer pastry products include not only well-known and loved cakes but also bolder, unique creations, all made from selected, ingredients of exceptional quality. The Ritz-Carlton Budapest 1051 Budapest, Erzsebet ter 9-10 Although the pastry shop at the Ritz Carlton Hotel cannot be considered a traditional pastry shop, it offers an exceptional selection that stands out locally, making it worth a visit for dessert lovers. The luxury hotels dessert and cake selection is overseen by pastry chef Istvan Mazas, whose name guarantees top-quality, premium ingredient desserts with a modern twist on classic traditions. The Royal Chocolate Cake, one of the Ritz Carltons iconic desserts, is always available, also for take-away, but the Lemon Chello cake or Opera Coffee Cake are also highly recommended. Copy-editor: Marion Merrick Language editor and author: Now You See It, Now You Dont / Surprising Expats / Budapest Retro ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us her Prosecutors have identified ten suspects as they investigate alleged corruption involving the deputy mayor of Obuda, Budapests Third District. Detectives raided the council offices and several other places on Tuesday. Deputy mayor Gergo Czegledy and the head of a council-run company are in custody. According to the allegation, the CEO of two advertising companies used the companies to pay the deputy mayor more than Ft 100 million to obtain the necessary permits and consent for the maintenance, further use and exploitation of advertising equipment. Prosecutors allege that, in order to conceal the bribe, the CEO of the advertising companies concluded fictitious contracts with several companies set up for that purpose. The persons registered as the heads of these companies may be charged as accomplices. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Police have apprehended a Kosovan national when he tried to smuggle 11kg of marijuana into Hungary over the Hungarian-Serbian border at Roszke, the Csongrad-Csanad County Prosecutors Office said. Police found the drug in the car the man tried to cross the border with on Sunday. The prosecutors office said there was a flight risk, and has initiated detention during the procedure, the statement said. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China may levy provisional anti-dumping tariffs on the pork and pig by-products imported from the European Union in accordance with the result of the ongoing anti-dumping investigation which started on June 17, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The opposition Respect and Freedom (Tisza) Partys priority is to take our country back from the government which made Hungary the most corrupt and second poorest member state in the European Union, Peter Magyar, the partys deputy leader, said in Brussels. Speaking at a press conference after the European Peoples Party voted to admit Tisza into its European parliamentary group, Magyar said he would manage his partys work aimed at bringing about change in Hungary from Budapest, adding he would provide more details on this later on Tuesday. He said people were fed up with corruption, the lies and the propaganda, so Hungary had to be taken back from the government step by step, day by day. Concerning Tiszas admission to the EPPs group, Magyar said he was proud that the party would be joining the EPs largest group where they would be able to really represent the interests of the Hungarian people. He vowed that Tisza would work with the EU within the EPP in a constructive manner. He said the EP needed to apply a new approach to Hungary, adding that one of Tiszas priorities would be to close the Article 7 procedure and the rule-of-law procedure against Hungary. Magyar said Tiszas MEPs would take part in the work of committees which were important to Hungarians, mentioning the issues of energy, environmental protection, competitiveness and agriculture as examples. He said they would also work to help Hungary gain access to its frozen EU funds in the coming five-year term. Asked about the war in Ukraine, Magyar said Tiszas stance was that Russian President Vladimir Putin was the aggressor and Ukraine the victim. He said Ukraine and its people had a right to defend their territory. Magyar said his party agreed with the governments position that Hungary would send neither troops nor weapons to Ukraine. He added that the EPP had understood Hungarys uniquely sensitive situation, keeping in mind the interests of the ethnic Hungarian community in Ukraine. Magyar to Take Up EP Seat Peter Magyar, the deputy leader and EP list-leading candidate of the Respect and Freedom (Tisza) party, has said he will take up his European parliamentary seat. Its true that Id said multiple times that I didnt plan on taking up this seat, and I understand the many criticisms Im getting because of this, Magyar said in a livestream on Facebook on Tuesday after the European Peoples Party voted to admit Tisza into its EP group. He added, however, that his party had an influential and big group in the EPP, which presented them with a lot of opportunities. He said Tisza now had the opportunity to build an international network and gain support and knowledge from its international partners, which is invaluable in a parliamentary election campaign. EPP Group Votes to Admit Hungary's Opposition Tisza Party Into Its Ranks The European parliamentary group of the European Peoples Party voted to admit the Hungarian opposition Party of Respect and Freedom (Tisza) into its EP group at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. MEPs of the EPP voted, with 97% in favour, to allow the seven candidates from Tiszas list who have been elected to the EP Peter Magyar, Dora David, Zoltan Tarr, Andras Kulja, Eszter Lakos, Gabriella Gerzsenyi and Kinga Kollar to join their group. In addition to Tiszas MEPs, the centre-right grouping also voted in favour of admitting seven other MEPs into the group. According to the EPPs statement, the admission of the new members will allow the group to consolidate its position as by far the strongest political Group in the European Parliament. It also said that the newly admitted MEPs have joined the EPP Political Group, but their parties have not joined the EPP Party, noting that decisions regarding Group and Party membership were independent of each other. According to the latest update from the European Parliament, the EPP will have 190 MEPs, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats 136, Renew Europe 80, the European Conservatives and Reformists 76, the Identity and Democracy group 58, the Greens 52 and the Left will have 39 MEPs. There are a total of 89 independent or new MEPs, the latter of whom can still join a party group after the formation of the new EP. Meanwhile, Chief Prosecutor: Hungary Follows Up all OLAF Recommendations Every recommendation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to Hungary is followed up by an investigation, the public prosecutor said on Wednesday. Referring to OLAFs 2023 report on Hungary, the prosecutors office said that out of all the cases OLAF brought to the attention of Hungarys authorities between 2019 and 2023, two charges were brought, while an investigation into a third case was terminated. The ratio of cases in which an indictment was made was 67%, an outstanding figure compared with the EU average of 37%, the statement said. In 15 cases an investigation is under way, it added. The office noted that despite a legal obligation and under instructions by Chief Prosecutor Peter Polt, an investigation is initiated every time OLAF notifies the Hungarian authorities, or if an investigation is under way already, OLAFs recommendation is attached to the documents with an evaluation. Hungarys prosecution service and OLAF are in close cooperation, with regular consultations both at leadership and professional levels, the office said, noting that already excellent cooperation was also formalised in a working agreement signed in February 2022. Finmin: Hungary at EU Forefront of Economic Whitening Hungary is among the European Union countries that have made the most progress in whitening their economy since 2010, the finance minister told a conference on Wednesday, noting that the VAT gap has fallen to 4.4% from 22% and the rate of tax deductions as percentage of GDP has decreased to 35% from 40%. Hungarys government overhauled the tax system in 2010, shifting the emphasis from taxes on labour to consumption taxes, Mihaly Varga said on the opening day of the General Assembly of the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations (IOTA) in Budapest. The highest personal income tax rate has fallen to 15% from 36% since 2010, while the corporate tax rate has been cut from 20% to 9%, the lowest in the EU, Varga said. Meanwhile, payroll taxes have been slashed from 33.5% to 13%, he added. It was thanks to these measures, Varga said, that Hungary ranks 11th out of the 38 OECD countries. The presidency of the IOTA in the year-long cycle ending on July 1, 2024 was held by Ferenc Vagujhelyi, head of national tax and customs authority NAV. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Over the last few years, Purple Disco Machine claimed his stake as one of the leading electronic producers of a generation. With over 850 million streams across his catalogue to date, and over 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Purple Disco Machine continues to live up to the hype of #2 Beatport Artist of All Time. Despite the COVID pandemic, 2020 actually proved to be his best year to date for recorded music. With over 500,000 radio spins and 250 million streams and still going strong, Hypnotized has been an inescapable anthem the world over, accredited triple platinum in Italy, further gold accreditations across Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Austria, #2 on the European Airplay Chart, and #9 on the Global Shazam Chart. The follow up single Fireworks is on an equally impressive trajectory, achieving #5 European Airplay Chart, 80 million streams and already certified gold in Italy. But these recent success are by no means a one off! Tino has been on a whirlwind musical journey since 2009. His 2013 breakthrough hit My House propelled Purple Disco Machine to new heights and remains one of Beatports best-sellers. In 2017, he released his debut artist album Soulmatic, which spawned two huge singles: the club monster and UK radio smash Body Funk and the Europe-wide radio smash Devil In Me, and which has now clocked up 120 million combined streams. In 2018, his Ibiza smash Dished (Male Stripper) flew to the top of the Beatport and BBC Radio 1 Dance charts before achieving the BBC Radio 1 daytime playlist for an impressive 10 weeks, including four weeks on the prestigious A List resulting in more than 40 million combined streams. 2021 will be the year he releases his 2nd artist and we can absolutely expect yet more club and radio anthems as he cements his reputation as one of the worlds leading dance music artists. As well as boasting an impressive catalogue of solo and collaborative productions, Purple Disco Machine is also without a doubt, one of the most in-demand remixers in global dance music and has offered up remixes for numerous high-profile artists, including Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, Calvin Harris, Mark Ronson, Dua Lipa, Royal Blood, Sir Elton John, Foals, RUFUS DU SOL, Jax Jones, Gorillaz, Fatboy Slim, Two Door Cinema Club, New Order and Claptone among many others. Massively in demand globally for live DJ bookings he managed to keep himself busy during the pandemic lockdowns with live streams, including his own low key Purple Disco Sunsets series and high profile collaborations such as Mark Ronsons lockdown party, Lady Gagas Chromatica launch party, UEFA Champions League opening party and the Formula One German Grand Prix party. Concert date and time: Wed, 3 Jul 2024, 21:30 - 23:00 Heineken Balaton Sound Main Stage To see the full line-up just follow this link: https://balatonsound.com/en/line-up For ticket info including VIP upgrades see: https://balatonsound.com/en/tickets Address: Zoldfa u., 8621 Zamardi, Hungary. More: https://balatonsound.com/en/ Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to introduce the E-Class in India later this year. The sixth generation of this luxury sedan will be available in a long wheelbase (LWB) variant which will be directly competing directly with the recently launched BMW 5 Series LWB. Ahead of its official debut, two test mules of the new E-Class have been spotted in India, providing a glimpse of whats to come. According to the reports, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class was recently caught on camera in Pune. Two test models including one black and one silver were spied at a local yard. Like other Mercedes models assembled locally, the new E-Class will be produced at the company's Chakan-based facility in Pune, utilizing Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits. This sixth-generation model made its global debut in April 2023. Design Highlights Exterior As the spied models revealed, the new E-Class features a refreshed front design with a piano black finish surrounding the single-slat front grille, accompanied by reprofiled LED headlamps. The roofline includes a sharp kink beyond the C-pillar, giving the sedan a coupe-like silhouette. At the rear, the vehicle is adorned with quad LED taillights featuring a distinctive star-shaped brake light pattern. The rear bumper is highlighted by chrome inserts around the faux exhaust vents. Additional exterior elements include flush-fitting door handles and 18-inch dual-tone machine-cut alloy wheels. Dimensions The dimensions of the new E-Class LWB measure 5,092 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,493 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,094 mm, ensuring ample space and comfort. Interior Features Interior features include a 14.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and an additional infotainment unit for the front passenger. All these screens run on the latest MBUX system. New Delhi: Deciding to start your own business can seem challenging but if you have a business plan that you are determined to pursue then you are bound to taste success in your entrepreneurial journey. The successful business journey of Matthew Parkhurst, co-founder and CEO of New York-based tech startup Antimetal, manifests that the stepping stone to becoming a successful business person is finding a business idea that you can pursue. A good business idea, with some planning and preparation, helped Parkhurst launch his tech startup and become his own full-time boss. The 26-year-old Parkhurst spent $15,000 (Approx. Rs 12.51 lakh) to buy pizzas for potential clients. The pizza boxes contained his companys name Antimetal. Two months later, Antimetal earned more than $1 million (Approx. Rs 8.34 crore) in revenue when around 75 companies that he delivered the pizza turned into his clients, according to CNBC Make It. Interestingly Parkhurst had shared on X, his company would be delivering over 1,000 pizzas to startups and VCs in SF & NYC. He had tweeted: Dont order lunch yet! Antimetal is pivoting to a pizza shop Well be delivering 1,000+ pizzas to startups and VCs in SF & NYC pic.twitter.com/YsXi0U4C7e Matt (@mprkhrst) April 4, 2024 Parkhurst already had an idea of the business hed like to start. He was ready for the new venture and was looking for some direction when in April he sent out pizzas from local pizzerias in New York and San Francisco in boxes that contained his companys name and contact information. Parkhurst wanted people to know about his company which was in its beta phase. In his case, good decisions with careful planning made the path forward smooth for him. Parkhurst spent $15,000 to buy pizzas for clients and in two months his company Antimetal earned more than $1 million in revenue. Several companies signed up with Antimetal among which was San Francisco-based data analysis startup Julius AI of Rahul Sonwalkar. It isnt just the hours spent on physical exercise or sweating off in a crow pose; it is a transformative practice that takes discipline in commanding the mind and body. As Jason Crandell concisely puts it, The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body. Amid relentless hours, finding ways to enhance mental wellness and leisure is crucial. The ancient discipline integrates physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, extending its benefits far beyond the yoga mat shared by Anuradha Gupta, Founder & CEO, Vows For Eternity. Cultivating Positivity and Healthy Relationships Numerous studies have highlighted yoga's ability to enhance mental well-being and foster positive relationships. Research from the University of Maryland surveyed over 1,000 Iyengar yoga practitioners, with a remarkable 67% reporting that yoga improved their interpersonal connections. Participants cited personal transformation, increased social interaction, improved coping mechanisms, and a deeper spiritual connection as key changes. Beyond relationships, yoga has been shown to boost overall happiness, energy levels, and sleep quality, and even aid in weight management. Mindfulness equips individuals to navigate their daily lives with greater resilience and empathy. The Science Behind Yoga's Impact The positive effects of yoga extend to our very genetic makeup. Regular practice can influence gene expression related to stress and inflammation, contributing to better overall health. Additionally, yoga's emphasis on mindfulness and stress reduction leads to improved emotional regulation, fostering patience, kindness, and self-awareness qualities that strengthen intimate relationships. Boosting Workplace Productivity In the corporate world, an increasing number of companies are recognizing yoga's potential to enhance employee productivity and well-being. Over 53% of businesses are now offering yoga sessions to reduce sick days, improve mental clarity, combat fatigue, boost memory, and increase workplace satisfaction, according to an ASSOCHAM paper. Researchers at Harvard have also found that hot yoga may help alleviate depression. Increased Relationship Satisfaction Couples yoga can enhance relationship satisfaction. Studies show that engaging in mindfulness activities together, like yoga, improves quality time and romantic attraction. A 2016 study found that increased mindfulness correlates with higher relationship satisfaction. Improved Intimacy and Trust Partner yoga, which involves synchronized breathing, postures, and movements, nurtures trust, communication, and sexual connection. This improved health and sense of being in sync can nudge intimacy and passion. Yoga poses for couples and demands reliance and communication with each other, building trust and support. The language of physical touch conveys meaningful emotions and vulnerability. Coordinated movements help couples feel more attuned to each other, increasing empathy and bonding. Reduced Anxiety and Stress Couples yoga alleviates anxiety through the power of touch. Studies show how even holding hands with a partner can provide immediate stress relief. Certain yoga postures help release physical and emotional tension, strengthening the bond between partners. The beauty of yoga is its accessibility. Whether you join a group class, find online tutorials, or simply roll out your mat at home, there's a path to begin for everyone. Start slow, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to mess it up. The practice eventually cultivates self-awareness and compassion, all qualities that spill over into all your relationships and emotional well-being. PM Modi In J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming two-day visit to Kashmir promises to be a momentous event, featuring the inauguration of developmental projects, the launch of a major agricultural initiative, and a significant yoga session overlooking Dal Lake, all under stringent security arrangements. PROGRAM Today, around 6 PM, PM Modi will reach Srinagar and will go straight to SKICC, where the Prime Minister will participate in the "Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K" event in Srinagar. Modi will inspect stalls and interact with young achievers in the region. Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in JK UT. PM will launch the JKCIP (Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors) Project. The project is worth 1800 crores and will be implemented in 90 blocks across 20 districts of J&K, benefiting 15 lakh people. He is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs. 1,500 crores. The main projects include road infrastructure, water supply schemes, and infrastructure in higher education. Modi is scheduled to distribute government job appointment letters to around 2000 people, but the time for this is yet to be fixed. Around 6:30 AM on the 21st, PM will lead the 10th International Day of Yoga event in the back lawns at SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake. Around 7-8 thousand people are expected to join PM in the yoga session. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. SECURITY Foolproof multi-layer security arrangements are in place for the Prime Minister's two-day visit to Kashmir. A top security official said, A huge deployment of security personnel is deployed in and across the district to ensure the visit passes peacefully." Three-tier security arrangements have been made by Jammu Kashmir Police, CRPF, and SSB to guard the roads leading to Srinagar and the main venue SKICC with hi-tech surveillance gadgets and sophisticated weapons. All roads leading to the main venue SKICC have been sealed. SKICC is also guarded by the Prime Minister's security SPG, and naval commandos are kept on vigil in Dal Lake to monitor the water area. The venue will be under aerial surveillance around the clock until the PM leaves Srinagar. Srinagar Police have already declared Srinagar city a Temporary Red Zone area for the operation of drones and quadcopters. Srinagar city has been declared as a Temporary Red Zone for the operation of drones and quadcopters as per the provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021, with immediate effect, Srinagar Police said on X on June 18. This is Prime Minister Narendra Modis first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after taking charge for the third term. Srinagar: The Security Forces on Thursday claimed to have achieved a major success by killing two foreign terrorists in Hadipora, Rafiabad encounter on June 19. They Identified them as Usman and Umar, both residents of Pakistan. Officials said they were both active in north kashmir since 2020 and Usman who was an A++ category terrorist was known as an IED expert and both were involved in a number of terror incidents. Addressing Media, Commander 7 sector Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Depak Mohan said that "since the last few days, there have been continuous inputs about the presence of terrorists in Sopores Rafiabad. On June 19, a specific information was generated by the J&K police about the presence of terrorists in a house at Hadipora, Rafiabad, after which the army, police and CRPF launched a joint operation." He said "after zeroing in the house, two terrorists were eliminated in an encounter, The army officer was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police north Kashmir, Vivek Gupta and other officers of police and army. They identified them Usman and Umar both residents of Pakistan and were affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit. Usman has been active in Kashmir since 2020, the officer said. He added that arms and ammunition in a large quantity was recovered from the site of the encounter, which includes 2 AK47 Rifles , 7 AK Rifle magazines, Handgrenades, Hundreds of rounds, Matric sheet. and many more objectionable things. Brigadier further said The killing of two terrorists is a big success for the security forces. Since the past few weeks, there is a high operational momentum which is bearing good results in the form of elimination of terrorists, he said. Giving details of the operation, the brigadier said " After the information was shared by Jammu Kashmir police about the presence of two hardcore terrorists in a house in Hadipura village of Rafiabad area. Joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Police and CRPF. Following standard procedures, civilians were safely evacuated from adjacent houses and the area was secured. The target house was thoroughly cordoned off and on the search being commenced, terrorists opened fire on the security forces. In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralized, he said. Anti terror operations in Jammu Kashmir have intensified after the four terror attacks in Jammu sector and keeping in view the upcoming Amarnath yatra. discussing the current security situation in Jammu and Kashmir Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha took security review meetings in Delhi and Srinagar. In both meetings security agencies were directed to act hard on terrorism and not give them a chance to revive it in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi: A Delhi Court on Thursday granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy case. The Delhi court also declines ED's prayer to stay Arvind Kejriwal's bail order for 48 hours. Special Judge Niyay Bindu granted the AAP leader relief on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. The judge issued the order after hearing arguments from the prosecution and defence counsel on Kejriwal's application for regular bail. Before providing the AAP leader with the relief, the court did, however, place some restrictions on him, such as a promise not to interfere with the investigation or sway the witnesses. In addition, the judge gave Kejriwal instructions to assist with the investigation and show up in court as needed. After hearing from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which aimed to connect Kejriwal to the purported proceeds of crime and co-accused, and the defence, which contended that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to convict the AAP leader, the judge had earlier in the day reserved the order. The Rouse Avenue court on Wednesday extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and another accused Vinod Chauhan till July 3 in a money laundering case related to the Delhi Excise policy. Protests against alleged paper leak in NEET-UG exam are going on across the country, anger of students is visible on the streets. They are demanding that the exams be cancelled and re-conducted. There is also the question of who is responsible when years of hard work of students go waste in such cases. We tell you about the confessions of 9 accused. In the police custody, these accused have confessed to their crime and all the accused have named Sikandar Yadavendu. In today's DNA, Zee News' Saurabh Raaj Jain analysed the failure of National Testing Agency in conducting major exams and demanded that the agency should be scraped. An investigation into the exam centre's bank accounts and financial transactions has also begun in the NEET paper leak case. How much amount reached the centres and how much was collected is being investigated.In the investigation so far, 25 cheques of 6 banks, ATM cards have been recovered. The 13 accused, including Sikandar, who have been arrested, have given many important information. The accused had demanded Rs 40 lakh from the complainant. According to the EOU report, 40 students were asked to answer the question paper. At the same time, evidence has been found of dealing of Rs 14 crore to the mafia through Sikandar. Meanwhile, the EOU probing the NEET paper leak in Bihar called 9 students for questioning on the basis of the rollcode found with the solver gang, out of which only two students turned up for questioning. Both the students were questioned by the EOU for about 2 hours on June 19 i.e. Wednesday. He was also questioned about the connection with the solver gang, it is being told that those students can be questioned again. All the evidence and the witnesses are pointing out that the NEET paper was leaked. But neither the NTA nor the government is ready to believe that the paper was indeed leaked. But the question remains same that if the NET paper is cancelled then why not NEET? And the bigger question is whether cancelling the paper will end the problem.Shouldn't there be strict action on NTA? NTA should not be scraped. Watch tonight's DNA for a detailed analysis: SAN FRANCISCO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed in the South Fork and Salt fires in the U.S. state of New Mexico as the blazes remained active and uncontained, officials said Wednesday. The fire broke out Monday morning on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, the New Mexico Forestry Division said. About 1,400 homes and other structures were destroyed, the forestry division said in an update. The village of Ruidoso, a town of some 7,700 west of the reservation, was ordered to evacuate due to the advancing fire. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said the single death is the only reported as of Tuesday. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency for Lincoln and Otero counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. NEET-UG Row: Days have passed since the NEET-UG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) 2024 exams were thrust under intense scrutiny over alleged paper leaks, malpractices, and discrepancies, but the situation is becoming increasingly tangled, with new political links cropping up. Soon after the results were declared on June 4, the anomaly of a whooping 67 candidates getting the perfect score of 720/720 raised eyebrows. As the saying goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire," the candidates started questioning the sanctity of the test, and petitions were filed in the Supreme Court to investigate the claims and conduct a re-examination. Here are the top developments in the NEET-UG 2024 Row: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi Over NEET Issue On the NEET issue and the UGC-NET exam cancellation, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi held a press conference in which he called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for failing to ensure the future of the students in the country. Taking a dig at Modi, Gandhi said that it was said that the Prime Minister stopped the war in Ukraine and halted the conflict in Gaza, but for some reason he is unable to stop the paper leaks in the country. He added, Educational institutions are captured by the RSS-BJP; paper leaks will not stop unless that is reversed. He assured that the Congress party would raise this matter in parliament. Rahul Gandhi said, This is extremely damaging to students, and this is happening because all our institutions have been captured; our VCs are placed not based on merit, but they belong to a particular organisation, and this organisation and the BJP have penetrated our education system and destroyed it. He asserted that PM Narendra Modi has psychologically collapsed and will struggle to run a government like this. Political Upheaval In Bihar Bihars economic offences unit (EOU) has established a special investigation team (SIT) to prove the paper leak allegations that prompted the arrests of 13 individuals, including candidates and parents. The SIT has not eliminated the suggestion of a possible paper leak. Adding to the drama, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar has levelled allegations against Pritam Kumar, the personal secretary of Tejashwi Yadav, accusing him of arranging accommodations for Sikander Kumar Yadavendu, the alleged mastermind behind the NEET question paper leak. As per the confessions made by one of the four men in custody, the question paper was leaked 24 hours prior to the exam. The four arrested individuals include NEET candidate Anurag Yadav, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendu, and two others named Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand. According to Yadav, his uncle provided him with the leaked paper, which contained identical questions to those on the exam. The authorities are also investigating two exam centres in Godhra, Gujarat, for allegedly assisting in filling out the correct choices on OMR sheets. Supreme Court Weighing Options The Supreme Court issued a notice in response to a petition by the National Testing Agency (NTA) requesting the transfer of cases concerning the NEET-UG 2024 examination from various High courts to the apex court. A bench led by Justice Vikram Nath also halted proceedings in different high courts. The court emphasised that it would allow the counselling process to continue uninterrupted. The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing on these matters for July 8. NTAs Response: Reverse Grace Marks Decision Amid Protests The NTA quashed any claims of paper leaks; they also attributed the increased number of perfect scores to the grace marks that were given to 1,563 candidates. However, after the protests started raging, the NTA scrapped the provision of grace marks and announced a re-exam for those candidates. On June 13, the Centre and the National Testing Agency informed the Supreme Court that they had revoked the additional marks awarded to 1,563 candidates who had appeared for the MBBS and similar course entrance examinations. The candidates were offered the choice to either retake the test or let go of the compensatory marks provided to them due to the time loss, as stated by the Centre. New Delhi: More than two dozen students from different universities and members of various students' outfits were detained on Thursday while they were protesting against the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination and irregularities in the NEET. The students were detained from outside the Ministry of Education as well as the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's residence here in central Delhi. A large number of students, including members of political outfits such as the Students' Federation of India (SFI), All India Students Association (AISA), Democratic Students' Front (DSF), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), and Congress-affiliated NSUI participated in the protest. The students gathered outside the Education Ministry and Pradhan's residence demanding a ban on the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body which conducts the examination and a probe into the alleged paper leak. The Union Education Ministry late Wednesday night ordered the cancellation of UGC-NET following inputs of the exam's integrity being compromised. "We have seen massive discrepancies on the result of NEET-UG declared on 4 June. NEET aspirants have been demanding a re-exam. However the NTA and the MoE has not responded to their demands. "Now the UGC NET examination has been cancelled due to paper leak... NTA has failed students time and again. We demand a complete scrapping of the NTA," AISA unit of JNU in a statement said. Students who joined the protest were manhandled and assaulted by the police, the outfits alleged. "Female students were heckled and manhandled brutally," said the SFI. The DSF said, "Instead of addressing the concerns of the students and holding the NTA accountable, the Delhi Police brutally attacked and detained several students including JNUSU representatives from the protest site." The claims were refuted by the police who said permission was not taken to protest in the high security area, which remains under section 144. The students outfits also demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister Dharmender Pradhan over the alleged corruption in the exams. Earlier in the day, several members of the National Students' Union of India were detained while protesting outside Pradhan's residence here. During the protest, NSUI national president Varun Choudhary flung a bag full of counterfeit currency in the air and demanded an urgent probe into the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the preparations for the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir have started and the Union Territory is bound to get back its statehood soon. PM Modi was in the UT to lay the foundation stone of projects worth Rs 1,500 crore. While addressing the crowd, he mentioned that the people of Jammu and Kashmir elect their local representatives, who then work to solve their problems. What could be better than this? He added that, therefore, the preparations for the Assembly elections have also started. On the increasing terror attacks in J&K, Modi asserted that the central government is taking the matter very seriously and the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir will be given an appropriate reply. The Prime Minister added that the demolished wall of Article 370 has ensured that the benefit of the Indian Constitution is extended to Jammu and Kashmir. Modi also applauded the youth for their increased participation in the recently concluded Lok Sabha Elections and claimed that they have marked the victory of democracy. "Today the Indian Constitution has truly been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir," PM Modi added, and he assured that a permanent peace will be established in the region soon. He added, "the latest terror attacks have been taken extremely seriously by the Centre. In a meeting, the home minister went over the entire system. I want to assure that we will leave no stone unturned to punish the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir." Modi praised people of Kashmir for taking part in recent elections and breaking all records of pervious polling records of Jammu and Kashmir I wanted to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir for huge turnout in recent Lok Sabha polls Modi said , he criticized opposition by saying that if opposition too would have praised the people of Kashmir for massive participation in democratic process I would have more happy, but they did nothing like that PM repeating the lines of Atal Bihari Vajpayee said we are on Atal Path and are working on Insaniyat, Jhamuriyat and Kashmiriyat he said we will work to bridge the divides both emotionally and geographically Modi in an Emotional way said Duri Dil ke rahe hou ya Delhi ke, we are trying our best to bridge the gap. Backing the decision of abrogation of article 370 Modi said, In true sense, the growth which India is seeing is now being seen in Jammu Kashmir as now there is no wall of Article 370. In real sense constitution of India is implemented in Jammu Kashmir. He said after G20 summit meeting happened here Jammu Kashmir has gone to global map and across globe people praise the hospitality of Kashmir and it makes me happy. Modi attributed the change and growth of Jammu and Kashmir to last 10 years NDA government policies. He said when Lal Chowk is opened till late night and people enjoy pictures in cinema hall, we feel proud, PM added Jammu Kashmir is growing in every sector , tourism had set new records, and yoga event will attract more tourists to this place and tourism provide employment, Modi said. Adding he said thousands of kilometers highways expressway are made here and Kashmir is getting connected soon through rail to country, we have highest railway bridge on chinab river and when rail moves on it, it gives a proud feeling PM said be it agriculture, tourism or sports Jammu Kashmir is flourishing everywhere, he said Jammu Kashmir is having tremendous talent in sports and soon we will have international events here as we are building best infrastructure. Modi ended his speech with a strong message to neighboring country the enemy of peace and prosperity is trying to stop the development process, the recent attacks are taken seriously by central government, Home Minister in a meeting has discussed thoroughly the situation and nobody will be spared who want to destroy the peace process in Jammu Kashmir PM Modi said On June 21 in the evening (6:30 p.m.), the Prime Minister will join the 10th International Day of Yoga event at SKICC in Srinagar on the banks of Dal Lake. He will address the audience and participate in the CYP Yoga session following his speech. Mumbai: Actress Swara Bhasker, who recently criticised a food blogger for a social media post expressing pride in being vegetarian, has now spoken up about the soon-to-be-wed couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal. The actress expressed her frustration with societal interference in personal matters and defended Sonakshi and Zaheers right to privacy. Sonakshi is currently subjected to a lot of trolling on the Internet due to her interfaith relationship with Zaheer. Talking about the same, Swara, who herself had an interfaith union with politician and activist Fahad Ahmad, told Connect Cine: What they (Sonakshi and Zaheer) do in their private lives, whether they get married or not, is up to them. Its nobodys business if theyre living together, getting married in a court, having a 'nikaah', or an Arya Samaj wedding. The actress anticipated further controversies and spoke about the public scrutiny that the couples future children might be subjected to. The same happened with Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khans children, Taimur and Jeh. Swara said: Wait and watch, when they have a child, there will be a separate debate around the childs name. Weve seen it happen with Kareena and Saifs kids, and with my kid. Its completely idiotic, but this isnt going to end anytime soon. New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of The City Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra. RBI in a release said, consequently, the bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on June 19, 2024. The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra has also been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank. The Reserve Bank cancelled the licence of the bank due to the following reasons - The bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. As such, it does not comply with the provisions of Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. - The bank has failed to comply with the requirements of Sections 22(3) (a), 22(3) (b), 22(3)(c), 22(3) (d) and 22(3)(e) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; - The continuance of the bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors; - The bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full; and Public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further, added RBI. Consequent to the cancellation of its licence, The City Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra. is prohibited from conducting the business of banking which includes, among other things, acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5 (b) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with immediate effect. Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5,00,000/- (Rupees five lakh only) from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) subject to the provisions of DICGC Act, 1961. As per the data submitted by the bank, about 87% of the depositors are entitled to receive full amount of their deposits from DICGC. As on June 14, 2024, DICGC has already paid 230.99 crore of the total insured deposits under the provisions of Section 18A of the DICGC Act, 1961 based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the bank. International Yoga Day will be celebrated across the globe on June 21. As the day is just around the corner, your favourite actors have taken time to make you aware of the benefits of Yoga in day-to-day life. These celebs share how yoga has benefited them both physically and mentally. Let's look at the call for awareness being spread by your popular TV actors ahead of the yoga day. Sumona Chakravarti Sumona Chakravarti, a contestant in Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 says, Yoga has been an integral part of my life for many years now. It's not just a practice but a way of life that has grounded me, strengthened me, and brought immense peace amidst life's challenges. On this Yoga Day, I encourage everyone to explore its power and discover the profound joy it can bring. Deepika Singh Deepika Singh, who essays the role of Mangal in Mangal Lakshmi says, Yoga has become a big part of my daily life, and after long shooting hours, yoga helps me unwind and recharge. Practicing yoga not only keeps me physically fit but also brings a sense of balance to my mind and body. On this International Yoga Day, I want to encourage everyone to embrace yoga and experience its benefits. Start small, with simple poses and deep breaths, and you'll soon feel the positive impact it can have on you. Let's celebrate this ancient practice and make it a part of our daily routine. Ram Yashvardhan Ram Yashvardhan, who essays the role of Lord Shiv in Shiv Shakti Tap Tyag Tandav says, Lord Shiva is revered as Adiyogi - the embodiment of yoga itself. He is the divine lord who governs the union of body, mind, and consciousness. According to our ancient scriptures, it was Lord Shiva who first shared the knowledge of yoga and meditation with his beloved wife, Goddess Parvati. For me, it is a great honour to portray such a sacred figure in the show 'Shiv Shakti Tap Tyag Tandav'. Through this role, I have the privilege of bringing Lord Shiva's teachings and wisdom to life for the audience. I aim to depict Lord Shiva's lessons the importance of self-discipline, and the power of meditation. by Ronald Njoroge KAKUMA, Kenya, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Deep in an expansive farm, Abdulaziz Lugazo makes the final touches as he weeds his vegetable crops that are blossoming with succulent green leaves. The 42-year-old father of three is looking forward to another bumper harvest in the next few weeks, despite cultivating in one of Kenya's most arid zones. The refugee from Somalia partnered with fellow displaced individuals to undertake agriculture in the Kakuma refugee camp in northwest Kenya. Kakuma refugee camp is the country's second largest of its kind, hosting about 288,000 refugees from nine countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Lugazo engaged in farming in his native Somalia before he fled to Kenya in 2000 in search of a safer haven far from civil strife. He told Xinhua in an interview at his farm Wednesday that when he first arrived at the refugee camp, he worked as a security guard to augment the stipend given to refugees, however, he still faced difficulties in making ends meet, which led him to seek other opportunities. "We were first allocated three acres (about 1.21 hectares) at Chora farm in 2015 as a test to see if agriculture could be successful in an arid zone," said Lugazo. He noted that their land holdings were gradually increased to 25 acres after they were able to make the land productive despite being in a low rainfall region. One of the reasons the refugees were able to transform the dryland into a fertile zone was the digging of shallow wells to irrigate the land. "We found out that we only needed to dig about 15 feet (4.57 meters) underground to produce water that is sufficient to ensure the crops reach maturity," Lugazo said. During the harvesting period, the farm is a beehive of activity as middlemen flock to the farm to purchase agricultural produce that finds a ready market in the refugee camps as well as surrounding urban settlements. The Chora Farm specializes in the cultivation of horticultural crops such as traditional vegetables, which take less than two months to mature, ensuring farmers a steady income. Nanduri Sateesh, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-Kenya suboffice in Kakuma, said that refugees are encouraged to engage in agricultural activities because of their positive effect in increasing incomes as well as boosting food security. Peter Ewesit Kaleng, a native of the Kakuma region, also cultivates on the piece of land that collectively hosts 120 farmers from the refugee community as well as the host communities. According to Kaleng, the farm has shown that the dry land that pastoralists typically use to provide fodder for livestock can also be a source of cash crops with high demand. Farmers check the growth of peanut at the Choro Farm in Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana, Kenya, June 19, 2024. Kakuma Refugee Camp is the country's second-largest camp, hosting about 288,000 refugees from nine countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Due to the impact of extreme weather throughout years, the agriculture and economy of the area remain underdeveloped. To boost food security in Kakuma refugee camp and the Turkana tribe, and to promote the integration of refugees into the local community, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) partnered with the Turkana County government to establish the Choro Farm within Kakuma refugee camp in 2017. The farm covers an area of 25 acres and involves 120 farmers, including refugees and local community members, cultivating crops such as peanuts and spinach. Currently, the crop has benefited the surrounding communities. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) KAKUMA, Kenya, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Refugees based in Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya, host communities, and government officials on Wednesday staged a march organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-Kenya in support of solidarity amid the rising influx of refugees. Nanduri Sateesh, head of the UNHCR-Kenya sub-office in Kakuma, said the three-km walk symbolized the unity that has prevailed between the host communities and the more than 20 refugee nationalities hosted in Kenya. "We have demonstrated that standing together can create a welcoming and supportive environment for refugees, celebrating their strengths and contributions while acknowledging the challenges they face," Sateesh said, adding that the walk signifies that all the relevant stakeholders are committed to building a better, more inclusive world for all. Kakuma Refugee Camp is the country's second-largest camp, hosting about 288,000 refugees from nine countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The UNHCR also hailed Kenya for its continued support and solidarity, which have been crucial in providing a haven for refugees since 1992. Ajang Nyuop Bol, a community leader for refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp, urged the government and development partners to carry forward the spirit of solidarity and strive for a world where refugees and host communities work together to overcome the hurdles they encounter on a daily basis. The 39-year-old refugee from South Sudan added that displaced persons fleeing their homelands require support from local communities to fulfill their socioeconomic potential. A farmer gets rid of weeds with a flock of sheep at the Choro Farm in Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana, Kenya, June 19, 2024. Kakuma Refugee Camp is the country's second-largest camp, hosting about 288,000 refugees from nine countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Due to the impact of extreme weather throughout years, the agriculture and economy of the area remain underdeveloped. To boost food security in Kakuma refugee camp and the Turkana tribe, and to promote the integration of refugees into the local community, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) partnered with the Turkana County government to establish the Choro Farm within Kakuma refugee camp in 2017. The farm covers an area of 25 acres and involves 120 farmers, including refugees and local community members, cultivating crops such as peanuts and spinach. Currently, the crop has benefited the surrounding communities. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) Farmers plow at the Choro Farm in Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana, Kenya, June 19, 2024. Kakuma Refugee Camp is the country's second-largest camp, hosting about 288,000 refugees from nine countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Due to the impact of extreme weather throughout years, the agriculture and economy of the area remain underdeveloped. To boost food security in Kakuma refugee camp and the Turkana tribe, and to promote the integration of refugees into the local community, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) partnered with the Turkana County government to establish the Choro Farm within Kakuma refugee camp in 2017. The farm covers an area of 25 acres and involves 120 farmers, including refugees and local community members, cultivating crops such as peanuts and spinach. Currently, the crop has benefited the surrounding communities. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) People deliver brushwood at the Choro Farm in Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana, Kenya, June 19, 2024. Kakuma Refugee Camp is the country's second-largest camp, hosting about 288,000 refugees from nine countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Due to the impact of extreme weather throughout years, the agriculture and economy of the area remain underdeveloped. To boost food security in Kakuma refugee camp and the Turkana tribe, and to promote the integration of refugees into the local community, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) partnered with the Turkana County government to establish the Choro Farm within Kakuma refugee camp in 2017. The farm covers an area of 25 acres and involves 120 farmers, including refugees and local community members, cultivating crops such as peanuts and spinach. Currently, the crop has benefited the surrounding communities. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China may levy provisional anti-dumping tariffs on the pork and pig by-products imported from the European Union in accordance with the result of the ongoing anti-dumping investigation which started on June 17, according to the Ministry of Commerce. He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, made the remarks at a regular press conference on Thursday, when responding to a question about whether China will impose temporary tariffs on pork imports from the EU. China has on Monday launched an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products imported from the EU, He said. "If the EU's dumping practice has been confirmed after preliminary investigation and has caused damage to Chinese domestic industries, temporary anti-dumping measures might be taken in accordance with World Trade Organization rules and China's anti-dumping regulations," He said. After the investigation is completed, the Ministry of Commerce will make a final ruling, and anti-dumping duties may be imposed if the relevant regulations are complied with, the spokesperson said. The probe is looking into certain pork and pig by-products originating from the EU from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023, and is expected to end before June 17, 2025, but may be extended for half a year under special circumstances. When asked about whether China will initiate anti-dumping probe on EU dairy imports, He said that the investigation agency will review applications filed by domestic industries in accordance with the law. "If the conditions for filing a case are met, the investigation agency will start the filing procedure, and disclose and release announcements in accordance with the law," said He. BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday voiced firm opposition to a recent U.S. decision to sanction Chinese firms over the so-called Russian involvement. The sanctions have no basis in international law and no mandate from the United Nations Security Council, said He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce at a press conference. Such move is a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, said He. The U.S. side should immediately stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies, He said, adding that China will take all necessary measures to unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. ULAN BATOR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia exported 31.7 million tons of coal in the first five months of this year, marking a 37.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year, data by the country's National Statistics Office showed Thursday. Mongolia is rich in natural resources and the mining sector has been a key driver of the country's economic growth for years. Coal, a primary export commodity, accounted for 60 percent of Mongolia's total exports from January to May, the data indicated. The Asian country has set a goal of exporting at least 60 million tons of coal in 2024. Last year, the landlocked country exported 66.7 million tons, achieving a historic high. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Brunei Ministry of Defense receives a three-day official visit from General Songwit Noonpackdee, chief of defense forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, according to a local media report on Thursday. Local Daily Borneo Bulletin said Songwit visited Brunei from June 19 to 21. During his visit, Songwit underscored the importance of a strong working relationship in ensuring regional stability and security, reflecting the commitment of both sides, the media reported. MANILA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Thursday it has approved a policy-based loan of 40 million U.S. dollars to help Bhutan further strengthen its public financial management and green growth. The concessional loan aims to support policy reforms in expanding domestic resource mobilization, promoting private sector development, and introducing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Under the program, domestic resource mobilization is expected to be strengthened by improving customs and property tax administration, implementing a medium-term revenue strategy, and enhancing governance and management of state-owned enterprises. "This will significantly reduce the gap between current expenditures and tax revenues. The rollout of an integrated financial management information system will improve public financial management," the ADB said. It added the program will help promote private sector development and streamline, modernize and digitize investment, business processes and trade services to enhance the ease of doing business in the country. KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China and Malaysia will conduct a new round of joint research on panda protection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and strengthen scientific research cooperation, a joint statement said Thursday. Leaders of both sides expect progress in this field, said the joint statement between the two countries on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership towards China-Malaysia community with a shared future. The statement was issued during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to the Southeast Asian country, during which he held talks with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and attended the celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. MOSCOW, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones overnight during a series of attacks that caused damage and resulted in one fatality, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Thursday. According to the Ministry, a drone attack caused a fire at an oil depot in the Takhtamukay district of the Republic of Adygea, covering an area of approximately 400 square meters. The fire has been fully extinguished, said Murat Kumpilov, head of the Republic, on his Telegram channel. No casualties or threats to residents were reported in the attack. Additionally, Maxim Yegorov, head of the Tambov region, said an explosion and subsequent fire occurred early in the morning at an oil depot in Rasskazovsky municipal district. Drone debris was found in the district, though no injuries were reported. Another drone attack targeted the town of Slavyansk-na-Kubani in Krasnodar Territory, where a Ukrainian drone crashed into a private house, resulting in one fatality. KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- With the concerted efforts of business communities and individuals across various sectors in both China and Malaysia, the next 50 years of China-Malaysia relations promise to be another golden era, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday. Li made the remarks when attending the luncheon of China-Malaysia business community with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Around 200 representatives from the business community of both countries attended the meeting. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia 50 years ago, economic and trade cooperation has always played a crucial role in bilateral relations, Li said. In recent years, China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation has rapidly expanded, with its scope broadened and quality improved, showcasing a thriving and vigorous growth, he noted. As China-Malaysia relations continue to deepen, the alignment of their development strategies, the emergence of complementary strengths, and the ongoing advancement of industrial upgrades will bring more new opportunities for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, as well as for investment and business activities by enterprises from both nations, Li said. China is ready to work with Malaysia to accelerate the implementation of various cooperation agreements, jointly advance major projects, and expand cooperation and achieve more win-win results for both sides, he said. Li said enterprises play a leading role in economic and trade cooperation between China and Malaysia, forming an important foundation for the healthy development of bilateral relations. He expressed hope that enterprises from both countries would continue to deeply explore each other's markets, make full use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, continuously tap the potential for trade growth, strive to unleash investment cooperation momentum, and be practitioners of mutual benefit. Li also encouraged enterprises to actively expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green development and the digital economy, make better plans for future industries like artificial intelligence and life sciences, and continuously optimize the allocation of various innovative resources, thereby becoming leaders in innovative development. Additionally, he urged enterprises to contribute to people-to-people connectivity by promoting communication, dialogue, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations, and sharing more stories of China-Malaysia friendship with both societies to enhance mutual understanding and trust. ULAN BATOR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Mongolians living abroad started casting their ballots for parliamentary elections on Thursday, several days earlier than voters living in Mongolia. Mongolia, with a population of 3.5 million, has set June 28 as the date for its next elections of the State Great Khural, the country's unicameral parliament. A total of 13,095 expatriates registered to vote in places where they are living, according to the country's General Election Commission (GEC). Most have registered in South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia and China, said the commission. The expatriates can vote at polling centers located in 35 countries until the end of this week. The GEC has registered 1,294 candidates from 19 political parties and two coalitions, as well as 42 independents, for the parliamentary elections. A total of 2,238,360 Mongolian citizens are expected to cast their votes on polling day. In May 2023, the parliament passed amendments to increase the number of legislators from 76 to 126. Additionally, parliament members will be elected using a mixed electoral system, in which 78 members will be elected by majority representation and 48 by proportional representation. SANTIAGO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and nine others injured in a head-on collision between two trains in San Bernardo, just outside Santiago, the State Railway Company (EFE) reported Thursday. Shortly after Wednesday midnight, a test train and a cargo train operated by the private rail company Fepasa collided on the main railway line in San Bernardo, according to EFE. As a result of the collision, two workers on the cargo train were killed. "Likewise, the staff of the train being tested suffered injuries of varying degrees and are being treated in a healthcare center," said EFE, adding that there were nine people injured with no life risk. After the accident, Chilean Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Juan Carlos Munoz told the local press that "we have to determine exactly what the causes are and take corresponding measures." Rabindranath Tagore, a famous Indian poet, had deep feelings for China. He visited China in 1924, and had extensive communications with a batch of talented Chinese poets and writers. 2024 marks the 100-year anniversary of Mr Tagore's visit to China. Recently in Beijing, Xinhua reporter Liu Jie talked to a member of Mr Tagore's family. Souraja Tagore told us how Mr Tagore was immersed in Chinese culture and influenced his Chinese friends. Reporter: Xie Han, Lu Chang, Li Chunyu, Li Dexin, Liu Jie, Ma Haoran(Intern) Editor: Li Laifang Produced by the China Buzzword Studio of the Domestic News for Overseas Service Department, Xinhua News Agency and the Beijing Bureau of Xinhua News Agency by Tian Dongdong, Gao Yang and Liu Chang KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Designed as a finely cut gem, Gombak Integrated Terminal Station is among the largest facilities within Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. Situated near Kuala Lumpur, it is expected to significantly alleviate urban traffic congestion upon its completion. The construction of the station, witnessed by visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, began on Wednesday, marking a milestone for the entire ECRL project. As a flagship project of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Malaysia, the 665 km-long ECRL is anticipated to foster balanced development between Malaysia's eastern and western coasts once completed. It will also advance the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, a vision agreed upon in 2023 by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar. Since then, many projects under the Belt and Road cooperation, including the ECRL and Malaysia-China "Two Countries, Twin Parks," are progressing smoothly, significantly strengthening regional connectivity and the economic integration between the two countries, Ong Tee Keat, president of Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific, told Xinhua. During his visit, Li said China is ready to work with Malaysia to accelerate the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, noting that the two countries are neighbors with a millennium-old friendship, friends connected by heart, and partners for win-win cooperation. Under Li and Anwar's witness, the two sides exchanged several bilateral cooperation documents in fields such as economy and trade, science and technology, culture, tourism, postal services, agricultural exports to China, digital economy, green development, urban construction, and higher education. These documents demonstrate the high-level political mutual trust between the two countries and their joint efforts to build a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, said Koh King Kee, president of the Center for New Inclusive Asia. "We are looking forward to the further implementation of the three China-proposed major global initiatives (Global Development Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Security Initiative) in the region, including Malaysia," Ong said, adding that the Global Development Initiative is a multidimensional cooperation platform and the Global Civilization Initiative is crucial for Malaysia as the developing country explores its own path to development and modernization. During their meeting on Wednesday, Li and Anwar pledged to push for the early conclusion of the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. "As Malaysia takes over the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN next year, we hope for the early conclusion of the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. It will definitely elevate the economic and trade ties between China and ASEAN to a new level," Ong said. "This will not only be reflected in bilateral trade figures but, more importantly, we anticipate greater market access. For countries like Malaysia, this is absolutely what we have been dreaming of. I believe we will see more tariff reductions, which will certainly benefit China, Malaysia and ASEAN," the expert said. Admitting this is a world that "lacks openness and cooperation, but never blockade and confrontation," Li, in his keynote speech when attending the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship with Anwar, called on the world to "put more emphasis on mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and completely discard the zero-sum game thinking and practices." "China shows a very good example of multilateralism," Azmi Hassan, a senior research fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, told Xinhua. "It is also the right path for Malaysia to be open to trade." Delving deep into the 50-year relationship between China and Malaysia, Li highlighted that the development of this relationship has provided both sides with many important experiences and inspirations, listing the commitment to independent strategies being the foremost one. "Over the past half-century, China-Malaysia relations have braved the waves and grown stronger, undisturbed by wind and rain, and never interrupted by external forces ... Ours is a fine example of relations between countries in the region," said Li. Building on this important experience, Li and Anwar earlier in the day agreed that China and relevant ASEAN countries should independently and properly handle the South China Sea issue, manage disputes and differences, promote dialogue and cooperation, and stick to the general direction of bilateral settlement. "We don't need the United States, and we don't need AUKUS or QUAD coming into this discussion. It will only make things worse," Hassan said. Reiterating that the South China Sea issue must be resolved among ASEAN members and China, Anwar said earlier this month that "there should not be involvement with other parties because it will be deemed to be more complex and will complicate the matter." On the South China Sea issue, Malaysia and China have agreed to handle disputes and differences between the two countries without involving third parties, particularly those outside the region. This approach will reduce the influence of external parties, and other ASEAN countries can use this as a reference, Ong said. Enditem (Xinhua reporters Wang Yi, Mao Pengfei, Gou Hongjing, Wang Jiawei, Zheng Mingda, Xu Ke and Yu Lizhen in Kuala Lumpur also contributed to the story.) Staff members unload the 2nd batch of the Sinovac vaccine donated by China at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Manila, the Philippines on March 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) Some commentators in the Philippines pointed out that if the United States launched such a secret disinformation campaign to discredit Chinese vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, it could well be running another round to portray China as a "bully" in the South China Sea. MANILA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- People around the world are "indignant" about the reported U.S. military's secret psychological warfare of discrediting Chinese vaccines, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has said in a statement. The U.S. military's actions lay bare the hypocrisy, malign intention and double standards of the United States, according to the statement released on Tuesday. China, as a responsible major country, provided global public goods such as vaccines to other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement said. China was the first to provide COVID-19 response supplies and vaccines to the Philippines, it said, adding that China and the Philippines have been mutually supportive and cooperative against the onslaught of the disease, making important contributions to the world's final victory over the pandemic. However, the cooperation was not as smooth as it was supposed to be due to obstruction and sabotage by a third country and certain forces, the statement said. "Of course, such a plot doomed to failure as it went against the interests of the Chinese and Filipino peoples," it said. While talking about respecting human rights frequently, the United States does just the opposite regarding the fundamental human rights of life and health of the Filipino people, the statement said. While reaffirming its so-called ironclad commitment to its allies all the time, when it comes to the critical moment of fighting the pandemic together, the United States always pursued the policy of America First, exploiting the vulnerability of the Filipino people for its ulterior geopolitical motives, it said. "By denying access to Chinese assistance, and in defiance of the global public opinion, the United States dares to spread rumors and spin stories on major global public health issues including the vaccine," it said. "We hope that the United States will behave the way it claims to be, and stop fabricating and spreading disinformation against other countries. It is expected to shoulder responsibility of a major country, truly respect the effort of other countries in safeguarding people's health, well-being and peace and stability of the region," the statement said. Some commentators in the Philippines pointed out that if the United States launched such a secret disinformation campaign to discredit Chinese vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, it could well be running another round to portray China as a "bully" in the South China Sea. In response to such remarks, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines said that the Chinese and Filipino people "should remain highly vigilant and clear-eyed, resist being taken in by disinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, define their own fate and protect China-Philippines relations as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea." BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Polish President Andrzej Duda will pay a state visit to China from June 22 to 26, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Thursday. During the visit, President Xi will hold talks with President Duda to map out the future development of China-Poland relations, have an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern and jointly attend the signing ceremony of cooperation documents, Lin Jian, another foreign ministry spokesperson told a regular press briefing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, will meet with Duda respectively, Lin added. Poland is among the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Poland, and bilateral relations have developed smoothly with fruitful practical cooperation in recent years, Lin noted. China is ready to work with Poland to take this visit as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly lead high-quality cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative and China's cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, and continuously enrich the connotation of China-Poland comprehensive strategic partnership, Lin said. BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China's national observatory issued a blue alert for rainstorms on Thursday, expecting heavy rainfall in several regions of the country. Downpours are expected to hit parts of Chongqing, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang on Thursday and Friday, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) forecast. There are areas in Chongqing and Guizhou that will see up to 120 mm of rainfall, while some places in these regions are expected to encounter over 60 mm of hourly precipitation, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales, according to the NMC. Local governments have been urged to implement appropriate preparations and fulfill their related responsibilities accordingly. Schools and kindergartens have been asked to ensure the safety of students, and drivers have been advised to exercise caution due to potential road waterlogging and traffic congestion. China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. MANILA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- People around the world are "indignant" about the reported U.S. military's secret psychological warfare of discrediting Chinese vaccines, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has said in a statement. The U.S. military's actions lay bare the hypocrisy, malign intention and double standards of the United States, according to the statement released on Tuesday. China, as a responsible major country, provided global public goods such as vaccines to other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement said. China was the first to provide COVID-19 response supplies and vaccines to the Philippines, it said, adding that China and the Philippines have been mutually supportive and cooperative against the onslaught of the disease, making important contributions to the world's final victory over the pandemic. However, the cooperation was not as smooth as it was supposed to be due to obstruction and sabotage by a third country and certain forces, the statement said. "Of course, such a plot doomed to failure as it went against the interests of the Chinese and Filipino peoples," it said. While talking about respecting human rights frequently, the United States does just the opposite regarding the fundamental human rights of life and health of the Filipino people, the statement said. While reaffirming its so-called ironclad commitment to its allies all the time, when it comes to the critical moment of fighting the pandemic together, the United States always pursued the policy of America First, exploiting the vulnerability of the Filipino people for its ulterior geopolitical motives, it said. "By denying access to Chinese assistance, and in defiance of the global public opinion, the United States dares to spread rumors and spin stories on major global public health issues including the vaccine," it said. "We hope that the United States will behave the way it claims to be, and stop fabricating and spreading disinformation against other countries. It is expected to shoulder responsibility of a major country, truly respect the effort of other countries in safeguarding people's health, well-being and peace and stability of the region," the statement said. Some commentators in the Philippines pointed out that if the United States launched such a secret disinformation campaign to discredit Chinese vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, it could well be running another round to portray China as a "bully" in the South China Sea. In response to such remarks, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines said that the Chinese and Filipino people "should remain highly vigilant and clear-eyed, resist being taken in by disinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, define their own fate and protect China-Philippines relations as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea." YANGON, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's security personnel foiled on Wednesday a bank robbery in Sagaing Town of Sagaing Region, killing one suspect, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Thursday. According to the report, four armed men on two motorcycles arrived at a bank in Sagaing Town at around 4:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday and attempted to rob it. Local security personnel, after receiving information about the robbery, raided the bank to arrest the suspects. One of the suspects was fatally shot by the security personnel, the report said. The security personnel also seized a homemade pistol, nine 9 mm bullets, a bomb and two motorcycles during the operation, the report added. Investigations revealed that the suspected robbers are members of the People's Defence Force (PDF) in Sagaing, it said. Further security measures are ongoing to apprehend the escaped suspects, the report added. KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China and Malaysia will launch the bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues as early as possible to foster maritime dialogue and cooperation, a joint statement said Thursday. The two countries emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea, said the joint statement between the two countries on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership towards China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Both countries agree to resolve disputes by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The two sides will work together with other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, it said. The statement was issued during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to the Southeast Asian country, during which he held talks with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and attended the celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) YINCHUAN, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Wednesday called for high-quality community services for residents during his inspection of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China. At the service center of a residential community in Jinfeng District in the regional capital of Yinchuan, Xi learned about how community services had been provided to facilitate people's daily life and cultural activities. He also talked with community workers and residents. Underscoring the key role of communities in serving residents, Xi stressed strengthening primary-level Party organizations and maintaining a stable team of warm-hearted community workers. He said communities should continue to sum up experience and explore new methods to render better services to residents. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) TIANJIN, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China now hosts more than 4,500 artificial intelligence (AI) companies, reflecting the country's efforts to embrace the AI boom, according to official figures released at an industry event on Thursday. The data was made public by Shan Zhongde, vice minister of industry and information technology, at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo in north China's Tianjin Municipality. Shan said that China has built 421 national-level demonstration factories featuring intelligent manufacturing and over 10,000 provincial-level digital workshops and smart factories. From humanoid robots to autonomous vehicles, officials and experts at the expo highlighted that AI technology is rapidly reshaping human life. Technologies such as brain-computer interfaces and humanoid robots will have practical impacts on industries like manufacturing, transportation, education and healthcare, said Wu Zhaohui, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "AI technology can also inject transformative power into regional economic growth and reshape the landscape of global competition," Wu added. China's core AI industry reached a scale of more than 578 billion yuan (about 81 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 13.9 percent year on year, official data shows. This year's government work report unveiled an AI Plus initiative, a strategic move designed to propel the digital economy's expansion and spearhead the transformation and modernization of manufacturing sectors. The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, running until June 23, was co-hosted by Tianjin Municipality and southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, merging the former World Intelligence Congress in Tianjin and the Smart China Expo in Chongqing. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters, the event features various themed exhibition areas covering AI, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and robotics. The two municipalities will alternate hosting the World Intelligence Expo in the future. BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A case disclosed by China's Ministry of State Security has confirmed that a military fan surnamed Luo has been sentenced to one year in prison for photographing a new type of warship via a high-definition drone. Luo was found photographing the Chinese warship in November 2021 for the purpose of sharing the images with military enthusiasts on an online forum, the ministry said. The pictures and videos captured by Luo were later identified by relevant departments to involve military secrets, and Luo was convicted of illegally acquiring state secrets. China bans the activities of using drones to illegally photograph confidential locations such as military facilities and plants, and acquiring, disclosing or sending such footage overseas, according to the country's regulations on the operation of unmanned aircraft. JERUSALEM, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Home Front Command announced on Wednesday the lifting of security restrictions in numerous communities near the Gaza Strip, marking a significant easing of measures since Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The new guidelines, applicable to the "Gaza Envelope" area extending up to 7 km from the Gaza border, exclude 25 communities, such as Sderot and Kerem Shalom, situated closer to the border. According to a statement from the military, the decision follows a comprehensive assessment by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi. Under these revised directives, outdoor educational activities can resume without constraints, gatherings of up to 1,000 people are permitted, and workplaces and essential economic activities can proceed unrestricted. The adjustments in the Home Front Command's defensive protocols are aimed at easing restrictions on civilian life by the current operational assessment to help revitalize agriculture, economy, and education, said the military statement. The move comes after an eight-and-a-half-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, during which Israeli operations resulted in extensive infrastructure damage and loss of life in Gaza, primarily among civilians. Israeli authorities assert significant dismantling of Hamas' militant infrastructure during the conflict. Israel initiated the military campaign in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israeli communities, resulting in casualties numbering around 1,200 individuals. MEXICO CITY, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador warned on Wednesday that the United States could implement economic "adjustment policies" following the November U.S. presidential election, which may impact Mexico. "Sometimes, when new administrations come in, they carry out adjustment policies, and those adjustment policies do have an impact," the president told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City. "When it comes to the economy of the United States, it impacts the world," he said. With that in mind, Obrador said, his administration, which ends in September, aims to "shield" the Mexican economy and public finances to ensure his successor Claudia Sheinbaum has ample room to maneuver. While no economic "crisis" or period of instability is currently anticipated for the United States, it would be wise to take a cautious stance, he said. As Latin America's second-largest economy after Brazil, Mexico is one of the United States' major trading partners. In 2023, Mexico's GDP grew by 3.2 percent. Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 14, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup) An aerial drone photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup) An aerial drone photo taken on June 15, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Male Tibetan antelopes guard the femle ones during their migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, May 8, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) An aerial drone photo taken on June 15, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Male Tibetan antelopes guard the female ones during their migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Female Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) An aerial drone photo taken on June 15, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) A Tibetan antelope is pictured in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) A female Tibetan antelope is pictured in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) An aerial drone photo taken on June 14, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Purbu Tsering) An aerial drone photo taken on June 14, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Purbu Tsering) Female Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Tibetan antelopes gallop during their migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) A herd of Tibetan wild donkeys watches Tibetan antelopes migrating in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, May 8, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 14, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Male Tibetan antelopes guard the femle ones during their migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 12, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) An aerial drone photo taken on June 15, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Female Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Female Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) An aerial drone photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, May 8, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Female Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Tibetan antelopes are on migration in twilight in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Female Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Tibetan antelopes are on migration at sunrise in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 14, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Female Tibetan antelopes are on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 15, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Male Tibetan antelopes guard the female ones during their migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, May 8, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Tibetan antelopes climb over the ridge during their migration in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, May 10, 2024. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) An aerial drone photo taken on June 12, 2024 shows female Tibetan antelopes on migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration around May every year for birth-giving and would return with their calves in late July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) JERUSALEM, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli officials on Wednesday escalated threats against Lebanon's Hezbollah amidst escalating cross-border exchanges of fire between the two sides. "We are completing the land and air preparedness, strengthening the intelligence systems, and preparing for any possibility," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told the press before meeting with military chief Herzi Halevi and senior commanders in the Northern Command headquarters in the city of Safed. "We have an obligation to change the situation in the north," he stressed. Meanwhile, the Israeli Ynet news site reported that an anonymous "senior Israeli government official" told the news outlet that "if Hezbollah continues to attack Israel, southern Lebanon will look like Gaza. Beirut will not be immune." The official warned that "the countdown to a powerful Israeli response has begun" and that only Hezbollah's agreement to an outline presented by U.S. President Joe Biden's envoy Amos Hochstein would prevent an all-out war. Hochstein visited Jerusalem and Beirut this week for meetings with leaders on both sides in an effort to prevent further escalation. On Tuesday, the Israeli military said it has approved "operational plans" for an offensive against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. In response, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah pledged on Wednesday a fight "without limitations" if Israel starts a war with the militant group. Speaking during a memorial ceremony for a Hezbollah commander killed last week by an Israeli strike, Nasrallah said his group is "not afraid" of the Israeli threats, claiming that Hezbollah's missiles and rockets can cause significant damage to the Israeli side. Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The European Union has asked for "unprecedented" types, scope and amount of information in its anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles, which far exceeded the necessary request for such investigation, China's commerce ministry said Thursday. An international student from Qingdao University (R) learns the art of crafting moxa sticks used in moxibustion at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 18, 2024. Some international students from Qingdao University visited a local TCM hospital on Tuesday to experience the charm of TCM culture. Collaborated with several universities in the city, the hospital built a TCM experience base that has hosted more than 600 international students. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) International students from Qingdao University experience the moxibustion therapy at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 18, 2024. Some international students from Qingdao University visited a local TCM hospital on Tuesday to experience the charm of TCM culture. Collaborated with several universities in the city, the hospital built a TCM experience base that has hosted more than 600 international students. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) International students from Qingdao University learn to make hawthorn products at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 18, 2024. Some international students from Qingdao University visited a local TCM hospital on Tuesday to experience the charm of TCM culture. Collaborated with several universities in the city, the hospital built a TCM experience base that has hosted more than 600 international students. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) International students from Qingdao University learn Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise, at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 18, 2024. Some international students from Qingdao University visited a local TCM hospital on Tuesday to experience the charm of TCM culture. Collaborated with several universities in the city, the hospital built a TCM experience base that has hosted more than 600 international students. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) This photo taken with a mobile phone on June 19, 2024 shows Sudanese displaced children at a temporary accommodation center in Karari locality in Omdurman city, Sudan, June 19, 2024. Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, which has claimed 15,550 lives and displaced over 8.8 million people nationwide, according to estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) KHARTOUM, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Mutawakil Sha'aban's life unraveled overnight. For years, he lived peacefully with his family in Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. But two weeks into the civil war that erupted last year, Sha'aban, 62, found himself in a spare room attached to a mosque, far from his loved ones. "Armed men in RSF uniforms stormed my house without warning," Sha'aban recounted, referring to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. "They treated us very roughly. I told them I was sick and had spinal cord surgery, but they wouldn't care." The attackers ordered Sha'aban and his family to evacuate the house. While his wife and daughters sought safety in other Sudanese cities or even Egypt, his health restricted him to Al-Iskan, north of Omdurman. Confined to his small room and dependent on a walker, Sha'aban faces his ordeal alone. The clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, which began in April 2023, have displaced over 8.8 million people nationwide, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates. The UN agency has called the civil war, which has killed more than 15,550 people, in the African country a crisis of "epic proportions." In addition to internal displacement, the conflict also caused a large exodus of Sudanese to neighboring countries. Mohamed Yaqoup Ismail, a Sudanese refugee in Chad, described his escape from El Geneina, the capital city of West Darfur State, as "fleeing from death to death." Many perished during the five-day trek through the scorching desert, he said, killed by armed tribal groups or succumbing to exhaustion. The conflict also forced more than 300,000 Sudanese refugees to flee to neighboring South Sudan, straining the already crowded camps there. Abdullah Adam, a refugee in South Sudan's Gorom camp, told Xinhua that refugees there have insufficient food supplies, noting that they can have only two meals a day comprising lentils, beans, or rice. Medical care is scarce, Adam added, with many refugees suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes and cancer. "Sudan is facing the largest humanitarian catastrophe in the world," said Amjad Farid, executive director of the Khartoum-based Fikra for Studies and Development. Criticizing the international community's inadequate response, Farid said the world has not yet "seriously" dealt with the disaster in Sudan, and refugees and internally displaced persons are "suffering alone." This photo taken with a mobile phone on June 19, 2024 shows Sudanese displaced children at a temporary accommodation center in Karari locality in Omdurman city, Sudan, June 19, 2024. Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, which has claimed 15,550 lives and displaced over 8.8 million people nationwide, according to estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2024 shows partial destruction of the Al-Halfaya Bridge linking the Sudanese city of Bahri with Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since mid-April 2023. Over the past days, the bridge witnessed fierce clashes between the SAF and the RSF. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) VIENTIANE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Health, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a significant new collaboration aimed at enhancing health security and preparedness in Laos. The Lao Ministry of Health stressed the importance of continuous efforts to prepare and respond to public health emergencies, referencing over 30 outbreaks and acute public health events faced by Laos in 2023 alone, Lao national TV reported on Thursday. The expanded support from development partners will lead to better health outcomes and improved International Health Regulations capacities through the implementation of the national health security work plan for 2022-2025. The plan aims to enhance health security in Laos and the region by focusing on disease surveillance, risk assessment, laboratory improvements, outbreak detection, prevention and control, and mitigation of risks from zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, it will improve public health emergency management systems, risk communication, and multi-sectoral collaboration. With this new partnership, Laos is set to further enhance its core capacities required under the International Health Regulations (2005), ensuring both national and global health security. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) YINCHUAN, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 19, 2024. Xi inspected northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday. Xi visited a residential community in the city of Yinchuan, the regional capital, to learn about how Party organizations at the primary level perform their duties. He also learned about the community's work in improving services for residents and facilitating exchanges and interactions among people of different ethnic groups. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) RIO DE JANEIRO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and two injured early Thursday morning when armed assailants attacked a celebration at a town square in Brazil's northeast Ceara state, Military Police confirmed. Images captured by security cameras overlooking the square in the town of Vicosa do Ceara show several vehicles arrive at the scene, armed suspects get out and force several people to put their hands on their heads. Witnesses said they heard at least 50 gunshots, leaving seven people dead at the scene, including men and women. The two injured were taken to the municipal hospital. Authorities have identified no motive for the attack but noted at least one of the fatal victims was wearing an ankle monitor, the kind typically worn by those on parole or awaiting trial. The attack, which has the markings of gang warfare or organized crime rivalry, is the second violent incident in Vicosa do Ceara in recent years, after four people were shot dead inside a home in December 2021. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Wednesday called for high-quality community services for residents during his inspection of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China. #XinhuaNews ABUJA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian authorities said on Wednesday an investigation has been launched into an oil spill from an oilfield in Bayelsa, a state in the country's oil-rich Niger Delta region. The leak was detected during routine operations on Monday at the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 in Nembe, a community in Bayelsa, said Solomon Ukponevi, head of operations at the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, the country's regulatory body. Ukponevi told reporters that the oil facility was immediately shut down, and an emergency response team was deployed to take precautionary measures to contain the leak while additional resources were being mobilized. He said the detection and response agency has already scheduled a joint investigative visit to the area, to ascertain the cause of the spill, the estimated volume of crude spilled, and its impact on the environment. In a statement, the oilfield's operator, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company, said it supported the shutdown of operations at OML 29 to "safeguard the environment from further degradation," adding that the cause of the spill was currently undetermined. The company said that while working to engage with stakeholders to mitigate the immediate effects proactively, it would expedite an efficient spill management process in line with regulatory standards and collaborate with all stakeholders to restore production and mitigate associated risks. Oil spills are not uncommon in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, one of Africa's largest producers of crude oil. NAIROBI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Airways (KQ) on Wednesday resumed direct flights between Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and Mozambique's Maputo to help strengthen intra-Africa connectivity. The national carrier said the three flights weekly, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, will cater to travelers originating from Kenya and serve as a convenient connection point for passengers from other African cities via Nairobi. Kenya Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka said the relaunch of the flights is a tangible testament to the airline's remarkable progress and the exciting future ahead. "As we unveil our 45th destination, Maputo, we mark a major milestone in our network expansion journey," Kilavuka said during the launch in Nairobi. He said the expansion into Maputo will enable Kenya Airways to enhance intra-Africa connectivity, a key driver of economic growth, trading opportunities, and business expansions among local and inter-continental economies. The new route complements KQ's existing service to Nampula, Mozambique, further solidifying its regional presence. Kilavuka said the resumption of the flight expansion complements Kenya Airways' broader network strategy for 2024, which also boasts increased frequencies to popular destinations like New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. He said the increased intra-African travel will act as a catalyst for economic development across the continent. "Our passion lies in fostering connections across the continent, making trade and travel between our nations more accessible than ever before," Kilavuka added. Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer officer, noted that the expansion is linked to KQ's mission of propelling Africa's prosperity by connecting its people, markets and cultures. "The demand for air travel is soaring, and we are determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa's rich cultures and thriving economies," Thairu added. MOGADISHU, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Somalia launched a student award program on Wednesday to improve the standard of education in the East African country. The China-Somalia Friendship Student Award Program for the 2024 National Examination will see the embassy provide financial awards for the top 50 students in the Somali examination. Chen Wendi, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Somalia, who launched the program in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, said the decision is aimed at motivating thousands of students who are due to sit for the examination on Saturday. He said the gesture is an important incentive program for the Somali students, and wished them success. The embassy will offer between 400 and 1,000 U.S. dollars based on the student's ranking in the national examinations, Chen added. Mohamed Osman Omar, a member of Somalia's parliamentary committee on social affairs, said about 37,000 students will attend the national examination and welcomed the new initiative by the Chinese embassy. KHARTOUM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday that it had seized control of the strategic city of el-Fula, the capital of Sudan's West Kordofan State. The RSF said in a statement that it had "completely controlled el-Fula city, which is of strategic importance and the capital of West Kordofan state." An eyewitness told Xinhua that confrontations began on Wednesday between the RSF and units of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) stationed within a military base on the city's outskirts. "The clashes stopped on Thursday afternoon after the RSF took control of the army garrison and deployed its forces throughout the city, including the West Kordofan state government's secretariat, institutions, and the main market," the eyewitness said. El-Fula has one of Sudan's largest and most important oil fields, the Heglig field. The oil pipelines transporting South Sudan's oil exports via the Sudanese port of Bashayer in eastern Sudan also pass through el-Fula. The Sudanese army has not yet commented on the RSF's claim of seizing el-Fula. However, the West Kordofan state government condemned in a statement on Thursday the RSF's "brutal attack" on the state's headquarters and official institutions, and the looting of markets and defenseless civilians, calling on civilian groups fighting alongside the Sudanese army to get ready for a battle to expel the RSF from the state. Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the SAF and the RSF since April 2023, which has claimed more than 15,550 lives and displaced over 8.8 million people nationwide, according to estimates by a UN agency. SYDNEY, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A male was charged on Thursday after he fatally shot a woman and seriously injured one man in the Australian state of Queensland. Police were called to the Robb Place address in South Mackay just after 4:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday. A woman was found deceased at the scene and a man suffered non-life-threatening injuries. According to Queensland Police, the 34-year-old South Mackay woman was sitting in a parked vehicle, when she was approached by the 31-year-old South Mackay man armed with a firearm. It was believed that the duo were not known to each other but resided on the same street. There were two children inside the vehicle when the incident occurred. They ran away from the scene on foot and were not physically harmed. Police noted that a 66-year-old man, who lived nearby, approached the man a short time later and was also shot. He sustained non-life-threatening wounds to the hand and sternum, before being taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition. At approximately 5:20 p.m. local time on Wednesday, police made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA), as the shooter fled the scene in a car. He was later taken into custody at a service station along the Bruce Highway near Hilton Street, with the PSPA revoked on Wednesday evening. Police confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The 31-year-old shooter has been charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder. South Mackay is a coastal suburb of Mackay City, 970 km north of Brisbane. Australia's 2021 Census suggested that the suburb had a population of 6,918. VIENTIANE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Latsavong Wanda Vista Hotel, the tallest tower in Laos, has opened for business and will accommodate guests during Laos' ASEAN chairmanship in 2024. A grand opening ceremony in the capital Vientiane was held on Wednesday and attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, local media reported on Thursday. Standing 138 meters high and having 36 floors, the hotel is the tallest tower in the country. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Chansamone Chanyalath said the hotel was put into operation thanks to collaboration between the Lao Ministry of National Defense and Chinese real estate investors. The hotel would provide jobs for Lao people, attract tourists and spur socio-economic development in Laos. In particular, it will serve delegates attending meetings and events during Laos' ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, said Chansamone. TOKYO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A shuttle bus from a disability support facility in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto crashed on Thursday morning, leaving 10 people injured, including two seriously, according to local police. At around 8:45 a.m. local time, the bus, carrying 10 people including the driver, veered off its intended path near Route 324 shortly after it departed from the facility in Reihoku Town. Failing to make a right turn, it crossed the road and crashed through the fence of a nearby facility's parking lot, ultimately plunging 1.5 meters down a slope about 1 kilometer northeast of the Reihoku Town Hall along the coastal area. Among the 10 people onboard, two men in their 70s sustained serious injuries, including fractures, while the other eight, including the 40-year-old male driver and staff at the disability support facility, suffered minor injuries. All injured were conscious when transported to the hospital. Local police are investigating to determine the precise cause of the accident. WELLINGTON, June 20 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand scientists are studying sharks in the southernmost part of the country to understand effects of climate change. Sharks are an apex predator with a crucial role in the ecosystem and can be indicators of the health of an environment, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) fisheries scientist Brit Finucci said on Thursday. The team from NIWA and the Victoria University of Wellington spent a week in Fiordland, New Zealand's South Island, attaching transmitters to broadnose sevengill sharks to track their behavior and movements. The project, funded by the Save Our Seas Foundation, saw 11 sharks tagged, with divers installing 29 acoustic receivers on the seafloor. The tags will transmit data for up to the next 10 years and the receivers put on the seafloor will collect data every time a shark swims near it, said Finucci. The team will return to Fiordland every six months to gather the data from the receivers. They will monitor the short and long-term information on their movements to understand the sharks' behavior and how this may be changing. The broadnose sevengill, a globally threatened species, is commonly observed in Fiordland, reaching over 2.5 meter in length. Fishing activity has reduced shark numbers in some locations. However, little is known about the impacts of climate change on their health and population, Finucci said. HANOI, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Finance will start a process to study the effect of a tax on gold transactions, Vietnam News reported Thursday. Deputy minister of finance Nguyen Duc Chi said in considering the profound impact a gold tax could produce on society as a whole, the ministry must conduct a thorough study before sending a proposal on the matter to the government. As gold prices surged to a historic high before settling down last week, the press, economists, as well as members of the public, have voiced their concerns over the lack of a gold tax for transactions of the precious metal. Many asked why when there are taxes on other assets such as real estate and securities, there are none for gold transactions, Vietnam News reported. Taxing gold transactions is necessary to keep gold prices in control, the newspaper cited economists as saying. Professor Nguyen Thi Mui, a member of the National Financial, Monetary Policy Advisory Council, said a gold tax could significantly reduce demand for the precious metal among certain investor groups, especially those who speculate and hoard. A gold tax could also serve as the foundation for a fairer and more sustainable business environment, given that traders of real estate and securities are also subject to personal income tax. Vietnam has imposed an income tax on stock and property buyers but not on gold buyers. Dang Ngoc Minh, deputy head of the General Department of Taxation, said gold purchases should only be paid through bank accounts to enable authorities to keep track of financial transaction and prevent money laundering. PHNOM PENH, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Singapore have emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said a Cambodian foreign ministry's statement on Wednesday. The statement was issued at the conclusion of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's official visit to Singapore, where he held a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong on Tuesday. "They shared the view that maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality is crucial for peace, stability and prosperity in the region," the statement said. The two prime ministers were committed to working together closely to navigate through the geopolitical complexity to ensure that ASEAN unity and centrality remain strong and ASEAN continues to stay on the path of growth, it added. During the meeting, the two prime ministers also exchanged views on major regional and international issues of common concern, the statement said, adding that they highlighted the urgent need to expedite conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. by Peerzada Arshad Hamid NEW DELHI, June 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 37 people were killed and around 100 others hospitalised following the consumption of tainted bootleg liquor in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, local media reported Thursday. The deaths have been reported from Kallakurichi town, about 244 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. "Officials have confirmed the deaths of 37 people altogether after they consumed illicit liquor," a New Delhi-based television news channel NDTV said. According to officials, the death toll is likely to go up owing to the critical condition of many people admitted in hospitals. The state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said over 100 people are undergoing treatment at different hospitals. The broadcaster said the district collector (seniormost official of the district) of Kallakurichi has been transferred and 10 other officials including a senior police officer have been suspended. Police have arrested one person and detained two others in connection with the sale of illicit liquor. "The accused bootlegger has been arrested and 200 liters of illicit liquor has been seized from him and sent for examination," AIR said. Officials said most of the victims consumed the spurious liquor on Tuesday night and it started to take effect by Wednesday after people complained of blurred vision, intense abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Most of the victims are daily-wage workers, who can not afford liquor sold at government-licensed shops. According to local health officials, the deaths occurred because of high methanol content in the liquor. On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin ordered a thorough inquiry into the tragedy. The chief minister also announced a monetary compensation of 1 million Indian rupees (11,972 U.S. dollars) each to the families of the deceased and 598 dollars each for those undergoing treatment. Spurious alcohol deaths are often reported in India, where people often drink cheap country-made bootleg liquor. WELLINGTON, June 20 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's primary and middle school attendance improves, with more children getting to school and a small drop in chronic absences following a truancy crisis across the country last year. The number of students regularly attending school increased to 61.7 percent in term one, comparing to 59.5 percent same time last year and 53.6 percent in term four last year, Associate Education Minister David Seymour said on Thursday. Regular attendance pre-COVID in 2019 was 72.8 percent, and the government has a target of ensuring 80 percent of students are present for more than 90 percent of the time by 2030, the minister said. There are very real challenges for some families to regular attendance, sometimes beyond their control, Seymour said, adding that the government is looking into what causes truancy with an attendance action plan to help families get students back to school. "For schools it means following up on all student absences, particularly those that are unexplained or unjustified," he said. NEW DELHI, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A local court Thursday granted bail to jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case related to the excise policy case. "Rejecting all objections of Bharatiya Janata Party's Enforcement Directorate (BJP's ED), the Hon'ble Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wrote on social media. Reports said after the pronouncement of the order Thursday evening, the ED requested whether the signing of the bail bond could be deferred by 48 hours so that the order may be challenged before the appellate court. However, the judge refused to stay the order. The bail bond will be produced before the duty judge on Friday. Kejriwal, who is also the AAP's chief, is likely to come out of jail on Friday as the bail order has to reach the jail first. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED, the Indian government's financial crime-fighting agency in March on charges of corruption related to the direct involvement in the formulation of the excise policy favoring specific individuals. Investigations into the Delhi excise policy case began in August 2022 when India's premier investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accused the Delhi government of using the policy to favor certain liquor dealers who had allegedly paid bribes. The policy was subsequently scrapped. Last month India's top court granted an interim bail to Kejriwal until June 1 in the case to allow him to campaign for his party and the opposition alliance in the country's general elections. He returned to jail on June 2 after the interim bail period ended. The AAP has been governing India's national capital territory for over a decade. It also governs the northern Indian state of Punjab. Vietnamese President To Lam holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 20, 2024. Vietnam and Russia issued on Thursday a joint statement to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. (VNA/Handout via Xinhua) HANOI/MOSCOW, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam and Russia issued on Thursday a joint statement to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam News Agency reported. The statement was made after the talks between Vietnamese President To Lam and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who was on a state visit to Vietnam. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents on such fields as education and justice, pledging to strengthen high-level exchanges and promote bilateral trade and investment. Putin said that Russia places great importance on further strengthening the traditionally friendly Russian-Vietnamese relations, adding that ties between the two countries are based on equality, mutual respect, and "continue to develop progressively." In a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Putin said that Moscow will aim to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries despite current difficulties. Vietnamese President To Lam holds a welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 20, 2024. Vietnam and Russia issued on Thursday a joint statement to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. (VNA/Handout via Xinhua) Vietnamese President To Lam shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 20, 2024. Vietnam and Russia issued on Thursday a joint statement to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. (VNA/Handout via Xinhua) Vietnamese President To Lam holds a welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 20, 2024. Vietnam and Russia issued on Thursday a joint statement to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. (VNA/Handout via Xinhua) ATHENS, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire broke out at the outskirts of Koropi, a suburban town in east Attica region, near Athens, forcing the evacuation of at least two settlements, Greek authorities said Wednesday. The wildfire started near a boat parking yard, Greek national news agency AMNA reported, and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that the blaze had reached the yards of a few homes. No injuries were reported. Dozens of firefighters assisted by 10 water-dropping planes and helicopters were battling the flames against strong winds blowing in the area, a Greek Fire Brigade spokesperson told a press briefing. Greece suffers from many wildfires every summer due to high temperatures, heatwaves linked to climate change and arsonists. Twenty people lost their lives in 2023 as a result of the wildfires. Due to unusually high temperatures in spring and June, authorities have said that the risk will be high this summer. President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua addresses the launch event of a report focusing on Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers in Europe and the Europe-China CEO Roundtable Panel in Brussels, Belgium, June 19, 2024. The China Economic Information Service of Xinhua News Agency and the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) on Wednesday jointly launched a report focusing on Chinese NEV manufacturers in Europe. The report titled "Greening Europe -- Report on the Development of Chinese NEV Manufacturers in Europe" was launched alongside the Europe-China CEO Roundtable Panel held in Brussels. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) BRUSSELS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The China Economic Information Service of Xinhua News Agency and the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) on Wednesday jointly launched a report focusing on Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers in Europe. The report titled "Greening Europe -- Report on the Development of Chinese NEV Manufacturers in Europe" was launched alongside the Europe-China CEO Roundtable Panel held in Brussels. Addressing the event, President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said China and Europe are fully capable of achieving mutual benefits and win-win cooperation in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, given their commitment to promoting energy conservation, reduction of carbon emissions and harmonious coexistence between man and nature. As China's national news agency, a global news agency and a high-end think tank, Xinhua News Agency has produced a series of widely-followed news reports and think tank reports on the development of China's NEV industry and China-Europe cooperation in the NEV sector, Fu said. The report released on Wednesday has analyzed the global demand for NEVs and summarized the development and competitive advantages of China's NEV industry, offering valuable references for China and Europe to strengthen technology cooperation, policy exchanges, supply chain collaboration and investment, he said. Calling China's leadership in decarbonization industries "a path to follow," former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Brice Lalonde said China has accumulated productivity gains in the NEV sector and covered all stages necessary in this industry. "We must seek to collaborate with China," noted Lalonde, who is also president of EdEn, an association of companies committed to decarbonization in France and Europe. "The last thing we need is a trade war ... Engaging in bilateral discussions to address the complexity of issues is preferable," he stressed. During the roundtable panel, participants agreed that China and Europe have a broad foundation for cooperation in developing NEVs and achieving carbon neutrality. Calling on China and Europe to maintain open and cooperative relations, they noted that imposing protective tariffs will ultimately harm European car manufacturers and consumers and negatively impact the European economy. BEIRUT, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese-Cypriot ties are strong, said the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants on Thursday, a day after Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah threatened to wage a war against Cyprus. "The Lebanese-Cypriot relations are based on a rich history of diplomatic cooperation; also, bilateral communication and consultation are ongoing at the highest levels between the two countries to discuss issues of common interest," the ministry said. The ministry's statement comes a day after Nasrallah threatened to wage war against Cyprus if the latter allows Israel to use its airports in the event of a war with Hezbollah. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. ELSINKI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Finnish politicians on Wednesday called for more anti-racism measures to prevent the repeat of recent attacks on two individuals with immigrant backgrounds in the northern city of Oulu. President Alexander Stubb took to social media to said that there is no room for racism in Finland and that everyone has the right to feel safe. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo described the events in Oulu and their "possibly racist motives" as disgusting. Antti Lindtman, chairman of the largest opposition party, the Social Democrats, said that zero tolerance was insufficient, stressing that "racist narratives should be abolished, including the use of covert expressions and insinuations." On Monday, 33-year-old Sebastian Lamsa, a man with far-right sympathies, was remanded in custody, suspected of stabbing and seriously wounding a 12-year-old child of foreign background at the Valkea shopping center last Thursday. On Tuesday, in the same mall, a teenager stabbed a 26-year-old Asian immigrant on his way home from work. The victim had been in Finland for a year. Both victims survived their attacks. Arto Kaarnaranta, deputy chief of the Oulu police, told a press conference on Wednesday that there are clear indications of racism and hate crime in both cases. The police suggested that the attacker on Tuesday might have been copying the previous week's attack. At the same press conference, Oulu City Mayor Ari Alatossava called on the government to launch a new, well-resourced anti-racism campaign, both nationally and in Oulu. Oulu, a city located near the country's border with Sweden, has a population of about 200,000. It is widely recognized as a technology hub, with a significant industrial presence from Nokia. Commenting on the current situation, professor Tuija Saresma of the University of Eastern Finland told Helsingin Sanomat that attitudes towards racism have become more permissive in recent years. She noted that this change has increased the risk of extreme actions, even though the number of people willing to use violence remains small. Researcher Tommi Kotonen of Jyvaskyla University remarked on Wednesday that a new generation of right-wing youth is emerging. "There are new networks with less firm internal connections," he told Oulu newspaper Kaleva, adding that racism is not necessarily connected with extreme right-wing ideologies. The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) reported last week that it was monitoring around 350 individuals as potential hate crime perpetrators. VALLETTA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Malta and six other countries on Wednesday signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships. During a ceremony presided by Malta's President Myriam Spiteri Debono, the document was signed by Croatia, Cyprus, Italy, Malta, Spain, Cote d'Ivoire and Antigua and Barbuda. The document, adopted in 2022 by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade. The first signing ceremony of the convention was held in September 2023 in Beijing, when 15 countries and regions, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, signed the convention. BRUSSELS, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has agreed on a "powerful and substantial" 14th package of sanctions against Russia, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU announced on Thursday. "This package provides new targeted measures and maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes," the Belgian EU presidency stated on social media platform X. KIEV, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Energy facilities in four Ukrainian regions were damaged during overnight drone and missile attacks by Russia, Ukraine's state-run energy company Ukrenergo said Thursday. The air strikes have harmed equipment at energy infrastructure in eastern, central and northern Ukraine, the Ukrenergo said. In the northern Kiev region, power transmission lines and equipment at an enterprise were damaged by the debris of intercepted drones, said the Kiev Regional Military Administration. The attacks also hit the electric power grid in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, said regional governor Sergii Lysak. At least seven energy infrastructure employees were injured in the air strikes and hospitalized, said the country's Energy Ministry. Russian forces fired 27 Shahed combat drones, four cruise missiles from Tu-95MC bombers, three ballistic missiles Iskander-M and two guided aviation missiles at Ukraine during the attack, said the Ukrainian Air Force. All 27 drones and five missiles were shot down by the air defense. The Ukrenergo said it would expand power limitation restrictions in the wake of the attacks. The power cuts, however, will not apply to critical infrastructure facilities. Since March 22, Russia carried out seven major missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's power generation and transmission infrastructure. NICOSIA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus said on Thursday that it is not involved in any way in the conflicts in the Middle East, dismissing claims made by the leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Replying to a direct threat by Nasrallah that Cyprus may become a legitimate target if it sides with Israel in any potential attack against his organization in Lebanon, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said that Cyprus "is not part of the problem," and "is part of the solution." He pointed to Cyprus' role in providing a humanitarian corridor for the transfer of humanitarian aid from Larnaca to Gaza, a feat which he says "is being recognized not only by the Arab world but by the entire international community." Nasrallah declared on Wednesday in a televised speech that "the Cypriot government must be warned that opening Cypriot airports and bases for the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon means that the Cypriot government has become part of the war, and the resistance (Hezbollah) will deal with it as part of the war." He also mentioned that Cyprus allows its airspace and military facilities to be used for Israel for joint exercises with Cypriot forces. Christodoulides said that Nasrallah's remarks were troubling but refuted any claims suggesting Cyprus' involvement in military operations. "Such statements are not pleasant, but they do not reflect reality. Cyprus is not participating in any military engagements," he reiterated. Christodoulides added that Cyprus will communicate its positions to Hezbollah through diplomatic means, saying that the government has a communication channel with both the Government of Lebanon and the Government of Iran. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis acknowledged that Cyprus participates in joint exercises with Israel but added that these are aimed at increasing the defensive capabilities of the Cypriot forces and are not aimed against any country. He also stressed that Cyprus would not allow any country to carry out military operations through Cyprus by permitting the use of its territory and military installations. However, Cyprus does not have control over Britain's sovereign military bases in Cyprus, which have their own special status, Letymbiotis said. Under the Treaty of Establishment which led to the creation of the first Cypriot state in 1960, former colonial power Britain retained two bases on the eastern Mediterranean island, which have the status of a British overseas territory. LONDON, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A roadshow for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held here on Thursday, attended by over 100 representatives from British and Chinese business associations, enterprises and media organizations. The CIIE is a major event organized by China to support trade liberalization and economic globalization, showing China's commitment to opening its market to the world, said Bao Ling, minister for economic and commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom (UK), during the event. The economies of China and the UK are highly complementary and there is a huge potential for closer cooperation, said Bao, calling on UK businesses to seize the opportunities at the 7th CIIE to sell to China. Aiming to transform China's vast market into global development opportunities, the previous six CIIEs have attracted participants from more than 180 countries, regions, and international organizations, said Ning Feng, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). British enterprises have always been keen participants in the CIIE. Nearly 50 UK companies, including HSBC, Burberry, Rio Tinto and Jaguar Land Rover join the expo each year, according to Ning. On the sidelines of the promotion event, Lise Bertelsen, executive director of the China-Britain Business Council, said that boosting economic development is at the top of the agenda for both Britain and China, and it is imperative that the world's second and sixth largest economies continue to work together. "Activities such as the CIIE are an excellent opportunity for UK businesses - both those already active in China- as well as those who are new to the market," said Bertelsen. The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, between Nov. 5 and Nov. 10 this year. SAN FRANCISCO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Over 3,000 nurses at six hospitals in the U.S. state of Oregon continued their strike on Wednesday to demand fair wages and better staffing levels. Nurses at six Providence medical facilities across the state from Portland to Medford started the strike on Tuesday, which was scheduled to last three days through Thursday. Organizers said it's the largest nurses strike in the state's history, claiming that the nurses were overworked, understaffed, underpaid, and needed better health care benefits. The strike was to protest Providence's illegal unfair labor practices and demand fair contracts that improve patient care, raise nurse staffing standards, make health care more affordable, and address Providence's growing staffing crisis, according to the organizers. The strike comes after more than six months of contract bargaining between Providence and the nurses unions at each facility, including federal mediation to avoid a strike. Providence said it plans to continue negotiations with the unions after the strike. "We'll be working hard when the strike is over to come back to the table and get to a fair contract with our nurses as quickly as we can," said Jennifer Gentry, Providence Central Division Chief Nursing Officer. SAN FRANCISCO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The fast-growing Sites wildfire in Northern California remained just 5 percent contained on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. The Sites Fire, about 100 miles northwest of Sacramento, capital city of the western U.S. state of California, broke out Monday, and is among over a dozen wildfires that have ripped through the state. The blaze, currently the largest and fastest growing wildfire in Northern California, has engulfed some 15,656 acres in Colusa County. Evacuations are ongoing, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. In Sonoma County, the Point Fire, which erupted Sunday in Geyserville and has burned more than 1,207 acres, was 50 percent contained as of Tuesday evening. In Calaveras County, a blaze that erupted Monday afternoon has been dubbed the Aero Fire, and it has been deemed a threat to more than 3,600 structures. It was 33 percent contained on Wednesday afternoon, having charred more than 5,351 acres. Officials warned that the risk of new fires erupting in Northern California remained high. The probability of ignition is "still up at around 100 percent," said fire behavior analyst Jonathan Pangborn of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. SAN FRANCISCO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Two men were presumed dead after a small plane crashed Tuesday afternoon into Crescent Lake on the Kenai Peninsula, U.S. state of Alaska, state troopers said Wednesday. Two hikers witnessed the crash and reported it to troopers Tuesday afternoon. The rescue team took a helicopter and a float plane to the area, and located debris in the lake, with no signs of survivors in the water or on the shore, troopers said. Efforts to recover their bodies were ongoing Wednesday. A Piper PA-18 Super Cub plane with two men aboard had been reported overdue in the area. The plane had departed from Moose Pass and was expected to return to the same area, according to troopers' spokesman Austin McDaniel. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. LOS ANGELES, June 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 states and 110 million people, or one-third of the U.S. population, were affected by toxic chemicals released during the 2023 disastrous train derailment accident in Ohio, according to a new study released on Wednesday. A train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio on Feb. 2, 2023, involving about 50 freight train cars from Norfolk Southern Corporation, of which 38 derailed and at least 11 cars were carrying a variety of hazardous materials. The accident and subsequent fire resulted in the emissions of large amounts of hazardous compounds to the ambient atmosphere over many days, said the study published in the academic journal Environmental Research Letters. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison used precipitation chemistry measurements routinely collected by the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) to estimate the spatial extent and chemical compounds deposited as a result of the accident. Researchers said the robust measurements of the NADP network clearly show that the impacts of the fire were larger in scale and scope than the initial predictions, and likely due to the uplift from the fire itself entraining pollutants into the atmosphere. The study revealed a large areal impact from the U.S. Midwest through the Northeast and likely Canada, and perhaps as far south as the state of North Carolina, including portions of 16 states, reaching 1.4 million square km. David Gay, lead researcher and coordinator of the NADP, which has been monitoring pollution deposited across North America in precipitation for over 40 years, said in a statement that "our measurements not only show the expected high chloride concentrations, but also the vast geographical area they covered." "However, even more surprising are the unexpectedly high pH levels (more basic) and exceptionally elevated alkali and alkaline earth metals, exceeding the 99th percentiles of the last 10 years of measurements," he said. "All of these pollutants are important in the environment because their accumulation has an impact on the Earth's aquatic and terrestrial environments in many ways," he added. Norfolk Southern Corporation announced in April that it has reached a 600-million-U.S.-dollar agreement in principle to resolve a consolidated class action lawsuit relating to the East Palestine derailment. If approved by the court, the agreement will resolve all class action claims within a 20-mile radius from the derailment and, for those residents who choose to participate, personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius from the derailment, according to the company. VANCOUVER, BC, June 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Copperleaf Technologies Inc. (TSX: CPLF) ("Copperleaf" or the "Company") announces the selection of its decision analytics solution by TenneT, a leading European transmission system operator (TSO) serving 43 million people throughout Germany and the Netherlands. Copperleaf Technologies Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Copperleaf Technologies Inc.) The energy transition and the ambitious grid development plans in both countries are driving an expansion of TenneT's investment portfolio. As this portfolio grows, the TSO encounters an increasingly complex environment for investment decisions, with a large number of variables and boundary conditions. TenneT wants to ensure the highest value investment plans that are realistic in terms of deliverability as well as aligned with their strategic objectives. Copperleaf Portfolio serves to create an overall project portfolio view across all assets and areas, and enables TenneT to make a step change in portfolio optimization. The execution of data-driven, strategic decisions within its asset chain for Onshore, Offshore, Germany, and the Netherlands is supported by the new intelligent solution. "We are delighted to welcome TenneT to the Copperleaf Community," said Karim Jawad, Regional Sales Manager for Central Europe at Copperleaf. "Copperleaf will support the TSO to overcome the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the energy transition by providing a leading-edge solution for complex investment decisions." Fin Jennrich, Regional Director for Central Europe at Copperleaf: "The energy landscape is changing massively. Electricity companies must completely transform their operations to meet the demands of customers, regulators, and shareholders. TenneT joins a growing list of organizations across the world who have strategically chosen to implement an advanced asset investment planning and management solution like Copperleaf to achieve these goals." Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada, including, without limitation, statements with respect to our expectations, plans or future opportunities. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that we consider appropriate and reasonable on the date such statements are made, but which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements will be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the risk factors described in our 2024 Annual Information Form ("AIF") under "Risk Factors". Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update this forward-looking information if the Company's expectations regarding future events change, or actual results differ from the expectations expressed in this press release. About TenneT TenneT is a leading European grid operator. We are committed to providing a secure and reliable supply of electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while helping to drive the energy transition in our pursuit of a brighter energy future more sustainable, reliable and affordable than ever before. In our role as the first cross-border Transmission System Operator (TSO) we design, build, maintain and operate over 25,000 kilometres of high-voltage electricity grid in the Netherlands and large parts of Germany, and facilitate the European energy market through our 17 interconnectors to neighboring countries. We are one of the largest investors in national and international onshore and offshore electricity grids, with a turnover of EUR 9.2 billion and a total asset value of EUR 45 billion. Every day our 8,300 employees take ownership, show courage and make and maintain connections to ensure that the supply and demand of electricity is balanced for over 43 million people. Lighting the way ahead together. About Copperleaf Copperleaf (TSX:CPLF) provides enterprise decision analytics software solutions to companies managing critical infrastructure. We leverage operational and financial data to empower our clients to make investment decisions that deliver the highest business value. What sets us apart is our industry-leading products and our commitment to providing extraordinary experiences, shaped by people who care deeply and partnerships that stand the test of time. Copperleaf is actively involved in shaping and implementing global industry standards and sustainability principles through our participation in the United Nations Global Compact, the Institute of Asset Management, and other organizations. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, our solutions are distributed and supported by regional staff and partners worldwide. Together, we are transforming how the world sees value. Source: Copperleaf Technologies Inc. CPLF-IR SOURCE Copperleaf Technologies Inc. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2024/19/c1968.html Club Ambiorix in building 308 (Kat Nickola) Club Ambiorix, as the Belgian bar is officially named, has been a hub for both the American and international community at Ramstein Air Base for decades. In the late 1990s there was a massive influx in the Belgian community stationed at Ramstein, with 150 personnel and their families. This included 50-70 kids who enjoyed Christmas parties and visiting Sinterklaas at the bar. They had bustling reunions for the July 21 Belgian National Day; even relatives flew in on military planes for the event. Club Ambiorix was the hub of the community, where they held farewell parties, spouse clubs, kid events and, of course, evenings to socialize at the bar. At the time, the bar also had a lunchtime kitchen that was popular with personnel from all over the base. I sat down with Lt. Col Erik Vandebroek, Project Officer for moving the Belgian National Support Element and First Corporal Chief (Ret.) Eddy Vereecke, who arrived at Ramstein Air Base in 1983, to learn the history of this base mainstay. The bar has always been a hub of activity for the Belgian population and a great place for anyone stationed at Ramstein to socialize and share in the fun. For years, the Belgian unit hosted a shooting contest, Challenge Picard. Initially, the goal was to raise money for the family of a colleague with cancer. Over the years, the event grew to an incredible size, with 800 contestants from across Europe and the aim of raising money for cancer research. Shuttle buses brought folks back to the bar afterward where they could celebrate both the winners and the donations that at one point exceeded 5,000. First Corporal Chief (Ret.) Eddy Vereecke at Club Ambiorix (Kat Nickola) Downsizing in the early 2000s slowly changed the dynamic. The lunch cafe eventually closed. However, the bar continued to welcome people by starting Thursday evening open hours in 2008. At the time there was a large influx of American medical personnel coming from the U.S. on short tours. They were looking for a place to go in the evening, and a few came here, and they ordered Belgian beer, explains Vereecke, And it exploded. As the bars popularity grew, the Belgian bar evolved to meet the needs of the newest base population and again became an anchor in the community. At one point, even transport flights from the states were planned around Thursday nights. With renewed energy, the Belgian bar got busy and lively. Some nights we had 300 people, says Vereecke. They opened on Tuesday evenings to level out the attendance. The Belgian bar became THE place to go after work, and it was not unusual for a General to pop in for a drink. One evening, a bunch of flies buzzed in. Corks were aimed and popped; comically, someone shot down a fly and before long the kills were being circled on the ceiling. Those victory marks are still there. COVID put a damper on things, but the bar recovered. It is a popular place on Tuesday and Thursday nights. People use it for special events, and it is still the go-to facility for NATO celebrations. American Airmen on their first tour overseas find it an especially welcome place to chat with the international population, try some Belgian beer and discover European culture. As Vereecke tells me about the Belgian bars heritage, a group of active-duty personnel have lunch at the outside gazebo. This place is woven into the social fabric of the military community at Ramstein, though few know its origin story. A Belgian bar with German beer? In 1975, a Belgian support unit moved to Ramstein Air Base. What was intended as a temporary assignment soon became a permanent fixture in the growing NATO community. Located in building 544 at the time, the Belgian personnel did not have their families and were essentially on a remote tour. Something was missing. Like Belgians have always been, says Vereecke, smiling, we need a place where we can meet. So, they started a small bar in an office; a place to get together, have a drink and laugh about the day. The bar quickly became a gathering place for the roughly 60 Belgians stationed in the surrounding area. At the time, the bar served German BBK (Barbarossa-Brau Kaiserslautern), a relationship that was established by leadership. [At this point in the interview, Vandebroek chuckles a little at having a Belgian bar serve German beer]. Vereecke was a driver at the time in the early 1980s, frequently returning to Belgium for mail and other duties. He and the other drivers began bringing back bottles of Belgian beer to store in their breakroom refrigerator. We thought, we dont have to drink the German beer, we drink beer from Belgium. He laughs, but, after a while, nobody was sitting in the bar anymore, they were all sitting in our drivers [break] room. Some friendly banter with leadership led to a community survey about which beer was preferred: German or Belgian? Im sure you can guess the winner. By 1988, the weekly support flights from Belgium carried Cristal kegs. The company even sponsored a couple of technicians to come help install a bar and the proper Belgian-style cooling system. The rest of the place was hand-built, and way too small for its popularity. Holiday parties spilled into the hallways. At one point during a large NATO exercise in the 1980s the bar was open 24 hours a day, with bartenders running two shifts. The importance surrounding the social ties of sharing a beer cannot be overstated; beer culture in Belgium is, after all, listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Lt. Col Erik Vandebroek, Project Officer for moving the Belgian National Support Element at Club Ambiorix (Kat Nickola) Becoming Club Ambiorix The Belgian unit was moved temporarily down the road to building 519 in 1992. All the equipment from the original location was hauled over to this temporary spot, and the bar carried on. In 1995, big changes created a large Belgian community at Ramstein. The unit merged with another from the scale-down of a British base at JHQ Rheindahlen. The now 150 Belgians assigned to Ramstein could bring families and the community grew large. The influx from Rheindahlen also meant incoming support like a restaurant cook and two official bartenders. They were given space in building 308 and Club Ambiorix was built. The name reflects a historical tribal leader. Ambiorix defeated Julius Caesars army in 54 B.C. during an uprising against the Roman occupation of his territory in what is now Belgium. A lot of the construction of the new bar was taken on by personnel stationed locally, while the Belgian government took care of the basics. The brick bar structure was built by First Corporal Chief Philip Deprez and his father-in-law. A local carpenter built the wooden top. New, Central Location Replacing building 308, which houses the Belgian bar and three support units, has been 20 years in the making. According to Vandebroek, that is how long the nearby building expansion talks have been going on. Finally, things are moving forward with the first step: Moving the Belgian bar somewhere larger and more central to the community. Vadebroek and Vereecke at the new Belgian bar location (Kat Nickola) The bar will move this summer. In the beginning it was hard to convince everybody that it was really going to happen. Because they all said, Theyve been talking about it for twenty years it wont be happening, said Vandebroek. The Belgian bar will reopen in mid-July at its new location in building 539, near the NATO offices and across from the library and community center. It is taking over the space formerly occupied by the Brit Cafe. The plan is to continue the tradition of opening on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The new location is a bright, modern space and has already been repainted. Much of the bar nostalgia will be brought over: the painting of Ambiorix, the awards and patches, and, most importantly, the ceiling tile from the fly-shooting incident. June 27, 2024 will be the final day for Club Ambiorix in building 308. It will open at 5:00 p.m., and the USAFE band Touch n Go will be there to help celebrate the bars heritage and relive memories. It will also be a time to get excited about the new space where the Belgian bar can continue building community at Ramstein, a legacy that began way back in 1975. MAM | Media and Advertising Kixx Engine Oil by GS Caltex launches new campaign for better resale value of bikes Kixx by GS Caltex, a player in the lubricant market, has unveiled its latest campaign titled Kixx Engine Oil for #BetterResaleValue. This campaign underscores the critical role of selecting the right engine oil for ensuring prolonged engine life and enhancing vehicle resale value. Read More... MAM | Media and Advertising Mahindra commemorates 25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas with 'Hearts to Bravehearts' initiative Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, India's leading manufacturer of SUVs and armoured vehicles for defence and paramilitary forces, proudly announces the launch of 'Hearts to Bravehearts', an initiative to commemorate the 25th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War. Read More... In the past year, the Australian stock market has shown modest growth with a 6.7% increase, while maintaining stability over the last week. Given these conditions and expected future earnings growth, stocks that are currently undervalued may present particularly appealing opportunities for investors looking for potential gains in a growing market. Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Australia Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) LaserBond (ASX:LBL) A$0.70 A$1.21 42.1% Smart Parking (ASX:SPZ) A$0.48 A$0.95 49.7% MaxiPARTS (ASX:MXI) A$1.885 A$3.13 39.9% Charter Hall Group (ASX:CHC) A$12.39 A$22.39 44.7% ReadyTech Holdings (ASX:RDY) A$3.18 A$5.95 46.6% hipages Group Holdings (ASX:HPG) A$1.035 A$1.94 46.7% IPH (ASX:IPH) A$6.16 A$11.35 45.7% Millennium Services Group (ASX:MIL) A$1.145 A$2.24 48.9% Regal Partners (ASX:RPL) A$3.52 A$6.17 43% SiteMinder (ASX:SDR) A$5.02 A$8.34 39.8% Click here to see the full list of 48 stocks from our Undervalued ASX Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener. We're going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool Overview: Credit Corp Group Limited, operating in Australia and the United States, specializes in debt ledger purchase and collection as well as consumer lending services, with a market capitalization of approximately A$1.02 billion. Operations: Credit Corp Group's revenue is derived from debt ledger purchasing in the United States (A$40.32 million), Australia and New Zealand (A$235.28 million), and consumer lending across these regions plus the United States (A$164.48 million). Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 37.3% Credit Corp Group is currently trading at A$14.95, significantly below the estimated fair value of A$23.8, indicating a potential undervaluation based on discounted cash flows. While the company's earnings are expected to grow by 24.9% annually, outpacing the Australian market's average, its revenue growth forecast of 10.6% also exceeds the market expectation of 5.5%. However, challenges include a profit margin decrease from last year and dividends that are not well-covered by cash flows, reflecting some financial strain. ASX:CCP Discounted Cash Flow as at Jun 2024 Overview: Nickel Industries Limited is involved in the mining of nickel ore and the production of nickel pig iron and nickel matte, with a market capitalization of approximately A$3.66 billion. Operations: The company generates revenue through three primary segments: nickel ore mining in Indonesia contributing A$36.81 million, HPAL projects in Indonesia and Hong Kong totaling A$32.58 million, and RKEF projects across Indonesia and Singapore amounting to A$1.81 billion. Story continues Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 13.6% Nickel Industries is priced at A$0.86, below the estimated fair value of A$0.99, suggesting a modest undervaluation. The company's earnings are projected to grow significantly at 36.7% annually, outstripping the broader Australian market's growth rate. However, its dividend sustainability is questionable due to inadequate cash flow coverage and a recent increase in shareholder dilution, alongside lower profit margins compared to the previous year. ASX:NIC Discounted Cash Flow as at Jun 2024 Overview: Sandfire Resources Limited is a mining company focused on the exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral tenements and projects, with a market capitalization of approximately A$4.02 billion. Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its MATSA Copper Operations and Degrussa Copper Operations, which collectively brought in approximately $676.24 million. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 37.2% Sandfire Resources, priced at A$8.78, is considered undervalued against a fair value of A$13.96, reflecting a 37.1% discount. The company's revenue growth is expected to outpace the Australian market average at 15.3% annually versus 5.5%. While its return on equity might remain low at 9.8%, Sandfire's earnings are forecast to surge by nearly 60% per year over the next three years as it moves towards profitability, aligning with above-average market growth expectations. ASX:SFR Discounted Cash Flow as at Jun 2024 Seize The Opportunity Unlock more gems! Our Undervalued ASX Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener has unearthed 45 more companies for you to explore.Click here to unveil our expertly curated list of 48 Undervalued ASX Stocks Based On Cash Flows. Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments. Simply Wall St is a revolutionary app designed for long-term stock investors, it's free and covers every market in the world. Seeking Other Investments? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include ASX:CCPASX:NICASX:SFR and Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Amidst a backdrop of political uncertainty and fluctuating market indices in France, investors are increasingly seeking stable returns, making dividend stocks an attractive option. In this context, understanding the characteristics of prominent dividend-yielding stocks on Euronext Paris can offer valuable insights for those looking to navigate through current market volatility. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In France Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Samse (ENXTPA:SAMS) 8.74% Rubis (ENXTPA:RUI) 7.30% CBo Territoria (ENXTPA:CBOT) 6.72% VIEL & Cie societe anonyme (ENXTPA:VIL) 4.04% Sanofi (ENXTPA:SAN) 4.33% Arkema (ENXTPA:AKE) 4.09% Teleperformance (ENXTPA:TEP) 3.80% Carrefour (ENXTPA:CA) 6.25% Exacompta Clairefontaine (ENXTPA:ALEXA) 4.29% Piscines Desjoyaux (ENXTPA:ALPDX) 8.16% Click here to see the full list of 31 stocks from our Top Euronext Paris Dividend Stocks screener. Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Piscines Desjoyaux SA is a company that designs, manufactures, and markets swimming pools and related products globally, with a market capitalization of approximately 109.94 million. Operations: Piscines Desjoyaux SA generates 138.65 million from its swimming pools segment. Dividend Yield: 8.2% Piscines Desjoyaux offers a compelling dividend yield at 8.16%, placing it in the top 25% of French dividend payers. The company has demonstrated a stable and growing dividend over the past decade, supported by a reasonable payout ratio of 55.6%. Additionally, its price-to-earnings ratio stands at an attractive 6.8x, well below the French market average of 15.9x. However, there is insufficient data to confirm if dividends are fully covered by earnings or cash flows. ENXTPA:ALPDX Dividend History as at Jun 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Caisse Regionale de Credit Agricole Mutuel du Languedoc Societe cooperative operates as a cooperative bank in France, offering a range of banking services to various client segments, with a market capitalization of approximately 0.98 billion. Operations: Caisse Regionale de Credit Agricole Mutuel du Languedoc Societe cooperative generates 505.07 million from its retail banking operations in France and 80.01 million from non-business activities. Story continues Dividend Yield: 5.5% Caisse Regionale de Credit Agricole Mutuel du Languedoc Societe cooperative maintains a consistent dividend growth over the past decade, with a current yield of 5.55%, slightly below the top quartile of French dividend stocks. The dividends are well-supported by a payout ratio of 30.9%, indicating sustainability from earnings. Despite trading at 63.8% below its estimated fair value, concerns persist due to insufficient data on future coverage and cash flow adequacy for dividends beyond three years. ENXTPA:CRLA Dividend History as at Jun 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin Societe en commandite par actions is a global tire manufacturer with a market capitalization of approximately 26.51 billion. Operations: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin generates revenue through three primary segments: Automotive and Related Distribution (14.34 billion), Road Transportation and Related Distribution (6.98 billion), and Specialty Businesses and Related Distribution (7.03 billion). Dividend Yield: 3.6% Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin Societe en commandite par actions offers a modest dividend yield of 3.64%, lower than the top quartile of French dividend stocks at 5.61%. Despite this, its dividends are sustainably covered by earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 48.7% and 31.6% respectively, indicating reliability in payments. However, the company's dividend history shows volatility over the past decade, reflecting some inconsistency in its payouts to shareholders. ENXTPA:ML Dividend History as at Jun 2024 Make It Happen Unlock our comprehensive list of 31 Top Euronext Paris Dividend Stocks by clicking here. Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments. Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor. Interested In Other Possibilities? 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 ENXTPA:ALPDX ENXTPA:CRLA and ENXTPA:ML. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has emerged as one of the strongest restaurant stocks in recent years. Its success has led to a gain of more than 110-fold over the last 18 years and, subsequently, an upcoming 50-for-1 stock split. Some hope Cava Group (NYSE: CAVA) is a second-chance stock for those who missed out on Chipotle. Like Chipotle, it is a rapidly expanding restaurant chain specializing in healthy fast food. Nonetheless, investors also have good reason to believe that Cava will not follow in Chipotle's footsteps. Before assuming Cava is the next Chipotle, investors should consider three factors explaining why they might still want to choose Chipotle over Cava Group stock. 1. Chipotle's proven track record Chipotle stock's success, which dates back to its initial public offering (IPO) in 2006, is a factor investors should not ignore. Indeed, investors may not realize exactly what the company has accomplished. For every Chipotle, the market has numerous stocks like Red Robin Gourmet Burgers that have lost value over its trading history. An unproven stock like Cava could suffer the same fate, so investors have to be careful. Moreover, Chipotle based its food on the popular Mexican food genre, likely contributing to its popularity. Additionally, it focused on fresh ingredients and showed it could offer fast, popular food without compromising health benefits. The fact that it was the first major fast-food chain to succeed with such an approach has likely helped boost Chipotle's stock over time. 2. Remaining growth potential Furthermore, it may surprise investors that Chipotle may still hold more growth potential despite its nearly 3,500 restaurants. For one, investors should consider Cava's stated goals. It hopes to expand to 1,000 restaurants by 2032 from the 323 locations it operated as of the end of its first quarter of fiscal 2024 (ended April 21), which would approximately triple its number of restaurants. In contrast, Chipotle plans 7,000 locations in North America. That amounts to about double the current number. However, unlike Cava, which has never announced an international expansion plan, Chipotle has locations in Canada and three European countries. If it succeeds in Europe, Chipotle could grow more in absolute numbers and percentage terms. McDonald's, for example, operates in more than 100 countries. 3. The valuation comparison Additionally, those who hope Cava is the "second-chance Chipotle" are in good company if valuations are an indication. Cava stock has more than doubled in value since its IPO, and as a newly profitable company, its P/E ratio approaching 1,000 does not meaningfully reflect its valuation. Nonetheless, Cava is an expensive stock by nearly any measure. Story continues Its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is nearly 13, well above Chipotle's 9 P/S ratio. Such a discrepancy is especially notable since Chipotle has typically maintained pricey valuations. Considering that Cava has much to prove, choosing Chipotle over Cava is not only cheaper, but also much less risky. Staying with Chipotle Ultimately, considering the businesses and the stocks, investors who missed out on Chipotle's earlier gains are likely better off still choosing Chipotle over Cava, even if it is no longer a small company. Admittedly, the feeling that Cava is the next Chipotle makes sense amid rapid growth and successes with healthier fast food. Nonetheless, Cava still has to prove itself in a highly competitive industry. Moreover, its goals are not as ambitious as Chipotle's, meaning Chipotle could still outgrow Cava in both absolute and percentage terms. Given that investors also have to pay a higher valuation for Cava under such conditions, they are likely better off choosing Chipotle. Should you invest $1,000 in Chipotle Mexican Grill right now? Before you buy stock in Chipotle Mexican Grill, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Chipotle Mexican Grill wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $830,777!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 10, 2024 Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool recommends Cava Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Reasons Investors Should Choose Chipotle Stock Over Cava Group was originally published by The Motley Fool Dimensions / iStock.com Finally, the moment youve been waiting for has arrived. Youve just taken the keys of a new or new-to-you car, marking the culmination of a lot of hard work researching and saving. Right as youre about to drive off the lot, the oh-so-helpful sales rep starts whispering in your ear. There are so many bells and whistles and other nifty features you should explore. Dont you at least want to hear more? Check Out: 10 New Cars To Avoid Buying in 2024 Read Next: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy Its not uncommon for disreputable car dealerships to try and sell you a bunch of extra products that you frankly dont need. Theyre banking on the average car shopper not understanding what these features are, and using your ignorance as their financial bliss. Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable car dealerships and sales reps who would never dream of violating your trust. GOBankingRates connected with Mark Beneke, co-owner of Westland Auto Sales, to help you understand which products an honorable car dealership would never try to sell you. VIN Etching If you havent heard the term VIN etching before, its pretty much exactly what it sounds like: when your vehicle identification number is etched directly onto your windows. Beneke said its often touted as a theft deterrent. However, its efficacy is highly questionable. Its very unlikely a criminal will stop to check if the windows were etched and decide to move on, he said. Not to mention that newer anti-theft technology and features are much more advanced now, rendering this a useless money grab. That money grab can go as low as $10-$20 or be included as a special service. However, VIN etching can also reach hundreds of dollars. VIN etching is something that costs the dealer $10-$20, and there are dealers that sell the service for over $500, while others sell it at cost or throw it in as a bonus, he added. Explore More: 5 Japanese Cars To Stay Away From Buying Overlapping Service Contracts While most cars come with a manufacturer warranty or dealer-provided warranty (for used cars), there are some dealers who will push buyers into shelling out for extended service contracts that overlap on nearly identical components from the free warranty. While I do believe that a service contract can be useful, its crucial for you to look over the terms and make sure youre not being sold a redundant product, Beneke said. Paint, Fabric and Rust-Prevention Packages These features may seem like a must-have no-brainer on any car, but Beneke encouraged thinking about the big picture. Do you actually live in an area where the elements traditionally wreak havoc on vehicles? Unless you live in an area where heavy flooding or violent storms are the norm, you might want to pass on these packages, or at least regard them only as a luxury. Story continues Dealerships know that they can charge a hefty price for them and most people will never use them. Its an easy profit for them but also an easy way to see who youre dealing with, Beneke said. Fabric protection can sometimes cost upward of $100, depending on the dealership, while paint protection can run at least $400 for new cars though sometimes, dealers bring the two features together in a single package. High-End Maintenance Packages Beneke is generally a fan of maintenance packages as an add-on for most car buyers, especially if they make a point of keeping up with the schedule and using the package to its full value. But all maintenance packages are not created equally. However, there are certain dealers that offer different tiers of maintenance packages which cover services rarely needed and that most people will never use. They will charge a pretty penny for these higher-end packages and be pushed on you with fear, he said. Beneke was quick to say that he recommends knowing which, if any, add-on packages youre interested in before the dealer presents them to you. This way, you will have a game plan going into things and can comfortably say no to anything that falls outside of what you want or need, he said. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Useless Products a Reputable Car Dealership Will Never Try To Sell You Investing in stocks comes with the risk that the share price will fall. Anyone who held AMG Critical Materials N.V. (AMS:AMG) over the last year knows what a loser feels like. The share price is down a hefty 66% in that time. To make matters worse, the returns over three years have also been really disappointing (the share price is 43% lower than three years ago). Unfortunately the share price momentum is still quite negative, with prices down 30% in thirty days. Given the past week has been tough on shareholders, let's investigate the fundamentals and see what we can learn. See our latest analysis for AMG Critical Materials To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. Unfortunately AMG Critical Materials reported an EPS drop of 87% for the last year. This fall in the EPS is significantly worse than the 66% the share price fall. So the market may not be too worried about the EPS figure, at the moment -- or it may have expected earnings to drop faster. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. This free interactive report on AMG Critical Materials' earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. A Different Perspective Investors in AMG Critical Materials had a tough year, with a total loss of 66% (including dividends), against a market gain of about 25%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 6% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Take risks, for example - AMG Critical Materials has 4 warning signs (and 1 which is concerning) we think you should know about. AMG Critical Materials is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find lesser know companies this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Dutch exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com B2Gold Corp. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) (B2Gold or the Company) is pleased to announce an initial Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for the Springbok Zone, the southernmost shoot of the recently discovered Antelope deposit, located approximately three kilometers (km) south of the Otjikoto Phase 5 open pit at the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated. Highlights Initial discovery to commencement of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in under two years The Antelope deposit, comprised of the Springbok Zone, the Oryx Zone, and a possible third structure, Impala, subject to confirmatory drilling, was discovered in 2022 following deep drill testing by B2Gold exploration personnel on three-dimensional models of airborne magnetic data Over 36,000 meters (m) have been drilled into the Springbok Zone to date, with 33 holes totaling 16,950 m completed in 2024, to establish the 50 x 50 m spacing that informs this initial Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate Initial Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 390,000 gold ounces meets the B2Gold threshold to initiate PEA-level studies of development by underground mining methods, similar to the Wolfshag deposit The Mineral Resource estimate on the Springbok Zone that will form the basis for a potential PEA includes Inferred Mineral Resources of 1.75 million tonnes grading 6.91 grams per tonne (g/t) gold for a total of 390,000 ounces of gold Ongoing exploration drilling on the Oryx Zone, which appears to represent a second shoot northeast of and stacked stratigraphically above the Springbok Zone, has returned high-grade intervals that demonstrate the potential to increase the Mineral Resource estimate Subject to receipt of a positive PEA study and permit, mining of the Springbok Zone, coupled with the exploration potential of the greater Antelope deposit, could begin to contribute to gold production at Otjikoto in 2026 Potential to supplement the processing of low-grade stockpiles at the Otjikoto Mine through 2031, with the goal of increasing gold production levels to over 100,000 ounces per year from 2026 through 2031 Recent drilling at the Springbok Zone remains open southward, indicating additional exploration potential beyond the currently defined resource Drill hole GH24-097 intersected 13.68 g/t gold over 6.10 m from 470.63 m, and drill hole GH24-104 intersected 21.64 g/t gold over 5.88 m from 502.37 m Figure 1. Otjikoto Mine and Antelope Deposit Location Overview Story continues Figure 1. Otjikoto Mine and Antelope Deposit Location Overview Springbok Zone June 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate Category Domain Tonnes Gold Grade (g/t Au) Contained Gold Ounces Inferred Springbok 1,630,000 7.09 370,000 Inferred Other 130,000 4.60 20,000 Inferred Total 1,750,000 6.91 390,000 Notes: The Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 for the Springbok Zone June 2024 Mineral Resource estimate is Andrew Brown, P.Geo., B2Golds Vice President, Exploration. Mineral Resources have been classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that all or any part of the Mineral Resource will be converted into a Mineral Reserve. Inferred Resources are considered too geologically speculative to have mining and economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. The Springbok Zone June 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate has an effective date of June 14, 2024. Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis. The Springbok Zone June 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate assumes an underground mining method. Mineral resources are reported within optimized stopes that were created using a 3 g/t Au cut-off and minimum thickness of 4 m. Other resource ounces are adjacent to the main Springbok Zone and are within the 50 x 50 m drill spacing that defines the inferred mineral resource. All tonnage, grade and contained metal content estimates have been rounded; rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content. Resource Model Methodology The initial Springbok Mineral Resource model was prepared in-house by B2Gold personnel. Drilling completed in support of the June 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate includes 60 diamond drillholes (32,249 m of drilling). High-grade mineralization at the Springbok Zone forms shallowly plunging shoots within gently dipping stratigraphy. High-grade and low-grade mineralization domains were modeled along these trends in three-dimensions and used to control the estimation of gold grades. All resources at the Springbok Zone are hosted within fresh rock. Outlier assays were capped at 4 g/t gold in the low-grade domain and 35 g/t gold in the high-grade domain. Gold grades were capped prior to compositing to 1 m. Grades were estimated into the block model using Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3) interpolation with searches dynamically controlled along mineralized zone trends. A total of 4,382 bulk density measurements were made at site on drill core samples using the Archimedes water-displacement method. The average density is 3.11 tonnes per cubic meter (t/m3) in the low-grade domain and 3.37 t/m3 in the high-grade domain. Nominal drill hole spacing for Inferred Mineral Resources is 50 x 50 m. 2024 Otjikoto Exploration Drilling Program The 2024 exploration budget for Namibia is $9 million, funding the largest drill program at the Otjikoto Mine since the definition of the Wolfshag discovery in 2012. A total of 39,000 m of drilling have been budgeted for 2024 and five rigs are currently active on the drill program. Overall, the Antelope deposit mineralization has been intersected by drilling over a combined strike length of approximately 1,500 m. Over two km of prospective stratigraphy remain relatively untested between the Oryx Zone and the southernmost known mineralization in Phase 5 of the Otjikoto Mine open pit. Drilling over this zone is planned for the second half of 2024. The initial Inferred Mineral Resource for the Springbok Zone is a significant milestone, following the 2022 discovery of the Antelope deposit, a blind target, in that mineralization does not outcrop on the Otjikoto mining license. Mineralization in the Springbok Zone is characterized by quartz-pyrrhotite-magnetite veins and locally, visible gold. Mineralization has been overprinted by deformation focused along two main marble beds, that serve as major stratigraphic markers in the Otjikoto Mine stratigraphy. High-grade gold mineralization exhibits continuity along a shoot-like geometry plunging shallowly north-northeast. This implies a subtle inflection in the stratigraphy that hosts the Otjikoto deposit, where the mineralized zones plunge shallowly south-southwest. Of the 16,950 m of drilling completed on the Springbok Zone in 2024, drill holes such as GH24-104 (21.64 g/t gold over 5.88 m from 502.37 m) and GH24-097 (13.68 g/t gold over 6.10 m from 470.63 m) highlight some of the high-grade width intervals present within the Springbok Zone. One of the most recent drill holes, GH24-117, intersected 7.13 g/t gold over 6.56 m from 416.72 m, including a higher-grade interval of 11.13 g/t gold over 3.81 m, and is the southernmost intersection of the Springbok Zone, indicating that mineralization remains open-ended to the southeast. As previously reported, the deep mineralization in the Antelope deposit, including the Springbok Zone, is potentially amenable to underground mining based on comparable inputs from the underground mining of the Wolfshag deposit. Highlights from the 2024 infill drill program on the Springbok Zone include: HoleID Zone From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) GH24-088 Springbok 438.60 446.70 8.10 6.24 GH24-093 Springbok 445.14 449.90 4.76 6.99 GH24-097 Springbok 470.63 476.73 6.10 13.68 GH24-099 Springbok 432.80 437.53 4.73 4.26 GH24-104 Springbok 502.37 508.25 5.88 21.64 GH24-117 Springbok 416.72 423.28 6.56 7.13 Note: All composites reported are above a 3.5 g/t gold cutoff, applying a maximum internal dilution of 2 m. Results are uncapped. Core lengths approximate true width of mineralized intervals. With the 50 x 50 m infill drill program of the Springbok Zone completed, three rigs will be deployed to the Oryx Zone. Previously announced drill holes such as GH23-056, which intersected 9.86 g/t gold over 7.48 m from 517.55 m, indicate that resource potential is open to the northeast along strike from the Springbok Zone. Figure 2. Springbok Zone 2024 Infill Drilling Results Figure 2. Springbok Zone 2024 Infill Drilling Results Quality Assurance/Quality Control on Sample Collection and Assaying LeachWell analysis at the Otjikoto Mine Lab has been the primary method of analysis of half core (NQ) samples from the Antelope deposit. Assay composites presented herein are derived from 1-kilogram samples. Tails from mineralized zones are fire assayed to determine the gold recoveries, which averages ~95%. Quarterly submission of coarse reject material is sent to a certified external laboratory for Screen Fire Assay check analysis. In-house studies by B2Gold indicate that LeachWell results compare favorably to fire assay completed by ALS Johannesburg. Quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, LeachWell certified standards and duplicates in the drill core sample sequence. The results of the control samples are evaluated on a regular basis with partial batches re-analyzed and/or resubmitted on exploration samples, as needed. All results stated in this announcement have been accepted according to B2Golds quality assurance and quality control protocols. About B2Gold B2Gold is a low-cost international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines, the Goose Project under construction in northern Canada and numerous development and exploration projects in various countries including Mali, Colombia and Finland. Qualified Persons Andrew Brown, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration at B2Gold, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific information related to exploration and mineral resource matters contained in this news release. ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. Clive T. Johnson President & Chief Executive Officer The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release. Production results and production guidance presented in this news release reflect total production at the mines B2Gold operates on a 100% project basis. Please see our Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024, for a discussion of our ownership interest in the mines B2Gold operates. This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates; and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining) and operating costs, including projected cash operating costs and AISC, and budgets on a consolidated and mine by mine basis; future or estimated mine life, metal price assumptions, ore grades or sources, gold recovery rates, stripping ratios, throughput, ore processing; statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction, permitting and other activities or achievements of B2Gold; and including, without limitation: the potential for the Antelope deposit to be developed as an underground mining operation and contribute gold during the low-grade stockpile processing at the Otjikoto Mine in 2026. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to: the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates; actual production, development plans and costs differing materially from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Mali, Namibia, the Philippines and Colombia and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; the lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and B2Gold's reputation; risks affecting Calibre having an impact on the value of the Company's investment in Calibre, and potential dilution of our equity interest in Calibre; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements. B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Cautionary Statement Regarding Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates The disclosure in this news release was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101, which differs significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and resource and reserve information contained or referenced in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by public companies subject to the technical disclosure requirements of the SEC. Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a589d4e7-7dec-4ee1-a1df-20eb7a00052e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/33f00ca3-3ee1-4c8c-8d49-cc9beb3ff610 CONTACT: For more information on B2Gold please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact: Michael McDonald VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development +1 604-681-8371 investor@b2gold.com Cherry DeGeer Director, Corporate Communications +1 604-681-8371 investor@b2gold.com A version of this story appeared in CNN Business Nightcap newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free, here. For all the mistakes and safety problems Boeing has managed under CEO Dave Calhouns watch resulting in a dozen corporate whistleblowers, multiple groundings and a chunk of a planes fuselage literally blowing off in midair virtually no one has held him to account. Not Boeings board of directors, which has responded by lavishing him with a salary and stock options worth more than $20 million a year, plus a $45 million golden parachute when he retires later this year. Not its customers, aka airlines and thats by design. People often call Boeing and Airbus a duopoly, but that suggests theres some kind of legit competition happening. Once an airline commits to a tribe, it cant just switch if it decides the other one is making better planes, because thatd involve a ton of money and time retraining staff who tend to specialize in one or the other. And naturally, we the flying public can cry all we want and it wont matter a lick to Boeing, because we have even less choice than the airlines to pick the aircraft we fly. Until recently, the government had also been largely snoozing. Calhoun was supposed to be overseeing efforts to reform a safety culture that was so broken, Boeing has acknowledged its lapses led to the deaths of 346 people in two separate crashes in 2018 and 2019. It wasnt until January 5 this year, when a Boeing jets door plug blew off shortly after takeoff, that regulators and lawmakers appeared to snap to attention. Tuesday marked the first time ever that Calhoun has had to testify before lawmakers. He faced an intense grilling, fielding one biting question after the next from both Republican and Democratic senators. Calhoun mostly said the right things: He apologized to families of victims of two 737 Max crashes that took place before he became CEO. In the understatement of the century, he said Boeing is far from perfect. And he acknowledged that the company has a lot of work to do to regain public trust. But when pressed on taking personal responsibility, Calhoun deflected, over and over. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley came in hot, pressing Calhoun about Boeings abysmal financial performance, the fact that he got a 45% raise just last year while Boeings machinists got 1% over eight years, and why he hasnt just resigned already. (Calhoun, who announced in the spring that he would retire at the end of 2024, responded that hes sticking this through. In one of the more head-scratching moments, Calhoun actually defended Boeings culture, saying he was proud of the companys safety record. Story continues I am proud of every action we have taken, Calhoun said when pressed by Hawley on how he could possibly be proud of Boeings safety culture. Calhoun at one point said, I believe strongly in accountability. And yet he was repeatedly unable to provide Senators answers about company policies and actions, including how many whistleblowers it fired and whether the company held any individuals responsible for safety lapses. Near the end of the two-hour hearing, Hawley accused Calhoun of trying to shift blame to Boeings employees. I dont think the problems with the employees, actually, I think the problems with you. Its the C-suite, its the management, its what youve done to this company, Hawley said. Your engineers, theyre probably the best in the world, your machinists, theyre outstanding. Youre the problem. And I just hope to God that you dont destroy this company before it can be saved. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal didnt hold back, either, calling the hearing a moment of reckoning for Boeing. I think that youve certainly demonstrated that you can talk about these changes, Blumenthal told Calhoun. But making the changes may well require a different team. Calhoun may not have been accepting personal responsibility Tuesday, but the government may get the last word, anyway: The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing Boeings recently submitted plans to fix its safety problems. And the Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the Jan. 5 incident. Tuesdays hearing put some well deserved fire under Calhouns feet. But it seems unlikely that hell shoulder any real responsibility for the mess hes made and the messes he failed to clean up. Im not sure what will change as a consequence of this, Richard Aboulafia, managing partner for AeroDynamic Consultancy, an aerospace advisory firm, told my colleague Chris Isidore. [Calhoun] needs to go. Aboulafia said. He has shown a strong desire to double down on whats bad. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Reuters) -Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines said on Thursday it is working to resume normal operations after the union representing its maintenance engineers rescinded its strike notice, with both parties agreeing to return to the bargaining table. WestJet, which is backed by Onex Corp and competes with Air Canada, has been facing demands from employees for improved working conditions and higher salaries. WestJet is now attempting to resume normal operations after the airline said on Wednesday that 40 flights would be cancelled over June 18-19, affecting 6,500 customers. The parties had appeared before the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to discuss the dispute between the carrier and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) union. AMFA said on Thursday in a statement that the CIRB had declined WestJets application for an injunction that would have prevented the workers from striking. The CIRB has said it will require additional time and submissions from both parties before making a decision on the necessity of an arbitration, WestJet said. The union, which was set to launch the strike at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, has rescinded its notice, the company said. "In returning to the bargaining table, we are committed to finding a resolution to avoid further disruption to our operations," WestJet President and Group Chief Operating Officer Diederik Pen said in a statement. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru. Additional reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Savio D'Souza, Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Marguerita Choy) (Bloomberg) -- Thousands of car dealerships were ground to a halt during a normally busy holiday Wednesday by a cyber incident at CDK Global, a major software provider for dealers across the US. Most Read from Bloomberg The company shut all systems down and executed extensive testing and consulted with external third-party experts, Tony Macrito, a CDK spokesman, said in an email. The companys core product a dealer management system and its digital retailing solutions have been restored, and CDK is testing all other applications and will provide updates as it brings them back online, Macrito said. CDKs systems, which many car dealerships rely on to conduct almost all of their normal business, first went down around 2 a.m. Eastern time, said Brad Holton, vice president of Proton, a cybersecurity firm that serves dealers and the auto industry. He said CDK provided little information on what caused the outage that effectively shuttered many dealerships. Some were unable to function at all and others were forced to resort to paper record-keeping for routine services like oil changes, Holton said. A BMW store in Manhattan told customers that it was forced to halt all new business, including scheduling appointments or car servicing. When asked how long its operations may be disrupted, a customer care representative for the store responded, I truly have no idea. Other dealerships also struggled to do business. We cant access customer records, cant set certain appointments. We cant even print a repair order, said Claire Glassmire, a receptionist at Barberas Autoland in Philadelphia. Employees have been using workarounds all day, said Glassmire, adding that all our hands are tied. Protons Holton said some CDK functions began to come back online Wednesday afternoon, but others remained down and the restored services werent fully operational. A spokesperson for Toyota Motor Corp. said the issue had been resolved and there was almost no impact to the Japanese automakers dealer network. Subaru Corp. said no impact had been reported. Dealers are very committed to protecting their customer information, said Mike Stanton, president and chief executive of the National Automobile Dealers Association, adding that they are seeking information from CDK to determine the nature and scope of the cyber incident so they can respond appropriately. Story continues CDK provides dealerships with services including online appointment-scheduling, electronic-signature capabilities and messaging tools between divisions, according to its website. Investment company Brookfield Business Partners agreed to buy CDK in an all-cash deal with an equity value of $6.4 billion in April 2022. --With assistance from Henry Seltzer and Tsuyoshi Inajima. (Updates with comments from Toyota, Subaru.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. By Corina Pons, Emma Pinedo and Charlie Devereux MADRID (Reuters) -China's dumping probe into EU pork imports following duties slapped on Chinese EVs caught Spain's pig farmers on the hop this week, but the sector has shown it is resilient and is far less vulnerable than the bloc's car industry. Spain supplied 22% of China's imported pork in 2023, worth 1.2 billion euros ($1.29 billion), and stands to lose more than any of the bloc's members from the probe into underpriced pork after the EU took aim at China's subsidised electric vehicle imports last week. "It was like a shock of cold water, we didn't expect it," said Giuseppe Aloisio, general director of the National Association of Spanish Meat Industries (ANICE). "This is a concern because the volume is significant, but it will not bankrupt the pork sector if the Chinese end up deciding to impose tariffs," he added. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the China Animal Husbandry Association on behalf of the domestic pork industry, China said, without giving further details. With the probe likely to take at least a year to complete, there is plenty of time for negotiation, though on Thursday China said it may take provisional measures if dumping is established after a preliminary investigation. Subsidies received by the pork industry comply with WTO rules, Spain's Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said on Tuesday, adding that Spain is speaking to the EU about possible solutions. Spain's pork industry has shown itself to be resilient in the past, and the greater strategic importance of its car industry - the second-largest in Europe behind Germany - means it is unlikely to try and push the EU to row back its measures against Chinese EVs, said Miguel Otero, a senior analyst at Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid. European automakers are being challenged by an influx of lower-cost EVs from Chinese rivals. The European Commission says prices are typically 20% below those of EU-made models. FINDING NEW MARKETS FOR PORK "If the trade-off is you're not going to export any pork to China but you keep the car industry as it is or you expand it, you sacrifice the pork," Otero said. Spain hasn't stated its position on EV tariffs, but Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told Reuters late on Wednesday that a balance had to be found between promoting free commerce and protecting strategic interests. "The same way we don't want a trade war, we want to avoid a subsidy race. We must be able to find a point where we compete, but fairly," he said. Story continues Cars and car parts accounted for 18% of Spain's total exports in 2023, according to the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX). The industry was worth about 40 billion euros, according to the Spanish Carmakers Association. The EU on June 12 placed extra duties on Chinese EVs to combat what it said were excessive subsidies and to protect an industry worth more than 1 trillion euros, according to McKinsey & Company. Spain's pork industry, meanwhile, withstood import bans by Russia over swine flu fears in 2009 and 2013 and also after EU sanctions in 2014 on Russia for its annexation of Crimea. Russia was Spain's biggest customer outside the EU in 2012, importing 153 million euros of frozen pork before falling to just 180,000 euros in 2014. The sector is ready to pivot to other markets again, said Alberto Herranz, director of Spain's pork producers' association Interporc. "When the Russian market was closed, we didn't go crying to the European Union, nor did we go crying to the Ministry of Agriculture, but what we did was to take a step forward and look for diversification," Herranz said. Trade with China picked up just as exports to Russia ground to a halt. Spain's exports of frozen pork to China reached a peak of 2.5 billion euros in 2020 as an outbreak of swine flu ravaged China's domestic production. While China remains its largest market, exports have since declined and are expected to keep falling as China's production returns to normal. Meanwhile, exporters are already making contingency plans, growing other Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, according to ICEX data. Still, the bloc's biggest pork producer, which has benefited from swine fever hitting Germany's production, feels aggrieved it has become collateral damage in a fight between two of the world's largest trading powers, said ANICE's Aloisio. "We see ourselves as spectators and victims of a train crash between great economic powers, and we are beginning to pay the price," he said. But the response from China could have been far worse. The pork industry is a small percentage of EU exports to China compared to cars, suggesting an unwillingness by China to square up for a fight, Eurointelligence analysts wrote in a note. "It may show that China is willing to cut a deal with the EU over the tariffs, rather than treat them as the opening salvo of a trade war," Eurointelligence said. ($1 = 0.9312 euros) (Additional reporting by Inti Landauro and Belen Carreno; writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) From left to right: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Thomas Massie. If you're a member of Congress, chances are, you're doing pretty well financially. More than half of the members of Congress are millionaires, according to a 2020 report from Opensecrets.org. At least seven of the 12 people who represent Greater Cincinnati or are running to represent the region have an estimated net worth of more than a million, based on an Enquirer analysis of the most recent annual financial disclosure reports. (We're counting Ohio and Kentucky's U.S. Senators, four House members and their challengers.) It's not the annual congressional salary of $174,000 that makes them rich. They've made their money in a variety of ways: concrete, inheritance, a bestselling memoir, an off-the-grid farm, real estate and various other investments. Much of the wealth disclosed on the reports come from stocks, retirement packages and other investments. Estimating wealth of senators and House members isn't exact, as the financial disclosure reports allow the elected officials and candidates to give a range of values for their assets and liabilities. The most recent reports filed by sitting members of Congress were filed in 2023 to estimate their wealth in 2022. Candidates running this year filed their report estimating their 2023 wealth. Bernie Moreno would top the wealthy list Bernie Moreno, a U.S. Senate candidate seeking the Republican nomination for the seat, greets voters and candidates in Warren County in January. Bernie Moreno's investments in cars, real estate and technology companies allowed him to amass a fortune between $28.8 million and $110 million, according to his financial disclosure report filed in 2023. If he beats Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November, the Cleveland-area Republican would become the wealthiest member of the delegation that represents the Cincinnati region. Moreno, 57, owns land in Costa Rica valued between $1 million and $5 million. He listed a home in Ocean Reef, Florida, worth between $5 million and $25 million, of which he has a 43% stake. David Taylor's concrete empire David Taylor, Republican candidate in Ohios 2nd Congressional District race, campaigns during Ohios primary at Goshen High School. Amelia Republican David Taylor would become one of the wealthier members of Congress from the region if he wins in November. Based on his financial disclosure reports, his estimated wealth between $7 million to $31 million puts his personal fortune second only to Mitch McConnell's among the delegation representing the Cincinnati region. He would be the third wealthiest if Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno wins in November. He's the heavy favorite to win in the fall against Democrat Samantha Meadows to become the next representative of the 2nd Congressional District, which stretches just east of Cincinnati over suburbs, farmland and industrial towns where the median household income is about $61,600. Trump won the district in 2020 by a 3-to-1 margin. The current representative, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, a Republican from Hillsboro, is retiring. Story continues Taylor, 54, made his money in the concrete business. Since 1999, he's owned Sardinia Ready Mix Concrete, with his stake valued at between $5 million and $25 million in Taylor's financial disclosure report filed in March. The assets in his 401k with Sardinia were valued between $1.7 million and $4 million. Where did Mitch McConnell get his wealth? Sen. Mitch McConnell speaks during an event in Covington in January 2023. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 82, is the richest of any congressional member representing the Greater Cincinnati region. His net worth was between $15 million and $62 million in 2022, based on the most recent report he filed in May 2023. The Louisville Republican also represents Northern Kentucky as Kentucky's senior senator. Much of his fortune derives from his marriage to Elaine Chao, the daughter of a shipping magnate James Chao. Elaine Chao and McConnell received an inheritance valued between $5 million and $25 million in 2007 when her mother died, the Washington Post reported. 'Hillbilly Elegy' and venture capital JD Vance after he won the primary for the U.S. Senate in May 2022. Prior to becoming a senator and possible vice presidential candidate, J.D. Vance's bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" made him into a national celebrity. The book, also made into a Netflix movie, netted him $121,376 in royalties, based on the report Vance filed in October 2023. Vance's writing doesn't pay as much as his business investing. Vance reported $945,000 in income in 2022 from Narya Capital, an Ohio-based venture capital firm he founded in 2020 with an investment from Republican megadonor and Paypal founder Peter Thiel. He also owns $100,000 to $250,000 in stock for Rumble, an online video platform the New York Times described as "a leading destination for conservative content by positioning itself as a platform for unfettered speech." All told, Vance is worth between $4.4 million and $10.7 million, according to his most recent report for 2022 filed in October 2023. Democrats net worth ranked at the bottom Rep. Greg Landsman The two Democrats representing the Cincinnati region in Congress ranked at the bottom of the wealth list for the region's members of Congress. Rep. Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Mount Washington, reported a net worth between $69,000 and $1.3 million with at least $125,000 to $650,000 of that coming from his wife's individual retirement account. Sen. Sherrod Brown, of Cleveland, was the only one of the elected members of Congress for the Cincinnati region whose maximum net worth wasn't above $1 million. Brown's net wealth is estimated between $14,000 and $976,000, based on his financial disclosure report filed in August 2023. Massie's off-the-grid farm worth millions Rep. Thomas Massie pictured here in 2020. Rep. Thomas Massie doesn't blend in on Capitol Hill. The Republican drives a Tesla from his off-the-grid farm in Lewis County, Kentucky, to the Capitol. Once there, he is often the lone "no" vote on measures, earning him the nickname "Mr. No." He's challenged the leadership in his own party, most recently leading a failed effort with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to oust Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. His off-the-grid farm in the rural town of Garrison, Kentucky, is worth $1 million to $5 million, which makes up a bulk of his net wealth, valued at between $846,000 and $4.6 million. The house, which he built himself, is powered by solar panels that in turn feed into a salvaged battery from a wrecked Tesla. He also owns $15,000 to $50,000 in Tesla stock. What about the House challengers? The financial worth for two Democratic challengers wasn't clear. West Chester Democrat Vanessa Enoch, who is challenging Republican Warren Davidson in the 8th Congressional District for the third time, hasn't filed a report since 2020, according to financial disclosure records. That report showed she made $49,492 the year before from a consulting firm. She had between $200,000 and $500,000 in student loan debt. Samantha Meadows, a Democrat from Scioto County, is running for the open seat in the 2nd Congressional District against Taylor. When she ran for the seat in 2022 against Wenstrup, she filed an exemption saying she didn't raise or spend the $5,000 for her campaign needed to meet the threshold requiring financial disclosure. The U.S. House did not have any additional financial disclosure filings for Meadows. A Republican challenger, Orlando Sonza, reported $100,000 to $250,000 in student loan debt on his financial disclosure report submitted in May. Sonza, 33, of Springfield Township, is challenging Democrat Greg Landsman in the 1st Congressional District. Northern Kentucky's Massie does not have a Democratic challenger. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who is the wealthiest Cincinnati-area member of Congress? Dave Ramsey gives reality check to Seattle man who follows FIRE Movement and has 3 jobs, $2M net worth and no life The FIRE Movement has led to plenty of red-hot debate since it gained popularity in the 2010s. The somewhat controversial money-saving strategy centers on the belief that, if you invest about 70% of your income, you can retire as early as 35 or 40. The FIRE acronym stands for financial independence, retire early, with the idea being that, if you make significant lifestyle changes, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner than others. Don't miss Beating the market is no myth: These expert stock-pickers' recent success could help you build generational wealth 'It's not taxed at all': Warren Buffett shares the 'best investment' you can make when battling rising costs take advantage today These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how However, many who have tried it have found it unsustainable which is exactly what happened with Matt, who called into an episode of The Ramsey Show seeking financial advice. The 40-year-old admitted he was battling severe burnout which isnt surprising given that the Seattle, Washington, resident revealed hed been working three jobs for the past five years. With workdays that last more than 12 hours, Matt admitted that he barely sees his kids and his health has deteriorated. When he revealed that he once abided by the rules of the FIRE Movement, Ramsey jumped in with some choice words for the once-popular retirement blueprint. The FIRE Movement burned down, did you notice? he quipped. Heres why Ramsey doesnt count himself a fan of the financial strategy. Ramsey weighs in Matt admitted he was initially inspired by the FIRE Movement and pushed himself to put in as many work hours as possible in the hopes of generating more income. It certainly worked at the age of 40, he has already amassed a $2 million dollar net worth, which includes three rental properties and $350,000 in an IRA. Despite all this, Matt is worried that, if he scales back by quitting two of his three jobs (as Ramsey recommended), that hell be living paycheck to paycheck. Thats a bogus, emotional response, Ramsey said, incredulously. What youre doing is not sustainable. You didnt build a life you built a financial portfolio. What Matt doesnt seem to realize is that hes well above the household average when it comes to net worth. As of 2022, the median American household had a net worth of $192,900, according to the Federal Reserve and that's after a 37% surge compared to 2019 data. Ramsey thinks the FIRE Movement is a dangerous route for people to take for generating retirement savings. Story continues He pointed out that Matt has a net worth of $2 million dollars and hes only 40 years old. Ding, ding. You rang the bell. Youre done, Ramsey said. Go build a life. Ramsey added that Matt will be worth $20 million by the time hes 65 thanks to his substantial investments he just has to step back and let them grow. Theres no need to panic here. In the end, he advised Matt to use logic and try to get past his emotions and fears in deciding whether or not to quit two of his jobs to free up more time for himself and his family. Read more: You didnt want to risk it: 80-year-old woman from South Carolina is looking for the safest place for her familys $250,000 savings. Dave Ramsey responds Why the FIRE Movement may not work for everyone While the premise of the FIRE movement has good intentions work hard now so you can retire early it can result in severe burnout and neglected family members and friends. Those faithful to FIRE say it's simple: make more money, invest properly, and don't spend money on anything outside of absolute necessities. Its underlying principles include: Live below your means Invest as much money as possible Seek out other sources of income Plan for retirement early While that certainly appears to be sound financial advice, the movements detractors point out that it results in a lifestyle thats all work and no play. Instead, you may find it less stressful to aim for a better work/life balance. You can certainly prioritize saving and investing a percentage of your income, while still enjoying some of your hard-earned money in the moment. Retiring comfortably at the traditional age of 62, or even 65, isn't a failure, Ramsey said. As he told Matt, "people working and enjoying their work and having meaning [in their careers] as long as they're able [to] is not bad." Early retirement also isnt a reality for the majority of Americans: 57% of survey respondents said their retirement will most likely include working at least part-time in order to keep up with the cost of living, according to Fidelitys 2024 State of Retirement Planning. If youre worried about financial security in retirement, or are early enough in your career that you want to consider early retirement, its a good idea to sit down with a financial adviser to review your finances and map out a customized plan. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. With so many parcel delivery services now available and demand limited, industry expert Nate Skriver says further consolidation is likely among smaller delivery companies. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Strongsville, Ohio-based parcel shipping company Delivered recently agreed to purchase virtually all assets from Point Pickup Technologies, months after the company closed due to bankruptcy. According to an acquisition agreement approved by a Miami-Dade County Circuit Court judge on June 10, Stamford, Connecticut-based Point Pickup Technologies agreed to sell $100,000 in company assets to Delivered. The assets include all customer lists, software and transferable permits, most books and records, Point Pickups website, promotional materials, and more. As the package delivery market continues to struggle, this move came as little surprise to Nate Skiver, e-commerce consultant and founder of LPF Spend Management. Skiver said growth in the market has largely been generated by industry juggernauts like Amazon and Walmart, while many smaller parcel delivery companies have been struggling. And there are a lot of small delivery options. With volume growth being very low, or actually even declining if you dont count Amazon, thats been one factor, Skiver told FreightWaves in a phone interview. In addition to the primary well-established players like FedEx, UPS and the Postal Service, there are dozens of alternative carriers, regional carriers or final-mile providers who in some way deliver package volume. So all of those carriers are competing for a volume base that really isnt growing. Its led to favorable pricing if you look at it from a retailer standpoint. But its a very tough, competitive environment for package carriers, particularly smaller ones that are startup carriers because they just dont have the volume and the revenue base of the larger, more established players. During the pandemic, large demand for delivered goods was a shot in the arm for parcel delivery startups. In October 2020, Point Pickup raised $30 million from BBH Capital Partners. Four years later, many of these companies have struggled to compete. There was a lot of funding available, Skiver said. Many companies had access to funds, either as additional rounds, or even as their initial rounds of a startup. And then, say in 2021 and 2022, if there wasnt a pretty decent revenue and customer base established, then as that funding starts to dry up and margins [begin to look unhealthy], then youre going to have a lot of trouble operating in this environment. Skiver said he has been expecting more attrition and consolidation in the market for some time. I actually would have thought by now that we would have seen more delivery providers also do the same thing [as Point Pickup] . I still think that could happen as far as providers exiting the market. Really there have been little to no acquisitions as far as consolidation goes. Story continues For smaller parcel carriers, Skiver said its become more and more difficult to compete on price alone. He recommends these companies focus on other things that set their services apart. Its more difficult to [compete on price] and still maintain a margin, Skiver said. Even though its incredibly difficult for regional carriers or other final-mile providers, as much as they can, [they should] focus on the value proposition of their service, reliability, delivery speed or any other differentiating factor of value they provide. The post Delivered buys $100K in assets from defunct Point Pickup Technologies appeared first on FreightWaves. We recently compiled a list of the 10 Stocks Receiving a Massive Vote of Approval From Wall Street Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) stands against the other analyst-approved stocks. European equities faced challenges in extending recent gains seen in the US, as market participants awaited new drivers for momentum. US equity futures remained stable in subdued holiday trading conditions following another record-breaking session for major indices, buoyed by strong performances in technology stocks, particularly in artificial intelligence sectors. Conversely, the broader European Stoxx 600 edged lower by 0.2%, stepping back after consecutive days of modest gains, amid ongoing concerns over political tensions in France. Bond yields across the eurozone saw marginal increases, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. Meanwhile, the Brazilian real came under pressure ahead of an imminent central bank rate decision. In monetary policy news, Federal Reserve officials reiterated a patient stance on potential interest rate adjustments, highlighting the need for sustained evidence of easing inflationary pressures. Fed Governor Adriana Kugler suggested that a rate cut could be appropriate "sometime later this year," contingent upon economic developments aligning with expectations. St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of data confirming a conducive economic environment over multiple quarters. Turning to commodities, oil prices retreated from recent highs as reports indicated a build-up in US crude inventories, dampening optimism despite ongoing strength in equity markets. Brent crude declined towards $85 per barrel after earlier touching its highest level since early May, while West Texas Intermediate held steady above $81 per barrel. The American Petroleum Institute's data pointed to a third consecutive weekly increase in US crude stockpiles, with additional rises noted at major storage facilities like Cushing, Oklahoma. Overall, market participants navigate a landscape characterized by cautious optimism amid lingering uncertainties. The focus remains on economic data releases and geopolitical developments, which are expected to provide clarity and direction for global markets in the days ahead. U.S. retail sales in May showed marginal growth, with the Commerce Department reporting a modest 0.1% increase, which was downwardly revised from April's figures. This subdued uptick suggests that economic activity in the second quarter remained lackluster. Analysts caution that the reported slowdown in retail sales might be somewhat exaggerated due to lower gasoline prices, which dragged down receipts at service stations. According to Reuters, the broader economic landscape is being shaped by persistent inflationary pressures and rising interest rates, factors that are increasingly influencing consumer behavior. Many households are focusing on essential purchases while scaling back on non-essential spending, reflecting a cautious approach amidst economic uncertainties. Economists view the tepid retail sales data as bolstering the case for a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, despite the central bank's recent decision to delay rate adjustments until later in the year. Story continues In contrast to the subdued retail sector, manufacturing production surged 0.9% in May, rebounding strongly from April's decline. This uptick in manufacturing output, particularly in durable goods and nondurable goods sectors, signals a potential revival in industrial activity. However, economists remain cautious about the sustainability of this recovery, citing concerns over high interest rates dampening business investment and a strong U.S. dollar limiting demand for manufactured goods in global markets. Overall, while retail sales paint a cautious consumer spending picture, the rebound in manufacturing production offers a glimmer of optimism for economic growth in the coming months, albeit amidst a backdrop of ongoing uncertainties and policy considerations by the Federal Reserve. The Bank of England is poised to maintain its current interest rates despite headline inflation hitting the targeted 2% mark, marking a significant achievement not seen in nearly three years. Traders are increasingly convinced that an immediate rate cut is unlikely, with only a minimal 5% probability priced into money markets for a reduction during Thursdays BOE meeting, down from earlier forecasts. Anticipation for an August rate cut has also eased to around 30%. While the 2% inflation milestone is noteworthy, driven largely by declining energy prices, market attention remains on services inflation, which exceeded expectations at 5.7%. Core inflation, excluding volatile components like energy and food, remained elevated at 3.5%, well above the central banks preferred target. James Sproule, chief economist at Handelsbanken, emphasized that while recent seasonal factors have contributed to easing food prices, the outlook for the rest of the year suggests potential inflationary pressures could re-emerge, especially in services inflation linked closely to wage dynamics. The Bank of England, keeping a watchful eye on economic indicators amidst an impending national election, faces a delicate decision on future rate cuts. Despite encouraging inflation readings, concerns persist over stubbornly high wage growth, which stood at 6% excluding bonuses in June, complicating monetary policy decisions. Looking ahead, analysts speculate whether the BOE will opt for a rate adjustment in August or September, closely monitoring liquidity conditions and any shifts in economic sentiment post-election. Governor Andrew Baileys recent comments suggest a cautious optimism in the central banks inflation forecasts, aligning with a similar stance taken by the European Central Bank in its recent policy adjustments. We listed 10 companies that were upgraded by analysts and ranked them by the change in their market prices. Positive changes signal that the market participants agree with the analysts assessment. A gold mine entry with a conveyor belt transporting minerals from the depths of a shaft. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) Price Reaction after the Upgrade: +0.88(+2.15%) On June 17, UBS analyst Daniel Major upgraded Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), a leading company in the mining industry, from "Neutral" to "Buy", raising the price target from $40 to $50. This upgrade is based on Major's bullish outlook on gold prices, which he forecasts to be about 30% higher than the current consensus for 2025. This positive outlook is expected to result in consensus earnings upgrades, with UBS's estimated EBITDA for Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) in 2025 being over 30% higher than market expectations. The upgrade follows a period of underperformance by Newmont Mining, which has lagged behind both the gold price and its peers by around 60% since 2019. This underperformance was largely due to Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) historical challenges in meeting its own guidance. However, UBS now believes that Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) guidance is achievable, potentially generating positive operational momentum and shifting the currently skeptical investor sentiment. Additionally, UBS anticipates that Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) will undertake significant divestments, estimated between $2 billion to $4 billion over the next 12 months. These sales are expected to expedite the company's deleveraging process and enhance cash returns to shareholders. Strategically, these divestments will help streamline Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) operations, positioning it with one of the most attractive portfolios in the industry. Post-divestment, Newmont is expected to have predominantly large, long-life assets in low-risk jurisdictions, along with appealing brownfield growth projects. Following the upgrade, Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) stock price rose by 2.15%, indicating a positive market reaction to the improved outlook and strategic initiatives highlighted by UBS. Overall NEM ranks 4th on our list of the stocks that are receiving a massive vote of approval from Wall Street Analysts. You can visit 10 Stocks Receiving a Massive Vote of Approval From Wall Street Analysts to see the other analyst-approved stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of NEM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NEM 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 Jim Cramer is Recommending These Stocks. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. We recently compiled a list of the 10 Stocks Receiving a Massive Vote of Approval From Wall Street Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) stands against the other analyst-approved stocks. European equities faced challenges in extending recent gains seen in the US, as market participants awaited new drivers for momentum. US equity futures remained stable in subdued holiday trading conditions following another record-breaking session for major indices, buoyed by strong performances in technology stocks, particularly in artificial intelligence sectors. Conversely, the broader European Stoxx 600 edged lower by 0.2%, stepping back after consecutive days of modest gains, amid ongoing concerns over political tensions in France. Bond yields across the eurozone saw marginal increases, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. Meanwhile, the Brazilian real came under pressure ahead of an imminent central bank rate decision. In monetary policy news, Federal Reserve officials reiterated a patient stance on potential interest rate adjustments, highlighting the need for sustained evidence of easing inflationary pressures. Fed Governor Adriana Kugler suggested that a rate cut could be appropriate "sometime later this year," contingent upon economic developments aligning with expectations. St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of data confirming a conducive economic environment over multiple quarters. Turning to commodities, oil prices retreated from recent highs as reports indicated a build-up in US crude inventories, dampening optimism despite ongoing strength in equity markets. Brent crude declined towards $85 per barrel after earlier touching its highest level since early May, while West Texas Intermediate held steady above $81 per barrel. The American Petroleum Institute's data pointed to a third consecutive weekly increase in US crude stockpiles, with additional rises noted at major storage facilities like Cushing, Oklahoma. Overall, market participants navigate a landscape characterized by cautious optimism amid lingering uncertainties. The focus remains on economic data releases and geopolitical developments, which are expected to provide clarity and direction for global markets in the days ahead. U.S. retail sales in May showed marginal growth, with the Commerce Department reporting a modest 0.1% increase, which was downwardly revised from April's figures. This subdued uptick suggests that economic activity in the second quarter remained lackluster. Analysts caution that the reported slowdown in retail sales might be somewhat exaggerated due to lower gasoline prices, which dragged down receipts at service stations. According to Reuters, the broader economic landscape is being shaped by persistent inflationary pressures and rising interest rates, factors that are increasingly influencing consumer behavior. Many households are focusing on essential purchases while scaling back on non-essential spending, reflecting a cautious approach amidst economic uncertainties. Economists view the tepid retail sales data as bolstering the case for a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, despite the central bank's recent decision to delay rate adjustments until later in the year. Story continues In contrast to the subdued retail sector, manufacturing production surged 0.9% in May, rebounding strongly from April's decline. This uptick in manufacturing output, particularly in durable goods and nondurable goods sectors, signals a potential revival in industrial activity. However, economists remain cautious about the sustainability of this recovery, citing concerns over high interest rates dampening business investment and a strong U.S. dollar limiting demand for manufactured goods in global markets. Overall, while retail sales paint a cautious consumer spending picture, the rebound in manufacturing production offers a glimmer of optimism for economic growth in the coming months, albeit amidst a backdrop of ongoing uncertainties and policy considerations by the Federal Reserve. The Bank of England is poised to maintain its current interest rates despite headline inflation hitting the targeted 2% mark, marking a significant achievement not seen in nearly three years. Traders are increasingly convinced that an immediate rate cut is unlikely, with only a minimal 5% probability priced into money markets for a reduction during Thursdays BOE meeting, down from earlier forecasts. Anticipation for an August rate cut has also eased to around 30%. While the 2% inflation milestone is noteworthy, driven largely by declining energy prices, market attention remains on services inflation, which exceeded expectations at 5.7%. Core inflation, excluding volatile components like energy and food, remained elevated at 3.5%, well above the central banks preferred target. James Sproule, chief economist at Handelsbanken, emphasized that while recent seasonal factors have contributed to easing food prices, the outlook for the rest of the year suggests potential inflationary pressures could re-emerge, especially in services inflation linked closely to wage dynamics. The Bank of England, keeping a watchful eye on economic indicators amidst an impending national election, faces a delicate decision on future rate cuts. Despite encouraging inflation readings, concerns persist over stubbornly high wage growth, which stood at 6% excluding bonuses in June, complicating monetary policy decisions. Looking ahead, analysts speculate whether the BOE will opt for a rate adjustment in August or September, closely monitoring liquidity conditions and any shifts in economic sentiment post-election. Governor Andrew Baileys recent comments suggest a cautious optimism in the central banks inflation forecasts, aligning with a similar stance taken by the European Central Bank in its recent policy adjustments. We listed 10 companies that were upgraded by analysts and ranked them by the change in their market prices. Positive changes signal that the market participants agree with the analysts assessment. A worker assembling the inner circuitry of a semiconductor product. STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) Price Reaction after the Upgrade: -0.02(-0.05%) On June 18, Goldman Sachs upgraded STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM), a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, from a "Sell" to a "Neutral" rating. This upgrade is based on an improved outlook for the company, with a revised price target raised from $35.50 to $45.80, suggesting a potential upside of 6.31% from its current trading levels. The upgrade was attributed to several positive factors, including STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) consistent revenue growth, strategic emphasis on innovation, and a diversified product portfolio that minimizes dependence on any single market segment. Goldman Sachs highlighted the company's robust financial performance in recent quarters, driven by high demand for its STM32 microcontrollers and other advanced products. These factors collectively contributed to the revised rating and optimistic price target. Despite these positive aspects, the semiconductor industry is known for its cyclical nature, which poses certain risks. Potential challenges include economic downturns, intense competition, global supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions, all of which could impact STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) profit margins and market share. Following the upgrade by Goldman Sachs, STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) stock price saw a marginal decline of 0.05%, indicating a slight immediate market reaction. Nonetheless, the upgrade underscores a more favorable outlook for STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) within the semiconductor industry, reflecting confidence in the company's strategic direction and market positioning. Overall STM ranks 8th on our list of the stocks that are receiving a massive vote of approval from Wall Street Analysts. You can visit 10 Stocks Receiving a Massive Vote of Approval From Wall Street Analysts to see the other analyst-approved stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of STM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than STM 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 Jim Cramer is Recommending These Stocks. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. By Ron Bousso LONDON (Reuters) - Carlyle will form a new Mediterranean-focused oil and gas company led by former BP CEO Tony Hayward after the private equity fund agreed to acquire Energean's assets in Egypt, Italy and Croatia for up to $945 million, the companies said on Thursday. The deal will allow Carlyle to tap into the eastern Mediterranean gas market that has grown rapidly in recent years as gas demand in Egypt soars and Europe seeks alternatives to Russian gas. Carlyle International Energy Partners (CIEP), the fund's non-U.S. energy investment arm, said the new company will initially produce up to 47,000 barrels of oil per day in the three countries. But it will seek to grow output by upgrading existing assets and through other acquisitions in the Mediterranean, CIEP co-head Bob Maguire told Reuters. "There is plenty of running room for these assets in terms of geology," Maguire said, adding that growing demand for natural gas in Egypt and Italy will underpin future investments. Energean, whose main production comes from a gas facility offshore Israel, will also look to expand to the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa region, particularly where there is long-term policy support for gas and displacement of coal, CEO Mathios Rigas told Reuters. "It's a great deal for us, we're selling assets at three times the price we bought them," he said. Shares of Energean were up 2.7% by 1252 GMT. Jefferies analysts estimated the net asset value of the resources that Energean is selling to be $1.28 billion, implying a 26% discount in the deal. London-listed Energean acquired the assets in Egypt, Italy and Croatia through its acquisition of Edison's oil and gas portfolio in 2020. Energean said the deal would include a cash payment of $504 million after which it will pay a special dividend of $200 million as well as repay in full a $450 million corporate bond. Energean's board expects to redefine its dividend policy following the completion of the deal, which is expected by year-end. Energean produced 123,000 boed in 2023. For 2024, it expected production in Egypt to rise to 29,000-31,000 boed from around 25,000 boed. For CIEP's new company, production will come from interests in Cassiopea, Italy's largest gas field in terms of reserves, and Abu Qir, one of the largest gas producing hubs in Egypt. CIEP has over the past decade acquired, grown and sold several oil and gas companies, including Neptune Energy in the North Sea, Assala Energy in Gabon and SierraCol in Colombia, also led by Hayward. He led BP for more than three years before stepping down in the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Story continues "This acquisition provides a strong platform to build a standalone regional champion in the Mediterranean, one of the fastest growing natural gas markets in the world," Hayward, chairman designate of the new company, said in a statement. (This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of CIEP co-head Bob Maguires name in paragraphs 4 and 5) (Reporting by Ron Bousso in London and Deep Vakil in Bengaluru; editing by Jason Neely, Stephen Coates, Susan Fenton and Jane Merriman) Erdene Resource Development Corporation HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, June 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corporation (TSX:ERD | MSE:ERDN) (Erdene or the Company) is pleased to publish its 2024 Letter to Shareholders authored by President and CEO, Peter Akerley. To read the letter please visit: Letter to Shareholders Peter Akerley, Erdenes President and CEO stated, The past year has been transformative for our Company. As outlined in my letter to fellow shareholders, we closed the Strategic Alliance with Mongolian Mining Corporation, commenced construction of the Bayan Khundii Gold Project and continued to see exploration success in our Khundii Minerals District in southwestern Mongolia. Mr. Akerley continued, These accomplishments are the result of more than twenty years of effort in Mongolia, where Erdene has been the most active explorer and developer in the unexplored western portion of Mongolias Gobi Desert. It is extremely satisfying to see the vision of Erdenes founders come to fruition with first gold production from Bayan Khundii expected in 2025. About Erdene Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in three mining licenses and an exploration license in Southwest Mongolia, where exploration success has led to the discovery and definition of the Khundii Minerals District. Erdene Resource Development Corp. is listed on the Toronto and the Mongolian stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.erdene.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain required third party approvals, market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Story continues NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE Erdene Contact Information Peter C. Akerley, President and CEO, or Robert Jenkins, CFO The EU nations have reached an agreement on a 14th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its war in Ukraine. Diplomats confirmed the sanctions, including the first measures targeting Russian LNG, on Thursday. The EU has restricted the re-export of Russian LNG in its waters but hasn't completely banned imports, unlike the ban on Russian seaborne oil in 2022. Despite this, a few EU countries continue to import gas from Russia through pipelines via Ukraine. Diplomats said the package also sanctions three Russian LNG projects and includes a clause designed to allow Sweden and Finland to cancel Russian LNG contracts. Belgium, which holds the rotating EU presidency until 1 July, said on social media platform X that the package "maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes". EU Ambassadors just agreed on a powerful and substantial 14th package of sanctions in reaction to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. This package provides new targeted measures and maximises the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes. Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@EU2024BE) June 20, 2024 EU ambassadors met on 8 May to discuss potential actions for its 14th round of sanctions against Russias LNG as the European Commission (EC) aimed to approve these sanctions by July. Reuters said countries discussed the proposed new measures for more than a month and, under the influence of Germany, weakened one of the Commission's suggestions to prevent further circumvention. Most of the EU's current measures are still in effect, including the ban on Russian seaborne oil imports and restrictions on exporting advanced technology goods to Russia. However, Reuters reported that experts in the gas market suggest that this decision will likely have minimal impact, as the transfer of gas through EU ports to Asia accounts for only around 10% of Russia's total LNG exports. On the contrary, to reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) proposed that Europe decrease its Russian LNG imports "gradually, beginning with sporadic Russian LNG imports". According to data from ACER, Russia's LNG production reached 42 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2023. The top 28 destinations for Russian LNG were the EU (18bcm), China (11bcm), Japan (8bcm) and South Korea (2bcm), together accounting for more than 90% of all Russian LNG production. Story continues Previously, Offshore Technology reported that Gazprom, Russia's state-run energy company, delivered the second shipment of LNG from Russia's Portovaya LNG plant on the Baltic Sea to Spain. According to Reuters' analysis of shipping data, unlike oil exports, Russian LNG exports have not faced Western sanctions. Urgewald, a German non-profit environmental research organisation, found that Russian LNG is frequently transported to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain. In 2023, the EU received 31 million tonnes (mt) of Russian LNG, with imports hitting a monthly record of 3.2mt in December. "EU hits Russia with sanctions targeting LNG for the first time " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. By Mike Stone, Allison Lampert, David Shepardson, Tim Hepher (Reuters) -Boeing is nearing a deal to buy back Spirit AeroSystems after its former subsidiary made substantial progress in separate talks with Airbus over a transatlantic breakup of the struggling supplier, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Boeing initiated talks earlier this year to buy back the Wichita, Kansas-based supplier it spun off in 2005, seeking to stabilize a key part of the supply chain for its strongest-selling jet following a mid-air blow out on a new 737 MAX in January. However, talks hit a stumbling block over Spirit's work for Airbus, with the European group threatening to block any deal that involved Boeing building parts for its newest models. Boeing and Airbus have broadly succeeded in dividing Spirit's programs into work that Boeing will take back, along with work that the planemaker's European rival Airbus will take. There is also a third category of programs that may be sold or dealt with separately, said one of the sources. The exact timing of the deal is unclear, but the sources said it could come within days or weeks, barring last-minute snags. All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks. Airbus, which has been widely seen as the main stumbling block to a deal, is seeing "good progress" in talks with Spirit, a source familiar with the matter said. A second source said a deal over Spirit's Airbus-related assets was more likely than not before Airbus' mid-year earnings in July. Boeing declined comment. Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino did not comment specifically on the talks, saying, "our focus remains on providing the highest quality products for our customers. Boeing has said it is buying back Spirit to secure safety and quality in its plants, after blaming Spirit for sending incomplete or faulty parts to its factories. But several industry sources said the Jan. 5 blowout also rekindled Boeing's earlier interest in buying back the company because of concerns over Spirit's financial and industrial resilience as well as the need to invest in digital production systems. Spirit posted a net loss of $617 million and burned through $444 million in the first quarter, far more than analysts had expected. Spirit Aero shares were up 4.1% in after-hours trading on Thursday. In April, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury told Reuters it was "not unlikely" that Airbus would take over Spirit's operations for the A350, its premier long-haul jet whose upper mid-fuselage is made in Kinston, North Carolina, and the small A220, whose wings are made at a Spirit plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Story continues Airbus and Boeing had been working to overcome hangups on inventory costs and the value of contracts, two sources said. An Airbus spokesperson said the company is in discussions "with Spirit AeroSystems to protect the sourcing of our programmes and to define a more sustainable way forward, both operationally and financially, for the various Airbus work packages that Spirit AeroSystems is responsible for today." (Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal, Mike Stone and David Shepardson in Washington and Tim Hepher in ParisEditing by David Gaffen and Matthew Lewis) By Abdi Sheikh, Aaron Ross and Giulia Paravicini MOGADISHU (Reuters) -Somalia's government is seeking to slow the withdrawal of African peacekeepers and warning of a potential security vacuum, documents seen by Reuters show, with neighbouring countries fretting that resurgent al Shabaab militants could seize power. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a peacekeeping force, is committed to withdrawing by Dec. 31, when a smaller new force is expected to replace it. However, in a letter last month to the acting chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council the government asked to delay until September the withdrawal of half the 4,000 troops due to leave by the end of June. The letter has not been reported before. The government had previously recommended, in a joint assessment with the AU in March, reviewed by Reuters, that the overall withdrawal timeline be adjusted "based on the actual readiness and capabilities" of Somali forces.The joint assessment, which was mandated by the U.N. Security Council, warned that a "hasty drawdown of ATMIS personnel will contribute to a security vacuum". "I've never been more concerned about the direction of my home country," said Mursal Khalif, an independent member of the defence committee in parliament. The European Union and United States, the top funders of the AU force in Somalia, have sought to reduce the peacekeeping operation due to concerns about long-term financing and sustainability, four diplomatic sources and a senior Ugandan official said. Negotiations about a new force have proven complicated, with the AU initially pushing for a more robust mandate than Somalia wanted, three of the diplomatic sources said. A heated political dispute could lead Ethiopia to pull out some of the most battle-hardened troops. Somalia's presidency and prime minister's office did not respond to requests for comment. National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali said the request to delay the withdrawal this month was meant to align the drawdown with planning for the post-ATMIS mission. "The notion that there is a 'fear of al Shabaab resurgence' is dramatised," he said, following the publication of this story. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, AU special representative to Somalia and head of ATMIS, said there was no definitive timeline for concluding negotiations but that all parties were committed to an agreement that helps achieve sustainable peace and security. "The AU and Somalia's government have emphasised the importance of a conditions-based drawdown to prevent any security vacuum," he told Reuters. Story continues The Peace and Security Council is due to meet on Somalia later on Thursday to discuss the drawdown and follow up mission. As the drawdown proceeds, with 5,000 of around 18,500 troops leaving last year, the government has projected confidence. It has said the new force should not exceed 10,000 and should be limited to tasks like securing major population centres. The call for a smaller force likely reflects views of nationalists who oppose a heavy foreign presence in Somalia, said Rashid Abdi, an analyst with Sahan Research, a Nairobi-based think-tank focused on the Horn of Africa. WORRIED NEIGHBOURS Uganda and Kenya, which contributed troops to the departing mission, are also worried. Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda's state minister of foreign affairs, said that despite intensive training efforts, Somali troops could not sustain a long-term military confrontation. "We do not want to get into a situation where we are fleeing, the kind of thing that we saw in Afghanistan," he told Reuters. Oryem said Kenya accepted the drawdown requested by the U.S. and EU but that the concerns of countries with forces in Somalia should be heard. Kenyan President William Ruto told reporters in Washington last month that a withdrawal that did not account for conditions on the ground would mean "the terrorists will take over Somalia." In response to questions, an EU spokesperson said it was focused on building domestic security capacities and supported in principle a Somali government proposal for a new mission that would have a reduced size and scope. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the force should be large enough to prevent a security vacuum. Washington has supported all requests submitted by the AU to the U.N. Security Council to modify the drawdown timeline, the spokesperson said. In response to a question about Ethiopian forces, the spokesperson said it was critical to avoid security gaps or unnecessary expenses "incurred by swapping out existing troop contributors." SETBACKS Two years ago, an army offensive in central Somalia initially seized large swathes of territory from al Shabaab. In August, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared his intention to "eliminate" the powerful al Qaeda offshoot within five months. But just a few days later, al Shabaab counter-attacked, retaking the town of Cowsweyne. They killed scores of soldiers and beheaded several civilians accused of supporting the army, according to a soldier, an allied militiaman and a local resident. "This broke the hearts of Somalis but gave courage to al Shabaab," Ahmed Abdulle, the militiaman, from a clan in central Somalia, said in an interview in April. The Somali government has never publicly provided a death toll for the Cowsweyne battle and didn't respond to a request for a toll for this story. "There were enough troops in Cowsweyne, over a battalion, but they were not organised well," said a soldier named Issa, who fought in the battle there last August. Issa said car bombs had blasted through the gates of Cowsweyne army camp on the day of the attack, citing a shortage of defensive outposts to protect bases from such attacks. Ten soldiers, militiamen from local clans and residents in areas targeted by the military campaign reported no army operations in the past two months following additional battlefield setbacks. Reuters could not independently establish the extent of the territorial losses to al Shabaab. National Security Adviser Sheikh-Ali said on X this week that the army had held most of its gains. The peacekeepers' withdrawal could make it more difficult to hold territory. While analysts estimate Somalia's army at around 32,000 soldiers, the government acknowledged, in the assessment with the AU, a shortage of some 11,000 trained personnel due to "high operational tempo" and "attrition". The government has said its soldiers are capable of confronting al Shabaab with limited external support. Somalia has defied gloomy predictions before and has expanded its security forces in recent years. Residents of the seaside capital Mogadishu whose ubiquitous blast walls testify to the threat of Shabaab suicide bombers and mortars - say security has improved. Once-quiet streets bustle with traffic, and upscale restaurants and supermarkets are opening. An assessment published in April by the Combating Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy said an Afghanistan-like collapse was unlikely, helped by ongoing external support. The United States, for instance, has about 450 troops in Somalia to train and advise local forces, and conducts regular drone attacks against suspected militants. But the assessment's author, Paul D. Williams, a professor of international affairs at George Washington University, said the militants' estimated 7,000-12,000 fighters would nevertheless be "slightly militarily stronger" than Somali forces because of superior cohesion and force employment. INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT Somalia's security has been underwritten by foreign resources since Ethiopia invaded in 2006, toppling an Islamist-led administration but galvanising an insurgency that has since killed tens of thousands of people. The U.S. has spent more than $2.5 billion on counterterrorism assistance since 2007, according to a study last year by Brown University. That number does not include undisclosed military and intelligence spending on activities like drone strikes and deployments of American ground troops. The EU says it has provided about $2.8 billion to ATMIS and its predecessor since 2007. Turkey, Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries also provide security assistance. But resources are under strain. The EU, which pays for most of ATMIS's roughly $100 million annual budget, is shifting toward bilateral support with an eye toward reducing its overall contributions in the medium-term, four diplomatic sources said. Two diplomats interviewed by Reuters, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private negotiations, said the U.S. and EU want to scale back peacekeeping operations because of competing spending priorities including Ukraine and Gaza and a sense Somalia should take responsibility for its own security. Some European countries would like to see the new mission financed through assessed contributions of United Nations member states, which would increase the financial burden on the United States and China, the four diplomatic sources said. The State Department spokesperson said the U.S. did not believe such a system can be implemented by next year but said there was strong international consensus to support the follow-on mission. The EU didn't address questions about the financing of the replacement mission Financing for the new mission can only be formally addressed once Somalia and the AU agree on a proposed size and mandate. (Aaron Ross and Giulia Paravicini reported from Nairobi, Abdi Sheikh reported from Mogadishu; Additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel) Rising cocoa prices have been a major headache for the worlds chocolate producers over the past 12 months. Sky-rocketing prices were sparked by pressure in yields, primarily in Cote dIvoire and Ghana, which supply around 40% and 15% of the worlds cocoa beans respectively (though some in the chocolate sector have also pointed to factors "beyond supply and demand", including market speculation). Research published this month by GlobalData, Just Foods parent, predicts total cocoa production for the 2023-2024 period to drop 11% to 4.37m tonnes, compared to 2022-2023. As to be expected, the strongest declines are expected to be in Cote dIvoire and Ghana, with annual production growth slumping 20% in the former, to 1.73 tonnes, and by 27% in the latter, to 525,000 tonnes. Reasons for the shortage of cocoa beans include tough growing conditions caused by El Nino-related droughts, as well as the black pod disease and cacao swollen chute virus that infested cacao trees in 2023. With worsening climactic conditions likely to continue, one emerging area of innovation is cocoa-free chocolate. Though the fledgling industry is dominated by SMEs, major food producers are showing interest. Earlier this year, agri-food giant Cargill partnered up with US chocolate alternatives producer Voyage Foods to be its business-to-business distributor. The group makes its cocoa-free chocolate from a blend of RSPO certified palm and shea kernel oils, sunflower seed protein and grape seeds. However, it remains very much early days for cocoa-free chocolate. How much work needs to be done before we can consider the products as viable alternatives to such a popular and indulgent treat loved globally? Sense of urgency Cocoa-free chocolate is still in its early stages but there are signs the pressure on the conventional chocolate sector is sparking interest. As Julia Buech, a senior analyst in consumer foods at Rabobank, explains: This interest is bound to grow further, considering major current as well as longer-term challenges within the traditional chocolate sector: soaring commodity prices, constrained supply, upcoming EU deforestation regulations. Investors are looking to innovative, sustainable alternatives to cocoa-based products that may help take some load (and dependency) off the cocoa supply chain. Moreover, developing and launching cocoa-free chocolate would provide an opportunity to sidestep cocoas biggest ethical and environmental pitfalls, Buech says. Currently, sourcing cocoa comes at a high cost, and not just in financial terms. The environmental toll is rather alarming, with cocoa production contributing to deforestation in key growing countries such as Ivory Coast and Ghana, threatening biodiversity and exacerbating climate change. Story continues The industry is also rife with social problems, she says, a legacy of poor prices paid to cocoa farmers. The scourge of child labour is an issue the chocolate industry has been grappling with for decades. And major chocolate manufacturers remain in the spotlight, with ongoing scrutiny of their efforts to make their supply chains more sustainable. Earlier this year, KitKat producer Nestle came under fire when new data found most cocoa farmers working under its income accelerator scheme in Cote dIvoire were still not receiving a wage that matched the living income. The recent development of the cocoa-free chocolate sector has centred around companies supplying cocoa-free ingredients to food manufacturers. UK-based Win-Win has raised around $6.7m to date for a business model anchored around supplying cocoa-free chocolate to manufacturers, while it has also developed finished products. Carob and barley are the company's two key ingredients which are transformed into a chocolate alternative through a proprietary fermentation process. Co-founder and CEO Ahrum Pak says more investment into cocoa-free chocolate is inevitable. We might not have a choice is what Im saying, she tells Just Food. I think the supply has just dipped down by so much that we really are going to become very parsimonious with what and how we eat our chocolate. Removing cocoa from mainstream chocolate products isnt necessarily going to be a hard shift for manufacturers either, with many already removing it to cut production costs. Pak says: Companies have been historically swapping out cocoa for other things like a lot of sugar so we are seeing decreasing amounts of cocoa in our chocolates over the last decade. Its just something the industry has been moving towards. Which products? While still at a nascent stage, most producers of cocoa-free chocolate appear to be targeting mass-market confectionery products as opposed to more premium full-scale tablets. As Buech explains: Chocolate is an ingredient in many food sectors, from bakery to dairy. In some of these products, where chocolate isnt the only star ingredient, consumers may be more willing to accept cocoa-free alternatives provided they deliver on taste. Of course, consumer education about the benefits of cocoa-free also plays a key role. Germany-based Planet A Foods is an example of a B2B company supplying cocoa-free chocolate to manufacturers in other sectors. Its ChoViva product is made by fermenting and roasting oats, sunflower seeds and plant-based fats. Mainly active in Germany and France, and in the middle of planning its entry into the UK, the group works with bakery-focused companies with ChoViva. CEO Max Marquart says: Weve seen a lot of success in the bakery domain, so cakes, convenience cakes, cookies, biscuits. For Voyage Foods CEO Adam Maxwell, alt-cocoa has the greatest potential in these types of products. Five per cent of a chocolate chip cookie formula is a chocolate chip. [With this product], you want the experience of consumption of a chocolate chip cookie and those areas really makes sense for these products to live, not in like your $10 chocolate bar that tells the story of the farmer and the terroir and the type of beans. While some companies are testing the market with smaller doses of the product, this isnt the case everywhere. Last year, Finnish chocolatier Fazer took a different approach with the trial of its Taste the Future candy tablet chocolate alternative, made with 10% roasted malted rye. The pilot in Finland and Sweden was supposed to last for several months but the batch was sold out within a week of launching, Fazer says. Fazer's Taste the Future "candy tablet" chocolate alternatives. Credit: Fazer Price parity and scaling up As with any novel product on the market, a key factor to getting it to a mass-market level is affordability. Win-Wins product is affordable, says Pak, but its not the case across the board. It really depends on what kind of technology you're using to grow and produce your alternatives," she says. For us, we're at price parity and the reason for that is because we don't use synthetic biology or genetically modified organisms, we don't have the regulatory hurdles, we don't need specialised equipment, so we can kind of piggyback off what is already out there in terms of manufacturing, setup, etc. For Fazer, affordability is the top priority but this doesnt mean non-cocoa products could be exempt from their more upmarket chocolate segments. As Annika Porr, senior manager at Fazers Forward Lab says: Maybe in the future, we need to consider under what kind of brand this kind of product could be of course, we have several brands and some of them are more exclusive, some of them less [so] But it should be affordable to anyone. According to analysts, one of the top challenges to the development of the cocoa-free chocolate industry is accelerating production and partnerships with larger companies are essential. As Hannah Cleland, senior consumer analyst at GlobalData explains says: While there are a number of beans, pulses, and grains which can be used to replace cocoa, the main hurdle has been to scale-up production. It is likely that, as has happened with many other alternative foods, cocoa-free chocolates path to market will be through larger firms such as Cargill funding the work of food tech start-ups. While Voyage Foods works with Cargill, Planet A Foods has teamed up with German retailer Rewe, as well as manufacturers Peter Kolln and Lindt & Sprungli. Win-Win works with sweet pastry and desserts producer Martin Braun, a subsidiary of the Oetker Group. [From] day zero, we always realised the way we can have the most impact to the most people is to not compete the largest food manufacturing companies in the world, but to help the large multinationals and foods are looking for more price-stable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives," Maxwell says. "And so our thought was, help not compete, because we're not going to win in that game. Cracking the taste While it may seem that cocoa-free chocolate alternatives are emerging for the first time, the idea isnt brand new to the market. In the mid to late 20th century some consumers will remember chocolate-alternative products made from carob beans, which are a common plant grown in the Mediterranean," GlobalData's Cleland says. "Carob failed to take off as many consumers felt the taste was lacking compared to cocoa. Unsurprisingly, a survey carried out in the first quarter of the year by GlobalData shows taste was the most common reason consumers would be put off from trying alternatives to chocolate, confectionery and desserts. While R&D has come on leaps and bounds since the 1970s, delivering a flavour consumers will return to is no simple feat. Brands must better manage consumer expectation of alternative products, Cleland adds. The flavor of carob for instance is not inherently bad but when consumers were expecting it to taste exactly like cocoa chocolate it was off-putting. If you fulfil on taste and on a price, I think the consumer is quite open to change Max Marquart, Planet A Foods In contrast to other alternatives on the market, chocolate is a more complex product to crack, given its long list of applications. The chocolate that is used as a coating on an ice cream is wildly different than a baking chip in a chocolate chip cookie, says Maxwell, and so getting the level of specificity on taste, getting the level of specificity on performance, and then also in the giant range of different chocolate applications is very different than a plant-based milk because milk is milk, right? There's not that much variety in flavour variability in rheology, crystallisation, particle size, etc. but chocolates a very wide range of products. As producers continue to develop their products for a variety of confectionery formats, they should learn from the marketing failures of carob (and more recently meat substitutes) to be upfront about the ingredients and flavors to avoid disappointing consumers, Cleland adds. While its a challenge, if consumers are going to include cocoa-free chocolate products (or products containing cocoa-free chocolate) in their shopping baskets, producers must hit the nail on the head with taste, says Marquart at Planet A Foods. He explains: Ninety per cent of our customers tell me that the taste must be there and be [the right] price. If you fulfil on taste and on a price, I think the consumer is quite open to change. A range of products produced with Planet A Foods' ChoViva. Credit: Planet A Foods. Sustainability hurdles The key marketing message for cocoa-free chocolate is the product is a more sustainable option than conventional cocoa. However, a challenge faced by some smaller businesses working with larger companies is they cannot control every ingredient that goes into the product, meaning some less environmentally friendly ones may accompany their cocoa-free chocolate in product recipes. Several bakery goods on the market made with Planet A Foods ChoViva contain non-certified palm oil, one of the most contentious ingredients in the food industry when it comes to sustainability. Its a topic Marquart says he has been questioned on multiple times but he adds: You have to also admit that the industry that we're working in is a very price-sensitive industry. If you talk about palm oil, [it] is the cheapest or most cost-efficient one that is available for a lot of applications. It's functionally and economically the only alternative and I would say it's up to our customers to make the product and to use the ingredients that they want to use. There isnt much companies like Planet A Foods can do to shift the ingredients make-up of products made with its partners for now but its not out of the question. He says: Were also working on another on a substitute for palm oil... But one step after the other. Choice not replacement A view shared unanimously by producers of cocoa-free chocolate is they have no intention to compete with the conventional cocoa industry. For Fazer, its about developing a new segment in its wider chocolate business. As Heli Anttila, the companys vice president of confectionery, explains: We also have one of the biggest chocolate brands in Finland and the biggest one in the Nordics. We're not competing against [conventional products]. This is an alternative but [consumers] are also looking for it. As Pak explains, those developing cocoa-free chocolate alternatives are looking to have a positive impact on the cocoa industry. Its never going to go away, and you dont want [it] to, its peoples livelihoods. Its a beautiful industry when done right, she says, stressing Win Wins aim is to relieve the pressures on the system. Though plenty of work remains to improve taste and scale production, Paks outlook for cocoa-free chocolate is bright. If I'm talking alt-proteins, that innovation cycle could be five to ten years, she says. I feel the new generation of the fermentation technologies we've just taken all that learning from the previous generations, and we've now made it a bit faster. For me, getting us into the mainstream hopefully will be a lot shorter as well, so I'm really hoping within the next five years. "Is the future of chocolate cocoa-free?" was originally created and published by Just Food, 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. How To Generate $100 Per Month In Passive Income From Verizon Communications Stock Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. For income-focused investors, dividend-paying stocks can be an attractive way to generate regular cash flow from their investment portfolio. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ), one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States, has long been a favorite among dividend investors due to its consistent and generous payouts. But how many shares of Verizon would you need to own to earn an average of $100 per month in dividends? Lets break down the numbers: Verizons current dividend Verizon Communications has a forward annual dividend rate of $2.66 per share, which translates to a impressive 6.64% yield at current price levels. This dividend is paid out quarterly, meaning shareholders receive $0.665 per share every three months. Calculating the required shares To earn an average of $100 per month in dividends, you would need to receive $1,200 per year or $300 per quarter in dividend payments. $1,200 per year / $2.66 per share = 451.13 shares Rounding up to the nearest whole share, you would need to own 452 shares of Verizon stock. Actual dividend payout Owning 452 shares of Verizon would result in an annual dividend payout of $1,202.32 (452 x $2.66), or an average of $100.19 per month. Investment required As of this writing, Verizon is trading at approximately $40.25 per share. Therefore, to purchase 452 shares, you would need to invest: 452 shares x $40.25 per share = $18,193 In summary, to earn an average of $100 per month in dividends from Verizon stock, you would need to invest approximately $18,193 to purchase 452 shares at current prices. Its important to note that while Verizon has a history of consistent dividend payments, all investments carry risk. The stock price can fluctuate, and theres always the possibility, however unlikely, that the company could reduce or eliminate its dividend in the future. Additionally, dividends are not guaranteed and require declaration by the companys board of directors each quarter. Before making any investment decision, its crucial to consider your overall financial goals, risk tolerance, and to diversify your portfolio. While Verizons high yield may be attractive, its generally not advisable to concentrate a large portion of your investment in a single stock. For those interested in dividend investing but lacking the capital to invest $18,193 in a single stock, there are other options to consider. These might include dividend-focused ETFs, mutual funds or alternative investments, which can provide diversification and income with a smaller initial investment. Story continues Regardless of your approach, always remember to do your own due diligence and consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your personal financial situation and goals. Looking For Higher-Yield Opportunities? The current high-interest-rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through dividend stocks... Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities and Benzinga has identified some of the most attractive options for you to consider. For example, the Jeff Bezos-backed investment platform just launched its Private Credit Fund, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with a target 7% to 9% net annual yield paid to investors monthly. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, this one has a minimum investment of only $100. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. Check out Benzinga's favorite high-yield offerings. Photo by JeepersMedia on Flickr 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. This article How To Generate $100 Per Month In Passive Income From Verizon Communications Stock originally appeared on Benzinga.com BERLIN (AP) An ongoing fight between residents and animal rights activists over whether to cull pigeons in a small German town has led to an uproar even though a majority of the residents voted in favor of culling the birds in a referendum earlier this month. On Thursday, officials in the central German town of Limburg were still considering whether to proceed with the referendum results. There is no timetable for implementation, town spokesman Johannes Laubach told The Associated Press. The resolution stipulates that there will be another comprehensive case-by-case review before implementation. For years, the issue of the town's pigeons has frustrated many of the residents and business owners. The legal fight was prompted by complaints over the birds dropping from residents, restaurateurs and market vendors around Limburgs Neumarkt central square. A recent count of the pigeons showed that there were around 700 birds living in the town, German news agency dpa reported. Last November, the town's council decided that a falconer should be commissioned to decimate Limburg's pigeon population, likely killing them by breaking their necks. The decision was met with fierce protests from animal rights activists and a petition for signatures, after which a referendum was initiated, dpa said. After this month's referendum, Limburgs mayor Marius Hahn said the citizens had decided that the pigeon population should be reduced over the next two years by a falconer who stuns and kills animals," the report added. However, animal rights groups also expressed shock about the outcome of the June 9 referendum, calling it a death sentence and threatening legal action. On Thursday, spokesman Laubach told the AP that a final review of the implementation of the referendum was still pending. In a 2011 decision, an administrative court in Kassel, in the state of Hesse, where Limburg is located, had linked the killing of pigeons to various conditions, such as the size of the population, health risks or damage to buildings. This means that we have to check carefully whether we are fulfilling the requirements of the administrative court in Kassel, Laubach said. The question here is whether the pigeons are causing damage to buildings, whether they are causing health hazards or whether the population is so large that action can be taken. Town representatives, the mayor and and administrative officials have had their share of grief as well, being on the receiving end of insults and threatening emails, letters and phone calls by pigeon welfare activists for a long time, Laubach said. International cash deposit platform Flagstone International and financial services group GSB have established a strategic alliance. Clients will have access to Flagstone's modern deposit platform services due to the cooperation, highlighting the importance of creative solutions for wealth management customers. Flagstone International, a Jersey-based company, is transforming the way people and companies manage their cash assets by making it easier to identify the most affordable savings options. Customers may simply explore, contrast, and choose from a variety of deposit options from different banks in one location with the web-based platform that links depositors with authorised deposit-taking institutions. Flagstone International was founded with the intention of giving people, companies, and trusts access to competitive market rates, a wide range of deposit options, and simplified account management. The company was driven by the inefficiencies of conventional banking. Since its founding in April 2021 by Ross and Alison Whatnall, GSB has offered a variety of wealth management services to a wide range of clients looking for superior investment, wealth, and financial planning that is grounded in moral principles. Moreover, GSB has received Certified B Corporation (B Corp) certification, joining a global community of enterprises committed to high social and environmental performance standards. Dean Kemble, chief commercial officer at GSB, said: We are thrilled about this partnership with Flagstone International. Their cutting-edge platform will allow us to provide our clients with unparalleled opportunities to optimise their cash management and achieve their financial goals. The difference between the highest and lowest paying deposit rates is significant. Our relationship will provide access for clients to a platform of deposit taking institutions to maximise their cash assets. Andrew Thatcher, chief executive officer at Flagstone International said: We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with GSB and their customers. This strategic partnership exemplifies our commitment to working with the highest quality financial services companies across the globe. The Flagstone International platform will allow GSBs clients to effortlessly instruct the placement of deposits across multiple products, from a variety of investment grade banks, in several jurisdictions around the world. It provides flexibility and convenience whilst also optimising interest income and effectively diversifying clients cash assets. Story continues "GSB forms strategic agreement with Flagstone International" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. An International Drive hotel has a new owner and is in line for a facelift. The 246-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Icon Park at 8250 Jamaican Court sold June 11 for $37.7 million, according to a deed posted to Orange County public record a nearly 70% increase from when it sold for $22.2 million in 2015. LEO 8250 Orlando Hotel LLC, an entity related to Hackensack, New Jersey-based Leo Capital Group Management, bought the property from HIT Portfolio I Owner LLC, an entity related to Fairfax, Virginia-based Hospitality Investors Trust. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Many investors define successful investing as beating the market average over the long term. But in any portfolio, there are likely to be some stocks that fall short of that benchmark. Unfortunately, that's been the case for longer term DTE Energy Company (NYSE:DTE) shareholders, since the share price is down 15% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return of around 21%. Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. See our latest analysis for DTE Energy There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. Although the share price is down over three years, DTE Energy actually managed to grow EPS by 4.7% per year in that time. This is quite a puzzle, and suggests there might be something temporarily buoying the share price. Or else the company was over-hyped in the past, and so its growth has disappointed. It looks to us like the market was probably too optimistic around growth three years ago. Looking to other metrics might better explain the share price change. The company has kept revenue pretty healthy over the last three years, so we doubt that explains the falling share price. We're not entirely sure why the share price is dropped, but it does seem likely investors have become less optimistic about the business. You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). DTE Energy is well known by investors, and plenty of clever analysts have tried to predict the future profit levels. So we recommend checking out this free report showing consensus forecasts What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of DTE Energy, it has a TSR of 9.7% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective DTE Energy shareholders are up 0.9% for the year (even including dividends). Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. It's probably a good sign that the company has an even better long term track record, having provided shareholders with an annual TSR of 4% over five years. Maybe the share price is just taking a breather while the business executes on its growth strategy. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for DTE Energy (of which 1 is potentially serious!) you should know about. Story continues Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com SINGAPORE, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Babilou Family Singapore, a leading early childhood education provider, has unveiled two new KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse centres in the eastern part of Singapore. The premium preschool centres are nestled in the heart of East Coast and Mountbatten and offer children aged two months to 6 years a truly unique and immersive preschool experience. Combining innovative education and sustainable practices, these centres are a haven for young minds, fostering a love for learning and the environment amid nature's embrace. KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse @ Mountbatten, one of the new centres in the east by Babilou Family Singapore A Nature Wonder for Winning Minds The new KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse centres are enveloped by nature, and each occupies an average floor area of 2,800 square metres, providing vast open spaces for children to explore, discover, and thrive. The centres were designed in response to the growing demand from parents for preschools that go beyond education they yearn for expansive, open areas where their children can engage in active play and connect with the natural world. This focus on outdoor learning is a proactive measure against the increasing prevalence of myopia in young children, as exposure to greenery and time away from screens offer many benefits for a child's holistic development. Both centres are housed in heritage sites and feature expansive space layouts, allowing KiddiWinkie to introduce its specialised integrated outdoor learning spaces or learn-and-play nodes, such as a Sensory Trail, Nature Harvest, and an outdoor playground and splash park area. These nodes serve as dynamic classrooms, allowing educators to blend lessons seamlessly with the wonders of nature and foster a lifelong appreciation for learning and the environment in each child. A look at the Sensory Trail, leading to the Water Gallery and Discovery Sandbox that make up the outdoor play and learning space Sustainable Education - Planting Seeds for a Greener Future At the heart of KiddiWinkie's approach lies its trademarked Sustainable Education curriculum. This unique curriculum is designed to nurture children to flourish and become conscientious individuals poised to make meaningful contributions to the world. The preschool's inquiry-based learning approach combines purposeful play and school readiness. The curriculum also emphasises English and Chinese, aiming to cultivate bilingual proficiency in children as part of preparation for the rigours of primary school. The centres offer comprehensive programmes tailored to various age groups: Infant Care (2 to 17 months): A nurturing environment featuring the Sensory Oasis multi-sensory room, a first in Singapore, that promotes relaxation and stimulation in infants as they explore their surroundings using all five senses. Early Years (18 months to 3 years): An age-appropriate programme that fosters developmental milestones through structured play and interactive learning experiences. Preschool Years (4 to 6 years): Preparing children for primary school with a focus on inquiry-based learning, creative expression, and bilingual education. Enrichment classes like FIITercise, Artsy Fingers, Cook & Bake, Playtinkers, and the screen-free coding programme Tech Crafters complete the holistic learning experience. Expanding Accessibility and Meeting Community Needs Located at East Coast and Mountbatten, the new centres cater to the demand for premium preschools in the area, as identified by Babilou through its market research. By bringing premium early childhood education solutions to the East, KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse aims to support the community and create a learning environment for children to flourish. "The beautiful new school in East Coast has amazing facilities with a huge outdoor area, a sandpit and playground, a reading corner, and more," said Margaryta Badegruber, a delighted parent whose child attends KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse @ East Coast. "We chose this school for the extensive outdoor time and great curriculum it offers. Our daughter finished her first week here and enjoys everything about the school! She looks forward to going (to school) every morning this makes us very happy as parents." Discover the wonders of learning at KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse. Interested parents are invited to Book A Tour and visit the centre's websites for more information: Press materials for both KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse centres are available at the following links: About KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse and Babilou Family Singapore KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse is a premium preschool brand under Babilou Family Singapore, a subsidiary of Babilou Family Group. Babilou Family Group is a France-incorporated early childhood organisation with a network of over 1,000 nurseries and a presence in 10 countries worldwide. Babilou Family Singapore has grown to 62 education and learning centres islandwide, including Little Footprints Preschool and student care brand Learning Leap. KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse is known for inspiring children to become champions, not just in their minds but winners in their hearts. Central to this philosophy is the belief that a positive mindset and a winning attitude can take every child to the horizons of success. We celebrate the milestones and achievements of children as they develop and grow throughout their learning journey with us. For more information, visit https://babilou-family.sg/. (PRNewsfoto/Babilou Family Singapore) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/kiddiwinkie-schoolhouse-opens-two-new-centres-in-the-east-bringing-nature-inspired-learning-to-young-minds-302176497.html SOURCE Babilou Family Singapore Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad (KLSE:MATRIX) has announced that it will pay a dividend of MYR0.025 per share on the 11th of July. Based on this payment, the dividend yield on the company's stock will be 5.5%, which is an attractive boost to shareholder returns. See our latest analysis for Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad's Payment Has Solid Earnings Coverage If the payments aren't sustainable, a high yield for a few years won't matter that much. The last dividend was quite easily covered by Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad's earnings. This indicates that quite a large proportion of earnings is being invested back into the business. Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 11.9% over the next year. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, we think the payout ratio could be 46% by next year, which is in a pretty sustainable range. Dividend Volatility Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. Since 2014, the annual payment back then was MYR0.0853, compared to the most recent full-year payment of MYR0.10. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 1.6% over that duration. The dividend has seen some fluctuations in the past, so even though the dividend was raised this year, we should remember that it has been cut in the past. The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited Growing earnings per share could be a mitigating factor when considering the past fluctuations in the dividend. However, Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad's EPS was effectively flat over the past five years, which could stop the company from paying more every year. Growth of 0.4% may indicate that the company has limited investment opportunity so it is returning its earnings to shareholders instead. This isn't necessarily bad, but we wouldn't expect rapid dividend growth in the future. In Summary In summary, we are pleased with the dividend remaining consistent, and we think there is a good chance of this continuing in the future. While the payout ratios are a good sign, we are less enthusiastic about the company's dividend record. Taking all of this into consideration, the dividend looks viable moving forward, but investors should be mindful that the company has pushed the boundaries of sustainability in the past and may do so again. Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks. Story continues 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. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Multinational construction company Multiplex Constructions has secured the main works contract for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The A$330m ($220.07m) hospital will offer a range of expanded and contemporary health services to patients in the region. Its planning and design involved extensive collaboration with clinicians, staff and the local community to ensure the hospital would meet the areas needs. The project is expected to create more than 600 direct jobs in its construction phase, as well as numerous indirect jobs over its entire lifespan. Preparatory activities on the site will include installing site sheds, establishing temporary facilities, implementing erosion and sediment control measures, and building an access road. The hospital will feature an emergency department with more capacity than the combined services of Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals. It will also have an eight-bed intensive care unit (ICU) and close observation unit (COU), which will be the first ICU service in the region. Patients will have increased access to chemotherapy and renal dialysis, as well as access to surgical and day-stay surgical units. The hospital will also have expanded medical imaging services, including a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service. Other facilities being offered will include ambulatory care, paediatric and maternity services with a special care nursery, and mental health beds for short-term admissions. In addition to its clinical services, the hospital will focus on education and training, offering facilities such as a simulation laboratory. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said: The NSW Government is delivering A$70m in additional funding towards the brand-new, purpose-built, A$330m Level Four hospital to support the needs of the entire Eurobodalla Shire community from Narooma to Batemans Bay. The new hospital will serve the South Coast region for generations to come, providing more health services than are currently available at both the Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined. "Multiplex Constructions given contract for hospital in New South Wales, Australia" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, 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. (Bloomberg) -- Elon Musk attempted to repair his often strained relationship with the advertising industry with an appearance at the Cannes Lions conference on Wednesday in France. Most Read from Bloomberg The worlds richest man was interviewed on stage by Mark Read, the chief executive officer of one of the largest advertising agencies, who began by addressing Musks outburst against the industry last year. Back in November, you had a message for us, you told us to go f ourselves, WPP Plc CEO Read said at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, a week-long event in the south of France that gathers the industrys most influential executives. What did you mean by that? Musk told Read that he was referring to a subset of advertisers who were trying to limit free speech, and that the company had made progress on becoming a safer place for brands. The outburst reflected whats been a challenging first few years for Musk in charge of the social network, which relies on ads for the bulk of its revenue. At the time, some major advertisers had abandoned the app over concerns about the type of content allowed on the platform, and Musk had said he was worried it would doom the company. Advertisers have a right to appear next to content that they think is compatible with their brands, Musk said at the event in Cannes, adding that third party review gave the platform high marks on brand safety. Still, X will always chose the option of making less money over limiting free speech, he said. The billionaire has loosened some of the apps content restrictions and welcomed back many banned accounts, which has made some marketers uneasy. Musks own behavior, too, has been an issue. Hes used the platform to spread conspiracy theories and amplify extremist views to his more than 187 million followers. I do shoot myself in the foot from time to time, Musk said. If youre constantly going through a filter, now you arent being real. Its better to be real. It was a return to Cannes for the company, which had skipped last years event. Musks fraught relationship with the industry began soon after his chaotic takeover of X led some advertising agencies, including WPP, to advise clients to pause or consider suspending their ads on the site. Story continues In November, X accused accused Media Matters for America in a lawsuit of maliciously trying to drive away advertisers from the social media platform by reporting that ads for Apple Inc., International Business Machines Corp. and Oracle Corp. were running next to pro-Nazi content. X no longer publicly reports revenue or profits, but was on pace for about $2.5 billion in total advertising revenue in 2023 before Musks on-stage comments, Bloomberg previously reported. That would have reflected a drop of roughly 45% since 2021, the last full year before Musks arrival. Musk and Xs CEO Linda Yaccarino have tried to boost the social platforms advertising business through new video partnerships, which would theoretically give marketers more high-quality places to buy ads within X. But Musk has also tried to diversify the companys business away from advertising, and most notably started selling a revamped subscription service shortly after he took over and announced plans to make X an everything app with payments services. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Swedish authorities say Russia is behind harmful interference deliberately targeting the Nordic countrys satellite networks that it first noted days after joining NATO earlier this year. Most Read from Bloomberg The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority asked the radio regulations board of the Geneva-based International Telecommunications Union to address the Russian disruptions at a meeting that starts Monday, according to a June 4 letter to the United Nations agency that has not been previously reported. The PTS, as the Swedish agency is called, complained to Russia about the interference on March 21, the letter said. That was two weeks after the country joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, cementing the military alliances position in the Baltic Sea. Russia has increasingly sought to disrupt European communication systems since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as it tests the preparedness of the European Union and NATO. European satellite companies have been targeted by Russian radio frequency interference for months, leading to interrupted broadcasts and, in at least two instances, violent programming replacing content on a childrens channel. Swedish authorities said interference from Russia and Crimea has targeted three different Sirius satellite networks situated at the orbital position of 5-degrees east. That location is one of the major satellite positions serving Nordic countries and eastern Europe. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he was unaware of the issue. A spokesperson for Swedens PTS declined to comment beyond the contents of the letter. These disruptions are, of course, serious and can be seen as part of wider Russian hybrid actions aimed at Sweden and others, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement to Bloomberg. We are working together with other countries to find a response to this action. Kristersson added that the disruption affected TV broadcasts in Ukraine that relied on the targeted satellite, which is owned by a Swedish company, which he didnt identify. France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have filed similar complaints to the ITU, which coordinates the global sharing of radio frequencies and satellite orbits. The countries are all seeking to discuss the interference at the Radio Regulations Board meeting next week. Story continues The issue is the latest problem in the Baltics and Nordic regions attributed to Moscow. Sweden was the victim of a wave of cyberattacks earlier this year suspected of emanating from Russia. In April, Estonia and Finland accused Moscow of jamming GPS signals, disrupting flights and maritime traffic as it tested the resilience of NATO members technology infrastructure. Brussels raised the issue at an ITU Council meeting earlier this month. We express our concern, as several ITU member states have recently suffered harmful interferences affecting satellite signals, including GPS, the EU said in a statement on June 10. Starlink Block The Radio Regulations Board is also set to discuss the ongoing dispute between Washington and Tehran over whether Elon Musks Starlink satellite network should be allowed to operate in Iran. Iran has sought to block Starlink, arguing that the network violates the UN agencys rules prohibiting use of telecommunications services not authorized by national governments. The board ruled in favor of Iran in March. --With assistance from Jonas Ekblom, Greg Sullivan and Alessandro Speciale. (Adds comment from Swedish prime minister in seventh paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Paramount's (PARA) future looks as uncertain as the ending to a blood and guts horror movie. "I will say Paramount as a company is quite impaired at this point," Candle Media co-founder Kevin Mayer told Yahoo Finance at the Cannes Lions Festival this week. Mayer is credited with leading the launch of Disney+ and is serving as a close adviser to Disney (DIS) CEO Bob Iger on succession planning. He was also briefly the CEO of TikTok after leaving the Mickey Mouse company. "Maybe it will resurrect, but it has a broken deal process and a business that is not doing all that well," added Mayer. Resurrection is looking tough for Paramount. Last week, Shari Redstone's National Amusements, the controlling shareholder of Paramount, scuttled a deal with David Ellison's Skydance. The last-minute move surprised those involved in the talks and shareholders. President and CEO Paramount Media Networks Chris McCarthy, president and CEO CH. Content Officer George Cheeks, non-executive chairwoman of Paramount Global Shari Redstone, and president and CEO of Paramount Pictures Brian Robbins attend the New York Premiere of "IF" at the SVA Theater on May 13, 2024, in New York, New York. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures) (Slaven Vlasic via Getty Images) The reported reasons for the change of heart vary. They range from Redstone being unable to sell her father Sumner Redstone's legacy to Ellison's billionaire father, Oracle (ORCL) founder Larry Ellison, swinging his sharp elbows around in the final days of negotiations. Redstone was also reportedly concerned about litigation risk stemming from the tie-up with Skydance. "David Ellison and Skydance are great guys, really smart guys. I am very surprised that Shari at the end didn't decide to take that option," Mayer said. "I think she'll hopefully figure out what to do here. But as of right now, it's a big strange problem." This comes as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and a joint effort from Apollo Global Management (APO) and Sony (SONY), were also brushed off. (Disclosure: Yahoo Finance is owned by Apollo Global Management.) The company now reenters tumultuous waters after ousting former CEO Bob Bakish in late April. It's currently being led by an office of the CEO, comprising of Brian Robbins, Chris McCarthy, and George Cheeks. The trio is widely expected to begin a fresh round of layoffs to shore up Paramount's finances. At the company's June 4 annual meeting, Cheeks outlined the potential to slash $500 million in costs on top of the extensive cuts made since the close of the Viacom-CBS merger in 2019. Paramount could also look to strike a streaming joint venture with Comcast (CMCSA) to bolster profitability and engage in a sale process for networks BET, MTV, and/or VH1, speculates JPMorgan analyst Christian Crosby. The company posted adjusted operating losses in its direct-to-consumer ($286 million) and film ($3 million) divisions in the first quarter. Profits increased 11% in the TV business on the back of strong ad spending for the Super Bowl. Story continues The stock has lost 80% of its value in the past five years, according to Yahoo Finance data. Its market cap of $6.9 billion is lightyears away from Netflix's (NFLX) $292 billion. "While we continue to believe Paramount retains an attractive collection of assets, secular and cyclical headwinds should remain challenging to fundamentals near term," Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich said in a client note. Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor. He is also the host of the "Opening Bid" podcast. Follow Sozzi on Twitter/X @BrianSozzi and on LinkedIn. Tips on deals, mergers, activist situations, or anything else? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. Are you a CEO and want to come on Yahoo Finance Live? Email Brian Sozzi. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? In a perfect world, we'd like to see a company investing more capital into its business and ideally the returns earned from that capital are also increasing. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. Although, when we looked at Genting Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:GENM), it didn't seem to tick all of these boxes. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Genting Malaysia Berhad is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.058 = RM1.5b (RM30b - RM3.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2024). Thus, Genting Malaysia Berhad has an ROCE of 5.8%. On its own, that's a low figure but it's around the 5.1% average generated by the Hospitality industry. See our latest analysis for Genting Malaysia Berhad roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Genting Malaysia Berhad compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for Genting Malaysia Berhad . What The Trend Of ROCE Can Tell Us Over the past five years, Genting Malaysia Berhad's ROCE and capital employed have both remained mostly flat. Businesses with these traits tend to be mature and steady operations because they're past the growth phase. With that in mind, unless investment picks up again in the future, we wouldn't expect Genting Malaysia Berhad to be a multi-bagger going forward. That being the case, it makes sense that Genting Malaysia Berhad has been paying out 86% of its earnings to its shareholders. If the company is in fact lacking growth opportunities, that's one of the viable alternatives for the money. What We Can Learn From Genting Malaysia Berhad's ROCE In summary, Genting Malaysia Berhad isn't compounding its earnings but is generating stable returns on the same amount of capital employed. And with the stock having returned a mere 4.2% in the last five years to shareholders, you could argue that they're aware of these lackluster trends. So if you're looking for a multi-bagger, the underlying trends indicate you may have better chances elsewhere. Story continues On a final note, we've found 3 warning signs for Genting Malaysia Berhad that we think you should be aware of. For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity. 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. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) Slovakias parliament voted on Thursday to approve a government plan to overhaul the countrys public broadcasting services, a move that critics say would result in the government taking full control of the media. The coalition government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed on the measure on April 24. Fico, who is recovering at home from multiple wounds he suffered in an assassination attempt on May 15, said that the changes are needed, because the services are politically biased and in conflict with the Slovak government. Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital, Bratislava, in protest rallies organized by the major opposition Progressive Slovakia party and others against the plan, which has been widely criticized by local journalists, the opposition, international media organizations and the European Union. Former President Zuzana Caputova, whose term in office expired on Saturday, was also among fierce critics. Her successor, Petr Pellegrini, is Ficos close ally. In the 150-seat parliament known as the National Council, 78 coalition lawmakers voted in favor of the changes. Opposition lawmakers didn't participate in the vote in protest. Employees of Slovakias public radio and television broadcaster staged a protest in front of the parliament building on Thursday. The approved changes mean the public broadcaster known as RTVS will cease to exist and be replaced by a new organization. The takeover plan was drafted by Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, who represents the Slovak National Party, an ultranationalist member of the coalition government. She has worked for an internet television outlet known for spreading disinformation. Simkovicova said that the current broadcaster gives space only to mainstream views, and censors the rest. The broadcaster has denied the claim. Under her plan, the new broadcaster Slovak television and radio, or STVR will have a director selected by a council whose nine members will be nominated by the Culture Ministry and parliament. The current director-general, Lubos Machaj, has a parliamentary mandate until 2027. Opposition lawmaker Zora Jaurova said during the parliamentary debate that the changes were unnecessary, and the governments only goal was to get rid of the current director-general and management and take it over. Critics worry that Slovakia, under Fico, will abandon the countrys pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Four Chinese vessels surrounded a Philippine navy boat as coastguard crew boarded during a tense stand-off in the disputed South China Sea on Monday, photos released by Chinese state media show. The rigid-hulled inflatable boat was on a supply mission to a grounded Philippine warship on the Second Thomas Shoal, which is part of the Spratly Islands claimed by both Beijing and Manila. It was the first "boarding inspection" carried out since China introduced new law enforcement procedures for its coastguard on Saturday. The amended guideline allows the coastguard to inspect cargoes during ship checks in "Chinese territory". 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. Photos released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday showed the Philippine supply boat surrounded by Chinese vessels, including a small coastguard ship, with several crew boarding the boat. Manila has a handful of troops stationed on the World War II-era navy ship it deliberately grounded in 1999 to stake its claim to the Second Thomas Shoal, called Renai Jiao by China and Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines. Beijing says supply missions to the outpost for food and basic living items are allowed, but it draws the line at using "this as an excuse for delivering construction materials in an attempt to permanently occupy Renai Jiao". Chinese coastguard members are seen on the deck of the surrounded Philippine resupply boat on Monday. The Chinese characters read, clockwise from left: "Philippine hard shell inflatable boat", "coastguard 21551 small boat", "our small boats", "our small fishing boat". Photo: CCTV alt=Chinese coastguard members are seen on the deck of the surrounded Philippine resupply boat on Monday. The Chinese characters read, clockwise from left: "Philippine hard shell inflatable boat", "coastguard 21551 small boat", "our small boats", "our small fishing boat". Photo: CCTV> The Philippine military accused the Chinese side of "intentional high-speed ramming" in the incident early on Monday. Chinese coastguard forces towed and then abandoned two of Manila's rubber boats while also confiscating firearms from them, media reports said. Eight Filipino sailors were injured in the face-off, including one who lost a thumb, according to Associated Press. Story continues The Chinese coastguard earlier said that measures were taken against Philippine vessels, including warnings and interceptions, boarding inspections and forced evictions, as they had "illegally entered" the waters and "dangerously approached" a Chinese ship. The responsibility for the "slight collision" lay "entirely with the Philippine side" it said. Beijing and Manila also traded blame over the skirmish, the latest in a string of confrontations over the past year in the busy, resource-rich waterway. The Philippine foreign ministry called the Chinese actions "illegal and reckless". "[Manila] has been exerting efforts to rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China on the South China Sea," the ministry said on Wednesday. "This cannot be achieved if China's words do not match their actions on the waters." Beijing rejected the charge, saying no direct measures were taken against Philippine personnel. "Law enforcement measures taken by the Chinese coastguard on the spot were professional and restrained, aimed at stopping the illegal replenishment by Philippine vessels, and no direct measures were taken against Philippine personnel," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Li Jian said. Blaming the incident on the Philippines, Lin said Manila had been trying to send construction materials and even weapons and ammunition to the troops stationed on the shoal as part of plans to occupy the disputed reef in the long term. Confrontations in the South China Sea over the past year have included alleged ramming, and the use of water cannons and sometimes military-grade lasers against Philippine ships. The frequent clashes have heightened fears of a hot conflict in the strategic waterway, especially as the Philippines leans closer to its treaty ally, the United States. Washington on Monday said it stood with its long-time defence ally, and condemned Beijing's "escalatory and irresponsible actions" in the South China Sea. The US also reiterated that armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, aircraft, and coastguard would invoke their mutual defence treaty. 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. If youre short on funds to cover personal or business expenses and dont want to drain your emergency funds, you might consider withdrawing what you need from your 401(k). Unfortunately, if youre under age 59.5, pulling money out of your 401(k) can result in negative consequences, including taxes and penalties. Try This: The Cheapest Places to Retire Across the US That Look Expensive Be Aware: 7 Reasons You Should Consider a Financial Advisor Even If Youre Not Wealthy Before you decide to tap your 401(k), here are some things to consider from three people who did it and regret it. Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them. Why I Tapped My 401(k) Early Heres what three different people said when asked why they tapped their 401(k) early: He Needed To Cover Business Expenses ASAP Payam Mark Shayani, founder and managing attorney for the Pacific Attorney Group said that he tapped his 401(k) early because he needed immediate funds to pay for expenses he hadnt anticipated that were related to his business. I thought the best way to get the money needed to keep the firm running was to access my 401(k), he said. His Failing Business Was Unable To Provide a Stable Salary Franco Nidea, finance content creator at Growing Tendies said he chose to tap his 401(k) early because he was running a failing business that was not about to provide him with a stable salary. I was forced to tap my 401(k) and Rollover IRAs from a previous job to pay my living expenses, he said. [I] felt like a failure, but it was the only option at the time. His Beginning Business Needed Additional Capital Ariful Islam, CEO and finance expert for Sterlinx Global, said, Sterlinx Global was launched at a time when I had to fall back on my 401(k) investment. The beginning stages of starting such a venture as this demands a lot of capital and even though there were other sources of financing that we could have explored, I ended up needing more resources for the success of the company, he said. Consequently, I considered my 401(k) as one approach to eliminating this financial gap. Trending Now: Im Planning My Retirement: 5 Expenses I Wish I Had Cut Sooner What I Wish I Wouldve Known Before Tapping My 401(k) Heres what each professional said they regret not knowing before withdrawing funds from their 401(k): Loss of Future Matching Contributions My retirement savings were reduced when I took money out of my 401(k) and I lost out on future business matching contributions, Shayani said. Penalty and Income Taxes Since I was under 59.5 years old, I knew that I had to pay a 10% penalty and then pay income taxes on the funds I was receiving, Nidea said. But I wish Id known how devastating the long-term financial impact would be. Story continues Lack of Growth Islam said that the money that was taken from his 401(k) could have continued earning compound interest had he left it alone. This is a huge opportunity cost in terms of foregone potential growth, he said. It was not only my immediate financial situation that was affected but it also led to long-term results regarding what I had set aside for my retirement. You need to comprehend how this choice will affect your finances in the future when you retire. My Advice To Others Heres advice from each professional if youre considering withdrawing funds from your 401(k) early. Understand the Long-Term Consequences Not only does an early withdrawal lower your current balance, but you also lose the chance to receive future employer matching contributions, which can drastically reduce your retirement savings over time, Shayani said. Explore All Alternatives Shayani also said you should seek alternative financial options that dont risk your retirement savings. Small business loans, personal savings or immediate cost reductions might provide the liquidity you need while maintaining the long-term benefits, he said. Nidea also said his advice would be to explore every other option first. I wish I had been more proactive in seeking help and exploring other avenues before resorting to my retirement funds, he said. Its a decision that should be a last resort. And if you do tap it, make a concrete plan to rebuild your savings as quickly as possible. Your future self will thank you. Islam agreed when he said, Explore other ways of raising funds before opting for a 401(k) withdrawal. Personal loans, business loans or alternative investment means could be looked into with lesser future consequences. Understand the Full Financial Implications Have an understanding of tax implications and penalties involved with early withdrawals from 401(k), Islam said. Talk to a financial adviser who can give you advice on how your current financial situation might change as a result of this decision. Tapping into your 401(k) early can be a lifeline in dire situations, but its crucial to weigh the immediate relief against the long-term cost to your retirement security, he said. Making an informed decision about your 401(k) can prevent future financial hardship and ensure you remain on track for a secure retirement. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Tapped My 401(k) Early Heres What I Wish I Knew First Chinese foundries, such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) and Hua Hong Semiconductor Group, are ramping up capacity amid fears of more US tech sanctions, according to an industry report. While the country's chip makers lag behind players such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics in chip-processing technology, they are "actively" increasing investment in new capacity to accommodate the demand for legacy chips used in applications such as cars and consumer electronics. The total capacity of China-based foundries will grow 15 per cent to 8.9 million wafers per month this year, and 14 per cent to 10.1 million next year, exceeding the average global growth of 6 per cent and 7 per cent for the same period, according to a report from SEMI, a US-based industry association. 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. As a result, China is expected to account for about 30 per cent of the world's total wafer capacity next year, SEMI said. A wafer fab clean room at a Hua Hung Semiconductor facility. Photo: Handout alt=A wafer fab clean room at a Hua Hung Semiconductor facility. Photo: Handout> "Despite potential risks, China is actively increasing investment to ramp up foundry capacity, partly due to its efforts to alleviate the impact from [US] export controls," the association said in the report. Chinese chip makers including Nexchip, SiEn (Qing Dao) Integrated Circuits Co, and memory chip maker ChangXin Memory Technologies, are all expanding. The investment pace has already triggered overcapacity concerns, with Washington firing the first salvo. The Biden administration will apply tariffs to US$18 billion worth of Chinese imports, including a 50 per cent hike on semiconductor imports from China starting next year, to protect the local US chip industry. "Chinese manufacturers were stockpiling [chip-making] tools in 2023," Boris Metodiev, a senior semiconductor manufacturing analyst at TechInsights, said during a recent webinar. "Unprecedented demand in China meant that wafer fab equipment sales in China hit an all time high." Metodiev noted that sales of semiconductor wafer fab equipment in China last year surged 48 per cent against a worldwide growth rate of 1 per cent. "This means if you exclude China from the equation, all the other regions actually declined 15 per cent," he said. Story continues The expansion comes after China's semiconductor sales dropped for two years in a row amid a sluggish economic recovery after Beijing abruptly ended its draconian zero-Covid-19 policy in late 2022. Analysts have warned that China's ongoing expansion plans will lead to production overcapacity over the next two years, potentially undercutting prices if Chinese fabs start selling on the global market. In the past, China relied on imports for most of its chip needs, but amid a relentless self-sufficiency drive and increased US sanctions, the situation has changed. China imported 479.5 billion integrated circuits (ICs) in 2023, a 10.8 per cent year-on-year decrease, with an import value of US$349.4 billion, equal to a 15.4 per cent decline over the previous year, according to data from the Chinese Customs Administration. A worker inspects a silicon wafer at TankeBlue Semiconductor Co in Beijing, Jan. 24, 2024. Photo: Xinhua alt=A worker inspects a silicon wafer at TankeBlue Semiconductor Co in Beijing, Jan. 24, 2024. Photo: Xinhua> Chinese foundries like SMIC and Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp are already benefiting from the country's localisation drive. Industry reports indicate that local foundries have experienced a faster recovery in capacity utilisation - a measurement of fab production activity - compared to their global peers due to China's domestic substitution policies for ICs and other tech products. Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second largest foundry focused on mature and speciality technologies, has seen its capacity utilisation running at maximum levels and is expected to raise prices 10 per cent in the second half of the year, according to a note from US investment bank Morgan Stanley published last week. Some lines at Chinese foundries are already operating at full capacity due to high customer demand, according to a TrendForce research note published on Wednesday. It said the traditional peak inventory stocking season in the second half may extend the tight capacity situation until the end of the year, with the price adjustments reflecting efforts to alleviate profit pressure rather than a full recovery in demand. 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. (Bloomberg) -- TikTok and its China-based parent company ByteDance Ltd. argued that the US government could have enacted less restrictive alternatives to banning the app to address national security concerns. Most Read from Bloomberg In a court filing Thursday, the company said it had negotiated a 90-page national security agreement with the federal government to offer multi-layered safeguards and enforcement mechanisms, but Congress disregarded that groundwork when enacting the TikTok ban earlier this year. TikTok and the companys content creators brought legal challenges last month after President Joe Biden signed a provision into law that will ban the app if ByteDance doesnt divest it by Jan. 19. US lawmakers rushed to pass the ban following a number of classified briefings around security risks that China could access US user information and use TikTok to influence citizens. TikTok has said that there is no evidence to validate concerns that the app poses a national security threat. The Justice Department said in a statement Thursday that the legislation addresses critical national security concerns in a manner that is consistent with the First Amendment and other constitutional limitations. The department said it would defend the legislation in court. Alongside others in our intelligence community and in Congress, the Justice Department has consistently warned about the threat of autocratic nations that can weaponize technology such as the apps and software that run on our phones to use against us, the department said. This threat is compounded when those autocratic nations require companies under their control to turn over sensitive data to the government in secret. In its brief, TikTok said it spent more than a year negotiating an agreement with the US that would have made any risks to national security low. For example, if the government determined that the company violated the agreement, TikTok could face significant financial penalties and would be forced to shut down in the US. But the US government abruptly pulled out of those discussions and delivered a message in early 2023 that the social media platform would be forced to divest its US business, according to the company. Story continues TikToks attempts to address concerns by working with Oracle Corp. to protect user information didnt placate lawmakers. TikToks algorithm, source code and back-end support are still in China, according to Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, who supported a divestment. The company also laid out its reasons for bringing the lawsuit against Attorney General Merrick Garland. TikTok argued that the ban will infringe on free speech rights and hurt those who earn a living from creating content on the platform. The Act is unprecedented, TikTok said in the court filing. Never before has Congress expressly singled out and shut down a specific speech forum. Never before has Congress silenced so much speech in a single act. In the brief, TikTok said that it is not possible technologically, commercially or legally for ByteDance to divest the video-sharing platform. Even if the divestiture were feasible, TikTok in the United States would still be reduced to a shell of its former self, stripped of the innovative and expressive technology that tailors content to each user, the company said. Justice Department attorneys have until July 26 to respond to TikToks arguments. The DC Circuit panel earlier set an expedited schedule after TikTok asked that the case be decided by Dec. 6 so there would be enough time to request an emergency review by the Supreme Court if necessary. --With assistance from Chris Strohm. (Updates with DoJ comment starting in the fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Let's talk about the popular The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS). The company's shares saw significant share price movement during recent months on the NYSE, rising to highs of US$123 and falling to the lows of US$99.97. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether Walt Disney's current trading price of US$102 reflective of the actual value of the large-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at Walt Disneys outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. View our latest analysis for Walt Disney Is Walt Disney Still Cheap? According to our valuation model, Walt Disney seems to be fairly priced at around 6.91% above our intrinsic value, which means if you buy Walt Disney today, youd be paying a relatively reasonable price for it. And if you believe that the stock is really worth $94.94, then there isnt really any room for the share price grow beyond what its currently trading. Is there another opportunity to buy low in the future? Since Walt Disneys share price is quite volatile, we could potentially see it sink lower (or rise higher) in the future, giving us another chance to buy. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for how much the stock moves relative to the rest of the market. What does the future of Walt Disney look like? Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. Walt Disney's earnings over the next few years are expected to double, indicating a very optimistic future ahead. This should lead to stronger cash flows, feeding into a higher share value. What This Means For You Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has already priced in DISs positive outlook, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the track record of its management team. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at the stock? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuates below the true value? Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on DIS, now may not be the most optimal time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for the company, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. Story continues If you want to dive deeper into Walt Disney, you'd also look into what risks it is currently facing. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of Walt Disney. If you are no longer interested in Walt Disney, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com TotalEnergies and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are planning to invest $550m to develop a new gas processing facility in Rivers state, Nigeria, reported Reuters, citing sources. This investment by the French energy giant and state-owned NNPC aims to augment gas exports and bolster domestic supplies. The project will encompass the construction of both a gas processing plant and a pipeline, a person familiar with the development told the publication. Although TotalEnergies did not issue a statement, a representative from NNPC indicated that an official announcement is expected within the week. The planned facility, to be situated in the Ubeta onshore gas field co-owned by TotalEnergies and NNPC, is designed to feed gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant. NLNG is a consortium comprising NNPC, the UKs Shell, TotalEnergies and Italian oil and gas company Eni. Upon completion, the plant is expected to produce 350 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) of associated liquids. Nigeria, home to one of Africa's largest reserves of natural gas (exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet), has historically flared gas from its oilfields due to a lack of processing facilities and financial constraints. The investment is seen as a positive response to President Bola Tinubu's efforts to draw investment into Nigeria's energy sector. In May, TotalEnergies secured its inaugural supply agreement with the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria. Billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote has been actively sourcing crude for his refinery, projected to be the largest in Africa and Europe with the capacity to process 650,000bpd when operating at full capacity. The refinery, which commenced production in January, represents a $20bn investment. "TotalEnergies, NNPC to invest $550m to develop gas processing facility in Nigeria " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. UWM plans to sell its oldest, smallest residence hall to cut costs University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee plans to sell its oldest, smallest residence hall as a cost-saving measure. UWM is seeking proposals, due July 12, for the 17-unit Purin Hall, 2600 E. Kenwood Blvd. The university's request doesn't list a sale price. The university in 1963 bought the three-story apartment building, constructed in 1955, to convert to student housing. Along with one- and two-bedroom apartments, it includes a communal laundry room and an 11-stall underground parking garage. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is seeking purchase proposals for Purin Hall, a former residence hall at 2600 E. Kenwood Blvd. The request for proposals was posted in June 2024. The building's sale "is part of UWMs larger effort to reduce costs and divest itself of properties that are no longer serving UWMs best interests," according to a university statement. Purin Hall was closed after the spring 2023 semester. A feasibility study determined it wouldnt be cost-effective to do major renovations needed to continue operating it, the university said. UWM and other UW-System campuses have faced financial challenges due in part to nationwide declines in people enrolling in college. The university in March announced it will close its Waukesha campus at the end of the spring 2025 semester, eliminating an educational option that has been around since 1966. Also, UWM's former chancellor's home, 3435 N. Lake Drive, in March was listed for sale at $1,295,000. The university in 2021 sold its historic Alumni House, 3230 E. Kenwood Blvd., to Milwaukee business operator and philanthropist Andy Nunemaker for $1.8 million. Nunemaker converted it to a private residence its original purpose before being used by UWM as a dormitory and offices. Meanwhile, UWM in 2022 demolished the former Columbia Hospital, 3321 N. Maryland Ave., to save costs. UWM's residence halls include Sandburg Residence Halls, 3400 N. Maryland Ave. It has four towers and is the university's largest such facility. UWM also operates three housing facilities separate from its main campus: RiverView Residence Hall, 2340 N. Commerce St.; Cambridge Commons, 2323 N. Cambridge Ave., and Kenilworth Square Apartments, 1915 E. Kenilworth Place. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook. Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: UWM plans to sell Purin Hall after renovation not feasible Key Insights Chapel Down Group's significant retail investors ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public 50% of the business is held by the top 7 shareholders Insider ownership in Chapel Down Group is 17% A look at the shareholders of Chapel Down Group Plc (LON:CDGP) can tell us which group is most powerful. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are retail investors with 40% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Private companies, on the other hand, account for 27% of the company's stockholders. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Chapel Down Group. View our latest analysis for Chapel Down Group What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Chapel Down Group? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. We can see that Chapel Down Group does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Chapel Down Group's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Chapel Down Group is not owned by hedge funds. Ipgl (Holdings) Limited is currently the company's largest shareholder with 27% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 14% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 5.5% by the third-largest shareholder. On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 7 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There is a little analyst coverage of the stock, but not much. So there is room for it to gain more coverage. Insider Ownership Of Chapel Down Group The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Story continues I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions. Our information suggests that insiders maintain a significant holding in Chapel Down Group Plc. Insiders have a UK19m stake in this UK115m business. We would say this shows alignment with shareholders, but it is worth noting that the company is still quite small; some insiders may have founded the business. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 40% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Private Company Ownership It seems that Private Companies own 27%, of the Chapel Down Group stock. It's hard to draw any conclusions from this fact alone, so its worth looking into who owns those private companies. Sometimes insiders or other related parties have an interest in shares in a public company through a separate private company. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Chapel Down Group better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Chapel Down Group you should know about. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. 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. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Wikipedias editors declared that the Anti-Defamation League cannot be trusted to give reliable information on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and they overwhelmingly said the ADL is an unreliable source on antisemitism. Its a stunning rebuke to one of the worlds preeminent authorities on anti-Jewish hate and a significant advocate for the rights and causes of American Jews. The editors, a group of volunteer moderators for one of the worlds most popular information websites, voted last week to label the ADL as a generally unreliable source on the Israel-Palestine conflict. That means that the ADL should usually not be cited in Wikipedia articles on that topic except for extraordinary circumstances. Other generally unreliable sources, according to Wikipedia editors, include Russian state media, Fox News political coverage and Amazon reviews. The ADL also faces a vote from Wikipedia editors to potentially label the organization as unreliable on the topic of antisemitism. The editors overwhelmingly support that label but continue to debate the decision, which could ultimately deal a blow to the credibility of the leading source of research and information on antisemitism. JTA was first to report the vote. The Wikipedia editors said in an online forum that the ADLs dual role as an advocacy and research organization prevented it from providing unbiased accounts on Israel or antisemitism. The ADL is heavily biased regarding Israel/Palestine to the point of often acting as a pro-Israel lobbying organization, wrote an editor with the username Loki, who has edited more than 3,000 Wikipedia articles. This can and does compromise its ability to accurately report facts regarding people and organizations that disagree with it on this issue, especially non-Zionist or anti-Zionist Jews and Jewish organizations. A minority of editors disagreed, arguing the editors voting in favor failed to provide evidence that the ADL has made false claims because of its advocacy work. The ADL strongly rebuked the decision. It is deeply disturbing that the many editors who flagged the severe flaws and inaccuracies in both the reasoning and sources being used in this campaign to delegitimize ADL are being ignored, an ADL spokesman said in a statement. They have provided point by point refutations, grounded in factual citations, to every claim made, but apparently facts no longer matter. Calling the decision a sad development for research and education and devastating for the Jewish community and society, the ADL said it would continue its work to fight antisemitism. But the spokesman warned Wikipedias action would prevent information on antisemitism from reaching the public. Story continues ADL adapts to a changing world Prior to Hamas deadly attack on Israel on October 7, the ADL had been largely focused on educating about and advocating for action against the rise in antisemitism around the world. That alarming trend included (and continues to include) a growing number of threats and anti-Jewish actions taken by White supremacist groups, and ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt became a frequent guest on television news, such as CNN. After the events of October 7 and the ongoing war that followed, the ADL produced numerous reports about rising antisemitic hate speech and incidents, particularly on college campuses. It produced two report cards on universities actions to protect Jewish students, giving failing grades to more than a dozen colleges. But the ADL faced some criticism for doubling down on what some detractors believed was an overly broad definition of antisemitism that included anti-Zionism and some anti-Israel speech and actions. ADLs leadership has taken a much more aggressive stance than most academic researchers in blurring the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, said James Loeffler, professor of modern Jewish history at John Hopkins University. Its clear from reading the Wikipedia editors conversation that they are heavily influenced by the ADL leaderships comments. Greenblatt and the ADL made clear that political opposition to Israels government and policies were acceptable and not antisemitic. But those who denied Jews had the right to self-determination and freedom in their homeland were antisemitic, according to the ADL. Lets make this very clear: Anti-Zionism is antisemitism, Greenblatt said at an ADL State of Hate event in March. Antizionism is a negation of Jewish history, a denial of Jewish humanity. That didnt sit well with Wikipedias editors. For example, one editor, with the username Sameboat, claimed the ADL leaders advocacy demonstrates its skewed views and manipulative presentation on the IP (Israel-Palestine) topic and thus (is) highly unreliable. Balancing advocacy with trusted information The ADL has built an expertise in tracking antisemitic threats and hate groups and has done beneficial work in providing the world with information and data about antisemitism, particularly because so few organizations are doing that kind of research, noted Loeffler. And the fact that the ADL balances advocacy with research is not a new problem for the organization. But Wikipedias decision may reflect a changing landscape that the ADL needs to reckon with. The war in Gaza has deeply divided people of all backgrounds, including Jews. The war has added significant ambiguity and complications to the worlds view of the Israel-Palestine conflict. If Wikipedias editors are distancing themselves from the ADL, that could suggest media, academic and partnering advocacy organizations will think twice about how they approach ADL data in their own efforts to inform their audiences on antisemitism. The challenge to the ADL is to separate the advocacy from the data when it comes to the overall message, Loeffler said. I think this is going to be a difficult blow to the credibility to the ADL in its role on this issue. The staff there will continue to do rigorous work, but this will provide an opportunity for self-reflection. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Members of the Colorado Supreme Court explored on Tuesday the tension between LGBTQ customers' ability to be free from discrimination in the marketplace and business owners' competing right not to be forced to express messages that violate their conscience. During oral arguments, some justices noted the difficulty of disentangling customers' protected characteristics, like race or sexual orientation, from products and services that convey some broader meaning. "Public accommodations laws are designed to get us away from 'your kind isnt welcome here,'" said Justice William W. Hood III. "It feels to many like this just substitutes 'kind' with the word 'message.' You could imagine a sign that says, 'Your kind isnt welcome here,' cross out the word 'kind' and just put in 'message.'" In the case at hand, Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood declined to make a blue and pink cake for Autumn Scardina once she disclosed that the design reflected her transition from male to female. The store's owner, Jack Phillips, was the subject of a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision stemming from his similar refusal to provide a wedding cake to a same-sex couple. The nation's highest court sided with Phillips on narrow grounds, but in Scardina's subsequent litigation, a trial judge found Phillips discriminated against Scardina based on her transgender status in violation of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). Further, the state's Court of Appeals concluded the First Amendment did not protect Phillips' religious-based objection to creating the cake Scardina described. To the state Supreme Court, the parties disputed how broadly a ruling in Phillips' favor would sweep. Phillips' attorney, Jacob P. Warner, characterized the litigation as implicating the custom speech of "protected artists" and, as such, is "an exceedingly narrow case." Scardina's lawyer, on the other hand, warned any exception to CADA would be hard to contain. "A house painter could stand up and say, 'Every time I paint a house, I like to imagine the couple living in there and how happy they are and I just couldn't express that message for a same-sex couple or an interracial couple,'" argued John M. McHugh. When is a cake 'speech?' The arguments focused on a particular stage in the provision of Phillips' services: The making of the cake and the message allegedly conveyed if Phillips is aware the cake symbolizes a gender transition he personally disagrees with. Multiple members of the Supreme Court wondered where Phillips' rights end and those of his customers begin under various scenarios. Justice Melissa Hart asked about four hypothetical customers, each seeking a blue and pink cake but for different reasons. One customer, like Scardina, is ordering a gender transition cake. Another is pregnant and is expecting male and female twins. The third is mourning the loss of their male and female twins. The fourth orders the cake with no explanation. "All four of those cakes are just a pink cake with blue icing. Why isnt Jack Phillips making a choice, or Masterpiece Cakeshop making a choice, among customers?" she wondered. "Those four cakes could go to the wrong houses and it wouldn't matter. ... Its the same cake." Content that is identical on its face can express a different message, responded Warner, who is with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal group that represents Christians in cases seeking to elevate religious exercise through challenges to LGBTQ protections and abortion rights. "My body, my rights' might mean one thing to an abortion advocate. It means something totally different to an anti-vaxxer," he said. Featured Local Savings What if Scardina requested a plain white cake, pressed Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter, but disclosed she would use it to celebrate her transition? "That's a harder case," conceded Warner. "Here, the customer is acknowledging this cake expresses a message " "To her," interjected Berkenkotter, suggesting there would be no message attributable to the cake maker in that scenario. Direction from SCOTUS A central issue in the appeal is the U.S. Supreme Court's decision last year in 303 Creative v. Elenis, a case out of Colorado involving Christian website designer Lorie Smith who wanted to refuse to create websites for same-sex weddings without running afoul of CADA. The conservative-majority court sided with Smith, finding the custom wedding websites were "pure speech" protected by the First Amendment. The Alliance Defending Freedom also represented her and her graphic design company. The parties in Phillips' appeal disputed whether 303 Creative would control the outcome in his case. Scardina contended that unlike Smith's case, which relied heavily on an agreement between Colorado and Smith about the details of her conduct, the case against Phillips had resulted in factual findings by a trial judge that Phillips discriminated on the basis of Scardina's transgender status. Justice Richard L. Gabriel raised a concern the U.S. Supreme Court also referenced in 303 Creative: Must business owners always honor customers' requests for speech-based services they find offensive? "Someone comes in to a Jewish baker and says, 'I want you to make whatever cake and Im doing it for my neo-Nazi celebration,'" he said. "That's not speech in your view? It doesn't matter what they (customers) say as long as the cake doesn't have an expressive meaning?" "Neo-Nazi is not a protected status in Colorado," responded McHugh. But "does this mean that in some extreme instances, somebody who endorses bigoted religious views might be able to force somebody to make a cake for a bigot? Yes, because the law is generally applicable." Ultimately, Phillips advocated for the Supreme Court to recognize "message-based objections" in the marketplace. He argued nearly three dozen times in his written briefs that he was being "punished" for his religious views. "The objection," summarized Justice Carlos A. Samour Jr., "is to making the cake with the knowledge of what it's gonna be used for?" "More specifically," added Justice Monica M. Marquez, "that the design of the cake incorporates that message." Several outside entities also weighed in on both sides of the case prior to the arguments. In support of Phillips, multiple Republican state lawmakers asserted governments "often elevate" sexual orientation and gender identity above religious affiliation. Cyndol Haller, a baker in Florida, said she was drawn into a court battle in her state because she was reluctant to make a cake with an anti-LGBTQ slogan. Haller wrote that if the First Amendment protected her, it "must protect Jack Phillips." Supporting Scardina, the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce maintained the cake in question was not Phillips' custom speech and that the government frequently compels people to express messages they might disagree with such as requiring product disclosures and mandating reporting for child abuse. More than a dozen Democratic-led states pointed to a 2022 survey of 92,000 transgender participants, in which 9% indicated they had been denied equal treatment or service in the past year due to their gender identity. The parties also disputed whether Scardina properly brought her civil suit in the first place, in light of a settlement the state and Phillips reached in federal court that affected her original civil rights complaint. The case is Masterpiece Cakeshop, Inc. et al. v. Scardina. The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday it will review whether the longstanding provision in state law generally capping medical malpractice awards to plaintiffs also applies to the interest accrued from the time of the plaintiffs injury, without exception. At least three of the courts seven members must agree to hear a case on appeal. The justices also signaled they may intervene in an ongoing criminal prosecution in Boulder County after a judge barred large swaths of evidence from being used against a drunk driving suspect, ostensibly because the arresting officer activated his camera later than state law required him to. Two decades of interest Alexander Rudnicki suffered injuries during his 2005 birth that required ongoing therapy and special education. Years later, he sued his doctor, Peter Bianco, for medical malpractice. An El Paso County jury sided in Rudnickis favor in 2017, awarding him $4 million. Under state law, damages in such cases are generally capped at $1 million as part of a 1988 reform intended to curb the costs of medicine and ensure continued availability of health care. There is a safety valve, however, permitting trial judges to override the cap if there is good cause to believe the limitation is unfair. Initially, District Court Judge David A. Gilbert deducted $391,000 in damages and overrode the cap for the remaining amount. The Supreme Court later clarified Rudnicki was also entitled to the omitted $391,000. Gilbert reinstated the award and concluded Rudnicki was entitled to interest from the 2005 birth up to the time of his order in 2022. Gilbert added he still intended to override the cap and awarded an additional $1.3 million to Rudnicki. Bianco appealed, but a three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals agreed the 17 years of prefiling, prejudgment interest was not something that must be capped no matter what. Rather, it was also subject to the override. The legislature apparently recognized that the policy behind the (cap) should, under certain circumstances, yield to a plaintiffs right to be made whole, wrote Judge Jaclyn Casey Brown in November. Bianco again appealed, arguing to the Supreme Court that the Court of Appeals ignored a crucial word in the override language: the $1 million cap may be exceeded for damages only not for interest. Therefore, Rudnicki should have been awarded far less than Gilbert decided. The Supreme Court will review whether the cap override applies to the interest in Rudnickis case. The case is Bianco v. Rudnicki et al. When to activate ones camera? When international demonstrations erupted in May 2020 following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Colorado legislators enacted sweeping reforms to law enforcement, ranging from body-worn cameras and use of chokeholds to permitting civil suits against officers. Lawmakers also included a provision stating officers should activate their body-worn or dashboard cameras during any interaction with the public initiated by the peace officer for the purpose of investigating possible violations of the law. Officers who fail to do so run the risk of having their unrecorded observations excluded as evidence. Featured Local Savings After midnight in August 2023, Boulder County sheriffs Deputy Peter Markusen saw a car driving under the speed limit and allegedly swerving in its lane. Markusen, traveling behind the car, activated his radar to measure the speed and found the car was going 15 mph under the limit. He turned on his police lights, at which point his dash cam began to record. Markusen approached the driver, Victor Quiroz, and saw evidence of marijuana use and impairment. He arrested Quiroz on suspicion of driving under the influence. Quirozs lawyers then moved to exclude a substantial portion of the evidence against him. They reasoned: Markusen initiated an interaction when he began to follow Quiroz for the purpose of investigating possible violations of the law He did not activate his dash cam, meaning his unrecorded observations of the swerving should be excluded Because the only other detail captured before the start of the recording that Quiroz was driving under the speed limit did not establish reasonable suspicion of a crime, Markusen had no basis to pull over the car With no basis for a stop, the case must be dismissed After a hearing in April, County Court Judge Zachary Malkinson agreed with the defense after noting he had never encountered this scenario before. Malkinson acknowledged officers must be able to observe conduct in order to decide whether to investigate, and should not need to turn on their recording equipment during that window. In this instance, Markusens act of turning on his radar amounted to an investigation, for which he should have activated the camera. Without the unrecorded observations made by the deputy, all that the court is left with is Markusens observation the car was driving slow, Malkinson wrote, adding, the statutes at issue appear to be untested and there is no case law. The district attorneys office immediately appealed to the Supreme Court. It contended Malkinsons ruling was highly problematic, as the law does not require officers to turn on their cameras whenever they simply investigate. Instead, they also need an interaction which did not occur until Markusen activated his lights to pull Quiroz over. Senior Deputy District Attorney Ryan P. Day argued that under Malkinsons logic, a police officer who watches a man and woman argue in a car and calls in the license plate to dispatch would have her observations excluded as evidence, even if the man immediately shot and killed the woman, so long as the officer neglected to activate her camera upon making the call. These outcomes would do nothing to enhance law enforcements integrity during police-citizen interactions, Day argued. The Supreme Court directed Quiroz and Malkinson to respond to the prosecutions petition. The case is People v. Quiroz. A man was killed in an officer-involved shooting after a call was made that he was carrying a weapon in a fast-food parking lot on the north side of Pueblo. On Wednesday around 7:45 p.m., Pueblo Police Department found the man's vehicle at a Popeyes parking lot in the 1500 block of West U.S. 50, according to an announcement from the department. Pueblo police report that the man ignored their commands to show his hands. Police say he then began shooting at officers. The officers returned fire and struck the suspect. Aid was rendered, but the suspect was declared dead on scene. In an article from Gazette news partner 11 News, the suspect's girlfriend said the incident was a tragic misunderstanding, adding that the police surrounded him for no reason. She then went to the bathroom for two minutes to calm her nerves and heard gunshots. Featured Local Savings No officers were injured, and those involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave per standard protocol. The 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team led by Pueblo County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. The Pueblo County Coroner's Office will identify the suspect and release the cause and manner of death. A fair-weather Saturday at Lake Pueblo State Park quickly turned tragic after a swimmer went missing in the water and was found dead several hours later. With relatively calm waters, 40-year-old Juan Jimenez had been looking forward to enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. Coming to Colorado Springs only three months ago, Jimenezs trip out to Lake Pueblo State Park on Saturday was one of his first recreational adventures since moving. He took the trip with his brother-in-law, a few close friends, his wife and kids. Jimenezs older sister Maria Jimenez told The Gazette that the waters were not chaotic or dangerous when the group went out to swim that evening. According to her, Jimenez, along with his brother-in-law, had climbed a tree that was half in the water and half dry. At some point, Jimenez fell, landing on his stomach in the water. His family believes the wind was knocked out of Jimenez, making it easier for him to drift farther from shore. He was a good swimmer, Jimenezs niece Erika Jimenez said. Were not sure if something else might have gone on in the tree before he fell, or if he might have gotten stuck or anything else that happened when he hit the water. As soon as someone noticed Jimenez was not in sight, the group began looking for him. Nearby pedestrians jumped in on the search while someone called for emergency services. Jimenez disappeared about 8 p.m. After three hours of searching, his body was recovered by volunteer divers from the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office about 11 p.m. He was about 75 feet from the shore in water that was about 6 inches deep. According the Pueblo County coroner, his death was ruled as a swimming accident. Colorado Parks and Wildlifes unofficial numbers show that this was the 19th water-related death in Colorado this year. Featured Local Savings Jimenez only came to the United States three months ago in search of a better life for his children. He and his family were seeking asylum from Mexico and moved to Colorado Springs to start that new life. Jimenezs family says he was seeking a better education for his three children, ages 12, 9 and 6. He wanted his kids to learn another language and have access to additional future opportunities Back in Mexico, Jimenezs love for the outdoors and nature was apparent. His siblings said he was always a great swimmer and he frequently taught others how to swim. Jimenez was the youngest child in his family with four older siblings. According to his sister Maria, all of the older siblings essentially raised Jimenez, who described him as an ideal brother. My grandmother (Jimenezs mother) was the single mother for all five of them and they (siblings) raised him basically, so it was almost like losing a child of their own, Erika said. Jimenezs family members say they remember him by his deep love for his family along with his friendly and helpful nature. While waiting to be granted asylum, Jimenez found work through helping out his friends with their businesses when he could. With Jimenez and his family seeking asylum, a court date is set for next month, and the family is unsure of what the future holds. Jimenezs family is arranging to bring his body back to Mexico for the funeral. To aid in those costs, the family has set up a GoFundMe. Less than a week after Jimenezs death, the page has raised more than $2,000 for the family. He was a family man that left behind his wife and three young children after moving to Colorado just three months ago in search of a better academic future for his kids, Maria wrote on the page. Please help us with whatever you can, anything helps in these tough times. Could Colorado be the future home of one of the biggest independent film festivals in the world? Well, state officials sure hope so. Boulder is putting in a bid to host the Sundance Film Festival, the governor's office announced Thursday. The festivals organizers are considering leaving Park City, Utah its home for more than 40 years starting in 2027, the nonprofit Sundance Institute announced in April. Colorados announcement comes as the Sundance Institutes deadline for proposals is due Friday. The state hopes it can keep the festival in the Mountain West region for another 10 years. It also hopes winning the bid could add hundreds of jobs and attract thousands of out-of-state visitors to Boulder and boost tourism for the city during the winter. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and our deep commitment to the arts, we can help the Festival achieve even greater success while preserving what makes it special, Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement, building on Colorados iconic creative brand and our strong arts community. Colorado temporarily hosted the Sundance Institutes 2024 Directors Lab an immersion event for budding filmmakers to rehearse, shoot and edit scenes with actors at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park last month while the Sundance Resort in Utah was under construction. The key program has supported some of the industry's most acclaimed directors such as Charlotte Wells (Aftersun), Chloe Zhao (Nomadland), The Daniels (Swiss Army Man) and Quentin Tarantino. The event will come back next year, and potentially beyond. Colorado already having experience hosting one of the organization's events could be an advantage against other bids. We're hopeful that it sets the stage for a long relationship between Colorado and the Sundance Institute, said Colorado Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman. The Sundance Film Festival contributed over $118 million to Utahs economy and created more than 1,600 jobs in 2023, according to an economic impact report from Y2 Analytics. The film event is also tied to the ski industry as 23% of visitors intended to ski or snowboard during the festival, the report found. The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a $1.5 million incentive on Thursday for the proposal. State officials considered the number significant, as Utah gave $1.3 million in taxpayer money to the festival last year. "Events like this, from my perspective, are a once in a lifetime opportunity to really bring something to Colorado that can have a long, lasting legacy and impact for our communities," said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT's executive director. Featured Local Savings State officials also believe the economic effects from the event could spill over from Boulder into Denver International Airport, Colorado Springs, Loveland, Estes Park and Fort Collins. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade is also contributing $325,000 and Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media is contributing $250,000 over five years. The Colorado Tourism Office is contributing $50,000 and the Colorado Creative Industries $25,000. Boulders first hotel in years will open in May to revitalize University Hill Who else is bidding? The Sundance Institute asked Boulder to consider putting in a proposal, according to Visit Boulders CEO Charlene Hoffman. It is a very competitive bid expected to attract more than a dozen of cities including the festival's current home. Sundance is considering a new home as its contract with Park City is up for renewal in two years. The festival will still be held in the Utah ski resort town in 2025 and 2026. Some of the other cities who have expressed interest include Atlanta, Minneapolis and Santa Fe. San Francisco the city that hosted the festival virtually in 2021 when Utah's Park City was shut down during the pandemic asked to be considered but was rejected by Sundance, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Putting in a proposal means Boulder already passed through the first round of the process. Sundance's organizers held a Request for Information period in April to learn about the logistical capabilities of interested cities. After approval, the next step is the Request for Proposal process in which cities have to submit a formal bid by Friday to be considered. Colorado and Utah have a history of taking, and competing for, each other's major events. First Outside Festival hopes to sell Colorado as the heart of trillion-dollar outdoor economy The Outdoor Retailer, the outdoor recreation industry's largest event, moved to Denver for several years. It inevitably returned to Utah, sparking backlash and the birth of a new industry event in Colorado: The Outside Festival. The new event hosted earlier this month in downtown Denver took inspiration from the industry trade show and made it more public by hosting a music and film festival highlighting the outdoors and Colorado's economy. The Sundance Festival organizers are expected to make a decision late this year or early 2025. Colorado will submit the proposal Thursday with Visit Boulder, the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder and the Stanley Film Center. Boulder's application highlights the city's proximity to the mountains, its urban walkability, event spaces and how it will work to foster the festival's legacy of inclusivity for artists and filmmakers and featuring works for diverse audiences, the statement said. We recognized an incredible opportunity to contribute to a longstanding artistic tradition while boosting visitation and local business support during a traditionally quiet time of year for our local restaurants, hotels and retailers, Hoffman stated. The iconic Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast returned to Tejon Street on Thursday morning, ringing in the summer and the exciting start of the Pikes Peak Rodeo season. Per tradition, Fort Carson soldiers worked late into the night Wednesday to ensure the events timely kick-off at 5:30 a.m., cooking up pancakes, eggs and sausage for the masses who were armed with their cowboy hats, boots and Western spirit. Costing only $5 for the full spread, the price hasnt increased much from its original $1 price tag nearly 100 years ago amid the events humble beginnings. Its nice to see people interested in Western heritage. This is our first time up here, and Im kind of shocked by the amount of people who have shown interest in the Range Riders and want to pick up a rope. Its a positive outlook, said Amber Schalla, a ranch owner from southeast Colorado. Teaching roping techniques and how to lasso to the breakfast crowds, Schalla spoke on the importance of her Western heritage, and sharing it with the community Thursday morning. Were kind of a dying breed, being a cowboy. To be able to come here and share it with kids from the city who dont know much about rope or riding, its neat to see, Schalla said, a smile peering below the rim of her hat. Its a way of life, I was raised in the Western lifestyle and were raising our kids that way. Its the American West. Its our tradition. The local street breakfast traditions date back to 1936, according to the event website. The first Western Street Breakfast 88 years ago featured a small fraction of the crowds seen Thursday, 35 rodeo cowhands and belles who were served breakfast out of an old chuck wagon in front of Joe Reichs Swiss Chalet now the home of La Baguettes downtown location. The Pikes Peak Range Riders horseback trek downtown began in 1949. On Thursday, the Range Riders and their trusty steeds made their appearance at 8 a.m. sharp, waving to patrons pridefully. Today, the event is one of remembrance and tradition. Along with a classic American breakfast, event patrons were seen enjoying an array of music, performances and Western-centric activities throughout a portion of the downtown Colorado Springs area. To me, the historic value of the Western tradition in Colorado Springs is lost in translation. People want to have that Western culture, but a lot of people dont understand how to live that Western culture, Ralph Bowers, a historic reenactment performer with Colorado Cowboys, said. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Bowers said that while hes noticed the street breakfast seemingly decrease in size over the years, he does believe Western culture is making a resurgence in popularity. Featured Local Savings When you think cowboys and Western culture people tend to think of horses and shooting things up, everything like that, but its so much more, Bowers said. Dressed as historic Colorado cowboy U.S. Marshall David James Cook, Bowers spoke briefly on the figures history in Colorado and his impact. In Colorado, he started the Rocky Mountain Detective Agency. He also was a Union soldier that came out here to stop the confederates from stealing gold from the (Native Americans) to support the southern Confederacy, Bowers said. Hes not one of the better-known historical people, but hes a very interesting person. Rob Devega and his two daughters, Ruth and Nicolette, could be seen eagerly awaiting their turns to have their faces painted. Carrying a deep familial history within the Western culture in Colorado Springs, little Ruth Devega beamed with pride at the event. Being a cowgirl means a lot to me, Ruth Devega said, sporting a red hat and matching handkerchief. It goes back to the history of our family when it comes to the Native Americans and the cowboys and cowgirls and our ranch our family owned back in the day. Were up in Black Forest, were Native American in heritage, Rob Devega said. Its great to see everyone getting dressed up and having an appreciation for the community, and all its different cultures. No matter where youre from, everyone can be a cowboy and a cowgirl. The last music act of the morning, the Flying W Wranglers garnered quite the surrounding crowd, pressed against the guard rails; laying and standing on the makeshift stadium of hay bails. Known around the world since its formation in 1953, the musical group is known as the second oldest Western performance band internationally. Over 60 performers have been a part of the band since its start, several of which have performed for more than three decades, according to its website. Hoots, hollers and yeehaws could be heard throughout the crowd as the guitars ramped up their twang and the strings of the fiddle were picked. Cowboy, great American cowboy, the band sang in a four-part harmony. With a hoss and a rope and a gun, he tamed the West! For more information about the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, scheduled for July 9 through 13, Click or Tap Here. A division within the Secretary of States office determined that a pro-wolf advocate who lobbied state lawmakers during the 2024 session violated the states lobbying laws. The state ordered Stephen Capra to pay a $250 fine, part of a settlement reached with the office. Capra was also ordered to register and file the disclosure statements required of a lobbyist. The settlement, dated June 11, noted that Capra admitted he violated Colorado law by failing to register as a lobbyist and file disclosure documents. The settlement said the complaint will be dismissed. Capra previously told Colorado Politics he is not a professional lobbyist but has lobbied in other states, such as Idaho, Montana and New Mexico as well as at the federal level on wildlife issues. He disputed that wolves are killing livestock in Colorado, despite verification by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The bill Capra lobbied on was House Bill 1375, which Rep. Tammy Story, D-Evergreen, sponsored. It failed on a 4-9 vote in the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee on April 1. The Elections Division noted mitigating factors, that the violation was not extensive and occurred for only a few hours over a two-day period, and it was only on one House bill that did not pass. The division also noted that Capra was cooperative. The meeting at issue in the decision included Capra and and an Evergreen resident, Rhonda Dern, and involved Story, Democratic Reps. Brianna Titone of Arvada, Mandy Lindsay of Aurora, Julia Marvin of Thornton, Elizabeth Velasco of Glenwood Springs and Karen McCormick of Longmont, who chairs the House Ag committee. Featured Local Savings The other lawmakers are all members of the agriculture committee. McCormick and Titone voted against the bill; Story, Lindsay, Marvin and Velasco voted for it. Capra posted a video on Feb. 14, in which he called Dern a rockstar lobbyist. The pair also distributed a flyer that didnt identify the organization who produced it. A complaint against Dern was dismissed. Capra is the only paid employee of Bold Visions Conservation, which is based in Missoula, Montana, according to Elections Division information. He told Colorado Politics he came to Colorado at my expense, my organizations expense. The complaints were filed in March by John Michael Williams, who operates Colorado Wolf Tracker. Im glad to see the process for receiving a complaint, investigating it and coming to a judgment was handled correctly, Williams said Tuesday. It appeared the process worked; the state did say there was lobbying done that wasnt done legally and there was a sanction placed on Mr. Capra. I hope hes learned his lesson, Williams said, adding he hopes others can also learn from the episode notably that people cant just go into the Capitol and lobby legislators without going through the registration process. The process for registering as a lobbyist is straightforward. It requires a $40 annual registration fee and disclosure statements that identify the client, the legislation and how much the lobbyist is being paid. Capra has not yet responded to a request for comment. the Gazette Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, center, talks with immigrants during an encampment sweep in Denver in January. Contrary to the economic, financial, and commercial domains where China has supplanted Russia in the five Central Asian states, Beijing is reluctant to assume a similar role in defense and security. Chinas strategy, characterized by free riding at the expense of Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), has significantly influenced the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations (SCO) passive and conservative stance. Indeed, this aspect of Chinas soft power has been instrumental in mitigating the escalation of anti-Chinese sentiments and Sinophobia within the region. By adopting a free riding approach and refraining from direct intervention in Central Asias security arrangements, China has been able to concentrate on economic, trade, and transit relations, particularly the Belt and Road Initiative. This strategy has facilitated Chinas ability to address competition and strategic threats in other regions, notably Asia-Pacific and the Indian subcontinent. BACKGROUND: Despite facing significant challenges and threats, China has refrained from independently and directly engaging in the security arrangements of Central Asia over the past three decades. Unlike the economic, financial, and commercial sectors where China has supplanted Russia in the five Central Asian states, Beijing is disinclined to assume a similar role in defense and security. Chinas strategy leverages the efforts of Russia, the Central Asian states, and regional organizations at their expense. China addressed its border threats in the region through the formation of the Shanghai Five Group in 1996. The subsequent establishment of the SCO in 2001 enabled China to foster joint and regional cooperation to counteract terrorism, extremism, and separatism (the three evils defined by the SCO), as well as to conduct joint military exercises in Central Asia. In this context, China avoided intervention in Tajikistans Civil War, which was ultimately resolved in 1997 through the intervention of the CSTO and mediation efforts of Russia and Iran. China also refrained from intervening in Kyrgyzstans Tulip Revolution in March 2005, the Andijan crisis in Uzbekistan in May 2005, the Second Kyrgyz Revolution in April 2010, the border disputes between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the political crisis and protests in Kyrgyzstan in October 2020, and the mass protests in Kazakhstan in January 2022. In all the aforementioned instances, China limited its response to verbal condemnation. The crises and conflicts were managed and contained through the intervention of Russia and the CSTO. This pattern of behavior underscores Chinas strategic preference for non-intervention and reliance on regional organizations in managing security issues in Central Asia. The SCO, where China plays a pivotal role and wields considerable influence, also adheres to a policy of non-intervention in the military and security crises and conflicts of Central Asia. Although the SCOs Regional Anti-terrorism Structure is located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, there has been no record of intervention or force deployment. The protests in Kazakhstan in January 2022 illustrate this approach. During this extensive crisis, both China and the SCO were absent. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev requested military assistance from the CSTO on January 5, 2022, to help Kazakhstan overcome the threat. A spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry stated on January 7, 2022, that China and other SCO members are willing to play a positive role in stabilizing the situation, underscoring the SCOs commitment to stability, albeit without direct military intervention. In the context of defense and military cooperation between China and Tajikistan, China has funded the construction of a Tajik outpost, not a military base. Importantly, this outpost will not be manned by members of Chinas army or military police, but by Tajik police. This contrasts with the presence of Russian military forces, which have been stationed at Base 201 in Tajikistan for three decades. This case further exemplifies Chinas strategic preference for non-intervention in the military and security arrangements of Central Asia. It underscores Chinas approach of indirect engagement, focusing on infrastructure support rather than direct military involvement. This strategy aligns with Chinas broader policy of maintaining regional stability through non-military means. IMPLICATIONS: The most significant implications of this conservative approach and Chinas strategy of free riding are the emergence of two distinct trends in the economic and security arrangements of Central Asia. Firstly, Chinas dominant position in the regions economic and trade relations, and secondly, Russias preeminence in the security and defense relations of Central Asia. It is plausible that an unwritten agreement has been established between Russia and China in this regard, suggesting a division of responsibilities between Beijing and Moscow. With minimal military and security expenditures in Central Asia, China is capitalizing on the economic, commercial, and transit benefits in the region. Through a strategic and calculated approach, Beijing has delegated or imposed the cost of providing security and resolving challenges and conflicts in Central Asia to Russia. These circumstances highlight Chinas soft power in contrast to Russias hard power in Central Asia. Crucially, anti-Chinese sentiments or Sinophobia is on the rise in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This sentiment underscores the complexities of regional dynamics and the delicate balance of power in Central Asia. Undoubtedly, Chinas direct military and security intervention in the internal crises of Central Asia, including the political crisis and protests in Kyrgyzstan in October 2020 and the January 2022 protests in Kazakhstan, would have amplified anti-Chinese sentiments in the region. This is particularly true among the middle class of Central Asian countries, who frequently oppose or criticize authoritarian governments. Through the development of Confucian schools and Chinese media in Central Asia, Beijing has been engaging in image building and branding efforts to portray China as a non-interventionist and non-hegemonic country. As such, China prefers to abstain from direct military and security intervention in the crises and conflicts of this region to prevent tarnishing this image and further intensifying anti-Chinese sentiments in Central Asia. China has delegated this role to Russia and the CSTO. Chinas policy has also significantly influenced the passive and conservative approach of the SCO. Unlike the CSTO, the Warsaw Pact, and NATO, which have been active in regional and international conflicts and crises even outside Europe and North America, the SCO has remained inactive in this regard, especially in Central Asia and Afghanistan, as well as during the wars in Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria. During all three wars fought by the Russian Federation, a founding and primary member of the SCO, the organizations approach was characterized by passivity or silence. CONCLUSIONS: Chinas strategy of non-intervention and free riding in the security arrangements of Central Asia clearly differs from Beijings behavior in other regions along its borders. In the Korean Peninsula, Asia-Pacific, Taiwan, and the Indian subcontinent, China finds itself in competition and tension with rival powers, particularly the U.S. and India. However, in Central Asia, China has a close ally Russia and can delegate security and defense responsibilities to Moscow. China and Russia take similar positions on the threats of religious extremism, terrorism, separatism, and the expansion of NATO and U.S. influence in Central Asia. Consequently, China is confident in transferring the responsibility of addressing these threats and challenges to Russia. This approach has allowed China to concentrate on economic, trade, and transit relations, especially the Belt and Road initiative, while ameliorating the portrayal of China as a repressive country among the Central Asian public during political crises and conflicts, amid intensifying anti-Chinese sentiments and Sinophobia. Instead, China has increased its focus on dealing with competition and strategic threats in other regions. AUTHOR'S BIO: Vali Kaleji, based in Tehran, Iran, holds a Ph.D. in Regional Studies, Central Asia and Caucasian Studies. He has published numerous analytical articles on Eurasian issues for the Eurasia Daily Monitor, the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, The Middle East Institute and the Valdai Club. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Xi stresses PLA's political loyalty at crucial meeting held in old revolutionary base Xinhua) 08:07, June 20, 2024 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers an important speech at the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Li Gang) YAN'AN, Shaanxi, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the armed forces' political loyalty as a crucial meeting on the political work in the military was held in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), demanded efforts to ensure a solid political guarantee for building a strong military, as he addressed the CMC Political Work Conference, held from Monday to Wednesday. The Yan'an conference, which Xi personally decided to convene, took place 10 years after a similar meeting was held in Gutian, east China's Fujian Province. The participants discussed and made arrangements for promoting political work in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi emphasized the need to uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military and to build a high-quality cadre team that is loyal, clean, responsible, and capable of fulfilling the mission of strengthening the military. On Monday afternoon, Xi led CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping, where the CMC's headquarters were stationed from August 1937 to March 1947. Xi visited the former residences of late revolutionary leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De in Yan'an to honor the memory of their revolutionary struggle. The Yan'an conference marks a return to the roots of the military, Xi said. He called on senior military officers to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted by the Party and the people to keep strengthening the armed forces. Xi delivered an important speech at the conference, noting that after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee held the 2014 military political work conference in Gutian and improved political conduct through rectification initiatives. Measures to govern the military with strict discipline have been comprehensively implemented with unprecedented determination and intensity, achieving historic accomplishments in enhancing political loyalty in the military, according to Xi. Xi stressed that political work is always the lifeline of the country's military. The armed forces must always be led by those who are reliable and loyal to the Party, and there must be no place for corruption within the military. Noting that China's military is confronted with complicated challenges in the political work, Xi said it is necessary to continuously enhance political loyalty in the military to ensure that the people's armed forces always uphold their core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline. He also analyzed the deep-seated problems that need to be addressed in military political work, emphasizing that a root cause of these problems lies in the lack of ideals and beliefs. Xi called on relevant personnel at all levels, especially senior cadres, to introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications. Xi highlighted key work to enhance political loyalty in the military, urging efforts to arm the military with the Party's new theories and improve the leadership of Party organizations, as well as their capabilities of organization and implementation. The Party leadership must be upheld in all the fields and the whole process of enhancing combat readiness, Xi noted. Xi urged efforts to nurture a contingent of high-caliber officers, eradicate the breeding ground for corruption, and enhance the comprehensive oversight of high-ranking officers in terms of their performance of duty and exercise of power. Officers at all levels, especially those in the higher ranks, should lead by example and serve as pioneers and models, Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), leads CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), meets with participants of the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Li Gang) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) At 70 years old, the legendary Chinese kung fu icon, Jackie Chan, is gearing up to confront his 27-year-old digital self in the upcoming movie A Legend, utilizing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, as disclosed by producers at a Shanghai event marking the 25th anniversary of Bona Film Group. Directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Stanley Tong, known for his extensive collaborations with Chan over three decades and 10 films, A Legend serves as the companion piece to Chan's 2005 blockbuster The Myth. In this forthcoming film, Chan portrays Professor Fang, an archaeologist who stumbles upon an ancient jade artifact with mystical powers, enabling him and his assistant to travel back to a tumultuous period in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24). Their journey leads them to encounter a captivating princess from the nomadic Xiongnu tribes, setting the stage for their own legendary tale. Despite the digitally rejuvenated younger version of Chan in his late 20s, the grand battlefield scene, featuring over 10,000 galloping warhorses on vast grasslands, was authentically captured using conventional methods in Zhaosu county within the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Alongside A Legend, Bona Film Group also provided updates on other significant projects, including Hu Mei's The Dream of the Red Chamber, Gao Peng's A Long Shot, and Dante Lam's Operation Leviathan. Yu Dong, chairman of Bona Film Group, revealed that most of the actresses embodying the "Jinling Shi'er Chai", representing the 12 most exceptional female characters, were aged between 14 and 16 during the 2017 filming. He suggested that younger audiences unfamiliar with the classic epic Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) should view the film as a succinct introduction to the novel's intricate plot and captivating characters. Mason City schools have a much higher rate of chronic absenteeism than the state average, with 35.4% of students consistently missing school during the 2022-2023 school year compared with 25.6% statewide. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of days school is in session. According to the 2024 KIDSCOUNT data report released by children's welfare nonprofit Annie E. Casey Foundation, one in four Iowa students are chronically absent from school. According to Anne Discher, executive director at Common Good Iowa, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's local chapter, the data outlined in the report is extremely concerning. Common Good is based in Des Moines and is a nonpartisan policy advocacy organization. "We know that chronic absence is up, that kids are still really academically trying to recover from the pandemic," Discher said. "But when you look at some of these proficiency ratings and rankings, the share of fourth graders proficient in reading, share of eighth graders proficient in math, our indicators weren't great even before the pandemic. And that's not just in Iowa, that's a national challenge." While the KIDSCOUNT report claimed that 67% of Iowa's fourth graders struggled to read at an appropriate level and 72% of Iowa's eighth graders did not have a grade-level understanding of mathematics, Mason City students did have better than average in these key areas. According to Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress test scores, just 29% of Mason City's fourth graders were not reading at the appropriate grade level and 39% of eighth graders were struggling with math. Bridgette Exman Dunn, assistant superintendent and curriculum director for Mason City schools, said scores are a direct result of Mason City's common core educators doing "an incredible amount of heavy lifting" to help children gain back ground lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic absenteeism has had an increased impact on students based on race and the language their family speaks at home. Fifty-four percent of Mason City students learning English as a second language at school were chronically absent, along with 58% of Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students and 35% of Black or African-American students, followed by 31% of white students. Exman Dunn said absenteeism was a huge concern for the district, since it's difficult to target issues with literacy and math comprehension when students aren't in the classroom. "It's a high-level focus for us moving into the next school year," she said. The Mason City school district recently hired private consulting group AttendanceWorks to evaluate the root causes behind chronic absenteeism and inform their policies addressing the problem. Mason City does have incentives and awards for good attendance, but Exman Dunn said that sometimes can be counterproductive in situations where students are absent for reasons out of their control. She also said punitive approaches such as threatening to get Cerro Gordo County involved to press truancy charges are often unhelpful and could create additional stress for already struggling families. Exman Dunn said that part of the issue is showing students school is relevant to them. "Have we shown kids that what we're asking them to do matters? And that it gets them somewhere, that (school) is connected to their vision for their future?" she said. Discher agreed, saying more resources are needed to help figure out why kids aren't connecting with school. Discher also said she thinks policies targeted at improving economic stability and opportunities for families likely will reduce stress on parents and help resolve student's educational struggles in the long run. Issues with poverty are known to create barriers to good attendance 43% of Mason City students who qualified for free or reduced price lunches were chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year. Discher said change won't be possible without acknowledging issues that happen both inside and outside the classroom. "If kids are coming to school hungry because their families can't make enough money to make ends meet, that's gonna have an impact on how kids can learn," she said. John Adams Middle School identified one of the underlying issues leading to high levels of absenteeism is that students didn't have clean clothes to wear. The middle school was recently approved for a grant to pay for washers and dryers to be installed in the building, so children have access to laundry services. "When you're that age, and everything is very socially oriented, the fact that you're wearing the same thing you wore yesterday or your clothes aren't clean ... It's a big deal," Exman Dunn said. Exman Dunn also said since attendance is such a high priority, administrators and educators are happy to work with parents to try to get kids back in school. Roughly 80% of Mason City students ride the school bus. Exman Dunn said any family with concerns about transport should contact someone at their child's school. "We will come get you. If you need an alarm clock to get up on time, we'll buy one and have someone drop it off. Our biggest priority is always going to be supporting these kids." Re: If 25% of the company's employees contribute at least 4% of their [ #permalink 2 Kudos 3 Bookmarks Expert Reply Hi sunaimshadmani, Certain DS questions are more about organization than math-skills. While this question might look complex, it's worth noting that all the references to 4% or 5% are LABELS - they're not part of any calculation that you have to do. We're told that 25% of the employees at a company give at least 4% of their salaries to a charity. We're asked what PERCENTAGE give at least 5%. From the prompt, there are a couple of things that you might notice: 1) Since 25% gives AT LEAST 4%....75% give LESS than 4% (and possibly 0%). 2) Since 25% gives AT LEAST 4%.....NO MORE THAN 25% give AT LEAST 5%. To help organize your information, you might consider TESTing VALUES, so that you can put all of this data in terms of real people. To make things easy, let's say there are 100 total employees. This means that 25 employees gave at least 4% to charity. Fact 1: 20% of employees contribute 4%-5% to charity. IF.... Total Employees = 100 25 gave at least 4% 20 gave 4%-5% 25 - 20 = 5 gave MORE than 5% 5/100 = 5% Changing the total number of employees will have an equivalent effect on the other totals. IF... Total Employees = 200 50 gave at least 4% 40 gave 4%-5% 50 - 40 = 10 gave MORE than 5% 10/200 = 5/100 = 5% The answer is ALWAYS 5% Fact 1 is SUFFICIENT Fact 2: 95% of employees contribute LESS THAN 5% This is really great information, since it tells us about ALL of the employees that we're NOT interested in. 95% gave LESS than 5%.....so who's left? The people who gave 5% OR MORE. 100% - 95% = 5% Fact 2 is SUFFICIENT GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich People walk past a promotional slogan of "618" shopping festival at a shopping mall in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua] The enthusiasm of Chinese consumers has been evident during this year's June 18 shopping carnival, as major e-commerce platforms ramped up efforts to provide steep discounts and shopping subsidies as well as simplify promotional methods to attract price-conscious shoppers and bolster sales. Industry experts said the midyear promotional campaign has played a vital role in stimulating people's purchasing appetites, promoting the recovery of consumption and shoring up the economy, with electronic devices containing innovative technologies and domestic brands proving popular among consumers. As Chinese shoppers have become more rational about potential purchases, online retailers have adopted a more pragmatic and simpler approach by canceling presale campaigns this year, with a key focus on cost-effective products and the use of livestreaming to further unleash the immense potential of consumption, they added. Data from e-commerce giant JD, which initiated the midyear promotional event, showed that more than 10,000 brands saw their sales surge over fivefold in the first four hours of the June 18 shopping carnival, which kicked off at 8 pm on May 31. Sales of AI-powered computers, smartphones and learning devices via JD's online marketplaces soared 260 percent year-on-year in the first hour of the promotional gala, while the transaction volume of foldable screen phones, smartwatches and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, skyrocketed over 100 percent year-on-year in short bursts of time, JD said. The turnover of new products from more than 700 home appliance brands increased over 100 percent year-on-year in the first four hours, JD said. More than 2,500 clothing brands and 300 beauty brands witnessed their sales grow over 100 percent compared with the same period last year. In addition, the number of viewers of JD's promotional livestreaming sessions skyrocketed 460 percent year-on-year with orders from sessions hosted by JD's professional procurement and sales teams up 300 percent compared with last year's Singles' Day shopping festival. The company has launched a subsidy campaign worth 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) during the June 18 shopping spree, offering a variety of low-priced products. Data from Tmall, Alibaba's business-to-customer platform, showed that sales of 59 brands surpassed 100 million yuan within the first four hours of its midyear promotional event, which started at 8 pm on May 20. Turnover of Apple's products on Tmall exceeded 1.5 billion yuan within the first hour, while sales of domestic smartphone brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Vivo surpassed 100 million yuan during the period, Tmall said. Moreover, the transaction volume of 11 cosmetics and skin care brands as well as 23 household appliance brands including Haier, Hisense and Xiaomi crossed the 100 million yuan threshold in the first four hours. Sales of luxury brands, such as Valentino and Miu Miu, exceeded that of the entire day last year within the first hour of the gala, it added. Outdoor sporting goods, consumer electronic products, nutrition and healthcare items and household appliances witnessed robust growth during the shopping extravaganza that now spans about one month. Jason Yu, general manager of Kantar Worldpanel China, a market research provider, said, "Price is a very basic and core competitiveness for e-commerce platforms as consumers could purchase premium products with high cost-effectiveness during the promotional event, which will satisfy their demand for consumption upgrade." Yu said some brands are paying more attention to improving consumer experience, as well as providing various discounts and membership services, striking a balance between chasing commercial interests and optimizing user experience. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responded to letters from Montanas congressional delegation to not cut 10,000 frontline workers nationwide for fear of hurting health and mental health services, offering numbers that it remains committed to providing world-class care to eligible veterans and now has the largest health care workforce in history. VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes said Tuesday in an email that so far in fiscal year 2024, Montana Veterans Affairs Health Care System (MTVAHCS) has completed over 24,200 mental health appointments and over 2,300 new mental health appointments. When you compare this data with FY 22, MTVAHCS has already exceeded the total number of appointments by 5,000, seeing over 400 new veterans more than FY22, Hayes wrote. Finally, wait times for mental health appointments are shorter than last year and veterans are seen about 2 days earlier than in FY22. Recently, the Republican members of Montanas congressional delegation sent a letter and Democratic Sen. Jon Tester sent his own letter telling VA officials to not cut 10,000 frontline care providers, saying such a move would hurt health care and mental care services to veterans in Montana. CNN reported June 10 the VA has eliminated the frontline jobs even though agency leaders had said otherwise. Psychologists, clinical social workers and other positions have been cut, and some job offers have been rescinded recently as the agency seeks to address a budgetary shortfall and shave its workforce by 10,000 positions. Hayes, in an email forwarded to Lee Montana Newspapers via Montana VA, said the VA continues to strategically hire in several key areas, such as mental health care and targeted locations and the VA has the nationwide staffing total we need to deliver for our nations veterans. He said Montana saw an increase in onboard positions, despite a reduced full-time employee ceiling. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2023, MTVAHCSs overall staffing grew 8.2%, to include a 17% increase in mental health staff, Hayes wrote. He said thanks to the PACT Act, the Montana VA Health Care System is able to attract and most importantly, retain staff at levels not experienced before. Hayes said retention rates for VA employees including mental health professionals are at all-time record rates. He said the mental health profession retention rate was 93% in FY23, and the numbers are even better in FY24. The offices for Tester and Republican Sen. Steve Daines did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Hayes said the VA is proud of its evidence-based and holistic mental health care and has taken varied actions to minimize staff shortages and turnover of mental health providers. In 2023, VA provided more than 22 million mental health care appointments to Veterans a clear sign that Veterans are trusting VA with their care. We are reaching more veterans with more care, and we are working hard every day to improve the care we provide, he said. He said nationally the VA continues to hire mental health professionals and over the last three fiscal years has hired for mental health positions including psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, licensed professional mental health counselors, peer support specialists, mental health nurses and mental health physician assistants: FY22: 3,073 FY23: 4,093 FY24: 2,008 (through April) Hayes said Montana saw an increase in onboard positions, despite a reduced full-time employee ceiling. He said this underscores their commitment to improving mental health care in Montana. Hayes said Montana exceeded the minimum outpatient staffing ratio of 7.72 per 1,000 veterans 10.46 per 1,000 veterans and was one of the best staff-to-veteran ratios in Veterans Integrated Services Network 19. Montana staffing: FY22: 193 FTE ceiling/125 FTE onboard FY24: 164 FTE ceiling/155 FTE onboard (through May) " " Map of the Balkan Peninsula. pop_jop / Getty Images While there is no singular, definitive list of Balkan states, these 10 are generally considered to be part of the Balkan region. 1. Albania Albania is situated in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula along the Adriatic Sea. With a total population of approximately 2.8 million people, it boasts a rich history influenced by the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Albania is known for its stunning landscapes, including its beautiful coastline and the Albanian Alps. Advertisement 2. Bosnia and Herzegovina Northwest of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a population of about 3.2 million people. This country is renowned for its cultural diversity, with a mix of Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs. The capital city, Sarajevo, is known for its historical significance and vibrant cultural life. This area also played a major role in the dissolution of Yugoslavia during the 1990s. 3. Bulgaria Bulgaria is home to approximately 6.6 million people and is situated in the southeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country features the Balkan Mountains, which run through its territory and significantly influence its climate. During the Middle Ages, a Bulgarian empire cropped up across the Balkans twice. 4. Croatia Croatia, with a population just under 4 million, is located on the western edge of the Balkan Peninsula along the Adriatic Sea. It's a popular tourist spot because of its gorgeous coastline, historic cities like Dubrovnik and its numerous islands. Many Croatians immigrated to the ports of Southern California during the 19th and 20th centuries. 5. Kosovo Kosovo is one of the newer Balkan nations and has a population around 1.7 million. In the 1990s, Kosovo was a significant flashpoint in the breakup of Yugoslavia, culminating in a violent conflict between ethnic Albanians and Serb forces. The humanitarian crisis and ethnic cleansing led NATO to intervene in 1999. This eventually paved the way for Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008. 6. Montenegro Montenegro has a population of roughly 600,000 people. Explore this country and you'll see rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. The Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of its most famous attractions. 7. North Macedonia North Macedonia has a population of about 2.1 million people. It is a landlocked country known for its rich history, which dates back to the ancient kingdom of Paeonia and Alexander the Great's Macedonian Empire. 8. Romania Romania is located in the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The forested and fabled region of Transylvania comprises most of the country's west and central territory. Ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, its medieval castles, including Bran Castle, are the birthplace of the Dracula legend. While most Balkan states are toward the center of the continent, Romania is the gateway to Eastern Europe. 9. Serbia From the bustling streets of its vibrant capital, Belgrade, to the historic fortress of Kalemegdan overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers, Serbia is a must-see Balkan country. You can find Serbia's rich traditions reflected in its lively festivals, diverse cuisine and the unique architectural heritage found in its monasteries and fortresses, offering a compelling journey through the layers of southeast Europe's past and present. 10. Slovenia Slovenia is situated at the crossroads of central and southeastern Europe. Known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes, Slovenia is a recent addition to the European Union and has a well-developed economy. It's also the birthplace of renowned contemporary philosopher, Slavoj Zizek. " " Ada Lovelace is viewed as the world's first computer programmer. Her notes contain visionary references to the fact that machines could also be used to create music, text, pictures and sounds essentially today's modern computer. Wikimedia/HowStuffWorks If you're surprised that the first computer programmer in the world was a woman, just wait; her story gets even more interesting. Ada Lovelace was also the daughter of famous poet Lord Byron and accomplished her work during a time when women rarely studied mathematics and science. Lovelace was born Augusta Ada Byron in 1815, the daughter of Lord Byron and the wealthy Isabella Milbanke. The two had a stormy marriage, and her father left the family almost immediately after her birth, never to see her again. Milbanke was furious with her ex and insisted her daughter steer clear of poetry, which she blamed for Byron's wanton and unstable behavior. Instead, Lovelace was forced to study science and mathematics, the latter being Milbanke's own area of expertise. This was unusual for wealthy young ladies at the time, who typically only pursued artistic subjects such as music and painting. Advertisement Fortunately for Lovelace, she had an aptitude for math. When she was in her late teens, she met Charles Babbage, an accomplished mathematician and inventor. Babbage, today known as the father of the computer, had invented the difference engine, a machine that performed simple mathematical calculations. Now he was working on an analytical engine that would be able to perform more complex computations. He showed Lovelace a small, working section during their initial meeting, and she was fascinated. Soon Lovelace became Babbage's protege; it was Babbage who would eventually nickname her the Enchantress of Numbers. But in 1835, shortly after the two began working together, Lovelace met and married a baron named William King. The couple had three children in quick succession, causing Lovelace to temporarily halt her studies. (During this time her husband became Earl of Lovelace and she the Countess, hence her surname.) Not too long after their third child was born, Lovelace returned to work with Babbage. One of the first things she did was translate an article on his analytical engine from French into English. The translation was published in an English science journal in 1843. But the work also included Lovelace's own extensive thoughts and ideas on the machine material that was three times longer than the original article. Because her notes discussed how the machine could be programmed to calculate Bernoulli numbers (considered by some to be the first algorithm carried out by machine), Lovelace is viewed as the world's first programmer. More impressively, her notes contained visionary references to the fact that the machine could also be used to create music, text, pictures and sounds essentially today's modern computer while Babbage thought it could only perform numerical calculations. Lovelace died of cancer at age 36. Her computing ideas were so advanced they weren't recognized until the 1940s, nearly a century later. In 1979, the U.S. Department of Defense named its new computer programming language "Ada" in her honor. Now That's Interesting Charles Babbage was executor of Ada Lovelace's will. Lovelace requested to be interred next to her father, Lord Byron, even though he hadn't seen her since she was an infant. Both died at age 36. China on Wednesday voiced firm opposition to the United Kingdom's decision to sanction five Chinese firms over the so-called Russian involvement. Despite China's representations and the sound development momentum of China-UK economic and trade relations, the UK insisted on listing Chinese companies in the latest round of sanctions against Russia. Such move will have a negative impact on the bilateral economic and trade relations, said a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce in response to a media query. UK's unilateral sanctions have no basis in international law and no mandate from the United Nations, which is a typical act of "long-arm jurisdiction," said the spokesperson. China urges the British side to bear in mind the overall interests of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, immediately correct its erroneous practices, and unconditionally cease the inclusion of Chinese enterprises on its sanctions list, said the spokesperson. China will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises resolutely, the spokesperson said. All-flash data storage hardware and software company Pure Storage has announced a new, comprehensive strategy and range of product announcements that address customer's most pressing concerns and bring industry-first innovations. Pure Storage APJ CTO Mark Jobbins explained to iTWire that the two big trends he was seeing are the increased and ongoing concerns around cyber attacks, as well as the noise around generative AI. Cyber attacks are always a concern, but especially so when it comes to storage. Your last defence against ransomware is trustworthy, secure storage - without that, you're only one attack away from disaster. And, meanwhile, generative AI is clearly the big topic of the day. In Jobbins' experience, it's begun to settle down and mature as people begin exploring solidly-reasoned proof of concept projects. Pure Storage has put a lot of thought into how it is best positioned to serve organisations of all sizes and all types in advancing their AI aspirations and continually protecting their investments. The result of this thought is a carefully-crafted strategy with four pillars. And, these new services will be rolled out as part of existing licensing, along with two additional add-on services for EverGreen//One, the Pure Storage storage-as-a-service platform. These four pillars include expanding innovations in the Pure Storage platform, accelerating AI success in the enterprise, arming enterprises with new cyber resiliency services and capabilities, and delivering plartform flexibility with storage-as-a-service. These are driven by Pure Storage's own thinking and strategising, as well as customer feedback, and most definitely from observing how the world hs changed. Long gone are the days when data solely resided on disks in an office; today it can be anywhere in the world, literally. A modern storage platform needs to ensure platforms and endpoints can grow and develop over time, seamlessly blending data between on-premises and cloud. There's a lot to tackle here, so let's go through it: Copilot A brand-new AI-driven Copilot will be available within the Pure Storage platform itself, aiding administrators in managing and protecting data using natural language. This has been trained on insights and telemetry from tens of thousands of customers, along with Pure's FAQs and documentation, and can deliver actionable steps to address concerns or improve benchmark rankings. It is available to enterprise customers via the PureOne platform and Pure says its training model will get stronger over time. Example questions might be, "Can you give me a security update over my flash arrays?" or "Can you confirm my billing?" Administrators will be able to ask all kinds of questions, giving fast access to usage and billing, surfacing security issues, and much more. The Copilot will give responses and recommendations, and, importantly, link those recommendations to action. It will aid Pure Storage customers by giving them a greater view, and make the platform simpler to manage, Jobbins said to iTWire. "We're the first storage vendor to provide a GenAI copilot environment," he said. Next-gen Fusion storage automation Meanwhile, many organisations have made huge investments on GPU compute layers. "It's huge what you can do with GenAI, but it takes a huge investment too," Jobbins said. And, while GenAI brings great promise, it's a hungry beast that needs data - and fast. This costs money. "People are nervous about how much to invest in the storage layer from day one, and whether it will still be relevant in six, twelve, even 18 months when profiles may have changed," he said. Imagine being the person who has to explain to the CFO why the "$ X million" investment provided is only running at, say, 20% utilised. "It plays on people's minds how to drive maximum efficiency." However, being able to have multiple workloads on the same or similar platforms, with the right performance levels, and to be future proof means you need the right investments, the right security, and the right throughput for training to drive it all and shortern your time to go-live. "The Pure platform can address all these," Jobbins said, "wrapped around with the new first-of-its-kind Fusion storage automation." This next-gen Fusion improves and simplifies provisioning from one array to thousands. It's protocol agnostic - no matter if you use FC, iSCSI, VNMe, file/object, or other. It will be embedded into Purity for all its arrays, available with a simple update. It's not a seperate license, or an external control plane. It's fully backwards compatible and does not break existing intgrations. A major key to the new capabilities is its strong policy-driven nature: specify service levels and requirements, and Fusion will automatically move workloads seamlessly and non-destructively as appropriate. This includes taking snapshots, performing replications, and all kinds of other autonomous actions to comply with the policies you set. It brings you a much more cloud-like experience to managing your storage. Throughput subscription in Evergreen//One Traditionally, people choose storage options based on structured block+file data or unstructured data. Both options serve specific needs, but Pure Storage recognises when it comes to AI, capacity is not often the driver; instead it's throughput - how fast can you supply data to the compute layer? In comes Evergreen//One for AI - this is a new subscription type that "flips the model", Jobbins said. "Customers can subscribe to guaranteed performance based on bandwidth. The storage capacity piece will be a nominal fee against it." This helps give organisations choice and comfort; it removes the risk of over-committing huge resources into a technology. "You can start at an entry point then scale up," he said. "Once you understand your long-term profile you can change it over time." NVIDIA SuperPOD certification Pure Storage is extending its relationship with NVIDIA to move into its SuperPOD certification, an accelerated AI data centre infrastructure platform for delivering agile and scalable performance for the most challenging AI and HPC workloads. This is driven by NVIDIA's timelines, but Pure Storage expects the process will work its way through before the end of the calendar year. This will extend Pure Storage's existing NVIDIA DGX and OGX certifications. AI clusters for mission-critical data Pure Storage will provide new Application Workspaces that bring fine-grained access controls, giving security, independence, and control. It means companies can be confident their mission-critical data can be leveraged for AI applications but without risk of misuse or leak. Enhanced cyber resiliency Sadly, today's reality is it's not if a company will be impacted by cyber criminals, but when. And, exasperatingly, as much as AI is helping companies innovate and deliver new services, it's also being leveraged by criminals to increase the sophistication of their attacks. Pure Storage has announced an extension of its cybersecurity offerings. Last year, the company announced anomaly detection. Now it is introducing greater support and services for cyber resiliency, helping customers hone right in on events, and notifications, along with providing a clean storage environment for recovering into. Pure Storage says this will not be limited to ransomware, but will be open to all disaster recovery situations. Further, it will tie into the Fusion enhancements above with new policy upgrades so you can further define policies around data protection. Customers will be able to tailor policies to their own individual environments. These new capabilities bring a holistic approach to protecting your environment. Cyber resiliency advisory services Meanwhile, new services will see Pure Storage work proactively with you to determine how to best protect against, and recover from, an incident. These services will allow you to assess and score your risk, and can be supplemented by advice from the new Copilot feature detailed above. When a customer subscribes to the Pure Storage cyber resilience service, the company will proactively work with the customer to determine recovery procedures and processes so these are all planned and ready before an incident occurs. These will be reviewed quarterly. Rebalance It's always difficult to predict the future. Imagine if we could trade hindsight for foresight? Happily, we live in a world of possibilities. "What if we could use AI to proactively tell customers when we think there will be a change to reserved capacity, and thus avoid on-demand charges?" Jobbins asked. And, sure enough, Pure Storage has delivered more new ways to get insights to make informed decisions. This can be asked through the Copilot capability above to ask "what if" questions - "what if I change the environment this way ..." In addition, Pure Storage will now offer rebalancing storage among sites. For example, Jobbins explained, "if you have multiple sites you allocate reserved capacity with good intentions, but in time might need to move data from site A to B. You have a reserved commitment of 200TB with 100TB in two sites but now want, say, 150TB in site A and 50TB in site B." New SLAs Pure Storage has announced a comprehensive expansion to its SLAs for Evergreen//One and says customers will experience a 50% bump in performance in their new high-performance SLA enhancement. It's a lot of news out of Pure Storage, but they all come down to a single, unified strategy around helping customers accelerate their AI journey while protecting their environments. "All the way from Fusion to providing self-managed storage environments, a generative AI copilot to ensure best practices, flipping storage-as-a-service to mover from capacity and performance profile to throughput model allowing customers to start at whatever they want, building our relationship with NVIDIA, providing greater insights, delivering security and resilience ...," Jobbins said. "It's hitting all the areas customers are talking to me about," he said. GUEST RESEARCH: In a stark reminder of the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, Gigamon, a leader in deep observability, has released its 2024 Hybrid Cloud Security Survey. The findings paint a concerning picture: organisations worldwide remain unprepared for sophisticated cyber threats, with a notable increase in undetected breaches. The annual survey, which gathered insights from over 1,000 Security and IT leaders across Australia, France, Germany, Singapore, the UK, and the USA, indicates a significant decline in detection and response capabilities compared to the previous year. Growing complexity and cyber risks The survey highlights that as hybrid cloud environments become more complex, bad actors are exploiting these intricacies to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks. A staggering 65% of global respondents admitted that their current solutions are ineffective in detecting breaches. In Australia, half of the respondents could only identify a breach when users reported issues accessing applications and digital resources. The alarming rise of undetected breaches Security and IT leaders find themselves at a critical juncture, with 83% acknowledging that the complexity of cloud environments heightens their cyber risk. The looming threat of AI-powered attacks is a major concern, with eight in ten respondents predicting an escalation in global ransomware incidents due to AI. Despite a projected global information security expenditure of $215 billion in 2024, only 54% of organisations feel "strongly prepared" to counter unauthorized access in hybrid cloud settings. Global unpreparedness for cyber attacks Australia seems particularly vulnerable, with 76% of respondents reporting a data breach in the past year, slightly above the global average of 73%. The survey reveals glaring weaknesses in threat detection tools, with only one in four organisations able to remediate a live threat during a recent breach. This capability varies by region, peaking at 30% in Germany but dropping to just 20% in Australia and Singapore. When detection tools fail, the consequences are severe: 31% of organisations only detected a breach upon receiving an extortion threat from the adversary. 31% realised they had been breached only after their proprietary information surfaced on the dark web, with this figure soaring to 42% among Australian respondents. 25% of respondents were unable to pinpoint the breach's origin, a number that rises to one-third in Australia, Singapore, and the US. Visibility gaps in hybrid cloud security The survey underscores that complex hybrid cloud infrastructures contribute to a significant lack of control and visibility. Despite 85% of respondents identifying cloud security as a boardroom priority, only 40% have visibility into East-West (lateral) traffic within their networks, a drop from 48% in 2023. This lateral visibility is crucial for effective threat detection and is lowest in the UK at 30%, while nearly half of respondents in Australia and Singapore report better visibility. Encryption presents another challenge, as 76% of respondents mistakenly believe encrypted traffic is inherently secure, despite evidence that 93% of malware hides within such traffic. Deep observability: A key to modern cybersecurity More than 80% of respondents agree that unified visibility into hybrid cloud infrastructure, combining network-derived intelligence with log-based security tools, is essential for preventing attacks. Six in 10 believe that better visibility into all data in motion will enable secure AI technology deployments. Consequently, deep observability has become a top priority at the board level. In Australia, 84% of respondents see a strong connection between deep observability and the implementation of Zero Trust strategies. With regulatory environments increasingly emphasising board-level accountability for security, cloud security efforts are gaining prominence in C-suites. An overwhelming 89 % of Australian respondents view cloud security as a board priority. "Cyber risk is firmly in the spotlight this year, with governments and boardrooms finally recognising its place at the very top of the business risk register. And yet, cybercriminals are evading detection over a third of the time," commented Gigamon EMEA technical evangelist Mark Jow. "Today's MELT-based (Metrics, Events, Logs, and Traces) approaches are no longer enough, as organisations need 360-degree visibility across the hybrid cloud. Whether organisations are fending off AI-powered attacks, integrating AI-powered solutions into hybrid cloud environments, or seeking to establish Zero Trust, deep observability is fundamental to success." CISOs: The frontline guardians The survey also gathered insights from 234 chief information security officers (CISOs) globally, highlighting the immense pressure they face. About 59% of CISOs feel most empowered when cyber risk is treated as a board priority. However, 69% struggle with detecting encrypted threats, compared to 59 % of the total respondents. Alarmingly, seven in ten CISOs believe their tools are ineffective at detecting breaches. Additionally, three-quarters of CISOs report their security teams are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tools they must manage, a sentiment shared by 11% more CISOs than their C-suite counterparts. "It is clear for CISOs that organisations' tool stacks are falling short," said Gigamon chief security officer (CSO) Chaim Mazal. "Security leaders are under pressure from governments to reduce cyber risk. But without real-time, network-derived intelligence and insights into all data in motion, including East-West and encrypted traffic, bad actors will continue to wreak havoc, now with AI accelerating their efforts." Survey methodology The 2024 Hybrid Cloud Security Survey was commissioned by Gigamon and conducted in collaboration with Vitreous World. The data is based on responses from an online survey of 1,033 global participants, conducted from 22 March to 6 April 2024. GUEST OPINION: Its safe to say that many businesses are now aware of the importance of running an environmentally-friendly enterprise. In order to do so, many of them are putting together decarbonization roadmaps. What are they? A decarbonization roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the steps a company will take to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Whats included in one? How can you put one together? Heres what you need to know. Setting Clear Goals and Objectives The first step in any decarbonization roadmap is to set clear, measurable goals and objectives. Companies should begin by conducting a thorough assessment of their current carbon emissions. This baseline measurement will provide a reference point for setting realistic and achievable targets. Goals should be aligned with broader global initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Objectives should be specific, time-bound, and reflect both short-term actions and long-term aspirations. Identifying Key Emission Sources Understanding where emissions are coming from is crucial for developing an effective decarbonization strategy. Businesses should conduct a detailed analysis of their operations to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This typically includes energy use, transportation, waste management, and supply chain activities. By pinpointing these areas, companies can prioritize actions that will have the most significant impact on reducing their overall carbon footprint. Additionally, engaging stakeholders across the organization can provide valuable insights and foster a culture of sustainability. Implementing Energy Efficiency Measures One of the most immediate and cost-effective ways to reduce emissions is through energy efficiency measures. Companies should invest in technologies and practices that optimize energy use in their operations. This can include upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and machinery, as well as implementing smart energy management systems. Additionally, businesses can explore opportunities for reducing energy consumption through process improvements and employee engagement initiatives. By focusing on energy efficiency, companies can achieve substantial emission reductions while also lowering operational costs. Transitioning to Renewable Energy A key component of any decarbonization roadmap is the transition to renewable energy sources. Businesses should evaluate the feasibility of integrating renewable energy into their operations, whether through on-site generation, such as solar panels, or purchasing renewable energy credits. Transitioning to renewable energy not only helps reduce emissions but also enhances energy security and can provide financial benefits in the long term. Companies should also explore partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and governments to support the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies. Engaging the Supply Chain Decarbonization efforts should extend beyond a companys own operations to include its supply chain. Businesses need to work closely with suppliers and partners to encourage and facilitate sustainable practices throughout the value chain. This can involve setting sustainability criteria for suppliers, collaborating on joint initiatives to reduce emissions, and sharing best practices. Engaging the supply chain in decarbonization efforts not only amplifies the impact but also strengthens relationships and can lead to innovations that benefit all parties involved. Monitoring Progress and Reporting To ensure that decarbonization efforts are effective, businesses must establish robust systems for monitoring progress and reporting on their achievements. Regular monitoring allows companies to track their emissions reductions, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies as needed. Transparent reporting, both internally and externally, is essential for maintaining accountability and building trust with stakeholders. Companies should consider using established frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), to guide their reporting processes. Fostering a Culture of Sustainability Creating a culture of sustainability within the organization is essential for the success of a decarbonization roadmap. Companies should strive to embed environmental responsibility into their corporate ethos, ensuring that every employee understands their role in achieving sustainability goals. This can be achieved through ongoing education and training programs, sustainability initiatives, and encouraging eco-friendly practices at all levels. Recognizing and rewarding employees who contribute to the company's decarbonization efforts can also motivate the workforce and reinforce the importance of these initiatives. By fostering a culture where sustainability is a core value, businesses can drive collective action and innovation towards a greener future. Investing in Innovation and Technology Finally, investing in innovation and technology is crucial for advancing decarbonization efforts. Businesses should stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends that can help reduce emissions. This might include adopting electric vehicles for transportation, utilizing advanced data analytics to optimize operations, or exploring new materials and production processes that are less carbon-intensive. Companies should also consider investing in research and development to pioneer their own sustainable solutions. By prioritizing innovation and staying ahead of technological advancements, businesses can continually improve their decarbonization strategies and maintain a competitive edge in an evolving market. Final Thoughts A well-structured decarbonization roadmap is vital for businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to global climate goals. By setting clear objectives, identifying key emission sources, implementing energy efficiency measures, transitioning to renewable energy, engaging the supply chain, and monitoring progress, companies can make significant strides towards sustainability. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also positions businesses as leaders in the transition to a low-carbon economy, fostering resilience and long-term success. International bank card organizations such as Mastercard and American Express have accelerated efforts aimed at optimizing payment services in China, in order to satisfy ever-growing payment needs in the deepening opening-up process of the world's second-largest economy. Motivated by the advantages of operating in the large-scale Chinese market, global bank card companies have been constantly enhancing their services, ranging from expansion of the scope of cooperating merchants to the upgrading of payment limits on merchandise. In the latest move to expand its business layout in China, Mastercard NetsUnion Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Mastercard NetsUnion), a joint venture of Mastercard and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, has introduced a brand new bank card called China Mastercard, taking this step just over a month after it officially launched its bank card clearing operations on May 9. Currently, China Mastercard holders not only have the ability to shop at more than 100 million merchants around the world, but can also add the card to Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Alipay, WeChat, JD.com and Meituan as well as overseas digital wallets, said Zheng Xiaofei, CEO of Mastercard NetsUnion. In addition, the company has also cooperated with more than 30 digital wallet platforms in expanding shopping scenarios for its customers from daily consumption to merchandise such as automobiles and real estate. In the future, the company plans to promote contactless payment methods while continue to cooperate with digital wallet platforms and bank card issuers in order to improve the convenience and security of its payment services, Zheng said. "We are very optimistic about the Chinese market which is large enough, and we are confident to do business well here," said Ling Hai, who is chairman of Mastercard NetsUnion. Ling added that the joint venture will provide more differentiated and refined services and deliver expanded technology relevant to the bank card clearing business. Ling believes that there are quite a few favorable conditions for developing businesses in China at the moment. On the one hand, booming international tourism and e-commerce activities have promoted more vigorous demand for cross-border payments in the Chinese market. On the other hand, the time is right for Mastercard NetsUnion to beef up its business layout in China, as the country is building a payment ecosystem that is fully-accessible, diversified and "more compatible with the rest of the world." Mastercard is the second overseas bank card clearing institution to enter the Chinese market, following American Express. Express (Hangzhou) Technology Service Co. Ltd., a joint venture of American Express and Lianlian in China, has cooperated with a number of banks and non-bank payment institutions to expand the scope of businesses accepting American Express bank cards in the Chinese market. Notably, a number of world-famous hotels, duty-free shops, and catering businesses have already accepted domestic and overseas versions of American Express bank cards. The opening up of the bank card clearing market is an important part of the opening up of China's financial industry. In recent years, China's financial regulators have set equal standards for foreign and domestic bank card clearing institutions in terms of setting-up conditions and procedures as well as business management, while making it easier for such institutions to apply for licenses. Investing in and supporting the business expansion of the joint venture are important steps in promoting the diversified development of the payment and clearing markets in China, Luo Yanfeng said. Luo, Party secretary of NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, shareholder of Mastercard NetsUnion, noted that the investment is also "a concrete manifestation of implementing high-level opening-up policies in China's financial industry." With a slew of opening-up measures introduced, foreign bank card clearing institutions can now provide services related to renminbi bank cards by setting up commercial entities in China, instead of having to cooperate with domestic clearing institutions in conducting relevant business activities. Improvement of the payment system is the foundation of the development of China's financial system, said Zeng Gang, director of the Shanghai Institution for Finance and Development. He noted that allowing overseas bank card clearing institutions to enter the domestic market is conducive to constructing a reasonable and stable market structure featuring effective competition. "The active expansion pace of Mastercard NetsUnion's businesses in China shows our determination to continue to deepen the Chinese market," Ari Sarker, president for Asia Pacific at Mastercard said, adding that Mastercard has witnessed and participated in the exciting development process in China, where a more and more "silky" payment experience has benefited everyone. The company is looking forward to providing an even better payment experience to Chinese consumers in the future, Sarker said. Oppo is launching the next model in its Reno line, with the Reno12 Pro and Reno12 to be offered for sale in Australia from 11 July. Both phones will be available for pre-sale from 27 June. Additionally, the Chinese smartphone vendor will release its Oppo Watch X which is going on sale from Thursday (today). A statement from Oppo said the two phones were built atop the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy SoC which had been developed in co-ordination with the chip vendor. A number of AI features, in the processing of graphics and refining of photos, will be available on both models. The Reno12 will sell for $799, with the Pro costing $200 more. The Watch X, priced at $699, will be offered to buyers of the Pro between 27 June and 25 July as a way to entice them to purchase the Pro. Those who opt to buy the Reno 12 will receive an Oppo Pad Neo, valued at $449, as a gift with purchase via redemption. Both phones support 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge technology with 5000mAh batteries to ensure usage of at least a day. A rear view of the Reno12 Pro. Supplied Oppo Australia managing director Michael Tran said: "We are incredibly excited to introduce the Oppo Reno12 Series and Watch X to our Australian customers. With the Reno12 Series, we're following through on our commitment to bring advanced AI capabilities to handsets beyond flagships. "Following on from our recently launched Pad Neo, the new Oppo Watch X further demonstrates our dedication to continuing to build out the Oppo ecosystem for our Australian customers by now providing a high-end wearable product. The Reno12 is available in Astro Silver and Black Brown while the Pro is available in Nebula Silver and Nebula Black. Both phones can be bought from Oppo Australias Online Store, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and Harvey Norman. Reno 12 specs Design Height: about 161.4mm Width: about 74.1mm Thickness: about 7.6mm Weight: about 177g Rated IP65 Screen 6.7" 120Hz 3D Curved Screen 20:9 Aspect ratio 2412 1080, 394 PPI 60/90/120Hz dynamic refresh rate Brightness: 600 nits max brightness (typical); 1200 nits peak brightness (outdoor) HDR10 / HDR10+ Corning Gorilla Glass 7i Biometric Security In-display fingerprint sensing Face unlock Selfie camera 32MP Selfie Camera GC32E2 1/3.1" sensor 21mm /2.0 lens CDAF + PDAF Rear cameras 50MP Main camera Sony LYT600 1/1.95 sensor All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF 26mm /1.8 lens OIS 112 Ultra Wide Camera Sony IMX355 16mm /2.2 lens 2MP Macro Camera OV02B10 4CM focusing distance Performance MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy For Reno TSMC 4nm CPU: Octa-core with a maximum frequency of 2.5 GHz GPU: Arm Mail-G615 ColorOS 14.1 based on Android 14 Battery & Charging Battery capacity:5000 mAh (typical) Energy density:733 Wh/L (typical) 80W SUPERVOOCTM Connectivity Dual SIM Max to 1TB microSD 360 NFC Bluetooth 5.4 IR Blaster 5G supported HSR mode and elevator mode SLA polymorphic network acceleration Wi-Fi 6 Reno 12 Pro specs Design Height: about 161.45mm Width: about 74.79mm Thickness: about 7.40mm Nebula Black about 7.45mm Nebula Silver Weight: about 180g Nebula Black about 181g Nebula Silver Rated IP65 Screen 120Hz 6.7" Flexible AMOLED with four curved sides of equal height 20:9 Aspect ratio 2412 1080, 394 PPI 60/90/120Hz dynamic refresh rate Brightness: 600 nits max brightness (typical); 1200 nits peak brightness (outdoor) HDR10 / HDR10+ Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 CG 43 curved on all four sides of equal height Biometric Security In-display fingerprint sensing Face unlock Selfie camera 50MP Selfie Camera S5KJN5 1/2.75 sensor 21mm /2.0 lens CDAF + PDAF Rear cameras 50MP Main camera Sony LYT600 1/1.95 sensor All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF 26mm /1.8 lens OIS 50MP Telephoto Camera Samsung S5KJN5 1/2.75" sensor 47mm /2.0 lens 2 optical zoom and 20 hybrid zoom 112 Ultra Wide Camera Sony IMX355 16mm /2.2 lens Performance MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy For Reno TSMC 4nm CPU: Octa-core with a maximum frequency of 2.5 GHz GPU: Arm Mail-G615 ColorOS 14.1 based on Android 14 Battery & Charging Battery capacity:5000 mAh (typical) Energy density:738 Wh/L (typical) 80W SUPERVOOCTM Connectivity Dual SIM Max to 1TB microSD 360 NFC Bluetooth 5.4 IR Blaster 5G supported HSR mode and elevator mode SLA polymorphic network acceleration Wi-Fi 6 Brook Colgan, as the titular character in the MWR Theatre Groups upcoming production of the Willy Wonka Jr. musical, rehearses June 17 at the Community Recreation Center on Camp Zama, Japan. Colgan also serves as producer of the musical. (Noriko Kudo) CAMP ZAMA, Japan The cast and crew of a community theater group here have worked to build, both figuratively and literally, the world of pure imagination they will bring to the stage in their Willy Wonka Jr. musical. The last few weeks have seen the MWR Theatre Group putting the finishing touches on the set, props and costumes, and of course getting their lines and choreography down for three performances of the show June 20, 21 and 22 at the Community Recreation Center here. Auditions for the musical were held in April. Nearly 40 roles were ultimately cast, all of them community members ranging in age from 7 to adult. Director Cheyenne Reynosa said the cast and crew are all talented and passionate about putting on a great show for their audience. [This musical] showcases a level of joy, life and laughter that many Soldiers and their children do not get to experience, Reynosa said. [The theater group] gives those military children who constantly have to move [the chance] to leave a mark on their community and gives the adults and the Soldiers an opportunity to express themselves. Sgt. Rafael Sanchez, assigned to the 311th Military Intelligence Battalion, is a relative newcomer to the world of theater. He was cast as Grandpa Joe, a major role, but he also helped construct the set. The rehearsal schedule up to three times per week over a little more than two months has been demanding, he said, but the entire cast and crew have been dedicated and supportive of each other, making the process much easier. The teamwork has been great, Sanchez said. Its been great to see how committed the young actors are and how patient the production team has been with actors like me who dont have as much experience. Sanchez is new to Japan and said he was looking for ways to get involved in his community here. Being part of the Willy Wonka Jr. cast has allowed him to do just that, he said, and made his transition to a new duty station much easier. Also part of the crew are several Soldier volunteers who move set pieces and props on and offstage between scenes. Their help with the production has been instrumental in making rehearsals and other preparations go smoothly, Sanchez said. We are super grateful for all of the help from the Soldiers, Sanchez said. They want to do something positive for the community with the extra time they have on their hands. Their help made a huge difference and enabled the actors to focus on learning their songs and lines. Sanchez said he hopes audiences will be entertained when they see the show, but he also hopes the community appreciates the time and effort the cast and crew put into staging the production. Reynosa agreed, saying the musical will be entertaining for all ages. My expectation is greatness, and I dont think thats ever too high to value, she said. Performances of the Willy Wonka Jr. musical will be June 21 at 5 p.m., June 22 at 3 p.m., and June 23 at 3 p.m., all at Community Recreation Center on Camp Zama. MATTOON The Public Service Company is junking all its equipment in its pumping station at Twelfth street and Marshall Ave. and will replace it at once with modern power pumps and high capacity motors. It will be the second modernization of the plant since it was originally built in 1885. The first modernization took place nineteen years ago. The two large engines, one of 100 horsepower, the other of 85-horsepower, have been taken out. In their place are two centrifugal pumpers which have been received from the works at Manistee, Mich...MATTOON Alderman John G. Wooldridge has written to the Department of Agriculture at Washington for the address of parties growing chlotes, with a view to having some of the plants transplanted in this city. The chlote is said to be a new fruit which has a flavor of banana, pineapple and strawberry, a combination much desired by connoisseurs. The original chlote is to be found in Guatemala, Mr. Wooldridge has been informed...TOLEDO On Wednesday Furlin Brewster purchased of Martin Rominger the restaurant stock and fixtures of the Home Bakery, which has been conducted by Martin Rominger for the last three years. Mr. Rominger will continue the bakery and the two businesses will be conducted in the same building. WINDSOR A Windsor couple is fighting to keep their six-year-old "son." Len and Connie Thies are battling a July 8 deadline to maintain the right to keep the boy and continue the adoption process. On July 8, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services plans to return the boy to his natural mother. The question about the boy's adoptability has risen over an apparent error in court proceedings which originally took him away from his mother. The boy's father is dead...CHARLESTON The state's case against two men charged with killing Joe Carl Plumley collapsed Wednesday. Four key witnesses refused to testify against Beauford Hobbie, 24, of Hendrix, Okla., and Oliver Harold Morris, 23, of Commerce, Texas. The two men were charged with shooting Plumley, 34, of Tupelo, Okla., to death Aug. 9 along Illinois 16 West of Mattoon. State's Atty. Bobby F. Sanders asked presiding Judge Carl Lund of Paris to dismiss the murder charges against Hobbie and Morris, with the stipulation that his office would be permitted to file new charges against Morris and Hobbie at a later date. Mattoon attorney Laurence Grabb represented Hobbie and Morris in court. He demanded that the charges be dropped against his clients with the provision that the state not be allowed to charge the two men again with the same crime. Lund agreed with Grabb and ruled against Sanders. The judge said he would allow Sanders' motion "to dismiss with the finding that double jeopardy exists." Morris is still being held in Coles County jail on Texas charges of escape and car theft. Hobbie is being held for Oklahoma authorities on a parole violation charge...MATTOON The site of Mattoon's new sewer plant is covered with boot-gripping mud. David E. Yinger, project superintendent for Gridor Construction Co., plowed through the mud barking orders sometimes, crouching down to look over his domain. What he was looking at was shells of new buildings, massive holes in the ground, stacks of pipes and building materials, giant machines. Yinger's job is to coordinate the work, keep it on schedule and make the new plant a reality. His immediate goal is to get all of the concrete poured at the plant site before cold weather sets in. The man accused of stabbing a Missouri couple killing one and leaving the other critically wounded at an Interstate 80 rest stop near Grand Island in a failed robbery attempt has been charged with murder and 10 other felonies. James Thompson Jr., a 22-year-old of Elyria, Ohio, made his first court appearance Thursday by video from the jail. At a brief hearing, Hall County Court Judge Arthur Wetzel appointed the public defender's office to represent him and denied bail on a complaint charging him with the first-degree murder of Gary Weaver, 72, and attempted murder of Mary Weaver, 71, plus attempted robbery, fleeing arrest and a string of weapons charges. Hall County Public Defender Gerry Piccolo told the Journal Star he had no comment at this stage in the proceedings. Witnesses described a brutal attack in and around the couple's RV at about 7 a.m. Wednesday and hearing a man say: "Give me the Jeep keys." In court records, Hall County Sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Moline said a semitrailer truck driver caught part of the attack on his dash-cam video system, which showed a man getting in the passenger side of an RV and making stabbing motions toward the woman before going out of view. Moline said when the woman got out, the man followed, stabbing her multiple times, stopping briefly to yell at the man in the cab of the semi before continuing the assault, stabbing her in the head, causing her to fall to the ground. The man drove away in a Ford Focus heading west on I-80 but quickly was spotted by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper responding to the call taking the Wood River exit. When the suspect turned at a farm entrance, the trooper tried to stop him. Moline said the man fled at 120 mph over the I-80 interchange, passing another driver before wrecking and ending up in the Platte River. He said Thompson got out and ran, but he was arrested a short distance away with blood on his shirt and several cuts on his hand. Police believe he had been trying to steal the Jeep, which the couple's RV had been towing. They found it detached with blood on it. At the rest stop, Moline said, deputies arrived to find Mary Weaver sitting on the ground bleeding beside their RV on the south side of the rest area and Gary Weaver inside bleeding from his chest and head. They attempted CPR, but couldn't save him. They were rushed to the Grand Island Regional Hospital, where he was declared dead, according to the Sheriff's Office. Mary Weaver was treated for life-threatening wounds and was in stable condition as of Thursday morning. Both are from Eureka, Missouri. Top Journal Star photos for June 2024 A staff member of the Bank of Communications demonstrates the use of the online wallet of digital RMB at the Happy Valley Beijing theme park in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua] China's one-year loan prime rate (LPR), a market-based benchmark lending rate, came in at 3.45 percent Thursday, unchanged from the previous month. The over-five-year LPR, on which many lenders base their mortgage rates, also remained unchanged from the previous reading of 3.95 percent, according to the National Interbank Funding Center. China cut the over-five-year rate by 25 basis points to 3.95 percent in February, the largest drop in recent years. The one-year rate remained unchanged in February. The lending rate is expected to be stable in the short term, but there is still room for the rate to dip in the future, according to Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank. In order to reduce financing costs and maintain the stable net interest margin of banks, deposit rates still need to be further lowered, he said, adding that this leaves space for a subsequent decline of the LPR. A lower LPR is expected to shore up the credit and property markets, reduce the financial costs of businesses and individuals, and contribute to steady economic recovery. Monthly LPR data serves as a pricing reference for banks that is based on the rates of the central bank's open market operations, especially the medium-term lending facility rate. OMAHA Laura Stastny is like that woman in the nursery rhyme who had so many children she didnt know what to do. Only in her case, its animals. Fewer than three years after moving into its new 16,000-square-foot Baldwin Wildlife Center at 97th and M streets, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab is already bursting at the seams. Its absolutely crazy. I think we have 900 animals in care right now, said Stastny, the founder and director. Nine hundred that we are actively taking care of. So far in 2024, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab has cared for 3,903 patients, from regulars such as rabbits and raccoons to the more exotic baby bobcat and beaver recently undergoing lifesaving treatment at the center. Stastny expects that number to rocket past the rehabs usual number by the end of the year. The rehab, which is celebrating its 25th year, usually averages 6,500 to 7,000 a year. Stastny said high numbers this year are likely because of a milder winter, which means more babies in the spring, and increased recognition from the public of the rescue work done by the organization. NWR is the wildlife partner for the Nebraska Humane Society. It focuses solely on the rescue and rehabilitation of native wildlife with the goal of returning the animals to the wild. Both April and May were record months. The rehab received 1,064 animals for care in April, about 40% more than average, and 1,730 in May, about 20% more than usual. It was so busy that Stastny had to suspend doing her duties as director and help with animal care for both months. For eight weeks starting in April, I was working 100 hours a week, she said. Its a labor of love for sure. The wildlife center is now up to a full staff of 36 people, along with amazing volunteers, Stastny said. Everyone is busy and tired. The three raccoon nurseries are full, the baby bird nursery is overflowing, and the reptile room is swamped with turtles that have been hit by cars. There are two coyotes recovering in the isolation room. A young red fox, abandoned and hairless because of mange, is looking good. The orphan baby bobcat, which came in near death after being found in central Nebraska, spent several days in intensive care on IV fluids. Now she is a monster, Stastny said. Thats why she has to go out to the outdoor site. Shes trying to attack people when they come in the door. Shes about 12 weeks old now, and weighs about 3 pounds, but she thinks she weighs 30. Stastny said it takes an average of $145 to care for each animal, which covers food, indoor and outdoor enclosures, advanced medical care, rehabilitation time, facilities, enrichment and training for release. Funds are raised through donations and grants. Because of the dire resource crunch with so many animals, shes put out an appeal for financial help from the public. If we cannot raise additional funds to serve wildlife and our community, we may have to consider restricting admissions or temporarily stopping the intake of new patients, she said. Because this is the busiest season when people and animals need us the most, were hoping donations can help us continue operating at full capacity. With demand so high, she may have to rethink her $1.2 million annual budget. Once or if things slow down, she said shell also have to consider the possibility of an additional site, perhaps in Lancaster County, or how she could expand in Omaha. Right now, though, she can focus only on scrounging up funds for new washing machines. Three of the five have broken down in the past week a big problem when the center does 50 loads of laundry a day. The machines are going from 6 a.m. to 1 or 2 a.m. the next day. To get through our busy season, we need to raise an additional $300,000, Stastny said. We are hoping that our incredible community will come through and help us so that we can help all of the animals that will need us this summer. At times like this, it is completely overwhelming for all of us to care for so many animals, but we are all grateful for the support of our community that allows us to do this work. Want to help? Nebraska Wildlife Rehab is asking people to donate the cost of rehabilitating one animal ($145) or to sign up for a monthly donation of $12 or more per month. Donations in all amounts are accepted. To donate, go online at nebraskawildliferehab.org/how-to-help/donate-now.html or send checks to NWR, 9777 M Street, Omaha, NE 68127 Animals at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab Here's the rundown on some of the animals cared for at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab this year. The rehab has taken in 124 species of animals. Bats: 330 Eastern cottontail rabbits: 1,323 Fox and Gray Squirrels: 241 Raccoons: 304 Opossums: 403 Ground squirrels and woodchucks: 33 Snakes: 11 Turtles: a record 116 Close A baby fox squirrel at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. A young coyote is fed at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. A baby woodchuck at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. This young bobcat was near death when it was found in central Nebraska. Eastern cottontails are often patients at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. A baby mink is cared for at NWR. A wood duckling is one of the many animals that needed care this spring. A record number of turtles are being cared for this year. This red fox came in with mange. A fox squirrel with a cast. Birds are among the many residents at NWR. Medical director Allison Carter cares for a squirrel. Veterinarian Sarah Woodhouse treats a bull snake. Medical director Allison Carter performs surgery on an injured animal. Medical director Allison Carter does some therapy with a sandhill crane. Medical director Allison Carter cares for a baby eagle. A cedar waxwing being cared for by NWR. Rehabilitation director Carly Portinen cares for a baby squirrel. A bullsnake entangled in some landscape netting. Time to eat for this baby raccoon. Some hungry baby birds. Photos: Animals receiving care at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab A baby fox squirrel at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. A young coyote is fed at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. A baby woodchuck at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. This young bobcat was near death when it was found in central Nebraska. Eastern cottontails are often patients at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. A baby mink is cared for at NWR. A wood duckling is one of the many animals that needed care this spring. A record number of turtles are being cared for this year. This red fox came in with mange. A fox squirrel with a cast. Birds are among the many residents at NWR. Medical director Allison Carter cares for a squirrel. Veterinarian Sarah Woodhouse treats a bull snake. Medical director Allison Carter performs surgery on an injured animal. Medical director Allison Carter does some therapy with a sandhill crane. Medical director Allison Carter cares for a baby eagle. A cedar waxwing being cared for by NWR. Rehabilitation director Carly Portinen cares for a baby squirrel. A bullsnake entangled in some landscape netting. Time to eat for this baby raccoon. Some hungry baby birds. RACINE COUNTY Opioid-related deaths in the county are lower than at the same time last year, according to Racine County Public Health. Silviano Garcia, an epidemiologist with the countys public health department, discussed overdose trends during a meeting of the County of Racine Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee last Friday. According to Garcia, overdose deaths, regardless of drug type, spiked in 2023 when 71 per 100,000 people died. In 2022, 46 per 100,000 people died from an overdose in the county. Deaths related specifically to opioid use in 2024 have also fallen compared to the same time last year. Data from the public health department compared opioid-related deaths from week 18 for years 2018 to 2024. In 2022, deaths were 19 per 100,000 through week 18. In 2023, the number spiked to 26 per 100,000. In 2024, the number of opioid-related deaths through week 18 was 12. Garcia said no alerts for opioid-related overdoses have been issued this year. The county has alerts for elevated, moderate and high numbers of suspected opioid overdoses. An alert was issued by the second week of 2023. According to the data presented by the public health department, the majority of overdose deaths are associated with mixtures of several types of drugs, often opioids. Use of Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that acts as a sedative and slows the heart, also is on the rise in the county. No overdose deaths were associated with the drug in 2018 and 2019. In 2024, 24% of overdose deaths were related to xylazine, a drug thats resistant to naloxone a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. In Racine County, the majority of people who die from opioid-related deaths are white men, and their average age is 41. The demographics of the individuals who die from drug overdoses, not just opioids, are nearly identical. 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 View Results You are here: China Chinese authorities have allocated 916 million yuan (about 126 million U.S. dollars) to flood and drought response work in the country's southern and northern regions, and to support disaster relief efforts, the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday. The figure includes 499 million yuan to support flood control and relief efforts, as well as safety measures, in Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei. A total of 417 million yuan is being provided to support Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi and Gansu in their water conservancy and drought relief efforts. The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration on Wednesday issued an orange alert for potential mountain torrents in Guizhou and Qinghai. Localities have been advised to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of local residents, including real-time monitoring work, flood prevention warning issuance and relocation efforts. China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. KEARNEY Electric vehicle owner Barb Cullen of Kearney shrugs when asked if Nebraska is keeping pace with the growing number of EVs. Cullen said its difficult to say whether Nebraska is an EV-friendly state because shes had so many positive experiences getting around town and traveling the highways. She said she hasnt encountered the kind of rough spots that might expose Nebraska shortcomings. There already is a charging network along the interstate, she said, reacting to a Nebraska Department of Transportation announcement that in August NDOT will be accepting applications from those interested in installing charger stations along I-80. NDOT said it will spend $17 million of the $30 million thats available in the first phase of fortifying Nebraskas charging capacity along the interstate. The state has designated that four-lane road as the backbone of the states charging system. When the buildout on I-80 is complete, the focus will shift to other areas of the state, according to NDOT. Nebraska EV chargers According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, dozens of towns have EV chargers. The NDOT count includes single charging units as well as multiple charging units, which sometime may be counted as a single unit: Ainsworth 2 Albion 1 Allen 1 Auburn 2 Beatrice 3 Bellevue 4 Blair 4 Broken Bow 1 Brownville 1 Cambridge 1 Chadron 2 Chappell 1 Columbus 9 Crete 1 Dannebrog 1 Fairfield 1 Fremont 3 Gothenburg 1 Grand Island 9 Gretna 3 Hastings 4 Hay Springs 1 Hebron 3 Holdrege 1 Kearney 13 Kenesaw 1 Lexington 4 Lincoln 52 Minden 1 Nebraska City 3 Norfolk 9 North Bend 1 North Platte 2 Ogallala 5 Omaha 71 ONeill 1 Ord 2 Osceola 1 Papillion 1 Plattsmouth 1 Potter 1 Scottsbluff 4 Seward 1 Sidney 1 S. Sioux City 4 Stromsburg 1 Syracuse 2 Thedford 2 Valley 1 Wahoo 2 Waverly 2 West Point 2 Wood River 2 York 5 Having chargers every 50 miles doesnt blow my socks off, Cullen said. My car navigates to super chargers, so the states plan is not a game changer for me. Although Cullen said Nebraskas charger network appears to be adequate, a number of business leaders arent so certain. They worry that the state could be missing an opportunity to bring more travelers to Nebraska. Our state is way behind, but electric vehicles are happening, whether we like it or not, said Lisa Burke, executive director of the Visit North Platte tourism office. Burkes counterpart in Kearney, Roger Jasnoch of the Kearney Visitors Bureau, said he agrees that EVs represent an economic opportunity. EVs are the next covered wagon rolling across the country, Jasnoch said, Technology will make EVs stronger and lighter. The performance will be better so you dont have to stop every 100 miles. Although chargers dot most areas of Kearney, Jasnoch said hes concerned whether private initiative is enough to motivate businesses to install more chargers. Kearneys most visible charger station is the Runza Restaurant in south Kearney, where travelers can plug into eight rapid chargers. Tesla installed the chargers with permission of the restaurant owner, Tim Higgins of Kearney. He said he agreed to have the chargers in the parking lot because travelers might buy meals while they wait for a charge. The Runza in North Platte also has multiple chargers, but Burke said she couldnt pinpoint many others. In Kearney, EV owners can recharge at Hy-Vee, City Hall, Central Community College and a number of other locations. The bigger the community the more chargers youll have, said Cullen. Currently, cities in the Interstate 80 corridor have more chargers, but many cities and towns that arent near I-80 also have chargers. NDOT reports Kearney has 13 chargers and Grand Island has 9. Omaha leads Nebraska with 71, followed by Lincoln with 52. Although North Platte tourism director Burke and Jasnoch of the Kearney tourist center expressed a sense of urgency for Nebraska to add more chargers, that attitude isnt universal. If you compare what other communities have done, Kearney is in the race, Jasnoch said, but we dont have a staggering lead. The more chargers we have the more its going to get around that Kearney is leading the pack. Clarine Eickhoff, COO of North Platte-based Wilkinson Cos., said her business has had limited interest in adding chargers to its growing chain of Fat Dog travel centers. Wilkinson also operates four hotels in North Platte. The company currently is building Fat Dogs in Lincoln, Grand Island and North Platte and recently opened in Lexington. Eickhoff said there was an opportunity to add chargers at the Fat Dog in Sidney, but her company has been too busy with its travel center expansions. Honestly we got so busy with our new builds, but we might add electrical later, Eickhoff said. Its not something that youre going to rip up your lot and try to make bank on it. While its important to have adequate facilities to recharge batteries, Tesla owner Cullen said it also is important that EV owners adopt a mind shift when transitioning to electric. Pre-planning is important. That kind of thinking has become common sense now, said Cullen. She and her husband, Marty, have a pair of Tesla EVs in their garage. After several years experience, Barb and Marty are confident their electric cars will take them anywhere. Weve gone to Gettysburg and Texas and Albuquerque. Theres nowhere we cant go in our cars, she said. A job fair for college graduates is held in Shanghai on Oct 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese authorities on Wednesday unveiled a package of policy measures to promote the employment of college graduates and other young groups. A major step is the combination of one-off employment subsidies with one-off job expansion allowances, awarding employers that hire qualified college graduates and registered unemployed youth, according to a circular released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance. The allowance will be available through Dec. 31, 2025. The circular said that advanced manufacturing is one of the key industries for youth employment. An action plan will be carried out to help young people land jobs in this sector, including organizing vocational experience activities. In addition, an internship recruitment plan will be implemented, which will support enterprises, government-invested projects and public institutions in offering internship opportunities. In 2024 and 2025, the plan aims to recruit at least 1 million internship posts per year. Over 11.7 million college students are due to graduate in China this year. The 2024 government work report said, "We must do more to promote employment for young people, and provide better guidance and services to help them secure jobs or start businesses." In early June, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security launched a 100-day recruitment campaign aimed at providing more than 10 million jobs to recent college graduates. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers an important speech at the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the armed forces' political loyalty as a crucial meeting on the political work in the military was held in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), demanded efforts to ensure a solid political guarantee for building a strong military, as he addressed the CMC Political Work Conference, held from Monday to Wednesday. The Yan'an conference, which Xi personally decided to convene, took place 10 years after a similar meeting was held in Gutian, east China's Fujian Province. The participants discussed and made arrangements for promoting political work in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi emphasized the need to uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military and to build a high-quality cadre team that is loyal, clean, responsible, and capable of fulfilling the mission of strengthening the military. On Monday afternoon, Xi led CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping, where the CMC's headquarters were stationed from August 1937 to March 1947. Xi visited the former residences of late revolutionary leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De in Yan'an to honor the memory of their revolutionary struggle. The Yan'an conference marks a return to the roots of the military, Xi said. He called on senior military officers to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted by the Party and the people to keep strengthening the armed forces. Xi delivered an important speech at the conference, noting that after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee held the 2014 military political work conference in Gutian and improved political conduct through rectification initiatives. Measures to govern the military with strict discipline have been comprehensively implemented with unprecedented determination and intensity, achieving historic accomplishments in enhancing political loyalty in the military, according to Xi. Xi stressed that political work is always the lifeline of the country's military. The armed forces must always be led by those who are reliable and loyal to the Party, and there must be no place for corruption within the military. Noting that China's military is confronted with complicated challenges in the political work, Xi said it is necessary to continuously enhance political loyalty in the military to ensure that the people's armed forces always uphold their core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline. He also analyzed the deep-seated problems that need to be addressed in military political work, emphasizing that a root cause of these problems lies in the lack of ideals and beliefs. Xi called on relevant personnel at all levels, especially senior cadres, to introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications. Xi highlighted key work to enhance political loyalty in the military, urging efforts to arm the military with the Party's new theories and improve the leadership of Party organizations, as well as their capabilities of organization and implementation. The Party leadership must be upheld in all the fields and the whole process of enhancing combat readiness, Xi noted. Xi urged efforts to nurture a contingent of high-caliber officers, eradicate the breeding ground for corruption, and enhance the comprehensive oversight of high-ranking officers in terms of their performance of duty and exercise of power. Officers at all levels, especially those in the higher ranks, should lead by example and serve as pioneers and models, Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), leads CMC members and heads of various departments and units to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), meets with participants of the CMC Political Work Conference in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 17, 2024. The CMC Political Work Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi attended the conference and delivered an important speech. [Photo/Xinhua] On 19 June Kenyas Presidentheld a meeting with Haitis transitional presidential council (TPC) chaired by TPC president End of preview - This article contains approximately 401 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 19 June Argentinas government led by Presidentdenied it had a pact of impunity with Brazils former president(2019-2023) to offer political asylum to alleged far-right rioters who participated in the storming of Brazils seats of government in January 2023. End of preview - This article contains approximately 393 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 18 June Mexicos President-electmet with the countrys umbrella business association Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE). End of preview - This article contains approximately 601 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Apple is preparing to release a series of new artificial intelligence (AI) tools on iPhones and other personal devices. Company officials have described the new offerings as a newly developed technology called Apple Intelligence. The announcement happened during Apples World Wide Developers Conference. The event took place last week at the companys headquarters in Cupertino, California. Apple chief Tim Cook said at the conference that the AI tools will be supported by technology developed by ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The release of ChatGPT in 2022 led to the launch of a new generation of AI tools that aim to perform at human levels. Such tools, also known as chatbots or generative AI, are designed to interact smoothly with humans and perform high-level writing and other kinds of creative work. Cook noted that Apples new offerings are designed to improve on previous AI technologies, including the companys 13-year-old personal assistant, Siri. Its personal intelligence, and it is the next big step for Apple, he said. OpenAI chief Sam Altman also attended Apples conference. He said in a statement the partnership with Apple aims to make it easier for people to benefit from what AI can offer. Apple officials said that in addition to adding OpenAIs technology, Siri was also receiving major upgrades. The upgrades are designed to make the tool more personable and expand its uses. The new AI tools are designed to assist users across different areas. This includes help with text messages, emails and calendars, as well as with many third-party apps. One example demonstrated at the conference was the ability of the upgraded Siri to fully write emails and change its voice. Apple officials have said the AI tools are designed to suggest to users when it might make sense to use Apple Intelligence technology in addition to Siri. The new offerings will only operate on more recent models of the iPhone, iPad and Macs. This is because the AI tools require powerful processors earlier models do not have. For example, iPhone users will need to have last years iPhone 15 Pro or buy the next model expected to be released later this year. Craig Federighi is Apples senior vice president of software engineering. He told reporters that all users will have the ability to turn off any AI tools they do not want on their device. Apple has long claimed it values personal privacy by building tools into its operating systems that seek to protect user data. The company said it had taken the same steps to provide privacy protections for its new AI tools. Federighi said the new AI tools will aim to provide a highly personalized service to give users intelligence thats most helpful and relevant for you, and it protects your privacy at every step. One way Apple has tried to reduce concerns about its privacy policies moving forward is by stating that most AI tool activity will process on the device itself, rather than at remote data centers. Such centers are known as cloud servers. Technology experts said this policy should also help Apple save money since AI processing through the cloud is far more costly than on a device. Apple officials said when users make AI demands requiring computing power beyond what is available on the device, the activity will be processed by a private cloud. That system, the company says, is supposed to protect personal user data. Federighi explained the process by saying Apple's AI will be aware of your personal data without collecting your personal data. Im Bryan Lynn Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Quiz - Apple Partners with OpenAI to Bring AI Tools to iOS Devices Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ____________________________________________ Words in This Story benefit v. to be helped by something upgrade n. an improvement of something so that it is of higher quality or a newer model app (application) adj. a computer program that carries out one or several closely linked tasks relevant adj. related or useful to what is happening or is being talked about remote adj. far away aware adj. to know about something Thousands of fishermen holding nets stood side by side. They waited for the signal. Suddenly, they rushed to a large area of water and threw in their nets, dropping to their knees in the mud. Soon after, one held up a fish the length of his arm. For several hundred years, people have gathered in the town of San in southern Mali for Sanke mon, a collective fishing rite. It begins with animal sacrifices and offerings to the water spirits of Sanke pond. The rite, with dancers and traditional costumes, is on UNESCOs list of intangible cultural traditions. The list is meant to honor important places and activities to cultures around the world. Climate change The event celebrates the towns founding and marks the beginning of the rainy season. But some people say climate change and heat waves are interfering with the tradition. Sanke pond is starting to disappear, said a village chief, Mamadou Lamine Traore. A heat wave in Mali this year has also led to deaths. The heat wave began in March when many in the Muslim-majority country observed the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with fasting. Fasting means to deny oneself food for a period. The Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center said that limited data in Mali makes it impossible to know the number of heat-related deaths. But the group still estimates that the deaths this year have likely been in the hundreds, if not thousands. World Weather Attribution is a nonprofit science group that looks at the effects of extreme weather. In April, the group released a study. It said the latest heat wave in the Sahel, the area of Africa south of the Sahara Desert, is extreme. The researchers said climate change has made high temperatures in Burkina Faso and Mali hotter by 1.5 degrees Celsius. Experts have warned of more hot weather. The future At the latest Sanke mon collective fishing activity, men felt hot as they cooked chickens. A national flag waved on a weathered flagpole along the edge of the pond. This tradition was already established before I was born, said Amadou Coulibaly, who remains faithful to it although there are growing difficulties. When the rite was added to the UNESCO list in 2009, there were plans to dig deeper into the pond to prevent it from filling up with dirt, Traore said. But since then, he explained, nothing was done, and the pond is starting to create problems. He said, the ponds disappearance would threaten not just the ancient fishing activity but also the towns economic survival. Im Ashley Thompson. Moustapha Diallo reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. _________________________________________________ Words in The Story net n. a network of widely-spaced strings or ropes that are used to catch fish mud n. wet, soft dirt rite n. an act that is part of a religious ceremony pond n. an area of water that is smaller than a lake costume n. clothing that is for special occasions or events that is often colorful or different from normal clothing Tesla shareholders recently voted by a large majority to approve company chief Elon Musks 10-year pay plan. The plan, valued by the company in April at $44.9 billion, was even more valuable earlier in the year. However, Teslas stock price has fallen about 25 percent since then. The board and shareholders first approved the plan, which gives Musk special shares of stock, in 2018. It aimed to reward Musk for reaching goals that include raising Teslas market value, pretax income and revenue. But in January, a Delaware judge halted the plan. She said the process for approving it was deeply flawed. The court ruled that Musk controlled the companys board and that shareholders were not fully informed. But the company said Musk should get the pay because he turned Tesla into the top-selling electric vehicle maker in the world, increasing its market value by billions of dollars. Even with the re-approval vote, Musk will not get the stock plan just yet. Tesla is expected to ask the judge to reconsider her decision. If the judge does not revisit the decision, the company probably will appeal the ruling to Delawares Supreme Court. The process could take months. Musks pay plan is the largest to a company chief of a U.S. public company. It is far above what has been given to other chief executives. Here is how the package compares: Median CEO pay The Associated Press partnered with Equilar, a company that researches pay for business chiefs, to study pay for CEOs, or chief executive officers. The study found that the median pay package for an S&P 500 CEO in the U.S. last year was $16.3 million. If you multiply that by 10 to get $163 million for 10 years of work, Musks earnings would be 275 times greater. In her January ruling that struck down the package, Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick wrote that Musks package, then worth about $56 billion, was 250 times larger than the median peer CEOs pay plan. Individual CEOs The top earner in the APs study was Hock Tan, CEO of artificial intelligence company Broadcom Inc. His package, mostly consisting of stock awards, was valued at about $162 million, when given to Tan in 2023. Because the companys stock rose in value, Broadcom in March valued the CEO's pay package, including earlier awards, at $767.7 million. That amount is much smaller than Musks possible pay package of 304 million shares worth almost $45 billion. Other CEOs identified by AP to have high pay include William Lansing of Fair Isaac Corp. and Tim Cook of Apple. Tesla workers Tesla says it did not pay Musk anything last year. But if courts permit his pay deal, Musks pay in company stock will be in the billions. Company documents from this year say the median yearly pay of Tesla employees not including the chief last year was $45,811. Im Caty Weaver. Tom Krisher reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. ________________________________________________ Words in The Story shareholder n. someone who owns shares or stock in a company or business income n. money that is earned from work or business flawed adj. having a mistake or weakness median -- n. in the middle package n. a deal or agreement, often involving pay, that includes several different elements S&P 500 n. Standard & Poor's 500 Index; a group of 500 of the largest U.S. companies peer n. a person who belongs to the same group as someone else Police in the Algerian capital Algiers have broken up demonstrations by hundreds of people who have taken to the streets chanting slogans in support of deposed President Ben Bella. The protests began with an orderly march by students but police attempts to disperse the crowds turned them into rioting groups running through the streets. Ex-president Ahmed Ben Bella is being held prisoner in a remote Sahara outpost. He has been deposed by chief of the armed forces Colonel Houari Boumedienne and his National Revolutionary Council. Communications cut off In the early hours of yesterday morning, two tanks moved into position at the presidential villa in Algiers. Police guards were quietly relieved by soldiers. There was a sound of breaking glass and a light was briefly seen before being turned off again. By the time dawn broke, tanks had moved into various strategic points throughout the city, the airport was under military control and all communications with the outside world were cut off. After several hours of military music on the radio, Colonel Boumedienne broadcast a long statement accusing Ahmed Ben Bella of treason and promising him the fate of all despots. The statement broadcast in the name of the Revolutionary Council also pledged to work for a democratic, serious state and the recovery of the economy. One of the colonels first actions has been to order the release of political prisoners held on arbitrary grounds. He has also given assurances no French people or property in the country will be harmed. The coup has taken place 10 days ahead of an Afro-Asian Conference due to be held in Algiers. There is some speculation it may have been inspired by the Russians to prevent the meeting from which they were excluded from taking place. Courtesy BBC News In context Ahmed Ben Bella was brought to power after leading the struggle for independence from France, which was finally achieved in July 1962. He was dependent on Colonel Boumedienne then chief of staff of Algerias 60,000-strong army. He failed to build up a political force to act as a counterweight to the military and took control of many key ministries himself. After the coup, he was held under house arrest for 15 years. On release, he lived in exile in Switzerland. He continued to instigate unrest in Algeria and in 1990 returned to stand for the presidency at the head of the Mouvement Democratique Algerien (MDA). The 1991 election was won by an Islamist party but the result was annulled and Ben Bella was sent back into exile. The MDA was one of a number of parties banned in 1997. In December 1976, Colonel Boumedienne was elected president and served for two years until he died. Under the tight reins of his control, the country did begin to develop its oil resources and industrial sector. Since his death, various attempts have been made to establish a multi-party democracy, but violence has continued between government and Islamic militants. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has urged efforts to vigorously and effectively advance rural revitalization across the board and make every effort to prevent and mitigate disasters. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Shandong and Jiangsu from Sunday to Wednesday. He emphasized the need to resolutely uphold the bottom line of ensuring national food security and forestalling any large-scale relapse into poverty. He also urged efforts to protect and make good use of aquatic germplasm resources, accelerate the innovation of fisheries science and technology, and improve the stable supply capacity of aquatic products. Liu stressed efforts to vigorously promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas within counties, deepen rural reforms, and enhance the economic development momentum and vitality of counties. As China has entered the flood season, he urged efforts to prepare for worst-case scenarios, ensure that those in charge have a stronger sense of responsibility, and minimize losses caused by disasters. In late September, some 389,346 residents will see the return of the injection of funds from the government in their individual accounts, the vice president of the Social Security Funds (FSS) administrative committee, Chan Pou Wan said yesterday. Chan was speaking at a press conference organized by the FSS to introduce the return of the MOP7,000 of special allocation from the government surplus to the Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund. Such an injection of funds has been stopped since 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the local economy which ultimately resulted in a deficit budget for three years with the government having to resort to the Financial Reserves to balance the accounts. As in the past, the beneficiaries of the fund injection need to be Permanent Residents of Macau over 22 years of age. Only those over 65 years old or special cases of people below 65 but are recipients of the Social Welfare Bureau pensions can withdraw these funds. As for most residents, the funds will be kept in an individual account from which the FSS makes annual applications and investments to earn interest. According to Chan, since the program started in 2010, the government has injected a total of MOP31.8 billion in total with the maximum amount injected into each individual account being MOP84,000. The same official said that according to the calculations of interests earned and added to the basic value, those who started to benefit from the program should have earned approximately MOP100,814. Additionally, those residents who are eligible to have an account for the first time this year total 9,178. In this case and since it is the first time that the government injects funds, these over 9,000 residents will get MOP10,000 instead of the MOP7,000. In total the government is investing some MOP2.817 billion in this program this year. Chan also noted that in line with the governments bid to promote electronic services, the FSS has also launched several electronic services this year, including the possibility of the beneficiaries of the funds inquiring about the fund allocation list, inquiries about registration for automatic withdrawal and the payment eligibility, filing of an objection statement and application for fund withdrawal, all provided via the Macao One Account. The same official also informed that among the almost 390,000 beneficiaries, 93,314 are senior citizens age 65 and above, from which the FSS estimates that approximately 71,591 are eligible for automatic withdrawal and payment, that is, will receive and be able to use immediately the funds. The funds will be automatically transferred on September 25, to the bank account where they are currently receiving old-age or disability pension. Other eligible persons who are not eligible for automatic payment must go through the fund withdrawal procedures. The Special Allocation from Budget Surplus for the Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund System is a policy that embodies a combination of the governments sharing of economic results with residents and the retirement security of residents. The purpose of this initiative is to strengthen the retirement security of local residents and to build the foundation for the Central Provident Fund System. 183,181 PEOPLE EXCLUDED FROM THE BENEFICIARY LIST At the same press conference, the FSS also noted some 183,181 people were not included in this years list due to a series of factors that might be related to the time of permanence in Macau (minimum 183 days) or other aspects. Today, via SMS the FSS will notify all those who have been included in the list of beneficiaries from 2024 with others being able to appeal the decision of exclusion based on a series of valid justifications. Among them, those who attended tertiary education level courses outside Macau, those who attained age 65 and habitually resided in the mainland, and those who worked outside Macau to bear the main living expenses of relatives in Macau can file an objection statement via the Macao One Account. Questioned on the topic by the media, Chan noted that although the investments made by the government from individual accounts have had negative results in 2022 due to the global economic crisis, in 2023 such applications have already recorded a revenue of MOP7.4 billion. The same official noted also that, so far, the revenue from the first months of this year is about MOP2.7 billion. In total, the fund has an accumulated sum of MOP94.4 billion. Mandatory system will have to wait Questioned on the sidelines of the press conference, the vice president of the Social Security Funds (FSS) administrative committee, Chan Pou Wan said that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused some delays in what concerns the idea of turning the Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund into a Mandatory one, which would include all companies operating in Macau. Chan said that due to the effects of the pandemic on the economy namely on the smaller enterprises, it is not yet possible to enforce the mandatory system, adding that the FSS continues to issue annual reports on the matter as well as conducting studies with the local universities to obtain scientific evidence of when this could be a reality. Fresh Malaysian durians will soon make their way to China as the two countries signed a slew of trade and economic deals yesterday during a visit by Premier Li Qiang to celebrate a half-century of diplomatic relations. Li held private talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the government administrative capital of Putrajaya before they met with their delegations. The two leaders witnessed the signing of various pacts, including a new five-year deal for economic and trade cooperation that officials said would bolster links between industries in priority sectors like high-level manufacturing and the digital economy. They also inked a protocol on measures that will allow Malaysia to export to China fresh durian, the spiky tropical fruit with a strong odour and known for its creamy pulp, Anwars office said. Exporting fresh durians to China will open a new market for Malaysia, which began selling durian pulp and paste to China in 2011 and frozen durian whole fruits in 2018. Malaysias frozen durian export value to China has surged from 170 million ringgit ($36 million) in 2018 to nearly 1.2 billion ringgit ($255 million) last year, it said. Li, the first Chinese premier to visit Malaysia since 2015, flew in for a three-day visit late Tuesday from Australia. Li, who was given a red carpet welcome, said upon his arrival that the two nations 50-year anniversary was a new starting point to deepen links and increase exchanges. China is ready to work with Malaysia, Li said in a statement published by the national Bernama news agency. Li, Chinas No. 2 leader after President Xi Jinping, last week also became the first Chinese premier to visit New Zealand and then Australia in seven years. DIPLOMATIC WATERS While trade dominated the talks, the prickly issue of territorial claims in the South China Sea was also raised. The two leaders agreed China and claimant countries in Southeast Asia should tackle the maritime dispute independently and properly through dialogue and cooperation, and via bilateral settlement, Chinas Xinhua news agency reported. No details were given but the statement came amid concerns that the sea row could escalate and put the U.S. and China in a larger conflict following a fresh confrontation this week between Manila and Beijing. The U.S. renewed a warning Tuesday that it is obligated to defend treaty ally Philippines, after Chinese forces seized two Philippine boats delivering food and supplies to a military outpost in a disputed shoal and injured several Filipino navy personnel. Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan all dispute Beijings claims to almost the entire South China Sea. Malaysias government prefers the diplomatic channel and rarely criticizes Beijing, even though Chinese coast guard ships have sailed near Malaysias waters. This is partly to protect economic ties between the trade partners. ASIA AND BEYOND Other agreements signed aim to promote investment in the digital economy and green development, combat transnational crime, and boost housing and urban development, higher education, people-to-people exchanges in science and technology, tourism and cultural cooperation, Anwars office said. Trade with China Malaysias No. 1 trading partner since 2009 made up 17% of Malaysias global trade, valued at $98.8 billion last year, Trade Minister Zafrul Aziz was quoted as saying by Bernama last week. Anwar, who visited China twice last year, has sought to move closer to Beijing even while engaging the U.S. as a key ally. While speaking at a forum in Tokyo in May, Anwar stressed that Beijing is too close, too important and too strategic to ignore. Ahead of Lis visit, Anwar told Chinese media that Malaysia planned to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies but didnt give details. The plan was confirmed by Malaysian officials on Monday. The blocs core members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, who seek a fairer world order currently dominated by Western nations. The bloc expanded with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates invited to become members this year. Some 40 countries have also expressed interest. Joining BRICS doesnt mean Malaysia will lose its strategic ambiguity between Beijing and Washington. It merely means an additional platform to give it a bigger voice as a middle power, said James Chin, professor of Asian studies at Australias University of Tasmania. Li also had an audience with King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. He and Anwar later broke ground for a terminal station for the East Coast Rail Link, which connects Malaysias west coast to eastern rural states and is a key part of Chinas Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. Li said at the ceremony that the railway was the largest single transportation infrastructure project undertaken by a Chinese company overseas. Once it is completed, he said China is willing to work with Malaysia to develop projects along the railway line to drive more commerce, logistics and tourism. Li said the rail line also could potentially be linked to Thailand, and subsequently to southern China. EILEEN NG, KUALA LUMPUR, MDT/AP Australias main opposition party yesterday announced plans to build Australias first nuclear power plants as early as 2035, arguing the governments policies for decarbonizing the economy with renewable energy sources including solar, wind turbines and green hydrogen would not work. The policy announcement ensures the major parties will be divided on how Australia curbs its greenhouse gas emissions at elections due within a year. The parties havent gone to an election with the same carbon reduction policies since 2007. Im very happy for the election to be a referendum on energy, on nuclear, on power prices, on lights going out, on who has a sustainable pathway for our country going forward, opposition leader Peter Dutton told reporters. Seven government-owned reactors would be built on the sites of aging coal-fired electricity plants in five of Australias six states, Dutton said. The first two would be built from 2035-to-2037 and the last in the 2040s. The estimated costs would be announced at a later date, he said. The current center-left government has rejected nuclear power generation in Australia as too expensive. Too many coal-fired generators would have been decommissioned before nuclear power could fill the gap. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen accused the conservative opposition Liberal Party of serving Australias influential coal and gas industry lobbies. Its not really an announcement. We know that Mr. Dutton wants to slow down the rollout of renewables and he wants to introduce the most expensive form of energy thats slow to build, Bowen told reporters. But today, weve seen no costs, weve seen no gigawatts, weve seen no detail. This is a joke. Its a serious joke because it threatens our transition from fossil fuels, Bowen added. Bowens Labor Party came to power in the 2022 elections promising deeper cuts to Australias greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 than the previous coalition government had committed to. The previous Liberal Party-led government promised to reduce emissions by between 26% and 28% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade. Labor promised a 43% reduction and the Parliament enshrined that target in law, creating difficulties for any future government that wanted to reduce it and offering certainty for investors. Dutton has ruled out announcing a new 2030 target before the next election. But the major parties have agreed on a net-zero emissions target by 2050. MDT/AP Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a new partnership that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country is attacked, during a yesterday summit that came as both face escalating standoffs with the West. The deal, which the leaders said covered areas including security, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian ties, could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Both leaders described it as a major upgrade of their ties. The two met as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years. The summit came as the U.S. and its allies express growing concerns over an arms arrangement in which the country provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kims nuclear weapons and missile program. Kim said that the deal was the strongest ever treaty between the two nations, putting the relationship at the level of an alliance, and vowed full support for Russias war in Ukraine. Putin said that it was a breakthough document reflecting shared desire to move relations to a higher level. The North Korean leader gave Putin a lavish welcome, meeting him at the airport Tuesday night, where the two shook hands, hugged twice and then rode together in a limousine in a huge motorcade that rolled through the capitals brightly illuminated streets, where buildings were decorated with giant Russian flags and portraits of Putin. After spending the rest of the night at a state guest house, Putin attended a welcoming ceremony at the citys main square, filled with what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators, including children holding balloons and people wearing coordinated t-shirts in the red, white and blue of the Russian and North Korean flags. Huge crowds lined up on the streets to greet Putins motorcade, chanting Welcome Putin and waving flowers and North Korean and Russian flags. Putin and Kim saluted an honor guard and walked across a red carpet. Kim then introduced key members of his leadership including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui; top aide and ruling party secretary Jo Yong Won; and the leaders powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong. As the talks began, Putin thanked Kim for North Koreas support for his war in Ukraine, part of what he said was a fight against the imperialist hegemonistic policies of the U.S. and its satellites against the Russian Federation. Putin hailed ties that he traced back to the Soviet army fighting the Japanese military on the Korean Peninsula in the closing moments of World War II, and Moscows support for Pyongyang during the Korean War. Kim said Moscow and Pyongyangs fiery friendship is now even closer than during Soviet times, and promised full support and solidarity to the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to protect sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity. It wasnt immediately clear what that support might look like. Kim has used similar language in the past, consistently saying North Korea supports what he describes as a just action to protect Russias interests and blaming the crisis on the U.S.-led Wests hegemonic policy. North Korea is under heavy U.N. Security Council sanctions over its weapons program, while Russia also faces sanctions by the United States and its Western partners over its aggression in Ukraine. Along with China, Russia has provided political cover for Kims continuing efforts to advance his nuclear arsenal, repeatedly blocking U.S.-led efforts to impose fresh U.N. sanctions on the North over its weapons tests. Putins foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters in Pyongyang that the two leaders exchanged gifts after the talks. Putin presented Kim with a Russian-made Aurus limo and other gifts, including a tea set and a naval officers dagger. Ushakov said that Kims presents to Putin included artworks depicting the Russian leader. Russia media said earlier that Kim will host a reception, and Putin is expected to leave for Vietnam after that. In addition to security, Putin said the partnership includes cooperation in political, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields, as well as security. He added that Russia would not rule out developing military-technical cooperation with North Korea under the deal. According to the Kremlins website, the two leaders also signed an agreement on building a road bridge on their shared border, and another on cooperation in healthcare, medical education and science. Kim was quoted as saying that the agreement was of a peaceful and defensive nature. I have no doubt it will become a driving force accelerating the creation of a new multipolar world, he was quoted to say. In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Putins visit to North Korea illustrates how Russia tries, in desperation, to develop and to strengthen relations with countries that can provide it with what it needs to continue the war of aggression that it started against Ukraine. KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP The Biden administration yesterday [Macau time] approved a new $360 million weapons sale to Taiwan, sending the island hundreds of armed drones, missile equipment and related support material, the State Department said in a statement that is sure to draw condemnation from China. The announcement was not unexpected but it comes at a time of high tension between Washington and Beijing. The sale includes 291 Altius-600M systems, which are unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, with warheads. It also includes 720 Switchblade drones known as extended-range loitering munitions, the State Department said. It said the sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipients continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability. It will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region, the department said. Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te thanked the U.S. for approving the latest arms sale to Taiwan during a press conference yesterday in Taipei. He said such authorizations help to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In the future, we will continue to strengthen Taiwans national defense strength, whether through military purchases or our own efforts, he said. The U.S. statement claimed that the latest weapons transfer would not affect the military balance in the region. The announcement was not unusual, although the U.S. and China have in recent months sought to smooth tense relations. MDT/AP Gary Miller // WireImage The best U.S. summer music festivals in 2024 Summer is here, and what a time to be a music fan. A wide range of festivals and concerts are taking place across the country and Way.com has made a list of the best ones for you. So pack your bags, get your passes and enjoy the biggest summer music festivals of 2024. Top Summer Music Festivals 2024 CMA Fest June 6-9, 2024 Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN Get ready for a massive lineup featuring Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and more. There are multiple stages for this four-day summer music festival in Nashville. Over 80,000 people are expected to visit the event and not only enjoy the music but take part in various activities. The main stage of CMA Fest in Nissan Stadium will feature concerts by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cody Johnson, and other headliners. Tickets and packages are on sale now with different perks. Buy them before they sell out. Governors Ball June 7-9, 2024 Flushing Meadows Corona Park, NYC The Governors Ball is a summer music festival in 2024 that you must visit if you are in NYC during June. It happens on the second week of the month and will feature Post Malone, Rauw Alejandro, The Killers, SZA, 21 Savage, and Peso Pluma as headliners. Apart from these, there are over 30 artists in the lineup for the 2024 Governors Ball. Different ticket types are now on sale through the official website. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival June 13-16, 2024 Great Stage Park, Manchester, TN Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Pretty Lights, Fisher, Megan Thee Stallion. If you are a music fan and not excited about that lineup, then something is wrong! Bonnaroo brings in hundreds of thousands to Manchester, TN, every year. In 2024, this summer music festival is back with a huge lineup featuring many hot artists from different parts of the country. Grab the tickets before the rates go high. Summer Smash Festival June 14-16, 2024 SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL Let's start with a banger the Summer Smash Festival in Chicago. Presented by the Lyrical Lemonade and SPKRBX, the Summer Smash Festival will feature over 50 artists live across three stages. The headliners are Cactus Jack, Playboi Carti, and Chief Keef. Tickets are available as GA and VIP variants and are on sale right now through the official website. Electric Forest June 20-23, 2024 Rothbury, MI EDM fans-Assemble! It is a summer to dance and dance more. Electric Forest at Michigan comes with a lineup that would get you grooving right away. Nelly Furtado, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Pretty Lights, Black Tiger Sex Machine, John Summit, Subtronics the list of headliners goes on and on. Tickets for the three-day festival are on sale now through the official website. Summer Fest June 20-22, June 27-29 & July 4-6, 2024 Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, WI For nine days, downtown Milwaukee turns into a massive human jungle with hundreds of thousands coming for the Summer Fest. Music is a big part of the event, and in 2024, the headliners include SZA, Kane Brown, Tyler Childers, Illenium, Keith Urban, AJR, Maroon 5, and Lil Uzi Vert. To go with the music, there is a celebration of food filled with local vendors. Tickets are on sale for all the stages, and you can get them on the official website. Essence Music Festival July 4-7, 2024 New Orleans, LA The Essence Festival of Culture is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2024. Music is a big part of the four-day summer festival, with evening concerts on all days. The headliners include Birdman & Friends, Janet Jackson, and Charlie Wilson. You can also expect a lineup of upcoming artists from New Orleans. Tickets are currently available through the festival website. Under the Big Sky July 12-14, 2024 Big Mountain Ranch, Whitefish, MT Under the Big Sky festival is in July and features headliners Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings, and Turnpike Troubadours. Tanya Tucker, The Revivalists, and many other bands/artists will also perform at this summer music concert series in Montana. VIP tickets for the three-day event are already sold out, but you can join a waiting list. Unlike some other festivals, there is no camping. Rock Fest July 18-20, 2024 Cadott, WI Bud Light is presenting Rock Fest in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, this July. Headliners include Jelly Roll, Shinedown, and Thirty Seconds to Mars. Other notable names are Chevelle, Parkway Drive, and 311. The festival claims to be the biggest rock festival with camping in the country. There are five stages, and more than 70 bands will perform live. Camping will be available. Different ticket variants are now on sale through the official website. Rock the South Festival July 18-20, 2024 York Farms, Cullman, AL Rock music and camping? Sign me up! Rock the South festival is something rock music fans should not miss. With Eric Church, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, and others in the lineup, there will be no shortage of rock. The summer music festival at Cullman also has camping, which is the best chance to embrace nature while meeting new people. So book your tickets before they sell out. Minnesota Yacht Club Festival July 19-20, 2024 Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul, MN For two days in July, you can enjoy Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morissette, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more performances live in Saint Paul, MN. In downtown Saint Paul, you can enjoy the best music for two days, along with other nature activities. Head to the official website to get passes today. Pitchfork Festival July 19-21, 2024 Union Park, Chicago, IL A mix of good music and tasty food from Chicago's best restaurants. Over the three days, more than 40 bands will perform on the different stages at Union Park. The headliners for this summer music festival include Black Pumas, Jai Paul, Jamie XX, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alanis Morissette, and more. Tickets for Chicago's Pitchfork Festival are now on sale and will start as low as $119 each. Lollapalooza August 1-4, 2024 Grant Park, Chicago, IL The feeling of community gets bigger at Lollapalooza. If you want to meet new people, Lollapalooza Chicago has around 400,000 fans coming to Grant Park for the four-day weekend celebration. This summer music festival is one of the biggest in the country and has a stellar lineup in 2024. Tyler, the Creator, Hozier, SZA, The Killers, Blink-182, Skrillex that's just a few of the headliners. There are eight stages and over 170 bands in the huge lineup for four days. Passes are on sale now. What are you waiting for? Watershed Country Music Festival August 2-4, 2024 The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA If you are a fan of summer music festivals with camping, the best of country music will be present at the Watershed Country Music Festival. During early August, Old Dominion, Luke Bryan, and Hardy will headline the three-day summer festival in Washington. That's not all. The lineup also includes a bunch of veterans and upcoming talent. Passes and campsites for the Watershed Country Music Festival are on sale now. Hard Summer August 3-4, 2024 Hollywood Park, Los Angeles, CA Put your deposits on tickets for Hard Summer in LA if you haven't already. Go hard this summer with a massive lineup of EDM artists and DJs. Rezzmau5, Disclosure, Major Lazer, and many others are part of the two-day summer music festival. Nelly Furtado and Chase & Status will be the special guests on each day. Passes are selling out fast so you better hurry. Outside Lands August 9-11, 2024 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA Ready to celebrate summer with Tyler, the Creator, The Killers, Post Malone, and many others? Outside Lands is one of the biggest summer music festivals in the U.S. this year, and it has a three-day schedule. Tickets are on sale through the Outside Lands Music Festival website. Get in your car in August and get to SF rocking your shades, and don't forget sunscreen. This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Tito Jackson finally found the peace he was looking for in Claremore, Oklahoma. At 70, the member of the iconic band The Jackson 5 which over the years included his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, Randy and Marlon kept looking for silence away from the tours and attention his family still attracts to this day. Earlier this year, Tito found that place in a house in the Claremore countryside, where he likes to sit on his patio and enjoy nature, far away from the stages and without the screams and cameras he's heard and seen all his life. I always wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience living somewhere with new people and new culture, Tito told the Tulsa World. California is," he said before taking a long pause, "different. He recently shared his story at a Juneteenth event at the Claremore Museum of History. His choice to be one of the 20,174 people living in Claremore is not random. His agent and some of his closest friends live in Tulsa. He wanted to spend more time with them. But what many might not know is that his connection to Oklahoma runs much deeper. Titos uncle, Samuel Jackson, opened Jackson Undertaking Co. in Tulsa in 1917. It was located at 617 E. Archer St. On the evening of May 31, 1921, it was burned down during the Tulsa Race Massacre. Samuel Jackson was hired by a white-owned funeral home to embalm the bodies of Black residents who were killed. Samuel Jackson and his wife at the time, Eunice Cloman, rebuilt the funeral home and were business partners until 1948. Tito didn't visit his Oklahoma relatives much, but his family did stop by in 1969, and the band performed there multiple times in the 1970s. Tito sang and played guitar in the family band, which traveled all over the world from 1964 through 1989. The Jackson 5 earned four consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. He then worked as a session guitarist and producer while raising his three children. After The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, he eventually got back on stage. This summer, Tito is on tour with two of his brothers, Jackie and Marlon, across the country and Europe. He has new music coming out this year. His family's connection to the massacre wasn't something discussed at all in front of him. "I didn't know anything until maybe five years ago," he said. Reflecting back on the history of Black people, Tito felt like growing up was not always easy, even with fame and fortune. There were a lot of barriers, he said. But it has changed. The process is steadily changing all the time. What he likes about his home in Oklahoma is the chance to fish when he wants. It's something he can't do at his homes in Nevada and California. So far, the people of Claremore have welcomed him, and he's excited to run into them around town. As for plans for other famous Jacksons coming to Oklahoma, Tito said he's invited them all to visit and learn about his new home. One of the questions he was asked at the Juneteenth event was whether his famous sister, Janet Jackson, will drop by after her Oklahoma City concert in July. She is always invited, Tito said. Photos: Juneteenth with Tito Jackson in Claremore Tito Jackson Tito Jackson Titio Jackson Tito Jackson Tito Jackson Tito Jackson Tito Jackson Tito Jackson Tito Jackson The Tulsa World is where your story lives HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES Starting later this month, foreign visitors taking advantage of China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy will be offered a complimentary one-day city tour in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, as the city looks to capitalize on the rebound of inbound tourism in the nation. The new service, organized by a major travel agency in Guangzhou, includes a bus tour, an English-speaking guide, sightseeing and a Cantonese dim sum lunch, according to the city's culture, broadcast, television and tourism bureau. The tour will take visitors to Huacheng Square, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park home to the iconic five-ram statue the Guangdong Museum, the Guangzhou Library, the Guangzhou Opera House and the landmark Canton Tower. Visitors will be able to sign up for the tour at a designated counter at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The exact launch date of the service will be announced soon. The initiative aims to promote tourism in Guangzhou, the bureau said. China has seen a resurgence in inbound tourism this year, with central and local governments implementing policies to remove major barriers for foreign tourists, including offering them visa-free entry and easier mobile payment options. The National Immigration Administration issued 466,000 visas to foreign nationals in the first quarter of this year, up nearly 120 percent year-on-year. Nearly 2 million visits were made to the Chinese mainland by visa-exempt foreign nationals during the same period, a 266 percent increase. Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong and a major commercial hub in South China, has led the country in airport passenger throughput for four consecutive years. More international and regional air routes to and from Guangzhou's airport are planned for later this year, including routes between Guangzhou and London's Gatwick Airport; Perth, Australia; Budapest, Hungary; and Belgrade, Serbia, according to China Southern Airlines. Flights between Guangzhou and Adelaide in Australia, Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, and Surabaya in Indonesia will also be resumed. Providing free one-day tours for transit travelers is a common practice among international air hub cities such as Istanbul, Doha and Dubai, said Zhao Wenzhi, chairman and president of the Guangzhou-based GZL International Travel Service. Guangzhou's initiative is expected to benefit inbound tourism and further promote the city to international travelers, Zhao added. MAZOMANIE When it rains here, bad memories come back for many in this historic village. Six years ago, the normally tranquil and trout-filled Black Earth Creek became a raging torrent that pushed well above its banks, wiping out bridges, railroad tracks and roads. People, some only in their pajamas, were rescued as homes and businesses were flooded, some beyond repair. For Kim and Karsten Haugen, who own two apartment buildings two blocks south of the creek, an eye is always kept on the U.S. Geological Survey's website that tracks Black Earth Creek's water levels. Their two buildings were inundated with water in 2018 but were salvaged. They had purchased the properties a year earlier. "There's some things you just don't recover from," Kim Haugen said. "We really watch the water levels." "It's hard to engineer for that much rain but the remediation they did to the creek last year really helped," Karsten Hauge said, during a break from mowing lawn around the apartment buildings, which now have flood insurance. "It's pricey, but it's better than not having a building, I guess." For Ingrid Krause, her remediation took years, thousands of dollars, a lot of anguish and help from an expert in car repair. Only these aren't your typical collector cars. Krause is the owner of the Midwest Microcar Museum that is filled with tiny cars, nearly all from Europe and manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the vehicles sport just three wheels and have unconventional doors and can fit just one or two people. The cars on the first floor of the former blacksmith shop and in another building that at one time was the fire station, were heavily damaged by the flood. Krause's insurance was inadequate so it "cost a bunch of cars being sold" to bring the unique collection and the museum back to order. Krause won't say how much the restorations cost but is happy to be once again showing off the collection, which also includes motorcycles, memorabilia and historic photos. The restorations were largely completed by 2021 by longtime Madison mechanic Chris Beebe but the museum didn't reopen until 2023. This year, the museum at 103 Crescent Street, is open only on select dates, including this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Future dates, which have not yet been set, will be posted on the museum's Facebook page. "It was a journey," Krause said. "What you see here is all redone and ready to drive again and in better condition because of Chris. Had we not had Chris, we never would have brought (the museum) back. If there's another flood, I'm out of here." For more than 45 years Beebe was an institution on Regent Street in Madison where he owned and operated Foreign Car Specialists since its founding in 1969 before selling the business to an employee in 2014. A few years later the business closed and was transformed into Lucky's 1313 Brewpub. Beebe also raced a wide range of vehicles, worked as a racing instructor, wrote for automotive publications and developed hybrid vehicles, including the prototype for the Chevy Volt. From 2008 to 2011, he and a team even competed for the Automotive X-Prize. For the Microcar Museum, Beebe restored about 20 cars and 15 motorcycles over three years, a process that included taking apart engines and repairing or replacing upholstery. Beebe had visited the Microcar Museum just a week prior to the flood and reached out to the Krauses shortly after learning of the museum's plight. Just days later he was at the Krauses' rural Middleton farm shed where the damage vehicles had been taken. "It's been a real eye-opening experience," Beebe told the Wisconsin State Journal in 2018, shortly after he began working on the vehicles. "You just have to be sensitive as to what water got into what. It's really ugly, but at least it's not salt water, which is much more corrosive." Krause said Beebe is still working on a Renault from the 1950s and an NSU Spider, but even though most of the cars and motorcycles have been restored, there remains a void. Krause's husband, Carlos, who founded the museum in 2015 with Ingrid and their son, Sven, died in 2019. Carlos had bolstered his car-collecting hobby after health problems forced him to retire from his business designing and selling components for automated processing machinery. His father, who also was an electrical engineer, started the business in the basement of his home in Lake Geneva. The Krauses got the idea for the museum after some of their microcars were showcased at a three-day car show at Discovery World in Milwaukee in 2013. The exhibit drew more than 4,000 people. That led the Krauses to purchase the former blacksmith shop of John Parman, who built the facility across the street from his 1864 brick home that still stands across the street. All of the vehicles on the ground floor of the building were damaged but 10 microcars on the second floor remain in place and were unscathed. The remainder of the collection is about 25 yards to the west in a stone building constructed in 1878 but now owned by the village. Krause began leasing space in the building in 2017, made improvements to the structure and had cars and motorcycles on the ground floor and about 15 motorcycles on the second floor. Ironically, one of the few cars not salvaged from the flood was the Amphicar, a vehicle that doubles as a boat. It was being stored in the former fire station building but its windows were down and it filled like a bathtub. The Krauses sold the car as it was but have retained much of the collection. "The majority of people who come here have never seen cars like this," Ingrid Krause said. The passing of Carlos means the museum will be open less often, but Ingrid is determined to keep sharing the collection and retaining the free admission. Any cash put in a donation box is given to the village to donate to charities. She's not one to give up and enjoys the company of those who come to see the cars and motorcycles. Ingrid grew up in Germany and remembers many of the vehicles, which became popular following World War II. Most of the early microcars traveled no faster than 50 mph with 200cc to 250cc, one-cylinder engines, while later models sported slightly larger motors that increased speeds to more than 70 mph. Krause has two microcars at her home that she occasionally drives. One is a Nissan S-Cargo and the other a Fiat Multipla that can top out at 50 mph. "It's not the most comfortable 50," Krause said with a laugh. "I know as much as my husband did about these cars and people always want to see this." Photos: The restoration and return of cars and motorcycles to the Midwest Microcar Museum Midwest Microcar Museum Midwest Microcar Museum Midwest Mircocar Museum 20240618-07-MircroCar0253-06192024113656.jpg Midwest Microcar Museum 20240618-06-MircroCar0047-06192024113656.jpg Midwest Microcar Museum Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum flood aftermath Midwest Microcar Museum Thirty years ago, when the idea that would give rise to Mirus Bio took shape in a UW-Madison laboratory, scientists were only beginning to piece together the puzzle of human genetics. There was and still is much to learn about the molecules that make us who we are. But a series of discoveries in the late 1980s and early 90s about the genes responsible for hereditary disorders, including cystic fibrosis, Huntingtons disease and muscular dystrophy, laid the groundwork for a new kind of treatment. From the very start, we wanted to focus on gene therapy, said Jim Hagstrom, a molecular biologist who did postdoctoral research under gene therapy pioneer Dr. Jon Wolff before co-founding Mirus in 1995. The idea was simple enough. Many genetic disorders are caused by malfunctioning genes. Gene therapy lets doctors correct those errors at the cellular level. Mirus has spent decades devising more efficient ways to get genes into cells, even when it wasnt clear that a market for gene therapy would ever materialize. Eventually, though, one did. There are now roughly three dozen gene therapy treatments approved globally. Many of them use modified viruses to enter patients cells and replace some of their DNA. Viruses are natures delivery vehicle, Hagstrom said, since they evolved to find their way into host cells where they can insert their own genetic material. Once inside, they typically hijack the host cells and force them to make more viruses. The viruses used in gene therapy, however, have been edited to change the genes they carry and prevent them from replicating. Gene therapy remains a young technology. The first trials in human patients started in 1990, but after an 18-year-old with a metabolic disorder died from an immune response during a clinical trial in 1999, the field spent years searching for viruses that would be safer to inject into patients. The first gene therapy for treating a genetic condition was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018. Through all of gene therapys ups and downs, Mirus always stayed focused on our delivery part, Hagstrom said. We created a product that allowed for the creation of tremendous amounts of viruses. And we think its the leading product on the market. The companys persistence paid off. In May, Mirus announced that it is being acquired by German pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA for $600 million. The sale, expected to close later this year, would bring Madison innovation to labs and patients around the world. One step at a time Mirus started with a problem. By the beginning of the 1990s, scientists knew exactly what was causing certain genetic disorders. They also knew, in theory, how those disorders could be cured. In practice, though, they were stuck. We can make that gene. We can make large amounts of that gene. But ... there was no technology for getting it (safely) into the cells of kids that needed it, Hagstrom said. Cells have membranes that keep foreign materials out. Drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can get in anyway because they are small enough to pass through those membranes. Molecules like DNA and RNA cant get through on their own, which is why gene therapy treatments have to be able to bypass the membrane without activating a cells natural defenses. In Wolffs UW-Madison lab, the researchers who founded Mirus created a nonviral technology that transported genetic material through a cells membrane and into its nucleus where the DNA is stored more efficiently than existing methods could. The discovery was something that was better than anything we could purchase, Hagstrom said. The researchers partnered with a pair of Madison entrepreneurs to bring that initial product to market. During the years that followed, Mirus kept working on increasing uptake of genetic material by cells in the lab and, as gene therapy progressed, on improving how the treatments were manufactured. For gene therapy, delivery is still the key problem, Hagstrom said. Weve stayed focused on that problem our entire existence. Roche, another major pharmaceutical company, acquired Mirus in 2008. Mirus founders later bought back the research-oriented portion of their company. Then they came up with a new gene delivery technology that yields larger batches of viruses. Cells will make the virus if you provide them the instructions, Hagstrom said. Mirus product does this especially well, he said. Other companies are now using it to manufacture the viruses being used in gene therapy. We can dramatically increase the amount of material that can be made to use in some of these procedures. At the same time, that lowers the cost, said Terry Sivesind, a Mirus co-founder who came to the company from the business side and, along with Hagstrom, is still on its board. Gamma Biosciences, a company created by investment firm KKR to support biomanufacturing, bought a controlling stake in Mirus in 2021 and has since then sought to expand Mirus reach. Mirus acquisition by Merck is expected to do exactly that. From local to global Mirus began and is still headquartered in University Research Park on Madisons West Side. The company has sold products to researchers since the 1990s. From those early days, it reinvested money from its research product sales into developing technologies that could have a place in health care. It takes a lot more investment and time to get into those markets, Sivesind said. But once youre in there, the potential is much larger. Mirus CEO Dale Gordon declined to say how many employees the company has or whether that number could change as a result of the acquisition, but confirmed that it is under 100. Merck KGaA which is not affiliated with the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. employs about 63,000 people in 65 countries. Its life sciences arm, MilliporeSigma, has facilities in Madison and Verona. More than 2,000 gene therapies are now in some stage of development globally, according to the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy. As a small company, Mirus doesnt necessarily have access to all the companies in the world doing this work, Gordon said. Joining Mercks ranks gives us tremendous reach and access that a smaller company doesnt have, and will mean that more peoples lives are touched through some of these life-saving therapies that were enabling, he said. Already, Mirus work has advanced biomanufacturing of gene therapies significantly, said Krishanu Saha, a professor of biomedical engineering at UW-Madison who has used Mirus products in his lab. I think patients ultimately will have higher-quality and lower-cost drugs from some of these innovations, Saha said. For Mirus founders, the acquisition is proof that they have been on the right track all along. You ride these waves, Hagstrom said. But if you stay really good at something, the world comes back. Little appoints Office of State Board of Educations new executive director Governor Brad Little announced on June 18 he appointed Josh Whitworth as the executive director for the Office of the State Board of Education. He will replace Matt Freeman, who served as the executive director for the past nine years. Whitworth served as the chief deputy controller for the State Controllers Office for the past eight years. The native Idahoan also served as the executive director of the Idaho Republican Party for a year back in 2012. Josh Whitworth has a proven track record of working effectively across broad stakeholder groups to implement important initiatives that improve the lives of the people we serve. Education has been my top priority since day one, I have great confidence Josh will advance our goal to create the best educational opportunities for Idahoans from childhood through adulthood, Little said in the press release. Whitworth starts his new position for the board of education in July. Also: On June 18, Governor Brad Little announced the recipients of the 2024 Governors Cup scholarships to Idaho colleges and universities. The Academic Scholarship offers $5,000 annually, renewable for a maximum of four years, and the Career-Technical Education Scholarship amounts to $3,000 per year for a program duration ranging from two to three years. The list of this years scholarship recipients include the following Magic Valley students: Daphne KellerTwin Falls High SchoolAttending Boise State University; and Draycen Lamm Wendell High SchoolAttending College of Southern Idaho. Here is the full list: Academic Scholarships Four Year Programs David Anderson Coeur dAlene High SchoolAttending University of Idaho Rylee Chung Centennial High SchoolAttending Boise State University Sarah Curtis Timberline High SchoolAttending Boise State University Ryan Detweiler Grangeville High SchoolAttending University of Idaho Marcie Golding Rigby High SchoolAttending Brigham Young University-Idaho Brynlee Hudman Thunder Ridge High SchoolAttending Brigham Young University-Idaho Daphne Keller Twin Falls High SchoolAttending Boise State University Emma Kirkman Borah High SchoolAttending Boise State University Draycen Lamm Wendell High SchoolAttending College of Southern Idaho Matthew Madden Eagle High SchoolAttending Boise State University Shaelynn Nixon Idaho Falls High SchoolAttending Boise State University Xitzell Ortiz Ridgevue High SchoolAttending University of Idaho Colton Smith Payette High SchoolAttending University of Idaho Kaitlin Smith Firth High SchoolAttending Brigham Young University-Idaho Nayeli Varela Bonneville High SchoolAttending Idaho State University Hunter Warnke Shelley High SchoolAttending College of Southern Idaho Cecil D. Andrus Excellence in Education Scholarship Halle Hart Emmett High SchoolAttending Boise State University Jim Schmit Excellence in Leadership Scholarship Peter Massaad Mtn. View High SchoolAttending Boise State University Career Technical 2- and 3-year programs Cody Bird Timberline High School (Weippe)Lewis-Clark State College Ava Grund Eagle High SchoolIdaho State University Maria Juarez Glenns Ferry High SchoolCollege of Southern Idaho Alexandra Rembelski Challis Jr/Sr High SchoolIdaho State University Nathan Roche Sandpoint High SchoolIdaho State University Emaurah Saunder Pocatello High SchoolIdaho State University Gracie Young Compass Charter SchoolCollege of Western Idaho D.L. Evans Bank announced it has donated $12,500 to the Sleep In Heavenly Peace Magic Valley Chapter. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization based in Twin Falls that is dedicated to providing beds for children in need. They work in delivering beds to families who cannot afford them. Through the dedication of volunteers and the support of the community, the organization utilizes funds for building supplies such as lumber for bed frames, as well as for new pillows and bedding. For more information, go to https://shpbeds.org/. Times-News Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) held on Wednesday a two-day learning session for humanitarian trainers in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City. The workshop was organized to develop a deeper understanding of the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which implements the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), in the overall mission and tactical operations of the AFP. - Advertisement - The activity will increase collaboration between the AFP and the ICRC in integrating IHL and human rights (policies) in the AFP systems and processes, said WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. William Gonzales. Among the participants are the civil-military operations officers of the joint task forces, brigades, battalions, and operational command units of WestMinCom. Subject matter experts were invited to give a lecture on the role and mandate of the ICRC and collectively define the areas of collaboration. AirAsia Philippines and the Aboitiz GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (AGMCAC) have launched the Cebu Connect initiative. The aim is to position Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) as a premier transfer hub for connecting flights. The initiative has an initial Minimum Connectivity Time (MCT) of 60 minutes. - Advertisement - AirAsia currently operates flights to and from MCIA via Manila, Boracay, Davao, and Puerto Princesa. Future expansion plans include reopening popular international destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Narita, Osaka, Taipei, and Seoul. AirAsias chief executive officer, Ricky Isla, praised AGMCACs initiative, stating that it benefits not only the Philippines but also the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We commend AGMCACs initiative for simplifying airport transfers. This delivers a great boost for millions of guests gaining access to a wider network of destinations while making travel to numerous connecting destinations more seamless and convenient, said Isla. Integrating Cebu Connect into AirAsia Philippines offerings will elevate the quality of our services and strengthen our position as the undisputed Worlds Best Low-Cost Airline, he added. In addition to accessible transfers between AirAsia Philippines flights and those of partner airlines, Isla noted that with Cebu Connect, millions of guests will now have access to a wider network of destinations. Given the opportunity, we would like to offer new destinations such as Bangkok, Vietnam, Phnom Penh, and additional cities in North Asia. These potential routes will provide more travel options and strengthen Cebus position as a key international transfer hub in the region, said Isla. China, Malaysia bring bilateral relationship to new starting point -- Chinese premier Xinhua) 08:10, June 20, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a keynote speech when attending the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao) KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- China and Malaysia have brought bilateral relationship to a new starting point, and they share the aspiration to carry it forward to future generations, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Wednesday. Li made the remarks in his keynote speech when attending the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Li said that as Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out, China and Malaysia are neighbors with a millennium-old friendship, friends connected by heart, and partners for win-win cooperation. Over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties, the two countries have committed to independence of strategies, win-win cooperation, mutual support and cultural affinity, Li said, adding that the development of this relationship offers many important experience and inspirations, which are shared valuable assets for both sides. Noting this year as the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, Li said "friendship" is a word that carries great weight, something especially precious today. He said that this is a world that lacks peace and tranquility, but never disputes and conflicts; a world that lacks rationality and humility, but never arbitrary and brutal acts; a world that lacks empathy, but never egocentrism; and a world that lacks openness and cooperation, but never blockade and confrontation. The world should put more emphasis on mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and completely discard the zero-sum game thinking and practices, Li said, adding that the world should also try harder to stand in others' shoes, and adhere to the principle of "do not do to others what you don't want others to do to you." Li said that the celebrations for the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship is not only designed to grow bilateral relations, but also to champion the spirit of friendship, and to call on and rally more from across the world to join hands and cross over to a better, shared future. Li stressed that be it in the past, present or future, friendship remains the defining feature of China-Malaysia relations. The two sides should enhance traditional friendship, consolidate the foundation for bilateral relations, and pursue wide-ranging cooperation in the context of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, Li said. The two sides should synergize development strategies and expand shared interests, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Li said. The two sides should deepen exchanges and mutual learning to cement the foundation for people-to-people affinity and build a stronger bond between the peoples. They should also strengthen solidarity and coordination to address global challenges together, and jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious home in Asia, Li said. In his speech, Anwar said the friendship between Malaysia and China has a long history. Since the two countries' leaders made the decision to establish diplomatic ties 50 years ago, Malaysia-China relations have enjoyed vigorous development, bringing huge benefits to the two peoples, he said. Malaysia has always viewed its relations with China from a strategic height, as promoting friendly cooperation with China is in the fundamental interests of Malaysia, Anwar said, adding that bilateral relations not only have a glorious past but also a promising future. Anwar said Malaysia supports the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi, and is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, food, energy, digital economy and environmental protection, promote major projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, so as to jointly open a new era of Malaysia-China relations. Prior to the reception, Li and Anwar visited a photo exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia and presented souvenirs to each other. Full Text: Keynote speech by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim present souvenirs to each other prior to the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. Li delivered a keynote speech when attending the reception with Anwar on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory letter to the World Intelligence Expo 2024. The expo opened in north China's Tianjin Municipality on the same day. Xi pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) is an important driving force for the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, and will have a profound impact on global economic and social development and the progress of human civilization. China attaches great importance to the development of AI, actively promotes the deep integration of the Internet, big data and AI with the real economy, cultivates and strengthens the intelligent industry, and steps up the development of new quality productive forces, to provide new driving forces for high-quality development, Xi said in the letter. Xi noted that China is willing to work with other countries to seize the opportunities brought about by the progress in digitalization, networking and smart technologies; deepen international cooperation in AI development and governance; and strive to push for the healthy development of AI, promote world economic growth and improve the well-being of the people in all countries. The World Intelligence Expo 2024, with the theme of "Intelligence: Extensive Development Space, Sustainable Growth Driver," is co-hosted by the Tianjin municipal government and Chongqing municipal government. The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday confirmed the arrest of businessman and former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry A. Teves, in connection with the financing terrorism charges filed against him and 12 others before the Regional Trial Court of Cebu City. The DOJ said the 50-year-old Teves was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Cebu RTC Branch 74 last May 13, 2024, for violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. - Advertisement - Teves was arrested at Dr. Vicente Locsin Street, Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental by members of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CID). Teves is the brother of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Arnie Teves Jr. who is now considered a fugitive after multiple murder charges were filed against him in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others last March 4, 2023. Arnolfo and Pryde Henry along with 11 other individuals were designated by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) as terrorists belonging to the so-called Teves Terrorist Group (TTG) in July 2023. The ATC took into consideration all sworn statements, CCTV footage showing Degamos assassination, various news footage showing the immediate arrest of the suspects, Senate inquiry in aid of legislation and other pieces of evidence gathered by various law government agencies in declaring Teves group as terrorists. Arnolfo is currently in Timor-Leste awaiting the decision of Timor-Lestes Court of Appeals in connection with the extradition request filed by the Philippine government. He left the country prior to Degamos killing and refused to return after being implicated as the mastermind in the Degamo killing. Arnolfo has sought political asylum in Timor-Leste, claiming that he is a victim of political persecution under the Marcos administration. The arrest of Pryde Henry Alipit Teves demonstrates our resolute commitment to fighting terrorism and upholding the rule of law, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said, in a statement. The court has set Teves bail at P200,000 for his temporary liberty. This arrest underscores the governments commitment to upholding the law and bringing terrorism suspects to justice, Remulla said. Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Teves brother arrested on terrorism raps DOJ. BEIRUT Hezbollah said none of Israel would be spared in a war, after Israel said it had approved plans for a Lebanon offensive, stoking fears of the Gaza conflict spreading. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said no place in Israel would be spared our rockets, in a televised address broadcast amid spiraling tensions across the Israel-Lebanon border. - Advertisement - Nasrallah whose powerful Iran-backed group has exchanged near-daily fire with Israel since its ally Hamass Oct. 7 attack also threatened the nearby island nation of Cyprus if it opened its airports or bases to Israel to target Lebanon. The Mediterranean island is home to two British military bases including an airbase, but they are in sovereign British territory and not controlled by the Cypriot government. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides denied his countrys involvement in the war and said it was part of the solution, pointing to its role in a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza recognized by the entire international community. Meanwhile, the war between Israel and Hamas raged in Gaza, with Israeli air strikes and clashes between troops and Palestinian militants. Witnesses and the civil defense agency in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip reported an Israeli bombardment in western Rafah, where medics said drone strikes and shelling killed at least seven people. And medics at the European hospital in Khan Yunis told AFP 10 bodies were brought to the facility after an Israeli air strike killed a group of people on Salah al-Din road, east of Rafah city, as they waited for aid trucks to arrive. Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian armed group that has fought alongside Hamas, said its militants were battling troops amid Israeli shelling of western Rafah. The war has spilled across the region, drawing in a number of Iran-backed groups saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. An appeals court threw out convictions Tuesday against a Marion woman who was charged after a teenager fatally shot himself in her home, saying she was absolved because the weapon had been initially unloaded. North Carolina state law makes it a crime for a gun owner to improperly store a weapon at home so as to allow a child to show it off, commit a crime or hurt someone. But the law can only be applied if the weapon is loaded, according to a unanimous ruling of a three-judge panel of the intermediate-level state Court of Appeals. A trial judge had found Kimberly Cable guilty of involuntary manslaughter and two misdemeanor safe firearm storage counts in 2022. She was sentenced to three years of probation. A previous article from The McDowell News identified Cable as a resident of Reid Street in Marion. On July 2018, Cables son had another boy both of them 16 years old over at his house for the night, according to case documents. At 2 a.m., her son went in the bedroom of Cable and her husband as they were sleeping and retrieved an unloaded .44-caliber Magnum revolver that authorities say Cable possessed and a box of ammunition, both laying on top of an open gun safe. The son showed his friend the revolver and placed it and the ammo on the top of a gun safe in his bedroom. The friend then asked the son if he wanted to play Russian roulette. The friend quickly put a bullet in the revolver, pointed it at himself and fired, dying instantly, the documents said. Police found 57 other firearms in the home, according to the opinion. Shortly thereafter, Cable and her husband a gunsmith were charged in connection with the shooting. While Kimberly Cables appellate lawyer also questioned the constitutionality of the safe-storage for minors law, Tuesdays ruling focused on arguments that prosecutors failed to prove that Cable stored the firearm involved in the shooting in a condition that the firearm can be discharged, as the criminal count requires. Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin, who wrote the panels opinion, said the appeals court had never interpreted the phrase before and it was ambiguous. He said past and present criminal law, combined with a legal rule that favors defendants for ambiguous laws, leads to the conclusion that the phrase means the firearm must be loaded. That means Cables revolver was not stored in violation of the law, he wrote. The second similar firearm storage conviction against her also was reversed because there was no evidence to suggest a minor gained access to other weapons, and the involuntary manslaughter conviction was vacated because the safe-firearm conviction involving the revolver was reversed, Griffin said. Court of Appeals Judges Hunter Murphy and Michael Stading agreed with the opinion written by Griffin, who is running for state Supreme Court this fall. The state Attorney Generals Office defended the safe-storage law as constitutional and argued that the gun was in a condition that it could be discharged. Although the revolver was unloaded, it was operable and in working condition on the evening in question, without any safety device preventing it from being able to fire, Solicitor General Ryan Park wrote in a brief last September. The state could ask the state Supreme Court to review Tuesdays decision. Cables husband, Roger Cable, also was charged in the case, but he was found not guilty in his district court trial, according to court officials. Tadikira Mafubza, the stepson of former Malawian President Peter Mutharika, has been acquitted of all charges related to human trafficking and aggravated manslaughter. Mafubza and seven other men were arrested in November 2022 after police linked them to the death of 29 suspected Ethiopian immigrants whose bodies were discovered in an unmarked mass grave. Despite ex-President Mutharikas shock at the police action and his assertion that there was no evidence linking his stepson to any crime, Mafubza and his co-accused endured a 19-month ordeal before being cleared following a full trial. Mafubzas lawyer expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the evidence against their client was disjointed. However, Dzikondianthu Malunda, an official from the Directorate of Public Prosecution, found the ruling surprising. Mafubza declined to comment on his acquittal as he left the courtroom, only pausing to pose for photographs. The case began in October 2022 when police discovered a grave containing dozens of bodies in a forest in the northern district of Mzimba after young boys reported a foul smell. The corpses were believed to be those of Ethiopian migrants being trafficked to South Africa, as Malawi is a major trafficking route for migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia. Mafubza handed himself over at police headquarters in Lilongwe after a search was launched for him. The former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had characterized his arrest as a political witch-hunt against Mutharikas family and supporters. Haitian police commanders met with Kenyas inspector general of police on Tuesday, ahead of a planned deployment of a UN-backed multinational peacekeeping mission to Haiti. The mission, led by Kenya, aims to combat gang violence that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced over 360,000 people in the Caribbean nation. During the meeting in Nairobi, Haitian Police official Joachim Prohete expressed the need for support, while Inspector Japhet Koome affirmed Kenyas readiness and commitment to assist whenever needed. The Haitian police also met with commanders of the 1,000 Kenyan officers who will be part of the peacekeeping mission. Kenya will host Haitian police for training, and the delegation visited the barracks where drills will take place. President William Ruto recently reaffirmed Kenyas commitment to restoring peace in Haiti, and U.S. President Joe Biden expressed deep appreciation for Kenyas planned deployment during Rutos state visit in May. The deployment, originally scheduled for May, was postponed to allow for the completion of bases where officers will operate and the procurement of essential equipment, including vehicles. Haiti has long faced challenges such as poverty, political instability, and natural disasters. International intervention in the country has a complex history, with a previous UN-approved stabilization mission from 2004 to 2017 marred by a sexual abuse scandal and the introduction of cholera, which claimed nearly 10,000 lives. 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 Locals in this city of 58,000 are used to having to wait at railroad crossings for one of the dozens of daily cargo trains to pass through. But a proposed merger between the two hospitals on either side of the city could exacerbate the problem in emergencies if the hospitals shut down some services, such as trauma care, at one site, which the proposal cites as a possibility. Tom High, fire chief of a nearby township, said some first responders would be forced to transport critical patients farther, risking longer delays, if they become what locals call "railroaded" by a passing train. That's just one of the fears in this community as Indiana officials review whether to allow Union Hospital, licensed as a 341-bed facility, to purchase the county's only other acute care hospital, the 278-bed Terre Haute Regional Hospital. The proposed deal also raises concerns about reduced tax revenue, worsening care, and higher prices. Within the next few months, the Indiana Department of Health must find "clear evidence" that the proposed merger would improve health outcomes, access, and the quality of care. Those benefits must "outweigh any potential disadvantages." As the nation's health care industry has become more concentrated amid a steady clip of mergers in recent decades, it's common for one large system to dominate a market. In this case, the deal would be Indiana's first merger under the COPA law, short for Certificate of Public Advantage, that the state enacted in 2021. Such laws allow deals that the Federal Trade Commission otherwise considers illegal because they reduce competition and often create monopolies. To mitigate the negative effects of a monopoly, the merged hospitals typically agree to conditions imposed by state regulators. Union Hospital leaders said it's time to move "beyond competition" for the sake of the region, which has struggled to keep jobs and raise life expectancy rates. Hospital spokesperson Neil Garrison said the merger would ultimately improve care, increase access, and cut costs. Leaders of Regional Hospital, which is owned by for-profit chain HCA Healthcare, did not respond to questions about the proposal. One unusual implication arises, though: If the merger is approved, the surrounding county would lose tax revenue from one of its larger businesses. Union Hospital, which as a nonprofit is exempt from paying taxes, would be acquiring tax-paying Terre Haute Regional, which paid roughly $508,000 in county taxes for 2023, said Vigo County Auditor Jim Bramble. That's the equivalent of the starting salaries of about nine sheriff's deputies, per the county's$83 million 2024 budget. Garrison said the hospital system is aware of the tax implications for the county and is "exploring opportunities" to address it. Meanwhile, Roland Kohr, formerly a pathologist at Regional and a county coroner, frets about erasing competition that forced the hospitals to add services or match the other. "The push to introduce new technologies, to recruit more physicians, that may not happen," he said. The FTC has urged states to avoid COPAs, pointing to research that found they "have resulted in significant price increases and contributed to declines in quality of care." The fallout of similar mergers has triggered federal sanctions in North Carolina and pushback from locals and legislators in Tennessee. "A merged hospital system that faces little remaining competition after the merger usually has little incentive to follow through with its promises because patients have no other choice," wrote Chris Garmon, a University of Missouri-Kansas City economist who has studied COPA mergers, in a warning to Indiana health officials about the proposed merger. Indiana already has among the highest hospital prices in the country, according to a study by the Rand Corp. research organization. The Indiana Legislature spent the past year trying to rein in prices. Gloria Sachdev, CEO of Indianapolis-based Employers' Forum of Indiana, which pushed for those pricing limits on behalf of frustrated business leaders, is worried a Union-Regional merger would undo those gains and raise prices further. Indiana's COPA restricts how much the hospital could increase charges, Garrison said. Elsewhere, the largest COPA-created hospital system in the country, Ballad Health, has reported that the time patients spend in its ERs in Virginia and Tennessee before being hospitalized has more than tripled, reaching nearly 11 hours, in the six years since that monopoly of 20 hospitals formed. Still, Tennessee has awarded Ballad top marks even when certain quality metrics, including its ER speed, fall below established benchmarks. Ballad Health spokesperson Molly Luton said the system's performance has improved since those statistics were gathered. Last fall, some Tennesseans unsuccessfully urged a county board to call on the state to better regulate the hospital system. This spring, state lawmakers refused to hear testimony from residents who drove five hours to Nashville to testify for a bill that sought to limit future COPA mergers in the statewhich ultimately didn't make it to a full vote. Problems have also occurred when a COPAand its oversightare removed, leaving the merged hospital system as an " unregulated monopoly." After North Carolina repealed its COPA in 2015, a subsidiary of HCA Healthcare bought Mission Health, a COPA-created monopoly in Asheville, for $1.5 billion in 2019. The monopoly in Asheville remained but none of the COPA's conditions applied to the new owner. Last year, government inspectors found "deficiencies" at Mission Health that contributed to four patient deaths and posed an "immediate jeopardy" to patients' health and safety, according to the 384-page federal inspection report. North Carolina Attorney General Joshua Stein sued HCA's subsidiary last year, alleging the ER was "significantly degraded," and that the company failed to maintain certain critical services, including oncology care, a violation of a purchase agreement Stein's office negotiated with it because the company acquired a nonprofit. HCA said it promptly addressed the issues and denied Stein's allegations in its legal response to the ongoing lawsuit, arguing it has expanded services since its purchase. HCA also argued that the agreement is silent about maintaining the quality of care. Back in Indiana, Union Hospital laid the groundwork for its merger more than three years ago when its leaders provided the language for COPA legislation to then-state Sen. Jon Ford, a Republican in Terre Haute, believing he would be "the best champion for this proposal," according to legislative testimony from Taylor Hollenbeck, an RJL Solutions consultant on the merger. Ford, listed on the legislature's site as the bill's co-author, did not respond to requests for comment. Union CEO Steve Holman testified in the bill's hearings that the county's public health rankingswith an average life expectancy ranking 68th out of 92 counties in the stateshould be a "call to action" to do something "big and bold." Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun agrees the merger could help what he called the county's "abysmal" public health statistics. Last year, he was elected the city's youngest mayor at age 27 on a promise to "turn Terre Haute around." The region's workforce has steadily declined and local leaders have pinned their hopes on a new casino and a manufacturer of battery parts for electric vehicles to reverse this trend. Sakbun's father is an OB-GYN at Union, but the mayor said that doesn't color his opinion and that he supports the hospital merger despite the loss of the tax base. He believes it will help recruit medical and other professionals to an area that has struggled to attract top talent. "Do I believe that this is the one that bucks the research?" Sakbun said. "I truthfully do." 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Crystal Hiwalker wonders if her heart and lungs would have kept working if the ambulance crew had been able to give her a transfusion as the blood drained from her body during a stormy, 100-mile ride. Because of the 2019 snowstorm, it took 2.5 hours to drive from her small town of Lame Deer, Montana, to the advanced trauma center in Billings. Doctors at the Billings Clinic hospital revived Hiwalker and stopped the bleeding from her ruptured ectopic pregnancy. They were shocked that she not only survived after her heart stopped beating and she lost nearly all her blood, but that she recovered without brain damage. The Montana State Trauma Care Committee, which works to reduce trauma incidents and to improve care, later realized the ambulance that carried Hiwalker had passed near two hospitals that stocked blood. What if Hiwalker had access to that blood on her way to Billings, committee members asked. That realization, and question, inspired committee members to create the Montana Interfacility Blood Network, which they say is the first program of its kind in the U.S. The network allows ambulance crews to pick up blood from hospitals and transfuse it to patients on the way to the advanced care they need. "We kind of came up with the idea of having a blood handofflike driving through a fast-food restaurant drive-thruand picking up blood on the way," said Gordon Riha, a trauma surgeon at the Billings Clinic trauma center, where Hiwalker was treated. Riha said timely blood transfusions can prevent death or permanent brain injury. The network is aimed at rural patients, who face elevated rates of traumatic injuries and death, said Alyssa Johnson, trauma system manager for the state of Montana. "We have to get more creative. We don't have a blood bank on every corner, and we don't have a Level 1 trauma center on every corner," Johnson said. Network leaders say the program has helped at least three patients since it launched in 2022. They hope it will be used more in the future. Hiwalker is excited about the program. "I'm so glad that something like this got started, because it would save a lot of lives from where I live," she said. Hiwalker said she has heard about people bleeding to death after car crashes, gunshot wounds, and stabbings in her rural community. Johnson said work injuries, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, and childbirth can also cause serious bleeding. The Montana trauma committee began discussing the blood network a few months after Hiwalker's brush with death. First, it created a map of 48 facilities with blood banks. Then, it created guidelines for how hospitals, blood banks, ambulances, and labs must communicate about, package, transport, document, and bill for the blood. The network is used only during emergencies, which means there's no time to test patients' blood types. So it uses only type O red blood cells, which can be transfused safely into most patients. The receiving hospitalnot the one that provided the bloodis responsible for billing patients' insurance for the blood. The cost depends on how much blood patients need but typically ranges from several hundred dollars to more than a thousand, said Sadie Arnold, who manages the blood bank at Billings Clinic. Arnold said blood must be stored in a lab and managed by professionals with specific degrees, clinical experience, and board certifications. Some rural hospitals lack space for a lab or money to recruit these specialists, Arnold said. Or they may not need blood often enough to justify storing a product that can expire andespecially during the current national blood shortageis needed elsewhere. The network uses blood that has a maximum shelf life of 42 days. Rural hospitals that do store blood may have only small amounts on hand. A rural Montanan with severe bleeding experienced that firsthand when he went to the nearest hospital, which had only one unit of type O blood, according to a report on the blood network. But thanks to the new program, ambulance medics picked up more blood from a hospital halfway through an 80-mile drive to the trauma hospital. Ideally, rural patients with serious bleeding would be transported by medical helicopters or airplanes outfitted for transfusions. But, as in Hiwalker's case, flying can be impossible during bad weather. That can mean hours-long ambulance rides. Some towns in northeastern Montana, for example, are more than 250 miles away from the nearest advanced trauma center. "This was truly designed for kind of that last-ditch effort," Johnson said. When "we're out of options, we've got to get the patient moving towards a larger center, and we can't fly." The blood handoff may involve the ambulance stopping at the second hospital, Johnson said. But during one incident, a police officer picked up the blood and delivered it to the ambulance at a highway exit, she said. Ambulances may also pick up a paramedic or nurse to provide the transfusion along the way, since many rural ambulance crews are staffed by emergency medical technicians, who in Montana aren't authorized to do so. Medics in other cities and states, including ones with rural areas, have started performing blood transfusions in ambulances and helicopters, said Claudia Cohn, chief medical officer of the national Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. She said researchers are also interested in the potential of using frozen and freeze-dried blood products, which could be helpful in rural areas since they're easier to store and have longer shelf lives. Johnson said the Montana Interfacility Blood Network is the only program she knows of specifically aimed at rural patients and involving ambulances picking up blood from hospitals along their routes. She said the network is gaining interest from other states with large rural regions, including Oregon. Hiwalker said receiving a blood transfusion in the ambulance could have prevented her near-death experience and the trauma her husband faced from seeing her suffer as he rode in the ambulance with her. She's glad her ordeal led to an innovation that is helping others. 2024 KFF Health News. 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: For older and younger adults with hypertension, a nonphysician-implemented, multifaceted, intensive blood pressure intervention can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality, according to a study published online June 18 in JAMA Cardiology. Xiaofan Guo, M.D., Ph.D., from the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, and colleagues conducted a 48-month follow-up study of the China Rural Hypertension Control Project from 2018 to 2023. Participants recruited from 326 villages in rural China, aged 60 years and older and younger than 60 years, with a diagnosis of hypertension were included (22,386 and 11,609 individuals, respectively). Among the older adults with hypertension, 11,289 and 11,097 were randomly assigned to a nonphysician, community health care practitioner-implemented multifaceted intervention to achieve blood pressure of less than 130/80 mm Hg and to a usual-care group, respectively. The researchers found a significantly lower rate of total CVD and all-cause mortality in the intervention group versus usual-care group (hazard ratios, 0.75 and 0.90, respectively). The risk reductions were also significant for total CVD, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death among adults younger than 60 years (hazard ratios, 0.64, 0.64, 0.39, and 0.54, respectively). No significant between-group differences were seen in the incidences of injurious falls, symptomatic hypotension, syncope, and results for kidney outcomes in either age group. "These results have substantial implications for the future of hypertension management among older adults who represent a large proportion of the population and high absolute risk for CVD complications," the authors write. More information: Xiaofan Guo et al, Multifaceted Intensive Blood Pressure Control Model in Older and Younger Individuals With Hypertension, JAMA Cardiology (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1449 Daniel W. Jones, A Pathway to Better Blood Pressure Control, JAMA Cardiology (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1463 Journal information: JAMA Cardiology 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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 Cassidy Yermal, 32, began experiencing debilitating migraines when she was 17 years old. As a teenager growing up in northeastern Pennsylvania, she saw numerous neurologists and tried a variety of medications before finding one that provided relief. In 2022, her new insurer asked her to prove it. Yermal now lives in Marlboro, Maryland, where she's a sales representative at a furniture store. She is married and receives health care coverage through her husband's employer. In 2022, their new insurer told Yermal that it wouldn't pay for her medication unless she tried several less expensive drugs firstor could prove that she already had. "I was like, 'I don't know why they're asking for this documentation now. My other insurance company didn't ask for it,'" Yermal told Stateline. It was "really frustrating to me to have to dig up the kind of things that I knew didn't work." Millions of Americans have experienced similar frustrations under protocols known as step therapy, or fail-first policies. Insurance companies, and the pharmacy benefit management companies that handle prescriptions for them, often refuse to cover a specific drug until after the patient has tried cheaper alternatives. Insurers argue that step therapytaking drug treatment one step a timeprevents wasteful spending by directing patients to less expensive, but still effective, treatments. But patient advocacy groups and physicians say doctors, not insurers, are best qualified to know which drug or treatment is likely to be most effective. Delaying the implementation of that decision, they say, often harms patients. At least 36 statesincluding Maryland, where Yermal liveshave laws that are supposed to limit insurers' use of step therapy. But most only apply in certain cases, and enforcement has been spotty. Most important, states do not have the power to regulate the self-funded insurance policies that large employers typically offer to their workersand 65% of Americans are covered that way. Only Congress has the power to curb the use of step therapy in self-funded plans; a bill that would do just that is pending on Capitol Hill. In the meantime, legislatures in several states, including Illinois, Kentucky and New Mexico, this year approved measures designed to close loopholes in their step therapy laws and extend protections to more people. The Kentucky and New Mexico bills are now law. The Illinois measure, which is awaiting the signature of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, is especially far-reaching: It would ban any insurers regulated by the state, including Medicaid, from using step therapy. But because states can't regulate self-funded insurers, many Illinois residents wouldn't be covered. "Knowing that our hospitals have hundreds of employees on staff just to deal with the insurance companies really says something," Democratic state Rep. Anna Moeller, chief sponsor of the bill, told Stateline. "Nobody should be turned away in the middle of a mental health crisis or spend months potentially failing on other drugs while the doctors know they won't work. No one should have to go through that." Illinois Democratic state Sen. Laura Fine, another sponsor of the bill, acknowledged that forcing large insurance companies to abide by the ban would be a challenge. "Our Department of Insurance is going to have to come in. This is where we are going to have to make rules. How do we make sure that these laws are being carried out as written?" she said. Nevertheless, Fine said, the ban almost certainly would be a huge improvement over the current step therapy law in Illinois. That law is so weak, she said, that for most people subjected to step therapy rules, "you could complain about it, but there was nothing that could be done about it." "Now, we're saying, 'No, this is not [allowed],'" Fine said. "And so, you can complain about it, and something can get done." In Maryland, Yermal had to wait two months for her insurer to approve her preferred migraine medication, Emgality, which has no generic form and can cost more than $700 for the once-a-month dose. During that time, she suffered pounding headaches; "it was hard to live my life, and it was hard to do basic things," she said. She also said that taking medications that don't work can have long-lasting effects. More than a decade later, she said, she is still feeling the impact of her time on a migraine drug that didn't help her. "I still can't think straight. I used to be a really fast learner and pick up on stuff really quickly," Yermal said. "I took that medication over 10 years ago and I still feel that I never recovered." Increasing use Insurers argue that by preventing excessive spending, step therapy yields savings for consumers in the form of lower insurance premiums and less expensive prescriptions for everyone on the plan. James Swann, a spokesperson for AHIP, a trade group formerly known as America's Health Insurance Plans, said step therapy protects patients from potentially harmful or unnecessary care, and that legislation to restrict it "would lead to clinically inappropriate care and could raise costs for all consumers and purchasers." Swann also suggested that insurers have a holistic perspective on the health care system that even doctors lack. But Dr. Jack Resneck, former president of the American Medical Association, rejected that idea. "I would make an argument that physicians who have gone to medical school and have the patient's entire medical record can help keep patients way more safe," Resneck said. "[Insurers] are often recommending things to me that are frankly unsafe." He added, "Is it true that we have seen some drug prices go up astronomically? Absolutely. The solution is to fix drug pricing. It's not to tell patients that the drug they've been on that's been great for them is one they can't be on anymore." Recent research suggests that the use of step therapy by insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers is increasingand that it is often divorced from clinical evidence. In a study published earlier this year in the journal Health Affairs, researchers looked at about 10 years' worth of Medicare Part D plan data and found that insurers increasingly imposed restrictions on patient access to medications. They did so through step therapy, requiring doctors to get insurers' permission before prescribing a drug, or by excluding drugs from coverage. The percentage of drugs restricted by the policies increased from 32% in 2011 to 44% in 2020. "While plans justify the use of these tools as a means to control costs, restricting access to an increasing number of drugs raises concerns that these policies may adversely affect patients' health," Geoffrey Joyce, chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Economics at the University of Southern California and an author of the study said in an interview. A study published in Health Affairs in 2021 found that 17 of the largest commercial health plans applied step therapy policies about 40% of the time for treatments related to 10 diseases. The researchers found that there was wide variation among the companies' use of step therapy, and that the policies' requirements often departed from clinical guidelines. The protocols were more rigid than clinical guidelines at least half the time for patients with hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis and psoriatic arthritis. For psoriasis, the step therapy protocols were stricter more than 99% of the time. James Chambers, an associate professor at the Tufts Medical Center Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and an author of the study, told Stateline that the inconsistency "maybe raises a red flag about how these protocols were developed and for what reason." "From experience, we see very different step therapy protocols across plans for the same drugs for the same uses," Chambers said. "It's not just subtle differences, but impactful differences for patients." Current laws limited The loopholes in existing state lawsand the fact that the laws don't apply to people with the most common form of insurancefrustrate patient advocacy groups. Dozens of them have been involved in lobbying for tougher state rules and the stalled federal bill. "We have a ton of inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune patients in our network. And this population typically has to undergo step therapy, which causes major delays in treatment," said Zoe Rothblatt, director of community outreach at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, which advocates for patients with chronic diseases such as migraines, arthritis, osteoporosis and psoriasis. "Patients can spend a lot of timemonthsin pain, not able to work," Rothblatt said. "They could have disease progression." Joyce said it won't be easy to further restrict the use of step therapy, either at the state or the federal level. He noted the country is spending more than$4 trillion annually on health care, and "the reason it's so hard to change things is because that money is somebody's incomewhether it's yours, or a doctor's or a pharma company's." And the health care companies, he said, don't want reform. "They all fight it tooth and nail, and they all have lobbyists in Washington fighting for their interests," he said. Kaye Pestaina, vice president and director of patient and consumer protections at KFF, a health research organization, said innovative approaches to regulating insurance companies are more likely to occur on the state level, and that civil lawsuits are a powerful enforcement tool. "States are really where the action is on health care. Changes and reforms depend on the state," Pestaina told Stateline. "The state law says how much the civil penalty is, what the circumstances are, when a government investigates, what makes something a violation and what doesn't." Fine, the Illinois senator, said the measure set to be signed by the governor is evidence of a growing legislative appetite to regulate insurers, a change that is shifting state government. "I feel our Department of Insurance now is very consumer-focused," Fine told Stateline. "For a long, long time, everything was sort of slanted towards industry. And now, you know, the scale is kind of changing. And we're slanting towards, 'How is this helping the consumer?'" Yermal, meanwhile, says she's doing fine now, although she still suffers from some headaches. She's happy she can at least get the medication she needs to deal with them, she said. 2024 States Newsroom. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain A team of international researchers, led by the University of Exeter, has discovered that people with a genetic variant that disables the SMIM1 gene have higher body weight because they expend less energy when at rest. SMIM1 was only identified 10 years ago, while researchers were searching for the gene encoding a specific blood group, known as Vel. One in 5,000 people lack both copies of the gene, making them Vel-negative. The findings from the new research suggest that this group is also more likely to be overweight, a conclusion that could one day lead to new treatments. The study found that people without both copies of the gene have other measures linked to obesity, including high levels of fat in the blood, signs of fat tissue dysfunction, increased liver enzymes as well as lower levels of thyroid hormones. The study is published in Med The collaboration included partners at the University of Cambridge, the Sanger Institute, the Copenhagen University in Denmark, and Lund University in Sweden. Lead author Mattia Frontini, Associate Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Exeter Medical School, said, "Obesity rates have nearly tripled in the past 50 years, and by 2030, more than one billion individuals worldwide are projected to be obese. The associated diseases and complications create a significant economic burden on health care systems. "Obesity is due to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, often a complex interplay of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. In a small minority of people, obesity is caused by genetic variants. When this is the case, new treatments can sometimes be found to benefit these people. Our findings highlight the need to investigate the genetic cause of obesity, to select the most appropriate and effective treatment, but also to reduce the social stigma associated with it." To make the discovery, the team analyzed the genetics of nearly 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank cohort, identifying 104 people with the variant that leads to loss of function in the SMIM1 gene (46 females and 44 males). The team also used the NIHR National BioResource to obtain fresh blood samples from both Vel negative and positive individuals. The NIHR National BioResource worked in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT)which includes more than 100,000 blood donors who signed up to support genetic research studies. Extrapolating the frequencies identified in these cohorts would mean the SMIM1 variant could be a significant factor contributing to obesity for around 300,000 people across the world. The team investigated the effects they found in four additional cohorts of people with the SMIM1 gene variant. They found that having the variant had an impact on weight, equating to an average extra 4.6 kg in females and 2.4 kg in males. Co-author Jill Storry, Adjunct Professor at Lund University, Sweden, said, "SMIM1 was only discovered a decade ago, as a long-sought blood group protein on red blood cells, but its other function has remained unknown until now. It's very exciting to find that it has a more general role in human metabolism." Co-author Professor Ole Pedersen, at University of Copenhagen, Denmark, added, "The whole team is very much looking forward to seeing how this new knowledge can be translated into practical solutions for people with this genetic makeup.". First author Dr. Luca Stefanucci, at the University of Cambridge, remarked, "With the increased availability of genetic data, and more information on SMIM1 mechanism, we would like to see that when individuals lacking SMIM1 are identified, they receive information and support." More information: SMIM1 absence is associated with reduced energy expenditure and excess weight', Med (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.05.015. www.cell.com/med/fulltext/S2666-6340(24)00219-8 Journal information: Med Here's a quick guide to some upcoming arts and cultural events happening around Missoula in the week ahead. Mount Eerie matinee (Saturday, June 22) An icon of Northwest alternative folk, Phil Elverum has helmed projects under various names, from the Microphones to his new project, Mount Eerie. His 2001 Microphones album, The Glow, Pt. 2, was an underground classic of its kind, approaching folk and indie rock in freeing, homemade fashion, not unlike Modest Mouse or Grizzly Bear, where a heartfelt outlook bridged his experiments across sounds and genres. As Mount Eerie, hes released music inspired by the sudden death of his wife and collaborator, Genevieve Castree, from cancer in 2016. The records were celebrated for his openness about his grief. According to his Substack newsletter, hes completed a new record. You might be able to hear some of it at an afternoon show here in Missoula, along with music by two thoughtful local acts, Sung Mountains and Dylan Running Crane. Details: ZACC Show Room, 1 p.m. doors, 2 p.m. show, $20 in advance, $23 day of. Summer Made Fair (Sunday, June 23) The citys non-traditional arts and crafts fair returns to Caras Park yet again. Nonprofit Handmade Montanas juried selection of artists includes more than 190 this year, with an eye toward creative takes on media of all types, from two-dimensional arts to crafts such as handmade jewelry and even 3D topographic maps carved into hardwood. Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Caras Park, all ages, free entry. Vampire Weekend matinee in Bonner (Sunday, June 23) As of this writing, there are still tickets available for this Sunday matinee show at KettleHouse Amphitheater for the now-veteran indie-rock band, who are touring for a new record, Only God Was Above Us. Saturday evenings show, meanwhile, is sold out. Missoulians who caught the bands first wave may have seen them at a different venue: The Badlander, in 2007 and 2008, just after theyd become famous quite suddenly thanks to illegal downloading, no-budget music blogs and sites such as Pitchfork. Details: Check for tickets at logjampresents.com, noon doors, 2 p.m. show. Film critic Kenneth Turan (Monday, June 24) The longtime movie critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR is stopping in Missoula again to talk cinema. Hes written several books, including Not to Be Missed: Fifty-Four Favorites from a Lifetime of Film. Details: 7 p.m. Shakespeare & Co., free. The price of roads on nature (Tuesday, June 25) Journalist Ben Goldfarb will read from his book, Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of our Planet, which details the effects that humans transportation infrastructure has on the natural world. Hes written for a number of outlets, including Slate, where you can sample his work via an essay published last month headlined, Were All Roadkill Now, with the subtitle, Cars flatten animals and humans. Our fates are connected. In a starred write-up, Kirkus Reviews called it an astonishingly deep pool of wonders. His previous book, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, won a 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. The Center for Large Landscape Conservation is hosting this Missoula reading and Q&A with their own Kylie Paul, a road ecologist. Details: 7 p.m., Shakespeare & Co., free. Original play addresses recovery (Multiple dates, venues) No Joke Theater, a fledgling Missoula nonprofit that works with people in pre-release programs and addiction recovery, has commissioned its first play, Fellowship Hall, which will have four dates in venues around the city. The theaters founder, Leah Joki, worked with theater programs in California prisons before returning to her home state and pursuing a new socially minded program. Shes directed this play, which was written by Ean Miles Kessler, a playwright whos had his work produced in New York, Chicago and elsewhere and is also a Montana horse trainer, according to a news release. The play takes audiences inside the world of recovery, with influences taken from stories from the local community. Theyre also members of the cast, in addition to Penelope Baquero and Mark Plonsky. Dates: Multiple dates, venues around Missoula. Contains adult language and themes. Monday-Tuesday, June 24-25, 7:30 p.m., ZACC Show Rom, $10-$30. Friday, June 28, 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St., no reservations, free, donations accepted. Saturday, June 29, 7:30 p.m., UM Masquer Theatre, no reservations, pick what you pay, $10-$30. Fundraiser: Jazz vocalist Patti Nolan will play a fundraiser for the theater at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, in the ZACC Show Room. Tickets start at $30, go to zootownarts.org. The terrorist next door (Wednesday, June 26) Maxim Loskutoff, a Missoula native, is now on his third book of fiction that takes on the complex social fabric of the contemporary Rocky Mountain West. In his latest novel, Old King, a recently separated and aimless man decamps from Utah looking for a fresh start, planting himself in Lincoln. As environmental conflicts and general anxiety brew in the late 1970s, he seeks to build a new life. Unbeknownst to him, theres a reclusive neighbor whos begun plotting violent attacks to oppose the relentless advance of technology and progress. Details: 7 p.m., Shakespeare and Co., free. Quick hits Talking the art of fish: John Piacquadio paints trout in an unexpected style, with sumo ink and bold, splashy abstract moves. He's part of a joint show at the Confluence Center (119 W. Main St.) and will give a talk on Saturday, June 22, 3-4 p.m. James McMurtry live: The venerable songwriter is playing at the ZACC Show Room with Bonnie Whitmore. Saturday, June 22, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8. $25 in advance. Flash Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have agreed on mutual support in case of external aggression, Russian media reported Wednesday, citing Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK in accordance with a newly signed comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, RIA Novosti reported, citing Putin at a press briefing following talks with the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. Putin said that the treaty is a "breakthrough document," adding that it set goals for strengthening long-term ties between the two countries in various fields, according to the report. He also noted that both countries oppose imposing sanctions and restrictions for political purposes, adding that such actions undermine the global economic and political system. Putin arrived in Pyongyang for a state visit in DPRK on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency reported. Kim paid an official visit in Russia in September 2023, during which he invited Putin to visit DPRK. Stay ahead of Stroke 5 things to know about the medical emergency Dr. Prashant Natteru Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research A stroke can happen at any time and to anyone. You might be talking to your loved one and notice theyre suddenly slurring their words. Or, while grocery shopping, you realize you cant move your hand to pick up a jar from the shelf. You can go from feeling as usual to feeling sick within a matter of seconds to minutes. Here are five key things to know about stroke. 1 Strokes affect the oxygen and nutrients supplied to your brain. Strokes occur when nutrients and oxygen are not delivered to the brain through blood vessels, leading to the death of brain cells. This lack of delivery can be caused by a clot in a blood vessel obstructing the blood flow to the brain, known as an ischemic stroke, or when a blood vessel ruptures and prevents blood flow to the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Sometimes, the obstruction to the blood flow and the resulting symptoms are caused by a temporary clot and are transient, resulting in a transient ischemic attack, often called a ministroke. 2 Strokes can happen to anyone. Strokes can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender or race. Certain risk factors both controllable and uncontrollable can put you at a higher risk. Common controllable risk factors include: Atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk by five times. Diabetes. Excessive alcohol intake an average of more than one drink per day for women or more than two drinks a day for men. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Obesity. Obstructive sleep apnea. Physical inactivity. Smoking or vaping. Uncontrollable risk factors include: Gender. Heredity. Increasing age. Race. 3 Be prepared to spot the signs of a stroke. Learn to recognize the signs of stroke quickly. The American Stroke Association lists these symptoms to help you know when to seek medical care: F = Face drooping: Ask the person to smile and see if the smile is uneven. A = Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms and see if one arm drifts down. S = Speech difficulty: Ask the person to speak, and see if the speech is slurred. T = Time to call 911: Stroke is an emergency. Call 911 at once. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear. Other stroke symptoms to watch for include: Numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden-onset, severe headache with no known cause. Sudden vision issues, such as trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Trouble walking, loss of balance, dizziness or coordination. If you or someone you are with has any stroke-like symptoms, seek immediate medical care. 4 A stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts when someone is experiencing a stroke. Once a stroke starts, the brain loses about 1.9 million neurons each minute. For every hour without treatment, the brain loses as many neurons as it typically does in nearly 3.6 years of regular aging. While waiting for paramedics, do these things if possible: If the person is conscious, lay them down on their side with their head slightly raised and supported to prevent falls. Loosen any restrictive clothing that could cause breathing difficulties. If weakness is obvious in any limb, support it and avoid pulling on it when moving the person. If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse, and put them on their side. If they do not have a pulse or are not breathing, start CPR right away. 5 Women have an increased risk of stroke. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third-most common cause of death in women. More than 90,000 women die from a stroke in the U.S. each year. Every 1 in 5 women will have a stroke, and about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year, with Black women having the highest prevalence of stroke. The risk of stroke increases in women who smoke, have atrial fibrillation or migraines with aura, take birth control pills, use hormonal replacement therapy, are pregnant or have preeclampsia. Talk to your health care team about your stroke risk and ways to lower your risk by addressing controllable factors. Study documents lost chances to treat overdose survivors Carla K. Johnson Associated Press A new study documents lost opportunities to treat drug overdose survivors covered by the Medicare program and illustrates the difficulty of managing chronic pain. Overdose survivors should be at the front of the line for the full range of medications and counseling and support, said Dr. Brian Hurley, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, who was not involved in the study, published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine. Instead, those on Medicare who survived a drug overdose in 2020 were much more likely to later receive opioid painkillers than any medication to treat addiction and some went on to die of an overdose. U.S. government researchers found 53% of overdose survivors received opioid painkillers while 4% received treatments such as buprenorphine. Only 6% filled prescriptions for the overdose antidote naloxone. Within a year of their overdose, 17% experienced a second nonfatal overdose and 1% died of an overdose. The researchers looked at nearly 137,000 Medicare beneficiaries who survived an overdose in 2020, when the emergence of COVID-19 scrambled drug treatment eff orts. The group included about 30% who qualified for Medicare because of a disability rather than their age. About 80% of them had been treated for acute or chronic pain, and nearly half had prescriptions for opioids before the overdose. In some situations, it might be appropriate to continue to prescribe opioids after an overdose, but these patients should be closely monitored, provided naloxone and have plans in place to reduce overdose risk, said lead author Capt. Christopher Jones of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Gaps in treatment for overdose survivors exist throughout the U.S. health care system and predate the pandemic, said Dr. Michael Barnett of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who was not involved in the new study, but found similar results among Medicare patients from 2016-2019. The health system is very poor at connecting people to life-saving medication after they overdose, Barnett said. Its a health system problem. And its also a problem of stigma and public education that many people may not be interested or may not trust medications for opioid use disorder. In 2020, Medicare expanded coverage to include methadone to address a longstanding treatment gap. Methadone is the oldest, and experts say, the most effective of the three approved medications used to treat opioid addiction. It eases cravings without an intense high, allowing patients to rebuild their lives. Medicare still does not cover residential addiction treatment, another gap that should be closed, Hurley said. Southwest Montana Health Care Directory The November air was brisk, and the fall leaves a splendor of colors the day a new statue was unveiled on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 1993. Three uniformed women emblazoned in bronze huddled around a wounded soldier and a pile of sandbags. Thirty years later a writer put the final touches on her new novel. Her words illuminate those same women immortalized in bronze who put themselves in harm's way to help others during the Vietnam war. On Wednesday, June 26, join in a special evening with both Kristin Hannah, the New York Times bestselling author of The Women, and Helena resident Diane Carlson Evans, collaborator and author of Healing Wounds, A Vietnam Combat Nurses 10-Year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, D.C. The event, taking place at 7 p.m. at the Helena Civic Center, provides the opportunity to hear firsthand from Hannah of the inspiration behind The Women, as well as the work that went into writing it, including collaborating with Evans to understand the nuances and historical details of Vietnam combat nurses. I was so excited not just for Diane's connection to Kristin's work but that our community would have the opportunity to read and hear directly from one of the most notable authors of our time talk about the important work of nurses, but especially combat nurses in times of war," said Chelsia Rice, co-owner the of Montana Book Company, which is hosting the event. If you go ... What: Author talk with bestselling author Kristin Hannah and special guest Diane Carlson Evans, a veteran combat nurse When: Wednesday, June 26, at 7 p.m. Where: Helena Civic Center, 340 Neill Ave. Cost: General admission tickets are $10. Premier tickets are $30 and include early admission and a pre-signed copy of The Women. Tickets can be purchased online at helenaciviccenter.com, by phone at 406-447-8481, or in person at the Helena Civic Center Box Office. Contact: 406-447-8481 Info: helenaciviccenter.com Hannah is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including The Nightingale, The Four Winds, The Great Alone and Firefly Lane. Her latest novel The Women shows the Vietnam War through the eyes of 20-year-old combat nurse Frankie McGrath, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows her brother to Vietnam. Hannahs tale may be historical fiction about one woman gone to war, but it offers a glimpse into the thousands of untold true stories of women who made sacrifices for their country during wartime. Her book has amplified our experiences and our lives in Vietnam and has people asking questions and people wanting to know more, said Evans of Hannah. "Shes brought Vietnam back into the conscious of the country and the world and has unearthed the stories of nurses which is so similar to nurses of all past wars and our feelings about it. The story of Evans is just one of those true stories. A combat nurse during the Vietnam War, she proved to be one of Hannahs greatest resources in making her book a reality. Raised on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota, Evans was first inspired to go to nursing school by her mother, who worked as a nurse for 44 years in a rural hospital. The war in Vietnam was already well underway when Evans began nursing school. It was during her junior year that she heard an Army recruiter on the radio say that there was a shortage of nurses in Vietnam. She enlisted immediately in the Army Nurse Corps and volunteered to go to Vietnam, determined to save lives. At just 21 years old, Evans touched down among the humid jungle terrain of Vietnam. Even on day one it was terrifying, said Evans. Only war can prepare you for war. None of us were prepared for the sheer numbers of wounded we would see. From 1968-1969, Evans fought to save lives in Vietnam. She served in 400-bed evac units at the 36th Evacuation Hospital in Vung Tau and in Pleiku as head nurse at the 71st Evacuation Hospital. Including her one year in Vietnam, she completed six years total in the Army Nurse Corps. Little did she know that her efforts were only getting started. According to Evans, she was one among some 7,500 nurses in Vietnam and 265,000 women who served around the world during the Vietnam War era. Those numbers were something she was proud to be part of and wanted the world to know about. She began envisioning a memorial specifically dedicated to women to stand alongside the others in Washington, D.C., honoring the men who served during Vietnam. If theres going to be a statue to men there needs to be one for women or theyll never know we were there, said Evans. After 10 years of hardship and opposition to achieve the memorial she imagined, in 1993 Evans finally brought honor, healing and hope to the U.S. military women of Vietnam with the dedication of the Vietnam Womens Memorial Statue in Washington, D.C. I looked out and saw the looks on their faces they were crying, stunned and in disbelief, reflected Evans of the women present at the memorial dedication. They were hugging each other with tears rolling down faces. I was so happy for them, continued Evans. My next feeling was that no one can ever take this statue away from us its there for eternity. Some 30 years after that historic moment, Evans was presented with another opportunity to elevate the women who served in Vietnam. About one year ago, Evans shared that Hannah contacted her about reviewing her manuscript for The Women. Hannah had read Evans' own book, Healing Wounds, and knew she could give her the kind of firsthand insight needed to clean up any inaccuracies in the book. Diane is such an inspiration to me, both in the writing of this novel and in how to live a meaningful, genuine life, said Hannah. Id be happy to do that, said Evans of assisting on Hannahs book. But first, I will tell you if I dont like it because Ive spent my entire lifetime trying to honor and recognize the women who served in Vietnam and around the world and to do it in a way that brings honor and recognition to them. What she found was that the book needed revision on some details that only someone who had been in Vietnam would know. While Evans assisted Hannah with things she personally knew about, she also referred her to speak with one other woman who had served as an operating nurse and a Dustoff helicopter air ambulance pilot during Vietnam. From our very first meeting, and certainly throughout her thoughts on the novel, she was bold, authentic and strong, said Hannah of Evans. I always knew when Diane thought a change for accuracy was in order, and I can't thank her enough for her clear-eyed assessment. She was so great to work with very down to earth, said Evans of Hannahs willingness to receive input. She wanted to get it right. She worked hard at that. The result of the collaboration was the publishing of a book that, while historical fiction by genre, still hit the mark in terms of accuracy of many womens experiences who served during the war. The measure of any of my novels is really whether readers embrace the story and learn from it and talk about it, said Hannah. In this case, there is the additional hope that The Women, which reflects the lives of so many Vietnam veterans and their families, will advance a national dialogue about veterans and how they are treated when they return home from service. The recognition for women Evans achieved with the Vietnam Womens Memorial, Hannah has now similarly achieved in writing The Women. It only seemed fitting to Evans to ask Hannah if she could visit Helena at the end of her book tour to reconnect and reflect on their two journeys and how they came together. She doesnt go to small towns so for her to come here is a big deal, and were so grateful that shes coming, said Evans of Hannahs visit. She will do what shes done for all her other tours. She talks about why this book was important to her because she wanted to recognize and honor these women. She wants to bring it home to everyone and just have this opportunity to say thank you to the women who served and wherever she can do that shes just grateful. I am so excited to be back in Montana, where I have a great deal of family history, and I'm thrilled to sit down and really talk to Diane about this novel, said Hannah. In all the craziness of the publication tour and publicity, we have never really had a chance to sit and reflect together. I think it will be fun. The new legislative committee formed at the height of Republicans frustrations with recent court rulings is gathering steam and will soon begin requesting or subpoenaing judges and justices to appear before them. Those committee members, however, are by no means legal experts and, as a result, the committees first two hearings have been spent almost entirely learning about pedestrian legal terms and concepts, like the legal standing required to bring litigation and what communications with a judge classify as ex parte. The GOP members of the Select Senate Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform are animated by repeated court rulings against policies they passed by a majority, as well as adverse judicial rulings to the Legislatures own procedures by which they enacted those bills. The committee is made up of Republicans who hold a wide majority in the Legislature; Democrats refused to participate in what they say is a political stunt. Being ordered by a court to take a legislative poll on a governors veto, for example, when the Legislature was never party to that underlying litigation, has particularly chapped the lawmakers who spent last week at the Capitol during the select committee's two-day meeting. But the hours spent reviewing dense legal jargon has often dragged on. ("And that is my brief presentation," the committees staff attorney wryly said after walking them through a 36-page memo titled "Common Legal Terms and Concepts.") Its a steep learning curve to ascend given the short timeframe the committee faces in engineering policy that meets the goals in the committees title: oversight and reform of another branch of government. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, maintained the education is necessary to properly handle the task ahead of them. And while just one committee member participating on the committee is an attorney, several are involved in either judiciary policy committees or relevant fiscal committees over the past several sessions. "I have very serious people who are very committed to the committee," he said. "I think we have an achievable mission. Whatever amount of meetings its going to take is what we will do." Bruce Spencer, a lobbyist representing the State Bar of Montana, has been on hand to answer lawmakers' sometimes pointed questions as they learn about legal disputes and constitutional law. Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, asked Spencer to explain how the courts, by Emrich's analysis to be the opinions of a few, are able to overturn the Legislature, the most representative branch of government in relation to the public. "Because someone has to do it, to be a check on the legislative branch," Spencer said. "To say, 'Sorry, even though it's the majority opinion of the Legislature, the Constitution says otherwise.' The Constitution is designed to protect the minority." The committee also features three citizen members Ellsworth appointed, all three of which are attorneys. He said he thoroughly vetted the 15 applications for people who would not derail the work. "I didnt want to find extremists," Ellsworth said. "I was looking for people that wanted to solve a legitimate problem, and not turn it into a political theater. Because we do have a problem here." One citizen member, Joan Mell, is Ellsworths personal attorney. Ellsworth told the Montana State News Bureau he knew Mell as a friend before she became his lawyer, and he found her to be a reasonable and qualified applicant for the committee. Asked if there was any issue with appointing a friend to such an important committee, Ellsworth said no. "Im not concerned theres an appearance of anything, because I think when you do good work and youre doing it for the right reasons, friendships happen," he said. The committee is preparing to meet next month and may soon begin requesting judges and justices to appear and testify. Any early candidates for that request or subpoenas, if the requests are not answered have not yet been identified. Lawmakers have the power to issue subpoenas to compel people to appear before them or produce information, a power they used to much consternation early in their conflict with the judiciary. "Everybodys on the table," he said. And while judges and justices have ultimately decided the disputes brought to court over legislation, Ellsworth seemed hesitant to the idea of bringing in the Attorney Generals Office, which represents the Legislature in litigation. "If I feel that the Attorney Generals Office has information thats relevant to this and pertinent then I will ask him to come here," he said. "Wherever the information leads us, and whoever needs to come in here, will be here." One group Ellsworth has yet to wrangle into the room is the Democrats he appointed to the committee. Repeatedly, Ellsworth has chastised the minority party for their absence, leaving, by his count, 40-45% of voters unrepresented during the committee discussions. Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, said this week Democrats will debate the merits of any legislation produced by the committee when the matter comes to the session next year. "Well have the opportunity at that point to weigh in, just like we do on any other legislation," Flowers said. "I think we would be doing a disservice to our constituents by participating in a committee that drew their conclusions before they met. That to me is a definition of a sham effort thats not truly trying to explore an issue to determine, assess whether theres a problem." The state Capitol came alive this week as current lawmakers and legislative candidates gathered for a blend of presentations on the process and updates on legislative projects set out in the last session. The event gives incoming lawmakers a chance to see the capitol and get a sense of the big-picture ideas theyll have to grapple with in six months. Come January, many lawmakers will be engaging in that GOPs dispute with the judicial branch for the first time. Lukas Schubert, an 18-year-old hardline Republican, ousted the moderate Rep. Tony Brockman of Kalispell in their primary last month. Hes made the judiciary a focus of his campaign and, while primary vote tallies are not precise indicators of the Novembers electorate, garnered 1,500 votes in a contested GOP primary while Beth Sibert, the Democrat running for the district, collected about 500. Schubert, like many in the Legislatures majority party, alleges Democratic partisanship of the Supreme Court, particularly Justice Ingrid Gustafson. In 2022, he volunteered on the campaign of Republican Public Service Commissioner James Brown, who challenged Gustafson. Abortion rights advocates aided Gustafsons reelection with independent expenditures supporting her campaign. Gustafson earlier this year authored the courts opinion allowing an abortion access ballot initiative to begin gathering signatures. Schubert, in an interview at the Capitol this week, drew a short line between the campaign finances and the Supreme Courts decision on the ballot issue. "If these guys are going to be blatant liberals, they should at least file as a Democrat," Schubert said. Legislators began talking about making judicial elections in Montana into partisan affairs months ago, a proposal that appears to have potential in Ellsworths judicial reform committee. Asked what other measures he would support in the GOPs new legislative focus on the judicial branch, Schubert leapt over the idea of recusal laws to an item not yet spoken aloud by members of the select judicial committee. "I want impeachment," he said, later adding lawmakers should consider any options available to them. Like many legislators on the select judicial committee and in the Legislature at large, Schubert does not have a legal background. He said his window into legal proceedings is looking at campaign finances. Cora Neumann, a Democrat, is also not a lawyer. She ran unopposed in the primary for a Bozeman Senate district and piled up 3,000 votes, while 2,000 votes went to the unopposed Republican Tyler Rogers. Neumann likewise has kept tabs on the inter-branch conflict by way of watching the legal proceedings over legislation play out. In the district in which shes running, people speak differently about the courts than how Schuberts conversations have gone. "The general perception is that Republican legislators are attempting to take away Montanans' freedoms, and those bills, or those laws, are being struck down," she said. "I dont think it needs to be political. I think the facts are that we have a judicial branch for a reason. The founding fathers established three branches because we need checks and balances." Neumann said people shes spoken with are feeling fatigue from the constant drum of Republicans casting the courts as liberals in nonpartisan robes. In 2022, Republicans made no secret of their support for Browns campaign. The endorsements by statewide conservatives came early and Brown consistently appeared alongside Republicans on the campaign trail. Still 54% of voters sent Gustafson back to the bench and did so in the same election Montanans voted in a Republican supermajority at the state Legislature. "Any whisper around trying to make the judiciary partisan goes so hard against Montanans way of living," Neumann said. "People are just sick of this like, youre on which side? And if youre on that side, Im not going to talk to you. Its just not the way this state has ever been." Flash China and Malaysia have brought bilateral relationship to a new starting point, and they share the aspiration to carry it forward to future generations, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a keynote speech when attending the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Li made the remarks in his keynote speech when attending the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Li said that as Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out, China and Malaysia are neighbors with a millennium-old friendship, friends connected by heart, and partners for win-win cooperation. Over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties, the two countries have committed to independence of strategies, win-win cooperation, mutual support and cultural affinity, Li said, adding that the development of this relationship offers many important experience and inspirations, which are shared valuable assets for both sides. Noting this year as the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, Li said "friendship" is a word that carries great weight, something especially precious today. He said that this is a world that lacks peace and tranquility, but never disputes and conflicts; a world that lacks rationality and humility, but never arbitrary and brutal acts; a world that lacks empathy, but never egocentrism; and a world that lacks openness and cooperation, but never blockade and confrontation. The world should put more emphasis on mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and completely discard the zero-sum game thinking and practices, Li said, adding that the world should also try harder to stand in others' shoes, and adhere to the principle of "do not do to others what you don't want others to do to you." Li said that the celebrations for the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship is not only designed to grow bilateral relations, but also to champion the spirit of friendship, and to call on and rally more from across the world to join hands and cross over to a better, shared future. Li stressed that be it in the past, present or future, friendship remains the defining feature of China-Malaysia relations. The two sides should enhance traditional friendship, consolidate the foundation for bilateral relations, and pursue wide-ranging cooperation in the context of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, Li said. The two sides should synergize development strategies and expand shared interests, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Li said. The two sides should deepen exchanges and mutual learning to cement the foundation for people-to-people affinity and build a stronger bond between the peoples. They should also strengthen solidarity and coordination to address global challenges together, and jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious home in Asia, Li said. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim present souvenirs to each other prior to the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] In his speech, Anwar said the friendship between Malaysia and China has a long history. Since the two countries' leaders made the decision to establish diplomatic ties 50 years ago, Malaysia-China relations have enjoyed vigorous development, bringing huge benefits to the two peoples, he said. Malaysia has always viewed its relations with China from a strategic height, as promoting friendly cooperation with China is in the fundamental interests of Malaysia, Anwar said, adding that bilateral relations not only have a glorious past but also a promising future. Anwar said Malaysia supports the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi, and is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, food, energy, digital economy and environmental protection, promote major projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, so as to jointly open a new era of Malaysia-China relations. Prior to the reception, Li and Anwar visited a photo exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia and presented souvenirs to each other. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has blamed protesters for the injuries sustained by an anti-riot police officer during Tuesdays Occupy Parliament protest against the Finance Bill 2024. CS Mutua condemned the protests claiming they resulted in a life-changing injury to senior police officer David Maina of Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) who lost both arms when a teargas canister exploded in his hands before he could deploy it. As we sit here today, Chief Inspector David Karuri Maina has lost both his arms; today he is disabled. This man is a son, a husband, and a father he has been disabled by the protesters, he said. During the launch of the National Wildlife Census in Narok, the CS stated that Kenyans have the right to demonstrate but should avoid activism and violence that leads to bloodshed, as every action has consequences. My beautiful young people who are being driven by propaganda, look at the facts, dont get involved in activism and violence that leads to bloodshed That officer who lost his hands, his blood is on you, Mutua said. Alfred Mutua announced that he and Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu would donate one million shillings to the injured officers family for medical expenses and other needs. The CS also urged responsible and informed civic engagement. He emphasized that the countrys progress hinges on lawful and constructive actions. Mutua underscored that the Finance Bill underwent thorough legislative scrutiny, with all contentious clauses amended following public input. During the public participation of the Finance Bill, people were given the opportunity to voice their concerns, and this is a different Kenya where we listen to the voices of the people, he stated. Regarding the bills process, Mutua explained it underwent revision by the cabinet to balance universal care and transport needs with the countrys fiscal responsibility to raise revenue without burdening future generations with loans. He assured that the process proceeded as planned and the bill would pass, enabling Kenyans to continue their lives while increasing revenue collection. People talk about Kenyans being overtaxed, yes nobody likes being taxed, even me I dont like being taxed, but we have to pay our taxes and some countries even pay more taxes than us, Mutua added. Flash This undated photo shows fire and smoke at the scene of an explosion at an ammunition depot in the Chadian capital N'Djamena. A huge fire at an ammunition depot occurred Tuesday night in Chadian capital, N'Djamena, causing casualties, according to the country's president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. [Photo/Xinhua] At least nine people have been killed and 46 others injured following an explosion at an ammunition warehouse in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, the country's Minister of Public Health, Abdelmadjid Abderrahim said on Wednesday. The cause of the fire and explosions, which occurred late Tuesday, is not yet known, Abderrahim told a press conference. Local media reported that civilians, including children, were among the victims. Early Wednesday, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno visited those injured and the disaster site, located at the city's Goudji neighborhood. "The situation is under control. The state will take care of those that were injured," Deby told reporters after the visit. "This serves as a lesson to us concerning the construction of weapons warehouses in cities. We need to abide by international norms," he said, adding that a commission has been created to investigate the tragedy. Flash Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Alexander De Croo, caretaker prime minister of Belgium in Brussels, Belgium, June 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Alexander De Croo, caretaker prime minister of Belgium, held talks in Brussels on Wednesday on bilateral and China-Europe relations. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belgian leaders, the China-Belgium all-round friendly cooperative partnership has yielded fruitful results. He emphasized the importance of consolidating political mutual trust, deepening cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, science, technology and green initiatives, and strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster greater development of China-Belgium relations and bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries. Stressing that China and Belgium share common interests in opposing protectionism and safeguarding free trade, Ding expressed the hope that Belgium will play a constructive role in deepening practical cooperation between China and Europe, and in managing economic and trade differences. For his part, De Croo emphasized that Belgium values its relationship with China and adheres to the one-China principle. He also said Belgium is willing to enhance communication and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields with China to boost the sustainable development of Belgium-China and Europe-China relations. PRNewswire Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 20: The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE), recognised as an 'Institute of National Importance' by the Government of India (GoI), has commenced admissions for its four-year B.Tech programmes in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The admissions cycle, which started on 11th June 2024, will run until 5th July 2024. Classes are scheduled to start from 5th August 2024. IIPE offers a total of 160 seats distributed as follows: * Petroleum Engineering: 62 seats * Chemical Engineering: 63 seats * Mechanical Engineering: 40 seats Applications are open to students who have qualified JEE-Advanced, with admissions based on JEE-Advanced 2024 scores. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply through the Online Application Portal, and visit the official IIPE admissions page at IIPE B.Tech Admissions for more information. As an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, GoI, IIPE's mission is to make India energy-sufficient, support the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, and transform the country into a global energy hub. The institute provides quality education through a curriculum that blends theory and practical knowledge, aiming to boost research in the petroleum sector and ensure a skilled workforce for its growth. IIPE focuses on emerging areas such as shale gas, coal bed methane, gas hydrates, conventional and renewable energy sources, storage, and downstream activities of oil and gas. Faculty members, drawn from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), foreign universities, and industry experts, conduct cutting-edge research in niche areas. The institute also collaborates with major oil corporations like Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), and Oil India Limited (OIL). The Governing Council of IIPE includes top management from these companies as well as academic experts. Several key academic initiatives at IIPE ensure a comprehensive and global education experience for students. These include a Sandwich Ph.D. Programme, international electives, global student internships, a B.Tech-MS Programme with US universities, and an industry-sponsored master's programme. The institute welcomes visiting researchers, and offers a joint MBA with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam along with joint undergraduate projects with foreign faculties. Students can also benefit from international and industrial elective courses, and are provided travel support for participating in international conferences. IIPE places a strong emphasis on practical experience through a mandatory summer internship programme and industry visits. The institute has also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the University of Houston, USA; the Petroleum Research School of Norway (NFiP), Norway; Ufa State Petroleum University, Russia; Stony Brook University, USA; and Texas A&M University, USA for student exchange programmes. A scholarship of Rs3000/month is awarded to meritorious women students, and tuition fee waivers are provided to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribes (ST) and the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). For the last 3 years, IIPE has seen an impressive placement rate of over 95%. As of 30th May 2024, the 2024 batch has secured a placement rate of 93.75%, with the highest annual package offered being Rs20.71 LPA. According to Prof. Shalivahan, Director of IIPE, "Today, we are widely considered on par with prestigious institutions such as IITs and IIMs. At IIPE, our aim is to conduct research for achieving the Net Zero targets and contributing to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern-day energy for all. Within the next 20 years, we envision becoming an Energy University ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide." Aligned with this vision, a new 201.8-acre campus, set to house state-of-the-art energy-centric research laboratories, is currently under construction at Vangali in Sabbavaram Mandal, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. For the latest admission-related updates, follow us on: LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram Media Contact:Dr. Deepak Amban Mishradam.geo@iipe.ac.in+91-(0)79783 10983 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 20: Appreciate, a SEBI and IFSCA registered fintech company, unveils Goals, a customised basket of ETFs designed for smart retail investors seeking to diversify their portfolio globally with exposure to US markets. Goals' constituent ETFs invest in globally reputed US companies along with US treasury offerings, helping the Indian investor target long-term growth along with capital preservation. Designed on the same lines as a SIP, Goals channels investors' contributions into a specially designed ETF basket seamlessly and without subscription, fixed remittance fee or withdrawal fee. In backtesting, Goals delivered high annualised returns by deploying a smart combination of equities, treasuries, gold, real estate funds as well as leveraging currency appreciation to its advantage. Goals 3-year Sharpe ratio -- a metric used to measure returns on an investment adjusting for its risk -- surpasses the average Sharpe ratio of the 50 top Indian mutual funds (with AUMs of over Rs1,000 crore). The average Sharpe ratio of Goals standing at 2.93 towers over these Indian mutual funds' Sharpe ratio of 1.68. This makes the Goals Sharpe ratio 1.73 times higher than that of these Indian mutual funds. The elevated Sharpe ratio indicates that on a risk-adjusted basis, Goals delivers superior returns compared to mutual funds in India. At the portfolio returns level, Goals returns categorically outpace the returns of many mutual funds. Including currency appreciation, Goals delivered 24.14% returns in the 1-year period, 9.49% in the last 3-year period, and 14.96% in the last 5-year period. Goals is powered by Appreciate's proprietary AI algorithms which offer smooth and friction-free tracking of capital growth with reminders and tools to increase savings every year. The AI-powered offering automatically rebalances portfolios at phased intervals after gauging volatility levels and overall portfolio performance. A brief questionnaire also helps the AI assess the investor's risk appetite. Prospective investment suggestions are calibrated to suit the individual's life goals and risk tolerance. Meanwhile, the SIP fosters a disciplined approach to investing, helping the investor build wealth over the long run. "Goals opens up the gateway for millions of tech-savvy Indian investors looking to invest in the US markets. Before Appreciate arrived, investors looking to diversify their portfolio with exposure to US equities and treasuries were at a disadvantage as platforms offering low-cost and hassle-free access to the US markets were truly lacking in the Indian ecosystem. With the launch of Goals, Indian investors can benefit from SIP contributions which will compound wealth by averaging during different market outlooks" Subho Moulik, Founder and CEO of Appreciate said. The Appreciate platform provides a user-friendly interface, granting investors access to a comprehensive suite of financial tools, personalized investment recommendations, and expert insights. Appreciate's AI-recommendations engine helps customers identify the right investments for them, based on key technical indicators and research made available on the Appreciate platform, at the click of a button. Appreciate's future offerings will extend beyond U.S. stocks, ETFs, and bonds to Indian mutual funds, Indian stocks, rupee fixed deposits, and other domestic financial investment products. The company plans to rapidly accelerate its domestic product offerings over the course of the year 2024, to fulfil its vision of being the financial destination for one billion Indians to achieve their financial goals. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 20: Bajaj Markets, one of India's leading financial marketplaces, has introduced a convenient income tax filing solution for their customers. It has partnered with Quicko, a pioneering tax filing platform, to provide a seamless e-filing experience to taxpayers. Quicko has established itself as one of India's fastest-growing tax filing platforms, renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive range of services. This partnership aims to simplify the tax filing process, making it easier and more accessible than ever before. Users can choose from various 'Do It Yourself' plans or opt for 'Get Help', which is their expert-assisted tax-filing service. Do It Yourself - Free and Paid Services * Users can import investment data directly from broker platforms for easy ITR filing* Basic plan allows taxpayers to file their taxes from Quicko Get Help - Expert-assisted Tax Filing * Individuals can choose from various plans based on their income situation* Taxpayers can connect with tax professionals through virtual meetings on the MEET platform* Users can discuss their finances and investments with experts One of the key advantages of these services is the convenience of digital payments. Customers can seamlessly pay their taxes through UPI or card, ensuring a 100% digital experience. Quicko also offers advanced tools and calculators to estimate your income tax and advance tax liabilities, providing a comprehensive solution for tax planning and filing. To get started with these services, visit the Bajaj Markets website. Bajaj Finserv Direct, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, is one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in India. It has two primary arms, Bajaj Markets, a financial marketplace, and Bajaj Technology Services, a techfin service provider. Bajaj Markets is a marketplace that offers multiple financial products across all categories - Loans, Cards, Insurance, Investments, Payments, Pocket Insurance, and VAS. Bajaj Markets has partnered with trusted financial brands to offer "India ka Financial Supermarket". A one-stop destination where its customers can explore a host of products that can help them achieve their financial life goals. Having started its journey as a fintech, Bajaj Finserv Direct has also built a very strong business as a techfin. Through Bajaj Technology Services it offers a wide gamut of digital technology services which span Custom Applications, Enterprise Applications, Data & Analytics, Gen AI, Cloud Services and Digital Agency. Visit the Bajaj Markets website or download the Bajaj Markets' app from the Play Store or App Store to experience "India ka Financial Supermarket". (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], June 20: Amidst the backdrop of increased activity by Bitcoin miners and anticipation of an XRP bull run, what distinguishes BlockDAG from other contenders is the cutting-edge innovations and strategic advancements. These technological innovations, as recently highlighted in its Moon-shot Keynote, have received a glowing review by popular influencer "Goalorious". Seeing an explosive presale growth, BlockDAG has successfully raised USD 52.2 million, selling over 11.6 billion coins at an impressive 1120% surge in price from the initial batch. The Impact of Bitcoin Miner Sales on Market StabilityIn the past week, Bitcoin miners have significantly ramped up their selling activities, contributing to a notable 4.5% drop in Bitcoin's price to a monthly low. This escalation in selling by Bitcoin miners, as detailed in the latest CryptoQuant report, correlates with the transfer of a substantial amount of BTC to exchanges and direct sales through over-the-counter desks. Bitcoin miners have been compelled to increase their selling due to persistently low revenue streams following the halving, which drastically reduced their earnings. With the Bitcoin network's hash rate remaining high, Bitcoin miners are forced to compete under strenuous conditions for diminished rewards, exacerbating the selling pressure. This surge in Bitcoin miner sales raises concerns about potential further declines in Bitcoin's value as market stability is tested. Potential XRP Bull Run: Key Resistance & Support Levels XRP is showing signs of a potential bull run as it gradually ascends above key support levels, maintaining its position over the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. The cryptocurrency is forming a consistent bullish trend, evidenced by a trend line that supports upward movement. A decisive close above a notable resistance zone could catalyze a significant rise, marking the beginning of a robust ascent. However, if XRP fails to surpass this critical resistance, it might face a pullback to lower support levels. The ongoing trend and market response near these pivotal points will be crucial in determining the strength and sustainability of the XRP bull run. Famed Influencer All Praises For BlockDAG's Keynote The glowing endorsement video from popular crypto Youtuber 'Goalorious' for BlockDAG's latest Moon-shot Keynote has set the crypto scene on fire. This influencer's backing has significantly propelled the presale, which has now amassed an impressive USD 52.2 million and sold over 11.6 billion coins. Currently, in its 18th batch priced at USD 0.0122 per coin, marking a stunning 1120% surge in price from the initial batch price of USD 0.001. This presale frenzy is underscored by the successful introduction of the X10 mining rig, which has captured market attention and generated an additional USD 3.3 million from over 8044 mining rigs sold. The X10's arrival aligns perfectly with a renewed interest in crypto mining, further highlighted by the ongoing activity of Bitcoin miners. The X10 miner stands out as a revolutionary entry in crypto mining rigs, tailor-made for those venturing into cryptocurrency mining. This compact, efficient machine is no larger than a standard Wi-Fi extender, seamlessly integrating into any home environment. It boasts a hash rate of 100 MH/s, allowing it to mine up to 200 BDAG coins daily while maintaining remarkable energy efficiency with just 40 watts of power consumption. Bottom LineAs we navigate through the dynamic shifts in the cryptocurrency market, BlockDAG's innovative approach to integrating efficient mining solutions and robust growth strategies positions it as a leader in the industry. The successful rollout of the X10 mining rig, coupled with the strategic endorsements and massive presale achievements, underscores BlockDAG's commitment to reshaping the future of blockchain technology. Whether it's capitalizing on the trends set by Bitcoin miners, leveraging the momentum of the XRP bull run, or setting new standards with crypto mining rigs, BlockDAG is at the forefront, ready to deliver unparalleled opportunities and advancements in the crypto sphere. Join BlockDAG Presale Now: Website: https://blockdag.network Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulations with President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Kangaloo over the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Trinidad and Tobago is an important country in the Caribbean, and a comprehensive cooperative partner of China in the region, Xi said. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained a sound momentum of development, with deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields, which have benefited the two peoples, he said. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Trinidad and Tobago relations, and stands ready to work with Kangaloo to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and take the China-Trinidad and Tobago comprehensive cooperative partnership to a higher level. Kangaloo said that the establishment of diplomatic ties between Trinidad and Tobago and China was based on the shared wish of both sides to develop friendly relations and cooperation. Over the years, the two countries have always stuck to the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations and constantly strengthened ties between the two peoples, she said. Kangaloo expressed confidence that bilateral relations in the new era will continue to bring benefits to the two countries. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said that the Indian financial system is in a "much stronger position," characterised by robust capital adequacy, low levels of non-performing assets, and healthy profitability of banks and non-banking lenders. Underscoring the imperative of fostering a future-ready ethos within the financial sector, Das also stressed the critical role of timely supervisory intervention in mitigating systemic risks. The RBI Governor said this while delivering an address at the inaugural Global Conference on Financial Resilience organised by the College of Supervisors at the IGIDR Campus in Mumbai. "India's domestic financial system is now in a much stronger position than it was before we entered the period of the COVID crisis. Indian financial system is now in a much stronger position, characterised by robust capital adequacy, low levels of non-performing assets, and healthy profitability of banks and non-banking lenders, that is NBFCs," he said. He added, "I would like to compliment the banks and other financial sector entities for such a stellar performance in the year which has just ended on March 31. There is absolutely no room for complacency because the world is changing, challenges are coming, complexities are growing, and problems can originate from any corner of the financial system within the country, or the world because of something which may be completely unrelated to you and me..." Governor Das began by referencing to global banking failures, including those in the United States, and the challenges faced by institutions like Credit Suisse, emphasizing the lessons learned from such incidents. He acknowledged the detailed analysis conducted by the US Federal Reserve on bank failures and stressed the importance of proactive regulatory measures to prevent crises. Highlighting RBI's proactive approach, Governor Das cited the intervention in the Yes Bank crisis as a testament to the central bank's ability to preemptively address financial instability. He noted the advantages of RBI's integrated approach in leveraging various facets of banking operations to manage crises effectively. Addressing the diverse origins of financial crises, Governor Das identified internal deficiencies within organizations, external factors like climate change, technological disruptions, and undetected fraud as potential catalysts. He emphasized the need for supervisors to enhance their methods and align them with evolving stress scenarios over time. Governor Das outlined RBI's recent supervisory initiatives, including the moderation of unsecured lending and reduction in bank exposure to Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), aimed at preempting future risks. Das said, "Fortunately, all stakeholders in India, namely, the Reserve Bank, the Banks and Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and the government have made tangible efforts in this direction. India's domestic financial system is now in a much stronger position, characterised by robust capital adequacy, low levels of nonperforming assets, and healthy profitability of banks and NBFCs." He stressed the importance of continuous vigilance despite current sectoral stability, urging financial institutions to embrace technological advancements while maintaining robust governance and ethical standards. He highlighted the pivotal role of AI and machine learning in fraud prevention and operational efficiencies, underscoring the need for secure technological integrations aligned with business goals. Das stated, "AI and ML can enhance predictive analytics and enable banks and NBFCs to identify potential risks and trends more accurately. These technologies can improve fraud detection by recognising unusual patterns and transactions in realtime. Thus, they can protect the institutions and their customers from financial crimes and frauds." He further added, "Operational efficiency can be improved through automation of routine tasks, which reduces human error and frees up resources for more strategic activities. Robotic process automation (RPA) can handle high-volume and repetitive tasks, such as data entry and transaction processing, more quickly and accurately than humans." Looking ahead, Governor Das outlined RBI's commitment to regulatory stability, emphasizing a thematic and activity-based supervisory approach. He highlighted RBI's efforts to establish a unified supervision department and engage senior officers to foster closer collaboration with bank boards. Governor Das expressed RBI's ambition to position itself as a model for emerging economies, advocating for a holistic, customer-centric regulatory framework as RBI approaches its centenary. Governor Das emphasized RBI's ongoing initiatives, including the creation of a unified supervision department and the adoption of unconventional methods to enhance regulatory effectiveness. He highlighted the proactive engagement of senior officers at Executive Director levels with bank boards to reinforce RBI's oversight priorities. Governor Das reiterated RBI's vision for its centenary, aiming to position the institution as a benchmark for the Global South through a holistic, customer-centric regulatory framework. These initiatives underscore RBI's commitment to fostering financial resilience and maintaining high standards of governance in the dynamic global financial landscape. (ANI) The latest PropEquity report on the residential market in Tier 1 cities in India for the second quarter of FY 2024 (July to September 2023) reveals a mixed performance with a noticeable decline in new launches and sales compared to the previous quarter, but with underlying signs of resilience and robust market health. According to the report, cities like Hyderabad and Pune experienced notable declines, with new launches in Hyderabad decreasing by 36 per cent Year-on-Year while Pune's new launches dipped by 47 per cent. However, Delhi-NCR showed 95 per cent Year-on-Year increase in new launches, rising from 5,708 units in Q2, 2023 to 11,118 units in Q2, 2024. The Delhi-NCR data encompasses Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Greater Noida. The report, prepared by PE Analytics Ltd., offers insights into the dynamics of apartments, independent floors, and villas/row houses, excluding sales on hold, construction on hold, and lottery projects The total number of new residential units launched in Q2 2024 fell by 7 per cent to 97,331 units compared to 104,319 units in Q1 2024. This represents a less significant year-on-year (Y-o-Y) drop of 13 per cent from 111,657 units in Q2 2023. It says part of the decline in new supply in Q2 being an election quarter, during which developers often hold back on new project launches. Residential unit sales or absorption in Q2 2024 were 119,901 units, down 18 per cent from the 146,147 units sold in Q1 2024. The Y-o-Y comparison shows a marginal decline of 2 per cent from 121,856 units sold in Q2 2023. Delhi-NCR stood out with a 7 per cent quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) increase in sales, indicating robust demand despite the overall market slowdown. Cities like Hyderabad and Pune saw significant declines in sales, with Hyderabad dropping by 20 per cent Y-o-Y and Pune by 15 per cent Y-o-Y. New launches in Delhi NCR surged by 95 per cent Y-o-Y to 11,118 units, with a 7 per cent Q-o-Q increase in sales, totalling 10,198 units. This strong performance highlights the resilience of the capital region's real estate market amid broader economic uncertainties. Bangalore maintained stable sales, despite an 8 per cent Q-o-Q drop in new launches to 14,297 units. The city recorded sales of 15,127 units, reflecting a balanced demand-supply scenario. Chennai saw a notable 67 per cent Y-o-Y rise in new launches to 5,754 units and maintained steady sales with 4,841 units sold, showing a relatively stable market. The city experienced a significant decline in new launches, down 36 per cent Y-o-Y to 11,603 units, and sales also fell by 20 per cent Y-o-Y to 15,016 units, indicating a cooling market. Mumbai's new launches decreased by 6 per cent Y-o-Y to 9,918 units, and sales also saw a slight decline of 1 per cent Y-o-Y, totalling 13,032 units, highlighting a cautious market sentiment. Navi-Mumbai's new launches grew by 17 per cent Q-o-Q to 6,937 units, with a substantial 36 per cent Y-o-Y increase in sales, reaching 9,035 units, indicating strong buyer interest. Pune experienced a sharp 47 per cent Y-o-Y drop in new launches to 15,568 units, and sales also declined by 15 per cent Y-o-Y to 22,482 units, suggesting a more subdued market. Thane's new launches decreased by 10 per cent Y-o-Y to 18,726 units, while sales increased by 9 per cent Y-o-Y, totalling 25,041 units, indicating steady demand. Kolkata saw a 26 per cent Y-o-Y decline in new launches to 3,411 units, yet experienced a 27 per cent Y-o-Y increase in sales, totalling 5,130 units, highlighting a resilient market despite reduced supply. The PropEquity report underscores that despite the declines in new launches and sales, the overall market health remains positive. The fact that absorption rates are 20 per cent higher than new supply signals sustained demand and the continuing robustness of the residential real estate sector post-COVID-19. The report also notes that Q1 2024 was an exceptional quarter with the highest absorption levels ever recorded, making the subsequent Q2 decline appear more significant in contrast. Commenting on the Q2 report, Samir Jasuja, CEO & MD of PropEquity, stated, "The marginal drop of new launch supply in top tier 1 cities is just 8 per cent which is primarily due to election quarter & Q2 being slightly sluggish as compared to other quarters of the year. However, the 20 per cent higher Absorption/Sales as compared to new supply signifies upswing and good health in residential real estate continues and the market continues to be robust post covid." (ANI) ATK New Delhi [India], June 20: To mark another milestone over the skyline of Singapore, the IEM-UEM Group recently celebrated the peak of its 10th Study Abroad Programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Ranked 8th globally and 1st in Asia, NUS delivered an enriching educational experience to undergraduate engineering students in areas such as Data Science, Generative AI, Internet of Things, Metaverse, Robotic Process Automation, MQTT Protocol Implementation, AI in Robotics, Cybersecurity, and Industry 5.0. Over 150 students from the IEM-UEM Group participated in the programme, organised into two batches to ensure a focused learning environment. Renowned professors, scientists, and researchers from top institutions, including NUS, Nanyang Technological University, LIGS University, and Singapore University of Technology and Design, led workshops on advanced topics and practical applications, providing a blend of theoretical and hands-on knowledge. The event was graced by Dr. Tan Kian Hua, Chief Information Security Officer at LPS, Associate Professor of AI, ML, and Cybersecurity, LIGS University; Dr. Erik Cambria, Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Founder of SenticNet; Dr. Sreekanth R., Data Science Lead at MANN+HUMMEL Group; Dr. Gabor Benedek, Data Scientist Partner at Lynx Analytics and Thesys SEA; Marton Szel, Director of Data Science at Lynx Analytics; and Alexandre Gerbeaux, RVP, Data Science Practice, APAC at DataRobot, Board Member, La French Tech Singapore. Guest lectures from industry leaders, including founders, CEOs, managing directors, and CTOs of renowned companies, shared their valuable insights into the latest technological trends and career opportunities with the students and motivated them to excel in their fields. Dr. Koo Ping Shung, Co-founder/Practicum Director, Data Science Rex Pte. Ltd., Advisory Board, ETCIO South-East Asia; Dr. Kwan Hui Lim, Professor of Computer Science at Singapore University of Technology and Design, MOE Advisory Board Member; Dr. Yong Heng Michael Tan, Professor, Nanyang Business School, and other eminent personalities were also present to shed light on their observations. The programme facilitated numerous internship offers and research opportunities. The students even received invitations to join renowned organisations and research projects, setting the stage for their future careers. Some companies and organisations also offered direct job placements in various multinational companies and organisations in Singapore upon the completion of their studies at IEM and UEM. Interactions with leading professionals and academics broadened students' perspectives, allowing them to explore diverse career paths and research initiatives. Lab visits at NUS were a highlight of the programme, where students observed live demonstrations of advanced technologies and research projects. These visits provided a real-world context to their theoretical knowledge, enhancing their understanding and enhancing their interest in various research fields. The programme also emphasised cultural immersion and professional development. Students experienced Singapore's rich culture and disciplined lifestyle, broadening their global perspective and intercultural understanding. This aspect was crucial in shaping well-rounded individuals ready to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. The 10th edition of the Study Abroad Programme marks another milestone in the IEM-UEM Group's dedication to enhancing excellence in education and global collaboration. This initiative continues to empower students, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary to lead in the dynamic fields of engineering and technology. Dr. Satyajit Chakraborty, Director, IEM-UEM Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the programme's success: He said that their programme at the National University of Singapore has provided their students with unparalleled learning opportunities. This programme did not only enhance their academic knowledge but also prepare them to meet industry demands. He also added, "We are committed to continuing such initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and industry. Our commitment to providing world-class education and exposure to the latest technological advancements remains unmatched, and we look forward to many more successful editions of this programme's." (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) The duo, who are expecting their first child together, were seen twinning in chic black outfits. Deepika Padukone exuded grace in a black bodycon dress paired with a stylish black shirt, accessorized with trendy shades and white sneakers. Ranveer Singh, known for his flamboyant fashion choices, complemented Deepika's elegance by opting for a classic black T-shirt and jeans ensemble. Singh was seen attentively assisting Deepika out of their car, ensuring her comfort and safety, before tenderly holding her hand as they made their way through the airport terminals. The couple's airport appearance quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans and admirers showering praise on their chemistry. In another notable event, Deepika Padukone recently stole the spotlight at the pre-release event of Nag Ashwin's 'Kalki 2898 AD' in Mumbai. Deepika graced the occasion in a stunning black dress, joined by co-stars Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan, who also opted for black attire. The event saw a gathering of Bollywood luminaries including Kamal Haasan, adding to the buzz surrounding the film's imminent release. 'Kalki 2898 AD,' directed by Nag Ashwin, promises to be a groundbreaking sci-fi drama inspired by Hindu scriptures, set in a dystopian future of the year 2898 AD. Anticipation is mounting as the film gears up for its theatrical debut on June 27. (ANI) At least 34 people died and over 60 people were hospitalized after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in the Kallakurichi district last night. Expressing his condolences on Twitter, Vijay remarked, "The news of the death of more than 25 people after consuming fake liquor in Karunapuram area of Kallakurichi district is shocking and heartbreaking." Thalapathy Vijay also called out the "indifference" of the government administration and urged the Tamil Nadu government to take strict precautionary measures. "The fact that such an incident has occurred again shows the indifference of the government administration when it has not yet fully recovered from the tragedy of losing many lives due to the same incident last year," Vijay said. "I strongly request that the Tamil Nadu government should take strict precautionary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future," he added. https://x.com/tvkvijayhq/status/1803633393181000136?t=j4xFIqedUgq-qwqybWO1IA&s=19 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has confirmed that the death toll in the incident has risen to 34. He has announced Rs 10 lakh each to the kins of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those undergoing treatment. Stalin has announced an inquiry commission to submit a report on the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy. Following the incident, the Tamil Nadu government announced the transfer of District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and suspended Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena. MS Prasanth and Rajat Chaturvedi were named as their replacements. This also sparked a political row, with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticizing the ruling DMK government and calling for Chief Minister MK Stalin's resignation. "Hearing the news that the death toll has risen to 29 due to the consumption of illicit liquor in Kallakurichi has shocked me," Palaniswami expressed in a social media post. (ANI) Actor Mark Ruffalo took to social media to celebrate a special milestone as his son, Keen, turned 23. Sharing a series of photos on Instagram, Ruffalo expressed pride in his son's journey and achievements. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8aFO2ev_Sd/? The post included nostalgic snapshots of Keen from his toddler years, capturing moments of father-son bonding amidst nature. Ruffalo also shared a recent photo of the pair smiling together against a mosaic wall, highlighting Keen's striking resemblance to his father with their matching long curly hair and infectious smiles. "Happy Birthday, Keen. Love you so much and proud of all you have accomplished this year. Keep going," Ruffalo wrote in the caption, encapsulating his deep affection and admiration for his son. Mark Ruffalo and his wife, Sunrise Coigney, are parents to three children, Keen, Bella (18), and Odette (16). The actor, known for his roles in films like 'Spotlight' and 'Avengers,' often speaks fondly of his family and their impact on his life. Earlier this year, in February, Ruffalo celebrated a significant career milestone with his family by his side as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, according to People magazine. The occasion was marked by touching moments captured in photos, including a candid shot where the family shared laughs and joy amidst the recognition. During his acceptance speech, Ruffalo gratefully acknowledged his children, stating, "My kids, Bella and Keen and Odette, you taught me so much about being a parent, being a man, being an actor, and this is your star, my whole family, in ways that you won't understand for some time." Reflecting on the challenges of balancing a successful acting career with fatherhood, Ruffalo has previously shared insights into the intensity of his responsibilities at home. "It's intense," he remarked in a 2019 interview with People magazine, adding humorously, "The times when my wife is gone and I've had to take care of everything, the laundry alone is enough to destroy you." Throughout his journey as a father, Ruffalo has consistently praised his wife, Sunrise Coigney, for her unwavering support and dedication in managing family life, describing her as "just a hero." (ANI) Shutterbugs who were stationed outside the airport captured the father-son duo. As they got out of the car, SRK affectionately held AbRam's hand and guided him through the check-in gates. Shah Rukh was all smiles as he entered the airport with his little one. He was looking uber cool in a white shirt paired with a black sweater and blue jeans. Reportedly, they are headed to London. The visuals of SRK and Abram from the airport went viral, leaving fans elated. " Adorable father-son Jodi," a social media user commented. "How cute," another one wrote. " Look at SRK's smile...he is the best," another fan wrote. Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki, co-starring Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani. The film opened to largely positive reviews. Before 'Dunki' in December 2023, SRK was seen headlining blockbusters 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan'. The actor will reportedly begin shooting for his upcoming film 'King.' Recently, a video of SRK was widely shared on social media where eagle-eyed fans noticed the film's script lying on the table beside him. Reportedly, the film is also set to star Shah Rukh's daughter and actor, Suhana. The video happened to be from a clip of Shah Rukh congratulating cinematographer Santosh Sivan after he received the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Excel Lens Award at this year's Cannes Film Festival. In the aforementioned video, a section of the Internet spotted the script of 'King' on the table next to him. It also contained some additional details on its cover, which were not clearly visible in the video. If reports are to be believed, 'King' will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh. (ANI) Actor Sumona Chakravarti swears by yoga for focus and flexibility. Ahead of International Yoga Day, Sumona opened up about her love for yoga. "Yoga has been an integral part of my life for many years now. It's not just a practice but a way of life that has grounded me, strengthened me, and brought immense peace amidst life's challenges. On this Yoga Day, I encourage everyone to explore its power and discover the profound joy it can bring," she said. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated across the world on June 21, following the initiave taken by India at the United Nations. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sumona is currently in Romania for the shoot of Colors' 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 14', which is hosted by Rohit Shetty. Earlier on Thursday, Rohit took to Instagram and shared how the stunt-based show makes him relive his teen days."KHATRON KE KHILADI RAW AND REAL STUNTS... THAT'S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MY SHOW... Makes me relive my teen as a stuntman.@colorstv," he added. Rohit also shared a few pictures from the sets. The first picture shows Rohit casually walking on set, while the second showcases him in the midst of a daring stunt involving a truck and a flaming car. In the 14th season, celebrities like Aditi Sharma, Shilpa Shinde, Krishna Shroff, Abhishek Kumar, Shalin Bhanot, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Karan Veer Mehra, Kedar Aashish Mehrotraa, Gashmeer Mahajani, Niyati Fatnani and Sumona Chakravarti have participated. Recently, Aditi penned a note of gratitude for Rohit Shetty. Aditi Sharma shared a photo with KKK 14 host Rohit Shetty and wrote, "@itsrohitshetty sir, your unwavering motivation,infectious sense of fun, innate kindness, and calm demeanor make you an inspiration to all. Working with you on Khatron Ke Khiladi has been nothing but an incredible experience! Thank you for everything." (ANI) Actor Bhumi Pednekar is extremely excited to see what the upcoming edition of MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) Mumbai Film Festival has in store for all cinema lovers. Notably, the 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' star will continue to serve as Brand Ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai this year as well. Dimensions Mumbai category was introduced in 2009 by Jaya Bachchan as an ode to Mumbai. Enterprising young filmmakers within the age group of 18-25 years are eligible to submit films for Dimensions Mumbai. The film must showcase Mumbai as the core theme and not exceed a maximum time limit of 5 minutes, as per a statement. On her association with the festival, Bhumi said, "It is with much pleasure that I continue my association with Dimensions Mumbai as its brand ambassador. I look forward to some fine work from talented emerging filmmakers as they showcase their unique take on the city. Mumbai, the city of dreams, leaves an indelible mark on those of us who are part of its daily hustle and its cinematic manifestation doesn't fail to move us." She added, "While cinema resides in the very heart and soul of this city, it is platforms like these that truly celebrate young independent filmmakers and help them realise their full creative potential. The city has given me so much and I am happy to play a role in creating a positive impact for South Asian talent and cinema." MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is scheduled from October 19th to 24th. Meanwhile, on the film front, Bhumi is currently busy shooting for the series 'Daldal', in which she will be seen essaying the role of a cop. Sharing what audience can expect from the series, Bhumi said, "Daldal is a project that encapsulates all these qualities of being a woman. Rita is a super achiever, a glass-ceiling breaker, a rewriter of rules in a man's world. She is ambitious, ferociously passionate about her job and leads from the front. These are the kinds of women I idolise and I'm thrilled to headline a series like this on a global streaming platform that will help me show the strength and resilience of Indian women to the world." The series Daldal promises to be an intense, gripping story, in which Bhumi Pednekar's character, DCP Rita Ferreira, will embark on an investigation of a series of murders while dealing with her own past and present. She added, "Daldal is one of my most special projects for many, many reasons. I have started shooting for the project and I can already tell you that it will be one of my most challenging roles ever."Amrit Raj Gupta is the director of the series. (ANI) Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay on Thursday visited Kallakurichi to meet the victims of the hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu. At least 34 people died and over 60 people were hospitalized after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in the Kallakurichi district last night. Reacting to the incident, earlier in the day, Vijay expressed his condolences. In a post on X, he wrote, "The news of the death of more than 25 people after consuming fake liquor in Karunapuram area of Kallakurichi district is shocking and heartbreaking." Thalapathy Vijay also called out the "indifference" of the government administration and urged the Tamil Nadu government to take strict precautionary measures."The fact that such an incident has occurred again shows the indifference of the government administration when it has not yet fully recovered from the tragedy of losing many lives due to the same incident last year," Vijay said. "I strongly request that the Tamil Nadu government should take strict precautionary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future," he added. Director CS Amudhan reacted to the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. "The scale of the Kallakurichi tragedy boggles the mind & should never be allowed to happen again. This is clearly the product of organized crime with collusion from various officials including the police. This government should demonstrably bring all those culprits to book," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced Rs 10 lakh each to the kins of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those undergoing treatment. Stalin has announced an inquiry commission to submit a report on the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy. Following the incident, the Tamil Nadu government announced the transfer of District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and suspended Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena. MS Prasanth and Rajat Chaturvedi were named as their replacements. (ANI) Famous Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, known for his iconic roles in films like 'The Dirty Dozen' and "The Hunger Games," has died at the age of 88 in Miami following an extended illness, according to Variety. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Sutherland rose to fame with a diverse array of roles that showcased his versatility and talent. He became a countercultural icon with roles in classic films such as "The Dirty Dozen," "MASH," "Klute," and "Don't Look Now," among many others. Throughout his career, he portrayed villains, antiheroes, romantic leads, and mentor figures with equal aplomb, winning accolades and adoration from audiences worldwide. Sutherland's recent acclaim included his role as President Snow in "The Hunger Games" franchise, which brought him renewed prominence in popular culture. He continued to captivate audiences with his performances, appearing as Judge Parker in the series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" and in the 2022 series "Swimming With Sharks." His achievements were not limited to the big screen. Sutherland won a supporting actor Emmy for his compelling portrayal in HBO's "Citizen X" in 1995 and received critical acclaim for his role in the Lifetime miniseries "Human Trafficking" in 2006. Beginning his career with roles in low-budget horror films like "Castle of the Living Dead" (1963) and "Die! Die! My Darling!" (1965), Sutherland quickly ascended to more significant roles, including his memorable part in "The Dirty Dozen" (1967) and his collaboration with Elliot Gould in "Little Murders" (1971) and Irvin Kershner in "SPYS" (1974). His role as Sgt. Oddball in the WWII action film "Kelly's Heroes" (1970), alongside Clint Eastwood, solidified his reputation as a scene-stealer with his portrayal of an eccentric tank commander. Sutherland later reunited with Eastwood in "Space Cowboys" (2000), showcasing his versatility as a former hotshot pilot. In 1971, Sutherland starred in "Klute," directed by Alan J. Pakula, opposite Jane Fonda, marking a significant milestone in his career. His portrayal of a troubled detective who becomes romantically entangled with a call girl (Fonda) earned critical acclaim, with Fonda crediting Sutherland for her Oscar-winning performance. Beyond his acting prowess, Sutherland was known for his activism during the Vietnam War era. Alongside Fonda, Peter Boyle, and Howard Hesseman, he co-founded the controversial antiwar troupe FTA (Free the Army), which performed for troops and drew the ire of government agencies like the Pentagon and the FBI. Sutherland's career continued to evolve with roles in influential films such as Nicholas Roeg's psychological thriller "Don't Look Now" (1973), where his restrained acting style complemented Julie Christie's performance in a haunting tale of grief and loss. Despite occasional setbacks, including turning down roles in films like "Deliverance" (1972) and opting for unconventional choices like "Alex in Wonderland" (1970) over "Straw Dogs" (1971), Sutherland's commitment to challenging roles remained unwavering. His portrayal of complex characters in films like "Fellini's Casanova" (1976) and Bertolucci's "1900" (1977) underscored his willingness to take risks and explore diverse facets of human nature. In 1980, Sutherland delivered a career-defining performance in "Ordinary People," directed by Robert Redford, where he portrayed a grieving father navigating family turmoil. His portrayal earned widespread acclaim, showcasing his ability to delve into profound emotional depths. Throughout his career, Donald Sutherland's contributions to cinema were marked by his dedication to his craft, versatility in roles, and a commitment to artistic integrity. His passing leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the film industry. Donald Sutherland is survived by his family and remembered fondly by colleagues, fans, and admirers around the world for his extraordinary talent and contributions to cinema. (ANI) According to the police, a multi-tier security blanket has been put in place. "It is a multi-tier security. As per the security protocols, the high-alert security arrangement has been made here," IGP Kashmir Zone Vidhi Kumar Birdi told ANI on Wednesday. Earlier Tuesday, Srinagar police issued orders declaring the city a 'Temporary Red Zone' for the operation of drones and quadcopters. The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of Drone Rules, 2021. PM Modi will reach Srinagar on Thursday and at around 6 pm, he will participate in the 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) there. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in J-K. He will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) on Thursday. On Friday, June 21, PM Modi will participate in the 10th International Day of Yoga event at SKICC in Srinagar. He will address the gathering on the occasion and take part in the CYP Yoga session thereafter. (ANI) BJP MP Manoj Tiwari hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the ongoing water crisis in the national capital accusing him of water theft and "surrendering" it to tanker mafia. Tiwari further alleged that without considering options including rainwater harvesting the Chief Minister wanted to divert the issue. "Has Arvind Kejriwal worried about the falling groundwater in Delhi? No. Delhi's future generations will never forgive you. You have surrendered the water that is meant for the common people of Delhi to the tanker mafia. This falling groundwater of Delhi can be fixed, the best and most effective action for this is rainwater harvesting. Do you have anything to do with this? You just want to divert the issue," the BJP MP said while speaking to ANI on Wednesday. " Today Yamuna is also dry, drain water is flowing in Yamuna, but what does that matter to you? Have you worried about how to stop the water flowing into Yamuna? This is not in your vision at all... I believe that the people of Delhi will wake up and the end of such false tyrants is near," he said. Earlier on Wednesday, the BJP held a protest over the water crisis in the national capital. Leaders including Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva, party MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Praveen Khandelwal took part in the protest carried out at the Indira camp in Kalyan Vihar. Speaking on the issue, the Delhi BJP chief said, "The Delhi government's administration is corrupt. The Haryana government yesterday also provided surplus water, I have seen documents of water release. The leaders of AAP are indulged in the black marketing of water." Bansuri Swaraj highlighted that the people in the national capital are using dirty water due to the absence of consumable water. She further accused AAP of fooling people by making fake promises. "The situation is terrible. People have to use dirty water. We have ordered as many water tankers as we could provide. AAP leaders have made fake promises and fooled people. They have not done anything for people in the last ten years," Swaraj said. Amid a political uproar over the ongoing crisis, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of "orchestrating" the shortage in the national capital. The BJP has been blaming the AAP government for the water crisis saying that it did not take effective action against the tanker mafia who pilfer water. (ANI) The decision was taken after a delegation of autorickshaw and taxi drivers met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The corporation will provide scholarships to children of registered members including drivers and owners and financial assistance for higher education. It will also provide facilities for skill development. There would be provision of gratutity for those above 60 through a nominal annual contribution. The Chief Minister also spoke about a self-employment scheme of government which offers 35 per cent subsidy. Senior officials and Shiv Sena leaders were among those present. Shiv Sena won seven seats in the Lok Sabha polls. The allies in the ruling alliance including BJP, Shiv Sena led by Shinde and NCP led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had fought the polls together. The results were far below the expectations of the ruling alliance. Maharashtra will face assembly polls later this year. (ANI) The civilian driver of the pick-up vehicle also sustained injuries in the incident that took place late on Wednesday night. Visuals from the spot showed the pick-up vehicle lying in an upside-down position. Both injured personnel are undergoing treatment, said officials. Further details on the matter are awaited. (ANI) The 351st anniversary of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation was celebrated in Nagpur in Maharashtra on Thursday. A large number of people gathered to witness the celebrations to mark the coronation of the warrior king who established an enduring legacy as the founder of the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. On June 6, 1674, he ascended to the throne in a grand ceremony as 'Chhatrapati or the "supreme sovereign." In the Hindu calendar, his coronation ceremony is held on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of the first fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha in the year 1596. The coronation of any king had to be approved by the Mughal Emperor but Shivaji challenged the Mughal authority. In this way, Shivaji was formally declared the independent King of the Maratha Empire. Last year Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde while formally announcing commencement of the 350-year celebrations of the coronation of the Maratha king stated that the Cultural Affairs Department has been entrusted with collecting and collating literature, relics, and other things from the era of the Maratha warrior from across the world in a bid to propagate his ideas and beliefs and preserve his legacy. The coronation is also known as the 'Shivrajyabhishek Sohala'. During the Battle of Purandhar fought between the ought between the Mughal Empire and the Marathas in 1665, he defeated the army led by Fattekhan. In the Battle of Pratapgad, the forces of Shivaji emerged victorious over those of the Bijapur Sultanate. Under him, the Marathas emerged as a formidable national force, challenging the hegemony of the mighty Mughal Empire in the Deccan region.(ANI) New Delhi [India], June 20 (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) seized digital devices and some incriminating materials during raids at three places in Jharkhand in a case relating to extortion and attack on Tetariyakhand coal mine, the agency said on Thursday. The raids were carried out on Wednesday at the three locations in Hazaribagh and Ranchi districts connected with associates of the notorious Aman Sahu gang in Jharkhand. Digital devices, a Fortuner vehicle, and some incriminating material were seized during the searches conducted at the premises of various suspects in the case (RC-01/2021/NIA/RNC), said the anti-terror agency. NIA had earlier chargesheeted 24 accused in the case involving an attack at Tetariyakhand coal mine in Jharkhand's Latehar district by members of the Sujit Sinha, Aman Sahu, and other gangs. The attack was carried out in December 2020, as part of a criminal conspiracy hatched by these gangs to extort money and disrupt government work. NIA, which took over the investigation in March 2021, had in February this year arrested one Shankar Yadav, a key aide of Aman Sahu, following the seizure of Rs 1.30 crore from him during searches at five locations in Bihar. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday said that 34 people have lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor in the Kallakurichi district in the State. The chief minister has announced Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those being treated in the hospital. He has also ordered an inquiry commission to submit a report on the incident. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai has announced a state wide protest against the Stalin-led DMK Tamil Nadu Government on June 22. As per sources a total of 107 people have been admitted to the Kallakurichi government Medical College Hospital out of which 59 people were referred to hospitals in other places such as Salem, Villupuram, and Puducherry, according to news agency ANI. Tamil Nadu Police has deployed police in heavy force in Kallakurichi with personnel drawn from various units and districts. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Salem Range, E S Uma said, "In Kallakurichi, we have brought in seven SPs and these officials will have at least 1,000 police personnel at their disposal and are now on active security duty in the district." "We have set up a help desk; anyone can access it easily. Bodies have been dispatched safely" the DIG said. AIADMK advocates have requested the Madras High Court to take up an urgent petition on the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy issue for hearing. The Madras High Court division bench of Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu have agreed to hear it on June 21. Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan has requested CM Stalin to search in other districts for similar incidents. "We should make maximum efforts to curtail such incidents. What happened in Kallakurichi is a real tragedy. I think the Chief Minister has taken the correct step by transferring the collector. I request CM to intensify search in other districts also for such illicit liquor and make sure you put people behind bars who are involved in it," Elangovan told ANI. Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday evening transferred the District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and placed under suspension the Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena. BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan slammed the DMK government and said that it is a complete failure of the administration. "It is a complete failure of the administration. It is the second incident happening in Tamil Nadu within a very short period. BJP is raising its concern about drugs and other related issues. It is not like that the government is not aware of it. It is only who is running the liquor shops," she said. "We have given our attention motion to discuss the issue tomorrow in the state assembly," Srinivasan added. Palaniswami also demanded the resignation of DMK chief and state Chief Minister MK Stalin over the incident. In a post on X, the AIADMK chief said, "Hearing the news that the death toll has risen to 29 due to the consumption of illicit liquor in Kallakurichi has shocked me. In the context of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly convening today, traditionally, condolence resolutions will be read and passed for several individuals, including former members who have passed away. On behalf of AIADMK, I record my condolences for the deceased." "However, in this situation, it is paramount to personally meet the families of those who tragically lost their lives due to the overall administrative failure and lethargic approach of the DMK government. The ongoing deaths emphasize the need for direct involvement and empathy. I express my deepest condolences and regrets to the families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals," Palaniswami added. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday held a high-level meeting with officials on various issues related to law and order at his official residence. During this, instructions were given to run the verification drive going on in the state more strictly. The Chief Minister directed the officials to make a detailed action plan and complete all the preparations for the efficient management and operation of the Kanwar Yatra to be held in the state. Along with this, he also directed to do a complete background check of the people buying land in Uttarakhand. CM Dhami said that our state is 'Devbhoomi', and there is no place for crime and criminals here. He said that better law and order is very important for any developing state and our government is determined to maintain a peaceful and fear-free environment in the state. After the murder of a real estate agent in Dehradun, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated on Tuesday that no matter how big or small the culprit, no one will be allowed to disrupt the atmosphere of Devbhoomi. On the murder of a property dealer in Dobhal Chowk in Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami bluntly said, "Whether the miscreant is small or big, no one will be allowed to spoil the atmosphere of Devbhoomi," as per the Uttarakhand CMO. The CMO further added that property dealer Ravi Badola was shot dead by miscreants near Dobhal Chowk in the Raipur area on Sunday. Two of Ravi's associates were also injured. As soon as the incident came to light, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed the DGP to take strict action in the matter. The police have arrested the main miscreant in an encounter within 24 hours. A total of five miscreants have been arrested in connection with the incident, the Uttarakhand CMO added. (ANI) The meteorological office on Thursday predicted rainfall and strong wind in some parts of Madhya Pradesh for the next two days. The MeT office also stated there is a possibility of strong wind with a speed of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour at some places in southern and south-eastern Madhya Pradesh. "Due to the local convective activities, there may be rain at some places in the state. There may be good rain in Pandhurna and Chhindwara districts in the state and the weather is likely to remain the same for the next two days in the state. Besides, Pushprajgarh in Anuppur district had recorded 8 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours," said BS Yadav Meteorologist, IMD Bhopal. The meteorologist further said the temperature in the state had remained below 43 degrees for the time being and there was no heat wave situation anywhere in the state as of now. "There is a possibility of strong wind with a speed of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour at some places in southern Madhya Pradesh and south-eastern Madhya Pradesh. The remaining place in the state may also experience heavy winds with a speed of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour along with rainfall," he said. There is a possibility of rainfall in the state capital Bhopal as well for the next two days, Meteorologist Yadav added. According to the Met office, hailstorms with lightning (wind speed up to 70 kmph) are likely to occur over Seoni, Chhindwara, Anuppur/ Amarkantak and Singrauli districts in the afternoon hours. Similarly, moderate thunderstorms with lightning (wind speed up to 50 kmph) may occur over Damoh, Pandhurna, Balaghat, Mandla / Kanha, Dindori, Shahdol, Sidhi and Umaria district. Besides, light thunderstorms with lightning may occur over Shivpuri, Raisen, Betul, Neemuch, East Narmadapuram / Pachmarhi, Barwani, Sagar, Jabalpur, South Panna, Katni and East Narsinghpur in afternoon hours. (ANI) SEOUL, June 20 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export rose for the second consecutive month due to robust global demand for eco-friendly vehicles, government data showed Thursday. Car shipment grew 4.8 percent from a year earlier to 6.49 billion U.S. dollars in May after expanding in double digits in the previous month, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. For the first five months of this year, the automotive shipment reached 30.81 billion dollars, up 4.7 percent compared to the same period of last year. The number of exported vehicles was 254,496 in May, up 2.9 percent from a year earlier. Export for eco-friendly cars gained 3.7 percent to 2.18 billion dollars last month after hitting a record monthly high of 2.29 billion dollars in the prior month. Car export to North America surged 36.3 percent to 3.96 billion dollars, but those to the European Union, Asia, the Middle East and Africa all diminished in double figures. Auto parts shipment shrank 5.3 percent to 1.84 billion dollars in May on a yearly basis. The number of vehicles, manufactured in local factories, declined 2.4 percent to 372,810 last month. The number of cars sold domestically, including locally-made and imported vehicles, came to 141,313 in May, down 7.1 percent from a year earlier. Ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday extended greetings to people, saying that there has been an awareness across the globe regarding Yoga since the time PM Modi started Yoga Day and our government is also participating in it. CM Yadav said, "Greetings to everyone on the occasion of Yoga Day. Since the time PM Modi started Yoga Day, there has been awareness in the world regarding Yoga. Our government is also participating in it. Districts have been assigned to all the state ministers for tomorrow and where there are no ministers, the administrative officers have been given responsibility of the program." "Tomorrow is also the day for the Sun to move towards 'Dakshinayan'. My greetings to everyone for the same," CM added. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Several Yoga events are being organised at various places in India and even outside the country ahead of International Yoga Day. Besides, several youths demonstrated different Yoga 'asanas' (poses) under the guidance of Yoga Guru Ramdev at an event here in the national capital on Thursday, ahead of International Yoga Day. Ramdev said that Yoga existed for centuries and they were spreading it among the common people. He also praised PM Modi for proposing the International Day for Yoga at the United Nations and said that it generated awareness and respect for Yoga. "Yoga has been here for centuries...We became the medium to spread it...Today, Yoga has reached everyone in every household. The Prime Minister proposed it in the UN to honour Yoga and now we can celebrate International Yoga Day," Ramdev told ANI. "An awareness and respect has been generated towards Yoga. The heritage of knowledge of our ancestors has been honoured. It has benefited the world a lot. Lifestyle diseases or chronic diseases and mental stress are being managed properly because of Yoga," he added. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon people to reiterate their commitment to making yoga an integral part of their lives. PM Modi also shared a set of videos showing various 'Asanas' on X, describing their benefits. (ANI) Launching a scathing attack on the Stalin government over the deaths of 34 people in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, AIADMK general secretary Edapaddi K Palaniswami on Thursday said ruling "DMK is behind illicit liquor sales in Tamil Nadu" and drugs are being sold all over the state. He also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister MK Stalin over the tragedy Palaniswami inspected the Kallakurichi Government Medical College Hospital where illicit liquor victims are hospitalized. Addressing the press conference, the AIADMK chief said, "Nearly 200 people are affected, 133 are under treatment. One by one people are coming to the hospital. Kallakurichi is the epic centre for illicit. It's making us sad and worrying. All dead and affected are poor and underprivileged." "This is not the first time, already in Villuppuram, 22 people lost their lives due to the same illicit liquor and it was given to CBCID for investigation and nobody knows what happened. At that time too I pointed out that there is a large amount of sale of illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu. Not only Kallakurichi but all over the state, drugs are being sold," Palaniswami added. He also alleged that in Tiruchankode, the DMK councillor sold illicit liquor. "DMK is behind illicit liquor sales in Tamil Nadu. Stalin should resign since there is mismanagement and many deaths," the AIADMK chief said. Meanwhile, Union Minister L Murugan told ANI that innocent people are dying because the Stalin government is inefficient. "It is very shocking news from the state of Tamil Nadu. In Kallkurichi, more than 30 people died in an illicit liquor case. More than 70 people are under treatment. The State Government and CM MK Stalin are inefficient. He is unable to control the officers, unable to control illicit liquor. Last year, such an incident happened in the nearby district. There also, they didn't take any stringent action. It is happening continuously. Innocent people are dying because of illicit liquor," he said. Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai has also announced a state-wide protest against the Stalin-led DMK Tamil Nadu Government on June 22. The chief minister has announced Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those being treated in the hospital. AIADMK advocates have requested the Madras High Court to take up an urgent petition on the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy issue for hearing. The Madras High Court division bench of Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu have agreed to hear it on June 21. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Modi-led central government over the NEET issue and UGC-NET exam cancellation and alleged that the reason behind "paper leaks" is that all the Vice Chancellors, the education system has been captured by the Bharatiya Janata Party's "parent organisation" (RSS). "I have spoken about institutional capture in various organizations. This is happening in the education institutions. The reason behind paper leaks is that all the Vice Chancellors, the education system has been captured by the BJP and it's parent organisation (RSS)," Rahul Gandhi said in a press conference on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi said that paper leaks could continue till this "institutional capture" of education institutions by the BJP is reversed. "Till the time this is not reversed, paper leaks will go on. Modi has facilitated this capture. This is an anti-national activity because this is the future of the country and the youth of the country are facing the brunt of it," the Congress MP said. "It is a national crisis, it's an economic crisis, it's an educational crisis, institutional crisis. But I don't see any response...Regarding Bihar, we have said that there should be an inquiry and action should be taken against those who have leaked the paper," he added. When asked whether he thinks that Centre is unconcerned with the paper leaks, Rahul Gandhi said, "Silence (of government) is because the PM is crippled. Right now, the PM's main agenda is the (election of) Speaker. He is bothered about his govt and Speaker...The PM has psychologically collapsed and he will struggle to run a government like this. Mr Modi's idea of running govt is to generate fear in people. But now people are not scared of him. The basic concept of Modi has been destroyed in this election. If there were Vajpayee ji or Manmohan Singh ji, they might have been able to survive because they had humility, respect and conciliation. But Narendra Modi doesn't believe in all this." Amid the massive row surrounding the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam, the Education Ministry has said that the test was scrapped because its integrity may have been compromised and has emphasised that it won't hesitate to take action against anyone. Taking a dig at the Prime Minister for using the stopping of the Ukraine war for the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi said that though it was allegedly said by BJP supporters that PM Modi had stopped the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel and Gaza war, he has failed to stop paper leaks or does not want to stop them. "It was being said that PM Narendra Modi had stopped the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel and Gaza war. But due to some reasons, Narendra Modi has not been able to stop or doesn't want to stop paper leaks in India," Rahul Gandhi said. Highlighting the difficulties faced by students, Rahul Gandhi said, "The students have to face the brunt of it. Students study hard for months, years for these exams. This is your future. And they (BJP) are playing with your future." Hitting out at Centre, Rahul Gandhi said, "In Madhya Pradesh, Vyapam (scam) took place and now Narendra Modi is trying to spread this Vyapam throughout the country." Rahul Gandhi said that during his conversations with youths during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the youths shared their grievances about rampant paper leaks in the country. "During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, we went from Manipur to Maharashtra and on the way, thousands of youths complained that there were non-stop paper leaks in the country. All of you net that papers of NEET and UGC-NET have been leaked and one of them has been cancelled," he said. The Congress labelled the Modi government as "paper leak government" and asked whether the education minister would take responsibility now. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the government over the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET, and asked when will Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold "NEET pareeksha pe charcha". The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and the results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14. Protests were held alleging irregularities and paper leaks as the results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720. The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), paves the way for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. The Ministry of Education on Wednesday cancelled the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 18. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately.On June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised.(ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to Srinagar to launch various development projects, and to participate in International Yoga Day celebrations in Srinagar on Friday. This will be PM Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after being sworn-in as the Prime Minister of India for his third term. The Prime Minister will be participating in the 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J-K' programme focussing on youth-led development later in the evening. "Leaving for Srinagar, where I will be taking part in two programmes. Later this evening, I will be at the 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' programme, which focuses on youth-led development. Key projects worth over Rs. 1500 crore will be inaugurated or their foundation stones would be laid. These works cover infrastructure, water supply, education and more. Tomorrow morning, I will take part in the Yoga Day programme in Srinagar," the Prime Minister said in a post on 'X'. PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Jammu and Kashmir. He will also launch Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP). On June 21, at around 6.30 a.m., the Prime Minister will participate in 10th International Day of Yoga event at SKICC in Srinagar. Prime Minister will address the gathering on the occasion and take part in the CYP Yoga session thereafter. The event "Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K" is a pivotal moment for the region, showcasing progress and providing inspiration to young achievers. On occasion, the Prime Minister will inspect stalls and interact with young achievers in the region. Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs. 1,500 crore. The inaugurations will include projects related to road infrastructure, water supply schemes, infrastructure in higher education, etc. Additionally, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for projects like the improvement of Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri Section, the development of Industrial estates, and construction of six Government Degree Colleges. Prime Minister will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (JKCIP) Project, worth Rs. 1,800 crore. The project will be implemented in 90 Blocks across 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir and will have an outreach of 300,000 households, covering 15 lakh beneficiaries. Prime Minister will also distribute appointment letters to more than 2,000 people appointed in government service. The foundation stone laying/inauguration and launch of these projects will empower the youth and upgrade the infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion of the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2024, the Prime Minister will lead the International Yoga Day Celebrations at SKICC, Srinagar. This year's event underscores Yoga's profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of Yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale. Since 2015, the Prime Minister has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year's theme, "Yoga for Self and Society," highlights the dual role of yoga in fostering individual and societal well being. The event will encourage grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas. (ANI) Odisha's law minister Prithviraj Harichandan has said that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has no authority to comment on the dates of the opening of Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of the Puri Lord Jagannath Temple as no decision has been yet taken on the matter. The minister was responding to claims by the Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir will be opened on July 8. "Today, the management committee meeting was scheduled for regulation and proper management of Snana Purnima function of Lord Jagannath... After the meeting was concluded, one ASI official told the media that Ratna Bhandar will be opened on July 8 by the ASI, as if it is the authority to do so... The state government is very serious about this matter," Harichandan said on Wednesday. The minister said that appropriate action will be taken against the concerned official. "A decision on opening of the Ratna Bhandar will be taken after examining the matter," said Harichandan. Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, the Odisha minister said that the chief administrator has been instructed to write a letter to Director General of ASI regarding the matter. "It has been discussed in the state for the last four to five years regarding the keys that were lost during the last government... This person has given a misleading statement and has hurt many people in Odisha... He has no authority to do so... We have instructed the chief administrator to write a letter to DG ASI regarding this. The person involved in this should be punished so he should get a proper punishment for this indiscipline..." said Harichandan. He further added that the government is taking positive steps and is very careful to initiate the process of opening the Ratna Bhandar, adding to that he said, "Shortly we will announce the modality and the date when the event will be done... A proper inventory matching will be done... The entire thing will be published for the consumption of the people of Odisha..." (ANI) He urged the staff to work with a citizen-friendly approach. Nadda also visited the record room, registry room, health observatory, and various other divisions. Nadda assumed charge as Minister of Health and Family Welfare in the national capital on June 11. He also held the Health portfolio in the first tenure of Prime Minister Modi. Nadda was accompanied by Anupriya Patel and Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, Ministers of State in the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. The 64-year-old BJP leader is also Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Nadda had earlier vowed to make every effort to ensure better healthcare infrastructure and facilities. He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the responsibilities of Minister of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Nadda, who is also BJP president, served as the Union Health Minister in the BJP-led government from 2014-19. He is a Rajya Sabha MP. (ANI) Students marched to Kannur Head Post Office under the leadership of SFI to protest against the cancellation of the UGC NET exam on Thursday. The Ministry of Education on Wednesday said that it had cancelled the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 18 across different cities of the country due to certain inputs from National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit that prima-facie indicates that the integrity of the UGC-NET June 2024 examination may have been compromised. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination in OMR (pen and paper) mode on June 18, in two shifts across different cities of the country. "On 19th June, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima-facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised," the Ministry of Education said in a release. To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled, the Ministry of Education said "A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) for a thorough investigation in the matter," the Ministry of Education added. Rahul Gandhi said that the NEET issue & UGC-NET exam cancellation is happening because the "BJP has penetrated our education system and destroyed it". He also called for the punishment of those responsible. "It's happening because all our institutions have been captured. Our Vice-Chancellors are placed not based on merit. But because they belong to a particular organization. And this organization and the BJP have penetrated our education system and destroyed it. What was done by Narendra Modi to the economy with demonetization, has now been done to the education system. The reason this is happening and the reason you're suffering is because an independent, objective education system has been demolished...It is very important that the people who are guilty here are brought to book and they are punished," he said. Following the Ministry of Education's decision to cancel the UGC-NET June 2024 exam, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) organised a protest outside Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's residence in Delhi concerning NEET and UGC-NET issues. The protesters were subsequently detained by the police. Members of All India Students Association (AISA) also protested outside Shastri Bhawan over NEET and UGC-NET issues. The protest against NEET-UG 2024 is due to widespread concerns about alleged paper leaks and the allocation of grace marks during the May 5 exam. The exam was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) across 4,750 examination centers for approximately 24 lakh students. (ANI) Amid the ongoing water crisis in the national capital, BJP MP from the New Delhi constituency, Bansuri Swaraj, targeted the Kejriwal government and claimed that the crisis has been brought about by the AAP government to encourage corruption. Speaking to ANI, Swaraj said, "It almost seems that this crisis, which is not a natural crisis, has been orchestrated by the Kejriwal government to encourage their own corruption as well as to encourage the illegal tanker mafia." She added, "Delhi is in a dire state. The entire city is parched and the Kejriwal government is indulging only in theatrics. Delhi minister Atishi instead of working on the ground and instead of taking any adequate steps is now indulging in mere theatrics and is now threatening Delhiites with anshan (fast)." She said that the 'anshan' is nothing but an attempt to camouflage the incompetence of the Kejriwal government and their inaction. Swaraj added, "Even the Supreme Court of India came down heavily on the Kejriwal government, scolding them for the fact that they had not taken any steps to curb the operation of illegal tanker mafia in Delhi. Nor have they done anything to ensure that there is no water wastage." Stepping up her attacks on the Delhi government, Bansuri Swaraj said that the government has been in power for the past 10 years but has not improved the infrastructure of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). "It is shocking to see that the Kejriwal government has enjoyed power in Delhi for the last decade. But in the last ten years, they have not spent a dime to do anything to improve or repair the infrastructure of the DJB. The pipelines of the DJB are in an utter desiccating state. The Kejriwal government is responsible for it". Lambasting the MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party, she further said, "I want to ask them where are the MLAs of the AAP? There are more than 60 MLAs of the AAP and we do not find them working on the ground. It is appalling to see that for the first time in the democratic history of Bharat, you have an elected government that rather than being in command of the situation and working on the ground, is indulging in the rhetoric of the opposition party. And therefore, the responsibility is now being shouldered by the workers of the BJP." Asserting that the BJP is helping people amidst the water crisis, Bansuri said, "We are the responsible opposition party, we are on the ground, we are working throughout and ensuring that the water tankers are reaching the public but what is the AAP doing? The BJP MP also raised questions regarding the planning of the Delhi government to handle the situation amidst the heatwave. She said, "If the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted in March itself that Delhi was going to suffer a heatwave, why did she (Atishi) not take any repair work on the DJB infrastructure? Why was no action plan made? ... Why was there no strategy made to tackle the water crisis?" Meanwhile, amid a political tug-of-war between the BJP and the AAP over the water crisis, Atishi said on Wednesday that if Delhi does not get its "rightful" share of water by June 21, she will be forced to do a 'Satyagraha'. "Today, I have written a letter to the Prime Minister saying that 28 lakh people in Delhi are not getting water. I have requested that he should help provide water as soon as possible... If the people of Delhi do not get their rightful share of water by the 21st, then I will be forced to do a Satyagraha," Atishi said in a press conference. "Due to the scorching heat, the water problem in Delhi has also increased. Today, Delhiites need more water. The total supply of water in Delhi is 1050 MGD, out of which 613 MGD water comes from Haryana but Haryana is not giving the full share of water to Delhi," she alleged further. The Delhi Minister also claimed that due to the shortage of water released from the Haryana side, 28 lakh people are getting less water in Delhi. "Haryana gave only 513 MGD of water to Delhi yesterday. Due to this, Delhi is short of 100 MGD of water today. Due to this, about 28 lakh people are getting less water. The people of Delhi are troubled. We have made all efforts to solve this problem. We have spoken to the Chief Minister of Haryana, but the BJP government of Haryana is not giving Delhi its share of water," Atishi said. (ANI) After the Ministry of Education cancelled the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 18, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) national spokesperson Clyde Crasto demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. "The cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 examination exposes another failures of the central government's education department in running the education system in our country. Just a few days ago, the NEET exams issue brought to light how malpractices and favouritism are prevailing in our education system," he said. "The central government, by failing in doing their duty diligently towards the students of our country are disrespecting their hard work and also playing with their lives. If Dharmendra Pradhan is unable to handle his portfolio as an education minister, he must resign," Crasto added. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also criticised the government over the alleged NEET paper leak and the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam. In a post on X, the Karnataka Minister said that the Congress will speak up for the children and their future fearlessly until the government is forced to listen and take action. "The nation hasn't even wrapped its head around the devastating NEET exam leak, and now the integrity of the UGC NET exam also stands compromised and cancelled. These recurring compromises of our examination system especially in BJP-ruled states are putting a huge question mark on the future of our children, with their hard work going down the drain each time," he posted on X. "These leaks are proof of BJP Government's inability to secure the future of our nation. Truly, a dark and dangerous time for our education system, and the government's inability to take measures is pushing the system into further trouble. Congress Party will speak up for our children and their future fearlessly until this government is forced to listen and take action," Shivakumar added. Education Ministry cancelled the UGC-NET held on June 18 "to ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity" of the examination process, a ministry release said on Wednesday. As per the release, on June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for thorough investigation in the matter, it added. The exam was attended by 81 per cent of over 11.21 lakh registered candidates for the exam in 317 cities across the country, UGC chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said. (ANI) Minister of State, Ministry of Defence Sanjay Seth on Thursday visited the Indian Naval Air Station, Rajali located near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu and reviewed the operational preparedness of the station. "Minister of State, Ministry of Defence Sanjay Seth visited Indian Naval Air Station, Rajali located near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu on June 20, 2024, and reviewed the operational preparedness of the station," as per a press release from the Ministry of Defence. During the visit, he was briefed on the ongoing and future maritime operations and infrastructure development of the station. He also interacted with the men and women of the station and appreciated their contribution towards ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. "INS Rajali was commissioned on March 11, 1992. It was named as 'Rajali', named after an aggressive bird of the Hawk family, predominant in the Tamil Nadu coastal belt. The air station is spread over 2,200 acres and is located 80 kms west from Chennai," the release stated. Today, INS Rajali is the most modern and largest Naval Air Station, with a garrison strength of 4,700 personnel which functions under the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command. It contributes towards two very distinct tasks -Operations and Training. Sanjay Seth assumed charge of the office of Minister of State, Ministry of Defence on June 11, 2024. After assuming charges of Minister of State for Defence "Sanjay Seth said he looked forward to serving under the guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with whom he had earlier worked in various capacities. Sanjay Seth said he would strive towards fulfillment of several initiatives of the Ministry of Defence that are aimed at strengthening the Nation's security. Prior to assuming charge," as per a press release from the Ministry of Defence. Sanjay Seth is a second-time Member of Parliament from Ranchi Lok Sabha constituency. He was elected from the same constituency in 2019, and was a member of the Standing Committee on Information Technology. As per the release, "Sanjay Seth was also a member of Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes. He was Chairman, Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board from 2016-2019." (ANI) SINGAPORE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Singapore, as a business, financial and trade hub, is vulnerable to being misused as a conduit to launder illicit funds derived from fraud committed abroad, said the Money Laundering National Risk Assessment issued Thursday. The document, jointly launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, identified fraud, especially cyber-enabled fraud, as the highest foreign money laundering threat. Organized crime, corruption, tax crimes, and illegal trade activities are among major money laundering threats to Singapore. The banking sector is most vulnerable to money laundering as criminals often use bank channels to transfer illicit funds. Moreover, digital payment token service providers are increasingly involved in money laundering in Singapore, the document noted. Singaporean authorities said their anti-money laundering efforts will keep pace with the identified risks. They also urged financial institutions and non-financial businesses and professions to take reference from the document to assess their risks and enhance their controls. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested the third accused in connection with its ongoing money laundering probe linked to the implementation of the Centre's Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme in Rajasthan. ED's Jaipur Zonal office arrested Mahesh Mittal, a contractor, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the JJM scam, said the ED. Mittal, proprietor of Shri Ganpati Tubewell Company, was arrested on June 19. As per the ED, Mittal, along with others, was involved in giving bribe to public servants in order to obtain illegal protection, obtaining tenders, getting bills sanctioned and covering up irregularities in works executed by them in respect of various tenders received by them from Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED). "The accused was also involved in the purchase of stolen goods from Haryana for using the same in their tenders and contracts," said the federal agency. Mittal was produced before the Special Trial Court (PMLA) on June 19, and the court granted five-day ED custody till June 24 ED initiated the investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Anti Corruption Branch, Jaipur, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, wherein it was stated that Mittal was also involved in securing tenders pertaining to JJM works based on purported fake and fabricated work completion certificates issued by IRCON by bribing senior PHED officials. ED investigation further revealed that Mittal is one of the main accused and is in receipt of proceeds of crime in his firm. "Thereafter, the same was laundered and layered through various bank accounts held in his name, entities in the name of his family members, which was further syphoned off by investment in immovable and movable properties." The ED has conducted several searches in this case, leading to seizure of Rs 11.03 crore till date. Further, the ED had also arrested Peeyush Jain on February 29 and Padamchand Jain on June 13 in the same matter. (ANI) After the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy claimed the lives of 34 people, VK Sasikala, a close aide of Tamil Nadu's former CM Jayalalithaa, launched a scathing attack on the state government and said that the government should take responsibility for the deaths. Sasikala's remarks came after she visited the victims at Kallakurichi Government Medical College. Speaking with reporters, Sasikala said, "The state government should take responsibility for these deaths. Every year, the deaths are increasing and not decreasing." She further alleged, "I don't think without the government's knowledge, this incident would have happened." She said that the government should suspend the officers instead of transferring them. "Within a week, the persons responsible for this incident should be arrested... You should suspend the officers rather than transfer them. If the government is not taking action, then people will make decisions." Stepping up her attacks at the state government for cremating the bodies, Sasikala said, "I heard cremation is done by the governemnt itself, it's not corona pandemic days where the government take care of cremation. This should not be done and bodies should be handed over to the family members so that they can do it. I ask the Chief Minister to take action strictly." Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edapaddi K Palaniswami on Thursday also targeted the state government and said the ruling "DMK is behind illicit liquor sales in Tamil Nadu" and drugs are being sold all over the state. He also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister MK Stalin over the tragedyPalaniswami inspected the Kallakurichi Government Medical College Hospital where illicit liquor victims are hospitalized. Addressing the press conference, the AIADMK chief said, "Nearly 200 people are affected, 133 are under treatment. One by one people are coming to the hospital. Kallakurichi is the epicentre for illicit. It's making us sad and worrying. All dead and affected are poor and underprivileged." Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai has also announced a state-wide protest against the Stalin-led DMK Tamil Nadu Government on June 22. The chief minister has announced Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those being treated in the hospital. AIADMK advocates have requested the Madras High Court to take up an urgent petition on the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy issue for hearing. The Madras High Court division bench of Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu has agreed to hear it on June 21. (ANI) "Governor of Andhra Pradesh Sri S. Abdul Nazeer has participated as Chief Guest at the West Bengal Formation Day celebrations held at Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan here on Thursday, as part of the 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' programme," as per a press release from Andhra Pradesh Raj Bhavan. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Abdul Nazeer said 'West Bengal is widely considered as the 'Melting Pot of Cultures' and the State offers a unique flavour to the richness of India with its synthesis of various languages, religions, customs, traditions, cuisines and lifestyle. "He said that the 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' programme aims to forge a strong relationship and bonding among all the people of the country, and promote mutual understanding between different States and Union Territories, through the concept of One Nation - One People," as per the release. The programme commenced with a video message from CV Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal, followed by group songs by students of National Institute of Design, cultural dances by students from Siddhartha College of Medical Sciences. Students from West Bengal studying in various educational institutions in and around Vijayawada, officers and staff members of Raj Bhavan, attended the programme. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu has appointed BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Sudip Bandyopadhyay were appointed to assist the Speaker Protem in oath taking of the newly-elected members. "President is pleased to appoint Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member, Lok Sabha as Speaker Protem under Article 95(1) of the Constitution to perform the duties of Speaker till election of the Speaker," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X. "President is also pleased to appoint Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Members of Lok Sabha under Article 99 of the Constitution to assist Speaker Protem in Oath/Affirmation to newly elected Members of 18th Lok Sabha till election of the Speaker," he added. The Congress objected to the government's decision, saying that the longest-serving MP is made pro tem Speaker as per convention and party MP Kodikunnil Suresh should have been given the role as he is entering his eighth term as parliamentarian. "By convention, the MP who has served the maximum terms is appointed Speaker Protem for the first two days when oath is administered to all newly elected MPs. The seniormost MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha are Kodikunnil Suresh (INC) and Virendra Kumar (BJP), both of who are now serving their eighth term. The latter is now a Union Minister and hence it was expected that Kodikunnil Suresh would be the Speaker Protem. Instead, a seven-term MP, Bhartruhari Mahtab has been appointed Speaker Protem. He was a BJD MP for six terms and is now a BJP MP," Ramesh said in a post on X. Other Congress leaders also objected to the decision. Party leader KC Venugopal said the government should explain why it overlooked K Suresh. "In yet another attempt at destroying parliamentary norms, Mr. Bhartruhari Mahtab (a 7-term MP) has been appointed the Pro-Tem Speaker, superseding Sh. @kodikunnilMP, who will be entering his 8th term. It is an unquestioned norm that the senior most MP presides over the proceedings of the House before the Speaker is duly elected. It is a matter of immense pride for our party that K Suresh, a leader from the marginalised section of society,has achieved this feat of being 8-term MP," he said. "The government should explain why it chose to overlook K Suresh, what was the factor that disqualified him from this post? Are there deeper issues influencing this decision, perhaps beyond just merit and seniority?" he asked in a post on X. Congress MP Manickam Tagore reacted to Rijiju's post and said that the decision was a mistake on part of the government. "First mistake as Parliamentary Affairs Minister: seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab chosen as Protem Speaker of Lok Sabha over senior-most Dalit MP Kodikkunnil Suresh of Congress. What are the minister's intentions?" he asked in a post on X. As per Article 94 of the Constitution, the office of the Speaker becomes vacant immediately before the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha. In that case, the duties of the Speaker are to be performed by a Member of the House appointed for this purpose by the President as Speaker pro tem. The first session of 18th Lok Sabha will start on June 24. The Rajya Sabha session will begin on June 27. (ANI) The federal agency made the decision soon after the Rouse Avenue court on Thursday granted bail to Kejriwal in the case. Vacation judge Nyay Bindu granted bail to Kejriwal on furnishing bail bond of Rs one lakh. As per the source, ED will move its plea against the judgement on Friday morning as the Rouse Avenue court refused the request of the agency to postpone the process of filing a bail bond for 48 hours. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The Delhi Chief Minister had been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10 in view of Lok Sabha polls and was told to surrender on June 2. The Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed Kejriwal's plea for release from jail and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the Lok Sabha elections. (ANI) Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday slammed the Centre over the cancellation of the NET exam and irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG exam and said that Prime Minister Modi has failed the youth of India and he still is remaining silent. Speaking with ANI, Gogoi said, "Prime Minister Modi has failed the youth of India. First, with the NEET exam, 24 lakh people have been disappointed, and now through the NET exam, 9 lakh students have been betrayed. Yet the PM chooses to be silent." Criticising the government over its stances related to the exam, Gogoi questioned the ruling government and said, "I don't know why this government is adopting two different positions. On NET exam, they are willing to cancel and reschedule. Why can't they do the same with NEET? On the NET exam, they feel that the paper leak has occurred. Why on the matter of NEET, is the Education Minister (Dharmendra Pradhan) giving a clean chit to the National Testing Agency? Clearly, this government is trying to bury the issue." He added further, "Rahul Gandhi and Congress will not let them go. Tomorrow, the Congress party will hold a nationwide protest on this matter. Rahul Gandhi will raise the matter of NEET students in the House." Notably, the Ministry of Education on Wednesday cancelled the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam conducted by the NTA on June 18. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. On June 19, 2024, the UGC received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised. Amid the massive row surrounding the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam, the Education Ministry has said that the test was scrapped because its integrity may have been compromised and has emphasised that it won't hesitate to take action against anyone. On the other hand, the NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and the results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14. Protests were held alleging irregularities and paper leaks as the results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720. The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), paves the way for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. (ANI) "...I am grateful for the blessings of the people. In the (Bihar Assembly) election of 2025, we will end corrupt and nepotist leaders like Tejashwi Yadav. Mahagathbandhan will get zero seats in 2025...," Rai said speaking to reporters. Rai defeated Rashtriya Janata Dal's Alok Kumar Mehta by a margin of 60102 votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Ujiarpur. Notably, Nityanand Rai has been securing victory in the constituency for the past two Lok Sabha elections. Alok Kumar Mehta, former State Minister of Revenue and Land Reforms and Education was elected to the Lok Sabha from this seat in 2004 but was defeated by Rai in 2014. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Nityanand Rai won the seat with a margin of 2,77,278 votes. Rai secured 5,43,906 votes with a vote share of 56 per cent and defeated Upendra Kushwaha from Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (BLSP) who garnered 2,66,628 votes (27.49 per cent). In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections also, Nityanand Rai secured 3,17,352 votes with a vote share of 36.95 per cent. RJD candidate Alok Kumar Mehta got 2,56,883 votes (29.91 per cent) and was the runner-up. Rai defeated Mehta by a margin of 60,469 votes. While the Janata Dal (United) won 12 seats, Bharatiya Janata Party won 12 seats, Lok Janshakti Party(Ram Vilas) got five and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) got one seat. On the other hand, from the INDIA bloc, the Rashtriya Janata Dal got four, Congress won three, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) won two seats. (ANI) Aligned with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's stringent zero-tolerance policy, the Uttar Pradesh police have lately intensified their crackdown on criminals. Over the past 15 days alone, state police have conducted 79 rapid operations, dealing a significant blow to criminal activities across the state, police said in a statement. During these operations conducted from June 4 to June 19, two notorious criminals have been killed, while 96 criminals have been injured. So far during this period, 139 criminals have been arrested, while seven policemen have been injured in these encounters, the statement added. According to the state's Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar, action is continuously going on against 68 state-level identified mafia gang members and associates. "So far, action has been taken against 9 members of various mafia gangs at various levels. Out of these, three have been arrested, while action has been taken against one under the Gangster Act and two under the Goonda Act." He further noted that, following extensive court proceedings, Bhadohi's mafia Vijay Mishra was sentenced on June 13 in a pending case. Meanwhile, the police achieved a significant breakthrough by arresting Vinay Tyagi, alias Tinku, a mafia with a bounty of Rs 50,000 on his head from Muzaffarnagar. He mentioned that a reward of Rs 25,000 was placed on Asif alias Pappu Smart, a dreaded member of Kanpur's Saud Akhtar gang, who has since been apprehended by the police. Furthermore, the Special Task Force (STF) successfully apprehended Utkarsh Singh, an active member of Ambedkar Nagar's Ajay Singh alias Sipahi gang. Utkarsh also had a bounty of Rs 25,000 placed on him, as per the police. The statement added that authorities confiscated 4.4570 hectares of land belonging to Muzaffarnagar's notorious mafia, Sushil alias Moonchh, estimated at Rs 4.5 crore. Meanwhile, Jaunpur's infamous criminal, Prashant Singh, alias Prince and Muzaffarnagar's feared Nilesh Rai were killed in separate police encounters. (ANI) Following the events of the UGC-NET examination cancellation, a significant protest was organized by the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Tribal Students Union (TSU) at Paradise Chowmuhani on Thursday. According to officials, the student leaders from SFI and TSU, including State Secretaries Sandipan Deb and Sujit Tripura, led the demonstration. They expressed their grievances and highlighted the issues faced by students due to the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam. The decision to cancel the UGC-NET examinations led to widespread discontent among the student community, with many alleging irregularities in the examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). During the protest, the student leaders made their displeasure clear by burning an effigy of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They accused the central education authorities of failing to ensure a fair and transparent examination process. Sandipan Deb and Sujit Tripura spoke extensively about the adverse impact of the cancellation on students' futures and called for immediate remedial action from the government. The protest at Paradise Chowmuhani saw a large turnout, with students demanding accountability and transparency from the National Testing Agency. They voiced concerns over repeated allegations of malpractices in exams conducted by the NTA, which have further exacerbated their frustration. (ANI) All India Students Association (AISA) today held a protest outside Shashtri Bhawan in the National Capital over NEET and UGC-NET issues. Syed Ekram Rizwi, Joint Secretary (Admin), Ministry of Education, who was present at the site, attempted to assure the protesters of resolving their grievances. "You (protesters) can give your memorandum; I will give it to the Union Education Minister. We are committed to resolving your grievances. If you want, a small delegation can meet our officials," Rizwi told protesters. "Bring back the students (Patna police arrested some candidates)," one of the protesters asked the Joint Secretary. They also raised slogans against the Delhi police. Amid allegations of paper leak in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 row, a candidate from Samastipur has admitted that he was handed the leaked question paper by his uncle, a day prior to the examination held in May this year, police said on Thursday. Anurag Yadav, 22, in his confession letter to Patna police, said that his uncle had summoned him from Kota in Rajasthan to Samastipur in Bihar saying that all arrangements for the exam had been made. Yadav's uncle Sikandar Prasad Yadavendu, an engineer deployed at Bihar's Danapur Town Council (Danapur Nagar Parishad) has asked him to return to Samastipur. In his confession letter to the police, Anurag said he was handed the NEET exam question paper and answer sheet on the eve of the exam that was held on May 5 and was made to memorize the answers. "I returned from Kota and was taken to Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar by my uncle on the night of May 4, 2024, where I was given the NEET exam question paper and answer sheet, which I was made to study and memorize overnight. My examination centre was DY Patil school," he said. The NEET aspirant further said when he saw the actual question paper on the examination day, it matched with the one that his uncle had provided. "The question paper that I received at my examination centre was the same that I was made to study and memorize on the night of May 4. I accept my involvement in the crime," Anurag said. Patna Police has arrested several people including some candidates who had taken the NEET exam.Of them, four have been identified as- Anurag Yadav, a NEET candidate, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendu, and two others - Nitish Kumar and Anand. According to Shahstri Nagar police station, Patna Police has obtained confessional statements of all the four accused in the NEET exam question paper leak case -Anurag Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand and Sikandar Prasad Yadvendu. The confessions were taken under Section 161 of the CrPC The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and the results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14. Protests were held alleging irregularities and paper leaks as the results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720. The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), paves the way for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. Petitions have been filed in courts by students seeking a re-test. On June 13, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that the scorecards of 1563 candidates who were awarded "grace marks" in the NEET-UG 2024 exam would be cancelled and these candidates would have an option to reappear for the exam on June 23, the results of which will be declared before June 30, or forgo the compensatory marks given for the loss of time. On Tuesday, the apex court emphasized that any negligence, even as small as 0.001 per cent, in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination would be addressed thoroughly. A vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti told advocates representing the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) that any such negligence must be dealt with seriously. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today issued a notice on a plea filed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) seeking the transfer of petitions relating to the NEET-UG, 2024 examination from different High Courts to the apex court. A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath has also stayed proceedings before different High Courts. The apex court reiterated that it will not stop the counselling process. Also today, NSUI (National Students' Union of India) held a protest outside Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's residence in Delhi over NEET and UGC-NET issues. The protesters were soon detained by Police. (ANI)